bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy, Outcomes, and Alignment Following Isolated Fibular Sesamoidectomy via a Plantar Approach
Authors: Ford Samuel E. , Adair Christopher R. , Cohen Bruce E. , Davis W. Hodges , Ellington J. Kent , Jones Carroll P. , Anderson Robert B.
Published: August 2019

Background:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients for intermediate-term pain relief, functional outcome, and changes in hallux alignment following isolated, complete fibular sesamoidectomy via a plantar approach for sesamoid-related pain recalcitrant to conservative treatment.

Methods:

A retrospective query of a tertiary referral center administrative database was performed using the Current Procedural Terminology code 28135 for sesamoidectomy between 2005 and 2016. Patients who underwent an isolated fibular sesamoidectomy were identified and contacted to return for an office visit. The primary outcome measure was change in visual analog pain score at final follow-up. Secondary measures included satisfaction, hallux flexion strength, hallux alignment, pedobarographic assessment, and postoperative functional outcome scores. Patients who met the 2-year clinical or radiographic follow-up minimum were included. Ninety fibular sesamoidectomies were identified. Thirty-six sesamoidectomies met inclusion criteria (median 60-month follow-up). The average patient was 36 years old and underwent sesamoidectomy 1.1 years after initial diagnosis.

Results:

Median visual analog scale scores improved 5 (6 to 1) points at final follow-up ( P < .001). Final postoperative mean hallux valgus angle did not differ from preoperative values (10.5 degrees/8.5 degrees, P = .12); similarly, the intermetatarsal angle did not differ (8.0 degrees/7.9 degrees, P = .53). Eighty-eight percent of patients would have surgery again and 70% were “very satisfied” with their result. Hallux flexion strength (mean 14.7 pounds) did not differ relative to the contralateral foot (mean 16.1 pounds) ( P = .23). Among the full 92 case cohort, 3 patients underwent 4 known reoperations.

Conclusion:

Fibular sesamoidectomy effectively provided pain relief (median 5-year follow-up) for patients with sesamoid pathology without affecting hallux alignment.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Hazardous Alcohol Consumption Moderates the Relationship Between Safer Sex Maintenance Strategies and Condomless Sex With Clients Among Female Sex Workers in Mexico
Authors: Semple Shirley J. , Pitpitan Eileen V. , Pines Heather A. , Harvey-Vera Alicia , Martinez Gustavo , Rangel M. Gudelia , Strathdee Steffanie A. , Patterson Thomas L.
Published: August 2019

Understanding the relationship between cognitive and behavioral processes and long-term behavior change is critical to developing behavior change maintenance interventions. We examined the relationship between cognitive and behavioral safer sex maintenance strategies and condomless vaginal/anal sex with clients among female sex workers (FSWs) in Mexico. We hypothesized a moderating effect of hazardous alcohol use, such that the relationship between the use of safer sex maintenance strategies and condomless sex would be weaker among FSWs who meet criteria for hazardous alcohol consumption. Data were gathered from 602 FSWs enrolled in a sexual risk reduction intervention with a text messaging maintenance component. Seven cognitive and behavioral strategies purported to be critical in sustaining long-term behavior change were measured (e.g., maintenance self-efficacy). The relationship between FSWs’ use of safer sex maintenance strategies and condomless vaginal/anal sex with clients was moderated by hazardous alcohol consumption. The association was weaker among FSWs who met criteria for hazardous alcohol consumption. Among FSWs who met criteria for hazardous alcohol consumption, maintenance self-efficacy was associated with fewer condomless sex acts with clients ( b = −0.35, p < .001). Among FSWs who did not meet criteria for hazardous alcohol consumption, recovery self-efficacy ( b = −0.21, p < .05) and self-monitoring ( b = −0.34, p < .001) were associated with fewer acts of condomless sex. Results indicate the importance of examining the multidimensional nature of safer sex maintenance strategies and of exploring subgroup differences in their associations with behavioral outcomes. Interventions that address safer sex maintenance strategies in the context of alcohol treatment should be developed for this subgroup of FSWs.
Advertising Education in Japan: Challenges in the Age of Globalization
Authors: Morimoto Mariko
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this commentary is to: illustrate the challenges that Japanese advertising education faces; find the possible causes for the difficulties faced; and consider potential solutions to overcome the challenges and prepare students for a fast-paced global workforce.
Serum Metabolomic Profiles of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients With Acute-Onset Diffuse Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Furukawa Hiroshi , Oka Shomi , Shimada Kota , Hashimoto Atsushi , Komiya Akiko , Matsui Toshihiro , Fukui Naoshi , Tohma Shigeto
Published: August 2019

Objective:

Acute-onset diffuse interstitial lung disease (AoDILD) includes acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease (ILD), drug-induced ILD, and Pneumocystis pneumonia, and frequently occurs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Since AoDILD causes a poor prognosis in RA, biomarkers for AoDILD were eagerly desired. Metabolomic analyses were extensively performed in cancer patients and successfully generated better diagnostic biomarkers. In the present study, serum metabolomic profiles of AoDILD in RA were investigated to generate better potential metabolomic biomarkers.

