bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applicability of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Bone Age Estimation in the Context of Medical Issues
Authors: Diete Vera , Wabitsch Martin , Denzer Christian , Jäger Horst , Hauth Elke , Beer Meinrad , Vogele Daniel
Published: December 2020

Objective The determination of bone age is a method for analyzing biological age and structural maturity. Bone age estimation is predominantly used in the context of medical issues, for example in endocrine diseases or growth disturbance. As a rule, conventional X-ray images of the left wrist and hand are used for this purpose. The aim of the present study is to investigate the extent to which MRI can be used as a radiation-free alternative for bone age assessment.

Methods In 50 patients, 19 females and 31 males, in addition to conventional left wrist and hand radiographs, MRI was performed with T1-VIBE (n = 50) and T1-TSE (n = 34). The average age was 11.87 years (5.08 to 17.50 years). Bone age assessment was performed by two experienced investigators blinded for chronological age according to the most widely used standard of Greulich and Pyle. This method relies on a subjective comparison of hand radiographs with gender-specific reference images from Caucasian children and adolescents. In addition to interobserver and intraobserver variability, the correlation between conventional radiographs and MRI was determined using the Pearson correlation coefficient.

Results Between the bone age determined from the MRI data and the results of the conventional X-ray images, a very good correlation was found for both T1-VIBE with r = 0.986 and T1-TSE with r = 0.982. Gender differences did not arise. The match for the interobserver variability was very good: r = 0.985 (CR), 0.966 (T1-VIBE) and 0.971 (T1-TSE) as well as the match for the intraobserver variability for investigator A (CR = 0.994, T1-VIBE = 0.995, T1-TSE = 0.998) and for investigator B (CR = 0.994, T1-VIBE = 0.993, T1-TSE = 0.994).

Conclusion The present study shows that MRI of the left wrist and hand can be used as a possible radiation-free alternative to conventional X-ray imaging for bone age estimation in the context of medical issues.

Key points: 

Citation Format
The Volar Distal Radioulnar Portal in Wrist Arthroscopy: An Anatomical Study
Authors: Lucas Francisco J. , Carratalá Vicente , Miranda Ignacio , Martinez-Andrade Cristobal
Published: December 2020

Background Advances in wrist arthroscopy and the emergence of novel surgical techniques have created a need for new portals to the wrist. The aim of this study was to define and verify the safety of the volar distal radioulnar (VDRU) portal.

Description of the Technique The VDRU portal is located ∼5 to 10 mm proximal to the proximal wrist crease, just on the ulnar edge of flexor carpi ulnaris tendon and radial to the dorsal cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve. The ulnar styloid marks the distal point of the portal.

Methods An anatomical study was performed on 12 upper extremity specimens of 6 human cadavers. Iatrogenic injuries of neurovascular structures potentially at risk were assessed, and the distance from the portal to these structures was measured.

Results No iatrogenic injuries of the structures at risk occurred. Mean distances from the VDRU portal to the ulnar neurovascular bundle, the radial branch of the dorsal sensory branches of the ulnar nerve (DSBUN), and the ulnar branch of the DSBUN were 9.29 ± 0.26 mm, 8.08 ± 0.25 mm, and 10.58 ± 0.23 mm, respectively. There were no differences between left and right wrists. The distances from the VDRU portal to the ulnar neurovascular bundle and the ulnar branch of the DSBUN were significantly shorter in women; this distance was not less than 7 mm in any case.

Conclusions The VDRU portal is safe, reproducible, and facilitates the implementation of various techniques related to triangular fibrocartilage complex pathology.
Host–Viral Interactions Revealed among Shared Transcriptomics Signatures of ARDS and Thrombosis: A Clue into COVID-19 Pathogenesis
Authors: Mishra Aastha , Chanchal Shankar , Ashraf Mohammad Z.
Published: December 2020

Severe novel corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is associated with a considerable activation of coagulation pathways, endothelial damage, and subsequent thrombotic microvascular injuries. These consistent observations may have serious implications for the treatment and management of this highly pathogenic disease. As a consequence, the anticoagulant therapeutic strategies, such as low molecular weight heparin, have shown some encouraging results. Cytokine burst leading to sepsis which is one of the primary reasons for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) drive that could be worsened with the accumulation of coagulation factors in the lungs of COVID-19 patients. However, the obscurity of this syndrome remains a hurdle in making decisive treatment choices. Therefore, an attempt to characterize shared biological mechanisms between ARDS and thrombosis using comprehensive transcriptomics meta-analysis is made. We conducted an integrated gene expression meta-analysis of two independently publicly available datasets of ARDS and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Datasets GSE76293 and GSE19151 derived from National Centre for Biotechnology Information–Gene Expression Omnibus (NCBI-GEO) database were used for ARDS and VTE, respectively. Integrative meta-analysis of expression data (INMEX) tool preprocessed the datasets and effect size combination with random effect modeling was used for obtaining differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Network construction was done for hub genes and pathway enrichment analysis. Our meta-analysis identified a total of 1,878 significant DEGs among the datasets, which when subjected to enrichment analysis suggested inflammation–coagulation–hypoxemia convolutions in COVID-19 pathogenesis. The top hub genes of our study such as tumor protein 53 (TP53), lysine acetyltransferase 2B (KAT2B), DExH-box helicase 9 (DHX9), REL-associated protein (RELA), RING-box protein 1 (RBX1), and proteasome 20S subunit beta 2 (PSMB2) gave insights into the genes known to be participating in the host–virus interactions that could pave the way to understand the various strategies deployed by the virus to improve its replication and spreading.
Intensivpflege: Die Belastung steigt
Authors: Heeser Alexandra
Published: December 2020

