bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cooperation in networks: Political parties and interest groups in EU policy-making in Germany
Authors: Wonka Arndt , Haunss Sebastian
Published: September 2019

Political actors cooperate with each other to share resources and to organize political support. In this article, we describe and explain such cooperative behavior in European Union policy-making by analyzing the information networks that parliamentarians of the Bundestag entertain with other party politicians and with interest groups. First, we describe whom parliamentarians cooperate with to receive policy information. Subsequently, we identify different types of cooperation networks. Differences in the structure of these networks point to a political division of labor inside political parties which is driven by the need to organize political support in policy-making. Finally, we test the explanatory power of individual attributes, institutional positions and (shared) political interests to account for the structure of parliamentarians’ cooperation networks. While formal positions and party ideology generally shape parliamentarians’ cooperation, their relative importance varies across different types of networks. The article contributes theoretically to informational theories of interest group politics and to the literature on national legislators’ behavior in EU policy-making.
Terrorizing police: Revisiting ‘the policing of terrorism’ from the perspective of Danish police detectives
Authors: Sausdal David
Published: September 2019

A common conclusion in criminology is that fears of terrorism are being (mis)used. The media have used them to market their products, politicians to promote themselves as protectors, and the police have profited through being granted increased powers and resources. Some scholars even argue that one outcome has been a growing militarization of the police. This article revisits this debate. It does so by taking an ethnographic look at how the war on terror has affected a number of Danish police detectives’ daily work. In doing so, the paper shows how the idea that police (mostly) benefit from the war on terror somewhat misses the mark – at least when seen from the perspective of frontline officers. As the article demonstrates, rather than mobilizing Danish detectives, terrorism most often makes them feel mired.
Diabetes-induced early molecular and functional changes in aortic heart valves in a murine model of atherosclerosis
Authors: Tucureanu Monica Madalina , Filippi Alexandru , Alexandru Nicoleta , Ana Constantinescu Cristina , Ciortan Letitia , Macarie Razvan , Vadana Mihaela , Voicu Geanina , Frunza Sabina , Nistor Dan , Simionescu Agneta , Simionescu Dan Teodor , Georgescu Adriana , Manduteanu Ileana
Published: September 2019

Diabetes contributes directly to the development of cardiovascular aortic valve disease. There is currently no drug therapy available for a dysfunctional valve and this urges the need for additional research to identify distinctive mechanisms of cardiovascular aortic valve disease evolution. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes of valvular aortic lesions induced in a hyperlipemic ApoE−/− mouse model by early type 1 diabetes onset (at 4 and 7 days after streptozotocin induction). The haemodynamic valve parameters were evaluated by echography and blood samples and aortic valves were collected. Plasma parameters were measured, and inflammatory, remodelling and osteogenic markers were evaluated in the aortic valves. Next, correlations between all parameters were determined. The results showed early aortic valve dysfunction detected by echography after 1 week of diabetes; lesions were found in the aortic root. Moreover, increased expression of cell adhesion molecules, extracellular matrix remodelling and osteogenic markers were detected in hyperlipemic ApoE−/− diabetic mice. Significant correlations were found between tissue valve biomarkers and plasmatic and haemodynamic parameters. Our study may help to understand the mechanisms of aortic valve disease in the diabetic milieu in order to discover and validate new biomarkers of cardiovascular aortic valve disease in diabetes and reveal new possible targets for nanobiotherapies.
JUUL in School: Teacher and Administrator Awareness and Policies of E-Cigarettes and JUUL in U.S. Middle and High Schools
Authors: Schillo Barbara A. , Cuccia Alison F. , Patel Minal , Simard Bethany , Donovan Emily M. , Hair Elizabeth C. , Vallone Donna
Published: September 2019

Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use, including JUUL, has risen to epidemic levels among high school and middle school students in the United States. Schools serve as a key environment for prevention and intervention efforts to address e-cigarette use, yet little is known about the awareness of and response to e-cigarettes in schools. This national survey of middle and high school teachers and administrators ( n = 1,420) measured JUUL awareness, e-cigarette policies, and barriers to enforcement in schools. While two thirds of respondents had heard of a product called JUUL (67.6%), less than half accurately identified a photo of a JUUL as a vaping device/e-cigarette (47.3%). Awareness of JUUL (80.9%) was higher among high school teachers (83.3%) than among middle school teachers (78.3%). A large majority of respondents reported that their school had an e-cigarette policy (82.9%), but less than half of the sample worked in a school with a policy that specifically included JUUL (43.4%). Those working in a school with an e-cigarette policy in place noted that e-cigarettes’ discreet appearance (65.6%) and difficulties in identifying origin of vapor or scent (46.1%) made the policy difficult to enforce. Efforts to increase middle and high school staff awareness of the ever-evolving e-cigarette market are essential to help prevent youth use. Adoption and enforcement of policies will be critical to ensure that schools remain tobacco-free spaces.
A review on piezoelectric fibers and nanowires for energy harvesting
Authors: Zaarour Bilal , Zhu Lei , Huang Chen , Jin XiangYu , Alghafari Hadeel , Fang Jian , Lin Tong
Published: September 2019

