bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of glucose, glucose and polidocanol combination, liquid polidocanol and polidocanol foam in the treatment of reticular veins: A randomized study in rabbits
Authors: Lucio Filho Carlos Eduardo Pinheiro , Bertanha Matheus , Prata Marcela Polachini , Carvalho Lídia Raquel de , Jaldin Rodrigo Gibin , Sobreira Marcone Lima , Janzen Jan , Yoshida Winston Bonetti
Published: October 2020

Objective

To compare the efficacy and safety of sclerosing agents injected in dorsal veins of rabbit ears.

Methods

Sixty ears of 30 rabbits were randomly allocated in: 1% liquid polidocanol, 1% polidocanol foam, 0.2% polidocanol-glucose 70% solution, glucose 75% or 0.9% saline. Outcomes included efficacy (luminal occlusion), complications (phlebitis, neovascularization, ulceration at the puncture site, necrosis and local inflammation) and histology (sclerosis, recanalization vein and surrounding tissues inflammation, blood extravasation, recanalization, lymphangiogenesis, destruction of cartilage and neoangiogenesis).

Results

Sclerosis was superior in Foam Group (76.9%), but also with 30.7% necrosis ( p = 0.003), 46.15% ulceration ( p = 0.003), and 69.2% local inflammation ( p < 0.0001). Neovascularization were similar. Histology showed 38.5% phlebitis (p = 0.004) and necrosis ( p = 0.03) in the foam group.

Conclusions

Sclerosis with foam and liquid polidocanol were superior to the other groups, but specially polidocanol foam at the expense of greater frequency of adverse events.
Emerging Evidence of Positive Youth Constructs and Purpose Development: Results From a Qualitative Approach
Authors: Tevington Patricia , Chauveron Lisa M. , Urban Jennifer Brown , Gama Lauren , Glina Monica , Quinn Johanna , Linver Miriam R.
Published: October 2020

This study investigates how adolescents begin to demonstrate skills and approaches that help them pursue their aspirations. The qualitative study examined emergent forms of key indicators of adolescent thriving: the 5Cs of positive youth development and sense of purpose. Pre- and post-program interviews with 24 S2 (~seventh grade) Scottish adolescents who participated in a school-based character program explored the presence, absence, and elucidations of each of the 5Cs as well as their conceptualizations of a sense of purpose. Findings showed great variability within the sample, despite participants’ similarities in age, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. This work informs future study and measurement of potentially nascent forms of the 5Cs and purpose among early adolescents.
Occupational therapy and allied health use for older people in acute care: A description of services, time, and readmission in an Australian setting
Authors: Barclay Linda , Lalor Aislinn , Furmston Bianca , Fossey Ellie , Farnworth Louise , Smith Alison , Bourke-Taylor Helen
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Acute care readmissions of older people are an ongoing concern in many countries. Occupational therapists are well positioned to play a significant role in contributing to improved outcomes and fewer readmissions following discharge from acute hospitals, yet there is a lack of empirical evidence to support this claim.

Methods

This study used a retrospective clinical audit of secondary hospital data to investigate and describe the time spent on occupational therapy, and the range of occupational therapy and other allied health services provided to older people admitted to acute care, in one Australian health care service.

Results

Occupational therapists conducted numerous assessments and interventions to support patients and to prepare them for safe discharge home. Occupational therapy was significantly associated with length of stay. Readmission was not related directly or significantly to time spent in occupational therapy or any other factor included in this study. However, of the people who received occupational therapy, there was a higher percentage readmitted when they had more services already in place on admission and when they lived alone.

Conclusions

This study provides preliminary evidence regarding the contact time and range of occupational therapy assessments and interventions provided to older people in the acute hospital setting.
Pristinity, degradation and replacement: The three dimensions of human impact on island vegetation
Authors: Rull Valentí
Published: October 2020

This paper presents three extreme examples of the potential consequences of human settlement on the vegetation of oceanic and continental islands. The Neotropical Pantepui continental archipelago of sky islands is an example of pristinity, due to the almost nonexistent human impact that results from the remoteness and inaccessibility of these islands as well as the lack of natural resources to exploit. Easter Island is used to illustrate total vegetation degradation by deforestation and the exhaustion of natural resources, which has transformed the island into badlands with no signs of recovery. The Azores Islands have been chosen to illustrate replacement as, after initial postsettlement deforestation and extractive practices, a further transformative phase consisting of creating an almost totally anthropogenic vegetation with mostly exotic species occurred. The paper describes in some detail the developments of each case and the historical context in which they took place using historical, archeological and paleoecological evidence. Many intermediate states are possible among these three extremes, which can be represented with a ternary diagram (the PDR diagram), which is useful for characterizing the state of each island or archipelago in terms of human impact on terrestrial ecosystems and informing conservation and restoration practices.
Role of Habits in Cell Phone-Related Driver Distractions
Authors: Hansma Braden Joseph , Marulanda Susana , Chen Huei-Yen Winnie , Donmez Birsen
Published: October 2020

