bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Robust Data-Driven Approach for the Newsvendor Problem with Nonparametric Information
Authors: Xu Liang , Zheng Yi , Jiang Li
Published: March 2021

Problem definition: For the standard newsvendor problem with an unknown demand distribution, we develop an approach that uses data input to construct a distribution ambiguity set with the nonparametric characteristics of the true distribution, and we use it to make robust decisions. Academic/practical relevance: Empirical approach relies on historical data to estimate the true distribution. Although the estimated distribution converges to the true distribution, its performance with limited data is not guaranteed. Our approach generates robust decisions from a distribution ambiguity set that is constructed by data-driven estimators for nonparametric characteristics and includes the true distribution with the desired probability. It fits situations where data size is small. Methodology: We apply a robust optimization approach with nonparametric information. Results: Under a fixed method to partition the support of the demand, we construct a distribution ambiguity set, build a protection curve as a proxy for the worst-case distribution in the set, and use it to obtain a robust stocking quantity in closed form. Implementation-wise, we develop an adaptive method to continuously feed data to update partitions with a prespecified confidence level in their unbiasedness and adjust the protection curve to obtain robust decisions. We theoretically and experimentally compare the proposed approach with existing approaches. Managerial implications: Our nonparametric approach under adaptive partitioning guarantees that the realized average profit exceeds the worst-case expected profit with a high probability. Using real data sets from Kaggle.com, it can outperform existing approaches in yielding profit rate and stabilizing the generated profits, and the advantages are more prominent as the service ratio decreases. Nonparametric information is more valuable than parametric information in profit generation provided that the service requirement is not too high. Moreover, our proposed approach provides a means of combining nonparametric and parametric information in a robust optimization framework.
the facilitator as liberator and enabler: ethical responsibility in communities of philosophical inquiry
Authors: Kizel Arie
Published: March 2021

From its inception, philosophy for/with children (P4wC) has sought to promote philosophical discussion with children based on the latter’s own questions and a pedagogic method designed to encourage critical, creative, and caring thinking. Communities of inquiry can be plagued by power struggles prompted by diverse identities, however. These not always being highlighted in the literature or P4wC discourse, this article proposes a two-stage model for facilitators as part of their ethical responsibility. In the first phase, they should free themselves from assumptions and closed-mindedness. They should liberate themselves from pedagogy of fear and “banking education” in order to act freely in an educational space characterized by improvisation that cultivates participation of the children. Here, the text is based on normalizing education principles, counter-education and diasporic-education approaches in order to ensure openness and inclusiveness. In the second, they should embrace enabling-identity views and practices in order to make the community of inquiry as identity-broad and -rich as possible, recognizing and legitimizing the participants’ differences. Here, the text is based on principles such as recognizing power games as part of the community, ensuring multi-narratives human environment and enabling epistemic justice in order to ensure perspectival multiplicity, multiple identities, and the legitimization of difference characterized by pedagogy of search.
is there a form of citizenship specific to philosophy for children?
Authors: Leseigneur Clarisse
Published: March 2021

Due to the obvious and widely studied Deweyan foundations in the educational program elaborated by philosopher Mathew Lipman, Philosophy for Children (P4C) is often presented as a continuation of Dewey’s democratic ideal, as a mode of associated living. I argue that there is a democratic model specific to Lipman’s P4C, that cannot be reduced to Dewey’s theories. To do so, I propose to compare Dewey’s and Lipman’s educational models through the Bourdieusian notion of habitus, understood as a set of lasting mental dispositions, following a specific social conditioning, revealed by some practical habits. Studying in depth Dewey’s and Lipman’s educational recommendations concerning inquiry does not only reveal that they are structured according to different rationalities, it also highlights the fact that they tend to develop different habits and dispositions in the child, that ultimately form two distinct citizen habitus. Dewey’s habitus could be called experimental and Lipman’s habitus dialogical and they both correspond to their respective reflections on democracy and the role a citizen should be playing. I conclude by highlighting the interesting possibilities that stem from the analysis and comparison of educational models through the notion of habitus.Resumen: En razón de las indudables y ampliamente estudiadas fundaciones deweyana en la pedagogía elaborada por el filósofo Mathew Lipman, la filosofía para niños es generalmente presentada como una continuación del ideal democrático de John Dewey, como un modo de vida asociada. Sostengo que existe un modelo democrático específico a la filosofía para niños como la que fue elaborada por Lipman, que no se puede reducir a las teorías de Dewey. Para mostrar eso, propongo de comparar las pedagogías de Dewey y de Lipman a través de la noción bourdieusiana del habitus, entendida como un conjunto de disposiciones mentales duraderas, proveniente de un condicionamiento social específico, que se manifiesta por hábitos prácticos. Un estudio en profundidad de las recomendaciones educativas de Dewey y de Lipman en cuento a la encuesta no sólo revela que están organizadas por racionalidades diferentes, sino también que desarrollan hábitos y disposiciones diferentes en el niño, que últimamente forman dos habitus ciudadanos distintos. El habitus de Dewey se puede llamar experimental, y el de Lipman un habitus dialógico, los dos corresponden a sus reflexiones respectivas sobre la democracia y el rol del ciudadano. Concluyo subrayando las posibilidades interesantes que emerjan de la analiza y comparación de las pedagogías a través de la noción de habitus.
cartografia infantil: enfoques metodológicos seguidos de experiências com crianças e jovens de portugal e brasil
Authors: Almeida Tiago , Costa Luciano Bedin
Published: March 2021

