bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why Is an Early Start of Training Related to Musical Skills in Adulthood? A Genetically Informative Study
Authors: Wesseldijk Laura W. , Mosing Miriam A. , Ullén Fredrik
Published: December 2020

Experts in domains such as music or sports often start training early. It has been suggested that this may reflect a sensitive period in childhood for skill acquisition. However, it could be that familial factors (e.g., genetics) contribute to the association. Here, we examined the effect of age of onset of musical training on musical aptitude and achievement in professional musicians ( n = 310) and twins ( n = 7,786). In line with previous literature, results showed that an earlier age of onset was associated with higher aptitude and achievement in both samples. After we adjusted for lifetime practice hours, age of onset was associated only with aptitude ( p < .001; achievement: p > .14). Twin analyses showed that the association with aptitude was fully explained by familial factors. Thus, these findings provide little support for a sensitive period for music but highlight that familiar factors play an important role for associations between age of onset of training and skills in adulthood.
Theory-of-Mind Development in Young Deaf Children With Early Hearing Provisions
Authors: Yu Chi-Lin , Stanzione Christopher M. , Wellman Henry M. , Lederberg Amy R.
Published: December 2020

Deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children born to hearing parents have profound theory-of-mind (ToM) delays, yet little is known about how providing hearing assistance early in life, through cochlear implants and hearing aids, influences their ToM development. We thus addressed (a) whether young DHH children with early hearing provision developed ToM differently than older children did in previous research and (b) what ToM understandings characterize this understudied population. Findings from 84 three- to six-year-old DHH children primarily acquiring spoken language demonstrated that accumulated hearing experience influenced their ToM, as measured by a five-step ToM scale. Moreover, language abilities mediated this developmental relationship: Children with more advanced language abilities, because of more time using cochlear implants and hearing aids, had better ToM growth. These findings demonstrate the crucial relationships among hearing, language, and ToM for DHH children acquiring spoken language, thereby addressing theoretical and practical questions about ToM development.
Ephedrine attenuates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats through NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Shi Chanhong , Li Jianhong , Li Jianwei
Published: December 2020

The inflammation and immune responses are critical in ischemic stroke and contribute to aggravated brain damage. Ephedrine was reported to play an important role in the control of inflammatory responses. This study was to investigate the repairing effects and potential mechanisms of ephedrine on cerebral ischemic injury in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia. The rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury was established using the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) method and then rats were treated with ephedrine (5 and 10 mg/kg) for 7 days. The neurobehavioral progression was assessed using the neurological scoring method. The pathology of brain tissue was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The infarct volume was examined by triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. The apoptosis in ischemic brain tissues was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Inflammatory factors were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Gene quantification and protein expression were detected by real-time PCR and western blot, respectively. Ephedrine treatment significantly alleviated the cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, evidenced by decreased neurological deficit score, infarct volume and water content. Ephedrine also decreased autophagy and apoptosis in brain tissues. Moreover, ephedrine treatment significantly reduced inflammatory responses, associating with decreasing the protein expression of p-NF-κB. These results demonstrated neuroprotective properties of ephedrine and highlighted it as a new potential anti-inflammatory agent against injury of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion.
Social media before domestic courts in Europe: An analysis of free speech cases
Authors: Psychogiopoulou Evangelia , Casarosa Federica
Published: December 2020

Social media arose as a way to communicate with friends, but it evolved to become a significant medium through which individuals exercise their right to free speech. At the same time, social media has raised a variety of challenges for fundamental rights. Whereas national and supranational legislators play a key role in terms of governing social media, court decisions are a test-bed for the protection of fundamental rights in a social media context. This article seeks to shed light on the social media jurisprudence of constitutional and supreme courts in a selected set of EU Member States. It examines in particular the contribution of national judiciaries to the protection of freedom of expression online and its balancing with other rights and interests in a social media setting. The focus is on cases that concern political speech, cases that examine the application of safeguards for the press on social media, and cases that reflect upon the impact of social media on legacy media regulation, that is, regulation for the mass media from the pre-digital age. The analysis identifies key trends in domestic judicial reasoning and shows the importance of fundamental rights as an interpretative tool for judicial decision-making on social media standards.
A Quasi-Experimental Study on Training Child Welfare Workers on Youth Sexual Health
Authors: Combs Katie Massey , Taussig Heather
Published: December 2020

Purpose:

This quasi-experimental pilot study evaluated the preliminary efficacy of training designed to increase child welfare workers’ ( N = 156) knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to communicating with youth involved in the child welfare system about sexual and reproductive health (SRH).

Method:

Preintervention and 3-month follow-up survey data were collected from intervention participants ( n = 69) who registered for a sexual health training and comparison participants ( n = 87) who registered for other child welfare trainings.

Results:

Participants in the SRH training showed more positive behavioral beliefs, self-efficacy, and knowledge of SRH compared to date- and region-matched comparison participants at the 3-month follow-up; there was no difference between the groups on intentions or past month communication with clients regarding SRH.

