bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyamide fabric coated with a dihydroxyacetone-loaded chitosan hydrogel for a cosmeto-textile application
Authors: Solé Isabel , Vílchez Susana , Montanyà Núria , García-Celma Maria José , Ferrándiz Marcela , Esquena Jordi
Published: March 2019

Cosmeto-textiles, which allow the administration of molecules when in contact with the skin, are increasingly being developed by cosmetic industries. We have designed an innovative approach for cosmeto-textile products, based on the impregnation of textile fibers with chitosan hydrogels, which have been cross-linked with genipin and loaded with dihydroxyacetone, which is an active component that induces sunless tanning. Dihydroxyacetone-loaded chitosan hydrogels have been prepared and characterized by means of cryogenic scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM). The images showed that genipin cross-linking decreases the mesh distance of hydrogels. The release of dihydroxyacetone from these cross-linked genipin chitosan hydrogels has been studied by a dialysis membrane method. These dihydroxyacetone-loaded chitosan hydrogels have been incorporated to polyamide textiles by a simple padding technique. The presence of dihydroxyacetone on these textiles has been detected by hyperspectral imaging on a dark field high resolution optical microscope. Finally, the performance of fabrics as cosmeto-textiles, with a tanning effect, has been evaluated by skin-colorimetry measured with an evaluation panel of 10 people. The results have demonstrated that dihydroxyacetone-loaded textiles produce a tanning effect on skin, and incorporation of dihydroxyacetone-loaded chitosan hydrogels into polyamide fabrics represents a friendly and appropriate strategy to obtain a cosmeto-textile with tanning effect.
Exploring the Embeddedness of an Informal Community of Practice Within a Formal Organizational Context: A Case Study in the German Military
Authors: Schulte Benjamin , Andresen Florian , Koller Hans
Published: March 2019

The embeddedness of communities of practice (CoPs)—self-organized groups of practitioners, who engage in the same practices, learn from each other, and innovate together—in contexts of formal hierarchical systems, is characterized through tension. CoPs drive learning and change, while formal systems are focused on stable execution and control, suppressing informality and self-organization. How leadership navigates this tension and shapes embeddedness is of interest to scholars and practitioners alike. In this article, we employ an interpretative research approach to explore how a CoP emerges and interacts with the formal hierarchy of the German Armed Forces. The findings of this study indicate that the embeddedness of a CoP within the formal organizational context molds through the dynamic interplay between administrative leaders and community members. In drawing from complexity leadership theory our grounded, cross-level, process model uncovers how a CoP evolves as individuals experience adaptive pressures in their practices stemming from environmental changes and start to generate new resources in response. Furthermore, it reveals how organizational leaders alternate between administrative leadership and enabling leadership techniques, allowing for both self-organized activities and also the integration of the emergent outcomes. Therefore, the model contributes to our understanding of the processes that unfold at the interface between a CoP and formal hierarchical system.
Identification of CD37, cystatin A, and IL-23A gene expression in association with brain metastasis: analysis of a prospective trial
Authors: Dohm Ammoren , Su Jing , McTyre Emory R. , Taylor James M. , Miller Lance D. , Petty W. Jeffrey , Xing Fei , Lo Hui-Wen , Metheny-Barlow Linda J. , O’Neill Stacey , Bellinger Christina , Dotson Travis , Pasche Boris , Watabe Kounosuke , Chan Michael D. , Ruiz Jimmy
Published: March 2019

Purpose/Objectives:

We aimed to assess the predictive value of a lung cancer gene panel for the development of brain metastases.

Materials/Methods:

Between 2011 and 2015, 102 patients with lung cancer were prospectively enrolled in a clinical trial in which a diagnostic fine-needle aspirate was obtained. Gene expression was conducted on all samples that rendered a diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Subsequent retrospective analysis of brain metastases-related outcomes was performed by reviewing patient electronic medical records. A competing risk multivariable regression was performed to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio for the development of brain metastases and non-brain metastases from NSCLC.

Results:

A total of 49 of 102 patients had died by the last follow-up. Median time of follow-up was 13 months (range 0.23–67 months). A total of 17 patients developed brain metastases. Median survival time after diagnosis of brain metastases was 3.58 months (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.17, not available). A total of 30 patients developed metastases without any evidence of brain metastases until the time of death or last follow-up. Competing risk analysis identified three genes that were downregulated differentially in the patients with brain metastases versus non-brain metastatic disease: CD37 (0.017), cystatin A (0.022), and IL-23A (0.027). Other factors associated with brain metastases include: stage T ( P ⩽ 8.3e-6) and stage N ( P= 6.8e-4).

