bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of telegram‐based virtual education versus in‐person education on the quality of life in adolescents with moderate‐to‐severe asthma: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Faraji Shiva , Valizadeh Sousan , Sharifi Akbar , Shahbazi Shahla , Ghojazadeh Morteza
Published: June 2020

Aim

In recent years, mobile applications have been developed for health education purposes. The aim of this study was to determine whether Telegram‐based virtual education versus in‐person education can be effective for improving the quality of life in adolescents with moderate‐to‐severe asthma.

Design

A single‐blind randomized trial.

Methods

Participants were 64 adolescents aged 12–19 years and were equally assigned randomly to group A (Telegram‐based education) and group B (in‐person education) during 22 June 2017–19 February 2018. The educational contents were similar for both groups. The Mini Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire was used prior to intervention and 5 weeks postintervention for both groups of adolescents.

Results

A statistically significant increase was observed in the quality of life in both groups (p < .001). After controlling the quality‐of‐life scores, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the mean score for the quality of life and its domains (p < .05).
Effect of preparation method on the properties of polylactide/cellulose nanocrystal nanocomposites
Authors: Arslan Dogan , Vatansever Emre , Sarul Deniz Sema , Kahraman Yusuf , Gunes Gurbuz , Durmus Ali , Nofar Mohammadreza
Published: June 2020

Polylactide (PLA)/cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) nanocomposites with 1, 3, and 5 wt% CNC contents were prepared through (a) solution casting and (b) dilution of solution‐casted PLA/CNC masterbatch though melt mixing in a twin‐screw extruder. The effect of preparation method on the CNC dispersion quality and hence the final properties of the nanocomposites were studied. A better CNC dispersion within PLA was obtained when using solution casting method, whereas the formation of CNC agglomerates was observed in the melt‐processed nanocomposites. The rheological results confirmed that a solid network was formed at the CNC content of around 3 wt% in the solution‐casted samples. The PLA crystallization could also be enhanced differently in the presence of CNC nanoparticles through various preparation routes. Moreover, the CNC incorporation noticeably enhanced the storage modulus of PLA beyond its glass transition temperature. The oxygen permeability of PLA was also remarkably reduced with CNC by employing both methods.
Sulfonated co‐poly(ether imide)s with alkyne groups: Fabrication of crosslinked membranes and studies on PEM properties including MFC performance
Authors: Kumar Anaparthi Ganesh , Saha Sayantani , Tiwari Bikash Ranjan , Ghangrekar Makarand M. , Das Anuja , Mukherjee Rabibrata , Banerjee Susanta
Published: June 2020

A new diamine monomer having alkyne side‐groups (DADAF) has been successfully synthesized, and it was used to prepare a series of sulfonated co‐polyimides (DFN‐XX) when reacted with 1,4,5,8‐naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride along with different mole% of 4,4′‐diaminostilbene‐2,2′‐disulfonic acid. The membrane was made from the copolymers by solution casting route, and one of the copolymers DFN‐70 was used to prepare crosslinked membranes by adding a different amount of 1,6‐hexanediazide during solution casting step. The morphological transformation from non‐crosslinked S‐coPI to crosslinked S‐coPI was observed by employing transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and small‐angle X‐ray scattering analyses. Compared to the non‐crosslinked DFN‐XX membranes, crosslinked DFN‐70 copolymer membranes showed low water uptake and improved mechanical and peroxide radical stability. Also, crosslinked DFN‐70 copolymer membranes showed significantly higher proton conductivities (0.004‐0.06 S cm−1) compared to those of DFN‐70 (0.003‐0.05 S cm−1) particularly, at 80°C when the relative humidity increased from 40% to 98%. Furthermore, crosslinked DFN‐70 copolymer membranes exhibited significantly enhanced performance in a microbial fuel cell (MFC) as compared to those of non‐crosslinked DFN‐70 membrane.
Living with long‐term consequences: Experience of follow‐up care and support needs among Asian long‐term colorectal cancer survivors
Authors: Yoon Sungwon , Chua Teck Beng , Tan Iain Beehuat , Matchar David , Ong Marcus Eng Hock , Tan Emile
Published: June 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to provide an in‐depth exploration of follow‐up care experiences and supportive care needs in long‐term colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors within multiethnic Asian communities.

Methods

Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews were conducted on a purposive sample of 30 long‐term CRC survivors who had completed all treatment without recurrence ranging 2 to 17 years in Singapore. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted following grounded theory approach.

Results

Four themes represented the experience of the Asian long‐term CRC survivors: (a) living with long‐term consequences, (b) dealing with unceasing adaptation demands, (c) navigating a healthcare journey with limited direction, (d) regaining mastery through adversity. CRC and its treatment had profound physical impacts on some long‐term survivors and these effected their psychological well‐being. A sense of abandonment and vulnerability following the cessation of a 5‐year follow‐up care was repeatedly expressed. Participants defined recovery from CRC as not merely surviving but also having high physical function and full independence. They often sought less conventional remedies and medicine based on cultural beliefs rather than current evidence. Participants noted pervasive social stigma associated with CRC that impeded their inclusion in the workforce.

