bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of natural curcumin on the progression of experimental periodontitis in diabetic rats
Authors: Pimentel Suzana P. , Casati Marcio Z. , Ribeiro Fernanda V. , Corrêa Monica Grazieli , Franck Felipe C. , Benatti Bruno B. , Cirano Fabiano R.
Published: July 2019

Objective

To evaluate the role of natural curcumin (CURC) on experimental periodontitis (EP) in animals with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Material and Methods

One hundred rats were assigned to DM + placebo (PLA); DM + CURC; DM + insulin (INS); DM + CURC + INS; and Non‐DM. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin. After 3 days, they were initiated CURC and PLAC solutions and insulin administrations, daily for 30 days. This included a period of 19 days prior to EP induction (ligature at the first mandibular and the second maxillary molar) and then additional 11 days. Specimens from the mandible were processed for morphometric examination of bone level. Gingival tissues from mandibular molars were collected for quantification of IL‐1β, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐17, IFN‐γ, and TNF‐α using a Luminex/MAGpix assay. Gingivae from maxillary molars were subjected to RT‐PCR for assessment of Runx2, RANKL, OPG, SIRT, Dkk1, and Sost levels.

Results

Lower linear bone loss was detected in ligated molars of DM + CURC + INS vs DM + PLAC and DM + INS groups (P < 0.05). In ligated sites from DM rats treated with CURC + INS, IL‐6, IL‐1β, INF‐γ, and TNF‐α levels were the lowest in comparison with PLAC and/or INS and CURC as monotherapies (P < 0.05). CURC, independently of INS, increased Runx2 and SIRT when compared to DM + PLAC (P < 0.05) in ligated sites, whereas only CURC + INS reduced the RANKL/OPG ratio when compared to DM + PLAC (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Natural CURC, when associated with INS, reduces the DM‐induced loss of supporting alveolar bone and promotes favorable modulation on osteo‐immune‐inflammatory mediators.
Effect of extrusion conditions on the physical properties of desi chickpea‐barley extrudates and quality attributes of their resulting flours
Authors: Guldiken Burcu , Yovchev Aleksandar , Nosworthy Matthew G. , Stone Andrea K. , House James D. , Hood‐Niefer Shannon , Nickerson Michael T.
Published: July 2019

In this study, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to evaluate the effect of extrusion conditions on physical properties of chickpea:barley extrudates (60:40), and the resulting protein quality of their flours. Barrel temperature (150–170°C) and moisture content (16–20%) were chosen as independent variables to generate a central composite design. Hardness, expansion index, bulk density, and protein quality were analyzed as responses parameters. Expansion was found to be higher at lower temperatures and higher moisture for the 60:40 chickpea:barley blend; bulk density became reduced with increased moisture; and hardness was found to increase at higher temperatures and lower moistures. The protein quality of their resulting flours was found to be greater at moisture contents higher than 16%. The composition, protein quality, and functional attributes were also examined for raw and precooked flours of chickpea, barley, and their blend at the center point of the RSM design (18% moisture, 160°C). Extrusion also leads to improved water hydration capacities and reduced viscosities for precooked individual and blended flours relative to the raw. Moreover, extrusion also led to improved protein quality in the chickpea and chickpea‐barley blend, but not the individual barley flour.
Regulation of toxic shock syndrome toxin‐1 by the accessory gene regulator in Staphylococcus aureus is mediated by the repressor of toxins
Authors: Tuffs Stephen W. , Herfst Christine A. , Baroja Miren L. , Podskalniy Vladyslav A. , DeJong Erica N. , Coleman Charlotte E. M. , McCormick John K.
Published: July 2019

Toxic shock syndrome toxin‐1 (TSST‐1) is a superantigen (SAg) produced by Staphylococcus aureus thought to be responsible for essentially all cases of menstrual‐associated toxic shock syndrome (TSS). As a potent exotoxin, it is not surprising that S. aureus has evolved multiple systems to control expression of TSST‐1. Although the accessory gene regulator (Agr) system is recognized to enhance TSST‐1 expression, how Agr regulates TSST‐1 is unclear. Using an agr‐null mutant, complementation experiments demonstrated that Agr controls TSST‐1 expression through the activity of the RNAIII effector molecule. RNAIII can repress translation of the repressor of toxins (Rot) regulator, and deletion of rot increased expression of TSST‐1 during the exponential phase of growth. Deletion of agr did not affect rot transcription, but did result in overexpression of the Rot protein, and Rot was also shown to bind and positively regulate the rot promoter. Overexpression of Rot dramatically repressed TSST‐1, and Rot bound directly to the TSST‐1 promoter. Deletion of both agr and rot in S. aureus returned TSST‐1 expression to wild‐type levels. This work demonstrates that Agr, although widely considered to be an inducer of TSST‐1, has evolved in combination with Rot, to restrict the expression of this potent SAg.
Is topical lidocaine beneficial before catheter insertion in esophageal manometry and ambulatory pH monitoring?
Authors: Wahba George , Neshkova Elissaveta , Vuille‐Lessard Élise , Bouin Mickael
Published: July 2019

Background

Conventionally, topical anesthesia is applied to improve the tolerance of esophageal manometry (EM) and ambulatory pH monitoring (apH) but there is presently no evidence supporting this practice. We aimed to compare the tolerance of EM and apH with vs without topical lidocaine anesthesia.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted at our center between January 2017 and January 2019. All patients who underwent EM or apH and completed a systematically distributed standardized patient survey were included. From January 2017 to June 2018, all patients had a viscous lidocaine solution applied before EM and apH (“lidocaine” group). After June 2018, we ceased applying any topical anesthesia (“no lidocaine” group). Patient‐reported adverse effects and satisfaction scores were compared between these two patient groups.

