bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative studies on the histological characteristics of equine nasomaxillary aperture and paranasal sinus mucosa considering topographic and age-related differences
Authors: Schwieder Alexander , Pfarrer Christiane , Ohnesorge Bernhard , Staszyk Carsten , Bienert-Zeit Astrid
Published: June 2020

Background

Horses may acquire a range of paranasal sinus diseases. Clinical studies show slight differences regarding anatomical regions and age. Histopathological examination of tissue samples could play an important role in the diagnostic process. Therefore, detailed knowledge of the histological appearance of the paranasal sinus mucosa (PSM) and the nasomaxillary aperture mucosa (NAM) is essential. The objective of this study was to determine topographic and age-related differences within the healthy equine PSM. In addition, we aimed to gain detailed knowledge of the histological appearance of the NAM in comparison to the PSM.

Results

The PSM had an average height of 75.72 ± 44.48 μm with a two-row pseudostratified columnar epithelium of 13.52 ± 4.78 μm. The parameters mucosal height, epithelial height and number of goblet cells revealed significant dependency of the sample site and age group. The maxillary and dorsal conchal sinus showed the highest values for these parameters. In terms of age, younger horses showed a significantly higher total mucosal height in contrast to a significantly lower epithelial height than older horses. Positive correlation was seen between the epithelial height and number of goblet cells. The NAM had an average height of 820.27 ± 653.21 μm. Its pseudostratified epithelium was usually arranged in three rows and had an average height of 44.9 ± 12.78 μm. The number of goblet cells in the NAM was five times higher than in the PSM. Serous glands were found in only 4% of the PSM samples and 100% of the NAM samples.

Conclusions

There are significant histological differences between different paranasal sinus sites and between different groups of age. This may be related to an altered susceptibility for certain pathologies. The striking difference in the histological appearance of the NAM compared to the PSM could be due to an enhanced role in mucociliary clearance. Further studies are necessary to improve the understanding of mucosal function in specific paranasal sinus compartments and mucosal changes generated by different diseases.
Measuring the psychosocial, biological, and cognitive signatures of profound stress in humanitarian settings: impacts, challenges, and strategies in the field
Authors: Panter-Brick Catherine , Eggerman Mark , Ager Alastair , Hadfield Kristin , Dajani Rana
Published: June 2020

Background

Evidence of ‘what works’ in humanitarian programming is important for addressing the disruptive consequences of conflict and forced displacement. However, collecting robust scientific evidence, and ensuring contextual relevance, is challenging. We measured the biological, psychosocial, and cognitive impacts of a structured psychosocial intervention, implemented by Mercy Corps with Syrian refugees and Jordanian host-community youth. In this paper, we present a case analysis of this evaluation study and reflect on the scientific contributions of the work, the challenges experienced in its delivery, and the strategies deployed to address them.

Discussion

We identified challenges with respect to study design, methods, and dissemination: these included the logistics and acceptability of implementing a randomized controlled trial in a humanitarian context, the selection and refinement of culturally-relevant research tools and community-based practices, and the dissemination of results to multiple stakeholders. We demonstrated beneficial and sustained impacts on self-reports of insecurity, stress, and mental health; developed a reliable and culturally-relevant measure of resilience; experimentally tested cognitive skills; and showed that levels of cortisol, a biomarker of chronic stress, reduced by one third in response to intervention. Using stress biomarkers offered proof-of-concept evidence, beyond self-reported data: interventions targeting mental health and psychosocial wellbeing can regulate physiological stress in the body as well as improve self-reported mental health and wellbeing. We built constructive dialogue between local communities, scholars, humanitarian practitioners, and policy-makers.

Conclusions

Our work shows the value of rigorous research in humanitarian settings, emphasizing relevance for local communities and meaningful ways to build research ownership. Findings encourage the adoption of cognitive measures and stress biomarkers alongside self-report surveys in evaluating programme impacts. High-quality scientific research with youth can be feasible, useful, and ethical in humanitarian settings.
Correction to: How to measure blood pressure using an arterial catheter: a systematic 5-step approach
Authors: Saugel Bernd , Kouz Karim , Meidert Agnes S. , Schulte-Uentrop Leonie , Romagnoli Stefano
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Efficacy of a short-term residential smoking cessation therapy versus standard outpatient group therapy (‘START-Study’): study protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dickreuter Jonas , Schmoor Claudia , Bengel Jürgen , Jähne Andreas , Leifert Jens A.
Published: June 2020

Background

In Germany, evidence-based outpatient smoking cessation therapies are widely available. Long-term abstinence rates, however, are limited. Studies suggest that short-term residential therapy enables a higher level of environmental control, more intense contact and greater support among patients and from therapists, which could result in higher abstinence rates. The aim of the current START-study is to investigate the long-term efficacy of a short-term residential therapy exclusively for smoking cessation, conducted by a mobile team of expert therapists.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial (RCT) is conducted to examine the efficacy of residential behavior therapeutic smoking cessation therapy compared to standard outpatient behavior therapeutic smoking cessation group therapy. Adult smokers consuming 10 or more cigarettes per day, who are willing to stop smoking, are randomized in a ratio of 1:1 between therapy groups. The primary endpoint is sustained abstinence for 6-month and 12-month periods. Secondary endpoints include smoking status after therapy, 7-day point abstinence after the 6-month and 12-month follow-ups, level of physical dependence, cost-effectiveness, use of nicotine replacement products, health-related quality of life, self-efficacy expectation for tobacco abstinence, motivational and volitional determinants of behavior change, self-reported depressive symptom severity, adverse events and possible side effects. Assessments will take place at baseline, post-therapy, and at 6-month and 12-month intervals after smoking cessation.