Conclusions

Asian long‐term CRC survivors experienced multiple challenges and needs relating to the care experience, information provision and workforce stigmatization, and several of which were unique to the Asian context. Future work will need to consider the implementation of culturally tailored cancer survivorship care plans that incorporate the specific needs of Asian CRC survivors.
Self‐management in older people living with cancer and multi‐morbidity: A systematic review and synthesis of qualitative studies
Authors: Corbett Teresa , Cummings Amanda , Calman Lynn , Farrington Naomi , Fenerty Vicky , Foster Claire , Richardson Alison , Wiseman Theresa , Bridges Jackie
Published: June 2020

Objective

Many older people with cancer live with multimorbidity. Little is understood about the cumulative impact of old age, cancer and multimorbidity on self‐management. This qualitative systematic review and synthesis aimed to identify what influences self‐management from the perspective of older adults living with cancer and multimorbidity.

Methods

Six databases were systematically searched for primary qualitative research reporting older adults' experiences of living with cancer and multimorbidity (eg, Medline, Embase, and CINAHL). A thematic synthesis was guided by Shippee's model of cumulative complexity. Text labelled as results in the included papers was treated as data.

Results

Twenty‐eight studies were included. While the included studies varied in their focus, our analysis highlighted a number of important themes consistent across the studies. Health conditions with the greatest negative impact on independent living assumed the greatest importance, sometimes meaning their cancer was a low priority. Self‐management practices seen as likely to interfere with quality of life were deprioritized unless viewed as necessary to maintain independence. When burden outweighed capacity, people were reluctant to ask for help from others in their social network. The contribution of formal healthcare services to supporting self‐management was relatively peripheral.

Conclusions

Old age and multimorbidity together may complicate self‐management after cancer, threatening health and well‐being, creating burden and diminishing capacity. Older adults prioritized self‐management practices they considered most likely to enable them to continue to live independently.

The protocol was registered with Prospero (CRD42018107272).
Acute and chronic toxicity of deltamethrin, permethrin, and dihaloacetylated heterocyclic pyrethroids in mice
Authors: Zhu Qiuyan , Yang Yang , Lao Zhiting , Zhong Yingying , Zhang Kun , Zhao Suqing
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Pyrethroids, a class of insecticides, that act on the nervous system of insects. Frequent consumption of foods with pyrethroid residues increase the risk of developmental and neurological diseases in humans. Assessing the toxicity of novel synthetic pyrethroids to mammals is also critical to the development of agrochemicals.

RESULTS

Using mice as models, the acute and chronic toxicity of deltamethrin, permethrin, dihaloacetylated pyrethroids to mammals was researched by gavage administration. Acute toxicity assessment displayed that the median lethal dose (LD50) of deltamethrin, permethrin and dihaloacetylated heterocyclic pyrethroids DCA‐O, DCA‐01, and DCA‐11 tested were greater than 500 mg/kg of weight. Furthermore, chronic toxicity assessment demonstrated that deltamethrin, permethrin caused epidermal damage near the genitals, while dihaloacetylated heterocyclic pyrethroids DCA‐O, DCA‐01, and DCA‐11 showed no relevant symptoms. However, both the acute and chronic toxicity assessment suggested that pyrethroids exposure induced mice loss weight. Additionally, the elevated plus maze (EPM) test showed that pyrethroids caused anxiety‐like behaviors and no motor defects in Kunming mice. Beside, during the sucrose preference test (SPT), 60‐day pyrethroids exposure increased excitatory behaviors in mice. However, the neurochemical studies displayed that pyrethroids exposure increased the total amount of glutamate (Gln), glutamine (Glu) and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the mice's blood.

CONCLUSION

Pyrethroids exposure induced weight loss in mice, although the acute oral toxicity of deltamethrin, permethrin and dihaloacetylated heterocyclic pyrethroids DCA‐O, DCA‐01, and DCA‐11 was low. However, regarding chronic toxicity, deltamethrin, permethrin and dihaloacetylated heterocyclic pyrethroids DCA‐O, DCA‐01, and DCA‐11 induced anxiety‐like behaviors, excitatory behaviors, Gln‐Glu‐GABA circulatory dysfunction in blood. Particularly, deltamethrin, though permethrin also had reproductive toxicity. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
After the reflexive turn in migration studies: Towards the doing migration approach
Authors: Amelina Anna
Published: June 2020

What processes transform (im)mobile individuals into ‘migrants’ and geographic movements across political‐territorial borders into ‘migration’? Addressing this question, the article develops the doing migration approach that combines socio constructivist, praxeological and the sociology of knowledge and performativity perspectives. ‘Doing migration’ starts with the processes of social attribution that separate between ‘migrants’ and ‘nonmigrants’ and that are embedded into institutional, organisational and interactional routines which generate unique social order(s) of migration. Illustrating these conceptual ideas, the article provides insights into the elements of the contemporary European order of ‘migration’. The institutional routines contribute to the emergence of the European migration regime that includes narratives of economisation, securitisation and humanitarisation. The organisational routines of European migration order realise bordering, surveillance and othering contributing to the disciplining effects on those defined as ‘migrants’. Furthermore, the routines of daily face‐to‐face interactions generate various microforms of ‘migration’ by stigmatisation, while also giving the potential to resist the social attribution as ‘migrant’.
On monitoring industrial processes under feedback control
Authors: Capaci Francesca , Vanhatalo Erik , Palazoglu Ahmet , Bergquist Bjarne , Kulahci Murat
Published: June 2020

