bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a Lower Leg Support Exoskeleton on Floor and Below Hip Height Panel Work
Authors: Pillai Minerva V. , Van Engelhoven Logan , Kazerooni Homayoon
Published: March 2020

Objective

The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of using a leg support exoskeleton (legX) in different modes on simulated work tasks which emulate real-world job tasks.

Background

Prolonged kneeling and squatting tasks increase the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders at the knee in industrial occupations.

Methods

We evaluated legX capable of spring assistance throughout one’s range of motion and/or locking support at a fixed angular position. Participants performed a dynamic panel task, alternating between hip and knee height, and a sustained floor level task with and without the exoskeleton. The exoskeleton was evaluated in spring mode, locking mode, and spring + locking mode for the panel task and only in locking mode for the floor task. The participants’ ( N = 15) muscle activity was recorded for the right lumbar erector spinae, thoracic erector spinae, tibialis anterior, rectus femoris, semitendinosus, and lateral gastrocnemius.

Results

Significant reduction of the rectus femoris activity was observed with the exoskeleton (median reduction: 22%–56% and peak reduction: 12%–48% for the panel task and median reduction: 57% and peak reduction:34% during the floor task).

Conclusion

legX significantly reduces rectus femoris activity during squatted static (floor) and dynamic (panel) work and may reduce pain and discomfort associated with squatting and potentially reduce the risk of developing knee disorders. Dynamic tasks benefit from both locking modes and spring assistance, the greatest benefit occurring with a combination of the two.

Application

These results show that the legX can be beneficial to activities such as electrical panel work, grinding, sanding of larger surfaces, and concrete laying.
Wrinkle recovery angle enhancement and tensile strength loss of 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid finished lyocell fabrics
Authors: Ke Guizhen , Xiao Zhiheng , Jin Xinya , Yu Lixiang , Li Jianqiang , Zhang Huixia
Published: March 2020

The formaldehyde-free crease-proof finishing agent 1,2,3,4,-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) was used to treat lyocell fabrics. The effects of BTCA concentration and curing temperature on the wrinkle recovery angle (WRA) and tensile breaking strength of lyocell fabrics were discussed. The results showed that with the increase of BTCA concentration and curing temperature, the WRA value of lyocell fabrics increased obviously and the maximum WRA reached 147°, but breaking strength decreased gradually and the minimum strength retention was 68%. The WRA was durable against laundering. The fabric whiteness difference was not obvious and the whiteness retention of all samples exceeded 98%. After further alkali treatment, the WRA of the treated lyocell fabrics decreased and the fracture strength retention recovered to varying degrees (0.45–10.8%). The developed regression equations were found to be in good correlation ( r2 > 92%) with the selected variables (tensile strength, BTCA concentration, curing temperature). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed that the tensile strength loss of BTCA-treated lyocell fabrics was caused by cross-linking of cellulose molecules and acid degradation. Tensile strength loss that resulted from ester bonding could be restored after hydrolysis in alkaline solution. The recoverable magnitude of tensile strength was related to the curing temperature. A high temperature not only promoted the cross-linking of cellulose macromolecules, but also accelerated the acid degradation of cellulose.
Effect of corrugated structure on the collapsing of the small-diameter vascular scaffolds
Authors: Akbari Saeed , Mohebbi-Kalhori Davod , Samimi Abdolreza
Published: March 2020

Major barriers to the development of a desirable small-diameter vascular scaffold are the compliance mismatch between natural and artificial vessels and low long-term patency. In the present study, the electrospinning technique was performed to fabricate three different structures, i.e. non-corrugated, radial corrugated, and axial corrugated, for small-diameter vascular graft. The compliance measurement shows that the value of dynamic compliance for the crimping structures is lower than that of the simple structure and decreases in the order: non-corrugated structure > radial corrugated structure > axial corrugated structure. The crimping in the axial direction decreases the more than requirement compliance of Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) scaffolds. The scaffolds should maintain its tubular shape during the grafting to avoid any collapsing, hence, the setup for measuring the resistance of scaffold against radial compression was designed and the result was reported as the dimensionless collapse coefficient. For non-corrugated, radial corrugated, and axial corrugated structures at constant intraluminal pressure, the required external pressure corresponding to the collapse coefficients equal to 0.5 were 140.92 ± 3.43, 136.51 ± 2.53, and 152.26 ± 3.08 mmHg, respectively. The reinforcing role of the axial crimping shifts the collapsing threshold to higher external pressure. Besides, the fabricated scaffolds provided the burst strength very close to those of the native blood vessels.
Pornography, Masculinity, and Sexual Aggression on College Campuses
Authors: de Heer Brooke A. , Prior Sarah , Hoegh Gia
Published: March 2020

