bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Filling OpenStreetMap data gaps in rural Nepal: a digital youth internship and leadership Programme
Authors: Khanal Kshitiz , Budhathoki Nama Raj , Erbstein Nancy
Published: October 2019

Crowdsourced, open geospatial data such as the data compiled through OpenStreetMap have proven useful in addressing humanitarian, disaster and development needs. However, the existing ways in which volunteers engage in OpenStreetMap have inherent limitations that lead to critical data gaps in economically underdeveloped countries and regions. Various initiatives that target specific geospatial data gaps and engage volunteers for longer periods have emerged to overcome these limitations, yet there has been limited in-depth study of such targeted mapping initiatives. This article reports the findings from Digital Internship and Leadership (DIAL), a programme designed to fill data gaps in rural Nepal by engaging young people in mapping rural Nepal by integrating targeted mapping, a virtual internship strategy and youth leadership development. The findings suggest the potential benefits of targeted mapping initiatives embedded in youth leadership internship programmes to address those critical data gaps.
First method for dissolving zinc thiazole and re-evaluation of its antibacterial properties against rice bacterial blight disease
Authors: Chen Xian , Zhou Lan , Laborda Pedro , Zhao Yancun , Li Kaihuai , Liu Fengquan
Published: October 2019

Rice bacterial blight (BB), caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), is one of the most destructive diseases in rice-growing regions worldwide. Zinc thiazole is a novel bactericide and has been applied for BB control for 10 years. However, zinc thiazole is highly insoluble in water and in most organic solvents. In this work, we found for the first time that zinc thiazole can be dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and the solubility of zinc thiazole in DMSO is more than 20 mg/mL. Dissolved zinc thiazole at 25 μg/mL significantly inhibited the growth of Xoo by 58.81%. Interestingly, zinc thiazole at 25 μg/mL enhanced the cell division and altered the cell wall integrity of Xoo. The application of dissolved zinc thiazole at 100 μg/mL reduced the incidence of rice bacterial blight (BB) by providing 64.71% control efficacy, while zinc thiazole as suspension concentrate (SC) at 100 μg/mL only provided 43.42% control efficacy. Taken together, this study provides for the first time a method for dissolving zinc thiazole, and may help to better understand the antibacterial mechanism of zinc thiazole.
Differential diagnosis between epileptic seizures and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures based on semiology
Authors: Xiang Xiaohui , Fang Jiajia , Guo Yi
Published: October 2019

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures present as paroxysmal symptoms and signs mimicking epileptic seizures. The gold standard test is the synchronous recording by video, electrocardiogram and electroencephalogram. However, video electroencephalogram is not available at many centers and not entirely independent of semiology. Recent studies have focused on semiological characteristics distinguishing these two circumstances. Clinical signs and symptoms provide important clues when making differential diagnosis. The purpose of this review is to help physicians differentiating psychogenic nonepileptic seizures better from epileptic seizures based on semiology, and improve care for those patients.
Targeting
ERBB2
(
HER2
) Amplification Identified by Next-Generation Sequencing in Patients With Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumors Beyond Conventional Indications
Authors: Dumbrava Ecaterina E. Ileana , Balaji Kavitha , Raghav Kanwal , Hess Kenneth , Javle Milind , Blum-Murphy Mariela , Ajani Jaffer , Kopetz Scott , Broaddus Russell , Routbort Mark , Demirhan Mehmet , Zheng Xiaofeng , Pant Shubham , Tsimberidou Apostolia M. , Subbiah Vivek , Hong David S. , Rodon Jordi , Shaw Kenna M. , Piha-Paul Sarina A. , Meric-Bernstam Funda
Published: October 2019

PURPOSE

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is an effective therapeutic target in breast and gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancers. However, less is known about the prevalence of
ERBB2
(
HER2
) amplification and the efficacy of HER2-targeted treatment in other tumors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We assessed
HER2
amplification status among 5,002 patients with advanced disease (excluding breast cancer) who underwent next-generation sequencing. We evaluated the clinical benefit of HER2-targeted therapy by measuring the time-dependent overall survival (OS) from the genomic testing results, progression-free survival (PFS), and PFS during HER2-targeted therapy (PFS2) compared with PFS during prior therapy (PFS1).

RESULTS

Overall, 122 patients (2.4%) had
HER2
amplification, including patients with endometrial (5.3%), bladder (5.2%), biliary or gallbladder (4.9%), salivary (4.7%), and colorectal cancer (3.6%). Forty patients (38%) with nongastric, nongastroesophageal junction, or nonesophageal cancers received at least one line of HER2-targeted therapy. Patients receiving HER2-targeted therapy had a median OS of 18.6 months, compared with 10.9 months for patients who did not receive HER2-targeted therapy (
P
= .070). On multivariable analysis, HER2-targeted therapy was significantly associated with increased OS (hazard ratio, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.93;
P
= .029), regardless of sex, age, or number of prior lines of treatment. The PFS2-to-PFS1 ratio was 1.3 or greater in 21 (57%) of 37 patients who received HER2-targeted therapy not in the first line of systemic treatment, and the median PFS2 and PFS1 times were 24 and 13 weeks, respectively (
P
< .001).

