bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Filum Terminale Ependymoma in an Infant with Meningocele
Authors: Huh Andrew , Archer Jacob , Gondim Mercia , Ackerman Laurie L. , Fulkerson Daniel
Published: January 2020

This report describes a case of an ependymoma found in the setting of tethered cord syndrome. We present a 3-month-old girl with prenatal diagnosis of lumbar meningocele who later underwent tethered cord release. After birth, she was neurologically intact and only found to have a skin-covered meningocele. An MRI was obtained and significant for low-lying conus terminating at L5, a focal syrinx, and Chiari II malformation. She underwent an elective meningocele repair and resection of thickened filum for tethered cord release at 3 months of age. Unexpectedly, microscopic evaluation of the filum was consistent with a small focus of ependymoma in addition to the filum tissue. Previous case reports have suggested a link between thickened filum in the setting of spinal dysraphism and myxopapillary ependymoma, but to our knowledge, this is the first report of ependymoma in the setting of tethered cord syndrome.
Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis in a Patient with Pancreatic Cancer Responding to Nab-Paclitaxel plus Gemcitabine
Authors: Ceccon Garry , Wollring Michael , Brunn Anna , Deckert Martina , Waldschmidt Dirk , Fink Gereon R. , Galldiks Norbert
Published: January 2020

Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis is an extremely rare, but devastating complication in pancreatic cancer patients with a poor prognosis despite multimodal treatment. We present a 51-year-old male patient with the very rare condition of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis originating from pancreatic cancer. He presented to our hospital with severe headache and neck stiffness 30 months after systemic chemotherapy. Cerebral and spinal MRI as well as cerebrospinal fluid examination confirmed the diagnosis of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis. The patient responded to gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel in terms of elimination of tumor cells from the CSF and concurrent clinical improvement for 3 months. The observed findings suggest that the combination of gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel is potentially effective in affected cerebrospinal fluid of pancreatic carcinoma patients.
Ulinastatin Inhibits the Formation and Progression of Experimental Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Li Gang , Zhou Hua , He Yuxiang , Sun Shunji , Wu Xuejun , Yuan Hai
Published: January 2020

Aims: Aortic mural inflammatory damage takes a vital part in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Recently, ulinastatin (UTI) has attracted attention for its anti-inflammatory function. Our study aimed to evaluate potential influences of UTI on experimental AAA. Methods: A mouse model of AAA was induced by infusion of porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) into the abdominal aorta. Mice were treated with UTI (50,000 U/kg/day i.p.) beginning either immediately or on the 4th day after PPE infusion, with treatment being continued until the 14th day. UTI effects were assessed by aortic diameter measurements and aortic histopathological analysis. Results: Significant and time-dependent aortic diameter enlargement persisted in the control mice from day 0. In the UTI group, aortic diameter increased, and depletion of aortic mural smooth muscle cells and elastin was significantly ­attenuated. Simultaneously, mural CD68+ macrophages, CD8+ T-cell and B220+ B-cell density, as well as neoangiogenesis were suppressed by UTI. In addition, delayed UTI treatment could still effectively limit aneurysm expansion. Conclusions: UTI treatment limits the formation and growth of experimental AAA, and UTI may be a potential treatment for early AAA disease.
Preclinical Validation of a Single-Scan Rest/Stress Imaging Technique for
13
N-Ammonia Positron Emission Tomography Cardiac Perfusion Studies
Authors: Guehl Nicolas J. , Pelletier-Galarneau Matthieu , Wooten Dustin W. , Guerrero J. Luis , Kas Aurélie , Normandin Marc D. , Fakhri Georges El , Alpert Nathaniel M.
Published: January 2020

Background:

We previously proposed a technique for quantitative measurement of rest and stress absolute myocardial blood flow (MBF) using a 2-injection single-scan imaging session. Recently, we validated the method in a pig model for the long-lived radiotracer
18
F-Flurpiridaz with adenosine as a pharmacological stressor. The aim of the present work is to validate our technique for
13
NH
3
.

Methods:

Nine studies were performed in 6 pigs; 5 studies were done in the native state and 4 after infarction of the left anterior descending artery. Each study consisted of 3 dynamic scans: a 2-injection rest-rest single-scan acquisition (scan A), a 2-injection rest/stress single-scan acquisition (scan B), and a conventional 1-injection stress acquisition (scan C). Variable doses of adenosine combined with dobutamine were administered to induce a wide range of MBF. The 2-injection single-scan measurements were fitted with our nonstationary kinetic model (MGH2). In 4 studies,
13
NH
3
injections were paired with microsphere injections. MBF estimates obtained with our method were compared with those obtained with the standard method and with microspheres. We used a model-based method to generate separate rest and stress perfusion images.

Results:

In the absence of stress (scan A), the MBF values estimated by MGH2 were nearly the same for the 2-radiotracer injections (mean difference: 0.067±0.070 mL·min
−1
·cc
−1
, limits of agreement: [−0.070 to 0.204] mL·min
−1
·cc
−1
), showing good repeatability. Bland-Altman analyses demonstrated very good agreement with the conventional method for both rest (mean difference: −0.034±0.035 mL·min
−1
·cc
−1
, limits of agreement: [−0.103 to 0.035] mL·min
−1
·cc
−1
) and stress (mean difference: 0.057±0.361 mL·min
−1
·cc
−1
, limits of agreement: [−0.651 to 0.765] mL·min
−1
·cc
−1
) MBF measurements. Positron emission tomography and microsphere MBF measurements correlated closely. Very good quality perfusion images were obtained.

