bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conception and Implementation of a New Data-Driven Fuzzy Method for Reliability and Safety Analysis
Authors: Abbasi F. , Allahviranloo T.
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the probability of failure of the components is introduced as a new type of fuzzy numbers called Gaussian patchy fuzzy number to insert parameters’ uncertainty. The reason for the use of such fuzzy numbers is also due to their realistic estimation. Hence, in order to obtain a more accurate estimate of each failure occurrence and overall system reliability analysis, we assume that the fundamental events of fault tree are in the form of Gaussian patchy fuzzy number on [0, 1], and then, by applying the fuzzy transmission average (TA) [F. Abbasi, T. Allahviranloo and S. Abbasbandy, A new attitude coupled with fuzzy thinking to fuzzy rings and fields, Journal of Intelligent and Fuzzy Systems, 29 (2015) 851-861], we will model the reliability of the fuzzy system (especially the series and the parallel). Applying such fuzzy operations and numbers will lead to a more realistic analysis of the reliability of the fuzzy system. Finally, the proposed model has been used for the lack of satisfaction of the University’s administrative and financial assistant.
Clonally Related Plasmablastic Lymphoma Simultaneously Occurring with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Hashimoto Norisato , Ueda Tomoki , Hiraiwa Shinichiro , Tajiri Takuma , Nakamura Naoya , Yokoyama Kenji
Published: December 2020

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare aggressive lymphoma. Although it was first described in HIV- (human immunodeficiency virus-) infected patients, PBL has been diagnosed in patients with other immunodeficiencies as well as in immunocompetent patients. PBL immunohistochemically expresses plasmacytic markers and lacks pan B-cell markers. The cells of origin of PBL are considered to be plasmablasts. MYC gene rearrangement and MYC overexpression are frequently found in PBL, but the pathogenesis of PBL is yet to be elucidated. Here, we report a case of composite lymphoma of PBL and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL); that is, PBL in the urinary bladder and DLBCL in the nasal cavity occurred simultaneously. We extracted DNA from the two lymphomas for polymerase chain reaction and sequenced the amplified immunoglobulin heavy variable genes and the complementarity-determining region- (CDR-) 3. The sequence of the CDR3 region of both tumors matched. MYC rearrangement was found in the bladder tumor but not in the nasal tumor. The patient was treated with R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and prednisone), and durable remission had been obtained. The results of the DNA analysis indicated that both PBL and DLBCL emerged from common postgerminal B cells. This case may help to elucidate the pathogenesis of PBL.
Ley de Marco de Cambio Climático en Chile
Authors: Dardati Evangelina
Published: December 2020

El 25 de agosto de 2020 -por unanimidad- el Senado aprobó legislar la ley de cambio climático. Esta plantearía los lineamientos generales del rol que tendrá Chile para cumplir el objetivo del Acuerdo de Paris de 2015, donde se estableció mantener el aumento de la temperatura media mundial por debajo de los 2 grados centígrados. Continuar leyendo...
Deep Learning Predicts HPV Association in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinomas and Identifies Patients with a Favorable Prognosis Using Regular H&E Stains
Authors: Klein Sebastian , Quaas Alexander , Quantius Jennifer , Löser Heike , Meinel Jörn , Peifer Martin , Wagner Steffen , Gattenlöhner Stefan , Wittekindt Claus , von Knebel Doeberitz Magnus , Prigge Elena-Sophie , Langer Christine , Noh Ka-Won , Maltseva Margaret , Reinhardt Hans Christian , Büttner Reinhard , Klussmann Jens Peter , Wuerdemann Nora
Published: December 2020

Purpose:

Human papillomavirus (HPV) in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is tumorigenic and has been associated with a favorable prognosis compared with OPSCC caused by tobacco, alcohol, and other carcinogens. Meanwhile, machine learning has evolved as a powerful tool to predict molecular and cellular alterations of medical images of various sources.

Experimental Design:

We generated a deep learning–based HPV prediction score (HPV-ps) on regular hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stains and assessed its performance to predict HPV association using 273 patients from two different sites (OPSCC; Giessen, n = 163; Cologne, n = 110). Then, the prognostic relevance in a total of 594 patients (Giessen, Cologne, HNSCC TCGA) was evaluated. In addition, we investigated whether four board-certified pathologists could identify HPV association (n = 152) and compared the results to the classifier.

Results:

Although pathologists were able to diagnose HPV association from H&E-stained slides (AUC = 0.74, median of four observers), the interrater reliability was minimal (Light Kappa = 0.37; P = 0.129), as compared with AUC = 0.8 using the HPV-ps within two independent cohorts (n = 273). The HPV-ps identified individuals with a favorable prognosis in a total of 594 patients from three cohorts (Giessen, OPSCC, HR = 0.55, P < 0.0001; Cologne, OPSCC, HR = 0.44, P = 0.0027; TCGA, non-OPSCC head and neck, HR = 0.69, P = 0.0073). Interestingly, the HPV-ps further stratified patients when combined with p16 status (Giessen, HR = 0.06, P < 0.0001; Cologne, HR = 0.3, P = 0.046).

