bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collaborative drawing: A creative tool for examination of infant–toddler pedagogical practices
Authors: Quiñones Gloria , Ridgway Avis , Li Liang
Published: June 2019

Evidence was gathered from an Australian long day care project ‘Educators of babies and toddlers; developing a culture of critical reflection’. A cultural–historical theoretical approach was sensitively interwoven with visual methodology. The innovative combination of visual methodology and cultural–historical theory involved the creation of three Collaborative Forums. The Collaborative Forums aimed for participants to collectively unravel their pedagogical knowledge. The visual methodology involved research tools such as video observations, images, collaborative drawings and group interview transcripts. The research tools of mapping promises and collaborative drawing provided opportunity to imagine and map educators’ pedagogical practices. The act of collaborative drawing was an improvised and imagined activity that strengthened understanding of the multiplicity of educators’ promises. The collaborative drawing elicited discussion that created an expansive collective agenda. Collaborative drawing offered an innovative research tool with ongoing capacity to generate expertise for imagining ideal practices for infant–toddler research. The findings suggest that collaborative drawing with educators is a creative and imaginative tool for expanding the infant–toddler research agenda.
Speaking from other demonic bases of partiality
Authors: Krishnan Sneha
Published: June 2019

As Simandan (2019) argues, partiality and contingency are key to a politically attuned human geography. My commentary takes the author up on his suggestion that commentators examine the political implications of his framework. Critically, I use Sylvia Wynter’s analytic of ‘demonic ground’ to critique Simandan’s ‘demonic geography’ that underlies the epistemic framework he presents in this article. In doing so, this commentary focuses on the author’s conceptualization of intersectionality and diversity, arguing instead for a more fundamental critique of the geopolitical location of post-humanist thought itself.
The stakes of situated knowledges
Authors: Proudfoot Jesse
Published: June 2019

This commentary explores the politics of Dragos Simandan’s (2019) proposal to expand the concept of situated knowledge beyond social difference. I argue that while an expanded conception of situated knowledges is welcome, Simandan’s focus on de-politicized instances of situated knowledge ends up blunting the theory’s critical edge. Any attempt to expand situated knowledge beyond social difference must ensure that we do not lose sight of the ways that our embodied positions within fields of power affect the production of knowledge.
The promises and pitfalls of specifying situatedness
Authors: Greenhough Beth
Published: June 2019

In this commentary, I reflect on the promises and pitfalls of creating a more user-friendly and accessible summary of Haraway’s situated knowledges. I argue that there are clear advantages in revisiting these ideas in order to carefully consider the nature of perception and ask what is at stake in the colonization of critique. I also, however, suggest some limitations to the current reading, taking each of the gaps identified in turn and drawing on ideas from post-structuralism, multispecies ethnography and more-than-human geography as well as my own engagements with Haraway’s work. In closing, I suggest there may be a case for staying with an account of situated knowledges which requires some work before you can make sense of it; an account that slows down reading – and reasoning – to speculate and meander.
Transparency you can trust: Transparency requirements for artificial intelligence between legal norms and contextual concerns
Authors: Felzmann Heike , Villaronga Eduard Fosch , Lutz Christoph , Tamò-Larrieux Aurelia
Published: June 2019

Transparency is now a fundamental principle for data processing under the General Data Protection Regulation. We explore what this requirement entails for artificial intelligence and automated decision-making systems. We address the topic of transparency in artificial intelligence by integrating legal, social, and ethical aspects. We first investigate the ratio legis of the transparency requirement in the General Data Protection Regulation and its ethical underpinnings, showing its focus on the provision of information and explanation. We then discuss the pitfalls with respect to this requirement by focusing on the significance of contextual and performative factors in the implementation of transparency. We show that human–computer interaction and human-robot interaction literature do not provide clear results with respect to the benefits of transparency for users of artificial intelligence technologies due to the impact of a wide range of contextual factors, including performative aspects. We conclude by integrating the information- and explanation-based approach to transparency with the critical contextual approach, proposing that transparency as required by the General Data Protection Regulation in itself may be insufficient to achieve the positive goals associated with transparency. Instead, we propose to understand transparency relationally, where information provision is conceptualized as communication between technology providers and users, and where assessments of trustworthiness based on contextual factors mediate the value of transparency communications. This relational concept of transparency points to future research directions for the study of transparency in artificial intelligence systems and should be taken into account in policymaking.
From Taped Up to Mic’d Up: Experiences of Former Athletes and the Meaning of Athletic Identity in Sports Media Spaces
Authors: Smith Allison B. , Whiteside Erin
Published: June 2019