Despite increased media attention and legislation banning some forms of cell phone use while driving, drivers continue to engage in illegal cell phone distractions. Several studies have used the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to explain why drivers voluntarily engage in cell phone distractions, and found that TPB constructs (attitudes, social norms, perceived behavioral control) predict intentions to engage in cell phone distractions while driving. Given that cell phone use is ubiquitous, habits that have formed around their general use may lead to automatic engagement in cell phone distractions while driving. This differs from voluntary engagement, in that habits are carried out automatically, with little thought given to the action or its consequences. Thus, in addition to the TPB constructs that explain intentions, habitual factors should also be considered in understanding why drivers use cell phones. A few studies have examined the role of habits in this context, but they only focused on texting behaviors. An online survey was conducted with 227 respondents to investigate the role of habitual cell phone use in driver engagement in a variety of illegal cell phone tasks (e.g., social media, email). Habitual cell phone use was found to explain unique variance in self-reported engagement after controlling for TPB constructs. Overall, the findings indicate that cell-phone-related distractions may not be entirely voluntary; instead, cell phone habits developed outside of the driving context appear to have a significant effect, suggesting that cell phone use while driving may have become automatic to a certain extent.
Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebrae Predict Inferior Patient-Reported Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy
Authors: Heaps Braiden M. , Feingold Jacob D. , Swartwout Erica , Turcan Sava , Greditzer Harry G. , Kelly Bryan T. , Ranawat Anil S.
Published: October 2020

Background:

While the association between spinal disease and hip arthroplasty outcomes has been well studied, there is less known about the effect of spinal pathology in hip arthroscopy (HA) outcomes. Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) are anatomic variations where caudal vertebrae articulate or fuse with the sacrum or ilium.

Hypothesis:

LSTV can lead to inferior outcomes after HA for treatment of femoroacetabular impingement.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the prospectively collected Hip Arthroscopy Database at our institution for patients with LSTV who underwent HA between 2010 and 2017. A total of 62 patients with LSTV were identified and then matched to controls. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected, including the modified Harris Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score–Activities of Daily Living, Hip Outcome Score–Sports, and the 33-item International Hip Outcome Tool. They were collected at 4 time points: preoperatively and 5 to 11 months, 12 to 23 months, and 24 to 35 months postoperatively. Longitudinal analysis of the PROMs was done using generalized estimating equation modeling. Additionally, alpha angles were measured from preoperative radiographic data.

Results:

Preoperatively, there was no significant difference between patients with and without LSTV on 3 of the 4 PROMs; however, patients with LSTV did have significantly lower preoperative scores than controls for the Hip Outcome Score–Activities of Daily Living ( P = .029). Patients with LSTV reported significantly lower scores on all 4 PROMs at each postoperative time point. Radiographic data showed no significant difference in alpha angles across cohorts. When LSTV were compared by Castellvi type, types 3 and 4 tended to have lower scores than types 1 and 2; however, these comparisons were not significant.

Conclusion:

The data support our hypothesis that HA has less benefit in patients with LSTV as compared with patients without LSTV. In patients with LSTV, careful evaluation of the anomaly is recommended to help guide surgical counseling and manage expectations.
Supine versus prone PCNL in lower calyceal stone: Comparative study in a tertiary care center
Authors: Choudhury Sunirmal , Talukdar Paragmani , Mandal Tapan Kumar , Majhi Tapas Kumar
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

Renal calculus disease is an age old disease of human being. PCNL (Percutaneous nephrolithotomy) stands as a gold standard treatment for large renal calculus which is traditionally being done in prone position.

Objective:

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of supine PCNL versus prone PCNL comparing intraoperative time, requirement of relook PCNL, post op hemoglobin drop, post operative hospital stay, post operative complication, SFR ( stone free rate).

Methods and materials:

It is a prospective study done in Urology department in a tertiary care center in Eastern India between October 2017 and October 2018. A total of 84 patients with lower calyceal renal stones underwent PCNL, 42 of them in supine and 42 in prone position. Lower calyceal stone, size measuring 1 to 2 cm were included in the study.

Results:

The mean intra operative time was 91.76 min in supine group and 85.43 min in prone group with a p value of 0.115. The mean hemoglobin drop was 1.11 g/dl and 1.18 g/dl in supine and prone position, respectively ( p value 0.75). The mean post operative hospital stay was 4.1 and 3.86 days in supine and prone group ( p value 0.58), respectively. Two patients in each group require relook PCNL. Stone free rate at 1 month was 95.23% and 90.47% ( p value 0.9), respectively in case of supine and prone group.