Conclusions:

Detection of HPV association in OPSCC using deep learning with help of regular H&E stains may either be used as a single biomarker, or in combination with p16 status, to identify patients with OPSCC with a favorable prognosis, potentially outperforming combined HPV-DNA/p16 status as a biomarker for patient stratification.
BETs Need Greens: Folate Deficiency and Resistance to MYC-Targeted Therapies
Authors: Marando Ludovica , Huntly Brian J.P.
Published: December 2020

Recently, small-molecule inhibitors of general transcriptional regulators such as BET proteins and the RNA-PolII–regulating kinase CDK7 have been shown to have efficacy in multiple solid and liquid tumors. An article in this issue of Cancer Discovery identifies a nongenetic mechanism of resistance related to deficiency of folate that leads, via increased S-adenosylhomocysteine and reduced repressive histone methylation, to reactivation of a transcriptional program which promotes AML cell survival under the pressure of BET inhibition.

See related article by Su et al., p. 1894.
Histone H3 G34 Tail Mutations in Cancer: Actions in Cis and Trans to Alter Chromatin and Gene Expression
Authors: Licht Jonathan D.
Published: December 2020

Sequencing of cancer genomes has demonstrated that driver mutations occur in every component of the transcriptional machinery including histones that comprise the nucleosome. Histone mutations may affect the “tail” residues subject to post-translational modification and can compromise the structural integrity of the histone octamer.

See related article by Khazaei et al., p. 1968.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Related Pneumonitis
Authors: Gomatou Georgia , Tzilas Vasilios , Kotteas Elias , Syrigos Konstantinos , Bouros Demosthenes
Published: December 2020

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are novel agents that have been proved efficacious in a variety of cancer types, but they are associated with a unique set of organ-specific, immune-related adverse events. Among them, immune-related pneumonitis requires special attention because it is difficult to diagnose and potentially lethal. Accumulating real-world epidemiological data suggest that immune-related pneumonitis is more frequent than previously reported. Its diagnosis requires exclusion of other causes and assessment of radiographic features on high-resolution CT of the chest. Management of immune-related pneumonitis is based on the use of immunosuppressants. Future research should be focused on finding predictive biomarkers for immune-related pneumonitis as well as optimizing its management.
Update on Recurrent Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis in Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Shoji Jun , Mii Akiko , Terasaki Mika , Shimizu Akira
Published: December 2020

Background: Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a clinicopathological syndrome characterized by nephrotic-range proteinuria with high incidence of progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In primary FSGS, 40–60% of patients develop ESRD within 10–20 years. Summary: Recurrence of FSGS after kidney transplantation is frequent and is associated with poor allograft survival. The risk factors for recurrent FSGS include onset of FSGS during childhood, rapid progression of primary FSGS to ESRD, history of recurrent FSGS in previous allograft, and diffuse mesangial hypercellularity or collapsing variant of FSGS in the native kidney. The early histological findings of recurrent FSGS consist of unremarkable glomerular changes on light microscopy but significant podocyte effacement on electron microscopy; the loss of foot processes with eventual dropout of podocytes leads to the development of segmental lesions in the glomerulus. Experimental and clinical data suggest the existence of circulating permeability factors, such as soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor-1 (CLCF-1), CD40 axis, and apolipoprotein A-Ib (ApoA-Ib), in the pathogenesis of recurrent FSGS. These biomarkers including circulating permeability factors may facilitate earlier diagnosis of FSGS posttransplant and may guide in the development of novel therapies that may be more effective and improve long-term outcomes in kidney transplantation. Key Messages: Several studies have suggested the possible circulating permeability factors, such as suPAR, CLCF-1, CD40 axis, and ApoA-Ib, in the pathogenesis and disease progression of FSGS and recurrent FSGS. Further studies should be performed to elucidate the true essential biomarker(s) associated with the onset and progression of FSGS as well as recurrent FSGS.
Pathological Analysis of Early Transplant Glomerulopathy in Renal Allografts Using Low-Vacuum Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Onishi Hiroka , Oguchi Hideyo , Shinoda Kazunobu , Mikami Tetuo , Arai Taichi , Yamaguchi Yutaka , Sakai Ken
Published: December 2020

Aim: Low-vacuum scanning electron microscopy (LVSEM) has been reported to aid in diagnosis of renal biopsy. This study evaluated early transplant glomerulopathy in kidney transplant recipients using LVSEM. Methods: We selected 4 biopsies of cg0, 5 biopsies of cg1a, 5 biopsies of cg1b, and 4 biopsies of cg2 lesions that had been evaluated by light microscopy (LM) and transmission electron microscopy from recipients with acute/active or chronic, active antibody-mediated rejection (AABMR or CAABMR). Renal allograft paraffin sections (1 µm thickness) were stained with periodic acid-methenamine silver and observed using LVSEM. The cg score was based on the Banff classification. The parameter “percentage of duplicated capillary number” was calculated as follows: in 1 glomerulus with glomerular basement membrane (GBM) duplication, the total duplicated capillary number/the total number of capillaries ×100. Results: In all 4 biopsy specimens with AABMR showing cg0, LVSEM revealed GBM duplication not identified by LM. The average percentage of duplicated capillary number per glomerulus with GBM duplication was higher when observed by LVSEM than when observed by LM in all cg1b and cg2 biopsy specimens. Conclusion: LVSEM revealed early GBM duplication in AABMR. Early GBM duplication might progress in the very early phase of AABMR. GBM duplication was more frequently detected by LVSEM than by LM in biopsy specimens with early chronic, active antibody mediated rejection. Thus, LVSEM may be useful in diagnosis of early transplant glomerulopathy.
Rescuing a Heritage Database: Some Lessons from London Concert Life in the Eighteenth Century
Authors: McVeigh Simon
Published: December 2020

