bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating how much dutasteride actually reduces serum dihydrotestosterone level: A Reconsideration based on unexpected results from a study of treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia with dutasteride
Authors: Nukui Masanori
Published: May 2020

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dutasteride treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia on serum steroidal sex hormones and prostate volume (PV).

Methods:

Thirty patients with benign prostate hyperplasia treated with dutasteride for one year were assessed for changes in PV and serum sex hormones (testosterone (T), dihydotestosterone (DHT), estradiol (E2) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS)). PV was measured by ultrasonography. A paired or unpaired t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient test were used for statistical analysis.

Results:

DHT and DHEAS decreased by 38.5% and 20.3%, respectively. On the contrary, T and E2 increased by 34.3% and 9.4%, respectively. PV and prostate-specific antigen decreased by 17.7% and 63.4%, respectively. The rate of decrease of DHT had a negative correlation with PV, and the rate of decrease of DHEAS had positive correlation with PV.

Conclusion:

DHT did not decrease as expected (previous studies showed a decrease of approximately 90%). However, DHEAS decreased more than a natural decrease. It is possible that the conversion from DHEAS to DHT, via the conversion to T, in the prostate was accelerated by the decrease of DHT, especially in larger prostates. However, this discrepancy cannot be full explained by the conversion from DHEAS to DHT, as mentioned above.

Level of evidence:

Level 2c
Coagulopathy-related soft tissue hematoma: a comparison between computed tomography findings and clinical severity
Authors: Nakayama Manabu , Kato Kenichi , Yoshioka Kunihiro , Sato Hirotaka
Published: May 2020

Background

Despite increases in the incidence of coagulopathy-related soft-tissue hematoma (CRSH), the relationship between computed tomography (CT) features and clinical severity remains unclear.

Purpose

To retrospectively evaluate the correlation between CT findings and clinical outcomes in CRSH.

Material and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data of patients diagnosed with CRSH between March 2011 and March 2018. CRSH was morphologically classified according to the presence or absence of the fluid level pattern and was also divided into groups with or without extravasation as per CT findings. These CT findings were compared with the patients’ vital signs and laboratory investigation results.

Results

A total of 47 patients with CRSH were examined. Fluid level and non-fluid level patterns were observed in 28 (60%) and 19 (40%) patients, respectively. Anticoagulant therapy and extravasation were significantly correlated with the fluid level pattern. However, other clinicolaboratory outcomes, including shock index, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count, and coagulation factors, showed no significant difference between the two patterns. In the comparison of hematomas with and without extravasation, none of the clinicolaboratory outcomes except for anticoagulant therapy showed significant differences.

Conclusion

CRSH with a fluid level pattern is significantly associated with extravasation. However, extravasation, which is generally suggestive of active bleeding, does not seem to be related to clinical severity in CRSH.
Assessment of Pharmaceuticals Waste Practices Among Private Drug Retail Outlets in Ethiopia
Authors: Gudeta Tadesse , Assefa Desta
Published: May 2020

Background: Pharmaceuticals waste is a public safety concern, resulting in a possible accidental poisoning, misuse, and environmental pollution. Thus, appropriate disposal of the damaged and expired medicines would save lives and protect the ecological system. Objective: The study was aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and disposal practices of pharmaceuticals waste among practitioners in private retail outlets. Method: A facility-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among private practitioners in retail outlets of Jimma city from November 20 to December 19, 2018. All private drug retail outlets and the respective staffs that fulfilled the eligibility criteria were included in the study. The data were collected using self-administrated questionnaires. Results: Of 106 questionnaires distributed to practitioners, 87 completed questionnaires returned, making a response rate of 82.1%. Fifty-nine (67.8%) of the participants reported that at least one type of damaged or expired medicines was present in their store. The main reasons for the damage or expiration include inappropriate storage practices, 32 (29.1%), and receiving medicines with a near expiration date, 42 (38.2%). Concerning knowledge about disposal practices, 70 (41.7%) and 47 (38.2%) of the participants, respectively, reported that safe disposal of damaged or expired medicines would prevent environmental pollution and illegal use. Regarding disposal practice, 47 (38.2%) of the respondents reported burning separately, and 24 (19.5%) of them reported burying underground. Fifty-two (59.8%) of the total participants strongly agreed that they had a responsibility to protect environmental pollution. Conclusions: The majority of the participants knew that the appropriate disposal of pharmaceuticals waste could protect human beings and ecological systems. However, a majority of the respondents disposed of the pharmaceuticals waste at the retail pharmacy.
National Health Policy Reform for Primary Care in Chile: A Qualitative Analysis of the Health Program Documents
Authors: Dominguez-Cancino Karen A. , Palmieri Patrick A. , Martinez-Gutierrez Maria Soledad
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Chilean policy makers reformed the national health policy for primary health care (PHC), shifting from the traditional biomedical model to the integral family and community health model with a biopsychosocial approach, to guide the delivery of PHC throughout the country. Purpose: To evaluate the implementation of the national health policy for PHC through an analysis of the program documents for PHC; and to identify to what extent the national health policy is expressed in each program document, and across all the documents. Methods: A qualitative document analysis with a purposive sample of program documents for PHC. The Chilean Ministry of Health website was systematically searched between October and December 2018 to identify relevant program documents. Thematic and content analysis were performed to identify evidence of the biopsychosocial approach to care delivery with each program document, including the types of interactions between professionals that contribute to person-centered or fragmented care. Results: The study included 13 PHC program documents. Three themes and 10 categories emerged from the data. Most program justifications focused on the biopsychosocial approach to care while including biomedical interventions and supporting independent professional work. Only 4 of the 13 programs were consistent in the justification, interventions, and types of stated professional interactions: 2 from the biopsychosocial and 2 from the biomedical perspectives. Conclusion: In terms of the national health policy for PHC in Chile, interprofessional collaboration and person-centered care processes and practices were partially aligned with the written content of the health program documents. As such, policy makers and health sector leaders are advised to analyze draft health program documents for consistency in translating national health policies into the written communications that define the actualization of the care model in PHC and direct professionals how to provide PHC to individuals and families.
A Systematic Literature Synthesis of 19 Years of Bilingual Education in Chinese Higher Education: Where Does the Academic Discourse Stand?
Authors: Tong Fuhui , Wang Zhuoying , Min Yue , Tang Shifang
Published: May 2020