Conclusion:

Supine PCNL is feasible, comparable to prone PCNL in respect to operative parameters with relatively higher stone free rate though statistically insignificant.
Municipal solid waste landfill age and refuse-derived fuel
Authors: Chiou Ing-Jia , Chen Ching-Ho
Published: October 2020

Landfill sites are hard to obtain in Taiwan. Municipal solid waste (MSW) in the closed landfill sites has high combustible content and calorific value (CV). Therefore, activating the closed landfill sites as municipal mine sites to prolong their service life will promote a sustainable environment. This study transforms combustibles from the closed municipal landfill sites of different landfill ages (LAs) into refuse-derived fuel (RDF) through pretreatment and squeeze forming equipment, so to investigate the characteristics of the MSW of different LAs, and the manufacturing conditions and firing behaviour of RDF. The results indicate that the proportion of the combustibles in MSW declines as the LA grows, and therefore the proportions of both incombustible materials and soil and debris correspondingly increased. The LA of the MSW is thus negatively correlated with the CV. The MSW at the LA of 10 years still has high potential as fuel material. The fixed carbon initiation temperatures (i.e. ignition temperatures) of combustibles of the MSW at the LAs of 1 year, 5 years and 10 years are 259°C, 256°C and 245°C, respectively. The CV and flame temperature of the RDF increase slightly with the increasing squeeze temperature (ST) at 100–120°C, but it will decrease when the ST reaches 130°C. Therefore, this study recommends the squeeze pressure of the RDF as 41.65 ± 8.24 kg cm−2, ST 110°C and combustible size 10–20 mm.
Online Reviews of Credence Service Providers: What Do Consumers Evaluate, Do Other Consumers Believe the Reviews, and Are Interventions Needed?
Authors: Lantzy Shannon , Hamilton Rebecca W. , Chen Yu-Jen , Stewart Katherine
Published: October 2020

Consumer-generated online reviews of credence service providers, such as doctors, have become common on platforms such as Yelp and RateMDs. Yet doctors have challenged the legitimacy of these platforms on the grounds that consumers do not have the expertise required to evaluate the quality of the medical care they receive. This challenge is supported by the economics of information literature, which has characterized doctors as a credence service, meaning that consumers cannot evaluate quality even after consumption. Are interventions needed to ensure that consumers are not misled by these reviews? Data from real online reviews shows that many of the claims made in real reviews of credence service providers focus on experience attributes, such as promptness, which consumers can typically evaluate, rather than credence attributes, such as knowledge. Follow-up experiments show that consumers are more likely to believe experience claims (vs. credence claims) made by other consumers, claims that are supported by data, and longer reviews even if they are not more informative. The authors discuss implications for consumers and credence service providers and possible policy interventions.
Advancing toward normal operations for arenas and stadiums
Authors: Parker Justine , Boles Corey , Leleck Olivia , Buerger Amanda , Egnot Natalie , Sundermann Alexander , Bussmann Elizabeth
Published: October 2020

The reopening of arenas and stadiums following closures due to the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic presents unique challenges related to large crowds and close contact between players, vendors, and spectators. While each venue should be assessed individually for development and implementation of reopening plans, the general guidance presented in this document can serve as a minimum baseline for considerations to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in these venues. The intention of these guidelines is to provide a layered approach to risk mitigation for various aspects of particular concern in arenas and stadiums, including crowd management, tailgating and parking, restrooms, high-contact surfaces, face masks, food and merchandising, communications, athletes and support staff, press and third parties, intermissions/breaks, and downtime. The implementation of these multifaceted approaches in each area of concern, along with the integration of regulations and requirements from local, state, and federal government bodies and agencies, will reduce the risk of a single point of failure and offer some protection to those at arenas and stadiums from COVID-19 transmission. The approaches outlined are dynamic and should be regularly reviewed and revised as new information becomes available regarding the transmission of COVID-19.
Light Has Diverse Spatiotemporal Molecular Changes in the Mouse Suprachiasmatic Nucleus
Authors: Duy Phan Q. , Komal Ruchi , Richardson Melissa E. S. , Hahm Katie S. , Fernandez Diego C. , Hattar Samer
Published: October 2020

To be physiologically relevant, the period of the central circadian pacemaker, located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), has to match the solar day in a process known as circadian photoentrainment. However, little is known about the spatiotemporal molecular changes that occur in the SCN in response to light. In this study, we sought to systematically characterize the circadian and light effects on activity-dependent markers of transcriptional (cFos), translational (pS6), and epigenetic (pH3) activities in the mouse SCN. To investigate circadian versus light influences on these molecular responses, we harvested brains from adult wild-type mice in darkness at different circadian times (CT) or from mice exposed to a 15-min light pulse at the middle of the subjective day (CT6, no phase shifts), early subjective night (CT14, large phase delays), or late subjective night (CT22, small phase advances). We found that cFos and pS6 exhibited rhythmic circadian expression in the SCN with distinct spatial rhythms, whereas pH3 expression was undetectable at all circadian phases. cFos rhythms were largely limited to the SCN shell, whereas pS6 rhythms encompassed the entire SCN. pH3, pS6, and cFos showed gating in response to light; however, we were surprised to find that the expression levels of these markers were not higher at phases when larger phase shifts are observed behaviorally (CT14 versus CT22). We then used animals lacking melanopsin (melanopsin knockout [MKO]), which show deficits in phase delays, to further investigate whether changes in these molecular markers correspond to behavioral phase shifts. Surprisingly, only pS6 showed deficits in MKOs at CT14. Therefore, our previous understanding of the molecular pathways that lead to circadian photoentrainment needs to be revised.
A Case Series of Patients With Central Hypothyroidism From Oxcarbazepine Therapy
Authors: Schweiger Bahareh Michelle , Lao Aaron-James , Tavyev Jane
Published: October 2020