Recent advances in self-powered electronic devices have urged the development of energy-harvesting technology. Batteries are gradually unable to satisfy the practical requirements for powering the different types of microelectronic devices owing to their drawbacks such as occupying a significant percentage and weight of portable products, the need to replace or recharge them, constructing an important environmental impact, and the probable seepage of electrolyte solutions. Various technologies for converting renewable energies into electricity have been reported. Particularly, energy harvesters based on piezoelectricity to convert mechanical energy into usable electricity have received considerable attention. Electrospun fibers from piezoelectric polymers and inorganic nanowires as emerging piezoelectric materials have shown great potential for energy-harvesting applications. This review paper summarizes energy-harvesting technology based on piezoelectric polymeric fibers, inorganic piezoelectric fibers, and inorganic nanowires. A comprehensive overview of fundamentals of piezoelectric effect, types of piezoelectric materials, energy harvesting from fibers, energy harvesting from inorganic nanowires, and energy harvesting from polymeric/inorganic fibers and nanowires composites are discussed.
Overexpression of FNDC1 Relates to Poor Prognosis and Its Knockdown Impairs Cell Invasion and Migration in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Liu Yan-Peng , Chen Wei-Da , Li Wen-Na , Zhang Min
Published: September 2019

The distribution and content of fibronectin is closely related to the occurrence and development of tumors. Fibronectin is widely involved in cell migration, adhesion, proliferation, hemostasis, and tissue repair. Fibronectin type III domain containing 1, as a primary component of the structural domain of fibronectin, is closely related to the occurrence of some cancers. However, the molecular mechanism of fibronectin type III domain containing 1 in gastric cancer has not been elaborated. In this study, we analyzed the expression and prognosis of fibronectin type III domain containing 1 by collecting data from Oncomine and GEPIA database. The expression of fibronectin type III domain containing 1 in gastric cancer cells was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in vitro. After knockdown of fibronectin type III domain containing 1 by small interfering RNA, the proliferation, invasion, and migration of AGS (human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line) cells and the function of epithelial–mesenchymal transition were measured by Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, transwell, and Western blot. The results showed that fibronectin type III domain containing 1 was highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues and its overexpression was significantly correlated with the prognosis of gastric cancer. In vitro, experiments revealed that knockdown of fibronectin type III domain containing 1 could inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells, possibly by changing the epithelial–mesenchymal transition pathway. The findings elaborated the biological role of fibronectin type III domain containing 1 in gastric cancer and potential mechanism of action, possibly providing a new insight for future clinical diagnosis or even molecular therapy.
Pre-arrest hypothermia improved cardiac function of rats by ameliorating the myocardial mitochondrial injury after cardiac arrest
Authors: Lu Yuanzheng , Zeng Xiaoyun , Jing Xiaoli , Yin Meixian , Chang MMS Mary P , Wei Hongyan , Yang Yan , Liao Xiaoxing , Dai Gang , Hu Chunlin
Published: September 2019

This study investigated the effects of hypothermia induced before cardiac arrest or after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) on cardiac function and myocardial mitochondrial injury after ROSC in a rat cardiac arrest model. Sixty healthy, male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the Normothermia group, pre-arrest hypothermia (Pre-HT) group, and post-resuscitation hypothermia (Post-HT) group. The rats underwent 8 min of untreated ventricular fibrillation followed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Twelve rats in each group were used to evaluate the left ventricular ejection fraction before ventricular fibrillation and 4 h after ROSC. Survival was determined at 24 h after ROSC. The remaining eight rats in each group were used to detect for heart malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, adenosine triphosphate levels and mitochondrial histology. Oxygen consumption rate and mitochondrial membrane potential were evaluated 4 h after ROSC; 10 of 12 rats in Pre-HT group, 5 of 12 in Post-HT group, and 6 of 12 in normothermia group were successfully resuscitated. The survival rate of each group was 66.7%, 33.3%, and 25%, respectively. Rats in the Pre-HT group showed less alteration of the mitochondrial ultrastructure and oxidative stress injury, better maintenance of adenine nucleotides, and more preservation of the mitochondrial membrane potential and respiratory function when compared with rats in the Post-HT and normothermia groups. Transient hypothermia is an effective preconditioning stimulus to induce ischemic tolerance in a cardiac arrest model and worthy of further evaluation for potential clinical use.

