bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SIRT1 gene polymorphisms are associated with nondiabetic type 1 cardiorenal syndrome
Authors: Hou Jiebin , Xie Xinyue , Tu Qingxian , Li Jie , Ding Jiarong , Shao Guojian , Jiang Qianfeng , Yuan Li , Lai Xueli
Published: July 2019

Type 1 cardiorenal syndrome (CRS1) is characterized by acute cardiac disease (e.g., acute heart failure [AHF]), leading to acute kidney injury. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), an NAD+‐dependent deacylase, has been found to be associated with CRS1. To confirm whether a correlation exists between SIRT1 variants and the risk of CRS1, the association between the prevalence of CRS1 and single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the SIRT1 gene was investigated in AHF patients. A total of 316 Chinese AHF participants (158 patients with CRS1 and 158 age‐ and sex‐matched controls) were recruited for the present observational study to investigate the association between nine common SIRT1 SNPs (i.e., rs7895833 G > A, rs10509291 T > A, rs3740051 A > G, rs932658 A > C, rs33957861 C > T, rs7069102 C > G, rs2273773 T > C, rs3818292 A > G, and rs1467568 A > G) and the susceptibility to CRS1. Significant differences in genotype distribution between the control and CRS1 groups were found for rs7895833 and rs1467568. After applying a Bonferroni adjustment, the A allele of rs7895833 was still found to be protective (p = 0.001; odds ratio [OR] = 0.77) against CRS1 in this study population. The AA genotype of rs7895833 and the GA genotype of rs1467568 were associated with a significantly reduced risk of CRS1 (OR = 0.23 and 0.49, respectively). rs7895833 and rs1467568 were further analyzed as a haplotype, and the GA haplotype (rs7895833‐rs1467568) exhibited a significant association with CRS1 (p = 0.008), while the AA haplotype showed a significant protective effect (p = 0.022). Our study showed that SIRT1 rs7895833 and rs1467568 polymorphisms had a significant effect on the risk of developing CRS1 in a population in China.
Hospitalisation for medication misadventures among older adults with and without dementia: A 5‐year retrospective study
Authors: Mullan Judy , Burns Pippa , Mohanan Lita , Lago Luise , Jordan Margaret , Potter Jan
Published: July 2019

Objectives

To compare rates and trends in hospital admissions due to medication misadventure for older adults (≥65 years) with and without dementia.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of hospital admissions that occurred between 2012 and 2016, for medication misadventures among older adults living in regional Australia.

Results

Medication misadventures contributed to 10 555 (4.6%) of the total 228 165 admissions for older adults over the study period. Among these admissions, older adults with dementia were three times more likely to be hospitalised with medication misadventures (14.0%), than their non‐dementia counterparts (4.2%). Medication misadventures relating to “anticoagulants” and “opioids/related analgesics” accounted for the majority of admissions (24.3% dementia vs 30.7% non‐dementia).

Conclusions

This study highlights that the proportion of older adults hospitalised for a medication misadventure is much higher among those with dementia, than those without dementia. Strategies should target older adults, and especially those with dementia, to reduce medication‐related harm and improve patient safety.
Basophil degranulation in response to IgE ligation is controlled by a distinctive circadian clock in asthma
Authors: Spadaro Giuseppe , Giurato Giorgio , Stellato Cristiana , Marone Gianni , Casolaro Vincenzo
Published: July 2019

Background

Several factors may contribute to the circadian variability of clinical manifestations in asthma and allergy. Basophils play a pivotal role in allergic inflammation. However, evidence for a functional clock governing the effector function of these cells is sparse and contradictory. We have systematically sampled the 24‐hour response of basophils to IgE‐ and non‐IgE‐dependent ligands in asthma to understand their possible contribution to the diurnal variations of allergic symptoms.

Methods

Leukocytes were collected every 4 hours for 24 hours from 10 patients with moderate, persistent asthma and 10 matched, nonallergic controls, and then incubated with concentrations of anti‐IgE, formyl‐methionyl‐leucylphenylalanine (fMLP), or the Ca2+ ionophore, A23187. Histamine release (HR) was tested for time‐of‐day‐ or disease‐related variability by conventional statistics and for 24‐hour rhythmicity by the cosinor method.

Results

HR induced by anti‐IgE was significantly increased at 08:00 vs. 20:00 in basophils from asthmatics but not controls. No significant differences were seen at any time in the response to A23187, while the response to fMLP was significantly higher at 08:00 vs. 20:00 in controls but not asthmatics. The basophil response to anti‐IgE, but not fMLP or A23187, varied significantly across the 24 hours in asthma, and its amplitude, percent rhythm, and acrophase were comparable to those of peak expiratory flow or serum cortisol.

Conclusion

Using an integrated statistical approach, we show that basophil responsiveness undergoes significant circadian variability and that distinct patterns of rhythmicity can be recognized depending on the signal delivered, the activation parameters assessed, and the disease status.
Mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy is associated with distinct resting‐state neural patterns in patients with generalized anxiety disorder
Authors: Zhao Xing‐Rong , Chen Zhuang‐Fei , Kang Chuan‐Yuan , Liu Rui‐Xiang , Bai Jun‐Yun , Cao Yu‐Ping , Cheng Yu‐Qi , Xu Xiu‐Feng , Zhang Ya‐Lin
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT) may be effective for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD); however, the neural mechanism is poorly understood. In this study, we examined the potential neural mechanisms through which MBCT may reduce anxiety in patients with mild‐to‐moderate GAD.

