bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Silver Nanoparticle Composite Material and Its Role in Electrocardiogram Treatment of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Hui Yuanshu , Liu Liping , Chen Fugang , Huang Lihong
Published: October 2020

The surface resonance scattering of silver nanoparticles, commonly used to enhance the matrix of the Raman, is the most active of all metal nano particles which can greatly improve the sensitivity of the detected molecules. At the same time, the sterilization ability of silver is also
highly recommended in the field of biology. In this study, cytosine nucleoside was used as a template to quickly synthesize silver-based composite nanomaterials (Ag–C/Au) with enhanced fluorescence and good water solubility. Then, the fluorescence spectrum, lifetime, the ultraviolet-visible
absorption spectrum of the material, and the size and shape of the grain size were studied through characterization. After that, the interaction between the silver-based composite nanomaterial Ag–C/Au and the recombinant protein ephrin-b2 was studied by spectroscopy, and the mixed metalloprotein
was used for electrocardiogram treatment of myocardial infarction in SD rats to establish a rat modeling, then the rats were grouped according to the different injections, and the heart rhythm variability (HRV) of different groups of rats with myocardial infarction (MI) was recorded. Finally,
the program electrical stimulation (PES) was used to analyze the ventricular effective refractory period (VERP) and ventricular arrhythmia (VAs) in rats. In the experiment, Ag–C/Au nanomaterials produced strong yellow fluorescence under 370 nm ultraviolet excitation, with an approximate
particle size of 1.6 nm; through spectral data fitting, it was found that the recombinant protein ephrin-b2 could be adsorbed on the surface of the composite nanomaterials, making the intensity of the characteristic peak decreased; the myocardial indicators of myocardial infarction rats based
on ephrin- b2 + Ag–C/Au group were significantly improved, while the grouping of rats using Ag–C/Au alone didn't affect the electrophysiological characteristics after myocardial infarction, that is, ephrin-b2 could improve arrhythmia after myocardial infarction, and the improvement
effect would be further strengthened when Ag–C/Au was added.
Vibration Characteristics Analysis and Experimental Study of Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Plastic-Metal Hybrid Drive Shaft
Authors: Ding Guoping , Lu Zhongyin , Dai Zilun
Published: October 2020

Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) has several advantages, such as light weight, high strength, small thermal expansion coefficient and high damping ratio. The CFRP-metal hybrid drive shaft is taken as the study object to analyze its vibration characteristics. The laminate mode
of the CFRP shaft tube is designed as [±15°3/ ±45° / ± 88° / ±88° / ±45° / ± 15°3 /88°]s, and the equivalent elastic modulus, equivalent shear modulus and modal damping of
the CFRP shaft tube can be obtained by theoretical calculation. The change rule of the torsional vibration angle for the CFRP shaft tube is obtained by the finite-element analysis. Furthermore, the same bending vibration and torsional vibration are measured for the CFRP-metal hybrid drive
shaft and the metal drive shaft using an acceleration sensor. The measured first-order bending resonance speed of the hybrid drive shaft is 1094.64 r/min, and its resonance amplitude is 0.118 mm. The measured first-order bending resonance speed of the metal drive shaft is 1,298.2 r/min, and
its resonance amplitude is 0.21 mm. The maximum torsional vibration stress of the CFRP shaft tube is 330.0733 Mpa, which is far higher than the maximum torsional vibration stress (125.99 Mpa) of the metal drive shaft. It can be seen that the CFRP drive shaft has higher resistance to bending,
torsion and vibration than the metal drive shaft.
Contemporary Wars in Africa or 21st Century Competition for Power
Authors: Sidorova Galina , Lyubenova Eliza
Published: October 2020

Lately the African continent has been the focus of global attention and discussions on the present and future of Africa, especially with regards to the highly topical questions concerning the global and African state of peace and security. As multiple extremely complex armed conflicts continue to cause chronic instability and vulnerabilities in several African states and regions, they also directly affect the state of international security in the 21st century in an intensively interconnected and globalized world from an economic, political and peace/security perspective. Accordingly, this research article offers an in-depth analysis of some of the major causes and explanations of the existing wars in Africa related to the illicit exploitation of resources, vulnerability, and control. The goal of this work is to reveal and analyze the complexity of 21st-century wars in Africa and their deep interrelated causes by applying the example of the long and banal armed conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Thus, the authors argue that the destabilization of the political and socio-economic situation in Africa, and DRC in particular, is directly connected to local and regional conflicts over access to various forms of resources, influence, and power, but also to the artificially created chaos by various interested power parties for expansion, profit, and hope for further profit. In this sense, it has been emphasized that conflicts of so-called ‘low intensity’, artificially maintained over a long period of time, pose no lesser degree of threat to the regional state of peace and security.
An Application of the Three-Step Test-Interview (TSTI) in the Validation of the Relational Depth Frequency Scale
Authors: Di Malta Gina , Cooper Mick , Vos Joel , van der Veer Kees
Published: October 2020

