bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactions in flavanone and chalcone derivatives: Hirshfeld surface analysis, energy frameworks and global reactivity descriptors
Authors: Małecka Magdalena , Chęcińska Lilianna , Kusz Joachim , Biernacka Marta , Kupcewicz Bogumiła
Published: February 2020

The present study examines a series of flavanone and chalcone derivatives substituted with electron-withdrawing groups (Cl or Br) and electron-donating groups (OH, CH3 and OCH3), namely, 7-methoxy-2-phenyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran-4-one, C16H14O3, 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran-4-one, C16H14O3, 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran-4-one, C17H16O3, 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran-4-one, C15H11ClO2, 8-bromo-6-methyl-2-phenyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran-4-one, C16H13BrO2, (2E)-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one, C16H14O3, and (2E)-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one, C15H12O3. It compares the two groups of derivatives with regard to their intermolecular interactions in the crystal lattice and lattice energy calculations, together with energy framework visualization and global reactivity descriptors (chemical hardness, chemical potential and electrophilicity index). It also discusses the relationships between different noncovalent interactions derived from Hirshfeld surface analysis, crystal lattice energy and global reactivity descriptors of the compounds.
Service user involvement in an undergraduate nursing programme
Authors: Jack Eleanor
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to highlight the impacts that service user involvement can have on the education of UK undergraduate student mental health nurses both personally and professionally. It reports the findings from a short module evaluation of a collaboratively delivered theory unit using a qualitative approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The study reports the findings from a short module evaluation of a collaboratively delivered theory unit using a qualitative approach embracing two focus groups.

Findings

The findings from the two focus groups highlight that the service user input (expert by experience) offered a positive learning experience for the students, enabled them to appreciate the meaning of recovery and hope and facilitated the identification of the importance of their role in terms of connecting meaningfully with those they are supporting and reconsidering key priorities for practice. They also suggest that there is theory/practice gap reduction as students were able to connect the service user narratives to the evidence base for deeper understanding and application.

Research limitations/implications

Although only a brief evaluation of a short theory module within a wider programme involving a small number of participants, the findings echo the wider literature and offers further rationale to support direct service user involvement within mental health education across all healthcare professions. This finding is also relevant, as, increasingly, learning/teaching programmes now seek to implement blended learning with significant online teaching and less face-to-face facilitation of learning.

Practical implications

This study highlights not only the positive impact of service user input on health-care education but also the benevolent influence skilled narratives can have as a pedagogical approach to learning.

Originality/value

Although there is much in the literature as to the benefits for student learning in involving service users within higher education institute education, there is limited information as to “how” and “why” this is the case, this article seeks to bridge that gap.
“Their story is a hard road to hoe”: how art-making tackles stigma and builds well-being in young people living regionally
Authors: Gentle Emma , Linsley Paul , Hurley John
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Remote and regional Australia have comparatively fewer mental health services than their urban counterparts, what is more, mental health remains profoundly stigmatised. This study aims to understand how, if at all, the process of group art-making then publicly displaying the artworks can contribute to stigma reduction for young people (YP) experiencing mental health challenges in regional Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews were conducted with six young artists who use regional mental health services and 25 people who viewed their displayed art using a thematic analysis of the coded interview data.

Findings

Findings of this study demonstrated how art-making as a process increased self-esteem, social interaction and artistic expression; while the viewers experienced an emotional connection to the art. The viewer’s response enhanced YP’s confidence in their abilities.

Originality/value

Incorporating art-making and exhibiting the art in public spaces could be incorporated into YP’s mental health services to support well-being and inform the perception the general public hold of mental health, thus reducing stigma.
Virtual machine placement mechanisms in the cloud environments: a systematic review
Authors: Zhuang Haiyan , Esmaeilpour Ghouchani Babak
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Virtual machines (VMs) are suggested by the providers of cloud services as the services for the users over the internet. The consolidation of VM is the tactic of the competent and smart utilization of resources from cloud data centers. Placement of a VM is one of the significant issues in cloud computing (CC). Physical machines in a cloud environment are aware of the way of the VM placement (VMP) as the mapping VMs. The basic target of placement of VM issue is to reduce the physical machines' items that are running or the hosts in cloud data centers. The VMP methods have an important role in the CC. However, there is no systematic and complete way to discuss and analyze the algorithms. The purpose of this paper is to present a systematic survey of VMP techniques. Also, the benefits and weaknesses connected with selected VMP techniques have been debated, and the significant issues of these techniques are addressed to develop the more efficient VMP technique for the future.

Design/methodology/approach

Because of the importance of VMP in the cloud environments, in this paper, the articles and important mechanisms in this domain have been investigated systematically. The VMP mechanisms have been categorized into two major groups, including static and dynamic mechanisms.