Methods:

Serum samples of 10 RA patients with AoDILD were collected on admission and in a stable state, more than 3 months before the admission. Serum metabolomic analyses were conducted on the samples from these RA patients with AoDILD.

Results:

Apparently distinct serum metabolomic profiles in AoDILD were not observed in univariate or hierarchical cluster analyses. Partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was performed to select candidate metabolites based on variable importance in projection (VIP) scores. The PLS-DA model generated from the four metabolites with VIP scores more than 2.25 (mannosamine, alliin, kynurenine, and 2-hydroxybutyric acid) could successfully discriminate AoDILD from the stable condition (area under the curve: 0.962, 95% confidence interval: 0.778–1.000).

Conclusion:

It was demonstrated that metabolomic profiling was useful to generate better biomarkers in AoDILD.
Parental Antibiotic Use in Urban and Peri-Urban Health Care Centers in Lima: A Cross-Sectional Study of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices
Authors: Paredes Jose L , Navarro Rafaella , Riveros Maribel , Picon Veronica , Conde Francisco , Suito-Ferrand Mario , Ochoa Theresa J
Published: August 2019

In pediatric patients, the antibiotic use is affected by parental beliefs and practices; especially in countries where it is possible to acquire them without prescription. This study aims to describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices on antibiotic use among parents of children from urban and peri-urban health care centers in Lima. A cross-sectional study was performed at 1 urban and 2 peri-urban health care centers selected in Lima, Perú. Parents of children below the age of 3 years answered a knowledge-attitudes-practices-validated questionnaire about antibiotic use and were categorized as high, moderate, and low knowledge regarding antibiotics. We analyzed potential determinants for low knowledge and having medicated their children with unprescribed antibiotics using bivariate and multivariate analyses. A total of 224 parents were enrolled, and 8% were categorized as low knowledge. Half of the parents could not recognize that antibiotics cannot cure viral infections, 59.4% disagreed with “antibiotics speed up recovery from a cold,” and 53.2% stored antibiotics at home. Remarkably 23.5% of parents reported having medicated their children with antibiotics without prescription, which was associated with belonging to the peri-urban health care center, use of antibiotics by their children in the last 12 months, and having purchased antibiotics without physicians’ prescription. An alarming overuse of antibiotics without prescription was described among children below the age of 3 years. Educational interventions, addressing parental attitudes and practices, and health policies should be developed to limit inappropriate antibiotic use especially in peri-urban communities.
Time-dependent legislative behavior and election outcomes
Authors: Rowlands Lauren M , Wielen Ryan J Vander
Published: August 2019

Previous studies find that legislators who adopt a partisan voting record are penalized come election time. To date, these studies examine the electoral effects of aggregate legislative behavior. While useful for identifying macro-level relationships, this approach discards valuable information about the timing of elite partisanship that contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between legislative behavior and election outcomes. After all, studies find that recent elite behavior tends to factor more prominently in voters’ decision calculus. We offer a model that more explicitly accounts for the timing of elite partisanship, and we test it using US House elections data from 1956 to 2004. Even when accounting for aggregate party voting, we find that electoral success is significantly dependent on the temporal patterns of members’ party loyalty as elections approach. We attribute this, in part, to voters paying disproportionate attention to legislative activity around elections.
The Boomerang of Female40: Seniority Pensions in Hungary, 2011–2018
Authors: Simonovits András
Published: August 2019

In 2011, the Hungarian government introduced special seniority pensions (Female40): Females, who have accumulated at least 40 years of eligibility (related to the length of contributions), can retire at any age without actuarial benefit reduction. The elimination of other early retirement schemes in 2012 and slowly rising real wages made the policy change even more popular: the lifetime benefit was maximised at the earliest age of retirement. Since 2016, real wages have been growing rather fast; making delayed retirement attractive. Without being noticed by the public at large, Female40 has become a boomerang for its former beneficiaries as immediate retirement from 2014 causes losses rather than gains to the foregoing retirees.
Leadership Challenges: Handling Sexual Assault on Campus and Promoting Socioemotional Learning
Authors: Muñiz Raquel
Published: August 2019

Joaquin, a 15-year-old Latino high school student, was arrested and removed from the Upward Bound (UB) program following a student-on-student sexual assault allegation. UB adopted a student-centered discipline approach that promoted socioemotional learning opportunities. However, the staff was regulated by complex state and federal policies and had not experienced severe student misconduct claims prior to 2018. This case illustrates how educational leaders grappled with disciplinary issues in a compensatory program with a strong pro-socioemotional learning policy. The case examines the legal, regulatory compliance, and policy issues that arise for leaders in upholding their commitment to socioemotional learning, while holding students accountable.
Health-related quality of life among patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Sharour Loai Abu , Omari Omar Al , Salameh Ayman Bani , Yehia Dalal
Published: August 2019

Background

Up to 35% of cancer patients have clinically significant levels of psychological distress during their treatment. Accordingly, better understanding of health-related quality of life and its predictors will help oncology nurses plan appropriate interventions to improve health-related quality of life.

