bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atypical Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder With Diffuse Cerebral Abnormalities: A Case Report
Authors: Newton Braeden D , Kantarci Orhun , Okuda Darin T
Published: November 2020

The recent expansion of the radiological criteria and the use of a highly specific biomarker, anti-aquaporin 4-IgG (AQP4 IgG), has significantly improved the ability of clinicians to provide a timely and accurate diagnosis for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), especially when faced with an abnormal disease presentation. Here, we report on the 5-year clinical experience of a 69-year-old right-handed African American woman who initially presented following symptoms suggestive of transient global amnesia. Her clinical history was only remarkable for a single episode of visual decline with poor recovery experienced 35 years prior, with prior unrevealing serological investigations. Brain MRI features were significant for diffuse, bilateral white matter abnormalities throughout the supratentorial, deep gray matter, and infratentorial regions. Spinal cord imaging studies were within normal limits with no intramedullary high-signal abnormalities identified. Serological studies were significant for the presence of anti-aquaporin 4-IgG. The clinical features were supportive of the diagnosis of NMOSD. The data provided here highlight both the clinical and radiological heterogeneity of NMOSD.
Innovation without growth: Frameworks for understanding technological change in a post-growth era
Authors: Pansera Mario , Fressoli Mariano
Published: November 2020

The feasibility and desirability of endless economic growth is being increasingly questioned by scholars and activists. Whilst envisioning alternative economic models is key to assure the sustainability and wellbeing of present and future generations, few studies have analysed what might be the role of ‘innovation’ in a post-growth era. Innovating has become an imperative for the survival and expansion of any form of organisation. But this ‘innovate or die mania’ underpins assumptions – such as technological determinism and productivism – that neglect the socially constructed character of technological development, its politics and its capacity to enable (or disable) just and equitable societies. In this paper we posit that untangling innovation from growth is key to imagine a post-growth era. We show how alternative bottom up initiatives, promoted by a variety of different organizational forms, have challenged mainstream ideas about innovation and growth. These experiments provide a glimpse into what ‘innovation without growth’ could mean in terms of technology and social organization. We conclude by proposing new paths in research aimed at exploring under which conditions post-growth-oriented organizations can flourish and diffuse.
An electronic, unsupervised patient-reported Expanded Disability Status Scale for multiple sclerosis
Authors: Romeo Andrew R , Rowles William M , Schleimer Erica S , Barba Patrick , Hsu Wan-Yu , Gomez Refujia , Santaniello Adam , Zhao Chao , Pearce Jennifer R , Jones JB , Cree Bruce C , Hauser Stephen L , Gelfand Jeffrey M , Stewart Walter F , Goodin Douglas S , Bove Riley M
Published: November 2020

Background:

In persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) is the criterion standard for assessing disability, but its in-person nature constrains patient participation in research and clinical assessments.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a scalable, electronic, unsupervised patient-reported EDSS (ePR-EDSS) that would capture MS-related disability across the spectrum of severity.

Methods:

We enrolled 136 adult MS patients, split into a preliminary testing Cohort 1 ( n = 50), and a validation Cohort 2 ( n = 86), which was evenly distributed across EDSS groups. Each patient completed an ePR-EDSS either immediately before or after a MS clinician’s Neurostatus EDSS evaluation.

Results:

In Cohort 2, mean age was 50.6 years (range = 26–80) and median EDSS was 3.5 (interquartile range (IQR) = [1.5, 5.5]). The ePR-EDSS and EDSS agreed within 1-point for 86% of examinations; kappa for agreement within 1-point was 0.85 ( p < 0.001). The correlation coefficient between the two measures was 0.91 (<0.001).

Discussion:

The ePR-EDSS was highly correlated with EDSS, with good agreement even at lower EDSS levels. For clinical care, the ePR-EDSS could enable the longitudinal monitoring of a patient’s disability. For research, it provides a valid and rapid measure across the entire spectrum of disability and permits broader participation with fewer in-person assessments.
Can an evolutionary perspective shed light on maternal abuse of children?
Authors: Wren Bernadette , Launer John , Music Graham , Reiss Michael J , Swanepoel Annie
Published: November 2020

Although the theory of evolution lies at the heart of contemporary biology, its influence on the study of child psychology and psychiatry has been limited. In earlier work we have argued that evolutionary thinking has much of value for clinicians. Here, we explore the possible significance of evolutionary theory for understanding child abuse by mothers, particularly neglect, emotional abuse and physical abuse. We draw on the research of anthropologists, primatologists and evolutionary theorists to make predictions about the environmental circumstances under which one would expect such abuse to be more prevalent. We discuss how in modern, Western cultures there is less understanding of the circumstances that may influence, even predispose, a mother to limit her emotional and material commitment to an infant or child. We use four short vignettes of clinical cases and one longer case description to illustrate the insights offered to clinicians by an evolutionary approach. We see our work both as contributing to greater understanding of these matters and as facilitating more compassionate models of care and intervention for women in such circumstances.
Reframing Habermas’s colonization thesis: Neoliberalism as relinguistification
Authors: Condon Roderick
Published: November 2020

