bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moving bodies: captured life in the late works of Harun Farocki
Authors: Balsom Erika
Published: December 2019

At the time of his sudden death in 2014, Harun Farocki was at work on a project called Moving Bodies. The project would explore the history of motion capture, from the chronophotographic experiments of Étienne-Jules Marey and Eadweard Muybridge to engagements with robotics and computer animation in the present. Based on an examination of the corpus of footage Farocki assembled for Moving Bodies and his correspondence about it with collaborator Matthias Rajmann, this article charts the inchoate propositions of a final installation we will never see. While it remains impossible to reconstruct what the completed form of the installation might have been, this article explores why Farocki was drawn to the subject of motion capture by contextualizing his research for this final project in relation to the problem of captured life in his late works Serious Games (2009–2010), Parallel I–IV (2012–2014), and Labour in a Single Shot (made in collaboration with Antje Ehmann, 2011–2014). The article argues that Farocki’s interest in motion capture is exemplary of a broader concern that runs throughout his late work – namely, an interrogation of the mediation and management of life by technical apparatuses. Thinking alongside Farocki’s final projects, the article proposes that lens-based capture possesses a double valence: it is at once a medium through which operations of control and mastery are articulated and a site at which an encounter with worldly complexity may occur.
Knowledge gains and intent to change practice patterns after the Leveraging Existing Abilities in Dementia (LEAD)™ Training Program
Authors: Dawson Nicole , Judge Katherine S , Trapuzzano Ashleigh
Published: December 2019

Few investigations have examined dementia training programs for rehabilitation professionals. To address this, the Leveraging Existing Abilities in Dementia (LEAD) program was developed and examined with a pilot study. LEAD addressed dementia knowledge; the Strength-Based Approach; strategies for communication, recognizing behaviors, and learning techniques; and documentation. Participants completed pre-program, post-program, and three-month follow-up questionnaires assessing confidence, practice patterns, and dementia knowledge. Confidence and use of treatment strategies increased through the three-month follow-up and dementia knowledge significantly increased following training. LEAD positively impacted rehabilitation professionals’ knowledge, confidence, and use of evidence-based treatment strategies. Implications of LEAD and future research are discussed.
An investigation into the relationships between bullying, discrimination, burnout and patient safety in nurses and midwives: is burnout a mediator?
Authors: Johnson Judith , Cameron* Lorraine , Mitchinson Lucy , Parmar Mayur , Opio-te Gail , Louch Gemma , Grange Angela
Published: December 2019

Background

Bullying and discrimination may be indirectly associated with patient safety via their contribution to burnout, but research has yet to establish this.

Aims

The aims of this study were to investigate the relationships between workplace bullying, perceived discrimination, levels of burnout and patient safety perceptions in nurses and midwives and to assess whether bullying and discrimination were more frequently experienced by Black, Asian and minority ethnic than White nurses and midwives.

Methods

In total, 528 nurses and midwives were recruited from four hospitals in the United Kingdom to complete a cross-sectional survey between February and March 2017. The survey included items on bullying, discrimination, burnout and individual level and ward level patient safety perceptions. Data were analysed using path analysis.

Results

The results were reported according to the STROBE checklist. Bullying and discrimination were significantly associated with higher burnout. Higher burnout was in turn associated with poorer individual- and ward-level patient safety perceptions. Experiences of discrimination were three times more common among Black, Asian and minority ethnic than White nurses and midwives, but there was no significant difference in experiences of bullying.

Conclusions

Bullying and discrimination are indirectly associated with patient safety perceptions via their influence on burnout. Healthcare organisations seeking to improve patient care should implement strategies to reduce workplace bullying and discrimination.
Systematics Evaluations of Morphological Traits, Chemical Composition, and Antimicrobial Properties of Selected Varieties of Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton
Authors: Alam Aftab , Majumdar Rita Singh , Alam Pravej
Published: December 2019

Elettaria cardamomum is cultivated in the Southern part of India showed great extinct of differences in their morphotypes and chemical compositions. In the present study, we have selected three varieties of Elettaria cardamomum “Valley Green, Palakuzhi, and ICRI”, to analyze the morphological perturbations, chemical compositions, and antimicrobial activities. The differences in the morphological character of cardamom varieties (Valley Green, Palakuzhi, and ICRI) were carried out on the basis of panicles, capsules shape, plant height, tiller, and seeds per capsule. The GC-MS analysis of the essential oils resulted in the identification of 27, 29, 30 compounds representing over 97.4%, 95.2%, and 98.8% of the Valley Green (VG), Palakuzhi (PAL), and ICRI fruit oils respectively. Monoterpene, α-terpinyl acetate varied from 35.4 to 47.5%, a major constituent while 1,8-cineole (22.8% to 27.4%) observed the second major compounds revealed in oils of these cultivars. Further, the antimicrobial activities of each essential oils were performed against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. The maximum inhibition percentage against the microbes was observed in Valley Green essential oil as compared to oils of other varieties.
Glatiramer acetate as a clinically and cost-effective treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis over 10 years of use within the National Health Service: Final results from the UK Risk Sharing Scheme
Authors: Giovannoni G , Brex PA , Dhiraj D , Fullarton J , Freddi M , Rodgers-Gray B , Schmierer K
Published: December 2019

Background

The UK Risk Sharing Scheme (RSS) provided information on the effect of first-line multiple sclerosis (MS) disease-modifying treatments on long-term disability.

