bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep Mutational Scan of an
SCN5A
Voltage Sensor
Authors: Glazer Andrew M. , Kroncke Brett M. , Matreyek Kenneth A. , Yang Tao , Wada Yuko , Shields Tiffany , Salem Joe-Elie , Fowler Douglas M. , Roden Dan M.
Published: February 2020

Background:

Variants in ion channel genes have classically been studied in low throughput by patch clamping. Deep mutational scanning is a complementary approach that can simultaneously assess function of thousands of variants.

Methods:

We have developed and validated a method to perform a deep mutational scan of variants in
SCN5A
, which encodes the major voltage-gated sodium channel in the heart. We created a library of nearly all possible variants in a 36 base region of
SCN5A
in the S4 voltage sensor of domain IV and stably integrated the library into HEK293T cells.

Results:

In preliminary experiments, challenge with 3 drugs (veratridine, brevetoxin, and ouabain) could discriminate wild-type channels from gain- and loss-of-function pathogenic variants. High-throughput sequencing of the pre- and postdrug challenge pools was used to count the prevalence of each variant and identify variants with abnormal function. The deep mutational scan scores identified 40 putative gain-of-function and 33 putative loss-of-function variants. For 8 of 9 variants, patch clamping data were consistent with the scores.

Conclusions:

These experiments demonstrate the accuracy of a high-throughput in vitro scan of
SCN5A
variant function, which can be used to identify deleterious variants in
SCN5A
and other ion channel genes.
On the Implicit Argument of Icelandic Indirect Causatives
Authors: Sigurðsson Einar Freyr , Wood Jim
Published: February 2020

The goal of this article is to understand the syntax of Icelandic indirect causatives (ICs), especially with respect to the implicit causee. We show that the complement of the causative verb must be at least as large as a VoiceP, and that it shares some properties with active VoicePs and others with passive VoicePs. We make sense of this state of affairs by proposing that the causee, while phonetically silent, has an explicit syntactic representation, but as a φP rather than a DP. We further propose that ICs are built by stacking a second VoiceP on top of the lexical verb’s first VoiceP, and that this configuration, along with the underspecified interpretation of φP, leads to a special thematic interpretation of both the causer and the implicit causee. Our analysis suggests that there are certain core ingredients involved in building ICs—such as stacked VoicePs and an underspecified causee—but that the source of these ingredients can vary across languages and constructions, depending on the formal primitives that grammars make available to the languages more generally.
Measuring religious polarization: Application with American and Canadian data
Authors: Dilmaghani Maryam
Published: February 2020

Numerous studies suggest that polarization best describes the religious landscape of a growing number of Western countries. While a consensus is gradually emerging regarding the definition of religious polarization, no quantitative measure has been proposed to capture the concept. The present research note proposes two indices for the concept of religious polarization so that its degree can be compared across populations and its evolution can be traced over time. The proposed approach is applied to the US data of 2008–2016 and the Canadian data of 2008–2015. The relative ranking of the degree of polarization emerging from the computation of these indices accords with the previous literature, which has relied on the interpretation of distinct trends. These applications demonstrate the aptness of these indices for measuring religious polarization, as defined in the recent religious scholarship.
Temporary use in England’s core cities: Looking beyond the exceptional
Authors: Martin Michael , Hincks Stephen , Deas Iain
Published: February 2020

This paper develops an understanding of the structural and spatial characteristics of regulated forms of temporary use across England’s core cities. The paper’s contribution lies in its adoption of an extensive research design that goes beyond the intensive qualitative approaches that predominate in the temporary use literature. We employ a novel data set of 5890 temporary use interventions that have been recorded over a 15-year period (2000–2015). Informed by the temporary use literature, we distinguish between ‘extraordinary’ (e.g. urban beaches) and ‘ordinary’ (e.g. car parks) forms of temporary use alongside other characteristics that include the time of occurrence, the function of space appropriated, decisions taken and whether instances were isolated or reoccurring. Logistic regression is used to test whether the odds that a temporary use was defined as ‘ordinary’ or ‘extraordinary’ increased or decreased owing to their underlying structural characteristics. The analysis revealed that applications for extraordinary temporary uses increased in the period following the 2007/2008 financial crisis but that ordinary forms of temporary uses remained much more common before and after the recession. It also revealed differences between ordinary and extraordinary uses in relation to the functions of the spaces appropriated and decisions taken by the planning authority in processing the application. Geospatial approaches were then applied to two case study cities – Bristol and Liverpool. The analysis revealed a tendency towards the clustering of temporary uses that was spatially and temporally uneven, with extraordinary uses in particular concentrated in the cores/downtowns of the two cities.
Does Foreign Development Aid Trigger Ethnic War in Developing States?
Authors: Mousseau Demet Yalcin
Published: February 2020