While the critique of neoliberalism, as the form of contemporary capitalism, has been advanced from Marxian and Foucauldian perspectives, it has had limited attention from the perspective of Critical Theory. Largely unrecognized is the suitability of the theory of reification for this critique, specifically, Habermas’s version. This article reconsiders Habermas’s colonization thesis as the basis for a critical theory of neoliberalism, refining its theoretical framework to deepen its critical diagnosis. Against the dismissal of the system–lifeworld concept, a novel critique is advanced to suggest its original elaboration fell confusedly between two versions of social systems theory. Drawing from late developments, the scheme is reinterpreted as distinguishing two forms of communication in capitalist society: delinguistified and linguistic. This opens the way to reframe and communicatively transform colonization as relinguistification; that is, the translation of monetary coding into ordinary language such that communicative action is distorted from within by reifying concepts.
Numerical assessment of effective width in steel-concrete composite box girder bridges
Authors: Nicoletti Renato Silva , Rossi Alexandre , Souza Alex Sander Clemente de , Martins Carlos Humberto
Published: November 2020

The present paper aims to determine numerically in the Abaqus® software the parameters that have the greatest influence on the effective width of steel-concrete composite box girder bridges. In the technical standards and in the literature, there is no specific recommendation for calculating the effective width in steel-concrete composite box girder bridge. As an alternative, the existing recommendations for steel-concrete composite I-girders are adopted. Therefore, in the absence of standards recommendations for steel-concrete composite box girder bridges, there is a need for an investigation into the distribution of stresses at the steel-concrete interface, because if the effective width was admitted incorrectly, may result in costly or even unsafe solutions. For this purpose, the effective numerical width of 160 models of steel-concrete composite box girder bridges was determined, in which the study variables were the configuration of the transversal section, the slab height, the span length and the elements arrangement in the cross section. After analyzing the results, it was proposed a recommendation to determine effective width of steel-concrete composite box girder bridges.
Geography of COVID-19 in Denmark
Authors: Holmager Therese Lf , Lynge Elsebeth , Kann Caroline E , St-Martin Gry
Published: November 2020

Aim: To investigate the COVID-19 situation across geographical areas of Denmark over time. Methods: We used COVID-19 data from the Danish State Serum Institute on national, regional and municipality level. Cumulative number of tests, incidence, hospitalizations and deaths per 100,000 inhabitants were analysed for the five Danish regions and for all of Denmark. The cumulative number of tested and incidence of COVID-19 per 100,000 was compared for the two municipalities, Lolland and Gentofte. A sensitivity analysis of the COVID-19 indicators on a regional level was performed using number of tested as the denominator. Results: The Capital Region ranked highest on all analysed COVID-19 indicators with 10,849 tested, 365 cases, 63 hospitalized and 18 deaths per 100,000 by 2 June 2020. The three regions in western Denmark all had low levels, while Region Zealand ranked second highest. Despite general low health status in Lolland municipality, the cumulative incidence of COVID-19 was consistently below that of Gentofte. Sensitivity analysis showed that the Capital Region had the highest number of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 tested, but Region Zealand had a higher number of hospitalized and similar number of deaths per 100,000 tested as the Capital Region over time. Conclusion: COVID-19 had affected eastern Denmark, especially the Capital Region, considerably more than western Denmark. The difference may relate to population density and housing conditions.
Marriage equality in Australia: The ‘no’ vote and symbolic violence
Authors: Flaherty Ian , Wilkinson Jennifer
Published: November 2020

Until December 2017, there were no legal provisions within the Commonwealth of Australia for same-sex couples to marry in the same sense that their heterosexual friends and family can. Civil unions provide similar legal protections as marriage, but many argue that this is not enough – that same-sex couples occupy a ‘second-class’ citizen status in relation to marriage. Many jurisdictions globally recognise marriage equality: the UK, New Zealand, Canada and the USA, to name but a few globally, and those societies most similar to Australia’s. This article explores the attitudes towards elements of marriage equality among a group of gay men in Australia. Despite the ‘yes’ vote for marriage equality polling about two-thirds of eligible voters, a slew of symbolically violent messages appeared, including ‘Vote No’ skywritten across the emblematic Sydney Harbour, and ‘Vote no to faggots’ graffiti etched across Sydney train carriages. The importance of love is key in defence against this symbolic violence.
Health professionals’ experience of nursing home residents’ consumption of alcohol and use of psychotropic drugs
Authors: Johannessen Aud , Tevik Kjerstin , Engedal Knut , Helvik Anne-Sofie
Published: November 2020

Background:

Nursing home (NH) residents are in most cases in older ages and use prescription drugs. As alcohol interacts with many commonly prescribed drugs, NH residents may be more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol.

Aim:

To investigate the experiences of health professionals in Norwegian NHs when it comes to residents' alcohol consumption and use of psychotropic drugs, and the facilitation of such use in the NH.

Method:

Focus-groups and individual interviews with NH health professionals were performed in 2017 and 2018. The data were analysed using content analysis.

Findings:

Two main themes emerged: (1) the balancing of alcohol consumption, and (2) the use of psychotropic drugs. Each of these themes involved reasoning, which revealed that the informants in general had little attention regarding alcohol consumption among residents, and few institutions had policies regarding serving and consumption of alcohol. The informants reported an increased attention regarding use of psychotropic drugs and a tendency towards less use of psychotropic drugs among the residents than before, but few informants reported use of standardised observations tools of symptoms related to prescribing and discontinuation of drugs.

