bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An In Vitro Evaluation of Frictional Characteristics of Labial and Lingual Self-ligating Brackets with Various Archwire Alloys
Authors: Sahany Subrat Kumar , Kumar G. Sreejith
Published: July 2020

Background: An understanding of bracket slot–archwire interface is imperative for biomechanical effectiveness in orthodontic sliding mechanics and hence the aim of the study is to evaluate frictional properties of lingual self-ligating brackets comparing with conventional lingual and labial self-ligating brackets using three different archwire alloys in various environments.

Materials and Methods: This in vitro study compared the frictional force of labial and lingual self-ligating and conventional lingual brackets with stainless steel, TMA, and Cr-Co alloy archwires of 0.017” × 0.025” dimension in dry and wet conditions. Frictional forces were evaluated in a simulated half arch fixed appliance using a testing machine. Static and kinetic friction were measured and analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANNOVA) test and post hoc Duncan multiple range test. The effects of brackets and archwires in dry and wet conditions were analyzed by three-way variance (ANNOVA) test.

Result: The maximum frictional forces were observed with labial self-ligating brackets followed by lingual conventional brackets and the least by lingual self-ligating brackets. Of all the wires tested, TMA wires had the maximum frictional forces followed by Co-Cr and stainless steel. In both conditions, the values were non-significant with all bracket–wire combinations except with Co-Cr and TMA wires.

Conclusions: Varied amount of frictional force was shown by the brackets and wires with highest by labial self-ligating bracket, followed by lingual conventional and lingual self-ligating brackets. TMA wires experienced higher friction followed by Co-Cr and stainless steel with minimum friction.
Optimal planning and sensitivity analysis of green microgrid using various types of storage systems
Authors: Sharma Sumit , Sood Yog Raj
Published: July 2020

In this article, a green microgrid is suggested which utilizes renewable energy units such as wind, solar, hydro, and biomass in conjunction with energy storage systems like batteries and the pumped storage. Different test scenarios are investigated to optimally use the power generated from the combined usage of the renewable energy units and the storage units. To judge the performance, a comparative feasibility analysis of the proposed approach is carried out to demonstrate the potential findings based on the total net present cost, levelized cost of energy, operating cost, and initial capital cost. In addition, the proposed solution may be subject to various changes in systems configuration with regard to the wind speed, solar radiation, streamflow, and the electric load; therefore, sensitivity analysis is also presented. Moreover, Indian policy interventions are considered to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach for a reduction in the overall revenue of the system.
The Role of Household Production in the Determination of Wages and the Process of Capitalist Production
Authors: Quick Paddy
Published: July 2020

Wages in the capitalist mode of production must be sufficient to ensure the resources necessary for the production/reproduction of labor power. As such they constitute a supplement to the production by the working class in the form of household production and petty-commodity production. The growth of capitalist production, and the increase in the proportion of total labor time that takes the form of wage labor, can thus be understood as resulting from the reduction over time in the labor allocated by the working-class household to these two other forms of production. These changes must be distinguished from the changing gender/age composition of the components of labor.
Socioemotional Characteristics of Children With and Without Learning Disabilities
Authors: Yazdi-Ugav Orly , Zach Sima , Zeev Aviva
Published: July 2020

The purpose of the study was to characterize the relationships between behavior problems, academic achievement, and loneliness of students in the upper and lower thirds of a social skills classification. Participants were 733 students (359 boys and 374 girls) ages 9 to 14 years, 642 without learning disabilities (LDs) and 91 with LDs. Their homeroom teacher rated their social skills, and accordingly the upper and lower thirds of social skills scores were determined. Results showed differences in behavior problems between the low and high social skills groups. Boys displayed higher rates of behavior problems. Students with LDs achieved lower scores than their peers in academic achievements and higher scores in loneliness. The final model of the binary stepwise logistic regression showed that loneliness, behavior problems, and academic achievements were related to social skills, explaining 60% of the pseudo-variance (Cox & Snell R2 = .60). The findings help target individual variables that can promote school adjustment.
Using gyro stabilizer for active anti-rollover control of articulated wheeled loader vehicles
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Liu Qianjie , Liu Jun , Zhu Qingyuan , Hu Huosheng
Published: July 2020

Articulated wheeled loader vehicles have frequent rollover accidents as they operate in the complex outdoor environments. This article proposes an active anti-rollover control method based on a set of single-frame control moment gyro stabilizer installed on the rear body of the vehicle. The rollover dynamic model is first established for articulated wheeled loader vehicle with gyro stabilizer. The proposed control strategy is then applied in simulation to verify the rollover control effect on the vehicle under steady-state circumferential conditions. Finally, a home-built articulated wheel loader vehicle with gyro stabilizer is used to further verify the proposed control strategy. The results show that the vehicle can quickly return to the stable driving state and effectively avoid the vehicle rollover when a suitable anti-roll control moment can be provided by the gyro stabilizer. As a result, the articulated wheeled loader vehicle is able to operate safely in a complex outdoor environment.
Knockdown of TRIM24 suppresses growth and induces apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia through downregulation of Wnt/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling
Authors: Li C , Xin H , Shi Y , Mu J
Published: July 2020

