bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trauma induced clotting factor depletion in severely injured children: a single center observational study
Authors: Burggraf Manuel , Polan Christina , Husen Martin , Mester Bastian , Wegner Alexander , Spodeck Daniel , Dudda Marcel , Kauther Max Daniel
Published: May 2020

Background

Coagulopathy following severe trauma contributes significantly to mortality. Impaired clotting factors have been observed in adult trauma patients, but in pediatric trauma victims their activity has not yet been investigated.

Methods

Sixteen pediatric trauma patients were evaluated according to the ISS and assigned to two cohorts. An additional control group (CO; n = 10) was formed. Routine coagulation parameters and the soluble clotting factors (F) were tested. Nonparametric data was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results are reported as median and interquartile range.

Results

The ISS of severely (SI, n = 8) and mildly (MI, n = 8) injured children differed significantly (25 [19–28] vs. 5 [4–6]; p < 0.001). INR was elevated in the SI cohort only when compared to the CO (1.21 [1.04-1.58] vs. 0.96 [0.93-1.00]; p = 0.001). Differences between SI and MI were found for FII (67 [53-90] vs. 82 [76-114] %; p = 0.028), FV (76 [47-88] vs. 92 [82-99] %; p = 0.028), and FXIII (67 [62-87] vs. 90 [77-102] %; p = 0.021). Comparison of the SI with the CO (FII 122 [112-144] %; p < 0.001; FV 123 [100-142] %; p = 0.002; and FXIII 102 [79-115] %; p = 0.006) also revealed a reduction in the activity of these factors. Furthermore, fibrinogen (198 [80-242] vs. 296 [204-324] mg/dl; p = 0.034), FVII (71 [63-97] vs. 114 [100-152] %; p = 0.009), FIX (84 [67-103] vs. 110 [90-114] %; p = 0.043), and FX (70 [61-85] vs. 122 [96-140] %; p = 0.001) were reduced in the SI in comparison with the CO. Finally, FVIII was considerably, yet not significantly, increased in both patient cohorts (235 [91-320] % and 197 [164-238] %, respectively).

Conclusions

This study proves that children suffer a depletion of clotting factors following severe injury which basically reflects the findings for adult trauma patients. Attempts to correct the impaired clotting factor activity could be based on a specific hemostatic therapy involving administration of coagulation factors. Nevertheless, therapeutic implications need to be investigated in future studies.
Frequency-dependent gating of feedforward inhibition in thalamofrontal synapses
Authors: Lee Jungmin , Choi Joon Ho , Rah Jong-Cheol
Published: May 2020

Thalamic recruitment of feedforward inhibition is known to enhance the fidelity of the receptive field by limiting the temporal window during which cortical neurons integrate excitatory inputs. Feedforward inhibition driven by the mediodorsal nucleus of the thalamus (MD) has been previously observed, but its physiological function and regulation remain unknown. Accumulating evidence suggests that elevated neuronal activity in the prefrontal cortex is required for the short-term storage of information. Furthermore, the elevated neuronal activity is supported by the reciprocal connectivity between the MD and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Therefore, detailed knowledge about the synaptic connections during high-frequency activity is critical for understanding the mechanism of short-term memory. In this study, we examined how feedforward inhibition of thalamofrontal connectivity is modulated by activity frequency. We observed greater short-term synaptic depression during disynaptic inhibition than in thalamic excitatory synapses during high-frequency activities. The strength of feedforward inhibition became weaker as the stimulation continued, which, in turn, enhanced the range of firing jitter in a frequency-dependent manner. We postulated that this phenomenon was primarily due to the increased failure rate of evoking action potentials in parvalbumin-expressing inhibitory neurons. These findings suggest that the MD-mPFC pathway is dynamically regulated by an excitatory-inhibitory balance in an activity-dependent manner. During low-frequency activities, excessive excitations are inhibited, and firing is restricted to a limited temporal range by the strong feedforward inhibition. However, during high-frequency activities, such as during short-term memory, the activity can be transferred in a broader temporal range due to the decreased feedforward inhibition.
Host gill attachment causes blood-feeding by the salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) chalimus larvae and alters parasite development and transcriptome
Authors: Heggland Erna Irene , Dondrup Michael , Nilsen Frank , Eichner Christiane
Published: May 2020

Background

Blood-feeding is a common strategy among parasitizing arthropods, including the ectoparasitic salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis), feeding off its salmon host’s skin and blood. Blood is rich in nutrients, among these iron and heme. These are essential molecules for the louse, yet their oxidative properties render them toxic to cells if not handled appropriately. Blood-feeding might therefore alter parasite gene expression.

Methods

We infected Atlantic salmon with salmon louse copepodids and sampled the lice in two different experiments at day 10 and 18 post-infestation. Parasite development and presence of host blood in their intestines were determined. Lice of similar instar age sampled from body parts with differential access to blood, namely from gills versus lice from skin epidermis, were analysed for gene expression by RNA-sequencing in samples taken at day 10 for both experiments and at day 18 for one of the experiments.

Results

We found that lice started feeding on blood when becoming mobile preadults if sitting on the fish body; however, they may initiate blood-feeding at the chalimus I stage if attached to gills. Lice attached to gills develop at a slower rate. By differential expression analysis, we found 355 transcripts elevated in lice sampled from gills and 202 transcripts elevated in lice sampled from skin consistent in all samplings. Genes annotated with “peptidase activity” were among the ones elevated in lice sampled from gills, while in the other group genes annotated with “phosphorylation” and “phosphatase” were pervasive. Transcripts elevated in lice sampled from gills were often genes relatively highly expressed in the louse intestine compared with other tissues, while this was not the case for transcripts elevated in lice sampled from skin. In both groups, more than half of the transcripts were from genes more highly expressed after attachment.

