bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socioeconomic inequality in dental care utilization in Iran: a decomposition approach
Authors: Rezaei Satar , Hajizadeh Mohammad , Irandoost Seyed Fahim , Salimi Yahya
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Socioeconomic inequalities in dental care utilization in Iran are rarely documented. This study aimed to provide insight into socioeconomic inequalities in dental care utilization and its main contributing factors among Iranian households.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 37,860 households from the 2017 Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) were included in the study. Data on dental care utilization, age, gender and education attainment of the head of household, socioeconomic status of households, health insurance coverage, living areas and provinces were obtained for the survey. The concentration curve and the normalized concentration index (Cn) was used to illustrate and quantify socioeconomic inequalities in dental care utilization among Iranian households. The Cn was decomposed to identify the main determinants of the observed socioeconomic inequality in dental care utilization in Iran.

Findings

The study indicated that the prevalence of dental care utilization among Iranian’s households was 4.67% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.46 to 4.88%). The results suggested a higher concentration of dental care utilization among socioeconomically advantaged households (Cn = 0.2522; 95% CI: 0.2258 to 0.2791) in Iran. Pro-rich inequality in dental care utilization also found in rural (Cn = 0.2659; 95%CI: 0.2221 to 0.3098) and urban (Cn = 0.0.2504; 95% CI: 0.0.2159 to 0.2841) areas. The results revealed socioeconomic status of households, age and education status of head of households and residing provinces as the main contributing factors to the concentration of dental care utilization among the wealthy households.

Originality/value

This study revealed pro-rich inequalities in dental care utilization among households in Iran and its provinces. Thus, health policymakers should focus on designing effective evidence-based interventions to improve healthcare utilization among household with the older head of households, lower education status, and living in relatively poor provinces to reduce socioeconomic inequality in dental care utilization in Iran.
Monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio as long-term prognostic marker in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Wu Ting-Ting , Zheng Ying-Ying , Chen You , Yu Zi-Xiang , Ma Yi-Tong , Xie Xiang
Published: October 2019

Background

The relation between monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) and coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains controversial. The present study aims to assess the prognostic value of MHR in patients with CAD who underwent PCI.

Methods

A total of 673 CAD patients were retrospectively enrolled and divided into four groups according to MHR values. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to study the effects of different variables to clinical outcomes reported as major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and all-cause mortality (ACM).

Results

In a multivariate Cox analysis, after adjustment of other confounders, MHR was found to be an independent predictor of ACM (HR: 3.655; 95% CI: 1.170–11.419, P = 0.026) and MACE (HR =2.390, 95% CI 1.379–4.143, p < 0.002). Having a MHR in the third and fourth quartile were associated with a 2.83-fold and 3.26 -flod increased risk of MACE.

Conclusions

MHR is an independent predictor of ACM and MACE in CAD patients undergoing PCI.
High fat meals increases postprandial fat oxidation rate but not postprandial lipemia
Authors: Chiu Chih-Hui , Yang Tsung-Jen , Chen Che-Hsiu , Zeng Ming-Jing
Published: October 2019

Background

This study investigated the effects of ingesting meals with the same calorie intake but distinct nutritional contents after exercise on postprandial lipemia the next day.

Methods

Eight healthy male participants completed two 2-day trials in a random order. On day 1, the participants underwent five 12 min bouts of cycling exercise with a bout of higher intensity exercise (4 min) after each and then a bout of lower intensity cycling (2 min). The total exercise time was 90 min. After the exercise, the participants ingested three high-fat or low-fat meals. On Day 2, the participants were asked to rest in the laboratory and ingest a high-fat meal. Their postprandial reaction after a high-fat meal was observed.

Results

Postprandial triglyceride concentrations in the high-fat diet trial and low-fat diet trial exhibited nonsignificant differences. Total TG AUC were no significantly different on HF trial and LF trial (HF: 6.63 ± 3.2; LF: 7.20 ± 3.4 mmol/L*4 h.p = 0.586). However, the postprandial fat oxidation rate total AUC (HF: 0.58 ± 0.1; LF: 0.39 ± 0.2 g/min*4 h.p = 0.045), plasma glucose, and insulin concentration of the high-fat trial were significantly higher than those of the low-fat trial.

Conclusions

This study revealed that meals with distinct nutritional contents after a 90-min exercise increased the postprandial fat oxidation rate but did not influence the postprandial lipemia after a high-fat meal the next day.
Down-regulation of platelet adhesion receptors is a controlling mechanism of thrombosis, while also affecting post-transfusion efficacy of stored platelets
Authors: Hosseini Ehteramolsadat , Mohtashami Maryam , Ghasemzadeh Mehran
Published: October 2019

