bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of mobile phone-based self-management interventions for medication adherence and change in blood pressure in patients with coronary heart disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sua Yun Shan , Jiang Ying , Thompson David R , Wang Wenru
Published: December 2019

Aims:

The aim of this study was to synthesise and evaluate the effectiveness of mobile phone-based self-management interventions for medication adherence and change in blood pressure in patients with coronary heart disease.

Methods:

Relevant randomised controlled trials evaluating mobile phone-based self-management interventions for medication adherence and/or change in blood pressure in coronary heart disease patients were identified by searching six electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL, ProQuest, Scopus and EMBASE) from January 2008 to January 2019. The trials were screened, data were extracted and quality was assessed by two independent reviewers. Meta-analyses were performed for different outcomes while narrative syntheses were conducted for studies that could not be pooled or when there was the presence of high heterogeneity.

Results:

Fifteen trials were included in this review, of which 11 of these trials were meta-analysed. Mobile phone-based self-management interventions were associated with a statistically significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure (combined mean difference of −1.99 (95% confidence interval (CI) –3.20 to −0.78; P=0.0001)). However, the combined effect on medication adherence (medium size effect of d=0.72 (95% CI −0.32 to 1.75; P=0.17)) and change in systolic blood pressure (combined mean difference of −1.08 (95% CI −5.51 to 3.35; P=0.63)) was not statistically significant. There was significant heterogeneity among the trials reviewed.

Conclusion:

Mobile phone-based self-management interventions have the potential to improve self-management and adherence in patients with coronary heart disease but better designed, conducted and reported trials are needed to demonstrate this.
A computational investigation of noise spectrum due to cavitating and non-cavitating propellers
Authors: Sezen Savas , Bal Sakir
Published: December 2019

In this article, noise spectrum of marine propellers is investigated in uniform flow under non-cavitating and cavitating conditions. New results are presented for this research field. Hydrodynamic performance of both non-cavitating and cavitating marine propellers is first analyzed by viscous and potential based flow solvers. In viscous solver, sheet cavitation on propeller blades is simulated with Schnerr–Sauer cavitation model based on Rayleigh Plesset equation using volume of fluid approach. Numerical hydrodynamic results based on viscous solver is compared with potential solver and then validated with experimental data of benchmark David Taylor Model Basin 4119 model propeller. Later, noise spectrum of model propellers is predicted by a hybrid method which combines Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes and Ffowcs Williams Hawkings equations. Computed noise spectrum is compared with other numerical studies in the literature for the selected model propeller. In addition, hydrodynamic and hydroacoustic pressures are compared in near field to show reliability of numerical solution. Effects of blade number on hydrodynamic performance and noise spectrum are also investigated. Numerical results indicated that as blade number increases, propeller noise level decreases for different loading conditions due to decreased blade loading (circulation) per blade. However, propeller efficiency increases as blade number decreases.
Strategic similarity and firm performance: Multiple replications of Deephouse (1999)
Authors: Gong Tian-Jyun , Yu Chwo-Ming Joseph , Huang Kuo-Feng
Published: December 2019

Deephouse raised an important question as to whether firms should be different or should be the same. The strategic balance perspective proposed by him suggests that by balancing the competing pressures of conformity and differentiation, a moderate degree of similarity is what contributes most to firm performance. This perspective has been widely accepted by scholars but follow-up studies are few and have achieved mixed results, leaving the knowledge base in this stream on shaky ground. This study conducted multiple replications of Deephouse’s seminal work across 155 manufacturing industries in China and across two methods to examine its replicability, generalizability, and robustness to methods and to provide additional and cumulative information. The results show that strategic balance perspective was replicable, but with context limitations. Our exploratory analyses indicate several possible boundary conditions and promising topics for furthering the development of strategic balance perspective. Theoretical and methodological implications are discussed.
Water-swellable rubber blend from epoxidized natural rubber and superabsorbent polymer composite
Authors: Adair Ajaman , Kaesaman Azizon , Klinpituksa Pairote
Published: December 2019

Epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) and a superabsorbent polymer composite (SAPC) along with other minor components were mechanically blended in an internal mixer (Brabender Plasticorder) at 40°C and 60 r/min rotor speed with 80% fill factor. The SAPC was synthesized by grafting polyacrylamide onto hydroxyethyl cellulose backbones and adding bentonite clay. The first water-swelling behavior was investigated with alternative epoxidation levels of the ENR. Water-swellable rubber (WSR) performed well in terms of water absorbency, and weight loss was achieved with 50 mole% epoxidation level, so this ENR was chosen for the rubber matrix from which WSR was prepared with various contents of SAPC (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 phr). The results indicated that SAPC loading positively affected water absorbency, which was resulted by increasing weight loss and loss of mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and elongation at break. However, the modulus increased with SAPC content. WSR formulated from ENR-50, SAPC, and other ingredients resulting in good water-swelling behaviors and modulus, while the tensile strength and elongation at break had opposition. SAPC was an important factor to control the overall WSR properties.
Examining the Relationship Between Student Engagement and Campus Climate: A Case in Turkey
Authors: Gunuc Selim , Artun Huseyin , Yigit Emrullah , Keser Hafize
Published: December 2019