The concurrent use of statistical process control and engineering process control involves monitoring manipulated and controlled variables. One multivariate control chart may handle the statistical monitoring of all variables, but observing the manipulated and controlled variables in separate control charts may improve understanding of how disturbances and the controller performance affect the process. In this article, we illustrate how step and ramp disturbances manifest themselves in a single‐input–single‐output system by studying their resulting signatures in the controlled and manipulated variables. The system is controlled by variations of the widely used proportional‐integral‐derivative(PID) control scheme. Implications for applying control charts for these scenarios are discussed.
Mycobacterium avium pleuritis with multiple nodules in the pleura
Authors: Ogata Hiroaki , Harada Eiji , Takao Tomoaki , Ijichi Kayo , Hamada Naoki , Matsumoto Koichiro
Published: June 2020

As opposed to tuberculosis, pleurisy hardly develops in patients with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection. In spite of increasing prevalence of NTM infection, little is known about thoracoscopic or pathological findings of the NTM‐infected pleura. We now report the first case of NTM pleuritis with multiple granulomatous nodules in the pleura. A 74‐year‐old woman was admitted to our hospital due to massive effusion of the left thoracic cavity. The analysis of pleural fluid showed lymphocytic exudative effusions with increased levels of adenosine deaminase, although culture of the pleural fluid was negative. The patient accordingly underwent thoracoscopy, which revealed multiple pleural nodules. Biopsy of the nodules demonstrated epithelioid cell granulomas without caseous necrosis. In addition, culture of the biopsy specimens confirmed infection by Mycobacterium avium. As culture of pleural fluid often fails to detect NTM pathogens, demonstration of pleural nodules during thoracoscopy can contribute to prompt diagnosis and treatment of NTM pleuritis.
Novel Skutterudite CoP3–Based Asymmetric Supercapacitor with Super High Energy Density
Authors: Jiang Jing , Li Zhipeng , He Xinrui , Hu Yalin , Li Fu , Huang Pei , Wang Chao
Published: June 2020

Skutterudite CoP3 holds a unique structural formation that exhibits much better electronic properties for obtaining high energy density supercapacitors. Herein, novel skutterudite Ni–CoP3 nanosheets are constructed by etching and coprecipitating at room temperature and subsequent low‐temperature phosphorization reaction. Benefiting from the enhanced electrical conductivity and more electroactive sites brought about by adjusting the electronic structure with Ni incorporating the Ni–CoP3 electrode with a battery‐type demonstrates an ultrahigh specific capacity of 0.7 mA h cm−2 and exceptional cycling stability. The asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device fabricated by employing Ni–CoP3 and activated carbon (AC) as positive and negative electrodes, resepectively, exhibits a remarkable high energy density of 89.6 Wh kg−1 at 796 W kg−1 and excellent stability of 93% after 10 000 cycles, due to the skutterudite structure. The skutterudite Ni–CoP3 shows a great potential to be an excellent next‐generation electrode candidate for supercapacitors and other energy storage devices.
Photo‐Stimulated Polychromatic Room Temperature Phosphorescence of Carbon Dots
Authors: Jiang Kai , Hu Sizhe , Wang Yuci , Li Zhongjun , Lin Hengwei
Published: June 2020

Single‐component multicolor luminescence, particularly phosphorescence materials are highly attractive both in numerous applications and in‐depth understanding the light‐emission processes, but formidable challenges still exist for preparing such materials. Herein, a very facile approach is reported to synthesize carbon dots (CDs) (named MP‐CDs) that exhibit multicolor fluorescence (FL), and more remarkably, multicolor long‐lived room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) under ambient conditions. The FL and RTP colors of the CDs powder are observed to change from blue to green and cyan to yellow, respectively, with the excitation wavelength shifting from 254 to 420 nm. Further studies demonstrate that the multicolor emissions can be attributed to the existence of multiple emitting centers in the CDs and the relatively higher reaction temperature plays a critical role for achieving RTP. Given the unique optical properties, a preliminary application of MP‐CDs in advanced anti‐counterfeiting is presented. This study not only proposes a strategy to prepare photo‐stimulated multicolor RTP materials, but also reveals great potentials of CDs in exploiting novel optical materials with unique properties.
Ethylen‐Tetrafluorethylen‐Folien unter Dauerlast
Authors: Beck Patrick T. J. , Tichelmann Karsten Ulrich
Published: June 2020