This article has a double objective that aims to situate, theoretically and empirically, children's cartography as a research methodology. In a first movement, we will situate children's cartography in its epistemological and philosophical bases, having as inspiration the cartographic conceptions of the philosophy of Deleuze & Guattari and his commentators. The introduction of  cartography with children shifts our research perspectives to include dimensions that were once imperceptible or relegated to a plane of lesser value: it maps, not just what children see, but what they say, and chronicles the coexistence of children and the  world in ways not previously available to adult-organized research vehicles. We illustrate by chronicling two cartographic experiences carried out with children and young people from Portugal and Brazil, and finish with a reflection on how researchers might configure mapping experiences that act to open the worlds of adults and children to each other.
Taro (Colocasia esculenta) flour intake enable bone integrity in male rats
Authors: Pessoa Letícia Rozeno , De Abreu Maíra Duque Coutinho , Gracio Gabrielle Ribeiro , Boueri Bianca Ferolla da Camara , Da Silva Eduardo Moreira , Boaventura Gilson Teles , Da Costa Carlos Alberto Soares
Published: March 2021

Objetivo: A proposta deste estudo foi investigar a composição óssea em ratos tratados com dieta suplementada com farinha de taro (Colocasia esculenta) até eles completarem 90 dias de idade. Métodos: No momento do desmame, os ratos foram divididos em grupo controle (C, n = 11) e experimental (T, n = 12) – composto por animais tratados com farinha de taro até os 90 dias de idade. Ingestão alimentar, massa e comprimento corporal foram avaliados semanalmente ao longo de todo o período experimental. Dimensões ósseas, bem como a densidade mineral óssea (DMO), conteúdo mineral ósseo (CMO), área óssea total e propriedades biomecânicas foram determinadas no final de 90 dias. Resultados: Grupo T apresentou elevados valores (P<0.05) para massa e comprimento corporal; DMO, CMO e área óssea da coluna vertebral; DMO na quarta vértebra lombar; massa femoral, distância entre as epífises, largura do ponto médio da diáfise, DMO, força máxima e concentrações séricas de osteocalcina, quando comparado ao grupo controle. Conclusões: A ingestão da farinha de taro apresentou efeito positivo na saúde óssea.
Faith-sensitive end of life care for children, young people and their families
Authors: Camara Claire , Rosengarten Leah
Published: March 2021

This article is part of an at a glance series on palliation and end of life care in paediatrics and focuses on the provision of faith-sensitive end of life care. Particular religions are discussed, with some key points for care of patients from some of the most prevalent religions within the UK. This article is intended to give points for discussion and consideration, but health professionals are encouraged to speak to every patient and family on an individual level to ensure an understanding of their personal beliefs. Although there is a range of literature discussing faith during end-of-life care, there is litte that outlines the practical specifics and for this reason some of the supporting literature in this article is dated and, where possible, this has been supported with contemporary sources.
A simple but vital innovation in the care of kidney patients
Authors: Cumberlidge Julie
Published: March 2021

Julie Cumberlidge, Deputy Associate Chief Nurse, Medicine Division, Royal Stoke University Hospital, University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust ( Julie.cumberlidge@uhnm.nhs.uk ), describes an innovation by the Trust's Haemodialysis Team, runner-up in the BJN Awards 2020 Renal Nurse of the Year category
Deep tissue injury: a narrative review on the aetiology of a controversial wound
Authors: Wynn Matthew
Published: March 2021

Deep tissue injuries (DTIs) were added to pressure ulcer grading systems in 2009. Since then, they have been associated with the same aetiological processes as other forms of pressure injury (PI). This is despite notable clinical differences in their presentation along with variations in natural history that suggest they are the consequence of processes distinct from those that cause other PIs. Understanding the aetiology of DTIs is essential to guide prevention and treatment in addition to ensuring healthcare governance processes deeply tied to pressure injury are effective and efficient. Current understanding of the aetiology of DTI has significant gaps, with several key challenges impeding progress in this area of PI research, including inconsistent reporting by healthcare services and the limitations of animal and computer models in addition to the ethical barriers to conducting studies on human subjects. Synthesis of early studies with studies undertaken before 2009 is also limited by the variety in definitions of DTI used before that published by the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel and the Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance in 2009. To date, few prospective clinical studies have been conducted. This article presents a narrative review on the clinical and animal study evidence indicating contemporary understanding of DTI.
The assessment and management of hypergranulation
Authors: Mitchell Aby , Llumigusin Doris
Published: March 2021

