bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of TNF-α antagonist infliximab on fructose-induced metabolic syndrome in rats
Authors: Abdelhamid Yasmine A , Elyamany Mohammed F , Al-Shorbagy Muhammad Y , Badary Osama A
Published: October 2020

Public health issues have been raised regarding fructose toxicity and its serious metabolic disorders. Deleterious effects of high fructose intake on insulin sensitivity, body weight, lipid homeostasis have been identified. The new millennium has witnessed the emergence of a modern epidemic, the metabolic syndrome (MS), in approximately 25% of the world’s adult population. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of the TNF-α antagonist infliximab on fructose-induced MS in rats. Rats were administered fructose (10%) in drinking water for 12 weeks to induce the experimental MS model. infliximab (5 mg/kg) was injected once weekly intraperitoneally starting on the 13th week for 4 weeks. Increase in body weight, blood glucose level, serum triglycerides (TGs), adiponectin level and blood pressure were present in MS rats. They also prompted increases in serum of leptin, TNF-α, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Treatment with infliximab did not affect body weight, hyperglycemia or hypertension, but decreased serum TGs and increased serum HDL-c levels. Infliximab also decreased adiponectin levels. Surprisingly, infliximab increased MDA above its value in the MS group. These results reflect the fact that infliximab affects the manifestations of MS in rats. Though infliximab reduced TGs, increased HDL-c levels, reversed adiponectin resistance occurred by fructose, the drug failed to combat MS-mediated hyperglycemia, hypertension, and elevated MDA above the insult.
Predicting Peritoneal Metastasis of Gastric Cancer Patients Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Zhou Chengmao , Wang Ying , Ji Mu-Huo , Tong Jianhua , Yang Jian-Jun , Xia Hongping
Published: October 2020

Objective:

The aim is to explore the prediction effect of 5 machine learning algorithms on peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer.

Methods:

1080 patients with postoperative gastric cancer were divided into a training group and test group according to the ratio of 7:3. The model of peritoneal metastasis was established by using 5 machine learning (gbm(Light Gradient Boosting Machine), GradientBoosting, forest, Logistic and DecisionTree). Python pair was used to analyze the machine learning algorithm. Gbm algorithm is used to show the weight proportion of each variable to the result.

Result:

Correlation analysis showed that tumor size and depth of invasion were positively correlated with the recurrence of patients after gastric cancer surgery. The results of the gbm algorithm showed that the top 5 important factors were albumin, platelet count, depth of infiltration, preoperative hemoglobin and weight, respectively. In training group: Among the 5 algorithm models, the accuracy of GradientBoosting and gbm was the highest (0.909); the AUC values of the 5 algorithms are gbm (0.938), GradientBoosting (0.861), forest (0.796), Logistic(0.741) and DecisionTree(0.712) from high to low. In the test group: among the 5 algorithm models, the accuracy of forest, DecisionTree and gbm was the highest (0.907); AUC values ranged from high to low to gbm (0.745), GradientBoosting (0.725), forest (0.696), Logistic (0.680) and DecisionTree (0.657).

Conclusion:

Machine learning can predict the peritoneal metastasis in patients with gastric cancer.
The Risk Factors of VTE and Survival Prognosis of Patients With Malignant Cancer: Implication for Nursing and Treatment
Authors: Qi Yan , Hu Xin , Chen Jing , Ying Xiaobin , Shi Yan
Published: October 2020

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is very common in patients with malignant cancer. We aimed to conduct a retrospective analysis on the risk factors of VTE and its survival prognosis of patients with malignant cancer, to provide evidence into the management of VTE. Patients with malignant cancer treated in our hospital were selected. The characteristic of patients and related lab detection results including activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), plasma prothrombin time (PT) and thrombin coagulation time (TT), fibrinogen (FIB), thrombin AT-Ⅲ complex (TAT) and D-dimer (D-D) were collected and analyzed. And logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the potential risk factors. And ROC curves were established to evaluate their predictive ability of VTE for patients with malignant cancers. A total of 286 patients were included, of which 63 patients had VTE, the incidence of VTE in patients with malignant cancers was 22.03%. There were significant differences on the D-D, TAT level between VTE and no VTE patients (all P < 0.05). The survival condition of VTE patients was significantly worse than that of no VTE patients(P = 0.017). D-D (RR7.895, 3.228∼19.286) and TAT (6.122, 2.244∼16.695) were risk factors of VTE for patients with cancers (all P < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of D-D, TAT and combined use was 0.764, 0.698, 0.794 respectively, and the cutoff value for D-D, TAT was 1.835mg/L and 4.58μg/L respectively. For cancer patients with D-D >1.835 mg/L and TAT >4.58 μg/L, early interventions are needed for the prophylaxis of VTE.
Neighborhood Contexts and Child Maltreatment Reports Among Families Receiving AFDC/TANF: A Longitudinal and Multilevel Study
Authors: Kim Hyunil , Drake Brett , Jonson-Reid Melissa
Published: October 2020