Discussion

There is a high demand for long-term effective smoking cessation therapies. This study represents the first prospective RCT to examine the long-term efficacy of a residential smoking cessation therapy program compared to standard outpatient group therapy as an active control condition. The residential therapeutic concept may serve as a new model to substantially enhance future cessation therapies and improve the understanding of therapeutic impact factors on tobacco abstinence. Utilizing a mobile team, the model could be applied efficiently to medical centers that do not have permanent and trained personnel for smoking cessation at their disposal.

Trial registration

German Register for Clinical Trials (Deutsches Register für Klinische Studien),DRKS00013466. Retrospectively registered on 1 April 2019.https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=start.
Evaluating hearing performance with cochlear implants within the same patient using daily randomization and imaging-based fitting - The ELEPHANT study
Authors: Lambriks L. J. G. , van Hoof M. , Debruyne J. A. , Janssen M. , Chalupper J. , van der Heijden K. A. , Hof J. R. , Hellingman C. A. , George E. L. J. , Devocht E. M. J.
Published: June 2020

Background

Prospective research in the field of cochlear implants is hampered by methodological issues and small sample sizes. The ELEPHANT study presents an alternative clinical trial design with a daily randomized approach evaluating individualized tonotopical fitting of a cochlear implant (CI).

Methods

A single-blinded, daily-randomized clinical trial will be implemented to evaluate a new imaging-based CI mapping strategy. A minimum of 20 participants will be included from the start of the rehabilitation process with a 1-year follow-up period. Based on a post-operative cone beam CT scan (CBCT), mapping of electrical input will be aligned to natural place-pitch arrangement in the individual cochlea. The CI’s frequency allocation table will be adjusted to match the electrical stimulation of frequencies as closely as possible to corresponding acoustic locations in the cochlea. A randomization scheme will be implemented whereby the participant, blinded to the intervention allocation, crosses over between the experimental and standard fitting program on a daily basis, and thus effectively acts as his own control, followed by a period of free choice between both maps to incorporate patient preference. With this new approach the occurrence of a first-order carryover effect and a limited sample size is addressed.

Discussion

The experimental fitting strategy is thought to give rise to a steeper learning curve, result in better performance in challenging listening situations, improve sound quality, better complement residual acoustic hearing in the contralateral ear and be preferred by recipients of a CI. Concurrently, the suitability of the novel trial design will be considered in investigating these hypotheses.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT03892941. Registered 27 March 2019.
Trypanosome infections in naturally infected horses and donkeys of three active sleeping sickness foci in the south of Chad
Authors: Vourchakbé Joël , Tiofack Arnol Auvaker Z. , Mbida Mpoame , Simo Gustave
Published: June 2020

Background

Equine trypanosomiases are complex infectious diseases with overlapping clinical signs defined by their mode of transmission. Despite their economic impacts, these diseases have been neglected by the scientific community, the veterinary authorities and regulatory organizations. To fill the observed knowledge gap, we undertook the identification of different trypanosome species and subspecies naturally infecting horses and donkeys within the Chadian sleeping sickness focus. The objective of the study was to investigate the potential role of these domestic animals as reservoirs of the human-infective Trypanosoma brucei gambiense.

Method

Blood samples were collected from 155 donkeys and 131 horses in three human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) foci in Chad. Rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and capillary tube centrifugation (CTC) test were used to search for trypanosome infections. DNA was extracted from each blood sample and different trypanosome species and subspecies were identified with molecular tools.

Results

From 286 blood samples collected, 54 (18.9%) and 36 (12.6%) were positive for RDT and CTC, respectively. PCR revealed 101 (35.3%) animals with trypanosome infections. The Cohen’s kappa coefficient used to evaluate the concordance between the diagnostic methods were low; ranging from 0.09 ± 0.05 to 0.48 ± 0.07. Trypanosomes of the subgenus Trypanozoon were the most prevalent (29.4%), followed by T. congolense forest (11.5%), Trypanosoma congolense savannah (4.9%) and Trypanosoma vivax (4.5%). Two donkeys and one horse from the Maro HAT focus were found with T. b. gambiense infections. No significant differences were observed in the infection rates of different trypanosomes between animal species and HAT foci.