Conclusions

Gill settlement results in an alteration in gene expression and a premature onset of blood-feeding likely causes the parasite to develop at a slower pace.
Subjective cognitive decline and subsequent dementia: a nationwide cohort study of 579,710 people aged 66 years in South Korea
Authors: Lee Yeong Chan , Kang Jae Myeong , Lee Hyewon , Kim Kiwon , Kim Soyeon , Yu Tae Yang , Lee Eun-Mi , Kim Clara Tammy , Kim Doh Kwan , Lewis Matthew , Won Hong-Hee , Jessen Frank , Myung Woojae
Published: May 2020

Background

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is a potential risk factor for dementia. We aimed to investigate the association between SCD and subsequent dementia in a nationwide population-based cohort in South Korea.

Methods

This cohort included 579,710 66-year-old adults who were followed for a total of 3,870,293 person-years (average 6.68 ± 1.33 years per person). All subjects completed a questionnaire about subjective memory impairment, the Pre-screening Korean Dementia Screening Questionnaire (KDSQ-P), which included a validated 5-item derivative, and were determined to have SCD based on a single question assessing memory decline. Depressive symptoms were assessed in all subjects using a 3-item modified geriatric depression scale. Hazard ratios were estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model and compared between subjects with and without SCD.

Results

Compared to subjects without SCD, those with SCD were more likely to develop dementia (incidence per 1000 person-years: non-SCD, 5.66; SCD, 8.59). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the risk of subsequent dementia significantly increased in subjects with SCD, with an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 1.38 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34 to 1.41). The risk of subsequent dementia was greatly increased in subjects with higher KDSQ-P scores (aHR = 2.77, 95% CI 2.35 to 3.27). A significant association between SCD and dementia was observed in both depressive and non-depressive symptom groups (aHR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.42 to 1.57 in subjects with depressive symptoms; aHR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.37 in subjects without depressive symptoms;P = 0.001).

Conclusions

In this population of 66-year-old individuals, SCD was significantly associated with an increased risk of subsequent dementia. This association was found in both depressive and non-depressive groups, with an increased risk of dementia in the presence of depressive symptoms. Our findings suggest that SCD indicates a risk for dementia. Further studies are needed to delineate potential approaches to preventing the development of dementia in individuals with SCD.
Experimental Study on Crack Propagation of Concrete Under Various Loading Rates with Digital Image Correlation Method
Authors: Bu Jingwu , Chen Xudong , Hu Liangpeng , Yang Hanqing , Liu Saisai
Published: May 2020

The quantificational exploration of the propagation law of fracture process zone (FPZ) is of great importance to the research on concrete fracture. This paper performed fracture experiments on pre-cracked concrete beams under various loading rates. Digital image correlation (DIC) method was applied to obtain the whole field displacement of concrete in the fracture test. The crack opening displacement (COD) and the evolution of FPZ were determined based on the whole field displacement. The results show that the length of FPZ first increases and then decreases with the development of the effective crack length and the maximum length of FPZ is about 60 mm. It can be found that the length of FPZ corresponding to the peak load decreases with the increase of loading rates. Based on the fictitious crack model, a bilinear softening model was established. According to the proposed model, the mechanical behavior and the propagation law of FPZ were analyzed. The bilinear softening model can reflect the microcrack development and the aggregate interlocking in the FPZ.
Determinants of modern contraceptive use among sexually active men in Ethiopia; using EDHS 2016 national survey
Authors: Shaweno Tamrat , Kura Zerihun
Published: May 2020

Background

Recently, the focus of family planning programs has changed from female oriented to men oriented, or both partner oriented to have effective outcomes. Although, contraceptive use among sexually active women was exhaustively researched; there is still a huge gap on modern contraceptive use and its determinants among sexually active men in Ethiopia.

Objectives

We assessed the determinants of contraceptive use among sexually active men in Ethiopia using national survey data.

Method

The data source for this study was the 2016’s Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey of men aged above 15–59 years. We analyzed data of 12, 688 sexually active men in the past 12 months prior to the survey using STATA version 14.1. Bivariate and multivariable multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted and statistical significance was set at p value < 0.05.

Result

From a total of 12, 688 sexually active men in Ethiopia, 9378 (73.9%) didn’t use any modern contraception or use traditional methods, 2394 (18.9%) use partner methods for those who reported using a method through their partner (such as pill, IUD, injections, female sterilization and Norplant) and the rest 916 (7.2%) used male methods for those who reported using male only methods (such as condoms and male sterilization). In the adjusted multinomial logistic regression model, men’s age categories 25–34 years (AOR:2.0; 95%CI = 1.5–2.5), 35–44 (AOR: 2.8; 95%CI = (2.0–3.8), and 45+ years (AOR: 1.5; 95%CI = 1.0–2.6), being rural resident (AOR: 1.60; (95%CI = 1.3–2.2), married and living with partner (AOR: 0.03; (95%CI = 0.01–0.06), who attended secondary (AOR:1.2; (95%CI = 0.8–1.9) and higher (AOR: 1.4; (95%CI = 1.2–2.5) education, whose partner was working (AOR: 1.6; (95%CI = 1.3–2.2), having three and above children (AOR: 0.5; (95%CI = 0.3–0.8), reading newspaper/magazines at least once a week or less than once a week, listening to radio at least once a week, watching television at least once a week and watching television less than once a week were significantly associated with use of male method than traditional/no method as compared to their respective references.