Attention to the relationship between neighborhood context and child maltreatment is growing. However, no study exists that considers families’ residential moves and neighborhood changes longitudinally. This is particularly relevant to disadvantaged families who move frequently. Our sample includes children who experienced a child maltreatment report (CMR) or an AFDC case in early childhood. We followed up these children from 1995 to 2009 through various administrative databases. We used multilevel logistic growth curve models to estimate the CMR likelihood at each age from 1 to 16. Estimates were limited to ages on AFDC/TANF to trace families’ residential addresses based on AFDC/TANF payee records. Our findings highlight the importance of tracing residential neighborhoods in a longitudinal study. While doing so, we identify some possible neighborhood contextual influences. These, however, are small in contribution to overall risk and are less observable among children that are more vulnerable.
Status Inconsistencies and Power in Intimate Relations: Domestic Exploitation and Violence Against Women in Homogenous and Mixed Couples Formed by Native and Migrant Partners
Authors: Rodríguez-Menés Jorge , Safranoff Ana
Published: October 2020

We test two theories explaining domestic exploitation and violent abuse against women in couples. Exchange theory predicts both to increase when men outpower women; status inconsistency, when women do. As violence and exploitation can affect a couple’s resources, making the model recursive, we focus on native status. Using data from a women’s victimization survey ( N = 8,000), we apply biprobit models to compare violent abuse and domestic exploitation in homogeneous and mixed couples in which one is a migrant. The results validate status inconsistency theory: native women with male migrant partners are less exploited but have the highest risks of being abused.
Black Lives Matter: Storying, Identities, and Counternarratives
Authors: Kinloch Valerie , Penn Carlotta , Burkhard Tanja
Published: October 2020

In this academic counternarrative, we examine how Black students and adults get positioned by, and come to resist, discourses that favor dominant linguistic and cultural practices. We ask, How do Black youth and adults resist the gaze of whiteness, or dominant discourses, in schools and communities, and what are pedagogical implications of such resistances? We address these questions by discussing three contemporary examples of injustices experienced by Rachel Jeantel, Amariyanna Copeny, and Black youth who continue the activism of Colin Kaepernik. Thereafter, we analyze data from three research vignettes of Black teachers and Youth of Color who produce counternarratives through storying. In our conclusion, we advocate for a pedagogical agenda in literacy studies grounded in cultural equality and linguistic, racial, and social justice for Black people and other People of Color. We situate this work as an academic counternarrative—an analysis of young people’s unapologetic affirmation of Black humanity, brilliance, and power.
Assessment of pupillary light reflex using dynamic pupillometry in laser-treated eyes with retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Turk Huseyin Bugra , Bitirgen Gulfidan , Satirtav Gunhal , Kerimoglu Hurkan
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

This study aims to evaluate the pupillary light reflex measured with dynamic pupillometry in patients who underwent retinal laser photocoagulation due to unilateral retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

Methods:

A total of 48 patients with unilateral RVO were included in the study. Thirty-four patients had undergone retinal laser photocoagulation while the remaining 14 patients that did not undergo laser treatment were observed for control purposes. Of the laser-treated eyes, 14 eyes (41.2%) had central RVO (CRVO) and 20 eyes (58.8%) had branch RVO (BRVO). Among the 14 patients with RVO without laser treatment, nine eyes (64.3%) had CRVO and five eyes (35.7%) had BRVO. Pupillary light reflexes were assessed with dynamic pupillometry (MonPackOne®; Metrovision, France). The parameters of the eyes with RVO were compared with that of fellow healthy eyes.

Results:

Mean patient age was 65.8 ± 10.4 years and median time after photocoagulation was 25.5 months. Eyes that received laser photocoagulation had lower pupil contraction amplitude ( p = 0.037), prolonged contraction latency ( p = 0.027), slower contraction velocity ( p = 0.043), and slower dilation velocity ( p < 0.001) compared to healthy fellow eyes. Subgroup analysis revealed that eyes with CRVO had lower contraction amplitude ( p = 0.013) and slower dilation velocity ( p = 0.003), and eyes with BRVO had slower dilation velocity ( p = 0.003). Non-laser-treated eyes with RVO revealed no significant difference in any of the pupillary light reflex parameters compared to fellow eyes.

