bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Cardiac Sarcomere Functional Genomics Platform to Enable Scalable Interrogation of Human
TNNT2
Variants
Authors: Pettinato Anthony M. , Ladha Feria A. , Mellert David J. , Legere Nicholas , Cohn Rachel , Romano Robert , Thakar Ketan , Chen Yu-Sheng , Hinson J. Travis
Published: October 2020

Background:

Pathogenic
TNNT2
variants are a cause of hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathies, which promote heart failure by incompletely understood mechanisms. The precise functional significance for 87% of
TNNT2
variants remains undetermined, in part, because of a lack of functional genomics studies. The knowledge of which and how
TNNT2
variants cause hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathies could improve heart failure risk determination, treatment efficacy, and therapeutic discovery, and provide new insights into cardiomyopathy pathogenesis, as well.

Methods:

We created a toolkit of human induced pluripotent stem cell models and functional assays using CRISPR/Cas9 to study
TNNT2
variant pathogenicity and pathophysiology. Using human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes in cardiac microtissue and single-cell assays, we functionally interrogated 51
TNNT2
variants, including 30 pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants and 21 variants of uncertain significance. We used RNA sequencing to determine the transcriptomic consequences of pathogenic
TNNT2
variants and adapted CRISPR/Cas9 to engineer a transcriptional reporter assay to assist prediction of
TNNT2
variant pathogenicity. We also studied variant-specific pathophysiology using a thin filament–directed calcium reporter to monitor changes in myofilament calcium affinity.

Results:

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy–associated
TNNT2
variants caused increased cardiac microtissue contraction, whereas dilated cardiomyopathy–associated variants decreased contraction.
TNNT2
variant–dependent changes in sarcomere contractile function induced graded regulation of 101 gene transcripts, including MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signaling targets,
HOPX
, and
NPPB
. We distinguished pathogenic
TNNT2
variants from wildtype controls using a sarcomere functional reporter engineered by inserting tdTomato into the endogenous
NPPB
locus. On the basis of a combination of
NPPB
reporter activity and cardiac microtissue contraction, our study provides experimental support for the reclassification of 2 pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants and 2 variants of uncertain significance.

Conclusions:

Our study found that hypertrophic cardiomyopathy–associated
TNNT2
variants increased cardiac microtissue contraction, whereas dilated cardiomyopathy–associated variants decreased contraction, both of which paralleled changes in myofilament calcium affinity. Transcriptomic changes, including
NPPB
levels, directly correlated with sarcomere function and can be used to predict
TNNT2
variant pathogenicity.
Efficacy of Ertugliflozin on Heart Failure–Related Events in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Established Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Cosentino Francesco , Cannon Christopher P. , Cherney David Z.I. , Masiukiewicz Urszula , Pratley Richard , Dagogo-Jack Sam , Frederich Robert , Charbonnel Bernard , Mancuso James , Shih Weichung J. , Terra Steven G. , Cater Nilo B. , Gantz Ira , McGuire Darren K. ,   On behalf of the VERTIS CV Investigators
Published: October 2020

Background:

In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure (HHF). We assessed the effect of ertugliflozin on HHF and related outcomes.

Methods:

VERTIS CV (Evaluation of Ertugliflozin Efficacy and Safety Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial), a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, randomly assigned patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) disease to once-daily ertugliflozin 5 mg, 15 mg, or placebo. Prespecified secondary analyses compared ertugliflozin (pooled doses) versus placebo on time to first event of HHF and composite of HHF/CV death, overall and stratified by prespecified characteristics. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used with the Fine and Gray method to account for competing mortality risk, and Andersen-Gill modeling to analyze total (first+recurrent) HHF and total HHF/CV death events.

Results:

A total of 8246 patients were randomly assigned to ertugliflozin (n=5499) or placebo (n=2747); n=1958 (23.7%) had a history of heart failure (HF) and n=5006 (60.7%) had pretrial ejection fraction (EF) available, including n=959 with EF ≤45%. Ertugliflozin did not significantly reduce first HHF/CV death (hazard ratio [HR], 0.88 [95% CI, 0.75–1.03]). Overall, ertugliflozin reduced risk for first HHF (HR, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.54–0.90];
P
=0.006). Previous HF did not modify this effect (HF: HR, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.44–0.90]; no HF: HR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.54–1.15];
P
interaction=0.40). In patients with HF, the risk reduction for first HHF was similar for those with reduced EF ≤45% versus preserved EF >45% or unknown. However, in the overall population, the risk reduction tended to be greater for those with EF ≤45% (HR, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.30–0.76]) versus EF >45% (HR, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.58–1.29]). Effect on risk for first HHF was consistent across most subgroups, but greater benefit of ertugliflozin was observed in 3 populations: baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL·min
–1
·1.73 m
–2
, albuminuria, and diuretic use (each
P
interaction <0.05). Ertugliflozin reduced total events of HHF (rate ratio, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.56–0.87]) and total HHF/CV death (rate ratio, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.72–0.96]).

