bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Getting a High Heel in the Door: An Experiment on State Legislator Responsiveness to Women’s Issue Lobbying
Authors: Wiener Elizabeth
Published: July 2020

Are women in office more likely to providvae access to women’s lobby groups than men in office? If so, how can women’s strategic lobbying increase the responsiveness of male legislators? This paper presents a field experiment examining how women and men in state legislatures respond differently to women’s organizational lobbying. My findings suggest that substantial gender gaps do exist; women are twice as likely to respond to a women’s issue group’s simple meeting request. That said, meeting requests signaling constituent mobilization have heterogeneous effects across legislator gender, doubling the likelihood that a male legislator will respond and effectively closing gender gaps in responsiveness. My results identify how women’s lobbying can employ distinct lobbying strategies on descriptive and nondescriptive representatives to successfully gain their attention. In distinguishing differing pathways toward maximizing opportunities for women’s organizational inclusion in policymaking, this paper importantly informs women’s groups lobbying in state legislatures, wherein low levels of descriptive representation often persist.
Critical Ethnographies of Education and for Social and Educational Transformation: A Meta-Ethnography
Authors: Beach Dennis , Vigo-Arrazola Maria Begoña
Published: July 2020

In a 2016 special issue on the relationships between ethnography of education and social, economic, and material precarity, Geoff Bright and John Smyth were critical of ethnographic researchers, for concentrating on discourses and discourse production only, rather than on material conditions to develop activism and processes of transformation against oppression. Instead of only identifying and critiquing precarity, and deconstructing taken-for-granted ideas to give voice to ingrained forms of oppression and marginalization, critical ethnography they wrote, should really be about changing, not only describing and analyzing, oppressive conditions. In the present article, we attempt to identify and explore cases where researchers have overcome the reluctance toward activism and transformation. Using empirical examples we will try to illustrate what characterized these efforts and what seemed to support their success.
Pharmacokinetics, sedation and hemodynamic changes following the administration of oral transmucosal detomidine gel in cats
Authors: Smith Preston , Tolbert M Katherine , Gould Emily , Taylor Alex , Knych Heather , Messenger Kristen
Published: July 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to describe the pharmacokinetics of oral transmucosal (OTM) detomidine gel in healthy cats and assess its effects on sedation and hemodynamic variables.

Methods

Eight adult cats weighing 4.12 kg ± 0.72 received 4 mg/m2 detomidine gel onto the buccal mucosa. Level of sedation, heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) and respiratory rate ( f R) were assessed at predetermined intervals following administration. Blood samples for plasma detomidine concentrations and venous blood gas variables were collected from a medial saphenous catheter. Plasma detomidine concentrations were analyzed using ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry detection, and pharmacokinetic estimates were obtained with compartmental methods. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and paired t-test or appropriate non-parametric tests.

Results

Sedation occurred in all cats, and was increased from baseline at 30 mins ( P <0.001). Decreases in HR occurred from 15–60 mins, ranging from 140 to 165 beats per min ( P <0.001). Blood glucose increased from 101 ± 12 mg/dl to 168 ± 27.3 mg/dl at 60 mins ( P = 0.004). Systolic blood pressure decreased from baseline (139 ± 14.8 mmHg) to 103 ± 23.0 mmHg at 60 mins ( P = 0.023). All changes abated by 120 mins. Emesis occurred in 7/7 cats within 2 mins of gel administration. Geometric mean (coefficient of variation) for clearance was 220.7 ml/min/kg (35.3 ml/min/kg), volume of distribution was 14.9 l/kg (39.9 l/kg) (both a function of bioavailability) and elimination half-life was 46.9 mins (16.0 mins). Maximum plasma concentrations of 10.5 ng/ml (35.5 ng/ml) detomidine occurred at 36.9 mins (21.5 mins).

Conclusions and relevance

OTM detomidine gel produced moderate sedation with minimal undesirable side effects in healthy cats, although emesis occurred in all cats. The pharmacokinetic profile supports short-term, minimally invasive sedation in this species. Further studies are warranted to assess its safety and feasibility for use in debilitated cats, or prior to general anesthesia.
Full-scale finite element modeling and nonlinear bending analysis of sandwich plates with functionally graded auxetic 3D lattice core
Authors: Li Chong , Shen Hui-Shen , Wang Hai
Published: July 2020

This paper investigates the nonlinear bending behavior of sandwich plates with functionally graded auxetic 3D lattice core. First and foremost, an auxetic 3D lattice metamaterial with negative effective Poisson’s ratio (EPR) is designed and examined via theoretical and finite element methods with experimental verifications using specimens fabricated by 3D printing. Furthermore, three functionally graded configurations of the auxetic 3D lattice core through the plate thickness direction are proposed and compared with the uniform distribution case. Full-scale finite element modeling and nonlinear thermal-mechanical analysis are performed for the sandwich plates, with the temperature-dependent material properties of both core and face sheets taken into account. Numerical results revealed that the auxetic core can remarkably reduce the lateral deflections, with comparison to their non-auxetic counterpart with positive EPR. Parametric studies are further carried out to demonstrate the effects of functionally graded configurations, temperature rises, facesheet-to-core thickness ratios, boundary conditions, and strut radii on the nonlinear bending load-deflection curves, along with EPR-deflection curves in the large deflection region.
Alternative exit sites for central venous access: Back tunneling to the scapular region and distal tunneling to the patellar region
Authors: Ostroff Matthew D , Pittiruti Mauro
Published: July 2020