In this three-phase, systematic review, we comprehensively synthesize research on bilingual education in higher education institutions over a 19-year period, starting from the initiation of this top-down educational provision across mainland China. In this context, although English has no official status, it is highly regarded and widely used as a medium of instruction alongside Chinese. We critically examine studies ( n = 1,632) published in both English and Chinese outlets on academic discourse that deliberate on what was studied, how it was studied, and what the publication trend was. We argue that scholarly attention should continue to revolve around the benefits of bilingual programs, due to the lack of rigorous empirical evidence that attests to the effectiveness of bilingual education in Chinese higher education. Our review echoes similar research syntheses conducted in Europe and worldwide and is, therefore, expected to shed light on the policy implications and the practice of bilingual education in higher education on a global scale. Recommendations for future research are provided.
90° Rotation of talus in a closed medial subtalar dislocation: A unique case
Authors: Xunqi Cheow , Vidyut Mehta Kinjal
Published: May 2020

Subtalar dislocations are rare and account for about 1% of all dislocations. Standard management is by prompt reduction by closed means, which if unsuccessful, should be followed by open reduction. We present a case report of a closed medial subtalar dislocation in which the talus is internally rotated by 90° and the talar dome formed a pseudoarticulation with the medial malleolus following unsuccessful attempts at closed manipulation and reduction. The patient underwent successful open reduction and fixation and subsequently recovered completely with an American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot score of 100 at 5 years after injury. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of a closed talus rotation.
A sagittal reference line using the preoperative radiograph in total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Kim Hee-June , Kim Jeong-Woo , Shin Ji-Yeon , Kim Junekyu , Lee Hyun-Joo , Park Kyeong-Hyeon , Kyung Hee-Soo
Published: May 2020

Background:

We evaluated the accuracy of a sagittal alignment of tibial component in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with the sagittal reference line using the preoperative radiograph.

Methods:

We evaluated 151 patients who underwent primary TKA with posterior cruciate substituting type implant. For 75 patients, the sagittal reference line using preoperative radiograph (group A) was used, while for 76 patients the sagittal reference using intraoperative fibular shaft line (group B) was used. The parallel line (line S) to the anatomical axis of the tibia in the lateral plain radiograph was used as the sagittal reference. The distance from line S to proximal tibia cutting area and to skin surface 20 cm distal to the cutting area was measured in preoperative radiographs. Next, the distance to the extramedullary guide rod was applied intraoperatively, reflecting the results. The intraoperative fibular shaft line was determined using the connecting line between the tip of fibular head and the lateral malleolus. The postoperative tibial component slope angle and the difference to the target slope angle were compared.

Results:

The difference to the target angle was 1.8 ± 1.3° in group A, whereas the difference was 2.5 ± 1.4° in group B ( p = 0.04). The patients with difference within 3° to the target angle were 78.7% in group A and 61.8% in group B ( p = 0.024).

Conclusion:

The sagittal reference line using the preoperative lateral radiograph was helpful as a reference guide for the tibial slope in TKA.
Regime Type and COVID-19 Response
Authors: Alon Ilan , Farrell Matthew , Li Shaomin
Published: May 2020

From late 2019 to the first half of 2020, the world has witnessed the epic spread and destruction of the novel coronavirus which was discovered in Wuhan, China. The huge number of infections and deaths caused by the virus, the collapse of the healthcare system and the economic consequences have few modern equivalents. While governments of all countries are responding to the pandemic, a heated debate rages about which political system, democracy versus authoritarian, is better positioned to respond to the pandemic. While the worldwide effort to contain the virus continues, we offer a preliminary comparison between democracies and authoritarian regimes in their responses to COVID-19, and policy suggestions for democracies to improve their governance and their ability to respond to crises.
Mulligan Knee Taping Using Both Elastic and Rigid Tape Reduces Pain and Alters Lower Limb Biomechanics in Female Patients With Patellofemoral Pain
Authors: Mackay Grant J.K. , Stearne Sarah M. , Wild Catherine Y. , Nugent Erin P. , Murdock Alexander P. , Mastaglia Benjamin , Hall Toby M.
Published: May 2020

Background:

Evidence supports the use of Mulligan knee taping in managing patellofemoral pain (PFP). However, no studies have compared the efficacy of rigid and elastic tape using this technique.