Die Zahl der Covid-19-Erkrankungen nimmt zu, das stellt nicht nur Intensivstationen vor Herausforderungen. Doch kann Personal von anderen Stationen helfen? Wie verändert das Virus den Arbeitsalltag? Leiden Pflegefachpersonen unter aufgeweichten Arbeitsbedingungen? Und wie steht es um die psychische Belastung von Pflegekräften während der Krise?
Klinikbauten von Der Stange: Was Klinikplaner von Aldi und Lidl lernen können
Authors: Thalmayr Maria
Published: December 2020

Der Kostendruck im Gesundheitswesen ist in aller Munde. Trotzdem leisten wir uns bei jedem Klinikneu- oder umbau den Luxus eines Unikats. Dabei ließen sich mit Lösungen von der Stange eine Menge Geld sparen und bessere Ergebnisse erzielen. Nicht hipp, aber zweifellos zweckmäßig.
Teacher cognition of pronunciation teaching
Authors: Couper Graeme
Published: December 2020

Recent advances in our empirically-based understanding of the role of instruction in pronunciation learning have been accompanied by growing recognition of the need for more knowledge about teachers’ cognitions of pronunciation teaching. That is, we want to know what they do and why because it informs teacher educators and researchers and provides a useful forum for teacher reflective practice. This paper draws on semi-structured interviews (N = 19), classroom observations (N = 6) and follow-up discussions to report on the pronunciation techniques the participants say they use, what they were observed using, and their related knowledge and beliefs. The following thematic areas emerged: Ways of presenting pronunciation; Listen-and-repeat practice; Explicit/analytic practice activities; Sounds and spelling; Use of phonemic symbols; Speech perception and awareness raising. The findings are discussed in terms of factors driving teacher behaviour, advice that can be given to language teachers and teacher educators and areas that need further research.
Agave americana (century plant).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa , Iamonico Duilio
Published: December 2020

A. americana is a large, rhizomatous succulent that grows in a wide range of habitats and soil types. Additionally, it is tolerant to salt spray, high temperatures, and extreme drought. Because this species spread by seeds, but also vegetatively by bulbils and rhizomes, it has the potential to escape from cultivation and rapidly colonize disturbed sites, roadsides, bare sand and coastal areas (ISSG, 2016). Currently, A. americana is considered a serious environmental weed by the IUCN (ISSG, 2016) and it is listed as invasive in many countries in Europe as well as in China, Japan, South Africa, Namibia, Tanzania, Bermuda, Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia among others (BioNET-EAFRINET, 2016; ISSG, 2016; DAISIE, 2016; PIER, 2016; Weeds of Australia, 2016). It is also known to have become invasive in Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, and Uganda.
Overall survival and post-spontaneous regression relapse-free survival of patients with lymphoproliferative disorders associated with rheumatoid arthritis: a multi-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Saito Rintaro , Tanaka Masao , Ito Hiromu , Kuramoto Nobuo , Fujii Takao , Saito Shuntaro , Kaneko Yuko , Nakano Kazuhisa , Saito Kazuyoshi , Takada Hideto , Sugimoto Naoki , Sasaki Sho , Harigai Masayoshi , Suzuki Yasuo
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To clarify factors affecting 5-year survival rates and relapse rates after spontaneous regression (SR) of lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

This retrospective longitudinal study comprised 232 patients with RA diagnosed with LPDs between January 2000 and March 2017 at eight hospitals in Japan. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze survival and the Cox proportional hazard model was applied to identify predictive factors.

Results

Among all patients, 1-, 2- and 5-year overall survival rates were 89.5%, 86.1%, and 78.2%, respectively. Multivariable analysis revealed four 5-year survival risk factors assessed at diagnosis: age above 70 years (p = .002), deep lymphadenopathy and/or more than one extranodal lesion (p = .008), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group/Zubrod performance status of 2–4 (p = .004), and classic Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) histology (p = .047). Among 143 patients who achieved SR, 2- and 5-year relapse rates were 14.2% and 24.9%, respectively. CHL histology (p = .003) and serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels exceeding 2000 IU/L (p = .014) were associated with post-SR relapse-free survival. Blood lymphocyte counts were significantly lower at relapse than at 3–6 months prior (p < .001).

