bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Where Does Telemedicine Fit into Otolaryngology? An Assessment of Telemedicine Eligibility among Otolaryngology Diagnoses
Authors: McCool Ryan R. , Davies Louise
Published: February 2018

Telemedicine applications are expanding to improve access to specialty care in rural areas. Telemedicine is not routinely used to evaluate new patients in otolaryngology, and it remains unclear which patients could benefit from this technology. This study estimates the rate of telemedicine eligibility among specific otolaryngology diagnoses. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all ear, nose, and throat consults between August 1, 2013, and July 31, 2015. We paired diagnoses (International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision) with office‐based procedures (Current Procedural Terminology) and applied prespecified telemedicine eligibility criteria to encounters retroactively. If a specialized procedure was necessary to reach a diagnosis, the diagnosis was considered ineligible for telemedicine. We found that 62% of otolaryngology encounters would likely be eligible for telemedicine. Patients with inner and middle ear problems were more likely eligible for telemedicine, while patients with problems affecting the larynx and external ear were least likely eligible. Nearly 90% of veterans drove >1 hour round‐trip for services. Understanding which otolaryngology problem types are more frequently eligible for telemedicine may assist those who are planning to implement a telemedicine program.
Two Novel Approaches to Improve Otolaryngology Resident Wellness: The ACGME Back to Bedside Initiative
Authors: Ambrose Emily C. , Devare Jenna , Truesdale Carl M. , Ricker Ellen , Firn Janice , Thorne Marc C. , Shuman Andrew G. , Cabrera‐Muffly Cristina
Published: February 2018

Rates of burnout, mental illness, and suicide are disproportionately elevated among physicians, and surgical specialists, including otolaryngologists, are at even higher risk for professional burnout. These trends have been identified at both the trainee and attending level. To combat resident burnout, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Council of Review Committee Residents (CRCR) designed the Back to Bedside Initiative, the goals of which are to foster meaning in the learning environment and to help trainees to engage more deeply with patients. Two funded Back to Bedside proposals involve otolaryngology training programs. Herein, we discuss these 2 approaches in an effort to foster additional novel resident wellness initiatives and awareness thereof across our subspecialty.
‘What will the neighbours say?’: Legitimacy, Social Control and the Sociocultural Influence of Neighbourhoods in India
Authors: Abraham Janaki
Published: February 2018

This article focuses on the everyday practices that make the place of the neighbourhood – social control, legitimacy and support, while also looking at how gender is produced in everyday life in the neighbourhood. In doing this, the discussion underlines the tremendous social and cultural influence of neighbours and the neighbourhood and argues that neighbourhoods need to be seen as a social formation as important as caste, class, ethnicity or religion. This is particularly important given that a strong focus on identities in recent decades has tended to eclipse social formations such as the neighbourhood. This ethnographic discussion is based on fieldwork carried out in neighbourhoods in two towns in India, Thalassery in Kerala, South India and Bikaner in Rajasthan, North India.
The role of whole‐body computed tomography in determining risky patient group with regard to polytrauma patients in the emergency department
Authors: Özçete Enver , Kiyan Selahattin , Uz İlhan , Songür Kodik Meltem , Altuncı Yusuf Ali
Published: February 2018

Backround:

High rates in trauma‐related mortality pose a major health problem and increase every day. Early diagnosis and treatment can be lifesavers for this patient group in the emergency departments, which serve as the first place to admit trauma patients in a hospital.

Objectives:

We aim to determine high‐risk criteria to indicate trauma patients getting the most use from whole‐body tomography in patients with multiple traumas and reduce unnecessary computed tomography.

Methods:

We examined retrospectively all electronic files and computed tomography results of patients, who had been admitted to emergency department due to trauma, and who had undergone whole‐body computed tomography.

Results:

We found that possibility of multiple injuries increased by 5.9 times in patients requiring mechanical ventilation. Possibility of multiple injuries in patients with free fluid in the Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma increased by 5.6 times. We also observed that possibility of multiple injuries in patients with Glasgow Coma Score < 13 increased by 4.3 times. Possibility of multiple injuries in hypoxic patients increased by 3.2 times. Possibility of multiple injuries in patients with a pulse ≥ 120/min increased by 1.8 times. Possibility of multiple injuries in patients with shock index ≥ 0.9 increased by 1.7 times.

Conclusion:

High‐risk group in terms of multiple traumas involves mechanical ventilation need in trauma patients, positive Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma, Glasgow Coma Score being under 13, hypoxia, tachycardia, positive shock index, and extravehicular traffic accidents. Whole‐body computed tomography should be performed in this patient group.
PAUSE: A Patient-Centric Tool to Support Patient-Provider Engagement on Menopause
Authors: Ashkenazy Rebecca , Peterson Mary Elizabeth
Published: February 2018

There are powerful demographic, political, and environmental trends shaping women’s health. Increases in life expectancy, literacy, and empowerment are fueling expansions in education and advocacy. Research and development focuses on women’s health and fertility across an expanded age spectrum. There is also a cultural emphasis on antiaging and aesthetics. In parallel, the digital revolution is changing how health care is accessed by and delivered to women. A women’s journey through menopause is at the crossroads of these transformations. Medical and social platforms encourage women to embrace menopause as a pivotal life stage. Yet, many women are reticent to discuss “the transition” due to embarrassment about its symptoms, lack of awareness of its physical manifestations, or fear of aging. We introduce a patient-centric framework to support patient-provider engagement on menopause: prevention, anxiety, urogenital symptoms, vasomotor symptoms, and education. Although not comprehensive, PAUSE represents an acronym and reminder to focus a portion of the medical interaction on menopause.
A six degree of freedom passive vibration isolator with quasi-zero-stiffness-based supporting
Authors: Tuo Jiying , Deng Zhaoxiang , Huang Wei , Zhang Heshan
Published: February 2018