CONCLUSION

HER2
amplifications using next-generation sequencing can be identified in a variety of tumor types. HER2-targeted therapy may confer clinical benefit in tumor types other than those for which HER2 inhibitors are approved.
Preventive Role of Vitamin D Supplementation for Acute Phase Reaction after Bisphosphonate Infusion in Paget’s Disease
Authors: Merlotti Daniela , Rendina Domenico , Muscariello Riccardo , Picchioni Tommaso , Alessandri Mario , De Filippo Gianpaolo , Materozzi Maria , Bianciardi Simone , Franci Maria Beatrice , Lucani Barbara , Cenci Simone , Strazzullo Pasquale , Nuti Ranuccio , Gennari Luigi
Published: October 2019

Context

Intravenous aminobisphosphonates (N-BPs) can induce an acute phase reaction (APR) in up to 40% to 70% of first infusions, causing discomfort and often requiring intervention with analgesics or antipyretics.

Objective

Our aim was to explore the risk factors of APR in a large sample of patients with Paget’s disease of bone (PDB) and to assess the possible preventive effects of vitamin D administration.

Methods

An observational analysis was performed in 330 patients with PDB at the time of N-BP infusion. Then, an interventional study was performed in 66 patients with active, untreated PDB to evaluate if vitamin D administration (oral cholecalciferol 50 000 IU/weekly for 8 weeks before infusion) may prevent APR.

Results

In a retrospective study, APR occurred in 47.6% and 18.3% of naive or previously treated patients, respectively. Its prevalence progressively increased in relation to the severity of vitamin D deficiency, reaching 80.0% in patients with 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels below 10 ng/mL (relative risk (RR) = 3.7; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.8–4.7, P < .0001), even in cases previously treated with N-BPs. Moreover, APR occurred more frequently in patients who experienced a previous APR (RR = 2.8; 95% CI 1.5–5.2; P < .001) or in carriers of SQSTM1 mutation (RR = 2.3; 95% CI 1.3–4.2; P = .005). In the interventional study, vitamin D supplementation prevented APR in most cases, equivalent to a RR of 0.31 (95% CI 0.14–0.67; P < .005) with respect to prevalence rates of the observational cohort. A similar trend was observed concerning the occurrence of hypocalcemia.

Conclusions

The achievement of adequate 25OHD levels is recommended before N-BP infusion in order to minimize the risk of APR or hypocalcemia in PDB.
MRI Reveals Human Brown Adipose Tissue Is Rapidly Activated in Response to Cold
Authors: Oreskovich Stephan M , Ong Frank J , Ahmed Basma A , Konyer Norman B , Blondin Denis P , Gunn Elizabeth , Singh Nina P , Noseworthy Michael D , Haman Francois , Carpentier Andre C , Punthakee Zubin , Steinberg Gregory R , Morrison Katherine M
Published: October 2019

Context

In rodents, cold exposure induces the activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) and the induction of intracellular triacylglycerol (TAG) lipolysis. However, in humans, the kinetics of supraclavicular (SCV) BAT activation and the potential importance of TAG stores remain poorly defined.

Objective

To determine the time course of BAT activation and changes in intracellular TAG using MRI assessment of the SCV (i.e., BAT depot) and fat in the posterior neck region (i.e., non-BAT).

Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

Clinical research center.

Patients or Other Participants

Twelve healthy male volunteers aged 18 to 29 years [body mass index = 24.7 ± 2.8 kg/m2 and body fat percentage = 25.0% ± 7.4% (both, mean ± SD)].

Intervention(s)

Standardized whole-body cold exposure (180 minutes at 18°C) and immediate rewarming (30 minutes at 32°C).

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Proton density fat fraction (PDFF) and T2* of the SCV and posterior neck fat pads. Acquisitions occurred at 5- to 15-minute intervals during cooling and subsequent warming.

Results

SCV PDFF declined significantly after only 10 minutes of cold exposure [−1.6% (SE: 0.44%; P = 0.007)] and continued to decline until 35 minutes, after which time it remained stable until 180 minutes. A similar time course was also observed for SCV T2*. In the posterior neck fat (non-BAT), there were no cold-induced changes in PDFF or T2*. Rewarming did not result in a change in SCV PDFF or T2*.

Conclusions

The rapid cold-induced decline in SCV PDFF suggests that in humans BAT is activated quickly in response to cold and that TAG is a primary substrate.
Ayn Rand’s Vibrator: Masochism as Conservative Style
Authors: Castronovo Russ
Published: October 2019

By treating conservatism as a style of thought, this essay examines how a flair for abjuring the social contract, social welfare, socialism, indeed, society itself provides pleasure from the pain of violation and lost autonomy. The innovation of Ayn Rand’s writing is to make this victimization sexy. For the Randian conservative who feels abused by the social welfare schemes of the liberal state, masochism restores autonomy by making the individual the sole author of his or her pain. Masochism allows Rand’s readers to wring intense satisfaction from feelings of vulnerability that notions of consent force on individuals. Rand’s penchant for imagining a literally libidinal economy hardly defines the tastes of conservatism tout court. Nevertheless, the masochistic erotic formations in her novels constitute a defining feature of an ideology that views government as a pain.
The New Negro and the National-Popular: Randolph Bourne and Alain Locke
Authors: Garcia Jay
Published: October 2019