Uncooperative elderly patients with cognitive disorder are often confused and/or agitated. Risk of involuntary venous access device dislodgment is high in these patients. This is equally likely with peripherally inserted central catheters and centrally inserted central catheters but less common with femorally inserted central catheters. Solutions to this problem include strict continuous patient observation, using sutures or subcutaneous anchored securement, wrapping the arm to “hide” the line, or using soft mittens to occupy the hands. However, some patients are able to disrupt the dressing, dislodge the catheter, and often pull the catheter out completely. In some cases, the patient may also overcome the resistance offered by the stitches or by the subcutaneous anchored securement device. In a recent paper on the impact of subcutaneously anchored securement in preventing dislodgment, the only demonstrated failures occurred in non-compliant elderly patients. Creation of an alternative exit site is an emerging trend in patients with cognitive impairment at high risk for catheter dislodgement. Subcutaneous tunneling from traditional insertion sites such as the jugular, axillary, or femoral veins allows placement of the exit site in a region inaccessible to the patient. The following two case reports demonstrate the technique for tunneling a femorally inserted central catheter downward to the patellar region and for tunneling a centrally inserted central catheter to the scapular region. Internal review board approval was not deemed necessary as subcutaneous tunneling is not a new technique. In our experience, such maneuvers can be successfully performed at the bedside.
Long-term effect of natalizumab in patients with RRMS: TYSTEN cohort
Authors: Bigaut Kévin , Fabacher Thibaut , Kremer Laurent , Ongagna Jean-Claude , Kwiatkowski Arnaud , Sellal François , Ferriby Didier , Courtois Sylvie , Vermersch Patrick , Collongues Nicolas , Zéphir Hélène , De Seze Jérôme , Outteryck Olivier
Published: July 2020

Background:

Data are needed on long-term effect of natalizumab (NTZ) in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

Objectives:

To evaluate the time of onset of secondary progressive phase in patients with an RRMS treated with NTZ and to investigate predictive factors.

Methods:

TYSTEN is an observational study. Patients starting NTZ between 2007 and 2012 were included and followed up until October 2018. Relapses, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, and results of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were collected each year. Data were used to estimate the cumulative probability of several poor outcomes such as secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) conversion, EDSS worsening, EDSS 4.0, and EDSS 6.0.

Results:

770 patients were included. The mean follow-up duration was 97 months and the mean time exposure to NTZ was 66 months. At 10 years, the cumulative probability of SPMS was 27.7%. Predictive factors for poor outcomes were a ⩾1-point increase in EDSS score from baseline, new T2 lesion or T1 gadolinium-enhancing lesion, the occurrence of relapse at 1 or 2 years and No Evidence of Disease Activity (NEDA-3; no relapse, no new T2 or T1 gadolinium-enhancing lesions, no progression) was a protective factor.

Conclusion:

In our cohort of patients treated with NTZ, poor outcomes were infrequent and are driven by disease activity.
Culture as display revisited
Authors: Karvelyte Kristina
Published: July 2020

In this article, I revisit Raymond Williams’ idea of culture as display, which he developed to describe a particular moment in culture–state relations: the use of culture and the arts in celebration, embellishment and strengthening of the economic and political power of the state. Jim McGuigan applied this concept to contemporary national cultural policy, emphasizing the significance of display under global capitalism. Besides this notable attempt, Williams’ idea of culture as ‘display’ has never received the attention it deserves. The main purpose of this article is to advance the understanding of ‘display’ by considering its place within the context of urban cultural policy. A critical inquiry into the roles of arts and film festivals helps to dissect different instrumental layers of urban display practices and to capture the ‘symbolic power’ of display. This, in turn, contributes to a more comprehensive conceptualization of globalized urban festivals.
CFIm25 in Solid Tumors: Current Research Progress
Authors: Sun Xiaojie , Li Ji , Sun Xun , Liu Wanqi , Meng Xiangwei
Published: July 2020

Cleavage factor I m25 is a newly discovered solid tumor-related gene, however, its precise role in cancer pathogenesis has not yet been characterized. Alternative polyadenylation is an RNA-processing mechanism that generates distinct 3′-termini on messenger RNAs, producing messenger RNA isoforms. Different factors influence the initiation and development of this process. As a key factor in alternative polyadenylation, cleavage factor I m25 plays an important role in messenger RNA maturation and cell signal transduction. Moreover, by regulating the process of alternative polyadenylation, it can inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of a variety of tumors. Cleavage factor I m25 also acts as an oncogene in select tumors. The present review focuses on the role of cleavage factor I m25 in solid tumors and treatment. Due to the lack of current knowledge regarding the mechanisms of action and regulation of cleavage factor I m25 and alternative polyadenylation, it is necessary to further examine their role in cancer as well as in other diseases.
Exposure Doses to Technologists Working in 7 PET/CT Departments
Authors: Li Weiguo , Fang Lianying , Li Jieqing
Published: July 2020

Objective:

The aim of this study was to measure occupational exposure doses of technologists who dispense and inject radiopharmaceuticals in 7 positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) departments. This was done with the goal to help improving protective designs in PET departments and/or establishing national protection standards.

