bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Burden of health behaviours and socioeconomic position on health care expenditure in Ontario
Authors: Manuel Douglas G. , Bennett Carol , Perez Richard , Wilton Andrew S. , Rohit Dass Adrian , Laporte Audrey , Henry David A.
Published: March 2019

Background: Smoking, unhealthy alcohol consumption, poor diet and physical inactivity are leading risk factors for morbidity and mortality, and contribute substantially to overall healthcare costs. The availability of health surveys linked to health care provides population-based estimates of direct healthcare costs. We estimated health behaviour and socioeconomic-attribute healthcare costs, and how these have changed during a period when government policies have aimed to reduce their burden. 

Methods: The Ontario samples of the Canadian Community Health Surveys (conducted in 2003, 2005, and 2007-2008) were linked at the individual level to all records of health care use of publicly funded healthcare. Generalized linear models were estimated with a negative binomial distribution to ascertain the relationship of health behaviours and socioeconomic risk factors on health care costs. The multivariable cost model was then applied to unlinked, cross-sectional CCHS samples for each year from 2004 to 2013 to examine the evolution of health behaviour and socioeconomic-attributable direct health care expenditures over a 10-year period.

Results: We included 80,749 respondents, aged 25 years and older, and 312,952 person-years of follow-up. The cost model was applied to 200,324 respondents aged 25 years and older (CCHS 2004 to 2013). During the 10-year period from 2004 to 2013, smoking, unhealthy alcohol consumption, poor diet and physical inactivity attributed to 22% of Ontario’s direct health care costs. Ontarians in the most disadvantaged socioeconomic position contributed to 15% of the province’s direct health care costs. Taken together, health behaviours and socioeconomic position were associated with 34% ($134 billion) of direct health care costs (2004 to 2013). Over this time period, we estimated a 1.9% reduction in health care expenditure ($5.0 billion) attributable to improvements in some health behaviours, most importantly reduced rates of smoking.

Conclusions: Health behaviours and socioeconomic position cause a large direct health care system cost burden.
CUBES: A practical toolkit to measure enablers and barriers to behavior for effective intervention design
Authors: Engl Elisabeth , Sgaier Sema K.
Published: March 2019

A pressing goal in global development and other sectors is often to understand what drives people’s behaviors, and how to influence them. Yet designing behavior change interventions is often an unsystematic process, hobbled by insufficient understanding of contextual and perceptual behavioral drivers and a narrow focus on limited research methods to assess them. We propose a toolkit (CUBES) of two solutions to help programs arrive at more effective interventions. First, we introduce a novel framework of behavior, which is a practical tool for programs to structure potential drivers and match corresponding interventions. This evidence-based framework was developed through extensive cross-sectoral literature research and refined through application in large-scale global development programs. Second, we propose a set of descriptive, experimental, and simulation approaches that can enhance and expand the methods commonly used in global development. Since not all methods are equally suited to capture the different types of drivers of behavior, we present a decision aid for method selection. We recommend that existing commonly used methods, such as observations and surveys, use CUBES as a scaffold and incorporate validated measures of specific types of drivers in order to comprehensively test all the potential components of a target behavior. We also recommend under-used methods from sectors such as market research, experimental psychology, and decision science, which programs can use to extend their toolkit and test the importance and impact of key enablers and barriers. The CUBES toolkit enables programs across sectors to streamline the process of conceptualizing, designing, and optimizing interventions, and ultimately to change behaviors and achieve targeted outcomes.
Formation of Professional Identity in Work Subjects
Authors: Поляков Александр , Polyakov Aleksandr , Лавров Николай , Lavrov Nikolay , Сысоев Валентин , Sysoev Valentin
Published: March 2019

