bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlled human exposures to wood smoke: a synthesis of the evidence
Authors: Schwartz Carley , Bølling Anette Kocbach , Carlsten Christopher
Published: October 2020

Background

Exposure to particulate matter (PM) from wood combustion represents a global health risk, encompassing diverse exposure sources; indoor exposures due to cooking in developing countries, ambient PM exposures from residential wood combustion in developed countries, and the predicted increasing number of wildfires due to global warming. Although physicochemical properties of the PM, as well as the exposure levels vary considerably between these sources, controlled human exposure studies may provide valuable insight to the harmful effects of wood smoke (WS) exposures in general. However, no previous review has focused specifically on controlled human exposure studies to WS.

Results

The 22 publications identified, resulting from 12 controlled human studies, applied a range of combustion conditions, exposure levels and durations, and exercise components in their WS exposure. A range of airway, cardiovascular and systemic endpoints were assessed, including lung function and heart rate measures, inflammation and oxidative stress. However, the possibility for drawing general conclusions was precluded by the large variation in study design, resulting in differences in physicochemical properties of WS, effective dose, as well as included endpoints and time-points for analysis. Overall, there was most consistency in reported effects for airways, while oxidative stress, systemic inflammation and cardiovascular physiology did not show any clear patterns.

Conclusion

Based on the reviewed controlled human exposure studies, conclusions regarding effects of acute WS exposure on human health are premature. Thus, more carefully conducted human studies are needed. Future studies should pay particular attention to the applied WS exposure, to assure that both exposure levels and PM properties reflect the research question.
Diagnostic accuracy of physical examination for detecting pelvic fractures among blunt trauma patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Okada Yohei , Nishioka Norihiro , Ohtsuru Shigeru , Tsujimoto Yasushi
Published: October 2020

Background

Pelvic fractures are common among blunt trauma patients, and timely and accurate diagnosis can improve patient outcomes. However, it remains unclear whether physical examinations are sufficient in this context. This study aims to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on the diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of physical examination for pelvic fracture among blunt trauma patients.

Methods

Studies were identified using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases starting from the creation of the database to January 2020. A total of 20 studies (49,043 patients with 8300 cases [16.9%] of pelvic fracture) were included in the quality assessment and meta-analysis. Two investigators extracted the data and evaluated the risk of bias in each study. The meta-analysis involved a hierarchical summary receiver operating curve (ROC) model to calculate the diagnostic accuracy of the physical exam. Subgroup analysis assessed the extent of between-study heterogeneity. Clinical utility was assessed using decision curve analysis.

Results

The median prevalence of pelvic fracture was 10.5% (interquartile range, 5.1–16.5). The pooled sensitivity (and corresponding 95% confidence interval) of the hierarchical summary ROC parameters was 0.859 (0.761–0.952) at a given specificity of 0.920, which was the median value among the included studies. Subgroup analysis revealed that the pooled sensitivity among patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale score ≥ 13 was 0.933 (0.847–0.998) at a given specificity of 0.920. The corresponding value for patients with scores ≤ 13 was 0.761 (0.560–0.932). For threshold probability < 0.01 with 10–15% prevalence, the net benefit of imaging tests was higher than that of physical examination.

Conclusion

Imaging tests should be performed in all trauma patients regardless of findings from physical examination or patients’ levels of consciousness. However, the clinical role of physical examination should be considered given the prevalence and threshold probability in each setting.
Exposure risk of patients with chronic infectious wounds during the COVID-19 outbreak and its countermeasures
Authors: Zhou Haiying , Jin Qianjun , Lu Hui
Published: October 2020

Background

A large number of cases of pneumonia caused by novel β-coronavirus emerged in Hubei Province, China, at the end of 2019 and demonstrated great potential for transmission. At present, known independent risk factors include age, diabetes, and other chronic diseases, which may be similar to the patients with chronic wound; thus, we try to explore the clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, and management recommendation of patients with chronic infective wounds during the COVID-19 epidemic period.

Methods

In this single-center, retrospective observational study, we included all cases with chronic infective wounds that came to our hospital between the full outbreak of the COVID-19 in China (January 23, 2020) and the latest date prior to posting (20 April 2020). Demographic data, comorbidities, laboratory and imaging findings, consultation history, and clinical outcomes (lesion cured, uncontrolled, amputated, etc. as of May 10, 2020) were collected for all individuals. Patients were subdivided into gangrene, traumatic infection, and other types of soft tissue infection wound (including bedsores, gout ruptures, stab wounds, and so on) according to the causes of wound, and their disease-related information were compared group by group.