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the utility of a new qualitative scale development methodology—Three-Step Test-Interview (TSTI)—in its first application in the validation of a psychotherapy scale: The Relational Depth Frequency Scale (RDFS). The TSTI is a cognitive pretesting method designed to uncover potential problems in scale construction. The RDFS is a six-item unidimensional scale of in-depth therapeutic relating, designed for use in large-scale outcome studies. Following the creation of an item pool and “expert ratings,” a purposive sample of four therapists and four clients (five females, three males, mean age: 49 years) was recruited to take part in the TSTI with the view to refine the original 36-item RDFS prior to psychometric exploration. Structured observations pointed to problems in test-takers’ patterns of responses in relation to theoretical knowledge of the relational depth construct. Issues uncovered and addressed included some misinterpretations of instructions and items, redundant content, double-barreled items, and test-takers’ reactions to intimate content wording. The method supported the refinement of the RDFS including amendment to its instructions and the removal of problematic items. TSTI results produced knowledge on the scale which could not be captured with statistical methods.
Globalization, contextualization, and indigeneity: Local approaches to indigenous Christianity
Authors: Barber Ron
Published: October 2020

Globalization has made it possible for local Christians to adopt resources from around the world. The adoption of these resources generates questions of cultural identity on the local level—What does it mean to be “indigenous?” These questions are significant for the formation and propagation of gospel-based communities lived out in specific contexts which, in turn, implies the need to refine our approach to contextualization. The uneven, multidirectional flows of ideas, resources, and people of globalization challenge both Western and Majority World Churches to exercise discernment as they attempt to live out the gospel authentically in their local context. However, approaches to contextualization must also take into account that “indigenous” is understood in a variety of ways by local Christians as they combine these global influences, their culture-at-large, and their faith to determine what it means to be Christians in their context. Based on this broader understanding of indigeneity, our approach to contextualization must be to empower local believers; to speak prophetically; to speak missionally; and to practice the same discernment that we expect of them.
Hindi Translation and Validation of Scales for Subjective Well-being, Locus of Control and Spiritual Well-being
Authors: Grover Sandeep , Dua Devakshi
Published: October 2020

Background:

Well-being and locus of control have been important areas of research over the last few years. However, limited information is available about the same from India, due to the lack of validated instruments in regional languages for the same.This research aimed to translate, adapt, and validate the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS), Spiritual Well-being Scale (SWBS), and Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) Scale in Hindi.

Methods:

The scales were translated into Hindi by following the translation–back-translation methodology as specified by the World Health Organization. Next, the Hindi versions of the scales were completed by 102 participants, and then, the participants completed either the Hindi or the English version of the scales after 3–7 days.

Results:

The Hindi versions of WEMWBS, MHLC, and SWBS have high cross-language equivalence with the English version of the scale, both at the level of the individual items and the various dimensions in all three scales, which was significant (P < 0.001). Cronbach’s alpha for the Hindi version of WEMWBS, SWBS, and MHLC scales was 0.92, 0.83, and 0.77, respectively. The Spearman–Brown coefficient was 0.82, 0.63, and 0.63 for WEMWBS, SWBS, and MHLC, respectively. As measured on the Centrality of Religiosity Scale (CRS), higher religiosity was associated with greater religious and existential well-being.

Conclusion:

The Hindi versions of WEMWBS, SWBS, and MHLC have good cross-language equivalence, internal consistency, and test–retest reliability. It is expected that these validated scales will stimulate more research in this area, focusing on evaluating the association of clinical parameters along with well-being and locus of control.
Impact of Medical Assistance in Dying on palliative care: A qualitative study
Authors: Mathews Jean Jacob , Hausner David , Avery Jonathan , Hannon Breffni , Zimmermann Camilla , al-Awamer Ahmed
Published: October 2020

Background:

Medical Assistance in Dying comprises interventions that can be provided by medical practitioners to cause death of a person at their request if they meet predefined criteria. In June 2016, Medical Assistance in Dying became legal in Canada, sparking intense debate in the palliative care community.

Aim:

This study aims to explore the experience of frontline palliative care providers about the impact of Medical Assistance in Dying on palliative care practice.

Design:

Qualitative descriptive design using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis

Settings/participants:

We interviewed palliative care physicians and nurses who practiced in settings where patients could access Medical Assistance in Dying for at least 6 months before and after its legalization. Purposeful sampling was used to recruit participants with diverse personal views and experiences with assisted death. Conceptual saturation was achieved after interviewing 23 palliative care providers (13 physicians and 10 nurses) in Southern Ontario.

Results:

Themes identified included a new dying experience with assisted death; challenges with symptom control; challenges with communication; impact on palliative care providers personally and on their relationships with patients; and consumption of palliative care resources to support assisted death.

