bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Cannabis Legalization in Canada on Adolescents’ Perceptions
Authors: Robinson Jill M. , Copeland Clerissa , Pilin Maya A. , Meyer Angela , Krank Marvin D.
Published: February 2020

Since the legalization of cannabis in Canada in October 2018, research has not reached a clear conclusion on how legalization impacts adolescents’ perceptions of the substance. This study sought to examine how the nationwide legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada impacted youth opinions of legalization. Surveys were administered to 398 Grade 8 students in May 2017 (pre-legalization) and 377 Grade 8 students in December 2018 (post-legalization). Participants completed an open-ended question regarding their opinion on cannabis legalization and a ranking of whether legalization of cannabis was very good (1), good (2), bad (3), or very bad (4). Analyses revealed that young adolescents primarily hold negative views toward cannabis legalization. No significant difference existed between theme frequencies or ratings when comparing responses prior to and following legalization. These results suggest that legalization of recreational cannabis use in Canada had little effect on youth perceptions of cannabis legalization.
Early Maternal Caregiving: A Conceptualization of Maternal Compassion Preoccupation
Authors: Chasson Miriam , Taubman – Ben-Ari Orit
Published: February 2020

The literature refers extensively to the ramifications of the mother’s care on her infant. However, little attention has been paid to the effects of maternal caregiving on the emotional experience of the mother herself. Using grounded theory methodology, we sought to contribute to fill this gap, and conducted open indepth interviews with 20 Israeli mothers of infants up to 3 months of age. Three core categories emerged from the interviews: Difficulty, Pleasure and Satisfaction, and Concern for Personal Needs. We found these categories to parallel three theoretical concepts relating to caregivers in general: compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction, and self-compassion. Consequently, we propose a new inclusive theoretical concept termed Maternal Compassion Preoccupation. The findings and conceptualization can contribute to the theoretical knowledge associated with early maternal caregiving, and to a new perspective on interventions aimed at helping women to cope with the high care demands of early motherhood.
Accountability and the Multidimensional Mandate
Authors: Eriksen Andreas
Published: February 2020

Public organizations are subject to many kinds of control mechanisms and analysts worry that they often suffer from an “accountability overload.” This article argues that such diagnoses are typically set without an adequate demarcation criterion for identifying accountability practices and separating them from other kinds of interaction, such as strategic pursuit of power or reputational standing. In response, the suggestion is that accountability practices should be restricted to procedures that track the mandate of the organization. This requires clarification of how mandates can be seen as more than a mere heap of conflicting considerations. The concept of a “multidimensional mandate” is introduced as a heuristic for thinking about how different perspectives on organizational action can be integrated. The interpretive test for deciding if a procedure qualifies as an accountability practice is whether it is sufficiently sensitive to the intertwinement of the goals and commitments of the organization. Neither account-givers nor account-holders can legitimately refrain from orienting themselves in this broader normative framework.
And Yet It Moves: What We Currently Know about Phantom Arm Movements
Authors: Scaliti Eugenio , Gruppioni Emanuele , Becchio Cristina
Published: February 2020

What is left over if I subtract the fact that my arm goes up from the fact that I raise my arm? Neurological evidence invites the provocative hypothesis that what is left over is a phantom arm movement—a movement of an arm that has been amputated. After arm/hand amputation, many amputees report that they can generate voluntary movements of the phantom limb; that is, they can move the arm that was amputated. But what is it like to move an arm/hand that is not there? Here, we review what is currently known about phantom limb movements at three descriptive levels: the kinematic level, the muscle level, and the cortical level. We conclude that phantom arm movements are best conceptualized as the real movements of a dematerialized hand.
Alzheimer’s Disease: From Amyloid to Autoimmune Hypothesis
Authors: Arshavsky Yuri I.
Published: February 2020

Although Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was described over a century ago, there are no effective approaches to its prevention and treatment. Such a slow progress is explained, at least in part, by our incomplete understanding of the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of AD. Here, I champion a hypothesis whereby AD is initiated on a disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) caused by either genetic or non-genetic risk factors. The BBB disruption leads to an autoimmune response against pyramidal neurons located in the allo- and neocortical structures involved in memory formation and storage. The response caused by the adaptive immune system is not strong enough to directly kill neurons but may be sufficient to make them selectively vulnerable to neurofibrillary pathology. This hypothesis is based on the recent data showing that memory formation is associated with epigenetic chromatin modifications and, therefore, may be accompanied by expression of memory-specific proteins recognized by the immune system as “non-self” antigens. The autoimmune hypothesis is testable, and I discuss potential ways for its experimental and clinical verification. If confirmed, this hypothesis can radically change therapeutic approaches to AD prevention and treatment.
Hedged Language and Partisan Media Influence Belief in Science Claims
Authors: Butterfuss Reese , Aubele Joseph , Kendeou Panayiota
Published: February 2020