Objective

The aim is to provide results specific to glatiramer acetate (GA; Copaxone®) from the final 10-year analysis of the RSS.

Methods

A Markov model was used to assess clinical effectiveness measured as Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) progression and utility loss. Untreated patients from the British Columbia MS cohort (1980–1995) were used as a ‘virtual comparator’ group. A separate Markov model assessed cost-effectiveness, based on a 50-year time horizon (with a 50% treatment waning effect imposed at 10 years) and using NHS list price (£513.95 per 28 days). Results were expressed in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs).

Results

In total, 755 patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) received GA, with a mean follow-up of 7.1 (standard deviation 1.3) years. EDSS progression was reduced by 23% (progression ratio 76.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 69.0–84.3) and utility loss by 39% (progression ratio 61.0, 95% CI 52.7–69.3) compared with no treatment. There was no persistent waning in GA treatment effect over time (EDSS: p = 0.093; utilities: p = 0.119). The cost per QALY was £17,841.

Conclusion

GA had a beneficial effect on long-term disability and was a cost-effective treatment for RRMS.
Visibly Unknown: Media Depiction of Murdered Transgender Women of Color
Authors: Wood Frank , Carrillo April , Monk-Turner Elizabeth
Published: December 2019

Specific examples of transgender people misgendered and misidentified in media have been well-documented; however, little work explores how media depicts the murder of transgender people. The current work examines media coverage of the 23 transgender women of color murdered in 2016. Utilizing content analysis, we identified five themes including the brutality of these murders, the trivialization of the murders, misgendering the victims, the emotional toll on significant others, and resiliency among the transgender community. In general, media reports of deaths of transgender women of color in 2016 reveal the saliency of stigmatization. Did these lives matter?
Sharp systolic blood pressure elevation at extubation is a risk factor for symptomatic epidural hematoma after spine surgery
Authors: Tsuge Sintaro , Wada Akihito , Iida Yasuaki , Inoue Yasuhiro , Fukutake Katsunori , Nishiwaki Yuji , Takahashi Hiroshi
Published: December 2019

Study design:

The present study is a single-center retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

The objective of the study is to verify the hypothesis that sharp elevation of systolic blood pressure at extubation is a risk factor for development of symptomatic epidural hematoma after spinal surgery.

Summary of background data:

Postoperative symptomatic epidural hematoma (she) after spine surgery is a rare but potentially serious complication that may result in paralysis unless removed at an early stage.

Methods:

The subjects were 2611 patients treated with decompression and decompression/fusion of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae at our hospital. Twelve of these patients developed postoperative SEH and removal of hematoma was performed. To investigate the risk factors in these patients, data were analyzed for age at the time of surgery, sex, preoperative complications, medical history, body mass index, preoperative platelet count, surgical procedure, microscope use, operative time, blood loss, surgical site, systolic blood pressure (SBP) at extubation, difference between resting and extubation SBP, ratio of SBP at extubation to that at rest, blood pressure at discharge from the operating room, and use of a drain.

Results:

There was a significantly higher rate of SBP ratio (extubation/rest) ≥1.3 in patients with SEH ( p = 0.021, Fisher’s exact test). Among the preoperative complications and medical histories, the frequency of cerebrovascular disorder tended to be higher in SEH cases than in non-SEH cases ( p = 0.073). There was no significant difference for all other parameters listed above. In multivariate logistic analysis, the odds ratios were 3.98 ( p = 0.018) for an SBP ratio (extubation/rest) ≥1.3 and 4.75 ( p = 0.055) for cerebrovascular disorder, suggesting effects of these two items. With simultaneous input into a multivariate model, SBP ratio ≥1.3 had a significant independent association with postoperative SEH ( p = 0.021) and cerebrovascular disorder showed a tendency for this association ( p = 0.072).

Conclusion:

The risk for symptomatic epidural hematoma is significant in patients with SBP at extubation that is more than 1.3 times that of SBP at rest.
Molecular features of a large cohort of primary central nervous system lymphoma using tissue microarray
Authors: Villa Diego , Tan King L. , Steidl Christian , Ben-Neriah Susana , Al Moosawi Muntadhar , Shenkier Tamara N. , Connors Joseph M. , Sehn Laurie H. , Savage Kerry J. , Scott David W. , Gascoyne Randy D. , Slack Graham W.
Published: December 2019

Key Points

PCNSL has a unique molecular profile distinct from that of systemic DLBCL. BCL6 rearrangements are associated with a poor prognosis in PCNSL.
Dietary antioxidant intake in school age and lung function development up to adolescence
Authors: Sdona Emmanouela , Hallberg Jenny , Andersson Niklas , Ekström Sandra , Rautiainen Susanne , Håkansson Niclas , Wolk Alicja , Kull Inger , Melén Erik , Bergström Anna
Published: December 2019

Dietary antioxidant intake has been hypothesised to influence lung function. The association between total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of the diet at age 8 years and lung function development up to 16 years in 2307 participants from the Swedish population-based birth cohort BAMSE (Children, Allergy, Milieu, Stockholm, Epidemiology) was investigated.

