bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Influences Tattooing Practice in Women
Authors: Guillem Philippe , Raynal Hélène , Wendling Anaïs , Kluger Nicolas
Published: January 2020

Background: The reasons or the motivations that compel people to get a tattoo or a body piercing (BP) are plentiful and personal. Patients with chronic cutaneous or systemic conditions may be interested in getting tattooed or pierced. Objective: To determine the frequency of body art practices in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and to evaluate the possible impact of HS in the decision-making process. Methods: An anonymous specific paper-based questionnaire was prospectively offered to patients (≥18 years) consecutively managed for HS from September 2016 to March 2017 in a French specialized center. Results: In total, 209 patients participated in the study, of whom 77 (37%) and 50 (24%) had tattoos and BP, respectively. These proportions were higher than those reported in the French population. HS prevented the decision to get a BP or a tattoo in 2 and 5%, respectively (fear of infection or healing difficulties). Fifteen patients (7%) got tattooed to hide a surgical HS scar (n = 5, 2%), to regain control over the pain or their bodies (n = 9, 4%), or to turn others’ eyes away from HS lesions or scars (n = 1, 0.5%). HS severity influenced a proportion of patients who intended to get a new tattoo. Conclusion: HS is associated with a significant increase in body art practices.
The Impact of Sarcopenia on Postoperative Course following Pancreatoduodenectomy: Single-Center Experience of 110 Consecutive Cases
Authors: Centonze Leonardo , Di Sandro Stefano , Lauterio Andrea , De Carlis Riccardo , Botta Francesca , Mariani Anna , Bagnardi Vincenzo , De Carlis Luciano
Published: January 2020

Background: Despite that mortality following pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) has gradually dropped during the past few decades, the incidence of postoperative complications remains high, ranging from 30–60%. Many studies have been focused on identification of perioperative risk factors for morbidity, and in recent years, sarcopenia has been pointed out as a valid predictor of postoperative complication. Materials and methods: Perioperative data from 110 consecutive patients who underwent PD were retrieved, and the presence of sarcopenia was assessed by the measurement of Hounsfield unit average calculation on preoperative CT scans. Postoperative complications were graded according to Clavien-Dindo classification, and the morbidity burden was assessed by comprehensive complication index (CCI) calculation. Results: Sarcopenia was associated with advanced age (72 vs. 66 years; p = 0.014) and lower preoperative albumin levels (3.5 vs. 3.7 g/dL; p = 0.010); it represented an independent risk factor for clinically relevant complications (relative risk: 1.71; p = 0.015) and was related to a higher rate of Grade C postoperative pancreatic fistula (50.0 vs. 11.4%; p = 0.005) and a higher CCI (47.6 vs. 29.6; p = 0.001). Conclusions: Sarcopenia represents a valid indicator of increased morbidity risk and may play a central role in preoperative risk stratification, allowing the selection of patients who may benefit from prehabilitation programs.
Surgical Management of Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasms of Pancreas: A Single-Center Experience of 60 Patients
Authors: Lin Xianchao , Lin Ronggui , Lu Fengchun , Chen Yanchang , Huang Heguang
Published: January 2020

Background: Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) of the pancreas are rare neoplasms, and the selection of surgical approaches is still under debate. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinicopathological characteristics and surgical outcomes of SPN patients and to compare the short-term and long-term outcomes between conventional operations and parenchyma-preserving operations. Methods: Patients who underwent pancreatic resection for SPNs between February 2010 and May 2019 in Fujian Medical University Union Hospital were identified. Clinicopathological details, perioperative data, and long-term follow-up results were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Sixty patients underwent surgical resection for SPNs during the study period: 48 females and 12 males. The mean age was 32.2 years. All patients underwent margin-negative surgical resection. The median follow-up period was 47 months (range: 3~118 months). One patient developed liver metastases 14 months after the operation and received local ablation therapy. All patients were alive during the follow-up. The incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula was higher in the parenchyma-preserving surgery group than in the conventional surgery group (40.0 vs. 11.1%, p = 0.034). There was no significant difference in the tumor recurrence rate between the 2 groups. Eight (17.7%) and 6 patients (13.3%) in the conventional surgery group demonstrated endocrine and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, respectively; furthermore, no patients in the parenchyma-preserving surgery group had endocrine or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, but the incidences were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Conclusions: Margin-negative surgical resection of SPNs yields a very low rate of tumor recurrence and excellent long-term survival.
Interleukin-6: A Masterplayer in the Cytokine Network
Authors: Uciechowski Peter , Dempke Wolfram C.M.
Published: January 2020