Conclusion:

Findings suggest that although SRH training may be effective in changing child welfare workers’ attitudes about SRH, additional efforts may be needed to alter intentions and behaviors.
A Participatory, State–Community–Academic Model to Improve Pregnancy Outcomes in Texas: The Healthy Families Initiative
Authors: Patel Divya A. , Salahuddin Meliha , Valerio Melissa , Elerian Nagla , Matthews Krystin J. , McGaha Paul , Nelson Robert , Lakey David L.
Published: December 2020

Background

While the Texas infant mortality rate (IMR) is below the Healthy People 2020 objective (5.7 per 1,000 live births), stark differences in IMR are seen across Texas communities. Health indicators for the state suggest important missed opportunities for improving maternal and infant outcomes. The Healthy Families initiative was a collaboration between a Texas state agency, community partners, and academic institutions to understand how evidence-based interventions could be identified, adapted, and implemented to address community priorities and reduce disparities in pregnancy outcomes.

Method

The Healthy Families initiative included two Texas counties, one with low utilization of prenatal care and one with persistent disparities in infant mortality. The model served to (1) identify community factors influencing IMR and maternal morbidity through stakeholder engagement and secondary data, (2) build community capacity to link pregnant women with existing and newly developed services, and (3) develop partnerships within the community and clinics to improve access to and sustainability of services.

Results

A community-based participatory approach focused on stakeholder engagement was used to identify, design, and adapt strategies to address community-identified priorities.

Conclusions

The Healthy Families initiative is a unique state–community–academic partnership aimed at improving pregnancy outcomes in vulnerable communities, with a focus on promotion of capacity building, maintenance, and sustainability of maternal and infant health programs.
Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell implantation in patients with optic atrophy
Authors: Kahraman Neslihan Sinim , Öner Ayşe
Published: December 2020

Background:

Optic nerve cells can be irreversibly damaged by common various causes. Unfortunately optic nerve and retinal ganglion cells have no regenerative capacity and undergo apoptosis in case of damage. In this study, our aim is to investigate the safety and efficacy of suprachoroidal umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) implantation in patients with optic atrophy.

Methods:

This study enrolled 29 eyes of 23 patients with optic atrophy who were followed in the ophthalmology department of our hospital. BCVA, anterior segment, fundus examination, color photography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were carried out at each visit. Fundus fluorescein angiography and visual field examination were performed at the end of the first, third, sixth months, and 1 year follow-up.

Results:

After suprachoroidal UC-MSCs implantation there were statistically significant improvements in BCVA and VF results during 12 months follow-up ( p < 0.05). When we evaluate the results of VF tests, the mean deviation (MD) value at baseline was −26.11 ± 8.36 (range −14.18 to −34.41). At the end of the first year it improved to −25.01 ± 8.73 (range −12.56 to −34.41) which was statistically significant ( p < 0.05). When we evaluate the mean RNFL thickness measurements at baseline and at 12 month follow-up the results were 81.8 ± 24.9 μm and 76.6 ± 22.6 μm, respectively. There was not a significant difference between the mean values ( p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Stem cell treatment with suprachoroidal implantation of UCMSCs seems to be safe and effective in the treatment for optic nerve diseases that currently have no curative treatment options
A novel video overlay guided enlargement of area of ILM peeled versus inverted flap technique: A long-term study in large macular holes
Authors: Boral Subhendu Kumar , Agarwal Deepak , Das Arnab , Chakraborty Debdulal , Sinha Tushar Kanti
Published: December 2020

Background/Aim:

To compare the intra-operative video overlay guided enlargement of Area of ILM peeled (AIP) more than three Disc Diameter (DD) versus the inverted flap technique in large (>400 µm ) Full Thickness Macular Holes (FTMH).

Methods:

Retrospectively, 127 cases of large FTMHs divided into two groups (i) Group A ( n = 62)—intra-operative video-overlay guided enlargement of AIP > 3DD performed and (ii) Group B ( n = 65)—Inverted flap technique was done. Mean Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA), hole closure rate and postoperative foveal anatomy were noted on Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).

Results:

Mean Minimal Diameter of Macular Hole (MDMH) were 632.05 ± 146.62 µm (A) and 677.24 ± 152.08 µm (B). Hole closure rate were 93.55% (A) and 96.92% (B). Mean preoperative BCVA was 1.07 ± 0.37 Log MAR (A) and 0.94 ± 0.23 Log MAR (B). Mean postoperative BCVA at 3 months were 0.73 ± 0.22 Log MAR (A) and 0.83 ± 0.24 Log MAR (B). One-way ANOVA test showed statistically better visual improvement in Group A at 3 months ( p = 0.02), 6 months ( p = 0.045), 12 months ( p = 0.002), and 24 months ( p = 0.011). Chi square test revealed Type I pattern of hole closure was statistically more in Group B ( p < 0.001). Delayed Recovery of Outer Retinal Layers was more in group B (Pearson Chi square test, p = 0.039).