Aims

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between hope, depression and anxiety and health-related quality of life among Jordanian cancer patients during their treatment period.

Methods

Cross-sectional descriptive correlational design was conducted using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Herth Hope Index and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal surveys.

Results

260 Jordanian patients with cancer from three Jordanian hospitals completed the study survey. The bivariate analysis indicated significant positive relationships between hope and quality of life ( r = .57, p < .0001). A significant negative relationship was found between anxiety and depression and quality of life ( r = −.76, p < .0001). A multiple regression analysis indicated that hope, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and time since diagnosis were predictors of quality of life, and explained 66% of the variance in the quality of life for this sample.

Conclusions

The assessment of psychosocial elements including hope, depression, anxiety, and quality of life should be a part of daily nurse-caring behaviours and practices. Implement education programmes to increase nurses' competencies in the psychosocial assessment are recommended.
A case of Lemierre syndrome combined with a suspected systemic lupus erythematosus flare
Authors: Fujii Teruhiro , Iwabuchi Yuko , Moriyama Takahito , Uchida Keiko , Nitta Kosaku
Published: August 2019

Lemierre syndrome develops in healthy young patients as a result of bacteremia after oral cavity infection. It causes thrombophlebitis in the internal jugular vein. Infection can easily occur during immunosuppressive treatment in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and become severe. We present a case of Lemierre syndrome in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus. A 56-year-old woman presented with fever, left lower toothache, and skin symptoms from the left neck to the anterior chest. Clinical presentation and laboratory investigations revealed Lemierre syndrome. The inflammation and thrombus disappeared with antibiotic and anticoagulant therapies. However, transient hypocomplementemia and elevated antinuclear antibody levels were observed during treatment; therefore, a concomitant systemic lupus erythematosus flare was considered. In systemic lupus erythematosus patients with Lemierre syndrome, complement and antinuclear antibody levels are modified, so other indicators should be precisely evaluated, such as levels of urinary protein, sediment, serum creatinine and anti-dsDNA antibody, and systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index.
The Joint Impact of Age at Death and Dementia on Long-Term Care Use in the Last Years of Life: Changes From 1996 to 2013 in Finland
Authors: Aaltonen Mari S. , Forma Leena P. , Pulkki Jutta M. , Raitanen Jani A. , Rissanen Pekka , Jylhä Marja K.
Published: August 2019

Welfare states increasingly rely on aging in place policies and have cut back on institutional long-term care (LTC) provision. Simultaneously, the major determinants of LTC use, that is, dementia and living to very old age, are increasing. We investigated how increasing longevity and concomitant dementia were associated with changes in round-the-clock LTC use in the last 5 years of life between 1996 and 2013. Retrospective data drawn from national registers included all those who died aged 70+ in 2007 and 2013, plus a 40% random sample from 2001 ( N = 86,554). A generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to estimate the association of dementia and age with LTC use during three study periods 1996-2001, 2002-2007, and 2008-2013. Between the study periods, the total number of days spent in LTC increased by around 2 months. Higher ages at death and the increased number of persons with dementia contributed to this increase. The group of the most frequent LTC users, that is, people aged 90+ with or without dementia, grew the most in size, yet their LTC use decreased. The implications of very old age and concomitant dementia for care needs must be acknowledged to guarantee an adequate quantity and quality of care.
“This Meeting at This Tree”: Reimagining the Town Hall Session
Authors: Toliver S. R. , Jones Stephanie P. , Jiménez Laura , Player Grace , Rumenapp Joseph C. , Munoz Joaquin
Published: August 2019

Much of the language at academic conferences is purely metaphorical, so it is important to understand the cultural–historical significance of the metaphors used in constructing organizational gatherings, especially the metaphor invoked by the town hall meeting. Town halls/meetings were spaces where members gathered for democratic rule in a particular geopolitical space that was stolen, settled, and colonized. They often excluded women, indigenous people, and people of color. In using this name, then, Literacy Research Association (LRA) engages in settler colonialism in as far as it is considered townish and aspires to recreate the metaphorical essence of town meetings. However, the historic interconnectedness of LRA, the town hall, and settler colonialism can be upended. In fact, LRA can reimagine the entire concept of the town hall and create new metaphors upon which to base the gatherings. This article departs from the idea of the town hall, and it also departs from the traditional structure of academic papers. Specifically, this article highlights position statements written by five scholars who embody numerous social and individual identities. In each statement, the scholars discuss their ideas for the future of LRA—their concerns and their hopes. Additionally, the article includes symbolic sketches of LRA members to represent the people who are often muted within the organization. Essentially, we, the authors, begin an imagining process as we speculate on what LRA meetings can look like when marginalized voices speak out not only about their questions and concerns but also about their solutions.
Students Engaging in Multiple-Source Inquiry Tasks: Capturing Dimensions of Collaborative Online Inquiry and Social Deliberation
Authors: Coiro Julie , Sparks Jesse R. , Kiili Carita , Castek Jill , Lee Changhee , Holland Beth R.
Published: August 2019

