bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preoperative bariatric surgery programme barriers facing Pacific patients in Auckland, New Zealand as perceived by health sector professionals: a qualitative study
Authors: Taylor Tamasin , Wrapson Wendy , Dewes Ofa , Taufa Nalei , Siegert Richard J
Published: November 2019

Minority ethnic patient groups typically have the highest bariatric surgery preoperative attrition rates and lowest surgery utilisation worldwide. Eligible patients of Pacific Island ethnicity (Pacific patients) in New Zealand (NZ) follow this wider trend.

Objectives

The present study explored structural barriers contributing to Pacific patients’ disproportionately high preoperative attrition rates from publicly-funded bariatric surgery in Auckland, NZ.

Setting

Publicly-funded bariatric surgery programmes based in the wider Auckland area, NZ.

Design

Semi-structured interviews with health sector professionals (n=21) were conducted.

Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach.

Results

Two primary themes were identified: (1)Confidence negotiating the medical system,which includedEmotional safety in clinical settingsandRelating to non-Pacific health professionalsand (2)Appropriate support to achieve preoperative goals,which includedCultural considerations, Practical supportandRelating health information. Clinical environments and an under-representation of Pacific staff were considered to be barriers to developing emotional safety, trust and acceptance of the surgery process with patients and their families. Additionally, economic deprivation and lower health literacy impacted preoperative goals.

Conclusions

Health professionals’ accounts indicated that Pacific patients face substantial levels of disconnection in bariatric surgery programmes. Increasing representation of Pacific ethnicity by employing more Pacific health professionals in bariatric teams and finding novel solutions to implement preoperative programme components have the potential to reduce this disconnect. Addressing cultural competency of staff, increasing consultancy times and working in community settings may enable staff to better support Pacific patients and their families. Programme structures could be more accommodating to practical barriers of attending appointments, managing patients’ preoperative health goals and improving patients’ health literacy. Given that Pacific populations, and other patients from minority ethnic backgrounds living globally, also face high rates of obesity and barriers accessing bariatric surgery, our findings are likely to have broader applicability.
Predictors of quality of life 1 year after minor stroke or TIA: a prospective single-centre cohort study
Authors: Lam Ka-Hoo , Blom Emma , Kwa Vincent I H
Published: November 2019

Objectives

In patients after a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke, dysfunction is often underestimated by clinical measures due to invisible symptoms, including cognitive and emotional problems. Many of these patients need stroke care programme, but others do not. In this study, we aim to identify potential predictors of quality of life (QoL) in patients with TIA or minor stroke 1 year poststroke to be able to select which of these patients will need aftercare.

Design

Prospective observational cohort study.

Setting

Single-centre hospital in the Netherlands.

Participants

120 patients, diagnosed with TIA or minor stroke and discharged without rehabilitation treatment, completed the study.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

QoL (RAND-36), anxiety and depressive symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale), the degree of disability or functional dependence after stroke (modified Rankin Scale (mRS)) and symptoms of anxiety and depression specific to stroke (SSADQ) were assessed at baseline (2–6 weeks poststroke) and compared with follow-up at 1 year poststroke.

Results

Depression (B=−1.35, p<0.001) and anxiety (B=−0.57, p=0.041) at baseline predicted a worse mental component of QoL after 1 year. Depression (B=−1.100, p<0.001) at baseline, but also age (B=−0.261, p=0.002) and female sex (B=4.101, p=0.034) predicted a worse physical component of QoL after 1 year.

Conclusion

With the identification of these predictors, we might be able to select more efficiently and timely the patients with TIA or minor stroke who need stroke aftercare.
Relations of magnesium intake to cognitive impairment and dementia among participants in the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Lo Kenneth , Liu Qing , Madsen Tracy , Rapp Steve , Chen Jiu-Chiuan , Neuhouser Marian , Shadyab Aladdin , Pal Lubna , Lin Xiaochen , Shumaker Sally , Manson JoAnn , Feng Ying-Qing , Liu Simin
Published: November 2019

Objective

To examine the associations of dietary and supplemental magnesium (Mg) as assessed by a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire with cognitive outcomes among ageing women.

Design

This work conducts a prospective cohort study of participants enrolled in the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS), which was subsequently extended and named WHIMS-Epidemiology of Cognitive Health.

Setting

Forty clinical centres in the USA.

Participants

Postmenopausal women aged 65–79 years without dementia on enrolment.

Main outcome measures

Physician-adjudicated mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and/or probable dementia (PD).

Results

Participants were excluded (n=1006) if they had extreme values of dietary energy intake, had missing or extreme body mass index values, with prevalent MCI/PD at baseline, received only one cognitive assessment or had been followed up for <1 year. During >20 years of follow-up, 765 (11.8%) out of 6473 participants developed MCI/PD. For MCI/PD and MCI, the risks tended to be lower among participants in quintiles Q2–Q5 of Mg consumption compared with those in the lowest quintile. Participants in Q3 had a significantly lower risk of MCI/PD (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.91) and MCI (HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.87) after multivariate adjustments. No significant association was observed between total Mg intake and PD. The association between total Mg intake, MCI/PD and MCI was non-linear as suggested by the likelihood test.

