bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteomic analysis reveals changes in energy metabolism of skeletal muscle in beef cattle supplemented with vitamin A
Authors: Campos Carolina F , Costa Thaís C , Rodrigues Rafael T S , Guimarães Simone E F , Moura Felipe H , Silva Walmir , Chizzotti Mario L , Paulino Pedro V R , Benedeti Pedro D B , Silva Fabyano F , Duarte Marcio S
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

Vitamin A has been reported as a factor influencing marbling deposition in meat from animals. Although the mechanisms by which vitamin A regulates lipid metabolism in mature adipocytes are already well‐established, information regarding molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of vitamin A on the regulation of intramuscular fat deposition in beef cattle still remains limited. The present study aimed to assess the molecular mechanisms involved in the intramuscular fat deposition in beef cattle supplemented with vitamin A during the fattening phase using a proteomic approach.

RESULTS

Vitamin A supplementation during the fattening phase decreased intramuscular fat deposition in beef cattle. Proteome and phospho‐proteome analysis together with biological and networking analysis of the protein differentially abundant between treatments indicated that Vitamin A supplementation affects the overall energy metabolism of skeletal muscle, impairing lipid biosynthesis in skeletal muscle.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin A supplementation at fattening phase impairs intramuscular fat deposition in beef cattle likely by changing the energy metabolism of skeletal muscle. The interaction of retinoic acid and heat shock 70‐kDa protein may play a pivotal role in intramuscular fat deposition as a consequence of vitamin A supplementation by impairing de novo fatty acid synthesis as a result of a possible decrease in insulin sensitivity in the skeletal muscle. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Optimal perfusion chemotherapy: A prospective comparison of mitomycin C and oxaliplatin for hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in metastatic colon cancer
Authors: Woeste Matthew R. , Philips Prejesh , Egger Michael E. , Scoggins Charles R. , McMasters Kelly M. , Martin Robert C. G.
Published: April 2020

Background

Peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC) origin is common and is the second‐most frequent cause of death in colorectal cancer. There is survival benefit to surgical resection plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for patients with metastatic CRC. However, there remains controversy between oxaliplatin (Oxali) and mitomycin C (MMC), as the agent of choice.

Methods

A review of our 285 patients prospective HIPEC database from July 2007 to May 2018 identified 48 patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery plus HIPEC with MMC or Oxali. Patients were stratified based on preoperative and postoperative peritoneal cancer indices (PCI). The primary outcomes of survival and progression‐free survival were compared.

Results

Type of HIPEC chemotherapy was not found to be predictive of overall survival. Preoperative PCI (P = .04), preoperative response to chemotherapy (P = .0001), and postoperative PCI (P = .05) were predictive for overall survival.

Conclusions

MMC or Oxali based HIPEC chemotherapy are both safe and effective for the management of peritoneal only metastatic CRC. Both perfusion therapies should be considered with all patients receiving modern induction chemotherapy.
Carbon nanospheres as solid‐phase microextraction coating for the extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from water and soil samples
Authors: Chang Qingyun , Wang Mengting , Zhang Guijiang , Zang Xiaohuan , Li Hongda , Zhang Shuaihua , Wang Chun , Wang Zhi
Published: April 2020

A solid‐phase microextraction with carbon nanospheres coated fiber coupled with gas chromatographic detection was established for the determination of eight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (naphthalene, biphenyl, acenaphthene, fluorine, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, and pyrene) in water and soil samples. The experimental parameters (extraction temperature, extraction time, stirring rate, headspace volume, salt content, and desorption temperature) which affect the extraction efficiency were studied. Under the optimized conditions, good linearity between the peak areas and the concentrations of the analytes was achieved in the concentration range of 0.5‐300 ng/mL for water samples, and in the concentration range of 6.0‐2700 ng/g for soil samples. The detection limits for the analytes were in the range of 0.12‐0.45 ng/mL for water samples, and in the range of 1.53‐2.70 ng/g for soil samples. The method recoveries of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons for spiked water samples were 80.10‐120.1% with relative standard deviations less than 13.9%. The method recoveries of the analytes for spiked soil samples were 80.40‐119.6% with relative standard deviations less than 14.4%. The fiber was reused over 100 times without a significant loss of extraction efficiency.
Orofacial Strength and Voice Quality as Outcome of Levodopa Challenge Test in Parkinson Disease
Authors: Lechien Jérôme R. , Delsaut Bertil , Abderrakib Anissa , Huet Kathy , Delvaux Veronique , Piccaluga Myriam , Khalife Mohamad , Harmegnies Bernard , Saussez Sven , Blecic Serge
Published: April 2020

Objective

To assess the usefulness of orofacial strength and voice quality as assessment of response to levodopa challenge test (LCT) used in the diagnosis of early idiopathic Parkinson disease (IPD).

Study Design

Controlled Prospective Study.

Methods

From January 2014 to April 2019, patients with early IPD and healthy individuals were recruited and evaluated for clinical findings (Hoehn and Yahr scale; Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale); Voice Handicap Index (VHI); grade of dysphonia, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, and strain and instability (GRBASI); maximal phonation time; phonation quotient; acoustic parameters; and orofacial muscle strength Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI; IOPI Medical, Woodinville, WA, USA) t) at baseline and 45 minutes after the levodopa intake (LCT).