A six degree of freedom nonlinear passive vibration isolator is proposed based on Stewart platform configuration with the quasi-zero-stiffness structure as its legs. Due to the high static stiffness and low dynamic stiffness of each leg, the proposed six degree of freedom system can realize very good vibration isolation performance in all six directions while keeping high static load-bearing capacity in a pure passive manner. The mechanic model of the proposed six degree of freedom isolator and the dynamic equation of the isolator are established successively. Theoretical analysis on cross coupling stiffness reveals that the system can demonstrate quasi-zero-stiffness property in all six degree of freedom. Moreover, an analysis on stability shows that the condition of structural parameters for the isolator to realize quasi-zero-stiffness is also the stability boundary of the system. A series of numerical simulations on displacement transmissibilities in coupled degree of freedoms, the coupling effects of transmissibility, and a dynamic response in random excitation are carried out to show the effectiveness of the proposed six degree of freedom isolator, as well as the influence of structural parameters on vibration attenuation performance. Considering its high performance in a simple passive manner, it can be foreseen that the proposed six degree of freedom isolator will be applied in various engineering practices with multi-degree of freedom vibration isolation.
Real-life experience of ceritinib in crizotinib-pretreatedALK+advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Cadranel Jacques , Cortot Alexis B. , Lena Hervé , Mennecier Bertrand , Do Pascal , Dansin Eric , Mazieres Julien , Chouaid Christos , Perol Maurice , Barlesi Fabrice , Robinet Gilles , Friard Sylvie , Thiberville Luc , Audigier-Valette Clarisse , Vergnenegre Alain , Westeel Virginie , Slimane Khemaies , Buturuga Alexandru , Moro-Sibilot Denis , Besse Benjamin
Published: February 2018

Here we report our experience of ceritinib in crizotinib-pretreated patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) positive (ALK+) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in a French temporary authorisation for use (TAU) study.

The French TAU study included crizotinib-pretreated patients with advancedALK+or ROS proto-oncogene 1 positive (ROS1+) tumours. Patients received oral ceritinib (750 mg·day−1as a starting dose) and best tumour response (as evaluated by the investigator) and safety were reported every 3 months.

A total of 242 TAUs were granted from March 12, 2013 to August 05, 2015. Of the 242 patients, 228 hadALK+NSCLC and 13 hadROS1+NSCLC. The median age ofALK+patients (n=214) was 58.5 years, 51.9% were female, 70.8% had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) of 0–1 and 50.0% had brain metastases. Of the 149 efficacy evaluableALK+NSCLC patients, 5.4% had a complete response (CR), 47.0% had a partial response (PR) and 22.8% had stable disease (SD). At September 05, 2015, the median duration of ceritinib treatment (n=182) was 3.9 months but 5.5 months for patients (n=71) with a follow-up of ≥12 months. Higher objective response rate (ORR) was observed for patients with ECOG PS 0 to 1 (55.0%versus42.4%) and those receiving prior crizotinib for >5 months (51.6%versus36.1%). Treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were reported in 118 of 208 patients (56.7%), the most common being diarrhoea (22.1%) and hepatic toxicity (19.7%).

Ceritinib (750 mg·day−1) demonstrated efficacy similar efficacy to ASCEND-1, ASCEND-2 and phase 3 ASCEND-5 trials with manageable safety in crizotinib-pretreated patients withALK+NSCLC.
Kazakhstan’s EU policies: a critical review of underlying motives and enabling factors
Authors: Patalakh Artem
Published: February 2018

The article delves into Kazakhstan’s policies vis-à-vis the European Union, focusing on their driving motives and enabling conditions. Drawing upon published papers and, to a lesser degree, primary sources, the author argues that friendship with the EU largely serves the Kazakhstani elite as means of economic modernisation as well regime legitimation, perfectly fitting Kazakhstan’s dominant domestic discourse which portrays the country as Eurasian and its foreign policy—as multi-vector. The study also shows that Astana’s partnership with Brussels is to a large degree possible because the EU holds a simultaneous positive attitude to such partnership regardless Kazakhstan’s authoritarian regime. According to the article, such reflects the great instrumental value collaboration with Astana gives Brussels, the EU’s general inactivity on democracy promotion in Central Asia and Kazakhstan’s looking more pro-European and economically/politically advanced against the background of its post-Soviet and Central Asian autocratic fellows. The paper concludes by reflecting on the configuration of pragmatism and identity in Astana’s approach to the EU and discussing the peculiarities of the bloc’s power over Kazakhstan.
Testing for Inborn Errors of Metabolism
Authors: Kwon Jennifer M.
Published: February 2018

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article provides an overview of genetic metabolic disorders that can be identified by metabolic tests readily available to neurologists, such as tests for ammonia, plasma amino acids, and urine organic acids. The limitations of these tests are also discussed, as they only screen for a subset of the many inborn errors of metabolism that exist.

