bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of endoloop in video-assisted thoracoscopic enucleation of a very rare esophageal tumor
Authors: Alwatari Yahya , Tse Wayne , Trebska-McGowan Kasia , Shah Rachit D 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
A gastrointestinal stromal tumor is an infrequent tumor of the gastrointestinal tract with very rare involvement of the esophagus. We present a case of a patient with dysphagia and a 4 cm submucosal mass. The patient underwent thoracoscopic enucleation with complete resection of the mass. We present case details and operative video highlighting the important surgical steps of exposure and retraction. We believe that the Endoloop is a very useful tool in providing countertraction needed during minimally invasive resection of such lesions.
Time for action: article on Peruvian Upstream industry and the need for competent governmental authorities to take effective actions to defend oil and gas investment
Authors: Pizarro Rocío La Torre 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Over the last few years Peru has worked hard to become an important receptor of foreign investment. The oil and gas sector in Peru considers foreign investment crucial for sustaining its development. This article explores how the lack of action attributable to key governmental entities is driving the oil and gas industry in Peru to a critical situation that over time may result in foreign investment walking away from Peru.
The article presents key governmental actors' roles, regulation and the general framework of Peru's oil and gas scenery. Public sources, statistics and records released by the key governmental actors are also presented for evidencing the negative results obtained in the Peruvian oil and gas industry as a consequence of the current administration's lack of adequate action. Reference is also made to some public specific cases to serve as examples to the reader.
It is hoped that this article serves to remind the oil and gas community of the relevance of the role of governmental entities not only in attracting new foreign investment to a country for the signing of new licence agreements, but also the important role that said entities have during the execution of the licence agreements. Finally, we hope that the Peruvian authorities take action and by acting jointly with the Peruvian oil and gas community reverse the current trend in Peru.
Limit Cases: How and Why We Can and Should Decriminalise HIV Transmission, Exposure, and Non-Disclosure
Authors: Weait Matthew J 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Across the world, people living with HIV and AIDS (PLHA) face investigation, prosecution, conviction, and punishment if they transmit HIV to another person, expose others to the risk of HIV acquisition, or fail to disclose in advance their HIV positive status. This article seeks to explain why limiting the criminalisation of HIV is important and necessary; identifies some of the ways in which it has been, and might be, limited; and, finally, offers some reflections on whether there exists a principled limit to decriminalisation arguments (ie whether there are cases which, even if the general principles underpinning decriminalisation is accepted, justify state punishment). Drawing on recent international policy guidance, current scientific knowledge about HIV prevention and treatment, and research on the impact of criminalisation of PLHA, the article argues that decriminalisation is critical to eradicating HIV and should be a public health priority, that biomedical advances in prevention and treatment will assist the decriminalisation project but are insufficient in the absence of legal and criminal justice practice reform.
Solving the Riddle of the Evolution of Shine-Dalgarno Based Translation in Chloroplasts
Authors: Weiner Iddo , Shahar Noam , Marco Pini , Yacoby Iftach , Tuller Tamir 
Published: September 2019

AbstractChloroplasts originated from an ancient cyanobacterium and still harbor a bacterial-like genome. However, the centrality of Shine–Dalgarno ribosome binding, which predominantly regulates proteobacterial translation initiation, is significantly decreased in chloroplasts. As plastid ribosomal RNA anti-Shine–Dalgarno elements are similar to their bacterial counterparts, these sites alone cannot explain this decline. By computational simulation we show that upstream point mutations modulate the local structure of ribosomal RNA in chloroplasts, creating significantly tighter structures around the anti-Shine–Dalgarno locus, which in-turn reduce the probability of ribosome binding. To validate our model, we expressed two reporter genes (mCherry, hydrogenase) harboring a Shine–Dalgarno motif in the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii chloroplast. Coexpressing them with a 16S ribosomal RNA, modified according to our model, significantly enhances mCherry and hydrogenase expression compared with coexpression with an endogenous 16S gene.
Staged Magnetic Resonance-Guided Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy for Hypothalamic Hamartoma: Analysis of Ablation Volumes and Morphological Considerations
Authors: Gadgil Nisha , Lam Sandi , Pan I-Wen , LoPresti Melissa , Wagner Kathryn , Ali Irfan , Wilfong Angus , Curry Daniel J 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Hypothalamic hamartomas (HH) are a challenging pathology that cause gelastic seizures. Magnetic Resonance Imaging-guided Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (MRgLITT) offers a safe and effective treatment for HHs via a minimally invasive technique.