Conclusion:

Anatomically, macular hole closure rate as well as closure pattern was better in Group B. But functional improvement was better in Group A.
Femtosecond laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) yields better results than transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (Trans-PRK) for correction of low to moderate grade myopia
Authors: Gershoni Assaf , Reitblat Olga , Mimouni Michael , Livny Eitan , Nahum Yoav , Bahar Irit
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (Trans-PRK) with femtosecond laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) for the correction of low to moderate myopia.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study design was used. The study group included patients with myopia less than −6.0 D, with or without concomitant astigmatism under 2.0 D, who were treated with FS-LASIK or Trans-PRK in 2013 through 2014. Background, clinical and outcome data were collected from the patient files. A comparison between eyes treated with FS-LASIK or Trans-PRK was performed.

Results:

The Trans-PRK group was comprised of 1793 eyes and the FS-LASIK group of 666 eyes. Mean ± SD spherical equivalent (SE) refraction prior to surgery was −3.43 ± 1.27 D in the Trans-PRK group and −3.18 ± 1.34 D in the FS-LASIK group ( p < 0.001). Efficacy index values were 0.95 ± 0.14 in the Trans-PRK group and 0.98 ± 0.12 in the FS-LASIK group ( p < 0.001), and corresponding safety index values were 0.96 ± 0.13 and 0.99 ± 0.12 ( p < 0.001). Distance from target refraction was 0.45 ± 0.42 D in Trans-PRK group and 0.43 ± 0.38 D in the FS-LASIK group ( p = 0.537); 71.6% and 74.2% of eyes were within ±0.5 D of attempted correction, respectively ( p = 0.193)

Conclusions:

Both Trans-PRK and FS-LASIK demonstrated excellent results, mostly comparable with the current literature. FS-LASIK achieved better results than Trans-PRK surgery in the efficacy and safety parameters.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the Oral Cavity: Implications for Antibiotic Prophylaxis and Surveillance
Authors: Donkor Eric S , Kotey Fleischer CN
Published: December 2020

The oral cavity harbors a multitude of commensal flora, which may constitute a repository of antibiotic resistance determinants. In the oral cavity, bacteria form biofilms, and this facilitates the acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes through horizontal gene transfer. Recent reports indicate high methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriage rates in the oral cavity. Establishment of MRSA in the mouth could be enhanced by the wide usage of antibiotic prophylaxis among at-risk dental procedure candidates. These changes in MRSA epidemiology have important implications for MRSA preventive strategies, clinical practice, as well as the methodological approaches to carriage studies of the organism.
Korean American Smokers’ Perspectives on Mobile Smoking Cessation Applications
Authors: Moon Joonwoo , Rigg Julaine S , Smith Janice E
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

The primary purpose of this research is to investigate the adoption process of mobile smoking cessation apps for Korean American smokers with the eventual purpose of proposing a new combined model of smartphone smoking cessation adoption.

Methods:

From September 2018 to March 2019, a total of 227 Korean American smokers responded to surveys regarding the effectiveness of mobile applications for smoking cessation. A path analysis was used to analyze the predictors of adopting and using smoking cessation applications available via smartphones.

Results:

Perceived benefits and self-efficacy were important factors for influencing the perceived usefulness of a smoking cessation mobile app. Moreover, the perceived usefulness of a smoking cessation mobile app was also positively related to intention to use a smoking cessation mobile app.

Conclusion:

Although mobile smoking cessation apps can help many individuals quit smoking, most Korean American smokers are not current users of smoking cessation mobile apps. Therefore, there is a strong need to use strategic evidence-based communication interventions for promoting the widespread adoption of smoking cessation applications.
Tools and Techniques Used With Robotic Devices to Quantify Upper-Limb Function in Typically Developing Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dobri Stephan CD , Ready Hana M , Davies Theresa Claire
Published: December 2020

Background:

Robotic devices have been used to quantify function, identify impairment, and rehabilitate motor function extensively in adults, but less-so in younger populations. The ability to perform motor actions improves as children grow. It is important to quantify this rate of change of the neurotypical population before attempting to identify impairment and target rehabilitation techniques.

Objectives:

For a population of typically developing children, this systematic review identifies and analyzes tools and techniques used with robotic devices to quantify upper-limb motor function. Since most of the papers also used robotic devices to compare function of neurotypical to pathological populations, a secondary objective was introduced to relate clinical outcome measures to identified robotic tools and techniques.

Methods:

Five databases were searched between February 2019 and August 2020, and 226 articles were found, 19 of which are included in the review.

Results:

Robotic devices, tasks, outcome measures, and clinical assessments were not consistent among studies from different settings but were consistent within laboratory groups. Fifteen of the 19 articles evaluated both typically developing and pathological populations.

Conclusion:

To optimize universally comparable outcomes in future work, it is recommended that a standard set of tasks and measures is used to assess upper-limb motor function. Standardized tasks and measures will facilitate effective rehabilitation.
Serum ceramide levels are altered in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Filippatou Angeliki G , Moniruzzaman Mohammed , Sotirchos Elias S , Fitzgerald Kathryn C , Kalaitzidis Grigorios , Lambe Jeffrey , Vasileiou Eleni , Saidha Shiv , Prince Jerry L , Haughey Norman , Calabresi Peter A , Bhargava Pavan
Published: December 2020

Background:

Sphingolipids are myelin components and inflammatory signaling intermediates. Sphingolipid metabolism may be altered in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), but existing studies are limited by small sample sizes.