Conclusion

Modern contraceptive use among sexually active men in Ethiopia is low and multiple factors determined it. Close monitoring and supporting of sexually active men with age above 25 years, rural background, higher educational level, whose partner was working, having three and more children and little exposure to media may increase men’s use of modern contraceptives.
The effect of fatty meal and water on interfering extracardiac activity in myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography
Authors: Azadbakht Omid , Divband Ghasemali , Shafiee Mohsen , Baheri Sahar , Hosseini Vahid , Hasanpour Erfan
Published: May 2020

Background

There are several ways to diagnose coronary artery disease. Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is used for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. One of the practical challenges in scan’s interpretation is interfering liver radiotracer uptake with appropriate cardiac visualization. For many years, different approaches were evaluated for conquering this problem. A relatively common method is using fat-containing meals before imaging. Fatty meals may cause some problems for some patients, especially elderly with digestive disorders, as well as an extra cost. We designed a study to compare the efficacy of water and fatty meal as a liver clearing agents to facilitate MPI results interpretation.

Result

Totally, 30 patients (consist of 30 stress phases and 30 rest phases), including 18 women and 12 men, were evaluated. The fatty meal was used before 32 scans and cold water in the other 28 scans. Finally, 40 scans had the suitable quality for reporting by nuclear physicians among 60 scans, which included 20 of 28 scans with water and 20 of 32 scans with a fatty meal.

Conclusions

This comparison showed that scans performed with the water group had similar results with the fatty meal group. Water is better than fatty meals because of its ease of use and lower cost. Therefore, the use of water can be a good alternative for routine use in NM centers.
Personalized Network Modeling of the Pan-Cancer Patient and Cell Line Interactome
Authors: Bhattacharyya Rupam , Ha Min Jin , Liu Qingzhi , Akbani Rehan , Liang Han , Baladandayuthapani Veerabhadran
Published: May 2020

PURPOSE

Personalized network inference on diverse clinical and in vitro model systems across cancer types can be used to delineate specific regulatory mechanisms, uncover drug targets and pathways, and develop individualized predictive models in cancer.

METHODS

We developed TransPRECISE (personalized cancer-specific integrated network estimation model), a multiscale Bayesian network modeling framework, to analyze the pan-cancer patient and cell line interactome to identify differential and conserved intrapathway activities, to globally assess cell lines as representative models for patients, and to develop drug sensitivity prediction models. We assessed pan-cancer pathway activities for a large cohort of patient samples (> 7,700) from the Cancer Proteome Atlas across ≥ 30 tumor types, a set of 640 cancer cell lines from the MD Anderson Cell Lines Project spanning 16 lineages, and ≥ 250 cell lines’ response to > 400 drugs.

RESULTS

TransPRECISE captured differential and conserved proteomic network topologies and pathway circuitry between multiple patient and cell line lineages: ovarian and kidney cancers shared high levels of connectivity in the hormone receptor and receptor tyrosine kinase pathways, respectively, between the two model systems. Our tumor stratification approach found distinct clinical subtypes of the patients represented by different sets of cell lines: patients with head and neck tumors were classified into two different subtypes that are represented by head and neck and esophagus cell lines and had different prognostic patterns (456 v 654 days of median overall survival; P = .02). High predictive accuracy was observed for drug sensitivities in cell lines across multiple drugs (median area under the receiver operating characteristic curve > 0.8) using Bayesian additive regression tree models with TransPRECISE pathway scores.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides a generalizable analytic framework to assess the translational potential of preclinical model systems and to guide pathway-based personalized medical decision making, integrating genomic and molecular data across model systems.
Form and/as Mode of Existence
Authors: Gilbert Jane
Published: May 2020

This essay focuses on two of the modes of existence posited by AIME, a collaborative project comprising Bruno Latour’s monograph An Inquiry into Modes of Existence and a multiauthored website associated with it. I juxtapose the modes of reference [REF] and fiction [FIC] with a famous digression reflecting on historiographical practice in William of Malmesbury’s Gesta regum Anglorum. AIME offers analytical rigor to medievalists’ discussions of the notorious overlap between “history” and “fiction.” William’s bold use of [FIC] to advance [REF] is in the spirit of AIME’s project, though he goes further in trusting [FIC] than AIME is always willing to do. An instance of medieval historiography thus leads the way in overcoming a residual Modern suspicion of a nonreferential mode of existence and of knowledge. Additionally, although AIME’s restriction of crossings to two modes is useful for defining each, in practice more than two are often found “plaited.” I make this argument through a discussion of the use of brackets to mark verse form and rhyme scheme in medieval manuscripts: an example of [TEC•FIC•REF] plaiting. Finally, I call for further development of the multimodal possibilities of “form,” which AIME flags but does not pursue, and for a new mode of existence to be added to Latour’s list: [FOR].
RNA-Puzzles Round IV: 3D structure predictions of four ribozymes and two aptamers
Authors: Miao Zhichao , Adamiak Ryszard W. , Antczak Maciej , Boniecki Michał J. , Bujnicki Janusz , Chen Shi-Jie , Cheng Clarence Yu , Cheng Yi , Chou Fang-Chieh , Das Rhiju , Dokholyan Nikolay V. , Ding Feng , Geniesse Caleb , Jiang Yangwei , Joshi Astha , Krokhotin Andrey , Magnus Marcin , Mailhot Olivier , Major Francois , Mann Thomas H. , Piątkowski Paweł , Pluta Radoslaw , Popenda Mariusz , Sarzynska Joanna , Sun Lizhen , Szachniuk Marta , Tian Siqi , Wang Jian , Wang Jun , Watkins Andrew M. , Wiedemann Jakub , Xiao Yi , Xu Xiaojun , Yesselman Joseph D. , Zhang Dong , Zhang Yi , Zhang Zhenzhen , Zhao Chenhan , Zhao Peinan , Zhou Yuanzhe , Zok Tomasz , Żyła Adriana , Ren Aiming , Batey Robert T. , Golden Barbara L. , Huang Lin , Lilley David M. , Liu Yijin , Patel Dinshaw J. , Westhof Eric
Published: May 2020