Sources of scientific information vary in partisanship and epistemic stance toward science. The current study examined how hedged language (certain vs. tentative) and partisanship of sources (liberal vs. conservative vs. scientific sources) interacted with participants’ epistemic beliefs and political ideology to influence belief in science-related claims and trust in sources. Findings showed that “hedged” language influenced belief in information for individuals with certain epistemic profiles. Participants with higher faith in intuition demonstrated lower belief in claims from scientific sources. Additionally, individuals with a higher conviction that “truth” is political demonstrated lower belief when liberal sources used certain language.
Endothelial Dysfunction and the Effect of Arginine and Citrulline Supplementation in Children and Adolescents With Mitochondrial Diseases
Authors: Al Jasmi Fatma , Al Zaabi Nuha , Al-Thihli Khalid , Al Teneiji Amal M , Hertecant Jozef , El-Hattab Ayman W
Published: February 2020

Background:

In addition to the reduced energy production, characteristic of mitochondrial disorders, nitric oxide (NO) deficiency can occur as well. The NO produced by vascular endothelial cells relaxes vascular smooth muscles, resulting in vasodilation that maintains the patency of small blood vessels and promotes blood flow through microvasculature. Endothelial dysfunction due to inability of vascular endothelium to generate enough NO to maintain adequate vasodilation can result in decreased perfusion in the microvasculature of various tissues, contributing to many complications seen in individuals with mitochondrial diseases. The amino acids arginine and citrulline are NO precursors: increasing their concentrations could potentially restore NO production.

Methods:

In this study, we assessed endothelial dysfunction in children and adolescents with mitochondrial diseases. We also investigated the effect of arginine and citrulline supplementation on endothelial dysfunction in these individuals. We used peripheral arterial tonometry to measure the reactive hyperemic index (RHI), which is low when there is endothelial dysfunction.

Results:

The results demonstrated low RHI in individuals with mitochondrial diseases, indicating endothelial dysfunction. RHI increased with arginine or citrulline supplementation suggesting that supplementation with NO precursors can improve endothelial dysfunction by enhancing NO production.

Conclusions:

This study is the first one to use peripheral arterial tonometry methodology in mitochondrial diseases. The results of this study provide evidence for endothelial dysfunction in mitochondrial diseases and demonstrate that arginine or citrulline supplementation can alleviate the endothelial dysfunction, providing more evidence for the potential therapeutic utility of these amino acids in mitochondrial diseases.
Performance-based dynamic optimal design for isolated structures with multiple-coupling friction dampers
Authors: Zou Shuang , Heisha Wenliuhan , Tan Ping
Published: February 2020

Here, a two-coupling friction system with a multi-phase working mechanism was considered for 10-story buildings. Within the framework of performance-based seismic design, and based on refined fortification levels and target performance, three optimal models were established. The performance parameters of the isolation layer were used as design variables, and the displacement and the acceleration of the seismic response were used as performance objectives of the structure. Furthermore, sequential quadratic programming was used to solve the dynamic optimization problem of the nonlinear isolated structure. The numerical results illustrate that the optimization model, its formulation, and the proposed algorithms are both reasonable and effective. The two-coupling friction system installed at an isolation layer works in stages. The isolation layer meets the various target performances under different design criteria and different seismic action levels.
Punching up or turning away? Palestinians unfriending Jewish Israelis on Facebook
Authors: John Nicholas , Agbarya Aysha
Published: February 2020

This article explores the Facebook unfriending of users from a majority group by members of a minority group, focusing on Palestinian and Jewish citizens of Israel. Indeed, this is the first study to focus on power differentials among Facebook users in the context of unfriending. The article thus adds depth to our understanding of unfriending, while also shedding light on the experience of social media use from the perspective of an oppressed minority. Based on semi-structured in-depth interviews with twenty ’48 Palestinians (Palestinian citizens of Israel), we present various triggers for unfriending (mainly, encounters with racism and surveillance), and show that Palestinians’ stories of unfriending Jewish Israelis are sometimes about punching up and sometimes about stepping away. However, while unfriending is broadly considered an apt response to abuse, it also distances Palestinians from centers of power in Israel. This suggests an important way in which social media reproduce inequality.
How the enemy gets a vote: Fog-of-war, friction, and the cultural riverbanks of the Clausewitz landscape
Authors: Wallace Rodrick
Published: February 2020

Institutions are not “simply” cognitive entities composed of shifting, tunable networked coalitions of cognitive subcomponents. Institutions are cultural artifacts that, through the epigenetic modes of historical trajectory and the Lamarckian heritage of doctrine, have distinct cultural identities. Individual sleep patterns, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and immune responses, and so on, are powerfully modulated by culture. Institutional responses to patterns of stress or affordance are no less culturally influenced, and, we suggest, using mathematical and statistical models based on the asymptotic limit theorems of information and control theories can be manipulated to punctuated failure by appropriate “messages.” Outcomes then revolve not only around the balance of effort and effect between combatants, but on the ability to generate and enlist fog-of-war and friction as effective weapons. However, cultural riverbanks work both ways, and the US national security enterprise remains severely constrained by its own set.
Spatial reorientation with a geometric array of auditory cues
Authors: Nardi Daniele , Carpenter Samantha E , Johnson Somer R , Gilliland Greg A , Melo Viveka L , Pugliese Roberto , Coppola Vincent J , Kelly Debbie M
Published: February 2020