OBJECTIVE
To determine how clinical outcome correlates to residual tumor volume and surgical strategy by analyzing radiographic data and reconstructing volumetric imaging.

METHODS
Clinical and radiographic information of 58 pediatric patients who underwent MRgLITT for HH with at least 6 mo of follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. MR imaging was volumetrically reconstructed to analyze the impact of hamartoma and ablation volumes on outcome. Primary outcome measure was freedom from gelastic seizures.

RESULTS
Eighty-one percent of patients were completely free of gelastic seizures at last follow-up; of 22 patients with secondary nongelastic epilepsy, 15 were free of additional seizures. Postoperative complication rate was low. There was no significant difference in gelastic seizure outcome related to pre- or postoperative hamartoma size. Residual hamartoma percentage in those free of gelastic seizures was 43% compared to 71% in those with continued seizures (P = .021). Larger hamartomas required multiple ablations to achieve seizure freedom.

CONCLUSION
This large series of patients confirms the safety and efficacy of MRgLITT for pediatric HH and describes morphological considerations that predict success. Our data suggest that complete ablation of the lesion is not necessary, and that the focus should be on appropriate disconnection of the epileptogenic network. We have found that a staged approach to hamartoma ablation allows adequate disconnection of the hamartoma while mitigating risk to surrounding structures.
Novel anthropometric parameters to define obesity and obesity-related disease in adults: a systematic review
Authors: Jayawardena Ranil , Ranasinghe Priyanga , Ranathunga Thilina , Mathangasinghe Yasith , Wasalathanththri Sudharshani , Hills Andrew P 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Context
Obesity is defined as an abnormal or excessive accumulation of body fat. Traditionally, it has been assessed using a wide range of anthropometric, biochemical, and radiological measurements, with each having its advantages and disadvantages.

Objective
A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify novel anthropometric measurements of obesity in adults.

Data Sources
Using a combination of MeSH terms, the PubMed database was searched.

Data Extraction
The current systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The data extracted from each study were (1) details of the study, (2) anthropometric parameter(s) evaluated, (3) study methods, (4) objectives of the study and/or comparisons, and (5) main findings/conclusions of the study.

Data Analysis
The search yielded 2472 articles, of which 66 studies were deemed eligible to be included. The literature search identified 25 novel anthropometric parameters. Data on novel anthropometric parameters were derived from 26 countries. Majority were descriptive cross-sectional studies (n = 43), while 22 were cohort studies. Age range of the study populations was 17–103 years, while sample size varied from 45 to 384 612.

Conclusions
The novel anthropometric parameters identified in the present study showed variable correlation with obesity and/or related metabolic risk factors. Some parameters involved complex calculations, while others were derived from traditional anthropometric measurements. Further research is required in order to determine the accuracy and precision.
Remission vs low disease activity: function, quality of life and structural outcomes in the Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Study and Network
Authors: Nikiphorou Elena , Norton Sam J , Carpenter Lewis , Walsh David A , Creamer Paul , Dixey Josh , Young Adam , Kiely Patrick D W ,   for ERAS and ERAN
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Objectives
To examine associations between function, quality of life and structural outcomes in patients achieving remission vs low disease activity in early RA.