Conclusion:

Alcohol policies or procedures related to alcohol consumption were uncommon at the NH that the interviewees of this study represented, and the professionals regarded infrequent serving and consumption of alcohol among the residents as a part of everyday life. In cases when residents frequently consumed alcohol, the professionals used dialogue to underpin the adherent risks and they also tried to control the consumption of the resident in different ways. The interviewees were aware of various side-effects of psychotropic drugs; they were also aware of their effects in combination with alcohol.
Eudaimonia: The sociocultural value of consumers’ social labor
Authors: Biraghi Silvia , Dalli Daniele , Gambetti Rossella C.
Published: November 2020

Consumers participate in social media producing value through social labor. So far scholars approached social labor through a Marxist lens focusing on the economic aspects of its value and the potential risks related to consumers’ exploitation. We build a sociocultural conceptualization of social labor actualizing the Aristotelian idea of virtuous action that realizes a life well lived with others. Following this approach, we identify Eudaimonia as a theoretical construct to capture the sociocultural value of social labor, and we elaborate how social labor in social media enables the achievement of a eudaimonic state of living. We support our conceptualization with empirical evidence in the social media context of amateur cooking practices that illustrates how Eudaimonia is achieved through social labor practices of cultural performativity. Our perspective extends previous theory related to three research domains of consumers’ social labor: (1) Marxist and technocapitalist critique, (2) neoliberalist perspective, and (3) networked consumer collectives.
Fostering Preservice Teachers’ Psychological Literacy by Counseling Pupils on Their Self-Regulated Learning – Didactical Concept of a Theory–Practice Learning Setting and Insights Into Preservice Teachers’ Reflections
Authors: Horn Dorothea , Grötzbach Daniel , Drechsel Barbara
Published: November 2020

This report illustrates the didactical concept and implementation of a theory–practice learning setting where preservice teachers counsel pupils from local schools on their self-regulated learning. The learning setting is part of the preservice teachers’ psychology curriculum embedded in their educational foundation studies and aims at fostering preservice teachers’ psychological literacy; specifically, to reflect their own and other’s behavior and to apply their psychological knowledge of learning and counseling principles into real-life counseling sessions. Besides describing the motivation behind the structure and content of the theory–practice learning setting, the report discusses results of a first qualitative analysis of the preservice teachers’ learning journals, which function as a reflection tool and are part of the overall evaluation design. Results indicate that the practice task (counseling session) is a complex and demanding, yet instructive and rewarding, learning setting that fosters certain attributes of psychological literacy. Practical implications and further research endeavors are discussed.
Informal and Incidental Learning in the time of COVID-19
Authors: Watkins Karen E. , Marsick Victoria J.
Published: November 2020

The Problem

COVID-19 has brought challenges to all sectors of society, from leadership at the top to service at the front lines. Learning (and unlearning) by its very nature will play an outsize role in our reinvention and renewal. Much of that learning will be informal and incidental learning. How can complexity science help us think about informal and incidental learning in a pandemic and how might we develop our capacity to productively learn given these turbulent circumstances?

The Recommendation

Workplace educators are encouraged to take a complexity perspective on their work post-COVID-19 and to enlarge their repertoire of responses to learning needs to include informal and incidental learning. A critical role for these individuals will be to help workers increase their skill in being proactive, critically reflective, creative, and playful as they learn informally. We encourage use of design thinking—coupled with knowledge-intensive tools, data visualization modeling, imagination, and abductive reasoning—to reframe how we learn in times of complexity in the time of COVID-19.

The Stakeholders

All of us have to learn our way through during this great reset. Every sector, every workplace, will be affected by the changes wrought by a pandemic and an economy in jeopardy. Thus all who learn and particularly those of us who help shape and guide workplace learning have a stake in understanding complexity and how to enhance informal and incidental learning as a strategically important response to these times.
Open Conversion After Endovascular Aneurysm Sealing: Technical Features and Clinical Outcomes in 44 Patients
Authors: Zerwes Sebastian , Kiessling Johanna , Liebetrau Dominik , Jakob Rudolf , Gosslau Yvonne , Bruijnen Hans-Kees , Hyhlik-Duerr Alexander
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the technical features and clinical results after open conversion for complications following endovascular aneurysm sealing (EVAS).

Materials and Methods

From July 2013 to February 2020, 44 patients (mean age 72±8 years; 36 men) underwent an open conversion due to EVAS complications in a single center. Data were collected on patient characteristics, reasons for conversion, characteristics and duration of the procedure, condition of the polymer, blood loss, time in the intensive care unit (ICU), and intra/postoperative complications. The main outcome measure was mortality at 30 days and in follow-up. Data are presented as the median (IQR) and absolute range.

