bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-BRCA DNA Damage Repair Gene Alterations and Response to the PARP Inhibitor Rucaparib in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: Analysis From the Phase II TRITON2 Study
Authors: Abida Wassim , Campbell David , Patnaik Akash , Shapiro Jeremy D. , Sautois Brieuc , Vogelzang Nicholas J. , Voog Eric G. , Bryce Alan H. , McDermott Ray , Ricci Francesco , Rowe Julie , Zhang Jingsong , Piulats Josep Maria , Fizazi Karim , Merseburger Axel S. , Higano Celestia S. , Krieger Laurence E. , Ryan Charles J. , Feng Felix Y. , Simmons Andrew D. , Loehr Andrea , Despain Darrin , Dowson Melanie , Green Foad , Watkins Simon P. , Golsorkhi Tony , Chowdhury Simon
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

Genomic alterations in DNA damage repair (DDR) genes other than BRCA may confer synthetic lethality with PARP inhibition in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). To test this hypothesis, the phase II TRITON2 study of rucaparib included patients with mCRPC and deleterious non-BRCA DDR gene alterations.

Patients and Methods:

TRITON2 enrolled patients who had progressed on one or two lines of next-generation androgen receptor–directed therapy and one taxane-based chemotherapy for mCRPC. Key endpoints were investigator-assessed radiographic response per modified RECIST/PCWG3 and PSA response (≥50% decrease from baseline).

Results:

TRITON2 enrolled 78 patients with a non-BRCA DDR gene alteration [ATM (n = 49), CDK12 (n = 15), CHEK2 (n = 12), and other DDR genes (n = 14)]. Among patients evaluable for each endpoint, radiographic and PSA responses were observed in a limited number of patients with an alteration in ATM [2/19 (10.5%) and 2/49 (4.1%), respectively], CDK12 [0/10 (0%) and 1/15 (6.7%), respectively], or CHEK2 [1/9 (11.1%) and 2/12 (16.7%), respectively], including no radiographic or PSA responses in 11 patients with confirmed biallelic ATM loss or 11 patients with ATM germline mutations. Responses were observed in patients with alterations in the DDR genes PALB2, FANCA, BRIP1, and RAD51B.

Conclusions:

In this prospective, genomics-driven study of rucaparib in mCRPC, we found limited radiographic/PSA responses to PARP inhibition in men with alterations in ATM, CDK12, or CHEK2. However, patients with alterations in other DDR-associated genes (e.g., PALB2) may benefit from PARP inhibition.

See related commentary by Sokolova et al., p. 2439
Cdc42 Mediates Cancer Cell Chemotaxis in Perineural Invasion
Authors: Chernichenko Natalya , Omelchenko Tatiana , Deborde Sylvie , Bakst Richard L. , He Shizhi , Chen Chun-Hao , Gusain Laxmi , Vakiani Efsevia , Katabi Nora , Hall Alan , Wong Richard J.
Published: February 2020

Perineural invasion (PNI) is an ominous form of cancer progression along nerves associated with poor clinical outcome. Glial derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) interacts with cancer cell RET receptors to enable PNI, but downstream events remain undefined. We demonstrate that GDNF leads to early activation of the GTPase Cdc42 in pancreatic cancer cells, but only delayed activation of RhoA and does not affect Rac1. Depletion of Cdc42 impairs pancreatic cancer cell chemotaxis toward GDNF and nerves. An siRNA library of guanine nucleotide exchange factors was screened to identify activators of Cdc42. ARHGEF7 (β-Pix) was required for Cdc42 activation and chemotaxis toward nerves, and also colocalizes with RET under GDNF stimulation. Cdc42 enables PNI in an in vitro dorsal root ganglia coculture model, and controls the directionality of migration but does not affect cell speed or cell viability. In contrast, Rac1 was necessary for cell speed but not directionality, while the RhoA was not necessary for either cell speed or directionality. Cdc42 was required for PNI in an in vivo murine sciatic nerve model. Depletion of Cdc42 significantly diminished the length of PNI, volume of PNI, and motor nerve paralysis resulting from PNI. Activated Cdc42 is expressed in human salivary ductal cancer cells invading nerves. These findings establish the GDNF–RET–β-Pix–Cdc42 pathway as a directional regulator of pancreatic cancer cell migration toward nerves, highlight the importance of directional migration in PNI, and offer novel targets for therapy.

