bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor necrosis factor receptor modulator spermatogenesis‐associated protein 2 is a novel predictor of outcome in ovarian cancer
Authors: Wieser Verena , Tsibulak Irina , Degasper Christine , Welponer Hannah , Leitner Katharina , Parson Walther , Zeimet Alain G. , Marth Christian , Fiegl Heidelinde
Published: January 2019

Inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of cancer with tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) as a key mediator. Recently, spermatogenesis‐associated protein 2 (SPATA2) was identified as a TNF receptor modulator which is required for TNF‐induced inflammation and apoptosis. The available data on TNF‐α in ovarian cancer (OC) are inconsistent, and SPATA2 is completely uncharacterized in tumorigenesis. We analyzed expression of SPATA2 and TNFA by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction in tissues of 171 patients with low‐grade serous (LGSOC), high‐grade serous (HGSOC), endometrioid and clear cell OC compared with 28 non‐malignant control tissues. We stimulated OC cells (OVCAR3) with pro‐inflammatory (TNF‐α, interleukin [IL]‐1β) and mitogenic stimuli (IL‐6, lysophosphatidic acid) to establish a direct effect between inflammatory signaling and SPATA2. Pro‐inflammatory, but not mitogenic stimuli, potently induced SPATA2 expression in OC cells. Expression of TNFA and SPATA2 was higher in OC compared with control tissues (P = 0.010 and P = 0.001, respectively) and correlated with each other (P = 0.034, rs = 0.198). When compared with grade 1 cancers, SPATA2 was expressed higher in grade 2 and 3 tumors (P = 0.011) as well as in HGSOC compared with LGSOC (P = 0.024). Multivariate survival analyses revealed that OC with high SPATA2 expression were associated with reduced progression‐free survival (P = 0.048) and overall survival (P < 0.001). In conclusion, SPATA2 expression is regulated by TNF‐α and IL‐1β and is found to independently affect clinical outcome in OC patients. These data implicate a role of SPATA2 in tumorigenesis which warrants further investigation in gynecological malignancies.
Spotlight on 17‐AAG as an Hsp90 inhibitor for molecular targeted cancer treatment
Authors: Talaei Sona , Mellatyar Hassan , Asadi Asadollah , Akbarzadeh Abolfazl , Sheervalilou Roghayeh , Zarghami Nosratollah
Published: January 2019

Hsp90 is a ubiquitous chaperone with important roles in the organization and maturation of client proteins that are involved in the progression and survival of cancer cells. Multiple oncogenic pathways can be affected by inhibition of Hsp90 function through degradation of its client proteins. That makes Hsp90 a therapeutic target for cancer treatment. 17‐allylamino‐17‐demethoxy‐geldanamycin (17‐AAG) is a potent Hsp90 inhibitor that binds to Hsp90 and inhibits its chaperoning function, which results in the degradation of Hsp90's client proteins. There have been several preclinical studies of 17‐AAG as a single agent or in combination with other anticancer agents for a wide range of human cancers. Data from various phases of clinical trials show that 17‐AAG can be given safely at biologically active dosages with mild toxicity. Even though 17‐AAG has suitable pharmacological potency, its low water solubility and high hepatotoxicity could significantly restrict its clinical use. Nanomaterials‐based drug delivery carriers may overcome these drawbacks. In this paper, we review preclinical and clinical research on 17‐AAG as a single agent and in combination with other anticancer agents. In addition, we highlight the potential of using nanocarriers and nanocombination therapy to improve therapeutic effects of 17‐AAG.
Effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on cardiovascular, renal and safety outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Toyama Tadashi , Neuen Brendon L. , Jun Min , Ohkuma Toshiaki , Neal Bruce , Jardine Meg J. , Heerspink Hiddo L. , Wong Muh Geot , Ninomiya Toshiharu , Wada Takashi , Perkovic Vlado
Published: January 2019

Aim

The use of sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been limited, primarily because glycaemic efficacy is dependent on kidney function. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with T2DM and CKD, defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2.

Materials and methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library until 7 August 2018 and websites of the US, European and Japanese regulatory authorities until 27 July 2018 for data from randomized controlled trials of SGLT2 inhibitors that included reporting of effects on biomarkers, cardiovascular, renal or safety outcomes in individuals with T2DM and CKD. Random effects models and inverse variance weighting were used to calculate relative risks with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Data were obtained from 27 studies with up to 7363 participants involved. In patients with T2DM and CKD, SGLT2 inhibitors lowered glycated haemoglobin (−0.29%; 95% CI, −0.39 to −0.19) as well as blood pressure, body weight and albuminuria. SGLT2 inhibition reduced the risk of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction or nonfatal stroke (RR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.70‐0.94) and heart failure (RR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.48‐0.78), without a clear effect on all‐cause mortality (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.73‐1.01). These agents also attenuated the annual decline in eGFR slope (placebo‐subtracted difference of 1.35 mL/1.73 m2/y; 95% CI, 0.78‐1.93) and reduced the risk of the composite renal outcome (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.53‐0.95). There was no evidence of additional risks with SGLT2 inhibition in CKD beyond those already known for the class, although heterogeneity was observed across individual agents for some safety outcomes.