Information on TAC was obtained from a food frequency questionnaire at 8 years. Lung function was measured by spirometry at 8 and 16 years, impulse oscillometry (IOS) and exhaled nitric oxide fraction (FeNO) at 16 years. Low lung function was defined as forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) z-score below the 25th percentile. Longitudinal associations between TAC and lung function were analysed by mixed effect models adjusted for potential confounders. Stratification by asthma at 8 years was performed to examine effect modification.

The median TAC intake was 10 067 μmol Trolox equivalents (TE)·g−1, with males having a lower mean compared to females (9963versus10 819 μmol TE·g−1). In analyses of lung function change between 8 and 16 years, there were no statistically significant associations between TAC in tertiles and spirometry results for the total study population. Among children with asthma at 8 years (prevalence 7%), higher TAC was associated with higher mean FEV1(0.46 sd, 95% CI 0.11–0.80) and decreased odds of low lung function at 16 years (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.12–0.65). There were no associations between TAC and forced vital capacity or IOS/FeNOresults.

High dietary antioxidant intake in school age may be associated with improved lung function development from school age to adolescence among children with asthma.
Caution to Apply Magnetic Barkhausen Noise Method to Nondestructive Evaluation of Plastic Deformation in Some Ferromagnetic Materials
Authors: He Manru , Matsumoto Takanori , Uchimoto Tetsuya , Takagi Toshiyuki , Chen Hongen , Xie Shejuan , Chen Zhenmao
Published: December 2019

Magnetic Barkhausen Noise (MBN) method is known as an effective nondestructive evaluation (NDE) method for evaluation of residual stress in ferromagnetic materials. Some studies on the feasibility of the MBN method for NDE of residual strains were also conducted and found applicable. However, these studies are mainly focused on the state of residual strains which were introduced through a one-cycle-loading process. In practice, however, structures may suffer from an unpredictable and complicated loading history, i.e., the final state of plastic strain may be induced by several times of large loads. Whether the loading history has influences on MBN signals or not is of great importance for the practical application of the MBN method. In this paper, several ferromagnetic specimens with the same final state of residual strain but of different loading history were fabricated and inspected by using a MBN testing system. The experimental results reveal that the loading history has a significant influence on the detected MBN signals especially for a residual strain in range less than 1%, which doubts the feasibility to apply the MBN method simply in the practical environment. In addition, micro-observations on the magnetic domain structures of the plastic damaged specimens were also carried out to clarify the influence mechanism of loading history on the MBN signals.
The human oral cavity microbiota composition during acute tonsillitis: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Yeoh Yun Kit , Chan Man Hin , Chen Zigui , Lam Eddy W. H. , Wong Po Yee , Ngai Chi Man , Chan Paul K. S. , Hui Mamie
Published: December 2019

Background

Microbial culture-based investigations of inflamed tonsil tissues have previously indicated enrichment of several microorganisms such as Streptococcus, Staphylococcus and Prevotella. These taxa were also largely reflected in DNA sequencing studies performed using tissue material. In comparison, less is known about the response of the overall oral cavity microbiota to acute tonsillitis despite their role in human health and evidence showing that their compositions are correlated with diseases such as oral cancers. In addition, the influence of subject-specific circumstances including consumption of prescription antibiotics and smoking habits on the microbiology of acute tonsillitis is unknown.

Methods

We collected oral rinse samples from 43 individuals admitted into hospital for acute tonsillitis and 165 non-disease volunteers recruited from the public, and compared their microbial community compositions using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We assessed the impact of tonsillitis, whether subjects were prescribed antibiotics, the presence of oral abscesses and their smoking habits on community composition, and identified specific microbial taxa associated with tonsillitis and smoking.

Results

Oral rinse community composition was primarily associated with disease state (tonsillitis vs non-tonsillitis) although its effect was subtle, followed by smoking habit. Multiple Prevotella taxa were enriched in tonsillitis subjects compared to the non-tonsillitis cohort, whereas the non-tonsillitis cohort primarily showed associations with several Neisseria sequence variants. The presence of oral abscesses did not significantly influence community composition. Antibiotics were prescribed to a subset of individuals in the tonsillitis cohort but we did not observe differences in community composition associated with antibiotics consumption. In both tonsillitis and non-tonsillitis cohorts, smoking habit was associated with enrichment of several Fusobacterium variants.