Many medications can impact thyroid function. Antiseizure medications have been shown to disrupt thyroid function in adults, but information is limited about how antiseizure medications may affect thyroid function in children. Oxcarbazepine is an analog of carbamazepine designed to minimize effects from the hepatic P450 metabolic enzymes. We have found that in the pediatric population, serum free thyroxine is reduced and thyroid-stimulating hormone concentrations are unchanged in patients taking oxcarbazepine with the mechanism thus being central hypothyroidism.
Autonomous underwater vehicle path planning based on actor-multi-critic reinforcement learning
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Zhang Shiwei , Feng Xiaoning , Sui Yancheng
Published: October 2020

The environmental adaptability of autonomous underwater vehicles is always a problem for its path planning. Although reinforcement learning can improve the environmental adaptability, the slow convergence of reinforcement learning is caused by multi-behavior coupling, so it is difficult for autonomous underwater vehicle to avoid moving obstacles. This article proposes a multi-behavior critic reinforcement learning algorithm applied to autonomous underwater vehicle path planning to overcome problems associated with oscillating amplitudes and low learning efficiency in the early stages of training which are common in traditional actor–critic algorithms. Behavior critic reinforcement learning assesses the actions of the actor from perspectives such as energy saving and security, combining these aspects into a whole evaluation of the actor. In this article, the policy gradient method is selected as the actor part, and the value function method is selected as the critic part. The strategy gradient and the value function methods for actor and critic, respectively, are approximated by a backpropagation neural network, the parameters of which are updated using the gradient descent method. The simulation results show that the method has the ability of optimizing learning in the environment and can improve learning efficiency, which meets the needs of real time and adaptability for autonomous underwater vehicle dynamic obstacle avoidance.
Multi-sensor fusion approach based on nonlinear H∞ filter with interval type 2 fuzzy adaptive parameters tuning for unmanned vehicle localization
Authors: Outamazirt Fariz , Djaidja Djabir , Boudjimar Chouaib , Louadj Kahina , Nemra Abdelkrim , Li Fu , Yan Lin
Published: October 2020

In most applications of autonomous navigation, the state of a system must be estimated from noisy sensors. Accurate estimation of the true system state can be achieved using data fusion algorithms. Furthermore, the fusion scheme can be affected by many factors such as modeling errors and parameters uncertainties. The gaps and inconsistencies due to the sensors noise and modeling errors can be reached with robust nonlinear filtering. In this article, a new framework has been developed for data fusion algorithms based on nonlinear NH∞ filter with fuzzy adaptive bound and adaptive disturbances attenuations. Type-1 Fuzzy Adaptive NH∞ algorithm has been proposed and compared with the Interval Type 2 Fuzzy Adaptive NH∞, for unmanned vehicle localization. The proposed algorithms fuse data from low-cost sensors using inertial navigation system, Global Positioning System and monocular vision. Type-1 Fuzzy Adaptive NH∞ and Interval Type 2 Fuzzy Adaptive NH∞ algorithms, adaptively, handle the effects of noisy sensors, parameters uncertainties and modeling errors. Both algorithms use adaptive bounds [Formula: see text] and adaptive disturbance attenuation [Formula: see text] for higher-order terms of the Taylor development. The adaptive bounds consider issues associated to Gyro drift, image distortion and Global Positioning System dilution of precision which make the proposed algorithms more accurate than the classical NH∞. The validating experiment and the efficiency of Type-1 Fuzzy Adaptive NH∞ and Interval Type 2 Fuzzy Adaptive NH∞ have been conducted in real scenario and in unstructured outdoor environment without any a priori knowledge of the evolution of the vehicle. The experimental results have demonstrated the robustness and efficiency of these two filtering strategies against uncertainties and their online sensor switching capability. The Interval Type 2 Fuzzy Adaptive NH∞ algorithm provides more accuracy and robustness compared to the Type-1 Fuzzy Adaptive NH∞.
Candidate circulating microRNAs as potential diagnostic and predictive biomarkers for the monitoring of locally advanced breast cancer patients
Authors: Ibrahim Alaa M , Said Mahmoud M , Hilal Amany M , Medhat Amina M , Abd Elsalam Ibrahim M
Published: October 2020

