bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Write2me: using patient feedback to improve postconsultation urology clinic letters
Authors: Lonergan Peter E , Gnanappiragasam Sanjith , Redmond Elaine J , Fitzpatrick Fidelma , McNamara Deborah A
Published: September 2019

Letters between hospital clinicians and general practitioners following an outpatient clinic (OPD) consultation have generally not been shared with patients. Recent guidelines from the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges recommend that all OPD letters should be written directly to the patient. While the benefits of this approach are recognised, additional attention is required to ensure readability, accuracy and acceptability. Our aim was to improve urology OPD letters in a university teaching hospital to ensure suitability for sharing with patients over a 3-month period as measured by patient feedback. In one OPD, 71% of patients stated that they wished to receive a copy of their letter. We designed, tested and implemented two paper-based, self-explanatory prompts to ensure doctors used paragraphs and a structured letter format when dictating OPD letters. This was achieved using a 90-day improvement cycle supported by a quality improvement learning collaborative and evaluated by measurement of Flesch Reading Ease Score, use of paragraphs, use of letter structure and patient feedback. Following the implementation of the intervention, letters were sent to 120 patients and feedback was obtained from 63 patients with either a feedback postcard or telephone interview. Of the 53 patients who agreed to participate in the telephone feedback, 39 (74%) found the letter easy to understand, 49 (92%) reported it was accurate and summarised the consultation as they remembered it and 38 (72%) reported that reading the letter improved their understanding of their OPD visit. All patients said they would like to receive similar letters from future OPD consultations. This improvement report describes the implementation of an intervention to improve the quality of OPD letters and the acceptability and value of these letters to patients.
Impact of DNA source on genetic variant detection from human whole-genome sequencing data
Authors: Trost Brett , Walker Susan , Haider Syed A , Sung Wilson W L , Pereira Sergio , Phillips Charly L , Higginbotham Edward J , Strug Lisa J , Nguyen Charlotte , Raajkumar Akshaya , Szego Michael J , Marshall Christian R , Scherer Stephen W
Published: September 2019

Background

Whole blood is currently the most common DNA source for whole-genome sequencing (WGS), but for studies requiring non-invasive collection, self-collection, greater sample stability or additional tissue references, saliva or buccal samples may be preferred. However, the relative quality of sequencing data and accuracy of genetic variant detection from blood-derived, saliva-derived and buccal-derived DNA need to be thoroughly investigated.

Methods

Matched blood, saliva and buccal samples from four unrelated individuals were used to compare sequencing metrics and variant-detection accuracy among these DNA sources.

Results

We observed significant differences among DNA sources for sequencing quality metrics such as percentage of reads aligned and mean read depth (p<0.05). Differences were negligible in the accuracy of detecting short insertions and deletions; however, the false positive rate for single nucleotide variation detection was slightly higher in some saliva and buccal samples. The sensitivity of copy number variant (CNV) detection was up to 25% higher in blood samples, depending on CNV size and type, and appeared to be worse in saliva and buccal samples with high bacterial concentration. We also show that methylation-based enrichment for eukaryotic DNA in saliva and buccal samples increased alignment rates but also reduced read-depth uniformity, hampering CNV detection.

Conclusion

For WGS, we recommend using DNA extracted from blood rather than saliva or buccal swabs; if saliva or buccal samples are used, we recommend against using methylation-based eukaryotic DNA enrichment. All data used in this study are available for further open-science investigation.
Aetiology and prevalence of mixed-infections and mono-infections in non-gonococcal urethritis in men: a case-control study
Authors: Jordan Stephen J , Toh Evelyn , Williams James A , Fortenberry Lora , LaPradd Michelle L , Katz Barry P , Batteiger Byron E , Nelson David E , Batteiger Teresa A
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Chlamydia trachomatis(CT) andMycoplasma genitalium(MG) cause the majority of non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU). The role ofUreaplasma urealyticum(UU) in NGU is unclear. Prior case–control studies that examined the association of UU and NGU may have been confounded by mixed infections and less stringent criteria for controls. The objective of this case–control study was to determine the prevalence and aetiology of mixed infections in men and assess if UU monoinfection is associated with NGU.

Methods

We identified 155 men with NGU and 103 controls. Behavioural and clinical information was obtained and men were tested forNeisseria gonorrhoeaeand CT, MG, UU andTrichomonas vaginalis(TV). Men who were five-pathogen negative were classified as idiopathic urethritis (IU).

Results

Twelve per cent of NGU cases in which a pathogen was identified had mixed infections, mostly UU coinfections with MG or CT; 27% had IU. In monoinfected NGU cases, 34% had CT, 17% had MG, 11% had UU and 2% had TV. In controls, pathogens were rarely identified, except for UU, which was present in 20%. Comparing cases and controls, NGU was associated with CT and MG monoinfections and mixed infections. UU monoinfection was not associated with NGU and was almost twice as prevalent in controls. Men in both the case and control groups who were younger and who reported no prior NGU diagnosis were more likely to have UU (OR 0.97 per year of age, 95% CI 0.94 to 0.998 and OR 6.3, 95% CI 1.4 to 28.5, respectively).