Conclusion

Currently available data suggest that, despite only modest reductions in glycated haemoglobin, SGLT2 inhibitors reduce the risk of cardiovascular and renal outcomes in patients with T2DM and CKD, without clear evidence of additional safety concerns.
Use of fluoroquinolones and the risk of spontaneous cervical artery dissection
Authors: Del Zotto E. , Pezzini A.
Published: January 2019

Background and purpose

Because of their potential to alter the integrity of collagen and other components of the extracellular matrix, fluoroquinolone antibiotics might be involved in the pathogenesis of spontaneous cervical artery dissection (sCeAD).

Methods

In the setting of a single‐centre case–control study, whether fluoroquinolone use in the 30‐day period before the index event is associated with sCeAD (cases) in comparison with a group of age‐ and sex‐matched patients who suffered a first‐ever acute cerebral infarction from a cause other than CeAD (non‐CeAD IS, controls) was assessed.

Results

Overall, 284 cases (mean age 43.2 ± 10.4 years; 58.5% men) and 568 controls qualified for the analysis. Thirty (10.6%) patients in the sCeAD group and 16 (2.8%) in the non‐CeAD IS group were fluoroquinolone users (P ≤ 0.001). The use of these antibiotics was associated with a more than two‐fold increased risk of sCeAD [odds ratio (OR) 2.31; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00–5.30] after adjusting for confounders. The risk was more substantial in the subgroup of patients with dissection involving the carotid artery (OR 2.78; 95% CI 1.14–6.78), in females (OR 4.58; 95% CI 1.04–20.1) and compared to that conferred by other antibiotics (OR 2.42; 95% CI 1.02–5.75).

Conclusions

Fluoroquinolones may represent a novel contributing factor involved in the pathogenesis of sCeAD.
Pyridoxine (VB6) restores the down‐regulation of serine palmitoyltransferase mRNA expression in keratinocytes cultured in highly oxidative conditions through enhancement of the intracellular antioxidant system
Authors: Mizutani Taeko , Yamawaki Yumiko , Okano Yuri , Masaki Hitoshi
Published: January 2019

Background

Pyridoxine (VB6), which acts as a coenzyme in the biosynthesis of niacin, is formulated in pharmaceuticals to treat skin roughness. However, the mechanism of action of VB6 is not known precisely.

Objective

This study was conducted to clarify the influence of highly oxidative conditions on the expression of skin moisture‐related mRNAs and to evaluate the preventive effects of VB6 focusing on antioxidant behaviour.

Methods

Intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) were determined using the 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay. Real‐time PCR was employed to investigate the influence of higher oxidative conditions on the expression of mRNAs encoding serine palmitoyl transferase (SPT) and filaggrin, and to characterize the mechanism of the antioxidant effect of VB6. Intracellular glutathione was quantified using an assay based on the glutathione recycling system with 5,5′‐dithiobis (2‐nitrobenzoic acid) reagent and glutathione reductase. Carbonylated proteins (CPs) were semi‐quantified by detecting aldehyde residues.

Results

Treatment of NHEKs with BSO increased the level of intracellular CPs by interfering with intracellular glutathione synthesis. Further, treatment with BSO down‐regulated the expression level of SPT mRNA, but VB6 restored SPT mRNA expression in BSO‐treated NHEKs. VB6 decreased the level of intracellular CPs with or without BSO treatment in a dose‐dependent manner. In addition, VB6 increased levels of intracellular NADH/NADPH and glutathione through the activation of nuclear factor E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) signalling.

Conclusion

These results suggest that highly oxidative conditions cause an impaired skin barrier function due to the down‐regulation of SPT that results in skin roughness. VB6 improved the down‐regulation of SPT mRNA expression initiated by highly oxidative conditions by enhancing the intracellular antioxidant system.
The skin health of fishermen in Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Bernardes Filho Fred , Alves Andreia de Oliveira , Towersey Loan , Hay Roderick , Montag Andreas , Coutinho Ana L. F. , Lupi Omar , Barreto Josafá G. , Frade Marco A. C.
Published: January 2019

Background

Fishing is an important economic activity worldwide, but there are only a few studies on the skin health of fishermen. Daily activities in fishing communities expose fishermen to risks of traumatic, actinic, and sea dermatoses.

Methods

A semi‐structured questionnaire was applied to 388 fishermen from 2014 to 2015 at their workplace (Z‐8 to Z‐13 fishing communities). The data collected were evaluated for descriptive analysis. In the bivariate analysis of the data, the Pearson chi‐square test was used. The multinomial logistic regression was used to obtain estimates of odds ratios and adjusted confidence intervals for confounding variables.

Results

Three hundred and nine (79.6%) fishermen reported accidents during their fishing activity. The main fish species implicated were Genidens genidens and Scorpaena brasiliensis. Inappropriate or potentially harmful traditional treatments without scientific evidence of efficacy were recorded as main/auxiliary treatment. Other significant skin injuries were due to trauma from fishing tackle and exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Three hundred and twenty (82.5%) fishermen reported that they had never used any sun protective devices or sunscreen.

