bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Qualitative Assessment to Understand the Barriers and Enablers Affecting Contraceptive Use Among Adolescent Male Emergency Department Patients
Authors: Chernick Lauren S. , Siden Jonathan Y. , Bell David L. , Dayan Peter S.
Published: January 2019

Early fatherhood is common in the United States (U.S.). The emergency department (ED) plays a disproportionate role in serving patients with unmet reproductive and sexual health needs. With 8 million adolescent males visiting U.S. EDs annually, the ED is a potential site to implement interventions to minimize early fatherhood and unintended teenage pregnancy. Little is known about how adolescent male ED patients perceive and behave in sexual relationships and how they influence contraceptive decision making. The objective of this study was to identify the barriers and enablers affecting contraceptive and condom use among adolescent male ED patients. Semistructured interviews were conducted with males aged 14–19 in one urban ED. Enrollment continued until saturation of key themes. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded based on thematic analysis using NVivo 10. The Social Ecological Model was used to organize and understand themes. Participants ( n = 24) were predominantly 18–19 years (63%) and Hispanic (92%). Most (71%) had sex ≤3 months prior but infrequently used a condom at last intercourse (42%). The primary barrier influencing contraceptive use was lack of knowledge of effective contraceptives. Other barriers consisted of perceived gender roles, poor partner communication, and little relationship with a primary provider. Enablers included intention not to get a partner pregnant, school-based sexual health education, normalcy to use condoms, and a trustworthy confidante. The identified barriers and enablers influencing adolescent males’ perspectives toward contraceptives should be addressed if designing future ED-based pregnancy prevention interventions targeting teen males.
Anomalous Courses of the Palmar Cutaneous Branch of the Median Nerve in Relation to the Flexor Carpi Radialis Tendon for ORIF of Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: Glickel Steven Z. , Glynn Sara M. , Chang Andy L. , Janowski Jessie W. , Barron O. Alton , Catalano Louis W.
Published: January 2019

Background: The purpose of this study was to prospectively document the incidence of variations in the course of palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve (PCBMN) that may increase the risk of injury to the nerve during the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) approach. We hypothesize that the incidence of anomalous branching of the PCBMN around the FCR sheath will be approximately 5%. Methods: All cases that met inclusion criteria between November 2013 and March 2018 were included. The operating surgeon made the final decision for operative intervention using the FCR approach. Each surgeon performed the standard FCR approach to the distal radius. The branching location from the median nerve, the relationship to the FCR sheath, and the course of the PCBMN were recorded. Results: In total, 101 distal radius fractures were included. The average branching point of PCBMN was 5.2 cm from the distal wrist crease (range = 3.3-9.0). There were 26 anomalous branching patterns of PCBMN. Nineteen (18.8%) crossed volar, dorsal, or ran within the FCR sheath. Six PCBMN were found within the FCR sheath, 1 penetrated the FCR sheath, 6 crossed volar to the FCR sheath, and 6 were dorsal to the FCR tendon sheath. When comparing the branching patterns of the PCBMN from the median nerve, 4 branched from the volar aspect, 2 branched from the dorsal aspect, and 1 branched from the ulnar aspect of the median nerve. Conclusions: Variation in the course of the PCBMN relative to the FCR sheath is more than previously thought and can be expected in approximately 18.8% of patients.
The trend in patent infringement litigation against generic drugs or biosimilars in Japan
Authors: Masuda Sachiko
Published: January 2019

The timing of market entry for generic drugs or biosimilars based on patent expiration is not always clear for producers of generic drugs and biosimilars or brand-name drug companies, because of an uncertainty due to patent infringement, the market environment, and legislation. In Japan, the policy of promoting the use of generic drugs began in the early 2000s, and the government’s target for generic drug use rate is 80% by 2020. In addition to this drastic change in the market environment, changes in legislation have complicated the timing of market entry for generic drugs and biosimilars. Although there is a relatively low number of patent infringement lawsuits filed against producers of generic drugs and biosimilars each year, emerging litigation issues are likely influenced by recent changes in the market environment and legislation. This article provides an overview of recent legislative changes, analyzes the trends in patent infringement litigation, and discusses litigation issues related to the stable supply of generic drugs and biosimilars in Japan. In light of the emerging issues in this field, producers of generic drugs and biosimilars will require more diligence to avoid patent infringement, and institutional reforms are suggested to reduce an increase in patent infringement litigation.
Discourses around climate change in Brazilian newspapers: 2003–2013
Authors: Dayrell Carmen
Published: January 2019

Given the crucial role of the mass media in influencing public discourse, this study examines the discourses around climate change within the Brazilian press, covering the time period of 2003–2013. Survey evidence has shown that Brazilians’ degree of concern about climate change is higher than almost anywhere else, with nine out of 10 Brazilians considering climate change a serious problem. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate how the press engendered Brazilians’ striking level of climate change concern, with special attention to how the discourse developed over time. To this end, I undertake a corpus-assisted discourse analysis to examine the most dominant linguistic patterns in the discourse, presenting evidence on an unprecedented scale and with considerable depth. The corpus consists of 19,686 newspaper texts (11.4 million words) published by 12 Brazilian broadsheet papers. The results are interpreted in the light of available opinion polls on the public’s perception of climate change as well as Brazil’s national context and environmental governance.
No clear relationship between antihypertensive class and cognitive function over 12 months in a cohort study of community-dwelling adults aged 80 and over
Authors: Peters Ruth
Published: January 2019

Background:

Hypertension is prevalent in older adults. Hypertension has also been associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline. However, evidence relating to the impact of antihypertensive use is mixed. Calcium-channel blockers (CCB) have been suggested as the most beneficial class of antihypertensive for protection of cognition in older adults, however, to date, there have been no cohort studies designed to examine this.