Physiologically, upon platelet activation, uncontrolled propagation of thrombosis is prevented by regulating mechanisms which affect the expression and function of either platelet adhesion receptors or integrins. Receptor ectodomain shedding is an elective mechanism which is mainly involved in down-regulation of adhesion receptors GPIbα and GPVI. Platelet integrin αIIbβ3can also be modulated with a calpain-dependent proteolytic cleavage. In addition, activating signals may induce the internalization of expressed receptors to selectively down-regulate their intensity. Alternatively, further activation of platelets is associated with microvesiculation as a none-selective mechanism which leads to the loss of membrane- bearing receptors. In a non-physiological condition, the storage of therapeutic platelets has also shown to be associated with the unwilling activation of platelets which triggers receptors down-regulation via aforementioned different mechanisms. Notably, herein the changes are time-dependent and not controllable. While the expression and shedding of pro-inflammatory molecules can induce post-transfusion adverse effects, stored-dependent loss of adhesion receptors by ectodomain shedding or microvesiculation may attenuate post-transfusion adhesive functions of platelets causing their premature clearance from circulation. In its first part, the review presented here aims to describe the mechanisms involved in down-regulation of platelet adhesion receptors. It then highlights the crucial role of ectodomain shedding and microvesiculation in the propagation of “platelet storage lesion” which may affect the post-transfusion efficacy of platelet components.
Notch1-ADAM8 positive feed-back loop regulates the degradation of chondrogenic extracellular matrix and osteoarthritis progression
Authors: Duan Biao , Liu Yan , Hu He , Shi Fu-Guo , Liu Ya-Long , Xue Hao , Yun Xin-Yu , Yan Ming-Yu , Han Xi-Rui , Chen An-Fu , Wang Yong , Li Zhe-Hai
Published: October 2019

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent joint disease, and there are still no effective therapeutic agents or clinical methods for the cure of this disease to date. The degradation of cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) is a major cause of OA.

Method

IL-1β was used to induce chondrogenic degradation. Q-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect mRNA and protein level, respectively. ELISA was used to detect the secreted TNF-α and IL-6 level. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the protein level of Aggrecan, Collagen II and ki67. TUNEL and flow cytometry were used to examine cell apoptosis of chondrocytes. ChIP and luciferase assay were used to study molecular gene regulation. Osteoarthritic animal model and Safranin-O staining were used to determine the in vivo OA phenotype.

Results

The expression of ADAM8 was up-regulated in osteoarthritic chondrocytes. Knockdown of ADAM8 suppressed the OA phenotype in the in vitro OA cell model. ADAM8 regulated OA progression through the activation of EGFR/ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway. Inhibition of Notch signaling suppressed OA phenotype in the in vitro OA cell model. Notch signaling regulated the gene expression of ADAM8 directly via Hes1. Notch1-ADAM8 positive feedback loop promoted the progression of OA in vivo.

Conclusion

Notch1-ADAM8 feed-back loop regulates the degradation of chondrogenic extracellular matrix and osteoarthritis progression.
Prognostic values of microRNA-130 family expression in patients with cancer: a meta-analysis and database test
Authors: Peng Zhen , Duan Fujiao , Yin Jingjing , Feng Yajing , Yang Zhongyu , Shang Jia
Published: October 2019

Background

Emerging evidence shows that microRNA-130 (miRNA-130) family may be useful as prognostic biomarkers in cancer. However, there is no confirmation in an independent validation study. The aim of this study was to summarize the prognostic value of miRNA-130 family (miRNA-130a and miRNA-130b) for survival in patients with cancer.

Methods

The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to estimate the association strength between miRNA-130 family expression and prognosis. Kaplan–Meier plotters were used to verify the miRNA-130b expression and overall survival (OS).

Results

A total of 2141 patients with OS and 1159 patients with disease-free survival (DFS)/progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed in evidence synthesis. For the miRNA-130a, the overall pooled effect size (HR) was HR 1.58 (95% CI: 1.21–2.06, P < 0.001). Tissue and serum expression of miRNA-130a was significantly associated with the OS (HR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.11–2.14, P = 0.009; HR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.14–2.38, P = 0.008), and in gastric cancer (HR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.34–2.45, P < 0.001). For the miRNA-13b, a statistical correlation was observed between high miRNA-130b expression and poor OS in patients with cancer (HR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.47–2.59, P < 0.001), especially in tissue sample (HR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.39–2.91, P < 0.001), Asian (HR = 2.55, 95% Cl: 1.77–3.69, P < 0.001) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.23–2.85, P = 0.004). The expression of miRNA-130b was significantly correlated with DFS/PFS (HR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.31–1.77, P < 0.001), in tissue (HR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.50–2.62, P < 0.001) and serum (HR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.15–1.64, P < 0.001), especially in HCC (HR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.50, 2.62, P < 0.001). In database test, a significant correlation between high miRNA-130b expression and poor OS for HCC patients was observed (HR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.35, P = 0.0045).

Conclusion

The high expression of miRNA-130 family might predict poor prognosis in cancer patients. Prospectively, combining miRNA-130a and miRNA-130b may be considered as powerful prognostic predictor for clinical application.
Metabolic signature of obesity-associated insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Al-Sulaiti Haya , Diboun Ilhame , Agha Maha V. , Mohamed Fatima F. S. , Atkin Stephen , Dömling Alex S. , Elrayess Mohamed A. , Mazloum Nayef A.
Published: October 2019

Background

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, some obese individuals maintain their insulin sensitivity and exhibit a lower risk of associated comorbidities. The underlying metabolic pathways differentiating obese insulin sensitive (OIS) and obese insulin resistant (OIR) individuals remain unclear.