RNA-Puzzles is a collective endeavor dedicated to the advancement and improvement of RNA 3D structure prediction. With agreement from crystallographers, the RNA structures are predicted by various groups before the publication of the crystal structures. We now report the prediction of 3D structures for six RNA sequences: four nucleolytic ribozymes and two riboswitches. Systematic protocols for comparing models and crystal structures are described and analyzed. In these six puzzles, we discuss (i) the comparison between the automated web servers and human experts; (ii) the prediction of coaxial stacking; (iii) the prediction of structural details and ligand binding; (iv) the development of novel prediction methods; and (v) the potential improvements to be made. We show that correct prediction of coaxial stacking and tertiary contacts is essential for the prediction of RNA architecture, while ligand binding modes can only be predicted with low resolution and simultaneous prediction of RNA structure with accurate ligand binding still remains out of reach. All the predicted models are available for the future development of force field parameters and the improvement of comparison and assessment tools.
Use of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) in the treatment of drug-resistant depression – a pilot study, presentation of five clinical cases
Authors: Kaczmarczyk Mateusz , Antosik-Wójcińska Anna , Dominiak Monika , Święcicki Łukasz
Published: May 2020

Cel pracy:

Celem pracy była ocena bezpieczeństwa i skuteczności przezskórnej stymulacji nerwu błędnego (taVNS) jako metody dodanej do standardowej farmakoterapii w grupie pacjentów z depresją lekooporną.

Materiał i metody

Prezentujemy wyniki badania pilotażowego obejmującego wykorzystanie dostępnych na rynku przezskórnych stymulatorów nerwu błędnego. Dzięki zewnętrznemu, nieinwazyjnemu charakterowi rozwiązania, pacjent unika możliwych powikłań interwencji chirurgicznej. taVNS jest stosunkowo nową, nieinwazyjną metodą VNS, której działanie wynika z tego, że na powierzchni ucha jest umiejscowiona uszna gałąź nerwu błędnego. Grupa pilotażowa składała się z 5 pacjentów cierpiących na depresję lekooporną. U wszystkich pacjentów rozpoznano depresję o nasileniu ciężkim, pomimo co najmniej 2 pełnych kuracji lekiem przeciwdepresyjnym w odpowiedniej dawce nie wystąpiła u nich reakcja na leczenie. Zakładany czas obserwacji wynosił 12 tygodni. Czas trwania stymulacji wynosił 4 godziny dziennie, podzielone na 2 sesje dziennie. Stan psychiczny oceniano podczas badania z wykorzystaniem Skali Oceny Depresji Hamiltona (HAMD-17) i Sali Ogólnego Wrażenia Klinicznego (CGI).

Wyniki

W 2 przypadkach zaobserwowano znaczącą poprawę stanu psychicznego (istotne zmniejszenie punktacji w skalach, poprawę nastroju i napędu, zmniejszenie lęku). W 3 przypadkach pacjenci zrezygnowali z badania z powodu trudności w obsłudze urządzenia.

Wnioski

Stymulacja nerwu błędnego może stanowić istotny postęp w terapii przewlekłych i opornych na leczenie zaburzeń depresyjnych. Przezskórna stymulacja wydaje się bezpieczniejszą alternatywą dla wcześniej stosowanych metod wymagających chirurgicznego wszczepienia stymulatora. Wyniki leczenia można zaobserwować po kilku tygodniach lub nawet kilku miesiącach terapii. Ze względu na możliwe długoterminowe korzyści i działania niepożądane związane ze stymulacją taVNS konieczne są dalsze badania kliniczne w celu oceny skuteczności i bezpieczeństwa tej metody.
Chronic anorexia nervosa: Patient characteristics and treatment approaches
Authors: Starzomska Małgorzata , Rosińska Paulina , Bielecki Jan
Published: May 2020

