bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mood and demographical factors as predictors of body mass index among Syrian and Iraqi refugees in Jordan
Authors: Amr Rula A , Al-Smadi Ahmed M , Akasheh Rand T , Deiranieh Rula A , Gammoh Omar S , Hammouh Fadwa G , Amr Romel A , Dababneh Basem F
Published: December 2019

We studied whether mood and demographics are related to body mass index in a population of Syrian and Iraqi refugees residing in Jordan. Questionnaires and Brunel Mood Scale were used to collect demographical data. Data were analyzed using t-test and analysis of variance. A high prevalence of overweight and obesity was observed in this population (60.5%). Mood subscales were not associated with body mass index categories. However, body mass index as a continuous variable was associated with anger, depression, and fatigue scores. Linear regression revealed that age, ethnicity, unemployment, chronic illnesses, and physical activity level, but not mood, are associated with body mass index.
“¿Tú tienes una little pumpkin?” Mixed noun phrases in Spanish-English bilingual children and adults
Authors: Ramírez Urbaneja Desirée
Published: December 2019

Objectives:

This study investigates the switching of a noun or a determiner in mixed noun phrases, such as “ una little pumpkin,” to test predictions from two theoretical frameworks, the Matrix Language Frame model (MLF) and the Minimalist Approach (MA) and examines whether there is a difference between child and adult code-switching (CS) patterns in order to understand children’s acquisition of grammatical patterns in general.

Methodology:

All tokens of mixed noun phrases (NPs) were extracted from three bilingual child corpora and one bilingual adult corpus. The finite verb (matrix language) of each utterance was also analyzed to test predictions.

Data and analysis:

Four hundred sixty-one mixed NPs were extracted from 15 Spanish-English bilingual children and 14 Spanish-English bilingual adults.

Findings:

Results support both the MLF and the MA since in more than 80% of our data, the language of the determiner matched the language of the finite verb morphology and the language with the most phi features.

Originality:

This is the first study to compare children’s and adults’ mixed NPs, testing predictions from the MLF and MA theories. It also provides new evidence for the acquisition of CS constraints in early bilingual language development.

Implications:

This study demonstrates that, like adults, children’s mixed NPs are subject to grammatical constraints. Some examples show that children produce mixed NPs immediately after hearing their caregivers produce the same NP, but in one language only. This supports the conclusion that children’s mixed NP patterns follow generalized constraints and are not item-based imitations of what they hear.

Limitations:

Future research should more carefully examine the CS patterns of caregivers and members of the community with whom children interact to decipher the role of input. This would help answer the question of how children acquire CS patterns.
Inequality talk: How discourses by senior men reinforce exclusions from creative occupations
Authors: Brook Orian , O’Brien Dave , Taylor Mark
Published: December 2019

Cultural Studies has drawn attention to the way that cultural and creative industries are marked by significant inequalities. This article explores how these inequalities are maintained, through fieldwork with senior men making decisions in cultural and creative industries. Drawing on 32 interviews with senior men across a range of cultural and creative industry occupations, conducted as part of a larger (N = 237) project, the analysis shows that misrecognition and outright rejection of inequalities are now not the norm. Rather, ‘inequality talk’ and the recognition of structural barriers for marginalised groups is a dominant discourse. However, individual careers are still explained by gentlemanly tropes and the idea of luck, rather than by reference to structural inequalities. The distance between the discourse of career luck and ‘inequality talk’ helps to explain the persistence of exclusions from the workforce for those who are not white, middle class origin, men. This has important implications for inequalities in cultural production and consumption, and in turn for wider social inequality.
The third wave of coworking: ‘Neo-corporate’ model versus ‘resilient’ practice
Authors: Gandini Alessandro , Cossu Alberto
Published: December 2019

Coworking spaces have been affirmed in recent years as a mainstream, ‘neo-corporate’ model of flexible work in post-recession, urban knowledge economies. However, there is growing evidence of spaces that apply the discourses and practices of the coworking movement in ways that are alternative to the neo-corporate paradigm, both in urban and non-urban contexts. Exploring the ethos and practices of an urban co-operative space in London and a rural innovation hub in Southern Italy, the article illustrates the emergence of coworking endeavours that set in opposition to the neo-corporate model, and describes them as ‘resilient’. We show that resilient coworking spaces are organisational actors that interact with the surrounding context much more than their counterparts, blending entrepreneurial logics with forms of political and social activism. We argue their emergence might be the harbinger of a new phase in the evolution of the coworking phenomenon.
Live tweeting, reality TV and the nation
Authors: Stewart Mark
Published: December 2019

