bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is EAT-10 Useful to Assess Swallowing during the Chemo-Radiotherapy Phase in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer? A Pilot Study
Authors: Bofill-Soler Neus , Guillen-Sola Anna , Marco Ester , Nieto-Cadalso Sonia , Barrera Mª Camèlia , Pera-Cegarra Oscar , Membrive Ismael , Duran Xavier , Foro Palmira
Published: October 2020

Objective/Hypothesis:

The 10-item Eating-Assessment Tool (EAT-10) is a dysphagia screening test. In HNC patients, screening and diagnosis of dysphagia are not well-established. To determine the metrological properties of the EAT-10 compared with videofluoroscopy in non-surgical HNC-patients and to assess the relationship between EAT-10 scores and patients’ self-reported symptoms.

Study Design:

Prospective cohort study.

Methods:

Forty-six HNC-patients recently diagnosed and referred to chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Main outcome was evidence of dysphagia according to EAT-10 score, self-perception on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) of impaired swallowing, severity on the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS), and the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS). Patients were assessed at baseline, before-CRT, after-CRT, and at 3-month follow-up.

Results:

A strong baseline correlation between EAT-10, VAS, and FOIS was observed. All 3 values decreased in weeks 6 to 9 after CRT initiation; a poor correlation of EAT-10 with VAS was observed at 3-month follow-up. A receiver operating characteristic curve determined new cut-off points (sensitivity/specificity) for safe swallowing: baseline 3 (86%, 77%); post-CRT, 15 (62.5%, 80%); and 3-month follow-up, 4 (83%, 75%).

Conclusions:

New safe-swallow EAT-10-points are suggested for this population during screening and the oncological follow-up. A poor correlation between EAT10-score and patient self-reported symptoms was observed at the end-RT and at 3-month follow-up, highlighting the need for an objective evaluation instrument.
Impact of Diabetes Mellitus Following Tonsillectomy in Adults: A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Analysis
Authors: Mamidi Ishwarya S. , Li Lilun , Jones Joel W. , Lee Ryan , Rana Md Sohel , Reilly Brian K.
Published: October 2020

Objectives:

To identify 30-day complication rates specific to patients with diabetes mellitus following tonsillectomy.

Methods:

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database was used to identify patients undergoing tonsillectomy between 2005 and 2018. Patients were stratified into 3 cohorts: insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), and non-diabetes mellitus (NODM). Coarsened-exact-matching was utilized to account for baseline differences between cohorts. Outcomes studied included post-operate complications, prolonged hospitalization, and unplanned readmissions.

Results:

A total of 986 DM and 26 774 NODM patients were included, and the mean age of patients undergoing tonsillectomy was 29.5 ± 11.6 and 28.7 ± 11.0 years, respectively. The majority of patients were female (70.5% for both DM and NODM cohorts) and White/Caucasian (89.2% vs 89.3%). Among patients undergoing tonsillectomy, a greater proportion of DM patients experienced an operative time greater than or equal to the 75th percentile (35 minutes; 25.9% vs 22.8%, P = .024), overall morbidity (12.6% vs 5.4%, P < .001), pneumonia (0.6% vs 0.2%, P = .036), and reoperation (10.2% vs 3.5% P < .001) in comparison to NODM patients. In an analysis between IDDM (n = 379) and NIDDM (n = 211) patients, IDDM patients were at an increased risk for prolonged hospitalization (1.4% vs 0.0%, P = .045), pneumonia (5.2% vs 0.5%, P < .001), urinary tract infections (3.3% vs 0.3% P = .004), major complications (15.6% vs 7.7%, P = .002), minor complications (19.9% vs 8.2%, P < .001), and overall complications (10.0% vs 1.3%, P < .001).

Conclusion:

DM patients are at a heightened risk for complications following tonsillectomy. Standardized protocols, careful pre-operative planning, and stringent glycemic management may help optimize patient outcomes.
Correlates of expressed emotions as perceived by patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Sharma Ayush , Nehra Ritu , Grover Sandeep
Published: October 2020

Aim:

To evaluate expressed emotions (EEs) as perceived by the patients and its correlates among patients with bipolar disorder (BD).

Methodology:

One hundred patients diagnosed with BD were assessed on the Perceived Criticism Measure (PCM), Family emotional involvement and criticism scale (FEICS), Brief dyadic scale for expressed emotions (BDSEE) and Vulnerability for abuse screening scale (VASS) to assess EE and possible abuse by the caregivers. Caregivers were evaluated on family burden interview schedule and family coping questionnaire.

Results:

Longer duration of illness (Pearson’s correlation coefficient: −0.335; p = .001***) and longer duration of treatment (Pearson’s correlation coefficient: −0.317; p = .001***) were associated with significantly lower perceived criticism as assessed by FEICS. Higher use of coping mechanisms such as coercion, avoidance and resignation by caregivers were associated with the higher perception of EE, whereas the use of coping mechanisms such as information seeking, communication, and social involvement by the caregivers was associated with the perception of lower EE among the patients. Higher caregiver burden was associated with a higher perception of the EE by the patients. Higher perception of abuse by the patients was associated with higher EE.