Jadłowstręt psychiczny stanowi poważne wyzwanie dla pracowników służby zdrowia, a przede wszystkim klinicystów, gdyż jest związany z wysokimi wskaźnikami chroniczności i ryzykiem nawrotów. Jedną z przyczyn tego niepokojącego zjawiska jest egosyntoniczność tej choroby, która odróżnia ją od innych zaburzeń psychicznych, a która odpowiada za zaprzeczanie chorobie i brak motywacji do leczenia, co skutkuje przerywaniem podjętej terapii, a nawet odmową poddania się jej. W artykule zaprezentowano propozycje definiowania chronicznego jadłowstrętu psychicznego. Następnie ta postać jadłowstrętu psychicznego została przedstawiona z perspektywy klinicysty, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem implikacji terapeutycznych oraz z perspektywy personelu medycznego, przy czym dodatkowo przedstawiono dylematy dotyczące propozycji leczenia paliatywnego tej grupy pacjentów. Następnie podjęto próbę przedstawienia, co czuje pacjent z chronicznym jadłowstrętem psychicznym. W następnej kolejności przedstawiono kwestię zapobiegania nawrotom w przebiegu chronicznego jadłowstrętu psychicznego i propozycje leczenia pacjentów z tą chorobą ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem najnowszych trendów w tym zakresie. Artykuł kończy napawające optymizmem doniesienie naukowe na temat całkowitego wyleczenia pacjentek z tym rozpoznaniem, któremu towarzyszy analiza przyczyn tak dobrego wyniku terapii.
The dyadic coping model of bipolar disorder patients
Authors: Wendołowska Anna , Czyżowska Dorota , Siwek Marcin
Published: May 2020

Celem opracowania jest przyjrzenie się problemowi radzenia sobie ze stresem pacjentów z chorobą afektywną dwubiegunową, z perspektywy relacyjnej. Po pierwsze w kontekście diadycznego radzenia sobie ze stresem, po drugie w kontekście indywidualnych strategii radzenia sobie, wynikających ze stylu przywiązania. Sposób, w jaki pacjenci z ChAD wchodzą w relację, jest ważny na wielu poziomach, w tym w kontekście efektywności leczenia i zapobiegania nawrotom. Diadyczne radzenie sobie może pełnić funkcję ochronną zarówno przed stresem zewnętrznym, jak i relacyjnym, może stać się buforem zabezpieczającym przed nawrotami lub czynnikiem terapeutyzującym, wpływającym na obniżenie nasilenia symptomów i częstości ich występowania. Przywiązanie pozabezpieczne jest uważane za jeden z czynników ryzyka dla rozwoju chorób afektywnych. Pacjenci z ChAD, o pozabezpiecznym stylu przywiązania, częściej narażeni są na nawrót symptomów choroby, w obliczu doświadczeń utraty wsparcia relacyjnego. Rozszerzenie konceptu radzenia sobie ze stresem pacjentów z ChAD o aspekt przywiązania, stwarza nową perspektywę dla rozumienia ich behawioralno-emocjonalno-kognitywnych reakcji na stres. Ponad to ujęcie problemu z poziomu diadycznego uzupełnia obraz o wpływ bliskiej relacji na procesy motywacyjne obydwojga partnerów w radzeniu sobie z chorobą, budowaniu relacji, obopólną satysfakcję i ogólny dobrostan.
Portal venous gas as a radiological sign in a sigmoid diverticular abscess and its non-surgical management: a case report
Authors: Kong CY , Goh HL , Anderson JE
Published: May 2020

A 62-year old man who presented unwell with no specific symptoms or signs was found to have portal venous circulation gas complicating a small diverticular abscess. He was successfully managed with a course of antibiotics and had full resolution of symptoms, therefore avoiding the need for surgical intervention. While most commonly associated with bowel ischaemia and therefore often warranting emergency laparotomy, portal venous gas within the context of other underlying pathology often presents opportunities for delayed surgery or more conservative management options.
Primary colorectal linitis plastica presenting as rapid acute deterioration: a diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Brosnan C , Hannan E , Duggan W , Mullen D , Buckley M , Stafford AT
Published: May 2020

We present a rare case of primary colorectal linitis plastica presenting as an acute admission to hospital with a wide range of systemic symptoms, sudden rapid deterioration and subsequent mortality. A postmortem examination revealed a primary linitis plastica of the colon and rectum with diffuse metastatic disease. To our knowledge, this is the first report of primary colorectal linitis plastica presenting as an acute deterioration as a result of extensive metastatic disease.
The case processing of intimate partner sexual assault: a brief review and recommendations for future research
Authors: O’Neal Eryn Nicole , Hayes Brittany E.
Published: May 2020

Research examining legal responses to violence against women has historically dichotomised sexual assault and intimate partner violence, leaving unanswered questions regarding criminal justice responses to intimate partner violence incidents that involve sexual violence. Although research has examined whether cases involving partners, acquaintances or strangers are handled differently, few scholars consider the specific factors that undermine intimate partner sexual assault case processing. The current article guides future intimate partner sexual assault case-processing research with the hopes of filling this research void. Understanding intimate partner sexual assault case processing is necessary so that police, prosecutors and practitioners can use research-based approaches to increase victim satisfaction and decrease attrition.
“We Kind of Met In‐Between”: A Qualitative Analysis of Young Couples’ Relationship Dynamics and Negotiations About Pregnancy Intentions
Authors: Arteaga Stephanie , Downey Margaret Mary , Freihart Bridget , Gómez Anu Manchikanti
Published: May 2020

CONTEXT

The literature on reproductive decision making often focuses on women and neglects the role of men and the importance of relationship context. Research with couples is vital to understanding joint decision making regarding having children at various stages of a couple's relationship and an individual's life course.

METHODS

In‐depth, individual interviews were conducted with a socioeconomically, racially and ethnically diverse sample of 50 young heterosexual women and their male partners in northern California in 2015–2016. A dyadic, thematic analytic approach was used to examine whether and how prospective pregnancy intentions and current pregnancy desires are negotiated at the couple level, and how relationship dynamics influence any negotiation and decision‐making processes.