Method:

Common LiF thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLDs) were placed on the chest and necklace of the technologists to monitor whole-body and thyroid doses, respectively. Ring TLDs were also worn on both index fingers to measure individual hand doses. All TLDs were assembled and measured once every 3 months for a total of 12 months. Additionally, we measured and compared the dose of TLDs attached to both the inside and the outside of the technologist’s lead coat.

Results:

Technologists received relatively high exposures, which accounted for 64% to 94% of the collective dose in their respective departments. Their thyroid doses ranged from 1.2 to 1.7 mSv/a; some technologists’ hand doses exceeded 500 mSv/a. Use of a lead coat reduced the average dose by 8%.

Conclusion:

Technologists working in PET/CT departments were the main population exposed to radiation. This work underscores the need for enhanced protective measures for these workers to better reduce their exposure, particularly for their hands.
Cryptochrome 1 Alleviates the Antiproliferative Effect of Isoproterenol on Human Gastric Cancer Cells
Authors: Huang Qianwu , Lv Jun , Dong Ting , Liu Haijun , Xu Lei , Wu Mingcai
Published: July 2020

Background:

Cryptochrome 1 (CRY1) is a key protein that regulates the feedback loop of circadian clock. The abnormal expression of CRY1 was reported in numerous cancers, and contributed to tumorigenesis and progression. But the underlying mechanism remains undefined.

Methods:

CRY1 overexpression was constructed by lentivirus vector. Gene and protein expression was detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Cell proliferation was analyzed by CCK-8 assay. Cell migration ability was analyzed by scratch assay and transwell migration assay. The cAMP concentration was measured by intracellular cAMP assay.

Results:

Overexpression of CRY1 showed slightly effect on the proliferation and migration of HGC-27 cells. Upon exposure to isoproterenol (ISO), a β-adrenergic receptor agonist, cell proliferation, and migration were inhibited while the cAMP/PKA pathway was activated and ERK1/2 phosphorylation was suppressed. CRY1 overexpression reduced cAMP accumulation, retained ERK1/2 phosphorylation level and alleviated the antiproliferative effect upon exposure to ISO. However, CRY1 overexpression was inoperative on the antiproliferative effect of forskolin (FSK), a direct activator of adenyl cyclase (AC), or 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest CRY1 overexpression may protect cells from the antiproliferative effects via activation of the cAMP/PKA pathway through interrupting signal transduction from G protein-coupled receptors to AC.
Initial experience with the novel p64MW HPC flow diverter from a cohort study in unruptured anterior circulation aneurysms under dual antiplatelet medication
Authors: Petrov Andrey , Rentsenkhuu Ganbaatar , Nota Baatarjan , Ganzorig Erdenebat , Regzengombo Boldbat , Jagusch Sara , Henkes Elina , Henkes Hans
Published: July 2020

Objective

p64MW HPC is a new low-profile flow diverter with reduced thrombogenicity due to hydrophilic coating. The purpose of this study was to evaluate its safety and efficacy in Mongolian patients under dual antiplatelet therapy.

Methods

Consecutive patients with unruptured anterior circulation aneurysms were prospectively enrolled. All patients received aspirin and clopidogrel before and six months after the procedure, followed by lifelong aspirin medication. High platelet reactivity (VerifyNow) did not trigger further action. The safety and efficacy endpoints were clinical outcome and aneurysm occlusion.

Results

In 29 patients (26 female, median age 57 years), 46 aneurysms (neck width 3.3 mm, fundus diameter 3.7 mm, median) were treated. Dual platelet function inhibition was confirmed in eight patients (28%). The response to Clopidogrel was between 100 and 239 P2Y12 reaction units (VerifyNow) in 13 patients (45%). Non-response to at least one drug was found in 8 of 29 patients (28%). One collapsed p64MW HPC required balloon angioplasty. No other periprocedural thrombus formation occurred. Postprocedural MRI revealed lesions with diffusion restriction in 3 of 29 patients. Digital subtraction angiography after three months for 42 of 46 (91%) aneurysms showed an adequate aneurysm occlusion in 25 (60%). Distal p64MW HPC migration of 3 implants was retreated with another p64MW HPC. Follow-up digital subtraction angiography of 26 of 46 (57%) aneurysms after six months showed adequate aneurysm occlusion in 22 (85%). Significant in-stent stenosis or thrombosis, morbidity or mortality was not encountered.

