bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The views of birth families regarding access visits in foster care
Authors: García-Martín Miguel Ángel , Fuentes María J , Bernedo Isabel M , Salas María D
Published: March 2018

This study aims to give voice to parents and gather their views about contact visits in foster care. Participants were 23 birth families who had contact visits with 35 children in non-kinship foster care. Semistructured individual interviews were conducted in order to explore two key aspects: the parents’ opinions regarding the contact visits and the main areas they felt needed improving. The interviews were transcribed and the transcripts were examined using an inductive method by Atlas.ti.

Findings

The main themes to emerge concerned their general view of contact visits, the input and support from social workers, the contribution of foster families, the contact venue, and the organization of visits. In general, the birth families’ comments were positive about the support and treatment received from social workers. However, they also mentioned certain aspects should be improved, such as supervision during visits.

Applications

The results suggest several ways to improve social work practice. Social workers should aim to involve birth families more in the process of drawing up contact arrangements and offering birth families adequate preparation prior to visits. Child protection agencies also have a role to play in relation to improving the facilities in which visits are held, as well as their overall organization, such as, the venue should provide a space that enables everyday family relationships to take place, and in the absence of this, attempts should be made to organize visits outside the official meeting place.
Family Group Conferencing for older adults: Social workers’ views
Authors: Metze Rosalie N , Abma Tineke A , Kwekkeboom MH
Published: March 2018

Family Group Conferencing as deployed in child care might be useful in elderly care to strengthen older adults’ social networks and self-mastery. When Family Group Conferencing was implemented for older adults in the Netherlands, social workers were reluctant to refer. To discover reasons for this reluctance, we examined social workers’ views and attitudes concerning Family Group Conferencing for their clients.

Findings

In an initial exploratory study, we distributed a survey among social workers who worked with older adults and were informed about Family Group Conferencing, followed by three focus groups of social workers with and without Family Group Conferencing experience. We also held semi-structured individual interviews with social workers and an employee of the Dutch Family Group Conferencing foundation. The respondents were positive about Family Group Conferencing, but hesitant about referring their older clients. Reasons were: they were already working with their clients’ social networks; they feared losing control over the care process; and they wondered how they could motivate their clients. They also reported that their clients themselves were reluctant, because they seemed to fear that Family Group Conferencing would lose them self-mastery, and they did not want to burden their social networks.

Applications

Our findings indicate that implementing Family Group Conferencing in elderly care is a complicated and slow process, partly because social workers have little experience with Family Group Conferencing. To facilitate social workers it might be necessary to offer them more guidance, in a joint process with the Family Group Conferencing foundation. One might also experiment with alterations to the Family Group Conferencing model, for example, by focusing less on family networks and more on reciprocity.
Asymmetric dimethylarginine levels and diabetes duration: Relationship with measures of subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiac function in children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Ersoy Betül , Eroğlu Nilgün , Çetin Mecnun , Onur Ece , Özkol Mine , Coşkun Şenol
Published: March 2018

Aims:

We aimed to evaluate asymmetric dimethylarginine levels in young patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus according to diabetes duration and to examine the relationship between these levels and measures of atherosclerosis and myocardial function.

Materials and methods:

In total, 83 patients (8.5–22 years) with Type 1 diabetes mellitus were stratified by diabetes duration: 12–60 months (Group 1, n = 27), >60–120 months (Group 2, n = 29) and >120 months (Group 3, n = 27). Asymmetric dimethylarginine levels were assessed. Carotid intima–media thickness was measured. Myocardial function was assessed by M-mode, conventional Doppler and tissue Doppler echocardiography.

Results:

Asymmetric dimethylarginine level was significantly higher in Group 1, while carotid intima–media thickness was significantly greater in Group 3 ( p < 0.05). Tissue Doppler echocardiography showed the ratio of peak early to peak late diastolic myocardial annular velocity decreased significantly in Groups 2 and 3 with a negative correlation with duration (r: −0.310, p = 0.004) and HBA1c levels (r = −0.391, p < 0.001). Myocardial performance index in all groups and isovolumic relaxation time in Group 3 increased significantly. Asymmetric dimethylarginine levels were negatively correlated with carotid intima–media thickness and isovolumic relaxation time ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

In contrast to adult diabetics, asymmetric dimethylarginine concentration decreases as diabetes duration increases in young Type 1 diabetic patients and is associated with worsening measures of cardiovascular risk and poorer diastolic function.
MicroRNA-29a Functions as a Tumor Suppressor and Increases Cisplatin Sensitivity by Targeting NRAS in Lung Cancer
Authors: Liu Xin , Lv Xianping , Yang Qiankun , Jin Huifang , Zhou Wenpeng , Fan Qingxia
Published: March 2018