RESULTS

Twenty‐three couples described engaging in joint pregnancy decision making, which required purposeful communication and, for some, compromise and acceptance. For nearly all of these couples, these processes led to aligned prospective pregnancy intentions, even when current pregnancy desires differed. The remaining 27 couples described individual pregnancy decision‐making processes; many respondents reported intentions that aligned with their partner's by happenstance, despite some respondents having avoided communicating their desires to their partner. Some of these couples faced relationship difficulties, including poor communication, leading some participants to misinterpret or be unaware of their partner's pregnancy intentions and desires.

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship context is important in the formulation of prospective pregnancy intentions among young people. Counseling protocols, interventions and policies that attend to the complex factors that influence young couples’ pregnancy decision making are needed to better help couples attain their reproductive goals.
Mueller matrix cone and its application to filtering
Authors: Zander Tim , Beyerer Juergen
Published: May 2020

We show that there is an isometry between the real ambient space of all Mueller matrices and the space of all Hermitian matrices that maps the Mueller matrices onto the positive semidefinite matrices. We use this to establish an optimality result for the filtering of Mueller matrices, which roughly says that it is always enough to filter the eigenvalues of the corresponding “coherency matrix.” Then we further explain how the knowledge of the cone of Hermitian positive semidefinite matrices can be transferred to the cone of Mueller matrices with a special emphasis towards optimisation. In particular, we suggest that means of Mueller matrices should be computed within the corresponding Riemannian geometry.
Innovative business development: identifying and supporting future radical innovators
Authors: Schmidt Sina , von der Oelsnitz Dietrich
Published: May 2020

As the corporate environment becomes more volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous, companies are challenged to simultaneously adapt to multiple scenarios, develop radical innovations and destroy past successes. This flexible, i.e. agile and user-oriented, exploration must be ensured by exploiting already established efficiencies ("ambidextry"). However, most German SMEs do not engage in both radical and evolutionary innovations. Therefore, they tend to be disrupted. By investigating existing models regarding vuca-resilience and the development of radical innovations it was found that no practical guideline exists that provides established companies with VUCA-foresight in order to collaborate with radical innovators and thus achieve ambidextry. In order to close that gap, experts of five German companies were interviewed regarding their company’s innovation behaviour. Based on the interviews as well as scientific approaches regarding VUCA-resilience and the development of radical innovations a ten-step guideline has been derived. The success of the model has been proofed by three German SMEs that initially pushed little or no radical innovation and subsequently even founded their own company builders. Since this paper only shows the ideal way for established companies to achieve ambidextry with the help of radical innovators, further research is needed to provide solutions for non-ideal cases. Additional validation can be achieved in which the model is not only validated by German SMEs, but also by companies of other sizes and countries.
Hijab and modesty: Muslim religious identity expression among Egyptian women in the United States
Authors: Shaheen Manal , Hwang Chanmi
Published: May 2020

This study explored the symbolic meaning of modest dress, generally referred to as hijab, to Egyptian Muslim women living in the United States. In the diaspora, women need to integrate the requirements for religious modesty when shopping for western apparel that is not designed to align with their values of modesty. Face-to-face, in-depth interviews with photo-elicitation were conducted with ten veiled Muslim women to explore the symbolic meaning of hijab and their views on modest clothing as it relates to religiosity. Three themes surfaced as the participants discussed their experiences: (1) intrinsic and extrinsic values of hijab – adapting to US norms, (2) the accessibility and attributes of modest clothing and (3) defining modest hijab based on religiosity – three types. The findings of this study may help non-Muslims understand the symbolic message of hijab and the different types of modest clothing related to religiosity.
The politics of clothing in postcolonial Indian democracy
Authors: Kannangara Nisar
Published: May 2020

Since colonial times, clothing has had a phenomenal and perhaps complex political implication in Indian politics. The political leaders Mahatma Gandhi, B. R. Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru and others had used their attire to exhibit their politics and ideology. In postcolonial India, the ideological battle between different political parties and the various ideological movements have often used clothing as one of the most effective medium to express their loyalty, identity and differences. However, the politics of clothing, its colours and the style of wearing in the democratic Indian context have received little academic attention. This article attempts to explore some aspects of clothing in postcolonial Indian democracy through an in-depth study. The researcher engages in an ethnographic investigation to understand the ways in which different political ideologies are exhibited through clothing and how it is used to display their political identity in public spaces. The article argues that beyond a system of governance, democracy contributes to shaping people’s imagination of clothing, create meaning for specific colours, style of wearing and pave the way for physical and symbolic forms of violence and conflict.
Mothering the state: Ecuadorian migrant mothers in the United Kingdom
Authors: Roitman Karem
Published: May 2020

Women, as immigrant mothers, embody the creation of new identities that drink from distant roots but must survive in the present land. This article investigates the experience of Ecuadorian women who have become mothers in the United Kingdom, seeking to understand how they conceptualize their identity as Ecuadorians and whether and how they are relaying and nurturing this identity in their children. The article’s analysis is based upon semi-structured, extended interviews with several Ecuadorian women in southern England, with a focus upon the individual experiences of these women as migrants; how they experienced their changing identity as they entered motherhood; how they straddled two cultures as their children grew in Europe; how they understand themselves and their children as Ecuadorian; and how they see Ecuador from the perspective of immigrant mothers. Delving into discussions of the gendered creation of national identities, this article also explores how immigrant mothers birth the state through narratives and memories and seeks to understand how these narratives have been affected by migration and acculturation.
The (re)construction of identity: Representation of migrant Ecuadorians in La utopía de Madrid (‘The utopia of Madrid’)
Authors: Masala-Martínez Francesco
Published: May 2020