Past research has indicated that there is a relationship between pornography consumption and sexually aggressive behavior. This study sought to expand an understanding of that relationship by examining measures of masculinity among a sample of undergraduate heterosexual males ( N = 152) along with pornography consumption variables to assess the predictive value that both pornography consumption and varying levels of masculinity have on sexual aggression. Linear regression analyses indicate that males who had higher scores on the Likelihood of Sexual Force (LSF) measure consumed pornography more often and were more likely to watch male-dominant pornography. In addition, males who had higher scores on LSF exhibited higher masculinity scores on two scales. Results are discussed in the context of the complexities of masculinity and pornography consumption and the implications for prevention programs on college campuses.
Effects of waveform shape of pulsatile blood flow on hemodynamics in an artery bifurcation model
Authors: Huang Qiuxiang , Sun Jianhong , Xu Changyue
Published: March 2020

Pulsatile non-Newtonian fluid flow was simulated in an artery bifurcation model, with three different inlet flow waveform shapes and an identical inlet mean velocity steady-state condition, to quantify the impact of three different waveform shapes on hemodynamics such as flow patterns, wall shear stress, and oscillatory shear index during a cardiac cycle. It was found that the degree of flow separation is insensitive to changes in flow waveform shape. There is remarkable similarity in the position and magnitude of the maximum wall shear stress at peak systole and the maximum time-averaged wall shear stress for all examined cases. The oscillatory shear index distributions are broadly similar except that the local maximum oscillatory shear index increases proportionally with the pulsatility index of the waveform shape. The maximum oscillatory shear index values on the planar branch are within 8.7% in all examined cases, while these oscillatory shear index values on the nonplanar branch are identical due to the effects of its curvature. The negligible hemodynamic differences between simplified and characteristic waveform cases suggest that changes in waveform shape play a minimal role in the progression and development of atherosclerosis. Although the computed hemodynamics is almost consistent for the three different waveform shapes, several slight differences were observed.
Relationship of T2 Value of High-signal Line on MRI to the Fragment in Osteochondral Lesion of the Talus
Authors: Nakasa Tomoyuki , Ikuta Yasunari , Ota Yuki , Kanemitsu Munekazu , Sumii Junichi , Nekomoto Akinori , Adachi Nobuo
Published: March 2020

Background:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful for evaluating the stability of an osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT). A T2 high-signal line between the fragment and its bed on MRI is known as a reliable indicator of an unstable lesion. However, the lesion exhibits various conditions even if a T2 high-signal line is observed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the T2 value of a high-signal line and the condition of the area between the fragment and its bed in OLT.

Methods:

T2 values of the T2 high-signal line and those of joint fluid were measured from preoperative MRI images in 46 ankles with OLT and the T2 ratio (high-signal line / joint fluid) was calculated. The relationship between the T2 ratio and CT, arthroscopic, and histologic findings was examined.

Results:

The mean T2 ratio was 0.48. T2 ratios of cystic lesions (0.62) or bone absorption (0.67) in the bed were significantly higher than those without a cyst (0.40) or no absorption (0.40). The T2 ratio of an unstable lesion (0.51) was significantly lower than that of a stable lesion (0.29). In histologic findings, there were 2 separate patterns: chondral and subchondral bone separations. The T2 ratio of the chondral separation (0.60) was significantly higher than that of bone separation (0.48).

Conclusion:

This study showed that the T2 ratio on a high-signal line was a predictor of stability, cyst, and bone absorption in OLT.

Level of evidence:

Level III, comparative series.
Free vibration and axial compression of all-metallic cylindrical and truncated conical sandwich shells with corrugated cores
Authors: Yang Mao , Han Bin , Su Peng-Bo , Wei Zi-Han , Zhang Qi , Zhang Qian-Cheng , Lu Tian Jian
Published: March 2020

All-metallic sandwich-walled cylindrical and conical structures for aerospace applications often require simultaneous excellent vibration and load-carrying capacities. In the present study, the free vibration and axial compression behaviors of cylindrical and truncated conical sandwich shells with corrugated cores are investigated using a combined experimental and numerical approach. Excellent agreement between experimental measurements and finite element simulations for representative vibration and axial compression characteristics is achieved. Parametric studies based on the response surface model are subsequently performed to quantify the influence of key geometrical parameters on vibration and axial compression performance. A multi-functional collaborative design to meet the requirement of high load-bearing capacity subjected to the constraint of low natural frequency is also carried out, which demonstrates the unique advantages of the novel sandwich-walled shells for aeronautical and astronautical applications.
Quasi-static compressive strength of polymethacrylimide foam-filled square carbon fiber reinforced composite honeycombs
Authors: Zhou Hao , Liu Rongzhong , Hu Yubing , Song Pu , Guo Rui
Published: March 2020