RECENT FINDINGS

Advances in next-generation sequencing and the emerging use of advanced metabolomic screening have made it possible to diagnose treatable inborn errors of metabolism that are not included in current newborn screening programs. Some of these inborn errors of metabolism are especially likely to present with nonspecific neurologic phenotypes, such as epilepsy, ataxia, or intellectual disability. However, cost may be a barrier to obtaining these newer tests. It is important to keep in mind that common metabolic testing may lead to treatable diagnoses. Resources are available to guide neurologists in diagnosing genetic metabolic conditions.

This article introduces the clinical presentations of treatable inborn errors of metabolism that are important for neurologists to consider in patients of all ages. Inborn errors of metabolism are rare, but they can present with neurologic symptoms. Newborns are now screened for many treatable metabolic disorders, but these screening tests may miss milder presentations of treatable inborn errors of metabolism that present later in life. These patients may present to adult neurologists who may be less likely to consider metabolic genetic testing.
β-Catenin maintains lung epithelial progenitors after lung specification
Authors: Ostrin Edwin J. , Little Danielle R. , Gerner-Mauro Kamryn N. , Sumner Elizabeth A. , Ríos-Corzo Ricardo , Ambrosio Elizabeth , Holt Samantha E. , Forcioli-Conti Nicolas , Akiyama Haruhiko , Hanash Sam M. , Kimura Shioko , Huang Sarah X. L , Chen Jichao
Published: February 2018

The entire lung epithelium arises from SRY box 9 (SOX9)-expressing progenitors that form the respiratory tree and differentiate into airway and alveolar cells. Despite progress in understanding their initial specification within the embryonic foregut, how these progenitors are subsequently maintained is less clear. Using inducible, progenitor-specific genetic mosaic mouse models, we showed that β-catenin (CTNNB1) maintains lung progenitors by promoting a hierarchical lung progenitor gene signature, suppressing gastrointestinal (GI) genes, and regulating NK2 homeobox 1 (NKX2.1) and SRY box 2 (SOX2) in a developmental stage-dependent manner. At the early, but not later, stage post-lung specification, CTNNB1 cell-autonomously maintained normal NKX2.1 expression levels and suppressed ectopic SOX2 expression. Genetic epistasis analyses revealed that CTNNB1 is required for fibroblast growth factor (Fgf)/Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (Kras)-mediated promotion of the progenitors. In silico screening of Eurexpress and translating ribosome affinity purification (TRAP)-RNAseq identified a progenitor gene signature, a subset of which depends on CTNNB1. Wnt signaling also maintained NKX2.1 expression and suppressed GI genes in cultured human lung progenitors derived from embryonic stem cells.
Avian thermoregulation in the heat: evaporative cooling capacity and thermal tolerance in two Australian parrots
Authors: McWhorter Todd J. , Gerson Alexander R. , Talbot William A. , Smith Eric Krabbe , McKechnie Andrew E. , Wolf Blair O.
Published: February 2018

Avian orders differ in their thermoregulatory capabilities and tolerance of high environmental temperatures. Evaporative heat loss, and the primary avenue whereby it occurs, differs amongst taxa. Although Australian parrots (Psittaciformes) have been impacted by mass mortality events associated with extreme weather events (heat waves), their thermoregulatory physiology has not been well-characterized. We quantified the upper limits to thermoregulation under extremely hot conditions in two Australian parrots: the mulga parrot (Psephotellus varius; ∼55 g) and the galah (Eolophus roseicapilla; ∼265 g). At air temperatures (Ta) exceeding body temperature (Tb), both species showed increases in Tb to maximum values around 43–44°C, accompanied by rapid increases in resting metabolic rate above clearly defined upper critical limits of thermoneutrality and increases in evaporative water loss (EWL) to levels equivalent to 700–1000% of baseline rates at thermoneutral Ta.

Maximum cooling capacity, quantified as the fraction of metabolic heat production dissipated evaporatively, ranged from 1.71 to 1.79, consistent with the known range for parrots, similar to the corresponding range in passerines, and well below the corresponding ranges for columbids and caprimulgids. Heat tolerance limit (HTL, the maximum Ta tolerated) ranged from 44-55°C, similar to the range reported for passerines, but lower than reported for columbids and caprimulgids. Our data suggest that heat tolerance in parrots is similar to that of passerines. We argue that understanding how thermoregulatory capacity and heat tolerance vary across avian orders is vital for predicting how climate change and the associated increase in frequency of extreme weather events may impact avian populations in the future.
Fat suppression in magnetic resonance imaging of the head and neck region: is the two-point DIXON technique superior to spectral fat suppression?
Authors: Wendl Christina M , Eiglsperger Johannes , Dendl Lena-Marie , Brodoefel Harald , Schebesch Karl-Michael , Stroszczynski Christian , Fellner Claudia
Published: February 2018

Objective:

The aim of our study was to systematically compare two-point Dixon fat suppression (FS) and spectral FS techniques in contrast enhanced imaging of the head and neck region.

Methods:

Three independent readers analysed coronal T  1 weighted images recorded after contrast medium injection with Dixon and spectral FS techniques with regard to FS homogeneity, motion artefacts, lesion contrast, image sharpness and overall image quality.