Conclusions

This study revealed several trypanosome species and subspecies in donkeys and horses, highlighting the existence of AAT in HAT foci in Chad. The identification of T. b. gambiense in donkeys and horses suggests considering these animals as potential reservoir for HAT in Chad. The presence of both human-infective and human non-infective trypanosomes species highlights the need for developing joint control strategies for HAT and AAT.
An integrative Bayesian network approach to highlight key drivers in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Maleknia Samaneh , Salehi Zahra , Rezaei Tabar Vahid , Sharifi-Zarchi Ali , Kavousi Kaveh
Published: June 2020

Background

A comprehensive intuition of the systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as a complex and multifactorial disease, is a biological challenge. Dealing with this challenge needs employing sophisticated bioinformatics algorithms to discover the unknown aspects. This study aimed to underscore key molecular characteristics of SLE pathogenesis, which may serve as effective targets for therapeutic intervention.

Methods

In the present study, the human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) microarray datasets (n = 6), generated by three platforms, which included SLE patients (n = 220) and healthy control samples (n = 135) were collected. Across each platform, we integrated the datasets by cross-platform normalization (CPN). Subsequently, through BNrich method, the structures of Bayesian networks (BNs) were extracted from KEGG-indexed SLE, TCR, and BCR signaling pathways; the values of the node (gene) and edge (intergenic relationships) parameters were estimated within each integrated datasets. Parameters with the FDR < 0.05 were considered significant. Finally, a mixture model was performed to decipher the signaling pathway alterations in the SLE patients compared to healthy controls.

Results

In the SLE signaling pathway, we identified the dysregulation of several nodes involved in the (1) clearance mechanism (SSB, MACROH2A2, TRIM21, H2AX, and C1Q gene family), (2) autoantigen presentation by MHCII (HLA gene family, CD80, IL10, TNF, and CD86), and (3) end-organ damage (FCGR1A, ELANE, and FCGR2A). As a remarkable finding, we demonstrated significant perturbation in CD80 and CD86 to CD28, CD40LG to CD40, C1QA and C1R to C2, and C1S to C4A edges. Moreover, we not only replicated previous studies regarding alterations of subnetworks involved in TCR and BCR signaling pathways (PI3K/AKT, MAPK, VAV gene family, AP-1 transcription factor) but also distinguished several significant edges between genes (PPP3 to NFATC gene families). Our findings unprecedentedly showed that different parameter values assign to the same node based on the pathway topology (the PIK3CB parameter values were 1.7 in TCR vs − 0.5 in BCR signaling pathway).

Conclusions

Applying the BNrich as a hybridized network construction method, we highlight under-appreciated systemic alterations of SLE, TCR, and BCR signaling pathways in SLE. Consequently, having such a systems biology approach opens new insights into the context of multifactorial disorders.
Immunohistochemical expression of interleukin-17 and hormonal receptors in benign and malignant breast lesions
Authors: Ali Eman Taha , Masri Mai Abdulrahman Mohammed , Siddig Emmanuel Edwar , Ahmed Ayman , Muneer Mohamed S. , Mohamed Nouh Saad , Edris Ali Mahmoud Mohammed
Published: June 2020

Objectives

IL17 is a critical pro-inflammatory cytokine that is involved in inflammation, multidrug resistance and growth persistence pathways in cancer. This study is aiming at studying the expression of IL17 and hormonal receptors expression in benign and malignant breast lesions using immunohistochemical staining methods.

Results

A total of 137 cases of breast lesions were studied, 97 (70.8%) were malignant and 40 (29.2%) were benign cases. Age range for malignant and benign cases were between 26 and 80 years [mean age 50 ± 2 years], and 20 to 70 years [mean age 41 ± 4 years], respectively, Odds ratio = 2.3 [1.78–1.99, 95% CI]. The majority of the histopathological diagnosis of the benign and malignant lesions were 21 (15.3%) fibro-adenomas and 87 (63.5%) invasive ductal carcinoma, respectively. Expression of IL17 and age were insignificantly negatively correlated for both groups; benign cases [r = − 0.054, P value 0.742] and malignant cases [r = − 0.080, P value 0.444]. IL17 expression was showing insignificant association with age group, P value 0.065. IL17 expression showed a statistical significance based on the different histopathological diagnosis, P value 0.035. Expression levels of estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal receptors were showing insignificant difference among IL17 expression categories, P values 0.678, 0.623, and 0.361, respectively.
Immunoglobulin M (IgM) multiple myeloma versus Waldenström macroglobulinemia: diagnostic challenges and therapeutic options: two case reports
Authors: Elba Simona , Castellino Alessia , Soriasio Roberto , Castellino Claudia , Bonferroni Margherita , Mattei Daniele , Strola Giuliana , Drandi Daniela , Mordini Nicola , Foglietta Miriam , Rapezzi Davide , Celeghini Ivana , Grasso Mariella , Giordano Fabrizio , Fraternali Orcioni Giulio , Massaia Massimo
Published: June 2020

Background

Immunoglobulin M multiple myeloma and Waldenström macroglobulinemia are two different hematological diseases with the common finding of an immunoglobulin M monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance. However, clinical characteristics of the two entities can overlap.