Wound healing follows a process of four distinct phases: haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and maturation. Problems can arise in any of these phases, delaying the wound process. Hypergranulation (also known as overgranulation) during the proliferation phase occurs when granulation tissue over grows beyond the wound surface. Such wounds have a discoloured, raised or swollen appearance and bleed easily. The cause may be infection, the effects of friction on the wound area, nutritional deficit or stress. Treatments will depend on the cause. There is a lack of studies on treatments for hypergranulaton and more research is required.
A Review of Non-plaque-related Gingival Conditions. Part One: Genetic/Developmental Disorders, Specific Infections and Inflammatory and Immune Conditions
Authors: Simms Melanie , Lewis Michael
Published: March 2021

The dental gingivae are a unique part of the oral anatomy and an integral part of the periodontal tissues. Although the vast majority of abnormalities affecting the gingival tissues are due to a simple inflammatory reaction directly related to the presence of dental plaque, a range of non-plaque-related conditions also occur due to either local or systemic factors. Such factors include developmental abnormalities, the presence of malignancy and manifestations of underlying systemic conditions. Recognition and diagnosis of non-plaque-related gingival disease is essential for comprehensive dental health care.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: This paper provides a review of the spectrum of non-plaque-related conditions that can affect the dental gingivae.
Avoiding disasters in restorative dentistry by effective communication
Authors: Paterson Andrew James
Published: March 2021

A definition of a restorative disaster is proposed. Reasons are discussed that contribute to restorative disasters that primarily focus on dentist factors within the dentist–patient relationship. For prevention of a restorative disaster in the failing dentition, the importance of effective communication, the use of an evidence-based approach and having clear consent processes are stressed. The negative consequences of an inability to say ‘no’, a reliance on experience and intuition in decision making, a simple misplaced desire to help and the creation of false hope are seen as factors in managing the failing dentition that may lead to restorative disaster. Using a clinical example, a broad strategy for effective management of a restorative disaster is discussed, which readers may find helpful to apply to similar situations that may occur on occasion in clinical practice.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: This article is relevant to both generalists and specialists involved in the clinical management of heavily restored and failing dentitions, together with students who will be likely to face similar issues in the future.
Why have emergency admissions in under-5s been increasing?
Authors: Hancock David
Published: March 2021

A recent report found that emergency hospital admissions for children under 5 have increased considerably in the last decade in the UK. Dave Hancock highlights some of the reasons why families seek urgent care
Becoming parents by adoption: A systematic review
Authors: Long Tracey , Jones Catriona , Jomeen Julie , Martin Colin R
Published: March 2021

The transition to parenthood for biological parents has been explored extensively in research, shaping healthcare service provision from pre-conception to birth and beyond. However, adoptive parents are in a unique position and, despite a growing number of studies on this issue, there remains a demonstrable evidence gap about the experiences of adoptive parents. There is an urgent need to bring existing work in this area together and synthesise the key messages for research and practice. The aim of this review was to identify and summarise papers concerning the experiences of adoptive parents becoming parents for the first time, in order to inform future research and clinical practice. A systematic review identified 21 papers and seven areas of interest. Similarities exist between new biological and new adoptive parents but new adoptive parents face unique experiences and challenges as a result of becoming parents through adoption, not biology.
The metatarsaus adductus effect by the syndesmosis procedure for hallux valgus correction
Authors: Wu Daniel Yiang , Lam Eddy Kwok Fai
Published: March 2021

Aims

The purpose of this study is to examine the adductus impact on the second metatarsal by the nonosteotomy nonarthrodesis syndesmosis procedure for the hallux valgus deformity correction, and how it would affect the mechanical function of the forefoot in walking. For correcting the metatarsus primus varus deformity of hallux valgus feet, the syndesmosis procedure binds first metatarsal to the second metatarsal with intermetatarsal cerclage sutures.

Methods

We reviewed clinical records of a single surgical practice from its entire 2014 calendar year. In total, 71 patients (121 surgical feet) qualified for the study with a mean follow-up of 20.3 months (SD 6.2). We measured their metatarsus adductus angle with the Sgarlato’s method (SMAA), and the intermetatarsal angle (IMA) and metatarsophalangeal angle (MPA) with Hardy’s mid axial method. We also assessed their American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) clinical scale score, and photographic and pedobarographic images for clinical function results.

Results

SMAA increased from preoperative 15.9° (SD 4.9°) to 17.2° (5.0°) (p < 0.001). IMA and MPA corrected from 14.6° (SD 3.3°) and 31.9° (SD 8.0°) to 7.2° (SD 2.2°) and 18.8° (SD 6.4°) (p < 0.001), respectively. AOFAS score improved from 66.8 (SD 12.0) to 96.1 (SD 8.0) points (p < 0.001). Overall, 98% (119/121) of feet with preoperative plantar calluses had them disappeared or noticeably subsided, and 93% (113/121) of feet demonstrated pedobarographic medialization of forefoot force in walking. We reported all complications.