Conclusions

Traumatic injuries due to fish stings were the most common accidents in this group. Despite chronic occupational sun exposure and its hazards, most fishermen did not adopt any method of photoprotection. Health educational activities as well as a specific health program for these professionals are necessary to improve the health of fishermen in Guanabara Bay area.
A video‐supported nurse‐led advance care planning on end‐of‐life decision‐making among frail older patients: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Leung Doris Yin Ping , Chan Helen Yue Lai , Yau Susan Zi May , Chiu Patrick Ka Chun , Tang Fiona Wing Ki , Kwan Joseph Siu Kwong
Published: January 2019

Aim

To examine the effect of a video‐supported nurse‐led advance care planning to frail geriatric patients on end‐of‐life decision‐making outcomes in patients and their carers.

Design

This is a double‐blinded randomized controlled trial with parallel arms.

Methods

The protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the participating hospital on 1 August 2018. Frail elders and their carer if any are enrolled during hospitalization, and undergo randomization after discharged. The intervention group receives a 2‐week video‐supported nurse‐led advance care planning programme (N = 149) while the control group receives a 2‐week health education program at home (N = 149). Follow‐up surveys via telephone at 1 and 6 months measure outcomes regarding end‐of‐life decision‐making from both the patients and the carers.

Conclusion

Advance care planning discussion is to understand patient's values, preferences and treatment for care on their anticipation of future deterioration. Treatment options for end‐of‐life care may not be well‐received especially elders because in the discussion process, technical medical terms are presented in an abstract, hypothetical way that are hard to understand. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of a nurse‐led advance care planning supplementing with a video showing end‐of‐life treatment options to promote end‐of‐life care decision‐making among frail geriatric patients.

Impact

The results will help identify effective elements of advance care planning and inform the development of an evidence?based structured advance care planning intervention in response to the need for quality end‐of‐life care.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR‐IOR‐17012341
Inferring the potentially complex genetic architectures of adaptation, sexual dimorphism and genotype by environment interactions by partitioning of mean phenotypes
Authors: Armstrong Andrew , Anderson Nathan W. , Blackmon Heath
Published: January 2019

Genetic architecture fundamentally affects the way that traits evolve. However, the mapping of genotype to phenotype includes complex interactions with the environment or even the sex of an organism that can modulate the expressed phenotype. Line‐cross analysis is a powerful quantitative genetics method to infer genetic architecture by analysing the mean phenotype value of two diverged strains and a series of subsequent crosses and backcrosses. However, it has been difficult to account for complex interactions with the environment or sex within this framework. We have developed extensions to line‐cross analysis that allow for gene by environment and gene by sex interactions. Using extensive simulation studies and reanalysis of empirical data, we show that our approach can account for both unintended environmental variation when crosses cannot be reared in a common garden and can be used to test for the presence of gene by environment or gene by sex interactions. In analyses that fail to account for environmental variation between crosses, we find that line‐cross analysis has low power and high false‐positive rates. However, we illustrate that accounting for environmental variation allows for the inference of adaptive divergence, and that accounting for sex differences in phenotypes allows practitioners to infer the genetic architecture of sexual dimorphism.
When University Researchers Connect with Policy: A Framework for Whether, When, and How to Engage
Authors: Day Elizabeth , Wadsworth Shelley MacDermid , Bogenschneider Karen , Thomas‐Miller Jacquelyn
Published: January 2019

Universities are renowned for their tradition of producing research that benefits millions of people. When it comes to policymaking, university research is considered more trustworthy than other sources, yet it simultaneously is widely perceived as playing too small a role in public policy decisions. In this article, we consider the engagement of university‐based researchers with policymakers and the policy process. As a guide for researchers, we propose a framework that includes three key decisions: whether, when, and how to engage in policymaking. We also apply Boyer's model of engaged scholarship to policymaking, reviewing what research studies and policymakers say about each domain. The domains are illustrated with case examples in which researchers successfully influenced public policy using ethnography, applied policy research, meta‐analysis, benefit–cost analyses, program evaluation, and policy forums. We discuss applications of our three key decisions and draw implications for researchers interested in building research‐based, family‐focused public policy.
The impacts of data deviations between MRIO models on material footprints: A comparison of EXIOBASE, Eora, and ICIO
Authors: Giljum Stefan , Wieland Hanspeter , Lutter Stephan , Eisenmenger Nina , Schandl Heinz , Owen Anne
Published: January 2019

In various international policy processes such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, an urgent demand for robust consumption‐based indicators of material flows, or material footprints (MFs), has emerged over the past years. Yet, MFs for national economies diverge when calculated with different Global Multiregional Input–Output (GMRIO) databases, constituting a significant barrier to a broad policy uptake of these indicators. The objective of this paper is to quantify the impact of data deviations between GMRIO databases on the resulting MF. We use two methods, structural decomposition analysis and structural production layer decomposition, and apply them for a pairwise assessment of three GMRIO databases, EXIOBASE, Eora, and the OECD Inter‐Country Input–Output (ICIO) database, using an identical set of material extensions. Although all three GMRIO databases accord for the directionality of footprint results, that is, whether a countries’ final demand depends on net imports of raw materials from abroad or is a net exporter, they sometimes show significant differences in level and composition of material flows. Decomposing the effects from the Leontief matrices (economic structures), we observe that a few sectors at the very first stages of the supply chain, that is, raw material extraction and basic processing, explain 60% of the total deviations stemming from the technology matrices. We conclude that further development of methods to align results from GMRIOs, in particular for material‐intensive sectors and supply chains, should be an important research priority. This will be vital to strengthen the uptake of demand‐based material flow indicators in the resource policy context.
An efficient TILLING platform for cultivated tobacco
Authors: Gao Yu‐Long , Yao Xue‐Feng , Li Wen‐Zheng , Song Zhong‐Bang , Wang Bing‐Wu , Wu Yu‐Ping , Shi Jun‐Li , Liu Guan‐Shan , Li Yong‐Ping , Liu Chun‐Ming
Published: January 2019