When elite-level athletes transition out of their sport, they often experience feelings of loss and questions about their self-worth. It is not uncommon for former athletes to turn to sports media for a new start, and as they do so, they enter a profession that is engaged in its own process of redefining itself as new genres of sports media continue to emerge, a process that has forced legacy outlets to find innovative ways to compete and reimagine what constitutes effective sports journalism. Taking these simultaneous ongoing struggles into consideration, this research uses a qualitative approach grounded in the sociocultural tradition to first explore how former athletes working in sports media negotiate their sense of self and, secondly, make meaning around the value of athletic experience in the profession. Using one-on-one, in-depth interviews with 13 former athletes working in sports media, this research assesses how former athletic experience is situated and understood among sports media professionals, with a particular focus on what being a former athlete means to the notion of professional competency. The analysis produced three themes, which focus on notions of identity, professionalism, and the gendered implications underpinning these shared meanings.
Gait Function and Postural Control 4.5 Years After Nonoperative Dynamic Treatment of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures
Authors: Speedtsberg Merete B. , Kastoft Rasmus , Barfod Kristoffer W. , Penny Jeanette Ø. , Bencke Jesper
Published: June 2019

Background:

An Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) is known to cause persistent biomechanical deficits such as decreased muscle strength in end-range plantar flexion and reduced tendon stiffness.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

This study aimed to examine whether sustained asymmetries were present in dynamic stiffness and kinematic and kinetic variables in gait and single-leg balance at 4.5-year follow-up in conservatively treated patients recovering from an ATR. We hypothesized that patients who had recovered from ATRs exhibit a midterm increase in peak ankle dorsiflexion, a decrease in concentric work, and decreased dynamic stiffness during the stance phase of gait, along with increased single-leg standing sway in the injured leg compared with the uninjured leg.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

This study was a cross-sectional medium-term follow-up of conservatively treated patients recovering from ATRs. A total of 34 patients who underwent nonoperative treatment were included for testing 4.5 years after a rupture. The Achilles tendon length was measured using ultrasound. Standard instrumented 3-dimensional (3D) gait analysis and single-leg standing balance were performed using 3D motion capture. Kinematic and kinetic ankle parameters were calculated during gait, and quasi-stiffness was calculated as the moment change per the change in the degree of dorsiflexion during the second (ankle) rocker of the gait cycle. Center of pressure displacement (sway length), along with rambling and trembling, was calculated for the single-leg balance task.

Results:

Peak dorsiflexion in stance was 13.4% larger in the injured leg than the uninjured leg (16.9° ± 3.1° vs 14.9° ± 0.4°, respectively; P ≤ .001). Peak dorsiflexion was not associated with the normalized Achilles tendon length (B = 0.052; P = .775). Total positive work in the plantar flexors was 23.9% greater in the uninjured leg than the injured leg (4.71 ± 1.60 vs 3.80 ± 0.79 J/kg, respectively; P = .001). Quasi-stiffness was greater in the uninjured leg than the injured leg during the initial (0.053 ± 0.022 vs 0.046 ± 0.020 N·m/kg/deg, respectively; P = .009) and late (0.162 ± 0.110 vs 0.139 ± 0.041 N·m/kg/deg, respectively; P = .005) phases of eccentric loading. No difference was found in sway length during single-leg stance between the injured and uninjured legs (1.45 ± 0.4 vs 1.44 ± 0.4 m, respectively; P = .955).

Conclusion:

Patients treated conservatively have a small increase in peak dorsiflexion, decreased total concentric plantar flexor power, and decreased quasi-stiffness in initial and end-range dorsiflexion in the injured leg. These deviations could not be directly associated with the measured tendon elongation.

Registration:

NCT02760784 ( ClinicalTrials.gov ).
Failing Grade: 89% of Introduction-to-Psychology Textbooks That Define or Explain Statistical Significance Do So Incorrectly
Authors: Cassidy Scott A. , Dimova Ralitza , Giguère Benjamin , Spence Jeffrey R. , Stanley David J.
Published: June 2019

Null-hypothesis significance testing (NHST) is commonly used in psychology; however, it is widely acknowledged that NHST is not well understood by either psychology professors or psychology students. In the current study, we investigated whether introduction-to-psychology textbooks accurately define and explain statistical significance. We examined 30 introductory-psychology textbooks, including the best-selling books from the United States and Canada, and found that 89% incorrectly defined or explained statistical significance. Incorrect definitions and explanations were most often consistent with the odds-against-chance fallacy. These results suggest that it is common for introduction-to-psychology students to be taught incorrect interpretations of statistical significance. We hope that our results will create awareness among authors of introductory-psychology books and provide the impetus for corrective action. To help with classroom instruction, we provide slides that correctly describe NHST and may be useful for introductory-psychology instructors.
Radiographic pulmonary vessel volume, lung function and airways disease in the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Synn Andrew J. , Li Wenyuan , San José Estépar Raúl , Zhang Chunyi , Washko George R. , O'Connor George T. , Araki Tetsuro , Hatabu Hiroto , Bankier Alexander A. , Mittleman Murray A. , Rice Mary B.
Published: June 2019

Radiographic abnormalities of the pulmonary vessels, such as vascular pruning, are common in advanced airways disease, but it is unknown if pulmonary vascular volumes are related to measures of lung health and airways disease in healthier populations.