Conclusion:

Laser-treated eyes with RVO demonstrated changes in pupillary light reflex parameters including reduced contraction amplitude, prolonged contraction latency, and slower contraction and dilation velocities measured with dynamic pupillometry.
Institutional design for a post-liberal order: why some international organizations live longer than others
Authors: Debre Maria Josepha , Dijkstra Hylke
Published: October 2020

Many international organizations (IOs) are currently under pressure and the demise of the liberal international order is the talk of town. We theorize that institutional characteristics help to explain why some IOs survive external pressures where others fail. We test this argument through a survival analysis of 150 IOs (1815–2014). We find that the only significant variable explaining the death of IOs is the size of the secretariat: IOs with large bureaucracies are good at coping with external pressures. In addition, IOs with diverging preferences among members and those that are less institutionalized are more likely to be replaced with successor organizations. We find that institutional flexibility included in the treaties does not have an effect on survival. This is surprising because the purpose of flexibility clauses is precisely to deal with external shocks. Finally, we also find that systemic and domestic factors do not explain IO failure. In conclusion, we should not write off the liberal international order all too quickly: large IOs with significant bureaucratic resources are here to stay.
First avoidance, then engagement: Political parties’ issue competition in the electoral cycle
Authors: Seeberg Henrik Bech
Published: October 2020

A major contradiction in party research is between the saliency theory and the logic of issue convergence, or what is often referred to as issue avoidance vs. engagement. Extant research shows that parties both emphasize only their own issues and engage each other’s issues. This study addresses this contradiction and argues that both perspectives have merits. The key to unlocking the puzzle is to unwind the electoral cycle. As far as possible into the electoral cycle, parties apply a long-term strategy and talk past each other. Yet, as the election draws closer, parties realize that they cannot change the agenda and therefore switch to a short-term strategy to engage rival parties’ issues. This argument is tested across multiple issues on a new dataset consisting of 19,350 press releases issued by the political parties in Denmark during several election cycles, 2004–2019.
Changing the narrative on African American boys: A systemic approach to school success
Authors: Moore JaDora Sailes , Phelps Chavez
Published: October 2020

Despite progress over the past decade in math and reading, proficiency scores of African American boys continue to trail behind those of White, Latino, and Asian male counterparts. African American boys’ reading and math disparities have been attributed to the negative portrayal and the pervasive deficit-oriented discourse about these young men. Using salient characteristics of organizational culture as a framework, this paper offers strategies for creating a culturally responsive environment that supports and promotes high academic performance among African American boys. Attention is given to policy, practice, personnel, programs, and process in schools and their role in culturally competent approaches for improving schools and individual academic achievement.
Perioperative changes in hemoglobin levels during major hepatopancreatic surgery in transfused and non-transfused patients
Authors: Lammi J.P. , Eskelinen Matti , Tuimala Jarno , Selander Tuomas , Saarnio Juha , Rantanen Tuomo
Published: October 2020

Background:

Several studies have shown that restrictive transfusion policies are safe. However, in clinical practice, transfusion policies seem to be inappropriate. In order to assist in decision-making concerning red blood cell transfusions, we determined perioperative hemoglobin (Hb) levels during major pancreatic and hepatic operations.

Methods:

Patients who underwent major pancreatic or hepatic resections between 2002 and 2011 were classified into the transfused (TF+) and non-transfused (TF) groups. The perioperative Hb values of these patients were evaluated at six points in time.

Results:

The study included 1596 patients, of which 785 underwent pancreatoduodenectomy, 79 total pancreatectomy, and 732 partial hepatectomy. Similar perioperative changes in Hb levels were seen in all patients regardless of whether they received a blood transfusion. In patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy and total pancreatectomy, the median of the lowest measured hemoglobin values was 89.2 g/L and in partial hepatectomy patients 92.6 g/L, and these were assumed to be the trigger points for red blood cell transfusion.

Conclusions:

Despite guidelines on blood transfusion thresholds, restrictive blood transfusion policies were not observed during our study period. After major pancreatic and hepatic surgery, Hb levels recovered without transfusions. This should encourage clinicians to obey the restrictive blood transfusion policies after major hepatopancreatic surgery.
The influence of mild versus severe hypodontia on facial soft tissues? A three-dimensional optical laser scanning-based cohort study
Authors: Johal Ama , Hasan Eiman , Zou Li Fong , Wong Ferranti , Shahdad Shakeel , Al-Klash Ryad
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To determine whether there are differences in the facial soft tissue morphology between participants with mild (up to two) or severe (six or more) hypodontia.

Design and Setting:

A prospective hospital-based cohort study.

Participants and Methods:

Ninety-two participants, aged 11–16 years, with confirmed hypodontia were recruited. Participants were sub-grouped based on the severity (mild, two or less and severe, six or more) and distribution of the missing teeth and age. They underwent a three-dimensional (3D) optical surface scan of the facial soft tissues. Facial surface scans were compared quantitatively, applying landmark measurements and surface-based analysis.

Results:

In total, 92 participants, with an equal distribution between the mild (n=46) and severe (n=46) categories, were recruited. Patients with severe hypodontia displayed a reduced alar base, lower facial height, nasolabial angle ( P = 0.02) and transgonial width ( P < 0.001) compared to those with milder hypodontia. Furthermore, significant differences were observed between mild-male and severe-female groups regarding alar base, lower anterior face height and transgonial width and between mild-male and mild-female groups regarding nasolabial angle and transgonial width.