Conclusions

Mixed infections are common in men with NGU and most of these are UU coinfections with other pathogens that are well-established causes of NGU. UU monoinfections are not associated with NGU and are common in younger men and men who have never previously had NGU. Almost half of NGU cases are idiopathic.
Effects of different foliar nitrogen fertilizers on cellular nitrogen metabolism and biomass of two shrub willow cultivars
Authors: Gagne Maegan A. , Minocha Rakesh , Long Stephanie , Minocha Subhash C.
Published: September 2019

We examined the effects of foliar supplementation of different nitrogen sources (urea, Nitamin, NH4NO3, and arginine) to study their efficacy as fertilizers for growth of two clonally propagated shrub willow cultivars; namely, ‘Fish Creek’ (Salix purpurea L.) and ‘Preble’ (Salix viminalis L. × (Salix sachalinensis F. Schmidt × Salix miyabeana Seemen)). Our objectives were to determine (i) if foliar nitrogen application is an effective method of fertilization for the two shrub willows and (ii) if different nitrogen sources are metabolized similarly by the plants. The analyses involved soluble leaf polyamines, amino acids, total protein, total nitrogen and carbon, and plant biomass in response to short-term treatments with four sources of nitrogen. The effects of foliar nitrogen application on leaf chemistry, biomass, and foliar nitrogen content varied according to the form of nitrogen used. The data indicate that (i) urea is the most suitable nitrogen source for foliar spray (29% higher N accumulation vs. Nitamin), whereas arginine is the least suitable, and (ii) different nitrogen sources are metabolized differently by the plant. While the foliar nitrogen application method could become a practical and sustainable way to fertilize shrub willows and other short-rotation biofuel crops, it may also help reduce nitrogen loss to the environment.
Investigation of heat transfer of MHD Al2O3/water nanofluid in an enclosure with a semicircular wall and a heating obstacle
Authors: Ma Yuan , Yang Zhigang
Published: September 2019

Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) was used to simulate two-dimensional MHD Al2O3/water nanofluid flow and heat transfer in an enclosure with a semicircular wall and a triangular heating obstacle. The effects of nanoparticle volume fraction ([Formula: see text]), Rayleigh number [Formula: see text], Hartmann number [Formula: see text] and heating obstacle position (Cases 1–7) on flow pattern, temperature distribution and rate of heat transfer were investigated. The results show that with the enhancing Rayleigh number, the increasing nanoparticle volume fraction and the reducing Hartmann number, an enhancement in the average Nusselt number and the heat transfer appeared. The effect of Ha on the average Nu increases by increasing the Ra. It can also be found that the action of changing the heating obstacle position on the convection heat transfer is more important than that on the conduction heat transfer. The higher obstacle position in Cases 6 and 7 leads to the small value of the average Nusselt number. Moreover, the effect of Ha on average Nu in Case 1 at [Formula: see text] is more significant than other cases because the flow pattern in Case 1 is changed as increasing Ha.
Rolling Resistance of a Hard Sphere on Rubber Sheets: Limitations of Linear Viscoelastic Modeling and Influence of Nonlinearities
Authors: Zéhil Gérard-Philippe , Gavin Henri P.
Published: September 2019

A growing body of evidence suggests that limited accuracy can be expected from analytical and computational tools relying on linear viscoelasticity for the prediction of rolling resistance in real systems presenting material and geometric nonlinearities. A set of experimental data for the viscoelastic resistance to motion incurred by a rigid sphere rolling between two parallel sheets of rubber, in realistic in-service conditions, was determined, in a previous work [Zéhil and Gavin, 2019]. The tests involved different elastomers (a Urethane rubber and a Neoprene rubber) and different sheet thicknesses, ball diameters, loading levels and rolling speeds. The accuracy of linear models in predicting such practical data is assessed in this work. To this aim, the elastomers are described by general linear viscoelastic models whose master-curves are characterized by: (i) High Frequency Thermo-Viscoelastic Spectroscopy, under very small strain amplitudes and (ii) Dynamic Mechanical Analysis under relatively larger deformations. In both cases, rolling resistance predictions are obtained using computational tools based on linear viscoelasticity [Zéhil and Gavin, 2013a, 2013b] and compared to the measurements. Conclusions are drawn regarding: (i) the practical limitations of linear rolling resistance models and (ii) influences of nonlinearities such as those due to large deformations, to the Mullins effect [Mullins, 1969] and to the Payne effect [Payne, 1962], on predictions.
Fully-Coupled Transient Fluid–Solid Interaction Simulation of the pH-Sensitive Hydrogel-Based Microvalve
Authors: Bayat Mohammad Reza , Baghani Mostafa
Published: September 2019