Impact statement

In this paper, we investigated the effects of hypothermia induced before ischemia or after ROSC on cardiac function, oxidative stress damage, and myocardial mitochondrial ischemia–reperfusion injury after cardiac arrest in a rat model with VF. We demonstrated that pre-arrest hypothermia conferred greater cardio-protective benefits than delayed post-resuscitation hypothermia, reduced the number of defibrillations required and dosages of epinephrine during CPR, decreased oxidative stress, ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction, and subsequently improved survival rate.
Stakeholder Requirements for an Ethical Framework to Sustain Multiple Research Projects in an Emerging Living Lab Involving Older Adults
Authors: Callari Tiziana C. , Moody Louise , Saunders Janet , Ward Gill , Woodley Julie
Published: September 2019

Living Lab (LL) research should follow clear ethical guidelines and principles. While these exist in specific disciplinary contexts, there is a lack of tailored and specific ethical guidelines for the design, development, and implementation of LL projects. As well as the complexity of these dynamic and multi-faceted contexts, the engagement of older adults, and adults with reducing cognitive and physical capacity in LL research, poses additional ethical challenges. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 26 participants to understand multistakeholder experiences related to user engagement and related ethical issues in emerging LL research. The participants’ experiences and concerns are reported and translated into an ethical framework to guide future LL research initiatives.
Conceptualizing a distributed, multi-scalar global public sphere through activist communication practices in the World Social Forum
Authors: Stephansen Hilde C
Published: September 2019

This article contributes to debate about how to conceptualize the global public sphere. Drawing on media practice theory and ethnographic research on media activism in the World Social Forum, it shows how ‘global publics’ can be constituted through a diverse range of activist communication practices that complicate both conventional hierarchies of scale and contemporary theorizations of publics as personalized networks. It develops an understanding of the global public sphere as an emergent formation made up of multiple, interlinked publics at different scales and emphasizes the significance of collective communication spaces for actors at the margins of the global network society.
mTOR activation due to APPL1 deficiency exacerbates hyperalgesia via Rab5/Akt and AMPK signaling pathway in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: He Wan-You , Zhang Bin , Zhao Wei-Cheng , He Jian , Wang Yunhua , Zhang Lei , Xiong Qing-Ming , Wang Han-Bing
Published: September 2019

Painful diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus with obscure underlying mechanisms. The adaptor protein APPL1 is critical in mediating the insulin sensitizing and insulin signaling. In neurons, APPL1 reportedly affects synaptic plasticity, while its role in the pathogenesis of painful diabetic neuropathy is masked. Our Western blotting revealed significantly decreased APPL1 expression in the dorsal horn in streptozocin-induced rats versus the control rats, coupled with concomitant mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. Afterward, the determination of exact localization of APPL1 in spinal cord by immunofluorescent staining assay revealed highly expressed APPL1 in the lamina of spinal dorsal horn in control rats, with the overexpression in neurons, microglia, and underexpression in astrocytes. The APPL1 expression in laminae I and II was significantly downregulated in painful diabetic neuropathy rats. In addition, APPL1 deficiency or overexpression contributed to the increase or decrease of Map and Bassoon, respectively. The localization and immunoactivity of APPL1 and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) were determined in spinal dorsal horn in painful diabetic neuropathy rats and control rats by immunohistochemistry, suggesting pronounced decrease in APPL1 expression in the superficial layer of the spinal cord in painful diabetic neuropathy rats, with p-mTOR expression markedly augmented. APPL1 knockdown by infection with lentiviral vector facilitated the activation of mTOR and abrogated mechanical withdrawal threshold values in painful diabetic neuropathy rats. Genetically overexpressed APPL1 significantly eliminated the activation of mTOR and resulted in the augmented mechanical withdrawal threshold values and thermal withdrawal latency values. Furthermore, the APPL1 levels affect phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and Akt, as well as the small GTPase, Rab5 expression in painful diabetic neuropathy rats. Our results uncovered a novel mechanism by which APPL1 deficiency facilitates the mTOR activation and thus exacerbates the hyperalgesia in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats, presumably via the regulation of Rab5/Akt and AMPK signaling pathway.
Sacral nerve stimulation with optimized parameters improves visceral hypersensitivity in rats mediated via the autonomic pathway
Authors: Jiang Liuqin , Zhang Nina , Zhang Shengai , Chen Jiande DZ
Published: September 2019

The purpose of this study was to determine effects and mechanisms of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) on visceral hypersensitivity in rodent models of colonic hypersensitivity. SNS was performed with different sets of parameters for 30 min in six regular rats. Visceral sensitivity was assessed by the measurement of electromyogram and abdominal withdrawal reflex before and after SNS. Real/sham SNS with optimized parameters was performed in 8 restraint stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity rats and 10 neonatal acetic acid-treated colonic hypersensitivity rats; acute effect of SNS was assessed by comparing electromyogram and heart rate variability. Neonatal acetic acid-treated rats were treated by SNS ( n =  10) or sham-SNS ( n =  10) daily for seven days for the assessment of the chronic effect of SNS. (1) When the stimulation amplitude was reduced from 90% of motor threshold to 65% or 40% motor threshold, SNS with certain parameters showed an inhibitory effect on abdominal withdrawal reflex. The best stimulation parameters for SNS were “14 Hz, 330 µs, and 40% motor threshold.” (2) SNS significantly reduced visceral hypersensitivity and improved autonomic function in restraint stress-induced rats. The inhibitory effect was blocked by naloxone. (3)Acute and chronic SNS significantly reduced visceral hypersensitivity and improved autonomic function in acetic acid-treated rats. SNS with reduced stimulation strength may be used to treat colonic hypersensitivity and the best stimulation parameters seem to be “14 Hz, 330 µs and 40% motor threshold”. SNS with optimized parameters improved visceral hypersensitivity in rodent models of colonic hypersensitivity mediated via the autonomic and opioid mechanisms.
Atrial cardiopathy and stroke mortality in the general population
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad I , Singleton Matthew J , Bhave Prashant D , Kamel Hooman , Soliman Elsayed Z
Published: September 2019

Background

Prior studies examining the link between atrial cardiopathy and stroke risk have focused mainly on non-fatal stroke.