Conclusion:

Significant reductions were seen in the 3D soft tissue morphology of participants with severe hypodontia, in terms of the nasolabial angle, lower facial height, alar base and transgonial widths, emphasising the importance of using facial scanning as a relatively simple non-invasive method of assessment.
Active-exploration-based generation of combustion-model adjusting to occasional rapid changes in mixed ratio of various fuel types
Authors: Esaki Kanako , Ito Kiyoto , Shirakawa Yuzo , Naito Hiroto , Matsumoto Kohsei , Ishikawa Takao
Published: October 2020

An active-exploration-based method has been developed for an engine combusting fuels with occasional rapid changes in a mixed ratio of various fuel types. To apply learning-based control to the engine, training data should be acquired and combustion models should be generated during actual operation. Occasional rapid changes in fuels lead to a small amount of data for each fuel type and ratio, which is susceptible to noise and results in slow convergence in exploring training data. Furthermore, slow convergence leads to extended control using no-longer appropriate parameters, causing faults. The method reduces the negative effect of noise by discretizing the combustion state space and naturally avoids engine faults by predicting the no-fault condition (i.e. stable combustion with higher thermal efficiency). Numerical experiments of typical optimization problems showed that the proposed method is robust against noise during the optimization process. By applying the method to an actual engine combusting a changing mixture of hydrogen and ethanol, thermal efficiency after combustion-model generation increased up to 7.9% and the coefficient of variation of the indicated mean effective pressure was less than 3% for all ratios. The increase in thermal efficiency corresponds to continuous predictions of the no-faults condition. These results demonstrate the potential practical use of engines with occasional rapid changes in mixed ratios of various fuel types during operation.
Does Sport Affect Health and Well-Being or Is It the Other Way Around? A Note on Reverse-Causality in Empirical Applications
Authors: Guan Jing , Tena J. D.
Published: October 2020

Estimating the causal impact of sport or physical activity on health and well-being is an issue of great relevance in the sport and health literature. The increasing availability of individual level data has encouraged this interest. However, this analysis requires dealing with two types of simultaneity problem: (1) between exercise and response variables; and (2) across the different response variables. This note discusses how the previous literature has dealt with these two questions with particular attention paid to the use of seemingly aseptic econometric models proposed by some recent empirical papers. Regardless of the approach, identification necessarily requires the use of untestable hypotheses. We provide some recommendations based on analyzing the robustness of the estimation results to changes in the adopted identification assumptions.
“Is Life Worth Living?”: The Role of Masculinity in the Way Men Aged Over 80 Talk About Living, Dying, and Suicide
Authors: King Kylie , Dow Briony , Keogh Louise , Feldman Peter , Milner Allison , Pierce David , Chenhall Richard , Schlichthorst Marisa
Published: October 2020

Men aged 85 years and over have the highest rate of suicide of any age or gender group in Australia. However, little is known about their trajectory toward suicide. The objective of this study was to understand the role of masculine norms and other life factors in the suicidality of older men. Thirty-three men aged 80 years or more took part in a semistructured focus group or interview, and/or completed a survey. Participants were asked about the issues facing older men, well-being and aging, physical health challenges, social support, mental health and help-seeking, and suicide and suicide prevention. Five themes emerged: “finding out we’re not invincible,” “active and tough,” “strong silent types,” “decision makers,” and “right to die.” Participants spoke about masculine norms that had influenced their lives as providers and decision makers, and now influenced how they coped with aging and their journey toward death. For some participants, suicide was seen to be a rational alternative to dependence in their final years. Suicide prevention should adopt a gendered approach and be cognizant of the influence of gender roles and masculinity in older men’s lives. Further research and prevention efforts should be mindful of the impact of masculine norms of self-reliance and control on an older man’s decision to end his life. Suicide prevention efforts should work to reduce stigma around the challenges of aging, maximize opportunities for control, facilitate social connection, and improve residential aged care.
Endovascular treatment for ruptured vertebral dissecting aneurysms involving PICA: Reconstruction or deconstruction? Experience from 16 patients
Authors: Kong Xiangjie , Sun Zeyu , Ling Chenhan , Xu Liang , Qian Cong , Yu Jun , Xu Jing
Published: October 2020

Objective

Ruptured vertebral dissecting aneurysms (VDAs) with posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) involved require an optimal method to isolate the dissection and prevent the symptomatic infraction. This study aims to present our experience with both parent artery occlusion (PAO) and stent-assisted coiling (SAC), and provide a favorable strategy to the management of ruptured VDAs with PICA involved.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage in our database from March 2013 to December 2018, suffering from dissecting aneurysms of the intradural vertebral arteries and endovascularly treated. A total of 16 cases with PICA involved were included. Basic information, aneurysm characteristics, procedure related complications and outcomes of patients were analyzed.