Conclusions:

This study provides in vivo validation of our single-scan rest-stress method for
13
NH
3
measurements. The
13
NH
3
rest/stress myocardial perfusion imaging procedure can be compressed into a single positron emission tomography scan session lasting less than 15 minutes.
Contemporary Trends and Outcomes of Percutaneous and Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Cancer
Authors: Guha Avirup , Dey Amit K. , Arora Sameer , Cavender Matthew A. , Vavalle John P. , Sabik Joseph F. , Jimenez Ernesto , Jneid Hani , Addison Daniel
Published: January 2020

Background

Patients with cancer and severe aortic stenosis are often ineligible for surgical aortic valve replacement (
SAVR
). Patients with cancer may likely benefit from emerging transcatheter aortic valve replacement (
TAVR
), given its minimally invasive nature.

Methods and Results

The
US
‐based National Inpatient Sample was queried between 2012 and 2015 using
International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification
(
ICD‐9‐CM
), codes to identify all hospitalized adults (aged ≥50 years), who had a primary diagnosis of aortic stenosis. We examined the effect modification of cancer on the relative use rate, outcomes, and dispositions associated with propensity‐matched cohort
TAVR
versus
SAVR
. Overall, 47 295
TAVRs
(22.6% comorbid cancer) and 113 405
SAVRs
(15.2% comorbid cancer) were performed among admissions with aortic stenosis between 2012 and 2015. In the year 2015, patients with cancer saw relatively higher rates of
TAVR
use compared with
SAVR
(relative use rate
TAVR
versus relative use rate
SAVR
, 67.8% versus 57.2%;
P
<0.0001). Among patients with cancer,
TAVR
was associated with lower odds of acute kidney injury (odds ratio, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.54–0.75) and major bleeding (odds ratio, 0.44; 95%
CI
, 0.38–0.51]), with no differences in in‐hospital mortality and stroke compared with
SAVR
. In addition,
TAVR
was associated with higher odds of home discharge (odds ratio, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.68–2.19) compared with
SAVR
among patients with cancer. Lower risk of acute kidney injury was noted in cancer versus noncancer (
P
<0.001) undergoing
TAVR
versus
SAVR
in effect modification analysis.

Conclusions

TAVR
use has increased irrespective of cancer status, with a greater increase in cancer versus noncancer. In patients with cancer, there was an association of
TAVR
with lower periprocedural complications and better disposition when compared with patients undergoing
SAVR
.
Changes in Cardiovascular Biomarkers With Breast Cancer Therapy and Associations With Cardiac Dysfunction
Authors: Demissei Biniyam G. , Hubbard Rebecca A. , Zhang Liyong , Smith Amanda M. , Sheline Karyn , McDonald Caitlin , Narayan Vivek , Domchek Susan M. , DeMichele Angela , Shah Payal , Clark Amy S. , Fox Kevin , Matro Jennifer , Bradbury Angela R. , Knollman Hayley , Getz Kelly D. , Armenian Saro H. , Januzzi James L. , Tang W. H. Wilson , Liu Peter , Ky Bonnie
Published: January 2020

Background

We examined the longitudinal associations between changes in cardiovascular biomarkers and cancer therapy–related cardiac dysfunction (
CTRCD
) in patients with breast cancer treated with cardotoxic cancer therapy.

Methods and Results

Repeated measures of high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs‐
cTnT
),
NT
‐pro
BNP
(N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide), myeloperoxidase, placental growth factor, and growth differentiation factor 15 were assessed longitudinally in a prospective cohort of 323 patients treated with anthracyclines and/or trastuzumab followed over a maximum of 3.7 years with serial echocardiograms.
CTRCD
was defined as a ≥10% decline in left ventricular ejection fraction to a value <50%. Associations between changes in biomarkers and left ventricular ejection fraction were evaluated in repeated‐measures linear regression models. Cox regression models assessed the associations between biomarkers and
CTRCD
. Early increases in all biomarkers occurred with anthracycline‐based regimens. hs‐
cTnT
levels >14 ng/L at anthracycline completion were associated with a 2‐fold increased
CTRCD
risk (hazard ratio, 2.01; 95%
CI
, 1.00–4.06). There was a modest association between changes in
NT
‐pro
BNP
and left ventricular ejection fraction in the overall cohort; this was most pronounced with sequential anthracycline and trastuzumab (1.1% left ventricular ejection fraction decline [95%
CI
, −1.8 to –0.4] with each
NT
‐pro
BNP
doubling). Increases in
NT
‐pro
BNP
were also associated with
CTRCD
(hazard ratio per doubling, 1.56; 95%
CI
, 1.32–1.84). Increases in myeloperoxidase were associated with
CTRCD
in patients who received sequential anthracycline and trastuzumab (hazard ratio per doubling, 1.28; 95%
CI
, 1.04–1.58).