The purpose of the work was to study the processes of formation and development of professional identity. The object of this article is professional identity. The subject of the research is the formation and formation of the professional identity of a specialist. The socio-psychological vision of the I-concept of a specialist has been determined. The main components of the development model of the professional identity of an expert in an organization are presented, their content is described. Special attention is paid to the psychological mechanisms of the formation of professional identity: social categorization, identification, alienation. The authors note that the development of professional identity for professionals is better understood as one of the aspects of their socialization in the field of professional activity. In the article, on the basis of a comprehensive theoretical analysis of approaches to the problem of the development of the professional identity of a specialist in an organization that exists in domestic and foreign psychology, a theoretical model of this phenomenon has been built. It can be argued that the formation and development of a positive professional identity is considered the result of the activities of certain psychological mechanisms that are triggered by the basic needs of the individual. The starting point here is the appropriate level of growth of the professional self-consciousness and the “I-concept” of the individual. Professional identity is represented in the “I-image”. Based on a theoretical analysis of the problem of identity formation, the authors identified several factors that influence the development of identity. The main factors are: society and its structure, information environment, elements of collective activity, psycho-physiological characteristics of a person.
Retrospective Analysis of the Reforms of the Content of General Secondary Education: How They Contribute to the Consolidation of Public Consciousness
Authors: Абылкасымова А. , Abylkasymova A. , Рыжаков Михаил , Ryzhakov Mikhail , Шишов Сергей , Shishov Sergey
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this article is to analyze the experience of reforming the education systems of Russia and Kazakhstan over the past three decades to identify appropriate areas of development of the education system in the face of the confrontation of globalization and the preservation of national interests of our countries. The following tasks are solved: to analyze the experience of the development of state educational standards; to evaluate the results of international research in the field of education; to assess the role of schools in the development of the state and the role of the state in the development of education in the face of the confrontation of globalization ideas and the preservation of national interests of our countries. The following methods were used: content analysis, statistical analysis, hermeneutic approach, method of historical and cultural research. Reforming the education system has led to fundamental changes in both the field itself and the public consciousness of our citizens. As a result, a part of the population approves of reforms, and another part does not accept them, referring to the fact that the former education system was one of the best in the world. The standards of general education, and then the standards of pedagogical education were largely modernized. This led to changes in their content. As a result, various educational systems emerged and the terms “competence” and “competence approach” were consolidated, which became the main components of the content of education, both general and professional pedagogical. The school itself is changing and the role of the teacher in it. However, to date society does not have an answer to the main question - what positive results did our entry into the world educational space give us. The authors propose to comprehensively analyze the carried out modernization in the field, draw conclusions and, if necessary, make corrections to the essence and content of the ongoing reforms in the system of both general secondary and higher pedagogical education.
Supply and demand
Authors: Moffat Polly
Published: March 2019

Frequent attenders in general practice settings can be a problem in terms of receiving considerable NHS resources – but what do these patients have in common?
An Improved Ratio-Type Variance Estimator by Using Linear Combination of Diferent Measures of Location
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Khalil Muhammad , Hanif Muhammad , Jamal Nasir , Shahzad Usman
Published: March 2019

In this research study, modified family of estimators is proposed to estimate the population variance of the study variable when the population variance, quartiles, median and the coefficient of correlation of auxiliary variable are known. The expression of bias and mean squared error (MSE) of the proposed estimator are derived. Comparisons of the proposed estimator with the other existing are conducted estimators. The results obtained were illustrated numerically by using primary data sets. Theoretical and numerical justification of the proposed estimator was done to show its dominance.
Comparing the Pemberton osteotomy and modified San Diego acetabuloplasty in developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Badrinath R. , Bomar J. D. , Wenger D. R. , Mubarak S. J. , Upasani V. V.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) may require a pelvic osteotomy to treat acetabular dysplasia. The Pemberton osteotomy and modified San Diego acetabuloplasty are two options available when surgically treating DDH. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes following the Pemberton and modified San Diego when treating patients with acetabular dysplasia in typical DDH.

Methods

We included 45 hips in the modified San Diego group and 38 hips in the Pemberton group. Hips with less than two years follow-up and patients with a neuromuscular diagnosis were excluded. Clinical outcomes were rated using the modified McKay criteria with radiographic outcomes graded using the Severin score. Avascular necrosis (AVN) was assessed using the Kalamchi and MacEwen criteria.

Results

Mean follow-up was 4.9 years (2.1 to 11.2). Both procedures produced similar decreases in the acetabular index (modified San Diego: 17.0° versus Pemberton: 15.2°; p = 0.846). Most hips had good/excellent results using the modified McKay criteria (modified San Diego: 78%, Pemberton: 94%; p = 0.055). Most hips were rated as good/excellent on the Severin scale (modified San Diego: 100%, Pemberton: 97%, p = 0.485). The proportion of hips with AVN grade 2 or higher were similar between groups (modified San Diego: 0%, Pemberton: 3%; p = 0.458).

Conclusion

The modified San Diego acetabuloplasty is a safe and effective alternative to treat acetabular dysplasia in patients with typical DDH. By maintaining an intact medial cortex, acetabular reshaping can be customized to address each patient's specific acetabular deficiency

Level of evidence

Level III retrospective comparison
Synthetic Antigen Gels as Practical Controls for Standardized and Quantitative Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Hötzel Kathy J. , Havnar Charles A. , Ngu Hai V. , Rost Sandra , Liu Scot D. , Rangell Linda K. , Peale Franklin V.
Published: March 2019

Optimization and standardization of immunohistochemistry (IHC) protocols within and between laboratories requires reproducible positive and negative control samples. In many situations, suitable tissue or cell line controls are not available. We demonstrate here a method to incorporate target antigens into synthetic protein gels that can serve as IHC controls. The method can use peptides, protein domains, or whole proteins as antigens, and is compatible with a variety of fixation protocols. The resulting gels can be used to create tissue microarrays (TMAs) with a range of antigen concentrations that can be used to objectively quantify and calibrate chromogenic, fluorescent, or mass spectrometry-based IHC protocols. The method offers an opportunity to objectively quantify IHC staining results, and to optimize and standardize IHC protocols within and between laboratories. (J Histochem Cytochem 58:XXX–XXX, 2019)
Anthropological Methods in Curriculum Instruction for Learners in Informal Education for Abagusii of South Western Kenya
Authors: Okebiro Gilbert Nyakundi
Published: March 2019