Methods:

Community-dwelling treated hypertensive adults aged 80 and over were recruited from general practice sites and followed for 1 year. Cognitive function was assessed at baseline and 12 months using the modified Mini-Mental State Exam (3MS). Regression was used to examine the association between 12-month exposure to antihypertensive class and change in cognitive function.

Results:

A total of 292 participants completed the study. Mean change in 3MS score was a rise of 0.53 [standard deviation (SD) 4.7] 3MS points in those taking CCBs ( n = 135) compared with a drop of 0.09 (SD 5.1) in those without ( n = 157) p = 0.28. There was no relationship between CCBs or between any antihypertensive class and change in cognitive function over 1 year. Additional analyses using a clinically meaningful fall of 5 or more 3MS points showed similar results.

Conclusion:

In a hypertensive community-dwelling older adult population treated with antihypertensives, there was no evidence that CCBs were protective of cognitive function over a 12-month exposure. If a protective effect is present, it may be small or require a longer treatment period. Larger longer studies are required for confirmation.
Differential chondro- and osteo-stimulation in three-dimensional porous scaffolds with different topological surfaces provides a design strategy for biphasic osteochondral engineering
Authors: Mahapatra Chinmaya , Kim Jung-Ju , Lee Jung-Hwan , Jin Guang-Zhen , Knowles Jonathan C , Kim Hae-Won
Published: January 2019

Bone/cartilage interfacial tissue engineering needs to satisfy the differential properties and architectures of the osteochondral region. Therefore, biphasic or multiphasic scaffolds that aim to mimic the gradient hierarchy are widely used. Here, we find that two differently structured (topographically) three-dimensional scaffolds, namely, “dense” and “nanofibrous” surfaces, show differential stimulation in osteo- and chondro-responses of cells. While the nanofibrous scaffolds accelerate the osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells, the dense scaffolds are better in preserving the phenotypes of chondrocytes. Two types of porous scaffolds, generated by a salt-leaching method combined with a phase-separation process using the poly(lactic acid) composition, had a similar level of porosity (~90%) and pore size (~150 μm). The major difference in the surface nanostructure led to substantial changes in the surface area and water hydrophilicity (nanofibrous ≫ dense); as a result, the nanofibrous scaffolds increased the cell-to-matrix adhesion of mesenchymal stem cells significantly while decreasing the cell-to-cell contracts. Importantly, the chondrocytes, when cultured on nanofibrous scaffolds, were prone to lose their phenotype, including reduced chondrogenic expressions (SOX-9, collagen type II, and Aggrecan) and glycosaminoglycan content, which was ascribed to the enhanced cell–matrix adhesion with reduced cell–cell contacts. On the contrary, the osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells was significantly accelerated by the improved cell-to-matrix adhesion, as evidenced in the enhanced osteogenic expressions (RUNX2, bone sialoprotein, and osteopontin) and cellular mineralization. Based on these findings, we consider that the dense scaffold is preferentially used for the chondral-part, whereas the nanofibrous structure is suitable for osteo-part, to provide an optimal biphasic matrix environment for osteochondral tissue engineering.
Democratic deconsolidation revisited: Young Europeans are not dissatisfied with democracy
Authors: Zilinsky Jan
Published: January 2019

Is democracy running out of steam? In recent years, politicians, pundits, and academics have voiced the idea that young citizens in industrialized democracies lack commitment to a democratic system of politics. This paper analyzes evaluations of democracy among over 350,000 Europeans between 2002 and 2017 and shows that – contrary to popular perceptions – young people are generally more satisfied with democracy than older citizens. Moreover, satisfaction with democracy has increased among Europeans of all ages. As long as citizens believe that democratic regimes work well in practice, it is doubtful that support for democracy will erode.
Patients transitioning from non-pegylated to pegylated interferon beta-1a have a low risk of new flu-like symptoms: ALLOW phase 3b trial results
Authors: Naismith Robert T , Hendin Barry , Wray Sibyl , Huang DeRen , Gaudenzi Fiorenza , Dong Qunming , Sperling Bjørn , Mann Monica , Werneburg Brian
Published: January 2019

Background

Flu-like symptoms are common adverse events associated with interferon beta relapsing multiple sclerosis therapies.

Objectives

To evaluate the incidence and severity of flu-like symptoms after transitioning from non-pegylated interferons to peginterferon beta-1a and assess flu-like symptom mitigation using naproxen.

