bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between Vitamin D Receptor Single‐Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Colorectal Cancer in the Thai Population: A Case‐Control Study
Authors: Suksawatamnuay Sirinporn , Sriphoosanaphan Supachaya , Aumpansub Prapimphan , Aniwan Satimai , Thanapirom Kessarin , Tanasanvimon Suebpong , Thaimai Panarat , Wiangngoen Sumitra , Ponauthai Yuwadee , Sumdin Sakolkan , Angspatt Pattama , Rerknimitr Rungsun , Poovorawan Yong , Komolmit Piyawat
Published: June 2020

Vitamin D and its cognate intracellular nuclear receptor, namely, vitamin D receptor (VDR), are involved in the regulation of a variety of body metabolic processes, immune function, and oncogenesis. A large number of studies demonstrated the association of low vitamin D levels and variations in five common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), FokI, BsmI, Tru9I, ApaI, and TaqI, with the risk of several cancers, including colorectal cancers. However, these associations vary among different populations. This case‐control study was aimed at analysing whether common single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene contribute to colorectal carcinogenesis in the Thai population. We enrolled 364 Thai participants from King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital between 2014 and 2015. Half of the participants underwent colonoscopy and showed a normal colon without polyps (control group) and another half were newly diagnosed patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) by colonoscopy during the index period, were under treatment, or were followed up at the outpatient clinic (case group). Differences in allele and genotype frequencies of five common VDR SNPs, between the case and control groups, were the primary outcome measures. Differences in haplotype frequencies of the five SNPs between the case and control groups were the secondary outcome measures. Among the 364 participants, baseline characteristics were not significantly different between the case and control groups, except for the higher proportion of males in the CRC group. The mean vitamin D level was also not significantly different between the case and control groups (24.6 ± 9.1 vs. 25.3 ± 10.6 ng/mL, p = 0.52). None of the five VDR SNPs was associated with CRC development (p > 0.05). However, haplotype analysis of these polymorphisms demonstrated that the AGGT haplotype was associated with a decreased risk of CRC (odds ratio 0.24, 95% confidence interval 0.07‐0.81, p = 0.01). The AGGT haplotype was associated with a lower risk of CRC in the Thai population. This genetic linkage might support the role of vitamin D in colorectal carcinogenesis. However, this finding requires further study within a larger population and a multivariate analysis of other established risk factors.
Surgically Treated Nonunion following Ischial Tuberosity Avulsion Fracture of a 14-Year-Old Athlete
Authors: Nakamatsu Yuta , Fukui Tomoaki , Oe Keisuke , Hayashi Shinya , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Matsushita Takehiko , Kuroda Ryosuke , Niikura Takahiro
Published: June 2020

A 14-year-old girl experienced acute left buttock pain during a sprint. At the local hospital, she was diagnosed with an avulsion fracture of the left ischial tuberosity. She was kept for observation for about 10 months; however, the buttock pain persisted, and the bone fragments did not unite. She was referred to our hospital approximately 11 months after the injury. Plain radiography revealed an increased transposition of the bone fragment, from 12 mm immediately after the injury to 23 mm. Twelve months after the injury, she underwent osteosynthesis using two cannulated cancellous screws and three suture anchors. Following postoperative rehabilitation, the power in her left hamstring recovered, and she was able to run at full speed and returned to athletics 9 months after the surgery. The operative indications for avulsion fractures of the ischial tuberosity are unclear. Careful follow-up is required as the rate of nonunion after conservative treatment tends to be high. This needs to be identified in order to provide timely treatment that allows for early return to sport. Although she had significant chronic pain and muscle weakness, the surgery successfully treated the fracture, and her muscle power recovered, leading to her return to sports.
Output Feedback Adaptive Dynamic Surface Sliding-Mode Control for Quadrotor UAVs with Tracking Error Constraints
Authors: Zhu Guoqiang , Wang Sen , Sun Lingfang , Ge Weichun , Zhang Xiuyu
Published: June 2020

In this paper, a fuzzy adaptive output feedback dynamic surface sliding-mode control scheme is presented for a class of quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The framework of the controller design process is divided into two stages: the attitude control process and the position control process. The main features of this work are (1) a nonlinear observer is employed to predict the motion velocities of the quadrotor UAV; therefore, only the position signals are needed for the position tracking controller design; (2) by using the minimum learning technology, there is only one parameter which needs to be updated online at each design step and the computational burden can be greatly reduced; (3) a performance function is introduced to transform the tracking error into a new variable which can make the tracking error of the system satisfy the prescribed performance indicators; (4) the sliding-mode surface is introduced in the process of the controller design, and the robustness of the system is improved. Stability analysis proved that all signals of the closed-loop system are uniformly ultimately bounded. The results of the hardware-in-the-loop simulation validate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Developing a Higher Performance and Less Thickness Concrete Pavement: Using a Nonconventional Concrete Mixture
Authors: Hassouna Fady M. A. , Jung Yeon Woo
Published: June 2020

