bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrition Awareness and Oral Health among Dental Patients in Palestine: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Badrasawi Manal M. H. , Hijjeh Nour H. , Amer Rana S. , Allan Reema M. , Altamimi Mohammad
Published: February 2020

Nutrition plays a key role in oral and dental health. Similarly, oral health affects nutrition status and diet intake. Consumption of much cariogenic nutrients such as sugar affects dental and gum health. The awareness of dietary practices that affect the oral health is an essential component in the dental care system. The knowledge of the dietary factors that affect the oral health is a major component in the treatment plan. In this vein, this study was conducted to determine the level of awareness of nutrition information affecting oral health among dental patients who visit the private and university dental clinics in West Bank, Palestine. A total of 169 patients were invited to join the study and signed the consent form. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect the required data which included patients’ sociodemographics, medical history, oral care practices, dietary practices, and oral health-related nutritional awareness. Face and content validity were verified, followed by a pilot study to determine the questionnaire reliability alpha, and the data were collected from October to November 2018. The Construct Validation was done using the Rasch measurement model, and the descriptive statistical analysis was done to determine the level of awareness and the difference among the groups using SPSS version 21. The total mean score of the nutrition awareness was (9.3 ± 2.8), with higher level of nutrition awareness among females, and the highest score was 16 out of 17. The good oral health condition was reported among 44%, fair 32%, poor 16%, and bad 10% while excellent oral health was reported among only 5% of the participants. There was no significant relationship between level of nutritional awareness with economic status, level of education, or area of living. For oral health, females showed significantly better oral and gum health levels (p<0.05). The overall level of nutrition knowledge among the participants is insufficient. These results point to the need for oral health and nutrition educational courses and programs to improve oral and nutritional awareness and knowledge among Palestinian people and dental patients in particular. Improving the dietary habits and oral practices with lifestyle changes should also be encouraged.
Bladder Leiomyoma with Synchronous Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Pleura
Authors: Mavridis Charalampos , Georgiadis George , Lagoudaki Eleni D. , Skamagkas Iordanis , Heretis Ioannis , Koutsopoulos Anastasios V. , Mamoulakis Charalampos
Published: February 2020

Bladder leiomyomas (BLs) are extremely rare benign tumors of mesenchymal origin. The exact pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to their appearance remain unclear including hormonal disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, and fetal remnants in the bladder. They usually remain asymptomatic for a long period of time. Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are also rare neoplasms of mesenchymal origin with malignant potential usually affecting the pleura. The pathogenesis of SFTs remains unclear. We report the case of a 28-year-old male presenting with SFT of the pleura and synchronous BL. The patient presented with persistent cough as a sole symptom. Computed tomography (CT) of the thorax revealed a pleural mass, which was surgically removed and proved to be a SFT. At an early follow-up, abdominal CT scan revealed a bladder wall mass that proved to be a BL. This is the first report of BL with synchronous SFT of the pleura. Synchronous BLs and SFTs may be incidental, but the coexistence of two mesenchymal tumors at different sites, in a young patient, may raise the suspicion of a new clinical syndrome that warrants further investigation.
Primary Pancreatic Lymphoma Masquerading as Carcinoma
Authors: Alzerwi Nasser A. N.
Published: February 2020

Adenocarcinoma is the most common primary pancreatic neoplasm type, followed by secondary pancreatic lymphoma and primary pancreatic lymphoma (PPL). PPL is associated with peripancreatic lymphadenopathy and usually presents as a homogenous mass with extrapancreatic invasion into surrounding structures. However, localized involvement of the distal pancreas is uncommon, and diffuse involvement of the pancreas is even rarer. Herein, we present the case of a 53-year-old woman with PPL of the uncinate process with biliary obstruction mimicking pancreatic adenocarcinoma, successfully diagnosed nonoperatively. Abdominal computed tomography showed an ill-defined uncinate process mass, hypodense with mild enhancement (3.9×3.4×3.5 cm), infiltrating the second and third parts of the duodenum. Biopsy revealed NHL with no evidence of adenocarcinoma. PPL was diagnosed. She received chemotherapy with a CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) protocol with rituximab, which she tolerated with no clinical or radiological evidence of recurrence at 1-year follow-up.
Analytical Solutions for Steady-State Multiwell Aquifer Tests in Rectangular Aquifers by Using Double Fourier Transform: A Case Study in the Ordos Plateau, China
Authors: Wang Jun-Zhi , Wang Xu-Sheng , Li Qing-Bo , Wan Wei-Feng
Published: February 2020

Straightforward solutions have long been expected for the analysis of multiwell aquifer tests. In this paper, we derive series analytical solutions of steady-state groundwater flow in a rectangular-shaped aquifer with pumping/injection wells for both confined and unconfined conditions. Double Fourier Transform (DFT) technique is applied to deal with different combinations of impermeable and specified head boundaries on sides. The obtained solutions are compact and concise in mathematics and flexible in terms of well number, well locations, and pumping/injection rates. Hatoucaidang, a groundwater resource field in the Ordos Plateau, Northwestern China, is introduced as a field case study, where a multiwell aquifer test was conducted. One of the analytical solutions derived herein is used to estimate hydraulic conductivities by applying a direct calculation method and a least square estimation method regarding observed versus calculated drawdowns. By comparing with nearby single-well pumping tests, the reliability of the derived analytical solutions is proven. This study facilitates utilizing the multiwell aquifer test to analyze the general behavior of groundwater movement in aquifer systems.
Experimental Investigation of Progressive Collapse of Prestressed Concrete Frames after the Loss of Middle Column
Authors: Yang Tao , Chen Wanqing , Han Zhongqing
Published: February 2020