Conclusions:

Present study suggests that higher use of maladaptive coping, caregiver burden, and abuse has a significant impact on the EE. Accordingly, psychosocial interventions need to focus on caregivers to reduce EE.
Examining Host Communities’ Perceptions on Trust Funds as Corporate Strategies for Community Development in Ghana
Authors: Kasimba Sam A. , Lujala Päivi
Published: October 2020

Mining companies increasingly adopt trusts, foundations, and funds as part of their efforts to obtain and maintain a social license to operate and corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies for community development. Using qualitative methodology, this article examined host communities’ perceptions of two mining company-financed trust funds in Ghana. The interviews revealed that although the community members considered some aspects of the trust funds positively, the trust funds’ overall objectives to promote meaningful participation of local community members and contribute to local development had not been met. Inadequate planning and needs assessments, and inflexibility in externally framed CSR practices that were unfavorable to the operational contexts, were among the key factors undermining the success of the trust funds.
“Life Is So Good”: Centenarians’ Autobiographies Between the Promise of Immortality and the Specter of Death
Authors: Banerjee Mita
Published: October 2020

When we are trying to come to terms with death and dying, or the loss of a loved one, cultural practices can fulfill important functions. Literature, music, and the arts can help us cope with loss by expressing our emotions in a way which seems to be universal. This paper investigates the role of co-written centenarians’ autobiographies in this context. It focuses specifically on autobiographies by African American centenarians and white co-authors. The article investigates the dialogue between the centenarian and the co-author as a ritual for coming to terms with the co-author’s fear of mortality. It argues that for a white readership that defines itself as secular, the black centenarian – deeply religious himself – can serve as a surrogate and a role model. Just as he assures his middle-aged, white co-author that death is not to be feared, his autobiography may offer a secular readership a model for dying.
Understanding the decline of smallholders in contemporary Russia
Authors: Wegren Stephen K
Published: October 2020

The conditions that made smallholders important during the Soviet period no longer exist. Economic and societal changes mean that smallholders’ historical role is less relevant to contemporary Russian life. Smallholders’ food production is in decline, and smallholders are likely to experience continued marginalization going forward. Niche specialty markets cannot compensate for the broad-based decline in household production. Mega-farms and supermarket chains present unprecedented challenges to Russia’s smallholders, whose future is less certain than at any time in the past 40 years.
Nervous System Sampling for General Toxicity and Neurotoxicity Studies in Rabbits
Authors: Pardo Ingrid D. , Rao Deepa B. , Morrison James P. , Huddleston Colleen , Bradley Alys E. , Bolon Brad , Garman Robert H.
Published: October 2020

Although manuscripts for multiple species recommending nervous system sampling for histopathology evaluation in safety assessment have been published in the past 15 years, none have addressed the laboratory rabbit. Here, we describe 2 trimming schemes for evaluating the rabbit brain in nonclinical toxicity studies. In both schemes, the intact brain is cut in the coronal plane to permit bilateral assessment. The first scheme is recommended for general toxicity studies (tier 1) in screening agents where there is no anticipated neurotoxic potential; this 6-section approach is consistent with the Society of Toxicologic Pathology (STP) “best practice” recommendations for brain sampling in nonrodents ( Toxicol Pathol 41: 1028-1048, 20131). The second trimming scheme is intended for dedicated neurotoxicity studies (tier 2) to characterize known or suspected neurotoxicants where the nervous system is a key target organ. This tier 2 strategy relies on coronal trimming of the whole brain into 3-mm-thick slices and then evaluating 12 sections. Collection of spinal cord, ganglia, and nerve specimens for rabbits during nonclinical studies should follow published STP “best practice” recommendations for sampling the central nervous system1 and peripheral nervous system ( Toxicol Pathol 46: 372-402, 20182).
Making the best of multidisciplinary care for patients with malignant fungating wounds: A qualitative study of clinicians’ narratives
Authors: Qiu Jeanna M , DelVecchio Good Mary-Jo
Published: October 2020

Background:

Malignant fungating wounds occur in advanced cancer patients, often in the last 6 to 12 months of life, when malignant cells breach the skin, causing a non-healing wound. Little is known about the perspectives of clinicians who treat these patients or how collaboration is facilitated among different specialties.

Objective:

To understand the experiences and perceived roles of clinicians who treat patients with malignant fungating wounds from a multidisciplinary perspective.

Design:

A qualitative study using narrative interviews was conducted and data was analyzed to identify themes that encompass the experiences of clinicians who treat patients malignant fungating wounds and put these experiences in a temporal context.

Setting/subjects:

Ten clinicians who treat patients with malignant fungating wounds ( n  = 10) from various metropolitan research hospitals were interviewed. The clinicians were of different disciplines, including physicians and nurses, and different specialties, including palliative care, oncology, and wound care.

Results:

Three themes emerged that described how clinicians of varying disciplines and specialties understood their roles and navigated the transition from curative to palliative care for patients with malignant fungating wounds: (1) making the best of fragmented care (2) collaboration between oncology and wound care (3) transitioning from curative to palliative care.