Conclusion:

Medical Assistance in Dying has had a profound impact on palliative care providers and their practice. Communication training with access to resources for ethical decision-making and a review of legislation may help address new challenges. Further research is needed to understand palliative care provider distress around Medical Assistance in Dying, and additional resources are necessary to support palliative care delivery.
Changes in bone mineral density after parathyroidectomy in patients with moderate to severe primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Lu Shuai , Gong Maoqi , Zha Yejun , Cui Aimin , Chen Chen , Yang Hao , Sun Weitong , Hua Kehan , Tian Wei , Jiang Xieyuan
Published: October 2020

Objective

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is relatively common in China and results in severe damage to the skeletal system. This study aimed to investigate changes in bone mineral density (BMD) over 2 years in patients with PHPT after parathyroidectomy.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients with PHPT who underwent parathyroidectomy between January 2010 and December 2015. BMD and T-scores and Z-scores of the lumbar spine (L1, L2, L3, and L4) and total hip (femoral neck, great trochanter, and Ward’s triangle) at baseline and 2 years after surgery were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Results

Thirty patients with moderate to severe PHPT (17 men and 13 women) aged 38.90±15.48 years were included. BMD, and T-score and Z-score values at the lumbar spine and total hip at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after parathyroidectomy were significantly improved compared with preoperative values. Improvement in BMD was largest at L4 (46.7%) and smallest at L1 (37.4%) in the lumbar spine 2 years after parathyroidectomy. For the total hip, the increase in BMD was largest at Ward’s triangle (42.6%) and smallest at the femoral neck (37.5%).

Conclusions

BMD of the lumbar spine and total hip is improved after parathyroidectomy in patients with PHPT.
A new prototype system for automated suppression of disc brake squeal
Authors: Budinsky Tomas , Brooks Peter , Barton David
Published: October 2020

This paper presents a new prototype system capable of automated disc brake squeal suppression using a method of varying the leading and trailing piston pressures in a multi-piston opposed brake caliper. The new system consists of a novel modular four-piston brake caliper, a two-channel brake actuation system and an advanced control system that is capable of varying the leading/trailing pressure ratio (LTPR) when squeal is detected. The amended LTPR results in movement of the centre of pressure (CoP) position at the pad/disc interface, which leads to new dynamic parameters of the brake system and thereby to different squeal propensity. Moreover, the control system maintains the overall brake torque at a constant value, so the variation of the LTPR on the brake performance is minimised. Experiments using the current disc brake setup showed that by varying the LTPR, thereby changing the CoP position, the squeal occurrence can be successfully controlled. Large leading or trailing offsets typically lead to a quieter brake. Tests demonstrating operation of the proposed squeal control system in an automatic mode reduced the squeal occurrence significantly for a given duty cycle.
The Decisional Balance Toward Health Behaviors Among Patients With Hypertension
Authors: Eshah Nidal F. , Mosleh Sultan M. , Al-Smadi Ahmed
Published: October 2020

The decisional balance is related to the transtheoretical model, and involves weighting the pros and cons of performing a behavior. The study aimed to assess hypertensive patients’ decisional balances about smoking, weight control, and physical exercise. A cross-section descriptive correlation design was used, and 110 patients were recruited using convenience sampling in outpatient clinics. The decisional balance was measured using “Decisional Balance Scales,” which assess an individual’s decisional balance related to smoking, weight control, and physical exercise behaviors. The results predicted that Jordanian hypertensive patients with higher physical exercise decisional balance and higher weight decisional balance had lower smoking decisional behaviors. Nurses can foster health promotion and behavioral change by employing interventions that improve decisional balances. Improving the decisional balance of one behavior would have a positive impact on other behaviors. Thus, designing multidimensional interventions might be effective for modifying different types of health behaviors, and fostering health promotion practices.
COVID-19 and the Health Workforce
Authors: Armstrong David , Moore Jean , Fraher Erin P. , Frogner Bianca K. , Pittman Patricia , Spetz Joanne
Published: October 2020

The health workforce has been greatly affected by COVID-19. In this commentary, we describe the articles included in this health workforce research supplement and how the issues raised by the authors relate to the COVID-19 pandemic and rapidly changing health care environment.
To reduce the average age of autism diagnosis, screen preschoolers in primary care
Authors: Zuckerman Katharine E , Broder-Fingert Sarabeth , Sheldrick R Christopher
Published: October 2020

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends autism spectrum disorder screening at the 18- and 24-month well-child visits. However, despite widespread toddler screening, many children are not diagnosed until school age, and delayed diagnosis is more common among low-income and minority children. Offering autism spectrum disorder screening at preschool well-child checks might reduce disparities and lower the overall age of diagnosis and service initiation. However, screening tools that span the preschool ages and are tailored for primary care are needed.