Can foreign aid trigger ethnic war? The quantitative conflict literature has produced mixed findings on the effect of foreign aid on civil war in developing states. One reason for the mixed results is that a subset of civil wars, ethnic wars, are more likely than other kinds of civil wars to be triggered by foreign aid. This is because large amounts of foreign aid can cause the state to become a prize worth fighting over, mobilizing ethnic identity and group-related rebellion. This article investigates this question by testing the separate impacts of total, bilateral, and multilateral aid given by state and nonstate actors on the onset of ethnic war, using a cross-national time-series dataset of 147 countries from 1961 to 2008. The findings show a very strong association of foreign aid with ethnic war, whether measured as total aid, bilateral aid, or multilateral aid.
Experiences of Officer Cadets in Canadian Military Colleges and Civilian Universities: A Gender Perspective
Authors: Scoppio Grazia , Otis Nancy , Yan Yan (Lizzie) , Hogenkamp Sawyer
Published: February 2020

This study examined gender differences in the experiences of 923 officer cadets attending Canadian Military Colleges and 135 officer cadets attending civilian universities who completed a survey. Overall, the findings revealed that the experience of officer cadets in civilian universities was more positive, gender neutral, and their institutions’ values and culture were a better fit for them compared to their peers in Canadian Military Colleges. For officer cadets in Canadian Military Colleges, the results revealed that women were less likely to perceive gender equality in the way they were treated, the fairness of complaint mechanisms, and being treated with respect compared to men. Men in Canadian Military Collegess were less likely to perceive gender equality in performance standards than women. There were no gender differences in experiences for officer cadets in civilian universities.
Intraoperative Neuromonitoring in Thyroid Surgery: An Efficient Tool to Avoid Bilateral Vocal Cord Palsy
Authors: Kartal Kinyas , Aygun Nurcihan , Celayir Mustafa Fevzi , Besler Evren , Citgez Bulent , Isgor Adnan , Uludag Mehmet
Published: February 2020

Objectives:

This study aimed to analyze the effects of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) on the prevalence of vocal cord palsy (VCP) in thyroid surgery.

Methods:

Data from 493 patients (839 nerves at risk [NAR]) who underwent thyroid surgery between July 2014 and May 2016 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (G1) consisted of patients who underwent surgery without IONM, whereas group 2 (G2) consisted of patients who underwent surgery with IONM. The surgical techniques were identical, and experienced surgeons performed the procedures in both groups. Intraoperative neuromonitoring was performed in compliance with the International Neural Monitoring Guidelines.

Results:

In total, 211 patients (170 female, 41 male) with 360 NAR were included in G1, and 282 patients (220 female, 62 male) with 479 NAR were included in G2. The number of VCP per NAR in G1 and G2 was 33 (9.2%) and 27 (5.6%), respectively ( P = .005). The number of transient VCP per NAR in G1 and G2 was 27 (7.5%) and 23 (4.8%; P = .230), respectively. The number of permanent VCP per NAR in G1 and G2 was 6 (1.7%) and 4 (0.8%; P = .341), respectively. Bilateral VCP was detected in 4 (2.7%) patients in G1, whereas there was no patient with bilateral VCP in G2 ( P = .033).

Conclusions:

Intraoperative neuromonitoring may decrease the incidence of total VCP and prevent the development of bilateral VCP, which has unfavorable results for both patients and health-care professionals.
Preschoolers in Belarus and Turkey accept an adult’s counterintuitive claim and do not spontaneously seek evidence to test that claim
Authors: Ronfard Samuel , Ünlütabak Burcu , Bazhydai Marina , Nicolopoulou Ageliki , Harris Paul L.
Published: February 2020

When presented with a claim that contradicts their intuitions, do children seize opportunities to empirically verify such claims or do they simply acquiesce to what they have been told? To answer this question, we conducted a replication of Ronfard et al. (conducted in the People’s Republic of China) in two countries with distinct religious and political histories (Study 1: Belarus, N = 74; Study 2: Turkey, N = 79). Preschool children were presented with five different-sized Russian dolls and asked to indicate the heaviest doll. All children selected the biggest doll. Half of the children then heard a (false) claim (i.e., that the smallest doll was the heaviest), contradicting their initial intuition. The remaining children heard a (true) claim (i.e., that the biggest doll was the heaviest), confirming their initial intuition. Belarusian and Turkish preschoolers typically endorsed the experimenter’s claim no matter whether it had contradicted or confirmed their initial intuition. Next, the experimenter left the room, giving children an opportunity to check the experimenter’s claim by picking up the relevant dolls. Belarusian and Turkish preschoolers rarely explored the dolls, regardless of the type of testimony they received and continued to endorse the counterintuitive testimony they received. Furthermore, in Study 2, Turkish preschoolers continued to endorse smallest = heaviest even when doing so could have cost them a large reward. In sum, across two different cultural contexts, preschool children endorsed a counterintuitive claim and did not spontaneously seek evidence to test it. These results confirm and extend those of Ronfard et al.
Low Tesla magnetic resonance guided radiotherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer: first clinical experience
Authors: Boldrini Luca , Piras Antonio , Chiloiro Giuditta , Autorino Rosa , Cellini Francesco , Cusumano Davide , Fionda Bruno , D’Aviero Andrea , Campitelli Maura , Marazzi Fabio , Balducci Mario , Valentini Vincenzo , Gambacorta Maria Antonietta
Published: February 2020

Objective:

Magnetic resonance–guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) represents an innovative approach for personalized radiotherapy treatments and its applications are being explored in various anatomical sites to fully understand its potential advantages. This study describes the first clinical experience of MRgRT application in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The feasibility of the technique is evaluated and its toxicity profile and clinical outcomes are reported.