Results:

85 patients were prospectively enrolled in the study. Images generated with Dixon-FS technique were of higher overall image quality and had a more homogenous FS over the whole field of view compared with the standard spectral fat-suppressed images (p < 0.001). Concerning motion artefacts, flow artefacts, lesion contrast and image sharpness no statistically significant difference was observed.

Conclusion:

The Dixon-FS technique is superior to the spectral technique due to improved homogeneity of FS and overall image quality while maintaining lesion contrast.

Advances in knowledge:

T  1 with Dixon FS technique offers, compared to spectral FS, significantly improved FS homogeneity and over all image quality in imaging of the head and neck region.
Monitoring the 5-methoxycarbonylmethyl-2-thiouridine (mcm5s2U) modification in eukaryotic tRNAs via the γ-toxin endonuclease
Authors: Lentini Jenna M. , Ramos Jillian , Fu Dragony
Published: February 2018

The post-transcriptional modification of tRNA at the wobble position is a universal process occurring in all domains of life. In eukaryotes, the wobble uridine of particular tRNAs is transformed to the 5-methoxycarbonylmethyl-2-thiouridine (mcm5s2U) modification which is critical for proper mRNA decoding and protein translation. However, current methods to detect mcm5s2U are technically challenging and/or require specialized instrumental expertise. Here, we show that γ-toxin endonuclease from the yeastKluyveromyces lactiscan be used as a probe for assaying mcm5s2U status in the tRNA of diverse eukaryotic organisms ranging from protozoans to mammalian cells. The assay couples the mcm5s2U-dependent cleavage of tRNA by γ-toxin with standard molecular biology techniques such as northern blot analysis or quantitative PCR to monitor mcm5s2U levels in multiple tRNA isoacceptors. The results gained from the γ-toxin assay reveals the evolutionary conservation of the mcm5s2U modification across eukaryotic species. Moreover, we have used the γ-toxin assay to verify uncharacterized eukaryotic Trm9 and Trm112 homologs that catalyze the formation of mcm5s2U. These findings demonstrate the use of γ-toxin as a detection method to monitor mcm5s2U status in diverse eukaryotic cell types for cellular, genetic, and biochemical studies.
Spatial intratumoural heterogeneity in the expression of GIT1 is associated with poor prognostic outcome in oestrogen receptor positive breast cancer patients with synchronous lymph node metastases
Authors: Goicoechea Ibai , Rezola Ricardo , Arestin María , Caffarel María M. , Cortazar Ana Rosa , Manterola Lorea , Fernandez-Mercado Marta , Armesto María , Sole Carla , Larrea Erika , M. Araujo Angela , Ancizar Nerea , Plazaola Arrate , Urruticoechea Ander , Carracedo Arkaitz , Ruiz Irune , Alvarez Lopez Isabel , Lawrie Charles H.
Published: February 2018

Background: The outcome for oestrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer patients has improved greatly in recent years largely due to targeted therapy. However, the presence of involved multiple synchronous lymph nodes remains associated with a poor outcome. Consequently, these patients would benefit from the identification of new prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The expression of G-protein-coupled receptor kinase-interacting protein 1 (GIT1) has recently been shown to be an indicator of advanced stage breast cancer. Therefore, we investigated its expression and prognostic value of GIT1 in a cohort of 140 ER+ breast cancer with synchronous lymph node involvement.

Methods: Immunohistochemistry was employed to assess GIT1 expression in a tissue microarray (TMA) containing duplicate non-adjacent cores with matched primary tumour and lymph node tissue (n=140). GIT1 expression in tumour cells was scored and statistical correlation analyses were carried out.

Results: The results revealed a sub-group of patients that displayed discordant expression of GIT1 between the primary tumour and the lymph nodes (i.e. spatial intratumoural heterogeneity). We observed that loss of GIT1 expression in the tumour cells of the metastasis was associated with a shorter time to recurrence, poorer overall survival, and a shorter median survival time. Moreover, multivariate analysis demonstrated that GIT1 expression was an independent prognostic indicator.

Conclusions: GIT1 expression enabled the identification of a sub-class of ER+ patients with lymph node metastasis that have a particularly poor prognostic outcome. We propose that this biomarker could be used to further stratify ER+ breast cancer patients with synchronous lymph node involvement and therefore facilitate adjuvant therapy decision making.
Management of eight labor and delivery patients dependent on buprenorphine (Subutex™): A retrospective chart review
Authors: Tith Solina , Bining Garinder , Bollag Laurent A.
Published: February 2018

Background: Opioid use during pregnancy is a growing concern in the United States. Buprenorphine has been recommended by “The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology” as an alternative to methadone to decrease risks associated with the use of illicit opioids during pregnancy. The partial μ-opioid agonists’ unique pharmacology, including its long half time and high affinity to the μ-opioid receptor, complicates patient management in a highly kinetic, and often urgent field like obstetric anesthesia. We reviewed our management and outcomes in this medically complex population.

Methods: An Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved retrospective chart review was conducted of women admitted to the University of Washington Medical Center Labor and Delivery unit from July 2012 to November 2013 using buprenorphine. All deliveries, including intrauterine fetal demise, were included.