Results

Among the total 81 patients with chronic infective wounds, 60% were male, with a mean age of 60.8 years (SD 18.6), including 38 (47%) patients with traumatic infection, 29 (36%) gangrene cases, and 14 (17%) other soft tissue infection wounds. Common comorbidities are hypertension (32%), diabetes (32%), cardiovascular disease (24%), and kidney injury (12%), and the patients with gangrenes have the most comorbidities. As of May 10, 2020, there were 78 patients discharged, and their average stay time is 15.8 days (SD 14.2), while people still at the hospital is 39.7 days (SD 8.7) much longer than the discharged and also has more comorbidities. But there is no significant difference in the hospitalization time of three types of wounds. And fortunately, none of all the patients were infected by coronavirus.

Conclusion

The majority of patients with chronic wounds are severely ill with high risk of infection and poor prognosis; therefore, management of patients with chronic wounds should be improved.
Aortic penetration due to a fish bone: a case report
Authors: Jiang Daming , Lu Yi , Zhang Yigong , Hu Zhanglong , Cheng Haifeng
Published: October 2020

Background

Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) caused by an esophageal foreign body is a life-threatening crisis, with rapid progress and high mortality. The first case of AEF was reported in 1818, but the first successfully managed case was not until 1980. Although there have been some reports on this condition, in most cases, the aorta was invaded and corroded due to its adjacent relationship with the esophagus and subsequent mediastinitis. To date, few reports have described an aortic wall directly penetrated by a sharp foreign body, likely because this type of injury is extremely rare and most patients cannot receive timely treatment. Here, we present a rare case of a fish bone that directly pierced the aorta via the esophagus.

Case presentation

A 31-year-old female experienced poststernum swallowing pain after eating a meal of fish. Gastroscope showed a fishbone-like foreign body had penetrated the esophagus wall. Computed tomography revealed that the foreign body had directly pierced the aorta to form an AEF. Surgery was successfully performed to repair the aorta and esophagus. The postoperation and follow-up was uneventful.

Conclusions

For the treatment of foreign bodies in the esophagus, we should be alert of the possibility of AEFs. The effective management of AEFs requires early diagnosis and intervention, as well as long-term treatment and follow-up, which still has a long way to go.
Effects of alkaloids on peripheral neuropathic pain: a review
Authors: Zhu Chunhao , Liu Ning , Tian Miaomiao , Ma Lin , Yang Jiamei , Lan Xiaobing , Ma Hanxiang , Niu Jianguo , Yu Jianqiang
Published: October 2020

Neuropathic pain is a debilitating pathological pain condition with a great therapeutic challenge in clinical practice. Currently used analgesics produce deleterious side effects. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate alternative medicines for neuropathic pain. Chinese herbal medicines have been widely used in treating intractable pain. Compelling evidence revealed that the bioactive alkaloids of Chinese herbal medicines stand out in developing novel drugs for neuropathic pain due to multiple targets and satisfactory efficacy. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in the research of analgesic effects of 20 alkaloids components for peripheral neuropathic pain and highlight the potential underlying molecular mechanisms. We also point out the opportunities and challenges of the current studies and shed light on further in-depth pharmacological and toxicological studies of these bioactive alkaloids. In conclusion, the alkaloids hold broad prospects and have the potentials to be novel drugs for treating neuropathic pain. This review provides a theoretical basis for further applying some alkaloids in clinical trials and developing new drugs of neuropathic pain.
Stakeholders' perceptions of child and adolescent mental health services in a South African district: a qualitative study
Authors: Babatunde Gbotemi Bukola , van Rensburg André Janse , Bhana Arvin , Petersen Inge
Published: October 2020

Background

In order to develop a district child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) plan, it is vital to engage with a range of stakeholders involved in providing CAMH services, given the complexities associated with delivering such services. Hence this study sought to explore multisectoral dynamics in providing CAMH care in one resource-constrained South African district as a case study, towards informing the development of a model for district mental health plan and generating lessons for mental health systems strengthening to support CAMH services using the Health Systems Dynamics (HSD) framework. HSD provides a suitable structure for analysing interactions between different elements within the health system and other sectors.

Methods

Purposive sampling of 60 key informants was conducted to obtain an in-depth understanding of various stakeholders' experiences and perceptions of the available CAMH services in the district. The participants include stakeholders from the Departments of Health (DoH), Basic Education (DBE), community-based/non-governmental organizations and caregivers of children receiving CAMH care. The data was categorized according to the elements of the HSD framework.

Results

The HSD framework helped in identifying the components of the health systems that are necessary for CAMH service delivery. At a district level, the shortage of human resources, un-coordinated CAMH management system, lack of intersectoral collaboration and the low priority given to the CAMH system negatively impacts on the service providers' experiences of providing CAMH services. Services users' experiences of access to available CAMH services was negatively impacted by financial restrictions, low mental health literacy and stigmatization. Nevertheless, the study participants perceived the available CAMH specialists to be competent and dedicated to delivering quality services but will benefit from systems strengthening initiatives that can expand the workforce and equip non-specialists with the required skills, resources and adequate coordination.