Conclusions:

We have identified three genes, CD37, cystatin A, and IL-23A, for which downregulation of gene expression was associated with a greater propensity for developing brain metastases. Validation of these biomarkers could have implications on surveillance patterns in patients with brain metastases from NSCLC.
Clinicopathological significance and prognostic role of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in colorectal cancer
Authors: Ko Young San , Pyo Jung-Soo
Published: March 2019

Purpose:

This study aimed to elucidate the clinicopathological significance and prognostic role of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in colorectal cancer.

Methods:

The immunohistochemistry of CD3 and CD8 was performed on 265 human colorectal cancer tissues to investigate the tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes using Immunoscore. The correlation between Immunoscore and clinicopathological characteristics, including survival rates, was elucidated. In addition, the impact of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes on programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) protein expression was evaluated through immunohistochemistry.

Results:

Of the 265 colorectal cancer tissues, 40.8% had high Immunoscore, while 59.2% had low Immunoscore. A high Immunoscore was significantly correlated with favorable tumor behaviors, including lower rates of vascular, lymphatic, and perineural invasion; lymph node metastasis; and distant metastasis. PD-L1 expressions of tumor and immune cells were significantly higher in patients with high Immunoscore than in those with low Immunoscore. In addition, colorectal cancer tissues with high CD8-positive lymphocytes showed higher PD-L1 expressions of tumor and immune cells than colorectal cancer tissues with low CD8-positive lymphocytes. There was a significant correlation between high Immunoscore and better overall survival. However, there was no significant difference in survival rate according to PD-L1 expressions of tumor and immune cells in high and low Immunoscore subgroups.

Conclusions:

Taken together, our results showed that high tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes were significantly correlated with favorable tumor behaviors and better survival. In addition, there was a significant correlation between PD-L1 expression and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes.
Elevated neutrophil to lymphocyte and platelet to lymphocyte ratios predict high grade and advanced stage renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Çalışkan Selahattin
Published: March 2019

Introduction:

Renal cell carcinoma is the most common malignancy of the kidney, which accounts 85% of all renal tumors. In recent years, the incidence of renal cell carcinoma was increased due to the widespread use of imaging techniques. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical significance of pretreatment neutrophil to lymphocyte and platelet to lymphocyte ratios in patients with renal cell carcinomas.

Methods:

The patients who underwent nephrectomy for renal tumor between 2010 and 2018 in two centers were reviewed retrospectively. The age, sex, complete blood test, and pathological results were recorded. The patients who were diagnosed with other carcinomas, benign renal tumors, and missing data of age, complete blood test, and pathological results, were excluded. The patients were divided into two groups according to the T stage and Fuhrman grade, T1-2 and T3-4, G1-2 and G3-4.

Results:

There were 271 patients in the current study. The male to female ratio was 1.97 and the mean age of the patients was 59.37±11.62 years. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma was the most common subtype in 72.7% of the patients. Both the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and the platelet to lymphocyte ratio were significantly higher in patients with high-grade and advanced-stage disease than in the others. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed no significant difference between platelet to lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio to diagnose the high grade and stage of renal cell carcinoma.

Conclusion:

The neutrophil to lymphocyte and platelet to lymphocyte ratios are easily accessible biomarkers which are used for the prognosis of malignancy. The current study found that these biomarkers may predict the pathological results during the preoperative period.
Getting ready for Mars: How the brain perceives new simulated gravitational environments
Authors: Torok Agoston , Gallagher Maria , Lasbareilles Camille , Ferrè Elisa Raffaella
Published: March 2019

On Earth, we are continually exposed to gravity: sensory signals are constantly integrated to form an internal model of gravity. However, it is unclear whether this internal model is fixed to Earth’s gravity or whether it can be applied to a new gravitational environment. Under terrestrial gravity, observers show a “gravitational bias” while judging the speed of falling versus rising objects, as they comply with the physical laws of gravity. We investigated whether this gravitational bias may be present when judging the speed of objects moving upwards or downwards in both virtual reality (VR)-simulated Earth gravity (9.81 m/s2) and Mars gravity (3.71 m/s2). Our results highlighted a gravitational bias in both Earth and Mars VR-simulated gravity: the speed of downwards movement was more precisely detected than the speed of upwards movement. Although the internal model of gravity has been built up under terrestrial gravity, it can quickly expand to novel non-terrestrial gravitational environments.
The nuclear condition in the twenty-first century: Techno-political aspects in historical and contemporary perspectives
Authors: Beardsworth Richard , Behr Hartmut , Luke Timothy W
Published: March 2019

This Introduction presents the seven closely interlinked papers that explore the theme of this Special Issue, and one of the enduring existential questions for International Relations: the nuclear condition in the twenty-first century. The Special Issue is the second to come from two workshops sponsored by a UK Leverhulme grant, and it builds upon the first, more theoretical Special Issue, which brought Classical Realist and Critical Theory texts into dialogue. The major concern in the first Special Issue—the focus on modernity, crises, and humanity—is taken up here in more grounded practical terms, framed around the existential fears of nuclear annihilation. Each of the contributions re-assess the contemporary nuclear condition from within the theoretical frameworks provided by Classical Realism and Critical Theory. The engagement with both traditions allows the contributors to diagnose what is new, and what remains constant, in the contemporary nuclear condition.
Surfing-related renal trauma
Authors: Mansbridge Margaret M , Ryan James , Hill David C , Wullschleger Martin
Published: March 2019

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence and mechanisms of surfing-related renal trauma in a coastal town, which have not previously been published in the literature.