Tripartite motif-containing protein 24 (TRIM24) has currently emerged as a crucial cancer-related gene present in a wide range of human cancer types. However, the involvement of TRIM24 in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has not been well investigated. The present study aims to investigate the significance, cellular function, and potential regulatory mechanism of TRIM24 in AML. We found that TRIM24 expression was significantly upregulated in AML compared with normal tissues. AML patients with low expression of TRIM24 had higher survival rates than those expressing TRIM24 at higher levels. High expression of TRIM24 was also detected in AML cells and its knockdown markedly restricted proliferation and promoted apoptosis in AML cells. Further investigation revealed that TRIM24 contributed to the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, which was associated with modulating the phosphorylation status of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β). Inactivation of GSK-3β partially reversed the TRIM24 knockdown-mediated antitumor effects observed in AML cells. Furthermore, knockdown of TRIM24 retarded the growth of AML-derived xenograft tumors in nude mice in vivo. Overall, these findings demonstrate that knockdown of TRIM24 impedes the AML tumor growth through the modulation of Wnt/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling. These findings highlight the potential TRIM24 as an attractive anticancer target to treat AML.
Use of new-generation hybrid contact lenses for managing challenging corneas
Authors: Harbiyeli Ibrahim Inan , Erdem Elif , Isik Puren , Yagmur Meltem , Ersoz Reha
Published: July 2020

Introduction:

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of new-generation hybrid contact lenses (HCL) among patients with irregular astigmatism.

Methods:

Medical records of 25 patients fit with new-generation HCL (Eyebrid® and AirFlex®) were retrospectively reviewed. The data collected included etiology of irregular astigmatism, uncorrected visual acuity, manifest refraction, spectacle-corrected visual acuity (S-CDVA), steep / flat keratometric values, corneal astigmatism, records of rigid / soft CL fitted before HCL, all parameters of the trial lenses, and the final prescribed HCL parameters and HCL-CDVA.

Results:

The study included 34 eyes from 25 patients (nine females and 16 males) with an average age of 29 ± 13 (ranging from 8–56) years. In total, 25 eyes with keratoconus, four with post - keratoplasty astigmatism, three with irregular astigmatism due to corneal trauma and two with residual astigmatism after radial keratotomy were fit with HCL. The mean S-CDVA (logMAR) improved significantly from 0.76 ± 0.41 to 0.14 ± 0.15 with HCL ( p < 0.01). The most common indication for HCL was inability to fit with rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses (22 eyes). The average number of lenses to successful fit was 1.4 (mode, 1; median, 1) and ideal fit was achieved with the first trial lens in 25 eyes (73%). Seven patients (nine eyes, 36%) discontinued lens use within the first 6 months because of discomfort (six eyes, 24%), ocular allergy (two eyes, 8%) and tearing of contact lens (one eye, 4%).

Discussion:

New-generation HCL may be a suitable option for fitting challenging corneas with irregular astigmatism that cannot be rehabilitated efficiently with rigid lenses.
How a Deadly Pandemic Cleared the Air: Narratives and Practices Linking COVID-19 with Air Pollution and Climate Change
Authors: Bogdan Eva Angelyna (Evalyna)
Published: July 2020

The recent COVID-19 pandemic revealed the intricate connections between human and planetary health. Air pollution cleared over the countries ordering lockdowns of nonessential businesses to flatten the curve of the pandemic. The links between pandemics and pollution are not obvious at first, yet the two phenomena have several characteristics in common. Both pandemics and pollution originate from specific locations but then spread globally, and both are human-induced rather than natural–hazard disasters. I examine narratives and practices linking COVID-19 with air pollution and climate change as the pandemic unfolds. I compare these findings with research on the Black Death plague in Europe and the air pollution in China’s Haze City. Applying the analytical frameworks from these two studies, I analyze media articles and reports on COVID-19 to explore risk experience, stress behaviours, and resistant discourse during the adaptive cycles of the pandemic to gain insights into current and future changes to sustainability.
Mediatization and journalistic agency: Russian television coverage of the Skripal poisonings
Authors: Tolz Vera , Hutchings Stephen , Chatterje-Doody Precious N , Crilley Rhys
Published: July 2020