This essay argues that “New Negro” and “Young American” writings from the early twentieth century reward rereading in concert with Antonio Gramsci’s concept of a “national-popular” and as instances of theoretical production in themselves. Focusing on the work of Randolph Bourne (1886–1918) and Alain Locke (1889–1954), the essay returns to “New Negro” and “Young American” writings not only to identify the interplay among them but also to recast key terms from those corpora, especially the “trans-national” (Bourne) and the “American temperament” (Locke), as literary-theoretic vehicles for reckoning with patterns of racist social formation. Considered alongside Gramsci’s theorization of a “national-popular,” Bourne and Locke emerge as critics whose practices pivoted on the reading of existing national tendencies and the engendering of alternative conceptualizations of “Americanism.”
Postrevolutionary Affect and the Consolidation of Zionism: The Case of Mercedes Sosa
Authors: Spira Tamara Lea
Published: October 2019

This essay traces the Zionist conversion of iconic revolutionary folk singer Mercedes Sosa to theorize the shifting forms of racial empire in the movement from the Dirty War to the War on Terror. I read Sosa’s story as emblematic of the thwarted revolutionary dreams of the late twentieth century and the subsequent forms of recolonization—and in this case Zionism as settler colonialism—that came to flourish in their stead. The arc of Sosa’s work spans the transitions of the epoch and their attendant affective economies: from the revolutionary hopes of the 1960s–1970s, to the deep sorrows of the early military regimes, to the infinite deferrals of justice that animated the neoliberal project. In closing, I examine solidarity responses to the 2014 attack on Gaza. Embodying the rejuvenation of joint decolonial struggle, they rupture the Zionist stronghold that has shaped dominant structures of feeling, overwhelmingly laying purchase on the popular imagination.
Centrosome Aurora A regulates RhoGEF ECT-2 localisation and ensures a single PAR-2 polarity axis in C. elegans embryos
Authors: Kapoor Sukriti , Kotak Sachin
Published: October 2019

Proper establishment of cell polarity is essential for development. In the one-cell C. elegans embryo, a centrosome-localised signal provides spatial information for polarity establishment. It is hypothesised that this signal causes local inhibition of the cortical actomyosin network, and breaks symmetry to direct partitioning of the PAR proteins. However, the molecular nature of the centrosomal signal that triggers cortical anisotropy in the actomyosin network to promote polarity establishment remains elusive. Here, we discover that depletion of Aurora A kinase (AIR-1 in C. elegans) causes pronounced cortical contractions on the embryo surface, and this creates more than one PAR-2 polarity axis. This function of AIR-1 appears independent of its role in microtubule nucleation. Importantly, upon AIR-1 depletion, centrosome positioning becomes dispensable in dictating the PAR-2 axis. Moreover, we uncovered that a Rho GEF, ECT-2 acts downstream to AIR-1 in regulating contractility and PAR-2 localisation, and notably, AIR-1 depletion influences ECT-2 cortical localisation. Overall, our study unravels a novel insight whereby an evolutionarily conserved centrosome Aurora A kinase inhibits promiscuous PAR-2 domain formation to ensure singularity in the polarity establishment axis.
Naked mole rats reduce the expression of ATP-dependent but not ATP-independent heat shock proteins in acute hypoxia
Authors: Nguyen Vu Chau , Deck Courtney A. , Pamenter Matthew E.
Published: October 2019

Naked mole rats (NMRs) are one of the most hypoxia-tolerant mammals identified and putatively experience intermittent and severe hypoxia in their underground burrows. Systemic physiological adaptions to hypoxia have begun to be investigated in this species; however, the cellular adaptations that underlie this tolerance remain poorly understood. Hypoxia compromises cellular energy production; and the maintenance of protein integrity when ATP generation is limited poses a major challenge. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are cellular chaperones that are cytoprotective during hypoxia and we hypothesized that their expression would increase during acute hypoxia in NMRs. To test this hypothesis, we used qPCR and Western blot approaches to measure changes in gene and protein expression, respectively, of HSP27, HSP40, HSP70, and HSP90 in the brain, heart, liver, and temporalis muscle from NMRs following exposure to normoxia (21% O2) or hypoxia (7% O2 for 4, 12, or 24 hrs). Contrary to our expectations, we observed significant global reductions of ATP-dependant HSP70 and HSP90 (83% and 78%, respectively) after 24 hrs of hypoxia. Conversely, the expression of ATP-independent HSP27 and HSP40 proteins remained constant throughout the 24-hr hypoxic treatment in brain, heart and muscle. However, with prolonged hypoxia (24 hrs), the expression of HSP27 and HSP40 genes in these tissues was also reduced, suggesting that the protein expression of these chaperones may also eventually decrease in hypoxia. These results suggest that energy conservation is prioritized over cytoprotective protein chaperoning in NMR tissues during acute hypoxia. This unique adaptation may help NMRs to minimize energy expenditure while still maintaining proteostasis in hypoxia.
Antibiotic chemotherapy against heterogeneous pathogen populations in complex host tissues
Authors: Bumann Dirk , Fanous Joseph , Li Jiagui , Goormaghtigh Frédéric
Published: October 2019

Antibiotic chemotherapy effectively cures many infections caused by susceptible bacterial pathogens. However, in some cases, even extended treatment duration does not completely eradicate the pathogenic bacteria from host tissues. A common model for underlying mechanisms assumes the stochastic formation of bacterial persisters similar to observations in laboratory cultures. However, alternative explanations related to the complexity of infected host tissues could also be relevant. We discuss several of these aspects and emphasize the need for integrated analysis as a basis for new control strategies.
Hyperthermia for deep seated tumours – possibilities of heating with capacitive devices
Authors: Курпешев О. , Kurpeshev O. , ван дер Зее Я. , van der Zee J. , Кавагнаро М. , Cavagnaro M.
Published: October 2019

