cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bfr (bendamustine, fludarabine, rituximab) Nonmyeloablative Allogeneic Conditioning: A Novel Regimen Inducing Immunosuppression Without Myelosuppression

Background We previously reported the use of BFR, with phase 1 escalating daily doses of 70, 90, 110, or 130 mg/m2 of bendamustine daily x 3 days prior to transplantation without dose-limiting toxicity (Khouri et al. ASH 2011, Abstract # 894). In this study, we report results of an expanded phase 2 trial. Methods Bendamustine 130 mg/m2 IV daily on days -5 to - 3 prior to transplantation , together with 30 mg/m2 IV of fludarabine given on the same days. Rituximab was given at a dose of 375 mg/m2 IV on day –13 and 1000 mg/m2 on days -6, +1, and +8, as previously described. Rituximab was omitted in patients with T-cell diseases. Tacrolimus and mini-methotrexate were used for GVHD prophylaxis. In addition, thymoglobulin 1 mg/kg IV was given on days -2, and -1 in patients receiving an unrelated donor transplant. Results The analysis included all 56 patients who received BFR (48 from the expanded phase 2 trial, and 8 from the phase 1 part). Histologies included: mantle cell (n=16), CLL (n=15) (3 with 17p- and 2 Richter’s), follicular (n=13), Diffuse large cell (n=9), peripheral T-cell lymphoma (n=3). Median age was 56 (range, 59-70) years. Median prior treatments was 3 (range, 1-7); 7 (12%) had failed a prior autotransplant. At study entry,27 (48%) patients were in CR/CRu, 23 (41%) in PR, and 6 (11%) had refractory disease. Thirty (54%) received their transplants from HLA-compatible siblings and 26 (46%) from unrelated donors. Median number of CD34-positive cells infused was 5.58 x 106/kg. Neutrophil counts recovered to > 0.5 x 109/L a median of 6 days after transplantation (range, 0-16 days). The median number of days on G-CSF was 1.5 days (range, 0-8 days). Thirteen patients (23%) did not require G-CSF as they never experienced an ANC 20 x 109/L in the remaining 7 patients after a median of 11 days (range, 10-19 days). All patients engrafted donor cells. By day 30, median donor myeloid and T-cells were 85% and 97%, respectively. Both increased to 100% by day 90. Recovery of donor cells was similar in both sibling and unrelated donor transplantation. Acute grade 2-4 GvHD and chronic extensive GvHD were observed in 7 (12.5%) and 8 (14%) of patients respectively. Treatment-related mortality at 1-year was 9%. Six patients died: 2 of progression, 2 of infection and 2 of GVHD complications. With a median follow-up time of 12 months (range, 2-37 months), the OS and PFS rates were 89% and 80%, respectively. Conclusions Our results show that the BFR regimen with bendamustine at a dose level of 130 mg/m2 daily x 3 days, constitutes a well-tolerated nonmyeloablative allogeneic conditioning for lymphoid malignancies. It allows engraftment of both sibling and unrelated donor cells with minimal myelosuppression. This regimen can be used as a platform for allogeneic transplantation in the outpatient setting. Disclosures: Khouri:Cephalon: Research Funding. Off Label Use: Bendamustine in transplantation.
Insurance status and reportable quality metrics in the cervical spine fusion population.

Abstract Background Context The incidence of adverse care quality events among patients undergoing cervical fusion surgery is unknown using the definition of care quality employed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The effect of insurance status on the incidence of these adverse quality events is also unknown. Purpose This study determined the incidence of hospital-acquired conditions (HAC) and patient safety indicators (PSI) in patients with cervical spine fusion and analyzed the association between primary payer status and these adverse events. Study Design This is a retrospective cohort design. Patient Sample All patients in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) aged 18 and older who underwent cervical spine fusion from 1998 to 2011 were included. Outcome Measures Incidence of HAC and PSI from 1998 to 2011 served as outcome variables. Methods We queried the NIS for all hospitalizations that included a cervical fusion during the inpatient episode from 1998 to 2011. All comparisons were made between privately insured patients and Medicaid or self-pay patients because Medicare enrollment is confounded with age. Incidence of nontraumatic HAC and PSI was determined using publicly available lists of International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) diagnosis codes. We built logistic regression models to determine the effect of primary payer status on PSI and nontraumatic HAC. Results We identified 419,424 hospitalizations with cervical fusion performed during an inpatient episode. The estimated national incidences of nontraumatic HAC and PSI were 0.35% and 1.6%, respectively. After adjusting for patient demographics and hospital characteristics, Medicaid or self-pay patients had significantly greater odds of experiencing one or more HAC (odds ratio [OR] 1.51 95% conflict of interest [CI] 1.23–1.84) or PSI (OR 1.52 95% CI 1.37–1.70) than the privately insured cohort. Conclusions Among patients undergoing inpatient cervical fusion, primary payer status predicts PSI and HAC (both indicators of adverse health-care quality used to determine hospital reimbursement by CMS). As the US health-care system transitions to a value-based payment model, the cause of these disparities must be studied to improve the quality of care delivered to vulnerable patient populations.
Obesity and Trends in Malpractice Claims for Physicians and Surgeons