Conclusions

These findings show that the oral cavity microbial community is altered during acute tonsillitis, with a consistent enrichment of Prevotella during tonsillitis raising the possibility of targeted interventions. It also supports the possible link between smoking, Fusobacteria and oral cancers.
Determinants of high residual post-PCV13 pneumococcal vaccine-type carriage in Blantyre, Malawi: a modelling study
Authors: Lourenço J. , Obolski U. , Swarthout T. D. , Gori A. , Bar-Zeev N. , Everett D. , Kamng’ona A. W. , Mwalukomo T. S. , Mataya A. A. , Mwansambo C. , Banda M. , Gupta S. , French N. , Heyderman R. S.
Published: December 2019

Background

In November 2011, Malawi introduced the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) into the routine infant schedule. Four to 7 years after introduction (2015–2018), rolling prospective nasopharyngeal carriage surveys were performed in the city of Blantyre. Carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae vaccine serotypes (VT) remained higher than reported in high-income countries, and impact was asymmetric across age groups.

Methods

A dynamic transmission model was fit to survey data using a Bayesian Markov-chain Monte Carlo approach, to obtain insights into the determinants of post-PCV13 age-specific VT carriage.

Results

Accumulation of naturally acquired immunity with age and age-specific transmission potential were both key to reproducing the observed data. VT carriage reduction peaked sequentially over time, earlier in younger and later in older age groups. Estimated vaccine efficacy (protection against carriage) was 66.87% (95% CI 50.49–82.26%), similar to previous estimates. Ten-year projected vaccine impact (VT carriage reduction) among 0–9 years old was lower than observed in other settings, at 76.23% (CI 95% 68.02–81.96%), with sensitivity analyses demonstrating this to be mainly driven by a high local force of infection.

Conclusions

There are both vaccine-related and host-related determinants of post-PCV13 pneumococcal VT transmission in Blantyre with vaccine impact determined by an age-specific, local force of infection. These findings are likely to be generalisable to other Sub-Saharan African countries in which PCV impact on carriage (and therefore herd protection) has been lower than desired, and have implications for the interpretation of post-PCV carriage studies and future vaccination programs.
Next-generation sequencing for BCR-ABL1 kinase domain mutation testing in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia: a position paper
Authors: Soverini Simona , Abruzzese Elisabetta , Bocchia Monica , Bonifacio Massimiliano , Galimberti Sara , Gozzini Antonella , Iurlo Alessandra , Luciano Luigiana , Pregno Patrizia , Rosti Gianantonio , Saglio Giuseppe , Stagno Fabio , Tiribelli Mario , Vigneri Paolo , Barosi Giovanni , Breccia Massimo
Published: December 2019

BCR-ABL1 kinase domain (KD) mutation status is considered to be an important element of clinical decision algorithms for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients who do not achieve an optimal response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Conventional Sanger sequencing is the method currently recommended to test BCR-ABL1 KD mutations. However, Sanger sequencing has limited sensitivity and cannot always discriminate between polyclonal and compound mutations. The use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) is increasingly widespread in diagnostic laboratories and represents an attractive alternative. Currently available data on the clinical impact of NGS-based mutational testing in CML patients do not allow recommendations with a high grade of evidence to be prepared. This article reports the results of a group discussion among an ad hoc expert panel with the objective of producing recommendations on the appropriateness of clinical decisions about the indication for NGS, the performance characteristics of NGS platforms, and the therapeutic changes that could be applied based on the use of NGS in CML. Overall, these recommendations might be employed to inform clinicians about the practical use of NGS in CML.
The foot‐health of people with diabetes in regional and rural Australia: baseline results from an observational cohort study
Authors: Perrin Byron M. , Allen Penny , Gardner Marcus J. , Chappell Andrew , Phillips Bronwyn , Massey Claire , Skinner Isabelle , Skinner Timothy C.
Published: December 2019

Background

There is limited Australian epidemiological research that reports on the foot‐health characteristics of people with diabetes, especially within rural and regional settings. The objective of this study was to explore the associations between demographic, socio‐economic and diabetes‐related variables with diabetes‐related foot morbidity in people residing in regional and rural Australia.

Methods

Adults with diabetes were recruited from non‐metropolitan Australian publicly‐funded podiatry services. The primary variable of interest was the University of Texas diabetic foot risk classification designated to each participant at baseline. Independent risk factors for diabetes‐related foot morbidity were identified using multivariable analysis.

Results

Eight‐hundred and ninety‐nine participants enrolled, 443 (49.3%) in Tasmania and 456 (50.7%) in Victoria. Mean age was 67 years (SD 12.7), 9.2% had type 1 diabetes, 506 (56.3%) were male, 498 (55.4%) had diabetes for longer than 10 years and 550 (61.2%) either did not know the ideal HbA1c target or reported that it was ≥7.0. A majority had peripheral neuropathy or worse foot morbidity (61.0%). Foot morbidity was associated with male sex (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.82–3.22), duration of diabetes > 20 years (OR 3.25, 95% CI 2.22–4.75), and Tasmanian residence (OR 3.38, 95% CI 2.35–4.86).

