bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation, Culture and Biological Characteristics of Tibetan Mastiff (Canis lupus Familiaris) Muscle Satellite Cells
Authors: Lu Tengfei , Wang Xishuai , Zheng Yanjie , Wen Hebao , Ji Hongda , Guan Weijun
Published: November 2019

With the ability of self-renewal and multipotenntial differentiation, muscle satellite cells (MSCs) are recognized as a population of tissue-specific progenitors which play an important role in the growth, repair and regeneration of muscles. Satellite cells have been isolated for a
very long time, but the techniques of isolation are still to be improved. In this study, MSCs were obtained from aborted Tibetan mastiff fetuses (about 60 days) under sterile conditions. Primary MSCs were sub-cultured to passage 25 in vitro. The gene of C-met, MyoD1, Desmin and Pax7
were detected by RT-polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence assays. The result showed that they were positive in MSCs of Tibetan mastiff. The growth of different passages cells typically appeared in S curve. Furthermore, myogenic, osteogenic and adipogenic differenciation of MSCs
were successfully induced. The results denoted that the MSCs obtained from Tibetan Mastiffs exhibited the characteristics of multipotent stem cells. Therefore, this work provided a theoretical and technical basis for Tibetan mastiff, even its genetic resources preservation and laid a solid
foundation for studying the mechanism of skeletal muscle growth and development in future.
Melatonin Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells Through Bone Morphogenic Proteins-2-Related Signaling
Authors: Yu Na , Zhang Jinghui , Han Lijuan , Na Cunjirigala , Yuan Xiaoguang
Published: November 2019

Periodontitis is one of the most widespread infectious diseases that troubled the majority of adults. Human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) have been reported as a promising therapy for the treatment of periodontitis. Melatonin, an indoleamine hormone from pineal gland, has
various biological activities such as anti-inflammation, anti-cancer and so on. However, whether it is functional in periodontitis is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of melatonin in periodontitis and elucidate the molecular mechanism. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
was used to stimulate hPDLSCs, and viability of hPDLSCs that was treated with melatonin (0, 1, 10, 50 and 100 μmol/L) for 24 h or 48 h was determined by MTT assay. Flow cytometry analysis was carried out to detect the influence of melatonin on cell proliferation. Osteogenic differentiation
ability of melatonin was determined by Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay kit and Alizarin Red Staining. Lastly, western blot was used for the determination of protein expressions related to proliferation, differentiation and ERK/Wnt signaling activity. The results showed that LPS significantly
inhibited cell viability, which was reversed by melatonin, especially at 10 μM for 48 h and at 50 μM for 24 h. Melatonin (10 μM, 48 h) and melatonin (50 μM, 24 h) notably induced G0/G1 phase cell arrest, increased the expression of CDK2, cyclin E and
decreased the expression of p27 in LPS-stimulated hPDLSCs. Besides, melatonin significantly promoted cell differentiation through increasing ALP activity, mineralization and protein expressions of Oct4, Sox-2, Runx2 and bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2). Additionally, BMP-2 related ERK and
Wnt signaling was activated with the treatment of melatonin in LPS-stimulated hPDLSCs. Collectively, melatonin could improve cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in LPS-stimulated hPDLSCs, partly through regulating BMP2-related ERK/Wnt pathway.
The Synthesis of the Folate Acid Quantum Dots and Its Endocytosis in the Hepatoma Cells Mediated by the Folate Receptor
Authors: Zhu Xiao-Li , Tang Jing-Cheng , Xu Bing-Jiu
Published: November 2019

Objectives: To synthesize folate acid conjugated quantum dots (QDs) by a simple and green method and explore endocytosis of the QD-folic acid conjugates (FA-QDs) into hepG2 cells. Methods: CdS QDs were prepared using stearic acid as synthetic medium, and were conjugated
with mercaptoacetic acid (MAA) to be water-soluble. Then folic acid moiety was coupled to the surface of the QDs using EDC (1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylamino propyl)carbodiimide) as a coupling agent. The CdS QDs and FA-QDs were characterized by X-ray spectroscopy (XRD), transmission electron microscopy
(TEM), spectro fluorimetry and infrared spectroscopy. Endocytosis of the FA-QDs into hepG2 cells was observed by confocal microscopy and TEM. Results: TEM shows that the CdS QDs and FA-QDs were spherical in shape and had a diameter of 10 nm. Fluorescence spectrum of the QDs also shows
their narrow size distribution. Confocal microscopic and TEM results show that FA-QDs were successfully internalized into the hepG2 cells. In addition, confocal results show that when the cells were first be saturated with excess free FA, the endocytosis of the FA-QDs became less, and CdS
QDs that were not conjugated with FA were not able to be internalized into the hepG2 cells. Conclusions: The FA-QDs can be synthesized by a simple and green method and be used to successfully target tumor cells: hepG2 cell lines, which was probably mediated by the FA receptor.
Green Synthesis, Structural, In Vitro and In Vivo Bioactivity Properties of ZnO Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Ibrahim Essam H. , Albulym Obaid , Kaygili Omer , Kilany Mona , Shkir Mohd. , Hussien Mai S. A. , Bulut Niyazi , Zahran H. Y. , Yahia I. S.
Published: November 2019