Conclusions

The need to develop the capacity of all the involved stakeholders in relation to CAMH services was imperative in the district. The need to create a mental health outreach team and equip teachers and caregivers with skills required to promote mental wellbeing, promptly identify CAMH conditions, refer appropriately and adhere to a management regimen was emphasized.
Pre-hospital care & interfacility transport of 385 COVID-19 emergency patients: an air ambulance perspective
Authors: Hilbert-Carius Peter , Braun Jörg , Abu-Zidan Fikri , Adler Jörn , Knapp Jürgen , Dandrifosse Didier , Braun Désirée , Pietsch Urs , Adamczuk Patrick , Rognås Leif , Albrecht Roland
Published: October 2020

Background

COVID-19, the pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, is challenging healthcare systems worldwide. Little is known about problems faced by emergency medical services—particularly helicopter services—caring for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients. We aimed to describe the issues faced by air ambulance services in Europe as they transport potential COVID-19 patients.

Methods

Nine different HEMS providers in seven different countries across Europe were invited to share their experiences and to report their data regarding the care, transport, and safety measures in suspected or confirmed COVID-19 missions. Six air ambulance providers in six countries agreed and reported their data regarding development of special procedures and safety instructions in preparation for the COVID-19 pandemic. Four providers agreed to provide mission related data. Three hundred eighty-five COVID-19-related missions were analysed, including 119 primary transport missions and 266 interfacility transport missions.

Results

All providers had developed special procedures and safety instructions in preparation for COVID-19. Ground transport was the preferred mode of transport in primary missions, whereas air transport was preferred for interfacility transport. In some countries the transport of COVID-19 patients by regular air ambulance services was avoided. Patients in interfacility transport missions had a significantly higher median (range) NACA Score 4 (2-5) compared with 3 (1-7), needed significantly more medical interventions, were significantly younger (59.6 ± 16 vs 65 ± 21 years), and were significantly more often male (73% vs 60.5%).

Conclusions

All participating air ambulance providers were prepared for COVID-19. Safe care and transport of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients is achievable. Most patients on primary missions were transported by ground. These patients were less sick than interfacility transport patients, for whom air transport was the preferred method.
Multiscale environmental determinants of Leishmania vectors in the urban-rural context
Authors: Quintana María Gabriela , Santini María Soledad , Cavia Regino , Martínez Mariela Florencia , Liotta Domingo Javier , Fernández María Soledad , Pérez Adriana Alicia , Mancini José Manuel Direni , Moya Sofía Lorian , Giuliani Magalí Gabriela , Salomón Oscar Daniel
Published: October 2020

Background

In South America, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL) are emerging diseases, expanding in the border area of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Outbreaks of CL were reported since the 1990s, with Nyssomyia whitmani as the main vector in this region. Regarding VL, urban reports started in 2010 with Lutzomyia longipalpis as the main vector. The aim of this study was to evaluate environmental determinants related to the main vectors of leishmaniasis, to contribute to the prevention and control response to the emergence of VL and CL in the Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay border region.

Methods

The cross-sectional survey includes two cities and two close rural areas in the Argentinean Northeast Region, between November 2014 and January 2015, with a total of 95 sampling sites. REDILA-BL traps were set for three consecutive nights, and a total of 68 meso- and microscale environmental and landscape characteristics were surveyed. The association between vector abundance with different variables was evaluated using a generalized linear model with zero-inflated negative binomial distribution. We analyzed females for detection of Leishmania DNA.

Results

The analysis for Lu. longipalpis indicates an excess of absences when the mean NDWI around the sites were higher. The abundance of Lu. longipalpis at mesoscale level was higher when more urban services were present, and when blood sources such as chickens or dogs at the microscale level were present. For Ny. whitmani, no variable was found to be associated with the absences, while its abundance increased in association with the following variables: percentage of tree cover, presence of garbage collection service, hosted people and, at microscale, the presence of poultry. Leshmania infantum DNA was detected in 2/49 (4%) Lu. longipalpis.

Conclusions

The abundance of both species is influenced by variables at different scales, their influence probably has a hierarchy and they are acting on different aspects of the biology of these vectors. The urban spatial segregation of Lu. longipalpis and the peri-urban and rural segregation of N. whitmani increase the risk of VL and CL. The selection of the better variables for each scale will allow the design of appropriate control strategies depending on species.
A parapagus dicephalus tripus tribrachius conjoined twin with a unique morphological pattern: a case report
Authors: Bovendeert Jeske F. M. , Nievelstein Rutger A. J. , Bleys Ronald L. A. W. , Cleypool Cindy G. J.
Published: October 2020

Background

Conjoined twinning is a rare congenital malformation with an incidence of about 1.5 per 100,000 births. Because no consensus has been reached regarding the dysmorphology, thorough descriptions of conjoined twins as part of teratological collections can be useful to increase knowledge of this congenital malformation. In this case report, we describe a parapagus dicephalus twin from the collection of the Department of Anatomy of the University Medical Center Utrecht in the Netherlands. External anatomical characteristics were assessed through a detailed macroscopic examination and internal characteristics by means of whole-body computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (3 Tesla).