Hypothesis:

Mulligan knee taping applied with both rigid and elastic tape will produce similar reductions in knee pain, hip internal rotation, and knee flexion moments compared with no tape. Elastic tape will also be more comfortable than rigid tape.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 19 female patients (mean age, 26.5 ± 4.5 years) with PFP performed a self-selected pain provocative task, single-leg squat (SLSq) task, and running task while wearing Mulligan knee taping applied with rigid tape, elastic tape at 100% tension, and no tape. Pain and taping comfort were recorded using 11-point numeric rating scales. An 18-camera motion capture system and in-ground force plates recorded 3-dimensional lower limb kinematics and kinetics for the SLSq and running tasks. Statistical analysis involved a series of repeated-measures analyses of variance. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for analyzing taping comfort.

Results:

Compared with no tape, both rigid and elastic tape significantly reduced pain during the pain provocative task (mean difference [MD], –0.97 [95% CI, –1.57 to –0.38] and –1.42 [95% CI, –2.20 to –0.64], respectively), SLSq (MD, –1.26 [95% CI, –2.23 to –0.30] and –1.13 [95% CI, –2.09 to –0.17], respectively), and running tasks (MD, –1.24 [95% CI, –2.11 to –0.37] and –1.16 [95% CI, –1.86 to –0.46], respectively). Elastic tape was significantly more comfortable than rigid tape generally ( P = .005) and during activity ( P = .022). Compared with no tape, both rigid and elastic tape produced increased knee internal rotation at initial contact during the running task (MD, 5.5° [95% CI, 3.6° to 7.4°] and 5.9° [95% CI, 3.9° to 7.9°], respectively) and at the commencement of knee flexion during the SLSq task (MD, 5.8° [95% CI, 4.5° to 7.0°] and 5.8° [95% CI, 4.1° to 7.4°], respectively), greater peak knee internal rotation during the running (MD, 1.8° [95% CI, 0.4° to 3.3°] and 2.2° [95% CI, 0.9° to 3.6°], respectively) and SLSq tasks (MD, 3.2° [95% CI, 2.1° to 4.3°] and 3.8° [95% CI, 2.3° to 5.2°], respectively), and decreased knee internal rotation range of motion during the running (MD, –3.6° [95% CI, –6.1° to –1.1°] and –3.7° [95% CI, –6.2° to –1.2°], respectively) and SLSq tasks (MD, –2.5° [95% CI, –3.9° to –1.2°] and –2.0° [95% CI, –3.2° to –0.9°], respectively).

Conclusion:

Mulligan knee taping with both rigid and elastic tape reduced pain across all 3 tasks and altered tibiofemoral rotation during the SLSq and running tasks.

Clinical Relevance:

Both taping methods reduced pain and altered lower limb biomechanics. Elastic tape may be chosen clinically for comfort reasons.
Matrix-Augmented Bone Marrow Stimulation With a Polyglycolic Acid Membrane With Hyaluronan vs Microfracture in Local Cartilage Defects of the Femoral Condyles: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Glasbrenner Johannes , Petersen Wolf , Raschke Michael J. , Steiger Matthias , Verdonk René , Castelli Claudio C. , Zappalà Giorgio , Fritschy Daniel , Herbort Mirco
Published: May 2020

Background:

Microfracture (MF) is an established operative treatment for small, localized chondral defects of the knee joint. There is evidence from animal studies that matrix augmentation of bone marrow stimulation (m-BMS) can improve the quality of the repair tissue formation.

Purpose:

To evaluate the therapeutic outcome of a matrix made of polyglycolic acid and hyaluronan as compared with a conventional MF technique.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

Patients between the ages of 18 and 68 years who had an articular femoral cartilage defect of 0.5 to 3 cm2 in the weightbearing area of the femoral condyles with indication for MF were included in this study. Patients were randomized and treated with either MF or m-BMS with Chondrotissue. Defect filling, as assessed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), at postoperative 12 weeks was defined as the primary outcome measure, with follow-up MRI at weeks 54 and 108. Follow-up data were also collected at 12, 54, and 108 weeks after surgery and included patient-reported clinical scores: visual analog scale for pain, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), International Knee Documentation Committee score, and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey.

Results:

MRI scans confirmed cartilage repair tissue formation in both groups 12 weeks after treatment. There was no significant difference between the m-BMS and MF groups in the percentage of defect filling at 12, 54, and 108 weeks postoperatively. No significant difference was found in terms of patient-reported clinical scores. Both groups showed significant improvement in 4 KOOS subscales—Pain, Activities of Daily Living, Sport and Recreation, and Quality of Life—at 54 and 108 weeks after treatment.

