bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a tour guide and co-experience robot system using the quasi-zenith satellite system and the 5th-generation mobile communication system at a Theme Park
Authors: Matsumoto Kohei , Yamada Hiroyuki , Imai Masato , Kawamura Akihiro , Kawauchi Yasuhiro , Nakamura Tamaki , Kurazume Ryo
Published: February 2021

Autonomous robots are expected to replace dangerous, dirty, and demanding (3D) jobs. At a theme park, surveillance, cleaning, and guiding tasks can be regarded as 3D jobs. The present paper attempts to develop an autonomous tour guide robot system and co-experience system at a large theme park. For realizing such autonomous service robots used in our daily environment, localization is one of the most important and fundamental functions. A number of localization techniques, including simultaneous localization and mapping, have been proposed. Although a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) is most commonly used in outdoor environments, its accuracy is approximately 10 m, which is inadequate for navigation of an autonomous service robot. Therefore, a GNSS is usually used together with other localization techniques, such as map matching or camera-based localization. In the present study, we adopt the quasi-zenith satellite system (QZSS), which became available in and around Japan in November 2018, for the localization of an autonomous service robot. The QZSS provides high-accuracy position information using quasi-zenith satellites (QZSs) and has a localization error of less than 10 centimeters. In the present paper, we compare the positioning performance of the QZSS and the real-time kinematic GPS and verify the stability and the accuracy of the QZSS in an outdoor environment. In addition, we introduce a tour guide robot system using the QZSS and present the results of a guided tour experiment in a theme park. On the other hand, based on the tour guide system, we also develop a co-experience robot system in a theme park, which realizes the sharing of experiences using an immersive VR display and the 5th-generation mobile communication system (5G). The robot is equipped with a 360-degree video camera and real-time 4K video is transmitted to a remote operator using the large communication capacity of the 5G network. The experimental results at a theme park showed that the guided tour experiment was successful and that the co-experience system allowed sharing of the experience with high immersion by a remote operator.
Comparing lesion detection efficacy and image quality across different PET system generations to optimize the iodine-124 PET protocol for recurrent thyroid cancer
Authors: Kersting David , Jentzen Walter , Sraieb Miriam , Costa Pedro Fragoso , Conti Maurizio , Umutlu Lale , Antoch Gerald , Nader Michael , Herrmann Ken , Fendler Wolfgang Peter , Rischpler Christoph , Weber Manuel
Published: February 2021

Background

In recurrent differentiated thyroid cancer patients, detectability in 124I PET is limited for lesions with low radioiodine uptake. We assess the improvements in lesion detectability and image quality between three generations of PET scanners with different detector technologies. The results are used to suggest an optimized protocol.

Methods

Datasets of 10 patients with low increasing thyroglobulin or thyroglobulin antibody levels after total thyroidectomy and radioiodine therapies were included. PET data were acquired and reconstructed on a Biograph mCT PET/CT (whole-body, 4-min acquisition time per bed position; OSEM, OSEM-TOF, OSEM-TOF+PSF), a non-TOF Biograph mMR PET/MR (neck region, 4 min and 20 min; OSEM), and a new generation Biograph Vision PET/CT (whole-body, 4 min; OSEM, OSEM-TOF, OSEM-TOF+PSF). The 20-min image on the mMR was used as reference to calculate the detection efficacy in the neck region. Image quality was rated on a 5-point scale.

Results

All detected lesions were in the neck region. Detection efficacy was 8/9 (Vision OSEM-TOF and OSEM-TOF+PSF), 4/9 (Vision OSEM), 3/9 (mMR OSEM and mCT OSEM-TOF+PSF), and 2/9 (mCT OSEM and OSEM-TOF). Median image quality was 4 (Vision OSEM-TOF and OSEM-TOF+PSF), 3 (Vision OSEM, mCT OSEM-TOF+PSF, and mMR OSEM 20-min), 2 (mCT OSEM-TOF), 1.5 (mCT OSEM), and 1 (mMR OSEM 4 min).

Conclusion

At a clinical standard acquisition time of 4 min per bed position, the new generation Biograph Vision using a TOF-based image reconstruction demonstrated the highest detectability and image quality and should, if available, be preferably used for imaging of low-uptake lesions. A prolonged acquisition time for the mostly affected neck region can be useful.
Indirect immunofluorescent assay as an aid in the diagnosis of suspected immune mediated ataxias
Authors: Hadjivassiliou Marios , Wild Graeme , Shanmugarajah Priya , Grünewald Richard A. , Akil Mohammed
Published: February 2021

Background and purpose

Immune mediated cerebellar ataxias account for a substantial proportion of all progressive ataxias. A diagnostic serological test is not always available. This is particularly problematic in Primary Autoimmune Cerebellar Ataxia, hence the necessity for diagnostic criteria recently devised and published by an International Task Force. We present our experience in the use of a commercially available indirect immunofluorescence assay, intended to be used for the detection of antibodies associated with paraneoplastic neurological syndromes.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients with ataxia who underwent serological testing using this assay as part of their diagnostic evaluation. We were interested in 3 groups: suspected immune mediated ataxias, genetically confirmed ataxias and patients with cerebellar variant of multi-system atrophy (MSA-C). The indirect immunofluorescence assay was performed using commercially available monkey cerebellum slides and anti-human IgG FITC conjugated antiserum.

