bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation, Characterization, and Application of Novel Ferric Oxide-Amine Material for Removal of Nitrate and Phosphate in Water
Authors: Nguyen Trung Thanh , Le Tri Thich , Phan Phuoc Toan , Nguyen Nhat Huy
Published: April 2020

Ferric oxide-amine material was synthesized and applied as a novel adsorbent for nitrate and phosphate removal from aqueous solution. The properties of ferric oxide-amine were examined using TGA, FTIR, BET, SEM, EDX, SEM-mapping, and XRD analysis. The results showed that the adsorption using ferric oxide-amine material reached equilibrium after 30 and 60 min for nitrate and phosphate, respectively. The highest nitrate and phosphate adsorption capacities were 131.4 mg nitrate/g at pH 5-6 and 42.1 mg phosphate/g at pH 6. The effects of adsorbent dosage, initial concentrations of nitrate and phosphate, and adsorption temperature were also investigated. Among the three adsorbents of ferric oxide-amine, ferric oxide, and Akualite A420 ion exchange resin, ferric oxide-amine material had the highest adsorption capacity for nitrate and phosphate removal. These results suggest a great potential use of ferric oxide-amine material for water treatment in practical applications.
One-Pot Preparation of Alumina-Modified Polysulfone-Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite Membrane for Separation of Emulsion-Oil from Wastewater
Authors: Nguyen Vuong Hoan T. , Nguyen Minh N. , Truong Tam T. , Nguyen Tien Trung , Doan Huan V. , Pham Xuan Nui
Published: April 2020

In recent years, polysulfone-based nanocomposite membranes have been widely used for contaminated water treatment because they comprise properties such as high thermal stability and chemical resistance. In this study, a polysulfone (PSf) nanocomposite membrane was fabricated using the wet-phase inversion method with the fusion of graphene oxide (GO) and alumina (Al2O3) nanoparticles. We also showed that GO-Al2O3 nanoparticles were synthesised successfully by using a one-pot hydrothermal method. The nanocomposite membranes were characterised by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and water contact angle. The loading of GO and Al2O3 was investigated to improve the hydrophilic and oil rejection of the matrix membrane. It was shown that by using 1.5 wt.% GO-Al2O3 loaded in polysulfone, ~74% volume of oil was separated from the oil/water emulsion at 0.87 bar and 30 min. This figure was higher than that of the process using the unmodified membrane (PSf/GO) at the same conditions, in which only ~60% volume of oil was separated. The pH, oil/water emulsion concentration, separation time, and irreversible fouling coefficient (FRw) were also investigated. The obtained results suggested that the GO-Al2O3 nanoparticles loaded in the polysulfone membrane might have potential use in oily wastewater treatment applications.
Nitroxide Radical-Containing Redox Nanoparticles Protect Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells against 6-Hydroxydopamine Toxicity
Authors: Pichla Monika , Pulaski Łukasz , Kania Katarzyna Dominika , Stefaniuk Ireneusz , Cieniek Bogumił , Pieńkowska Natalia , Bartosz Grzegorz , Sadowska-Bartosz Izabela
Published: April 2020

Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients can benefit from antioxidant supplementation, and new efficient antioxidants are needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of selected nitroxide-containing redox nanoparticles (NRNPs) in a cellular model of PD. Antioxidant properties of NRNPs were studied in cell-free systems by protection of dihydrorhodamine 123 against oxidation by 3-morpholino-sydnonimine and protection of fluorescein against bleaching by 2,2-azobis(2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride and sodium hypochlorite. Model blood-brain barrier penetration was studied using hCMEC/D3 cells. Human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, exposed to 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), were used as anin vitromodel of PD. Cells were preexposed to NRNPs or free nitroxides (TEMPO or 4-amino-TEMPO) for 2 h and treated with 6-OHDA for 1 h and 24 h. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was estimated with dihydroethidine 123 and Fluorimetric Mitochondrial Superoxide Activity Assay Kit. Glutathione level (GSH) was measured withortho-phtalaldehyde, ATP by luminometry, changes in mitochondrial membrane potential with JC-1, and mitochondrial mass with 10-Nonyl-Acridine Orange. NRNP1, TEMPO, and 4-amino-TEMPO (25-150 μM) protected SH-SY5Y cells from 6-OHDA-induced viability loss; the protection was much higher for NRNP1 than for free nitroxides. NRNP1 were better antioxidantsin vitroand permeated better the model BBB than free nitroxides. Exposure to 6-OHDA decreased the GSH level after 1 h and increased it considerably after 24 h (apparently a compensatory overresponse); NRNPs and free nitroxides prevented this increase. NRNP1 and free nitroxides prevented the decrease in ATP level after 1 h and increased it after 24 h. 6-OHDA increased the intracellular ROS level and mitochondrial superoxide level. Studied antioxidants mostly decreased ROS and superoxide levels. 6-OHDA decreased the mitochondrial potential and mitochondrial mass; both effects were prevented by NRNP1 and nitroxides. These results suggest that the mitochondria are the main site of 6-OHDA-induced cellular damage and demonstrate a protective effect of NRNP1 in a cellular model of PD.
Targeting Endoglin-Expressing Regulatory T Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment Enhances the Effect of PD1 Checkpoint Inhibitor Immunotherapy
Authors: Schoonderwoerd Mark J.A. , Koops Maaike F.M. , Angela Ricardo A. , Koolmoes Bryan , Toitou Melpomeni , Paauwe Madelon , Barnhoorn Marieke C. , Liu Yingmiao , Sier Cornelis F.M. , Hardwick James C.H. , Nixon Andrew B. , Theuer Charles P. , Fransen Marieke F. , Hawinkels Lukas J.A.C.
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