Methods

Eight weekly group MBCT sessions (2 h each) were conducted with 32 GAD patients. Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used, along with clinical and mindfulness profiles. A regional homogeneity (ReHo) approach was applied, and resting‐state functional connectivity in the default mode network (DMN) using the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) seed was examined.

Results

MBCT reduced the anxiety and increased the mindfulness abilities of patients. After MBCT, patients had reduced ReHo in broad regions of the limbic system, along with increased DMN functional connectivity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and bilateral insula. Overlapping regions of reduced ReHo and increased DMN functional connectivity were observed in the mid‐cingulate cortex (MCC) and bilateral insula. The increased PCC‐ACC and PCC‐insula functional connectivity following MBCT were related to anxiety improvements, suggesting a potential therapeutic mechanism for mindfulness‐based therapies.

Discussion

Group MBCT treatment appears to have effectively reduced anxiety symptoms in patients with mild‐to‐moderate GAD. Activation and functional connectivity appeared significantly different across some limbic regions after MBCT treatment. The salience network showed reduced ReHo and increased connectivity to the PCC. The DMN functional connectivity of the MCC may indicate reduced anxiety and improved mindfulness in GAD patients.
Childcare policies and services in Hong Kong after the handover: Beyond a feminist critique
Authors: Xia Lily L. L. , Ma Joyce L. C.
Published: July 2019

This article reviews the development of childcare policies and services in Hong Kong after the handover, gauging it with two standards: promoting the equal development of children and gender equality in our society. Statistics derived from data taken from multiple sources show that the government has been sticking to a “positive non‐intervention approach” to welfare development and that the male breadwinner/female carer model prevalent in this region was shaped and strengthened by current childcare policies and services. The current provision of childcare services is insufficient to guarantee the equal use of childcare among children of different socioeconomic backgrounds, or to ease the tension between the needs of childcare and job requirements in a family, or to emancipate married women from the domestic sphere. A “generative welfare approach” that collects fiscal resources and redistributes them strategically with a systemic mind‐set has been suggested for social policy and service planning, including spending the money in the right place, launching smart and practical policies that can achieve both pragmatic effects and ideological improvement in the area of gender equality, providing financial support or subsidies to a company for the provision of parental leave, and increasing the provision of quality childcare services.
Single and combined BTK and PI3Kδ inhibition with acalabrutinib and ACP‐319 in pre‐clinical models of aggressive lymphomas
Authors: Spriano Filippo , Tarantelli Chiara , Gaudio Eugenio , Gerlach Magdalena M. , Priebe Valdemar , Cascione Luciano , Bernasconi Elena , Targa Altea , Mascia Michele , Dirnhofer Stefan , Stathis Anastasios , Zucca Emanuele , Bertoni Francesco
Published: July 2019

The B‐cell receptor and the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) signalling pathways, together with their downstream partners, represent important therapeutic targets for B‐cell lymphomas. Here, we evaluated the activity of acalabrutinib (ACP‐196) and ACP‐319 (AMG‐319), second generation inhibitors of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) and PI3Kδ inhibitor, respectively, in lymphoma pre‐clinical models. The two compounds showed activity in activated B‐cell‐like diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (ABC DLBCL), mantle cell lymphoma and marginal zone lymphoma. Two in vivo experiments with ABC DLBCL and MCL xenografts confirmed the effect of the single agents. Benefit was achieved by exposing the lymphoma cell lines to both acalabrutinib and ACP‐319. Two cell lines presented a discordant response to first and second generation BTK inhibitors, probably due to the inhibition by ibrutinib of kinases other than BTK. In conclusion, our data sustain the on‐going current trials with acalabrutinib and ACP‐319 as single agents and provide the basis for the investigation of their combination as well.
Upregulation of adenosine A2A receptor and downregulation of GLT1 is associated with neuronal cell death in Rasmussen's encephalitis
Authors: He Xinghui , Chen Fan , Zhang Yifan , Gao Qing , Guan Yuguang , Wang Jing , Zhou Jian , Zhai Feng , Boison Detlev , Luan Guoming , Li Tianfu
Published: July 2019