Key Results

Two hundred forty‐nine patient surveys were included. “Lidocaine” (n = 124) and “no lidocaine” (n = 125) groups were similar in age (56.9 ± 14.0 vs 56.0 ± 13.7; P = .77) and gender distributions (65.9% vs 63.3% female; P = .68). Patients in the “lidocaine” group were less likely to report pain during catheter insertion (33.6% vs 50.8%; P = .007, OR: 0.49 [95% CI 0.29‐0.83]) and reported a lower overall pain score (2.82 ± 1.38 vs 3.20 ± 1.42 on 5; P = .04). There was a tendency toward increased global satisfaction with lidocaine application but that was not statistically significant (4.36 ± 1.05 vs 4.11 ± 1.13; P = .08). In subgroup analyses, female patients, younger patients, and patients who underwent EM were more likely to benefit from lidocaine application.

Conclusions and Inferences

Application of topical lidocaine before esophageal motility tests reduces pain during catheter insertion and overall pain.
Oil price and exchange rate volatilities: implications on the cost of living in an OPEC member country—Nigeria
Authors: Okolo Chimaobi Valentine , Udabah Sylvester Ike
Published: July 2019

This study investigates the dynamics of crude oil price and exchange rate volatilities, and implications of these volatilities on the cost of living in Nigeria. Consequently, it provides two key innovations: (i) It augments the structural equation modelling to include three stage Generalised Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (GARCH) model; (ii) It employs this methodology to uniquely measure the significance of simultaneous paths from Bonny Light crude oil price predictors through exchange rate of the Naira vis‐à‐vis the USD to consumer price index in Nigeria. It finds that crude oil price and exchange rate volatilities did not significantly pass‐through to the consumer price index in Nigeria. More importantly, it shows that information is a significant determinant of future volatilities. Therefore, the media becomes crucial in predicting exchange rate and inflation in Nigeria.
The relationship between oil prices, oil imports and income level in Turkey: evidence from Fourier approximation
Authors: Gorus Muhammed Sehid , Ozgur Onder , Develi Abdulkadir
Published: July 2019

The study aims at examining possible impacts of the changes in oil prices and income on crude oil import demand in Turkey using monthly data between 1996:1 and 2017:9. To this end, the study uses a recently introduced Fourier Shin cointegration test of Tsong et al. (2016) and Fourier Toda–Yamamoto approach of Nazlioglu et al. (2016). The study also constructs error correction model to estimate the short‐run parameters. Our empirical findings detect that oil imports are more sensitive to changes in income relative to changes in oil price in the long‐run. Furthermore, 81.4 per cent of the disequilibrium of the shocks converges back to the equilibrium level within the next month. Also, the causality test results provide an evidence for conservation hypothesis in Turkey. Thus, energy conservative policies do not have adverse effects on real economic activity. These results include policy implications for future prospects.
Communicating misogyny: An interdisciplinary research agenda for social psychology
Authors: Tileagă Cristian
Published: July 2019

The aim of this paper is to discuss how social psychology might go about studying social hostility in public life that goes beyond mere disagreement on political matters. The paper addresses the case of online misogyny against women active in public life. In the context of a profound coarsening of political debate in Britain and elsewhere, women who are active in public life come regularly up against a barrage of abuse and intimidation online. The paper argues that manifestations of misogyny cross ideological lines and takes an array of forms. Misogyny is a specific class of prejudice that harms the dignity of women by calling into question women's (human) rights to participation in public life, freedom of expression, and personal safety. In order to fully understand the intricacies of online misogyny, social psychologists need to draw upon more directly on communications and media theories of mediated communication and connective action.
Transfusion‐related immune modulation: functional consequence of extracellular vesicles?
Authors: Menocha Somaang , Muszynski Jennifer A.
Published: July 2019

KEY IDEAS

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small, subcellular vesicles that are released from a variety of cells and play important roles in cell‐to‐cell communication.

Transfused blood products, including red blood cell, platelet, and plasma products contain EVs that are capable of interacting with and altering immune cell function.

The extent to which EVs may contribute to clinically meaningful immunomodulatory effects of transfusion remains unclear and deserving of further study.
Cost Effective Laparoscopic Trainer Utilizing Magnetic-Based Position Tracking
Authors: Boutelle Matthew , Lobo Fluvio , Odeh Mohammad , Stubbs Jack
Published: July 2019

This paper discusses the design and application of magnetic-based position tracking in surgical trainers. The utilization of magnetic-based position tracking in Laparoscopic Trainers provides a cost-effective solution to the next generation of medical education, training and evaluation. The utilization of 3D printed parts as well as off the shelf electronics allows us to maximize accuracy while minimizing design cost. Our current design costs less than $300.00 while providing results with an error of 1.474–14.265%.
Simulating Coil Embolization Treatments of Intracranial Aneurysms Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Tulshibagwale Nikhil , Gent Stephen P.
Published: July 2019