Results

10 (62.5%) aneurysms were managed with PAO containing 3 proximal occlusion and 8 targeted-trapping preserved the PICA. 5 (31.3%) aneurysms were treated with SAC and one 6.3%) treated with vertebral artery to PICA stenting and trapping. Two (12.5%) patients died in the acute phase. Good clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale 0 to 3) were observed in 13(81.5%) cases in 30 days follow-up. PICA territory infraction was happened in one patient without any dysfunction. Favorable occlusion was observed in 9 of 12 (75%) which were free of further treatment.

Conclusions

For patients with good contralateral circulation, PAO could be a first line management for ruptured VDAs with PICA involved. Targeted-trapping with either reserved PICA or proximal occlusion with moderate coiling in aneurysm are promising modalities to prevent severe PICA infraction.
Multipath modeling and mitigation by using sparse estimation in global navigation satellite system-challenged urban vehicular environments
Authors: Yuan Yue , Shen Feng , Xu Dingjie
Published: October 2020

Multipath interference has been one of the most difficult problems when using global navigation satellite system-based vehicular navigation in urban environments. In this article, we develop a multipath mitigation algorithm exploiting the sparse estimation theory that improves the absolute positioning accuracy in urban environments. The navigation observation model is established by considering the multipath bias as additive positioning errors, and the assumption for the proposed method is that global navigation satellite system signals contaminated due to multipath are the minority among the received signals, which makes the unknown bias vector sparse. We investigated an improved elastic net method to estimate the sparse multipath bias vector, and the global navigation satellite system measurements can be corrected by subtracting the estimated multipath error. The positioning performance of the proposed method is verified by analytical and experimental results.
Encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS) revascularization for symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic steno-occlusive (ERSIAS) Phase-II objective performance criterion trial
Authors: Gonzalez Nestor R , Jiang Hao , Lyden Patrick , Song Shlee , Schlick Konrad , Dumitrascu Oana , Quintero-Consuegra Miguel D , Toscano Juan F , Liebeskind David S , Restrepo Lucas , Rao Neal , Hinman Jason , Alexander Michael J , Schievink Wouter , Piantadosi Steven , Saver Jeffrey L
Published: October 2020

Background

Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is one of the most challenging stroke etiologies, with frequent recurrences despite optimized medical management. Encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS) is an indirect revascularization method that produces extra-cranial collaterals to intracranial vessels. We present the results of a phase-II trial of EDAS in intracranial atherosclerotic disease patients.

Aims

To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and preliminary efficacy of EDAS in intracranial atherosclerotic disease patients.

Methods

ERSIAS was a prospective objective-performance-criterion trial of EDAS plus intensive medical management (IMM) in intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) patients failing medical treatment. Primary endpoint was any stroke/death within 30-days post-surgery or stroke in the territory of the qualifying artery beyond 30 days. The primary analysis compared event rates through one year with an objective-performance-criterion based on a 10% reduction from the 20% rate in the intensive medical management arm of the stenting versus aggressive medical management for preventing recurrent stroke in intracranial stenosis trial (SAMMPRIS) in patients with poor collaterals. Event rates through two years were compared with propensity-score-matched (PSM) medically treated patients from SAMMPRIS and the carotid occlusion surgery study (COSS).

Results

During a median follow-up of 24.5 months, 5 (9.6%) of 52 patients had a primary endpoint event. The primary endpoint rate at one year met the threshold for nonfutility and advancement to phase III (<10%). In the sensitivity analysis, primary endpoint event rate at two years was lower than in PSM controls, 9.6% versus 21.2% (p < 0.07). Overall, 86% of EDAS-plus-intensive medical management patients were functionally independent at last follow-up and 89% demonstrated neovascularization. There were two (3.8%) surgical complications and no intracranial hemorrhages.

Conclusion

ERSIAS phase II provides evidence of safety and strong signals of efficacy of EDAS-plus-intensive medical management, supporting advancement to a seamless phase-IIb/III trial.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov.NCT01819597 .
Possible coexistence of MOG-IgG-associated disease and anti-Caspr2 antibody-associated autoimmune encephalitis: a first case report
Authors: Liu Pei , Bai Miao , Yan Xu , Ren Kaixi , Ding Jiaqi , Zhao Daidi , Li Hongzeng , Yan Yaping , Guo Jun
Published: October 2020