Results: Eight women were admitted during this period to our L&D floor on buprenorphine. All required peri-partum anesthetic management either for labor and/or cesarean delivery management. Analgesic management included dilaudid or fentanyl PCA and/or continued epidural infusion, and in one instance ketamine infusion, while the pre-admission buprenorphine regimen was continued. Five babies were viable, two women experienced intrauterine fetal death at 22 and 36 weeks gestational age (GSA), respectively, and one neonate died shortly after delivery due to a congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Conclusions: This case series illuminates the medical complexity of parturients using buprenorphine. Different treatment modalities in the absence of evidence-based guidelines included additional opioid administration and continued epidural analgesia. The management of post-cesarean pain in patients on partial μ-opioid agonists remains complex and variable, and evidence-based guidelines could be useful for clinicians to direct care.
Unraveling endometriosis-associated ovarian carcinomas using integrative proteomics
Authors: Leung Felix , Bernardini Marcus Q. , Liang Kun , Batruch Ihor , Rouzbahman Marjan , Diamandis Eleftherios P. , Kulasingam Vathany
Published: February 2018

Background: To elucidate potential markers of endometriosis and endometriosis-associated endometrioid and clear cell ovarian carcinomas using mass spectrometry-based proteomics.

Methods: A total of 21 fresh, frozen tissues from patients diagnosed with clear cell carcinoma, endometrioid carcinoma, endometriosis and benign endometrium were subjected to an in-depth liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis on the Q-Exactive Plus. Protein identification and quantification were performed using MaxQuant, while downstream analyses were performed using Perseus and various bioinformatics databases.

Results: Approximately 9000 proteins were identified in total, representing the first in-depth proteomic investigation of endometriosis and its associated cancers. This proteomic data was shown to be biologically sound, with minimal variation within patient cohorts and recapitulation of known markers. While moderate concordance with genomic data was observed, it was shown that such data are limited in their abilities to represent tumours on the protein level and to distinguish tumours from their benign precursors.

Conclusions: The proteomic data suggests that distinct markers may differentiate endometrioid and clear cell carcinoma from endometriosis. These markers may be indicators of pathobiology but will need to be further investigated. Ultimately, this dataset may serve as a basis to unravel the underlying biology of the endometrioid and clear cell cancers with respect to their endometriotic origins.
The first transcriptomes from field-collected individual whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci, Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)
Authors: Sseruwagi Peter , Wainaina James , Ndunguru Joseph , Tumuhimbise Robooni , Tairo Fred , Guo Jian-Yang , Vrielink Alice , Blythe Amanda , Kinene Tonny , De Marchi Bruno , Kehoe Monica A. , Tanz Sandra , Boykin Laura M.
Published: February 2018

Background: Bemisia tabaci species (B. tabaci), or whiteflies, are the world’s most devastating insect pests. They cause billions of dollars (US) of damage each year, and are leaving farmers in the developing world food insecure. Currently, all publically available transcriptome data for B. tabaci are generated from pooled samples, which can lead to high heterozygosity and skewed representation of the genetic diversity. The ability to extract enough RNA from a single whitefly has remained elusive due to their small size and technological limitations.

Methods: In this study, we optimised a single whitefly RNA extraction procedure, and sequenced the transcriptome of four individual adult Sub-Saharan Africa 1 (SSA1) B. tabaci. Transcriptome sequencing resulted in 39-42 million raw reads. De novo assembly of trimmed reads yielded between 65,000-162,000 Contigs across B. tabaci transcriptomes.

Results: Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrion cytochrome I oxidase (mtCOI) grouped the four whiteflies within the SSA1 clade. BLASTn searches on the four transcriptomes identified five endosymbionts; the primary endosymbiont Portiera aleyrodidarum and four secondary endosymbionts: Arsenophonus, Wolbachia, Rickettsia, and Cardinium spp. that were predominant across all four SSA1 B. tabaci samples with prevalence levels of between 54.1 to 75%. Amino acid alignments of the NusG gene of P. aleyrodidarum for the SSA1 B. tabaci transcriptomes of samples WF2 and WF2b revealed an eleven amino acid residue deletion that was absent in samples WF1 and WF2a. Comparison of the protein structure of the NusG protein from P. aleyrodidarum in SSA1 with known NusG structures showed the deletion resulted in a shorter D loop.

Conclusions: The use of field-collected specimens means time and money will be saved in future studies using single whitefly transcriptomes in monitoring vector and viral interactions. Our method is applicable to any small organism where RNA quantity has limited transcriptome studies.
Genetic and environmental determinants of stressful life events and their overlap with depression and neuroticism
Authors: Clarke Toni-Kim , Zeng Yanni , Navrady Lauren , Xia Charley , Haley Chris , Campbell Archie , Navarro Pau , Amador Carmen , Adams Mark J. , Howard David M. , Soler Aleix , Hayward Caroline , Thomson Pippa A. , Smith Blair H. , Padmanabhan Sandosh , Hocking Lynne J. , Hall Lynsey S. , Porteous David J. ,   Major Depressive Disorder Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, Deary Ian J. , McIntosh Andrew M.
Published: February 2018

Background: Stressful life events (SLEs) and neuroticism are risk factors for major depressive disorder (MDD). However, SLEs and neuroticism are heritable and genetic risk for SLEs is correlated with risk for MDD. We sought to investigate the genetic and environmental contributions to SLEs in a family-based sample, and quantify genetic overlap with MDD and neuroticism.