Accidental loads such as explosion and vehicle impact could lead to failure of one or several load‐bearing members in the structures, which is likely to trigger disproportionate progressive collapse of overall structures. Prestressed concrete (PC) frame structures are usually at great risk of collapse once load‐bearing members fail, because the members in PC frame structures are usually subjected to much more load than those in common reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures. To investigate the progressive collapse behaviors of PC frame structures, five one‐fourth reduced scaled frame substructures were fabricated and collapse tests were conducted on them. Influence of span‐to‐depth ratios of frame beams and prestress action modes on the collapse performance of PC frame structures was discussed. Experimental results indicated that PC frame substructures with different prestress action modes, including bonded prestress and unbonded prestress, presented different collapse resistance capabilities and deformability. Tensile force increment of the unbonded prestressing strands almost linearly increased with the vertical displacement of the failed middle column. Catenary action is one of the most important mechanisms in resisting structural collapse. Prestressing strands and longitudinal reinforcing bars in the frame beams benefited the formation and maintaining of catenary action. The ultimate deformability of the PC frame structures was tightly connected with the fracture of prestressing strand. In addition, a calculation method of dynamic increase factors (DIFs) suitable for PC frame structures was developed, which can be used to revise the design collapse load when static collapse analysis is conducted by the alternative path method. The DIFs of the five substructures were discussed on the basis of the proposed method; it revealed that the DIFs corresponding to the first peak loads and the ultimate failure loads for the PC frame substructures were less than 1.49 and 1.83, respectively.
A Rare De Novo Myoepithelial Carcinoma Ex Pleomorphic Adenoma in a Young Woman
Authors: Ahuja Geeta , Taghipour Delaram J. , Olufajo Olubode A. , Davis Bonnie C. , Shokrani Babak , Bond William R.
Published: February 2020

Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma, an uncommon neoplasm of the parotid gland, accounts for less than 4% of salivary gland tumors. It arises from a benign pleomorphic adenoma presenting in the sixth to eighth decades of life. We present this as a unique account of a primary parotid gland carcinoma, arising from myoepithelial cells, without a known precursor lesion, in a 28-year-old woman. This presentation seeks to provide familiarity of an unusual presentation of an unexpected rare pathology in a young female patient and the tools utilized for an accurate diagnosis.
Crecimiento 2016
Authors: García Carlos J. , Ruiz Radrigán Gabriel
Published: February 2020

En el último tiempo, resulta común escuchar a economistas, políticos, periodistas entre otros actores referirse a una actual crisis económica, pero ¿Hay evidencia para afirmar dicha aseveración?, o ¿Estamos previo a una crisis como la del 2009? Para responder estas preguntas debemos obligadamente ser capaces de comparar correctamente las variables fundamentales de la economía chilena y sus determinantes (externos e internos) y no sólo basarnos en la percepción de algunos agentes económicos. Continuar leyendo...
Balance de la reforma laboral
Authors: Navarro Lucas
Published: February 2020

Luego de más de un año de discusión y del rechazo de dos puntos de importancia por parte del Tribunal Constitucional (TC), la reforma laboral estaría cerca de promulgarse. En líneas generales la reforma apunta a fortalecer a los sindicatos, creando incentivos legales para una mayor afiliación a los mismos. Los dos puntos que no podrán ser introducidos debido al rechazo del TC, que se consideraban centrales según la reforma, son el de la titularidad sindical y el de la extensión de los beneficios. Continuar leyendo...
Baja de precios en las licitaciones eléctricas
Authors: De Elejalde Ramiro
Published: February 2020

Las distribuidoras eléctricas deben firmar por ley contratos de suministro de energía con los generadores de energía. Estos contratos se asignan al mejor postor mediantes licitaciones públicas denominadas “licitaciones de suministro eléctrico”. Los precios obtenidos en estas licitaciones son un componente importante del precio final que pagan las familias chilenas. En la última licitación, el precio promedio pagado fue de 47,6 US$/MW que es el menor desde que comenzaron las licitaciones en 2006 y es también, 40% menor que el precio pagado en la licitación anterior. Sin duda, hay buenas noticias, pero es importante entender las razones de esta baja en los precios. ¿Existía un problema de diseño en las licitaciones anteriores que afectaba su funcionamiento? ¿Hay factores exógenos que explican los menores precios? ¿Existen riesgos subyacentes detrás de los menores precios que pueden afectar el precio futuro a pagar por las familias? Estamos frente a un tema muy relevante de política pública y que explicaremos en el presente artículo. Continuar leyendo...
Pensiones: Desmenuzando el Segundo Anuncio Presidencial
Authors: López Fernando
Published: February 2020

El 9 de agosto del año 2016, la Presidenta de la República, en cadena nacional, convocó a un acuerdo entre distintos sectores políticos con el objeto de mejorar nuestro sistema de pensiones. A menos de un año de este llamado, el 12 de abril pasado, también en cadena nacional, la Presidenta anunció la elaboración de unapropuesta de reforma que surge como resultado de este proceso de diálogo liderado por el Ministerio de Hacienda. El presente artículo describe las principales medidas anunciadas y analiza su posible impacto. Continuar leyendo...
¿Cuál es el costo de regular el medio ambiente?
Authors: Dardati Evangelina
Published: February 2020