The paper outlines the genesis and subsequent transformation of the database Calendar of London Concerts 1750–1800, now available as a dataset at https://www.doi.org/10.17026/dans-znv-3c2j. Originally developed during the 1980s, the database was used as a primary research tool in the preparation of articles and a 1993 monograph: the first comprehensive study of London’s flourishing public concert life in the later eighteenth century, which culminated in Haydn’s London visits in 1791–5. The database itself, extending to over 4000 records, was derived from an exhaustive study of London newspapers. Following the obsolescence of the relational database in which the material was initially stored, it has recently been transferred to a spreadsheet in csv format, publicly available with free open access. Issues arising out of the standardisation of concert data are explored, especially regarding the layout of complete concert programmes, and the strengths and limitations of the original design are analysed, within the context of the newly available version.
Korean Sovereignty: Eastern and Western Philosophy in the Kaleidoscope of His tory
Authors: Burke Kenneth M.
Published: December 2020

Throughout history, from obstacles involving foreign invasion and intervention coupled with domestic rivalry. the Korean peninsula struggled to legitimize and protect its sovereignty. This research involves an investigation and analysis of patterns in chat history. The article provides a broad examination of Korean political development with interdisciplinary insights into sovereignty while underscoring the need for new approaches and epistemological unity in political philosophy. The Korean peninsula serves as an example of the challenges.
Multidecadal Changes in Southern Ocean Ventilation since the 1960s Driven by Wind and Buoyancy Forcing
Authors: Patara Lavinia , Böning Claus W. , Tanhua Toste
Published: December 2020

Enhanced Southern Ocean ventilation in recent decades has been suggested to be a relevant modulator of the observed changes in ocean heat and carbon uptake. This study focuses on the Southern Ocean midlatitude ventilation changes from the 1960s to the 2010s. A global 1/4° configuration of the NEMO–Louvain-la-Neuve sea ice model, version 2 (LIM2), including the inert tracer CFC-12 (a proxy of ocean ventilation) is forced with the CORE, phase II (CORE-II), and JRA-55 driving ocean (JRA55-do) atmospheric reanalyses. Sensitivity experiments, where the variability of wind stress and/or the buoyancy forcing is suppressed on interannual time scales, are used to unravel the mechanisms driving ventilation changes. Ventilation changes are estimated by comparing CFC-12 interior inventories among the different experiments. All simulations suggest a multidecadal fluctuation of Southern Ocean ventilation, with a decrease until the 1980s–90s and a subsequent increase. This evolution is related to the atmospheric forcing and is caused by the (often counteracting) effects of wind stress and buoyancy forcing. Until the 1980s, increased buoyancy gains caused the ventilation decrease, whereas the subsequent ventilation increase was driven by strengthened wind stress causing deeper mixed layers and a stronger meridional overturning circulation. Wind stress emerges as the main driver of ventilation changes, even though buoyancy forcing modulates its trend and decadal variability. The three Southern Ocean basins take up CFC-12 in distinct density intervals but overall respond similarly to the atmospheric forcing. This study suggests that Southern Ocean ventilation is expected to increase as long as the effect of increasing Southern Hemisphere wind stress overwhelms that of increased stratification.
Practical Considerations with Radar Data Height and Great Circle Distance Determination
Authors: Theisen Chris J. , Johnson Randall S.
Published: December 2020

Owing to their ease of use, “simplified” propagation models, like the Equivalent Earth model, are commonly employed to determine radar data locations. With the assumption that electromagnetic rays follow paths of constant curvature, which is a fundamental assumption in the Equivalent Earth model, propagation equations that do not depend upon the spatial transformation that is utilized in the Equivalent Earth model are derived. This set of equations provides the true constant curvature solution and is less complicated, conceptually, as it does not depend upon a spatial transformation. Moreover, with the assumption of constant curvature, the relations derived herein arise naturally from ray tracing relations.

Tests show that this new set of equations is more accurate than the Equivalent Earth equations for a “typical” propagation environment in which the index of refraction n decreases linearly at the rate dn/dh = -1/4a, where h is height above ground and a is the Earth’s radius. Moreover, this new set of equations performs better than the Equivalent Earth equations for an exponential reference atmosphere, which provides a very accurate representation of the average atmospheric n structure in the United States. However, with this n profile the equations derived herein, the Equivalent Earth equations, and the relation associated with a flat Earth constant curvature model produce relatively large height errors at low elevations and large ranges.

