bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Otosyphilis: Resurgence of an Old Disease
Authors: Theeuwen Hailey , Whipple Mark , Litvack Jamie R. 
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesTo describe the clinical characteristics of patients presenting with a new diagnosis of otosyphilis over the past 10 years in a large, urban, safety‐net hospital affiliated with a large county sexually transmitted disease clinic.MethodsRetrospective case series. A chart review was performed of all patients who presented to an adult otolaryngology clinic with a new diagnosis of syphilis and hearing loss from January 2008 to December 2017.ResultsTwelve patients met the criteria for “suspected” or “likely” otosyphilis based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definitions. The average age was 48 years (range 19–59). All were male. Nine (75%) were men who have sex with men. Eight (67%) were positive for human immunodeficiency virus. One (8%) presented with primary, nine (75%) with secondary, and two (17%) with early latent syphilis. Seven (58%) presented with bilateral audiogram‐confirmed hearing loss, two (17%) with unilateral hearing loss, and three (25%) with suspected hearing loss based on fluctuating symptoms. Nine (75%) presented with tinnitus and two (17%) with vertigo. The median duration of otologic symptoms prior to presentation was 2 weeks (range: 0–16 weeks). All presented within the last 2 years surveyed.ConclusionWe have seen an increase in the number of otosyphilis cases in our clinic. We suspect otosyphilis may be underdiagnosed and emphasize the importance of screening for syphilis in patients with new audiologic symptoms of vertigo, tinnitus, or hearing loss.Level of Evidence4Laryngoscope, 129:1680–1684, 2019
A pathway to value‐based care of chronic rhinosinusitis using a claims database
Authors: Denneny James C. , Cyr Derek D. , Witsell David L. , Brereton Jean , Schulz Kristine 
Published: December 2018

ObjectiveTo construct a comprehensive picture of the typical chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patient in the United States including the demographics, comorbidities, and geographic prevalence. The study will also identify the diagnostic and treatment regimens, their cost, and pattern of use for both medically and surgically managed patients.Study DesignHistorical cohort study utilizing private and public payer databases.MethodsMedical claims data from the Truven Health MarketScan Research Databases from the years 2010 to 2012 for patients with acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) and CRS 18 and older were analyzed.ResultsThere were 54 million unique patients in the databases from 2010 to 2012. Approximately 8 million had at least one diagnosis of ARS and 298,337 had a diagnosis of CRS. Females represented 63.7% of patients with ARS and 59.4% with CRS. Medicare patients represented 6.7% of the ARS population and 10.2% of the CRS population. The mean cost of a CRS episode for those commercially insured was $1024 and $762 in Medicare. CRS patients underwent diagnostic procedures including diagnostic endoscopy (55.1%), cultures (23.6%), sinus CT scan (82.1%) and MRI (0.2%). Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) was performed on 14.4% of those patients with CRS. Change in frequency of medication use from the 6 months prior to ESS to the 6 months post‐ESS yielded a reduction in total costs of 34.2% or $3.9 M. The most commonly operated sinuses (with or without septoplasty on same day as ESS) were the maxillary (94%/76.1%); followed by ethmoid (82.1%/66.6%); frontal (38.8%/35.1%); and sphenoid (28.5%/28.1%). In total, 16.6% had one sinus operated on, 39.1% had two, 24.6% had three, and 18.7% had four sinuses operated on.ConclusionsThis data paints a much clearer understanding of the current medical and surgical management. This study confirms the previously described “value proposition” for the surgical management of those CRS patients refractory to medical management.Level of Evidence4
Otolaryngology interest groups: A potential solution to the residency match crisis
Authors: Naples James G. , Canfarotta Michael , Tabtabai Ryan , Sparks Devika , Parham Kourosh , Falcone Todd 
Published: December 2018