MicroRNAs have been reported to play an important role in diverse biological processes and progression of various cancers. MicroRNA-29a has been observed to be downregulated in human lung cancer tissues, but the function of microRNA-29a in lung cancer has not been well investigated. In this study, we demonstrated that the expression levels of microRNA-29a were significantly downregulated in 38 pairs of lung cancer tissues when compared to adjacent normal tissues. Overexpression of microRNA-29a inhibited the activity of cell proliferation and colony formation of lung cancer cells, H1299 and A549. Furthermore, microRNA-29a targeted NRAS proto-oncogene in lung cancer cells. In human clinical specimens, NRAS proto-oncogene was highly expressed in human lung cancer tissues compared to normal tissues. More interestingly, microRNA-29a also sensitizes lung cancer cells to cisplatin (CDDP[Please replace “CDDP” with its expansion in the abstract and also provide expansion for the same in its first occurrence in text, if appropriate.]) via its target, NRAS proto-oncogene. Thus, our results in this study demonstrated that microRNA-29a acted as a tumor suppressor microRNA, which indicated potential application of microRNAs for the treatment of human lung cancer in the future.
Spontaneous Regression of Parapharyngeal Arteriovenous Malformation
Authors: Tseng Wen-Kai , Su I-Chang , Chen Ming-Ting , Lee Jian-Jr
Published: March 2018

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are fast-flow vascular malformations that mostly occur in the head and neck region. They are typically progressive and their spontaneous regression is almost never seen. We present a case with pulsatile tinnitus and a parapharyngeal AVM. It resolved completely after diagnostic catheter-based angiography alone.
Renal Artery Dissection in a Patient With Degenerative Scoliosis: A Rare Complication Caused by Lumbar Vertebra Osteophyte
Authors: Beyazal Mehmet , Serdaroglu Beyazal Münevver , Kara Ekrem , Beyazal Polat Hatice , Beyazal Çeliker Fatma , Ergene Şaban
Published: March 2018

Isolated spontaneous renal artery dissection (RAD) without known trauma is rare, and its etiology has not been determined. However, notable risk factors including hypertension, strenuous exercise, connective tissue disorders, atherosclerosis, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, and cocaine abuse have been reported. To the best of our knowledge, isolated RAD caused by lumbar vertebra osteophytes in patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis has not been reported in the literature. In this article, we present a case of RAD caused by lumbar vertebra osteophyte in a patient with degenerative scoliosis and discuss the management of the disease.
Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ Perspectives of Mental Health Practices With Clients in Stroke Rehabilitation
Authors: Simpson Emily K. , Ramirez Narissa M. , Branstetter Brittany , Reed Aileen , Lines Evan
Published: March 2018

Following a stroke, depression and anxiety may negatively affect recovery and decrease quality of life. Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners are distinctly qualified to address both the physical and psychosocial sequelae of a stroke, including clients’ mental and emotional health. This study explored the ways in which OT practitioners address the mental health needs of clients post stroke. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was used to collect both survey and focus group data. In all, 754 OT practitioners across the United States completed an online survey, and 10 practitioners participated in focus groups. Practitioners considered their clients’ mental health needs to be a priority (68.17%); however, only 56.64% were satisfied with the care they provided related to mental and emotional health. They identified barriers that included limited time, increased productivity standards, expectations related to physical recovery, and poor educational preparation. Practitioners are motivated to improve their provision of mental health services to clients post stroke. To address the conflict between practice realities and professional values, education programs should better integrate curricular components that focus on physical and mental health.
Endovascular management of inferior vena cava filter thrombotic occlusion
Authors: Branco Bernardino C , Montero-Baker Miguel F , Espinoza Eduardo , Gamero Maria , Zea-Vera Rodrigo , Labropoulos Nicos , Leon Luis R
Published: March 2018

Objective

Inferior vena cava occlusion is a potentially life-threatening complication related to caval filters. We present our experience with filter-induced inferior vena cava occlusion in order to assess the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of endovascular management.

Methods

A retrospective review of all patients undergoing inferior vena cava filter placement over a 60-month study period was performed. From this cohort, a total of 10 cases of inferior vena cava occlusion after filter placement were identified. Demographics, clinical data, procedures, and outcomes were extracted. Patients were followed to the last clinic visit or until they died.

Results

One-hundred eighty filters were placed by our group practice during the study period. Of those, a total of 10 patients were identified. Overall, there were 7 males; the mean age was 57.1 years (25–78 years). The median time between inferior vena cava filter placement and filter occlusion was 105 days (range 5–4745 days). All patients were clinically symptomatic at the time of their presentation. Nine out of 10 patients were successfully managed endovascularly. Trellis™-8 thrombectomy was the most common endovascular strategy performed ( n = 9). Four patients had balloon angioplasty, two of those with stent placement for chronically occluded inferior vena cava/iliac veins. No thromboembolic complications developed during a median follow-up period of 233 days (range 4–1083 days).

Conclusions

Endovascular management of inferior vena cava occlusion is feasible, safe, and effective in decreasing thrombus burden in the presence of an inferior vena cava filter. Further studies evaluating long-term inferior vena cava patency and optimal surveillance regimen after endovascular management of filter-related inferior vena cava occlusion are warranted.
The reporting of harms in publications on randomized controlled trials funded by the “Programme Hospitalier de Recherche Clinique,” a French academic funding scheme
Authors: Favier Romain , Crépin Sabrina
Published: March 2018

Background/aims:

Accurate information on harms arising from medical interventions is essential for assessing benefit–risk ratios. Since 2004, there has been an extension of the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement for reporting harms data in publications on randomized clinical trials. The objective of our study was to assess the quality of this reporting from academic randomized clinical trials on drugs.