Owing to the fascinating applications of ZnO in modern devices, it is interesting to explore its more aspects for future devices. Hence, herein, we have synthesized the high purity spherical ZnO nanoparticles (SNPs) through a facile green synthesis route and robust structural and biomedical
studies are carried out. Hexagonal phase with 93.2% crystallinity was confirmed through XRD analysis. ZnO nanoparticles were tested for their bioactivities both in vivo (acute cytotoxicity test) and in vitro (Anti-cancer activities on the liver (HepG2) and cervical (Hela) cancer
cell lines, stimulatory/inhibitory effects on normal rat splenic cells, hemolytic effects on red blood cells and antimicrobial activity). Results showed that ZnO SNPs has no cytotoxic effects on the vital organ like the liver and has no hemolytic action on red blood cells. ZnO SNPs showed
inhibitory consequence on normal rat splenic cells growth at all tested concentrations. The ZnO nanoparticles showed a stimulatory effect on Hela cell line. Moreover, ZnO nanoparticles showed an inhibitory effect on HepG2 cell line and microbial cells.
Long Non-Coding RNA RP1130-1 Suppresses Cell Proliferation, Invasion and Migration Mediated by Downregulation of TGF-β
Authors: Cheng Zhaohua , Jiang Weidong , Han Yingbo , Duan Ping
Published: November 2019

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma has low levels of long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) RP1130. However, the effects of LncRNA RP1130 in hepatocellular carcinoma still unknown. Materials and Methods: Expression of LncRNA RP1130-1 in HCC and cell lines were detected by real-time
PCR. Cell proliferation was assessed by CCK-8. Wound-healing and Transwell assays were performed for HCC cell migration and invasion. Western blotting was carried out to evaluate cell cycle, migration and invasion associated proteins in HCC. Results: Expression levels of LncRNA RP1130-1
was dramatically lower in HCC tissues than in normal control. Similarly, LncRNA RP1130-1 was downregulated in HCC cell lines compared with LO2. The cellular experiments revealed that high expression of LncRNA RP1130-1 in HCC inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion. In addition,
overexpression of LncRNA RP1130-1 inhibited the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, and TGF-β reversed the effects of LncRNA RP1130 in HCC cell lines. Conclusions: LncRNA RP1130 exerts anti-tumor effects mediated by inhibiting TGF-β.
In summarize, our results indicate that LncRNA RP1130/TGFβ may be a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
Ant Colony Based Data Aggregation in Real Time Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Jain Anuj Kumar , Goel Sandip , Prasad Devendra , Sharma Avinash
Published: November 2019

Sensing the natural phenomenon, sensing the eventual activities, sensing the abrupt change in human developed systems has a wide number of applications. To sense, one needs the tiny sensor devices called sensor nodes. To collect the data from these devices, one has to arrange these
tiny devices into a intelligently managed network, called as sensor networks. Due to mostly unattended application areas and zones, these devices are supposed to be wireless which adds one more dimension to our discussion, known as wireless sensor networks. So basically these are an intelligent
arrangement of small, tiny sensing devices with wide array of attributes, namely, sensing ability, low communication range mechanism, limited power sources, small processing ability, small memory. With these limitations, even handling a small data generated/sensed in the network becomes crucial
to handle. Therefore there has to be an effective data aggregation technique. The prime goal of any data aggregation algorithms is to collect/retrieve/gather the data in an efficient possible way so that the effort to communicate the data over the network can be reduced. Less work from the
network means less energy dissipated, thus lifetime can be enhanced. An effective data aggregation technique reduces the latency also. Small network latency is crucial for time critical applications in real time wireless sensor networks. Ant colony based optimization provides us such a possibility
to find an optimal route for efficient data aggregation with significantly reduced network latency. In our work, Ant colony based Data Aggregation in Real Time wireless sensor networks (ACDAR), Ants use their pheromones to establish a new path or follow already established path by other ants.
Similarly data packets in wireless sensor networks can take advantage of freshly established paths by Route Ants. As the results received, it is verified that number of packets successfully delivered to the sink have increased and the miss ratio, cumulative packets consumption have improved,
network latency has decreased.
Big Data Clustering and Hadoop Distributed File System Architecture
Authors: Ahlawat Deepak , Gupta Deepali
Published: November 2019