Lay abstract

Pediatric primary care providers check for autism signs, usually using a standard checklist, at 18- and 24-month well-child visits. When the checklist shows possible autism, children should be referred for additional treatment and evaluation with an autism specialist. However, many children with autism spectrum disorder are not detected as toddlers. Low-income and minority children are particularly likely to have a late autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Checking for autism at preschool-aged well-child visits might be one way to identify autism spectrum disorder earlier, especially for low-income and minority children.
Expanding peace journalism: A new model for analyzing media representations of immigration
Authors: Kalfeli Naya , Frangonikolopoulos Christos , Gardikiotis Antonis
Published: October 2020

This article aims to expand peace journalism scholarship by proposing a new peace journalism model for analyzing media representations of immigration. By employing framing and content analysis, the paper takes a closer look at the ways in which four Greek newspapers portrayed immigration in crisis-stricken Greece between 2011 and 2014. Results indicate that a conflict frame prevailed in the majority of all newspaper articles analyzed. In this context, immigration was portrayed (1) as an issue that generated conflict among different political and social groups, (2) through stereotypical portrayals of immigrants as a threat to public health and security, (3) as a mass of people in extreme conditions of exception, and (4) as a problem to almost every aspect of the Greek society: for tourism, trade, the economy or even Greece’s relationship with the EU. A peace frame, conversely, was identified in around one fourth of all news stories. At the same time, findings lead us to conclusions that transcend the peace and conflict journalism dualism revealing five distinct subframes that provide a more nuanced understanding of the peace journalism concept; (1) a ‘direct conflict subframe’ enhancing division and dispute over immigration, (2) a ‘journalism of conventions subframe’ following well-established journalistic conventions with important consequences on the quality of information, (3) a ‘journalism of values subframe’ being closer to the traditional values of journalism, (4) a ‘diversity journalism subframe’, including all elements referring to a pro-immigrant approach, and (5) a ‘positive peace subframe’, closer to Galtung’s notion of positive peace.
Understanding the shared experiences of creating a digital life story with individuals with dementia and their spouse
Authors: Sweeney Laura , Wolverson Emma , Clarke Christopher
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Life story books in dementia are used as a part of person-centred care. Whilst the current literature demonstrates associations between completing life story books and increased well-being, little is known about the process and how it is experienced by individuals living with dementia. Life stories are often created with a loved one, such as a partner or spouse; however, further research is required to explore experiences of life story work as a shared endeavour. Furthermore, the use of technology to create life stories is growing, with little known about how digital elements are experienced. This study aimed to understand these gaps by exploring the shared experiences of individuals with dementia and their partner/spouse creating a digital life story book.

Design and Methods

Four couples participated in the six-week creation of their digital life story book. Following this, qualitative data relating to couples’ experiences were collected via semi-structured interviews.

Findings

Thematic analysis was used to interpret data and identified four superordinate themes relating to the shared experiences of creating their digital life story book: ‘Creating a life story book is a huge undertaking’, ‘Looking back and looking forward: The emotional journey’, ‘Whose story is it and who does it belong to?’ and ‘Challenges of using technology to build the life story book’.

Conclusions

Overall, this study demonstrated that creating a digital life story was a positive experience that can support couples’ well-being, but we should not underestimate the time it will take and range of emotions experienced. The experience of using technology varied, emphasising that we must be mindful of individual preferences before considering a digital approach.
Multimaterial bioprinting—minus the printer: Synthetic bacterial patterning with UV-responsive genetic circuits
Authors: Gumuskaya Gizem
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we argue that synthetic biology can help us employ living systems’ unique capacity for self-construction and biomaterial production toward developing novel architectural fabrication paradigms, in which both the raw material production and its refinement into a target structure can be merged into a single computational process embedded in the living structure itself. To demonstrate, here we introduce bioPheme, a novel biofabrication method for engineering bacteria to build biomaterial(s) of designer’s choice into arbitrary 2D geometries specified via transient UV tracing. To this end, we present the design, construction, and testing of the enabling synthetic DNA circuit, which, once inserted into a bacterial colony, allows the bacteria to execute spatial computation by interacting with one another based on the if-then rules encoded in this circuit. At the heart of this genetic circuit is a pair of UV sensor – actuator, and a pair of cell-to-cell signal transmitter – receptor modules, created with genes extracted from the virus λ Phage and marine bacterium Vibrio fischeri, respectively. These modules are wired together to help designers engineer bacteria to build macro-scale structures with seamlessly integrated biomaterials, thereby bridge the molecular and architectural scales. In this way, a bacterial lawn can be programmed to produce different objects with complementary biomaterial compositions, such as a biomineralized superstructure and an elastic tissue filling in-between. In summary, this paper focuses on how scientists’ increasing ability to harness the innate computational capacity of living cells can help designers create self-constructing structures for architectural biofabrication. Through the discussions in this paper, we aim to initiate a shift in today’s biodesign practices toward a greater appreciation and adoption of bottom-up governance of living structures. We are confident that such a paradigm shift will allow for more efficient and sustainable biofabrication systems in the 4th industrial revolution and beyond.
Reactive Oxygen Species Secreted by Leukocytes in Semen Induce Self-Expression of Interleukin-6 and Affect Sperm Quality
Authors: Li Xiaoping , Ni Mengxia , Xing Shiyu , Yu Yi , Zhou Yan , Yang Shenmin , Li Hong , Zhu Rui , Han Mutian
Published: October 2020