Conclusion:

Findings of the study present a timeline of clinical care for patients, with different specialties taking the lead at different points in clinical time. Recognizing when collaboration between specialties is essential, as well as when communication fails, or clinicians have differing perspectives is important to facilitate the best care possible for patients.
Illusionist techniques as a complement to psychological support for children with cancer
Authors: Clerici Carlo Alfredo , Pagani Bagliacca Elena , Silva Matteo , Chopard Saba , Puma Nadia , Bergamaschi Luca , Gattuso Giovanna , Sironi Giovanna , Massimino Maura , Ferrari Andrea
Published: October 2020

Magic and illusionism may be a potentially valid resource for children with cancer, as a complement to more traditional psychological support approaches. This study considered the psychological interviews conducted with patients with cancer <10 years of age from January to December 2019. We classified the reasons why consultations were performed and the specific situations when psychologists adopted illusionist techniques. Overall, 96 children (age 4–10 years, median 7) received psychological interventions. Magic techniques were used in 30 patients: in 15 cases to support communication and relations, in 9 as a diversion, and in 2 each for physical therapy and rehabilitation, humour therapy, and psychotherapy. This preliminary descriptive experience suggests that the use of magic tricks might be helpful in providing support for communication and relations, as well for compliance and rehabilitation, for children with cancer. More analytical studies are needed to provide quantitative assessment of the efficacy of such an approach.
The Association of Persistent Low Back Pain With Older Adult Falls and Collisions: A Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Bell Tyler , Pope Caitlin , Fazeli Pariya , Crowe Michael , Ball Karlene
Published: October 2020

Mobility-related injuries associate with reduced quality of life, greater functional dependence, and quicker mortality in older adults—warranting prevention efforts. One factor elevating injury risk may be persistent low back pain, which can negatively affect cognitive and physical functions essential for safe mobility. Among older adults obtaining license renewal ( n = 1,127), this study examined the association between persistent low back pain and incidence of falls and motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) for up to 15 years. Overall, older adults with persistent low back pain were more likely to have a fall (odds ratio [OR] = 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.34, 1.77]) or MVC (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = [1.07, 1.77]) than those without back pain. Furthermore, the number of falls and MVCs was lower for people with better lower limb and visuospatial function, respectively. Ameliorating pain and functioning in persistent lower back pain might contribute to improved mobility and a reduction of injury-related risk in later life.
Female Same-Sex Bidirectional Intimate Partner Violence in China
Authors: Lin Kai , Hu Ran , Wang Xiying , Xue Jia
Published: October 2020

Although there exists a growing body of research on female same-sex intimate partner violence (FSSIPV) as well as bidirectional intimate partner violence (BIPV) among lesbian women, much of this literature focuses on the IPV experience of women living in Western societies such as the United States. The current study represents the very first to explore BIPV among lesbian women in China. In this study, we analyze a survey sample of 225 self-identified lesbian women in China to examine FSSBIPV patterns, pattern-specific rates, and risk factors of FSSBIPV. Using the Latent Class Analysis technique, we discover three main patterns of partner abuse, including bidirectional psychological violence (60%), bidirectional violence multiple types with physical abuse (79.1%), and minimal violence (20.9%). Logistic regressions show that there is no significant demographic, socioeconomic, or attitudinal difference between the bidirectional psychological violence group and the minimal violence group while being younger, cohabitating, and holding pro-IPV attitudes significantly predicted higher odds of experiencing multiple types of bidirectional violence. Contributions to the literature, as well as policy implications, are also discussed.
Aircraft flat-spin recovery using sliding-mode based attitude and altitude control
Authors: Salahudden  , Dwivedi Vijay S , Dwivedi Prasiddha N , Giri Dipak K , Ghosh Ajoy K
Published: October 2020

In the present paper, a control command to recover steady-straight-level flight from flat-oscillatory-stable-left-spin is developed using a sliding-mode based attitude and altitude control. Direct spin recovery, using a spin solution by bifurcation results, to low angle-of-attack is achieved in finite-time without any separation in dynamics. The exponential convergence of errors is discussed by invoking Barbalat’s Lemma theorem. Thereafter settling time is obtained thereby making the system a finite-time stable to reach the sliding surface. The novelty of this work lies in the proposed control strategy, wherein expressions for all four primary control inputs are obtained in a closed-loop form without any approximation and altitude margin required for flat-spin recovery is investigated based on a heuristic approach for a fixed controller gains. Additionally, results of this research indicate the proposed controller first stops the spin by controlling the attitude of the aircraft thereby rotation stops about the body axis and then reaches the commanded altitude to attain the horizontal flight.
Combustion process monitoring based on flame intensity time series
Authors: Omiotek Zbigniew , Smolarz Andrzej
Published: October 2020