Conclusion

p64MW HPC implantation in patients under dual antiplatelet therapy with or without dual platelet function inhibition has a low procedural complication rate. The early aneurysm occlusion rate is high.
Sex and the Fieldwork: Gender, Sexuality, Nationality, and Social Class in Research on European (Heterosexual) Men
Authors: Wojnicka Katarzyna
Published: July 2020

The overall goal of this article is to make a contribution to the developing, but not yet sufficiently explored, issue of methodology in research on men and masculinities performed by female researchers. This article is based on my professional experience gained during a research project on the European fathers’ rights movements. This was conducted between 2011 and 2016 with members of fathers’ rights groups in Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The central issue here is the process of carrying out interviews with men by a female researcher and the variety of gender dynamics produced through this particular type of interaction. This process is connected to multiple issues arising from gender inequalities and power relations. This article provides an intersectional analysis of the relations between the researcher and the researched since social factors such as gender, sexuality, nationality, and social class have a tremendous impact on the interview process in different sociopolitical contexts in Europe.
Conversational Knowledge and Gifts of Chance: On the State of the Method
Authors: Brinkmann Svend
Published: July 2020

For more than 15 years, I have been an active qualitative researcher, working in particular with semistructured qualitative interviews, both in empirical research projects and as an author of textbooks on interviewing. In this state of the method article, I first articulate an approach to qualitative inquiry based on the fundamental idea of the conversation on ontological, epistemological, and methodological grounds. I then diverge a bit from standard methodological approaches to qualitative research and introduce the notion of gifts of chance: As conversational creatures, we sometimes stumble upon interesting and thought-provoking conversations that we may analyze in a knowledge-producing process, even if this process has not been carefully planned and designed. As an example, I refer to an ongoing research project I now conduct with a woman in her 90s, which began when she contacted me unexpectedly as a veritable gift of chance.
Observer-based trajectory tracking control with preview action for a class of discrete-time Lipschitz nonlinear systems and its applications
Authors: Yu Xiao , Liao Fucheng
Published: July 2020

In this article, the observer-based preview tracking control problem is investigated for a class of discrete-time Lipschitz nonlinear systems. To convert the observer-based trajectory tracking problem into a regulation problem, the classical difference technique is used to construct an augmented error system containing tracking error signal and previewable reference knowledge. Then, a state feedback controller with specific structures is taken into consideration. Sufficient design condition is established, based on the Lyapunov function approach, to guarantee the asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system. By means of some special mathematical derivations, the bilinear matrix inequality condition is successfully transformed into a tractable linear matrix inequality. Meanwhile, the gains of both observer and tracking controller can be computed simultaneously only in one step. As for the original system, the developed tracking control law is composed of an integrator, an observer-based state feedback controller, and a preview action term related to the reference signal. Finally, two numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the theoretical method.
Robotics services at home support
Authors: Crisóstomo Leonel , Ferreira NM Fonseca , Filipe Vitor
Published: July 2020

This article proposes a robotic system that aims to support the elderly, to comply with the medication regimen to which they are subject. The robot uses its locomotion system to move to the elderly and through computer vision detects the packaging of the medicine and identifies the person who should take it at the correct time. For the accomplishment of the task, an application was developed supported by a database with information about the elderly, the medicines that they have prescribed and the respective timetable of taking. The experimental work was done with the robot NAO, using development tools like MySQL, Python, and OpenCV. The elderly facial identification and the detection of medicine packing are performed through computer vision algorithms that process the images acquired by the robot’s camera. Experiments were carried out to evaluate the performance of object recognition, facial detection, and facial recognition algorithms, using public databases. The tests made it possible to obtain qualitative metrics about the algorithms’ performance. A proof of concept experiment was conducted in a simple scenario that recreates the environment of a dwelling with seniors who are assisted by the robot in the taking of medicines.
Magnetostrictive tactile sensor of detecting friction and normal force for object recognition
Authors: Zhang Bing , Wang Bowen , Li Yunkai , Jin Shaowei
Published: July 2020

Tactile information is valuable in determining properties of objects that are inaccessible from visual perception. A new type of tangential friction and normal contact force magnetostrictive tactile sensor was developed based on the inverse magnetostrictive effect, and the force output model has been established. It can measure the exerted force in the range of 0–4 N, and it has a good response to the dynamic force in cycles of 0.25–0.5 s. We present a tactile perception strategy that a manipulator with tactile sensors in its grippers manipulates an object to measure a set of tactile features. It shows that tactile sensing system can use these features and the extreme learning machine algorithm to recognize household objects—purely from tactile sensing—from a small training set. The complex matrixes show the recognition rate is up to 83%.
Sensory conflict alters visual perception of action capabilities during crossing of a closing gap in virtual reality
Authors: Snyder Natalie , Cinelli Michael
Published: July 2020