Conclusions

Total Mg intake between the estimated average requirement and the recommended dietary allowances may associate with a lower risk of MCI/PD and MCI.

Trial registration number

NCT00685009.
Effects on renal outcome of concomitant acute pyelonephritis, acute kidney injury and obstruction duration in obstructive uropathy by urolithiasis: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lee Eung Hyun , Kim Su-Hyun , Shin Jung-ho , Park Sung Bin , Chi Byung Hoon , Hwang Jin Ho
Published: November 2019

Objective

Obstruction release from urolithiasis can be delayed with a lack of suggested time for preventing the deterioration of renal function. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of obstruction duration, concomitant acute kidney injury (AKI) or acute pyelonephritis (APN) during the obstruction on the prognosis of renal function.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting and participants

1607 patients from a urolithiasis-related obstructive uropathy cohort, between January 2005 and December 2015.

Outcome measures

Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decrease ≥30% and/or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and eGFR decrease ≥50% and/or ESRD, according to obstruction duration, AKI and APN accompanied by obstructive uropathy.

Results

When the prognosis was divided by obstruction duration quartile, the longer the obstruction duration the higher the probability of eGFR reduction >50% (p=0.02). In patients with concomitant APN or severe AKI during hospitalisation with obstructive uropathy, an eGFR decrease of >30% and >50% occurred more frequently, compared with others (p<0.001). When we adjusted for sex, age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, APN, AKI grades and obstruction release >7 days for multivariate analysis, we found that concomitant APN (HR 3.495, 95% CI 1.942 to 6.289, p<0.001), concomitant AKI (HR 3.284, 95% CI 1.354 to 7.965, p=0.009 for AKI stage II; HR 6.425, 95% CI 2.599 to 15.881, p<0.001 for AKI stage III) and an obstruction duration >7 days (HR 1.854, 95% CI 1.095 to 3.140, p=0.001) were independently associated with an eGFR decrease >50%. Tree analysis also showed that AKI grade 3, APN and an obstruction duration >7 days were the most important factors affecting renal outcome.

Conclusions

In patients with urolithiasis-related obstructive uropathy, concomitant APN was strongly associated with deterioration of renal function after obstruction release. The elapsed time to release the obstruction also affected renal function.
What consultation resources are available to support delivery of integrated sexual and reproductive health services? A scoping review
Authors: Walker Susan , Piercy Hilary , Shearn Katie , Acton Faye
Published: November 2019

Background

Contraceptive and sexual healthcare is increasingly delivered in an integrated setting in the UK and worldwide, requiring staff to be competent in differing styles of delivery, and to have a wide knowledge base.

Objectives

We did a scoping review of the literature for evidence of the resources that exist for healthcare professionals to guide or structure the process of conducting an integrated sexual and reproductive health (SRH) consultation.

Eligibility criteria

Articles were included in the review if (1) their primary focus was a consultation resource related to one or more aspects of an SRH consultation and (2) they provided details of the resource and/or its application including evaluation of use.

Sources of evidence

Peer-reviewed articles published in English, published non-peer-reviewed guides, and web-based guidelines addressing the conduct of a contraception or sexual health consultation were included. Date range: 1998–December 2018. Searches were carried out in the databases AMED (Ovid), ASSIA (ProQuest), CINAHL Complete (EBSCO), Cochrane Library (Wiley), HMIC (NHS Evidence), Medline (EBSCO), PsycINFO (Proquest) and Scopus (Elsevier) on 10 February 2017, and incremental searching performed until December 2018.

Results

A total of 12 peer-reviewed journal articles, two web-published guidelines from the Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare and three published, non-peer-reviewed resources were included.

Conclusion

Many resources exist to guide either the contraceptive or sexual health consultations, but there is a lack of a comprehensive consultation resource to guide the conduct of an integrated consultation.
Using geographic information systems to map older people’s emergency department attendance for future health planning
Authors: O'Mahony Eoin , Ní Shé Éidín , Bailey Jade , Mannan Hasheem , McAuliffe Eilish , Ryan John , Cronin John , Cooney Marie Therese
Published: November 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the pattern of use of EDs, factors contributing to the visits, geographical distribution and outcomes in people aged 65 years or older to a large hospital in Dublin.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 2 years of data from an urban university teaching hospital ED in the southern part of Dublin was reviewed for the period 2014–2015 (n=103 022) to capture the records of attenders. All ED presentations by individuals 65 years and older were extracted for analysis. Address-matched records were analysed using QGIS, a geographic information systems (GIS) analysis and visualisation tool to determine straight-line distances travelled to the ED by age.