Several variables have been examined in relation to student engagement at universities in the past decades. However, the number of studies conducted especially with larger groups of participants to examine certain variables such as gender, accommodation, transportation to campus, and reasons for university choice is limited. In addition, there is almost no such research carried out in the context of the Turkish society. The study aimed to examine the relationship between student engagement and campus climate with a large group of participants from all over Turkey. The study was carried out using the survey research design. The research sample covered all the geographical regions in Turkey. The sample included 7,802 students in total. In the study, the Demographic Variable Form, Student Engagement Scale, and Campus Climate Checklist were used as the measurement tools. Finally, a significant correlation was found between the university campus climate and student engagement.
In Situ Treatment of Branch Renal Artery Aneurysms With Pantaloon Vein Graft
Authors: Irsara Sandro , Russo Francesco , Ferretto Luca
Published: December 2019

Introduction:

The optimal method of operative management of complex renal artery aneurysms (RAAs) involving distal branches (BRAAs) remains unclear. When more than 1 artery is involved within the BRAA, endovascular techniques are not advisable and an ex vivo approach is often preferred. In this study, we introduce an alternative surgical in situ technique to treat BRAAs.

Methods and Surgical Technique:

Five aneurysms involving the main or second-order bifurcation of the renal artery (RA) were treated in 4 patients at our institute between November 2012 and January 2017. The treatment of the BRAAs was based on resection of the aneurysm wall and reconstruction with autologous Pantaloon vein graft (PVG): a “Y-shaped” bypass created on-bench with autogenous great saphenous vein. Sequential clamping/reperfusion of the kidney allows to reduce renal function impairment.

Results:

No perioperative mortality or morbidity was observed, including none nephrectomy. In all the cases, aneurysms were treated with an in situ technique as previously planned. All the grafts were patent at the follow-up time (mean 64.1 ± 11.7 months). Renal function was preserved in all the cases. Vascularization of the renal parenchyma was satisfactory both on arterial echo Doppler and contrast-medium ultrasound in all the cases. Average cross-clamping times of the main RA and of a single branch RA were 15.8 ± 1.7 and 17.7 ± 4.6 minutes, respectively. Mean total operating time was 266.3 ± 18.9 minutes.

Conclusion:

The PVG with sequential clamping applied in the surgical treatment of BRAAs permits to reduce the ischemic effects to the renal parenchyma. To our knowledge, these are the first cases described in which BRAAs are treated with a PVG and our experience suggests that it is a feasible technique, with good long-term results and without severe adverse events recorded.
Risk Scoring Systems to Predict Long-Term Mortality After Carotid Endarterectomy in Asymptomatic Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bissacco Daniele , Barbetta Iacopo , Carmo Michele
Published: December 2019

The present review was conducted to describe current published risk scoring systems to predict late mortality after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). The aim of the study is to identify simple, clinical, and reproducible tools to predict life expectancy in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis candidates to CEA and therefore which patients may benefit from surgery, reaching the goal of life expectancy >3 to 5 years, recommended by guidelines. Advantages, disadvantages, feasibility, simplicity, and reproducibility of each selected score were analyzed. Rigorous statistical analysis and validation of the score are essential components to produce a calibrated and usable score. Future studies should address the impact of using these tools in CEA candidates for asymptomatic disease.
Perspectives: Hemianopia—Toward Novel Treatment Options Based on Oscillatory Activity?
Authors: Raffin Estelle , Salamanca-Giron Roberto F. , Hummel Friedhelm Christoph
Published: December 2019

Stroke has become one of the main causes of visual impairment, with more than 15 million incidences of first-time strokes, per year, worldwide. One-third of stroke survivors exhibit visual impairment, and most of them will not fully recover. Some recovery is possible, but this usually happens in the first few weeks after a stroke. Most of the rehabilitation options that are offered to patients are compensatory, such as optical aids or eye training. However, these techniques do not seem to provide a sufficient amount of improvement transferable to everyday life. Based on the relatively recent idea that the visual system can actually recover from a chronic lesion, visual retraining protocols have emerged, sometimes even in combination with noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS), to further boost plastic changes in the residual visual tracts and network. The present article reviews the underlying mechanisms supporting visual retraining and describes the first clinical trials that applied NIBS combined with visual retraining. As a further perspective, it gathers the scientific evidence demonstrating the relevance of interregional functional synchronization of brain networks for visual field recovery, especially the causal role of α and γ oscillations in parieto-occipital regions. Because transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) can induce frequency-specific entrainment and modulate spike timing–dependent plasticity, we present a new promising interventional approach, consisting of applying physiologically motivated tACS protocols based on multifocal cross-frequency brain stimulation of the visuoattentional network for visual field recovery.
Early Mobilization of Mild-Moderate Intracerebral Hemorrhage Patients in a Stroke Center: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yen Hsiao-Ching , Jeng Jiann-Shing , Chen Wen-Shiang , Pan Guan-Shuo , Chuang, PT, BS Wen-Ying , Lee Ya-Yun , Teng Ting
Published: December 2019