Methods:

We searched for articles on randomized clinical trials funded between 2004 and 2008 by the “Programme Hospitalier de Recherche Clinique.” We included all published randomized clinical trials that assessed drugs. Harm-related data were extracted and compared with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials Harms extension, and the space in the articles devoted to harms data was measured.

Results:

In total, 37 randomized clinical trials met the inclusion criteria. The median harm score was 9/18. In 73.0% of the randomized clinical trials, the reporting of adverse events was selective. Less than 50% of articles provided information on reasons for drug discontinuation that were related to adverse events. The score and the space allocated to harms were higher in antineoplastic and immunomodulating drugs randomized clinical trials, while the median proportion of the space in the results section allocated to harms was 16.8%. In 67.6% of the articles, the space allocated to the authors’ list and affiliations was greater than the space in the results section allocated to descriptions of harms. No significant improvement in the score or the space allocation was observed during the study period.

Conclusion:

Reporting of harms in French academic drug randomized clinical trials is suboptimal; moreover, this shortcoming is a critical barrier to evaluating the benefit–risk ratio of drug randomized clinical trials. Thus, the authors should be encouraged to adhere to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials Harms extension.
The role of ultrasound as a problem-solving tool in the assessment of paediatric musculoskeletal injuries
Authors: Chambers Greg , Kraft Jeannette , Kingston Kate
Published: March 2018

Musculoskeletal trauma in the paediatric population covers a wide range of injuries; although many overlap with their adult counterparts, others are exclusive to the immature skeletal system. Ultrasound is a versatile tool particularly suited to both the imaging of children and the dynamic assessment of musculoskeletal injuries. This pictorial review aims to discuss a range of injuries, focusing on those commonly encountered in children. We shall describe the muscle–tendon–bone complex and changes that occur with increasing skeletal maturity and how this affects the type of injury encountered.
Challenges faced in daily life by persons with type 2 diabetes: A meta-synthesis
Authors: Inga-Britt Lindh , Kerstin Blomqvist
Published: March 2018

Objectives

To derive improved understanding of the implicit meanings of challenges in daily life from the perspective of persons with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A meta-synthesis was conducted with an interpretive and constructivist approach. Four databases were searched for articles published between 2007 and 2011, producing 37 articles for analysis. Van Deurzen’s life world theory was applied as an analytic grid.

Results

Challenges in daily life with type 2 diabetes could be understood as living in a tension between opposing forces, implying a struggle with inevitable paradoxes: living in the present and for the future, trusting oneself while relying on others, and being normal while feeling changed and different.

Discussion

This synthesis adds knowledge to previous understanding of living with type 2 diabetes, revealing the complexity of daily life when struggling with a lifelong illness. Person-centred care could be used to understand what challenges diabetes may cause in family and working life and the ambivalent feelings the illness can lead to. Future research is needed to implement and evaluate a person-centred care in practice. Since new qualitative research is continuously added to this topic, metasyntheses should be undertaken regularly.
Training dictionary by granular computing with L∞-norm for patch granule–based image denoising
Authors: Liu Hongbing , Liu Gengyi , Ma Xuewen , Liu Daohua
Published: March 2018

Considering the objects by different granularity reflects the recognition common law of people, granular computing embodies the transformation between different granularity spaces. We present the image denoising algorithm by using the dictionary trained by granular computing with L∞-norm, which realizes three transformations, (1) the transformation from image space to patch granule space, (2) the transformation between granule spaces with different granularities, and (3) the transformation from patch granule space to image space. We demonstrate that the granular computing with L∞-norm achieved the comparable peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) measure compared with BM3D and patch group prior based denoising for eight natural images.
Fragmented hyaluronan has no alarmin function assessed in arthritis synovial fibroblast and chondrocyte cultures
Authors: Olsson Mia , Bremer Lisa , Aulin Cecilia , Harris Helena Erlandsson
Published: March 2018

Hyaluronan (HA) is a large polymer and an important component of the extracellular matrix. During homeostasis, high molecular mass HA is the predominant form, but upon inflammation, degradation products of HA accumulate. These HA fragments (HA-fs) have been reported to possess pro-inflammatory activities and thus act as alarmins, notifying immune cells of danger via TLR4 and CD44. HA is found in large quantities in synovial joint fluid. In order to reveal a potential role of HA-fs in arthritis pathogenesis, the in vitro effects of HA of various molecular masses (from 1680 kDa to oligosaccharide HA) on synovial fibroblasts and chondrocytes from rheumatoid arthritis patients, and on peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors, were investigated. TLR4 and CD44 surface expression was confirmed by immunocytochemistry, and cell activation was determined based on cytokine and chemokine production. While the cell types investigated expressed TLR4 and CD44, no increased release of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12 or TNF-α was detected after HA stimulation. Similarly, HA did not enhance activation after priming cells with low doses of LPS or by forming complexes with LPS. Hence, this study does not support the common view of HA-fs being pro-inflammatory mediators and it is not likely that HA-fs generated during arthritis contribute to disease pathogenesis.
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Authors: Rakha Serena S
Published: March 2018