A novel polymethacrylimide foam-filled square carbon fiber reinforced composite honeycomb core was proposed and prepared. Numerical simulations and theoretical predictions were conducted to study the quasi-static compressive strength of the hybrid core. The effects of material and structural parameters on the compressive strength of the core were analyzed. The results show that the failure modes of the core under quasi-static compression include elastic buckling and plastic fracture failure. The change law of the compressive strength of the core with the increase in the relative density can be divided into three phases, including post-buckling load bearing stage, buckling failure stage, and fracture stage. The failure modes of the core and the change law of the compressive strength with the increase of the relative density vary with the material and structural parameters. The research provides an accurate method to predict the compressive strength of the foam-filled composite honeycomb, which can help to guide the design and optimization of light weight and energy-efficient sandwich cores.
‘Boys mostly just want to have sex’: Young Indigenous people talk about relationships and sexual intimacy in remote, rural and regional Australia
Authors: Senior Kate , Chenhall Richard , Helmer Janet
Published: March 2020

This article seeks to understand Indigenous Australian young people's relationships and their experiences of sexual intimacy. A cohort of Indigenous 16–25-year-olds from urban, rural and remote communities were invited to participate in a collaborative method involving scenario-based body mapping. In these activities, young people discussed the range and complexity of their relationships and how constructions and interpretations of relationships contribute to both positive and negative experiences. These rich understandings provide important insights into adolescent sexuality as ‘multidimensional, socially constructed and negotiated'. However, they also point to the continued gendered power inequalities that subordinate young women's lives to the desires and control of young men.
The role of institutional and family embeddedness in the failure of Sub-Saharan African migrant family businesses
Authors: Hack-Polay Dieu , Igwe Paul Agu , Madichie Nnamdi O
Published: March 2020

There is considerable interest among European politicians and policymakers in how to integrate migrants in the local and national economy. Drawing on in-depth qualitative interviews with 20 owners of Sub-Saharan African migrant family businesses (SSAMBs) in the United Kingdom, this article critically examines why SSAMBs fail or underperform. This investigation draws upon three streams of literature – notably migrant business failure, institutional theory and family embeddedness. The findings highlight the challenges of doing business and the reasons for business failure among this group. These are different from other small businesses and include culture, family interference and ethnicity. The main contribution of the article lies in the development of a conceptual model that highlights the relationships between institutional contexts and migrant family business outcomes. The model proposes that institution and family embeddedness results in the enactment of ethnic behaviours that drive migrant businesses into cultural markets leading to business underperformance or failure.
Liminal States of Disorienting Dilemmas: Two Case Studies of English Teacher Candidates
Authors: McConn Matthew L. , Geetter Donna
Published: March 2020

Research has shown that progressive methods taught in teacher education programs have little impact on traditional approaches teacher candidates encounter during their internship semester. To understand how to better address this disconnect with regard to preparing teacher candidates, the study reported here used instrumental case studies to examine two secondary English teacher candidates’ beliefs about teaching literature before, during, and after their student teaching semester. Through theoretical frameworks on learning processes, the researchers discovered discrepancies within the student teachers’ stated beliefs, lesson plans, videos of teaching, and their responses to interview questions. These discrepancies reveal both unexamined assumptions and a state of liminality, reflecting the process of transformation in their learning. The researchers suggest that education programs look at potential implications that are inherent in a state of liminality with regard to pedagogical content knowledge to better prepare teacher candidates for their experience in teacher education programs.
A Collective Emotion in Medieval Italy: The Flagellant Movement of 1260
Authors: Nagy Piroska , Biron-Ouellet Xavier
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this article is to open a dialogue between research in social sciences concerning collective emotion and historical investigation concerning a religious and political movement of the Middle Ages. The main idea is to consider the Flagellant movement of 1260 as a collective emotion which, beyond the affects pertaining to it, is also a social practice that finds its efficiency in the spiritual meaning of its collective display, demonstrating the rationality of a seemingly irrational religious phenomenon.
Cross-cultural adaptation and measurement properties of the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation for the Persian language
Authors: Shafiee Erfan , Farzad Maryam , Macdermid Joy , Smaeel Beygi Amirreza , Vafaei Atefeh , Farhoud Amirreza
Published: March 2020

Introduction

The Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) questionnaire is a tool designed for self-assessment of forearm pain and disability in patients with tennis elbow. The aims of this study were to translate and cross-culturally adapt the PRTEE questionnaire into Persian and evaluate its reliability and construct validity.

Methods

The PRTEE questionnaire was translated into and cross-culturally adapted to Persian in 90 consecutive patients with tennis elbow, according to well-established guidelines. Reliability was tested by means of test–retest and internal consistency. The measurement error was measured by calculating the standard error of measurement. Based on the standard error of measurement, the minimum detectable change was calculated. To evaluate construct and convergent validity, correlation with the PRTEE with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire and Visual analogue scale was used.

