“I Found Myself Retweeting”: Using Twitter Chats to Build Professional Learning Networks

This chapter describes a mixed-method, multiple case study that examined ways in which synchronous educational Twitter chats were used, first, to enhance graduate and undergraduate university student learning, second, to build professional networks, and third, to provide a loosely regulated means to achieving self-determined professional development goals. Findings suggest that while difficult at the onset, participation in Twitter educational chats was an enhancement to students’ overall course learning experience. Specifically, university students’ use of chats for educators helped them achieve social presence in this virtual environment, as well as to better understand the connections between positive student-teacher relationships and K12 student learning. Included are recommendations for use of Twitter synchronous educational chats in the college classroom as well as future directions in research

Proteomic and ionomic profiling reveals significant alterations of protein expression and calcium homeostasis in cystic fibrosis cells

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder associated with mutations of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene and defective chloride transport across the epithelial cell membranes. Abnormal epithelial ion transport is the primary cause of persistent airway infections and chronic inflammation in CF patients. In order to gain further insight into the mechanisms of epithelial dysfunctions linked to CFTR mutations, we performed and integrated proteomic and ionomic analysis of human bronchial epithelial IB3-1 cells and compared them with a CFTR-complemented isogenic cell line (C38). Aside from changes that were consistent with known effects related to CFTR mutations, such as differences in glycolytic and gluconeogenic pathways and unfolded protein responses, differential proteomics highlighted significant alteration of protein expression and, in particular, of the 14-3-3 signalling pathway that is known to be involved in cellular calcium (Ca) homeostasis. Of note, restoring chloride efflux by acting on Ca cellular homeostasis has been shown to be a promising therapeutic intervention for CF. Ionomic analysis showed significant changes in the IB3-1 element profile compared with C38 cells and in particular we observed an increase of intracellular Ca that significantly correlates with intracellular zinc (Zn) levels, suggesting a synergistic role of Ca and Zn influx. This finding is particularly intriguing because Zn has been reported to be effective in CF treatment increasing Ca influx. Taken together, our proteomic and ionomic data reveal that CFTR mutation sets in motion endogenous mechanisms counteracting impaired chloride transport mainly acting on epithelial ion transport and increasing intracellular Ca, suggesting potential links between protein expression and this response

Jaws from the deep: biological and ecological insights on the kitefin shark Dalatias licha from the Mediterranean Sea

Due to their late maturation, extreme longevity, low fecundity and slow growth rates, deep-sea Chondrichthyes are extremely vulnerable to human impacts. Moreover, assessing the impact of deep-sea fisheries is difficult, as many species (including sharks) are part of the bycatch and are often discarded at sea, and/or landed under generic commercial-species codes. The lack of this information on fishery data sets and the limited availability of species-specific life history data make challenging the management of deep-sea Chondrichthyes. The kitefin shark Dalatias licha is a cosmopolitan elasmobranch, mainly found on continental and insular shelf-breaks and slopes in warm-temperate and tropical waters. This species is a common by-catch of the deep-sea trawling, considered as “Endangered” by the IUCN Red List for all European waters, Mediterranean Sea included. Here we present the results of a study based on a total of 78 specimens of kitefin shark collected over 3 years in the Ligurian Sea (NW Mediterranean) as by-catch from deep-water fisheries. Total length ranged from 380 to 1164 mm, and individual weight ranged from 198 to 8000 g. Immature and mature individuals showed a sex ratio dominated by males. Adult males were observed throughout the year, while mature females were observed only in spring-summer. These data lead to hypothesise a spatial segregation between genders. The kitefin shark diet was dominated by bony fish (mainly Macrouridae) and other small sharks (e.g., Galeus melastomus and Etmopterus spinax), but their gut included plastic items and parasites. Data reported here underline the rarity, complex ecology and the threat for this shark species and support the urgency of promoting initiatives for their monitoring and conservation