Conclusions

Cardiovascular biomarkers may play an important role in
CTRCD
risk prediction in patients with breast cancer who receive cardiotoxic cancer therapy, particularly in those treated with sequential anthracycline and trastuzumab therapy.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/
. Unique identifier:
NCT
01173341.
Five new species of Lamiogethes Audisio & Cline from China (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae: Meligethinae)
Authors: LIU MEIKE , YANG XINGKE , HUANG MIN , CLINE ANDREW RICHARD , SABATELLI SIMONE , AUDISIO PAOLO
Published: January 2020

Five new species of the genus Lamiogethes Audisio & Cline are described from western, central and southern China: L. falcatus sp. n. (Sichuan), L. hastipenis sp. n. (Hubei), L. sagittalis sp. n. (Shaanxi), L. unditibiis sp. n. (Chongqing), and L. limaelytralis sp. n. (Sichuan). The first four new species appear to be morphologically related to Lamiogethes ancestor (Kirejtshuk, 1980) (comb. n.) from Central China, and allied taxa. Lamiogethes limaelytralis sp. n. appears to be more isolated, probably with relationships to the recently described L. forcipenis Liu, Huang, Cline & Audisio, 2017 and L. convexistrigosus Liu, Huang, Cline & Audisio, 2017 from Sichuan. All new species differ from other closely related taxa by details of the body shape and color, as well as the shape of the male and/or female genitalia.
Sponges from Doumer Island, Antarctic Peninsula, with description of new species of Clathria (Axosuberites) Topsent, 1893 and Hymeniacidon Bowerbank, 1858, and a re-description of H. torquata Topsent, 1916
Authors: FERNANDEZ JULIO C.C. , BRAVO-GÓMEZ DIEGO , CÁRDENAS CÉSAR A. , HAJDU EDUARDO
Published: January 2020

Antarctic sponges were mainly studied from trawling or dredging (shallow and deep water) during pioneering oceanographic expeditions carried out since the late 19th century. More recently, sponge collections by SCUBA diving have allowed the detection of species in more cryptic habitats such as rocky walls. In this study, we analyzed Antarctic sponges collected by SCUBA (in 2016 to 2018; shallower than 25 m) around Doumer Island (Palmer Archipelago, Western Antarctic Peninsula—WAP), where only five sponge species have been known. We gathered over 215 specimens, most part identified; 18 known species and one new species. Clathria (Axosuberites) retamalesi sp. nov., is set apart from its congeners on account of the combination of its habit, categories and dimensions of spicules. The East Antarctic material named as Hymeniacidon spec. (3397 m depth) from the Gauss scientific collection has been related to the shallow species H. torquata Topsent, 1916. We described H. torquata based in several specimens (n= 51) from Doumer Island (WAP), only ca. 41 km from Petermann Island (the type locality). Spicules of H. torquata are smaller than the ones present in the Hymeniacidon spec. material, which is here named Hymeniacidon hentscheli sp. nov., since it does not fit into any known cold water species of Hymeniacidon from Antarctica or the Southern Hemisphere, due to a combination of habit, oscula shape, and spicule dimensions. Only five sponge species were previously known from Doumer Island, also collected by SCUBA. Our findings suggest that the ongoing study of collections of sponges assembled at Doumer Island will still yield new taxonomic findings.
A new species of Hippomonavella (Bryozoa: Cheilostomata) from the Holocene and Recent of Argentina and Uruguay (Southwest Atlantic)
Authors: LÓPEZ-GAPPA J. , LIUZZI M.G. , PEREYRA C.
Published: January 2020

Hippomonavella charrua n. sp. is introduced based on material from the continental shelf off Uruguay. Bilaminar fragments of this species were also found in mid-Holocene deposits of Destacamento Río Salado Member, Canal de las Escobas Formation (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina), ca. 6,000 yr BP. Hippomonavella charrua n. sp. resembles H. brasiliensis Ramalho, Muricy & Taylor, 2008, but differs from this species in its more triangular and protruding avicularia occurring in just a small proportion of zooids. Hippomonavella charrua n. sp. is the third species of the genus with both fossil and Recent representatives. The tatiform ancestrula and the early astogeny are described for the first time in a species of Hippomonavella.
2. Evolutions of the Representation of the Eastern Mediterranean in the Hellenistic Period
Authors: Kowalski Jean-Marie
Published: January 2020

Studying the evolutions of the representation of the Eastern Mediterranean in the Hellenistic period is a quite challenging task. There is a substantial lack of evidence and in some cases, the granularity of the manuscript sources is quite poor. Moreover, the quality of information varies from one source to another. Nevertheless, by comparing these sources we create a context within which to examine the different ways Cyprus was integrated within the network of maritime routes. The calculation of the length of these routes is unsurprisingly based on an asymmetrical representation of space, but a closer look reveals the importance of seasonality to navigation. The winds blow from sharply different directions in summer and in winter, so it was sometimes impossible to sail certain routes, and a statistical assessment demonstrates that some were much more frequently sailed in summertime than in winter. Lastly, the variety of landscapes around Cyprus makes it necessary to focus on the different kinds of landmarks, and what makes them products of their environment.
Synthesis and Densification of Nano-Sized W Powders Prepared by Hydrogen Reduction of Ball-Milled WO3 Powders
Authors: Han Ju-Yeon , Kang Hyunji , Jeong Young-Keun , Oh Sung-Tag
Published: January 2020

