bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patients With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Admitted to the ICU With Acute Respiratory Failure—A Reevaluation of the Risk Factors and Outcomes
Authors: Schrader Matthew , Sathananthan Matheni , Jeganathan Niranjan
Published: January 2021

Introduction:

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients admitted to the ICU with acute respiratory failure (ARF) are known to have a poor prognosis. However, the majority of the studies published to date are older and had small sample sizes. Given the advances in ICU care since the publication of these studies, we sought to reevaluate the outcomes and risk factors associated with mortality in these patients.

Methods:

Retrospective study using a large multi-center ICU database. We identified 411 unique patients with IPF admitted with ARF between 2014-2015.

Results:

Of all IPF patients admitted to the ICU with ARF, 81.3% required mechanical ventilation (MV): 48.9% invasive and 32.4% non-invasive alone. The hospital mortality rate was 34.5% for all patients; 48.8% in patients requiring invasive MV, 21.8% in those requiring non-invasive MV and 19.5% with no MV. In multiple regression analyses, age, APACHE score, invasive MV, and hyponatremia at admission were associated with increased mortality whereas post-op status was associated with lower mortality. In patients requiring invasive MV, baseline PaO2/FiO2 ratio was also predictive of mortality. Non-pulmonary organ failures were present in less than 20% of the patients.

Conclusions:

Although the overall mortality rate for IPF patients admitted to the ICU with ARF has improved, the mortality rates for patients requiring invasive MV remains high at approximately 50%. Older age, high APACHE score, and low baseline PaO2/FiO2 ratio are factors predictive of increased mortality in this population.
Minimum clearance technology to improve performance of twin-screw refrigeration compressors by spraying coating on rotors
Authors: Sun Shizhong , Li Yanpeng , Chen Wenqing , Xing Ziwen , Liu Hua
Published: January 2021

During the operating of twin-screw refrigeration compressors, the leakage has a significant influence on the performance of compressors. In this paper, a novel minimum clearance technology that applies the abradable coating to the rotor surface is proposed to lessen the leakage. In order to adapt to the application of the abradable coating, the deformation of rotors during operation is analyzed and a suitable clearance is designed based on the fluid-solid coupling analysis. Then, a suitable coating pre-treated by sandblasting is obtained according to the results of friction coefficient and abradability test. Finally, a prototype is tested and the total efficiency, volumetric efficiency, refrigerating capacity, and COP of the prototype are compared before and after spraying the coating. Test results show that the volumetric efficiency and refrigerating capacity increase significantly after spraying the abradable coating, and the input power decreases slightly. As a result, the COP increases by 6.71% and 7.89% at two nominal operating conditions.
Library and Archives Canada: The next 10 years, post Covid-19
Authors: Weir Leslie
Published: January 2021

The new Librarian and Archivist of Canada shares experiences of leading Library and Archives Canada (LAC) during a period of transition with the change in leadership and two major construction projects including a new net carbon zero preservation centre and a joint facility with the Ottawa Public Library. This transition leads to the establishment of the two strategic priorities of service transformation and digital optimisation and the launch of a visioning exercise for LAC in 2030. The vision anticipates new audiences in light of the partnership with the public library and the development of new services and highlights the importance of a virtual presence for national libraries. The transition is interrupted by the arrival of Covid-19 6 months into the process and the future of the national libraries and their role must be reimagined post Covid.
Nrf2 mediates the neuroprotective effect of isoflurane preconditioning in cortical neuron injury induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation
Authors: Liu X-S , Bai X-L , Wang Z-X , Xu S-Y , Ma Y , Wang Z-N
Published: January 2021

Objective:

To investigate how nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) involved in the protective effect of isoflurane (Iso) preconditioning in oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced cortical neuron injury.

Methods:

Primary mouse cortical neurons were divided into Control, ML385 (an Nrf2 inhibitor), Iso, Iso + ML385, OGD, ML385 + OGD, Iso + OGD, and Iso + ML385 + OGD groups. Lactate dehydrogenase activity (LDH) release and oxidative stress indexes were quantified. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to detect cell viability, Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide (PI) staining to measure cell apoptosis, dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) method to test reactive oxygen species (ROS), and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting to evaluate genes and protein expression.

Results:

Iso preconditioning reduced LDH release and inhibited cell cytotoxicity in OGD-induced cortical neurons, which was abolished by ML385. Iso preconditioning increased the Nrf2 nuclear translocation in cortical neurons. Meanwhile, Iso decreased the OGD-induced apoptosis with the down-regulations of Bax and Caspase-3 and the up-regulation of Bcl-2, which was reversed by ML385. OGD enhanced the level of ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA) in cortical neurons, but reduced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), which were aggravated in ML385 + OGD group and mitigated in Iso + OGD group. No observable difference was found between OGD group and Iso + ML385 + OGD group regarding apoptosis-related proteins and oxidative stress-related indexes.

