bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NEUROlogical Prognosis After Cardiac Arrest in Kids (NEUROPACK) study: protocol for a prospective multicentre clinical prediction model derivation and validation study in children after cardiac arrest
Authors: Scholefield Barnaby Robert , Martin James , Penny-Thomas Kate , Evans Sarah , Kool Mirjam , Parslow Roger , Feltbower Richard , Draper Elizabeth S , Hiley Victoria , Sitch Alice J , Kanthimathinathan Hari Krishnan , Morris Kevin P , Smith Fang
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Currently, we are unable to accurately predict mortality or neurological morbidity following resuscitation after paediatric out of hospital (OHCA) or in-hospital (IHCA) cardiac arrest. A clinical prediction model may improve communication with parents and families and risk stratification of patients for appropriate postcardiac arrest care. This study aims to the derive and validate a clinical prediction model to predict, within 1 hour of admission to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU), neurodevelopmental outcome at 3 months after paediatric cardiac arrest.

Methods and analysis

A prospective study of children (age: >24 hours and <16 years), admitted to 1 of the 24 participating PICUs in the UK and Ireland, following an OHCA or IHCA. Patients are included if requiring more than 1 min of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and mechanical ventilation at PICU admission Children who had cardiac arrests in PICU or neonatal intensive care unit will be excluded. Candidate variables will be identified from data submitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Audit Network registry. Primary outcome is neurodevelopmental status, assessed at 3 months by telephone interview using the Vineland Adaptive Behavioural Score II questionnaire. A clinical prediction model will be derived using logistic regression with model performance and accuracy assessment. External validation will be performed using the Therapeutic Hypothermia After Paediatric Cardiac Arrest trial dataset. We aim to identify 370 patients, with successful consent and follow-up of 150 patients. Patient inclusion started 1 January 2018 and inclusion will continue over 18 months.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical review of this protocol was completed by 27 September 2017 at the Wales Research Ethics Committee 5, 17/WA/0306. The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented in conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT03574025.
PositivMasc: masculinities and violence against women among young people. Identifying discourses and developing strategies for change, a mixed-method study protocol
Authors: Salazar M , Daoud N , Edwards Claire , Scanlon Margaret , Vives-Cases C
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Despite public policies and legislative changes aiming to curtail men’s violence against women (VAW) around the world, women continue to be exposed to VAW throughout their life. One in three women in Europe has reported physical or sexual abuse. Men who display unequitable masculinities are more likely to be perpetrators. VAW is increasingly appearing at younger ages. The aims of the project are fourfold: (1) to explore and position the discourses that young people (men and women, 18–24 years) in Sweden, Spain, Ireland and Israel use in their understanding of masculinities, (2) to explore how these discourses influence young people’s attitudes, behaviours and responses to VAW, (3) to explore individual and societal factors supporting and promoting anti-VAW masculinities discourses and (4) to develop actions and guidelines to support and promote anti-VAW masculinities in these settings.

Methods and analysis

A participatory explorative mixed-method study will be used. In Phase 1, qualitative methods will be used to identify the discourses that young people and stakeholders use to conceptualise masculinities, VAW and the actions that are needed to support and promote antiviolence masculinities. In Phase 2, concept mapping will be used to quantify the coherence, relative importance and perceived relationship between the different actions to support and promote anti-VAW masculinities. Phase 3 is a knowledge creation and translation phase, based on findings from Phases 1 and 2, where actions and guidelines to promote and support anti-VAW masculinities will be developed.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical clearance has been obtained from ethics review boards in each country. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, presentations at international conferences, policy briefs, social media and through the project online hub. With its multicountry approach, our project results seek to inform policies and interventions aimed at promoting discourses which challenge hegemonic masculinities.
Effects of a foot-ankle strengthening programme on clinical aspects and gait biomechanics in people with knee osteoarthritis: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Dantas Glauko , Sacco Isabel C N , dos Santos Ana F , Watari Ricky , Matias Alessandra B , Serrao Paula R M S , Pott-Junior Henrique , Salvini Tania F
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Studies have indicated that hip and knee muscle strengthening are effective in reducing pain, improving self-reported function and increasing lower limb strength, without, however, decreasing knee joint overload during gait in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Recent research has shown that strengthening the foot-ankle muscles improved function in diabetic patients and reduced patellofemoral pain. The aim of this paper is to investigate whether an 8-week therapeutic foot-ankle exercise programme improves pain, functionality, foot strength, foot kinematics and knee joint overload during gait, and decreases medication intake in individuals with KOA.

Methods and analysis

This two-arm, prospectively registered, randomised controlled trial with blinded assessors will involve 88 patients with medial tibiofemoral osteoarthritis. Subjects will be randomly allocated to a control group that will receive no specific foot intervention and will follow treatment recommended by the medical team; or an intervention group that will undergo an 8-week physiotherapist-supervised strengthening programme for extrinsic and intrinsic foot muscles, three times a week. The primary outcome will be the pain domain of the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). The secondary outcomes include WOMAC stiffness and function domains, total WOMAC score, physical function, foot muscle isometric strength, foot kinematics and knee kinetics during gait, and medication intake. Data will be analysed on intention-to-treat principles and a per protocol basis.