The synthesis and consolidation of nano-sized W powders are attempted with the combination process of hydrogen reduction of ball-milled WO3 powder and spark plasma sintering. The reduction behavior of WO3 is analyzed by temperature-programmed reduction. The reaction
peaks for reduction of WO3 are observed in the temperature range of 590–782 °C. XRD and TEM analysis reveals that oxide powder is changed to metallic W with an average particle size of 100 nm by hydrogen reduction at 900 °C for 1 h. The densified specimen by spark
plasma sintering at 1700 °C under an applied pressure of 50 MPa using nano-sized W powder shows increased relative density compared with that using micron-sized W powder. The results suggested that the W bulk with increased relative density fine microstructure can be fabricated by spark
plasma sintering of hydrogen-reduced WO3 powder, more effectively.
Simultaneous Synthesis and Consolidation of Nanostructured ZrB2–ZrO2 Composite
Authors: Kim Seong-Eun , Yoon Jin-Kook , Shon In-Jin
Published: January 2020

A dense nanostructured 2ZrB2–ZrO2 composite was synthesized by the high-frequency inductionheated combustion synthesis (HFIHCS) method within 2 min in one step from mechanically activated powders of 2B2O3 and 3Zr. Simultaneous combustion
synthesis and densification were accomplished under the combined effects of the induced current and mechanical pressure. A highly dense 2ZrB2–ZrO2 composite with relative density of up to 95.5% was produced under the simultaneous application of a pressure of 80
MPa and the induced current. The average grain size and mechanical properties (hardness and fracture toughness) of the composite were investigated.
The Effect of BN Reinforcement on the Mechanical Properties of Nanostructured Al2O3 Ceramics
Authors: Kim Seong-Eun , Cho Woo-Jin , Yoon Jin-Kook , Shon In-Jin
Published: January 2020

In spite of many attractive properties, the low fracture toughness of Al2O3 ceramic below ductilebrittle transition temperature limits its wide application in industry. One of the most obvious methods to improve the fracture toughness has been to add reinforcing
compounds to fabricate nanostructured composite materials. In this respect, BN was evaluated as the reinforcing agent of Al2O3 ceramics using pulsed current activated sintering (PCAS). Highly dense alumina-BN composites with a relative density of up to 100% were achieved
within short periods (2 min) by PCAS under a 80 MPa pressure. The rapid sintering method allowed the retention of the nanostructure by inhibiting the grain growth. The grain size of alumina was reduced remarkably by the addition of BN. The addition of BN to Al2O3 ceramic
simultaneously improved the hardness and fracture toughness of alumina-BN composite.
Implementation of Synaptic Device Using Various High-k Gate Dielectric Stacks
Authors: Seo Young-Tak , Park Min-Kyu , Bae Jong-Ho , Park Byung-Gook , Lee Jong-Ho
Published: January 2020

We investigate the characteristics of short-term and long-term synaptic plasticity in a Si-based fieldeffect transistor (FET)-type memory device. An Al2O3/HfO2/Si3N4/SiO2 gate dielectric stack is used to realize short-term
and long-term plasticity (STP/LTP). Si3N4 and HfO2 layers are designed to charge trap layer for synaptic device. The mechanism of STP and LTP operation is analyzed by considering the device response to the potentiation and depression pulses and retention measurement
of the memory functionality. To investigate the STP operation, paired pulse facilitation (PPF) measurement is performed. The retention characteristic is also studied to validate the LTP property of the device. By investigating a device with an Al2O3/HfO2/Si3N4
stack as a control device, it is shown that the Al2O3/HfO2/Si3N4/SiO2 stack device is suitable for a synaptic device in neuromorphic systems.
Polyethyleneimine-Functionalized Magnetic Fe3O4 and Nanodiamond Particles as a Platform for Amoxicillin Delivery
Authors: Rouhani Parvaneh , Singh Raj N.
Published: January 2020

Antibiotics are used to treat many infectious diseases such as urinary tract infection. However, the resistance to antibiotic can increase due to the high-dose exposure to the human body. Alternative methods to lower the dosage of the antibiotics and deliver it to the specific organ
are required for a more effective delivery and treatment at much lower dosage. A stable loading of amoxicillin on purified and polyethyleneimine-functionalized nano diamond particles is used along with magnetic nanoparticles for drug delivery in this study. This novel approach is expected
to expand the scope of using nano diamond for targeted drug delivery in which nanodiamond is combined with a ferromagnetic material such as Fe3O4 to deliver a specific drug to a particular site using an external magnetic field. To this end, the synthesis and loading of
the amoxicillin on Fe3O4 nanoparticles and combining it with nanodiamond-polyethyleneimine-amoxicillin is investigated in this research. Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles of cubic spinel structure are synthesized by microwave-assisted techniques, and
different combinations of polyethyleneimine loaded ND and Fe3O4 are studied. It is shown that a structural configuration consisting of the core of magnetic particles with nanodiamond and polyethyleneimine can load 40 mg of amoxicillin and gradually released it in different
media. The results on drug loading and release kinetics are studied and discussed in this paper.
Conflict-related Sexual Violence and Rebel Group Fragmentation
Authors: Nagel Robert Ulrich , Doctor Austin C.
Published: January 2020