Methods
Demographic, clinical and radiographic variables were collected at baseline and then annually from the Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Study (ERAS) and Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Network (ERAN) inception cohorts in routine care from 1986 to 2012. Disease activity was categorized: mean DAS28 score between years 1 and 5: remission [mean remission DAS (mRDAS) &lt;2.6] or low [mean low DAS (mLDAS) 2.6–3.2]; sustained low/remission DAS28 (sLDAS/sRDAS) at years 1 and 2; and sustained Boolean remission (sBR) at years 1 and 2. Changes in HAQ and Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire [SF-36; physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component score]) and total Sharp van der Heijde (SvdH) scores for each disease activity category were modelled using multi-level models. Covariates included year of onset, age, gender and DMARD use at first visit.

Results
Of 2701 patients, 562 (21%) were categorized mRDAS, 330 (12%) mLDAS, 279 (10%) sRDAS, 203 (7.5%) sLDAS and 93 (3%) sBR. Patients categorized as mRDAS had increasingly divergent improved HAQ, SF-36 PCS, MCS and total SvdH scores compared with mLDAS (P-values 0.001 to &lt;0.0001, all time points). Patients categorized as sRDAS had better HAQ, SF-36 PCS and MCS scores (P-values 0.05 to &lt;0.0001, all time points) and SvdH scores (P = 0.05, years 3–5) over sLDAS. sBR was associated with better HAQ, and SF-36 PCS and MCS scores over sLDAS (P-values 0.002 to &lt;0.0001, all time points).

Conclusion
These findings from routine care support ACR/EULAR guidelines that remission is a preferable goal over low disease activity in early RA.
Being a Syrian University Student in Turkey: Intergroup Relations, Psychosocial Issues, and Boundary Formation
Authors: Ayvazoğlu Ayşe Şafak , Kunuroglu Filiz 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
This article reports on a qualitative study that investigates the experiences of Syrian university students in Izmir, Turkey using in-depth semi-structured interviews with 15 informants. The research is geared towards exploring the social, academic, and linguistic issues emerging in the acculturation period; factors moderating the integration process as well as students’ coping strategies. The results are discussed within the framework of Berry’s acculturation model, theory on boundary formation and intergroup relations. On the basis of the informants’ self-reports, we found that intergroup relations with mainstream Turks, language and academic issues, lack of institutional support, emerge as major themes affecting acculturation. An important finding of this study is that religiosity was a major boundary marker although the two groups share the same religion. The implications of the study are beneficial to the policy makers in anticipating the acculturation-related concerns, creating preventative measures and implementing long-term solutions.
Prevalence and indicators of use of complementary and alternative medicine in Austrian patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Gröchenig Hans Peter , Waldhör Thomas , Haas Thomas , Wenzl Heimo , Steiner Pius , Koch Robert , Feichtenschlager Thomas , Eckhardt Gerald , Mayer Andreas , Kirchgatterer Andreas , Ludwiczek Othmar , Platzer Reingard , Papay Pavol , Gartner Johanna , Fuchssteiner Harry , Miehsler Wolfgang , Peters Paul-Gerhard , Reicht Gerhard , Kutschera Maximilian , Dejaco Clemens , Vogelsang Harald , Novacek Gottfried ,   on behalf of the Austrian IBD Study Group (ATISG)
Published: September 2019

Objective
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) seems to be frequently used among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to determine the prevalence and indicators of CAM use in Austrian IBD patients.

Methods
In a multicentre cross-sectional study, adult patients with IBD attending 18 Austrian outpatient clinics completed a multi-item questionnaire that recorded use of CAM as well as medical and socioeconomic characteristics. Patients were recruited between June 2014 and June 2015. The study outcome was the prevalence of CAM use and its socioeconomic and disease-related associations.

Results
A total of 1286 patients (Crohn’s disease 830, ulcerative colitis 435, IBD unclassified 21; females 651) with a median age of 40 years (interquartile range 31–52 years) and a median disease duration of 10 years (4–18 years) were analysed. The prevalence of previous and/or current CAM use was 50.7%, with similar results for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. In the multivariable analysis, female gender and a university education were independent socioeconomic indicators of CAM use. IBD-related indicators were longer duration of the disease and previous and/or current treatment with steroids and TNF-α inhibitors.