Methods

ALLOW was a phase 3b open-label study in relapsing multiple sclerosis patients. Patients had received non-pegylated interferon for 4 or more months immediately before beginning a 4-week screening period. At baseline, patients switched to peginterferon beta-1a and were randomly assigned (1:1) to continue their current flu-like symptoms management regimen or start twice-daily naproxen 500 mg for 8 weeks. Patients then switched to their preferred regimen and were followed for 48 weeks in total.

Results

Of 201 patients, 89.6% did not experience new/worsening flu-like symptoms during their first 8 weeks on peginterferon beta-1a. Flu-like symptom severity remained low in current-regimen and naproxen patients, with no significant between-group differences. Median flu-like symptom duration per injection was 3.2 hours longer with peginterferon beta-1a versus prior interferon, but the 4-week cumulative duration was reduced 49–78%. No new safety signals were identified.

Conclusion

Most patients who switched from non-pegylated interferon to peginterferon beta-1a did not experience new/worsening flu-like symptoms. Flu-like symptom duration per injection increased, but the cumulative duration significantly decreased. These data may inform flu-like symptom management guidance.
Visualization of the peripheral vascularity by time-resolved computed tomography: a case report
Authors: Svensson Anders , Brismar Torkel B
Published: January 2019

Runoff computed tomography angiography (CTA) is commonly used to diagnose peripheral artery disease (PAD) of the lower extremities. However, the risk of non-conclusive examination due to suboptimal timing and overrunning the contrast medium bolus is a major pitfall that must be considered. Here we describe two case studies using dynamic time-resolved CTA imaging of the peripheral vascularity.
Contact Sports as a Risk Factor for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Blecher Ronen , Elliott Michael A. , Yilmaz Emre , Dettori Joseph R. , Oskouian Rod J. , Patel Akil , Clarke Andrew , Hutton Mike , McGuire Robert , Dunn Robert , DeVine John , Twaddle Bruce , Chapman Jens R.
Published: January 2019

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Introduction:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, ultimately resulting in paralysis and death. The condition is considered to be caused by a complex interaction between environmental and genetic factors. Although vast genetic research has deciphered many of the molecular factors in ALS pathogenesis, the environmental factors have remained largely unknown. Recent evidence suggests that participation in certain types of sporting activities are associated with increased risk for ALS.

Objective:

To test the hypothesis that competitive sports at the highest level that involve repetitive concussive head and cervical spinal trauma result in an increased risk of ALS compared with the general population or nonsport controls.

Methods:

Electronic databases from inception to November 22, 2017 and reference lists of key articles were searched to identify studies meeting inclusion criteria.

Results:

Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Sports assessed (professional or nonprofessional) included soccer (n = 5), American football (n = 2), basketball (n = 1), cycling (n = 1), marathon or triathlon (n = 1), skating (n = 1), and general sports not specified (n = 11). Soccer and American football were considered sports involving repetitive concussive head and cervical spinal trauma. Professional sports prone to repetitive concussive head and cervical spinal trauma were associated with substantially greater effects (pooled rate ratio [RR] 8.52, 95% CI 5.18-14.0) compared with ( a) nonprofessional sports prone to repetitive concussive head and cervical spinal trauma (pooled RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.12-3.06); ( b) professional sports not prone to repetitive head and neck trauma (pooled RR 1.35, 95% CI 0.67-2.71); or ( c) nonprofessional sports not prone to repetitive concussive head and cervical spinal trauma (pooled RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.79-1.71).

Conclusions:

Our review suggests that increased susceptibility to ALS is significantly and independently associated with 2 factors: professional sports and sports prone to repetitive concussive head and cervical spinal trauma. Their combination resulted in an additive effect, further increasing this association to ALS.
Access to Rural Land Rights in the Post-1991 Ethiopia: Unconstitutional Policy Shift
Authors: Ganta Brightman Gebremichael
Published: January 2019

In an agrarian society, like Ethiopia, where lion share of the population relies on land rights for livelihoods and welfare, access to land is fundamental to be capable of existence as a free and dignified human being. Otherwise, it can also be used a political asset for political control and to impoverish the societal well-being. With the opinion of historical pitfalls and injustices and the tremendous holistic contribution of access to rural land rights in Ethiopia, the constitutional makers of the post-1991 Ethiopia have incorporated the egalitarian concept of ‘free access to land for all needy nationals’. However, the content analysis of the legislation framed aftermath of the 1995 FDRE Constitution reveals the introduction of a policy shift towards land regionalism and market-based land access, because, it has attached regional residency requirement, prioritised to investors and model peasants and introduced land use payment in contradiction to the constitutional rule. Hence, this author argues for the restoration of the Constitutional principle of access to land rights.
Recasting the Door: An Applied Design Thinking Skill Building Exercise
Authors: Spivack April J.
Published: January 2019