Results

In the process of cross-cultural adaptation, two items (6 and 8) were modified. In item 6, the term “door knob” was changed to “turn a key”, and in the item 8, “cup of coffee” was changed to “cup of milk”. Item-total correlations were greater than 0.55 (ranged from 0.55 to 0.76), internal consistency was high (Cronbach’s alpha, 0.94) and a high intraclass correlation coefficient (0.98) indicated excellent reliability of the P-PRTEE. The standard error of measurement and minimum detectable change were 5.40 and 14.24, respectively. The Persian version of the PRTEE questionnaire (P-PRTEE) shows strong construct and convergent validity ( r values = 0.85, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The P-PRTEE is valid and reliable in assessing disability and pain in Persian patients with tennis elbow. The excellent psychometric properties of the P-PRTEE endorse the use of this questionnaire in clinical settings.
Retinal correlates of psychiatric disorders
Authors: Almonte Melanie T. , Capellàn Pamela , Yap Timothy E. , Cordeiro Maria Francesca
Published: March 2020

Diagnosis and monitoring of psychiatric disorders rely heavily on subjective self-reports of clinical symptoms, which are complicated by the varying consistency of accounts reported by patients with an impaired mental state. Hence, more objective and quantifiable measures have been sought to provide clinicians with more robust methods to evaluate symptomology and track progression of disease in response to treatments. Owing to the shared origins of the retina and the brain, it has been suggested that changes in the retina may correlate with structural and functional changes in the brain. Vast improvements in retinal imaging, namely optical coherence tomography (OCT) and electrodiagnostic technology, have made it possible to investigate the eye at a microscopic level, allowing for the investigation of potential biomarkers in vivo. This review provides a summary of retinal biomarkers associated with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression, demonstrating how retinal biomarkers may be used to complement existing methods and provide structural markers of pathophysiological mechanisms that underpin brain dysfunction in psychiatric disorders.
Assessing the Presence of Post-Traumatic Stress and Turnover Intention Among Nurses Post–Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Outbreak: The Importance of Supervisor Support
Authors: Jung Heeja , Jung Sun Young , Lee Mi Hyang , Kim Mi Sun
Published: March 2020

Background: South Korea faced the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreak for the first time in 2015, which resulted in 186 infected patients and 39 deaths. This study investigated the level of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and turnover intention, the relationship between PTSD and turnover intention, and the buffering effect of supervisor support among nurses post-MERS outbreak. Methods: In total, 300 nurses from three of 15 isolation hospitals in South Korea were invited to participate. We collected data pertaining to PTSD, turnover intention, supervisor support, work-related factors, and socio-demographic factors through a structured survey distributed to the nurses at the hospitals after the outbreak. For the statistical analyses, descriptive statistics and multiple regression were employed. Findings: Of the 147 participants, 33.3% were involved in the direct care of the infected patients, whereas 66.7% were involved in the direct care of the suspected patients. More than half (57.1%) of the nurses experienced PTSD, with 25.1% experienced full PTSD and 32.0% with moderate or some level of PTSD. The mean score of turnover intention was 16.3, with the score range of 4 to 20. The multiple regression analysis revealed that PTSD was positively associated with turnover intention, and supervisor support had a strong buffering effect. Conclusion/Application to Practice: These findings confirmed that after a fatal infectious disease outbreak like MERS, nurses experience high level of PTSD and show high intention to leave. Organizational strategies to help nurses to cope with stress and to prevent turnover intention, especially using supervisor support, would be beneficial.
Clinical outcomes of arthroscopic lateral ulnar collateral ligament repair with or without intra-articular fracture
Authors: Seo Joong-Bae , Yi Hyung-Suk , Kim Kyu-Beom , Yoo Jae-Sung
Published: March 2020

Background:

The pathoanatomy and biomechanics of elbow instability have been previously reported; however, few researchers have dealt with the operative management and clinical consequence of recurrent elbow instability. Recent studies on arthroscopic lateral collateral ligament (LCL) complex repair have reported successful outcomes similar to those achieved by open repair. We aimed to determine the validity of arthroscopic repair of the LCL complex in elbows with unstable dislocation with or without intra-articular fracture.

Methods:

Eighteen consecutive patients who had undergone arthroscopic repair of the LCL complex for unstable dislocation of the elbow with or without intra-articular fracture and who were followed for at least 12 months were included in the study. Ligament injury combined with coronoid and/or radial head fractures were treated with arthroscopic technique. Pain, range of motion, clinical outcomes based on the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), and surgical complications were evaluated.

Results:

At 12 months follow-up, all 18 patients demonstrated complete settlement of the instability and mean (and standard deviation) extension of 1.7 ± 3.8°, flexion of 138.3 ± 3.8°, supination of 88.6 ± 5.3°, and pronation of 88.2 ± 5.6°. The average MEPS was 97.7 ± 3.9 points and according to this validated outcome score. However, slight widening (2 mm) of the radiocapitellar joint space was accompanied in one patient, although the varus stress test and pivot shift test were not observed. One patient showed delayed union of the anteromedial facet fracture, and two patients showed pin site irritation, which was a complication of arthroscopic coronoid fracture fixation and was fully resolved after pin removal.