A visuocentric bias has dominated the literature on spatial navigation and reorientation. Studies on visually accessed environments indicate that, during reorientation, human and non-human animals encode the geometric shape of the environment, even if this information is unnecessary and insufficient for the task. In an attempt to extend our limited knowledge on the similarities and differences between visual and non-visual navigation, here we examined whether the same phenomenon would be observed during auditory-guided reorientation. Provided with a rectangular array of four distinct auditory landmarks, blindfolded, sighted participants had to learn the location of a target object situated on a panel of an octagonal arena. Subsequent test trials were administered to understand how the task was acquired. Crucially, in a condition in which the auditory cues were indistinguishable (same sound sample), participants could still identify the correct target location, suggesting that the rectangular array of auditory landmarks was encoded as a geometric configuration. This is the first evidence of incidental encoding of geometric information with auditory cues and, consistent with the theory of functional equivalence, it supports the generalisation of mechanisms of spatial learning across encoding modalities.
Techno’s Sexual Counter-Space: Ecstasy and Electronics as Technologies of White Sex
Authors: Van Bohemen Samira , Roeling Anouk
Published: February 2020

This article aims to lift the veil on white sexuality by studying how young people ‘perform’ this within the Rotterdam techno scene. It relies on previous work that has highlighted that white sexuality is, like whiteness itself, rarely recognized, let alone referred to as white. This is also true of the sexuality practised by young people in the techno world. Our extensive observations and in-depth interviews conducted for this study identified that both ravers and cultural studies scholars construct an image of techno as a sexual ‘counter-space’ in which erotic agency can be experienced away from the confines of traditional hook-up sex. This space, they argue, is produced by the affective powers of ecstasy and electronics, which help young ravers to have a heightened sense of control over their sexual impulses, muting sexual desires that lead to hooking-up and, simultaneously, enabling them to feel ‘loved-up’ on themselves on the dance floor. We contend that, with discourses like these, ravers unintentionally reproduce white superiority in the ways they claim transcendence over their own sexual culture and corporeality.
Transcultural political communication from the perspective of proximization theory: A comparative analysis on the corpuses of the Sino–US trade war
Authors: Chen Lijuan , Zhang Danyang , He Yingfei , Zhang Guoliang
Published: February 2020

Previous studies have shown the operational potential in political discourse analysis from the proximization perspective. This study adopts a cross-disciplinary approach to analyze political communication across transcultural contexts, especially in the cyber discourse space. Based on the spatial–temporal–axiological (STA) model, we compare the journalistic discourses on two social media platforms by China Xinhua News Agency (CXNA), an official speaker for China worldwide. The corpuses are constructed with microblogs on Weibo in Chinese and Twitter in English containing key words of Sino–US trade war. It is found that the speaker has shaped different realities of discourse in accordance with the cultural contexts and proximized from corresponding dimensions to increase political legitimacy.
Employment after prison: Navigating conditions of precarity and stigma
Authors: Sheppard Amy , Ricciardelli Rosemary
Published: February 2020

In an effort to extend understanding of the employment concerns faced by former prisoners released into the community, we draw from the voices of 24 individuals released from federal prison in Canada. We explore how the stigma imposed on individuals with prior experiences of incarceration interacts with the employment programming government and community-based agencies offer; particularly within the current climate of precarious employment. Findings evidence that participants, too often, attain employment involving manual labour and report experiencing low-wage and non-gratifying jobs, despite participation in pre-employment programming, which drives their re-evaluation and re-creation of career aspirations. We show how the conditions underpinning the movement toward employment for former prisoners can encourage the potential exploitation of their labour within both formal and informal job markets.
Effects of multicomponent primary care-based intervention on immunization rates and missed opportunities to vaccinate adults
Authors: Loskutova Natalia Y. , Smail Craig , Callen Elisabeth , Staton Elizabeth W. , Nazir Niaman , Webster Brian , Pace Wilson D.
Published: February 2020

Background

Adult immunization rates are belowHealthy People 2020targets. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention to improve adult immunization rates.

Methods

This prospective interventional before-and-after non-randomized study was conducted through the American Academy of Family Physicians National Research Network with 43 primary care physicians from a large multi-specialty healthcare organization (multicomponent intervention groupn = 23; comparator groupn = 20) in the United States. The multicomponent intervention included provider reminders, quarterly provider-level performance reports, provider education, patient visual aid materials, and standing orders on adult pneumococcal, influenza, and zoster immunizations. We assessed individual and comparative provider-level vaccination rates and missed opportunities detailing concordance with targets established by Healthy People 2020 for pneumococcal, influenza, and zoster immunizations.