Due to advancement in the technological world, there is a great surge in data. The main sources of generating such a large amount of data are social websites, internet sites etc. The large data files are combined together to create a big data architecture. Managing the data file in
such a large volume is not easy. Therefore, modern techniques are developed to manage bulk data. To arrange and utilize such big data, Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS) architecture from Hadoop was presented in the early stage of 2015. This architecture is used when traditional methods
are insufficient to manage the data. In this paper, a novel clustering algorithm is implemented to manage a large amount of data. The concepts and frames of Big Data are studied. A novel algorithm is developed using the K means and cosine-based similarity clustering in this paper. The
developed clustering algorithm is evaluated using the precision and recall parameters. The prominent results are obtained which successfully manages the big data issue.
Contemporary Technologies and Methods for Cross-Platform Application Development
Authors: Vassallo Keith , Garg Lalit , Prakash Vijay , Ramesh K.
Published: November 2019

This paper reviews the existing technologies for the development of cross-platform applications. Both Server-side as well as client-side applications for web, desktop and mobile devices are considered which mainly consists of smart phones and tablets. Further, based on the review process
and research issues a web-based development approach is recommended for the development of truly cross-platform applications across devices and operating systems.
Comparative Analysis of Various Tools to Predict Consumer Behaviour
Authors: Sharma Sonia , Dalip  , Rai Munishwar
Published: November 2019

With the unstable development of the data accessible on the Internet, WWW has turned into the most capable stage to store, recover, and communicate data. The same number of individuals have taken to the Internet for data gathering, examining client conduct from web get to the logs can
be useful to make versatile framework, recommender framework, and clever online business applications. We get to log records are the documents that contain data about the connection amongst clients and the sites with the utilization of the Internet. It contains many points of interest as authentication
of users, Address related to IP, time of visit, accessing, data transferred, status setting of result, URL and so on. To analyze web log data for prediction of consumer behavior, various free and paid tools is available online. By studying and comparing various analyzer, a website owner can
select the best tool for prediction of consumer behavior. This paper gives a neat report between celebrated log analyzer instruments in light of their highlights and execution.
Improved Cluster-Minkowski Recommendation System (ICRS) for Collaborative Filtering
Authors: Bhavana  , Raheja Neeraj
Published: November 2019

Recommendation systems are intelligent system which provides suggestion according to user adaptability. Recommender systems i.e., collaborative filtering and content filtering works on the basis of user profiles, extensive history of user preferences and item descriptions. This paper
proposes an improved recommendation system based on clustering approach. The comparative analysis shows that the proposed system provides better results in terms of RMSE as compared to other already existing methods.
Image Pattern Recognition for an Intelligent Healthcare System: An Application Area of Machine Learning and Big Data
Authors: Chhabra Mohit , Gujral Rajneesh Kumar
Published: November 2019

Today healthcare sector is completely distinguished from other industries. It is a highly important area and people wants highest level of care and facilities irrespective of cost. It could not accomplish social prospect even though it consumes vast fraction of budget. Frequently the
analyses of medical data were done by the medical expert. In terms of image analysis by different human expert, it is often restricted due to its subjectivity, image complexity, widespread differences occur across different translators, and fatigue. As after the feat of Big Data and machine
learning in real world medical application, it is similarly giving exhilarating results with fine precision for medical imaging and is viewed as an important factor for upcoming applications in area of health sector. This paper presents survey of different applications on the Machine Learning
and Big Data which relies on image pattern recognition.
Performance Evaluation and Analysis of the Existing Data Aggregation Routing Schemes in Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Poonam Rani , Avinash Sharma
Published: November 2019

Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is an emerging area in past few decades. Through the integration of low cost sensor nodes with Internet of Things (IoT), lots of applications are common now these days. Each application senses and transmits the fused data to the sink. This wireless data
transmission is called routing and is the main governing factor for the span of the sensor network. This paper analyzes and presents different variety of routing techniques based on connectivity structure of the sensors. The type of application for which sensor nodes are used governs selection
of a routing technique.
The Challenges of the Internet of Things (IoT): Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Alqahtani Abdullah Saad
Published: November 2019

The Internet of things market grew rapidly in recent years. The increased number of connected objects and the diversity of IoT services caused many challenges. The IoT links heterogeneity sensors from different networks in order to address users’ needs. A systematic review study
was accomplished to identify and clarify the challenges of the IoT with an initial result set of 811 articles, covering studies published from 2013 to 2019. 50 studies were selected and classified according to the study criteria. The results include highlighting the 10 main challenges with
the IoT and introducing data security and privacy as major concerns. The lack of standardization and interoperability is also considered a critical challenge with the IoT. In addition, the descriptive results reported that most of the investigated papers are related either to industrial or
technical aspect. A lack of other areas with the IoT, such as educational, social, and cloud, were reported as well.
Experimental and Simulative Study on Hydraulic Energy Grading Control System in the Process of Wave Energy Conversion
Authors: Lai Wen-Bin , Li De-Tang , Xie Yong-He
Published: November 2019