Taylor series approximations of the new equations are examined. While a second-order Taylor series approximation for height performs well under “typical” propagation conditions, a convenient Taylor series approximation for great circle distance was not obtained.
Radiosonde Observations of Environments Supporting Deep Moist Convection Initiation during RELAMPAGO-CACTI
Authors: Nelson T. Connor , Marquis James , Varble Adam , Friedrich Katja
Published: December 2020

The Remote Sensing of Electrification, Lightning, and Mesoscale/Microscale Processes with Adaptive Ground Observations (RELAMPAGO) and Cloud, Aerosol, and Complex Terrain Interactions (CACTI) projects deployed a high-spatiotemporal-resolution radiosonde network to examine environments supporting deep convection in the complex terrain of central Argentina. This study aims to characterize atmospheric profiles most representative of the near-cloud environment (in time and space) to identify the mesoscale ingredients affecting storm initiation and growth. Spatiotemporal autocorrelation analysis of the soundings reveals that there is considerable environmental heterogeneity, with boundary layer thermodynamic and kinematic fields becoming statistically uncorrelated on scales of 1–2 h and 30 km. Using this as guidance, we examine a variety of environmental parameters derived from soundings collected within close proximity (30 km in space and 30 min in time) of 44 events over 9 days where the atmosphere either: 1) supported the initiation of sustained precipitating convection, 2) yielded weak and short-lived precipitating convection, or 3) produced no precipitating convection in disagreement with numerical forecasts from convection-allowing models (i.e., Null events). There are large statistical differences between the Null event environments and those supporting any convective precipitation. Null event profiles contained larger convective available potential energy, but had low free-tropospheric relative humidity, higher freezing levels, and evidence of limited horizontal convergence near the terrain at low levels that likely suppressed deep convective growth. We also present evidence from the radiosonde and satellite measurements that flow–terrain interactions may yield gravity wave activity that affects CI outcome.
Taste and Smell Impairment in Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19: An Intensive Care Unit Study
Authors: Sayın Pınar , Altınay Mustafa , Cınar Ayse Surhan , Ozdemir Hacı Mustafa
Published: December 2020

Objective:

To determine taste and smell impairment rates in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who were hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods:

Between March 2020 and May 2020, patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in the ICU were enrolled in this study. Upon discharge, patients were telephoned and asked to complete a survey related to taste and smell impairment. Characteristics were compared between patients with and without taste and/or smell impairment.

Results:

Fifty-two patients were enrolled (mean age, 61.32 ± 12.53 years; mean ICU stay, 10.19 ± 10.24 days). Age, sex, type/number of comorbid diseases, most ICU support modalities, and ICU stay duration did not significantly differ between groups. Patients in group B required more high-flow nasal oxygen therapy than patients in group A ( P = .010). In total, 22 (42.3%) of 52 patients experienced taste and/or smell impairment. Three patients experienced isolated smell impairment and one patient experienced isolated taste impairment. Among the 21 patients who experienced smell impairment, 18 (85.78%) experienced hyposmia (mean visual analog scale [VAS] score: 6.33 ± 0.97), while 3 (14.28%) experienced anosmia. Among the 19 patients who experienced taste impairment, 16 (84.22%) experienced hypogeusia (mean VAS score: 6.43 ± 1.03) and 3 (15.78%) experienced ageuisa. Among 22 patients who experienced taste and/or smell impairment, 15 (68.18%) patients (n = 15/22) experienced smell and/or taste impairment before the ICU stay, while 7 (31.82%) patients (n = 7/22) experienced impairment during the ICU stay. Overall, 28.84% (n = 15/52) of the patients experienced taste and/or smell impairment before the ICU stay.

Conclusions:

Patients who were hospitalized in the ICU experienced lower rates of taste and/or smell impairment. Some patients experienced taste and/or smell impairment during the ICU stay.
Role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase for early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage in mice
Authors: Lenz Irina J , Plesnila Nikolaus , Terpolilli Nicole A
Published: December 2020

The first few hours and days after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are characterized by cerebral ischemia, spasms of pial arterioles, and a significant reduction of cerebral microperfusion, however, the mechanisms of this early microcirculatory dysfunction are still unknown. Endothelial nitric oxide production is reduced after SAH and exogenous application of NO reduces post-hemorrhagic microvasospasm. Therefore, we hypothesize that the endothelial NO-synthase (eNOS) may be involved in the formation of microvasospasms, microcirculatory dysfunction, and unfavorable outcome after SAH. SAH was induced in male eNOS deficient (eNOS–/–) mice by endovascular MCA perforation. Three hours later, the cerebral microcirculation was visualized using in vivo 2-photon-microscopy. eNOS–/– mice had more severe SAHs, more severe ischemia, three time more rebleedings, and a massively increased mortality (50 vs. 0%) as compared to wild type (WT) littermate controls. Three hours after SAH eNOS–/– mice had fewer perfused microvessels and 40% more microvasospasms than WT mice. The current study indicates that a proper function of eNOS plays a key role for a favorable outcome after SAH and helps to explain why patients suffering from hypertension or other conditions associated with impaired eNOS function, have a higher risk of unfavorable outcome after SAH.
Fibroblasts From Common Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tendon Grafts Exhibit Different Biologic Responses to Mechanical Strain
Authors: Cardona-Ramirez Sebastian , Stoker Aaron M. , Cook James L. , Ma Richard
Published: December 2020

Background:

Different tendons are chosen for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction based on perceived advantages and disadvantages, yet there is a relative paucity of information regarding biologic responsiveness of commonly used tendon grafts to mechanical strain.