Background. The increasing prevalence of obesity has altered the practice of medicine and surgery, with the emergence of new operations and medications. We hypothesized that the landscape of medical malpractice claims has also changed. Methods. We queried the Physician Insurers Association of American database for 1990 through 1999 and 2000 through 2009 for cases corresponding to International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition, codes for obesity. We extracted adjudicatory outcome, closed and paid claims data, indemnity payments, primary alleged error codes, National Association of Insurance Commissioners severity of injury class, procedural codes, and medical specialty data. Results. A total of 411 obesity claims were filed from 1990 to 1999 and 1,591 obesity claims were filed from 2000 to 2009. General surgery was the specialty with the greatest number of obesity claims from 1990 to 1999 and was second to family practice for 2000 to 2009. Although the percentage of paid general surgery obesity claims has decreased significantly from 69% in 1990–1999 to 36% in 2000– 2009, the mean indemnity payments have increased substantially ($94,000 to $368,000). Conclusion. Recently, the percentage of paid general surgery obesity claims has significantly decreased; however, individual and total indemnity payments have increased. Obesity continues to impact general surgery malpractice substantially. Efforts to manage this component of physician and hospital practices must continue. (Surgery 2013;154:299-304.)
A Regional Collaborative Effort for CQI in Cardiovascular Disease

Article-at-a-Glance Background The Northern New England Cardiovascular Disease Study Group has met at least three times a year since 1987 to improve the care of patients with cardiovascular disease. Advantages of group effort The group's collaborative nature has allowed members to have explicit discussions about medical decision making and practice and to benchmark with one another. By collaborating, members have been able to accumulate a large enough experience to examine the fine structure of adverse events, learn from them, and institute meaningful changes. Improvement strategies Focusing on coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedures, the group has used three improvement strategies: (1) Outcomes are monitored across institutions. All members receive reports with information on their experience, their organization's experience, and the regional experience. (2) All members received training in quality improvement tools and techniques. (3) Members conduct comparative process analysis and benchmarking efforts to learn best practices for CABG surgery. Results The average in-hospital mortality associated with CABG surgery in the region has decreased. The group determined that low output failure is the most common cause of post-CABG death across all hospitals, while other causes of death (for example, stroke, bleeding, arrhythmias) have more uneven distributions across hospitals. Individual hospitals have investigated their more unique causes of death; the group as a whole has undertaken a detailed study of more than 400 deaths to determine why patients die of low output failure and what can be done about it. Keys to success Factors contributing to the group's success include the fact that a regionally recognized clinician spearheaded the effort, and a physician "carries the banner" at each institution; data, which are kept confidential, are analyzed and returned in a timely fashion so group members can examine their current, not just their past, practice; and there is an organized forum for data discussion.
The influence of temperature on partial discharge and breakdown behavior in model gas transformer windings

New concepts for a gas-insulated power transformer include a very compact winding construction, comprised of sheet aluminum conductor insulated with polymer film and impregnated with compressed SF 6 gas. 60 Hz partial discharge and breakdown studies on models built with this construction have been made at 25, 100, and 125°C. A comparison has been made between models constructed with Mylar film, the material of choice to date, and with Kapton film, a backup material. For both materials, the measured performance at elevated temperature was found to be equal to or better than that at 25°C. A very similar performance was exhibited by the two polymer films.
Current Trends in Cancer Therapy

Therapeutic agents in cancer are numerous and unique to different subtypes of malignancies. Given the different mechanisms of tumorigenesis including deleterious mutations, loss of important regulatory checkpoints, and proteins leading to uncontrolled cellular proliferation several means of targeted therapy exist. New agents in oncology including immune therapy, antiangiogenic drugs, targeted therapies, such as cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors help to target specific areas of the immune system and proliferation pathways to decrease tumor proliferation, growth, survival, and metastasis. This chapter serves to focus on the mechanisms of the new medications in cancer therapy that have changed the way we treat cancer.
Around the World for 800 Days: A Metallurgical Evaluation of a Sputnik IV Fragment

On Sept. 5, 1962 a fragment, believed to be part of the Sputnik IV satellite launched on May 15, 1960, was found in a street in Manitowac, Wise. This paper presents a metallurgical evaluation of the material recovered.
John D. Roberts (1918-2016).