Conclusion
CAM use for IBD is frequent in Austrian IBD patients and associated with female gender, higher educational level of university degree, longer duration of the disease, and treatment with steroids and TNF-α inhibitors.
A data-based guide to the North American ecology faculty job market
Authors: Fox Jeremy 
Published: September 2019

AbstractEvery year for three years (2016 to 2018), I tried to identify every single person hired as a tenure track prof in ecology or an allied field (e.g., fish & wildlife) in N. America. I identified a total of 566 hires. I used public sources to compile various data on the new hires and the institutions that hired them (e.g., number of publications, teaching experience, hiring institution Carnegie class). I also compiled data provided by anonymous ecology faculty job seekers on ecoevojobs.net (e.g., number of positions applied for, number of publications, numbers of interviews and offers). And I polled readers of the Dynamic Ecology blog to get information about applicant and search committee behavior (e.g., regarding customization of applications to the hiring institution). These data address some widespread anxieties and misunderstandings about the ecology faculty job market, and also speak to gender diversity and equity in recent ecology faculty hiring. They complement, and in some cases improve on, other sources of information, such as anecdotal personal experiences.
Identification of orthotropic material parameters for acute, necrotic, fibrotic and remodelling myocardial infarcts in the rat
Authors: Sirry Mazin S. , Dubuis Laura , Davies Neil H. , Liao Jun , Franz Thomas 
Published: September 2019