Methods:

Patients with LACC (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IIA–IVA) undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) on a 0.35T Tri-60-Co hybrid unit (ViewRay) were retrospectively compared with randomly selected patients treated with a standard linear accelerator. Total prescribed dose was 50.6 Gy (2.3 Gy/fraction) to planning target volume 1 (PTV1) and 39.6 Gy (1.8 Gy/fraction) to PTV2, delivered using a simultaneous integrated boost. Surgery was performed 8 weeks after the end of CRT. The effect of magnetic resonance guidance on replanning approaches, treatment-related toxicities, and pathologic response were assessed for each patient. Patient outcomes were noted and dosimetric comparisons performed between the 2 arms.

Results:

Nine patients with LACC treated from May 2018 to November 2018 were retrospectively enrolled and their records compared with the records of an equivalent cohort of randomly selected patients. Five replanning cases were performed in the MRgRT group and 0 in the linear accelerator group. Acute G1–G2 gastrointestinal toxicities were observed in 33.3% of MRgRT patients and in 55.5% of linear accelerator patients; acute G1–G2 genitourinary toxicities in 22.2% and 33.3%, respectively. No G3 toxicity was found except for neutropenia in 2 patients. No differences were observed in pathologic response between the 2 groups.

Conclusions:

Despite the retrospective nature of the observations and the low number of enrolled patients, the application of MRgRT in LACC appears to be safe and feasible with a favorable toxicity profile and response rates comparable to gold standard, supporting the setup of larger prospective studies to investigate the potentialities of this new technology.
Examining Policy Preferences for Prostitution Regulation Among American Males: The Influence of Contextual Beliefs
Authors: Mancini Christina , Pickett Justin T. , Budd Kristen M. , Bontrager Stephanie , Roe-Sepowitz Dominique
Published: February 2020

The arguments for criminalizing prostitution surround public concerns—moral order, public health, and safety. For this reason, an understanding of attitudes about the nature and consequences of the practice, particularly among American males, the presumed consumers of sex-related exchanges, is needed. Specifically, how do contextual beliefs about the nature of prostitution (e.g., negative health effects, victimization risk, age of entry) shape policy preferences regarding prostitution? Data from a nationally representative survey developed to solicit sensitive information are utilized to assess these attitudes among a large sample of American men ( N = 2,525). Results show that paradoxically most men approve of legalizing commercial sex exchange, even while believing the practice harms prostitutes by increasing victimization risk and reducing their overall well-being. Multivariate analysis indicates divides in opinion regarding legalization support. Implications are discussed.
An International Survey of Quality and Safety Programs in Radiology
Authors: Dick Jeremy , Darras Kathryn E. , Lexa Frank J. , Denton Erika , Ehara Shigeru , Galloway Howard , Jankharia Bhavin , Kassing Pam , Kumamaru Kanako Kunishima , Mildenberger Peter , Morozov Sergey , Pyatigorskaya Nadya , Song Bin , Sosna Jacob , van Buchem Marcus , Forster Bruce B.
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to determine the status of radiology quality improvement programs in a variety of selected nations worldwide.

Methods:

A survey was developed by select members of the International Economics Committee of the American College of Radiology on quality programs and was distributed to committee members. Members responded on behalf of their country. The 51-question survey asked about 12 different quality initiatives which were grouped into 4 themes: departments, users, equipment, and outcomes. Respondents reported whether a designated type of quality initiative was used in their country and answered subsequent questions further characterizing it.

Results:

The response rate was 100% and represented Australia, Canada, China, England, France, Germany, India, Israel, Japan, the Netherlands, Russia, and the United States. The most frequently reported quality initiatives were imaging appropriateness (91.7%) and disease registries (91.7%), followed by key performance indicators (83.3%) and morbidity and mortality rounds (83.3%). Peer review, equipment accreditation, radiation dose monitoring, and structured reporting were reported by 75.0% of respondents, followed by 58.3% of respondents for quality audits and critical incident reporting. The least frequently reported initiatives included Lean/Kaizen exercises and physician performance assessments, implemented by 25.0% of respondents.

