bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adverse Events in Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator Implantation: 5‐Year Analysis of the FDA MAUDE Database
Authors: Bellamkonda Nikhil , Shiba Travis , Mendelsohn Abie H.
Published: September 2020

Objective

Use of hypoglossal nerve stimulator implantation has dramatically improved the surgical treatment of multilevel airway collapse during obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Understanding causes of adverse events and their impact on patients undergoing stimulator implantation will help improve patient preparation and surgical practices to avoid future complications.

Study Design

This study is a retrospective review of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database, a publicly available voluntary reporting system.

Setting

National patient event database.

Methods

The MAUDE database was searched for reports associated with the terms “hypoglossal nerve stimulator” and “Inspire,” being the only currently FDA‐approved system for upper airway stimulation for OSA. All records were searched with the events limited in dates between May 2014 and September 2019.

Results

A total of 132 patient reports were identified over the 5‐year inclusion period, containing 134 adverse events. The reported adverse events resulted in 32 device revision procedures as well as 17 explantations. Device migration and infection were 2 of the most commonly reported adverse events. Complications not witnessed in previous large‐scale clinical trials included pneumothorax, pleural effusion, and lead migration into the pleural space.

Conclusion

Previous data have demonstrated hypoglossal nerve stimulator implantation results in reliable OSA improvement. However, a number of technical difficulties and complications still exist during the perioperative period, which should be communicated to patients during the surgical consent process.
Distinct peripheral blood monocyte and neutrophil transcriptional programs following intracerebral hemorrhage and different etiologies of ischemic stroke
Authors: Carmona-Mora Paulina , Ander Bradley P , Jickling Glen C , Dykstra-Aiello Cheryl , Zhan Xinhua , Ferino Eva , Hamade Farah , Amini Hajar , Hull Heather , Sharp Frank R , Stamova Boryana
Published: September 2020

Understanding cell-specific transcriptome responses following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and ischemic stroke (IS) will improve knowledge of the immune response to brain injury. Transcriptomic profiles of 141 samples from 48 subjects with ICH, different IS etiologies, and vascular risk factor controls were characterized using RNA-seq in isolated neutrophils, monocytes and whole blood. In both IS and ICH, monocyte genes were down-regulated, whereas neutrophil gene expression changes were generally up-regulated. The monocyte down-regulated response to ICH included innate, adaptive immune, dendritic, NK cell and atherosclerosis signaling. Neutrophil responses to ICH included tRNA charging, mitochondrial dysfunction, and ER stress pathways. Common monocyte and neutrophil responses to ICH included interferon signaling, neuroinflammation, death receptor signaling, and NFAT pathways. Suppressed monocyte responses to IS included interferon and dendritic cell maturation signaling, phagosome formation, and IL-15 signaling. Activated neutrophil responses to IS included oxidative phosphorylation, mTOR, BMP, growth factor signaling, and calpain proteases-mediated blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction. Common monocyte and neutrophil responses to IS included JAK1, JAK3, STAT3, and thrombopoietin signaling. Cell-type and cause-specific approaches will assist the search for future IS and ICH biomarkers and treatments.
Identification of hub genes in colon cancer via bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Liu Jun , Sun Gui-Li , Pan Shang-Ling , Qin Meng-Bin , Ouyang Rong , Huang Jie-An
Published: September 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate hub genes and their prognostic value in colon cancer via bioinformatics analysis.

Methods

Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of expression profiles (GSE33113, GSE20916, and GSE37364) obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were identified using the GEO2R tool and Venn diagram software. Function and pathway enrichment analyses were performed, and a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. Hub genes were verified based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Human Protein Atlas (HPA) databases.

Results

We identified 207 DEGs, 62 upregulated and 145 downregulated genes, enriched in Gene Ontology terms “organic anion transport,” “extracellular matrix,” and “receptor ligand activity”, and in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway “cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction.” The PPI network was constructed and nine hub genes were selected by survival analysis and expression validation. We verified these genes in the TCGA database and selected three potential predictors ( ZG16, TIMP1, and BGN) that met the independent predictive criteria. TIMP1 and BGN were upregulated in patients with a high cancer risk, whereas ZG16 was downregulated. The immunostaining results from HPA supported these findings.

Conclusion

This study indicates that these hub genes may be promising prognostic indicators or therapeutic targets for colon cancer.
LMX1B-associated gankyrin expression predicts poor prognosis in glioma patients
Authors: Guo Xu , Piao Haozhe , Xue Yixue , Liu Yunhui , Zhao Hongyu
Published: September 2020

Objective

To explore the potential of the transcription factor LMX1B and downstream gankyrin as prognostic biomarkers of glioma.

Methods

The expression levels of gankyrin and LMX1B were detected in 52 normal brain specimens and 339 glioma specimens. Correlations of gankyrin and LMX1B expression levels with pathological stages and clinical characteristics were statistically analyzed. Furthermore, the binding of LMX1B to the gankyrin promoter was evaluated using ALGGEN PROMO.

