bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo characterization of [18F]AVT-011 as a radiotracer for PET imaging of multidrug resistance
Authors: Kannan Pavitra , Füredi András , Dizdarevic Sabina , Wanek Thomas , Mairinger Severin , Collins Jeffrey , Falls Theresa , van Dam R. Michael , Maheshwari Divya , Lee Jason T. , Szakács Gergely , Langer Oliver
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Multidrug resistance (MDR) impedes cancer treatment. Two efflux transporters from the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) family, ABCB1 and ABCG2, may contribute to MDR by restricting the entry of therapeutic drugs into tumor cells. Although a higher expression of these transporters has been correlated with an unfavorable response to chemotherapy, transporter expression does not necessarily correlate with function. In this study, we characterized the pharmacological properties of [18F]AVT-011, a new PET radiotracer for imaging transporter-mediated MDR in tumors.

Methods

AVT-011 was radiolabeled with 18F and evaluated with PET imaging in preclinical models. Transport of [18F]AVT-011 by ABCB1 and/or ABCG2 was assessed by measuring its uptake in the brains of wild-type, Abcb1a/b−/−, and Abcg2−/− mice at baseline and after administration of the ABCB1 inhibitor tariquidar (n = 5/group). Metabolism and biodistribution of [18F]AVT-011 were also measured. To measure ABCB1 function in tumors, we performed PET experiments using both [18F]AVT-011 and [18F]FDG in mice bearing orthotopic breast tumors (n = 7–10/group) expressing clinically relevant levels of ABCB1.

Results

At baseline, brain uptake was highest in Abcb1a/b−/− mice. After tariquidar administration, brain uptake increased 3-fold and 8-fold in wild-type and Abcg2−/− mice, respectively, but did not increase further in Abcb1a/b−/− mice. At 30 min after injection, the radiotracer was > 90% in its parent form and had highest uptake in organs of the hepatobiliary system. Compared with that in drug-sensitive tumors, uptake of [18F]AVT-011 was 32% lower in doxorubicin-resistant tumors with highest ABCB1 expression and increased by 40% with tariquidar administration. Tumor uptake of [18F]FDG did not significantly differ among groups.

Conclusion

[18F]AVT-011 is a dual ABCB1/ABCG2 substrate radiotracer that can quantify transporter function at the blood-brain barrier and in ABCB1-expressing tumors, making it potentially suitable for clinical imaging of ABCB1-mediated MDR in tumors.
Effects of a multispecies synbiotic on glucose metabolism, lipid marker, gut microbiome composition, gut permeability, and quality of life in diabesity: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study
Authors: Horvath Angela , Leber Bettina , Feldbacher Nicole , Tripolt Norbert , Rainer Florian , Blesl Andreas , Trieb Markus , Marsche Gunther , Sourij Harald , Stadlbauer Vanessa
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Diabesity, the combination of obesity and type 2 diabetes, is an ever-growing global health burden. Diabesity-associated dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiome has gained attention as a potential driver of disease and, therefore, a possible therapeutic target by means of pro- or prebiotic supplementation. This study tested the effects of a multispecies synbiotic (i.e. a combination of probiotics and prebiotics) on glucose metabolism, gut microbiota, gut permeability, neutrophil function and quality of life in treatment-experienced diabesity patients.

Methods

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study with 26 diabesity patients was conducted in which patients received a daily dose of a multispecies probiotic and a prebiotic (or a placebo) for 6 months.

Results

There were no changes in glucose metabolism or mixed meal tolerance test responses throughout the study. The analysis of secondary outcomes revealed beneficial effects on hip circumference [− 1 (95% CI − 4; 3) vs +3 (− 1; 8) cm, synbiotics vs. placebo, respectively,p = 0.04], serum zonulin [− 0.04 (− 0.2; 0.1) vs +0.3 (− 0.05; 0.6) ng/ml,p = 0.004)] and the physical role item of the SF36 quality of life assessment [+ 5.4 (− 1.7; 12.5) vs − 5.0 (− 10.1; 0.2) points,p = 0.02] after 3 months of intervention, and lipoprotein (a) [− 2.1 (− 5.7; 1.6) vs +3.4 (− 0.9; 7.9) mg/dl,p = 0.02] after 6 months. There were no significant differences in alpha or beta diversity of the microbiome between groups or time points.

Conclusions

Glucose metabolism as the primary outcome was unchanged during the intervention with a multispecies synbiotic in patients with diabesity. Nevertheless, synbiotics improved some symptoms and biomarkers of type 2 diabetes and aspects of quality of life suggesting a potential role as adjuvant tool in the management of diabesity.

Graphic abstract
Dietary intake of total polyphenols and the risk of all-cause and specific-cause mortality in Japanese adults: the Takayama study
Authors: Taguchi Chie , Kishimoto Yoshimi , Fukushima Yoichi , Kondo Kazuo , Yamakawa Michiyo , Wada Keiko , Nagata Chisato
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated the health benefits of polyphenols, but the associations between polyphenol intake and mortality including total and major causes of death remain unclear. We investigated the associations between subjects’ total polyphenol intake and their mortality from all causes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, and other causes of death in a population-based cohort study in Japan.

