bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inducing heat shock protein 70 expression provides a robust anti-thrombotic effect with minimal bleeding risk
Authors: Allende Mikel , Molina Eva , Lecumberri Ramón , Sánchez-Arias Juan , Ugarte Ana , Guruceaga Elizabeth , Oyarzabal Julen , Hermida José
Published: July 2017

Antithrombotic medications target coagulation factors. Their use is associated with an increased bleeding risk. Safer drugs are needed. The heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) exhibits antithrombotic properties that do not influence bleeding. By using murine models, we aimed to test the hypothesis that overexpressing Hsp70 with CM-695, a first in class dual inhibitor of HDAC6 and phosphodiesterase 9, protects against thrombosis while leaves bleeding tendency unaltered. CM-695 was used to induce Hsp70 overexpression. Hsp70 overexpressing mice were submitted to three thrombosis-triggering procedures. The ferric chloride carotid artery model was used to compare the antithrombotic role of CM-695 and rivaroxaban, a direct oral anticoagulant. The mouse tail transection model was used to compare the bleeding tendency upon CM-695 or rivaroxaban administration. Intraperitoneal (i. p.) 20 mg/kg CM-695 increased Hsp70 expression markedly in the murine aortic tissue. This treatment delayed thrombosis in the collagen/epinephrine [p=0.04 (Log-Rank test), n=10], Rose Bengal/laser [median vessel occlusion time (OT): 58.6 vs 39.0 minutes (min) in the control group (CG), p=0.008, n≥10] and ferric chloride (OT: 14.7 vs 9.2 min in the CG, p=0.032, n≥10) models. I.p. 80 mg/kg CM-695 (n≥9) and intravenous 3 mg/kg rivaroxaban (n≥8) significantly delayed thrombosis. CM-695 did not induce bleeding [median bleeding time (BT): 8.5 vs 7.5 min in the CG, n≥10]. However, BT was dramatically increased by rivaroxaban (30.0 vs 13.7 min in the CG, p=0.001, n=10). In conclusion, CM-695 is a new antithrombotic small molecule devoid of bleeding risk that may be envisioned as a useful clinical tool.
Erythrocyte-heme proteins and STEMI: implications in prognosis
Authors: Cubedo Judit , Suades Rosa , Padró Teresa , Martin-Yuste Victoria , Sabate-Tenas Manel , Cinca Juan , Sans-Roselló Jordi , Sionis Alessandro , Badimon Lina
Published: July 2017

The role of erythrocytes in thrombus formation has been often neglected, but some studies have highlighted their active role in thrombotic events. Free-haemoglobin (Hb) has shown to induce oxidative-stress damage. Herein we have investigated the coordinated changes in heme-related proteins in patients with acute-coronary-syndromes (ACS), their association to ongoing thrombosis and their impact on patients’ prognosis. The serum proteome of STEMI-patients (N=27) within the first 6h after event-onset and 3d after were compared to controls (N=60). Changes in heme-metabolism were characterized in a second STEMI-group by a dual proteomic approach analyzing in-vivo aspirated coronary thrombi at PCI (N=24) and the associated peripheral-blood changes (N=10). A third STEMI-group (N=132) was studied to analyze the impact of the observed changes in prognosis at 6-months-follow-up. The haptoglobin/hemopexin(Hpg/Hpx)-scavenging-system revealed a time-dependent response after STEMI with an early increase in Hpg circulating levels in the acute phase (P=0.01) and a late increase in Hpx levels 3d after (P=0.045). Beta-Hb content in coronary thrombi was directly correlated with systemic beta-Hb and Hpg (R=0.804,P=0.0029; R=0.859,P=0.0007) levels. The presence of a fully-occlusive thrombus was associated to higher circulating levels of beta-Hb (P=0.03) and unbound-Hpg (P=0.03). ELISA validation demonstrated a decreased survival rate at 6-months follow-up in STEMI-patients with lower Hpg plasma levels at admission (P=0.027). Our results show active Hb-release form erythrocytes in ACS. This release is followed by a systemic early increase in Hpg levels and a late increase in Hpx levels that can co-ordinately help to prevent systemic pro-oxidative effects. The Hb-scavenging ability of haptoglobin is related to patients’ prognosis.

Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
Effects of Intranasal Insulin on Triglyceride-Rich Lipoprotein Particle Production in Healthy Men
Authors: Xiao Changting , Dash Satya , Stahel Priska , Lewis Gary F.
Published: July 2017

Objective—

Insulin administered directly into the brain acutely suppresses hepatic glucose production and triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TRL) secretion in rodents. In addition, intranasally administered insulin, which selectively raises cerebrospinal fluid insulin concentration, suppresses hepatic glucose production in humans; however, its effect on TRL secretion in humans has not previously been examined. In this study, we examined whether intranasal insulin, administered at a dose that has previously been shown to suppress hepatic glucose production, modulates TRL particle secretion by the liver and intestine in humans.

Approach and Results—

Nine healthy, normolipidemic, and normoglycemic men participated in a study consisting of 2 randomized study arms. Subjects received intranasal lispro insulin (40 IU) or placebo. Because intranasal insulin results in a rapid and transient increase in systemic insulin concentration after administration, we matched systemic insulin concentrations in the 2 study arms by infusing lispro insulin intravenously for 30 minutes together with intranasal placebo administration. Apo (apolipoprotein) B100–containing (hepatically derived) and apoB48-containing (intestinally derived) TRL lipoprotein particle turnover were measured for the ensuing 10 hours under pancreatic clamp conditions and constant fed state, using stable isotope enrichment techniques and multicompartmental modeling. Under these experimental conditions, no significant effects of intranasal insulin versus placebo on TRL apoB100 or B48 concentrations, fractional catabolic rates, or production rates were observed.

Conclusions—

Insulin delivered intranasally at a dose that has been shown to raise cerebrospinal fluid insulin concentration and suppress hepatic glucose production does not affect TRL particle production by the liver and intestine in healthy men.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT03141827.
Expression of ADAMTS13 in Normal and Abnormal Placentae and Its Potential Role in Angiogenesis and Placenta Development
Authors: Xiao Juan , Feng Yun , Li Xueyin , Li Wei , Fan Lei , Liu Jing , Zeng Xue , Chen Kaiyue , Chen Xi , Zhou Xiaoshui , Zheng X. Long , Chen Suhua
Published: July 2017

Objective—

ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 repeats, member 13) is primarily synthesized in liver. The biosynthesis of ADAMTS13 and its physiological role in placenta are not known.

Approach and Results—

We used real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting analyses, as well as proteolytic cleavage of FRETS (fluorescent resonance energy transfers)-VWF73, to determine ADAMTS13 expression in placenta and trophoblasts obtained from individuals with normal pregnancy and patients with severe preeclampsia. We also determined the role of ADAMTS13 in extravillous trophoblasts using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, wound scratch assay, transwell migration assay, tube formation assay, and tissue outgrowth assays. We showed that full-length and proteolytically active ADAMTS13 was expressed in normal human placenta, primarily in the trophoblasts and villous core fetal vessel endothelium during pregnancy. Placental expression of
ADAMTS13
mRNA, protein, and proteolytic activity was at the highest levels during the first trimester and significantly reduced at the term of gestation. Additionally, significantly reduced levels of placental ADAMTS13 expression was detected under hypoxic conditions and in patients with preeclampsia. In addition, recombinant ADAMTS13 protease stimulated proliferation, migration, invasion, and network formation of trophoblastic cells in culture. Finally, knockdown of ADAMTS13 expression attenuated the ability of tube formation in trophoblast (HTR-8/SVNEO) cells and the extravillous trophoblast outgrowth in placental explants.

