bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An index of the fractal characteristic of an airway tree is associated with airflow limitations and future body mass index reduction in COPD patients
Authors: Kinose Daisuke , Ogawa Emiko , Kawashima Satoru , Matsuo-Kashiwagi Yumiko , Yukimura-Seto Ruriko , Yamazaki Akio , Yoshihashi Saiko , Hirayama Yoko , Nakano Yasutaka
Published: April 2020

An airway tree is a fractal object. We showed that the distribution of minimal inner cross-sectional area (iCSA) of airway branches can be expressed by a fractal index, D, of minimal iCSA. This D was correlated with airflow limitation and future body mass index reduction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, as predicted by Hess–Murray’s law.
Countdown before voluntary exercise induces muscle vasodilation with baroreflex-mediated decrease in muscle sympathetic nerve activity in humans
Authors: Manabe Kazumasa , Masuki Shizue , Ogawa Yu , Uchida Koji , Kamijo Yoshi-ichiro , Kataoka Yufuko , Sumiyoshi Eri , Takeda Yu , Aida Takamichi , Nose Hiroshi
Published: April 2020

Prospective cardiovascular adjustment occurs before starting voluntary exercise, increasing heart rate and arterial pressure followed by muscle vasodilation; however, the precise mechanisms and significance for this vasodilation remain unknown. We found that during the countdown before starting exercise cerebral blood flow velocity increased, followed by increases in heart rate and arterial pressure, which suppressed MSNA through baroreflex, resulting in thigh muscle vasodilation to increase oxygen consumption rate, which might make it easier to start exercise.
Age has no effect on ankle proprioception when movement history is controlled
Authors: Djajadikarta Zoë J. , Gandevia Simon C. , Taylor Janet L.
Published: April 2020

It is generally accepted that proprioceptive ability deteriorates with age, although not all data support this view. We tested proprioception using three reliable tests at the ankle in 80 adults (19–80 yr). For all tests, the effects of muscle thixotropy were controlled. Under these conditions, we found no difference in proprioceptive acuity between young and old people.
The Sigmoidal Pregnancy: A Rare Entity Complicated by an Inappropriate Medical Intervention
Authors: Naem Antoine , Ahmad Baraa , Al-Kurdy Bashar
Published: April 2020

The abdominal ectopic pregnancy is very rare and accounts for less than 1% of all ectopic gestations. Due to the lack of clinical suspicion, many obstetricians confuse it with other diseases and manage it inappropriately. Here, we are reporting the case of a 41-year-old woman that was referred to our hospital because of severe vaginal bleeding caused by multiple uterine perforations during the dilatation and curettage. Her medical history was significant for constipation and a misdiagnosis of incomplete abortion. Upon the surgical exploration, a big amount of blood clots was taken out, and a fetus with his placenta inserted into the sigmoid colon were observed. The uterus and the sigmoid colon were resected. Ultimately, the patient recovered uneventfully. To the best of our knowledge, this is the third case of pure sigmoidal pregnancy and the first one to reach an advanced gestational age.
Effect of Combination Therapy of Canagliflozin Added to Teneligliptin Monotherapy in Japanese Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Fushimi Yoshiro , Obata Atsushi , Sanada Junpei , Iwamoto Yuichiro , Mashiko Akiko , Horiya Megumi , Mizoguchi-Tomita Akiko , Nishioka Momoyo , Kan Yuki , Kinoshita Tomoe , Okauchi Seizo , Hirukawa Hidenori , Kohara Kenji , Tatsumi Fuminori , Shimoda Masashi , Nakanishi Shuhei , Mune Tomoatsu , Kaku Kohei , Kaneto Hideaki
Published: April 2020

Recently, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have been very often used in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In addition, combination drugs of both inhibitors have attracted much attention in aspects of its cost-effectiveness and improvement of patients’ adherence. However, it is still poorly understood which factors are related to the efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors as add-on therapy to DPP-4 inhibitors. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate in which type of individuals and/or under which conditions canagliflozin as add-on therapy to teneligliptin could exert more beneficial effects on glycemic control and/or renal protection. We retrospectively analyzed 56 Japanese subjects with T2DM in the real-world clinical practice. Three months after starting the combination therapy, the change of HbA1c (ΔHbA1c) was strongly related to HbA1c levels at baseline. As expected, serum glucagon level was increased after starting the combination therapy. Interestingly, however, the change of glucagon levels (Δglucagon) was not related to HbA1c levels at baseline, ΔHbA1c, and other parameters, which indicated that the increase of glucagon did not clinically affect the effectiveness of combination therapy. In addition, the change of urinary albumin excretion (ΔUAE) was negatively correlated with systolic blood pressure and HbA1c levels at baseline and positively correlated with the change of systolic blood pressure (ΔsBP) in univariate analysis. Furthermore, in multivariate analysis, only ΔsBP was the independent factor associated with ΔUAE. Taken together, canagliflozin as add-on therapy to teneligliptin improves glycemic control in a Δglucagon-independent manner and reduces UAE in a ΔsBP-dependent manner in Japanese subjects with T2DM.
Curcumin Inhibits Proliferation and Epithelial‐Mesenchymal Transition in Lens Epithelial Cells through Multiple Pathways
Authors: Liu Huijun , Mao Yuxiang , Xia Bing , Long Chongde , Kuang Xielan , Huang Hao , Ning Jie , Ma Xinqi , Zhang Han , Wang Renchun , Tang Han , Du Han , Yan Jianhua , Zhang Qingjiong , Zhang Xinyu , Shen Huangxuan
Published: April 2020