Conclusion:

This is the first randomized controlled trial comparing m-BMS with a polyglycolic acid matrix with hyaluronan with MF. The use of the Chondrotissue implant in m-BMS has been proven to be a safe procedure. No difference was found between m-BMS and MF in terms of patient-reported outcome scores and MRI assessment until postoperative 2 years. Long-term follow-up studies including histological assessment are desirable for further investigation.

Registration:

EUCTR2011-003594-28-DE (EU Clinical Trials Register).
Growth Machine Up-links and the Manufacture of Flood Risk in Mid-twentieth Century New Orleans
Authors: Youngman Nicole
Published: May 2020

Environmentally destructive megaprojects, which substantially shift the topography and hydrology of the ecosystems in which they are embedded in ways that potentially exacerbate preexisting disaster risks, are created through a combination of lobbying by municipal growth machines and applications of higher level state authority, resources, and control. New Orleans’ manufactured hurricane storm surge risk provides a crucial case study of this dynamic. After Hurricane Katrina, forensic engineers found that the proximate cause of the New Orleans flood was the levee and floodwall failures along the city’s shipping and drainage canals, but this disaster cannot be fully understood without an examination of the city’s mid-twentieth century political economy, particular regarding the power of the local shipping industry and its up-links to entities in the federal government. During this time period, local New Orleans elites were able to take advantage of the two world wars and postwar economic expansion to dramatically enlarge the city’s shipping canal system with massive funding and expertise from the Maritime Commission and the Corps of Engineers, massively amplifying the city’s flood risk in ways that ultimately led to the Katrina catastrophe.
The Effect of School Closures on Teacher Labor Market Outcomes: Evidence From Texas
Authors: Richards Meredith P. , Stroub Kori J. , Guthery Sarah
Published: May 2020

Recent scholarship has highlighted the phenomenon of urban public school closures and their effects on student academic outcomes. However, we know little about the broader impact of closures, particularly on teachers who are also displaced by closure. We assess labor market outcomes for over 15,000 teachers in nearly 700 Texas schools displaced by closure between 2003 and 2015. Using a unique administrative data set, we find that closures were associated with an increased likelihood of teachers leaving teaching as well as changing school districts. Notably, teachers in charters that closed were particularly likely to leave. In addition, closures appear to push out senior teachers and worsen the already substantial underrepresentation of Black teachers.
Book review: Tony Joseph, The Early Indians: The Story of Our Ancestors and Where They Came From
Authors: Habib Irfan
Published: May 2020

Tony Joseph, The Early Indians: The Story of Our Ancestors and Where They Came From (New Delhi: Juggernaut Books), 2013, xvi + 262 pp., ₹699 (Hb).
Book review: Manimugdha S. Sharma, Allahu Akbar: Understanding the Great Mughal in Today’s India
Authors: Habib Irfan
Published: May 2020

Manimugdha S. Sharma, Allahu Akbar: Understanding the Great Mughal in Today’s India (New Delhi: Bloomsburg), 2019, xxvi + 305 pp., ₹599 (Hb).
Value Is a (Quantum) State
Authors: Özdilek Ünsal
Published: May 2020

This work describes the fundamental features of value that have roots in modern physics. Contrary to the traditional view, we believe that value does not have a proper existence, neither as a physical substance nor as a subjective utility in rewards. Value is rather a probabilistic ‘state’, existing by the ‘superposition’ of its expectation and information states. Expectation drives towards the disclosure of information in value state, at which moment it collapses into consciousness. Although empirical experiments are missing, value and quantum states are essentially governed by the same common mechanisms.
Collaboration Among Agents of a Human System to Create Distributed Value
Authors: Fratantuono Michael J.
Published: May 2020

Purpose: This article presents a model that the author calls the Collaborative Enterprise (CE). It serves as a general framework for thinking about all collaborations.

Distinguishing feature: The CE focuses first on the purpose of a collaboration, and it then turns to participants, resources and capabilities, and processes. It illustrates the relevance of the model with three mini-case studies.

Model type: The model is developed via schematic diagrams and narrative explanation.

Model components: The CE posits four generic agents that collectively leverage resources and capabilities as they engage in a structured series of processes.

Model attributes: The CE illustrates combinations of self-organization and hierarchy among agent types and emphasizes key processes in a collaboration.

Literature: Literature from business strategy; organizational theory; and basic systems theory, including complex adaptive systems, inform the CE.

Key insights: The purpose of the CE is to create distributed value by launching initiatives in functional arenas to shape the determinants of high-level goals.