Proteger el medio ambiente tiene muchos beneficios. Sin embargo, pese a que las políticas ambientales son necesarias, también son costosas. En un estudio en el que participo, calculamos, tomando el caso de Estados Unidos, cual sería el costo en productividad agregada como consecuencia a una regulación federal para bajar las emisiones de dióxido de carbono (CO2). Continuar leyendo...
Chile: lejos de un milagro económico
Authors: García Carlos
Published: February 2020

Una pregunta clave es si el magro crecimiento de la economía chilena se revertirá el 2018 o si refleja una tendencia más de largo plazo. Al respecto, como hemos explicado en números anteriores de esta misma revista, los economistas llaman al crecimiento del PIB de largo plazo “potencial”, es decir, el crecimiento en la producción que teóricamente habría prevalecido si se utilizaran los recursos productivos con una intensidad normal y el nivel de productividad fuese el de tendencia. Este es el concepto que utiliza el Gobierno para calcular los ingresos estructurales fiscales y el Banco Central para implementar su política monetaria. También es una medida aceptada internacionalmente, que usan organismos internacionales como el FMI y la OECD. Continuar leyendo...
AFP: La difícil tarea de compararlas
Authors: González Pablo , López Alejandro S.
Published: February 2020

El sistema de administradoras de fondos de pensiones (AFP) requiere de la competencia entre los oferentes del servicio. En este marco, el cliente debe ser capaz de evaluar un servicio complejo y que se desenvuelve bajo gran incertidumbre. No es fácil para la gran mayoría de los ciudadanos comprender dicho sistema. Llama laatención los esfuerzos que tanto cada AFP como la asociación que las aglutina, realizan para explicar el sistema a más de 35 años de su puesta en marcha. Considerando los niveles de alfabetización financiera de la población, la comparación entre AFP es casi imposible para la mayoría de los usuarios. Continuar leyendo...
La búsqueda de la excelencia: El gran desafío de las empresas chilenas
Authors: Ferreiro Osvaldo
Published: February 2020

La excelencia es un desafío real para el futuro de las empresas chilenas. Y no es sólo algo que tomar en serio porque suena bien, sino porque es la clave para quesean competitivas a nivel internacional y para enfrentar con confianza una siguiente fase de desarrollo; porque la excelencia no se refiere solamente a que los bienes o servicios que produce una empresa sean de gran calidad. Continuar leyendo...
¿Qué sucede en Argentina?
Authors: Navarro Lucas , Ponce Carlos J.
Published: February 2020

Argentina ha vuelto a ser noticia por una nueva edición de sus ya recurrentes crisis económicas. En este caso, el disparador fue el corte abrupto en el financiamiento internacional. Dada la fragilidad de la economía, este evento resultó en un fuerte aumento del precio del dólar, en una mayor inflación y en mayores tasas de interés que se acercan al casi 60% anual. Continuar leyendo...
Presupuesto y déficit fiscal 2019
Authors: García Carlos
Published: February 2020

¿ Por qué los economistas han inventado este concepto y no usan directamente el déficit fiscal? En efecto, no sería más fácil reducir la discusión económica solo a la diferencia entre gastos e ingresos fiscales. No será un nuevo concepto que los economistas quieren introducir para aguar la fiesta como en el pasado han inventado términos como metas de inflación, asignación de recursos, reducción de costos, asegurar financiamiento, etc. Continuar leyendo...
Reforma previsional
Authors: López Fernando
Published: February 2020

La administración del aumento de 4% en la cotización obligatoria ha sido uno de los temas más controversiales en la discusión de la reforma previsional presentada en 2018. Contrario a su idea original, el gobierno accedió a la creación de una entidad estatal que administrara esta cotización adicional con tal de lograr los votos necesarios en la Cámara de Diputados para aprobar la idea de legislar la reforma previsional. Continuar leyendo...
Innovación: Una mirada al interior de la empresa
Authors: Geldés Cristián , Heredia Jorge
Published: February 2020

Producto de la disminución en las proyecciones del crecimiento económico de Chile para el período 2019 y 2020, así, como de la baja del país en el “Índice Global de Innovación”, que pasó desde la posición 42 en el 2015 al lugar 47 en el 2018, se ha vuelto ampliar el debate sobre la necesidad de aumentar la innovación en las empresas. Continuar leyendo...
Regulando el mercado para el desarrollo
Authors: De Elejalde Ramiro , López Fernando , Muñoz Miguel , Muñoz Victor , Navarro Lucas , Romero Rafael , Sigala Camilo , Tejada Mauricio , Ibañez Fabricio
Published: February 2020

Todas las sociedades enfrentan el problema de asignar sus recursos escasos a las múltiples necesidades que enfrentan. Los mecanismos de mercado han tenido un rol fundamental en la forma en que las sociedades occidentales han abordado este problema, especialmente desde fines del siglo XX. Si el resultado de estos se evalúa según los indicadores tradicionales de crecimiento económico, sin duda han sido muy exitosos. Continuar leyendo...
Los impuestos importan
Authors: Agostini Claudio
Published: February 2020