Abagusii used methods known as anthropological for transformative education. Anthropological methods refer to indigenous ways for impacting knowledge and skills to children in the society. The methods differed in content and technique, but transformative education was moral, progressive, gradual and practical. The problem learners are ignoring anthropological methods because are indigenous and suppress transformative education for instance in acquiring university education, cannot adjust in the society. The objective is to examine the best approach to integrate, anthropological methods in curriculum development in educational system. The research employed survey method and data collected through questionnaire technique. Results indicates Abagusii have discarded anthropological methods for transformative education. The research paper concludes anthropological methods were transformative, effective and efficient in education since content was retained for long period by the learners. It recommends curriculum developers to incorporate them in the teaching-learning process in schools.
Emulsion system without surfactant as an alternative to the use of a solvent gel
Authors: Pérez Benito Paula , Regidor Ros José Luis , Roig Picazo Pilar
Published: March 2019

Gels are high viscosity dispersive systems formed of a liquid continuous phase and solid dispersed phase. Two main advantages appear with the use of gels for the conservation of the Cultural Heritage. Firstly, cleaning control due to the reduction in penetration and capillarity diffusion and also the evaporation solvent. The other advantage is toxicity reduction. The use of solvent gels had great impact on conservation, but caused the problem of its elimination from the porous network of the material in which they are applied and also the use of solvents for their neutralization and clearance. Moreover, these gels are ionic so they should not be used on surfaces that retain moisture. This study analyses the use of an emulsion system without surfactants as an alternative to solvent gels for cleaning the overpainting layers of the mural paintings of Santos Juanes church, in Valencia.
Rola bibliotek cyfrowych w badaniach regionalnych
Authors: Marcinkowski Piotr
Published: March 2019

The article presents the questions concerning digital libraries. The aims for their establishment have been discussed and the most interesting Polish examples presented. The author, on the basis of the selected collections highlights the role the digital libraries may play in the workshop of a researcher - regionalist. Moreover, he demonstrates their significance as a tool supporting didactic process. From among several dozen o f Polish virtual libraries, the author focuses especially on Wielkopolska Biblioteka Cyfrowa (Great Polish Digital Library) and Kujawsko-Pomorska Biblioteka Cyfrowa (Kujavian-Pomeranian Digital Library) as the biggest and most interesting projects of this kind.
The Longitudinal Association Between Passive Social Networking Site Usage and Depressive Symptoms: The Mediating Role of Envy and Moderating Role of Life Satisfaction
Authors: Wang Hai-Zhen , Yang Ting-Ting , Gaskin James , Wang Jin-Liang
Published: March 2019

Introduction: The relationship between Social Networking Site (SNS) usage and depressive symptoms is a growing concern among mental health researchers and practitioners. The purpose of this study was to better understand the mechanism and context under which SNS use affects depressive symptoms.

Method: We did this by examining envy as a mediator of the relationship between passive SNS usage and depression over time, with life satisfaction as a moderator of this mediation effect. The sample included 266 college students, who completed the surveys in two waves.

Results: The results showed that envy fully mediated the association between passive SNS usage and depression. This indirect relationship was moderated by level of life satisfaction. Specifically, and unexpectedly, among individuals with higher levels of life satisfaction, more frequent passive SNS use was related to increased envy, which, in turn, was associated with increased depressive symptoms. However, this indirect relationship was non-significant for those with lower levels of life satisfaction.

Discussion: Thus, the potential of passive SNS use to increase depressive symptoms through envy among individuals with high life satisfaction should be considered when mental health practitioners design interventions.
Transduction of the Geomagnetic Field as Evidenced from alpha-Band Activity in the Human Brain
Authors: Wang Connie X. , Hilburn Isaac A. , Wu Daw-An , Mizuhara Yuki , Cousté Christopher P. , Abrahams Jacob N. H. , Bernstein Sam E. , Matani Ayumu , Shimojo Shinsuke , Kirschvink Joseph L.
Published: March 2019

Magnetoreception, the perception of the geomagnetic field, is a sensory modality well-established across all major groups of vertebrates and some invertebrates, but its presence in humans has been tested rarely, yielding inconclusive results. We report here a strong, specific human brain response to ecologically-relevant rotations of Earth-strength magnetic fields. Following geomagnetic stimulation, a drop in amplitude of electroencephalography (EEG) alpha-oscillations (8–13 Hz) occurred in a repeatable manner. Termed alpha-event-related desynchronization (alpha-ERD), such a response has been associated previously with sensory and cognitive processing of external stimuli including vision, auditory and somatosensory cues. Alpha-ERD in response to the geomagnetic field was triggered only by horizontal rotations when the static vertical magnetic field was directed downwards, as it is in the Northern Hemisphere; no brain responses were elicited by the same horizontal rotations when the static vertical component was directed upwards. This implicates a biological response tuned to the ecology of the local human population, rather than a generic physical effect. Biophysical tests showed that the neural response was sensitive to static components of the magnetic field. This rules out all forms of electrical induction (including artifacts from the electrodes) which are determined solely on dynamic components of the field. The neural response was also sensitive to the polarity of the magnetic field. This rules out free-radical “quantum compass” mechanisms like the cryptochrome hypothesis, which can detect only axial alignment. Ferromagnetism remains a viable biophysical mechanism for sensory transduction and provides a basis to start the behavioral exploration of human magnetoreception.
Cannabinoids Stimulate the TRP Channel-Dependent Release of Both Serotonin and Dopamine to Modulate Behavior inC. elegans
Authors: Oakes Mitchell , Law Wen Jing , Komuniecki Richard
Published: March 2019