Objectives:

To compare the levels of serum ceramides between PwMS and healthy controls (HCs) and to determine whether ceramide levels correlate with disability status, as well as optical coherence tomography (OCT)-derived rates of retinal layer atrophy.

Methods:

We performed targeted lipidomics analyses for 45 ceramides in PwMS ( n = 251) and HCs ( n = 68). For a subset of PwMS, baseline and 5-year Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) assessments ( n = 185), or baseline and serial spectral-domain OCT ( n = 180) were assessed.

Results:

Several ceramides, including hexosylceramides, lactosylceramides, and dihydroceramides, were altered in PwMS compared with HCs. Higher levels of Cer16:0 were associated with higher odds of EDSS worsening at 5 years in univariable (odds ratio (OR) = 3.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.41–10.43) and multivariable analyses accounting for age, sex, and race (OR = 2.97, 95% CI = 1.03–8.59). Each 1 ng/mL higher concentration of Hex-Cer22:0 and DH-HexCer22:0 was associated with accelerated rates (μm/year) of ganglion cell + inner plexiform layer (–0.138 ± 0.053, p = 0.01; –0.158 ± 0.053, p = 0.003, respectively) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thinning (–0.305 ± 0.107, p = 0.004; –0.358 ± 0.106, p = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion:

Ceramide levels are altered in PwMS and may be associated with retinal neurodegeneration and physical disability.
Evidence of subclinical quantitative retinal layer abnormalities in AQP4-IgG seropositive NMOSD
Authors: Filippatou Angeliki G , Vasileiou Eleni S , He Yufan , Fitzgerald Kathryn C , Kalaitzidis Grigorios , Lambe Jeffrey , Mealy Maureen A , Levy Michael , Liu Yihao , Prince Jerry L , Mowry Ellen M , Saidha Shiv , Calabresi Peter A , Sotirchos Elias S
Published: December 2020

Background:

Prior studies have suggested that subclinical retinal abnormalities may be present in aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G (AQP4-IgG) seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), in the absence of a clinical history of optic neuritis (ON).

Objective:

Our aim was to compare retinal layer thicknesses at the fovea and surrounding macula between AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD eyes without a history of ON (AQP4-nonON) and healthy controls (HC).

Methods:

In this single-center cross-sectional study, 83 AQP4-nonON and 154 HC eyes were studied with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Results:

Total foveal thickness did not differ between AQP4-nonON and HC eyes. AQP4-nonON eyes exhibited lower outer nuclear layer (ONL) and inner photoreceptor segment (IS) thickness at the fovea (ONL: −4.01 ± 2.03 μm, p = 0.049; IS: −0.32 ± 0.14 μm, p = 0.029) and surrounding macula (ONL: −1.98 ± 0.95 μm, p = 0.037; IS: −0.16 ± 0.07 μm, p = 0.023), compared to HC. Macular retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL: −1.34 ± 0.51 μm, p = 0.009) and ganglion cell + inner plexiform layer (GCIPL: −2.44 ± 0.93 μm, p = 0.009) thicknesses were also lower in AQP4-nonON compared to HC eyes. Results were similar in sensitivity analyses restricted to AQP4-IgG+ patients who had never experienced ON in either eye.

Conclusions:

AQP4-nonON eyes exhibit evidence of subclinical retinal ganglion cell neuronal and axonal loss, as well as structural evidence of photoreceptor layer involvement. These findings support that subclinical anterior visual pathway involvement may occur in AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD.
COVID-19 and the gender health paradox
Authors: Bambra Clare , Albani Viviana , Franklin Paula
Published: December 2020

This article examines gender-based health inequalities arising from the COVID-19 pandemic by drawing on insights from research into the ‘gender health paradox’. Decades of international research shows that, across Europe, men have shorter life expectancies and higher mortality rates than women, and yet, women report higher morbidity. These gender-based health inequalities also appear to be evident within the pandemic and its aftermath. The article starts by providing an overview of the ‘gender health paradox’ and the biological, social, economic and political explanations for it. It then outlines the international estimates of gender-based inequalities in COVID-19 morbidity and mortality rates – where emerging data suggests that women are more likely to be diagnosed with COVID-19 but that men have a higher mortality rate. It then explores the longer term consequences for gender-based health inequalities of the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the impacts of government policy responses and the emerging economic crisis, suggesting that this might lead to increased mortality amongst men and increased morbidity amongst women. The essay concludes by reflecting on the pathways shaping gender-based health inequalities in the COVID-19 pandemic and the responses needed to ensure that it does not exacerbate gender-based health inequalities into the future.
Maternal depression symptoms during the first 21 months after giving birth
Authors: Rosander Michael , Berlin Anita , Forslund Frykedal Karin , Barimani Mia
Published: December 2020

Aims:

The first year after childbirth involves a major transition for women, which can accentuate inadequacies and feelings of powerlessness, making them vulnerable to depression. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and frequency of maternal postpartum depressive symptoms at different times after giving birth (0–21 months).