Folien des Fluorpolymers Ethylen/Tetrafluorethylen, kurz ETFE, weisen ein nichtlinear viskoelastisches Werkstoffverhalten auf. Zur Beschreibung dieses Verhaltens wird im vorliegenden Beitrag ein rheologisches Modell vorgestellt. Das zugrunde gelegte Burgers‐Modell wurde zur Berücksichtigung des Niveaus der Beanspruchung und der Temperatur um neue Modellparameter erweitert. Der Vergleich der experimentell ermittelten und der prognostizierten Dehnungs‐Zeitverläufe zeigt die Qualität des Modells für die Beschreibung von isothermen Dauerlastversuchen auf. Alle Parameter des Modells können aus isothermen Kurzzeit‐ und Dauerlastversuchen direkt an ETFE‐Folien bestimmt werden, wodurch die Anwendbarkeit des Modells in der Praxis gegeben ist. Des Weiteren können durch das vorgestellte Modell unter Anwendung eines modifizierten Superpositionsprinzips auch lang andauernde, nicht konstante Beanspruchungsverläufe unter gleichbleibender Temperatur beschrieben werden. Die Modellierung von in isothermen Lastwiederholungsversuchen gemessenen Dehnungen gelingt sowohl qualitativ als auch für die praktische Anwendung ausreichend quantitativ. Die Fragestellung des Einflusses des anisothermen, natürlichen Klimas auf das zeitabhängige Werkstoffverhalten wurde in mehrjährigen Dauerlastversuchen untersucht. Die aus diesen Versuchen abgeleitete äquivalente Temperatur bietet einen Ansatzpunkt für die in der Bemessungsaufgabe zu berücksichtigenden Bauteiltemperaturen.
Structural member stability verification in the new Part 1‐1 of the second generation of Eurocode 3
Authors: Knobloch Markus , Bureau Alain , Kuhlmann Ulrike , Simões da Silva Luís , Snijder Hubertus. H. , Taras Andreas , Bours Anna‐Lena , Jörg Fabian
Published: June 2020

This two‐part article gives an overview of the developments of the structural member verification in prEN 1993‐1‐1:2020 ”Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures – part 1‐1: General rules and rules for buildings“, one of the second generation of Eurocodes. These developments were undertaken by Working Group 1 (WG1) of Subcommittee CEN/TC250/SC3 and by Project Team 1 (SC3.PT1) responsible for drafting the new version of EN 1993‐1‐1. In the past, WG1 collected many topics needing improvement, and the systematic review conducted every five years also yielded topics needing further development. Based on this, the current version of EN 1993‐1‐1 has been developed into a new draft version prEN 1993‐1‐1:2020 enhancing ”ease of use“. The technical content of this new draft was laid down at the end of 2019. Many improvements to design rules have been established with respect to structural analysis, resistance of cross‐sections and stability of members. This two‐part article focuses on member stability design rules and deals with the basis for the calibration of partial factors, the introduction of more economic design rules for semi‐compact sections, methods for structural analysis in relation to the appropriate member stability design rules, new design rules for lateral torsional buckling plus other developments and innovations. This second part of the article is dedicated to illustrating the most relevant changes to member buckling design rules.
The epitranscriptome landscape of small noncoding RNAs in stem cells
Authors: McElhinney James M.W.R. , Hasan Ayesha , Sajini Abdulrahim A.
Published: June 2020

Stem cells (SCs) are unique cells that have an inherent ability to self-renew or differentiate. Both fate decisions are strongly regulated at the molecular level via intricate signaling pathways. The regulation of signaling networks promoting self-renewal or differentiation was thought to be largely governed by the action of transcription factors. However, small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as vault RNAs, and their post-transcriptional modifications (the epitranscriptome) have emerged as additional regulatory layers with essential roles in SC fate decisions. RNA post-transcriptional modifications often modulate RNA stability, splicing, processing, recognition, and translation. Furthermore, modifications on small ncRNAs allow for dual regulation of RNA activity, at both the level of biogenesis and RNA-mediated actions. RNA post-transcriptional modifications act through structural alterations and specialized RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) called writers, readers, and erasers. It is through SC-context RBPs that the epitranscriptome coordinates specific functional roles. Small ncRNA post-transcriptional modifications are today exploited by different mechanisms to facilitate SC translational studies. One mechanism readily being studied is identifying how SC-specific RBPs of small ncRNAs regulate fate decisions. Another common practice of using the epitranscriptome for regenerative applications is using naturally occurring post-transcriptional modifications on synthetic RNA to generate induced pluripotent SCs. Here, we review exciting insights into how small ncRNA post-transcriptional modifications control SC fate decisions in development and disease. We hope, by illustrating how essential the epitranscriptome and their associated proteome are in SCs, they would be considered as novel tools to propagate SCs for regenerative medicine.
A review of Bayesian group selection approaches for linear regression models
Authors: Lai Wei‐Ting , Chen Ray‐Bing
Published: June 2020

Grouping selection arises naturally in many statistical modeling problems. Several group selection methods have been proposed in the last two decades. In this paper, we review the Bayesian group selection approaches for linear regression models. We start from the Bayesian indicator approach and then move to the Bayesian group LASSO methods. In addition, we also consider the Bayesian methods for the sparse group selection that can be treated as an extension of the group selection. Finally, we mention some extensions of Bayesian group selection for the generalized linear models and the multiple response models.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Dimension Reduction

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Bayesian Methods and Theory

Statistical Models > Model Selection
The Babel of Drugs: On the Consequences of Evidential Pluralism in Pharmaceutical Regulation and Regulatory Data Journeys
Authors: Tempini Niccolò , Teira David
Published: June 2020

