bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of tax and tobacco-free generation on health-adjusted life years in the Solomon Islands: a multistate life table simulation
Authors: Singh Ankur , Petrović-van der Deen Frederieke Sanne , Carvalho Natalie , Lopez Alan D , Blakely Tony 
Published: June 2019

ObjectiveTo estimate health-adjusted life years (HALY) gained in the Solomon Islands for the 2016 population over the remainder of their lives, for three interventions: hypothetical eradication of cigarettes; 25% annual tax increases to 2025 such that tax represents 70% of sales price of tobacco; and a tobacco-free generation (TFG).DesignWe adapted an existing multistate life table model, using Global Burden of Disease (GBD) and other data inputs, including diseases contributing >5% of the GBD estimated disability-adjusted life years lost in the Solomon Islands in 2016. Tax effects used price increases and price elasticities to change cigarette smoking prevalence. The TFG was modelled by no uptake of smoking among those 20 years and under after 2016.ResultsUnder business as usual (BAU) smoking prevalence decreased over time, and decreased faster under the tax intervention (especially for younger ages). For example, for 20-year-old males the best estimated prevalence in 2036 was 22.9% under BAU, reducing to 14.2% under increased tax. Eradicating tobacco in 2016 would achieve 1510 undiscounted HALYs per 1000 people alive in 2016, over the remainder of their lives. The tax intervention would achieve 370 HALYs per 1000 (24.5% of potential health gain), and the TFG 798 HALYs per 1000 people (52.5%). By time horizon, 10.5% of the HALY gains from tax and 8.0% from TFG occur from 2016 to 2036, and the remainder at least 20 years into the future.ConclusionThis study quantified the potential of two tobacco control policies over maximum health gains achievable through tobacco eradication in the Solomon Islands.
Laser-irradiated gold nanoparticles for breast cancer therapy
Authors: Ashiq Muhammad Gul Bahar 
Published: June 2019

Current study involves laser-induced gold nanoparticles (GNPs) for breast cancer therapy. GNPs as a therapeutic agent using nanophotolysis approach are discussed. Coulomb explosion of GNPs is studied numerically using MATLAB. Our findings show that [Formula: see text] ions are generated for short pulse laser interaction of 8 ns and laser irradiation of 2 J/cm2 penetrates in the tumor depth of 3.30 cm. Cluster size of 98 nm produced [Formula: see text] nanobullets that target the breast tumor. Short pulse laser of 2.27 ns generates maximum shock front velocity of [Formula: see text] cm/s. Shock front of 20–146 [Formula: see text]m is produced for effectively damaging the breast cancer tissues. A total of 825 cells are damaged by [Formula: see text] ions. Current results are matched with the literature and are in good correlation. Hence, we conclude that laser-irradiated GNPs using nanophotolysis approach are useful for targeted therapy of breast tumor.
Band-stop filter based on a metal/insulator-disk array/metal structure
Authors: Duan J. L. , Song G. , Lang P. L. , Duan G. Y. , Xie F. Z. 
Published: June 2019

We describe a band-stop filter based on a periodic dielectric-disk array inserted into a metal–insulator–metal (MIM) waveguide. We use finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) methods to study the characteristics of our proposed structure. The results show that there is a flat stop band in the transmission spectrum, in which the transmission is close to zero. The central wavelength of the filter can be controlled by adjusting the lattice constant of the disk array. We discuss the maximum bandwidth and provide a set of parameters suitable for designing a band-stop filter that has a flat stop band-width of approximately 400 nm and a superior on/off ratio. Our structure has potential applications in the design of nanoscale optical devices.
Polycystin-1 Assembles With Kv Channels to Govern Cardiomyocyte Repolarization and Contractility
Authors: Altamirano Francisco , Schiattarella Gabriele G. , French Kristin M. , Kim Soo Young , Engelberger Felipe , Kyrychenko Sergii , Villalobos Elisa , Tong Dan , Schneider Jay W. , Ramirez-Sarmiento Cesar A. , Lavandero Sergio , Gillette Thomas G. , Hill Joseph A. 
Published: June 2019

Background:
Polycystin-1 (PC1) is a transmembrane protein originally identified in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease where it regulates the calcium-permeant cation channel polycystin-2. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease patients develop renal failure, hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, and diastolic dysfunction, among other cardiovascular disorders. These individuals harbor PC1 loss-of-function mutations in their cardiomyocytes, but the functional consequences are unknown. PC1 is ubiquitously expressed, and its experimental ablation in cardiomyocyte-specific knockout mice reduces contractile function. Here, we set out to determine the pathophysiological role of PC1 in cardiomyocytes.

