bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ameliorative effects of oral ginger and/or thyme aqueous extracts on productive and reproductive performance of V‐line male rabbits
Authors: Kandeil Mohamed Ahmed , Mohamed Alaa El‐deen H. , Abdel Gabbar Mohammed , Ahmed Rasha Rashad , Ali Shimaa M.
Published: July 2019

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of ginger and/or thyme aqueous extracts administration on the growth rate, caecum activity, reproductive performance and semen quality of rabbits. A total of 24 V‐line male rabbits at the age of 12 weeks were divided randomly into four equal groups (6/each) until 24 weeks of age. Treatments were as follows: drinking fresh water and served as control (G1); drinking water supplemented with 100 mg/kg b. wt. of ginger aqueous extract (G2); drinking water supplemented with 50 mg/kg b. wt. of thyme aqueous extract (G3); drinking water supplemented with 100 mg/kg b. wt. of ginger aqueous extract plus 50 mg/kg b. wt. of thyme aqueous extract (G4). Administration of aqueous thyme extract with 50 mg/kg b. wt. improved (p < 0.001) feed intake and growth performance compared to control. The highest average daily gain (p < 0.001) was found for G3 rabbits followed by G4, G2 and G1 respectively. While the most efficient feed conversion ratio was found in G4. Group 3 and group 4 had significant (p < 0.05) positive effect on caecum pH, ammonia and TVFAs concentration. Data indicated that treated groups had hastened the age with heavier body weight, larger testicular size and higher testosterone level. Also, most semen characteristics (volume, progressive motility, sperm concentration and normal spermatozoa) were higher in treated groups compared with the control group. Furthermore, gathering of the spermatozoa in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules, expanded epithelial cells stature of the epididymis with stuffed lumens with sperms in treated groups. In conclusion, aqueous extracts of ginger and/or thyme can be used as a growth promoter for improving reproductive performance of V‐line male rabbits.
Effects of maintaining web‐based diaries by caregivers on adherence to care regimens in preschoolers with asthma
Authors: Hashi Shinobu , Tsukasaki Keiko , Nakamura Toshimi , Kyota Kaoru , Itatani Tomoya
Published: July 2019

Background

The objective of this pilot study was to assess the effects of maintaining web‐based diaries by the caregivers of preschoolers with asthma on the adherence to asthma care regimens, the recognition of asthma symptoms, and their perceived levels of parenting stress, quality of life, and family functioning.

Design and Methods

The caregivers of preschoolers with asthma completed a 4‐week web‐based diary and received weekly emails that depicted their children's asthma symptoms. We compared asthma symptoms from before and after the intervention. We analyzed demographic data, such as the caregivers’ age and education, and assessment scores from the Japanese Pediatric Asthma Control program (JPAC), Adherence with Asthma Management for Caregivers of Preschoolers (AAMCP), General Functioning subscale of the Family Assessment Device (GF‐FAD), Parenting Stress Index Short Form (PSI‐SF), and Quality of Life assessment scale for Caregivers of Asthmatic Children 24 (QOLCA‐24).

Results

A total of 45 participants were included in the analyses. The mean scores depicting asthma control were significantly improved postintervention (pre: 12.29 ± 2.65; post: 13.02 ± 2.01; t = −2.15, p = .037). Mean AAMCP scores postintervention (52.13 ± 6.25) were significantly greater than before (49.78 ± 7.20; t = −3.07; p = .004).

Practice Implications

Adherence to asthma care and the recognition of asthma symptoms improved following the use of a web‐based diary, making it a potential cost‐effective intervention for asthma patients and their families.
The risk of hepatocellular carcinoma among chronic hepatitis B virus‐infected patients outside current treatment criteria
Authors: Sinn Dong Hyun , Kim Sung Eun , Kim Beom Kyung , Kim Ji Hoon , Choi Moon Seok
Published: July 2019

We assessed the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in those outside of current treatment recommendations and risk factors associated with HCC development. A multi‐centre, retrospective cohort of 3624 patients who were monitored without antiviral treatment was analysed. Incident HCC risk according to the Asian Pacific Association for the study of the Liver (APASL), the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD) and the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) treatment recommendations was assessed. A risk score was developed using independent factors associated with HCC development among patients who were outside current treatment criteria. During a median follow‐up of 4.6 years, incident HCC was diagnosed in 161 (4.4%) patients. The proportions of patients who developed HCC outside treatment recommendation according to APASL, AASLD and EASL criteria were 64.0%, 46.0% and 33.5%, respectively. The 5‐year cumulative HCC incidence rate was 13.9% for cirrhotic patients with low‐level viremia and 6.1 ~ 7.3% for chronic hepatitis patients with elevated HBV DNA levels plus mildly elevated alanine aminotransferase levels. Among patients who were outside treatment recommendation, age, sex, hepatitis B e antigen, cirrhosis, alanine aminotransferase and platelet levels were independent factors associated with HCC development. When these factors were used to calculate the risk score for each patient, those with a score ≥8 had a higher HCC incidence rate (14.3% at 5‐year), although they were currently outside treatment recommendations. Thus, HCC was observed among patients who were outside current treatment criteria indicating that careful monitoring for HCC and efforts to identify patients at risk are required.
Feasibility of engaging caregivers in at‐home surveillance of children with uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition
Authors: Isanaka Sheila , Berthé Fatou , Nackers Fabienne , Tang Kevin , Hanson Kerstin E. , Grais Rebecca F.
Published: July 2019