Subjects/patients and methods:

A 3 year retrospective review was completed of all renal trauma patients presenting to the Gold Coast Health Service.

Results:

Five injuries were identified and their mechanisms described, with three directly related to surfboard riding, one secondary to paddle boarding and one secondary to windsurfing. Surfing-related injuries accounted for 6% of the total renal trauma injuries in the study period. Injuries ranged from American Association for the Surgery of Trauma grade I–IV and were all managed non-operatively. One case was complicated by a urinoma, which resolved on interval follow-up imaging. All injuries were in males, and left-sided.

Conclusion:

Surfing-related activities have the potential to cause high-grade renal injuries. Diagnosis of renal trauma secondary to surfing-related activities requires a high index of clinical suspicion.

Level of evidence:

Level IV Evidence
“You Social Scientists Love Mind Games”: Experimenting in the “divide” between data science and critical algorithm studies
Authors: Moats David , Seaver Nick
Published: March 2019

In recent years, many qualitative sociologists, anthropologists, and social theorists have critiqued the use of algorithms and other automated processes involved in data science on both epistemological and political grounds. Yet, it has proven difficult to bring these important insights into the practice of data science itself. We suggest that part of this problem has to do with under-examined or unacknowledged assumptions about the relationship between the two fields—ideas about how data science and its critics can and should relate. Inspired by recent work in Science and Technology Studies on interventions, we attempted to stage an encounter in which practicing data scientists were asked to analyze a corpus of critical social science literature about their work, using tools of textual analysis such as co-word and topic modelling. The idea was to provoke discussion both about the content of these texts and the possible limits of such analyses. In this commentary, we reflect on the planning stages of the experiment and how responses to the exercise, from both data scientists and qualitative social scientists, revealed some of the tensions and interactions between the normative positions of the different fields. We argue for further studies which can help us understand what these interdisciplinary tensions turn on—which do not paper over them but also do not take them as given.
“Get the shot, now!” Disentangling content-related and social cues in physician–patient communication
Authors: Brummernhenrich Benjamin , Jucks Regina
Published: March 2019

We investigated how recipients disentangle social and content-related cues in physicians’ communication. We presented 53 students with four different statements by physicians concerning the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. In a 2 × 2 within-subject design, we manipulated politeness and the use of technical terms. We expected politeness variations to mainly affect social perceptions, whereas terminology should mainly affect perceptions of the content. However, politeness did not affect most judgments, whereas terminology influenced more social perceptions than expected. We argue that these variations differentially affect perceptions of fulfillment of basic communion and agency needs. We derive possible implications for physician–patient communication and other contexts.
Detection of IL-37 in peripheral blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and its clinical significance
Authors: Zhang Ge , Huang Wei , Wang Ying
Published: March 2019

The study aimed to detect the expression level of interleukin-37 (IL-37) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and explore its clinical significance. A total of 40 peripheral blood samples from active and stable RA patients were collected (40 patients with RA), and peripheral blood from 40 healthy volunteers was used as the control group. Peripheral blood serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated. The expression of IL-37 mRNA in PBMCs was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Serum levels of IL-37, rheumatoid factor (RF), and anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (CCP) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results were then calculated and analyzed. The results showed that expression of IL-37 mRNA in the PBMCs of patients with RA was significantly higher than that in the control group ( P < 0.05). Expression of IL-37 mRNA in the PBMCs of the active period group was significantly higher than that in the stable period group ( P < 0.05). IL-37 levels in patients with RA were significantly higher than those of the control group ( P < 0.05). IL-37 levels in the active period group were also significantly higher than those of the stable period group ( P < 0.05). The comparative analysis of RF and anti-CCP antibody levels showed that IL-37 was positively correlated with RF and anti-CCP levels in patients with RA. In conclusion, the expression level of IL-37 in peripheral blood of RA patients was significantly higher than that of normal control group, and it was correlated with RF and CCP antibody levels, indicating that IL-37 plays an important role in the development of RA.
Management of Fragility Hip Fractures: Our Institutional Experience
Authors: Lee Glenn E. , Muffly Scott , Golladay Gregory J.
Published: March 2019

Introduction:

Approximately 320 000 fragility hip fractures are sustained in the United States annually, resulting in substantial morbidity and mortality as well as significant economic burden on the health-care system. Nevertheless, a majority of these patients are not screened and do not receive treatment for osteoporosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate rates of osteoporosis screening and treatment in our institution and compare them to those reported in the literature.