Methods

A total of 29,079 residents of Takayama City, Japan were analyzed. Their dietary intake was assessed using a validated semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) in 1992. Mortality was ascertained over the subsequent 16 years. The dietary polyphenol intake was calculated by matching the subjects’ food consumption data with our original polyphenol content database.

Results

A total of 5339 deaths occurred during the follow-up. After multivariable adjustment, the highest quartile of total polyphenol intake compared with the lowest quartile was significantly associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.82–0.99, p trend = 0.003). The subjects in the highest quartile showed significantly lower CVD mortality compared to those in the lowest quartile, and among the types of CVD mortality, a strong inverse association was observed for stroke mortality. Inverse associations were also observed for mortality from other causes, specifically digestive disease. The total polyphenol intake was not significantly associated with the risk of cancer mortality.

Conclusions

The results of this prospective study indicate that dietary total polyphenol intake in Japanese is inversely associated with all-cause mortality and mortality from cardiovascular and digestive diseases.
A single dose of purple grape juice improves physical performance and antioxidant activity in runners: a randomized, crossover, double-blind, placebo study
Authors: de Lima Tavares Toscano Lydiane , Silva Alexandre Sérgio , de França Ana Carla Lima , de Sousa Bruno Rafael Virgínio , de Almeida Filho Eder Jackson Bezerra , da Silveira Costa Matheus , Marques Aline Telles Biasoto , da Silva Darcilene Fiuza , de Farias Sena Klécia , Cerqueira Gilberto Santos , da Conceição Rodrigues Gonçalves Maria
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To investigate the effects of a single dose of juice on physical performance, oxidative stress, inflammation and muscle damage in runners.

Methods

Fourteen recreational male runners (39 ± 9 years,VO2peak = 55.9 ± 6.5 ml/kg/min) performed two running tests to exhaustion at 80% ofVO2maxafter ingesting grape juice or a placebo drink (10 ml/kg/day) randomly. Blood samples were taken before and 2 h after supplementation and immediately after running to analyze total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (A1GPA), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).

Results

The participants ran for an average of 59.2 ± 27.8 min until exhaustion in the placebo group and for 68.4 ± 29.7 min until exhaustion in the grape juice intake group, which was a significantly longer time (p = 0.008). This improvement in physical performance was accompanied by a 43.6% increase in TAC (p = 0.000) at the post-exercise timepoint compared to the level at baseline. MDA, A1GPA, hs-CRP, CK, and LDH did not exhibit changes. In contrast, no significant change in any variable was observed after consuming the placebo drink.

Conclusion

The single-dose intake of purple grape juice demonstrated an ergogenic effect in recreational runners by increasing run time to exhaustion and increasing antioxidant activity.
Predicting recurrences of macular edema due to branch retinal vein occlusion during anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy
Authors: Suzuki Misa , Nagai Norihiro , Minami Sakiko , Kurihara Toshihide , Kamoshita Mamoru , Sonobe Hideki , Watanabe Kazuhiro , Shinoda Hajime , Tsubota Kazuo , Ozawa Yoko
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To determine the predictive factors for recurrent macular edema due to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) during intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) monotherapy.

Methods

Clinical records were retrospectively reviewed for 65 patients (mean age 66.5 years, 65 eyes) who were diagnosed with macular edema due to BRVO and treated with IVR monotherapy for 12 months at the Medical Retina Division, Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University Hospital between October 2013 and August 2017. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundus findings, and sectional optical coherence tomography (OCT) images were analyzed.

Results

Overall BCVA and central retinal thickness (CRT) improved (all p < 0.01). BCVA at 12 months was significantly worse in patients with recurrent macular edema (40 eyes [61.5%]) (p < 0.01) than in those without, while CRT decreased and was comparable in both groups at 12 months. Logistic regression analyses showed association of recurrence with disorganization of the retinal inner layer (DRIL) temporal to the fovea at baseline (odds ratio = 7.74; 95% confidence interval 1.62–37.08, p = 0.01), after adjusting for age, gender, and initial CRT.

Conclusion

Recurrent macular edema due to BRVO affects visual outcome and is associated with initial DRIL temporal to the fovea, evaluated using OCT sectional images before treatments. DRIL may facilitate determination of follow-up schedules in clinical practice.
Copper–zinc imbalance induces kidney tubule damage and oxidative stress in a population exposed to chronic environmental cadmium
Authors: Eom Sang-Yong , Yim Dong-Hyuk , Huang Mingai , Park Choong-Hee , Kim Guen-Bae , Yu Seung-Do , Choi Byung-Sun , Park Jung-Duck , Kim Yong-Dae , Kim Heon
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the effect of environmental cadmium (Cd) exposure and essential metal imbalance on renal tubular damage and oxidative stress in 979 adults living in a Cd-polluted area near an abandoned copper (Cu) refinery.

Methods

We analyzed urinary Cd concentrations, renal tubular damage and oxidative stress markers, such as beta-2 microglobulin (β2-MG) and N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity and urine malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The serum copper-to-zinc ratio (CZR) was used as an essential metal imbalance indicator. We divided the subjects into two Cd exposure groups based on the reference level of urinary Cd for renal dysfunction (2 μg/g creatinine).