Conclusion

Assessment of the above risk factors and routine inspection of blood lymphocyte counts could aid in the care management of LPDs in RA.
Sis1 delivers the State of the Union
Authors: Khan Danish , Brandman Onn
Published: December 2020

The heat shock response (HSR) is a gene expression program that protects cells from heat and proteotoxic stressors. In this issue, Feder et al. (2020. J. Cell Biol.https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.202005165) show that subcellular relocalization of the cochaperone Sis1 drives the HSR by de-suppressing the transcription factor Hsf1.
Development of a magnetorheological isolator with variable damping and variable stiffness for broadband vibration suppression
Authors: Yu Jianqiang , Dong Xiaomin , Qi Song , Wang Tao , Liang Yuxuan
Published: December 2020

This paper presents the damping and stiffness characteristics of a magnetorheological (MR) isolator with variable damping and variable stiffness (VDVS) for broadband vibration suppression. The MR VDVS isolator is composed of a squeeze-mode MR fluid unit and a shear-mode MR elastomer unit to obtain controllable damping force and stiffness simultaneously. Comparing with the MR fluid device in shear mode and valve mode, the device in squeeze mode can provide large controllable damping force and good energy dissipation ability at both low and high frequency. Based on the conceptual design and finite element simulation of magnetic field, the MR isolator was designed, fabricated and tested. The characteristics of single variable stiffness, single variable damping and combination of both functions were performed by a series of experimental tests. The effects of current, frequency and displacement on the damping and stiffness are analyzed. A new algebraic parametric model was established to predict the hysteretic characteristics of MR isolator. The arctangent function-based model and hysteresis division method-based model were used to capture the hysteresis loops of MR fluid unit and MR elastomer unit, respectively. The results show that the feasibility of the proposed MR VDVS isolator to broadband vibration suppression. Besides, the model can capture the damping and stiffness characteristics of the proposed MR VDVS isolator.
Leveraging large-deviation statistics to decipher the stochastic properties of measured trajectories
Authors: Thapa Samudrajit , Wyłomańska Agnieszka , Sikora Grzegorz , Wagner Caroline E , Krapf Diego , Kantz Holger , Chechkin Aleksei V , Metzler Ralf
Published: December 2020

Extensive time-series encoding the position of particles such as viruses, vesicles, or individual proteins are routinely garnered in single-particle tracking experiments or supercomputing studies. They contain vital clues on how viruses spread or drugs may be delivered in biological cells. Similar time-series are being recorded of stock values in financial markets and of climate data. Such time-series are most typically evaluated in terms of time-averaged mean-squared displacements (TAMSDs), which remain random variables for finite measurement times. Their statistical properties are different for different physical stochastic processes, thus allowing us to extract valuable information on the stochastic process itself. To exploit the full potential of the statistical information encoded in measured time-series we here propose an easy-to-implement and computationally inexpensive new methodology, based on deviations of the TAMSD from its ensemble average counterpart. Specifically, we use the upper bound of these deviations for Brownian motion (BM) to check the applicability of this approach to simulated and real data sets. By comparing the probability of deviations for different data sets, we demonstrate how the theoretical bound for BM reveals additional information about observed stochastic processes. We apply the large-deviation method to data sets of tracer beads tracked in aqueous solution, tracer beads measured in mucin hydrogels, and of geographic surface temperature anomalies. Our analysis shows how the large-deviation properties can be efficiently used as a simple yet effective routine test to reject the BM hypothesis and unveil relevant information on statistical properties such as ergodicity breaking and short-time correlations.
Numerical modeling of the size effect in CdSe/ZnS and InP/ZnS-based Intermediate Band Solar Cells
Authors: Aouami Asmae El , Feddi Kawtar , Courel Maykel , Dujardin Francis , Laroze David , Pérez Laura M , Zazoui Mimoun , Feddi El Mustapha
Published: December 2020

New generation of solar cells based on the implementation of quantum dots in the intrinsic region has attracted much attention due to the fact to that it takes advantage of photons with energies lower than the band gap for achieving high solar conversion efficiency. However, there is still a need for optimizing many parameters related to the solar cells, such as the size of quantum dots and nature of semiconductor materials. The main objective of this study is to extend the current knowledge of the intermediate band solar cells. In particular, we analyze the effect of dot size on the photonic properties of CdSe/ZnS and InP/ZnS quantum dot solar cells by considering the Schrodinger equation within the effective mass approximation. It is demonstrated that quantum dot size is a critical parameter to be controlled for high efficiency CdSe/ZnS and InP/ZnS quantum dot solar cells. Our results show that open-circuit voltage weakly depends on dot size for both systems while short-circuit current density is increased with dot size increasing. As a result, maximum efficiency values of 31.73% and 32.90% are obtained for CdSe/ZnS and InP/ZnS, respectively under full concentrated light for a dot size of 2.3 nm, thereby demonstrating the potentiality of these proposed heterostructures.
A physics-constrained deep residual network for solving the sine-Gordon equation
Authors: Li Jun , Chen Yong
Published: December 2020