Conclusion

This study, for the first time, reported the previously unknown metatarsus adductus side-effect of the syndesmosis procedure. However, it did not compromise function restoration of the forefoot by evidence of our patients' plantar callus and pedobarographic findings. Level of Clinical Evidence: III Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(3):174–180.
Tax reform and redistribution for a better recovery
Authors: FitzRoy Felix , Jin Jim
Published: March 2021

A regressive tax system and welfare cuts under ideological austerity have generated growing poverty and inequality in the UK and US. Failures in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting deep recession have the greatest impact on the poorest and most vulnerable, exacerbating poverty and inequality. In contrast to this depressing history, we show in detail that a better recovery in the UK requires a radical tax reform and a universal basic income, combined with a Green New Deal for full employment and a low-carbon economy, employee self-determination and economic democracy to eliminate exploitation and establish social justice.
Polarization resolving and imaging with a single-photon sensitive superconducting nanowire array
Authors: Sun Xing-Qu , Zhang Wei-Jun , Zhang Cheng-Jun , You Li-Xing , Xu Guang-Zhao , Huang Jia , Zhou Hui , Li Hao , Wang Zhen , Xie Xiao-Ming
Published: March 2021

Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) have attracted remarkable interest for visible and near-infrared single-photon detection due to their outstanding performance. However, conventional SNSPDs are generally used as binary photon-counting detectors. Another important characteristic of light, i.e., polarization, which can provide additional information of the object, has not been resolved using the standalone SNSPD. In this work, we present a first prototype of the polarimeter based on a four-pixel superconducting nanowire array, capable of resolving the polarization state of linearly-polarized light at the single-photon level. The detector array design is based on a division of focal plane configuration in which the orientation of each nanowire division (pixel) is offset by 45°. Each single nanowire pixel operates as a combination of a photon detector and almost linear polarization filter, with an average polarization extinction ratio of ∼10. The total system detection efficiency of the array is ∼1% at a total dark count rate of 680 cps, with a timing jitter of 126 ps, when the detector array is free-space coupled and illuminated with 1550-nm photons. The mean errors of the measured angle of polarization and degree of linear polarization were about -3° and 0.12, respectively. Furthermore, we successfully demonstrated polarization imaging at low-light level using the proposed detector. Our results pave the way for the development of a single-photon sensitive, fast, and large-scale integrated polarization polarimeter or imager. Such detector may find promising application in photon-starved polarization resolving and imaging with high spatial and temporal resolution.
Influence of the thermal evolution of Au nanoparticles induced by ion implantation on the reflectivity of multilayer structures
Authors: Qu Lun , Zhao Jiaxian , Yang Jiahui , Sun Yongjie , Liu Changlong
Published: March 2021

The Au/SiO2-SiO2 multilayer periodic structure was fabricated by ion implantation and radio-frequency magnetron sputtering. We proposed a scheme to change the refractive index of the nanocomposite layer based on the important influence of the annealing temperatures on the Au nanoparticles (NPs), and analyzed the changes in the size, volume fraction and dipolar interaction factor of the Au NPs at different temperatures. As a result, the reflectivity of the sample with four periods increased from 65.0% to 82.6% at 800 °C. This method is promising as an application to prepare large-scale photonic integrated circuits as a small size but efficient Bragg reflector.
Absorption enhancement of thin layer black phosphorous in the mid-infrared with an all-dielectric metasurface
Authors: Zhang Nan , Li Guanhai , Ou Kai , Li Xiaoyan , Chen Jin , Zhao Zengyue , Yu Feilong , Liu Changlong , Chen Xiaoshuang
Published: March 2021

Infrared (IR) light photodetection based on two dimensional (2D) materials has attracted increasing attention. However, the weak IR absorption in 2D materials due to their inherent atomically thin thickness degrades their performance when used as IR photodetectors. Dielectric metasurfaces have represented fantastic functionalities in realizing high-efficiency wavefront control in the optical and infrared ranges. In this work, we design an all-dielectric phase gradient metasurface in the mid-infrared to improve the limited absorption of black phosphorous (BP). With the elaborately designed metasurface the incident infrared light in the form of plane wave is converted into surface wave, and it is guided to concentrate at the very center of the structure. Enhanced electric field is achieved at the center of the structure. With placement of thin layer BP of 5 µm×5 µm size, the absorption can be enhanced to about 3.77% at 3.6 µm, which is about 20 times larger than that of bare thin layer BP. Different sizes and thickness of the BP are also investigated to demonstrate the effectiveness and flexibility of our design. Owing to the lossless and absorption enhancement properties of our structure, our design may find applications in the upcoming highly efficient 2D photodetectors.
Predicting microbial growth dynamics in response to nutrient availability
Authors: Nev Olga A. , Lindsay Richard J. , Jepson Alys , Butt Lisa , Beardmore Robert E. , Gudelj Ivana
Published: March 2021