Endoglin is a coreceptor for TGFβ ligands that is highly expressed on proliferating endothelial cells and other cells in the tumor microenvironment. Clinical studies have noted increased programmed cell death (PD)-1 expression on cytotoxic T cells in the peripheral blood of patients with cancer treated with TRC105, an endoglin-targeting antibody. In this study, we investigated the combination of endoglin antibodies (TRC105 and M1043) with an anti-PD1 antibody.

Experimental Design:

The combination anti-endoglin/anti-PD1 antibodies was tested in four preclinical mouse models representing different stages of cancer development. To investigate the underlying mechanism, Fc-receptor–knockout mice were used complemented with depletion of multiple immune subsets in mice. Tumor growth and the composition of immune infiltrate were analyzed by flow cytometry. Finally, human colorectal cancer specimens were analyzed for presence of endoglin-expressing regulatory T cells (Treg).

Results:

In all models, the combination of endoglin antibody and PD1 inhibition produced durable tumor responses, leading to complete regressions in 30% to 40% of the mice. These effects were dependent on the presence of Fcγ receptors, indicating the involvement of antibody-dependent cytotoxic responses and the presence of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and CD4+ Th cells. Interestingly, treatment with the endoglin antibody, TRC105, significantly decreased the number of intratumoral Tregs. Endoglin-expressing Tregs were also detected in human colorectal cancer specimens.

Conclusions:

Taken together, these data provide a rationale for combining TRC105 and anti-PD1 therapy and provide additional evidence of endoglin's immunomodulatory role.
The NSD2 p.E1099K Mutation Is Enriched at Relapse and Confers Drug Resistance in a Cell Context–Dependent Manner in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Pierro Joanna , Saliba Jason , Narang Sonali , Sethia Gunjan , Saint Fleur-Lominy Shella , Chowdhury Ashfiyah , Qualls Anita , Fay Hannah , Kilberg Harrison L. , Moriyama Takaya , Fuller Tori J. , Teachey David T. , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Yang Jun J. , Loh Mignon L. , Brown Patrick A. , Zhang Jinghui , Ma Xiaotu , Tsirigos Aristotelis , Evensen Nikki A. , Carroll William L.
Published: April 2020

The NSD2 p.E1099K (EK) mutation is observed in 10% of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) samples with enrichment at relapse indicating a role in clonal evolution and drug resistance. To discover mechanisms that mediate clonal expansion, we engineered B-precursor ALL (B-ALL) cell lines (Reh, 697) to overexpress wildtype (WT) and EK NSD2, but observed no differences in proliferation, clonal growth, or chemosensitivity. To address whether NSD2 EK acts collaboratively with other pathways, we used short hairpin RNAs to knockdown expression of NSD2 in B-ALL cell lines heterozygous for NSD2 EK (RS4;11, RCH-ACV, SEM). Knockdown resulted in decreased proliferation in all lines, decreased clonal growth in RCH-ACV, and increased sensitivity to cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, although the pattern of drug sensitivity varied among cell lines implying that the oncogenic properties of NSD2 mutations are likely cell context specific and rely on cooperative pathways. Knockdown of both Type II and REIIBP EK isoforms had a greater impact than knockdown of Type II alone, suggesting that both SET containing EK isoforms contribute to phenotypic changes driving relapse. Furthermore, in vivo models using both cell lines and patient samples revealed dramatically enhanced proliferation of NSD2 EK compared with WT and reduced sensitivity to 6-mercaptopurine in the relapse sample relative to diagnosis. Finally, EK-mediated changes in chromatin state and transcriptional output differed dramatically among cell lines further supporting a cell context–specific role of NSD2 EK. These results demonstrate a unique role of NSD2 EK in mediating clonal fitness through pleiotropic mechanisms dependent on the genetic and epigenetic landscape.

Implications:

NSD2 EK mutation leads to drug resistance and a clonal advantage in childhood B-ALL.
Bridging versus Direct Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Subgroup Pooled Meta-Analysis for Time of Intervention, Eligibility, and Study Design
Authors: Vidale Simone , Romoli Michele , Consoli Domenico , Agostoni Elio Clemente
Published: April 2020