Despite some empirical successes for solving nonlinear evolution equations using deep learning, there are several unresolved issues. First, it could not uncover the dynamical behaviors of some equations where highly nonlinear source terms are included very well. Second, the gradient exploding and vanishing problems often occur for the traditional feedforward neural networks. In this paper, we propose a new architecture that combines the deep residual neural network with some underlying physical laws. Using the sine-Gordon equation as an example, we show that the numerical result is in good agreement with the exact soliton solution. In addition, a lot of numerical experiments show that the model is robust under small perturbations to a certain extent.
Mode decomposition of multimode optical fiber beams by phase-only spatial light modulator
Authors: Gervaziev M D , Zhdanov I , Kharenko D S , Gonta V A , Volosi V M , Podivilov E V , Babin S A , Wabnitz S
Published: December 2020

Multimode optical fibers (MMF) recently attracted a renewed attention, because of their potential for spatial division multiplexing, medical imaging and high-power fiber lasers, thanks to the discovery of new nonlinear optical effects, such as Kerr beam self-cleaning, spatiotemporal mode-locking, and geometric parametric instability, to name a few. The main feature of these effects is that many transverse modes are involved in nonlinear interactions. To advance our understanding, it is necessary to analyse the modal content of beams at the output of MMFs. In this work, based on a computer digital holography method using a phase-only spatial light modulator (SLM) as a correlation filter, we experimentally demonstrate a method of mode decomposition involving a large (≃80) number of fiber modes. To obtain this, we carried out a SLM calibration, and numerically investigated the most critical parameters which affect the fidelity of the decomposition, by comparing experimental and reconstructed beam patterns in both the linear (speckled structures) and in the nonlinear (self-cleaned beams) propagation regime.
The influence of system heterogeneity on peat-surface temperature dynamics
Authors: Leonard R , Moore P , Krause S , Devito K J , Petrone G R , Mendoza C , Waddington J M , Kettridge N
Published: December 2020

Temperatures at the soil–atmosphere interface influence ecosystem function by driving nonlinear terrestrial biogeochemical, ecohydrological, and micrometeorological processes. Whilst climate, soil and vegetation controls on spatially average ecosystem temperatures are recognised, how interacting and heterogeneous ecosystem layers create spatio-temporal complex thermal ecosystems has not been determined. Such thermal hot spots and hot moments may underpin the capability of ecosystems to support biological and biogeochemical diversity and control the likelihood of tipping points in system-regulating feedbacks being locally exceeded. This is of notable importance in peatlands, where soil temperatures control the storage of their associated globally important carbon stocks. Here, through the application of high spatio-temporal resolution surface temperature data and peat thermal modelling, we assess the impact of system heterogeneity (spatio-temporal impact of the following system layers: tree, shrubs, microtopography, groundcover species and sub-surface ice) on surface temperature regimes. We show (a) that peat-surface thermal hotspot intensity and longevity is linked to system heterogeneity and (b) that not all system layers have an equal influence over the peat-surface thermal regime and extreme temperatures; thermal heterogeneity increases up to a maximum of five layers of heterogeneity and decreases thereafter. The results crucially demonstrate that such changes in the spatio-temporal thermal dynamics and extremes may occur without significant changes in median temperatures. This is important to the conceptual understanding of peatland responses and ecosystem resilience to disturbance. It emphasises the need to determine the potential for transitions in magnitude, longevity and locality of small-scale thermal extremes to induce functional transitions that propagate through given ecosystems, and to characterise the impact of such small-scale spatio-temporal complexity on ecosystem scale biogeochemical and ecohydrological function.
Spatio-temporal evaluation of Zr plasma parameters in a single-beam-splitting double-pulse laser-induced plasma
Authors: SARKAR Arnab , SINGH Manjeet
Published: December 2020

The plasma shielding effect is one of the major weaknesses of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) as it causes non-linearity in signal strength. Although LIBS is typically carried out in constant laser energy, this non-linearity causes a reduction in sensitivity. In this work, we systematically examine laser-induced plasma, formed by two different excitation source modes, i.e. single pulse (SP)-excitation and single-beam-splitting double-pulse (SBS-DP)-excitation over Zr-2.5% Nb alloy. The two most important plasma parameters influencing the emission line intensity, plasma temperature (T
e) and electron density (N
e) were studied and compared for both modes of laser excitation. Comparison of the results conclusively demonstrates that due to the splitting of the laser energy in the SBS-DP mode, the plasma shielding effect is significantly reduced. The reduced plasma shielding translates to an increased laser–sample coupling under SBS-DP mode. Temporal imaging of the total intensity of the laser-induced plasma in both excitation modes was also studied. The study shows how the plasma shielding effect can be reduced to improve the analytical quality of the LIBS methodology.
Chapter 2 by heavens he had better not!
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: December 2020

I must ask the reader to make the acquaintance of Major Grantly of Cosby Lodge, before he is introduced to the family of Mr Crawley, at their parsonage in Hogglestock. It has been said that Major Grantly had thrown a favourable eye on...
Chapter 64 the tragedy in hook court
Authors: Trollope Anthony
Published: December 2020

Conway Dalrymple had hurried out of the room in Mrs Broughton’s house in which he had been painting Jael and Sisera, thinking that it would be better to meet an angry and perhaps tipsy husband on the stairs, than it would be either to...
Significance of Removing Comedonecrosis as an Exclusion Criterion in Mammary Low-Risk Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Managed in an Active Surveillance Clinical Trial
Authors: Zhan Haiying , Quinn Marie , Tian Wanqing , Yan Li , Khoury Thaer
Published: December 2020

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the consequences of comedonecrosis omission as an exclusion criterion of the Comparison of Operative vs Monitoring and Endocrine Therapy (COMET) trial.