Results

Of the 49 538 non-duplicate presentations in the main database, 49.9% of the total are women and 49.1% are men. A subset comprised of 40 801 had address-matched records. When mapped, the data showed a distinct clustering of addresses around the hospital site but this clustering shows different patterns based on age cohort. Average distances travelled to ED are shorter for people 65 and older compared with younger patients. Average distances travelled for those aged 65–74 was 21 km (n=4177 presentations); for the age group 75–84, 18 km (n=2518 presentations) and 13 km for those aged 85 and older (n=2104 presentations). This is validated by statistical tests on the clustered data. Self-referral rates of about 60% were recorded for each age group, although this varied slightly, not significantly, with age.

Conclusions

Health planning at a regional level should account for the significant number of older patients attending EDs. The use of GIS for health planning in particular can assist hospitals to improve their understanding of the origin of the cohort of older ED patients.
Reciprocal associations between depression, anxiety and work-related injury
Authors: Gerasimaviciute Vaiva , Bültmann Ute , Diamond Pamela M , Tullar Jessica M , Delclos George L , Gimeno Ruiz de Porras David , Amick III Benjamin C
Published: November 2019

Objective

To examine the reciprocal longitudinal associations between depression or anxiety with work-related injury (WRI) at a large employer in the southwestern United States.

Method

Three administrative datasets (2011–2013) were merged: employee eligibility, medical and prescription claims, and workers’ compensation claims. The sample contained 69 066 active employees. Depression and anxiety were defined as episodes of medical visits care (ie, claims) with corresponding ICD-9-CM codes. For an individual’s consecutive claims, a new case of depression or anxiety was defined if more than 8 weeks have passed since the prior episode. The presence of a workers’ compensation injury claim was used to identify WRI. Three-wave (health plan years 2011 or T1, 2012 or T2, and 2013 or T3) autoregressive cross-lagged models were used to estimate whether depression or anxiety predicted WRI, also if WRI predicted depression or anxiety in the following year(s).

Results

Depression predicted injury from T1 to T2 (β=0.127, p<0.001) and from T2 to T3 (β=0.092, p=0.001). Injury predicted depression from T1 to T3 (β=0.418, p<0.001). Effects of anxiety on WRI were small and inconsistent, from T1 to T2 (β=0.013, p=0.622) and from T2 to T3 (β=−0.043, p=0.031). T1 injury had a protective effect on T3 anxiety (β=−0.273, p<0.001).

Conclusions

We found evidence of reciprocal effects for depression with WRI after adjustment for prior injuries and depression. The evidence for the relationship between anxiety and WRI is less clear. WRI prevention and management programmes should incorporate depression prevention and management.
Interests and concerns of the Army Medical Services as reflected by the publications in theJournal of the Royal Army Medical Corps1903–2019
Authors: Barker Tom
Published: November 2019

Introduction

TheJournal of the Royal Army Medical Corps(JRAMC) is published with the aim of propagating current knowledge and expertise while also acting as institutional memory for the practice of medicine within the military. This work aimed to examine how the interests of theJRAMC, and by inference the Army Medical Services, have changed over time as reflected by the articles published in the journal.

Methods

A text mining analysis of the titles of all published articles in theJRAMCbetween 1903 and 2019 was performed. The most commonly used terms were identified and their relative frequency over the decades analysed to identify trends. Article content and contemporary events were compared with the observed trends to identify explanatory events and themes of interest.

Results

Medical topics of interest centred around specific infectious diseases, particularly during the early/mid-20th century, and trauma and battle injury. The medical specialties of surgery, anaesthetics and mental health were all well represented in nearly all decades, while primary care only came to prominence as a named specialty from the 1960s onwards. India, France, Egypt and wider Africa were the most commonly cited geographical regions, although there were spikes of interest associated with specific conflicts in the Falklands, Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq.

Conclusion

The interests of theJRAMChave changed considerably over the years primarily driven by the geopolitical interests of Britain—in particular its colonial interests and the conflicts it has been involved in, but also by medical advances seen in contemporary society.
Exploration of Gender-Specific Authorship Disparities in the Pain Medicine Literature
Authors: Karri Jay , Navarro Sergio M , Duong Anne , Tang Tuan , Abd-Elsayed Alaa
Published: November 2019

Background

Given the readily increasing membership of the pain physician community, efforts toward correcting notable gender disparities are instrumental. The under-representation of women is particularly prevalent within leadership roles in academic medicine, thought to be driven largely by diminished research efforts. Consequently, we aimed to characterize gender differences among the highest impact pain literature.

Methods

The 20 highest cited articles per year from 2014 to 2018 were extracted from each of seven impactful journals affiliated to the largest pain medicine societies. Collected data from each article included genders of the first and last authors, the number of citations accumulated and the journal impact factor at the time of publication.

