bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recurrent thrombosis followed by Lazarus response in ROS1 rearranged NSCLC treated with crizotinib: a case report
Authors: Beninato Teresa , Lo Russo Giuseppe , Garassino Marina Chiara , De Braud Filippo , Platania Marco
Published: February 2020

Introduction:

Patients with cancer have higher risk of thrombosis compared to the general population and particularly lung adenocarcinoma is considered at high risk for venous thromboembolism. Some targetable oncogenic drivers are supposed to further increase this risk.

Case description:

A 35-year-old man who had developed a recurrent venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism (PE) was diagnosed with ROS1 rearranged non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While molecular examinations were ongoing, he developed progressive respiratory failure. For PE and thrombosis worsening with detection of right heart thrombus, he underwent therapy with unfractionated heparin. Despite initial good radiologic results, only with the start of crizotinib did the patient’s clinical condition significantly improve to configure a Lazarus response.

Conclusions:

Cancer diagnosis should always be considered in patients with unprovoked thrombosis and, if NSCLC is diagnosed, genetic alterations should be always sought after. A possible relation between venous thromboembolism and oncogenic drivers, particularly for ALK translocations, has been hypothesized. Similarly to ALK-positive NSCLC, ROS1 rearranged disease has been associated with an increased thromboembolic risk. Further studies are needed to better evaluate this relation and to evaluate the potential benefit of a prophylactic anticoagulating treatment in this subset of patients.
Talking (or Not) About Sexual Violence: Newspaper Coverage of the Confirmation Hearings of Justices Thomas and Kavanaugh
Authors: AbiNader Millan A. , Thomas Margaret M. C. , Carolan Kelsi
Published: February 2020

The ways in which sexual violence is portrayed in the media contribute to communities’ understanding of violence and can influence survivor outcomes. The parallel cases of the confirmation hearings of Justices Kavanaugh and Thomas provide an opportunity to measure if and how the cultural zeitgeist has shifted around issues of sexual violence. This study sought to answer two questions: (a) When a supreme court nominee is accused of sexual violence, have the ways the mainstream media discussed the violence in newspaper headlines changed between 1991 and 2018? To what extent and how? (b) Have the ways the mainstream media characterizes the nominee and the accuser within and between 1991 and 2018 changed? How? Headlines were collected systematically from eight major U.S. newspapers, resulting in a data set of 373 headlines from 1991 and 249 from 2018. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to examine the characterizations of the accuser, nominee, and violence. Supplemental chi-square analyses were used to compare how violence was categorized in the two years. While less victim-blaming and minimization of sexual violence occurred in the 2018 headlines, newspapers continued to avoid naming the sexual violence. The characterizations of the nominee, accuser, and violence became depersonalized in 2018, focusing on politics rather than the people and issues at hand, likely reflecting a highly politicized American public. Despite the heightened attention to sexual violence that current movements have sparked, our analysis of comparable cases in 1991 and 2018 suggests newspaper headlines continued to avoid naming sexual violence as violence in 2018 as in 1991, and furthermore, contemporary language about sexual violence and its survivors and perpetrators has not changed to reflect an increased response to survivor healing and perpetrator change. Rather, shifts in language suggest survivors and perpetrators may be politicized as tools for parties and politicians to debate larger issues or stake political positions.
Peritoneal Proteoglycans: Much more than Ground Substance
Authors: Yung Susan , Chan Tak Mao
Published: February 2020

Recent advances in the field of glycobiology have exposed a multitude of biological processes that are controlled or influenced by proteoglycans, in both physiological and pathological conditions ranging from early embryonic development, inflammation, and fibrosis to tumor invasion and metastasis. The first part of this article reviews the biosynthesis of proteoglycans and their multifunctional roles in health and disease; the second part of this review focuses on their putative roles in peritoneal homeostasis and peritoneal inflammation and fibrosis in the context of chronic peritoneal dialysis and peritonitis.
Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis in Mexico
Authors: Paniagua Ramón , Ramos Alfonso , Fabian Rosaura , Lagunas Jesús , Amato Dante
Published: February 2020

The increasing rates in incidence and prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are important challenges for health systems around the world, and are even more significant for undeveloped countries. In Mexico the prevalence of CKD seems to be similar to that in highly developed nations, with diabetes as the leading cause of CKD; however, human and economic resources seem to be insufficient for treatment needs. This is reflected in the unacceptably high mortality rates and in noncompliance with established standards and guidelines. Several measures need to be taken to improve this picture, such as more efficient programs for the prevention of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Organizing a national registry of patients with CKD is now a pressing need, as is a continuous search for additional funding and budgets to increase the number of qualified nephrologists and specialized nurses and to continue the much-needed research on CKD.
The Short Pet in Pediatrics
Authors: Warady Bradley A. , Jennings Janelle
Published: February 2020

Background

The peritoneal equilibration test (PET) is a 4-hour procedure that is recommended to be performed in children receiving peritoneal dialysis to assist in prescription management. While a shortened version of the PET has been used in adults and reliably characterizes peritoneal membrane transport capacity, no similar experience with children has been reported.