Conclusion:

Iso preconditioning up-regulated Nrf2 level to play its protective role in OGD-induced mouse cortical neuron injury.
Pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus with lupus anticoagulant hypoprothrombinemia syndrome—A case series with review of literature
Authors: Kocheril Anu Punnen , Vettiyil George Ipe , George Anish Sam , Shah Sonam , Geevar Tulasi , Dave Rutvi Gautam , T Sathish Kumar
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Lupus anticoagulant hypoprothrombinemia syndrome (LAHPS) is a rare phenomenon that leads to concomitant thrombosis and hemorrhage in children with SLE. LAHPS in pediatric SLE (pSLE) has a protracted course requiring long-term immunosuppressive therapy. Due to the rarity of this syndrome and paucity of reported cases, there is lack of standardized management. We herewith report 5 children with pSLE with LAHPS. Methodology: We retrospectively reviewed clinical features, laboratory features, treatment and outcome for 5 children with lupus anticoagulant hypoprothrombinemia syndrome with SLE and a review of literature of similar cases published.

Results

Mean age of presentation was 10.2 ± 2.38 years (mean ± SD) and female to male ratio was 4:1. All children presented with mild to severe bleeding manifestations like gum bleed, epistaxis, hematuria, menorrhagia and subarachnoid bleed. Coagulation profile revealed prolonged PT and aPTT, with low prothrombin levels and positive Lupus anticoagulant in all children. Mixing studies were characteristic in these children. On comparing laboratory parameters majority had low C3, C4 levels, ANA and anti-DsDNA antibody positivity and three children had anticardiolipin positivity. One child had lupus nephritis along with LAHPS at presentation. All responded well to steroids and supportive measures.

Conclusion

High index of suspicion is needed when child with lupus presents with bleeding manifestations for early diagnosis and treatment.
Shikonin Inhibits Cholangiocarcinoma Cell Line QBC939 by Regulating Apoptosis, Proliferation, and Invasion
Authors: Liu Chang , Xuan Li-Qian , Li Kai , Feng Zhuo , Lv Chan , Li Xing-Jia , Ji Xiao-Dan , Wan Rong , Shen Jie
Published: January 2021

This study was designed to clarify whether Shikonin causes proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion in cholangiocarcinoma cells and to investigate the mechanism of action. QBC939 cells were cultured with different doses of Shikonin, and then 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) -2,5-diphenyltetrazolium assay was used to detect cell viability. Apoptosis of cells was detected using flow cytometry with Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) assay after being stained with Hoechst 33242. The role of Shikonin on the invasive and metastasis ability was detected using Transwell invasion assay. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of caspase-3, caspase-8, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9. Shikonin inhibited proliferation and invasive ability of QBC939 cells in a dose-dependent manner; at the same time, apoptosis of cells was also observed in a concentration-dependent fashion. Moreover, Annexin V/PI assay and Transwell invasion assay results indicated that Shikonin induced apoptosis and invasion inhibitory probably due to upregulation of caspase-3 and caspase-8 expression and downregulation of MMP-9 and EGFR expression in a concentration-dependent fashion. Shikonin could enhance apoptosis and inhibit proliferation and invasion of QBC939 cells; such biological behaviors mainly occurred via upregulating the expression of caspase-3 and caspase-8 and downregulating the expression of MMP-9 and EGFR.
Progress in Joint-Action Research
Authors: Sebanz Natalie , Knoblich Günther
Published: January 2021

Humans have a striking ability to coordinate their actions with each other to achieve joint goals. The tight interpersonal coordination that characterizes joint actions is achieved through processes that help with preparing for joint action as well as processes that are active while joint actions are being performed. To prepare for joint action, partners form representations of each other’s actions and tasks and the relation between them. This enables them to predict each other’s upcoming actions, which, in turn, facilitates coordination. While performing joint actions, partners’ coordination is maintained by (a) monitoring whether individual and joint outcomes correspond to what was planned, (b) predicting partners’ action parameters on the basis of familiarity with their individual actions, (c) communicating task-relevant information unknown to partners in an action-based fashion, and (d) relying on coupling of predictions through dense perceptual-information flow between coactors. The next challenge for the field of joint action is to generate an integrated perspective that links coordination mechanisms to normative, evolutionary, and communicative frameworks.
Non-state order and strategic communication via symbolic dress in Yemen
Authors: Corstange Daniel
Published: January 2021

How do people keep order in weak states? Formal institutions provide law and order in rich societies, but are feeble and capricious in much of the developing world. Instead, people turn to informal, group-based order that operates through reputation and contingent cooperation. Such order requires people to police social boundaries and contributions, looking for costly signals of membership and commitment to weed out mimics and shirkers. Data from Yemen show that people rely on tribes for security and dispute resolution under customary law. Yemenis use a prominent symbol of tribalism, the iconic tribal dagger, to communicate their affiliations and commitments to their customary responsibilities. Yet people vary in how well they understand the semiotic system, and the accuracy of the link between dagger-wearing and tribalism improves with sophistication. While the most knowledgeable Yemenis reveal their tribal types with the dagger, the least knowledgeable communicate nothing at all.
National Culture and the Cyclical Behavior of Research-and-Development Expenditure
Authors: Kim Jung Seek
Published: January 2021