Skills in creativity are needed to meet the needs of today’s organizations, and design thinking is a process that one can learn to become more creative. Yet the diminishing exposure to and pursuit of humanities courses, which have traditionally developed these skills, has put pressure on business schools to fill the gap. This experiential learning exercise, Recasting the Door, is directed toward undergraduate students and presents an opportunity for students to develop and practice design thinking and creative problem solving, especially when situated in a course on creativity or innovation. In this exercise, students work in teams to develop a creative art installation that physically transforms the instructor’s office door symbolically or metaphorically to serve a new purpose. Using an open-ended design brief, students use idea generation, idea evaluation, prototyping, and collaboration to develop a human-centered solution. Then they critique their own and other teams’ installations.
Serum levels of hyaluronic acid are associated with COPD severity and predict survival
Authors: Papakonstantinou Eleni , Bonovolias Ioannis , Roth Michael , Tamm Michael , Schumann Desiree , Baty Florent , Louis Renaud , Milenkovic Branislava , Boersma Wim , Stieltjes Bram , Kostikas Konstantinos , Blasi Francesco , Aerts Joachim G. , Rohde Gernot G.U. , Lacoma Alicia , Torres Antoni , Welte Tobias , Stolz Daiana
Published: January 2019

Hyaluronic acid (HA) and its degradation products play an important role in lung pathophysiology and airway remodelling in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

We investigated if HA and its degrading enzyme hyaluronidase (HYAL)-1 are associated with COPD severity and outcome.

Serum HA was assessed in a discovery cohort of 80 COPD patients at stable state and exacerbations. HA, HYAL-1 and HYAL-1 enzymatic activity were evaluated at stable state, exacerbations and 4 weeks after exacerbations in 638 COPD patients from the PROMISE validation cohort.

In the discovery cohort, serum HA was higher at exacerbations compared with the stable state (p=0.015). In the validation cohort, HA was higher at moderate and severe exacerbations than at baseline (p<0.001), and remained higher after 4 weeks (p<0.001). HA was strongly predictive for overall survival since it was associated with time to death (p<0.001) independently of adjusted Charlson score, annual exacerbation rate and BODE (body mass, airflow obstruction, dyspnoea, exercise capacity) index. Serum HYAL-1 was increased at moderate (p=0.004) and severe (p=0.003) exacerbations, but decreased after 4 weeks (p<0.001). HYAL-1 enzymatic activity at stable state was inversely correlated with FEV1% pred (p=0.034) and survival time (p=0.017).

Serum HA is associated with COPD severity and predicts overall survival. Degradation of HA is associated with airflow limitation and impairment of lung function.
Exhaled air dispersion during high-flow nasal cannula therapyversusCPAPviadifferent masks
Authors: Hui David S. , Chow Benny K. , Lo Thomas , Tsang Owen T.Y. , Ko Fanny W. , Ng Susanna S. , Gin Tony , Chan Matthew T.V.
Published: January 2019

Background

High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is an emerging therapy for respiratory failure but the extent of exhaled air dispersion during treatment is unknown. We examined exhaled air dispersion during HFNC therapyversuscontinuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on a human patient simulator (HPS) in an isolation room with 16 air changes·h−1.

Methods

The HPS was programmed to represent different severity of lung injury. CPAP was delivered at 5–20 cmH2Ovianasal pillows (Respironics Nuance Pro Gel or ResMed Swift FX) or an oronasal mask (ResMed Quattro Air). HFNC, humidified to 37°C, was delivered at 10–60 L·min−1to the HPS. Exhaled airflow was marked with intrapulmonary smoke for visualisation and revealed by laser light-sheet. Normalised exhaled air concentration was estimated from the light scattered by the smoke particles. Significant exposure was defined when there was ≥20% normalised smoke concentration.

Results

In the normal lung condition, mean±sdexhaled air dispersion, along the sagittal plane, increased from 186±34 to 264±27 mm and from 207±11 to 332±34 mm when CPAP was increased from 5 to 20 cmH2OviaRespironics and ResMed nasal pillows, respectively. Leakage from the oronasal mask was negligible. Mean±sdexhaled air distances increased from 65±15 to 172±33 mm when HFNC was increased from 10 to 60 L·min−1. Air leakage to 620 mm occurred laterally when HFNC and the interface tube became loose.

Conclusion

Exhaled air dispersion during HFNC and CPAPviadifferent interfaces is limited provided there is good mask interface fitting.
Exaggerated BMP4 signalling alters human airway basal progenitor cell differentiation to cigarette smoking-related phenotypes
Authors: Zuo Wu-Lin , Yang Jing , Strulovici-Barel Yael , Salit Jacqueline , Rostami Mahboubeh , Mezey Jason G. , O'Beirne Sarah L. , Kaner Robert J. , Crystal Ronald G.
Published: January 2019

Airway remodelling in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) originates, in part, from smoking-induced changes in airway basal stem/progenitor cells (BCs). Based on the knowledge that bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) influences epithelial progenitor function in the developing and adult mouse lung, we hypothesised that BMP4 signalling may regulate the biology of adult human airway BCs relevant to COPD.

BMP4 signalling components in human airway epithelium were analysed at the mRNA and protein levels, and the differentiation of BCs was assessed using the BC expansion and air–liquid interface models in the absence/presence of BMP4, BMP receptor inhibitor and/or small interfering RNAs against BMP receptors and downstream signalling.