Case presentation

In this report, we describe two cases of immunoglobulin M neoplasm with the same histological bone marrow presentation but with different clinical behavior, cytogenetics, and biological assessment. On the basis of comprehensive diagnostic workup, these patients were considered to have different diseases and treated accordingly with different approaches. Patient 1 (Caucasian man) presented with increased serum protein and immunoglobulin M (7665 mg/L) with an M-spike electrophoresis of 4600 mg/L. His bone marrow biopsy revealed a small-cell immunoglobulin M multiple myeloma. The result of testing for the MYD88 L265P mutation was negative, while fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis showed translocation t(11,14). A diagnosis of immunoglobulin M-κ multiple myeloma was made. Patient 1 was a candidate for bortezomib plus thalidomide and dexamethasone, followed by autologous stem cell transplant consolidation. Patient 2 (Caucasian man) showed an M-spike by protein electrophoresis (300 mg/L, 4.9%), with serum immunoglobulin M level of 327 mg/L. His bone marrow biopsy revealed immunoglobulin M-κ multiple myeloma. Computed tomography showed many enlarged lymph nodes and splenomegaly. Patient 2’s clinical features were suggestive of Waldenström macroglobulinemia, in contrast to the bone marrow biopsy results. The result of testing for the MYD88 L265P mutation was positive. Patient 2 was diagnosed with Waldenström macroglobulinemia and received rituximab, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone.

Conclusions

A correct differential diagnosis between immunoglobulin M multiple myeloma and Waldenström macroglobulinemia is a critical point in the setting of a new immunoglobulin M monoclonal gammopathy onset. These patients should undergo a complete diagnostic workup with pathological, radiological, and serological examinations to establish the diagnosis and plan the most appropriate treatment in order to improve the prognosis.
The African wildlife ontology tutorial ontologies
Authors: Keet C. Maria
Published: June 2020

Background

Most tutorial ontologies focus on illustrating one aspect of ontology development, notably language features and automated reasoners, but ignore ontology development factors, such as emergent modelling guidelines and ontological principles. Yet, novices replicate examples from the exercise they carry out. Not providing good examples holistically causes the propagation of sub-optimal ontology development, which may negatively affect the quality of a real domain ontology.

Results

We identified 22 requirements that a good tutorial ontology should satisfy regarding subject domain, logics and reasoning, and engineering aspects. We developed a set of ontologies about African Wildlife to serve as tutorial ontologies. A majority of the requirements have been met with the set of African Wildlife Ontology tutorial ontologies, which are introduced in this paper. The African Wildlife Ontology is mature and has been used yearly in an ontology engineering course or tutorial since 2010 and is included in a recent ontology engineering textbook with relevant examples and exercises.

Conclusion

The African Wildlife Ontology provides a wide range of options concerning examples and exercises for ontology engineering well beyond illustrating just language features and automated reasoning. It assists in demonstrating tasks concerning ontology quality, such as alignment to a foundational ontology and satisfying competency questions, versioning, and multilingual ontologies.
Dynamic Properties of Strain-Hardening Cementitious Composite Reinforced with Basalt and Steel Fibers
Authors: Zhang Na , Zhou Jian , Ma Guo-wei
Published: June 2020

Strain-hardening cementitious composites (SHCCs) reinforced with both basalt and steel fibers are expected to possess the advantages of both fiber materials and exhibit desirable mechanical properties. In this study, we experimentally investigated the dynamic mechanical properties of an SHCC reinforced with inorganic fibers of basalt and steel for different strain rates (101 to 102 s−1) using a 50-mm-diameter Split-Hopkinson pressure bar. The effects of the strain rate on the dynamic compressive strength and dynamic splitting strength as well as the dynamic increase factor and energy absorption characteristics of the SHCC were analyzed. The results showed that all the mechanical indices increased with an increase in the strain rate. The dynamic increase factors of the compressive strength and splitting strength increased linearly with the decimal logarithm of the strain rate. Further, the addition of the basalt and steel fibers resulted in a significant increase in the strain-rate sensitivity of the dynamic mechanical behavior of the SHCC, with the effect of the steel fibers being more pronounced than that of the basalt fibers. Although the basalt and steel fibers had varying effects on the strain-rate sensitivity of the dynamic mechanical behavior of the SHCC based on the fiber content, there were significant positive correlations between the type and content of the fibers used and the strain-rate sensitivity.
The impact of US sugar prices on the financial performance of US sugar-using firms
Authors: Trejo-Pech Carlos J. O. , DeLong Karen L. , Lambert Dayton M. , Siokos Vasileios
Published: June 2020

The effect of the United States (US) sugar program on sugar-using firm profitability from 2000 to 2017 is examined using firm financial data and the relative US-to-world sugar price ratio. Return on assets and market-to-book ratio proxy for firm financial performance. The regression results provide statistical evidence that as the US sugar price increases relative to the world sugar price, sugar-using firm financial performance improves. This is likely a result of sugar-using firms passing higher sugar costs on to consumers. An ex post analysis indicates that the statistical tests have adequate power. Findings provide guidelines for future analyses investigating the relationship between the US sugar program and sugar-using firm financial performance.
Allonymous science: the politics of placing and shifting credit in public-private nutrition research
Authors: Penders Bart , Lutz Peter , Shaw David M. , Townend David M. R.
Published: June 2020