Methods

The clinical inclusion criteria of the COMET trial were applied on women who were mammographically screened between 2007 and 2017 and had a diagnosis of low- or intermediate-grade ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The percentage of ductal diameter occupied by necrosis was calculated.

Results

Twenty-six of 129 (20.2%) cases were upgraded. Larger calcification span correlated with upgrade (P = .02), with the best cutoff of 1.1 cm, and negative predictive value of 86%. When solely analyzing cases with no comedonecrosis (n = 76), none of the variables correlated with upgrade. Comedonecrosis was significantly correlated with upgrade to invasive carcinoma (P = .041), with the best cutoff of 53% of ductal diameter occupied by necrosis.

Conclusions

Results indicate that comedonecrosis and span of mammographic calcifications could be risk factors in women managed with active surveillance.
A Warning About Using Predicted Values From Regression Models for Epidemiologic Inquiry
Authors: Ogburn Elizabeth L , Rudolph Kara E , Morello-Frosch Rachel , Khan Amber , Casey Joan A
Published: December 2020

In many settings, researchers may not have direct access to data on 1 or more variables needed for an analysis and instead may use regression-based estimates of those variables. Using such estimates in place of original data, however, introduces complications and can result in uninterpretable analyses. In simulations and observational data, we illustrate the issues that arise when an average treatment effect is estimated from data where the outcome of interest is predicted from an auxiliary model. We show that bias in any direction can result, under both the null and alternative hypotheses.
Implementation of a pharmacist care manager model to expand availability of medications for opioid use disorder
Authors: DeRonne Beth M , Wong Kara R , Schultz Erica , Jones Elzie , Krebs Erin E
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The rise in opioid prescribing, often for chronic pain management, resulted in an increased prevalence of opioid use disorder (OUD) throughout the United States, including within the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system. The veteran population has been especially vulnerable to opioid-related harms, but rates of prescribing medications for OUD have been low. Use of care manager models for OUD have increased access to treatment. In this article we provide an overview of a clinical pharmacist care manager (CPCM) model for medications for OUD treatment implemented within the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System.

A CPCM model for medications for OUD was identified as a care model that would address patient and facility barriers to effective OUD treatment. Pharmacists were integral in program development and implementation and served as the main care providers. An interim evaluation of the program established that the proportion of patients with OUD receiving medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) had increased, with use of the program resulting in treatment of 109 unique patients during 625 visits. Key program implementation facilitators included the facility leadership establishing increased use of MOUD as a priority area, identification of a physician champion, and a history of successful expansion of clinical pharmacy specialist practice within the VA system. Implementation barriers included factors related to provider engagement, patient identification, and program support. The CPCM model of provision of MOUD expanded the pharmacist role in buprenorphine management.

Conclusion

The need to increase the number of patients receiving MOUD led to the implementation of a CPCM model. The program was effectively implemented into practice and expanded the availability of MOUD, which allowed patients to access treatment in multiple care settings.
Are scrutability conditionals rationally deniable?
Authors: Kipper Jens , Soysal Zeynep
Published: December 2020

Chalmers has argued that Bayesianism supports the existence of a priori truths, since it entails that scrutability conditionals are not rationally revisable. However, as we argue, Chalmers s arguments leave open that every proposition is rationally deniable, which would be devastating for large parts of his philosophical program. We suggest that Chalmers should appeal to well-known convergence theorems to argue that ideally rational subjects converge on the truth of scrutability conditionals. However, our discussion reveals that showing that these theorems apply in effect requires assuming scrutability. Consequently, Bayesianism doesn t conflict with Chalmers s scrutability framework, but it doesn t support it, either.
Gender Disparity in 2013-2018 Industry Payments to Plastic Surgeons
Authors: Moore Meredith G , Singerman Kyle W , Kitzmiller William J , Gobble Ryan M
Published: December 2020

Background

The gender pay gap in medicine has been under intense scrutiny in recent years; female plastic surgeons reportedly earn 11% less than their male peers. “Hidden” pay in the form of industry-based transfers exposes compensation disparity not captured by traditional wage-gap estimations.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to reveal the sex distribution of industry payments to board-certified plastic surgeons across all years covered by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Open Payment Database (CMS OPD).

Methods

We obtained the National Provider Identifier (NPI) for each surgeon in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) member directory to record gender. Next, “General Payments” data points from annual files for all years present in the CMS OPD, 2013 to 2018, were aggregated and joined to provider details by Physician Profile ID before quantitative analysis was performed.

Results

Of 4840 ASPS surgeons, 3864 (79.8%) reporting ≥1 industry payment were included with 3220 male (83.3%) and 644 female (16.7%). Over 2013 to 2018, females received mean [standard deviation] 56.01 [2.51] payments totaling $11,530.67 [$1461.45] each vs 65.70 [1.80] payments totaling $25,469.05 [$5412.60] for males. The yearly ratio of male-to-female payments in dollars was 2.36 in 2013, 2.69 in 2014, 2.53 in 2015, 2.31 in 2016, 1.72 in 2017, and most recently 1.96 in 2018.