Methods

In this study, 107 subjects underwent untargeted metabolomics of serum samples using the Metabolon platform. Thirty-two subjects were lean controls whilst 75 subjects were obese including 20 OIS, 41 OIR, and 14 T2DM individuals.

Results

Our results showed that phospholipid metabolites including choline, glycerophosphoethanolamine and glycerophosphorylcholine were significantly altered from OIS when compared with OIR and T2DM individuals. Furthermore, our data confirmed changes in metabolic markers of liver disease, vascular disease and T2DM, such as 3-hydroxymyristate, dimethylarginine and 1,5-anhydroglucitol, respectively.

Conclusion

This pilot data has identified phospholipid metabolites as potential novel biomarkers of obesity-associated insulin sensitivity and confirmed the association of known metabolites with increased risk of obesity-associated insulin resistance, with possible diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Further studies are warranted to confirm these associations in prospective cohorts and to investigate their functionality.
MAGE-A1 in lung adenocarcinoma as a promising target of chimeric antigen receptor T cells
Authors: Mao Yuan , Fan Weifei , Hu Hao , Zhang Louqian , Michel Jerod , Wu Yaqin , Wang Jun , Jia Lizhou , Tang Xiaojun , Xu Li , Chen Yan , Zhu Jin , Feng Zhenqing , Xu Lin , Yin Rong , Tang Qi
Published: October 2019

Background

Cancer/testis antigens (CTAs) are a special type of tumor antigen and are believed to act as potential targets for cancer immunotherapy.

Methods

In this study, we first screened a rational CTA MAGE-A1 for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and explored the detailed characteristics of MAGE-A1 in LUAD development through a series of phenotypic experiments. Then, we developed a novel MAGE-A1-CAR-T cell (mCART) using lentiviral vector based on our previous MAGE-A1-scFv. The anti-tumor effects of this mCART were finally investigated in vitro and in vivo.

Results

The results showed striking malignant behaviors of MAGE-A1 in LUAD development, which further validated the rationality of MAGE-A1 as an appropriate target for LUAD treatment. Then, the innovative mCART was successfully constructed, and mCART displayed encouraging tumor-inhibitory efficacy in LUAD cells and xenografts.

Conclusions

Taken together, our data suggest that MAGE-A1 is a promising candidate marker for LUAD therapy and the MAGE-A1-specific CAR-T cell immunotherapy may be an effective strategy for the treatment of MAGE-A1-positive LUAD.
Genetic counselling and personalised risk assessment in the Australian pancreatic cancer screening program
Authors: Dwarte Tanya , McKay Skye , Johns Amber , Tucker Katherine , Spigelman Allan D. , Williams David , Stoita Alina
Published: October 2019

Background

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is an aggressive disease with a dismal 5-year survival rate. Surveillance of high-risk individuals is hoped to improve survival outcomes by detection of precursor lesions or early-stage malignancy.

Methods

Since 2011, a national high-risk cohort recruited through St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, has undergone prospective PC screening incorporating annual endoscopic ultrasound, formal genetic counselling and mutation analysis as appropriate. PancPRO, a Bayesian PC risk assessment model, was used to estimate 5-year and lifetime PC risks for familial pancreatic cancer (FPC) participants and this was compared to their perceived chance of pancreatic and other cancers. Genetic counselling guidelines were developed to improve consistency. Follow-up questionnaires were used to assess the role of genetic counselling and testing.

Results

We describe the Australian PC screening program design and recruitment strategy and the results of the first 102 individuals who have completed at least one-year of follow-up. Seventy-nine participants met the FPC criteria (≥ two first-degree relatives affected), 22 individuals had both a BRCA2 pathogenic variant and a close relative with PC and one had a clinical diagnosis of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. Participants reported a high perceived chance of developing PC regardless of their genetic testing status. PancPRO reported FPC participants’ mean 5-year and lifetime PC risks as 1.81% (range 0.2–3.2%) and 10.17% (range 2.4–14.4%), respectively. Participants’ perceived PC chance did not correlate with their PancPRO 5-year (r = − 0.17, p = 0.128) and lifetime PC risks (r = 0.19, p = 0.091). Two-thirds felt that current genetic testing would help them, and 91% of tested participants were glad to have undergone genetic testing. Overall, 79% of participants found genetic counselling to be helpful, and 88% reported they would recommend counselling to their relatives.

Conclusions

Participants reported multiple benefits of genetic counselling and testing but continue to seek greater clarification about their individual PC risk. Extension of PancPRO is required to enable personalised PC risk assessment for all high-risk sub-groups. More detailed discussion of PC risk for BRCA2 pathogenic variant carriers, providing a written summary in all cases and a plan for genetics review were identified as areas for improvement.
Utilization and associated factors of emergency contraception among women seeking abortion services in health institutions of Dessie town, North East Ethiopia, 2018
Authors: Feleke Asres Eshetie , Nigussie Tewdros Seyoum , Debele Tibeb Zena
Published: October 2019

Objective

The aim of the study was to assess utilization and associated factors of emergency contraception among women seeking abortion services in Health Institutions of Dessie town, North East Ethiopia, 2018.