Results

The geometric mean concentration of urinary Cd in all subjects was 2.25 μg/g creatinine. In both low and high Cd exposure groups, urinary Cd levels were positively correlated with urinary NAG activity, but not with serum CZR. After multivariate adjustment, serum CZR was strongly associated with urinary β2-MG levels in the low Cd exposure group (β = 1.360, P = 0.019) and was significantly associated with urinary MDA levels, regardless of Cd exposure level. In addition, the risk of renal tubular damage was significantly associated with urinary Cd level, particularly in the lowest or highest CZR tertile groups.

Conclusions

Essential metal imbalance may be a determinant of oxidative stress and renal tubular damage in a chronically Cd-exposed population, and proper zinc supplementation will be effective in preventing adverse health effects due to Cd exposure.
The role of WNK in modulation of KCl cotransport activity in red cells from normal individuals and patients with sickle cell anaemia
Authors: Lu David C.-Y. , Hannemann Anke , Wadud Rasiqh , Rees David C. , Brewin John N. , Low Philip S. , Gibson John S.
Published: November 2019

Abnormal activity of red cell KCl cotransport (KCC) is involved in pathogenesis of sickle cell anaemia (SCA). KCC-mediated solute loss causes shrinkage, concentrates HbS, and promotes HbS polymerisation. Red cell KCC also responds to various stimuli including pH, volume, urea, and oxygen tension, and regulation involves protein phosphorylation. The main aim of this study was to investigate the role of the WNK/SPAK/OSR1 pathway in sickle cells. The pan WNK inhibitor WNK463 stimulated KCC with an EC50of 10.9 ± 1.1 nM and 7.9 ± 1.2 nM in sickle and normal red cells, respectively. SPAK/OSR1 inhibitors had little effect. The action of WNK463 was not additive with other kinase inhibitors (staurosporine andN-ethylmaleimide). Its effects were largely abrogated by pre-treatment with the phosphatase inhibitor calyculin A. WNK463 also reduced the effects of physiological KCC stimuli (pH, volume, urea) and abolished any response of KCC to changes in oxygen tension. Finally, although protein kinases have been implicated in regulation of phosphatidylserine exposure, WNK463 had no effect. Findings indicate a predominant role for WNKs in control of KCC in sickle cells but an apparent absence of downstream involvement of SPAK/OSR1. A more complete understanding of the mechanisms will inform pathogenesis whilst manipulation of WNK activity represents a potential therapeutic approach.
Use of amniotic membrane for radial forearm free flap donor site coverage: clinical, functional and cosmetic outcomes
Authors: Hunger Stefan , Postl Lukas , Stehrer Raphael , Hingsammer Lukas , Krennmair Stefan , Feistl Wolfgang , Malek Michael , Krennmair Gerald
Published: November 2019

Objective

To evaluate the clinical, functional and aesthetic outcomes for radial forearm free flap (RFFF) donor sites covered with amniotic membrane (AM).

Material and methods

The healing process of patients with RFFF donor sites covered with AM was prospectively followed for 1 year. Additionally at the 12-month evaluation, objective scoring systems were used to assess the aesthetic (Vancouver scar scale, VSS: range 1–13) and functional outcome (skin sensibility, hand/wrist functionality [goniometer], grip strength [score 1 = excellent, 5 = poor]). By using a subjective rating system (score 1 = excellent, 5 = poor), the patient-reported aesthetic and functionality outcome was correlated with objective data analysis.

Results

Twenty-one out of 23 patients were followed for 12 months (dropout: 2 patients at 3 months). In 17/23 (73.9%) patients RFFF defect covered with AM showed an uneventful healing period (< 3 months). Prolonged healing periods (> 3 months < 6) for 6 patients (26.1%) were attributed to wound infections (4×), seroma (1×) and inflammation (1×). At the 1-year evaluation, there was a significant (p < 0.01) correlation between subjective (2.0 ± 0.71) and objective aesthetic scores (VVS 3.74 ± 2.18), and a successful grip strength (score 1.67 ± 0.86); however, thumb hyposensibility in 76.2% was seen. A high body mass index (BMI) was in conjunction with a negative (p = 0.012) and the use of antihypertensive medications provided positive effects (p = 0.041) on the aesthetic outcome.

Conclusion

RFFF donor site defects covered using AM show excellent clinical, aesthetic and functional outcome representing patient comorbidities (BMI, antihypertensive drugs) might affect the aesthetic outcome.

Clinical relevance

In relation to the excellent outcomes found, the use of AM offers an alternative treatment procedure for RFFF defect covering.
Treatment of temporomandibular joint luxation: a systematic literature review
Authors: Abrahamsson Helene , Eriksson Lars , Abrahamsson Peter , Häggman-Henrikson Birgitta
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of surgical and nonsurgical treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) luxation.

Materials and methods

This systematic literature review searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases to identify randomized controlled trials on TMJ luxation treatment published between the inception of each database and 26 March 2018.