In this study, a commercially available computational fluid dynamics (CFD) program was used to simulate coil embolization techniques, standard coiling (SC) and stent-assisted coiling (SAC), in simplified vessels that are representative of vessels found in the brain. The test models included a curved vessel, ranging from 3mm to 4mm in diameter. The vessel was afflicted with a spherical aneurysm, ranging from 8mm to 16mm in diameter. The four test cases were simulated without treatment, with SC treatment, and with SAC treatment, for a total of twelve simulations. The parameters of interest were blood volume flow into aneurysm, fluid velocity, wall shear stress (WSS), and vorticity. Results of the simulations indicate, on average, SC and SAC reduced volume flow into the aneurysm by 50% and to over 60%, respectively. Both SC and SAC appeared to reduce distal neck WSS. Both treatments reduced average overall dome WSS by approximately 76%. Average aneurysm neck velocity was reduced by both treatments; SC reduced neck velocity by 69% and SAC reduced neck velocity by 75%. Information on SC and SAC efficacy in idealized scenarios could assist medical professionals determining viable approaches for patient-specific cases and lays foundation for future CFD studies exploring coil embolization treatments.
Design of a Folding-Frame Ergonomic Wheelchair
Authors: Hein Emily , Hansen Andrew , Voss Greg , Goldish Gary
Published: July 2019

This project was seeking to improve on a previously completed manual wheelchair with an ergonomic drive system. The goals for improvement were decreasing weight and using a folding frame for increased accessibility. The new design was completed by using a frame from a commercially available wheelchair and adapting it to house an ergonomic drive system. During the design process, customer preference feedback was gathered from veterans to inform the design. The finished prototype is currently in the process of being licensed by a manufacturing partner.
Device for Treatment of Neonate Hyperbilirubinemia Through Mechanically Actuated Swaddling and Phototherapy
Authors: Tucker Aaron P.
Published: July 2019

It is widely known that hyperbilirubinemia (colloquially known as jaundice) is a common neonate ailment developed in about 50% of term and 80% of preterm neonates. This condition arises from bilirubin deposits in the skin and causes yellow coloring in newborns. [1] If left untreated, neonates are at risk of developing extreme hyperbilirubinemia which can lead to neurological impairment (bilirubin related encephalopathy). [2]
Constant Force Application on a Beating Swine Heart: Robotic Assistance for Mapping and Ablation Procedures
Authors: Schinstock Emma , Ling Xiaoyin , Conedera Renato , Tucker Aaron , Ramirez David
Published: July 2019

Robot assisted surgery has been widely accepted by the medical community. Surgeons utilize robots in many different procedures worldwide. However, cardiothoracic surgeons do not regularly use robotic tools to aid them in performing even simple, catheter based procedures such as cardiac ablation or mapping. Some cardiac Monophasic Action Potentials (MAPs) and ablation catheters require a specific window of force to either effectively characterize or scar cardiac tissue. This is challenging to maintain through the cardiac cycle, so the application of a constant force is not a trivial task for surgeons. Robotic assistance to control the force applied to a catheter through ablation and mapping procedures is needed to improve the outcome for patients. The purpose of this work is to develop a single degree of freedom robot that controls the force applied to a beating swine heart. Rather than trying to predict the motion and timing of the heartbeat, or tracking its movement this robot senses and reacts to the force produced by the myocardium. Through the cardiac cycle, the robot applies a constant force to the surface of a beating heart. The kinematics of the cardiac tissue were characterized by utilizing piezoelectric transducers. Hardware to control the catheter motion was designed to fit most commercially available devices. The controller was designed by first building a mathematical model using measured data, and then a control law was implemented considering the heartbeat as disturbances to the system. Finally, testing was completed with dry runs, and in situ and ex-vivo testing in the Visible Heart® Laboratory.
Design of a Novel Dosage Counter for a Low-Cost Sleeve Attachment for Enhanced Usability of Any Standard Pressurised Metered Dosage Inhaler
Authors: Beukes Giancarlo , Nair Gokul , Levin Mike , Sivarasu Sudesh
Published: July 2019

The study focuses on developing a novel dosage counter system for a low-cost sleeve attachment device for enhancing the usability and functionality of any standard pressurised metered dosage inhaler (MDI). The paediatric metered dosage inhaler sleeve attachment’s (pMDI’s) primary function is to allow patients 5 years and older to safely use their inhalers, particularly in emergencies. Currently patients don’t know how many dosages are remaining in the MDIs, cant activate the devices and refuse to use their inhalers because of stigma, The dosage counter was a critical feature as it was discovered that patients are using empty inhalers, which leads to hospitalizations and increased mortality rates. A dosage counter was found to be a critical feature for the sleeve attachment, as all MDIs should have one.
MRI-Guided, Transperineal Prostate Biopsy Using Fixed Coordinate Needle Guide: Initial Feasibility Study
Authors: Kulkarni Pankaj , Laha Sumit , Sikander Sakura , Biswas Pradipta , Cornnell Heather , Bagci Ulas , Burt Jeremy , Song Sang-Eun
Published: July 2019