Results

A total of 300 patients that had this test and fitted into one of these 3 groups (immune ataxias 190, genetic ataxias 60, MSA-C 50) were identified. The prevalence of positive immunofluorescence but negative immunoblot was 172/190 (91%) in the suspected immune ataxia group, 3/60 (5%) in the genetic group and 2/50 (4%) in the MSA-C group. The difference between the first and the other groups was significant χ2 (1, N = 291) = 64.2, p < 00001.

Conclusions

This report demonstrates that a commercially available immunofluorescence assay can be used to provide additional diagnostic aid for suspected immune mediated ataxias and in particular Primary Autoimmune Cerebellar Ataxia where no diagnostic marker exists.
A global framework for a systemic view of brain modeling
Authors: Alexandre Frederic
Published: February 2021

The brain is a complex system, due to the heterogeneity of its structure, the diversity of the functions in which it participates and to its reciprocal relationships with the body and the environment. A systemic description of the brain is presented here, as a contribution to developing a brain theory and as a general framework where specific models in computational neuroscience can be integrated and associated with global information flows and cognitive functions. In an enactive view, this framework integrates the fundamental organization of the brain in sensorimotor loops with the internal and the external worlds, answering four fundamental questions (what, why, where and how). Our survival-oriented definition of behavior gives a prominent role to pavlovian and instrumental conditioning, augmented during phylogeny by the specific contribution of other kinds of learning, related to semantic memory in the posterior cortex, episodic memory in the hippocampus and working memory in the frontal cortex. This framework highlights that responses can be prepared in different ways, from pavlovian reflexes and habitual behavior to deliberations for goal-directed planning and reasoning, and explains that these different kinds of responses coexist, collaborate and compete for the control of behavior. It also lays emphasis on the fact that cognition can be described as a dynamical system of interacting memories, some acting to provide information to others, to replace them when they are not efficient enough, or to help for their improvement. Describing the brain as an architecture of learning systems has also strong implications in Machine Learning. Our biologically informed view of pavlovian and instrumental conditioning can be very precious to revisit classical Reinforcement Learning and provide a basis to ensure really autonomous learning.
Ruptured mediastinal mature teratoma causing severe mediastinitis: report of a surgically resected case and a literature review
Authors: Ota Eri , Kudo Yujin , Maehara Sachio , Furumoto Hideyuki , Matsubayashi Jun , Shimada Yoshihisa , Hagiwara Masaru , Nagao Toshitaka , Ohira Tatsuo , Ikeda Norihiko
Published: February 2021

Background

Mediastinal teratomas occasionally rupture into the thoracic cavity, which induces mediastinitis or various other severe complications. Surgical treatment is crucial for ruptured teratomas; however, few literature reviews to date have addressed the characteristics of ruptured mediastinal teratomas.

Case presentation

We report a 29-year-old woman with severe mediastinitis owing to a mediastinal mature teratoma that ruptured into the mediastinum and right pleural cavity. Surgical resection by median sternotomy was performed within 24 hours after emergency admission. Intraoperative findings demonstrated the ruptured wall of the tumor with exposure of its white contents, which appeared similar to skin and fat, and necrotic tissue in the anterior mediastinum. The tumor was adhered to the right upper lobe, the ascending aorta, and pericardium. Owing to the severe adhesion of the tumor caused by inflammation in the surrounding tissues, a small portion of the tumor could not be removed, and hence complete resection with a sufficient surgical margin was not achieved. Pathologically, the tumor consisted of a solid mass and a cystic mass with severe adhesion to the resected portion of the lung, which included skin and lipid tissue. The tumor was concluded to be a mature teratoma as neither an immature component nor malignant transformation was observed. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the report of successful surgical resection of a ruptured mediastinal teratoma causing severe mediastinitis, with the first literature review of ruptured mediastinal teratomas. We also discuss relevant findings from reports in the literature.
A case of disseminated carcinomatosis of the bone marrow from gastric cancer developing rapidly after a gastrectomy
Authors: Sato Shunsuke , Ishibashi Yuji , Kawasaki Koichiro , Yamazaki Ryoto , Hatao Fumihiko , Morita Yasuhiro , Imamura Kazuhiro
Published: February 2021

Background

Disseminated carcinomatosis of the bone marrow (DCBM) is often associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and a poor prognosis. Moreover, the timing of the diagnosis varies. We presented herein the first report of a case of DCBM from gastric cancer that developed rapidly after a gastrectomy.

Case presentation

A 42-year-old male patient was referred to us for gastric cancer. Preoperative laboratory tests were normal. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed no obvious bone metastasis, and he underwent a laparoscopic distal gastrectomy. On postoperative day (POD) 1, laboratory data indicated severe thrombocytopenia. Postoperative bleeding requiring reoperation was found. Afterwards, he complained of lower back pain. His ALP and LDH gradually became elevated. On POD 8, DIC was diagnosed. CT and bone scintigraphy showed multiple, widespread bone metastases. Based on these findings, DCBM from gastric cancer was diagnosed. Systemic chemotherapy was started on POD 12. The DIC subsided during the first course, and he was discharged on POD 21. The patient died of tumor progression 7 months later.