In the development and utilization of wave energy, the wave energy is first converted to mechanical energy, then to hydraulic energy, and finally to electrical energy. Due to the instability and randomness of the wave energy, which makes the energy easily fluctuate during the conversion
process. In this paper, an oscillating wave power generation device based on hydraulic transmission system is taken as the study object, and the factors affecting the stability of the hydraulic transmission system are studied by model experiment and AMESim simulation. The results of the test
show that the stability can be improved by optimizing the parameters in the hydraulic transmission system according to different wave conditions; However, the optimized hydraulic system can only ensure that the wave energy within a certain wave condition can be stably converted; when the wave
condition changes greatly, the hydraulic transmission system is still easy to cause fluctuations. In addition, a Hydraulic Energy Grading Control System is proposed, which further improves the stability of the wave energy during the conversion process.
Theoretical Review of Routing Protocols Used for Wireless Community Networks
Authors: Matter Safaa S. , Al Shaikhli Imad F. , Hashim Aisha H. A.
Published: November 2019

Wireless community networks (WCNs) are a solution for people who are living in some areas facing difficulties for accessing the internet because no ISPs are providing them with the service due to the long distance, the high cost of infrastructure, and the less no of people in these
areas. So people decided to build their own internet without the need for ISPs. They build mesh networks to provide WiFi access to the internet. WCNs are considered as large-scale, distributed and decentralized systems. In addition, it consists of numerous nodes, links, content, and services.
These networks are constructed in a decentralized way, mixing wired and wireless links with different routing techniques with a different range of applications and services. Therefore, they are very dynamic and diverse. There is an open peering agreement that governs these networks, where
it avoids impediments for the participation in the network. The ownership, governance, and knowledge of the network are open. For that reason, WCNs are decentralized as well as they are self-managed and self-owned by community members. Moreover, they are self-growing networks in links, capacity,
and services provided. This paper presents a critical analysis of the current routing protocols that are employed for WCNs. In addition, it highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each routing protocol.
Nighttime Cool Skin Effect Observed from Infrared SST Autonomous Radiometer (ISAR) and Depth Temperatures
Authors: Zhang Haifeng , Beggs Helen , Ignatov Alexander , Babanin Alexander V.
Published: November 2019

The nighttime ocean cool skin signal ΔT [defined as skin sea surface temperature (SSTskin) minus depth SST (SSTdepth)] is investigated using 103 days of matchups between shipborne Infrared SST Autonomous Radiometer (ISAR) SSTskin and water intake SSTdepth at ~7.1–9.9-m depths, in oceans around Australia. Before data analysis, strict quality control of ISAR SSTskin data is conducted and possible diurnal warming contamination is carefully minimized. The statistical distribution of ΔT, and its dependencies on wind speed, heat flux, etc., are consistent with previous findings. The overall average ΔT value is −0.23 K. It is observed that the magnitude of the cool skin signal increases after midnight and a coolest skin offset (with an average value of −0.36 K) is found at around dawn. The dependency of ΔT on SST conditions is observed. Direct warm skin events are discovered when the net heat flux direction is from the atmosphere to the ocean, which is more likely to occur at high latitudes when the air is very humid and warmer than the SST. In addition, several cool skin models are validated: one widely used physical model performs best and can capture most skin-effect trends and details; the empirical models only reflect the basic features of the observed ΔT values. If the user cannot apply the physical model (due to, e.g., the algorithm complexity or missing inputs), then the empirical parameterization in the form proposed in a 2002 study can be used. However, we recommend using a new set of parameters, calculated in this study, based on much more representative dataset, and with more rigorous quality control.
ACE Inhibitors Versus ARBs in Patients With NSTEMI With Preserved LV Systolic Function Who Underwent PCI With New Generation Drug-Eluting Stents
Authors: Kim Yong Hoon , Her Ae-Young , Jeong Myung Ho , Kim Byeong-Keuk , Hong Sung-Jin , Kim Seunghwan , Ahn Chul-Min , Kim Jung-Sun , Ko Young-Guk , Choi Donghoon , Hong Myeong-Ki , Jang Yangsoo
Published: November 2019

The relative superiority of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) on long-term clinical outcomes in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) with preserved left ventricular systolic function in the era of new generation drug-eluting stents is not well established. A total of 6436 patients with NSTEMI (ACEIs group: n = 3965 vs ARBs group: n = 2471) were enrolled. The major clinical end point was the occurrences of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), defined as all-cause death, recurrent myocardial infarction (re-MI), and any repeat revascularization. After propensity score matching analysis, the cumulative incidences of MACEs (hazard ratio, 1.334; 95% confidence interval, 1.045-1.703; P = .021), any repeat revascularization, and target vessel revascularization (TVR) in the ARB group were significantly higher than that in the ACEI group. However, the cumulative incidences of all-cause death, cardiac death, re-MI, target lesion revascularization, and non-TVR were similar between the 2 groups. Hence, although the mortality and re-MI reduction benefits were similar between the 2 groups, the ACEIs group showed more prominent ability to decrease the occurrences of MACEs, any repeat revascularization, and TVR compared to the ARBs group in these patients during a 2-year follow-up period.
Broken thermometer in foot: a source of mercury poisoning
Authors: Erfantalab Peyman , Zamani Nasim , Hassanian-Moghaddam Hossein
Published: November 2019