Case presentation

Macroscopic examination showed a Caucasian male parapagus dicephalus tripus tribrachius conjoined twin a type of conjoined twinning in which there are two heads side by side, one rump, and three upper and three lower limbs. In addition, anencephaly was observed in the left twin. Radiological imaging showed a normal central nervous system in the right twin and absence of the calvaria, cerebrum, diencephalon, and mesencephalon in the left twin. There was clear duplication of the vertebral column, rib cage, respiratory system, and gastrointestinal system at least up to and including the first part of the duodenum. The heart consisted of a monoatrium with two separate ventricles. There was a fused liver with a single gallbladder, a single spleen, three kidneys, two bladders, and duplication of the penis. The third upper and lower extremities were articulating with a fused glenoid and acetabulum, respectively. The third foot showed both polydactyly and syndactyly of the toes.

Conclusion

This case report describes a unique case of a male dicephalus parapagus tripus tribrachus conjoined twin discordant for anencephaly. Radiological imaging proved to be an adequate noninvasive method to provide insights into the internal (dys)morphology of this specific specimen, improving its scientific and educational value. This approach could be generally applied to other teratological specimens, thereby strengthening arguments regarding pathogenetic hypotheses, which may lead to new or improved insights into both normal and abnormal embryonic development.
Recurrence of lymphoma with isolated pericardial mass: a case report
Authors: Serin Istemi , Ulusoy Avni , Onar Mediha Irem , Dogu Mehmet Hilmi
Published: October 2020

Background

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and may occur with lymph node and/or extranodal involvement. Recurrence in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma usually occurs within the first few years after treatment and may occur in a different area outside the initial localization.

Case presentation

A female Turkish patient who was diagnosed with nodular sclerosing Hodgkin lymphoma through lymphadenopathy examination reached remission after chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In the 11th year of follow-up and at the age of 45, newly developed multiple lymphadenopathies were diagnosed with a pathological result of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in her advanced examination. Due to massive splenomegaly and cystic necrotic splenic residues, splenectomy was performed after eight cycles of a first-line chemotherapy regimen and two cycles of high-dose methotrexate treatment for central nervous system prophylaxis. A pericardial mass (maximum standardized uptake value 34.8), which was not present at the time of diagnosis and interim evaluation of positron emission tomography/computed tomography, was detected through chest pain in the third month after the last screening, although a complete response had been obtained. Pathological examination of the pericardial area revealed the pathological result was a recurrence.

Conclusions

Patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma have an aggressive clinical course, but cardiac involvement is very rare. In our patient’s case, pericardial involvement was observed after treatment and scanning revealed that recurrence took place in an area different from the pericardium. Cooperation of clinicians and pathologists and rapid evaluation are very important in cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma relapse. Although a tumoral invasion of the pericardium mostly suggests secondary malignancies, it should be kept in mind that recurrence of lymphoma is also possible.
A novel thermostable alkaline histamine oxidase from Glutamicibacter sp. N1A3101, induced by histamine and its analogue betahistine
Authors: Sadeghi Hossein , Arjmand Sareh , Ranaei Siadat Seyed Omid , Fooladi Jamshid , Ebrahimipour Gholamhossein
Published: October 2020

Biogenic amines (BAs) are low molecular weight organic bases formed by natural amino acids decarboxylation and trigger an array of toxicological effects in humans and animals. Bacterial amine oxidases enzymes are determined as practical tools to implement the rapid quantification of BAs in foods. Our study set out to obtain a new efficient, amine oxidase enzyme for developing new enzyme-based quantification of histamine. The soils from different sources were screened using histamine as sole carbon and nitrogen sources, and histamine oxidase producing bacteria were selected and identified using specific primers for histamine oxidase (HOD) gene. The HOD gene of six strains, out of 26 isolated histamine-utilizing bacteria, were amplified using our designed primers. The HOD enzyme from Glutamicibacter sp. N1A3101, isolated from nettle soil, was found to be thermostable and showed the highest substrate specificity toward the histamine and with no detected activity in the presence of putrescine, cadaverine, spermine, and spermidine. Its oxidation activity toward tyramine was lower than other HOD reported so far. The isolated enzyme was stable at 60 °C for 30 min and showed pH stability ranging from 6 to 9. Furthermore, we indicated the induction of identified HOD activity in the presence of betahistine as well, with nearly equal efficiency and without the consumption of the substrate.
New fractional approaches for n-polynomial P-convexity with applications in special function theory
Authors: Chen Shu-Bo , Rashid Saima , Noor Muhammad Aslam , Hammouch Zakia , Chu Yu-Ming
Published: October 2020