Most of the existing MRI guided robotic needle guide systems have been limited to research purposes and have not progressed towards clinical applications due to complex and bulky structures. The ‘device-to-image’ registration step further complicates the operation and significantly increases the overall procedure time. To address limitations, we developed an MRI guided transperineal prostate biopsy guide system that uses the concept of a ‘fixed coordinate device’ to simplify the overall biopsy procedure and eliminate the registration step, making the procedure more clinically friendly. We performed proof-of-concept targeting experiments using an agar phantom under 3T MRI. The targeting results were analyzed, and initial results prove that the simplified intervention concept would well be feasible. We plan to extend the study further to identify error components.
Novel Inverted Tubular Design for Improved Endoscope Positioning
Authors: Saxena Ankit , Lagnese Isak , Pauli Eric , Haluck Randy , Fell Barry , Moore Jason
Published: July 2019

To detect and treat colorectal cancers endoscopes are commonly used to perform colonoscopies, with an estimated 15 million performed in America every year. Endoscope designs rely on physicians physically pushing the long device into position through the intestine thereupon applying potentially damaging forces to the intestinal wall. To improve endoscopic procedures this paper presents the novel concept of Inverted Tubular Element Locomotion (ITEL) to reduce interaction forces between the endoscope and the intestine wall. Experiments are performed that demonstrate functionality of the tubular design and less than 3.5 kPa to deploy. The tube material thickness has a linear relationship with the force required. This unique design has the potential to enhance patient safety and to improve procedural efficiency.
Ultrathin conformal polycyclosiloxane films to improve silicon cycling stability
Authors: Shen B. H. , Wang S. , Tenhaeff W. E.
Published: July 2019

Cross-linked polymer films synthesized via vapor deposition improve cycling behavior of silicon anodes for lithium ion batteries.
Large negative thermo-optic coefficients of a lead halide perovskite
Authors: Handa Taketo , Tahara Hirokazu , Aharen Tomoko , Kanemitsu Yoshihiko
Published: July 2019

Unconventional thermo-optic responses of CH
3
NH
3
PbCl
3
enable phase-shift compensators and tunable retarders for visible light.
High-throughput peptide-MHC complex generation and kinetic screenings of TCRs with peptide-receptive HLA-A*02:01 molecules
Authors: Moritz Andreas , Anjanappa Raghavendra , Wagner Claudia , Bunk Sebastian , Hofmann Martin , Pszolla Gabriele , Saikia Ankur , Garcia-Alai Maria , Meijers Rob , Rammensee Hans-Georg , Springer Sebastian , Maurer Dominik
Published: July 2019

Functionally empty and peptide-receptive soluble HLA-A*02:01 enables high-throughput analysis of TCR binding to peptide-MHCs. See the related Research Article by

Saini
et al
.

in this issue.
Dynamics of Protein Accumulation from the 3′ End of Viral RNA Are Different from Those in the Rest of the Genome in Potato Virus A Infection
Authors: Saha Shreya , Hafren Anders , Mäkinen Kristiina
Published: July 2019

The results of this study suggest that the dynamics of potyviral protein accumulation are regulated differentially from the 3′ end of viral RNA than from the rest of the genome, the significance of which would be to satisfy the needs of replication early and particle assembly late in infection.
Digital aripiprazole or digital evergreening? A systematic review of the evidence and its dissemination in the scientific literature and in the media
Authors: Cosgrove Lisa , Cristea Ioana Alina , Shaughnessy Allen F , Mintzes Barbara , Naudet Florian
Published: July 2019

Background

In November 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a version of a second-generation antipsychotic, aripiprazole, embedded with a sensor (Abilify MyCite).

Objective

To systematically review the evidence supporting the FDA’s approval of digital aripiprazole and how that evidence was disseminated in the scientific literature and news reports.

Study selection

Prospective, double-blind, randomised controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomised and non-comparative studies were included if they focused on the use of digital aripiprazole. All scientific publications citing the trials were included if written in English. For the news reports, all languages were included if an English translation was available, and all records that were published after FDA approval were included.

Findings

In the primary evidence search, no RCT comparing digital aripiprazole with a non-digital formulation, other active comparators or placebo was found. Only three non-comparative uncontrolled cohorts were found. No study provided data on remission, quality of life or any efficacy outcome. Fourteen scientific papers were identified that cited the trials and 70 news stories met the inclusion criteria. Almost 80% (11/14) of the scientific papers and three-fourths (52/70) of the news stories conveyed an unsupported impression of benefit.

Conclusions

Regulatory approval for this first-ever digital drug was based on weak evidence, and there was no evidence of better adherence with the digital version of aripiprazole compared with the non-digital version. The possibilities afforded by this technology make room for a new type of evergreening (ie, patenting of older drugs with a sensor as a ‘new invention’). Both the scientific literature and news reports conveyed an unsupported impression of benefit.

Trial registration number

CRD42018089515.
Mass media representation of suicide in a high suicide state in India: an epidemiological comparison with suicide deaths in the population
Authors: Armstrong Gregory , Vijayakumar Lakshmi , Pirkis Jane , Jayaseelan Mala , Cherian Anish , Soerensen Jane Brandt , Arya Vikas , Niederkrotenthaler Thomas
Published: July 2019

Objectives

Suicide rates in India are among the highest in the world, equating to over 200 000 suicides annually. Reports of suicides are a routine feature in major newspapers in India, and reporters may selectively present ‘newsworthy’ suicide stories. The aim of this paper was to systematically investigate whether mass media reports of suicides reflect the epidemiological data on suicide in a high suicide state in India.

