bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatic Portmanteau Tests with Applications to Market Risk Management
Authors: Zhu Guangwei , Du Zaichao , Escanciano Juan Carlos
Published: January 2019

In this article, we review some recent advances in testing for serial correlation, provide code for implementation, and illustrate this code's application to market risk forecast evaluation. We focus on the classic and widely used portmanteau tests and their data-driven versions. These tests are simple to implement for two reasons: First, the researcher does not need to specify the order of the tested autocorrelations, because the test automatically chooses this number. Second, its asymptotic null distribution is chi-squared with one degree of freedom, so there is no need to use a bootstrap procedure to estimate the critical values. We illustrate the wide applicability of this methodology with applications to forecast evaluation for market risk measures such as value-at-risk and expected shortfall.
Accurate detection of selective forwarding attack in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Zhang Qiong , Zhang Wenzheng
Published: January 2019

Selective forwarding attack in wireless sensor networks shows great impact on network performance and consumes limited energy resource. In previous countermeasures, it is assumed that all nodes in the communication range can detect misbehaviors of the attacker. However, as wireless devices require certain signal-to-noise ratio to receive frames correctly, and interference among nodes is inevitable in densely deployed wireless sensor networks, it is very difficult for previous approaches to detect misbehaviors accurately. In this article, a scheme named E-watchdog is proposed to improve accuracy of selective forwarding attack detection. Detection agents that are closer to the attacker are used to detect misbehaviors, which can improve the detection accuracy and reduce the false alarm rate effectively. Moreover, to prevent collaborative selective forwarding attack, E-watchdog uses reports from more than one detection agents. Fake reports from attackers are filtered out through an election algorithm. Simulation results show that the E-watchdog reduces the false detection rate by 25% and improves the detection accuracy by 10% on the premise of increasing negligible energy consumption.
Robotics facial expression of anger in collaborative human–robot interaction
Authors: Reyes Mauricio E , Meza Ivan V , Pineda Luis A
Published: January 2019

The facial expression of angry emotion can be useful to direct the interaction between agents, especially in unclear and cluttered environments. During the presence of an angry face, a process of analysis and diagnosis is activated in the subject that notices it, which could impact its behavior toward the one who expresses the emotion. In order to study such an effect in human–robot interaction, an expressive robotics face was designed and constructed. The influence of this face on human action and attention was analyzed in two collaborative tasks. Results of a digital survey, experimental interaction, and a questionnaire indicated that anger is the best recognized universal facial expression, has a regulatory effect in human action, and induces human attention when an unclear condition arises during the task. An additional finding was that the prolonged presence of an angry face reduces its impact compared to positive expressions.
Inhibiting STAT3 in a murine model of human breast cancer-induced bone pain delays the onset of nociception
Authors: Linher-Melville Katja , Sharma Manu , Nakhla Peter , Kum Elena , Ungard Robert , Park Ji , Rosa David , Gunning Patrick , Singh Gurmit
Published: January 2019

Aggressive breast cancer subtypes utilize system xc−, a membrane antiporter, to import cystine for glutathione synthesis and maintenance of redox homeostasis, in turn releasing glutamate as a metabolic pro-nociceptive by-product. Metastatic breast cancers establish themselves at distal sites including bone, where changes in extracellular glutamate levels contribute to cancer-induced bone pain. We previously established that stearically blocking system xc− activity with sulfasalazine delays the onset of nociceptive behaviours and that xCT, the functional antiporter subunit, is positively regulated by signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). In the current investigation, a murine xenograft cancer-induced bone pain model was applied to examine whether pharmacological inhibition of phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3) induces changes in nociception. A high glutamate-releasing, xCT/pSTAT3 over-expressing human breast cancer cell line was selected for injection into the distal epiphysis of the right femur of female nude mice. A 14-day regimen of intraperitoneal injections with either vehicle or the novel STAT3 inhibitor DR-1–55 commenced three weeks after initial intrafemoral bone injection. Nociceptive behaviours were temporally monitored by automated von Frey, dynamic weight bearing and open-field testing for the duration of the study, beginning at the baseline. Prior to sacrifice and at ethical end point, tumour-induced osteolytic lesions were radiographically assessed. Treatment with DR-1–55 significantly delayed the onset and severity of spontaneous and induced nociceptive behaviours, also decreasing human SLC7A11 ( xCT) mRNA levels in tumour-bearing limbs without altering osteolysis. In addition, two pro-inflammatory cytokines released by this cell line, interleukin 6 and interleukin 1β, were also down-regulated at the mRNA level in response to DR-1–55 treatment in vivo, with lower human interleukin 6 levels detected in the host circulation. This study demonstrates that targeting pSTAT3 may be a viable therapeutic means to manage cancer-induced bone pain, alone or in combination with stearic system xc− blockers.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for radiation-associated soft-tissue sarcoma: A case report
Authors: Patel Ronak , Hu James , Chopra Shefali , Lee Christopher
Published: January 2019