Conclusions:

In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, ertugliflozin reduced the risk for first and total HHF and total HHF/CV death, adding further support for the use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in primary and secondary prevention of HHF.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01986881.
Description of the larva of Dorcatoma Herbst, 1791 (Coleoptera: Ptinidae: Dorcatominae), with comments on morphological convergence
Authors: WAGNER GRZEGORZ K. , STANIEC BERNARD , SAPIEJA MATEUSZ , ZAGAJA MIROSŁAW , PIETRYKOWSKA-TUDRUJ EWA
Published: October 2020

This is the morphological description of the mature larva of a member of the genus Dorcatoma Herbst, 1791. It is also one of the most detailed morphological descriptions of an immature stage of the subfamily Dorcatominae Thomson. Complete characteristics of the head, mouthparts, thorax and abdomen are given. Information relating to morphological convergence with other coleopteran families and the ecology of the species described is also provided.
Description of a new species of Kermicus Newstead (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) from bamboo in southeast China
Authors: WU SAN-AN , HUANG SHAOBIN , LIANG CHUANGUAN
Published: October 2020

A new species, Kermicus huizhouensis Wu & Huang sp. n. (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae), is described and illustrated based on the adult female, second instar female and first-instar nymph. It was collected at Qianfeng village, Huiyang District, Huizhou City, Guangdong Province, P. R. China, inside the stem of bamboo Bambusa rigida (Poaceae) and attended by the ant Tetraponera binghami (Forel) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). It differs from K. wroughtoni Newstead, 1897 by the adult female lacking multilocular disc pores in the marginal region of the venter, and both the adult female and first-instar nymph having the anal ring bearing 16–20 setae. Keys to genera of legless mealybugs on bamboo based on adult females, and the immature stages of Kermicus, are provided.
Cryptic new species of Nesoecia Scudder, 1893 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae; Pseudophyllinae) from northeastern, Mexico
Authors: BARRIENTOS-LOZANO LUDIVINA , ROCHA-SÁNCHEZ AURORA Y. , FERNÁNDEZ-AZUARA GEOVANY J. , SÁNCHEZ-REYES URIEL JESHUA , ALMAGUER-SIERRA PEDRO
Published: October 2020

Nesoecia Scudder, 1893 is a neotropical genus of true katydids (Pseudophyllinae) comprising four species: N. brasiliensis (Bruner, 1915) from Brazil (Bahia), N. cooksonii (Butler, 1877) from Ecuador (Galápagos, Floreana Island), and two species from southern Mexico: N. insignis (Hebard, 1932) from Yucatán (Temax and Chichen-Itza), and N. nigrispina (Stål, 1873) reported also from Yucatán and the State of Tabasco (Teapa). Members of this genus are large and attractive insects, nonetheless, they have been poorly studied since they are not abundant or commonly collected. This paper describes four new species of Nesoecia from the Huasteca Region in northeastern México: N. huichihuayan n. sp., N. potoniya n. sp., N. insolita n. sp., and N. constricta n. sp. Taxa delimitation is based on morphological diagnostic characters and parameters of the acoustic signal. Information on distribution, habitat, and behavior is provided. [urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:B932F2DC-97F4-4751-A6F7-0869318364FA]
Review of the genus Exopholis Motschulsky, 1859 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae: Leucopholini) in the Philippines
Authors: CALCETAS ORLANDO A. , ADORADA JESSAMYN R. , NAVASERO MARIO V.
Published: October 2020

Motschulsky (1859), a Russian Imperial Army Colonel and entomologist, established the genus Exopholis, described E. birmannica and transferred Melolontha hypoleuca Wiedemann, 1819 to it. Brenske (1896) described Exopholis philippinica from the “Philippinen” from a single female specimen. Dalla Torre (1912), listed eight species under the genus Exopholis Motschulsky, 1859 from South East Asia: E. hypoleuca (Weidemann, 1819) (Myanmar, Malaysia, Borneo, Java, Sumatra, Nias, Ambon), E. costata (Burmeister, 1855) (Java, Nias), E. birmanica Motschulsky, 1859 (Myanmar), E. lacordairei Waterhouse, 1867 (Borneo), E. pinguis Lansberge, 1879 (Sumatra), E. brenskei Nonfried, 1891, E. borneensis Brenske, 1894 (both from Borneo) and E. philippinica Brenske, 1896 (Philippines). This paper aims to review the taxonomy of Exopholis from the Philippines. Specifically, to focus on the diagnosis of Exopholis philippinica and its geographic distribution.
A new species of Sternitta Fibiger, 2011 (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Hypenodinae, Micronoctuini) from Cambodia
Authors: QI MUJIE , BAE YANGSEOP , HAN HUILIN
Published: October 2020