Methods:

Data were collected cross-sectionally using a web questionnaire containing the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). A total of 888 mothers with children in the age range 0–21 months responded.

Results:

The results showed different levels of depression over the range of months included in the study. The overall prevalence using EPDS ⩾ 12 was 27.8%. There were higher levels at 9–12 months and 17–21 months. The highest levels of symptoms of depression were found at nine, 12, and 17 months after birth, and the lowest levels at two and 16 months.

Conclusions:

Many mothers experience symptoms of depression after giving birth that can continue well beyond the child’s first year. We have identified different levels of depression at different points in time after giving birth, with highs and lows throughout the first 21 months. This highlights a need to screen for depression more than once during the first years, as well as a closer cooperation between midwives and child healthcare nurses in supporting mothers in the transition to motherhood. This is an important aspect of public health, which not only involves mothers with symptoms of depression, but also their ability to care for their child and a possible negative impact on the child’s development.
The Lagrange interpolation for He’s frequency formulation
Authors: Shen Yue
Published: December 2020

Nonlinear oscillators arise everywhere in engineering, and though there are many analytical methods available, a fast and accurate estimation of the frequency–amplitude relationship is much needed in practical applications. He’s frequency formulation meets this requirement, but the local points are chosen randomly. In this paper, the Gaussian interpolation points are adopted, making He’s method more mathematically rigorous and physically reliable. The cubic-quintic Duffing equation is used for comparison, and an excellent result is obtained.
Entrepreneurship: A theory for no theory for now
Authors: Arend Richard J
Published: December 2020

We discuss the impediments to theorizing about entrepreneurial activity, why these exist, and what to do about them. We do so because we believe that the evolution of theory in entrepreneurship has been frustratingly slow. We approach the relevant issues from an appropriate but narrow perspective—through the analysis of two pairs of recent articles published in the generalist top theory outlet—the Academy of Management Review. We consider these as exemplars of high-quality, high-visibility, likely-to-be-highly-cited, and new entrepreneurship theorizing. All four articles focus on original partial theory-building in the entrepreneurial process. These articles address different challenges facing different individual entrepreneurs, with many similarities in approach. However, each work argues its new propositions or insights from a non-entrepreneurial reference theory, which may well be one of the sacrifices that must be made to get published in top mainstream journals. We focus on the similarities of these articles to argue our points about why theorizing in our field is unlikely to improve in the near future and to identify the main impediments to such improvements. We explore the negative implications for our field’s future, and then we suggest five bold steps to better the prognostication.
Experience With Anti-PD-1 Antibody, Camrelizumab, Monotherapy for Biliary Tract Cancer Patients and Literature Review
Authors: Shen Tian , Zheng Shanhua , Geng Lei , Liu Zhengtao , Xu Jun , Lin Bingyi , Qian Junjie , Zheng Shusen
Published: December 2020

Background:

Novel immunotherapy is one of the options for advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC) patients who are traditionally intolerant to chemotherapy. However, clinical evidence for single immunotherapy with pembrolizumab or nivolumab is limited. The present study assessed the safety and efficiency of the anti-PD-1 antibody, camrelizumab, as monotherapy in patients with unresectable or recurrent BTC.

Methods:

A retrospective evaluation was conducted among 4 patients with BTC, including 2 with intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma (ICC), one with extrahepatic bile duct cancer, and one with gallbladder cancer. The patients with unresectable or recurrent BTC were refractory or intolerant to gemcitabine plus cisplatin treatment regimens and received at least one intravenous dose (3 mg/kg) of camrelizumab monotherapy every 3 weeks. Gene sequencing analysis was also performed for biomarker screening. Patient reaction was evaluated according to modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumor (RECIST) version 1.1, progression-free survival (PFS), and toxicity.

Results:

In this cohort, 1 patient with recurrent ICC had a positive response to treatment, with a substantial tumor size reduction in liver and lung metastases verified using a radiological test after receiving 3 cycles of camrelizumab. The PFS was 4.9 months. The remaining 3 patients showed no response to treatment and experienced disease progression. RNA sequence analysis didn’t found high expression on genes that related to PD-L1, microsatellite instability, tumor mutation burden, and DNA mismatch repair in these patients. Grade 3 treatment-related adverse event was observed in 1 patient.

Conclusions:

Anti-PD-1 antibody camrelizumab had a manageable safety profile in patients with advanced BTC. This initial assessment of camrelizumab monotherapy provides effective evidence for patients with refractory BTC in biomarker-unselected patients.
Acupuncture for Radiation-Induced Xerostomia in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ni Xixiu , Tian Tian , Chen Dan , Liu Lu , Li Xiao , Li Fengmei , Liang Fanrong , Zhao Ling
Published: December 2020

Background:

Radiation-induced xerostomia is one of the most common symptoms experienced by cancer patients. The aim of our study is to evaluate the preventive and therapeutic effect of acupuncture for radiation-induced xerostomia in cancer patients.