Background. Few studies have addressed early out-of-bed mobilization specifically in acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients. Patient benefit in such cases is unclear, with early intervention timing and duration identical to those in standard care. Objective. We investigated the efficacy of an early mobilization (EM) protocol, administered within 24 to 72 hours of stroke onset, for early functional independence in mild-moderate ICH patients. Methods. Sixty patients admitted to a stroke center within 24 hours of ICH were randomly assigned to early mobilization (EM) or standard early rehabilitation (SER). The EM group underwent an early out-of-bed mobilization protocol, while the SER group underwent a standard protocol focusing on in-bed training in the stroke center. Intervention in both groups lasted 30 minutes per session, once a day, 5 days a week. Motor subscales of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM-motor; primary outcome), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients, and Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) were evaluated (assessor-blinded) at baseline, and at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 3 months after stroke. Length of stay in the stroke center was also recorded. Results. The EM group showed significant improvement in FIM-motor score at all evaluated time points ( P = .004) and in FAC outcomes at 2 weeks ( P = .033) and 4 weeks ( P = .011) after stroke. Length of stay in the stroke center was significantly shorter for the EM group ( P = .004). Conclusion. Early out-of-bed mobilization via rehabilitation in a stroke center, within 24 to 72 hours of ICH, may improve early functional independence compared with standard early rehabilitation. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03292211.
Diploic arteriovenous fistulas with marked cortical venous reflux
Authors: Tokuyama Kohei , Kiyosue Hiro , Hori Yuzo , Nagatomi Hirofumi
Published: December 2019

Diploic arteriovenous fistulas are rare arteriovenous shunts involving the skull, which often drain antegradely into the internal or external jugular veins. Diploic arteriovenous fistulas with marked cortical venous reflux are extremely rare. Here, we present the case of a patient with diploic arteriovenous fistulas with marked cortical venous reflux and a literature review. A 73-year-old woman presented with headache. Magnetic resonance angiography revealed abnormal signal intensity in the diploic layer of the left frontal bone. Digital subtraction angiography demonstrated a diploic arteriovenous fistulas located in the left frontal bone. The arteriovenous fistulas were fed by multiple branches of the left external carotid artery, mainly from the middle meningeal artery, branches of the ophthalmic artery, and the inferolateral trunk. The fistulas drained into the cerebral cortical veins surrounding the frontal lobe via an emissary vein of the frontal bone. With the femoral arterial approach, transarterial catheterization into the shunted diploic vein was performed with a small tapered microcatheter, and the arteriovenous fistulas were completely embolized with N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate. The patient was discharged without complications. No recurrent arteriovenous fistulas were observed during the 12-month follow-up period. Endovascular treatment is an effective technique for the curative treatment of diploic arteriovenous fistulas.
Systemic Pharmacokinetics of Topical Intranasal Cocaine in Healthy Subjects
Authors: McGrath John , McGrath Alexa , Burdett Jacob , Shokri Tom , Cohn Jason E.
Published: December 2019

Background

Topical cocaine is currently available for local anesthesia of the upper airway mucous membranes.

Objective

The objective of this study was to define the safety and efficacy of topical intranasal cocaine for a subsequent phase II clinical trial.

Methods

This study was a single-dose, single-center, and open-label study of the plasma and urinary pharmacokinetics (PK) of 4% topical cocaine and its major metabolites, benzoylecgonine (BE) and ecgonine methyl ester (EME), in 30 healthy subjects. Subjects received the topical solution on cotton pledgets containing 4 mL of 4% topical cocaine applied for 20 minutes, which was equivalent to 160 mg of cocaine hydrochloride.

Results

A total of 30 subjects (14 males and 16 females) were enrolled, treated, and provided PK data for analysis. Mean plasma concentrations of cocaine rose rapidly during the intranasal exposure period, with peak levels (Cmax, 37.0 ± 17.3 ng/mL) observed at the time of pledget removal (Tmax, 0.43 ± 0.34 h). Mean plasma concentrations then fell rapidly and monoexponentially for the remainder of the study, with a mean half-life (t1/2) of 1.04 ± 0.35 hours. Following a 20-minute topical intranasal exposure to a 160 mg dose of cocaine 4% solution, the mean 0 to 12 hours recoveries of cocaine, BE, and EME were 117 ± 67 μg, 816 ± 440 μg, and 275 ± 113 μg, respectively. Plotting urinary recovery by collection interval showed that urinary excretion of cocaine closely followed the time course of plasma cocaine.