This article examines the cyclical behavior of business (firm-financed) research-and-development (R&D) expenditure at the national level, using a panel of 64 countries spanning four decades. R&D is considerably more volatile than gross domestic product and tends to be procyclical. The author adopts the Hofstede framework to systematically investigate cross-national heterogeneity in comovement and volatility of R&D. Similar to prior studies, a higher R&D intensity (R&D expenditure/gross domestic product) is associated with countries that are more accepting of uncertainty, long-term oriented, and indulgent. Notably, R&D behaves less procyclically in countries that are more accepting of uncertainty, individualistic, long-term oriented, and indulgent, and it is less volatile in countries that are more masculine, individualistic, long-term oriented, and indulgent. That is, a culture with a higher propensity to invest in R&D tends to follow business cycles less closely (i.e., lower comovement) and have more persistent spending over time (i.e., lower volatility). Furthermore, higher comovement or volatility of R&D indeed harms national productivity and innovativeness. Therefore, this research broadens the understanding of the role national culture plays by demonstrating that (1) it considerably affects the cyclical behavior of R&D and (2) this cyclical behavior is another conduit through which culture influences economic performance.
Distal Tibiofibular Syndesmotic Widening in Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity
Authors: Auch Elijah , Barbachan Mansur Nacime Salomao , Alexandre Alves Thiago , Cychosz Christopher , Lintz Francois , Godoy-Santos Alexandre Leme , Baumfeld Daniel Soares , de Cesar Netto Cesar
Published: January 2021

Background:

Lateral overload in progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) takes place as hindfoot valgus, peritalar subluxation, and valgus instability of the ankle increase. Fibular strain due to chronic lateral impingement may lead to distraction forces over the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis (DTFS). This study aimed to assess and correlate the severity of the foot and ankle offset (FAO) as a marker of progressive PCFD with the amount of DTFS widening and to compare it to controls.

Methods:

In this case-control study, 62 symptomatic patients with PCFD and 29 controls who underwent standing weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) examination were included. Two fellowship-trained blinded orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons performed FAO (%) and DTFS area measurements (mm2). DTFS was assessed semiautomatically on axial-plane WBCT images, 1 cm proximal to the apex of the tibial plafond. Values were compared between patients with PCFD and controls, and Spearman correlation between FAO and DTFS area measurements was assessed. P values of less than .05 were considered significant.

Results:

Patients with PCFD demonstrated significantly increased FAO and DTFS measurements in comparison to controls. A mean difference of 6.9% ( P < .001) in FAO and 10.4 mm2 ( P = .026) in DTFS was observed. A significant but weak correlation was identified between the variables, with a Þ of 0.22 ( P = .03). A partition predictive model demonstrated that DTFS area measurements were highest when FAO values were between 7% and 9.3%, with mean (SD) values of 92.7 (22.4) mm2.

Conclusion:

To our knowledge, this was the first study to assess syndesmotic widening in patients with PCFD. We found patients with PCFD to demonstrate increased DTFS area measurements compared to controls, with a mean difference of approximately 10 mm2. A significantly weak positive correlation was found between FAO and DTFS area measurements, with the highest syndesmotic widening occurring when FAO values were between 7% and 9.3%. Our study findings suggest that chronic lateral impingement in patients with PCFD can result in a negative biomechanical impact on syndesmotic alignment, with increased DTFS stress and subsequent widening.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Help-Seeking Within the Context of Patriarchy for Domestic Violence in Urban Uganda
Authors: Gardsbane Diane , Bukuluki Paul , Musuya Tina
Published: January 2021

This study in urban Kampala contributes to a growing evidence base about the complex contexts within which women make decisions about reporting domestic violence. Based on an intersecting theoretical lens of structural violence, power, and the body, findings suggested that women reported to formal structures primarily for severe physical or economic abuse. Women did not report less severe abuse, and often abandoned reporting even severe abuse, because of the overarching structural patriarchy and violence that exists, as well as women’s habitus that includes the embodiment of social norms that sanction reporting. Yet, while overwhelmingly women are discouraged from reporting domestic abuse, there were important signs of change.
Safety and efficacy analysis of pembrolizumab dosing patterns in patients with advanced melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Kartolo A , Holstead R , Hopman W , Young L , Baetz T
Published: January 2021

Aim

To evaluate the impact of discrepancy between prescribed and recommended fixed 200 mg dose (P-F discrepancy) on immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and treatment efficacy in patients with advanced melanoma and NSCLC.

Methods

This retrospective study included 177 patients with advanced melanoma or non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received at least one cycle of single-agent pembrolizumab. We defined P-F discrepancy as the differences between prescribed pembrolizumab dose and 200 mg recommended dose, expressed in percentages. Our primary outcome was immune-related adverse events (irAEs), and our secondary outcomes included overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS).