Methods:

Wild-type and cardiomyocyte-specific PC1 knockout mice were analyzed by echocardiography. Excitation-contraction coupling was assessed in isolated cardiomyocytes and human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, and functional consequences were explored in heterologous expression systems. Protein-protein interactions were analyzed biochemically and by means of
ab initio
calculations.

Results:

PC1 ablation reduced action potential duration in cardiomyocytes, decreased Ca
2+
transients, and myocyte contractility. PC1-deficient cardiomyocytes manifested a reduction in sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
stores attributable to a reduced action potential duration and sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
ATPase (SERCA) activity. An increase in outward K
+
currents decreased action potential duration in cardiomyocytes lacking PC1. Overexpression of full-length PC1 in HEK293 cells significantly reduced the current density of heterologously expressed Kv4.3, Kv1.5 and Kv2.1 potassium channels. PC1 C terminus inhibited Kv4.3 currents to the same degree as full-length PC1. Additionally, PC1 coimmunoprecipitated with Kv4.3, and a modeled PC1 C-terminal structure suggested the existence of 2 docking sites for PC1 within the N terminus of Kv4.3, supporting a physical interaction. Finally, a naturally occurring human mutant PC1
R4228X
manifested no suppressive effects on Kv4.3 channel activity.

Conclusions:
Our findings uncover a role for PC1 in regulating multiple Kv channels, governing membrane repolarization and alterations in SERCA activity that reduce cardiomyocyte contractility.
Prognostic Value of Carotid and Radial Artery Reservoir‐Wave Parameters in End‐Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Fortier Catherine , Côté Gabrielle , Mac‐Way Fabrice , Goupil Rémi , Desbiens Louis‐Charles , Desjardins Marie‐Pier , Marquis Karine , Hametner Bernhard , Wassertheurer Siegfried , Schultz Martin G. , Sharman James E. , Agharazii Mohsen 
Published: June 2019

Background
Reservoir‐wave approach is an alternative model of arterial hemodynamics based on the assumption that measured arterial pressure is composed of volume‐related (reservoir pressure) and wave‐related components (excess pressure). However, the clinical utility of reservoir‐wave approach remains debatable.

Methods and Results

In a single‐center cohort of 260 dialysis patients, we examined whether carotid and radial reservoir‐wave parameters were associated with all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality. Central pulse pressure and augmentation index at 75 beats per minute were determined by radial arterial tonometry through generalized transfer function. Carotid and radial reservoir‐wave analysis were performed to determine reservoir pressure and excess pressure integral. After a median follow‐up of 32 months, 171 (66%) deaths and 88 (34%) cardiovascular deaths occurred. In Cox regression analysis, carotid excess pressure integral was associated with a hazard ratio of 1.33 (95%
CI
, 1.14–1.54;
P
<0.001 per 1 SD) for all‐cause and 1.45 (95%
CI
: 1.18–1.75;
P
<0.001 per 1 SD) for cardiovascular mortality. After adjustments for age, heart rate, sex, clinical characteristics and carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity, carotid excess pressure integral was consistently associated with increased risk of all‐cause (hazard ratio per 1 SD, 1.30; 95%
CI
: 1.08–1.54;
P
=0.004) and cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio per 1 SD, 1.31; 95%
CI
: 1.04–1.63;
P
=0.019). Conversely, there were no significant associations between radial reservoir‐wave parameters, central pulse pressure, augmentation index at 75 beats per minute, pressure forward, pressure backward and reflection magnitude, and all‐cause or cardiovascular mortality after adjustment for comorbidities.