Conclusion:

In patients with unstable elbow dislocation, with or without an intra-articular fracture, arthroscopic repair of the LCL complex is an effective and alternative treatment option that can restore elbow stability and have satisfactory clinical and radiographic results.
Subscapularis Repair During Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Using a Stem-Based Double-Row Repair: Sonographic and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Erickson Brandon J. , Shishani Yousef , Bishop Meghan E. , Patel Midhat , Jones Stacy , Romeo Anthony A. , Lederman Evan S. , Gobezie Reuben
Published: March 2020

Background:

Treatment of the subscapularis in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is a controversial topic, with conflicting evidence regarding outcomes after repair.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to report clinical and sonographic outcomes of a through-implant double-row suture technique for subscapularis repair in RTSA and to compare clinical outcomes and range of motion (ROM) between patients with an intact subscapularis tendon repair versus those whose tendon repair was not intact. The authors hypothesized that the novel repair technique would find more than 80% of tendons intact on ultrasound, with significant improvement in clinical outcome scores and ROM. The authors also hypothesized that patients with an intact subscapularis tendon repair would have better clinical outcomes compared with those with a nonintact tendon repair.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

The study included all patients who underwent RTSA by 1 of 2 surgeons between August 2016 and March 2017 with the through-implant double-row suture technique for subscapularis repair. Subscapularis tendon integrity was assessed postoperatively via ultrasound at minimum 1-year follow-up. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and pain visual analog scale (VAS) scores were recorded at the final follow-up visit in addition to ROM measures.

Results:

A total of 48 patients (31 males, 17 females; mean age, 68.9 ± 7.4 years; mean follow-up, 13.8 ± 2.1 months) were included. On ultrasound, the subscapularis was intact in 83.3% of patients. Regarding preoperative versus postoperative outcome scores, the ASES score (mean ± SD) significantly improved from 38.3 ± 14.7 to 81.9 ± 13.6, the SANE score significantly improved from 29.8 ± 24.2 to 75.5 ± 21.0, and the VAS pain score significantly improved from 5.9 ± 2.1 to 1.2 ± 1.6 ( P < .001 for all). Forward flexion and external rotation significantly improved. No significant difference existed in clinical outcome scores or ROM between patients with intact versus torn subscapularis tendons based on ultrasound.

Conclusion:

Subscapularis repair using a stem-based double-row repair technique during RTSA demonstrated an overall healing rate of 83.3%, as evidenced by ultrasound examination at short-term follow-up. Integrity of subscapularis repair did not affect clinical outcome or ROM.
Comparing Internet Experiences and Prosociality in Amazon Mechanical Turk and Population-Based Survey Samples
Authors: Hargittai Eszter , Shaw Aaron
Published: March 2020

Given the high cost of traditional survey administration (postal mail, phone) and the limits of convenience samples such as university students, online samples offer a much welcomed alternative. Amazon Mechanical Turk (AMT) has been especially popular among academics for conducting surveys and experiments. Prior research has shown that AMT samples are not representative of the general population along some dimensions, but evidence suggests that these differences may not undermine the validity of AMT research. The authors revisit this comparison by analyzing responses to identical survey questions administered to both a U.S. national sample and AMT participants at the same time. The authors compare the two samples on sociodemographic factors, online experiences, and prosociality. The authors show that the two samples are different not just demographically but also regarding their online behaviors and standard survey measures of prosocial behaviors and attitudes. The authors discuss the implications of these findings for data collected on AMT.
Clinical developments in epigenetic-directed therapies in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Pan Darren , Rampal Raajit , Mascarenhas John
Published: March 2020

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly heterogeneous disease arising from acquired genetic and epigenetic aberrations which stifle normal development and differentiation of hematopoietic precursors. Despite the complex and varied biological underpinnings, induction therapy for AML has remained fairly uniform over 4 decades and outcomes remain poor for most patients. Recently, enhanced understanding of the leukemic epigenome has resulted in the translational investigation of a number of epigenetic modifying agents currently in various stages of clinical development. These novel therapies are based on mechanistic rationale and offer the potential to improve AML patient outcomes. In light of many recent advances in this field, we provide an updated, clinically oriented review of the evolving landscape of epigenetic modifying agents for the treatment of AML.
The six-gene expression signature in whole sampled sputum provides clinically feasible inflammatory phenotyping of asthma
Authors: Frøssing Laurits , Kjærsgaard Klein Ditte , Backer Vibeke , Baines Katherine Joanne , Porsbjerg Celeste
Published: March 2020

Processing of induced sputum is time consuming and requires trained personnel, and consequently the use of induced sputum is limited to few sites globally. The six-gene signature (6GS) is an mRNA-based gene signature that was developed to provide a clinically feasible method for inflammatory phenotyping. In this study, we assessed whether the 6GS would perform similarly in induced sputum sampled using a simplified method, by which induced sputum can be sampled and stored directly for later qPCR analyses, to the conventional method of manual plug selection.

Two separate sputum samples were collected from 27 patients with asthma; one processed as a whole sample in an Oragene-RNA RE 100 vial and one processed using manual plug selection. Expression of 6GS was measured in both samples, of which 20 pairs (74%) had enough samples and results of sufficient quality of gene expression for further analyses.