Findings

The results have indicated that an appropriate VMP has the capacity to decrease the resource consumption rate, energy consumption and carbon emission rate. VMP approaches in computing environment still need improvements in terms of reducing related overhead, consolidation of the cloud environment to become an extremely on-demand mechanism, balancing the load between physical machines, power consumption and refining performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study aimed to be comprehensive, but there were some limitations. Some perfect work may be eliminated because of applying some filters to choose the original articles. Surveying all the papers on the topic of VMP is impossible, too. Nevertheless, the authors are trying to present a complete survey over the VMP.

Practical implications

The consequences of this research will be valuable for academicians, and it can provide good ideas for future research in this domain. By providing comparative information and analyzing the contemporary developments in this area, this research will directly support academics and working professionals for better knowing the growth in the VMP area.

Originality/value

The gathered information in this paper helps to inform the researchers with the state of the art in the VMP area. Totally, the VMP's principal intention, current challenges, open issues, strategies and mechanisms in cloud systems are summarized by explaining the answers.
Association of allium vegetables intake and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease risk
Authors: Emamat Hadi , Farhadnejad Hossein , Tangestani Hadith , Saneei Totmaj Ali , Poustchi Hossein , Hekmatdoost Azita
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of liver disease worldwide. The purpose of this study is to assess the possible association between habitual intake of allium vegetables and NAFLD risk.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, 196 cases of NAFLD and 803 age-matched controls were enrolled from the same clinic. Dietary intakes were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Consumption of allium vegetables, including raw garlic and onions, were calculated and considered as grams/day in all participants.

Findings

Participants in the highest tertile of allium vegetable intake had 64% lower risk of NAFLD compared with those in the lowest tertile of the allium vegetables intake (odds ratio [OR]: 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.23-0.51;p< 0.001). After controlling for potential confounders, there was no significant change in this inverse association (OR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.22-0.56;p< 0.001).

Originality/value

This study for the first time showed that higher consumption of allium vegetables was associated with lower risk of NAFLD. The results did not change when the authors adjusted the analysis for the known risk factors of the disease, which indicate the independency of the association.
CSR in developing countries – the importance of good governance and economic growth: evidence from Africa
Authors: Inekwe Murumba , Hashim Fathyah , Yahya Sofri B.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of public governance and economic growth on corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance in Egypt, Morocco, Mauritius, Nigeria and South Africa. It also assesses the trend of CSR performance in these countries over time.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a sample of five countries in Africa for the period 2012-2017. The multivariate regression model was used in testing the research questions/hypotheses. Robustness tests were performed to provide evidence to strengthen the findings of the study.

Findings

Findings suggest that both good governance and economic growth are significantly positively associated with CSR performance. However, while good governance has a relatively substantial effect size, economic growth has a small effect size. Overall, both variables have a considerably low confidence interval ratio and therefore stand a good chance of holding up in future research.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis is limited to within-country effects, thereby forgoing the opportunity to explain between-countries effects. Second, the sample size is relatively small because of the limitation of data availability on CSR in Africa; hence, population generalization is not intended but theory generalization.

Practical implications

Findings have implications for studies on CSR performance in Africa that fail to consider the socio-political and socio-economic level of development as contextual variables in the research design.

Originality/value

Prior studies on CSR have focused majorly on CSR performance–corporate financial performance relationship. Furthermore, there are several calls in the literature for research for a new direction on CSR in the context of developing countries, especially Africa. This paper responds to these literature gaps.
Positive and negative impact to decomposition of pig cadavers by ants (hymenoptera: Formicidae) at the Islet Yeongdo in Busan, South Korea
Authors: Park Sang‐Hyun , Moon Tae‐Young
Published: February 2020

We observed how ants affected the decomposition process of pig cadavers. Experiments were carried out with six pig cadavers during three seasons without winter. Fifteen ant species belonging to 14 genera 3 subfamilies were recorded from pig cadavers. The species richness and species composition of ants were different significantly at bloated and decay stages from the remaining stages, regardless of season. Ant species Nylanderia flavipes, Aphaenogaster japonica, Pheidole fervida, and Ectomomyrmex javanus kept hunting a considerable amount of eggs and maggots of flies in the two stages. In particular, Lasius japonicus continually interrupted landing and ovipositing of flies and removed eggs and maggots from pig cadavers. Our observation suggests that ants may affect decomposition process of dead animals by participating in positive and negative ways by massive removal of eggs and maggots of flies.
Implications of immunoglobulin G deposit in glomeruli in Chinese patients with diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Zhang Junlin , Zhang Jie , Zhang Rui , Wang Yiting , Liang Yan , Yang Zhen , Wang Tingli , Xu Xuan , Liu Fang
Published: February 2020

Background

In the current study, we explored the associations of glomerular immunoglobulin G (IgG) deposit and further investigated the pattern of IgG subclass deposition in the renal biopsy specimens from patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN).

Methods

A total of 170 inpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and biopsy‐proven DN who were followed up for at least 1 year were retrospectively recruited. Renal outcomes were defined by DN progression (end‐stage renal disease [ESRD] or ≥ 50% reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] from baseline). Additionally, 38 renal biopsy specimens of patients with renal IgG deposit underwent the immunofluorescence IgG1‐4 staining.