Reproductive tract inflammation is considered an important cause of male infertility. Increased leukocytes in semen can produce many reactive oxygen species (ROS), which affect sperm function. The aim of this study is to identify the main source of ROS in seminal plasma and to assess the effect of ROS on leukocytes. Semen samples ( n = 20) with leukocyte concentration >1 × 106 were collected from a male infertility clinic. This study mainly compares the sperm function parameters of the normal group and the semen white blood cell group >1 × 106. The results identified that ROS in semen was closely related to sperm function parameters, and CD45+ leucocytes were the main source of ROS. Compared with the control group, the concentration of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α was higher in the experimental group. Leukocytes in semen may regulate the secretion of ROS through the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. A considerable amount of ROS can upregulate the expression of IL-6 in leukocytes via the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kB) pathway.
SRY-Positive 46, XX Testicular Disorder of Sexual Development With Leydig Cell Tumor
Authors: Osaka Akiyoshi , Ide Hisamitsu , Matsuoka Kentaro , Iwahata Toshiyuki , Kobori Yoshitomo , Ban Shinichi , Okada Hiroshi , Saito Kazutaka
Published: October 2020

The risk of a gonadal tumor is high in testicular disorder of sexual development (DSD) with the Y chromosome, but cases of DSD without the Y chromosome are extremely rare. We reported a gonadal tumor in a phenotypically male individual with 46, XX testicular DSD. A testicular tumor was incidentally found in a 32-year-old phenotypic male who was presented to the hospital with male infertility. A diagnosis of 46, XX testicular DSD was made by the presentation of karyotype analysis of 46, XX with the sex-determining region of the Y chromosome (SRY) positive and gonadal tissue without female gonads. Surgery was performed due to a gradually growing tumor. The partial orchidectomy was performed with the diagnosis of a benign Leydig cell tumor in frozen biopsy.
Prognostic and predictive value of combined HE-4 and CA-125 biomarkers during chemotherapy in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Potenza Enrico , Parpinel Giulia , Laudani Maria E. , Macchi Chiara , Fuso Luca , Zola Paolo
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

At present there is no predictive value univocally associated with the success of chemotherapy. Biomarkers produced by ovarian cancer (HE4 and Ca125) could have a good prognostic significance. The aim of this study is to prove the ability of biomarkers to identify patients with the highest risk of non-optimal response during the chemotherapy, and to predict which patients will most likely develop recurrence of disease.

Methods:

We analyzed 78 patients with epithelial ovarian cancers who underwent surgery in the biennium 2016–2017. All the patients underwent chemotherapy after surgery or interval debulking surgery following neoadjuvant therapy. Serum levels of HE4 and Ca125 were measured at diagnosis and at each cycle of chemotherapy. We established the degree of response to the treatment by computed tomography scan, and the patients were followed up (median: 10 months). The parameters of progression-free survival and disease-free survival were related to serum levels of biomarkers.

Results:

Both CA125 and HE4 values became negative at the fourth cycle in the patients with good response to chemotherapy. HE4 increased earlier than Ca125. The parameters that best correlated with a long progression-free survival were: negativization of the marker after the third cycle of chemotherapy (HE4: odds ratio (OR) 5.5; Ca125: OR 9.1) and biomarker serum levels lower than the mean value in the affected population at the time of diagnosis (HE4: OR 3.4; Ca125: OR 3.7).

Conclusions:

We can conclude that the monitoring of HE4 and Ca125 during chemotherapy, especially at the third cycle, is recommended, because their variation is a good prognostic factor.
Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer therapeutic roadmap: current and novel approaches in a nutshell
Authors: El Rami Fadi E. , Barsoumian Hampartsoum B. , Khneizer Gebran W.
Published: October 2020

Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) is a rare malignancy characterized by autosomal dominant inheritance of pathological variants of the CDH1 gene encoding E-cadherin, which is involved in cell–cell adhesion, maintenance of epithelial architecture, tumor suppression, and regulation of intracellular signaling pathways. Late-stage recognition of HDGC is typically associated with a poor clinical outcome due to its metastatic potential and risk of lobular breast cancer (LBC) development. The American College of Gastroenterology issued guidelines to evaluate HDGC, test for CDH1 genetic variants, and recommend prophylactic gastrectomy for carriers of CDH1 mutations. If surgery is not pursued, endoscopy is a surveillance alternative, although it carries a limited ability to detect malignant foci. As part of clinical research efforts, novel endoscopy advances are currently studied, and a center of excellence for HDGC was created for a comprehensive multidisciplinary team approach. Within this review, we cover current conventional treatment modalities such as gastrectomy and chemotherapy, as the mainstay treatments, in addition to Pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, as the last therapeutic resort. We also shed light on novel and promising approaches with emphasis on immunotherapy to treat HDGC. We further break down the therapeutic paradigms to utilize molecular tools, antibodies against checkpoint inhibitors, TGF-β and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, cell-based adoptive therapies, and oncolytic viral therapies. We aim to expand the understanding on how to modulate the tumor microenvironment to tip the balance towards an anti-tumor phenotype, prevent metastasis of the primary disease, and potentially alter the therapeutic landscape for HDGC.
Prognostic impact of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in high grade serous ovarian cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hao Jiatao , Yu Hui , Zhang Taohong , An Ruifang , Xue Yan
Published: October 2020

Background:

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are involved in the antitumor immune response. The association between prognosis in patients with TILs and high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) remains obscure, with some studies reporting conflicting results.

Methods:

We conducted an extensive literature search of electronic databases and retrieved prognostic data of each selected subtype of TILs, including CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD103+, and PD-1+ TILs. The fixed-effects model was applied to derive the pooled hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of these markers.

Results:

The systematic review process yielded 19 eligible studies comprising 6004 patients with HGSOC. We compared TIL-positive and TIL-negative patients, and the pooled HRs from the multivariate analysis revealed that intraepithelial CD8+ TILs were positively correlated with progression-free survival (PFS, HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.25–0.67) and overall survival (OS, HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.86–0.9); stromal CD8+ TILs were positively correlated with OS (HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.36–0.87). Furthermore, the pooled HRs from univariate analysis demonstrated that intraepithelial CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD103+ TILs were positively associated with OS (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.44–0.72; HR 0.37, 95% CI 0.16–0.59; HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.42–0.60, and HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.44–0.74, respectively); stromal CD4+ and CD8+ TILs were significantly associated with OS (HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.32–0.94 and HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.58–0.97, respectively). However, the pooled HR from the multivariate analysis revealed that PD-1+ TILs were not associated with the OS of patients with HGSOC (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.90–1.04).

Conclusion:

This meta-analysis provided evidence of the association of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD103+ TILs with the survival benefits (OS and PFS) of patients with HGSOC.
Efficacy and safety of apatinib as third- or further-line therapy for patients with advanced NSCLC: a retrospective study
Authors: Liang Jianmiao , Gu Weiguang , Jin Jun , Zhang Hua , Chen Zecheng , Tang Yicong , Zhang Shunda , Yang Shuang , Deng Yanming , Feng Weineng
Published: October 2020

Background:

Apatinib, an oral small-molecule angiogenesis inhibitor, selectively inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2), which inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) stimulated endothelial cell migration and proliferation and decreases tumour growth and metastasis. Recently, the efficacy of multi-target angiogenic drugs has been demonstrated for many cancers, including non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of apatinib in patients with advanced NSCLC.

Patients and methods:

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 70 patients with advanced NSCLC who received second-line and later treatment from November 2015 to July 2017 with poor results. Out of the 70 patients, 36 patients received apatinib treatment after second-line or later treatment, whereas 34 patients in the control group did not receive further treatment. The patients were treated with oral apatinib 500 mg once a day every day for 4 weeks per cycle. Treatment was continued in responding and stable patients until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. The objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and side effects of the drug were recorded and reviewed.

Results:

ORR, DCR, PFS, and OS were evaluated in 36 patients receiving apatinib and 34 patients in the control group. The ORR and DCR in patients receiving apatinib therapy were 22.2% and 77.8%, respectively. The median PFS and OS in the treatment group were 5.6 and 9.6 months, respectively. The median OS in the apatinib group was significantly longer than that in the control group (9.6 versus 3.8 months; p < 0.0001). In contrast, there were no differences in adverse reactions between the patients in the treatment and control groups.

Conclusion:

Apatinib showed favourable efficacy and safety and can thus be used as a treatment option for patients with advanced NSCLC.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors and pregnancy in chronic myeloid leukemia: opinion, evidence, and recommendations
Authors: Abruzzese Elisabetta , Mauro Michael , Apperley Jane , Chelysheva Ekaterina
Published: October 2020