Throughout the last century, pharmaceutical regulators all over the world have used various methods to test medical treatments. From 1962 until 2016, the Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT) was the reference test for most regulatory agencies. Today, the standards are about to change, and in this chapter we draw on the idea of the data journey to illuminate the trade-offs involved. The 21st Century Cures Act (21CCA) allows for the use of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) for the assessment of different treatment indications for already approved drugs. This might arguably shorten the testing period, bringing treatments to patients faster. Yet, EHR are not generated for testing purposes and no amount of standardization and curation can fully make up for their potential flaws as evidence of safety and efficacy. The more noise in the data, the more mistakes regulators are likely to make in granting market access to new drugs. In this paper we will discuss the different dimensions of this journey: the different sources and levels of curation involved, the speed at which they can travel, and the level of risk of regulatory error involved as compared with the RCT standard. We are going to defend that what counts as evidence, at the end of the journey, depends on the risk definition and threshold regulators work with.
Most Often, What Is Transmitted Is Transformed
Authors: Porter Theodore M.
Published: June 2020

This short interlude prompts reflection on the transformations involved in data mobilization through a vivid discussion of the changing circumstances of the visualization of data about family histories of mental illness – and their interpretation in relation to questions around inheritability and underpinning biological causes – through graphs and tables produced between the mid-nineteenth century and the early twentieth century.
From Dirty Data to Tidy Facts: Clustering Practices in Plant Phenomics and Business Cycle Analysis
Authors: Boumans Marcel , Leonelli Sabina
Published: June 2020

This chapter considers and compares the ways in which two types of data, economic observations and phenotypic data in plant science, are prepared for use as evidence for claims about phenomena such as business cycles and gene-environment interactions. We focus on what we call “cleaning by clustering” procedures, and investigate the principles underpinning this kind of cleaning. These cases illustrate the epistemic significance of preparing data for use as evidence in both the social and natural sciences. At the same time, the comparison points to differences and similarities between data cleaning practices, which are grounded in the characteristics of the objects of interests as well as the conceptual commitments, community standards and research tools used by economics and plant science towards producing and validating claims.
Introduction
Authors: Bulaitis Zoe Hope
Published: June 2020

This introductory chapter provides an overview of styles of argument concerning the value of the humanities in England. These include critical university studies, the public value of the humanities, and social impact work. This chapter defines the contemporary period discussed in the book (2008–18) as being predominantly economically minded in terms of educational policymaking. This chapter presents the overarching methodology of this book, in drawing out the most relevant correspondences between nineteenth century and the present day thought concerning the value of higher education. This introduces a central argument of this book that understanding the relationship between liberalism and neoliberalism can be understood in terms of inheritances, echoes, and missed opportunities.
Defining a Centiloid scale threshold predicting long-term progression to dementia in patients attending the memory clinic: an [18F] flutemetamol amyloid PET study
Authors: Hanseeuw Bernard J. , Malotaux Vincent , Dricot Laurence , Quenon Lisa , Sznajer Yves , Cerman Jiri , Woodard John L. , Buckley Christopher , Farrar Gill , Ivanoiu Adrian , Lhommel Renaud
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To evaluate cerebral amyloid-β(Aβ) pathology in older adults with cognitive complaints, visual assessment of PET images is approved as the routine method for image interpretation. In research studies however, Aβ-PET semi-quantitative measures are associated with greater risk of progression to dementia; but until recently, these measures lacked standardization. Therefore, the Centiloid scale, providing standardized Aβ-PET semi-quantitation, was recently validated. We aimed to determine the predictive values of visual assessments and Centiloids in non-demented patients, using long-term progression to dementia as our standard of truth.

Methods

One hundred sixty non-demented participants (age, 54–86) were enrolled in a monocentric [18F] flutemetamol Aβ-PET study. Flutemetamol images were interpreted visually following the manufacturers recommendations. SUVr values were converted to the Centiloid scale using the GAAIN guidelines. Ninety-eight persons were followed until dementia diagnosis or were clinically stable for a median of 6 years (min = 4.0; max = 8.0). Twenty-five patients with short follow-up (median = 2.0 years; min = 0.8; max = 3.9) and 37 patients with no follow-up were excluded. We computed ROC curves predicting subsequent dementia using baseline PET data and calculated negative (NPV) and positive (PPV) predictive values.

Results

In the 98 participants with long follow-up, Centiloid = 26 provided the highest overall predictive value = 87% (NPV = 85%, PPV = 88%). Visual assessment corresponded to Centiloid = 40, which predicted dementia with an overall predictive value = 86% (NPV = 81%, PPV = 92%). Inclusion of the 25 patients who only had a 2-year follow-up decreased the PPV = 67% (NPV = 88%), reflecting the many positive cases that did not progress to dementia after short follow-ups.

Conclusion

A Centiloid threshold = 26 optimally predicts progression to dementia 6 years after PET. Visual assessment provides similar predictive value, with higher specificity and lower sensitivity.

