bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Daily Antiperspirant Use on the Systemic Aluminum Exposure: An Experimental Intervention Study
Authors: Letzel Maximilian , Drexler Hans , Göen Thomas , Hiller Julia
Published: September 2019

Background and Objectives: Adverse health effects such as neurotoxic and carcinogenic effects through aluminum from cosmetic products have been repeatedly discussed. The dermal uptake and impact on the systemic aluminum load is still poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the effect of daily antiperspirant use on the systemic aluminum load under real-life conditions. Methods: 21 healthy subjects meeting certain selection criteria to ensure a low systemic aluminum background load were asked to use a commercial aluminum-containing antiperspirant for 14 days. A questionnaire enquired about shaving habits and other sources of aluminum. Aluminum levels were measured before and after the exposure in 24-h urine and plasma using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Urine samples (n = 6) with <700 mg/day creatinine excretion or more than 30% difference in 24-h creatinine excretion were excluded from further analysis. Results: No significant increase in plasma aluminum concentration or total excreted aluminum per day before and after exposure was measurable. No sample exceeded the reference values of the general population (maximum: 9.42 µg/g creatinine and 2.1 µg/L plasma). Shaving habits did not have a significant influence on the systemic aluminum load. Also, no correlation between the total amount of antiperspirant applied and the systemic aluminum level could be demonstrated. Conclusions: No measurable contribution to the overall systemically available aluminum load due to daily use of an antiperspirant for 14 days could be shown, but real-life data concerning long-term use or higher concentrations are still lacking. Considering toxicological occupational exposure data, adverse neurotoxic changes are unlikely in the case of urinary excretion of <50 µg aluminum/g creatinine (= no observed adverse effect level), even following long-term exposure.
Levothyroxine Dosage as Predictor of Permanent and Transient Congenital Hypothyroidism: A Multicenter Retrospective Study in Japan
Authors: Itonaga Tomoyo , Higuchi Shinji , Shimura Kazuhiro , Nagasaki Keisuke , Satoh Mari , Takubo Noriyuki , Takahashi Ikuko , Sawada Hirotake , Hasegawa Yukihiro
Published: September 2019

Background: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) can be divided into 2 types, transient CH (T-CH) and permanent CH (P-CH), depending on the requirement of levothyroxine (LT4) for life-long treatment. Several studies have recently reported that the LT4 dosage is useful for predicting the LT4 requirement, but none of the studies followed their patients to puberty. Objective: To determine the cutoff value for the LT4 dosage as a predictor of the LT4 requirement after puberty in patients with CH. Methods: The LT4 dosage and clinical data on 99 patients with CH who were followed at the participating hospitals from the neonatal period to 15 years of age or older were retrospectively analyzed. Based on their LT4 requirement at their last hospital visit, the participants were divided into the P-CH group (n = 75), who were treated with LT4, and the T-CH group (n = 24), who were not. Results: At age 1 year, a higher LT4 dosage was required for the P-CH group (median 3.75 vs. 2.88 µg/kg/day; p < 0.001). When the LT4 dosage cutoff value at age 1 year was set at 4.79 and 1.74 µg/kg/day, the specificity of P-CH and T-CH (for denying T-CH and P-CH, respectively) was 100 and 97%, respectively. Conclusions: An LT4 dosage above 4.7 µg/kg/day and below 1.8 µg/kg/day at age 1 year may help predict P-CH and T-CH, respectively.
Sodium Arsenite Inhibits Lung Fibroblast Differentiation and Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Jiao Hao , Song Jieqiong , Sun Xia , Sun Dong , Zhong Ming
Published: September 2019

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic interstitial lung disease with a high mortality and poor prognosis. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β plays crucial roles in the pathogenesis of IPF. To investigate the role of sodium arsenite (SA) on fibroblast differentiation and pulmonary fibrosis, we checked the effects of SA on TGF-β-induced normal human lung fibroblasts (NHLFs) differentiation, and the anti-fibrotic effect of SA on bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mouse. SA treatment significantly inhibits α-smooth muscle actin and fibronectin (FN) expression in TGF-β treated NHLFs; and SA also inhibits TGF-β stimulated expression of NADPH oxidase 4 and accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species. TGF-β-induced the phosphorylation of ERK and Smad3 were also blocked by SA. The administration of SA (IP) suppressed BLM-induced lung fibrosis characterized as the inhibition of collagen deposition, TGF-β accumulation in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and the expression of FN and collagen 1a2 in lung tissue. This study revealed that SA inhibits TGF-β-induced lung fibroblast differentiation and BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice, suggesting that SA could be a potential therapeutic approach to IPF.
Cellular Immune Response Involving Multinucleated Giant Hemocytes with Two-Step Genome Amplification in the Drosophilid Zaprionus indianus
Authors: Cinege Gyöngyi , Lerner Zita , Magyar Lilla B. , Soós Bálint , Tóth Renáta , Kristó Ildikó , Vilmos Péter , Juhász Gábor , Kovács Attila L. , Hegedűs Zoltán , Sensen Christoph W. , Kurucz Éva , Andó István
Published: September 2019

