bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic Review on Resting-State EEG for Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis and Progression Assessment
Authors: Cassani Raymundo , Estarellas Mar , San-Martin Rodrigo , Fraga Francisco J. , Falk Tiago H.
Published: October 2018

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that accounts for nearly 70% of the more than 46 million dementia cases estimated worldwide. Although there is no cure for AD, early diagnosis and an accurate characterization of the disease progression can improve the quality of life of AD patients and their caregivers. Currently, AD diagnosis is carried out using standardized mental status examinations, which are commonly assisted by expensive neuroimaging scans and invasive laboratory tests, thus rendering the diagnosis time consuming and costly. Notwithstanding, over the last decade, electroencephalography (EEG) has emerged as a noninvasive alternative technique for the study of AD, competing with more expensive neuroimaging tools, such as MRI and PET. This paper reports on the results of a systematic review on the utilization of resting-state EEG signals for AD diagnosis and progression assessment. Recent journal articles obtained from four major bibliographic databases were analyzed. A total of 112 journal articles published from January 2010 to February 2018 were meticulously reviewed, and relevant aspects of these papers were compared across articles to provide a general overview of the research on this noninvasive AD diagnosis technique. Finally, recommendations for future studies with resting-state EEG were presented to improve and facilitate the knowledge transfer among research groups.
Path Planning with Obstacle Avoidance Based on Normalized R-Functions
Authors: Tao Songqiao , Tan Juan
Published: October 2018

Existing methods for path planning with obstacle avoidance need to check having the interference between a moving part and an obstacle at iteration and even to calculate their shortest distance in the case of given motion parameters. Besides, the tasks like collision-checking and minimum-distance calculating themselves are complicated and time-consuming. Rigorous mathematical analysis might be a practical way for dealing with the above-mentioned problems. An R-function is a real-valued function whose properties are fully determined by corresponding attributes of their parameters, which is usually applied to express a geometrical object. Thus, a signed distance function based on R-functions is created to represent whether two objects intervene and their level of intervention or separation. As the signed function is continuous and differentiable, the gradient information of the objective function guides a moving part to avoid its obstacles and to approach its target position rapidly. Therefore, a path planning approach with obstacle avoidance based on normalized R-functions is proposed in this paper. A discrete convex hull approach is adopted to solve the problem that R-function is inappropriate to represent a geometric object with some curves or surfaces, and pendent points and edges are generated in Boolean operations. Besides, a normalized approach ensures accuracy calculation of signed distance function. Experimental results have shown that the presented approach is a feasible way for path planning with obstacle avoidance.
Hepatic Sclerosing Hemangioma with Predominance of the Sclerosed Area Mimicking a Biliary Cystadenocarcinoma
Authors: Sugo Hiroyuki , Sekine Yuki , Miyano Shozo , Watanobe Ikuo , Machida Michio , Kojima Kuniaki , Okubo Hironao , Ura Ayako , Ogura Kanako , Matsumoto Toshiharu
Published: October 2018

We report here an extremely rare case of hepatic sclerosing hemangioma mimicking a biliary cystadenocarcinoma. A previously healthy 39-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of a large tumor in the liver. Abdominal computed tomography revealed early peripheral ring enhancement in the arterial phase and slight internal heterogeneous enhancement in the delayed phase. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a tumor with low intensity in the T1-weighted image and very high intensity in the fat-saturated T2-weighted image. The patient underwent hepatectomy for a possible malignant liver tumor. Grossly, the tumor appeared as a white, solid, and cystic mass (weighted 1.1 kg and measured 170×100×80 mm) that was elastic, soft, and homogeneous with a yellowish area. Histological examination showed that the tumor mostly consisted of fibrotic areas with hyalinization. The typical histology of cavernous hemangioma was confirmed in part, and the tumor was diagnosed as a sclerosing hemangioma with predominancy of the sclerosed area. A review of 20 cases reported previously revealed that only 2 (10%) patients were diagnosed as having sclerosing hemangioma preoperatively.
Pulse Pressure Relationships with Demographics and Kidney Function in Ashanti, Ghana
Authors: Banerjee Debasish , Plange-Rhule Jacob , Chitalia Nihil , Kumi Kwabena , Micah Frank B. , Cappuccio Francesco P. , Eastwood John B.
Published: October 2018