Results

Vaccination rates increased after 12 months in intervention and comparator groups respectively for: a). influenza from 44.4 ± 16.7 to 51.3% ± 12.9% (by 6.9 percentage points,p = 0.001) and from 35.1 ± 19.1 to 41.3% ± 14.2%, (by 6.2 percentage points,p = 0.01); b). pneumococcal vaccinations in older adults from 62.8 ± 17.6 to 81.4% ± 16.6% (by 18.6 percentage points, forp < 0.0001) and from 55.9 ± 20.0 to 72.7% ± 18.4% (by 16.7 percentage points,p < 0.0001); and c). zoster from 37.1 ± 13.4 to 41.9% ± 13.1% (by 4.8 percentage points,p < 0.0001) and from 35.0 ± 18.7 to 42.3% ± 20.9% (7.3 percentage points,p = 0.001). Pneumococcal vaccinations in adults at risk did not change from baseline in intervention group (35.7 ± 19.6 to 34.5% ± 19.0%,p = 0.3) and improved slightly in comparator group (24.3 ± 20.1 to 28.2% ± 20.0%,p = 0.003). Missed opportunities reduced after 12 months, most noticeably, for: a). for influenza from 57.7 to 48.6% (by 9.1 percentage points,p < 0.0001) and from 69.7 to 59.6% (by 10.1 percentage points,p < 0.0001); b). pneumococcal vaccinations in older adults from 18.1 to 11.5% (by 6.6 percentage pointsp < 0.0001) and from 24.6 to 20.4% (by 4.3 percentage points,p < 0.0001) in intervention and comparator groups respectively.

Conclusions

Multicomponent interventions show promise in improving vaccination rates and reducing missed opportunities in older adults for pneumococcal and zoster vaccines and vaccination against influenza. Provider reminders remain the most effective strategy when delivered either as a component of these interventions or alone.
Multiple aneurysms in subarachnoid hemorrhage - identification of the ruptured aneurysm, when the bleeding pattern is not self-explanatory - development of a novel prediction score
Authors: Hadjiathanasiou Alexis , Schuss Patrick , Brandecker Simon , Welchowski Thomas , Schmid Matthias , Vatter Hartmut , Güresir Erdem
Published: February 2020

Background

In aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and multiple intracranial aneurysms (MIAs) identification of the bleeding source cannot always be assessed according to the hemorrhage pattern. Therefore, we developed a statistical model for the prediction of the ruptured aneurysm in patients with SAH and multiple potential bleeding sources at the time of ictus.

Methods

Between 2012 and 2015, 252 patients harboring 619 aneurysms were admitted to the authors’ institution. Patients were followed prospectively. Aneurysm and patient characteristics, as well as radiological findings were entered into a computerized database. Gradient boosting techniques were used to derive the statistical model for the prediction of the ruptured aneurysm. Based on the statistical prediction model, a scoring system was produced for the use in the clinical setting. The aneurysm with the highest score poses the highest possibility of being the bleeding source. The prediction score was then prospectively applied to 34 patients suffering from SAH and harboring MIAs.

Results

According to the statistical prediction model the main factors affecting the rupture in patients harboring multiple aneurysms were: 1) aneurysm size, 2) aneurysm location and 3) aneurysm shape. The prediction score identified correctly the ruptured aneurysm in all the patients that were used in the prospective validation. Even in the five most debatable and challenging cases assessed in the period of prospective validation, for which the score was designed for, the ruptured aneurysm was predicted correctly.

Conclusions

This new and simple prediction score might provide additional support for neurovascular teams for treatment decision in SAH patients harboring multiple aneurysms. In a small prospective sample, the prediction score performed with high accuracy but larger cohorts for external validation are warranted.
Applying the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework to determine the predictors of falls and fractures in people with osteoarthritis or at high risk of developing osteoarthritis: data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Soh Sze-Ee , Barker Anna L. , Morello Renata T. , Ackerman Ilana N.
Published: February 2020

Background

Falls are a major cause of injury and death among older people. Evidence suggests that people with osteoarthritis (OA) are at a higher risk of falls and fall-related injuries including fractures. While studies demonstrate a link between OA and falls, little is known about the pathways that link falls with demographic factors, OA impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for falls and fractures among people with OA or at high risk of developing OA using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework.

Methods

A longitudinal analysis of data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) dataset was undertaken. Participants were considered to have OA if they reported they had been diagnosed with knee or hip OA by a medical practitioner. Outcomes were self-reported falls and fractures. Potential predictors were classified using the ICF framework. Poisson regression models were used to determine the risk factors for falls and fractures.

Results

Of the 4796 participants, 2270 (47%) were diagnosed with knee and/or hip OA. A higher proportion of participants with OA reported having had falls (72% vs 63%; p < 0.0001) and fractures (17% vs 14%; p = 0.012) than those without OA. Personal factors were found to be stronger predictors of falls and fractures compared to OA impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions in this sample of participants. After adjusting for potential covariates, self-reported history of falls was a significant predictor of both increased falls (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.40, 4.60) and fracture risk (IRR 1.38; 95% CI 1.13, 1.69).

Conclusions

By applying the ICF framework, we have shown that personal factors were more likely to predict falls and fractures rather than OA impairments, environmental factors, activity limitations and participation restrictions in people with OA or at high risk of developing OA. This highlights the importance of questioning patients about their previous falls and past medical history, and using this information to focus our assessment and clinical decision-making processes.
Genetic and histopathological analysis of a case of primary intraosseous carcinoma, NOS with features of both ameloblastic carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yukimori Akane , Tsuchiya Maiko , Wada Akane , Michi Yasuyuki , Kayamori Kou , Sakamoto Kei , Ikeda Tohru
Published: February 2020

Background

Primary intraosseous carcinoma (PIOC), NOS is an odontogenic carcinoma with unknown etiology. Its diagnosis may be used when central jaw carcinoma cannot be categorized as any other type of carcinoma. Further information on this extremely rare tumor is needed to improve our understanding and evaluate the classification of odontogenic carcinomas.