Results

The median follow‐up period was 22 months. During follow‐up, 38.23% (65) of patients progressed to ESRD, and 6.47% (11) of patients had an eGFR decline ≥50%. The multivariate Cox analysis demonstrated that the glomerular IgG deposit (hazard ratio, 1.835; 95% CI, 1.013‐3.324, P = .045) was still significantly associated with DN progression when adjusted for the important clinical variables and pathological findings. In addition, a logistic regression showed that the glomerular IgG deposit was independently associated with glomerular basement membrane (GBM) thickness (odds ratio [OR], 1.276; 95% CI, 1.046‐1.558; P = .016), Kimmelstiel‐Wilson nodules formation (OR, 3.822; 95% CI, 1.052‐13.881; P = .042), and C3 deposit in the glomeruli (OR, 124.883; 95% CI, 20.754‐751.472; P < .001). The IgG subclass staining showed that IgG1 deposit along the GBM tended to be dominant (28/38) in IgG (+) patients with DN.

Conclusions

The glomerular IgG deposit affected glomerular structure and emerged as an independent risk factor for the renal clinical outcomes. In addition, IgG1 predominantly deposited along the GBM among the DN patients with IgG (+), which might be involved in the renal injury and progression of DN.
Metformin alleviates breast cancer through targeting high‐mobility group AT‐hook 2
Authors: Li Yang , Wang Dan , Ren Hui , Feng Wei
Published: February 2020

Background

As a classic oral drug used in diabetic patients, metformin has exhibited an anticancer role in many types of cancers in recent years. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of metformin in the growth of breast cancer and its novel targets.

Methods

A cell viability assay was utilized to examine the inhibitory effect of metformin on proliferation of breast cancer cells. Western blotting and RT‐PCR assays were used to detect the regulation of metformin on the expression of oncogenic HMGA2. The luciferase reporter vector of HMGA2 promoter was constructed. A luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to analyze the effect of metformin on HMGA2 promoter activity in breast cancer cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay was performed to show the binding of Sp1 to HMGA2 promoter in breast cancer cells with or without metformin treatment. The function of metformin‐regulated HMGA2 in breast cancer growth was tested using a cell viability assay.

Results

Cell proliferation was obviously inhibited in breast cancer cells treated with different concentrations of metformin. The level of mRNA and protein of HMGA2 was significantly reduced by metformin in the cells. Mechanistically, metformin was able to inactivate the HMGA2 promoter through downregulating transcription factor Sp1 in the cells. In terms of function, treatment with metformin suppressed the proliferation of breast cancer cells and overexpressed HMGA2 reversed the inhibition of cell proliferation mediated by metformin.

Conclusion

Metformin resists the growth of breast cancer through targeting Sp1/HMGA2 signal.
moveVis: Animating movement trajectories in synchronicity with static or temporally dynamic environmental data in r
Authors: Schwalb‐Willmann Jakob , Remelgado Ruben , Safi Kamran , Wegmann Martin
Published: February 2020

Visualizing movement data is challenging: While traditional spatial data can be sufficiently displayed as two‐dimensional plots or maps, movement trajectories require the representation of time in a third dimension. To address this, we present moveVis, an r package, which provides tools to animate movement trajectories, overlaying simultaneous uni‐ or multi‐temporal raster imagery or vector data.

moveVis automates the processing of movement and environmental data to turn such into an animation. This includes (a) the regularization of movement trajectories enforcing uniform time instances and intervals across all trajectories, (b) the frame‐wise mapping of movement trajectories onto temporally static or dynamic environmental layers, (c) the addition of customizations, for example, map elements or colour scales and (d) the rendering of frames into an animation encoded as GIF or video file.

moveVis is designed to display interactions and concurrencies of animal movement and environmental data. We present examples and use cases, ranging from data exploration to visualizing scientific findings.

Static spatial plots of movement data disregard the temporal dimension that distinguishes movement from other spatial data. In contrast, animations allow to display relocation in both time and space. We deem animations a powerful way to visually explore movement data, frame analytical findings and display potential interactions with spatially continuous and temporally dynamic environmental covariates.
Youth daily exposure to tobacco outlets and cigarette smoking behaviors: does exposure within activity space matter?
Authors: Lipperman‐Kreda Sharon , Finan Laura J. , Kowitt Sarah D. , Grube Joel W. , Abadi Melissa , Balassone Anna , Kaner Emily
Published: February 2020

Aims

To examine whether daily exposure to tobacco outlets within activity spaces is associated with cigarette smoking and with the number of cigarettes smoked by youth that day.

Design

The study used geographic ecological momentary assessment (GEMA) data that combined daily surveys with ecological momentary assessment of global positioning systems (GPS) using geographic information systems (GIS) to allow for real‐time data collection of participants' environments and behaviors.

Setting

Eight mid‐sized California (USA) city areas.

Participants

The analytical sample included 1065 days, which were clustered within 100 smoker and non‐smoker participants (aged 16–20 years, 60% female).