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a member of the pro-inflammatory cytokine family, induces the expression of a variety of proteins responsible for acute inflammation, and plays an important role in the proliferation and differentiation of cells in humans. IL-6 signaling is mediated by building a complex of IL-6, the transmembrane IL-6 receptor (mIL-6R) or with soluble forms of IL-6R (sIL-6R), and the signal-transducing subunit molecule gp130. Therefore, three modes for IL-6 signaling may occur in which IL-6 is binding to mIL-6R (classic), to sIL-6R (trans-signaling), or is joined through IL-6R to gp130 on nearby located cells (trans-presentation). These pathways, and the fact that gp130 is ubiquitously expressed, lead to the pleiotropic functions of IL-6. The control of IL-6 signaling is regulated through the induction of suppressor molecules after activation of the IL-6 pathways as well as through the presence of sIL-6R and gp130 forms in the blood. Vice versa, an overproduction of IL-6 and dysregulation of the IL-6 signaling pathways can result in inflammatory and autoimmune disorders as well as cancer development suggesting that IL-6 plays a significant role in the human cytokine network. Several therapeutic agents have been evaluated for inhibiting the cytokine itself, the signaling via the IL-6 receptor, or target kinases (e.g., JAK/STAT) associated with the signaling pathways. Amongst others, tocilizumab (anti-IL-6R humanized antibody) has been approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, cytokine release syndrome, and idiopathic multicentric Castleman’s disease (iMCD), whereas siltuximab (an IL-6 antagonist) received approval for iMCD only. Although not all IL-6-associated diseases respond to IL-6 blockade, a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the IL-6 pathways may, therefore, help to find the best treatment for IL-6-associated diseases in the near future.
Dry Fasting Physiology: Responses to Hypovolemia and Hypertonicity
Authors: Papagiannopoulos-Vatopaidinos Ioannis-Eleemon , Papagiannopoulou Maria , Sideris Vassilis
Published: January 2020

Objective: The aim of this study was to provide a deeper insight into dry fasting (DF) physiology. Design: Ten participants performed DF for 5 consecutive days. Methods: The following parameters were monitored daily: cortisol, aldosterone, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), erythropoietin, albumin, uric acid, and vitamin C in serum; vasopressin (ADH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), renin, angiotensin II, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in plasma; hematocrit and erythrocytes in whole blood; osmolality, noradrenaline, dopamine, adrenaline, Na+, and K+ in 24-h urine; waist circumference and body, urine, and stool weight. Results: The following parameters increased: ADH (60 ± 11%), ACTH (176 ± 34%), cortisol (495 ± 75%), urine osmolality (20 ± 4%), CRP (167 ± 77%), renin (315 ± 63%), angiotensin II (74 ± 21%), aldosterone (61 ± 21%), TAC (80.4 ± 17%), uric acid (103 ± 19%), albumin (18.4 ± 2.4%), erythrocytes (13.4 ± 2.2%), hematocrit (11 ± 1.8%), and the excretion of noradrenaline (40.3 ± 10%) and dopamine (17 ± 5%). The following parameters decreased: waist circumference (8.20 ± 0.61 cm), body weight (7.010 ± 0.3 kg), erythropoietin (65 ± 18%), and the excretion of adrenaline (38 ± 4%) and Na+ (60 ± 16%). The excretion of K+ remained unchanged. Vitamin C decreased, showing a half-life of 4.8 ± 0.7 days. The percent ratios of lost weight components were: urine (52.2 ± 3.7%), insensible water loss (32.2 ± 1.4%), stool (5 ± 0.3%), and respiratory gases, i.e., expired CO2 – incorporated O2 (10.6 ± 5.4%). Conclusion: The mechanisms underlying the hypertonicity and hypovolemia compensation and the ratio analysis of lost weight components were presented. DF demonstrated short-term antioxidant, anti-ischemic, immune-stimulating, anti-edematous, and anti-inflammatory effects. The results may have an impact on developing new concepts for the treatment of edema, obesity, and inflammatory and ischemic diseases.
Influence of Gender on Therapy and Outcome of Neuroendocrine Tumors of Gastroenteropancreatic Origin: A Single-Center Analysis
Authors: Mogl Martina T. , Dobrindt Eva M. , Buschermöhle Josephine , Bures Claudia , Pratschke Johann , Amthauer Holger , Wetz Christoph , Jann Henning
Published: January 2020