Developing mathematical models to accurately predict microbial growth dynamics remains a key challenge in ecology, evolution, biotechnology, and public health. To reproduce and grow, microbes need to take up essential nutrients from the environment, and mathematical models classically assume that the nutrient uptake rate is a saturating function of the nutrient concentration. In nature, microbes experience different levels of nutrient availability at all environmental scales, yet parameters shaping the nutrient uptake function are commonly estimated for a single initial nutrient concentration. This hampers the models from accurately capturing microbial dynamics when the environmental conditions change. To address this problem, we conduct growth experiments for a range of micro-organisms, including human fungal pathogens, baker’s yeast, and common coliform bacteria, and uncover the following patterns. We observed that the maximal nutrient uptake rate and biomass yield were both decreasing functions of initial nutrient concentration. While a functional form for the relationship between biomass yield and initial nutrient concentration has been previously derived from first metabolic principles, here we also derive the form of the relationship between maximal nutrient uptake rate and initial nutrient concentration. Incorporating these two functions into a model of microbial growth allows for variable growth parameters and enables us to substantially improve predictions for microbial dynamics in a range of initial nutrient concentrations, compared to keeping growth parameters fixed.
Impact of recent climate extremes on mosquito-borne disease transmission in Kenya
Authors: Nosrat Cameron , Altamirano Jonathan , Anyamba Assaf , Caldwell Jamie M. , Damoah Richard , Mutuku Francis , Ndenga Bryson , LaBeaud A. Desiree
Published: March 2021

Climate change and variability influence temperature and rainfall, which impact vector abundance and the dynamics of vector-borne disease transmission. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme climate events. Mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue fever, are primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Freshwater availability and temperature affect dengue vector populations via a variety of biological processes and thus influence the ability of mosquitoes to effectively transmit disease. However, the effect of droughts, floods, heat waves, and cold waves is not well understood. Using vector, climate, and dengue disease data collected between 2013 and 2019 in Kenya, this retrospective cohort study aims to elucidate the impact of extreme rainfall and temperature on mosquito abundance and the risk of arboviral infections. To define extreme periods of rainfall and land surface temperature (LST), we calculated monthly anomalies as deviations from long-term means (1983–2019 for rainfall, 2000–2019 for LST) across four study locations in Kenya. We classified extreme climate events as the upper and lower 10% of these calculated LST or rainfall deviations. Monthly Ae. aegypti abundance was recorded in Kenya using four trapping methods. Blood samples were also collected from children with febrile illness presenting to four field sites and tested for dengue virus using an IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We found that mosquito eggs and adults were significantly more abundant one month following an abnormally wet month. The relationship between mosquito abundance and dengue risk follows a non-linear association. Our findings suggest that early warnings and targeted interventions during periods of abnormal rainfall and temperature, especially flooding, can potentially contribute to reductions in risk of viral transmission.
Proteomic identification of the UDP-GlcNAc: PI α1–6 GlcNAc-transferase subunits of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol biosynthetic pathway of Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Ji Zhe , Tinti Michele , Ferguson Michael A. J.
Published: March 2021

The first step of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor biosynthesis in all eukaryotes is the addition of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) to phosphatidylinositol (PI) which is catalysed by a UDP-GlcNAc: PI α1–6 GlcNAc-transferase, also known as GPI GnT. This enzyme has been shown to be a complex of seven subunits in mammalian cells and a similar complex of six homologous subunits has been postulated in yeast. Homologs of these mammalian and yeast subunits were identified in the Trypanosoma brucei predicted protein database. The putative catalytic subunit of the T. brucei complex, TbGPI3, was epitope tagged with three consecutive c-Myc sequences at its C-terminus. Immunoprecipitation of TbGPI3-3Myc followed by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and anti-Myc Western blot showed that it is present in a ~240 kDa complex. Label-free quantitative proteomics were performed to compare anti-Myc pull-downs from lysates of TbGPI-3Myc expressing and wild type cell lines. TbGPI3-3Myc was the most highly enriched protein in the TbGPI3-3Myc lysate pull-down and the expected partner proteins TbGPI15, TbGPI19, TbGPI2, TbGPI1 and TbERI1 were also identified with significant enrichment. Our proteomics data also suggest that an Arv1-like protein (TbArv1) is a subunit of the T. brucei complex. Yeast and mammalian Arv1 have been previously implicated in GPI biosynthesis, but here we present the first experimental evidence for physical association of Arv1 with GPI biosynthetic machinery. A putative E2-ligase has also been tentatively identified as part of the T. brucei UDP-GlcNAc: PI α1–6 GlcNAc-transferase complex.
High SLC2A1 expression associated with suppressing CD8 T cells and B cells promoted cancer survival in gastric cancer
Authors: Min Kyueng-Whan , Kim Dong-Hoon , Son Byoung Kwan , Moon Kyoung Min , Kim So Myoung , Intazur Rahaman Md. , Kim So Won , Kim Eun-Kyung , Kwon Mi Jung , Koh Young Wha , Oh Il Hwan
Published: March 2021