The 2018 Skripal poisonings prompted the heavy securitisation of UK-Russian relations. Despite the ensuing tight coordination between the Russian government and state-aligned television, this article argues that in today’s mediatised environment – in which social and political activities fuse inextricably with their own mediation – even non-democracies must cope with the shaping of global communications by media logics and related market imperatives. With a range of media actors responding to events, and to each other, on multiple digital platforms, no state could assert full narrative control over the Skripal incident. Counterintuitively, Russian journalists’ journalistic agency was enhanced by mediatisation processes: their state sponsors, seeking to instrumentalise reporting, delegated agency to journalists more attuned to such processes; yet commercial imperatives obliged them to perform independence and professional credibility. These competing forms of agency clashed with one another, and with that of the audiences engaging in real time with the journalists’ outputs, ultimately undermining the Russian state’s efforts to harness news coverage to its political and security goals. The article concludes that in today’s global communications environment, mediatisation substantially constrains the ability of non-democracies to micro-manage journalists’ treatment of major events relating to national security.
Switching analytical mindsets: A person-centered approach to the analysis of cultural values
Authors: Cooper Joseph T , Stanley Laura J , Stevens Charles E , Shenkar Oded , Kausch Caterina
Published: July 2020

Traditional value-centered approaches to the analysis of cultural variations have failed to capture group similarities across and beyond national boundaries, partly due to their reliance on variable-centered approaches that examine each cultural value in isolation, thereby ignoring the synergistic effects of cultural values. To fill this gap, we introduce a person-centered approach that allows us to identify subgroups of individuals who share a common configuration, or profile, of cultural values. We apply this approach to a multi-country sample and identify multiple distinct cultural groups within and across countries. We find that while some profiles are unique to a particular country, others cut across countries, representing hitherto unacknowledged patterns of cultural commonalities and differences.
Robot companion cats for people at home with dementia: A qualitative case study on companotics
Authors: Pike Joanne , Picking Richard , Cunningham Stuart
Published: July 2020

The use of robot companion pets for people in care homes has been extensively studied. The results are largely positive and suggest that they are valuable in enhancing wellbeing, communication and behavioural aspects. However, there has been little research in people’s own homes, possibly due to the cost and complexity of some of the robot pets currently available. As dementia affects people in different ways, this study explores the effects of a robot cat for people in their own homes, without specifically investigating the effects on a particular symptom. We utilised a case study design to investigate the proposition that various factors influence the impact of a robot cat on the person living with dementia and their carer, including acceptability of the robot pet and acceptance of dementia and its symptoms. The qualitative analysis explores the similarities and differences within the data which were gathered during interviews with people with dementia and their families. This analysis revealed four themes: Distraction, Communication, Acceptance and rejection, and Connecting with the cat and connecting with others. These themes were synthesised into two overarching themes: the effect of the cat on mood and behaviour, and The interaction with the cat. We present the acceptability and impact of the robot cat on symptoms of dementia, with data presented across and within the group of participants. Our analysis suggests that benefits of the robot pet were evident, and although this was a small-scale study, where they were accepted, robot pets provided positive outcomes for the participants and their families.
Effect of microenvironment on adhesion and differentiation of murine C3H10T1/2 cells cultured on multilayers containing collagen I and glycosaminoglycans
Authors: Zhao Mingyan , Anouz Reema , Groth Thomas
Published: July 2020

Polyelectrolyte multilayer coating is a promising tool to control cellular behavior. Murine C3H10T1/2 embryonic fibroblasts share many features with mesenchymal stem cells, which are good candidates for use in regenerative medicine. However, the interactions of C3H10T1/2 cells with polyelectrolyte multilayers have not been studied yet. Hence, the effect of molecular composition of biomimetic multilayers, by pairing collagen I (Col I) with either hyaluronic acid or chondroitin sulfate, based primarily on ion pairing and on additional intrinsic cross-linking was studied regarding the adhesion and differentiation of C3H10T1/2 cells. It was found that the adhesion and osteogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 cells were more pronounced on chondroitin sulfate-based multilayers when cultured in the absence of osteogenic supplements, which corresponded to the significant larger amounts of Col I fibrils in these multilayers. By contrast, the staining of cartilage-specific matrixes was more intensive when cells were cultured on hyaluronic acid-based multilayers. Moreover, it is of note that a limited osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation were detected when cells were cultured in osteogenic or chondrogenic medium. Specifically, cells were largely differentiated into an adipogenic lineage when cultured in osteogenic medium or 100 ng mL−1 bone morphogenic protein 2, and it was more evident on the oxidized glycosaminoglycans-based multilayers, which corresponded also to the higher stiffness of cross-linked multilayers. Overall, polyelectrolyte multilayer composition and stiffness can be used to direct cell–matrix interactions, and hence the fate of C3H10T1/2 cells. However, these cells have a higher adipogenic potential than osteogenic or chondrogenic potential.
Transitioning from a coronary to a critical cardiovascular care unit: trends over the past three decades
Authors: Ferrer Marc , García-García Cosme , El Ouaddi Nabil , Rueda Ferran , Serra Jordi , Oliveras Teresa , Labata Carlos , Dégano Irene R , Montero Santiago , De Diego Oriol , Elosúa Roberto , Lupón Josep , Bayes-Genis Antoni ,   the RUTI-ICCU Study
Published: July 2020

Background

Coronary care units were established in the 1960s to reduce acute-phase mortality in acute coronary syndrome. In the 21st century, the original coronary care unit concept has evolved into an intensive cardiovascular care unit. The aim of this study was to analyse trend changes in characteristics and mortality of patients admitted to a coronary care unit over the past three decades.