Ideally, guidelines reflect an accepted position with respect to matters of concern, ranging from clinical practices to researcher behaviour. Upon close reading, authorship guidelines reserve authorship attribution to individuals fully or almost fully embedded in particular studies, including design or execution as well as significant involvement in the writing process. These requirements prescribe an organisation of scientific work in which this embedding is specifically enabled. Drawing from interviews with nutrition scientists at universities and in the food industry, we demonstrate that the organisation of research labour can deviate significantly from such prescriptions. The organisation of labour, regardless of its content, then, has consequences for who qualifies as an author. The fact that fewer food industry employees qualify is actively used by the food industry to manage the credibility and ownership of their knowledge claims as allonymous science: the attribution of science assisted by authorship guidelines blind to all but one organisational frame.
MRI features predict microvascular invasion in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Ma Xijuan , Liu Liheng , Fang Jun , Rao Shengxiang , Lv Lulu , Zeng Mengsu , Shi Yibing , Yang Chun
Published: June 2020

Background

The presence of microvascular invasion (MVI) in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a significant adverse prognostic factor. This study sought to investigate the correlation between preoperative imaging parameters and MVI in ICC.

Methods

A total of 108 patients with surgically resected single ICC tumors (34 MVI-positive and 74 MVI-negative lesions) who underwent MRI examination, including T1WI, T2WI, DWI, and dynamic enhancement imaging, were enrolled in this retrospective study. The following qualitative and quantitative characteristics were evaluated: tumor morphology, signal features on T1WI and T2WI, intrahepatic duct dilatation, hepatic capsule retraction, target sign on DWI, dynamic enhancement pattern, arterial phase enhancement pattern, dot−/band-like enhancement inside the tumor, visible vessel penetration inside the tumor (hepatic artery, portal vein, or hepatic vein), integrity of the enhancement edge of the arterial phase, peripheral hepatic enhancement, tumor size, maximum enhancement edge thickness, arterial edge enhancement ratio, and delayed phase enhancement ratio. Other clinicopathological features were also used to predict and evaluate MVI in ICC. Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and independent t-test were used for univariate analysis to determine the relationships among the presence of MVI and these MR parameters. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of MVI among these MR parameters.

Results

Among MRI characteristics, tumor morphology, intrahepatic duct dilatation, arterial phase enhancement pattern, visible hepatic artery penetration sign, maximum diameter of the tumor and the arterial phase edge enhancement ratio were correlated with MVI (P = 0.007, 0.003, 0.008, 0.000, 0.003, and 0.002, respectively). Furthermore, higher CA19–9 levels (≥37 U/ml) and pathological tumor grade III were also related to MVI (P = 0.014 and 0.004, respectively). However, multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that none of the parameters were independent risk factors for the diagnosis of MVI in ICCs.

Conclusion

For the preoperative prediction of MVI in ICC, six qualitative and quantitative data obtained on preoperative MRI, as well as one tumorigenic marker and the pathological tumor grade, were statistically significant. More research is needed to identify MR characteristics that can be used as independent risk factors.
Teaching analytics, value and tools for teacher data literacy: a systematic and tripartite approach
Authors: Ndukwe Ifeanyi Glory , Daniel Ben Kei
Published: June 2020

Teaching Analytics (TA) is a new theoretical approach, which combines teaching expertise, visual analytics and design-based research to support teacher’s diagnostic pedagogical ability to use data and evidence to improve the quality of teaching. TA is now gaining prominence because it offers enormous opportunities to the teachers. It also identifies optimal ways in which teaching performance can be enhanced. Further, TA provides a platform for teachers to use data to reflect on teaching outcome. The outcome of TA can be used to engage teachers in a meaningful dialogue to improve the quality of teaching. Arguably, teachers need to develop their teacher data literacy and data inquiry skills to learn about teaching challenges. These skills are dependent on understanding the connection between TA, LA and Learning Design (LD). Additionally, they need to understand how choices in particular pedagogues and the LD can enhance their teaching experience. In other words, teachers need to equip themselves with the knowledge necessary to understand the complexity of teaching and the learning environment. Providing teachers access to analytics associated with their teaching practice and learning outcome can improve the quality of teaching practice. This research aims to explore current TA related discussions in the literature, to provide a generic conception of the meaning and value of TA. The review was intended to inform the establishment of a framework describing the various aspects of TA and to develop a model that can enable us to gain more insights into how TA can help teachers improve teaching practices and learning outcome. The Tripartite model was adopted to carry out a comprehensive, systematic and critical analysis of the literature of TA. To understand the current state-of-the-art relating to TA, and the implications to the future, we reviewed published articles from the year 2012 to 2019. The results of this review have led to the development of a conceptual framework for TA and established the boundaries between TA and LA. From the analysis the literature, we proposed a Teaching Outcome Model (TOM) as a theoretical lens to guide teachers and researchers to engage with data relating to teaching activities, to improve the quality of teaching.
Reducing error accumulation of optimized finite-difference scheme using the minimum norm
Authors: Miao Zhongzheng , Zhang Jinhai
Published: June 2020