Design

We undertook a content analysis study to extract sociodemographic data on suicides reported among nine of the most highly read daily newspapers in the high suicide southern state of Tamil Nadu between June and December 2016. A total of 1258 newspaper articles were retrieved containing reports on 1631 suicides. Two-tailed binomial tests on aggregate frequencies assessed whether the sociodemographic characteristics of suicides in the newspaper articles were different to the population suicide statistics for Tamil Nadu.

Results

We identified some statistically significant discrepancies between suicide characteristics in the population and the media. Suicides involving females (p<0.001), those aged under 30 years (p<0.001), separated or widowed males (p<0.001), unmarried females (p<0.001), those using methods with a higher case fatality rate (ie, hanging (p<0.001), jumping off high structures (p<0.001) and coming under vehicles (p<0.001) and those who were students (p<0.001) or working in the agricultural sector (p<0.001) were significantly over-reported relative to their occurrence in the broader population. Suicides involving men (p<0.001), those aged over 30 years and above (p<0.001), those who were married and suicides by poisoning (p<0.001) were significantly under-reported relative to their occurrence in the broader population.

Conclusions

The suicide characteristics in the print media were not entirely representative of suicides in the broader Tamil Nadu population, which may lead the general public to develop misunderstandings about suicide in their state. The discrepancies we identified will inform tailored suicide prevention education for media professionals.
Twitter debate: controversies in functional gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Maurice James , Widlak Monika M , Emmanuel Anton V
Published: July 2019

The new ‘Controversies In…’ series for the Frontline Gastroenterology Twitter debates addressed the difficult area of functional gastrointestinal disorders, facilitated by the former editor-in-chief Anton Emmanuel. Key topics discussed included distinguishing functional dyspepsia from genuine gastroparesis, when we should investigate for bile acid malabsorption, the current treatments for constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome and, importantly, how to manage consultations with complex patients presenting with functional bowel disease. The debate generated over a million impressions on twitter and this article aims to summarise the key educational points from the event.
Effect of environmental conditions on injury rates at a Colorado ski resort
Authors: Pierpoint Lauren A , Kerr Zachary Y , Grunwald Gary , Khodaee Morteza , Crume Tessa , Comstock R. Dawn
Published: July 2019

Objective

To determine the effect of daily environmental conditions on skiing and snowboarding-related injury rates.

Methods

Injury information was collected from a mountainside clinic at a large Colorado ski resort for the 2012/2013 through 2016/2017 seasons. Daily environmental conditions including snowfall, snow base depth, temperature, open terrain and participant visits were obtained from historical resort records. Snowpack and visibility information were obtained for the 2013/2014 through 2014/2015 seasons and included in a subanalysis. Negative binomial regression was used to estimate injury rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% CIs.

Results

The overall injury rate among skiers and snowboarders was 1.37 per 1000 participant visits during 2012/2013 through 2016/2017. After adjustment for other environmental covariates, injury rates were 22% higher (IRR=1.22, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.29) on days with <2.5 compared with ≥2.5 cm of snowfall, and 14% higher on days with average temperature in the highest quartile (≥−3.1°C) compared with the lowest (<−10.6°C; IRR=1.14, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.26). Rates decreased by 8% for every 25 cm increase in snow base depth (IRR=0.92, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.95). In a subanalysis of the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 seasons including the same covariates plus snowpack and visibility, only snowpack remained significantly associated with injury rates. Rates were 71% higher on hardpack compared with powder days (IRR=1.71, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.49) and 36% higher on packed powder compared with powder days (IRR 1.36, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.64).

Conclusions

Environmental conditions, particularly snowfall and snowpack, have a significant impact on injury rates. Injury prevention efforts should consider environmental factors to decrease injury rates in skiers and snowboarders.
Global consensus building and prioritisation of fundamental lupus challenges: the ALPHA project
Authors: Manzi Susan , Raymond Sandra , Tse Karin , Peña Yaritza , Anderson Annick , Arntsen Kathleen , Bae Sang-Cheol , Bruce Ian , Dörner Thomas , Getz Kenneth , Hanrahan Leslie , Kao Amy , Morand Eric , Rovin Brad , Schanberg Laura Eve , Von Feldt Joan M , Werth Victoria P , Costenbader Karen
Published: July 2019

Objective

Lupus is a complex, heterogeneous autoimmune disease that has yet to see significant progress towards more timely diagnosis, improved treatment options for short-term and long-term outcomes, and appropriate access to care. The Addressing Lupus Pillars for Health Advancement (ALPHA) project is the first step in establishing global consensus and developing concrete strategies to address the challenges limiting progress.

Methods

A Global Advisory Committee of 13 individuals guided the project and began barrier identification. Seventeen expert interviews were conducted to further characterise key barriers. Transcripts were analysed using Nvivo and a codebook was created containing a list of thematic ‘nodes’ (topics) and their descriptions. Findings were used to develop a final survey instrument that was fielded to a diverse, international stakeholder audience to achieve broad consensus.