Background. Posterior capsule opacification (PCO), a complication of extracapsular lens extraction surgery that causes visual impairment, is characterized by aberrant proliferation and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of lens epithelial cells (LECs). Curcumin, exerting inhibitive effects on cell proliferation and EMT in cancer, serves as a possible antidote towards PCO. Methods. Cellular proliferation of LECs after treatment of curcumin was measured with MTT assay and flow cytometry. The transcriptional and expressional levels of proteins related to proliferation and EMT of LECs were quantified by western blotting and real‐time PCR. Results. Curcumin was found to suppress the proliferation of LECs by inducing G2/M arrest via possible inhibition of cell cycle‐related proteins including CDK1, cyclin B1, and CDC25C. It had also inactivated proliferation pathways involving ERK1/2 and Akt pathways in LECs. On the other hand, curcumin downregulated the EMT of LECs through blocking the TGF‐β/Smad pathway and interfering Notch pathway which play important roles in PCO. Conclusions. This study shows that curcumin could suppress the proliferation and EMT in LECs, and it might be a potential therapeutic protection against visual loss induced by PCO.
Label-Free Identification of Early Stages of Breast Ductal Carcinoma via Multiphoton Microscopy
Authors: Chen Zhong , Guo Wenhui , Kang Deyong , Wang Shu , Zheng Liqin , Xi Gangqin , Lian Yuane , Wang Chuan , Chen Jianxin
Published: April 2020

Breast cancer can be cured by early diagnosis. Appropriate and effective clinical treatment benefits from accurate pathological diagnosis. However, due to the lack of effective screening and diagnostic imaging methods, early stages of breast cancer often progress to malignant breast cancer. In this study, multiphoton microscopy (MPM) via two-photon excited fluorescence combined with second-harmonic generation was used for identifying the early stages of breast ductal carcinoma. The results showed differences in both cytological features and collagen distribution among normal breast tissue, atypical ductal hyperplasia, low-grade ductal carcinoma in situ, and high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion. Furthermore, three features extracted from the MPM images were used to describe differences in cytological features, collagen density, and basement membrane circumference in the early stages of breast ductal carcinoma. They revealed that MPM has the ability to identify early stages of breast ductal carcinoma label-free, which would contribute to the early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. This study may provide the groundwork for the further application of MPM in the clinic.
A Historic Perspective and Overview of H-Ras Structure, Oncogenicity, and Targeting
Authors: Shu Lihua , Wang Dongsheng , Saba Nabil F. , Chen Zhuo G.
Published: April 2020

H-Ras is a unique isoform of the Ras GTPase family, one of the most prominently mutated oncogene families across the cancer landscape. Relative to other isoforms, though, mutations of H-Ras account for the smallest proportion of mutant Ras cancers. Yet, in recent years, there have been renewed efforts to study this isoform, especially as certain H-Ras–driven cancers, like those of the head and neck, have become more prominent. Important advances have therefore been made not only in the understanding of H-Ras structural biology but also in approaches designed to inhibit and impair its signaling activity. In this review, we outline historic and present initiatives to elucidate the mechanisms of H-Ras–dependent tumorigenesis as well as highlight ongoing developments in the quest to target this critical oncogene.
Cancer Immunoprevention: A Case Report Raising the Possibility of “Immuno-interception”
Authors: Mancuso Jessica G. , Foulkes William D. , Pollak Michael N.
Published: April 2020

Immune checkpoint blockade therapy provides substantial benefits for subsets of patients with advanced cancer, but its utility for cancer prevention is unknown. Lynch syndrome (MIM 120435) is characterized by defective DNA mismatch repair and predisposition to multiple cancers. A variant of Lynch syndrome, Muir–Torre syndrome (MIM 158320), is characterized by frequent gastrointestinal tumors and hyperplastic or neoplastic skin tumors. We report the case of a man with Muir–Torre syndrome who had 136 cutaneous or visceral hyperplastic or neoplastic lesions over a period of 19 years (mean 7.5 neoplasms/year, range 2–26) prior to receiving pembrolizumab immunotherapy as part of multi-modality treatment for invasive bladder cancer. He not only had a complete response of the bladder cancer, but also was noted to have an absence of new cancers during a 22-month follow-up period. This case adds to the rationale for exploring the utility of immune checkpoint blockade for cancer prevention, particularly for patients with DNA repair deficits.
Malignant Ovarian Steroid Cell Tumor, Not Otherwise Specified, Causes Virilization in a 4-Year-Old Girl: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Yoshimatsu Takaharu , Nagai Kozo , Miyawaki Reiji , Moritani Kyoko , Ohkubo Kazuhiro , Kuwabara Jun , Tatsuta Kyosuke , Kurata Mie , Fukushima Mana , Kitazawa Riko , Hamada Junpei , Ochi Fumihiro , Eguchi-Ishimae Minenori , Tauchi Hisamichi , Eguchi Mariko
Published: April 2020