This article argues that the live tweeting of reality television allows the creation of an imagined community, bounded by national borders. In an era of audience fragmentation and time-shifting of television engagement, live reality television encourages audiences to watch at time of broadcast; this is amplified by the move of some audience members to live-tweet the broadcast, communicating amongst themselves within a dispersed backchannel. A crucial result of the digital conversation is to reinstate the importance of the nation as a space for the reading and reception of culture. The article utilizes a discursive analysis of the concurrent Twitter conversation around the second season of The X Factor NZ in New Zealand in order to highlight the ongoing role that is played by the nation as a cultural formation in such discussions, as well as the ways that it makes understandings of national cultural identity visible.
Gender difference in sickness absence: Do managers evaluate men and women differently with regard to the appropriateness of sickness absence?
Authors: Mastekaasa Arne , Dale-Olsen Harald , Hellevik Tale , Løset Gøril K. , Østbakken Kjersti M.
Published: December 2019

Aims: Women have much higher rates of sickness absence than men, but the causes of the difference are not well understood. This study examines whether managers have more lenient attitudes towards women’s than towards men’s absence, as this might contribute to higher rates of sickness absence among women. Differences between managers and other employees are also assessed. Methods: Vignettes were used to measure attitudes towards the legitimacy of sickness absence. The vignettes consisted of brief case descriptions of individuals considering asking their physicians for sick leave, with information about the medical condition (mainly taken from the descriptions in ICPC-2), occupation and gender. Respondents judged how appropriate sickness absence was in each case. Quota sampling was used, and the effective sample size was 899 managers and 1396 other employees, with each respondent evaluating either four or six vignettes. Generalised ordinal logistic regression was used. Results: The gender of the vignette person had no effect on the managers’ evaluations of the appropriateness of sickness absence. Irrespective of the gender of the vignette person, however, managers were generally more restrictive than non-managers. Conclusions: Different attitudes on the part of managers towards sickness absence in men and women do not seem to contribute to gender differences in sickness absence, but managers are generally more restrictive compared to non-managerial employees.
Careers in the Australian sex industry: Exploring life narratives through metaphor
Authors: Gilmour Fairleigh Evelyn
Published: December 2019

In this article, I use Inkson’s career metaphors in order to structure an analysis of the narratives of 14 current and former sex workers in the Australian sex industry. This article examines participants’ meaning-making of their careers as: a story; a legacy of gendered and socio-economic constraints; as intertwined with the life cycle; as carefully crafted and planned; and as a networked practice involving social relationships. Participants’ narratives demonstrated both the complex construction of career meaning within the life narrative, as well as the agentic and creative configuration of life and career undertaken by participants. This reconfiguration of sex work as career allows it to be positioned more clearly within the fabric of women’s actual lives. This reconfiguration both undermines stereotypes of sex workers as victims in need of ‘saving’ while simultaneously offering a challenge to individualized understandings of sex industry work as merely a matter of personal choice.
Treatment of Displaced Olecranon Fractures: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rantalaiho I. K. , Miikkulainen A. E. , Laaksonen I. E. , Äärimaa V. O. , Laimi K. A.
Published: December 2019

Background and Aims:

The incidence of olecranon fractures is rising. Displaced fractures are usually operated either by tension band wiring or plate fixation. The aim of this review is to evaluate the best current evidence on the management of displaced olecranon fractures.

Materials and Methods:

Randomized controlled trials were systematically gathered in May 2018 from CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, and PEDro databases. The methodological quality of articles was assessed according to the Cochrane Collaboration’s domain-based framework. Prospero database registration number: CRD42018096650.

Results:

Of 1518 identified records, finally, 5 were relevant. Four trials were found on tension band wiring: two compared tension band wiring with plate fixation (n = 108), one compared plate fixation with an olecranon memory connector (n = 40), and one trial compared tension band wiring with a modified tension band wiring called Cable Pin System (n = 62). In addition, one trial compared operative and conservative treatment in elderly (n = 19). The risk of bias was considered low in two and high in three of the trials. The follow-up time was 5–36 months, and outcome measures varied from patient-rated and physician-rated measures to radiological outcomes. In the analysis, there was no difference between tension band wiring and plate fixation. The data were insufficient for further quantitative analysis.

Conclusion:

No differences were found in clinical or patient-rated outcome measures between the two most frequent fixation methods (tension band wiring and plate fixation) of displaced olecranon fractures. Current data are not sufficient to evaluate other treatment methods; however, conservative treatment might serve as an option for selected patients in the elderly population.
Lügenpresse: The lying press and German journalists’ responses to a stigma
Authors: Koliska Michael , Assmann Karin
Published: December 2019

The term Lügenpresse, ‘lying press’, was used by the German National Socialist Party before and during the Third Reich to discredit the news media and to undermine public trust. By 2014, reports of verbal and physical attacks on journalists and news organizations by individuals calling them Lügenpresse, had again become a frequent feature of the public discourse in Germany. While the term ‘fake news’ is used to similar effect and intent in the United States, Lügenpresse is a historically and politically charged expression of distrust in news media on an institutional level. This research examines the responses and institutional strategies of 27 news editors and executive editors in Germany’s leading broadcast, print and online news organizations to the accusations that they are lying to their audiences. Findings indicate that the reemergence of the term Lügenpresse, has led to considerable self-reflection within institutions, in an effort to counter the lack of trust and to demonstratively better serve the public. The main focus across newsrooms is on improving established processes and on making professional standards and practices more visible to the audience.
Experimental design and stochastic modeling of hydrodynamic wave propagation within cavities for wind tunnel acoustic measurements
Authors: VanDercreek Colin P , Amiri-Simkooei Alireza , Snellen Mirjam , Ragni Daniele
Published: December 2019