Y vaya que importan. No serán el mecanismo de financiamiento del Estado que más feliz hace a sus ciudadanos, ni el Servicio que los recauda una repartición que gana concursos de popularidad, pero en una economía de mercado abierta, como se supone que es la chilena, cumplen un rol fundamental. Sí, hacen posible en parte la existencia del gasto público, pero también pueden redistribuir los ingresos de una sociedad. Y ya que la desigualdad parece ser uno de los temas más importantes en la agenda pública. Continuar leyendo...
Donación de órganos
Authors: Foxley Juan
Published: February 2020

Aunque se ha sabido de personas que ofrecen comprar o vender órganos en E-Bay, el hecho es que la idea repugna.Nadie quiere ver a los más ricos comprando su lugar en listas de espera y menos a pobres haciendo caja con trozos de su cuerpo. Continuar leyendo...
Banca al banquillo
Authors: Foxley Juan
Published: February 2020

Abundantes han sido las críticas a la banca chilena durante el año. Al reclamo recurrente sobre cargos abusivos, se sumaron quejas respecto a la contracción de la oferta de créditos y las altas tasas de interés, especialmente en operaciones PYME. Este artículo revisa la información estadística disponible para créditos comerciales a la luz de las principales críticas. El intento es enriquecer una discusión donde en ocasiones, los prejuicios vociferan más que los números. Continuar leyendo...
Exceso de optimismo
Authors: García Carlos J.
Published: February 2020

Según el Nobel de Economía Paul Krugman esta es la ciencia de la desesperanza. La labor de los macroeconomistas consiste en presentar al país las opciones reales de crecimiento económico, gusten o no. A todos nos alegraría que la economía chilena se recuperara rápido y mantuviera un ritmo de crecimiento sano, robusto y sostenido. Sin embargo, enfrentamos severos desafíos en el escenario internacional que pueden enfriar las positivas y quizás acaloradas expectativas para este año y el próximo. El problema que se tiene cuando las expectativas son irreales o sobredimensionadas es que las decisiones que se toman en relación a ellas necesariamente serán incorrectas, y por lo tanto la situación puede empeorar aún más. Continuar leyendo...
Reconstruir con sustentabilidad
Authors: Borregaard Nicola , Medina José Ignacio , Padilla Marcelo
Published: February 2020

A ocho meses del terremoto, la idea de realizar una reconstrucción sustentable se ha plasmado a nivel concreto en numerosos proyectos, y en algunos casos ha sido el eje central de los llamados “Planes Maestros de Reconstrucción”. Estos implican planificar desde una apropiada infraestructura hasta una mejor calidad de vida, y añadir al plan temas como la identidad local, eficiencia energética, energías renovables no convencionales y áreas verdes. Continuar leyendo...
CEPAL vs. MIDEPLAN
Authors: Sanhueza Claudia
Published: February 2020

Independiente de la razones que causaron esta diferencia en ambas estimaciones, la existencia de este debate es buena. En cierto sentido, eleva el nivel de la discusión y sugiere que la sociedad sí puede interesarse y entender debates técniconormativos. Esto es fundamental para la definición de umbrales sociales que determinen quién es pobre. Ahora, ¿por qué con los mismos datos tenemos resultados diferentes? En Chile medimos la pobreza basados en los ingresos monetarios. Esto asume que pensamos que el ingreso es el mejor indicador de bienestar. Continuar leyendo...
Llegar y auditar
Authors: Foxley Rioseco Juan
Published: February 2020

El caso, profusamente descrito. La Polar extendía créditos de consumo y avances en efectivo a sus clientes a tasas altas y ocultaba luego los préstamos impagos  disfrazándolos como cartera nueva, abultada pero al día. Eludía así realizar las debidas provisiones contables, inflando artificial y maliciosamente las utilidades esperadas y el valor de la compañía. Continuar leyendo...
Universidad gratis: ¿Quién gana, quién pierde?
Authors: Saavedra Eduardo
Published: February 2020

Una serie de artículos de opinión y declaraciones de prensa de connotados políticos y expertos en la materia menciona las diferentes bondades o desventajas que tiene la propuesta de gratuidad en la educación universitaria, o su extensión a toda la educación superior, así como también los aportes basales a las universidades estatales y el nuevo trato entre el Estado y sus universidades, entre otros. Es decir, a ojos de quien opine, una propuesta puede ser tan buena como la contraria, o simplemente un error extremo. Continuar leyendo...
Comercio justo
Authors: Saavedra Eduardo
Published: February 2020

¿Hasta dónde es “justa” una economía de mercado? Con una institucionalidad que fortalezca relaciones de intercambio basadas íntegramente en aspectos de eficiencia económica, bastante: plenamente consistente con la famosa “mano invisible” de Adam Smith. El mercado asigna eficientemente los recursos en una economía de libre mercado siempre que haya ausencia de poder de mercado y existan mercados para todos los bienes. Continuar leyendo...
Sin reformas el desempleo no podrá seguir bajo
Authors: Navarro Lucas , Tejada Mauricio
Published: February 2020

De acuerdo al último Employment Outlook de la OCDE publicado en julio, Chile es uno de los pocos países del grupo que ha logrado reducir el desempleo desde que comenzara la crisis financiera internacional de 2008. En efecto, según la OCDE, la tasa de desempleo pasó de 8 % en promedio en los tres años previos a la crisis de 2008 a 10 % en 2009, para –luego de la recuperación– alcanzar valores cercanos al 6,5 % desde fines de 2012. Una situación similar se estima para 2014, lo que posiciona a Chile como uno de los países líderes en su capacidad de recuperación después de la última debacle económica. El informe, además,formula tres afirmaciones: (a) estas tasas de desempleo se encontrarían por debajo de la tasa de desempleo de equilibrio de largo plazo (en torno a 8 %), (b) la legislación laboral chilena es rígida en relación al promedio de países del grupo, y (c) no ha habido reformas en el mercado de trabajo en los últimos años. Continuar leyendo...
Un nuevo sistema de financiamiento para las viviendas chilenas
Authors: García Carlos J.
Published: February 2020