High expression of glucose transporter family members, which augment glucose uptake and glycolytic flux, has been shown to play a pivotal role in the proliferation and survival of tumor cells, contributing to the energy supply, biosynthesis and homeostasis of cancer cells. Among the many members, solute carrier family 2 member 1 (SLC2A1) encodes a glucose transporter, GLUT1, that is critical in the metabolism of glucose, which is an energy source for cell growth that contributes to cancer progression and development. The aim of this study was to analyze the survival and genetic changes/immune profiles in patients with gastric cancer with high SLC2A1 expression and to provide treatment for improving prognosis. This study investigated the clinicopathologic parameters, the proportion of immune cells and gene sets affecting SLC2A1 expression in 279 and 415 patients with gastric cancer from the Eulji Hospital cohort and The Cancer Genome Atlas, respectively. We assessed the response to conventional chemotherapy drugs, including fluorouracil, a compound of fluoropyrimidine S-1, oxaliplatin, and all−trans−retinoic acid (ATRA), in gastric cancer cell lines with high SLC2A1 expression. High SLC2A1 expression was associated with poor prognosis, cancer cell proliferation, decreased immune cells, including CD8 T cells and B cells, and a low prognostic nutrition index, representing body nutrition-related status. In pathway network analysis, SLC2A1 was indirectly linked to the retinoic signaling pathway and negatively regulated immune cells/receptors. In the drug response analysis, the drug ATRA inhibited gastric cancer cell lines with high SLC2A1 expression. Treatment involving the use of SLC2A1 could contribute to better clinical management/research for patients with gastric cancer.
Using high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation to investigate the role of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in explicit sequence learning
Authors: Ballard Hannah K. , Eakin Sydney M. , Maldonado Ted , Bernard Jessica A.
Published: March 2021

Though we have a general understanding of the brain areas involved in motor sequence learning, there is more to discover about the neural mechanisms underlying skill acquisition. Skill acquisition may be subserved, in part, by interactions between the cerebellum and prefrontal cortex through a cerebello-thalamo-prefrontal network. In prior work, we investigated this network by targeting the cerebellum; here, we explored the consequence of stimulating the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex using high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) before administering an explicit motor sequence learning paradigm. Using a mixed within- and between- subjects design, we employed anodal (n = 24) and cathodal (n = 25) HD-tDCS (relative to sham) to temporarily alter brain function and examine effects on skill acquisition. The results indicate that both anodal and cathodal prefrontal stimulation impedes motor sequence learning, relative to sham. These findings suggest an overall negative influence of active prefrontal stimulation on the acquisition of a sequential pattern of finger movements. Collectively, this provides novel insight on the role of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in initial skill acquisition, when cognitive processes such as working memory are used. Exploring methods that may improve motor learning is important in developing therapeutic strategies for motor-related diseases and rehabilitation.
Impact of 1h oral glucose tolerance test on the clinical status of adult cystic fibrosis patients over a 4-year period
Authors: Boudreau Valérie , Reynaud Quitterie , Denis Angélique , Colomba Johann , Touzet Sandrine , Desjardins Katherine , Bourdy Stéphanie Poupon , Durieu Isabelle , Rabasa-Lhoret Rémi
Published: March 2021

Objective

To report the clinical profile associated with G60 and I60 over a 4-year prospective observational period in 2 large cohorts of adult patients with CF.

Methods

319 patients were included (210 Canadian and 119 French) and classified according to their inclusion G60 (≥ or < 11.1 mmol/L) and the median inclusion I60 (≥ or < 24 mU/I). Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), body mass index (BMI) were collected on OGTT days. Linear mixed regression models were used to assess the effect of G60 and I60.

Results

High G60 was not associated to a lower FEV1 at inclusion and the follow-up decline was not higher in the high G60 group (Coefficient [95% CI]: -3.4 [-7.4;0.6], p = 0.0995.). There was no significant association between BMI and G60. Patients with high I60 tended to have a higher mean BMI (+0.5 kg/m2[0.0 to 1.1], p = 0.05) but no interaction over time was observed.

Conclusions

High G60 is not associated with a lower lung function at inclusion nor its decline over a 4-year follow-up. High I60 is slightly associated to a higher weight at inclusion, but not with BMI evolution over time in adult patients.
Increases in diagnosis and management of obstetric and neonatal complications in district hospitals during a high intensity nurse-mentoring program in Bihar, India
Authors: Joudeh Ammar , Ghosh Rakesh , Spindler Hilary , Handu Seema , Sonthalia Sunil , Das Aritra , Gore Aboli , Mahapatra Tanmay , Walker Dilys
Published: March 2021