Conclusions

Individual male plastic surgeons received over twice the payment dollars given to their female counterparts, accepting both more frequent and higher-value transfers from industry partners. Payment inequity slightly declined in recent years, which may indicate shifting industry engagement gender preferences.
The IL-27 component EBI-3 and its receptor subunit IL-27Rα are essential for the cytoprotective action of humanin on male germ cells†
Authors: Jia Yue , Swerdloff Ronald S , Lue YanHe , Dai-Ju Jenny , Surampudi Prasanth , Cohen Pinchas , Wang Christina
Published: December 2020

Humanin (HN) is a mitochondrial-derived peptide that protects many cells/tissues from damage. We previously demonstrated that HN reduces stress-induced male germ cell apoptosis in rodents. HN action in neuronal cells is mediated through its binding to a trimeric cell membrane receptor composed of glycoprotein 130 (gp130), IL-27 receptor subunit (IL-27R, also known as WSX-1/TCCR), and ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor subunit (CNTFR). The mechanisms of HN action in testis remain unclear. We demonstrated in ex-vivo seminiferous tubules culture that HN prevented heat-induced germ cell apoptosis was blocked by specific anti-IL-27R, anti-gp130, and anti-EBI-3, but not by anti-CNTFR antibodies significantly. The cytoprotective action of HN was studied by using groups of il-27r−/− or ebi-3−/− mice administered the following treatment: (1) vehicle; (2) a single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of HN peptide; (3) testicular hyperthermia; and (4) testicular hyperthermia plus HN. We demonstrated that HN inhibited heat-induced germ cell apoptosis in wildtype but not in il-27r−/− or ebi-3−/− mice. HN restored heat-suppressed STAT3 phosphorylation in wildtype but not il-27r−/− or ebi-3−/− mice. Dot blot analyses showed the direct interaction of HN with IL-27R or EBI-3 peptide. Immunofluorescence staining showed the co-localization of IL-27R with HN and gp130 in Leydig cells and germ cells. We conclude that the anti-apoptotic effects of HN in mouse testes are mediated through interaction with EBI-3, IL-27R, and activation of gp130, whereas the role of CNTFR needs further studies. This suggests a multicomponent tissue-specific receptor for HN in the testis and links HN action with the IL-12/IL-27 family of cytokines.
The Invasion Ecology of Sleeper Populations: Prevalence, Persistence, and Abrupt Shifts
Authors: Spear Michael J , Walsh Jake R , Ricciardi Anthony , Zanden M Jake Vander
Published: December 2020

It is well established that nonnative species are a key driver of global environmental change, but much less is known about the underlying drivers of nonnative species outbreaks themselves. In the present article, we explore the concept and implications of nonnative sleeper populations in invasion dynamics. Such populations persist at low abundance for years or even decades—a period during which they often go undetected and have negligible impact—until they are triggered by an environmental factor to become highly abundant and disruptive. Population irruptions are commonly misinterpreted as a recent arrival of the nonnative species, but sleeper populations belie a more complex history of inconspicuous occurrence followed by an abrupt shift in abundance and ecological impact. In the present article, we identify mechanisms that can trigger their irruption, and the implications for invasive species risk assessment and management.
Troll Tracking: Examining Rhetorical Circulation of Anti-Intellectual Ideologies in Right-Wing Media Attacks
Authors: Lawless Brandi , Cole Kristen L.
Published: December 2020

This case study proposes a method of troll tracking to analyze how right-wing media attacks circulate and contribute to increasing anti-intellectualism in the United States. Given the increase in right-wing political “news” sites as originators of trolling activity and their propensity to espouse anti-intellectualism, we are interested in understanding more deeply how particular instances of this targeted outrage become rhetorical. Our analysis reveals how metaknowledge circulates misinformation through commentary that carries anti-intellectual ideologies rapidly across time and space. This process of detachment reveals important implications about the (re)production of anti-intellectual ideologies, the evocation of collective outrage that manifests as sexism and transphobia, and the gatekeeping of academic knowledge production.
Nanopore Identification of Single Nucleotide Mutations in Circulating Tumor DNA by Multiplexed Ligation
Authors: Burck Nitza , Gilboa Tal , Gadi Abhilash , Patkin Nehrer Michelle , Schneider Robert J , Meller Amit
Published: December 2020

Background

Circulating tumor DNAs (ctDNAs) are highly promising cancer biomarkers, potentially applicable for noninvasive liquid biopsy and disease monitoring. However, to date, sequencing of ctDNAs has proven to be challenging primarily due to small sample size and high background of fragmented cell-free DNAs (cfDNAs) derived from normal cells in the circulation, specifically in early stage cancer.