El sistema Bausparen (SB) constituye un sistema de financiamiento sencillo y exitoso, que ha permitido construir, comprar, y modernizar la vivienda en Alemania, así como también en otros países (China, Hungría, República Checa) y que, de implementarse en Chile, podría ayudar a satisfacer la alta demanda por hogares de la clase media. Este sistema tiene algunas características interesantes para las autoridades de nuestro país, no sólo desde el punto de vista del desarrollo económico sino también de la estabilidad financiera. Continuar leyendo...
Prevalence and seasonal variation of gastrointestinal parasites among captive Northern Pig-tailed Macaque Macaca leonina (Mammalia: Primates: Cercopithecidae)
Authors: Lalremruati Phoebe , Solanki G.S.
Published: February 2020

A study on the prevalence and seasonal variations of gastrointestinal parasites of 12 captive Pig-tailed Macaques Macaca leonina housed at Aizawl Zoological Park, Mizoram, India, was conducted.  Fresh stool samples were collected on a monthly basis from the study animals was grouped for two seasons—summer (April–June 2017) and monsoon (July–September 2017).  Samples were stored in 10% formalin until further processing.  Three methods—direct smear, faecal floatation, and faecal sedimentation were used.  Two categories of parasites—protozoa and nematodes were recorded.  Balantidium coli, a protozoa, Strongyle, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichiuris trichiura, and nematode parasites were recorded in different stages.  Out of 71 samples analysed, 63 samples (88.73%) were positive with ova of gastrointestinal parasites.  The prevalence of Balantidium coli was highest with 38.23% and 56.75%, followed by Strongyle 35.29% and 37.83% in summer and monsoon season, respectively.  A variation on the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was assessed using chi squared tests between monsoon season and summer season.  Variation was found to be significant (χ 2=20.569, P˂0.05 and χ 2=10.857, P˂0.05).  The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was higher during monsoon season (91.89%) than summer season (85.29%).
Ramifications of reproductive diseases on the recovery of the Sumatran Rhinoceros Dicerorhinus sumatrensis (Mammalia: Perissodactyla: Rhinocerotidae)
Authors: Schaffer Nan E. , Agil Muhammad , Zainuddin Zainal Z.
Published: February 2020

The Sumatran Rhinoceros Dicerorhinus sumatrensis is on the edge of extinction.  The decline of this species was initially attributed to poaching and habitat loss, but evidence presented here indicates that reproductive failure has also been a significant cause of loss, and continues to affect wild populations.  Indonesia’s remaining populations of Sumatran Rhino are small and scattered, with limited access to breeding opportunities with unrelated mates.  This leaves them subject to inbreeding and isolation-induced infertility, linked to fertility problems analyzed here.  Sumatran Rhino females in captivity showed high rates (>70%) of reproductive pathology and/or problems with conception, which has significantly hindered the breeding program.  Technological advances enabling examination immediately after capture revealed similarly high rates and types of reproductive problems in individuals from wild populations.  The last seven Sumatran Rhino females captured were from areas with small declining populations, and six had reproductive problems.  Going forward, capturing similarly compromised animals will take up valuable space and resources needed for fertile animals.  The high risk of infertility and difficulty of treating underlying conditions, coupled with the decreasing number of remaining animals, means that the success of efforts to build a viable captive population will depend upon utilizing fertile animals and applying assisted reproductive techniques.  Decades of exhaustive in situ surveys have not provided information relevant to population management or to ascertaining the fertility status of individual animals.  Thus the first priority should be the capture of individuals as new founders from areas with the highest likelihood of containing fertile rhinos, indicated by recent camera trap photos of mothers with offspring.  In Sumatra these areas include Way Kambas and parts of the Leuser ecosystem.
New record of Tulostoma squamosum (Agaricales: Basidiomycota) from India based on morphological features and phylogenetic analysis
Authors: Dutta Arun Kumar , Paloi Soumitra , Acharya Krishnendu
Published: February 2020

Tulostoma squamosum is reported for the first time from India.  A comprehensive macro-morphological description, field photographs along with microscopic observations, and comparisons with morphologically similar and phylogenetically related taxa are provided.  Nucleotide sequence comparison and an estimation of evolutionary divergence between Tulostoma squamosum sequences across different geographic origin are also provided.
Evolutionary Image Transition and Painting Using Random Walks
Authors: Neumann Aneta , Alexander Bradley , Neumann Frank
Published: February 2020

We present a study demonstrating how random walk algorithms can be used for evolutionary image transition. We design different mutation operators based on uniform and biased random walks and study how their combination with a baseline mutation operator can lead to interesting image transition processes in terms of visual effects and artistic features. Using feature-based analysis we investigate the evolutionary image transition behaviour with respect to different features and evaluate the images constructed during the image transition process. Afterwards, we investigate how modifications of our biased random walk approaches can be used for evolutionary image painting. We introduce an evolutionary image painting approach whose underlying biased random walk can be controlled by a parameter influencing the bias of the random walk and thereby creating different artistic painting effects.
Taxonomic revision and cladistic analysis of the species of Zethus mexicanus group (Linnaeus, 1758) sensu Bohart & Stange, 1965 (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Eumeninae)
Authors: GOLFETTI IVAN F. , LOPES ROGÉRIO B. , NOLL FERNANDO B.
Published: February 2020