To what extent does sexual violence influence rebel group fragmentation? A substantial body of research explores wartime rape as a cohesion-building mechanism following forced recruitment. However, the relationship between sexual violence and broader organizational structural integrity has not been systematically tested. Our study on the effects of sexual violence on rebel group fragmentation provides this test. We argue that sexual violence increases cohesion at the battalion level but increases the risk of fragmentation of the broader organization because lieutenants are more likely to split from organizations if they are confident that their subordinate battalions are cohesive and will follow them. We test this argument on a global sample of 105 rebel organizations active between 1989 and 2014. The results provide robust support for the argument showing sexual violence increases the probability of fragmentation by a factor of six. This presents a crucial contribution to our understanding of sexual violence and rebel group fragmentation.
Motor Skills of 5-Year-Old Children: Gender Differences and Activity and Family Correlates
Authors: Matarma Tanja , Lagström Hanna , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Koski Pasi
Published: January 2020

It is unclear why there may be gender differences in the motor skills of same aged children. We compared motor skill competence of 5-year-old boys and girls ( n = 712) and examined whether variations in time spent in different types of activities and in family-related variables were associated with motor skills. We measured motor skills with the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test, Second Edition short form, and we used parental questionnaires to measure behavioral and family-related variables. Girls outperformed boys on most motor skills tasks, as eight of 14 tests showed statistically significant gender differences ( p <  .001). In addition, drawing or doing handicrafts for 60 minutes or more per day was positively associated with fine motor control ( p <  .001). Father’s higher education was associated with the children’s better body coordination ( p =  .020). Finally, both attending day care ( p =  .017) and outdoor physical activity for 60 minutes or more per day ( p =  .034) were positively associated with strength and agility. We found no associations between manual coordination and either daily activities or family-related variables. Time spent in different activities of young children should be recognized as a means of enhancing the development of fundamental motor skills.
The ebb and flow of psychological contract breach in relation to perceived organizational support: Reciprocal relationships over time
Authors: Griep Yannick , Bankins Sarah
Published: January 2020

Perceived organizational support (POS) is commonly treated as a consequence of perceived psychological contract breach (PCB). However, because both concepts assume a mutual exchange relationship in which each party makes assessments of, and then decides how to reciprocate, the other party’s contributions, this article propounds that the PCB–POS relationship is recursive. By drawing on Conservation of Resources (COR) Theory, the authors argue that following an initial PCB, low levels of POS may then increase the likelihood of perceiving further PCBs through reduced management trust, thus generating a resource loss spiral. By estimating a two-level time-lagged mediation model on weekly data from 338 Canadian employees (1215 observations), the findings support the reciprocal PCB–POS relationship, and show that POS and PCB form a vicious cycle of resource loss. The authors suggest avenues for future research and practical implications relating to the role of time and resources in preventing further exchange deterioration.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy: Randomized Controlled Trial of a Complicated Grief Intervention
Authors: Buck Harleah G. , Cairns Paula , Emechebe Nnadozie , Hernandez Diego F. , Mason Tina M. , Bell Jesse , Kip Kevin E. , Barrison Philip , Tofthagen Cindy
Published: January 2020

Background and Objectives:

Complicated grief (CG) is severe, prolonged (>12 months) grieving. Complicated grief disproportionately affects older adults and is associated with negative physical/psychological effects. Although treatment options exist, those which do are time-intensive. We report on a randomized clinical trial (RCT) which examined whether accelerated resolution therapy (ART), a novel mind-body therapy, is effective in treating CG, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression among hospice informal caregivers.

Research Design and Methods:

Prospective 2 group, wait-listed RCT. All participants were scheduled to receive 4 ART sessions.

Inclusion:

≥60 years, inventory of CG >25, and PTSD checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition >33 or Psychiatric Diagnostic Screen Questionnaire PTSD subscale >5.

Exclusion:

Major psychiatric disorder, other current psychotherapy treatment. Depression was measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression.

Results:

Mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 54 participants was 68.7 (7.2) years, 85% female, and 93% white. Participants assigned to ART reported significantly greater mean (SD) CG reduction (−22.8 [10.3]) versus Wait-list participants (−4.3 [6.0]). Within-participant effect sizes (ESs) for change from baseline to 8-week post-treatment were CG (ES = 1.96 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.45-2.47; P < .0001), PTSD (ES = 2.40 [95% CI: 1.79-3.00]; P < .0001), depression (ES = 1.63 [95% CI: 1.18-2.08; P < .0001). Treatment effects did not substantially differ by baseline symptom levels.

Discussion and Implications:

Results suggests that ART presents an effective and less time-intensive intervention for CG in older adults. However, it should undergo further effectiveness testing in a larger, more diverse clinical trial with a focus on determining physiological or behavioral mechanisms of action.
Militarization of police: a comparison of police paramilitary units in Canadian and the United States
Authors: Cyr K , Ricciardelli Rosemary , Spencer Dale
Published: January 2020

In comparison with Canada, the more pronounced ability to acquire special weapons and tactics (SWAT) equipment in the United States suggests the resulting proliferation of SWAT teams with adequate material resources is likely to continue. This proliferation has stimulated media and public discourses against the “militarization” of police. In Canada, however, the amalgamation of SWAT teams has led to increased standardization in SWAT training, member specialization and protocols of applied practice. We argue that, in comparison with the United States, the proliferation of paramilitary activity is limited in the Canadian policing landscape by public safety governance structures, acquisition processes, and judicial scrutiny. In consequence, Canadian police services are better positioned than their counterparts in the United States to withstand the public scrutiny tied to police tactical responses.
Assessing utility of a lifestyle-based tool in the clinical setting as a primordial prevention strategy: The Healthy Heart Score
Authors: Buls Samantha , Beverly Elizabeth A , Berryman Darlene E , Sotos-Prieto Mercedes
Published: January 2020

Objective

To evaluate the opinions of primary health-care providers and patients regarding the use of the Healthy Heart Score 20-year cardiovascular disease risk assessment tool in the clinical setting.