Introduction: Gender-specific treatment is gaining growing attention in various fields of medicine. In gastrointestinal cancer, influence of sex on outcome has been discussed, while this has not been the case in neuroendocrine tumors. Overall, the incidence of neuroendocrine neoplasms is rising, especially for appendiceal neuroendocrine neoplasms in women. Also, women seem to have a slight advantage in response to therapy, especially for liver metastases. Objectives: This single-center analysis aimed to investigate gender-specific differences in our cohort related to distribution, therapy, and outcome. Methods: Patients from the NET registry as well as the clinic database were evaluated retrospectively concerning overall survival and response to therapy with respect to gender. A subgroup analysis was carried out for patients with low grading and response to chemotherapy, as well as for patients with good and moderate grading receiving peptide receptor radionuclide therapy and for a group of patients with liver surgery. Results: No specific differences could be detected for overall survival or response to therapy between male and female patients. Mean survival was estimated with 242.2 months (±10.39 SD) altogether and 221.7 months (± 13.02 SD) for male patients and 253.5 months (±15.24 SD) for female patients from the NET registry from initial diagnosis. There was no significant difference between female and male patients (p = 0.136). For patients receiving chemotherapy, overall survival from initial diagnosis was calculated with 26 months (±2.59) and did not show any significant differences between female and male patients 24.8 months (±2.81 SD) vs. 27.8 months (±3.86 SD, p = 0.87). Patients undergoing peptide receptor radionuclide therapy showed a median progression-free survival of 26.9 months (±2.82 SD), with 16.9 (±5.595 SD) and 26.9 months (±3.019 SD) for male and female patients, respectively (p = 0.2). In the group of patients with liver surgery, female patients reached an estimated overall survival of 64.7 months (±4.16 SD), male patients 65.1 months (±2.79 SD, p = 0.562). Conclusion: Our cohort did not reveal significant differences in outcome and response to therapy with regards to gender.
Mechanistic Effects of Spironolactone on Cardiovascular and Renal Biomarkers in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Myhre Peder L. , Vaduganathan Muthiah , O’Meara Eileen , Claggett Brian L. , de Denus Simon , Jarolim Petr , Anand Inder S. , Pitt Bertram , Rouleau Jean L. , Solomon Scott D. , Pfeffer Marc A. , Desai Akshay S.
Published: January 2020

Background:

Spironolactone has been demonstrated to reduce heart failure (HF) hospitalization in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction in the Americas region of the TOPCAT trial (Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure With an Aldosterone Antagonist Trial). We assessed effects of 12 months of treatment with spironolactone on biomarkers reflecting myocardial stress, myocardial injury, renal function, and systemic inflammation.

Methods:

This TOPCAT biorepository substudy evaluated 247 patients (14% of the total 1767 patients in the Americas region) with symptomatic HF, ejection fraction ≥45%, and elevated natriuretic peptides or a prior HF hospitalization. Paired blood samples at baseline and after 12 months of treatment with spironolactone or placebo were available in 204 patients.

Results:

At baseline, the median (interquartile range) concentration of BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) was 124 (69–197) ng/L, NT-proBNP (N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) 624 (307–1312) ng/L, hs-cTnI (high sensitivity cardiac troponin I) 6.3 (3.4–13.0) ng/L, hs-CRP (high sensitivity C-reactive protein) 2.8 (1.3–6.1) mg/L, uric acid 7.2 (5.8–8.7) mg/dL, and urine protein-creatinine ratio 0.11 (0.08–0.20) mg/mg. Compared with placebo-assigned participants at 12 months, those randomized to spironolactone experienced greater reductions from baseline in levels of NT-proBNP (
P
=0.017) and BNP (
P
=0.002); these differences persisted after adjustment for demographics, comorbidities, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and enrollment strata. No between-group differences in changes in hs-cTnI, CRP, uric acid, or urine protein-creatinine ratio were observed.

Conclusions:

This TOPCAT biorepository substudy suggests potential effects on markers of cardiac wall stress or filling pressures during 12 months of treatment with spironolactone in patients with chronic HF with preserved ejection fraction.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00094302.
LECTOTYPIFICATION OF THREE NAMES IN THE GENUS CAPILLIPEDIUM (ANDROPOGONEAE: POACEAE)

Authors: TIWARI ARJUN PRASAD , CHORGHE ALOK
Published: January 2020

The three names Andropogon filiculmis [basionym of  Capillipedium filiculme], A. huegelii [basionym of C. huegelii] and A. pteropechys [basionym of C. pteropechys] are lectotypified. Selection of lectotypes is discussed, and images of the selected specimens and data about geographic distribution are also provided.
Thismia jianfenglingensis (Thismiaceae), a new species of fairy lantern from Hainan Island, China

Authors: XU HAN , YANG HAIJUN , LIN MINGXIAN , CORRALES ADRIANA , HOGAN JAMES AARON , LI YIDE , FANG SUQIN
Published: January 2020

A new species of Thismia (Thismiaceae), T. jianfenglingensis, is described and illustrated from Hainan Island, China. The new species is similar to T. hongkongensis, displaying a urecolate perianth tube, a loose dome with six perianth lobes, six stamens, and three stigmas. T. jianfenglingensis differs from T. hongkongensis in the color and morphology of perianth tube, the position of outer perianth lobes, the morphology and appendage of connective apex, the morphology of stigmas. The new species is only reported to occur on Hainan Island, China and it is proposed to be Vulnerable (VU) according to the IUCN criteria for the conservation status of plant species due to having a population with a very restricted area of occupancy or number of locations such that it is prone to become critically endangered or even extinct in a very short time period.
Two new species of Alphonsea (Annonaceae) from Thailand

Authors: LEERATIWONG CHARAN , CHALERMGLIN PIYA , JOHNSON DAVID M.
Published: January 2020

Two new species of Alphonsea (Annonaceae) from Thailand, A. longicarpa and A. phuwuaensis are described and illustrated.
Revision of the world Apenesia Westwood (Hymenoptera, Bethylidae)
Authors: ALENCAR ISABEL D.C.C. , AZEVEDO CELSO O.
Published: January 2020