Results

A total of 32 IPD patients and 20 healthy individuals completed the study. Healthy individuals exhibited better VHI, grade of dysphonia, breathiness, asthenia, strain, instability, and acoustic measurements (noise‐related, tremor, F0 short‐ and mid‐term and intensity short‐term parameters) than healthy subjects. The mean values of muscle strength of lips, cheeks, fundamental frequency (F0), highest F0, and shimmer significantly improved from pre‐ to post‐LCT in IPD patients. Healthy individuals did not exhibit significant changes of orofacial strength and voice quality assessment from pre‐ to post‐LCT. Significant associations were found between clinical, orofacial strength, and some aerodynamic and acoustic measurements.

Conclusion

Orofacial strength and acoustic voice quality measurements may be used as objective outcomes of the LCT responsiveness in patients with early IPD.

Level of Evidence

3A. Laryngoscope, 2020
A novel heterozygous HTRA1 mutation is associated with autosomal dominant hereditary cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Zhuo Zhong‐ling , Cong Lu , Zhang Jun , Zhao Xiao‐tao
Published: April 2020

Background

We investigated whether a heterozygous mutation that we newly identified in HTRA1 (high‐temperature requirement serine protease A1 gene) in a pedigree with autosomal dominant hereditary cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) reduces the function of HTRA1 and affects the transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1)/Smad signaling.

Methods

Whole‐exome sequence from the proband and her two sisters was examined using whole‐exome enrichment and sequencing. Expression of HTRA1 and TGF‐β1/Smad and HTRA1 activity were assayed using sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and western blotting analyses after transfecting wild‐type and mutant HTRA1 genes into HEK293 cells.

Results

A new heterozygous mutation (c.614C>G:p.Ser205Cys) in HTRA1 was identified in the sequence encoding the trypsin‐like serine protease domain. The mutation was predicted to be deleterious by in silico tools. Moreover, in vitro activity and protein analyses revealed a loss‐of‐function effect of the mutation: the proteolytic activity of mutant HTRA1 was decreased, and, notably, this was accompanied by an increase in TGF‐β1/Smad protein levels.

Conclusions

The heterozygous mutation HTRA1 S205C causing diminished protease activity is associated with—and could represent a cause of—autosomal dominant hereditary cerebral SVD. Our results also indicate a relationship between HTRA1 and TGF‐β1/Smad signaling.
Production Meter Testing Is Key to a Successful Water Audit
Authors: Burgers Kevin
Published: April 2020

To support water auditing and loss control programs, choose a meter accuracy testing approach based on system configuration and perform annual testing
Data Analytics Improves Operations and Maintenance
Authors: Simonsen Adam
Published: April 2020

Many water utilities are data rich but information poor. Improved data management helps utilities drive efficiency and more impactful decision making with real‐time operational insights, transparency, communication, and connectedness.
Satellite Technology Spots Distribution System Leaks
Authors: Hanley Kipp
Published: April 2020

When a Virginia utility's water loss percentage rose, staff found that complementing traditional leak detection techniques with satellite imagery is cheaper and more effective than traditional approaches
Poly(acrylic acid)‐chitosan @ tannic acid double‐network self‐healing hydrogel based on ionic coordination
Authors: Li Tingting , Hu Xiangming , Zhang Qingsong , Zhao Yanyun , Wang Peng , Wang Xin , Qin Botao , Lu Wei
Published: April 2020

In this work, poly(acrylic) acid‐chitosan @ tannic acid‐aluminum ion (PAA‐CS@TA‐Al3+) double‐network hydrogel was prepared via prefabrication, blending method, and Al3+ immersion method. The interaction between chitosan and tannic acid (CS@TA) was analyzed using Fourier transfer infrared spectra and UV‐Vis spectra. The UV‐Vis spectrum was also used to confirm the formation of ionic coordination in the gel. Then, the possible coordination modes were studied and analyzed. The microscopic pore structure and macroscopic strain behavior of the gel were analyzed using SEM and tensile testing, respectively, which verified that the tensile strength (≈32 KPa) and elongation at break (≈1700%) of the gel primarily resulted from its crosslinking structure. In addition, the gel also demonstrated a good self‐healing performance with recovery ≈92.2% at 60 minutes. Hence, the proposed novel self‐healing gel can provide inspiration for the preparation of future self‐healing gels.
How young patients with cancer perceive the COVID‐19 (coronavirus) epidemic in Milan, Italy: Is there room for other fears?
Authors: Casanova Michela , Pagani Bagliacca Elena , Silva Matteo , Patriarca Carlo , Veneroni Laura , Clerici Carlo Alfredo , Spreafico Filippo , Luksch Roberto , Terenziani Monica , Meazza Cristina , Podda Marta , Biassoni Veronica , Schiavello Elisabetta , Chiaravalli Stefano , Puma Nadia , Bergamaschi Luca , Gattuso Giovanna , Sironi Giovanna , Massimino Maura , Ferrari Andrea
Published: April 2020

The rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic in Italy, in particular in the Milan focal point, required drastic measures and led to panic in the population. While in our center we did not change our approach to the treatment of our young patients with cancer, we developed a qualitative survey to assess their perception of the risk and level of stress. The survey showed that a relatively large proportion of young patients felt personally at risk of severe complications. We believe that we need to adequately inform our patients, focusing on hygienic measures and personal protection and prompt reporting of any suspicious symptoms.
Vancomycin‐Induced Kidney Injury: Animal Models of Toxicodynamics, Mechanisms of Injury, Human Translation, and Potential Strategies for Prevention
Authors: Pais Gwendolyn M. , Liu Jiajun , Zepcan Sanja , Avedissian Sean N. , Rhodes Nathaniel J. , Downes Kevin J. , Moorthy Ganesh S. , Scheetz Marc H.
Published: April 2020

Vancomycin is a recommended therapy in multiple national guidelines. Despite the common use, there is a poor understanding of the mechanistic drivers and potential modifiers of vancomycin‐mediated kidney injury. In this review, historic and contemporary rates of vancomycin‐induced kidney injury (VIKI) are described, and toxicodynamic models and mechanisms of toxicity from preclinical studies are reviewed. Aside from known clinical covariates that worsen VIKI, preclinical models have demonstrated that various factors impact VIKI, including dose, route of administration, and thresholds for pharmacokinetic parameters. The degree of acute kidney injury (AKI) is greatest with the intravenous route and higher doses that produce larger maximal concentrations and areas under the concentration curve. Troughs (i.e., minimum concentrations) have less of an impact. Mechanistically, preclinical studies have identified that VIKI is a result of drug accumulation in proximal tubule cells, which triggers cellular oxidative stress and apoptosis. Yet, there are several gaps in the knowledge that may represent viable targets to make vancomycin therapy less toxic. Potential strategies include prolonging infusions and lowering maximal concentrations, administration of antioxidants, administering agents that decrease cellular accumulation, and reformulating vancomycin to alter the renal clearance mechanism. Based on preclinical models and mechanisms of toxicity, we propose potential strategies to lessen VIKI.
Integrative structure and function of the yeast exocyst complex
Authors: Ganesan Sai J. , Feyder Michael J. , Chemmama Ilan E. , Fang Fei , Rout Michael P. , Chait Brian T. , Shi Yi , Munson Mary , Sali Andrej
Published: April 2020

Exocyst is an evolutionarily conserved hetero‐octameric tethering complex that plays a variety of roles in membrane trafficking, including exocytosis, endocytosis, autophagy, cell polarization, cytokinesis, pathogen invasion, and metastasis. Exocyst serves as a platform for interactions between the Rab, Rho, and Ral small GTPases, SNARE proteins, and Sec1/Munc18 regulators that coordinate spatial and temporal fidelity of membrane fusion. However, its mechanism is poorly described at the molecular level. Here, we determine the molecular architecture of the yeast exocyst complex by an integrative approach, based on a 3D density map from negative‐stain electron microscopy (EM) at ~16 Å resolution, 434 disuccinimidyl suberate and 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride cross‐links from chemical‐crosslinking mass spectrometry, and partial atomic models of the eight subunits. The integrative structure is validated by a previously determined cryo‐EM structure, cross‐links, and distances from in vivo fluorescence microscopy. Our subunit configuration is consistent with the cryo‐EM structure, except for Sec5. While not observed in the cryo‐EM map, the integrative model localizes the N‐terminal half of Sec3 near the Sec6 subunit. Limited proteolysis experiments suggest that the conformation of Exo70 is dynamic, which may have functional implications for SNARE and membrane interactions. This study illustrates how integrative modeling based on varied low‐resolution structural data can inform biologically relevant hypotheses, even in the absence of high‐resolution data.
Hypothermia associated with use of paliperidone
Authors: Lam Y. W. Francis
Published: April 2020

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, in which patients experience marked hyperthermia, is an infrequent but well‐known adverse drug reaction that can be caused by antipsychotic agents. Hypothermia, a severe life‐threatening condition in which the core body temperature falls below 35°C (95°F), is a less‐known side effect associated with these drugs. Both typical and atypical antipsychotics have been associated with hypothermia, including clozapine, haloperidol, olanzapine, risperidone, and ziprasidone.
Structural, mechanical, electronic, and thermodynamic properties of pure tungsten metal under different pressures: A first‐principles study
Authors: Jiang Diyou , Zhong Shuying , Xiao Wenbo , Liu Desheng , Wu Musheng , Liu Sanqiu
Published: April 2020

The structural, mechanical, electronic, and thermodynamic properties of pure W metal under different pressures have been investigated using the first‐principles method. Our calculated structural parameters are in good agreement with experimental and previous theoretical results. The obtained elastic constants show that pure W metal is mechanically stable. Elastic properties such as the bulk modulus (B), shear modulus (G), Young's modulus (E), Poisson's ratio (ν), Cauchy pressure (C′), and anisotropy coefficients (A) are calculated by the Voigt‐Reuss‐Hill method. The results show that the pressure can improve the strength of pure tungsten and has little effect on the ductility. In addition, the total density of states as a function of pressure is analyzed. Thermodynamic properties such as the Debye temperature, phonon dispersion spectrum, free energy, entropy, enthalpy, and heat capacity are also discussed.
Surface analysis in the semiconductor industry: Present use and future possibilities
Authors: van der Heide Paul A.W. , Spampinato Valentina , Franquet Alexis , Zborowski Charlotte , Conard Thierry , Ludwig Jonathan , Paredis Kristof , Vandervorst Wilfried , Pirkl Alexander , Niehuis Ewald
Published: April 2020

Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) represent three surface analysis techniques heavily used in the complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) industry. The maturity of these techniques is demonstrated by (a) the diversity of lab‐based instruments used in research and development (R&D) as well as to support fab‐related issues and (b) the fact that highly automated platforms have now been or are being introduced into the fab for process control. Some recent developments of interest in the lab R&D space include the following: (a) the introduction of Orbitrap mass spectrometers into SIMS, (b) the introduction of higher energy monochromated photon sources into standalone lab‐based XPS, and (c) the introduction of commercialized vacuum–scanning probe microscopy (SPM) platforms. The possibilities this opens are demonstrated through (a) SIMS analysis of organics from photoresist materials, (b) XPS subsurface analysis, ie, beyond the sputter front during depth profiling, and (c) SPM analysis of 2D material properties sensitive to the ambient environment, to mention a few.
Experimental and DFT Studies on the FT‐IR, NMR and UV/Vis Spectra of a Xanthene Derivative: The Case of 9‐benzoyl‐3,4,5,6,7,9‐hexahydro‐1h‐xanthene‐1,8(2h)‐dione
Authors: Sima Abdollahi Mrs. , Nemati‐Kande Ebrahim , Poursattar Marjani Ahmad
Published: April 2020

9‐benzoyl‐3,4,5,6,7,9‐hexahydro‐1H‐xanthene‐1,8(2H)‐dione was synthesized and studied uing FT‐IR, NMR and UV/Vis spectra both experimentally and using density functional theory (DFT) methods. The absoulte average deviation (AAD) between experimental NMR chemical shifts and DFT results calculated at B3LYP/6‐311+g(d,p) level was 3.9 % and 4.8 % for 1H and 13C‐NMR, respectively. Scaled quantum mechanical (SQM) method was implemented to scale the calculated harmonic frequencies, and it was found that, the experimental and SQM frequencies are in acceptable agreement with AAD of ∼7 cm−1. UV/Vis spectra in water, ethanol, acetonitrile and n‐hexane solvents measured experimentally and calculated using time‐dependent CAM‐B3LYP/6‐311+g(d,p) method. Bathochromic shift of some electronic excitations are also discussed based on the linear solvation energy relationships. Molecular orbital, natural transition orbital and hole‐electron analyses were used to further analyze the nature of the electron transitions. In Uv/Vis spectra, only S0→S19 excitation is a charge transfer transition, where the other excitations are local electron transitions.
Synergistic Effect of CdS and NH2‐UiO‐66 on Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2 under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Xie Xia‐Fei , Dao Xiao‐Yao , Guo Fan , Zhang Xiao‐Yu , Wang Fang‐Ming , Sun Wei‐Yin
Published: April 2020

Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 has drawn much attention as a promising way that can effectively alleviate the issue of global warming and energy crisis. In this work, we fabricated a series of CdS/NH2‐UiO‐66 composites with varied CdS amounts and tested their capacity for photocatalytic reduction of CO2. The reactions were performed in a solvent‐free system and displayed excellent selectivity for CO production without liquid phase products. When the content of CdS in the composite is up to 40 %, the hybrid catalyst produces 105.41 μmol/g within 6 h, exhibiting remarkable photocatalytic performance, which is much higher than that catalyzed by mechanically mixed CdS and NH2‐UiO‐66. The brilliant catalytic performance of the composite catalyst is attributed to the formation of heterostructure between the well‐dispersed CdS and NH2‐UiO‐66, which promotes the enhancement of electron transfer during photocatalysis.
Tailoring Hierarchically Porous Nitrogen‐, Sulfur‐Codoped Carbon for High‐Performance Supercapacitors and Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Lu Huihang , Yang Chao , Chen Jing , Li Jun , Jin Huile , Wang Jichang , Wang Shun
Published: April 2020

Heteroatom‐doped carbon materials are intensively studied in supercapacitors and fuel cells, because of their great potential for sustainably bearing on the energy crisis and environmental pollution. Although enormous efforts are put in material perfection with a hierarchically porous microstructure, the simultaneous optimization of both porous structures and surface functionalities is hard to achieve due to inevitable concurrent dopant leaching effect and structural collapse under required high pyrolysis temperature. In this study, an in situ dehalogenation polymerization and activation protocol is introduced to synthesize nitrogen‐ and sulfur‐codoped carbon materials (NS‐PCMs) with hierarchical pore distribution and abundant surface doping, which endows them with good conductivity, abundant accessible active sites, and efficient mass transport. As a result, the as‐prepared carbon materials (NS‐a‐PCM‐1000) show an excellent mass specific capacitance of 461.5 F g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1, long cycle life (>23 k, 10 A g−1), and high device energy and power density (17.3 Wh kg−1, 250 W kg−1). Significantly, NS‐a‐PCM‐1000 also exhibits one of the highest oxygen reduction reaction activities (onset potential of 1.0 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode) in alkaline media among all reported metal‐free catalysts.
Phases of two adjoints QCD3 and a duality chain
Authors: Choi Changha
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We analyze the 2+1 dimensional gauge theory with two fermions in the real ad-joint representation with non-zero Chern-Simons level. We propose a new fermion-fermion dualities between strongly-coupled theories and determine the quantum phase using the structure of a ‘Duality Chain’. We argue that when Chern-Simons level is sufficiently small, the theory in general develops a strongly coupled quantum phase described by an emergent topological field theory. For special cases, our proposal predicts an interesting dynamical scenario with spontaneous breaking of partial 1-form or 0-form global symmetry. It turns out that SL(2, ℤ) transformation and the generalized level/rank duality are crucial for the unitary group case. We further unveil the dynamics of the 2+1 dimensional gauge theory with any pair of adjoint/rank-two fermions or two bifundamental fermions using similar ‘Duality Chain’.
Mitigating off-target effects in CRISPR/Cas9-mediated in vivo gene editing
Authors: Han Hua Alexander , Pang Jeremy Kah Sheng , Soh Boon-Seng
Published: April 2020