Methods

Semi-structured in person or phone interviews among 20 patients with no self-reported cardiovascular disease diagnoses and 20 health-care providers in Central (Columbus) and Southeastern (Athens) regions of Ohio. The researchers independently coded transcribed interviews, discussed codes to resolve discrepancies, and agreed on common themes.

Results

Participants suggested ways to best utilize and improve the tool, including adding graphics for visual reference of serving size. Patients showed interest in cardiovascular disease primordial prevention and expressed willingness to take the assessment prior to seeing a health-care provider. Health-care providers said that they would recommend the assessment to their patients and would be willing to use the tool in their practice. Health-care providers stated few barriers to using the tool, yet discussed numerous challenges to successful primordial prevention.

Conclusions

Our findings support the utilization of the Healthy Heart Score as a cardiovascular disease primordial prevention tool in the clinical setting. Additional research implementing the tool into the clinical setting will provide deeper insight into how the tool can impact behavior change and cardiovascular disease prevention.
Imagining GMOs: The Chinese public's scientific perception in the digital age
Authors: Xu Zijing , Lu Ye
Published: January 2020

This exploratory study, which is based on the basic concepts of science communication, conducted in-depth interviews to examine the Chinese public's perceptions of and attitudes towards genetically modified organisms (GMOs). We found that, while scientific knowledge may to some extent be a differentiating factor in attitudes to GMOs, people are subject to significant influence from other information sources. Besides scientific knowledge and scientific literacy, the perception of risks in three dimensions—scientific uncertainty, food safety and conspiracy theories—forms an individual's affective framework for understanding GMOs. The trust framework, which is the regulating mechanism of perception and attitude, plays different roles through institutional trust and interpersonal trust. These tentative conclusions shed new light on how science communication should build the relationship between science and the public in the age of globalization and digitalization.
Platina in the 18th century: mineralogy of the crude concentrate used in the first modern attempts at refining platinum
Authors: Gervilla Fernando , García-Guinea Javier , Capitán-Vallvey Luis Fermín
Published: January 2020

A platina sample brought to Spain in the last quarter of the 18th century is nowadays exhibited at the National Museum of Natural Sciences in Madrid. It originated from the ancient Mineralogical Museum of the School of Applied Chemistry at El Turco Street in Madrid and most probably corresponds to the material used by François Chabaneau for his experiments to purify platinum metal in the late 18th century. The sample is a heavy-mineral concentrate consisting of Pt–Fe alloys and gold nuggets associated with ilmenite–hematite, chromian spinel, goethite and minor quartz, sphene, rutile, magnetite, hornblende, garnet, calcite, pyrite, native bismuth and bismite. The Pt–Fe alloys exhibit a characteristic composition (81.97–90.75 wt.% Pt and 5.08–10.81 wt.% Fe with minor amounts of Cu, Os, Ir, Ru, Rh and Pd) and mineralogy of solid inclusions (abundant inclusions of Ir alloy as well as Os alloy, laurite–erlichmanite, bowieite, tulameenite and undetermined Pt–Pd–Ir–Rh antimonides and tellurides) that are very similar to those Pt–Fe alloys currently mined in western Colombia (the Chocó Department). These features allow us to discuss the provenance of the sample (probably from the proximal or medial reaches of any of the Chocó rivers) and evaluate the suitability of the Chabaneau's method for purifying platina. Our results show that the method became effective only with platina samples depleted or lacking iridium.
HIV-1 CRF01_AE subtype and HIV-1 DNA level among patients with chronic HIV-1 infection: a correlation study
Authors: Lyu Tingxia , Yue Yongsong , Hsieh Evelyn , Han Yang , Zhu Ting , Song Xiaojing , Cao Wei , Lyu Wei , Wang Jianhua , Li Taisheng
Published: January 2020

Background

The impact of HIV-1 subtype (CRF01_AE and non-CRF01_AE) on HIV-1 DNA levels in HIV-1 chronically infected patients with suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains poorly understood. To evaluate the correlation of HIV-1 subtype with DNA level, and identify baseline predictors of HIV-1 DNA decay.

Methods

ART-naïve HIV-1-infected patients from two large multi-center studies in China were classified into CRF01_AE and non-CRF01_AE subtype groups. Peripheral blood samples were collected at baseline and week 12, 24, 48 and 96 after ART initiation and total HIV-1 DNA levels were quantified by real-time PCR. HIV-1 DNA levels at week 96 were categorized into high, moderate, and low levels, reflecting HIV-1 DNA ≥ 3, 2–3, ≤ 2 log10copies/106PBMCs, respectively, and the corresponding proportion of CRF01_AE and non-CRF01_AE subtype were compared. The baseline predictors of low HIV-1 total DNA levels (≤ 2 log10copies/106PBMCs) at week 96 were evaluated using a logistic regression model.