Implications:

Cdc42 regulates cancer cell directional migration toward and along nerves in PNI.
The Efficacy of Proton Pump Inhibitor in Cirrhotics with Variceal Bleeding: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lin Lin , Cui Binxin , Deng You , Jiang Xihui , Liu Wentian , Sun Chao
Published: February 2020

Background and Aims: Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) was widely used in cirrhotic patients with variceal bleeding empirically rather than evidence-based practice. We aimed to evaluate the plausible indication of PPI use in variceal bleeding cirrhotic patients and figure out whether it can decrease the re-bleeding rate after endoscopic therapy. Furthermore, we also investigated the association between PPI and bleeding-related mortality in these patients. Methods: We have searched in PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cochrane and Embase prior to May 2019. Pooled OR and 95% CI were calculated by random-effects model. Results: A total of 11 original articles including 1,818 cirrhotic patients were analyzed. The overall meta-analysis highlighted that PPI use may decrease the re-bleeding rate after endoscopic therapy (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.35–0.77). The conclusion was irrespective of study methods, endoscopic purpose and hemorrhage sites. However, the conclusion speculated that PPI should be prescribed >1 month. Meanwhile, PPI use may not impact the bleeding-related mortality. Conclusions: PPI, used for >1 month, can decrease re-bleeding rate after endoscopic therapy in cirrhotic patients for prophylaxis or emergency treatment purpose. No matter how long it takes, PPI use is not associated with bleeding-related mortality.
Heritability and Sex-Specific Genetic Effects of Self-Reported Physical Activity in a Brazilian Highly Admixed Population
Authors: Leite Jean Michel Rocha Sampaio , Soler Júlia Maria Pavan , Horimoto Andréa Roseli Vançan Russo , Alvim Rafael O. , Pereira Alexandre C.
Published: February 2020

Introduction: The engagement in sports or habitual physical activity (PA) has shown an extensive protective role against multiple diseases such as cancer, obesity, and many others. Additionally, PA has also a significant impact on life quality, since it aids with managing stress, preserving cognitive function and memory, and preventing fractures in the elderly. Objective: Considering there has been multiple evidence showing that genetic variation underpins variation of PA-related traits, we aimed to estimate the heritability (h2) of these phenotypes in a sample from the Brazilian population and assess whether males and females differ in relation to those estimates. Methods: 2,027 participants from a highly admixed population from Baependi, MG, Brazil, had information regarding their PA and sedentary behavior (SB) phenotypes collected through a questionnaire (IPAQ-SF). After data cleaning and transformation procedures, we obtained four variables to be evaluated: total PA (TPA MET), walking time, (WK MET), moderate-vigorous PA (MVPA MET), and SB. A model selection procedure was performed using a single-step covariate inclusion approach. We tested for BMI, waist, hip and neck circumferences, smoking, and depression separately, and performed correlation tests among covariates. Linear mixed models, selection procedure, and the variance components approach to estimate h2 were implemented using SOLAR-Eclipse 8.3.1. Results: We obtained estimates of 0.221, 0.109, 0.226, and 0 for TPA MET, WK MET, MVPA MET, and SB, respectively. We found evidence for gene-sex interactions, with males having higher sex-specific heritabilities than females for TPA MET and MVPA MET. In addition, we found higher estimates of the genetic variance component in males than females for most phenotypes. Discussion/Conclusion: The heritability estimates presented in this work show a moderate heritable set of genetic factors affecting PA in a sample from the Brazilian population. The evaluation of the genetic variance component suggests segregating genetic factors in male individuals are more heterogeneous, which can explain why men globally tend to need to practice more intense PA than women to achieve similar health benefits. Hence, these findings have significant implications for the understanding of the genetic architecture of PA and might aid to promote health in the future.
Diagnostic Yield of Colonoscopy in Young Adults with Lower Gastrointestinal Symptoms in a Multicenter Midwest Cohort
Authors: Lu Ray , Kassim Thamer , Dave Devashree , Klair Jagpal Singh , Ashfaq Muhammad , Chandra Subhash , Murali Arvind R.
Published: February 2020

Background/Aims: Serious gastrointestinal (GI) pathologies are common in older adults compared to young adults (≤40 years). Data on the diagnostic yield (DY) of colonoscopy in young adults with lower GI symptoms are lacking. We aimed to evaluate the overall DY of colonoscopy; and the DY stratified by the presence or absence of bright red blood per rectum (BRBPR) in young adults ≤40 years. Methods: We reviewed diagnostic colonoscopies performed in young adults by 18 gastroenterologists at 2 different institutions from ­October 2016 to April 2019. Patients with familial colorectal cancer (CRC) syndromes were excluded. DY was calculated based on the proportion of abnormal colonoscopy defined as having inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), microscopic colitis (MC), advanced adenoma, or CRC. Results: We included 454 patients, mean (SD) age was 31 (3) years, 162 (36%) were males and mean (SD) BMI was 30 (8.5). BRBPR was the indication for colonoscopy in 194 (43%) patients, 260 (57%) patients had colonoscopy for other lower GI symptoms (abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, constipation) but without BRBPR. Overall DY of colonoscopy in young adults with lower GI symptoms was 15%; IBD was seen in 43 (10%) patients, MC 10 (2%), and advanced neoplasia/CRC 20 (4%). Overall DY in patients with BRBPR was significantly higher than in patients without BRBPR (22 vs. 11%, p = 0.001). The DY for IBD was also higher in young adults with BRBPR versus without BRBPR (15 vs. 6%, p = 0.003). The DY of patients with both BRBPR and abdominal pain was 34%, for BRBPR and diarrhea was 40%, and for all 3 symptoms of BRBPR, diarrhea, and abdominal pain was 52%. Conclusions: Significant proportion of young adults with BRBPR have abnormal pathology (22%) justifying evaluation by colonoscopy. For other lower GI symptoms without BRBPR, the necessity of endoscopic evaluation should be determined clinically on a case-to-case basis due to the low overall DY.
Obesity Is Associated With Pulmonary Hypertension and Modifies Outcomes
Authors: Frank Rachel C. , Min Jeff , Abdelghany Mazin , Paniagua Samantha , Bhattacharya Romit , Bhambhani Vijeta , Pomerantsev Eugene , Ho Jennifer E.
Published: February 2020

Background

Experimental studies support a link between obesity and pulmonary hypertension (PH), yet clinical studies have been limited. This study sought to determine the association of obesity and pulmonary hemodynamic measures and mortality in PH.