In 2388 participants of the Framingham Heart Study computed tomography (CT) sub-study, we calculated total vessel volumes and the small vessel fraction using automated CT image analysis. We evaluated associations with measures of lung function, airflow obstruction on spirometry and emphysema on CT. We further tested if associations of vascular volumes with lung function were present among those with normal forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity.

In fully adjusted linear and logistic models, we found that lower total and small vessel volumes were consistently associated with worse measures of lung health, including lower spirometric volumes, lower diffusing capacity and/or higher odds of airflow obstruction. For example, each standard deviation lower small vessel fraction (indicating more severe pruning) was associated with a 37% greater odds of obstruction (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.11–1.71, p=0.004). A similar pattern was observed in the subset of participants with normal spirometry.

Lower total and small vessel pulmonary vascular volumes were associated with poorer measures of lung health and/or greater odds of airflow obstruction in this cohort of generally healthy adults without high burdens of smoking or airways disease. Our findings suggest that quantitative CT assessment may detect subtle pulmonary vasculopathy that occurs in the setting of subclinical and early pulmonary and airways pathology.
A protocol for a cluster-randomized controlled trial testing an empowerment intervention to prevent sexual assault in upper primary school adolescents in the informal settlements of Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Sarnquist Clea , Kang Jennifer Lee , Amuyunzu-Nyamongo Mary , Oguda Gabriel , Otieno Dorothy , Mboya Benjamin , Omondi Nancy , Kipkirui Duncan , Baiocchi Michael
Published: June 2019

Background

Sexual violence against adolescents is prevalent worldwide and results in significant physical and mental injuries as well as loss of economic and personal potential. Urban informal settlements such as those around Nairobi, Kenya have been shown to have especially high incidences of violence. Research has shown that empowerment interventions for female adolescents can reduce sexual assault. However, these interventions have had limited testing in urban informal settlements, with young adolescents, or in coordination with complementary programs for male adolescents.

Methods/design

This study was a two-arm, parallel, cluster-randomized trial testing a combination of a previously-tested girls’ intervention, IMPower, and a newly revised boys’ intervention, Source of Strength. Clusters were defined as schools within the informal settlements; participants were adolescent girls and boys in class 6, generally between the ages of 10–14 at baseline. Data collection began in January 2016 and continued through December 2018. The primary outcome was the change in incidence of self-reported sexual assault among girls from baseline, compared to a life skills standard of care intervention. Secondary outcomes included experiences of physical and emotional violence, as well as determining the effects of the intervention on self-efficacy, self-esteem, and gender attitudes and beliefs, and how those effects led to changes in experience of sexual assault. For the primary outcome and several of the secondary outcomes, we used an intention to treat estimand.

Discussion

This was the first randomized controlled trial with longitudinal follow-up of an empowerment self-defense approach to violence prevention for adolescents in informal settlements. The large size and rigorous design supported analysis to understand multiple subgroup experiences in the hypothesized reduction in sexual assault. The study was also unique in its focus on young (10–14 years of age) adolescents and in engaging both boys and girls in separate but coordinated curriculums. The focus on a highly vulnerable and understudied population will make it a significant contribution to the literature on violence prevention.

Trial registration

Clinical Trials.gov #NCT02771132. Version 3.1 registered May 2017, first participant enrolled January 2017. Retrospectively registered.
Synaptic and memory dysfunction induced by tau oligomers is rescued by up-regulation of the nitric oxide cascade
Authors: Acquarone Erica , Argyrousi Elentina K. , van den Berg Manon , Gulisano Walter , Fà Mauro , Staniszewski Agnieszka , Calcagno Elisa , Zuccarello Elisa , D’Adamio Luciano , Deng Shi-Xian , Puzzo Daniela , Arancio Ottavio , Fiorito Jole
Published: June 2019

Background

Soluble aggregates of oligomeric forms of tau protein (oTau) have been associated with impairment of synaptic plasticity and memory in Alzheimer’s disease. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the synaptic and memory dysfunction induced by elevation of oTau are still unknown.

Methods

This work used a combination of biochemical, electrophysiological and behavioral techniques. Biochemical methods included analysis of phosphorylation of the cAMP-responsive element binding (CREB) protein, a transcriptional factor involved in memory, histone acetylation, and expression immediate early genes c-Fos and Arc. Electrophysiological methods included assessment of long-term potentiation (LTP), a type of synaptic plasticity thought to underlie memory formation. Behavioral studies investigated both short-term spatial memory and associative memory. These phenomena were examined following oTau elevation.