Conclusions

Cocaine was rapidly but incompletely absorbed and then rapidly eliminated. Only 4% of the administered cocaine dose appeared to be absorbed in this study. Cocaine appeared in the urine with a time course similar to that in plasma.
Teacher education: What Australian Christian schools need and what higher education delivers
Authors: Buchanan Michael T
Published: December 2019

The intersection between schools and the higher education institutions that prepare graduates for teaching in schools is driven by secular agendas. These agendas showcase knowledge transfer as a key indicator of effective learning and teaching. However, the preparation of graduate teachers for service in Christian schooling systems cannot be limited to an exclusive focus that places emphasis on knowledge transfer as a means to an end. Employers of teachers for Christian educational contexts, including Catholic education, desire teachers who are competent in their discipline area(s) and are able to draw confidently upon their Christian beliefs and values in a way that informs their professional work as educators. This article proposes that the intersection between higher education and schools needs to be navigated more effectively in the preparation of teachers for Christian schooling systems who are responsible for approximately one-third of the student population in Australia. The role of the teacher in Christian educational contexts is explored, drawing on practical theological insights into the teacher as Christian witness. Secular perspectives on effective teaching and learning in higher education teacher training courses are considered in the light of teacher preparation for Christian schooling systems. Approaches to teaching and providing opportunities for students to belong to a community in learning, as well as planning time for students to critically reflect on learning, are proposed as possible examples of how to help prepare teachers for service in Christian schooling systems.
Hearing in Adults: A Digital Reprint of the Main Report From the MRC National Study of Hearing
Authors: Akeroyd Michael A. , Browning George G. , Davis Adrian C. , Haggard Mark P.
Published: December 2019

The 1011-page book, Hearing in Adults, published in 1995, contains the fullest report of the United Kingdom’s Medical Research Council National Study of Hearing. It was designed to determine the prevalence and distribution in Great Britain of audiometrically measured hearing loss as a function of age, gender, occupation, and noise exposure. The study’s size, quality, and breadth made it unique when it was done in the 1980s. These qualities remain, and its data are still the primary U.K. source for the prevalence of auditory problems. However, only 550 copies were printed, and the book is essentially unobtainable today. We describe here a fully searchable, open-access, digital (PDF) “reprinting” of Hearing in Adults, summarizing the study’s design and the book’s contents, together with a brief commentary in the light of subsequent developments.
The Influence of Surgical Timing on Clinical Outcomes in Primary Extramacular Retinal Detachment in a Tertiary Referral Center
Authors: Yannuzzi Nicolas A. , Brown Karen , Callaway Natalia F. , Patel Nimesh A. , Albini Thomas A. , Berrocal Audina M. , Davis Janet L. , Gregori Ninel N. , Fortun Jorge , Haddock Luis J. , Lee Wen-Hsiang , Schwartz Stephen G. , Sridhar Jayanth , Smiddy William E. , Flynn Harry W. , Townsend Justin
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

This article reports the influence of timing on the clinical outcomes in primary extramacular rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) at a tertiary referral center.

Methods:

A retrospective case series was conducted of all patients presenting between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2016, with primary extramacular RRD. Retinal detachments with grade C proliferative vitreoretinopathy, combined tractional and RRD, eyes with inflammatory disease, and prior retinal surgery were excluded. The main outcome measures were single-operation anatomic success (SOAS), final anatomic success, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

Results:

There were 202 eyes of 198 patients with an average of 22 months’ follow-up (range, 6-47 months). Eyes were operated on an average of 1.1 days after initial presentation. At last clinical examination, SOAS had been achieved in 174 (86%) eyes, final anatomic success in 200 (99%) eyes, and average postoperative logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) BCVA was 0.18 (Snellen equivalent, 20/30; SD, 0.36). In those treated the day of presentation, average postoperative logMAR BCVA was 0.18 (Snellen, 20/31) in comparison to 0.18 (Snellen, 20/30) in those treated the day after presentation and 0.14 (Snellen, 20/28) in those treated after 2 days or more ( P = .92).

Conclusions:

Regarding timing of surgery, SOAS and BCVA outcomes in primary extramacular RRDs were favorable with an urgent and semiurgent approach to repair. There was no difference in visual and anatomic outcomes between patients who were operated on the day of presentation and those treated a short time later when clinical decisions were made by the treating surgeon on a case-by-case basis.
Prevalence hearing loss of truck and bus drivers in a cross-sectional study of 65533 subjects
Authors: Pourabdian Siamak , Yazdanirad Saeid , Lotfi Saeid , Golshiri Parastoo , Mahaki Behzad
Published: December 2019

Background

Noise pollution is one of the most important occupational pollutants in heavy-vehicle drivers. Therefore, this epidemiological research was conducted with the aim of determining the prevalence of hearing loss in heavy-vehicle drivers in Iran.

Methods

This cross-sectional research was conducted on 65,533 heavy-vehicle drivers including truck and intercity bus drivers from February 2006 to March 2016. The air and bone threshold of pure tone was measured for each ear at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 kHz by a skillful radiology expert. The obtained data from this research was analyzed in SPSS software using statistical tests such as descriptive analysis and paired t test.

Results

Mean (standard deviation) of hearing loss in left and right ears of all people was 23.02 (8.25) and 22.48 (7.86), respectively. Paired t test showed that hearing loss difference in left and right ears was significant (P < 0.001). Mean and standard deviation of paired t test showed that hearing loss difference in left and right ears was significant in all frequencies except 1000 Hz (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The findings of this research generally showed that 26.8% of the studied drivers have hearing loss. Hearing loss in the left ear was more than right ear.
Investigating skewness to understand gene expression heterogeneity in large patient cohorts
Authors: Church Benjamin V. , Williams Henry T. , Mar Jessica C.
Published: December 2019

Background

Skewness is an under-utilized statistical measure that captures the degree of asymmetry in the distribution of any dataset. This study applied a new metric based on skewness to identify regulators or genes that have outlier expression in large patient cohorts.