Targeting‐induced local lesions in genomes (TILLING) is a powerful reverse‐genetics tool that enables high‐throughput screening of genomic variations in plants. Although TILLING has been developed for many diploid plants, the technology has been used in very few polyploid species due to their genomic complexity. Here, we established an efficient capillary electrophoresis‐based TILLING platform for allotetraploid cultivated tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) using an ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS)‐mutagenized population of 1,536 individuals. We optimized the procedures for endonuclease preparation, leaf tissue sampling, DNA extraction, normalization, pooling, PCR amplification, heteroduplex formation, and capillary electrophoresis. In a test screen using seven target genes with eight PCR fragments, we obtained 118 mutants. The mutation density was estimated to be approximately one mutation per 106 kb on average. Phenotypic analyses showed that mutations in two heavy metal transporter genes, HMA2S and HMA4T, led to reduced accumulation of cadmium and zinc, which was confirmed independently using CRISPR/Cas9 to generate knockout mutants. Our results demonstrate that this powerful TILLING platform (available at http://www.croptilling.org) can be used in tobacco to facilitate functional genomics applications.
Efficacy and possible mechanisms of botulinum toxin treatment of oily skin
Authors: Shuo Liu , Ting Yang , KeLun Wu , Rui Zhao , Rui Zhao , Hang Wang
Published: January 2019

Background

Oily skin is one of the most common dermatological complaints. Oily skin may be accompanied by enlarged pores, acne, and seborrheic dermatitis. Moreover, oily skin has negative effects on self‐perception. Most therapeutic approaches used to treat oily skin have had varying degrees of efficacy and include topical treatments, such as photodynamic therapy and lasers. However, certain of these therapies for oily skin may lead to severe side effects. With the expanding use and high safety profile of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT‐A), its use in the treatment of oily skin has caused significant concerns; moreover, relevant reports have gradually accumulated to address the efficacy of BoNT‐A and explore its mechanisms of action.

Aims

The objective of this article was to review the efficacy and possible treatment mechanisms of BoNT‐A on oily skin.

Methods

A retrospective review of the published data was conducted.

Results

Most studies have suggested that the intradermal injection of BoNT‐A decreased sebum production and pore size. Furthermore, this treatment attained high patient satisfaction without significant side effects. BoNT‐A effectively decreased sebum production and excretion, which was in keeping with previous studies, possibly via its blockade of cholinergic signaling and its neuromodulatory effects.

Conclusions

Intradermal BoNT‐A injection may represent a promising new treatment for oily skin and other relevant dermatological problems, such as enlarged pores, acne, and seborrheic dermatitis. Further study is still needed to determine the specific mechanisms of BoNT‐A and the optimal injection techniques and doses for oily skin and other relevant cosmetic concerns.
Understanding parents’ emotional experiences for neonatal education: A narrative, interpretive approach
Authors: Petty Julia , Jarvis Joy , Thomas Rebecca
Published: January 2019

Aims and objectives

To explore the emotional experiences of parents who have had premature babies to inform and educate neonatal nurses and health professionals in this field.

Background

Parents find the neonatal unit a daunting and unfamiliar place leading to anxiety, uncertainty and fear about the future of their baby. Parents have significant emotional needs in relation to assisting them to cope with their neonatal experience. In line with a family‐centred approach to neonatal education, it is essential to teach health professionals about the emotional impact of neonatal care based on an appreciation of the parent experience.

Design

A narrative‐based, interpretive approach was undertaken in line with constructivist learning theory.

Methods

Twenty narrative interviews took place, with a total of 23 parents of premature babies. Following core story creation to create coherent stories from the raw transcripts, thematic analysis of the narrative constructs using the principles of Braun and Clarke's, International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well‐Being, 2014, 9, 1, framework was undertaken. The study methods were compliant with the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ).

Findings

Thematic analysis revealed key themes relating to the following: parents’ emotions through the whole neonatal experience, feelings towards the baby, the environment, the staff and the transitions through the different phases of neonatal care. Both negative and positive experiences were reported.

Conclusion

Understanding the emotional experience from the parent's perspective, following birth of their premature baby, informs empathic, family‐centred teaching and learning within the neonatal education arena.

Relevance to clinical practice

Students and health professionals alike can learn what is important in the delivery of care that addresses the emotional needs of parents and families. Educators can use narratives and key messages from parents, both negative and positive, to teach family‐centred principles to nurses and health professionals as a core component of a narrative curricula and potentially to enhance empathy.
Yes‐associated protein promotes cell migration via activating Wiskott‐Aldrich syndrome protein family member 1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Qi Lei , Shi Chaoji , Li Jiayi , Xu Shengming , Han Yong , Li Jiang , Zhang Lei
Published: January 2019

Background

Yes‐associated protein (YAP) is a candidate oncogene in various cancers including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Our previous study demonstrated that TNF‐alpha could inhibit cell proliferation and invasion by YAP phosphorylation in OSCC. However, the role of YAP in OSCC is not yet clear. The objective of the present study was to elucidate the function of YAP in promoting migration in OSCC and to explore the possible mechanism with a novel YAP inhibitor CA3.