Results

The median P-F discrepancy was –21.5%, with the 25th and 75th percentile at –32% and –5.0% respectively. ROC curve analyses did not show any optimal cutoffs to prognosticate irAEs (AUC = 0.558 for all patients) or cancer mortality (AUC = 0.583 for melanoma; AUC = 0.539 for NSCLC) in either cancer type. Separate multivariable Cox analyses suggested no statistically significant association between P-F discrepancy and overall survival in patients with melanoma (HR 1.012, 95%CI 0.987–1.038, P = 0.362) or NSCLC (HR 0.998, 95%CI 0.978–1.019, P = 0.876).

Conclusion

There was no optimal pembrolizumab cut-off point to predict irAEs or treatment efficacy. We supported the use of weight-based pembrolizumab dosing, given the potential cost-saving and no differences in terms of irAEs or treatment efficacy in patients with advanced melanoma or NSCLC. Future studies on province- or national-level would be important to validate our findings.
Selecting optimal SpMV realizations for GPUs via machine learning
Authors: Dufrechou Ernesto , Ezzatti Pablo , Quintana-Ortí Enrique S
Published: January 2021

More than 10 years of research related to the development of efficient GPU routines for the sparse matrix-vector product (SpMV) have led to several realizations, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. In this work, we review some of the most relevant efforts on the subject, evaluate a few prominent routines that are publicly available using more than 3000 matrices from different applications, and apply machine learning techniques to anticipate which SpMV realization will perform best for each sparse matrix on a given parallel platform. Our numerical experiments confirm the methods offer such varied behaviors depending on the matrix structure that the identification of general rules to select the optimal method for a given matrix becomes extremely difficult, though some useful strategies (heuristics) can be defined. Using a machine learning approach, we show that it is possible to obtain unexpensive classifiers that predict the best method for a given sparse matrix with over 80% accuracy, demonstrating that this approach can deliver important reductions in both execution time and energy consumption.
Sample Selection in Systematic Literature Reviews of Management Research
Authors: Hiebl Martin R. W.
Published: January 2021

Systematic review techniques are about to become the “new normal” in reviews of management research. However, there is not yet much advice on how to organize the sample selection process as part of such reviews. This article addresses this void and analyzes this vital part of systematic reviews in more detail. In particular, it offers a critical review of systematic literature reviews published in the Academy of Management Annals and the International Journal of Management Reviews between 2004 and 2018. Based on this methodological literature review, the article presents issues to consider in the most critical choices during the sample selection process. Furthermore, this review identifies several descriptive features such as the mean number of research items included in systematic reviews, the mean number of databases used, and the mean coverage period of such reviews. These numbers may be used as benchmark figures in future reviews.
Curating Viking objects through customized scrolling: How search engines personalize historical narratives
Authors: Pietrobruno Sheenagh
Published: January 2021

The stories that museum objects convey change on social media. This narrative shift is analyzed through the development of social media methods that track the dissemination of the Viking helmet from the Swedish History Museum to personalized YouTube search engine result pages (SERPs). Social media methods are used to compare the narratives and meanings produced on YouTube SERPs with the narratives and meanings sanctioned by the Swedish History Museum. The hermeneutic process at the core of the methodological approach reveals how personalization algorithms targeting user identities through IP addresses influence the meanings of objects, which are mediated and commercialized via social media SERPs. This research demonstrates that personalized search engine result pages have an algorithmic impact on the narratives of objects that counters the social justice goals integral to contemporary museum practices. The meaning curation of museum objects is not customized to individual preferences and identities. Museums advance selected interpretations of objects to endorse a variety of vantage points so that the fixity of identity categories can be questioned.
Screening of apathetic elderly adults using kinematic information in gait and sit-to-stand/stand-to-sit movements measured with Doppler radar
Authors: Saho Kenshi , Sugano Kouki , Uemura Kazuki , Matsumoto Michito
Published: January 2021

This paper presents a Doppler radar apathy-screening technique applied to elderly people based on their basic daily activities of walking and movements of sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit (STS). Our Doppler radar system remotely measured the kinematic parameters of the movements of 78 community-dwelling elderly adults (27 apathetic participants and 51 non-apathetic ones). Subsequently, logistic regression models using the measured kinematic parameters of gait and sit-to-stand/stand-to-sit movements were constructed for screening. The experimental results verified that, although the model using gait parameters could screen an apathetic group with a sensitivity of 85.2% and a specificity of 58.8%, the model using the STS parameters achieved better screening accuracies with a sensitivity of 88.9% and a specificity of 76.5%. These results reveal that the kinematic information of STS movements is significantly more effective at detecting apathy than is the gait information, which is otherwise regarded to be effective in conventional epidemiological studies.
A simplified model of a multi-jointed mechanical finger calibrated with experimental data by vision system
Authors: Cosenza C , Niola V , Savino S
Published: January 2021

The development of suitable models for mechanical fingers, whether they are part of prosthetic device or of a robotic hand, is a powerful tool to predict the behaviour of their components since the early stages of design, especially for underactuated mechanisms. Experimental data can improve the reliability of such models and promote their application to build proper control strategies especially for prosthetic hands.