Introduction. Hypertension, particularly pulse pressure [PP] is a major risk factor for end-stage renal disease. However, the effect of individual components of hypertension namely PP, systolic [SBP] and diastolic blood pressure [DBP] on kidney function, in the general African population is unknown. Methods. Data were collected on 944 participants [aged 40-75 y], living in villages in the area around the city of Kumasi, Ghana, on demographics, medications, height, weight, BP and 24-hour creatinine clearance (CrCl). Results. The demographic and clinical characteristics were: age 55(11) [mean (SD)] years, females 62%, rural village-dwellers 52%, diabetes 1·5%, BMI 21(4) kg/m2, 24-hourCrCl as a measure of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 84(23) ml/min/1.73 m2. 29% had BP >140/90 mmHg; SBP and DBP were 125/74(26/14) mmHg, PP was 51(17) mmHg. PP increased with age by 0.55(95% CI: 0.46,0.64) mmHg/year. PP was higher (53(17) v 49(15) mmHg; p < 0.001) in the semiurban participants. GFR decreased both with increasing PP [-0.19 (-0.27,-0.10 ml/min/1.73 m2/mmHg; p < 0.001] and SBP [-0.09 (-0.14,-0.03) ml/min/1.73 m2/mmHg; p < 0.001] but there was no significant relationship with DBP [-0.04 (-0.15,0.06)]. After adjusting for SBP, the relationship between GFR and PP became steeper [-0.31 (-0.50,-0.12) ml/min/1.73 m2/mmHg; p < 0.001]. Using multivariate regression analysis that included PP, age, gender, BMI, only increasing age [-0.75 (-0.88,-0.62)] and decreasing BMI [0.49 (0.16,0.81)] were associated with decreased kidney function. Conclusions. In this homogeneous West-African population, PP increased with age and had a steeper relationship with declining kidney function than SBP or DBP.
Effects of Lignin-Derived Polycarboxylic Acids on the Properties of Waterborne Polyurethane Elastomers
Authors: Wang Ruiqi , Zhou Bing , Zhu Yanchao , Wang Zichen
Published: October 2018

Lignin was modified by oxidation to prepare lignin-derived polycarboxylic acids (LPCAs), which can be introduced into waterborne polyurethane (WPU) elastomers through the interactions with the soft segments of WPU. The changes of water resistance, thermal and tensile properties of WPU elastomers were observed. After LPCAs were added, the water solubility of WPU elastomers was increased. Besides, the weight loss peak of the soft segments of WPU moved to the lower temperature, indicating that the decomposition of soft segments became easier and the interspace of the soft segments regions was enlarged by LPCAs. Comparing with the blank WPU elastomer, when the LPCA loading was 2.5 wt% (based on PPG-1000), the tensile stress of the LPCA-WPU materials at 100% and 300% strain increased 135.4% and 90.5% separately, and the modulus of elasticity in tension increased 383.6%. Therefore, LPCAs could serve as reinforcing fillers in WPU elastomers, which contributes to develop more functional and eco-friendly WPU materials. Moreover, the usage of lignin is broadened.
Exploring Pharmacological Mechanisms of Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction in the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury via a Network Pharmacology Approach
Authors: Zhong Yuanyuan , Luo Jiekun , Tang Tao , Li Pengfei , Liu Tao , Cui Hanjin , Wang Yang , Huang Zebing
Published: October 2018

Objectives. Xuefu Zhuyu decoction (XFZYD), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, has been demonstrated to be effective for the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, the underlying pharmacological mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to explore the potential action mechanisms of XFZYD in the treatment of TBI and to elucidate the combination principle of this herbal formula. Methods. A network pharmacology approach including ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) evaluation, target prediction, known therapeutic targets collection, network construction, and molecule docking was used in this study. Results. A total of 119 bioactive ingredients from XFZYD were predicted to act on 47 TBI associated specific proteins which intervened in several crucial pathological processes including apoptosis, inflammation, antioxidant, and axon genesis. Almost each of the bioactive ingredients targeted more than one protein. The molecular docking simulation showed that 91 pairs of chemical components and candidate targets had strong binding efficiencies. The “Jun”, “Chen”, and “Zuo‐Shi” herbs from XFZYD triggered their specific targets regulation, respectively. Conclusion. Our work successfully illuminates the “multicompounds, multitargets” therapeutic action of XFZYD in the treatment of TBI by network pharmacology with molecule docking method. The present work may provide valuable evidence for further clinical application of XFZYD as therapeutic strategy for TBI treatment.
Charged Species Concentration in Combusting Mixtures Using Equilibrium Chemistry
Authors: Aithal S. M.
Published: October 2018

Ionization in flames is of interest in the design and development of modern combustion devices. The identity and concentration of various charged species in reacting mixtures can play an important role in the diagnostics and control of such devices. Simplified chemistry computations that provide good estimates of ionic species in complex flow-fields can be used to model turbulent reacting flows in various combustion devices, greatly reducing the required computational resources for design and development studies. A critical assessment of the use of the equilibrium chemistry method to compute charged species concentration in combusting mixtures under various temperatures, pressures, and thermal disequilibrium conditions is presented. The use of equilibrium chemistry to compute charged species concentrations in propane-air mixtures performed by Calcote and King has been extended. A more accurate computational methodology that includes the effect of negative ions, chemi-ions (H3O+ and CHO+), and thermal nonequilibrium was investigated to evaluate the suitability of equilibrium computations for estimating charged species concentrations in reacting mixtures. The results show that equilibrium computations which include the effects of H3O+ and elevated electron temperatures can indeed explain the levels of ion concentrations observed in laboratory flame experiments under lean and near-stoichiometric conditions. Furthermore, under engine-like conditions at higher temperatures and pressures, equilibrium computations can be used to obtain useful estimates of charged species concentrations in modern combustion devices.
Validation of the 12-gene Predictive Signature for Adjuvant Chemotherapy Response in Lung Cancer
Authors: Xie Yang , Lu Wei , Wang Shidan , Tang Ximing , Tang Hao , Zhou Yunyun , Moran Cesar , Behrens Carmen , Roth Jack A. , Zhou Qinghua , Johnson David H. , Swisher Stephen G. , Heymach John V. , Papadimitrakopoulou Vassiliki A. , Xiao Guanghua , Minna John D. , Wistuba Ignacio I.
Published: October 2018

Purpose:

Response to adjuvant chemotherapy after tumor resection varies widely among patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); therefore, it is of clinical importance to prospectively predict who will benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy before starting the treatment. The goal of this study is to validate a 12-gene adjuvant chemotherapy predictive signature developed from a previous study using a clinical-grade assay.

