bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Urinary Alzheimer-Associated Neuronal Thread Protein and Apolipoprotein Epsilon 4 Allele in the Cognitively Normal Population
Authors: Li Yuxia , Kang Meimei , Sheng Can , Chen Guanqun , Li Taoran , Wang Jun , Cai Yanning , Wang Rong , Han Ying
Published: June 2020

We investigated the relationship between urinary Alzheimer-associated neuronal thread protein (AD7c-NTP) levels and apolipoprotein epsilon 4 (ApoE ɛ4) alleles, as well as other factors that cause cognitive decline, in the cognitively normal population. We recruited 329 cognitively normal right-handed Han Chinese subjects who completed ApoE gene testing and urinary AD7c-NTP testing. There was no significant difference in urinary AD7c-NTP levels between the normal control and subjective cognitive decline groups. Urinary AD7c-NTP levels were significantly higher in subjects with ApoE ɛ3/4 and 4/4 [0.6074 (0.6541) ng/mL] than in subjects without ApoE ɛ4 [0.4368 (0.3392) ng/mL and 0.5287 (0.3656) ng/mL], and urinary AD7c-NTP levels positively correlated with ApoE genotype grade (r=0.165, p=0.003). There were significant differences in urinary AD7c-NTP levels between subjects with and without a history of coronary heart disease or diabetes. Urinary AD7c-NTP levels were not related to years of education, nature of work, family history of dementia, a history of hypertension, stroke, anemia, or thyroid dysfunction. Urinary AD7c-NTP levels were positively correlated with ApoE grade in the cognitively normal population. The relationship between risk factors of cognitive decline and urinary AD7c-NTP levels provides a new way for us to understand AD and urinary AD7c-NTP.
Epicardial Interventions: Impact of Liposomal Bupivacaine on Postprocedural Management (The EPI-LIBRE Study)
Authors: Sharma Sharan Prakash , Turagam Mohit K. , Mohanty Sanghamitra , Di Biase Luigi , Burkhardt David , Horton Rodney , Natale Andrea , Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya
Published: June 2020

Background:

Electrophysiological procedures such as epicardial ventricular tachycardia ablation and Lariat left atrial appendage ligation that involve the epicardial space are typically associated with significant postoperative pain due to mechanical irritation and associated inflammation. There is an unmet need for an effective pain management strategy in this group of patients. We studied how this impacts patient comfort and duration of hospitalization and other associated comorbidities related to pericardial access.

Methods:

This is a multicenter retrospective study including 104 patients who underwent epicardial ventricular tachycardia ablation and Lariat left atrial appendage exclusion. We compared 53 patients who received postprocedural intrapericardial liposomal bupivacaine (LB)+oral colchicine (LB group) and 51 patients who received colchicine alone (non-LB group) between January 2015 and March 2018.

Results:

LB was associated with significant lowering of median pain scale at 6 hours (1.0 [0–2.0] versus 8.0 [6.0–8.0],
P
<0.001), 12 hours (1.0 [1.0–2.0] versus 6.0 [5.0–6.0],
P
<0.001), and up to 48 hours postprocedure. Incidence of acute severe pericarditis delayed pericardial effusion and gastrointestinal adverse effects were similar in both groups. Median length of stay was significantly lower in LB group (2.0 versus 3.0; adjusted linear coefficient −1 [CI −1.3 to −0.6],
P
<0.001). Subgroup analysis demonstrated similar favorable outcomes in both Lariat and epicardial ventricular tachycardia ablation groups.

Conclusions:

Addition of intrapericardial postprocedural LB to oral colchicine in patients undergoing epicardial access during ventricular tachycardia ablation or Lariat procedure is associated with significantly decreased numeric pain score up to 48 hours compared with colchicine alone. It is also associated with significantly shorter length of hospital stay without an increase in the risk of adverse events.
Short‐Term Systolic Blood Pressure Variability and Kidney Disease Progression in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: Results From C‐STRIDE
Authors: Wang Qin , Wang Yu , Wang Jinwei , Zhang Luxia , Zhao Ming‐Hui , Wang Xiaoqin , Yuan Jun , Zhou Qiaoling , Yuan Qiongjing , Chen Menghua , Zhou Xiaoling , Fu Shuxia , Li Shaomei , Zha Yan , Huang Rongsai , Liu Zhangsuo , Zhang Jun , Wang Li , Pu Lei , Liu Jian , Li Suhua , Xiong Zuying , Liang Wei , Zhao Jinghong , Mu Jiao , Lian Xiyan , Liao Yunjuan , Gan Hua , Liao Liping , Wang Rong , Lv Zhimei , Liao Yunhua , Pan Ling , Yang Xiaoping , Lin Zhifeng , Tong Zongwu , Zhu Yun , He Qiang , Wu Fuquan , Li Rong , Rong Kai , Wang Caili , Zhang Yanhui , Wang Yue , Tang Wen , Wu Hua , Zhao Ban , Li Rongshan , Wang Lihua , Li Detian , Du Feng , Wu Yonggui , Zhang Wei , Lin Shan , Xu Pengcheng , Lin Hongli , Hu Zhao , Pei Fei , Zhang Haisong , Gao Yan , Sun Luying , Li Xia , Wang Wenke , Lv Fengling , Wang Deguang , Wang Xuerong , Xu Dongmei , Tang Lijun , Ma Yingchun , Wang Tingting , Fu Ping , Wang Tingli , Xing Changying , Zhang Chengning , Xu Xudong , He Haidong , Liao Xiaohui , Xie Shuqin , Hu Guicai , Huang Lan
Published: June 2020