Results

On average, the open conversion took place 3 years after the initial EVAS implantation [median 37 months (IQR 23, 50); range 0–64]. Most patients were converted due migration (82%), aneurysm growth (77%), and/or endoleak (75%), with 21 patients (48%) having all 3 events. Less frequent diagnoses were aneurysm rupture (n=7), aortic infection (n=3), technical failure during implantation (n=2), and graft thrombosis (n=1). The majority of patients (n=26) were asymptomatic and converted electively, but 9 were operated on urgently and 9 emergently (7 late rupture and 2 due to technical failure). The median procedure duration was 178 minutes (IQR 149, 223; range 87–417), the median blood loss was 1100 mL (IQR 600, 2600; range 300–5000). Polymer degradation was mentioned in the operative reports of 18 cases (41%). Patients stayed a median of 3 days (IQR 2, 7; range 1–35) in the ICU, while the median length of stay in the hospital was 14 days (IQR 10, 20; range 0–93). The 30-day mortality was 23% (n=10). During a median follow-up of 3 months (IQR 0, 11; range 0–38), no additional deaths occurred, but 12 patients suffered from an adverse event. There were 3 cases of wound dehiscence after laparotomy, 2 cases of leg ischemia, 2 cases of renal failure, and individual cases of urinary obstruction, urinoma, paralytic ileus, gastrointestinal bleeding, and postoperative delirium. A non-elective setting was associated with a significantly increased mortality of 33% in urgent cases and 56% in emergent cases (p=0.007). Based on these results an algorithm for the management of EVAS complications was developed.

Conclusion

The significantly increased mortality associated with nonelective conversions highlights the need for active surveillance. The presented algorithm offers a structured tool to avoid emergency conversions.
BIRC7 and STC2 Expression Are Associated With Tumorigenesis and Poor Outcome in Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Li Jiequn , Yang Zhulin , Huang Shengfu , Li Daiqiang
Published: November 2020

Background:

Extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EHCC) is a highly aggressive epithelial malignancy and has a poor prognosis for the insensitivity to therapies and difficulty in detection. Novel targets and biomarkers are urgently needed to develop for functional, diagnostic and prognostic application on EHCC.

Methods:

Immunohistochemical staining technique using the EnVision antibody complex was performed on the samples obtained from 100 EHCC, 30 peritumoral extrahepatic biliary tract (EHBT), 10 EHBT adenomas and 15 normal EHBT tissues.

Results:

The positive rates of BIRC7 and STC2 expression in tissues obtained from peritumoral EHBT, EHBT adenomas and normal EHBT were significantly lower than those in EHCC tissues. BIRC7 and STC2 proteins were expressed at significantly higher levels in patients with lymph node metastasis, invasion of adjacent tissues, and higher TNM stage (III and/or IV) and unable to undergo resection (biopsy only). Kaplan-Meier survival curves indicated that significantly decreased overall survival rate in patients with positive-BIRC7 or positive-STC2 expression compared with patients of negative-BIRC7 or negative-STC2 expression, respectively. Cox-proportional regression analysis demonstrated that positive-BIRC7 and positive-STC2 expression, along with poor differentiation of EHCC, tumor size >3 cm, lymph node metastasis, invasion of adjacent tissues and unable to undergo resection are independent prognostic factors of EHCC patients.

Conclusions:

The levels of BIRC7 and STC2 expression were correlated with clinicopathological characteristics of EHCC, and positive expression of BIRC7 and STC2 are associated with progression and poor clinical outcomes of EHCC. BIRC7 and STC2 might be a potential biomarker for EHCC in clinic.
Overexpression of DDR1 Promotes Migration, Invasion, Though EMT-Related Molecule Expression and COL4A1/DDR1/MMP-2 Signaling Axis
Authors: Xie Xin , He Hongchao , Zhang Ning , Wang Xiaojing , Rui Wenbin , Xu Danfeng , Zhu Yu
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) belongs to a novel class of receptor tyrosine kinases. Previous evidence indicates that DDR1 overexpression promotes the aggressive growth of bladder cancer (BC) cells. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which DDR1 influences BC.

Methods:

DDR1 was transfected into human BC RT4 cells. DDR1, COL4A1, and MMP-2 expression in 30 BC tissues and paired adjacent tissues were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Transwell assays were conducted to determine cell migration and invasion. RT-PCR and western blot (WB) were also used to measure the DDR1, COL4A1, MMP-2, and EMT-related gene (ZEB1 and SLUG) expression in RT4 cells after DDR1 overexpression.

Results:

COL4A1 and MMP-2 interacted with DDR1 in the PPI network. RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry results showed that both mRNA and protein levels of DDR1 and COL4A1 were significantly increased in BC tissue, while the expression of MMP-2 was increased only at the mRNA level ( P < 0.05). Overexpression of DDR1 in RT4 cells significantly promoted their migratory and invasive capabilities in vitro ( P < 0.05). Moreover, overexpression of DDR1 in RT4 cells increased the mRNA and protein expression of ZEB1, SLUG, COL4A1, and MMP-2 ( P < 0.01). DDR1-mediated migration and invasion of RT4 cells were reversed after COL4A1-siRNA treatment.