Here, we have developed a multi-jointed model of a mechanical finger. The finger is part of the Federica hand: an underactuated mechanical hand that was conceived for prosthetic purpose. The model accounts for friction phenomena in the finger and it is tuned with experimental data acquired through a digital image correlation device. The model allowed us to write kinematics relations of the phalanges and evaluate finger configurations in relation to the closure velocity. Moreover, it was possible to estimate the tendon force and the work analysis occurring during the closure tasks, both in free mode and in presence of objects.
Is there a visual bias in televised debates? Evidence from Germany, 2002–2017
Authors: Maier Jürgen , Glogger Isabella , Otto Lukas P , Bast Jennifer
Published: January 2021

Media professionals make use of various production techniques in the visual portrayal of politicians on television. A large body of literature indicates that these techniques exert varying influence on, for example, the evaluation of these actors, leading to the question of whether politicians are depicted in an equal way. Focusing on televised debates, this content analysis of five German debates aims to determine if there is a visual bias in the portrayal of candidates, depending on party affiliation, gender and role. Among other forms of bias, the authors find a difference in the use of camera movements and angle depending on the candidate’s gender and party affiliation.
Should We or Should We Not Include Confidence Intervals in COVID-19 Death Forecasting? Evidence from a Survey Experiment
Authors: Daoust Jean-François , Bastien Frédérick
Published: January 2021

Forecasting during the COVID-19 pandemic entails a great deal of uncertainty. The same way that we would like electoral forecasters to systematically include their confidence intervals to account for such uncertainty, we assume that COVID-19-related forecasts should follow that norm. Based on literature on negative bias, we may expect the presence of uncertainty to affect citizens’ attitudes and behaviours, which would in turn have major implications on how we should present these sensitive forecasts. In this research we present the main findings of a survey experiment where citizens were exposed to a projection of the total number of deaths. We manipulated the exclusion (and inclusion) of graphically depicted confidence intervals in order to isolate the average causal effect of uncertainty. Our results show that accounting for uncertainty does not change (1) citizens’ perceptions of projections’ reliability, nor does it affect (2) their support for preventive public health measures. We conclude by discussing the implications of our findings.
Paradigm and Cultural Shifts on Employee Leave and Work-Life Initiatives
Authors: Latheef Zahir I.
Published: January 2021

The Problem

Policies on employee leave and flexible workplace arrangements have not met the needs of employees in achieving work-life balance. Even when such policies do exist, employers are largely unable to actualize the benefits of these policies. These challenges have been exacerbated by the global pandemic creating more demand for work-life flexibility practices.

The Solution

Organizations must engage in a paradigm and cultural shift to achieve the benefits of work-life policies and practices. An organizational culture that moves beyond a human resource management (HRM) lens of administration and compliance to a human resource development (HRD) lens of support and development is central to overcoming this challenge.

The Stakeholders

Stakeholders for this concluding article include executive leaders of organizations, HRD and HRM scholars and practitioners.
Adversity Interpreted: A Scoping Review of Adversity Appraisal Measurement
Authors: Gusler Stephanie , Guler Jessy , Petrie Rachel , Marshall Heather , Cooley Daryl , Jackson Yo
Published: January 2021

Although evidence suggests that individuals’ appraisals (i.e., subjective interpretations) of adverse or traumatic life events may serve as a mechanism accounting for differences in adversity exposure and psychological adjustment, understanding this mechanism is contingent on our ability to reliably and consistently measure appraisals. However, measures have varied widely between studies, making conclusions about how best to measure appraisal a challenge for the field. To address this issue, the present study reviewed 88 articles from three research databases, assessing adults’ appraisals of adversity. To be included in the scoping review, articles had to meet the following criteria: (1) published no earlier than 1999, (2) available in English, (3) published as a primary source manuscript, and (4) included a measure assessing for adults’ (over the age of 18) subjective primary and/or secondary interpretations of adversity. Each article was thoroughly reviewed and coded based on the following information: study demographics, appraisal measurement tool(s), category of appraisal, appraisal dimensions (e.g., self-blame, impact, and threat), and the tool’s reliability and validity. Further, information was coded according to the type of adversity appraised, the time in which the appraised event occurred, and which outcomes were assessed in relation to appraisal. Results highlight the importance of continued examination of adversity appraisals and reveal which appraisal tools, categories, and dimensions are most commonly assessed for. These results provide guidance to researchers in how to examine adversity appraisals and what gaps among the measurement of adversity appraisal which need to be addressed in the future research.
Circ_0003998 Regulates the Progression and Docetaxel Sensitivity of DTX-Resistant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells by the miR-136-5p/CORO1C Axis
Authors: Zhang Wei , Song Chao , Ren Xiaona
Published: January 2021

Background:

Drug resistance in cancer cells is a major challenge for anti-cancer therapy. Circular RNA (circRNA) circ_0003998 has been identified as an important regulator in the chemoresistance development of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The purpose of this study was to investigate the molecular basis underlying the resistance control of circ_0003998 in NSCLC.