The review examines the general principles of capacitive electromagnetic hyperthermia (EMHT), the distribution of electromagnetic energy in various experimental models and in patients’ tumors, the design features of applicators from various capacitive hyperthermic systems and their role in achieving hyperthermic mode in tumors of deep localization. In classical capacitive EMHT, the main obstacle in achieving the required temperature in such tumors is overheating of the subcutaneous fatty tissue under the electrodes. For some capacitive hyperthermic systems, the heating of adipose tissues is enhanced due to the fact that the applicator design does not conform to certain technical requirements. In capacitive EMHT at frequencies of 8–13.56 MHz, obtaining the minimum hyperthermic mode is possible with output powers of 500–800 W, maximum – 1000–1200 W and above. The results of the use of various hyperthermic capacitive systems in patients with malignant tumors of internal organs are analyzed.
Actual Problems and Perspectives of the Application of Nuclear Medicine Techniques in the Diagnostic and Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Analytical Review
Authors: Бушманов Андрей , Bushmanov Andrey , Клементьева О. , Klement'eva O. , Лабушкина А. , Labushkina A. , Тултаев А. , Tultaev A. , Корсунский В. , Korsunskiy V. , Кузнецова О. , Kuznetsova O.
Published: October 2019

In the presented review of publications, together with a brief analysis of the incidence, risk factors for the occurrence and methods of diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), current problems and prospects for the application of nuclear medicine methods in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease are indicated. Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common malignant tumors of the liver and is characterized by a rapidly progressing course with an unfavorable life expectancy. A variety of clinical manifestations of the disease creates certain difficulties in the early diagnosis of HCC. Although HCC screening is most commonly used to determine the level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), ultrasound (US), bolus CT and MRI, experience in the use of radionuclide imaging diagnostics, including positron emission tomography, is important in clinical practice (PET), which, not being the main method of primary diagnosis of HCC, however, confirmed their relevance in the differential diagnosis between a benign tumor and metastasis with unclear diagnostic data, as well as in the process of monitoring treatment and in the diagnosis of distant metastases. Conceptual issues in determining the treatment strategy of patients with HCC, depending on the staging of the disease, the prospects for optimizing treatment strategies and traditional methods of treating HCC in detail and in depth are covered in various publications, including publications of domestic authors. Based on this, the authors of the article limited themselves to a brief analysis of the use of embolization and radiation therapy methods for treating HCC, the active development of which in the last decade, as well as promising early results of treatment, suggest that radiation therapy can be considered as the main treatment method for HCC traditional methods.

Further study and development of radionuclide methods for the diagnosis and therapy of HCC, as well as the search and study of new radiopharmaceuticals for diagnosis and regional intraarterial radiotherapy is one of the promising directions in modern approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
The Ratio between Absorbed Dose, Kerma and Ionization Kerma for Small-size Fields
Authors: Климанов В. , Klimanov V. , Галяутдинова Ж. , Galyautdinova Zh. , Колыванова М. , Kolyvanova M.
Published: October 2019

Purpose: Research of the relationships between spatial distributions in water of the main dosimetric values, namely the absorbed dose, kerma and ionization kerma, for small-size fields with a circular cross section created by divergent beams of bremsstrahlung spectrum with a maximum energy of 6 MeV.

Material and methods: Using the Monte-Carlo method with the codes EGSnrc and MCNP4C2, calculations were carried out for these distributions in a water phantom for beam radii on the phantom surface from 0.1 to 3.0 cm and for depths up to 40 cm. The ratio at depths up to 5 cm, where there is a so-called build-up area, is studied in particular detail.

Results: The results of calculations show that the ratio of ionization kerma to kerma for such beams at depths up to 40 cm is practically constant and equal to 0.9930 ± 0.0005. The ratio of the absorbed dose to the ionization kerma, in contrast to conventional square beams with a cross-sectional area  20 cm2, is much less than unity at radii of 1 cm at all the depths considered.

Conclusion: The data obtained show that the relationship between absorbed dose, kerma and ionization kerma for photon fields produced by beams of small cross sections is very different from that for traditional beams. This circumstance should be taken into account when conducting dosimetry of small fields.
Analysis of the Bremsstrahlung Photons Flux and the Neutrons Beams during the Operation of the Medical Electron Accelerator
Authors: Лыкова Е. , Lykova E. , Желтоножская М. , Zheltonozhskaya M. , Смирнов Ф. , Smirnov F. , Руднев П. , Rudnev P. , Черняев А. , Chernyaev A. , Чешигин И. , Cheshigin I. , Яценко В. , Yatsenko V.
Published: October 2019

Purpose: To estimate the contribution of the secondary neutron flux to the total radiation flux during the operation of Trilogy linear medical accelerator and Varian’s Clinac 2100 accelerator for assessment of impact on the health of patients and medical personnel.

High-energy linear accelerators operating at energies higher than 8 MeV generate neutron fluxes when interacting with accelerator elements and with structural materials of the room for treating patients. Neutrons can form at the accelerator head (target, collimators, smoothing filter, etc.), the procedure room, and directly in the patient’s body.