John D. (Jack) Roberts, Institute Professor of Chemistry Emeritus at the California Institute of Technology died on October 29, 2016, at the age of 98. Roberts was one of the of the iconic figures in physical organic chemistry of the 20th century. His achievements included proving the occurrence of benzynes and nonclassical carbocations as reaction intermediates, and he was instrumental in establishing NMR spectroscopy as a standard analytical technique in organic chemistry.
HIV induces expression of complement component C3 in astrocytes by NF-κB-dependent activation of interleukin-6 synthesis

Abnormal activation of the complement system contributes to some central nervous system diseases but the role of complement in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) is unclear. We used real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry to detect complement expression in postmortem brain tissue from HAND patients and controls. To further investigate the basis for viral induction of gene expression in the brain, we studied the effect of HIV on C3 expression by astrocytes, innate immune effector cells, and targets of HIV. Human fetal astrocytes (HFA) were infected with HIV in culture and cellular pathways and factors involved in signaling to C3 expression were elucidated using pharmacological pathway inhibitors, antisense RNA, promoter mutational analysis, and fluorescence microscopy. We found significantly increased expression of complement components including C3 in brain tissues from patients with HAND and C3 was identified by immunocytochemistry in astrocytes and neurons. Exposure of HFA to HIV in culture-induced C3 promoter activity, mRNA expression, and protein production. Use of pharmacological inhibitors indicated that induction of C3 expression by HIV requires NF-κB and protein kinase signaling. The relevance of NF-κB regulation to C3 induction was confirmed through detection of NF-κB translocation into nuclei and inhibition through overexpression of the physiological NF-κB inhibitor, I-κBα. C3 promoter mutation analysis revealed that the NF-κB and SP binding sites are dispensable for the induction by HIV, while the proximal IL-1β/IL-6 responsive element is essential. HIV-treated HFA secreted IL-6, exogenous IL-6 activated the C3 promoter, and anti-IL-6 antibodies blocked HIV activation of the C3 promoter. The activation of IL-6 transcription by HIV was dependent upon an NF-κB element within the IL-6 promoter. These results suggest that HIV activates C3 expression in primary astrocytes indirectly, through NF-κB-dependent induction of IL-6, which in turn activates the C3 promoter. HIV induction of C3 and IL-6 in astrocytes may contribute to HIV-mediated inflammation in the brain and cognitive dysfunction.
Avoidance behaviors in a campus residential environment

Over the last several decades, campus crime, victimization, and incidents of violence have been a focal concern for campus administrators and have generated interest in the research community. Studies have provided insight into the nature of campus crime and victimization, as well as whether these concerns relate with fear of crime and perceptions of risk. Less consideration has been given to the relationship between these variables and the use of protective action, among college students, especially those residing in student housing environments. This study uses survey data from students residing in campus housing at a Midwestern university to examine how fear of crime, perceived risk of victimization, and other relevant concepts predict student protective action, and more specifically the use of avoidance behaviors. The findings suggest white and female residents, as well as those who were more fearful of crime and had prior victimization experiences were more likely to engage in avoidance behaviors.
Assessment of emerging hydrological, water quality issues and policy discussion on water sharing of transboundary Kabul River

Transboundary water sharing policy between Pakistan and Afghanistan along with emerging issues over the Transboundary Kabul River have been discussed incorporating long-term hydrological trend analysis, water quality issues and temporal changes in land cover/land use. The annual (1977–2015) mean river flow of 26.32 billion (10 9 ) cubic metres (BCM) with a range of 13.77 to 42.2 BCM and standard deviation of 6.026 BCM revealed no significant trend in annual inflow data of the Kabul River. Afghanistan planned developments in the basin were analysed in the light of reduction in the transboundary flow. Faecal coliforms, pH (7.90 to 8.06), Escherichia coli and other water quality parameters were found to be within permissible limits, however, dissolved oxygen was just above the permissible limits to sustain aquatic life. Water was found unsuitable for drinking while suitable for agriculture and aquatic life. Remote sensing data used for temporal change detection showed an increase in built-up-areas and cultivated areas along Kabul River inside Pakistan by 50 and 47%, respectively. Significant changes were observed at two locations in the river course. Insights of emerging Kabul River issues and a way forward have been discussed which could serve as the basis for formulation of adaption strategies leading to a ‘Kabul River Water Treaty’.
Creating a web-based digital photographic archive: one hospital library's experience.