The finite-difference (FD) scheme is popular in the field of seismic exploration for numerical simulation of wave propagation; however, its accuracy and computational efficiency are restricted by the numerical dispersion caused by numerical discretization of spatial partial derivatives using coarse grids. The constant-coefficient optimization method is used widely for suppressing the numerical dispersion by tuning the FD weights. Although gaining a wider effective bandwidth under a given error tolerance, this method undoubtedly encounters larger errors at low wavenumbers and accumulates significant errors. We have developed an approach to reduce the error accumulation. First, we construct an objective function based on the [Formula: see text] norm, which can constrain the total error better than the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] norms. Second, we translated our objective function into a constrained [Formula: see text]-norm minimization model, which can be solved by the alternating direction method of multipliers. Finally, we perform theoretical analyses and numerical experiments to illustrate the accuracy improvement. The proposed method is shown to be superior to the existing constant-coefficient optimization methods at the low-wavenumber region; thus, we can obtain higher accuracy with less error accumulation, particularly at longer simulation times. The widely used objective functions, defined by the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] norms, could handle a relatively wider range of accurate wavenumbers, compared with our objective function defined by the [Formula: see text] norm, but their actual errors would be much larger than the given error tolerance at some azimuths rather than axis directions (e.g., about twice at 45°), which greatly degrade the overall numerical accuracy. In contrast, our scheme can obtain a relatively even 2D error distribution at various azimuths, with an apparently smaller error. The peak error of the proposed method is only 40%–65% that of the [Formula: see text] norm under the same error tolerance, or only 60%–80% that of the [Formula: see text] norm under the same effective bandwidth.
A new decoupling and elastic propagator for efficient elastic reverse time migration
Authors: Du Qizhen , Zhao Qiang , Li Qingqing , Fu Liyun , Sun Qifeng
Published: June 2020

Methods to decompose the elastic wavefield into compressional wave (P-wave) and shear wave (S-wave) components in heterogeneous media without wavefield distortions or energy leakage are the key issues in elastic imaging and inversion. We have introduced a decoupled P- and S-wave propagator to form an efficient elastic reverse time migration (RTM) framework, without assuming homogeneous Lamé parameters. Also, no wave-mode conversions occur using the proposed propagator in the presence of strong heterogeneities, which avoids the potential imaging artifacts caused by wave-mode conversions in the receiver-side backward extrapolation. In the proposed elastic RTM framework, the source-side forward wavefield is simulated with a P-wave propagator. The receiver-side wavefield is back extrapolated with the proposed propagator, using the recorded multicomponent seismic data as input. Compared to the conventional elastic RTM, the proposed framework reduces the computational complexity while preserving the imaging accuracy. We have determined its accuracy and efficiency using two synthetic examples.
Diabetes Telehealth Solutions: Improving Self-Management Through Remote Initiation of Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Authors: Gal Robin L , Cohen Nathan J , Kruger Davida , Beck Roy W , Bergenstal Richard M , Calhoun Peter , Cushman Terra , Haban Amanda , Hood Korey , Johnson Mary L , McArthur Teresa , Olson Beth A , Weinstock Ruth S , Oser Sean M , Oser Tamara K , Bugielski Brian , Strayer Heidi , Aleppo Grazia
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study was to evaluate feasibility of initiating continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) through telehealth as a means of expanding access. Adults with type 1 diabetes (N = 27) or type 2 diabetes using insulin (N = 7) and interest in starting CGM selected a CGM system (Dexcom G6 or Abbott FreeStyle Libre), which they received by mail. CGM was initiated with a certified diabetes care and education specialist providing instruction via videoconference or phone. The primary outcome was days per week of CGM use during the last 4 weeks. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was measured at baseline and 12 weeks. Participant self-reported outcome measures were also evaluated. All 34 participants (mean age, 46 ± 18 years; 53% female, 85% white) were using CGM at 12 weeks, with 94% using CGM at least 6 days per week during weeks 9 to 12. Mean HbA1c decreased from 8.3 ± 1.6 at baseline to 7.2 ± 1.3 at 12 weeks (P < .001) and mean time in range (70-180 mg/dL, 3.9-10.0 mmol/L) increased from an estimated 48% ± 18% to 59% ± 20% (P < .001), an increase of approximately 2.7 hours/day. Substantial benefits of CGM to quality of life were observed, with reduced diabetes distress, increased satisfaction with glucose monitoring, and fewer perceived technology barriers to management. Remote CGM initiation was successful in achieving sustained use and improving glycemic control after 12 weeks as well as improving quality-of-life indicators. If widely implemented, this telehealth approach could substantially increase the adoption of CGM and potentially improve glycemic control for people with diabetes using insulin.
Labs in the time of COVID: an early-career scientist's view
Authors: Chuang Ling-shiang
Published: June 2020