Methods

Retrospective evaluation of 2-hour and 4-hour PET data obtained from 20 children receiving chronic peritoneal dialysis in a single center. Characterization of membrane transport capacity was based on evaluation of serum and dialysate samples used to determine the dialysate-to-plasma ratio (D/P) of creatinine and the ratio of dialysate glucose to baseline dialysate glucose (D/D0). Patient values were compared to pediatric reference data.

Results

In all 20 patients, characterization of peritoneal membrane transport capacity using 2-hour D/P and D/D0 results was identical to that determined using 4-hour data for the same solute. While the creatinine- and glucose-based characterization was discrepant in 14 of 20 patients, in only 1 case was the discrepancy of more than a single transport category.

Conclusion

These results support the accuracy of a short PET in children, a procedure that should prove beneficial in terms of patient and staff time.
Bcl-xL Prevents Peritoneal Dialysis Solution-Induced Leukocyte Apoptosis
Authors: Santamaría Beatriz , Benito–Martin Alberto , Ucero Alvaro Conrado , Reyero Ana , Selgas Rafael , Ruiz–Ortega Marta , Egido Jesús , Ortiz Alberto
Published: February 2020

Conventional glucose-containing peritoneal dialysis solutions (PDS) with a high glucose degradation product content accelerate leukocyte apoptosis and impair peritoneal defense. Mononuclear cells are less sensitive than neutrophils to PDS-induced apoptosis, suggesting that they may express antiapoptotic molecules. Since apoptosis induced by PDS requires Bax, we explored the role of an antiapoptotic protein of the same family, Bcl-xL, in PDS-induced apoptosis in cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells and monocytic THP-1 cells. In these cells, conventional PDS decreased the expression of Bcl-xL protein with a temporal pattern compatible with their lethal effect. Inhibition of Bcl-xL also induced mononuclear cell apoptosis. A cell-permeable TAT-BH4 peptide that contains the BH4 domain of Bcl-xL prevented mononuclear cell apoptosis induced by PDS. These data suggest that Bcl-xL protects mononuclear cells from apoptosis induced by bioincompatible PDS and that Bcl-xL-like molecules should be explored to prolong leukocyte survival and potentiate peritoneal defense during peritonitis.
The Effects of Colchicine on the Progression and Regression of Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis
Authors: Bozkurt Devrim , Bicak Selahattin , Sipahi Savas , Taskin Huseyin , Hur Ender , Ertilav Muhittin , Şen Sait , Duman Soner
Published: February 2020

Background

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is an infrequent but extremely serious complication of long-term peritoneal dialysis. Fibrosis of the submesothelial compact zone and neoangiogenesis underlie the pathophysiology of EPS. Colchicine is a well-known anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic agent that has been used for some fibrosing clinical states, such as liver fibrosis.

Objective

To determine the antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects of colchicine in an EPS rat model in both progression (P) and regression (R).

Methods

48 nonuremic albino Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: control group, 2 mL isotonic saline intraperitoneally (IP) daily for 3 weeks; CG group, IP injection of 2 mL/200 g chlorhexidine gluconate (CG) (0.1%) and ethanol (15%) dissolved in saline, daily for 3 weeks; resting group, CG (0 – 3 weeks) + peritoneal resting (4 – 6 weeks); C-R group, CG (0 – 3 weeks) + 1 mg/L colchicine (4 – 6 weeks); C-P group, CG (0 – 3 weeks) + 1 mg/L colchicine in drinking water (0 – 3 weeks). At the end, a 1-hour peritoneal equilibration test was performed with 25 mL 3.86% peritoneal dialysis solution. Dialysate-to-plasma ratio of urea (D/P urea), dialysate WBC count, ultrafiltration volume, and morphological changes of parietal peritoneum were examined.

Result

Exposure to CG for 3 weeks resulted in alterations in peritoneal transport (increased D/P urea, decreased ultrafiltration volume; p < 0.05) and morphology (increased inflammation, neovascularization, fibrosis, and peritoneal thickness; p < 0.05). Resting had some beneficial effects on peritoneal derangements; however, once the peritoneum had been stimulated, resting alone was not enough to reverse these pathological changes. Colchicine had more pronounced effects on membrane integrity via decreased inflammation, cell infiltration, and vascularity compared to the resting group.