Aims

To examine the association between atrial cardiopathy and stroke mortality.

Methods

This analysis included 8028 participants (60.0 ± 13.4 years, 51.9% women, 49.8% white) from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination (NHANES III) Survey. Atrial cardiopathy was defined as abnormal deep terminal negativity of the P wave in V1 (DTNPV1 = negative p-wave in V1<−100 µv), an electrocardiographic marker of atrial cardiopathy. Stroke mortality was ascertained using the National Death Index over a median follow-up of 14 years.

Results

2.95% ( n = 237) of the participants had atrial cardiopathy, and the prevalence was slightly higher in blacks (4%) versus whites (3%). During follow-up, stroke mortality was more common in those with (5.9%) than those without (2.7%) atrial cardiopathy; p = .004. In a multivariable adjusted model, atrial cardiopathy was associated with a 76% increased risk of stroke mortality (HR (95% CI): 1.76 (1.02–3.04)]. This association was stronger in non-whites than whites (HR (95% CI): 3.50 (1.74–7.03) vs. 0.98 (0.40–2.42), respectively; interaction p = 0.03). Among those with baseline atrial cardiopathy, the annualized stroke mortality rates/1000 participants across CHA2DS2-VASc scores of 0, 1, and ≥2 were 0.0, 2.2, and 7.8, respectively.

Conclusions

Atrial cardiopathy is associated with an increased risk of stroke mortality, especially among non-whites. Among those with atrial cardiopathy, the risk of stroke mortality exponentially increases as the CHA2DS2-VASc score becomes 2 or above. Randomized controlled trials are needed to assess the efficacy of anticoagulation in the prevention of ischemic stroke and thus, stroke mortality in the presence of atrial cardiopathy.
Icons of contention: The iconography of martyrdom and the construction of Coptic identity in post-revolutionary Egypt
Authors: El Gendi Yosra , Pinfari Marco
Published: September 2019

This article explores the changing iconography of martyrdom in Coptic religious icons in recent decades, with particular emphasis on the years that followed the 2011 Tahrir revolution and its role in articulating a more contentious version of Coptic identity vis-à-vis the Muslim majority in Egypt. The authors analyse the iconographical and iconological symbolism of the work of leading artists belonging to the so-called neo-Coptic school, focusing specifically on Victor Fakhoury’s icon of The Martyrs of Maspero and the interaction between Christian and Pharaonic imagery in his ‘New Martyrs’ series. The article argues that the presence of Pharaonic imagery in icons that portray episodes of collective martyrdom is designed to make the martyrs appear as true Egyptians. This portrayal, in turn, reinforces the so-called ‘sons of Egypt’ narrative – the suggestion that Copts are the direct descendants of ancient Egyptians and that they have a strong claim to Egyptian-ness. As such, these icons reflect an increasingly explicit attempt by the Coptic community to frame its identity in opposition to the Muslim majority and, in the process, to contest the content and meaning of Egyptian nationalism during a (failed) democratization process.
Immunologic Evaluation of Pediatric Chronic and Recurrent Acute Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Li Carol , Peng Hwa Tiffany , Schussler Edith , Pearlman Aaron N.
Published: September 2019

Background

Although pediatric rhinosinusitis is a commonly encountered clinical entity, the diagnostic approach and treatment algorithm are constantly evolving. In addition to anatomic and allergic etiologies, immunologic deficiencies have been implicated in the pathogenesis of rhinosinusitis; however, the prevalence of immunologic disease in pediatric rhinosinusitis is poorly defined.

Objective

To inform the approach to the evaluation of pediatric patients with rhinosinusitis, this retrospective pilot study examined the prevalence of abnormal results detected on immunologic testing in pediatric patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and recurrent acute rhinosinusitis (RARS).

Methods

Patients between 2008 and 2018 were identified using International Classification of Diseases 9/10 codes. Imaging, endoscopy findings, and clinical criteria were used to diagnose CRS and RARS (n = 27). We reviewed available results, including quantitative immunoglobulins (Igs), thyroid evaluation, complete blood count, and titers to Streptococcus, Haemophilus influenzae type B (HiB), Diphtheria, and Tetanus. Statistical analyses were performed with the Mann–Whitney U test and Fisher’s exact test.