Inequality theory provides a significant mechanism for managing symmetrical aspects in real-life circumstances. The renowned distinguishing feature of integral inequalities and fractional calculus has a solid possibility to regulate continuous issues with high proficiency. This manuscript contributes to a captivating association of fractional calculus, special functions and convex functions. The authors develop a novel approach for investigating a new class of convex functions which is known as ann-polynomial$\mathcal{P}$P-convex function. Meanwhile, considering two identities via generalized fractional integrals, provide several generalizations of the Hermite–Hadamard and Ostrowski type inequalities by employing the better approaches of Hölder and power-mean inequalities. By this new strategy, using the concept ofn-polynomial$\mathcal{P}$P-convexity we can evaluate several other classes ofn-polynomial harmonically convex,n-polynomial convex, classical harmonically convex and classical convex functions as particular cases. In order to investigate the efficiency and supremacy of the suggested scheme regarding the fractional calculus, special functions andn-polynomial$\mathcal{P}$P-convexity, we present two applications for the modified Bessel function and$\mathfrak{q}$q-digamma function. Finally, these outcomes can evaluate the possible symmetric roles of the criterion that express the real phenomena of the problem.
β-glucan attenuates cognitive impairment via the gut-brain axis in diet-induced obese mice
Authors: Shi Hongli , Yu Yinghua , Lin Danhong , Zheng Peng , Zhang Peng , Hu Minmin , Wang Qiao , Pan Wei , Yang Xiaoying , Hu Tao , Li Qianqian , Tang Renxian , Zhou Feng , Zheng Kuiyang , Huang Xu-Feng
Published: October 2020

Background

“Western” style dietary patterns are characterized by a high proportion of highly processed foods rich in fat and low in fiber. This diet pattern is associated with a myriad of metabolic dysfunctions, including neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment. β-glucan, the major soluble fiber in oat and barley grains, is fermented in the lower gastrointestinal tract, potentially impacting the microbial ecosystem and thus may improve elements of cognition and brain function via the gut-brain axis. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of β-glucan on the microbiota gut-brain axis and cognitive function in an obese mouse model induced by a high-fat and fiber-deficient diet (HFFD).

Results

After long-term supplementation for 15 weeks, β-glucan prevented HFFD-induced cognitive impairment assessed behaviorally by object location, novel object recognition, and nesting building tests. In the hippocampus, β-glucan countered the HFFD-induced microglia activation and its engulfment of synaptic puncta, and upregulation of proinflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) mRNA expression. Also, in the hippocampus, β-glucan significantly promoted PTP1B-IRS-pAKT-pGSK3β-pTau signaling for synaptogenesis, improved the synaptic ultrastructure examined by transmission electron microscopy, and increased both pre- and postsynaptic protein levels compared to the HFFD-treated group. In the colon, β-glucan reversed HFFD-induced gut barrier dysfunction increased the thickness of colonic mucus (Alcian blue and mucin-2 glycoprotein immunofluorescence staining), increased the levels of tight junction proteins occludin and zonula occludens-1, and attenuated bacterial endotoxin translocation. The HFFD resulted in microbiota alteration, effects abrogated by long-term β-glucan supplementation, with the β-glucan effects on Bacteroidetes and its lower taxa particularly striking. Importantly, the study of short-term β-glucan supplementation for 7 days demonstrated pronounced, rapid differentiating microbiota changes before the cognitive improvement, suggesting the possible causality of gut microbiota profile on cognition. In support, broad-spectrum antibiotic intervention abrogated β-glucan’s effects on improving cognition, highlighting the role of gut microbiota to mediate cognitive behavior.

Conclusion

This study provides the first evidence that β-glucan improves indices of cognition and brain function with major beneficial effects all along the gut microbiota-brain axis. Our data suggest that elevating consumption of β-glucan-rich foods is an easily implementable nutritional strategy to alleviate detrimental features of gut-brain dysregulation and prevent neurodegenerative diseases associated with Westernized dietary patterns.
Perovskite oxides as transparent semiconductors: a review
Authors: He Haiying , Yang Zhihao , Xu Yonghang , Smith Andrew T. , Yang Guangguang , Sun Luyi
Published: October 2020

Traditional transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) have been widely used for various optoelectronic applications, but have the trade-off between conductivity and transmittance. Recently, perovskite oxides, with structural and chemical stability, have exhibited excellent physical properties as new TCOs. We focus on SrVO3-based perovskites with a high carrier concentration and BaSnO3-based perovskites with a high mobility for n-type TCOs. In addition, p-type perovskites are discussed, which can serve as potential future options to couple with n-type perovskites to design full perovskite based devices.
Unequal internationalisation and the emergence of a new epistemic community: gender and migration
Authors: Kofman Eleonore
Published: October 2020