Ethics and dissemination

Investigators and sponsors will communicate trial results to participants and healthcare professionals through scientific databases and social media. In addition, findings will be reported in peer-review publications, and at national and international conference presentations. Ethics approval: Ethics Committee of the Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil (N° 3.488.466).

Trial registration number

NCT04154059.
Diagnostic and clinical values of non-cardiac ultrasound in COPD: A systematic review
Authors: Alqahtani Jaber S , Oyelade Tope , Sreedharan Jithin , Aldhahir Abdulelah M. , Alghamdi Saeed M , Alrajeh Ahmed M , Alqahtani Abdullah S , Alsulayyim Abdullah , Aldabayan Yousef S , Alobaidi Nowaf Y , AlAhmari Mohammed D.
Published: September 2020

Background

Clinical and research utility of non-cardiac ultrasound (US) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been widely investigated. However, there is no systematic review assessing the clinical values of non-cardiac US techniques in COPD.

Methods

We systematically searched electronic databases from inception to 24 June 2020. Two independent reviewers in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines extracted data. A narrative synthesis of the results was conducted considering non-cardiac US techniques that looked for diaphragm, muscles and bones in patients with COPD.

Results

In total, 2573 abstracts were screened, and 94 full-text papers were reviewed. A total of 54 studies met the inclusion criteria. Thirty-five studies assessed the diaphragm, while 19 studies evaluated different muscles, including limb muscles and pulmonary lesions in COPD using US. Of the 54 included studies, 30% (16/54) evaluated the changes in either limb muscles or diaphragmatic features before and after physical interventions; 67% (36/54) assessed the correlations between sonographic features and COPD severity. Indeed, 14/15 and 9/13 studies reported a significant reduction in diaphragm excursion and thickness in COPD compared with healthy subjects, respectively; this was correlated significantly with the severity and prognosis of COPD. Three studies reported links between diaphragm length and COPD, where lower diaphragm length correlated with poorer prognosis and outcomes. Quadriceps (rectus femoris), ankle dorsiflexor (tibialis anterior) and vastus lateralis were the most common muscles in COPD assessed by US. More than 70% (12/17) of the studies reported a significant reduction in the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the rectus femoris, rectus femoris and vastus lateralis thickness in COPD compared with healthy subjects. Quadriceps CSA and thickness correlated positively with COPD prognosis, in which patients with reduced quadriceps CSA and thickness have higher risk of exacerbation, readmission and death.

Conclusion

US measurements of diaphragm excursion and thickness, as well as lower limb muscles strength, size and thickness, may provide a safe, portable and effective alternative to radiation-based techniques in diagnosis and prognosis as well as tracking improvement postintervention in patients with COPD.
Attitudes, beliefs and factors influencing football coaches’ adherence to the 11+ injury prevention programme
Authors: Shamlaye Julie , Tomšovský Luboš , Fulcher Mark L
Published: September 2020

Objective

To explore football coaches’ beliefs and attitudes about injury prevention and the 11+ injury prevention programme, and to investigate factors that may influence adherence to the 11+ injury prevention programme.

Methods

A total of 538 football coaches who had completed an injury prevention education workshop were invited to participate in a web-based nationwide survey. The survey questions explored beliefs and attitudes about injury prevention and the 11+ injury prevention programme, self-reported adherence to the 11+ programme, as well as perceived barriers and facilitators to the use of the 11+ programme.

Results

There were 158 respondents. The majority believe that injury prevention is part of their coaching role (94%) that a structured warm-up is an important part of their team’s preparation for training and games (96%), and that the 11+ is effective (92%). While most respondents (95%) use the 11+, modifications are common. Participants with greater coaching experience are more likely to use the programme. Time constraints are the main barriers to adherence, while knowing that the programme enhances performance is seen as a major facilitator.

Conclusions

Coaches who attended an injury prevention workshop have positive attitudes towards injury prevention and the 11+ programme. However, coaches with less coaching experience may be less likely to use the 11+ and could therefore be the target population for future education workshops. Promoting the performance enhancing effects of the 11+ and encouraging modifications could improve acceptability and adherence.
Vascular ultrasound for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis: a reliability and agreement study based on a standardised training programme
Authors: Chrysidis Stavros , Terslev Lene , Christensen Robin , Fredberg Ulrich , Larsen Knud , Lorenzen Tove , Døhn Uffe Møller , Diamantopoulos Andreas P
Published: September 2020

Objective

To evaluate the impact of a standardised training programme including equipment adjustment for experienced musculoskeletal ultrasonographers without previous experience in vascular ultrasound (US) on the reliability of US in the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA).

Methods

In this prospective, non-interventional observational cohort study, patients suspected of GCA were evaluated by US by one of five rheumatologists with long-standing experience in musculoskeletal US (>8 years), trained using a standardised training programme including equipment adjustment. Images of cranial and large vessels were subsequently evaluated first by the performing ultrasonographer and thereafter by a blinded external expert (gold standard).