Multiple-source inquiry that involves collaboration and deliberation is a complex construct; accordingly, valid measurement of these related competencies should require students to demonstrate their collaborative inquiry and social deliberation skills as part of an integrated performance. In this article, we report findings from the first phase of an assessment project designed to develop and evaluate the use of a virtual world platform that simultaneously captures collaboration, online inquiry, and social deliberation in the context of a single scenario-based task. Mixed methods were employed to evaluate preliminary evidence of students’ (ages 14–16) competencies in both face-to-face ( n = 5 dyads) and remote ( n = 6 dyads) contexts. Results indicated the scenario-based virtual assessment platform successfully captured varying levels of cognitive and social performance (using both product and process data) on several dimensions of collaborative online inquiry and social deliberation. Illustrative examples of dyads demonstrating stronger or weaker collaborative processes and high-level themes that emerged are presented. Implications for classroom settings and large-scale assessment environments are discussed.
Examining Psychological Science Through Systematic Meta-Method Analysis: A Call for Research
Authors: Elson Malte
Published: August 2019

Research synthesis is based on the assumption that when the same association between constructs is observed repeatedly in a field, the relationship is probably real, even if its exact magnitude can be debated. Yet the probability that the relationship is real is a function not only of recurring results, but also of the quality and consistency of the empirical procedures that produced those results and that any meta-analysis necessarily inherits. Standardized protocols in data collection, analysis, and interpretation are foundations of empiricism and a healthy sign of a discipline’s maturity. I propose that meta-analysis as typically applied in psychology will benefit from complementing aggregation of observed effect sizes with systematic examination of the standardization of the methodology that deterministically produced them. I describe potential units of analysis and offer two examples illustrating the benefits of such efforts. Ideally, this synergetic approach will advance theory by improving the quality of meta-analytic inferences.
Enzymatic vitreolysis for the treatment of tractional diabetic macular edema
Authors: Pessoa Bernardete , Coelho João , Coelho Constança , Monteiro Sílvia , Abreu Carolina , Figueira João , Meireles Angelina , Melo Beirão João Nuno
Published: August 2019

Background:

A new approach to address focal vitreomacular adhesion in patients with diabetic macular edema may control and stabilize diabetic macular edema with fewer anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to demonstrate that diabetic macular edema can be improved by inducing the release of a vitreomacular adhesion, with less than 2500 μm, with enzymatic vitreolysis.

Methods:

From a retrospective analysis of clinical records from patients with diabetic retinopathy, patients with diabetic macular edema and vitreomacular adhesion <2500 μm were selected for a single-arm prospective study. The primary endpoint was to control diabetic macular edema with fewer anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections after an observed vitreomacular adhesion release. A statistical subanalysis was performed for the following two groups: the group with vitreomacular adhesion release (group 1) and the group without vitreomacular adhesion release (group 2).

Results:

A total of 23 eyes from 19 patients were included. A reduction of the median number of injections was achieved in group 1 ( p = 0.006). Adverse events were mild and transitory.

Conclusion:

Release of vitreomacular adhesion <2500 μm through enzymatic vitreolysis contributed to the control and stabilization of diabetic macular edema with fewer anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections, reducing the burden and the risks related to these invasive and frequently chronic treatments.
Intragraft donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies in phenotypes of chronic lung allograft dysfunction
Authors: Sacreas Annelore , Taupin Jean-Luc , Emonds Marie-Paule , Daniëls Liesbeth , Van Raemdonck Dirk E. , Vos Robin , Verleden Geert M. , Vanaudenaerde Bart M. , Roux Antoine , Verleden Stijn E.
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Circulating anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) serum donor-specific antibodies (sDSAs) increase the risk of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) and mortality. Discrepancies between serological and pathological/clinical findings are common. Therefore, we aimed to assess the presence of tissue-bound graft DSAs (gDSAs) in CLAD explant tissue compared with sDSAs.

Methods

Tissue cores, obtained from explant lungs of unused donors (n=10) and patients with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS; n=18) and restrictive allograft syndrome (RAS; n=18), were scanned with micro-computed tomography before elution of antibodies. Total IgG levels were measuredviaELISA. Anti-HLA class I and II IgG gDSAs were identified using Luminex single antigen beads and compared with DSAs found in serum samples.