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease has been proposed as a separate inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) since the discovery of pathogenic antibodies against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG-IgG). Antibodies targeting contactin-associated protein-like 2 (Caspr2), a component of voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC) complex, have been documented to be associated with a novel autoimmune synaptic encephalitis with a low incidence. Herein, we reported an adult female with initial presentation of decreased vision in the right eye and subsequent episodes of neuropsychiatric disturbance including hypersomnia, agitation, apatheia, and memory impairment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed multiple lesions scattered in brain, brainstem, and cervical and thoracic spinal cord, showing hypointensity on T1-weighted images, hyperintensity on T2-weighted and fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images. Heterogenous patchy or ring-like enhancement was observed in the majority of lesions. The detection of low-titer MOG-IgG exclusively in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF; titer, 1:1) and Caspr2-IgG in both serum and CSF (titers, 1:100 and 1:1) led to a possible diagnosis of coexisting MOG-IgG-associated disease (MOGAD) and anti-Caspr2 antibody-associated autoimmune encephalitis. The patient was treated with immunosuppressive agents including corticosteroids and immunoglobulin, and achieved a sustained remission. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the possible coexistence of MOGAD and anti-Caspr2 antibody-associated autoimmune encephalitis, which advocates for the recommendation of a broad spectrum screening for antibodies against well-defined CNS antigens in suspected patients with autoimmune-mediated diseases of the CNS.
Characteristics of educators’ talk about decontextualised events
Authors: Andrews Rebecca , Van Bergen Penny
Published: October 2020

This study investigated the characteristics of educators’ talk about decontextualised events with young children in seven early childhood long day care centres in Sydney, Australia. Educators were partnered with up to six children aged between 27 and 60 months. Across two time points, 85 educator–child dyads discussed past and future events. Educators’ use of questions, contextual statements, evaluations and prompts and children’s use of questions, open-ended responses, yes-no responses and spontaneous information statements were examined. Educators’ evaluative statements were highly correlated and educators’ questions were moderately correlated with children’s open-ended responses in past event conversations. Educators’ evaluative statements were highly correlated with children’s open-ended responses in future event conversations and were the only significant predictor for children’s talk. Given the important role of educators in scaffolding children’s thinking and communication skills, the recommended strategies for educators’ talk in decontextualised conversations include: sharing the conversational load, making frequent contextual statements and following the child’s lead/interests.
Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support: Referral and Attendance at a Patient-Centered Medical Home
Authors: Alsayed Hassan Diana , Curtis Amy , Kerver Jean , Vangsnes Eric
Published: October 2020

Background

Although evidence shows that diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) is an effective tool to help individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) improve their health outcomes, there remains a large number of individuals not attending DSMES. Understanding how frequently patients receive referrals to DSMES and the number of DSMES hours they receive is important to determine, as well as patients’ health outcomes of utilizing DSMES. This will help us understand patterns of utilization and the outcomes that occur when such a valuable resource is utilized.

Methods

Secondary data analysis was conducted of patient electronic medical records at a primary healthcare federally qualified clinic and 2 area hospitals. We identified 105 adult patients with a new T2DM diagnosis with at least 2 A1c lab results 3 to 12 months apart during the study period.

Results

Only 53.5% were referred to DSMES. Out of those who were referred, 66% received no DSMES, 17% received 1-hour assessment, 4% received partial DSMES, and 13% received 8 or more hours. Linear regression of percent change in A1c and number of DSMES hours received, revealed that receiving 1 ( P = .001) or 8 or more hours of DSMES ( P = .022) had a significant negative relationship with the percent difference in A1c compared to the group who received no DSMES. Patients who had an hour of assessment had a similar percent reduction in A1c to those who had partial DSMES.

Conclusion

Referral rates and enrollment in DSMES remain low. Those who enrolled often dropped out after the one-hour assessment session. Results suggest making the one-hour assessment session more educationally comprehensive or longer to retain patients. Improving the DSMES referral process and further investing physicians’ decisions on whether to refer or not refer patients to DSMES are key for future studies.
How Does the Emotional Intelligence of Project Managers Affect Employees’ Innovative Behaviors and Job Performance? The Moderating Role of Social Network Structure Hole
Authors: Tang Handong , Wang Ge , Zheng Junwei , Luo Lan , Wu Guangdong
Published: October 2020

This study applies affective events theory (AET) and resource dependence theory to introduce the moderating variable social network structure hole; a theoretical model is applied to better understand construction project managers’ emotional intelligence (EI), the innovative behavior of employees, and job performance. A questionnaire survey was conducted with Chinese construction project managers and their employees, with 169 valid questionnaires analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results show that (a) managers with high EI have more potential to make use of structural holes; (b) managers with high EI can stimulate employees’ innovative behavior, thus improving employees’ job performance; (c) structural holes can enhance the relationship between managers’ EI and employees’ innovative behavior and strengthen the relationship between EI and employees’ job performance. Using the lens of AET, this study examines the influencing path of managers’ EI on employees’ job performance from two aspects: emotion-driven behavior and judgment-driven behavior. The study also discusses the moderating mechanism of social network structure hole. The conclusion may help project managers better understand and make use of the influence of social network structure holes.
Quantitative and Qualitative Analyses of the Lateral Ligamentous Complex and Extensor Tendon Origins of the Elbow: An Anatomic Study
Authors: Bernholt David L. , Rosenberg Samuel I. , Brady Alex W. , Storaci Hunter W. , Viola Randall W. , Hackett Thomas R.
Published: October 2020

Background:

The lateral collateral ligament complex of the elbow is important in preventing posterolateral rotary instability of the elbow. Understanding the quantitative anatomy of this ligamentous complex and the overlying extensor musculature can aid in the surgical treatment of problems affecting the lateral side of the elbow.