During the last three decades, concrete pavement or rigid pavement became a widely used alternative of flexible pavement (asphalt pavement) at freeways and highways with high traffic of heavy vehicles, due to its durability, long life, and less need of maintenance; however, the cost of construction for rigid pavement is very high compared to asphalt pavement. Developing a new concrete mixture to increase the performance and reducing the required thickness of concrete pavement became an important issue in rigid pavement design in order to reduce the high construction cost. In this study, a new concrete mixture was developed using specific amounts of steel fibers and steel slag (as a supplementary cementing material to replace a part of the cement). Several mixtures with different concentrations of fibers were prepared, and samples were tested for workability, early flexural strength, and ultimate flexural strength. The results showed that the new concrete mixture could achieve an increase in flexural strength between 48.9% and 50.5% compared to normal concrete mixture without steel fibers and steel slag, with minimum acceptable workability, and therefore, the required pavement thickness could be decreased by more than 24%.
Energy Evolution and AE Failure Precursory Characteristics of Rocks with Different Rockburst Proneness
Authors: Pei Feng , Ji Hongguang , Zhao Jiwei , Geng Jingming
Published: June 2020

Mastering the precursory information of rock failure is the basis of scientifically predicting rockburst, and AE technology is an effective means to solve this problem. The conventional uniaxial loading and cyclic loading/unloading tests of metagabbro and granite were carried out with GAW‐2000 uniaxial electrohydraulic rigid testing machine to evaluate rockburst proneness. The energy evolution and AE characteristics of rocks with different rockburst proneness during loading are revealed. The results show that the rockburst proneness of granite is obviously stronger than that of metagabbro based on the comprehensive evaluation method of multiple rockburst proneness index. The reasons for different rockburst proneness are analyzed from the perspective of mineral composition and microstructure. Rockburst proneness is positively correlated with energy storage capacity. The elastic energy ratio of granite is obviously larger than that of metagabbro before peak stress. The intensity of AE signals generated in the failure process of strong rockburst rock (granite) is significantly higher than that of moderate rockburst rock (metagabbro). However, the peak frequency bands and amplitude all increase obviously before failure. The b‐value and memory characteristics of rock with different rockburst proneness have obvious similar change rules.
Optimized Loading of TiO2 Nanoparticles into Electrospun Polyacrylonitrile and Cellulose Acetate Polymer Fibers
Authors: Nkabinde Sibongile C. , Moloto Makwena J. , Matabola Kgabo P.
Published: June 2020

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN), cellulose acetate (CA), PAN-TiO2, and CA-TiO2 nanofibers were prepared using the electrospinning technique under varying the loading of the TiO2 nanoparticles. The latter TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared using the sol-gel method by varying the calcination temperatures. The absorption and emission spectra illustrated the formation of TiO2 nanoparticles with an increase in absorption band edges with smaller particles. The TEM results showed the spherical morphology of the nanoparticles calcined at 500°C with an average diameter of 12.2±3.3 nm. XRD analysis revealed anatase phase as the dominant crystalline phase of the nanoparticles. TiO2 nanoparticle loadings of 0.2 and 0.4 wt% were incorporated into 16 wt% CA solutions while 1, 2, and 3 wt% of TiO2 nanoparticles were incorporated into 10 wt% PAN solutions. The SEM results illustrated the lowering in diameter and morphology of the nanofibers upon incorporation of nanoparticles. Their respective average diameters are 220, 338, 181, and 250 nm for PAN, CA, PAN-TiO2, and CA-TiO2 polymer fibers, respectively. The morphology of the nanofibers improved while the diameter increased with an increase in polymer concentration. Different loadings of TiO2 nanoparticles improved the electrospinnability and morphology and further decreased the size of the nanofibers. FTIR spectroscopy signifies the formation of nanocomposites and the presence of TiO2 nanoparticles which corresponded to the Ti-O stretching and Ti-O-Ti bands on the FTIR spectra.
Clostridioides difficile Enteritis Induced Anastomotic Rupture: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Velez David R. , Ahmeti Mentor
Published: June 2020

Background. A 76-year-old male patient who suffered small bowel anastomotic dehiscence believed to be a complication provoked by Clostridioides difficile enteritis. Case Presentation. The patient was a 76-year-old male who underwent small bowel resection with primary anastomosis for a small bowel obstruction. On postoperative day #7, he rapidly decompensated and upon return to the operating room was found to have complete anastomotic dehiscence with copious enteric spillage. The presentation appeared as if the staple line had burst open. Enteric contents confirmed the diagnosis of Clostridioides difficile enteritis. Subsequent hospital course was complicated by ventilatory-dependent respiratory failure, hemodynamic instability, and persistent anemia secondary to gastric ulcer requiring endoscopic cauterization. After a prolonged hospital course, he eventually progressed and was transferred to a skilled nursing facility on hospital day #42. Discussion. Clostridioides difficile causes inflammation and copious large volume secretions that would theoretically increase intraluminal pressures creating an internal tension. This tension along with other factors from the infection itself would likely be inhibitory of anastomotic healing. Although it is rare, Clostridioides difficile enteritis is being reported with increasing frequency, and in the setting of recent small bowel anastomosis, it should be considered a possible risk factor for anastomotic leak.
HDAC10 Regulates Cancer Stem-Like Cell Properties in KRAS-Driven Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Yixuan , Zhang Xiangyang , Zhu Shaoqi , Dejene Eden A. , Peng Weiqun , Sepulveda Antonia , Seto Edward
Published: June 2020