Method

Between February 1989 and December 2017, a total of 18,334 patients was consecutively admitted to the coronary care unit of a university hospital in Barcelona. Data were analysed in five time frames: 1989–1994, 1995–1999, 2000–2004, 2005–2009 and 2010–2017. We analysed demographic profile, diagnoses at admission and trend changes in mortality across periods.

Results

During the periods, the patients’ ages and comorbidities increased. Diagnoses at admission have evolved. Acute coronary syndrome cases declined from the first to the last period (72.6% vs. 62.8%) while heart failure (6.0% vs. 8.6%) and malignant arrhythmias (0.8% vs. 4.0%) increased significantly. Overall, coronary care unit mortality decreased 34% from the first to the last period (6.8% vs. 4.5%, P<0.001). Furthermore, the cause of death has changed, those due to acute coronary syndrome declining (66.7% vs. 45.5%), and death from malignant arrhythmias increasing (1.9% vs. 16.2%) from the first to the last period.

Conclusions

Although acute coronary syndrome remained the main diagnosis, heart failure and arrhythmias have increased. Despite the aging and comorbidities, overall mortality in the coronary care unit decreased by 34% in the past three decades. Deaths due to acute coronary syndrome have declined, whereas those due to malignant arrhythmias have increased.
A proxy for privacy uncovering the surveillance ecology of mobile apps
Authors: Sophus Lai Signe , Flensburg Sofie
Published: July 2020

The article develops a methodological and empirical approach for gauging the ways Big Data can be collected and distributed through mobile apps. This approach focuses on the infrastructural components that condition the disclosure of smartphone users’ data – namely the permissions that apps request and the third-party corporations they work with. We explore the surveillance ecology of mobile apps and thereby the privacy implications of everyday smartphone use through three analytical perspectives: The first focuses on the ‘appscapes’ of individual smartphone users and investigates the consequences of which and how many mobile apps users download on their phones; the second compares different types of apps in order to study the app ecology and the relationships between app and third-party service providers; and the third focuses on a particular app category and discusses the functional as well as the commercial incentives for permissions and third-party collaborations. Thereby, the article advances an interdisciplinary dialogue between critical data studies, political economy and app studies, and pushes an empirical and critical perspective on mobile communication, app ecologies and data economies.
Facial Landmark Reconstruction with a Combination of Local Flaps: A Novel Technique for Landmark Destruction
Authors: Wang Xiaobing , Pei Jie , Zhang Baolin
Published: July 2020

Background:

Various methods of landmark reconstruction have been discussed in medical literature, but few describe defects involving the rim of the landmark. For landmark malposition, such as eyelid ectropion, borders are abnormally elongated by scar contracture. The reconstruction should thus restore both the cutaneous defect and the anatomical structure. We suggest the combination of local flaps via end-to-end connection and transposition for facial landmark reconstruction.

Patients:

Ten patients who had facial landmark malpositions caused by scar contractions, and 5 patients who had landmark defects, were successfully treated using this combination flap technique. Among the 15 patients, landmark malposition repairs of the nasal ala, nasal columella, eyelid margin, Cupid’s bow, and eyebrow were performed.

Results:

Most flaps survived without complications; one procedure resulted in the cutaneous tip developing necrosis, which was successfully healed within 2 weeks of conservative treatment. The landmark was reconstructed with aesthetics in mind, and no subsequent scar contracture was observed. After a 6- to 14-month follow-up period, successful landmark reconstruction had been achieved in all 15 patients via a single-stage procedure.

Conclusion:

A combination of local flaps is a viable option for facial landmark reconstruction in selected patients having landmark rim destruction.
Synthetic repurposing of drugs against hypertension: a datamining method based on association rules and a novel discrete algorithm
Authors: Masoudi-Sobhanzadeh Yosef , Masoudi-Nejad Ali
Published: July 2020

Background

Drug repurposing aims to detect the new therapeutic benefits of the existing drugs and reduce the spent time and cost of the drug development projects. The synthetic repurposing of drugs may prove to be more useful than the single repurposing in terms of reducing toxicity and enhancing efficacy. However, the researchers have not given it serious consideration. To address the issue, a novel datamining method is introduced and applied to repositioning of drugs for hypertension (HT) which is a serious medical condition and needs some improved treatment plans to help treat it.

Results

A novel two-step data mining method, which is based on the If-Then association rules as well as a novel discrete optimization algorithm, was introduced and applied to the synthetic repurposing of drugs for HT. The required data were also extracted from DrugBank, KEGG, and DrugR+ databases. The findings indicated that based on the different statistical criteria, the proposed method outperformed the other state-of-the-art approaches. In contrast to the previously proposed methods which had failed to discover a list on some datasets, our method could find a combination list for all of them.