Results

Levels of LMX1B and gankyrin were significantly increased in tumor tissue, and were significantly associated with advanced glioma grade and poor survival. Compared with gankyrin- and LMX1B-negative glioma, the mean survival of patients with higher gankyrin and LMX1B expression was significantly reduced, from 83.46 to 18.87 months and from 63.79 to 18.29 months, respectively. Furthermore, LMX1B had a moderate positive correlation with gankyrin expression (Pearson’s r = 0.650), and it was also found to act as a transcription factor with NF-κB and E47 on the gankyrin promoter.

Conclusions

Increased expression of LMX1B and gankyrin has independent prognostic value in glioma patients. The transcription factor LMX1B may have an upstream role in the mechanism of action.
Circles Are Detected Faster Than Downward-Pointing Triangles in a Speeded Response Task
Authors: Chuquichambi Erick G. , Rey Carlos , Llames Rosana , Escudero Juan T. , Dorado Alejandro , Munar Enric
Published: September 2020

Simple geometric shapes are associated with facial emotional expressions. According to previous research, a downward-pointing triangle conveys the threatening perception of an angry facial expression, and a circle conveys the pleasant perception of a happy facial expression. Some studies showed that downward-pointing triangles have the advantage to capture attention faster than circles. Other studies proposed that curvature enhances visual detection and guides attention. We tested a downward-pointing triangle and a circle as target stimuli for a speeded response task. The distractors were two stimuli that resulted from the mixture of both targets to control for low-level features’ balanced presentation. We used 3 × 3, 4 × 4, and 5 × 5 matrices to test whether these shapes led attention to an efficient response. In Experiment 1, participants responded faster to the circle than to the downward-pointing triangle. They also responded slower to both targets as the number of distractors increased. In Experiment 2, we replicated the main findings of Experiment 1. Overall, the circle was detected faster than the downward-pointing triangle with small matrices, but this difference decreased as the matrix size increased. We suggest that circles capture attention faster because of the influence of low-level features, that is, curvature in this case.
What is organizational inequality? Why is it increasing as macroeconomic inequality increases?
Authors: Bernardi Andrea , Tridico Pasquale
Published: September 2020

Inequality has been increasing for decades in both rich and developing countries and the academic literature addressing it struggles to provide explanations, let alone solutions. This article is concerned with a relatively underexplored area, the relationship between macro-level inequality and organizational inequality. The core focus of the article is the recognition that the two phenomena are closely bound up one with the other. This is made possible by adopting Rousseau’s notion of inequality as hierarchy and willingness to accept subordination to authority and disparity of treatment. In doing so, we highlight similarities and dissimilarities between Rousseau and Marx. Inequality remains an issue of hierarchy at both the macro and organizational levels. As it was for Rousseau, so it is today but it is much more layered than in Rousseau’s day: inequality in society is the accepted degree of hierarchy among its members, inequality in the economy and at work is the extent to which, accepted or not, there is an imbalance of power, financial resources, remuneration of work and access to opportunities and services. The increase in inequality is due to a radical change in the socio-economic model of advanced economies. This change involves a shift towards financialization, a pressure on labour through flexibility, the decline of trade unions’ power and the retrenchment of public social spending.
Evidence of localized and widespread pressure pain hypersensitivity in patients with tension-type headache: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fernández-de-las-Peñas César , Plaza-Manzano Gustavo , Navarro-Santana Marcos J , Olesen Jes , Jensen Rigmor H , Bendtsen Lars
Published: September 2020

Objective

This meta-analysis evaluates pressure pain sensitivity values in symptomatic and distant pain-free areas comparing individuals with tension-type headache to controls.

Databases and data treatment

Electronic databases were searched for cross-sectional or prospective case-control studies comparing pressure pain thresholds in patients with tension-type headache to headache-free controls. Data were extracted by three reviewers. The methodological quality was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Meta-analyses of trigeminal, extra-trigeminal (neck) and distant pain-free areas in tension-type headache were compared to headache-free controls. Frequency of tension-type headache and gender were taken into account.

Results

Twenty studies were included. Patients with tension-type headache exhibited lower pressure pain thresholds than headache-free controls: Trigeminal (MD −49.11 kPa, 95% CI −66.05 to −32.17), cervical spine (MD −88.17 kPa, 95% CI −108.43 to −67.92) and distant pain-free areas (MD −98.43 kPa, 95% CI −136.78 to −60.09). Differences were significant for chronic, episodic, and mixed episodic and chronic tension-type headache within the trigeminal and neck (symptomatic areas), but only significant for chronic tension-type headache (MD −102.86, 95% CI −139.47 to −66.25 kPa) for distant pain-free areas. In general, women had lower pressure pain thresholds than men. The methodological quality ranged from fair (45%) to good (40%). The results showed a high heterogeneity and publication bias.