Results

Two authors assessed 113 unique abstracts according to the inclusion criteria and read nine articles in full text. Eight articles comprising 338 patients met the inclusion criteria, but none of these evaluated surgical techniques. Three studies including 185 patients concerned acute treatment with manual reduction of luxation while five studies including 153 patients evaluated minimally invasive methods with injection of autologous blood or dextrose prolotherapy for recurrent TMJ luxation. These studies reported that mouth opening after treatment was reduced and that independent of type of injection, recurrences of TMJ luxation were rare in most patients.

Conclusions

In the absence of randomized studies on surgical techniques, autologous blood injection in the superior joint space and pericapsular tissues with intermaxillary fixation seems to be the treatment for recurrent TMJ luxation that at present has the best scientific support. Well-designed studies on surgical techniques with sufficient numbers of patients, long-term follow-ups, and patient experience assessment are needed for selection of the optimal surgical treatment methods.

Clinical relevance

Autologous blood injection combined with intermaxillary fixation can be recommended for patients with recurrence of TMJ luxation.
Pretreatment body mass index as a prognostic predictor in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chang Wei-Chin , Yang Cheng-Yu , Lin Chun-Shu , Lin Chih-Kung , Chen Yuan-Wu
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To evaluate whether low body mass index (BMI) is a potential adverse prognostic factor in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Material and methods

This cross-sectional study included 320 patients with OSCC who underwent therapeutic surgical treatment in Taiwan. The pretreatment BMI was measured as a common indicator of the pretreatment nutritional status to calculate the overall survival in Kaplan-Meier method. The adverse histopathological features of margin status, depth of invasion (DOI), lymphovascular invasion (LVSI), perineural invasion (PNI), and extranodal extension (ENE) were analyzed using the Cox regression model.

Results

Low BMI (underweight), DOI > 5 mm, and ENE were identified as detrimental prognostic factors. On multivariate Cox regression analysis, the low BMI group (odds ratio [OR] = 1.683; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.116–2.539; P = 0.022), DOI > 5 mm (OR = 2.399; 95% CI 1.459–3.943; P = 0.001), and ENE (OR = 2.467; 95% CI 1.540–3.951; P = 0.000) yielded reduced survival rate.

Conclusions

The lower BMI had an important and significant effect on the survival of patients with oral cancer and their surgical outcomes. In addition to the adverse histopathological features, a DOI > 5 mm and positive ENE were also identified as the most important prognostic factors.

Clinical relevance

Underweight patients with low BMI, DOI of > 5 mm, and positive ENE should receive more intensive nutritional supplementation and postoperative adjuvant therapy.
A DEM study of powder spreading in additive layer manufacturing
Authors: Fouda Yahia M. , Bayly Andrew E.
Published: November 2019

In this paper, discrete element method simulations were used to study the spreading of an idealised, blade based, powder coating system representative of the spreading of spherical, mono-sized, non-cohesive titanium alloy (Ti6AlV4) particles in additive layer manufacturing applications. A vertical spreader blade was used to accelerate a powder heap across a horizontal surface, with a thin gap between the blade and the surface, resulting in the deposition of a thin powder layer. The results showed that it is inevitable to deposit a powder layer with a lower packing fraction than the initial powder heap due to three mechanisms: shear-induced dilation during the initiation of powder motion by the spreader; dilation and rearrangement due to powder motion through the gap; and the inertia of the particles in the deposited powder layer. It was shown that the process conditions control the contribution of these three mechanisms, and that the velocity profile in the shear layer in front of the gap is critical to the final deposited layer packing fraction. The higher the mean normalised velocity in the shear layer the lower the deposited layer packing fraction. The gap thickness and the spreader blade velocity affect the properties of the deposited layer; with the former increasing its packing fraction and the latter decreasing it. The analysis presented in this study could be adapted to powders of different materials, morphologies and surface properties.
This Time from Africa: Developing a Relational Approach to Values-Driven Leadership
Authors: Pérezts Mar , Russon Jo-Anna , Painter Mollie
Published: November 2019

The importance of relationality in ethical leadership has been the focus of recent attention in business ethics scholarship. However, this relational component has not been sufficiently theorized from different philosophical perspectives, allowing specific Western philosophical conceptions to dominate the leadership development literature. This paper offers a theoretical analysis of the relational ontology that informs various conceptualizations of selfhood from both African and Western philosophical traditions and unpacks its implications for values-driven leadership. We aim to broaden Western conceptions of leadership development by drawing on twentieth century European philosophy’s insights on relationality, but more importantly, to show how African philosophical traditions precede this literature in its insistence on a relational ontology of the self. To illustrate our theoretical argument, we reflect on an executive education course called values-driven leadership into action, which ran in South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt in 2016, 2017, and 2018. We highlight an African-inspired employment of relationality through its use of the ME-WE-WORLD framework, articulating its theoretical assumptions with embodied experiential learning.
Quality of life in patients with liver tumors treated with holmium-166 radioembolization
Authors: van Roekel Caren , Smits Maarten L. J. , Prince Jip F. , Bruijnen Rutger C. G. , van den Bosch Maurice A. A. J. , Lam Marnix G. E. H.
Published: November 2019