Experimental Design:

We developed a clinical-grade assay for formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples using the NanoString nCounter platform to measure the mRNA expression of the previously published 12-gene set. The predictive performance was validated in a cohort of 207 patients with early-stage resected NSCLC with matched propensity score of adjuvant chemotherapy.

Results:

The effects of adjuvant chemotherapy were significantly different in patients from the predicted adjuvant chemotherapy benefit group and those in the predicted adjuvant chemotherapy nonbenefit group (P = 0.0056 for interaction between predicted risk group and adjuvant chemotherapy). Specifically, in the predicted adjuvant chemotherapy benefit group, the patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy had significant recurrence-free survival (RFS) benefit (HR = 0.34; P = 0.016; adjuvant chemotherapy vs. nonadjuvant chemotherapy), while in the predicted adjuvant chemotherapy nonbenefit group, the patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy actually had worse RFS (HR = 1.86; P = 0.14; adjuvant chemotherapy vs. nonadjuvant chemotherapy) than those who did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy.

Conclusions:

This study validated that the 12-gene signature and the FFPE-based clinical assay predict that patients whose resected lung adenocarcinomas exhibit an adjuvant chemotherapy benefit gene expression pattern and who then receive adjuvant chemotherapy have significant survival advantage compared with patients whose tumors exhibit the benefit pattern but do not receive adjuvant chemotherapy.
Clinical Significance of Extracellular Vesicles in Plasma from Glioblastoma Patients
Authors: Osti Daniela , Del Bene Massimiliano , Rappa Germana , Santos Mark , Matafora Vittoria , Richichi Cristina , Faletti Stefania , Beznoussenko Galina V. , Mironov Alexandre , Bachi Angela , Fornasari Lorenzo , Bongetta Daniele , Gaetani Paolo , DiMeco Francesco , Lorico Aurelio , Pelicci Giuliana
Published: October 2018

Purpose:

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor. The identification of blood biomarkers reflecting the tumor status represents a major unmet need for optimal clinical management of patients with GBM. Their high number in body fluids, their stability, and the presence of many tumor-associated proteins and RNAs make extracellular vesicles potentially optimal biomarkers. Here, we investigated the potential role of plasma extracellular vesicles from patients with GBM for diagnosis and follow-up after treatment and as a prognostic tool.

Experimental Design:

Plasma from healthy controls (n = 33), patients with GBM (n = 43), and patients with different central nervous system malignancies (n = 25) were collected. Extracellular vesicles were isolated by ultracentrifugation and characterized in terms of morphology by transmission electron microscopy, concentration, and size by nanoparticle tracking analysis, and protein composition by mass spectrometry. An orthotopic mouse model of human GBM confirmed human plasma extracellular vesicle quantifications. Associations between plasma extracellular vesicle concentration and clinicopathologic features of patients with GBM were analyzed. All statistical tests were two-sided.

Results:

GBM releases heterogeneous extracellular vesicles detectable in plasma. Plasma extracellular vesicle concentration was higher in GBM compared with healthy controls (P < 0.001), brain metastases (P < 0.001), and extra-axial brain tumors (P < 0.001). After surgery, a significant drop in plasma extracellular vesicle concentration was measured (P < 0.001). Plasma extracellular vesicle concentration was also increased in GBM-bearing mice (P < 0.001). Proteomic profiling revealed a GBM-distinctive signature.

Conclusions:

Higher extracellular vesicle plasma levels may assist in GBM clinical diagnosis: their reduction after GBM resection, their rise at recurrence, and their protein cargo might provide indications about tumor, therapy response, and monitoring.
Clinical Features and Prognosis of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pleuritis
Authors: Ando Takahiro , Kawashima Masahiro , Matsui Hirotoshi , Takeda Keita , Sato Ryota , Ohshima Nobuharu , Nagai Hideaki , Kitani Masashi , Hebisawa Akira , Ohta Ken
Published: October 2018

Background: While nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) pleuritis rarely complicates pulmonary NTM infection, high mortality has been reported in case reports and small studies. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to clarify the clinical features and treatment outcomes of pulmonary NTM infection cases accompanied by NTM pleuritis. Methods: Medical records of 1,044 patients with pulmonary NTM disease were retrospectively reviewed to select patients complicated by NTM-proven pleuritis. We investigated clinical characteristics, pathogens, pleural effusion examinations, radiographic findings, treatments, and clinical course of the NTM pleuritis patients. Results: Among 1,044 cases with pulmonary NTM, NTM pleuritis occurred in 15 cases (1.4%). The mean age was 69 years with a performance status of mostly 2 or better (80.0%), and 6 cases (40.0%) were complicated by pneumothorax. Subpleural cavities were radiologically detected in 11 cases (73.3%), and extrapulmonary air-fluid level was detected in 14 cases (93.3%). Eleven patients were treated with combinations of 2–4 antimycobacterial drugs, including clarithromycin, and 2 patients were treated with isoniazid, rifampicin, and ethambutol. Chest tube drainage was performed in 11 cases, and surgical approach was added in 6 cases. The pleural effusion of 2 patients treated with only antimycobacterial medications gradually deteriorated. Two patients died from NTM pleuritis, and 1 patient died from pneumonitis during a mean of 1.8 years of follow-up. Conclusions: Comorbid NTM pleuritis was difficult to treat by medical therapy alone and resulted in a poor prognosis. In addition to antimycobacterial agents, chest tube drainage and surgical procedures in the early stages should be considered to treat NTM pleuritis.
Population Genetic Structure of an Endangered Endemic Primate (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) in a Highly Fragmented Atlantic Coastal Rain Forest
Authors: Moraes Andreia Magro , Grativol Adriana D. , De Vleeschouwer Kristel M. , Ruiz-Miranda Carlos R. , Raboy Becky E. , Oliveira Leonardo C. , Dietz James M. , Galbusera Peter H.A.
Published: October 2018