In this contribution to the formation of an epistemic community and its knowledge production developed in the PaperBetween fragmentation and institutionalisation: the rise of migration studies as a research field, I seek to go beyond the bibliometric analysis, and in particular explore the nature of its internationalisation, the connections authors have across the globe and the unequal valuation of differently located research. These aspects underpin networks in the formation and evolution of epistemic communities. I shall illustrate my points through an epistemic community which has grown significantly in the past two decades, but scarcely gains a mention in the Paper. Gender and migration can be placed within the much broader cluster of globalisation, and especially in more recent years, transnationalism. My analysis does not start from bibliometric measures, which I do not have, but is based on selected reviews at different stages of the emergence of this field and my own involvement in it since the early 1990s.
A perspective on retina education through social media
Authors: Leitão Guerra Ricardo Luz
Published: October 2020

Since the beginning of the Internet, new ways of providing medical education have emerged. Social media networks are one of the most influential communication tools and allow content sharing, collaborative modification and interaction. Its relevance for teaching and learning in medical education has been extensively studied. These new media have also heightened the need for a new way of communication. The purpose of this article is to discuss the value of communication in medical education through social media and present an eight-year personal experience on this field.
Internet page content analysis of north European Sea ports
Authors: Hilmola Olli-Pekka , Tolli Andres , Kiisler Ain
Published: October 2020

This study analyses 98 Internet pages of sea ports located in Sweden, Finland and Estonia during years 2017–2019. Aim of the study is to find, how website basic design is completed (colours and languages), how slogans, environmental issues, statistics and hinterland transports are reported. Based on the analysis, it appears as rather common that sea ports follow conservative selection of colours in their websites, where blue and white are clearly most popular. Typically, English and Swedish are as the most common used language, followed by Finnish, Russian and Estonian. In some rare cases, websites are offered in Chinese or German. Larger sea ports do have clear “slogans”, where smaller ones are just having lengthy justification for their existence. Environmental issues are increasing concern among sea ports, and these are mostly mentioned in details within Swedish actors. Providing statistics varies among companies, and in some sea ports these are provided from very long time period, where in others from just previous years or then only from last year (or even at all). It is common for companies to report that they have sustainable hinterland access, railway available.
Clinical applications of custom 3D printed implants in complex lower extremity reconstruction
Authors: Kadakia Rishin J. , Wixted Colleen M. , Allen Nicholas B. , Hanselman Andrew E. , Adams Samuel B.
Published: October 2020

Background

Three dimensional printing has greatly advanced over the past decade and has made an impact in several industries. Within the field of orthopaedic surgery, this technology has vastly improved education and advanced patient care by providing innovating tools to complex clinical problems. Anatomic models are frequently used for physician education and preoperative planning, and custom instrumentation can assist in complex surgical cases. Foot and ankle reconstruction is often complicated by multiplanar deformity and bone loss. 3D printing technology offers solutions to these complex cases with customized implants that conform to anatomy and patient specific instrumentation that enables precise deformity correction.

Case presentation

The authors present four cases of complex lower extremity reconstruction involving segmental bone loss and deformity – failed total ankle arthroplasty, talus avascular necrosis, ballistic trauma, and nonunion of a tibial osteotomy. Traditional operative management is challenging in these cases and there are high complication rates. Each case presents a unique clinical scenario for which 3D printing technology allows for innovative solutions.

Conclusions

3D printing is becoming more widespread within orthopaedic surgery. This technology provides surgeons with tools to better tackle some of the more challenging clinical cases especially within the field of foot and ankle surgery.
Bayesian bootstrap quantile regression for probabilistic photovoltaic power forecasting
Authors: Bozorg Mokhtar , Bracale Antonio , Caramia Pierluigi , Carpinelli Guido , Carpita Mauro , De Falco Pasquale
Published: October 2020

Photovoltaic (PV) systems are widely spread across MV and LV distribution systems and the penetration of PV generation is solidly growing. Because of the uncertain nature of the solar energy resource, PV power forecasting models are crucial in any energy management system for smart distribution networks. Although point forecasts can suit many scopes, probabilistic forecasts add further flexibility to an energy management system and are recommended to enable a wider range of decision making and optimization strategies. This paper proposes methodology towards probabilistic PV power forecasting based on a Bayesian bootstrap quantile regression model, in which a Bayesian bootstrap is applied to estimate the parameters of a quantile regression model. A novel procedure is presented to optimize the extraction of the predictive quantiles from the bootstrapped estimation of the related coefficients, raising the predictive ability of the final forecasts. Numerical experiments based on actual data quantify an enhancement of the performance of up to 2.2% when compared to relevant benchmarks.
Teen activism leads to local laws banning single-use plastics: a two-year experiential learning journey
Authors: Burke Eleanor , Collins Christopher Ciano , Bergeron Lucy , Law Kara Lavender
Published: October 2020