We report a case of a 4-year-old girl with an ovarian steroid cell tumor, not otherwise specified (SCT-NOS). She was admitted to the hospital with progressing virilization and Cushing’s syndrome, which included abnormality of the perineum, hirsutism, hypertrichosis, flushing of face, hoarseness, and weight gain. Blood testing showed a significantly increased testosterone level and slightly increased cortisol level. Computed tomography scan revealed an 8.0 × 5.0 × 5.0 cm tumor of the right ovary. The patient underwent right salpingo-oophorectomy, and pathological examination showed malignant potential. Three courses of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin were administered as postoperative chemotherapy. After tumor resection, her testosterone decreased to undetectable levels. However, during the course of the treatment, the patient suffered from adrenal insufficiency resulting in the need for hydrocortisone replacement therapy. Although SCT-NOS in childhood are typically benign, pathological findings should be carefully observed for potential malignancy. In cases of cortisol-producing SCT-NOS, serum levels should be monitored, and hydrocortisone replacement therapy should be considered before resection.
Bleeding Index and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein 1 as Gingival Inflammation Parameters after Chemical-Mechanical Retraction Procedure
Authors: Igic Marko , Kostic Milena , Basic Jelena , Krunic Nebojsa , Pejcic Ana , Gligorijevic Nikola , Milic Lemic Aleksandra
Published: April 2020

Objective: A widely used chemical-mechanical method of gingival retraction can cause gingival tissue damage. The aim of this study was to test the influence of the chemical-mechanical gingival retraction procedures on the gingival bleeding index (GBI) and the salivary concentration of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) as an indicator of inflammatory changes in the gingiva. Materials and Methods: The effects of 2 different retraction agents (aluminum chloride and ferric sulfate) were compared, particularly their tissue damaging effect during tooth preparation. Therefore, GBI values and the salivary concentration of MCP-1 were assessed during the chemical-mechanical method of gingival retraction in a homogenous group of respondents. The subjects (n = 60) were divided into 2 experimental groups (G1 and G2) regarding the need for tooth preparing and making artificial crowns. Each group was further divided into 2 subgroups (R1 and R2) according to the type of the gingival retraction agent used (aluminum chloride and ferric sulfate). Results: Compared to the values at the study start, a statistically significant increase in GBI and salivary MCP-1 (p < 0.001) 1 day after gingival retraction agent application was observed in both experimental groups. After 72 h, the values were lower than in the second observation period but still statistically significantly higher compared to the study start (p < 0.001), which indicated the reversibility of the tissue changes. Conclusion: Higher values of the investigated parameters were observed in the group of subjects with prepared teeth, and clinical changes were more pronounced after the use of ferric sulfate.
Blood typing in positive DEA 1 dogs
Authors: Santos Suzana Claudia Spinola , Santos Mariane Melo , Rodrigues Wellington Francisco , Meyer Roberto , Costa Maria de Fátima Dias
Published: April 2020

Blood typing techniques have been improved to ensure greater safety for transfusion procedures. Typification for the DEA 1 antigen through flow cytometry should offer more reliability to routine immunohematology in donor and recipient dogs. Currently, the DEA 1 group is starting to be an autosomal dominant allelic system with the DEA 1 negative type and its variations of positivity. The present study investigated the DEA 1 antigen using the techniques of immunochromatography, hemagglutination and flow cytometry. Among the positive animals for the DEA 1 group, typified by flow cytometry, medium intensities of fluorescence were found, which are indicative of weak, moderate and strong antigenicity. This enabled the division of the DEA 1 group into weak positive, moderate positive and strong positive. The blood typing techniques for the DEA 1 group by flow cytometry, agglutination and immunochromatography had positive (Spearman r=0.70) and statistically significant (p>0.0001) correlations.
Perkinsus sp. infecting three important mollusks from Jaguaribe River estuary, Ceará, Brazil
Authors: Dantas Neto Maximiano Pinheiro , Maggioni Rodrigo , Nogueira Luiz Fagner Ferreira , Forte Jamille Martins , Feijó Rubens Galdino , Sabry Rachel Costa
Published: April 2020

This work investigated the occurrence of Perkinsus sp. in clam Anomalocardia brasiliana, oyster Crassostrea sp. and mussel Mytella falcata from the Jaguaribe River estuary, northeastern Brazil. The collection of clam (N = 300), oysters (N = 300) and mussels (N = 300) were carried out in the estuary of the Jaguaribe River, Ceará, in March and April (rainy season) and October (dry season) in 2017. The mollusks were measured in their major axis, open, and had their tissues submitted to tissue incubation techniques in Ray’s fluid thioglycollate medium (RFTM), histology, real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), PCR and sequencing. The RFTM assays showed Perkinsus sp. infecting the three mollusks investigated. The prevalence of infected clams was 1.33% in both sampling periods, oysters ranged from 2.66 (rainy season) to 8% (dry period), and mussels from 0% (dry period) to 51.33% (rainy season). The intensity of infection was very light to light in clams, very soft to severe in oysters and very soft to moderate in mussels. Histological analyses showed cells of Perkinsus sp. infecting the gills and connective tissue around the digestive gland of some individuals. The qPCR generated amplicons in all positive samples in RFTM, confirming the presence of Perkinsus sp., while the sequencing evidenced high similarity (99%) with the species P. beihaiensis. In conclusion, the results obtained contribute to increasing knowledge about the occurrence of Perkinsus sp. in bivalve mollusks from northeastern Brazil.
Acid base disorders in hospitalized cattle
Authors: Garzon-Audor Adriana , Oliver-Espinosa Olimpo , Castañeda-Salazar Rubiela
Published: April 2020