Methods and Results

We examined patients undergoing right‐sided heart catherization (2005–2016) in a hospital‐based cohort. Multivariable regression models tested associations of body mass index and pulmonary vascular hemodynamics, with PH defined as mean pulmonary artery pressure >20 mm Hg, and further subclassified into precapillary, postcapillary, and mixed PH. Multivariable Cox models were used to examine the effect of PH and obesity on mortality. Among 8940 patients (mean age, 62 years; 40% women), 52% of nonobese and 69% of obese individuals had evidence of PH. Higher body mass index was independently associated with greater odds of overall PH (odds ratio, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.29–1.40;
P
<0.001 per 5‐unit increase in body mass index) as well as each PH subtype (
P
<0.001 for all). Patients with PH had greater risk of mortality compared with individuals without PH regardless of subgroup (
P
<0.001 for all). We found that obesity was associated with 23% lower hazard of mortality among patients with PH (hazard ratio, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.69–0.85;
P
<0.001). The effect of obesity was greatest among those with precapillary PH (hazard ratio, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.46–0.70;
P
<0.001), where obesity modified the effect of PH on mortality (
P
for interaction=0.02).

Conclusions

Obesity is independently associated with PH. PH is associated with greater mortality; this is modified by obesity such that obese patients with precapillary PH have lower mortality compared with nonobese counterparts. Further studies are needed to elucidate mechanisms underlying obesity‐related PH.
Hypochloremia Is a Noninvasive Predictor of Mortality in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Prins Kurt W. , Kalra Rajat , Rose Lauren , Assad Tufik R. , Archer Stephen L. , Bajaj Navkaranbir S. , Weir E. Kenneth , Prisco Sasha Z. , Pritzker Marc , Lutsey Pamela L. , Brittain Evan L. , Thenappan Thenappan
Published: February 2020

Background

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (
PAH
) is a lethal disease. In resource‐limited countries
PAH
outcomes are worse because therapy costs are prohibitive. To improve global outcomes, noninvasive and widely available biomarkers that identify high‐risk patients should be defined. Serum chloride is widely available and predicts mortality in left heart failure, but its prognostic utility in
PAH
requires further investigation.

Methods and Results

In this study 475 consecutive
PAH
patients evaluated at the University of Minnesota and Vanderbilt University
PAH
clinics were examined. Clinical characteristics were compared by tertiles of serum chloride. Both the Kaplan‐Meier method and Cox regression analysis were used to assess survival and predictors of mortality, respectively. Categorical net reclassification improvement and relative integrated discrimination improvement compared prediction models.
PAH
patients in the lowest serum chloride tertile (≤101 mmol/L: hypochloremia) had the lowest 6‐minute walk distance and highest right atrial pressure despite exhibiting no differences in pulmonary vascular disease severity. The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year survival was reduced in hypochloremic patients when compared with the middle‐ and highest‐tertile patients (86%/64%/44%, 95%/78%/59%, and, 91%/79%/66%). After adjustment for age, sex, diuretic use, serum sodium, bicarbonate, and creatinine, the hypochloremic patients had increased mortality when compared with the middle‐tertile and highest‐tertile patients. The Minnesota noninvasive model (functional class, 6‐minute walk distance, and hypochloremia) was as effective as the French noninvasive model (functional class, 6‐minute walk distance, and elevated brain natriuretic peptide or N‐terminal pro–brain natriuretic peptide) for predicting mortality.

Conclusions

Hypochloremia (≤101 mmol/L) identifies high‐risk
PAH
patients independent of serum sodium, renal function, and diuretic use.
The Concept of Brazilian Jurisdictional Waters and its Impact on the Freedom of the High Seas
Authors: Pereira da Silva Alexandre
Published: February 2020

This article examines the legal concept of Brazilian jurisdictional waters (BJW), which claims jurisdiction over the superjacent waters of its outer continental shelf, and considers its impact on the freedom of the high seas. Initially, the article introduces the idea of BJW through its historical and conceptual evolution. Then, Brazilian interventions in the United Nations Conferences on the Law of the Sea and municipal legislation are analysed in an attempt to identify if Brazil had previously made such a claim. Finally, each freedom of the high seas as listed in Article 87 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOSC) is evaluated in the context of BJW and the domestic laws that enforce the jurisdiction. The article concludes that the concept of BJW, together with applicable laws, is inconsistent with the LOSC.
Circular Demonstration and the Necessity of Minor Premises
Authors: Botting David
Published: February 2020

In the Prior Analytics Aristotle famously endorses the validity of the mixed modal syllogism Barbara lxl, but in the Posterior Analytics we appear to find Aristotle arguing that since demonstrations are only of what cannot be otherwise, both premises need to be necessary. One would almost think that Aristotle had forgotten what he said about mixed modal syllogisms were it not for the fact that he also appears to refer to it directly in Posterior Analytics
i.6. This is puzzling.