Methods: A subset of Generation Scotland: the Scottish Family Health Study (GS), consisting of 9618 individuals with information on MDD, past 6 month SLEs, neuroticism and genome-wide genotype data was used in the present study. We estimated the heritability of SLEs using GCTA software. The environmental contribution to SLEs was assessed by modelling familial, couple and sibling components. Using polygenic risk scores (PRS) and LD score regression (LDSC) we analysed the genetic overlap between MDD, neuroticism and SLEs.

Results: Past 6-month life events were positively correlated with lifetime MDD status (β=0.21, r2=1.1%, p=2.5 x 10-25) and neuroticism (β =0.13, r2=1.9%, p=1.04 x 10-37) at the phenotypic level.  Common SNPs explained 8% of the phenotypic variance in personal life events (those directly affecting the individual) (S.E.=0.03, p= 9 x 10-4). A significant effect of couple environment was detected accounting for 13% (S.E.=0.03, p=0.016) of the phenotypic variation in SLEs. PRS analyses found that reporting more SLEs was associated with a higher polygenic risk for MDD (β =0.05, r2=0.3%, p=3 x 10-5), but not a higher polygenic risk for neuroticism. LDSC showed a significant genetic correlation between SLEs and both MDD (rG=0.33, S.E.=0.08 ) and neuroticism (rG=0.15, S.E.=0.07).

Conclusions: These findings suggest that SLEs should not be regarded solely as environmental risk factors for MDD as they are partially heritable and this heritability is shared with risk for MDD and neuroticism. Further work is needed to determine the causal direction and source of these associations.
Efectos de cambios regulatorios sobre el desempeño del pool eléctrico español entre 2004 y 2006
Authors: García Rendón John Jairo , Moncada Mesa Jhonny
Published: February 2018

Este trabajo examina la relación entre el Gap del precio marginal del sistema y otras variables típicas del mercado, organización industrial y cambios regulatorios en el pool eléctrico español. Se estima un modelo de panel de datos largo, en el cual la dimensión temporal es mayor al número de empresas consideradas. Los resultados indican que tanto la alta concentración del mercado como la posibilidad de que las empresas más grandes sean pivotes generaron distorsiones sobre la determinación del precio. Además, los cambiosregulatorios implementados por las autoridades no indujeron los efectos esperados, lo que crea distorsión e incentivos incorrectos en este mercado.
Aeromedical Battlefield Evacuation Under Endogenous Uncertainty in Casualty Delivery Times
Authors: Lejeune Miguel A. , Margot Francois
Published: February 2018

We propose a new medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) model with endogenous uncertainty in the casualty delivery times. The goal is to provide timely evacuation and medical treatment to injured soldiers. The model enforces the “Golden Hour” evacuation doctrine, attempts to maximize the expected number of severely injured soldiers evacuated within one hour without delay, and represents the availability of air ambulances as an endogenous source of uncertainty. The MEDEVAC model is a mixed-integer nonlinear programming problem whose continuous relaxation is in general nonconvex and for which we develop an algorithmic method articulated around (i) new bounding techniques obtained through the solution of restriction and relaxation problems and (ii) a spatial branch-and-bound algorithm solving conic mixed-integer programs at each node. The computational study, based on data from Operation Enduring Freedom, reveals that the bounding problems can be quickly solved regardless of problem size, the bounds are tight, and the spatial branch-and-bound dominates the CPLEX and BARON solvers in terms of computational time and robustness. Compared to the MEDEVAC myopic policy, our approach increases the number of casualties treated timely and can contribute to reducing the number of deaths on the battlefield. The benefits increase as the MEDEVAC resources become tighter and the combats intensify. The model can be used at the strategic level to design an efficient MEDEVAC system and at the tactical level for intelligent tasking and dispatching.

Data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2017.2894 .

This paper was accepted by Yinyu Ye, optimization.
Simultaneous Preferences for Hedging and Doubling Down: Focal Prospects, Background Positions, and Nonconsequentialist Conceptualizations of Uncertainty
Authors: Markle Alex B. , Rottenstreich Yuval
Published: February 2018

Most theories of decision making are consequentialist. They presume that people evaluate prospects on the basis of potential outcomes. However, people may often conceptualize prospects in part nonconsequentially. Consider someone evaluating a new, “focal” prospect given an unresolved “background” position to which that person is already exposed. If the two are positively correlated, the individual may conceptualize the focal prospect as a bet “with” the individual’s background position; if they are negatively correlated, the individual may conceptualize the focal prospect as a bet “against” the individual’s background position. Because people like to be consistent, this nonconsequentialist conceptualization may induce a taste for betting “with” the background position. Such bets constitute risk-seeking doubling down, not risk-averse hedging. Indeed, we observe that relative to corresponding background-less choices, participants with unresolved background positions are relatively risk-seeking, favoring positively rather than negatively correlated focal prospects. They also sometimes show a simultaneous taste for both doubling down and hedging.

Data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2017.2918 .