The data demonstrate that in cigarette smokers, BMP4 is upregulated in ciliated and intermediate undifferentiated cells, and expression of the BMP4 receptor BMPR1A is enriched in BCs. BMP4 induced BCs to acquire a smoking-related abnormal phenotypein vitromediated by BMPR1A/Smad signalling, characterised by decreased capacity to differentiate into normal mucociliary epithelium, while generating squamous metaplasia.

Exaggerated BMP4 signalling promotes cigarette smoking-relevant airway epithelial remodelling by inducing abnormal phenotypes in human airway BCs. Targeting of BMP4 signalling in airway BCs may represent a novel target to prevent/treat COPD-associated airway disease.
The effectiveness and effects of alcohol regulation: evidence from India
Authors: Luca Dara Lee , Owens Emily , Sharma Gunjan
Published: January 2019

We provide quasi-experimental evidence on the effects of alcohol regulation on alcohol consumption and associated public health outcomes using detailed individual level and aggregate data from India, where state-level laws regulating the minimum legal drinking age generate substantial variation in the availability of commercially produced alcohol across people of different ages. We find that despite significant law evasion, men who are legally allowed to drink are substantially more likely to consume alcohol. Further, men who are legally allowed to drink are significantly more likely to commit violence against their partners, suggesting a causal channel between alcohol consumption and domestic violence. These results are robust to the exclusion of states with prohibition, implying that they are driven by differences in MLDA. We also examine the effects of alcohol regulation on other public health outcomes. Consistent with the existing literature, we find evidence that smoking and drinking are complements. Finally, we provide suggestive evidence that stricter alcohol control is associated with lower rates of motor vehicle accidents and crimes against women, but not other forms of crime.
Celecoxib With Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer Might Worsen Outcomes Differentially by COX-2 Expression and ER Status: Exploratory Analysis of the REMAGUS02 Trial
Authors: Hamy Anne-Sophie , Tury Sandrine , Wang Xiaofei , Gao Junheng , Pierga Jean-Yves , Giacchetti Sylvie , Brain Etienne , Pistilli Barbara , Marty Michel , Espié Marc , Benchimol Gabriel , Laas Enora , Laé Marick , Asselain Bernard , Aouchiche Brice , Edelman Martin , Reyal Fabien
Published: January 2019

PURPOSE

The overexpression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) gene, also known as prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 ( PTGS2), occurs in breast cancer, but whether it affects response to anticox drugs remains unclear. We investigated the relationships between PTGS2 expression, celecoxib use during neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), and both event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed a cohort of 156 patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 –negative breast cancer from the REMAGUS02 (ISRCTN Registry No. 10059974) trial with pretreatment PTGS2 expression data. Patients were treated by sequential NAC (epirubicin plus cyclophosphamide followed by docetaxel with or without celecoxib). Experimental validation was performed on breast cancer cell lines. The Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) 30801 ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01041781) trial that tested chemotherapy with or without celecoxib in patients with lung cancer served as an independent validation cohort.

RESULTS

After 94.5 months of follow-up, EFS was significantly lower in the celecoxib group (hazard ratio [HR], 1.7; 95% CI, 1 to 2.88; P = .046). A significant interaction between PTGS2 expression and celecoxib use was detected ( Pinteraction = .01). In the PTGS2-low group (n = 100), EFS was lower in the celecoxib arm (HR, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.45 to 6.24; P = .002) than in the standard treatment arm. Celecoxib use was an independent predictor of poor EFS, distant relapse–free survival, and OS. Celecoxib in addition to docetaxel enhanced cell viability in PTGS2-low cell lines but not in PTGS2-high cell lines. In CALGB 30801, a trend toward poorer progression-free survival was observed in the patients with low urinary metabolite of prostaglandin E2 who received celecoxib (HR = 1.57; 95% CI, 0.87 to 2.84; P = .13).

CONCLUSION

Celecoxib use during chemotherapy adversely affected survival in patients with breast cancer, and the effect was more marked in PTGS2-low and/or estrogen receptor–negative tumors. COX-2 inhibitors should preferably be avoided during docetaxel use in patients with breast cancer who are undergoing NAC.
Challenges Associated With Living Remotely From a Pediatric Cancer Center: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Walling Emily B. , Fiala Mark , Connolly Andrea , Drevenak Alyssa , Gehlert Sarah
Published: January 2019

PURPOSE:

Pediatric patients with cancer who live in rural communities face disparate access to medical services compared with those in urban areas. Our objectives were to use qualitative methods to describe how living in a rural setting during receipt of treatment at an urban cancer center affects a patient’s clinical course and to identify feasible areas of intervention to enhance service to these families.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We conducted semistructured interviews of caregivers of pediatric patients with cancer who received treatment at an urban pediatric hospital in the Midwest. Questions focused on how distance between home residence and cancer-treating hospital affected cancer treatment.

RESULTS:

Eighteen caregiver interviews were conducted. Five multithemed domains were identified; two related to receipt of emergent care at local hospitals, one related to the impact that distance had on the family, and two related to managing and coping with a pediatric cancer diagnosis.