Results

Across all considered literature, female authors were surprisingly not under-represented when considering the national prevalence of female pain physicians. However, more in-depth analysis found trends toward significance to suggest that female authorship was relatively diminished within more impactful and higher cited literature. When exploring gender–gender collaboration patterns, we found that male authors were favored over female counterparts with statistical significance; it must be noted that this likelihood analysis and preference toward male authors may be statistically obfuscated by the high prevalence of male authors. Nonetheless, these findings help to quantify overt, demonstrated disparity patterns. Of note, this inequity may also be fully secondary to the lower number of female pain physicians and/or those involved in research endeavors and decreased number of submissions from female physicians. Establishing gender discrimination patterns as causal factors in such disparities can be extremely challenging to determine.

Conclusion

In our analysis of authorship between genders within the context of pain medicine literature, we found trends, although non-significant, toward women being lesser represented in the more impactful literature. We suggest that these inequities are possibly resultant of a markedly small and outnumbered female pain physician membership that has yet to achieve a critical mass and possible implicit gender biases that may restrict female authorship. However, further exploration and analysis of this issue are necessary to more clearly illuminate which systemic deficits exist and how they may, in turn, be corrected with cultural and macroscopic organizational-driven change.
Thoracic-paravertebral blocks: comparative anatomical study with different injection techniques and volumes
Authors: Seidel Ronald , Wree Andreas , Schulze Marko
Published: November 2019

Background and objectives

We hypothesized that different injection techniques and volumes in thoracic-paravertebral blocks (TPVB) lead to different patterns of dye spread. In particular, we investigated whether an alternating injection technique leads to complete staining of all adjacent intercostal nerves.

Methods

This comparative anatomical investigation was performed using 10 or 20 mL of dye (Alcian Blue) in 10 unfixed donor cadavers (54 injections) that were designated for education or research purposes.

Results

In landmark-guided TPVB, the thoracic-paravertebral space (TPVS) was either not stained at all (spread of dye in the paraspinal muscles, n=3) or the dye was predominantly found in the epidural space (n=3). In ultrasound-guided TPVB, the TPVS was correctly identified in all cases (n=48). The sympathetic trunk was stained in 84.6% of injections (multi-injection technique: 100%), independent of injection technique and volume. The epidural space was stained more frequently (p≤0.001) if both the puncture site (sagittal transducer position) and guidance of the needle were more medial (77.8%). Finally, a higher injection volume (20 vs 10 mL) resulted in a higher number of stained intercostal nerves (p=0.04).

Conclusion

For ultrasound-guided techniques, a higher injection volume resulted in a larger number of stained intercostal nerves. Staining of the sympathetic trunk was independent of the injection technique. Epidural spread was observed significantly less frequently if the injection was lateral (transducer transversal) or with a strictly cranial injection direction (transducer sagittal). Landmark-guided injections reliably achieved the TPVS (and the epidural space) only after a needle advance of 2.5 cm after initial contact with the transverse process.
Attention Regulation Framework
Authors: Niksirat Kavous Salehzadeh , Silpasuwanchai Chaklam , Cheng Peng , Ren Xiangshi
Published: November 2019

Mindfulness practices are well-known for their benefits to mental and physical well-being. Given the prevalence of smartphones, mindfulness applications have attracted growing global interest. However, the majority of existing applications use guided meditation that is not adaptable to each user's unique needs or pace. This article proposes a novel framework called
Attention Regulation Framework (ARF)
, which studies how more flexible and adaptable mindfulness applications could be designed, beyond guided meditation and toward self-regulated meditation.
ARF
proposes mindfulness interaction design guidelines and interfaces whereby practitioners naturally and constantly bring their attention back to the present moment and develop non-judgmental awareness. This is achieved by the performance of subtle movements, which are supported by non-intrusive detection-feedback mechanisms. We used two design cases to demonstrate
ARF
in static and kinetic meditation conditions. We conducted four user evaluation studies in unique situations where
ARF
is particularly effective,
vis-à-vis
mindfulness practice in busy environments and mindfulness interfaces that adapt to the pace of the user. The studies show that the design cases, compared with guided meditation applications, are more effective in improving attention, mindfulness, mood, well-being, and physical balance. Our work contributes to the development of self-regulated mindfulness technologies.
BDNF augments rat internal anal sphincter smooth muscle tone via RhoA/ROCK signaling and nonadrenergic noncholinergic relaxation via increased NO release
Authors: Singh Arjun , Mohanty Ipsita , Singh Jagmohan , Rattan Satish
Published: November 2019