The rapid advancement of genome editing technologies has opened up new possibilities in the field of medicine. Nuclease-based techniques such as the CRISPR/Cas9 system are now used to target genetically linked disorders that were previously hard-to-treat. The CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing approach wields several advantages over its contemporary editing systems, notably in the ease of component design, implementation and the option of multiplex genome editing. While results from the early phase clinical trials have been encouraging, the small patient population recruited into these trials hinders a conclusive assessment on the safety aspects of the CRISPR/Cas9 therapy. Potential safety concerns include the lack of fidelity in the CRISPR/Cas9 system which may lead to unintended DNA modifications at non-targeted gene loci. This review focuses modifications to the CRISPR/Cas9 components that can mitigate off-target effects in in vitro and preclinical models and its translatability to gene therapy in patient populations.
Implementation Analysis of a Perioperative Patient Safety Program in Guatemala
Authors: Sico Isabelle P. , Hall Bria J. , Aguilar‐González Angie , Orozco Monica , Ramirez Carla , Baumgartner Joy Noel , Boyd David , Bolaños Javier , Calgua Erwin , Lou‐Meda Randall , Rice Henry E.
Published: April 2020

Background

The implementation of programs to improve patient safety remains challenging in low‐ and middle‐income countries. The goal of our study was to define the barriers and facilitators to implementation of a perioperative patient safety program in Guatemala.

Material and methods

We conducted semi‐structured interviews with 16 staff pre‐intervention and a follow‐up focus group discussion 1 year later in the perioperative department at the Roosevelt Hospital in Guatemala. We performed qualitative thematic analysis to identify barriers and facilitators to the implementation process, with analysis guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

Results

We found several dominant themes affecting implementation of a patient safety program. Implementation facilitators included strong prioritization of patient needs, program compatibility with existing workflow, and staff attributes. Barriers included a lack of knowledge about patient safety, limited resources, limited leadership engagement, and lack of formal implementation leaders. Several program modifications were made to enhance successful implementation iteratively during the implementation process.

Discussion

Our analysis highlights several dominant themes which affect the implementation of a perioperative safety program in Guatemala. Understanding the barriers and facilitators to implementation during program deployment allows for program modification and improvement of the implementation process itself.
Percutaneous cement augmentation in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) in the elderly: a systematic review
Authors: Sanli I. , van Kuijk S. M. J. , de Bie R. A. , van Rhijn L. W. , Willems P. C.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

A systematic review, to study treatment effects for osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) in the elderly including all available evidence from controlled trials on percutaneous cement augmentation.

Methods

Primary studies, published up to December, 2019, were searched in PubMed and the Cochrane Library. Selected were all prospective controlled studies including patients > 65 years of age and reporting on at least one main outcome. Main outcomes were pain, disability and quality of life (QOL) 1 day post-intervention and at 6 months postoperatively. Excluded were meta-analyses or reviews, retrospective or non-controlled studies, case studies, patients’ groups with neoplastic and/or traumatic fractures and/or neurologically compromised patients.

Results

Eighteen studies comprising 2165 patients (n = 1117 percutaneous cement augmentation,n = 800 conservative treatment (CT),n = 248 placebo) with a mean follow-up of up to 12 months were included. Pooled results showed significant pain relief in favor of percutaneous cement augmentation compared to CT, direct postoperative and at 6 months follow-up. At 6 months, a significant difference was observed for functional disability scores in favor of percutaneous cement augmentation. When comparing percutaneous cement augmentation to placebo, no significant differences were observed.

Conclusion

This review incorporates all current available evidence (RCTs and non-RCTs) on the efficacy of percutaneous cement augmentation in the treatment of OVFs in the elderly. Despite methodological heterogeneity of the included studies, this review shows overall significant sustained pain relief and superior functional effect in the short- and long term for percutaneous cement augmentation compared to conservative treatment.

Graphic abstract

These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
The impact of educational attainment on the occurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus in two successive pregnancies of Finnish primiparous women: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Rönö Kristiina , Masalin Senja , Kautiainen Hannu , Gissler Mika , Eriksson Johan Gunnar , Laine Merja Kristiina
Published: April 2020

Aims

To assess the impact of educational attainment on the occurrence and recurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in two successive pregnancies in primiparous women.