Purpose:

To evaluate the in vitro responses of graft fibroblasts derived from tendons used for ACL reconstruction to clinically relevant strain levels.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Twelve quadriceps tendons (QTs), 12 patellar tendons (PTs), and 9 hamstring tendons (HTs) were harvested from skeletally mature dogs (n = 16). Tendon fibroblasts were isolated and seeded onto BioFlex plates (1 × 105 cells/well). Cells were subjected to 3 strain conditions (stress deprivation, 0%; physiologic, 4%; high, 10%) for 5 days. Media were collected for proinflammatory and metabolic assays. RNA was extracted for gene expression analysis using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

Stress deprivation elicited significantly higher metabolic activity from HT and PT cells than from QT cells ( P < .001 and P = .001, respectively). There were no differences in metabolic activity among all 3 graft fibroblasts at physiologic and high strain. COL-1 expression was significantly higher in PT versus HT during physiologic strain ( P = .007). No significant differences with COL-3 expression were seen. TIMP-1 ( P = .01) expression was higher in PT versus HT under physiologic strain. Scleraxis expression was higher in PT versus HT ( P = .007) under physiologic strain. A strain-dependent increase in PGE2 levels occurred for all grafts. At physiologic strain conditions, HT produced significantly higher levels of PGE2 versus QT ( P < .001) and PT ( P = .005).

Conclusion:

Fibroblasts from common ACL graft tissues exhibited different metabolic responses to mechanical strain. On the basis of these data, we conclude that early production of extracellular matrix and proinflammatory responses from ACL grafts are dependent on mechanical loading and graft source.

Clinical Relevance:

Graft-specific differences in ACL reconstruction outcomes are known to exist. Our results suggest that there are differences in the biologic responsiveness of cells from the tendon grafts used in ACL reconstruction, which are dependent on strain levels and graft source. The biologic properties of the tissue used for ACL reconstruction should be considered when selecting graft source.
Multi-physics simulation of an insect with flapping wings
Authors: Bakhshaei Kabir , MoradiMaryamnegari Hoomaan , SalavatiDezfouli Sadjad , Khoshnood Abdol Majid , Fathali Mani
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the unsteady aerodynamic of an insect’s forward flight has been carried out with a novel approach. In order to fully utilize the available powerful solvers, an innovative intermediary MATLAB code has been written for the high-fidelity time-resolved multi-physics problems involving fluid flow and multi-body simulations. For simulating the insect’s flight, the FLUENT solver has been utilized to determine aerodynamic forces and moments of the wings and main body while ADAMS software has been employed to calculate translational and angular velocities. Overset grid technology accompanied with dynamic mesh method have been implemented for the movement of the insect. The code is responsible for the synchronization of the solvers at the end of each time step as well as the integration of the solutions. Three different simulations are done for two different insects’ geometries. For the first and second simulations, a simplified geometry of an insect is selected, due to the ease of manufacturing and testing. At first, all rotational and translational degrees of freedom are considered to be free. The motion path history shows the instability due to an inappropriate location of the center of gravity. Hence, in the second case, it is assumed that the insect’s main body is limited to the vertical motion. In the final simulation, a complicated model of a bee with exact geometry and wings kinematics extracts from the experimental data with the free translational degrees of freedom. According to the results, combining multiple software in which they can interact with each other at each time step, is the most accurate way for doing precise multi-physics simulations.
Clinical features and outcomes from the Singapore Sjögren's syndrome study
Authors: Kam Jeggrey Kay-Wee , Charan Natasha , Leong Rachel Wei-Li , Loh Zhi-Wen , Thong Bernard Yu-Hor
Published: December 2020

Objective

To study the clinical features, treatment and outcomes of primary Sjögren's Syndrome (pSS) in a Singapore cohort from an outpatient rheumatology clinic.

Methods

Computerised Physician Order entry records of patients who fulfilled the 2016 ACR-EULAR classification criteria for pSS between 1993 and 2013 were retrospectively analysed.