Radiation-associated sarcomas are rare and aggressive types of sarcomas that can occur after exposure to ionizing radiation. We examine a case of radiation-associated undifferentiated/unclassified soft-tissue sarcoma with primary disease in the chest wall. The optimal treatment of these patients is surgical resection if possible; however, the role of chemotherapy has not been well defined. The patient described herein had a central tumor in the chest wall. Since many of these patients have borderline resectable tumors, the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be helpful to downstage the tumors for possible surgical resection. In this case, doxorubicin plus ifosfamide chemotherapy was employed with a favorable therapeutic effect prior to being resected. To our knowledge this is the first report of greater than 90% necrosis in a patient with radiation-associated undifferentiated/unclassified soft-tissue sarcoma treated with chemotherapy for a borderline resectable mass.
Secondary Data Analysis of the 2012 Peru Demographic and Health Survey Examining Immunization Campaign Participation Among Children Aged 18 to 59 Months
Authors: Cooper Michael Townsend , Carabin Hélène , Thompson David M. , Darden Paul Martin
Published: January 2019

Objective. To evaluate the association between characteristics known to be associated with under-immunization and participation in immunization campaigns among Peruvian children. Methods. This is an analysis of data collected as part of the Peru 2012 Demographic and Health Survey. Analyses were conducted among children in 2 groups: children aged 18 to 29 months among whom core vaccine coverage is typically determined by the Peruvian authorities and children aged 30 to 59 months who may have received the core vaccines at older ages. The associations between relative wealth, location, maternal education, primary maternal language and the outcome, participation in an immunization campaign within the past 2 years were estimated using logistic regression models adjusted for survey design in each age group. Results. For children aged 18 to 29 months, campaign participation was higher if the mother had completed secondary school compared with those not having completed secondary school (27.4% vs 20.1% [prevalence odds ratio (POR) = 1.51 (1.08, 2.13)]). For children aged 30 to 59 months, campaign participation was higher if the mother had completed secondary school (40.4% vs 35.1% [POR = 1.23 (1.02, 1.49)], adjusted for residence) and if the child resided in Lima versus in other urban areas (46% vs 35.4% [POR = 1.52 (1.16, 2.01)], adjusted for maternal education). Relative wealth and mothers’ primary language were not associated with campaign participation. Conclusions. This study suggests that children of mothers with higher education and those residing in Lima had higher prevalence odds of reporting that their children had participated in a vaccination campaign. This contrasts with the populations vaccination campaigns typically target (poor, rural, or indigenous) to improve vaccination coverage.
Development of a Questionnaire to Determine Incidence and Attitudes to “Voluntary Stopping of Eating and Drinking”
Authors: Stängle Sabrina , Schnepp Wilfried , Mezger Mirjam , Büche Daniel , Fringer André
Published: January 2019

Background

“Voluntary stopping of eating and drinking” (VSED) is an option to hasten death at the end of life. There are no data available about incidence of either the explicit VSED or implicit (V)SED nor information about experiences and attitudes of health professionals about VSED in Switzerland.

Aims

To develop, test, and translate a standardized questionnaire that measures the incidence of VSED, and physicians’ and nurses’ experiences about explicit VSED and implicit (V)SED.

Methods

The development of the questionnaire was based on a systematic search, which were updated in 2016. The questionnaire was tested by palliative care specialists using standard pretest and content validity index (CVI). Subsequently, a forward/backward translation was made.

Results

The questionnaire includes 38 items. Feedback of 15 participants in the standard pretest were positive in terms of intelligibility with an average time of 28 minutes. After adjustment, 27 experts validated the items in two rounds. The questionnaire achieves excellent item-CVI values between 0.91 and 1.00 and scale-CVI values of 0.97. The forward/backward translations were each carried out by two independent translators with subsequent building of a consensus through a consultant.

Conclusion

A mulitlingual questionnaire has been developed, which measures the incidence of explicit VSED and implicit (V)SED. This questionnaire is the basis for a Swiss-wide census of all physicians and nurses of outpatient and long-term care.
Changing Pattern of Marriage Among Tribals in Northeast India
Authors: Jeermison R. K. , Sahoo Harihar
Published: January 2019

Population belonging to ‘Scheduled Tribe’ (ST) in India are considered as socio-economically backward section of the society. Tribal display different set of rules regarding inter-tribe and inter-clan marriage. There is a need to understand changing marriage pattern among tribal in North-east India, a region with geographically inaccessible, economically underdeveloped and where a large tribal population resides. Data from Census of India 2001 and 2011, revealed that Singulate Mean Age at Marriage (SMAM) among STs of Northeast is comparatively higher than the ST of India. The spousal age gap has also been decreasing over time. Among the major STs in the Northeast, the SMAM is highest among the Mao, Paomai Naga and among the Tangkhul Nagas of Manipur. Although the Nagas supported early marriage in its lore days, the marriage structure has tremendously changed with dawn of Christianity. Western education brought by Christian Missionaries had great impact on the traditional norms.
What’s in a home? Toward a critical theory of housing/dwelling
Authors: Handel Ariel
Published: January 2019