With survival expectation that of age-matched controls and given excellent response and worldwide access to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), family planning is increasingly important for a considerable fraction of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The potential for therapy discontinuation (“treatment free remission”) can afford the opportunity for a CML patient in deep response to plan and carry a pregnancy to full term without any therapeutic interventions. However, the reality of pregnancy desired or occurring when patients are not eligible for treatment-free remission raises the discussion of therapy choices during pregnancy. To date there are no official guidelines available to assist patients and clinicians with these decisions. This first position paper aims to analyze information published and presented surrounding this challenging area, with focus on different scenarios of disease burden and time from CML diagnosis, including CML discovered during pregnancy and pregnancy during CML treatment. An updated review, supported by data and presented together with authors’ joint recommendations, is aimed to counsel the practical management of CML patients and pregnancy.
Rapid Temporal Recalibration to Audiovisual Asynchrony Occurs Across the Difference in Neural Processing Speed Based on Spatial Frequency
Authors: Takeshima Yasuhiro
Published: October 2020

Audiovisual integration relies on temporal synchrony between visual and auditory stimuli. The brain rapidly adapts to audiovisual asynchronous events by shifting the timing of subjective synchrony in the direction of the leading modality of the most recent event, a process called rapid temporal recalibration. This phenomenon is the flexible function of audiovisual synchrony perception. Previous studies found that neural processing speed based on spatial frequency (SF) affects the timing of subjective synchrony. This study examined the effects of SF on the rapid temporal recalibration process by discriminating whether the presentation of the visual and auditory stimuli was simultaneous. I compared the magnitudes of the recalibration effect between low and high SF visual stimuli using two techniques. First, I randomly presented each SF accompanied by a tone during one session, then in a second experiment, only a single SF was paired with the tone throughout the one session. The results indicated that rapid recalibration occurred regardless of difference in presented SF between preceding and test trials. The recalibration magnitude did not significantly differ between the SF conditions. These findings confirm that intersensory temporal process is important to produce rapid recalibration and suggest that rapid recalibration can be induced by the simultaneity judgment criterion changes attributed to the low-level temporal information of audiovisual events.
Internal Medicine Physicians and Social media: Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes
Authors: Bhuiyan Mohammed Nadir , Medina-Inojosa Jose R. , Croghan Ivana T. , Marcelin Jasmine R. , Ghosh Karthik , Bhagra Anjali
Published: October 2020

Objective

Increasing adoption of social media have revolutionized communications between individuals, groups, and organizations This research study was designed to assess the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of internal medicine physicians’ awareness and engagement with social media (sometimes referred to as #SoMe) within the digital landscape of healthcare delivery.

Methods

An audience-response survey focused on social media “ Social media in Healthcare: Physician Survey,” was administered during the “A Systematic Approach to Medically Unexplained Symptoms” continuing medical education conference. The Conference took place between August 22, 2019 and August 24, 2019. Data was collected on August 23, 2019. A range of 103 (59.5%) to 112 (64.7%) of the total 173 attendees participated in this cross-sectional audience-response survey, depending on the questions answered.

Results

Most responders were between the ages of 35 and 65 years (79.6%) and female (60.2%). A majority of responders were aware of social media terminology (88.7%), and many had used it personally (46.7%), but only 12% knew how to use social media to search medical topics, 18% used it to network professionally and most (68.9%) had a distrust of social media when it came to the protection of their privacy or their patients’ privacy. Overall, about 29.6% indicated an interest in future continued medical education focused on social media (and 27.4% were neutral).

Conclusions

Approximately half of the responders used social media but far less engaged its platforms for professional use likely due to privacy related concerns. Distance from academic institutions, where professional social media use is more common likely, played a role in aversion. Awareness of social media’s role in healthcare has increased among physicians in practice, however their participation and knowledge of opportunities remains limited.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Across Cultures: The Application of UDL in Kuwaiti Inclusive Classrooms
Authors: Almumen Huda A.
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the role of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in inclusive settings in which students with and without disabilities learn and gain knowledge. Five teachers from Kuwait participated in the study. Twenty-five consecutive observations were conducted to derive the primary data for this study. Interviews with the teachers were also used to support/add to the study’s results. Findings indicate that UDL is effective in engaging all students, including those with disabilities. The results also found that although teachers may have basic knowledge of UDL, they need more training and practice to successfully address the needs of all students, including students with disabilities.
The Forms and Functions of Child Support Stigma
Authors: Goodall Zoë , Cook Kay
Published: October 2020

The stigmatization of single mothers who receive child support proliferates in news media, policy, and popular culture. Drawing on critical stigma literature, we examined data from interviews conducted with child support recipients in Australia and the United Kingdom. Our analysis examined how women receiving child support experienced stigma, how stigma was applied to other women in similar situations, and the political implications of these framings. Our interview data suggested child support stigma can be grouped into three categories, where women were seen to contravene maternal norms, patriarchal norms, and/or familial norms. These norms sanctioned mothers’ use of, amount of, and reliance on child support, viewing it fundamentally as men’s money that women take, rather than the contribution of a nonresident parent to their children’s upbringing. The source of stigma may have been ex-partners, child support bureaucratic systems, or recipients themselves, but the social and political functions of child support stigma remained the same: it discouraged solidarity between recipients and encouraged policy reform that further disadvantaged them.
Remdesivir and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Essential Questions and Answers for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians
Authors: Veronin Michael A. , Lang Andrew , Reinert Justin P.
Published: October 2020