We found a significantly higher median RNA concentration in whole sampled sputum and consistently stronger gene expression compared to the plug method. Further, we found the two methods to agree, as 97% of observations were within the limits of agreement, as well as having a good-to-excellent reliability using intraclass correlation. Finally, we found 6GS in the whole sampled sputum to perform equal to or better than the manually selected plugs for discriminating inflammatory phenotypes defined by sputum differential count.

In conclusion, whole sampling of induced sputum provides a clinically feasible method for inflammatory phenotyping.
Role of lateral amygdala calstabin2 in regulation of fear memory
Authors: Han Ren-wen , Liu Zhi-peng , Lin Hong-ru , Tian Ao-wen , Xiao Yun-fei , Wei Jie , Deng Ke-yu , Pan Bing-xing , Xin Hong-bo
Published: March 2020

Calstabin2, also named FK506 binding protein 12.6 (FKBP12.6), is a subunit of ryanodine receptor subtype 2 (RyR2) macromolecular complex, an intracellular calcium channel. Studies from our and other’s lab have shown that hippocampal calstabin2 regulates spatial memory. Calstabin2 and RyR2 are widely distributed in the brain, including the amygdala, a key brain area involved in the regulation of emotion including fear. Little is known about the role of calstabin2 in fear memory. Here, we found that genetic deletion of calstabin2 impaired long-term memory in cued fear conditioning test. Knockdown calstabin2 in the lateral amygdala (LA) by viral vector also impaired long-term cued fear memory expression. Furthermore, calstabin2 knockout reduced long-term potentiation (LTP) at both cortical and thalamic inputs to the LA. In conclusion, our present data indicate that calstabin2 in the LA plays a crucial role in the regulating of emotional memory.
Alteration in the time and/or mode of delivery differentially modulates early development in mice
Authors: Chiesa Morgane , Ferrari Diana C. , Ben-Ari Yehezkel
Published: March 2020

Delivery is a complex biological process involving hormonal and mechanical stimuli that together condition the survival and development of the fetus out of the womb. Accordingly, changes in the time or way of being born are associated with an alteration of fundamental biological functions and hypothesized to promote the emergence of neurodevelopmental disorders. Hence, the steadily rise in preterm birth and cesarean section (CS) delivery rates over the past years has become a worldwide health concern. In our previous work, we reported that even though no long-term autistic-like deficits were observed, mice born preterm by CS presented early transient neuronal and communicative defects. However, understanding if these alterations were due to an early birth combined with CS delivery, or if prematurity solely could lead to a similar outcome remained to be evaluated. Using mice born either at term or preterm by vaginal or CS delivery, we assessed early life ultrasonic vocalizations and the onset of eye opening. We report that alterations in communicative behaviors are finely attuned and specifically affected either by preterm birth or by the association between CS delivery and preterm birth in mice, while delayed onset of eye opening is due to prematurity. Moreover, our work further underlies a gender-dependent vulnerability to changes in the time and/or way of being born with distinct outcomes observed in males and females. Thus, our results shed light on the intricacy of birth alterations and might further explain the disparities reported in epidemiological studies.
The efficacy of Narrative Exposure Therapy for Children (KIDNET) as a treatment for traumatized young refugees versus treatment as usual: study protocol for a multi-center randomized controlled trial (YOURTREAT)
Authors: Wilker Sarah , Catani Claudia , Wittmann Jasmin , Preusse Melissa , Schmidt Telja , May Theodor , Ertl Verena , Doering Bettina , Rosner Rita , Zindler Areej , Neuner Frank
Published: March 2020

Background

Germany hosts a large number of refugees from war-affected countries. The integration of refugees, in particular young refugees from the Middle East, is one of the major current social challenges in Germany. Mental disorders, first of all post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that results from war experiences, are common among young refugees and interfere with quality of life as well as functional integration. Evidence regarding effective treatment options for this population is scarce. In this trial, we aim to evaluate the pragmatic, short-term psychotherapy Narrative Exposure Therapy for Children (KIDNET) for the treatment of young refugees in Germany.

Methods

In a rater-blinded, multi-center, randomized-controlled trial, KIDNET is compared to treatment as usual (TAU) within the general health care system. A total number of 80 young refugees who fulfill the diagnostic criteria of PTSD will be randomized to either KIDNET or TAU. Diagnostic interviews will take place at baseline before treatment as well as 6 and 12 months thereafter. They will assess exposure to traumatic events, PTSD and comorbid symptoms, as well as parameters of integration.