This study evaluated the genetic structure of wild populations of the endangered primate, Leontopithecus chrysomelas. We tested the assumption that populations of L. chrysomelas, given their larger population size and a higher degree of habitat continuity, would have higher genetic diversity and less genetic structuring than other lion tamarins. We used 11 microsatellites and 122 hair samples from different locations to assess their genetic diversity and genetic structure, and to make inferences about the isolation by distance. The overall expected heterozygosity (0.51 ± 0.03) and the average number of alleles (3.6 ± 0.2) were relatively low, as is the case in other endangered lion tamarins. Genetic clustering analyses indicated two main clusters, whereas the statistical analyses based on genotype similarities and Fst suggested further substructure. A Mantel test showed that only 34% of this genetic differentiation was explained by the linear distance. In addition to linear distance, structural differences in the landscape, physical barriers and behavioural factors may be causing significant genetic structuring. Overall, this study suggests that these populations have a relatively low genetic diversity and a relatively high population genetic structure, putting in question whether the presence of agroforest systems (known locally as cabruca) is enough to fully re-establish functional landscape connectivity.
Increasing Pediatricians’ Awareness of the Association between Anal Skin Tags and Earlier Diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Korelitz Burton I. , Partiula Bernard , Teagle Kelly , Swaminath Arun , Schneider Judy , Ellington Martin , Stoffels Guillaume
Published: October 2018

Objective: To seek the habits of pediatricians by which anorectal skin tags (AST) of Crohn’s disease might be overlooked. Methods: Questionnaires were sent to pediatricians affiliated with the Northwell Health System. Results: Based on the responses, the majority of pediatricians did feel the abdomen of children presenting with abdominal pain or diarrhea but did not spread the buttocks to seek the presence of AST unless there was rectal pain, rectal bleeding, or, in some cases, loose stools. Conclusions: The diagnosis of Crohn’s disease could be made earlier when asymptomatic AST are searched for in children with gastrointestinal symptoms.
The Effects of Dual-Task Training on Patient Outcomes of Institutionalized Elderly Having Chronic Stroke
Authors: Tetik Aydoğdu Yağmur , Aydoğdu Onur , İnal H. Serap
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: The purpose of our study was to investigate the effects of dual-task training on balance, mobility, functional independence, and fear of falling in geriatrics with chronic stroke. Methods: Fifty-three geriatrics diagnosed with stroke were included in our study. The elderly were divided into 2 groups, i.e., those walking with (intervention group, n = 25) and those walking without (controls, n = 28) dual-task training. Results: We found statistically significant improvements in all parameters between pre- and posttreatment in both groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Based on our findings, walking with dual-task training can be used in addition to conventional stroke rehabilitation aiming to improve balance and mobility.
Fric Test Revisited: A Suggestion for a New Scoring System and Its Correlation with Urticaria Control Test and Dermatology Life Quality Index
Authors: Can Pelin Kuteyla , Etikan Pırıl , Kızıltaç Utkan , Kızıltaç Kübra , Singer Ralfi , Kocaturk Emek
Published: October 2018

Background: Fric test is a useful tool for the diagnosis and threshold testing for symptomatic dermographism. When threshold testing is not available, Urticaria Control Test (UCT) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) might be used to assess disease control and quality of life (QoL) impairment, respectively. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to describe a new scoring system for the Fric test and evaluate the correlations of Fric scores with UCT, DLQI, and other disease activity assessment scores. Method: Provocation test with Fric Test 4.0 was performed in all patients at referral and at the 4th week. We considered a 4-grade rating score for Fric Test (0–4) [Total Fric Score (TFS)]. A positive response with all of the four pins suggested severe dermographism (TFS = 4), while a wheal with only the largest pin (4.5 mm) was considered as milder disease (TFS = 1). Treatment responses were evaluated with Fric Test 4.0, UCT, patient’s global assessment of disease severity (PatGA-VAS), the physician’s global assessment of disease control (PhyGA-VAS), and DLQI at baseline and at the 4th week of treatment. The correlations of TFS with UCT, DLQI, PatGA-VAS, PhyGA-VAS at baseline as well as the changes in the mean scores after treatment (week 4) were performed. Results: The mean UCT and DLQI scores were 8.69 ± 3.40 and 7.88 ± 6.02 at the first visit. At the second visit, TFS decreased from a mean of 2.79 ± 1.68 to 1.91 ± 1.85 (p < 0.001), and UCT scores and PhyGA-VAS were increased (p < 0.001), while DLQI scores, PatGA-VAS, and pruritus scores decreased significantly (p = 0.002; p = 0.001; p = 0.012). There was a positive correlation between TFS and pruritus scores (r = 0.378) and DLQI scores (r = 0.392). TFS was found to have a negative correlation with UCT score (r = –0.283) and PhyGA-VAS (r = –0.347). Conclusions: This new Fric scoring system allows comparison with other tools and shows moderate correlations with most of the tools. Using disease-specific tools is recommended since they provide a subjective evaluation of disease severity, QoL impairment, and disease control.
Impact of the Choice of IGF-I Assay and Normative Dataset on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children
Authors: Broeren Maarten A.C. , Krabbe Johannes G. , Boesten Lianne S. , Hokken-Koelega Anita C.S. , de Rijke Yolanda B.
Published: October 2018