Methods

A total of 68 OSCC patients were enrolled, and the expression levels of YAP were investigated in tissue specimens by immunohistochemical staining. The inhibitory effects of CA3, a novel inhibitor of YAP, were demonstrated by immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and transwell assays. A human PCR motility array was performed to screen the changes in the gene expression profiles of the cells. In addition, shRNA interference, YAP re‐expression, and WAVE1 overexpression plasmids were used to detect the regulatory mechanism of YAP and its relationship with cell migration.

Results

Yes‐associated protein nuclear expression levels were associated with metastasis and 5‐year overall survival rate. CA3 exhibited potent inhibitory effects on OSCC migration. YAP knockdown significantly suppressed tumor cell migration in OSCC. These effects were rescued when YAP was re‐expressed and during WAVE1 overexpression in YAP‐shRNA stable cells.

Conclusions

The present study revealed that YAP was associated with cell migration and that this process was regulated by YAP/WAVE1. We also demonstrated that CA3 exhibited marked inhibitory effects on YAP expression and that it could be considered a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of OSCC.
Nash equilibrium and party polarization in an electoral model with mixed motivations
Authors: Takayama Shino , Tamura Yuki , Yeo Terence
Published: January 2019

We study the existence problem of Nash equilibrium as well as the patterns of equilibrium policy outcomes in an electoral competition model with mixed motivations. Each party maximizes a sum of party members’ expected utility and office rent. The inclusion of office rent renders the payoff of each party discontinuous. This makes it difficult to apply usually fixed point arguments to prove the existence of Nash equilibria. By using a recently developed concept, multiple restrictional security (MR‐security) we provide conditions under which a pure‐strategy Nash equilibrium exists within fairly general settings, and further the analysis by presenting conditions under which various patterns of policy choices, including polarization, arise in equilibrium.
Nations and nationalism: the first twenty‐five years
Authors: Hutchinson John
Published: January 2019

This paper reflects on salient aspects of the development of Nations and Nationalism over its first twenty‐five years to become the leading journal in its field. It outlines the context of its founding, its interdisciplinary character and the objectives to establish the subject of nationalism as a separate field of study. It discusses the strategies to advance the journal as a forum for scholarly exchange and how the journal has evolved. It outlines the rapid growth in the number of papers submitted to the journal and assesses the relation of the journal to the field today.
Art of the Power Deal: The Four Negotiation Roles of Donald J. Trump
Authors: Kogan Eugene B.
Published: January 2019

In this article, I mine President Donald Trump’s considerable writing and speaking record to synthesize the key elements of his deal‐making approach to help make better sense of his rhetoric and actions on the world’s diplomatic stage. My argument is that Trump’s coercive negotiation style is best understood through the prism of his four public roles: observer, performer, controller, and disrupter. In this article, I analyze how these roles translate into his negotiating behavior. Spotting and exploiting vulnerability is his trade; leverage and bravado are his tools. After assessing the opposing side, Trump uses leverage to threaten his counterparts’ weaknesses, while using bravado to play up the advantages of reaching an agreement on his terms. This way, he presents a drastic structured choice to his opponents, leaving them the least maneuvering space. In the final section of the paper, I illustrate how the four‐role framework helps explain Trump’s decisions in the nuclear negotiations with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. I also consider opportunities for further research.
Efficacy and safety of pneumatic dilation in achalasia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: van Hoeij Froukje B. , Prins Leah I. , Smout André J. P. M. , Bredenoord Arjan J.
Published: January 2019

Background and Aims

One of the most used treatments for achalasia is pneumatic dilation of the lower esophageal sphincter to improve esophageal emptying. Multiple treatment protocols have been described with a varying balloon size, number of dilations, inflation pressure, and duration. We aimed to identify the most efficient and safe treatment protocol.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies on pneumatic dilation in patients with primary achalasia. Clinical remission was defined as an Eckardt score ≤3 or adequate symptom reduction measured with a similar validated questionnaire. We compared the clinical remission rates and occurrence of complications between different treatment protocols.

Results

We included 10 studies with 643 patients. After 6 months, dilation with a 30‐mm or 35‐mm balloon gave comparable mean success rates (81% and 79%, respectively), whereas a series of dilations up to 40 mm had a higher success rate of 90%. Elective additional dilation in patients with insufficient symptom resolution was somewhat more effective than performing a predefined series of dilations: 86% versus 75% after 12 months. Perforations occurred most often during initial dilations, and significantly more often using a 35‐mm balloon than a 30‐mm balloon (3.2 vs 1.0%); P = 0.027. A subsequent 35‐mm dilation was safer than an initial dilation with 35 mm (0.97% vs 9.3% perforations), P = 0.0017.