Conclusion

When thrombocytopenia is observed immediately after a gastrectomy for gastric cancer, the possibility of DCBM should be considered.
Descending aortic transection for recurrence of a pseudoaneurysm previously treated with a stent graft after extra-anatomical bypass for aortic coarctation: a case report
Authors: Shibagaki Keisuke , Kunioka Shingo , Kikuchi Yuta , Wakabayashi Naohiro , Shirasaka Tomonori , Ishikawa Natsuya , Kamiya Hiroyuki
Published: February 2021

Background

In adult patients with primary or recurrent coarctation of the aorta (CoA), extra-anatomic bypass grafting (EABG) has been widely used as a surgical treatment option. However, there have been few reports on pseudoaneurysms (PAs) of the distal anastomotic sites after extra-anatomic bypass for CoA.

Case presentation

A 51-year-old man with hemoptysis was transferred to our hospital. Twenty years ago, he had undergone EABG from the ascending to the descending aorta (ascending-to-descending EABG) for CoA with right aortic arch. Eight years ago, he underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for the ruptured PA on the distal anastomotic site of the EABG. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography scans revealed recurrent ruptured PA on the distal anastomotic site of the EABG. Therefore, we decided to replace the descending aorta, followed by end-to-side anastomosis of the EABG to the replaced descending aorta. However, due to massive adhesion of the lung to the EABG and PA, we performed transection of the descending aorta to decompress the PA. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient is doing well 5 months after surgery.

Conclusions

Aortic transection between the CoA and the distal anastomosis site may be a useful additional procedure in patients previously treated with TEVAR for PAs in the distal anastomosis site after EABG.
High intensity exercise during breast cancer chemotherapy - effects on long-term myocardial damage and physical capacity - data from the OptiTrain RCT
Authors: Ansund Josefin , Mijwel Sara , Bolam Kate A. , Altena Renske , Wengström Yvonne , Rullman Eric , Rundqvist Helene
Published: February 2021

Background

Adjuvant systemic breast cancer treatment improves disease specific outcomes, but also presents with cardiac toxicity. In this post-hoc exploratory analysis of the OptiTrain trial, the effects of exercise on cardiotoxicity were monitored by assessing fitness and biomarkers over the intervention and into survivorship.

Methods; Women starting chemotherapy were randomized to 16-weeks of resistance and high-intensity interval training (RT-HIIT), moderate-intensity aerobic and high-intensity interval training (AT–HIIT), or usual care (UC). Outcome measures included plasma troponin-T (cTnT), Nt-pro-BNP and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and at 1- and 2-years.

Results

For this per-protocol analysis, 88 women met criteria for inclusion. Plasma cTnT increased in all groups post-intervention. At the 1-year follow-up, Nt-pro-BNP was lower in the exercise groups compared to UC. At 2-years there was a drop in VO2peak for patients with high cTnT and Nt-pro-BNP. Fewer patients in the RT-HIIT group fulfilled biomarker risk criteria compared to UC (OR 0.200; 95% CI = 0.055–0.734).

Conclusions

In this cohort, high-intensity exercise was associated with lower levels of NT-proBNP 1-year post-baseline, but not with cTnT directly after treatment completion. This may, together with the preserved VO2peak in patients with low levels of biomarkers, indicate a long-term cardioprotective effect of exercise.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.govNCT02522260, Registered 13th of august 2015 – Retrospectively Registered

Graphical abstract
Transcapillary escape rate of 125I-albumin in relation to timing of blood sampling: the need for standardization
Authors: Chahid Youssef , Rorije Nienke M. G. , el Boujoufi Soufian , Mathôt Ron A. A. , Vogt Liffert , Verberne Hein J.
Published: February 2021

Background

Increased vascular permeability is an early sign of vascular damage and can be measured with the transcapillary escape rate of albumin (TERalb). Although TERalbhas a multi-exponential kinetic model, most published TERalbdata are based on mono-exponential kinetic models with variation in blood sampling schemes. Aim of this posthoc study was to evaluate the influence of variation in blood sampling schemes and the impact of mono- or bi-exponential analyses on the calculation of TERalb. Study participants were part of a cross-over intervention study protocol, investigating effects of sodium loading on blood pressure, endothelial surface layer and microcirculation. Multiple blood samples were drawn between 3 and 60 min after injection of radioactive iodide labeled human serum albumin (rHSA).

Results

In total 27 male participants with 54 measurements were included. For all participants the maximum serum radioactivity was reached within 20 min, while 85% of the participants had their maximum serum activity within 10 min. The TERalbcalculated with the subsequently chosen T20–60 minreference scheme (6.19 ± 0.49%/h) was significantly lower compared to the TERalbof the T3–60 min, T5–60 min, and Tmax – 60 minschemes. There was no significant difference between the T20–60 minreference scheme and the T10–60 minand T15–60 minschemes. Bi-exponential kinetic modeling did not result in significant different observations compared to the mono-exponential kinetic analysis.