This article analyses the representation of Ecuadorians in Spain during the first decade of the twenty-first century as reflected in the novel La utopía de Madrid (‘The utopia of Madrid’) by Carlos Carrión. Following the theories developed by Erik Erikson about identity and the psychosocial stages, and Stuart Hall and Paul Du Gay about the construction of identities, this work explores the representation of Ecuadorians using the voice of Lucy, the main character of the novel. Her experience, based on a true story, exposes a troubled reality that highlights the several cases of discrimination against this population in which they were (and still are) verbally and physically attacked based on their ethnicity. Additionally, it shows how the Ecuadorian identity changes and evolves, congruent with Erikson’s stages of development.
Willard Van Omar Quine e a naturalização da epistemologia: aproximações com o legado de Dewey
Authors: Do Nascimento Edna Maria Magalhães
Published: May 2020

Este estudo resulta de uma investigação sobre as aproximações teóricas entre o pensamento de Willard Van Omar Quine (1908-‑2000) e o pragmatismo filosófico de John Dewey (1859-‑1952). O enfoque desta abordagem é a concepção naturalista e realista de conhecimento desenvolvida por estes dois teóricos. Busca-‑se compreender as conexões conceituais presentes na epistemologia de ambos, sobretudo, as referências de Quine a um empirismo radical e sem dogmas. O critério de análise comparatória será as seguintes teses: a ruptura com a filosofia apriorística, o naturalismo realista, a crítica aos dogmas do empirismo, a defesa do holismo como alternativa à visão tradicional do conhecimento.
Exposição metafísica do espaço­‑tempo imaginários em Pedro da Fonseca e Manuel de Góis
Authors: De Carvalho Mário Santiago
Published: May 2020

Sem querer ser uma aproximação histórica e cultural ao tema indicado no título, este artigo visa discutir o seu quadro metafísico (de uma scientia transcendens e da resolutio) a fim de, em diálogo com uma interpretação de Miguel B. Pereira, fazer repercutir tal quadro mais na linhagem futura da análise leibniziana e menos na do apriori kantiano.
100 anys de Pompeu Fabra
Authors: Guardiola i Savall Maria Isabel , Martínez Martínez Caterina
Published: May 2020

Introducció del número 10 de la revista Ítaca.
Descripció i prescripció en la Gramàtica catalana de Fabra (1918) i en la Gramàtica de la Llengua Catalana de l’IEC (2016)
Authors: Dols Salas Nicolau
Published: May 2020

L’aparició de la Gramàtica de la Llengua Catalana (2016), de l’Institut d’Estudis Catalans, ha fet sorgir un debat sobre els límits de la descripció i la prescripció gramaticals. En el fons, es tracta de decidir si la competència dels parlants ha de ser dirigida externament o si, per contra, ha de constituir la base natural de la prescripció. Aquest article aprofita la proposta de Myhill (2004) sobre els factors subjacents de la normativa —autoritat instituïda, respecte pels texts antics, i prestigi d’un grup social— per a analitzar la pràctica prescriptiva en la Gramàtica catalana de Fabra (1918) i en la gramàtica normativa vigent de l’Institut d’Estudis Catalans. La voluntat fabriana de basar la normativa gramatical en la competència dels parlants més que no en els texts antics, només usats secundàriament, xoca amb una certa fossilització de la concepció normativa d’alguns crítics de la Gramàtica de la Llengua Catalana (2016), més proclius a un model gramatical d’autoritat prescriptiva explícita. Els arguments a favor d’aquesta darrera posició es basen en una percepció de decliu de la competència dels parlants, que es pot arribar a negar a les generacions més joves. S’il·lustren casos clars d’orientació descriptiva en la Gramàtica catalana de 1918, no només com a constatació de com és el català, sinó també d’aspectes sense consens clar entre els parlants —ús de en i al davant infinitiu— a l’espera de la determinació social d’una preferència. També s’analitzen la tècnica prescriptiva de la Gramàtica de la llengua catalana, amb determinació de quatre fórmules prescriptives, una de les quals («s’evita», i no pas «cal evitar») pot analitzar-se com a reconeixement de la capacitat del parlant per navegar entre els nivells de formalitat a què té accés.
Ressenya del monòleg Pompeu Fabra: jugada mestra!
Authors: Picó Carbonell Lliris
Published: May 2020

Ressenya del monòleg Pompeu Fabra: jugada mestra!
Doble aneuploidia 48, Xxy, +21 en células de líquido amniótico a las 16 semanas de gestación
Authors: Prieto Andrea Carolina , Torres Carolina , Jimeneza Daniel , Ramireza Lev , Celis Luis Gustavo , Fernández Isabel
Published: May 2020

El síndrome de Down y el síndrome de Klinefelter son los trastornos más comunes de los cromosomas autosómicos y sexuales respectivamente. Sin embargo, la existencia de las dos anormalidades en un mismo individuo es una anomalía poco frecuente. Este artículo tiene como objetivo documentar un caso de doble aneuploidía: síndrome de Down-Klinefelter; así mismo, realizar una revisión sistemática de la alteración, factores relacionados y las manifestaciones frecuentemente presentadas. Aquí se presenta el caso de unapaciente de 39 años con embarazo de 16 semanas de gestación con alto riesgo por edad materna avanzada y con antecedente de síndrome de Down por línea paterna; a quien se le indica amniocentesis para realización de cariotipo y se obtiene un resultado de 48, XXY, + 21 [20]. Agregado a esto, se realiza asesoramiento genético a los padres, no obstante, se pierde la gestación espontáneamente en la semana 20.