The pulverised coal and its mixture with biomass are one of the most popular fuels in industrial energy. To ensure, on one hand, minimal greenhouse gas emission and, on the other hand, maximum energy production efficiency, it is necessary to monitor the combustion process of these fuels. One way to do this is to monitor the flame intensity. This is an optical, non-invasive solution, and information on the status of the process is obtained with minimal delay. The article proposes a method for identifying undesired combustion states for which the excess air coefficient is greater or smaller than the value ensuring total combustion. Three deep recurrent neural network architectures for classifying the flame intensity time series were explored. The best results were obtained using the convolutional long short-term memory model, which offered the accuracy of 86.5%–99.8%, depending on the current thermal power. The prediction time of a single data sequence was about 0.6 ms. High accuracy and low time consumption of the proposed method create an opportunity for its use in industrial combustion systems of pulverised coal and its mixture with biomass.
Stress–strain and burst failure analysis of fiber wound composite material high-pressure vessel
Authors: Kang Huairong , He Pengfei , Zhang Cunman , Dai Ying , Lv Hong , Zhang Ming , Yang Donglin
Published: October 2020

Composite material high-pressure storage vessel has been increasingly applied in the hydrogen storage industry. This study aims to establish parametric analysis of fiber wound composite vessel and investigate the stress distribution, failure mechanism as well as the burst strength. Based on the maximum strain criterion and Tsai-Wu failure criterion, the burst strength of the vessel and the failure mechanism of the cylinder segment were evaluated and studied. The stresses of the cylinder were much higher than those of the dome. The cylindrical part of the vessel is its weakest area. Matrix failure initiated at the spiral wound layer, then the accumulation of matrix failure resulted in the stiffness becoming degraded and hence fiber failure happened on the hoop wound layers. The fiber failure leaded to the ultimate failure of the vessel. The wound scheme of the outer layers also plays an important role on the load-bearing ability of the vessel. The burst strength of vessel with case-A wound was 122 MPa, while it was 91 MPa for case-B wound, about 25.4% decrease. The numerical results were compared with the burst mode studied in experiments on composite vessels and a good agreement was obtained. This study provides a theoretical foundation for safe design and utilization of composite material high-pressure vessel in the fields of hydrogen storage.
Risk Factors for Gemcitabine-Induced Vascular Pain in Patients With Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Ishida Shigeru , Makihara Yoko , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Nakashima Takafumi , Nagata Kenichiro , Suetsugu Kimitaka , Tsuji Toshikazu , Hata Kojiro , Ikeda Munehiko , Ikebe Mio , Minami Haruna , Watanabe Hitomi , Nakata Kohei , Nakamura Masafumi , Egashira Nobuaki , Ieiri Ichiro
Published: October 2020

Background:

Peripheral intravenous injection of gemcitabine often causes vascular pain; however, preventive measures have not yet been established.

Objectives:

This study focused on identifying predictive factors for gemcitabine-induced vascular pain.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed risk factors for developing vascular pain in patients with pancreatic cancer receiving gemcitabine infusions at our institution. Infusions were divided into groups according to presence or absence of vascular pain symptoms, and variables were compared. Odds ratios for risk factors were calculated using logistic regression analyses.

Results:

Overall, 272 patients with pancreatic cancer were subjected to 725 gemcitabine infusions, and of these, 18.4% (n = 50) experienced vascular pain. There were significant differences in the gemcitabine dose ( P = 0.025), dose of gemcitabine/body surface area (BSA; P = 0.004), concentration of gemcitabine ( P = 0.025), and hot pack use ( P = 0.011) between the vascular pain and no vascular pain groups. Multivariable analyses indicated that gemcitabine dose/BSA and lack of hot pack use were risk factors for developing vascular pain. Moreover, on administration of a higher dosage (>930 mg/m2), the incidence of vascular pain in patients using a hot pack (6.7%) was significantly lower than that in patients not provided a hot pack (16.2%).

Conclusions and Relevance:

High gemcitabine dosages and lack of hot pack use were predictive factors for gemcitabine-induced vascular pain in patients with pancreatic cancer. Patients receiving gemcitabine treatment should apply a hot pack to the injection site. Scrupulous clinical attention is required for patients presenting with these risk factors to improve pain management.
Antiemetic medication efficacy during EPOCH and R-EPOCH treatment
Authors: Fleming Megan K , Carr Allison , Li Junan , Lundberg Jordan D , Rogers Kerry A
Published: October 2020

Introduction

This study aims to determine the adequacy of current institutional standard practice for CINV prophylaxis for EPOCH and R-EPOCH at The Ohio State University James Cancer Hospital.

Methods

Single-center, retrospective analysis was performed including all patients receiving EPOCH or R-EPOCH chemotherapy for Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas from 1/1/2012 to 6/30/2017. The primary endpoint was rate of CINV events, which included usage of more than 50 percent of available doses of breakthrough antiemetics while inpatient, hospitalization due to CINV or related complications, or adjustments made to the CINV prophylactic or breakthrough regimen during current or subsequent cycles. Secondary endpoints included determining prescriber adherence to institutional standard CINV prophylaxis, characterization of adjustments to the antiemetic regimen following the incidence of CINV, and identification of high-risk patients that may benefit from additional CINV prophylaxis.