This study aimed at investigating the expression of candidate microRNAs (miRs), at initial diagnosis, during neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and after the tumor resection in locally advanced breast cancer patients. Plasma samples were collected from locally advanced breast cancer patients (n = 30) and healthy subjects (n = 20) for the detection of candidate miRs’ expression using the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. At initial locally advanced breast cancer diagnosis, the expression of miR-21, miR-181a, and miR-10b was significantly increased, whereas that of miR-145 and let-7a was significantly decreased, compared to the healthy individuals. The diagnostic accuracy of miR-21 was superior to both carcinoembryonic antigen and carcinoma antigen 15-3 as diagnostic biomarkers for locally advanced breast cancer. By the end of the treatment, the expression of altered miRs rebound to control values. The expression levels of candidate plasma miRs are useful diagnostic biomarkers, as well as monitoring a proper response for locally advanced breast cancer patients to the treatment. Furthermore, miR-10b and miR-21 can be considered as predictive biomarkers for progression-free survival.
The value of wildlife in international environmental law
Authors: Bakken Kaitlin
Published: October 2020

Biodiversity loss continues to be one of the greatest issues for this generation despite the development of International Environmental Law (IEL). By examining the anthropocentric nature of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) I will argue that how we attribute value to wildlife and the human-centric construction of law are the key reasons for the failures of IEL. Ultimately a shift in attitude is required if we are to effectively halt environmental degradation and protect wildlife species under IEL.
Self-Assessment of Competence in Palliative Care of Medical Doctors Working in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Malibari Nuha Mohammed , Connolly Michael , Aljohani Abdulaziz S.
Published: October 2020

Background:

The provision of palliative care (PC) for individuals with a life-threatening condition is fundamental to the role of the physician, in order to improve quality of life; however, little research has assessed the competence of the physicians in PC in Saudi Arabia.

Aim:

To conduct a baseline assessment of self-assessed palliative care competences among medical physicians in Saudi Arabia.

Design:

A survey-based cross-sectional study was employed using a specifically designed questionnaire.

Setting:

The participants in the study were selected from 6 specialist medical departments (Family medicine, cardiology, internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, neurology and oncology) in 4 Saudi Arabian Hospitals, based on inclusion criteria.

Results:

The study was conducted using a validated questionnaire used in Ireland to evaluate the competence skills of physicians for the provision of palliative care. All categories showed internal reliability and normal distribution of the data. However, the score of the knowledge, attitude and practice among the physicians was higher than the expected. The clinical specialty of the physicians demonstrated greater influence on knowledge, attitude and practice related to the palliative care compared to medical education. This highlighted the importance of training in palliative care to the medical doctors working in a range of specialist area.

Conclusion:

The study provides baseline data on the level of competence of palliative care of physicians in Saudi Arabia. This study can be used as an assessment tool to further evaluate the effectiveness of palliative care in other areas as primary and secondary care settings
Helicopter Parenting Style and Parental Accommodations: The Moderating Role of Internalizing and Externalizing Symptomatology
Authors: Casillas Laurel M. , Elkins Sara R. , Walther Christine A. P. , Schanding G. Thomas , Short Mary B.
Published: October 2020

High parental involvement has been linked to positive outcomes; however, helicopter parenting may result in negative outcomes. The behaviors demonstrated by “helicopter parents” resemble parental accommodations, which are behavior modifications intended to alleviate their child’s distress. The current study examined the relation between helicopter parenting and parental accommodations, while also examining child internalizing and externalizing symptomatology as possible moderators. Parents ( N = 400) of children (ages 4–11) from across the United States completed surveys and rating scales. Parents, who endorsed higher levels of helicopter parenting, endorsed significantly higher levels of accommodations than parents who endorsed lower levels of helicopter parenting. Results suggested helicopter parenting differed depending on the types of accommodations provided. This study provides additional clarity for the construct of helicopter parenting and suggests that parents higher in this construct may exhibit difficulties related to accommodating their child’s diagnostic symptoms.
Effect of chemical treatment on creep–recovery behavior of jute–polypropylene composites
Authors: Chandekar Harichandra , Waigaonkar Sachin , Chaudhari Vikas
Published: October 2020

This paper is intended to investigate the effect of chemical treatment on the creep and recovery behavior of injection molded jute–polypropylene composites in flexural mode. The chemical treatment of short jute fibers was done using sodium hydroxide (NaOH), silane (SiH4), potassium permanganate (KMnO4), and the use of maleic anhydride (C4H2O3) as a coupling agent. The effectiveness of the chemical treatments was initially studied by comparing the tensile and flexural properties, along with the scanning electron microscopy fractographs. The creep behavior of the composites was modeled using four-parameter Burger’s model and the same was compared with the classical power law model. To model the recovery behavior, Weibull distribution function was used. The correlation between model parameters and different chemical treatments has been emphasized. The time–temperature superposition principle was employed for predicting the long-term creep behavior of the chemically treated jute–polypropylene composites.
The impact of victimization on feelings of unsafety in different welfare regimes
Authors: Ejrnæs Anders , Scherg Rune H.
Published: October 2020