Methods:

This was a retrospective cohort study of 191 patients ages 50 and older who sustained osteoporotic hip fractures. Primary outcome measures were percentage of patients who (1) underwent bone health laboratory workup during admission, (2) were started on vitamin D, calcium, and/or a bisphosphonate, (3) received bone mineral density testing, and (4) followed up with a primary care doctor or endocrinologist. Secondary outcomes measures were (1) whether gender, race, or age influenced our primary outcomes and (2) whether obtaining in-hospital laboratory workup led to increased rates of further screening and treatment.

Results:

Fifty-six (29.3%) patients received full laboratory workup, 48 (25.1%) were prescribed vitamin D and calcium, 11 (5.7%) were prescribed a bisphosphonate, 13 (6.8%) underwent bone mineral density testing, and 41 (21.5%) followed up with primary care or endocrinology.

Discussion:

Women were more likely to be treated with vitamin D and calcium. Outcomes were similar regardless of race. Younger patients were more likely to undergo laboratory testing, bisphosphonate therapy, and bone mineral density testing. Initiating workup during admission did not lead to increased rates of outpatient treatment.

Conclusion:

Despite nationwide efforts to improve, rates of osteoporosis screening and treatment following hip fracture are suboptimal. Rates at our institution are similar to those reported in previous studies. There were disparities between gender and age groups. Future studies are needed to evaluate whether more recently implemented policies lead to better osteoporosis screening and management.
Circadian Rhythm Disruption
Authors: Olga S. Tompkins
Published: March 2019

The circadian rhythm is a 24-hour cycle subject to outside influences. Disruptions of this cycle (e.g., shift work and international travel) have implications for occupational health nurses.
Using Problem-Based Learning for Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing Education
Authors: Ivicek Kristy , de Castro A. B. , Salazar Mary K. , Murphy Helen H. , Keifer Matthew
Published: March 2019

Problem-based learning, which emphasizes group collaboration to solve real-world case scenarios, is an instructional approach that is well suited to occupational and environmental health nursing education. Learners actively work through case studies rather than passively receive information presented through lectures. Problem-based learning methods promote critical thinking skills and motivate learning, preparing learners for professional practice in complex, ever-changing environments. Despite these advantages, problem-based learning is underutilized in nursing education compared to more traditional lecture methods. This article presents key concepts of problem-based learning, discusses problem-based learning in educating occupational and environmental health nurses, and describes the development of a problem-based learning case aimed at increasing occupational and environmental health nurses' capacity to address pesticide exposure among migrant and seasonal agricultural workers.
The Future of Nursing—Opportunities for Occupational Health Nursing
Authors: Burgel Barbara J.
Published: March 2019

In this article, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health report is summarized, and opportunities for occupational health nursing are proposed.
Occupational Health Nursing Education
Authors: Rogers Bonnie , Randolph Susan A. , Ostendorf Judith
Published: March 2019

Occupational health nursing academic education is generally provided at the specialty level through master's and doctoral degree preparation. This graduate education provides preparation for administrative, occupational health specialist, practitioner, academician, and researcher roles. Guided by nursing science, this specialty education encompasses a comprehensive curriculum that requires occupational health and safety coursework, practicum experience, and interdisciplinary learning.
Pertussis
Authors: Olga S. Tompkins
Published: March 2019

In 2009, nearly 17,000 cases of pertussis (whooping cough) were reported in the United States, but many more go undiagnosed and unreported. Implications for occupational health nurses include assistance in early diagnosis of adult cases and prevention for employee families at home and abroad.
Lockout and Tagout Procedures to Prevent Occupational Injury and Fatality
Authors: Chalupka Stephanie
Published: March 2019

Hazardous energy control programs that include lockout and tagout procedures as well as worker training can prevent serious injury and death during machine maintenance.
Evaluation of an Occupational Health Nursing Program through Competency Achievement
Authors: Randolph Susan A. , Rogers Bonnie , Ostendorf Judith S.
Published: March 2019

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2005 and 2008 to evaluate self-reported competency achievement by occupational health nursing program graduates. Twelve competencies were evaluated at three levels: competent, proficient, and expert. In 2005, most graduates believed they were at the proficient level in 10 of the 12 competencies, with three competencies approaching the expert level. In 2008, all graduates rated their competency achievement at the proficient level for all 12 competencies, with nine competencies approaching the expert level. Graduates entering the program with experience had higher competency scores compared to those without experience. Distance education learners had higher competency scores compared to on-campus graduates. From 2005 to 2008, reported competency achievement increased in all areas except research, which was only marginally reduced by a 0.1 score. Based on competency findings, curriculum and course assignments related to leadership role, policy development, professional development, and research were modified.
Trenching and Excavation—Preventing Workplace Fatalities
Authors: Chalupka Stephanie
Published: March 2019