The world species of Apenesia are revised. Twenty-seven previously described species of Pristocerinae are addressed to Apenesia: A. amoena Evans, A. bicolor Vargas & Terayama, A. chontalica Westwood, A. conradti Kieffer, A. delicata Evans, A. dominica Evans, A. flavipes Cameron, A. formosa Vargas & Terayama, A. laevigata (Evans), A. levis Kieffer, A. leytensis (Terayama), A. makiharai (Sawada, Terayama & Mita), A. malaitensis Brues, A. miki (Terayama), A. modesta (Smith), A. nigra Kieffer, A. parasitica (Smith), A. perlonga Corrêa & Azevedo, A. proxima Kieffer, A. punctata Kieffer, A. sahyadrica Azevedo & Waichert, A. singularis Lanes & Azevedo, A. sjostedti (Tullgren), A. substriata Kieffer, A. unicolor Kieffer, and A. vaurieorum Evans. Additionally, 21 new species are described and illustrated: Apenesia amenula sp. nov.; A. aniela sp. nov.; A. azeda sp. nov.; A. beliella sp. nov.; A. berela sp. nov.; A. bifiela sp. nov.; A. celiela sp. nov.; A. chandela sp. nov.; A. cila sp. nov.; A. colombela sp. nov.; A. elela sp. nov.; A. esila sp. nov.; A. eura sp. nov.; A. farela sp. nov.; A. gabela sp. nov.; A. girena sp. nov.; A. goela sp. nov.; A. itoiela sp. nov.; A. joela sp. nov.; A. juliela sp. nov. and A. kelsiela sp. nov. The sexual association of A. celiela and A. azeda was possible due to biological data information. A key to species based on males is presented. The genus Apenesia is a parasitiod of beetles that live in galleries in dead wood or seeds.
An approach to optimize delta checks in test panels – The effect of the number of rules included
Authors: Tan Rui Zhen , Markus Corey , Loh Tze Ping
Published: January 2020

Objectives

The interpretation of delta check rules in a panel of tests should be different to that at the single analyte level, as the number of hypothesis tests conducted (i.e. the number of delta check rules) is greater and needs to be taken into account.

Methods

De-identified paediatric laboratory results were extracted, and the first two serial results for each patient were used for analysis. Analytes were grouped into four common laboratory test panels consisting of renal, liver, bone and full blood count panels. The sensitivities and specificities of delta check limits as discrete panel tests were assessed by random permutation of the original data-set to simulate a wrong blood in tube situation.

Results

Generally, as the number of analytes included in a panel increases, the delta check rules deteriorate considerably due to the increased number of false positives, i.e. increased number hypothesis tests performed. To reduce high false-positive rates, patient results may be rejected from autovalidation only if the number of analytes failing the delta check limits exceeds a certain threshold of the total number of analytes in the panel (N). Our study found that the use of the ([Formula: see text] rule) for panel results had a specificity >90% and sensitivity ranging from 25% to 45% across the four common laboratory panels. However, this did not achieve performance close to some analytes when considered in isolation.

Conclusions

The simple [Formula: see text] rule reduces the false-positive rate and minimizes unnecessary, resource-intensive investigations for potentially erroneous results.
Reduced activation of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex during self-referential processing in individuals at ultra-high risk for psychosis
Authors: Park Hye Yoon , Park Kyoungri , Seo Eunchong , Koo Se Jun , Bang Minji , Park Jin Young , Kang Jee In , Lee Eun , Lee Seung-Koo , An Suk Kyoon
Published: January 2020

Objective:

Defects in self-referential processing and perspective-taking are core characteristics that may underlie psychotic symptoms and impaired social cognition in schizophrenia. Here, we investigated the neural correlates of self-referential processing regardless of the perspective taken and third-person perspective-taking regardless of the target person to judge relevance in individuals at ultra-high risk for psychosis. We also explored relationships between alterations in neural activity and neurocognitive function and basic self (‘ ipseity’) disorder.

Methods:

Twenty-two ultra-high-risk individuals and 28 healthy controls completed a functional magnetic resonance imaging task. While being scanned, participants were asked to take a first-person perspective or to put themselves in their close relative’s place thereby adopting a third-person perspective during judgments of the relevance of personality trait adjectives to one’s self and a close relative.

Results:

For self-referential (vs other-referential) processing, ultra-high-risk individuals showed less neural activity in the left ventromedial prefrontal cortex/medial orbitofrontal cortex, which was correlated with poor working memory performance. When taking a third-person perspective (vs first-person perspective), ultra-high-risk individuals showed more activity in the middle occipital gyrus.