Conclusion

We suggest that colchicine may have therapeutic value in the management of EPS.
Telehealth awareness in a US urban peritoneal dialysis clinic: From 2018 to 2019
Authors: Lew Susie Q , Sikka Neal
Published: February 2020

The 2018 Bipartisan Budget Act in the United States extended telehealth access to Medicare beneficiaries who receive home dialysis in which two of three monthly visits in a quarter may be performed by telehealth after three initial face-to-face monthly visits. The originating site (where the patient is located) can be a dialysis unit or the patient’s home and without geographic restriction. Patient awareness and interest in this new telehealth benefit in urban patients has not been well characterized. Patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatment located in an urban facility completed a survey to ascertain knowledge of telehealth and readiness and willingness to participate in telehealth for their monthly visit. A total of 30 patients participated: 37% who completed the survey had heard of telehealth and 40% were able to define telehealth in words and correctly identify an example of telehealth. None of the patients were aware of the 2018 US Bipartisan Budget Act which extended telehealth assess to Medicare beneficiaries. Almost everyone had a mobile phone (83%), owned a computer (50%), and had access to Internet services (90%). The majority of patients (73%) were willing to use telehealth services for their monthly visit with the physician. PD patients living in an urban setting appear to be ready and interested in using telehealth to perform their monthly visit with the physician.
The benefit of early survival on PD versus HD—Why this is (still) very important
Authors: Marshall Mark R
Published: February 2020

There are a number of misconceptions around the identified early survival benefit of peritoneal dialysis (PD) relative to hemodialysis (HD), including that such benefits “even out in the end” since the relative risk of death over time eventually encompasses 1.0 (or even an estimate that is unfavorable to PD); that the early benefit is, in fact, most likely due to unmeasured confounding; and such benefits are only due to the influence of central venous catheters and “crash starters” in the HD group. In fact, the early survival benefit results in a substantial gain of patient life years in PD cohorts relative to HD ones, even if it the benefit appears to “even out in the end,” is relatively insensitive to unmeasured confounding, and persists even when the effects of central venous catheters are accounted for. In this review, the calculations and arguments are made to support these tenets. Survival on dialysis is still one of the most important considerations for all stakeholders in the end-stage kidney disease community, including patients who rank it among their top priorities. Shared decision-making is a fundamental patient right and requires both balanced information and an iterative mechanism for a consensual decision based on shared understanding and purpose. A cornerstone of this process should be an explicit discussion of the early survival benefit of PD relative to HD.
Community Pharmacy Medicare Part D Consultations: Plan-Switching Decisions and Chronic Medication Adherence
Authors: Murry Logan T. , Murry Rylan C. , Deng Huiwen , Viyyuri Brahmendra , Gerleman Brandon L. , Urmie Julie
Published: February 2020

Objectives:

(1)To compare Part D plan switching for users and nonusers of a pharmacy-led Medicare Part D consultation service and (2) to evaluate the effect of service use on chronic medication adherence.

Methods:

This was a longitudinal study, occurring in one independently owned community pharmacy in Iowa. Medicare Part D beneficiaries who used the service were compared to nonusers. Dispensing data were used to compare planswitching and the effect of service use on chronic medication adherence between service users and nonusers. Proportion of days covered (PDC) was used to evaluate medication adherence.

Results:

In the 2017 and 2018 plan year, 79 and 138 Medicare beneficiaries used the service, respectively. These individuals were compared to 849 Medicare beneficiaries and a random sample of 101 beneficiaries in respective years. The respective switching rates for service users in 2018 and 2019 plan year were 43% and 15.9%, compared to 4% switching rates in both years for nonusers. Using the Medicare Part D consultation yielded a statistically significant positive effect on switching in both plan years ( P values < .05) and a statistically significant positive effect on PDC between years ( P value <.05).

Conclusion:

The use of a pharmacist-led Medicare Part D consultation resulted in increased plan switching and improved chronic medication adherence.
Influence of Psychotropic Medications on Readmission Rates of Patients Receiving a Pharmacist Discharge Medication Reconciliation
Authors: Hefazi Elika , Boggie Danielle , Huynh Trina , Lee Kelly C.
Published: February 2020

Background:

Current literature suggests that patients with psychiatric disorders are at an increased risk for inpatient readmission. This study evaluated the impact of pharmacist-driven discharge medication reconcilliation (DMR) on readmission rates of patients discharged with one or more psychotropic medications.

Methods:

This study was a retrospective review of patients receiving a pharmacist-driven DMR. The primary outcome was to compare the prevalence of 30-day readmission rates among patients who had a pharmacist DMR between patients who had at least one psychotropic medication upon discharge versus those without psychotropic medications. Secondary objectives were to (1) compare the number of medication discrepancies and pharmacist interventions prior to discharge and (2) compare prevalence of medical comorbidities between patients who had at least one psychotropic medication upon discharge versus those without psychotropic medications.

Results:

A total of 151 subjects were included who had a DMR and either at least one psychotropic medication at discharge (n = 69) or no psychotropic medications at discharge (n = 82). The 30-day readmission rates were similar between both groups ( P = .609). The mean number of discrepancies ( P < .001) and number of pharmacist interventions ( P = .005) were significantly greater in patients who had at least one psychotropic medication upon discharge compared to those without psychotropic medication.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of 30-day readmissions was similar between the two groups; however, patients discharged with at least one psychotropic medication had a greater number of discrepancies requiring significantly more discharge interventions during a pharmacist DMR.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Antipsychotic Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Two Cases
Authors: McGrane Ian R. , Salyers Laura A. , Molinaro Jason R. , Munjal Robert C.
Published: February 2020