Methods:

The levels of circ_0003998, miR-136-5p and coronin 1C (CORO1C) were gauged by the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or western blot. Cell viability, colony formation and apoptosis were evaluated by the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation and flow cytometry assays, respectively. Targeted relationships among circ_0003998, miR-136-5p and CORO1C were confirmed by the dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. Animal studies were performed to evaluate the function of circ_0003998 in vivo.

Results:

Our data indicated that circ_0003998 expression was associated with NSCLC resistance to docetaxel (DTX). The knockdown of circ_0003998 promoted DTX sensitivity, suppressed cell colony formation, and enhanced cell apoptosis of A549/DTX and H1299/DTX cells in vitro. Moreover, circ_0003998 knockdown hampered tumor growth and enhanced DTX sensitivity in vivo. Mechanistically, circ_0003998 directly targeted miR-136-5p, and miR-136-5p was a molecular mediator of circ_0003998 function in vitro. Furthermore, CORO1C was a functionally important target of miR-136-5p in regulating DTX-resistant NSCLC cell colony formation, apoptosis and DTX sensitivity in vitro. Additionally, circ_0003998 modulated CORO1C expression by working as a miR-136-5p sponge.

Conclusion:

Our present work identified that circ_0003998 regulated DTX-resistant NSCLC cell colony formation, apoptosis and DTX sensitivity at least partially by controlling CORO1C expression by sponging miR-136-5p, illuminating a rationale for developing circ_0003998 as a therapeutic target of chemoresistant NSCLC.
Benzodiazepines for Out-of-Hospital Status Epilepticus: Do or Do Not! There Is No Try!
Authors: Gaspard Nicolas
Published: January 2021

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Ticktock—What Is the Seizure Driving Clock?
Authors: Eid Tore
Published: January 2021

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Cells That “Fire Together, Wire Together”, but Do They Transcribe Together in Epilepsy?
Authors: Quiñones Sadi , Dulla Chris
Published: January 2021

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Forecasting Seizure Storms Using Epilepsy Wristband Sensors
Authors: Vossler David G.
Published: January 2021

[Box: see text]
Optimal sensor placement through expansion of static strain measurements to static displacements
Authors: Song Jun-Hyeok , Lee Eun-Taik , Eun Hee-Chang
Published: January 2021

Optimal sensor placement is used to establish the optimal sensor quantity and layout. In this study, the minimum quantity and locations of measurement sensors were assumed to satisfy the constraint conditions of the optimal sensor placement. A set of strain data in a truss structure was expanded to another set of displacements corresponding to the entire degrees of freedom from the relationship between the strain and displacement. It indicates to reduce the number of sensors because the strain depends on the displacements in a finite element model. The damaged truss element was traced using the expanded data that satisfied the prescribed constraints. The proposed optimal sensor placement method has a merit to explicitly determine the optimal sensor locations without any numerical scheme and statistical methods. The method was applied to the damage detection of a single-damaged truss structure. It was shown that the optimal sensor placement method depended on the sensor layout irrespective of the same quantity of sensors. In addition, a numerical example was used to compare sensitivities to damage detection based on the sensor placement and the existence of external noise contained in the measurement data.
Toe-to-Finger Vascularized Joint Transfers for Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Reconstruction: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zhou Kiane J. , Graham David J. , Lawson Richard D. , Sivakumar Brahman S.
Published: January 2021

Vascularized joint transfer (VJT) from the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) of the toe is an attractive reconstructive option in cases of nonsalvageable finger PIPJ but is limited by equivocal functional outcomes. This systematic review aims to provide an update on vascularized toe-to-finger PIPJ transfers, examining functional outcomes, complications, and the latest refinements in operative technique. A systematic review of the available literature was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies examining vascularized toe-to-finger PIPJ transfer for post-traumatic indications were included for analysis. Outcomes assessed included postoperative active range of motion, extension lag, and complications. Thirteen studies examining 210 VJTs were analyzed. Five VJTs experienced microsurgical failure giving an overall survival rate of 97.6%. Average postoperative PIPJ active range of motion (ROM) was 40.3° ± 12.9°, with an average extensor lag of 29° ± 10.5° and mean flexion of 68.9° ± 10.9°. For studies reporting complication outcomes, 59/162 complications were seen. No significant differences were seen between studies published prior to 2013 and after 2013 when comparing digital ROM ( P = .123), flexion ( P = .602), and extensor lag ( P = .280). Studies using a reconstructive algorithm based on prior assessment of the donor toe central slip and recipient finger anatomy had significantly improved ROM outcomes ( P = .013). Although VJT provides a reliable option for autologous reconstruction in posttraumatic joints, it is limited by impaired postoperative ROM. Careful assessment of the donor toe and recipient finger anatomy followed by systematic and meticulous reconstruction may lead to improved functional outcomes.
Stent-assisted coiling of cerebral aneurysms: Head to head comparison between the Neuroform Atlas and EZ stents
Authors: Daou Badih J , Palmateer Gregory , Linzey Joseph R , Thompson B Gregory , Chaudhary Neeraj , Gemmete Joseph J , Pandey Aditya S
Published: January 2021

Background

The Neuroform Atlas stent is thought to have features allowing for an improved stent delivery system. We aimed to provide a comparison of the Atlas and Neuroform EZ stents in patients treated with stent-assisted coiling.

