bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth Differentiation Factor 15 Promotes Progression of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma via TGF-β Type II Receptor Activation
Authors: Okamoto Maiko , Koma Yu-ichiro , Kodama Takayuki , Nishio Mari , Shigeoka Manabu , Yokozaki Hiroshi
Published: January 2020

Objectives: Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), which is derived from tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) and cancer cells, promotes progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCC). However, its role in the ESCC microenvironment remains unclear. Here, we examined the effects of GDF15 on ESCC cell lines and tissues. Methods: Western blotting, MTS, and Transwell migration/invasion assays were used to evaluate cell signaling, proliferation, and migration/invasion, respectively, in ESCC cell lines treated with recombinant human GDF15 (rhGDF15). ESCC cell lines were administered a TGF-βRI/II inhibitor (LY2109761), small interfering RNA against TGF-β type II receptor (TGF-βRII), or neutralizing antibody against TGF-βRII to study the role of TGF-βRII in mediating the effects of rhGDF15. The localization of GDF15 and TGF-βRII in ESCC cell lines was observed by immunofluorescence. TGF-βRII expression in ESCC tissues was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, and the relationship between clinicopathological factors and prognosis in ESCC patients was evaluated. Results: rhGDF15 increased levels of phosphorylated Akt, Erk1/2, and TGF-βRII in ESCC cell lines. Inhibition/knockdown of TGF-βRII suppressed rhGDF15-induced activation of Akt and Erk1/2 and enhancement of cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion. Immunofluorescence revealed that TGF-βRII and GDF15 were colocalized in ESCC cell lines. High TGF-βRII expression in ESCC tissues, as determined by immunohistochemistry, correlated with depth of invasion and increased number of infiltrating TAMs. ESCC patients with high TGF-βRII expression showed a tendency toward poor prognosis. Conclusions: GDF15 promotes ESCC progression by increasing cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion via TGF-βRII signaling.
Política e moral nas prisões brasileiras
Authors: Barbosa Antonio Rafael
Published: January 2020

Neste artigo retomo algumas discussões sobre dois conceitos forjados por prisioneiros nas cadeias brasileiras durante as últimas décadas: “comportamento” e “proceder”. Próximos em termos semânticos, esses conceitos projetam linhas de afirmação dos valores, no sentido nietzschiano do termo, a partir da experiência do aprisionamento, o que permite examinar as relações entre moral e política nas prisões brasileiras e a constituição de um fundo valorativo comum que liga as cadeias e as ruas. A referência principal para esta discussão é o livro Quatrocentos contra um: uma história do Comando Vermelho, escrito por William da Silva Lima, recentemente falecido.
Native, Intact Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Is a Natural Suppressor of Thrombus Growth Under Physiological Flow Conditions
Authors: Sternkopf Marieke , Nagy Magdolna , Baaten Constance C.F.M.J. , Kuijpers Marijke J.E. , Tullemans Bibian M.E. , Wirth Julia , Theelen Wendy , Mastenbroek Tom G. , Lehrke Michael , Winnerling Benjamin , Baerts Lesley , Marx Nikolaus , De Meester Ingrid , Döring Yvonne , Cosemans Judith M.E.M. , Daiber Andreas , Steven Sebastian , Jankowski Joachim , Heemskerk Johan W.M. , Noels Heidi
Published: January 2020

Objective:

In patients with diabetes mellitus, increased platelet reactivity predicts cardiac events. Limited evidence suggests that DPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptidase 4) influences platelets via GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1)-dependent effects. Because DPP-4 inhibitors are frequently used in diabetes mellitus to improve the GLP-1-regulated glucose metabolism, we characterized the role of DPP-4 inhibition and of native intact versus DPP-4-cleaved GLP-1 on flow-dependent thrombus formation in mouse and human blood.

Approach and Results:

An ex vivo whole blood microfluidics model was applied to approach in vivo thrombosis and study collagen-dependent platelet adhesion, activation, and thrombus formation under shear-flow conditions by multiparameter analyses. In mice, in vivo inhibition or genetic deficiency of DPP-4 (
Dpp4
−/−
), but not of GLP-1-receptors (
Glp1r
−/−
), suppressed flow-dependent platelet aggregation. In human blood, GLP-1(7-36), but not DPP-4-cleaved GLP-1(9-36), reduced thrombus volume by 32% and impaired whole blood thrombus formation at both low/venous and high/arterial wall-shear rates. These effects were enforced upon ADP costimulation and occurred independently of plasma factors and leukocytes. Human platelets did not contain detectable levels of GLP-1-receptor transcripts. Also, GLP-1(7-36) did not inhibit collagen-induced aggregation under conditions of stirring or stasis of platelets, pointing to a marked flow-dependent role.