Conclusion:

There is considerable diversity in the quality programs used throughout the world, despite some influence by national and international organizations, from whom further guidance could increase uniformity and optimize patient care in radiology.
The “Use of Lines in Your Clothing Will Work Magic”: Advice to Women From 1914 to 1961 on Using Line to Design an Ideal Body Type
Authors: Ridgway Jessica L.
Published: February 2020

Women have sought and received advice on how to dress for as long as they have been putting clothing on their bodies. One area in which women have received advice on dressing for their body type is the use of line in dress as an illusion to change the way body shape and size is perceived. This study was undertaken to gain a better historical understanding of advice on dressing for different body types between 1914 and 1961. Advice books and textbooks written for women from 1914 to 1961 that included prescriptive information on how to dress for various body types were explored. This time period was selected as it coincides with critical years in the growth and maturity of the home economic movement in the United States. A content analysis of 15 historical texts revealed trends found within the themes of body ideal, line as illusion, and figure types.
Measuring Income (In)equality: Comparing Survey Questions With Unipolar and Bipolar Scales in a Probability-Based Online Panel
Authors: Höhne Jan Karem , Krebs Dagmar , Kühnel Steffen-M.
Published: February 2020

In social science research, unipolar and bipolar scales are commonly used methods in measuring respondents’ attitudes and opinions. Compared to other rating scale characteristics, scale polarity (unipolar and bipolar) and its effects on response behavior have rarely been addressed in previous research. To fill this gap in the literature, we investigate whether and to what extent fully verbalized unipolar and bipolar scales influence response behavior by analyzing observed and latent response distributions and latent thresholds of response categories. For this purpose, we conducted a survey experiment in a probability-based online panel and randomly assigned respondents to a unipolar or bipolar scale condition. The results reveal substantial differences between the two rating scales. They show significantly different response distributions and measurement non-invariance. In addition, response categories (and latent thresholds) of unipolar and bipolar scales are not equally distributed. The findings show that responses to unipolar and bipolar scales differ not only on the observational level but also on the latent level. Both rating scales vary with respect to their measurement properties, so that the responses obtained using each scale are not easily comparable. We recommend not considering unipolar and bipolar scales as interchangeable.
Improving Outcome of Capd: Twenty-Five Years’ Experience in a Single Korean Center
Authors: Han Seung Hyeok , Lee Sang Choel , Ahn Song Vogue , Lee Jung Eun , Choi Hoon Young , Kim Beom Seok , Kang Shin-Wook , Choi Kyu Hun , Han Dae Suk , Lee Ho Yung
Published: February 2020

Background

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is an established treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We investigated the outcome of CAPD over a period of 25 years at our institution.

Methods

CAPD has been performed in 2301 patients in 25 years. After excluding patients with less than 3 months of follow-up and missing data, we evaluated 1656 patients who started peritoneal dialysis between November 1981 and December 2005. Data for sex, age, primary disease, co-morbidities, follow-up duration, cause of death, and cause of technique failure were collected. We also examined data for urea kinetic modeling (UKM), beginning in 1990, and peritonitis episodes, including causative organisms, starting in 1992.

Results

Compared to incident patients from 1981 – 1992, mean age and incidence of ESRD caused by diabetic nephropathy increased in patients from 1993 to 2005. Technique survival after 5 and 10 years was 71.9% and 48.1% respectively. Technique survival was significantly higher in patients who started CAPD after 1992 than in those who started before 1992. Peritonitis was the main reason for technique failure. Overall peritonitis rate was 0.38 episodes per patient-year, with a significant downward trend to 0.29 per patient-year over 10 years, corresponding to a decrease in gram-positive peritonitis. Patient survival after 5 and 10 years was 69.8% and 51.8% respectively. Patient survival improved significantly during 1992 – 2005 compared to 1981 – 1992 after adjustment for age, gender, diabetes, and cardiovascular comorbidities [hazard ratio (HR) 0.68, p < 0.01]. Subgroup analysis based on UKM revealed that dialysis adequacy did not affect patient survival. However, diabetes (HR 2.78, p < 0.001), older age (per 1 year: HR 1.06; p < 0.001), serum albumin level (per 1 g/dL: increase, HR 0.52; p < 0.05), and cardiovascular comorbidities (HR 2.32, p < 0.01) were identified as significant risk factors.

Conclusion

Technique survival has improved due partly to a decrease in peritonitis, which was attributed to a decrease in gram-positive peritonitis. Patient survival has also improved considering increases in aged patients and ESRD caused by diabetes. The mortality rate of CAPD is still high in older, diabetic, malnourished, and cardiovascular diseased patients. A more careful management of higher risk groups will be needed to improve the outcome of CAPD patients in the future.
Impact of ACE Inhibitors and AII Receptor Blockers on Peritoneal Membrane Transport Characteristics in Long-Term Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Kolesnyk Inna , Dekker Friedo W. , Noordzij Marlies , le Cessie Saskia , Struijk Dirk G. , Krediet Raymond T.
Published: February 2020

Background

Long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) may lead to peritoneal fibrosis and ultrafiltration failure. The latter occurs due to high solute transport rates and diabetiform peritoneal sclerosis. Angiotensin-II (AII) is known to be a growth factor in the development of fibrosis and a number of animal studies have shown it likely that inhibiting the effects of AII by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) will attenuate these complications.