Fibiger (2011) established the genus Sternitta in the Micronoctuidae, with Sternitta gregerseni Fibiger, 2011 from Nepal as the type species. The Micronoctuidae are currently treated as a tribe (Micronoctuini) within the Hypenodinae, and include over 400 described species. To date, the genus Sternitta (Micronoctuini: Micronoctuina) consists of seven species: S. goateri Fibiger, 2011 in Afghanistan; S. hackeri Fibiger, 2011 and S. gabori Fibiger, 2011 in Pakistan; S. parasuffuscalis Fibiger, 2011, S. suffuscalis (Swinhoe, 1886), S. gabori Fibiger, 2011 and S. magna Fibiger, 2011 in India; S. suffuscalis (Swinhoe, 1886) in Sri Lanka and S. gregerseni Fibiger, 2011 only in Nepal (Swinhoe 1886; Fibiger 2011). The genus Sternitta was considered by Fibiger to be among the more primitive micronoctuine genera, and it can be recognized by the sclerotized 8th abdominal sternite with prominent dorsal and ventral processes and, in the male genitalia of most species, by the divided ampulla into dorsal and ventral plates and by the dorsal spinelike processes on the anellus. In the present paper, the new species Sternitta mondulkiriensis sp. n. is described from Cambodia with habitus and male genitalia illustrated and compared with those of S. suffuscalis (Swinhoe, 1886). An updated checklist and a key to all the species are included.
Feasibility of Retrohepatic Inferior Vena Cava Resection Without Reconstruction for Hepatic Alveolar Echinococcosis
Authors: Ran Bo , Maimaitinijiati Yusufukadier , Yasen Aimaiti , Jiang Tieming , Zhang Ruiqing , Guo Qiang , Shao Yingmei , Wen Hao , Aji Tuerganaili
Published: October 2020

This study evaluates the feasibility of retrohepatic inferior vena cava (RHIVC) resection without reconstruction in patients with end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (AE). Four hundred and fifty-seven patients diagnosed with hepatic AE and who underwent surgical resections between January 2010 and October 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Nine patients receiving RHIVC resection without reconstruction were included in this study. Among the patients, 5 were male and 4 female. Mean follow-up time was 64.4 months (18-95). In this series, adequate collateral circulation was formed before operation in all patients, and 7 cases underwent ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation (ELRA) and 2 cases underwent extended right hemi-hepatectomy. Average standard liver volume, graft volume, surgical time, and anhepatic phase in ELRA group patients was 1144 ± 127 cm3, 740 ± 235 cm3, 16.8 ± 4.1 hours, and 337.4 ± 108.65 minutes respectively. Average hospital stay time for all patients was 45 ± 36.4 days. There were no intraoperative deaths. The 30-day mortality rate was 11.1%, and total mortality rate was 22.2%. Postoperative complications occurred in 4 patients. During follow-up, no relapsed AE lesions were found. RHIVC resection without reconstruction is a feasible way for hepatic AE patients with adequate collateral circulation. Careful protection of collateral venous is the key factor for successful operation.
Analytical validation of eight methods of thyroglobulin measurement in fine-needle aspiration washouts
Authors: Boux de Casson Florence , Beloeil Rémi , Gauchez Anne-Sophie , Oris Charlotte , Leban Monique , Schlageter Marie-Hélène , Moineau Marie-Pierre , Dufour-Rainfray Diane , Bach-Ngohou Kalyane , Chikh Karim , Moal Valérie
Published: October 2020

Background

Thyroglobulin (Tg) assay in washout fluids of fine needles, after cervical lymph nodes aspiration, is used for detecting metastases from differentiated thyroid carcinomas. Assay methods are the same as for Tg in serum. However, with non-serum samples, methods require extensive validation to notably check for the absence of matrix effect. This study fits this context. Our objectives were to assess analytic performances, in washout fluid, of eight different Tg assay methods and to compare them to validated data in serum.

Methods

Eleven medical laboratories participated in this study. The matrix tested was phosphate-buffer saline containing 1% bovine serum albumin (PBS-1% BSA). Samples used were dilutions, in this buffer, of Certified Reference Material (CRM 457). We verified, for all methods, the limit of detection, precision, linearity, trueness and accuracy.

Results

In PBS-1% BSA, the functional sensitivities (FS) were comparable to those expected for serum. All the methods were linear. The relative biases of trueness were between –24.5 and 10.2% around 1  µg/L. Total analytical error was ≤40% near the functional sensitivity values.

Conclusion

No quantitatively important matrix effect was observed. All the methods showed their ability to measure Tg in PBS-1% BSA, over the concentration range of interest, with acceptable total analytical error. We validated the functional sensitivity value as a decision threshold in thyroidectomized patients after treatment and with low concentrations of serum Tg.
A tool for facilitating the automated assessment of engineering/science courses
Authors: Beg Azam , Alhemeiri Mouza , Beg Ajmal
Published: October 2020

In recent years, massive open online courses (MOOCs) have become quite popular. Such courses are either completely free or cost nominally. Generally, the MOOCs face the challenge of not being recognized as ‘regular’ courses (i.e., the ones taken at the traditional learning institutions). One of the main reasons for this lack of acceptability is the assessment in an unsupervised environment, which is prone to the problems of test-taker’s online lookups or interaction with others for finding the answers to the test questions. A few ways of alleviating this problem include: limiting the time for answering the questions, the avoidance of repetitive questions, and the creation of a large number of questions. This paper presents a tool named QAgen that enables the automatic creation of a large number of questions and answers related to different topics in computer/electrical engineering (ECE), computer science, physics, etc. Specifically, the tool is related to the courses on digital logic design, computer architecture, etc. The generated questions are in a format that is suitable both for learning management system (LMS) based and/or non-LMS-based assessment in conventional courses or MOOCs. The proposed tool is based on open-source software, thus eliminating the need for any commercial software packages. The underlying principles of QAgen are applicable to other engineering/science courses as well, if the assessment methods require the creation of some connected-object diagrams, tables and equations. For assessing the usefulness of QAgen, practice question sets were created for three different courses. The student surveys for these courses indicated that the questions helped students prepare for actual tests/examinations. Especially favored by the students was the availability of correct answers at the end of each practice test/examination.
Reinventing Privatization: A Political Economic Analysis of the Social Health Organizations in Brazil
Authors: Turino Fabiana , Filippon Jonathan , Sodré Francis , Siqueira Carlos Eduardo
Published: October 2020