Results

Expert interviews identified lupus heterogeneity as the primary barrier hindering advancement. Subsequent barriers were categorised into three areas: (1) Drug development. (2) Clinical care. (3) Access and value. The global survey received 127 completed responses from experts across 20 countries. Respondents identified barriers as high priority including the lack of biomarkers for clinical and drug development use, flawed clinical trial design, lack of access to clinicians familiar with lupus, and obstacles to effective management of lupus due to social determinants of care. Respondents also identified 30 autoimmune conditions that may be lupus-related based on overlapping features, shared autoantibodies and pathophysiology.

Conclusions

ALPHA is a comprehensive initiative to identify and prioritise the continuum of challenges facing people with lupus by engaging a global audience of lupus experts. It also explored views on lupus as a spectrum of related diseases. Conclusions from this effort provide a framework to generate actionable approaches to the identified high-priority barriers.
Nonequilibrium electron relaxation in graphene
Authors: Rani Luxmi , Bhalla Pankaj , Singh Navinder
Published: July 2019

We apply memory function formalism to investigate nonequilibrium electron relaxation in graphene. Within the premises of two-temperature model (TTM), explicit expressions of the imaginary part of the memory function or generalized Drude scattering rate (1/[Formula: see text]) are obtained. In the DC limit and in equilibrium case where electron temperature (Te) is equal to phonon temperature (T), we reproduce the known results (i.e., 1/[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]T4 when T[Formula: see text][Formula: see text] and 1/[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]T when T[Formula: see text][Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the Bloch–Grüneisen temperature). We report several new results for 1/[Formula: see text] where T[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]Te relevant in pump–probe spectroscopic experiments. In the finite-frequency regime we find that 1/[Formula: see text] when [Formula: see text], and for [Formula: see text] it is [Formula: see text]-independent. These results can be verified in a typical pump–probe experimental setting for graphene.
Analysis of competing ground state channels observed in decay of Cm isotopes
Authors: Sharma Kanishka , Sharma Manoj K.
Published: July 2019

The possible decay modes of even [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]Cm parents have been analyzed to explore the relative emergence of various ground state emission mechanisms using the collective clusterization approach. Based on the collective availability of [Formula: see text], cluster and spontaneous fission (SF) experimental half-life data, we limit our study to isotopes of Cm. In view of this, the most probable decaying fragments from [Formula: see text]Cm are identified in different mass regions and a comprehensive analysis of the shell closure effect of the decay fragments corresponding to different mass domains is carried out within the methodology of Preformed Cluster Model (PCM). The isotopic analysis of the mass distributions and the related barrier characteristic quantities are investigated in view of ground state decay of [Formula: see text]Cm isotopes. The PCM calculated [Formula: see text] and SF half-lives compare nicely with the experimental data and the predictions are made on cluster and heavy-cluster decay of Cm isotopes, where experimental data is not available. It will of further interest to validate these predictions by performing corresponding experiments.
Survey and Cross-benchmark Comparison of Remaining Time Prediction Methods in Business Process Monitoring
Authors: Verenich Ilya , Dumas Marlon , Rosa Marcello La , Maggi Fabrizio Maria , Teinemaa Irene
Published: July 2019

Predictive business process monitoring methods exploit historical process execution logs to generate predictions about running instances (called cases) of a business process, such as the prediction of the outcome, next activity, or remaining cycle time of a given process case. These insights could be used to support operational managers in taking remedial actions as business processes unfold, e.g., shifting resources from one case onto another to ensure the latter is completed on time. A number of methods to tackle the remaining cycle time prediction problem have been proposed in the literature. However, due to differences in their experimental setup, choice of datasets, evaluation measures, and baselines, the relative merits of each method remain unclear. This article presents a systematic literature review and taxonomy of methods for remaining time prediction in the context of business processes, as well as a cross-benchmark comparison of 16 such methods based on 17 real-life datasets originating from different industry domains.
Human-Machine Collaboration for Content Regulation
Authors: Jhaver Shagun , Birman Iris , Gilbert Eric , Bruckman Amy
Published: July 2019

What one may say on the internet is increasingly controlled by a mix of automated programs, and decisions made by paid and volunteer human moderators. On the popular social media site Reddit, moderators heavily rely on a configurable, automated program called “Automoderator” (or “Automod”). How do moderators use Automod? What advantages and challenges does the use of Automod present? We participated as Reddit moderators for over a year, and conducted interviews with 16 moderators to understand the use of Automod in the context of the sociotechnical system of Reddit. Our findings suggest a need for audit tools to help tune the performance of automated mechanisms, a repository for sharing tools, and improving the division of labor between human and machine decision making. We offer insights that are relevant to multiple stakeholders—creators of platforms, designers of automated regulation systems, scholars of platform governance, and content moderators.
Allele-specific expression identified rs2509956 as a novel long-distancecis-regulatory SNP forSCGB1A1, an important gene for multiple pulmonary diseases
Authors: Li Xiu-Xiong , Peng Tao , Gao Jing , Feng Jia-Gang , Wu Dan-Dan , Yang Ting , Zhong Li , Fu Wei-Ping , Sun Chang
Published: July 2019