CONCLUSION:

Rural families of pediatric patients with cancer face unique challenges in addition to those previously identified for pediatric patients with cancer, most notably increased travel time to their cancer centers and increased time spent in community hospitals to receive emergent care. We recommend feasible steps to improve the care of rural children with cancer, including improved parental anticipatory guidance about unanticipated emergent visits to local hospitals, outreach to local hospitals, and medical visit coordination.
Would Macroprudential Regulation Have Prevented the Last Crisis?
Authors: Aikman David , Bridges Jonathan , Kashyap Anil , Siegert Caspar
Published: January 2019

How well equipped are today’s macroprudential regimes to deal with a rerun of the factors that led to the global financial crisis? To address the factors that made the last crisis so severe, a macroprudential regulator would need to implement policies to tackle vulnerabilities from financial system leverage, fragile funding structures, and the build-up in household indebtedness. We specify and calibrate a package of policy interventions to address these vulnerabilities—policies that include implementing the countercyclical capital buffer, requiring that banks extend the maturity of their funding, and restricting mortgage lending at high loan-to-income multiples. We then assess how well placed are two prominent macroprudential regulators, set up since the crisis, to implement such a package. The US Financial Stability Oversight Council has not been designed to implement such measures and would therefore make little difference were we to experience a rerun of the factors that preceded the last crisis. A macroprudential regulator modeled on the UK’s Financial Policy Committee stands a better chance because it has many of the necessary powers. But it too would face challenges associated with spotting build-ups in risk with sufficient prescience, acting sufficiently aggressively, and maintaining political backing for its actions.
Fixing the Leaky Pipeline: Strategies for Making Economics Work for Women at Every Stage
Authors: Buckles Kasey
Published: January 2019

While women comprise over half of all undergraduate students in the United States, they account for less than one-third of economics majors. From there, the proportion of women at each stage of the academic tenure track continues to decrease, creating a “leaky pipeline.” In this paper, I provide a toolkit of interventions that could be implemented by individuals, organizations, or academic units who are working to attract and retain women students and faculty at each stage of this pipeline. I focus on smaller-scale, targeted interventions that have been evaluated in a way that allows for the credible estimation of causal effects.
Book Review: "Toward a historical Sociolinguistic Poetics of Medieval Greek", eds. A. CUOMO- E. TRAPP, Studies in Byzantine History and Civilization (SBHC 12)
Authors: ΣΚΛΑΒΕΝΙΤΗ Αννα Σπυρίδωνος
Published: January 2019

Book Review: Byzantios,  Studies in Byzantine History and Civilization (SBHC 12) Toward a Historical Sociolinguistic Poetics of Medieval Greek, A. CUOMO- E. TRAPP (eds.) VIII+233 p., 11 b/w ill., 156 x 234 mm, 2017 ISBN: 978-2-503-57713-5 Languages: English, French, Italian.
Book Review:M. CAMPAGNOLO-POTHITOU and J.-Cl. CHEYNET, Sceaux de la collection George Zacos au Musée d’art et d’histoire de Genève, Geneva: Musée d’art et d’histoire, 2016.
Authors: KARAGIORGOU Olga
Published: January 2019

Book Review:: Maria Campagnolo-Pothitou and Jean-Claude Cheynet, Sceaux de la collection George Zacos au Musée d’art et d’histoire de Genève, Geneva: Musée d’art et d’histoire, 2016.
Book Review:Jean-Claude CHEYNET – Turan GOKYILDIRIM – Vera BULGURLU Les sceaux byzantins du Musée archéologique d’Istanbul: Istanbul Research Institute 2012
Authors: KARAGIORGOU Olga
Published: January 2019

Book Review:Jean-Claude CHEYNET – Turan GOKYILDIRIM – Vera BULGURLU, Les sceaux byzantins du Musée archéologique d’Istanbul: Istanbul Research Institute 2012
Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotype Epidemiology among PCV-10 Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Children at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, Nairobi County: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Walekhwa Michael , Muturi Margaret , Gunturu Revathi , Kenya Eucharia , Kabera Beatrice
Published: January 2019

Background: Serotype replacement and emergence of multidrug resistantS. pneumoniaehas exacerbated the need for continuous regional serotype surveillance especially in the developing world. We investigatedS. pneumoniaeserotypes circulating among vaccinated and unvaccinated children ≤5 years in Nairobi County post PCV10 era.

Methods: A total of 206 vaccinated and unvaccinated children attending Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital (GCH) were recruited for this study. Nasopharyngeal swabs collected using Copan Flocked Swabs were the main study specimen. Culturing and isolation ofS. pneumoniaewas done on BA with gentamicin and BA plates respectively at the GCH main laboratory. Serotyping was done using the Quellung reaction at the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust, Kilifi. 

Results: Out of the 206 subjects sampled, 20.39% (42) were found to be carriers ofS. pneumoniae. About 52% (n=22) of theS. pneumoniaecarriers had received the recommended dose of PCV-10, while 48% (n=20) of the carriers had not. Almost all (n=41; 19.90% of subjects) isolates contained non-vaccine typeS. pneumoniaeserotypes, while n=1 of the serotypes (in 0.49% of subjects) were untypeable. Serotypes 28F, 6A, 11A, 3 and 7C were prevalent in both vaccinated and unvaccinated children, whereas serotypes 23A, 17F, 35F, 48, 13 and 35B, and 23B, 20, 19B, 21, untypeable, 15B and 39 were found among unvaccinated and vaccinated groups, respectively.