Background and Aim: The risk/benefit profile of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) prior to endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in acute ischemic stroke is still unclear. We provide a systematic review and meta-analysis including studies comparing direct EVT (dEVT) vs. bridging treatment (IVT + EVT), defining the impact of treatment timing and eligibility to IVT on functional status and mortality. Methods: Protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019135915) and followed PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), retrospective, and prospective studies comparing IVT + EVT vs. dEVT in adults (≥18) with acute ischemic stroke. Primary endpoint was functional independence at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale <3); secondary endpoints were (i) good recanalization (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction >2a), (ii) mortality, and (iii) symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). Subgroup analysis was performed according to study type, eligibility to IVT, and onset-to-groin timing (OGT), stratifying studies for similar OGT. ORs for endpoints were pooled with meta-analysis and compared between reperfusion strategies. Results: Overall, 35 studies were included (n = 9,117). No significant differences emerged comparing patients undergoing dEVT and bridging treatment for gender, hypertension, diabetes, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score at admission. Regarding primary endpoint, IVT + EVT was superior to dEVT (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.22–1.69, p < 0.001, pheterogeneity<0.001), with number needed to treat being 18 in favor of IVT + EVT. Results were confirmed in studies with similar OGT (OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.21–2.28), shorter OGT for IVT + EVT (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.27–1.85), and independently from IVT eligibility (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.29–1.82). Mortality at 90 days was higher in dEVT (OR 1.38; 95% CI 1.09–1.75), but no significant difference was noted for sICH. However, considering data from RCT only, reperfusion strategies had similar primary (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.6–1.39) and secondary endpoints. Differences in age and clinical severity across groups were unrelated to the primary endpoint. Conclusions: Compared to dEVT, IVT + EVT associates with better functional outcome and lower mortality. Post hoc data from RCTs point to substantial equivalence of reperfusion strategies. Therefore, an adequately powered RCTs comparing dEVT versus IVT + EVT are warranted.
Redescription of the remarkable Zhiltzovaia amabilis (Jewett, 1958) comb. nov. (Plecoptera, Perlodidae) based on types and new material from Himalaya and Pamir Mountain systems
Authors: TESLENKO VALENTINA A. , PALATOV DMITRY M.
Published: April 2020

Filchneria amabilis (Jewett, 1958) is recognized as a species of Zhiltzovaia Özdikmen, 2008 with the valid name Zhiltzovaia amabilis (Jewett, 1958) comb. nov., and Z. cachemirica (Aubert, 1959) is placed as a junior synonym of that species. Zhiltzovaia amabilis is redescribed from new material collected from streams of Pamir, Tajikistan, and northwestern Himalaya, northern India. New illustrations of all life stages are presented.
An Australian-based authentic science research programme transforms the 21st century learning of rural high school students
Authors: Puslednik Louise , Brennan Patrick C
Published: April 2020

Authentic student-led inquiry and exposure to scientific research impact students’ science career choices. Given Australian students decline in STEM skills, knowledge of whether such programmes impact student learning is critical. This research examined the short-term impact of an authentic, hands-on research mentor programme on rural student’s science skills. Nine Year 10 students participated in a science academic research programme leading to scientific publications and students collecting of first-hand data from international experiments on a major world-wide health issue. The NSW Department of Education Year 10 VALID assessment scores of this intervention group were compared to a control group. Intervention students had significantly higher overall scores as well as significantly higher scores in 21st century skills. These results were supported by student’s self-assessment of their learning growth. Our study suggests authentic science research mentor programmes are pedagogically advantageous for Year 10 high achieving rural students. Educators’ willingness to embrace these innovative approaches has the potential to produce the next generation of scientists.
Evaluating intensive care unit admission and discharge policies using a discrete event simulation model
Authors: Hasan Imran , Bahalkeh Esmaeil , Yih Yuehwern
Published: April 2020

The efficient utilization and management of a scarce resource such as the intensive care unit (ICU) is critical to the smooth functioning of a hospital. This study investigates the impact of a set of operational policies on ICU behavior and performance. Specifically, the implemented policies are (a) wait time thresholds on how long patients can wait for an ICU bed, (b) the time windows during which patient discharges and transfers take place, and (c) different patient mix combinations. The average waiting time of patients for ICU beds and the admission ratio, the ratio of admitted patients to total ICU bed requests, are the performance measures under consideration. Using discrete event simulation, followed by analysis of variance and post hoc tests (Tukey multiple comparison), it is shown that increasing discharge windows has a statistically significant impact on the total number of admissions and average patient wait times. Moreover, average waiting time increased when wait time thresholds increased, especially when the number of emergency surgeries in the mix increased. In addition, larger proportions of elective surgery patients in the patient mix population can lead to significantly reduced ICU performance.
Joint Modeling of Multivariate Survival Data With an Application to Retirement
Authors: Li Grace , Lesperance Mary , Wu Zheng
Published: April 2020

The Cox proportional hazards model has been pervasively used in many social science areas to examine the effects of covariates on timing to an event. The standard Cox model is intended to study univariate survival data where there is a singular event of interest, which can only be experienced once. However, we may additionally wish to explore a number of other complexities that are prevalent in survival data. For example, an individual may experience events of the same type more than once or may experience multiple types of events. This study introduces innovations in recurrent (repeatable) event analysis, jointly modeling several endogenous survival processes. As an example and an application, we simultaneously model two types of recurrent events in the presence of a dependent terminal event. This model not only correctly handles different types of recurrent events but also explicitly estimates the direction and magnitude of relationships between recurrences and survival. This article concludes with an example of the model to examine how the timing of retirement is associated with the risks of multiple spells of employment and childbearing. The theoretical discussions and empirical analyses suggest that the multivariate joint models have much to offer to a wide variety of substantive research areas.
Horizontal, Vertical, and Hybrid: An Empirical Look at the Forms of Accountability
Authors: Reddick Christopher G. , Demir Tansu , Perlman Bruce
Published: April 2020