Methods

Solid-state nanopores (ssNPs) have recently emerged as a highly efficient tool for single-DNA sensing and analysis. Herein, we present a rapid nanopore genotyping strategy to enable an amplification-free identification and classification of ctDNA mutations. A biochemical ligation detection assay was used for the creation of specific fluorescently-labelled short DNA reporter molecules. Color conjugation with multiple fluorophores enabled a unique multi-color signature for different mutations, offering multiplexing potency. Single-molecule readout of the fluorescent labels was carried out by electro-optical sensing via solid-state nanopores drilled in titanium oxide membranes.

Results

As proof of concept, we utilized our method to detect the presence of low-quantity ERBB2 F310S and PIK3Ca H1047R breast cancer mutations from both plasmids and xenograft mice blood samples. We demonstrated an ability to distinguish between a wild type and a mutated sample, and between the different mutations in the same sample.

Conclusions

Our method can potentially enable rapid and low cost ctDNA analysis that completely circumvents PCR amplification and library preparation. This approach will thus meet a currently unmet demand in terms of sensitivity, multiplexing and cost, opening new avenues for early diagnosis of cancer.
Adherence to oral appliance treatment and its determinants in obstructive sleep apnoea patients
Authors: Pahkala Riitta , Suominen Anna Liisa
Published: December 2020

Background and objectives

Treatment effectiveness, in terms of health benefits, is a composite of efficacy and adherence. Oral appliance (OA) usage is mainly based on self-reports, but nowadays, objective adherence monitoring for OAs is available. This study investigated the objective OA adherence and its determinants in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients.

Materials and methods

There were 29 subjects who were treated with OA; mean [SD] age 51.4 [11.1]; mean apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) [SD] 19.5 [10.0]. Anthropometric and sociodemographic parameters, AHI, daytime sleepiness, snoring, and adverse effects of OA as potential determinants were evaluated. Patients were classified as regular users if they wore OA at least 4 hours nightly 5–7 nights a week. Statistical analyses included the chi-square test, t-test, Mann–Whitney U-test, and linear regression analyses.

Results

At the 3-month follow-up, 68% of subjects were regular users and at 12-month follow-up, 64%. AHI, sociodemographic parameters, or adverse effects were not associated with OA adherence. Snoring seemed to improve weakly adherence, whereas mandibular retrusion reduced the weekly use, and smoking the nightly use of OAs.

Limitations

The follow-up time was short, and there were a relatively small number of patients with obtainable adherence data, therefore it is difficult to establish if OA therapy alone is a successful long-term treatment option for OSA patients.

Conclusions/implications

Adherence to OA therapy is mainly the outcome of patients’ subjective comfort in everyday life through eliminating social disturbance of snoring. To best meet a subject’s individual treatment need and to prevent suboptimal use of OA, a patient-tailored therapy including digital wear-time documentation is recommended.
“Not as Bad as I Thought”: Undergraduate Students’ Perspectives on Aging
Authors: Sadeq Nasreen
Published: December 2020

Ageism remains prevalent in our society and negatively affects older adults. Undergraduate education could be a potential avenue for combating ageism among individuals moving into the workforce. The current investigation is a pilot study in which students enrolled in an upper-level undergraduate course were asked to reflect on how their perspectives on aging had changed following the completion of the course. The course, Psychology of Aging, provides students with an overview of the psychological aspects of aging, including cognitive, physical, and social changes. Consensual qualitative methods were used to explore student responses (N=150) and analyzed using Atlas.ti 7. The results indicated that majority of students had a more positive view of aging following course completion. The three most common themes that emerged were 1) positive aging, 2) living arrangements, and 3) social relationships. For the positive aging theme, students recognized the positive aspects of aging, with many commenting that aging was not as bad as they originally thought. Nearly all the responses in the living arrangements theme reflected students’ previous assumptions that most older adults live in nursing homes. In the social relationships theme, students realized that aging does not make people value social connection any less. The findings suggest that providing students with accurate information about aging has the potential to correct their negative views of aging, and highlight the importance of gerontology coursework in higher education, particularly for those pursuing careers in which they will regularly interact with older adults.
Ageism on Campus: Opportunities to Include Age in Diversity and Inclusion Efforts
Authors: Barragan Cassandra , Wladkowski Stephanie
Published: December 2020

Diversity and inclusion are essential perspectives on university campuses. In recent years, there has been a nationwide decline in admissions resulting in changes to traditionally FTIAC driven college campuses. An environmental scan was completed at a mid-sized midwestern university to explore age-inclusive barriers and opportunities for change. In-depth interviews were held with 28 EMU stakeholders representing a wide variety of ages in leadership positions across campus. Students aged 40 and above (N=248) were also surveyed about their experiences on campus. Qualitative analysis revealed ageist attitudes about older adults and older students from at all levels of the university. Results demonstrate that initial responses to ‘age-friendly’ focused on stereotypes of older adults, but attitudes adjusted when reframed as older learners and further refined when older learners were defined as 40 and above. Additionally, there was a distinct disconnect between ageist perceptions towards older adults and older students which highlights the importance of intergenerational opportunities as an approach to combat ageist attitudes on campus. While these barriers require long-term and complicated solutions, participants described the many benefits that older learners bring to enrich the campus. Results of this research revealed opportunities to reframe aging in the context of diversity and inclusion efforts on campus. Adopting diversity efforts to include age can benefit universities in not only admissions, classroom experiences, and connections to surrounding communities.
Inspiring the Study of Gerontology Among Millennial Students: A Rural Perspective
Authors: Jurkowski Elaine
Published: December 2020