This paper was accepted by Manel Baucells, decision analysis.
W is for our White Blood Cells…
Authors: Hammond Paula , Lillie Stephen
Published: February 2018

This month, we continue our series that takes the form of an extended alphabetical adventure around the body, helping children to get to know themselves a little better.
Preparing for the GDPR
Authors: Martland Rebecca
Published: February 2018

How many childminders will be aware of the changes to data protection that are about to come into force? You will need to update your systems and processes in good time.
Science: Interpreting information
Authors: Sargent Marianne
Published: February 2018

This is the eighth in a series of extracts from the book, Developing Early Science Skills Outdoors, which explores ideas for providing children with opportunities to learn outside.
Understanding hand eczema: features, diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Lawton Sandra
Published: February 2018

With rates of eczema on the rise, Sandra Lawton guides us through this increasingly common skin condition
The new GMS contract and locum insurance
Authors: Cox Lynda
Published: February 2018

Lynda Cox looks at how the sickness reimbursement entitlement for GPs has been working in practice
Association between varicocele grade and semen analysis parameter
Authors: Ariyati Ira , Mulyadi Rahmad , Birowo Ponco , Wiweko Budi , Prihartono Joedo
Published: February 2018

Background: Varicocele is a condition characterized by elongation, dilatation and tortuousity of spermatic vein in pampiniform plexus. Approximately 50% of infertility cases among men are caused by varicocele. The varicocele may affect the components of sperm. This study aimed to determine the association between varicocele grade based on ultrasound Doppler examination and sperm concentration, sperm motility, and sperm morphology based on semen analysis examination.Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study which used secondary data from 85 patients that visited Department of Urology, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, then underwent ultrasonography examination at Department of Radiology, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital and semen analysis examination at Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital.Results: Varicocele grade was significantly associated with sperm morphology, concentration and motility (all p<0.05). Significant association was found between maximum condition and semen analysis component.Conclusion: Varicocele grade may affect semen analysis component.
Adipose derived stem cell conditioned medium effect on proliferation phase of wound healing in Sprague Dawley rat
Authors: Tarcisia Twidy , Damayanti Lia , Antarianto Radiana D. , Moenadjat Yefta , Pawitan Jeanne A.
Published: February 2018

Background: Disintegration of skin tissue can lead to disability and death. Recent studies on wound therapy applied stem cells and adipose derived stem cell conditioned medium (ADSC-CM) to improve wound healing. However, the role of ADSC-CM in wound healing mechanism in terms of angiogenesis, quantity of collagen, and epithelialization is not fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the levels of growth factors (VEGF and EGF) in ADSC-CM and histological features of angiogenesis, epithelialization, and collagen density after skin incision in Sprague Dawley rats.Methods: Thirty rats were injured at the back (full thickness wound) and treated topically with ADSC-CM, culture medium, basal medium, and without treatment. Mice were sacrificed on days 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28. After sacrificed, tissue samples were examined microscopically to assess angiogenesis, epithelialization, and collagen density. Concentrations of VEGF and EGF in ADSC-CM were measured by ELISA.Results: Clinically, wound that was treated with ADSC-CM showed improvement in wound healing process. ADSC-CM treated wound showed the highest epithelialization ratio and the fastest wound closure.Conclusion: There were no statistical significant differences between groups that were treated with ADSC-CM and not. However, topical ADSC-CM treated wound revealed a better clinical improvement in epithelialization.
Racial Plagiarism and Fashion
Authors: Pham Minh-Ha T.
Published: February 2018

This article attempts to chart a path out of the stultifying binary oppositions of “cultural appropriation” and “cultural appreciation” with regard to fashion and beauty forms and practices. “Racial plagiarism,” this essay argues, is a more precise analytic framework for understanding and critiquing the kinds of copying that happen in fashion and beauty contexts than either of the previous terms because it achieves a number of things: (1) it attends to the non-illegal but not unproblematic status of this kind of unauthorized copying; (2) it explicitly connects “racial plagiarism” with other forms of racial and economic exclusions that are also not illegal but not unproblematic; and (3) it demonstrates how non-legal constructions of authorship and copying produce racialized understandings of creativity and criminality.
Diseño y aplicación de un cuestionario sobre la práctica docente del profesorado de matemáticas en ingeniería y ciencias
Authors: Aguiar Barrera Martha Elena , Gutiérrez Pulido Humberto , Gutiérrez González Porfirio
Published: February 2018

Se describe el diseño, construcción y validación de un cuestionario para caracterizar la práctica docente del profesorado de matemáticas en un centro universitario de ingeniería y ciencias. El instrumento considera cinco dimensiones: ética, pedagógica, científica, humanística y tecnológica. Para el diseño se hizo la delimitación conceptual del cuestionario y sus dimensiones, y se generó una lista de potenciales ítems, que fueron evaluados por expertos. El cuestionario preliminar resultante se aplicó a una muestra piloto, y a partir de esto se generó la versión final. Este tiene dos componentes que son aplicados en forma simultánea, en uno el profesor opina sobre aspectos de la docencia y en otro autoevalúa su propia práctica. Para validar el cuestionario, se aplicó a los docentes del Departamento de Matemáticas en un campus de la Universidad de Guadalajara (México). Los resultados se estudiaron con el análisis de factores (AF), que reveló consistencia interna en los dos componentes del cuestionario, puesto que todas sus dimensiones pudieron asociarse a los factores que resultaron del AF. En el mismo sentido de tal consistencia, se obtuvo que los valores del coeficiente alfa de Cronbach fueron mayores a 0,85. También se usó el AF para orientar la aplicación de tablas de contingencia y la comparación de medias, y se identificaron algunas diferencias significativas de género en la práctica educativa de la población encuestada; como por ejemplo, el que las profesoras fueron más optimistas en cuanto a la práctica de valores como honradez, solidaridad, amor, prudencia, responsabilidad, respeto, integridad y tolerancia; así como la importancia que ellas le dan a cumplir metas profesionales.
Editorial
Authors: Adúriz Bravo Agustín
Published: February 2018