This paper recounts the two-year journey of an eight-member public Massachusetts high school environmental club that set out to decrease their local community’s consumption of single-use plastics. In the academic years 2016–2018, launched by a presentation by co-author Dr. Kara Lavender Law, the students wrestled with the global problem of plastic environmental debris within their local sphere of influence. They petitioned town government to regulate against local merchants’ dispensing thin-film plastic bags or selling single-use plastic water bottles < 1 L in size. The journey called upon them to participate in the democratic process, and through it to inform the citizenry, entertain opposing viewpoints, counter strident opposition with facts, enlist allies, and build broad consensus. After a two-year process, the project arrived at a successful result. They learned through experience that with tenacity, they could make democracy work for their ethical ideals.
Bariatric surgery and cardiovascular outcome
Authors: Ammar Waleed , Basset Hossam Abdel , AL Faramawy Amr , Hegazy Tarek , Sharaf Yasser
Published: October 2020

Background

Obesity is recognized as a classic risk factor for atherosclerosis and subsequent cardiovascular disease (CVD). Weight loss after bariatric surgery has been associated with reduced CV mortality and total mortality in obese patients. Our aim was to study the impact of bariatric surgery on CV risk profile, cardiac structure, and function postoperatively.

Results

This prospective longitudinal study included 100 morbidly obese patients at final analysis. All patients were subjected to full clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic examination at baseline and 6 months after bariatric surgery. The mean age of study population was 37.2 ± 10.49 with BMI of 47 ± 6.82. Females represented 84%. Sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass were performed in 79% and 21%, respectively. Surgery-related mortality and morbidity were 0.94% and 4.7%, respectively. After 6 months, there were significant decreases in BMI, heart rate, SBP, DBP, and Framingham risk score (P < 0.0001). The prevalence of risk factors decreased as follows: hypertension 24% vs. 12%, P = 0.0005; DM 21% vs. 11%, P = 0.002; dyslipidemia 32% vs. 7%, P < 0.0001; and metabolic syndrome 54% vs. 26%, P < 0.0001. Highly significant (P < 0.0001) decrease in fasting PG and 2 h PP-PG, HbA1c, ASL, ALT, fasting total cholesterol, LDL, TG, and increase in HDL were observed after bariatric surgery. There were significant shortening in QTc interval (P = 0.009), decrease in LV dimensions and LV mass index (P < 0.0001), and increase in LV EF% (P = 0.0003). BMI at follow-up showed significant positive correlation with age, Framingham risk score, and preoperative BMI (r = 0.289, P = 0.0036; r = 0.37, P = 0.0054; and r = 0.31, P = 0.0081, respectively).

Conclusion

In addition to enabling patients to achieve a substantial weight loss, bariatric surgery provides a myriad of health benefits. Weight reduction was associated with a favorable improvement in cardiovascular risk profile, cardiac structure, and function.
Azimuthal amplitude variation with offset parameterization and inversion for fracture weaknesses in tilted transversely isotropic media
Authors: Pan Xinpeng , Li Lin , Zhou Shunxin , Zhang Guangzhi , Liu Jianxin
Published: October 2020

The characterization of fracture-induced tilted transverse isotropy (TTI) seems to be more suitable to actual scenarios of geophysical exploration for fractured reservoirs. Fracture weaknesses enable us to describe fracture-induced anisotropy. With the incident and reflected PP-wave in TTI media, we have adopted a robust method of azimuthal amplitude variation with offset (AVO) parameterization and inversion for fracture weaknesses in a fracture-induced reservoir with TTI symmetry. Combining the linear-slip model with the Bond transformation, we have derived the stiffness matrix of a dipping-fracture-induced TTI medium characterized by normal and tangential fracture weaknesses and a tilt angle. Integrating the first-order perturbations in the stiffness matrix of a TTI medium and scattering theory, we adopt a method of azimuthal AVO parameterization for PP-wave reflection coefficient for the case of a weak-contrast interface separating two homogeneous weakly anisotropic TTI layers. We then adopt an iterative inversion method by using the partially incidence-angle-stacked seismic data with different azimuths to estimate the fracture weaknesses of a TTI medium when the tilt angle is estimated based on the image well logs prior to the seismic inversion. Synthetic examples confirm that the fracture weaknesses of a TTI medium are stably estimated from the azimuthal seismic reflected amplitudes for the case of moderate noise. A field data example demonstrates that geologically reasonable results of fracture weaknesses can be determined when the tilt angle is treated as the prior information. We determine that the azimuthal AVO inversion approach provides an available tool for fracture prediction in a dipping-fracture-induced TTI reservoir.
Seismic complex ray tracing in 2D/3D viscoelastic anisotropic media by a modified shortest-path method
Authors: Li Xing-Wang , Zhou Bing , Bai Chao-Ying , Wu Jian-Lu
Published: October 2020