Implications: Success in creating distributed value is possible but challenging.
Counteracting Value Destruction
Authors: Davidow Moshe
Published: May 2020

Early research focused on complaint handling as a profit centre for organizations, but recently this approach has been shown to destroy value if not done correctly, due to the organization-centric rationale behind it. A new customer-centric approach, called complaint management, is shown to overcome the pitfalls of complaint handling and to act as a customer-centric compass for the organization leading to increased trust, profits and customer satisfaction. This approach not only creates value, but also helps integrate between the various departments in the organization. Finally, this article includes clear steps for implementation in any organization.
Visual and anatomical outcomes of central serous chorioretinopathy patients presenting to a tertiary unit: a prospective analysis
Authors: Walkden Andrew , Atkinson Olivia , Linton Emma , Bull Adam , Abraham Laina , Chhabra Ramandeep
Published: May 2020

Aim:

The aim of this study was to prospectively define the characteristics and outcomes of a cohort of central serous chorioretinopathy patients using optical coherence tomography imaging to determine anatomical disease resolution. Much of the literature available on the characteristics of central serous chorioretinopathy patients pre date the advent of OCT imaging, with conclusive epidemiological evidence being scarce. We describe a cohort of patients presenting to a large centre over the course of a year.

Methods:

Prospective data collection was undertaken for all patients diagnosed with central serous chorioretinopathy at our unit over the course of 1 year. All patients underwent thorough history taking and optical coherence tomography imaging.

Results:

In total, 59 eyes from 51 patients were diagnosed with central serous chorioretinopathy between April 2017 and April 2018; 23 (45.1%) patients had optical coherence tomography evidence of complete anatomical resolution within a year, with three (5.88%) patients suffering a worse visual acuity compared with that at presentation at 1-year end point; and three patients developed secondary choroidal neovascular membranes.

Conclusion:

Our study reports much-needed prospective outcomes of patients with central serous chorioretinopathy, which helps to guide clinicians when deciding treatment strategies, as well as better informing patients of their prognosis for visual improvement.
On the physiological and cellular homeostasis of ascorbate
Authors: Przybyło Magdalena , Langner Marek
Published: May 2020

Recent interest in the role of ascorbate in crucial metabolic processes is driven by the growing number of medical reports that show beneficial effects of ascorbate supplementation for maintaining general well-being and recovery from a variety of medical conditions. The effect of ascorbate on the local body environment highly depends on its local concentration; at low concentrations it can cause the reduction of reactive oxygen and facilitate activities of enzymes, while at high concentrations it generates free radicals by reducing ferric ions. Ascorbate serving as an electron donor assists the iron-containing proteins and the iron transfer between various aqueous compartments. These functions require effective and adjustable mechanisms responsible for ascorbate biodistribution. In the paper we propose a new biophysical model of ascorbate redistribution between various aqueous body compartments. It combines recent experimental evidence regarding the ability of ascorbate to cross the lipid bilayer by unassisted diffusion, with active transport by well-characterized sodium vitamin C transporter (SVCT) membrane proteins. In the model, the intracellular concentration of ascorbate is maintained by the balance of two opposing fluxes: fast active and slow passive transport. The model provides a mechanistic understanding of ascorbate flux across the epidermal barrier in the gut as well as the role of astrocytes in ascorbate recycling in the brain. In addition, ascorbate passive diffusion across biological membranes, which depends on membrane electric potentials and pH gradients, provides the rationale for the correlation between ascorbate distribution and the transfer of iron ions inside a cell. The proposed approach provides, for the first time, a mechanistic account of processes leading to ascorbate physiological and cellular distribution, which helps to explain numerous experimental and clinical observations.
LncRNA NNT-AS1 promotes lung squamous cell carcinoma progression by regulating the miR-22/FOXM1 axis
Authors: Ma Jing , Qi Guanbin , Li Lei
Published: May 2020

Background

Recent studies have revealed that dysregulated expression of long non-coding RNA nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase antisense RNA 1 (lncRNA NNT-AS1) is associated with cell tumorigenicity in non-small cell lung cancer. However, the exact molecular mechanisms of NNT-AS1 in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) remain largely unknown.

Methods

The expression of NNT-AS1, microRNA (miR)-22 and Forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) was measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or western blot, respectively. The interaction between miR-22 and NNT-AS1 or FOXM1 was confirmed using a dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. Cell migration and invasion abilities were measured by Transwell assay. Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptotic cells.

Results

NNT-AS1 and FOXM1 were up-regulated but miR-22 was down-regulated in LUSC tissues and cell lines. NNT-AS1 was a sponge of miR-22, and NNT-AS1 deletion suppressed the migration and invasion but induced apoptosis in LUSC cells. FOXM1 was a target of miR-22, and overexpression of miR-22 inhibited cell carcinogenesis in LUSC by targeting FOXM1. Additionally, NNT-AS1 could directly regulate FOXM1 expression by binding to miR-22 in LUSC cells.