Results

Our initial search yielded 140 patients, of which 27 met diagnostic criteria for CRS (17) or RARS (10). Eight patients (29.6%) underwent adenoidectomy and 5 (18.5%) underwent endoscopic sinus surgery. The most common Ig deficiencies were IgM, 13.0%, and IgA, 11.1%. Four (23.5%) of the 17 patients had significantly elevated IgE levels, indicating a possible allergic etiology. Within this cohort, there was an increased incidence of insufficient protective titers to polysaccharide vaccines. HiB titers were not protective in 35% of our cohort. Insufficient pneumococcal protection was more common in patients >10 years, while deficient IgM was more common in those <10 years.

Conclusion

High-yield testing in pediatric rhinosinusitis should include titers to polysaccharide antigens, specifically Streptococcus pneumoniae and H. influenzae. Low-yield tests that may be deferred during initial testing include thyroid studies and Tetanus and Diphtheria antibodies. Prospective, high-volume studies are required to further elucidate the role of immunologic testing in this population.
Health behaviours reported by adults with congenital heart disease across 15 countries
Authors: Holbein Christina E , Peugh James , Veldtman Gruschen R , Apers Silke , Luyckx Koen , Kovacs Adrienne H , Thomet Corina , Budts Werner , Enomoto Junko , Sluman Maayke A , Lu Chun-Wei , Jackson Jamie L , Khairy Paul , Cook Stephen C , Chidambarathanu Shanthi , Alday Luis , Eriksen Katrine , Dellborg Mikael , Berghammer Malin , Johansson Bengt , Mackie Andrew S , Menahem Samuel , Caruana Maryanne , Soufi Alexandra , Fernandes Susan M , White Kamila , Callus Edward , Kutty Shelby , Moons Philip ,   on behalf of the APPROACH-IS consortium and the International Society for Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ISACHD)
Published: September 2019

Background

Health behaviours are essential to maintain optimal health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications in adults with congenital heart disease. This study aimed to describe health behaviours in adults with congenital heart disease in 15 countries and to identify patient characteristics associated with optimal health behaviours in the international sample.

Design

This was a cross-sectional observational study.

Methods

Adults with congenital heart disease ( n = 4028, median age = 32 years, interquartile range 25–42 years) completed self-report measures as part of the Assessment of Patterns of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Adults with Congenital Heart disease - International Study (APPROACH-IS). Participants reported on seven health behaviours using the Health Behaviors Scale-Congenital Heart Disease. Demographic and medical characteristics were assessed via medical chart review and self-report. Multivariate path analyses with inverse sampling weights were used to investigate study aims.

Results

Health behaviour rates for the full sample were 10% binge drinking, 12% cigarette smoking, 6% recreational drug use, 72% annual dental visit, 69% twice daily tooth brushing, 27% daily dental flossing and 43% sport participation. Pairwise comparisons indicated that rates differed between countries. Rates of substance use behaviours were higher in younger, male participants. Optimal dental health behaviours were more common among older, female participants with higher educational attainment while sports participation was more frequent among participants who were younger, male, married, employed/students, with higher educational attainment, less complex anatomical defects and better functional status.

Conclusions

Health behaviour rates vary by country. Predictors of health behaviours may reflect larger geographic trends. Our findings have implications for the development and implementation of programmes for the assessment and promotion of optimal health behaviours in adults with congenital heart disease.
Power, ideology, and women’s ordination: Discursive strategies in three Roman Catholic documents
Authors: Kim Eun-Young Julia , Matiko Beverly J.
Published: September 2019

This article analyzes through a linguistic lens three official documents of the Roman Catholic Church on women’s ordination; it also identifies various discursive tactics utilized by text creators to reinforce gender hierarchy within the Church. Drawing from Fairclough’s three dimensional discourse framework, we examine the ideological message embedded in the linguistic features and the role each text plays within a matrix of power relations. Through close readings of Inter Insigniores: On the Question of Admission of Women to the Ministerial Priesthood, Ordinatio Sacerdotalis of John Paul II, and Women and the Priesthood, we demonstrate how discourse analysis can serve as a useful tool for identifying logical fallacies, inconsistencies, dilemmas, and manipulative tactics in religious discourses.
Predictability of Coronal Curve Flexibility in Postoperative Curve Correction in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: The Effect of the Sagittal Profile
Authors: Ohrt-Nissen Søren , Shigematsu Hideki , Cheung Jason Pui Yin , Luk Keith D. K. , Samartzis Dino
Published: September 2019

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives:

To assess how the thoracic kyphosis affects the ability of the fulcrum bending radiograph (FBR) to predict the coronal thoracic curve correction.

Methods:

A retrospective study of prospectively collected data was conducted of 107 consecutive patients with thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) treated with a standard screw-fixation protocol. Radiographic variables were assessed preoperatively and at 2-year follow-up. Curve flexibility was determined based on the FBR and the Fulcrum Bending Flexibility Index (FBCI). Radiographic variables included preoperative Cobb angle, T5-T12 kyphosis, T12-S1 lordosis, sagittal vertical axis, list, T1-T12 length, truncal shift, and radiographic shoulder height. Patients were also categorized as hypo-, normo-, or hyperkyphotic.