Case presentation

We herein presented two patients with PIOC, NOS with different clinical and histopathological features and analyzed gene mutations in these patients using next-generation sequencing (NGS). The typical PIOC, NOS case had many histopathological similarities to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), including the missense point mutations of TP53 Glu285Val, KDR Gln472His, and APC Pro1433Leu, which are similar to those in other cancers; however, no mutations were detected in the other patient with an atypical presentation of PIOC, NOS, which was derived from a precursor cystic lesion with similarities to both ameloblastic carcinoma and OSCC.

Conclusions

Genetic analysis suggested that these two PIOC, NOS cases have different features and can be subcategorized.
The spinal microglial IL-10/β-endorphin pathway accounts for cinobufagin-induced mechanical antiallodynia in bone cancer pain following activation of α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Authors: Apryani Evhy , Ali Usman , Wang Zi-Ying , Wu Hai-Yun , Mao Xiao-Fang , Ahmad Khalil Ali , Li Xin-Yan , Wang Yong-Xiang
Published: February 2020

Background

Cinobufagin is the major bufadienolide of Bufonis venenum (Chansu), which has been traditionally used for the treatment of chronic pain especially cancer pain. The current study aimed to evaluate its antinociceptive effects in bone cancer pain and explore the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Rat bone cancer model was used in this study. The withdrawal threshold evoked by stimulation of the hindpaw was determined using a 2290 CE electrical von Frey hair. The β-endorphin and IL-10 levels were measured in the spinal cord and cultured primary microglia, astrocytes, and neurons.

Results

Cinobufagin, given intrathecally, dose-dependently attenuated mechanical allodynia in bone cancer pain rats, with the projected Emax of 90% MPE and ED50 of 6.4 μg. Intrathecal cinobufagin also stimulated the gene and protein expression of IL-10 and β-endorphin (but not dynorphin A) in the spinal cords of bone cancer pain rats. In addition, treatment with cinobufagin in cultured primary spinal microglia but not astrocytes or neurons stimulated the mRNA and protein expression of IL-10 and β-endorphin, which was prevented by the pretreatment with the IL-10 antibody but not β-endorphin antiserum. Furthermore, spinal cinobufagin-induced mechanical antiallodynia was inhibited by the pretreatment with intrathecal injection of the microglial inhibitor minocycline, IL-10 antibody, β-endorphin antiserum and specific μ-opioid receptor antagonist CTAP. Lastly, cinobufagin- and the specific α-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR) agonist PHA-543613-induced microglial gene expression of IL-10/β-endorphin and mechanical antiallodynia in bone cancer pain were blocked by the pretreatment with the specific α7-nAChR antagonist methyllycaconitine.

Conclusions

Our results illustrate that cinobufagin produces mechanical antiallodynia in bone cancer pain through spinal microglial expression of IL-10 and subsequent β-endorphin following activation of α7-nAChRs. Our results also highlight the broad significance of the recently uncovered spinal microglial IL-10/β-endorphin pathway in antinociception.
Abnormalities in spinal cord ultrastructure in a rat model of post-traumatic syringomyelia
Authors: Berliner Joel , Hemley Sarah , Najafi Elmira , Bilston Lynne , Stoodley Marcus , Lam Magdalena
Published: February 2020

Background

Syringomyelia is a serious complication of spinal cord trauma, occurring in approximately 28% of spinal cord injuries. Treatment options are limited and often produce unsatisfactory results. Post-traumatic syringomyelia (PTS) is presumably related to abnormalities of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and interstitial fluid hydrodynamics, but the exact mechanisms are unknown.

Methods

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to investigate in detail the interfaces between fluid and tissue in the spinal cords of healthy Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 3) and in a rat model of PTS (n = 3). PTS was induced by computer-controlled impact (75 kDyn) to the spinal cord between C6 and C8, followed by a subarachnoid injection of kaolin to produce focal arachnoiditis. Control animals received a laminectomy only to C6 and C7 vertebrae. Animals were sacrificed 12 weeks post-surgery, and spinal cords were prepared for TEM. Ultra-thin spinal cord sections at the level of the injury were counterstained for structural anatomy.

Results

Spinal cords from animals with PTS displayed several abnormalities including enlarged perivascular spaces, extracellular edema, cell death and loss of tissue integrity. Additionally, alterations to endothelial tight junctions and an abundance of pinocytotic vesicles, in tissue adjacent to syrinx, suggested perturbations to blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) function.

