bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal vision
Authors: Starosielski Nicole
Published: August 2019

This article describes thermal vision, the ways of seeing invisible thermal emissions and exchanges. While most studies of thermal vision have focused on the deployment of infrared imaging in military and police operations, the author articulates thermal vision as a perceptual mode that both extends beyond the infrared camera to a broader set of practices of seeing heat as well as beyond the militarized view to scientific, commercial, and cultural landscapes. Weaving through these practices and landscapes, she outlines four overlapping ways that thermal vision is oriented and in turn organizes the world: through thermal effects, hue, objects, and zones. Focusing on the latter form, and taking cases from early infrared photography in the 1930s and the expansion of building thermography in the 1970s, she argues that the thermal imagery used for visual surveillance, often as a means of objectification and targeting, is intimately connected to regimes of environmental monitoring and the creation and management of normative zones. A close attention to these cases draws out one of thermal vision’s critical affordances and cultural uses, regardless of technological platform or orientation: entangled with practices of temperature control and synesthetic processing, it has been enlisted to alter architectures, environments, and bodily movements through them. Observing these uses expands visual culture studies’ understanding of the sensory possibilities of the visible and helps scholars to track the affective and intimate dimensions of climate change.
Exploring Teacher Identity in International Schools: Key Concepts for Research
Authors: Bailey Lucy , Cooker Lucy
Published: August 2019

This paper explores the identity of teachers in international schools who are embarking on postgraduate studies in education. Based on semi-structured interviews with 20 teachers starting an international qualification, it establishes key aspects of their identity and notes that they feel distinct from teaching professionals in their passport countries. From this discussion, a tool-box of concepts for understanding the identity of international school teachers is suggested, together with a typology of international school teachers echoing Hayden & Thompson’s (2013) typology of international schools. It is suggested that these concepts require further exploration and empirical substantiation in order both to understand their implications for addressing teacher shortages and to understand the knowledge, skills and attitudes that teachers with non-conventional qualifications and backgrounds may offer to schools.
How to Teach Open Science Principles in the Undergraduate Curriculum—The Hagen Cumulative Science Project
Authors: Jekel Marc , Fiedler Susann , Allstadt Torras Ramona , Mischkowski Dorothee , Dorrough Angela Rachael , Glöckner Andreas
Published: August 2019

The Hagen Cumulative Science Project is a large-scale replication project based on students’ thesis work. In the project, we aim to (a) teach students to conduct the entire research process for conducting a replication according to open science standards and (b) contribute to cumulative science by increasing the number of direct replications. We describe the procedural steps of the project from choosing suitable replication studies to guiding students through the process of conducting a replication, and processing results in a meta-analysis. Based on the experience of more than 80 replications, we summarize how such a project can be implemented. We present practical solutions that have been shown to be successful as well as discuss typical obstacles and how they can be solved. We argue that replication projects are beneficial for all groups involved: Students benefit by being guided through a highly structured protocol and making actual contributions to science. Instructors benefit by using time resources effectively for cumulative science and fulfilling teaching obligations in a meaningful way. The scientific community benefits from the resulting greater number of replications and teaching state-of-the-art methodology. We encourage the use of student thesis-based replication projects for thesis work in academic bachelor and master curricula.
Reality Is in the Posterior Hippocampus: Who Knew?
Authors: Salpekar Jay A.
Published: August 2019

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Predicting Response to Treatment of Epileptic Seizures: How Much Time and How Many AEDs Do We Need to Try?
Authors: Hogan R. Edward
Published: August 2019

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Goldilocks Zone of Ictal Onset: Partially Recovered Synapses Provide the Kindling to Fuel Ictal Activity
Authors: Subramanian Deepak , Santhakumar Viji
Published: August 2019

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Exploring Skills Gained Through a Robotics Program for Youth With Disabilities
Authors: Lindsay Sally
Published: August 2019

Children with disabilities often have fewer opportunities to engage in science, technology, engineering, and math programs that can enhance their educational and career opportunities. This study explored the quality, experience, and skills learned in a group-based robotics program for youth with disabilities. Survey responses of 23 youth (16 males, 7 females), aged 9 to 14 with a disability, were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Our results showed that youth with disabilities who participated in a robotics program rated the quality of their experience, perceived impact of the program, and skills gained highly across most items. Children enjoyed participating in the program and especially building the robots and making friends. Clinicians should consider engaging children with disabilities in robotics programs to enhance their participation and skill development.
Financial Distress Is Associated With Delay in Seeking Care for Hand Conditions
Authors: Zhuang Thompson , Eppler Sara L. , Shapiro Lauren M. , Roe Allison K. , Yao Jeffrey , Kamal Robin N.
Published: August 2019