Results

In three Danish centres, 112 patients suspected of GCA were included. According to the external expert, vasculitis changes were seen in 66 patients, in 45 of them with only cranial involvement, in 14 with both cranial and large vessel involvement, while in seven patients isolated large vessel vasculitis was found. The reliability was excellent between the local ultrasonographer and the US expert for the overall GCA diagnosis regarding the diagnosis of cranial and for large vessel GCA, with an interobserver agreement of 95–96%, mean kappa values of 0.88–0.92 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.99). Excellent reliability (mean kappa 0.86–1.00) was also found for the US examination of the individual arteries (temporal, facial, common carotid and axillary).

Conclusion

The US training programme resulted in excellent agreement between trainees and an expert in patients suspected of GCA and may thus be applicable for implementation of vascular US in clinical practice.
The analysis of epidemic spreading on clique-overlapping growth network
Authors: Lin Zhenzhou
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we propose a new clique-overlapping growth network and study the epidemic spreading on it. We verify by simulation and theoretical analysis that the degree distribution follows a power-law form. Then, we have simulated the epidemic dynamics in this clique-overlapping growth network. Based on the mean-field theory, we have obtained the theoretical epidemic threshold. We find that the epidemic threshold is related to the evolution mechanism of the network model. The theoretical analysis is well consistent with the simulation results. The results in this model can help people understand the epidemic spreading of various processes, such as infectious diseases, computer viruses, gossips, and so on in real complex networks. Moreover, the appropriate immunization strategies can also be designed based on our results, to hold back the trend of epidemic outbreak.
Convergence of a fully discrete and energy-dissipating finite-volume scheme for aggregation-diffusion equations
Authors: Bailo Rafael , Carrillo José A. , Murakawa Hideki , Schmidtchen Markus
Published: September 2020

We study an implicit finite-volume scheme for nonlinear, non-local aggregation-diffusion equations which exhibit a gradient-flow structure, recently introduced in [R. Bailo, J. A. Carrillo and J. Hu, Fully discrete positivity-preserving and energy-dissipating schemes for aggregation-diffusion equations with a gradient flow structure, arXiv:1811.11502 ]. Crucially, this scheme keeps the dissipation property of an associated fully discrete energy, and does so unconditionally with respect to the time step. Our main contribution in this work is to show the convergence of the method under suitable assumptions on the diffusion functions and potentials involved.
Global boundedness and asymptotic behavior in a quasilinear attraction–repulsion chemotaxis model with nonlinear signal production and logistic-type source
Authors: Ren Guoqiang , Liu Bin
Published: September 2020

In this work, we consider the quasilinear attraction–repulsion chemotaxis model with nonlinear signal production and logistic-type source. We present the global existence of classical solutions under appropriate regularity assumptions on the initial data. In addition, the asymptotic behavior of the solutions is studied, and our results generalize and improve some well-known results in the literature.
SPECTROSCOPIC ELLIPSOMETRY INVESTIGATION ON OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF Fe:SNO2 THIN FILMS: EFFECTS OF IRON CONCENTRATION
Authors: MORADI SAHAR , SEDGHI HASSAN
Published: September 2020

Nanostructured Fe:SnO2 thin films were deposited on glass substrates through sol–gel spin coating method. Films were synthesized with different iron quantities including 0%, 4%, 8% and 12% (wt.%). The effects of Fe concentration on optical properties of films were investigated by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) technique. SE measured ([Formula: see text]) parameters for films in the wavelength range between 300[Formula: see text]nm to 800[Formula: see text]nm. Optical properties including the refractive index, extinction coefficient, transmittance, dielectric constants and optical conductivity were determined by fitting the SE measured ([Formula: see text]) parameters and data obtained from the optical model-based analysis. Results showed that the transmittance values increase by increment of Fe concentration from 0% to 12%. The bandgap energy ([Formula: see text] of prepared thin films was also calculated. [Formula: see text] values were between 3.44 and 3.58[Formula: see text]eV. Dispersion parameters including the high frequency dielectric constant ([Formula: see text] and the ratio of free carrier concentration to effective mass (N/m[Formula: see text] were then obtained for the prepared films.
Unique product groups and congruence subgroups
Authors: Craig Will , Linnell Peter A.
Published: September 2020

We prove that a uniform pro-[Formula: see text] group with no non-abelian free subgroups has a normal series with torsion-free abelian factors. We discuss this in relation to unique product groups. We also consider generalizations of Hantzsche–Wendt groups.
THE EVOLVING WRINKLE PATTERN OF THE BACILLUS SUBTILIS BIOFILM PROVIDING MORE LIVING SPACE FOR CELLS
Authors: WANG XIAOLING , TAN YIFAN , LIU JIALI , HU SHUAISHUAI , ZHAO HUI
Published: September 2020

The biofilm wrinkle evolution is the growth mechanism by which bacteria regulate their physiological state in response to the environmental change. We use the parameter of surface complexity to describe different wrinkle patterns. The surface complexity is defined that the biofilm surface area contact with the air is divided by the projected area of the biofilm. We find that the biofilm surface complexity variation is positively proportional to the number of spores. Although each wrinkle pattern has various wrinkle thickness and width, surface complexities of some patterns are almost same, which guarantees cells have enough living space. Through the observation of the growth of the damaged biofilm, we further find that the biofilm expansion along the circumferential direction is faster than that along radial direction, which means that the internal stress along the circumferential direction contributes the wrinkle formation. Our work provides a new perspective to study biofilm morphologies, and relates the morphology evolution with phenotypes in the Bacillus subtilis biofilm.
Gravitational domain wall and stability with some symmetry algebra
Authors: Toni S. , Sadeghi J. , Jalili O.
Published: September 2020