The objectives of this retrospective study were to determine the main acid-base and electrolytes disorders in hospitalized cattle, using both Henderson-Hasselbalch and the physicochemical approach and to compare their diagnostic and therapeutic utility. A total of 31 medical records were reviewed of bovines admitted to the Large Animal Hospital at Universidad Nacional de Colombia, that met the inclusion criteria of the measurement of blood gases, blood electrolytes and plasma protein on admission before providing any treatment. Using the Henderson-Hasselbalch approach, acid base abnormalities were found in 83.3% of the patients, compared to 93.5% using the physicochemical approach. The principal acid-base disorders found were strong ion acidosis (61.29%) and weak acid acidosis (38.7%); strong ion gap (SIG) acidosis was found in 73.68% of cases showing strong ion acidosis. These results highlight the importance of the diagnosis of acid-base disorders in sick cattle for proper recognition of pathophysiological phenomena and its understanding to guide treatment decisions.
Helicteres pegueroi (Malvaceae: Helicteroideae): A new species from the dry forests of the Dominican Republic

Authors: MARTÍNEZ-GORDILLO MARTHA , CLASE TEODORO , FRAGOSO-MARTÍNEZ ITZI
Published: April 2020

A new species of Helicteres from the Dominican Republic is described and illustrated; increasing the number of species occurring in the Caribbean to five. The new species, H. pegueroi, can be distinguished from H. jamaicensis and H. semitriloba by its habit and calyx and corolla colour, i.e. it is a shrub with red calyces and corollas; its pseudoactinomorphic flower due to a slight curvature at the base of the androgynophore; and its densely woolly, globose fruit. An artificial, dichotomous key is provided to distinguish the new species from the other species of the Caribbean region and Mexico.
Revisiting the taxonomy of Geranium rubifolium (Geraniaceae) with notes on its habitat and conservation status

Authors: WAGH VIJAY V. , HURRAH IMTIYAZ AHMAD
Published: April 2020

Geranium rubifolium (Geraniaceae) has been rediscovered while conducting floristic sampling for the monographic studies on the genus Geranium from Indian Himalayan region. The species was described 179 years ago by John Lindley by using Iconotype, serving as the type and the only known material of the taxon. The locality of Lindley’s collection (collection made by Dr. Royle) is imprecisely described, as he only mentioned ‘the Himalaya’ where the taxon is found. Therefore any search attempt would require an extensive exploration of the Indian Himalayan region. Morphological variation of G. rubifolium has been poorly understood because of the non-availability of representative specimen. Consequently, after rediscovering the taxon, we provide here the detailed taxonomic description, notes on habitat, distribution and its conservation status.
Peliosanthes ligniradicis, a new species (Asparagaceae) from Arunachal Pradesh, NE India

Authors: TARAM MOMANG , BORAH DIPANKAR , TANAKA NORIYUKI
Published: April 2020

A new species of Peliosanthes named P. ligniradicis from Arunachal Pradesh, NE India, is described and illustrated here. It somewhat resembles P. subspicata described from NE India, but is distinguishable by the thicker, stilt-like, semi-woody roots, somewhat elongate (sub) moniliform stem, ovate-oblong or oblong perianth segments, and basally hexagonal and  apically 6-crenate.
Cyanocypus gen. nov., a new rove beetle genus of the “Staphylinus-complex” (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) with one new species from China
Authors: HE LIANG , ZHOU HONG-ZHANG
Published: April 2020

This paper reports one new genus, Cyanocypus gen. nov. and one new species, Cyanocypus leukos sp. nov. from Yunnan, China. A comparison between the new genus and other related genera is provided and the diagnostic characters are illustrated.
A Hydrometeorological Assessment of the Historic 2019 Flood of Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota
Authors: Flanagan Paul Xavier , Mahmood Rezaul , Umphlett Natalie A. , Haacker Erin , Ray C. , Sorensen William , Shulski Martha , Stiles Crystal J. , Pearson David , Fajman Paul
Published: April 2020

During early 2019, a series of events set the stage for devastating floods in eastern Nebraska, western Iowa, and southeastern South Dakota. When the floodwaters hit, dams and levees failed, cutting off towns while destroying roads, bridges, and rail lines, further exacerbating the crisis. Lives were lost and thousands of cattle were stranded. Estimates indicate that the cost of the flooding has topped $3 billion as of August 2019, with this number expected to rise. After a warm and wet start to winter, eastern Nebraska, western Iowa, and southeastern South Dakota endured anomalously low temperatures and record-breaking snowfall. By March 2019, rivers were frozen, frost depths were 60–90 cm, and the water equivalent of the snowpack was 30–100 mm. With these conditions in place, a record-breaking surface cyclone rapidly developed in Colorado and moved eastward, producing heavy rain toward the east and blizzard conditions toward the west. In areas of eastern Nebraska, western Iowa, and southeastern South Dakota, rapid melting of the snowpack due to this rain-on-snow event quickly led to excessive runoff that overwhelmed rivers and streams. These conditions brought the region to a standstill. In this paper, we provide an analysis of the antecedent conditions in eastern Nebraska, western Iowa, and southeastern South Dakota and the development of the surface cyclone that triggered the historic flooding, along with a look into the forecast and communication of flood impacts prior to the flood. The study used multiple datasets, including in situ observations and reanalysis data. Understanding the events that led to the flooding could aid in future forecasting efforts.
The Present and Future of eHealth in Spain From a Health Management Perspective
Authors: Cernadas Ramos Andrés , Barral Buceta Bran , Fernández da Silva Ángela , Bouzas -Lorenzo Ramón , Garaikoetxea Iturriria Ana
Published: April 2020