Activation of oncogenic KRAS is the most common driving event in lung adenocarcinoma development. Despite the existing rationale for targeting activated KRAS and its downstream effectors, the failure of clinical trials to date indicates that the mechanism of KRAS-driven malignancy remains poorly understood. Here we report that histone deacetylase 10 (HDAC10) might function as a putative tumor suppressor in mice carrying a spontaneously activated oncogenic Kras allele. Hdac10 deletion accelerated KRAS-driven early-onset lung adenocarcinomas, increased macrophage infiltration in the tumor microenvironment, and shortened survival time in mice. Highly tumorigenic and stem-like lung adenocarcinoma cells were increased in Hdac10-deleted tumors compared with Hdac10 wild-type tumors. HDAC10 regulated the stem-like properties of KRAS-expressing tumor cells by targeting SOX9. Expression of SOX9 was significantly increased in Hdac10-deleted tumor cells and depletion of SOX9 in Hdac10 knockout (KO) lung adenocarcinoma cells inhibited growth of tumorspheres. The genes associated with TGFβ pathway were enriched in Hdac10 KO tumor cells, and activation of TGFβ signaling contributed to SOX9 induction in Hdac10 KO lung adenocarcinoma cells. Overall, our study evaluates the functions and mechanisms of action of HDAC10 in lung carcinogenesis that will inform the rationale for targeting its related regulatory signaling as an anticancer strategy.

Significance:

These findings linking HDAC10 and lung tumorigenesis identify potential novel strategies for targeting HDAC10 as a treatment for lung cancer.
Comprehensive Analysis of Radiomic Datasets by RadAR
Authors: Benelli Matteo , Barucci Andrea , Zoppetti Nicola , Calusi Silvia , Redapi Laura , Della Gala Giuseppe , Piffer Stefano , Bernardi Luca , Fusi Franco , Pallotta Stefania
Published: June 2020

Quantitative analysis of biomedical images, referred to as radiomics, is emerging as a promising approach to facilitate clinical decisions and improve patient stratification. The typical radiomic workflow includes image acquisition, segmentation, feature extraction, and analysis of high-dimensional datasets. While procedures for primary radiomic analyses have been established in recent years, processing the resulting radiomic datasets remains a challenge due to the lack of specific tools for doing so. Here we present RadAR (Radiomics Analysis with R), a new software to perform comprehensive analysis of radiomic features. RadAR allows users to process radiomic datasets in their entirety, from data import to feature processing and visualization, and implements multiple statistical methods for analysis of these data. We used RadAR to analyze the radiomic profiles of more than 850 patients with cancer from publicly available datasets and showed that it was able to recapitulate expected results. These results demonstrate RadAR as a reliable and valuable tool for the radiomics community.

Significance:

A new computational tool performs comprehensive analysis of high-dimensional radiomic datasets, recapitulating expected results in the analysis of radiomic profiles of >850 patients with cancer from independent datasets.
TAp63–miRNA–AURKA Axis as a Therapeutic Target for Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Parrales Alejandro , Iwakuma Tomoo
Published: June 2020

Despite increasing incidence rates, prognosis of invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma remains poor, mainly due to lack of reliable molecular markers that can be used for targeted therapy. Through genetic and proteogenomic analyses, Davis and colleagues in this issue of Cancer Research define TAp63 and its downstream target miRNAs, miR-30c-2*, and miR-497 as major players that can suppress progression and metastasis of mouse and human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Mimics of miR-30c-2* or miR-497, as well as pharmacologic inhibition of AURKA, a miR-497 target, suppress tumor growth in xenograft mouse models, proposing the TAp63–miR-30c-2*/miR-497–AURKA axis as a potential therapeutic target.

See related article by Davis et al., p. 2484
A Frameshift Peptide Neoantigen-Based Vaccine for Mismatch Repair-Deficient Cancers: A Phase I/IIa Clinical Trial
Authors: Kloor Matthias , Reuschenbach Miriam , Pauligk Claudia , Karbach Julia , Rafiyan Mohammad-Reza , Al-Batran Salah-Eddin , Tariverdian Mirjam , Jäger Elke , von Knebel Doeberitz Magnus
Published: June 2020

Purpose:

DNA mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency is a hallmark of Lynch syndrome, the most common inherited cancer syndrome. MMR-deficient cancer cells accumulate numerous insertion/deletion mutations at microsatellites. Mutations of coding microsatellites (cMS) lead to the generation of immunogenic frameshift peptide (FSP) neoantigens. As the evolution of MMR-deficient cancers is triggered by mutations inactivating defined cMS-containing tumor suppressor genes, distinct FSP neoantigens are shared by most MMR-deficient cancers. To evaluate safety and immunogenicity of an FSP-based vaccine, we performed a clinical phase I/IIa trial (Micoryx).

Patients and Methods:

The trial comprised three cycles of four subcutaneous vaccinations (FSP neoantigens derived from mutant AIM2, HT001, TAF1B genes) mixed with Montanide ISA-51 VG over 6 months. Inclusion criteria were history of MMR-deficient colorectal cancer (UICC stage III or IV) and completion of chemotherapy. Phase I evaluated safety and toxicity as primary endpoint (six patients), phase IIa addressed cellular and humoral immune responses (16 patients).