Background: The analysis of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is an important tool for pediatricians in the diagnosis and treatment of growth hormone deficiency in children. However, significant differences exist in IGF-I assays and normative datasets, which can have important clinical consequences. Methods: IGF-I analyses were performed using the IDS-iSYS platform on 1,897 samples from pediatric patients (0.5–18 years old). Z-scores were calculated based on normative IGF-I data from Bidlingmaier et al. (SD-BM) [J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014 May; 99(5): 1712–21] and normative IGF-I data from the IGF-I harmonization program in the Netherlands (SD-NL). The differences in Z-scores were analyzed at relevant clinical decision points (–2 SD, +2 SD). These normative datasets were also compared to normative data reported by Elmlinger et al. [Clin Chem Lab Med. 2004; 42(6): 654–64]. Results: The difference in Z-score between SD-BM and SD-NL was highest in males between 0 and 3 years old, exceeding 2 SD. Clinically relevant discordance between both Z-scores at –2 and +2 SD was found in 12.7% of all samples. The IGF-I levels at –2 and +2 SD reported in the normative dataset of Elmlinger et al. were up to 100% higher than the IGF-I levels reported by Bidlingmaier et al. or the Dutch harmonization program. Conclusion: Pediatricians and laboratory specialists should be aware of relevant differences that can exist between IGF-I assays and normative data. Well-defined pediatric reference ranges for the IDS-iSYS platform are highly desirable.
Targeting Defects in the Cellular DNA Damage Response for the Treatment of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Schmitt Anna , Feldmann Georg , Zander Thomas , Reinhardt H. Christian
Published: October 2018

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related mortality in the Western world and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is by far the most common pancreatic cancer entity. Locally advanced or metastatic PDAC remains a major clinical challenge, and the prognosis of affected patients is dismal despite substantial research efforts in this area. Recent large-scale genomic analyses of PDAC revealed that KRAS is the most frequently mutated driver gene in this entity. In addition, a relatively large proportion of PDAC patients displays germline variants in genes involved in DNA repair, particularly DNA double-strand repair. Similarly, a sizable fraction of sporadic PDAC cases harbor mutations in genome maintenance genes, such as BRCA1, BRCA2, and ATM. While direct targeting of oncogenic KRAS is currently not possible in the clinical setting, these defects in DNA repair may open new therapeutic avenues. Here, we discuss the potential use of compounds that interfere with DNA repair and genome maintenance mechanisms for the treatment of PDAC. We particularly focus on the genotype-tailored use of compounds, such as PARP inhibitors, as well as ATR- and DNA-protein kinase catalytic subunit (PKcs) inhibitors.
Blood Pressure Seasonality in Hemodialysis Patients from Five European Cities of Different Latitudes
Authors: Duranton Flore , Palma Alfonso , Stegmayr Bernd , Wauthier Michel , Torres Armando , Argilés Àngel
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: Climate influences the regulation of blood pressure (BP). Our objective was to precisely estimate BP seasonality in hemodialysis (HD) patients from five European cities with marked climate differences. Methods: Stable prevalent HD patients from 5 European facilities (Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Spain), Seville (Spain), Montpellier (France), Ottignies (Belgium), Umea (Sweden)) present over the years 1995-1999 were included in this historical longitudinal observational study. Individual monthly averages of pre-dialysis BP level were computed from all facility BP measurements (> 90 000 observations). The association between BP level and location, seasons and meteorological measurements was analyzed by mixed models. Results: 261 patients were included and followed-up for a median duration of 2 years (6903 monthly observations). Pre-dialysis SBP and DBP were minimal in summer (July) and maximal in winter (November and December), and mean changes were respectively 4.2 [3.0; 5.4] and 2.0 [1.3; 2.7] mmHg. Seasonality was confirmed in 4 locations (Pseason≤0.001 for SBP and DBP), but not in Umea (both Pseason> 0.05). Seasonal changes in DBP were larger in southern locations (Pinteraction=0.02). BP level was associated with climate parameters: in a positive manner with humidity or rainfall, and inversely with sunshine duration or temperature. The effects of temperature and rainfall on DBP varied with latitude (Pinteraction< 0.02) and were greater in southern locations. Conclusion: BP varies with seasons and climate in different European areas and seasonality can be more important in southern locations. These changes in BP deserve attention as they may be responsible for a significant increase in cardiovascular risk which may be preventable.
Prevalence and Predictors of Sepsis Death in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure and Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: Walker Andrew M. N. , Drozd Michael , Hall Marlous , Patel Peysh A. , Paton Maria , Lowry Judith , Gierula John , Byrom Rowenna , Kearney Lorraine , Sapsford Robert J. , Witte Klaus K. , Kearney Mark T. , Cubbon Richard M.
Published: October 2018

Background

Noncardiovascular death is increasingly common in people with chronic heart failure (
CHF
), yet its causes remain poorly characterized. We aimed to define the prevalence of sepsis death in people with
CHF
and to ascertain its risk marker profile.