Conclusions

These findings support the hypothesis that perivascular spaces are important pathways for CSF flow into and out of the spinal cord, but also suggest that fluid may enter the cord through vesicular transport and an altered BSCB.
Safety and efficacy of a novel oral chewable combination tablet containing sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel (Simparica Trio™) against natural flea infestations in client-owned dogs in the USA
Authors: Kryda Kristina , Mahabir Sean P. , Inskeep Tammy , Rugg Jady
Published: March 2020

Background

One randomized, controlled clinical field study was conducted in 18 general veterinary practices throughout the USA to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel oral chewable combination tablet, Simparica Trio™, containing sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel for the treatment and prevention of fleas on dogs.

Methods

Client-owned dogs, from households of three or fewer dogs were eligible for enrollment. Four hundred and twenty-two dogs from 251 households were enrolled. Households were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to treatment with either Simparica Trio™ at the minimum label dose of 1.2 mg/kg sarolaner, 24 µg/kg moxidectin and 5 mg/kg pyrantel (as pamoate salt) or afoxolaner (NexGard®, Boehringer-Ingelheim) at the label dose. One dog per household was selected as the primary dog for efficacy evaluations. Treatments were dispensed and dogs were dosed in their home environment on Day 0 and on approximately Day 30. Flea counts and examination for clinical signs of flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) were performed at the initial visit the day before or on Day 0 prior to treatment and on Days 30 and 60. Additionally, all dogs were examined for general health at each visit and blood and urine were collected for clinical pathology at screening and Day 60.

Results

Simparica Trio™ reduced geometric mean live flea counts by 99.0% by Day 30 and by 99.7% by Day 60. As a result of the rapid reduction in flea infestations, clinical signs associated with FAD substantially improved following treatment. Simparica Trio™ was well-tolerated and a diverse range of concomitant medications were administered to dogs during the course of the study. Simparica Trio™ chewable tablets were well-accepted by dogs, with the majority of flavored chewable tablets (91.9%) voluntarily consumed by free choice without, or when offered in food.

Conclusions

Simparica Trio™ administered orally once monthly for two consecutive treatments was safe and effective against natural flea infestations and substantially improved clinical signs associated with FAD in client-owned dogs in a field study conducted in the USA.
Association between subthreshold depression and self-care behaviors in people with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review of observational studies
Authors: Shrestha Monika , Ng Ashley , Al-Ghareeb Amal , Alenazi Fatimah , Gray Richard
Published: February 2020

Background

Self-care behaviors in people living with type 2 diabetes are important to achieving optimal glycemic control. Major depression in type 2 diabetes is associated with decreased adherence to self-care behaviors. The association between subthreshold depression and self-care behaviors, however, has not previously been systematically reviewed. The objective of this review is to determine the association between subthreshold depression and self-care behaviors.

Methods

A systematic search was performed in five electronic databases that included MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Emcare, and CINAHL. Any observational studies in adults with type 2 diabetes, investigating the association between subthreshold depression and any self-care behaviors, were included in the review. Qualitative studies, review articles, and gray literature were excluded. Two reviewers independently completed the title and abstract and full-text screening, appraised the study quality, and extracted the data. A third reviewer resolved any discrepancies between the reviewers if needed. Included articles were critically appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist. Meta-analyses were not conducted because criteria for conducting such analyses were not met.

Results

A total of 6408 articles were identified through the database searching. After the abstract and full-text review, two articles met the inclusion criteria. One of the included study was cross-sectional while the other was a longitudinal study. Both studies showed inconsistent findings in the association between subthreshold depression and self-care behaviors. Important risks of bias were identified in the included studies.

Discussion

The evidence from the two included studies on a possible association between subthreshold depression and self-care behaviors in adults with type 2 diabetes was not consistent and potentially biased. Our review established a gap in knowledge and suggests that further high-quality studies are needed to examine the association between subthreshold depression and self-care behaviors in people with type 2 diabetes.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42018116373
PgCYP76B93 docks on phenylurea herbicides and its expression enhances chlorotoluron tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Jang Jinhoon , Khanom Sanjida , Moon Youngkook , Shin Sooim , Lee Ok Ran
Published: February 2020

The phenylurea herbicides are used to control annual and perennial weeds on crop cultivating fields. The excessive usage of these agrochemicals increase many environmental problems. Thus, engineering transgenic plant for herbicide metabolism can provide efficient and eco-friendly means for enhanced phytoremediation capacity. Cytochrome P450 enzymes comprise one of the major plant enzyme families that mediate the oxidative degradation of xenobiotic chemicals, including herbicides. Considering these notions, phytoremediation properties of transgenic ginseng-derived PgCYP76B93 in Arabidopsis to phenylurea herbicides were assessed. Phylogenetic tree of PgCYP76B93 clustered in between close to the herbicide metabolism-related enzyme families and terpenoid biosynthesis-related. The expression of PgCYP76B93 was considerably upregulated upon treatment with phenylurea herbicide, chlorotoluron. Simulated docking using Autodoc program predicted possible interaction with chlorotoluron. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing PgCYP76B93 were resulted in slightly reduced plant height with relatively small leaves. The lower plant height in the PgCYP76B93-overexpressing line than in the control revealed that it was linked to the expression of gibberellin oxidases (GAox). The bioassay of transgenic plants growing on herbicide-containing media revealed enhanced resistance against chlorotoluron.
Evening exercise is associated with lower odds of visual field progression in Chinese patients with primary open angle glaucoma
Authors: Pan Xiafei , Xu Kai , Wang Xin , Chen Guofu , Cheng Huanhuan , Liu Alice Jia , Hou Laurence Tang , Zhong Lin , Chen Jie , Liang Yuanbo
Published: March 2020

Background

Exercise is widely known to lower intraocular pressure and increase ocular blood flow, which may be beneficial for glaucoma management. However, there are few studies that have reported on the relationship between exercise and glaucoma progression. The aim of our study was to investigate the exercise habits of those with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and its association with the progression of visual field (VF) loss.