Cannabis sativaalters sensory perception and exhibits potential medicinal benefits. In mammals, cannabinoids activate two canonical receptors, CB1/CB2, as well additional receptors/ion channels whose overall contributions to cannabinoid signaling have yet to be fully assessed. InCaenorhabditis elegans, the endogenous cannabinoid receptor agonist, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) activates a CB1ortholog, NPR-19, to modulate behavior (Oakes et al., 2017). In addition, 2-AG stimulates the NPR-19 independent release of both serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) from subsets of monoaminergic neurons to modulate locomotory behaviors through a complex monoaminergic signaling pathway involving multiple serotonin and dopamine receptors. 2-AG also inhibits locomotion in remodeled monoamine receptor mutant animals designed to measure the acute release of either 5-HT or DA, confirming the direct effects of 2-AG on monoamine release. 2-AG-dependent locomotory inhibition requires the expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and TRPN-like channels in the serotonergic or dopaminergic neurons, respectively, and the acute pharmacological inhibition of the TRPV1-like channel abolishes both 2-AG-dependent 5-HT release and locomotory inhibition, suggesting the 2-AG may activate the channel directly. This study highlights the advantages of identifying and assessing both CB1/CB2-dependent and independent cannabinoid signaling pathways in a genetically tractable, mammalian predictive model, where cannabinoid signaling at the molecular/neuronal levels can be correlated directly with changes in behavior.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThis study is focused on assessing CB1/CB2-independent cannabinoid signaling in a genetically tractable, whole-animal model where cannabinoid signaling at the molecular/neuronal levels can be correlated with behavioral change.Caenorhabditis eleganscontains a cannabinoid signaling system mediated by a canonical cannabinoid receptor, NPR-19, with orthology to human CB1/CB2(Oakes et al., 2017). The present study has characterized an NPR-19-independent signaling pathway that involves the cannabinoid-dependent release of both serotonin and dopamine and the expression of distinct TRP-like channels on the monoaminergic neurons. Our work should be of interest to those studying the complexities of CB1/CB2-independent cannabinoid signaling, the role of TRP channels in the modulation of monoaminergic signaling, and the cannabinoid-dependent modulation of behavior.
Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide Modulates Dendritic Spine Maturation and Morphogenesis via MicroRNA-132 Upregulation
Authors: Hayata-Takano Atsuko , Kamo Toshihiko , Kijima Harui , Seiriki Kaoru , Ogata Katsuya , Ago Yukio , Nakazawa Takanobu , Shintani Yusuke , Higashino Kosuke , Nagayasu Kazuki , Shintani Norihito , Kasai Atsushi , Waschek James A. , Hashimoto Hitoshi
Published: March 2019

Alterations in pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), a multifunctional neuropeptide, and its receptors have been identified as risk factors for certain psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. Increasing evidence from human genetic and animal model studies suggest an association between various psychiatric disorders and altered dendritic spine morphology. In the present study, we investigated the role of exogenous and endogenous PACAP in spine formation and maturation. PACAP modified the density and morphology of PSD-95-positive spines in primary cultured hippocampal neurons. Notably, PACAP increased the levels of microRNA (miR)-132 and decreased expression of corresponding miR-132 target genes and protein expression of p250GAP, a miR-132 effector known to be involved in spine morphology regulation. In corroboration, PSD-95-positive spines were reduced in PACAP-deficient (PACAP−/−) mice versus WT mice. Golgi staining of hippocampal CA1 neurons revealed a reduced spine densities and atypical morphologies in the malePACAP−/−mice. Furthermore, viral miR-132 overexpression reversed the reduction in hippocampal spinal density in the malePACAP−/−mice. These results indicate that PACAP signaling plays a critical role in spine morphogenesis possibly via miR-132. We suggest that dysfunction of PACAP signaling may contribute to the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders, at least partly through its effects on spine formation.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTPituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) signaling dysfunction and dendritic spine morphology alterations have recently been suggested as important pathophysiological mechanisms underlying several psychiatric and neurological disorders. In this study, we investigated whether PACAP regulates dendritic spine morphogenesis. In a combination of pharmacological and viral gain- and loss-of-function approachesin vitroandin vivoexperiments, we found PACAP to increase the size and density of dendritic spines via miR-132 upregulation. Together, our data suggest that a dysfunction of PACAP signaling may contribute to the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders, at least partly through abnormal spine formation.
Endothelial Adora2a Activation Promotes Blood–Brain Barrier Breakdown and Cognitive Impairment in Mice with Diet-Induced Insulin Resistance
Authors: Yamamoto Masaki , Guo De-Huang , Hernandez Caterina M. , Stranahan Alexis M.
Published: March 2019