Conclusions

As there is variation in the timing of the maximum serum radioactivity of rHSA, blood sampling schemes starting before 10 min after administration of rHSA will result in a significant overestimation of TERalb. In addition, variation in kinetic modeling did not result in significant changes in TERalb. Therefore, we emphasize the need to standardize TERalband for practical and logistical reasons advocate the use of a mono-exponential model with blood sampling starting 20 min after rHSA administration.
Right to left shunting detection by contrast-enhanced transcranial color-coded duplex among patients with cryptogenic stroke
Authors: Mohamed Samia Ashour , Saleh Mohamed Ayman , ELKhawas Hala Mahmoud , ElHadidi Eman Saleh , ElSadek Ahmed , Soliman Noha Lotfy
Published: February 2021

Background

Contrast-enhanced transcranial duplex (c-TCD) might be more sensitive than transesophageal echo (TEE) for detection of right to left shunting (RLS), which misses some cases with substantial RLS and might be valuable for prediction of recurrent stroke or transient ischemic attack in patients with PFO. Our aim is to detect sensitivity and specificity of contrast-enhanced TCD in detection of RLS among stroke patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO) in comparison to TEE.

Methods

TEE and contrast-enhanced TCD for cryptogenic stroke patients with PFO were done to detect right to left shunting.

Results

On testing characteristics of TCD in detecting RLS compared to the gold standard of TEE, TCD sensitivity was 85.7%, specificity was 100%, negative predictive value was 96.55%, and positive predictive value was 100%.

Conclusion

We concluded that PFO is considered an important hidden etiology for ischemic stroke. Contrast-enhanced TCD is considered sensitive method for detection of right to left shunting among PFO patients.
Thoracic rhizotomy versus thoracic paravertebral nerve radiofrequency in thoracic cancer pain
Authors: Elramely Mohamed Adly , Abdelwahab Wael Abdelmoneim Mohammad
Published: February 2021

Background

Lung cancer is the most frequent occurring malignancy and mostly presenting with pain. Interventional procedures reduce medications and their side effects. Rhizotomy is another modality for control of chest wall pain due to tumor invasion or somatic and neural structures. We compared the degree of pain relief in thoracic rhizotomy versus thoracic paravertebral nerve radiofrequency.

Results

Six hours postoperatively, radiofrequency (RF) ablation of dorsal root ganglia resulted in reduction of required dose of narcotics in 12 patients (80%) compared to 6 patients (40%) treated with RF ablation of TPN (Pvalue = 0.025). After 4 weeks reduction in required narcotic dose was recorded in 80.0% of DRG patients compared to 33.3% of TPN patients (Pvalue = 0.010). Patients’ activity improved in 11 patients (73.3%) in DRG group compared to 5 patients (33.3%) in TPN group (Pvalue = 0.028). No significant difference in frequency of sensory loss (Pvalue = 1.000), burning sensation (Pvalue = 0.128) and allodynia (Pvalue = 0.139).

Conclusion

RF ablation of DRG is superior to RF ablation of TPN in relieving thoracic pain with more improvement of patients’ activity and similar adverse outcomes.
The antimicrobial and antioxidant property, GC–MS analysis of non-edible oil-seed cakes of neem, madhuca, and simarouba
Authors: VasudhaUdupa A. , Gowda Balakrishna , Kumarswammy B. E. , Shivanna M. B.
Published: February 2021

Background

The antimicrobial activity against clinically and agriculturally important microorganisms, antioxidant property and chemical profiling of acetone crude extracts of non-edible oil-seed cakes of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss), madhuca (Madhuca longifolia syn. Madhuca indica Gmelin) and simarouba (Simarouba glauca DC) obtained by hot and cold extraction methods were tested in-vitro.

Results

The hot neem and cold acetone extracts of madhuca and simarouba were inhibitory to Staphylococcus aureus. The enteric pathogens-Enterococcus faecalis and Salmonella enterica were inhibited by both hot and cold extracts of simarouba cake. Fusarium oxysporum and Colletotrichum capsici were sensitive to oil-seed cake extracts of madhuca and simarouba cake extracts followed by neem cake extract. The Aspergillus flavus was highly sensitive to neem followed by madhuca and simarouba extracts. The cyclic voltammetry of all extracts indicated the presence of oxidation peaks at different Epa values suggesting the presence of antioxidant ability. The GC–MS profile revealed the presence of pharmacologically important essential compounds.

Conclusion

The study revealed the presence of bioactive compounds in non-edible oil-seed cakes that could be exploited for human welfare.
Medium-term chest computed tomography (CT) follow-up of COVID-19 pneumonia patients after recovery to assess the rate of resolution and determine the potential predictors of persistent lung changes
Authors: Parry Arshed Hussain , Wani Abdul Haseeb , Shah Naveed Nazir , Jehangir Majid
Published: February 2021

Background

The data on medium-term follow-up of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pneumonia survivors is scarce. Medium-term follow-up will generate knowledge and help in devising a structured follow-up plan and to facilitate enrolment in clinical trials assessing the role of antifibrotic drugs in modifying the course of disease in order to avert long-term pulmonary sequelae of disease. The study was aimed to evaluate the lung findings on a medium-term follow-up (3 months or more) chest computed tomography (CT) in COVID-19 pneumonia survivors, assess the rate of resolution or persistence of lung abnormalities and to identify the initial demographic, clinical, and imaging characteristics that could potentially predict the persistence of lung abnormalities on follow-up.