Conclusion

This first meta-analysis addressing pressure pain thresholds differences in symptomatic and distant pain-free areas between patients with tension-type headache and controls found low to moderate evidence supporting the presence of pressure pain hypersensitivity in the trigeminal and neck areas in tension-type headache in comparison with headache-free controls. Sensitivity to pressure pain was widespread only in chronic, not episodic, tension-type headache (moderate evidence). Registration number: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/R29HY
Family Livelihood, Social Class and Mothers’ Self-cognition: The Transformation of “Mothering” in Japanese Colonial Taiwan (1895–1945)
Authors: Chen Yujen
Published: September 2020

Based on oral histories and diaries of women who lived in the Japanese colonial period, this article analyzes the role and transformation of “mothering” in Taiwan, examining how the Han Chinese patriarchal society in Taiwan responded to colonialization and modernization in the early twentieth century. It reveals that most Taiwanese women at that time married in their teens and began to take on the tasks of mothers before the age of twenty. Difference in social class served as a key element affecting mothering practices. Rural and lower-class mothers had no choice but to prioritize productive labor over physical childcare; women of the traditional upper class could afford nannies; the emerging group of “new women” hired lower-class women to help with household tasks and childcare while they developed their professional careers. In addition to the physical care of children, Taiwanese mothers put great emphasis on the education and future development of children, especially sons. However, as the custom of “daughters-in-law-to-be” was quite common, from an early age many girls faced only their “mothers-in-law-to-be” instead of their biological mothers. “Mothering” was thus absent in these women’s lives, complicating the meaning of “motherhood.”
Neighborhood Participation Is Less Likely among Older Adults with Sidewalk Problems
Authors: Twardzik Erica , Clarke Philippa , Judd Suzanne , Colabianchi Natalie
Published: September 2020

Objectives: This cross-sectional study examines the association between perceived sidewalk conditions and neighborhood participation among older adults in the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study. Methods: Between 2013–2016, 14,233 REGARDS participants completed a second in-home visit. Using logistic regression, we cross-sectionally examined if perceived severity of sidewalk problems was associated with going into the neighborhood less than once compared to 1–7 times per week. Results: The analytic sample included participants ( N = 9863) with nonmissing data. The likelihood of going into the neighborhood less than one time per week was greater among participants who reported minor (OR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.33), somewhat serious (OR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.17, 1.70), and very serious (OR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.38, 1.98) sidewalk problems in their neighborhood compared to those reporting no sidewalk problems, independent of demographic, socioeconomic, and impairment characteristics. Discussion: Perceived sidewalk problems appear to deter neighborhood participation among older adults.
Location recognition of unmanned vehicles based on visual semantic information and geometric distribution
Authors: Cao Wenguan , Huang Xiaoci , Shu Fanglin
Published: September 2020

Due to the influence of weather, light, season and angle changes, the appearance of objects changes visually, which makes it difficult for unmanned vehicles that rely on visual positioning to complete their positioning work. This paper proposes a coordinated positioning method that is composed of semantic information and geometric relationships distribution (GRD), which improves the robustness of unmanned vehicle location under the above conditions. First, we improved the FAST-SCNN semantic segmentation network and replaced its fully connected layer with the conv4-3 module to prevent the spatial information of the image from being lost in the fully connected layer. At the same time, the conv4-3 layer contains the richest semantic information, we use image semantic content to create a dense and prominent scene description. These prominent descriptions were learned from a large data set of perceptual changes. The method can accurately segment geometrically stable image regions. We combine the characteristics of these highlighted areas with the existing overall representation to produce a more robust scene descriptor. Second, a method is designed to integrate the matching of semantic labels and geometric distribution relations, which is a new closed loop location recognition label and landmark map. The geometric pair relationship between the ground marks is encoded as a continuous probability density function, the GRD function, which is expressed by a Laguerre polynomial and Fourier series basis expansion. This orthogonal basis representation allows for efficient computation of rotation and translation invariants, which are used to compare signatures and search for potential loop closure candidates. Finally, we evaluate our method with some of the most advanced algorithms, such as OpenSeqSLAM, AlexNet and VSO, to demonstrate its advantages. The experimental results for representative data sets show that the method based on Fast-SCNN is superior to other methods.
A proportional risk model for time-to-event analysis in randomized controlled trials
Authors: Kuss Oliver , Hoyer Annika
Published: September 2020

Regression models for continuous, binary, nominal, and ordinal outcomes almost completely rely on parametric models, whereas time-to-event outcomes are mainly analyzed by Cox’s Proportional Hazards model, an essentially non-parametric method. This is done despite a long list of disadvantages that have been reported for the hazard ratio, and also for the odds ratio, another effect measure sometimes used for time-to-event modelling. In this paper, we propose a parametric proportional risk model for time-to-event outcomes in a two-group situation. Modelling explicitly a risk instead of a hazard or an odds solves the current interpretational and technical problems of the latter two effect measures. The model further allows for computing absolute effect measures like risk differences or numbers needed to treat. As an additional benefit, results from the model can also be communicated on the original time scale, as an accelerated or a prolongated failure time thus facilitating interpretation for a non-technical audience. Parameter estimation by maximum likelihood, while properly accounting for censoring, is straightforward and can be implemented in each statistical package that allows coding and maximizing a univariate likelihood function. We illustrate the model with an example from a randomized controlled trial on efficacy of a new glucose-lowering drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and give the results of a small simulation study.
Bhagwan Din Chaurasia (1937–1985): The unsung hero of Indian anatomy
Authors: Jindal Ankush , Bansal Manishi
Published: September 2020