Background: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is a nonprofit community hospital based in Los Angeles. Its history spans over 100 years, and its growth and development from the merging of 2 Jewish hospitals, Mount Sinai and Cedars of Lebanon, is also part of the history of Los Angeles. The medical library collects and maintains the hospital’s photographic archive, to which retiring physicians, nurses, and an active Community Relations Department have donated photographs over the years. The collection was growing rapidly, it was impossible to display all the materials, and much of the collection was inaccessible to patrons. Case Presentation: The authors decided to make the photographic collection more accessible to medical staff and researchers by purchasing a web-based digital archival package, Omeka. We decided what material should be digitized by analyzing archival reference requests and considering the institution’s plan to create a Timeline Wall documenting and celebrating the history of Cedars-Sinai. Conclusion: Within 8 months, we digitized and indexed over 500 photographs. The digital archive now allows patrons and researchers to access the history of the hospital and enables the library to process archival references more efficiently.
Seasonal Changes in Marine Ecosystems

Seasonal cycles take place in all marine ecosystems. In this chapter, we examine some examples to make evident the interplay between biological and chemical processes and meteorological and physical processes. The examples show how some of the detailed mechanisms examined in previous chapters are involved in the control of function in marine ecosystems.
Learning to Need a Gun

Millions of Americans feel the need to carry guns with them everywhere they go. They feel this need in their minds as well as in their bodies. Cognitively, they feel their lives are in danger and physically, they feel unease when they are not carrying their guns. In this article, we demonstrate that the practice of carrying guns is constituted by both cognitive schemas about risk and safety, as well as sensory and embodied experiences of comfort, and even pleasure, in holding, shooting, and carrying a gun. As with other social practices, these cognitive schemas and embodied experiences are not innate, but rather learned. Drawing on interviews with 46 people who regularly carry guns, as well as fieldwork at firearms training schools, we examine the process by which people learn the cognitive schemas (how people think about guns) and embodied experiences (how people physically experience guns) associated with the practice of carrying guns.
LearnDNA: an interactive VR application for learning DNA structure

Understanding complex concepts is known to be difficult and tedious. This complexity is very often due to lack of visual representation of abstract concepts, that cannot be easily observed. Representing these ideas in a visual Virtual Environment (VE) is a very important application of Virtual Reality (VR). This paper presents an immersive VR application for teaching students about one such complex concept of DNA structure. Building virtual environments that show the double helix structure of DNA and allowing students to interact with it, provides an illustrative and engaging experience. A crucial factor that determines usability of such systems is the correlation between actual concept and its virtual representation. Our virtual DNA structure is very similar to the actual structure, thus highlighting its complexity. This VE is built for Oculus Rift with simple clicker based manipulation and travel, to allow easy portability to other VR devices. The system also provides test based assessment to gauge students' understanding. The evaluation of this VE was carried out with the help from a group of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). Through their feedback, we refined system design and subject content, as well as survey questionnaires. A subsequent user study was conducted in a local community college. Students were recruited from two biology classes and offered extra credit based on results recorded by this system. The study gave pre-test prior to virtual experiment, post-test following virtual experiment and survey session after post-test.All SMEs felt that the application was useful for learning about DNA. Comparing the pre-test and post-test performance of the students, there was an average of 40% improvement in the scores, indicating that LearnDNA was able to facilitate learning the concepts. Most students also felt that the application was engaging and fun to use.
Genetic Manipulation of Bacillus subtilis

Bacteria have long been the focus of research areas with very different goals. Bacteria provide model cell systems in which it is possible to explore basic mechanisms of genetics, biochemistry, and physiology. Bacteria are also of importance to industry for the production of antibiotics, chemicals, and enzymes. The role of many bacteria in causing disease has been the subject of extensive and fruitful studies for many years and will continue to be so in the future. Lastly, the ecological importance of bacteria has long been recognized and in recent years this field has seen a resurgence of interest, particularly in the area of nitrogen fixation.
Connecting Seniors: Social Networks of Value

Gerontologist Dr. Robert Butler has said that “old age is neither inherently miserable nor inherently sublime ’ like every stage of life it has problems, joys, fears and potentials.” In American society, we have a paradoxical relationship with growing old, on the one hand we are eager to learn the secrets of those who are living beyond their life expectancies, on the other hand, we make light of old age, sometimes even wishing death to come to us before the inconveniences of old age take hold.
Contributions of Health Behavior Research to Community Health Promotion Programs

Health behaviors and health status are influenced not only by biological and psychological factors, but also by economic, political, and sociocultural factors (Aiken & Mott, 1970; Blum, 1981; Brown, 1984; Flora, Jackson, & Maccoby, 1989; Warren, 1972). For example, leading causes of death in the United States (cardiovascular disease and cancer) have been shown to be related to lifestyle elements such as diet, exercise, and smoking (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1991). Intentional injury is another significant cause of death, especially among youths, that is strongly influenced by environmental and familial characteristics (American Psychological Association, 1993; Elliott, 1994). The important impact that societal factors have on health behavior highlights the significance of health promotion strategies targeting entire communities.
Regulation of Cytosolic Guanylyl Cyclase by Porphyrins and Metalloporphyrins