In this paper I will consider evidence for and against taking both premises to be necessary and conclude that, in accordance with Barbara lxl, the major premise of a demonstration needs to be necessary but the minor premise need not be, and this because the minor term – which denotes the object of inquiry and that to which the demonstrator is trying to demonstrate that something belongs necessarily – may be an accidental term. In particular, I will be offering an original interpretation of Aristotle’s arguments against circular demonstration in Posterior Analytics
i.3, which only makes sense if the minor premise is not necessary.
Annotated catalogue of chameleon types in the collection of the Natural History Museum, UK (NHMUK) (Reptilia: Squamata: Chamaeleonidae)
Authors: CAMPBELL PATRICK D , DENZER WOLFGANG
Published: February 2020

We provide a list of type specimens of chameleons present in the collection of the Natural History Museum in London for the first time, including their associated collection numbers. Currently the collection contains 54 primary types (29 holotypes, two lectotypes and 23 syntype series plus two syntypes where the type status is in doubt) as well as numerous secondary types for 12 species (nine paratype and three paralectotype series). Type material present in the collection represents 39 valid chamaeleon taxa.
Influences of Local and Remote Conditions on Tropical Precipitation and Its Response to Climate Change
Authors: Saint-Lu Marion , Chadwick Robin , Lambert F. Hugo , Collins Matthew , Boutle Ian , Whitall Michael , Daleu Chimene
Published: February 2020

By comparing a single-column model (SCM) with closely related general circulation models (GCMs), precipitation changes that can be diagnosed from local changes in surface temperature (TS) and relative humidity (RHS) are separated from more complex responses. In the SCM setup, the large-scale tropical circulation is parameterized to respond to the surface temperature departure from a prescribed environment, following the weak temperature gradient (WTG) approximation and using the damped gravity wave (DGW) parameterization. The SCM is also forced with moisture variations. First, it is found that most of the present-day mean tropical rainfall and circulation pattern is associated with TS and RHS patterns. Climate change experiments with the SCM are performed, imposing separately surface warming and CO2 increase. The rainfall responses to future changes in sea surface temperature patterns and plant physiology are successfully reproduced, suggesting that these are direct responses to local changes in convective instability. However, the SCM increases oceanic rainfall too much, and fails to reproduce the land rainfall decrease, both of which are associated with uniform ocean warming. It is argued that remote atmospheric teleconnections play a crucial role in both weakening the atmospheric overturning circulation and constraining precipitation changes. Results suggest that the overturning circulation weakens, both as a direct local response to increased CO2 and in response to energy-imbalance driven exchanges between ascent and descent regions.
Screening for thyroid disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: An evaluation of current practice
Authors: Palit Tanuka , Heald Adrian H , Fryer Anthony A , Duff Christopher J
Published: February 2020

Background

United Kingdom national guidelines do not recommend routine testing for thyroid disease in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, some studies suggest an increased risk of thyroid dysfunction in T2DM. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current practice of screening for thyroid disease in patients with T2DM.

Methods

Patients with pre-existing T2DM ( n = 339) were selected from records for routine glycated haemoglobin testing performed in December 2008. Using routinely collected primary/secondary care data from 2009 to 2017, we examined longitudinal thyroid-stimulating hormone and free thyroxine requests to determine the overall proportion of patients screened for thyroid dysfunction and the time interval between thyroid tests requested.

Results

Thirty-three patients (9.7%) had pre-existing thyroid disease. Of the remaining 306 patients, 96.4% had at least one thyroid test during the follow-up period. When the time interval between tests was evaluated in these patients, there was a discrete peak in thyroid function test requests at 12 months, consistent with routine annual testing. Most requests (77%) originated from a general practice setting.

Conclusions

Contrary to current guidelines, we have provided evidence suggestive of regular screening for thyroid dysfunction in patients with T2DM, particularly in general practice. The appropriateness of this practice remains unclear, but may warrant further examination to assess the clinical benefits of screening, balanced against cost.
Creating Energy for Change: The Role of Changes in Perceived Leadership Support on Commitment to an Organizational Change Initiative
Authors: Ford J. Kevin , Lauricella Taylor K. , Van Fossen Jenna A. , Riley Shawn J.
Published: February 2020