The somatosensory, vestibular, and visual systems contribute to multisensory integration, which facilitates locomotion around obstacles in the environment. The joystick-controlled virtual reality (VR) locomotion interface does not preserve congruent sensory input like real-walking, yet is commonly used in human behaviour research. Our purpose was to determine if collision avoidance behaviours were affected during an aperture crossing task when somatosensory and vestibular input were incongruent, and only vision was accurate. Participants included 36 young adults who completed a closing gap aperture crossing task in VR using real-walking and joystick-controlled locomotion. Participants successfully completed the task using both interfaces. Switch point between passable and impassable apertures was larger for joystick-controlled locomotion compared with real-walking, but time-to-contact (TTC) was lower for real-walking than joystick-controlled locomotion. Increased joystick-controlled locomotion switch point may be attributed to incongruency between visual and non-visual information, causing underestimation of distance travelled towards the aperture. Performance on future VR applications incorporating dynamically changing gaps can be considered successful using joystick-controlled locomotion, while taking into account a potential behaviour difference. Differences in TTC may be explained by the requirement of gait termination in real-walking but not in joystick-controlled locomotion. Future VR studies would benefit from programming acceleration and deceleration into joystick-controlled locomotion interfaces.
Maintenance therapies in metastatic pancreatic cancer: present and future with a focus on PARP inhibitors
Authors: Hammel Pascal , Vitellius Carole , Boisteau Émeric , Wisniewski Mathilde , Colle Elise , Hilmi Marc , Dengremont Christelle , Granier Sandra , Turpin Anthony , de Mestier Louis , Neuzillet Cindy
Published: July 2020

Metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) are now more effectively controlled using chemotherapy combinations such as FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel (NabP) regimens with a subset of patients who achieve a sustained tumor stabilization or response. The next challenge is to design maintenance therapies that result in continued tumor control with minimal toxicity. Quality of life should always be a priority in these patients with prolonged survival. Gradually tapering off the intensity of chemotherapy by suppressing drug(s) in the combination is one option. Thus, maintenance with 5-fluorouracil or gemcitabine as single agents after FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine-NabP induction, respectively, seems to be a promising approach to minimize neurotoxicity while maintaining efficacy. Another option is to introduce maintenance drug(s) with different anti-tumoral actions. The recent example of olaparib in patients with BRCA mutated PDAC provides a promising proof-of-concept of a switch maintenance strategy in this setting.
IBD considerations in spondyloarthritis
Authors: Di Jiang Caroline , Raine Tim
Published: July 2020

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) may be regarded a family of auto-inflammatory conditions with inflammation focused on the joints. These form part of a wider family of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, which include inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). These conditions share common elements of pathophysiology and it is perhaps unsurprising, therefore, that individuals with SpA frequently manifest gastrointestinal inflammation, to which the physician managing the patient with SpA must be alert. In this article, we review the shared epidemiology and pathophysiology of these conditions, before discussing approaches to diagnosis and management of inflammatory gastrointestinal pathology in patients seen in rheumatology clinics. In particular, we discuss the difference between non-specific gastrointestinal inflammation commonly described in this patient group and the more specific diagnosis of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. We describe the appropriate diagnostic workup for patients suspected of having IBD. In addition, we discuss how a diagnosis of IBD can inform treatment selection, highlighting important differences in treatment choice, drug dosing, monitoring and drug safety for this particular comorbid patient population.
An Antibacterial Isovaleronitrile Diglycoside From Detarium microcarpum Guill. Perr. (Fabaceae)
Authors: Feudjou William F. , Mbock Arnaud M. , Ouahouo Marlyse B. W. , Sielinou Valérie T. , Gounoue Racéline K. , Mkounga Pierre , Lenta Bruno N. , Dimo Théophile , Fekam Fabrice B. , Sewald Norbert , Nkengfack Augustin E.
Published: July 2020

A new isovaleronitrile diglycoside, named microcarposide (1), together with 6 known compounds: lupeol (2), betulinic acid (3), β-sitosterol glucoside (4), methyl gallate (5), luteolin (6), and epicatechin (7), was isolated from the methanolic extract of the fruits of Detarium microcarpum Guill. Perr. The structures of the compounds were determined by extensive analysis of 1D- and 2D-1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic data in conjunction with mass spectrometry and by comparison with data reported in the literature. Compound 1 was characterized as (2 R)-2-[(6″- O-β-l-rhamnopyranosyl-β-d-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-3-methylbutanenitrile. Some of the isolated compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial activities against several microorganisms; only compound 1 was active against Salmonella typhi, Salmonella enteritidis, and Salmonella typhimurium with minimum inhibition concentration values of 153.4, 76.7, and 76.7 μM, respectively.
Therapeutic potential of pyruvate therapy for patients with mitochondrial diseases: a systematic review
Authors: Li Min , Zhou Shuang , Chen Chaoyang , Ma Lingyun , Luo Daohuang , Tian Xin , Dong Xiu , Zhou Ying , Yang Yanling , Cui Yimin
Published: July 2020

Background:

Mitochondrial disease is a term used to describe a set of heterogeneous genetic diseases caused by impaired structure or function of mitochondria. Pyruvate therapy for mitochondrial disease is promising from a clinical point of view.

Methods:

According to PRISMA guidelines, the following databases were searched to identify studies regarding pyruvate therapy for mitochondrial disease: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Clinicaltrials. The search was up to April 2019. The endpoints were specific biomarkers (plasma level of lactate, plasma level of pyruvate, L/P ratio) and clinical rating scales [Japanese mitochondrial disease-rating scale (JMDRS), Newcastle Mitochondrial Disease Adult Scale (NMDAS), and others]. Two researchers independently screened articles, extracted data, and assessed the quality of the studies.