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the regulation of cytosolic guanylyl cyclase by porphyrins and metalloporphyrins. The experimental evidence suggests that cytosolic guanylate cyclase is a hemoprotein containing stoichiometric amounts of heme, which functions as a prosthetic group for enzyme activation by nitric oxide (NO). Many different cell types synthesize NO and in most instances, the NO interacts in a paracrine manner with adjacent target cells to activate cytosolic guanylate cyclase and elevate intracellular levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GMP). The interaction between NO and the heme prosthetic group of guanylate cyclase appears to constitute an important signal transduction mechanism whereby NO raises intracellular cyclic GMP levels. The very high binding affinity of enzyme-bound heme for NO ensures interaction of the two to cause guanylate-cyclase activation and cyclic-GMP formation. Thus, relatively uncomplicated mechanisms can account for the paracrine function of endogenous NO in transcellular communication.
Basic Principles of Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology

A thorough understanding of basic electrophysiological principles is essential to the proper diagnosis and management of patients with cardiac arrhythmias. Included in this introductory chapter is a discussion of the indications for electrophysiology testing, the equipment and techniques used in a diagnostic electrophysiology study, and the electrophysiological properties of the cardiac conduction system
Systemic treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers with high mortality worldwide. Treatment options for patients with advanced stage HCC remain a great challenge. However, novel agents especially small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor and innovative immunotherapy demonstrate new promising therapeutic options for these patients. This review article summarizes systemic treatment options evaluated in HCC focusing on the most recently published data and ongoing studies.
Methanogenium marinum sp. nov., a H2-using methanogen from Skan Bay, Alaska, and kinetics of H2 utilization.

A methanogen, strain AK-1, was isolated from permanently cold marine sediments, 38- to 45-cm below the sediment surface at Skan Bay, Alaska. The cells were highly irregular, nonmotile coccoids (diameter, 1 to 1.2 μm), occurring singly. Cells grew by reducing CO2 with H2 or formate as electron donor. Growth on formate was much slower than that on H2. Acetate, methanol, ethanol, 1- or 2-propanol, 1- or 2-butanol and trimethylamine were not catabolized. The cells required acetate, thiamine, riboflavin, a high concentration of vitamin B12, and peptones for growth; yeast extract stimulated growth but was not required. The cells grew fastest at 25 °C (range 5 °C to 25 °C), at a pH of 6.0 – 6.6 (growth range, pH 5.5 – 7.5), and at a salinity of 0.25 – 1.25 M Na+. Cells of this and other H2-using methanogens from saline environments metabolized H2 to a very low threshold pressure (less than 1 Pa) that was dependent on the methane partial pressure. We propose that the threshold pressure may be limited by the energetics of catabolism. The sequence of the 16S rDNA gene of strain AK-1 was most similar (98%) to the sequences of Methanogenium cariaci JR-1 and Methanogenium frigidum Ace-2. DNA–DNA hybridization between strain AK-1 and these two strains showed only 34.9% similarity to strain JR-1 and 56.5% similarity to strain Ace-2. These analyses indicated strain AK-1 should be classified as a new species within the genus Methanogenium. Phenotypic differences between strain AK-1 and these strains (including growth temperature, salinity range, pH range, and nutrient requirements) support this. Therefore, a new species, Methanogenium marinum, is proposed with strain AK-1 as type strain.
Queen–worker aggression in the facultatively eusocial bee Megalopta genalis

The establishment of reproductive division of labor in primitively eusocial insects is typically based on dominance interactions from the queen toward her worker daughters. We used a standardized behavioral assay, the circle tube, to observe aggressive and other behaviors between the queen and workers of field-collected social colonies of the sweat bee, Megalopta genalis. Queens generally expressed higher levels of aggressive and dominant behaviors than workers. Workers performed two behaviors, ‘C-posture’ and ‘reverse’, more frequently than queens. Our data suggest a defensive function for C-posture in workers, as it correlated with the expression of queen aggression. Within queens, the aggressive behaviors ‘nudge’, ‘bite’, ‘push’, and ‘chase’ correlated with each other in their frequencies of expression; the other two behaviors that were performed more often by queens (‘back up’ and ‘back into’) did not. The two behaviors performed more often by workers, ‘C-posture’ and ‘reverse’, were not correlated in workers. Queen and worker activity levels were correlated. Body size correlated with increased expression of queen-like behavior in both the queen and worker castes. Queens generally were bigger and had larger ovaries than workers. Queen–worker body size and ovary size differences correlated with behavioral differences. The effects of body size suggest an influence of developmental nutrition on adult behavior.
Donepezil increases resistance to induced seizures in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome.