Engineering controls, protective equipment, and safe work practices can minimize risk from cave-ins during trenching and excavation activities.
Protecting Pregnant Health Care Workers from Occupational Hazards
Authors: Gonzalez Cynthia
Published: March 2019

In this article, protection of pregnant health care workers is reviewed from a global perspective and recommendations for occupational health nurses are discussed.
Focus on the Aging Worker
Authors: Rogers Bonnie , Marshall Jill , Garth Kerry , Mopkins Dawn , Remington James , Siemering Karen , Spivey Jody
Published: March 2019

This article discusses select characteristics of the aging work force, health-related issues that can impact work productivity, and strategies and resources that can foster a more productive work environment. The older work force is vital to the future of the U.S. economy. Employers should recognize the value of older workers. Occupational health nurses can assist older workers in maintaining and optimizing their health.
Creating Health Connections for Vulnerable Working Populations
Authors: Weiss Marjorie D.
Published: March 2019

Worker health is influenced by workplace, work processes, and workmates. This case study shows it is possible to create health connections for vulnerable working populations through health and wellness coaching. The health and safety of team members has been improved by providing on-site health coaching linked to mental and emotional well-being, as well as financial security. By leveraging the collective efficacy of the workplace, more vulnerable populations can become better health care consumers, with increased self-efficacy in promoting their own health and wellness and that of their families.
An Integrated Approach to HIV Disclosure for HIV-Affected Families in Thailand
Authors: Jantarapakde Jureeporn , Pancharoen Chitsanu , Teeratakulpisarn Somsong , Mathajittiphan Pornpen , Kriengsinyot Rosalin , Channgam Taweeksak , Pengnonyang Supabhorn , Plodgratok Prapaipan , Lakhonphon Sudrak , Luesomboon Wicharn , Jadwattanakul Tanate , Avihingsanon Anchalee , Ananworanich Jintanat , Ungaro Pino , Phanuphak Praphan
Published: March 2019

Disclosure of HIV status to family members could improve communication, relationship, and cohesion. We evaluated the impact of a family-centered program designed to increase the readiness/willingness of parents to disclose HIV status to their children. People living with HIV (PLWH) with children ≥8 years were surveyed regarding HIV knowledge, family relationship, attitudes, willingness/readiness to disclose, and they were then invited to participate in group education and family camps. Of 367 PLWH surveyed, 0.8% had disclosed, 14.7% had not yet disclosed but were willing/ready to disclose, 50.4% were willing but not ready, and 33.2% did not wish to disclose. The educational sessions and camps led to significant improvements of HIV knowledge and disclosure techniques, and readiness/willingness to disclose. Given the benefits of group education and family camps in supporting PLWH to improve their communication with their families and disclose their HIV status, these supporting activities should be included in HIV programs.
Patient Communication of Chronic Pain in the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Therapeutic Relationship
Authors: Agarwal Vinita
Published: March 2019

Background:

Patient descriptions of pain shape the pain experience, yet there is insufficient understanding of how patient communication can help providers lessen pain’s psychological and physical impact.

Objective:

To examine how individuals communicate their pain experience in the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) provider-patient relationship.

Method:

Qualitative thematic framing examining semistructured interviews of a purposive and snowball sample of CAM patients (N = 13; 850 double-spaced pages) recruited from the mid-Atlantic region of the United States.

Results:

Complementary and alternative medicine patients communicate the pain experience through an awareness of their interdependence with: (a) relational spaces as attention to the self, the healing practices, and the provider; (b) physical spaces as openness to surroundings and the spatiality and temporality of self; and (c) physiological spaces as breathing and neurological and immune system functioning.

Conclusion:

A therapeutic relationship cultivating interdependence through awareness of relational, physical, and physiological spaces supports patients’ ability to open up to, know, and accept their body. The CAM provider’s work connects their practice with patient awareness of control over their environment, relationships, and physiology to redefine their pain experience.
Treating Patients As People: What Do Hospital Patients Want Clinicians to Know About Them As a Person?
Authors: Zimmerman Donald L , Min Dong-Jun , Davis-Collins Angela , DeBlieux Peter
Published: March 2019

Background:

There is little understanding or focus on the patient’s personal communicative perspective during their experience of clinical treatment. An exploratory study and a follow-up study were conducted at a large safety net hospital to determine whether and what patients wanted clinicians to know more about them as a person.

Study Design:

A convenience sample of 230 patients was selected from 9 different clinical units within the hospital for exploratory interviews to determine whether patients wanted their clinical team to know about them as a person. Based on these findings, additional personal preference data of patients were collected from a census sample of 387 patients selected from 2 intensive care unit units and 2 medical–surgical units.