ObjectiveTo determine whether medical student Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (Oto‐HNS) interest groups increase student and resident interest in the specialty and influence decisions to apply to Oto‐HNS residency.MethodsTwo web‐based surveys were distributed by the Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at UConn Health: one to current medical students at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and the other to currents residents at Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–approved otolaryngology training programs.ResultsFifty medical students and 89 residents completed the surveys. Several components were assessed in these surveys, including factors contributing to the selection process, interest group availability, attendance of meetings, availability of otolaryngology mentors, and interest in the specialty. A majority of medical students noted that interest groups play a role in influencing their interest in a medical specialty (56%). Medical students who attended Oto‐HNS interest group were more likely to consider applying for otolaryngology residency (P < .0001) and had improved understanding of otolaryngology than those that did not attend (P = .0003). Residents who attended interest group meetings were more likely to be influenced to apply to otolaryngology than those that did not attend.ConclusionOto‐HNS interest groups improve medical student understanding of the specialty. Medical students and residents who participated in interest groups were more likely to be influenced positively regarding the specialty than those that did not attend. Oto‐HNS interest groups may foster greater interest in otolaryngology residency and offer a potential solution to the current match concerns.Level of Evidencexx
Endothelial Lipase Is an Alternative Pathway for Fatty Acid Release from Lipoproteins: Evidence from a High Fat Diet Model of Obesity in Rats
Authors: Barchuk Magalí , Miksztowicz Verónica , Zago Valeria , Cevey Agata , López Graciela , Goren Nora , Friedman Silvia , Gelpi Ricardo Jorge , Morales Celina , Fernandez Tomé María del Carmen , Schreier Laura , Berg Gabriela 
Published: December 2018

AbstractLipoprotein lipase (LPL) and endothelial lipase (EL) are involved in lipoprotein metabolism. In insulin‐resistance, their behavior is altered. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPAR) and apoproteins (apo)CII and CIII could be partly responsible for these alterations. To evaluate this response, we assessed Lpl and Lipg expression, protein levels, and enzyme activity in adipose tissue (AT) and heart in an obesity model. Besides, we assessed the role of PPAR and apoC. Male Wistar rats were fed with standard diet (Control, n = 14) or high‐fat diet (HFD, n = 14) for 14 weeks. Glucose and lipoprotein profiles were measured. Histological studies were performed in heart and epididymal AT. Lpl and Lipg were assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), protein levels by Western Blot, and activities by radiometric assays. Cardiac and AT PPAR expression were measured by Western Blot and hepatic Apoc2 and Apoc3 mRNA by RT‐qPCR. In HFD, fat deposits were observed in hearts, whereas AT presented a higher adipocyte size. In heart and AT, no differences were found in Lipg mRNA between groups, while AT Lpl mRNA and LPL protein were decreased in HFD, without differences in heart. In both tissues, EL protein levels and activity were increased and inversely associated with decreased LPL activity, being partially responsible for the atherogenic lipoprotein profile in HFD. PPARγ expression in AT was decreased in HFD, without differences in cardiac PPARδ expression and hepatic apoC mRNA. The increase in EL activity could be an alternative pathway for fatty acid release from lipoproteins and uptake in tissues with decreased LPL activity. In AT, PPARγ could be involved in enzyme regulation.
Production of functional double‐stranded RNA using a prokaryotic expression system in Escherichia coli
Authors: Chen Zhengjun , He Jindian , Luo Pan , Li Xiangkai , Gao Yuan 
Published: December 2018