Results

We investigated whether specific patterns of skewed expression were related to the enrichment of biological pathways or genomic properties like DNA methylation status. Our study used publicly available datasets that were generated using both RNA-sequencing and microarray technology platforms. For comparison, the datasets selected for this study also included different samples derived from control donors and cancer patients. When comparing the shift in expression skewness between cancer and control datasets, we observed an enrichment of pathways related to the immune function that reflects an increase towards positive skewness in the cancer relative to control datasets. A significant correlation was also detected between expression skewness and the top 500 genes corresponding to the most significant differential DNA methylation occurring in the promotor regions for four Cancer Genome Atlas cancer cohorts.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that expression skewness can reveal new insights into transcription based on outlier and asymmetrical behaviour in large patient cohorts.
StressGenePred: a twin prediction model architecture for classifying the stress types of samples and discovering stress-related genes in arabidopsis
Authors: Kang Dongwon , Ahn Hongryul , Lee Sangseon , Lee Chai-Jin , Hur Jihye , Jung Woosuk , Kim Sun
Published: December 2019

Background

Recently, a number of studies have been conducted to investigate how plants respond to stress at the cellular molecular level by measuring gene expression profiles over time. As a result, a set of time-series gene expression data for the stress response are available in databases. With the data, an integrated analysis of multiple stresses is possible, which identifies stress-responsive genes with higher specificity because considering multiple stress can capture the effect of interference between stresses. To analyze such data, a machine learning model needs to be built.

Results

In this study, we developed StressGenePred, a neural network-based machine learning method, to integrate time-series transcriptome data of multiple stress types. StressGenePred is designed to detect single stress-specific biomarker genes by using a simple feature embedding method, a twin neural network model, and Confident Multiple Choice Learning (CMCL) loss. The twin neural network model consists of a biomarker gene discovery and a stress type prediction model that share the same logical layer to reduce training complexity. The CMCL loss is used to make the twin model select biomarker genes that respond specifically to a single stress. In experiments using Arabidopsis gene expression data for four major environmental stresses, such as heat, cold, salt, and drought, StressGenePred classified the types of stress more accurately than the limma feature embedding method and the support vector machine and random forest classification methods. In addition, StressGenePred discovered known stress-related genes with higher specificity than the Fisher method.

Conclusions

StressGenePred is a machine learning method for identifying stress-related genes and predicting stress types for an integrated analysis of multiple stress time-series transcriptome data. This method can be used to other phenotype-gene associated studies.
LncRNA-miRNA interaction prediction through sequence-derived linear neighborhood propagation method with information combination
Authors: Zhang Wen , Tang Guifeng , Zhou Shuang , Niu Yanqing
Published: December 2019

Background

Researchers discover lncRNAs can act as decoys or sponges to regulate the behavior of miRNAs. Identification of lncRNA-miRNA interactions helps to understand the functions of lncRNAs, especially their roles in complicated diseases. Computational methods can save time and reduce cost in identifying lncRNA-miRNA interactions, but there have been only a few computational methods.

Results

In this paper, we propose a sequence-derived linear neighborhood propagation method (SLNPM) to predict lncRNA-miRNA interactions. First, we calculate the integrated lncRNA-lncRNA similarity and the integrated miRNA-miRNA similarity by combining known lncRNA-miRNA interactions, lncRNA sequences and miRNA sequences. We consider two similarity calculation strategies respectively, namely similarity-based information combination (SC) and interaction profile-based information combination (PC). Second, the integrated lncRNA similarity-based graph and the integrated miRNA similarity-based graph are respectively constructed, and the label propagation processes are implemented on two graphs to score lncRNA-miRNA pairs. Finally, the weighted averages of their outputs are adopted as final predictions. Therefore, we construct two editions of SLNPM: sequence-derived linear neighborhood propagation method based on similarity information combination (SLNPM-SC) and sequence-derived linear neighborhood propagation method based on interaction profile information combination (SLNPM-PC). The experimental results show that SLNPM-SC and SLNPM-PC predict lncRNA-miRNA interactions with higher accuracy compared with other state-of-the-art methods. The case studies demonstrate that SLNPM-SC and SLNPM-PC help to find novel lncRNA-miRNA interactions for given lncRNAs or miRNAs.

Conclusion

The study reveals that known interactions bring the most important information for lncRNA-miRNA interaction prediction, and sequences of lncRNAs (miRNAs) also provide useful information. In conclusion, SLNPM-SC and SLNPM-PC are promising for lncRNA-miRNA interaction prediction.
Knowledge Base Commons (KBCommons) v1.1: a universal framework for multi-omics data integration and biological discoveries
Authors: Zeng Shuai , Lyu Zhen , Narisetti Siva Ratna Kumari , Xu Dong , Joshi Trupti
Published: December 2019

Background

Knowledge Base Commons (KBCommons) v1.1 is a universal and all-inclusive web-based framework providing generic functionalities for storing, sharing, analyzing, exploring, integrating and visualizing multiple organisms’ genomics and integrative omics data. KBCommons is designed and developed to integrate diverse multi-level omics data and to support biological discoveries for all species via a common platform.