Results

Levels of phospho-CREB, histone 3 acetylation at lysine 27, and immediate early genes c-Fos and Arc, were found to be reduced after oTau elevation during memory formation. These findings led us to explore whether up-regulation of various components of the nitric oxide (NO) signaling pathway impinging onto CREB is capable of rescuing oTau-induced impairment of plasticity, memory, and CREB phosphorylation. The increase of NO levels protected against oTau-induced impairment of LTP through activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase. Similarly, the elevation of cGMP levels and stimulation of the cGMP-dependent protein kinases (PKG) re-established normal LTP after exposure to oTau. Pharmacological inhibition of cGMP degradation through inhibition of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), rescued oTau-induced LTP reduction. These findings could be extrapolated to memory because PKG activation and PDE5 inhibition rescued oTau-induced memory impairment. Finally, PDE5 inhibition re-established normal elevation of CREB phosphorylation and cGMP levels after memory induction in the presence of oTau.

Conclusions

Up-regulation of CREB activation through agents acting on the NO cascade might be beneficial against tau-induced synaptic and memory dysfunctions.
Concurrent chemoradiotherapy with weekly docetaxel versus cisplatin in the treatment of locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a propensity score‐matched analysis
Authors: Liao Jun‐Fang , Zhang Qun , Du Xiao‐Jing , Lan Mei , Liu Shan , Xia Yun‐Fei , Cai Xiu‐Yu , Luo Wei
Published: June 2019

Background

Promising efficacy and manageable toxicity of docetaxel‐based concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) were reported in head and neck cancer. In addition, the effect of CCRT in combination with cisplatin and/or 5‐fluorouracil on both locoregionally advanced and metastatic/recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) was verified. However, CCRT with docetaxel for locoregionally advanced NPC are not well studied. This study aimed to compare effectiveness and toxicities of CCRT with weekly docetaxel versus tri‐weekly cisplatin for locoregionally advanced NPC.

Methods

Clinical data of patients with locoregionally advanced NPC newly diagnosed between January 2010 and December 2014 receiving CCRT with either weekly docetaxel (15 mg/m2) or tri‐weekly cisplatin (80–100 mg/m2) were reviewed. Propensity score matching at a 1:1 ratio was performed to balance baseline characteristics. Adverse events and survival were compared between the two groups.

Results

A total of 962 patients were included as the whole cohort, and 448 patients were matched and were regarded as the matched cohort. The median follow‐up duration was 48 months for the whole cohort. The 3‐year nodal recurrence‐free survival rate was significantly increased for patients treated with docetaxel in both the whole (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.19–0.72, P = 0.030) and matched cohorts (HR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.14–0.79, P = 0.023). However, no significant differences were observed in overall survival, local recurrence‐free survival, and distant metastasis‐free survival between the two groups in both cohorts. Significantly higher rates of grade 3 radiodermatitis (6.7% vs. 1.8%, P= 0.001), mucositis (74.5% vs. 37.9%, P < 0.001), and leucopenia (2.2% vs. 11.6%, P < 0.001) were observed in the docetaxel group, but any grade of renal injury (1.8% vs. 15.1%, P < 0.001), vomiting (18.8% vs. 88.3%, P < 0.001), and ALT elevation (19.2% vs. 31.3%, P = 0.027) were more common in the cisplatin group.

Conclusions

CCRT with weekly low‐dose docetaxel is an effective and tolerable therapeutic regimen for locally advanced NPC. It provides a survival benefit mainly by improving the control of regional lymph node metastases, especially for patients with low pretreatment EBV DNA levels.
Time evolution of the electric field using the rapid expansion method with pseudospectral evaluation of spatial derivatives — Part 2: Inclusion of anisotropy and the earth-air interface
Authors: Liu Yikuo , Ziolkowski Anton , Stoffa Paul L.
Published: June 2019

We have evaluated an extension of the 3D 3C rapid-expansion method for time-domain electromagnetic modeling with pseudospectral evaluation of spatial derivatives that includes anisotropic conductivity and the earth-air interface. We found that transverse isotropic anisotropy can be included in the modeling with the manipulation of the conductivity tensor. We model the response of the earth-air interface by using the upward continuation of the time derivative of the magnetic induction. All three electric field components are collocated with the electric conductivities and are modeled independently and simultaneously with spectral accuracy in space and time. Numerical tests against the analytical solution for a half-space and spectral methods for 1D anisotropic layered earth models demonstrate the excellent accuracy of this approach.
Static and dynamic effective moduli of elastic-perfectly plastic granular aggregates under normal compression
Authors: Kerimov Abdulla , Mavko Gary , Mukerji Tapan , Dvorkin Jack
Published: June 2019