Results:

Based on multivariate modeling, an increase in FBR Cobb angle and thoracic kyphosis were significantly associated with an increase in FBCI (increased mismatch between the FBR and postoperative Cobb angles) at 2-year follow-up ( P < 0.001). In patients with hyperkyphosis, a longer instrumented length existed despite similar curve size and shorter curve length than the hypo- and normokyphotic groups. Based on these findings, we developed a new predictive postoperative curve correction index, known as the Multiprofile Flexibility Index (MFI).

Conclusions:

Our results show that an increase in preoperative thoracic kyphosis is associated with an increased difference between the preoperative coronal curve flexibility and the postoperative coronal curve correction. Our findings broaden the understanding of curve flexibility and indicate that selection of fusion levels may need to take into consideration the sagittal profile to improve clinical decision making and optimize outcome.
Injury Risk Associated With Sports Specialization and Activity Volume in Youth
Authors: Field Alison E. , Tepolt Frances A. , Yang Daniel S. , Kocher Mininder S.
Published: September 2019

Background:

Sports specialization has become increasingly common among youth.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

To investigate the relative importance of specialization vs volume of activity in increasing risk of injury. Hypotheses were that specialization increases the risk of injury and that risk varies by sport.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A prospective analysis was conducted with data collected from 10,138 youth in the Growing Up Today Study—a prospective cohort study of youth throughout the United States—and their mothers. Activity was assessed via questionnaires in 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2001. Sports specialization was defined as engaging in a single sport in the fall, winter, and spring. Injury history was provided by participants’ mothers via questionnaire in 2004. The outcome was incident stress fracture, tendinitis, chondromalacia patella, anterior cruciate ligament tear, or osteochondritis dissecans or osteochondral defect.

Results:

Females who engaged in sports specialization were at increased risk of injury (hazard ratio [HR], 1.31; 95% CI, 1.07-1.61), but risk varied by sport. Sports specialization was associated with greater volume of physical activity in both sexes ( P < .0001). Total hours per week of vigorous activity was predictive of developing injury, regardless of what other variables were included in the statistical model (males: HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.06; females: HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.05-1.08). Among females, even those engaging in 3 to 3.9 hours per week less than their age were at a significantly increased risk of injury (HR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.34-2.77). In males, there was no clear pattern of risk.

Conclusion:

Sports specialization is associated with a greater volume of vigorous sports activity and increased risk of injury. Parents, coaches, and medical providers need to be made aware of the volume threshold above which physical activity is excessive.
An International Working Definition for Quality of Oral Healthcare
Authors: Righolt A.J. , Walji M.F. , Feine J.S. , Williams D.M. , Kalenderian E. , Listl S.
Published: September 2019

To assess and improve the quality of oral healthcare, we must first agree on what constitutes good care. Currently there is no internationally accepted definition for quality of oral healthcare. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to establish a working definition for quality of oral healthcare that would help to advance further improvements in the field of quality improvement in oral healthcare. The development of the working definition included a 3-step approach: 1) literature screening; 2) expert-based compilation of an initial list of topics, leaning on the National Academy of Medicine framework for quality of care; and 3) a World Café with voting, which took place during the annual general meeting of the International Association for Dental Research in 2018. Following this approach, the collective intelligence of involved participants yielded a comprehensive list of items, prioritized by relevance. The resulting working definition comprises 7 domains—patient safety, effectiveness, efficiency, patient-centeredness, equitability, timeliness, access to care—and 30 items, which together characterize quality of oral healthcare. This aspirational working definition provides the potential to facilitate further conversations and activities aiming at quality improvement in oral healthcare.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

This special communication describes the development of a working definition for quality of oral healthcare. The findings of this study are intended to raise awareness of the relevance of quality improvement initiatives in oral healthcare. The working definition described here has the potential to facilitate further conversations and activities aiming at quality improvement in oral healthcare.
Simulating the impact of developers’ capital possession on urban development across a megacity: An agent-based approach
Authors: Wahyudi Agung , Liu Yan , Corcoran Jonathan
Published: September 2019

The spatial decisions of land developers are known to play a significant role in driving urban expansion into previously undeveloped areas. This is especially the case in developing country contexts. Using the Jakarta Metropolitan Area as the case study context, we model the impact of capital possession by land developers on the location selection and unveil the way in which this exerts an effect on the spatial patterns of urban development. Through a hybrid agent-based and microeconomic modelling approach, different scenarios of capital possession and loans are simulated. Results show that areas with high values of return and low development costs are most likely to emerge as targeted locales. In order to result in measurable impact on the Jakarta Metropolitan Area urban footprint, developers need to possess a minimum capital investment of US$375 m allied with a 75% lending capacity. Results also reveal that the impact of the large land developers – those with in excess of US$750 m in capital that bring higher levels of lending leverage – extend the urban footprint in more predictable ways compared to land developers with less capital and lending capacity. Our study demonstrates the value of adopting an agent-based model to explore how human decisions at the individual scale can influence the emergence of new urban forms in a rapidly developing metropolitan region.
Patient-tailored multimodal neurorehabilitation: The Lucerne model
Authors: Kamm Christian P , Bohlhalter Stephan , Pflugshaupt Tobias , Vanbellingen Tim , Nyffeler Thomas
Published: September 2019