The pH-sensitive hydrogels are attractive candidates to act like a microvalve in microfluidic devices. In this study, we build a theory for the transient simulation of a pH-sensitive hydrogel-based microvalve. Three fields are involved in the theory, namely the electrochemical, mechanical and fluid fields. We utilize the Nernst–Planck equation to describe the ionic flux into the hydrogel through diffusion, electrical migration and convection. We model the hydrogel as a compressible isotropic hyperelastic material with the Gent model. Then we implement the theory in a nonlinear finite element framework to simulate the time-dependent fluid–solid interaction (FSI) behavior of the pH-sensitive microvalve. Our focus is on exploring the physics and phenomena involving in the simulation rather than simulating a complex geometry or presenting a new design. We manifest the significance of the FSI by comparing the transient FSI and non-FSI simulation of the microvalve. The most highlighted novelty of our study is accounting for time-dependent effects. The results demonstrate that the microvalve perfectly closes the channel much before it reaches its stationary state and the closing state, which is of high interest in the microvalve study is different from the stationary state.
To Buy or Not to Buy
Authors: Aly Heba , Krumm John , Ranade Gireeja , Horvitz Eric
Published: September 2019

Location data from mobile devices is a sensitive yet valuable commodity for location-based services and advertising. We investigate the intrinsic value of location data in the context of strong privacy, where location information is only available from end users via purchase. We present an algorithm to compute the expected value of location data from a user, without access to the specific coordinates of the location data point. We use decision-theoretic techniques to provide a principled way for a potential buyer to make purchasing decisions about private user location data. We illustrate our approach in three scenarios: the delivery of targeted ads specific to a user’s home location, the estimation of traffic speed, and location prediction. In all three cases, the methodology leads to quantifiably better purchasing decisions than competing methods.
A Data-driven Framework for Long-Range Aircraft Conflict Detection and Resolution
Authors: Ayhan Samet , Costas Pablo , Samet Hanan
Published: September 2019

At the present time, there is no mechanism for Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) to probe new flight plans filed by the Airlines Operation Centers (AOCs) against the existing approved flight plans to see if they are likely to cause conflicts or bring sector traffic densities beyond control. In the current Air Traffic Control (ATC) operations, aircraft conflicts and sector traffic densities are resolved tactically, increasing workload and leading to potential safety risks and loss of capacity and efficiency.

We propose a novel Data-driven Framework to address a long-range aircraft conflict detection and resolution (CDR) problem. Given a set of predicted trajectories, the framework declares a conflict when a protected zone of an aircraft on its trajectory is infringed upon by another aircraft. The framework resolves the conflict by prescribing an alternative solution that is optimized by perturbing at least one of the trajectories involved in the conflict. To achieve this, the framework learns from descriptive patterns of historical trajectories and pertinent weather observations and builds a Hidden Markov Model (HMM). Using a variant of the Viterbi algorithm, the framework avoids the airspace volume in which the conflict is detected and generates a new optimal trajectory that is conflict free. The key concept upon which the framework is built is the assumption that the airspace is nothing more than a horizontally and vertically concatenated set of spatio-temporal data cubes where each cube is considered as an atomic unit. We evaluate our framework using real trajectory datasets with pertinent weather observations from two continents and demonstrate its effectiveness for strategic CDR.
Numerical Simulation and Experimental Investigation on Inclusion‐Argon‐Liquid Steel Phenomenon in RH Refining of High‐Manganese and High‐Aluminum Steel
Authors: Chen Lifeng , Liu Kun , Han Peng , Feng Lianghua , Liu Guangqiang
Published: September 2019

In this paper, factors influencing the inclusion removal in high‐manganese and high‐aluminum steel in RH refining process were studied by numerical simulations, production practice, and metallographic experiments. A mathematical model for inclusion removal was established, and the phenomenon of inclusions mixing in RH up‐leg region was verified due to fluid circulation. Removal efficiency of RH circulation time 120 s is much better than 600 s, and it was the lowest efficiency after 600 s. After 600 s circulation time, it shall not apply in production practice. The mass concentration of inclusions in practical steel was 11.64% probability error than values obtained by numerical simulation, because the numerical simulation did not consider the problem of inclusions adsorbing to the walls of refractory materials and corrosion of refractories. This work lays the foundation for the optimization and upgrading of process technology and establishes big data for full automation of RH out of furnace refining.
Inflamm-Aging Is Associated with Lower Plasma PTX3 Concentrations and an Impaired Capacity of PBMCs to Express hTERT following LPS Stimulation
Authors: Slusher Aaron L. , Zúñiga Tiffany M. , Acevedo Edmund O.
Published: September 2019

Age-related elevations in proinflammatory cytokines, known as inflamm-aging, are associated with shorter immune cell telomere lengths. Purpose. This study examined the relationship of plasma PTX3 concentrations, a biomarker of appropriate immune function, with telomere length in 15 middle-aged (40-64 years) and 15 young adults (20-31 years). In addition, PBMCs were isolated from middle-aged and young adults to examine their capacity to express a key mechanistic component of telomere length maintenance, human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), following ex vivo cellular stimulation. Methods. Plasma PTX3 and inflammatory cytokines (i.e., IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β, and TNF-α), PBMC telomere lengths, and PBMC hTERT gene expression and inflammatory protein secretion following exposure to LPS, PTX3, and PTX3+LPS were measured. Results. Aging was accompanied by the accumulation of centrally located visceral adipose tissue, without changes in body weight and BMI, and alterations in the systemic inflammatory milieu (decreased plasma PTX3 and TGF-β; increased TNF-α (p≤0.050)). In addition, shorter telomere lengths in middle-aged compared to young adults (p=0.011) were negatively associated with age, body fat percentages, and plasma TNF-α (r=−0.404, p=0.027; r=−0.427, p=0.019; and r=−0.323, p=0.041, respectively). Finally, the capacity of PBMCs to increase hTERT gene expression following ex vivo stimulation was impaired in middle-aged compared to young adults (p=0.033) and negatively associated with telomere lengths (r=0.353, p=0.028). Conclusions. Proinflammation and the impaired hTERT gene expression capacity of PBMCs may contribute to age-related telomere attrition and disease.
Clinical Evaluation of Solitary Median Maxillary Central Incisor Syndrome
Authors: Mustafa Malaz M. , Zakirulla M. , AlShahrani Ibrahim , Togoo Rafi A. , Alkahtani Zuhair M. , Ain Tasneem S.
Published: September 2019