Many factors can contribute to low coverage of treatment for severe acute malnutrition (SAM), and a limited number of health facilities and trained personnel can constrain the number of children that receive treatment. Alternative models of care that shift the responsibility for routine clinical and anthropometric surveillance from the health facility to the household could reduce the burden of care associated with frequent facility‐based visits for both healthcare providers and caregivers. To assess the feasibility of shifting clinical surveillance to caregivers in the outpatient management of SAM, we conducted a pilot study to assess caregivers' understanding and retention of key concepts related to the surveillance of clinical danger signs and anthropometric measurement over a 28‐day period. At the time of a child's admission to nutritional treatment, a study nurse provided a short training to groups of caregivers on two topics: (a) clinical danger signs in children with SAM that warrant facility‐based care and (b) methods to measure and monitor their child's mid‐upper arm circumference. Caregiver understanding was assessed using standardized questionnaires before training, immediately after training, and 28 days after training. Knowledge of most clinical danger signs (e.g., convulsions, edema, poor appetite, respiratory distress, and lethargy) was low (0–45%) before training but increased immediately after and was retained 28 days after training. Agreement between nurse–caregiver mid‐upper arm circumference colour classifications was 77% (98/128) immediately after training and 80% after 28 days. These findings lend preliminary support to pursue further study of alternative models of care that allow for greater engagement of caregivers in the clinical and anthropometric surveillance of children with SAM.
Telomere attrition predicts reduced survival in a wild social bird, but short telomeres do not
Authors: Wood Emma M. , Young Andrew J.
Published: July 2019

Attempts to understand the causes of variation in senescence trajectories would benefit greatly from biomarkers that reflect the progressive declines in somatic integrity (SI) that lead to senescence. While telomere length has attracted considerable interest in this regard, sources of variation in telomere length potentially unrelated to declines in SI could, in some contexts, leave telomere attrition rates a more effective biomarker than telomere length alone. Here, we investigate whether telomere length and telomere attrition rates predict the survival of wild white‐browed sparrow‐weaver nestlings (Plocepasser mahali). Our analyses of telomere length reveal counterintuitive patterns: telomere length soon after hatching negatively predicted nestling survival to fledging, a pattern that appears to be driven by differentially high in‐nest predation of broods with longer telomeres. Telomere length did not predict survival outside this period: neither hatchling telomere length nor telomere length in the mid‐nestling period predicted survival from fledging to adulthood. Our analyses using within‐individual telomere attrition rates, by contrast, revealed the expected relationships: nestlings that experienced a higher rate of telomere attrition were less likely to survive to adulthood, regardless of their initial telomere length and independent of effects of body mass. Our findings support the growing use of telomeric traits as biomarkers of SI, but lend strength to the view that longitudinal assessments of within‐individual telomere attrition since early life may be a more effective biomarker in some contexts than telomere length alone.
Biomarker changes associated with clinical symptoms in MELAS patient
Authors: Matsui Misa , Yamadera Misaki , Saito Toshio , Fujimura Harutoshi , Sakoda Saburo , Koga Yasutoshi
Published: July 2019

FGF21 and GDF15 are known as useful biomarkers for diagnosis of mitochondrial disorders, though their efficacy for evaluating disease severity is not well established. We determined their levels in a patient with a mitochondrial disorder and report our findings. Both biomarkers were elevated at the initial disease stage and then greatly increased with progression. Furthermore, those levels decreased along with improved clinical symptoms in response to pyruvate therapy.
Applying the concept of structural empowerment to interactions between families and home‐care nurses
Authors: Funk Laura M. , Stajduhar Kelli I. , Giesbrecht Melissa , Cloutier Denise , Williams Allison , Wolse Faye
Published: July 2019

Interpretations of family carer empowerment in much nursing research, and in home‐care practice and policy, rarely attend explicitly to families’ choice or control about the nature, extent or length of their involvement, or control over the impact on their own health. In this article, structural empowerment is used as an analytic lens to examine home‐care nurses’ interactions with families in one Western Canadian region. Data were collected from 75 hrs of fieldwork in 59 interactions (18 nurses visiting 16 families) and interviews with 12 nurses and 11 family carers. Generally, nurses prioritized client empowerment, and their practice with families appeared oriented to supporting their role and needs as carers (i.e. rather than as unique individuals beyond the caring role), and reinforcing the caring role through validation and recognition. Although families generally expressed appreciation for these interactions, a structural empowerment lens illustrates how the broad context of home care shapes the interpretation and practice of empowerment in ways that can, paradoxically, be disempowering for families. Opportunities to effectively support family choice and control when a client is being cared for at home are discussed.
Paleoenvironmental interpretation of the mid‐late Holocene of Corrientes province, Argentina
Authors: Fernandez Pacella Lionel , Lara María Belén
Published: July 2019