Conclusion:

Taken together, our findings suggest that ultra-high-risk individuals already show aberrant neural activity during self-referential processing which may possibly be related to engagement of working memory resources.
Psychology in the “Backyards of the World”: Experiences From India
Authors: Chaudhary Nandita , Sriram Sujata
Published: January 2020

The mind has been the subject of fascination since ancient times, and every cultural tradition has folk theories related to meaning-making, attributions, and explanations about being human. In this sense, the subject of Psychology is as old as humanity, although its rise as a global, scientific discipline is relatively recent, emerging from 20th-century Europe and America. Theoretical ideas and methods generated during the growth of the discipline were aligned with beliefs about human nature and scientific methods specific to Euro-American cultures. Although “preached” and practiced universally as a science, this culturally circumscribed and ideologically bound history of the discipline needs further examination. Rather than “thinking globally” and “acting locally,” the agenda of Psychology has been the reverse; “think locally and act globally,” as critics of mainstream Psychology have pointed out. The predominance of individual, intra-mental, laboratory-tested, quantifiable dimensions of human conduct are based subliminally on Western ideology. The alternative methods of approaching real-life experiences, literature, art, inter-mental phenomena, and other qualitative dimensions of human interactions remain relatively under-explored. The dominant mainstream Psychology is seen as an objective, measurable, and universal science that has had far-reaching consequences for ordinary people around the world. This somewhat sinister side of conventional Psychology is the subject of this article, where we argue that despite significant exceptions and scholarly dissent, the popularity and prevalence of experimental Psychology has marginalized “others” at the expense of its own progress. We use illustrations primarily from teaching, research and practice in Psychology in Indian Universities.
Inaction Traps in Consumer Response to Product Malfunctions
Authors: Brigden Neil , Häubl Gerald
Published: January 2020

The authors develop and test a theory of consumer inaction traps in the domain of decisions to either address or endure product malfunctions. According to this theory, the magnitude of product malfunctions can have a paradoxical effect on consumption experience. In particular, the less severe a product malfunction is, the more inclined consumers are to defer the initial decision about whether to take corrective action. Subsequent opportunities for corrective action are devalued relative to previously forgone ones. This dynamic tends to trap consumers in a state of inaction, resulting in their enduring smaller malfunctions longer than larger ones. A consequence of these inaction traps is that minor product malfunctions may result in less enjoyable overall consumption experiences than more severe defects. Evidence from eight experiments and a survey provides support for this theorizing by demonstrating the inaction-trap phenomenon, examining its downstream consequences, shedding light on the psychological dynamics of inaction, and identifying boundary conditions that suggest interventions for counteracting consumers’ vulnerability to suffering disproportionately from relatively minor product malfunctions.
Do Emotional Solidarity Factors Mediate the Effect of Personality Traits on the Inclination to Use Nonmonetary Peer-to-Peer Accommodation Networks?
Authors: Juric Jana , Lindenmeier Jörg , Arnold Christian
Published: January 2020

This article focuses on nonmonetary peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation networks, examining the way in which personality traits, emotional solidarity factors, and technology-related perceptions affect the inclination to participate in these networks. To test the theoretical framework, a structural equation model is validated, based on a representative online survey of German consumers (N=600). The findings confirm the explanatory power of the model components considered that directly or indirectly impact individual usage intention. A group analysis distinguishes between the guest and host perspective, providing further insights into the antecedents of the inclination toward P2P accommodation networks. Based on the study results, the present article develops managerial implications and suggests avenues for future research.
The Effect of Quality Cues on Travelers’ Demand for Peer-to-Peer Ridesharing: A Neglected Area of the Sharing Economy
Authors: Jang Seongsoo , Farajallah Mehdi , So Kevin Kam Fung
Published: January 2020

The emergence of the sharing economy has had a tremendous impact on the tourism industry; however, few quality management mechanisms exist for shared tourism services. Based on unique data of 52,248 transactions collected from BlaBlaCar, the world’s leading ridesharing platform, this study examines the independent and combined effects of quality cues on travelers’ demand for peer-to-peer ridesharing services. The findings suggest that intrinsic cues (product reputation and seller reputation) and extrinsic cues (relative price and offer duration) are decisive in increasing demand, and their combined effects can be positive or negative. In addition, analyses of the heterogeneous effects of intrinsic and extrinsic cues across seller segments clarify how consumers evaluate product quality using information from multiple cues. These findings contribute to the literature on tourism and marketing by providing new insights into the design of competitive product offers in the sharing economy.
The archived-based genetic programming for optimal design of linear/non-linear controllers
Authors: Mohammadi Adel , Nariman-Zadeh Nader , Jamali Ali
Published: January 2020