Background

It is unclear whether short‐term blood pressure variability is associated with renal outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Methods and Results

This study analyzed data from participants in the C‐
STRIDE
(Chinese Cohort Study of Chronic Kidney Disease) who had
chronic kidney disease
stages 1 to 4. Short‐term
blood pressure variability
was measured by calculating the weighted SD (w‐
SD
) of systolic blood pressure (
SBP
). Renal outcomes were defined as dialysis initiation and/or transplantation. Risk factors associated with w‐
SD
of
SBP
were evaluated by linear regression. Associations of short‐term SBP variability with renal outcomes were evaluated by Cox regression. In total, 1421 patients with
chronic kidney disease
were included in this study (mean age, 49.4±13.6 years; 56.2% men; estimated glomerular filtration rate, 50.5±29.3 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
; proteinuria, 0.9 [0.3–2.0] g/d). Mean w‐
SD
of
SBP
was 12.6±4.4 mm Hg. w‐
SD
of
SBP
was independently associated with older age, 24‐hour
SBP
, blood pressure circadian pattern, and angiotensin
II
receptor blocker treatment. During a median follow‐up of 4.9 years, 237 patients developed renal outcomes (37.01 per 1000 patient‐years). The incidence rate increased across the quartiles of w‐
SD
(log‐rank
P
=0.005). w‐
SD
of
SBP
was associated with an increased risk of renal outcomes, both as a continuous variable (hazard ratio [HR], 1.47; 95% CI, 1.09–1.99) and as a categorical variable (quartile 4 versus quartile 1: HR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.08–2.36), independent of 24‐hour
SBP
, daytime
SBP
, and nighttime
SBP
.

Conclusions

Short‐term SBP was independently associated with the risk of dialysis initiation and/or transplantation in patients with
chronic kidney disease
.
A Number of Books
Authors: van Capelleveen Paul
Published: June 2020

During the twentieth century, a limited edition is usually numbered, in contrast to limited editions of around 1800. This article examines a number of turning points in the history of limitation statements and copy numbering: the disappearance of copyright related numbering versus unnumbered editions of private presses (around 1800), the advent of numbered prints (1850-1900), and numbering of luxury editions and private press editions (1880-1910). The stabilization of a new tradition of numbering occurs around 1930. The development of private press publications is examined in a broad context of copyright and the production of prints, while practices in the English-speaking world are shown to differ from those in other cultures, such as the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany.
The Art of Printing in the Dutch East Indies
Authors: Kuitert Lisa
Published: June 2020

In the Netherlands, and elsewhere, too, Laurens Janszoon Coster of Haarlem, and not Gutenberg, was long thought to have been the inventor of the art of printing. The myth—for that is what it was—was only definitively repudiated at the end of the nineteenth century, though some continued to believe in Coster until their dying breath. The Coster myth was deployed to give the history of the Netherlands status and international prestige. This article concerns the extent to which Coster’s supposed invention was known in the Dutch East Indies—today’s Indonesia, a Dutch colony at that time—and what its significance was there. After all, heroes, national symbols and traditions, whether invented or not, are the building blocks of cultural nationalism. Is this also true for Laurens Janszoon Coster in his colonial context?
Chrestiani, Christiani, Χριστιανοί: a Second Century Anachronism?
Authors: Granger Cook John
Published: June 2020

Brent D. Shaw has questioned the historicity of the Neronian persecution based on two arguments from silence: Tacitus’s use of the term “Christians” is an anachronism; and Suetonius knows of no connection between the fire in Rome and Nero’s police actions against the Christians. Both of these untestable arguments from silence are inherently weak logically. One can make a good case for the claim that Chrestianus, Christianus, and Χριστιανός are not creations of the second century and that Roman officials were probably aware of the Chrestiani in the 60s. Tacitus’s and Suetonius’s accounts of the persecution are fundamentally reliable.
Augustine’s Utilization of Rhetorical Economy in His Early Theology of Creation (On Genesis against the Manichaeans 1.21.32)
Authors: Gronewoller Brian
Published: June 2020

While the majority of previous scholarship on Augustine’s theology has treated his references to rhetorical concepts as incidental, Robert Dodaro (2004), Michael Cameron (2010), Mark Clavier (2014) and Adam Ployd (2017), have recognized recently that Augustine incorporated sundry aspects of rhetorical theory into his theology in a consequential manner. In this article I advance this new scholarly movement in two ways. First, I show that Augustine also used rhetorical theory in a consequential manner in his early theology of creation; I argue that Augustine utilized the rhetorical concept of economy (oeconomia) as the logic justifying God’s declaration that the completed creation was “very good” (Gen 1.31) by means of a close reading of De Genesi aduersus Manichaeos 1.21.32. Secondly, I combine my findings in this article with previous research to contend that future scholarship on Augustine’s theology should treat his references to rhetorical concepts as potentially consequential.
“Mocked by the Archon of Lust”
Authors: Linjamaa Paul
Published: June 2020