Discussion

The results of this study should provide evidence regarding effective treatment options for young refugees in Germany, a population that has been understudied and received only limited access to mental health care so far. Next to the effects of treatment on mental health outcomes, integration parameters will be investigated. Therefore, this study should provide broad insights into treatment options for young refugees and their potential implications on successful integration.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien; DRKS), ID: DRKS00017222. Registered on 15 May 2019.
Functional neuroimaging in subjective cognitive decline: current status and a research path forward
Authors: Viviano Raymond P. , Damoiseaux Jessica S.
Published: March 2020

Subjective cognitive decline is a putative precursor to dementia marked by perceived worsening of cognitive function without overt performance issues on neuropsychological assessment. Although healthy older adults with subjective cognitive decline may function normally, perceived worsening may indicate incipient dementia and predict future deterioration. Therefore, the experience of decline represents a possible entry point for clinical intervention. However, intervention requires a physical manifestation of neuroabnormality to both corroborate incipient dementia and to target clinically. While some individuals with subjective cognitive decline may harbor pathophysiology for specific neurodegenerative disorders, many do not display clear indicators. Thus, disorder-agnostic brain measures could be useful to track the trajectory of decline, and functional neuroimaging in particular may be sensitive to detect incipient dementia and have the ability to track disease-related change when the underlying disease etiology remains unclear. Therefore, in this review, we discuss functional neuroimaging studies of subjective cognitive decline and possible reconciliations to inconsistent findings. We conclude by proposing a functional model where noisy signal propagation and inefficient signal processing across whole-brain networks may lead to the subjective experience of decline and discuss future research directions guided by this model.
Probiotic potential of lyophilized Lactobacillus plantarum GP
Authors: Shekh Satyamitra L. , Boricha Aarti A. , Chavda Jony G. , Vyas Bharatkumar Rajiv Manuel
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Freeze drying of Lactobacillus plantarum GP in the presence of wall materials to achieve improved survival and retention of probiotic functionality during storage.

Methods

L. plantarum cells were lyophilized in the presence of inulin, fructooligosaccharides, lactulose, and/or skim milk. The lyophilized vials were stored at 8–10 °C up to 6 months and cells from these vials were evaluated for their probiotic functionality.

Results

L. plantarum GP freeze dried in the presence of wall material lactulose displayed viability of 98 ± 2.8% promising survival rate in the stress conditions of human digestive tract. The freeze dried cells of Lactobacilli retained the ability to adhere intestinal mucin layer, form biofilm, inhibit food spoilage and enteropathogens, produce β-galactosidase, bile salt hydrolase and γ-amino butyric acid, remove cholesterol, and scavenge DPPH radical.

Conclusion

Lyophilized cells of L. plantarum GP retained all the functional characteristics without any significant loss during storage, which prompts to incorporate prebiotics for the development of stable functional food products.
Prevention of multiple system atrophy using human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells by reducing polyamine and cholesterol-induced neural damages
Authors: Park Kyung-Ran , Hwang Chul Ju , Yun Hyung-Mun , Yeo In Jun , Choi Dong-Young , Park Pil-Hoon , Kim Hyung Sook , Lee Jung Tae , Jung Young Suk , Han Sang-Bae , Hong Jin Tae
Published: March 2020

Background

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a sporadic neurodegenerative disorder of unknown etiology, but is closely associated with damage to dopaminergic neurons. MSA progression is rapid. Hence, long-term drug treatments do not have any therapeutic benefits. We assessed the inhibitory effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on double-toxin-induced dopaminergic neurodegenerative MSA.

Results

Behavioral disorder was significantly improved and neurodegeneration was prevented following MSC transplantation. Proteomics revealed lower expression of polyamine modulating factor-binding protein 1 (PMFBP1) and higher expression of 3-hydroxymethyl-3-methylglutaryl-CoA lyase (HMGCL), but these changes were reversed after MSC transplantation. In the in vitro study, the 6-OHDA-induced effects were reversed following co-culture with MSC. However, PMFBP1 knockdown inhibited the recovery effect due to the MSCs. Furthermore, HMGCL expression was decreased following co-culture with MSCs, but treatment with recombinant HMGCL protein inhibited the recovery effects due to MSCs.

Conclusions

These data indicate that MSCs protected against neuronal loss in MSA by reducing polyamine- and cholesterol-induced neural damage.
Molecular profiling of an osseous metastasis in glioblastoma during checkpoint inhibition: potential mechanisms of immune escape
Authors: Mohme Malte , Maire Cecile L. , Schliffke Simon , Joosse Simon A. , Alawi Malik , Matschke Jakob , Schüller Ulrich , Dierlamm Judith , Martens Tobias , Pantel Klaus , Riethdorf Sabine , Lamszus Katrin , Westphal Manfred
Published: March 2020