Conclusions

A high proportion of the regional Australian clinical population with diabetes seen by the publicly‐funded podiatric services in this study were at high risk of future limb threatening foot morbidity, and participants residing in Northern Tasmania are more likely to have worse diabetes‐related foot morbidity than those from regional Victoria. Service models should be reviewed to ensure that diabetes‐related foot services are appropriately developed and resourced to deliver interdisciplinary evidence‐based care.
Inhibition of the histone demethylase, KDM5B, directly induces re-expression of tumor suppressor protein HEXIM1 in cancer cells
Authors: Montano Monica M. , Yeh I-Ju , Chen Yinghua , Hernandez Chris , Kiselar Janna G. , de la Fuente Maria , Lawes Adriane M. , Nieman Marvin T. , Kiser Philip D. , Jacobberger James , Exner Agata A. , Lawes Matthew C.
Published: December 2019

Background

The tumor suppressor actions of hexamethylene bis-acetamide (HMBA)-inducible protein 1 (HEXIM1) in the breast, prostate, melanomas, and AML have been reported by our group and others. Increased HEXIM1 expression caused differentiation and inhibited proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells. Historically, HEXIM1 has been experimentally induced with the hybrid polar compound HMBA, but HMBA is a poor clinical candidate due to lack of a known target, poor pharmacological properties, and unfavorable ADMETox characteristics. Thus, HEXIM1 induction is an intriguing therapeutic approach to cancer treatment, but requires better chemical tools than HMBA.

Methods

We identified and verified KDM5B as a target of HEXIM1 inducers using a chemical proteomics approach, biotin–NeutrAvidin pull-down assays, surface plasmon resonance, and molecular docking. The regulation of HEXIM1 by KDM5B and KDM5B inhibitors was assessed using chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, RT-PCR, western blotting, and depletion of KDM5B with shRNAs. The regulation of breast cancer cell phenotype by KDM5B inhibitors was assessed using western blots, differentiation assays, proliferation assays, and a mouse model of breast cancer metastasis. The relative role of HEXIM1 in the action of KDM5B inhibitors was determined by depleting HEXIM1 using shRNAs followed by western blots, differentiation assays, and proliferation assays.

Results

We have identified a highly druggable target, KDM5B, which is inhibited by small molecule inducers of HEXIM1. RNAi knockdown of KDM5B induced HEXIM1 expression, thus validating the specific negative regulation of tumor suppressor HEXIM1 by the H3K4me3/2 demethylase KDM5B. Known inhibitors of KDM5B were also able to induce HEXIM1 expression, inhibit cell proliferation, induce differentiation, potentiate sensitivity to cancer chemotherapy, and inhibit breast tumor metastasis.

Conclusion

HMBA and 4a1 induce HEXIM1 expression by inhibiting KDM5B. Upregulation of HEXIM1 expression levels plays a critical role in the inhibition of proliferation of breast cancer cells using KDM5B inhibitors. Based on the novel molecular scaffolds that we identified which more potently induced HEXIM1 expression and data in support that KDM5B is a target of these compounds, we have opened up new lead discovery and optimization directions.
The distributions of protein coding genes within chromatin domains in relation to human disease
Authors: Muro Enrique M. , Ibn-Salem Jonas , Andrade-Navarro Miguel A.
Published: December 2019

Background

Our understanding of the nuclear chromatin structure has increased hugely during the last years mainly as a consequence of the advances in chromatin conformation capture methods like Hi-C. The unprecedented resolution of genome-wide interaction maps shows functional consequences that extend the initial thought of an efficient DNA packaging mechanism: gene regulation, DNA repair, chromosomal translocations and evolutionary rearrangements seem to be only the peak of the iceberg. One key concept emerging from this research is the topologically associating domains (TADs) whose functional role in gene regulation and their association with disease is not fully untangled.

Results

We report that the lower the number of protein coding genes inside TADs, the higher the tendency of those genes to be associated with disease (p-value = 4 × $$10^{-54}$$10-54). Moreover, housekeeping genes are less associated with disease than other genes. Accordingly, they are depleted in TADs containing less than three protein coding genes (p-value = 3.9 × $$10^{-34}$$10-34). We observed that TADs with higher ratios of enhancers versus genes contained higher numbers of disease-associated genes. We interpret these results as an indication that sharing enhancers among genes reduces their involvement in disease. Larger TADs would have more chances to accommodate many genes and select for enhancer sharing along evolution.

Conclusions

Genes associated with human disease do not distribute randomly over the TADs. Our observations suggest general rules that confer functional stability to TADs, adding more evidence to the role of TADs as regulatory units.
A pediatric cancer patient with suspected chemical coping following high-dose opioid therapy: a case report
Authors: Miura Mototsugu , Tsuruga Kenkichi , Morimoto Yuji
Published: November 2019

Background

Chemical coping is an inappropriate method for dealing with stress through the use of opioids; it is considered the stage prior to abuse and dependence. In patients with cancer, it is important to evaluate the risk of chemical coping when using opioids. There are some pediatric opioid use-related tolerances and addictions; however, no mention of chemical coping has been found.