Many patients with psychiatric conditions undergo bariatric surgery. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedure alters medication pharmacokinetic properties and may have significant impact on drug response. Our report is the first to describe atypical antipsychotic therapeutic drug monitoring in patients who have undergone RYGB. The first patient is a 53-year-old female with a stable psychiatric condition undergoing a laparoscopic RYGB. Her medications prior and following the procedure include bupropion, fluvoxamine, lurasidone, methylphenidate, oxcarbazepine, and verapamil. A concentration steady-state lurasidone concentration obtained prior to the procedure was 20 ng/mL and returned at 8.1 ng/mL, 29 days after surgery. The second patient is a 42-year-old female psychiatric inpatient who had previously undergone an RYGB procedure. Medications on admission included phenytoin, oxcarbazepine, risperidone, and venlafaxine. The patient was believed to be a good candidate for a long-acting antipsychotic and paliperidone was chosen. After concentration-steady-state on 6 mg oral paliperidone, a 23.5-hour trough level was drawn. The patient was noted to be improved on the oral paliperidone, the paliperidone long-acting injection was given, and the patient was discharged. After discharge, the paliperidone concentration returned very low at 1.1 ng/mL. We describe the contributions of drug–drug interactions, medication release mechanisms, and food coadministration that may have affected our therapeutic drug monitoring. Our therapeutic drug monitoring results need to be replicated prior to use in the general population but suggest that oral extended-release drug formulations are particularly poor choices and that nonoral antipsychotic formulations may be preferred in some patients who have undergone RYBG.
Between Freedom and Justice: Popular Protest and Jurisdictional Contestation of Militarized Governance in Indian-Controlled Kashmir
Authors: Hoffman Bruce , Duschinski Haley
Published: February 2020

In Indian-controlled Kashmir, local residents express aspirations for freedom from Indian-militarized governance even as they demand state accountability for pervasive everyday violence. Kashmiris negotiate this complexity through jurisdictional contestation, asserting alternative forms of authority to speak about law and develop strategies for justice and political transformation. Drawing from sociolegal literatures of jurisdiction and global legal pluralism, we analyze a Kashmiri community forum confronting institutional denial in a prominent case of sexual violence and murder involving state armed forces. We analyze how Kashmiri actors from diverse normative communities drew on popular understandings of law to claim competing forms of authority, give meaning to the case, and develop strategies of response. We also explore how participants, through the work of jurisdictional contestation, made global legal ideas locally meaningful and relied on jurisdictional myths of struggle and justice to motivate resistance and establish spaces of hope.
Supermarkets and Rural Inequality in India: A Case Study of Reliance Fresh
Authors: Sutradhar Rajib , Das Anamika
Published: February 2020

Drawing upon insights from growing strand of value chain literature, this article examines primary data collected from farmers supplying cauliflower and spinach to Reliance Fresh in the outskirts of Jaipur to understand the implication for farmer households of emergence of supermarket in a smallholder-dominated setting. The article finds that as a lead firm, Reliance Fresh is adopting flexible models of sourcing, devoid of any resource provision, to procure fresh produce of required quality and standards. In such a context, the barrier to participation of smallholders in supermarket-driven agri-food system varies across crops, depending on resource intensity of crops. Participation of smallholders, poorly endowed with human and physical capital, is limited in resource-intensive crop, such as cauliflower, because of high entry barrier in terms of requirement of assets. In contrast, entry barrier is low for smallholders in labour-intensive crop such as spinach, but competition among them, endowed with family labour, bid the rent down to the minimum. Gini decomposition exercise indicates that the emergence of supermarket-driven agri-food system has adverse distributional consequence in rural agrarian setting. Promotion of wholesale market with better infrastructure and encouragement of farmer federation as institutional innovations are suggested for inclusive agri-food marketing system.
Hyperpigmentation due to imatinib: A rare case of cutaneous involvement
Authors: Rehman Hasan , Hakim Nausheen , Sugarman Ryan , Seetharamu Nagashree , Saif Muhammad W
Published: February 2020

Case report

Imatinib mesylate is a well-known tyrosine kinase inhibitor used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, as well as a variety of other malignancies. Management and outcome: As use of this medication continues to grow, providers must be aware of potential side effects and management thereof. The toxicity profile of imatinib has been well characterized with most patients experiencing a grade 1 or 2 adverse event. These side effects are usually mild, and most patients can continue treatment without interruption. Around 30% of patients on imatinib experience skin toxicity, with 5% being high grade. This rash is typically hypopigmented, which is explained by imatinib’s effect on melanocytes.