Because of the high radiobiological hazard of neutron radiation, its contribution to the total beam flux, even at a level of few percent, substantially increases the dose received by the patient.

Material and methods: Secondary neutron fluxes were investigated during the process of the linear medical accelerators Trilogy and Clinac 2100 of Varian operation by the photoactivation method using (γ, n) and (n, γ) reactions on the detection target of natural 181Ta. In addition, measurements of neutron spectra were carried out directly in the room during the operation of a medical accelerator using a spectrometer-dosimeter SDMF-1608.

Results: It was determined that the neutron flux on the tantalum target is 16 % of the gamma-ray flux on the same target when the accelerator is operated with a 18 MeV bremsstrahlung energy and 5 % when the accelerator is operated with a 20 MeV excluding thermal neutrons.

Conclusion: Finally, it may be noted that, taking into account the coefficient of relative biological efficiency (RBE) of neutron radiation for neutrons with energies of 0.1–200 keV equal to 10 compared with the RBE coefficient for gamma quanta (equal to 1), even preliminary analysis demonstrates significant underestimation of the contribution of neutrons dose to the total dose received by the patient in radiation therapy using bremsstrahlung of 18 and 20 MeV.
The Main Factors of Labor Productivity in the Regions of Russia
Authors: Басовский Леонид , Basovskiy Leonid , Аверина Татьяна , Averina Tatyana , Басовская Елена , Basovskaya Elena
Published: October 2019

The transition to a postindustrial, information, digital economy is capable of ensuring multiple growth in labor productivity. The significance of the process actualizes scientific research in the field of resource support for the development of post-industrial economy in Russia. However, until now, there is an unequivocal opinion on the system of factors of economic growth and increase in labor productivity; research results are often contradictory. To assess the factors determining the productivity of labor, it proposed to study the influence of the provision of regional economies with fixed capital, human and intellectual capital. The importance of infrastructural, institutional, social, innovative factors, inflation processes and participation in foreign economic activity is assessed.
Clinical Guideline Highlights for the Hospitalist: Clostridium difficile Infections in Children
Authors: Rogers Amanda , ElKadri Abdul
Published: October 2019

GUIDELINE TITLE

Clinical Practice Guidelines for Clostridium difficile Infection in Adults and Children: 2017 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).

RELEASE DATE

February 15, 2018

PRIOR VERSIONS

:

• Cohen SH, Gerding DN, Johnson S, et al; Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America; Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clinical practice guidelines for Clostridium difficile infection in adults: 2010 update by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2010; 31:431‐55.

• Gerding DN, Johnson S, Peterson LR, et al. Clostridium difficile‐associated diarrhea and colitis. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 1995;16:459‐477.

DEVELOPER

IDSA and SHEA.

FUNDING SOURCE

Support for this guideline was provided by the IDSA and SHEA.

TARGET POPULATION

Children and adults with Clostridium difficile infections.
Hospital Medicine Update: High-Impact Literature from March 2018 to April 2019
Authors: Donovan Anna K , Burger Alfred , Moriates Christopher , Sharpe Bradley A , Herzke Carrie
Published: October 2019

The authors reviewed articles published between March 2018-April 2019 for the Hospital Medicine Updates at the Society of Hospital Medicine and the Society of General Internal Medicine Annual Meetings. The authors voted to select 10 of 30 presented articles based on quality and clinical impact for this summary. The key findings include: (1) Vancomycin or fidaxomicin are the first-line treatment for initial Clostridioides difficile infection; (2) Unnecessary supplemental oxygen is linked to increased mortality; aim for a target oxygen saturation of 90%-94% in most hospitalized patients; (3) Stigmatizing language in medical records impacts physician trainees’ attitudes and pain management practices; (4) Consider ablation for atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure; (5) Patients with opioid use disorder should be offered buprenorphine or methadone therapy; (6) Apixaban is safe and may be preferable over warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation and end-stage kidney disease; (7) It is probably safe to discontinue antimethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) coverage in patients with hospital-acquired pneumonia who are improving and have negative cultures; (8) Selected patients with left-sided endocarditis (excluding MRSA) may switch from intravenous (IV) to oral antibiotics if they are clinically stable after 10 days; (9) Oral antibiotics may be equivalent to IV antibiotics in patients with joint and soft tissue infections; (10) A history–electrocardiogram–age–risk factors–troponin (HEART) score ≥4 is a reliable threshold for determining the patients who are at risk for short-term major adverse cardiac events and may warrant further evaluation.
Hospitalists as Triagists: Description of the Triagist Role across Academic Medical Centers
Authors: Velásquez Sadie Trammell , Wang Emily S , White Andrew A , Chadha Jagriti , Mader Michael , Leykum Luci K , Pugh Jacqueline
Published: October 2019

From the hospitalist perspective, triaging involves the evaluation of a patient for potential admission to an inpatient service. Although traditionally done by residents, many academic hospitalist groups have assumed the responsibility for triaging. We conducted a cross‐sectional survey of 235 adult hospitalists at 10 academic medical centers (AMCs) to describe the similarities and differences in the triagist role and assess the activities and skills associated with the role. Eight AMCs have a defined triagist role; at the others, hospitalists supervise residents/advanced practice providers. The triagist role is generally filled by a faculty physician and shared by all hospitalists.