This article argues that the depictions of Gnostic sects performing horrendous rites in Epiphanius of Cyprus’ work Panarion worked as rhetorical devices to shift focus away from his own position vis-à-vis marriage, sex, and consumptions of good food and wine, a position that was considered liberal in the context of fourth century ecclesiastical debates. It here is shown how Epiphanius’ description of Gnostic sects follows clear patterns of the archetypical “other”, going back to Roman slander of Christians. By drawing attention to this fact and by contextualizing Epiphanius’ theological positions and the ecclesiastical struggles he was engaged in during the fourth century, this article cast new light on the work Panarion and the techniques Epiphanius employed in order to impact his theological climate. By retorting to conventional polemical methods of preceding centuries, where the enemy is attached to norm-breaking behavior, Epiphanius managed to make his own positions seem more reasonable and moderate.
Genetic Material and Sequence Data to Protect Global Health in the Light of Pandemic Outbreaks: Mapping the Legal Landscape under European and International Law
Authors: Seitz Claudia
Published: June 2020

The current pandemic outbreak of corona virus SARS-CoV-2 shows the need for comprehensive European cooperation in drug development and the importance of genetic material and sequence data in research concerning this unknown disease. As corona virus SARS-CoV-2 is spreading across Europe and worldwide, national authorities and the European Union (EU) institutions do their utmost to address the pandemic and accelerate innovation to protect global health. In order to be prepared and to be able to respond immediately to serious epidemic and pandemic diseases, the EU has already adopted the Decision No (EU) 1082/2013 on serious cross-border threats to health. The World Health Organization (WHO) has established a global system to collect genetic material and information to protect a global influenza pandemic outbreak. The article describes the current legal landscape under EU and international law.
The Copper Plates of Helagupta
Authors: Salomon Richard
Published: June 2020

The article presents a new edition, translation, and interpretation of the inscription, which was previously published by H. Falk in 2014, of the otherwise unknown Buddhist patron Helagupta (helaüta). The inscription, datable to the latter half of the first century CE, is recorded on five copper plates and is the second longest one known in Kharoṣṭhī script/Gāndhārī language. This edition proposes several new readings and interpretations as well as discussing its cultural implications for issues such as the performance of ancestral rituals by Buddhists, and Buddhological ramifications such as the concept of “brahma merit” (Gāndhārī bramo puṇyo) and the contemporary understanding of variant forms of titles of the Buddha.
Secularization—Still Going Strong? What Remains When Cross-sectional Differences Are Eliminated from a Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Meulemann Heiner , Schmidt-Catran Alexander W.
Published: June 2020

The tendency of decreasing religiosity is explained by the theory of secularization through differentiation and pluralization. Using the ess 2002–2016, the impacts of both on church attendance and self-ascribed religiosity are tested, controlling for determinants of religiosity—that is, for belonging (cohort and denomination) and choice (education, urban residence, marriage, parenthood, and employment)—with multi-level models separating between- from within-country effects. Without controls, time negatively affects religiosity: there is a secularization tendency. But controlling for cohort and denomination annihilates this effect and strongly reduces individual-level as well as country-level error variances. Effects of belonging are stronger than those of choice, cohort succession has a negative effect, and religiosity differs between denominations. Differentiation and pluralization have only a few effects between countries and only one within countries such that secularization theory is not confirmed.
The Representation of Islam in the Portuguese Media’s Response to the Charlie Hebdo Attacks
Authors: Silva Francisco Santos
Published: June 2020

This article seeks to explore the representation of Islam and issues related to Islamic religion in Portuguese media and to integrate that representation in the context of Western media, with a focus on Europe, the UK in particular, and North America. Through the analysis of two Portuguese daily newspapers and the language that they use to talk about Islam, I will examine how these themes are covered in a Portuguese context. In this article I seek to integrate popular Portuguese media in a wider context of news on Islam, seeking to find similarities between different media sources as well as seeking to identify the specificities of the Portuguese case. For this purpose, the article will focus on the week following the Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris and how Portuguese media discussed Islam during that period.
Building the Church and Missionizing in a ‘Religiously Indifferent’ Country: Korean Protestant Churches in Czechia
Authors: Beláňová Andrea , Havlíček Tomáš , Klingorová Kamila , Vojtíšek Zdeněk
Published: June 2020

Czechia could be labeled as country of an indifferent approach to religious ideas, as religious faith is considered a private issue, and the role of religion in the public sphere is low. This article summarizes the first attempt to research Korean Protestant churches active in current Czechia. A total of fourteen churches is briefly overviewed stating that the churches are not successful in gaining new members throughout the Czech population. Also, a clear distinction cannot be drawn between diaspora and missionary churches, but rather mixed types can be observed. The findings show that the churches do not accommodate their mission strategies according to the religiously indifferent milieu in Czechia, mostly because the missionaries are not aware of this situation. Moreover, language is identified as the main barrier in communication. We conclude by stating that this topic is poorly understudied and difficult to follow due to its dynamic yet closed nature.
Social Change and the Accommodation of Religious Minorities in the Netherlands
Authors: van der Burg Wibren , de Been Wouter
Published: June 2020