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a generalised term that describes infection of the upper genital tract in women. It is commonly caused by the sexually transmitted infections Chlamydia Trachomatis and Neisseria Gonorrhoea. Clinical features of PID include pelvic pain, deep dyspareunia, cervical motion tenderness and adnexal tenderness. Complications include infertility, ectopic pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain. Therefore, it is important for GPs to have a high index of suspicion when women present with symptoms of PID and to initiate antibiotic treatment before vaginal swab results are known.
Risk factors and outcomes of infected pancreatic necrosis: Retrospective cohort of 148 patients admitted to the ICU for acute pancreatitis
Authors: Garret Charlotte , Péron Matthieu , Reignier Jean , Le Thuaut Aurélie , Lascarrou Jean-Baptiste , Douane Frédéric , Lerhun Marc , Archambeaud Isabelle , Brulé Noëlle , Bretonnière Cédric , Zambon Olivier , Nicolet Laurent , Regenet Nicolas , Guitton Christophe , Coron Emmanuel
Published: March 2018

Objective

The primary objective of this article is to identify risk factors for infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for severe acute pancreatitis. We also described outcomes of IPN.

Background

Acute pancreatitis is common and associated with multiple, potentially life‐threatening complications. Over the last decade, minimally invasive procedures have been developed to treat IPN.

Methods

We retrospectively studied consecutive patients admitted for severe acute pancreatitis to the ICUs of the Nantes University Hospital in France, between 2012 and 2015. Logistic regression was used to evaluate potential associations linking IPN to baseline patient characteristics and outcomes.

Results

Of the 148 included patients, 26 (17.6%) died. IPN developed in 62 (43%) patients and consistently required radiological, endoscopic, and/or surgical intervention. By multivariate analysis, factors associated with IPN were number of organ failure (OF) (for ≥ 3: OR, 28.67 (6.23–131.96), p < 0.001) and portosplenomesenteric venous thrombosis (OR, 8.16 (3.06–21.76)).

Conclusion

IPN occurred in nearly half our ICU patients with acute pancreatitis and consistently required interventional therapy. Number of OFs and portosplenomesenteric venous thrombosis were significantly associated with IPN. Early management of OF may reduce IPN incidence, and management of portosplenomesenteric venous thrombosis should be investigated.
Monitoring attitude toward Christianity among year 5 and year 6 students attending Church in Wales primary schools
Authors: Lankshear David W , Francis Leslie J , Eccles Emma L
Published: March 2018

This study argues that assessment of student attitudes provides insight into the culture and climate of schools. The Francis Scale of Attitude toward Christianity was employed to explore the Christian culture and climate of Anglican church primary schools within the state-maintained sector across Wales. The analysis drew on responses from 1,899 students from year 5 and year 6. The data demonstrated that the majority of students held a positive attitude toward Christianity, that female students held a more positive attitude than did male students, and that a significant decline in positive attitude toward Christianity took place over the two year groups.
Moral Identity Predicts the Development of Presence of Meaning During Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Han Hyemin , Liauw Indrawati , Kuntz Ashley Floyd
Published: March 2018

We examined change over time in the relationship between moral identity and presence of meaning during emerging adulthood. Moral identity refers to a sense of morality and moral values that are central to one’s identity. Presence of meaning refers to the belief that one’s existence has meaning, purpose, and value. Participants responded to questions on moral identity and presence of meaning in their senior year of high school and 2 years after. Mixed effects model analyses were used to examine how moral identity and presence of meaning interacted during this 2-year period. The findings demonstrated that moral identity positively predicted presence of meaning over time.
The Flipped Classroom in a Terminal College Mathematics Course for Liberal Arts Students
Authors: Carter Christina L. , Carter Randolph L. , Foss Alexander H.
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of flipping the classroom on final exam scores in a terminal general education college mathematics course for a diverse student population. We employed a quasiexperimental design. Seven instructors collectively taught 13 sections of each pedagogy (flipped/traditional). Six hundred thirty-two students participated. Common final exams were graded concurrently. Mixed-model analyses were performed. Students in flipped sections scored 5.1 percentage points higher on average than those in traditional sections (p = .02) when controlling for math SAT and financial aid status, an improvement of 7.8 points among Black students (p < .01) and 1.0 points among Whites (p = .67). The estimated average difference between White and Black students, conditional on covariates, was 5.2 percentage points in traditional sections (p < .01) and –1.6 in flipped sections (p = .39). The 6.8-point difference in achievement gap between pedagogies was statistically significant (p < .01). Flipping the classroom was associated with improved student performance, particularly among Black students.
Early Versus Delayed Vitrectomy for Nondiabetic Vitreous Hemorrhage
Authors: Connors Daniel , Shah Gaurav , Blinder Kevin , Dang Sabin
Published: March 2018

Purpose:

To analyze the surgical and visual outcomes in patients who underwent early versus delayed vitrectomy for dense nondiabetic, nonvascular vitreous hemorrhage from undetermined cause.