Conclusion

LncRNA NNT-AS1 contributes to cell carcinogenesis in LUSC by regulating the miR-22/FOXM1 axis, providing a novel insight into the pathogenesis of LUSC and a new potential therapeutic target for LUSC treatment.
Teleological explanations in evolution classes: video-based analyses of teaching and learning processes across a seventh-grade teaching unit
Authors: Gresch Helge
Published: May 2020

Background

Students frequently explain evolutionary processes, such as adaptation, in a teleological way. These teleological explanations may involve goal-directedness, purpose, an external designer or the internal needs of individual organisms as causal factors. While many science educators consider teleological bias to be a central obstacle in understanding evolutionary processes, other scholars argue that teleological (and anthropomorphic) formulations may also serve pedagogical aims, e.g., to increase empathy and to relate topics to students’ world. Although many empirical studies describe the abundance of students’ teleological explanations, little is known about how teachers deal with teleological explanations in the classroom and the relationship between teachers’ approach and students’ learning processes. Consequently, this study addresses the research question of how a teacher and students situationally address teleology across a teaching unit on evolution.

Results

This article presents a case study on teacher-student interactions within a seventh-grade teaching unit on evolution. Video and audio data from the classroom are complemented with data from a post hoc interview with the teacher. Data are analyzed using the qualitative documentary method. Analyses show that the teaching practice can be described as ambiguous and is characterized by a compatibility of scientific and teleological explanations. This results in the reproduction and enforcement of students’ teleological explanations. These aspects of the teaching practice are related to the teaching norms stated in the interview: the norm of motivating students and the norm of transforming teleological explanations into scientifically adequate evolutionary explanations. The results show that in contrast to the interview, these norms cannot be reconciled in teaching practice.

Conclusions

The relationship between teaching norms and teaching practice is discussed in view of norms in the field of biology education, i.e., conceptual development from teleological to evolutionary explanations, and teleology and anthropomorphisms as a means to promote interest. In this light, suggestions for dealing with teleological explanations are elaborated on, focusing on metacognitive approaches. Furthermore, it is argued that videos and transcripts of classroom interactions also provide rich data for the education of preservice teachers and for professional development.
Similar yet different: phylogenomic analysis to delineate Salmonella and Citrobacter species boundaries
Authors: Pilar Ana Victoria C. , Petronella Nicholas , Dussault Forest M. , Verster Adrian J. , Bekal Sadjia , Levesque Roger C. , Goodridge Lawrence , Tamber Sandeep
Published: May 2020

Background

Salmonella enterica is a leading cause of foodborne illness worldwide resulting in considerable public health and economic costs. Testing for the presence of this pathogen in food is often hampered by the presence of background microflora that may present as Salmonella (false positives). False positive isolates belonging to the genus Citrobacter can be difficult to distinguish from Salmonella due to similarities in their genetics, cell surface antigens, and other phenotypes. In order to understand the genetic basis of these similarities, a comparative genomic approach was used to define the pan-, core, accessory, and unique coding sequences of a representative population of Salmonella and Citrobacter strains.

Results

Analysis of the genomic content of 58 S. enterica strains and 37 Citrobacter strains revealed the presence of 31,130 and 1540 coding sequences within the pan- and core genome of this population. Amino acid sequences unique to either Salmonella (n = 1112) or Citrobacter (n = 195) were identified and revealed potential niche-specific adaptations. Phylogenetic network analysis of the protein families encoded by the pan-genome indicated that genetic exchange between Salmonella and Citrobacter may have led to the acquisition of similar traits and also diversification within the genera.

Conclusions

Core genome analysis suggests that the Salmonella enterica and Citrobacter populations investigated here share a common evolutionary history. Comparative analysis of the core and pan-genomes was able to define the genetic features that distinguish Salmonella from Citrobacter and highlight niche specific adaptations.
Functional insights from the GC-poor genomes of two aphid parasitoids, Aphidius ervi and Lysiphlebus fabarum
Authors: Dennis Alice B. , Ballesteros Gabriel I. , Robin Stéphanie , Schrader Lukas , Bast Jens , Berghöfer Jan , Beukeboom Leo W. , Belghazi Maya , Bretaudeau Anthony , Buellesbach Jan , Cash Elizabeth , Colinet Dominique , Dumas Zoé , Errbii Mohammed , Falabella Patrizia , Gatti Jean-Luc , Geuverink Elzemiek , Gibson Joshua D. , Hertaeg Corinne , Hartmann Stefanie , Jacquin-Joly Emmanuelle , Lammers Mark , Lavandero Blas I. , Lindenbaum Ina , Massardier-Galata Lauriane , Meslin Camille , Montagné Nicolas , Pak Nina , Poirié Marylène , Salvia Rosanna , Smith Chris R. , Tagu Denis , Tares Sophie , Vogel Heiko , Schwander Tanja , Simon Jean-Christophe , Figueroa Christian C. , Vorburger Christoph , Legeai Fabrice , Gadau Jürgen
Published: May 2020

Background

Parasitoid wasps have fascinating life cycles and play an important role in trophic networks, yet little is known about their genome content and function. Parasitoids that infect aphids are an important group with the potential for biological control. Their success depends on adapting to develop inside aphids and overcoming both host aphid defenses and their protective endosymbionts.