Methods

Daily physical activity (PA) was monitored by an accelerometer (ActiGraph wGT3x-BT) which patients wore for more than 10 h of being awake on their right wrists for 1 week.

Results

Seventy-one non-progressive and 27 progressive patients were enrolled in the study. 24-h moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) exercise showed that POAG patients had similar variation trends consisting of 3 wave peaks and 2 wave hollows. Minutes spent in MVPA was 19.89 ± 15.81 and 21.62 ± 15.10 during 07:00–09:00 h (p = 0.204), 15.40 ± 14.49 and 15.67 ± 12.43 during 15:00–17:00 h (p = 0.822) and 17.26 ± 21.11 and 11.42 ± 11.58 during 18:00–20:00 h (p = 0.001) in the non-progressive and progressive group, respectively. Univariate analysis indicated that 10 min of MVPA (18:00–20:00 h) [odds ratio, OR (95% CI) = 0.82 (0.73, 0.92)], average mean arterial pressure [OR (95% CI) = 0.96 (0.94, 0.98)], age [OR (95% CI) = 1.06 (1.03, 1.08)], male [OR (95% CI) = 0.67 (0.48, 0.96)], spherical equivalent [OR (95% CI) = 1.14 (1.07, 1.22)] and IOP-lowering medications [OR (95% CI) = 1.54 (1.16, 2.05)] were significantly correlated with having progressive VF damage. Multivariable analysis showed that 10 min of MVPA (18:00–20:00 h) [OR (95% CI) = 0.85 (0.75, 0.97)] was associated with progressive VF loss even after adjusting for other risk factors.

Conclusions

Evening exercise may lower the odds of VF progression, suggesting that exercise habits possibly play an important role in glaucoma progression.
Does the preoperative platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio predict morbidity after gastrectomy for gastric cancer?
Authors: Mungan İbrahim , Dicle Çilem Bayındır , Bektaş Şerife , Sarı Sema , Yamanyar Serdar , Çavuş Mine , Turan Sema , Bostancı Erdal Birol
Published: February 2020

Background

Gastric cancer is the 2nd most common cause of cancer-related deaths, and the morbidity rate after surgery is reported to be as high as 46%. The estimation of possible complications, morbidity, and mortality and the ability to specify patients at high risk have become substantial for an intimate follow-up and for proper management in the intensive care unit. This study aimed to determine the prognostic value of the preoperative platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and their relations with clinical outcomes and complications after gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Methods

This single-center, retrospective cohort study evaluated the data of 292 patients who underwent gastrectomy with curative intent between January 2015 and June 2018 in a tertiary state hospital in Ankara, Turkey. A receiver operating characteristic curve was generated to evaluate the ability of laboratory values to predict clinically relevant postoperative complications. The area under the curve was computed to compare the predictive power of the NLR and PLR. Then, the cutoff points were selected as the stratifying values for the PLR and NLR.

Results

The area under the curve values of the PLR (0.60, 95% CI 0.542–0.657) and NLR (0.556, 95% CI 0.497–0.614) were larger than those of the other preoperative laboratory values. For the PLR, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 50.00 and 72.22%, respectively, whereas for the NLR, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 37.50 and 80.16%, respectively. The PLR was related to morbidity, whereas the relation of the NLR with mortality was more prominent. This study demonstrated that the PLR and NLR may predict mortality and morbidity via the Clavien-Dindo classification in gastric cancer patients. The variable was grade ≥ 3 in the Clavien-Dindo classification, including complications requiring surgical or endoscopic interventions, life-threatening complications, and death. Both the PLR and NLR differed significantly according to Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3. In this analysis, the PLR was related to morbidity, while the NLR relation with mortality was more intense.

Conclusion

Based on the results of the study, the PLR and NLR could be used as independent predictive factors for mortality and morbidity in patients with gastric cancer.
Opposite changes in blood pressure and pulse rate in two patients with distigmine and rivastigmine intoxication
Authors: Sedogawa Hiraku , Matsuo Mitsuhiro
Published: February 2020

Background

Cholinergic crisis caused by cholinesterase inhibitors is rare but life-threatening. Clinical manifestations are thought to be similar to those caused by organophosphates.