Findings:

The majority of patients in the exploratory study reported they wanted to tell their doctors/nurses some personal information about themselves, thought doctors/nurses could provide better care to them if they knew more about them as a person, and that communication between themselves and their doctors/nurses would improve if they knew more about them as a person. The follow-up study found that a majority of patients preferred that their clinicians call them by their first name and identified specific personal information they wanted to share with the clinical care team. The data also showed a meaningful number of patients who did not want to share this information with others. This split in patient preferences is an important reminder that being aware of personal preferences of patients does not necessarily mean an invitation to increase intimacy in all clinician–patient communications.
Inflammatory biomarkers are associated with aetiology and predict outcomes in community-acquired pneumonia: results of a 5-year follow-up cohort study
Authors: Siljan William W. , Holter Jan C. , Michelsen Annika E. , Nymo Ståle H. , Lauritzen Trine , Oppen Kjersti , Husebye Einar , Ueland Thor , Mollnes Tom E. , Aukrust Pål , Heggelund Lars
Published: March 2019

Background

Biomarkers may facilitate clinical decisions in order to guide antimicrobial treatment and prediction of prognosis in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We measured serum C-reactive protein, procalcitonin (PCT) and calprotectin levels, and plasma pentraxin 3 (PTX3) and presepsin levels, along with whole-blood white cell counts, at three time-points, and examined their association with microbial aetiology and adverse clinical outcomes in CAP.

Methods

Blood samples were obtained at hospital admission, clinical stabilisation and 6-week follow-up from 267 hospitalised adults with CAP. Adverse short-term outcome was defined as intensive care unit admission and 30-day mortality. Long-term outcome was evaluated as 5-year all-cause mortality.

Results

Peak levels of all biomarkers were seen at hospital admission. Increased admission levels of C-reactive protein, PCT and calprotectin were associated with bacterial aetiology of CAP, while increased admission levels of PCT, PTX3 and presepsin were associated with adverse short-term outcome. In univariate and multivariate regression models, white blood cells and calprotectin at 6-week follow-up were predictors of 5-year all-cause mortality.

Conclusions

Calprotectin emerges as both a potential early marker of bacterial aetiology and a predictor for 5-year all-cause mortality in CAP, whereas PCT, PTX3 and presepsin may predict short-term outcome.
Impact of post-procedural glycemic variability on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a post hoc cohort analysis
Authors: Besch Guillaume , Pili-Floury Sebastien , Morel Caroline , Gilard Martine , Flicoteaux Guillaume , Salomon du Mont Lucie , Perrotti Andrea , Meneveau Nicolas , Chocron Sidney , Schiele Francois , Le Breton Herve , Samain Emmanuel , Chopard Romain
Published: March 2019

Background

Glycemic variability is associated with worse outcomes after cardiac surgery, but the prognosis value of early glycemic variability after transcatheter aortic valve implantation is not known. This study was therefore designed to analyze the prognosis significance of post-procedural glycemic variability within 30 days after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Methods

A post hoc analysis of patients from our center included in the FRANCE and FRANCE-2 registries was conducted. Post-procedural glycemic variability was assessed by calculating the mean daily δ blood glucose during the first 2 days after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Major complications within 30 days were death, stroke, myocardial infarction, acute heart failure, and life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.

Results

We analyzed 160 patients (age (median [interquartile] = 84 [80–88] years; diabetes mellitus (n) = 41 (26%) patients; logistic Euroscore = 20 [12–32]). The median value of mean daily δ blood glucose was 4.3 mmol l−1. The rate of major complications within 30 days after procedure among patients with the lowest quartile of glycemic variability was 12%, increasing from 12 to 26%, and 39% in the second, third, and fourth quartiles, respectively. In multivariate analysis, glycemic variability was independently associated with an increased risk of major complications within 30 days after the procedure (odds ratio [95% CI] = 1.83 [1.19–2.83]; p = 0.006).

Conclusions

This study showed that post-procedural glycemic variability was associated with an increased risk of major complications within 30 days after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Trial registration Clinical trial registration number https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/; identifier: NCT02726958; date: April 4th, 2016
Asymptomatic coronary artery disease in a Norwegian cohort with type 2 diabetes: a prospective angiographic study with intravascular ultrasound evaluation
Authors: Arora Satish , Ofstad Anne Pernille , Ulimoen Geir R. , Birkeland Kåre I. , Endresen Knut , Gullestad Lars , Johansen Odd Erik
Published: March 2019

Aims

The prevalence of asymptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD) in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is unclear. We investigated the extent and prevalence of asymptomatic CAD in T2D patients by utilizing invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), and whether CAD progression, evaluated by ICA, could be modulated with a multi-intervention to reduce cardiovascular (CV) risk.