Results

Among the interviewed 784 women 400 (51%) utilized emergency contraception. Women’s age of 20–24 years [AOR: 2.10, (95% CI 1.200,3.671)], urban residence [AOR: 2.02 (95% CI 1.273, 3.218], being single [AOR: 1.71, (95% CI 1.176, 2.485)], being knowledgeable on emergency contraception [AOR: 5.66, (95% CI 3.976,8.070)], and having favorable attitude towards emergency contraception [AOR: 2.75 (95% CI 1.946, 3.881)] were significantly associated factors with the utilization of emergency contraceptives. Emphasis has to give on health education on emergency contraceptives focusing on those women who are from the rural area, older and married women.
Root-associated microbiomes of wheat under the combined effect of plant development and nitrogen fertilization
Authors: Chen Shuaimin , Waghmode Tatoba R. , Sun Ruibo , Kuramae Eiko E. , Hu Chunsheng , Liu Binbin
Published: October 2019

Background

Plant roots assemble microbial communities both inside the roots and in the rhizosphere, and these root-associated microbiomes play pivotal roles in plant nutrition and productivity. Although it is known that increased synthetic fertilizer input in Chinese farmlands over the past 50 years has resulted in not only increased yields but also environmental problems, we lack a comprehensive understanding of how crops under elevated nutrient input shape root-associated microbial communities, especially through adjusting the quantities and compositions of root metabolites and exudates.

Methods

The compositions of bacterial and fungal communities from the roots and rhizosphere of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under four levels of long-term inorganic nitrogen (N) fertilization were characterized at the tillering, jointing and ripening stages. The root-released organic carbon (ROC), organic acids in the root exudates and soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil active carbon (SAC) in the rhizosphere were quantified.

Results

ROC levels varied dramatically across wheat growth stages and correlated more with the bacterial community than with the fungal community. Rhizosphere SOC and SAC levels were elevated by long-term N fertilization but varied only slightly across growth stages. Variation in the microbial community structure across plant growth stages showed a decreasing trend with N fertilization level in the rhizosphere. In addition, more bacterial and fungal genera were significantly correlated in the jointing and ripening stages than in the tillering stage in the root samples. A number of bacterial genera that shifted in response to N fertilization, including Arthrobacter, Bacillus and Devosia, correlated significantly with acetic acid, oxalic acid, succinic acid and tartaric acid levels.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that both plant growth status and N input drive changes in the microbial community structure in the root zone of wheat. Plant growth stage demostrated a stronger influence on bacterial than on fungal community composition. A number of bacterial genera that have been described as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) responded positively to N fertilization, and their abundance correlated significantly with the organic acid level, suggesting that the secretion of organic acids may be a strategy developed by plants to recruit beneficial microbes in the root zone to cope with high N input. These results provide novel insight into the associations among increased N input, altered carbon availability, and shifts in microbial communities in the plant roots and rhizosphere of intensive agricultural ecosystems.
Wearable piezoresistive strain sensor based on graphene-coated three-dimensional micro-porous PDMS sponge
Authors: Jung Young , Jung Kyungkuk , Park Byunggeon , Choi Jaehyuk , Kim Donghwan , Park Jinhyoung , Ko Jongsoo , Cho Hanchul
Published: October 2019

We present a highly elastic and wearable piezoresistive strain sensor based on three-dimensional, micro-porous graphene-coated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) sponge suitable for being attached on human skin. The proposed strain sensors are simply fabricated by a sugar templating process and dip coating method based graphene ink in a facile and cost effective manner. The fabricated graphene-coated PDMS sponge shows highly stable mechanical properties in various tensile stress–strain test. A graphene thin film coated onto the backbone of PDMS sponges is used as the sensing materials of piezoresisitve strain sensors. The changes in resistance of the devices are highly stable, repeatable, and reversible when various strain is applied. Furthermore, the strain sensors show excellent sensing performance under different strain rate and mechanically robustness enough to be worked stably under repeated loads without any degradation.
The “Belt and Road Initiative”: impacts on TEN-T and on the European transport system
Authors: Dunmore Dick , Preti Alberto , Routaboul Clémence
Published: October 2019

China’s Belt and Road Initiative, announced in late 2013, includes the construction of land-based transport connections between Asia and Europe, the creation of an economic belt for Eurasian cooperation, and maritime routes between China and all continents with which it may trade. Within the European Union, it will interact with infrastructure and services provided in the private sector, by the Member States, and by the European Union including through the Trans-European Transport Network programme. This paper focuses on the scope for rail services between China and Europe to attract freight currently travelling by sea and air, and the resulting changes in relative accessibility and competitive attractiveness of different maritime and landlocked regions of Europe. It estimates that, by 2040, 3 million TEU of freight between the Far East and Europe might travel by rail, comprising 2.5 million TEU from sea and 0.5 million TEU from air. While it concludes that it is not possible to predict whether and where these transfers will require changes to the Trans-European Transport Network programme, it describes recommendations on how the programme should take the Belt and Road Initiative into account.
A cointegrating stock trading strategy: application to listed tanker shipping companies
Authors: Michail Nektarios A. , Melas Konstantinos D.
Published: October 2019