Results:

Vaccine-induced humoral and cellular immune responses were observed in all patients vaccinated per protocol. Three patients developed grade 2 local injection site reactions. No vaccination-induced severe adverse events occurred. One heavily pretreated patient with bulky metastases showed stable disease and stable CEA levels over 7 months.

Conclusions:

FSP neoantigen vaccination is systemically well tolerated and consistently induces humoral and cellular immune responses, thus representing a promising novel approach for treatment and even prevention of MMR-deficient cancer.
Ramadan Fasting in a Patient with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Receiving Nilotinib as Upfront
Authors: Al-Dubai Husam N. , Yassin Mohammed A. , Abdulla Mohammed A. , Aldapt Mahmood S. , Ghassoub Rola S.
Published: June 2020

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm classically described as triphasic disease: chronic, accelerated, and blast crisis. There are many unmet needs and unanswered questions about CML. Intermittent fasting in patients with CML on tyrosine kinase inhibitors is among these unmet needs. Here we report the effect of intermittent fasting on response to nilotinib as upfront in a 49-year-old female Muslim who fasted during Ramadan and took her medication once instead of twice daily and remained in major molecular response.
Fatal Cholestatic Liver Injury during Treatment with PD1 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor for Malignant Melanoma: A Case Report
Authors: Thorsteinsdottir Thuridur , Løitegård Teje , Reims Henrik Mikael , Porojnicu Alina Carmen
Published: June 2020

The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors has dramatically improved the chance of surviving malignant melanomas; however, the effect comes at the cost of toxicities that are difficult to predict. Immune-mediated hepatitis is the most common form of liver toxicity, but fatal outcome is uncommon. We report the case of a 70-year-old female with metastatic malignant melanoma who developed severe liver toxicity characterized by bile duct injury and cholestasis. The condition progressed despite potent immunosuppressive treatment, plasmapheresis, and intensive supportive care; and the patient died while still having tumor response.
Clinicopathological Bird’s-Eye View of Left Atrial Myocardial Fibrosis in 121 Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Callegari Sergio , Macchi Emilio , Monaco Rodolfo , Magnani Luca , Tafuni Alessandro , Croci Stefania , Nicastro Maria , Garrapa Valentina , Banchini Antonio , Becchi Gabriella , Corradini Emilia , Goldoni Matteo , Rocchio Francesca , Sala Roberto , Benussi Stefano , Ferrara David , Alfieri Ottavio , Corradi Domenico
Published: June 2020

Background:

Scientific research on atrial fibrosis in atrial fibrillation (AF) has mainly focused on quantitative or molecular features. The purpose of this study was to perform a clinicoarchitectural/structural investigation of fibrosis to provide one key to understanding the electrophysiological/clinical aspects of AF.

Methods:

We characterized the fibrosis (amount, architecture, cellular components, and ultrastructure) in left atrial biopsies from 121 patients with persistent/long-lasting persistent AF (group 1; 59 males; 60±11 years; 91 mitral disease–related AF, 30 nonmitral disease–related AF) and from 39 patients in sinus rhythm with mitral valve regurgitation (group 2; 32 males; 59±12 years). Ten autopsy hearts served as controls.

Results:

Qualitatively, the fibrosis exhibited the same characteristics in all cases and displayed particular architectural scenarios (which we arbitrarily subdivided into 4 stages) ranging from isolated foci to confluent sclerotic areas. The percentage of fibrosis was larger and at a more advanced stage in group 1 versus group 2 and, within group 1, in patients with rheumatic disease versus nonrheumatic cases. In patients with AF with mitral disease and no rheumatic disease, the percentage of fibrosis and the fibrosis stages correlated with both left atrial volume index and AF duration. The fibrotic areas mainly consisted of type I collagen with only a minor cellular component (especially fibroblasts/myofibroblasts; average value range 69–150 cells/mm
2
, depending on the areas in AF biopsies). A few fibrocytes—circulating and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal cells—were also detectable. The fibrosis-entrapped cardiomyocytes showed sarcolemmal damage and connexin 43 redistribution/internalization.

Conclusions:

Atrial fibrosis is an evolving and inhomogeneous histological/architectural change that progresses through different stages ranging from isolated foci to confluent sclerotic zones which—seemingly—constrain impulse conduction across restricted regions of electrotonically coupled cardiomyocytes. The fibrotic areas mainly consist of type I collagen extracellular matrix and, only to a lesser extent, mesenchymal cells.
Clinical Outcomes and Characteristics With Dofetilide in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Considered for Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator
Authors: Koene Ryan J. , Menon Vivek , Cantillon Daniel J. , Dresing Thomas J. , Martin David O. , Kanj Mohamed , Saliba Walid I. , Tarakji Khaldoun G. , Baranowski Bryan , Hussein Ayman A. , Tchou Patrick J. , Bhargava Mandeep , Callahan Thomas D. , Rickard John W. , Niebauer Mark J. , Chung Mina K. , Varma Niraj , Wilkoff Bruce L. , Lindsay Bruce D. , Wazni Oussama M.
Published: June 2020

Background:

Dofetilide is one of the only anti-arrhythmic agents approved for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). However, postapproval data and safety outcomes are limited. In this study, we assessed the incidence and predictors of LVEF improvement, safety, and outcomes in patients with AF with LVEF ≤35% without prior implantable cardioverter defibrillator, cardiac resynchronization therapy, or AF ablation.