Previously, a novel cell type, the multinucleated giant hemocyte (MGH) was identified in the ananassae subgroup of Drosophilidae. These cells share several features with mammalian multinucleated giant cells, a syncytium of macrophages formed during granulomatous inflammation. We were able to show that MGHs also differentiate in Zaprionus indianus, an invasive species belonging to the vittiger subgroup of the family, highly resistant to a large number of parasitoid wasp species. We have classified the MGHs of Z. indianusas giant hemocytes belonging to a class of cells which also include elongated blood cells carrying a single nucleus and anuclear structures. They are involved in encapsulating parasites, originate from the lymph gland, can develop by cell fusion, and generally carry many nuclei, while possessing an elaborated system of canals and sinuses, resulting in a spongiform appearance. Their nuclei are all transcriptionally active and show accretion of genetic material. Multinucleation and accumulation of the genetic material in the giant hemocytes represents a two-stage amplification of the genome, while their spongy ultrastructure substantially increases the contact surface with the extracellular space. These features may furnish the giant hemocytes with a considerable metabolic advantage, hence contributing to the mechanism of the effective immune response.
What Are Factors Contributing to Improvement of Overactive Bladder Symptoms after Alpha-1 Blocker Treatment in Patients with Both Storage and Voiding Symptoms?
Authors: Matsukawa Yoshihisa , Majima Tsuyoshi , Takai Shun , Funahashi Yasuhito , Kato Masashi , Gotoh Momokazu
Published: September 2019

Introduction: To determine the pre-treatment factors related to the improvement of overactive bladder (OAB) symptom after alpha-1 blocker monotherapy in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia complicated by OAB (BPH/OAB). Methods: Post-hoc analysis of a prospective study in patients with BPH/OAB, randomized to receive silodosin 8 mg (n = 157) or naftopidil 75 mg (n = 157) treatment for 12 weeks, was performed. At 12 weeks post-administration, patients were divided into 2 groups (good responder [GR] group and poor responder [PR] group), according to the improvement in the OAB symptom score (OABSS). We compared the pre-administration parameters between both groups and evaluated the factors related to OAB improvement. Results: Of 314 patients, 159 patients (50.6%) were classified into the GR and 155 (49.4%) into the PR. International Prostate Symptom score, total OABSS, OABSS urgency-score, OABSS urgency urinary incontinence (UUI)-score, post-void residual urine volume (PVR), and selection rate of naftopidil were significantly higher in the PR than in the GR. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, larger PVR, higher OABSS-UUI-score, and the choice of naftopidil were significant risk factors for insufficient improvement of OAB symptoms. Conclusions: Pre-treatment PVR, UUI severity, and the choice of treatment agent are predicting factors related to OAB improvement after alpha-1 blocker monotherapy in patients with BPH/OAB.
A Rare Case of Fetal Onset, Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome
Authors: Ichimura Shintaro , Kakita Hiroki , Asai Shimpei , Mori Mari , Takeshita Satoru , Ueda Hiroko , Muto Taichiro , Kondo Tomoko , Yamada Yasumasa
Published: September 2019

Background: Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is a non-IgE-mediated food allergy. The pathological mechanism of FPIES is intestinal inflammation, and cell-mediated hypersensitivity is presumed to play an important role in its development. Case Report: The first case in which significant fetal intestinal distension suggested fetal onset of FPIES is reported. A 2,334-g male was born at 34 weeks by vaginal delivery. Results: In utero, he had significant intestinal distension on ultrasonography and MRI. A few hours after the first feeding, he produced bloody stool and showed abdominal distension. In this case, FPIES was not only caused by cow’s milk protein diagnosed clinically and by an allergen-specific lymphocyte stimulation test, but also by breast milk diagnosed by oral food challenge. The clinical course and laboratory results strongly suggested not only fetal sensitization but also fetal onset. Conclusion: This report might be helpful for prompt diagnosis and treatment and, furthermore, lead to elucidation of the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of FPIES.
Resistance Training Modulates the Humoral Inflammatory (but Not the DNA Methylation) Profile of Diabetic Older Adults Using Metformin
Authors: Morais Junior Gilberto Santos , Souza Vinicius Carolino , Machado-Silva Wilcelly , Henriques Adriane Dallanora , Avelar Gleiciane Gontijo , Perez Diego Ignacio Valenzuela , Lima Ricardo Moreno , Silva Roberto Jerônimo Santos , Brito Ciro José , Nóbrega Otávio Toledo
Published: September 2019

Background and Aim: Inflammatory and methylation imbalances occur in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of acute resistance exercise on the inflammatory profile and on DNA methylation of elderly patients with T2DM using metformin. Methods: For this purpose, we enrolled 22 male and female older adults (68.2 ± 5.3 years), of whom 13 had controlled T2DM (D) under metformin use and 9 were nondiabetics (ND). All subjects underwent a neuromuscular circuit (8 exercises in 40 min, with each exercise performed in 3 sets of 40 s each and a 20-s interval between repetitions). Results: The main results indicated a significant difference between groups for baseline interleukin (IL)-10, with a higher concentration in the D group compared to the ND group (p = 0.019). An increase in IL-6 concentration after intervention was observed in group D (p = 0.035). No effect was observed in total DNA methylation within or between groups. Conclusions: The resistance training protocol applied in this study modulates the IL-10 and IL-6 concentrations in elderly people with T2DM and under metformin use, possibly as a result of physiological adaptations, with no effect on nondiabetic elderly. No effects on absolute levels of DNA methylation were observed.
Associations of Urine Biomarkers with Kidney Function Decline in HIV-Infected and Uninfected Men
Authors: Ascher Simon B. , Scherzer Rebecca , Estrella Michelle M. , Shlipak Michael G. , Ng Derek K. , Palella Frank J. , Witt Mallory D. , Ho Ken , Bennett Michael R , Parikh Chirag R. , Ix Joachim H. , Jotwani Vasantha
Published: September 2019