eHealth has grown significantly over the last decade. The aim of this study was to determine the level of use of information and communication technologies for health care in Spain and identify the main barriers to development. We used a qualitative study based on data obtained from 8 Spanish autonomous communities through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with key informants in eHealth management and planning. Programs present varying degrees of implementation. Services such as electronic prescriptions, digital medical records, and appointment requests via the Internet are advanced and widespread; others, such as digital imaging, are advanced but not fully deployed; and some, such as telecare programs, are experimental. The study also revealed diverse levels of interoperability and barriers to the expansion of these technologies, which can be classified into 4 fields: technological, organizational, human, and economic. eHealth might evolve more slowly in the coming years. Unless the payoff is clearly seen, major budget cuts in the current economic climate will prevent the implementation of new projects. Programs that help reduce health spending are more likely to be implemented, to the detriment of projects involving simple techniques or even clear health care improvements.
“Be Current, or You Become the Old Man”: Crossing the Generational Divide in Hip-Hop Education
Authors: Rawls Jason D. , Petchauer Emery
Published: April 2020

Hip-hop culture has been an influential force on a large segment of this generation’s teachers and a tool for building relationships with students. The contemporary hip-hop of today’s generation differs from that of many hip-hop educators/pedagogues. This case study explored how one hip-hop generation teacher attempted to cross this generational divide rather than discount youth culture in the classroom. The findings of this study focus on how the teacher’s personal identification with hip-hop culture informed his relationships with students and how he drew from key narratives and ideas in hip-hop to communicate his views of his classroom community.
A Modified Alcohol SBI for Use among Older Adults Living with HIV
Authors: Nguyen Annie L. , Lake Jordan E. , Preciado Diane , Liao Diana , Moore Alison A. , del Pino Homero E.
Published: April 2020

Older adults living with HIV may have health conditions that amplify the potentially negative health effects of alcohol use. We adapted the Comorbidity Alcohol Risk Evaluation Tool (CARET) screening tool for at-risk drinking to reflect HIV/AIDS and related conditions, medications, and behaviors. The adapted CARET-HIV along with a brief intervention was administered to 27 older men living with HIV. The CARET-HIV identified the same number of at-risk drinkers as the original CARET (n = 24) but identified more risk domains. Most participants welcomed receiving information about risks associated with their drinking, but some felt “embarrassed” or “guilty” discussing their drinking. This is particularly salient within the context of HIV discourse, which has historically assigned blame of HIV infection on personal choices. The SBI was generally acceptable to participants. The modified CARET can help providers integrate discussion of alcohol use into the context of HIV care for personalized feedback.
Attending After-School Physical Activity Club 2 Days a Week Attenuated an Increase in Percentage Body Fat and a Decrease in Fitness Among Adolescent Girls at Risk for Obesity
Authors: Robbins Lorraine B. , Ling Jiying , Wen Fujun
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

To evaluate the effect of a 17-week intervention, including an after-school physical activity (PA) club 3 d/wk, on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), body mass index (BMI) z score, percentage body fat (%BF), and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) among fifth to eighth grade girls having a BMI z score ≥0, and explore whether intervention outcomes varied by club attendance (1 vs 2 vs 3 d/wk).

Design:

Secondary analysis of data from a group randomized controlled trial (N = 1519, 10- to 15-year-old girls: n = 753 intervention; n = 766 control).

Setting:

Twenty-four Midwestern US schools (n = 12 intervention; n = 12 control).

Sample:

Subsample (n = 1194 girls) from trial’s intervention (n = 593 girls) and control (n = 601 girls) groups having BMI z scores ≥0.

Measures:

Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (min/h), BMI z score, %BF, and CRF ([Formula: see text]: mL/kg/min) were estimated at baseline and postintervention.

Analysis:

Linear mixed-effect models.

Results:

Intervention group gained less %BF ( B = −0.35, P = .016), and their CRF decreased less ( B = 0.22, P = .010) than the control. Marginally significant findings showed girls attending the club an average of 1 d/wk had greater increases in %BF ( B = 0.33, P = .087) and MVPA ( B = 0.20, P = .083) and a greater decrease in CRF ( B = −0.20, P = .061) than girls attending 3 d/wk. No differences occurred between girls who attended 2 versus 3 d/wk for any outcomes.