Conclusions
These observations support the clinical value of reservoir‐wave approach parameters of large central elastic vessels in end‐stage renal disease.
A pilot study of the utility of cerebrospinal fluid neurofilament light chain in differentiating neurodegenerative from psychiatric disorders: A ‘C-reactive protein’ for psychiatrists and neurologists?
Authors: Eratne Dhamidhu , Loi Samantha M , Walia Nirbaanjot , Farrand Sarah , Li Qiao-Xin , Varghese Shiji , Walterfang Mark , Evans Andrew , Mocellin Ramon , Dhiman Kunal , Gupta Veer , Malpas Charles B , Collins Steven , Masters Colin L , Velakoulis Dennis 
Published: June 2019

Objective: Neurofilament light has shown promise as a biomarker for diagnosis, staging and prognosis in a wide range of neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. This study explored the utility of cerebrospinal fluid neurofilament light in distinguishing primary psychiatric disorders from neurodegenerative and neurological disorders, a common diagnostic dilemma for psychiatrists and neurologists. Methods: This cross-sectional retrospective pilot study assessed cerebrospinal fluid neurofilament light on patients referred to a tertiary neuropsychiatry service from 2009 to 2017 for diagnostic assessment of neuropsychiatric and neurocognitive symptoms, where a neurodegenerative disorder was a differential diagnosis, who received lumbar punctures as part of a comprehensive workup. The most recent gold-standard clinical consensus diagnosis was categorised into psychiatric disorder or neurodegenerative or neurological disorder. Data from healthy controls were available for comparison. Data extraction and diagnostic categorisation was blinded to neurofilament light results. Results: A total of 129 participants were included: 77 neurodegenerative or neurological disorder (mean age 57 years, including Alzheimer’s dementia, frontotemporal dementia), 31 psychiatric disorder (mean age 51 years, including schizophrenia, major depressive disorder) and 21 healthy controls (mean age 66 years). Neurofilament light was significantly higher in neurodegenerative or neurological disorder (M = 3560 pg/mL, 95% confidence intervals = [2918, 4601]) compared to psychiatric disorder (M = 949 pg/mL, 95% confidence intervals = [830, 1108]) and controls (M = 1036 pg/mL, 95% confidence intervals = [908, 1165]). Neurofilament light distinguished neurodegenerative or neurological disorder from psychiatric disorder with an area under the curve of 0.94 (95% confidence intervals = [0.89, 0.98]); a cut-off of 1332 pg/mL was associated with 87% sensitivity and 90% specificity. Conclusion: Cerebrospinal fluid neurofilament light shows promise as a diagnostic test to assist with the often challenging diagnostic dilemma of distinguishing psychiatric disorders from neurodegenerative and neurological disorders. Further studies are warranted to replicate and expand on these findings, including on plasma neurofilament light.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Law of Prior Consultation: Obstacles and Opportunities for Democratization and Political Participation in Peru
Authors: Sarmiento Barletti Juan Pablo , Seedhouse Lexy 
Published: June 2019

A study informed by long-term fieldwork with Amazonian and Andean indigenous peoples examines their experiences of Peru’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Law of Prior Consultation. It engages with these efforts, which sought to address injustice by creating a new pact between the state and its indigenous citizens, their various failures, and the unintended opportunities that they have created for the political participation of indigenous peoples and their representatives. Un estudio basado en el trabajo de campo a largo plazo con los pueblos indígenas amazónicas y andinos examine sus experiencias de la Comisión de Verdad y Reconciliación y la Ley de Consulta Previa de Perú, que buscaba abordar la injusticia creando un nuevo pacto entre el estado y sus ciudadanos indígenas. Aborda sus diversos fracasos y las oportunidades no previstas que han creado para la participación políticas de los pueblos indígenas y sus representantes.
Sagittal discrepancies of the jaw in a Bangladeshi cohort: three-dimensional computed tomography analysis
Authors: Islam Mushrath , Uraibi Ayman Hameed , Al Azzawi Arkan , Alam Mohammad Khursheed , Yusof Asilah 
Published: June 2019