Background: As medical costs continue to rise, financial distress due to these costs has led to poorer health outcomes and patient cost-coping behavior. Here, we test the null hypothesis that financial distress is not associated with delay of seeking care for hand conditions. Methods: Eighty-seven new patients presenting to the hand clinic for nontraumatic conditions completed our study. Patients completed validated instruments for measuring financial distress, pain catastrophizing, and pain. Questions regarding delay of care were included. The primary outcome was self-reported delay of the current hand clinic visit. Results: Patients who experience high financial distress differed significantly from those who experience low financial distress with respect to age, race, annual household income, and employment status. Those experiencing high financial distress were more likely to report having delayed their visit to the hand clinic (57% vs 30%), higher pain catastrophizing scores (17.7 vs 7.6), and higher average pain in the preceding week (4.5 vs 2.3). After adjusting for age, sex, and pain, high financial distress (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 4.90) and pain catastrophizing score (adjusted OR = 0.96) were found to be independent predictors of delay. Financial distress was highly associated with annual household income in a multivariable linear regression model. Conclusions: Patients with nontraumatic hand conditions who experience higher financial distress are more likely to delay their visit to the hand clinic. Within health care systems, identification of patients with high financial distress and targeted interventions (eg, social or financial services) may help prevent unnecessary delays in care.
Skin-Tone Trauma: Historical and Contemporary Influences on the Health and Interpersonal Outcomes of African Americans
Authors: Landor Antoinette M. , McNeil Smith Shardé
Published: August 2019

Empirical evidence demonstrates that racism is a source of traumatic stress for racial/ethnic minorities, particularly African Americans. Like race and racism, skin tone and experiences of colorism—an often overlooked form of discrimination that privileges lighter skinned over darker skinned individuals, although not uniformly, may also result in traumatic stress. This article proposes a new conceptual model of skin-tone trauma. The model depicts how historical and contemporary underpinnings of colorism lead to colorist incidents that may directly and indirectly, by eliciting traumatic stress reactions, lead to negative effects on the health and interpersonal relationships of African Americans. Key tenets of critical race and intersectionality theories are used to highlight the complexities of skin-tone trauma as a result of intersectional identities on the basis of existing social hierarchies. Last, we present suggestions for researchers, as well as recommendations and strategies for practitioners, to unmask “skin-tone wounds” and promote healing for individuals, families, and communities that suffer from skin-tone trauma. Skin-tone trauma should be acknowledged by researchers, scholars, and practitioners to better understand and assess the widespread scope of trauma in the African American community.
Computed tomography perfusion in stroke mimics
Authors: Siegler James E , Rosenberg Jon , Cristancho Daniel , Olsen Andrew , Pulst-Korenberg Johannes , Raab Lindsay , Cucchiara Brett , Messé Steven R
Published: August 2019

Objective

To describe the prevalence and patterns of abnormal findings on automated computed tomography perfusion in patients with stroke mimic.

Methods

We reviewed a retrospective multi-site cohort of consecutive patients undergoing computed tomography perfusion for suspected acute ischemic stroke within 24 h from last normal (June 2017 to December 2017). The primary outcome was the diagnosis of stroke mimic. Hypoperfusion abnormalities on iSchemaView RAPID automated computed tomography perfusion were compared between patients with stroke/transient ischemic attack and stroke mimic using mixed-effects multivariable logistic regression, focusing on absence of perfusion abnormalities and discordance with clinical symptoms and computed tomography angiography findings.

Results

Of 410 consecutive patients who underwent computed tomography perfusion, 348 met inclusion criteria (178 (51%) stroke, 19 (6%) transient ischemic attack, and 151 (43%) mimic). Time-to-maximum of the tissue residue function (Tmax>6s) abnormalities were seen in 42 (28%) patients with stroke mimic and 122 (62%) patients with stroke/transient ischemic attack ( p < 0.001). Patients with stroke mimic were more likely to have a normal Tmax pattern (volume = 0mL; adjusted OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1–4.3, p = 0.02). When the Tmax pattern was abnormal, a higher proportion of patients with stroke mimic had Tmax patterns fully discordant with clinical symptoms than patients with stroke/transient ischemic attack (28/39 (71%) vs. 10/115 (9%), p < 0.001). Fully discordant Tmax abnormalities were strongly associated with stroke mimic (adjusted OR: 48.6, 95% CI: 7.0–336, p < 0.001), with a negative predictive value for identifying mimic of 91% (95% CI: 85–94%).

Conclusion

While one-quarter of patients with stroke mimic show Tmax abnormalities on automated RAPID computed tomography perfusion imaging, the majority of patterns were discordant with symptoms and vessel status. Normal or fully discordant Tmax abnormalities are were more common with stroke mimic and may inform stroke treatment decision making.
Distribution and current problems of acute endovascular therapy for large artery occlusion from a two-year national survey in Japan
Authors: Takagi Toshinori , Yoshimura Shinichi , Sakai Nobuyuki , Iihara Koji , Oishi Hidenori , Hirohata Masaru , Matsumaru Yuji , Matsumoto Yasushi , Yamagami Hiroshi , Menon Bijoy K , Almekhlafi Mohammed , Holodinsky Jessalyn K , Kamal Noreen , Hill Michael D , Goyal Mayank
Published: August 2019

Background

Endovascular treatment is recommended in clinical practice in Japan. However, its utilization and comprehensiveness are less well described.

Aims

To report endovascular treatment utilization and overall geographical coverage in Japan and to analyze regional differences in the number of endovascular treatments, specialists, and endovascular treatment-capable hospitals.

Methods

A national survey of members of the Japanese Society for NeuroEndovascular Therapy (JSNET) was conducted in 2017 and 2018. The total number of endovascular treatment cases per year was estimated, and the number of endovascular treatment cases per 100,000 people was calculated using the 2015 census. The distribution of treatment hospitals and JSNET specialists was mapped and the population coverage rate was determined.