A 17-year-old boy was referred after jumping from a ladder onto the ground, crushing a medical thermometer with his right foot. Some days later, he complained of loss of appetite and weakness. A radiograph of the affected foot demonstrated radiopaque densities. Blood and 24-h urine assays for mercury demonstrated toxic levels. Chelation therapy cured the patient dramatically.
You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby, but You Still Have a Long Way to Go: Gender-Based Pay Inequality in U.S. State Bureaucracies, 1995-2015
Authors: Hunt Valerie H. , Rucker Larra , Kerr Brinck
Published: November 2019

Previous research on gender-based inequality in public-sector state-level bureaucracies finds evidence of glass ceilings and glass walls; however, previous research does not evaluate these factors together, nor does this research extend beyond the late 1990s. This study uses newly available data from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)—data spanning from 1995 to 2015 that include the entire universe of female and male administrators—to evaluate this research question: Are gender-based pay disparities and glass walls among administrators in state-level bureaucracies related to the policy/program missions of state agencies? This study observes administrative-level gender-based pay disparities in all state agency types. Furthermore, this study finds evidence of occupational segregation or glass walls in distributive and regulatory agencies, but not in redistributive agencies. The findings indicate some progress for women; however, as recently as 2015, U.S. state bureaucracies, on average, did not achieve gender equity among their administrative ranks.
Trajectories of Willingness to Compromise and Critical Marital Conflict Behaviors after Childbirth
Authors: Kanter Jeremy B. , Proulx Christine M.
Published: November 2019

Contemporary research has used group-based trajectory modeling to uncover distinct trajectories of marital conflict behaviors after childbirth. However, most studies have focused on conflict frequency, not characteristics of conflict; used stringent sample inclusion criteria, which might not capture contemporary family complexity; and have not treated the dyad as the unit of analysis. Using six waves of data from 807 married couples in the Fragile Family and Child Wellbeing (FFCWB) study, and simultaneously modeling the development of spouses’ willingness to compromise and critical marital conflict behaviors over the first nine years of the target child’s life, we identified two classes of couples. Marital conflict frequency, marital duration, race, immigration status, and the child’s birthweight differentiated between classes. Classes were also distinguished by adolescents’ perceptions of their parents’ relationship 15 years after the baseline assessment. We conclude by providing both theoretical and practical implications for changes and stability in conflict tactics.
Places visited for activities outside the home after stroke: Relationship with the severity of disability
Authors: Olofsson Alexandra , Nyman Anneli , Kassberg Ann Charlotte , Malinowsky Camilla , Larsson Lund Maria
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Knowledge about the places people visit or do not visit after stroke is lacking. The aim of this study was to describe and compare the places visited for activities outside the home of people with stroke of working age and to explore the influence of the severity of disability, fatigue, driving a car and sociodemographic characteristics on the total number of places visited for activities outside the home.

Methods

An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted and 63 people with stroke were interviewed with instruments that covered places outside the home, severity of disability and fatigue. Data were analysed using non-parametric tests, analysis of variance and the general linear model.

Results

Significant difference in the total number of places visited for activities outside the home were found between all three groups of severity of disability. The good recovery group visited eight places to a significantly higher extent than those with severe/moderate disability. The severity of disability and driving a car were the only aspects that significantly influenced the total number of places visited.

Conclusions

Places for activities outside the home people with stroke visit and changes therein can add valuable knowledge about participation that can be used in the design of rehabilitation.
Design and Preliminary Testing of the Caregiver-Centered Communication Questionnaire (CCCQ)
Authors: Demiris George , Ganz Freda DeKeyser , Han Claire J. , Pike Kenneth , Oliver Debra Parker , Washington Karla
Published: November 2019

The study objective was to develop and test a new survey instrument that measures caregiver-centered communication. We developed a questionnaire inspired by the National Cancer Institute framework on patient-centered communication, focusing on family caregiver communication for this tool. The questionnaire includes 5 subscales: exchange of information, relationship with team, emotions, managing care, and decision-making. The initial questionnaire was reviewed by domain experts for face validity and edited further to include 30 items. We administered the modified questionnaire to 115 family caregivers of patients with serious illness in various settings. Cronbach α for the entire scale was 0.97 and ranged from 0.82 to 0.93 for the 5 subscales. Participants found that the survey addressed important concepts and that items were in most cases easy to understand. This instrument provides a structured way to assess caregiver-centered communication, addressing a pressing need for tools that measure the extent to which communication is responsive to the needs and preferences of family caregivers. Further testing and refinement are needed to improve the ease of use and examine the reliability and validity of this measure.
Early Identification of Argatroban Resistance and the Consideration of Factor VIII
Authors: Poyant Janelle O. , Gleason Augustus M.
Published: November 2019