Conclusions—

Our results demonstrate for the first time the expression of
ADAMTS13
mRNA and protein in normal and abnormal placental tissues and its role in promoting angiogenesis and trophoblastic cell development. The findings support the potential role of the ADAMTS13–von Willebrand factor pathway in normal pregnancy and pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
Short-Term Exposure to Ambient Air Pollution and Biomarkers of Systemic Inflammation
Authors: Li Wenyuan , Dorans Kirsten S. , Wilker Elissa H. , Rice Mary B. , Ljungman Petter L. , Schwartz Joel D. , Coull Brent A. , Koutrakis Petros , Gold Diane R. , Keaney John F. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Benjamin Emelia J. , Mittleman Murray A.
Published: July 2017

Objective—

The objective of this study is to examine associations between short-term exposure to ambient air pollution and circulating biomarkers of systemic inflammation in participants from the Framingham Offspring and Third Generation cohorts in the greater Boston area.

Approach and Results—

We included 3996 noncurrent smoking participants (mean age, 53.6 years; 54% women) who lived within 50 km from a central air pollution monitoring site in Boston, MA, and calculated the 1- to 7-day moving averages of fine particulate matter (diameter<2.5 µm), black carbon, sulfate, nitrogen oxides, and ozone before the examination visits. We used linear mixed effects models for C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor receptor 2, which were measured up to twice for each participant; we used linear regression models for interleukin-6, fibrinogen, and tumor necrosis factor α, which were measured once. We adjusted for demographics, socioeconomic position, lifestyle, time, and weather. The 3- to 7-day moving averages of fine particulate matter (diameter<2.5 µm) and sulfate were positively associated with C-reactive protein concentrations. A 5 µg/m
3
higher 5-day moving average fine particulate matter (diameter<2.5 µm) was associated with 4.2% (95% confidence interval: 0.8, 7.6) higher circulating C-reactive protein. Positive associations were also observed for nitrogen oxides with interleukin-6 and for black carbon, sulfate, and ozone with tumor necrosis factor receptor 2. However, black carbon, sulfate, and nitrogen oxides were negatively associated with fibrinogen, and sulfate was negatively associated with tumor necrosis factor α.

Conclusions—

Higher short-term exposure to relatively low levels of ambient air pollution was associated with higher levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 but not fibrinogen or tumor necrosis factor α in individuals residing in the greater Boston area.
Plasma Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein in the Differential Diagnosis of Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Katsanos Aristeidis H. , Makris Konstantinos , Stefani Dimitra , Koniari Katerina , Gialouri Eleni , Lelekis Moses , Chondrogianni Maria , Zompola Christina , Dardiotis Efthymios , Rizos Ioannis , Parissis John , Boutati Eleni , Voumvourakis Konstantinos , Tsivgoulis Georgios
Published: July 2017

Background and Purpose—

Plasma GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) has recently emerged as a potential biomarker for the differentiation of acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) from acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We prospectively assessed the diagnostic accuracy of GFAP in the differential diagnosis of ICH.

Methods—

Consecutive patients presenting to the emergency department within 6 hours from symptom onset were evaluated. All patients underwent extensive diagnostic work-up and were classified according to discharge diagnosis in AIS, ICH, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and stroke mimics. GFAP was also measured in healthy volunteers (controls). Baseline stroke severity was evaluated using National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to identify the optimal cutoff point for the differentiation between subgroups. Correlation analyses of GFAP plasma concentrations with baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and onset to sampling time were performed with the nonparametric Spearman rank test and fractional polynomial regression, respectively.

Results—

Our study population consisted of 270 individuals (AIS: 121, ICH: 34, stroke mimics: 31, subarachnoid hemorrhage: 5, controls: 79). No differences on baseline stroke severity and onset to sampling time were detected between AIS and ICH. Higher median plasma GFAP values were documented in ICH compared with AIS, stroke mimics, and controls (
P
<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis highlighted a cutoff value of 0.43 ng/mL as the optimal threshold for the differentiation between ICH and AIS (sensitivity: 91%, specificity: 97%). No association was detected between plasma GFAP concentrations and baseline stroke severity for both AIS (
P
=0.515) and ICH (
P
=0.387). In the fractional polynomial analysis, the association between GFAP concentration and onset to sampling time was best described by a J-shaped curve for AIS and an inverted U-shaped curve for ICH, with a peak at 2 hours.