Purpose:

To perform qualitative and quantitative anatomic evaluations of the lateral elbow ligamentous complex and common extensor muscle origins with specific attention to pertinent osseous landmarks.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 10 nonpaired, fresh-frozen human cadaveric elbows (mean age, 42.2 years; all male) were utilized. Quantitative analysis was performed using a 3-dimensional coordinate measuring device to quantify the location of pertinent bony landmarks, tendons, and ligament footprints of the lateral side of the elbow.

Results:

The extensor carpi radialis brevis was the only humeral footprint found to cross the radiocapitellar joint line, extending a mean 5.9 mm (95% CI, 4.7-7.0) distal to the joint line. With the elbow in full extension, the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) humeral footprint was found 7.1 mm (95% CI, 4.7-9.4) anterior and 9.8 mm (95% CI, 8.4-11.2) distal to the lateral epicondyle and 8.6 mm (95% CI, 7.5-9.7) proximal to the radiocapitellar joint line, while the radial collateral ligament humeral footprint was found 6.6 mm (95% CI, 5.5-7.8) anterior and 5.6 mm (95% CI, 4.0-7.2) distal to the lateral epicondyle and 12.7 mm (95% CI, 11.4-14.0) proximal to the radiocapitellar joint line. The center of the ulnar attachment of the LUCL was found 1.4 mm (95% CI, 0.7-2.1) anterior and 2.4 mm (95% CI, 1.2-6.0) proximal to the supinator tubercle and 24.4 mm (95% CI, 22.7-26.1) distal to the radiocapitellar joint line. The center of the ulnar attachment of the annular ligament was found to be 17.3 mm proximal to the supinator tubercle.

Conclusion:

The current study provides measured distances of LUCL and radial collateral ligament attachments in reference to clinically relevant landmarks, which can potentially aid surgeons in performing more anatomic reconstruction or repair of the lateral ligamentous complex of the elbow.
Improving Effectiveness of Phototherapy in an Academic Center: A Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Siddappa Ashajyothi M. , Prekker Frances L. , Slusher Tina M.
Published: October 2020

Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is a common cause of delayed discharge and readmissions in our institution. As previously published, the irradiance our phototherapy (PT) units provided was below the irradiance recommended by the AAP for intensive phototherapy (>30 µW/cm2/nm). We measured irradiance delivered by our PT units (Drager 4000) using a standardized footprint grid. By varying number of blue and white fluorescent PT lights, height of PT unit above the neonate and type of bed used (open bassinet versus isolette), we determined the optimal PT arrangement needed to deliver intensive PT (30 µW/cm2/nm). We then developed a standardized, multidisciplinary protocol specifying light arrangement and distance required needed to achieve the desired irradiance level. We were able to show improved irradiance following above changes. Onsite measurement of irradiance provided by local phototherapy units and development of a multidisciplinary, standardized protocol are necessary to assure delivery of recommended levels PT for neonates with hyperbilirubinemia.
IP-10 and MCP-1 as biomarkers associated with disease severity of COVID-19
Authors: Chen Yu , Wang Jinglan , Liu Chenxi , Su Longxiang , Zhang Dong , Fan Junping , Yang Yanli , Xiao Meng , Xie Jing , Xu Yingchun , Li Yongzhe , Zhang Shuyang
Published: October 2020

Background

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome-Coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Patients with this disease may be more prone to venous or arterial thrombosis because of the activation of many factors involved in it, including inflammation, platelet activation and endothelial dysfunction. Interferon gamma inducible protein-10 (IP-10), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and macrophage inflammatory protein 1-alpha (MIP1α) are cytokines related to thrombosis. Therefore, this study focused on these three indicators in COVID-19, with the hope to find biomarkers that are associated with patients’ outcome.

Methods

This is a retrospective single-center study involving 74 severe and critically ill COVID-19 patients recruited from the ICU department of the Tongji Hospital in Wuhan, China. The patients were divided into two groups: severe patients and critically ill patients. The serum IP-10, MCP-1 and MIP1α level in both groups was detected using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The clinical symptoms, laboratory test results, and the outcome of COVID-19 patients were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

The serum IP-10 and MCP-1 level in critically ill patients was significantly higher than that in severe patients (P < 0.001). However, no statistical difference in MIP1α between the two groups was found. The analysis of dynamic changes showed that these indicators remarkably increased in patients with poor prognosis. Since the selected patients were severe or critically ill, no significant difference was observed between survival and death.