Results

Of 111 patients, 54 (48.6%) experienced CINV events with any cycle of EPOCH or R-EPOCH chemotherapy. Of those patients, 17 (31.5%) received institutional standard CINV prophylaxis at baseline, 8 (14.8%) received additional scheduled antiemetics, and 26 (48.1%) were prescribed additional breakthrough antiemetics with their first cycle of EPOCH or R-EPOCH. Younger age, diagnosis of anxiety, and previous susceptibility to nausea were significantly associated with CINV events.

Conclusion

This study illustrates the inadequacy of current institutional standard for CINV prophylaxis for patients receiving EPOCH and R-EPOCH, highly emetogenic chemotherapy regimens. With nearly half of included patients experiencing CINV events, and most initially receiving more than our standard prophylaxis, changes to our standard antiemetics used with this chemotherapy regimen are needed.
Multimodal imaging of pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy
Authors: Ranjan Ratnesh , Jain M Arvind , Verghese Shishir , Manayath George J , Narendran Venkatapathy
Published: October 2020

Aim:

To describe the multimodal imaging findings of pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy.

Methods:

A 23-year-old female presented to us for a routine ocular examination. She had a best-corrected visual acuity of 6/6 in both eyes. Anterior segment examination was unremarkable. Fundus examination showed pigmentary changes along the retinal vasculature extending from mid periphery to post-equatorial retina suggesting a diagnosis of pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy. Swept-source optical coherence tomography of the macula showed choriocapillaris thinning at the mid periphery whereas coherence tomography angiography at the mid periphery showed a relatively normal choriocapillaris vasculature in the early stage of the disease.

Conclusion:

A relatively normal choriocapillaris structure was seen on ocular coherence tomography angiography which could have been due to a milder form of the disease in a young patient.
Asthma and COVID-19: What do we know now
Authors: Hughes-Visentin Alexzandra , Paul Anthea B Mahesan
Published: October 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges in symptomology identification, diagnosis, management and follow-up in common respiratory diseases, and in particular asthma. Research is rapidly ongoing to try and understand how the SARS-CoV-2 virus affects individuals with asthma, as well as, how underlying asthma affects Covid-19 risk, symptomology and prognosis. In light of this unique medical challenge, clinicians are faced with case-by-case based decisions to implement or continue current asthma therapy.

This review will discuss the current literature regarding asthma and COVID-19 based on best available evidence at this time (See box 1).
Vitamin D Status in a Bulgarian Population With Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Todorova Ani S. , Jude Edward B. , Dimova Rumyana B. , Chakarova Nevena Y. , Serdarova Mina S. , Grozeva Greta G. , Tsarkova Polina V. , Tankova Tsvetalina I.
Published: October 2020

The aim of this study was to assess vitamin D status in patients with type 2 diabetes and diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). A total of 242 participants with type 2 diabetes, mean age 59.1 ± 10 years, mean body mass index 31.4 ± 6.3 kg/m2, and estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥45 mL/min/1.73m2, were divided into 2 groups: 73 with DFU (35 with and 38 without active infection) and 169 without DFU (106 with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, 63 without complications). Neuropathy was assessed by 10 g monofilament, Rydel-Seiffer 128 Hz tuning fork, and temperature discrimination. Serum 25(OH)D (25-hydroxy vitamin D) was assessed by ECLIA (electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay) method. Median 25(OH)D level was 12.6 ng/mL (IQR [interquartile range] 9.3-17.6 ng/mL) in the studied cohort. The DFU group presented with lower 25(OH)D level as compared with diabetic patients without foot ulcers (non-DFU group): 11.6 ng/mL (IQR 8.5-15.8 ng/mL) versus 13.5 ng/mL (IQR 9.6-18.6 ng/mL), P = .001; the diabetic peripheral neuropathy subgroup demonstrated lower 25(OH)D level in comparison with participants without complications: 12.5 ng/mL (IQR 9-17.2 ng/mL) versus 15.9 ng/mL (IQR 10.4-20.8 ng/mL), P = .031. This remained significantly different even after correction for age and duration of diabetes. There was no difference in 25(OH)D level between the subgroups according to the presence of active infection. In conclusion, vitamin D deficiency may play a role in the development of diabetes complications.
E2-MACH: Energy efficient multi-attribute based clustering scheme for energy harvesting wireless sensor networks
Authors: Haq Inam Ul , Javaid Qaisar , Ullah Zahid , Zaheer Zafar , Raza Mohsin , Khalid Muhammad , Ahmed Ghufran , Khan Saleem
Published: October 2020