What is a home/house? How can we bridge between the concepts of a house, as a physical structure, and a home, with its symbolic and human meanings? The paper suggests an outline for a theory of housing/dwelling that considers the multiple facets of homes/houses: a top-down manufactured object, an ideal representation of ontological security, and a site of everyday lives and complex social relations. Combining several philosophical backgrounds—phenomenological dwelling, actor-network theory, Foucault’s dispositive, and Illich’s vernacularity—the home/house is investigated along three layers: (1) housing regime, that is the home/house as part of a broader system of planning, economy, or national goals; (2) critical phenomenology, aimed at finding and describing the gaps between the ideal-home image characterizing a given society and the home/house’s actual behavior; and (3) active dwelling, which regarded this gap as an engine for home-making as a political and agentic process. The theoretical arguments are briefly demonstrated through the case study of Palestinian homes/houses in the Occupied Territories, as political sites of both vulnerability and agency.
Anatomic Reconstruction of Lateral Ankle Ligaments and Both Peroneus Tendons After Open Fracture Dislocation of the Ankle: A Case Report
Authors: Sakurai Ryuta , Fukushi Jun-ichi , Mizu-uchi Hideki , Hanada Masuo , Momii Kenta , Nakashima Yasuharu
Published: January 2019

Extensive soft tissue defects of the ankle are an uncommon but challenging problem that require a combination of reconstructive options. We report the case of a complex injury involving the skin, lateral ankle ligaments, and peroneal tendons that were anatomically reconstructed. A 15-year-old girl was injured in an automobile accident resulting in extensive soft tissue defects and marked instability of her right ankle. The lower two-thirds of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) had segmental defects, and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) was completely torn, and both peroneal longus and brevis tendons were severely damaged. Initial debridement was performed on the day on injury. Two weeks after injury, the ATFL and CFL were reconstructed using a semitendinosus autograft and suture tape augmentation. Both peroneal tendons were reconstructed using a gracilis autograft. The skin defect (10 × 10 cm) was covered with an anterolateral thigh flap. After removing a short leg cast at 3 weeks postoperatively, the patient started range of motion exercises without using any brace. Weightbearing was allowed at 4 weeks. At the 24-month follow-up examination, she had returned to her preoperative level of work and sports activities.
Impacts of thymoglobulin in patients with acute leukemia in remission undergoing allogeneic HSCT from different donors
Authors: Wakamatsu Manabu , Terakura Seitaro , Ohashi Kazuteru , Fukuda Takahiro , Ozawa Yukiyasu , Kanamori Heiwa , Sawa Masashi , Uchida Naoyuki , Ota Shuichi , Matsushita Akiko , Kanda Yoshinobu , Nakamae Hirohisa , Ichinohe Tatsuo , Kato Koji , Murata Makoto , Atsuta Yoshiko , Teshima Takanori
Published: January 2019

Antithymocyte globulin (ATG) is widely used to reduce acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) and chronic GVHD (cGVHD). To clarify the different impacts of ATG for conditioning across different donor types, we retrospectively analyzed patients with acute leukemia (n = 6617) who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation between 2008 and 2015 with ATG (n = 279) or without ATG (n = 6338). Because thymoglobulin is the only ATG drug approved for GVHD prophylaxis in Japan since September 2008, we included thymoglobulin alone in the present analysis. The survivors’ median follow-up time was 1081 days. Patients were categorized into 5 groups: cord blood (CB; n = 1915), matched related donor (n = 1772), 1-antigen mismatched related donor (1-MMRD; n = 225), matched unrelated donor (MUD; n = 1742), and 1-allele mismatched unrelated donor (1-MMUD; n = 963). In multivariate analysis, ATG decreased overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.403; P = .054) and GVHD-free/relapse-free survival (GRFS) (HR, 1.458; P = .053) in association with increased nonrelapse mortality (NRM) (HR, 1.608; P = .03) with CB, whereas it improved GRFS (HR, 0.515; P < .01) and decreased grades II to IV aGVHD (HR, 0.576; P < .01), extensive cGVHD (HR, 0.460; P = .02), and NRM (HR, 0.545; P = .03) with 1-MMUD. ATG did not impact survival with 1-MMRD and MUD. The use of ATG in conditioning is beneficial due to the reduction in acute/chronic GVHD without increasing NRM or disease relapse only in 1-MMUD transplantation. On the other hand, ATG is not recommended for CB transplantation.
Performance prediction of data streams on high-performance architecture
Authors: Gautam Bhaskar , Basava Annappa
Published: January 2019

Worldwide sensor streams are expanding continuously with unbounded velocity in volume, and for this acceleration, there is an adaptation of large stream data processing system from the homogeneous to rack-scale architecture which makes serious concern in the domain of workload optimization, scheduling, and resource management algorithms. Our proposed framework is based on providing architecture independent performance prediction model to enable resource adaptive distributed stream data processing platform. It is comprised of seven pre-defined domain for dynamic data stream metrics including a self-driven model which tries to fit these metrics using ridge regularization regression algorithm. Another significant contribution lies in fully-automated performance prediction model inherited from the state-of-the-art distributed data management system for distributed stream processing systems using Gaussian processes regression that cluster metrics with the help of dimensionality reduction algorithm. We implemented its base on Apache Heron and evaluated with proposed Benchmark Suite comprising of five domain-specific topologies. To assess the proposed methodologies, we forcefully ingest tuple skewness among the benchmarking topologies to set up the ground truth for predictions and found that accuracy of predicting the performance of data streams increased up to 80.62% from 66.36% along with the reduction of error from 37.14 to 16.06%.
Colouring of Pacific barkcloths: identification of the brown, red and yellow colourants used in the decoration of historic Pacific barkcloths
Authors: Flowers T. H. , Smith M. J. , Brunton J.
Published: January 2019