The existing accountability research in public administration either provides conceptual analyses and definitions of forms of accountability or case studies on accountability. They focus on the structure of responsibility or responding behavior. This article is different in that it tests actors’ perceptions of the three commonly cited forms of accountability identified in the literature—vertical, horizontal, and hybrid. We test accountability on a national survey sample of city managers across the United States. Our structural equation model indicates that there is both vertical and horizontal accountability present in city governments in the United States supporting a hybrid model. The results of this study add to the literature because most of the existing research on accountability does not test this important relationship nor examine actors’ perceptions.
A Web-based Support System to Measure Fielding Performance in Cricket
Authors: Barman Himadri
Published: April 2020

This article looks at the implementation of a web-based support system for measuring the fielding performance in cricket using open source technologies. Front-end has been developed using HTML, CSS and JavaScript. The back-end uses MySQL as the database for storing fielding related data. PHP is used to interact with the MySQL database. The web-based support system which is named Field-o-meter can be used to record fielding data, display fielding data, compute fielding performance measure and generate reports. The system has facilities for different categories of users, viz., administrators, data entry operators and viewers. Users need to login to access the system. Data can be added, deleted, displayed and also edited with certain restrictions. Analysis reports may be viewed online. Fielding data can be downloaded in xls (MS Excel) format. Being an online system hosted on a web server, it can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection. The web-based support system is easy to use with a simply designed interface. The system’s interface gets adjusted to mobile devices and as such can be used with a mobile browser. The system has been tested successfully for all the leading web browsers—Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera and Safari.
Prospective Associations Among Youth Assets and Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Use in a Hispanic Youth Population
Authors: Moser Lea , Oman Roy F. , Lensch Taylor , Clements-Nolle Kristen
Published: April 2020

This study’s purpose was to determine whether specific youth assets (conceptualized as influencing health behavior at the individual, family, or community level) were prospectively associated with reduced alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use (ATD) in a sample of Hispanic youth. A longitudinal community-based study was conducted with five waves of data collected annually over 4 years. Participants were Hispanic youth (14.1 years old; 53% female) and their parents ( N = 306 youth/parent pairs). Generalized linear mixed models were used to determine the prospective influence of 17 youth assets on ATD over five waves of data. Results indicated that Hispanic youth with three of seven individual-level assets (e.g., educational aspirations), any of four family-level assets (e.g., family communication), or with one of six community-level assets (e.g., positive peer role models) were significantly less likely to engage in ATD. The results suggest that assets protect Hispanic youth from ATD and that family-level assets may be particularly important.
Testing Traditional Machismo and the Gender Role Strain Theory With Mexican Migrant Farmworkers
Authors: Acosta Laura M. , Andrews Arthur R. , Acosta Canchila M. Natalia , Ramos Athena K.
Published: April 2020

The current study examines the moderating role of traditional machismo on mental health outcomes. We hypothesized that machismo would enhance the effects of stressors that are incongruent with traditional machismo beliefs (discrimination, adverse childhood experiences [ACEs], and fear of deportation) on depression and anxiety outcomes but would not enhance stressors that are congruent (harsh working conditions and poverty) on depression and anxiety. Participants were 190 male Mexican migrant farmworkers. As hypothesized, endorsing high traditional machismo was associated with stronger effects of fear of deportation and discrimination on depression outcomes compared with low traditional machismo. The interaction of machismo and ACEs was not significant in predicting depression or anxiety. Moreover, machismo did not moderate the effects of poverty or harsh working conditions on depression or anxiety outcomes. Results partially supported our hypotheses and suggested that the effect of machismo on depression may be better understood in the context of value-incongruent stressors.
Design of total water networks of multiple properties based on operator potential concepts and an iterative procedure
Authors: Zhang Lei , Li Ai-Hong , Jia Xue-Xiu , Klemeš Jiří J , Liu Zhi-Yong
Published: April 2020

The design of property-based total water networks by using the concepts of operator potential is investigated with an iterative approach. The precedence order of demands is identified with the operator potential values of demands. The internal sources to be regenerated are selected based on the values of operator potential of sources. A linear programming approach is used to determine the allocation of sources to demands. With the proposed method, the networks which meet both the requirements of demands and environmental regulations can be obtained. Two examples are studied to illustrate the proposed method. It is shown that the results obtained by this work are comparable to that obtained by mathematical programming method in the literature. For Example 1, flowrate of regenerated stream is reduced 28.5% compared to that in the literature results with almost the same freshwater consumption. In addition, the number of interconnections for this work is smaller than that of literature, which means that the design structure of this work is simpler. For Example 2, freshwater consumption is reduced by 4.29% with almost the same regeneration flowrate. However, the number of interconnections for this work is 24, which is higher than 23, that is the value of the literature result. Compared to graphical methods, the method proposed in this paper can handle the networks with more than three properties. Compared to mathematical programming methods, the proposed method has clear engineering meaning.
Medial Femoral Condyle Periosteal Free Flap for the Treatment of Talus Avascular Necrosis
Authors: Saad Adam , Jimenez Megan L. , Rogero Ryan G. , Saad Sherif , Nakashian Michael N. , Winters Brian S.
Published: April 2020