AbstractRNA interference (RNAi) is a nucleic acid metabolism system utilized for the post‐translational regulation of endogenous genes or for defense against exogenous RNA or transposable elements. Double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA)‐mediated RNAi shows broad application prospects to improve existing plant traits and combat invading pathogens or pests. To improve dsRNA transcriptional efficiency using a prokaryotic expression system, Trxz gene, an essential gene for the early development of chloroplasts in Arabidopsis thaliana, was chosen for a functional study. Two types of recombinant expression vectors, pDP‐Trxz and phP‐Trxz‐N/L, were constructed to generate dsTrxz, the dsRNA which specifically induces Trxz gene silencing. Gel electrophoresis tests showed that phP vectors performed better and produced more dsRNA than the pDP vector under the same conditions. Purification of dsTrxz by enzymatic digestion indicated that highly purified dsRNA can be obtained through the use of DNase enzymatic hydrolysis assay. To confirm the knockdown effect of the dsRNA, a root immersion assay was performed, and we found that the root immersion culture could continue to affect the growth and development of A. thaliana. This included inhibiting the development of new leaves, causing weak plant development, leaf whitening, and other symptoms. This indicated that in vitro expressed dsRNA can be absorbed through Arabidopsis roots and can continue to trigger Trxz gene silencing. To delay dsRNA degradation and extend the effectiveness of RNAi, nanomaterial layered double hydroxide (LDH)‐mediated BioClay was performed. We found that LDH‐mediated BioClay alleviates the degree of dsRNA degradation, which provides a new idea for the storage and transportation of dsRNA.
Can you train the pelvic floor muscles by contracting other related muscles?
Authors: Kruger Jennifer , Budgett David , Goodman Jonathan , Bø Kari 
Published: December 2018

AimsThe aim of this study is to assess whether contraction of muscles other than the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) would be of sufficient magnitude to provide a “training” effect for the pelvic floor.MethodsWomen were recruited via advertisement from a convenience sample of pelvic floor physiotherapists. A thin flexible array of pressure sensors (FemFit) was self‐inserted into the vagina. Participants performed three maximum pelvic floor contractions and completed a randomized exercise protocol. Maximum pressures were determined for each sensor, for each exercise. Wilcoxon paired tests were used to ascertain the difference in pelvic floor muscle pressure between exercises, and between the pressures from the pelvic floor muscles sensors and those measuring abdominal pressure. Bonferroni correction α 0.005.ResultsData was obtained from nineteen participants. Mean age 43 ± 11 years, BMI 22.4 ± 3.2 kg m−2. Mean PFM pressure for pelvic floor muscle contractions was 16.3 ± 12.2 mmHg. Pressure in the region of the pelvic floor was significantly higher during a targeted contraction compared to that for all other exercises, except for cough and curl‐ups (P = 0.009, P = 0.013 respectively). PFM pressure was significantly higher than abdominal for PFMC, internal rotators and gluteals (P < 0.001).ConclusionTargeted PFM contractions develop higher pressures compared to abdominal pressure than any exercise tested in this study. The Femfit device was able to distinguish between abdominal and pelvic floor muscle pressures simultaneously. Exercising accessory muscles in an attempt to activate the pelvic floor sufficiently to illicit a training effect is not recommended.
Determining the effect of centrifugal and electrical forces on the jet behaviors, the nanofiber structure, and morphology
Authors: Hosseinian Hajar , Valipouri Afsaneh , Hosseini Ravandi Seyed Abdolkarim , Alirezazadeh Azam 
Published: December 2018

The increasing demand for nanofibers production has led to the rapid growth of the usage of electro‐centrifugal spinning (ECS) systems especially in recent years. Besides the rapid developments, fabrication of novel fibrous materials with novel techniques is still under investigation. Polyvinylepyrrolidone (PVP) is one of the multifunctional materials, which has attracted scientific interests to be employed in a variety of advanced applications. The main objective of the present study was therefore to explore the effects of essential parameters involved in fabrication of PVP nanofibers via an ECS system. The effects of rotational speed (197‐4051 r/min) and applied voltage (0‐14 kV) on the structural and morphological properties of nanofibers were also investigated. Analyses of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were performed with Digimizer and SPSS16.0 software to characterize the diameter distribution of the nanofibers. The degree of crystallinity was evaluated by the X‐ray diffraction method. In order to explain the unexpected results, further investigations were performed on the motion of the jet and flow rate. The results showed that instead of nanofibers, microparticles were formed at lower voltages and rotational speeds. The increase in the applied voltage resulted in a decrease in the minimum rotational speed that is required to form continuous fluid jet. The bending instabilities were changed from whipping to spiraling at the voltages above 10 kV. This resulted in the minimum fiber diameter at a voltage between 6 and 10 kV. Moreover, the applied voltage slightly affected the degree of crystallinity. No significant change was observed in the degree of crystallinity by varying the rotational speed.
Which is the ideal sanction for cooperation? An experimental study on different types of third‐party sanctions
Authors: Hou Gonglin , Wang Fei , Shi Jieyan , Chen Weijiang , Yu Jie 
Published: December 2018