The objective of the present paper is to recognize and reconstruct, from the analysis of pollen recovered from sedimentary cores, the predominant plant communities and their variations during the Holocene in Corrientes Argentina, in order to infer changes in climatic conditions, vegetation and paleoenvironmental evolution in the northeast of Argentina. For this study, lakes located in the central region of Corrientes province were selected, comprising part of the western margin of the Iberá Wetland. The palynological analysis of the paleocommunities shows, in a first stage of the mid Holocene, the predominance of marsh grasslands and hygrophilous communities that indicates humid to sub‐humid environmental conditions. In a later stage of the mid Holocene, the paleocommunities show a characteristic association of wetlands, which together with the presence of Typha sp., would indicate sub‐humid to humid conditions and waterlogged or flooded soils with slow‐moving water. For the late Holocene, the paleocommunities show, initially, the presence of a grass‐dominated herbaceous steppe, indicating environmental disturbances, which in the fossil record could reflect the combination of intense wind action under a dry climate. In a later stage, the frequency and variety of species characteristic of humid environments increase, dominated by marshy‐herbaceous species, in addition to the development of the hygrophilous forest. Consequently, since the mid Holocene, the main climate factors responsible for the observed changes in wetland conditions were the location and intensity of the Atlantic and Pacific anticyclones in addition to changes in sea level. These forces mainly affected the distribution of precipitation, causing significant changes in the vegetation communities.
Mollugo viscosa sp. nov. (Molluginaceae), a segregate of M. brasiliensis from Minas Gerais in eastern Brazil
Authors: Thulin Mats , Harley Raymond M.
Published: July 2019

The new species Mollugo viscosa Thulin & Harley is described from Minas Gerais in eastern Brazil. It was previously part of the recently published M. brasiliensis Thulin & Harley, a species that was found to be non‐monophyletic in molecular phylogenetic analyses. Mollugo brasiliensis is here divided into a northern species (M. brasiliensis s.str.) in Bahia and a southern species (M. viscosa sp. nov.) in Minas Gerais. The new species differs from M. brasiliensis in its denser and more viscous indumentum, and in its distinctly smaller seeds with smaller tubercles and a smaller hilar peg, and from its sister species M. ulei by being a perennial herb with bisexual flowers.
Expediting Reincarnation in the Fifth Millennium BCE: Interpreting the Chalcolithic Ossuaries of the Southern Levant
Authors: Ilan David , Rowan Yorke
Published: July 2019

We examine and reinterpret the phenomenon of containers used for the secondary burial of human remains – ossuaries – in the Chalcolithic period of the southern Levant, c.4500–3700 BCE. Ossuary form and decoration, both plastic and painted, is evocative and symbol‐laden. Since their first discovery in the 1930s, several hypotheses have sought to explain ossuary iconography, but none provides an integrated, holistic interpretation. Chalcolithic iconography, mortuary contexts, and archetypal mythologies suggest that ossuaries, mainly of clay, but also of stone, served as vehicles of reincarnation.
Architecture and Urbanism in the Fortified Settlement of Pech Maho (Sigean, France) in the Third Century BC: A Social and Economic Perspective
Authors: Gailledrat Eric , Belarte Maria Carme
Published: July 2019

This paper offers a synthesis of the urbanism and architecture of Pech Maho (Sigean) from a social and economic point of view. Its aim is to highlight the specificities of this settlement in the context of the Late Iron Age between south France and north‐east Spain. During the third century BC, this small site had an impressive defensive system, as well as quite a complex urban framework. The constructed blocks excavated so far show a predominance of multicellular buildings that testify to a wide range of ground plans. Most of the spaces seem to have been devoted to specialized activities of a clear economic orientation, whilst other buildings or spaces have a strong symbolic nature. Rooms used exclusively for domestic tasks are in the minority, while a large dwelling in the central area appears to have been a private residential unit. All of this suggests that Pech Maho would have been an economic centre, as well as the residence of an elite that would have exerted control over the productive and trading activities, in a context that clearly evokes that of an emporion.
Regulation of IL‐24 in human oral keratinocytes stimulated with Tannerella forsythia
Authors: Ko Yeon‐Kyeong , An Sun‐Jin , Han Na‐Young , Lee Hookeun , Choi Bong‐Kyu
Published: July 2019

Interleukin‐24 is a pleiotropic immunoregulatory cytokine and a member of the IL‐20R subfamily of the IL‐10 family. The aim of this study was to investigate the regulation of IL‐24 in the human oral keratinocyte cell line HOK‐16B following infection with Tannerella forsythia, a major periodontal pathogen. T. forsythia induced the expression of IL‐24 mRNA and the secretion of glycosylated IL‐24 in HOK‐16B cells. Glycosylation of IL‐24 is linked to its solubility and bioavailability. T. forsythia‐stimulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced the expression of IL‐24, which was regulated by IL‐6. The ROS inhibitor N‐acetylcysteine and MAPK inhibitors significantly reduced the expression of IL‐6 and IL‐24 induced by T. forsythia. Recombinant human IL‐24 significantly enhanced the expression of IL‐1α, IL‐8, CXCL10, and MCP‐1 in HOK‐16B cells. Together, these results indicate that ROS, MAPKs, and IL‐6 comprise the axis of IL‐24 expression in HOK‐16B cells stimulated with T. forsythia. Thus, IL‐24 may be involved in inflammation in oral keratinocytes.
Anchoring of a Kinked Uncemented Femoral Stem after Preparation with a Straight or a Kinked Reamer
Authors: Heinecke Markus , Layher Frank , Matziolis Georg
Published: July 2019

Objective

To investigate a stem‐adjusted preparation of the femur with a kinked reamer and to determine whether this approach results in higher primary stability of a kinked stem than straight reaming of the intramedullary canal.

Methods

Ten cementless stems with a kinked design were implanted in synthetic femurs after preparation of the femoral canal with 2 different reamer designs (straight reaming [SR] group vs kinked reaming [KR] group). The specimens were analyzed using CT to determine the anchoring length and examined with a mechanical testing system to establish their axial stiffness, torsional stiffness, and migration distance after 10 000 gait cycles.