Results

Compared to the non-CRF01_AE subtypes (n = 185), patients with CRF01_AE subtype (n = 188) harboured a higher level of HIV-1 DNA (median: 3.19 vs. 2.95 log10copies/106PBMCs,P < 0.001) prior to treatment. After 96 weeks of ART, HIV-1 DNA levels remained higher in the CRF01_AE subtype group (median: 2.63 vs. 2.39 log10copies/106PBMCs,P = 0.002). There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients achieving high (22.3% vs. 14.6%,P = 0.054), moderate (59.6% vs. 60.5%,P = 0.849) and low levels (18.1% vs 24.9%,P = 0.111) between CRF01_AE and non-CRF01_AE groups. In the multivariable analysis, baseline HIV-1 DNA level and CD4+T cell count but not the subtype were independent risk factors for achieving HIV-1 DNA level ≤ 2 log10copies/106PBMCs.

Conclusion

HIV-1 CRF01_AE subtype is neither correlated with HIV-1 DNA reservoir decline nor a prognostic factor for achieving lower HIV-1 DNA levels (≤ 2 log10copies/106PBMCs) after ART. However, higher HIV-1 DNA level in HIV-1 CRF01_AE patients should be aroused much attention and strengthen surveillance during ART.
A case report of Proteus syndrome (PS)
Authors: Zeng Xiaoyun , Wen Xiaoming , Liang Xinxin , Wang Lina , Xu Lingling
Published: January 2020

Background

Proteus syndrome (PS) is an extremely rare disease characterized by excessive chimeric growth of cells, and progressive and irregular asymmetrical hyperplasia.

Case presentation

Herein, a PS case with atypical clinical features and syndromes was reported, to improve the understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. The case was a 3-year-and-11-month-old male child. He was admitted due to a primary diagnosis of McCune-Albright syndrome. After admission, the lesion samples from the milk coffee spots, and nodular thickening skin at hands and feet were subjected to genetic screening. Genetic testing results confirmed the diagnosis of PS.

Conclusions

Based on the clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, imaging data, and literature reviewing, the etiology, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of PS have been analyzed and discussed.
Utilization of Partograph and its associated factors among midwives working in public health institutions, Addis Ababa City Administration,Ethiopia,2017
Authors: Hagos Azeb Abrham , Teka Eshetu Cherinet , Degu Genet
Published: January 2020

Background

Partograph is cost effective and affordable tool designed to provide a continuous pictorial overview and labour progress used to prevent prolonged and obstructed labour. It consists of key information about progress of labour, fetal condition and maternal condition. Its role is to improve outcomes and predict the progress of labour. The aim of this study was to assess utilization of partograph and its predictors among midwives working in public health facilities, Addis Ababa city administration, Ethiopia, 2017.

Methods

An institution based cross-sectional study design was conducted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 15/10/2017–15/12/2017.Simple random sampling under multistage sampling technique was applied to select a total of 605 midwives working in maternity unit of selected public health facilities. Data were collected using structured self-administered questionnaire. Checklist based direct observations were made to all midwife participants to determine the actual practical use of partograph. Data first entered in to EpiInfo version 3.5.1 and transported to SPSS Version 21.Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and median were calculated. Biviriate and multivariable logistic regression analysis were applied. Any personal identification of the study participants was not recorded during data collection to ensure confidentiality of information.

Results

In this study, the utilization of partograph was 409(69%) out of 594 study participants. Being mentored(AOR = 3.1; 95% CI: 1.7, 5.3),received training (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI:1.5,3.6),being knowledgeable about partograph (AOR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.5), health center workers(AOR = 12.6; 95% CI:5.1,31.6),supportive supervision 4 times per year (AOR = 18.6; 95% CI: 6.6,25),supportive supervision twice per a year (AOR = 4.7; 95% CI: 1.9, 11.3),supportive supervision once per year (AOR =3.8;95% CI:1.7,8.8) were positive predictors of partograph utilization. Two midwives per shift (AOR = 0.101; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.65), and 4 per shift (AOR = 0.105, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.40) were protective predictors of partograph utilization.

Conclusions

More than half of the respondents utilized partograph. All public health institutions avail partograph in their laboring room but didn’t utilize it according to WHO recommended standard. Working facility, supportive supervision, mentoring, training on partograph, number of midwives working per shift, and knowledge were factors affecting partograph utilization. Encouraging interventions are recommended to the response of the above significantly associated factors.
The relative risk of second primary cancers in Switzerland: a population-based retrospective cohort study
Authors:   the NICER Working Group, Feller Anita , Matthes Katarina L. , Bordoni Andrea , Bouchardy Christine , Bulliard Jean-Luc , Herrmann Christian , Konzelmann Isabelle , Maspoli Manuela , Mousavi Mohsen , Rohrmann Sabine , Staehelin Katharina , Arndt Volker
Published: January 2020

Background

More people than ever before are currently living with a diagnosis of cancer and the number of people concerned is likely to continue to rise. Cancer survivors are at risk of developing a second primary cancer (SPC). This study aims to investigate the risk of SPC in Switzerland.