The study of gerontology across different generational cohorts is not static but rather dynamic. As we consider teaching gerontology to different age cohorts, what similarities and differences do exist? How do the educational needs within higher education differ across the different cohorts of the workforce? This presentation aims to identify and present specific learning needs and styles of the millennial cohort, as compared to other generational cohorts with the effort of building educational strategies for this workforce cohort. The presentation will also address the unique needs that a rural workforce faces and how to address these within the millennial cohort. Strategies such as online learning, flip classroom, experiential strategies and research projects/practicum will be addressed with a specific focus on the engagement of the millennial student. These strategies are all described within the context of teaching gerontology through a specific Certificate in Gerontology program located on a rural campus setting, but meeting the educational needs of people across the country.
Marriage and Mortality: The Importance of Non-Spousal Support for Never-Married Older Adults
Authors: Roth Adam , Peng Siyun
Published: December 2020

Married individuals have been shown to consistently outlive their unmarried peers. Although numerous factors contribute to such mortality disparities, spousal support serves as one of the most central marital resources that reduces mortality risk for married older adults. Unmarried older adults, who lack access to such support, tend to rely more heavily on extended family and friends for their social needs. Yet it is unclear whether support from these non-spousal sources can be successfully substituted for spousal support to provide unmarried older adults with similar protection against mortality. In the present study, we use nationally representative data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project to assess whether support from family and friends reduces the mortality differences between married and unmarried older adults. Although we examine all forms of singlehood (i.e., divorce, widowhood, and never married), we pay primary attention to never married older adults in relatively to their married peers as they have been exposed to a lifetime without a spouse. We find that never married older adults are especially sensitive to non-spousal support. More specifically, never married respondents who reported low levels of support were far more likely to die than married respondents who had similar levels of non-spousal support. Yet when support was high, never married respondents were neither more nor less likely to die than their married peers.
Development of an Innovative Financial Literacy and Preparedness Program for Family Caregivers
Authors: Judge Katherine , Fazio Sam
Published: December 2020

Informal caregivers provide the bulk of daily care and assistance to older adults needing help. Tasks range from assisting with transportation, coordinating care and appointments, household tasks, emotional and social support, and personal care. Caregivers also assist with financial care-related issues. This assistance ranges from helping pay bills, making health-care decisions, to paying out-of-pocket care expenses. Research on financial care-related issues greatly lags behind other areas of caregiving. Additionally, few programs have been developed that specifically address these financial issues and how best to provide timely and personalized information for families. The following poster will present an innovative program that addresses these gaps within the literature and fills the void facing families in navigating key financial care-related decisions. Funded by the Administration on Community Living, the evidence-informed program was developed based on findings from a comprehensive literature review, an environmental scan, market analysis, and feedback from focus groups. The program includes educational information, skills-training, and resources for caregivers across the following content areas: Introduction to Costs of Caregiving, Benefits of Early Planning, Avoiding Financial Abuse and Fraud, Conversations about Finances, Assessing Financial Needs, Creating Action Plans, and Finding Financial Support. The program also addresses specific financial needs facing caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Discussion will highlight key aspects of the program, including the standardized yet flexible and tailored approach for addressing families’ specific financial care-related needs, along with next steps in program implementation and evaluation.
Patient-Reported Health Outcomes Among Older Adults Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Chawengkiattikul Suttiwan , Aree-Ue Suparb , Youngcharoen Phichpraorn , Kawinwonggowit Viroj
Published: December 2020

Backgrounds Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a remedy treatment for severe knee osteoarthritis; yet, postoperative outcomes vary. Preoperative patients’ expectations to functional abilities are important factors influencing postoperative outcomes and satisfaction. Objectives To investigate the association among preoperative patients’ expectations, post-operative functional abilities, and satisfaction to functional abilities among older adults undergoing TKA at 6-week after surgery. Methods Participants were 97 older adults who purposely selected based on the inclusion criteria. The data were collected at preoperative and postoperative TKA by using the Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Replacement Expectations Survey and the Knee and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score - function in daily living. The data analysis was performed by using descriptive statistics, paired t-test, and Pearson product moment correlation coefficient. Results Before surgery, patients’ expectations to postoperative functional abilities had a high level with the total mean score of 70.21(SD =13.86). At 6-week after surgery, the overall functional ability had a significant improvement (t = -9.229, p = .000). Satisfaction to functional ability also had a high level (Mean ± SD = 71.15 ± 14.73). Patients’ expectations to functional abilities had a significantly low positive correlation to postoperative functional ability and satisfaction (r = .273, p < .05; r = .292, p < .01, respectively). A significant moderate positive correlation between functional abilities and satisfaction to functional abilities was observed (r = .603, p < .01). Conclusion Understanding of expectations may be beneficial in gaining knowledge, paving expectations on possible outcomes, and enhancing the quality of care for these populations.