The toleration of religious minorities is changing in the Netherlands. In this paper we analyze three recent developments in Dutch society that are important for understanding the way the Dutch regime of religious tolerance is adjusting to 21st century circumstances. The first one concerns the growing homogenization of Dutch society and the emergence of a secular and liberal majority. The second is the dominance in policy and public debate of a “Protestant” conception of what religion amounts to. The third development is the fragmentation of religion and its simultaneous combination into new networks and groups made possible by new information and communication technologies. These developments pose challenges to constitutional rights and principles. There are no simple solutions to these challenges, but the Dutch tradition of consociationalism, as a liberal tradition in its own right, may provide some valuable perspectives.
Portraying Race beyond Ellis Island: The Case of Lewis Hine
Authors: Ureña Leslie
Published: June 2020

Lewis Hine first went to New York’s Ellis Island Immigration Station to take photographs that would elicit sympathy from his students at the Ethical Culture School toward the new immigrants. Since then, the photographs, dating from 1905 to 1926, have visually defined his sitters as foreigners in classrooms, in print, and at museums. Produced at a time when the so-called race of the foreign-born was deemed indicative of their overall character and abilities, the photographs both sustained and countered turn-of-the-century racialized conceptualizations of newcomers. More recently, contemporary artists including JR and Tomie Arai have returned to Hine’s Ellis Island work for installations that bring the past into direct dialogue with the present, confronting contemporary viewers with enlarged versions of his photographs. Hine’s pro-immigrant intentions and reputation as a social reform photographer, however, have clouded how these photographs also racialized their sitters. This article traces the circulation of a selection of Hine’s works in different contexts dating from 1905 to today, and considers them within the broader histories and theories of photography, race, and immigration.
On a Cross-Cultural Memescape: Switzerland through Nation Memes from within and from the Outside
Authors: Dynel Marta , Messerli Thomas C.
Published: June 2020

This paper offers a cross-cultural contrastive study of what we term ‘nation memes’. These are humorous internet memes which refer to a particular country/nation. Our analysis of cultural scripts in memes related to Switzerland is based on a tripartite corpus of digital items shared by Polish, Swiss and international communities. By adopting a grounded-theory approach, we examine the prevalent scripts that represent the Swiss and Switzerland from each of the three perspectives. The results of our qualitative study indicate that Swiss memes are based on experiential knowledge of life in Switzerland, as well as a few stereotypes adopted by the Swiss about their own nation. The Polish subcorpus addresses Switzerland from an outsider perspective by invoking well-known cultural scripts, similar to those on international websites, on which Polish users sometimes scavenge. However, the Polish memescape uses scripts about Switzerland to address problems and scripts specific to Poland. Importantly, nation memes do not necessarily involve humorous disparagement, i.e. they do not always take Switzerland/the Swiss to be the target at which to poke fun when building humorous superiority. Moreover, by referring to their own national vices, the Swiss and Poles sometimes use cultural scripts as the basis for self-deprecating humour.
Peers, Perceptions, and E-Cigarettes: A Social Learning Approach to Explaining E-Cigarette Use Among Youth
Authors: Rocheleau Gregory C. , Vito Anthony G. , Intravia Jonathan
Published: June 2020

This study uses social learning theory to examine whether differential associations with e-cigarette-using peers is related to personal e-cigarette use among youth, and the extent to which this relationship is explained by personal risk perceptions of e-cigarettes. Moreover, this study tests whether the mediation process is moderated by type of e-cigarette user. This study uses a sample of high school seniors from the 2016 Monitoring the Future Study ( N = 2,100), and a subsample of e-cigarette users ( n = 523). Analyses are carried out using OLS and logistic regression. Findings demonstrate that higher levels of peer e-cigarette use are related to higher odds of personal e-cigarette use, but that risk perceptions of e-cigarettes only explain a modest portion of that relationship (about 10%). Furthermore, the mediation process does not appear to vary by type of e-cigarette user. Future directions and policy implications are discussed.
Leader–Member Exchange, Psychological Capital and Employees’ Creativity
Authors: Upadhyay Yogesh , Kumar Dharmendra
Published: June 2020

The present study examines the mediation of employees’ psychological capital (PsyCap) on the influence of leader–member exchange (LMX) on creativity of employees. We collected data from dyads of 70 supervisors and 280 employees to investigate the hypothesized linkages. The results suggest that PsyCap partially mediates the influence of LMX on employees’ creativity. Also, the effect of LMX and PsyCap on employees’ creativity is significant. Finally, high-quality LMX is significantly related to high PsyCap. Implications of the outcome for researchers and practicing managers are also discussed.
Secondary Data Analysis in Nursing Research: A Contemporary Discussion
Authors: O’Connor Siobhan
Published: June 2020

This editorial provides an overview of secondary data analysis in nursing science and its application in a range of contemporary research. The practice of undertaking secondary analysis of qualitative and quantitative data is also discussed, along with the benefits, risks and limitations of this analytical method.
Shedding Light on Social Reward Circuitry: (Un)common Blueprints in Humans and Rodents
Authors: Grimm Christina , Balsters Joshua Henk , Zerbi Valerio
Published: June 2020