Conclusion

Since the proposed synthetic method uses medications in small dosages, it might revive some failed drug development projects and put forward a suitable plan for treating different diseases such as COVID-19 and HT. It is also worth noting that applying efficient computational methods helps to produce better results.
Correction to: Repository corticotropin injection versus corticosteroids for protection against renal damage in a focal segmental glomerulosclerosis rodent model
Authors: Hayes Kyle , Warner Elizabeth , Bollinger Chris , Wright Dale , Fitch Richard M.
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes in adult cystic fibrosis patients with severe lung disease in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil
Authors: Silva Guilherme Figueiredo , J. Simmonds Nicholas , Roth Dalcin Paulo de Tarso
Published: July 2020

Background

Advanced lung disease in adult cystic fibrosis (CF) drives most clinical care requirements. The aim was to evaluate outcome (time to death while in the study) in a cohort of adult CF patients with severe lung disease, and to determine the association among baseline patient characteristics and outcome.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed and clinical records between 2000 and 2015 were reviewed. Severe lung disease was defined as forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) < 30% of predicted. Outcomes of all patients, including their date of death or transplantation, were determined till January 1st, 2016. Clinical data were recorded at the entry date.

Results

Among 39 subjects included in the study, 20 (51.3%) died, 16 (41.0%) underwent bilateral lung transplantation, and 3 were alive at the end of the study period. Two variables were independently associated with death: body mass index (BMI ≥ 18.5 kg/m2) (HR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.64–0.96 and p = 0.017) and use of tobramycin inhalation therapy (HR = 3.82, 95% CI = 1.38–10.6 and p = 0.010). Median survival was 37 (95% CI = 16.4–57.6) months. The best cut-off point for BMI was 18.5 kg/m2. Median survival in patients with BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 was 36 months (95% CI = 18.7–53.3).

Conclusion

Median survival of CF subjects with FEV1 < 30% was 37 months. BMI and tobramycin inhalation therapy were independently associated with death. Median survival in patients with BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 was significantly lower than in patients with BMI ≥ 18.5 kg/m2. The association of tobramycin inhalation with death was interpreted as confounding by severity (use was reserved for advanced lung disease).
Burnout among Iranian nurses: a national survey
Authors: Mahmoudi Sara , Barkhordari-Sharifabad Maasoumeh , Pishgooie Amir-Hosein , Atashzadeh-Shoorideh Foroozan , Lotfi Zahra
Published: July 2020

Background

Nurses, particularly critical care nurses, are exposed to high levels of stress and burnout. Burnout is associated with many deleterious consequences affecting health care outcomes. The present study is intended to determine the dimensions of burnout in nurses on surgical, medical and critical care units and its relationship with demographic characteristics.

Methods

In this descriptive research study, performed at critical and non- critical care units, 743 nurses were randomly selected by quota sampling from medical sciences universities in Iran. Data collection instruments included a “demographic questionnaire” and the “Persian version of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. Data were analyzed using SPSS20.

Results

The findings showed that regarding all dimensions, the lowest level of burnout belonged to surgical wards whereas the highest level pertained to critical care wards indicating a significant difference among various aspects of burnout in different wards, i.e., surgery, medical, and critical care. There was no significant difference in gender, academic degree, and marital status in any of the aspects of burnout in critical care units; yet, the difference was significant between surgical and medical wards (P < 0.05). There were a negative significant correlation between some dimensions of burnout with age and nursing experience in critical care and medical wards (P < 0.05). Whereas in surgical wards, there were a positive significant correlation between some aspects of burnout with nursing experience and age (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study found that the critical care nurses have significantly higher level of burnout compared to the medical-surgical nurses. These results should be considered when planning burnout prevention schedules for nurses.
Enacting quality improvement in ten European hospitals: a dualities approach
Authors: Nunes Francisco G. , Robert Glenn , Weggelaar-Jansen Anne Marie , Wiig Siri , Aase Karina , Karltun Anette , Fulop Naomi J.
Published: July 2020

Background

Hospitals undertake numerous initiatives searching to improve the quality of care they provide, but these efforts are often disappointing. Current models guiding improvement tend to undervalue the tensional nature of hospitals. Applying a dualities approach that is sensitive to tensions inherent to hospitals’ quest for improved quality, this article aims to identify which organizational dualities managers should particularly pay attention to.

Methods

A set of cross-national, multi-level case studies was conducted involving 383 semi-structured interviews and 803 h of non-participant observation of key meetings and shadowing of staff in ten purposively sampled hospitals in five European countries (England, the Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, and Norway).

Results

Six dualities that describe the quest for improved quality, each embracing a seemingly contradictory feature were identified: plural consensus, distributed connectedness, orchestrated emergence, formalized fluidity, patient coreness, and cautious generativeness.