Methods:

An analysis of 168 consecutive patients from 2007 to 2016 was performed. Incidences of adverse events, drug continuation, implantable cardioverter defibrillator and cardiac resynchronization therapy implantation, LVEF improvement (>35%) and recovery (≥50%), AF recurrence, and AF ablation were determined. Multivariable regression analysis to identify predictors of LVEF improvement/recovery was performed.

Results:

The mean age was 64±12 years. Dofetilide was discontinued before hospital discharge in 46 (27%) because of QT prolongation (14%), torsades de pointe or polymorphic ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (6% [sustained 3%, nonsustained 3%]), ineffectiveness (5%), or other causes (3%). At 1 year, 43% remained on dofetilide. Freedom from AF was 42% at 1 year, and 40% underwent future AF ablation. LVEF recovered (≥50%) in 45% and improved to >35% in 73%. Predictors of LVEF improvement included presence of AF during echocardiogram (odds ratio, 4.22 [95% CI, 1.71–10.4],
P
=0.002), coronary artery disease (odds ratio, 0.35 [95% CI, 0.16–0.79],
P
=0.01), left atrial diameter (odds ratio, 0.52 per 1 cm increase [95% CI, 0.30–0.90],
P
=0.01), and LVEF (odds ratio, per 1% increase, 1.09 [95% CI, 1.02–1.16],
P
=0.006). The C statistic was 0.78.

Conclusions:

In patients with LVEF ≤35%, who are potential implantable cardioverter defibrillator candidates, treated with dofetilide as an initial anti-arrhythmic strategy for AF, drug discontinuation rates were high, and many underwent future AF ablation. However, most patients had improvement in LVEF, obviating the need for primary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillator.
Prospective Assessment of an Automated Intraprocedural 12-Lead ECG-Based System for Localization of Early Left Ventricular Activation
Authors: Zhou Shijie , AbdelWahab Amir , Horáček B. Milan , MacInnis Paul J. , Warren James W. , Davis Jason S. , Elsokkari Ihab , Lee David C. , MacIntyre Ciorsti J. , Parkash Ratika , Gray Chris J. , Gardner Martin J. , Marcoux Curtis , Choudhury Rajin , Trayanova Natalia A. , Sapp John L.
Published: June 2020

Background:

To facilitate ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT), an automated localization system to identify the site of origin of left ventricular activation in real time using the 12-lead ECG was developed. The objective of this study was to prospectively assess its accuracy.

Methods:

The automated site of origin localization system consists of 3 steps: (1) localization of ventricular segment based on population templates, (2) population-based localization within a segment, and (3) patient-specific site localization. Localization error was assessed by the distance between the known reference site and the estimated site.

Results:

In 19 patients undergoing 21 catheter ablation procedures of scar-related VT, site of origin localization accuracy was estimated using 552 left ventricular endocardial pacing sites pooled together and 25 VT-exit sites identified by contact mapping. For the 25 VT-exit sites, localization error of the population-based localization steps was within 10 mm. Patient-specific site localization achieved accuracy of within 3.5 mm after including up to 11 pacing (training) sites. Using 3 remotes (67.8±17.0 mm from the reference VT-exit site), and then 5 close pacing sites, resulted in localization error of 7.2±4.1 mm for the 25 identified VT-exit sites. In 2 emulated clinical procedure with 2 induced VTs, the site of origin localization system achieved accuracy within 4 mm.

Conclusions:

In this prospective validation study, the automated localization system achieved estimated accuracy within 10 mm and could thus provide clinical utility.
Resource and Infrastructure-Appropriate Management of ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Chandrashekhar Y. , Alexander Thomas , Mullasari Ajit , Kumbhani Dharam J. , Alam Samir , Alexanderson Erick , Bachani Damodar , Wilhelmus Badenhorst Jacobus Cornelius , Baliga Ragavendra , Bax Jeroen J. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Bossone Eduardo , Botelho Roberto , Chakraborthy Rabindra Nath , Chazal Richard A. , Dhaliwal Rupinder Singh , Gamra Habib , Harikrishnan Sivadasan Pillai , Jeilan Mohamed , Kettles David Ian , Mehta Sameer , Mohanan Padhinhare P. , Kurt Naber Christoph , Naik Nitish , Ntsekhe Mpiko , Otieno Harun Argwings , Pais Prem , Piñeiro Daniel José , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Reddy K. Srinath , Redha Mustafa , Roy Ambuj , Sharma Meenakshi , Shor Robert , Adriaan Snyders Frederik , Weii Chieh Tan Jack , Valentine C. Michael , Wilson B. Hadley , Yusuf Salim , Narula Jagat
Published: June 2020