Measurements

Any cigarette smoking and number of cigarettes smoked on a given day, the number of tobacco outlets within 100 m of activity space polylines each day, the number of minutes participants spent within 100 m of tobacco outlets each day and demographic characteristics (age, sex, race/ethnicity and perceived socio‐economic status).

Findings

Controlling for demographic characteristics, the findings of multi‐level mixed effects logistic models were inconclusive, whether or not the number of tobacco outlets within 100 m of youths' activity space polylines or the number of minutes spent within 100 m of tobacco outlets were associated with whether the participant smoked cigarettes on a given day [odds ratio (OR) = 1.05, P = 0.24; OR = 0.99, P = 0.81, respectively]. However, in multi‐level zero‐inflated negative binomial models, the risk of smoking an additional cigarette on a given day increased with each additional tobacco outlet [incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.04, P < 0.05] and each additional minute spent within 100 m of tobacco outlets (IRR = 1.01, P < 0.001) each day.

Conclusions

Among young people in urban California, differences in day‐to‐day exposure to tobacco outlets within activity spaces does not seem to be significantly associated with whether a person smokes a cigarette on a given day, but higher exposure to tobacco outlets appears to be positively associated with the number of cigarettes smoked on that day.
Experiences of barriers and facilitators to establishing and sustaining radiotherapy services in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A qualitative study
Authors: Donkor Andrew , Luckett Tim , Aranda Sanchia , Vanderpuye Verna , Phillips Jane
Published: February 2020

Aims

The factors contributing to the establishment of high‐quality radiotherapy services in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) are poorly understood. The aim was to identify and describe barriers and facilitators to establishing and sustaining high‐quality and accessible radiotherapy services in LMICs based on the experience of successful and unsuccessful attempts.

Methods

An exploratory‐descriptive qualitative study using semistructured telephone interviews was undertaken. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to recruit participants. The World Health Organization Innovative Care for Chronic Conditions Framework informed the interview guide. A constant comparative data analysis approach was adopted.

Findings

Seventeen participants were interviewed. Ten were working permanently in nine LMICs and seven were permanently employed in four high‐income countries. Three themes were developed: committing to a vision of improving cancer care; making it happen and sustaining a safe service; and leveraging off radiotherapy to strengthen integrated cancer care. Identified barriers included lack of political leadership continuity, lack of a coordinated advocacy effort, non‐Member State of the IAEA, lack of reliable epidemiological data, lack of a comprehensive budget and lack of local expertise. Facilitators identified included strong political support, vision champion, availability of a regulator, costed cancer control plan, diversified sources of funding, responsible project manager, adoption of evidence‐based practice, strategic partnerships, motivation to provide patient‐centered care, and availability of supportive technology.

Conclusions

Assessing the level of readiness to establish and sustain a radiotherapy service is highly recommended. Future research is recommended to develop a readiness assessment tool for radiotherapy services implementation at LMICs.
Regional anaesthesia practice for arteriovenous fistula formation surgery
Authors: Armstrong R. A. , Wilson C. , Elliott L. , Fielding C. A. , Rogers C. A. , Caskey F. J. , Hinchliffe R. J. , Mouton R. , Rooshenas L.
Published: February 2020

We conducted a survey and semi‐structured qualitative interviews to investigate current anaesthetic practice for arteriovenous fistula formation surgery in the UK. Responses were received from 39 out of 59 vascular centres where arteriovenous access surgery is performed, a response rate of 66%. Thirty‐five centres reported routine use of brachial plexus blocks, but variation in anaesthetic skill‐mix and practice were observed. Interviews were conducted with 19 clinicians from 10 NHS Trusts including anaesthetists, vascular access and renal nurses, surgeons and nephrologists. Thematic analysis identified five key findings: (1) current anaesthetic practice showed that centres could be classified as ‘regional anaesthesia dominant’ or ‘local anaesthesia/mixed’; (2) decision making around mode of anaesthesia highlighted the key role of surgeons as frontline decision makers across both centre types; (3) perceived barriers and facilitators of regional block use included clinicians’ beliefs and preferences, resource considerations and patients’ treatment preferences; (4) anaesthetists’ preference for supraclavicular blocks emerged, alongside acknowledgement of varied practice; (5) there was widespread support for a future randomised controlled trial, although clinician equipoise issues and logistical/resource‐related concerns were viewed as potential challenges. The use of regional anaesthesia for arteriovenous fistula formation in the UK is varied and influenced by a multitude of factors. Despite the availability of anaesthetists capable of performing regional blocks, there are other limiting factors that influence the routine use of this technique. The study also highlighted the perceived need for a large multicentre, randomised controlled trial to provide an evidence base to inform current practice.
Acute kidney injury in paediatric patients with sickle cell disease is associated with increased morbidity and resource utilization
Authors: McCormick Meghan , Richardson Troy , Warady Bradley A. , Novelli Enrico M. , Kalpatthi Ramasubramanian
Published: February 2020