Results

Overall, mean fluorescence intensity was higher in RAS eluates compared with BOS and controls (p<0.0001). In BOS, two patients were sDSA+/gDSA+and two patients were sDSA−/gDSA+. In RAS, four patients were sDSA+/gDSA+, one patient was sDSA+/gDSA−and five patients were sDSA−/gDSA+. Serum and graft results combined, DSAs were more prevalent in RAS compared with BOS (56%versus22%; p=0.04). There was spatial variability in gDSA detection in one BOS patient and three RAS patients, who were all sDSA−. Total graft IgG levels were higher in RAS than BOS (p<0.0001) and in gDSA+versusgDSA−(p=0.0008), but not in sDSA+versussDSA−(p=0.33). In RAS, total IgG levels correlated with fibrosis (r= −0.39; p=0.02).

Conclusions

This study underlines the potential of gDSA assessment as complementary information to sDSA findings. The relevance and applications of gDSAs need further investigation.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Efficacy of pentoxifylline treatment for neonatal sepsis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies
Authors: Tian Jun , Shen Peifang , Pan Kaiyu , Zhou Qiong
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Pentoxifylline may be an important approach to treat neonatal sepsis. However, its use has not been well established. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of pentoxifylline treatment for neonatal sepsis.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials are searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the influence of pentoxifylline treatment on neonatal sepsis are included. Two investigators independently have searched articles, extracted data, and assessed the quality of included studies. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effect model.

Results

Seven RCTs involving 439 patients are included in the meta-analysis. Compared with control intervention for neonatal sepsis, pentoxifylline treatment is associated with reduced hospital stay (Std. MD = -0.61; 95% CI = -0.93 to − 0.29; P = 0.0002) and metabolic acidosis (RR = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.22 to 0.66; P = 0.0006), but has no remarkable impact on mortality (RR = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.30 to 1.16; P = 0.13), serum TNF-α (Std. MD = -0.38; 95% CI = -1.29 to 0.52; P = 0.41), serum CRP (Std. MD = -0.25; 95% CI = -0.92 to 0.42; P = 0.47), plasma IL-6 (Std. MD = -0.13; 95% CI = -0.41 to 0.15; P = 0.37), disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (RR = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.25 to 1.21; P = 0.14), and oliguria/anuria (RR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.28 to 2.16; P = 0.62). In addition, pentoxifylline treatment can significantly reduce mortality (RR = 0.50; 95% CI = 0.29 to 0.88; P = 0.02) after excluding the study conducted by Akdag during the sensivity analysis.

Conclusions

Pentoxifylline treatment may be associated with reduced mortality and hospital stay in neonatal sepsis.
Hyperchloremia is not associated with AKI or death in septic shock patients: results of a post hoc analysis of the “HYPER2S” trial
Authors: Commereuc Morgane , Nevoret Camille , Radermacher Peter , Katsahian Sandrine , Asfar Pierre , Schortgen Frédérique ,   HYPER2S investigators
Published: August 2019

Background

Recent data suggest that hyperchloremia induced by fluid resuscitation is associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) and mortality, particularly in sepsis. Experimental studies showed that hyperchloremia could affect organ functions. In patients with septic shock, we examined the relationship between serum chloride concentration and both renal function and survival.

Methods

Post hoc analysis of the “HYPER2S” trial database (NCT01722422) including 434 patients with septic shock randomly assigned for resuscitation with 0.9% or 3% saline. Metabolic parameters were recorded up to 72 h. Metabolic effects of hyperchloremia (> 110 mmol/L) were studied stratified for hyperlactatemia (> 2 mmol/L). Cox models were constructed to assess the association between chloride parameters, day-28 mortality and AKI.

Results

413 patients were analysed. The presence of hyperlactatemia was significantly more frequent than hyperchloremia (62% versus 71% of patients, respectively, p = 0.006). Metabolic acidosis was significantly more frequent in patients with hyperchloremia, no matter the presence of hyperlactatemia, p < 0.001. Adjusted risk of AKI and mortality were not significantly associated with serum chloride, hyperchloremia, maximal chloremia and delta chloremia (maximal-H0 [Cl]).

Conclusions

Despite more frequent metabolic acidosis, hyperchloremia was not associated with an increased risk for AKI or mortality.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT01722422, registered 2 November 2012
Prenatal Testosterone Excess Disrupts Placental Function in a Sheep Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Kelley Angela S , Puttabyatappa Muraly , Ciarelli Joseph N , Zeng Lixia , Smith Yolanda R , Lieberman Richard , Pennathur Subramaniam , Padmanabhan Vasantha
Published: August 2019