Background:

Argatroban, a synthetic, parenteral, nonheparin anticoagulant, is a direct thrombin inhibitor indicated for the prophylaxis or treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis (HITT) and for use during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients who have or are at risk for developing HITT. Although heparin resistance occurs in approximately 0.5% to 5% of heparin-treated patients and is well documented in the literature, argatroban resistance is limited to a single case report. The objective of this case is to describe a case in which argatroban resistance was suspected in a patient with critical limb ischemia.

Methods:

This is a case report of a single patient.

Results:

A 68-year-old female admitted for critical limb ischemia requiring vascular intervention was treated for presumed HITT with argatroban. A therapeutic activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) was not attained (31 seconds) despite multiple uptitrations of the dose to 2.8 μg/kg/min (adjusted based on the institutional protocol and with consideration of organ dysfunction). A coagulopathy workup revealed a high level of factor VIII (265%).

Conclusion:

This case supports early assessment of factor VIII levels and the consideration of argatroban resistance and in patients who have a subtherapeutic aPTT, despite multiple increases in dose with an elevated factor VIII level. Early identification should prompt the use of an alternative anticoagulant to ensure efficacy.
Psychotropic-Induced Priapism in a Treatment-Refractory Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Burk Bradley G. , Nelson Leigh Anne
Published: November 2019

Purpose:

A case report of multiple episodes of priapism associated with the use of 4 different psychotropic medications.

A 34-year-old African American male with treatment-refractory schizoaffective disorder suffered priapism on 6 separate occasions. His medical history is relatively unremarkable, with the exception of possible undiagnosed thalassemia. All incidences were potentially attributable to psychotropic medications, with chlorpromazine, risperidone, trazodone, and quetiapine being the most likely culprits. The onset of priapism ranged from hours after a single injection of chlorpromazine, to years after multiple injections of risperidone, with nothing to indicate a medication dose or duration relationship to priapism. While on clozapine, fluphenazine, haloperidol, lurasidone, and olanzapine at varying times, the patient did not appear to develop priapism. The commonality of high-affinity alpha-1 antagonism with these psychotropics may be to blame. No pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interactions were noted, which would have produced elevations in the levels of these psychotropics, nor was the patient on any phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors or antihypertensives known to cause priapism. Depending on the offending agent, the Naranjo et al’s Adverse-Reaction Probability Scale scores ranged from 5 to 8 (probable).

Conclusion:

A man suffered from multiple episodes of priapism attributed to psychotropic medications. This is not the first case to describe this effect, but will give clinicians a timeline of events and medications that did and did not appear to elicit priapism in a patient with treatment-refractory schizoaffective disorder. Knowledge of which psychotropic medications may be more likely to induce priapism is crucial to preventing long-term penile damage.
Predefined criteria and interpretative flexibility in legal courts’ evaluation of expertise
Authors: Taipale Jaakko
Published: November 2019

This study examines two different approaches in empirical analysis of judges’ evaluation of expertise in court: first, an analyst-based approach that employs predefined normative criteria to measure judges’ performance, and second, an actor-based approach that emphasizes interpretative flexibility in judges’ evaluation practice. I demonstrate how these different approaches to investigating judges’ adjudication lead to differing understandings about judges’ abilities to evaluate scientific evidence and testimonial. Although the choice of analytical approach might depend on context and purpose in general, I contend that in assessing judges’ competence, an actor-based approach that adequately describes the way in which judges relate to and handle expertise is required to properly understand and explain how judges evaluate expertise. The choice of approach is especially important if the resulting understanding of judges’ competence is subsequently used as a basis for making normative and prescriptive claims with potential consequences for trial outcomes.
Emotional Maturity and Self-Perception Among Adolescents Living With HIV—Need for Life-Skills Intervention
Authors: Gupta Sahen , Sudhesh N. T.
Published: November 2019

Among Adolescents Living With HIV (hereby referred to as ALWH), emotional maturity and self-perception gain importance because they play a decisive role in the overall development into adulthood. This study examines the relationship between self-perception and emotional maturity among ALWH. The sample comprised of 92 male and female ALWH, aged 13 to 18 years. Self-Perception Questionnaire and Emotional Maturity Scale were the tools used. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. Correlation analysis showed a negative moderate relationship between Physical Competence and Global Self-Worth dimensions of self-perception and emotional maturity, with regression analysis confirming their predictive abilities. Discussions are focused on the relevance of the findings in terms of a need for a psychosocial life-skills intervention for the population.
Double Blow to Scientific Research and Academic Freedom in Latinoamerica: Debt, Then Flames
Authors: Chapela Consuelo
Published: November 2019