Methods:

Eight databases were searched for all published randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on acupuncture for radiation-induced xerostomia in cancer patients up to December 31, 2019. Manual searching included other conference abstracts and reference lists. Meta-analysis was conducted using Revman V.5.3, and risks of bias for included studies was assessed following the Cochrane Handbook.

Results:

Eight clinical trials (725 participants) were analyzed, and 3 were included in a meta-analysis. All included trials had a high risk of bias, such as selection, performance, and detection bias. Analysis indicated favorable effects of acupuncture regarding the improvement of xerostomia symptoms (MD −3.05, P = 0.02, 95% CI −5.58 to −0.52), compared with sham acupuncture. There were no significant differences between real acupuncture and sham acupuncture regarding the stimulated salivary flow rate (MD 0.37, P = 0.08, 95% CI −0.05 to 0.79) and unstimulated salivary flow rate (MD 0.09, P = 0.12, 95% CI −0.02 to 0.21), which were whole salivary flow rate. Compared with no acupuncture (standard oral care, usual care, or no treatment), acupuncture produced a significant improvement in patient-reported xerostomia, without causing serious adverse effects. However, a Grading of Recommended Assessments analysis revealed that the quality of all acupuncture outcome measures was low.

Conclusion:

The present meta-analysis and systematic review suggests that acupuncture is effective at improving xerostomia symptoms in cancer patients but not at objective salivary flow measurements. The evidence is still limited due to the low quality of the published studies.
From the Editors
Authors: Ray Rashawn , Rojas Fabio
Published: December 2020

Contexts editors Rashawn Ray and Fabio Rojas introduce the fall issue, a special issue on pandemics.
Suburban Struggles Muted, During COVID-19
Authors: Lewis-McCoy R. L’Heureux , D’Andrea Martinez Pamela
Published: December 2020

“Understanding the struggles of communities of color in the containment zone of New Rochelle, New York, can help us better understand the far-reaching impacts of the tangle of the pandemics of COVID-19 and state violence.”
Co-Production of Care During COVID-19
Authors: Andersen Ditte , Kirkegaard Sine , Toubøl Jonas , Carlsen Hjalmar Bang
Published: December 2020

This feature article explores how Danish authorities have worked to secure public health in cooperation with citizens, companies, and civil society organizations amid an unfolding pandemic.
Gentrification, Social Networks, and COVID-19
Authors: Pothen John Matthew
Published: December 2020

Adding new connections to your in-person social network could rightly be seen as a risk as we live in a time in which relationships often connote risk and are viewed as a means for the novel coronavirus to spread. This article details the story of how one Georgia neighborhood banned together to support it's older residents.
How Privilege Shaped the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Li Kelin , Shakib Sohaila
Published: December 2020

For centuries, the have and have nots have been distant from one another both socially and spatially. This is also how privilege shaped the COVID-19 pandemic.
White Allyship Means a Transfer of Power
Authors: Levine-Rasky Cynthia , Ghaffar-Siddiqui Sabreena
Published: December 2020

The conspicuous shift in public opinion on issues of race, branded in 2019 as the “Great Awokening,” has reached an all-time high with protests in over 140 U.S. cities after Floyd’s murder of May 25, 2020. But will the current resurgence in protests lead to enduring change?
Healthcare Bias and Discrimination
Authors: Torres Stacy , Torres Erica
Published: December 2020

Stacy Torres and Erica Torres on Healthcare Bias.
Beyond Window Rainbows: Collecting Children’s Culture in the COVID Crisis
Authors: Patterson Monica Eileen , Friend Rebecca
Published: December 2020

As COVID-19 dramatically alters the museum sector, museums and archives are implementing collection initiatives that will have tremendous influence over how the pandemic is understood and remembered. As collections experts, museums are leading the charge to document, collect, and interpret our current circumstances as they unfold in real time, relying more than ever on public participation and crowd-sourcing. A key development in such rapid-response collecting has been the interest in and solicitation of contributions that document the current crisis. Yet, initiatives that target young people remain few and far between, and often reproduce romanticized and reified understandings of children and childhood that reflect a longer history of excluding children’s voices from museum collections and society at large. This paper will explore museums’ collection of children’s culture in various forms with attention to the epistemological and ethical challenges that such initiatives entail. We argue that children are crucial citizens whose knowledge, perspectives, and experiences must be collected and preserved during this historic moment and beyond, in ways that attend to the particular circumstances they face as multiply marginalized museum constituents and members of society.
The Effect of Commuting Time on Job Stress in Obese Men With Different Exercise Frequency in China
Authors: Zhu Zhenjun , Chen Hongsheng , Chen Junlan , Ma Jianxiao , He Yudong
Published: December 2020