Results

Out of the total study cohort of 81 patients, 46 (56.8%) demonstrated complete resolution of lung findings and the remaining 35 (43.2%) had residual lung opacities on follow-up CT. The most common type of residual abnormality was ground glass opacity (GGO) (16/35; 45.7%), followed by parenchymal bands (9/35; 25.7%), mixed pattern of GGO and parenchymal bands (6/35; 17.2%), bronchiectasis (6/35; 17.2%), and interlobular septal thickening (4/35; 11.4%). Patients with residual abnormalities were older, had higher BMI, more comorbidities, lower SpO2, longer hospital stay, higher rate of intensive care unit (ICU) admission, higher WBC count, a higher CT severity score, and lower rate of steroid administration with all p values < 0.05.

Conclusion

Nearly half of post-COVID-19 survivors had residual lung abnormalities after ≥ 3 months of follow-up. Certain clinico-radiological characteristics have the potential to identify the individuals at risk of having residual lung abnormalities on medium-term follow-up.
Surgical emphysema as an early sign for pharyngocutaneous fistula following total laryngectomy: a case report
Authors: Nassar Ahmed Amin , Ibrahim Hazem Othman
Published: February 2021

Background

Pharyngocutaneous fistula is the most common and troublesome complication after total laryngectomy. Many factors may be used in laryngectomy patients for the early diagnosis of pharyngocutaneous fistulae such as skin flap edema, neck erythema, salivary leak, postoperative barium swallow, and wound amylase level. Its diagnosis is mainly standing on a clinical basis.

Case presentation

This report described two cases of laryngeal carcinoma, which presented with a history of persistent hoarseness of voice and mild stridor and were diagnosed with a battery of clinical investigations and managed successfully with total laryngectomy and lateral neck dissection. Both patients suffered from postoperative surgical emphysema before developing pharyngocutaneous fistula.

Conclusion

Surgical emphysema can precede the occurrence of pharyngocutaneous fistula after total laryngectomy. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in newly diagnosed patients with bipolar disorder, their unaffected first-degree relatives and healthy controls
Authors: Petersen Nanna Aagaard , Nielsen Marc Østergaard , Coello Klara , Stanislaus Sharleny , Melbye Sigurd , Kjærstad Hanne Lie , Sletved Kimie Stefanie Ormstrup , McIntyre Roger S. , Frikke-Smith Ruth , Vinberg Maj , Kessing Lars Vedel
Published: February 2021

Background

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which facilitates neuroplasticity and synaptogenesis, may be decreased in bipolar disorder, but has not been systematically investigated in people with newly diagnosed bipolar disorder and unaffected first-degree relatives.

Aims

To compare BDNF levels in patients with newly diagnosed bipolar disorder, their unaffected first-degree relatives and healthy controls.

Method

The study investigated plasma BDNF levels in patients (n = 371) with newly diagnosed bipolar disorder, their unaffected first-degree relatives (n = 98) and healthy controls (n = 200) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We further investigated associations between BDNF levels and illness-related variables and medication status.

Results

BDNF levels were found to be 22.0% (95% CI 1.107–1.343) higher in patients with bipolar disorder compared with healthy controls (P < 0.001) and 15.6% higher in unaffected first-degree relatives compared with healthy controls (95% CI 1.007–1.327, P = 0.04), when adjusting for age and gender. Further, BDNF levels were positively associated with duration of illness at a trend level (P = 0.05), age (P = 0.001) and use of anti-epileptic medication (P = 0.05).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that BDNF levels are not decreased in the early stages of bipolar disorder and in unaffected first-degree relatives contrasting with prior findings during later stages of the illness.
Measuring Financial Distress and Quality of Life Over Time in Patients With Gynecologic Cancer—Making the Case to Screen Early in the Treatment Course
Authors: Liang Margaret I. , Summerlin Sarah S. , Blanchard Christina T. , Boitano Teresa K. L. , Huh Warner K. , Bhatia Smita , Pisu Maria
Published: February 2021

PURPOSE:

Our objective was to measure the trajectory of financial distress and to determine its relationship with quality of life (QOL) among patients with cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We conducted a longitudinal survey of patients with gynecologic cancer starting a new line of systemic therapy at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Financial distress was measured using a Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST) < 26, and QOL was measured using Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) with lower scores indicating worse responses. One-way repeated analysis of variances, generalized estimating equation models, and correlation coefficients were used to evaluate financial distress and QOL over time.

RESULTS:

There were 90 of 121 (74%) baseline participants with a 6-month follow-up. The average age was 60 years, 29% were African-American, 57% had an annual income < $40,000 in US dollars, and 6% were uninsured. At baseline, 54% of patients screened positive for financial distress, which was unchanged at 3 months (50%, P = .27) but decreased at 6 months (46%, P = .04) compared with baseline. There was no change in average COST (23.6, 25.1, 25.6; P = .33) or FACT-G (70.8, 71.0, 72.8; P = .68) over time. Less financial distress was moderately correlated with better QOL (r = 0.63, 0.61, 0.60) at each time point. The presence of financial distress was associated with a 16-point decrease in FACT-G QOL score over time.

CONCLUSION:

Upfront screening with COST identified 90% of patients who experienced financial distress, and COST did not change significantly over time. More severe financial distress was moderately correlated with worse QOL, and its presence was associated with a clinically meaningful 16-point decrease in QOL.
The Association of Passive Smoking and Dyslipidemia Among Adolescence in Japan: Results From A-CHILD Study
Authors: Miyamura Keitaro , Nawa Nobutoshi , Isumi Aya , Doi Satomi , Ochi Manami , Fujiwara Takeo
Published: February 2021

Context

Passive smoking in childhood has been reported to be associated with dyslipidemia in Western countries. However, this association in Asian countries remains unclear. Further, no study has investigated the sex difference of the association.