Background:

In patients with avascular necrosis (AVN) of the talus in the precollapse stage unresponsive to conservative measures, joint preservation should be considered. Good results have previously been reported for vascularized bone grafting. The medial femoral condyle (MFC) free flap has recently been introduced, which consists of corticoperiosteal bone. We present a novel surgical technique using a periosteal-only MFC (pMFC) free flap in the treatment of talus AVN.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed all pMFC free flaps performed from 2016 to 2018 in the precollapse stage of talus AVN. Surgical management included an ankle arthroscopy, talus core decompression, and ipsilateral pMFC free flap to the talus. Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM)–Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores were evaluated, and pre- and postoperative imaging studies were assessed by a musculoskeletal-trained radiologist for all patients. Six pMFC free flaps in 5 patients were included in this case series. AVN etiology included idiopathic, posttraumatic, and sepsis-related treatment. All patients were female with an average age of 44.2 (range, 37-67) years. Average postoperative follow-up was 16.9 (range, 6-28) months.

Results:

Pre- to postoperative FAAM-ADL, ADL single assessment numeric evaluation, and VAS scores showed statistically significant improvement ( P < .039). No reoperations or flap complications were observed. There was 1 minor complication, which included postoperative paresthesias at the pMFC harvest site. Postoperative x-rays showed no subsequent collapse, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) illustrated progressive improvement of bone marrow edema, decreased surrounding areas of AVN, and decreased joint effusion when compared to preoperative MRI.

Conclusion:

The pMFC free flap is a novel modification of a previously described technique, which appears to have similar results compared to the traditional MFC free flap. It was safe and effective in the short term with excellent clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Consistent frequency-matching calibration procedure for electromechanical shunt absorbers
Authors: Høgsberg Jan
Published: April 2020

Electromagnetic and piezoelectric shunt damping can be represented by an equivalent mechanical vibration absorber with a spring, dashpot, and inerter in series. A common calibration procedure for multiple electromechanical shunt absorbers is obtained by this equivalence, including a correction for the influence from residual vibration modes by additional modal terms, whose coefficients are consistently identified by frequency matching for the system with rigid absorber dashpots. The accuracy and robustness of the calibration procedure are verified numerically for an unsupported truss structure with rigid body modes.
Impact of clinical pharmacy services in a hematology/oncology ward in Morocco
Authors: Moukafih Badreddine , Abahssain Halima , Mrabti Hind , Errihani Hassan , Rahali Younes , Taoufik Jamal , Chaibi Aicha
Published: April 2020

Background

Clinical pharmacists are contributing to safe medication use by providing comprehensive management to patients and medical staff. The aim of this study is to document and evaluate the role of clinical pharmacy services in oncology department.

Patients and methods

A prospective, descriptive, observational study was carried out from July 2018 through June 2019 at the Department of Medical Oncology at the National Institute of Oncology, Morocco. Medication reviews concerning hospitalized adult cancer patients were performed every day by the clinical pharmacist assigned to the department.

Results

A total of 3542 prescriptions of 526 adult cancer patients were analyzed. The pharmacist identified 450 drug-related problems (12.7% of the prescriptions) primarily related to the analgesics (31.5%). Medication problems included mostly untreated indications (31.3%), overdosing (17.1%), drug–drug interactions (12.4%), underdosing (11.1%), administration omissions (6.7%), drug not indicated (6.0%), and contraindication (5.3%). Interventions ( n = 450) led to drug additions (30.7%), drug dosing adjustments (27.1%), treatment discontinuations (20.0%), recall of the treatment (6.2%), replacement of a drug with another one (5.1%), administration optimization (4.0%), therapeutic drug monitoring (3.1%), alternate routes of administration (2.5%), and extension of treatment duration (1.3%). Most (98%) of the interventions were accepted and implemented by the medical staff—172 (38.2%) having a significant clinical impact on the patient, 88 (19.6%) as having a very significant clinical impact, and 71(15.8%) as having a potential vital impact.

Conclusion

This work highlights the positive clinical relevance of pharmacists’ interventions in oncology and the importance of medicopharmaceutical collaboration to prevent medication error.
Disregarding Impairment in ADHD Diagnosis Inflates Its Prevalence
Authors: Fortes Dídia , Figueiredo Tiago , Lima Gabriel , Segenreich Daniel , Serra-Pinheiro Maria Antonia , Mattos Paulo
Published: April 2020

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders–fifth edition ( DSM-V) diagnostic criteria for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has reemphasized impairment although many studies have demonstrated that such approach may inflate prevalence rates. However, there is no consensus on how impairment should be measured and a myriad of approaches in different studies make comparisons difficult. Objective: To investigate whether impairment measured using a previous validate quantitative measure modifies prevalence rates in a sample of Brazilian children and adolescents. Method: Of 109 children (72 males, 37 females), mean age of 12.4 years, 68 were with ADHD (according to DSM criteria, except for impairment) and 41 were typically developing children. All were evaluated with semi-structured interviews and completed the Functional Impairment Scale (FIS). Results: Thirty-five percent of ADHD cases had impairment in one single domain or no impairment at all (among school performance, social life, family life, and self-perception) in the FIS. Conclusion: Disregarding impairment clearly inflates ADHD diagnosis.
Efficacy of cyclic therapy with terpinen-4-ol in Demodex blepharitis
Authors: Evren Kemer Özlem , Karaca Emine Esra , Özek Dilay
Published: April 2020

Purpose

To describe the effectiveness of cyclic treatment with terpinen-4-ol, a tea tree oil component, on Demodex blepharitis.