Leader support is critical for organizational change, yet prior research has examined support as a static construct. Drawing on social learning and change momentum theories, we hypothesized that increases in perceptions of leadership support across the first 2 years of a change effort is related to employee perceptions of positive change at Time 2 and personal commitment to change and organizational citizenship behaviors at Time 3. To test this model, we collected data in 2012, 2013, and 2015 at a state wildlife agency undergoing a large-scale change effort. Across Time 1 and Time 2, perceptions of leader support of the change increased, and this shift was related to perceptions of positive internal and external changes. Changes in perceptions of leader support also indirectly predicted personal commitment to change and organizational citizenship behaviors, mediated by perceptions of positive internal and external changes. Findings substantiate the importance of continual leadership support.
Examining Certification Requirements in Early Math and Literacy: What Do States Expect Prekindergarten Teachers to Know?
Authors: Wright Tanya S. , Parks Amy Noelle , Wilinski Bethany , Domke Lisa M. , Hopkins Laura J.
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study was to examine preK certification requirements for literacy and mathematics coursework to understand policy trends across the United States. We were interested in examining whether teacher certification requirements in these content areas align with expectations for child outcomes in early literacy and math. We completed a content analysis of 114 documents from 50 states including preK teacher certification requirements and early learning standards from each state. We engaged in a detailed analysis of the sections of these documents related to early literacy and mathematics. Based on this state-by-state analysis, we found that most states had very little specification of preK teacher certification requirements related to literacy or mathematics. Our findings suggest that current certification policies are not well-aligned with expectations for preK children’s learning in early literacy and mathematics.
There is no phonology without abstract categories: A commentary on Ambridge (2020)
Authors: Rose Yvan
Published: February 2020

Ambridge’s proposal cannot account for the most basic observations about phonological patterns in human languages. Outside of the earliest stages of phonological production by toddlers, the phonological systems of speakers/learners exhibit internal behaviours that point to the representation and processing of inter-related units ranging in size from sub-segmental (featural) and segmental to larger prosodic units ranging from the syllable all the way to the phonological utterance. Only theories which embrace these units can make proper predictions about phonological behaviours.
Prison media work: from manual labor to the work of being tracked
Authors: Kaun Anne , Stiernstedt Fredrik
Published: February 2020

Incarcerated individuals have long contributed to crucial societal infrastructures. From being leased work force building the railway in the United States to constructing canal systems in Sweden, prisoners’ labor has been widespread as an important part of value production. Part of the labor conducted by incarcerated people is related to the production, repair, and maintenance of media devices and media infrastructures constituting what we call prison media work. In this article, we trace the changing logics of prison media work historically since the inception of the modern prison at the turn of the 20th century. Based on archival material, interviews, and field observations, we outline a shift from physical manual labor toward the work of being tracked that is constitutive of surveillance capitalism in- and outside of the prison. We argue that prison media work holds an ambiguous position combining elements of exploitation and rehabilitation, but most importantly it is a dystopian magnifying glass of media work under surveillance capitalism.
Towards person-centred quality care for children with life-limiting and life-threatening illness: Self-reported symptoms, concerns and priority outcomes from a multi-country qualitative study
Authors: Namisango Eve , Bristowe Katherine , Murtagh Fliss EM , Downing Julia , Powell Richard A , Abas Melanie , Lohfeld Lynne , Ali Zipporah , Atieno Mackuline , Haufiku Desiderius , Guma Samuel , Luyirika Emmanuel BK , Mwangi-Powell Faith N , Higginson Irene J , Harding Richard
Published: February 2020

Background:

Paediatric life-limiting and life-threatening conditions (life-limiting conditions) place significant strain on children, families and health systems. Given high service use among this population, it is essential that care addresses their main symptoms and concerns.

Aim:

This study aimed to identify the symptoms, concerns and other outcomes that matter to children with life-limiting conditions and their families in sub-Saharan Africa.

Setting and participants:

Cross-sectional qualitative study in Kenya, Namibia, South Africa and Uganda. Children/caregivers of children aged 0–17 years with life-limiting conditions were purposively sampled by age, sex and diagnosis. Children aged 7 and above self-reported; caregiver proxies reported for children below 7 and those aged 7 and above unable to self-report.

Results:

A total of 120 interviews were conducted with children with life-limiting conditions ( n = 61; age range: 7–17 years), and where self-report was not possible, caregivers ( n = 59) of children (age range: 0–17) were included. Conditions included advanced HIV (22%), cancer (19%), heart disease (16%) endocrine, blood and immune disorders (13%), neurological conditions (12%), sickle cell anaemia (10%) and renal disease (8%). Outcomes identified included physical concerns – pain and symptom distress; psycho-social concerns – family and social relationships, ability to engage with age-appropriate activities (e.g. play, school attendance); existential concerns – worry about death, and loss of ambitions; health care quality – child- and adolescent-friendly services. Priority psycho-social concerns and health service factors varied by age.

Conclusion:

This study bridges an important knowledge gap regarding symptoms, concerns and outcomes that matter to children living with life-limiting conditions and their families and informs service development and evaluation.
Feasibility and acceptability of a culturally adapted advance care planning intervention for people living with advanced cancer and their families: A mixed methods study
Authors: Lin Cheng-Pei , Evans Catherine J , Koffman Jonathan , Chen Ping-Jen , Hou Ming-Feng , Harding Richard
Published: February 2020

Background:

Increasing evidence shows that advance care planning is effective in improving outcomes. However, its applicability and acceptability outside Western cultures remain unknown. Examination of relevant cultural adaptations is required prior to wider adoption.