Results:

A total of six studies were included. Considerable differences were noted between studies in terms of study design, patient information, and outcome measures. The collected evidence may indicate an effective potential of pyruvate therapy on the improvement of mitochondrial disease. The majority of the common adverse events of pyruvate therapy were diarrhea and short irritation of the stomach.

Conclusion:

Pyruvate therapy with no serious adverse events may be a potential therapeutic candidate for patients with incurable mitochondrial diseases, such as Leigh syndrome. However, recent evidence taken from case series and case reports, and theoretical supports of basic research are not sufficient. The use of global registries to collect patient data and more adaptive trial designs with larger numbers of participants are necessary to clarify the efficacy of pyruvate therapy.
Psychosocial factors and medication adherence among recipients of vascularized composite allografts
Authors: Van Pilsum Rasmussen Sarah E , Ferzola Alexander , Cooney Carisa M , Shores Jaime T , Lee WP Andrew , Goldman Emily , Kaufman Christina L , Brandacher Gerald , Segev Dorry L , Henderson Macey L
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

Psychosocial factors are important predictors of medication adherence, and subsequently graft survival, in solid organ transplantation. Early experiences suggest this may also be the case in vascularized composite allotransplantation.

Methods:

Using validated tools, we surveyed upper extremity transplant recipients at two centers to assess depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), personality (Ten-Item Personality Inventory), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale), post-traumatic stress disorder (Primary Care Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Screen for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition), and social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support). Medication adherence among vascularized composite allotransplantation recipients at two centers was assessed by a member of the clinical research team using the recipients’ medical records.

Results:

Medication adherence was reported for 12 vascularized composite allotransplantation recipients, and 9 vascularized composite allotransplantation recipients completed psychosocial assessments. Most recipients were believed to be adherent to their immunosuppression, however, three recipients were believed to be non-adherent and a member of the clinical team had discussed non-adherence at least once with five recipients. Results from the psychosocial assessment (n = 9) indicated that eight participants had high levels of social support, and eight demonstrated high levels of conscientiousness which have been associated with better medication adherence in solid organ transplantation. However, three participants demonstrated mild anxiety, two demonstrated minimal symptoms of depression, and one demonstrated post-traumatic stress disorder which have been associated with worse medication adherence in solid organ transplantation.

Conclusion:

These findings lay the groundwork for future assessments of the role psychosocial factors play in facilitating medication adherence and broader transplant outcomes.
Launching a Medication-Assisted Treatment in an Outpatient Office-Based Practice
Authors: Kirk Julienne K. , Yount Tamela , Boyd Charlotte T. , Cassidy-Vu Lisa , Koehler Aubry N. , Spangler John G.
Published: July 2020

Background: Opioid use and overdose are escalating in the United States. Primary care providers are in a strategic position to assess patients for medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Objectives: To describe the implementation of MAT in an integrated primary care residency clinic and assess provider comfort levels with evaluating patients for high-risk opioid use, conduct crucial conversations about MAT treatment options and referral to MAT for evaluation and treatment. Methods: As part of a Primary Care Training and Enhancement grant through Health Resources and Services Administration, we used an implementation process to allow for optimal clinic flow. The process included assessment of patient populations, identifying a provider champion, organizing multidisciplinary team, engaging a practice facilitator, designing clinic model and infrastructure, creating the electronic health record order sets along with provider and staff training. Providers responded to brief questions to evaluate comfort levels in 3 domains: identifying high-risk opioid use, conducting crucial conversations about treatment options and referral to MAT for evaluation and treatment. Discussion: Incorporating MAT within an integrated primary care clinic and residency program with waiver training for residents was a successful and innovative program. The availability of MAT provided a solution for patients that could benefit from this type of treatment. MAT presence gave providers the opportunity to refer these patients for treatment that had not previously been as accessible. Conclusion: An integrated primary care practice with an embedded MAT can be successful with an organized structure to optimize clinic flow.
Audience Readings and Meaning Negotiation in the Film Viewing Space: An Ethnographic Study of Nollywood’s Viewing Center Audiences
Authors: Elinwa Onotina Jeiva
Published: July 2020

This research aims to investigate the social experiences of Nigerian film audiences in viewing centers to examine the possibility that social experiences are a potent influencer of the meaning construction process in the film viewing space. This study was conducted among other existing studies of the Nigerian film audience and it took on a performative approach. It involved the use of ethnography and unstructured interviews. The study examined Nollywood viewing center audiences during their shared practice of film viewing. Observing these audiences revealed several ways in which audiences negotiate meanings within the viewing center space from film texts based on their social identity and actual social experiences. It majorly revealed that viewers develop interpersonal understanding of each other’s similar relevant social situations through self-identification and then use this understanding in the interpretive process of meaning production.
“I Can Write in My Language and Switch Back and Forth?”: Elementary Teacher Candidates Experiencing and Enacting Translanguaging Pedagogies in a Literacy Methods Course
Authors: Machado Emily , Gonzales Grace Cornell
Published: July 2020