In the current paper, we propose a strategy to trade a portfolio of listed shipping companies in the US market. In particular, we estimate a co-integrating relationship between the weekly stock market returns of a portfolio of tanker shipping companies and the Baltic Tanker Index, exploiting the close relationship between freight rates and the stock market performance of shipping companies. Our results suggest that a trading strategy on the basis of a co-integrating relationship and a simple moving average rule outperforms, by approximately 50%, a standard buy-and-hold strategy in various investment horizons, often by a very wide margin. Given the latter, the results allow us to enhance the current literature on shipping finance by providing evidence of how simple investment strategies can benefit both retail and institutional investors who do not have direct exposure or experience in the shipping industry by allowing them to include shipping stocks in their portfolios.
Establishing the acceptability of a brief patient reported outcome measure and feasibility of implementing it in a breast device registry – a qualitative study
Authors: Ng Sze , Kirkman Maggie , Fisher Jane , Pusic Andrea , Parker Emily , Cooter Rodney D. , Elder Elisabeth , Moore Colin , McNeil John , Hopper Ingrid
Published: October 2019

Background

To examine the acceptability of a Patient Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) that assesses perceptions and experiences of implants for breast reconstruction or augmentation, and the feasibility of implementing it in the Australian Breast Device Registry (ABDR).

Methods

The BREAST-Q Implant Surveillance (BREAST-Q IS) is a 5-question PROM derived from the BREAST-Q questionnaire. It assesses perceptions of breast appearance and sensation, and experiences of pain. Breast implant recipients (recruited via community networks, social media and notices in surgeons’ rooms) and surgeons contributing to the ABDR were invited to review the BREAST-Q-IS. Participation was by individual semi-structured interviews by telephone or email, or by completion of a paper questionnaire. Transcripts of audio recordings and emailed text were analysed thematically.

Results

Twenty one breast implant recipients (10 after reconstruction and 11 augmentation), 8 surgeons (five plastic, three breast) and 2 medical professionals performing cosmetic surgeries were interviewed. Six themes were identified: Overall impression, Emotional response to the BREAST-Q IS, Method of follow-up, Suggested improvements, Group variation, and Potential Clinical utility. Overall, breast implant recipients and surgeons found the BREAST-Q IS to be acceptable and unlikely to provoke strong emotional reactions. Email was the preferred mode of contact. Most suggested improvements were to add questions. Surgeons expressed concern that subjective responses to the PROM might not accurately reflect experiences and that the PROM would predict need for revision rather than device failure.

Conclusion

This study supports the acceptability and feasibility of BREAST-Q IS as a PROM for recipients of breast implants. Further validation of the Breast-Q IS is required.
Smooth muscle differentiation shapes domain branches during mouse lung development
Authors: Goodwin Katharine , Mao Sheng , Guyomar Tristan , Miller Erin , Radisky Derek C. , Košmrlj Andrej , Nelson Celeste M.
Published: October 2019

During branching morphogenesis, a simple cluster of cells proliferates and branches to generate an arborized network that facilitates fluid flow. The overall architecture of the mouse lung is established by domain branching, wherein new branches form laterally off the side of an existing branch. The airway epithelium develops concomitantly with a layer of smooth muscle that is derived from the embryonic mesenchyme. Here, we examined the role of smooth muscle differentiation in shaping emerging domain branches. We found that the position and morphology of domain branches are highly stereotyped, as is the pattern of smooth muscle that differentiates around the base of each branch. Perturbing the pattern of smooth muscle differentiation genetically or pharmacologically causes abnormal domain branching. Loss of smooth muscle results in ectopic branching and decreases branch stereotypy. Increased smooth muscle suppresses branch initiation and extension. Computational modeling revealed that epithelial proliferation is insufficient to generate domain branches and that smooth muscle wrapping is required to shape the epithelium into a branch. Our work sheds light on the physical mechanisms of branching morphogenesis in the mouse lung.
Drosophila doublefault protein coordinates multiple events during male meiosis by controlling mRNA translation
Authors: Sechi Stefano , Frappaolo Anna , Karimpour-Ghahnavieh Angela , Gottardo Marco , Burla Romina , Di Francesco Laura , Szafer-Glusman Edith , Schininà Eugenia , Fuller Margaret T. , Saggio Isabella , Riparbelli Maria Giovanna , Callaini Giuliano , Giansanti Maria Grazia
Published: October 2019

During the extended prophase of Drosophila gametogenesis, spermatocytes undergo robust gene transcription and store many transcripts in the cytoplasm in a repressed state, until translational activation of select mRNAs in later steps of spermatogenesis. Here we characterize the Drosophila Doublefault (Dbf) protein as a C2H2-zinc finger protein, primarily expressed in testes, that is required for normal meiotic division and spermiogenesis. Loss of Dbf causes premature centriole disengagement and affects spindle structure, chromosome segregation and cytokinesis. We show that Dbf interacts with the RNA binding protein Syncrip/hnRNPQ, a key regulator of localized translation in Drosophila. We propose that the pleiotropic effects of dbf loss-of-function mutants are associated with the requirement for dbf function for translation of specific transcripts in spermatocytes. In agreement with this hypothesis, Dbf protein binds cyclin B mRNA and is essential for translation of cyclin B in mature spermatocytes.
EXERTIONAL (EXERCISE-INDUCED) RHABDOMYOLYSIS
Authors: Rider Brian C. , Coughlin Adam M. , Carlson Chad , Hew-Butler Tamara
Published: October 2019

Apply It!