Results

The total number of endovascular treatment cases in Japan increased by 34.5% from 2016 (7702) to 2017 (10,360). The number of endovascular treatment-capable hospitals in Japan increased from 597 in 2016 to 693 in 2017, with an average annual caseload of 14.9 in 2017. The number of JSNET specialists per hospital decreased from 1.81 in 2016 to 1.76 in 2017 because of the increase in endovascular treatment-capable hospitals. Only 50 (7.2%) hospitals had > 40 endovascular treatment cases annually. The majority (97.7%) of the Japanese population lives within a 60-min drive of any endovascular treatment-capable hospital. However, only 70.4% live within a 60-min drive of a high-volume center (>40 cases annually).

Conclusions

Utilization of endovascular treatment in Japan is increasing; however, the number of cases per hospital remains low, as is the number of specialists per endovascular treatment-capable hospital. Increased number of specialists and centralization of endovascular treatment services may improve patient outcomes.
Synthesis and characterisation of novel 4,6-dimethoxyindole-7- and -2-thiosemicarbazone derivatives: Biological evaluation as antioxidant and anticholinesterase candidates
Authors: Bingül Murat
Published: August 2019

Two sets of novel indole-based thiosemicarbazone systems 8a–d and 9a–d are prepared by the Schiff base condensation reaction of indole carbaldehydes 4 and 6 with a range of thiosemicarbazides 7a–d in high yields and purity. The antioxidant properties of the synthesised compounds 8a–d and 9a–d are determined by employing three different assays, namely 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate–free radical scavenging, ABTS [2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] cationic radical decolarization and cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity. The anticholinesterase properties of the products are investigated by acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase enzyme inhibition assays. The methyl-substituted compounds 8b and 9b display the highest inhibition for the ABTS assay and absorbance values for the cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity assay, while compound 9c shows the best activity for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate assay. Moderate inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase is determined in the case of compound 8b.
Rethinking harmony in international relations
Authors: Mahiet Damien
Published: August 2019

Harmony is a generally agreed-upon idea in international and diplomatic discourse. A common theme in multiple traditions of thought, Platonist and Confucian among others, it underlies today’s significant investments in musical activism, cultural diplomacy, conflict resolution and peace building. Yet despite this wide currency and long history, the idea of harmony seldom receives more than liminal attention in political theory. In the context of Western thought, an essay written in the 1830s by the French philosopher Jean Reynaud offers a striking point of departure: Reynaud defines diplomacy as ‘the science of harmony among states’. This article, drawing from Reynaud’s text as well from the wider history of music, art and political thought, maps a series of conceptual fault lines that touch on the concept’s function in international thought; the inscription of difference, dissonance, conflict and even war within the idea of harmony; the hegemonic and imperial temptations harmony encompasses and legitimizes; and the theoretical sources of harmony in nature and artifice. In effect, the concept of harmony offers less a blueprint than a forum for imagining peace.
Association between circulating tumor cells and peripheral blood monocytes in metastatic breast cancer
Authors: De Giorgi Ugo , Mego Michal , Scarpi Emanuela , Giordano Antonio , Giuliano Mario , Valero Vicente , Alvarez Ricardo H. , Ueno Naoto T. , Cristofanilli Massimo , Reuben James M.
Published: August 2019

Background:

We retrospectively evaluated the correlation between a baseline measurement of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and inflammation-based scores in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

Methods:

The optimal value of inflammation-based scores as the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte–lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) to predict survival was determined and compared with CTC <5 or ⩾5 per 7.5 ml of blood.

Results:

In the overall population of 516 women with MBC, CTCs correlated with peripheral blood monocytes ( p = 0.008) and neutrophils ( p = 0.038). In triple-negative tumors, CTCs correlated with monocyte count ( p = 0.009); in HER2+ tumors, CTCs correlated with neutrophil count ( p = 0.009), with a trend versus monocyte count ( p = 0.061), whereas no correlation was found in HER2– estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) tumors. In multivariate analysis only monocytes were associated with ⩾5 CTCs (OR = 2.72, 95% CI 1.09–6.80, p = 0.033). In multivariable analysis for predictors of overall survival, CTC (⩾5 versus <5), number of metastatic sites (>1 versus 1), tumor subtypes (triple-negative versus HER2– ER+ tumors) and MLR only remained significant.

Conclusions:

CTC and MLR are predictors of overall survival in MBC. CTC correlates with monocytes, in particular in triple-negative tumors.
Efficiency losses through fragmentation? Scale effects in European ANS provision
Authors: Standfuss Thomas , Fichert Frank , Schultz Michael , Stratis Petros
Published: August 2019

Fragmentation has been suspected of contributing to inefficiencies in the European Air Traffic Management (ATM) system. Heterogeneities between providers may contain multiple aspects, such as airspace structure, staff rostering, or systems used for flow management. Applying the scientific approach of data envelopment analysis, this article provides a new outlook on the relationship between airspace fragmentation and efficiency in the admittedly complex and highly dynamic environment of European ATM. We show that there are airspaces that might benefit from economies of scale, but that there is a tipping point where diseconomies of scale occur. Subsequently, the current approach of functional airspace blocks might inhere inefficiencies for some air navigation service providers.
Artificial Pancreas Systems and Physical Activity in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes: Challenges, Adopted Approaches, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Tagougui Sémah , Taleb Nadine , Molvau Joséphine , Nguyen Élisabeth , Raffray Marie , Rabasa-Lhoret Rémi
Published: August 2019