Previous studies have mainly focused on the independent impact of commuting time, exercise, and stress on people. There are few studies regarding the impact of the combined effect of multiple factors on special populations such as obese people. As obesity has become increasingly widespread in China, we studied the impact of commuting time on work stress on Chinese obese men (who exercise regularly vs. who exercise irregularly). We performed a secondary retrospective analysis of the cross-sectional data from the 2014 China Labor Force Dynamics Survey. We found that long commute times and less exercise have a positive effect on the increase in stress, but the effect is less evident for people who exercise regularly. Commuters traveling on foot are more stressed than those traveling by car. This study also found that commuting time had a significant impact on the perceived work stress of obese men who exercised irregularly. But the relationship between commuting time and work stress was different among groups with different commuting styles. For obese men who commuted on foot or motorcycle, commuting time had a significant impact on their job stress. However, for obese men who commuted by bicycle, bus, or car, commuting time had no significant effect on job stress. Additionally, active and passive commuting have different effects on stress. Active commuters tend to be more stressed, while passive commuters do not show a significant impact.
Systematic Review of Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Hemiresection Interposition Arthroplasty Materials
Authors: Spiteri Michelle , Giele Henk
Published: December 2020

Background

Osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint is a common condition. Various management options and surgical procedures have been described to treat symptomatic cases. Many systematic reviews examine aspects of thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis treatment, although none solely examines the outcomes of trapezial partial resection and interposition arthroplasty in stage II to III patients in detail, yet this technique is of growing interest as surgeons seek more nuanced, tailored approaches for osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint.

Methods

A systematic review of the thumb carpometacarpal joint hemiresection and interposition arthroplasty was performed with pain assessment as a primary outcome measure and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and reoperation rate as secondary outcome measures. A search was performed between 2004 and 2019 using MEDLINE, Embase, and PubMed. Preferred Reporting Items and Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used.

Results

Twenty-nine articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final review. Pain relief and improved PROMs were described in all the articles using this technique with all the interposition materials. Materials such as polyurethane urea matrix and poly-l/d-lactide scaffold had higher complication rates. Revision rates varied and were highest with the polyurethane urea matrix.

Conclusions

This review shows that hemiresection interposition arthroplasty is a useful technique and provides symptomatic benefit in patients with Eaton-Littler stage II and III osteoarthritis. Revision surgery rates due to persistent pain and instability were higher with the use of implants. Larger and long-term studies of this technique using autologous or more bioinert materials and implants are required to assess duration of symptomatic benefit.
Third-Party Effects in Stakeholder Interviews
Authors: Beresford Melissa , Jones J. Leah , Bausch Julia C. , Williams Clinton F. , Wutich Amber , Porter Sarah , Quimby Barbara , Eaton Weston M. , Brasier Kathryn J.
Published: December 2020

This paper examines the effect of having a third-party scientific expert present in stakeholder interviews. The study was conducted as part of a larger project on stakeholder engagement for natural resource management in the Verde Valley region of Arizona. We employed an experimental design, conducting stakeholder interviews both with and without an identified scientific expert present. Our sample consisted of 12 pairs of interviewees (24 total participants) who we matched based on their occupation, sex, and spatial proximity. For each pair, the scientific expert was present as a third party in one interview and absent in the other. We used a word-based coding strategy to code all interview responses for three known areas of sensitivity among the study population (risk, gatekeeping, and competence). We then performed both quantitative and qualitative analyses to compare responses across the two interview groups. We found that the presence of a scientific expert did not have a statistically significant effect on the mention of sensitive topics among stakeholders. However, our qualitative results show that the presence of a scientific expert had subtle influences on the ways that stakeholders discussed sensitive topics, particularly in placing emphasis on their own credibility and knowledge. Our findings indicate that researchers may be able to pursue collaborative, interdisciplinary research designs with multiple researchers present during interviews without concerns of strongly influencing data elicitation on sensitive topics. However, researchers should be cognizant of the subtle ways in which the presence of a third-party expert may influence the credibility claims and knowledge assertions made by respondents when a third-party expert is present during stakeholder interviews.
Rolling bearing fault diagnosis based on probabilistic mixture model and semi-supervised ladder network
Authors: Ding Xu , Lu Xuesong , Wang Dong , Lv Qingzhou , Zhai Hua
Published: December 2020

Fault diagnosis of rolling bearings is of great significance to ensure the production efficiency of rotating machinery as well as personal safety. In recent years, machine learning has shown great potential in signal feature extraction and pattern recognition, and it is superior to traditional fault diagnosis methods in dealing with big data. However, most of the current intelligent diagnostic methods are based on the ideal conditions that bearing data set and label information are sufficient, which are often not always available in engineering practice. In response to this problem, this paper proposes to use probabilistic mixture model (PMM) to approximate the data distribution of the bearing signal, and then use Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm to sample the probabilistic model to expand the fault data set. In addition, Semi-supervised Ladder Network (SSLN) can achieve the effect of supervised learning classifier with only a few labeled samples. Based on Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) Bearing Database, the recognition accuracy of the proposed PMM-SSLN model can reach 99.5%, and the experimental results show that this model is applicable to the case where both bearing data set and label information are insufficient.
Pre-fenestration endovascular repair of aortic diseases in patients with zone 2 segment: A single-center experience
Authors: Zhang Yu-Jing , Bai Lei , Wang Liang , Shi Hong-Rui , Liu Jiang-Long , Ma Fu-Zhen , Guo Shu-Ping , Li Xiao-Dong
Published: December 2020

Objective

The present study aims to analyze the outcomes of three cases of pre-fenestration and branch stent-graft endovascular repair of aortic disease with zone 2 aortic lesions.