Gain a better understanding of exertional rhabdomyolysis (ER).

Understand how ER can affect your clients/athletes, how to identify the signs and symptoms, and most importantly, learn how you can work to prevent it from developing.
COMBATING PHYSICAL INACTIVITY: THE ROLE OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS
Authors: Jaworski Carrie A.
Published: October 2019

Apply It!

• Partnering between health care providers and exercise specialists is needed to promote the successful implementation of physical activity guidelines in patients.

• Using an exercise or physical activity vital sign is the first step in determining a patient’s physical activity levels.

• Exercise prescriptions need to take into account patient preferences and abilities.

• Exercise is Medicine® (EIM) provides resources for clinicians and patients on physical activity implementation and benefits.
Insights from quantitative analysis and mathematical modelling on the proposed WHO 2030 goals for soil-transmitted helminths
Authors:   NTD Modelling Consortium discussion group on soil-transmitted helminths
Published: October 2019

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are a group of parasitic worms that infect humans, causing a wide spectrum of disease, notably anaemia, growth retardation, and delayed cognitive development. The three main STHs are Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale). Approximately 1.5 billion people are infected with STHs worldwide. The World Health Organization goal for 2030 is morbidity control, defined as reaching <2% prevalence of medium-to-high intensity infections in preschool-age children and school-age children (SAC). Treatment guidelines for achieving this goal have been recommended. The Neglected Tropical Diseases Modelling Consortium has developed mathematical and statistical models to quantify, predict, and evaluate the impact of control measures on STHs. These models show that the morbidity target can be achieved following current guidelines in moderate prevalence settings (20-50% in SAC). In high prevalence settings, semi-annual preventive chemotherapy (PC) ideally including adults, or at least women of reproductive age, is required. For T. trichiura, dual therapy with albendazole and ivermectin is required. In general, stopping PC is not possible without infection resurgence, unless effective measures for improved access to water, hygiene, and sanitation have been implemented, or elimination of transmission has been achieved. Current diagnostic methods are based on egg counts in stool samples, but these are known to have poor sensitivity at low prevalence levels. A target threshold for novel, more sensitive diagnostics should be defined relative to currently preferred diagnostics (Kato-Katz). Our analyses identify the extent of systematic non-access to treatment and the individual patterns of compliance over multiple rounds of treatment as the biggest unknowns and the main impediment to reaching the target. Moreover, the link between morbidity and infection intensity has not been fully elucidated. By providing more insights on all the above, we aim to inform discussions on the goals and treatment guidelines for STHs.
Climatology
Authors: Кислов Александр , Kislov Aleksandr , Суркова Галина , Surkova Galina
Published: October 2019

The textbook contains information about the features of the modern climate, the Genesis of its formation, the mechanisms of change. The properties of the climate system, its energy, properties of water vapor and carbon dioxide — the most important substances for the greenhouse effect-are described. The past and future of the climate are summarized. The geography of climates is considered from the standpoint of explaining the mechanisms of formation of regional climatic features.
Meets the Federal state educational standards of higher education of the last generation.
For students of higher educational institutions studying in the areas of training 05.03.02 "Geography" and 05.03.04 "Hydrometeorology".
Medical anthropology
Authors: Калмин Олег , Kalmin Oleg , Галкина Татьяна , Galkina Tat'yana
Published: October 2019

Materials on theoretical human morphology are presented. The basic principles of modern morphology, features of growth and development of an organism, structure of a body and Constitution of the person are considered; extensive data on physical development, the General sizes and proportions of a body are resulted. The analysis of age, sex, ethno-territorial variations of separate organs and systems of organs is given: musculoskeletal system, Central and peripheral nervous system, sense organs, cardiovascular system, internal organs, blood, etc. some applied aspects of morphological studies are Described.
For medical students enrolled in an enlarged group of specialties 31.05.00 "Clinical medicine".
Foreign experience of legal regulation of administrative and judicial procedures related to compulsory medical intervention
Authors: Соловьёв Андрей , Solovyev Andrey
Published: October 2019

The publication is a comparative legal study of foreign experience in the implementation of administrative and judicial procedures related to
with compulsory medical intervention, in a number of countries in Europe, the Americas, Asia, as well as Africa and Australia.
The monograph deals with both General issues and features of legal regulation of these procedures in certain foreign countries.
It is intended for researchers, teachers, postgraduates, undergraduates and law students specializing in the theory of law and the state, constitutional, administrative, medical law, as well as issues of administrative proceedings. It can be useful for persons involved in law-making activities, judges, employees of the judicial system, lawyers, legal practitioners, medical professionals, as well as for anyone interested in this range of issues.
Monitoring of constructed and operated buildings
Authors: Леонович Сергей , Leonovich Sergey , Снежков Дмитрий , Snezhkov Dmitriy , Доркин Валентин , Dorkin Valentin
Published: October 2019