Solitary median maxillary central incisor (SMMCI) is a rare dental anomaly. It is estimated to occur in 1 : 50,000 live births. The SMMCI tooth differs from the normal central incisor in that the crown form is symmetric and it develops and erupts precisely in the midline of the maxillary dental arch in both primary and permanent dentitions. The presence of SMMCI with hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is a very rare clinical condition. We report a case of SMMCI in a female of African ethnic origin, who presented with SMMCI in permanent dentition with mild nasal stenosis. An early diagnosis of SMMCI is important, since it may be a sign for other severe congenital or developmental abnormalities. Therefore, systematic follow-up and close monitoring of the growth and development of SMMCI patients are crucial.
The Efficacy and Safety of Lenalidomide plus Rituximab in an Orbital Relapse of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Palmieri R. , Esposito F. , Meconi F. , Rapisarda V. M. , Anemona L. , Paterno G. , Vaccarini S. , Nasso D. , Pupo L. , Cantonetti M.
Published: September 2019

A 74-year-old male with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, with an Ann Arbor stage IV-A, was submitted to immune-chemotherapy in 2014, with complete remission of the disease. Two years later, he presented with a left eye swelling leading to exophthalmos and blurred vision. A core biopsy was performed and revealed a local relapse of the disease. He was considered unfit for intensive salvage chemotherapy and was treated with a combination of rituximab and lenalidomide. After six courses of rituximab plus lenalidomide, the patient showed complete remission and was submitted to maintenance therapy with lenalidomide. After 24 months since the start of lenalidomide monotherapy, we did not observe any progression. In this experience, rituximab plus lenalidomide, without radiotherapy, was a safe and effective therapeutic combination in an elderly patient with a localized relapse of DLBCL who was unfit to receive more aggressive therapies.
Glutamine Metabolism Is Essential for Stemness of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Bone Homeostasis
Authors: Zhou Tao , Yang Yuqing , Chen Qianming , Xie Liang
Published: September 2019

Skeleton has emerged as an endocrine organ which is both capable of regulating energy metabolism and being a target for it. Glutamine is the most bountiful and flexible amino acid in the body which provides adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) demands for cells. Emerging evidences support that glutamine which acts as the second metabolic regulator after glucose exerts crucial roles in bone homeostasis at cellular level, including the lineage allocation and proliferation of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), the matrix mineralization of osteoblasts, and the biosynthesis in chondrocytes. The integrated mechanism consisting of WNT, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling pathway in a glutamine-dependent pattern is responsible to regulate the complex intrinsic biological process, despite more extensive molecules are deserved to be elucidated in glutamine metabolism further. Indeed, dysfunctional glutamine metabolism enhances the development of degenerative bone diseases, such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, and glutamine or glutamine progenitor supplementation can partially restore bone defects which may promote treatment of bone diseases, although the mechanisms are not quite clear. In this review, we will summarize and update the latest research findings and clinical trials on the crucial regulatory roles of glutamine metabolism in BMSCs and BMSC-derived bone cells, also followed with the osteoclasts which are important in bone resorption.
The Diagnostic Accuracy of the Pitch Glide to Identify Aspiration in Patients with Respiratory Diseases: A Pilot Study
Authors: Mavrea Sofia , Regan Julie
Published: September 2019