This study investigates how embedding microphones in different cavity geometries along the wall of a wind tunnel reduces the measured turbulent boundary layer pressure fluctuations. The effect of these cavities on the measured signal-to-noise ratio of an acoustic source with flow present was also quantified. Twelve cavity geometries defined by their depths, diameters, chamfer, opening percentage, and mesh covering were tested. The cavity geometries were selected using a design of experiments methodology. The application of design of experiments enabled a statistically sound and efficient test campaign. This was done by applying a D-optimal selection criterion to all potential cavity geometries in order to select 12 cavities to allow for the individual effect of the geometric parameters such as depth and diameter to be quantified with statistical confidence. The resulting wind tunnel test data were fit to a generalized additive model. This approach quantified the relative effect of these parameters on the turbulent boundary layer pressure spectral energy and signal-to-noise ratio while accounting for non-linear frequency dependence. This experimental investigation quantified how much increasing depth reduces the turbulent boundary layer spectral energy and increases signal-to-noise ratio. It also showed that a mesh covering reduces the boundary layer noise by 8 dB. It was also quantified how much reducing the cavity area from the opening of the cavity to the base of the microphone reduces the measured boundary layer spectral energy. Additionally, the model quantified the interactions between the mesh and cavity area as well as the change in area.
Who has the power? A reflection on teaching drama improvisation with young children
Authors: Ho Ka Lee Carrie
Published: December 2019

The following study reflects and explores the dynamics of aesthetic experiences within drama improvisations. This arts-based research was carried out in Hong Kong with six Cantonese children who were aged 3–5 years. Data were collected from the video transcripts of five workshops and the researcher’s own research journal. Two significant milieus were observed: switching in-between roles and intuitive creativity is not talkback. I argue that because each of these two milieus provide the foreground for the complex – and at times contradictory – nature of children’s aesthetic experiences where Deleuzian power is at play, opportunities arise for both, challenging the traditional adult–child power relations, and in so doing, educators can be able to reconfigure and reconceptualise teaching goals and practices, both generally and specifically, within the context of early childhood education.
The Effectiveness of Educational Intervention in Improving Primary Health-Care Service Providers’ Knowledge, Identification, and Management of Elder Abuse and Neglect: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mydin Fadzilah Hanum Mohd , Yuen Choo Wan , Othman Sajaratulnisah
Published: December 2019

Elder abuse and neglect (EAN) occurrence is expected to increase in many countries due to rapidly aging populations, yet it is still unrecognized and underreported. Gaps were identified in the knowledge and skills to intervene EAN among health-care service providers. It is still unclear whether educating health-care service providers on EAN improve the identification and management of EAN cases. A systematic review was conducted on the effectiveness of educational intervention designed to improve primary health-care service providers’ (PHSPs) knowledge, attitude, and practice in managing EAN cases. We performed a comprehensive and systematic search for original studies in the following major electronic databases (ScienceDirect, PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL) and specialist registers (Cochrane Central Controlled Trials Register) with a set of search terms. Studies included were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies on EAN education intervention that aimed to improve knowledge, attitude, and management skills of the PHSPs. There were no publication period restrictions until June 2018 and written in English. Overall, three RCTs and 10 observational studies were selected. These studies were grouped based on the type of the study, methodological quality (six moderate risk of bias and seven serious risk of bias), and the type of educational intervention (seven face-to-face educational intervention, two educational videos, two simulation-based training, and two online educational training). The education programs in the selected studies range from brief didactic to experiential learning. EAN educational intervention among primary care service providers potentially result in increasing awareness and knowledge on EAN. However, there is a lack of evidence on the changes of attitude and practice.
The Efficacy of Acupuncture in Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chien Tsai-Ju , Liu Chia-Yu , Fang Ching-Ju , Kuo Chun-Yu
Published: December 2019

Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) has no cure, but acupuncture may provide relief through its known neuromodulation or neuroendocrine adjustment. This review aimed to assess the efficacy of acupuncture in treating CIPN. Method: A literature review following the PRISMA Statement was performed, searching 7 databases from inception through August 2019. All studies were clinical trials of the effect of acupuncture on CIPN. The methodological quality of these trials was assessed using Cochrane criteria; meta-analysis software (RevMan 5.2) was used to analyze the data. Data Sources: The databases searched were the following: MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), and Wanfang Med Online. Results: We examined 386 cancer patients from 6 randomized control trials, which had high quality, based on the modified Jadad scale. Meta-analysis showed that acupuncture led to significant improvements in pain scores (−1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −1.61 to −0.82, P < .00001) and nervous system symptoms based on Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Neurotoxicity questionnaire scores (−2.02, 95% CI = −2.21 to −1.84, P < .00001). No significant change was noted in nerve conduction velocity (1.58, 95% CI = −2.67 to 5.83, P = .47). Conclusion: Acupuncture can effectively relieve CIPN pain and functional limitation. The limited number of subjects warrants a larger scale study.
Remapping the Latina/o and Chicana/o Pipeline: A Critical Race Analysis of Educational Inequity in Texas
Authors: Alemán Sonya M. , Bahena Sofia , Alemán Enrique
Published: December 2019