Methods

The presence of Demodex was determined by eyelash rotation as proposed by Mastrota. Schirmer test, tear breakup time, ocular surface disease index, lid margin score, meibomian gland expressibility score, and Oxford grade were performed. Patients were advised to apply heat followed by terpinen-4-ol soaked wipes to eyelids twice a day for 2 weeks. At the end of 2 weeks, treatment was interrupted for 7–10 days. The same treatment was repeated once again. The patients were examined after the first and second cycle of treatment and after 1 year.

Results

There was a statistically significant improvement in Schirmer test (10.37 ± 4.73 and 13.13 ± 3.44 mm/5 min), tear breakup time (6.47 ± 3.31 and 7.6 ± 2.89 s), ocular surface disease index (47.94 ± 19.77 and 34.28 ± 13.40), lid margin score (3.2 ± 0.7 and 2.63 ± 0.71), meibomian gland expressibility scores (1.93 ± 0.64 and 1.4 ± 0.67), and Oxford grade (0.9 ± 0.8 and 0.5 ± 0.63) after the first cycle of treatment ( p < 0.05). The improvement in symptoms and tear function tests of the patients after the second cycle was significantly better than in pre-treatment levels. At 12-month follow-up, symptoms of two patients (93%) relapsed.

Conclusion

The administration of terpinen-4-ol to the eyelid margins in a cyclic manner in Demodex blepharitis is effective against adult and hatching Demodex and breaks the vicious cycle.
Choroidal vascularity index determined by binarization of enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography images in eyes with intermediate age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Ozcaliskan Sehnaz , Balci Sevcan , Yenerel Nursal Melda
Published: April 2020

Purpose

To evaluate choroidal structural changes in patients with intermediate age-related macular degeneration using choroidal vascularity index.

Methods

The eyes of patients with intermediate age-related macular degeneration and controls were evaluated with enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography images. Subfoveal choroidal area was segmented into luminal area and stromal area by the binarization technique on enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography images using ImageJ software. Choroidal vascularity index was defined as the ratio of luminal area to total circumscribed subfoveal choroidal area.

Results

Fifty-seven eyes with intermediate age-related macular degeneration and 60 healthy control eyes were included in the study. The choroidal vascularity index was computed as 59.53% ± 4.9% in the intermediate age-related macular degeneration group and as 62.7% ± 4.3% in the control group ( p = 0.002). Patients with age-related macular degeneration showed significantly lower values of stromal area and higher values of luminal area compared to control subjects (0.51 ± 0.22 vs 0.87 ± 0.21, p < 0.001 and 0.74 ± 0.22 vs 0.52 ± 0.18, p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Eyes with intermediate age-related macular degeneration demonstrated reduced choroidal vascularity index compared to healthy eyes. Choroidal vascularity index seems to be a potential non-invasive quantitative method for studying structural changes of the choroid in patients with intermediate age-related macular degeneration.
Students’ attitudes towards and experiences of the Youth-fit health-related fitness test battery
Authors: O’Keeffe Brendan T. , MacDonncha Ciaran , Donnelly Alan E.
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study was to examine secondary school students’ attitudes towards and experiences of a student-centred health-related fitness test battery. A total of 795 adolescents (403 boys, 50.7%; 392 girls, 49.3%) aged 13.2 years (±0.39) from 20 secondary schools in the Republic of Ireland participated in the study. Schools were stratified for gender, location and educational (dis)advantage. Students completed the test battery in small groups ( n = ≤6) and each test item was administered by a trained senior student facilitator. Testing took place during physical education lessons. Test items included: body mass index; 20 m shuttle run; back-saver sit and reach; hand-grip strength; standing long jump; isometric plank-hold; 90° push-up; 4×10 m shuttle run; and blood pressure. Following participation in the test battery, students completed an instrument with valid scores for measuring attitudes towards fitness tests. Students’ experiences of each test item were also analysed. Overall, students had a positive attitude towards fitness testing ( M = 3.9, ±0.59) on a five-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Although both positive, the mean attitude score for boys ( M = 4.05, ±0.59) was significantly higher than girls ( M = 3.79, ±0.59; p < 0.01, t-test). Most students ( n = 690, 86.8%) agreed or strongly agreed that the senior student facilitator made it easier for them to perform the tests. In conclusion, students had positive attitudes towards and experiences of the Youth-fit test battery. Physical education teachers should consider implementing a small-group and senior student-facilitated approach when administering fitness tests.
Study on stripping mechanism of steel plate strengthened with carbon fiber reinforced polymer by cohesive zone model
Authors: Wu Xi-Zhi , Yang Wei-Kang , Li Xian-Jun
Published: April 2020