Aim:

To examine the feasibility and acceptability of a culturally adapted advance care planning intervention in a Taiwanese inpatient hospital for advanced cancer patients, family members and healthcare professionals.

Methods:

A single-group, non-controlled, mixed methods feasibility study guided by a previously developed logic model. The culturally adapted advance care planning intervention represented a one-time intervention, comprising pre-advance care planning preparation and follow-up consultation. Qualitative interviews explored participants’ view on their involvement in the study. Patients’ medical records were examined to assess intervention fidelity. Findings from both data sets were integrated following analysis.

Results:

N = 29 participants ( n = 10 patients; n = 10 family members and n = 9 healthcare professionals) participated in the intervention, of who 28 completed follow-up interviews. Of the 10 advance care planning interventions delivered, most components ( n = 10/13) were met. Key contextual moderators influencing the intervention feasibility included: (1) resource constraints resulting in increased workload; (2) care decisions informed by relatives’ experiences of care; (3) the requirement for financial and policy support; and (4) a presumption for end-of-life care provision and surrogate decision-making. Six areas of intervention refinement were identified for future research.

Conclusion:

Implementing a culturally adapted advance care planning intervention in an inpatient hospital setting in Taiwan is possible. The participants reported the intervention to be acceptable. However, careful attention to the conceptual underpinning using local primary data is imperative for its success.
Degradation Model for the Tensile Strength of PVC and Rubber Gasket Materials Exposed to Benzene and PCE-Saturated Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Hosseini Payam , Alhomair Sultan , Faeli Zahra , Pour-Ghaz Mohammad , Gabr Mohammed , Knappe Detlef , Parker Cyrus
Published: February 2020

In this paper, a tensile strength degradation model is developed for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe and three rubber gasket materials commonly used in stormwater drains and wet utilities; the degradation model considers exposure to a single contaminant at its saturation level. The contaminant considered included benzene and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) because of their prevalence. The materials considered are unplasticized Polyvinyl chloride (u-PVC) utilized as the pipe material, and three types of rubber gaskets: Polychloroprene (Neoprene-CR), Acrylonitrile (nitrile) butadiene rubber (Buna-N), and fluoroelastomer rubber (FKM—Grade A VitonTM). First, the degradation rates of these materials are experimentally quantified using accelerated testing; then using the experimental results and Williams–Landel–Ferry (WLF) method a degradation model is developed. Finally, a simplified method is introduced to relate the tensile strength degradation of PVC to the penetration rate of the contaminants.
Sensitivity Analysis of Semi-Circular Bending Test using Plackett–Burman Matrix
Authors: Saadeh Shadi , Al-Zubi Yazan , Mahmoud Enad , Renteria David , Mohammad Louay
Published: February 2020

The semi-circular bending (SCB) test is a recently developed test method, adopted by the American Society of Testing and Material (ASTM) as ASTM D8044, to evaluate the cracking resistance of asphalt mixtures. To measure the robustness of the SCB test, a ruggedness test is needed. In this study, the effect of small changes in the key parameters of the test method on the results of the test were numerically investigated. The test method has many variables and set up conditions. Examining all of these parameters would be cumbersome using traditional testing and statistical techniques, as they require a significantly high number of samples. The Plackett–Burman (PB) technique was used to conduct the ruggedness test while reducing the number of tests required. Seven parameters have been examined: notch location, notch depth (low, intermediate and high), air voids, loading rate, and span length. Even using the PB technique, 16 scenarios need to be tested, and each scenario requires three specimens, one for each of the three notch depths. Hence the process requires plenty of time and material. In this study, the SCB test was modeled using a discrete element method (DEM) approach to analyze the fracture behavior of the samples. DEM was used to develop a model that reduced the time and materials required for the SCB test. Results showed that the parameters with most positive effect were intermediate notch depth and notch location, while those with the most negative effect were loading rates and air voids.
Waitlist and post-transplant outcomes in patients listed with intra-aortic balloon pump for heart transplant: United Network for Organ Sharing registry
Authors: Duran Antonio , Nguyen Duc T , Graviss Edward A , Bhimaraj Arvind , Trachtenberg Barry , Hussain Imad , Park Muyng , Estep Jerry D , Suarez Eric E , Guha Ashrith
Published: February 2020

Background:

Intra-aortic balloon pump as bridge-to-transplant (BTT) has been used successfully in patients with refractory cardiogenic shock. However, the waitlist mortality in this population is high and predictors of waitlist mortality in this population are not known. We sought to identify predictors for waitlist mortality in patients listed with intra-aortic balloon pump and risk factors for 1-year mortality after heart transplant in this population.

Methods:

We identified patients listed for heart transplantation with intra-aortic balloon pump in the United Network for Organ Sharing data set from 1994 to 2015. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify predictors of waitlist mortality and 1-year post-transplant mortality.

Results:

From 1945 patients listed with intra-aortic balloon pump, 67.5% (N = 1313) were alive at 1 year and waitlist mortality was 32.5% (N = 632). We found that higher pulmonary vascular resistance, need for inotropes, and need for mechanical ventilation were associated with higher waitlist mortality. Mechanical ventilation and dialysis prior to transplantation were important predictors of 1-year post-transplant mortality.