Results

The stem migration distances did not differ significantly between the groups (SR group 0.51 ± 0.16 mm vs KR group 0.36 ± 0.03 mm, P = 0.095). Only for the SR group, a correlation was found between the completely conical anchorage length and absolute stem migration (P < 0.05, R = 0.89). Regarding the torsional stiffness, no differences were observed between the study groups (SR group 6.48 ± 0.17 Nm/° vs KR group 6.52 ± 0.25 Nm/°, P = 0.398). In the KR group, significantly higher axial stiffness values were measured than in the SR group (SR group 1.68 ± 0.14 kN/mm vs KR group 2.09 ± 0.13 kN/mm, P = 0.008).

Conclusions

The implantation of a kinked stem after kinked conical intramedullary preparation of the proximal femur showed equivalent results regarding anchoring length, stem migration, and torsional stiffness to those for straight conical reaming. The specimens with kinked reaming showed significantly higher axial stiffness values.
Mutations in MIR396e and MIR396f increase grain size and modulate shoot architecture in rice
Authors: Miao Chunbo , Wang Dong , He Reqing , Liu Shenkui , Zhu Jian‐Kang
Published: July 2019

Grain size and plant architecture are critical factors determining crop productivity. Here, we performed gene editing of the MIR396 gene family in rice and found that MIR396e and MIR396f are two important regulators of grain size and plant architecture. mir396ef mutations can increase grain yield by increasing grain size. In addition, mir396ef mutations resulted in an altered plant architecture, with lengthened leaves but shortened internodes, especially the uppermost internode. Our research suggests that mir396ef mutations promote leaf elongation by increasing the level of a gibberellin (GA) precursor, mevalonic acid, which subsequently promotes GA biosynthesis. However, internode elongation in mir396ef mutants appears to be suppressed via reduced CYP96B4 expression but not via the GA pathway. This research provides candidate gene‐editing targets to breed elite rice varieties.
Oxidative stress parameters in children with acute rheumatic fever
Authors: Gözü Pirinccioglu Ayfer , Alyan Ömer , Akin Alper , Kizil Göksel , Işik Fatma Birgul
Published: July 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate of the role of oxidative stress (OS) in acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and its relationship with the progress of the disease.

Methods

Thirty patients with ARF and 31 age–sex‐matched healthy children were enrolled in this study. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PCO), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), cytokines (tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured. The diagnosis of ARF was based on the Jones criteria.

Results

Patients with ARF had significantly higher serum MDA, PCO, hs‐CRP and cytokine levels and lower TAC than healthy controls. On Pearson's correlation analysis we found that oxidative stress markers were positively correlated with hs‐CRP and cytokines, while TAC was negatively correlated with MDA, PCO, hs‐CRP and cytokines. The number of valves involved as well as the level of mitral valve involvement was also significantly related to the oxidative stress parameters and TAC. All oxidative stress parameters decreased significantly with anti‐inflammatory therapy while TAC increased.

Conclusion

Malondialdehyde and PCO, as biomarkers, as well as hs‐CRP together with the other available diagnostic tools, can be used in the evaluation of patients with ARF.
Cortical thickness increases with levomilnacipran treatment in a pilot randomised double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial in late‐life depression
Authors: Krause‐Sorio Beatrix , Kilpatrick Lisa , Siddarth Prabha , Ercoli Linda , Laird Kelsey T. , Aguilar‐Faustino Yesenia , Milillo Michaela M. , Narr Katherine L. , Lavretsky Helen
Published: July 2019

Background

Late‐life depression (LLD) is associated with significant medical comorbidity, cognitive impairment, and suboptimal treatment response compared to depression experienced earlier in life. Levomilnacipran (LVM) is a novel antidepressant the effects of which on neuroplasticity have not yet been investigated. We investigated the effect of LVM on cortical thickness in a pilot randomised placebo‐controlled trial in LLD.

Methods

Twenty‐nine adults (≥ 60 years) with major depression (48.3% female; mean age = 71.5 ± 5.8 years; mean education = 16.0 ± 1.7 years) were randomised to either LVM or placebo for 12 weeks. T1‐weighted images were acquired at baseline and 12 weeks. Thirteen subjects (six LVM and seven placebo) completed the study. Group differences in cortical thickness change across the study period were evaluated, with age and total intracranial volume included as covariates.

Results

Dropout rates did not differ significantly between groups. The LVM group had significantly more side effects, but no serious adverse events were reported. Lower LVM dose (≤ 40 mg) was better tolerated than higher doses (80–120 mg). Additionally, the LVM group showed a larger increase in cortical thickness in the right postcentral gyrus (primary somatosensory), supramarginal gyrus (sensory association region), and lateral occipital cortex (visual cortex) compared to the placebo group and greater reductions in the left insula.