Physical activity is important for patients living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) but limited by the challenges associated with physical activity induced glucose variability. Optimizing glycemic control without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia is still a hurdle despite many advances in insulin formulations, delivery methods, and continuous glucose monitoring systems. In this respect, the artificial pancreas (AP) system is a promising therapeutic option for a safer practice of physical activity in the context of T1D. It is important that healthcare professionals as well as patients acquire the necessary knowledge about how the AP system works, its limits, and how glucose control is regulated during physical activity. This review aims to examine the current state of knowledge on exercise-related glucose variations especially hypoglycemic risk in T1D and to discuss their effects on the use and development of AP systems. Though effective and highly promising, these systems warrant further research for an optimized use around exercise.
Ex situ Perfusion of Pancreas for Whole-Organ Transplantation: Is it Safe and Feasible? A Systematic Review
Authors: Prudhomme Thomas , Kervella Delphine , Le Bas-Bernardet Stéphanie , Cantarovich Diego , Karam Georges , Blancho Gilles , Branchereau Julien
Published: August 2019

Introduction:

Pancreas transplantation is currently one of the best treatments proposed in highly selected patients with unstable and brittle type 1 diabetes. The objective of pancreas transplantation is to restore normoglycemia and avoid the occurrence of complications associated with diabetes. Graft pancreatitis and thrombosis, arising from ischemia reperfusion injuries, are major causes of graft loss in the postoperative period. Ex situ perfusion, in hypothermic or normothermic settings, allowed to improve ischemic reperfusion injury in other organ transplantations (kidney, liver, or lung). The development of pancreatic graft perfusion techniques would limit these ischemic reperfusion injuries.

Objective:

Evaluation of the safety and feasibility of ex situ perfusion of pancreas for whole-organ transplantation.

Methods:

English literature about pancreas perfusion was analyzed using electronic database Medline via PubMed (1950-2018). Exclusion criteria were studies that did not specify the technical aspects of machine perfusion and studies focused only on pancreas perfusion for islet isolation.

Results:

Hypothermic machine perfusion for pancreas preservation has been evaluated in nine studies and normothermic machine perfusion in ten studies. We evaluated machine perfusion model, types of experimental model, anatomy, perfusion parameters, flushing and perfusion solution, length of perfusion, and comparison between static cold storage and perfusion.

Conclusions:

This review compared ex vivo machine perfusion of experimental pancreas for whole-organ transplantation. Pancreas perfusion is feasible and could be a helpful tool to evaluate pancreas prior to transplantation. Pancreas perfusion (in hypothermic or normothermic settings) could reduce ischemic reperfusion injuries, and maybe could avoid pancreas thrombosis and reduce morbidity of pancreas transplantation.
Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex Function in Adolescents With Sport-Related Concussion: Preliminary Results
Authors: Alkathiry Abdulaziz A. , Kontos Anthony P. , Furman Joseph M. , Whitney Susan L. , Anson Eric R. , Sparto Patrick J.
Published: August 2019

Background:

Oculomotor impairments, dizziness, and imbalance are common after sports-related concussion (SRC) in adolescents and suggest a relationship between SRC and vestibular system dysfunction. However, it is not clear whether the source of these problems is attributable to the peripheral or central vestibular system.

Hypothesis:

The video Head Impulse Test (vHIT), which assesses peripheral vestibular function, will show differences in gain between adolescents with and without SRC. Furthermore, there will be an association between vHIT and clinical balance and vestibular/oculomotor testing.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 2.

Methods:

Twenty-five symptomatic adolescents aged between 12 and 19 years with a recent (within 10 days) SRC and 22 healthy controls aged 13 to 20 years were assessed using the vHIT, Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), and Vestibular Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS) tools. The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain was calculated independently for right and left head impulses. Independent-samples t tests or Mann-Whitney U tests for nonnormal distributions were used to compare concussed patients and controls on the measures. Spearman rank-order correlations were used to assess the association of vHIT with BESS and VOMS.

Results:

VOR gain in all adolescents with SRC was greater than 0.8, which is considered within normal limits. VOR gain and BESS scores were not significantly different between groups. Adolescents with SRC had significantly worse VOMS item scores than adolescents without SRC ( P < 0.001). There were no significant correlations among vHIT gain and VOMS or BESS.

Conclusion:

There was no evidence for dysfunction in the peripheral horizontal semicircular canal function at high rotation speeds (ie, vHIT) after SRC, and vHIT was unrelated to balance and vestibular/oculomotor symptoms and dysfunction. However, adolescents with SRC scored worse on vestibular and oculomotor testing than those without SRC. Vestibular dysfunction and symptoms after SRC may be centrally derived.