Methods

KBCommons has four modules including data storage, data processing, data accessing, and web interface for data management and retrieval. It provides a comprehensive framework for new plant-specific, animal-specific, virus-specific, bacteria-specific or human disease-specific knowledge base (KB) creation, for adding new genome versions and additional multi-omics data to existing KBs, and for exploring existing datasets within current KBs.

Results

KBCommons has an array of tools for data visualization and data analytics such as multiple gene/metabolite search, gene family/Pfam/Panther function annotation search, miRNA/metabolite/trait/SNP search, differential gene expression analysis, and bulk data download capacity. It contains a highly reliable data privilege management system to make users’ data publicly available easily and to share private or pre-publication data with members in their collaborative groups safely and securely. It allows users to conduct data analysis using our in-house developed workflow functionalities that are linked to XSEDE high performance computing resources. Using KBCommons’ intuitive web interface, users can easily retrieve genomic data, multi-omics data and analysis results from workflow according to their requirements and interests.

Conclusions

KBCommons addresses the needs of many diverse research communities to have a comprehensive multi-level OMICS web resource for data retrieval, sharing, analysis and visualization. KBCommons can be publicly accessed through a dedicated link for all organisms at http://kbcommons.org/.
Endothelial glycocalyx in acute care surgery – what anaesthesiologists need to know for clinical practice
Authors: Astapenko David , Benes Jan , Pouska Jiri , Lehmann Christian , Islam Sufia , Cerny Vladimir
Published: December 2019

The endothelial glycocalyx (EG) is the thin sugar-based lining on the apical surface of endothelial cells. It has been linked to the physiological functioning of the microcirculation and has been found to be damaged in critical illness and after acute care surgery. This review aims to describe the role of EG in severely injured patients undergoing surgery, discuss specific situations (e.G.majortrauma, hemorrhagic shock, trauma induced coagulopathy) as well as specific interventions commonly applied in these patients (e.g. fluid therapy, transfusion) and specific drugs related to perioperative medicine with regard to their impact on EG.

EG in acute care surgery is exposed to damage due to tissue trauma, inflammation, oxidative stress and inadequate fluid therapy. Even though some interventions (transfusion of plasma, human serum albumin, hydrocortisone, sevoflurane) are described as potentially EG protective there is still no specific treatment for EG protection and recovery in clinical medicine.

The most important principle to be adopted in routine clinical practice at present is to acknowledge the fragile structure of the EG and avoid further damage which is potentially related to worsened clinical outcome.
Correction to: LncMAPK6 drives MAPK6 expression and liver TIC self-renewal
Authors: Huang Guanqun , Jiang Hui , He Yueming , Lin Ye , Xia Wuzheng , Luo Yuanwei , Liang Min , Shi Boyun , Zhou Xinke , Jian Zhixiang
Published: December 2019

In the original publication of this article [1], the author found an error in Fig. 2f. lncGPR107 should be changed to lncMAPK6, and the corrected Fig. 2 is shown below.
Decreased Aerobic Exercise Capacity After Long-Term Remission From Cushing Syndrome: Exploration of Mechanisms
Authors: Roerink Sean H P P , Cocks Matthew S , Wagenmakers Margreet A E M , Rodighiero Raffaella P , Strauss Juliette A , Shepherd Sam O , Plantinga Theo S , Thijssen Dick H J , Hopman Maria T E , Pereira Alberto M , Smit Jan W , Wagenmakers Anton J M , Netea-Maier Romana T , Hermus Ad R M M
Published: December 2019

Background

Although major improvements are achieved after cure of Cushing syndrome (CS), fatigue and decreased quality of life persist. This is the first study to measure aerobic exercise capacity in patients in remission of CS for more than 4 years in comparison with matched controls, and to investigate whether the reduction in exercise capacity is related to alterations in muscle tissue.

Methods

Seventeen patients were included. A control individual, matched for sex, estrogen status, age, body mass index, smoking, ethnicity, and physical activity level was recruited for each patient. Maximal aerobic capacity (VO2peak) was assessed during incremental bicycle exercise to exhaustion. In 8 individually matched patients and controls, a percutaneous muscle biopsy was obtained and measures were made of cross-sectional areas, capillarization, and oxphos complex IV (COXIV) protein content as an indicator of mitochondrial content. Furthermore, protein content of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and eNOS phosphorylated on serine1177 and of the NAD(P)H-oxidase subunits NOX2, p47phox, and p67phox were measured in the microvascular endothelial layer.

Findings

Patients showed a lower mean VO2peak (SD) (28.0 [7.0] vs 34.8 [7.9] ml O2/kg bw/min, P < .01), maximal workload (SD) (176 [49] vs 212 [67] watt, P = .01), and oxygen pulse (SD) (12.0 [3.7] vs 14.8 [4.2] ml/beat, P < .01) at VO2peak. No differences were seen in muscle fiber type–specific cross-sectional area, capillarization measures, mitochondrial content, and protein content of eNOS, eNOS-P-ser1177, NOX2, p47phox, and p67phox.