Objective

This study aimed to elucidate the association between passive smoking and dyslipidemia in adolescent boys and girls in Japan.

Methods

We used a cross-sectional data of junior high school students in the Adachi Child Health Impact of Living Difficulty (A-CHILD) study in Adachi City, Tokyo, Japan in 2016 and 2018. Of the 1431 available students, 1166 students and their parents responded to the survey, including frequency of passive smoking (response rate 81.5%). We assessed dyslipidemia using total cholesterol (TC) levels, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. The association between passive smoking and dyslipidemia was evaluated by using multivariate regression analyses adjusted for socioeconomic status and lifestyle factors stratified by boys (N = 564) and girls (N = 602).

Results

Among boys, HDL-C levels were significantly lower if exposed to passive smoking frequently, compared with those not exposed (β = −3.19; 95% CI, −5.84 to −0.55). However, this trend does not hold true among girls. Passive smoking was not associated with TC levels and LDL-C levels in either boys or girls.

Conclusion

We found that exposure to passive smoking was associated with HDL-C level among boys in Japan, but not in girls. Further longitudinal study is needed to confirm the association between passive smoking and dyslipidemia among boys in Japan.
Elevated Apolipoprotein A1 and HDL Cholesterol Associated with Age-related Macular Degeneration: 2 Population Cohorts
Authors: Nordestgaard Liv Tybjærg , Tybjærg-Hansen Anne , Frikke-Schmidt Ruth , Nordestgaard Børge Grønne
Published: February 2021

Context

To enable prevention and treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), understanding risk factors for AMD is important.

Objective

We tested the hypotheses that elevated plasma apolipoprotein A1 and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and low levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are associated with increased risk of AMD.

Methods

From the Danish general population, we studied 106 703 and 16 032 individuals in the Copenhagen General Population Study (CGPS) and the Copenhagen City Heart Study (CCHS) with median follow-up of 9 and 32 years, respectively.

The main outcome measures were 1787 AMD in CGPS and 206 in CCHS.

Results

Higher concentrations of plasma apolipoprotein A1 and HDL cholesterol, and lower concentrations of LDL cholesterol, were associated with higher risk of AMD in CGPS. After multifactorial adjustment, individuals in the highest versus lowest quartile of plasma apolipoprotein A1 and HDL cholesterol had hazard ratios for AMD of 1.40 (95% CI: 1.20-1.63) and 1.22 (1.03-1.45). Corresponding hazard ratios for individuals in the lowest versus highest quartile of LDL cholesterol were 1.18 (1.02-1.37). Per 100 mg/dL higher plasma apolipoprotein A1, 1 mmol/L (39 mg/dL) higher HDL, and 1 mmol/L (39 mmol/L) lower LDL cholesterol, the hazard ratios for AMD were 1.53(1.31-1.80), 1.19 (1.07-1.32), and 1.05 (1.00-1.11), respectively, with similar results across strata of different risk factors. Higher concentrations of HDL cholesterol were also associated with higher risk of AMD in the CCHS.

Conclusion

Elevated plasma apolipoprotein A1 and HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol are associated with increased risk of AMD.
Autonomous Cortisol Secretion Influences Psychopathological Symptoms in Patients With Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Gendreitzig Pauline , Künzel Heike E , Adolf Christian , Handgriff Laura , Müller Lisa , Holler Finn , Sturm Lisa , Heinrich Daniel A , Reincke Martin , Quinkler Marcus
Published: February 2021

Context

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is associated with impaired quality of life (QoL). Autonomous cortisol cosecretion (ACS) is a relevant phenotype of PA, which could contribute to depression and anxiety disorders. This has not been investigated so far.

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence of depression and anxiety in PA patients according to ACS.

Methods

We performed testing for hypercortisolism and evaluated anxiety, depression and QoL by self-rating questionnaires in newly diagnosed PA patients of the German Conn’s Registry; 298 patients were reevaluated at follow-up.

Results

In the overall cohort, scores for anxiety (P < .001), depression (P < .001), and QoL (mental P = .021; physical P = .015) improved significantly at follow-up. This improvement was seen in both subgroups of patients with and without ACS, with the exception of the mental subscore in no-ACS patients. Analysis for sex differences showed that anxiety decreased significantly in females with ACS and no-ACS, whereas males with no-ACS failed to improve. Depression improved significantly in males and females with ACS (P = .004, P = 0.011 respectively), but not in those with no-ACS. Physical subscore of QoL improved significantly (P = .023) in females with ACS and mental subscore (P = .027) in males with ACS, whereas no differences were seen for the no-ACS groups.