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition of reproductive-aged women. In a well-validated sheep model of PCOS, testosterone (T) treatment of pregnant ewes culminated in placental insufficiency and intrauterine growth restriction of offspring. The purpose of this study was to explore specific mechanisms by which T excess compromises placental function in early, mid, and late gestation. Pregnant Suffolk sheep received T propionate 100 mg intramuscularly or control vehicle twice weekly from gestational days (GD) 30 to 90 (term = 147 days). Placental harvest occurred at GD 65, 90, and 140. Real-time RT-PCR was used to assess transcript levels of proinflammatory (TNF, IL1B, IL6, IL8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1/chemokine ligand 2, cluster of differentiation 68), antioxidant (glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase 1 and 2), and angiogenic [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1A)] genes. Lipid accumulation was assessed using triglyceride assays and Oil Red O staining. Placental measures of oxidative and nitrative stress included the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance assay and high-pressure liquid chromatography. Tissue fibrosis was assessed with Picrosirius Red staining. Student t tests and Cohen effect-size analyses were used for statistical analysis. At GD 65, T-treated placentomes showed increased lipid accumulation and collagen deposition. Notable findings at GD 90 were a significant increase in HIF1A expression and a large effect increase in VEGF expression. At GD 140, T-treated placentomes displayed large effect increases in expression of hypoxia and inflammatory markers. In summary, T treatment during early pregnancy induces distinct gestational age-specific effects on the placental milieu, which may underlie the previously observed phenotype of placental insufficiency.
Insoluble Aβ overexpression in an App knock-in mouse model alters microstructure and gamma oscillations in the prefrontal cortex, affecting anxiety-related behaviours
Authors: Pervolaraki Eleftheria , Hall Stephen P. , Foresteire Denise , Saito Takashi , Saido Takaomi C. , Whittington Miles A. , Lever Colin , Dachtler James
Published: August 2019

We studied a new amyloid-beta precursor protein (App) knock-in mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AppNL-G-F), containing the Swedish KM670/671NL mutation, the Iberian I716F mutation and the Artic E693G mutation, which generates elevated levels of amyloid beta (Aβ)40 and Aβ42 without the confounds associated with APP overexpression. This enabled us to assess changes in anxiety-related and social behaviours, and neural alterations potentially underlying such changes, driven specifically by Aβ accumulation. AppNL-G-F knock-in mice exhibited subtle deficits in tasks assessing social olfaction, but not in social motivation tasks. In anxiety-assessing tasks, AppNL-G-F knock-in mice exhibited: (1) increased thigmotaxis in the open field (OF), yet; (2) reduced closed-arm, and increased open-arm, time in the elevated plus maze (EPM). Their ostensibly anxiogenic OF profile, yet ostensibly anxiolytic EPM profile, could hint at altered cortical mechanisms affecting decision-making (e.g. ‘disinhibition’), rather than simple core deficits in emotional motivation. Consistent with this possibility, alterations in microstructure, glutamatergic-dependent gamma oscillations and glutamatergic gene expression were all observed in the prefrontal cortex, but not the amygdala, of AppNL-G-F knock-in mice. Thus, insoluble Aβ overexpression drives prefrontal cortical alterations, potentially underlying changes in social and anxiety-related behavioural tasks.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Jumping and take-off in a winged scorpion fly (Mecoptera, Panorpa communis)
Authors: Burrows M.
Published: August 2019

This paper analyses with high speed videos if and how adults of a winged species of scorpion fly (Mecoptera, Panorpa communis) jump and determines whether they use the same mechanism as that of the only other mecopteran known to jump, the wingless snow flea, Boreus hyemalis. Adult females are longer and heavier than males and have longer legs but which are of the same relative proportions. The middle legs are 20% longer and the hind legs 60% longer than the front legs. A jump starts with the middle and hind legs in variable positions, but together by depressing their coxo-trochanteral and extending their femoro-tibial joints they accelerate the body in 16-19 ms to mean take-off velocities of 0.7 - 0.8 m s−1; performances in males and females were not significantly different. Depression of the wings accompanies these leg movements, but clipping them does not affect jump performance. Smooth transition to flapping flight occurs once airborne with little loss of energy to body rotation. 90 % of the jumps analysed occurred without an observable stimulus; the remaining 10 % were in response to a mechanical touch. The performance of these jumps was not significantly different. In its fastest jumps a scorpion fly experiences an acceleration of 10 g, expends 23 µJ of energy and requires a power output less than 250 W kg−1 of muscle that can be met by direct muscle contractions without invoking an indirect power amplification mechanism. The jumping mechanism is like that of snow fleas.
Amino Acids and Peptides as Functional Components in Arylenediimide-Based Molecular Architectonics
Authors: Roy Bappaditya , Govindaraju Thimmaiah
Published: August 2019

Molecular architectonics has its essence in custom design and engineering of molecular assemblies by judicious exploitation of the noncovalent forces to construct ordered architectures with novel properties and functions. The art of mastering the programmed molecular assemblies is a challenging task owing to complex factors that govern recognition events at the molecular level. In this context, biomolecules with in-built information for molecular recognition are capable of guiding the molecular architectonics to construct nano, micro, and macro-architectures with functional properties and applications. In particular, amino acids and peptides are attractive auxiliaries to guide the controlled molecular self-assembly, coassembly, heterostructures and living assembly systems of functional molecules in the scheme of molecular architectonics. Use of these exquisite biomolecular auxiliaries to master the art of engineering the molecular assembly of functional aromatic units viz., arylenediimides has been a continuous effort in the emerging field of molecular architectonics. In this accounts article, we outline the amino acid and peptide functionalized arylenediimide-based designer molecular systems as functional modular units developed by our group and others with an objective to demonstrate the concept of molecular architectonics to construct functional nano, micro and macroarchitectures with wide range of properties and applications.
Exoskeletons Improve Locomotion Economy by Reducing Active Muscle Volume
Authors: Beck Owen N. , Punith Laksh Kumar , Nuckols Richard W. , Sawicki Gregory S.
Published: August 2019