Weaving together some historical, collective, and personal threads, I focus mainly on the trajectory of the marks neoliberal policies had printed on the Mexican and Latinoamerican Public University. I examine some polices, spaces, and forms of academic research before and in neoliberal contexts. Then I examine how those policies have been outstanding capitalist dispositifs undermining critical and social justice-oriented higher education and research. I conclude that, very much like in the National Museum of Brazil in 2018, neoliberal policies and practices of debt set fire to the Latinoamerican Public University challenging Public University ideals.
Survival of monoblock RM vitamys compared with modular PINNACLE cups: mid-term outcomes of 200 hips performed by a single surgeon
Authors: Kenanidis Eustathios , Kakoulidis Panagiotis , Leonidou Andreas , Anagnostis Panagiotis , Potoupnis Michael , Tsiridis Eleftherios
Published: November 2019

Introduction:

Monoblock cups have theoretical advantages over modular cups; however, their superiority in terms of survival has not been confirmed in comparative studies.

Methods:

We compared the mid-term survivorship of 107 RM Pressfit vitamys monoblock cups (Mathys Ltd., Bettlach, Switzerland) with 93 modular pressfit Pinnacle cups (DePuy Synthes, Warsaw, IN, USA). All cases were registered in the Arthroplasty Registry Thessaloniki and performed by a senior surgeon through the same approach between 2013 and 2014. The groups were comparable in sex distribution, preoperative diagnosis, follow-up, cup diameter, head diameter, type and use of screws, HOOS and HSS preop scores; the recipients of RM cup were significantly younger.

Results:

3 sockets were revised. The 6-year survival for any reason was 99.1% for the RM and 97.8 % for the PINNACLE group. There was no difference in survival for aseptic loosening and any reason between groups (log-rank test p = 0.921 and p = 0.483, respectively). The age (95% CI, 0.79–1.1), sex (95% CI, 0.2–45.0), cup diameter (95% CI, 0.18–1.1), head diameter (95% CI, 0.004–6.2), preoperative diagnosis and use of screws (95% CI, 0.02–4.3), did not influence hazard ratio for revision between groups. HHS and HOOS were comparable at the last follow-up.

Conclusions:

Our study demonstrated that both cup designs had similar revision rates at mid-term follow-up, regardless the fact that the RM vitamys was used in a cohort of younger patients; which according to the literature would have led to earlier failures. Further long-term data are needed to evaluate the superiority of RM vitamys in the clinical setting, especially in the young.
A feasibility study of telemedicine for paediatric sickle cell patients living in a rural medically underserved area
Authors: Jacob Seethal A , Carroll Aaron E , Bennett William E
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common inherited haematological disease, with potentially devastating complications. Improvements in therapies have increased the life span of patients with SCD, but this is contingent on receiving timely evidence-based medical care, including regular evaluations with haematologists, disease-specific education and psychosocial care. Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility of utilizing telemedicine for the provision of subspecialty paediatric SCD care in a rural medically underserved area.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, observational, feasibility study. All patients 0–21 years old with SCD seen at Riley Hospital for Children Comprehensive Pediatric Sickle Cell Clinic who lived within 30 miles of the spoke telemedicine facility were eligible for recruitment. The Telehealth Satisfaction Scale (TeSS) was adapted for the SCD population and administered at each visit.

Results

Ten SCD patients, ranging in age from 10 months to 18 years old, initiated telemedicine visits during this timeframe. Some 60% were lost to follow-up or did not attend >50% of scheduled visits prior to beginning telemedicine visits. Following initiation of telemedicine, all Hb SS patients were started and/or maintained on hydroxyurea. Nine out of 10 patients who participated during this timeframe had a 100% follow-up rate. All who participated rated the comfort and ease of using the telehealth system as good or excellent and would do a telemedicine visit again.

Discussion

This study provides critical information to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a telemedicine intervention to aid in SCD care. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the effectiveness of telemedicine to deliver comprehensive paediatric SCD care. Future research with a larger sample size is needed to confirm findings of our study, including expansion of telemedicine sites to include more urban areas.
In the shadow of the Citadel: Haitian national patrimony and vernacular concerns
Authors: Geller Pamela L , Marcelin Louis Herns
Published: November 2019

A growing number of heritage studies scholars critique top-down approaches to cultural sites of global significance. International and state organizations, they explain, eschew locals’ concerns. We consider the Parc National Historique, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Haiti, Milot. Writers have produced a history that is hierarchical and nationalistic in ideological tone, which policy makers circulate when promoting the Parc. In so doing, they elide the past roles and present-day concerns of Milot’s residents, who have lived in these structures’ shadows for generations. To access them, our ethnographic work documents a vernacular culture-history, which shares common ground with official interests and departs in important ways. Incongruities in practice and discourse stem from locals’ understanding of heritage ( eritaj) and experiences of instability ( enstabilite). The validation of vernacular concerns makes for a comprehensive understanding of the past. It may also create collaborative opportunities between the community and national (or international) organizations, which can safeguard Haitian patrimony and alleviate socio-economic instabilities.
Challenges of creative collaboration in geographical research
Authors: Boyd Candice P , Barry Kaya
Published: November 2019