De novo loss‐of‐function mutations in SCN1A are the main cause of Dravet syndrome, a catastrophic encephalopathy characterized by recurrent early‐life febrile seizures, a number of other afebrile seizure types that are often refractory to treatment, and behavioral abnormalities including social deficits, motor dysfunction, and cognitive impairment. We previously demonstrated that the reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, Huperzine A, increases seizure resistance in Scn1a mutants. In the present study, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of donepezil, a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor approved by the Food and Drug Administration, in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome (Scn1a +/−). We found that donepezil conferred robust protection against induced seizures in Scn1a +/− mutants.
Relapsed and Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Despite effective initial therapy, the majority of adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who achieve a complete remission (CR) eventually relapse and usually within 2 years. Furthermore, approximately 20% of patients never achieve first complete remission (CR1). In these settings, alternative treatment strategies have limited efficacy and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), with generation of the potent immunologic reaction graft-vs.-leukemia (GVL) effect, is considered the best curative strategy. However, many patients do not have a suitable donor or are not candidates for transplantation. Therefore, the treatment of patients who relapse or are refractory to conventional initial therapy is challenging. The definition of refractory AML includes patients who fail conventional induction chemotherapy, those with a short (less than 6–12 months) CR1 duration, and patients who have relapsed twice or more [1]. This definition has been useful in defining relatively uniform populations of patients for clinical trials.
Patterns and predictors of outpatient opioid use after cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

AbstractBackground: Long-term opioid use is a well-known complication after surgery. In this retrospective study of adults who had undergone cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal ...
ImmunoPET: The Future of Response Evaluation for Cancer Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy treatments have demonstrated a wide variety of treatment response patterns, and noninvasive ways to monitor these responses are greatly needed. Molecular imaging, in particular using positron emission tomography (PET), has emerged as an attractive way to confront this problem. Using highly specific antibody probes, immunoPET has enabled clear visualization of many immunologically relevant markers in vivo in preclinical models, including checkpoint molecules, T-cell markers, and immune activation biomarkers. While clinical results have yet to be published, these emerging techniques are expected to have an impact for patients in the near future.
Fast spacecraft solar radiation pressure modeling by ray tracing on graphics processing unit

Abstract A novel method is presented to evaluate on the graphics processing unit (GPU) the force and torque on a spacecraft due to solar radiation pressure. The method employs efficient ray tracing techniques, developed in the graphics rendering discipline, to resolve spacecraft self-shadowing and reflections at faster than real-time computation speed. The primary algorithmic components of the ray tracing process which contribute to the method’s computational efficiency are described. These components include two-level bounding volume hierarchy acceleration data structures, fast ray to bounding box intersection testing using the slab intersection algorithm and fast triangle intersection testing using the Moller-Trumbore algorithm. Spacecraft material optical properties are represented as a combination of Lambertian diffuse and ideal specular reflections. Both diffuse and specular ray-surface interactions are modeled. The approach is implemented using C++ and OpenCL and executed on a consumer grade GPU. Model validation is presented comparing ray traced force and torque values to the same quantities produce by a faceted analytic model. Numerical results illustrate the impact of self-shadowing on the force and torque calculation, and demonstrate the fast computational speed that is enabled with this implementation.
Patient-Centric Mobile App Solution

Background: In this era of smartphones, more and more people use mobile apps to help them with daily tasks. While this trend is penetrating the health industry, the mobile apps available are mostly fitness-related or health service provider-centric. Apps to help patients manage their conditions and health records are rare. Objective: The purpose of this study was to design a mobile app to help cancer patients manage their stressful daily routine and health records during their cancer journey. The study also investigated ways blockchain technologies can be deployed to ensure data on the app can be stored securely and that ownership of data belongs to the patient. Methods and Results: A survey and interviews were conducted, and a working prototype was developed based on the features requested by patients and carers. Conclusion: In this article, a patient-centric app for people dealing with cancer is presented. It was developed as a prototype following pilot research investigating patients’ needs and requirements during their cancer journeys. This research paper also analyses the use of blockchain technologies to empower patients to own their health data. Finally, as this is research in progress, we discuss how this study will be advanced and the future work planned.
Synergistic H+/Zn2+ dual ion insertion mechanism in high-capacity and ultra-stable hydrated VO2 cathode for aqueous Zn-ion batteries