Conclusion:

DDR1 may be a potential therapeutic target in BC patients.
The Role of the Persistent Sodium Current in Epilepsy
Authors: Wengert Eric R. , Patel Manoj K.
Published: November 2020

Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are foundational to excitable cell function: Their coordinated passage of sodium ions into the cell is critical for the generation and propagation of action potentials throughout the nervous system. The classical paradigm of action potential physiology states that sodium passes through the membrane only transiently (1-2 milliseconds), before the channels inactivate and cease to conduct sodium ions. However, in reality, a small fraction of the total sodium current (1%-2%) remains at steady state despite prolonged depolarization. While this persistent sodium current (INaP) contributes to normal physiological functioning of neurons, accumulating evidence indicates a particularly pathogenic role for an elevated INaP in epilepsy (reviewed previously 1 ). Due to significant advances over the past decade of epilepsy research concerning the importance of INaP in sodium channelopathies, this review seeks to summarize recent evidence and highlight promising novel anti-seizure medication strategies through preferentially targeting INaP.
Development of a Semiautomatic Dura Mater Suturing Device for Preventing Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage in Transsphenoidal Surgery
Authors: Suzuki Shohei , Kobayashi Etsuko , Hododuka Kenichi , Amano Kosaku , Masamune Ken , Muragaki Yoshihiro
Published: November 2020

Dural suturing in transsphenoidal surgery requires well-honed technical skills. We have developed a semiautomatic dural suturing device and confirmed its effectiveness by comparing it with the conventional method. This device significantly shortens the suturing time compared with the conventional method. The dural suturing time in transsphenoidal surgery could be decreased significantly by use of this novel device.
Anastomosis Leak: Is There Still a Place for Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging in Colon-Rectal Surgery? A Retrospective, Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Losurdo Pasquale , Mis Tommaso Cipolat , Cosola Davide , Bonadio Laura , Giudici Fabiola , Casagranda Biagio , Bortul Marina , de Manzini Nicolò
Published: November 2020

Anastomotic leakage (AL) represents one of the most relevant complications of colorectal cancer surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging in the prevention of AL during laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed 272 patients who underwent rectal and left colon surgery, consecutively enrolled between 2015 and 2019. Due to the heterogeneity of our groups, a propensity score matching (PSM) was performed with a 1:1 PSM cohort. Results. AL occurred in 36 (13.2%) patients. One hundred seventy-seven (65%) of them underwent an intraoperatory ICG test (ICG-group), whereas 95 patients (35%) did not receive the intraoperatory ICG test (no-ICG group). AL occurred in 10.8% of ICG group patients and in 17.8% of no-ICG group patients ( P = 0.07). The ICG group registered significantly less type B and type C fistulas than the no-ICG group (57.9 vs 88.2%; P = .043). After PSM, the overall AL rate was less in the ICG group than the no-ICG group (9.3% vs 16%; P = 0.058), while type B and type C fistulas occurred in 5.48% in the ICG group vs 13.70% in the no-ICG group ( P = 0.09). Univariate analysis demonstrated a protective effect of intraoperative ICG imaging against AL occurrence (odds ratio (OR: 0.66)). Conclusions. Hypoperfusion is a well-recognized cause of AL. The ICG assessment of colic vascularization is a simple, inexpensive, and side effects free method, which can sensibly reduce both overall AL and type B and type C fistulas when routinely used.
Management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension in children utilizing venous sinus stenting
Authors: Schwarz Justin , Al Balushi Ali , Sundararajan Sri , Dinkin Marc , Oliveira Cristiano , Greenfield Jeffrey P , Patsalides Athos
Published: November 2020

Background

Venous sinus stenting (VSS) is an accepted and minimally invasive treatment for adult idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) associated with lateral sinus stenosis (LSS). The efficacy and safety of venous sinus stenting (VSS) in children with IIH has not been established.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of IIH patients 18 years of age or younger with LSS treated with VSS at our institution. Included patients have fulminant disease course or are refractory or intolerant to medical management.

Results

Eight patients were identified; 4 males and 4 females. Mean age is 13.4 years (range 4–18). All patients had severe headaches, 5 had blurred vision, 3 had diplopia and 3 had pulsatile tinnitus. Papilledema was present in 4 patients. Three patients had prior surgical procedures. Four patients were intolerant to medical management, 3 were refractory and 1 had fulminant course. Cerebral venography demonstrated severe stenosis of the dominant sinus in 6 patients and of bilateral co-dominant sinuses in 2 patients. Six patients had intrinsic stenosis and 2 had extrinsic stenosis. Venous sinus stenting (VSS) resulted in improvement of symptoms, papilledema and normalization of CSF opening pressure in 7 patients. No immediate complications were observed. Mean follow-up period is 21 months (range 6–42). Two patients required re-stenting; one responded well and the other had persistent symptoms and underwent subsequent surgical procedures of CSF diversion, suboccipital decompression and duraplasty which were also ineffective.