Conclusions

We advocate for a move from the usual sequential and project-based and systemic thinking about quality improvement to the development of meta-capabilities to balance the simultaneous operation of opposing ideas or concepts. Doing so will help hospital managers to deal with major challenges of change inherent to quality improvement initiatives.
Enrichment differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells into sinoatrial node-like cells by combined modulation of BMP, FGF, and RA signaling pathways
Authors: Liu Feng , Fang Yibing , Hou Xiaojie , Yan Ying , Xiao Haiying , Zuo Dongchuan , Wen Jing , Wang Linli , Zhou Zhichao , Dang Xitong , Zhou Rui , Liao Bin
Published: July 2020

Background

Biological pacemakers derived from pluripotent stem cell (PSC) have been considered as a potential therapeutic surrogate for sick sinus syndrome. So it is essential to develop highly efficient strategies for enrichment of sinoatrial node-like cells (SANLCs) as seed cells for biological pacemakers. It has been reported that BMP, FGF, and RA signaling pathways are involved in specification of different cardiomyocyte subtypes, pacemaker, ventricular, and atrial cells. We aimed to investigate whether combined modulation of BMP, FGF, and RA signaling pathways could enrich the differentiation of SANLC from human pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC).

Methods

During the differentiation process from human induced pluripotent stem cell to cardiomyocyte through small molecule-based temporal modulation of the Wnt signaling pathway, signaling of BMP, FGF, and RA was manipulated at cardiac mesoderm stage. qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and whole cell patch clamp were used to identify the SANLC.

Results

qRT-PCR results showed that manipulating each one of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and retinoid acid (RA) signaling was effective for the upregulation of SANLC markers. Moreover, combined modulation of these three pathways displayed the best efficiency for the expression of SANLC markers, which was further confirmed at protein level using immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Finally, the electrophysiological characteristics of upregulated SANLC were verified by patch clamp method.

Conclusion

An efficient transgene-independent differentiation protocol for generating SANLC from hiPSC was developed, in which combined modulating BMP, FGF, and RA signaling at cardiac mesoderm stage generates SANLC at high efficiency. This may serve as a potential approach for biological pacemaker construction.
Anaerobic co-digestion of rabbit manure and sorghum crops in a bench-scale biodigester
Authors: Adrover María Esperanza , Cotabarren Ivana , Madies Ezequiel , Rayes Manuel , Rodriguez Reartes Sabrina Belén , Pedernera Marisa
Published: July 2020

Any type of biomass can be used as substrate for biogas production, but the performance of the biodigestion depends on the composition of the feed, and no direct extrapolation of the yield of the process from one substrate to another can be made. In this work, the performance of a bench-scale anaerobic biodigester of 93 L installed at ambient conditions is studied. The biodigester was set up in a region where temperature varies significantly during the year, and was operated under semi-batch conditions with non-thermal control for 16 months with a feed of rabbit manure and ground sorghum grains. To our knowledge, this is the first time the co-digestion of rabbit manure with sorghum grains is considered. To evaluate the biodigestion performance, critical operational variables (pH, temperature, biogas flowrate) were monitored, and composition of substrate, digestate and produced biogas was determined. Moreover, the following variables were quantified: (a) the theoretical methane potential, (b) the specific methane yield and (c) the degree of degradation of the substrate. A 1-D non-stationary model was formulated and validated with experimental data in order to analyze, in a theoretical form, the impact of incorporating thermal insulation to the unit. The results show that is it possible to produce biogas in a bench-scale biodigester, with a novel feed of rabbit manure and ground sorghum grains, in a region with significant temperature changes along the year. Moreover, it is shown that the 1-D model constitutes a useful tool for the design or improvement of biodigesters regarding the insulation system and the warming policies.
A feasibility study of the physiotherapy management of urinary incontinence in athletic women: trial protocol for the POsITIve study
Authors: Campbell K. Gillian , Batt Mark E. , Drummond Avril
Published: July 2020

Background

Urinary incontinence (UI) affects up to 40% of adult women within the UK, and pelvic floor muscle training can be effective as a treatment. The prevalence of UI is higher in athletic women than in their sedentary counterparts, but there is little research into reasons for this or into treatment within this population.

The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of conducting a future randomised controlled trial of physiotherapeutic management of UI in athletic women.

Methods

This is a mixed methods study with three distinct but related phases.

Phase 1: Semi-structured interviews with health care professionals in the community will explore current management practices of UI in women and particularly in female athletes in order to inform the control arm of a future study. It will also establish community health care professionals’ understanding of pelvic health physiotherapy.

Phase 2: Athletic and regularly exercising women recruited directly from gyms and sports clubs will undergo a course of physiotherapy to manage UI. This will establish study recruitment, eligibility, consent, attendance, attrition, and data completion rates. It will provide information regarding appropriate clinical venues and outcome measures to use for this patient group.

Phase 3: Semi-structured interviews with purposefully selected participants from phase 2 will investigate participant satisfaction with recruitment procedures, the intervention, outcome measures and the venues. Further, we will collect data regarding the use of a smartphone ‘app’ for adherence and monitoring of home exercises and participants’ beliefs around randomisation in a future study. We will explore the impact of UI on life and sport in more detail.