Holmium-166 radioembolization is a palliative treatment option for patients with unresectable hepatic malignancies. Its influence on quality of life has not been evaluated yet. Since quality of life is very important in the final stages of disease, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of holmium-166 radioembolization on quality of life. Patients with hepatic malignancies were treated with holmium-166 radioembolization in the HEPAR I and II studies. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 and LMC21 questionnaires were used to evaluate quality of life at baseline, 1 week, 6 weeks and at 6, 9 and 12 months after treatment. The course of the global health status and symptom and functioning scales were analyzed using a linear mixed model. Quality of life was studied in a total of 53 patients with a compliance of 94%. Role functioning was the most affected functioning scale. Fatigue and pain were the most affected symptom scales. Changes in almost all categories were most notable at 1 week after treatment. A higher WHO performance score at baseline decreased global health status, physical functioning, role functioning and social functioning and it increased symptoms of fatigue, dyspnea and diarrhea. Quality of life in salvage patients with liver metastases treated with holmium-166 radioembolization was not significantly affected over time, although a striking decline was seen during the first week post-treatment. A WHO performance score > 0 at baseline significantly influenced quality of life.
Correction to: Bayesian approach to investigate a two-state mixed model of COPD exacerbations
Authors: Largajolli Anna , Beerahee Misba , Yang Shuying
Published: November 2019

The article [Bayesian approach to investigate a two-state mixed model of COPD exacerbations], written by [Anna Largajolli, Misba Beerahee, Shuying Yang], was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on [13 June 2019] without open access. With the author(s)’ decision to opt for Open Choice the copyright of the article changed on [November 2019] to © The Author(s) [2019] and the article is forthwith distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits use, duplication, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made. Open Access This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits use, duplication, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.
A survey on semi-supervised learning
Authors: van Engelen Jesper E. , Hoos Holger H.
Published: November 2019

Semi-supervised learning is the branch of machine learning concerned with using labelled as well as unlabelled data to perform certain learning tasks. Conceptually situated between supervised and unsupervised learning, it permits harnessing the large amounts of unlabelled data available in many use cases in combination with typically smaller sets of labelled data. In recent years, research in this area has followed the general trends observed in machine learning, with much attention directed at neural network-based models and generative learning. The literature on the topic has also expanded in volume and scope, now encompassing a broad spectrum of theory, algorithms and applications. However, no recent surveys exist to collect and organize this knowledge, impeding the ability of researchers and engineers alike to utilize it. Filling this void, we present an up-to-date overview of semi-supervised learning methods, covering earlier work as well as more recent advances. We focus primarily on semi-supervised classification, where the large majority of semi-supervised learning research takes place. Our survey aims to provide researchers and practitioners new to the field as well as more advanced readers with a solid understanding of the main approaches and algorithms developed over the past two decades, with an emphasis on the most prominent and currently relevant work. Furthermore, we propose a new taxonomy of semi-supervised classification algorithms, which sheds light on the different conceptual and methodological approaches for incorporating unlabelled data into the training process. Lastly, we show how the fundamental assumptions underlying most semi-supervised learning algorithms are closely connected to each other, and how they relate to the well-known semi-supervised clustering assumption.
Adolescent Sex and Psyche in Brazil: Surveillance, Critique and Global Mental Health
Authors: Béhague Dominique P.
Published: November 2019

Drawing on a historical ethnography conducted in Southern Brazil, this article explores how public health programs for adolescent reproductive and mental health have emerged in Brazil and begun to intersect with the growing field of “global mental health” (GMH). The story I recount begins not in the 2010s with the rapid rise of expert interest in adolescent health within GMH, but in the 1990s, the decade when young teens in Brazil were first coming into contact with practices and approaches in research, schools and clinics that have both underpinnedandcritiqued the production of an adolescent mental and reproductive health sub-field. In parsing what young women’s encounters with the then newly-emerging questionnaires, measurement tools, school-based programs and clinical practices came to mean to them, I use a genealogical approach to consider how histories of education reform, population control, psychoanalysis, social medicine, the transition to democracy, feminism and grass-roots politics all entered the fold, shaping the way adolescent sex-and-psyche materialized as a contested object of expertise. I end by exploring what this case can teach global mental health advocates and social theorists about practices of critique.
Ambiguity aversion behind the veil of ignorance
Authors: Stefánsson H. Orri
Published: November 2019

The veil of ignorance argument was used by John C. Harsanyi to defend Utilitarianism and by John Rawls to defend the absolute priority of the worst off. In a recent paper, Lara Buchak revives the veil of ignorance argument, and uses it to defend an intermediate position between Harsanyi’s and Rawls’ that she calls Relative Prioritarianism. None of these authors explore the implications of allowing that agent’s behind the veil are sensitive to ambiguity. Allowing foraversionto ambiguity—which is both the most commonly observed and a seemingly reasonable attitude to ambiguity—however supports a version of Egalitarianism, whose logical form is quite different from the theories defended by the aforementioned authors. Moreover, it turns out that the veil of ignorance argument neither supports standard Utilitarianism nor Prioritarianism unless we assume that rational people are insensitive to ambiguity.
Disparate Central and Peripheral Effects of Circulating IGF-1 Deficiency on Tissue Mitochondrial Function
Authors: Pharaoh Gavin , Owen Daniel , Yeganeh Alexander , Premkumar Pavithra , Farley Julie , Bhaskaran Shylesh , Ashpole Nicole , Kinter Michael , Van Remmen Holly , Logan Sreemathi
Published: November 2019