Trial registration

Eudra-CT number: 2011-001756-12
Role of galectin-glycan circuits in reproduction: from healthy pregnancy to preterm birth (PTB)
Authors: Blois Sandra M. , Verlohren Stefan , Wu Gang , Clark Gary , Dell Anne , Haslam Stuart M. , Barrientos Gabriela
Published: June 2020

Growing evidence suggests that galectins, an evolutionarily conserved family of glycan-binding proteins, fulfill key roles in pregnancy including blastocyst implantation, maternal-fetal immune tolerance, placental development, and maternal vascular expansion, thereby establishing a healthy environment for the growing fetus. In this review, we comprehensively present the function of galectins in shaping cellular circuits that characterize a healthy pregnancy. We describe the current understanding of galectins in term and preterm labor and discuss how the galectin-glycan circuits contribute to key immunological pathways sustaining maternal tolerance and preventing microbial infections. A deeper understanding of the glycoimmune pathways regulating early events in preterm birth could offer the broader translational potential for the treatment of this devastating syndrome.
Impact of previous transurethral prostate surgery on health-related quality of life after radical prostatectomy: Does the interval between surgeries matter?
Authors: Chaloupka Michael , Figura Franka , Weinhold Philipp , Jokisch Friedrich , Westhofen Thilo , Pfitzinger Paulo , Bischoff Robert , Magistro Giuseppe , Strittmatter Frank , Becker Armin , Ormanns Steffen , Schlenker Boris , Buchner Alexander , Stief Christian G. , Kretschmer Alexander
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To assess the impact of previous transurethral surgery for benign prostate enlargement (BPE) and time interval between procedures on functional outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after radical prostatectomy (RP).

Methods

A propensity score-matched patient cohort [n = 685, (513 without previous BPE surgery, 172 with BPE surgery)] was created and HRQOL was pre- and postoperatively assessed using validated questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30). Urinary continence was measured via ICIQ-SF questionnaire and pad usage. Multivariable analysis included binary logistic and Cox regression models (p < 0.05).

Results

Median follow-up was 18 months. There was no significant difference in recurrence-free survival in multivariate analysis (HR 0.66, 95%CI 0.40–1.07, p = 0.093). We observe higher mean ICIQ-SF scores (5.7 vs. 8.2, p < 0.001) and daily pad usage (1.3 vs. 2.5, p < 0.001), and decreased continence recovery (OR 0.46, 95%CI 0.30–0.71, p < 0.001) for patients with BPE surgery. Postoperative general HRQOL scores were significantly lower for patients with previous BPE surgery (70.6 vs. 63.4, p = 0.003). In multivariate analysis, continence recovery (OR 5.19, 95%CI 3.10–8.68, p < 0.001) but not previous BPE surgery (0.94, 0.57–1.54, p = 0.806) could be identified as independent predictors of good general HRQOL. There was no significant correlation between time interval between both surgeries and continence (p = 0.408), and HRQOL (p = 0.386) outcomes.

Conclusions

We observe favourable continence outcomes for patients without previous BPE surgery. Our results indicate that RP can be safely performed after transurethral BPE surgery, regardless of the time interval between both interventions.
ETMR: a tumor entity in its infancy
Authors: Lambo Sander , von Hoff Katja , Korshunov Andrey , Pfister Stefan M. , Kool Marcel
Published: June 2020

Embryonal tumor with Multilayered Rosettes (ETMR) is a relatively rare but typically deadly type of brain tumor that occurs mostly in infants. Since the discovery of the characteristic chromosome 19 miRNA cluster (C19MC) amplification a decade ago, the methods for diagnosing this entity have improved and many new insights in the molecular landscape of ETMRs have been acquired. All ETMRs, despite their highly heterogeneous histology, are characterized by specific high expression of the RNA-binding protein LIN28A, which is, therefore, often used as a diagnostic marker for these tumors. ETMRs have few recurrent genetic aberrations, mainly affecting the miRNA pathway and including amplification of C19MC (embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes, C19MC-altered) and mutually exclusive biallelic DICER1 mutations of which the first hit is typically inherited through the germline (embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes, DICER1-altered). Identification of downstream pathways affected by the deregulated miRNA machinery has led to several proposed potential therapeutical vulnerabilities including targeting the WNT, SHH, or mTOR pathways, MYCN or chromosomal instability. However, despite those findings, treatment outcomes have only marginally improved, since the initial description of this tumor entity. Many patients do not survive longer than a year after diagnosis and the 5-year overall survival rate is still lower than 30%. Thus, there is an urgent need to translate the new insights in ETMR biology into more effective treatments. Here, we present an overview of clinical and molecular characteristics of ETMRs and the current progress on potential targeted therapies.
Poroelastic model parameter identification using artificial neural networks: on the effects of heterogeneous porosity and solid matrix Poisson ratio
Authors: Dehghani Hamidreza , Zilian Andreas
Published: June 2020

Predictive analysis of poroelastic materials typically require expensive and time-consuming multiscale and multiphysics approaches, which demand either several simplifications or costly experimental tests for model parameter identification.This problem motivates us to develop a more efficient approach to address complex problems with an acceptable computational cost. In particular, we employ artificial neural network (ANN) for reliable and fast computation of poroelastic model parameters. Based on the strong-form governing equations for the poroelastic problem derived from asymptotic homogenisation, the weighted residuals formulation of the cell problem is obtained. Approximate solution of the resulting linear variational boundary value problem is achieved by means of the finite element method. The advantages and downsides of macroscale properties identification via asymptotic homogenisation and the application of ANN to overcome parameter characterisation challenges caused by the costly solution of cell problems are presented. Numerical examples, in this study, include spatially dependent porosity and solid matrix Poisson ratio for a generic model problem, application in tumour modelling, and utilisation in soil mechanics context which demonstrate the feasibility of the presented framework.
Early surgery for superficial supratentorial spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: a Finnish Intensive Care Consortium study
Authors: Luostarinen Teemu , Satopää Jarno , Skrifvars Markus B , Reinikainen Matti , Bendel Stepani , Curtze Sami , Sibolt Gerli , Martinez-Majander Nicolas , Raj Rahul
Published: June 2020