We found significant variability in verbal communication practices (P = .02) and electronic communication practices (P < .0001) between the triagist and the current provider (eg, emergency department, clinic provider), and in the percentage of patients evaluated in person (P < .0001). Communication skills, personal efficiency, and systems knowledge are dominant themes of attributes of an effective triagist.
Centralized Admissions for Engineering Colleges in India
Authors: Baswana Surender , Chakrabarti Partha Pratim , Chandran Sharat , Kanoria Yashodhan , Patange Utkarsh
Published: October 2019

The authors designed a process, based on the Deferred Acceptance algorithm, to allocate undergraduate admissions to over 500 programs in 80 technical universities in India. They also addressed complex rules regarding affirmative action by incorporating algorithmic innovations.
Precise immunomodulation of the M1 to M2 macrophage transition enhances mesenchymal stem cell osteogenesis and differs by sex
Authors: Nathan Karthik , Lu Laura Y. , Lin Tzuhua , Pajarinen Jukka , Jämsen Eemeli , Huang Jhih-Fong , Romero-Lopez Monica , Maruyama Masahiro , Kohno Yusuke , Yao Zhenyu , Goodman Stuart B.
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Up to 10% of fractures result in undesirable outcomes, for which female sex is a risk factor. Cellular sex differences have been implicated in these different healing processes. Better understanding of the mechanisms underlying bone healing and sex differences in this process is key to improved clinical outcomes. This study utilized a macrophage–mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) coculture system to determine: 1) the precise timing of proinflammatory (M1) to anti-inflammatory (M2) macrophage transition for optimal bone formation; and 2) how such immunomodulation was affected by male versus female cocultures.

Methods

A primary murine macrophage-MSC coculture system was used to demonstrate the optimal transition time from M1 to M2 (polarized from M1 with interleukin (IL)-4) macrophages to maximize matrix mineralization in male and female MSCs. Outcome variables included Alizarin Red staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and osteocalcin protein secretion.

Results

We found that 96 hours of M1 phenotype in male cocultures allowed for maximum matrix mineralization versus 72 hours in female cocultures. ALP activity and osteocalcin secretion were also enhanced with the addition of IL-4 later in male versus female groups. The sex of the cells had a statistically significant effect on the optimal IL-4 addition time to maximize osteogenesis.

Conclusion

These results suggest that: 1) a 72- to 96-hour proinflammatory environment is critical for optimal matrix mineralization; and 2) there are immunological differences in this coculture environment due to sex. Optimizing immunomodulation during fracture healing may enhance and expedite the bone regeneration response. These findings provide insight into precise immunomodulation for enhanced bone healing that is sex-specific. Cite this article: K. Nathan, L. Y. Lu, T. Lin, J. Pajarinen, E. Jämsen, J-F. Huang, M. Romero-Lopez, M. Maruyama, Y. Kohno, Z. Yao, S. B. Goodman. Precise immunomodulation of the M1 to M2 macrophage transition enhances mesenchymal stem cell osteogenesis and differs by sex. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:481–488. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.810.BJR-2018-0231.R2.
VARIABILIDADE ESPACIAL DA EFICIÊNCIA DO USO DE POTÁSSIO E FÓSFORO NA CULTURA DA SOJA
Authors: Noetzold Rafael , Alves Marcelo De Carvalho , Goussain Júnior Marcio Marcos , Goussain Rita De Cássia Santos
Published: October 2019

Na agricultura de precisão o tratamento diferenciado, dentro de uma mesma área, contribui para a racionalização dos insumos agrícolas. Objetivou-se nesta pesquisa avaliar a dependência espacial e o mapeamento da eficiência do uso de fósforo e potássio em áreas de cultivo de soja. Coletou-se amostras de solo em pontos georreferenciados em quatro talhões. Em seguida foram determinados os atributos químicos do solo e sua textura, para posteriormente efetuar análise descritiva e geoestatísticas desses atributos, recomendação de adubação em taxa para produzir 3000 kg ha-1 de grãos de soja. Após a coleta de plantas nos mesmos locais georreferenciados para solo, obteve-se a produtividade de grãos de soja, e a eficiência do uso de potássio e fósforo, sendo também realizada análises geoestatísticas. Os níveis de pH, teores de argila, matéria orgânica, potássio, fósforo, a produtividade de grãos de soja e a eficiência do uso de potássio e fósforo apresentaram variabilidade, com padrões espaciais definidos nos quatro talhões. Ocorreu dependência espacial e foi possível mapear a eficiência do uso de fósforo e potássio na cultura da soja. Os teores de argila e matéria orgânica no solo influenciam na eficiência de potássio e fósforo. Nos locais dos talhões com os maiores teores de matéria orgânica ocorrem também a maior eficiência do uso de potássio.
ESTIMATIVA DA RADIAÇÃO SOLAR GLOBAL PARA FINS DE MANEJO DE IRRIGAÇÃO
Authors: Boscaini Ricardo , Robaina Adroaldo Dias , Peiter Marcia Xavier , Rodrigues Pablo Eanes Cocco , Neto Miguel Chaiben
Published: October 2019