In this paper, first, we will try to introduce the gravitational domain wall as a physical system. In the second step, we also introduce the Hun differential equation as a mathematical tools. We factorize the known Heun’s equation as form of operators [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Then we compare the differential equation of gravitational domain wall with corresponding Hun equation. In that case the above-mentioned operators can be obtained for the gravitational system by the comparing process. Finally, we employ such operators and achieve the corresponding symmetry algebra with the usual commutation relation of operators to each other. Here, by having such operators, we investigate the stability of system.
Synthesis of a new zinc phthalocyanine–benzoquinone rigid dyad
Authors: Lee Chi-Hang , Yun Young Ju , Guo Jianchang , Chen Lin X. , Mandal Braja. K.
Published: September 2020

A new zinc phthalocyanine–benzoquinone rigid dyad, QnZnPc–G[Formula: see text] was synthesized as a model compound to study photo-induced charge separation mimicking natural photosynthesis. Compared to its previously reported analog, this dyad has an additional fused benzene ring between the zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) (donor) and benzoquinone (acceptor) moieties. The rigid structure of QnZnPc–G[Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] no rotamers) is designed to minimize the unusual electronic perturbation induced by the internal motions, which resulted in a significant increase in the lifetime of the charged separated state (from 40 ps to 252 ps). Physical and photochemical properties of this new dyad were examined and discussed in this paper.
Inspection and Characterization of App File Usage in Mobile Devices
Authors: Ji Cheng , Pan Riwei , Chang Li-Pin , Shi Liang , Zhu Zongwei , Liang Yu , Kuo Tei-Wei , Xue Chun Jason
Published: September 2020

While the computing power of mobile devices has been quickly evolving in recent years, the growth of mobile storage capacity is, however, relatively slower. A common problem shared by budget-phone users is that they frequently run out of storage space. This article conducts a deep inspection of file usage of mobile applications and their potential implications on user experience. Our major findings are as follows: First, mobile applications could rapidly consume storage space by creating temporary cache files, but these cache files quickly become obsolete after being re-used for a short period of time. Second, file access patterns of large files, especially executable files, appear highly sparse and random, and therefore large portions of file space are never visited. Third, file prefetching brings an excessive amount of file data into page cache but only a few prefetched data are actually used. The unnecessary memory pressure causes premature memory reclamation and prolongs application launching time. Through the feasibility study of two preliminary optimizations, we demonstrated a high potential to eliminate unnecessary storage and memory space consumption with a minimal impact on user experience.
The Origin of Modern Atolls: Challenging Darwin's Deeply Ingrained Theory
Authors: Droxler André W. , Jorry Stéphan J.
Published: September 2020

In 1842, Darwin identified three types of reefs: fringing reefs, which are directly attached to volcanic islands; barrier reefs, which are separated from volcanic islands by lagoons; and ring reefs, which enclose only a lagoon and are defined as atolls. Moreover, he linked these reef types through an evolutionary model in which an atoll is the logical end point of a subsiding volcanic edifice, as he was unaware of Quaternary glaciations. As an alternative, starting in the 1930s, several authors proposed the antecedent karst model; in this model, atolls formed as a direct interaction between subsidence and karst dissolution that occurred preferentially in the bank interiors rather than on their margins through exposure during glacial lowstands of sea level. Atolls then developed during deglacial reflooding of the glacial karstic morphologies by preferential stacked coral-reef growth along their margins. Here, a comprehensive new model is proposed, based on the antecedent karst model and well-established sea-level fluctuations during the last 5 million years, by demonstrating that most modern atolls from the Maldives Archipelago and from the tropical Pacific and southwest Indian Oceans are rooted on top of late Pliocene flat-topped banks. The volcanic basement, therefore, has had no influence on the late Quaternary development of these flat-topped banks into modern atolls. During the multiple glacial sea-level lowstands that intensified throughout the Quaternary, the tops of these banks were karstified; then, during each of the five mid-to-late Brunhes deglaciations, coral reoccupied their raised margins and grew vertically, keeping up with sea-level rise and creating the modern atolls.
The Psychology of Reaching: Action Selection, Movement Implementation, and Sensorimotor Learning
Authors: Kim Hyosub E. , Avraham Guy , Ivry Richard B.
Published: September 2020

The study of motor planning and learning in humans has undergone a dramatic transformation in the 20 years since this journal's last review of this topic. The behavioral analysis of movement, the foundational approach for psychology, has been complemented by ideas from control theory, computer science, statistics, and, most notably, neuroscience. The result of this interdisciplinary approach has been a focus on the computational level of analysis, leading to the development of mechanistic models at the psychological level to explain how humans plan, execute, and consolidate skilled reaching movements. This review emphasizes new perspectives on action selection and motor planning, research that stands in contrast to the previously dominant representation-based perspective of motor programming, as well as an emerging literature highlighting the convergent operation of multiple processes in sensorimotor learning.
Optimization and Simulation of a Reasonable Scheduling Model under Multiple Tasks in Company Management
Authors: Wang Zhuo
Published: September 2020