Conclusions:

Native, intact GLP-1 is a natural suppressor of thrombus growth under physiological flow conditions, with DPP-4 inhibition and increased intact GLP-1 suppressing platelet aggregation under flow without a main relevance of GLP-1-receptor on platelets.
Vitamin D, Marine n-3 Fatty Acids, and Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease Current Evidence
Authors: Manson JoAnn E. , Bassuk Shari S. , Cook Nancy R. , Lee I-Min , Mora Samia , Albert Christine M. , Buring Julie E. ,   for the VITAL Research Group
Published: January 2020

Whether marine omega-3 fatty acid (n-3 FA) or vitamin D supplementation can prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) in general populations at usual risk for this outcome is unknown. A major goal of VITAL (Vitamin D and Omega-3 Trial) was to fill this knowledge gap. In this article, we review the results of VITAL, discuss relevant mechanistic studies regarding n-3 FAs, vitamin D, and vascular disease, and summarize recent meta-analyses of the randomized trial evidence on these agents. VITAL was a nationwide, randomized, placebo-controlled, 2×2 factorial trial of marine n-3 FAs (1 g/d) and vitamin D
3
(2000 IU/d) in the primary prevention of CVD and cancer among 25 871 US men aged ≥50 and women aged ≥55 years, including 5106 blacks. Median treatment duration was 5.3 years. Supplemental n-3 FAs did not significantly reduce the primary cardiovascular end point of major CVD events (composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, and CVD mortality; hazard ratio [HR], 0.92 [95% CI, 0.80–1.06]) but were associated with significant reductions in total myocardial infarction (HR, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.59–0.90]), percutaneous coronary intervention (HR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.63–0.95]), and fatal myocardial infarction (HR, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.26–0.97]) but not stroke or other cardiovascular end points. For major CVD events, a treatment benefit was seen in those with dietary fish intake below the cohort median of 1.5 servings/wk (HR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.67–0.98]) but not in those above (
P
interaction=0.045). For myocardial infarction, the greatest risk reductions were in blacks (HR, 0.23 [95% CI, 0.11–0.47];
P
interaction by race, 0.001). Vitamin D supplementation did not reduce major CVD events (HR, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.85–1.12]) or other cardiovascular end points. Updated meta-analyses that include VITAL and other recent trials document coronary risk reduction from supplemental marine n-3 FAs but no clear CVD risk reduction from supplemental vitamin D. Additional research is needed to determine which individuals may be most likely to derive net benefit from supplementation.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01169259.
Atrial Cardiopathy and Nonstenosing Large Artery Plaque in Patients With Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source
Authors: Kamel Hooman , Pearce Lesly A. , Ntaios George , Gladstone David J. , Perera Kanjana , Roine Risto O. , Meseguer Elena , Shoamanesh Ashkan , Berkowitz Scott D. , Mundl Hardi , Sharma Mukul , Connolly Stuart J. , Hart Robert G. , Healey Jeff S.
Published: January 2020

Background and Purpose—

Atrial cardiopathy and atherosclerotic plaque are two potential mechanisms underlying embolic strokes of undetermined source (ESUS). The relationship between these two mechanisms among ESUS patients remains unclear. A better understanding of their association may inform targeted secondary prevention strategies.

Methods—

We examined the association between atrial cardiopathy and atherosclerotic plaque in the NAVIGATE ESUS trial (New Approach Rivaroxaban Inhibition of Factor Xa in a Global Trial Versus ASA to Prevent Embolism in Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source), which enrolled 7213 patients with recent ESUS during 2014 to 2017. For this analysis, we included patients with data on left atrial dimension, location of brain infarction, and cervical large artery plaque. The variables of primary interest were left atrial diameter and cervical plaque ipsilateral to brain infarction. Secondary markers of atrial cardiopathy were premature atrial contractions on Holter monitoring and newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation. For descriptive purposes, left atrial enlargement was defined as ≥4.7 cm. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between atrial cardiopathy markers and ipsilateral plaque after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, current smoking, and hyperlipidemia.

Results—

Among 3983 eligible patients, 235 (5.9%) had left atrial enlargement, 939 (23.6%) had ipsilateral plaque, and 94 (2.4%) had both. Shared risk factors for left atrial enlargement and ipsilateral plaque were male sex, white race, hypertension, tobacco use, and coronary artery disease. Despite shared risk factors, increasing left atrial dimension was not associated with ipsilateral plaque after adjustment for covariates (odds ratio per cm, 1.1 [95% CI, 1.0–1.2];
P
=0.08). We found no consistent associations between secondary markers of atrial cardiopathy and ipsilateral plaque.

Conclusions—

In a large population of patients with ESUS, we did not observe a notable association between atrial cardiopathy and atherosclerotic plaque, and few patients had both conditions. These findings suggest that atrial cardiopathy and atherosclerotic plaque may be distinct, nonoverlapping risk factors for stroke among ESUS patients.
Common Principles in Learning from Bees through to Humans
Authors: Dyer Adrian G. , Garcia Jair E. , Howard Scarlett R. , Weber Aurore Avargues , Greentree Andrew D.
Published: January 2020