A estimativa da radiação solar global é um dos elementos mais importantes na quantificação da demanda evaporativa da atmosfera e, por consequência, para o manejo de água em sistemas agrícolas. A grande maioria dos procedimentos metodológicos para estimar a radiação solar global necessita de séries de dados, muitas vezes não disponíveis. Na ausência de dados observados de Rs é possível estimá-los mediante a utilização de modelos matemáticos. Em geral, os modelos variam em grau de complexidade e nos coeficientes de ajuste, e esses devem ser calibrados para o local de interesse para obtenção do melhor desempenho. Neste sentido, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar e calibrar diferentes modelos de estimativa da radiação solar global em escala diária, a partir de dados de temperatura do ar, para o município de Santa Maria - RS. Os dados foram adquiridos da estação meteorológica automática (EMA) do Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INMET), localizada na cidade de Santa Maria – RS. Foram avaliados dez modelos no total, nas estimativas de radiação solar global, sendo cinco modelos com os coeficientes calibrados por meio do software TableCurve 2D v5.01 e, cinco modelos, com os coeficientes determinados pelos autores. Observou-se que, para os modelos com calibração dos seus coeficientes, os modelos propostos por Ball (BA), Chen (CH) e Meza e Varas (MV) apresentaram índice de desempenho de 0,80, indicando “ótimo” desempenho. Dessa forma, são recomendados para uso quando não houver disponibilidade de dados medidos no local de estudo. Para os modelos sem calibração, exceto o modelo de Donatelli e Campbell (DC), que obteve um desempenho “bom”, os demais modelos apresentaram índice em média de 0,77, indicando um desempenho “muito bom”.
Propriedades físicas das sementes de sorgo granífero
Authors: Rodrigues Gabrielly Bernardes , Resende Osvaldo , Oliveira Daniel Emanuel Cabral de , Sousa Kelly Aparecida
Published: October 2019

As propriedades físicas são fortemente afetadas pelo teor de água, de forma que todas as suas características se alteram, causando mudanças no manejo e execuções das operações diárias dentro de uma unidade beneficiadora. Dessa forma, se faz importante o contínuo estudo em função dessas alterações nas características físicas das sementes, visto que cada cultura apresenta um comportamento diferente. Objetivou-se determinar e analisar as propriedades físicas das sementes de sorgo granífero ao longo da redução do teor de água em diferentes temperaturas de secagem. As sementes foram colhidas manualmente com o teor de água de 34% (b.u.), após a homogeneização e preparação das amostras, as sementes foram submetidas à secagem em estufa com ventilação de ar forçada em três condições de temperatura: 60; 80 e 100 °C, até atingir o teor de água final de 9% (b.u.). As propriedades físicas analisadas foram: massas específicas aparente e unitária, porosidade intergranular, contração volumétrica da massa e velocidade terminal. Com o processo de redução de água houve um aumento na contração das sementes em todas as temperaturas de secagem avaliadas. A velocidade terminal sofre um decréscimo a medida que o teor de água das sementes é reduzido.
The evolution of the Romanian insurance market after 2000
Authors: Simionescu Mihaela
Published: October 2019

Considering the qualitative changes in the legislative framework, the Romania’s entrance into the European Union and the recent global economic crisis, the Romanian insurance market is analyzed by considering ten representative insurance companies. A panel autoregressive-model (PVAR) model for the ten insurance companies was constructed for the period 2004-2017. This model suggested that the indemnities paid by the insurance companies negatively affected the liquidity but with a lag of two periods after changes in indemnities. Granger causality test indicated a causal relationship from indemnities variation to gross written premium in the same period. Almost 27% of the variation in indemnities rate is explained by a shock in the rate of gross written premium.
Corporate social responsibility reporting within the Malaysian oil and gas industry: A questionable publicity stunt
Authors: Baharudin Dayana Mastura , Nik Azman Nik Hadiyan
Published: October 2019

This paper aims to challenge those involved in the CSR industry, non-governmental organizations (NGO) workers, CSR professionals and CSR consumers to question the real intentions by companies in their stance to move with the current trends and contribute towards a more sustainable and socially just society via their CSR activities. This paper used critically reviewed articles by using quantitative content analysis to analyse the High-Fit and Low-Fit CSR activities published within the Annual Reports, CSR Reports and company websites on firm performance over 5 years across the 30 oil and gas companies of Bursa Malaysia. This study finds that oil and gas companies should standardize their CSR reports based on the high-fit and low-fit CSR activities. By doing so, companies would be able to improve their reputation within the global community. This study could assist managers in oil and gas companies to review their CSR activities that indirectly give impacts towards social, economic and the environment.
Continuing Medical Education Questions: October 2019
Authors: Bull-Henry Kathy
Published: October 2019

Article Title: A Clinician's Guide to Celiac Disease HLA Genetics
A Segurança Nacional No Regime Militarista
Authors: Araújo Gilvan Charles Cerqueira de
Published: October 2019

Este artigo tem como foco de análise a segurança nacional durante o regime da Ditadura Militar no Brasil. Como temas correlatos há a questão econômica que permeou este período, conjuntamente ao discurso integracionista, que trazia consigo elementos para o aporte territorial deste direcionamento do governo à época em questão, de modo a entrelaçar as diferentes formas de cruzar as informações, dados e discussões presentes na questão da segurança nacional brasileira.
PET Vai À Escola: Prática educativa e a geografia no ensino fundamental
Authors: Bicalho Beatriz , Júnior Cássio Eduardo Guimarães Freitas , Souza Tatiana Silva
Published: October 2019