Obesity and insulin resistance elicit blood–brain barrier (BBB) breakdown in humans and animal models, but the relative contributions of the two pathologies remain poorly understood. These studies initially addressed the temporal progression of cerebrovascular dysfunction relative to dietary obesity or diet-induced insulin resistance in male mice. Obesity increased BBB permeability to the low molecular weight fluorophore sodium fluorescein (NaFl), whereas diet-induced insulin resistance increased permeability to both NaFl and Evans blue, which forms a high molecular weight complex with serum albumin. Serial section transmission electron microscopy analysis of hippocampal capillaries revealed that diabetes promotes involution of tight junctions, fenestration of endothelial cells, and pericyte regression. Chronic activation of adenosine receptor 2a (Adora2a) erodes tight junctions between endothelial cells of the cerebral vasculature in other models of chronic neuropathology, and we observed that acute Adora2a antagonism normalized BBB permeability in wild-type mice with diet-induced insulin resistance. Experiments in mice with inducible deletion of Adora2a in endothelial cells revealed protection against BBB breakdown with diet-induced insulin resistance, despite comparable metabolic dysfunction relative to nontransgenic littermates. Protection against BBB breakdown was associated with decreased vascular inflammation, recovery of hippocampal synaptic plasticity, and restoration of hippocampus-dependent memory. These findings indicate that Adora2a-mediated signaling in vascular endothelial cells disrupts the BBB in dietary obesity, and implicate cerebrovascular dysfunction as the underlying mechanism for deficits in synaptic plasticity and cognition with obesity and insulin resistance.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe blood–brain barrier (BBB) restricts the entry of circulating factors into the brain, but obesity promotes BBB breakdown in humans and animal models. We used transgenic mice with resistance to BBB breakdown to investigate the role of neurovascular dysfunction in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced cognitive impairment. Transgenic mice with inducible ablation of Adora2a in endothelial cells were protected against BBB breakdown on HFD, despite comparable metabolic impairments relative to normal mice. Transgenic mice were also resistant to HFD-induced cognitive dysfunction and were protected against deficits in hippocampal synaptic plasticity. These findings indicate that Adora2a-mediated signaling in endothelial cells mediates obesity-induced BBB breakdown, and implicate cerebrovascular dysfunction as the mechanism for deficits in synaptic plasticity and cognition with obesity and diabetes.
Neural Maps of Interaural Time Difference in the American Alligator: A Stable Feature in Modern Archosaurs
Authors: Kettler Lutz , Carr Catherine E.
Published: March 2019

Detection of interaural time differences (ITDs) is crucial for sound localization in most vertebrates. The current view is that optimal computational strategies of ITD detection depend mainly on head size and available frequencies, although evolutionary history should also be taken into consideration. In archosaurs, which include birds and crocodiles, the brainstem nucleus laminaris (NL) developed into the critical structure for ITD detection. In birds, ITDs are mapped in an orderly array or place code, whereas in the mammalian medial superior olive, the analog of NL, maps are not found. As yet, in crocodilians, topographical representations have not been identified. However, nontopographic representations of ITD cannot be excluded due to different anatomical and ethological features of birds and crocodiles. Therefore, we measured ITD-dependent responses in the NL of anesthetized American alligators of either sex and identified the location of the recording sites by lesions made after recording. The measured extracellular field potentials, or neurophonics, were strongly ITD tuned, and their preferred ITDs correlated with the position in NL. As in birds, delay lines, which compensate for external time differences, formed maps of ITD. The broad distributions of best ITDs within narrow frequency bands were not consistent with an optimal coding model. We conclude that the available acoustic cues and the architecture of the acoustic system in early archosaurs led to a stable and similar organization in today's birds and crocodiles, although physical features, such as internally coupled ears, head size, or shape, and audible frequency range, vary among the two groups.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTInteraural time difference (ITD) is an important cue for sound localization, and the optimal strategies for encoding ITD in neuronal populations are the subject of ongoing debate. We show that alligators form maps of ITD very similar to birds, suggesting that their common archosaur ancestor reached a stable coding solution different from mammals. Mammals and diapsids evolved tympanic hearing independently, and local optima can be reached in evolution that are not considered by global optimal coding models. Thus, the presence of ITD maps in the brainstem may reflect a local optimum in evolutionary development. Our results underline the importance of comparative animal studies and show that optimal models must be viewed in the light of evolutionary processes.
The Divergent Roles of Dietary Saturated and Monounsaturated Fatty Acids on Nerve Function in Murine Models of Obesity
Authors: Rumora Amy E. , LoGrasso Giovanni , Hayes John M. , Mendelson Faye E. , Tabbey Maegan A. , Haidar Julia A. , Lentz Stephen I. , Feldman Eva L.
Published: March 2019