Objective

To investigate the effects of ACE/AII inhibitors in long-term PD patients.

Patients and Setting

We analyzed data from 66 patients treated with PD therapy at our center for at least 2 years, during which time at least 2 standard peritoneal permeability analyses (SPAs) were performed. 36 patients were treated with ACE/AII inhibitors (ACE/ARB group); the other 30 received none of the above drugs during the entire follow-up (control group). The two groups were compared with respect to changes in peritoneal transport over the follow-up time.

Results

A significant difference in time course of peritoneal transport was found between the 2 groups: in the ACE/ARB group, small solute transport had decreased, while it had increased in the control group. This finding was confirmed by analysis using mixed model for repeated measures. The value of mass transfer area coefficient of creatinine was influenced by the duration of PD therapy ( p = 0.017) and this interaction was different with respect to use of ACE/AII inhibitors ( p = 0.037). The trend was not found in protein clearances or fluid kinetics.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that ACE/AII inhibition is likely to prevent the increase in mass transfer area coefficients that occurs in long-term PD, which is in line with results of experimental animal studies.
Pathogenesis and Treatment of Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis: Basic and Translational Research
Authors: Schmidt Darren W. , Flessner Michael F.
Published: February 2020

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis is a devastating condition in long-term peritoneal dialysis patients. Animal models have employed chemical insults to simulate its pathology and have provided insights into its pathophysiology, which appears to include inflammation, angiogenesis, and fibrosis. Monitoring of biomarkers and interruption of molecular pathways have provided potential interventions to slow or prevent the disease process. However, there remain many questions concerning the trigger that alters chronic peritoneal inflammation in peritoneal dialysis to severe sclerosis, peritoneal adhesions, and bowel obstruction. Further advances in therapy will likely require an effective means of an early diagnosis through related biomarkers, which in turn will require further advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease process.
How Can Genetic Advances Impact on Experimental Models of Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis?
Authors: Summers Angela M. , Hoff Catherine M. , Topley Nicholas
Published: February 2020

In this review we discuss how animal models have contributed to the understanding of pathological pathways that may be involved in the development of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis. We review the various interventional procedures that, so far, have ameliorated disease progression in animals. Reviewing advancements in molecular biology and genetic technologies, we discuss how future experimental models may impact our understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of this rare but complex disease.
Experimental Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis Models: Pathogenesis and Treatment
Authors: Park Sun-Hee , Kim Yong-Lim , Lindholm Bengt
Published: February 2020

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is rare but, with its high morbidity and mortality, it represents one of the most serious complications of long-term peritoneal dialysis. The pathogenesis of EPS has not been elucidated yet; therefore, there has been a growing interest in establishing appropriate animal models for EPS that would explain the pathogenesis of EPS and verify the efficacy of therapeutic agents targeting pathways such as angiogenesis and/ or fibrosis. This brief review provides an update on previously published animal experimental models of EPS. Based on this review, we discuss some aspects of pathogenesis and treatment options in patients with EPS. Experimental models of EPS cannot exactly reproduce human EPS because the latter most likely has a diverse etiology, including the influences of uremia, dialysis, and genetic factors. There is a need for new animal models that would test interventions targeting multiple risk factors while also taking into account putative genetic diversities that most likely are involved in human EPS.
The Effects of Renin–angiotensin System Inhibition on Regression of Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis
Authors: Bozkurt Devrim , Cetin Pinar , Sipahi Savas , Hur Ender , Nar Hasim , Ertilav Muhittin , Sezak Murat , Duman Soner
Published: February 2020

Background

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a clinical syndrome associated with symptoms of ileus and irreversible sclerosis of both visceral and parietal peritoneum. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients rarely develop EPS, a severe life-threatening condition of unknown pathogenesis. Angiotensin II is known to promote fibrosis and inflammation in various tissues. Renin–angiotensin system (RAS) blockade provides advantages in the course of diseases such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and proteinuria. We have also previously shown that RAS blockade has beneficial effects on hypertonic (3.86%) PD solution-induced peritoneal alterations. Because it shares the same characteristics as other fibrotic processes, peritoneal fibrosis can benefit from RAS blockade.

Objective

To determine the advantages of RAS blockade in regression of EPS.

Methods

We divided 56 nonuremic albino Wistar rats into 6 groups: control group ( n = 10), daily intraperitoneal (IP) injection of 2 mL isotonic saline for 3 weeks; CG group ( n = 10), daily IP injection of 2 mL/200 g chlorhexidine gluconate (CG) for 3 weeks; resting group ( n = 10), daily IP injection of CG (0 – 3 weeks) plus peritoneal rest (4 – 6 weeks). After 3 weeks of being injected with CG (0 – 3 weeks), a fourth group ( n = 9) was treated with 100 mg/L enalapril (ENA group); a fifth group ( n = 10) was treated with 80 mg/L valsartan (VAL group), and a sixth group ( n = 7) was treated with 100 mg/L enalapril + 80 mg/L valsartan (ENA+VAL group) in drinking water for an additional 3 weeks (4 – 6 weeks). At the end, a 1-hour peritoneal equilibration test was performed with 25 mL 3.86% PD solution. Dialysate-to-plasma ratio of urea (D/P urea), dialysate WBC count, ultrafiltration volume (UF), and morphological changes of parietal peritoneum were examined.