With the rapid development of market economy, the task scheduling model has become the core problem in the field of corporate management. In order to solve the problem that the stability of the model will decline due to the interference of human factors in the process of multitask scheduling in the traditional algorithm, a reasonable scheduling model based on the priority principle is proposed in this paper. This paper expounds the principle of multitask scheduling in company management, constructs a multitask scheduling network model based on priority, performs virtual scheduling on the model, searches the optimal solution in the solution space of the scheduling problem, and obtains the reasonable multitask scheduling method in the company management. Through the analysis of relevant simulation experiments, it can be concluded that the task scheduling algorithm proposed in this paper can not only allocate the corresponding resources for high-priority tasks effectively, but also can save the cost, so as to show better execution efficiency.
Prognostic Role of MicroRNA 222 in Patients with Glioma: A Meta‐analysis
Authors: Song Yanlin , Zhang Jing , He Min , Xu Jianguo
Published: September 2020

Background. Several studies have focused on the prognostic role of microRNA 222 in glioma. But different conclusions were drawn by these studies. We aimed to systematically evaluate the role of microRNA 222 in glioma by conducting a meta‐analysis. Methods. A systematic literature search until January 2020 was conducted in Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. The general characteristics and relevant data of nine articles were extracted. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were applied to evaluate the prognostic role of microRNA 222 in glioma. The primary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS). Results. Nine articles (11 data sets) with 1564 patients were included. We systematically evaluated the role of microRNA 222 for OS and DFS in glioma patients (HR for OS = 1.72; 95% CI, 1.31‐2.26; p = 0.001; HR for DFS = 1.02; 95% CI, 0.86‐1.22; p = 0.032). Subgroup analyses were performed according to the sources of patients, the types of the samples, the stages of the tumors, the methods for detecting the microRNA 222, and the sample size. No significant publication bias was found. Conclusion. In conclusion, our study provided evidence that a high expression of microRNA 222 was related to worse overall survival in glioma patients. However, given the limited study number, more high‐quality studies are warranted in the future.
EEF1D Promotes Glioma Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion through EMT and PI3K/Akt Pathway
Authors: Xie Cheng , Zhou Mingfeng , Lin Jie , Wu Zhiyong , Ding Shengfeng , Luo Jie , Zhan Zhengming , Cai Yonghua , Xue Shuaishuai , Song Ye
Published: September 2020

Eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1δ (EEF1D), a subunit of the elongation factor 1 complex of proteins, mediates the elongation process of protein synthesis. Besides this canonical role, EEF1D was found overexpressed in many tumors, like hepatocarcinomas and medulloblastomas. In the present study, we demonstrated for the first time that EEF1D may interact with other putative proteins to regulate cell proliferation, migration, and invasion through PI3K/Akt and EMT pathways in glioma. Furthermore, knockdown of EEF1D could reduce cell proliferation and impaired epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotypes, including cell invasion. Taken together, these results indicate that EEF1D and its partner proteins might play a critical role in glioma and serve as a potential therapeutic target of glioma.
A Circle RNA Regulatory Axis Promotes Lung Squamous Metastasis via CDR1-Mediated Regulation of Golgi Trafficking
Authors: Harrison Emily B. , Porrello Alessandro , Bowman Brittany M. , Belanger Adam R. , Yacovone Gabriella , Azam Salma H. , Windham Ian A. , Ghosh Subrata K. , Wang Menglin , Mckenzie Nicholas , Waugh Trent A. , Van Swearingen Amanda E.D. , Cohen Stephanie M. , Allen Devon G. , Goodwin Tyler J. , Mascenik Teresa , Bear James E. , Cohen Sarah , Randell Scott H. , Massion Pierre P. , Major Michael B. , Huang Leaf , Pecot Chad V.
Published: September 2020

Lung squamous carcinoma (LUSC) is a highly metastatic disease with a poor prognosis. Using an integrated screening approach, we found that miR-671-5p reduces LUSC metastasis by inhibiting a circular RNA (circRNA), CDR1as. Although the putative function of circRNA is through miRNA sponging, we found that miR-671-5p more potently silenced an axis of CDR1as and its antisense transcript, cerebellar degeneration related protein 1 (CDR1). Silencing of CDR1as or CDR1 significantly inhibited LUSC metastases and CDR1 was sufficient to promote migration and metastases. CDR1, which directly interacted with adaptor protein 1 (AP1) complex subunits and coatomer protein I (COPI) proteins, no longer promoted migration upon blockade of Golgi trafficking. Therapeutic inhibition of the CDR1as/CDR1 axis with miR-671-5p mimics reduced metastasis in vivo. This report demonstrates a novel role for CDR1 in promoting metastasis and Golgi trafficking. These findings reveal an miRNA/circRNA axis that regulates LUSC metastases through a previously unstudied protein, CDR1.