Based on an existing simplified theoretical model for the normal contact interaction between two elastic-perfectly plastic spherical particles, we derived explicit expressions for the static and dynamic normal and dynamic tangential contact stiffnesses of elastic-perfectly plastic two-particle combination at pre-yield, yield, and post-yield conditions of normal loading. We used “static stiffness” or “loading stiffness” to refer to the slope of the force-displacement curve during monotonically increasing load. The “dynamic stiffness” or “unloading stiffness” refers to the stiffness that controls the speed of infinitesimal strain elastic waves propagating through the contacts. The static and dynamic contact stiffnesses are compared with numerical modeling of a two-sphere combination using the finite-element method. Furthermore, we used the explicit expressions for contact stiffnesses with the commonly used statistical averaging scheme to derive the static and dynamic effective bulk and shear moduli of a dry, random packing of identical elastic-perfectly plastic spherical particles. Elastic contact/mechanics-based effective medium models are unable to model the growth of contact area between inelastic (e.g., plastic) particles under normal force, which results in inaccurate predictions of contact stiffnesses and effective moduli. Once the particle reaches the limit of elasticity with onset of plastic deformation (yielding), further loading of two elastic-perfectly plastic spherical particles leads to a larger contact area than for two elastic particles under the same normal loading. As a result, after yielding, the dynamic effective moduli become stiffer than the corresponding moduli in the elastic case, whereas the static effective moduli remain constant, rather than increasing as in the elastic case.
Prevalence and Correlates of Unmet Supportive Needs of Nigerian Patients With Cancer
Authors: Fatiregun Olamijulo , Sowunmi Anthonia Chima , Habeebu Muhammad , Okediji Paul , Alabi Adewumi , Fatiregun Omolara , Adeniji Adeoluwa , Awofeso Opeyemi , Adegboyega Bolanle
Published: June 2019

PURPOSE

Diagnosis and treatment of cancer are associated with significant psychological distress, and patients face a broad range of challenges that create a vacuum of unmet needs felt by patients, such as a loss of personal control and frustration. The aim of the current study was to determine the magnitude, distribution, and correlates of unmet needs in Nigerian patients with cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using a descriptive cross-sectional approach, we assessed 205 patients with cancer who attended oncology outpatient clinics at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Eligible patients were administered the Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS) –Short Form 34 with a focus on five domains of need: psychological, health system and information, physical and daily living, patient care and support, and sexuality.

RESULTS

Mean age was 47.4 ± 12.3 years and patients were predominantly female (96.6%). The most common diagnosis was breast cancer (92.2%), and mean duration since diagnosis was 20.9 ± 21.9 months for all patients. Mean SCNS score was 83.9 ± 24.8 and at least 46% of participants indicated unmet needs in 15 items of the SCNS. The most frequent unattended needs were related to the health information (53.4%), physical and daily living (49.4%), psychological (48.5%), sexuality, and patient care and support domains. None of the factors considered—age, sex marital status, family type, educational attainment, employment status, economic status, the presence of financial support, social support, and cancer type—was significantly predictive of unmet needs in these patients ( P > .05).

CONCLUSION

Nigerian patients with cancer experience considerable levels of unmet needs. These needs require urgent and long-term interventions to help patients achieve increased care satisfaction and a better quality of life.
Efficacy of Vemurafenib in Patients With Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer With BRAF V600 Mutation: An Open-Label, Single-Arm Cohort of the Histology-Independent VE-BASKET Study
Authors: Subbiah Vivek , Gervais Radj , Riely Gregory , Hollebecque Antoine , Blay Jean-Yves , Felip Enriqueta , Schuler Martin , Gonçalves Anthony , Italiano Antonio , Keedy Vicki , Chau Ian , Puzanov Igor , Raje Noopur S. , Meric-Bernstam Funda , Makrutzki Martina , Riehl Todd , Pitcher Bethany , Baselga Jose , Hyman David M.
Published: June 2019

PURPOSE

To study whether BRAF V600 mutations in non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) may indicate sensitivity to the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib, we included a cohort of patients with NSCLC in the vemurafenib basket (VE-BASKET) study. On the basis of observed early clinical activity, we expanded the cohort of patients with NSCLC. We present results from this cohort.

METHODS

This open-label, histology-independent, phase II study included six prespecified cohorts, including patients with NSCLC, and a seventh all-comers cohort. Patients received vemurafenib (960 mg two times per day) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary end point of the final analysis was objective response rate (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, version 1.1). Secondary end points included progression-free survival, overall survival, and safety. Because the prespecified clinical benefit endpoint was met in the initial NSCLC cohort, the cohort was expanded.

RESULTS

Sixty-two patients with BRAF V600–mutant NSCLC were enrolled and treated: 13% (n = 8) had received no prior systemic therapy, and 87% (n = 54) had received prior therapies. The objective response rate was 37.1% (95% CI, 25.2% to 50.3%) overall, 37.5% (95% CI, 8.5% to 75.5%) in previously untreated patients, and 37.0% (24.3% to 51.3%) in previously treated patients. Median progression-free survival was 6.5 months (95% CI, 5.2 to 9.0 months), and median overall survival was 15.4 months (95% CI, 9.6 to 22.8 months). The most common all-grade adverse event was nausea (40%). The safety profile of vemurafenib was similar to that observed in melanoma studies.