Age-related decline in circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 is associated with reduced cognitive function, neuronal aging, and neurodegeneration. Decreased mitochondrial function along with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and accumulation of damaged macromolecules are hallmarks of cellular aging. Based on numerous studies indicating pleiotropic effects of IGF-1 during aging, we compared the central and peripheral effects of circulating IGF-1 deficiency on tissue mitochondrial function using an inducible liver IGF-1 knockout (LID). Circulating levels of IGF-1 (~ 75%) were depleted in adult maleIgf1f/fmice via AAV-mediated knockdown of hepatic IGF-1 at 5 months of age. Cognitive function was evaluated at 18 months using the radial arm water maze and glucose and insulin tolerance assessed. Mitochondrial function was analyzed in hippocampus, muscle, and visceral fat tissues using high-resolution respirometry O2K as well as redox status and oxidative stress in the cortex. Peripherally, IGF-1 deficiency did not significantly impact muscle mass or mitochondrial function. Aged LID mice were insulin resistant and exhibited ~ 60% less adipose tissue but increased fat mitochondrial respiration (20%). The effects on fat metabolism were attributed to increases in growth hormone. Centrally, IGF-1 deficiency impaired hippocampal-dependent spatial acquisition as well as reversal learning in male mice. Hippocampal mitochondrial OXPHOS coupling efficiency and cortex ATP levels (~ 50%) were decreased and hippocampal oxidative stress (protein carbonylation and F2-isoprostanes) was increased. These data suggest that IGF-1 is critical for regulating mitochondrial function, redox status, and spatial learning in the central nervous system but has limited impact on peripheral (liver and muscle) metabolism with age. Therefore, IGF-1 deficiency with age may increase sensitivity to damage in the brain and propensity for cognitive deficits. Targeting mitochondrial function in the brain may be an avenue for therapy of age-related impairment of cognitive function. Regulation of mitochondrial function and redox status by IGF-1 is essential to maintain brain function and coordinate hippocampal-dependent spatial learning. While a decline in IGF-1 in the periphery may be beneficial to avert cancer progression, diminished central IGF-1 signaling may mediate, in part, age-related cognitive dysfunction and cognitive pathologies potentially by decreasing mitochondrial function.
Organizing a Rainbow Coalition of Revolutionary Solidarity
Authors: Middlebrook Jeb Aram
Published: November 2019

This article considers the possibilities and limitations of multiracial alliances and antiracist organizing in and beyond the USA by analyzing the Rainbow Coalition of Revolutionary Solidarity in Chicago from 1969 to 1972. The article argues this coalition—involving the Black Panther Party, Young Lords, and Young Patriots, among other diverse organizations—demonstrated a powerful model of organizing across race for revolutionary social change, which structured self-determination in communities-of-color alongside white communities’ responsibility for ending white supremacy.
Time for work: Analyzing the role of time perspectives in work attitudes and behaviors
Authors: Wojtkowska Katarzyna , Stolarski Maciej , Matthews Gerald
Published: November 2019

Previous research has provided strong evidence for a pronounced role of time perspective (TP) in various areas of human functioning, including cognitive processes, mental and physical health, environmental behaviors, and relationship quality. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of individual differences in TP in work-related attitudes and behaviors. In a sample of 200 office workers, we administered a set of questionnaires measuring TPs, job satisfaction, work engagement, Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) and Counterproductive Work Behavior (CWB). Additionally, we controlled for the Big Five personality traits which may be related to the work-related outcomes of interest. Analyses of the data revealed that Future-Positive TP predicted more desired work-related outcomes, i.e., higher job satisfaction, work engagement, and OCB, and lower CWB. An opposite pattern of associations was observed for Present-Fatalistic, Deviation from Balanced Time Perspective, and (partially) for Future-Negative TPs. The vast majority of these effects were still significant after controlling for personality traits. Using path modelling we also demonstrated that the effects of TPs on work behaviors (OCB and CWB) are mostly mediated by job satisfaction and engagement. The present results suggest that TP theory may prove to be a useful tool in organizational psychology for understanding individual differences in work behaviors.
Salsolinol—neurotoxic or Neuroprotective?
Authors: Kurnik-Łucka Magdalena , Latacz Gniewomir , Martyniak Adrian , Bugajski Andrzej , Kieć-Kononowicz Katarzyna , Gil Krzysztof
Published: November 2019