Renal disease is a common complication experienced by patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), though the epidemiology of acute kidney injury (AKI) in paediatric patients and its impact on long‐term renal outcomes is unclear. We utilized the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) to identify inpatient encounters of paediatric patients with SCD admitted for vaso‐occlusive pain crisis (VOC). Overall, 1·4% of patients experienced at least one episode of AKI and 2·5% of admissions were complicated by AKI. Patients with at least one episode of AKI were more likely to be adolescents or young adults at the time of their initial admission, had increased rates of admission to the ICU, longer lengths of stay, increased costs of hospitalization, increased risk of readmission and increased rates of SCD‐related comorbidities. Generalized estimating equation modelling demonstrated that increasing age, history of hypertension, history of haematuria and history of chronic kidney disease were associated with increased odds of developing AKI, though hydroxycarbamide use (OR 0·64, 95% CI 0·44–0·94) was protective. Episodes of AKI during hospitalization in children with SCD are associated with increased morbidity and utilization of hospital resources. Increasing the use of hydroxycarbamide may decrease the likelihood of this complication.
A court file analysis of child protection cases: What do children say?
Authors: Kratky Nicole , Schröder‐Abé Michela
Published: February 2020

Children's participation in legal proceedings affecting them personally has been gaining importance. So far, a primary research concern has been how children experience their participation in court proceedings. However, little is known about the child's voice itself: Are children able to clearly express their wishes, and if so, what do they say in child protection cases? In this study, we extracted information about children's statements from court file data of 220 child protection cases in Germany. We found 182 children were asked about their wishes. The majority of the statements found came either from reports of the guardians ad litem or from judicial records of the child hearings. Using content analysis, three main aspects of the statements were extracted: wishes concerning main place of residence, wishes about whom to have or not contact with, and children granting decision‐making authority to someone else. Children's main focus was on their parents, but others (e.g., relatives and foster care providers) were also mentioned. Intercoder agreement was substantial. Making sure that child hearings are as informative as possible is in the child's best interest. Therefore, the categories developed herein might help professionals to ask questions more precisely relevant to the child.
Video‐assisted anal fistula treatment for complex anal fistula: a long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: Giarratano G. , Shalaby M. , Toscana C. , Sileri P.
Published: February 2020

Aim

This prospective study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of video‐assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) in complex fistula‐in‐ano (FIA).

Method

Consecutive patients presenting with complex FIA were recruited between November 2012 and November 2018. The primary outcome was healing of the fistula.

Results

Seventy‐two patients were included, 39 (54%) of whom were men, with a mean age of 46 (±11) years. The mean follow‐up was 32 (±18) months. Complete healing was achieved in 64 (89%) patients. When persistent and recurrent cases were considered together, the failure rate was 21% and the success rate 79%. When patients failed, they were offered VAAFT again, after which there was an in increase in the healing rate, which overall (primary and secondary) was 86%. There was no statistically significant deterioration in continence. Eight (11%) patients experienced postoperative complications which required no additional surgical intervention.

Conclusion

VAAFT represents a promising, sphincter‐saving technique for the treatment of complex FIA. It has proved efficacious, with 79% of patients achieving complete healing after its primary application. After a second use, this reached 86%. The main advantage of VAAFT compared with other sphincter‐saving techniques is working under direct vision. VAAFT has a good safety profile with 11% of patients experiencing minor complications, and there is no effect on continence.
Anatomy of brain lesions after stroke predicts effectiveness of mirror therapy
Authors: Hamzei Farsin , Erath Gabriele , Kücking Ursula , Weiller Cornelius , Rijntjes Michel
Published: February 2020

To improve clinical outcome, one longstanding goal in treating stroke patients has been an individual therapy based on functional and anatomical knowledge of the single patient. Therefore, in this study brain imaging of 36 chronic stroke patients was analyzed to identify parameters predicting clinical recovery. T1‐weighted MRI was acquired to assess the lesion; functional MRI was used to visualize existing resources; DTI for the integrity of the corticospinal tract (CST) and long association tracts. These data were related to the clinical course. All patients were treated intensively with the mirror therapy (MT) only. After the training period, we analyzed which patient's feature would predict a beneficial course. Patients as a group improved after MT, but according to the fMRI activation of primary sensorimotor cortex (SMC), they could be divided in two groups with very diverging clinical outcome: those with ipsilesional SMC activation showed a noticeable increase of clinical scores, accompanied with ipsilesional activation in the frontal projection areas of the dorsal and ventral streams during action observation in fMRI. Those with contralesional SMC activation had lesions affecting both the dorsal and ventral stream and did not benefit from MT. The outcome for this therapy was not related to affection of CST. This study demonstrates that only in patients in which dorsal and ventral streams are not affected and therefore an interaction between these streams in post‐ and prerolandic regions is possible, MT can induce clinical improvement. Consequently, knowledge of the anatomical lesion can predict the beneficial course of MT.
Colour stability and surface properties of high‐translucency restorative materials for digital dentistry after simulated oral rinsing
Authors: Lee Jae‐Hyun , Kim Sung‐Hun , Yoon Hyung‐In , Yeo In‐Sung L. , Han Jung‐Suk
Published: February 2020