Results

There were 102 patients, of which 96 (94.1%) were females, and 91 (89.2%) Chinese. Mean age at diagnosis was 49.3 ± 11.8 years, mean disease duration was 9.0 ± 4.6 years. The most common manifestations were keratoconjunctivitis sicca (99.0%), xerostomia (96.1%), arthralgia/arthritis (56.9%). Exocrine glandular enlargement comprised parotidomegaly (28, 27.5%), with concurrent submandibular and lacrimal gland enlargement in one. The nervous system (15.7%) was the most commonly affected internal organ, with peripheral nervous system (peripheral neuropathy, mononeuritis multiplex) involvement more common than central. Hydroxychloroquine was most frequently used (88.2%), followed by methotrexate (7.8%) and azathioprine (6.9%). Pulsed intravenous (IV) methylprednisolone 500 mg/day for 3 days was used in 5 patients followed by oral (4) or IV cyclophosphamide (1) for cardiomyopathy and interstitial lung disease (1), and neurological involvement (4). These comprised neuromyelitis optica, transverse myelopathy, cranial neuropathy, mononeuritis multiplex and/or peripheral neuropathy alone or in combination. Intravenous immunoglobulins (2.0%) was used for sensory neuropathy and mononeuritis multiplex; rituximab (1.0%) in 1 patient for treatment of non-Hodgkin’s B-cell lymphoma. There were no deaths.

Conclusion

Musculoskeletal manifestations were common, with the nervous system (peripheral more than central) the most common internal organ involved. Lymphoma was uncommon despite up to one-third of the cohort developing glandular enlargement.
Joint analysis of multivariate interval-censored survival data and a time-dependent covariate
Authors: Wu Di , Li Chenxi
Published: December 2020

We develop a joint modeling method for multivariate interval-censored survival data and a time-dependent covariate that is intermittently measured with error. The joint model is estimated using nonparametric maximum likelihood estimation, which is carried out via an expectation–maximization algorithm, and the inference for finite-dimensional parameters is performed using bootstrap. We also develop a similar joint modeling method for univariate interval-censored survival data and a time-dependent covariate, which excels the existing methods in terms of model flexibility and interpretation. Simulation studies show that the model fitting and inference approaches perform very well under realistic sample sizes. We apply the method to a longitudinal study of dental caries in African-American children from low-income families in the city of Detroit, Michigan.
Personality Traits and Sense of Dignity in End-of-Life Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bovero Andrea , Cotardo Francesca , Pierotti Vanni , Gottardo Francesco , Botto Rossana , Opezzo Marta , Geminiani Giuliano Carlo
Published: December 2020

Context:

Patients’ personality traits can play an important role in the end-of-life care process.

Objectives:

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between personality traits and dignity in cancer patients nearing death. In addition, the associations between personality traits and physical, psychological symptoms, and coping strategies during the end-of-life stage were explored.

Methods:

The study is cross-sectional. The sample consisted of 210 participants with a Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) lower than 50 and a life expectancy of a few weeks. For each patient, personal and clinical data were collected and a set of validated rating scales, assessing personality, dignity, physical, psychological symptoms and coping strategies was administered during the first psychological consultation.

Results:

The results highlighted significant associations between personality traits and dignity. In particular, Conscientiousness was negatively correlated with Social Support and Extroversion was negatively associated with Loss of Purpose and Meaning. Neuroticism was related to all the dimensions of dignity and Extroversion was significantly associated with the physical and psychological symptoms. Regarding coping styles, active coping strategies were predictors of Extroversion and Agreeableness. Conversely, anxiety symptoms predicted the Neuroticism trait.

Conclusions:

Personality traits seem to be actively involved into the loss of dignity. These findings highlighted the importance of including personality traits and dignity into the patient’s care process. Exploring individual differences and coping mechanisms at the end-of-life could improve palliative care and lead to better patient-tailored psychological interventions.
Music therapist collaboration with teaching assistants for facilitating verbal and vocal development in young children with special needs: A mixed methods study
Authors: Tomlinson Jo
Published: December 2020

Music Therapists increasingly work collaboratively alongside other professionals and families. This article presents research into transdisciplinary work with teaching assistants in a school. A mixed methods investigation was carried out to evaluate the development of verbal and vocal skills in young children who received both individual music therapy and additional music sessions carried out by teaching assistants. Qualitative data were gathered to support quantitative video analysis results. The Music Therapist organised music sessions for the teaching assistants to carry out independently, to assess whether this enhanced the children’s verbal development. Statistical analysis of vocal scores from video material utilising bootstrapping techniques indicated that there was a statistically significant difference pre- and post-intervention for the children who had additional teaching assistant music sessions. This indicated that the collaborative approach was effective in enhancing verbal skills. The qualitative evidence also supported this theory. Due to the small number of participants, these results cannot be generalised to other situations and larger scale research could be carried out to demonstrate conclusive results. This study shows that Music Therapists and teaching assistants in schools can work collaboratively and this may potentially enhance the progress children make, with reinforcement of verbal development strategies in the class context.
Discussing strategies for social Europe: The potential role of EU law in contributing to the Union’s policy objective of fighting poverty and social exclusion
Authors: Aranguiz Ane , Verschueren Herwig
Published: December 2020