Methods and Results

We conducted a prospective cohort study of 1802 patients with
CHF
and left ventricular ejection fraction ≤45% attending
CHF
clinics in 4 United Kingdom hospitals between 2006 and 2014. Mode of death was defined over a 10.3‐year follow‐up period (mean 4 years). Competing risk regression defined mode‐specific hazard ratios for sepsis, other noncardiovascular, progressive heart failure, and sudden cardiac death in relation to established heart failure prognostic markers. Of 737 deaths, 173 (23.5%) were due to sepsis; respiratory tract infections accounted for 69.9% (n=121) of these events. Those who died from sepsis were older, had higher platelet counts, and had a higher prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease than those who died from other causes. Sepsis death was independently associated with older age (hazard ratio=1.05; 95% confidence interval 1.03‐1.07), greater prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (2.43; 1.74‐3.40), male sex (1.73; 1.16‐2.60), lower log serum vitamin D (0.68; 0.49‐0.95), and higher platelet count (1.002; 1.000‐1.005) than nonsepsis death. Established heart failure prognostic markers exhibited different patterns of association with sepsis death, other noncardiovascular death, progressive heart failure death, and sudden cardiac death.

Conclusions

Sepsis is a major contributor to death in people with
CHF
and has a different risk marker profile from other modes of death, suggesting that it may be amenable to targeted preventative strategies.
Exploring the Relationship Between Initial Mathematics Skill and a Kindergarten Mathematics Intervention
Authors: Clarke Ben , Doabler Christian T. , Smolkowski Keith , Turtura Jessica , Kosty Derek , Kurtz-Nelson Evangeline , Fien Hank , Baker Scott K.
Published: October 2018

This study examined the role of initial skill in moderating intervention effects of a 50-lesson mathematics intervention program, ROOTS, for at-risk kindergarten students focused on developing whole-number concepts and skills. The study utilized a randomized block design with at-risk students ( n = 592) within classrooms ( n = 60) randomly assigned to one of two treatment conditions (a small group of two to five students) or control condition. Proximal and distal measures were collected in the fall (pretest), spring (posttest), and winter of first grade (delayed posttest). Analyses examined the moderating effects of initial student achievement level on mathematics outcomes. Results indicated that initial skill moderated student outcomes but the relationship did not differ by group size. Implications for tiered mathematics instruction are discussed.
Swayed by the Numbers: The Consequences of Displaying Product Review Attributes
Authors: Watson Jared , Ghosh Anastasiya Pocheptsova , Trusov Michael
Published: October 2018

Prior research has shown the independent effects of average product ratings and number of reviews for online purchases, but the relative influence of these aggregate review attributes is still debated in the literature. In this research, the authors demonstrate the conditional influences of these two attributes as a function of the valence of average product ratings and the level of review numbers in a choice set. Specifically, they argue that the diagnosticity of the number of reviews, relative to average product ratings, increases when average product ratings are negative or neutral (vs. positive) and when the level of review numbers in a choice set is low (vs. high). As a result, when consumers choose among the best options on one of the review attributes (average product ratings or the number of reviews), their preference shifts from the higher-rated option with fewer reviews toward the lower-rated option with more reviews. The authors demonstrate this preference shift in seven studies, elucidate the underlying process by which this occurs, and conclude with a discussion of the implications for retailers and brands.
Using preferred fluids and different reward schedules to motivate rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) in cognitive tasks
Authors: Gray Helen , Thiele Alexander , Rowe Candy
Published: October 2018

Rhesus macaques ( Macaca mulatta) used in behavioural neuroscience are often required to complete cognitively complex tasks, for which a high level of motivation is essential. To induce motivation, researchers may implement fluid-restriction protocols, whereby freely available water is limited, such that fluid can be used as a reward in the laboratory. A variety of different rewards and schedules are used, but there exists a lack of data assessing their effectiveness. In this study, we aimed to quantify fluid preference in rhesus macaques and to use these preferences to compare the motivational quality of different reward schedules: the monkey's previous reward (i.e. the fluid used to reward them in past studies), their new preferred reward, a variable schedule of previous and preferred reward, and a choice between the previous and preferred rewards. We found that it may be possible to reduce the level of restriction if an adequately motivating preferred reward is identified, but that this is dependent on the animal. Each monkey responded differently to both the fluid-preference assessments and to the different reward schedules. As such, monkeys should not be subject to ‘blanket’ protocols but should be assessed individually to maintain adequate scientific data collection at the least severe level of fluid restriction.
Blight Abatement of Vacant Land and Crime in New Orleans
Authors: Kondo Michelle C. , Morrison Christopher , Jacoby Sara F. , Elliott Liana , Poche Albert , Theall Katherine P. , Branas Charles C.
Published: October 2018

Objectives:

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused damage in New Orleans, Louisiana, and much of the land in low-resource neighborhoods became vacant and blighted. In 2014, New Orleans launched a program, Fight the Blight, which remediated properties in 6 neighborhoods. Our objective was to examine changes in crime rates near lots that were remediated (ie, debris removed and vegetation mowed).