Methods

Fifty-six T2D patients with ≥ 1 additional CV risk factor participated in a 2 year randomized controlled study comparing hospital-based multi-intervention (multi, n = 30) versus standard care (stand, n = 26), with a pre-planned follow-up at year seven. They underwent ICA at baseline and both ICA and IVUS at year seven. ICA was described by conventional CAD severity and extent scores. IVUS was described by maximal intimal thickness (MIT), percent and total atheroma volume and compared with individuals without T2D and CAD (heart transplant donors who had IVUS performed 7–11 weeks post-transplant, n = 147).

Results

Despite CV risk reduction in multi after 2 years intervention, there was no between-group difference in the progression of CAD at year seven. Overall, the prevalence of CAD defined by MIT ≥ 0.5 mm in the T2DM subjects was 84%, and as compared to the non-T2DM controls there was a significantly higher atheroma burden (mean MIT, PAV and TAV in the T2D population were 0.75 ± 0.27 mm, 33.8 ± 9.8% and 277.0 ± 137.3 mm3 as compared to 0.41 ± 0.19 mm, 17.8 ± 7.3% and 134.9 ± 100.6 mm3 in the reference population).

Conclusion

We demonstrated that a 2 year multi-intervention, despite improvement in CV risk factors, did not influence angiographic progression of CAD. Further, IVUS revealed that the prevalence of asymptomatic CAD in T2D patients is high, suggesting a need for a broader residual CV risk management using alternative approaches.

Trial registration Clinical trials.gov id: NCT00133718 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00133718)
CD55 upregulation in astrocytes by statins as potential therapy for AQP4-IgG seropositive neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Tradtrantip Lukmanee , Duan Tianjiao , Yeaman Michael R. , Verkman Alan S.
Published: March 2019

Background

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (herein called NMO) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease that can be initiated by binding of immunoglobulin G autoantibodies (AQP4-IgG) to aquaporin-4 on astrocytes, causing complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and downstream inflammation. The increased NMO pathology in rodents deficient in complement regulator protein CD59 following passive transfer of AQP4-IgG has suggested the potential therapeutic utility of increasing the expression of complement regulator proteins.

Methods

A cell-based ELISA was developed to screen for pharmacological upregulators of endogenous CD55 and CD59 in a human astrocyte cell line. A statin identified from the screen was characterized in cell culture models and rodents for its action on complement regulator protein expression and its efficacy in models of seropositive NMO.

Results

Screening of ~ 11,500 approved and investigational drugs and nutraceuticals identified transcriptional upregulators of CD55 but not of CD59. Several statins, including atorvastatin, simvastatin, lovastatin, and fluvastatin, increased CD55 protein expression in astrocytes, including primary cultures, by three- to four-fold at 24 h, conferring significant protection against AQP4-IgG-induced CDC. Mechanistic studies revealed that CD55 upregulation involves inhibition of the geranylgeranyl transferase pathway rather than inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis. Oral atorvastatin at 10–20 mg/kg/day for 3 days strongly increased CD55 immunofluorescence in mouse brain and spinal cord and reduced NMO pathology following intracerebral AQP4-IgG injection.

Conclusion

Atorvastatin or other statins may thus have therapeutic benefit in AQP4-IgG seropositive NMO by increasing CD55 expression, in addition to their previously described anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions.
Recruitment Maneuvers and Higher PEEP, the So-Called Open Lung Concept, in Patients with ARDS
Authors: van der Zee Philip , Gommers Diederik
Published: March 2019

This article is one of ten reviews selected from the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine 2019. Other selected articles can be found online at https://www.biomedcentral.com/collections/annualupdate2019. Further information about the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine is available from http://www.springer.com/series/8901.
Sleep and Circadian Rhythm in Critical Illness
Authors: Telias Irene , Wilcox Mary Elizabeth
Published: March 2019

This article is one of ten reviews selected from the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine 2019. Other selected articles can be found online at https://www.biomedcentral.com/collections/annualupdate2019. Further information about the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine is available from http://www.springer.com/series/8901.
Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices for Cardiogenic Shock: State of the Art
Authors: Hajjar Ludhmila Abrahao , Teboul Jean-Louis
Published: March 2019

This article is one of ten reviews selected from the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine 2019. Other selected articles can be found online at https://www.biomedcentral.com/collections/annualupdate2019. Further information about the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine is available from http://www.springer.com/series/8901.
Heterogeneity in sepsis: new biological evidence with clinical applications
Authors: Leligdowicz Aleksandra , Matthay Michael A.
Published: March 2019

This article is one of ten reviews selected from the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine 2019. Other selected articles can be found online at https://www.biomedcentral.com/collections/annualupdate2019. Further information about the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine is available from http://www.springer.com/series/8901.
ARDS in Obese Patients: Specificities and Management
Authors: De Jong Audrey , Verzilli Daniel , Jaber Samir
Published: March 2019