Salsolinol (6,7-dihydroxy-1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline), widely available in many edibles, is considered to alter the function of dopaminergic neurons in the central nervous system and thus, multiple hypotheses on its either physiological and/or pathophysiological role have emerged. The aim of our work was to revisit its potentially neurotoxic and/or neuroprotective role through a series of both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Salsolinol in the concentration range 10–250 μM did not show any significant release of lactate dehydrogenase from necrotic SH-SY5Y cells and was able in the concentration of 50 and 100 μM to rescue SH-SY5Y cells from death induced by H2O2. Its neuroprotective effect against neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine was also determined. Salsolinol was found to decrease significantly the reactive oxygen species level in SH-SY5Y cells treated by 500 μM H2O2and the caspase activity induced by 300 μM of H2O2or 100 μM of 6-hydroxydopamine. Serum levels of TNFα and CRP of salsolinol-treated rats were not significantly different from control animals. Both TNFα and CRP served as indirect markers of neurotoxicity and/or neuroprotection. Although the neurotoxic properties of salsolinol have numerously been emphasized, its neuroprotective properties should not be neglected and need greater consideration.
Risk assessment due to intake of trace metals through the ingestion of groundwater around proposed uranium mining areas of Nalgonda district, Telangana, India
Authors: Raghavendra T. , Ramakrishna S. U. B. , Srinivasulu D. , Vijayalakshmi T. , Himabindu V. , Arunachalam J.
Published: November 2019

In the context of proposed uranium mining area, it is very important to evaluate the presence of certain trace metals in groundwater around a proposed uranium mining area at Peddagattu and Seripally areas of Nalgonda district, Telangana (India). The concentrations of certain metals (Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, Fe, Mn, Cd, Co, Sr, Ba, Cr, Cs and As) were measured in 37 groundwater locations and 10 surface water locations for seven times during 2 years around proposed uranium mining areas. The risk of the chemical toxicant [may be characterized using a hazard quotient (HQ)] is calculated by the results obtained during the study. The HQs of both groundwater (37) and surface water (10) all the considered trace metals were well below the threshold value of 1 as suggested by USEPA.
Fluorescent X-ray Scan Image Quality Prediction
Authors: Weichman Peter B. , Lavely Eugene M.
Published: November 2019

This paper summarizes approaches to image quality prediction in support of an effort under the IARPA RAVEN program to demonstrate a non-destructive, tabletop X-ray microscope for high-resolution 3D imaging of integrated circuits (ICs). The fluorescent X-rays are generated by scanning an electron beam along an appropriately patterned target layer placed in front of the sample and are then detected after passing through the sample by a high-resolution (in both solid angle and energy) backside sensor array. The images are created by way of a model-based tomographic inversion algorithm, with image resolution depending critically on the electron beam scan density and diversity of sample orientations. We derive image quality metrics that quantify the image point spread function and noise sensitivity for any proposed experiment design. Application of these metrics will guide final system design when physical data are not yet available.
The Relationship and Psychosocial Impact of Arousal Incontinence After Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Salter Carolyn A. , Bach Phil Vu , Katz Darren , Schofield Elizabeth , Nelson Christian J. , Mulhall John P.
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Arousal incontinence (AI) is a lesser known complication of radical prostatectomy (RP), and few data are available on its impact on self-esteem and sexual relationships.

Aim

The goal of this study was to assess the impact of AI on patient self-esteem, confidence, and sexual relationships.

Methods

This was a retrospective study. The validated Self-Esteem and Relationship (SEAR) questionnaire, as well as questions regarding AI, stress urinary incontinence (SUI), climacturia, International Prostate Symptom Score, and the International Index of Erectile Function erectile function domain, were sent to men who had undergone an RP within the past 24 months at a single institution. The data were de-identified and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Outcomes

The outcomes of this study include prevalence of AI, SEAR domain scores, patient and partner bother, management strategies employed by the patients, and the presence of concurrent climacturia or SUI.

Results

Fifty-three percent of men experienced post-operative AI; of these, 41% were currently experiencing AI, and 12% reported having prior AI that had resolved. Bother of any severity was reported by 87% of men, and perceived partner bother was reported by 64% of men. Forty-one percent of men with current AI avoided sexual activity due to the presence of AI, and 14% of men with prior AI still avoided intercourse. There was no difference in total SEAR score or in the subdomains of self-esteem, sexual relationship, or confidence between men with current AI compared to those with no AI.

Clinical Implications

AI leads to patient bother and avoidance of sexual situations.

Strengths & Limitations

This is the largest study specifically evaluating AI and the only study assessing its impact on self-esteem, sexual relationships, and self-confidence. Limitations include lack of a validated AI questionnaire, poor survey response rate, being a single-center study, and the potential for recall bias.

Conclusion

Although AI is a common occurrence post-RP and is associated with patient bother in the majority of men, it does not impact overall self-esteem, confidence, or sexual relationships compared to post-RP men who have not experienced AI.
Erectile Function and Sexual Satisfaction: The Importance of Asking About Sexual Desire
Authors: Bravi Carlo Andrea , Tin Amy , Montorsi Francesco , Mulhall John P. , Eastham James A. , Vickers Andrew J.
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Erectile function, libido, and sexual bother are incompletely correlated: a man may or may not be satisfied for a given level of erectile function; similarly, 2 men may have the same erectile function and different levels of sexual desire.