Rasmussen encephalitis (RE) is a severe pediatric inflammatory brain disease characterized by unilateral inflammation and atrophy of the cerebral cortex, drug‐resistant focal epilepsy and progressive neurological and cognitive deterioration. The etiology and pathogenesis of RE remain unclear. Our previous results demonstrated that the adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) and the major adenosine‐removing enzyme adenosine kinase play an important role in the etiology of RE. Because the downstream pathways of inhibitory A1R signaling are modulated by stimulatory A2AR signaling, which by itself controls neuro‐inflammation, glial activation and glial glutamate homeostasis through interaction with glutamate transporter GLT‐1, we hypothesized that maladaptive changes in adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) expression are associated with RE. We used immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis to examine the expression of A2ARs, glutamate transporter‐I (GLT‐1) and the apoptotic marker Bcl‐2 in surgically resected cortical specimens from RE patients (n = 18) in comparison with control cortical tissue. In lesions of the RE specimen we found upregulation of A2ARs, downregulation of GLT‐1 and increased apoptosis of both neurons and astroglia. Double staining revealed colocalization of A2ARs and Bcl‐2 in RE lesions. These results suggest that maladaptive changes in A2AR expression are associated with a decrease in GLT‐I expression as a possible precipitator for apoptotic cell loss in RE. Because A2AR antagonists are already under clinical evaluation for Parkinson's disease, the A2AR might likewise be a tractable target for the treatment of RE.
Satellite image analysis of changes in glacier cover in Canada's northern Mackenzie Mountain Range (1987–2017)
Authors: Kendall Rachel A. , Giles Philip T.
Published: July 2019

The state of a group of glaciers in the northern Mackenzie Mountains across the Yukon‐Northwest Territories border was investigated over a period of three decades, using Landsat TM and OLI imagery from 1987, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2013, and 2017 to examine changes in glacier extents. A thresholded red/shortwave infrared band ratio image was used to delineate glacier boundaries. The total area of 74 glaciers in the study area decreased from 52.78 ± 1.32 km2in 1987 to 24.89 ± 0.62 km2in 2017, a loss of 27.89 ± 1.39 km2or 52.8 ± 2.6%, with a mean rate of reduction of 1.8% · a−1.Smaller glaciers experienced larger relative changes in area. In this study, the rates of reduction are high compared to decreases reported for other glaciers in the region in the late 20thcentury. Based on linear extrapolation of the trend in values of total glacier area, it is predicted—subject to uncertainties in how glaciers diminish in size and eventually disappear—that the study area could be free of visible glacier cover within three decades.
Growth strategies in creative industries
Authors: Sigurdardottir Margret Sigrun , Candi Marina
Published: July 2019

In recent years there has been increased emphasis, in both academic and political arenas, on the economic importance of the creative industries (CIs). As a result, policymakers are increasingly looking to the CIs as a source of potential growth. The literature on CIs suggests that these industries are predominantly content based rather than market based, with artistic priorities taking precedence over business concerns. This research examines growth strategies in the CIs using qualitative and quantitative methods. An in‐depth case study of 23 firms in CIs suggests that these firms tend to view growth as a secondary goal compared to the goal of creative output. The case study further yields the proposition that firms in the CIs can benefit from adopting what we refer to as an accordion growth strategy, in which firms grow and shrink to accommodate artistic content as well as in response to external forces. Statistical analysis of survey data confirms that firms in the CIs are less likely to have ambitions to grow and more likely to adopt an accordion growth strategy than firms in technology industries. These findings suggest that the policy emphasis on growth in the CIs might be misguided and should allow for alternating periods of growth and shrinkage.
FAM160B1 deficit associated with microcephaly, severe intellectual disability, ataxia, behavioral abnormalities and speech problems
Authors: Mavioğlu Rezan Nehir , Kara Bülent , Akansel Gür , Nalbant Gökhan , Tolun Aslıhan
Published: July 2019

Intellectual disability (ID) varies in severity and is often associated with a variety of other clinical features. In consanguineous populations ID is usually inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion. Many genes are known for the condition, but many more are yet to be identified. By linkage analysis and exome sequencing we identified homozygous early truncating variant c.115G > T (p.Glu39*) in FAM160B1 in a 38‐year‐old woman with severe ID, microcephaly, behavioral abnormalities, speech problems, mild ataxia and mild facial dysmorphism. Recently homozygous missense c.248 T > C (p.Leu83Pro) was reported to underlie the ID syndrome in a 7‐year‐old boy and his two younger siblings. Some findings for those siblings overlap with those for our patient, but our patient does not have cutis laxa. Our findings confirm FAM160B1, with unknown function, as a syndromic ID gene and indicate that FAM160B1 is not essential for survival but is vital for proper functioning of the nervous system, delineate the FAM160B1‐related ID, and describe the disease in a much older age.
FARSA mutations mimic phenylalanyl‐tRNA synthetase deficiency caused by FARSB defects
Authors: Krenke Katarzyna , Szczałuba Krzysztof , Bielecka Teresa , Rydzanicz Małgorzata , Lange Joanna , Koppolu Agnieszka , Płoski Rafał
Published: July 2019

Pathogenic variants in genes encoding aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases cause numerous disorders characterized by involvement of neurons, muscles, lungs and liver. Recently, biallelic FARSB defects have been shown to cause severe growth restriction with combined brain, liver and lung involvement (Rajab interstitial lung disease [ILD] with brain calcifications). Herein, for the first time, we present a patient with similar condition associated with biallelic mutations in FARSA (NM_004461.3: c.766T>C:p.Phe256Leu and c.1230C>A:p.Asn410Lys). Both detected FARSA variants are ultrarare and predicted to be damaging by in silico programs. Furthermore, they are both located in the active site of phenylalanyl‐tRNA synthetase (PheRS) with Asn410Lys directly affecting a residue forming the wall of the phenylalanine‐binding pocket. Clinical features shared between our patient and the FARSB syndrome include ILD with cholesterol pneumonitis, growth delay, hypotonia, brain calcifications with cysts and liver dysfunction. Our findings indicate that a disease similar to a syndrome associated with FARSB defects can also be caused by biallelic FARSA mutations. These findings are consistent with molecular structure of PheRS which is a tetramer including both FARSA and FARSB proteins.
The Relational SNARC: Spatial Representation of Nonsymbolic Ratios
Authors: Meng Rui , Matthews Percival G. , Toomarian Elizabeth Y.
Published: July 2019