Although bees are separated from humans by about 600 million years with a common ancestor that had only a rudimentary nervous system, they still share over 60% of our Genome. Any commonly observed learning principles between bees and humans may be consequently either basal, or may have evolved in parallel due to their efficiency. While the universality of associative learning among the animal kingdom is well established, recent advances on honeybee’s cognition push further our understanding of shared mechanisms. Honeybees demonstrate the ability to prioritise information depending on context and the cost associated with making errors. Individual bees show evidence of having different heuristic approaches to solve complex tasks, and maintaining a diversity of cognitive strategies is also probably highly adaptive for group success. Bees can learn key numerosity abilities that humans acquire at school, such as the ability to add and subtract, understand the concept of zero and also how to link symbols with the specific numbers of items present. Such knowledge on bee cognitive-like processing serves as a source of inspiration for a better understanding of the biological roots of our intelligence, and may help shape educational theories or strategies to improve artificial intelligence efficiency.
Photographic (In)authenticity
Authors: Meron Yaron
Published: January 2020

Debates around authenticity within photographic discourse are persistent. Some have revolved around documentary photography, while other discussions focus on the ethical validity of digitally edited news photographs and indeed the photographic medium itself. This article proposes that discussions around ‘authenticity’ should be focused instead towards contextualising photography more appropriately within the creative practice of ‘making strange’. It acknowledges existing debates around photography and authenticity, before locating the discussion within creative practice. It then moves to a discussion, using Robert Capa’s ‘Falling Soldier’ (Capa, 1936) as a starting point, before drawing on examples from the author’s own creative and professional practice. In the process, the article argues that visual researchers embrace the challenges of making the familiar strange within photographic creative practices.
A new dung beetle genus with two new species from Chile (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae)
Authors: VAZ-DE-MELLO FERNANDO Z. , HALFFTER GONZALO
Published: January 2020

A new scarabaeine genus (Tesserodoniella n. gen.) with two new species (T. elguetai n. sp. and T. meridionalis n. sp.) from Chile are described, and provisionally included in the tribe Canthonini. Species in the new genus are most similar to species from two Australian genera and appear not to be closely related to other New World canthonines.
miR-33a-5p Inhibits the Proliferation and Migration of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells in Atherosclerosis by Targeting S1PR1
Authors: Li Jiong , Xie Ning , Wang Yanzhen , Gan Yirong , Kou Zongke , Zhang Yunlong , Liang Tianxiang , Mao Rui , Xie Dingxiong
Published: January 2020

Background: Atherosclerosis is determined as a chronic, complicated disease, and arterial walls were mainly composed of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). microRNAs (miRNAs) have been consistently demonstrated to be involved in VSMCs, and miR-33a-5p was reported concerning
many biological functions of cells. However, the role of miR-33a-5p during atherosclerosis still unclear. Methods: In present study, human VSMCs were treated with platelet-derived growth factorbb (PDGF-bb) after transfection. The miR-33a-5p and S1PR1 expression levels were determined
by qRT-PCR and/or Western blot assays. VSMCs proliferation, invasion and migration were measured by CCK-8, transwell and wound healing assays, respectively. Luciferase reporter assay was employed to validate the direct targeting of S1PR1 by miR-33a-5p. Results: The results showed that
PDGF-bb treated after 24 h could promote cell proliferation and regulate the expression of miR-33a-5p and S1PR1 in VSMCs. Overexpression of miR-33a-5p inhibited proliferation, invasion and migration in PDGF-bb treated VSMCs. Furthermore, we proved that miR-33a-5p could directly target S1PR1,
and miR-33a-5p mimic suppressed the expression of S1PR1 in PDGF-bb treated VSMCs. Conclusions: The results suggested that miR-33a-5p could inhibit the proliferation, invasion and migration of VSMCs via suppressed the expression of S1PR1. miR-33a-5p/S1PR1 axis may represent a potential
therapeutic strategy to improve atherosclerosis.
Turkish newspaper articles mentioning people with mental illness: A retrospective study
Authors: Aci Ozgur Sema , Ciydem Emre , Bilgin Hulya , Ozaslan Zeynep , Tek Seda
Published: January 2020

Background:

Because a great majority of the public knows about mental disorders primarily through printed or visual media, the attitudes exhibited in mass media might be predictive in stigmatizing individuals with mental disorders.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess the articles in Turkish newspapers that mention individuals with mental disorders.

Method:

This study was designed to retrospectively investigate and analyze newspaper content in Turkey; the newspapers’ circulation information was collected by examining the websites of the four newspapers with above 1% of the total circulation. The News Evaluation Form was used to evaluate a sampling of articles that met the inclusion criteria of having appeared in the lifestyle and agenda pages of newspapers, and of using neutral or negative labeling keywords about psychiatric patients.

Results:

Almost all the articles reviewed were negative toward individuals with mental disorders. Three quarters of the reports were forensic, among which two thirds of the individuals with mental disorders were criminalized, and one third were victims of crime. In approximately half of the news reports, most images were related to the news and were not protected. Although not all the articles contain stigmatizing elements directed toward people with mental disorders, two thirds of the subjects’ images in the news were found to have stigmatizing elements.