The Brazilian state apparatus was reformed throughout the 1990s, influenced by New Public Management (NPM). NPM was embodied in the health care sector by the creation of Social Health Organizations ( Organizações Sociais de Saúde or OSS), private non-profit entities to provide welfare services. We performed a systematic review of the literature outlining the origins and role of OSS in Brazil. Our selected articles (peer-reviewed) cover the origins/performance of OSS and their services provision between 1998 and 2018, in English or Portuguese. Databases used were Lilacs, Bireme, Medline, Pubmed, and SciELO. We identified 4,732 articles applying a pre-defined set of descriptors, from which we selected 49 for analysis. The main findings reveal that NPM is the central theme of most articles about OSS in Brazil (n = 26). There is evidence corroborating our hypothesis that transferring management of public health care services to private non-profit organizations is a softer version of privatization as, although financing is kept public, the rationale and ethos of OSS services institutionally and operationally mimic the private sector. The practical consequence is that attainment of health care in Brazil ends up being neither fully commodified (based on ability to pay) nor fulfilled as a citizen’s right following its national constitution.
Thermal conductivity analysis of a new sub-micron sized polystyrene foam
Authors: Almeida FA , Beyrichen H , Dodamani N , Caps R , Müller A , Oberhoffer R
Published: October 2020

New polystyrene (PS) foams with submicron pore sizes and open pore structure are introduced as potential cores for vacuum insulation panels (VIPs). Measurements of the thermal conductivity λ of the air-filled and evacuated PS foams, the influence of temperature T, opacifiers as well as gas pressure p on the thermal conductivity λ are presented. First results of the foam microstructures, as visualized by electron microscopy, confirm that pore sizes below 1 µm can be achieved. Thermal conductivity values of advanced samples in vacuum of about 7 mW/(m·K) were measured.
A Near-Optimal Bidding Strategy for Real-Time Display Advertising Auctions
Authors: Tunuguntla Srinivas , Hoban Paul R.
Published: October 2020

This article introduces a near-optimal bidding algorithm for use in real-time display advertising auctions. These auctions constitute a dominant distribution channel for internet display advertising and a potential funding model for addressable media. The proposed efficient, implementable learning algorithm is proven to rapidly converge to the optimal strategy while achieving zero regret and constituting a competitive equilibrium. This is the first algorithmic solution to the online knapsack problem to offer such theoretical guarantees without assuming a priori knowledge of object values or costs. Furthermore, it meets advertiser requirements by accommodating any valuation metric while satisfying budget constraints. Across a series of 100 simulated and 10 real-world campaigns, the algorithm delivers 98% of the value achievable with perfect foresight and outperforms the best available alternative by 11%. Finally, we show how the algorithm can be augmented to simultaneously estimate impression values and learn the bidding policy. Across a series of simulations, we show that the total regret delivered under this dual objective is less than that from any competing algorithm required only to learn the bidding policy.
Feels like home: Effect of transnational identities on attitudes towards foreign countries
Authors: Tokdemir Efe
Published: October 2020

How do people react to foreign actors’ involvement in a conflict in a third party? Many studies have explored how individuals react to their country’s foreign policy choices, as well as how they react to the policies targeting their countries. Yet, we know less about how they form their attitudes regarding the policies not directly aiming at their own countries, and hence, their well-being. Building on intergroup relations and employing a social psychological approach, this article argues that identity serves as a heuristic through which individuals evaluate foreign actors, and their policies targeting in- and out-group members living abroad. Conducting a survey experiment in Turkey, I test my claims in the context of the Syrian Civil War. The findings of the experiments reveal that transnational identity ties have an impact on attitude formation: Turks and Kurds express positive/negative attitudes towards the USA and Russia conditional on whether their involvement to the conflict favor/disfavor their in-group/out-group across the border. Broadly speaking, the results show that domestic cleavages are of importance in predicting the public’s reaction to the developments in international politics, which implies a necessity of taking domestic politics in designing soft power promotion and public diplomacy strategies for many global and regional powers in attempting to win hearts and minds abroad.
Doing comparative urbanism differently: Conjunctural cities and the stress-testing of urban theory
Authors: Sayın Özgür , Hoyler Michael , Harrison John
Published: October 2020

Ongoing splintering and siloification in urban studies require alternative approaches to bring the major theoretical and epistemological perspectives into constructive dialogue. Reflecting growing calls for engaged pluralism, we analyse the extent to which different perspectives can come together as complementary alternatives in understanding cities and present a framework for overcoming the key theoretical and methodological challenges caused by fragmentation. Using Istanbul as our illustrative case, we do this in three steps. Theoretically, we stress-test the potentials and limits of four dominant perspectives in urban theory making – global cities, state rescaling, developmental and postcolonial – revealing how each can only ever generate a partial, one-dimensional, explanation. Methodologically, we proceed to make the case for doing comparative urbanism differently by developing a conjunctural approach. Finally, and conceptually, we identify ‘conjunctural cities’ as a distinctive type of city and as a new approach to analysing cities. Our contention is that approaching all cities conjuncturally provides a significant step towards putting engaged pluralism into action, as well as indicating new terrain on which the future of urban theory/urban studies can be constructively debated.
Evolution of Community Telepsychiatry in India Showcasing the SCARF Model
Authors: Tharoor Hema , Thara Rangaswamy
Published: October 2020