Neurorehabilitation is a rapidly developing subspecialty of neurology due to medical advances and growing knowledge on functional recovery from brain injury such as plasticity and regeneration in the nervous system. Furthermore, progress in modern technologies facilitate new therapeutic concepts. Patient-tailored, flexible multimodal neurorehabilitation is essential in neurological diseases due to the diversity of symptoms. In addition, rehabilitative treatment should be realized from disease onset. To fulfill these goals, the neurocenter of the Cantonal Hospital Lucerne established an uninterrupted treatment chain from the emergency stage to the social and occupational reintegration, which is described in this article with a focus on stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis patients.
Prediction of Eight Earings in Deep Drawing of 5754O Aluminum Alloy Sheet
Authors: Wang Haibo , Men Mingliang , Yan Yu , Wan Min , Li Qiang
Published: September 2019

Earings appear easily during deep drawing of cylindrical parts owing to the anisotropic properties of materials. However, current methods cannot fully utilize the mechanical properties of material, and the number of earings obtained differ with the simulation methods. In order to predict the eight-earing problem in the cylindrical deep drawing of 5754O aluminum alloy sheet, a new method of combining the yield stress and anisotropy index (r-value) to solve the parameters of the Hill48 yield function is proposed. The general formula for the yield stress andr-value in any direction is presented. Taking a 5754O aluminum alloy sheet as an example in this study, the deformation area in deep drawing is divided into several equal sectorial regions based on the anisotropy. The parameters of the Hill48 yield function are solved based on the yield stress andr-value simultaneously for the corresponding deformation area. Finite element simulations of deep drawing based on new and existing methods are carried out for comparison with experimental results. This study provides a convenient and reliable way to predict the formation of eight earings in the deep drawing process, which is expected to be useful in industrial applications. The results of this study lay the foundation for the optimization of the cylindrical deep drawing process, including the optimization of the blank shape to eliminate earing defects on the final product, which is of great importance in the actual production process.
Synergistic Exfoliation of MoS2 by Ultrasound Sonication in a Supercritical Fluid Based Complex Solvent
Authors: Tan Xi , Kang Wenbin , Liu Jingfeng , Zhang Chuhong
Published: September 2019

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is an extremely intriguing low-D layered material due to its exotic electronic, optical, and mechanical properties, which could be well exploited for numerous applications to energy storage, sensing, and catalysis, etc., provided a sufficiently low number of layers is achieved. A facile exfoliation strategy that leads to the production of few-layered MoS2 is proposed wherein the exfoliation efficacy could be synergistically boosted to > 90% by exploiting ultrasound sonication in supercritical CO2 in conjunction with N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as the intercalating solvent, which is superior to general practiced liquid exfoliation methods wherein only the supernatant is collected to avoid the majority of unexfoliated sediments. The facile and fast exfoliation technique suggests an exciting and feasible solution for scalable production of few-layered MoS2 and establishes a platform that contributes to fulfilling the full potential of this versatile two-dimensional material.
A Phenanthroline-Based Fluorescent Probe for Highly Selective Detection of Extreme Alkalinity (pH > 14) in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Ma Xiaoyu , Chen Shanyong , Yu Hong , Guan Youwei , Li Junjun , Yan Xingwu , Zhang Zhenghao
Published: September 2019

Although numerous fluorescent probes are designed to detect the pH value in the past decades, developing fluorescent probes for extreme alkalinity (pH > 14) detection in aqueous solution is still a great challenge. In this work, we utilized 1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1, 10] phenanthroline (IP) group as the recognition group of hydroxyl ion and introduced two triethylene glycol monomethyl ether groups to improve its solubility. This IP derivative, BMIP, possessed good solubility (25 mg/mL) in water. It displayed high selectivity toward extreme alkalinity (pH > 14) over other ions and pH (from extreme acidity to pH = 14). From 3 to 6 mol/L OHˉ, the exact concentration of OHˉ could be revealed by BMIP and the whole detection process just needed a short time (≤ 10 s). Meanwhile, it exhibited good anti-interference ability and repeatability during the detection process. Through optical spectra and NMR analysis, its detection mechanism was proved to be deprotonation by hydroxyl ion and then aggregation-induced enhanced emission. Our study presents a new basic group based on which researchers can develop new fluorescent probes that can detect extreme alkalinity (pH > 14) in aqueous solution.
Development of cytoplasmic male sterile lines and restorer lines of various elite Indica Group rice cultivars using CW-CMS/Rf17 system
Authors: Toriyama Kinya , Kazama Tomohiko , Sato Tadashi , Fukuta Yoshimichi , Oka Masaaki
Published: September 2019

Background

A cytoplasm of CW-type cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) line is derived from Oryza rufipogon strain W1 and fertility is restored by a single nuclear gene, Rf17. We have previously reported that CW-CMS were effective for breeding CMS lines of Indica Group rice cultivars, IR 24 and IR 64. The applicability of this CW-CMS/Rf17 system to produce other elite Indica Group rice cultivars with CMS was explored.