Neuropathy is the most common complication of prediabetes and diabetes and presents as distal-to-proximal loss of peripheral nerve function in the lower extremities. Neuropathy progression and disease severity in prediabetes and diabetes correlates with dyslipidemia in man and murine models of disease. Dyslipidemia is characterized by elevated levels of circulating saturated fatty acids (SFAs) that associate with the progression of neuropathy. Increased intake of monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA)-rich diets confers metabolic health benefits; however, the impact of fatty acid saturation in neuropathy is unknown. This study examines the differential effect of SFAs and MUFAs on the development of neuropathy and the molecular mechanisms underlying the progression of the complication. Male miceMus musculusfed a high-fat diet rich in SFAs developed robust peripheral neuropathy. This neuropathy was completely reversed by switching the mice from the SFA-rich high-fat diet to a MUFA-rich high-fat diet; nerve conduction velocities and intraepidermal nerve fiber density were restored. A MUFA oleate also prevented the impairment of mitochondrial transport and protected mitochondrial membrane potential in cultured sensory neurons treated with mixtures of oleate and the SFA palmitate. Moreover, oleate also preserved intracellular ATP levels, prevented apoptosis induced by palmitate treatment, and promoted lipid droplet formation in sensory neurons, suggesting that lipid droplets protect sensory neurons from lipotoxicity. Together, these results suggest that MUFAs reverse the progression of neuropathy by protecting mitochondrial function and transport through the formation of intracellular lipid droplets in sensory neurons.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThere is a global epidemic of prediabetes and diabetes, disorders that represent a continuum of metabolic disturbances in lipid and glucose metabolism. In the United States, 80 million individuals have prediabetes and 30 million have diabetes. Neuropathy is the most common complication of both disorders, carries a high morbidity, and, despite its prevalence, has no treatments. We report that dietary intervention with monounsaturated fatty acids reverses the progression of neuropathy and restores nerve function in high-fat diet-fed murine models of peripheral neuropathy. Furthermore, the addition of the monounsaturated fatty acid oleate to sensory neurons cultured under diabetic conditions shows that oleate prevents impairment of mitochondrial transport and mitochondrial dysfunction through a mechanism involving formation of axonal lipid droplets.
Application of mobile health, telemedicine and artificial intelligence to echocardiography
Authors: Seetharam Karthik , Kagiyama Nobuyuki , Sengupta Partho P.
Published: March 2019

The intersection of global broadband technology and miniaturized high-capability computing devices has led to a revolution in the delivery of healthcare and the birth of telemedicine and mobile health (mHealth). Rapid advances in handheld imaging devices with other mHealth devices such as smartphone apps and wearable devices are making great strides in the field of cardiovascular imaging like never before. Although these technologies offer a bright promise in cardiovascular imaging, it is far from straightforward. The massive data influx from telemedicine and mHealth including cardiovascular imaging supersedes the existing capabilities of current healthcare system and statistical software. Artificial intelligence with machine learning is the one and only way to navigate through this complex maze of the data influx through various approaches. Deep learning techniques are further expanding their role by image recognition and automated measurements. Artificial intelligence provides limitless opportunity to rigorously analyze data. As we move forward, the futures of mHealth, telemedicine and artificial intelligence are increasingly becoming intertwined to give rise to precision medicine.
Multiple superovulations alter histone modifications in mouse early embryos
Authors: Tang Shou-Bin , Yang Lei-Lei , Zhang Ting-Ting , Wang Qian , Yin Shen , Luo Shi-Ming , Shen Wei , Ge Zhao-Jia , Sun Qing-Yuan
Published: March 2019

It is demonstrated that repeated superovulation has deleterious effects on mouse ovaries and cumulus cells. However, little is known about the effects of repeated superovulation on early embryos. Epigenetic reprogramming is an important event in early embryonic development and could be easily disrupted by the environment. Thus, we speculated that multiple superovulations may have adverse effects on histone modifications in the early embryos. Female CD1 mice were randomly divided into four groups: (a) spontaneous estrus cycle (R0); (b) with once superovulation (R1); (c) with three times superovulation at a 7-day interval (R3) and (d) with five times superovulation at a 7-day interval (R5). We found that repeated superovulation remarkably decreased the fertilization rate. With the increase of superovulation times, the rate of early embryo development was decreased. The expression ofOct4,Sox2andNanogwas also affected by superovulation in blastocysts. The immunofluorescence results showed that the acetylation level of histone 4 at lysine 12 (H4K12ac) was significantly reduced by repeated superovulation in mouse early embryos (P < 0.01). Acetylation level of histone 4 at lysine 16 (H4K16ac) was also significantly reduced in pronuclei and blastocyst along with the increase of superovulation times (P < 0.01). H3K9me2 and H3K27me3 were significantly increased in four-cell embryos and blastocysts. We further found that repeated superovulation treatment increased the mRNA level of histone deacetylasesHdac1,Hdac2and histone methyltransferase G9a, but decreased the expression level of histone demethylase-encoding genesKdm6aandKdm6bin early embryos. In a word, multiple superovulations alter histone modifications in early embryos.
Nexus of Foreign Direct Investment, Domestic Investment, and Manufacturing Industry Value Added in Indonesia
Authors: Djulius Horas , Wongyu Choi , Juanim J. , Santy Raeni Dwi
Published: March 2019