Conclusion:

Media has an impact on attitudes toward people with mental disorders mostly negatively along with individual experiences and peer interactions.
Is the USA the Only Role Model in Town? Empirical Evidence from the Asian Barometer Survey
Authors: Pan Hsin-Hsin
Published: January 2020

Based on the fourth wave of the Asian Barometer Survey, I examine the contours and determinants of East Asians’ role model choices. The results show that pro-authoritarianism rule, recognition of China’s regional hegemon status, perception of China’s soft-power image, admiration for good governance, or inward-looking nationalism make East Asians more likely to choose an alternative role model rather than the USA. If the USA should loom out of East Asians’ vision for their country role model, the alternative role models would carry consequences in a potential shift in the democratic regime paradigm and a possible change in the political landscape in East Asia.
Beyond the Breakfast Club: Variability in the Effects of Suspensions by School Context
Authors: Wiley Stephanie A. , Slocum Lee Ann , O’Neill Jennifer , Esbensen Finn-Aage
Published: January 2020

Rather than mitigating behavioral issues, exclusionary school disciplinary practices can actually increase student misbehavior and school dropout. However, the impact these sanctions have on students may vary based on school climate, particularly whether the environment is inclusive or punitive. Relying on a sample of over 2,000 students within 26 schools, we examine whether school climate shapes the impact of suspension on future delinquency and later school sanctions. We find that suspension is associated with increased misbehavior and additional sanctioning, regardless of school climate. These results suggest that suspensions can cause harm no matter the environment in which they are meted out, and schools should work to reduce their use of exclusionary punishments.
Self-Reported Hearing Loss in Older Adults Is Associated With Higher Emergency Department Visits and Medical Costs
Authors: Wells Timothy S. , Wu Lizi , Bhattarai Gandhi R. , Nickels Lorraine D. , Rush Steven R. , Yeh Charlotte S.
Published: January 2020

Hearing loss is common among older adults. Thus, it was of interest to explore differences in health care utilization and costs associated with hearing loss and hearing aid use. Hearing loss and hearing aid use were assessed through self-reports and included 5 categories: no hearing loss, aided mild, unaided mild, aided severe, and unaided severe hearing loss. Health care utilization and costs were obtained from medical claims. Those with aided mild or severe hearing loss were significantly more likely to have an emergency department visit. Conversely, those with aided severe hearing loss were about 15% less likely to be hospitalized. Individuals with unaided severe hearing loss had the highest annual medical costs ($14349) compared with those with no hearing loss ($12118, P < .001). In this study, those with unaided severe hearing loss had the highest medical costs. Further studies should attempt to better understand the relationship between hearing loss, hearing aid use, and medical costs.
Predicting Women’s Recidivism Using the Dynamic Risk Assessment for Offender Re-Entry: Preliminary Evidence of Predictive Validity With Community-Sentenced Women Using a “Gender-Neutral” Risk Measure
Authors: Scanlan Jessica M. , Yesberg Julia A. , Fortune Clare-Ann , Polaschek Devon L. L.
Published: January 2020

Although men and women share risk factors for offending, some scholars suggest these factors operate differently across gender and that women-specific risk factors are neglected in existing “gender-neutral” risk assessment tools. This article explored the predictive validity of one gender-neutral risk assessment tool—the Dynamic Risk Assessment for Offender Re-Entry (DRAOR)—with matched samples of women and men serving community supervision sentences. Total DRAOR scores had comparative predictive validity across gender. For women and men, the DRAOR predicted reconviction over a static risk measure. The findings support the general premise of gender neutrality, but do not necessarily suggest the DRAOR, or gender-neutral tools more broadly, are the best tools for use with women.
“When I Iron My Son’s Shirt, I Feel My Maternal Role”: Making Women’s Invisible Work Visible
Authors: Kaplan Amit , Sabbah-Karkabi Maha , Herzog Hanna
Published: January 2020

This article seeks to learn how women perceive invisible work and how it affects their lives. This article contributes to the integration of different manifestations of invisible work into a conceptual whole, especially in light of the fact that most research has confined itself to only one aspect such as care work, housework, or volunteering. Nine group interviews were conducted with Israeli mothers from differing ethnic, religious, class, and age groups. Analysis reveals that the distinctions between aspects of invisible work, such as housework and care work and between activities belonging to the private and public spheres are much more blurred in women’s lives than might be inferred from the academic literature. Furthermore, throughout the life course of women the meanings and expressions of invisible work evolve creating a continuous struggle. In describing their everyday activities, women challenge the socially constructed binary oppositions in the context of the neoliberal economy.
Reducing time in acute hospitals: A stepped-wedge randomised control trial of a specialist palliative care intervention in residential care homes
Authors: Forbat Liz , Liu Wai-Man , Koerner Jane , Lam Lawrence , Samara Juliane , Chapman Michael , Johnston Nikki
Published: January 2020

Background:

Care home residents are frequently transferred to hospital, rather than provided with appropriate and timely specialist care in the care home.

Aim:

To determine whether a model of care providing specialist palliative care in care homes, called Specialist Palliative Care Needs Rounds, could reduce length of stay in hospital.

Design:

Stepped-wedge randomised control trial. The primary outcome was length of stay in acute care (over 24-h duration), with secondary outcomes being the number and cost of hospitalisations. Care homes were randomly assigned to cross over from control to intervention using a random number generator; masking was not possible due to the nature of the intervention. Analyses were by intention to treat. The trial was registered with ANZCTR: ACTRN12617000080325. Data were collected between 1 February 2017 and 30 June 2018.