This review chronicles the origin of telepsychiatry services started by the Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF) in the community and traces the birth of the Scarf Telepsychiatry in Pudukkottai (STEP) program at Pudukkottai in Tamil Nadu. This paper also examines the trajectory of STEP and highlights other relevant models existing in the country in the last decade.
Microglia/macrophage polarization: Fantasy or evidence of functional diversity?
Authors: Hu Xiaoming
Published: October 2020

Microglia and non-parenchymal macrophages are increasingly recognized to play critical roles in the central nervous system (CNS) health and disease. Accumulating evidence suggests that these mononuclear phagocytes do not constitute stereotypical cell populations, but rather polarize into a variety of phenotypes at different stages of CNS development, stresses, and diseases. This commentary aims to discuss our current consensus and controversy on microglia/macrophage phenotypes. Collective single-cell level evidence validates the concept of microglia/macrophage polarization, while suggests multi-polarity instead of dichotomic polarization. Characterizing the functions of a specific microglia/macrophage phenotype is challenging yet essential to translate our scientific discoveries into clinical application.
Relationship between nomophobia and occupational performance among university students
Authors: Torpil Berkan , Ünsal Esra , Yıldız Ebru , Pekçetin Serkan
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Nomophobia is a contemporary phobia that emerged in the digital age and is becoming increasingly common. University students are at higher risk for nomophobia. This study aims to develop an understanding of nomophobic university students’ problem areas in their daily occupations.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted with 181 university students between January and March 2020. The Nomophobia Questionnaire was used to determine the students’ level of nomophobia and they were separated into groups based on nomophobia severity. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure was used to determine the students’ occupational performance and satisfaction in the occupations they identified as being most problematic for them. Canadian Occupational Performance Measure scores were compared between nomophobia severity groups.

Results

All students in the study had some degree of nomophobia (mild = 56, moderate = 95, severe = 30). Canadian Occupational Performance Measure performance and satisfaction scores were significantly lower in students with severe nomophobia compared to the mild/moderately nomophobic students ( p<.05). The occupations of greatest concern were in the areas of productivity (studying, 20.89%), self-care (sleeping, 9.87%), and leisure (doing sport, 8.23%).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated a relationship between nomophobia and occupational performance difficulties in university students. Occupational therapists should consider nomophobia when evaluating occupational performance difficulties in university students.
Information access and sharing among prosthetics and orthotics faculty in Ghana and the United States
Authors: McDonald Cody L , Larbi Henry , McCoy Sarah Westcott , Kartin Deborah
Published: October 2020

Background:

Information access is essential for quality healthcare provision and education. Despite technological advances, access to prosthetics and orthotics information in low- and middle-income countries is not ubiquitous. The current state of information access, availability, and exchange among prosthetics and orthotics faculty is unknown.

Objectives:

Describe information exchange networks and access at two prosthetics and orthotics programs in Ghana and the United States.

Study design:

Cross-sectional survey, social network analysis.

Methods:

An online survey of faculty at two prosthetics and orthotics programs using REDCap. The survey included a social network analysis, demographics, and prosthetics and orthotics information resources and frequency of use. Descriptive statistics were calculated.

Results:

Twenty-one faculty members completed the survey (84% response). Ghanaian faculty were on average younger (median Ghana: 27 years, United States: 43 years), had less teaching experience, and had less education than US faculty. Textbooks were the most commonly used resource at both programs. The Ghanaian network had more internal connections with few outside sources. The US network had fewer internal connections, relied heavily upon four key players, and had numerous outside contacts.

Conclusion:

Ghana and US faculty have two distinct information exchange networks. These networks identify key players and barriers to dissemination among faculty to promote successful knowledge translation of current scientific literature and technology development. Social network analysis may be a useful method to explore information sharing among prosthetics and orthotics faculty, and identify areas for further study.
Two-Year Outcomes After Meniscoplasty by Capsular Advancement With the Application of Arthroscopic Centralization Technique for Lateral Compartment Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Koga Hideyuki , Nakamura Tomomasa , Katagiri Hiroki , Nakagawa Yusuke , Ozeki Nobutake , Ohara Toshiyuki , Shioda Mikio , Kohno Yuji , Amemiya Masaki , Sekiya Ichiro
Published: October 2020

Background:

A high prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) progression in patients with lateral meniscal defects has been reported. However, optimal management techniques for active patients remain ill-defined.