The development of the manufacturing industry is one of the standards for Indonesia's development as a developing country. Domestic investment (DI) and foreign direct investment (FDI) can meet investment needs in this industry. This paper focuses on the nexus of the two types of investment in meeting investment needs in the manufacturing industry and the influence of those investments in relatively capital-intensive and relatively labor-intensive industrial groups. The aim is to evaluate the role of both types of investments and their benefits to the economy not only to the value-added but also in transferring technology and knowledge spillover from FDI to DI. The panel data regression was first to do to observe the differences between groups of relatively capital-intensive industrial samples and relatively labor-intensive industrial samples. The comparison results show that there are significant differences between the two industry groups so that it can be regressed on these two sample types, apart from the regression of the overall sample. The overall sample found that both FDI and DI influence the value-added of the manufacturing industry.
The Effects of Early Nutritional Interventions on the Development of Atopic Disease in Infants and Children: The Role of Maternal Dietary Restriction, Breastfeeding, Hydrolyzed Formulas, and Timing of Introduction of Allergenic Complementary Foods
Authors: Greer Frank R. , Sicherer Scott H. , Burks A. Wesley ,   COMMITTEE ON NUTRITION,   SECTION ON ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Abrams Steven A. , Fuchs George J. , Kim Jae H. , Lindsey C. Wesley , Magge Sheela N. , Rome Ellen S. , Schwarzenberg Sarah Jane , Matsui Elizabeth C. , Bird John Andrew , Davis Carla McGuire , Hernandez-Trujillo Vivian Pilar , Mahr Todd A. , Orange Jordan S. , Pistiner Michael , Wang Julie , Williams Paul V.
Published: March 2019

This Clinical Report was retired.

This clinical report updates and replaces a 2008 clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which addressed the roles of maternal and early infant diet on the prevention of atopic disease, including atopic dermatitis, asthma, and food allergy. As with the previous report, the available data still limit the ability to draw firm conclusions about various aspects of atopy prevention through early dietary interventions. Current evidence does not support a role for maternal dietary restrictions during pregnancy or lactation. Although there is evidence that exclusive breastfeeding for 3 to 4 months decreases the incidence of eczema in the first 2 years of life, there are no short- or long-term advantages for exclusive breastfeeding beyond 3 to 4 months for prevention of atopic disease. The evidence now suggests that any duration of breastfeeding ≥3 to 4 months is protective against wheezing in the first 2 years of life, and some evidence suggests that longer duration of any breastfeeding protects against asthma even after 5 years of age. No conclusions can be made about the role of breastfeeding in either preventing or delaying the onset of specific food allergies. There is a lack of evidence that partially or extensively hydrolyzed formula prevents atopic disease. There is no evidence that delaying the introduction of allergenic foods, including peanuts, eggs, and fish, beyond 4 to 6 months prevents atopic disease. There is now evidence that early introduction of peanuts may prevent peanut allergy.
Briefing: Interpreting contractors’ mandated standard of design
Authors: Charlson Jennifer
Published: March 2019

This briefing covers contractors’ standard of design responsibility by analysing current standard forms of contract and reviewing recent relevant case law. A report ranks failure to understand and/or comply with contractual obligations as the third top cause of construction disputes in the UK. The distinction between reasonable skill and care and fitness-for-purpose responsibilities is explained. A fitness-for-purpose standard accepted by contractors will not be back-to-back with a designer who will only accept a reasonable skill and care responsibility. Professional indemnity insurance policies will cover a failure to exercise reasonable skill and care but usually exclude protection for fitness-for-purpose obligations. Current Joint Contracts Tribunal, NEC and International Federation of Consulting Engineers contracts are analysed. It is notable that these standard forms of contracts adopt different stances on the important matter of a contractor’s mandated standard of design. Technology and Construction Court, Supreme Court and Scottish Court of Session Inner House decisions are reviewed. The three cases found the contractor liable for a fitness-for-purpose obligation. Therefore, contractors should interpret a contract’s conditions and schedules for their mandated standard of design before agreement.
International policy perspectives on construction waste minimisation and recycling
Authors: Bains Mike , Hongyi Yang , Jialong Chen
Published: March 2019