Setting/participants:

1700 residents in 12 Australian care homes for older people.

Results:

Specialist Palliative Care Needs Rounds led to reduced length of stay in hospital (unadjusted difference: 0.5 days; adjusted difference: 0.22 days with 95% confidence interval: −0.44, −0.01 and p = 0.038). The intervention also provided a clinically significant reduction in the number of hospitalisations by 23%, from 5.6 to 4.3 per facility-month. A conservative estimate of annual net cost-saving from reduced admissions was A$1,759,011 (US$1.3 m; UK£0.98 m).

Conclusion:

The model of care significantly reduces hospitalisations through provision of outreach by specialist palliative care clinicians. The data offer substantial evidence for Specialist Palliative Care Needs Rounds to reduce hospitalisations in older people approaching end of life, living in care homes.
Robot perceptual adaptation to environment changes for long-term human teammate following
Authors: Siva Sriram , Zhang Hao
Published: January 2020

Perception is one of the several fundamental abilities required by robots, and it also poses significant challenges, especially in real-world field applications. Long-term autonomy introduces additional difficulties to robot perception, including short- and long-term changes of the robot operation environment (e.g., lighting changes). In this article, we propose an innovative human-inspired approach named robot perceptual adaptation (ROPA) that is able to calibrate perception according to the environment context, which enables perceptual adaptation in response to environmental variations. ROPA jointly performs feature learning, sensor fusion, and perception calibration under a unified regularized optimization framework. We also implement a new algorithm to solve the formulated optimization problem, which has a theoretical guarantee to converge to the optimal solution. In addition, we collect a large-scale dataset from physical robots in the field, called perceptual adaptation to environment changes (PEAC), with the aim to benchmark methods for robot adaptation to short-term and long-term, and fast and gradual lighting changes for human detection based upon different feature modalities extracted from color and depth sensors. Utilizing the PEAC dataset, we conduct extensive experiments in the application of human recognition and following in various scenarios to evaluate ROPA. Experimental results have validated that the ROPA approach obtains promising performance in terms of accuracy and efficiency, and effectively adapts robot perception to address short-term and long-term lighting changes in human detection and following applications.
Elementary Teachers’ Perceptions of a Comprehensive, Integrated, Three-Tiered Model of Prevention
Authors: Menzies Holly M. , Oakes Wendy Peia , Lane Kathleen Lynne , Royer David James , Cantwell Emily D. , Common Eric Alan , Buckman Mark
Published: January 2020

This study examined perceptions of teachers who implemented a tiered system of support, the comprehensive, integrated, three-tiered (Ci3T) model of prevention. We reported findings of four focus groups with a total of 18 elementary teachers who implemented Ci3T for 2 years. While the Ci3T model comprised elements addressing academics, behavior, and social-emotional learning, teachers were predominately concerned with issues related to students’ behavior. Teachers reported difficulty moving from reactive to proactive classroom management approaches theoretically grounded in behavioral principles.
Does Switching Norepinephrine to Phenylephrine in Septic Shock Complicated by Atrial Fibrillation With Rapid Ventricular Response Improve Time to Rate Control?
Authors: Haiduc Manuela , Radparvar Sara , Aitken Samuel L. , Altshuler Jerry
Published: January 2020

Background:

Atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently develops during critical illness. In septic shock complicated by rapid AF, the use of phenylephrine may be advantageous secondary to its β-1 sparing properties. However, evidence supporting this strategy is lacking.

Objective:

The purpose of this study is to determine the clinical effect on rate control of transitioning norepinephrine to phenylephrine in septic shock patients who develop AF with a rapid ventricular response (RVR).

Methods:

A single-center retrospective study of septic shock patients admitted to the medical or surgical intensive care unit (ICU) who developed AF with RVR (heart rate >110 beats per minute [bpm]). Patients who were switched to phenylephrine were compared to those who remained on norepinephrine. The primary end point was sustained achievement of rate control. A time-varying Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the primary end point.

Results:

A total of 67 patients were included in the study, of which 28 were switched to phenylephrine. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. The unadjusted hazard ratio for achieving rate control was significant at 1.99 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19-3.34; P < .01) for the phenylephrine group. The adjusted hazard ratio was 1.75 (95% CI: 0.86-3.53; P = .12). There were no statistically significant differences in mortality or ICU length of stay.

Conclusion:

Our study suggests a potential clinical effect on achieving rate control when switching to phenylephrine cannot be excluded. It remains unclear if there is a benefit on mortality or length of stay outcomes in critically ill patients.
Women Living With HIV in High Income Countries and the Deeper Meaning of Breastfeeding Avoidance: A Metasynthesis
Authors: Griswold Michele K. , Pagano-Therrien Jesica
Published: January 2020

Background:

Recommendations to avoid breastfeeding for women living with HIV in high income countries has resulted in a gap in the literature on how healthcare professionals can provide the highest standard of lactation counseling.

Research aims:

(1) Describe social and emotional experiences of infant feeding for women living with HIV in high income countries; (2) raise ethical considerations surrounding the clinical recommendation in high income countries to avoid breastfeeding.