Ultrasound-assessed lung aeration correlates with respiratory system compliance in adults and neonates with acute hypoxemic restrictive respiratory failure: an observational prospective study

Background: Lung ultrasound allows lung aeration to be assessed through dedicated lung ultrasound scores (LUS). Despite LUS have been validated using several techniques, scanty data exist about the relationships between LUS and compliance of the respiratory system (Crs) in restrictive respiratory failure. Aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between LUS and Crs in neonates and adults affected by acute hypoxemic restrictive respiratory failure, as well as the effect of patients' age on this relationship. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional, international, patho-physiology, bi-center study recruiting invasively ventilated, adults and neonates with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), neonatal ARDS (NARDS) or respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) due to primary surfactant deficiency. Subjects without lung disease (NLD) and ventilated for extra-pulmonary conditions were recruited as controls. LUS, Crs and resistances (Rrs) of the respiratory system were measured within 1 h from each other. Results: Forty adults and fifty-six neonates were recruited. LUS was higher in ARDS, NARDS and RDS and lower in control subjects (overall p < 0.001), while Crs was lower in ARDS, NARDS and RDS and higher in control subjects (overall p < 0.001), without differences between adults and neonates. LUS and Crs were correlated in adults [r = - 0.86 (95% CI - 0.93; - 0.76), p < 0.001] and neonates [r = - 0.76 (95% CI - 0.85; - 0.62), p < 0.001]. Correlations remained significant among subgroups with different causes of respiratory failure; LUS and Rrs were not correlated. Multivariate analyses confirmed the association between LUS and Crs both in adults [B = - 2.8 (95% CI - 4.9; - 0.6), p = 0.012] and neonates [B = - 0.045 (95% CI - 0.07; - 0.02), p = 0.001]. Conclusions: Lung aeration and compliance of the respiratory system are significantly and inversely correlated irrespective of patients' age. A restrictive respiratory failure has the same ultrasound appearance and mechanical characteristics in adults and neonates

Elderly hypertensive patients: Silent white matter lesions, blood pressure variability, baroreflex impairment and cognitive deterioration