Background

The benefits of early surgery in cases of superficial supratentorial spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are unclear. This study aimed to assess the association between early ICH surgery and outcome, as well as the cost-effectiveness of early ICH surgery.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, register-based multicenter study that included all patients who had been treated for supratentorial spontaneous ICH in four tertiary intensive care units in Finland between 2003 and 2013. To be included, patients needed to have experienced supratentorial ICHs that were 10–100 cm3 and located within 10 mm of the cortex. We used a multivariable analysis, adjusting for the severity of the illness and the probability of surgical treatment, to assess the independent association between early ICH surgery (≤ 1 day), 12-month mortality rates, and the probability of survival without permanent disability. In addition, we assessed the cost-effectiveness of ICH surgery by examining the effective cost per 1-year survivor (ECPS) and per independent survivor (ECPIS).

Results

Of 254 patients, 27% were in the early surgery group. Overall 12-month mortality was 39%, while 29% survived without a permanent disability. According to our multivariable analysis, early ICH surgery was associated with lower 12-month mortality rates (odds ratio [OR] 0.22, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.10–0.51), but not with a higher probability of survival without permanent disability (OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.59–2.56). For the early surgical group, the ECPS and ECPIS were €111,409 and €334,227, respectively. For the non-surgical cohort, the ECPS and ECPIS were €76,074 and €141,471, respectively.

Conclusions

Early surgery for superficial ICH is associated with a lower 12-month mortality risk but not with a higher probability of survival without a permanent disability. Further, costs were higher and cost-effectiveness was, thus, worse for the early surgical cohort.
Using machine learning to assess the predictive potential of standardized nursing data for home healthcare case-mix classification
Authors: de Korte Maud H. , Verhoeven Gertjan S. , Elissen Arianne M. J. , Metzelthin Silke F. , Ruwaard Dirk , Mikkers Misja C.
Published: June 2020

Background

The Netherlands is currently investigating the feasibility of moving from fee-for-service to prospective payments for home healthcare, which would require a suitable case-mix system. In 2017, health insurers mandated a preliminary case-mix system as a first step towards generating information on client differences in relation to care use. Home healthcare providers have also increasingly adopted standardized nursing terminology (SNT) as part of their electronic health records (EHRs), providing novel data for predictive modelling.

Objective

To explore the predictive potential of SNT data for improvement of the existing preliminary Dutch case-mix classification for home healthcare utilization.

Methods

We extracted client-level data from the EHRs of a large home healthcare provider, including data from the existing Dutch case-mix system, SNT data (specifically, NANDA-I) and the hours of home healthcare provided. We evaluated the predictive accuracy of the case-mix system and the SNT data separately, and combined, using the machine learning algorithm Random Forest.

Results

The case-mix system had a predictive performance of 22.4% cross-validated R-squared and 6.2% cross-validated Cumming’s Prediction Measure (CPM). Adding SNT data led to a substantial relative improvement in predicting home healthcare hours, yielding 32.1% R-squared and 15.4% CPM.

Discussion

The existing preliminary Dutch case-mix system distinguishes client needs to some degree, but not sufficiently. The results indicate that routinely collected SNT data contain sufficient additional predictive value to warrant further research for use in case-mix system design.
Synthesis and Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Mimosine-Containing Peptides
Authors: Bąchor Remigiusz , Randaccio Enrico , Lachowicz Joanna I. , Stefanowicz Piotr , Nurchi Valeria M. , Szewczuk Zbigniew
Published: June 2020

Non-proteinogenic amino acids are widely explored group of compounds due to their chemical properties and great potential of application in the combinatorial chemistry, medicinal investigation etc. Therefore the synthetic methods of their incorporation to the peptide chain are required. l-Mimosine, (S)-α-amino-β-(3-hydoxy-4-oxo-1,4-dihydropyridin-1-yl)-propanoic acid), is a plant amino acid, known to induce apoptosis in human pancreatic cancer xenografts. Here we present our investigations on the synthesis of mimosine-containing peptide and their ESI-MS/MS analysis. We successfully applied Fmoc-protected mimosine a with a free hydroxy ketone group for efficient peptide synthesis in the presence of HATU as a coupling reagent without the formation of side products. Additionally the tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed the characteristic loss of the heterocyclic ring from mimosine residue side chain. The described method allows insertion of mimosine residue at any endo-position within a peptide sequence. The obtained results may be useful in the synthesis and mass spectrometry analysis of various mimosine-containing peptides.
The economic and environmental effects of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Collaborative Development Strategy— taking Hebei Province as an example
Authors: Zhang Rongxia , Dong Suocheng , Li Zehong
Published: June 2020