Presently, there are no studies examining the neuromodulatory effects of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) on the basal internal anal sphincter (IAS) tone and nonadrenergic noncholinergic (NANC) relaxation. To examine this, we determined the neuromuscular effects of BDNF on basal IAS smooth muscle tone and the smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and the effects of NANC nerve stimulation before and after high-affinity receptor tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) antagonist K252a. We also investigated the mechanisms underlying BDNF-augmented increase in the IAS tone and NANC relaxation. We found that BDNF-increased IAS tone and SMC contractility were TTX resistant and attenuated by K252a. TrkB-specific agonist 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, similar to BDNF, also produced a concentration-dependent increase in the basal tone, whereas TrkB inhibitors K252a and ANA-12 produced a decrease in the tone. In addition, BDNF produced leftward shifts in the concentration-response curves with U46619 and ANG II (but not with bethanechol and K+ depolarization), and these shifts were reversed by K252a. Effects of Y27632 and Western blot data indicated that the BDNF-induced increase in IAS tone was mediated via RhoA/ROCK. BDNF-augmented NANC relaxation by electrical field stimulation was found to be mediated via the nitric oxide (NO)/soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) pathway rather than via increased sensitivity to NO. In conclusion, the net effect of BDNF was that it caused an increase in the basal IAS tone via RhoA/ROCK signaling. BDNF also augmented NANC relaxation via NO/sGC. These findings may have relevance to the role of BDNF in the pathophysiology and therapeutic targeting of the IAS-associated rectoanal motility disorders.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY These studies for the first time to our knowledge demonstrate that increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF; conceivably released from smooth muscle cells and/or the enteric neurons) has two major effects. First, BDNF augments the internal anal sphincter (IAS) tone via tyrosine kinase receptor B/thromboxane A2-receptor, angiotensin II receptor type 1/RhoA/ROCK signaling; and second, it increases nonadrenergic noncholinergic relaxation via nitric oxide/soluble guanylate cyclase. These studies may have relevance in therapeutic targeting in the anorectal motility disorders associated with the IAS.
Development of the intrinsic innervation of the small bowel mucosa and villi
Authors: Hao Marlene M. , Fung Candice , Boesmans Werend , Lowette Katrien , Tack Jan , Vanden Berghe Pieter
Published: November 2019

Detection of nutritional and noxious food components in the gut is a crucial component of gastrointestinal function. Contents in the gut lumen interact with enteroendocrine cells dispersed throughout the gut epithelium. Enteroendocrine cells release many different hormones, neuropeptides, and neurotransmitters that communicate either directly or indirectly with the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system, a network of neurons and glia located within the gut wall. Several populations of enteric neurons extend processes that innervate the gastrointestinal lamina propria; however, how these processes develop and begin to transmit information from the mucosa is not fully understood. In this study, we found that Tuj1-immunoreactive neurites begin to project out of the myenteric plexus at embryonic day (E)13.5 in the mouse small intestine, even before the formation of villi. Using live calcium imaging, we discovered that neurites were capable of transmitting electrical information from stimulated villi to the plexus by E15.5. In unpeeled gut preparations where all layers were left intact, we also mimicked the basolateral release of 5-HT from enteroendocrine cells, which triggered responses in myenteric cell bodies at postnatal day (P)0. Altogether, our results show that enteric neurons extend neurites out of the myenteric plexus early during mouse enteric nervous system development, innervating the gastrointestinal mucosa, even before villus formation in mice of either sex. Neurites are already able to conduct electrical information at E15.5, and responses to 5-HT develop postnatally.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY How enteric neurons project into the gut mucosa and begin to communicate with the epithelium during development is not known. Our study shows that enteric neurites project into the lamina propria as early as E13.5 in the mouse, before development of the submucous plexus and before formation of intestinal villi. These neurites are capable of transmitting electrical signals back to their cell bodies by E15.5 and respond to serotonin applied to neurite terminals by birth.
Microarray profiling analysis and validation of novel long noncoding RNAs and mRNAs as potential biomarkers and their functions in atherosclerosis
Authors: Bai Huan-Lan , Lu Zhi-Feng , Zhao Jing-Jing , Ma Xin , Li Xue-Heng , Xu Hui , Wu Shao-Guo , Kang Chun-Min , Lu Jing-Bo , Xu Yuan-Jun , Xiao Lei , Wu Qian , Ye Shu , Wang Qian , Zheng Lei , Hu Yan-Wei
Published: November 2019

Long noncoding (lnc)RNAs have been implicated in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. However, the expression and mechanism of action of lncRNAs in atherosclerosis are still unclear. We implemented microarray analysis in human advanced atherosclerotic plaques and normal arterial intimae to detect the lncRNA and mRNA expression profile. Gene Ontology functional enrichment and pathway analyses were applied to explore the potential functions and pathways involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. A total of 236 lncRNAs and 488 mRNAs were selected for further Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Moreover, quantitative RT-PCR tests of most selected lncRNAs and mRNAs with high fold changes were consistent with the microarray data. We also performed ELISA to investigate the corresponding proteins levels of selected genes and showed that serum levels of SPP1, CD36, ATP6V0D2, CHI3L1, MYH11, and BDNF were differentially expressed in patients with coronary heart disease compared with healthy subjects. These proteins correlated with some biochemical parameters used in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic analysis showed a favorable diagnostic performance. The microarray profiling analysis and validation of differentially-expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs in atherosclerosis not only provide new insights into the pathogenesis of this disease but may also reveal new biomarkers for its diagnosis and treatment.
First Account of Primary Leiomyosarcoma of the Lesser Omentum since Establishment of c-Kit Mutations in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Authors: Saijo Fumito , Sato Kaoru , Handa Tomoko , Narushima Yoichi , Matsumura Naoki , Iwama Noriyuki , Nakayama Fumie , Tokumura Hiromi
Published: November 2019