The outbreak of COVID-19 has stalled both the basic, clinical and non-COVID medical research. The scientific community has shown extraordinary flexibility and resilience in responding to the pandemic. However, funding restructuring, risk of infection, cancelation of scientific conferences and delayed experiments have already proven detrimental to the career opportunities of early-career scientists. Moreover, school closures and a lack of systematic support for childcare have been additional challenges for early- and mid-career researchers who have young children. This Editorial describes an early-career researcher's experience and highlights how after efficiently contributing to ‘flattening the curve’ of COVID-19 infections, the research community has an opportunity for growth and re-structuring.
RGS4 controls secretion of von Willebrand factor to the subendothelial matrix
Authors: Patella Francesca , Cutler Daniel F.
Published: June 2020

The haemostatic protein von Willebrand factor (VWF) exists in plasma and subendothelial pools. The plasma pools are secreted from endothelial storage granules, Weibel–Palade bodies (WPBs), by basal secretion with a contribution from agonist-stimulated secretion, and the subendothelial pool is secreted into the subendothelial matrix by a constitutive pathway not involving WPBs. We set out to determine whether the constitutive release of subendothelial VWF is actually regulated and, if so, what functional consequences this might have. Constitutive VWF secretion can be increased by a range of factors, including changes in VWF expression, levels of TNF and other environmental cues. An RNA-seq analysis revealed that expression of regulator of G protein signalling 4 (RGS4) was reduced in endothelial cells (HUVECs) grown under these conditions. siRNA RGS4 treatment of HUVECs increased constitutive basolateral secretion of VWF, probably by affecting the anterograde secretory pathway. In a simple model of endothelial damage, we show that RGS4-silenced cells increased platelet recruitment onto the subendothelial matrix under flow. These results show that changes in RGS4 expression alter levels of subendothelial VWF, affecting platelet recruitment. This introduces a novel control over VWF function.
Infectious complications of peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Polski Paweł , Kusz Monika , Pawluczuk Paulina , Maślak Agnieszka , Alzubedi Adam
Published: June 2020

Peritoneal dialysis is one of three basic methods of renal replacement therapy. Others include hemodialysis and kidney transplantation. In peritoneal dialysis, the peritoneal cavity is used to clean the blood of excess unnecessary substances and water. The peritoneum is a thin membrane permeable to water and many substances, lining the organs inside the abdominal cavity. Briefly, the peritoneum can be considered a kind of filter. When performing peritoneal dialysis, a dialysis fluid is administered to the abdominal cavity, which discharges after some time, and this activity is repeated at planned intervals. The chemical composition of the fluid is appropriately selected for each patient so as to obtain optimally favorable results of dialysis. Water diffusion depends on the concentration in the fluid of glucose and other osmotic factors. Among the infectious complications of peritoneal dialysis, including drainage site infections, tunnel inflammation and peritonitis associated with peritoneal dialysis, the latter remains the most common and serious.
Pain in cancer and psychological methods of its personalized correction
Authors: Rybin A. I. , Rybina I. P.
Published: June 2020

Physical pain can be a major component of cancer patient’s suffering but suffering itself covers much more different sides of a human being than physical manifestations and often happens in the absence of physical pain. Suffering or total pain include physical pain, social pain, psychological pain and spiritual pain, which have a mutual influence on each other. The efficacy of treatment of total pain in cancer patients may be increased by additional use of psychological methods of its correction.
Review of neurosurgical operative procedures in patients in the tenth decade of life
Authors: Siedlecki Zygmunt , Woźniak Jakub , Główczewska-Siedlecka Emilia , Śniegocki Maciej
Published: June 2020

People over the age of 90 are hospitalized in neurosurgical departments, and the increase of life expectancy is conducive to such cases. Surgical treatment in older people is always at high risk, which may be due to the frailty syndrome that occurs. Qualification for surgical treatment of neurosurgical disorders in the elderly is not undertaken in the same way as in the younger population. This manuscript analyzes the patients in the 10th decade of life who were surgically treated at the neurosurgery clinic in 2019. It was shown that most of them were life threatening conditions. The most frequently operated disease was acute subdural hematoma, slightly less often chronic subdural hematoma and only a few cases of lumbar spine procedures. The analysis of patients treated surgically in comparison to patients not qualified for surgery because of other potenially neurosurgical diseases clearly indicates that surgical treatment of these patients is definitely rare.
The role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the formation of the structure and functions of biomembranes
Authors: Levitsky A. P.
Published: June 2020

Aim: To show the role of PUFA in the formation of biomembranes and to note the difference between ω-6 and ω-3 PUFA in action on the structure and some membrane functions.Methods: Analysis of the main publications on this issue over the past 10-15 years.Results: For the first time, a classification of fatty acids by their origin in the body, from various sources: microbes, plants, animals, is presented. The importance of the intake of long-chain PUFA (C20 and C22), the synthesis of which in the animal organism is limited, is emphasized. The direct effect of PUFA on membrane structures, which is not mediated by the products of their specific oxygenase oxidation, is shown.
Proceedings of an emergency medical team (paramedics) with a patient in anaphylaxis
Authors: Babuśka Roczniak Magdalena , Wojtanowska Kaczka Magdalena , Racz Oliver , Marek Hubert , Sośnicki Krzysztof , Roczniak Wojciech
Published: June 2020