Hypothesis:

Meniscoplasty by capsular advancement with the application of the centralization technique would improve clinical and radiological outcomes in patients with lateral compartment OA attributed to lateral meniscal defects.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 27 patients were enrolled who had undergone meniscoplasty by capsular advancement for lateral compartment OA attributed to lateral meniscal defects. In these patients, the meniscotibial capsule was released from the tibia and advanced with the remaining meniscus onto the rim of the tibial plateau to reform a meniscus-like configuration. Measures of clinical outcomes included clinical examination, Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), subjective rating scales regarding recovery of the operated knee, and sports performance level. Measures of radiographic outcomes included meniscal extrusion width or regeneration of the meniscus-like tissue on magnetic resonance imaging and lateral joint space width on standing extension anteroposterior and Rosenberg views. All clinical and radiographic outcomes were reported preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively, except magnetic resonance imaging findings, which were reported preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively.

Results:

The clinical outcomes were significantly improved 2 years postoperatively as compared with baseline: Lysholm score, IKDC subjective score, and KOOS subscores (all P < .0001). The patients’ subjective recovery ( P < .0001) and sports performance level ( P < .0001) were also improved. One year postoperatively, 10 of 11 patients who had no meniscus remaining at the middle segment showed more than one-third the volume of meniscal tissue–like regeneration, and meniscal extrusion width was significantly reduced as compared with baseline in the remaining 16 patients ( P = .0006). Joint space width increased at 2 years on the standing anteroposterior view ( P < .0001) and the Rosenberg view ( P = .0001).

Conclusion:

Meniscoplasty of the lateral meniscus by capsular advancement improved clinical and radiographic outcomes at 2-year follow-up in patients with lateral compartment OA attributed to lateral meniscal defects.
Clinical significance of DJ stent culture in patients with indwelling ureteral stents prior to endourological intervention
Authors: Pal Dilip Kumar , Mahapatra Rajkumar Singha , Kumar Ankit
Published: October 2020

Background:

Ureteral stents are placed to relieve ureteral obstruction in various endourological surgery. As soon as it is inserted it is rapidly colonized by host of microorganism. Culture and sensitivity pattern of these growing microorganism on the stent may provide us an insight to treat postoperative urosepsis in high risk patients with indwelling DJ stents.

Materials and methods:

Prospective study between September 2018 and August 2019 with enrollment of 100 patients to determine the ability of urine culture (UC) to predict stent culture (SC) status, to identify associated infectious pathogens with their antibiotic sensitivity patterns and to evaluate the association between SC and post-endourological intervention sepsis.

Results:

Colonization of bacteria on stent culture (SC) was identified in 53 out of 100 patients (53%). Most of the organism grown on SC were multidrug resistant and they were resistant to most commonly prescribed antibiotics like fluroquinolones, cephalosporins, and aminoglycosides .These organisms were only sensitive to newer antibiotics. Indwelling time of ureteral stent was directly proportional with SC positivity ( p < 0.05). Association of Urine culture at DJ Removal and DJ stent culture was not statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Very low rates of colonization within 6 weeks after the insertion of stents. Sterile culture of urine does not rule out colonization of the stent. Most of the urinary pathogens as well as the organisms grown on DJ stent are resistant to fluroquinolones and cephalosporins.
Effects of mild steel welding fume particles on pulmonary epithelial inflammation and endothelial activation
Authors: Samulin Erdem Johanna , Arnoldussen Yke Jildouw , Tajik Sepideh , Ellingsen Dag G , Zienolddiny Shanbeh
Published: October 2020

Welders have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) following exposure to welding fumes. The underlying mechanisms are largely unknown; however, oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction have been suggested as contributing factors to particle-induced CVD. We investigated effects of mild steel welding fume (MSWF) on three target cell types: macrophages, pulmonary epithelial, and vascular endothelial cells. Cells were exposed to MSWF at nontoxic doses for 6 h/day, for five consecutive days. The expression of 40 genes involved in inflammation, fibrosis, and endothelial activation was analyzed. Moreover, changes in the reactive oxygen species production and migration capacity of cells were assessed. The expression of matrix metallopeptidase 1 ( MMP1) was induced in both epithelial and endothelial cells following repeated exposure to MSWF. Although MMP1 is important in inflammatory responses in vivo, this effect was not concurrent with changes in the inflammatory status, cell proliferation, and migration capacities, nor did it induce oxidative stress in the cells. Thus, repeated exposure with low doses of MSWF was sufficient neither for inducing inflammatory stress in epithelial cells and macrophages nor for endothelial activation, and higher concentrations of MSWF or the nonparticle fraction of MSWF may be critical in causing the increased risk of CVD observed among welders.
Composite sponges from sheep decellularized small intestinal submucosa for treatment of diabetic wounds
Authors: Magden Gamze Kara , Vural Cigdem , Bayrak Busra Yaprak , Ozdogan Candan Yilmaz , Kenar Halime
Published: October 2020