This article examines the relationship between the experience of victimization and feelings of unsafety in 21 European countries. Using multilevel regression, it investigates how different institutional factors moderate the effects of victimization on feelings of unsafety. The empirical analyses are based on data from three rounds of the European Social Survey (6 to 8). Theoretically, the article combines a traditional victimological approach, which suggests that victims of crime feel more unsafe than non-victims owing to an increased sense of vulnerability and an institutional perspective in which certain institutional conditions are seen as moderating the relationship between victimization and feelings of unsafety. Using a multilevel framework, results show that, in countries with a high level of spending on social protection, low inequality and high levels of trust in the criminal justice system, the negative effects of being victimized on feelings of unsafety are smaller. Our results further show that the connection between victimization and feelings of unsafety is much weaker in the Nordic welfare regimes than in all other welfare regimes. The article concludes that the Nordic welfare state and criminal justice system seem to be relatively effective in limiting victims’ feelings of unsafety and thus reducing the overall sense of unsafety in society.
Downregulation of circRNA_100876 Inhibited Progression of NSCLC In Vitro via Targeting miR-636
Authors: Song Jianxiang , Shi Woda , Gao Zhengya , Liu Xingchen , Wang Wencai
Published: October 2020

Background:

Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is a common malignant tumor with poor prognosis. CircRNA-100876 has been considered to be involved in NSCLC. However, the mechanism by which circRNA_100876 mediated the progression of NSCLC remains unclear.

Methods:

CCK8 assay and immunofluorescence were used to detect cell proliferation. Flow cytometry and transwell assay were performed to analyze cell apoptosis, migration and invasion, respectively. Verification of possible target for circRNA_100876 and related miR-636 were done using luciferase assay. In addition, western blot was performed to detect the protein expressions in NSCLC cells.

Results:

Silencing of circRNA_100876 notably inhibited the proliferation of NSCLC cells. Moreover, downregulation of circRNA_100876 significantly induce the apoptosis of NSCLC cells via mediation of apoptosis-related proteins. In addition, silencing of circRNA_100876 significantly inhibited migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. MiR-636 was the downstream target of circRNA_100876. Meanwhile, RET was the direct target of miR-636. Finally, circRNA_100876 shRNA2 notably suppressed the progression of NSCLC through PI3K/Akt signaling.

Conclusion:

CircRNA_100876 knockdown notably suppressed the progression of NSCLC through regulation of miR-636/RET axis, which may serve as a potential target for treatment of NSCLC.
Identification of a three-long non-coding RNA signature for predicting survival of temozolomide-treated isocitrate dehydrogenase mutant low-grade gliomas
Authors: Li Ruichun , Chen Wei , Mao Ping , Wang Jia , Jing Jiangpeng , Sun Qinli , Wang Maode , Yu Xiao
Published: October 2020

Temozolomide (TMZ) is the major chemotherapy agent in glioma, and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) is a well-known prognostic marker in glioma. O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase promoter methylation (MGMTmethyl) is a predictive biomarker in overall gliomas rather than in IDH mutant gliomas. To discover effective biomarkers that could predict TMZ efficacy in IDH mutant low-grade gliomas (LGGs), we retrieved data of IDH mutant LGGs from TMZ arm of the EORTC22033-26033 trial as the training-set ( n = 83), analyzed correlations between long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and progression-free survival (PFS) using Lasso-Cox regression, and created a risk score (RS) to stratify patients. We identified a three-lncRNA signature in TMZ-treated IDH mutant LGGs. All of the three lncRNAs, as well as the RS derived, were significantly correlated with PFS. Patients were classified into high-risk and low-risk groups according to RS. PFS of the high-risk group was significantly worse than that of the low-risk group ( P < 0.001). AUCs of the three-, four-, and five-year survival probability predicted by RS were 0.73, 0.79, and 0.76, respectively. The predictive role of the three-lncRNA signature was further validated in an independent testing-set, the TCGA-LGGs, which resulted in a significantly worse PFS ( P < 0.001) in the high-risk group. Three-, four-, and five-year survival probabilities predicted by RS were 0.65, 0.69, and 0.84, respectively. Functions of these three lncRNAs involve cell proliferation and differentiation, predicted by their targeting cancer genes. Conclusively, we created a scoring model based on the expression of three lncRNAs, which can effectively predict the survival of IDH mutant LGGs treated with TMZ.
Knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and practices of community pharmacists about generic medicine in Nigeria
Authors: Osemene Kanayo P , Ihekoronye Maduabuchi R , Lamikanra Adebayo
Published: October 2020

Background

Although generic medicines are used extensively in Nigeria information from community pharmacists about these drugs are scanty and therefore inadequate. This is why this study has been designed to bridge the knowledge gap, attitudes, as well as the perception and practice of community pharmacists about generic medicines in Nigeria.