Background. Primary omental leiomyosarcoma is an extremely rare type of tumor. Leiomyosarcomas originating from the lesser omentum have not been reported since immunohistochemical staining for c-kit has been used for the diagnosis of mesenchymal abdominal tumors. They are yet to be reported since gastrointestinal stromal tumors were categorized. Here we reported a case of successful resection of a lesser omental leiomyosarcoma. Case Presentation. A 71-year-old man underwent ultrasonography at the outpatient clinic through which an upper abdominal tumor was identified. Following computed tomography and endoscopy, a 4.5 cm submucosal tumor in the lesser curvature of the stomach was highly suspected. A laparoscopic partial resection of the stomach was performed. Histopathological examination revealed the tumor to be a leiomyosarcoma arising from the lesser omentum that did not invade the stomach. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the tumor was negative for CD34, c-kit, and S-100 and positive for desmin and α-smooth muscle actin. No recurrence had been observed 1 year after surgery without adjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusions. Primary lesser omental leiomyosarcoma, which is difficult to diagnose before surgery given the location of the primary tumor in the lesser omentum, has rarely been reported. Considering the high possibility of malignancy, close observation is essential.
Population-Based Cytogenetic Banding Analysis and Phylogenetic Relationships of the Neotropical Fungus-Farming Ant Trachymyrmex holmgreni Wheeler, 1925
Authors: Micolino Ricardo , Cristiano Maykon P. , Cardoso Danon C.
Published: November 2019

Trachymyrmex is one of the most species-rich genera within fungus-farming ants and presents intraspecific cytogenetic polymorphisms as well as possible cryptic species. This ant genus is currently paraphyletic. Therefore, to unravel systematic and taxonomic misunderstandings, it is necessary to incorporate new information. We aimed to cytogenetically and genetically examine Trachymyrmex holmgreni populations from southern and northern Brazil to identify intraspecific chromosomal variations that support incipient speciation and reveal the species' position in a molecular phylogeny. Our cytogenetic approach did not show population variation in the mapping of both 18S rDNA and the TTAGG(6) motif, presenting instead a pattern characteristic of correlated species. However, the clustered pattern of the microsatellite GA(15) showed significant differences among populations: a well-defined block in each homologue, distinctly irregular signs between homologues, and blocks in 2 pairs of homologues. Our phylogenetic reconstruction yielded unexpected results, grouping representatives of 3 former morphological groups into 1 clade, namely T. urichii, T. papulatus, and T. holmgreni. Previously, it was suggested that northern and southern populations of T. holmgreni may be undergoing incipient speciation, but we can only indicate that the southernmost population differs prominently from the others in its distribution pattern of the microsatellite GA(15). Our study also supports the uniformity of karyotypes and repetitive DNA from both telomeric sequences and ribosomal DNA in Trachymyrmex studied here. In addition, we clarify some phylogenetic uncertainties within the genus and suggest further relevant systematic changes. Finally, additional studies utilizing other probes and additional populations may allow the detection of hidden genetic variation.
Degradation of Praxis Brain Networks and Impaired Comprehension of Manipulable Nouns in Stroke
Authors: Riccardi Nicholas , Yourganov Grigori , Rorden Chris , Fridriksson Julius , Desai Rutvik
Published: November 2019

Distributed brain systems contribute to representation of semantic knowledge. Whether sensory and motor systems of the brain are causally involved in representing conceptual knowledge is an especially controversial question. Here, we tested 57 chronic left-hemisphere stroke patients using a semantic similarity judgment task consisting of manipulable and nonmanipulable nouns. Three complementary methods were used to assess the neuroanatomical correlates of semantic processing: voxel-based lesion–symptom mapping, resting-state functional connectivity, and gray matter fractional anisotropy. The three measures provided converging evidence that injury to the brain networks required for action observation, execution, planning, and visuomotor coordination are associated with specific deficits in manipulable noun comprehension relative to nonmanipulable items. Damage or disrupted connectivity of areas such as the middle posterior temporal gyrus, anterior inferior parietal lobe, and premotor cortex was related specifically to the impairment of manipulable noun comprehension. These results suggest that praxis brain networks contribute especially to the comprehension of manipulable object nouns.
Targeted Price Controls on Supermarket Products
Authors: Aparicio Diego , Cavallo Alberto
Published: November 2019

We study the impact of targeted price controls on supermarket products in Argentina. Using daily prices for controlled and noncontrolled goods, we examine the effects on inflation, product availability, entry and exit, and price dispersion. First, price controls have only a small and temporary effect on inflation that reverses soon after the controls are lifted. Second, contrary to common belief, controlled goods are consistently available for sale. Third, firms respond by introducing new varieties at higher prices. Overall, our results show that targeted price controls are just as ineffective as more traditional policies of price controls in reducing aggregate inflation.
Can Government Intervention Make Firms More Investment Ready? A Randomized Experiment in the Western Balkans
Authors: Cusolito Ana Paula , Dautovic Ernest , McKenzie David
Published: November 2019