Clinical Relevance:

We do not recommend the assessment of head impulse function in adolescents with SRC unless more definitive signs of peripheral vestibular injury are present. We recommend using the VOMS to assess symptoms of suspected SRC injury in adolescents.
Geriatric psychiatry liaison programme in a Singapore public hospital geriatric ward setting: descriptive and evaluation study on delirium and dementia
Authors: Balasundaram Bharathi , Yoon Peng Soon , Rosario Barbara Helen , Kam Jia Wen , Tan Louisa Mei Ying , Varman Surendra
Published: August 2019

Background:

Comprehensive geriatric psychiatry liaison services are in early and evolving stages in Singapore. A description and evaluation of a geriatric psychiatry liaison programme in geriatric wards was undertaken describing programme activity and clinical outcomes in patients with neurocognitive disorders. Dementia training and staff upskilling are also discussed.

Methods:

This study included all referred patients by the geriatric team in Changi General Hospital over a one-year period from 15 June 2017 to 14 June 2018. As measures of good clinical practice, diagnosis of delirium and new diagnosis of dementia made during the inpatient admission following liaison consultation were included in the study. Patient-related outcomes that included length of stay (LOS), institutionalisation rates and in-hospital mortality were evaluated.

Results:

Dementia (53%), delirium (49%) and depression (28%) were the commonest diagnoses in this study. Dementia was newly diagnosed in 30% of cases. The median LOS in those with delirium was 19 days; 19% with a delirium diagnosis had new institutionalisation rates. In-hospital mortality in this study was 2%.

Conclusions:

The geriatric psychiatry liaison programme in geriatric wards in Changi General Hospital improved detection rates of delirium and new diagnoses of dementia. It also reports increased LOS and new institutionalisation rates in those with a diagnosis of delirium. Nursing staff education in neurocognitive disorders is enhanced. This article has outlined the importance of team-based care, joint specialist care and staff training in recognition of delirium and dementia in an acute hospital setting to improve outcomes for older patients.
CHA2DS2VASc score and adverse outcomes in middle-aged individuals without atrial fibrillation
Authors: Renda Giulia , Ricci Fabrizio , Patti Giuseppe , Aung Nay , Petersen Steffen E , Gallina Sabina , Hamrefors Viktor , Melander Olle , Sutton Richard , Engstrom Gunnar , Caterina Raffaele De , Fedorowski Artur
Published: August 2019

Aims

The CHA2DS2VASc score is used to evaluate the risk of thromboembolic events in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. We assessed the prognostic yield of CHA2DS2VASc for new-onset atrial fibrillation, cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in a non-atrial fibrillation population.

Methods

We analysed a population-based cohort of 22,179 middle-aged individuals with ( n = 3542) and without ( n = 18,367) a history of atrial fibrillation; we grouped the population into five CHA2DS2VASc strata (0–1–2–3–≥4), and compared the risk of major adverse cerebro-cardiovascular events and mortality. Furthermore, we analysed the annual incidence of atrial fibrillation across different CHA2DS2VASc strata.

Results

Over a median follow-up of 15 years, 1572 patients (6.9%) had ischaemic strokes, 2162 (9.5%) coronary events and 5899 (26%) died. The cumulative incidence of ischaemic stroke in CHA2DS2VASc ≥ 4 subjects without atrial fibrillation was similar to patients with atrial fibrillation and CHA2DS2VASc 2, with a 10-year crude incidence rate of 0.91 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68–1.19) and 1.13 (95% CI 0.93–1.36) ischaemic strokes per 100 patient-years, respectively. CHA2DS2VASc in a non-atrial fibrillation population showed higher predictive accuracy for ischaemic stroke compared with an atrial fibrillation population (area under the curve 0.60 vs. 0.56; P = 0.001). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, CHA2DS2VASc ≥ 2 was an independent predictor of all-cause death (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 2.58; 95% CI 2.42–2.76), cardiovascular death (aHR 3.40; 95% CI 2.98–3.89), ischaemic stroke (aHR 2.20; 95% CI 1.92–2.53) and coronary events (aHR 1.83; 95% CI 1.63–2.04). The cumulative incidence of atrial fibrillation was greater with increasing CHA2DS2VASc strata, with an absolute annual incidence of more than 2% per year if CHA2DS2VASc ≥ 4.

Conclusion

The CHA2DS2VASc score is a sensitive tool for predicting new-onset atrial fibrillation and adverse outcomes in subjects both with and without atrial fibrillation.
Rickets treatment improves more than bone health in toddler with autism spectrum disorder: A brief report
Authors: Stalnaker Leah D , Prasher Priya , Flesher Susan
Published: August 2019

Children with autism spectrum disorder have been found to have lower levels of vitamin D than their peers. Our case report supports the hypothesis that vitamin D may be an effective treatment for developmental delay in autism. In addition, we review the literature surrounding vitamin D deficiency as a potential cause of autism spectrum disorder and the role that vitamin D may play in treatment.
CircHMGCS1 is upregulated in colorectal cancer and promotes proliferation of colorectal cancer cells by targeting microRNA-503-5p
Authors: Dong Jingqing , Li Jun , Luo Jihui , Wu Weiqiang
Published: August 2019