Conclusions

The most efficient and safe method of dilating achalasia patients is a graded approach starting with a 30‐mm dilation, followed by an elective 35‐mm dilation and 40 mm when there is insufficient symptom relief.
Unit policies and breast milk feeding at discharge of very preterm infants: The EPIPAGE‐2 cohort study
Authors: Mitha Ayoub , Piedvache Aurélie , Glorieux Isabelle , Zeitlin Jennifer , Roué Jean‐Michel , Blondel Béatrice , Durox Mélanie , Burguet Antoine , Kaminski Monique , Ancel Pierre‐Yves , Pierrat Véronique ,   the EPIPAGE‐2 Neurodevelopmental Care Writing Group
Published: January 2019

Background

Facilitating factors and barriers to breast milk feeding (BMF) very preterm (VP) infants have been widely studied at the individual level. We aimed to describe and analyse factors associated with BMF at discharge for VP infants, with a special focus on unit policies aiming to support BMF.

Methods

We described BMF at discharge in 3108 VP infants enrolled in EPIPAGE‐2, a French national cohort. Variables of interest were kangaroo care during the 1st week of life (KC); unit's policies supporting BMF initiation (BMF information systematically given to mothers hospitalised for threatened preterm delivery and breast milk expression proposed within 6 hours after birth) and BMF maintenance (availability of protocols for BMF and a special room for mothers to pump milk); the presence in units of a professional trained in human lactation and regional BMF initiation rates in the general population. Associations were investigated by multilevel logistic regression analysis, with adjustment on individual factors.

Results

In total, 47.2% of VP infants received BMF at discharge (range among units 21.1%‐84.0%). Unit policies partly explained this variation, regardless of individual factors. BMF at discharge was associated with KC (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.26 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.40, 3.65)), with policies supporting BMF initiation (aOR 2.19 (95% CI 1.27, 3.77)) and maintenance (aOR 2.03 (95% CI 1.17, 3.55)), but not with BMF initiation rates in the general population.

Conclusion

Adopting policies of higher performing units could be an effective strategy for increasing BMF rates at discharge among VP infants.
Age‐related differences in kinematics and kinetics of sprinting in young female
Authors: Nagahara Ryu , Haramura Miki , Takai Yohei , Oliver Jon L. , Wichitaksorn Nuttanan , Sommerfield Lesley M. , Cronin John B.
Published: January 2019

This study aimed to investigate the age‐related differences in sprinting performance, kinematic and kinetic variables in girls aged between 7.0 and 15.3 years. Step‐to‐step spatiotemporal variables and ground reaction impulses during sprinting were collected in 94 Japanese girls across a 50 m inground force plate system. From the results, a difference in rate of development in sprinting performance in girls over 12.7 years compared with younger girls (YG) was observed. The older girls (OG) became slightly slower each year (−0.09 m/s/y) compared to the YG (0.24 m/s/y) who increased their running speed. Moreover, height increased by 6.3 cm/y in YG and only 3.6 cm/y in OG, while step length during the maximal speed phase increased by 0.08 m/y in YG and plateaued in OG (0.01 m/y). Propulsive impulse during the initial acceleration phase was the kinetic variable to differ in rate of development between the age groups with an increase of 0.024 Ns/y in the YG compared to −0.010 Ns/y in OG. The development of sprinting ability in Japanese girls was more rapid before age 12.7 years. The difference in rate of development in sprinting ability can be primarily attributed to greater growth rates in YG, contributing to increases in the propulsive impulse during the initial acceleration phase and step length during the maximal speed phase. The limited gains in step length and the propulsive impulse in OG may reflect their reduced growth rate in height and the fact that increases in fat mass with maturation impaired relative force production.
Recombinant erythropoietin as alternative to red cell transfusion in sickle cell disease
Authors: Ferreira Francisco A. , Benites Bruno D. , Costa Fernando F. , Gilli Simone , Olalla‐Saad Sara T.
Published: January 2019