Conclusions

LVM may be less tolerable by older adults with depression and the effects on cortical thickness across sensory and sensory association regions may be related to the experience of side effects. Larger studies are necessary to evaluate treatment efficacy, tolerability, and neural effects of LVM in LLD.
Review: Molecular mechanisms of sex differentiation in sturgeons
Authors: Fajkowska Magdalena , Ostaszewska Teresa , Rzepkowska Małgorzata
Published: July 2019

Sex determination is a complex process, especially in fish where multiple models of sex determination can be identified. The fate of differentiating gonads may depend on species genetics, environmental or behavioural factors. In the case of the sturgeon, sex determination is most likely of genetic origin and is characterized by a ZW female heterogametic system. However, molecular mechanisms of sex development and differentiation in sturgeons are poorly understood. Due to the lack of sexual dimorphism and a long period of maturation combined with invaluable caviar obtained from sturgeons, plenty of research revolving around discovering master sex‐determining gene has been done. Yet, despite numerous studies utilizing multiple approaches and techniques to find key genes involved in sex differentiation, no master sex‐determining genes were identified in sturgeons. Nevertheless, the latest research provided a great deal of data regarding the expression of genes commonly related with sex development and differentiation in vertebrates. Several of these genes were found to be connected with the same processes in sturgeons. This review attempts to summarize research into the expression of genes involved in sex differentiation and development in sturgeons.
Partial failure of CPAP treatment for sleep apnoea: Analysis of the French national sleep database
Authors: Bailly Sébastien , Daabek Najeh , Jullian‐Desayes Ingrid , Joyeux‐Faure Marie , Sapène Marc , Grillet Yves , Borel Jean‐Christian , Tamisier Renaud , Pépin Jean‐Louis
Published: July 2019

Background and objective

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the first‐line therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Residual apnoea and/or hypopnoea events, that is an apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) > 5, during CPAP contribute to treatment drop‐out. The clinical scenarios triggering residual events during CPAP use are poorly described. Underlying co‐morbidities, especially cardiovascular diseases, lifestyle factors, OSA characteristics at diagnosis and type of mask have been suggested as potential contributors.

Methods

Patients from the prospective French sleep apnoea registry diagnosed with OSA (AHI ≥ 15 events/h) treated with CPAP were included. Logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with a risk of residual AHI > 5 events/h on CPAP.

Results

The 12 285 OSA patients were predominantly men (n = 8715, 70.9%), middle‐aged (58.2 (49.8; 66.1) years) and obese (median body mass index: 31.3 (27.7; 35.6) kg/m2). Most had an AHI ≤ 5 events/h (n = 9573, 77.9%) versus 22.1% with AHI > 5/h. The latter were less CPAP adherent (5.75 (4.01; 7.00) vs 6.00 (4.53; 7.00) h/night). In multivariable analysis, factors associated with residual AHI >5/h were male sex, age, sedentary lifestyle, OSA severity, cardiovascular co‐morbidities (heart failure and arrhythmia) and type of interface (orofacial mask versus nasal mask: OR = 2.15 (95%CI: 1.95; 2.37)). A subgroup analysis found that patients using pressures above 10 cm H2O were 1.43 (95% CI: 1.3; 1.57) times more likely to have residual AHI > 5/h.

Conclusion

Knowing about risk factors for residual apnoeic–hypopnoeic events may assist in the timely provision of personalized care including the type of PAP therapy, attention to co‐morbidities and choice of interface.
Editors’ Introduction: Remembering With Others: Conversational Dynamics and Mnemonic Outcomes
Authors: Bietti Lucas M. , Stone Charles B.
Published: July 2019

Remembering the past through conversations with others is a uniquely human endeavor. Conversational remembering consists of specific dynamics and can lead to mnemonic outcomes. While conversational dynamics refer to the interactive processes (e.g., the roles speakers and listeners may undertake during the conversation) shaping collaborative remembering, conversational outcomes are about the mnemonic and functional consequences (e.g., forging social bonds) of those processes. Thus, the aim of the present article is to introduce the reader to key concepts and paradigms that have been rigorously developed to empirically investigate the dynamics and outcomes of conversational remembering in cognitive research. The collected review and empirical articles gathered in this topic provide the state‐of‐the‐art in the field.
p62/SQSTM1 expression in canine mammary tumours: Evolutionary notes
Authors: Mariotti Francesca , Magi Gian Enrico , Gavazza Alessandra , Vincenzetti Silvia , Komissarov Andrey , Shneider Alex , Venanzi Franco Maria
Published: July 2019

Recent studies highlighted the role of autophagy as a cardinal regulatory system for homeostasis and cancer‐related signalling pathways. In this context, the deregulated expression of p62 – Sequestosome1 (p62/SQSTM1) – a protein acting both as an autophagy receptor and signalling hub, has been associated with tumour development and chronic inflammation. Multiple clinical studies test drugs targeting autophagy, and even more research is on the way to clinical trials. However, no comparative investigations have been carried out to identify adequate preclinical models to assess p62‐based medicine. In veterinary oncology the role of p62 in cancer‐related pathways has been largely ignored. We compared p62 sequences in multiple organisms and found that canine p62 significantly diverges from the humans and from other animals sequences. Then, we chart by immunohistochemistry the expression levels of p62 in canine mammary tumours. A total of 66 tumours and 10 non‐neoplastic mammary samples were examined. The expression of p62 was higher in normal tissue and adenomas than carcinomas, with lowest levels of p62 protein detected in high grade carcinomas. In all cases examined the tumour stroma appeared to be p62‐negative. Taken together our results would suggest that in dogs the association between p62 expression and cancer cells overturns that reported in human breast carcinoma, where p62 accumulates in malignant cells as compared to normal epithelium. Thus, at least in canine mammary tumours, p62 should be not considered a tumour‐rejection antigen for an anti‐cancer immunotherapy.
Long‐term prognosis for return to athletic function after interspinous ligament desmotomy for treatment of impinging and overriding dorsal spinous processes in horses: 71 cases (2012–2017)
Authors: Prisk Amanda J. , García‐López José M.
Published: July 2019

Objective

To determine the long‐term return to performance of horses with impinging and/or overriding dorsal spinous processes (ORDSP) treated with interspinous ligament desmotomy (ISLD) and to determine the prognostic value of radiographic and scintigraphic grades.