Human behavior is strongly influenced by our motivation to establish social relationships and maintain them throughout life. Despite the importance of social behavior across species, it is still unclear how neural mechanisms drive social actions. Rodent models have been used for decades to unravel the neural pathways and substrates of social interactions. With the advent of novel approaches to selectively modulate brain circuits in animal models, unprecedented testing of brain regions and neuromodulators that encode social information can be achieved. However, it is unclear which classes of social behavior and related neural circuits can be generalized across species and which are unique to humans. There is a growing need to define a unified blueprint of social brain systems. Here, we review human and rodent literature on the brain’s social actuators, specifically focusing on social motivation. We discuss the potential of implementing multimodal neuroimaging to guide us toward a consensus of brain areas and circuits for social behavior regulation. Understanding the circuital similarity and diversity is the critical step to improve the translation of research findings from rodents to humans.
Do ADHD Symptoms and Relationship Quality With Mothers and Best Friends Across High School Predict Depressive Symptoms for Adolescents?
Authors: Meinzer Michael C. , Felton Julia W. , Oddo Lauren E. , Rubin Kenneth H. , Chronis-Tuscano Andrea
Published: June 2020

Objective: Symptoms of ADHD place adolescents at increased risk for depression. The transition from middle to high school may magnify depression risk. This study examined whether changes in adolescents’ negative relationship quality with their mothers and best friends from eighth to 12th grades mediated the longitudinal relations between ADHD and depressive symptoms. Method: 368 adolescents (48.5% male) were initially recruited. Results: Boys with elevated ADHD symptoms in the eighth grade reported steeper increases in negative relationship quality with their mothers relative to girls, and that this trajectory mediated the relation between ADHD and depressive symptoms. ADHD symptoms were also associated with increases in negative friendship quality across high school for boys; however, this did not mediate the relation between ADHD and depressive symptoms for either sex. Conclusion: Growth in mother–adolescent negative relationship quality may be one mechanism that explains the development of depressive symptoms in adolescent boys with elevated ADHD symptoms.
Sexual Minority Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Literacy: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Authors: Paschen-Wolff Margaret M. , Greene Madelyne Z. , Hughes Tonda L.
Published: June 2020

Although sexual minority women (SMW) are at risk for cervical cancer and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), they may not seek preventative sexual and reproductive health care at the same rates as their heterosexual peers. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study of 22 adult SMW, a subsample of participants enrolled in the Chicago Health and Life Experiences of Women study. The aim was to describe the sexual and reproductive health literacy of this community sample based on qualitative themes, using an integrated model of health literacy. This model considers not only access to information but also understanding, appraisal, and application of information. We found that family of origin, health care providers, and school-based sexual education were the most important sources of sexual and reproductive health information. Participants described their understanding, appraisal, and application of sexual and reproductive health information as interdependent concepts. Pap test literacy and decision making were strongly independent, with SMW seeking various sources of information, or were driven by health care providers, with SMW following instructions and trusting provider advice. STI-related literacy hinged on whether the participant perceived SMW as at risk for STIs. Our findings reinforce that simply having access to information is insufficient to enact health behaviors that reflect full literacy. Findings have implications for health care providers, who should provide evidence-based recommendations for their SMW clients, and for public health practitioners and educators, who could make sexual health education more inclusive of and specific to the needs of SMW.
The Influence of Hypericin-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy on Interleukin-8 and -10 Secretion in Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Kaleta-Richter Marta , Aebisher David , Jaworska Dagmara , Czuba Zenon , Cieślar Grzegorz , Kawczyk-Krupka Aleksandra
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study was to measure the secretion of interleukin (IL)-8 and -10 during an elicited immune response following sublethal doses of hypericin-mediated photodynamic therapy (HY-PDT) in experimental models of residual colon cancer cells in vitro. Investigations were performed on the cancer cell lines SW480 and SW620. Each cell line was exposed to 3 different concentrations of the photosensitizer HY and various doses of irradiation. The cell metabolic activity using an MTT assay was performed and then the measurement of IL-8 and IL-10 secretion was achieved using the Bio-Plex ProTMAssay. There was a statistically significant amplification of IL-8 secretion during HY-PDT in the SW620 cell line (at 1 J/cm2: P = .01, 5 J/cm2: P = .002, and 10 J/cm2: P = .025) and a statistically significant decrease in IL-8 during HY-PDT in the SW480 cell line (at 1 J/cm2: P = .05, 5 J/cm2: P = .035, and 10 J/cm2: P = .035). No statistically significant differences in IL-10 concentration were found following HY-PDT in the SW480 (at 1 J/cm2: P > .4, 5 J/cm2: P = .1, and 10 J/cm2: P = .075) or in the SW620 cell line (at 1 J/cm2: P > .4, 5 J/cm2: P > .4, and 10 J/cm2: P > .4). HY-PDT can both eliminate and control a primary tumor via cytotoxic effects, and at sublethal doses, it can affect IL release by colon cancer cells. In this experiment, this influence depended on the level of tumor cell metastatic activity.
Haciendose un Líder: Leadership Identity Development of Latino Men at a Predominantly White Institution
Authors: Acosta Alan A. , Guthrie Kathy L.
Published: June 2020