The monograph considers a wide range of issues related to the determination of strength characteristics of concrete by non-destructive methods. The physical principles of the main methods of non-destructive testing of concrete in structures are stated, promising directions of improvement of non-destructive methods are considered. Much attention is paid to the development of ultrasonic methods of concrete testing. The extensive experimental material of laboratory tests and the results of field tests at construction sites, which are considered from the standpoint of the current standards and the introduced norms of the European Union, are presented. The results of long-term observation of deformations of the supporting frame of a high-rise building obtained using an automated monitoring system are presented.
It is intended for engineering and technical workers of construction laboratories, designers, specialists engaged in the design and use of non-destructive testing of concrete, and will also be useful to students, undergraduates, graduate students and teachers of higher educational institutions dealing with quality control in construction.
Stimulating the Search Activity of Primary Schoolchildren in the Process of Solving Educational Problems
Authors: Аксючиц Светлана , Aksyuchic Svetlana
Published: October 2019

The article raises the problem of the formation of the search activity of younger schoolchildren and the formation of their subjective position in learning. The essence of the concept of “educational task” is revealed as a component of educational activity. The structure of the lesson is described, in the process of which the skills of younger schoolchildren to solve educational problems that are aimed at mastering generalized methods of objective actions are formed. This provides the opportunity for students to master the system of scientific concepts that allows selfdevelopment and self-learning. A concrete example of solving the educational problem in the lesson of the Russian language in the second grade is given.
Macroscopic Traffic Dynamics Under Fast-Varying Demand
Authors: Leclercq Ludovic , Paipuri Mahendra
Published: October 2019

Aggregated dynamic traffic models based on the network macroscopic fundamental diagram (MFD) have been founded on stationary or steady-state approximations. Theoretically, they are only qualified with slow-varying demand profiles as inputs. In practice, MFD models are often fed with fast-varying demand patterns classically observed during peak hours. This paper investigates the accuracy of existing MFD model outputs in such a case. It also provides a fresh look at hysteresis loops that may arise on MFD shapes and shows how they are connected to the demand profile. First derived are the exact solutions of the Lighthill, Whitham, and Richards (LWR) model for a simple but meaningful test case corresponding to the loading and the recovery of an arterial with a single bottleneck. The spatial integration of these solutions permits to derive the average flow- and outflow-MFD patterns. The average flow-MFD exhibits a clockwise hysteresis loop with higher flows during the network loading than during the recovery. The outflow MFD shows an opposite trend with a counterclockwise hysteresis loop. The detailed analysis of the LWR solution highlights that these patterns are fully driven by the congestion dynamics and different wave propagation during both periods. This complements existing studies that tend to explain hysteresis by heterogeneous network loading due to unbalanced flows at intersections. It should be noted that the size of the production-MFD hysteresis loop is influenced by the demand loading profile, which means that the MFD is more sensitive to the demand than initially expected. The second part of the paper is about the implications of these observations on the MFD simulation. The main conclusion is that the accumulation-based formulation captures properly the aggregate dynamics of the LWR model during saturation but not in free-flow. It should be calibrated with an average flow-MFD that does not account for the hysteresis pattern to properly estimate the outflow. On the contrary, the original formulation of the trip-based model is only valid in free-flow. During saturation, it should be patched to modify the outflow values. The best approach is a hybrid model that combines the trip-based model in free-flow and the accumulation-based model during saturation. Note that in free-flow the trip-based model is better fed by the average flow-MFD with hysteresis as it gives better estimation for the mean speed. Finally, some evidences are presented and tend to confirm that all the conclusions remain valid for more complex urban settings.
Why the NHS needs to radically rethink chronic wound care
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: October 2019

Mark Greener details the burden of managing chronic and acute wounds in primary care
The overlap between asthma and COPD: a case study
Authors: Ray Emma , Kelly Carol
Published: October 2019

Many patients have contemporaneous features of asthma and COPD, and it is estimated that a significant proportion of these patients have asthma-COPD overlap, write Emma Ray and Carol Kelly
News Analysis
Authors: McAlees Melissa
Published: October 2019

A concerning number of residents in care homes are not receiving adequate dental health support, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has warned
Promoting the consumer voice: the role of Healthwatch Salford's Enter and View programme
Authors: Leigh Jacqueline , Lawson Delana , Griffin Safia , Bolton Natalie Yates
Published: October 2019

The daily business of running a care home means that, outside of regulatory inspections, assessing and improving the user experience can often be forgotten. Healthwatch Salford discuss their process of gaining constructive feedback using their innovative Enter and View programme
Managing pressure ulcers: the best equipment to use
Authors: Harris Adrienne
Published: October 2019

Pressure ulcer management remains a key area of tissue viability nursing that applies to all disciplines and healthcare professionals alike. Adrienne Harris examines the research and informs us of the best evidence-based tools to achieve effective management
Hypertension and dementia: the connection revealed
Authors: Palmer Sarah Jane
Published: October 2019