Abstract Rechargeable aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIB) with near-neutral electrolytes are a promising candidate for stationary energy storage owing to their high-energy-density, high-safety, low-cost and environmental-friendliness. However, the development of ZIBs is currently hindered by the lack of high-performance cathode materials and a good understanding of the true ionic storage mechanism in cathodes. Herein, using a promising ZIB cathode, hydrated VO2 (denoted as H-VO2), as a model material, we carried out a systematic experimental and theoretical work to elucidate the ionic storage mechanisms. We show strong evidence that H+ and Zn2+ are synergistically involved in the ionic storage in H-VO2. The H+-insertion/extraction, which leads to a pH swing of the electrolyte, can be viewed as an indirect Zn2+-storage through a reversible precipitation/dissolution of Zn(OH)2 on the surface of H-VO2 cathode. The first-principles DFT calculations further reveal that H+ and Zn2+ have their own favorable insertion sites and migration pathways, but H+-insertion predominates in the initial discharge stage whereas Zn2+-insertion controls in the late discharge stage. Because of the synergetic H+/Zn2+ co-insertion, H-VO2-based ZIB exhibits a high capacity and stability at both low and high rates, e.g. 410 and 200 ​mAh g-1, 88% and 70% retention rate for 200 (~1500 ​h) and 3000 cycles (~215 ​h) at 0.1 and 5.0 ​A ​g-1, respectively. The new fundamental insights gained from this study deepen the understanding of aqueous Zn-ion battery chemistry for future development of advanced ZIB cathodes.
Efficacy of atropine penalization for the monocular amblyopia of children

Objective To compare the effect of atropine drug penalization and patching therapies of children with anisometropic amblyopia or strabismus amblyopia. Methods In this prospective clinical study, children and adolescents diagnosed with anisometropic amblyopia or strabismus amblyopia who had complete clinical data of more than 12 months were recruited from January 2013 to March 2015. They were divided into an atropine penalization group and patching group. And patients were further divided into mild, moderate, severe degree to analyze. The degree of amblyopia for the two groups was compared with the Wilcoxon rank sum test. The effective rate and cure rate for the two groups were compared by chi-square tests. Results A total of 85 patients (85 eyes) with anisometropic or strabismus amblyopia were recruited and divided into a patching group of 52 patients (52 eyes) and an atropine penalization group of 33 patients (33 eyes). The cure rates were 60% and 64% in the patching and penalization groups respectively (χ2=0.137, P=0.711). The effective rates were 88% and 85% for the patching and penalization groups respectively (χ2=0.234, P=0.629). There was also no significant difference between the two groups when the rates of effectiveness for different degrees of amblyopia were compared. Fifty-two eyes in the patching group and 29 eyes in the penalization group developed a fixating eye after 3-6 months of treatment, but 4 eyes in the penalization group did not develop a fixating eye. Conclusion Atropine drug penalization therapy has a similar effect on anisometropic or strabismus amblyopia in children as does traditional patching therapy. Key words: Amblyopia; Penalization therapy; Patching therapy; Anisometropia; Strabismus; Children
The associations between genetics, salt taste perception and salt intake in young adults

Hypertension is a major cause of cardiovascular disease and overall mortality. High dietary salt intake is one of the key risk factors for hypertension and in 2017, it was one of the three leading dietary risk factors for death and disability adjusted life years globally. Despite the efforts to change this behaviour, salt consumption still exceeds the recommendations. One of the main determinants of food intake, and potentially salt, is taste. Taste perception may be genetically determined, however research exploring the associations between genetics, salt taste perception and salt intake is scarce. This may be of special importance in younger adult populations where increased preference for salt is suggested. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the associations between genetics, salt taste perception (taste threshold and preference) and salt intake in young adults.This study was approved by the St Mary's University Ethics Sub-Committee. Forty-two participants (18–35 years, 67% female and 33% male) completed the study. Salt taste thresholds were identified using the British Standards Institution sensory analysis method (BS ISO 3972:2011) and preference for salty taste by asking participants how salty they usually prefer to eat their food using a Likert scale. Salt intake, expressed as mg sodium/1000 kcal, was measured using a five-step multiple pass 24-hour recall for one day of the week and one weekend day. Participants were genotyped for two genetic variants in the SCNN1B and TRPV1 genes, which code for ion channels expressed in taste cells. Multiple regression analysis was performed including SCNN1B and TRPV1 variants, salt taste threshold and preference as predictor variables and sodium intake (mg/1000 kcal) as the dependent variable. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.Participants were normal weight (Body Mass Index 23.8 ± 3.7 kg/m2), predominantly Caucasian with salt intake 7.5 ± 2.7 g per day, reflecting current intakes in the UK. Regression model including genetics, thresholds and preference for salty taste explained 54% of the variance (p = 0.028). In this model, TRPV1 variant rs8065080 [β = 422, confidence interval (50, 794), p = 0.030] and salt preference [β = 618, confidence interval (258, 978), p = 0.004] were indicated as predictors of sodium intake. These findings suggest that genetics and preference for salty taste may be drivers of salt intake in younger populations. If replicated, this information may in the future be used in designing more personalised approaches in changing this behaviour.
Muslim societies in African history