Barkcloth textiles made in the Pacific islands and collected by western explorers in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries form part of many museum collections worldwide. Here high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) were used on cloths that were highly coloured or pigmented specifically focussing on identifying the red, yellow and brown colorants. The cloths studied came from collections held at the Hunterian, University of Glasgow, the Economic Botany Collection, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and the Centre for Textile Conservation and Technical Art History, University of Glasgow. HPLC analysis was carried out following a sequential extraction procedure to minimise changes to the colorants during extraction. A portable XRF was used so no invasive sampling was required. A small number of plant derived colorants were found, Morinda citrifolia, noni (morindin or morindone), Rubia tinctorum (madder), tree tannins and Curcuma longa (turmeric) plus an inorganic colorant, iron oxide. For 40 samples a single colorant was found while in the remaining 12 samples combinations of up to three colorants were found. Madder was found in only 2 samples on the same cloth. The morindone coloured samples were all red whereas morindin samples were both red and yellow. Morindin was used predominantly in combination with other colouring agents. A combination of iron ochre and organic colorant was found in 4 samples. These findings show that despite the numerous potential colorant sources for red, brown and yellow shades listed in the many accounts of historic barkcloth making, only five types of plant colourant and one inorganic pigment were found. There are a number of potential reasons for these findings. Some colours may have faded and so no longer appear coloured. It is also possible that, as some of these cloths were prepared specifically as gifts for visitors or for ceremonial uses, the makers used materials that they knew would retain their integrity over time. Perhaps, like artisans worldwide, experience had taught them that some colorants, although initially bright and vivid, faded over time.
Unveiling Harriet Backer: ICP–OES study for the characterisation of the colour tubes from her original paint box
Authors: Caruso Francesco , Mantellato Sara , Streeton Noëlle L. W. , Frøysaker Tine
Published: January 2019

Micro-samples from 57 original paint tubes used between 1904 and 1909 by the Norwegian painter, Harriet Backer were studied with inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP–OES). This accurate elemental characterisation of Backer’s original materials aims to fill several gaps in conservation science, painting conservation, and art technology. Firstly, it provides a novel and validated analytical method that can be applied to other painting materials. Secondly, ICP–OES offers scientific information about different oil colours from the late 19th to the early 20th century by Dr. Schoenfeld & Co., Düsseldorf, currently known as Lukas–Nerchau, whose archives were depleted during the Second World War. This work also lends new insights into the paintings of a renowned female Norwegian artist, whose painting materials have been little studied to date. ICP–OES results, coupled with a comprehensive, illustrated catalogue of paint tubes, will be instrumental for ongoing scientific investigations of this painter’s body of work.
Imaging vertical interfaces using acoustic time reversal
Authors: Singh Satyan , Curtis Andrew
Published: January 2019

We have developed a novel approach to image vertical structures using multiply scattered waves. This method requires only a smooth seismic velocity model and data recorded at the surface. Previous methods to image near-vertical interfaces or faults using migration methods all require prior information about small-scale details in the seismic velocity model to infer the locations of multiple-scattering wave interactions. We used waves that had their last scattering interaction with near-vertical interfaces, while their other scattering points might be anywhere in the earth, including at the free surface. Our algorithm then images the final scattering point using a time-reversed mirror-style imaging condition, so we refer to the method as time-reversed mirror imaging. Artifacts in the images produced have clear causes and can be filtered out by stacking over shots and including contributions from multiples. Our numerical examples demonstrate the successful application of the method for staircase structures and a section of the Marmousi model. They also reveal a new way to diagnose errors in the smooth or reference velocity model used. In addition, our method can be used to image point scatterers in active seismic surveys or for event location in passive surveys.
Automatic migration velocity estimation for prestack time migration
Authors: Dong Chunhui , Wang Shangxu , Zhang Jianfeng , Ma Jingsheng , Zhang Hao
Published: January 2019

Migration velocity analysis is a labor-intensive part of the iterative prestack time migration (PSTM) process. We have developed a velocity estimation scheme to improve the efficiency of the velocity analysis process using an automatic approach. Our scheme is the numerical implementation of the conventional velocity analysis process based on residual moveout analysis. The key aspect of this scheme is the automatic event picking in the common-reflection point (CRP) gathers, which is implemented by semblance scanning trace by trace. With the picked traveltime curves, we estimate the velocities at discrete grids in the velocity model using the least-squares method, and build the final root-mean-square (rms) velocity model by spatial interpolation. The main advantage of our method is that it can generate an appropriate rms velocity model for PSTM in just a few iterations without manual manipulations. In addition, using the fitting curves of the picked events in a range of offsets to estimate the velocity model, which is fitting to a normal moveout correction, can prevent our scheme from the local minima issue. The Sigsbee2B model and a field data set are used to verify the feasibility of our scheme. High-quality velocity model and imaging results are obtained. Compared with the computational cost to generate the CRP gathers, the cost of our scheme can be neglected, and the quality of the initial velocity is not critical.
Multiattribute analysis for channel element discrimination in the Taranaki Basin, offshore New Zealand
Authors: Amonpantang Phinphorn , Bedle Heather , Wu Jonny
Published: January 2019