Study design

Retrospective study.

Animals

Seventy‐one horses with ORDSP treated with ISLD.

Methods

Medical records were reviewed for signalment, physical examination, gait evaluation, and number of interspinous spaces treated. Preoperative radiographic and scintigraphic images were evaluated with grading scales. Follow‐up was obtained with a telephone questionnaire. Prognostic value of the number of affected interspinous spaces, radiographic grading, and scintigraphic grading was tested by using a χ2test.

Results

A median follow‐up of 35 months (range, 8–64) was available for 56 horses. Fifty‐one of 56 (91.1%) horses returned to some level of performance, with 27 of 51 (52.9%) horses achieving equivalent or higher level of performance. Achieving a lower level of performance was attributed to recurrent back pain in nine of 24 (37.5%) horses and to unassociated lameness in nine of 24 (37.5%) horses. Owners of 44 of 56 (78.6%) horses were satisfied with the postoperative performance level, and owners of 46 of 56 (82.1%) horses would recommend the procedure. None of the variables tested influenced the return to performance.

Conclusion

Interspinous ligament desmotomy allowed horses with ORDSP to return to some level of performance, although fewer returned to an equivalent or higher level of performance than had previously been reported.

Clinical significance

Interspinous ligament desmotomy allows affected horses to return to some level of performance, regardless of the severity of radiographic and scintigraphic findings.
Valence and conduction band offsets at beryllium oxide interfaces with silicon carbide and III-V nitrides
Authors: Koh Donghyi , Banerjee Sanjay K. , Locke Chris , Saddow Stephen E. , Brockman Justin , Kuhn Markus , King Sean W.
Published: July 2019

Beryllium oxide (BeO) is a large bandgap material with extreme properties that make it an ideal gate dielectric for pairing with other wide bandgap semiconductors such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN). In this regard, the authors have utilized x-ray photoemission spectroscopy to determine the valence band offset (VBO) between atomic layer deposited (ALD) BeO and epilayers of the cubic form of silicon carbide (3C-SiC) grown on crystalline silicon (Si) substrates. The BeO VBO with 3C-SiC epilayers grown on both Si (111) and (001) substrates was determined to be 1.6 ± 0.1 and 1.5 ± 0.1 eV, respectively. Applying the band alignment rules of transitivity and commutativity, the authors additionally determine the VBO for BeO with GaN, aluminum nitride, and hexagonal boron nitride to be 0.9 ± 0.2, 0.7 ± 0.3, and 1.0 ± 0.2 eV, respectively. Utilizing the reported bandgap for ALD BeO (8.0 ± 0.1 eV) and literature values for SiC and the group III-nitrides (III-N), the authors find a type I band alignment with conduction band offsets >1 eV in all cases. These results indicate that BeO is a promising dielectric for wide bandgap SiC and III-N high-power, high-temperature, and high-frequency device applications.
Vocal tract shape and acoustic adjustments of children during phonation into narrow flow-resistant tubes
Authors: Patel Rita R. , Lulich Steven M. , Verdi Alessandra
Published: July 2019

The goal of the study is to quantify the salient vocal tract acoustic, subglottal acoustic, and vocal tract physiological characteristics during phonation into a narrow flow-resistant tube with 2.53 mm inner diameter and 124 mm length in typically developing vocally healthy children using simultaneous microphone, accelerometer, and 3D/4D ultrasound recordings. Acoustic measurements included fundamental frequency (fo), first formant frequency (F1), second formant frequency (F2), first subglottal resonance (FSg1), and peak-to-peak amplitude ratio (Pvt:Psg). Physiological measurements included posterior tongue height (D1), tongue dorsum height (D2), tongue tip height (D3), tongue length (D4), oral cavity width (D5), hyoid elevation (D6), pharynx width (D7). All measurements were made on eight boys and ten girls (6–9 years) during sustained /o:/ production at typical pitch and loudness, with and without flow-resistant tube. Phonation with the flow-resistant tube resulted in a significant decrease in F1, F2, and Pvt:Psg and a significant increase in D2, D3, and FSg1. A statistically significant gender effect was observed for D1, with D1 higher in boys. These findings agree well with reported findings from adults, suggesting common acoustic and articulatory mechanisms for narrow flow-resistant tube phonation. Theoretical implications of the findings are discussed.
Knowledge of the Adult and Youth 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
Authors: Hyde Eric T. , Omura John D. , Watson Kathleen B. , Fulton Janet E. , Carlson Susan A.
Published: July 2019