Background: HIV-infected (HIV+) persons are at increased risk of chronic kidney disease, but serum creatinine does not detect early losses in kidney function. We hypothesized that urine biomarkers of kidney damage would be associated with subsequent changes in kidney function in a contemporary cohort of HIV+ and HIV-uninfected (HIV–) men. Methods: In the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study, we measured baseline urine concentrations of 5 biomarkers from 2009 to 2011 in 860 HIV+ and 337 HIV– men: albumin, alpha-1-microglobulin (α1m), interleukin-18 (IL-18), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), and procollagen type III N-terminal propeptide (PIIINP). We evaluated associations of urine biomarker concentrations with annual changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using multivariable linear mixed models adjusted for demographics, traditional kidney disease risk factors, HIV-related risk factors, and baseline eGFR. Results: Over a median follow-up of 4.8 years, the average annual eGFR decline was 1.42 mL/min/1.73 m2/year in HIV+ men and 1.22 mL/min/1.73 m2/year in HIV– men. Among HIV+ men, the highest vs. lowest tertiles of albumin (–1.78 mL/min/1.73 m2/year, 95% CI –3.47 to –0.09) and α1m (–2.43 mL/min/1.73 m2/year, 95% CI –4.14 to –0.73) were each associated with faster annual eGFR declines after multivariable adjustment. Among HIV– men, the highest vs. lowest tertile of α1m (–2.49 mL/min/1.73 m2/year, 95% CI –4.48 to –0.50) was independently associated with faster annual eGFR decline. Urine IL-18, KIM-1, and PIIINP showed no independent associations with eGFR decline, regardless of HIV serostatus. Conclusions: Among HIV+ men, higher urine albumin and α1m are associated with subsequent declines in kidney function, independent of eGFR.
Subungual Acral Lentiginous Melanoma of the Fifth Toe
Authors: da Silva Dimitri Luz Felipe , Toribio Jaqueline Machado , Cintra Maria Leticia , Magalhaes Renata Ferreira , Padoveze Emerson Henrique
Published: September 2019

Acral lentiginous melanoma is rare in Caucasians, but it is the most common among individuals with a higher phototype, such as Blacks and Asians. It is usually presented under the palmoplantar and/or nail region. Subungual melanoma is an acral lentiginous melanoma subtype in which the initial diagnostic approach does not have a consensus. We report a case of a woman with tumoral melanocytic lesion on the fifth toenail, of insidious growth, where the amputation of the nail apparatus technique was used as an excisional biopsy for an extensive lesion. The patient is followed up in an outpatient clinic setting without lymph node or distance metastasis.
Arterial Spin Labeling Magnetic Resonance Imaging Can Identify the Occlusion Site and Collateral Perfusion in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: Comparison with Digital Subtraction Angiography
Authors: Morofuji Yoichi , Horie Nobutaka , Tateishi Yohei , Morikawa Minoru , Yamaguchi Susumu , Izumo Tsuyoshi , Anda Takeo , Tsujino Akira , Matsuo Takayuki
Published: September 2019

Background and Objectives: Determining the occlusion site and collateral blood flow is important in acute ischemic stroke. The purpose of the current study was to test whether arterial spin labeling (ASL) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could be used to identify the occlusion site and collateral perfusion, using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as a gold standard. Method: Data from 521 consecutive patients who presented with acute ischemic stroke at our institution from January 2012 to September 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Image data were included in this study if: (1) the patient presented symptoms of acute ischemic stroke; (2) MRI was performed within 24 h of symptom onset; and (3) DSA following MRI was performed (n = 32 patients). We defined proximal intra-arterial sign (IAS) on ASL as enlarged circular or linear bright hyperintense signal within the occluded artery and distal IAS as enlarged circular or linear bright hyperintense signals within arteries inside or surrounding the affected region. The presence or absence of the proximal IAS and distal IAS were assessed, along with their inter-rater agreement and consistency with the presence of occlusion site and collateral flow on DSA images. Results: The sensitivity and specificity for identifying occlusion site with ASL were 82.8 and 100%, respectively. Those for identifying collateral flow with ASL were 96.7 and 50%, respectively. The inter-rater reliability was excellent for proximal IAS (κ = 0.92; 95% CI 0.76–1.00) and substantial for distal IAS detection (κ = 0.78; 95% CI 0.38–1.00). Conclusions: Proximal IAS and distal IAS on ASL imaging can provide important diagnostic clues for the detection of arterial occlusion sites and collateral perfusion in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Parametrical design tool and the production of technical data for superadobe domes
Authors: Santos Deborah Macêdo dos , Beirão José Nuno
Published: September 2019