Findings

Out of seven elite Indica Group rice cultivars, complete CMS lines were obtained for six cultivars: NSIC Rc 160, NSIC Rc 240, Ciherang, BRRI dhan 29, NERICA-L-19, and Pusa Basmati. The fertility of these six lines was restored when Rf17 was present. A CMS line was not obtained for the cultivar Samba Mahsuri.

Conclusions

The CW-CMS/Rf17 system will be useful to produce CMS lines and restorer lines of various elite Indica Group rice cultivars.
A newly discovered radiation of endoparasitic gastropods and their coevolution with asteroid hosts in Antarctica
Authors: Layton Kara K. S. , Rouse Greg W. , Wilson Nerida G.
Published: September 2019

Background

Marine invertebrates are abundant and diverse on the continental shelf in Antarctica, but little is known about their parasitic counterparts. Endoparasites are especially understudied because they often possess highly modified body plans that pose problems for their identification. Asterophila, a genus of endoparasitic gastropod in the family Eulimidae, forms cysts in the arms and central discs of asteroid sea stars. There are currently four known species in this genus, one of which has been described from the Antarctic Peninsula (A. perknasteri). This study employs molecular and morphological data to investigate the diversity of Asterophila in Antarctica and explore cophylogenetic patterns between host and parasite.

Results

A maximum-likelihood phylogeny of Asterophila and subsequent species-delimitation analysis uncovered nine well-supported putative species, eight of which are new to science. Most Asterophila species were found on a single host species, but four species were found on multiple hosts from one or two closely related genera, showing phylogenetic conservatism of host use. Both distance-based and event-based cophylogenetic analyses uncovered a strong signal of coevolution in this system, but most associations were explained by non-cospeciation events.

Discussion

The prevalence of duplication and host-switching events in Asterophila and its asteroid hosts suggests that synchronous evolution may be rare even in obligate endoparasitic systems. The apparent restricted distribution of Asterophila from around the Scotia Arc may be an artefact of concentrated sampling in the area and a low obvious prevalence of infection. Given the richness of parasites on a global scale, their role in promoting host diversification, and the threat of their loss through coextinction, future work should continue to investigate parasite diversity and coevolution in vulnerable ecosystems.
Amikacin resistance due to the aphA6 gene in multi-antibiotic resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolates belonging to global clone 1 from Iran
Authors: Aris Parisa , Boroumand Mohammad Ali , Douraghi Masoumeh
Published: September 2019

Background

TnaphA6-carryingrepAci6plasmids have been detected inAcinetobacter baumanniiisolates belonging to global clones, GC1 and GC2, worldwide. Here, we examined whether RepAci6 plasmids family play a role in the dissemination of theaphA6in GC1A. baumanniiisolates from Iran.

Results

We found that 22 isolates carried therepAci6gene, suggesting that they contain a RepAci6 plasmid family. Using the primers linking theaphA6gene to the backbone ofrepAci6plasmid,it was revealed that 16 isolates from different hospitals harbored TnaphA6on arepAci6plasmid.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence for the dissemination of TnaphA6on the plasmids encoding RepAci6 in IranianA. baumanniiisolates. Furthermore, it seems that TnaphA6might be acquired by distinct plasmids separately as it was found to be located on the variants ofrepAci6plasmids.
Gas exchange, biomass and non-structural carbohydrates dynamics in vines under combined drought and biotic stress
Authors: Savi Tadeja , García González Almudena , Herrera Jose Carlos , Forneck Astrid
Published: September 2019

Background

Intensity of drought stress and pest attacks is forecasted to increase in the near future posing a serious threat to natural and agricultural ecosystems. Knowledge on potential effects of a combined abiotic-biotic stress on whole-plant physiology is lacking. We monitored the water status and carbon metabolism of a vine rootstock with or without scion subjected to water shortening and/or infestation with the sucking insect phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliaeFitch). We measured non-structural carbohydrates and biomass of different plant organs to assess the stress-induced responses at the root, stem, and leaf level. Effects of watering on root infestation were also addressed.

Results

Higher root infestation was observed in drought-stressed plants compared to well-watered. The drought had a significant impact on most of the measured functional traits. Phylloxera further influenced vines water and carbon metabolism and enforced the sink strength of the roots by stimulating photosynthates translocation. The insect induced carbon depletion, reprogramed vine development, while preventing biomass compensation. A synergic effect of biotic-abiotic stress could be detected in several physiological and morphological traits.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that events of water shortage favour insects’ feeding damage and increase the abundance of root nodosities. Root phylloxera infestation imposes a considerable stress to the plants which might exacerbate the negative effects of drought.