Case presentation

We present a case of an 11-year-old Japanese boy with acute lymphocytic leukemia. After transplantation, he complained of abdominal and articular pain, which are considered as symptoms of graft-versus-host disease; thus, opioid therapy was initiated, and the dose was gradually increased for pain management, resulting in a high dose of 2700 μg/day of fentanyl (4200–4700 μg/day including the rescue dose). After switching from fentanyl to oxycodone injections, he continued to experience pain, and there was no change in the frequency of oxycodone rescue doses. Physically, his pain was considered to have alleviated; thus, there was the possibility of mental anxiety resulting in the lowering of pain threshold and the possibility of chemical coping. Mental anxiety and stress with progress through schooling was believed to have resulted in chemical coping; thus, efforts were made to reduce the boy’s anxiety, and opioid education was provided. However, dose reduction was challenging. Ultimately, with guidance from medical care providers, the opioid dose was reduced, and the patient was successfully weaned off opioids.

Conclusions

When chemical coping is suspected in pediatric patients, after differentiating from pseudo-addiction, it might be necessary to restrict the prescription for appropriate use and to provide opioid education while taking into consideration the emotional background of the patient that led to chemical coping.
Detection of severe hypertension in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 during anesthesia induction: a case report
Authors: Wang Juan , Wei Guohua , Wang Zhongyun , Huang He
Published: November 2019

Background

Neurofibromatosis type 1 has a higher prevalence of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma than the general population: 1.0–5.7% versus 0.2–0.6%. Currently, there are no generally accepted guidelines for screening for pheochromocytoma and paragangliomas in asymptomatic patients with neurofibromatosis type 1.

Case presentation

Severe hypertension developed during anesthesia induction in our patient, a 44-year-old Chinese man with neurofibromatosis type 1. We screened for catecholamine level after glioma resection, and the patient was diagnosed with combined pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma.

Conclusions

A delay in diagnosis or lack of a diagnosis in pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma may increase the perioperative morbidity and mortality risk due to excess catecholamine secretion. Therefore, routine pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma screening preoperatively in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 is very important.
Clitoral sizes and anogenital distances in term newborns in Nigeria
Authors: Adekoya Adesola Olubunmi , Fetuga Musili Bolanle , Jarrett Olumide Olatokunbo , Ogunlesi Tinuade Adetutu , Chanoine Jean-Pierre , Adekoya Abiola Omobonike
Published: December 2019

Background

Previous studies suggest significant ethnic and racial differences in clitoral sizes and anogenital distances in the newborn. This study aimed to document normative data on clitoral sizes and anogenital distances of apparently normal term female infants in Sagamu.

Methods

The study was a multi-center, cross-sectional descriptive research carried out among 317 female term infants within the first 72 h of life. Interviewer-based questionnaire was applied to obtain sociodemographic data, pregnancy and birth history. A sliding digital caliper was used for measurement. Data analysis was with SPSS version 20.0.

Results

The mean clitoral length was 6.7 ± 1.6 mm while the mean clitoral width was 5.6 ± 0.8 mm. The mean fourchette-clitoris distance, anus-clitoris distance and anus-fourchette distance were 21.9 ± 2.1 mm, 35.5 ± 2.5 mm and 17.0 ± 2.6 mm respectively. The anus-clitoris and anus-fourchette distances significantly correlated with the anthropometric parameters while the clitoral measurements did not.

Conclusion

The mean values recorded in this study were higher than observed in most previous studies. This simple, affordable and non-invasive evaluation could aid early diagnosis and treatment of female infants with potentially harmful conditions such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
What are the impacts of within-field farmland management practices on the flux of greenhouse gases from arable cropland in temperate regions? A systematic map protocol
Authors: Collins Alexandra M. , Haddaway Neal R. , Macura Biljana , Thomas James , Randall Nicola , Taylor Jessica J. , Cooke Steve , Gilbert Alyssa
Published: December 2019

Background

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a vital step in limiting climate change and meeting the goals outlined in the COP 21 Paris Agreement of 2015. Studies have suggested that agriculture accounts for around 11% of total greenhouse gas emissions and the industry has a significant role in meeting international and national climate change reduction objectives. However, there is currently little consensus on the mechanisms that regulate the production and assimilation of greenhouse gases in arable land and the practical factors that affect the process. Practical advice for farmers is often overly general, and models based on the amount of nitrogen fertiliser applied, for example, are used despite a lack of knowledge of how local conditions affect the process, such as the importance of humus content and soil types. Here, we propose a systematic map of the evidence relating to the impact on greenhouse gas flux from the agricultural management of arable land in temperate regions.

Methods

Using established methods for systematic mapping in environmental sciences we will search for, collate and catalogue research studies relating to the impacts of farming in temperate systems on greenhouse gas emissions. We will search 6 bibliographic databases using a tested search string, and will hand search a web-based search engine and a list of organisational web sites. Furthermore, evidence will be sought from key stakeholders. Search results will then be screened for relevance at title, abstract and full text levels according to a predefined set of eligibility criteria. Consistency checking will be employed to ensure the criteria are being applied accurately and consistently. Relevant studies will then be subjected to coding and meta-data extraction, which will be used to populate a systematic map database describing each relevant study’s settings, methods and measured outcomes. The mapping process will help to identify knowledge gaps (subjects lacking in evidence warranting further primary research) and knowledge clusters (subjects with sufficient studies to allow a useful full systematic review), and will highlight best and suboptimal research methods.
Evidence of colistin resistance genes (mcr-1 and mcr-2) in wild birds and its public health implication in Egypt
Authors: Ahmed Zeinab S. , Elshafiee Esraa A. , Khalefa Hanan S. , Kadry Mona , Hamza Dalia A.
Published: December 2019

Background

Antimicrobial resistance has become one of the most severe global threats to human and veterinary Medicine. colistin is an effective therapeutic agent against multi-drug-resistant pathogens. However, the discovery of transferable plasmids that confer resistance to colistin (mcr-1) has led to challenges in medical science. This study describes the role of wild birds in the harbouring and environmental spread of colistin-resistant bacteria, which could pose a potential hazard to human and animal health.