Results

We present the de novo genome assemblies, detailed annotation, and comparative analysis of two closely related parasitoid wasps that target pest aphids:Aphidius erviandLysiphlebus fabarum(Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae).The genomes are small (139 and 141 Mbp) and the most AT-rich reported thus far for any arthropod (GC content: 25.8 and 23.8%). This nucleotide bias is accompanied by skewed codon usage and is stronger in genes with adult-biased expression. AT-richness may be the consequence of reduced genome size, a near absence of DNA methylation, and energy efficiency. We identify missing desaturase genes, whose absence may underlie mimicry in the cuticular hydrocarbon profile ofL. fabarum. We highlight key gene groups including those underlying venom composition, chemosensory perception, and sex determination, as well as potential losses in immune pathway genes.

Conclusions

These findings are of fundamental interest for insect evolution and biological control applications. They provide a strong foundation for further functional studies into coevolution between parasitoids and their hosts. Both genomes are available athttps://bipaa.genouest.org.
Alexithymia and automatic processing of facial emotions: behavioral and neural findings
Authors: Rosenberg Nicole , Ihme Klas , Lichev Vladimir , Sacher Julia , Rufer Michael , Grabe Hans Jörgen , Kugel Harald , Pampel André , Lepsien Jöran , Kersting Anette , Villringer Arno , Suslow Thomas
Published: May 2020

Background

Alexithymia is a personality trait characterized by difficulties identifying and describing feelings, an externally oriented style of thinking, and a reduced inclination to imagination. Previous research has shown deficits in the recognition of emotional facial expressions in alexithymia and reductions of brain responsivity to emotional stimuli. Using an affective priming paradigm, we investigated automatic perception of facial emotions as a function of alexithymia at the behavioral and neural level. In addition to self-report scales, we applied an interview to assess alexithymic tendencies.

Results

During 3 T fMRI scanning, 49 healthy individuals judged valence of neutral faces preceded by briefly shown happy, angry, fearful, and neutral facial expressions. Alexithymia was assessed using the 20-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the Bermond-Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire (BVAQ) and the Toronto Structured Interview for Alexithymia (TSIA). As expected, only negative correlations were found between alexithymic features and affective priming. The global level of self-reported alexithymia (as assessed by the TAS-20 and the BVAQ) was found to be related to less affective priming owing to angry faces. At the facet level, difficulties identifying feelings, difficulties analyzing feelings, and impoverished fantasy (as measured by the BVAQ) were correlated with reduced affective priming due to angry faces. Difficulties identifying feelings (BVAQ) correlated also with reduced affective priming due to fearful faces and reduced imagination (TSIA) was related to decreased affective priming due to happy faces. There was only one significant correlation between alexithymia dimensions and automatic brain response to masked facial emotions: TAS-20 alexithymia correlated with heightened brain response to masked happy faces in superior and medial frontal areas.

Conclusions

Our behavioral results provide evidence that alexithymic features are related in particular to less sensitivity for covert facial expressions of anger. The perceptual alterations could reflect impaired automatic recognition or integration of social anger signals into judgemental processes and might contribute to the problems in interpersonal relationships associated with alexithymia. Our findings suggest that self-report measures of alexithymia may have an advantage over interview-based tests as research tools in the field of emotion perception at least in samples of healthy individuals characterized by rather low levels of alexithymia.
The effects of body mass index on outcomes for patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement
Authors: Forgie Keir , Bozso Sabin J. , Hong Yongzhe , Norris Colleen M. , Ishaque Abdullah , Gill Richdeep S. , Freed Darren H. , Moon Michael C. , Nagendran Jayan , Nagendran Jeevan
Published: May 2020

Background

Most of the studies of obesity and postoperative outcome have looked predominantly at coronary artery bypass grafting with fewer focused on valvular disease. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of patients undergoing aortic valve replacement stratified by body mass index (BMI, kg/m^2).

Methods

The Alberta Provincial Project for Outcome Assessment in Coronary Heart Disease registry captured 4780 aortic valve replacements in Alberta, Canada from January 2004 to December 2018. All recipients were stratified by BMI into five groups (BMI: < 20, 20–24.9, 25–29.9, 30–34.9, and > = 35). Log-rank test and Cox regression were used to examine the crude and adjusted survival differences.

Results

Intra-operative clamp time and pump time were similar among the five groups. Significant statistical differences between groups existed for the incidence of isolated AVR, AVR and CABG, hemorrhage, septic infection, and deep sternal infection (p < 0.05). While there was no significant statistical difference in the mortality rate across the BMI groups, the underweight AVR patients (BMI < 20) were associated with increased hazard ratio (1.519; 95% confidence interval: 1.028–2.245) with regards to all-cause mortality at the longest follow-up compared with normal weight patients.

Conclusion

Overweight and obese patients should be considered as readily for AVR as normal BMI patients.
Long-term outcomes of conservative treatment and endovascular treatment in patients with symptomatic spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection: a single-center experience
Authors: Xu Leyin , Shao Jiang , Zhang Daming , Qiu Chenyang , Wang Jingjing , Li Kang , Fang Lijing , Zhang Xin , Lei Jinsong , Lai Zhichao , Ma Jiangyu , Yu Yanying , Yu Xiaoxi , Du Fenghe , Qi Wanting , Chen Junye , Liu Bao
Published: May 2020

Background

Spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection (SISMAD) is a rare vascular disorder, and the treatment strategies remain controversial. This study aimed to compare outcomes of conservative and endovascular treatments in symptomatic patients with SISMAD.