SCGB1A1 (secretoglobin family 1A member 1) is an important protein for multiple pulmonary diseases, especially asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. One single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at 5′-untranslated region of SCGB1A1, rs3741240, has been suggested to be associated with reduced protein expression and further asthma susceptibility. However, it was still unclear whether there were other cis-regulatory elements for SCGB1A1 that might further contribute to pulmonary diseases. Allele-specific expression (ASE) is a novel approach to identify the functional region in human genome. In the present study, we measured ASE on rs3741240 in lung tissues and observed a consistent excess of G allele over A ( P < 10−6), which indicated that this SNP or the one(s) in linkage disequilibrium (LD) could regulate SCGB1A1 expression. By analyzing 1000 Genomes Project data for Chinese, one SNP locating ~10.2 kb away and downstream of SCGB1A1, rs2509956, was identified to be in strong LD with rs3741240. Reporter gene assay confirmed that both SNPs could regulate gene expression in the lung cell. By chromosome conformation capture, it was verified that the region surrounding rs2509956 could interact with SCGB1A1 promoter region and act as an enhancer. Through chromatin immunoprecipitation and overexpression assay, the related transcription factor RELA (RELA proto-oncogene, NF-kB subunit) was recognized to bind the region spanning rs2509956. Our work identified a novel long-distance cis-regulatory SNP for SCGB1A1, which might contribute to multiple pulmonary diseases.
Glasdegib with Low-Dose Cytarabine: A New Upfront Option for the Vulnerable AML Patient
Authors: Fathi Amir T.
Published: July 2019

A multitude of regulatory approvals has recently changed the therapeutic landscape of acute myeloid leukemia. Among these was upfront therapy with the Hedgehog inhibitor glasdegib with low-dose cytarabine. Understanding the process of and rationale for approval of this promising combination is timely and valuable for the oncology community.

See related article by Norsworthy et al., p. 6021
Para fazer rir na TV
Authors: Anchieta Wanderley
Published: July 2019

Este artigo se propõe a verificar como o efeito do humor é produzido a partir da observação de exemplos advindos de segmentos da ficção seriada televisiva – em Arrested Development, Friends e Studio 60. No meio audiovisual também se pode observar que as situações cômicas são fabuladas sob organização linear, na qual duas extrapolações temáticas colidem numa incongruência, tal como prevê a análise textual das piadas proposta por Salvatore Attardo com seu modelo de disjunção isotópica (isotopy disjunction model). Considerando que a linearidade pressupõe ruptura e surpresa, se faz possível aproximar a noção de disjunção com a de disparidade narrativa concebida por Edward Branigan no exame da geração do riso.
Mensagens de Afeto
Authors: Bezerra Beatriz Braga
Published: July 2019

O valor pedagógico da publicidade, aqui delimitado pela capacidade de difundir conhecimento, promover transformações sociais, propagar condutas e estilos de vida associados a produtos e marcas, nos impulsiona à reflexão sobre o campo comunicacional enquanto esfera midiática de disseminação e construção de vínculos afetivos. Partindo de uma revisão literária, analisamos um anúncio publicitário objetivando elucidar como se articula a possível parceria entre conteúdos comerciais e apelos sensíveis.
Effects of speed on pheasant gaits and hindlimb joint angles
Authors: Zhang Rui , Han Dianlei , Ji Qiaoli , Li Guoyu , Li Xian , Li Jianqiao
Published: July 2019

When studying the gait of pheasants, an intermittent-flight bird, it is necessary to take into account changes in the gaits and hindlimb joint angles resulting from increases of speed. In this study, pheasant locomotion postures were recorded on a speed-variable treadmill with high-speed cameras. Firstly, kinematic analysis showed that the stride cycle of pheasants decreased and the stride length increased with increasing speed. The duty factor also decreased, but was less than 0.5 in only about 10% of measurements. Thus, pheasants are more inclined to choose the grounded running or walking gait in laboratory situations. Secondly, changes in the tarsometatarso-phalangeal joint angle and the intertarsal joint angle at touch-down, mid-stance and lift-off concomitant with speed variation were studied. Tarsometatarso-phalangeal joint angle was found not to be significantly affected by changes in speed, but changed over larger ranges than the intertarsal joint angle. Thirdly, the continuous changes in the joint angles were studied during a complete stride cycle. The curves shifted leftward with increasing speed. Finally, the changes at four main positions were analyzed with increasing speed.
A Note on Serum Sickness in Cerebrospinal Meningitis
Authors: Ker Claude B.
Published: July 2019

SEVERE reactions occurred in no less than 77 per cent. of cases of meningitis, treated with Flexner's serum, which lived for nine days or longer. The intrathecal injection of serum, however, must not be regarded as more liable to cause serum rashes than the subcutaneous method, and an undue percentage of serum reactions must be attributed to peculiarities in the horses used to supply the serum. It is important to distinguish the prodromal fever which often precedes these rashes,. and the meningeal symptoms which may accompany it, from a recrudescence of the specific infection. The serum reactions, although often very severe, appear on the whole to be beneficial to the patient. The most usual time for their occurrence was the ninth day following the first injection.
Mummy as a Drug
Authors: Dawson Warren R.
Published: July 2019

The use of mummy as a drug was widespread in Europe from the twelfth to the seventeenth centuries, and its employment lingered on for a hundred years later.