When carbon fiber reinforced polymer is applied to reinforce a steel plate, the end of it tends to debond which could cause a failure. In this article, the finite element model of carbon fiber reinforced polymer–reinforced steel plate was established based on the cohesive zone model and validated by the linear elasticity model and experiments at bonding stage and stripping stage, through which the stripping mechanism of the adhesive layer was studied. It had been proved by the test results of carbon fiber reinforced polymer–reinforced steel plate that the shear stress was the main factor of stripping damage, the whole stripping process consisted of elastic deformation, softening and stripping, and that the stripping began from the end to the middle of carbon fiber reinforced polymer until complete failure. Therefore, the cohesive zone model was suitable for the analysis of carbon fiber reinforced polymer–reinforced steel plate.
Motivational interviewing with individuals at risk of sex trafficking
Authors: Gerassi Lara B , Esbensen Karyn
Published: April 2020

Motivational interviewing is an evidence-based practice designed to collaboratively strengthen a person’s commitment to change. Used in a wide variety of practice settings, motivational interviewing is recommended for use with individuals who are at risk of sex trafficking when discussing sex trading or relationships with potential traffickers. However, little is known about the uses of motivational interviewing with this population in practice. The current study examined whether and how social workers who encounter individuals at risk of sex trafficking use motivational interviewing. We explored perceptions of motivational interviewing use, applicability, and engagement practices by conducting in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 24 hour service providers in a Midwest region.

Findings

Practitioners discussed a wide variety of perceptions of motivational interviewing, ranging from completely unfamiliar, to inapplicable to their service population, to favoring its use. Those who did implement motivational interviewing described challenges to engagement with this population and provided examples in which they did not validate the clients’ perceived benefits of situations that enhanced their risk, a principal tenant of motivational interviewing. Such actions may have contributed to practitioner-client discord and ultimately reduced clients’ engagement.

Applications

Providers who encounter sex trafficking in practice should be trained in the use of motivational interviewing and applicability, specifically regarding how to validate the client’s internal arguments for and against sex trading and related behaviors. Future research should continue to understand whether and how motivational interviewing can be adapted for transient populations, and continue testing the efficacy of motivational interviewing with these populations.
(Re)thinking place atmospheres in marketing theory
Authors: Steadman Chloe , Roberts Gareth , Medway Dominic , Millington Steve , Platt Louise
Published: April 2020

This article explores consumers’ experiences of place atmospheres through a study into football matches, a context in which atmosphere is pertinent. While existing marketing literature concerning atmospherics largely conceptualises atmosphere as controllable, singular, and confined to the consumption environment and experience under investigation, we instead contribute a more spatially and temporally porous theorisation. Drawing insights from both consumer research and geography surrounding affect, embodiment and atmosphere, we unpack the spatial and temporal aspects of atmosphere in relation to consumers’ past memories, disrupted routines, and anticipations of future. The article contributes, therefore, to bourgeoning literature within marketing and consumer research regarding the consumption in – and of – places.
Theoretical, practical and hybrid ex-academics: Career transfer stories
Authors: Kuoppakangas Päivikki , Suomi Kati , Pekkola Elias , Kivistö Jussi , Kallio Tomi , Stenvall Jari
Published: April 2020

The academic career stories and trajectories of PhD holders have been widely studied in the context of economic austerity and an oversupply of doctors. However, few studies have investigated career building among ex-academics and how a doctoral degree and university work might affect their career possibilities outside academia. This paper explores the trajectories of ex-academics: PhDs with university work experience who have left academia to pursue non-academic careers. Based on 40 qualitative interviews with ex-academics, their employers and senior university leaders, the study employs a narrative approach to construct five career stories: the Theoretical Endangered Nerd, the Practical Geek, the Chic Hybrid, the Pristine Novice and the Odd Elite. This varied picture of career sensemaking provides new insights into career building among ex-academics.
Three-Year Follow-up of Patients With Iliac Occlusive Disease Treated With the Viabahn Balloon- Expandable Endoprosthesis
Authors: Panneton Jean M. , Bismuth Jean , Gray Bruce H. , Holden Andrew
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

To assess the midterm safety and effectiveness of the Gore Viabahn Balloon-Expandable Endoprosthesis (VBX Stent-Graft) in the treatment of patients with de novo or restenotic aortoiliac lesions.

Materials and Methods:

The prospective, multicenter, nonrandomized, single-arm VBX FLEX clinical study ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02080871) evaluated 134 patients (mean age 66±9.5 years; 79 men) up to 3 years after treatment with the VBX Stent-Graft. A total of 213 lesions were treated with 234 stent-grafts. The primary safety endpoint was a composite of major adverse events (MAEs), which were evaluated through 30 days and 9 months. Secondary outcomes collected through 3 years included freedom from target lesion revascularization (TLR), target vessel revascularization (TVR), clinically-driven TLR (CD-TLR), and CD-TVR as well as Rutherford category, resting ankle-brachial index (ABI), and functional status. A univariate analysis determined any correlation between baseline variables and TLR.