Conclusions: AllS. pneumoniaeserotypes isolated from the subjects sampled were non PCV-10 vaccine type. These results therefore highlight the importance of monitoring and evaluation to provide epidemiological information to determine the effectiveness of PCV10 in Kenya’s Public health services.
Recent advances in proximity-based labeling methods for interactome mapping
Authors: Trinkle-Mulcahy Laura
Published: January 2019

Proximity-based labeling has emerged as a powerful complementary approach to classic affinity purification of multiprotein complexes in the mapping of protein–protein interactions. Ongoing optimization of enzyme tags and delivery methods has improved both temporal and spatial resolution, and the technique has been successfully employed in numerous small-scale (single complex mapping) and large-scale (network mapping) initiatives. When paired with quantitative proteomic approaches, the ability of these assays to provide snapshots of stable and transient interactions over time greatly facilitates the mapping of dynamic interactomes. Furthermore, recent innovations have extended biotin-based proximity labeling techniques such as BioID and APEX beyond classic protein-centric assays (tag a protein to label neighboring proteins) to include RNA-centric (tag an RNA species to label RNA-binding proteins) and DNA-centric (tag a gene locus to label associated protein complexes) assays.
From data sharing to data publishing
Authors: Poline Jean-Baptiste
Published: January 2019

Data sharing, i.e. depositing data in research community accessible repositories, is not becoming as rapidly widespread across the life science research community as hoped or expected. I consider the sociological and cultural context of research and lay out why the community should instead move to data publishing with a focus on neuroscience data, and outline practical steps that can be taken to realize this goal.
Learning and adaptation from a semiotic perspective
Authors: Olteanu Alin , Stables Andrew
Published: January 2019

This paper discusses the relation between learning and adaptation, arguing that the current state of the art in semiotics suggests a continuity between the two. An overview of the relevant theories in this regard, as considered in semiotics, reveals an embodied and environmental account of learning, where language plays an important but nevertheless limited role. Learning and adaptation are seen as inseparable cases of semiotic modelling. Such a construal of these opens up new pathways towards a nondualist philosophy and theory of education.
Rethinking literary education in the digital age
Authors: Milyakina Alexandra
Published: January 2019

This paper discusses the perspectives of literary education in the context of the transforming of the notions of literature, reading, and learning. While everyday semiotic practices are becoming increasingly digital and multimodal, school education in most countries is still largely focused on mediating original literary texts in print and their established interpretations. Less conventional sources of literary information – brief retellings, comic strips, memes, social media posts – tend to make up a large part of the students’ semiotic environment; yet these are usually dismissed by school education as inaccurate and irrelevant. Cultural semiotics, however, allows regarding pulverized versions of texts as a part of a natural educational system – the culture itself. A holistic approach allows not only integrating everyday semiotic practices into a school curriculum, but also revealing the inherent multimodality, transmediality, and creativity of the literary experience. The paper explores possible implications of semiotics in three aspects of literary education: multimodality and heterogeneity of literary experience; influence of digital media on the perception habits; reading as a creative building of a whole from different fragments. The overarching goal is to enrich school education through a deeper understanding of literary experience and a widening of the spectrum of acknowledged tools, formats and media. The theoretical survey is supported by real-life examples from school practice and recreational reading.
A report on the conference “Ecosemiotic Paradigm for Nature and Culture”
Authors: Wąsik Zdzisław , Wąsik Elżbieta Magdalena
Published: January 2019

A report on the conference “Ecosemiotic Paradigm for Nature and Culture”
Relevant Connexive Logic
Authors: Francez Nissim
Published: January 2019

In this paper, a connexive extension of the Relevance logic R→ was presented. It is defined by means of a natural deduction system, and a deductively equivalent axiomatic system is presented too. The goal of such an extension is to produce a logic with stronger connection between the antecedent and the consequent of an implication.
Optimizing Choice Architectures
Authors: Schneider Mark , Deck Cary , Shor Mikhael , Besedeš Tibor , Sarangi Sudipta
Published: January 2019

This paper investigates decision quality in large choice sets across several choice architectures in three studies. In the first controlled experiment, we manipulate two features of a choice architecture—the response mode (for ranking alternatives) and presentation mode (for presenting alternatives). Our design objectively ranks all 16 choice options in each choice set and makes it possible to observe decision quality directly, independent of attitudes toward risk. We find joint presentation outperforms separate presentation and that choice response modes outperform “happiness ratings,” which outperform hypothetical monetary valuations. We also apply classic welfare criteria to assess the performance of the architectures. Our key finding is that low cognitive reflection subjects (as measured by the cognitive reflection test) perform better given a large choice set than given smaller sets collectively containing the same alternatives. This illustrates a basic tradeoff confronting choice architectures: for a fixed choice set, fewer options improve decision quality within that set but require architectures to elicit multiple responses, increasing opportunities for errors. One follow-up study demonstrates the robustness of the response mode result in a comparison using the tournament presentation mode. A second follow-up study reveals that the impact of incentivizing monetary valuations depends on cognitive reflection.
on the relevance of cognitive neuroscience for community of inquiry
Authors: Weinstein Mark leonard , Fisherman Dan
Published: January 2019