Methods:

A systematic literature search was conducted between January 1, 2008 and June 20, 2019. A total of 900 papers were screened and six met the inclusion criteria: (a) the sample was drawn from a high-income country regardless of the nativity of participants; (b) some or all participants were women living with HIV. Metasynthesis, according to Noblit and Hare (1988), was used to synthesize the experiences of women living with HIV in high-income countries and their experiences in infant feeding decisions.

Results:

Participants in this sample suffered a substantial emotional burden associated with infant feeding experiences potentially leading to risk of internalized stigma, suggesting that infant feeding considerations may contribute to HIV stigma in unique ways. Four overarching themes were identified expressing the meaning of avoidance of breastfeeding: maternal self-worth, deculturalization, surveillance, and intersectionality.

Conclusion:

Women in high-income countries living with HIV deserve the highest standard of lactation care and counseling available. Healthcare professionals in high-income countries are ethically obligated to provide evidenced-based lactation care and counseling to women living with HIV.
Determinants of Capabilities Among Chronically Mentally Ill People: A Path Model
Authors: Baumgardt Johanna , Röh Dieter , Daubmann Anne
Published: January 2020

Background:

In the context of political demands for social justice, we analyzed determinants of capabilities in community-based clinical social work. Within the scope of an explorative study with two measuring points, people with chronic mental disorders were questioned regarding capabilities as well as psychosocial, sociodemographic, disease-, and care-related aspects in community mental health-care services in Germany.

Results:

Overall, capabilities were rated as medium and did not change significantly over time. A path model showed empowerment and social inclusion to be the strongest determinants on the improvement of capabilities.

Conclusion:

Community-based clinical social work should foster empowerment and social inclusion through socio-therapeutic or, rather, psychosocial interventions in order to alter capabilities among chronically mentally ill people. This could include psycho- or socio-education as well as family interventions that aim to reduce stress in the family or training in life skills such as dealing with money, personal hygiene, or communication competencies.
The Influence of Different Triazole Antifungal Agents on the Pharmacokinetics of Cyclophosphamide
Authors: Cai Tian , Liao Youming , Chen Zhenhua , Zhu Yingchang , Qiu Xincai
Published: January 2020

Background: Cyclophosphamide is one of the most important chemotherapeutic drugs. Known as a widely accepted treatment strategy, chemotherapy may damage the immune function of cancer patients; as a result, invasive fungal infections (IFIs) occur. Triazole antifungal agents are the most acceptable drugs for IFI treatment, especially those infections caused by chemotherapy. Objective: We aimed to investigate the effects of different triazole antifungal drugs, including fluconazole, itraconazole, and ketoconazole, on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of cyclophosphamide. In addition, we also characterize the potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) between cyclophosphamide and various triazole antifungal drugs. Methods: The necessary pharmacokinetic parameters and physicochemical data were obtained from published studies. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models were developed and validated in virtual subjects using Simcyp software. The validated PBPK models were used to evaluate potential DDIs between cyclophosphamide and different triazole antifungal agents in cancer patients. Triazole antifungal agents were simulated by oral administration, whereas cyclophosphamide was simulated by intravenous administration. Results: Simulated plasma concentration-time curves of fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, and cyclophosphamide were in good consistency with the observed profiles. Our results suggested that the pharmacokinetic parameters of cyclophosphamide were increased by various extents when coadministered with different triazole antifungals. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve of cyclophosphamide was increased when combined with fluconazole, itraconazole, or ketoconazole. Conclusions and Relevance: Ketoconazole had the greatest effect on the PK of cyclophosphamide among the 3 triazole antifungals. Our study provides clues that the toxicity and adverse drug reactions that are associated with cyclophosphamide should be closely monitored when coadministered with ketoconazole.
Validation of the Anger Expression Scale for Children With Fourth and Fifth Graders: Implications for Identifying Students at Risk for Behavior Problems
Authors: Cumming Michelle M. , Poling Daniel , Smith Stephen W.
Published: January 2020

An inability to successfully regulate anger has been linked to adverse outcomes for students, including psychological problems and special education placement due to significant emotional and behavioral difficulties. Early identification, therefore, is critical to provide timely intervention for students before anger-related problems escalate. The Anger Expression Scale for Children was developed to address some of the limitations of previous measurement tools designed to assess anger expression with children and adolescents. Yet validation is needed with upper elementary school populations—a key identification and prevention period. Thus, we examined the factor structure of the scale with 2,020 fourth and fifth graders. Results revealed support for a modified two-factor model, with a general Anger Expression factor and Anger Control factor. Criterion-related validity analyses indicated that Anger Expression was positively associated with aggression and externalizing problems, whereas Anger Control was related to emotion control and less internalizing behaviors. We discuss implications of findings for both informed school use and future research.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in the Perioperative Care of the Lung Transplant Patient
Authors: Hayanga J. W. Awori , Chan Ernest G. , Musgrove Kelsey , Leung Alexander , Shigemura Norihisa , Hayanga Heather K.
Published: January 2020