Evaluation of control signal function is one of the critical subjects in the optimal control problems. The optimal control is usually obtained by optimizing a performance index that is a weighted combination of control effort and state trajectories in the quadratic form, typically known as quadratic performance index (QPI). For the simple case of linear time-invariant (LTI) systems, problems are commonly solved using the well-established governing Riccati equation; however, obtaining the analytical solutions for linear time-variant (LTV) and nonlinear systems has always been highly debated in the optimal control problems. In this study, a newly developed type of Genetic Programming called the archived-based genetic programming (AGP) is presented. Using this algorithm, the analytical solutions for any type of optimal control problems can be obtained faster and more efficiently than the ordinary GPs. Subsequently, due to the inefficiency of QPI in capturing the general behavior of signals, a new performance index named the absolute performance index (API) is proposed in this study. Since the developed AGP algorithm could find the analytical solutions irrespective of the conventional mathematical calculations, it can be effectively implemented to solve the introduced API measures. According to the analytical results, it is observed that in a given problem, the solutions of API are more compatible with the design goals compared with QPI. Furthermore, it is shown that some new forms of the control signals such as impulse solutions, which may not be obtained using QPI, can only be estimated using API in defining the optimal control problems.
Whole solid tumor volume histogram parameters for predicting the recurrence in patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma: a feasibility study on quantitative DCE-MRI
Authors: Li Hai Ming , Tang Wei , Feng Feng , Zhao Shu Hui , Gu Wei Yong , Zhang Guo Fu , Qiang Jin Wei
Published: January 2020

Background

Preoperative prediction of the recurrence of epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) can guide the clinical treatment and improve the prognosis. However, there are still no reliable predictive biomarkers.

Purpose

To evaluate whether whole solid tumor volume histogram parameters measured from quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) can predict the recurrence in patients with EOC.

Material and Methods

We followed up 56 patients with surgical and histopathologically diagnosed EOC who underwent quantitative DCE-MRI scans. The differences of the histogram parameters between patients with and without recurrence were compared. Mann–Whitney U test, Pearson’s Chi-squared test, or Fisher’s exact test, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used for statistical analysis.

Results

All histogram parameters of Ktrans, kep, and ve were not significantly different between EOC patients with and without recurrence ( P>0.05). For 30 patients with high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC), the histogram parameters of Ktrans (mean and 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th percentiles) and kep (mean and 50th percentile) in 12 patients with recurrence were significantly lower than those in 18 patients without recurrence (all P<0.05). ROC curves showed that the 5th percentile of Ktrans had the largest area under the curve (AUC) of 0.792 for predicting the recurrence in patients with HGSOC. When the threshold value was ≤0.0263/min, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 100%, 66.7%, and 80%, respectively.

Conclusion

Instead of predicting the recurrence of EOC, whole solid tumor volume quantitative DCE-MRI histogram parameters could predict the recurrence of HGSOC and may be potential biomarkers for the prediction of HGSOC recurrence.
Comparison of outcomes and cost-effectiveness of trisacryl gelatin microspheres alone versus combined trisacryl gelatin microspheres and gelatin sponge embolization in uterine fibroid embolization
Authors: Farrell Terence P , Garvey Chris , Adams Niamh C , Mulholland Douglas , Ryan J Mark , Guiney Michael , McEniff Niall
Published: January 2020

Background

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is an effective treatment for uterine leiomyomata. Optimizing the choice of embolic agents is imperative to achieve better patient outcomes with maximum resource utilization.

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of trisacryl gelatin microspheres (TAGM) versus combined TAGM and gelatin sponge (GS) embolization in the treatment of symptomatic uterine leiomyomata.

Material and Methods

Between July 2007 and December 2010, 106 consecutive patients underwent UFE with TAGM. Between January 2011 and December 2016, 123 consecutive patients underwent UFE with a combination of TAGM/GS. The primary outcomes were successful infarction rate (≥90% infarction) of the dominant leiomyoma and percentage reduction in uterine and dominant leiomyoma volume on MRI at six months. Secondary outcomes included adverse event rates, pain scores, and change in clinical symptoms at six months. The embolic agents utilized per procedure were recorded and a cost-effectiveness analysis was performed.

Results

Baseline characteristics of both groups were similar. Successful infarction was achieved in 93.2% of the TAGM group and 94.6% of the TAGM/GS group ( P = 0.52). Reduction in uterine volume (TAGM 40.7%, TAGM/GS 44.4%, P = 0.16) and dominant leiomyoma volume (TAGM 47.6%, TAGM/GS 50.1%, P = 0.29) at six months was similar. No significant difference was observed in symptom improvement at six months ( P = 0.8). The mean number of TAGM vials utilized and cost per procedure was 6.3 and $1688.40 for TAGM embolization and 3.6 and $979.50 for TAGM/GS embolization, respectively.

Conclusion

Primary and secondary outcomes were comparable when performing UFE with TAGM versus combined TAGM/GS. The combined use of TAGM/GS reduced the mean cost of embolic agents by 42%.
Power Differentials in Istanbul Redevelopment Practices: Toward a More Collaborative Decision-Making Process
Authors: Waite Imge Akcakaya
Published: January 2020

This article examines two urban redevelopment projects in Istanbul in an attempt to address the gap between literature and real-life planning practice in their understanding of power relations and imbalances in collaborative forums. Based on insights from informed practitioners, residents, and activists, it presents the realities—project stories, actors and their perceptions, motives, influences, and lessons—faced in gecekondu renewal and earthquake-based regeneration processes. It suggests a set of redevelopment strategies and responses that highlight democratic and collaborative criteria to overcome power-related challenges and foster a more just redistribution of power.
Toxicity of pesticides in lizards
Authors: Freitas LM , Paranaíba JFFS , Peréz APS , Machado MRF , Lima FC
Published: January 2020