Case presentation

A 77-year-old woman on a standard dose of distigmine presented with impaired consciousness, blood pressure (BP) of 69/40 mmHg, a pulse rate (PR) of 60 beats/min, miosis, bronchorrhea, and serum cholinesterase (ChE) of 8 IU/L. After discontinuation of distigmine, altered mental status and pupil miosis were gradually resolved in 5 days with a concomitant increase of serum ChE. A 91-year-old woman presented with a headache, BP of 202/86 mmHg, PR of 83 beats/min, miosis, 9 rivastigmine patches on her knees, and ChE of 22 IU/L. The day after close observation without rivastigmine use, her symptoms were almost resolved with a concomitant increase of serum ChE.

Conclusion

Our cases and a literature review suggested that, in contrast to distigmine, rivastigmine-induced cholinergic crisis caused hypertension and tachycardia.
A leather coating with self-healing characteristics
Authors: Liang Feifei , Wang Tianyou , Fan Haojun , Xiang Jun , Chen Yi
Published: February 2020

Genuine leather is often coated before making daily necessities such as shoes, clothing, bags, sofas, car seats, etc., so as to impart leather products various colours, higher wear resistance and water resistance and so on. However, the coating of these products is often damaged in daily use which will decrease its aesthetic effect and practicability. Therefore, how to improve the scratch resistance of leather coatings has been puzzling people all the time. It is a common knowledge that animals and plants can repair the injured biological tissues by himself. According to this principle, here, we prepared a type of self-healing water-borne polyurethane with disulfide bond in the main chain by using HEDS as chain extender, and the self-healing system was triggered by the disulfide bonds with the help of shape memory function of waterborne Polyurethane, self-healing experiments how that the damaged of leather coating can be repaired fully at 60 °C for 12 h.

Graphical abstract
Growth Hormone Therapy Does Not Increase the Risk of Craniopharyngioma and Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenoma Recurrence
Authors: Losa Marco , Castellino Laura , Pagnano Angela , Rossini Alessandro , Mortini Pietro , Lanzi Roberto
Published: February 2020

Context

Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) replacement therapy is often prescribed in patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) or craniopharyngioma,

Objective

To study whether rhGH therapy in patients with adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) increases the risk of pituitary tumor recurrence.

Design

Retrospective, observational study.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Patients

We studied 283 consecutive patients with AGHD due to NFPA or craniopharyngioma between 1995 and 2018.

Intervention

rhGH treatment at standard doses was initiated in 123 patients (43.5%). The remaining 160 patients served as controls.

Main Outcome Measure

Risk of tumor recurrence in rhGH-treated and control patients.

Results

In univariate analysis, recurrence of the pituitary tumor was less frequent in rhGH-treated patients (19.5%) than in controls (29.7%; hazard ratio [HR] 0.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32–0.86; P = .01). Multivariate Cox analysis demonstrated that the risk of tumor recurrence was associated with detection of residual disease at the baseline magnetic resonance imaging (HR 9.17; 95% CI, 4.88–17.22; P < .001) and not having performed radiotherapy (HR 16.97; 95% CI, 7.55–38.16; P < .001), while rhGH treatment was no longer associated with a lower risk of recurrence (HR 0.82; 95% CI, 0.47–1.44; P = .50).

Conclusions

We found no association between rhGH replacement and the risk of tumor recurrence in patients with AGHD caused by NFPA or craniopharyngioma. These data add to the mounting evidence that rhGH therapy has a neutral effect on the recurrence of pituitary tumors.

Précis

Replacement therapy with rhGH is prescribed to patients with adult growth hormone deficiency. Our study found no increased risk of pituitary tumor recurrence.
Circulating Follistatin and Activin A and Their Regulation by Insulin in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Sylow Lykke , Vind Birgitte F , Kruse Rikke , Møller Pauline M , Wojtaszewski Jørgen F P , Richter Erik A , Højlund Kurt
Published: February 2020

Background

Circulating follistatin (Fst) binds activin A and thereby regulates biological functions such as muscle growth and β-cell survival. However, Fst and activin A’s implication in metabolic regulation is unclear.

Objective

To investigate circulating Fst and activin A in obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) and determine their association with metabolic parameters. Further, to examine regulation of Fst and activin A by insulin and the influence of obesity and T2D hereon.

Methods

Plasma Fst and activin A levels were analyzed in obese T2D patients (N = 10) closely matched to glucose-tolerant lean (N = 12) and obese (N = 10) individuals in the fasted state and following a 4-h hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic clamp (40 mU·m–2·min–1) combined with indirect calorimetry.

Results

Circulating Fst was ~30% higher in patients with T2D compared with both lean and obese nondiabetic individuals (P < .001), while plasma activin A was unaltered. In the total cohort, fasting plasma Fst correlated positively with fasting plasma glucose, serum insulin and C-peptide levels, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and hepatic and adipose tissue insulin resistance after adjusting for age, gender and group (all r > 0.47; P < .05). However, in the individual groups these correlations only achieved significance in patients with T2D (not plasma glucose). Acute hyperinsulinemia at euglycemia reduced circulating Fst by ~30% (P < .001) and this response was intact in patients with T2D. Insulin inhibited FST expression in human hepatocytes after 2 h and even further after 48 h.

Conclusions

Elevated circulating Fst, but not activin A, is strongly associated with measures of insulin resistance in patients with T2D. However, the ability of insulin to suppress circulating Fst is preserved in T2D.