The interest in earthbag dome construction (also known as earthbag or superadobe) has been increasing as world consciousness develops to achieve the planet’s equilibrium for sustainable living. The main objective of this research is to develop a parametric tool to help architects modeling virtual earthbag domes from ideation to construction phase. This challenge has been addressed by adopting an experimental methodology that explores parametric generative design with the use of a visual programming language (VPL). In this paper we present the development of a tool for the ideation level including features that allow for the calculation of material quantification. Even thought, the tool does not work in a Building Information Modeling environment, the generative model outputs technical information to support construction, namely material quantities. The usability of the tool was validated by a random international sample of experts.
Loss of Orai2-Mediated Capacitative Ca
2+
Entry Is Neuroprotective in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Stegner David , Hofmann Sebastian , Schuhmann Michael K. , Kraft Peter , Herrmann Alexander M. , Popp Sandy , Höhn Marlen , Popp Michael , Klaus Vanessa , Post Antonia , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Braun Attila , Meuth Sven G. , Lesch Klaus-Peter , Stoll Guido , Kraft Robert , Nieswandt Bernhard
Published: September 2019

Background and Purpose—

Ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and death. The principal goal of acute stroke treatment is the recanalization of the occluded cerebral arteries, which is, however, only effective in a very narrow time window. Therefore, neuroprotective treatments that can be combined with recanalization strategies are needed. Calcium overload is one of the major triggers of neuronal cell death. We have previously shown that capacitative Ca
2+
entry, which is triggered by the depletion of intracellular calcium stores, contributes to ischemia-induced calcium influx in neurons, but the responsible Ca
2+
channel is not known.

Methods—

Here, we have generated mice lacking the calcium channel subunit Orai2 and analyzed them in experimental stroke.

Results—

Orai2-deficient mice were protected from ischemic neuronal death both during acute ischemia under vessel occlusion and during ischemia/reperfusion upon successful recanalization. Calcium signals induced by calcium store depletion or oxygen/glucose deprivation were significantly diminished in Orai2-deficient neurons demonstrating that Orai2 is a central mediator of neuronal capacitative Ca
2+
entry and is involved in calcium overload during ischemia.

Conclusions—

Our experimental data identify Orai2 as an attractive target for pharmaceutical intervention in acute stroke.
Long-Term Outcomes of Indirect Bypass for 629 Children With Moyamoya Disease
Authors: Ha Eun Jin , Kim Kyung Hyun , Wang Kyu-Chang , Phi Ji Hoon , Lee Ji Yeoun , Choi Jung Won , Cho Byung-Kyu , Yang Jeyul , Byun Yoon Hwan , Kim Seung-Ki
Published: September 2019

Background and Purpose—

In pediatric moyamoya disease, there are few reports on the efficacy of surgical intervention for stroke prevention. We evaluated the long-term outcomes of indirect bypass surgery on a relatively large number of children with moyamoya disease in a single center.

Methods—

From August 1988 to December 2012, 772 children underwent indirect bypass surgery. This study included 629 patients who were followed up for >5 years, excluding patients with moyamoya syndrome. The mean clinical follow-up duration was 12 years (range, 5–29 years). Cross-sectional analysis was performed based on either Karnofsky Performance Scale or Lansky Play Performance Scale to evaluate overall clinical outcomes and factors associated with unfavorable outcomes. To analyze the longitudinal effect of surgery, the annual risk of symptomatic infarction or hemorrhage on the operated hemisphere after indirect bypass surgery was calculated with a person-year method, and the event-free survival rate was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results—

The overall clinical outcome was favorable in 95% of the patients. The annual risks of symptomatic infarction and hemorrhage on the operated hemispheres were 0.08% and 0.04%, respectively. Furthermore, the 10-year event-free survival rates for symptomatic infarction and hemorrhage were 99.2% and 99.8%.

Conclusions—

Indirect bypass surgery could provide satisfactory long-term improvement in overall clinical outcome and prevention of recurrent stroke in children with moyamoya disease.
Curb Cuts and Computers: Advocating for Design Equality in the 1980s
Authors: Petrick Elizabeth
Published: September 2019

This article concerns the history of the curb cut metaphor as applied to personal computer technology in the 1980s. Disability advocates used the metaphor to argue the necessity for accessibility features on computers to enable greater access. To accomplish this goal, these advocates utilized a complex comparison between personal computers and sidewalk ramps to combat assumptions about who the intended computer user was and to argue for how people with different abilities could operate the same technology.
From Signaling and Expression to Conversation and Fiction
Authors: S. Green Mitchell
Published: September 2019

This essay ties together some main strands of the author’s research spanning the last quarter-century. Because of its broad scope and space limitations, he prescinds from detailed arguments and instead intuitively motivates the general points which are supported more fully in other publications to which he provides references. After an initial delineation of several distinct notions of meaning (Section 1), the author considers (Section 2) such a notion deriving from the evolutionary biology of communication that he terms ‘organic meaning’, and places it in the context of evolutionary game theory. That provides a framework for a special type of organic meaning found in the phenomenon of expression (3), of which the author here offers an updated characterization while highlighting its wide philosophical interest. Expression in turn generalizes to a paradigmatic form of human communication—conversation—and section 4 provides a taxonomy of conversation-types while arguing that attention to such types helps to sharpen predictions of what speakers say rather than conversationally implicate. We close (5) with a view of fictional discourse on which authors of fictional works are engaged in conversation with their readers, and can provide them with knowledge in spite of the fictional character of their conversation. Such knowledge includes knowledge of how an emotion feels and is thus a route to empathy.
Utterances without Force
Authors: Moore Richard
Published: September 2019