Objective: To conduct a review of the investigational drug remdesivir and its therapeutic potential for treatment of COVID-19, in the form of a series of questions and answers. The purpose of the review is to narrow gaps in knowledge, clarify concepts, and to investigate research advancements for health care professionals. Data Sources: From June 2020 to August 2020, we conducted comprehensive searches of MEDLINE-PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases with no time limitations. Search terms were included that contained the terms “remdesivir,” “COVID-19,” “novel coronavirus” and “evidence,” “therapy,” “safety,” “effectiveness,” “efficacy,” “clinical trial.” Study Selection and Data Extraction: The sources of information include all publicly available data from previously published research reports. Reports must have at least one reference to remdesivir as a treatment modality for COVID-19 with no specified outcomes. Data Synthesis: Major research findings on the efficacy and safety of remdesivir are summarized in tabular format and presented in chronological order. Results of this review reveal remdesivir to be an effective therapy in specific clinical contexts; however, in several areas, available data are insufficient to support evidence-based guidance for remdesivir in the treatment of COVID-19. Conclusions: Clinical trials on remdesivir are ongoing, yet questions remain and further research is needed as to the selection of patients, effectiveness, and duration of treatment in the use of remdesivir for treatment of COVID-19.
Impact of oxidative stress on semen parameters in normozoospermic infertile men: a case–control study
Authors: Palani Ayad , Alahmar Ahmed
Published: October 2020

Background

Oxidative stress has been implicated in male infertility through decrease in sperm quality. However, men with normal semen parameters (normozoospermia) may be unable to fertilize their partners even when they have normal sperm function. Thus, they would be considered infertile. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of unexplained male infertility.

Methods

In this case–control study, infertile men with normozoospermia (n = 46) and fertile control group (n = 21) underwent seminal fluid analyses according to WHO 2010 criteria. Serum and seminal plasma levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione, malondialdehyde, uric acid and albumin were also measured using colorimetric methods.

Results

The level of total antioxidant capacity in both serum and seminal plasma was significantly lower in normozoospermic infertile men in comparison with fertile group (p < 0.0001). However, no significant differences were observed in serum and seminal plasma levels of glutathione, uric acid, albumin and malondialdehyde between infertile and fertile groups.

Conclusion

Low TAC level induces oxidative stress and consequently causes sperm dysfunction and male infertility. Estimation of TAC can be a useful tool in the diagnosis of male infertility. Antioxidant supplementation should be considered in the treatment of oxidative stress-induced male infertility.
Yellow nutsedge WRI4-like gene improves drought tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana by promoting cuticular wax biosynthesis
Authors: Cheng Chao , Hu Shutong , Han Yun , Xia Di , Huang Bang-Lian , Wu Wenhua , Hussain Jamshaid , Zhang Xuekun , Huang Bangquan
Published: October 2020

Background

Cuticular wax plays important role in protecting plants from drought stress. In ArabidopsisWRI4improves drought tolerance by regulating the biosynthesis of fatty acids and cuticular wax.Cyperus esculentus(yellow nutsedge) is a tough weed found in tropical and temperate zones as well as in cooler regions. In the current study, we report the molecular cloning of aWRI4-like gene fromCyperus esculentusand its functional characterization in Arabidopsis.

Results

Using RACE PCR, full-lengthWRI-like gene was amplified from yellow nutsedge. Phylogenetic analyses and amino acid comparison suggested it to be aWRI4-like gene. According to the tissue-specific expression data, the highest expression ofWRI4-like gene was found in leaves, followed by roots and tuber. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing nutsedgeWRI4-like gene manifested improved drought stress tolerance. Transgenic lines showed significantly reduced stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, chlorophyll leaching, water loss and improved water use efficiency (WUE). In the absence of drought stress, expression of key genes for fatty acid biosynthesis was not significantly different between transgenic lines and WT while that of cuticular wax biosynthesis genes was significantly higher in transgenic lines than WT. The PEG-simulated drought stress significantly increased expression of key genes for fatty acid as well as wax biosynthesis in transgenic Arabidopsis lines but not in WT plants. Consistent with the gene expression data, cuticular wax load and deposition was significantly higher in stem and leaves of transgenic lines compared with WT under control as well as drought stress conditions.

Conclusions

WRI4-like gene fromCyperus esculentusimproves drought tolerance in Arabidopsis probably by promoting cuticular wax biosynthesis and deposition. This in turn lowers chlorophyll leaching, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, water loss and improves water use efficiency under drought stress conditions. Therefore,CeWRI4-like gene could be a good candidate for improving drought tolerance in crops.