Conclusions—

Plasma GFAP seems to be a sensitive and specific biomarker for the differentiation of ICH from both AIS and other acute neurological disorders, with the optimal diagnostic yield being present in the second hour from symptom onset.
In Pursuit of the Common Good: The Spillover Effects of Charter Schools on Public School Students in New York City
Authors: Cordes Sarah A.
Published: July 2017

A particularly controversial topic in current education policy is the expansion of the charter school sector. This paper analyzes the spillover effects of charter schools on traditional public school (TPS) students in New York City. I exploit variation in both the timing of charter school entry and distance to the nearest charter school to obtain credibly causal estimates of the impacts of charter schools on TPS student performance, and I am among the first to estimate the impacts of charter school co-location. I further add to the literature by exploring potential mechanisms for these findings with school-level data on per pupil expenditures (PPE), and parent and teacher perceptions of schools. Briefly, I find charter schools significantly increase TPS student performance in both English Language Arts and math, and decrease the probability of grade retention. Effects increase with charter school proximity and are largest in TPSs co-located with charter schools. Potential explanations for improved performance include increased PPE, academic expectations, student engagement, and a more respectful and safe school environment after charter entry. The findings suggest that more charter schools in New York City may be beneficial at the margin, and co-location may be mutually beneficial for charter and traditional public schools.
A review of the Stenus viridanus group (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) from China with descriptions of two new species
Authors: GAO FENG-MEI , TANG LIANG
Published: July 2017

Chinese species of Stenus viridanus group are studied and two new species are described: S. liuyei Gao & Tang, sp. n. from Yunnan Province and S. panyuhongae Gao & Tang, sp. n., from Hainan Province. Stenus cyanogaster Rougemont, 1983 is reassigned to the viridanus group, and new provincial records for three species are reported. The diagnostic characters of the new species are illustrated and a key to species of the group from China is provided.
The GLAM Airborne Campaign across the Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Ricaud Philippe , Zbinden Régina , Catoire Valéry , Brocchi Vanessa , Dulac François , Hamonou Eric , Canonici Jean-Christophe , El Amraoui Laaziz , Massart Sébastien , Piguet Bruno , Dayan Uri , Nabat Pierre , Sciare Jean , Ramonet Michel , Delmotte Marc , di Sarra Alcide , Sferlazzo Damiano , di Iorio Tatiana , Piacentino Salvatore , Cristofanelli Paolo , Mihalopoulos Nikos , Kouvarakis Giorgos , Pikridas Michael , Savvides Chrysanthos , Mamouri Rodanthi-Elisavet , Nisantzi Argyro , Hadjimitsis Diofantos , Attié Jean-Luc , Ferré Hélène , Kangah Yannick , Jaidan Nizar , Guth Jonathan , Jacquet Patrick , Chevrier Stéphane , Robert Claude , Bourdon Aurélien , Bourdinot Jean-François , Etienne Jean-Claude , Krysztofiak Gisèle , Theron Pierre
Published: July 2017

The Gradient in Longitude of Atmospheric Constituents above the Mediterranean Basin (GLAM) airborne campaign was set up to investigate the summertime variability of gaseous pollutants, greenhouse gases, and aerosols between the western (∼3°E) and eastern (∼35°E) sections of the Mediterranean basin as well as how this connects with the impact of the Asian monsoon anticyclone on the eastern Mediterranean in the mid- to upper troposphere (∼5–10 km). GLAM falls within the framework of the Chemistry–Aerosol Mediterranean Experiment (ChArMEx) program. GLAM used the French Falcon-20 research aircraft to measure aerosols, humidity, and chemical compounds: ozone, carbon monoxide, methane, and carbon dioxide. GLAM took place between 6 and 10 August 2014, following a route from Toulouse (France) to Larnaca (Cyprus) and back again via Minorca (Spain), Lampedusa (Italy), and Heraklion (Crete, Greece). The aircraft flew at an altitude of 5 km on its outbound journey and 10 km on the return leg. GLAM also collected vertical profiles around the landing sites listed above. A combination of model outputs, chemical mapping analyses, and spaceborne and surface station measurements gathered prior to and during the campaign were used to interpret the in situ airborne measurements. The main outcome of this study is the impact of intercontinental transport on the longitudinal variability of pollutants, greenhouse gases, and aerosols at an altitude of 10 km. The eastern Mediterranean is affected by air masses from the Arabian Sea surface, and the western Mediterranean is impacted by air masses from North America (biomass burning) and West Africa (desert dust).
Extratropical Factors Affecting the Variability in Summer Precipitation over the Yangtze River Basin, China
Authors: Li Xinyu , Lu Riyu
Published: July 2017