Methods:

A retrospective, consecutive series evaluating all patients with a preoperative diagnosis of nondiabetic vitreous hemorrhage treated surgically at The Retina Institute over the past 5 years. Vitreous hemorrhage had to be described as dense, with first-order vessels not visualized on funduscopic examination. Exclusion criteria included a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, retinal vascular disease, any prior intraocular surgery other than cataract extraction, or any previously diagnosed ocular conditions. A total of 275 patients and 286 eyes were evaluated, with 52 patients and 52 eyes meeting inclusion criteria. Surgical treatment was with standard pars plana vitrectomy.

Results:

Of the 52 eyes that met inclusion criteria, 32 (61.5%) were found to have at least 1 retinal break. Sixteen eyes (30.1%) had a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Mean time from diagnosis of the vitreous hemorrhage to surgical intervention was 15 days (range, 0-78 days). Early vitrectomy was defined as surgical intervention within 10 days of diagnosis, while late vitrectomy was defined as surgical intervention following 10 days. Of eyes that were found to have a retinal detachment, 75% were phakic and 25% were pseudophakic. Final postoperative visual acuity in the early surgery cohort was 20/66, while in the late surgery cohort was 20/89, which did not achieve statistical significance ( P = .67).

Conclusion:

A significant percentage of patients with retinal detachment were phakic at the time of vitreous hemorrhage (75%) as compared to pseudophakic. Data from the largest series to date indicate that in phakic patients with dense hemorrhage, the risk of retinal detachment is high and should prompt consideration for more urgent surgical intervention.
Transplant strategies in relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Shah Gunjan L. , Moskowitz Craig H.
Published: March 2018

The majority of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) are cured with initial therapy. However, high-dose therapy with autologous hematopoietic cell transplant (AHCT) allows for the cure of an additional portion of patients with relapsed or primary refractory disease. Positron emission tomography–negative complete remission before AHCT is critical for long-term disease control. Several salvage options are available with comparable response rates, and the choice can be dependent of comorbidities and logistics. Radiation therapy can also improve the remission rate and is an important therapeutic option for selected patients. Brentuximab vedotin (BV) maintenance after AHCT is beneficial in patients at high risk for relapse, especially those with more than 1 risk factor, but can have the possibility of significant side effects, primarily neuropathy. Newer agents with novel mechanisms of action are under investigation to improve response rates for patients with subsequent relapse, although are not curative alone. BV and the checkpoint inhibitors nivolumab and pembrolizumab are very effective with limited side effects and can bridge patients to curative allogeneic transplants (allo-HCT). Consideration for immune-mediated toxicities, timing of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant based on response, and the potential for increased graft-versus-host disease remain important. Overall, prospective investigations continue to improve outcomes and minimize toxicity for relapsed or primary refractory HL patients.
Management of relapsed/refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma in transplant-ineligible patients
Authors: Mehta-Shah Neha , Bartlett Nancy L.
Published: March 2018

Addition of brentuximab vedotin, a CD30-targeted antibody–drug conjugate, and the programmed death 1 (PD-1) inhibitors nivolumab and pembrolizumab to the armamentarium for transplant-ineligible relapsed/refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma has resulted in improved outcomes, including the potential for cure in a small minority of patients. For patients who have failed prior transplant or are unsuitable for dose-intense approaches based on age or comorbidities, an individualized approach with sequential use of single agents such as brentuximab vedotin, PD-1 inhibitors, everolimus, lenalidomide, or conventional agents such as gemcitabine or vinorelbine may result in prolonged survival with a minimal or modest effect on quality of life. Participation in clinical trials evaluating new approaches such as combination immune checkpoint inhibition, novel antibody–drug conjugates, or cellular therapies such as Epstein-Barr virus–directed cytotoxic T lymphocytes and chimeric antigen receptor T cells offer additional options for eligible patients.
Balancing risk and benefit in early-stage classical Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Bröckelmann Paul J. , Sasse Stephanie , Engert Andreas
Published: March 2018

With defined chemotherapy and radiotherapy (RT) and risk-adapted treatment, early-stage classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) has become curable in a majority of patients. Hence, a major current goal is to reduce treatment-related toxicity while maintaining long-term disease control. Patients with early-stage favorable disease (ie, limited stage without risk factors [RFs]) are frequently treated with 2 cycles of doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (2×ABVD) followed by 20-Gy involved-field or involved-site RT (IF/ISRT). In patients with early-stage unfavorable disease (ie, limited stage with RFs), 4 cycles of chemotherapy are usually consolidated with 30-Gy IF/ISRT. Compared with 4×ABVD, 2 cycles of bleomycin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone (2×BEACOPPescalated) followed by 2×ABVD improved 5-year progression-free survival (PFS), with similar 5-year overall survival. Recently, treatment strategies based on [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) response were evaluated. In early-stage unfavorable HL, a majority of patients achieved a negative interim PET after 2×ABVD and an excellent outcome after 4×ABVD, whereas in those with a positive interim PET, 2×BEACOPPescalated improved 5-year PFS. Furthermore, a PET-guided RT approach was evaluated to decrease long-term toxicity. Although both the RAPID and H10 trials reported poorer disease control without RT, PET-guided omission of RT can constitute a valid therapeutic option in patients with an increased risk of RT-associated toxicity (eg, because of sex, age, or disease localization). Implementation of drugs such as the anti-CD30 antibody-drug conjugate brentuximab vedotin or the anti–programmed death 1 antibodies nivolumab or pembrolizumab might allow further reduction of overall mortality and improve quality of life in affected patients.
Complete correction of hemophilia B phenotype by FIX-Padua skeletal muscle gene therapy in an inhibitor-prone dog model
Authors: French Robert A. , Samelson-Jones Benjamin J. , Niemeyer Glenn P. , Lothrop Clinton D. , Merricks Elizabeth P. , Nichols Timothy C. , Arruda Valder R.
Published: March 2018