High‐translucency restorative materials are commonly used in the restoration of anterior teeth where aesthetics is a critical factor. In this in vitro study, the impact of mouthwash on the colour stability and surface characteristics of high‐translucency computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD‐CAM) dental restorative materials was evaluated. Two‐hundred specimens were fabricated from five high‐translucency CAD‐CAM materials: a resin nano ceramic; a polymer‐infiltrated ceramic network; a feldspathic ceramic; a lithium disilicate glass ceramic; and high‐translucency zirconia. Each group of ceramic specimens was then divided into four subgroups: conventional mouthwash (LISTERINE); whitening mouthwash (LISTERINE Healthy White); chlorhexidine gluconate; and distilled water. Oral rinsing was simulated at 100 rpm for 180 h, representing 15 yr of clinical simulation. The specimens were then evaluated for colour, translucency, gloss, roughness, and surface morphology. Two‐way ANOVA and linear mixed models were used for intergroup comparisons (α = 0.05). The polymer‐infiltrated ceramic network and feldspathic ceramic became brighter, more opaque, less glossy, and rougher after rinsing with the whitening mouthwash. The long‐term use of specific mouthwashes can cause deterioration of the optical and surface properties of high‐translucency CAD‐CAM dental restorations.
Progressive cardiorespiratory dysfunction in Kv1.1 knockout mice may provide temporal biomarkers of pending sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP): The contribution of orexin
Authors: Iyer Shruthi H. , Aggarwal Ankita , Warren Ted J. , Hallgren Jodi , Abel Peter W. , Simeone Timothy A. , Simeone Kristina A.
Published: February 2020

Objective

Immediately preceding sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), patients experienced a final generalized tonic‐clonic seizure (GTCS), rapid ventilation, apnea, bradycardia, terminal apnea, and asystole. Whether a progressive pathophysiology develops and increases risk of SUDEP remains unknown. Here, we determined (a) heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood oxygen saturation (SaO2) in low‐risk and high‐risk knockout (KO) mice; and (b) whether blocking receptors for orexin, a cardiorespiratory neuromodulator, influences cardiorespiratory function mice or longevity in high‐risk KO mice.

Methods

Heart rate and SaO2 were determined noninvasively with ECGenie and pulse oximetry. Respiration was determined with noninvasive airway mechanics technology. The role of orexin was determined within subject following acute treatment with a dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA, 100 mg/kg). The number of orexin neurons in the lateral hypothalamus was determined with immunohistochemistry.

Results

Intermittent bradycardia was more prevalent in high‐risk KO mice, an effect that may be the result of increased parasympathetic drive. High‐risk KO mice had more orexin neurons in the lateral hypothalamus. Blocking of orexin receptors differentially influenced heart rate in KO, but not wild‐type (WT) mice. When DORA administration increased heart rate, it also decreased heart rate variability, breathing frequency, and/or hypopnea‐apnea. Blocking orexin receptors prevented the methacholine (MCh)–induced increase in breathing frequency in KO mice and reduced MCh‐induced seizures, via a direct or indirect mechanism. DORA improved oxygen saturation in KO mice with intermittent hypoxia. Daily administration of DORA to high‐risk KO mice increased longevity.

Significance

High‐risk KO mice have a unique cardiorespiratory phenotype that is characterized by progressive changes in five interdependent endpoints. Blocking of orexin receptors attenuates some of these endpoints and increases longevity, supporting the notion that windows of opportunity for intervention exist in this preclinical SUDEP model.
V(D)J recombination, somatic hypermutation and class switch recombination of immunoglobulins: mechanism and regulation
Authors: Chi Xiying , Li Yue , Qiu Xiaoyan
Published: February 2020

Immunoglobulins emerging from B lymphocytes and capable of recognizing almost all kinds of antigens owing to the extreme diversity of their antigen‐binding portions, known as variable (V) regions, play an important role in immune responses. The exons encoding the V regions are known as V (variable), D (diversity), or J (joining) genes. V, D, J segments exist as multiple copy arrays on the chromosome. The recombination of the V(D)J gene is the key mechanism to produce antibody diversity. The recombinational process, including randomly choosing a pair of V, D, J segments, introducing double‐strand breaks adjacent to each segment, deleting (or inverting in some cases) the intervening DNA and ligating the segments together, is defined as V(D)J recombination, which contributes to surprising immunoglobulin diversity in vertebrate immune systems. To enhance both the ability of immunoglobulins to recognize and bind to foreign antigens and the effector capacities of the expressed antibodies, naive B cells will undergo class switching recombination (CSR) and somatic hypermutation (SHM). However, the genetics mechanisms of V(D)J recombination, CSR and SHM are not clear. In this review, we summarize the major progress in mechanism studies of immunoglobulin V(D)J gene recombination and CSR as well as SHM, and their regulatory mechanisms.
First‐time characterization of viable but non‐culturable Proteus mirabilis: Induction and resuscitation
Authors: Wasfi Reham , Abdellatif Ghada Refaat , Elshishtawy Hisham Mohamed , Ashour Hossam M.
Published: February 2020