Innovative firms with good ideas may still struggle to fine-tune them to the stage where they can attract outside funding. We conduct a five-country randomized experiment that tests the impact of an investment readiness program. Firms then pitched their ideas to independent judges. The program resulted in a 0.3 standard deviation increase in the investment readiness score. Two years later, the average impacts on firm investment outcomes are positive but small in magnitude and not statistically significant. Larger and statistically significant impacts on receiving outside funding occur for smaller firms and for firms with lower likelihoods of otherwise being funded.
Study of Microstructure and Properties of Laser Cladding Ni60-WC + TiC Composite Coating
Authors: He Bin-Feng , Ma Fei , Ma Da-Yan , Xu Ke-Wei
Published: November 2019

As a novel surface strengthen technology laser cladding was widely used in surface engineering. In this work, Ni60 + 25%WC + 10%TiC composite coatings were fabricated on the TC4 by laser cladding technology. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD)
and frictional wear were used in the study of coatings. The results showed that dendrites is the main crystal type in the coatings, there were some bulk type crystal generated in 400 mm/min scanning speed. XRD results showed that some of the metalloceramics phases, such as TiC, VC, WC were
formed in the coatings, some of the intermetallic compounds such as AlNi3, Al0.96B0.04Ni3, NiTi and C0.12Fe1.88 also formed, which improving the hardness, and the hardness tests results showed that the hardness of the coatings
increased by 300% compared to the substrate, of above 1100 HV0.3. The max friction coefficient in 600 mm/min was 0.39, because of the unmelted TiC and WC particles fallen off from coatings, so the mechanism of the coating was abrasive wear. The friction coefficient is decreased
to 0.11 and 0.19 when the scanning speed is 500 mm/min and 400 mm/min, respectively.
Accomplishing Impact by Performing Our Theories: It Can Be Done, Though Not Easily
Authors: Bartunek Jean M.
Published: November 2019

The expectation that scholarly research should have some impact on practice is being increasingly embraced, though how much this should be and what form impact should take are not often considered as thoroughly as they might be. In this article, I expand understandings and appreciation of the potential in impact by exploring the performativity of social science theories. I present three cases of academics performing their own theories in practice settings and explore some of the components, outcomes, and complexities of these performances. The cases include Elizabeth Warren’s creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Michael Porter’s Five Forces model, and David Cooperrider’s Appreciative Inquiry. Based on the cases, I suggest the value of enhanced recognition of the possibilities of impact.
The Misinterpreted Grin: The Development of Discursive Knowledge About Race Through Public Memory of Louis Armstrong
Authors: Teresa Carrie
Published: November 2019

This project explores how expressions of public memory that engage with Louis Armstrong reflect the “tensions and contestations” in the study of memory generally and consideration of his legacy specifically. Expressions of public memory as they relate to Armstrong, reflect a lack of understanding of the Black community’s struggle for freedom. Armstrong has been posited as a “racial figure.” In commemoration, he has been used as an exemplary model that signifies the dilution of racial identity only to binary conceptions of “Tomming” and militant activism. Where public memory has missed the mark in properly commemorating Armstrong’s legacy has been its reticence to engage with the dynamic nature of Armstrong’s life as reflective of the plurality of the Black community itself over the course of the 20th century.
Culture Moderates the Relation Between Income Inequality and Subjective Well-Being
Authors: Li Chen , Zuckerman Miron , Diener Ed
Published: November 2019

Liberal ideology promotes equality whereas conservative ideology justifies inequality. Four studies examined whether the liberal–conservative continuum moderates the relation between inequality and subjective well-being (SWB). All four studies found a significant moderator effect such that higher inequality was related to greater SWB in conservative countries. In liberal countries, the corresponding relation was mostly reversed but did not reach significance. Studies 2 and 3 also showed that the moderator effect of liberalism was itself moderated by socioeconomic status (SES)—it was stronger among lower SES individuals. These two studies also found that the moderator effects of both liberalism and SES were partially or fully mediated by financial satisfaction. The current findings explain why previous research on the relation between income inequality and SWB produced inconsistent results.
The Stout prosthesis: An alternate means of restoring speech in selected laryngectomy patients
Authors: King Austin I. , Stout Bob E. , Ashby Jon K.
Published: November 2019