Method

A questionnaire-guided cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from 380 community pharmacists who were randomly selected from community pharmacies between April and June 2019 in Southwestern Nigeria. Data generated in the course of this study was analysed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 18. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data. Chi-square was used to test proportions and to determine associations between categorical variables. Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient was used to determine correlation between dependent variables.

Result

Mean knowledge score of community pharmacists about generic medicines(GM) was 5.6 ± 2.9 out of a total maximum score of 10. Results showed that 47.9% of respondents had poor knowledge, 27.6% average knowledge and 24.5% good knowledge about GM. Knowledge was significantly associated (p = .000) with all demographic characteristics except professional qualifications. A majority (89%) of the respondents were of the view that patients need more explanations when GMs are dispensed to them. In addition, 90.3% of the respondents were of the opinion that GM will improve access to medicine because they are cheaper and easily affordable. About 93% practice generic substitution without consulting prescribing physicians. Furthermore, 85% of the respondents claim they stock mainly GMs.

Conclusion

Community pharmacists in Nigeria had a positive attitude, perception and practice about GM, but exhibited sub-optimal knowledge in understanding issues concerning generic medicines. It is concluded that there is the need for continuous training and education to enhance professional knowledge of pharmacists in the area of GM substitution.
Studying social media language changes associated with pregnancy status, trimester, and parity from medical records
Authors: Guntuku Sharath Chandra , Gaulton Jessica S , Seltzer Emily K , Asch David A , Srinivas Sindhu K , Ungar Lyle H , Mancheno Christina , Klinger Elissa V , Merchant Raina M
Published: October 2020

We sought to evaluate whether there was variability in language used on social media across different time points of pregnancy (before, during, and after pregnancy, as well as by trimester and parity). Consenting patients shared access to their individual Facebook posts and electronic medical records. Random forest models trained on Facebook posts could differentiate first trimester of pregnancy from 3 months before pregnancy (F1 score = .63) and from a random 3-month time period (F1 score = .64). Posts during pregnancy were more likely to include themes about family (β = .22), food craving (β = .14), and date/times (β = .13), while posts 3 months prior to pregnancy included themes about social life (β = .30), sleep (β = .31), and curse words (β = .27), and 3 months post-pregnancy included themes of gratitude (β = .17), health appointments (β = .21), and religiosity (β = .18). Users who were pregnant for the first time were more likely to post about lack of sleep (β = .15), activities of daily living (β = .09), and communication (β = .08) compared with those who were pregnant after having a child who posted about others’ birthdays (β = .16) and life events (.12). A better understanding about social media timelines can provide insight into lifestyle choices that are specific to pregnancy.
Case report: Hereditary angioedema in pregnancy
Authors: Jakes Adam D , Thorne Iona , Guly John , Kiani-Alikhan Sorena , Banerjee Anita
Published: October 2020

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare genetic condition associated with episodic swelling due to dysfunction of bradykinin regulation pathways. This is most frequently caused by low level and/or function of the C1-esterase inhibitor protein (C1INH) which is known as hereditary angioedema with C1 inhibitor deficiency (C1INH-HAE). Pregnancy and labour can precipitate an attack, but the majority of women have an uncomplicated, spontaneous vaginal delivery. Intravenous C1INH is the first-line therapy in pregnancy and breastfeeding. It should be given if any obstetric intervention is planned. Routine prophylactic administration for uncomplicated vaginal birth is not mandatory but may be appropriate if symptoms recur frequently during the third trimester. Pregnant women with C1INH-HAE should deliver in a hospital with C1INH replacement, fiberoptic intubation and front-of-neck access equipment readily available. A documented treatment plan should be developed within a multi-disciplinary team to pre-empt complications. We describe a case of C1INH-HAE diagnosed in pregnancy.
Correlation between smoking and neovascularization in biceps tendinopathy: a functional preoperative and immunohistochemical study
Authors: Zabrzynski Jan , Gagat Maciej , Paczesny Lukasz , Grzanka Dariusz , Huri Gazi
Published: October 2020

Aims:

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether smoking is associated with neovascularization in the tendinopathy of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT).

Methods:

The study included 40 consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic biceps tenotomy/tenodesis due to chronic biceps tendinopathy and divided into three groups: (1) non-smokers, (2) former smokers, (3) smokers. LHBT tissue samples were stained with H&E, Alcian blue and Trichrome staining. Immunohistochemical examination was performed using anti-CD31 and anti-CD34. The neovessel density score (NDS) was scored by Bonar criteria.

Results:

The mean period of smoking was 15.50 years with an average number of 24 cigarettes/day in the former smokers and 21.69 years with an average number of 15 cigarettes/day in the active smokers. The mean NDS was 2.23/3 in non-smokers, whereas it was 1.60/3 in former smokers and 1.31/3 in active smokers. The mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score equaled 46 in never smoked patients, 43.60 in former smokers, and 41.46 in active smokers. In the patients with smoking history, the disorganized tendinous tissue islands were avascular and composed of compact acidic polysaccharides and mucopolysaccharides. We observed negative correlation between the NDS and the smoking indexes, including cigarettes per day ( p = 0.0150), smoking years ( p = 0.0140), pack-years ( p = 0.0088).