Many threats exist to reptile populations, environmental pollutants being one of them. Lizards and other reptiles are usually not taken into consideration in environmental risk assessments, with the use of surrogate species for their estimates. Unfortunately, not all pesticides have the same effects in the reptile species and on these surrogates, birds and mammals, some being more toxic in lizards. This difference brings the need to evaluate their toxicity in lizards to safeguard its protection. Studies in the last decades involving contaminants’ toxicity in lizard species have increased, thus we proposed to gather these information in this comprehensive review. Through searches in databases about the toxicity of pesticides in lizards, 16 scientific articles were found. Most studies investigated locomotor performance, histopathology, oxidative stress, neurotoxicology, and genetic damage from diverse pesticides with different modes of action. Progress has been made to acquire data on lizard ecotoxicology and more research is needed to cover more variables, such as studies in the embryologic stage and different pesticides.
Effect of heat-killed Enterococcus faecalis EF-2001 on ethanol-induced acute gastric injury in mice: Protective effect of EF-2001 on acute gastric ulcer
Authors: Jeon D-B , Shin H-G , Lee B-W , Jeong S-H , Kim J-H , Ha J-H , Park J-Y , Kwon H-J , Kim W-J , Ryu Y-B , Lee I-C
Published: January 2020

Enterococcus faecalis is a facultative anaerobic gram-positive commensal bacterium common in the gastrointestinal tract of animals and humans. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of heat-killed E. faecalis EF-2001 (EF-2001) on acute gastric ulcer using a murine model of ethanol (EtOH)-induced acute gastric injury. EF-2001 (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg/day) was administered by oral gavage for 5 days before EtOH treatment (10 mL/kg body weight). EF-2001 effectively attenuated EtOH-induced gastric mucosal injury with reduced gastric mucosal ulcer and histological damage score. Pretreatment of EF-2001 markedly suppressed the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs; ERK1/2, JNK, and p38MAPK). In addition, EF-2001 significantly inhibited phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and subsequently suppressed the upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1 beta, and interleukin 6 in gastric tissues. Taken together, these results suggest that EF-2001 exerts a gastroprotective effect against acute gastric injury, and the underlying mechanism might be associated with the suppression of MAPKs and NF-κB signaling and consequent reduction of pro-inflammatory mediators or cytokines.
The effects of functionalization of carbon nanotubes on toxicological parameters in mice
Authors: Mohammadi E , Zeinali M , Mohammadi-Sardoo M , Iranpour M , Behnam B , Mandegary A
Published: January 2020

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have emerged as a new class of multifunctional nanoparticles in biomedicine, but their multiple in vivo effects remain unclear. Also, the impact of various functionalization types and duration of exposures are still unidentified. Herein, we report a complete toxicological study to evaluate the effects of single- and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs and MWCNTs) with either amine or carboxylic acid (COOH) surface functional groups. The results showed that significant oxidative stress and the subsequent cell apoptosis could be resulted in both acute and, mainly, in chronic intravenous administrations. Also, male reproductive parameters were altered during these exposures. The amino-functionalized CNTs had more toxic properties compared with the COOH functionalized group, and also, in some groups, the multiwalled nanotubes were more active in eliciting cytotoxicity than the single-walled nanotubes. Interestingly, the SWCNTs-COOH had the least alterations in most of the parameters. Evidently, it is concluded that the toxicity of CNTs in specific organs can be minimized through particular surface functionalizations.
The disengagement process among young athletes when withdrawing from sport: A new research approach
Authors: Eliasson Inger , Johansson Annika
Published: January 2020

The reasons young athletes drop out of sport have eluded scientists and sport organizations for many decades. Despite a large body of research on the subject, unanswered questions remain. This article reports on a new research approach that analyses sport withdrawal as a process. The study draws on Ebaugh’s sociological theory of disengagement and is based on data from semi-structured interviews with 12 girls aged 12 to 17 and 12 of their parents. By studying withdrawal from sport as a process, we found that the reasons comprise a combination of several salient interplaying factors related to changes. Organizational changes in sport and changes in the young athletes’ overall lives, together with changes in normative cultural and individual expectations associated with the young athlete role, are decisive for these girls to withdraw from sport. Furthermore, the disengagement process may be fairly long and emotional for young athletes, and less reversible the further into the process they progress.
The Quest for Compensation for Research-Related Injury in the United States: A New Proposal
Authors: Chapman Carolyn Riley , Sukumaran Sangita , Tsegaye Geremew Tarekegne , Shevchenko Yelena , Caplan Arthur L.
Published: January 2020