Methods

This is a population-based observational cohort study including all 2347 Finnish women without previously diagnosed diabetes, aged ≥ 20 years from the city of Vantaa, Finland, who gave birth to their first and second child between 2009 and 2015. National registries provided data on study participants. We divided the population into four groups according to the presence of GDM in the two pregnancies (GDM−/−, n = 1820; GDM−/+, n = 223; GDM+/−, n = 113; GDM+/+, n = 191).

Results

The occurrence of GDM in the first pregnancy was 13.0% (n = 304) and 17.6% (n = 414) in the second. The recurrence rate of GDM was 62.8%. The four groups did not differ in relation to educational attainment (p = 0.11). In multinomial regression analysis, educational attainment protected from GDM in the second pregnancy [relative risk ratio 0.93 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.86–0.99) per year of schooling for being GDM−/+ compared with GDM−/−]. In multivariate logistics models, prepregnancy body mass index at the first pregnancy [odds ratio (OR) 1.53 per 1-standard deviation (SD) (95% CI 1.22–1.91)], first-born birth weight z-score [OR 1.30 per 1-SD (95% CI 1.00–1.67)], and inter-pregnancy weight change [OR 1.66 per 1-SD (95% CI 1.27–2.16)], but not educational attainment, predicted recurrence of GDM.

Conclusions

The recurrence rate of GDM was high. Education protected from novel GDM in the second pregnancy, but was not associated with GDM recurrence.
Virtual experience, real consequences: the potential negative emotional consequences of virtual reality gameplay
Authors: Lavoie Raymond , Main Kelley , King Corey , King Danielle
Published: April 2020

As virtual reality (VR) technology enters mainstream markets, it is imperative that we understand its potential impacts on users, both positive and negative. In the present paper, we build on the extant literature’s focus on the physical side effects of VR gameplay (e.g., cybersickness) by focusing on VR’s potential to intensify users’ experiences of negative emotions. We first conducted a preliminary survey to assess users’ emotional responses during VR gameplay, with the results suggesting that certain VR situations can in fact produce intense negative emotional experiences. We then designed an interactive scenario intended to elicit low to moderate amounts of negative emotion, wherein participants played out the scenario in either VR (using the HTC Vive) or on a laptop computer. Compared to the participants who enacted the scenario on the laptop, those in the VR condition reported higher levels of absorption, which in turn increased the intensity of their negative emotional response to the scenario. A follow-up questionnaire administered several hours later revealed that the intensified negative emotions resulting from VR had a significant positive correlation with negative rumination (i.e., harmful self-related thoughts related to distress). These results show that VR gameplay has the potential to elicit strong negative emotional responses that could be harmful for users if not managed properly. We discuss the practical and policy implications of our findings.
They Will Definitely Need Us, When We Are 64: Old-Age Provision in Germany
Authors: Werding Martin
Published: April 2020

Many countries followed the German example in increasing the legal retirement age, reaching the German standard envisaged for 2030 (of 67 years of age) at an earlier stage (in Ireland: 2021; the Netherlands: 2021; and Denmark: 2022) or even exceeding it (in Ireland: with 68 years, starting in 2028).
The Finnish Pension System and Its Future Challenges
Authors: Valkonen Tarmo
Published: April 2020

A specific feature in the Finnish pension system is rule-based preparation for mortality change. The earned pension capital is adjusted to life expectancy and the lowest age limit of the flexible retirement age will be adapted so that the ratio of expected years in employment and retirement is fixed after year 2030.
Finite-horizon general insolvency risk measures in a regime-switching Sparre Andersen model
Authors: Gajek Lesław , Rudź Marcin
Published: April 2020

Insolvency risk measures play important role in the theory and practice of risk management. In this paper, we provide a numerical procedure to compute vectors of their exact values and prove for them new upper and/or lower bounds which are shown to be attainable. More precisely, we investigate a general insolvency risk measure for a regime-switching Sparre Andersen model in which the distributions of claims and/or wait times are driven by a Markov chain. The measure is defined as an arbitrary increasing function of the conditional expected harm of the deficit at ruin, given the initial state of the Markov chain. A vector-valued operator L, generated by the regime-switching process, is introduced and investigated. We show a close connection between the iterations of L and the risk measure in a finite horizon. The approach assumed in the paper enables to treat in a unified way several discrete and continuous time risk models as well as a variety of important vector-valued insolvency risk measures.
Fördert eine videobasierte Intervention im Praktikum die professionelle Wahrnehmung von Klassenführung? – Eine quantitativ-inhaltsanalytische Messung von Subprozessen professioneller Wahrnehmung
Authors: Weber Kira Elena , Prilop Christopher Neil , Viehoff Stephan , Gold Bernadette , Kleinknecht Marc
Published: April 2020