Anti-poverty strategies have been on the EU agenda for decades. In 2010, perhaps most saliently, Member States pledged to lift 20 million people out of poverty as part of the ten-year Europe 2020 Strategy. By the end of 2019, it became clear that this headline target was nowhere close to being achieved. In view of the disappointing results of previous EU strategies in combating poverty, a seminar was held on 5 December 2019 at the University of Antwerp to discuss future strategies for social Europe and the role of EU law in contributing to the policy objective of fighting poverty and social exclusion. This Special Issue is the result of that expert seminar. Sections 1 and 2 of this editorial place this Special Issue in context by explaining what led us to discuss the need for a more involved EU in matters of poverty and social exclusion and what has changed since then. Overall, we argue that the underwhelming results of previous EU anti-poverty strategies might point towards the need to do more, also by means of EU law. This need for further action has become as imminent as ever in the context of the Covid-19 crisis. Section 3 presents an outline of the Special Issue and explains how the different contributions relate to each other.
Home Truths: Property TV, Financialization, and the Housing Crisis in Contemporary Ireland
Authors: McIntyre Anthony P.
Published: December 2020

This article examines how a specific form of lifestyle programming indexes both national concerns and transnational financial trends as well as diffuse social fissures in Irish life. Emerging in the late 1990s amid a construction boom, Irish property television adapted and thrived through the subsequent post-2008 crash, the concomitant implementation of austerity policies and an ensuing housing crisis. This boom-to-bust cycle was precipitated by the financialization of property within Ireland, a process whereby housing and commercial property became embedded in transnational financial market cycles. Through an analysis of three key examples of the genre, this article argues that for the most part, Irish property television seeks to hold at bay anxieties generated by a growing wealth and income disparity in the state. While this programming displays an ideological commitment to the “investor subjects” of home-ownership, increasingly the concerns of those excluded from this version of the good life are evident.
Racial Unfairness and Fiscal Politics
Authors: Krimmel Katherine , Rader Kelly
Published: December 2020

We provide and test a theory explaining how and why racial attitudes shape public opinion on government spending in the United States. We hypothesize that many people think the government allocates money unfairly across racial groups, and “inequity aversion” leads them to reject spending as a result. Using data from an original survey, we find support for our theory in the sample as a whole, and within racial, partisan, and ideological subgroups. Indeed, unfairness views are comparable to partisanship in their relationship to opinion on spending. While prior work has shown that whites’ racial attitudes are correlated with opinion on specific government programs, we show they shape opinion about the appropriate level of government spending writ large. We also move beyond the study of white opinion, measuring views of unfairness in the distribution of spending among racial minorities as well.
A path-tracking algorithm using predictive Stanley lateral controller
Authors: AbdElmoniem Ahmed , Osama Ahmed , Abdelaziz Mohamed , Maged Shady A
Published: December 2020

Path tracking is one of the most important aspects of autonomous vehicles. The current research focuses on designing path-tracking controllers taking into account the stability of the yaw and the nonholonomic constraints of the vehicle. In most cases, the lateral controller design relies on identifying a path reference point, the one with the shortest distance to the vehicle giving the current state of the vehicle. That restricts the controller’s ability to handle sudden changes of the trajectory heading angle. The present article proposes a new approach that imitates human behavior while driving. It is based on a discrete prediction model that anticipates the future states of the vehicle, allowing the use of the control algorithm in future predicted states augmented with the current controller output. The performance of the proposed approach is verified through several simulations on V-REP simulator with different types of maneuvers (double lane change, hook road, S road, and curved road) and a wide range of velocities. Predictive Stanley controller was used compared to the original Stanley controller. The obtained results of the proposed control approach show the advantage and the performance of the technique in terms of minimizing the lateral error and ensuring yaw stability by an average of 53% and 22%, respectively.
Home care rehabilitation therapy services for individuals with multimorbidity: A rapid review
Authors: Mofina Amanda , Miller Jordan , Tranmer Joan , Donnelly Catherine
Published: December 2020

Multimorbidity refers to the co-occurrence of two or more chronic conditions, where no one disease is considered the central disease. Individuals with multimorbidity experience increased patient health complexity, increased disability and functional decline, and increased health care utilization. Rehabilitation therapists are well positioned to address the complex functional needs that can contribute to disability for people living with multimorbidity; however, it is not well understood how they address these needs within the home care setting. A rapid review was conducted to identify and synthesize the existing literature on home care rehabilitation services for clients with multimorbidity and the effect of those services. Two electronic databases (Medline and CINAHL) were searched. The Journal of Comorbidity was hand-searched for thoroughness because this journal focuses on populations with multiple chronic conditions. This rapid review included observational and experimental studies that focused on rehabilitation therapy interventions embedded within existing home care systems for adults with multimorbidity. Four studies were included in the final review. The results revealed that therapists delivered interventions aimed towards improving functional outcomes related to activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. Physical therapy interventions were the only therapy delivered in three of the four studies included. Furthermore, 50% of these studies explicitly included people with chronic conditions impacting the musculoskeletal system only. This review offers an important perspective on how home care rehabilitation therapy interventions and outcomes are operationalized for individuals with multimorbidity. Despite the varying definitions of multimorbidity, therapeutic intervention supported functional improvements.
M. N. Srinivas: What I Learnt from His Sociology and Social Anthropology
Authors: Patel Tulsi
Published: December 2020