Methods

The study cohort included all patients with a first primary cancer recorded in 9 Swiss population-based cancer registries 1981–2009 who had a minimum survival of 6 months, and a potential follow-up until the end of 2014. We calculated standardized incidence ratios (SIR) to estimate relative risks (RR) of SPC in cancer survivors compared with the cancer risk of the general population. SIR were stratified by type of first cancer, sex, age and period of first diagnosis, survival period and site of SPC.

Results

A total of 33,793 SPC were observed in 310,113 cancer patients. Both male (SIR 1.18, 95%CI 1.16–1.19) and female (SIR 1.20, 95%CI 1.18–1.22) cancer survivors had an elevated risk of developing a SPC. Risk estimates varied substantially according to type of first cancer and were highest in patients initially diagnosed with cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx, Hodgkin lymphoma, laryngeal, oesophageal, or lung cancer. Age-stratified analyses revealed a tendency towards higher RR in patients first diagnosed at younger ages. Stratified by survival period, risk estimates showed a rising trend with increasing time from the initial diagnosis. We observed strong associations between particular types of first and SPC, i.e. cancer types sharing common risk factors such as smoking or alcohol consumption (e.g. repeated cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx (SIRmales 20.12, 95%CI 17.91–22.33; SIRfemales 37.87, 95%CI 30.27–45.48).

Conclusion

Swiss cancer survivors have an increased risk of developing a SPC compared to the general population, particularly patients first diagnosed before age 50 and those surviving more than 10 years. Cancer patients should remain under continued surveillance not only for recurrent cancers but also for new cancers. Some first and SPCs share lifestyle associated risk factors making it important to promote healthier lifestyles in both the general population and cancer survivors.
The protective effect of alcohol consumption on the incidence of cardiovascular diseases: is it real? A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies conducted in community settings
Authors: Yoon Seok-Joon , Jung Jin-Gyu , Lee Sami , Kim Jong-Sung , Ahn Soon-ki , Shin Ein-Soon , Jang Ji-Eun , Lim Sang-Hyun
Published: January 2020

Background

This study investigated the dose-response relationship between alcohol consumption and CVD incidence, conducting a meta-analysis of studies focusing on residents from local communities. Further, we examined whether light to moderate alcohol consumption had a protective effect on CVD incidence through a sub-group analysis.

Methods

This study conducted a meta-analysis of the relationship between alcohol consumption and CVD incidence, selecting journals published up to December 2017. The alcohol consumption level was classified into non-consumers, light (0.01–10.0 g/day), light to moderate (10.1–20.0 g/day), moderate (20.1–40.0 g/day), moderate to high (40.1–60.0 g/day), and high (> 60.0 g/day) groups. The sub-group analysis was conducted according to the number of comorbidities and age.

Results

Seven articles were selected in total for the meta-analysis. The mean Newcastle-Ottawa scale score was 8.14 points, suggesting studies were of high quality. There was a J-shaped dose-response relationship between alcohol consumption level and CVD incidence only in men. In general, light to moderate and moderate consumption lowered CVD incidence (Relative risk (RR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] was 0.68 [0.57–0.81] and 0.72 [0.58–0.90], respectively). In men with 3–4 comorbidities, there were no protective effects of light to moderate and moderate consumption on CVD incidence. In either groups of only men or men and women there were protective effects of light to moderate and moderate consumption on CVD incidence only in those aged between 41 and 65.

Discussion

We found that light to moderate and moderate alcohol consumption had a protective effect on CVD incidence, there was no protective effect either in those with at least three comorbidities or people aged 40 or younger.

Conclusions

We conclude that not all local community residents experience a protective effect of light to moderate consumption on CVD incidence. As such, it is necessary to recommend a moderate amount of drinking or less for each individual.
Comprehensive molecular characterization of inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) for therapeutic targeting in cancer
Authors: Liang Jianfeng , Zhao Wanni , Tong Pan , Li Ping , Zhao Yuanli , Li Hua , Liang Jun
Published: January 2020

Background

Inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) are a family of antiapoptotic proteins modulating cell cycle, signal transduction and apoptosis. Dysregulated IAPs have been reported to contribute to tumor progression and chemoresistance in various cancers. However, existing studies were sporadic and only focus on one specific cancer with one particular gene in the IAPs family. A systematic investigation on the co-expression pattern, regulation frameworks on various pathways, prognostic utility on patient outcomes, and predictive value on drug sensitivity among all the IAPs across multiple tumor types was lacking.

Methods

Leveraging The Cancer Genome Atlas data with comprehensive genomic characterizations on 9714 patients across 32 tumor types and the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer data with both genomic characterizations and drug sensitivity data on > 1000 cell lines, we investigated the co-expression pattern of IAPs, their regulations of apoptosis as well as other pathways and clinical relevance of IAPs for therapeutics development.

Results

We discovered diverse expression pattern among IAPs, varied spectrum of apoptosis regulations through IAPs and extensive regulations beyond apoptosis involving immune response, cell cycle, gene expression and DNA damage repair. Importantly, IAPs were strong prognostic factors for patient survival and tumor stage in several tumor types including brain, liver, kidney, breast and lung cancer. Further, several IAPs were found to be predictive of sensitivity to BCL-2 inhibitors (BIRC3, BIRC5, BIRC6, and BIRC7) as well as RIPK1 inhibitors (BIRC3 and BIRC6).

Conclusion

Together, our work revealed the landscape of regulations, prognostic utilities and therapeutic relevance of IAPs across multiple tumor types.