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the present study revealed that smoking impairs the vascularization of the biceps tendon in chronic tendinopathy. Clinically, we observed a negative correlation between smoking and neovascularization. Furthermore, there was no correlation between neovascularization and functional preoperative status.
English language proficiency, complete tooth loss, and recent dental visits among older adults in the United States
Authors: Foiles Sifuentes Andriana M , Castaneda-Avila Maira A , Lapane Kate L
Published: October 2020

Objectives:

This study sought to provide population-based estimates of complete tooth loss and recent dental visits among older adults in the United States by English language proficiency.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the 2017 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey among participants ⩾50 years of age (n = 10,452, weighted to represent 111,895,290 persons). Five categories of language proficiency were created based on self-reported English language ability and language spoken at home (Spanish, Other).

Results:

The prevalence of complete tooth loss was higher among those with limited English proficiency (Spanish speaking: 13.7%; Other languages: 16.9%) than those proficient in English (Spanish speaking: 5.0%; Other languages: 6.0%, English only: 12.0%). Complete tooth loss was less common among participants for whom Spanish was their primary language, with limited English proficiency relative to English only (adjusted odds ratio: 0.56; 95% confidence interval: 0.42–0.76). Among those without complete tooth loss, dental visits in the past year were less common among participants with primary language other than English as compared to those who only speak English.

Conclusions:

Complete tooth loss varied by English language proficiency among adults aged ⩾50 years in the United States. Suboptimal adherence to annual dental visits was common, more so in those with complete tooth loss, and varied by English language proficiency.
Experimental study on the effects of different disinfectants in preventing pin-site infection after using Ilizarov circular external fixators
Authors: Guo Xiujuan , Zhang Yonghong , Li Pengcui , Guo Jinli
Published: October 2020

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of different disinfectants in preventing pin-site infection. A total of 32 healthy New Zealand white rabbits were selected as the research subjects. The rabbits were placed in an Ilizarov 3/4 circular external fixator for a period of time after feeding. They were then divided into four groups of eight animals each. After surgery, pin-site nursing was performed twice a day with a different disinfectant for each group (chlorhexidine gluconate alcohol disinfectant, Maokang iodine, 75% alcohol and physiological saline). Each pin site’s surrounding conditions were visually observed daily, and bacterial culture of the pin-site secretions was promptly performed. The changes of C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell upon the first day, first week, second week, fourth week, and sixth week after the operation were compared, as were infection statuses and morphological changes in the surrounding tissue at the sixth week post operation. The differences in the CRP and white blood cell values and infection rates among the four groups were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05), but the difference in infection levels among the four groups was not statistically significant (P>0.05). In addition, the difference in the pathologically inflammatory cells among the four groups at the sixth week post operation was statistically significant (P < 0.05).It was concluded that the effect of chlorhexidine gluconate alcohol disinfectant in preventing pin-site infection was superior compared to the other three disinfectants.
Aflibercept for Radiation Maculopathy (ARM Study): Year-2 Extension of a Prospective Clinical Study
Authors: Murray Timothy G. , Latiff Azeema , Villegas Victor M. , Gold Aaron S.
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

This work describes the 2-year results of the Aflibercept for Radiation Maculopathy (ARM) randomized clinical study that evaluated intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor antagonist therapy in radiation maculopathy delivering aflibercept using a second-year collapsed, every-6-weeks, treat-and-adjust interval.

Methods:

Forty patients were enrolled in an institutional review board–approved clinical trial and randomly assigned to aflibercept treatment via 1 of 2 regimens: fixed, every-6-week treatment or variable, treat-and-adjust therapy centered around 6 weeks. All patients had a diagnosis of treated uveal melanoma with documented tumor control, and they had visually compromising radiation maculopathy. At conclusion of year 1, the first 30 patients were offered a collapsed single-arm variable of an every-6-weeks treat-and-adjust aflibercept injection schedule for an additional treatment year.

Results:

Baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/63 at ARM study entry 20/62 at the institution of the year-2 extension. At ARM study entry baseline, spectral domain–optical coherence tomography mean central retinal thickness was 432 µm and was 294 µm at the same institution. At the 2-year study’s conclusion, 76.7% (23 of 30) of eyes were better than 20/50, and only 6.7% (2 of 30) ended with a BCVA below 20/200. Final mean BCVA was 20/62 and final mean spectral domain–optical coherence tomography central retinal thickness was 286 µm, but as in year 1, this reduction in number of injections was not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

Aflibercept is effective in treating radiation maculopathy with maintained visual acuity at 2 years but continues to require an ongoing treatment approach to stabilize radiation maculopathy.