Conclusion

VSS may provide a viable option for pediatric IIH patients who are intolerant to medication, have failed conservative management or prior surgical interventions, or present with fulminant disease.
Updating headings in 3D navigation
Authors: Du Yu Karen , Mou Weimin , Lei Xuehui
Published: November 2020

This study investigated to what extent humans can encode spatial relations between different surfaces (i.e., floor, walls, and ceiling) in a three-dimensional (3D) space and extend their headings on the floor to other surfaces when locomoting to walls (pitch 90°) and the ceiling (pitch 180°). In immersive virtual reality environments, participants first learned a layout of objects on the ground. They then navigated to testing planes: south (or north) walls facing Up, or the ceiling via walls facing North (or South). Participants locomoted to the walls with pitch rotations indicated by visual and idiothetic cues (Experiment 1) and only by visual cues (Experiment 2) and to the ceiling with visual pitch rotations only (Experiment 3). Using the memory of objects’ locations, they either reproduced the object layout on the testing plane or did a Judgements of Relative Direction (JRD) task (“imagine standing at object A, facing B, point to C”) with imagined headings of south and north on the ground. The results showed that participants who locomoted onto the wall with idiothetic cues showed a better performance in JRD for an imagined heading from which their physical heading was extended (e.g., imagined heading of North at the north wall). In addition, the participants who reproduced the layout of objects on the ceiling from a perspective extended from the ground also showed a sensorimotor alignment effect predicted by an extended heading. These results indicate that humans encode spatial relations between different surfaces and extend headings via pitch rotations three-dimensionally, especially with idiothetic cues.
One-pot synthesis of 3-substituted-4H-[1,2,3] triazolo[5,1-c][1,4]oxazin-6(7H)-ones from propargyl alcohols, chloroacetyl chloride, and sodium azide
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Lan , Wei Mei-Hong , Chen Jun-Min , Sheng Shou-Ri , Liu Xiao-Ling
Published: November 2020

An efficient, one-pot synthesis of 3-substituted-4 H-[1,2,3]triazolo[5,1- c][1,4]oxazin-6(7 H)-ones is developed via sequential esterification, substitution, and 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition processes of various propargyl alcohols, chloroacetyl chloride, and sodium azide. This method provides a variety of novel 1,2,3-triazole-fused oxazinones and has several advantages including simple operation, high efficiency, and good-to-excellent product yields (80%–95%) without the need to isolate the ester and azide intermediates.
Synthesis, in vitro anticancer activities, and quantum chemical investigations on 1,3-bis-(2-methyl-2-propenyl)benzimidazolium chloride and its Ag(I) complex
Authors: Serdaroğlu Goncagül , Şahin-Bölükbaşı Serap , Barut-Celepci Duygu , Sevinçek Resul , Şahin Neslihan , Gürbüz Nevin , Özdemir İsmail
Published: November 2020

1,3- Bis-(2-methyl-2-propenyl)benzimidazolium chloride and its Ag(I) complex are synthesized and the structures are elucidated using spectroscopies techniques. The molecular and crystal structures of the benzimidazolium salt are confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The molecular geometries of the benzimidazolium and its Ag(I) salt are analyzed using the B3LYP functional with the 6–311+G(d,p)/LANL2DZ basis set. The observed Fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance isotropic shifts are compared with the calculated values. Besides, the quantum chemical identifiers, significant intramolecular interactions, and molecular electrostatic potential plots are used to show the tendency/site of the chemical reactivity behavior. The three-dimensional Hirshfeld surfaces and the associated two-dimensional fingerprint plots are applied to obtain an insight into the behavior of the interactions in the crystal. Both compounds are tested for their in vitro anticancer activities against DU-145 and MCF-7 cancer cells and L-929 non-cancer cells using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay.
Cu-catalyzed cross-coupling of methyl ketones and pyridin-2-amines for the synthesis of N-(2-pyridyl)-α-ketoamides
Authors: Chen Ali , Yang Daji , Yu Yue , Liu Xiang , Rao Chuixiong , Lin Haoming , Guo Pengfeng
Published: November 2020

An efficient copper-catalyzed strategy for the synthesis of α-ketoamides via cross-coupling of methyl ketones and pyridin-2-amines is described. This transformation has provided a simple process for the formation of C−N and C=O bonds to prepare α-ketoamides, which are important substrates and intermediates for the preparation of fine chemicals. The reaction mechanism is investigated, which suggests that the reaction proceeds via a radical pathway.
Green synthesis of water-soluble fluorescent carbon dots from rosemary leaves: Applications in food storage capacity, fingerprint detection, and antibacterial activity
Authors: Eskalen Hasan , Çeşme Mustafa , Kerli Süleyman , Özğan Şükrü
Published: November 2020

Blue fluorescent carbon dots are synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method using rosemary leaves as a carbon source. The obtained carbon dots are characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-Vis, FTIR, and fluorescence spectrometry. The results show that carbon dots gave a maximum emission peak at 422 nm when excited at 332 nm. The average particle diameter of the synthesized spherical carbon dots is found to be 16.13 nm with a 4.6-nm standard deviation. The diameters of the produced carbon dots vary, as is evident from standard deviation heights, resulting in multicolor emission spectra. The fruit storage experiment is carried out by investigating the qualitative antioxidant ability of the produced carbon dots. The results obtained for polyvinyl alcohol–carbon dot–coated samples differ remarkably compared to polyvinyl alcohol–coated samples only. The polyvinyl alcohol–carbon dot composition is used in latent fingerprint detection applications. In analyses made on a glass surface, fingerprints cannot be monitored on the glass surface with the polyvinyl alcohol layer under ultraviolet light, while they are observed on the surface covered with the polyvinyl alcohol–carbon dot composition. Moreover, biological activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and yeast strains are investigated.
An efficient one-pot synthesis and biological evaluation of novel (E)-2-aroyl-4-arylidene-5-oxotetrahydrofuran derivatives
Authors: Wang Hong-Mei , Zhu Xiu-Lian , Chen Qin-Hua , Ding Ming-Wu , Zeng Xiao-Hua
Published: November 2020