Examining a series of processes (Islamization, Arabization, Africanization) and case studies from North, West and East Africa, this book gives snapshots of Muslim societies in Africa over the last millennium. In contrast to traditions which suggest that Islam did not take root in Africa, author David Robinson shows the complex struggles of Muslims in the Muslim state of Morocco and in the Hausaland region of Nigeria. He portrays the ways in which Islam was practiced in the 'pagan' societies of Ashanti (Ghana) and Buganda (Uganda) and in the ostensibly Christian state of Ethiopia - beginning with the first emigration of Muslims from Mecca in 615 CE, well before the foundational hijra to Medina in 622. He concludes with chapters on the Mahdi and Khalifa of the Sudan and the Murid Sufi movement that originated in Senegal, and reflections in the wake of the events of September 11, 2001.
Biocompatible and Smart Composites from Cellulose, Wool, and Phase-Change Materials Encapsulated in Natural Sporopollenin Microcapsules

Natural pollen grains were cleaned to remove all external and internal cytoplastic materials to produce sporopollenin exine capsules (SECs). SECs are empty microcapsules with extensive networks of ...
Protecting the patient with lung transplant during the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City, USA

When the novel coronavirus began spreading rapidly in New York City, pulmonary transplant patients were considered as one of the highest medically vulnerable patient populations It became a priority to devise a plan to safely provide quality care to patients, with as minimal exposure to the outside world as possible Utilizing a telemedicine system that was already in place, the program was able to be expanded to include all of our 77 transplanted patients who would track their vital signs and spirometry at home twice daily, while also having telemedicine visits with recent blood work with a member of our team This allowed other team members to provide care to COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized and mechanically ventilated Aim: This paper aims to demonstrate one way a successful pulmonary transplant program kept all patients safe from the novel coronavirus and demonstrates the success of social distancing and quarantining in an extremely vulnerable population Methods and Results: There were three main components that led to the success of this program during the first 10 weeks of the pandemic: (1) dividing our team to promote social distancing;(2) quarantining all patients and families;and (3) using the already-in-place home monitoring devices to monitor vital signs twice daily for all patients This frequent monitoring allowed us to track trends and provide treatment with as minimal exposure to the outside world as possible Conclusion: Early quarantine and early adaptation of utilizing telemedicine helped promote positive outcomes and decreased hospitalizations
A Pilot Study of a Top-Tier Contraception Simulation Program to Improve Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Practices Among Health Care Trainees.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Long-acting reversible contraception methods are effective tools in family planning. However, resident physicians and other health care trainees may experience knowledge gaps and low utilization because of limited opportunity for training. The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate self-assessed knowledge, counseling, and long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) device placement skills among health care trainees who attended a 1-day simulation-based training. In addition, we describe a simulation-based training program we developed to facilitate the use of LARC among health professionals. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional evaluation of health care trainees attending simulation-based training on 2 occasions in 2017 and one occasion in 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. Participants rated their experience, comfort providing counseling, and placement skills with all LARC methods. Knowledge was measured using a series of multiple-choice questions. Responses to the survey were summarized using frequencies and percentages. RESULTS A total of 253 health care professionals attended the simulations, and 244 completed the presurvey (96.4% response rate). Of those, 172 respondents were health care trainees, of which a majority were resident physicians. More than half reported never using top-tier methods in practice. Most indicated moderate to low knowledge to counsel patients and low skills to place each of the devices before training; self-reported knowledge and skills increased after completing training. Presimulation knowledge scores ranged from 0 to 19, with a median score of 14 of 19 correct responses. After training, average scores increased by 3 points (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS One-day training events can provide didactic education and simulation-based skills training in device placement that may result in increased access among the patients served by these providers.
Invariance as a basis for necessity and laws

Many philosophers are baffled by necessity. Humeans, in particular, are deeply disturbed by the idea of necessary laws of nature. In this paper I offer a systematic yet down to earth explanation of necessity and laws in terms of invariance. The type of invariance I employ for this purpose generalizes an invariance used in meta-logic. The main idea is that properties and relations in general have certain degrees of invariance, and some properties/relations have a stronger degree of invariance than others. The degrees of invariance of highly-invariant properties are associated with high degrees of necessity of laws governing/describing these properties, and this explains the necessity of such laws both in logic and in science. This non-mysterious explanation has rich ramifications for both fields, including the formality of logic and mathematics, the apparent conflict between the contingency of science and the necessity of its laws, the difference between logical-mathematical, physical, and biological laws/principles, the abstract character of laws, the applicability of logic and mathematics to science, scientific realism, and logical-mathematical realism.