Methods:

We used a quasi-experimental design to test whether crime rates changed from preremediation (January 2013–October 2014) to postremediation (July 2016–March 2017) near 204 vacant lots that were remediated compared with 560 control vacant lots that were not remediated between October 2014 and July 2016. We also examined differences between remediated lots that received 1 treatment (n = 64) and those that received ≥2 treatments (n = 140).

Results:

We found no significant differences between remediated and control lots in levels of violent, property, and domestic crimes from preremediation to postremediation. However, the number of drug crimes per square mile decreased significantly near all remediated lots (5.7% lower; P < .001) compared with control lots, largely driven by the significant decrease (6.4% lower; P < .001) in drug crimes found near lots that received ≥2 treatments.

Conclusions:

Investing in programs that improve neighborhood environments affected by high rates of physical disorder and vacancy may be a way to decrease violence. However, routine remediation may be needed to increase the public health impact of blight abatement programs in warmer climates, where weeds and vegetation grow rapidly.
Arts-Based Instructional and Curricular Strategies for Working With Virtual Educational Applications
Authors: Steele Patricia , Johnston Elizabeth , Lawlor Andrew , Smith Cassandra , Lamppa Sonja
Published: October 2018

In the 21st century, easy access to visually rich, immersive, student-centered, virtual applications could augment or replace text-based learning. However, the new developments are offset by the lack of insight into pedagogies needed to guide educators through a visual learning environment. The purpose of this directed content analysis was to provide an awareness about opportunities for learning cognitive and creative thinking skills in virtual applications. Analysis showed opportunities to develop one or more skills in 34 selected virtual educational apps. Educators in many subjects could apply insights from the conclusions and recommendations for using virtual applications within established curricula.
Catholic parish mission partnerships: Faith basis, practice, and ethical considerations
Authors: Haasl Michael
Published: October 2018

Parish mission partnerships have become a major mode of international mission in the US Catholic Church. This is the first large study of Catholic parishes from around the country that are engaged in such partnerships (N=91) that examines how practitioners understand the purpose and goals of the partnerships, their faith basis, and the principles and values that undergird them. It also explores how the practitioners engage in parish mission partnerships, how they learned to do so, and their awareness of potential ethical concerns in partnerships regarding dependency, paternalism, and the self-esteem of their non-US partners.
Life in the Balance: Are Women’s Possible Selves Constrained by Men’s Domestic Involvement?
Authors: Croft Alyssa , Schmader Toni , Block Katharina
Published: October 2018

Do young women’s expectations about potential romantic partners’ likelihood of adopting caregiving roles in the future contribute to whether they imagine themselves in nontraditional future roles? Meta-analyzed effect sizes of five experiments (total N = 645) supported this complementarity hypothesis. Women who were primed with family-focused (vs. career-focused) male exemplars (Preliminary Study) or information that men are rapidly (vs. slowly) assuming greater caregiving responsibilities (Studies 1-4) were more likely to envision becoming the primary economic provider and less likely to envision becoming the primary caregiver of their future families. A meta-analysis across studies revealed that gender role complementarity has a small-to-medium effect on both women’s abstract expectations of becoming the primary economic provider ( d = .27) and the primary caregiver ( d = −.26). These patterns suggest that women’s stereotypes about men’s stagnant or changing gender roles might subtly constrain women’s own expected work and family roles.
Dietary factors and their association with childhood obesity in the Middle East: A systematic review
Authors: Albataineh Samah R , Badran Eman F , Tayyem Reema F
Published: October 2018

Background:

Childhood obesity is a global epidemic that is related to environmental and genetic factors and has adverse consequences throughout life, being obese is a serious health problem in childhood and increases the risk of many co-morbidities.

Aim:

The purpose of this systematic review is to illustrate that dietary factors correlate with obesity among children studied in the Middle East area.

Methods:

Studies were screened by searching two databases in August 2017 and considered as eligible for inclusion if they: (a) are observational studies, (b) define at least one dietary factor for obese children aged 6–12 years, (c) are undertaken in the Middle East area, and (d) are written in English. The search dependent words and terms used are: diet, nutrition, pediatric obesity, physical activity, Middle East, overweight, children, excess weight, childhood, obesity and dietary factors. Papers were initially evaluated for eligibility based on title and abstract. The full text of articles of studies that met, or appeared to meet, the inclusion criteria, were saved. Quality assessment was conducted using the NIH tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies. Out of 730 studies, 4 papers met the inclusion criteria and rated as good quality. These studies were from Iran ( n=2), Saudi Arabia ( n=1) and Lebanon ( n=1) during 2008 and 2016.

Results:

Dietary factors identified were breakfast intake, junk-food consumption, energy intake and micronutrient intake. The present systematic review shows that several dietary behaviors such as missing breakfast, excessive fat and refined carbohydrate intake with low micronutrient intake due to low consumption of fruits, vegetables and milk/diary, are associated with obesity in children in the Middle East.