Results

Exposure to CG for 3 weeks resulted in alterations in peritoneal transport (increased D/P urea, decreased UF volume; p < 0.05) and morphology (increased inflammation, neovascularization, fibrosis, and peritoneal thickness; p < 0.05). Peritoneal rest had some beneficial effect only on UF failure and dialysate cell count ( p < 0.05). However, RAS blockade was more effective than peritoneal rest with respect to UF volume, vascularity ( p < 0.05), and peritoneal thickness ( p > 0.05). Dual blockade of RAS had no additional beneficial effects.

Conclusion

We suggest that RAS blockade either with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers may be a more effective option than resting in the management of EPS.
Experimental Study on Long-Term Exposure to a Biocompatible, Hypertonic, Pyruvate-Buffered Dialysis Solution
Authors: van Westrhenen Roos , Vlijm Anniek , Hiralall Johan K. , Krediet Raymond T.
Published: February 2020

Background

Chronic exposure to glucose and glucose degradation products (GDPs) in dialysis solutions is involved in the pathogenesis of peritoneal neoangiogenesis and fibrosis, potentially leading to encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS). High lactate concentrations may contribute to glucose toxicity by creating a state of pseudohypoxia, which stimulates the formation of various growth factors.

Objective

To study the effects of long-term peritoneal exposure to a filter-sterilized pyruvate-buffered solution with a combination of 3 osmotic agents (amino acids, glycerol, glucose: PYRAGG) on peritoneal function and morphology.

Methods

Rats were exposed daily for a period of 20 weeks to PYRAGG, or to a conventional heat-sterilized solution (LH), or to a filter-sterilized solution (LF), after which a peritoneal function test was done and peritoneal tissue was obtained.

Results

Peritoneal solute and fluid transport characteristics at 20 weeks were similar in all groups. Fibrosis was most pronounced in the LH group compared to the others, suggesting an effect of GDPs. A marked reduction in the number of omental vessels was noted in the PYRAGG group (59% reduction compared to LH). A modest reduction (28%) was found in the LF animals. This points to a marked effect of reduced exposure to glucose.

Conclusions

PYRAGG was more biocompatible than a filter-sterilized glucose/lactate solution because it did not induce marked peritoneal abnormalities after long-term exposure. This did not lead to altered peritoneal transport characteristics. It is likely that further development of PYRAGG-like solutions will decrease the incidence of EPS.
Comparing Survival between Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis Treatment in Esrd Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Infection
Authors: Chou Che-Yi , Wang I-Kuan , Liu Jiung-Hsiun , Lin Hsin-Hung , Wang Shu-Ming , Huang Chiu-Ching
Published: February 2020

Objective

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are associated with an increasing mortality risk on hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD). The aim of this study was to compare patient survival between HCV-positive patients undergoing PD versus HD.

Methods

We reviewed 78 PD and 78 HD patients with chronic hepatitis C infection in China Medical University Hospital from 1996 to 2006. The HD patients were selected using the propensity score matching method. Kaplan–Meier analysis with log-rank test was used to compare patient survival between patients treated with PD and those treated with HD. Possible prognostic factors were analyzed using multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression with adjustments for age, sex, and propensity score.

Results

Mortality rate was 50% (39/78) for PD and 41% (32/78) for HD (chi-square test p = 0.26). Diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease were present in 43.6%, 25.6%, and 14.1% of patients, respectively. Kaplan–Meier estimate and univariate Cox regression with adjustments for age and propensity score showed that HCV patients treated with PD had a similar survival to those treated with HD ( p = 0.381 and p = 0.363). In forward stepwise Cox regression, positivity for hepatitis B virus surface antigen ( p < 0.001), diabetes ( p = 0.009), and serum albumin ( p = 0.032) were independently associated with higher mortality.

Conclusion

Patient survival is not different between ESRD patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with PD and those treated with HD. In ESRD patients positive for HCV, being positive for hepatitis B virus is an important prognostic factor.
Pharmacist Interventions in the Management of Blood Pressure Control and Adherence to Antihypertensive Medications: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Reeves Landon , Robinson Kristian , McClelland Taylor , Adedoyin Christson A. , Broeseker Amy , Adunlin Georges
Published: February 2020

Objective:

Pharmacists are ideally positioned to promote optimal use and assess the adherence of prescription medications in patients with chronic diseases. This systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) ascertains the effectiveness of pharmacist interventions to improve blood pressure (BP) control and medication adherence in patients with hypertension.

Data Sources:

Electronic databases were searched for studies in English published between January 1, 1995, and January 31, 2018. Eligibility criteria included patients with a diagnosis of hypertension tested with RCT where pharmacist-led interventions occurred. The primary outcome was BP control and the secondary outcome was adherence to hypertensive medication. Quality of studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.