Methods

Seventy-seven aneurysms treated with the Atlas stent and 77 aneurysms with similar characteristics treated with the EZ stent were retrospectively compared. Outcomes included angiographic occlusion per the Raymond–Roy (RR) scale, recanalization, retreatment and procedural complications.

Results

With the Atlas stent, technical success was 100% and immediate RR1 occlusion was 81.8%. Follow-up RR1 was achieved in 83.7%. The recanalization rate was 7% and the retreatment rate was 4.6%. The complication rate was 6.5% (new neurological deficit in 1.3%). With the EZ stent, technical success was 96%, immediate RR1 occlusion was 67.6% and follow-up RR1 was 67.6%. The recanalization rate was 12.7% and the retreatment rate was 14.1%. The complication rate was 10.4% (new neurological deficit in 2.6%). The rate of immediate RR1 occlusion was significantly higher with the Atlas stent ( p = 0.03), and the rate of follow-up RR1 was nonsignificantly higher with the Atlas stent ( p = 0.08). The retreatment rate was significantly lower with the Atlas stent ( p = 0.009). There were no significant differences in the rates of recanalization ( p = 0.5) and complications ( p = 0.6).

Conclusions

Stent-assisted coiling with the Atlas stent is safe and effective and shows better immediate results as compared to the EZ stent, with improved overall follow-up outcomes.
Flow diverter stents in the treatment of recanalized intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Akgul Erol , Onan Hasan Bilen , Islek Irem , Tonge Mehmet , Durmus Yavuz , Barburoglu Mehmet , Azizova Aynur , Erol Cengiz , Hakyemez Bahattin , Sencer Serra , Aydin Kubilay , Arat Anil
Published: January 2021

Background

We assessed the safety and efficacy of flow diverter stents (FDSs) in the treatment of recanalized or residual intracranial aneurysms treated endovascularly.

Materials & Methods

Patients whose recanalized or residual aneurysms were treated with FDSs in five tertiary hospitals were reviewed retrospectively. The patients’ demographic data, aneurysm characteristics, types of previous treatment, and clinical complications, or serious adverse events associated with FDSs, as well as the results of neurological and angiographic follow-up assessments, were recorded.

Results

Eighty-six patients (37 males) with 87 aneurysms were included in this study. Eighty (91.9%) aneurysms were in the anterior and seven (8.1%) in the posterior circulation. The initial treatment methods were the primary coiling or balloon remodeling technique in 69 (79.3%) and stent-assisted coiling in 18 (20.7%) aneurysms. The endovascular procedure was successful in all patients. Complications occurred in four patients, for a total complication rate of 4.6%. A technical complication developed in one patient (1.2%). An in-stent thrombosis treated with tirofiban was seen in two cases. Late in-stent stenosis exceeding 50% was treated with balloon angioplasty in one patient. The mean length of follow-up was 21.0 months. The first angiographic follow-up (3–6 months) revealed the complete occlusion of 74 aneurysms (85.1%). While 76 aneurysms (87.4%) were occluded at the last angiographic follow-up (mean: 26.0 months), 11 aneurysms (12.6%) were still filling. Morbimortality was zero.

Conclusion

The drawback of endovascular treatment is aneurysmal remnants or recurrences, which is safely and durably amenable to flow diversion.
Synthesis of Ester-Linked Paclitaxel–Glycoside Conjugate and Its Drug Delivery System Using Hybrid-Bio-Nanocapsules Targeted With Trastuzumab
Authors: Fujitaka Yuya , Hamada Hiroki , Hamada Hatsuyuki , Ishihara Kohji , Iwaki Takafumi , Shimoda Kei , Kiriake Yuya , Saikawa Tomohiro
Published: January 2021

Synthesis of the ester-linked glucoside conjugate of paclitaxel, 7-propionylpaclitaxel 3″- O-β-d-glucopyranoside, was carried out by chemoenzymatic procedures. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) values for hybrid-bio-nanocapsules of the compound were much improved in comparison with those of paclitaxel. The hybrid-bio-nanocapsules targeted with trastuzumab, which contained 7-propionylpaclitaxel 3″- O-β-d-glucopyranoside, showed high anticancer activity.
Preconsultation Questionnaires for Patients Attending Elective Foot and Ankle Clinics: Is This the Way Forward in Outpatient Clinics?
Authors: Anugraha Anoop , Dalal Rakesh , Raad Marjan , Patel Neelam , Sugathan Hari
Published: January 2021

Orthopaedic clinics can often be overbooked’ busy and delayed appointments are a common sight in the National Health Service. We recognize this is becoming a growing problem that needs to be addressed; therefore, we have carried out a quality improvement project (QIP) that can save clinicians time. We have developed the “Stockport Foot and Ankle Questionnaire,” a novel preconsultation questionnaire to gather information about patient history and symptoms. We found that the average time required for consultation reduced from a mean of 22 minutes, without questionnaires, to a mean of 15 minutes with the questionnaire, effectively saving 7 minutes per consultation. The preconsultation questionnaire in foot and ankle clinics is a novel technique to improve efficiency, productivity, and standardization in outpatient clinics. It is a patient-centered approach that identifies where effective changes can be implemented in how outpatient services are run. We recommend routine use of these questionnaires to save valuable clinician time.