A detailed study of Pliocene channel systems within the Taranaki Basin was undertaken from the Parihaka 3D seismic volume to improve our understanding of the Plio-Pleistocene channel elements in terms of structure, channel evolution, and lithology. Seismic picking parameters were chosen based on the lateral resolution for optimal mapping of the channels. Individual and multiattribute studies were performed on single, combined, and complex channel systems with the goal of identifying channel features and discriminating between shale- and sand-rich regions of the channels. For this target and data set, the variance attribute provided key insights into channel features, such as the edge of the channel, meander scrolls, and point bars. Root-mean-square amplitude and sweetness performed equally well in lithology identification, and, combined with variance, it aided in identifying sand-rich channels, as well as small individual channels that could provide sediment pathways into the deepwater Taranaki Basin. Depending on the complexity of the channel system, different attribute analyses had varying success with each system. Therefore, it is important to combine various attributes to discriminate channel elements as fully as possible. The lithologies of individual channels and their elements can be determined using seismic attributes, although it becomes increasingly difficult to discriminate small-scale features within the channel as the complexity of the channel system increases. Chronostratigraphic studies using stratal slicing techniques provided insight into the evolution of the channel system through time, demonstrating an overall sand-rich base of the channel, with a shallower shale-rich lithology at the top of the channel fill.
The replicability of ICD-11 complex post-traumatic stress disorder symptom networks in adults
Authors: Knefel Matthias , Karatzias Thanos , Ben-Ezra Menachem , Cloitre Marylene , Lueger-Schuster Brigitte , Maercker Andreas
Published: January 2019

Background

The ICD-11 includes a new disorder, complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). A network approach to CPTSD will enable investigation of the structure of the disorder at the symptom level, which may inform the development of treatments that target specific symptoms to accelerate clinical outcomes.

Aims

We aimed to test whether similar networks of ICD-11 CPTSD replicate across culturally different samples and to investigate possible differences, using a network analysis.

Method

We investigated the network models of four nationally representative, community-based cross-sectional samples drawn from Germany, Israel, the UK, and the USA (totalN= 6417). CPTSD symptoms were assessed with the International Trauma Questionnaire in all samples. Only those participants who reported significant functional impairment by CPTSD symptoms were included (N= 1591 included in analysis; mean age 43.55 years, s.d. 15.10, range 14–99, 67.7% women). Regularised partial correlation networks were estimated for each sample and the resulting networks were compared.

Results

Despite differences in traumatic experiences, symptom severity and symptom profiles, the networks were very similar across the four countries. The symptoms within dimensions were strongly associated with each other in all networks, except for the two symptom indicators assessing aspects of affective dysregulation. The most central symptoms were ‘feelings of worthlessness’ and ‘exaggerated startle response’.

Conclusions

The structure of CPTSD symptoms appears very similar across countries. Addressing symptoms with the strongest associations in the network, such as negative self-worth and startle reactivity, will likely result in rapid treatment response.

Declaration of interest

A.M. and M.C. were members of the World Health Organization (WHO) ICD-11 Working Group on the Classification of Disorders Specifically Associated with Stress, reporting to the WHO International Advisory Group for the Revision of ICD-10 Mental and Behavioural Disorders. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not represent the official policies or positions of the International Advisory Group or the WHO.
Population-Based Assessment of the Association Between Magnetic Resonance Imaging Background Parenchymal Enhancement and Future Primary Breast Cancer Risk
Authors: Arasu Vignesh A. , Miglioretti Diana L. , Sprague Brian L. , Alsheik Nila H. , Buist Diana S.M. , Henderson Louise M. , Herschorn Sally D. , Lee Janie M. , Onega Tracy , Rauscher Garth H. , Wernli Karen J. , Lehman Constance D. , Kerlikowske Karla
Published: January 2019

PURPOSE

To evaluate comparative associations of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) and mammographic breast density with subsequent breast cancer risk.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We examined women undergoing breast MRI in the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium from 2005 to 2015 (with one exam in 2000) using qualitative BPE assessments of minimal, mild, moderate, or marked. Breast density was assessed on mammography performed within 5 years of MRI. Among women diagnosed with breast cancer, the first BPE assessment was included if it was more than 3 months before their first diagnosis. Breast cancer risk associated with BPE was estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS

Among 4,247 women, 176 developed breast cancer (invasive, n = 129; ductal carcinoma in situ,n = 47) over a median follow-up time of 2.8 years. More women with cancer had mild, moderate, or marked BPE than women without cancer (80% v 66%, respectively). Compared with minimal BPE, increasing BPE levels were associated with significantly increased cancer risk (mild: hazard ratio [HR], 1.80; 95% CI, 1.12 to 2.87; moderate: HR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.51 to 3.86; and marked: HR, 3.41; 95% CI, 2.05 to 5.66). Compared with women with minimal BPE and almost entirely fatty or scattered fibroglandular breast density, women with mild, moderate, or marked BPE demonstrated elevated cancer risk if they had almost entirely fatty or scattered fibroglandular breast density (HR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.19 to 4.46) or heterogeneous or extremely dense breasts (HR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.44 to 4.72), with no significant interaction ( P = .82). Combined mild, moderate, and marked BPE demonstrated significantly increased risk of invasive cancer (HR, 2.73; 95% CI, 1.66 to 4.49) but not ductal carcinoma in situ (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 0.72 to 3.05).