Significance:

This study shows that circRNA, CDR1as, promotes lung squamous migration, metastasis, and Golgi trafficking through its complimentary transcript, CDR1.
GRUPUGE PERSPECTIVE: Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Biliary Drainage
Authors: Nunes Nuno , Flor de Lima Margarida , Caldeira Ana , Leite Sílvia , Marques Susana , Moreira Teresa , Moutinho-Ribeiro Pedro , Bispo Miguel ,   on behalf of the Portuguese Group for Ultrasound in Gastroenterology (GRUPUGE)
Published: September 2020

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) is an alternative to percutaneous and surgical drainage in bile duct obstruction when endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography fails. EUS-BD can be achieved with several techniques, including EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy (HGS), anterograde transpapillary stent placement, choledochoduodenostomy (CDS), and rendez-vous technique. Lately, with increased experience and development of directed equipment, elevated technical and clinical success as well of lower adverse event rates have been reported. In this article, GRUPUGE presents an updated perspective of the potential role of EUS-guided biliary drainage, addressing the selection criteria and technical issues of different techniques and analyzing recent data on their safety and efficacy.
Die Validierung der Dimensional Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (DOCS) an einer deutschsprachigen Stichprobe
Authors: Fink-Lamotte Jakob , Jahn Ina , Stierle Christian , Kühne Franziska , Lincoln Tania , Stengler Katarina , Exner Cornelia
Published: September 2020

Hintergrund: PatientInnen mit Zwangsstörungen werden in klinischer Forschung und Praxis häufig nicht erkannt oder fehldiagnostiziert, wodurch es zu verzögerten und unzureichenden Behandlungen kommt. Ein Aspekt, der maßgeblich dazu beiträgt, sind unter anderem unzureichende Screening- und Diagnostikinstrumente, da bestehende Fragebögen zur Erfassung von Zwangsstörungen zu einem großen Teil Limitationen hinsichtlich ihrer psychometrischen Qualitäten und ihrer Aktualität unterliegen. Mit der Dimensional Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (DOCS) steht im englischsprachigen Raum seit mehreren Jahren bereits ein vielversprechendes Instrument zur Erfassung von Zwangsstörungen zur Verfügung. Patienten und Methoden: Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es, erstmalig die Faktorstruktur sowie die psychometrischen Eigenschaften der deutschsprachigen DOCS-Version zu überprüfen. Hierzu wurden 177 PatientInnen (107 mit Zwangsstörung, 30 mit Angststörungen und 40 mit Depression) sowie eine nicht-klinische Kontrollgruppe mit 223 Probanden untersucht. Ergebnisse: Die vierfaktorielle Originalstruktur der DOCS konnte in explorativen und konfirmatorischen Faktoranalysen repliziert werden. Interne Konsistenzen und die zeitliche Stabilität der DOCS fielen akzeptabel bis sehr gut aus. Die Konstruktvalidität der DOCS-Gesamtskala fiel zufriedenstellend bis gut aus. Die Kriteriumsvaliditäten fielen bedingt zufriedenstellend aus. Die diagnostische Genauigkeit der DOCS fiel befriedigend aus. Schlussfolgerung: Die deutsche Version der DOCS ist ein robustes, reliables und erstmals validiertes Instrument zur dimensionalen Beschreibung des Schweregrads von Zwangsstörungen.
Advanced Liver Fibrosis Predicts Unfavorable Long-Term Prognosis in First-Ever Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Baik Minyoul , Nam Hyo Suk , Heo Ji Hoe , Park Hyung Jong , Kim Beom Kyung , Park Jun Yong , Kim Do Young , Ahn Sang Hoon , Han Kwang-Hyub , Lee Hye Sun , Kim Seung Up , Kim Young Dae
Published: September 2020

Introduction: There are a limited number of studies investigating the relationship between the degree of liver fibrosis and the long-term prognosis, especially ischemic stroke (IS) recurrence, in first-ever IS or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Objective: We investigated whether there are differences in the long-term all-cause and cardiovascular mortalities and IS recurrence based on the degree of liver fibrosis in first-ever IS or TIA. Methods: This analysis included 2,504 patients with first-ever IS or TIA recruited from a prospective stroke cohort. Liver fibrosis was predicted using the fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index, and advanced fibrosis was defined as an FIB-4 index of >3.25. Using Cox regression models, we compared the all-cause and cardiovascular mortalities and IS recurrence. As measures for the additive predictive value of the FIB-4 index for prediction of all-cause mortality, the integrated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (iAUC), net reclassification improvement (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were used. Results: There were 231 (9.2%) patients with advanced fibrosis. During a median follow-up of 1.2 years, the cumulative all-cause and cardiovascular mortalities were 6.4 and 1.9%, and IS recurrence was observed in 5.3%. The advanced fibrosis was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.40–6.59), cardiovascular mortality (HR = 4.48, 95% CI = 1.59–12.65), and IS recurrence (HR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.05–3.65). Adding the FIB-4 index to the model consisting of traditional cardiovascular risk factors improved the predictive accuracy for all-cause mortality as measured using the iAUC (from 0.7594 to 0.7729) and for all-cause mortality at 1 year as measured using the NRI (38.6%) and IDI (0.037). Conclusions: The burden of liver fibrosis is associated with unfavorable long-term prognosis, including recurrent IS, in first-ever IS or TIA.
Duplexsonographie bei Riesenzellarteriitis – Abschätzung von Schweregrad und möglicher Erblindung
Authors: Adler Sabine
Published: September 2020