The Zethus mexicanus group sensu Bohart & Stange (1965) consists of four species in the subgenus Zethusculus: Zethus brasiliensis de Saussure, 1852, Z. mexicanus (Linnaeus, 1758) (both subdivided into three subspecies each), Z. magnus de Saussure, 1852 and Z. waldoi Zavattari, 1912. Color patterns and distribution have been used to differentiate the subspecies until now. However, these patterns may vary among individuals, and the distribution of specimens examined in this study showed overlap between subspecies. The analysis of external morphology did not show significant differences, making the subspecific division unnecessary. Thus, the following synonyms are proposed: Zethus brasiliensis fuscatus Boharth & Stange, 1965 n. syn. and Z. brasiliensis panamensis Boharth & Stange, 1965 n. syn. are junior synonyms of Z. brasiliensis brasiliensis; and Z. mexicanus erythrogena Boharth & Stange, 1965 n. syn. and Z. mexicanus lugubris Perty, 1833 n. syn. are junior synonyms of Zethus mexicanus mexicanus. Furthermore, the following status changed are proposed: Z. brasiliensis brasiliensis de Saussure, 1852 stat. rev. to Z. brasiliensis; and Z. mexicanus mexicanus (Linnaeus, 1758) stat. rev. to Z. mexicanus. In addition, a cladistic analysis, using terminals with representatives of the three subgenera of Zethus and one species of Ctenochilus, recovered the monophyly of the Zethus mexicanus group, as well as the subgenus Zethusculus, but rendered the arietis group paraphyletic. An identification key and redescriptions are given for the species in the group of Zethus mexicanus sensu Bohart & Stange (1965).
An Evolutionary Approach to Binge Drinking Impression Formation: A Cross-Cultural Comparison Between France and Peru
Authors: Boudesseul Jordane , Vieira Luc , Bègue Laurent
Published: February 2020

Evolutionary medicine proposes studying alcohol use and abuse through the lens of modern evolutionary theory. This study ( https://osf.io/p48 uw/) follows this approach and uses an evolutionary framework to predict how young adults (18–35 years old) form impression of a binge drinker. We predicted that displaying sexual dysfunctions (short-term risk) in a binge drinking video would negatively influence attitudes and expectations of a target when compared to cognitive (short-term risk) or long-term deficits. In the following studies, we use a Zahavian framework to understand and influence impression formation of a male binge drinker among women (intersexual selection) and men (intrasexual competition) participants in a subsequent task. Via a randomized experimental online study in France ( N = 177, M = 23.39 [4.91], 43.50% men) and a preregistered conceptual replication study in Peru ( N = 176, M = 25.61 [4.76], 53.41% men), women exposed to a binge drinking video—describing sexual impotence after a binge drinking episode—tended to downgrade attractiveness evaluation of the binge drinker. However, male participants were not impacted by the different types of signals displayed in the videos. These results show that evolutionary theory could help us understand impression formation in binge drinking context and call for gender-specific health messages.
Bedside provocation and liberation maneuvers in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Authors: Straumann Dominik , Brandt Thomas
Published: February 2020

In the majority of cases, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) originates from the posterior or horizontal semicircular canals. If performed correctly, the maneuvers that diagnose or treat canalolithiasis or cupulolithiasis are highly effective. This article describes the provocation (i.e. diagnostic) and liberation (i.e. therapeutic) maneuvers to be applied in patients with BPPV. The step-by-step descriptions of the maneuvers are supplemented by practical recommendations.
Risk assessment of heavy metals in the surface sediment at the drinking water source of the Xiangjiang River in South China
Authors: Huang Zhifeng , Liu Chengyou , Zhao Xingru , Dong Jing , Zheng Binghui
Published: February 2020

Background

The Xiangjiang River is an important drinking water resource for the Hunan Province of China. It is crucial to ascertain the pollution status, influencing factors, ecological risks, and possible sources of heavy metals in the sediments of the Xiangjiang River. Sediment is both a source and a sink of heavy metals in aquatic ecosystems. In this study, surface sediment was collected from the Zhuzhou Reach of the Xiangjiang River and eight heavy metals were investigated.

Results

In all sediment samples, all eight heavy metals were detected and their average concentration fell in the order of Zn > Pb > As > Cu > Cr > Ni > Cd > Co. Assessment shows extremely serious Cd pollution and a very high potential ecological risk from Cd. According to correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA), As, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn originate from industrial wastewater and mineral smelting activities, whereas Co, Cr, and Ni come from natural sources. Redundancy analysis (RDA) reveals that the organic matter content and the particle size of the sediment have a certain influence on the enrichment of heavy metals.