Recent research in numerical cognition has begun to systematically detail the ability of humans and nonhuman animals to perceive the magnitudes of nonsymbolic ratios. These relationally defined analogs to rational numbers offer new potential insights into the nature of human numerical processing. However, research into their similarities with and connections to symbolic numbers remains in its infancy. The current research aims to further explore these similarities by investigating whether the magnitudes of nonsymbolic ratios are associated with space just as symbolic numbers are. In two experiments, we found that responses were faster on the left for smaller nonsymbolic ratio magnitudes and faster on the right for larger nonsymbolic ratio magnitudes. These results further elucidate the nature of nonsymbolic ratio processing, extending the literature of spatial–numerical associations to nonsymbolic relative magnitudes. We discuss potential implications of these findings for theories of human magnitude processing in general and how this general processing relates to numerical processing.
Prognostic value of copeptin in patients with acute pulmonary thromboembolism
Authors: Deveci Figen , Öner Önsel , Telo Selda , Kırkıl Gamze , Balin Mehmet , Kuluöztürk Mutlu
Published: July 2019

Background and Aims

The aim of this study was to determine the level of copeptin, which is one of the new cardiac markers in acute pulmonary thromboembolism (PE) cases, and to determine the relationship between the severity of the disease, risk classification and hospital, first month, third month and 3‐month total mortality.

Methods

The study included 100 cases with PE and 60 healthy control subjects. Copeptin was measured in control group. The risk grade of the cases was determined according to the sPESI index. Patients survival data at the first and third months were determined. This study was performed in patients with strict exclusion criteria for comorbidities known to be associated with increased risk of PE.

Results

sPESI was ≥1 in 68 (68%) of patients with acute PE. Mean serum copeptin levels were found statistically higher in patients with high risk compared to low‐risk cases and controls (9.18 ± 3.29, 6.47 ± 2.29, and 5.26 ± 2.15, P < 0.0001, respectively). When the cut‐off value of copeptin was taken as ≥7.87 with ROC analysis for predicting high sPESI score, the sensitivity of the copeptin was 78% and the specificity was 62% (AUC = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.63–0.85, P < <0.0001). When cases divided in the groups according to the cut‐off value as 7.87, first month hospital mortality and 3‐month total mortality rate was found statistically higher in patients with copeptin ≥7.87 (χ2 = 5.33 P < 0.05, χ2 = 3.88, P < 0.05 and χ2 = 4.26, P < 0.05 respectively).

Conclusions

The results of our study showed that increased serum copeptin levels might predict the severity of PE as well as a promising marker of early mortality in high‐risk cases according to sPESI.
Corpus In Flux: The Sonic Persona, Its Affordances & The Layers of an Institution
Authors: Schulze Holger
Published: July 2019

What happens, when a sonic persona enters the museum? This contribution takes its start with the “Sonic Affordances” that predetermine any sonic experiences of a visitor in a museum, including three apparatuses that serve as major constraints: a) the historical usage, b) the contemporary technical installments and c) the security apparatuses. The second section, “The Disassembling of the Lectern,” explicates the ongoing cultural and technological transformations regarding a structural democraticization and dehierachisation taking place and the consequences regarding the forementioned constraints of the museum. In the final section, “In A Corporeal Flux,” this contribution outlines a possible utopia for curators and museums: how could exhibitions and museum presentations be organized and staged around and through sound and performativity in the near future?
A Curatorial Guide to Museum Sound Design
Authors: Everrett Tom
Published: July 2019

Sound is increasingly recognized as an important aspect of museum design. Yet there remain few resources available to curators on how to incorporate sound design principles into their exhibition projects. To address this need, this paper outlines a process‐based approach to museum sound design. This approach builds on, but also differs from, existing scholarly approaches in that it is written specifically from the perspective of integrating sound design principles into the exhibition development process. In this way, it aims to make sound design more attainable to working curators in the field, while also grounding museum sound theory more firmly in the realities of everyday curatorial practice.
Soundmarks as Objects of Curatorial Care
Authors: Kannenberg John
Published: July 2019

In the 1991 book Exhibiting Cultures: The poetics and politics of museum display, Stephen Greenblatt introduced the concept of a museological ‘resonance’: the idea that objects on display within a museum exhibition ‘resonate’, or generate new meanings, via their relationships with the visitors who observe and interact with them. This approach to meaning‐making has since impacted greatly upon the strategies museum curators follow when selecting and juxtaposing physical objects. This paper explores how Greenblatt’s notion of museological resonance could be applied to the display of sounds themselves as cultural objects within a museum context. A mixtape or playlist‐inspired approach to constructivist learning is proposed to re‐imagine how sounds might be able to function within traditionally object‐based museum exhibition. Soundmarks – sounds that reoccur within local communities which help to define their unique cultural identity – are presented as a potential area of research and collection by museums, while post‐industrial soundmarks such as traffic signals for the visually impaired and the interface sounds of public transport systems are suggested as deserving of curatorial care via an expanded notion of intangible cultural heritage.
Phenotyping progression of secondary mitral regurgitation in chronic systolic heart failure
Authors: Arfsten Henrike , Bartko Philipp E , Pavo Noemi , Heitzinger Gregor , Mascherbauer Julia , Hengstenberg Christian , Hülsmann Martin , Goliasch Georg
Published: July 2019