There is a long history of collaboration between artists and geographers, with creative forms of research and dissemination of findings taking shape as artworks. In addition, there has been significant push from academia for researchers to maximise their research in ways that cater to, and engage with, broader public audiences. Art and creative practices tap into this through formats such as exhibitions, performances and participatory workshops which draw upon arts-based research methodologies with which geographers are becoming increasingly engaged. However, with this enthusiasm to adopt art practices for research dissemination purposes, tensions can arise in determining the levels of collaboration and authorship between artists and geographers, especially when the artist is employed as a research assistant on the project. In this ‘In Practice’ article, we explore the tensions and challenges that creative collaborations produce with respect to copyright and authorship, specialist skills and the delicate balance of doing creative research as part of a research team. We argue that geographers and artists need to address these issues from the outset and revisit them throughout the research process, and we offer some suggestions for how art–geography research collaborations might best be negotiated.
Increased risk of mortality and readmission associated with lower SF-12 scores in cardiac patients: Results from the national DenHeart study
Authors: Christensen Anne Vinggaard , Bjorner Jakob Bue , Ekholm Ola , Juel Knud , Thrysoee Lars , Borregaard Britt , Rasmussen Trine Bernholdt , Mols Rikke Elmose , Thorup Charlotte Brun , Berg Selina Kikkenborg
Published: November 2019

Background:

The SF-12v2 health survey (SF-12) is widely used as a generic measure of health-related quality of life. However, interpretation of score differences can be difficult.

Aim:

To estimate benchmarks for interpretation of score differences on the SF-12 for readmission and all-cause mortality in cardiac patients.

Methods:

Data from the DenHeart study, a national cross-sectional survey including one year follow-up register data, were used. Patients with ischaemic heart disease, arrhythmia, heart failure and heart valve disease answered the survey at hospital discharge. Cox proportional hazards models were used to regress readmission and all-cause mortality.

Results:

A total of 10,813 cardiac patients completed the SF-12. For patients with ischaemic heart disease and arrhythmia, a one point lower physical component summary score was associated with a 2% increase in risk in readmission (hazard ratio (HR) 1.022 (95% confidence interval 1.017;1.027) and HR 1.024 (1.018; 1.029), respectively) and a 3% increase in risk for patients with heart failure (HR 1.027 (1.015; 1.038)). A one point lower mental component summary score was associated with a 2% increase in the risk of readmission (HR 1.017 (1.013; 1.022)) across diagnoses. For both the physical and mental component summary score, a one point lower score meant a 5% increase in the risk of all-cause mortality (HR 1.046 (1.031; 1.060) and HR 1.046 (1.029; 1.065), respectively) across diagnoses.

Conclusion:

In a large group of cardiac patients, a one point lower physical or mental component summary score was associated with an up to 3% increased risk of readmission and a 5% increased risk of mortality in the first year after discharge.
Experiences of Living With Primary Progressive Aphasia: A Scoping Review of Qualitative Studies
Authors: Davies Katharine , Howe Tami
Published: November 2019

Introduction:

Understanding the experiences of people who live with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) can inform the development of appropriate speech-language pathology services for this population. This review aimed to summarize the qualitative research on the experience of living with PPA from the perspective of the individuals with the disorder and their families.

Methods:

A scoping review was conducted.

Results:

Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Themes in the 3 investigations that focused on the individual’s perspective included adapting to overcome language difficulties and dealing with increased dependency. Themes identified in the 5 studies that highlighted the family’s perspective included observing and adapting to language, behavioral, and social communication changes; lack of awareness of PPA; control; and the impact of the historical relationship.

Discussion:

Experiences from the 2 perspectives differed. Further research is needed, particularly in relation to identifying the general experience of PPA from the perspective of individuals with the disorder.
How Adult Women Who Trade Sex Navigate Social Services: A Grounded Theory Study
Authors: Gerassi Lara B.
Published: November 2019

Access to and engagement with social services among women who trade sex is essential to address issues including substance use, posttraumatic stress disorder, and housing instability. This grounded theory study aims to understand how adult women who trade sex accessed and engaged with social services. Drawing from semistructured, in-depth interviews with 30 mostly Black and White women, results suggest that women’s differing viewpoints of sex trading and experiences of racial prejudice impacted their access and engagement with services. Women’s experiences ranged from affirmed to disrespected, which influenced whether and how they chose to continue seeking services. Implications are discussed.