Its supposed virtue was originally based upon the medicinal properties of natural bitumen obtained from the Dead Sea and elsewhere. During the Middle Ages mummy was obtained from embalmed human bodies—in Egypt—which were believed to have been prepared with bitumen. Even at the present day the statement is current that the Egyptians used bitumen for mummification, but this is erroneous, for the embalming-material is resin, although its appearance often simulates that of bitumen.

The supply being obtained from mummified human bodies, the virtues of the drug were transferred to the bodies themselves. In course of time the term mummy lost its original association with bitumen, and was applied to medicated flesh in general.

The use of mummy in medicine did not finally become obsolete until the latter part of the eighteenth century.

The supplies of mummy sold to apothecaries in Europe were first obtained from genuine Egyptian mummies, but when it became difficult to procure these, spurious substitutes were made from recently dead bodies which were medicated by the purveyors. Desiccated bodies from North Africa, and Guanche mummies from the Canary Islands, were also exported to Europe and sold to the apothecaries.
New Zealand Views on Goitre
Authors: Jones D. W. Carmalt
Published: July 2019

Simple goitre is highly prevalent in New Zealand, and there is considerable incidence of toxic goitre. The ætiology of simple goitre seems fairly well established, and an attempt is being made to apply the data from simple goitre to the problems of toxic goitre.

Endemic goitre is of great antiquity among the Maoris, and has been described among Europeans for about fifty years. It occurs in both men and animals. At five years its incidence is similar in boys and girls, later it decreases in boys but increases greatly in girls. It is often hereditary, and many children are born goitrous. In children it is generally small, but may enlarge and cause pressure, myxœdema and toxicity. Its incidence varies greatly in different districts.

The only cause found consistent with this variation in distribution is lack of iodine in the soil. An inverse ratio has been demonstrated between the iodine content of the soil and the incidence of goitre in school children in thirty-three districts. The iodine content of the soil is reflected in the food raised upon it.

The daily iodine intake was estimated at 35 microgrammes in a non-goitrous, and at 20 microgrammes in a goitrous district.

The amount of iodine involved is infinitesimal, and its intake can be ensured by the use of salt for ordinary consumption, which contains four parts per million of potassium iodide.

Toxic goitre is also frequent: in this connexion, the influence of iodine on the thyroid has been investigated. If starved of iodine the thyroid adapts itself either by increasing its colloid or by a diffuse hyperplasia, both may occur in different parts of the same gland. Simple goitre is the response of the healthy thyroid to iodine deficiency, the responding areas may be diffuse or adenomatous, and degenerations may occur. Such goitres may be treated with iodine, in children re-adjustment to the increased intake is readily made, but in adults long accustomed to a low intake, excess often causes too great hormone production, with toxic symptoms, hence the minimal dose alone is permissible in iodized salt.

Goitre stored with iodine at low pressures may become toxic under stress, and this may be precipitated by iodine. The prevalence of toxic goitre may be partly due to the prescription of iodides in therapeutic doses for common ailments.

Diffuse colloid goitre may subside under physiological iodine, the adenomatous is more prone to toxic symptoms and may go on to secondary Graves' disease or to myxœdema. Diffuse hyperplasia is a possible manifestation of iodine deficiency as primary Graves' disease. Lugol's solution probably allows of a temporary storage in this condition. Iodine has certainly some bearing on the problems of toxic goitre.
A Further Contribution to the Subject of Aplastic Anæmia
Authors: McGowan J. P.
Published: July 2019

In the description of the condition of benign aplastic anæmia in pigs, attention is directed, among other things, to changes in the bone-marrow which seem of fundamental importance in understanding normal erythrogenesis.

It is possible that an indirect van den Bergh reaction can be converted into an immediate direct by controlling the H-ion concentration suitably, either with buffer solutions or with less dissociable acids, such as acetic, used in preparing the van den Bergh reagent. The question of the interpretation of direct and indirect reactions, therefore, would seem to be reopened.

Following Minot and Murphy's work, a pig with aplastic anæmia was fed with liver. The lesions in the liver, considered with the marked improvement in the blood which followed on liver feeding in this case, lead one to regard the condition as one of blood and marrow inefficiency due primarily to hepatic insufficiency.

A comparison of pernicious anæmia with the benign aplastic anæmia of pigs seems to indicate that in pernicious anæmia there is more than a mere functional disturbance of the marrow. The marrow appears to be fundamentally and organically affected, and this appears to be the pathological basis of the disease—a point which has already been discussed more fully elsewhere [14]. A parallel may be drawn between the varieties of aplastic anæmia, such as already exists for ordinary anæmias. We have, thus, the secondary or benign anæmias on the one hand; and, on the other, the primary or malignant anæmias, such as pernicious anæmia. Correspondingly, we have such benign or secondary aplastic anæmias as that described in the pigs; and malignant or primary aplastic anæmias such as those in benzol poisoning, etc. That aplasia should be so marked a feature in iron deficiency, as compared with other secondary anæmias, is probably due to the persisting nature of the cause.
The Transition from Live to Dead: The Nature of Filtrable Viruses
Authors: Boycott A. E.
Published: July 2019

Rutherford was an example of the danger and folly of cultivating thoughts and reading books to which he was not equal. It is all very well that remarkable persons should occupy themselves with exalted subjects which are out of the ordinary road, but we who are not remarkable make a very great mistake if we have anything to do with them.

—W. Hale White, preface to the second edition of The Autobiography of Mark Rutherford.