Objectives In orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning, the assessment of skeletal jaw relationships is an essential step. This study aimed to evaluate skeletal jaw relationships in a Bangladeshi cohort by using traditional (ANB angle and Wits appraisal) and newly described (Beta angle, W angle, and Yen angle) sagittal measurements in three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT). Methods The radiology department conducted CT scans of Bangladeshi patients. Mimics 3D imaging software (Materialise) was used to process the CT images and evaluate 3D sagittal measurements. SPSS software (IBM) was used to assess significant differences in the data at a confidence level of 5%. Independent-samples t-tests were used to evaluate sexual dimorphism for the measured values. Results In total, 85 men and 32 women were included in this study. All measurements were equivalent to the existing standards. There were no significant differences in the acquired values between men and women. Measurements were consistent with Class I normal classification. Conclusions This study established 3D CT standards for ANB, Wits appraisal, Beta angle, W angle, and Yen angle in Bangladeshi patients.
The Perioperative Continuation of Aspirin in Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Surgery of the Knee
Authors: Bogunovic Ljiljana , Haas Amanda K. , Brophy Robert H. , Matava Matthew J. , Smith Matthew V. , Wright Rick W. 
Published: June 2019

Background: The perioperative withdrawal of aspirin increases the risk of cardiac, neurologic, and vascular thromboembolic events. The safety of continuing aspirin in patients undergoing knee arthroscopy is unknown. Hypothesis: Perioperative continuation of aspirin does not increase surgical complications or worsen outcomes in patients 50 years of age and older undergoing knee arthroscopy. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This is a single-center, institutional review board–approved, prospective matched dual-cohort study comparing the surgical complication rates and postoperative outcomes of patients taking daily aspirin with those of unmedicated controls. Ninety patients who were 50 years of age or older and taking 81 mg or 325 mg daily aspirin were matched to 90 controls. Patients were matched on age, surgery type, and the use of a tourniquet. A complication was defined as bleeding, wound dehiscence, or wound infection requiring reoperation. Postoperative outcome measures including hematoma formation, extent of ecchymosis (mm), visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain and swelling, and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) were collected preoperatively and postoperatively (10-14 days and 4-6 weeks). Results: There were no complications (0%) in either cohort. There was no difference in hematoma formation (aspirin, 1.8%; controls, 2.4%; P = .79), incidence of ecchymosis (aspirin, 17%; controls, 21%; P = .70), or the average extent of ecchymosis (aspirin, 124.6 mm; controls, 80.3 mm; P = .36) between patients taking aspirin and controls. There was no significant difference in pre- or postoperative knee range of motion between controls and patients taking aspirin. The KOOS subscores and VAS pain scores were similar between patients taking aspirin and controls at baseline and at follow-up. Conclusion: The perioperative continuation of daily aspirin in patients 50 years of age and older undergoing arthroscopic procedures of the knee is safe and does not result in an increased rate of bleeding or wound complications requiring reoperation. Continued aspirin use in patients 50 years of age and older had no significant effect on postoperative physical examination measures or patient-rated outcome scores.
NIR model transfer of alkali-soluble polysaccharides in Poria cocos with piecewise direct standardization
Authors: Wang Weihao , Huck Christian W , Yang Bin 
Published: June 2019