La noción teórica de competencia, actualmente muy referenciada en el ámbito de la educación científica en diversos países, encierra grandes oportunidades y, a la vez, grandes desafíos. Los especialistas en educación nos advierten que el discurso competencial se está instalando en el delicado borde entre un bienvenido movimiento de reforma curricular a fondo y una nueva oleada de jerga pedagógica sin sustancia que viene a barnizar las prácticas instaladas.
Leunca (Solanum nigrum L.) Herbs Ethanolic Extract Increase Cytotoxic Activity of Cisplatin on Hela Cervical Cancer Cells
Authors: Istiaji Raditya Prima , Fitria Maya , Larasati Larasati , Tjondro Fortunella , Maruti Astrid Ayu , Setyowati Erna Prawita , Meiyanto Edy
Published: February 2018

Cervical cancer is one of leading causes of cancer death in women in the developing countries. The use of cisplatin as chemotherapy agent in cervical cancer is known to cause side effects and also resistance for long-term uses. One of the strategies to prevent cervical cancer based on combination agents is being developed. Leunca (Solanum nigrum L.) has been revealed to inhibit growth of human cancer cells. Therefore, it can be used in combination with cisplatin to reduce those side effects and prevent the occurrence of cell resistance. Ethanolic extract of Leunca Herb (ELH) and cisplatin were tested their cytotoxic effect on HeLa cervical cancer cell by using MTT assay to determine IC50 value. The combinationss of cisplatin-ELH were tested to determine the combination index (CI value). The IC50 of ELH and cisplatin on HeLa cells were 227 µg/mL and 17 µM. rRespectively. Tthe study of combination resulted that almost all the index combinations were <0,9 showed the effect of synergism combination. The Ooptimum concentration of combination was 1/8 IC50 cisplatin–1/8 IC50 ELH. The results indicated that ELH had a potency to be combination agent to enhance the activity of cisplatin on HeLa cervical cancer cells. Therefore, further study on its molecular mechanism needs to be explored. Key words: Leunca (Solanum nigrum L.), cisplatin, cytotoxic, combination agent, HeLa cells
Combination of Solanum nigrum L. Herb Ethanolic Extract and Doxorubicin Performs Synergism on T47D Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Anindyajati Anindyajati , Sarmoko Sarmoko , Putri Dyaningtyas Dewi Pamungkas , Hermawan Adam , Meiyanto Edy
Published: February 2018

Leunca (Solanum nigrum L.) has been proven to possess anticancer activity on some type of cancer cells. In vitro study of solamargine found in the herb showed cytotoxic effect against several breast cancer cell lines, such as T47D and MDA-MB-31. Hence, further study on its potential as a co-chemotherapeutic agent needs to be conducted, in order to overcome resistance problem commonly found in cancer chemotherapy. This study aimed to examine the cytotoxic activity of leunca herb ethanolic extract (LEE) alone and its combination with doxorubicin. Single and combinational treatment of LEE and doxorubicin on T47D breast cancer cells were done, and their viability representing cytotoxicity were analyzed by using MTT assay to determine the IC50 value and combination index (CI) to evaluate the combinational effect. Twenty four hours-treatment of LEE alone gave cytotoxicity activity showing a dose-dependent manner with the IC50 of 47 µg/ml, while combinational treatment showed that 4 µg/ml LEE was found to be synergist with 4 nM doxorubicin on T47D cells, with the optimum CI value of 0.59. This result shows that Solanum nigrum L. is potential to be proposed as doxorubicin co-chemotherapeutic agent against breast cancer. Further study on its molecular mechanism needs to be conducted.Key words: Solanum nigrum, doxorubicin, synergist, breast cancer
Secretion of Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase, an Immunomodulatory Substance, by Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell
Authors: Laksmitawati Dian Ratih , Sardjono Caroline Tan , Pawitan Jeanne A. , Sadikin Mohammad , Sandra Ferry
Published: February 2018

Lipoaspirate, a wasted by product from liposuction procedure recently has been shown to contain abundant adipose-derived-mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been studied in many research areas to regenerate many cell lineages. In addition, MSCs have immunomodulatory effect. This capability has been utilized in several clinical studies in hematopoetic stem cell and organ transplantation as a strategy to reduce the risk of Graft versus Host Disease (GvHD). It has been reported that the ‘stimulated’ MSC is able to secrete substances to suppress tissue rejection. One of the substances was known to be indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO).  A previous study has characterized the secretion of IDO by bone marrow-derived MSCs stimulated by an inflammatory mediator interferon gamma (IFN-γ). IDO has been detected using Western blot analysis and by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) assay. The aim of this study was to detect the presence of IDO in AD-MSCs culture with and without INFγ stimulation. Our study showed that AD-MSC stimulated with IFN-γ significantly secreted high level of IDO as detected by Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA). Despite its property as a proinflammatory mediator, IFN-γ has shown to be able to induce IDO secretion in MSC culture which suggests the immuno modulatory effect of MSC. This study clearly demonstrates the potential application of adipose-derived MSC in the immunomodulatory strategy for allogenic transplantation. Keyword : mesenchymal stem cell, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, IFN-γ