Despite the fast development of technology in the world, diabetic foot wounds cause deaths and massive economical losses. Diabetes comes first among the reasons of non traumatic foot amputations. To reduce the healing time of these fast progressing wounds, effective wound dressings are in high demand. In our study, sheep small intestinal submucosa (SIS) based biocompatible sponges were prepared after SIS decellularization and their wound healing potential was investigated on full thickness skin defects in a diabetic rat model. The decellularized SIS membranes had no cytotoxic effects on human fibroblasts and supported capillary formation by HUVECs in a fibroblast-HUVEC co-culture. Glutaraldehyde crosslinked sponges of three different compositions were prepared to test in a diabetic rat model: gelatin (GS), gelatin: hyaluronic acid (GS:HA) and gelatin: hyaluronic acid: SIS (GS:HA:SIS). The GS:HA:SIS sponges underwent a 24.8 ± 5.4% weight loss in a 7-day in vitro erosion test. All sponges had a similar Young’s modulus under compression but GS:HA:SIS had the highest (5.00 ± 0.04 kPa). Statistical analyses of histopathological results of a 12-day in vivo experiment revealed no significant difference among the control, GS, GS:HA, and GS:HA:SIS transplanted groups in terms of granulation tissue thickness, collagen deposition, capillary vessel formation, and foreign body reaction (P > 0.05). On the other hand, in the GS:HA:SIS transplanted group 80% of the animals had a complete epidermal regeneration and this was significantly different than the control group (30%, P < 0.05). Preclinical studies revealed that the ECM of sheep small intestinal submucosa can be used as an effective biomaterial in diabetic wound healing.
Forty years of peritoneal dialysis Listeria peritonitis: Case and review
Authors: Mat Olivier , Gankam Fabrice , Goubella Ahmed , Colombie Vincent , Blecic Serge , Mat Quentin , Philippart Patrick
Published: October 2020

Infections with Listeria monocytogenes (LM) are very uncommon and severe especially in immunocompromised people. We report a continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD) patient who presented initially disseminated listeriosis with peritonitis. He was successfully treated with intraperitoneal and intravenous ampicillin but died unfortunately from a cardiorespiratory arrest due to food inhalation. It is the 20th case of such peritonitis mentioned among PD patients and the first reported in Belgium. This case illustrates the importance of a systematic approach to get quick diagnosis and effective antibiotic readjustment. Empiric therapy is not effective on Listeria which is naturally resistant to cephalosporins and poorly sensitive to vancomycin. Ampicillin is the first-line antibiotic. In case of penicillin allergy, trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole or erythromycin can be used successfully. Identification of LM serotype has a prognostic value. PD educative programmes should recommend to avoid unpasteurized dairy products to prevent listeriosis.
Thermal and dielectric properties of epoxy-based composites filled with flake and whisker type hexagonal boron nitride materials
Authors: Yang Rongkun , Sheng Mingming , Zhang Yujun , Gong Hongyu , Lin Xiao , Pei Yaran , Zhang Xinfeng
Published: October 2020

In this work, the epoxy-based composites filled with 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH-550) modified binary filler of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) flakes and h-BN whiskers were fabricated, and the thermal and dielectric properties of composites were systematically investigated. Adding h-BN whiskers to the filler could effectively form heat conduction paths and improve the phonon transmission efficiency, thereby improving the thermal conductivity of the composites. According to our results, the thermal conductivity of composite with 27 wt% h-BN flakes and 3 wt% h-BN whiskers reached up to 0.819 W·m−1·K−1, which was 3.9 times that of pure epoxy resin. At the same time, the dielectric loss value and dielectric constant of this composite at 1 MHz were 0.02678 and 4.55, respectively, while pure epoxy resin were 0.03602 and 4.33. In addition, introducing h-BN whiskers into the matrix could effectively improve the thermal stability and heat dissipation performance of composites.
PEI-SiO2 composite membranes with high thermal stability: Synthesis by self-assembled in situ growth and application in lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Song Wei , Cui Weiwei , Wang Xu , Lin Zeyu , Deng Wei , Ma Yingyi
Published: October 2020

To improve the safety of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), a polyether amide–silica (PEI-SiO2) composite membrane was developed by the in situ hydrolysis of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) and its subsequent self-assembly on the surface of PEI fibers. Because of the presence of the SiO2 shell, the PEI-SiO2 composite membrane exhibited good thermal stability at high temperatures. The composite membrane did not change its color and size after heating at 200°C for 1 h as well as exhibited excellent flame retardancy. Moreover, the membrane maintained its high porosity even after the introduction of shell layers. The electrolyte is completely absorbed in the membrane within 0.5 s. The electrolyte uptake was up to 625%, and the ionic conductivity was up to 1.9 mS/cm at room temperature. Compared to the polyolefin membrane and the pure PEI membrane, the PEI-SiO2 composite membrane showed higher electrochemical stability, with an electrochemical window of up to 5.5 V. The battery assembled with the composite membrane showed excellent cycle stability, and the capacity retention rate was as high as 98.6% after 50 cycles. The LIBs based on the PEI-SiO2 composite membrane exhibited safe operation and high electrochemical performance, thus highlighting the applicability of the composite membrane in high-power batteries.
A resistance force model for spherical projectiles penetrating ballistic gelatin based on cavity expansion theory
Authors: Liu Li , Fan Yurun , Wang Pengfei , Zhang Xufang , Lu Qianqian
Published: October 2020