Conclusions:

The intervention attenuated an increase in %BF and a decrease in CRF among girls at risk for obesity from baseline to postintervention. Offering the after-school PA club 2 d/wk may be adequate for achieving outcomes.
Low-Energy Shockwave Treatment Promotes Endothelial Progenitor Cell Homing to the Stenotic Pig Kidney
Authors: Zhao Yu , Santelli Adrian , Zhu Xiang-Yang , Zhang Xin , Woollard John R. , Chen Xiao-Jun , Jordan Kyra L. , Krier James , Tang Hui , Saadiq Ishran , Lerman Amir , Lerman Lilach O.
Published: April 2020

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) patrols the circulation and contributes to endothelial cell regeneration. Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) induces microvascular loss in the stenotic kidney (STK). Low-energy shockwave therapy (SW) can induce angiogenesis and restore the STK microcirculation, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We tested the hypothesis that SW increases EPC homing to the swine STK, associated with capillary regeneration. Normal pigs and pigs after 3 wk of renal artery stenosis were treated with six sessions of low-energy SW (biweekly for three consecutive weeks) or left untreated. Four weeks after completion of treatment, we assessed EPC (CD34+/KDR+) numbers and levels of the homing-factor stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1 in the inferior vena cava and the STK vein and artery, as well as urinary levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and integrin-1β. Subsequently, we assessed STK morphology, capillary count, and expression of the proangiogenic growth factors angiopoietin-1, VEGF, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase ex vivo. A 3-wk low-energy SW regimen improved STK structure, capillary count, and function in ARAS+SW, and EPC numbers and gradients across the STK decreased. Plasma SDF-1 and renal expression of angiogenic factors were increased in ARAS+SW, and urinary levels of VEGF and integrin-1β tended to rise during the SW regimen. In conclusion, SW improves ischemic kidney capillary density, which is associated with, and may be at least in part mediated by, promoting EPCs mobilization and homing to the stenotic kidney.
The CJEU’s ruling in the Novartis Farma case: Money, health and medicines
Authors: Raposo Vera Lúcia
Published: April 2020

In the Novartis Farma SpA case (Case C-29/17), the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) held that the decision of a Member State (Italy) to reimburse a drug used off-label (Avastin), and for that purpose submitted to repacking procedures, is not in violation of European law, even if there is a duly approved therapeutic alternative (Lucentis) on the market and the procedure is solely to reduce health care expenditures.

This was not the CJEU’s first ruling on off-label drug use. The novelty of the Novartis Farma SpA case is the economic element attached to the assessment of off-label prescriptions, even though the Court failed to consider this essential feature of the case.

This paper analyses the Court’s ruling in light of two main principles of European pharmaceutical law: the imposition of marketing authorization for drugs used in the European market; and the predominance of public health concerns over economic considerations. The paper concludes that the Court failed to identify a major issue in the Italian policy – the reimbursement of off-label drug used when there is a properly approved therapeutic alternative on the market – at the risk of undermining the entire European pharmaceutical framework and endangering public health.
Effect of EDTA on measurement of cortisol and thyroxine by chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay in dogs
Authors: Schechter Dana A. , Lee Hollie P. , Kemppainen Robert J. , Behrend Ellen N.
Published: April 2020

The addition of ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) to serum can affect the measurement of cortisol by chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CEIA); addition of magnesium chloride (MgCl2) may reverse the effects. However, similar characteristics for thyroxine (T4) measurement are unknown. We measured cortisol and T4 in paired EDTA-anticoagulated plasma and serum samples from 50 dogs. Additionally, both hormones were measured in 15 samples of each type after the addition of MgCl2. Samples were collected under routine clinical conditions; therefore, specific EDTA concentrations in plasma samples were unknown. Cortisol and T4 values were significantly different comparing plasma and serum samples in the absence of MgCl2. For cortisol and T4, EDTA-plasma concentrations were 51.2% and 43.7% higher than serum, respectively ( p < 0.001 for both). The addition of MgCl2 to plasma significantly decreased the measured cortisol concentrations ( p < 0.001) but not T4 ( p = 0.44). After addition of MgCl2, cortisol concentrations in EDTA-plasma were no longer significantly different from serum, whereas T4 concentrations in EDTA-plasma remained significantly different from serum. In the clinical setting in which tubes may be underfilled, use of EDTA-plasma significantly increases the measured concentration of cortisol and T4 obtained by CEIA. Addition of MgCl2 to EDTA-plasma can overcome the effects of EDTA when measuring cortisol, but not T4. Thus, T4 should not be measured in EDTA-plasma.
Incidence, Clinical Features, Management, and Prevention of Herpes Zoster in Patients Receiving Antitumor Necrosis Factor Therapy: A Clinical Review
Authors: Kim Byung-Soo , Maverakis Emanual , Alexanian Clarie , Wang Jenny Z. , Raychaudhuri Siba P.
Published: April 2020