Disturbances in the physiological regulation of erythropoietin (EPO) in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) may contribute to worsening anaemia and increased transfusion requirements, but the use of recombinant EPO in this group of patients is controversial. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of this drug in adult patients with SCD and its effects on haemoglobin levels and transfusion requirements. We conducted a retrospective analysis at the University of Campinas, with nineteen adults with a diagnosis of SCD (HbSS and HbS/β+ thalassaemia), who had received at least 1 year of EPO therapy between 2007 and 2014. Haemoglobin concentrations and trends of variation in transfused RBC volumes were compared before and after EPO administration. We observed that seven patients had a good response to treatment (Hb increment higher than 1·5 g/dl) and nine had a partial response (0·5–1·5 g/dl increment) and there was a significant decrease in the need for transfusion amongst those who usually required regular transfusions. There were no increases in the rates of vaso‐occlusive crisis or venous thromboembolism in comparison to the year before the onset of the therapy. Erythropoietin therapy led to a marked increase in haemoglobin concentration with a concomitant decrease in the demand for transfusion. Considering all complications related to allogeneic transfusion, we believe that EPO therapy represents an important therapeutic tool in sickle cell anaemia.
Acute Physiological Effects of Small-Sided Games Applied on the Hearing-Impaired National Team Soccer
Authors: Gür Ercan , Püren Ilker
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is a difference between physiological responses to the small-sided games often applied during soccer trainings by changing the dimensions of the fields, the number of players, duration and the rules of the games. 16 sports people, who play soccer in Turkey Hearing- Impaired National soccer Team, having 31, 38±6,02 of age, 177,13±4,38 cms of height, 74,22±4,44 kgs of bodily weight, volunteered for this research.  The subjects were made to play free games with the intervals of 2 days, in different periods of 4x4, in the fields of 36mx24m, in 24 minutes in total in the forms of 1x24, 2x12, 4x6 and 6x4. After each game, a rest period of two days, and between the sets, a rest period of 4 minutes was given. Through anthropometric measurements of the subjects, their lactic acid levels in blood and the number of heart beats after small-sided games were determined. Also the difficulty levels perceived were determined with BORG scale. The data were transferred to IBM SPSS statistics 22 program and the analyses were completed. Friedman test was used to have a look whether there was a difference between descriptive statistics and dependent groups for continuous variables.At the end of the small-sided games applied in different periods and repetitions, a statistical meaningfulness was determined in the comparison of the speed of the heartbeat of the subjects that participated in the study(P<0.001). While a meaningfulness was determined in the comparison of the lactic acid amounts that appeared in the subjects (P<0.01); there was no statistical meaningfulness in the comparison of the perceived difficulty level of the small-sided games played.
Vascular responses to hypoxia are not impaired in obstructive sleep apnoea patients free of overt cardiovascular disease
Authors: Beaudin Andrew E. , Hanly Patrick J. , Raneri Jill K. , Sajobi Tolulope T. , Anderson Todd J. , Poulin Marc J.
Published: January 2019

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Does treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) with nocturnal oxygen or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) improve hypoxic vascular responses, which are reportedly impaired in OSA?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Cerebrovascular and cardiovascular hypoxic responses were not impaired in OSA patients free of overt cardiovascular disease and known risk factors, and were not altered by nocturnal oxygen or CPAP treatment. We conclude that this OSA patient phenotype has normal vascular responses to hypoxia and is unlikely to obtain long term cardiovascular benefits from nocturnal oxygen or CPAP therapy.

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cardiovascular responses to hypoxia are reportedly impaired in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients and corrected by continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), beneficial effects that are ascribed to correction of OSA‐related intermittent hypoxia (IH). However, CPAP corrects both IH and ancillary OSA features (i.e. intermittent hypercapnia, sympathetic activation, blood pressure surges, negative intrathoracic pressure swings and sleep fragmentation). Whether correction of these ancillary OSA features contribute to CPAP's beneficial effects on vascular hypoxic responses is unknown. Nocturnal oxygen corrects OSA‐induced IH, but apnoeas and ancillary features persist. Thus, we examined the effects of nocturnal oxygen and CPAP on cerebrovascular and cardiovascular hypoxic responses in untreated OSA patients. Responses were assessed in 52 OSA patients free of overt cardiovascular disease and known risk factors at baseline, after 2 weeks of nocturnal oxygen (n = 26) or no treatment (n = 26), and after ∼4 weeks of CPAP treatment (n = 40). Twenty‐two age‐matched controls were assessed at baseline and follow‐up visits. Resting, isocapnic euoxia mean blood pressure was decreased following nocturnal oxygen (−3.6 ± 6.0 mmHg; P = 0.006) and CPAP (−4.5 ± 7.5 mmHg; P < 0.001) while cerebrovascular conductance was increased with CPAP (P = 0.001). However, these changes were not different from controls. Unexpectedly, OSA patients and controls had similar hypoxic vascular responses at baseline that were not changed by either nocturnal oxygen or CPAP. We conclude that OSA patients free of overt cardiovascular disease and known risk factors did not have impaired cerebrovascular or cardiovascular responses to hypoxia and are unlikely to obtain long term cardiovascular benefits from nocturnal oxygen or CPAP therapy.
Acoustic modal analysis of unique fused-silica fibers for passive non-destructive structural monitoring
Authors: Hileman Zachary , He Jiaji , Homa Daniel , Wang Anbo , Pickrell Gary
Published: January 2019

The goal of non-destructive acoustic sensing is to passively monitor innate structural parameters such as temperature, strain, and pressure. Intended for use in harsh structural environments, a distributed acoustic sensing system has been created using a single mode, radiation hardened, fused-silica core rod and a high-resolution acoustic sensor. This study aims to enhance the capabilities of the acoustic sensor by manipulating the fused-silica core rod, geometrically, to induce and control additional acoustic reflections. Here, two geometries are demonstrated to markedly improve upon previous fiber designs and result in a consistent acoustic profile.
Subsegmental level analysis of high arousal speech using the zero-time windowing method
Authors: Gangamohan P. , Gangashetty Suryakanth V. , Yegnanarayana B.
Published: January 2019