This project creates the first educational pipeline for the state of Texas. It incorporates middle school as a key transition point, differentiates between advanced degree achievement among Latinas/os and Chicanas/os, and fashions a secondary pipeline with a narrower age range. Findings indicate that the move from eighth grade to ninth is a critical juncture; that more adult Latinas/os and Chicanas/os lack any academic credentials among all ethnic groups; and that current generations experience similar inequitable achievement rates as older generations.
Genome-Wide Identification of a Novel Autophagy-Related Signature for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Huang Zhi , Liu Jie , Luo Liang , Sheng Pan , Wang Biao , Zhang Jun , Peng Sha-sha
Published: December 2019

Background:

Plenty of evidence has suggested that autophagy plays a crucial role in the biological processes of cancers. This study aimed to screen autophagy-related genes (ARGs) and establish a novel a scoring system for colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods:

Autophagy-related genes sequencing data and the corresponding clinical data of CRC in The Cancer Genome Atlas were used as training data set. The GSE39582 data set from the Gene Expression Omnibus was used as validation set. An autophagy-related signature was developed in training set using univariate Cox analysis followed by stepwise multivariate Cox analysis and assessed in the validation set. Then we analyzed the function and pathways of ARGs using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. Finally, a prognostic nomogram combining the autophagy-related risk score and clinicopathological characteristics was developed according to multivariate Cox analysis.

Results:

After univariate and multivariate analysis, 3 ARGs were used to construct autophagy-related signature. The KEGG pathway analyses showed several significantly enriched oncological signatures, such as p53 signaling pathway, apoptosis, human cytomegalovirus infection, platinum drug resistance, necroptosis, and ErbB signaling pathway. Patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups, and patients with high risk had significantly shorter overall survival (OS) than low-risk patients in both training set and validation set. Furthermore, the nomogram for predicting 3- and 5-year OS was established based on autophagy-based risk score and clinicopathologic factors. The area under the curve and calibration curves indicated that the nomogram showed well accuracy of prediction.

Conclusions:

Our proposed autophagy-based signature has important prognostic value and may provide a promising tool for the development of personalized therapy.
Utilizing Digital Health Technologies for Patient Education in Lifestyle Medicine
Authors: Kuwabara Anne , Su Sharlene , Krauss Jeffrey
Published: December 2019

Technology has redefined the way patients and providers communicate and obtain health information. The realm of digital health encompasses a diverse set of technologies, including mobile health, health information technology, wearable devices, telehealth and telemedicine, and personalized medicine. These technologies have begun to improve care delivery without the traditional constraints of distance, location, and time. A growing body of evidence supports the use of digital health technology for improving patient education and implementation of skills and behaviors integral to lifestyle medicine. Patient education can now be delivered in standard formats (eg, articles, written messages) as well a wide array of multimedia (video, audio, interactive games, etc), which may be more appropriate for certain topics and learning styles. In addition, patient engagement in their care plays an important role in improving health outcomes. Despite digital health technology development often outpacing its research, there is sufficient evidence to support the use of many current technologies in clinical practice. Digital health tools will continue to grow in their ability to cost-effectively monitor and encourage healthy behaviors at scale, and better methods of evaluation will likely increase clinician confidence in their use.
Successful endovascular management of multiple mycotic aneurysms after liver transplantation – A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Ng Jun Jie , Tan Jarrod Kah Hwee , Wong Julian Chi Leung , Wee Bernard Boon Kee , Shridhar Iyer Ganpathi , Kow Alfred Wei Chieh , Madhavan Krishnakumar , Mangat Kamarjit Singh , Bonney Glenn Kunnath
Published: December 2019

Background

Mycotic vascular complications after liver transplantation are rare but can be pose a serious threat to the liver graft and the patient’s life. Mycotic complications can present as an incidental finding on routine imaging, or as haemorrhagic shock. Traditionally, these mycotic vascular complications were managed with open surgery.

Method/results

In this case report, we describe a patient who had developed multiple sequential mycotic aneurysms after liver transplantation which were managed successfully using endovascular and percutaneous techniques.