Internet of things have emerged enough due to its applications in a wide range of fields such as governance, industry, healthcare, and smart environments (home, smart, cities, and so on). Internet of things–based networks connect smart devices ubiquitously. In such scenario, the role of wireless sensor networks becomes vital in order to enhance the ubiquity of the Internet of things devices with lower cost and easy deployment. The sensor nodes are limited in terms of energy storage, processing, and data storage capabilities, while their radio frequencies are very sensitive to noise and interference. These factors consequently threaten the energy consumption, lifetime, and throughput of network. One way to cope with energy consumption issue is energy harvesting techniques used in wireless sensor network–based Internet of things. However, some recent studies addressed the problems of clustering and routing in energy harvesting wireless sensor networks which either concentrate on energy efficiency or quality of service. There is a need of an adequate approach that can perform efficiently in terms of energy utilization as well as to ensure the quality of service. In this article, a novel protocol named energy-efficient multi-attribute-based clustering scheme (E2-MACH) is proposed which addresses the energy efficiency and communication reliability. It uses selection criteria of reliable cluster head based on a weighted function defined by multiple attributes such as link statistics, neighborhood density, current residual energy, and the rate of energy harvesting of nodes. The consideration of such parameters in cluster head selection helps to preserve the node’s energy and reduce its consumption by sending data over links possessing better signal-to-noise ratio and hence ensure minimum packet loss. The minimized packet loss ratio contributes toward enhanced network throughput, energy consumption, and lifetime with better service availability for Internet of things applications. A set of experiments using network simulator 2 revealed that our proposed approach outperforms the state-of-the-art low-energy adaptive clustering hierarchy and other recent protocols in terms of first-node death, overall energy consumption, and network throughput.
“Shoot! Can We Restart the Interview?”: Lessons From Practicing “Uncomfortable Reflexivity”
Authors: Eckert Judith
Published: October 2020

Failure is a typical experience in research, but it is largely taboo in published studies. In recent years, however, we can observe a small yet growing body of literature on failure in qualitative research to address this gap. In this article, I contribute my experiences of failed interviews in a mixed-methods study in Germany to this body of literature and highlight some aspects of failure that have not yet received enough attention. First, in my example, it was not only one interview or a few interviews that failed; rather, it seemed that the whole study failed in design due to particular methodical decisions. Second, failed research presents an intellectual challenge, but it also produces emotional and social trouble because failed research might be attributed to a failed researcher. This may be one reason failure is so damaging for one’s well-being and so difficult to share. Nevertheless, practicing some form of “uncomfortable reflexivity” (Pillow, 2003) via qualitative, close analysis helped me navigate the research process, gain methodical insights and substantive results. Third, I share lessons that might be useful for other researchers: reading literature on failure, the search for a safe and supportive space, and analyzing failure as closely and early as possible.
Pipeline Flex embolisation device with Shield Technology for the treatment of patients with intracranial aneurysms: periprocedural and 6 month outcomes
Authors: Yeomans James , Sandu Lilian , Sastry Anand
Published: October 2020

Background and purpose

The Pipeline Flex embolisation device with Shield Technology (Pipeline Shield) is a novel flow diverter which reduces intra-vessel thrombogenicity. This study summarises periprocedural outcomes and 6-month follow-up results following its introduction in a tertiary interventional neuroradiology centre.

Materials and methods

This prospective, single-arm study assessed 32 aneurysms treated over a 21-month time period from the time of procedure to 6 months post-procedure. Data collected included patient demographics, aneurysm features and intraprocedural and 6-month post-procedural complications.

Results

The mean age of the cohort was 58.8 ± Standard Deviation 8.5 years. Twenty-eight aneurysms were treated electively and four acutely. The elective cases received dual antiplatelet therapy post-procedure. The acute cases received single antiplatelet therapy post-procedure. Of the target aneurysms, 16/32 (50%) were small (<10 mm), 13/32 (41%) were large (10–25 mm) and 3/32 (9%) were giant (≥25 mm). There was no mortality in the series. There were two periprocedural complications (2/32, 6.2%): a stroke and a dissection. There were no post-procedural complications. At 6 months post-procedure, satisfactory occlusion (defined as Raymond–Roy 1 or 2) was achieved in 90.6% and 93.8% by way of magnetic resonance angiography and digital subtraction angiography assessment, respectively. There was no implant migration, no significant intraluminal hyperplasia or in-stent stenosis and no cases of aneurysm recurrence.

Conclusion

The Pipeline Shield has an excellent 6- month safety profile with an acceptable rate of intraprocedural complications, no post-procedure complications and no mortality in this case series of 32 acute and elective cases.
Infliximab treatment for large, multifocal, abdominal pyoderma gangrenosum associated with ulcerative colitis: A case report
Authors: Mikail Maria , Wilson Aze
Published: October 2020

Pyoderma gangrenosum is an uncommon neutrophilic dermatosis that is highly associated with pathergy in the setting of trauma or surgery, systemic disease, or may be idiopathic. Herein, we present the case of a 68-year-old female with ulcerative colitis who underwent a subtotal colectomy with an end-ileostomy and presented post-operatively with large, multifocal pyoderma gangrenosum at two abdominal sites. She was managed with intralesional triamcinolone injections and high-dose systemic steroids and was transitioned to IV infliximab. Our case report illustrates the role of infliximab in the treatment of complicated multifocal pyoderma gangrenosum and contemplates the impact of systemic infliximab exposure.
The Shatila soundscape: Sound cultures, practices, and perceptions in a refugee camp in Lebanon
Authors: Puig Nicolas
Published: October 2020