Data Synthesis:

Thirty-five studies met the inclusion–exclusion criteria and were included in this study. Major themes included pharmacist-led interventions with medication counseling, patient education, distribution of interventions materials, individualized care plans, and check-in meetings. The vast majority of trials (n = 29) showed statistically significant improvement in BP in the intervention groups at follow-up. Of the 35 studies, most (n = 20) assessed medication adherence; several trials (n = 9) showed statistically significant improvement in medication adherence in patients receiving additional pharmaceutical care services. None of the RCTs was considered to have a high risk of bias.

Conclusion:

Pharmacist-led interventions improved BP control and medication adherence through education, counseling, or a combination of both. Future research is needed to determine the most effective pharmacists’ interventions in managing hypertension and to assess the cost-effectiveness of these interventions.
A study on the factors of public library use by residents
Authors: Noh Younghee , Chang Rosa
Published: February 2020

This study selected various factors that may influence the satisfaction and use of public libraries through reflecting social changes led by the fourth industrial revolution, in an effort to differentiate the study from related studies conducted previously. In addition, this study examined the specific factors of material, facility, location and place, staff, programs and services that affect the satisfaction and use of public libraries by residents. Results show that accessibility and possession factors of material and interior design factor of facility, space for reading and user convenience factors of location and space, reliability and active attitude factors of staff and diversity, operation hours and promotion factors of programs and services have significant influence over the satisfaction and use of public libraries by residents. The results of this study are useful in providing fundamental data for attracting residents to libraries and improving the rate of utilization by providing library services based on the rapidly changing social environments and users’ demands for the practical operation of libraries.
Alternatives to Animal Use in Risk Assessment of Mixtures
Authors: Wallace Hayes A. , Muriana Arantza , Alzualde Ainhoa , Fernandez Dania Bacardi , Iskandar Anita , Peitsch Manuel C. , Kuczaj Arkadiusz , Hoeng Julia
Published: February 2020

Risk assessment of chemical mixtures has emerged as a focus of research efforts, but traditional toxicology testing in mammals is costly, time-consuming, and subject to ethical scrutiny in the context of recent trends to reduce reliance on animal testing. In this review, which is a summary of presentations given at a workshop in Havana, Cuba, in April 2019, we survey the utility of zebra fish as an alternative laboratory model in whole-mixture and component-based testing, as well as in vitro modeling in 3-dimensional organotypic cultures from primary human cells cultured at the air–liquid interface and organ-on-a-chip platforms. Finally, we discuss the complexities of assessing the dynamics and delivery of multispecies liquid aerosol mixtures along the human respiratory tract, with examples of alternative and computational approaches to aerosol dosimetry. The workshop contributed to the professional development of Cuban toxicologists, an underserved segment of the global scientific community, delivering a set of tools and recommendations that could potentially provide cost-effective solutions for scientists with limited research resources.
Bringing Service Interactions Into Focus: Prevention- Versus Promotion-Focused Customers’ Sensitivity to Employee Display Authenticity
Authors: Lechner Andreas T. , Mathmann Frank
Published: February 2020

Despite growing managerial interest in frontline employee behavior, and in display authenticity specifically, customers’ heterogeneous reactions to authentic displays have received little scholarly attention. Drawing on emotion as social information theory, we investigate the role of motivational orientations (i.e., regulatory focus) in customer reactions to authentic displays. The findings show that inauthentic displays have stronger negative effects on service performance for prevention-focused than for promotion-focused customers. A dyadic field study details these effects in terms of tipping, and three experiments provide further evidence by experimentally manipulating authenticity and regulatory focus. The conditional effect of authenticity on service performance also is mediated by inferred deception. Specifically, prevention-focused customers interpret inauthentic emotion displays as more deceptive than promotion-focused customers do. Managers should prime customers’ promotion focus using marketing communications before the service delivery when inauthentic displays are likely as well as consider customers’ regulatory focus when designing authenticity training for employees.
Using the SMART-EST Goals in Lifestyle Medicine Prescription
Authors: White Nicole D. , Bautista Vicki , Lenz Thomas , Cosimano Amy
Published: February 2020

Lifestyle modifications can effectively decrease chronic disease risk but studies show little to no time during patient encounters is spent on lifestyle medicine counseling. The SMART-EST goal framework facilitates both a rich discussion of lifestyle medicine and a comprehensive patient-centered action plan for health behavior change. The tenets of the SMART-EST goal-setting process are discussed.
Emotional characteristics and time series analysis of Internet public opinion participants based on emotional feature words
Authors: Jia Fengzhen , Chen Chun-Chun
Published: February 2020