CONCLUSION

Vemurafenib showed promising activity in patients with NSCLC harboring BRAF V600 mutations. The safety profile of vemurafenib was similar to previous observations in patients with melanoma. Our results suggest a role for single-agent BRAF inhibition in patients with NSCLC and BRAF V600 mutations.
A periodic table of cell types
Authors: Xia Bo , Yanai Itai
Published: June 2019

Single cell biology is currently revolutionizing developmental and evolutionary biology, revealing new cell types and states in an impressive range of biological systems. With the accumulation of data, however, the field is grappling with a central unanswered question: what exactly is a cell type? This question is further complicated by the inherently dynamic nature of developmental processes. In this Hypothesis article, we propose that a ‘periodic table of cell types’ can be used as a framework for distinguishing cell types from cell states, in which the periods and groups correspond to developmental trajectories and stages along differentiation, respectively. The different states of the same cell type are further analogous to ‘isotopes’. We also highlight how the concept of a periodic table of cell types could be useful for predicting new cell types and states, and for recognizing relationships between cell types throughout development and evolution.
Concepts and limitations for learning developmental trajectories from single cell genomics
Authors: Tritschler Sophie , Büttner Maren , Fischer David S. , Lange Marius , Bergen Volker , Lickert Heiko , Theis Fabian J.
Published: June 2019

Single cell genomics has become a popular approach to uncover the cellular heterogeneity of progenitor and terminally differentiated cell types with great precision. This approach can also delineate lineage hierarchies and identify molecular programmes of cell-fate acquisition and segregation. Nowadays, tens of thousands of cells are routinely sequenced in single cell-based methods and even more are expected to be analysed in the future. However, interpretation of the resulting data is challenging and requires computational models at multiple levels of abstraction. In contrast to other applications of single cell sequencing, where clustering approaches dominate, developmental systems are generally modelled using continuous structures, trajectories and trees. These trajectory models carry the promise of elucidating mechanisms of development, disease and stimulation response at very high molecular resolution. However, their reliable analysis and biological interpretation requires an understanding of their underlying assumptions and limitations. Here, we review the basic concepts of such computational approaches and discuss the characteristics of developmental processes that can be learnt from trajectory models.
Sensory neuropathy and nociception in rodent models of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Valek Lucie , Auburger Georg , Tegeder Irmgard
Published: June 2019

Parkinson's disease (PD) often manifests with prodromal pain and sensory losses whose etiologies are not well understood. Multiple genetic and toxicity-based rodent models of PD partly recapitulate the histopathology and motor function deficits. Although far less studied, there is some evidence that rodents, similar to humans, develop sensory manifestations of the disease, which may precede motor disturbances and help to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of PD-associated pain at the molecular and neuron circuit levels. The present Review summarizes nociception and other sensory functions in frequently used rodent PD models within the context of the complex phenotypes. In terms of mechanisms, it appears that the acute loss of dopaminergic neurons in systemic toxicity models (MPTP, rotenone) primarily causes nociceptive hyperexcitability, presumably owing to a loss of inhibitory control, whereas genetic models primarily result in a progressive loss of heat perception, reflecting sensory fiber neuropathies. At the molecular level, neither α-synuclein deposits alone nor failure of mitophagy alone appear to be strong enough to result in axonal or synaptic pathology of nociceptive neurons that manifest at the behavioral level, and peripheral sensory loss may mask central ‘pain’ in behavioral tests. Hence, allostatic combinations or additional challenges and novel behavioral assessments are needed to better evaluate PD-associated sensory neuropathies and pain in rodents.
Long-Run Effects of Temporary Incentives on Medical Care Productivity
Authors: Celhay Pablo A. , Gertler Paul J. , Giovagnoli Paula , Vermeersch Christel
Published: June 2019

We show that costs of adjustment as opposed to low perceived value may explain why improved quality care practices diffuse slowly in the medical industry. Using a randomized field experiment conducted in Argentina, we find that temporary financial incentives paid to health clinics for the early initiation of prenatal care motivated providers to test and develop new strategies to locate and encourage pregnant women to seek care in the first trimester of pregnancy. These innovations raised the rate of early initiation of prenatal care by 34 percent while the incentives were being paid in the treatment period. We also find that this increase persisted for at least 24 months after the incentives ended. We show that this is consistent with the presence of up-front costs from adjusting care processes that made it too expensive to develop and implement new strategies to increase early initiation of care in the absence of the incentives. Despite large increases in early initiation of prenatal care, we find no effects on health outcomes. (JEL C93, I11, I12, I13, I18, J16, O15)
Reducing Child Mortality in the Last Mile: Experimental Evidence on Community Health Promoters in Uganda
Authors: Nyqvist Martina Björkman , Guariso Andrea , Svensson Jakob , Yanagizawa-Drott David
Published: June 2019