Methods

From August 2017 to June 2018, three patients with zone 2 aortic lesions underwent thoracic endovascular repair with innominate artery, left common carotid artery, and left subclavian artery recannulation using pre-fenestration and branched stent-grafts to preserve the patency of the aortic arch branches.

Results

The technical success rate was 100%. One patient had a proximal type I endoleak with no need for additional treatment. The overall mortality was 0%. All branches were patent. The follow-up period lasted for 2–15 months, with one patient lost to follow-up. There were no conversions to open surgical repair, aortic rupture, paraplegia, or retrograde type A aortic dissection.

Conclusion

The use of a pre-fenestration and branch stent-graft for the thoracic endovascular repair of zone 2 aortic lesions is a feasible and effective method for aortic arch branch revascularization. The risk of this surgical procedure is high, requiring significant expertise. The procedure should be conducted only in experienced centers. Durability concerns should be assessed in future studies with long-term follow-up.
Difference of copy number variation in blood of patients with lung cancer
Authors: Heo Yeonjeong , Heo Jeongwon , Han Seon-sook , Kim Woo Jin , Cheong Hyun Sub , Hong Yoonki
Published: December 2020

Background:

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Copy number variation (CNV) in several genetic regions correlate with cancer susceptibility. Hence, this study evaluated the association between CNV and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the peripheral blood.

Methods:

Blood samples of 150 patients with NSCLC and 150 normal controls were obtained from a bioresource center (Seoul, Korea). Through an epigenome-wide analysis using the MethylationEPIC BeadChip method, we extracted CNVs by using an SVS8 software-supplied multivariate method. We compared CNV frequencies between the NSCLC and controls, and then performed stratification analyses according to smoking status.

Results:

We acquired 979 CNVs, with 582 and 967 copy-number gains and losses, respectively. We identified five nominally significant associations (ACOT1, NAA60, GSDMD, HLA-DPA1, and SLC35B3 genes). Among the current smokers, the NSCLC group had more CNV losses and gains at the GSDMD gene in chromosome 8 ( P=0.02) and at the ACOT1 gene in chromosome 14 ( P=0.03) than the control group. It also had more CNV losses at the NAA60 gene in chromosome 16 ( P=0.03) among non-smokers. In the NSCLC group, current smokers had more CNV gains and losses at the ACOT1 gene in chromosome 14 ( P=0.003) and at HLA-DPA1 gene in chromosome 6 ( P=0.02), respectively, than non-smokers.

Conclusion:

Five nominally significant associations were found between the NSCLC and CNVs. CNVs are associated with the mechanism of lung cancer development. However, the role of CNVs in lung cancer development needs further investigation.
Differentiation of the 50B11 dorsal root ganglion cells into NGF and GDNF responsive nociceptor subtypes
Authors: Dusan Matusica , Jastrow Canlas , Alyce Martin M , Yingkai Wei , Shashikanth Marri , Andelain Erickson , Christine Barry M , Stuart Brierley M , Oliver Best G , Michael Michael Z , Nicolas Voelcker H , Damien Keating J , Rainer Haberberger V
Published: December 2020

The embryonic rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neuron-derived 50B11 cell line is a promising sensory neuron model expressing markers characteristic of NGF and GDNF-dependent C-fibre nociceptors. Whether these cells have the capacity to develop into distinct nociceptive subtypes based on NGF- or GDNF-dependence has not been investigated. Here we show that by augmenting forskolin (FSK) and growth factor supplementation with NGF or GDNF, 50B11 cultures can be driven to acquire differential functional responses to common nociceptive agonists capsaicin and ATP respectively. In addition, to previous studies, we also demonstrate that a differentiated neuronal phenotype can be maintained for up to 7 days. Western blot analysis of nociceptive marker proteins further demonstrates that the 50B11 cells partially recapitulate the functional phenotypes of classical NGF-dependent (peptidergic) and GDNF-dependent (non-peptidergic) neuronal subtypes described in DRGs. Further, 50B11 cells differentiated with NGF/FSK, but not GDNF/FSK, show sensitization to acute prostaglandin E2 treatment. Finally, RNA-Seq analysis confirms that differentiation with NGF/FSK or GDNF/FSK produces two 50B11 cell subtypes with distinct transcriptome expression profiles. Gene ontology comparison of the two subtypes of differentiated 50B11 cells to rodent DRG neurons studies shows significant overlap in matching or partially matching categories. This transcriptomic analysis will aid future suitability assessment of the 50B11 cells as a high-throughput nociceptor model for a broad range of experimental applications. In conclusion, this study shows that the 50B11 cell line is capable of partially recapitulating features of two distinct types of embryonic NGF and GDNF-dependent nociceptor-like cells.