Background: To estimate the proportion of adults’ and parents’ knowledge of the adult aerobic and youth physical activity guidelines, respectively, in the United States. Methods: Data were analyzed from a national sample of adults in the 2017 ConsumerStyles survey. Prevalence of knowledge of the adult aerobic guideline (ie, 150 min/wk of moderate-intensity activity) was estimated among all respondents (n = 3910) and of the youth guideline (ie, 60 min/d of physical activity on 7 d/wk) among parents (n = 1288). Odds ratios were estimated using logistic regression models adjusting for demographic characteristics. Results: Overall, 2.5% (95% confidence interval, 2.0–3.1) of adults and 23.0% (95% confidence interval, 20.5–25.7) of parents were knowledgeable of the adult aerobic and youth guidelines, respectively. After adjustment, odds of knowledge of the adult guideline differed significantly by sex and physical activity level, whereas knowledge of the youth guideline differed by parental education level. Conclusions: Despite the release of the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans nearly a decade ago, most US adults and parents lack knowledge of the adult aerobic and youth physical activity guidelines. Effective communication strategies may help raise awareness of current and future editions of national guidelines for physical activity.
Agreement Between GT3X Accelerometer and ActivPAL Inclinometer for Estimating and Detecting Changes in Different Contexts of Sedentary Time Among Adolescents
Authors: Silva Danilo R. , Minderico Cláudia S. , Júdice Pedro B. , Werneck André O. , Ohara David , Cyrino Edilson S. , Sardinha Luís B.
Published: July 2019

Background: This investigation aimed to analyze the agreement between the GT3X accelerometer and the ActivPAL inclinometer for estimating and detecting changes in sedentary behavior of different contexts among adolescents. Methods: Secondary data from an intervention using standing desks in the classroom conducted within 2 sixth-grade classes (intervention [n = 22] and control [n = 27]) were used. The intervention took place over 16 weeks, with activity assessments (ActivPAL and GT3X) being performed 7 days before and in the last week of the intervention. Baseline information from both groups was considered for cross-sectional analysis (209 valid days), while data from 20 participants (intervention group) were used for longitudinal analysis. Results: The authors observed that GT3X overestimated sedentary time at school (16.8%), after school (13.5%), and during weekends (7.3%) compared with ActivPAL (P < .05). Outside the school (after school [r = −.188] and on weekends [r = −.260]), there was a trend to higher overestimation among adolescents with less sedentary behavior. Longitudinally, the GT3X was unable to detect changes resulting from an intervention in school hours (ActivPAL = −34.7 min·9 h−1 vs GT3X = +6.7 min·9 h−1; P < .05). Conclusions: The authors conclude that GT3X (cut-point of <100 counts·min−1) overestimated sedentary time of free-living activities and did not detect changes resulting from a classroom standing desk intervention in adolescents.
Feasibility of a Home-Based Balance Intervention in Middle-Aged Women Using Wii Fit Plus®
Authors: Wherry Sarah J. , Ananian Cheryl Der , Swan Pamela D.
Published: July 2019

Background: This study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of a home-based exercise intervention using the Wii Fit Plus®. Methods: A randomized, controlled trial of 24 women (age 53.6 [5.4] y) was used to assess compliance and changes in balance over 12 weeks. Balance was measured via the Berg Balance Scale and Frailty and Injuries: Cooperative Studies of Intervention Techniques-4 Scale at baseline and week 6 and week 12. Participant compliance to the intervention was captured via paper logs and the electronic record collected by the Wii Fit Plus®. Results: Participants in the intervention group were 95% compliant based on electronic records. There were no significant differences between groups for total score on either balance scale. There was a significant group × time interaction in favor of the intervention for maximum velocity y (P < .05), average velocity (P < .05), and was trending for maximum velocity x (P = .05) in the tandem step, eyes closed position. Conclusions: The results suggest that the Wii Fit Plus® is appropriate for home-based interventions in middle-aged women. Modest improvements in balance indicate that this may be an effective means to improve or maintain balance in older women. More research is needed to determine compliance and benefits to reducing fall risk in durations exceeding 12 weeks.
Long-Term Physical Activity May Modify Brain Structure and Function: Studies in Young Healthy Twins
Authors: Tarkka Ina M. , Hautasaari Pekka , Pesonen Heidi , Niskanen Eini , Rottensteiner Mirva , Kaprio Jaakko , Savić Andrej M. , Kujala Urho M.
Published: July 2019

Background: Physical activity (PA) is said to be beneficial to many bodily functions. However, the effects of PA in the brain are still inadequately known. The authors aimed to uncover possible brain modulation linked with PA. Here, they combine 4 of their studies with monozygotic twins, who were within-pair discordant in PA for a minimum of 1 year. Methods: The authors performed brain imaging, brain electrophysiology, and cardiovascular and body composition assessments, and collected questionnaire-based data. The present synopsis elucidates the differences associated with differing PA history in conditions without genetic variability. They present new structural and electrophysiological results. Participants, healthy, 45 male monozygotic twins (mean age 34.5 [1.5] y) differed in aerobic capacity and fat percentage (P < .001). Results: More active co-twins showed larger gray matter volumes in striatal, prefrontal, and hippocampal regions, and smaller gray matter volumes in the anterior cingulate area than less active co-twins. Functionally, visual and somatosensory automatic change detection processes differed between more and less active co-twins. Conclusions: In monozygotic twins, who differed in their PA history, differences were observed in identifiable anatomic brain locations involved with motor control and memory functions, as well as in electrophysiological measures detecting brain’s automatic processes. Better aerobic capacity may modify brain morphology and sensory function.
Effect of Breaks in Prolonged Sitting or Low-Volume High-Intensity Interval Exercise on Markers of Metabolic Syndrome in Adults With Excess Body Fat: A Crossover Trial
Authors: Freire Yuri Alberto , Macêdo Geovani de Araújo Dantas de , Browne Rodrigo Alberto Vieira , Farias-Junior Luiz Fernando , Bezerra Ágnes Denise de Lima , Fayh Ana Paula Trussardi , Farias Júnior José Cazuza de , Boreskie Kevin F. , Duhamel Todd A. , Costa Eduardo Caldas
Published: July 2019