The delivery of basic health products and services remains abysmal in many parts of the world where child mortality is high. This paper shows the results from a large-scale randomized evaluation of a novel approach to health care delivery. In randomly selected villages, a sales agent was locally recruited and incentivized to conduct home visits, educate households on essential health behaviors, provide medical advice and referrals, and sell preventive and curative health products. Results after 3 years show substantial health impact: under 5-years child mortality was reduced by 27 percent at an estimated average cost of $68 per life-year saved. (JEL I12, I18, J13, O15, O18)
Supporting Community College Students from Start to Degree Completion: Long-Term Evidence from a Randomized Trial of CUNY’s ASAP
Authors: Weiss Michael J. , Ratledge Alyssa , Sommo Colleen , Gupta Himani
Published: June 2019

Nationwide, graduation rates at community colleges are discouragingly low. This randomized experiment provides evidence that graduation rates can be increased dramatically. The City University of New York’s (CUNY) Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) is a comprehensive, integrated, 3-year program that has an estimated 18 percentage point effect on 3-year graduation rates, increases 6-year graduation rates by an estimated 10 percentage points, and helps students graduate more quickly. Graduation effect estimates of this magnitude are exceptional in randomized experiments conducted in higher education, offering hope of what is possible when serving low-income students. (JEL H75, I23, I24, I28)
Óbito por leishmaniose visceral em puérpera no município de Palmas, Tocantins, Brasil
Authors: Parise Éldi Vendrame , Coelho Maia Fabiane Sales , Gomes Nabia Souza , Pereira da Silva Ana Cristina
Published: June 2019

Relato de caso: neste estudo, foi relatado um óbito por LV, ocorrido em uma puérpera, no município de Palmas, Tocantins, cuja enfermidade não foi identificada durante a gestação, tampouco no período em que permaneceu hospitalizada; evidenciados os fatores que contribuíram para a letalidade do caso; e discutidas as formas adequadas de manejo. Conclusão: por meio de investigação rigorosa nos registros clínicos, laboratoriais e informações junto à família, foi detectada ausência de informações nos prontuários médicos, falhas no monitoramento da paciente, dificuldades de reconhecer um quadro grave de LV em puérpera e, com isso, a necessidade de atualização dos profissionais de saúde com relação à análise clínica e laboratorial, a fim de que haja uma avaliação mais apurada dos sintomas, detecção precoce das complicações, diagnóstico rápido, tratamento adequado e evitar a ocorrência de óbitos.
O enfermeiro em face ao processo de morte do paciente pediátrico
Authors: Souza Flávia Fagundes , Reis Flávia Prazeres
Published: June 2019

Introdução: Para os profissionais de enfermagem a morte é ainda encarada como um tabu. O convívio diário com pacientes em processo de finitude de vida pode acarretar em sentimentos negativos, que são agravados quando esse indivíduo é uma criança. Assim, esses impactos podem influenciar na qualidade de vida e na assistência prestada por esses indivíduos. Objetivo: Conhecer os impactos vivenciados por enfermeiros no processo de morte do paciente pediátrico. Método: Pesquisa de natureza qualitativa, descrita e exploratória, realizada em um hospital pediátrico, na cidade de Salvador- BA em abril de 2017. Foram entrevistados 10 enfermeiros atuantes em Pediatria há mais de dois anos.  Da análise dos relatos coletados depreenderam-se quatro categorias temáticas. Resultados: Constatou-se que o enfrentamento da morte constitui uma situação complicada e dolorosa, e que a sua grande frequência nos hospitais não modifica os impactos sofridos por esses profissionais. Ficou evidente que o convívio desses enfermeiros com o paciente pediátrico favorece a criação de laços afetivos. Considerações finais: Concluiu-se que a temática da morte ainda é pouco abordada na formação profissional e que a criação de serviços de apoio psicológico nas instituições poderia contribuir bastante para minimizar os danos causados pelo enfrentamento em longo prazo com esses óbitos.
Doença Hepática Gordurosa Não Alcoólica: um problema global de caráter reversível
Authors: Barbosa Francielle da Silva , Almeida Martha Elisa Ferreira
Published: June 2019

Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão sobre a Doença Hepática Gordurosa Não Alcoólica e sua reversão. Método: Trata-se de uma revisão de literatura narrativa, para o qual se selecionaram alguns livros e artigos publicados nas bases de dados Scielo, Google Acadêmico e Sciencediret nos últimos 11 anos (2008 a 2019), utilizando os descritores: esteatose hepática e doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica, reversão da esteatose, cirurgia bariátrica e esteatose, atividade física e esteatose. Resultados: Foram revisados 4 livros e 35 artigos, cujas informações ressaltam que vários alimentos com nutrientes e compostos bioativos são importantes para o metabolismo dos lipídios hepáticos, justificando seu consumo na prevenção e/ou reversão da Doença Hepática Gordurosa Não Alcoólica. A redução do peso corporal, mediante alterações do comportamento alimentar ou da cirurgia bariátrica diminui a gordura hepática, porém é necessário um controle rígido e contínuo, visto que o excesso de triacilgliceróis pode voltar a se acumular nos hepatócitos caso os hábitos saudáveis de vida (alimentar e da prática de atividade física) tenham ação descontinuada ou reduzida. Conclusão: A melhor conduta terapêutica para o tratamento e a reversão da Doença Hepática Gordurosa Não Alcoólica baseia-se no consumo alimentar adequado e na prática regular de atividade física de forma contínua.
Fatigue in individuals with knee osteoarthritis: Its relationship with sleep quality, pain and depression
Authors: Fertelli Tulay Kars , Tuncay Fatma Ozkan
Published: June 2019