Conclusion

Among all eight examined heavy metals in the surveyed area, the content of Zn, Pb, and As is the highest, and that of Cd and Co is the lowest. Despite a low level of absolute content, the Cd in sediment already renders a high ecological risk and thus calls for urgent attention. Anthropogenic activities are the main source of heavy metals in the sediment. The distribution of heavy metals may also be influenced by sediment properties. The results provide guidance for controlling heavy metal pollution and protecting drinking water sources in the Xiangjiang River.
Diagnostic efficacy of double-balloon enteroscopy in patients with suspected isolated small bowel Crohn’s disease
Authors: Huang Zihan , Liu Xiang , Yang Fei , Wang Guoxin , Ge Nan , Wang Sheng , Guo Jintao , Sun Siyu
Published: February 2020

Background

Owing to the development of double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) and video capsule endoscopy (VCE) in recent years, direct visualization of the entire small intestinal mucosa has become possible. Because of the nonspecific symptoms and the anatomic location of the small bowel, diagnosis of isolated small bowel Crohn’s disease (CD) remains a challenge. The aim of this research was to explore the value of DBE for isolated small bowel CD in situations where routine tests cannot confirm the diagnosis.

Methods

This study included patients with suspected isolated small bowel CD who were hospitalized in Shengjing Hospital from April 2014 to June 2018. We included patients presenting with chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, abdominal mass, perianal lesions, and systemic symptoms including weight loss, fever, and anemia after excluding infection factors. Patients with purely colonic CD were excluded from this cohort. Patients with suspected isolated small bowel CD underwent DBE.

Results

In 16/18 patients, pathological findings were detected by DBE. In 12 of the cases, small bowel CD was confirmed. The remaining four patients were diagnosed with small bowel inflammation, duodenal carcinoma, ileum inflammation and small bowel ulcers. However, the diagnosis of CD was confirmed in 14/18 (78%) patients by taking into account the clinical presentation, endoscopic and histological results as well as the experimental treatment. DBE assisted in the diagnosis in 86% (12/14) of the patients.

Conclusions

In the diagnosis of small bowel CD, DBE is a helpful tool. Before assessment with DBE, clinical features, colonoscopy, and CT were used to initially assess the intestine. According to the lesions indicated by CT, we chose the most appropriate endoscope insertion route, and combined the endoscopic characteristics and pathological results of DBE to confirm the diagnosis.
Calciphylaxis epidemiology, risk factors, treatment and survival among French chronic kidney disease patients: a case-control study
Authors: Gaisne Raphaël , Péré Morgane , Menoyo Victorio , Hourmant Maryvonne , Larmet-Burgeot David
Published: February 2020

Background

Calcific Uremic Arteriolopathy (CUA) is a rare disease, causing painful skin ulcers in patients with end stage renal disease. Recommendations for CUA management and treatment are lacking.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study on CUA cases identified in western France, in order to describe its management and outcome in average clinical practices. Selection was based on the Hayashi diagnosis criteria (2013) extended to patients with eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m2. Dialyzed CUA cases were compared with 2 controls, matched for age, gender, region of treatment and time period.

Results

Eighty-nine CUA cases were identified between 2006 and 2016, including 19 non dialyzed and 70 dialyzed patients. Females with obesity (55.1%) were predominant. Bone mineral disease abnormalities, inflammation and malnutrition (weight loss, serum albumin decrease) preceded CUA onset for 6 months. The multimodal treatment strategy included wound care (98.9%), antibiotherapy (77.5%), discontinuation of Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) (70.8%) and intravenous sodium thiosulfate (65.2%). 40.4% of the patients died within the year after lesion onset, mainly under palliative care. Surgical debridement, distal CUA, localization to the lower limbs and non calcium-based phosphate binders were associated with better survival. Risks factors of developing CUA among dialysis patients were obesity, VKA, weight loss, serum albumin decrease or high serum phosphate in the 6 months before lesion onset.

Conclusion

CUA involved mainly obese patients under VKA. Malnutrition and inflammation preceded the onset of skin lesions and could be warning signs among dialysis patients at risk.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02854046, registered August 3, 2016.
Assessment of suicidal risk using Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory-2 restructured form
Authors: Kim Sunhae , Lee Hye-Kyung , Lee Kounseok
Published: February 2020

Background

Suicide is a major social issue, affected by both social and psychopathological factors. This study investigated suicide risk assessment using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF).

Methods

Data were collected from 7824 college students using the MMPI-2-RF. The participants were classified into high-, moderate-, and low-risk for suicide groups based on their scores on the structured Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) for comparative analysis. The relationships between scores on the Restructured Clinical (RC) Scales of the MMPI-2-RF and suicide risk level were investigated using a multiple logistic regression.

Results

Out of the 7824 participants, 964 (12.3%) were identified as being at risk of suicide. There were 553 participants considered low-risk, 312 moderate-risk, and 99 at high-risk. Suicide risk in the participants tended to increase as RC scale scores increased. Out of the nine RC scales, the Demoralization (RCd) and Negative Emotions (RC7) scale scores were highest across all risk groups. The results of a multiple logistic regression indicated that the Demoralization (RCd) scores were significantly elevated in all three suicide risk groups. Antisocial Behavior (RC4) and Aberrant Experiences (RC8) scale scores were significantly elevated for the low-risk group, whereas Somatic Complaints (RC1) scores were elevated for the moderate-risk group, and Somatic Complaints (RC1), Low Positive Emotions (RC2), Antisocial Behavior (RC4), and Ideas of Persecution (RC6) scale scores were elevated for the high-risk group.