Objectives: Ultrasound of temporal and axillary arteries may reveal vessel wall inflammation in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA). We developed a ultrasound scoring system to quantify the extent of vascular inflammation and investigated its diagnostic accuracy and association with clinical factors in GCA. Methods: This is a prospective study including 89 patients suspected of having GCA, of whom 58 had a confirmed clinical diagnosis of GCA after 6 months follow-up. All patients underwent bilateral ultrasound examination of the three temporal artery (TA) segments and axillary arteries, prior to TA biopsy. The extent of vascular inflammation was quantified by (1) counting the number of TA segments and axillary arteries with a halo and (2) calculating a composite Halo Score that also incorporated the thickness of each halo. Results: Halo counts and Halo Scores showed moderate diagnostic accuracy for a clinical diagnosis of GCA. They correlated positively with systemic inflammation. When compared with the halo count, the Halo Score correlated better with C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and allowed to firmly establish the diagnosis of GCA in more patients. Higher halo counts and Halo Scores were associated with a higher risk of ocular ischaemia. They allowed to identify subgroups of patients with low risk (≤5%) and high risk of ocular ischaemia (>30%). Conclusion: Ultrasound halo scoring allows to quantify the extent of vascular inflammation in GCA. Extensive vascular inflammation on ultrasound may provide strong diagnostic confirmation and associates with ocular ischaemia in GCA.
A Real-World, Population-Based Study for the Incidence and Outcomes of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms of Unknown Primary
Authors: Abdel-Rahman Omar
Published: September 2020

Objective: The aim of the study was to provide a real-world, population-based assessment of the incidence and outcomes of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) of unknown primary. Methods: Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry was accessed, and cases with NENs of unknown primary were reviewed. Rates of NENs diagnosis 1975–2017 according to primary tumor site were also reviewed. Survival outcomes of patients with NENs of unknown primary compared to metastatic NENs with known primary were determined through Kaplan-Meier estimates and multivariable Cox regression analysis. Overall and cancer-specific survival analyses were stratified by primary site and histology (neuroendocrine tumor vs. neuroendocrine carcinoma). Results: A total of 3,550 cases (7%) were diagnosed with NENs of unknown primary within the study duration. The annual percent change for NENs of unknown primary was 3.4 (95% CI: 2.6–4.2). Within the cohort of metastatic neuroendocrine tumor patients (carcinoid tumor histology), the following factors were associated with a lower risk of death; younger age (HR: 0.477; 95% CI: 0.443–0.513), female sex (HR: 0.922; 95% CI: 0.860–0.989), and small intestinal primary (HR for unknown primary vs. small intestinal primary: 1.532; 95% CI: 1.408–1.668). Within the cohort of metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma, the following factors were associated with a lower risk of death in this cohort; younger age (HR: 0.646; 95% CI: 0.612–0.681), female sex (HR: 0.843; 95% CI: 0.801–0.888), and small intestinal primary (HR for unknown primary vs. small intestinal primary: 2.961; 95% CI: 2.586–3.391). Conclusions: The diagnosis of NENs of unknown primary has increased across the past 4 decades. Outcomes of individuals with metastatic small intestinal NENs seem to be better than those with metastatic NENs of unknown primary (for both carcinoid tumors and neuroendocrine carcinomas).
Prognostic Value of Psoas Muscle Mass Index in Patients With Non‒ST‐Segment‒Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Matsumoto Hiroshi , Matsumura Koichiro , Yamamoto Yoshihiro , Fujii Kenichi , Tsujimoto Satoshi , Otagaki Munemitsu , Morishita Shun , Hashimoto Kenta , Shibutani Hiroki , Sugiura Tetsuro , Shiojima Ichiro
Published: September 2020

Background

Muscle wasting is an important predictor of long‐term outcome in patients with cardiovascular disease, but the prognostic value of muscle wasting in patients with non‒ST‐segment‒elevation myocardial infarction is not established. The aim of this study is to investigate the prognostic value of muscle wasting, defined by psoas muscle mass index (PMI), in patients with non‒ST‐segment‒elevation myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results

A total of 132 consecutive patients with non‒ST‐segment‒elevation myocardial infarction were prospectively enrolled between 2015 and 2018. Primary end point was incidence of cardiovascular events including cardiovascular deaths, non‐fatal myocardial infarction, or non‐fatal stroke. Cross‐sectional area of the psoas muscle at the L3 vertebral level was obtained by computed tomography and PMI was calculated. The median follow‐up period was 2.4 years (interquartile range, 1.1–4.0 years). There were 45 cardiovascular events (34%) during the study periods. The optimal cutoff value of PMI to predict cardiovascular events was 772 mm
2
/m
2
, as assessed by receiver operating curve analysis. Patients with reduced PMI (PMI<772 mm
2
/m
2
) had significantly higher cardiovascular events than those with preserved PMI (PMI≥772 mm
2
/m
2
) (48% versus 21%; log‐rank test
P
<0.001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model revealed that reduced PMI was a statistically significant predictor of cardiovascular events (hazard ratio, 3.30; 95% CI, 1.70–6.40;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

Muscle wasting defined as PMI is a simple and useful objective marker to predict future cardiovascular outcome in patients with non‒ST‐segment‒elevation myocardial infarction.