AbstractFinite element (FE) models have been effectively utilized in studying biomechanical aspects of myocardial infarction (MI). Although the rat is a widely used animal model for MI, there is a lack of material parameters based on anisotropic constitutive models for rat myocardial infarcts in literature. This study aimed at employing inverse methods to identify the parameters of an orthotropic constitutive model for myocardial infarcts in the acute, necrotic, fibrotic and remodelling phases utilizing the biaxial mechanical data developed in a previous study. FE model was developed mimicking the setup of the biaxial tensile experiment. The orthotropic case of the generalized Fung constitutive model was utilized to model the material properties of the infarct. The parameters of Fung model were optimized so that the FE solution best fitted the biaxial experimental stress-strain data. A genetic algorithm was used to minimize the objective function. Fung orthotropic material parameters for different infarct stages were identified. The FE model predictions best approximated the experimental data of the 28 days infarct stage with 3.0% mean absolute percentage error. The worst approximation was for the 7 days stage with 3.6% error. This study demonstrated that the experimental biaxial stress-strain data of healing rat infarcts could be successfully approximated using inverse FE methods and genetic algorithms. The material parameters identified in this study will provide an essential platform for FE investigations of biomechanical aspects of MI and the development of therapies.
Reduced interhemispheric and increased intrahemispheric connectivity in schizophrenia brain networks
Authors: Laton Jorne , Van Schependom Jeroen , Decoster Jeroen , Moons Tim , De Hert Marc , Nagels Guy , De Vos Maarten 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIntroductionBrain connectivity is disturbed in schizophrenia, both during resting state and during active tasks. Schizophrenia is characterised by a corpus callosum pathology and an inability to suppress overstimulation, both of which relate to this disturbed connectivity. We wanted to verify whether network analysis on EEG sensor level can reveal the corpus callosum pathology in schizophrenia.MethodsWe measured 62-channel EEG on 46 schizophrenia patients and 43 healthy controls during eyes-closed and eyes-open resting-state, mismatch negativity and visual and auditory oddball. We assessed connectivity through correlation, coherence and directed transfer function (DTF) in the delta, theta, alpha, low- and high beta bands.ResultsThe coherence and the DTF picked up a consistent pattern of reduced interhemispheric and enhanced intrahemispheric connectivity strength in schizophrenia in the alpha and beta band. This disturbance pattern appeared across all paradigms in the parietal and the occipital region and was generally more pronounced in the right hemisphere.ConclusionsThis is the first study to use multiple similarity measures and different tasks to confirm disturbed brain connectivity on EEG sensor level. We hypothesise that the interhemispheric reductions reflect transcallosal disconnection, while the intrahemispheric increases indicate the inability to suppress the response to stimuli.
Sex differences in interrelationships between arterial stiffness, carotid intima-media thickness, white matter hyperintensities, depression and cognition: A UK Biobank study
Authors: Tsang Ruby S. M. , Gallacher John E. , Bauermeister Sarah 
Published: September 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo explore sex differences in the associations between arterial stiffness index, carotid intima-media thickness, white matter hyperintensities, depression and cognition.MethodsUK Biobank is a population-based cohort study of 502,664 healthy community dwelling adults aged 37-73 years. A select number of participants were recalled to participate in an online reassessment and imaging study, both of which included repeat cognitive assessments. A total of 7,394 volunteers aged 45-73 years (55% female) participated in the imaging visit and completed the self-report mental health questionnaire in the online follow-up were included in the analyses reported here. The main outcome measure of depression was measured using the PHQ-9 and cognition was assessed through measures of reaction time, verbal-numeric reasoning and visual memory. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was assessed non-invasively using finger photoplethysmography, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) with automated ultrasound, and white matter hyperintensity volume with combined T1 and T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).ResultsCross-sectionally, greater arterial stiffness was associated with greater depression in men but with better cognition in women. When white matter hyperintensities burden was added to the model, it mediated the relationships of carotid intima-media thickness with depression and cognition only in men.ConclusionsWe report sex differences in brain microvascular changes, depression and cognition in ageing, and suggest that they may be partly explained by sex-specific effects of vascular ageing.Summary boxesSection 1: What is already known on this topicArterial stiffness and carotid intima-media thickness are two non-invasive vascular ageing markers that have been shown to be associated with depression, cognitive impairment and dementia.Some studies report sex differences in arterial stiffness and carotid intima-media thickness.There is, however, a paucity of research on sex differences in the associations between these vascular ageing markers, white matter hyperintensities, depression and cognition.Section 2: What this study addsCross-sectionally, greater arterial stiffness was associated with greater depression in men but with better cognition in women. When white matter hyperintensities burden was added to the model, it mediated the relationships of carotid intima-media thickness with depression and cognition only in men.Our findings add to the existing evidence base of sex differences in brain microvascular changes, depression and cognition in ageing, and suggest that they may be partly explained by sex-specific effects of vascular ageing.
Characterization of the vaginal DNA virome in health and dysbiosis: an opening study in patients with non-female factor infertility
Authors: Jakobsen Rasmus R. , Haahr Thor , Humaidan Peter , Jensen Jørgen Skov , Kot Witold , Castro-Mejia Josue , Deng Ling , Leser Thomas D. , Nielsen Dennis S. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundBacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterised by a reduction inLactobacillusspp. abundance and increased abundance of facultative anaerobes, likeGardnerella vaginalis. BV aetiology is not fully understood, but bacteriophages could play a pivotal role causing perturbation of the vaginal bacterial community. Here we investigate the vaginal viral community, including bacteriophages, and its association to the bacterial community and BV-status.MethodsVaginal samples from 48 patients undergoing IVF treatment for non-female factor infertility were subjected to metagenomic sequencing of purified virus-like particles. The vaginal viral community was characterized and correlated with BV-status, bacterial community structure and presence of key vaginal bacterial species.ResultsThe majority of identified vaginal viruses belonged to the class of double-stranded DNA bacteriophages, with eukaryotic viruses constituting 4% of total reads. Clear links between viral community composition and BV (q = 0.006, R = 0.26) as well as presence ofL. crispatus(q = 0.001, R = 0.43), L. iners, Gardnerella vaginalisandAtopobium vaginaewere found (q < 0.002, R > 0.15). Interestingly, also the eukaryotic viral community was correlated with BV-status (q = 0.018, R = 0.20).ConclusionsThe vaginal virome is clearly linked with bacterial community structure and BV-status.Clinical Trials RegistrationNCT02042352.