The 143 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) of the world constitute 80% of the world’s population or roughly 5.86 billion people with much variation in geography, culture, literacy, financial resources, access to health care, insurance penetration, and healthcare regulation. Unfortunately, their burden of cardiovascular disease in general and acute ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in particular is increasing at an unprecedented rate. Compounding the problem, outcomes remain suboptimal because of a lack of awareness and a severe paucity of resources. Guideline-based treatment has dramatically improved the outcomes of STEMI in high-income countries. However, no such focused recommendations exist for LMICs, and the unique challenges in LMICs make directly implementing Western guidelines unfeasible. Thus, structured solutions tailored to their individual, local needs, and resources are a vital need. With this in mind, a multicountry collaboration of investigators interested in LMIC STEMI care have tried to create a consensus document that extracts transferable elements from Western guidelines and couples them with local realities gathered from expert experience. It outlines general operating principles for LMICs focused best practices and is intended to create the broad outlines of implementable, resource-appropriate paradigms for management of STEMI in LMICs. Although this document is focused primarily on governments and organizations involved with improvement in STEMI care in LMICs, it also provides some specific targeted information for the frontline clinicians to allow standardized care pathways and improved outcomes.
Increased Blood Pressure Causes Lymphatic Endothelial Dysfunction via Oxidative Stress in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Mukohda Masashi , Mizuno Risuke , Ozaki Hiroshi
Published: June 2020

The lymphatic system is involved in the pathogenesis of edema, inflammation, and cancer metastasis. Because lymph vessels control fluid electrolytes and volume balance, changes in lymphatic activity can be expected to alter systemic blood pressure. This study examined possible changes in lymphatic contractile properties in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Thoracic ducts isolated from 10- to 12-week-old SHR exhibited either decreased acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation or sodium nitroprusside-induced endothelium-independent relaxation compared with age-matched Wister-Kyoto rats. The impairment in acetylcholine responsiveness was more pronounced than sodium nitroprusside responsiveness. N-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor blunted acetylcholine-induced relaxation in Wister-Kyoto rats, indicating an involvement of endothelial nitric oxide production. Endothelial dysfunction in lymph vessels of SHR was attenuated by tempol (a superoxide dismutase mimetic), apocynin, or VAS-2870 (NADPH oxidase inhibitors). Consistent with these observations, nitrotyrosine levels were significantly elevated in SHR, indicative of increased oxidative stress. In addition, protein expression of NADPH oxidase 2 and phosphorylation of p47
phox
(Ser345) were significantly increased in SHR. Further, SB203580 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor) restored the acetylcholine-induced relaxation in SHR. It is notable that 4-week-old SHR, which exhibited normal blood pressure, did not show any decreased activity of acetylcholine- or sodium nitroprusside-induced relaxation. Additionally, antihypertensive treatment of 4-week-old SHR with hydrochlorothiazide and reserpine or hydrochlorothiazide and hydralazine for 6 weeks completely restored lymphatic endothelial dysfunction. We conclude that contractile activity of lymphatic vessels is functionally impaired with the development of increasing blood pressure, which is mediated through increased oxidative stress via the p38 MAPK/NADPH oxidase 2 pathway.
Hypertension Programmed in Adult Hens by Isolated Effects of Developmental Hypoxia In Ovo
Authors: Skeffington Katie L. , Beck Christian , Itani Nozomi , Niu Youguo , Shaw Caroline J. , Giussani Dino A.
Published: June 2020

In mammals, pregnancy complicated by chronic hypoxia can program hypertension in the adult offspring. However, mechanisms remain uncertain because the partial contributions of the challenge on the placenta, mother, and fetus are difficult to disentangle. Here, we used chronic hypoxia in the chicken embryo—an established model system that permits isolation of the direct effects of developmental hypoxia on the cardiovascular system of the offspring, independent of additional effects on the mother or the placenta. Fertilized chicken eggs were exposed to normoxia (N; 21% O
2
) or hypoxia (H; 13.5%–14% O
2
) from the start of incubation (day 0) until day 19 (hatching, ≈day 21). Following hatching, all birds were maintained under normoxic conditions until ≈6 months of adulthood. Hypoxic incubation increased hematocrit (+27%) in the chicken embryo and induced asymmetrical growth restriction (body weight, −8.6%; biparietal diameter/body weight ratio, +7.5%) in the hatchlings (all
P
<0.05). At adulthood (181±4 days), chickens from hypoxic incubations remained smaller (body weight, −7.5%) and showed reduced basal and stimulated in vivo NO bioavailability (pressor response to NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, −43%; phenylephrine pressor response during NO blockade, −61%) with significant hypertension (mean arterial blood pressure, +18%), increased cardiac work (ejection fraction, +12%; fractional shortening, +25%; enhanced baroreflex gain, +456%), and left ventricular wall thickening (left ventricular wall volume, +36%; all
P
<0.05). Therefore, we show that chronic hypoxia can act directly on a developing embryo to program hypertension, cardiovascular dysfunction, and cardiac wall remodeling in adulthood in the absence of any maternal or placental effects.
Toward an Asian Monetary Fund: Ideas for Transition
Authors: Hyun Suk , Paradise James F.
Published: June 2020