Según la literatura, la doble aneuploidía Down-Klinefelter está estrechamente relacionada a la edad materna como principal factor de riesgo. Además, se menciona un solapamiento de las condiciones; normalmente, son predominantes las características fenotípicas del síndrome de Down. Finalmente, será fundamental realizar un cariotipo en cualquier paciente que presente síndrome de Down, para verificar que no exista asociación a otros síndromes y un acompañamiento durante la vida será de gran importancia
Consenso colombiano para el seguimiento de pacientes con Distrofia muscular de Duchenne
Authors: Muñoz Rivas Maritza , Castellar Leones Sandra Milena , Ruiz Ospina Edicson , Chaustre Ruiz Diego M. , Camacho Echeverri Rogelio , Miño Arango Maria Eugenia , Rodríguez Blanca Doris , Tavera Saldaña Lina Marcela , Guerrero Pilar , Piñeros Martha , Cabrera Hemer Dagoberto , Prieto Juan Carlos , Rodríguez Asid , Gómez Martha , Rivera Carolina , Galvez Marcela , Contreras García Gustavo , Ospina Sandra , Mora Lina , Moreno Lina , Satizábal Soto José María , Soto Peña Diana Pilar , Huertas Quiñoñes Manuel , Jurado Jenny , Nossa Sergio , Palacios Ximena , Guarnizo Pilar , Castaño Luz Helena , Garcia Mary
Published: May 2020

La distrofia muscular de Duchenne (DMD) es la miopatía más común en niños, de herencia recesiva ligada al cromosoma X y causada por mutaciones en el gen DMD (Xp21.2). Se caracteriza por atrofia y debilidad muscular progresiva, con consecuentes complicaciones musculoesqueléticas, respiratorias y cardíacas, entre otras. Considerando la alta prevalenciade esta condición (prevalencia mundial 0.5 por cada 10 000 hombres) (1,2) y la importancia del manejo multidisciplinar para el diagnóstico oportuno y el manejo adecuado de los pacientes, se realiza un consenso interdisciplinario de expertos para proponer recomendaciones para el diagnóstico y seguimiento de los pacientes colombianos con DMD
Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Patient With Hepatic Steatosis
Authors: Romano John , Forster Erin
Published: May 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has historically developed in the setting of known risk factors—chronic liver disease from viral hepatitis and cirrhosis. In the absence of a risk factor, the development of HCC was rare. However, the increasing prevalence of nonalcoholic liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, the paradigm is shifting. Currently, no HCC screening guidelines exist for these patients. We report a 30-year-old man with a medical history of treated nonseminomatous germ cell testicular cancer who presented with asymptomatic transaminitis. Subsequent workup was notable for a 1.6-cm liver lesion. The patient underwent a left lobe wedge resection with pathology demonstrating a well-differentiated HCC in a background of hepatic steatosis.
Creep Response of Rotating Composite Discs having Exponential Hyperbolic Linear and Constant Thickness Profiles
Authors: Singh Rajinder , Saxena Ravindra K. , Khanna Kishore , Gupta V. K.
Published: May 2020

The study compares the steady state creep response of rotating Al-SiC discs having constant, linear, hyperbolic and exponential thickness with different thickness profiles. All the discs are assumed to have equal volume with the same average thickness. The creep behaviour of the disc material is described by threshold stress based law while the yielding is assumed to follow Tresca criterion. The variable thickness disc is observed to have superior creep response, expressed in terms of stresses and strain rates, to a constant thickness disc. Amongst variable thickness discs, the creep response is observed to be superior for linear thickness disc, when the inner thickness of all the discs is kept the same. However, for the same outer thickness, the disc having hyperbolic thickness profile exhibits the best creep response.
Using Evolutionary Algorithms for the Scheduling of Aircrew on Airborne Early Warning and Control System
Authors: Ünal Hamit Taner , Başçiftçi Fatih
Published: May 2020

Equipped with an advanced radar and other electronic systems mounted on its body, Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AWACS) enables the airspace to be monitored from medium to long distances and facilitates effective control of friendly aircraft. To operate the complex equipment and fulfill its critical functions, AWACS has a specialised flight and mission crew, all of whom are extensively trained in their respective roles. For mission accomplishment and effective use of resources, tasks should be scheduled, and individuals should be assigned to missions appropriately. In this paper, we implemented evolutionary algorithms for scheduling aircrew on AWACS and propose a novel approach using Genetic Algorithms (GA) with a special encoding strategy and modified genetic operations tailored to the problem. The objective is to assign aircrew to various AWACS tasks such as flights, simulator sessions, ground training classes and other squadron duties while aiming to maximise combat readiness and minimise operational costs. The presented approach is applied to several test instances consisting notional weekly schedules of Turkish Boeing 737 AEW&C Peace Eagle AWACS Base, generated similar to real-world examples. To test the algorithm and evaluate solution performance, experiments have been conducted on a novel scheduling software called AWACS Crew Scheduling (ACS), developed as a test bed. Computational results reveal that presented GA approach proves to be quite successful in solving the AWACS Crew Scheduling Problem and exhibits superior performance when compared to manual methods.