Conclusions:

A healthy diet during childhood to control weight and prevent obesity is recommended for a healthy, lifelong adulthood.
Review: Jo Littler, Against Meritocracy: Culture, Power, and Myths of Mobility
Authors: Reay Diane
Published: October 2018

Against Meritocracy is a meticulous and much needed critique of meritocracy tracing the genealogies of the concept before presenting case studies that demonstrate its continuing ideological power. This review looks at Littler’s analysis within the context of wider understandings of meritocracy and social mobility. It concludes that Littler’s compelling argument of the damage, both ideological and material, caused by the workings of meritocracy needs to be heeded.
Postcolonial urban futures: Imagining and governing India’s smart urban age
Authors: Datta Ayona
Published: October 2018

This paper examines the ‘future’ as a blueprint for social power relations in postcolonial urbanism. It addresses a crucial gap in the rich scholarship on postcolonial urbanism that has largely ignored the ‘centrality of time’ (Chakrabarty, 2000 ) in the politics and speed of urban transformations. This paper takes postcolonial urbanism as a ‘colonisation of/with time’ (Adam, 2004 ) that reaches across spaces, scales and times of the past, present and future to produce cities as spatio-temporal entities. Using the lens of ‘futuring’ (Urry, 2016 ) as a practice of imagining and governing cities through speed, this paper analyses India’s national 100 Smart Cities Mission through a set of popular myths that create a dialectic relation between past and future. It suggests that smart cities in India are marked by the deployment of two parallel mythologies of speed – nationhood and technology. While the former refers to a mythical moral state, the latter refers to transparent and accountable governance in order to produce smart cities in the image of the moral state. The paper concludes that while postcolonial future time is imagined at the scale of the smart city, there is a simultaneous recalibration of its governance at the scale of the nation.
Thrombophilic risk factors are laterally associated with Apolipoprotein E gene polymorphisms in deep vein thrombosis patients: An Indian study
Authors: Rastogi Pulkit , Kumar Narender , Ahluwalia Jasmina , Das Reena , Varma Neelam , Suri Vikas , Senee Harikishan
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Deep vein thrombosis is a multifactorial disease with many acquired and genetic risk factors. Polymorphism in the APOE gene is an upcoming potential pathogenic factor whose role is unclear in deep vein thrombosis.

Methods

An equal number of deep vein thrombosis cases and controls (N = 100, each) were investigated for APOE gene polymorphisms along with known acquired and hereditable thrombophilic risk factors. APOE genotyping was done by polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The ε3/ε4 and ε2/ε3 APOE genotypes were commoner in deep vein thrombosis cases than controls but not statistically significant ( ε3/ε4 → 18% versus 11%, OR = 1.776, CI = 0.792–3.984, p = 0.16; ε2/ε3 →10% versus 9%, OR = 1.123, CI = 0.436–2.895, p = 0.809). However, the following risk factors were found to be laterally associated with APOE genotypes in cases of deep vein thrombosis: pregnancy with ε2/ε3 genotype positivity (N = 29; p = 0.019), recurrent pregnancy loss with ε3/ε3 genotype (N = 29; p = 0.016), normal antithrombin levels with ε3/ε3 genotype (N = 62; p = 0.03) and non-O blood group with ε3/ε4 genotype (N = 100; p = 0.023).

Conclusion

APOE genotypes have shown only a modest association with deep vein thrombosis and were not statistically significant. A lateral association of these genotypes with thrombophilic risk factors was observed which may be investigated further for the possible pathogenetic mechanisms and their therapeutic implications.
Advance care planning in community dwellers: A constructivist grounded theory study of values, preferences and conflicts
Authors: Taneja Ravi , Faden Lisa Y , Schulz Valerie , Rawal Asha , Miller Kristina , Bishop Kristen A. , Lingard Lorelei
Published: October 2018

Background:

Most laypeople have not engaged in any advance care planning. Yet they are expected to articulate choices for life-sustaining interventions when they need admission to an acute care hospital in Canada.

Aim:

To describe how laypeople understand and make decisions for life-sustaining interventions when engaging in advance care planning.

Design:

Semi-structured interviews using constructivist grounded theory methodology and purposive sampling.

Setting:

Mid-size Canadian urban community

Participants:

In total, 20 healthy laypeople, 55 years and older, participated in in-depth semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Theoretical sampling was used to explore findings from the first round of interviews. Ten participants were invited for repeat interviews.

Results:

Four major themes were identified. Most participants claimed at the outset that they had engaged in advance care planning, but they were unfamiliar with contemporary life-sustaining interventions and had not factored these into their decisions. Participants’ confidence in their substitute decision makers precluded them from having explicit discussions with these individuals. Participants expressed their values and preferences in terms of unacceptable functional outcomes from serious illness, rather than desired interventions. The process of articulating their preferences within the interviews was subject to decision conflicts, which in turn helped them re-evaluate and refine their decisions.

Conclusion:

Advance care planning for the healthy older adult is challenging. Meaningful engagement may lead to conflicts in decision-making. Efforts to improve engagement must reflect what patients know and understand, their focus on unacceptable negative outcomes rather than interventions, and the need for iterative discussions with health-care providers.