Conclusions

Compared to the healthy control group, all three suicide risk groups showed elevated scores on the RC Scales overall, suggesting that various psychopathological factors are involved in the etiology of suicide. More psychopathologic factors were found to influence suicide-related issues in the higher risk groups than lower risk groups, suggesting that more risk factors are involved in higher suicide risk groups. Compared to healthy controls, even the low-risk group showed a significant elevation in emotional factors and antisocial behaviors. While the healthy controls and those at risk of suicide differed significantly on both the Demoralization (RCd) and Negative Emotions (RC7) scales, only the Demoralization (RCd) scale appeared to be able to screen for high suicide risk.
Correction to: Does this lung nodule need urgent review? A discrete choice experiment of Australian general practitioners
Authors: Brownell P. , Piccolo F. , Brims F. , Norman R. , Manners D.
Published: February 2020

Following publication of the original article [1], the authors flagged that the article had gone to publishing with errors in Tables 1-3.
Correction to: Low-moderate arsenic exposure and respiratory health in American Indian communities in the Strong Heart Study
Authors: Powers Martha , Sanchez Tiffany R. , Grau-Perez Maria , Yeh Fawn , Francesconi Kevin A. , Goessler Walter , George Christine M. , Heaney Christopher , Best Lyle G. , Umans Jason G. , Brown Robert H. , Navas-Acien Ana
Published: February 2020

The original version of this article [1], published on 28 November 2019, contained incorrect title. In this Correction the affected part of the article is shown.
mRNA modification orchestrates cancer stem cell fate decisions
Authors: Liang Weicheng , Lin Zexiao , Du Cong , Qiu Dongbo , Zhang Qi
Published: February 2020

Despite their small numbers, cancer stem cells play a central role in driving cancer cell growth, chemotherapeutic resistance, and distal metastasis. Previous studies mainly focused on how DNA or histone modification determines cell fate in cancer. However, it is still largely unknown how RNA modifications orchestrate cancer cell fate decisions. More than 170 distinct RNA modifications have been identified in the RNA world, while only a few RNA base modifications have been found in mRNA. Growing evidence indicates that three mRNA modifications, inosine, 5-methylcytosine, and N6-methyladenosine, are essential for the regulation of spatiotemporal gene expression during cancer stem cell fate transition. Furthermore, transcriptome-wide mapping has found that the aberrant deposition of mRNA modification, which can disrupt the gene regulatory network and lead to uncontrollable cancer cell growth, is widespread across different cancers. In this review, we try to summarize the recent advances of these three mRNA modifications in maintaining the stemness of cancer stem cells and discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms, which will shed light on the development of novel therapeutic approaches for eradicating cancer stem cells.
Pneumococcal purpura fulminans in asplenic or hyposplenic patients: a French multicenter exposed-unexposed retrospective cohort study
Authors:   for the HOPEFUL Study Group, Contou Damien , Coudroy Rémi , Colin Gwenhaël , Tadié Jean-Marc , Cour Martin , Sonneville Romain , Mekontso Dessap Armand , de Prost Nicolas
Published: February 2020

Background

Pneumococcal infections remain the main cause of overwhelming post-splenectomy infections, and purpura fulminans may develop in almost 20% of patients with overwhelming post-splenectomy infection. We aimed at describing the impact of asplenia/hyposplenia on the clinical features and the outcomes of adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for pneumococcal purpura fulminans.

Methods

A 17-year national multicenter retrospective cohort study included adult patients admitted to 55 French ICUs for an infectious purpura fulminans from 2000 to 2016. Patients with pneumococcal purpura fulminans were analyzed according to the absence or presence of asplenia/hyposplenia.

Results

Among the 306 patients admitted to the ICU for purpura fulminans, 67 (22%) had a pneumococcal purpura fulminans, of whom 34 (51%) had asplenia (n = 29/34, 85%) or hyposplenia (n = 5/34, 15%) and 33 (49%) had eusplenia. The prevalence of pneumococcal purpura fulminans was seven times higher in asplenic/hyposplenic patients compared to eusplenic patients with purpura fulminans (n = 34/39, 87% vs. n = 33/267, 12%; p < 0.001). The median time interval between the occurrence of asplenia/hyposplenia and ICU admission was 20 [9–32] years. Pneumococcal vaccine coverage was 35% in asplenic/hyposplenic patients. Purpura was more frequently reported before ICU admission in asplenic/hyposplenic patients (n = 25/34, 73% vs. n = 13/33, 39%; p = 0.01). The rate of bacteremia did not differ between asplenic/hyposplenic and eusplenic patients (n = 31/34, 91% vs n = 27/33, 82%; p = 0.261). SAPS II (60 ± 14 vs. 60 ± 18; p = 0.244) and SOFA (13 [1–5] vs. 14 [1–4, 6]; p = 0.48) scores did not differ between asplenic/hyposplenic and eusplenic patients. There were no significant differences between asplenic/hyposplenic and eusplenic patients regarding the rate of limb amputation (n = 9/34, 26% vs. 15/33, 45%; p = 0.11) and hospital mortality (n = 20/34, 59% vs. n = 15/33, 45%; p = 0.27).

Conclusions

Half of pneumococcal purpura fulminans episodes occurred in asplenic or hyposplenic patients. Pneumococcal vaccine coverage was reported in one third of asplenic/hyposplenic patients. Half of pneumococcal purpura fulminans episodes occurred more than 20 years after splenectomy. Outcomes of pneumococcal purpura fulminans did not show significant differences between patients with or without asplenia or hyposplenia, although the small number of patients included limited our power to detect potential differences between groups.