Introduction: Initial research has been conducted to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the pitch glide during the clinical swallow evaluation to identify aspiration in adults after stroke. Findings suggest that reduced pitch glide can predict aspiration in patients with dysphagia after stroke. This study aimed to identify the diagnostic accuracy of the pitch glide in detecting aspiration, pharyngeal residue and hyo­laryngeal excursion during swallowing in adults with respiratory diseases. Material and Methods: 17 adults (9 males and 8 females) with dysphagia who had a background of respiratory diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease = 11; lower respiratory tract infection = 6) were consecutively recruited in an acute hospital setting. Participants completed two pitch glide tasks (/a/ and /i/) immediately before a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). Pitch glide recordings were analysed by blinded researchers both acoustically (Praat software) to obtain maximum F0, pitch range and auditory-perceptually using a binary scale (“normal” or “abnormal”). Clinicians blinded to pitch glide ratings rated 5 mL, 10 mL and a sip of liquid swallows during VFSS using the Penetration-Aspiration Scale, Bolus Residue Scale and hyolaryngeal component of the MBS Measurement Tool for Swallow Impairment. Receiver operating characteristic curve, Pearson correlations and independent sample t tests were used to address the research questions. Results: Maximum F0 of sound /a/ had high sensitivity and specificity in identifying aspiration on 10 mL of liquids during VFSS. Both pitch glides (/a/ and /i/) had moderate sensitivity and specificity in predicting aspiration on a sip of liquids. However, auditory-perceptual measures of pitch glide had weak accuracy in identifying people who were aspirating during VFSS. Finally, all pitch glide measures (acoustic and auditory-perceptual) had low accuracy in predicting pharyngeal residue and hyolaryngeal excursion. Conclusion: Based on this initial pilot study, acoustic pitch glide of sound /a/ is an accurate way to predict aspiration on 10 mL of liquids in patients with respiratory diseases. Based on findings from this study, both auditory-perceptual and acoustic analyses of pitch glide could not identify residue and hyolaryngeal excursion.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of ­New-Generation Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors versus Imatinib for Newly Diagnosed Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Pan Pan , Wang Lijuan , Wang Yanjun , Shen Li , Zheng Pingping , Bi Chunli , Zhang Anning , Lv Yaogai , Xue Zhiqiang , Sun Mengzi , Sun Chong , Li Jiagen , Jin Lina , Yao Yan
Published: September 2019

Backgrounds: We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of new-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (NG-TKIs; including dasatinib, nilotinib, bosutinib, radotinib, and ponatinib) versus imatinib for patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Summary: We identified randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy of NG-TKIs versus imatinib as the first-line treatment for CML patients by searching the PubMed, Cochrane library, and EMBASE databases. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study quality. A meta-analysis was performed to calculate risk ratios and 95% CIs using a fixed-effects model.Our study included 10 trials. Overall, treatment with NG-TKIs significantly improved the major molecular response and MR4.5 at all time points, and early molecular response at 3 months. Importantly, overall survival (OS) was significantly higher with the NG-TKIs at 12 months. Besides, NG-TKI-treated patients showed a significantly lower CML-related death and progression to the accelerated phase/blast crisis. Key Messages: In first-line treatment, NG-TKIs are superior to imatinib regarding OS at 12 months, and because molecular response rates were higher with the NG-TKIs at all time points, the NG-TKIs favor treatment-free remission.
Clinical Presentation of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Prospective Study on Symptom Diversity and Modification of Questionnaire Application
Authors: Broderick Ryan , Fuchs Karl-Hermann , Breithaupt Wolfram , Varga Gabor , Schulz Thomas , Babic Benjamin , Lee Arielle , Musial Frauke , Horgan Santiago
Published: September 2019

Introduction: Symptoms occurring in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) such as heartburn, regurgitation, thoracic pain, epigastric pain, respiratory symptoms, and others can show a broad overlap with symptoms from other foregut disorders. The goal of this study is the accurate assessment of symptom presentation in GERD. Methods: Patients with foregut symptoms were investigated for symptoms as well as endoscopy and gastrointestinal-functional studies for presence of GERD and symptom evaluation by standardized questionnaire. Questionnaire included a graded evaluation of foregut symptoms documenting severity and frequency of each symptom. The three types of questionnaires include study nurse solicitated, self-reported, and free-form self-reported by the patient. Results: For this analysis, 1,031 GERD patients (572 males and 459 females) were enrolled. Heartburn was the most frequently reported chief complaint, seen in 61% of patients. Heartburn and regurgitation are the most common (82.4/58.8%, respectively) in overall symptom prevalence. With regard to modification in questionnaire technique, if patients fill in responses without prompting, there is a trend toward more frequent documentation of respiratory symptoms (up to 54.5% [p < 0.01]), fullness (up to 93.9%), and gas-related symptoms (p < 0.001). Self-reported symptoms are more diverse (e.g., throat-burning [12%], mouth-burning [9%], globus [6%], dyspnea [9%], and fatigue [7%]). Conclusions: GERD symptoms are commonly heartburn and regurgitation, but overall symptom profile for patients may change depending on the type of questionnaire.
Rapid Estrogen and Progesterone Signaling to Dendritic Spine Formation via Cortactin/Wave1-Arp2/3 Complex
Authors: Uzair Ivonne Denise , Flamini Marina Ines , Sanchez Angel Matias
Published: September 2019