Construction waste is generated in large quantities in most countries. As an example of a rapidly urbanising society, the scale of China's construction sector means that it is particularly important for China to identify measures to minimise waste generation and improve the recycling rate. This paper presents a review and categorisation of the policy measures that other countries have adopted to improve the sustainability of construction waste management, and identifies those policy measures that are potentially applicable to China and other middle- and low-income countries. Policy measures are considered by classifying them into three categories – technical, regulatory and economic. The review of international experience suggests that no single measure on its own is likely to be effective, and policy makers should identify a suite of specific policies which, when put together, can potentially achieve significant changes in construction waste management.
METODE TERJAMAHAN TATA BAHASA DALAM PEMBELAJARAN MEMBACA KARANGAN EKSPOSISI
Authors: MARDHOTILLAH NUR FITRI
Published: March 2019

Penelitian ini didasari pembelajaran bahasa Sunda di SMPN 1 Susukan kabupaten Cirebon seperti pembelajaran bahasa asing karena bahasa sehari-hari yang digunakan adalah bahasa Cirebon. Siswa kurang mengenal kosakata dan memahami tata bahasa dari bahasa Sunda, dengan metode terjemahan tata bahasa diharapkan bisa membantu siswa dalam memperkaya kosakata dan memahami tata bahasa Sunda. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui seberapa besar pengaruh metode terjemahan tata bahasa terhadap kemampuan kosakata dalam membaca karangan eksposisi. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode eksperimen dengan desain pretest and posttest control group desaign. Populasi penelitian ini yaitu siswa kelas IX dengan sampel siswa kelas eksperimen yaitu siswa kelas IX B dan sampel kelas kontrol siswa kelas IX G SMPN 1 Susukan Kabupaten Cirebon Taun Ajaran 2014/2015. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa metode terjemahan tata bahasa efektif dalam meningkatkan kemampuan kosakata dalam membaca karangan eksposisi siswa kelas IX SMPN 1 Susukan Kabupaten Cirebon taun ajaran 2014/2015.  Abstract  The Backgound of this study is the condition of Sundanese language teaching in SMPN 1 Susukan, Cirebon Regency, that is similar to foreign language teaching. It is because the daily language used is the Cirebon language. Students are less familiar with the vocabulary and the grammar of Sundanese. The grammar translation method is expected to help students in enriching vocabulary and grammar to understand the Sundanese. This study was conducted to determine the influence of the grammar translation method to the vocabulary skills in reading the exposition essays. The method used in this study is the experimental method with the design of pretest and posttest control group. The population is 9th grade students with the sample consisting of the students of class IX B. The sample control consisted of students of class IX G. The results show that the grammar translation method is effective in improving student vocabulary skills in reading exposition texts.
PERBANDINGAN PERIBAHASA SUNDA DAN INDONESIA (Kajian Semantik Formal dan Etnopedagogik)
Authors: KULSUM UMI
Published: March 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dan mendeskripsikan perbandingan peribahasa Sunda‐Indonesia secara semantik formal dan etnopedagogik dalam peribahasa yang memiliki makna sama. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan teknik studi pustaka dan analisis data dilakukan dengan analisis unsur langsung dan hermeneutik. Temuan penelitian ini menghasilkan empat deskripsi hasil penelitian, yaitu: (1) peribahasa Sunda memiliki pola-pola struktur kalimat, setiap pola memiliki sub-pola yang dibedakan berdasarkan kelas kata, jenis kata, kategori makna, dan sifat atau dari kata-kata yang membangun peribahasa sehingga ditemukan makna peribahasanya; (2) peribahasa Indonesia memiliki pola-pola struktur kalimat, setiap pola memiliki sub-pola yang dibedakan berdasarkan kelas kata, jenis kata, kategori makna, dan sifat-sifat dari kata-kata yang membangun peribahasa sehingga ditemukan makna peribahasanya; (3) 183 peribahasa Sunda dan Indonesia memiliki makna yang sama, dibangun oleh kata-kata yang sama dan kata-kata yang berbeda, dan dua diantaranya dibangun oleh kata-kata yang sama tapi memiliki makna yang berbeda; dan (4) peribahasa Sunda dan Indonesia yang memiliki makna yang sama memiliki nilai etnopedagogik berdasarkan moral kemanusiaan yang harus dimiliki oleh manusia yang masagi yang memiliki karakter trisilas dan pancarawayan. This study was aimed to identify and to describe the comparison of Sundanese and Indonesian proverbs that have same meaning in the perspective of formal semantics and etnopedagogy. This research used a descriptive method. The data was collected by library research techniques and the data analysis was done with the direct elemental analysis and hermeneutics. , The findings of this study resulted in four descriptions of research results. First, Sundanese proverbs have sentence structure patterns that differentiated by the class of words, the types of words, the category of meaning, and the nature or of words founding the meaning. Second, Indonesian proverbs have sentence structure patterns that differentiated by the class of words, the types of words, the category of meaning, and the nature or of words founding the meaning. Third, 183 Sundanese and Indonesian proverbs have the same meaning that are built by the same and the different words, while two of them built by the same words with different meanings. Fourth, the Sundanese and Indonesian proverb that have the same meaning contain ethnopedagogical values based on moral values of humanity that must be possessed by masagi (lit. complete) human beings who have the characters of trisilas and pancarawayan.