In this paper the author attempts to reconcile two claims recently defended by Mitchell Green. The first is that illocutionary force is part of speaker meaning (Green 2018). The second is that illocutionary force is a product of cultural evolution (Green 2017). Consistent with the second claim, the author argues that some utterances – particularly those produced by infants and great apes – are produced with communicative intent, but without illocutionary force. These utterances lack the normative properties constitutive of force because their utterers have no grasp of the norms that operate on developed speech. If there can be utterances produced with communicative intent that lack force, we must consider how exactly force is a part of speaker meaning. In response the author argues that force is an inessential and acquired part of speaker meaning. As a result we need a conception of communicative intent more basic than illocutionary intent. He spells this out in terms of a ‘perlocutionary’ intention.
Assertions in Fictions
Authors: García-Carpintero Manuel
Published: September 2019

The author of this paper contrasts the account he favors for how fictions can convey knowledge with Green’s views on the topic. On the author’s account, fictions can convey knowledge because fictional works make assertions and other acts such as conjectures, suppositions, or acts of putting forward contents for our consideration; and the mechanism through which they do it is that of speech act indirection, of which conversational implicatures are a particular case. There are two potential points of disagreement with Green in this proposal. First, it requires that assertions can be made indirectly. Second, it requires that verbal fiction-making doesn’t consist merely in “acts of speech”, but in sui generis speech acts.
The Geometry of Culture: Analyzing the Meanings of Class through Word Embeddings
Authors: Kozlowski Austin C. , Taddy Matt , Evans James A.
Published: September 2019

We argue word embedding models are a useful tool for the study of culture using a historical analysis of shared understandings of social class as an empirical case. Word embeddings represent semantic relations between words as relationships between vectors in a high-dimensional space, specifying a relational model of meaning consistent with contemporary theories of culture. Dimensions induced by word differences ( rich – poor) in these spaces correspond to dimensions of cultural meaning, and the projection of words onto these dimensions reflects widely shared associations, which we validate with surveys. Analyzing text from millions of books published over 100 years, we show that the markers of class continuously shifted amidst the economic transformations of the twentieth century, yet the basic cultural dimensions of class remained remarkably stable. The notable exception is education, which became tightly linked to affluence independent of its association with cultivated taste.
The Trouble with Anesthetizing the Dead
Authors: Perez William J.
Published: September 2019

I reflect on the practical reality of anesthetizing organ donors who have been declared dead by neurologic criteria. I also treat some issues and questions that arise for the physician who is drafted into such cases.
“Being on the Other Side of the Table”: A Qualitative Study of a Community-Based Science Learning Program With Latinx Families
Authors: Kirmaci Mehtap , Buxton Cory A. , Allexsaht-Snider Martha
Published: September 2019

Building upon a Freirean notion of dialogic education, the purpose of this multi-case study was to explore what happened when secondary science teachers came together with Latinx parents for their children’s science learning in the context of a community-based science learning program. Constant comparative analysis of data revealed similarities and differences among the cases that were analyzed in three categories: recognition, adaptation, and pro-action. Implications are that in-depth exposure to content-based cultural immersion programs with parents can be beneficial for teachers to cultivate a broader vision of science (and other content area) teaching linked to students’ lives and communities.
Moral Effects of Physical Cleansing and Pro-environmental Hotel Choices
Authors: Cui Yuanyuan (Gina) , Errmann Amy , Kim Jungkeun , Seo Yuri , Xu Yingzi , Zhao Fang
Published: September 2019

Cultivating pro-environmental choices and behaviors is an important concern for tourism research and practice. Informed by recent developments in psychological research on embodied cognition and the moral effects of physical cleansing, we elicit novel insights about the causal relationship between the embodied experience of physical cleansing and pro-environmental travel choices. Across four experiments, we show that when one’s moral self-regard is heightened by the virtue of physical cleansing, it can motivate consumers to engage in pro-environmental travel choices. Importantly, we show that such an effect occurs because, after physical cleansing, consumers experience more expected guilt for not choosing a morally preferred environmentally friendly travel option within the evoked set of travel alternatives. Our study offers a novel way to understand how consumers can be “nudged” to choose pro-environmental travel options beyond fostering positive attitudes toward sustainability per se. Important implications for tourism research and practice are discussed.
Method to the Madness: Tracking and Interviewing Respondents in a Longitudinal Study of Prisoner Reentry
Authors: Fahmy Chantal , Clark Kendra J. , Mitchell Meghan M. , Decker Scott H. , Pyrooz David C.
Published: September 2019