In der Lehrerinnen- und Lehrerbildung werden zunehmend videogestützte Lerngelegenheiten eingesetzt, um die professionelle Wahrnehmung von Unterricht zu fördern. In der vorliegenden Studie wurde ein quantitativ-inhaltsanalytisches Verfahren gewählt, um zu überprüfen, ob sich die professionelle Wahrnehmung von Klassenführung durch eine videobasierte Intervention im Praktikum fördern lässt. Die Interventionsgruppe (IG, n = 26) analysierte während eines vierwöchigen Unterrichtspraktikums zwei eigene Videosequenzen und erhielt videobasiertes Peer- und Expertenfeedback, während die Kontrollgruppe (KG, n = 26) eine konventionelle Praktikumsbegleitung mit face-to-face Feedback durchlief. Beide Gruppen absolvierten einen Prä-Post-Test und beantworteten offene Fragen zu einer Videosequenz. Die Antworten wurden inhaltsanalytisch ausgewertet und Unterschiede zwischen den Gruppen mit Hilfe non parametrischer Verfahren überprüft. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass sich die IG in fast allen Bereichen der wissensgesteuerten Verarbeitung von Unterricht verbessert sowie in einem Bereich der selektiven Wahrnehmung, während sich die KG lediglich im Bereich der Klassifikation von Wissen verbessert.
Hysteresis of wettability in porous media: a review
Authors: Elhaj Murtada A. , Enamul Hossain M. , Imtiaz Syed A. , Naterer Greg F.
Published: April 2020

The process of “hysteresis” has widely attracted the attention of researchers and investigators due to its usage in many disciplines of science and engineering. Economics, physics, chemistry, electrical, mechanical, and petroleum engineering are some examples of disciplines that encounter hysteresis. However, the meaning of hysteresis varies from one field to another, and therefore, many definitions occur for this phenomenon depending on the area of interest. The “hysteresis” phenomenon in petroleum engineering has gained the attention of researchers and investigators lately, because of the role that plays in reservoir engineering and reservoir simulation. Hysteretic effects influence reservoir performance. Therefore, an accurate estimation of rock and fluid property curves has an essential role in evaluating hydrocarbon recovery processes. In this paper, a comprehensive review of research and growth on the hysteresis of wettability for its applications in petroleum engineering is reported. Also, theoretical and experimental investigations of hysteresis of wettability are compared and discussed in detail. The review highlights a range of concepts in existing models and experimental processes for wettability hysteresis. Furthermore, this paper tracks the current development of hysteresis and provides insight for future trends in the research. Finally, it reveals an outlook on the research challenges and weaknesses of hysteresis of wettability.
Correction to: The challenge of monoculturalism: what books are educators sharing with children and what messages do they send?
Authors: Adam Helen , Barratt-Pugh Caroline
Published: April 2020

The article “The challenge of monoculturalism: what books are educators sharing with children and what messages do they send? “, written by Helen Adam and Caroline Barratt‑Pugh, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal on 05 February 2020 without open access. With the author(s)’ decision to opt for Open Choice the copyright of the article changed on 02 April 2020 to © The Author(s) 2020 and the article is forthwith distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made.
3D N,O-Codoped Egg-Box-Like Carbons with Tuned Channels for High Areal Capacitance Supercapacitors
Authors: Wei Feng , He Xiaojun , Ma Lianbo , Zhang Hanfang , Xiao Nan , Qiu Jieshan
Published: April 2020

Functional carbonaceous materials for supercapacitors (SCs) without using acid for post-treatment remain a substantial challenge. In this paper, we present a less harmful strategy for preparing three-dimensional (3D) N,O-codoped egg-box-like carbons (EBCs). The as-prepared EBCs with opened pores provide plentiful channels for ion fast transport, ensure the effective contact of EBCs electrodes and electrolytes, and enhance the electron conduction. The nitrogen and oxygen atoms doped in EBCs improve the surface wettability of EBC electrodes and provide the pseudocapacitance. Consequently, the EBCs display a prominent areal capacitance of 39.8 μF cm−2 (340 F g−1) at 0.106 mA cm−2 in 6 M KOH electrolyte. The EBC-based symmetric SC manifests a high areal capacitance to 27.6 μF cm−2 (236 F g−1) at 0.1075 mA cm−2, a good rate capability of 18.8 μF cm−2 (160 F g−1) at 215 mA cm−2 and a long-term cycle stability with only 1.9% decay after 50,000 cycles in aqueous electrolyte. Impressively, even in all-solid-state SC, EBC electrode shows a high areal capacitance of 25.0 μF cm−2 (214 F g−1) and energy density of 0.0233 mWh cm−2. This work provides an acid-free process to prepare electrode materials from industrial by-products for advanced energy storage devices.
Microstructural Adjustment of the Degenerated Graphite Layer in Ductile Iron for Targeted Evaluation on the Fatigue Properties
Authors: Kutz A. , Martin P. , Bührig-Polaczek A.
Published: April 2020

Graphite degeneration is the most prominent microstructural defect in the casting skin of ductile iron. Induced by either sulfur or oxygen contained in the molding material, its occurrence can be observed in a large range of iron castings, having substantial negative influences on the mechanical properties, especially fatigue resistance. Previous investigations predominately focused on the influence of the degenerated graphite layer, while accompanying changes of the iron matrix were neglected. The superposition of these effects hinders the evaluation of casting skin defects in state-of-the-art design of ductile iron components. The presented solution utilizes an experimental procedure, which enables the production of specimens with specific, individual microstructural configurations in the casting skin. This approach is based on the application of a modified sand core coating. By adding sulfurizing additives to the coating and adjusting its binder content and viscosity, a predominately homogeneous degenerated layer of 0.5 mm thickness was obtained. Using specific heat treatment steps assured a fully ferritic or pearlitic iron matrix, isolating the degenerated layer as the main microstructural defect. Fatigue testing of these specimens will further enable the numerical evaluation of the fatigue resistance in dependence of the casting skin microstructure.
A narrative review of facilitating and inhibiting factors in advance care planning initiation in people with dementia
Authors: Phenwan Tharin , Sixsmith Judith , McSwiggan Linda , Buchanan Deans
Published: April 2020

Purpose of the review

To identify and assess factors that affect the decisions to initiate advance care planning (ACP) amongst people living with dementia (PwD).