In the era of unavailability of computers and internet platform for learning anatomy, Dr Bhagwan Din Chaurasia’s textbook on human anatomy was like a boon for the medical students. Dr Chaurasia was the great anatomist of India who published his first textbook in 1979 and since then it is widely read all over the world by the medical students pursuing MBBS. His books are unique in presenting systemic and comprehensive texts of applied anatomy in a simple language with easily reproducible line diagrams. Dr Chaurasia was a rare combination of an excellent teacher and a distinguished research worker. He was also a member of the advisory board of many national and international journals. Although he died at a young age, but his legacy continues through his contributions in the field of anatomy.
‘Employ Your Mind’: a pilot evaluation of a programme to help people with serious mental illness obtain and retain employment
Authors: Miles Anne , Crosse Caroline , Jenkins Zoe , Moore Gaye , Fossey Ellie , Harvey Carol , Castle David
Published: September 2020

Objective:

Cognitive impairments contribute to difficulty in obtaining employment for people with severe mental illnesses (SMIs). We describe a pilot evaluation of a programme, Employ Your Mind (EYM), which integrates cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) with vocational rehabilitation.

Method:

Sixty participants with SMIs enrolled in EYM, a 6-month programme that combines CRT exercises, individual project work and group reflection sessions about social interaction and cognitive functioning. Participants completed assessments of cognitive function (Audio Recorded Cognitive Screen, Wechsler Digit Span Task), psychosocial function (Work and Social Adjustment Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale) and abilities related to work (Dialogue about Working Ability, Self-Assessment of Thinking Skills) at baseline and postprogramme. Paired t-tests were used to compare assessments of participants who completed the programme between the two time points.

Results:

The programme was completed by 22 individuals. These individuals demonstrated significant improvement in cognitive function, social and work-related function, and subjective thinking ability after completing the EYM programme.

Conclusion:

The EYM programme is effective in improving cognition, impairments related to work and social function, and subjective thinking skills for some individuals with SMIs. Future evaluation of the programme should focus on enhanced retention and assessment of employment outcomes.
Parent- and child-reported anxiety disorders differentiating major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder in children and adolescents
Authors: Vance Alasdair , Winther Jo
Published: September 2020

Objective:

To date, specific parent- and child-defined anxiety disorders associated with dysthymic disorder (DD; DSM-5 persistent depressive disorder equivalent) with and without major depressive disorder (MDD) have not been investigated in children and adolescents.

Method:

In a cross-sectional study, we compared point prevalence rates of parent- and child-reported anxiety disorders in DD alone ( N = 154), MDD alone ( N = 29), comorbid DD and MDD ( N = 130) and anxiety disorders alone ( N = 126) groups.

Results:

DD alone and MDD alone did not differ with respect to comorbid anxiety disorders from parent and child reports, while parent-reported panic disorder (PD) was significantly increased in the DD and MDD group compared to the other three groups as was child-reported post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to the MDD alone and anxiety disorders alone groups. In contrast, specific phobia (SpPh) was significantly increased in the anxiety disorders alone group compared to the DD and MDD group.

Conclusion:

The findings suggest that specific fear-related anxiety disorders, especially parent-reported PD and child-reported PTSD, may aid the early recognition of DD and MDD.
Navigating Music Teaching in Uncertain Times
Authors: Liu Chiao-Wei
Published: September 2020

As schools reopen and students return back to the classrooms, music teachers are faced with the challenge of how and what we could do (and continue to do) to support the well-being and music learning of our students in crises. I suggest that teachers take into consideration the various elements involved in creating engaging learning experiences. Recognize the changing classroom climate and student-teacher/student-peer relationships in the virtual classroom, it is necessary that we consider how to spark students’ motivation and generate meaningful dialogue, what strategies we apply to help our students develop critical thinking skills; how we connect with our students and address their emotional well-being while being physically separated from each other. As trivial as these ideas may appear on the surface, I believe that only when we truly listen and attend to the needs of our students will we provide the space for our students to flourish.
Looking to the Past to Look Into the Future: Disability Rights
Authors: Draper Ellary A.
Published: September 2020

This year was the anniversary of two important pieces of legislation that affect children and adults with disabilities in the United States: the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1975. These two pieces of legislation dictate how we are required to make buildings, public areas, and public education accessible to those with disabilities; and although there is much celebration of these anniversaries, there is also criticism of how these laws are enforced and implemented, and how the current legislation falls short. As music teachers, it is important to understand the history of these landmark laws as well as what people with disabilities are currently advocating for within our society and culture. This article briefly describes the history of how these pieces of legislation came to be passed, the current issues within disability rights, and what music teachers can do moving forward.
Is It Fake News or Is It Open Science? Science Communication in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Koerber Amy
Published: September 2020