Key Points

Skeletal muscle–directed expression of FIX-Padua resulted in complete correction of HB phenotype in an inhibitor-prone dog model. Long-term immune tolerance to FIX is sustained over years upon multiple challenges with recombinant FIX protein in 2 HB models.
CSF1R inhibition prevents radiation pulmonary fibrosis by depletion of interstitial macrophages
Authors: Meziani Lydia , Mondini Michele , Petit Benoît , Boissonnas Alexandre , Thomas de Montpreville Vincent , Mercier Olaf , Vozenin Marie-Catherine , Deutsch Eric
Published: March 2018

Radiation-induced lung fibrosis (RIF) is a delayed side-effect of chest radiotherapy, frequently associated with macrophage infiltration.

We aimed to characterise the role of pulmonary macrophages in RIF using human lung biopsies from patients receiving radiotherapy for thorax malignancies and a RIF model developed in C57BL/6 mice after 16-Gy thorax irradiation.

High numbers of macrophages (both interstitial and alveolar) were detected in clinical and preclinical RIF. In the preclinical model, upregulation of T-helper (Th)2 cytokines was measured, whereas Th1 cytokines were downregulated in RIF tissue lysate. Bronchoalveolar lavage demonstrated upregulation of both types of cytokines. At steady state, tissue-infiltrating macrophages (IMs) expressed 10-fold more arginase (Arg)-1 than alveolar macrophages (AMs), and a 40-fold upregulation of Arg-1 was found in IMs isolated from RIF. IMs, but not AMs, were able to induce myofibroblast activationin vitro. In addition, whereas depletion of AMs using Clodrosome didn't affect RIF score, depletion of IMs using a clinically available colony-stimulating factor receptor-1 (CSF1R) neutralising antibody was antifibrotic.

These findings suggest differential contributions of alveolarversusinterstitial macrophages in RIF, highlighting the fibrogenic role of IMs. The CSF1/CSF1R pathway was identified as a new therapeutic target to inhibit RIF.
Observing dyspnoea in others elicits dyspnoea, negative affect and brain responses
Authors: Herzog Michaela , Sucec Josef , Van Diest Ilse , Van den Bergh Omer , Chenivesse Cecile , Davenport Paul , Similowski Thomas , von Leupoldt Andreas
Published: March 2018

Dyspnoea is usually caused by diagnosable cardiorespiratory mechanisms. However, frequently dyspnoea relates only weakly or not at all to cardiorespiratory functioning, suggesting that additional neuropsychosocial processes contribute to its experience. We tested whether the mere observation of dyspnoea in others constitutes such a process and would elicit dyspnoea, negative affect and increased brain responses in the observer.

In three studies, series of pictures and videos were presented, which either depicted persons suffering from dyspnoea or nondyspnoeic control stimuli. Self-reports of dyspnoea and affective state were obtained in all studies. Additionally, respiratory variables and brain responses during picture viewing (late positive potentials in electroencephalograms) were measured in one study.

In all studies, dyspnoea-related pictures and videos elicited mild-to-moderate dyspnoea and increased negative affect compared to control stimuli. This was paralleled by increased late positive potentials for dyspnoea-related pictures while respiratory variables did not change. Moreover, increased dyspnoea correlated modestly with higher levels of empathy in observers.

The present results demonstrate that observing dyspnoea in others elicits mild-to-moderate dyspnoea, negative affect, and increased brain responses in the absence of respiratory changes. This vicarious dyspnoea has clinical relevance, as it might increase suffering in the family and medical caregivers of dyspnoeic patients.
Validation of the Orebro musculoskeletal pain screening questionnaire in patients with chronic neck pain
Authors: Langenfeld Anke , Bastiaenen Carolien , Brunner Florian , Swanenburg Jaap
Published: March 2018

Objectives

To validate the German version of OMPSQ (OMPSQ-G) for patients with chronic neck pain.