Speech produced by a speaker in emotionally charged situations, such as anger, happiness, and shout corresponds to high arousal speech. Changes in the production characteristics such as increase in the subglottal air pressure, increase in the glottal closed phase in each cycle, and increase in the rate of glottal vibration are observed in the high arousal speech. Acoustic parameters such as glottal closed quotient and fundamental frequency (F0) are used to characterize the high arousal speech. In this paper, high arousal is characterized by features extracted using the zero-time windowing (ZTW) method. The spectrum derived from the ZTW method emphasizes the instantaneous spectral characteristics in the speech signal. In the glottal open region, changes are clearly observed in the lower frequency range of the spectrum. Distinctive spectral features are observed during the glottal open region in the case of high arousal speech, when compared to neutral speech. These features are used to develop a method for identification of high arousal speech. Simple and maybe somewhat ad hoc rules, based on these features seem to give good performance in the identification of high arousal speech, even without using neutral speech as reference.
The transcription factor SP3 drives TNF-α expression in response to Smac mimetics
Authors: Beug Shawn T. , Cheung Herman H. , Sanda Tarun , St-Jean Martine , Beauregard Caroline E. , Mamady Hapsatou , Baird Stephen D. , LaCasse Eric C. , Korneluk Robert G.
Published: January 2019

The transcription factor SP3 mediates the cytotoxic effects of Smac mimetics in cancer cells.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Marine Bacterium
Alteromonas
sp. Strain KS69
Authors: Schulz Kaitlin J. , Arruda Brianna E. , Bitzer Adam S. , Silby Mark W.
Published: January 2019

Alteromonas
spp. are Gram-negative, aerobic, marine bacteria. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Alteromonas
sp. strain KS69, isolated from Narragansett Bay deep water samples. Unpublished preliminary data suggest that KS69 reduces expression of the 3-oxo-C12-HSL-dependent, virulence-associated gene
lasB
of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
PAO1, suggesting that it produces a quorum sensing inhibitor.
Genome Sequence of Enterococcus faecalis NVIT04, Isolated from Nasonia vitripennis
Authors: Wang Guan-Hong , Brucker Robert M.
Published: January 2019

Enterococcus faecalis
is a Gram-positive, lactic acid-producing coccus which can be found as a member of the gut microbiome in many animal species and is a potential pathogen in humans. Here, we describe the genome sequence of an
E. faecalis
strain isolated from the gut microbiome of the hymenopteran model
Nasonia vitripennis
.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Clostridium botulinum Isolate from Thailand Harboring the Subtype
bont
/B8 Gene
Authors: Halpin Jessica L. , Wangroongsarb Piyada , Jittaprasartsin Chutima , Dykes Janet K. , Lúquez Carolina
Published: January 2019

In 2010, a
Clostridium botulinum
type B isolate was recovered from fermented soybeans during a foodborne botulism investigation. Molecular investigation of the botulinum neurotoxin (
bont
) gene operon determined that the sequence was a new subtype, denoted B8.
Massive Diversity in Whole-Genome Sequences of Streptococcus suis Strains from Infected Pigs in Switzerland
Authors: Stevens Marc J. A. , Spoerry Serrano Nathalie , Cernela Nicole , Schmitt Sarah , Schrenzel Jacques , Stephan Roger
Published: January 2019

Here we report the whole-genome sequences of 15 clinical
Streptococcus suis
strains isolated from pigs in Switzerland. Although they originated from the same host and geographic origin, the strains showed a large amount of diversity.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus salarius IM0101, Isolated from Hypersaline Soil in Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Yamprayoonswat Wariya , Boonvisut Supichaya , Jumpathong Watthanachai , Sittihan Satapanawat , Ruangsuj Pattarawan , Wanthongcharoen Suwanan , Thongpramul Nuttida , Pimmason Salisa , Yu Bo , Yasawong Montri
Published: January 2019

Bacillus salarius
IM0101 is a halophilic bacterium that was isolated from soil in Inner Mongolia, China. The genome sequence of
B. salarius
IM0101 contains a biomarker gene for polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthesis.
The Schur multipliers of Lie algebras of maximal class
Authors: Shamsaki Afsaneh , Niroomand Peyman
Published: January 2019

Let [Formula: see text] be a non-abelian nilpotent Lie algebra of dimension [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be its Schur multiplier. It was proved by the second author the dimension of the Schur multiplier is equal to [Formula: see text] for some [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we classify all nilpotent Lie algebras of maximal class for [Formula: see text]. The dimension of Schur multiplier of such Lie algebras is also bounded by [Formula: see text]. Here, we give the structure of all nilpotent Lie algebras of maximal class [Formula: see text] when [Formula: see text] and then we show that all of them are capable.
Separation Phenomena in Tailored Micro- and Nanofluidic Environments
Authors: Sonker Mukul , Kim Daihyun , Egatz-Gomez Ana , Ros Alexandra
Published: January 2019

Separations of bioanalytes require robust, effective, and selective migration phenomena. However, due to the complexity of biological matrices such as body fluids or tissue, these requirements are difficult to achieve. The separations field is thus constantly evolving to develop suitable methods to separate biomarkers and fractionate biospecimens for further interrogation of biomolecular content. Advances in the field of microfabrication allow the tailored generation of micro- and nanofluidic environments. These can be exploited to induce interactions and dynamics of biological species with the corresponding geometrical features, which in turn can be capitalized for novel separation approaches. This review provides an overview of several unique separation applications demonstrated in recent years in tailored micro- and nanofluidic environments. These include electrokinetic methods such as dielectrophoresis and electrophoresis, but also rather nonintuitive ratchet separation mechanisms, continuous flow separations, and fractionations such as deterministic lateral displacement, as well as methods employing entropic forces for separation.