This article discusses certain key questions about the history, memory, and dynamics of belonging in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon based on the sound culture of their inhabitants. What can the musical content, in particular, and the sound environment, in general, generated by the neighborhood, the birds, and the scooters circulating in the narrow alleys, tell us about life in one of those camps and about the daily lives of a national group placed on the margins of citizenship for over 70 years? Taking the example of the Shatila refugee camp in Beirut, the following three dimensions of this sound culture are examined: the discourses on the community and its spaces in musical production (singing about the camp); sound practices inside the camp (sonorizing the camp); and finally, the description of the camp and its surroundings by its residents through sound journeys (listening to the camp). The analysis is first based on the content of songs in order to describe what music expresses about life in the refugee camps. It then moves on to examine the ordinary sound practices which contribute to the unique character of Shatila and its surrounding areas, such as the commercial district of Sabra. Third, perceptions of the spaces by the residents are described using the method of sound journeys (using the “Mics in the ears” procedure). Finally, it turns out that sound practices give the refugee camp—which over time has turned into a poor cosmopolitan district—a specific identity, and they contribute to establishing a familiarity with the spaces while nonetheless creating boundaries between the groups. These practices fulfill the needs of all the inhabitants to act in and upon the space where they live, this urban margin where they have been “confined” for a long time.
Free Appropriate Public Education in the Time of COVID-19
Authors: Jameson J. Matt , Stegenga Sondra M. , Ryan Joanna , Green Ambra
Published: October 2020

In the spring of 2020, public schools across the United States were forced to close their campuses due to an emerging public health crisis caused by the detection of the first cases of the COVID-19 virus. Although schools closed their buildings, the delivery of educational services did not stop. This included the ongoing provision of services mandated by federal law under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which establish educational protections, processes, and rights for students with disabilities and their families to ensure educational equity. In this article, we describe the potential legal implications of COVID-19 for schools, students with disabilities, and their families with a focus on challenges faced in rural areas. Strategies for mitigating legal impacts are described.
CLEC12A and CD33 coexpression as a preferential target for pediatric AML combinatorial immunotherapy
Authors: Willier Semjon , Rothämel Paula , Hastreiter Maximilian , Wilhelm Jonas , Stenger Dana , Blaeschke Franziska , Rohlfs Meino , Kaeuferle Theresa , Schmid Irene , Albert Michael H. , Binder Vera , Subklewe Marion , Klein Christoph , Feuchtinger Tobias
Published: October 2020

Emerging immunotherapies such as chimeric antigen receptor T cells have advanced the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In contrast, long-term control of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cannot be achieved by single lineage-specific targeting while sparing benign hematopoiesis. In addition, heterogeneity of AML warrants combinatorial targeting, and several suitable immunotargets (HAVCR2/CD33 and HAVCR2/CLEC12A) have been identified in adult AML. However, clinical and biologic characteristics of AML differ between children and the elderly. Here, we analyzed 36 bone marrow (BM) samples of pediatric AML patients and 13 age-matched healthy donors using whole RNA sequencing of sorted CD45dim and CD34+CD38−CD45dim BM populations and flow cytometry for surface expression of putative target antigens. Pediatric AML clusters apart from healthy myeloid BM precursors in principal-component analysis. Known immunotargets of adult AML, such as IL3RA, were not overexpressed in pediatric AML compared with healthy precursors by RNA sequencing. CD33 and CLEC12A were the most upregulated immunotargets on the RNA level and showed the highest surface expression on AML detected by flow cytometry. KMT2A-mutated infant AML clusters separately by RNA sequencing and overexpresses FLT3, and hence, CD33/FLT3 cotargeting is an additional specific option for this subgroup. CLEC12A and CD33/CLEC12Adouble-positive expression was absent in CD34+CD38−CD45RA−CD90+ hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and nonhematopoietic tissue, while CD33 and FLT3 are expressed on HSCs. In summary, we show that expression of immunotargets in pediatric AML differs from known expression profiles in adult AML. We identify CLEC12A and CD33 as preferential generic combinatorial immunotargets in pediatric AML and CD33 and FLT3 as immunotargets specific for KMT2A-mutated infant AML.
ICOS is widely expressed in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, and its targeting promotes potent killing of malignant cells
Authors: Amatore Florent , Ortonne Nicolas , Lopez Marc , Orlanducci Florence , Castellano Rémy , Ingen-Housz-Oro Saskia , De Croos Amandine , Salvado Clémentine , Gorvel Laurent , Goubard Armelle , Collette Yves , Bouabdallah Réda , Schiano Jean-Marc , Bonnet Nathalie , Grob Jean-Jacques , Gaulard Philippe , Bagot Martine , Bensussan Armand , Berbis Philippe , Olive Daniel
Published: October 2020