An efficient one-pot base-mediated approach to ( E)-2-aroyl-4-arylidene-5-oxotetrahydro-furans is developed. Nine ( E)-2-aroyl-4-arylidene-5-oxotetrahydrofurans are synthesized in good yields via tandem Passerini and cyclization reactions, starting from Baylis–Hillman acids, aryl glyoxals, and isocyanides at room temperature in the presence of Cs2CO3. In addition, the MTT assay is used to evaluate their cytotoxicities toward the cervical cancer cell lines C-33A, CaSki, and SiHa and the hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2. The results show that some of the compounds inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells significantly.
Synthesis of quinone-based heterocycles of broad-spectrum anticancer activity
Authors: Aly Ashraf A , Hassan Alaa A , Mohamed Nasr K , Ramadan Mohamed , Abd El-Aal Amal S , Bräse Stefan , Nieger Martin
Published: November 2020

A synthesis of benzo[ e][1,2,4]triazines and 1,2,4-triazolospiro[4,5]deca-2,6,9-trien-8-ones has been developed from reactions of amidrazones with 2-chloro-1,4-benzoquinone in EtOAc containing 0.5 mL of piperidine. This highly regioselective and one-pot process provided rapid access to 1,2,4-triazolospiro[4,5]deca-2,6,9-trien-8-ones (60%–70%) and benzo[ e][1,2,4]triazines (11%–18%). On reacting amidrazones with 5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone in an EtOAc/piperidine mixture, the reaction proceeded to give 5-hydroxy-2-(piperidin-1-yl)naphthalene-1,4-dione. The structures of the isolated products were proved by infrared, NMR (2D-NMR), mass spectra, and elemental analyses in addition to X-ray structure analysis. The reaction mechanisms are discussed. The anticancer screening of selected compounds showed broad-spectrum anticancer activity against most melanoma cancer cell lines, ovarian cancer OVCAR-3, central nervous system cancer SF-295 and U251, non-small cell lung cancer NCI-H23, renal cancer SN12C, and colon cancer HCT-15 and HCT-116. The selected compounds exhibited moderate to weak anticancer activity to other cell lines.
The kinetics and mechanism of the ligand substitution reaction of aquapentacyanoruthenate(II) with d-penicillamine in aqueous medium
Authors: Yadav Rupal , Naik Radhey Mohan
Published: November 2020

The kinetics of the formation of the light orange–coloured complex [Ru(CN)5D-PA]3− are studied spectrophotometrically through substitution of a coordinated H2O molecule in aquapentacyanoruthenate(II) [Ru(CN)5OH2]3− by interaction with D-penicillamine [D-PA] in aqueous medium at 490 nm (λmax of [Ru(CN)5D-PA]3−). The reaction is monitored under pseudo-first-order conditions, taking [D-PA] in excess over [Ru(CN)5OH23−]. The effects of various reaction parameters on the rate of the reaction are investigated. Experimental observations reveal that the variation in [D-PA] obeyed the first-order rate law while it is found to be invariant with [Ru(CN)5OH23−] in the whole experimental range. With ionic strength variation, as the reaction advances a decrease in the reaction rate is noticed. The product stoichiometry is assigned as 1:1. The ease of substitution at an H2O molecule in [Ru(CN)5OH23−] is considered on the basis of the electronic effect generated through interactions of the M–OH2 bond. A provisional mechanism based on the calculated results is proposed based on the slowest step of the reaction.
X-ray structure of an unusual glycoluril derivative conformation: Structural analysis and influencing factors
Authors: Wang Jungang , Yang Shanghui , Zou Qiling , Wang Huanjiang , Li Hongqing
Published: November 2020

The synthesis and X-ray structure of a novel glycoluril derivative are described. The crystal of the glycoluril derivative is obtained by slow evaporation in a refrigerator at about 5 °C. X-ray crystallographic analysis revealed that the compound crystallized in an unusual as conformation instead of the usual clip-shaped aa conformation. Structural analysis shows that the solvation effect, hydrogen bonding, and space-occupying effect influenced the crystallization conformation of the derivative. The X-ray crystallographic analysis in this work provides additional crystallographic evidence of the as conformation of the 3U glycoluril derivative and shows the effect of solvent water on the conformational behavior.
Synthesis of diaryl sulfides based on copper-doped OMS-2
Authors: Yu Shao-Qiang , Liu Na , Liu Ming-Guo , Wang Long
Published: November 2020