Methods

A narrative review was conducted. A keyword search of Medline, CINAHL PsycINFO, and Web of Sciences databases produced 22,234 articles. Four reviewers independently applying inclusion/exclusion criteria resulted in 39 articles. Discrepancies were settled in discussion.

Results

Twenty-eight primary studies and eleven review articles remained. Narrative analysis generated five categories of facilitating and inhibitory factors: people with dementia, family orientation, healthcare professionals (HCP), systemic and contextual factors, and time factors. Key facilitators of ACP initiation were (i) healthcare settings with supportive policies and guidelines, (ii) family members and HCPs who have a supportive relationship with PwD, and (iii) HCPs who received ACP education. Key inhibitors were: (i) lack of knowledge about the dementia trajectory in stakeholders, (ii) lack of ACP knowledge, and (iii) unclear timing to initiate an ACP.

Conclusion

This review highlighted the main challenges associated with optimal ACP initiation with PwD. To encourage effective ACP initiation with PwD, succinct policies and guidelines for clinical commissioners are needed. ACP also needs to be discussed with family members in an informal, iterative manner. More research is required on initiation timing given the disease trajectory and changing family dynamics.
How challenges and peers contribute to social‐emotional learning in outdoor adventure education programs
Authors: Orson Carolyn N. , McGovern Gina , Larson Reed W.
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Many youth development programs view adolescents’ process of grappling with challenges as a major driver of social‐emotional learning. Our goal was to understand these processes as experienced and enacted by youth. We focused on the program Outward Bound in the United States because its students experience significant physical and social challenges and it has well‐developed staff practices for facilitating learning from challenges.

Methods

Group interviews were conducted with 32 youth (ages 14–18; 50% female), immediately following their completion of Outward Bound expedition courses. Students were asked to provide a detailed narrative account of an episode on course in which they learned from challenges. Grounded theory analyses identified three processes that contributed to learning.

Results

First, students, described developing skills for persistence through successfully enduring distress and a process of experimenting with new mindsets that helped them rise above their anxiety and distress. Second, we found that peers provided skillful and responsive on‐the‐spot support that motivated youth, helped them succeed, and scaffolded students’ learning strategies for dealing with physical, social, and emotional challenges. Third, we found that this peer support and scaffolding was animated by a culture of compassion and mutual commitment, which was cultivated by staff and embraced by youth.

Conclusions

These findings from Outward Bound illuminate a learning model that may be useful to other youth programs. This model combines intense challenges with attuned peer support for adolescents’ active processes of addressing and learning from challenges. We highlight program structures and staff practices that support these processes.
Pediatric Practice Readiness for Disaster Response
Authors: Needle Scott , Rucks Andrew C. , Wallace Lauren A. , Ginter Peter M. , Katholi Charles R. , Xie Rongbing
Published: April 2020

Objectives:

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) calls for the inclusion of office-based pediatricians in disaster preparedness and response efforts. However, there is little research about disaster preparedness and response on the part of pediatric practices. This study describes the readiness of pediatric practices to respond to disaster and delineates factors associated with increased preparedness.

Methods:

An AAP survey was distributed to members to assess the state of pediatric offices in readiness for disaster. Potential predictor variables used in chi-square analysis included community setting, primary employment setting, area of practice, and previous disaster experience.

Results:

Three-quarters (74%) of respondents reported some degree of disaster preparedness (measured by 6 indicators including written plans and maintaining stocks of supplies), and approximately half (54%) reported response experience (measured by 3 indicators, including volunteering to serve in disaster areas). Respondents who reported disaster preparation efforts were more likely to have signed up for disaster response efforts, and vice versa.

Conclusions:

These results contribute information about the state of pediatric physician offices and can aid in developing strategies for augmenting the inclusion of office-based pediatricians in community preparedness and response efforts.
Assessment Matters: The Rise and Fall of the Illinois Resource Equalizer Formula
Authors: Steffes Tracy L.
Published: April 2020

This article explores the passage and failure of the 1973 Illinois Resource Equalizer formula which was designed to reduce disparities in school finance by breaking the connection between local wealth and school revenue. It argues that two sets of goals drove passage of the new law—equity and local property tax relief—and they came into conflict during implementation, with the latter winning out over the former. It argues that to understand both the passage and failure of the law requires looking deeply at the politics, policies, and practices of taxation, especially the methods of assessing property and levying taxes, where officials made decisions about how to apportion burden and benefits. The Illinois Resource Equalizer story highlights the political and policy choices that structure inequality through school finance at a moment when it was quietly defended and deepened.