Discussion

Although there have been several case reports describing hyperpigmentation of the oral mucosa or nails, very few have described skin hyperpigmentation. We previously reported the first two cases of imatinib-related squamous cell carcinoma in patients undergoing treatment for gastrointestinal stromal tumors. In this paper, we present a case of a patient on imatinib for management of gastrointestinal stromal tumor who experienced extensive skin hyperpigmentation and review the literature.
A PCISPH implementation using distributed multi-GPU acceleration for simulating industrial engineering applications
Authors: Verma Kevin , McCabe Christopher , Peng Chong , Wille Robert
Published: February 2020

Predictive–corrective incompressible smoothed particle hydrodynamics (PCISPH) is a promising variant of the particle-based fluid modeling technique smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH). In PCISPH, a dedication prediction–correction scheme is employed which allows for using a larger time step and thereby outperforms other SPH variants by up to one order of magnitude. However, certain characteristics of the PCISPH lead to severe synchronization problems that, thus far, prevented PCISPH from being applied to industrial scenarios where high performance computing techniques need to leveraged in order to simulate in appropriate resolution. In this work, we are for the first time, presenting a highly accelerated PCISPH implementation which employs a distributed multi-GPU architecture. To that end, dedicated optimization techniques are presented that allow to overcome the drawbacks caused by the algorithmic characteristics of PCISPH. Experimental evaluations on a standard dam break test case and an industrial water splash scenario confirm that PCISPH can be efficiently employed to model real-world scenarios involving a large number of particles.
A Pan-Cancer and Polygenic Bayesian Hierarchical Model for the Effect of Somatic Mutations on Survival
Authors: Samorodnitsky Sarah , Hoadley Katherine A , Lock Eric F
Published: February 2020

We built a novel Bayesian hierarchical survival model based on the somatic mutation profile of patients across 50 genes and 27 cancer types. The pan-cancer quality allows for the model to “borrow” information across cancer types, motivated by the assumption that similar mutation profiles may have similar (but not necessarily identical) effects on survival across different tissues of origin or tumor types. The effect of a mutation at each gene was allowed to vary by cancer type, whereas the mean effect of each gene was shared across cancers. Within this framework, we considered 4 parametric survival models (normal, log-normal, exponential, and Weibull), and we compared their performance via a cross-validation approach in which we fit each model on training data and estimate the log-posterior predictive likelihood on test data. The log-normal model gave the best fit, and we investigated the partial effect of each gene on survival via a forward selection procedure. Through this we determined that mutations at TP53 and FAT4 were together the most useful for predicting patient survival. We validated the model via simulation to ensure that our algorithm for posterior computation gave nominal coverage rates. The code used for this analysis can be found at https://github.com/sarahsamorodnitsky/Pan-Cancer-Survival-Modeling.git , and the results are summarized at http://ericfrazerlock.com/surv_figs/SurvivalDisplay.html .
Outcomes of the Gore Excluder Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis Using Division Branches of the Internal Iliac Artery as Distal Landing Zones
Authors: D’Oria Mario , Tenorio Emanuel R. , Oderich Gustavo S. , Mendes Bernardo C. , Kalra Manju , Shuja Fahad , Colglazier Jill J. , DeMartino Randall R.
Published: February 2020

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of the Gore Excluder Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis (IBE) using division branches of the internal iliac artery (IIA) as distal landing zones. Materials and Methods: Between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2018, 74 patients (mean age 74±7 years; 72 men) treated for aortoiliac or common iliac artery aneurysms had an IBE deployed with distal landing of the side branch within the main trunk (n=60) of the internal iliac artery (IIA) vs within a division branch (n=25). Thirteen (17%) patients received bilateral IBE implantations for a total of 85 vessels evaluated. Early endpoints were technical success, 30-day mortality, 30-day major adverse events (MAEs), and 30-day major access complications. Late endpoints were survival, primary and secondary IIA patency, freedom from IIA branch instability, freedom from new-onset buttock claudication, and aneurysm sac diameter changes. Time-dependent outcomes were reported as Kaplan-Meier curves with differences assessed using the log-rank test. Estimates are presented with the 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The overall technical success rate was 97%, with 1 technical failure per group (p=0.43). Two patients, one from each group, died within 30 days (p=0.43). No significant differences were seen in the rates of 30-day MAEs (7% vs 17%, p=0.35) or major access complications (9% vs 11%, p>0.99) for patients receiving distal landing in the main trunk vs a division branch, respectively. The mean follow-up for the entire cohort was 19±12 months. The overall 1-year survival rate was 94% (95% CI 74% to 99%). The primary and secondary patency rates at 1 year were 98% (95% CI 88% to 99%) vs 95% (95% CI 72% to 99%, p=0.72) and 98% (95% CI 88% to 99%) vs 100% (p=0.41) for the main trunk vs division branch groups, respectively. Freedom from IIA branch instability estimates were also similar at 1-year follow-up [93% (95% CI 82% to 97%) vs 90% (95% CI 66% to 97%), p=0.29], as were the freedom from new-onset buttock claudication estimates [98% (95% CI 86% to 99%) and 94% (95% CI 67% to 99%), respectively; p=0.62]. Mean sac diameter change was 5.4±5.3 mm, not significantly different between the groups (p=0.85). Conclusion: Use of the posterior or anterior division of the IIA as a distal landing zone for the Gore Excluder IBE was safe and efficacious in the midterm. This technique may permit extending indications for endovascular repair of aortoiliac aneurysms to cases with unsuitable anatomy within the IIA main trunk. Long-term assessment is needed to affirm the efficacy of this technique.
Verification of the UR5 robot’s properties after a crash caused by a fall of a transferred load from a crane
Authors: Semjon Jan , Janos Rudolf , Sukop Marek , Tuleja Peter , Hajduk Mikulas , Jurus Ondrej , Marcinko Peter , Virgala Ivan , Vagas Marek
Published: February 2020