Pathogenic bacteria can enter into a viable but non‐culturable (VBNC) state under unfavourable conditions. Proteus mirabilis is responsible for dire clinical consequences including septicaemia, urinary tract infections and pneumonia, but is not a species previously known to enter VBNC state. We suggested that stress‐induced P. mirabilis can enter a VBNC state in which it retains virulence. P. mirabilis isolates were incubated in extreme osmotic pressure, starvation, low temperature and low pH to induce a VBNC state. Resuscitation was induced by temperature upshift and inoculation in tryptone soy broth with Tween 20 and brain heart infusion broth. Cellular ultrastructure and gene expression were examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), respectively. High osmotic pressure and low acidity caused rapid entry into VBNC state. Temperature upshift caused the highest percentage of resuscitation (93%) under different induction conditions. In the VBNC state, cells showed aberrant and dwarf morphology, virulence genes and stress response genes (envZ and rpoS) were expressed (levels varied depending on strain and inducing factors). This is the first‐time characterization of VBNC P. mirabilis. The ability of P. mirabilis pathogenic strains to enter a stress‐induced VBNC state can be a serious public health threat.
Vagococcus salmoninarum I—A chronic coldwater streptococcosis in broodstock brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in Wisconsin, USA
Authors: Standish Isaac , Erickson Sara , Leis Eric , Baumgartner Wes , Loch Thomas , Knupp Christopher , McCann Rebekah , Puzach Corey , Katona Ryan , Lark Ellen , Bailey Jennifer , Buening Jorge , Edwards Carey , Phillips Kenneth
Published: February 2020

In 2018, Vagococcus salmoninarum was isolated from two lots of broodstock “coaster” brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) containing ~1,500 fish at the Iron River National Fish Hatchery, at which time it was identified as the causative agent of a chronic coldwater streptococcosis epizootic. Clinical signs included exophthalmia, lethargy, erratic swimming and loss of equilibrium. Female fish experienced disproportionately higher morbidity and mortality than male co‐inhabitants, and routinely retained eggs following spawning. The most consistent gross clinical sign was heart pallor and turbid pericardial effusion. An attempted treatment using florfenicol was ineffective at halting the epizootic, which spanned more than a year and resulted in >50% mortality before remaining fish were culled. As there is no previous documentation of V. salmoninarum at this hatchery or in this species, it is still unclear what circumstances led to this epizootic. The inability to treat this chronic disease led to the loss of valuable broodstock, hampering ongoing fishery conservation efforts in the Great Lakes Basin.
Efficacy of microneedling combined with tacrolimus versus either one alone for vitiligo treatment
Authors: Ebrahim Howyda M. , Albalate Waleed
Published: February 2020

Background

Combination therapies have reported to augment the repigmentation in vitiligo. Microneedling (Mn) facilitates drug delivery across the skin barrier.

Objective

To evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of Mn combined with tacrolimus vs Mn alone or tacrolimus 0.1% ointment for treatment of localized and stable vitiligo.

Patients and Method

Ninety patients with vitiligo were randomized into three groups: group I received microneedling with tacrolimus, group II microneedling only both at 2 weeks interval for twelve sessions, and group III applied tacrolimus ointment 0.1% twice daily for 6 months. Skin biopsies were taken at baseline and after treatment.

Results

The overall improvement (76.6%) was significantly higher in the combined group compared with other groups. Repigmentation was excellent in 66.6 of group I vs 33.3% in the other two groups (P .03). A highly significant improvement of the extremities was observed in the combined group than in the other groups (P < .001). A fewer number of sessions have reported in the combined group (I) than in the microneedling group (II; P < .001). Immunohistochemical results showed a significantly higher expression of HMB‐45 in group I than in other two groups (P .04). Side effects were mild and tolerable in all groups.

Conclusion

The combination group has shown promising results over the other two groups.
Third‐Party Intervention in Peer Victimization: Self‐Evaluative Emotions and Appraisals of a Diverse Adolescent Sample
Authors: Frey Karin S. , Strong Zoe Higheagle , Onyewuenyi Adaurennaya C. , Pearson Cynthia R. , Eagan Brendan R.
Published: February 2020

African American, European American, Mexican American, and Native American adolescents (N = 270) described how they felt and appraised their own actions in response to a peer's victimization. Analyses compared times they had calmed victim emotions, amplified anger, avenged, and resolved conflicts peacefully. Adolescents felt prouder, more helpful, more like a good friend, and expected more peer approval after calming and resolving than after amplifying anger or avenging peers. They also felt less guilt and shame after calming and resolving. Avenging elicited more positive self‐evaluation than amplifying. Epistemic network analyses explored links between self‐evaluative and other emotions. Pride was linked to relief after efforts to calm or resolve. Third‐party revenge reflected its antisocial and prosocial nature with connections between pride, relief, anger, and guilt.
Accuracy of transcranial magnetic stimulation and a Bayesian latent class model for diagnosis of spinal cord dysfunction in horses
Authors: Rijckaert Joke , Raes Els , Buczinski Sebastien , Dumoulin Michèle , Deprez Piet , Van Ham Luc , van Loon Gunther , Pardon Bart
Published: February 2020

Background

Spinal cord dysfunction/compression and ataxia are common in horses. Presumptive diagnosis is most commonly based on neurological examination and cervical radiography, but the interest into the diagnostic value of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with recording of magnetic motor evoked potentials has increased. The problem for the evaluation of diagnostic tests for spinal cord dysfunction is the absence of a gold standard in the living animal.