Registration Information

URL:
https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/
; Unique identifier: UMIN000013445.
More Than Shortages: The Unequal Distribution of Substitute Teaching
Authors: Liu Jing , Loeb Susanna , Shi Ying
Published: September 2020

Classroom teachers in the United States are absent on average approximately 6 percent of a school year. Despite the prevalence of teacher absences, surprisingly little research has assessed the key source of replacement instruction: substitute teachers. Using detailed administrative and survey data from a large urban school district, we document the prevalence, predictors, and distribution of substitute coverage across schools. Less advantaged schools systematically exhibit lower rates of substitute coverage compared with peer institutions. Observed school, teacher, and absence characteristics account for only part of this school variation. In contrast, substitute teachers’ preferences for specific schools, mainly driven by student behavior and support from teachers and school administrators, explain a sizable share of the unequal distribution of coverage rates above and beyond standard measures in administrative data.
Applications of Electrospinning for Tissue Engineering in Otolaryngology
Authors: Heilingoetter Ashley , Smith Sharon , Malhotra Prashant , Johnson Jed , Chiang Tendy
Published: September 2020

Objective:

In tissue engineering, biomaterials create a 3D scaffold for cell-to-cell adhesion, proliferation and tissue formation. Because of their similarity to extracellular matrix and architectural adaptability, nanofibers are of particular interest in tissue engineering. Electrospinning is a well-documented technique for nanofiber production for tissue engineering scaffolds. Here we present literature on the applications of electrospinning in the field of otolaryngology.

Review Methods:

A PubMed database search was performed to isolate articles published about applications of electrospun nanofibers for tissue engineering in otolaryngology. Study design, size, material tested, site of application within the head and neck, and outcomes were obtained for each study.

Results:

Almost all data on electrospinning in otolaryngology was published in the last 6 years (84%), highlighting its novelty. A total of 25 pre-clinical studies were identified: 9 in vitro studies, 5 in vivo animal studies, and 11 combination studies. Sites of application included: tracheal reconstruction (n = 16), tympanic membrane repair (n = 3), cranial nerve regeneration (n = 3), mastoid osteogenesis (n = 1) and ear/nose chondrogenesis (n = 2).

Implications for Practice:

Tissue engineering is a burgeoning field, with recent innovative applications in the field of otolaryngology. Electrospun nanofibers specifically have relevant applications in the field of otolaryngology, due in part to their similarity to native extracellular matrix, with emerging areas of interest being tympanic membrane repair, cranial nerve regeneration and tracheal reconstruction.
It’s Reception all the Way Down: A Review of The Reception of Jesus in the First Three Centuries
Authors: Rollens Sarah E.
Published: September 2020

The Reception of Jesus in the First Three Centuries is a three-volume collection that explores the reception of traditions about Jesus. Comprised of 82 essays by over 60 individual contributors, these volumes examine both textual expressions of ancient Jesus traditions, as well as material representations. This review essay looks closely at these important contributions by 1) discussing the overall project’s methodological approach and 2) examining three sample chapters in detail.
African Cultural Memory in Fred Khumalo’s Touch my Blood and its Metafictional Para-texts
Authors: Masemola Michael Kgomotso
Published: September 2020

This article gleans its momentum from Ronit Frenkel’s palimpsestic observation that the local and the global exist as “coeval discourses of signification in South African transitional literature,” with the intention to push the boundaries set in a recent issue of the Journal of Black Studies that carried a literature-inspired title, “Cultural Memory and Ethnic Identity Construction in Toni Morrison’s A Mercy” by Zhou Quan. The latter prompted a consideration whether a peculiarly South African literary representation of cultural memory is possible or not, or whether it is monolithic or multiplicitous. Therefore, partly in response, I introduce the transcendent idea of allochthonous memory, taking my cues from Molefi Kete Asante’s Kemet, Afrocentricity, and Knowledge where he elucidates that the Afrocentrist “seeks to uncover and use codes, paradigms, symbols, motifs, myths, and circles of discussion that reinforce the centrality of African ideals and values as a valid frame of reference for acquiring and examining data” (p. 6). One such paradigm is Allochthonous memory, which is here defined as a configuration of cultural memory that finds expression in references that are simultaneously intertextual, transnational, transcultural, and ethical.
Does Post-Traumatic Growth Follow Parental Death in Adulthood? An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Qasim Komal , Carson Jerome
Published: September 2020

This study looked at the loss of a parent in adulthood and whether this was followed by post-traumatic growth? Participants, 100 bereaved adults, from Pakistan and England, lost parents in the last 10 years. They completed three questionnaires. The study hypotheses were, first, that participants whose bereavement occurred more than five years ago would show significantly higher levels of post-traumatic growth. Second, participants with higher levels of post-traumatic growth would experience significantly higher grief scores. Thirdly, participants with higher levels of post-traumatic growth would show significantly higher levels of coping skills. Two hypotheses were rejected, only one received partial support. Yet, levels of post-traumatic growth were high in this sample. Post-traumatic growth does not follow every bereavement. The authors provide autoethnographic material to challenge this. Circumstances surrounding bereavement during the Covid-19 pandemic, are more likely to lead to increases in complicated grief reactions, rather than post-traumatic growth.