Exoskeletons that improve locomotion economy typically are engineered to reduce users’ limb joint mechanical work or moments. Yet, limb joint dynamics do not necessarily reflect muscle dynamics, which dictate whole-body metabolic energy expenditure. Here, we hypothesize that exoskeletons primarily reduce user metabolic energy expenditure across locomotion conditions by reducing active muscle volume.
Proton RBE dependence on dose in the setting of hypofractionation
Authors: Friedrich Thomas
Published: August 2019

Hypofractionated radiotherapy is attractive concerning patient burden and therapy costs, but many aspects play a role when it comes to assess its safety. While exploited for conventional photon therapy and carbon ion therapy, hypofractionation with protons is only rarely applied. One reason for this is uncertainty in the described dose, mainly due to the relative biological effectiveness (RBE), which is small for protons, but not negligible. RBE is generally dose-dependent, and for higher doses as used in hypofractionation, a thorough RBE evaluation is needed. This review article focuses on the RBE variability in protons and associated issues or implications for hypofractionation.
Psycho-social predictors of acculturative stress and adjustment in Pakistani Institutions
Authors: Riaz Muhammad Akram , Rafique Rafia
Published: August 2019

Objectives: The main objective of study was to investigate the effect of psycho-social predictors on acculturative stress and adjustment in Pakistani institutions.

Methods: The study was carried out from November 15, 2016 to January 18, 2019. For this purpose data was collected from 450 international students who were studying in public and private sector universities of Pakistan and who experienced acculturative stress. The instruments include Relationship Assessment Scale, Acculturative Stress Scale for International, Psychological Adaptation Scale, and Revised Socio Cultural Adaptation Scale. The proposed model was tested by using SPSS (Version-23) and AMOS (Version-9).

Results: Findings of the study revealed that relationship satisfaction (p<0.05), length of stay (p<0.05), and financial support (p<0.05) significantly negatively predicted acculturative stress. Financial support significantly positively predicted psychological adjustment (p<0.05). Employment status did not predict acculturative stress, psychological and socio-cultural adjustment (p>0.05). Moreover, all psycho-social predictors did not show effect on socio-cultural adjustment among international students (p>0.05).

Conclusion: It can be concluded that general relationship satisfaction, more length of stay in host country, and financial support are very important for international students to manage their acculturative stress and to adjust better in a new cultural environment.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.5.1214

How to cite this:Riaz MA, Rafique R. Psycho-social predictors of acculturative stress and adjustment in Pakistani Institutions. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(5):1441-1445. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.5.1214

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Virtue or Vice? Trauma Reflected in Mo Yan’s Frog
Authors: Wang Jinghui
Published: August 2019

The preoccupation with human nature is deeply rooted in literature. This paper starts from the ancient Chinese rudimentary understanding of human nature, then passes through Mo Yan’s Frog, an epistolary novel which covers the 30-year history of the Chinese population control policy through the description of an obstetrician in quest of her own human nature, and ends with her mediation and effort to retrieve goodness in the face of state will. Mo Yan, as well as many other Chinese people, does not deny that the onechild family policy had been laid down with a good intention to promote the general welfare of all citizens in China. But through a detailed reading of the novel Frog, it is argued that this policy might be a legalized illegality, which results in the schizophrenia of the main character out of the dilemma of justifying her deeds as virtue or vice. It is suggested that the experience of the female character in the novel, as well as in the contemporary Chinese society, should be investigated allegorically, and it reveals a universal issue about the complexity of human nature, for in a certain sense, one may start aiming to be Mother Theresa, but end in finding himself or herself merely a devoted clownlike servant of the state will.
A Small Literature in the Service of Nation-Building: the Estonian Case
Authors: Merilai Arne , Talviste Katre
Published: August 2019

The idea of Estonia’s cultural and national self-sufficiency emerged in the nineteenth century. The contribution of writers and poets was essential to this development. Literature anticipated not only cultural, linguistic, and artistic, but also the economic and political emancipation of Estonians. Cultural practices leading to this emancipation were largely based on Baltic German models; many key elements to the independent Estonian national identity are of foreign origin. On the one hand, the nineteenth-century nationbuilding could therefore be described as self-colonization. On the other hand, it rather created a new nation than transformed a preexisting one, since the very concept of national identity was introduced by this process. Through various political and cultural upheavals, the most influential authors from this seminal period of the Estonian modern culture have remained iconic to this day. The traditional identification with them is so strong that the tentative origins of the nation and the identitary struggles of the national poets themselves may often be forgotten and the personal and individual nature of their contribution downplayed.
Literature as Conduct: On J. Hillis Miller’s Speech-act Theory and Its Application
Authors: Guo Rong
Published: August 2019