Maternal and neonatal mortality in Bihar, India was far higher than the aspirational levels set out by the Sustainable Development Goals. Provider training programs have been implemented in many low-resource settings to improve obstetric and neonatal outcomes. This longitudinal investigation assessed diagnoses and management of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, birth asphyxia (BA), and low birth weight (LBW), as part of the CARE’s AMANAT program in 22 District Hospitals in Bihar, between 2015 and 2017. Physicians and nurse mentors conducted clinical instruction, simulations and teamwork and communication activities, infrastructure and management support, and data collection for 6 consecutive months. Analysis of diagnosis included 11,259 non-referred and management included 11,800 total (non-referred and referred) admissions that were observed. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test for trend. PPH was diagnosed in 3.7% with no significant trend but diagnosis of hypertensive disorders increased from 1.0% to 1.7%, (ptrend = 0.04), over the 6 months. BA was diagnosed in 5.8% with no significant trend but LBW diagnoses increased from 11% to 16% (ptrend<0.01). Among PPH patients, 96% received fluids, 85% received uterotonics and 11% received Tranexamic Acid (TXA). There was a significant positive trend in the number of patients receiving TXA for PPH (6% to 13.8%, ptrend = 0.03). Of all neonates with BA, there were statistically significant increases in the proportion who were initially warmed, dried, and stimulated (78% to 94%, ptrend = 0.02), received airway suction (80% to 93%, ptrend = 0.03), and supplemental oxygen without positive pressure ventilation (73% to 86%, ptrend = 0.05). Diagnoses of hypertensive disorders and LBW as well as initial management of BA increased during the AMANAT program. However, underdiagnoses of PPH and hypertensive disorders relative to population levels remain critical barriers to improving maternal morbidity and mortality.
Anti-CD19 CAR T cells potently redirected to kill solid tumor cells
Authors: Ambrose Christine , Su Lihe , Wu Lan , Dufort Fay J. , Sanford Thomas , Birt Alyssa , Hackel Benjamin J. , Hombach Andreas , Abken Hinrich , Lobb Roy R. , Rennert Paul D.
Published: March 2021

Successful CAR T cell therapy for the treatment of solid tumors requires exemplary CAR T cell expansion, persistence and fitness, and the ability to target tumor antigens safely. Here we address this constellation of critical attributes for successful cellular therapy by using integrated technologies that simplify development and derisk clinical translation. We have developed a CAR-CD19 T cell that secretes a CD19-anti-Her2 bridging protein. This cell therapy strategy exploits the ability of CD19-targeting CAR T cells to interact with CD19 on normal B cells to drive expansion, persistence and fitness. The secreted bridging protein potently binds to Her2-positive tumor cells, mediating CAR-CD19 T cell cytotoxicityin vitroandin vivo. Because of its short half-life, the secreted bridging protein will selectively accumulate at the site of highest antigen expression, ie. at the tumor. Bridging proteins that bind to multiple different tumor antigens have been created. Therefore, antigen-bridging CAR-CD19 T cells incorporate critical attributes for successful solid tumor cell therapy. This platform can be exploited to attack tumor antigens on any cancer.
Penalized ensemble Kalman filters for high dimensional non-linear systems
Authors: Hou Elizabeth , Lawrence Earl , Hero Alfred O.
Published: March 2021

The ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) is a data assimilation technique that uses an ensemble of models, updated with data, to track the time evolution of a usually non-linear system. It does so by using an empirical approximation to the well-known Kalman filter. However, its performance can suffer when the ensemble size is smaller than the state space, as is often necessary for computationally burdensome models. This scenario means that the empirical estimate of the state covariance is not full rank and possibly quite noisy. To solve this problem in this high dimensional regime, we propose a computationally fast and easy to implement algorithm called the penalized ensemble Kalman filter (PEnKF). Under certain conditions, it can be theoretically proven that the PEnKF will be accurate (the estimation error will converge to zero) despite having fewer ensemble members than state dimensions. Further, as contrasted to localization methods, the proposed approach learns the covariance structure associated with the dynamical system. These theoretical results are supported with simulations of several non-linear and high dimensional systems.
Optimal treatment strategies for stage I non-small cell lung cancer in veterans with pulmonary and cardiac comorbidities
Authors: Sigel Keith , Kong Chung Yin , Rehmani Sadiq , Bates Susan , Gould Michael , Stone Kimberly , Kale Minal , Park Yeun-Hee , Crothers Kristina , Bhora Faiz , Wisnivesky Juan
Published: March 2021

Background

Veterans are at increased risk of lung cancer and many have comorbidities such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and coronary artery disease (CAD). We used simulation modeling to assess projected outcomes associated with different management strategies of Veterans with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with COPD and/or CAD.

Patients and methods

Using data from a cohort of 14,029 Veterans (years 2000–2015) with NSCLC we extended a well-validated mathematical model of lung cancer to represent the management and outcomes of Veterans with stage I NSCLC with COPD, with or without comorbid CAD. We simulated multiple randomized trials to compare treatment with lobectomy, limited resection, or stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Model output estimated expected quality adjusted life years (QALY) of Veterans with stage I NSCLC according to age, tumor size, histologic subtype, COPD severity and CAD diagnosis.