Introduction: Anaphylactic shock is an acute allergic body reaction to allergens. This condition threatens the patient's life and health. Anaphylaxis can be caused by intolerance to many nutrients, medications or hymenoptera stings.Aim of the manuscript: The aim of the manuscript was to determine the pattern of proceedings of emergency medical teams with patients in anaphylactic shock.Material and methods: The individual case method of a patient stung by a Hymenoptera insect, for whom a medical rescue team was dispatched, was used. The research material was obtained thanks to the analysis of medical rescue operations and dispatch orders.Results: The analysis of medical records of the injured person depicted an appropriate algorithm of proceedings with a patient in anaphylactic shock. In anaphylaxis, it is important to gather information as soon as possible, make an accurate and prompt diagnosis, and provide immediate pharmacotherapy. In this case, the first-line drug is Adrenaline, which prevents the release of histamine and reverses the effects of shock. Further treatment requires oxygen, fluids and second-line pharmacotherapy. Conclusions: The emergency medical team followed the applicable algorithms and current knowledge. It implemented appropriate medical rescue operations, thanks to which the condition of the injured was stabilized. The first step is to stop the exposure to the allergen.
Equity and Strength in Stochastic Integer Programming Models for the Dynamic Single Airport Ground-Holding Problem
Authors: Estes Alexander S. , Ball Michael O.
Published: June 2020

We study stochastic integer programming models for assigning delays to flights that are destined for an airport whose capacity has been impacted by poor weather or some other exogenous factor. In the existing literature, empirical evidence seemed to suggest that a proposed integer programming model had a strong formulation, but no existing theoretical results explained the observation. We apply recent results concerning the polyhedra of stochastic network flow problems to explain the strength of the existing model, and we propose a model whose size scales better with the number of flights in the problem and that preserves the strength of the existing model. Computational results are provided that demonstrate the benefits of the proposed model. Finally, we define a type of equity property that is satisfied by both models.
El impacto del Proyecto Genoma Humano y la discriminación genética: aspectos éticos, sociales y jurídicos
Authors: Sardi Dima Antonella Soledad
Published: June 2020

El Proyecto Genoma Humano ha significado un paso trascendental en la historia de la ciencia, especialmente en el ejercicio de la medicina y en el tratamiento del paciente.Sin embargo, este hito histórico también ha repercutido con intensidad en otras áreas de la sociedad, las cuales a la fecha han comenzado a mostrar los impactos en sus diversas esferas.Este trabajo intenta analizar el estado actual de esta nueva realidad bajo el prisma de cada uno de estos agentes mencionados, con especial énfasis en el nuevo concepto de “discriminación genética” que afecta a todo individuo en razón de la información codificada en su ADN.
Pacientes afectos de enfermedad terminal no oncológica, ¿cuándo deben ingresar en la UCI?
Authors: Cabré Pericas Lluis , Masanés Ferran
Published: June 2020

La medicina en general, y la medicina intensiva (SMI) en particular, han presentado grandes cambios a lo largo de los últimos años, en especial en relación a la toma de decisiones sobre las actuaciones a realizar en pacientes efectos de enfermedades crónicas. De esta manera, tanto la enfermedad oncológica como las enfermedades crónicas no oncológicas, en la mayoría de casos, tienen un curso evolutivo mucho más largo, con episodios de descompensación que pueden requerir la instauración de medicina intensiva. Es por ello que actualmente enfermedades que cursan con insuficiencia de un solo órgano, como pueden ser la cirrosis hepática o la miocardiopatía dilatada, por ejemplo, se pueden considerar terminales según su grado de evolución. Esto obliga a los equipos asistenciales a tener no solo conocimientos científico-técnicos sino también bioéticos, para decidir la correcta adecuación diagnóstico-terapéutica en cada caso concreto. En este trabajo se pretenden dar algunas nociones básicas para tomar decisiones clínicas en este grupo de pacientes.
Medicina intensiva. Aspectos bioéticos. Información y comunicación
Authors: Palomo Navarro Manuel , López Camps Vicent
Published: June 2020

La comunicación es una competencia que no desarrollamos suficientemente en la práctica médica. Una mala comunicación puede dañar la relación con la familia y las personas a nuestro cargo, además de crear confusión, ansiedad y desconfianza en el equipo asistencial. Debemos ser capaces de dar a la familia la información de un modo que puedan asimilar y estimular para que nos pregunten con confianza todo aquello que no comprendan. Existen pautas para desarrollar nuestras competencias comunicativas: desarrollando empatía, cuidando el entorno, usando un lenguaje comprensible y veraz. El uso de estas pautas nos puede llevar a tener éxito en nuestros objetivos de comunicación: confianza, soporte emocional, entender el diagnóstico y pronóstico, ayuda en la toma de decisiones. La comunicación de malas noticias, entre ellas la comunicación de la limitación de tratamientos de soporte vital (LTSV), pone de relieve la gran importancia de comunicar adecuadamente. Es importante apoyarse en soporte escrito, como el que se encuentra disponible en la web del grupo de trabajo de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Intensiva y Unidades Coronarias (SEMICYUC). La información es un deber de los profesionales y así está contemplado en la ley, en el código ético y en los indicadores de calidad de la SEMICYUC.