Creation of an Asian Monetary Fund might be a way to improve the financial safety net in Asia. This paper presents ideas for reforming the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization (CMIM)—and its sister organization the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO)—to move Asia in that direction. Among the ideas presented are making the CMIM an international treaty-type organization with paid-in capital, improving indigenous surveillance and monitoring capacity and developing a conditionality framework, merging the CMIM and the AMRO, and creating new functions for a regional stability mechanism such as macroeconomic stabilization. Much of the analysis focuses on Europe, which may have lessons to teach on matters such as transparency and accountability, the dangers of an improperly designed monetary union, the role of the IMF in the global financial safety net, the importance of regional leadership, and the necessity of taking into account local conditions in designing new institutions or initiatives.
Promoting Local Currency Usage in the Region
Authors: Sussangkarn Chalongphob
Published: June 2020

This paper focuses on policies to promote the greater use of regional currencies in intra-regional trade and investment. This will reduce the dominance of the U.S. dollar and lessen the region's exposure to U.S. monetary conditions and monetary policy. A key focus in this paper is on policies to help set up efficient currency exchange markets to reduce currency exchange transaction costs. This is fundamental, as high currency exchange spreads between local currencies discourage local currency usage for trade and investment. China's policy to internationalize the RMB and set up offshore direct foreign exchange markets between the RMB and other currencies is also highlighted. Other important issues include the Local Currency Settlement Framework, the Asian Bond Market Initiative, and Asian Bond Funds.
Reforms and Crises in Government Statistics: The Case of Japan
Authors: Higo Masahiro , Nishimura Kiyohiko G. , Sakuragawa Yukie
Published: June 2020

The calculation of government statistics faces multiple challenges in many countries, of which Japan may have the most acute. This paper examines comprehensive statistics reforms in Japan, especially regarding GDP and related statistics, to identify and rectify the problems. This paper then explains the recent revelation of serious errors in vital wage statistics caused by mismanagement in the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, and examines their microeconomic and macroeconomic impacts. These statistical errors led to a crisis in public relations, as well as to potentially jeopardizing the functioning of the system of government statistics.
Timescales of spontaneous fMRI fluctuations relate to structural connectivity in the brain
Authors: Fallon John , Ward Phillip G. D. , Parkes Linden , Oldham Stuart , Arnatkevičiūtė Aurina , Fornito Alex , Fulcher Ben D.
Published: June 2020

Intrinsic timescales of activity fluctuations vary hierarchically across the brain. This variation reflects a broad gradient of functional specialization in information storage and processing, with integrative association areas displaying slower timescales that are thought to reflect longer temporal processing windows. The organization of timescales is associated with cognitive function, distinctive between individuals, and disrupted in disease, but we do not yet understand how the temporal properties of activity dynamics are shaped by the brain’s underlying structural connectivity network. Using resting-state fMRI and diffusion MRI data from 100 healthy individuals from the Human Connectome Project, here we show that the timescale of resting-state fMRI dynamics increases with structural connectivity strength, matching recent results in the mouse brain. Our results hold at the level of individuals, are robust to parcellation schemes, and are conserved across a range of different timescale- related statistics. We establish a comprehensive BOLD dynamical signature of structural connectivity strength by comparing over 6,000 time series features, highlighting a range of new temporal features for characterizing BOLD dynamics, including measures of stationarity and symbolic motif frequencies. Our findings indicate a conserved property of mouse and human brain organization in which a brain region’s spontaneous activity fluctuations are closely related to their surrounding structural scaffold.
Mapping scholarly publications related to the Sustainable Development Goals: Do independent bibliometric approaches get the same results?
Authors: Armitage Caroline S. , Lorenz Marta , Mikki Susanne
Published: June 2020

Many research and higher education institutions are interested in their contribution to achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Commercial services from Elsevier and Times Higher Education are addressing this by developing bibliometric queries for measuring SDG-related publications and SDG university rankings. However, such services should be evaluated carefully before use due to the challenging nature of interpreting the SDGs, delimiting relevance, and building queries. The aim of this bibliometric study was to build independent queries to find scholarly publications related to SDG 1, SDG 2, SDG 3, SDG 7, SDG 13, and SDG 14 using a consistent method based on SDG targets and indicators (the Bergen approach), and compare sets of publications retrieved by the Bergen and Elsevier approaches. Our results show that approach made a large difference, with little overlap in publications retrieved by the two approaches. We further demonstrate that different approaches can alter resulting country rankings. Choice of search terms, how they are combined, and query structure play a role, related to differing interpretations of the SDGs and viewpoints on relevance. Our results suggest that currently available SDG rankings and tools should be used with caution at their current stage of development.
Concentration of Danish research funding on individual researchers and research topics: Patterns and potential drivers
Authors: Madsen Emil Bargmann , Aagaard Kaare
Published: June 2020

The degree of concentration in research funding has long been a principal matter of contention in science policy. Strong concentration has been seen as a tool for optimizing and focusing research investments but also as a damaging path towards hypercompetition, diminished diversity, and conservative topic selection. While several studies have documented funding concentration linked to individual funding organizations, few have looked at funding concentration from a systemic perspective. In this article, we examine nearly 20,000 competitive grants allocated by 15 major Danish research funders. Our results show a strongly skewed allocation of funding towards a small elite of individual researchers, and towards a select group of research areas and topics. We discuss potential drivers and highlight that funding concentration likely results from a complex interplay between funders’ overlapping priorities, excellence-dominated evaluation criteria, and lack of coordination between both public and private research funding bodies.
Three-Level Hierarchical Linear Modeling Analyses of the Relationship Between Political Culture and Teacher Autonomy
Authors: Li Da , Allen Ann
Published: June 2020