Results

For Veterans <70 years old lobectomy was associated with greater projected quality-adjusted life expectancy regardless of comorbidity status. For most combinations of tumors and comorbidity profiles there was no dominant treatment for Veterans ≥80 years of age, but less invasive treatments were often superior to lobectomy. Dominant treatment choices differed by CAD status for older patients in a third of scenarios, but not for patients <70 years old.

Conclusions

The harm/benefit ratio of treatments for stage I NSCLC among Veterans may vary according to COPD severity and the presence of CAD. This information can be used to direct future research study design for Veterans with stage I lung cancer and COPD and/or CAD.
Associations of firearm dealer openings with firearm self-harm deaths and injuries: A differences-in-differences analysis
Authors: Matthay Ellicott C. , Farkas Kriszta , Goin Dana E. , Rudolph Kara E. , Pear Veronica A. , Ahern Jennifer
Published: March 2021

Background

Firearm dealer density is correlated with firearm interpersonal violence, but no quasi-experimental studies have assessed whether changes in dealer density lead to changes in firearm self-harm injuries and deaths. We assessed whether openings of firearm dealers are associated with short-term changes in local firearm self-harm injury rates.

Methods

We identified 718 openings of firearm dealers in California using licensing data, 2014–2016. We defined exposure regions based on aggregations of zip codes defined by proximity to firearm dealer openings and matched each opening to four control regions on time and determinants of firearm injury. We applied a differences-in-differences approach to compare rates of firearm self-harm, in the month before and after each opening, in places with and without openings.

Results

Firearm dealer openings were not associated with acute, local changes in firearm self-harm relative to places without openings (ratio of rate ratio: 0.90 [95% CI:0.68–1.19]). Results were robust to numerous sensitivity and secondary analyses.

Conclusion

We found no associations of firearm dealer openings with acute, localized firearm self-harm deaths and injuries. Our focus on acute, local effects; broad availability of dealers and firearms; durability of firearms; or strong confounding-control may explain these null findings.
Evaluating the effects of socioeconomic status on stroke and bleeding risk scores and clinical events in patients on oral anticoagulant for new onset atrial fibrillation
Authors: Ravvaz Kourosh , Weissert John A. , Jahangir Arshad , Ruff Christian T.
Published: March 2021

Background

The risk of thromboembolism and bleeding before initiation of oral anticoagulant (OAC) in atrial fibrillation patients is estimated by CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scoring system, respectively. Patients’ socioeconomic status (SES) could influence these risks, but its impact on the two risk scores’ predictive performance with respect to clinical events remains unknown. Our objective was to determine if patient SES defined by area deprivation index (ADI), in conjunction with CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores, could guide oral anticoagulation therapy.

Methods and findings

The study cohort included newly diagnosed patients with AF who were treated with warfarin. The cohort was stratified by the time in therapeutic range of INR (TTR), ADI, CHA2DS2-VASc, and HAS-BLED risk scores. TTR and ischemic and bleeding events during the first year of therapy were compared across subpopulations. Among 7274 patients, those living in the two most deprived quintiles (ADI ≥60%) had a significantly higher risk of ischemic events and those in the most deprived quintile (ADI≥80%) had a significantly increased risk of bleeding events. ADI significantly improved the predictive performance of CHA2DS2-VASc but not HAS-BLED risk scores.

Conclusion

ADI can predict increased risk for ischemic and bleeding events in the first year of warfarin therapy in patients with incident AF.
A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol on stunting and its determinants among school-age children (6-14years) in Ethiopia
Authors: Aychiluhm Setognal Birara , Tadesse Abay woday , Mare Kusse Urmale , Abebaw Dessie , Worku Netsanet
Published: March 2021

Background

In Ethiopia, stunting is a common public health problem among school-age children. Even though several studies were conducted in different parts of the country, the national pooled prevalence of stunting and its determinants not estimated. Therefore, this study intends to determine the pooled prevalence and determinants of stunting among school-age children in Ethiopia.

Methods

This review protocol is registered at PROSPERO with Registration number: CRD42020160625. Online databases (Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and Science direct), Google, Google Scholar, and other grey literature will be used to search articles until June 2020. The quality assessment will be performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. The analysis will be organized and presented according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. The presence of heterogeneity among studies will be examined using a chi-squared test on Cochran’s Q statistic with a 5% level of statistical significance, subgroup analyses, and meta-regression will be performed to investigate sources of heterogeneity. To identify influential studies, sensitivity analysis will be conducted. Presence publication bias will be examined by observing funnel plots. The presence of a statistical association will be declared at a p-value <0.05 with the 95% CI.

Discussion

Stunting is a major public health problem in Ethiopia, which affects the health of children. So, designing and implementing different nutritional strategies and promoting healthcare services is extremely mandatory to overcome stunting problems in the country. To understand this, estimating the prevalence of stunting at the national level and determining the pertinent common determinants using high-level evidence is fairly imperative. Therefore, this study will offer a summarizing finding.