We describe a practical protocol for efficiently preparing diaryl sulfide compounds using Cu–OMS-2 as the catalyst. Cu–OMS-2 originates from manganese oxide octahedral molecular sieves modified with copper ions and catalyzes the C–S coupling reaction of substituted thiophenols and aryl halides. This protocol has the advantages of environmental friendliness, simple operation, high yields, good tolerance of functional groups, and the Cu–OMS-2 catalytic material can be recycled several times.
Profiles of motivation, fear of failure and anxiety in young handball players: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Gómez-López Manuel , Courel-Ibáñez Javier , Granero-Gallegos Antonio
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to identify distinctive profiles (clusters) of high-level, young handball players according to their motivation, fear of failure and competitive state anxiety. In addition, we examined differences in the distribution of gender, age, and players’ position within each profile. The study participants were 479 young handball players. The age range was 16–17 years old. Players were administered a battery composed of Sport Motivation Scale, Performance Failure Appraisal Inventory and Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2R, to measure the above-mentioned theoretical constructs. Results showed three different player profiles that the discriminant analysis with canonical correlations grouped into two functions. Function 1 was characterized by those players with the highest values of motivation and self-confidence, and function 2 included those players with lower self-determined motivation, more amotivation, more fear of failure and the highest levels of anxiety. The results provide relevant information for coaches, as they will help them design individualized training programs that will improve athletes' performance, while ensuring their health and well-being.
Efficient time-splitting Hermite-Galerkin spectral method for the coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations
Authors: Zhuang Qingqu , Yang Yi
Published: November 2020

The paper focuses on efficient time-splitting Hermite-Galerkin spectral approximation of the coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations on the whole line. The original problem is decomposed into one nonlinear subproblem and one linear subproblem by time-splitting method. At each time step, the nonlinear subproblem is solved exactly. While the linear subproblem is efficiently solved by choosing suitable Hermite basis functions with matrix decomposition technique. Numerical experiments are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed method.
Lactobacillus acidophilus LB: a useful pharmabiotic for the treatment of digestive disorders
Authors: María Remes-Troche José , Coss-Adame Enrique , Ángel Valdovinos-Díaz Miguel , Gómez-Escudero Octavio , Eugenia Icaza-Chávez María , Antonio Chávez-Barrera José , Zárate-Mondragón Flora , Antonio Velarde-Ruíz Velasco José , Rafael Aceves-Tavares Guillermo , Antonio Lira-Pedrín Marco , Cerda-Contreras Eduardo , Carmona-Sánchez Ramón Isaías , Guerra López Héctor , Solana Ortiz Rodolfo
Published: November 2020

Dysbiosis, a loss of balance between resident bacterial communities and their host, is associated with multiple diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases (nonspecific chronic ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease), and digestive functional disorders. Probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotic organisms and, more recently, pharmabiotics, have been shown to modulate the human microbiota. In this review, we provide an overview of the key concepts relating to probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotic organisms, and pharmabiotics, with a focus on available clinical evidence regarding the specific use of a unique pharmabiotic, the strain Lactobacillus acidophilus LB ( Lactobacillus boucardii), for the management of gastrointestinal disorders. Since it does not contain living organisms, the administration of L. acidophilus LB is effective and safe as an adjuvant in the treatment of acute diarrhea, chronic diarrhea, and antibiotic-associated diarrhea, even in the presence of immunosuppression.
Alleged Homicidal Choking in a Woman Recovering From Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Authors: Kitulwatte I. D. G. , Edirisinghe P.A.S.
Published: November 2020

Few reported cases of homicidal choking in medical literature involve aged, infants, and debilitated. Whenever an allegation is made, the forensic expert is expected to provide a balanced opinion based on scientific evidence. We report a sudden death of a woman recovering from Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), with an allegation of homicidal choking.

A 53-year-old female was diagnosed of having Guillain-Barré syndrome and was managed in the hospital. She was slowly recovering and liquid meals were replaced by solids and she was mobilized. A relation was feeding her when she developed a sudden cardiac arrest. Her sisters alleged intentional choking. At autopsy, there were a few seeds of rice in her trachea at the bifurcation and in the right bronchus. Stomach contained few seeds of rice mixed with mucous. The contents of the trachea were tested for pH and were acidic. Microscopy revealed widespread viral myocarditis.

Myocarditis is reported to coexist with GBS rarely and can lead to a sudden cardiac arrest. Few seeds of rice in the trachea cannot cause death from choking. Further, the acidic pH of the contents indicated gastric origin and therefore possible agonal aspiration or postmortem regurgitation.
Death Due to Obstruction of Airways by a Hyperplastic Polyp: An Unusual Complication of Treated Desmoid Fibromatosis
Authors: Richards Natasha , Herath Jayantha
Published: November 2020

Desmoid fibromatosis (DF) is a rare, locally aggressive but benign clonal fibroblastic lesion of deep soft tissue. It can occur at any age. Extra-abdominal lesions are more common in the pediatric population, with equal sex predilection. Desmoid fibromatosis of the head and neck, particularly the anterior neck, is more difficult to manage because of the proximity to vital structures and may eventually require definitive airway management with insertion of a tracheostomy tube. Indwelling tracheostomy tubes carry their own set of complications. This is the case of a 21-month-old boy who died suddenly due to tracheal obstruction by a hyperplastic polyp. He was diagnosed with DF of the neck before he was 1 month old and required an indwelling tracheostomy tube as a result. Chronic tracheostomy intubation can be complicated by granulation tissue polyp or, less commonly, fibroepithelial polyp formation that can become large enough to cause airway obstruction. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case of hyperplastic polyp causing fatal airway obstruction.