Methods

Forty-two consecutive SISMAD patients who were admitted to a single center between October 2009 and May 2018 were enrolled in this study. Based on their symptoms, 15 had conservative treatment, and 27 had endovascular treatment. The baseline characteristics, treatments, and follow-up results of the conservative group and endovascular group were analysed.

Results

The rates of symptom relief were 93.3% in the conservative group and 96.3% in the endovascular group. The procedure-related complications in the endovascular group included one case of pseudoaneurysm formation in the left brachial artery. During the follow-up period (median 28.5 months), a higher proportion of patients in the conservative group had symptom recurrence (42.9% in the conservative group versus 4.8% in the endovascular group, p < 0.001). Four patients in the conservative group and one patient in the endovascular group had additional endovascular intervention during follow-up. Compared with the conservative group, patients in the endovascular group had statistically significantly longer symptom-free survival (p = 0.014) and a higher rate of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) remodeling (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

For symptomatic SISMAD, endovascularly treated patients had a lower rate of symptom recurrence and a higher rate of SMA remodeling in the long term. Prospective, multi-center studies are needed to confirm the long-term outcomes of both treatments.
Correlation between overweightness and the extent of coronary atherosclerosis among the South Caspian population
Authors: Nabati Maryam , Moosazadeh Mahmood , Soroosh Ehsan , Shiraj Hanieh , Gholami Mahnaneh , Ghaemian Ali
Published: May 2020

Background

Reported effects of obesity on the extent of angiographic coronary artery disease(CAD) have been inconsistent. The present study aimed to investigate the relationships between the indices of obesity and other anthropometric markers with the extent of CAD.

Methods

This study was conducted on 1008 consecutive patients who underwent coronary angiography. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were separately calculated for each patient. Extent, severity, and complexity of CAD were determined by the Gensini and SYNTAX scores.

Results

According to the results, there was a significant inverse correlation between the SYNTAX score with BMI (r = − 0.110; P < 0.001), WC (r = − 0.074; P = 0.018), and WHtR (r = − 0.089; P = 0.005). Furthermore, a significant inverse correlation was observed between the Gensini score with BMI (r = − 0.090; P = 0.004) and WHtR (r = − 0.065; P = 0.041). However, the results of multivariate linear regression analysis did not show any association between the SYNTAX and Gensini scores with the indices of obesity and overweight. On the other hand, the patients with an unhealthy WC had a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) (P = 0.004) and hypertension (HTN) (P < 0.001), compared to the patients with healthy values. Coexistence of HTN and DM was more prevalent in subjects with an unhealthy WC and WHR, compared to that in those with healthy values (P = 0.002 and P = 0.032, respectively).

Conclusion

It seems that the anthropometric indices of obesity are not the predictors of the angiographic severity of CAD. However, they are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular risk factors and higher risk profile.
How are missing data in covariates handled in observational time-to-event studies in oncology? A systematic review
Authors: Carroll Orlagh U. , Morris Tim P. , Keogh Ruth H.
Published: May 2020

Background

Missing data in covariates can result in biased estimates and loss of power to detect associations. It can also lead to other challenges in time-to-event analyses including the handling of time-varying effects of covariates, selection of covariates and their flexible modelling. This review aims to describe how researchers approach time-to-event analyses with missing data.

Methods

Medline and Embase were searched for observational time-to-event studies in oncology published from January 2012 to January 2018. The review focused on proportional hazards models or extended Cox models. We investigated the extent and reporting of missing data and how it was addressed in the analysis. Covariate modelling and selection, and assessment of the proportional hazards assumption were also investigated, alongside the treatment of missing data in these procedures.

Results

148 studies were included. The mean proportion of individuals with missingness in any covariate was 32%. 53% of studies used complete-case analysis, and 22% used multiple imputation. In total, 14% of studies stated an assumption concerning missing data and only 34% stated missingness as a limitation. The proportional hazards assumption was checked in 28% of studies, of which, 17% did not state the assessment method. 58% of 144 multivariable models stated their covariate selection procedure with use of a pre-selected set of covariates being the most popular followed by stepwise methods and univariable analyses. Of 69 studies that included continuous covariates, 81% did not assess the appropriateness of the functional form.

Conclusion

While guidelines for handling missing data in epidemiological studies are in place, this review indicates that few report implementing recommendations in practice. Although missing data are present in many studies, we found that few state clearly how they handled it or the assumptions they have made. Easy-to-implement but potentially biased approaches such as complete-case analysis are most commonly used despite these relying on strong assumptions and where often more appropriate methods should be employed. Authors should be encouraged to follow existing guidelines to address missing data, and increased levels of expectation from journals and editors could be used to improve practice.