This article explores science communication in the context of COVID-19 through a case study of a January 31, 2020, bioRxiv preprint publication that led to conspiracy theories by suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 originated in the laboratory through genetic engineering. Analysis will consider the initial preprint, the scientific critique that led it to be withdrawn, the conspiracy theories that continue to circulate, and the larger debate that this example has sparked among advocates and critics of open science.
Does nutritional status affect treatment tolarability, response and survival in metastatic colorectal cancer patients? Results of a prospective multicenter study
Authors: Karabulut Senem , Dogan Izzet , Usul Afsar Cigdem , Karabulut Mehmet , Karaman Sule , Ferhatoglu Ferhat , Tastekin Didem
Published: September 2020

Background

The efficacy and tolerability of modern cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens used in malnourished metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients is uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of malnutrition on efficacy and tolerability of cytotoxic chemotherapy and overall survival in mCRC patients.

Methods

In this multicenter study, demographic, oncologic and nutritional data were collected prospectively from mCRC patients. Nutritional status of the patients were evaluated on the basis of NRI (Nutritional Risk Assessment), BMI (Body Mass Index) and WL (Weight Loss) before the first chemotherapy, after the first and second chemotherapy during 2 cycles of chemotherapy every 15 days. To determine the inter-treatment weight loss toxicity assessment was included to theese parameters after each chemotherapy. NRI calculation was performed as [1.51xserum albumin level (g/L)+41.7xcurrent weight/basic weight]. NRIs were examined in 3 categories as ‘no malnutrition’ (NRI >97.5), ‘moderate malnutrition’ (97.5 ≥NRI ≥83.5) or ‘severe malnutrition’ (NRI <83.5). Response to treatment and drug-induced toxicities were assessed based on Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 and National Cancer Institute CTCAE version 4.0 respectively.

Results

One-hundred and thirty-seven mCRC patients were prospectively included. Median age was 48 (range 18-83). Primary location was colon in 66% of patients and 84% of their primary source was left colon. Malnutrition was detected in 39% of the cases. Response rate to treatment was twenty four percent. While there was no significant relationship between chemotherapy response and moderate/severe malnutrition (p = 0.24), moderate/severe malnutrition was associated with multipl site of metastases, WHO PS (World Health Organization Performance Status) of 1, over the median value of CEA/CA 19-9 (carcinoembryonic antigen/carbohydate antigen 19-9) levels (p = 0.003, p = 0.03, p < 0.001, and p = 0.02; respectively). Hypoalbuminemia and moderate/severe malnutrition were associated with all types of toxicity (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). Moderate/severe malnutrition was associated with thrombocytopenia, and diarrhea following chemotherapy predominately, (p = 0.02 and p = 0.04; respectively). In moderate/severe malnutrition group median overall survival was prominently shorter than those with no malnutrition [6.6 moths (95%CI, 5.6-7.6) vs 11.9 moths (95% CI, 11.1-12.7) respectively, p < 0.001].

Conclusions

Our study showed that moderate/severe malnutrition in mCRC patients was associated with decreased overall survival and increased chemotherapy toxicity.
A Longitudinal Analysis of Inflammation and Depression in Patients With Metastatic Lung Cancer: Associations With Survival
Authors: McFarland Daniel C. , Miller Andrew H. , Nelson Christian
Published: September 2020

Background:

Depression and inflammation are concomitantly elevated in patients with lung cancer and may have collective survival implications. However, the longitudinal relationship between depression and inflammation in patients with metastatic lung cancer is not fully appreciated. We hypothesized that longitudinal changes in inflammation and depression would be concordant; that longitudinally elevated inflammation would lead to greater depression over time; and that depression with inflammation would be more persistent than depression without inflammation.

Methods:

Patients with metastatic lung cancer (n = 68) were assessed for clinically significant depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale ≥ 8) and inflammation (C-Reactive Protein ≥ 1 mg/L) along with demographic variables. Survival estimations were made using Cox Proportional Hazard Model and Kaplan-Meier plot analyses.

Results:

At baseline (T1), 15% had depression and 35% had increased inflammation followed by 18% with depression and 38% with increased inflammation 4.7 months later (T2). The odds ratio of depression in the presence of clinically significant inflammation was 4.8 at T1 and 5.3 at T2. Between time points, inflammation difference correlated with depression difference (r = −.26, p = .03). Significant depression at both time points was associated with a 4 fold risk of inferior survival while significant inflammation at any time point was associated with >3 fold risk of inferior survival.