CONCLUSION

BPE is associated with future invasive breast cancer risk independent of breast density. BPE should be considered for risk prediction models for women undergoing breast MRI.
3D-Printed Isoniazid Tablets for the Treatment and Prevention of Tuberculosis—Personalized Dosing and Drug Release
Authors: Öblom Heidi , Zhang Jiaxiang , Pimparade Manjeet , Speer Isabell , Preis Maren , Repka Michael , Sandler Niklas
Published: January 2019

The aim of the present work was to produce 3D-printed oral dosage forms with a sufficient drug dose displaying various release profiles. Hot-melt extrusion was utilized to produce drug-loaded feedstock material that was subsequently 3D-printed into 6, 8, and 10 × 2.5 mm tablets with 15% and 90% infill levels. The prepared formulations contained 30% (w/w) isoniazid in combination with one or multiple pharmaceutical polymers possessing suitable properties for oral drug delivery. Thirteen formulations were successfully hot-melt extruded of which eight had properties suitable for fused deposition modeling 3D printing. Formulations containing HPC were found to be superior regarding printability in this study. Filaments with a breaking distance below 1.5 mm were observed to be too brittle to be fed into the printer. In addition, filaments with high moisture uptake at high relative humidity generally failed to be printable. Different release profiles for the 3D-printed tablets were obtained as a result of using different polymers in the printed formulations. For 8 mm tablets printed with 90% infill, 80% isoniazid release was observed between 40 and 852 min. Drug release characteristics could further be altered by changing the infill or the size of the printed tablets allowing personalization of the tablets. This study presents novel formulations containing isoniazid for prevention of latent tuberculosis and investigates 3D printing technology for personalized production of oral solid dosage forms enabling adjustable dose and drug release properties.
Successful Multimodal Treatment of an IGF2-Producing Solitary Fibrous Tumor With Acromegaloid Changes and Hypoglycemia
Authors: De Los Santos-Aguilar Ramón G , Chávez-Villa Mariana , Contreras Alan G , García-Herrera Juan S , Gamboa-Domínguez Armando , Vargas-Sánchez Joel , Almeda-Valdes Paloma , Reza-Albarrán Alfredo A , Iñiguez-Ariza Nicole M
Published: January 2019

Doege–Potter syndrome with acromegaloid facial changes is extremely rare. Uncooked cornstarch along with glucocorticoids have been used as supportive care in patients with non–islet cell tumor hypoglycemia (NICTH). Preoperative embolization of hepatic solitary fibrous tumors (SFT) with NICTH has yielded unsatisfactory results. Herein we present the case of a 61-year-old man with a 3-month history of severe frequent hypoglycemic episodes and acromegaloid facial changes. During a spontaneous hypoglycemia (26 mg/dL), laboratory values showed a hypoinsulinemic pattern with low levels of GH, IGFPB3, and an IGF2/IGF1 ratio of 8.5:1. Cross-sectional imaging revealed a large (16 × 13 × 11 cm) hepatic tumor, and cytology was consistent with SFT. A preoperative right portal embolization was performed in an effort to induce normal remnant liver hypertrophy to allow for safe tumor resection. After the procedure, uncooked starch treatment followed by prednisone was started, achieving complete remission of hypoglycemic episodes in the preoperative setting. He subsequently underwent partial hepatectomy. The histologic diagnosis was compatible with a potentially malignant SFT. The patient had an excellent outcome with complete remission of hypoglycemia, improvement of facial acromegaloid changes, and no further evidence of disease. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a patient with Doege–Potter syndrome with acromegaloid facial changes induced by a potentially malignant liver SFT, treated successfully with a multimodal approach consisting of uncooked cornstarch, low-dose prednisone, preoperative embolization, and complete surgical resection. The use of cornstarch and low-dose glucocorticoids may be an adequate treatment in advance of undergoing surgery.
Does the Lending Rate Impact ETF's Prices?
Authors: De Genaro Alan , Avellaneda Marco
Published: January 2019

In this paper we developed an econometric model to empirically test the hard-to-borrow model of Avellaneda and Lipkin (2009) where asset prices jump as result of ``buy-in" procedures. The model is estimated using an extent version of simulated maximum likelihood (SML) for a selected group of Leveraged ETF, mainly short LETFs, because these instruments have been sporadically hard-to-borrow and are liquids.  In general we do not find enough statistical evidence supporting that hard-to-borrow effect impacts LETFs prices. On the other hand, we did find statistical evidence supporting the jump-diffusion model for some Leveraged ETFs.
Intermittent injection of Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate in the treatment of Cervical Spinal Cord injury complicated with incomplete paraplegia
Authors: Wang Wei , Zuo Baoshu , Liu Haixia , Cui Limin
Published: January 2019

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of intermittent injection of methylprednisolone sodium succinate in the treatment of cervical spinal cord injury complicated with incomplete paraplegia.

Methods: Seventy-eight patients with cervical spinal cord injury complicated with incomplete paraplegia who were admitted between August 2016 and December 2017 were enrolled and grouped into an observation group and a control group using random number table, 39 in each group. Patients in the control group were given vertebral body decompression and bone grafting and internal fixation according to the severity of spinal cord compression, while patients in the observation group were treated by methylprednisolone sodium succinate in addition to the same treatment as the control group. The clinical efficacy and medicine associated adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.