Background

Secondary mitral regurgitation (sMR) drives adverse cardiac remodelling in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Progression in severity over time contributes to a transition towards more advanced HF stages. Early identification of patients at risk for sMR progression remains challenging. We therefore sought to assess a broad spectrum of neurohumoral biomarkers in patients with HFrEF to explore their ability to predict progression of sMR.

Methods

A total of 249 HFrEF patients were enrolled. Biomarkers encompassing key neurohumoral pathways in heart failure were sampled at baseline, and sMR progression was assessed over 3 years of follow‐up.

Results

Of 191 patients with nonsevere sMR at baseline, 18% showed progressive sMR within three years after study enrolment. Progression of sMR was associated with higher levels of MR‐proADM (adj.OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.29‐3.93; P = .004), MR‐proANP (adj.OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.14‐3.00; P = .012), copeptin (adj.OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.04‐2.67; P = .035) and CT‐pro‐ET1 (adj.OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.06‐2.68; P = .027) but not with NT‐proBNP (P = .54).

Conclusion

Increased plasma levels of neurohumoral cardiac biomarkers are predictors of sMR progression in patients with HFrEF and add easily available incremental prognostic information for risk stratification. Importantly, NT‐proBNP was not useful to predict progressive sMR in the present analysis. On the contrary, MR‐proANP, primarily produced in the atria, copeptin partly triggered by intra‐cardiac and intra‐arterial pressures and MR‐proADM, a marker of forward failure and peripheral released vasoactive CT‐proET1, increase based on a progressive loading burden by sMR and may thus serve as better predictors of sMR progression.
A questionnaire‐based survey for the evaluation of the knowledge level of primary school teachers on first‐aid management of traumatic dental injuries in Athens, Greece
Authors: Tzimpoulas Nestor , Markou Maria , Zioutis Vasileios , Tzanetakis Giorgos N.
Published: July 2019

Background/Aim

School teachers can play an important role in improving the prognosis of traumatized teeth of school children through immediate onsite management or on time referral to healthcare providers. In Greece where the research in the field of dental traumatology is very limited, this issue is of utmost importance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge level of Greek primary school teachers and their attitude with regard to emergency first‐aid management of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) occurring in schools.

Material and Methods

A cross‐sectional descriptive study among 276 school teachers was undertaken in Athens, Greece. This was done through a two‐part questionnaire‐based survey including demographic characteristics, attitude, and knowledge of first‐aid management of TDI. Data were analyzed using non‐parametric tests for differences. Log Poisson regression analysis was used to estimate relative risks of low or high knowledge of first‐aid management.

Results

The risk of lower knowledge score was almost double in teachers with <10 years of teaching experience and almost threefold higher in those reporting that they are not interested in being informed about dental trauma. In the case of luxation injury, 69.9% of the participants would not take any immediate action and would refer the child to a dentist. In case of permanent tooth avulsion, 52.2% knew that the tooth can be replanted in the socket, whereas only 17% believed that this should be performed within 30 minutes. Most of the participants would send the child to their own/family dentist, whereas only 4.7% would refer to an Endodontist.

Conclusion

The knowledge of primary school teachers in Greece about first‐aid management of TDI is limited. However, a clear positive association was found between knowledge of first‐aid management and teaching experience. Reliable information about dental trauma may result in improving the knowledge level of Greek primary school teachers.
Multi‐objective optimization for stochastic failure‐prone job shop scheduling problem via hybrid of NSGA‐II and simulation method
Authors: Amelian Sayed Shahab , Sajadi Seyed Mojtaba , Navabakhsh Mehrzad , Esmaelian Majid
Published: July 2019

Production scheduling and reliability of machinery are prominent issues in flexible manufacturing systems that are led to decreasing of production costs and increasing of system efficiency. In this paper, multiobjective optimization of stochastic failure‐prone job shop scheduling problem is sought wherein that job processing time seems to be controllable. It endeavours to determine the best sequence of jobs, optimal production rate, and optimum preventive maintenance period for simultaneous optimization of three criteria of sum of earliness and tardiness, system reliability, and energy consumption. First, a new mixed integer programming model is proposed to formulate the problem. Then, by combining of simulation and NSGA‐II algorithm, a new algorithm is put forward for solving the problem. A set of Pareto optimal solutions is achieved through this algorithm. The stochastic failure‐prone job shop with controllable processing times has not been investigated in the earlier research, and for the first time, a new hedging point policy is presented. The computational results reveal that the proposed metaheuristic algorithm converges into optimal or near‐optimal solution. To end, results and managerial insights for the problem are presented.
Terrestrial organic matter quantity or decomposition state does not compensate for its poor nutritional quality for Daphnia
Authors: Hiltunen Minna , Peltomaa Elina , Brett Michael T. , Aalto Sanni L. , Strandberg Ursula , Oudenampsen Jarno , Burgwal Léon M. , Taipale Sami J.
Published: July 2019