Conclusions:

Depression and inflammation track together over time and have variable implications on survival. Persistent depression is particularly detrimental but incidental inflammation is more sensitive to predicting poor survival. These findings have implications for treating depression early in the lung cancer trajectory.
The Assessment of Relative Permittivity on Diesel Vapour in the Moisture Content of Terap Red Soil by Ground Penetrating Radar
Authors: Ghazali Mimi Diana , Zainon Othman , M.Idris Khairulnizam , Zainon Siti Nor Ain , A Karim Mohd Nazri , Anshah Siti Aminah , Talib NoorFatekah Abdul
Published: September 2020

In a common agriculture resource, soil contamination monitoring is a prominent area of study. Nowadays, it is crucial to provide a database for the interpretation of ground penetrating radar (GPR) field data in monitoring soil contamination, such as diesel scatter migration. This study aims to assess the association between permittivity properties and soil water content (θw) for diesel contamination in Terap Red soil, which is classified as lateritic soil. Terap Red soil is an agro potential soil and available in more than 40% of distribution areas in Northern Malaysia (Agro-based State). In this research, 800 MHz shielded antenna GPR was applied for 24 hour measurement in a concrete simulation field tank, which was filled with Terap Red soil (1.5 m x 2.6 m x 1.5 m) located at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Perlis, Malaysia. Embedded moisture content probe was simultaneously measured to monitor the response of volumetric water content in the contaminated soil. The GPR data were pre-processed and filtered by Reflexw 7.5. The calibrated Agilent Technologies Automated Vector Analyser (VNA) was used to verify the independent relative permittivity value from GPR. As a result, the evaluation of velocities and reflection of GPR data were influenced by the presence of diesel and contaminated vapour. A positive and significant correlation was obtained between relative permittivity and moisture content in the diesel-contaminated soil. In addition, a positive and strong linear regression analysis was also found between relative permittivity and moisture content. This analysis included an accurate total difference of root mean square error (RMSE) difference, which amounted to 0.04, with calibrated dielectric permittivity.
Why only feedback? Including feed up and feed forward improves non-linguistic aspects of L2 writing
Authors: Zarrinabadi Nourollah , Rezazadeh Mohsen
Published: September 2020

This study examined the effect of feedback, feed up (comments on goals and students’ success in achieving goals) and feed forward (comments on the next step in learning during the semester) on writing motivation, writing self-efficacy, and writing anxiety. Two hundred and ten female intermediate language learners (agemean = 17.2) were assigned to seven experimental conditions: feedback, feed up, feed forward, feedback + feed up, feedback + feed forward, feed up + feed forward, and feedback + feed up + feed forward ( n = 30 for each group). Based on group assignment, the participants received feedback, feed up, and feed forward for 12 sessions and took writing motivation, writing self-efficacy, and writing anxiety scales as pretest and posttest. The results of MANOVA and paired samples t-test comparisons indicated that groups that received feedback significantly improved in terms of self-efficacy. In addition, groups who received feed up and feed forward significantly improved in terms of writing motivation. The results also showed that the combination of feedback, feed up and feed forward could decrease learners’ writing anxiety. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that teachers present feed up and feed forward along with feedback to improve non-linguistic aspects of L2 writing among their students.
Hearsay evidence in Uganda: Understanding its meaning, admissibility and probative value
Authors: Mujuzi Jamil Ddamulira
Published: September 2020

In Uganda legislation requires witnesses to adduce direct evidence in court. However, this may not be possible in all cases and the law provides for circumstances in which hearsay may be admissible. The Evidence Act is the main piece of legislation which governs the issue evidence. In this article, the author relied on 539 cases in which the Ugandan High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court have dealt with hearsay evidence to establish the principles which these courts have developed on this issue. This case law shows, inter alia, that there are three major issues that Ugandan courts are still grappling with when it comes to hearsay evidence: the definition of hearsay; the admissibility of hearsay (exceptions to the hearsay rule) and the probative value of hearsay evidence. The author suggests ways in which courts can handle these issues.
Introduction to the Best-Case/Worst-Case Framework Within Transplantation Surgery to Improve Decision-Making for Increased Risk Donor Organ Offers
Authors: Highet Alexandra , Cassidy Devon E. , Gomez-Rexrode Amalia E. , Kirsch Michael J. , Eton Ryan , Brown Craig S. , Waits Seth A. , Englesbe Michael J.
Published: September 2020

Public Health Service increased risk donor kidneys are discarded 50% more often than nonincreased risk donor kidneys despite equivalent patient and graft survival outcomes. Patient and provider biases as well as challenges in risk interpretation contribute to the underuse of increased risk donor organs. As the ultimate decision to accept or reject an increased risk donor organ results from the patient–provider conversation, there is an opportunity to improve this dialogue. This report introduces the best-case/worst-case communication guide for structuring high-stake conversations on increased risk kidney offers between transplant providers and their patients. Through best case/worst case, providers focus on eliciting patient values and long-term goals. The patient’s unique context can then inform an individualized discussion of “best,” “worst,” and “most likely” outcomes and support the provider’s ultimate recommendation. Transplant providers are encouraged to adopt this communication strategy to enhance shared decision-making and improve patient outcomes.
Peptide Based Imaging Agents for HER2 Imaging in Oncology
Authors: Ducharme Maxwell , Lapi Suzanne E.
Published: September 2020