Conclusion

An endovascular approach is minimally invasive and will be the way forward in managing these mycotic vascular complications.
Multi-modal gesture recognition with voting-based dynamic time warping
Authors: Kuang Yiqun , Cheng Hong , Hao Jiasheng , Xie Ruimeng , Cui Fang
Published: December 2019

Gesture recognition has remained a challenging problem in the fields of human robot interaction. With the development of depth sensors such as Kinect, different modalities become available for gesture recognition while its advantages have not been fully exploited. One of the critical issues for multi-modal gesture recognition is how to fuse features from different modalities. In this article, we present a unified framework for multi-modal gesture recognition based on dynamic time warping. The 3D implicit shape model is applied to characterize the space-time structure of the local features extracted from different modalities. And then, all votes from the local features are incorporated into a common probability space which is then used for building the distance matrix. Meanwhile, an upper-bounding method UB_Pro is proposed to speed up dynamic time warping. The proposed approach is evaluated on the challenging ChaLearn Isolated Gesture Dataset, showing comparable performance in comparison to the state-of-the-art approaches for multi-modal gesture recognition problem.
Consensus in networked multi-robot systems via local state feedback robust control
Authors: Zhang Shijie , Cao Yi
Published: December 2019

In the article, the consensus problem is considered for networked multi-robot systems, in which the dynamical equation of all robots is non-holonomic and nonlinear systems. In the multi-robot systems, each robot updates its current states and receives the states from the neighboring robots. Under the assumption that if the network graph is bidirectional, a local information-based state feedback robust controller is designed to make sure the convergence of the individual robots’ states to a common value. Finally, the effectiveness of the presented method is illustrated by the simulation results of a group of four mobile robots.
Social Allostasis and Social Allostatic Load: A New Model for Research in Social Dynamics, Stress, and Health
Authors: Saxbe Darby E. , Beckes Lane , Stoycos Sarah A. , Coan James A.
Published: December 2019

Theories such as social baseline theory have argued that social groups serve a regulatory function but have not explored whether this regulatory process carries costs for the group. Allostatic load, the wear and tear on regulatory systems caused by chronic or frequent stress, is marked by diminished stress system flexibility and compromised recovery. We argue that allostatic load may develop within social groups as well and provide a model for how relationship dysfunction operates. Social allostatic load may be characterized by processes such as groups becoming locked into static patterns of interaction and may ultimately lead to up-regulation or down-regulation of a group’s set point, or the optimal range of arousal or affect around which the group tends to converge. Many studies of emotional and physiological linkage within groups have reported that highly correlated states of arousal, which may reflect failure to maintain a group-level regulatory baseline, occur in the context of stress, conflict, and relationship distress. Relationship strain may also place greater demands on neurocognitive regulatory processes. Just as allostatic load may be detrimental to individual health, social allostatic load may corrode relationship quality.
New Bioactive Esters and Phosphonates Semisynthesized From (±)-Vasicinone: An Alkaloid Isolated From Peganum harmala
Authors: Filali Insaf , Jelassi Amira , Jannet Hichem Ben
Published: December 2019

A series of N-tosyl α-amino acids 2a-e, prepared using a tosyl chloride protecting group, was condensed with (±)-vasicinone 1, isolated from the seeds of the plant Peganum harmala, to generate the corresponding esters 3a-e and 3b′-e′. (±)-Vasicinone 1 was also reacted with chloroacetic acid chloride to afford a new chlorinated ester 4 which was refluxed with trialkyl phosphites to give 2 new phosphonates 5a,b. All synthesized compounds were characterized with the help of spectroscopic means, including NMR (1H, 13C, and 31P) and ES-HRMS, and then screened for their in vitro anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE), anti-5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), and cytotoxic activities (MCF-7, OVCAR-3, and HCT-116 cell lines). Most synthesized derivatives exhibited a cytotoxic activity against 3 cell lines used. The phosphonate derivative 5b was found to be the most active one (IC50 = 63.7 ± 1.4 µM) against AChE enzyme. Only 2 diastereoisomers 3e and 3e′ exhibited activity against 5-LOX enzyme with IC50 values of 63.1 ± 4.2 and 79.2 ± 8.3 µM, respectively.
Are Neighbors Friends or Foes? Assessing Airbnb Listings’ Agglomeration Effect in New York City
Authors: Xie Karen L. , Kwok Linchi , Heo Cindy Yoonjoung
Published: December 2019

This study investigates the agglomeration effect of Airbnb listings in New York City (NYC) and answers two research questions: (a) Does agglomeration benefit or hurt the performance of individual Airbnb listings? (b) How does the effect of agglomeration vary by hosts regarding their operational experience (measured by their capacity and tenure on Airbnb)? A series of econometric analyses using large-scale data of Airbnb in NYC reveal that agglomeration positively affects the revenue performance of each Airbnb listing. In addition, such an effect is strengthened as host tenure spans but mitigated as host capacity expands, indicating a nonsymmetric agglomeration effect across service providers. This research contributes an important but less researched perspective to the home-sharing literature. Managerial implications on leveraging agglomeration for improved revenue performance are provided to Airbnb and its hosts, as well as the hotel chains that want to combat Airbnb’s negative impacts or have already entered the short-term residential rental market to compete head-to-head with Airbnb.
Seipin-linked congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 2: a rare case with multiple lytic and pseudo-osteopoikilosis lesions
Authors: Yamamoto Asako , Kusakabe Toru , Sato Kenji , Tokizaki Toru , Sakurai Keita , Abe Satoshi
Published: December 2019