Background: This study analyzed the effect of walking breaks or low-volume high-intensity interval exercise (LV-HIIE) on markers of metabolic syndrome relative to a day of prolonged sitting. Methods: Twenty-five adults with excess body fat participated in this crossover trial: (1) 10-hour sitting day (SIT), (2) LV-HIIE followed by a sitting day (EX+SIT), and (3) sitting day with 5-minute walking breaks for every 20 minutes (SIT+WB). Glucose and blood pressure (BP) were measured before and 1 hour after 4 meals and 2 hours after lunch. Triglycerides were measured at baseline, 2, and 3.5 hours after lunch. Generalized mixed models were used to identify differences in the area under the curve (AUC) of BP and incremental AUC (iAUC) of glucose and triglycerides among the sessions. Results: iAUC-glucose was lower in SIT+WB than SIT (β = −35.3 mg/dL·10 h; 95% confidence interval, −52.5 to −8.2). AUC-diastolic BP was lower in SIT+WB than SIT (β = −14.1 mm Hg·10 h; 95% confidence interval, −26.5 to −1.6) and EX+SIT (β = −14.5 mm Hg·10 h; 95% confidence interval, −26.9 to −2.1). There were no differences in triglycerides and systolic BP levels among the sessions. Conclusion: Adults with excess body fat present lower glucose and diastolic BP during a day with breaks in sitting time compared with a prolonged sitting day with or without an LV-HIIE session.
Public Perceptions of the Societal Impact of Elite Sport: Scale Development and Testing
Authors: De Rycke Jens , De Bosscher Veerle , Funahashi Hiroaki , Sotiriadou Popi
Published: July 2019

Many Nations are increasingly investing public money in elite sport on the belief that this will trigger a range of benefits for the population. However, there is lack of insight into how the population perceives elite sport’s impact on society. This study developed and tested a measurement scale assessing the publics’ beliefs of the positive and negative societal impacts that could potentially flow from elite sport. A sample of the Belgian population (N = 1,102) was surveyed. A 32-item scale was built using principal component and confirmatory factor analysis procedures for which the goodness-of-fit indices were excellent. Multivariate analysis revealed that the Belgian population perceived elite sport to have mostly positive societal impacts. The study findings can serve researchers wanting to measure the perceived potential positive and negative societal impacts of elite sport.
Gender and Volunteering at the Special Olympics: Interrelationships Among Motivations, Commitment, and Social Capital
Authors: Hallmann Kirstin , Zehrer Anita , Fairley Sheranne , Rossi Lea
Published: July 2019

This research uses social role theory to investigate gender differences in volunteers at the Special Olympics and interrelationships among motivations, commitment, and social capital. Volunteers at the 2014 National Summer Special Olympics in Germany were surveyed (n = 891). Multigroup structural equation modeling has revealed gender differences among motivations, commitment, and social capital. Volunteers primarily volunteered for personal growth. Further, motivations had a significant association with commitment and social capital. The impact of motivation on social capital was significantly mediated by commitment. Event organizers should market opportunities to volunteer by emphasizing opportunities for personal growth and appealing to specific values.
Differentiating Successful and Unsuccessful Single-Leg Drop Landing Performance Using Uncontrolled Manifold Analysis
Authors: DiCesare Christopher A. , Bonnette Scott , Myer Gregory D. , Kiefer Adam W.
Published: July 2019

Biomechanical analysis can effectively identify factors associated with task performance and injury risk, but often does not account for the interaction among the components that underlie task execution. Uncontrolled manifold (UCM) analyses were applied to data from 38 female, adolescent athletes performing single-leg drop landings and were used to differentiate successful and unsuccessful task performance by examining the frontal plane joint variance within the UCM (VUCM) that stabilized the horizontal center of mass position (VUCM) and within the orthogonal subspace (VORT). The UCM revealed stronger coordination, indicated by the VUCM/VORT ratio, in the successful condition. This may inform future research examining reduced motor coordination in failed movement tasks and its relation to injury risk and allow for targeted interventions that consider coordination processes rather than joint-specific outcomes.
The TetR Family Transcription Factor MAB_2299c Regulates the Expression of Two Distinct MmpS-MmpL Efflux Pumps Involved in Cross-Resistance to Clofazimine and Bedaquiline in Mycobacterium abscessus
Authors: Gutiérrez Ana Victoria , Richard Matthias , Roquet-Banères Françoise , Viljoen Albertus , Kremer Laurent
Published: July 2019

Mycobacterium abscessus
is a human pathogen responsible for severe respiratory infections, particularly in patients with underlying lung disorders. Notorious for being highly resistant to most antimicrobials, new therapeutic approaches are needed to successfully treat
M. abscessus
-infected patients. Clofazimine (CFZ) and bedaquiline (BDQ) are two antibiotics used for the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and are considered alternatives for the treatment of
M. abscessus
pulmonary disease.
Diagnostic Identification and Differentiation of Microfilariae
Authors: Mathison Blaine A. , Couturier Marc Roger , Pritt Bobbi S.
Published: July 2019

The morphologic similarities of the microfilariae and their infrequency in clinical specimens in settings of endemicity present challenges to clinical laboratories in maintaining competence for accurate identification and differentiation.