Breast cancer continues to be the most lethal cancer type in women and one of the most diagnosed. Understanding Breast cancer receptor status is one of the most vital processes for determining treatment options. One type of breast cancer, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive, has approved receptor-based therapies including trastuzumab and pertuzumab that can significantly increase the likelihood of survival. Current methods to determine HER2 status include biopsies with immunohistochemical staining and/or fluorescence in situ hybridization. However, positron emission tomography (PET) imaging techniques using 89Zr-trastuzumab or 89Zr-pertuzumab are currently in clinical trials for a non-invasive, full body diagnostic approach. Although the antibodies have strong specificity to the HER2 positive lesions, challenges involving long post-injection time for imaging due to the blood circulation of the antibodies and matching of long-live isotopes leading to increased dose to the patient leave opportunities for alternative PET imaging probes. Peptides have been shown to allow for shorter injection-to-imaging time and can be used with shorter lived isotopes. HER2 specific peptides under development will help improve the diagnosis and potentially therapy options for HER2 positive breast cancer. Peptides showing specificity for HER2 could start widespread development of molecular imaging techniques for HER2 positive cancers.
A combined kernel-based fuzzy C-means clustering and spectral centroid for instantaneous frequency estimation
Authors: Hua Zhai , Hong-min Mao , Dong Wang , Xue-song Lu , Xu Ding
Published: September 2020

An improved instantaneous frequency estimation algorithm for rotating machines based on a kernel-based fuzzy C-means clustering (KFCM) algorithm used in association with a spectral centroid algorithm is proposed in this study. The clustering algorithm is used first to discriminate the time-frequency points from the sources of the reference axis and other points. The discrete time-frequency points related to the instantaneous rotation frequency of the reference axis are then located based on the values of the time-frequency matrix elements; on the basis of these elements, the instantaneous rotation frequency is then estimated using a spectral centroid algorithm. It is demonstrated that this method effectively reduces the effects of interference and noise while achieving higher estimation precision. To validate the proposed method, numerical simulations of multi-component signals and crossover signals are performed. The results of these simulations indicate that the method can realize instantaneous frequency estimation with high precision, even when the numerical responses are contaminated by Gaussian white noise. In addition, when this method is used to analyze the vibration signal of rotating machinery in the situation of a run-up procedure, remarkable speed estimation results are obtained.
Outcome of AngioJet mechanical thrombus aspiration in the treatment of acute lower extremities deep venous thrombosis
Authors: Xu Yingjiang , Wang Xuemin , Shang Dan , Liu Jianyong , Chen Wei , Han Xinqiang
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety in patients with acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis who underwent pharmacomechanical thrombectomy (PMT, AngioJet mechanical thrombus aspiration).

Methods

In this retrospective, 424 consecutive patients with acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis from three institutions were enrolled in the study from January 2015 to December 2018. Of these, patients were divided into two groups, AngioJet group ( n = 186) and catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) group ( n = 238). Evaluation indexes including limb circumference difference, length of stay (LOS), urokinase dosage, periprocedural complications, follow-up imaging findings and villalta scores were analyzed from the medical records.

Results

A total of 424 patients diagnosed with acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis were collected in this study. These patients were categorized into AngioJet group and CDT group. Significant differences were observed between the two groups with respect to the thigh circumference difference (5.32 ± 1.85 cm vs. 4.69 ± 2.15 cm; p = 0.04), calf circumference difference (2.79 ± 1.54 cm vs. 2.35 ± 1.25 cm; p = 0.01), thigh detumescence rate (72.19 ± 19.55% vs. 65.35 ± 17.26%; p = 0.00) and calf detumescence rate (62.79 ± 18.56% vs. 55.75 ± 17.27%; p = 0.00). The mean dose of urokinase in AngioJet group was 95.16 ± 45.89 million IU significantly less than that in the CDT group 293.76 ± 42.71 million IU ( p = 0.00). The overall bleeding complication rate was 9.91% (19 patients in AngioJet group and 23 patients in CDT group), which included three major (0.71%, 3/424) and 39 minor (9.2%,39/424) events. In the AngioJet group, serum creatinine (sCr) concentration and urine erythrocyte from the hemolysis caused by the mechanical process were higher than baseline data at admission ( p = 0.00, p = 0.00). The postoperative red blood cell and hemoglobin in two groups were lower than baseline data ( p = 0.00, p = 0.00). Compared with CDT, AngioJet thrombectomy has significantly lower estimated incidence of PTS in the follow-up.