After nearly four decades of growth, the number of people held in U.S. prisons has begun to decline. In an era of decarceration, social scientists need to understand prisoner reentry experiences. Longitudinal studies are one strategy to accomplish this goal. Yet, the retention of a formerly incarcerated population across waves of interviews is challenging due to their transient lifestyles and limited support systems, which may be further complicated by gang involvement. This article details the longitudinal follow-up procedures used in the LoneStar Project—a multiwave study of 802 males first interviewed in prison and reinterviewed twice in the year postrelease—to build rapport, complete interviews, and minimize attrition. We then evaluate the effectiveness of our procedures on important outcomes including interview yields, appointments, and incoming calls. Results indicate that any outgoing contact with respondents via appointment reminders and other reciprocal modes of contact lead to greater project engagement and a greater likelihood of interview completion. We conclude with relevant takeaways for researchers seeking to maximize survey participation with hard-to-reach populations.
Predictors of Visual Acuity and Usefulness of a Treatment Algorithm in Rhinogenous Optic Neuritis
Authors: Hosokawa Yu , Omura Kazuhiro , Aoki Satoshi , Miyashita Keisuke , Akutsu Makoto , Tsunemi Yasuhiro , Kashiwagi Takashi , Haruna Shinichi , Otori Nobuyoshi , Tanaka Yasuhiro
Published: September 2019

Rhinogenous optic neuritis, which causes neuropathy associated with visual dysfunction, greatly reduces patient quality of life and requires suitable early treatment. This study aimed to analyze visual outcome predictors in patients with rhinogenous optic neuritis and to develop and investigate the usefulness of an algorithm to facilitate early treatment. Prospective and retrospective investigations were conducted at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology. The visual outcomes after sinus surgery of 24 of 53 patients suspected of having rhinogenous optic neuritis were analyzed. Furthermore, the usefulness of the treatment algorithm was evaluated in 27 of these 53 patients. Data from 24 patients who underwent surgery were included in a multiple regression analysis to investigate the associations between visual outcomes and concomitant symptoms and the time from symptom onset to surgery. The mean time from the initial examination to a request for otorhinolaryngological examination to assess the usefulness of the treatment algorithm was compared in 27 patients who did not undergo an initial otorhinolaryngological examination. Visual acuity improved in 23 participants who underwent surgery. Multivariate analysis identified the time from onset to surgery and headache as significant predictors of postoperative visual acuity. The mean time from the initial examination to a request for otorhinolaryngological examination was significantly shorter after the algorithm was introduced (1.13 days, 8 patients; P = .008). Early surgical treatment is essential to avoid further postoperative visual acuity decreases in patients with rhinogenous optic neuritis. Patients who experience headache may have poorer postoperative outcomes.
A New Instrument For Rhinoplasty: The Osteotom With Lighting Guide Transilluminating Osteotomy
Authors: Ersözlü Tolga
Published: September 2019

Rhinoplasty remains one of the most commonly performed aesthetic surgical procedure that demands a meticulous intraoperative precision as well as maximum precaution and control. Nasal osteotomy is a key component to shape the bony vault in aesthetic rhinoplasty, but it is also the so versatile, dangerous, and difficult to learn. The present study aims to evaluate the usefulness of our locator instrument for beginners which is called transilluminating osteotome. The use of transilluminating osteotome instead of guided lateral nasal osteotome is a reliable instrument since it facilitates the localization of osteotome and osteotomy line beneath the soft tissue with a limited damage to the surrounding soft tissues.

Level of Evidence: III
Higher Education in Kerala: Development, Equity and Issues of Access
Authors: Tripathi Himanshu
Published: September 2019

Kerala’s advanced position in terms of literacy levels, educational achievements and other social indicators is well known. However, regarding higher education, the state displays less impressive development. The article first provides a brief overview of Kerala’s school education scenario as a base for higher education and then examines issues of access and equity related to higher education in Kerala. The findings suggest that four socio-economically backward northern districts of the state, partly facing a vicious circle of poverty and illiteracy, appear to be responsible for holding the entire state back in the rankings of present development indicators. A set of recommendations to strengthen the access and equity pillars of higher education in Kerala concludes this article, together with some comments on the relevance of vocational rather than purely academic education.
Comparison between use of single lightwand and video laryngoscope-guided lightwand for tracheal intubation in simulated cervical spine-immobilized patients: a single-blind randomized study
Authors: Kim Ha Yeon , Kim Eun Jung , Yoon Hei Jin , Ko Byungwoong , Choi Seung Yeon , Koo Bon-Nyeo
Published: September 2019

Objective

This study was performed to compare the use of a video laryngoscope-guided lightwand versus a single lightwand for tracheal intubation performed by non-experts in cervical spine-immobilized patients.

Methods

In total, 318 patients under general anesthesia were assigned either to the single lightwand group (Group L) or the video laryngoscope-guided lightwand group (Group VL) at a 1:1 ratio. First- or second-grade residents performed tracheal intubation with the assigned device after applying semi-hard fitted cervical collars to the patients. Outcomes, including the success rate and airway complications, were compared between the two groups.

Results

There were no significant differences in demographics or airway-related characteristics between the two groups. The success rate of intubation on the first attempt was significantly higher in Group VL than in Group L (90% vs. 64%, respectively). Postoperative complications, including oral mucosal bleeding, hoarseness, and sore throat scores at 1 and 24 hours after surgery, were significantly lower in Group VL than in Group L.