Background: Synaptic plasticity is the neuronal capacity to modify the function and structure of dendritic spines (DS) in response to neuromodulators. Sex steroids, particularly 17β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4), are key regulators in the control of DS formation through multiprotein complexes including WAVE1 protein, and are thus fundamental for the development of learning and memory. Objectives: The aim of this work was to evaluate the molecular switch Cdk5 kinase/protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in the control of WAVE1 protein (phosphorylation/dephosphorylation) and the regulation of WAVE1 and cortactin to the Arp2/3 complex, in response to rapid treatments with E2 and P4 in cortical neuronal cells. Results: Rapid treatment with E2 and P4 modified neuronal morphology and significantly increased the number of DS. This effect was reduced by the use of a Cdk5 inhibitor (Roscovitine). In contrast, inhibition of PP2A with PP2A dominant negative construct significantly increased DS formation, evidencing the participation of kinase/phosphatase in the regulation of WAVE1 in DS formation induced by E2 and P4. Cortactin regulates DS formation via Src and PAK1 kinase induced by E2 and P4. Both cortactin and WAVE1 signal to Arp2/3 complex to synergistically promote actin nucleation. Conclusion: These results suggest that E2 and P4 dynamically regulate neuron morphology through nongenomic signaling via cortactin/WAVE1-Arp2/3 complex. The control of these proteins is tightly orchestrated by phosphorylation, where kinases and phosphatases are essential for actin nucleation and, finally, DS formation. This work provides a deeper understanding of the biological actions of sex steroids in the regulation of DS turnover and neuronal plasticity processes.
Edward Jenner e a Primeira Vacina: estudo do discurso expositivo adotado num Museu de Ciência:
Authors: Durães Fabíola Alice dos Anjos , Oliveira Adriano Dias de , Monteiro Paulo Henrique Nico
Published: September 2019

O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar o discurso expositivo acerca da história da vacina antivariólica apresentada no Museu de Microbiologia (MMB) do Instituto Butantan na perspectiva da História e Filosofia da Ciência (HFC) no Ensino de Ciências (EC) e da pesquisa geo-histórica. Buscamos na exposição de longa duração do MMB aparatos que se relacionam com a história da criação da primeira vacina. Como resultado, encontramos apenas um painel, o qual apresentou poucas informações sobre a temática e uma visão tradicional de HFC no EC com base nas categorias criadas a partir do referencial teórico definido.
Os inventos e a pintura de Leonardo da Vinci
Authors: Taddei Mario
Published: September 2019

Entrevista com Mario Taddei
Current status of birds in Tengchong Section of Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve, China
Authors: Zheng Xi , Li Fei , Bi Zheng , Zhang Xing-Chao , Han Ji-Guo , Chan Bosco Pui Lok
Published: September 2019

We summarised the results of a four-year ornithological survey in the Tengchong Section of Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve and its immediate vicinity, and compiled an inventory of the present avifauna.  In total, 387 bird species were recorded in Tengchong from 2014 to 2018, including 116 which were hitherto undocumented.  The birds of Tengchong represented 48.9% of avifauna in Yunnan province, with a particularly rich elements of the Himalayan avifauna.  This immense bird species richness suggests that Tengchong is an important site for the preservation of Asian montane forest birds.  Although the current protected area system covered most of the intact forests in mid- to high-elevations, more conservation intervention should be allocated to lower elevation habitats below 2000m, which are largely outside the reserve boundaries and facing intensive development pressures.
Psalm 20 and Papyrus Amherst 63: A Window to the Dynamic Nature of Poetic Texts
Authors: Kister Menahem
Published: September 2019

An integrative study of the two prayers—Ps 20 and the Aramaic hymn in papyrus Amherst 63—reciprocally illuminates their inherent complexity and enables us to trace the intricate paths of their evolution.
Homeric Rewriting in Greek Sirach
Authors: Aitken James K.
Published: September 2019

It has been recognized in recent scholarship that the Greek translation of Sirach is subtle in its use of word-play and inner-Greek allusion. One such case, the story of the wandering man in Sir (31)34:9-13, can be shown to be a narration of two types of person, the one who wanders for positive learning and the one who errs and is in danger of death. It is thus not the personal experience of the author who has the freedom to travel in the new Hellenistic empires, but a moral tale modelled upon the two types of Odysseus that developed in the Greek tradition. This demonstrates the crafting of the source by the translator on the discourse level and hints at his educational background. It also has consequences for the larger structure of the unit in Sirach and further undermines the idea of a personal biography of Ben Sira.
Intersectionality and Transformative Reparations: The Case of Colombian Marginal Youths
Authors: Butti Elena , Leyh Brianne McGonigle
Published: September 2019

The town of San Carlos, highly affected by the Colombian conflict, is often presented as an example of a successful domestic reparations process. Yet not all victims agree with this assessment. A significant number of marginalised adolescents feel that their voices and realities are not reflected in the reparations programme provided by the 2011 Victims’ Law. While the programme promises to transform lives, it does little to change the lives of young people at the margins. This article compares and contrasts the legal framework on reparations for underaged victims with insights drawn from ethnographic research with these youths. The situation of these young people signals that transformative reparations are not working as they should. We argue that this failure is due to the mismatch between the conceptualisation of ‘vulnerable child-victims’ in the text of the law and these youths’ nuanced identities. Using intersectionality, we propose an alternative way forward.
Pictorial Continuous Narratives: Perceptual–Representational Strategies
Authors: Verstegen Ian , Prest Tamara , Argenton Laura Messina
Published: September 2019

This qualitative report concerns a larger study on pictorial continuous narrative devised by Alberto Argenton and developed by the authors in his memory, reporting only a synthesis of the main findings obtained through the study of a corpus of 100 artworks on the Genesis story of Adam and Eve. The study was aimed at identifying the perceptual–representational strategies used by artists to visually tell this story in the continuous narrative mode. The pilot study, accomplished by three independent judges (the authors) on the corpus of artworks, adopting phenomenological observation, highlights four strategies used by artists to distinguish and link the episodes or events constituting the story: segmentation of episodes or events, time/space separating cues, vectors of direction and repetition of principal figures. A description of the above categories accompanied by some illustrative examples is given.
Problems and Paradoxes of Painting and Perception
Authors: Pepperell Robert
Published: September 2019