There is limited literature on how race influences leadership identity development. Using a case study methodology, this research explores the influence of race on the leadership identity development of Latino men at a Predominately White Institution. This study revealed that the leadership identity development model was applicable to participants, with Yosso’s (2005) cultural wealth and cultural heritage identified as missing components in the developmental influences and developing self categories, respectively.
Barriers, Facilitators, and Suggested Interventions for Lung Cancer Screening Among a Rural Screening-Eligible Population
Authors: Schiffelbein Jenna E. , Carluzzo Kathleen L. , Hasson Rian M. , Alford-Teaster Jennifer A. , Imset Inger , Onega Tracy
Published: June 2020

Introduction: Rural areas are disproportionally affected by lung cancer late-stage incidence and mortality. Lung cancer screening (LCS) is recommended to find lung cancer early and reduce mortality, yet uptake is low. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the barriers to, facilitators of, and suggested interventions for increasing LCS among a rural screening-eligible population using a mixed methods concurrent embedded design study. Methods: Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from rural-residing adults who met the eligibility criteria for LCS but who were not up-to-date with LCS recommendations. Study participants (n = 23) took part in 1 of 5 focus groups and completed a survey. Focus group discussions were recorded, transcribed, and coded through a mixed deductive and inductive approach. Survey data were used to enhance and clarify focus group results; these data were integrated in the design and during analysis, in accordance with the mixed methods concurrent embedded design approach. Results: Several key barriers to LCS were identified, including an overall lack of knowledge about LCS, not receiving information or recommendation from a health care provider, and lack of transportation. Key facilitators were receiving a provider recommendation and high motivation to know the screening results. Participants suggested that LCS uptake could be increased by addressing provider understanding and recommendation of LCS and conducting community outreach to promote LCS awareness and access. Conclusion: The results suggest that the rural screening-eligible population is generally receptive to LCS. Patient-level factors important to getting this population screened include knowledge, transportation, motivation to know their screening results, and receiving information or recommendation from a provider. Addressing these factors may be important to increase rural LCS uptake.
Enhanced engraftment of human myelofibrosis stem and progenitor cells in MISTRG mice
Authors: Lysenko Veronika , Wildner-Verhey van Wijk Nicole , Zimmermann Kathrin , Weller Marie-Christine , Bühler Marco , Wildschut Mattheus H. E. , Schürch Patrick , Fritz Christine , Wagner Ulrich , Calabresi Laura , Psaila Bethan , Flavell Richard A. , Vannucchi Alessandro M. , Mead Adam J. , Wild Peter J. , Dirnhofer Stefan , Manz Markus G. , Theocharides Alexandre P. A.
Published: June 2020

The engraftment potential of myeloproliferative neoplasms in immunodeficient mice is low. We hypothesized that the physiological expression of human cytokines (macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interleukin-3, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and thrombopoietin) combined with human signal regulatory protein α expression in Rag2−/−Il2rγ−/− (MISTRG) mice might provide a supportive microenvironment for the development and maintenance of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) from patients with primary, post–polycythemia or post–essential thrombocythemia myelofibrosis (MF). We show that MISTRG mice, in contrast to standard immunodeficient NOD.Cg-PrkdcscidIl2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ and Rag2−/−Il2rγ−/− mice, supported engraftment of all patient samples investigated independent of MF disease stage or risk category. Moreover, MISTRG mice exhibited significantly higher human MF engraftment levels in the bone marrow, peripheral blood, and spleen and supported secondary repopulation. Bone marrow fibrosis development was limited to 3 of 14 patient samples investigated in MISTRG mice. Disease-driving mutations were identified in all xenografts, and targeted sequencing revealed maintenance of the primary patient sample clonal composition in 7 of 8 cases. Treatment of engrafted mice with the current standard-of-care Janus kinase inhibitor ruxolitinib led to a reduction in human chimerism. In conclusion, the established MF patient-derived xenograft model supports robust engraftment of MF HSPCs and maintains the genetic complexity observed in patients. The model is suited for further testing of novel therapeutic agents to expedite their transition into clinical trials.
Chromosome aberrations in pressure-induced triploid Atlantic salmon
Authors: Glover K. A. , Harvey A. C. , Hansen T. J. , Fjelldal P. G. , Besnier F. N. , Bos J. B. , Ayllon F. , Taggart J. B. , Solberg M. F.
Published: June 2020

Background

Triploid organisms have three sets of chromosomes. In Atlantic salmon, hydrostatic pressure treatment of newly fertilized eggs has been extensively used to produce triploids which are functionally sterile due to their unpaired chromosomes. These fish often perform poorly on commercial farms, sometimes without explanation. Inheritance patterns in individuals subjected to pressure treatment have not been investigated in Atlantic salmon thus far. However, work on other species suggests that this treatment can result in aberrant inheritance. We therefore studied this in Atlantic salmon by genotyping 16 polymorphic microsatellites in eyed eggs and juveniles which had been subjected to pressure-induction of triploidy. Communally reared juveniles including fish subjected to pressure-induction of triploidy and their diploid siblings were included as a control.