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors have been used as an excellent therapeutic option in a variety of chronic inflammatory conditions. However, a recognized significant adverse effect of TNF inhibitor therapy is the increased risk of infections. The influence of TNF inhibitors on the course of coexisting or newly developed viral infections has not been extensively investigated. Therefore, we reviewed the recent publications to highlight the incidence, clinical features, management, and prevention of herpes zoster in patients who are receiving TNF inhibitors.
The relationship of family characteristics, parental beliefs and parenting behaviours with the fundamental movement proficiency of primary school children in South East Wales
Authors: Jarvis Stuart , Williams Morgan , Rainer Paul , Saunders John , Mullen Richard
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the fundamental movement skills (FMS) of primary school children and aspects of their home environment. Four-hundred-and-eighty-four primary school children were recruited to the study, consisting of 255 boys and 229 girls, aged between 9 and 11 years. Participants were assessed on eight different FMS and placed into different ability profiles according to the similarity of their FMS proficiencies. Four-hundred-and-eighty-four parent questionnaires were completed and matched to the profile membership of the participants. For boys, positive relationships were found between their FMS ability and the variables of parent–child interaction in video gaming, parental beliefs concerning the importance of social development, motor development and children’s participation in physical activity, parental awareness of their own child’s extracurricular participation in community sports clubs and physical activity preferences. For girls, positive relationships with FMS proficiency were found for parental beliefs concerning the importance of participation in physical activity for social function and the importance of participation in physical activity for learning rules. In the case of girls only, several family characteristics were also significantly related to FMS proficiency. These were the following: the involvement of members of the extended family in their before and after-school care provision; their parents’ employment status; and their mother’s physical activity participation. In conclusion, parental beliefs and behaviours have the potential to influence children’s FMS performance and their impact needs to be considered in any interventions to improve the FMS of children of primary school age.
Language teachers’ reported first and second language use: A comparative contextualized study of England and Spain
Authors: Molway Laura , Arcos Marina , Macaro Ernesto
Published: April 2020

There is now extensive theoretical and empirical literature on the place of the first language (L1) and the second language (L2) in the foreign language (FL) classroom. Although this body of work includes related teacher beliefs and practices, less attention has been paid to the factors that may influence these practices across different national contexts. Through an extensive survey of secondary school teachers of a FL in Spain and England we investigated teachers’ reported L1/L2 practices and the possible influence of pre-service training on these practices. We found that teachers in England reported greater use of the L1 than teachers in Spain across virtually all language functions. In both groups there was no evidence of the influence of advocated teaching approaches within pre-service training courses on teachers’ reported L1 and L2 use. Differences in teachers’ reported practices seem to be better explained by contextual factors influenced by and derived from national policy and the social value of the L2.
Nodal diameter vibration identification of coated blisk under traveling wave excitation
Authors: Wang Jin , Sun Wei , Xu Kunpeng
Published: April 2020

It is seen that blisk will be in a nodal diameter vibration state under the engine order excitation, which can be simulated by traveling wave excitation. The nodal diameters rotate on the blisk and it is necessary to identify the specific form of the nodal diameter vibration. Here, based on the determination of nodal diameter vibration parameters, a novel identification method of the nodal diameter vibration was proposed through the experimental test. Specifically, a traveling wave excitation system was built using the LabVIEW control software and noncontact magnetic exciters. Based on the description of resonant state of blisk, the identification principle formulas of the nodal diameter vibration were derived and the identification procedure was given. Taking uncoated and coated blisks as the research objects, the identification method was demonstrated. The identification results showed that the shape, direction, speed, and period of nodal diameter vibration were successfully obtained by the proposed method. In addition, it was found that coatings have a damping effect on blisk. Because of the coating introduction, the blisk vibration response was reduced, the rotation speed of nodal diameter was slowed down, and the rotation period of nodal diameter was increased.
Analysis of vibration characteristics of spherical bearing of three-degree-of-freedom motor with liquid suspension
Authors: Li Zheng , Yue Feihong , Wang Qunjing
Published: April 2020

Based on the liquid suspension three-degree-of-freedom motor, the three-degree-of-freedom dynamic model of spherical bearing is established. The spatial distribution of the radial electromagnetic force is calculated. The results show that the second harmonic has the greatest influence on the motor vibration. At the same time, considering the roughness of rotor surface, the pressure distribution and film thickness distribution of oil film are calculated by the finite difference method. Through the finite element method, the force of the stator spherical shell and the rotor is analyzed when the rotor slips. Moreover, the oil film modal is calculated and it is found that the forward precession is stronger when the oil film whirls. Finally, the experimental platform is built. The vibration amplitude of the spherical bearing under the condition of normal operation and oil whirl was measured. By comparing the relationship between vibration amplitude and vibration frequency, it is found that oil whirl causes negative vibration growth of spherical bearing, which leads to dry friction between rotor and stator. It provides a good theoretical basis for the practical application and further optimization design of spherical bearing.
Empowering Nurses to Engage With Transplant Quality Data and Outcomes
Authors: Thorp Andrea , Mangold Kara , Dosmann Melissa , Waybill Liza
Published: April 2020

Background:

Understanding patient outcome data and quality improvement metrics can help the health-care team target interventions to improve patient care and guide practice. Challenges to understanding and use of data include finding time during clinical work, determining meaning, and understanding a connection to practice.

Problem Statement:

Acute care nurses who routinely care for organ transplant patients could not speak to transplant quality data or outcomes. This was evidenced by 81% accuracy in interpreting transplant quality data.

Methods:

The setting was an inpatient/acute care organ transplant and progressive care unit. A survey was employed to staff; the lowest scoring areas were training to accurately interpret and having time to understand transplant quality data and outcomes. A multimodal intervention that included an education session at a mandatory staff education event followed by routine posting quality data on the unit was devised. Goals were to improve the accuracy of transplant quality data interpretation to an average of 90% and the average key confidence indicators to 6.0 (out of 7.0).