This article is one of ten reviews selected from the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine 2019. Other selected articles can be found online at https://www.biomedcentral.com/collections/annualupdate2019. Further information about the Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine is available from http://www.springer.com/series/8901.
Substituting smoothing with low-rank decomposition — Applications to least-squares reverse time migration of simultaneous source and incomplete seismic data
Authors: Chen Yangkang , Bai Min , Zhou Yatong , Zhang Qingchen , Wang Yufeng , Chen Hanming
Published: March 2019

Seismic migration can be formulated as an inverse problem, the model of which can be iteratively inverted via the least-squares migration framework instead of approximated by applying the adjoint operator to the observed data. Least-squares reverse time migration (LSRTM) has attracted more and more attention in modern seismic imaging workflows because of its exceptional performance in obtaining high-resolution true-amplitude seismic images and the fast development of the computational capability of modern computing architecture. However, due to a variety of reasons, e.g., insufficient shot coverage and data sampling, the image from least-squares inversion still contains a large amount of artifacts. This phenomenon results from the ill-posed nature of the inverse problem. In traditional LSRTM, the minimum least-squares energy of the model is used as a constraint to regularize the inverse problem. Considering the residual noise caused by the smoothing operator in traditional LSRTM, we regularize the model using a powerful low-rank decomposition operator, which can better suppress the migration artifacts in the image during iterative inversion. We evaluate in detail the low-rank decomposition operator and the way to apply it along the geologic structure of seismic reflectors. We comprehensively analyze the performance of our algorithm in attenuating crosstalk noise caused by simultaneous source acquisition and migration artifacts caused by insufficient space sampling via two synthetic examples and one field data example. Our results indicate that compared to the conventional smoothing operator, our low-rank decomposition operator can help obtain a cleaner LSRTM image and obtain a slightly better edge-preserving performance.
Frequency-domain FD modeling with an adaptable nearly perfectly matched layer boundary condition for poroviscoelastic waves upscaled from the effective Biot theory
Authors: Liu Xu , Greenhalgh Stewart
Published: March 2019

To approximate seismic wave propagation in double-porosity media, one can use the effective Biot theory, which can explain the high level of attenuation observed at seismic frequencies, but which is unaccounted for with classic Biot theory. The governing equations of the effective Biot theory for homogeneous media with complex frequency dispersion characteristics need to be upscaled and extended to S-waves using a poroviscoelastic approach when simulating heterogeneous porous media. We have applied a frequency-space domain mixed grid finite-difference modeling method for this purpose and computed the wavefields for solid particle velocity, fluid flux, and pore pressure. A homogeneous full space model with a single Cole-Cole relaxation function (fractional Zener model) representing the attenuation mechanism is used to indicate that the numerical solutions match fairly well the analytical waveform solutions of the effective Biot theory for source center frequencies ranging from 25 to 10,000 Hz. The computed pore pressure wavefield for a two-layer example porous model is used to further support our numerical method. This model and a laterally heterogeneous three-layer porous medium model further illustrate the applicability of the procedure and even indicate the presence of the slow Biot wave near the interfaces as a result of mode conversion on reflection and transmission. The nearly perfectly matched layer (NPML) absorbing boundary condition is chosen to truncate the computational grid and avoid reflections from the model edges. We found and proved that the NPML performs identically to the PML for either elastic wave modeling or Biot porous medium wave modeling for 3D and 2D scenarios. Two methods to adjust the maximum damping factor (one for the source center frequency and the other for each frequency component) are suggested to adjust the damping factor function in the NPML condition to ensure its effectiveness for various frequency ranges.
On closed-form expressions for the approximate electromagnetic response of a sphere interacting with a thin sheet — Part 2: Theory in the moment domain, validation, and examples
Authors: Desmarais Jacques K.
Published: March 2019

Fully analytical formulas are derived for the approximate electromagnetic response of a sphere interacting with a thin sheet in the moment domain. The moment-domain expressions are found to be expressed as simple polynomials of hyperbolic functions. These are significantly simpler to evaluate than the frequency- and time-domain expressions and therefore provide an attractive alternative for modeling. An efficient procedure is outlined for generalizing the moment-domain expression to bipolar-repetitive waveforms. This procedure is validated on a synthetic test example and field data from the Reid-Mahaffy test site, in northern Ontario. Here, results are found in agreement with the work of previous studies. The analytical time-domain procedure is validated through synthetic test examples. The asymptotic formulas for the time-domain expressions are found to significantly reduce the number of required function evaluations, especially for models in which the sphere is not too shallow or not too big or conductive. For example, for a sphere (and overburden) of conductivity (and conductance) of [Formula: see text] (and [Formula: see text]), if the sphere radius is three times smaller than the depth to the top, the amount of required function evaluations is halved; when the ratio is two or less, the asymptotic formulas do not reduce the amount of function evaluations, for the tolerances chosen here. Less-strict tolerances will lead to a further reduction of the required function evaluations.