Results

No diploid offspring were detected in any of the eggs or juveniles which were subjected to hydrostatic pressure; therefore, the induction of triploidy was highly successful. Aberrant inheritance was nevertheless observed in 0.9% of the eggs and 0.9% of the juveniles that had been subjected to pressure treatment. In the communally reared fish, 0.3% of the fish subjected to pressure treatment displayed aberrant inheritance, while their diploid controls displayed 0% aberrant inheritance. Inheritance errors included two eyed eggs lacking maternal DNA across all microsatellites, and, examples in both eggs and juveniles of either the maternal or paternal allele lacking in one of the microsatellites. All individuals displaying chromosome aberrations were otherwise triploid.

Conclusions

This is the first study to document aberrant inheritance in Atlantic salmon that have been subjected to pressure-induction of triploidy. Our experiments unequivocally demonstrate that even when induction of triploidy is highly successful, this treatment can cause chromosome aberrations in this species. Based upon our novel data, and earlier studies in other organisms, we hypothesize that in batches of Atlantic salmon where low to modest triploid induction rates have been reported, aberrant inheritance is likely to be higher than the rates observed here. Therefore, we tentatively suggest that this could contribute to the unexplained poor performance of triploid salmon that is occasionally reported in commercial aquaculture. These hypotheses require further investigation.
Effects of dexmedetomidine on stress hormones in patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wu Hanhua , Tang Jinqing , Pan Jiamei , Han Ming , Cai Huijun , Zhang Hong
Published: June 2020

Background

Stress response always occurs in cardiac valve replacement patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

Methods

60 patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement were recruited and randomized into control and Dex groups. Dex group received 1.0 μg·kg-1 of Dex for 10 min intravenously before anesthesia, followed by 0.5 μg·kg-1·h-1 of Dex, steadily administered throughout the procedure. And controlled group received the identical velocity of saline as Dex group. Plasma level of cortisol (Cor), epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE), and serotonin (5-HT) were evaluated at four timepoints: Before administration (T0), sawn sternum (T1), end of extracorporeal circulation (T2), and 24 h post operation (T3). General data of operation and recovery such as heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), intraoperative bispectral index (BIS), and hospitalization time in the intensive care unit (ICU) were also compared.

Results

Increase of Cor, E, NE, and 5-HT for the Dex group was significant lesser than that in the control group (P < 0.05), and ICU hospitalization time and ventilator support time was significantly shorter in the Dex group. The proportion of patients discharged from the hospital with better prognosis was significantly higher than that in the control group, while there were no significant differences in hospitalization costs and vasoactive drugs use between the two groups.

Conclusions

Dex reduces plasma Cor, E and NE elevations in patients after CPB, alleviates the stress reaction of the body, shortens the hospitalization time and ventilator support time in ICU, and plays a positive role in the rehabilitation of patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement.

Trial registration

China Clinical Trial Registry (No. ChiCTR-IPR-17010954) March 22rd, 2017.
Robust estimation of the effect of an exposure on the change in a continuous outcome
Authors: Ning Yilin , Støer Nathalie C. , Ho Peh Joo , Kao Shih Ling , Ngiam Kee Yuan , Khoo Eric Yin Hao , Lee Soo Chin , Tai E-Shyong , Hartman Mikael , Reilly Marie , Tan Chuen Seng
Published: June 2020

Background

The change in two measurements of a continuous outcome can be modelled directly with a linear regression model, or indirectly with a random effects model (REM) of the individual measurements. These methods are susceptible to model misspecifications, which are commonly addressed by applying monotonic transformations (e.g., Box-Cox transformation) to the outcomes. However, transforming the outcomes complicates the data analysis, especially when variable selection is involved. We propose a robust alternative through a novel application of the conditional probit (cprobit) model.

Methods

The cprobit model analyzes the ordered outcomes within each subject, making the estimate invariant to monotonic transformation on the outcome. By scaling the estimate from the cprobit model, we obtain the exposure effect on the change in the observed or Box-Cox transformed outcome, pending the adequacy of the normality assumption on the raw or transformed scale.

Results

Using simulated data, we demonstrated a similar good performance of the cprobit model and REM with and without transformation, except for some bias from both methods when the Box-Cox transformation was applied to scenarios with small sample size and strong effects. Only the cprobit model was robust to skewed subject-specific intercept terms when a Box-Cox transformation was used. Using two real datasets from the breast cancer and inpatient glycemic variability studies which utilize electronic medical records, we illustrated the application of our proposed robust approach as a seamless three-step workflow that facilitates the use of Box-Cox transformation to address non-normality with a common underlying model.

Conclusions

The cprobit model provides a seamless and robust inference on the change in continuous outcomes, and its three-step workflow is implemented in an R package for easy accessibility.
The effect of physical activity on cognition relative to APOE genotype (PAAD-2): study protocol for a phase II randomized control trial
Authors: Park Kyoung Shin , Ganesh Alexis B. , Berry Nathaniel T. , Mobley Yashonda P. , Karper William B. , Labban Jeffrey D. , Wahlheim Christopher N. , Williams Tomika M. , Wideman Laurie , Etnier Jennifer L.
Published: June 2020

Background

By 2050, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the United States is predicted to reach 13.8 million. Despite worldwide research efforts, a cure for AD has not been identified. Thus, it is critical to identify preventive strategies that can reduce the risk of or delay the onset of AD. Physical activity (PA) has potential in this regard. This randomized clinical trial aims to (a) test the causal relationship between PA and AD-associated cognitive function for persons with a family history of AD (FH+), (b) determine the moderating role of apolipoprotein epsilon 4 (APOE4) carrier status on cognition, and (c) assess cerebral structure, cerebral function, and putative biomarkers as mediators of the effects of PA on cognition.