Results:

The observed composite percentage of MAEs was 2.3%, well below the 17% performance goal (p<0.001). Of the 134 patients in the per protocol analysis, 107 (80%) completed the study. The 1-year Kaplan-Meier estimate of primary patency was 94.5% and primary assisted patency was 99.0%. The estimate of freedom from TLR per-lesion/vessel was 97.6% at 9 months and 91.2% at 3 years. The 9-month estimate of freedom from CD-TLR was 98.6% and the 3-year estimate was 98.1%. The 3-year mean resting ABI was 0.93±0.19, an improvement of 0.17±0.26 from baseline (p<0.001). At 3 years, 82 patients (92.1%) improved ≥1 Rutherford category from baseline, and 77 patients (86.5%) maintained or improved upon their baseline functional status.

Conclusion:

The VBX Stent-Graft is a robust and durable treatment option for aortoiliac occlusive disease as evidenced by the sustained 3-year safety and effectiveness outcomes.
A novel geometric model of four-directional 3D braided preforms
Authors: Kamble Zunjarrao , Behera Bijoya K
Published: April 2020

The present research reports the geometric model of four-directional 3D (4D3D) braided preform developed on four-step 3D braiding machine which consists of even and an equal number of yarn carriers in the rows and columns, respectively, on machine bed. The yarn path within the unit cell of the preform was analyzed to establish the correlation between surface braiding angle and interior braiding angle. A single unit cell model approach was used to predict the fibre volume fraction of the preform. It has been observed that the number of yarn carriers in the rows and columns is a critical parameter to decide the geometry of 4D3D braided preform. The fibre volume fraction predicted by the present model was compared with the three-unit cell model, multi-unit cell model and experimental results. A good agreement was observed between model computed results and experimental results.
Role of the mitochondrial stress response in human cancer progression
Authors: Wang Sheng-Fan , Chen Shiuan , Tseng Ling-Ming , Lee Hsin-Chen
Published: April 2020

Mitochondria are important organelles that are responsible for cellular energy metabolism, cellular redox/calcium homeostasis, and cell death regulation in mammalian cells. Mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in various diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, immune disorders, and cancer. Defective mitochondria and metabolism remodeling are common characteristics in cancer cells. Several factors, such as mitochondrial DNA copy number changes, mitochondrial DNA mutations, mitochondrial enzyme defects, and mitochondrial dynamic changes, may contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer cells. Some lines of evidence have shown that mitochondrial dysfunction may promote cancer progression. Here, several mitochondrial stress responses, including the mitochondrial unfolded protein response and the integrated stress response, and several mitochondrion-derived molecules (reactive oxygen species, calcium, oncometabolites, and others) are reviewed; these pathways and molecules are considered to act as retrograde signaling regulators in the development and progression of cancer. Targeting these components of the mitochondrial stress response may be an important strategy for cancer treatment.

Impact statement

Dysregulated mitochondria often occurred in cancers. Mitochondrial dysfunction might contribute to cancer progression. We reviewed several mitochondrial stresses in cancers. Mitochondrial stress responses might contribute to cancer progression. Several mitochondrion-derived molecules (ROS, Ca2+, oncometabolites, exported mtDNA, mitochondrial double-stranded RNA, humanin, and MOTS-c), integrated stress response, and mitochondrial unfolded protein response act as retrograde signaling pathways and might be critical in the development and progression of cancer. Targeting these mitochondrial stress responses may be an important strategy for cancer treatment.
Role of hyperoxic treatment in cancer
Authors: Kim Sei W , Kim In K , Lee Sang H
Published: April 2020

The occurrence of hypoxia is common in many solid tumors, and it enhances aggressive features of cancer such as cell survival, angiogenesis, and metastasis while minimizing the efficacies of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Hypoxia also plays a pivotal role in regulating immune cell function which is important for immunotherapy. Hypoxia-inducible factor has been suggested as a master regulator of tumor cell adaptation to the hypoxic microenvironment. Currently, several approaches have been proposed to eliminate the hypoxic state in tumors for delaying cancer progression and improving therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we summarize current findings on the relevance of hyperoxia-based therapeutics for cancer treatment. Accumulating evidence indicates that hyperoxic therapy inhibits tumor growth and increases treatment efficacy. Primary antitumor effect of hyperoxic therapy may be due to the reversal of tumor hypoxia and the generation of reactive oxygen species. Restoring immune function is also suggested as a potential mechanism. Hyperoxic therapy can also cause cellular injury and organ dysfunction. In conclusion, overcoming tumor hypoxia is a major problem that needs to be solved. Further studies to standardize and personalize hyperoxia therapy according to the type of cancer, stage, and comorbidities are needed.

Impact statement

Tumor hypoxia promotes cancer cell aggressiveness, and is strongly associated with poor prognosis across multiple tumor types. The hypoxic microenvironments inside tumors also limit the effectiveness of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Several approaches to eliminate hypoxic state in tumors have been proposed to delay cancer progression and improve therapeutic efficacies. This review will summarize current knowledge on hyperoxia, used alone or in combination with other therapeutic modalities, in cancer treatment. Molecular mechanisms and undesired side effects of hyperoxia will also be discussed.