Although existing research examines how pre-K–12 teachers understand everyday translanguaging and enact translanguaging pedagogies in their literacy classrooms, considerably less research explores translanguaging pedagogies in literacy teacher education. Drawing on García, Johnson, and Seltzer’s theorization of translanguaging stance, design, and shifts, we redesigned a university-based literacy methods course to encourage both English-medium and dual-language teacher candidates (TCs) to engage their full linguistic repertoires in writing. In this study, we used qualitative methods to explore how TCs in our course experienced translanguaging pedagogies in coursework and enacted them with students in fieldwork settings. Findings illustrate that TCs experimented with language within our university classroom, drawing on their full linguistic repertoires in course assignments and countering the dominance of English in course activities. They also showcase how TCs began enacting translanguaging pedagogies in their fieldwork placements, planning intentionally for translanguaging in lesson plans, and tapping into the translanguaging corriente in everyday teaching and learning. Ultimately, this study offers insights into the potential of enacting translanguaging pedagogies in preservice literacy teacher education for English-medium and dual-language educators alike.
Integrating multiple data to identify building functions in China’s urban villages
Authors: Niu Ning , Jin He
Published: July 2020

China’s urban villages have distinct characteristics compared with the ones in western countries. Identifying urban villages provides a basis for policymakers to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of urban planning in China and other developing countries. However, perhaps due to limitations of data acquisition among others, few urban studies have successfully identified urban villages at the building level. To fill the research gap, this paper has fused multiple sources of data and utilized a three-stage model to identify urban villages in Haizhu District (Guangzhou, China). The first stage discriminates residential buildings, offices, shops, and restaurants based on various peak times of bike trajectories in different types of buildings. However, the first stage could not distinguish the regular residential buildings (in cities) and residential buildings within urban villages due to the similarity of human activities between them. It then utilized a second stage to identify residential buildings within urban villages based on the area, height, and density of buildings. In the third stage, we used correction rules to identify buildings with mixed-use and single-use buildings within urban villages. The results showed that urban villages were mainly concentrated in the western and central regions of the Haizhu District. Most of them were adjacent to shopping buildings or high-rise residential buildings. Building height and density played critical roles in the characterization of residential buildings in urban villages. Our accuracy rate was around 85% when verified against ground-truth data.
Phytochemical analysis and in vitro anti-proliferative activity of Viscum album ethanolic extracts
Authors: Holandino Carla , Melo Michelle Nonato de Oliveira , Oliveira Adriana Passos , Batista João Vitor da Costa , Capella Marcia Alves Marques , Garrett Rafael , Grazi Mirio , Ramm Hartmut , Torre Claudia Dalla , Schaller Gerhard , Urech Konrad , Weissenstein Ulrike , Baumgartner Stephan
Published: July 2020

Background

Viscum album L. (Santalaceae), commonly known as mistletoe, is a hemiparasitic plant traditionally used in complementary cancer treatment. Its antitumor potential is mostly attributed to the presence of aqueous soluble metabolites; however, the use of ethanol as solvent also permits the extraction of pharmacological compounds with antitumor potential. The clinical efficacy of mistletoe therapy inspired the present work, which focuses on ethanolic extracts (V. album “mother tinctures”, MT) prepared from different host trees.

Methods

Samples from three European subspecies (album, austriacum, and abietis) were harvested, and five different V. album-MT strains were prepared. The following phytochemical analyses were performed: thin layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). The proliferation assay was performed with WST-1 after incubation of tumor (Yoshida and Molt-4) and fibroblast cell lines (NIH/3 T3) with different MT concentrations (0.5 to 0.05% v/v). The cell death mechanism was investigated by flow cytometry (FACS) using Annexin V-7AAD.

Results

Chemical analyses of MT showed the presence of phenolic acids, flavonoids and lignans. The MT flavonoid and viscotoxin contents (mg/g fresh weight) were highest in Quercus robur (9.67 ± 0.85 mg/g) and Malus domestica (3.95 ± 0.58 mg/mg), respectively. The viscotoxin isoform proportions (% total) were also different among the VA subspecies with a higher content of A3 in V. album growing on Abies alba (60.57 ± 2.13). The phytochemical compounds as well as the viscotoxin contents are probably related to the antitumor effects of MT. The cell death mechanisms evaluated by colorimetric and FACS methodologies involved necrotic damage, which was host tree-, time- and dose- dependent, with different selectivity to tumor cells. Mother tincture from V. album ssp. abietis was the most effective at inducing in vitro cellular effects, even when incubated at the smallest concentration tested, probably because of the higher content of VT A3.