Installing robots in small businesses is primarily dependent on the ratio of money spent to achieve profit. In addition, from consumer pressure on the production, quality and low cost, the increasing cost of human labour leads to robot deployment. With falling prices of robots, their use is becoming increasingly common, which leads to small firms trying to implement robots that are not new. They try to buy a cheaper older robot or a robot that was damaged during its previous operation. It is necessary to eliminate the risk that arises from more serious damage to the robot, therefore, the requirements for verification of the robot’s resultant parameters after its repair performed in own interest. Based on such a requirement, the solution was to verify the parameters of the UR5 robot to confirm the possibility of its further use. After replacing the damaged parts, the robot was subjected to its parameter verification according to standard ISO 9283:2012. For measurement purposes, a measuring cube was designed and manufactured, as well as a measuring nest for Heidenhain sensors.
Elections in Indo-Pacific: 2019: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Jain Purnendra
Published: February 2020

This special issue presents analyses of the elections in India, Japan, Thailand, the Philippines and Australia, each written by a specialist with extensive experience of domestic politics and elections in their country of study. These articles offer detail and rich analysis of the elections in the five Indo- Pacific countries, all held in 2019. The analyses presented in this issue reveal some clear trends emerging from these elections. First, the ruling parties in each of these countries were returned to power or given endorsements, producing continuity in government. Second, in most cases the opposition forces seem frail and divided. Third, on the Asian political landscape, as in many other countries around the world, conservative nationalist and right-wing populist leaders dominate national politics.
The Rate of Intrauterine Contraceptive Device Use and Associated Factors Among Married Women of Reproductive Age in Mettu Rural Community, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Teshome Shimelis , Negera Ebissa , Sileshi Tesfaye , Tadele Afework
Published: February 2020

Background: Intrauterine device (IUD) is the second most commonly utilized modern family planning method in the world next to female sterilization. It is the most cost-effective, safe, long-lasting, rapidly reversible method of contraception, but only 2% of married women are using the IUD in Ethiopia. Objective: To assess the rate of IUD use and associated factors among married reproductive age women in Mettu rural community, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was done among 501 married reproductive age women in Mettu rural district, Southwest Ethiopia from April to May 2018. Data were collected by using an interviewer-administrated questionnaire. Bivariate and multiple variable logistic regression analysis were employed. Results: Twenty-one (4.1%) women were currently using the IUD. Women’s primary education, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 4.40 (95% C.I 1.32-14.64); secondary and above education, AOR 5.05 (95% C.I 1.11-22.01); having favorable attitudes, AOR 3.24 (95% C.I 1.06-9.89); absence of myth and misconception, AOR 3.40 (95% C.I 1.23-9. 39); having discussion about IUD with women health development army, AOR 3.11 (95% C.I 1.02-9.49); and possessing more than 2 children AOR 3.48 (95% C.I 1.31-9.27) were positively associated with IUD utilization. Conclusion: Only 1 in 25 women was using an IUD. Sociodemographic factors (education and number of children) and behavioral factors (attitudes, myths, and misconceptions) were found to be significant predictors. Scientific community should explore the local contexts of intrauterine use in different parts of Ethiopia.
Comparison of Functional and Radiological Outcomes of Tears Involving the Subscapularis: Isolated Subscapularis Versus Combined Anterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tears
Authors: Meshram Prashant , Rhee Sung-Min , Park Joo Hyun , Oh Joo Han
Published: February 2020

Background:

Few studies have compared the clinical and radiological characteristics and outcomes in isolated subscapularis (SSC) and combined anterosuperior (AS) rotator cuff tears (RCTs). Furthermore, risk factors for retear after SSC repair and the effect of preoperative fatty degeneration require further evaluation.

Purpose:

To compare the functional and radiological outcomes of isolated SSC with combined AS RCTs after arthroscopic repair and to determine the risk factors for SSC retear in these 2 groups.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Data from 30 patients in the isolated SSC group were compared with data from 110 patients in the combined AS group. All patients underwent primary arthroscopic rotator cuff repair between 2010 and 2016. Clinical outcomes were assessed through use of the visual analog scale for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and Simple Shoulder Test at a mean follow-up of 26.7 months (range, 24-96 months). SSC tendon integrity was examined via magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography arthrogram, or ultrasonography at least 1 year after surgery.

Results:

The isolated SSC group had a greater proportion of males and the patients were younger compared with the combined AS group (both P < .050). The incidence of trauma was high but not significantly different between groups (56.7% vs 40.9%; P = .180). Clinical outcome measures and radiological outcomes in terms of retear were not statistically different between both groups (16.7% vs 8/5%; P = .337). The optimal cutoff values for the risk of SSC tendon retear in both groups were 19-mm retraction and 16-mm superoinferior dimension ( P = .048). Unfavorable preoperative fatty degeneration of the SSC muscle (grades 3 and 4) was a significant risk factor for retear (odds ratio, 9.8; P < .001).