Discussion

This study will establish the ease and acceptability of recruiting athletic women directly from gyms and sports clubs and identify attrition rates. It will also explore the acceptability of the intervention, clinical venues and outcome measures. Data collected will be used to inform a future randomised controlled trial.

Trial registration

NCT03986411 (clinicaltrials.gov). Registered on 14 June 2019
Unilateral Facial Nerve Palsy After Inadvertent Dural Puncture Initially Diagnosed as Bell’s Palsy, Improved With Epidural Blood Patch: A Case Report
Authors: Tarrant Ezekiel P. , Powell Mark F.
Published: July 2020

Cranial nerve (CN) VII palsy is a rare complication of neuraxial blockade. The likely etiology of the palsy is intracranial hypotension from cerebrospinal fluid loss leading to traction on CN VII. The presentation of symptoms of CN VII palsy from intracranial hypotension closely resembles a more common cause of CN VII injury, Bell’s palsy, and the 2 can be difficult to differentiate. We present a patient who had a dural puncture with development of a headache and CN VII palsy, which improved with epidural blood patch (EBP). EBP should be considered for patients with suspected CN palsy from intracranial hypotension.
The impact of birth-related injury and pain on breastfeeding outcomes
Authors: Bourdillon Katie , McCausland Tom , Jones Stephanie
Published: July 2020

Reasons for premature discontinuation of breastfeeding are complex; a variety of social, psychological and physical factors may contribute to a deviation from a mother's breastfeeding plan. The aim of this research was to investigate how actual experiences of birth and breastfeeding differed from the mother's pre-birth intentions, and any subsequent perceived impact on breastfeeding experience. Data were collected via an online survey of UK-based women (n=1000). Respondents faced a variety of challenges when breastfeeding, including nipple soreness and pain, concerns around milk insufficiency, and birth-related pain which impacted their ability to breastfeed comfortably. Predominantly, birth-related pain made breastfeeding difficult rather than preventing it, however 5% of mothers surveyed cited it as contributing to premature cessation of breastfeeding. Pain relating to birth may be an under-considered factor in early cessation of breastfeeding. Considering the challenges experienced when establishing and maintaining breastfeeding, it is essential to consider the cumulative pain and discomfort experienced from all sources.
Examining Various Graft Substrates and Their Clinical Evidence in the Treatment of Tibial Plateau Fractures
Authors: Niedzielak Timothy R. , Downing Michael , Ting Alexander , De la Rosa Charles , Berko Joshua , Lampasona Nicholas
Published: July 2020

Tibial plateau fractures (TPF) are complex injuries of the tibia that involve the articular surface and commonly have depression of subchondral and metaphyseal bone. Common sequelae of this injury include arthritis and gait disturbances. A popular surgical strategy for this fracture calls for elevation of subchondral bone to restore the joint line, in turn leaving a metaphyseal bone void; this is then commonly secured with plates and screws. Autologous bone has been the gold-standard graft option to fill these voids, but other filling agents such as allografts, biologic grafts, and xenografts are gaining popularity TPF surgery. This is because bone graft substitutes provide predictable outcomes in the treatment of TPF and avoid complications such as donor site pain, infection, increased blood loss, and increased operative time that is seen with autografts. This review explores the benefits, complications, and outcomes of clinically researched graft substrates used for TPF reconstruction. Secondarily, we aim to find potential graft candidates for future clinical research that will progress the treatment of TPF. Internet searches with specific keywords were conducted on different journal databases to find clinically researched graft options in the treatment of TPF within the last 10 years. Multiple studies of various bone graft substitutes achieved similar, if not better results than autologous bone grafts in the treatment of TPF. A summary of each clinically researched graft in this review can be found in Table 1. Establishing a graft selection protocol remains a challenge for fracture surgeons, as well as choosing the best graft material. Future studies should aim to establish a superior graft substrate based clinical outcomes, while minimizing the cost and morbidity to the patient.
Training for English language or indigenous language media journalism: A decolonial critique of Zimbabwean journalism and media training institutions’ training practices
Authors: Chibuwe Albert , Salawu Abioudun
Published: July 2020

There is growing academic scholarship on indigenous language media in Africa. The scholarship has mostly tended to focus on the content and political economy of indigenous language newspapers. The scholarship also suggests that much needs to be done in inculcating indigenous languages and indigenous language journalism in journalism education. Grounded in decoloniality, this article explores journalism training practices in selected institutions of higher learning in Zimbabwe. The intention is to unravel the absence or existence of training for indigenous journalism and perceptions of lecturers and attitudes of students towards indigenous language media and journalism. The article also seeks to establish whether there are any attempts to de-westernize journalism, media and communication studies. Methodologically, in-depth interviews were used to gather data from lecturers and students of journalism and media studies at colleges and universities in Zimbabwe. Findings show that the colleges surveyed do not offer any indigenous media journalism-specific modules or subjects. The lecturers, who include programme designers in some cases, have a low regard for indigenous language media. This, the article concludes, will have a knock-on effect on journalism students’ and journalists’ misgivings towards a career in indigenous language media.
Vibrant and safe media landscape in Ghana: Reality or mirage?
Authors: Diedong Africanus Lewil
Published: July 2020