In a viscoelastic anisotropic medium, velocity anisotropy and wave energy attenuation occur and are often observed in seismic data applications. Numerical investigation of seismic wave propagation in complex viscoelastic anisotropic media is very helpful in understanding seismic data and reconstructing subsurface structures. Seismic ray tracing is an effective means to study the propagation characteristics of high-frequency seismic waves. Unfortunately, most seismic ray-tracing methods and traveltime tomographic inversion algorithms only deal with elastic media and ignore the effect of viscoelasticity on the seismic raypath. We have developed a method to find the complex ray velocity that gives the seismic ray speed and attenuation in an arbitrary viscoelastic anisotropic medium, and we incorporate them with the modified shortest-path method to determine the raypath and calculate the real and imaginary traveltime (wave energy attenuation) simultaneously. We determine that the complex ray-tracing method is applicable to arbitrary 2D/3D viscoelastic anisotropic media in a complex geologic model and the computational errors of the real and imaginary traveltime are less than 0.36% and 0.59%, respectively. The numerical examples verify that the new method is an effective and powerful tool for accomplishing seismic complex ray tracing in heterogeneous viscoelastic anisotropic media.
Exploiting Rules to Enhance Machine Learning in Extracting Information From Multi-Institutional Prostate Pathology Reports
Authors: Santus Enrico , Schuster Tal , Tahmasebi Amir M. , Li Clara , Yala Adam , Lanahan Conor R. , Prinsen Peter , Thompson Scott F. , Coons Samuel , Mynderse Lance , Barzilay Regina , Hughes Kevin
Published: October 2020

PURPOSE

Literature on clinical note mining has highlighted the superiority of machine learning (ML) over hand-crafted rules. Nevertheless, most studies assume the availability of large training sets, which is rarely the case. For this reason, in the clinical setting, rules are still common. We suggest 2 methods to leverage the knowledge encoded in pre-existing rules to inform ML decisions and obtain high performance, even with scarce annotations.

METHODS

We collected 501 prostate pathology reports from 6 American hospitals. Reports were split into 2,711 core segments, annotated with 20 attributes describing the histology, grade, extension, and location of tumors. The data set was split by institutions to generate a cross-institutional evaluation setting. We assessed 4 systems, namely a rule-based approach, an ML model, and 2 hybrid systems integrating the previous methods: a Rule as Feature model and a Classifier Confidence model. Several ML algorithms were tested, including logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), and eXtreme gradient boosting (XGB).

RESULTS

When training on data from a single institution, LR lags behind the rules by 3.5% (F1 score: 92.2% v 95.7%). Hybrid models, instead, obtain competitive results, with Classifier Confidence outperforming the rules by +0.5% (96.2%). When a larger amount of data from multiple institutions is used, LR improves by +1.5% over the rules (97.2%), whereas hybrid systems obtain +2.2% for Rule as Feature (97.7%) and +2.6% for Classifier Confidence (98.3%). Replacing LR with SVM or XGB yielded similar performance gains.

CONCLUSION

We developed methods to use pre-existing handcrafted rules to inform ML algorithms. These hybrid systems obtain better performance than either rules or ML models alone, even when training data are limited.
Fusicoccin: A Chemical Modulator for 14-3-3 Proteins
Authors: Ohkanda Junko
Published: October 2020

Diterpene glucoside fusicoccin A (FC-A) is a phytotoxic fungal metabolite that stabilizes the interactions between 14-3-3 protein and phosphorylated ligand protein. 14-3-3-mediated protein binding is central to the regulation of the serine/threonine kinase signaling pathway in all eukaryotic cells and is essential for controlling numerous biological processes. Thus, fusicoccins could serve as a robust platform for developing new chemical probes and pharmaceuticals. This review describes recent progress toward understanding the biosynthetic pathways of fusicoccins and the rational design of 14-3-3 inhibitors and stabilizers, as well as their antitumor activities.
Structural diversity and phylogenetic distribution of valyl tRNA-like structures in viruses
Authors: Sherlock Madeline E. , Hartwick Erik W. , MacFadden Andrea , Kieft Jeffrey S.
Published: October 2020

Viruses commonly use specifically folded RNA elements that interact with both host and viral proteins to perform functions important for diverse viral processes. Examples are found at the 3′ termini of certain positive-sense ssRNA virus genomes where they partially mimic tRNAs, including being aminoacylated by host cell enzymes. Valine-accepting tRNA-like structures (TLSVal) are an example that share some clear homology with canonical tRNAs but have several important structural differences. Although many examples of TLSVal have been identified, we lacked a full understanding of their structural diversity and phylogenetic distribution. To address this, we undertook an in-depth bioinformatic and biochemical investigation of these RNAs, guided by recent high-resolution structures of a TLSVal. We cataloged many new examples in plant-infecting viruses but also in unrelated insect-specific viruses. Using biochemical and structural approaches, we verified the secondary structure of representative TLSVal substrates and tested their ability to be valylated, confirming previous observations of structural heterogeneity within this class. In a few cases, large stem–loop structures are inserted within variable regions located in an area of the TLS distal to known host cell factor binding sites. In addition, we identified one virus whose TLS has switched its anticodon away from valine, causing a loss of valylation activity; the implications of this remain unclear. These results refine our understanding of the structural and functional mechanistic details of tRNA mimicry and how this may be used in viral infection.