To investigate the penetration mechanism of spherical projectiles into soft tissues, ballistic gelatin was used as tissue substitute in ballistic tests. A theoretical motion model was established based on the cavity expansion theory. We first presented a quasi-static cylindrical cavity expansion model for the radial stress at the cavity wall of a cracked-hyperelastic material. The pressure on the cavity surface, PS, was also defined as the energy required to open a unit volume in the medium quasi-statically. Based on this interpretation, we proposed an approximate expression for the dynamic pressure, P, acting on the surface of the cavity by analyzing the energy transformation and conservation. Then, based on the analysis and solutions of the cylindrical cavity expansion model, we obtained a resistance force model for spherical projectiles, which consisted of an inertial term and a rate-dependent strength term. Subsequently, ballistic tests, in which gelatin blocks were penetrated by spherical projectiles of different materials and sizes, were analyzed, and the parameters in the resistance model were identified using the test results obtained from the 3 mm steel projectile. Further, the ability of the motion model to describe the motion of spherical projectiles penetrating ballistic gelatin was verified by comparing the calculated and measured results from projectiles of different materials and sizes. The proposed motion model based on the cavity expansion theory can therefore provide a basis for understanding the interaction of small arms ammunition and soft tissues.
Strategies of ideological polarisation in the online news media: A social actor analysis of Megawati Soekarnoputri
Authors: Ahlstrand Jane Louise
Published: October 2020

This article examines strategies of ideological polarisation in the discourse of the Indonesian online news media site, Kompas.com. Applying Van Leeuwen’s model of social actor analysis and van Dijk’s concept of the ideological square, the study focuses on the representation of Megawati Soekarnoputri, leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) as an icon of ideological contestation during the 2014 presidential election. Situated in the era of digital platform convergence, the analysis uncovers a pattern of strategically ambiguous representations of Megawati and her apparently transgressive actions and interactions. This practice entices readers to ‘read between the lines’ and activate their ideological repertoire to determine in-group and out-group members. It also enables Kompas.com to pursue commercial objectives and navigate journalistic constraints by obscuring explicitly ideological content. The implications are discussed in terms of the impact of online news media discourse upon democratic political engagement, and women’s political participation.
Transplantation Efficacy of Human Ciliary Epithelium Cells from Fetal Eye and Lin-ve Stem Cells from Umbilical Cord Blood in the Murine Retinal Degeneration Model of Laser Injury
Authors: Bammidi Sridhar , Bali Parul , Kalra Jaswinder , Anand Akshay
Published: October 2020

A number of degenerative conditions affecting the neural retina including age-related macular degeneration have no successful treatment, resulting in partial or complete vision loss. There are a number of stem cell replacement strategies for recovery of retinal damage using cells from variable sources. However, literature is still deficit in the comparison of efficacy of types of stem cells. The purpose of the study was to compare the therapeutic efficacy of undifferentiated cells, i.e., lineage negative stem cells (Lin-ve SC) with differentiated neurosphere derived from ciliary epithelium (CE) cells on retinal markers associated with laser-induced retinal injury. Laser-induced photocoagulation was carried out to disrupt Bruch’s membrane and retinal pigmented epithelium in C57BL/6 mouse model. Lineage negative cells were isolated from human umbilical cord blood, whereas neurospheres were derived from CE of post-aborted human eyeballs. The cells were then transplanted into subretinal space to study their effect on injury. Markers of neurotropic factors, retina, apoptosis, and proliferation were analyzed after injury and transplantation. mRNA expression was also analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction at 1 week, and 3-month immunohistochemistry was evaluated at 1-week time point. CE cell transplantation showed enhanced differentiation of rods and retinal glial cells. However, Lin-ve cells exerted paracrine-dependent modulation of neurotrophic factors, which is possibly mediated by antiapoptotic and proliferative effects. In conclusion, CE transplantation showed superior regenerative outcome in comparison to Lin-ve SC for rescue of artificially injured rodent retinal cells. It is imperative that this source for transplantation may be extensively studied in various doses and additional retinal degeneration models for prospective clinical applications.
Comparative aspects of laboratory testing for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii and its differentiation from Neospora caninum as the etiologic agent of ovine abortion
Authors: Meixner Nicola , Sommer Marie F. , Scuda Nelly , Matiasek Kaspar , Müller Matthias
Published: October 2020

Histologic examination of aborted material is an essential component in the diagnosis of ovine toxoplasmosis. However, the detection of Toxoplasma gondii in histologic sections, and its differentiation from the closely related protozoan Neospora caninum, is challenging. We developed a chromogenic in situ hybridization (ISH) assay for the identification of T. gondii in paraffin-embedded tissue samples. We examined retrospectively the archived placental tissue of 200 sheep abortion submissions for the presence of T. gondii by immunohistochemistry (IHC), ISH, and real-time PCR (rtPCR). All placental samples that tested positive for T. gondii by rtPCR (9 of 200) were also positive by IHC, with inconclusive IHC staining in an additional 7 rtPCR-negative cases. Further testing for N. caninum of all 200 placentas by rtPCR revealed 7 Neospora-positive cases. T. gondii ISH was positive in 4 of 9 IHC-positive samples and 1 of the 7 N. caninum rtPCR-positive samples. Real-time PCR was used as the reference standard for specificity and sensitivity calculations regarding placenta samples. Specificity of ISH and IHC was 99% and 96–100%, respectively. The sensitivity of ISH (44%) was quite low compared to IHC (100%). The exclusive use of ISH for the detection of T. gondii, and thus for the diagnosis of ovine toxoplasmosis, was not acceptable. However, combined with rtPCR, both ISH and IHC can be useful detection methods to improve histologic evaluation by visualizing the parasite within tissue sections.