Research suggests that the limits of teacher autonomy are defined by educational policies. Educational policies, however, are driven by political culture. This study examines the relationship between teacher autonomy and political culture and how this relationship varies with teacher and school characteristics. Using the 2011–2012 Schools and Staffing Survey, the three-level hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) analysis demonstrates that political culture was significantly associated with teacher autonomy. According to Elazar’s three-part cultural typology, the moralistic culture is associated with a higher level of teacher autonomy, the traditionalistic culture is associated with lower levels of teacher autonomy, and the individualistic culture is in-between. Also, the more traditionalistic the culture, the stronger the association between positive school climate and teacher autonomy. As teacher autonomy relates positively to teacher job satisfaction and retention, this study suggests that policy makers consider a moralistic approach in creating educational policies.
Data-driven sensitivity analysis of contact resistance to assembly errors for proton-exchange membrane fuel cells
Authors: Lv Youlong , Ji Qinghui , Liu Yu , Zhang Jie
Published: June 2020

The proton-exchange membrane fuel cell is a promising power source for automobile industry because of its zero pollution. However, its stack structure always faces increased contact resistance caused by assembly errors, leading to substantial energy loss during the working period. To enhance its output performance, the influence of assembly errors on contact resistance is studied for proton-exchange membrane fuel cell. The mechanical simulation model of fuel cell assembly process is established to provide contact resistance distribution with different assembly errors. An improved global sensitivity analysis method is proposed to evaluate the influence coefficient of each assembly error term on contact resistance based on a series of randomized simulation data. The case study of a single-layer fuel cell demonstrates the proposed method achieves higher efficiency than traditional sensitivity analysis methods, and finds out key assembly errors in regard to reducing contact resistance.
When Same-Sex Couples Say ‘I Do’: Display Work and the (Re)Production of the Wedding Rite
Authors: Mamali Elizabeth , Stevens Lorna
Published: June 2020

Weddings are collective rituals that enable couples to show their solemn commitment to an invited audience. In this sense, weddings can thus be viewed as important forms of ‘display work’. While there are clear commonalities between rituals and display work, particularly in terms of their emphasis on spectacle, demonstration and audience, little attention has been given to how display work can inform and indeed transform wedding rituals. We use display work as a lens for exploring how same-sex couples construct and enact their wedding. In particular we show how heteronormative, gendered traditions that underpin the wedding rite are negotiated. Our findings demonstrate the interplay between display work and normative ritual elements. We identify four tactics of ‘reflexive display’: strategic compliance; playful appropriation; annexation; and conspicuous absence. Together, these show how the wedding rite is done, undone or redone, to reflect each couple’s unique relationship and perspective on same-sex union.
Endoscopic Trans-Lateral Molar Approach to Infratemporal Fossa Lesions
Authors: Li Dan-feng , Shi Li , Wang Jian , Yue Bo , Ding Zhong-jia , Chen Fu-quan
Published: June 2020

Background:

To study the endoscopic trans-lateral molar (ETLM) approach to infratemporal fossa (ITF) lesions and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of this method.

Methods:

Four cases of ITF lesions were analyzed retrospectively. The clinical features, diagnosis and treatments, the operative process, and clinical applications of this surgical approach were discussed.

Results:

Postoperative pathologies were 2 pleomorphic adenomas, 1 schwannoma, and 1 inflammatory lesion. All patients had self-resolving cheek swelling and pharyngalgia in the short term, but 2 patients had numbness in the long term. There was no infection or bleeding in the postoperative period, and no difficulty in chewing after disease recovery. There was no tumor recurrence during the follow-up period.

Conclusion:

The ETLM approach is convenient, minimally invasive, and allows complete excision of benign ITF lesions, posterior to the lateral pterygoid muscle and mainly below the level of the hard palate. It is a simple and direct access to the ITF, but it is a narrow access because of the limitations of bones and soft tissues. Appropriate patient selection is mandatory for successful surgery.
Regarding the “Is Surgery an Inevitable Treatment for Advanced Salivary Lymphoepithelial Carcinoma? Three Case Reports”
Authors: Tretiakow Dmitry , Skorek Andrzej
Published: June 2020

Salivary lymphoepithelial carcinoma is a highly radiosensitive tumor that suggests the effectiveness of induction chemotherapy and induction concurrent chemoradiotherapy without previous surgery. However, the imperfection of diagnostic methods and the severe consequences of misdiagnosis of the tumor do not allow to resign from surgical treatment in patients with this type of salivary gland tumor.
Audit Quality Inputs and Financial Statement Conformity to Benford’s Law
Authors: Le Thien , Lobo Gerald J.
Published: June 2020

We examine whether audit quality inputs are related to the conformity of financial statements to Benford’s law. We find that overall financial statement conformity increases with audit fees, nonaudit fees, and audit report lag, and decreases with audit firm tenure. We also find that these audit quality inputs are more strongly associated with income statement conformity than with cash flow statement conformity. Our findings document the role that auditing plays in enhancing the conformity of financial statements to Benford’s law.