Aim

To explore the relationship between erectile function, sexual satisfaction and sexual desire.

Methods

We examined the Spearman correlation among erectile function (International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF-6]), sexual desire, and sexual bother in 3,944 questionnaires completed by patients after radical prostatectomy as part of routine care. IIEF-6 scores were adjusted if a patient indicated that the reason for not having intercourse was other than lack of ability of confidence (eg, lack of partner).

Main Outcome Measure

Patient-reported outcome instruments.

Results

Median age at surgery and preoperative IIEF-6 were 63 years and 26, respectively. Among questionnaires completed after surgery, there was moderate correlation among the IIEF-6 score and both sexual desire (Spearman rho: 0.41) and sexual bother (Spearman rho: 0.30). In men who reported high or moderate bother relating to sexual function, there was a narrow distribution of erectile function scores, with most men reporting poor function (median IIEF-6: 6, interquartile range 3, 11). For men who reported small or no problem with sexual function, the distribution of erectile function scores was wide, and particularly bimodal as a function of sexual desire. Among patients with high desire, the correlation between sexual bother and erectile function was 0.61 (ie, the poorer is your function, the greater you are bothered), whereas it was -0.081 among patients with low desire, meaning that some men are not bothered by poor erections.

Clinical Implications

We provided useful insights to help physicians during sexual counselling after surgery for prostate cancer.

Strength & Limitations

The study included a large number of patients and provides evidence for implementation of patient-reported outcome insturments. Limitations include the retrospective nature of our data.

Conclusion

Sexual desire helps explain the moderate correlation between erectile function and sexual bother. Sexual desire and bother questions should be incorporated in patient-reported outcome instruments for male sexual function.
A Comparison Between Hyaluronic Acid and Polylactic Acid Filler Injections for Temporary Penile Augmentation in Patients with Small Penis Syndrome: A Multicenter, Patient/Evaluator-Blind, Comparative, Randomized Trial
Authors: Yang Dae Yul , Jeong Hyun Cheol , Ahn Sun Tae , Bae Woong Jin , Moon Du Geon , Kim Sae Woong , Lee Won Ki
Published: November 2019

Introduction

There are only a few studies on the clinical utility of filler injections for penile augmentation (PA) in patients with small penis syndrome (SPS), which is a type of anxiety or body dysmorphic disorder, not a true micropenis.

Aim

To compare the clinical outcomes of hyaluronic acid (HA) with polylactic acid (PLA) filler injection for temporary PA in patients with SPS.

Methods

Our prospective, patient/evaluator-blind, comparative, randomized, non-inferiority trial consisted of a single filler injection and a 24-week post-injection period. Seventy-four men with SPS were included between November 2017 and February 2018. Patients were divided into those injected with HA (n = 39) and those injected with PLA filler (n = 35).

Main Outcome Measure

The psychological effects of PA, based on the Beliefs about Penis Size Scale, penile girth, and satisfaction, were assessed at baseline and at 4, 12, and 24 weeks post-injection.

Results

At 24 weeks, the mean penile girth increases were 2.1 ± 1.0 cm (P < .001) in the HA group and 1.6 ± 0.9 cm (P < .001) in the PLA group, with a mean difference of 0.5 ± 0.2 cm between groups (P = .031). In both groups, satisfaction levels significantly increased at 24 weeks, with 1.8 ± 1.7 and 1.6 ± 1.4 mean increases in the visual analog scale for penile appearance satisfaction in the HA and PLA groups, respectively (each P < .001), and 1.0 ± 1.1 and 0.7 ± 1.2 mean increases in the visual analog scale for sexual life satisfaction in the HA and PLA groups, respectively (each P < .001), with no significant differences between groups (P = .950 and P = .287). The mean Beliefs about Penis Size Scale scores significantly decreased at 24 weeks, with 7.8 ± 8.3 and 5.3 ± 7.2 mean decreases in the HA and PLA groups, respectively (each P < .001), and no significant difference between the groups (P = .920). There were no serious adverse events, but filler injection-related adverse events in the HA and the PLA groups were reported in 2 cases (5.13%) and 5 cases (14.29%), respectively (P = .245).

Clinical Implications

Our study provides an overview of clinical course after HA and PLA filler injections for PA and suggests that filler injections can be considered an alternative approach in patients with SPS.

Strengths & Limitations

Our study is the first to assess the psychological symptoms in patients with SPS who received the filler injection for PA; however, the follow-up duration was insufficient to prove the long-term outcomes of fillers.

Conclusion

Without serious adverse events, HA and PLA filler injections for PA significantly resulted in not only an augmentative effect but also improvement of psychological distress, and the clinical utility was comparable between the fillers.
Christmas Books for Children
Authors: Giddens Eugene
Published: November 2019

This Element traces the varied and magical history of Christmas publications for children. The Christmas book market has played an important role in the growth of children's literature, from well-loved classics to more ephemeral annuals and gift books. Starting with the eighteenth century and continuing to recent sales successes and picturebooks, Christmas Books for Children investigates continuities and new trends in this hugely significant part of the children's book market.