Methods

We are recruiting cognitively normal, middle aged (40–65 years) sedentary adults with FH+. Participants are randomly assigned to a 12-month PA intervention for 3 days/week or to a control group maintaining their normal lifestyle. Saliva samples are taken at pre-test to determine APOE genotype. At pre-, mid-, and post-tests, participants complete a series of cognitive tests to assess information-processing speed, verbal and visual episodic memory, constructional praxis, mnemonic discrimination, and higher-order executive functions. At pre- and post-tests, brain imaging and blood biomarkers are assessed.

Discussion

We hypothesize that 1) the PA group will demonstrate improved cognition compared with controls; 2) PA-derived cognitive changes will be moderated by APOE4 status; and 3) PA-induced changes in neural and blood biomarkers will contribute to cognitive changes and differ as a function of APOE4 status. Our results may provide important insights into the potential of PA to preserve neurocognitive function in people with a heightened risk of AD due to FH+ and as moderated by APOE4 status. By using sophisticated analytic techniques to assess APOE as a moderator and neurobiological mechanisms as mediators across trajectories of cognitive change in response to PA, we will advance our understanding of the potential of PA in protecting against AD.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03876314. Registered March 15, 2019.
The effect of interictal epileptiform discharges on cognitive and academic performance in children with idiopathic epilepsy
Authors: Cheng Dazhi , Yan Xiuxian , Xu Keming , Zhou Xinlin , Chen Qian
Published: June 2020

Background

Interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) have been proven to impair cognitive function. However, it is not clear whether IEDs disrupt academic performance in children with idiopathic epilepsy, and the contribution of cognitive function deficits to impaired academic performance has not been clarified. This study aimed to examine the cognitive deficits and academic impairment in childhood idiopathic epilepsy with IEDs.

Methods

Ninety-seven childhood idiopathic epilepsy with IEDs, 77 childhood idiopathic epilepsy without IEDs, and 71 healthy controls completed a series of cognitive tests. We analyzed the cognitive performance in several domains including language, mathematics, psychomotor speed, spatial ability, memory, general intelligence, attention and executive functioning. Analysis of variance was conducted to compare the performance on all tests between the three groups.

Results

Childhood idiopathic epilepsy with IEDs exhibited not only general cognitive deficits in processing speed, spatial ability, and attention, but also arithmetic impairment. Furthermore, general cognitive deficits could account for the impaired arithmetic performance in childhood idiopathic epilepsy with IEDs.

Conclusions

Our study suggested that IEDs in children with idiopathic epilepsy affected both cognitive function and academic performance, and that the cognitive deficits may be responsible for arithmetic performance impairment.
Complications of bone transport technique using the Ilizarov method in the lower extremity: a retrospective analysis of 282 consecutive cases over 10 years
Authors: Liu Yanshi , Yushan Maimaiaili , Liu Zhenhui , Liu Jialin , Ma Chuang , Yusufu Aihemaitijiang
Published: June 2020

Background

The treatment of large bone defects in lower limbs is a serious challenge for orthopedic surgeons and patients. The bone transport technique using the Ilizarov method has become the main treatment option for the reconstruction of bone defect. However, inevitable difficulties and complications related to bone transport technique have been reported by many studies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and complications of bone transport technique using Ilizarov method in the treatment of bone defect of lower extremity.

Methods

The study was conducted on 282 patients who underwent bone transport procedures using Ilizarov method at our institution from January 2007 to June 2017. Patient’s demographic data, complications and clinical outcomes at minimum of 2 years follow-up were collected and retrospectively analyzed. All difficulties that related to bone transport were documented according to Paley’s classification. The clinical outcomes were evaluated using Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov criteria (ASAMI) at last clinical visit.

Results

There were 243 male and 39 females with a mean age of 40 years (range 18–65 years). The mean defect was 6.56 ± 2.15 cm, whereas single level transport in 221 cases and double level transport in 61 cases. There were 189 problems, 166 obstacles and 406 complications (257 minor and 149 major complications), and the average complication rate per patients consists of 0.91 minor and 0.53 major complications. The top five complications were pin-site infection (65.96%), axial deviation (40.78%), joint stiffness (23.76%), soft tissue incarceration (22.34%) and delayed union of the docking site (13.48%).The ASAMI bony result was excellent in 233 patients, good in 32, fair in 5 and poor in 12. The ASAMI functional result was excellent in 136 patients, good in 88, fair in 47, poor in 11.

Conclusion

Bone transport is a reliable method for reconstruction of bone defects in the femur and tibia. Awareness of predictable complications is beneficial to prevent or early detection of the expected complication which can improve the risk-benefit balance.