The importance of allochthonous organic matter contributions to aquatic food webs has long been debated. We studied the aging process of terrestrial particulate organic matter (tPOM) in aquatic ecosystems by incubating senescent plant material in the presence of natural microbial communities in either lake water or artificial growth medium. We hypothesised that the aging would change the biomarker composition of tPOM, and would improve its nutritional quality for Daphnia due to microbial conditioning. We also hypothesised that when algal availability is low, Daphnia can partially compensate for the low quality of tPOM when more of this resource is available to them.

The fatty acid biomarkers of tPOM changed very little during short‐ and long‐term incubations. In particular, the proportion of long‐chain saturated fatty acids was quite stable even during long‐term incubations. A decrease in carbohydrate and ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid content, and an increase in the bacterial and fungal lipid biomarkers indicated that microbial decomposition of tPOM took place during the incubation. The δ15N value of aged tPOM increased, which indicated microbial colonisation, while the δ13C value did not change during aging.

Daphnia magna survival and reproductive output were low when fed diets containing fresh or aged tPOM. The reproductive output of Daphnia was slightly enhanced in the presence of aged tPOM as compared to fresh tPOM, but only when tPOM comprised ≥ 95% of the diet.

When Daphnia were offered low (0.5 mg C/L) concentrations of algae, even high additions of tPOM (up to 15 mg C/L) did not increase Daphnia growth rates. Daphnia reproduction increased with tPOM additions, presumably due to the sterols and ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid in the tPOM that Daphnia retained from their diet.

Our results indicate that tPOM is a poor resource for pelagic cladocerans, even when aged in the presence of microbes or offered in large quantities.
Physicochemical, textural and volatile characteristics of fermented milk co‐cultured with Streptococcus thermophilus, Bifidobacterium animalis or Lactobacillus plantarum
Authors: Li Sining , Tang Shanhu , He Qiang , Gong Jiaxin , Hu Jiangxiao
Published: July 2019

Fermented milks were prepared with various culture combinations of Lactobacillus plantarum or Bifidobacterium animalis with Streptococcus thermophilus, and the impact of microbes combinations on acidification, proteolysis, lipolysis, texture, volatiles and sensory quality of fermented milk was investigated during 21‐day storage at 4 °C. The results showed that products from the co‐cultures displayed higher titratable acidity, more peptides, higher proteolytic activity and lipolysis capacity compared with that from the pure strains of S. thermophilus. When L. plantarum and B. animalis combined in a ratio of 2:1 with S. thermophilus, the products maintained relatively more viable cell counts of the 3 strains, strong proteolysis ability and lipolysis capacity during the storage. Milk fermented by co‐cultures of the 3 strains exhibited higher cohesiveness, more volatiles and better sensory quality compared with these fermented by S. thermophilus only or in co‐cultures with either B. animalis or L. plantarum based on principal component analysis.
Short‐term impact of androgen deprivation therapy on bone strength in castration‐sensitive prostate cancer
Authors: Kimura Takahiro , Koike Yusuke , Aikawa Koichi , Kimura Shoji , Mori Keiichiro , Sasaki Hiroshi , Miki Kenta , Watanabe Ken , Saito Mitsuru , Egawa Shin
Published: July 2019

Objectives

To prospectively evaluate changes in bone quality and bone mineral density after androgen deprivation therapy in castration‐sensitive prostate cancer.

Methods

A total of 32 patients with castration‐sensitive prostate cancer who were scheduled for androgen deprivation therapy for >12 months were included. The bone mineral density of the femoral neck and lumbar spine was evaluated before, and 6 and 12 months after androgen deprivation therapy. Bone metabolic (serum undercarboxylated osteocalcin, tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase 5b and procollagen type I propeptides) and bone quality markers (plasma pentosidine and homocysteine) were measured before, and 3, 6 and 12 months after androgen deprivation therapy.

Results

The median patient age was 71 years. A total of 17 patients were treated primarily with androgen deprivation therapy, and 15 were treated with androgen deprivation therapy in combination with definitive radiotherapy. Bone quality markers did not change substantially after androgen deprivation therapy. Bone mineral density decreased significantly after 12 months of androgen deprivation therapy. Serum undercarboxylated osteocalcin and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase 5b levels increased significantly 3 months after androgen deprivation therapy, but procollagen type I propeptides levels stayed unchanged.