Conclusion:

Isolated SSC and combined AS RCTs were comparable except for patient age and sex; both had a high incidence of traumatic history. The current data suggest that the risk factors for retear after SSC repair in RCTs involving the SSC were tear size greater than 19 mm of retraction and unfavorable fatty degeneration (grade 3 or higher) of the SSC muscle.
Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Is Equivalent to Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis at 1 Year: A Prospective, Randomized Trial
Authors: Anz Adam W. , Hubbard Ryan , Rendos Nicole K. , Everts Peter A. , Andrews James R. , Hackel Joshua G.
Published: February 2020

Background:

Approximately 47 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with arthritis. Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have been documented to alleviate symptoms related to knee osteoarthritis (OA) in randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Autologous bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMC) injections have also emerged as a treatment option for knee OA, with a limited clinical evidence base.

Purpose:

To compare the efficacy of BMC to PRP for the treatment of knee OA regarding pain and function at multiple time points up to 12 months after an injection. We hypothesized that BMC will be more effective in improving outcomes in patients with knee OA.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2

Methods:

A total of 90 participants aged between 18 and 80 years with symptomatic knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grades 1-3) were randomized into 2 study groups: PRP and BMC. Both groups completed the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) questionnaires before and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after a single intra-articular injection of leukocyte-rich PRP or BMC.

Results:

There were no statistically significant differences in baseline IKDC or WOMAC scores between the 2 groups. All IKDC and WOMAC scores for both the PRP and BMC groups significantly improved from baseline to 1 month after the injection ( P < .001). These improvements were sustained for 12 months after the injection, with no difference between PRP and BMC at any time point.

Conclusion:

Both PRP and BMC were effective in improving patient-reported outcomes in patients with mild to moderate knee OA for at least 12 months; neither treatment provided a superior clinical benefit. Autologous PRP and BMC showed promising clinical potential as therapeutic agents for the treatment of OA, and while PRP has strong clinical evidence to support its efficacy, BMC has limited support. This study did not prove BMC to be superior to PRP, providing guidance to clinicians treating OA. It is possible that the results were affected by patients knowing that there was no control group.

Registration:

NCT03289416 ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).
Prevalence and Impact of Chronic Ankle Instability in Adolescent Athletes
Authors: Donovan Luke , Hetzel Scott , Laufenberg Craig R. , McGuine Timothy A.
Published: February 2020

Background:

The prevalence and impact of chronic ankle instability (CAI) in adolescent athletes are unknown. To better develop and justify prevention strategies of lateral ankle sprains and CAI, it is important to understand the origin and associated long-term impact of CAI within populations other than adults.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and impact of CAI on ankle function, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and physical activity in adolescent athletes. The hypothesis was that the presence of CAI will be commonly reported among adolescent athletes and that participants with CAI will have lower self-reported ankle function, HRQoL, and physical activity when compared with participants without CAI.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A cohort of 1002 healthy (able to fully participate) adolescent athletes (50.4% female; mean age, 15.6 ± 1.6 years) across 8 club sport facilities and high schools completed paper-and-pencil surveys to establish the presence of CAI (Identification of Functional Ankle Instability [IdFAI]) and estimate perceived ankle function (Foot and Ankle Ability Measure [FAAM]–Activities of Daily Living and FAAM-Sport), HRQoL (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 [PedsQL]), and physical activity (Hospital for Special Surgery Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale [HSS Pedi-FABS]).

Results:

The overall prevalence of CAI was 20.0%. Participants with unilateral CAI reported significantly lower ( P < .001) ankle function (FAAM-Sport: 87.0 ± 14.8) and HRQoL (total PedsQL: 89.8 ± 9.8) than participants who did not have CAI (FAAM-Sport: 97.7 ± 6.0; total PedsQL: 93.5 ± 9.1). Physical activity was not different between participants with and without CAI.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of CAI was high among adolescent athletes. The presence of CAI negatively affected ankle function and HRQoL in adolescent athletes. Given the high prevalence and negative impact of CAI in an adolescent population, strategies to prevent ankle injuries and maintain physical activity are needed to alleviate future long-term consequences associated with developing CAI. These strategies should be implemented as soon as sport participation begins, as it appears that the origin of CAI may occur before adulthood.
Master of Science (MS) and Master of Arts (MA) Degrees in Global Health: Applying Interdisciplinary Research Skills to the Study of Globalization-Related Health Disparities
Authors: Jacobsen Kathryn H. , Li Xiaojie , Gartin Meredith , Malouin Rebecca A. , Waggett Caryl E.
Published: February 2020