M. N. Srinivas, the pioneering Sociologist of India, has contributed immensely to the development of the discipline of sociology and social anthropology through his teaching and research. He combined theory, method and field reality in his body of work. It generated a great deal of interest and critique. This essay looks at his contributions with reference to how I learnt, through my links with rural India, from his sociological writings drawn from intensive fieldwork on caste, village, processes like Sanskritisation and Westernisation and concepts such as vote bank, which gained popular currency.
Capitalism and its new historians: A review essay
Authors: Sharma Shubham
Published: December 2020

Sven Beckert, Empire of Cotton: A New History of Global Capitalism (New York, NY: Penguin), 2014, 640 pp., £28 (Hb).

Walter Johnson, River of Dark Dreams: Slavery and Empire in the Cotton Kingdom (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press), 2013, 515 pp., £15 (Hb).

Edward Baptist, The Half Has Never Been Told: Slavery and the Making of Capitalism (New York, NY: Basic Books), 2014, 560 pp., £44 (Hb).
Book review: Ira Mukhoty, Akbar the Great Mughal: The Definitive Biography
Authors: Habib Irfan
Published: December 2020

Ira Mukhoty, Akbar the Great Mughal: The Definitive Biography (New Delhi: Aleph Book Co.), 2020, xl + 476 pp. (with end-notes, Bibliography and Index, in total 624 pp.) with 32 pp. of colour-illustrations between pp. 260 and 261., ₹999 (Pb).
A Model for Medical Students’ Behavioral Intention to Use Mobile Learning
Authors: Kucuk Sevda , Baydas Onlu Ozlem , Kapakin Samet
Published: December 2020

The use of mobile devices that have high technical capabilities has increased in the last years. These devices are appropriate instructional tools reflecting the trends in modern education by providing instant access to information that is used with mobile learning purposes. As is in many areas of education, m-learning has been becoming widespread in medical education. Therefore, medical students’ readiness for m-learning is highly important. This study aims to investigate how medical students’ beliefs influence their behavioral intention to use mobile devices for learning purposes. The 376 medical students (222 juniors, 154 sophomores; aged between 18 and 24 years; 214 males, 162 females) participated in this study. All participants had mobile devices. Data were collected through a survey. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the findings. The proposed model, which is created based on the theory of planned behavior, was tested in the study. Based on the findings, the medical students’ perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, learning autonomy, intention to use, perceived self-efficacy toward mobile devices, and m-learning are found to be high level. However, according to medical students, instructors’ readiness to apply m-learning has been found to be low level. The findings showed that the proposed model explains medical students’ behavioral intention to use m-learning reasonably well. The behavioral intention is explained with a variance of 76% in the model. Subjective norm is the main indicator of behavioral intention, followed by perceived behavioral control and attitude. The proposed model in the study could be useful to design m-learning applications, environments, and implementation plans effectively in medical education.
Success With Monobloc Advancement in Mission Surgery
Authors: Taub Peter J. , Kumar Anand , Lin Alex , Bonfield Chris , Gooden Cheryl , Cladis Franklyn , Weinzweig Jeffrey
Published: December 2020

Syndromic hypoplasia of the orbit and midface results in noticeable dysmorphology. Correction involves advancement of the orbito-facial complex either directly or by distraction osteogenesis. The surgery is challenging no matter where it is performed, however, the challenges are amplified on a surgical mission. Komedyplast Surgical Charity (Chicago, IL) has been performing complex craniofacial procedures, including midfacial advancement at the Monobloc level, for 13 years with safety and success. As such, key points need specific attention to avoid complications in a remote location, where staff and resources may be less than adequately equipped to handle them.
Hydroxyurea does not affect the spermatogonial pool in prepubertal patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Gille Anne-Sophie , Pondarré Corinne , Dalle Jean-Hugues , Bernaudin Françoise , Chalas Céline , Fahd Mony , Jean Camille , Lezeau Harry , Riou Lydia , Drouineaud Véronique , Paye-Jaouen Annabel , Kamdem Annie , Neven Bénédicte , Arnaud Cécile , Azarnoush Saba , Yakouben Karima , Sarnacki Sabine , de Montalembert Mariane , Comperat Eva Maria , Lenaour Gilles , Sibony Mathilde , Dhédin Nathalie , Vaiman Daniel , Wolf Jean-Philippe , Patrat Catherine , Fouchet Pierre , Poirot Catherine , Barraud-Lange Virginie
Published: December 2020

In these two short reports, the authors approach the issue of whether hydroxyurea (HU) use in young males has major irreversible effects on sperm production. Joseph et al analyzed and compared sperm parameters in male patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) who were exposed or not exposed to HU before puberty. They report semen abnormalities in all patients but no differences between groups. Independently, Gille et al provide evidence for the lack of in vivo HU-related decreases in the spermatogonial pool in biopsy specimens from young males with SCD but evidence for a negative effect of SCD itself. Together, these reports suggest that the use of HU in young males does not adversely affect fertility.