Since the publication of How to Do Things with Words in 1962, Austin and his speech-act theory caused a great disturbance in the arena of linguistics and literature, not only initiating the study of pragmatics but also triggering the paradigm change of literary studies in the 20th century. Stanley Fish, Wolfgang Iser, Derrida, de Man, J. Hillis Miller, and many other scholars in the 1970s showed great enthusiasm for theory. Yet, the theory’s limitations and applications are widely known. The publication of Speech Acts in Literature and Literature as Conduct by J. Hillis Miller seems to have given a kind of momentum to its development. Taking Miller’s initiatives as a starting point, this article analyzes a specific literary text, The Ninth Widow by a Chinese overseas writer Yan Geling, with an intention to illustrate that the application of the speech-act theory in the literary studies is indeed promising and productive.
Obesity and cardio-metabolic health
Authors: Fava Stephen , Fava Marie-Claire , Agius Rachel
Published: August 2019

Obesity is a major and growing global health problem. It is associated with increased mortality as a result of an increasing number of complications, including type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnoea, gallbladder disease, obesity-related renal disease, increased risk of falls and injuries, and mental health problems as well as increased risk of certain malignancies. This article discusses the metabolic derangements associated with obesity. These include insulin resistance, dysglycaemia, low and dysfunctional high-density lipoprotein, formation of small dense and oxidised low-density lipoprotein, and high circulating levels of free fatty acids. This article reviews the aetiology of these derangements and their relationship to cardiovascular disease, and discusses the concept of metabolic health.
Comparison of radial shockwave and dry needling therapies in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome
Authors: Sukareechai Chomkajee , Sukareechai Somchai
Published: August 2019

Background/Aims

Myofascial pain syndrome is a frequent problem in the musculoskeletal system. As a method of treatment for myofascial pain syndrome, dry needling therapy is an effective and convenient treatment for patients because they do not need to be treated every day. However, as patients often have post-needle soreness or some patients are afraid of needles, there are limitations to this treatment. The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of radial shockwave therapy with dry needling therapy to treat myofascial pain.

Methods

A total of 42 patients attending the rehabilitation department with at least one myofascial pain trigger point in their upper back muscles, were randomly assigned to receive radial shockwave therapy or dry needling therapy. Treatment was performed once a week for 3 weeks in both groups. Participants' pain pressure threshold, measured using an algometer, and pain levels, measured using a numeric pain scale, were assessed before the designated treatment was applied each week. Each patient also performed upper trapezius, rhomboid and infraspinatus muscle stretches twice a day throughout the study period.

Results

There was no difference in pain pressure threshold at the three trigger points before treatment with the different modalities commenced. At the end of the study, the radial shockwave therapy group had a significant improvement in trapezius pain pressure threshold, increasing from 11.7 at baseline to 14.8 at the end of study. There was no significant between-group difference in pain level (P=3.4 vs P=2.6) at the end of the study. Both treatments significantly reduced pain levels: from 7.2 to 3.4 in the radial shockwave group (P<0.001) and from 6.8 to 2.6 in the dry needling therapy group (P<0.001).

Conclusions

Dry needling and radial shock wave therapies are effective in reducing myofascial pain syndrome originating in the upper back muscles. Participants' pain pressure threshold increased after 3 weeks of treatment with both therapies. Radial shock therapy can be used as an alternative to dry needling in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome in patients who have trouble attending daily physical therapy or in whom dry needling therapy is contraindicated.
Variation in Chemical Composition of Cuticular and Nonpolar Compounds of Venom of Apoica pallens and Polistes versicolor
Authors: Mendonça Angelica , Michelutti Kamylla Balbuena , Carsoso Claudia Andrea Lima , Antonialli Junior William Fernando
Published: August 2019

Although cuticular hydrocarbons and venom are important to the evolutionary success of social behavior, studies that investigated these compounds in tropical social wasps are rare. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the cuticular chemical composition and the nonpolar portion of venom of Apoica pallens, a swarm-founding wasp and Polistes versicolor an independent-founding wasp. Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS) technique was used. In the samples of A. pallens, 66 compounds were identified on the cuticle and 87 in venom, 13 are unique of the cuticle and 26 of venom. In the samples of P. versicolor, 85 compounds were identified on the cuticle and 60 in venom, 10 are exclusive of the cuticle and 5 of venom. The results show that, although they present different foundation types and organize in colonies with significantly different population number, the variation in chain length of compounds is relatively similar. In addition, in both types of samples of both species, the most representative class of compounds in content and number are the branched alkanes, which are recognized as the most effective during interactions between nestmates. However, there is greater similarity in content of shared compounds between samples of cuticle and venom of A. pallens, suggesting that because it is a species that is organized in more populous colonies, it may have a more elaborate signaling system based on volatile compounds of venom.