This study aims to explore the regulatory mechanism of circHMGCS1/microRNA-503-5p (miR-503-5p) axis during colorectal cancer (CRC) development and progression. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was applied to evaluate the expression of circHMGCS1 and miR-503-5p in CRC samples and their adjacent non-tumor specimen. Then, cell proliferation and cell apoptosis and migration and invasion of circHMGCS1-knocked down cells were further detected, using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, Transwell assay, and western blotting assays. CircHMGCS1 was found to be significantly upregulated in CRC, and its high expression was closely correlated with the poor clinical parameter. In addition, the knockdown of circHMGCS1 could significantly inhibit CRC cells’ growth promoting apoptosis, as suggested by the expression of apoptosis pathway-related proteins, which changed consistently. Furthermore, miR-503-5p inhibitors were able to reverse the suppression of cell proliferation induced by silencing circHMGCS1. Therefore, circHMGCS1 might serve as a promising bio-marker and treatment target for CRC.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis at Onset of Type 1 Diabetes: Rates and Risk Factors Today to 15 Years Ago
Authors: Mencher Shana Rose , Frank Graeme , Fishbein Joanna
Published: August 2019

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious, potentially lethal complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus that may be present at diagnosis. The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with presentation in DKA in new-onset youth and compare the rate of DKA and risk factors to a similar study 15 years prior. This study was a retrospective chart review of newly diagnosed patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus from 2010 to 2013. Of the 276 patients, 29% presented in DKA, compared with 38% 15 years prior ( P < .002). Those with Medicaid, those misdiagnosed at initial encounter, and those not evaluated by a pediatrician initially were more likely to present in DKA ( P = .002, P = .002, P < .001, respectively). The diagnosis of diabetes was not elicited in one third of patients who ultimately presented in DKA. Pediatricians should be reeducated to ask about polyuria and polydipsia in routine encounters. Furthermore, public awareness initiatives are needed to reduce late presentation in DKA.
DNA Methylation Trajectories During Pregnancy
Authors: Gruzieva Olena , Merid Simon Kebede , Chen Su , Mukherjee Nandini , Hedman Anna M , Almqvist Catarina , Andolf Ellika , Jiang Yu , Kere Juha , Scheynius Annika , Söderhäll Cilla , Ullemar Vilhelmina , Karmaus Wilfried , Melén Erik , Arshad Syed Hasan , Pershagen Göran
Published: August 2019

There is emerging evidence on DNA methylation (DNAm) variability over time; however, little is known about dynamics of DNAm patterns during pregnancy. We performed an epigenome-wide longitudinal DNAm study of a well-characterized sample of young women from the Swedish Born into Life study, with repeated blood sampling before, during and after pregnancy (n = 21), using the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC array. We conducted a replication in the Isle of Wight third-generation birth cohort (n = 27), using the Infinium HumanMethylation450k BeadChip. We identified 196 CpG sites displaying intra-individual longitudinal change in DNAm with a false discovery rate (FDR) P < .05. Most of these (91%) showed a decrease in average methylation levels over the studied period. We observed several genes represented by ⩾3 differentially methylated CpGs: HOXB3, AVP, LOC100996291, and MicroRNA 10a. Of 36 CpGs available in the replication cohort, 17 were replicated, all but 2 with the same direction of association (replication P < .05). Biological pathway analysis demonstrated that FDR-significant CpGs belong to genes overrepresented in metabolism-related pathways, such as adipose tissue development, regulation of insulin receptor signaling, and mammary gland fat development. These results contribute to a better understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying important physiological alterations and adaptations for pregnancy and lactation.
The association between serum adiponectin and 3-month outcome after ischemic stroke
Authors: Wang Zengliang , Li Bo , Wang Yongxin , Maimaitili Aisha , Qin Hu , Dangmurenjiafu Geng , Wang Shuo
Published: August 2019

Background

Although adiponectin is a major adipocytokine that affects the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular diseases, its clinical significance in stroke remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of serum adiponectin levels on functional prognosis in patients with ischemic stroke.

Methods

This was a prospective, observational cohort study. Consecutive first-ever ischemic stroke patients without any pre-morbid handicap admitted to our hospital were identified from December 2017 to December 2018. Serum concentration of adiponectin was routinely measured within the first 24 h after admission by a commercially available sandwich ELISA. Associations between adiponectin and either clinical severity at admission, poor outcomes or mortality at 3-month after admission were analyzed using logistic regression to obtain odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

The serum level of adiponectin was obtained in 227 patients with a median value of 7.0 μg/ml, which was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than in those heathy control. Adiponectin levels were associated with moderate-to-high stroke, and risk increased by 12% (OR = 1.12; 95% CI 1.03–1.25; P = 0.002). Patients with a poor outcome and nonsurvivors had significantly increased adiponectin levels on admission (P < 0.001, all). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, adiponectin was an independent predictor of functional outcome and mortality, and risk increased by 24% (OR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.13–1.37; P < 0.001) and 31% (1.31 [1.18–1.46], P < 0.001), respectively. Kaplan–Meier analysis suggested that the patients with high serum adiponectin levels had a higher risk of death than those patients with low levels (log-rank test P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our results show that high adiponectin is associated with stroke severity and support the hypothesis that adiponectin can be serve as a biomarker of poor outcome after stroke, independent of baseline variables.