Interpretation

Because differences in muscle fiber and microvascular outcome measures are not statistically significant, we hypothesize that cardiac dysfunction, seen in active CS, persists during remission and limits blood supply to muscles.
Testosterone Increases the Expression and Phosphorylation of AMP Kinase α in Men With Hypogonadism and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ghanim Husam , Dhindsa Sandeep , Batra Manav , Green Kelly , Abuaysheh Sanaa , Kuhadiya Nitesh D , Makdissi Antoine , Chaudhuri Ajay , Sandhu Sartaj , Dandona Paresh
Published: December 2019

Context

Adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase-α (AMPKα) is a mediator of exercise-induced glucose uptake in skeletal muscle.

Objective

We evaluated whether AMPKα expression and phosphorylation are reduced in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue of patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH), and whether testosterone replacement therapy results in restoration of the expression and phosphorylation of AMPKα.

Design

This is a secondary analysis of a previously completed trial that showed an insulin-sensitizing effect of testosterone therapy in men with type 2 diabetes and HH.

Setting

Clinical research center at university.

Patients

Thirty-two men with HH and 32 eugonadal men were compared at baseline.

Interventions

Men with HH were treated with intramuscular injections of testosterone or placebo every 2 weeks for 22 weeks. Quadriceps muscle biopsies and subcutaneous abdominal fat biopsies were obtained before and after 4-hour euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp, prior to and after testosterone or placebo therapy.

Outcome Measures and Results

mRNA expression of AMPKα in hypogonadal men was lower by 37% in adipose tissue and 29% in skeletal muscle, respectively, compared with levels in eugonadal men, while phosphorylated AMPKα was lower by 22% and 28%, respectively. Following testosterone replacement, the expression of AMPKα did not alter in the fasting state but increased markedly by 41% and 46% in adipose tissue and muscle, respectively, after the clamp. In contrast, phosphorylated AMPKα increased by 69% in muscle after testosterone therapy but did not change following the clamp.

Conclusions

Testosterone modulates the expression of AMPKα and phosphorylated AMPKα. These effects may contribute to the improved insulin sensitivity following testosterone therapy.
Red History, Blue Mood: Labor History and Solidarity in an Age of Fragmentation
Authors: Cowie Jefferson
Published: December 2019

Beginning with labor historians’ efforts to create a synthesis of the field in the 1980s, this essay explores the problem of working-class political fragmentation and the intellectual problems that posed for the generation of “new” labor historians. Looking to culture, class, community, and control as their themes, historians overlooked deeper problems in American class formation as well as the monumental complexity of discussing the history of class in the United States.
Deficient autophagy in epithelial stem cells drives aging in the freshwater cnidarian Hydra
Authors: Tomczyk Szymon , Suknovic Nenad , Schenkelaars Quentin , Wenger Yvan , Ekundayo Kazadi , Buzgariu Wanda , Bauer Christoph , Fischer Kathleen , Austad Steven , Galliot Brigitte
Published: December 2019

Hydra possesses three distinct stem cell populations that continuously self-renew and prevent aging in Hydra vulgaris. However, sexual animals from the H. oligactis cold-sensitive strain Ho_CS develop an aging phenotype upon gametogenesis induction, initiated by the loss of interstitial stem cells. Animals stop regenerating, lose their active behaviors and die within 3 months. This phenotype is not observed in the cold-resistant strain Ho_CR. To dissect the mechanisms of Hydra aging, we compared the self-renewal of epithelial stem cells in these two strains and found it to be irreversibly reduced in aging Ho_CS but sustained in non-aging Ho_CR. We also identified a deficient autophagy in Ho_CS epithelial cells, with a constitutive deficiency in autophagosome formation as detected with the mCherry-eGFP-LC3A/B autophagy sensor, an inefficient response to starvation as evidenced by the accumulation of the autophagosome cargo protein p62/SQSTM1, and a poorly inducible autophagy flux upon proteasome inhibition. In the non-aging H. vulgaris animals, the blockade of autophagy by knocking down WIPI2 suffices to induce aging. This study highlights the essential role of a dynamic autophagy flux to maintain epithelial stem cell renewal and prevent aging.
Identification of a FGF18-expressing alveolar myofibroblast that is developmentally cleared during alveologenesis
Authors: Hagan Andrew S. , Zhang Bo , Ornitz David M.
Published: December 2019