In 2014, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Collaborative Development Strategy (hereinafter the Jing-Jin-Ji Strategy) was formally proposed as a major national strategy, providing an unprecedented opportunity for the overall development of Hebei. This article evaluates the treatment effects of the Jing-Jin-Ji Strategy on Hebei’s economy and environment. Employing a panel data program evaluation method developed by Hsiao et al. (2012), we construct hypothetical counterfactuals for the GDP growth rate, the percentage of tertiary industry in GDP, and the geographic mean PM2.5 concentrations for Hebei in the absence of the Jing-Jin-Ji Strategy using the outcomes of selected untreated provinces. The results show that the Jing-Jin-Ji Strategy increased the percentage of tertiary industry in GDP by an average of 2.53 percentage points per year between 2014 and 2018 and decreased the geographic mean PM2.5 concentrations by an average of 11.1 percentage points per year between 2014 and 2017. However, it does not appear to have had significant effects on Hebei’s GDP growth rate. The leave-one-out method demonstrates the robustness of the above results. This article suggests that Hebei should speed up its economic growth and bridge the gap with Beijing and Tianjin while ensuring the quality of its economic development and a sound ecological environment.
Treatment of Relapsed Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Thol Felicitas , Ganser Arnold
Published: June 2020

Opinion statement

Relapse is still a common scenario in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treatment and occurs in 40–50% of younger and the great majority of elderly patients. The prognosis in relapsed AML patients is generally poor but depends largely on the timing of relapse (early versus late) and the possibility of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). At the time of relapse, we again perform a mutational screening and cytogenetic analysis in all AML patients as clonal evolution of disease is frequent. Clinical trials should be first priority in all relapsed patients. In fit patients without prior transplant, we aim to perform HSCT after salvage therapy. In AML patients relapsing after HSCT and good performance status, intensive therapy can be considered with subsequent cellular therapy such as donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) or a second HSCT. However, less than 20% of these patients are alive after 5 years. For those patients that are unfit, the therapeutic aim is to prolong life with acceptable quality of life. Here, hypomethylating agents (HMA), low-dose AraC (LDAC), and solely cytoreductive therapy with hydroxurea are options depending on first-line therapy. For those patients that have not been treated with venetoclax in first line, the combination therapy of venetoclax with demethylating agents achieves encouraging response rates. Venetoclax is currently also studied in combination with intensive salvage therapy. Importantly, for patients with isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1/2–mutated AML, ivosidenib, an IDH1 inhibitor, and enasidenib, an IDH2 inhibitor, present well-tolerated options in the setting of refractory or relapsed (r/r) disease even in elderly and heavily pre-treated patients with response rates of 30–40%. Both substances have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for r/r AML patients with IDH1/2 mutations (but not yet by the European Medicines Agency (EMA)). For patients with FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) mutations, treatment with the selective FLT3 inhibitor gilteritinib is well tolerated and leads to improved outcome compared with standard salvage therapy. The approval has been granted by the FDA and the EMA. Generally, we would recommend targeted therapy for IDH1/2- and FLT3-mutated AML if available. In order to improve outcome in relapsed AML, it will be important to intelligently combine novel substances with each other as well as chemotherapy in prospective clinical trials. The development of therapies with bispecific antibodies or chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) are still in early development.
The clinical usefulness of the CTS5 in the prediction of late distant recurrence in postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive early breast cancer
Authors: Tajiri Wakako , Ijichi Hideki , Takizawa Katsumi , Koi Yumiko , Masuda Takanobu , Ueo Hiroki , Koga Chinami , Nakamura Yoshiaki , Taguchi Kenichi , Okamoto Masahiro , Tokunaga Eriko
Published: June 2020

Background

Clinical Treatment Score post-5 years (CTS5) is a promising prognostic tool to evaluate late distant recurrence (DR) risk for breast cancer after 5-year adjuvant endocrine therapy.

Patients and methods

Among 560 postmenopausal women with pathological stage I–III estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) primary breast cancer, 383 women who had received 5-year adjuvant endocrine therapy without any recurrence at 5 years after surgery were included in this study. The CTS5 was calculated for each patient using a previously published formula, and the patients were stratified by their CTS5 values into the low-, intermediate- and high-CTS5 risk groups.

Results

According to the CTS5, 205 (53.5%), 106 (27.7%) and 72 (18.8%) patients were classified into the low-, intermediate-, and high-CTS5 risk groups, respectively. A higher ER expression level was significantly associated with the low CTS5. The increased administration of adjuvant chemotherapy was significantly associated with a high CTS5. The occurrence of DR was higher in the intermediate and high CTS5 groups than in the low CTS5 group. The DRFS in the low CTS5 risk group was significantly better than that in the intermediate- or high-risk groups. In the ER-high or HER2-negative (HER2−) group, the DRFS in the low-risk group was significantly better than that of the intermediate- or high-risk groups. However, in the low-ER or HER2-positive group, there was no significant difference in DRFS among the three risk groups.

Conclusions

In postmenopausal women with ER+ breast cancer, low CTS5 was considered to be associated with a very low risk of late DR. Thus, extended endocrine therapy may be unnecessary for patients with low CTS5 scores. Extended endocrine therapy should be offered for patients with intermediate or high CTS5 scores, especially those with high-ER and HER2− breast cancer.