Conclusions

IP-10 and MCP-1 are biomarkers associated with the severity of COVID-19 disease and can be related to the risk of death in COVID-19 patients.
Costs related to serious road injuries: a European perspective
Authors: Schoeters Annelies , Wijnen Wim , Carnis Laurent , Weijermars Wendy , Elvik Rune , Daniels Stijn , Johannsen Heiko
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Costs related to road crashes represent an important societal burden. Additionally they constitute an essential input variable to assess the cost efficiency of road safety measures. While most attention is usually spent on costs related to fatal crashes, this paper focuses on costs related to serious injuries.

Method

A review of these costs is presented based on different data sets and methods.

Results

A survey collecting crash cost estimates in European countries shows considerable variation in the costs related to serious injuries. The reported cost per serious injury varies between €28,205 and €975,074 and the total costs related to serious injuries vary between 0.04% and 2.7% of a country’s GDP. The applied methodology to estimate human costs appears to have a large influence. Other potential explanations are the applied definition for seriously injured victims, the registration procedure of crashes with serious injuries and the cost components that are included. Detailed analyses of medical costs and production loss that are based on country-specific datasets show the importance of assessing medical costs on the long term and taking into account the variation of these costs for different subgroups of traffic victims. A comparison of approaches to estimate monetary values for human costs shows that most countries use the Willingness To Pay method. While having a sound theoretical background, this method is rather limited in the specification of injuries. The use of Quality Adjusted Life Years gives the possibility to provide values for a larger diversity of injury types.
Genome-wide identification of MADS-box gene family in sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) identifies a SEPALLATA homolog gene involved in floral development
Authors: Lin Zhongyuan , Cao Dingding , Damaris Rebecca Njeri , Yang Pingfang
Published: October 2020

Background

Sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is a vital perennial aquatic ornamental plant. Its flower shape determines the horticultural and ornamental values. However, the mechanisms underlying lotus flower development are still elusive. MADS-box transcription factors are crucial in various features of plant development, especially in floral organogenesis and specification. It is still unknown how the MADS-box transcription factors regulate the floral organogenesis in lotus.

Results

To obtain a comprehensive insight into the functions of MADS-box genes in sacred lotus flower development, we systematically characterized members of this gene family based on the available genome information. A total of 44 MADS-box genes were identified, of which 16 type I and 28 type II genes were categorized based on the phylogenetic analysis. Furthermore, the structure of MADS-box genes and their expressional patterns were also systematically analyzed. Additionally, subcellular localization analysis showed that they are mainly localized in the nucleus, of which a SEPALLATA3 (SEP3) homolog NnMADS14 was proven to be involved in the floral organogenesis.

Conclusion

These results provide some fundamental information about the MADS-box gene family and their functions, which might be helpful in not only understanding the mechanisms of floral organogenesis but also breeding of high ornamental value cultivars in lotus.
Different sets of TaCKX genes affect yield-related traits in wheat plants grown in a controlled environment and in field conditions
Authors: Szala Karolina , Ogonowska Hanna , Lugowska Boguslawa , Zmijewska Barbara , Wyszynska Renata , Dmochowska-Boguta Marta , Orczyk Waclaw , Nadolska-Orczyk Anna
Published: October 2020

Background

TaCKX wheat gene family members (GFMs) encode the enzyme cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase (CKX), which irreversibly degrades cytokinins. The genes are important regulators of cytokinin content and take part in growth and development, with a major impact on yield-related traits. The goal of this research was to test whether these genes might be differentially expressed in the field compared to laboratory conditions and consequently differently affect plant development and yield.

Results

We compared expression and crosstalk of the TaCKX GFMs and TaNAC2-5A gene in modern varieties grown in a growth chamber (GC) and in the field and looked for differences in their impact on yield-related traits. The TaNAC2-5A gene was included in the research since it was expected to play an important role in co-regulation of these genes. The range of relative expression levels of TaCKX GFMs and TaNAC2-5A gene among tested cultivars was from 5 for TaCKX8 to more than 100 for TaCKX9 in the GC and from 6 for TaCKX8 to 275 for TaCKX10 in the field. The range was similar for four of them in the GC, but was much higher for seven others and TaNAC2-5A in the field. The TaCKX GFMs and TaNAC2-5A form co-expression groups, which differ depending on growth conditions. Consequently, the genes also differently regulate yield-related traits in the GC and in the field. TaNAC2-5A took part in negative regulation of tiller number and CKX activity in seedling roots only in controlled GC conditions. Grain number and grain yield were negatively regulated by TaCKX10 in the GC but positively by TaCKX8 and others in the field. Some of the genes, which were expressed in seedling roots, negatively influenced tiller number and positively regulated seedling root weight, CKX activity in the spikes, thousand grain weight (TGW) as well as formation of semi-empty spikes.

Conclusions

We have documented that: 1) natural variation in expression levels of tested genes in both environments is very high, indicating the possibility of selection of beneficial genotypes for breeding purposes, 2) to create a model of an ideotype for breeding, we need to take into consideration the natural environment.