Conclusion

Improvement in depression and anxiety scores in response to treatment of PA is more pronounced in patients with ACS in contrast to no-ACS suggesting a role of ACS in the psychopathological symptoms of patients with PA. Furthermore, we observed significant differences in depression and anxiety scores between the sexes.
How Not to Read like a Victorian: Reimagining Bankim’s Reader in Nineteenth-Century Bengali Novels
Authors: Bhattacharya Sunayani
Published: February 2021

This article examines the novels of the nineteenth-century Bengali author Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay in light of classical Sanskrit literature and the rasa theory and argues that practices of Sanskrit kāvya literature are as dominant in the structural and aesthetic elements of the Bengali novel as are Western forms of novel production. The arguments are located in the reader to suggest that Bankim’s novels train readers to read the Sanskrit past as encoded in the text and as coexisting with the westernized colonial present, albeit in a difficult relationship. The article pays particular attention to the novelist’s adaptation of two forms of Sanskrit prose, the kathā and the ākhyāyikā, and his exploration of the śṛngāra (erotic) rasa. While the Bengali novel emerges after the introduction of its Victorian counterpart, the former is a product of engagement with tensions foreign to the British novel. Exploring this alternative reading practice provides an opportunity to understand how Bengali and Sanskrit—in terms of literature and culture—are part of the lived experience of both Bankim and his nineteenth-century readers, and part of the aesthetic and ethical foundation of the early Bengali novel.
Cytoskeletal mechanics and dynamics in the Drosophila syncytial embryo
Authors: Lv Zhiyi , de-Carvalho Jorge , Telley Ivo A. , Großhans Jörg
Published: February 2021

Cell and tissue functions rely on the genetic programmes and cascades of biochemical signals. It has become evident during the past decade that the physical properties of soft material that govern the mechanics of cells and tissues play an important role in cellular function and morphology. The biophysical properties of cells and tissues are determined by the cytoskeleton, consisting of dynamic networks of F-actin and microtubules, molecular motors, crosslinkers and other associated proteins, among other factors such as cell–cell interactions. The Drosophila syncytial embryo represents a simple pseudo-tissue, with its nuclei orderly embedded in a structured cytoskeletal matrix at the embryonic cortex with no physical separation by cellular membranes. Here, we review the stereotypic dynamics and regulation of the cytoskeleton in Drosophila syncytial embryos and how cytoskeletal dynamics underlies biophysical properties and the emergence of collective features. We highlight the specific features and processes of syncytial embryos and discuss the applicability of biophysical approaches.
La Autoridad Internacional de los Fondos Marinos y la explotación sostenible de la Zona
Authors: Jimenez Moran Sotomayor Fabiola
Published: February 2021

En los próximos años, la Autoridad Internacional de los FondosMarinos (isa por su sigla en inglés) enfrentará el reto de lograr que laexplotación de la Zona se realice de forma sostenible. El presente artículopersigue un doble objetivo. Primero, analiza las medidas que a la fecha haemprendido dicha organización para superar este desafío. Segundo, identificapendientes y áreas de oportunidad de la isa respecto al tema. Metodológicamente,el análisis que se propone está dividido en dos seccionescorrespondientes a la naturaleza de las acciones que esta debe emprender.La primera se enfocará en el desarrollo normativo; la segunda, en lasupervisión y evaluación de las actividades de la Zona. Una tercera secciónanaliza los principales argumentos que se han desarrollado para intentardemostrar que no es viable realizar una explotación sostenible de la Zona.
Digital Piracy, Creative Productivity, and Customer Care Effort: Evidence from the Digital Publishing Industry
Authors: Li Xiaolin , Liao Chenxi , Xie Ying
Published: February 2021

This study empirically examines the effect of copyright piracy reduction on writers’ creative productivity and customer care efforts using data from a digital publishing firm.
Inverse Optimization of Convex Risk Functions
Authors: Li Jonathan Yu-Meng
Published: February 2021

The theory of convex risk functions has now been well established as the basis for identifying the families of risk functions that should be used in risk-averse optimization problems. Despite its theoretical appeal, the implementation of a convex risk function remains difficult, because there is little guidance regarding how a convex risk function should be chosen so that it also well represents a decision maker’s subjective risk preference. In this paper, we address this issue through the lens of inverse optimization. Specifically, given solution data from some (forward) risk-averse optimization problem (i.e., a risk minimization problem with known constraints), we develop an inverse optimization framework that generates a risk function that renders the solutions optimal for the forward problem. The framework incorporates the well-known properties of convex risk functions—namely, monotonicity, convexity, translation invariance, and law invariance—as the general information about candidate risk functions, as well as feedback from individuals—which include an initial estimate of the risk function and pairwise comparisons among random losses—as the more specific information. Our framework is particularly novel in that unlike classical inverse optimization, it does not require making any parametric assumption about the risk function (i.e., it is nonparametric). We show how the resulting inverse optimization problems can be reformulated as convex programs and are polynomially solvable if the corresponding forward problems are polynomially solvable. We illustrate the imputed risk functions in a portfolio selection problem and demonstrate their practical value using real-life data.