This illustrated essay highlights some conceptual problems that arise when we consider the nature of visual perception and its relationship to art. Science proceeds on the assumption that natural phenomena operate rationally and can be explained rationally. Yet the study of art shows that many ordinary acts of perception, such as looking at a picture, can be paradoxical, logically contradictory and self-referential. I conclude that we must confront these problems if we are to reconcile the scientific approach to explaining visual perception with artistic and philosophical discoveries.
Taxonomic study of the genus Promalactis Meyrick, 1908 (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae) V. The unistriatella species group, with descriptions of seven new species
Authors: WANG SHUXIA , LIU CHEN
Published: September 2019

The unistriatella species group of the genus Promalactis Meyrick, 1908 is proposed based on the forewing patterns. Seven new species are described: P. curviprocessa sp. nov., P. digitiuncata sp. nov., P. equisaccula sp. nov., P. circimacularis sp. nov., P. foliuncata sp. nov., P. spinivalvaris sp. nov., and P. tenuiclavata sp. nov. Photographs of adults and genitalia of the new species are provided.
Two new species of Xyletinus Latreille (Ptinidae: Xyletininae) in Eocene Baltic amber
Authors: ALEKSEEV VITALII I. , BUKEJS ANDRIS
Published: September 2019

New species of the genus Xyletinus Latreille, 1809, namely X. (s.str.) besseli sp. nov. and X. (s.str.) barsevskisi sp. nov., from Eocene Baltic amber, are described and illustrated.
An Anatomic Variant of the Ansa Cervicalis Precluding Its Use as a Donor Nerve
Authors: Zhu Alexander , Mohan Suresh , Richmon Jeremy D. , Jowett Nate
Published: September 2019

Background:

The ansa cervicalis is useful for cranial nerve repair, and may be harvested without apparent morbidity. Herein we report an unusual and surgically relevant anatomic variant of the ansa cervicalis.

Methods:

An adult male with left parotid adenoid cystic carcinoma underwent parotidectomy with upper-division facial nerve resection and planned interposition repair using the ansa cervicalis. The ipsilateral hypoglossal nerve was identified, together with a descending branch producing strap muscle contraction when stimulated. This presumed descendens hypoglossi was unusually large in caliber; further dissection revealed continuity with the vagus nerve.

Results:

Ansa cervicalis harvest was aborted when its separation from vagus nerve epineurium was not possible. The sural nerve was alternatively harvested. The patient awoke with left vocal fold palsy, which completely resolved within 3 months.

Conclusion:

Anatomic variants of the ansa cervicalis exist that may preclude graft harvest and place the vagus nerve at risk of inadvertent injury.
Disrupting the neoliberal university in South Africa: The #FeesMustFall movement in 2015
Authors: Cini Lorenzo
Published: September 2019

This article analyses the 2015 student mobilizations in South Africa (SA), which arose in opposition to a 10% hike in tuition fees planned for 2016 at the University of Witwatersrand (WITS) and spurred a massive student reaction across all the universities of the country. After only 10 days of mobilization, the protest, also known as #FeesMustFall by virtue of the most popular Twitter hashtag associated with it, succeeded in halting the hike. How and why did the protesters win? To answer this question, this study combined various qualitative methods of analysis. The author carried out in-depth interviews with all the relevant actors involved in the issue, and analysed documents relating to the movement elaborated by the students in the year of the protest (2015), as well as the main policy documents on higher education in post-apartheid South Africa (1994–2016) released by the government. The author argues that massive and disruptive student protests play a crucial role in ‘young’ democracies, as is the case of today’s South Africa, in which higher education is still considered an important societal issue, and university-level students a legitimate political actor. Where students are perceived as a legitimate element of the political system, it is more likely for them to have an impact on society.
Online Health Information Seeking Among US Adults: Measuring Progress Toward a Healthy People 2020 Objective
Authors: Finney Rutten Lila J. , Blake Kelly D. , Greenberg-Worisek Alexandra J. , Allen Summer V. , Moser Richard P. , Hesse Bradford W.
Published: September 2019

Objective:

During the past decade, the availability of health information online has increased dramatically. We assessed progress toward the Healthy People 2020 (HP2020) health communication and health information technology objective of increasing the proportion of health information seekers who easily access health information online.

Methods:

We used data from 4 administrations of the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 2008-2017) (N = 18 103). We conducted multivariable logistic regression analysis to evaluate trends over time in experiences with accessing health information and to examine differences by sociodemographic variables (sex, age, race/ethnicity, education, income, metropolitan status) separately for those who used the internet (vs other information sources) during their most recent search for health information.