Conclusion:

Predictors of mortality such as high pulmonary vascular resistance, dialysis dependence, inotrope, and ventilator dependence in patients listed with intra-aortic balloon pump can help us identify those patients that are at high risk of dying prior to a heart transplantation.
Organizational Characteristics and the Adoption of Electronic Health Records Among Nursing Homes in One Southern State
Authors: Felix Holly , Dayama Neeraj , Morris Michael E. , Pradhan Rohit , Bradway Christine
Published: February 2020

Electronic health records (EHRs) can improve quality of care and patient safety, as demonstrated in a variety of health care settings. However, greater use of EHRs in nursing homes (NHs) is needed. To understand which NHs have and have not adopted EHR systems, all federally certified NHs in Arkansas ( n = 223) were surveyed, with 27.9% responding. Non-responders were similar to responders on all characteristics except for staffing skill mix, with responders having a higher skill mix than non-responders. Two thirds of responding Arkansas NHs reported having an EHR system in use (69.8%), while only a few reported no plans for an EHR system (4.8%). NHs with greater resources and in competitive markets were more likely to implement EHR systems. Full implementation across all NHs may require intervention, which should be explored in future research. In addition, future investigation should consider the level of interoperability of EHR systems that are in place among NHs.
Water Shutoffs in Older American Cities: Causes, Extent, and Remedies
Authors: Swain Marian , McKinney Emmett , Susskind Lawrence
Published: February 2020

We highlight a worrisome situation in American cities—rising water bills that growing numbers of residents cannot afford to pay, leading to water shutoffs. A study of each state’s two largest water utilities suggested fifteen million Americans experienced water shutoffs in 2016. We describe how utility responses to financial challenges facing older cities have caused shutoffs that disproportionally hurt low-income customers. We present new data from public records requests illustrating the scale and distribution of shutoffs in Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Detroit, and discuss the potential of income-based pricing to solve the water affordability challenge.
Inmate-on-Inmate Prison Violence in Chile: The Importance of the Institutional Context and Proper Supervision
Authors: Sanhueza Guillermo E. , Pérez Francisca , Candia Jessica , Urquieta María A.
Published: February 2020

In this article, using a quantitative approach, we analyze interpersonal, inmate-on-inmate physical violence in Chilean prisons, using administrative records on collective violence, provided by the Prison Service for the period 2014 to 2017. Violence behind bars is problematic as it threatens inmates’ fundamental rights such as personal safety but also because it undermines efforts to maintain an environment prone to inmates’ social reintegration. Our data showed a sharp increase in the number of collective fights, from 808 in 2014 to more than 4,000 in 2017. In terms of the predictors, being in a private prisons as well as a greater ratio of inmates to guards were associated with increased collective fights for each of the 4 years we examined. Two additional predictors were statistically significant, yet only for 2017: A higher average criminal involvement score and a smaller ratio between inmates/staff were both associated with increased violence. Despite the fact that prison violence has not yet reached the scale or level of brutality that can be seen in other parts of the region (i.e., Brazil), there are signs of concern that authorities should take into account, particularly the rapid increase in collective fights in just a 4-year period and the recent social turmoil that has taken place in Chile, whose impact cannot be seen yet from these data. In terms of recommendations, we suggest that authorities should prioritize efforts in four areas: (a) to gather better data on prison violence, including some reliable data on importation variables (age, criminal history, and nationality); (b) to provide prison guards with tools to anticipate and mediate conflicts; (c) to revise and possibly modify the way prisoners are transferred to different facilities, and (d) in sum, to promote prison environments that can be more legitimate and supportive to inmates’ reintegration.
Teaching Sustainability in Fashion Design Courses Through a Zero-Waste Design Project
Authors: Gam Hae Jin , Banning Jennifer
Published: February 2020

With the increased importance of learning about sustainability in fashion design curriculum, this article reports the teaching zero-waste design in existing fashion design courses that teach skills needed to create and construct garments. This study documents the development and delivery of a zero-waste design project in two different levels of fashion design courses. Data were collected before and after the zero-waste design project implementation. By learning about zero-waste design, students’ interest in sustainable living and fashion and consciousness about generating fabric waste was increased. Written comments about student experiences also supported these findings and indicated that the zero-waste design project positively influenced their awareness of sustainability practices.
β-Amyrin supplementation ameliorates the toxic effect of glycerol in the kidney of rat model
Authors: Hashish EA , Elgaml SA , El-fattah AHA , Shalaby SI , Abdelaziz S
Published: February 2020