O projeto “PET vai à escola” consiste em práticas em escolas públicas com o intuito de trabalhar temáticas e conteúdos geográficos a partir de atividades dinâmicas como estratégia de incitar os alunos a pensarem sobre a realidade em que estão inseridos. Dessa maneira, pode-se compartilhar um pouco o conhecimento adquirido na universidade para além de seus muros. Este trabalho propõe-se a retratar a atividade com o tema “Continente americano”, desenvolvida em setembro de 2016 na Escola Estadual Segismundo Pereira em Uberlândia – MG e tem como principal objetivo mostrar a interação da geografia escolar sob uma abordagem desenvolvida no âmbito de ensino e extensão que rege o Programa de Educação Tutorial – PET Geografia. Através da atividade foi possível uma aproximação com alunos do quarto ciclo do ensino fundamental, por meio de uma geografia que preocupou-se em estimular o pensamento crítico e consciente dos alunos para aspectos contemporâneos. Como resultado, os alunos produziram materiais (textos, desenhos, poesia) de como enxergavam o continente americano antes e depois dos encontros promovidos pelo projeto. Por fim, entendeu-se a necessidade de manter a geografia presente no currículo básico de ensino pois por meio dela é possível compreender as relações entre sociedade e natureza.
O PET geografia da UFRN e a sua contribuição na formação profissional
Authors: Maia Antonia Rosimeire Pinheiro , Dozena Alessandro , Medeiros Breno de Lima Garcia , Cruz Dara Emanuella Rodrigues de Freitas , Santos Daniel Carlos Alves , Félix Felipe Silveira , Santos Jéssica Alves dos , Nascimento Jucielma Fonseca do , Soares Larícia Gomes , Barros Luana de Holanda Viana , Maciel Lucas Bezerra , Miranda Marcellus Silva Arruda , Fernandes Nilvan Alves , Santos Vinícius Mendes dos
Published: October 2019

O Programa de Educação Tutorial (PET) passou por vários momentos até ser implementado nas universidades federais, sendo que algumas de suas propostas visam auxiliar e incentivar os docentes e discentes dos cursos de graduação através de projetos de pesquisas, ensino, extensão, e trabalhos realizados em grupos. Aos bolsistas selecionados pelo programa é permitido que permaneçam até concluírem os seus respectivos cursos de graduação. Nesse contexto, o presente artigo avalia a contribuição do PET na formação profissional dos bolsistas que participaram do programa no curso de Geografia da UFRN na modalidade bacharelado e licenciatura, entre os anos de 2004 e 2018. A metodologia da pesquisa que resultou nesse artigo consistiu em reuniões com o grupo PET Geografia, em pesquisas bibliográficas para elucidar as diretrizes do programa e o seu contexto histórico de formação, e a aplicação de um questionário online com o intuito de coletar dados sobre a contribuição que do PET Geografia da UFRN na formação dos graduados que passaram pelo programa. Desse modo, foi criado um roteiro com perguntas e respostas para que os ex-petianos respondessem, evidenciando o laço que alguns ainda possuem com o programa em diferentes gerações. Evidenciou-se que o Programa de Educação Tutorial em Geografia da UFR tem contribuído para a formação de profissionais e docentes qualificados, e cumprido os seus objetivos.
Impacts of Louisiana Public Policy on Employment: An Econometric Analysis
Authors: Frazier Russell M.
Published: October 2019

Employment plays a key role in the growth and development of any state economy, particularly given its potential to affect the standards of living for the population, as well as the revenues and expenditure of the government itself. A disaggregated evaluation of employment growth enables stakeholders to engage public policy formation in a more effective and efficacious manner. Therefore, the primary goal of this paper is to analyze employment growth trends and policy implications relative to the economic development of Louisiana’s industries at the sector level, by employing a rigorous shift-share analysis. The research employs data for twelve years from 2005 to 2017 to answer the guiding questions of this applied empirical research. Results show that comparative advantages are seen in the following areas: Finance and Insurance; Real Estate and Rental and Leasing; Administrative and Waste Services; Educational Services; Accommodation and Food Services; and Other Services (except for Public Administration). Thus, program initiatives directed at those sectors, with sufficient infrastructure, would enhance the economic development of Louisiana. It is plausible to believe that improved economic growth would draw new investors to Louisiana.
Examining Factors that MA Students face while conducting their Theses: The Case of School of Education and behavioral Sciences, Wolaita Sodo University.
Authors: Labiso Tafano Ouke
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this study was to dig out the root causes for the challenges that MA/or second degree students face while conducting the research(Theses). Hence, to realize and achieve this purpose, qualitative case study research method and design respectively were employed. Both primary sources and secondary sources were employed. The primary sources were 40 regular and summer MA students, and the secondary sources were the Theses materials of 4 years. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 40 Theses materials out of the 4 year batches. Observation and document analysis were made to collect data. Data were analyzed qualitatively through narration. The findings showed that there was the knowledge gap on the part of the researchers about the fundamentals of research on one hand and on the other hand the concerned bodies gave little attention for capacitating the researchers, and also gave low attention for monitoring the progress of the researchers while conducting research. And it could be concluded that there were a lot of activities that the concerned bodies like school of graduate studies, heads and deans of the departments and schools or colleges, academic vice presidents, and even instructors have to do to capacitate the researchers or MA students. Therefore, it was suggested that statistical courses should be integrated with research courses and also there should be the content regarding advanced analysis of the findings, and also the training for the students should be strengthened and also there should be monitoring and evaluation system developed.