Objectives

To compare diagnostic accuracy of TMS, cervical radiography, and neurological examination.

Animals

One hundred seventy‐four horses admitted at the clinic for neurological examination.

Methods

Retrospective comparison of neurological examination, cervical radiography, and different TMS criteria, using Bayesian latent class modeling to account for the absence of a gold standard.

Results

The Bayesian estimate of the prevalence (95% CI) of spinal cord dysfunction was 58.1 (48.3%‐68.3%). Sensitivity and specificity of neurological examination were 97.6 (91.4%‐99.9%) and 74.7 (61.0%‐96.3%), for radiography they were 43.0 (32.3%‐54.6%) and 77.3 (67.1%‐86.1%), respectively. Transcranial magnetic stimulation reached a sensitivity and specificity of 87.5 (68.2%‐99.2%) and 97.4 (90.4%‐99.9%). For TMS, the highest accuracy was obtained using the minimum latency time for the pelvic limbs (Youden's index = 0.85). In all evaluated models, cervical radiography performed poorest.

Clinical Relevance

Transcranial magnetic stimulation‐magnetic motor evoked potential (TMS‐MMEP) was the best test to diagnose spinal cord disease, the neurological examination was the second best, but the accuracy of cervical radiography was low. Selecting animals based on neurological examination (highest sensitivity) and confirming disease by TMS‐MMEP (highest specificity) would currently be the optimal diagnostic strategy.
Perceptions and attitudes of Small Animal Internal Medicine specialists toward the publication requirement for board certification
Authors: Birkenheuer Adam J. , Royal Kenneth D. , Cerreta Anthony , Hemstreet Daniel , Lunn Katharine F. , Gookin Jody L. , McGarvey Stephanie
Published: February 2020

Background

The publication requirement for board certification in Small Animal Internal Medicine (SAIM) by the ACVIM is controversial.

Objectives

Directly and indirectly evaluate the perceptions SAIM Diplomates have on the publication requirement. A secondary objective was to compare the frequency with which publications submitted for credentialing purposes (CredPubs) were cited compared to control articles.

Subjects

One thousand two hundred forty‐one SAIM Diplomates were sent an electronic survey.

Methods

A electronic survey was sent to all SAIM Diplomates. Practice websites were evaluated for reference to publication or research. An electronic database was searched to identify the number of times a subset of CredPubs were cited was compared to control articles.

Results

Five hundred six individuals responded. The majority of respondents (n = 428, 85.25%) stated the requirement should be retained either with no changes (n = 186, 37.05%) or with clarifications or modifications (n = 242, 48.21%). A minority of respondents (n = 74, 14.7%) felt it should be eliminated. “Understanding the scientific process” was the most commonly selected reason (n = 467, 92.48%) for the publication requirement. All websites that mentioned research or publication did so using a positive sentiment. With regard to relative citation rates; 17% of CredPubs were in the lower quartile, 59.1% of CredPubs were in the interquartile range, and 23.5% were in the upper quartile compared to control articles.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

A majority of SAIM Diplomates favored the retention of the publication requirement in some form. CredPubs were cited at rates similar to control articles.
AEG‐1 promotes angiogenesis and may be a novel treatment target for tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Shan , Chen Lei‐Hui , Niu Yan‐Hong , Geng Ning‐Bo , Feng Chong‐Jin
Published: February 2020

Background

The study explored the potential function of astrocyte elevated gene‐1 (AEG‐1) on angiogenesis in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) in TSCC cell lines.

Methods

The different degrees of angiogenesis were detected in TSCC cell lines expressing different levels of AEG‐1 by chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) experimental model. Next, we established xenografts of different TSCC cell lines with different expression levels of AEG‐1 in nude mice and conducted immunohistochemistry to evaluate the expression of the angiogenesis‐associated factor, that is, vascular endothelial growth receptor factor 2 (VEGFR‐2) and microvessel density (MVD). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was detected by ELISA.

Results

CAM assay showed that the number of vessels was significantly reduced in AEG‐1‐down um1 cell line (p < .05), whereas the number was significantly increased in AEG‐1‐over um2 cell line (p < .05). Moreover, up‐regulated AEG‐1 expression level was associated with higher tumor angiogenesis, which was reflected by augmented expression levels of VEGF (p < .01), VEGFR‐2 (p < .05), and MVD counting (p < .01).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that AEG‐1 can promote tumor angiogenesis in TSCC and inhibition of tumor angiogenesis by repressing the expression of AEG‐1 may be a novel potential treatment approach for TSCC.