Congenital generalized lipodystrophy (CGL), or Berardinelli–Seip syndrome (BSCL), is a part of lipodystrophic syndromes that constitute a heterogeneous group of genetic or acquired generalized or partial body fat loss disorders. It is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by a near-absence of adipose tissue from birth or early infancy and severe insulin resistance. CGL is classified as type 1–4, depending on the gene involved, and bone lytic lesion is found frequently in type 1 especially in long bones, but reported to be rare in type 2. Here we report an active lifestyle 25-year-old woman with type 2 CGL showing multiple bone lytic and pseudo-osteopoikilosis lesions in hands and feet. Radiograph bone survey showed no apparent abnormality in pelvic bone or axial skeletons. Bone marrow was completely absent and extra-skeletal general fat loss was also evident in whole-body magnetic resonance imaging sparing the orbital, axial, sole, and palmar regions. Radiographic bone survey is important even for type 2 CGL to find the change of bones to provide direction of preventing excessive overload or activity.
Key Service Improvements After the Introduction of an Integrated Orthogeriatric Service
Authors: Murphy R. P. , Reddin C. , Murphy E. P. , Waters R. , Murphy C. G. , Canavan M.
Published: December 2019

Introduction:

Models of orthogeriatric care have been shown to improve functional outcomes for patients after hip fractures and can improve compliance with best practice guidelines for hip fracture care.

Methods:

We evaluated improvements to key performance indicators in hip fracture care after implementation of a formal orthogeriatric service. Compliance with Irish Hip Fracture standards of care was reviewed, and additional outcomes such as length of stay, access to rehabilitation, and discharge destination were evaluated.

Results:

Improvements were observed in all of the hip fracture standards of care. Mean length of stay decreased from 19 to 15.5 days (mean difference 3.5 days; P < .05). A higher proportion of patients were admitted to rehabilitation (16.7% vs 7.9%, P < .05), and this happened in a timelier fashion (17.8 vs 24.8 days, P < .05). We found that less patients required convalescence post-hip fracture.

Discussion:

A standardized approach to integrated post-hip fracture care with orthogeriatrics has improved standards of care for patients.

Conclusion:

Introduction of orthogeriatric services has resulted in meaningful improvements in clinical outcomes for older people with hip fractures.
Efficacy and complications after delayed fixation of femoral neck fractures in children
Authors: Wu Chunxing , Ning Bo , Xu Ping , Song Jun , Wang Dahui
Published: December 2019

Objective:

This study evaluated the efficacy of surgery for femoral neck fractures in children after a 24-h delay and the factors affecting the risk of complications.

Methods:

The study included 16 children who underwent surgery after the first 24 h for femoral neck fractures. According to Delbet’s classification, there were 2 type I, 11 type II, and 3 (four hips) type III cases. The mean time from injury to surgery was 85 h (range 27–240 h). According to Garden’s classification, there were 1 type II, 14 type III, and 1 type IV (two hips) cases. Initial surgery consisted of closed reduction and hematocele drainage with a 20-mL needle tube. If the procedure failed, open reduction was performed. Internal fixation (K-wire pinning, screw) was performed after closed ( n = 9) or open ( n = 8) reduction. The results were assessed using the Ratliff criteria after a mean follow-up of 23.2 months. Patient age, type of fracture, complications, treatment, and avascular necrosis (AVN) were evaluated.

Results:

The results were good in 15 hips (88.2%) and fair in 2 hips (11.8%, one type II case with closed reduction and one type I case with open reduction). The most frequent complication was AVN (4 of 17; 23.5%; three Ratliff good and one fair), which was significantly related to poor outcomes. AVN occurred in one hip in the closed reduction group (Delbet’s type II, 12.5%) and in three in the open reduction group (one Delbet’s type I, 50%; two Delbet’s type II, 66.7%). There were no significant differences in the time from injury to operation (27, 54, 64, and 116 h) and AVN incidence or Ratliff criteria.

Conclusions:

The efficacy of delayed reduction fixation of the femoral neck was better in the closed reduction group than in the open reduction group. Fracture location closer to the femoral head and older age affected the incidence of AVN.
Personal Factors, Wants, and Needs: Exploring Vocational Anticipatory Socialization Through Young Adults’ Preferences for Managerial Communication Behaviors
Authors: Omilion-Hodges Leah M. , Ptacek Jennifer K.
Published: December 2019