Conclusion

Our results indicate the promising antitumor potential of Viscum album ethanolic extracts and the importance of botanical and phytochemical characterization for in vitro anti-proliferative effects.
Correction to: Enhanced numerical integration scheme based on image-compression techniques: application to fictitious domain methods
Authors: Petö Márton , Duvigneau Fabian , Eisenträger Sascha
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Prognostic value of routine blood tests along with clinical risk factors in predicting ischemic stroke in non-valvular atrial fibrillation: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Yang Seokhun , Cha Myung-Jin , Kwak Soongu , Kwon Soonil , Lee Seoyoung , Park Jiesuck , Choi You-jung , Moon Inki , Lee Euijae , Lee So-Ryoung , Choi Eue-Keun , Oh Seil
Published: July 2020

Background

In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), most biomarkers are still of limited use due to cost-effectiveness and complexity in clinical practice.

Hypotheses

Biomarkers from routine blood tests improve the current risk stratification in AF patients.

Methods

This prospective study enrolled 600 patients diagnosed with non-valvular AF, of whom 537 were analyzed. Platelet count; platelet distribution width (PDW); red cell distribution width (RDW); and creatinine, D-dimer, and troponin I levels were measured at enrollment.

Results

During the mean follow-up period (2.2 ± 0.6 years), 1.9% patients developed ischemic stroke. According to the optimal cutoff of each biomarker, the risk of ischemic stroke was higher in patients with RDW ≥ 13.5%, creatinine ≥ 1.11 mg/dL, or PDW ≥ 13.2% (significant biomarkers; P value: < 0.01, 0.04, or 0.07, respectively). These 3 significant biomarkers had higher information gain than clinical risk factors in predicting ischemic stroke. The cumulative incidence of ischemic stroke was 1.2%, 1.1%, 8.4%, and 40.0% in patients with 0, 1, 2, and 3 significant biomarkers, respectively (P-for-trend < 0.001). Patients with  ≥ 2 significant biomarkers had a significantly higher risk of ischemic stroke than those with  < 2 significant biomarkers (adjusted hazard ratio 11.5, 95% confidence interval 3.3–40.2, P < 0.001). The predictability for ischemic stroke was significantly improved when  ≥ 2 significant biomarkers were added to the CHA2DS2–VASc score (area under the curve 0.790 vs. 0.620, P = 0.043).

Conclusion

Routine blood tests can provide better risk stratification of AF along with clinical risk factors.
Supplementary data on virus-like particles in the brainstem of Parkinson’s disease patients and controls
Authors: Dourmashkin Robert R. , Locker Peter , McCall Sherman A. , Hannah Matthew J.
Published: July 2020

In this study, we present 84 transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of human brainstem tissue from 11 cases of late onset Parkinson’s disease (PD). The tissues were fixed, embedded, sectioned, and stained for TEM application. In addition, we present 14 images from autopsy specimens of 1 case of human poliomyelitis infection as positive controls and 14 images from 8 cases of autopsy specimens of other conditions as negative controls. In the TEM images of the PD cases there were cytoplasmic inclusion bodies consisting of virus-like particles (VLP) 30 nm in diameter that were associated with endoplasmic reticulum membranes.  In the nuclei of the PD neurons there were VLP ranging from 40 nm to 50 nm in diameter. In the poliomyelitis cases, similar particles as were observed in PD which were interpreted to be poliomyelitis virus particles. In the negative controls one case was identified which showed similar VLP (Figure 1, controls).  A Lewy body was found in this “control” case (Figure 10) suggesting that this was an undiagnosed case of PD. Cytoplasmic ribosomes measuring approximately 17 nm were observed in the control neurons.
Myśl polityczna młodych polskich nacjonalistów w procesie przemian
Authors: Smolik Bartosz
Published: July 2020

The Political Thought of Young Polish Nationalists in the Process of Change. Between the “Heritage” of National Democracy and the Necessity for Modernizing

The article aims to answer the question: what is the degree of advancement of the political thought of Polish nationalists? It refers to activists who admit to being ideologically related to the National Democracy (Narodowa Demokracja), i.e., a broad political movement that originated in 1893, and which has freely developed since the outbreak of the Second World War. Polish nationalists – continuing the historical national movement (Narodowa Demokracja) – must decide to what extent they wish to remain faithful to the more-than-a century‑old “heritage” of their predecessors, and to what extent they should eliminate the anachronisms incomprehensible to contemporary Poles and introduce new elements. To answer this question, the author examines the political writings of two leading centres of the political thought of Polish nationalists in the form of the periodicals Myśl.pl and Polityka Narodowa.
Modus operandi of Qatar Resistance Policy against “Anti-Terror Quartet”
Authors: Łukaszewicz Adrianna , Grabowski Wojciech
Published: July 2020

An effective resistance policy by Qatar against sanctions imposed by Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Bahrain (called the Anti-terror Quartet or ATQ) surprised many analysts, journalists and politicians as well. The asymmetry in power between parties of this conflict was huge with a clear advantage with the sanctioning states. However, a wide range of actions applied by the Qatari government effectively countered the ATQ effort to portray Qatar as a threat to international peace and security and forced it to change its policy. The objective of the article is to explain the mechanisms of economic sanctions to show the conditions of its effectiveness and mistakes made by the ATQ. The research objective is also to evaluate a defensive policy applied by Qatar in reaction to the sanctions.