In the U.S., there is no requirement for research sponsors to compensate human research subjects who experience injuries as a result of their participation. In this article, we review the moral justifications that compel the establishment of a better research-related injury compensation system. We explore how other countries and certain institutions within the U.S. have adopted various systems of compensation. The existence of these systems demonstrates both that the U.S. lags behind other nations in its protection of human research subjects and that the establishment of a compensation system is both practical and feasible. We then examine factors which have prevented the U.S. from establishing its own compensation system. We consider possible alternatives for the U.S. by examining the advantages and disadvantages of both established and proposed systems. We offer a new proposal that addresses the justice concerns which compel the establishment of a national compensation system, distributes the burdens of such a system on multiple stakeholders that benefit from research, and has the additional advantage of minimizing the administrative and logistical challenges associated with initiating such a system.
Moral Limits of Brain Organoid Research
Authors: Koplin Julian J. , Savulescu Julian
Published: January 2020

Brain organoid research raises ethical challenges not seen in other forms of stem cell research. Given that brain organoids partially recapitulate the development of the human brain, it is plausible that brain organoids could one day attain consciousness and perhaps even higher cognitive abilities. Brain organoid research therefore raises difficult questions about these organoids' moral status – questions that currently fall outside the scope of existing regulations and guidelines. This paper shows how these gaps can be addressed. We outline a moral framework for brain organoid research that can address the relevant ethical concerns without unduly impeding this important area of research.
Feminist Perspectives in Health Law
Authors: Mohapatra Seema , Wiley Lindsay F.
Published: January 2020

This essay argues that feminist legal theory offers an important, and underutilized, perspective to examine health law and policy. We use several theoretical frameworks developed by feminist legal theorists including relational autonomy, intersectionality, vulnerability theory, and the feminist critique of the public-private divide to demonstrate the utility of these theories to health law analysis. These frameworks provide insights relevant not only to issues that obviously relate to gender, but also to matters of choice, quality, and access that are less obviously gender-related. We map three key areas of existing scholarship and future inquiry at the intersection of health law and feminist legal theory: (I) patient choice and relational autonomy, (II) patriarchy, power and patient safety, and (III) access to health care and healthy living conditions at the public-private divide. Uniting these areas of inquiry is a nagging question central to the relationship between critical legal scholarship (including feminist scholarship) and pragmatic action to combat injustice: Can we use legal rights to achieve our aims even as we recognize them as tainted tools that have propped up oppressive social structures? A feminist agenda for health law and policy must grapple with this dilemma.
Enteral tube administration of oral chemotherapy drugs
Authors: Spencer Samantha H , Menard Shannon M , Labedz Malgorzata Z , Krueger Courtney D , Sarna Katherine V
Published: January 2020

Objective

Patients receiving oral chemotherapies face treatment interruptions if they require placement of an enteral tube for nutrition, potentially leading to adverse outcomes in cancer treatment. Enteral tube medication administration can provide a suitable alternative. The purpose of this review is to compile available data that describe enteral tube administration of oral chemotherapy agents. Data sources: A systematic evaluation of all Food and Drug Administration-approved oral chemotherapy agents through 31 July 2019 was conducted. Information on crushing or opening of the tablet or capsule, enteral tube administration, and extemporaneous formulations was compiled from the prescribing information, tertiary resources, and primary literature. Drug manufacturers were contacted for additional information. Data summary: A total of 87 oral chemotherapy agents were evaluated. Of the 87 drugs, 33 agents (37.9%) had information regarding enteral tube administration with only four drugs with nasogastric or gastric tube administration instructions in their prescribing information. The strength of evidence varied from non-peer reviewed data to complete evaluations of efficacy and safety. The majority of chemotherapies (62%) had no available data on enteral tube administration.

Conclusions

The results of this review suggest that there is limited data surrounding enteral tube administration of most oral chemotherapies, demonstrating the need for more studies to be conducted to provide more guidance to healthcare providers when administration via an enteral tube is needed in their patients.
Predictors of change in global psychiatric functioning at an inpatient adolescent psychiatric unit: A decade of experience
Authors: Kennedy Jane , Hembry Philippa , Green Dan , Skuse David , Lewis Simon
Published: January 2020

Background:

Psychiatric inpatient treatment for children is sometimes beneficial, but predictors of who benefits, and in what circumstances, are largely unknown. This study aimed to identify personal and environmental factors that influence outcome in an adolescent unit that accepts both emergency and planned admissions.

Methods:

Routine standardised intake and outcome measures were analysed for the period 2009–2018. Potential predictors assessed included the Children’s Global Assessment Scale (CGAS), engagement with treatment, behavioural attitudes and peer relationships on the unit.

Findings:

One hundred and twelve admissions were tracked. Mean age of admission was 16 years, and 71% were female. A total of 61% had higher (better) CGAS scores on discharge than on admission; 34% of inpatients fully engaged with their treatment. Median admission duration was 118 days for males and 196 days for females. Admission lengths were much shorter for ethnic minority patients, but group sizes were small. Longer admissions led to greater improvement. Poor outcomes were associated with failure to engage with treatment and a deterioration in peer relationships.

Interpretation:

Compliance with treatment and female gender were both significant predictors of positive change during admission. The establishment of good and supportive peer relationships during the admission was also a potent indicator of benefit.