Conclusion

AngioJet thrombectomy has stronger clearance ability for acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis leading to significant reduction in the consumption of hospital resources, total dose of thrombolytic agents, and infusion time, thereby preventing adverse bleeding events, but patients with renal insufficiency should be careful. Ideal short-term and medium-term efficacy and safety are certain.
Summarising salient information on historical controls: A structured assessment of validity and comparability across studies
Authors: Hatswell Anthony , Freemantle Nick , Baio Gianluca , Lesaffre Emmanuel , van Rosmalen Joost
Published: September 2020

Background

While placebo-controlled randomised controlled trials remain the standard way to evaluate drugs for efficacy, historical data are used extensively across the development cycle. This ranges from supplementing contemporary data to increase the power of trials to cross-trial comparisons in estimating comparative efficacy. In many cases, these approaches are performed without in-depth review of the context of data, which may lead to bias and incorrect conclusions.

Methods

We discuss the original ‘Pocock’ criteria for the use of historical data and how the use of historical data has evolved over time. Based on these factors and personal experience, we created a series of questions that may be asked of historical data, prior to their use. Based on the answers to these questions, various statistical approaches are recommended. The strategy is illustrated with a case study in colorectal cancer.

Results

A number of areas need to be considered with historical data, which we split into three categories: outcome measurement, study/patient characteristics (including setting and inclusion/exclusion criteria), and disease process/intervention effects. Each of these areas may introduce issues if not appropriately handled, while some may preclude the use of historical data entirely. We present a tool (in the form of a table) for highlighting any such issues. Application of the tool to a colorectal cancer data set demonstrates under what conditions historical data could be used and what the limitations of such an analysis would be.

Conclusion

Historical data can be a powerful tool to augment or compare with contemporary trial data, though caution is required. We present some of the issues that may be considered when involving historical data and what (if any) statistical approaches may account for differences between studies. We recommend that, where historical data are to be used in analyses, potential differences between studies are addressed explicitly.
Peer review of third trimester abdominal circumference measurements
Authors: Dyer Ellen , Chudleigh Trish
Published: September 2020

Background

Third trimester growth scans represent a significant proportion of the workload in obstetric ultrasound departments. The objective of these serial growth scans is to improve the antenatal detection of babies with fetal growth restriction. The aim of this paper is to describe a method of peer review for third trimester abdominal circumference measurements which is realistic within busy obstetric ultrasound departments in the UK.

Method

Twenty-two, third trimester, measured abdominal circumference images were randomly selected. Images were assessed subjectively by 12 sonographers using the image Criteria Achieved Score. For quantitative assessment, termed the Inter-operator Variability Score, three of the abdominal circumference (AC) images were blindly remeasured. Following this, a questionnaire was used to ascertain which image criteria sonographers considered most important and to reach an agreement on correct caliper placement.

Results

The least frequently met image criteria with the lowest Criteria Achieved Score related to an oblique abdominal circumference section. These included fetal kidney present (Criteria Achieved Score 24.6%), multiple oblique ribs (Criteria Achieved Score 39.4%) and oblique spine (Criteria Achieved Score 37.5%). Caliper placement was also identified as inconsistent.

Discussion

This study demonstrates that the perfect AC section is not always possible and sonographers use their professional judgement to determine whether an image is acceptable. Seventy-three percent of the images reviewed were of an acceptable standard. There can be inconsistencies in sonographer opinion regarding what is an acceptable third trimester abdominal circumference image. These differences need to be addressed to maximise the effectiveness of the third trimester ultrasound examination.

Conclusion

Peer review can be used to monitor scan quality and identify areas of inconsistency.
Hemodialysis patients with low serum parathyroid hormone levels have a poorer prognosis than those with secondary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Yu Yue , Diao Zongli , Wang Ying , Zhou Peiyi , Ding Rui , Liu Wenhu
Published: September 2020

Background:

Low serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) level and secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) are very common in hemodialysis patients. However, the outcomes of patients with low PTH level or SHPT have not been carefully compared. Therefore, in the present study, we compared the outcomes of hemodialysis patients with low PTH level or SHPT.

Methods:

This was a multi-center, prospective, cohort study of 647 patients. The patients were recruited between 1 September 2016 and 1 January 2017 and followed until 31 December 2018. The participants were allocated to a low PTH group [serum intact PTH (iPTH) concentration < 60 pg/ml] and an SHPT group (iPTH ⩾ 600 pg/ml) according to their mean iPTH concentration across the entire observation period, and the outcomes were compared between these groups. The primary outcome was a composite outcome, which comprised all-cause mortality, non-fatal acute myocardial infarction, non-fatal acute stroke, and acute heart failure.

Results:

A total of 197 hemodialysis patients were allocated to the two groups: 87 with low PTH level and 110 with SHPT; 450 patients with time-averaged iPTH concentrations of 60–600 pg/ml were excluded. Kaplan–Meier analysis of the composite endpoint revealed a significant difference between participants with low PTH level and those with SHPT ( p = 0.002). Cox multiple regression showed that participants with low PTH level had a higher incidence of the composite endpoint than those with SHPT (relative risk: 1.337, 95% confidence interval: 1.059–1.688).

Conclusion:

Hemodialysis patients with low PTH level had a higher incidence of mortality and non-fatal cardiovascular events than those with SHPT, irrespective of whether the participants were age-matched.