Despite widespread condemnation of assaults on journalists in Ghana and elsewhere in the past, there is increasing evidence of brutality against journalists. When perpetrators of such assaults go unpunished, it fosters a culture of impunity. The article throws searchlight on incidences of assaults on journalists and the ambivalent attitude of the public and/or state agencies towards media freedom. Incidences of assaults and intimidations of journalists in Ghana were reviewed to ignite renewed discourse on the issue, and inform measures on the safety and protection and general development of media. Theoretically, the article is framed along lines of thoughts on concepts of narrative in which there is ‘struggle over narrative’. Major lines of narratives on assaults against journalists are expressed by state functionaries, citizens and the media in competing fashions. Each narrative has ‘competing truth’, which arguably carries for each entity a force of the true and rightful position on the safety of journalists. The article concludes that persistent advocacy by Ghana Journalists Association and media partners can make a difference in influencing positive steps on assaults on journalists.
Porous frontiers: priming as an extension of agenda setting and framing as a complementary approach
Authors: Mateus Samuel
Published: July 2020

Agenda setting and priming both work under the premise that media affect audience evaluations by influencing the likelihood of some issues rather than other coming to mind. Framing, in turn, rests on the idea that, by representing the world in a certain way, media influence people to think about the world in particular ways. Agenda setting, priming and framing all suggest that media messages participate in the formation of the public knowledge and that knowledge is activated and used in politically relevant decisions.This paper provides a concise, accessible and clear overall perspective on these three theories and aims to provide theoretical and methodological clarifications that may lead to a better accommodation of these three ways of conceptualizing media influence on public opinion. The first part characterizes and elucidates on the meaning of priming and framing as traditionally being seen as an extension and a sub-species of agenda setting. It argues that although priming may be conceived as an extension of agenda setting, framing is not a sub species of agenda setting. In the second part, it contends that agenda setting and framing constitute different strands of research –  namely, media effects based on an accessibility model and on a social constructivist, applicability model –  and that, as such, they develop themselves autonomously and independently, even if they complement each other.
Eis que o teu Rei vem a ti. Arqueologia e Arquétipos da Cerimónia de Entrada Episcopal em Portugal e no Império Português (Séculos XVI-XVIII)
Authors: Nestola Paola
Published: July 2020

Paola Nestola põe nas mãos e sob os olhos dos leitores um estúdio abrangente para refletir sobre o cerimonial como campo de construção da identidade religiosa, evidenciando os traços arquelógicos e arquetípicos de uma cerimónia importante da época moderna: as solenes entradas dos bispos para a tomada de posse da diocese. Nas últimas décadas, muito se tem publicado sobre a ritualidade política, tanto em Portugal como em outros paises de profundas raizes cristãs. O livro, baseado em documentos escritos e visuais, enquadra-se neste contexto científico, com o intuito de analisar um eterogéneo corpus de representações cerimoniais pouco conhecidas, mas com uma forte carga simbólica e emotiva. Partindo das inéditas etapas biográficas do arcebispo de Braga, D. Fr. Agostinho de Jesus (1588-1609), será possível abordar uma incursão sobre esta cerimónia episcopal e suas arquetípicas origens? Será possível refletir sobre a experiência imaginativa e contemplativa desencadeada nos protagonistas desta liturgia? Será possível reconstruir a perceção suscitada, nos seus contemporáneos, do poder e da jurisdição do arcebispo de Braga? Ao longo dos séculos XVII-XVIII a solene cerimónia modificou-se na sequência de uma mudança cultural, religiosa, política, teológica e litúrgica que considerou também os reflexos da Reforma Protestante. Para tanto, outras representações iconográficas, outras memórias cerimoniais das dioceses de Portugal e do seu império possibilitam estes propósitos analíticos.
La maternidad subrogada a través de tres películas
Authors: Icart Isern María Teresa , Díaz Membrives Montserrat , Icart Isern María Carme
Published: July 2020

La maternidad subrogada, la gestación por sustitución o los vientres de alquiler, entre otros, son algunos de los términos empleados en debates de creciente actualidad y cuyo primer caso documentado tuvo lugar en Michigan (EEUU) en 1976. En el presente artículo se parte de diferentes conceptos asociados a la maternidad subrogada (MS), se analizan desde diferentes perspectivas las películas Femmes ou maîtresses (2001) de J.M. Pallardy, Como los demás (2008) de V. Garent y Melody (2014) de B. Bellefroid y, finalmente, se considera la relación entre la maternidad subrogada y la pobreza femenina.