Results

After translating OMPSQ to German, we assessed the discriminant validity between patients and healthy adults. Convergent validity was assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficients between domains of OMPSQ-G and the German version of neck disability index (NDI-G) and visual analogue scale (VAS) of neck pain intensity. Floor and ceiling effects, internal consistency, test–retest and relative reliability were assessed. Fifty patients with chronic neck pain (mean age, 43.6 years; 34 females) and 24 healthy adults (mean age, 50.4 years; 18 females) participated. Mann–Whitney U tests showed significant differences in OMPSQ scores between both groups at the baseline (z = − 4.6; p < 0.001) and second time point (z = − 4.8; p < 0.001). OMPSQ-G scores highly and moderately correlated with NDI-G (ρ = 0.70) and VAS (ρ = 0.41) scores, respectively. There were no floor or ceiling effects. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.94. OMPSQ-G showed high reliability (intraclass correlation 2.1: 0.93; standard error of measurement, 6.9; smallest detectable change, 20 points). The Bland–Altman plot indicated no systematic error. OMPSQ-G showed good validity and reliability in patients with neck pain.

Trial registration NCT02540343
An exploratory study on up-cycling as the sustainable clothing life at home
Authors: Shim Sooyoen , Kim Jisoo , Na Youngjoo
Published: March 2018

The textile and fashion industries are difficult to achieve sustainability because they are made up of long supply chains. Also, it cannot rely only on the industries for sustainable. Thus, it is important that consumers have to practice at home. Therefore, it is necessary to give the ideas that can be done at home, promote the importance of practice, and present a variety of practical ways. We executed focus-group interview to understand sustainable clothing and the attitude and status of up-cycling in families. Situation analysis for the attitude and up-cycling of sustainable clothing is available with various participants in each group upon fluency of up-cycling method, information share ability, and the degree of understanding in clothing-fiber production process. It showed that they make selective purchase of sustainable fashion products in families, washing and control for minimizing of environmental impact and energy consumption, and recycling and used articles trade, a way of life for sustainable clothing.
Application of deep-penetrating geophysical methods to mineral exploration: Examples from Western Australia
Authors: Dentith Michael , Yuan Huaiyu , Johnson Simon , Murdie Ruth , Piña-Varas Perla
Published: March 2018

The emergence of the concept of a “mineral system” has changed the way regional-scale mineral prospectivity is assessed. Geographically widespread data sets and deep-penetrating geophysical methods are required to map the various components of the mineral system, which may encompass areas of perhaps thousands of square kilometers and extend to mantle depths. Key mineral system components that can be detected in this fashion include deep-penetrating faults and the suture zones between major geologic blocks, which are important controls on the movement of metal-carrying magmas and brines in a variety of mineral systems. Two case studies from mineralized terrains in Western Australia illustrate the use of deep-penetrating geophysical methods in mineral exploration. Magnetotelluric (MT) data from a 300-km-long traverse in the Archean Yilgarn Craton map numerous steeply dipping conductive zones, which coincide with linear anomalies in potential field data and are interpreted as deep-penetrating faults. Also, lateral changes in crustal and upper mantle resistivity structure suggest the juxtaposition of two, or perhaps three, different major crustal blocks with intervening suture zones. Teleseismic data from a 250-km-long traverse in the Proterozoic Capricorn Orogen provide information on deep crustal structure and composition. Interpretation in association with deep seismic reflection data allows previously unrecognized suture zones to be recognized in the deep crust and under thick cover. Passive seismic and MT methods represent a comparatively cost effective way to identify key mineral system indicators of regional prospectivity, even in the geologically complex terrains of Western Australia.
Elastic full-waveform inversion of vertical seismic profile data acquired with distributed acoustic sensors
Authors: Egorov Anton , Correa Julia , Bóna Andrej , Pevzner Roman , Tertyshnikov Konstantin , Glubokovskikh Stanislav , Puzyrev Vladimir , Gurevich Boris
Published: March 2018

Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) is a rapidly developing technology particularly useful for the acquisition of vertical seismic profile (VSP) surveys. DAS data are increasingly used for seismic imaging, but not for estimating rock properties. We have developed a workflow for estimating elastic properties of the subsurface using full-waveform inversion (FWI) of DAS VSP data. Whereas conventional borehole geophones usually measure three components of particle velocity, DAS measures a single quantity, which is an approximation of the strain or strain rate along the fiber. Standard FWI algorithms are developed for particle velocity data, and hence their application to DAS data requires conversion of these data to particle velocity along the fiber. This conversion can be accomplished by a specially designed filter. Field measurements show that the conversion result is close to vertical particle velocity as measured by geophones. Elastic time-domain FWI of a synthetic multioffset VSP data set for a vertical well shows that the inversion of the vertical component alone is sufficient to recover elastic properties of the subsurface. Application of the proposed workflow to a multioffset DAS data set acquired at the CO2CRC Otway Project site in Victoria, Australia, reveals salient subhorizontal layering consistent with the known geology of the site. The inverted [Formula: see text] model at the well location matches the upscaled [Formula: see text] log with a correlation coefficient of 0.85.
Multicomponent microseismic data denoising by 3D shearlet transform
Authors: Zhang Chao , van der Baan Mirko
Published: March 2018