In recent years, with the rapid development and wide application of the Internet, it has become the main place for the generation and dissemination of public opinion. To grasp the information of network public opinion in a timely and comprehensive way can not only effectively prevent sudden network malignant events but also provide a reference for the scientific and democratic decision-making of government departments. Therefore, in view of the practical application needs, this article studies the emotional characteristics and the evolution of public opinion over time based on the emotional feature words of network public opinion participants. Firstly, the positive and negative emotional lexicon of HowNet emotional dictionary is used, and the commonly used emotional lexicon and expression symbols are added to the lexicon. At the same time, the polarity annotation method of Chinese emotional lexicon ontology is used to construct the emotional lexicon of this article. Secondly, considering other emotional polarity characteristics in the dictionary, an emotional tendency analysis model is proposed. In this article, emotional analysis is applied to the evolution analysis of network public opinion, and the change of network public opinion characteristics with time series is obtained. The simulation results show that the emotional dictionary constructed in this article and the proposed model of emotional orientation analysis can effectively analyze the emotional characteristics of network public opinion participants and apply emotional analysis to the evolution analysis of network public opinion, which can get the change of emotional characteristics of public opinion participants with time series.
Metastatic basal cell carcinoma with evidence of intravascular invasion: A case report
Authors: West Lindsey , Fathi Ramin , Nijhawan Rajiv , Srivastava Divya
Published: February 2020

Although basal cell carcinoma is the most common malignancy in humans, intravascular basal cell carcinoma is rarely reported in the literature. A 78-year-old male presented for Mohs Micrographic surgery of a 1.5 by 1.5 cm2 nodular and focally infiltrative basal cell carcinoma on the left parietal scalp. In the fifth stage, intravascular tumor cells were noted, and the patient was still positive in five out of six specimens with a defect measuring 6.5 × 7.0 cm2. Mohs surgery was stopped due to concern of widespread disease. A positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan was ordered that demonstrated diffuse prominent activity in the cervical level IIa nodes, right sacrum, right scapula, and the third left rib, concerning for metastatic disease. This case emphasizes the importance of vigilance to examine high-risk basal cell carcinoma pathology for intravascular invasion in addition to perineural invasion, especially in the setting of high risk factors for metastatic basal cell carcinoma.
Barriers and Strategies for Teaching About the U.S. Health Care System in China
Authors: Zimmerman Donald L. , Yu Lisheng , Cheng Ruoh-yi , Kearns Randy
Published: February 2020

Overview. A partnership between the undergraduate health care management program at a U.S. public research university and a Chinese university provided ongoing opportunities for U.S. faculty to teach introductory health care management courses in China. These courses have been offered every semester since Spring 2018 with course enrollment ranging from 18 to 52 students. Method. This research was based in grounded theory and aimed at creating an effective teaching strategy for Chinese students. The premises used for this task were cultural humility, ongoing personal reflection and self-critique, the active use of student feedback, and ongoing collaboration with Chinese faculty. Findings. Three pedagogical barriers were addressed as the most parsimonious and useful framework for improving teaching practice in China: (1) Differences between U.S. and Chinese health care systems made comparisons problematic. Response: A new teaching model for visualizing the core components of a health care system was successfully developed and used. (2) Differences between English and Mandarin Chinese created translation gaps. Response: Bilingual presentation materials were developed based on a scaffolding of “thick translations.” (3) There were difficulties in navigating the political landscape. Response: U.S. faculty shifted focus from locating their presentations in the political landscape of China to offering a window into the U.S. health care system from American perspective. To date, Chinese student evaluations have been extremely positive across all courses. Need for Further Research. While U.S. faculty have made significant progress in creating effective teaching strategies for Chinese students, additional research is needed to further identify and refine best practices.
Casteism and Caste Intolerance in India: A Study on Casteism of Contemporary West Bengal
Authors: Barman Rup Kumar
Published: February 2020

‘Casteism’ and ‘politicization of caste’ are common phenomena of Indian society since the beginning of the twentieth century. Violation of social rights and caste discriminations of plural characters have added additional complexity to them. Casteism has thus appeared as a burden of postcolonial Indian society. As a subject of study, it is, however, not a comfortable one. Being a sensitive issue, it often gets mixed up with political, class, cultural and regional conflicts. Thus, academic scholars, general readers and policy makers do often face serious trouble in highlighting the basic premises of casteism. Academic studies on casteism and caste-discrimination in the context of West Bengal are also not free from this limitation. Moreover, there has been a common perception among the intellectuals as well as in the academic world that West Bengal is free from caste violence. Print, electronic and social media have also equally contributed to the creation of this perception in the late twentieth century, especially for considering ‘caste’ merely as a parameter of ‘class’. This ‘invented notion’ on caste has encouraged the people of the state to understand ‘caste’ simply as a social phenomenon irrespective of its social and class differences.

However, it would be an utter lie to accept the general propaganda that casteism has no presence in West Bengal. Rather, our field surveys either through interviews or ‘face-to-face group discussions’ as well as contemporary media reports reveal that psychological, oral and behavioural casteism are social realities of West Bengal. Thus, this article is an attempt to highlight the nature of casteism and caste intolerance as faced by the Scheduled Castes (SCs) of West Bengal because of their birth in a particular sub-caste.