This paper was accepted by Yinyu Ye, optimization.
Soft OR and Practice: The Contribution of the Founders of Operations Research
Authors: Dyson Robert G. , O’Brien Frances A. , Shah Devan B.
Published: February 2021

“Soft Operation Research and Practice: The Contribution of the Founders of Operations Research” explores two themes relating to the 43 people whose profiles constitute the Assad and Gass book referred to in the article. First, it explores the direct influence of the founders on the development of soft operations research (OR) and the alignment of their work with the characteristics of soft OR. Second, it explores how many key early developments of OR stemmed from the founders’ engagement with practice. It is argued that the affinity of the founders with soft OR and with its emphasis on process in the framing and formulation of problems should therefore be universally recognized as a legitimate branch of OR within its practice and evidenced within its publications. It is additionally argued that all academics should see engagement with practice as a fertile source of stimulation and ideas.
ECG of the month
Authors: Martin-Regan
Published: February 2021

In this issue's ECG of the month, Martin Regan presents a case of a 50-year-old man with an implanted defibrillator and a history of arrthymogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy.
Negative pressure wound therapy does not diminish efficacy of topical antibiotic powder in a preclinical contaminated wound model
Authors: Shiels Stefanie M. , Sgromolo Nicole M. , Wenke Joseph C.
Published: February 2021

Aims

High-energy injuries can result in multiple complications, the most prevalent being infection. Vancomycin powder has been used with increasing frequency in orthopaedic trauma given its success in reducing infection following spine surgery. Additionally, large, traumatic injuries require wound coverage and management by dressings such as negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). NPWT has been shown to decrease the ability of antibiotic cement beads to reduce infection, but its effect on antibiotic powder is not known. The goal of this study was to determine if NPWT reduces the efficacy of topically applied antibiotic powder.

Methods

Complex musculoskeletal wounds were created in goats and inoculated with a strain of Staphylococcus aureus modified to emit light. Six hours after contaminating the wounds, imaging, irrigation, and debridement and treatment application were performed. Animals received either vancomycin powder with a wound pouch dressing or vancomycin powder with NPWT.

Results

There were no differences in eradication of bacteria when vancomycin powder was used in combination with NPWT (4.5% of baseline) compared to vancomycin powder with a wound pouch dressing (1.7% of baseline) (p = 0.986), even though approximately 50% of the vancomycin was recovered in the NPWT exudate canister.

Conclusion

The antimicrobial efficacy of the vancomycin powder was not diminished by the application of NPWT. These topical and locally applied therapies are potentially effective tools that can provide quick, simple treatments to prevent infection while providing coverage. By reducing the occurrence of infection, the recovery is shortened, leading to an overall improvement in quality of life. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(2):149–155.
EEHRP: Energy Efficient Hybrid Routing Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Kulkarni Nandkumar , Mantri Dnyaneshwar , Prasad Neeli Rashmi , Prasad Ramjee
Published: February 2021

With Multi-Objective Optimization (MOO) mechanisms, many practical scenarios are imitated in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). In MOO numerous desirable conflicting or non-conflicting objectives contend with one another and the decision has to be done among multiple available solutions. Based on the type of situation, Programme, and issue to be solved, the MOO problem has varied solutions. The solution chosen is a tradeoff solution on several occasions. In WSN, it is possible to identify MOO issues and associated solutions based on network architecture, node deployment, MAC strategies, routing, data aggregation, node mobility, etc. In this context, the paper proposes mobility aware, competent; delay tolerant Energy Efficient Hybrid Routing Protocol (EEHRP). Optimizing several metrics to pick the best route from the source to the target node is the cornerstone of the EEHRP. Multi-Objective optimization from optimization theory is a NP-hard problem. EEHRP seeks to obtain a Pareto optimal solution for the section of best MOO-based route under sensor node. The simulation results demonstrate that, relative to state-of-the-art solutions, EEHRP is efficient in terms of energy, throughput, delay, control- and routing-overheads. Furthermore, the paper investigates statistical significance of the findings obtained across confidence intervals. To prove EEHRP’s competence, a confidential interval of 95% is inserted into the simulation results obtained to represent margin of error around the estimated points. The on-hand state-of-art solutions and the propensity of the research fraternity in relation to MOO are also analyzed in this paper.
The New Social Necessity – Data Privacy
Authors: Anant Aaloka , Prasad Ramjee
Published: February 2021

Data Privacy is a more prominent necessity than ever in the world we live. The world is so much connected with use of technology than ever in the course of history. Intelligent Machines and technology with thinking power of its own is defining new standards of business operations. Increasing dependency of new generation of people on social technology platforms and digital economy, comes with a big demand from economic and social structure to not only adopt but embed technology. In the same way technology to adopt the social practices like a central governance, democratic values and privacy interlaced with this structure. This paper presents the argument that the protection of privacy of the data subjects is a must have in order to retain the current social structure. We must have a way of using information out of the vast datasets without impacting individuals, indicating a major shift in technology development processes in practice.  The new social necessity drives the new technology necessity.
Sum Rate DL/UL Performance of Co-operative NOMA Systems Over Weibull Fading Channel
Authors: Kumar Rampravesh , Kumar Sanjay
Published: February 2021

This work evaluates the sum rate performance for dual user with full duplex co-operative non-orthogonal multiple access (FD-CNOMA) over Weibull fading channel environment. For this, we derived closed form expressions for sum-rate in various scenario in downlink and uplink both. One user always acts as decode and forward full duplex relay to help far users in each scenario. In the first scenario, no direct link exists between base station (BS) and far user. In second scenario, direct link exists between BS and far user. The main investigation is to study the effect of fading parameters in different channel condition on sum-rate performance. Since, Weibull Distribution (WD) has an advantage to model different fading condition using varying parameter it is more suitable to study impact of fading condition on different wireless techniques for next generation mobile cellular communication. Therefore, WD is used in this study for sum rate performance evaluation with derived expressions. Finally, simulations were conducted on MATLAB to evaluate the system performance under different fading parameters of Weibull fading channels .