Results: The cure rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (46.2% (18/39) vs. 20.5% (8/39)). After the treatment, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and American Spinal Cord Injury Association (ASIA) score of the two groups after treatment were significantly higher compared to before treatment, and the scores of the observation group were much higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions of the observation and control groups was 15.4% and 17.9% respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Intermittent injection of methylprednisolone sodium succinate has definite efficacy in treating cervical spinal cord injury complicated with incomplete paraplegia, with a low incidence of adverse reactions; hence it is worth promotion.

How to cite this:Wang W, Zuo B, Liu H, Cui L. Intermittent injection of Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate in the treatment of Cervical Spinal Cord injury complicated with incomplete paraplegia. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(1):141-145. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.1.211

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
СОВРЕМЕННЫЙ ПОДХОД К ОБУЧЕНИЮ ИНОСТРАННОМУ ЯЗЫКУ СТУДЕНТОВ ТЕХНИЧЕСКОГО ВУЗА
Authors: Batunova Irina Valerievna , Zhavner Tatyana Vladimirovna , Lobyneva Ekaterina Ivanovna , Nickolaeva Albina Urievna
Published: January 2019

В данной статье авторы рассматривают проблемы англоязычной подготовки в рамках традиционной системы обучения в технических вузах. Также в статье приведен анализ подхода к обучению иностранного языка, представляющего наибольшую практическую трудность в организации учебного процесса. Новизна статьи обеспечивается комплексным подходом к рассматриваемой проблеме, который подразумевает взаимосвязь основных аспектов педагогического процесса, описываемого в статье, а именно содержания и средства обучения. Существенное внимание уделено также важности присутствия на занятиях аутентичных материалов, основным источником которых является сегодня Интернет и электронное обучения в системе LMS Moodlе. Выделены положительные стороны и недостатки, мешающие усвоению иностранного языка на современном уровне. Также в результате данной работы авторы внесли предложения по систематизации методов, приемов преподавания, необходимости в изучении языка с использованием современных достижений науки и техники, позволяющей развивать иноязычную коммуникативную компетенцию, играющую положительную роль в современной системе образования.Цель работы – проанализировать и обосновать необходимость изменения подхода к обучению иностранному языку студентов технического вуза, а также, опираясь на личный опыт, продемонстрировать один из применяемых методов обучения иностранному языку на примере разработанного электронного курса в системе LMS Moodlе.Метод или методология проведения работы. Основу исследования составляет изучение отечественной литературы, а также метод анализа существующих методик обучения иностранному языку для выявления и систематизации методов, приемов преподавания с использованием современных достижений науки и техники, позволяющей развивать иноязычную коммуникацию, играющую положительную роль в межкультурной коммуникации.Результаты. В результате данной работы авторы раскрыли положительные и отрицательные стороны преподавания иностранного языка в неязыковых вузах по традиционной методике. Внесли предложения по систематизации организации учебного процесса с помощью электронного курса в системе LMS Moodlе.Область применения результатов. Результаты исследования могут быть востребованы в условиях многоуровневой системы повышения квалификации преподавателей, работающих в технических вузах.
НАЧАЛЬНЫЙ ЭТАП ТЕСТИРОВАНИЯ РАЗРАБАТЫВАЕМОГО АППАРАТА ДЛЯ ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЯ МЕЖДУНАРОДНОГО НОРМАЛИЗОВАННОГО ОТНОШЕНИЯ
Authors: Aksyutina Natalya Valeryevna , Shulman Vladimir Abramovich , Zograf Fedor Georgievich , Mordovsky Vasiliy Sergeyevich , Marinushkin Pavel Sergeevich , Gavrilenko Mikhail Igorevich , Kusaev Viktor Vladimirovich , Kononov Evgeny Nikolayevich , Petrov Sergey Sergeevich , Semenov Eduard Vasilyevich , Knyazeva Irina Sergeevna
Published: January 2019

Протромбиновое время (ПТВ) – это лабораторный показатель, позволяющий оценить внешний путь свертывания крови (активность факторов I, II, V, VII и X). Для стандартизации результатов теста ПТВ введен показатель МНО. МНО = (ПТВ пациента/ПТВ 100%)МИЧ. Набирает популярность контроль МНО с помощью портативных коагулометров. На российском рынке представлены: CoaguChek XS, qLabs Electrometer. Главная проблема − их высокая стоимость и дороговизна в эксплуатации. Российские ученые давно задались вопросом импортозамещения. Однако, в литературе нет информации о тестировании разработок. При разработке экспериментальной модели для измерения МНО и ПТВ, мы руководствовались результатами литературного поиска по наукометрическим базам данных Elibrary, Scopus, PubMed и WoS с учетом предполагаемой стоимости разрабатываемой модели.Цель исследования. Провести начальный этап тестирования экспериментальной модели с сопоставлением полученных результатов с данными сертифицированной лаборатории.Материал и методы. Обследовано 70 пациентов (26 мужчин и 44 женщины), принимающих «Варфарин». Материал для измерения экспериментальной моделью – капиллярная кровь. В качестве тест-системы применяли тест-полоску qLabs® PT-INR Test Strip.Результаты. Разница ПТВ тестируемой модели и результатов сертифицированной лаборатории ± 1–2 секунды. ПТВ Протромбин-калибратора 13 сек. Протромбиновое отношение Протромбин-калибратора 1,0. Пациент №1. ПТВ на тестируемом аппарате 34 сек. МИЧ тробопластина на тест-полоске 1,0. МНО = (34 сек /13 сек × 1,0)1,0 = 2,62. Результат сертифицированной лаборатории: ПТВ 36 сек, МНО 2,86. Пациент №2. ПТВ на тестируемом аппарате 31 сек. МНО = (31 сек/13 сек × 1,0)1,0 = 2,38. Результаты сертифицированной лаборатории: ПТВ 32 сек, МНО 2,48.Вывод. Согласно представленным результатам, полученным в ходе тестирования разработанной портативной модели у пациентов, находящихся на варфаринотерапии, получены сопоставимые результаты ПТВ и МНО сертифицированной лабораторией.
Russian public debt in the system of financial law
Authors: Цареградская Юлия , Tsaregradskaya Yuliya
Published: January 2019