Processes Addressed:

Education was created to cover background and initial results, data interpretation, and clinical significance. A display board in the staff lounge was dedicated to transplant quality data.

Outcomes:

All goals were met. Accurate interpretation improved to 90% and average key confidence indicators increased to 6.54.

Implications for Practice:

An interdisciplinary team process that involved stakeholders was essential to success. A similar method could be employed with nurses and other frontline staff.
Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation of Benign Thyroid Nodules: The Correlation Between Ultrasound Nodule Characteristics and Results
Authors: Feroci Francesco , Guagni Tommaso , Coppola Angela , Perini Davina , Conforti Barbara , Genzano Chiara , Belliti Deanna , Petrucci Alvaro , Sarno Antonio , Cantafio Stefano
Published: April 2020

Background. The aim of this observational study was to investigate for which nodules a better response to radiofrequency thermoablation (RFA) for nonfunctioning benign thyroid nodules is likely. Methods. Aesthetic score, compressive score, and volume of 32 benign nodules from 32 patients were registered during follow-up at baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Results. A volume reduction rate (VRR) of 72.56% at 12 months after the procedure ( P = .009) was registered. A significant ( P < .001) improvement in the compressive and aesthetic scores was observed. Nodules with a baseline volume <20 mL had VRRs at 3 and 6 months that were significantly greater than those with volume >20 mL ( P = .037). Conclusions. RFA was shown to be a safe and effective procedure for the management of benign thyroid nodules and that there is a correlation between the initial size of the nodule and the response to treatment.
A kind of magic: Enhanced detection of pantomimed grasps in professional magicians
Authors: Quarona Davide , Koul Atesh , Ansuini Caterina , Pascolini Luca , Cavallo Andrea , Becchio Cristina
Published: April 2020

Professional magicians regularly use pantomimed grasps (i.e., movements towards imagined objects) to deceive audiences. To do so, they learn to shape their hands similarly for real and pantomimed grasps. Here we tested whether this form of motor expertise provides them a significant benefit when processing pantomimed grasps. To this aim, in a one-interval discrimination design, we asked 17 professional magicians and 17 naïve controls to watch video clips of reach-to-grasp movements recorded from naïve participants and judge whether the observed movement was real or pantomimed. All video clips were edited to spatially occlude the grasped object (either present or imagined). Data were analysed within a drift diffusion model approach. Fitting different models showed that, whereas magicians and naïve performed similarly when observing real grasps, magicians had a specific advantage compared with naïve at discriminating pantomimed grasps. These findings suggest that motor expertise may be crucial for detecting relevant cues from hand movement during the discrimination of pantomimed grasps. Results are discussed in terms of motor recalibration.
Celebrating 21st-Century School Nursing Practice
Authors: Maughan Erin D. , Jameson Beth E.
Published: April 2020

During May we celebrate School Nursing Day. We are often asked—What does a school nurse do? This article is a response to a recently asked request and describes the role of the school nurse in the 21st century, working in one school. The description is not meant to be all inclusive—but rather give examples of the complex role and need for a school nurse.
An Identity-Threat Perspective on Discrimination Attributions by Women of Color
Authors: Remedios Jessica D. , Reiff Joseph S. , Hinzman Lindsay
Published: April 2020

The model of stigma-induced identity threat suggests that stigmatized individuals use situational cues (e.g., presence of an out-group member) to assess the identity threat potential of, or the risk of experiencing discrimination in, their environments. To date, however, this model has been tested in samples of participants with only one stigmatized identity. In three studies, we show that women of color attribute rejection to sexism more than racism when men are involved and to racism more than sexism when Whites are involved. Participants clearly attended to situational cues, despite predictions advanced in past research that women of color see all ambiguous situations in the same way: as involving primarily racism ( ethnic prominence) or as involving both racism and sexism ( double jeopardy). Study 3 further revealed that double-jeopardy-like attributions are more likely when rejections involve “double” out-group members, and single attributions are more likely when rejections involve “partial” out-group members.
Irregular migration, borders, and the moral geographies of migration management
Authors: Watkins Josh
Published: April 2020

Migration management expresses the idealizations of policymakers: how they view the world’s ideal biopolitical and geopolitical organization. This article presents an analysis of an anti-irregular migration campaign funded by Australia and administered by the International Organization for Migration to deter “potential people smugglers” in Indonesia. The article demonstrates that the campaign attempted to normalize the idea that transporting irregular migrants was immoral and a sin. The Indonesia–Australia border and the Westphalian nation-state system were structured as moral geographies. The campaign framed immigration law as the ultimate determinant of moral and immoral migration, proclaiming a righteousness in immobilizing irregular migrants, regardless of circumstance. Per the campaign, moral migration is to be managed, and borders to be guarded, by unaccountable consultants for hire like the International Organization for Migration—states’ deputized migration managers. The article analyzes how irregular migration was structured as subverting and exploiting territorialized nations, how the campaign associated emplacement and boundedness with safety and irregular migration with a threatening, foreign, immorality. Finally, the article investigates how everyday spaces were infiltrated by bordering practices designed to normalize the campaign’s purported “truths” about morality and migration, showing the varying temporalities and scales of border-making and migration management.