Conclusions

Bone quality markers do not change substantially after androgen deprivation therapy, whereas bone mineral density decreases significantly. Bone turnover markers might play an important role in monitoring bone health during androgen deprivation therapy.
‘It's just a peripheral issue’: A qualitative analysis of mental health clinicians’ accounts of (not) addressing sexuality in their work
Authors: Urry Kristi , Chur‐Hansen Anna , Khaw Carole
Published: July 2019

Sexuality, relationships, and intimacy are integral parts of many peoples’ lives, not negated by mental distress and illness. Yet typically, these needs are not addressed adequately in mental health settings. In‐depth interviews were conducted with mental health clinicians with an aim of exploring their perceptions and understandings of sexuality and sexual concerns within mental health settings. Participants were 22 mental health nurses, psychologists, and psychiatrists working with people across a range of settings in four Australian cities. Sexuality or aspects of this were often not addressed in clinical practice, and this was common across participants’ accounts. A critical thematic analysis was conducted to explore how participants made sense of or explained this silence in relation to sexuality. Two key themes were ‘Sexuality is hard to talk about’ and ‘Sexuality is a “peripheral issue”’. In positioning sexuality as a peripheral issue, participants drew on three key explanations (sub‐themes): that sexuality rarely ‘comes up’, that it is not pragmatic to address sexuality, and that addressing sexuality is not part of participants’ roles or skill sets. A third theme captured the contrasting perception that ‘Sexuality could be better addressed’ in mental health settings. This analysis indicates that, beyond anticipated embarrassment, mental health clinicians from three disciplines account for omissions of sexuality from clinical practice in similar ways. Moreover, these accounts serve to peripheralize sexuality in mental health settings. We consider these results within the context of espoused holistic and recovery‐oriented principles in mental health settings.
Is there any difference in length measurement methods for pulpectomies in primary teeth?—A double‐blind, controlled clinical trial
Authors: de Alencar Nashalie Andrade , Oriano Marcela D'Avila , Bolan Michele , Cardoso Mariane
Published: July 2019

Background

Working length is an important step in primary teeth pulpectomy.

Aim

To evaluate whether there is a significant difference in the accuracy of electronic apex locators compared to the conventional radiography in working length measurements.

Design

Sixty‐four children (192 canals) between 5 and 9 years of age with indication for pulpectomy of a primary molar were included after eligibility criteria. A radiographic measurement was obtained from pre‐operative radiography from the cusp tip to the apex or resorption of the root. The electronic measurement was obtained from a complete measurement of the canal with an electronic device up to the apex. Data were analysed with Bland‐Altman plots and Wilcoxon test. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ .05.

Results

Statistically, there is not any significant difference between radiographic and electronic measurements for the palatal canal or distal canal, as well as mesiobuccal canals (P > .05). Statistically, there, however, is a significant difference between the measurements for the distobuccal canal and mesiolingual canal measurements (P < .05). High internal consistency for both radiographic and electronic methods was achieved (α ≅ 1).

Conclusions

Electronic and radiographic methods are similar in determining the length measurement of the root canals in primary teeth pulpectomies, except in distobuccal or mesiolingual canals.
Eliminating the effects of motion during radiofrequency lesion delivery using a novel contact‐force controller
Authors: Gelman Daniel , Skanes Allan C. , Jones Douglas L. , Timofeyev Michael , Bar‐on Tal , Drangova Maria
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Catheter‐tissue contact force is a determinant of radiofrequency (RF) ablation lesion effectiveness. However, ablation on a beating heart is subject to force variability, making it difficult to optimally deliver consistently durable and transmural lesions. This work evaluates improvements in contact force stability and lesion reproducibility by using a catheter contact‐force controller (CFC) during lesion delivery in vitro and in vivo.

Methods and Results

Using a sheath and force‐sensing catheter, an experienced operator attempted to maintain a constant force of 20 g at targets within the atria and left ventricle of a pig manually and using the CFC; the average force and contact‐force variation (CFV) achieved using each approach were compared. Ablation lesions (20 W, 30 seconds, 17 mL/min irrigation) were created in bovine tissue samples mounted on a platform programmed to reproduce clinically relevant motion. CFC‐assisted lesions were delivered to stationary and moving tissue with forces of 5 to 35 
g. Mimicking manual intervention, lesions were also delivered to moving tissue while the CFC was disabled. Resultant lesion volumes were compared using two‐way analysis of variance. When using the CFC, the average force was within 1 g of the set level, with a CFV less than 5 g, during both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Reproducible and statistically identical (P = .82) lesion volumes proportional to the set force were achieved in both stationary and moving tissue when the CFC was used.

Conclusions

CFC assistance maintains constant force in vivo and removes effect of motion on lesion volume during RF lesion delivery.
Effects of temperature on sperm motility of burbot Lota lota: spontaneous activation and calcium dependency
Authors: Dadras Hadiseh , Boryshpolets Sergey , Golpour Amin , Policar Tomas , Blecha Miroslav , Dzyuba Borys
Published: July 2019

Several factors regulating activation of spermatozoon motility in Eurasian burbot, Lota lota, including osmolality, calcium (Ca2+) ions, and temperature were investigated. Spermatozoon motility in Eurasian burbot, Lota lota was assessed at 4 and 30°C in seminal fluid, isotonic media (with and without Ca2+) and hypotonic media (with and without Ca2+). Spermatozoa were spontaneously activated in seminal fluid at 20°C and the maximum motility was recorded at 30°C, which is out of the spawning temperature range, indicating that no risk of activation occurs during routine semen handling in artificial insemination. Initiation of spermatozoon motility in L. lota is mediated by Ca2+ and sensitivity to Ca2+ is dependent on temperature.
Numerical simulation of vitamin C degradation during dehydration process of fresh tomatoes
Authors: Ghasemi Ali , Chayjan Reza A.
Published: July 2019