Lung transplantation (LT) is definitive therapy for end-stage lung disease. Donor allocation based on medical urgency has led to an increased trend in the transplantation of sicker and older patients. Mechanical ventilation (MV) formerly was the only method of bridging high-acuity patients to LT. When the physiological demands of ventilatory support exceeds the capability of MV, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may become necessary. Recent improvements in ECMO technology and component design have led to a resurgence of interest in its use before, during, and after LT. Survival with ECMO as a bridge to LT has improved over time, now with many centers reporting little or no difference in outcomes, and some even reporting better outcomes, as compared with MV. Extracorporeal life support may also be used intraoperatively. In many studies to date, ECMO or cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has been reserved for patients who became hemodynamically unstable during the procedure or patients who could not tolerate single-lung ventilation. Both methods of support are fraught with potential complications. However, multiple studies comparing ECMO with CPB have shown that intraoperative use of ECMO resulted in improved outcomes and overall survival as well as lower rates of bleeding complications. In order to further reduce complications associated with ECMO, planned intraoperative ECMO use is occasionally reserved for high-risk patients who might otherwise require CPB. Future studies will need to improve patient selection to fully take advantage of the use of ECMO in LT while minimizing its costs.
Association of depression and obesity is mediated by weight perception
Authors: Paulitsch Renata G , Demenech Lauro M , Dumith Samuel C
Published: January 2020

This study investigates whether the association between obesity and depression is mediated by the perception of body weight and verifies the combined effect of being obese and having a self-perception of being fat on depression in a population-based sample of 1238 individuals. Weight perception mediated the association between depression and obesity in 39.3 percent of participants. In stratified analysis, mediation occurred in the following groups: non-single, those with more schooling, non-alcohol abusers, non-smokers, and those who did not engage in physical activity. Being obese and having a self-perception of being fat produced a potentiating effect, significantly increasing the likelihood of depression.
The role of (self-)forgiveness in restorative justice: Linking restorative justice to desistance
Authors: Suzuki Masahiro , Jenkins Tamera
Published: January 2020

The role of forgiveness in restorative justice (RJ) remains peripheral because interpersonal forgiveness has been considered a ‘gift’ that should not be forced on victims in RJ. In this article, we aim to advance the role of forgiveness in RJ. However, we do not focus on interpersonal forgiveness. We instead focus on another dimension of forgiveness: self-forgiveness for offenders. Because self-forgiveness is linked with both RJ and desistance, self-forgiveness has the potential to function as a catalyst to connect RJ with desistance. Drawing on their relationship, we offer a process-based model of how offenders may or may not desist through RJ. We conclude by offering implications for research on RJ.
Εndovascular Repair of Extracranial Carotid Artery Aneurysms: A Systematic Review
Authors: Giannopoulos Stefanos , Trinidad Evan , Aronow Herbert , Soukas Peter , Armstrong Ehrin J.
Published: January 2020

Objective:

Both true and false extracranial carotid artery aneurysms (ECAA) are a potential source of morbidity and mortality. While ECAA have historically been treated surgically, endovascular reconstruction with stenting is an emerging treatment option. The aim of our study was to report clinical/radiologic outcomes following endovascular repair of ECAAs.

Methods:

A comprehensive systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines.

Results:

A total of 68 case reports and case series, comprising 162 patients, were included. Most patients presented with at least one symptom or sign related to the ECAA (89.5%; N = 145/162). In 42.6% (N = 69/162) and 46.3% (N = 75/162) of the cases polytetrafluoroethylene covered and uncovered stents were deployed respectively. Immediate post-procedural imaging demonstrated complete aneurysm exclusion in 86.4% (N = 140/162) of the cases and minimal filling of the aneurysm sack in 10.5% (N = 17/162) of all cases. Perioperative adverse event rates were 3.1% for stroke, 1.2% for transient ischemic attack (TIA) and 4.3% for mortality. During a mean follow-up of 21.8months, there were additionally observed one stroke, two TIAs and three deaths. Overall 88.6 % of the patients (N = 117/132) remained asymptomatic, partially recovered or at least did not suffer from new neurologic deficits during follow up, with no signs of stenosis or occlusion of the carotid artery.

Conclusions:

Endovascular stenting for the treatment of ECAAs is feasible with acceptable short- and long-term clinical and radiologic outcomes. Prospective real-world studies are needed to further validate the safety and the long-term patency of endovascular repair.
A hierarchical colored Petri net–based cyberattacks response strategy making approach for critical infrastructures
Authors: Zhu Qianxiang , Qin Yuanqing , Zhao Yue , Chunjie Zhou
Published: January 2020

Critical infrastructures are essential for national security, economy, and public safety. As an important part of security protection, response strategy making provides useful countermeasures to reduce the impacts of cyberattacks. However, there have been few researches in this domain that investigate the cyberattack propagation within a station and the incident spreading process in the critical infrastructure network simultaneously, let along analyzing the relationships between security strategy making for a station and scheduling strategy for the critical infrastructure network. To tackle this problem, a hierarchical colored Petri net–based cyberattacks response strategy making approach for critical infrastructures is presented. In this approach, the relationships among cyberattacks, security measures, devices, functions, and station capacity are analyzed and described in a hierarchical way, and the system loss is calculated with the input of abnormal station capacities. Then, based on the above model, the security strategy making for a station and the scheduling strategy making for the critical infrastructure network are investigated in depth. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated on a simulated water supply system.
A Modified Side-to-Side Anastomosis Using a Circular Stapler Reduces Anastomotic Leakage in Colonic Surgery
Authors: Luo Wenjun , Qian Chuan , Lu Tingting , Zhang Liuping , Sun Meng , Li Fugen , Xu Zhengwen , Jia Yingdong
Published: January 2020