We discuss the effectiveness of the Stout prosthesis, a device that was developed more than 30 years ago to restore speech in postlaryngectomy patients. This prosthesis has not been previously described in the literature. The placement of this device entails the creation of a pharyngeal cutaneous fistula that extends to the musculature at the base of the tongue. The prosthesis is then used to connect the fistula and the stoma. Central to this discussion was our evaluation of a patient who had used the Stout prosthesis for 30 years. In this patient, the prosthesis produced excellent long-term voice production with minimal leakage of saliva or other liquids. We conclude that in light of the device's simplicity, low cost, and minimal maintenance requirements with regard to the fistula site, the Stout prosthesis should be considered as an alternative to the standard tracheoesophageal puncture method for patients who are unable to comply with the latter's maintenance requirements and for those in poorly developed countries where costs and hygiene are paramount considerations. Moreover, because the Stout technique does not involve the esophagus and does not require invasive procedures around the stoma, it is also practical for patients who have esophageal rigidity or stomal problems.
Comparison of direct vision and video imaging during bronchoscopy for pediatric airway foreign bodies
Authors: Yang Cheng-Chien , Lee Kuo-Sheng
Published: November 2019

Rigid ventilation bronchoscopy is a most useful means of detecting and removing foreign bodies in the airway. We performed a retrospective study of 114 children who had undergone such a procedure during a 12-year period. During bronchoscopy, 48 of these patients had been examined under direct vision and 66 by videotape recording. We found that the positive rate on first-look direct vision was 93.8% and the positive rate on first-look video imaging was 89.4%. The lower positive rate during the first-look examination by video imaging might be attributable to the facts that it is safer and that it provides a better visual field, which can encourage operators to choose video ventilation bronchoscopy, either as a diagnostic or therapeutic tool. In addition, three foreign-body-negative patients in the direct-vision group underwent a second procedure, and a foreign body was found in all three. Only one of the video-imaging patients underwent a second procedure, and no foreign body was found. The difference in the positive rates after the second procedure was statistically significant (p<0.05). This might be attributable to the higher success rate with video imaging following the first procedure, which significantly reduced the need for a second look and the possibility of overlooked or residual foreign bodies. The condition of the mucosa postprocedurally was described in every case after video imaging but after only 41.7% of the direct-vision cases—a statistically significant difference (p<0.001). Video imaging provides the physician with a clear, magnified view of the area under examination. It allows for later review of the videotape when necessary, and it reduces the risk that residual foreign-body material will remain in the airway.
Features of Sequential CT and US-guided Biopsy in Recurrent Kikuchi Disease of the Neck: A Case Report
Authors: Lee Sang Kwon , Bahn Young Eun , Kim Dong Eun
Published: November 2019

A 26-year-old woman presented with recurrent Kikuchi disease 7 years after her initial episode. Computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography demonstrated enlarged lymph nodes with extensive necrosis at the same site as the initial episode. Cytologic and histologic examinations were not conclusive. CT performed 1 month later demonstrated a complete resolution of the lymphadenopathy, which confirmed the diagnosis of recurrent Kikuchi disease. Care must be taken to avoid misdiagnosis of recurrent Kikuchi disease as tuberculous lymphadenitis.
Impella-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting for acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Takahashi Kenichiro , Nakata Jun , Kurita Jiro , Ishii Yosuke , Shimizu Wataru , Nitta Takashi
Published: November 2019

We report two cases of Impella-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting for acute myocardial infarction with cardiogenic shock. The first case involved coronary artery bypass grafting and mitral valve replacement, and the second involved off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Emergent Impella-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting was successfully performed in both cases. Our findings highlight the ability of Impella percutaneous left ventricular assist device to provide excellent hemodynamic support during the entire perioperative period.
Italian With an Accent: The Case of “Chinese Italian” in Tuscan High Schools
Authors: Calamai Silvia , Ardolino Fabio
Published: November 2019

Two experiments test the existence of prejudicial attitudes toward nonnative Italian speech (specifically Chinese-accented Italian) within Tuscany’s high schools, among teachers and student samples. The research explores and integrates different methodologies: explicit inquiry (overt questionnaires) as well as implicit tests (Implicit Association Test protocol). The results outlined the existence of significant implicit negative attitudes toward Chinese-accented Italian and established the discrepancy between explicit and implicit attitudes. The discussion focuses on the sociolinguistic implications of these results, with respect to educational aspects and to future directions for research.
Working at the edge: Police, emotions and space in Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Pauschinger Dennis
Published: November 2019

Rio de Janeiro’s police officers habitually work on the edge of a border – between rationalised and ordered routines on one hand, and risk, disorder and incipient violence on the other. The article argues that this edge has distinct emotional components and concrete spatial consequences for the production of the city as a bordered space. Conceptually, the article combines spatial thinking about the production of territoriality with an emotional understanding of the police as ‘edgeworkers’ grounded in cultural criminology. Empirically, this piece uses ethnographic material from research with ordinary civil police officers and Special Forces in Rio. Across three empirical sections, the article explores police emotions and their significant spatial effects. First, the article mobilises the metaphor of ‘drying ice’ that police officers use to symbolise their everyday struggle with Rio’s urban conflict, and which leads them to produce spaces of secrecy. Second, the article shows how the police consider their job to be a vocation, a stance which simultaneously produces spaces of exposure. Finally, the Special Forces’ activities are compared to those of soldiers in war zones, assessing how the officers as edgeworkers find ways of escaping their emotional dilemma, thereby producing the city as a space of war.