Objective To investigate the feasibility for establishing near-infrared spectra model transfer with traditional Chinese medicine. Method Poria cocos, a kind of fungi (called “ Fuling” in Chinese), was used as an investigative object. NIR quantification model transfer of alkali-soluble polysaccharides in Poria cocos was studied. Spectra were obtained from Thermo Antaris II (master device) and Buchi NIRFlex N-500 (slave device), respectively. Procedures and factors that may have effects on the performance of spectral standardization have been investigated. Spline interpolation was applied to align spectra from two different instruments, and piecewise direct standardization was employed to standardize spectra from slave instrument. Full cross-validation was used to evaluate the result of model transfer. Results Spectral pre-processing including multiplicative signal correction and wavelength selection played an important role in operating the model transfer. Spectra within the region of 9000–6500 cm−1 provided relatively good transfer result. In addition, increasing window size had positive effect on improving the spectral transfer. In this study, a window size of 13 provided the best spectra standardization result. Test validation with five samples produced the best full cross-validation result with the values of correlation coefficient of calibration ([Formula: see text]), correlation coefficient of prediction ([Formula: see text]) and root mean square error of prediction as 0.86, 0.73 and 2.3, respectively. Conclusion In this study, many factors influenced the quality of the transferred slave spectra. And it is hard to provide a pretty good quantitative model transfer result about alkali-soluble polysaccharide in Poria cocos. The following factors have great effects on the quality of model transfer: (i) multiplicative signal correction which is necessary for model building; (ii) increasing the window size which has a positive effect on slave spectra standardization; (iii) a proper wavelength region benefits for model building; (iv) a proper scale of standardization group including proper samples is necessary.
A Tripartite Model of Community Attitudes to Palliative Care
Authors: O’Connor Moira , Breen Lauren J. , Watts Kaaren J. , James Henry , Goodridge Rhys 
Published: June 2019

Background: Despite a growth in palliative care services, access and referral patterns are inconsistent and only a minority of people who would benefit from such care receive it. Use of palliative care is also affected by community attitudes toward palliative care. As such, determining community attitudes toward palliative care is crucial. We also need to determine what predicts attitudes in order to provide appropriate information and education. Objectives: The 2 research questions were: (1) What are community attitudes toward palliative care? and (2) what are the determinants of community attitudes toward palliative care? Design: A tripartite model of attitudes was used, which articulates attitudes as comprising knowledge and experience, emotions, and beliefs. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was used. Participants: A community sample of 180 participants completed the survey. Results: The average attitude and belief responses were very positive, the average emotions responses were somewhat positive. The sample had good knowledge of palliative care. Lowest knowledge scores were reported for the items: “Euthanasia is not part of palliative care,” “Palliative care does not prolong or shorten life,” and “Specialist palliative care is only available in hospitals.” After controlling place of birth and age, it was found that beliefs, emotions, and knowledge each accounted for a significant proportion of unique variance in attitude toward palliative care. Each variable had a positive relationship with attitude. Conclusion: Beliefs, emotions, and knowledge all need to be incorporated into palliative care community education programs.
Feed and Swaddle: An Alternative to Infant Sedation for Craniofacial Imaging
Authors: Esmonde Nick , Jedrzejewski Breanna , Fitzpatrick Beth , Koh Jeffrey , Bardo Dianna , Urbinelli Leo , Crupi Lisa , Oliverio Maureen , Selden Nathan R. , Kuang Anna 
Published: June 2019

Objective: The gold standard for diagnosis of craniosynostosis is a clinical examination and motionless head computed tomography (CT). Computed tomography sedation is associated with increased cost, resource utilization, medical, and possible developmental risks. This study investigates whether a “feed and swaddle” protocol can be used to achieve diagnostic quality craniofacial imaging without the use of infant sedation. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Tertiary academic medical center. Patients: Ninety patients <18 months of age undergoing evaluation for craniosynostosis from 2012 to 2018. Interventions: A feed and swaddle protocol. Main Outcome Measures: Diagnostic level imaging without the use of infant sedation. Results: Eighty-five (94%) achieved a diagnostic quality craniofacial CT scan using the “feed and swaddle” method. Mean patient age was 24.0 ± 10.0 weeks. Craniosynostosis was diagnosed in 74% of patients. Mean age of patients with successful completion of a CT scan was 23.7 ± 9.6 weeks, compared to 27.2 ± 17.1 weeks for unsuccessful completion. Mean weight for the successful group was 15.6 ± 2.9 pounds and 15.9 ± 2.5 pounds for the unsuccessful group. Mean travel distance was 59.2 ± 66.5 miles for successful patients and 66.5 ± 61.5 miles for unsuccessful patients. For the unsuccessful patients, there were no delays in surgical planning or scheduling. Conclusion: The “feed and swaddle” protocol described here is an effective alternative to infant sedation for motionless craniofacial CT imaging.