AbstractCooperation is the crux of many social problems, thus third‐party sanction, as one of the most important ways to promote cooperation, is worth studying. The present study compared the effects of third‐party punishment alone, third‐party reward alone, and the combination of third‐party reward and third‐party punishment on cooperation in the context of a public goods experiment. In addition, we explored the characteristics of third‐party sanctioning behaviors. A total of 280 students participated in the present study. The results showed that the operation of third‐party sanctions did raise the level of cooperation and changed the discrete trend of cooperation—specifically, the differences between the cooperation level of every group member and the average level of the whole group. Furthermore, when third‐party rewards and third‐party punishments were used simultaneously in the public goods game (PGG), the level of cooperation was greatly enhanced, which meant that in the context of the third party, when punishment opportunities and reward opportunities coexist, they may have a “compensatory effect.” In terms of the characteristics of sanctioning behaviors, the frequency of third‐party sanctions did not differ significantly under different conditions (third‐party punishment alone, third‐party reward alone, and a combination of third‐party reward and third‐party punishment), and neither did expenditures on third‐party sanctions, but the strategies that third parties used changed under different conditions, thus their effects on other group members’ cooperative behavior varied under different conditions. The present study provides a comprehensive picture of how third parties behave in different conditions of third‐party sanctions and how these sanctions exert influence on cooperation. Understanding these mechanisms can help us build more effective institutions.
Accurate evaluations of both porosity and tortuosity of anodic films grown on rolled AA 1050 and on rolled or machined AA 2024 T3
Authors: Giffard Kévin , Arurault Laurent , Blanc Christine , Di Caprio Dung 
Published: December 2018

The porosity of the anodic films grown on aluminium substrates depends on various operating conditions related to the anodization electrolyte and to the applied electrical parameters, as well as to the substrate itself. In the present study, three different aluminium substrates were studied and anodized: AA 1050 (rolled; thickness = 1 mm), AA 2024 T3 (rolled; 1 mm), and AA 2024 T3 (machined; 3 mm). For each type of anodic film, the porosity, as well as its changes during anodization, was accurately characterized using both field‐emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEG‐SEM) and a reanodization technique. Moreover, for the first time, the corresponding tortuosity was quantified for all studied substrates. Results for rolled AA 2024 T3 and for machined AA 2024 T3 especially showed significant differences in tortuosity values, contributing towards clarifying, in part, their different wettability characteristics or anticorrosion behaviour, so far not clearly explained.
Stereoselective Aromatic Ring Hydrogenation over Supported Rhodium Catalysts in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Solvent
Authors: Shirai M. , Hiyoshi N. , Rode C. V. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe combination of supported rhodium metal catalysts and supercritical carbon dioxide solvent was effective for the stereoselective ring hydrogenations of aromatic compounds at low temperature. Higher solubility of hydrogen in supercritical carbon dioxide provides higher concentration of hydrogen on the rhodium surface, but lower that of the intermediate on rhodium surface, which suppresses the flipping of surface intermediate, leading to higher catalyst activities and cis selectivities to the corresponding ring‐hydrogenated products as compared with those in organic solvents.
Strategies for Synthesis of Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine Derivatives: Carbene Transformations or C−H Functionalizations
Authors: Yu Yue , Su Zhengquan , Cao Hua 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines are an important target in organic synthetic chemistry and have attracted critical attention of chemists mainly due to the discovery of the interesting properties exhibited by a great number of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine derivatives. Although lots of synthetic methods of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines have been developed in the past years, the chemistry community faces continuing challenges to use green reagents, maximize atom economy and enrich the functional group diversity of product. Undoubtedly, with its low cost and lack of environmentally hazardous byproducts, cascade reactions and C−H functionalizations are ideal strategies for this field. In this record we highlight some of our progress toward the goal to synthesis of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine derivatives through carbene transformations or C−H functionalizations.
Paddy and wheat stubble blazing in Haryana and Punjab states of India: A menace for environmental health
Authors: Singh Jabrinder 
Published: December 2018