Conclusions

The use of a video laryngoscope-guided lightwand for tracheal intubation can be useful for non-experts who encounter difficult airway situations.
Polioencephalomyelitis in Domestic Swine Associated With Porcine Astrovirus Type 3
Authors: Matias Ferreyra Franco S. , Bradner Laura K. , Burrough Eric R. , Cooper Vickie L. , Derscheid Rachel J. , Gauger Phillip C. , Harmon Karen M. , Madson Darin , Piñeyro Pablo E. , Schwartz Kent J. , Stevenson Gregory W. , Zeller Michel A. , Arruda Bailey L.
Published: September 2019

In the past decade, different members of the genus Mamastrovirus have been associated with outbreaks of neurologic disease in humans, cattle, sheep, mink, and, most recently, porcine astrovirus 3 (PoAstV3) in swine. We performed a retrospective analysis of 50 cases of porcine neurologic disease of undetermined cause but with microscopic lesions compatible with a viral encephalomyelitis to better understand the role and pathogenesis of PoAstV3 infection. Nucleic acid was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue for reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) testing for PoAstV3. In addition, 3 cases with confirmed PoAstV3-associated disease were assayed by RT-qPCR to investigate PoAstV3 tissue distribution. PoAstV3 was detected in central nervous system (CNS) tissue via RT-qPCR and in situ hybridization in 13 of 50 (26%) FFPE cases assayed. PoAstV3 was rarely detected in any tissues outside the CNS. Positive cases from the retrospective study included pigs in various production categories beginning in 2010, the earliest year samples were available. Based on these results, PoAstV3 appears to be a recurring putative cause of viral encephalomyelitis in swine that is rarely detected outside of the CNS at the time of clinical neurologic disease, unlike other common viral causes of neurologic disease in swine.
Nonconvulsive Seizures in Abusive Head Trauma
Authors: Scheller Joseph
Published: September 2019

The article by Oh et al describes the EEG findings in a group of infants diagnosed with abusive head trauma but does not pay attention to the symptoms that triggered admission.
Care More, Earn Less? The Association between Taking Paid Leave to Care for Sick Children and Wages among Swedish Parents
Authors: Boye Katarina
Published: September 2019

Wages are related to parenthood and to child-related absences from work. The link between leave to care for sick children (CSC) and wages is understudied, however. CSC may negatively influence human capital and work capacity, and send the employer signals about work commitment. The short spells of CSC make this form of leave particularly suitable for testing the signalling theory. This study analysed data from Swedish population registers and showed that CSC use was associated with lower wages, particularly among men, up to 13 years after the birth of the first child. The association was strongest at high wage levels. Self-selection of parents with certain unmeasured characteristics into (high) CSC use was one, but not the only, explanation. The results support the idea that child-related time off negatively influences wages through a signalling effect. In addition, human capital or work capacity may suffer with frequent CSC use.
Barriers to testing and management of Mycoplasma genitalium infections in primary care
Authors: McAuliffe Gary N , Bissessor Liselle , Basu Indira , Smith Susan , Upton Arlo
Published: September 2019

Testing and treatment for Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) infections has recently been facilitated by the increasing availability of molecular tests, but the role of testing in community-based populations is not established. Between 15 May 2017 and 22 November 2017, we tested 561 samples from 547 individuals presenting to primary care in Auckland, New Zealand, requesting investigation for sexually transmitted infections, with concurrent sterile pyuria, using the Aptima MG assay (Hologic, San Diego, CA, USA) in order to establish the prevalence of MG in this group, rates of macrolide resistance and audit primary care’s capacity to manage infections in line with international guidelines. MG was detected in 55 (10%) samples, and co-pathogens were detected in 24 (44%) MG-positive samples. Macrolide resistance mutations were detected in 22/36 (61%) samples subsequently tested using PlexPCR M. genitalium ResistancePlus (Speedx Pvt Ltd., Sydney, Australia). Empiric azithromycin treatment was given to 18 (33%) patients, and test of cure was performed in 15 (27%) patients. Our pilot study demonstrates that sterile pyuria can be a useful marker to direct testing resources in community settings, but highlights important barriers to management of MG in primary care, including clinician knowledge, high prevalence of macrolide resistance and poor completion rates for test of cure.
Accuracy of PCR and serological testing for the diagnosis of primary syphilis: Both tests are necessary
Authors: Noda Angel A , Rodríguez Islay , Grillová Linda , Bosshard Philipp P , Lienhard Reto
Published: September 2019

Syphilis, caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum, is a rising global public health concern and laboratory diagnostics remain challenging. Especially during early disease, rapid and accurate diagnosis is crucial to ensure patients and their contacts receive timely treatment to eradicate infection and prevent further transmission. In this prospective observational study, we evaluated the performance of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and serological testing for the diagnosis of primary syphilis by evaluating anogenital swabs and sera from 178 Cuban patients presenting with ulcers. Three different PCR assays were evaluated targeting polA, tpp47 and 16S rDNA loci. Sera were evaluated with venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) and T. pallidum hemagglutination (TPHA) assays. Assuming both methods were confirmatory, our data showed that PCR and serology did not correlate well (agreement = 52.3%, kappa 0.0512, 95% CI −0.0928–0.1951, p = 0.496). The sensitivities, specificities, positive and negative predictive values of the PCR assays were 76.1%, 100%, 100% and 57.9%, respectively, while the values for serology were 62.5%, 100%, 100% and 45.2%, respectively. The combination of PCR and serology can offer valuable information for the diagnosis of syphilis in patients presenting with anogenital ulceration avoiding further clinical complications and disease transmission.
T cell–specific STAT3 deficiency abrogates lupus nephritis
Authors: Yoshida N , He F , Kyttaris V C
Published: September 2019

Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 is a regulator of T-cell responses to external stimuli, such as pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. We have previously shown that STAT3 is activated (phosphorylated) at high levels in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) T cells and mediates chemokine-induced migration and T:B cell interactions. Stattic, a small molecular STAT3 inhibitor, can partially ameliorate lupus nephritis in mice. To understand the role of STAT3 better in T-cell pathophysiology in lupus nephritis and its potential as a treatment target, we silenced its expression in T cells using a cd4-driven CRE-Flox model. We found that lupus-prone mice that do not express STAT3 in T cells did not develop lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, or glomerulonephritis. Moreover, the production of anti-dsDNA antibodies was decreased in these mice compared to controls. To dissect the mechanism, we also used a nephrotoxic serum model of nephritis. In this model, T cell–specific silencing of STAT3 resulted in amelioration of nephrotoxic serum-induced kidney damage. Taken together, our results suggest that in mouse models of autoimmune nephritis, T cell–specific silencing of STAT3 can hamper their ability to help B cells to produce autoantibodies and induce cell tissue infiltration. We propose that STAT3 inhibition in T cells represents a novel approach in the treatment of SLE and lupus nephritis in particular.
Programmed cell death 1 gene polymorphism as a possible risk for systemic lupus erythematosus in Egyptian females
Authors: Abo El-khair S M , Sameer W , Awadallah N , Shaalan D
Published: September 2019

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease with a suggested genetic basis. The newly identified human programmed cell death 1 gene could be associated with SLE susceptibility. We aimed to investigate the association between programmed cell death 1 polymorphism (PD1.3G/A (rs11568821) and PD1.5C/T (rs2227981)) with the risk of SLE in the Egyptian female population. This retrospective case–control study included 150 Egyptian females; 70 patients diagnosed to have SLE and 80 age-matched healthy controls. The two single nucleotide polymorphisms of the pdcd1 gene were genotyped by allelic discrimination through TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction. The PD1.3GG genotype and G allele as well as the PD1.5CC genotype were significantly more frequent in SLE patients (67.1%; p = 0.023, 82.1%; p = 0.0021, 62.9%; p = 0.0287 respectively). The GC haplotype was the most common haplotype among SLE patients (70.77%) with a reported significant linkage disequilibrium between the two studied polymorphisms ( p = 0.0041). Although most of the studies showed significant association of SLE with the minor alleles, we reported a significant association between the dominant genotypes (PD1.3GG and PD1.5CC) as well as the major G allele with the risk of SLE among Egyptian females.
gamma-H2AX: A potential biomarker in breast cancer
Authors: Varvara Palla Viktoria , Karaolanis Georgios , Valavanis Christos , Stanc Gabriela , Tzaida Olympia , Trihia Helen , Patapis Paul , Dimitroulis Dimitrios , Perrea Despoina
Published: September 2019

Histone H2AX undergoes phosphorylation as an answer to DNA double-strand breaks, which in turn are part of the oncogenic procedure. The detection of gamma-H2AX can potentially serve as a biomarker for transformation of normal tissue to premalignant and consequently to malignant tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of gamma-H2AX expression in breast cancer. Gamma-H2AX expression in tissues from 110 breast cancer patients was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and correlated with clinicopathological variables. Greater tumor size, higher grade, and the number of affected lymph nodes are significantly associated with greater values of gamma-H2AX. In addition, gamma-H2AX differs significantly among patients’ International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage. Higher values of estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor are significantly associated with lower gamma-H2AX values. In conclusion, a positive association between gamma-H2AX expression and infaust histopathological parameters was observed.
An existence and uniqueness theorem for the dynamics of flexural shells
Authors: Piersanti Paolo
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we define, a priori, a natural two-dimensional model for a time-dependent flexural shell. As expected, this model takes the form of a set of hyperbolic variational equations posed over the space of admissible linearized inextensional displacements, and a set of initial conditions. Using a classical argument, we prove that the model under consideration admits a unique strong solution. However, the latter strategy makes use of function spaces, which are not amenable for numerically approximating the solution. We thus provide an alternate formulation of the studied problem using a suitable penalty scheme, which is more suitable in the context of numerical approximations. For the sake of completeness, in the final part of the paper, we also provide an existence and uniqueness theorem for the case where the linearly elastic shell under consideration is an elliptic membrane shell.
Rethinking bisexual in/visibility on screen: The structuring effect of monogamy, temporality and narrative in You Me Her
Authors: Stanford Dylan Amy
Published: September 2019

This article explores the persistent problem of bisexual invisibility in contemporary film and television and asks why, in the rare moments bisexuality is visible, it is likely to collapse back into dominant stereotypes of bisexuals as unstable, immature and incapable of monogamy. Through a reading of You Me Her, a television series about a polyamorous triadic relationship, this article argues that bisexuality is both made evident and obscured by the dominant temporalities of monogamy. Drawing on work from scholars in critical monogamy studies and queer temporality, it therefore offers ‘mono-temporality’ as a new theoretical resource for explaining bisexual in/visibility on screen.