Graduate global health education has grown in popularity over the past decade. The Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health has defined global public health competencies for Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees, but there are no similarly established lists of learning outcomes for other types of master’s degrees in global health. The objective of this study was to examine the program goals, curricula, and applied learning requirements for non-MPH master’s degrees in order to understand how global health is being defined and operationalized by these programs. We identified the 14 universities in the United States and Canada offering Master of Science (MS) or Master of Arts (MA) degrees in global health in 2019. Their program descriptions typically emphasize applied research skills, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches, health disparities, and globalization. Both MS and MA degree pathways use a similar research-oriented core curriculum in which (1) foundational courses introduce the social and environmental determinants of health and global burden of disease trends in the context of globalization, global health ethics, and health systems and policy; (2) a research core develops competencies in biostatistics, epidemiology, and quantitative and qualitative research methods; and (3) a thesis or other written capstone project synthesizes and applies knowledge. Only 4 of the 14 programs require an international field experience, but most encourage applied experiential learning activities. Global health appears to be maturing as an academic discipline, with non-MPH graduate degrees in global health emphasizing similar knowledge areas, research skills, and competencies.
Global U: Exploring Curricular Development and Outcomes in Three University of Utah Experiential Learning Abroad Programs
Authors: Gren Lisa H. , Benson L. Scott , Frost Caren J.
Published: February 2020

The University of Utah is a publicly funded, R1 university located in the United States, with a mission statement that includes recognition of its global role, asserting that “. . . we engage local and global communities to promote education, health, and quality of life.” As part of that engagement, the University of Utah has offered learning abroad opportunities since 1967. Approximately 1 in 10 students participates in a global learning experience, and 80% of programs are short term (defined as 10 weeks or less). The pedagogical theories that guide these short-term programs are experiential learning, authentic learning, and intentional targeted intervention. We describe three short-term learning abroad programs in public health and social work—for students at the high school, undergraduate, and graduate level—connecting the reported benefits to the pedagogical model and theories used to develop the specific curriculum for these short-term programs. Faculty use a variety of reflective tools to help students learn to function in their new setting (experiential learning); explore and meaningfully construct concepts and relationships as they address real-world problems (authentic learning); and facilitate intercultural growth (intentional targeted learning). The University of Utah has adapted a three-stage model for learning abroad that incorporates principles from these theories to drive program activities: Plan (predeparture), Learn (program participation), and Integrate (postprogram). Immediate benefits to students of participating in a global-learning experience include intercultural learning, personal, and career development. Benefits to faculty include scholarly products in the domains of education and service learning, community-engaged participation, and research.
Developing a Field of Study in Implementation Science for the Africa Region: The Wits–UNC AIDS Implementation Science Fogarty D43
Authors: Ramaswamy Rohit , Chirwa Tobias , Salisbury Kathryn , Ncayiyana Jabulani , Ibisomi Latifat , Rispel Laetitia , van der Horst Charles , Pettifor Audrey
Published: February 2020

From 2014 to 2019, the Wits–UNC (University of Witwatersrand and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) AIDS Implementation Science D43 Training Program laid critical academic foundation by creating a graduate degree program in implementation science (IS) for master’s- and doctoral-level students in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the Wits School of Public Health. Before this collaboration, funded by the Fogarty International Center (FIC) at National Institutes of Health, no IS degree existed in Southern Africa. The FIC “D43” is an international research training grant mechanism to strengthen global health research expertise through education. Historically, students from low-resource settings have been trained in health sciences at universities in the United States or the United Kingdom. This is not scalable or sustainable and therefore this D43 focused on building capacity in South Africa where HIV-related challenges are located. Consequently, South Africans and other African international students were able to apply to the newly offered program, allowing training at significantly lower costs. IS allows a systematic assessment of factors affecting the implementation of HIV interventions and in developing strategies for addressing them. It guides the successful scale-up of effective programs and informs policy to improve programs. The training aims to assist in lowering the HIV incidence rate, suppressing viral load for those infected, and meeting the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. A second cycle of funding from 2019 to 2024 will enable the infrastructure built in the first program to train South African HIV researchers and practitioners in the field who are unable to enroll in a formal academic program.
Design of Double-Shelled CuS Nanocages to Optimize Electrocatalytic Dynamic for Sensitive Detection of Ascorbic Acid
Authors: Yang Tong , Tian Liangliang , Zhou Enmin , Chen Daidong , Lei Yu
Published: February 2020

Although transition metal sulfides have presented prospect in electrochemical sensing, their electrocatalytic performance still cannot meet the demands for practical applications due to the difficulties in mass transport and electron transfer. In this work, double-shelled CuS nanocages (2-CuS NCs) were prepared for enzyme-free ascorbic (AA) sensor through a Cu2O- templated method. The unique double-shelled hollow structure displayed large specific surface areas, ordered diffusion channels, increased volume occupying rate, and accelerated electron transfer rate, resulting in enhanced electrochemical dynamic. As a sensing electrode for AA, 2-CuS NCs modified glassy carbon electrode (2-CuS NCs/GCE) exhibited eminent electrocatalytic activity in terms of satisfying sensitivity (523.7 μA mM−1 cm−2), short response time (0.31 s), and low limit of detection (LOD, 0.15 μM). 2-CuS NCs look promising for analytical sensing of AA in electrochemical sensors thanks to its prominent electrocatalytic kinetics issued from double-shelled hollow porous structure.