Peripheral metastases of glioblastoma (GBM) are very rare despite the ability of GBM cells to pass through the blood-brain barrier and be disseminated through the peripheral blood. Here, we describe a detailed genetic and immunological characterization of a GBM metastasis in the skeleton, which occurred during anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint therapy. We performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) and 850 K methylation profiling of the primary and recurrent intracranial GBM as well as one of the bone metastases. Copy number alterations (CNA) and mutational profiles were compared to known genomic alterations in the TCGA data base. In addition, immunophenotyping of the peripheral blood was performed. The patient who was primarily diagnosed with IDH-wildtype GBM. After the resection of the first recurrence, progressive intracranial re-growth was again detected, and chemotherapy was replaced by PD-1 checkpoint inhibition, which led to a complete intracranial remission. Two months later MR-imaging revealed multiple osseous lesions. Biopsy confirmed the GBM origin of the skeleton metastases. Immunophenotyping reflected the effective activation of a peripheral T-cell response, with, however, increase of regulatory T cells during disease progression. WGS sequencing demonstrated distinct genomic alterations of the GBM metastasis, with gains along chromosomes 3 and 9 and losses along chromosome 4, 10, and 11. Mutational analysis showed mutations in potentially immunologically relevant regions. Additionally, we correlated tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte and microglia presence to the occurrence of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in a larger cohort and found a decreased infiltration of cytotoxic T cells in patients positive for CTCs. This study exemplifies that the tumour microenvironment may dictate the response to immune checkpoint therapy. In addition, our study highlights the fact that despite an effective control of intracranial GBM, certain tumour clones have the ability to evade the tumour-specific T-cell response and cause progression even outside of the CNS.
Rubrics to assess critical thinking and information processing in undergraduate STEM courses
Authors: Reynders Gil , Lantz Juliette , Ruder Suzanne M. , Stanford Courtney L. , Cole Renée S.
Published: March 2020

Background

Process skills such as critical thinking and information processing are commonly stated outcomes for STEM undergraduate degree programs, but instructors often do not explicitly assess these skills in their courses. Students are more likely to develop these crucial skills if there is constructive alignment between an instructor’s intended learning outcomes, the tasks that the instructor and students perform, and the assessment tools that the instructor uses. Rubrics for each process skill can enhance this alignment by creating a shared understanding of process skills between instructors and students. Rubrics can also enable instructors to reflect on their teaching practices with regard to developing their students’ process skills and facilitating feedback to students to identify areas for improvement.

Results

Here, we provide rubrics that can be used to assess critical thinking and information processing in STEM undergraduate classrooms and to provide students with formative feedback. As part of the Enhancing Learning by Improving Process Skills in STEM (ELIPSS) Project, rubrics were developed to assess these two skills in STEM undergraduate students’ written work. The rubrics were implemented in multiple STEM disciplines, class sizes, course levels, and institution types to ensure they were practical for everyday classroom use. Instructors reported via surveys that the rubrics supported assessment of students’ written work in multiple STEM learning environments. Graduate teaching assistants also indicated that they could effectively use the rubrics to assess student work and that the rubrics clarified the instructor’s expectations for how they should assess students. Students reported that they understood the content of the rubrics and could use the feedback provided by the rubric to change their future performance.

Conclusion

The ELIPSS rubrics allowed instructors to explicitly assess the critical thinking and information processing skills that they wanted their students to develop in their courses. The instructors were able to clarify their expectations for both their teaching assistants and students and provide consistent feedback to students about their performance. Supporting the adoption of active-learning pedagogies should also include changes to assessment strategies to measure the skills that are developed as students engage in more meaningful learning experiences. Tools such as the ELIPSS rubrics provide a resource for instructors to better align assessments with intended learning outcomes.
A prospective study integrating a curriculum of interventional radiology in undergraduate education: a tetra-core simulation model
Authors: Theodoulou Iakovos , Louca Christina , Sideris Michail , Nicolaides Marios , Agrawal Deepsha , Halapas Antonios , Diamantopoulos Athanasios , Papalois Apostolos
Published: March 2020

Background

Interventional radiology (IR) is underrepresented in undergraduate medical curricula across Europe. By continuing to challenge the boundaries of IR, a rise in the demand for radiologists has been inevitable – a trend not met by a corresponding rise in the supply of radiologists. On tracing the roots of this shortage, lack of awareness of the specialty within medical trainees coupled with a global lack of IR teaching in undergraduate education seem to constitute major exacerbating factors. The purpose of this study was to identify gaps in the field of IR education and address these by implementing an international IR simulation-based course for undergraduates.

Results

Implementation of a multi-modality simulation-based course consisted of seven modules incorporating technical and non-technical skills, basic science and applied clinical science modules. Of all participants, 90.7% (N = 68) never had previous IR teaching experience and only 28% (N = 21) had a previous placement in an IR department. Following the course, confidence improvement was statistically significant both in IR skills (1/5, p < 0.01) and knowledge (1/5, p < 0.01)]. The majority (90.7%) said they would benefit with more exposure to IR. In terms of the students’ motivation for a career in IR, 32% (N = 24) reported that they would more likely consider a career in IR after completing the course.

Conclusion

Delivery of a tetra-core simulation course with the aim to address the gaps in undergraduate IR education has had a positive impact on students’ skills, confidence levels as well as motivation. We propose reviewing the curricula across medical schools in Europe to identify gaps and address any inadequacies; for this, we consider our simulation course an excellent starting point.