As research continues to indicate a chasm between new hires’ expectations and what managers are equipped to provide, the current research uses a mixed-methods design to explore vocational anticipatory socialization from the perspective of young adults. Through a mix of reliable and valid survey instruments and open-ended items, traditionally aged college students provide insight on how personal factors (i.e., self-efficacy, self-worth, leader identification, etc.) and expressed needs and wants for managerial communication behaviors may influence young adults’ preferences for various approaches to management. Study results indicate that young adults who are particularly self-efficacious want a manager-mentor, whereas those with lower levels of self-efficacy indicate a desire for less task and relational direction from future leaders. This could result in isolation if these employees are not integrated into routine support and growth opportunities. Theoretical and pragmatic implications are discussed with specific recommendations for teacher-scholars, recruiters, and managers.
Impact of NPM1/FLT3-ITD genotypes defined by the 2017 European LeukemiaNet in patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Döhner Konstanze , Thiede Christian , Jahn Nikolaus , Panina Ekaterina , Gambietz Agnes , Larson Richard A. , Prior Thomas W. , Marcucci Guido , Jones Dan , Krauter Jürgen , Heuser Michael , Voso Maria Teresa , Ottone Tiziana , Nomdedeu Josep F. , Mandrekar Sumithra J. , Klisovic Rebecca B. , Wei Andrew H. , Sierra Jorge , Sanz Miguel A. , Brandwein Joseph M. , de Witte Theo , Jansen Joop H. , Niederwieser Dietger , Appelbaum Frederick R. , Medeiros Bruno C. , Tallman Martin S. , Schlenk Richard F. , Ganser Arnold , Serve Hubert , Ehninger Gerhard , Amadori Sergio , Gathmann Insa , Benner Axel , Pallaud Celine , Stone Richard M. , Döhner Hartmut , Bloomfield Clara D.
Published: December 2019

Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) harboring FLT3 internal tandem duplications (ITDs) have poor outcomes, in particular AML with a high (≥0.5) mutant/wild-type allelic ratio (AR). The 2017 European LeukemiaNet (ELN) recommendations defined 4 distinct FLT3-ITD genotypes based on the ITD AR and the NPM1 mutational status. In this retrospective exploratory study, we investigated the prognostic and predictive impact of the NPM1/FLT3-ITD genotypes categorized according to the 2017 ELN risk groups in patients randomized within the RATIFY trial, which evaluated the addition of midostaurin to standard chemotherapy. The 4 NPM1/FLT3-ITD genotypes differed significantly with regard to clinical and concurrent genetic features. Complete ELN risk categorization could be done in 318 of 549 trial patients with FLT3-ITD AML. Significant factors for response after 1 or 2 induction cycles were ELN risk group and white blood cell (WBC) counts; treatment with midostaurin had no influence. Overall survival (OS) differed significantly among ELN risk groups, with estimated 5-year OS probabilities of 0.63, 0.43, and 0.33 for favorable-, intermediate-, and adverse-risk groups, respectively (P < .001). A multivariate Cox model for OS using allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in first complete remission as a time-dependent variable revealed treatment with midostaurin, allogeneic HCT, ELN favorable-risk group, and lower WBC counts as significant favorable factors. In this model, there was a consistent beneficial effect of midostaurin across ELN risk groups.
Is there an optimal conditioning for older patients with AML receiving allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation?
Authors: Ciurea Stefan O. , Kongtim Piyanuch , Varma Ankur , Rondon Gabriela , Chen Julianne , Srour Samer , Bashir Qaiser , Alousi Amin , Mehta Rohtesh , Oran Betul , Popat Uday , Hosing Chitra , Olson Amanda , Daver Naval , Konopleva Marina , Champlin Richard E.
Published: December 2019

The optimal conditioning regimen for older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains unclear. In this study, we compared outcomes of AML patients >60 years of age undergoing allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation at our institution. All 404 consecutively treated patients received 1 of the following conditioning regimens: (1) fludarabine+melphalan 100 mg/m2 (FM100), (2) fludarabine+melphalan 140 mg/m2 (FM140), (3) fludarabine+IV busulfan AUC ≥ 5000/d × 4 d (Bu≥20000), and (4) fludarabine+IV busulfan AUC 4000/d × 4 d (Bu16000). A propensity score analysis (PSA) was used to compare outcomes between these 4 groups. Among the 4 conditioning regimens, the FM100 group had a significantly better long-term survival with 5-year progression-free survival of 49% vs 30%, 34%, and 23%, respectively. The benefit of the FM100 regimen resulted primarily from the lower nonrelapse mortality associated with this regimen, an effect more pronounced in patients with lower performance status. The PSA confirmed that FM100 was associated with better posttransplantation survival, whereas no significant differences were seen between the other regimen groups. In summary, older patients with AML benefited from a reduced-intensity conditioning regimen with lower melphalan doses (FM100), which was associated with better survival, even though it was primarily used in patients who could not receive a more intense conditioning regimen.
Assessment of hemodynamic efficacy and safety of 6% hydroxyethylstarch 130/0.4 vs. 0.9% NaCl fluid replacement in patients with severe sepsis: The CRYSTMAS study
Authors: Guidet Bertrand , Martinet Olivier , Boulain Thierry , Philippart Francois , Poussel Jean François , Maizel Julien , Forceville Xavier , Feissel Marc , Hasselmann Michel , Heininger Alexandra , Van Aken Hugo
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Inadequate initial treatment and delayed hemodynamic stabilization (HDS) may be associated with increased risk of death in severe sepsis patients.

Methods

In order to compare the hemodynamic efficacy and safety of 6% HES 130/0.4 and NaCl 0.9% for HDS in patients with severe sepsis, we designed a prospective, multicenter, active-controlled, double-blind, randomized study in intensive care units.