Results:

Among US adults who looked for health information and used the internet for their most recent search, the percentage who reported accessing health information without frustration was stable during the study period (from 37.2% in 2008 to 38.5% in 2017). Accessing information online without frustration was significantly and independently associated with age 35-49 (vs age 18-34) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03 -1.73), non-Hispanic black (vs non-Hispanic white) race/ethnicity (OR = 2.15; 95% CI, 1.55-2.97), and annual household income <$20 000 (vs >$75 000) (OR = 0.66; 95% CI, 0.47-0.93). The percentage of adults who used an information source other than the internet and reported accessing health information online without frustration ranged from 31.3% in 2008 to 42.7% in 2017. Survey year 2017 (vs 2008) (OR = 1.61; 95% CI, 1.09-2.35) and high school graduate education (vs college graduate) (OR = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.49-0.97) were significantly and independently associated with accessing health information without frustration from sources other than the internet.

Conclusions:

The percentage of online health information seekers reporting easily accessing health information did not meet the HP2020 objective. Continued efforts are needed to enable easy access to online health information among diverse populations.
Community-Initiated Student-Engaged Research: Expanding Undergraduate Teaching and Learning through Public Sociology
Authors: Greenberg Miriam , London Rebecca A. , McKay Steven C.
Published: September 2019

Drawing on a multiyear local research project on the affordable housing crisis, this article outlines a pedagogical approach we call Community-Initiated Student-Engaged Research, or CISER. The CISER model brings together three key groups of actors—undergraduate students, university researchers, and community organizations—drawing on and extending the powers of cooperative “dyads” between them. This model aims to improve pedagogical and sociological practice by constituting undergraduate students as both knowledge producers and an active public while at the same time creating meaningful partnerships between university researchers and community-based organizations. Based on assessments of the program from the vantage points of all three groups, our findings indicate that CISER is a powerful pedagogical tool and mode of community-engaged scholarship and that it offers both challenges and rewards to the involved students, faculty, and community organizations.
The Petrified Anthropocene
Authors: Simonetti Cristián
Published: September 2019

The Anthropocene is seen by many scholars across the sciences and the humanities as a tool for political action. Yet the validation process for this term appears to be extremely conservative. According to geologists’ leading efforts to formalize the term, signals need to petrify in stratigraphic sequences in order to become candidates to mark the start of the Anthropocene. I argue that this emphasis results from a fossilized view of becoming, where time is seen as a punctuated accumulation of solid surfaces that are accessible only in retrospect. I show that this petrified view of change relates to a tendency to divorce earth and sky, which currently divides the practices of humanities scholars and geologists, as well as those of earth system scientists and stratigraphers collaborating on the formalization of the Anthropocene. Challenging this tendency, I conclude, requires opening up earth’s history to the more-than-solid flows of environmental change.
Teaching a Health Equity Course at a Midwestern Private University—A Pilot Study
Authors: Braun Rob , Nevels Mariah , Frey Meredith C.
Published: September 2019

Teaching about health disparities and health equity at a 4-year institution is imperative. Unfortunately, there is a lack of empirical research demonstrating this concept and the proper way to develop a course. As a result, this research attempted to assess the effectiveness of developing and teaching this course centered on the social determinants of health (SDH). Using a 30-question Attribution of Health Disparities Assessment, data were collected on students’ attitudes and beliefs about the relevancy of these two concepts before and after they took the health equity course. All participants ( n = 42) were seniors, 80% self-identify as Caucasian and 66% were female. Overall, there was a statistically significant change in attitudes and beliefs about health disparities and the relevancy of these issues. It appears that in the eyes of the students, the SDH are more relevant and related to these issues than a person’s individual responsibility. As a result, the relevancy of many of the SDH discussed in class had a profound effect on the students who took this course as indicated by their statistically significant change. Finally, our research demonstrates how a health equity course could be taught to effectively change undergraduate students’ views on issues related to the SDH.
Long-term outcomes of elective transcatheter dense coil embolization for splenic artery aneurysms: a two-center experience
Authors: Wang Wujie , Chang Haiyang , Liu Bin , Wang Wei , Yu Zhe , Chen Chao , Li Yuliang , Wang Zhenting , Wang Yongzheng
Published: September 2019

Objective

This study was performed to analyze the long-term follow-up safety and efficacy of transcatheter dense coil embolization for splenic artery aneurysms.

Methods

Thirty-two patients (18 women, 14 men; age range, 23–56 years; mean age, 43.1 ± 13.6 years) who underwent dense coil embolization for treatment of splenic artery aneurysms from August 2010 to January 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The size and location of the splenic artery aneurysms, the technical and clinical outcomes of the procedure, and the complications related to the procedure were reviewed.

Results

The technical success rate of embolization was 100% (mean aneurysm size, 29.4 ± 6.9 mm; range, 20–43 mm). Two (6.3%) patients underwent a successful repeat intervention procedure for recurrent aneurysm perfusion during follow-up (mean, 36 months; range, 6–72 months). No aneurysm ruptured during follow-up. Splenic infarction was observed in 8 of 32 (25%) patients. No patients developed major adverse events related to the procedure, such as splenic abscess or pancreatitis.

Conclusions

Percutaneous elective transcatheter dense coil embolization is safe and effective to prevent aneurysm rupture and overcome aneurysm recanalization during long-term follow-up.