Alveologenesis is an essential developmental process that increases the surface area of the lung through the formation of septal ridges. In the mouse, septation occurs postnatally and is thought to require the alveolar myofibroblast (AMF). Though abundant during alveologenesis, markers for AMFs are minimally detected in the adult. After septation, the alveolar walls thin to allow efficient gas exchange. Both loss of AMFs or retention and differentiation into another cell type during septal thinning have been proposed. Using a novel Fgf18:CreERT2 allele to lineage trace AMFs, we demonstrate that most AMFs are developmentally cleared during alveologenesis. Lung mesenchyme also contains other poorly described cell types, including alveolar lipofibroblasts (ALF). We show that Gli1:CreERT2 marks both AMFs as well as ALFs, and lineage tracing shows that ALFs are retained in adult alveoli while AMFs are lost. We further show that multiple immune cell populations contain lineage-labeled particles, suggesting a phagocytic role in the clearance of AMFs. The demonstration that the AMF lineage is depleted during septal thinning through a phagocytic process provides a mechanism for the clearance of a transient developmental cell population.
Time-critical influences of gestational diet in a seahorse model of male pregnancy
Authors: Otero-Ferrer Francisco , Lättekivi Freddy , Ord James , Reimann Ene , Koks Sulev , Izquierdo Marisol , Holt William Vincent , Fazeli Alireza
Published: December 2019

Sex role reversal is not uncommon in the animal kingdom but is taken to the extreme by the Syngnathidae, in which male pregnancy is one of the most astonishing idiosyncrasies. However, critical and time-dependent environmental effects on developing embryos, such as those extensively studied in mammalian pregnancy, have not been investigated in the male pregnancy context. Here, we tested the hypothesis that seahorse pregnancy is subject to ‘critical windows’ of environmental sensitivity by feeding male long-snouted seahorses (Hippocampus reidi) a diet deficient in polyunsaturated fatty acids during specific periods before and during pregnancy. Despite embryos being nourished principally by maternally supplied yolk, we found that offspring morphology, fatty acid composition, and gene expression profiles were influenced by paternal diet in a manner that depended critically on the timing of manipulation. Specifically, reception of a diet deficient in polyunsaturated fatty acids in the days preceeding pregnancy resulted in smaller newborn offspring, while the same diet administered towards the end of pregnancy resulted in substantial alterations to newborn gene expression and elongation of the snout at 10-days old. Although paternal diet did not affect 10-day survival, the observed morphological alterations in some cases could have important fitness consequences in the face of natural selective pressures such as predation and food availability. Our results demonstrate that, under male pregnancy, fine-scale temporal variation in parental diet quality and subsequent critical window effects should not be overlooked as determinants of developing offspring fitness.
Pectoral fin kinematics and motor patterns are shaped by fin ray mechanosensation during steady swimming in Scarus quoyi
Authors: Aiello Brett R. , Olsen Aaron M. , Mathis Chris E. , Westneat Mark W. , Hale Melina E.
Published: December 2019

For many species of fishes, rhythmic movement of the pectoral fins, or forelimbs, drives locomotion. In terrestrial vertebrates, normal limb-based rhythmic gaits require ongoing modulation with limb mechanosensors. Given the complexity of the fluid environment and dexterity of fish swimming through it, we hypothesize that mechanosensory modulation is also critical to normal fin-based swimming. Here we examine the role of sensory feedback from the pectoral fin rays and membrane on the neuromuscular control and kinematics of pectoral fin-based locomotion. Pectoral fin kinematics and electromyograms of the six major fin muscles of the parrotfish, Scarus quoyi, a high performance pectoral fin swimmer, were recorded during steady swimming before and after bilateral transection of the sensory nerves extending into the rays and surrounding membrane. Alternating activity of antagonistic muscles was observed and drove the fin in a figure-eight fin stroke trajectory before and after nerve transection. After bilateral transections pectoral fin rhythmicity remained the same or increased. Differences in fin kinematics with the loss of sensory feedback also included fin kinematics with a significantly more inclined stroke plane angle, an increased angular velocity and fin beat frequency, and a transition to the body-caudal fin gait at lower speeds. After transection, muscles were active over a larger proportion of the fin stroke with overlapping activation of antagonistic muscles rarely observed in the trials of intact fish. The increased overlap of antagonistic muscle activity might stiffen the fin system in order to enhance control and stability in the absence of sensory feedback from the fin rays. These results indicate that fin ray sensation is not necessary to generate the underlying rhythm of fin movement, but contributes to the specification of pectoral fin motor pattern and movement during rhythmic swimming.
Sexual dimorphism in human arm power and force: implications for sexual selection on fighting ability
Authors: Morris Jeremy S. , Link Jenna , Martin James C. , Carrier David R.
Published: December 2019

Sexual dimorphism often arises from selection on specific musculoskeletal traits that improve male fighting performance. In humans, one common form of fighting includes using the fists as weapons. Here, we test the hypothesis that selection on male fighting performance has led to the evolution of sexual dimorphism in the musculoskeletal system that powers striking with a fist. We compared male and female arm cranking power output, using it as a proxy for the power production component of striking with a fist. Using backward arm cranking as an unselected control, our results indicate the presence of pronounced male-biased sexual dimorphism in muscle performance for protracting the arm to propel the fist forward. We also compared overhead pulling force between males and females, to test the alternative hypothesis that sexual dimorphism in the upper body of humans is a result of selection on male overhead throwing ability. We found weaker support for this hypothesis, with less pronounced sexual dimorphism in overhead arm pulling force. The results of this study add to a set of recently identified characters indicating that sexual selection on male aggressive performance has played a role in the evolution of the human musculoskeletal system and the evolution of sexual dimorphism in hominins.