Results

174 out of 196 patients reached HDS (88 and 86 patients for HES and NaCl, respectively). Significantly less HES was used to reach HDS vs. NaCl (1,379 ±886 ml in the HES group and 1,709 ±1,164 ml in the NaCl group (mean difference = -331± 1,033, 95% CI -640 to -21, P = 0.0185). Time to reach HDS was 11.8 10.1 hours vs. 14.3 ±11.1 hours for HES and NaCl, respectively. Total quantity of study drug infused over four consecutive days, ICU and hospital LOS, and area under the curve of SOFA score were comparable. Acute renal failure occurred in 24 (24.5%) and 19 (20%) patients for HES and NaCl, respectively (P = 0.454). There was no difference between AKIN and RIFLE criteria among groups and no difference in mortality, coagulation, or pruritus up to 90 days after treatment initiation.

Conclusion

Significantly less volume was required to achieve HDS for HES vs. NaCl in the initial phase of fluid resuscitation in severe sepsis patients without any difference for adverse events in both groups.

ClinicalTrials.gov

NCT00464204
Structure-guided mutagenesis of active site residues in the dengue virus two-component protease NS2B-NS3
Authors: Salaemae Wanisa , Junaid Muhammad , Angsuthanasombat Chanan , Katzenmeier Gerd
Published: December 2019

Background

The dengue virus two-component protease NS2B/NS3 mediates processing of the viral polyprotein precursor and is therefore an important determinant of virus replication. The enzyme is now intensively studied with a view to the structure-based development of antiviral inhibitors. Although 3-dimensional structures have now been elucidated for a number of flaviviral proteases, enzyme-substrate interactions are characterized only to a limited extend. The high selectivity of the dengue virus protease for the polyprotein precursor offers the distinct advantage of designing inhibitors with exquisite specificity for the viral enzyme. To identify important determinants of substrate binding and catalysis in the active site of the dengue virus NS3 protease, nine residues, L115, D129, G133, T134, Y150, G151, N152, S163 and I165, located within the S1 and S2 pockets of the enzyme were targeted by alanine substitution mutagenesis and effects on enzyme activity were fluorometrically assayed.

Methods

Alanine substitutions were introduced by site-directed mutagenesis at residues L115, D129, G133, T134, Y150, G151, N152, S163 and I165 and recombinant proteins were purified from overexpressingE. coli. Effects of these substitutions on enzymatic activity of the NS3 protease were assayed by fluorescence release from the synthetic model substrate GRR-amc and kinetic parametersKm,kcatandkcat/Kmwere determined.

Results

Kinetic data for mutant derivatives in the active site of the dengue virus NS3 protease were essentially in agreement with a functional role of the selected residues for substrate binding and/or catalysis. Only the L115A mutant displayed activity comparable to the wild-type enzyme, whereas mutation of residues Y150 and G151 to alanine completely abrogated enzyme activity. A G133A mutant had an approximately 10-fold reduced catalytic efficiency thus suggesting a critical role for this residue seemingly as part of the oxyanion binding hole.

Conclusions

Kinetic data obtained for mutants in the NS3 protease have confirmed predictions for the conformation of the active site S1 and S2 pockets based on earlier observations. The data presented herein will be useful to further explore structure-activity relationships of the flaviviral proteases important for the structure-guided design of novel antiviral therapeutics.
Application of machine learning methods to histone methylation ChIP-Seq data reveals H4R3me2 globally represses gene expression
Authors: Xu Xiaojiang , Hoang Stephen , Mayo Marty W , Bekiranov Stefan
Published: December 2019

Background

In the last decade, biochemical studies have revealed that epigenetic modifications including histone modifications, histone variants and DNA methylation form a complex network that regulate the state of chromatin and processes that depend on it including transcription and DNA replication. Currently, a large number of these epigenetic modifications are being mapped in a variety of cell lines at different stages of development using high throughput sequencing by members of the ENCODE consortium, the NIH Roadmap Epigenomics Program and the Human Epigenome Project. An extremely promising and underexplored area of research is the application of machine learning methods, which are designed to construct predictive network models, to these large-scale epigenomic data sets.

Results

Using a ChIP-Seq data set of 20 histone lysine and arginine methylations and histone variant H2A.Z in human CD4+T-cells, we built predictive models of gene expression as a function of histone modification/variant levels using Multilinear (ML) Regression and Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS). Along with extensive crosstalk among the 20 histone methylations, we found H4R3me2 was the most and second most globally repressive histone methylation among the 20 studied in the ML and MARS models, respectively. In support of our finding, a number of experimental studies show that PRMT5-catalyzed symmetric dimethylation of H4R3 is associated with repression of gene expression. This includes a recent study, which demonstrated that H4R3me2 is required for DNMT3A-mediated DNA methylation--a known global repressor of gene expression.

Conclusion

In stark contrast to univariate analysis of the relationship between H4R3me2 and gene expression levels, our study showed that the regulatory role of some modifications like H4R3me2 is masked by confounding variables, but can be elucidated by multivariate/systems-level approaches.