Community of inquiry is most often seen as a dialogical procedure for the cooperative development of reasonable approaches to knowledge and meaning. This reflects a deep commitment to normatively based reasoning that is pervasive in a wide range of approaches to critical thinking and argument, where the underlying theory of reasoning is logic driven, whether formal or informal.  The commitment to normative reasoning is deeply historical reflecting the fundamental distinction between reason and emotion. Despite the deep roots of the distinction and its canonization in current educational thought, contemporary cognitive neuroscience presents a fundamental challenge to the viability of the distinction and thus to any effort that sees education for reasonable judgment to be based on the remediation of cognition in isolation from its roots in the emotions. Cognitive neuroscience looks at the deep connections between emotion and memory, information retrieval, and resistance to refutation. This conforms with earlier studies in experimental psychology, which showed resistance to changing beliefs in the face of evidence, including evidence based on personal experience. This paper will look at the recent research including speculations from neurological modeling that shows the depth of connection between, emotions, memory and reasoning. It will draw implications for dialogic thinking within a community of inquiry including systematic self-reflection as an essential aspect of critical thinking.
why piaget does not philosophize? critical discussion of gareth b. mathews with the piagetan concept of cognitive development
Authors: Walczak Paweł
Published: January 2019

TThis article analyzes the critique of the Piagetan theory of intellectual development made by American philosopher Gareth B. Matthews (1929-2011). Matthews analyzes Piaget's ideas from the perspective of the meaning and possibility of philosophizing among children. His use of Piaget is particularly relevant today because the theory of cognitive development has shaped modern education and contributes to the preservation of skepticism about children's philosophy. The article reconstructs and interprets Matthews' arguments, which consistently and systematically show that Piaget misunderstood children's philosophy. By “child’s philosophizing,” Matthews refers to children's tendency to ask philosophically significant questions, their ability to problematize experience, their specific attitude toward the world, and their ability to sense the problems that great philosophers have been dealing with for centuries. Piaget interpreted all these observable features of children's thinking as intellectual deficits; Matthews argues against this interpretation. The discussion focuses on the problem of determining the criterion of intellectual maturity, the importance of creativity and fantasy in thinking, the development of concepts and language skills, and the related differences between children and adults' language use. This analysis of Matthews’ critique of the Piagetian theory of cognitive development concludes that child psychology needs to be more open to this aspect of children's thought and that psychologists and philosophers must seek to better understand the child's philosophizing.
A ARBITRAGEM EM MATÉRIA TRIBUTÁRIA NO BRASIL: AVANÇOS E DESAFIOS / TAX ARBITRATION IN BRAZIL: ADVANCES AND CHALLENGES
Authors: Xavier Camilla Siqueira
Published: January 2019

A partir de uma leitura contemporânea dos métodos adequados de solução de controvérsias no bojo do processo tributário, o artigo examina, com ênfase na arbitragem, os métodos mais apropriados para garantir o efetivo acesso à justiça que responda aos anseios sociais e, ao mesmo tempo, satisfaça a necessidade de recuperação dos entes federativos dos créditos inscritos em dívida ativa.
A LEGALIZAÇÃO, REGULAMENTAÇÃO E TRIBUTAÇÃO DOS JOGOS DE AZAR COMO IMPORTANTE FONTE DE ARRECADAÇÃO TRIBUTÁRIA E DESENVOLVIMENTO ECONÔMICO / LEGALIZATION, REGULATION AND TAXATION OF GAMBLING AS A IMPORTANT SOURCE OF FUND COLLECTION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Marques Mateus Corrêa de Oliveira
Published: January 2019

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar o histórico da prática dos jogos de azar no Brasil, expondo os motivos que levaram a sua criminalização e o porquê de ela perdurar até os dias de hoje. Delineando parâmetros mínimos para a futura legislação pertinente ao tema e sugerindo um sistema regulatório e fiscal adequado a esse novo mercado, busca-se, enfim, absorver todos os seus benefícios.
AUSTERIDADE SELETIVA E DESIGUALDADE / SELECTIVE AUSTERITY AND INEQUALITY
Authors: Lodi Ribeiro Ricardo
Published: January 2019

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The use of oral anticoagulants for patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Mulliss Kelly , Green Shona
Published: January 2019

Atrial fibrillation is a common condition in the UK that puts patients at a higher risk of stroke if left untreated. Kelly Mulliss and Shona Green explore the reasons why patients may not be being prescribed oral anticoagulants to reduce this risk

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common condition in the older UK population and research states that it puts patients at a higher risk of stroke. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance suggests that patients at risk of stroke should be prescribed an oral anticoagulant (OAC). This article presents the findings of a clinical audit in a general practice and explores methods by which patient risk can be assessed. The authors offer suggestions as to why patients may not be receiving OAC when they are at risk, as well as ways in which health professionals in general practice may effectively implement NICE guidance and reduce the risk of stroke in their patients.