Methods

In total, 140 faecal samples from wild birds (migratory and resident birds) were tested. Twenty surface water samples were collected from the area in which wild bird trapping was conducted, and 50 human stool samples were collected from individuals residing near the surface water sources and farm buildings. Isolation and identification of Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa from the different samples were performed using conventional culture techniques and biochemical identification. PCR amplification of the mcr genes was performed in all positive isolates. Sequencing of mcr-1 genes from three randomly selected E. coli carrying mcr-1 isolates; wild birds, water and humans was performed.

Result

The bacteriological examination of the samples showing isolates of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca and P. aeruginosa. The results of multiplex PCR of the mcr genes revealed that E. coli was the most prevalent gram-negative bacterium harbouring the mcr genes, whereas a low prevalence was observed for K. pneumoniae. The prevalence of mcr-1 in resident birds, migratory birds, water sources and humans were 10.4, 20,16.6 and 9.6% while the prevalence of mcr-2 were 1.4, 3.6, 11.1 and 9.6%, respectively. Sequencing of the mcr-1 gene from the three E. coli carrying mcr-1 isolates indicated a possible correlation between the wild bird and surface water isolates.

Conclusion

The detection of mcr-1-positive bacteria in wild birds in Egypt indicates the possible environmental dissemination of this gene through bird activity. The impact of the interaction between domestic and wild animals on public health cannot be overlooked.
Genetics and functions of the retinoic acid pathway, with special emphasis on the eye
Authors: Thompson Brian , Katsanis Nicholas , Apostolopoulos Nicholas , Thompson David C. , Nebert Daniel W. , Vasiliou Vasilis
Published: December 2019

Retinoic acid (RA) is a potent morphogen required for embryonic development. RA is formed in a multistep process from vitamin A (retinol); RA acts in a paracrine fashion to shape the developing eye and is essential for normal optic vesicle and anterior segment formation. Perturbation in RA-signaling can result in severe ocular developmental diseases—including microphthalmia, anophthalmia, and coloboma. RA-signaling is also essential for embryonic development and life, as indicated by the significant consequences of mutations in genes involved in RA-signaling. The requirement of RA-signaling for normal development is further supported by the manifestation of severe pathologies in animal models of RA deficiency—such as ventral lens rotation, failure of optic cup formation, and embryonic and postnatal lethality. In this review, we summarize RA-signaling, recent advances in our understanding of this pathway in eye development, and the requirement of RA-signaling for embryonic development (e.g., organogenesis and limb bud development) and life.
On using MapReduce to scale algorithms for Big Data analytics: a case study
Authors: Kijsanayothin Phongphun , Chalumporn Gantaphon , Hewett Rattikorn
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Many data analytics algorithms are originally designed for in-memory data. Parallel and distributed computing is a natural first remedy to scale these algorithms to “Big algorithms” for large-scale data. Advances in many Big Data analytics algorithms are contributed by MapReduce, a programming paradigm that enables parallel and distributed execution of massive data processing on large clusters of machines. Much research has focused on building efficient naive MapReduce-based algorithms or extending MapReduce mechanisms to enhance performance. However, we argue that these should not be the only research directions to pursue. We conjecture that when naive MapReduce-based solutions do not perform well, it could be because certain classes of algorithms are not amendable to MapReduce model and one should find a fundamentally different approach to a new MapReduce-based solution.

Case description

This paper investigates a case study of a scaling problem of “Big algorithms” for a popular association rule-mining algorithm, particularly the development of Apriori algorithm in MapReduce model.

Discussion and evaluation

Formal and empirical illustrations are explored to compare our proposed MapReduce-based Apriori algorithm with previous solutions. The findings support our conjecture and our study shows promising results compared to the state-of-the-art performer with 7% increase in performance on the average of transactions ranging from 10,000 to 120,000.

Conclusions

The results confirm that effective MapReduce implementation should avoid dependent iterations, such as that of the original sequential Apriori algorithm. These findings could lead to many more alternative non-naive MapReduce-based “Big algorithms”.
Association between coat colour and the behaviour of Australian Labrador retrievers
Authors: van Rooy Diane , Wade Claire M.
Published: November 2019

Background

Making assumptions regarding temperament and intelligence based on the physical appearance of dogs can be a conscious or unconscious human act. Labrador retrievers with chocolate-coloured coats are anecdotally considered to be less trainable and more hyperactive and aggressive than their black or yellow peers. To test these assertions, we analysed the owner-reported behavioural traits of Labradors in relation to both their observable coat colour, and their TYRP1 and MC1R genotypes.