The treatment of advanced-stage cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) remains an unmet medical need. Mogamulizumab, anti-KIR3DL2, and brentuximab vedotin (BV), an anti-CD30 antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) coupled with monomethyl-auristatin-E (MMAE), provided encouraging results, but new targeted therapies are needed. Inducible T-cell costimulator (ICOS), a T-cell costimulatory receptor, is a promising therapeutic target, not only because it is expressed by malignant T cells in CTCL but also because of its connection with the suppressive activity of regulatory T (Treg) cells. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that ICOS was widely expressed by malignant cells in skin biopsy specimens from 52 patients with mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome (SS), as well as in involved node biopsy specimens from patients with SS. Furthermore, flow cytometry demonstrated its strong expression by circulating tumor cells in all our patients with SS. Percentages of ICOS+ Treg cells were significantly higher in patients with SS than in healthy donors. We then investigated the preclinical efficacy of anti-ICOS ADCs generated by coupling murine anti-ICOS monoclonal antibodies with MMAE and pyrrolobenzodiazepine. In 3 CTCL cell lines (Myla, MJ, and HUT78), we observed a significant dose-dependent decrease in cell viability in the presence of anti-ICOS ADCs. In addition, anti-ICOS-MMAE ADCs had an in vitro and in vivo efficacy superior to BV in a mouse xenograft model (MyLa). Finally, we assessed the efficacy of anti-ICOS ADCs in ICOS+ patient-derived xenografts from patients with SS and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma. Collectively, our findings provide the preliminary basis for a therapeutic trial.
QTL mapping for soybean (Glycine max L.) leaf chlorophyll-content traits in a genotyped RIL population by using RAD-seq based high-density linkage map
Authors: Wang Liang , Conteh Brima , Fang Linzhi , Xia Qiuju , Nian Hai
Published: October 2020

Background

Different soybean (Glycine max L.) leaf chlorophyll-content traits are considered to be significantly linked to soybean yield. To map the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) of soybean leaf chlorophyll-content traits, an advanced recombinant inbred line (RIL, ZH, Zhonghuang 24 × Huaxia 3) population was adopted to phenotypic data acquisitions for the target traits across six distinct environments (seasons and soybean growth stages). Moreover, the restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) based high-density genetic linkage map of the RIL population was utilized for QTL mapping by carrying out the composite interval mapping (CIM) approach.

Results

Correlation analyses showed that most traits were correlated with each other under specific chlorophyll assessing method and were regulated both by hereditary and environmental factors. In this study, 78 QTLs for soybean leaf chlorophyll-content traits were identified. Furthermore, 13 major QTLs and five important QTL hotspots were classified and highlighted from the detected QTLs. Finally, Glyma01g15506, Glyma02g08910, Glyma02g11110, Glyma07g15960, Glyma15g19670 and Glyma15g19810 were predicted from the genetic intervals of the major QTLs and important QTL hotspots.

Conclusions

The detected QTLs and candidate genes may facilitate to gain a better understanding of the hereditary basis of soybean leaf chlorophyll-content traits and may be valuable to pave the way for the marker-assisted selection (MAS) breeding of the target traits.
Methanosarcina acetivorans contains a functional ISC system for iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis
Authors: Deere Thomas M. , Prakash Divya , Lessner Faith H. , Duin Evert C. , Lessner Daniel J.
Published: October 2020

Background

The production of methane by methanogens is dependent on numerous iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster proteins; yet, the machinery involved in Fe-S cluster biogenesis in methanogens remains largely unknown. Methanogen genomes encode uncharacterized homologs of the core components of the ISC (IscS and IscU) and SUF (SufBC) Fe-S cluster biogenesis systems found in bacteria and eukaryotes. Methanosarcina acetivorans contains three iscSU and two sufCB gene clusters. Here, we report genetic and biochemical characterization of M. acetivorans iscSU2.

Results

Purified IscS2 exhibited pyridoxal 5′- phosphate-dependent release of sulfur from L-cysteine. Incubation of purified IscU2 with IscS2, cysteine, and iron (Fe2+) resulted in the formation of [4Fe-4S] clusters in IscU2. IscU2 transferred a [4Fe-4S] cluster to purified M. acetivorans apo-aconitase. IscU2 also restored the aconitase activity in air-exposed M. acetivorans cell lysate. These biochemical results demonstrate that IscS2 is a cysteine desulfurase and that IscU2 is a Fe-S cluster scaffold. M. acetivorans strain DJL60 deleted of iscSU2 was generated to ascertain the in vivo importance of IscSU2. Strain DJL60 had Fe-S cluster content and growth similar to the parent strain but lower cysteine desulfurase activity. Strain DJL60 also had lower intracellular persulfide content compared to the parent strain when cysteine was an exogenous sulfur source, linking IscSU2 to sulfur metabolism.

Conclusions

This study establishes that M. acetivorans contains functional IscS and IscU, the core components of the ISC Fe-S cluster biogenesis system and provides the first evidence that ISC operates in methanogens.
Correction to: Landmark-guided versus modified ultrasound-assisted Paramedian techniques in combined spinal-epidural anesthesia for elderly patients with hip fractures: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Qu Bo , Chen Luying , Zhang Yuling , Jiang Mengting , Wu Caineng , Ma Wuhua , Li Yuhui
Published: October 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Correction to: Effects of different sufentanil target concentrations on the MACBAR of sevoflurane in patients with carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum stimulus
Authors: Guo Yanxia , Wang Dan , Yang Xiaolin , Jiang Pingping , Xu Juan , Zhang Guoyuan
Published: October 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.