The low-magnitude microseismic signals generated by fracture initiation are generally buried in strong background noise, which complicates their interpretation. Thus, noise suppression is a significant step. We have developed an effective multicomponent, multidimensional microseismic-data denoising method by conducting a simplified polarization analysis in the 3D shearlet transform domain. The 3D shearlet transform is very competitive in dealing with multidimensional data because it captures details of signals at different scales and orientations, which benefits signal and noise separation. We have developed a novel processing strategy based on a signal-detection operator that can effectively identify signal coefficients in the shearlet domain by taking the correlation and energy distribution of 3C microseismic signals into account. We perform tests on synthetic and real data sets and determine that the proposed method can effectively remove random noise and preserve weak signals.
Dasatinib in Pediatric Patients With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Chronic Phase: Results From a Phase II Trial
Authors: Gore Lia , Kearns Pamela R. , de Martino Maria Lucia , Lee  , De Souza Carmino Antonio , Bertrand Yves , Hijiya Nobuko , Stork Linda C. , Chung Nack-Gyun , Cardos Rocio Cardenas , Saikia Tapan , Fagioli Franca , Seo Jong Jin , Landman-Parker Judith , Lancaster Donna , Place Andrew E. , Rabin Karen R. , Sacchi Mariana , Swanink Rene , Zwaan C. Michel
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Safe, effective treatments are needed for pediatric patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (CML-CP). Dasatinib is approved for treatment of adults and children with CML-CP. A phase I study determined suitable dosing for children with Philadelphia chromosome–positive (Ph+) leukemias.

Methods

CA180-226/NCT00777036 is a phase II, open-label, nonrandomized prospective trial of patients < 18 years of age receiving dasatinib. There are three cohorts: (1) imatinib-resistant/intolerant CML-CP, (2) imatinib-resistant/intolerant CML in accelerated/blast phase or Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n = 17), and (3) newly diagnosed CML-CP treated with tablets or powder for oral suspension. Major cytogenetic response > 30% for imatinib-resistant/intolerant patients and complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) > 55% for newly diagnosed patients were of clinical interest.

Results

Of 113 patients with CML-CP, 14 (48%) who were imatinib-resistant/intolerant and 61 (73%) who were newly diagnosed remained on treatment at time of analysis. Major cytogenetic response > 30% was reached by 3 months in the imatinib-resistant/intolerant group and CCyR > 55% was reached by 6 months in the newly diagnosed CML-CP group. CCyR and major molecular response by 12 months, respectively, were 76% and 41% in the imatinib-resistant/intolerant group and 92% and 52% in newly diagnosed CML-CP group. Progression-free survival by 48 months was 78% and 93% in the imatinib-resistant/intolerant and newly diagnosed CML-CP groups, respectively. No dasatinib-related pleural or pericardial effusion, pulmonary edema, or pulmonary arterial hypertension were reported. Bone growth and development events were reported in 4% of patients.

Conclusion

In the largest prospective trial to date in children with CML-CP, we demonstrate that dasatinib is a safe, effective treatment of pediatric CML-CP. Target responses to first- or second-line dasatinib were met early, and deep molecular responses were observed. Safety of dasatinib in pediatric patients was similar to that observed in adults; however, no cases of pleural or pericardial effusion or pulmonary arterial hypertension were reported.
Effects of Altering Levothyroxine (L-T4) Doses on Quality of Life, Mood, and Cognition in L-T4 Treated Subjects
Authors: Samuels Mary H , Kolobova Irina , Niederhausen Meike , Janowsky Jeri S , Schuff Kathryn G
Published: March 2018

Background

The brain is a critical target organ for thyroid hormone, but it is unclear whether variations in thyroid function within and near the reference range affect quality of life, mood, or cognition.

Methods

A total of 138 subjects with levothyroxine (L-T4)-treated hypothyroidism and normal thyrotropin (TSH) levels underwent measures of quality of life (36-Item Short Form Health Survey, Underactive Thyroid-Dependent Quality of Life Questionnaire), mood (Profile of Mood States, Affective Lability Scale), and cognition (executive function, memory). They were then randomly assigned to receive an unchanged, higher, or lower L-T4 dose in double-blind fashion, targeting one of three TSH ranges (0.34 to 2.50, 2.51 to 5.60, or 5.61 to 12.0 mU/L). Doses were adjusted every 6 weeks based on TSH levels. Baseline measures were reassessed at 6 months.

Results

At the end of the study, by intention to treat, mean L-T4 doses were 1.50 ± 0.07, 1.32 ± 0.07, and 0.78 ± 0.08 μg/kg (P < 0.001), and mean TSH levels were 1.85 ± 0.25, 3.93 ± 0.38, and 9.49 ± 0.80 mU/L (P < 0.001), respectively, in the three arms. There were minor differences in a few outcomes between the three arms, which were no longer significant after correction for multiple comparisons. Subjects could not ascertain how their L-T4 doses had been adjusted (P = 0.55) but preferred L-T4 doses they perceived to be higher (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Altering L-T4 doses in hypothyroid subjects to vary TSH levels in and near the reference range does not affect quality of life, mood, or cognition. L-T4-treated subjects prefer perceived higher L-T4 doses despite a lack of objective benefit. Adjusting L-T4 doses in hypothyroid patients based on symptoms in these areas may not result in significant clinical improvement.