Objective: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the relationship between fatigue, and sleep quality, pain and depression in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Methods: A cross-sectional, correlational design was used. The study sample comprised 151 individuals with knee osteoarthritis and 147 healthy individuals. To collect the study data, the Sociodemographic Characteristics Questionnaire (SCQ), Visual Analogue Scale to Evaluate Fatigue Severity (VAS-F), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Visual Analogue Scale and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used. To analyze the study data, appropriate tests were used.

Results: It was found that the patients with knee osteoarthritis had higher fatigue scores, and higher PSQI and BDI total scores than did the healthy participants, and that the difference between them was significant (p<0.05). There was a positive correlation between fatigue score and PSQI, VAS and BDI scores (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The participants with knee osteoarthritis suffered fatigue more than did the healthy participants. This fatigue suffered by them affected their sleep quality, pain and depression negatively.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.383

How to cite this:Fertelli TK, Tuncay FO. Fatigue in individuals with knee osteoarthritis: Its relationship with sleep quality, pain and depression. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(4):1040-1044. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.383

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.
Maternal and cord blood prolactin level and pregnancy complications
Authors: Alawad Zainab M. , Al-Omary Hanan L.
Published: June 2019

Objectives: To explore the correlation between maternal and cord blood prolactin, the correlation between cord prolactin and birth weight, and to compare cord blood prolactin in new-borns of women with normal pregnancy and women with pregnancy complications namely; gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes and preterm labour.Methods: This study was performed from September to December 2018. Thirty-two women, delivered at Baghdad teaching hospital, and their newborns (32) were included. Maternal blood (5 ml) was taken before labour and cord blood (5 ml) was collected after placenta expulsion. Maternal and cord blood prolactin were analysed using fluorescence immunoassay.

Results: Cord blood prolactin was higher in babies born to hypertensive women (405.28±77.52 ng/ml) than normal pregnancy women (244.80±60.80 ng/ml), P=0.000. Also, cord prolactin in gestational hypertension group was significantly higher than diabetic (P=0.006) and preterm labour (P=0.000) groups. No significant difference was noticed in cord blood prolactin in newborns of diabetic and normal pregnancy women (299.28±37.01, 244.80±60.80 ng/ml respectively, P=0.053). Preterm babies had lower cord prolactin (204.57±22.90 ng/ml) than normal pregnancy babies (244.80±60.80 ng/ml), however the difference was non-significant, P=0.118. Positive correlation was found between cord and maternal prolactin (P=0.000) and between cord prolactin and birth weight (P=0.018).

Conclusion: Cord blood prolactin is high in newborns of hypertensive women, low in preterm neonates. Diabetes has no effect on cord prolactin level.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.558

How to cite this:Alawad ZM, Al-Omary HL. Maternal and cord blood prolactin level and pregnancy complications. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(4):1122-1127. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.558

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.
Assessment of Psycho-Education of Carers Questionnaire: APEC-U” translation and cross cultural adaptation of an Urdu Version
Authors: Haider Imran Ijaz , Tiwana Farah , Zohra Noor , Rehman Khaleeq ur
Published: June 2019

Background and Objective: Psycho-education of carers is a part of good mental health practice. Our objective was to translate and validate the English questionnaire “Assessment of Psycho-Education of Carers” (APEC) into Urdu (APEC-U), for use in Pakistan.

Methods: Following development and validation of APEC, it was translated into Urdu after consultation with experts and translators. After pretesting, one hundred and twenty bilingual male 67(55.8%) and female 53(44.2%) primary carers, who could understand both Urdu and English, and were carers for more than three months, were asked to fill in the self reporting Urdu questionnaire at the Fatima Memorial Hospital Psychiatry Out-Patient Department. The data were collected over a period of three months from September, 2018 to November, 2018.

Main outcome measures: Responses were analyzed for internal consistency, reliability, Intraclass correlation coefficients and kappa statistics.

Results: APEC-U was understandable and capable of assessing psycho-education in Urdu. High internal consistency was demonstrated on the full scale as 0.859. Degree of agreement (<0.001) between the Urdu and the originally developed English version was evaluated by Cohen’s Kappa, and a high degree of agreement was demonstrated.

Conclusion: The Urdu questionnaire can adequately assess psycho-education of carers in psychiatric settings.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.661

How to cite this:Haider II, Tiwana F, Zohra N, Khaleeq Ur Rehman. Assessment of Psycho-Education of Carers Questionnaire: APEC-U” translation and cross cultural adaptation of an Urdu Version. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(4):1045-1049. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.661

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.