AbstractPaddy and wheat cropping is a widespread farming practice in northwestern parts of India, primarily in the riverine plains of Haryana and Punjab. These fertile lands are well known for extensive agricultural fields; however, they are equally infamous for the burning of paddy and wheat straw and stubble by farmers after the harvesting season. In India, it is reckoned that 22,289 gigagrams (Gg) of paddy stubble biomass is generated annually, and of this 13,915 Gg (62.42%) is set ablaze in the agricultural fields. Haryana and Punjab alone produce 48% of the whole straw production in India, which is openly burned in situ. Burning of farm residue emits various trace gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), nitrogen oxides (NOX), and sulfur oxides (SOX), as well as huge quantities of particulate matter (PM), including PM of 10 microns or less (PM10) and 2.5 microns or less (PM2.5), into the atmosphere, causing negative impacts on human health and exacerbating global warming. It is estimated that the burning of one metric tonne (2,204.6 pounds) of straw releases 3 kilograms (kg) of PM, 60 kg of CO, 1,460 kg of CO2, 199 kg of ash, and 2 kg of SO2, causing significant global warming and acid rain. The major problems faced by the local people are eye irritation, dryness of eyes, lung diseases, and chest congestion. The National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab faced a disastrous smog impact during October 2016, and November 2017. These incidents led to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumoconiosis, bronchitis, cataract, corneal opacity, blindness, and air pollution (smog), especially indoor air pollution, which is also a risk factor for developing pulmonary tuberculosis. Because of severe air pollution, Delhi NCR alone experiences approximately 20,000 premature deaths annually. Cases of road accidents also increase during periods of stubble burning due to poor visibility. The emissions also contribute to haze, global warming, and climate change. In India, the National Green Tribunal prohibited this antediluvian farm practice of straw burning in the pollution‐racked city of New Delhi and the adjacent state of Haryana and, just to the northwest, Punjab. One of the methods that can be used to reduce this menace is incorporation of the straw into the soil, which eventually enhances soil fertility. The crop residue material can also be used for compost formation as a traditional approach. In addition, alternate energy resources can be generated from this agro‐biomass. Further, over the past decades, many conversion processes were developed to produce alternate biofuels in different forms (pellets, briquettes) from crop residues. An integrated crop residue management approach is the need of the hour to control this human‐induced catastrophe.
Vaccination Policies and the Principle of Least Restrictive Alternative: An Intervention Ladder
Authors: Giubilini Alberto 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe principle of least restrictive alternative (PLRA) states that policymakers have significant reason to implement the policy that is effective in achieving a certain result and that is least restrictive of individual liberty or autonomy. This chapter provides a ranking of vaccination policies, or an intervention ladder, on the basis of the PLRA, assessing the level of coercion of each type of policy. The ranking of vaccination policies I suggest, in order of increasing restrictiveness or coerciveness, is as follows: persuasion, nudging, financial incentives, disincentives (including withholding of financial benefits, taxation, and mandatory vaccination), and outright compulsion. Each type of policy suggestion is presented with a discussion of the level of restrictiveness or coerciveness involved and the potential effectiveness.
Creating a Surgical Controversy
Authors: Frampton Sally 
Published: December 2018

AbstractChapter 3 brings together two medical innovations of the early nineteenth century which were to become deeply entangled: ovariotomy and the weekly medical press. This chapter focuses on the period between the 1830s and 1850s, a time during which the operation to remove diseased ovaries was given the appellation ‘ovariotomy’, and when the debate as to the justifiability of the operation was at its most polarised. For an increasingly vocal group of advocates, the operation was heralded as the beginning of a new era in surgery. For influential opponents, it was nothing more than a useless and possibly criminal procedure. The operation was subject from both its supporters and detractors to highly emotive ‘subjective’ accounts, which centred upon patient narratives, as well as to ‘objective’ statistical deconstructions.