In this study, the kinetics of vitamin C degradation is simulated by the development of a model based on the numerical approach of heat and mass transfer processes and the degradation rate of vitamin C during the dehydration of tomato slices at 45, 60, and 75°C. The results achieved by experimental data were consistent with those obtained by the numerical model (R2 > 0.88 and RMSE < 0.27). So, it is concluded that the rate of vitamin C degradation was increased at the beginning of the dehydration process when the temperature of the inner sample layers was raised and then its value decreased with the reduced moisture content at the stable temperature conditions. During the dehydration process, the highest concentrations of vitamin C were obtained at the surface layer of the tomato slice with the least moisture content and the lowest of its value was obtained at the sample center with the highest moisture content.

Practical Applications

Some of the essential nutrients are degraded during the dehydration process. Understanding factors effective on nutrient degradation is important to optimize the dehydration conditions to produce healthy food. Since vitamin C is an indicator for determining the health food, modeling of its degradation kinetics is an efficient method for understanding the effective factors of retaining nutritional components during the dehydration operation. In this research, a novel method developed to simulate the vitamin C degradation in different layers of a tomato slice during a thermal process. The result of this method is used to interpret the factors affecting on degradation of food component. After the dehydration process, the concentration of vitamin C at the surface node was approximately 47.9, 22.1, and 9.9% higher than its value at the center node at 45, 60, and 75°C, respectively. The effective moisture diffusivity was the most sensitive parameter in the modeling of vitamin C degradation kinetics.
Clinical and patient‐centered outcomes post non‐surgical periodontal therapy with the use of a non‐injectable anesthetic product: A randomized clinical study
Authors: Marconcini Simone , Goulding Marilyn , Oldoini Giacomo , Attanasio Chiara , Giammarinaro Enrica , Genovesi Annamaria
Published: July 2019

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of different full‐mouth decontamination (FMD) protocols on the effectiveness of an intrapocket anesthetic gel in periodontal maintenance patients.

Methods

Patients undergoing the periodontal maintenance program and with the need for FMD participated in this study. Patients were randomly allocated to non‐surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) with either a preparatory 15‐day decontamination phase, including chlorhexidine mouth rinse and domiciliary hygiene instructions (modified FMD: test group), or without it (FMD: control group). In both groups, NSPT was performed with the aid of a non‐injectable anesthetic gel. Clinical and patient‐related outcomes were recorded during a 6‐month follow‐up period.

Results

Sixty patients completed the 6‐month study. Both groups experienced relevant clinical improvements after NSPT, but the test group showed a significant change in periodontal parameters already after the initial 15‐day preparatory period, and overall significantly better results in periodontal outcomes when compared with the control group at the last 6‐month follow up: the gingival index was 2.07 ± 1.25 in the control group and 1.13 ± 0.51 in the test group. Less pain and dental‐related anxiety were perceived by patients in the test group showing a 6‐month mean visual analog scale of 2.13 ± 1.25 in the control group and 1.13 ± 0.83 in the test group.

Conclusion

The present study suggested that the modification of the standard FMD could improve the clinical efficacy of non‐injectable anesthetic, along with patients’ short‐ and mid‐term appreciation and compliance.
Estimating the Financial Impact of Reducing Primary Cesareans
Authors: DeJoy Susan A. , Bohl Matthew G. , Mahoney Kathleen , Blake Constance
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Preventing a primary cesarean birth in nulliparous women with term, singleton, vertex pregnancies (NTSV) is recognized as an important strategy to reduce maternal morbidities and risks to the newborn. Multiple professional organizations are supporting approaches to safely reduce NTSV cesarean rates, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; the Society for Maternal‐Fetal Medicine; and the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses. The American College of Nurse‐Midwives (ACNM) is leading one such effort as part of its Healthy Birth Initiative: the Reducing Primary Cesareans (RPC) Learning Collaborative. The objective of this study is to estimate the cost savings of a decrease in NTSV cesareans at one hospital participating in the RPC Learning Collaborative.

Methods

All women giving birth at Baystate Medical Center from October 1, 2016, to March 31, 2017, and their newborns were identified by Medicare Severity Diagnosis Related Group (N = 1747). Total hospital costs were calculated using a resource consumption profile for each of 6 groups: women who had vaginal birth, primary cesarean, and repeat cesarean and their linked newborns. A model was developed to estimate cost differences for the first and second births and overall cost savings.

Results

For the NTSV birth, total costs for primary cesarean and newborn care were $5989 higher compared with vaginal birth and newborn care. For the subsequent birth, repeat cesareans and newborn care were $4250 higher compared with vaginal birth. In 2016, 69 primary cesareans were prevented, for an actual cost savings of $413,241. Projecting the prevention of 66 subsequent repeat cesareans would result in additional savings of $280,500, for a total savings of $693,741. Apgar score at 5 minutes and length of stay remained unchanged.

Discussion

Participation in ACNM's RPC Learning Collaborative led to significant savings in hospital costs during the first year without affecting quality metrics. This cost comparison model could be replicated by other hospitals involved in cesarean reduction endeavors.