Trial registration ChiCTR-OPC-17013501. Retrospectively Registered 21 September 2017
Application of a convolutional neural network in permeability prediction: A case study in the Jacksonburg-Stringtown oil field, West Virginia, USA
Authors: Zhong Zhi , Carr Timothy R. , Wu Xinming , Wang Guochang
Published: August 2019

Permeability is a critical parameter for understanding subsurface fluid flow behavior, managing reservoirs, enhancing hydrocarbon recovery, and sequestering carbon dioxide. In general, permeability is measured in the laboratory based on subsurface core samples, calculated from well logs or estimated from well tests. However, laboratory measurements and well tests are expensive, time-consuming, and usually limited to a few core samples or wells in a hydrocarbon field or carbon storage site. Machine-learning techniques are good options for generating a rapid, robust, and cost-effective permeability prediction model because of their strengths to recognize the potential interrelationships between input and output variables. Convolutional neural networks (CNN), as a good pattern recognition algorithm, are widely used in image processing, natural language processing, and speech recognition, but are rarely used with regression problems and even less often in reservoir characterization. We have developed a CNN regression model to estimate the permeability in the Jacksonburg-Stringtown oil field, West Virginia, which is a potential carbon storage site and enhanced oil recovery operations field. We also evaluate the concept of the geologic feature image, which is converted from geophysical well logs. Five variables, including two commonly available conventional well logs (the gamma rays [GRs] and bulk density) and three well-log-derived variables (the slopes of the GR and bulk density curves, and shale content), are used to generate a geologic feature image. The CNN treats the geologic feature image as the input and the permeability as the desired output. In addition, the permeability predicted using traditional backpropagation artificial neural networks, which are optimized by genetic algorithms and particle swarm optimization, is compared with the permeability estimated using our CNN. Our results indicate that the CNN regression model provides more accurate permeability predictions than the traditional neural network.
Gefitinib Versus Gefitinib Plus Pemetrexed and Carboplatin Chemotherapy in EGFR-Mutated Lung Cancer
Authors: Noronha Vanita , Patil Vijay Maruti , Joshi Amit , Menon Nandini , Chougule Anuradha , Mahajan Abhishek , Janu Amit , Purandare Nilendu , Kumar Rajiv , More Sucheta , Goud Supriya , Kadam Nandkumar , Daware Nilesh , Bhattacharjee Atanu , Shah Srushti , Yadav Akanksha , Trivedi Vaishakhi , Behel Vichitra , Dutt Amit , Banavali Shripad Dinanath , Prabhash Kumar
Published: August 2019

PURPOSE

Standard first-line therapy for EGFR-mutant advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)–directed oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Adding pemetrexed and carboplatin chemotherapy to an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor may improve outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a phase III randomized trial in patients with advanced NSCLC harboring an EGFR-sensitizing mutation and a performance status of 0 to 2 who were planned to receive first-line palliative therapy. Random assignment was 1:1 to gefitinib 250 mg orally per day (Gef) or gefitinib 250 mg orally per day plus pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 and carboplatin area under curve 5 intravenously every 3 weeks for four cycles, followed by maintenance pemetrexed (gefitinib plus chemotherapy [Gef+C]). The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS); secondary end points included overall survival (OS), response rate, and toxicity.

RESULTS

Between 2016 and 2018, 350 patients were randomly assigned to Gef (n = 176) and Gef+C (n = 174). Twenty-one percent of patients had a performance status of 2, and 18% of patients had brain metastases. Median follow-up time was 17 months (range, 7 to 30 months). Radiologic response rates were 75% and 63% in the Gef+C and Gef arms, respectively ( P = .01). Estimated median PFS was significantly longer with Gef+C than Gef (16 months [95% CI, 13.5 to 18.5 months] v 8 months [95% CI, 7.0 to 9.0 months], respectively; hazard ratio for disease progression or death, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.39 to 0.66]; P < .001). Estimated median OS was significantly longer with Gef+C than Gef (not reached v 17 months [95% CI, 13.5 to 20.5 months]; hazard ratio for death, 0.45 [95% CI, 0.31 to 0.65]; P < .001). Clinically relevant grade 3 or greater toxicities occurred in 51% and 25% of patients in the Gef+C and Gef arms, respectively ( P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Adding pemetrexed and carboplatin chemotherapy to gefitinib significantly prolonged PFS and OS but increased toxicity in patients with NSCLC.
Palbociclib in Patients With Pancreatic and Biliary Cancer WithCDKN2AAlterations: Results From the Targeted Agent and Profiling Utilization Registry Study
Authors: Al Baghdadi Tareq , Halabi Susan , Garrett-Mayer Elizabeth , Mangat Pam K. , Ahn Eugene R. , Sahai Vaibhav , Alvarez Ricardo H. , Kim Edward S. , Yost Kathleen J. , Rygiel Andrew Lawrence , Antonelli Kaitlyn R. , Butler Nicole L. , Bruinooge Suanna S. , Schilsky Richard L.
Published: August 2019

PURPOSE

The Targeted Agent and Profiling Utilization Registry (TAPUR) Study identifies signals of antitumor activity of commercially available targeted agents in patients with advanced cancers that harbor genomic alterations known as drug targets. In this article, data from two cohorts of patients with pancreatic and biliary cancers with CDKN2A loss or mutation treated with palbociclib are reported.