The analysis of a central government debt as financial legal institution is presented in the monograph. The author by means of cluster approach investigates the legal nature of a central government debt in the system of financial it is right, discloses the basic principles of a central government debt as financial legal institution.
The real work is intended for students, graduate students, teachers of the legal and economic educational organizations.
Analysis of the expression of BAX, BCL2, BIRC6, CASP3, CASP9 apoptosis genes during the first episode of schizophrenia
Authors: Szymona Kinga , Dudzińska Ewa , Karakuła-Juchnowicz Hanna , Gil-Kulik Paulina , Chomik Piotr , Świstowska Małgorzata , Gałaszkiewicz Joanna , Kocki Janusz
Published: January 2019

Cel pracy

Celem pracy było 1) porównanie poziomu ekspresji genów apoptozy BAX, BCL2, BIRC6, CASP3, CASP9 u pacjentów ze schizofrenią i w grupie kontrolnej oraz 2) określenie powiązań pomiędzy poziomem ekspresji genów a parametrami morfologicznymi krwi obwodowej oraz nasileniem objawów psychopatologicznych.

Metoda

Do badania włączono 21 pacjentów z rozpoznaniem schizofrenii wg ICD-10 oraz 26 zdrowych osób. Oceniano ekspresję genów w limfocytach krwi obwodowej, parametry laboratoryjne oraz nasilenie objawów psychopatologicznych za pomocą skali PANSS.

Wyniki

Ekspresja genu BCL2 i genu CASP3 była istotnie wyższa u pacjentów ze schizofrenią w porównaniu z grupą kontrolną. W grupie pacjentów ze schizofrenią wykazano istotną dodatnią korelację poziomu ekspresji genu BAX z liczbą neutrofili, limfocytów i monocytów oraz nasileniem objawów negatywnych (PANSS-N), zaś genu BCL2 i CASP9 z liczbą monocytów, natomist genu CASP3 z liczbą limfocytów.

Wnioski

1. Istotnie wyższa ekspresja genów BCL2 i CASP3 pacjentow ze schizofrenią w porównaniu do grupy kontrolnej dowodzi nasilenia procesu apoptozy, wpisując się w teorię zwiększonej apoptozy w patofizjologii schizofrenii.
2. Istotne korelacje pomiędzy ekspresją genu BAX a parametrami układu białokrwinkowego (liczbą leukocytów, neutrofili, limfocytów, monocytów) w grupie pacjentów ze schizofrenią, sugerują związek z dysregulacją immunologiczną i potwierdzają obecność apoptozy w limfocytach krwi obwodowej. 3. Ekspresja genu BAX może być wskaźnikiem nasilenia objawów negatywnych w schizofrenii. 4. Analiza interkorelacji ekspresji badanych genów wskazuje, że najaktywniejszymi genami w procesie apoptozy w badanej grupie były BAX i CASP3.
Use of platelet-rich plasma and platelet-derived patches to treat chronic wounds
Authors: Tsai Hsin-Chung , Lehman Caitlin W. , Chen Chuan-Mu
Published: January 2019

Objective:

To compare the healing results between platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-derived patches versus traditional advanced wound dressings in patients with chronic wounds.

Method:

Patients with and without diabetes were divided into two groups, each of which received either PRP patch treatments or the advanced wound dressings. All wounds were cleaned, debrided and assessed by physicians. The data were analysed and represented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Student's t-test was used to calculate the significance of differences between both groups. Values of p<0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results:

Patients with and without diabetes receiving PRP patch treatments saw improvement in wound healing in two weeks (p=0.0083). Patients with diabetes who received platelet-derived patch treatment and PRP injection experienced wound size reduction to <25% of the original area by the fourth week of treatment, and >90% of the subjects had wounds of <10% their original size in the last three weeks of the trial. Conversely, the wound area in the control subjects receiving traditional advanced wound dressings remained at 25–50% of their original size from the fourth week of treatment to the end of the trial. The healing process of the PRP patch experimental group was statistically significant compared with the control group (p<0.0001).

Conclusion:

Combining treatments of PRP injections and platelet-derived patches significantly improved the healing outcomes of patients with chronic wounds, most notably in patients with diabetes, when compared with a traditional treatment of advanced wound dressings.