Recent research has provided new insights into the damaging effect of hypertension in early adulthood to midlife, as well as its connection to the development of dementia. Sarah Jane Palmer delves into the study's fascinating discoveries
Holding the CQC to account: looking at the bottom line
Authors: Frankova Helena
Published: October 2019

Is the Care Quality Commission's annual expenditure—almost £228 million in 2018/19—yielding results? Helena Frankova looks for answers in the CQC's latest annual report and accounts
Deprivation of liberty: a balancing act, part two
Authors: Burrows Claire
Published: October 2019

In the first article of this two-part series, Claire Burrows examined the legislation and key principles behind a deprivation of liberty as a means of safeguarding vulnerable people. In this final installment, she continues by examining the practicalities and its application
Dealing with recruitment issues in the care sector
Authors: Bernstein Adam
Published: October 2019

How to find the right staff at the right cost is a problem for many business sectors when recruiting. However, for the care sector, the issue is more acute because—added to these criteria—is the need to find enough staff. Adam Bernstein investigates
The weakest link in the corporate chain
Authors: Windatt Peter
Published: October 2019

Rogue directors, money launderers and fraudsters looking to make easy money find the corporate veil of a company is a very good place to hide. Peter Windatt examines the statutory framework and explains how to protect your care home
Prediction of N, P, and K Contents in Sugarcane Leaves by VIS-NIR Spectroscopy and Modeling of NPK Interaction Effects
Authors: Wang Ce , Li Xiuhua , Wang Lijia , Yang Ce , Chen Xiao , Li Minzan , Ma Shaodui
Published: October 2019

Methods were studied to predict the N, P, and K contents in sugarcane leaves quickly and accurately at the seedling, tillering, and elongation stages from leaf spectral reflectance. A total of 117 valid leaf samples were used to obtain leaf spectral reflectance with an indoor VIS-NIR spectrophotometer. Using the spectral data processed by CARS-PCA as an independent variable, a six-fold cross-validated PLS model for N, P, and K contents was established. The R2 values of the CARS-PCA-PLS models for N, P, and K prediction were 0.859, 0.677, and 0.932, respectively. Correlation analysis of the predicted N, P, and K contents was performed to explore the interaction effects between N, P, and K. To simulate the interaction effects among the three nutrients, 19 factors were assumed, including possible linear, quadratic, and cubic relationships between N, P, and K, and multi-factor cubic polynomial PLS and MLR regression models were established from those factors. In the modified MLR models, the determinants of N, P, and K were 0.891, 0.802, and 0.944, respectively, which improved the performance of the models by 3.7%, 18.5%, and 1.3%, respectively, compared with the CARS-PCA-PLS models, which were based on the spectral reflectance data. The results showed that application of VIS-NIR spectra combined with interaction effects between the nutrients could effectively predict the N, P, and K contents in the early and middle growth stages of sugarcane.

Highlights

Competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) was adopted to select wavebands for nutrient prediction.

N, P, and K interaction effects were simulated with 19 factors, including linear, quadratic, and cubic relationships.

The interaction factors were used in multiple linear regression models, and improved prediction was achieved.

Keywords: CARS-PCA, Interaction effect, NPK, Sugarcane, VIS-NIR spectroscopy.
Desafios da Implementação do Sistema de Controle e Gestão SAP em uma Empresa de Logística e Transporte
Authors: Santos Tayara Paraíba , Caliman Douglas Roriz
Published: October 2019

O estudo versa sobre o processo de implantação de um de sistema de controle e gestão empresarial denominado Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), com o objetivo de investigar os desafios da sua implementação em uma empresa de logística e transporte. Trata-se de pesquisa de natureza qualitativa e exploratória, cujos dados foram coletados por meio de roteiro semiestruturado e documentos. A análise demonstrou que, embora o sistema SAP seja considerado uma ferramenta muito importante para o gerenciamento, a sua implementação foi caracterizada por riscos associados à necessidade de obter reconhecimento institucional e aceitação interna. Conclui-se que as principais dificuldades encontradas estão relacionadas a mudanças organizacionais e a aceitação da nova função pelo usuário.
Em Busca da Legitimidade: o Caso de um Hospital Comunitário à Beira do Colapso
Authors: Oliveira Alechssandra Ressetti , Oporto Ana Carolina
Published: October 2019

As organizações hospitalares, por sua natureza, cumprem importante papel na sociedade. A gestão dessas organizações tem sido desafiada a buscar maior eficiência, eficácia e relevância social dos seus serviços. Este trabalho teve como propósito investigar o processo de legitimação da imagem de um hospital comunitário, que passou por um processo de intervenção judicial. Para tanto, foram analisadas ações estratégicas adotadas pela equipe de intervenção para a recuperação da sua imagem. Dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas, observação não participante e documentos. Os resultados demostraram que as principais ações estratégicas adotadas pela gestão do hospital para superação da crise foram: pagamento de médicos e funcionários, reprogramação da gestão financeira, readequação do quadro de funcionários e respectivas funções, bem como transparência dos processos. Concluiu-se que a legitimidade – essencial para as organizações – é imprescindível no caso de hospitais, especialmente ao se considerar o seu papel social na sociedade.