METHODS

Eligible patients age 12 years and older with advanced measurable or evaluable solid tumors are provided treatment according to protocol-specified genomic matching rules. The primary study end point is objective response or stable disease of at least 16 weeks duration. For each cohort, a Simon two-stage design was used with a futility evaluation after 10 patients. Secondary end points include safety, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Between July 2016 and November 2017, 12 and 10 patients with pancreatic and biliary cancer, respectively, with CDKN2A loss or mutation were treated with palbociclib. Twenty evaluable patients (10 per cohort) were included in the analysis. No patients had objective response or stable disease at 16 weeks, and both cohorts were closed. Two patients, neither with response, were determined to be ineligible. All patients were evaluated for safety, PFS, and OS. A median PFS of 7.2 weeks (90% CI, 4.0 to 8.0 weeks) and median OS of 12.4 weeks (90% CI, 4.7 to 23.1 weeks) were observed in the pancreatic cohort. A median PFS of 7.3 weeks (90% CI, 3.9 to 7.9 weeks) and median OS of 11.1 weeks (90% CI, 5.1 to 14.0 weeks) were observed in the biliary cohort. No unexpected toxicities were observed.

CONCLUSION

Palbociclib monotherapy does not have clinical activity in patients with advanced pancreatic or biliary cancers with CDKN2A loss or mutation. Toxicity is similar to reported experience with palbociclib in other tumor types.
RNA-seq reveals disruption in honey bee gene regulation when caged and deprived of hive conditions
Authors: Alburaki Mohamed , Karim Shahid , Lamour Kurt , Adamczyk John , Stewart Scott D.
Published: August 2019

In this study, we present phenotypic and genetic data characterizing the impact of Imidacloprid and caging stress on honey bee Apis mellifera physiological responses and regulation of 45 genes using targeted-RNA seq. The term (caging stress) characterizes the effects resulting from depriving honey bees of all hive aspects and conditions. Two cohorts of one-day-old sister bees were subjected to different conditions. One cohort was caged and fed different imidacloprid-tainted sugar solutions and the second was marked and introduced back to its natal hive. Physiological bee parameters and diet behavior were monitored daily for caged bees over weeks. Bee samples from both cohorts were sampled weekly for RNA sequencing and oxidative stress analyses. Imidacloprid induced significant protein damage and post-ingestive aversion responses in caged bees leading to lower tainted syrup consumption and higher water intake compared to the controls. No differentially expressed genes were observed among caged bees in regards to imidacloprid treatment. However, significant upregulation in antioxidant genes was recorded in caged bees as compared to hive bees, with overwhelming downregulation in all gene categories in caged bees at week 4. We identified 2 sets of genes constantly regulated in caged bees, including Rsod with unknown function in insects that could potentially characterize caging stress in honey bees.
Pol5 is an essential ribosome biogenesis factor required for 60S ribosomal subunit maturation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Ramos-Sáenz Ana , González-Álvarez Daniel , Rodríguez-Galán Olga , Rodríguez-Gil Alfonso , Gaspar Sonia G. , Villalobo Eduardo , Dosil Mercedes , de la Cruz Jesús
Published: August 2019

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, more than 250 trans-acting factors are involved in the maturation of 40S and 60S ribosomal subunits. The expression of most of these factors is transcriptionally coregulated to ensure correct ribosome production under a wide variety of environmental and intracellular conditions. Here, we identified the essential nucleolar Pol5 protein as a novel trans-acting factor required for the synthesis of 60S ribosomal subunits. Pol5 weakly and/or transiently associates with early to medium pre-60S ribosomal particles. Depletion of and temperature-sensitive mutations in Pol5 result in a deficiency of 60S ribosomal subunits and accumulation of half-mer polysomes. Both processing of 27SB pre-rRNA to mature 25S rRNA and release of pre-60S ribosomal particles from the nucle(ol)us to the cytoplasm are impaired in the Pol5-depleted strain. Moreover, we identified the genes encoding ribosomal proteins uL23 and eL27A as multicopy suppressors of the slow growth of a temperature-sensitive pol5 mutant. These results suggest that Pol5 could function in ensuring the correct folding of 25S rRNA domain III; thus, favoring the correct assembly of these two ribosomal proteins at their respective binding sites into medium pre-60S ribosomal particles. Pol5 is homologous to the human tumor suppressor Myb-binding protein 1A (MYBBP1A). However, expression of MYBBP1A failed to complement the lethal phenotype of a pol5 null mutant strain though interfered with 60S ribosomal subunit biogenesis.
The Paradigm of Education in the Era of Knowledge Management at the Stage of the Sixth Technological Mode
Authors: Кауфман Наталья , Kaufman Natal'ya
Published: August 2019

The article deals with the principles of knowledge formation and their interaction with the educational process at the stage of the sixth technological mode in the economy. The article gives the analysis of educational institutions of higher education since the beginning of the last century, the concept of “education” from the point of view of the employee, the employer and the state, the problems in the educational system are identified. The reasons for the lagging of the Russian knowledge economy from international needs are considered. The technological structures, the role and importance of knowledge management are characterized, the prerequisites that distinguish a competitive employee of an effective organization are considered. The role of changes in the level of knowledge in the development of professional potential of the employee is shown, the world experience of economic approaches to knowledge management and their advantages are considered. As a result, it is concluded that knowledge management is the basis for the development of the information society at the stage of the sixth technological order.