Background. Anastomotic leakage (AL) remains one of the serious complications after colonic surgery. Method. A prospective interventional study to assess a modified technique of creating the ileocolic, colic-colic, and colorectal side-to-side anastomoses using a circular stapler. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technique in the reduction of AL. Computed tomography scan was performed when AL was clinically suspected. Result. One hundred and forty-five patients who underwent colonic resection between January 2015 and August 2018 were included. One patient underwent surgery for severe inflammatory bowel disease, and the others underwent surgery for colonic cancer. The procedures were open surgeries, including right hemicolectomy (n = 79 [54.5%]), left hemicolectomy (n = 29 [20%]), sigmoidectomy (n = 30 [20.7%]), and transverse colectomy (n = 7 [4.8%]). In 23 patients with ascending colonic obstruction, emergency right colectomy with primary anastomosis was performed. Two surgeons performed the operations (52.4% and 47.6%, respectively), and intraoperative blood loss was 50 to 100 mL. The operative time was 160 to 240 minutes. There was no mortality postoperatively, and 26 (17.9%) patients developed complications. One patient who underwent transverse colonic cancer resection developed a clinical AL (0.7%). After ileostomy, the patient was discharged with no other serious complication. The median of postoperative hospital stay was 8 days (range = 5-18 days). Conclusion. This modified technique is a safe and efficient method for anastomotic configuration in colonic surgery.
A cubic spline method combing improved particle swarm optimization for robot path planning in dynamic uncertain environment
Authors: Li Wen , Tan Mao , Wang Ling , Wang Qiuzhen
Published: January 2020

This article considers a robot path planning problem originated from a robot factory inspection scenario. In the problem, the robot is in a dynamic uncertain environment, that is, a moving target object and several static and dynamic obstacles. An inertial positioning strategy is proposed to enable the robot to predict the position of the target in advance. From this predicted position, the robot path is generated by cubic spline interpolation, and then an improved particle swarm optimization algorithm with a random positive feedback factor in velocity updating optimizes the path. The experimental results show that the proposed method can successfully avoid the obstacles and reach the target object. In addition, the inertial positioning strategy and the improvement of particle swarm optimization can effectively shorten the path of the robot.
The lex of the earth? Arendt’s critique of Roman law
Authors: Lee Shinkyu
Published: January 2020

How political communities should be constituted is at the center of Hannah Arendt’s engagement with two ancient sources of law: the Greek nomos and the Roman lex. Recent scholarship suggests that Arendt treats nomos as imperative and exclusive while lex has a relationship-establishing dimension and that for an inclusive form of polity, she favors lex over nomos. This article argues, however, that Arendt’s appreciation occurs within a general context of more reservations about Rome than Roman-centric interpretations admit. Her writings show that lex could not accommodate the agonistic spirit and Homeric impartiality that helped the Greeks achieve human greatness and surpassing excellence. Arendt also points out that Roman peace alliances occurred at the expense of disclosive competition among equals and assumed some form of domination. Indeed, although Arendt appreciates lex’s relationship-establishing aspect, she is undoubtedly critical of anti-political practices accompanying lex, manifested when the Romans required enemies’ submission to terms of peace the Romans themselves set. In the end, Arendt’s statements regarding nomos and lex highlight the fundamental challenge in free politics: balancing the internal demand of agonistic action with the external need to expand lasting ties.
Evolution of Do-It-Yourself Remote Monitoring Technology for Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Ng Michelle , Borst Emily , Garrity Ashley , Hirschfeld Emily , Lee Joyce
Published: January 2020

Background:

The Nightscout Project is a leading example of patient-designed, do-it-yourself (DIY), open-source technology innovations to support type 1 diabetes management. We are unaware of studies that have described the evolution of patient-driven innovations from the Nightscout Project to date.

Methods:

We identified patient-driven, DIY innovations from posts and comments in the “CGM in the Cloud” private Facebook group as well as data from Twitter, GitHub, and the Nightscout website. For each innovation, we described its intent or its unaddressed need as well as the associated features and improvements. We conducted a thematic analysis to identify overarching patterns among the innovations, features, and improvements, and compared the timeline of innovations in the DIY space with the timing of similar innovations in the commercial space.

Results:

We identified and categorized innovations in Nightscout with the most commonly appearing themes of: visualization improvements, equipment improvements, and user experience improvements. Other emerging themes included: Care Portal support, safety, remote monitoring, decision support, international support, artificial pancreas, pushover notifications, and open-source collaboration.

Conclusions:

This rapid development of patient-designed DIY innovations driven by unmet needs in the type 1 diabetes community reflects a revolutionary, bottom–up approach to medical innovation. Nightscout users accessed features earlier than if they had waited for commercial products, and they also personalized their tools and devices, empowering them to become the experts of their own care.