Results

We used the results of an owner-based questionnaire to determine scores for 21 behavioural traits and test whether these scores varied with coat colour (n = 225). Familiar dog aggression was the only trait that was found to vary significantly with coat colour (P = 0.013). Yellow Labradors had a higher score than chocolate Labradors, even when corrected for multiple testing (P = 0.021).

We repeated the analyses for a subset of 63 Labradors with available genotyping data for the genes (MC1R and TYRP1) that are known to determine the primary coat colours in Labradors. Familiar dog aggression scores varied with both the observed coat colour and MC1R genotype. Dogs homozygous for MC1R recessive allele (with yellow coat colour) scored higher for familiar dog aggression than either black or chocolate Labradors. However, no association maintained significance when incorporating Bonferroni correction. Dog trainability scores decreased additively as the number of recessive brown alleles for TYRP1 increased. This allelic association was independent of the observable coat colour. Dogs homozygous for the brown allele were considered less trainable than dogs with no brown alleles (P = 0.030).

Conclusions

Our results do not support that chocolate-coloured Labradors are more hyperactive or aggressive than either black or yellow Labradors. Trainability scores varied with TYRP1 genotype but not the observable coat colour. Further validation is required.
Fully dynamic earthquake sequence simulation of a fault in a viscoelastic medium using a spectral boundary integral equation method: does interseismic stress relaxation promote aseismic transients?
Authors: Miyake Yuki , Noda Hiroyuki
Published: December 2019

Along subduction interfaces or some major faults, a seismogenic layer in the upper crust is underlain by a zone of slow-slip events (SSEs) and tremors, and seismicity disappears at greater depths. The transition between seismogenic and aseismic behavior may be caused by changes in the frictional properties of the fault or changes in viscoelastic properties of the surrounding medium. Although aseismic transients have been numerically generated in previous studies by changing the frictional properties and compared to SSEs, the effect of viscoelasticity on the transition remains to be studied. In this study, we implemented interseismic viscoelastic stress relaxation in a simulation code for two-dimensional antiplane fully dynamic earthquake sequences in a uniform elastic material based on a spectral boundary integral equation method. In the implementation, we developed a suitable algorithm in which the viscoelastic relaxation is calculated by evolution of an “effective slip,” which gives viscoelastic stress change on the fault if convolved with a static Green’s function. We conducted parametric studies for a fault with a rate-weakening patch on two parameters: viscoelastic relaxation time $$t_{c}$$tc and characteristic length of the state evolution in the rate- and state-dependent friction law L. The behavior of the simulated fault can be classified into four classes, earthquakes (EQ), aseismic transients (AT), stable sliding (SS), and stuck (ST), in which the central part of the rate-weakening patch has a diminishingly small slip rate and is permanently locked. A phase diagram of the fault behavior shows that there are two different types of seismogenic–aseismic transition. As L increases, an EQ patch changes to an AT patch before becoming an SS patch, as has been reported in previous studies in an elastic limit. The boundary between AT and SS can be explained via linear stability analysis of a system composed of a spring, a dashpot, and sliders. As $$t_{c}$$tc decreases, the recurrence interval of the earthquakes diverges, and an EQ patch changes to an ST patch unless L is within a narrow range. Therefore, the transition associated with SSEs and tremors is dominated by changes in frictional properties rather than changes in viscoelastic properties.
Development and validity evidence of the multidimensional scale of sexual self-concept in a Spanish-speaking context
Authors: Ferrer-Urbina Rodrigo , Sepúlveda-Páez Geraldy Lorena , Henríquez Diego-Tomás , Acevedo-Castillo Daniel Ignacio , Llewellyn-Alvarado Débora Alejandra
Published: December 2019

Background/objective

STIs and HIV/AIDS are an important public health problem, transmitted by risky sex behaviours. In this context, it is necessary to identify protective factors, of those behaviours, as sexual self-concept. Sexual self-concept is a multidimensional trait (i.e. sexual self-esteem; sexual self-efficacy; and sexual assertiveness), but, in an extensive review, we did not find any measure to assess this multidimensional construct in a Spanish-speaking context. The objective of this research is development a scale to assess sexual self-concept in young people and adults.

Method

Time-space sampling with a total size of 792 participants, coming from the two Chilean cities (i.e. Arica and Iquique) with the highest HIV rates, aged between 17 and 53 years old (ME = 23.42; SD = 6.33), with 66.2% women (N= 500), 33.6% men (N= 258).

Results

Final scale has 16 items and 4 dimensions: sexual self-esteem, sexual self-efficacy, assertive sexual communication, and assertive sexual behaviour. The identified structure provides satisfactory levels of reliability (ω > .8) and presents robust evidence of validity, based on the internal structure of the test, using ESEM (RMSEA = .060; CFI = .99; TLI = .98), evidence of validity based on relationship to other variables (i.e. risky sexual behaviour) and measurement invariance between men and women.

Conclusions

The multidimensional scale of sexual self-concept has adequate psychometric properties to assess sexual self-concept in equivalent samples.