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common life-threatening complication. In this study, β-amyrin is hypothesized to exert a potential nephroprotective effect against glycerol-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Thirty-two female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: normal control, β-amyrin treated (50 mg kg−1 body weight) for 14 days, glycerol 25% (10 ml kg−1 BW volume/volume in sterile saline, intramuscular), and β-amyrin + glycerol-treated rats. Assessing kidney function was done through the measurement of serum urea and creatinine (SCr). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis was done to measure the changes in the gap junction protein and intermediate filament proteins (IFPs) messenger RNA (mRNA) levels. Renal tissue histopathology was also observed. Glycerol exhibited significant elevation in the SCr and urea with significant upregulation of connexin43, vimentin, and nestin. The levels of all disrupted parameters were improved by the pre-administration of β-amyrin. The β-amyrin exerts significant improvement of the biochemical parameters with a restoration of the renal tissue histopathological picture. Significant downregulation of the expression levels of the gap junction protein and IFPs mRNA was also seen. Collectively, the administration of β-amyrin showed a promising effect for a protection against glycerol-induced AKI in rats.
Examining Waltzian Structural Logic and Japan’s Security Policy
Authors: Gnanagurunathan A. D.
Published: February 2020

The problematics of a rearming Japan continue to be a jigsaw given its pacifist orientation. Japan had brought about the changes in its security policy citing new security challenges posed by burgeoning China and an unpredictable nuclear North Korea, despite the US nuclear umbrella. This paper investigates as to whether Waltzian structural logic can still explain the changes in Japan’s behaviour in the post-11 September 2001 global order. Japan has used the sanction to participate in collective security to modify its military doctrine for a more active role in the use and deployment of Self-Defence Forces and acquisition of offensive weapons. Yet, despite the prevalence of necessary conditions and, as a result, the increased vulnerability to its security, Japan has not breached the nuclear threshold, as Waltzian structural logic had predicted. Japan only managed to augment its military capabilities and ease the constitutional restrictions on use of force to a certain extent.
Mandibular squamous cell carcinoma in 2 psittacines
Authors: Halley Morgan A. , Stilwell Justin M. , Comolli Jessica R. , Wilkinson Stacey L. , Reavill Drury R. , Divers Stephen , Mayer Joerg , Rissi Daniel R.
Published: February 2020

A unilateral, malformed gnathotheca in a green-winged macaw ( Ara chloropterus) was managed for 16 mo with periodic beak trims. Biopsy of the affected beak did not identify an underlying cause; however, at postmortem examination, a densely cellular neoplasm invaded the mandible from the beak, dissecting and effacing the cortex and trabecular bone and inciting periosteal proliferation. There was no evidence of metastasis. Neoplastic cells were strongly immunopositive for cytokeratin AE1/AE3, consistent with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A black-headed caique ( Pionites melanocephalus) was presented with a similar clinical history, timeline, and gross appearance. Biopsy of the mandibular portion of the lesion resulted in a diagnosis of SCC. Medical management with toceranib at a palliative dose resulted in adverse side effects and was discontinued. Early diagnosis of mandibular SCC may allow for early intervention and development of treatment modalities. Our 2 cases suggest that the mandibular bone, not the beak, may be a preferred biopsy site in the diagnosis of mandibular SCC in psittacines.
Causes of mortality in northern elephant seal pups on San Miguel Island, California
Authors: Spraker Terry R. , Kuzmina Tetiana A. , DeLong Robert L.
Published: February 2020

In February 2015, we conducted a field study of causes of mortality of northern elephant seal ( Mirounga angustirostris) pups on San Miguel Island, California. Autopsies were performed on 18 freshly dead pups. Ages of pups ranged from stillborn to 6–8 wk. Gross and histologic lesions included trauma (9 of 18 pups), multifocal necrotizing myopathy (8 of 18), starvation with emaciation (7 of 18), congenital anomalies (3 of 18), bacterial infections (3 of 18), and perinatal mortality (stillbirths and neonates; 2 of 18). Trauma and emaciation or starvation were the most significant contributors to death. Bacterial infections included hemolytic Escherichia coli isolated from the lungs of 2 pups with pneumonia. Additionally, non-hemolytic Streptococcus sp. and hemolytic E. coli were isolated from the liver of an emaciated pup that had mild multifocal suppurative hepatitis. Other lesions, including a previously described necrotizing myopathy, congenital anomalies, and bacterial infections, were detected concurrently in cases with starvation and/or emaciation or trauma.
Reframing Photovoice: Building on the Method to Develop More Equitable and Responsive Research Practices
Authors: Golden Tasha
Published: February 2020

An increasing focus on health equity across a number of health disciplines is generating more consistent prioritizations of trauma-informed approaches, cultural responsiveness, and community engagement. These foci have heightened interest in photovoice as a participatory research method—particularly in research among vulnerable populations or related to sensitive topics. Photovoice’s ballooning popularity can be traced in part to the alignment of its aims and practices with broad health equity goals; at the same time, its singular status reveals a lack of similarly creative, adaptive methods for use in vulnerable or sensitive contexts. In addition, photovoice is not without its concerning limitations, and its increasing usage warrants not only caution, but responsive innovation. To that end, this article draws on the extensive photovoice literature, as well as on the author’s own work at the intersections of public health and the arts, to offer an overview of four photovoice limitations and related concerns. It then highlights the method’s untapped potential by identifying under-researched qualities in need of development—noting these as opportunities to learn from (and further adapt) the photovoice method. Finally, the article pulls limitations and benefits together to frame photovoice as a basis for the continued innovation, study, and development of more equitable approaches to health research and practice.