Introduction: Hypertension may increase the risk for stroke and is frequently associated with subcortical and periventricular white matter lesions (WML). This is considered a prognostic factor for the development of stroke and cognitive impairment, particularly in attention processes. Additionally, in elderly subjects, it is known the implications of alterations in the neural cardiovascular regulation and the cardiovascular risk. Aims: To evaluate, in asymptomatic elderly hypertensives, the association of ambulatory blood pressure values and autonomic activity with neurocognitive impairment and WML. In addition, we also evaluated the role of the autonomic nervous system particularly the vagal component, in the pathogenesis of white matter lesions. Methods: We studied 22 elderly essential hypertensive patients (69±1.1y) and as control group, 16 normotensive elderly subjects (age 67±3.2y) were also enrolled. To each one of them, a cerebral MRI was performed to classify them, by a neuro-radiologist blinded of the subject clinical status, using a 0 to 9 scale where 0 denoted no WML and 9 the most severe lesions. Twenty four hours arterial blood pressure monitoring was performed to each one of the subjects under study. Office blood pressure was measured 3 times and the mean value reported. Beat to beat finger arterial pressure monitoring (Finapres) was performed for a 2h period. During the first hour the patient remained lying supine in a quiet darkened room and during the second hour four manoeuvres: stand-up, cold pressor test, handgrip and quiet activity were randomly performed. Mean blood pressure and pulse interval values, from the two periods, and their respective variabilities, baroreflex sensitivity and power spectral analysis were calculated. Regarding neuropsychological assessment: Minimental test, attention evaluation, RAVLT, visual memory, language and executive function, geriatric depression scale, cognitive deficit rate tests were performed in all subject. Results: We found a closer correlation of WML with 24hs ABPM than with office BP readings being more evident with systolic blood pressure during the night time period. WML failed to show any correlation with SBP average values derived from the Finapres recordings in either the supine or the upright position, while it was positively and significantly related to PP in both conditions. However, beat to beat SBP variability, either in the supine or in the upright position, showed a positive and significant correlation with WML. During the resting period, BRS calculated through the sequence method (Time Domain) was similar in HT and NT subjects. However when BRS was assessed in the frequency domain a significant reduction was observed in HT compared with NT. In addition, At the time of laboratory manoeuvres implying sympathetic activation, BRS was significantly reduced as compared to the resting values being particularly evident for the HF values. In hypertensive subjects, only semantic fluency showed a significant difference (p=0.01), when compared to normotensives. When the patients were divided in older and younger than 75 years, a significant difference was observed in the delayed analysis of words, and in the phonological fluency showing a significant higher rate of pathological results in the group of patients older than 75 years. Conclusions: As previously shown, incidental WML, suggestive of silent cerebrovascular disease, is a frequent finding in elderly hypertensives. Night-time BP mean values and SBP variability in upright position seems to be the best predictor on silent cerebral WML. The vagal component of the autonomic nervous system seems to be involved in the pathogenesis of these lesions. Finally, the neurocognitive alterations are multifactorial in origin where the aging process seems to be the principal component.Fil: Ramírez, Agustín José. Fundación Favaloro; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Parati, Gianfranco. San Gerardo Hospital; Italia. University of Milan-Bicocca; ItaliaFil: Castiglioni, Paolo. Fondazione Don Gnocchi; ItaliaFil: Consalvo, Damian. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital General de Agudos "Ramos Mejía"; ArgentinaFil: Solis, Patricia Cristina Lourdes. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital General de Agudos "Ramos Mejía"; ArgentinaFil: Risk, Marcelo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Computación; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Waissman, Paola. Fundación Favaloro; ArgentinaFil: di Rienzo, Marco. Fondazione Don Gnocchi; ItaliaFil: Mancia, Giusepe. San Gerardo Hospital; Italia. University of Milan-Bicocca; ItaliaFil: Sanchez, Ramiro A.. Fundación Favaloro; Argentin

The addition of rituximab to fludarabine improves clinical outcome in untreated patients with ZAP-70-negative chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Clinical trials of monoclonal antibodies in combination with chemotherapy have reported previously unattained response rates in patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL); however, the analysis of ZAP-70 protein and/or CD38 may explain better the discordant outcomes independent of treatment

Women\u27s experiences on the path to a career in game development

This chapter seeks to identify whether there is a dominant, presupposed career pipeline to a career in game development and then looks for women and women’s experiences at each stage of that pipeline. It concludes that a dominant pipeline does exist and that this pathway both disadvantages women who attempt it and marginalizes other pathways. Along the way women deal with obstacles that can delegitimize their choices and experiences and/or make the assumed pathway inhospitable. This chapter relies on published literature as well as data from the 2014 and 2015 Developer Satisfaction Surveys (DSS) conducted by the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) in partnership with the authors

Traumatic aortic arch false aneurysm after blunt chest trauma in a motocross rider

This article details a case report of a traumatic aortic arch false aneurysm after blunt chest trauma. Thoracic aorta false aneurysms are a rare and life-threatening complication of aortic surgery, infection, genetic disorders and trauma

Challenging notions of gendered game play: teenagers playing `The Sims`

This paper challenges notions of gendered game playing practice implicit in much research into young women\u27s involvement with the computer gaming culture. It draws on a study of Australian teenagers playing The Sims Deluxe as part of an English curriculum unit and insights from feminist media studies to explore relationships between gender and game playing practices. Departing from a reliance on predetermined notions of &ldquo;gender&rdquo;, &ldquo;domestic space&rdquo;, and &ldquo;successful game play&rdquo;, it conceptualizes The Sims as a game in which the boundaries between gender and domestic space are disturbed. It argues that observing students\u27 constructions of gender and domestic space through the act of game play itself provides a more productive insight into the gendered dimensions of game play for educators wishing to work computer games such as The Sims into curriculum development.<br /