Levels of Evidence: Level II
Metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma and high-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm mimicking acute appendicitis in a post-radiation therapy patient
Authors: Propst Robert , Chen Wongworawat Yan , Choo Evelyn , Cobb Camilla , Raza Anwar
Published: January 2021

Prostate cancer is the most common visceral malignancy diagnosed in males. Surveillance for post-treatment neoplasms is very crucial. Here we report the first case of recurrent metastatic prostate cancer presenting as acute appendicitis in a background of a high-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm. In addition, this case also includes an unusually early presentation of a secondary primary malignancy after radiation therapy. A 70-year-old male with a history of prostate adenocarcinoma status post-proton radiation therapy presented with recurrent poorly differentiated prostate adenocarcinoma with disease progression and extra-prostatic extension. He underwent salvage proton therapy and testosterone replacement therapy. Two years later, the patient presented with right lower quadrant pain. A computed tomography scan showed perforated acute appendicitis with intra-abdominal abscess, which was treated with interval appendectomy. Upon histologic analysis, metastatic prostatic adenocarcinoma was noted in the appendiceal wall and mesoappendix. In addition, an incidental background of high-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm was found. Four months later, he presented with persistent abdominal pain, rapid weight loss, fatigue, and fever for 3 months. An abdominal CT scan revealed a 6.1 cm rectal mass. Pathologic analysis diagnosed an aggressive post-radiation spindle cell sarcoma, intermediate to high grade. The patient opted for palliative care. This case shows that a clinical presentation of acute appendicitis in an older patient may sometimes portend a neoplastic rather than infectious etiology. Clinical history and patient epidemiology should always be considered when evaluating an older patient with clinical signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis.
A Solution to After-Hours Fatigue and Surgical Backlog
Authors: Anastasio Albert T. , Patel Preet Shailesh , Fernandez-Moure Joseph , Gage Mark J.
Published: January 2021

After-hours surgery represents a novel solution that can effectively combat surgical fatigue of care teams in addition to addressing the high volume of surgical backlog associated with the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. This commentary seeks to rationalize how successful employment of a dedicated after-hours surgical team and protocol has tremendous potential for increased efficiency while maintaining good surgical outcomes in patients.
Cholesterol Granuloma of the Maxillary Sinus—A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Alghulikah Abdulrahman , Musallam Norah , Sumaily Ibrahim , Fathaddin Amany , Aldossary Surayie
Published: January 2021

Cholesterol Granulomas of the Maxillary Sinus, considered an unusual presentation at this anatomical site. Over last 2 decades, only few cases are reported in the literature (English) and no available comprehensive reviews or studies on this entity. Herein in this article we present a comprehensive literature review of the available reports of 16 cases along with reporting a new case which we managed, aided with its histopathological pictures. This review article can be a reference for practitioners in the field of otorhinolaryngology who may encounter these cases. Also, it attracts the attention to consider this pathology among the differential diagnoses of nasal masses. Moreover, including a described pathological imaging may help young pathologist to identify this pathology.
Effect of Facet Tropism on Postoperative Cervical Range of Motion After Single-Level Cervical Disc Arthroplasty
Authors: Liu Ziyang , Rong Xin , Liu Hao , Ding Chen , Hong Ying , Wang Beiyu
Published: January 2021

Study Design:

Retrospective analysis.

Objectives:

Cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) was designed to replace the degenerated disc with the prosthesis to preserve cervical motion. The commonly used artificial discs are designed symmetric, whereas the facet joints were reported to be asymmetric in many people. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of facet tropism on the cervical range of motion (ROM) after single-level CDA using Prestige LP.

Methods:

A total of 90 patients who underwent single-level CDA using Prestige LP from 2012 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Radiographs were taken at each time point to measure the C2-C7 ROM and the ROM at the surgical segment. The pre-operation CT scans were utilized to reconstruct and calculate the angular direction of facet joints with respect to transverse, coronal, and sagittal reference planes. Facet tropism above 7° was defined as facet joint asymmetry.

Results:

No significant difference was found in flexion-extension C2-C7 ROM or ROM at the surgical segment between patients with symmetric and asymmetric fact joints regarding the sagittal plane. Patients with coronal asymmetric facet joints had lower flexion-extension ROM at the surgical level. Patients with transverse asymmetric facet joints had both lower flexion-extension C2-C7 ROM and ROM at the surgical level. After CDA surgery, patients obtained good clinical outcomes including increased Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) and decreased Neck Disability Index (NDI) as well as Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

Conclusion:

The coronal and transverse tropism seemed to be correlated with decreased flexion-extension ROM after CDA using Prestige LP.