The Yangtze River basin (YRB), a typical East Asian monsoon region, experiences a large year-to-year variability in summer precipitation and is subject to both floods and droughts. There is a well-known seesaw relationship in precipitation between the tropical western North Pacific and the YRB, but more than half of the variance in precipitation in the YRB cannot be explained by this seesaw pattern. The authors therefore investigated other physical factors that might affect precipitation in the YRB. The results indicate that the northeasterly anomaly in the lower troposphere to the north of the YRB plays an important role in the variability in precipitation. This northeasterly anomaly is paired with the southwesterly anomaly to the south of the YRB. They both play an important role in water vapor accumulation over the YRB and intensify the meridional gradient of the equivalent potential temperature θe over the YRB by bringing dry and cool air from the north and wet air from the south. This intensified θe gradient favors convective instability and heavier rainfall in the YRB, as previous studies on mei-yu weather have indicated. Furthermore, it is found that the zonally oriented teleconnection along the Asian westerly jet and the meridional displacement of the jet can affect circulation in the lower troposphere and precipitation in the YRB. These results highlight the role of extratropical circulation anomalies and thus contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the variability of precipitation in the YRB.
IEP-Specified Peer Interaction Needs: Accurate but Ignored
Authors: Gelzheiser Lynn M. , Rose Margaret Mclane , Meyers Joel , Pruzek Robert M.
Published: July 2017

This research addressed two questions about instruction to enhance the social competence of students with disabilities: (a) How adequate were individualized education program (IEP) statements of present level of functioning and goals related to peer interactions? and (b) How appropriate to pupil peer interaction needs and how extensive was instruction? Data sources included IEPs; observations of pupils and teachers in content area, special area, and special education settings; and interviews. Analysis indicated that the IEP accurately characterized peer interactions, but that instructional practices to foster peer interaction were not appropriate, and were provided only to a limited extent. General education settings were somewhat more likely than special education settings to foster peer interaction, providing support for claims that inclusion fosters social integration.
Teaching Students With Moderate Intellectual Disability to Solve Word Problems
Authors: Browder Diane M. , Spooner Fred , Lo Ya-yu , Saunders Alicia F. , Root Jenny R. , Ley Davis Luann , Brosh Chelsi R.
Published: July 2017

This study evaluated an intervention developed through an Institute of Education Sciences-funded Goal 2 research project to teach students with moderate intellectual disability (moderate ID) to solve addition and subtraction word problems. The intervention involved modified schema-based instruction that embedded effective practices (e.g., pictorial task analysis, graphic organizers, systematic prompting with feedback) for teaching mathematics skills to students with moderate ID. The dependent variables included steps performed correctly on a problem solving task analysis, number of problems solved, problem type discrimination, and generalization of problem solving skills. Results of a multiple probe across student dyads design indicated a functional relation between three dependent variables and the intervention. Upon completion of the intervention, all eight participants with moderate ID correctly followed the task analysis, discriminated problem types, and solved word problems. Key discussion items include feasibility of teaching problem solving skills, types of modifications needed, and the generality of these skills to novel formats.
Correlations Between Personality, Affective and Filial Self-Efficacy Beliefs, and Psychological Well-Being in a Sample of Italian Adolescents
Authors: Tommasi Marco , Grassi Paola , Balsamo Michela , Picconi Laura , Furnham Adrian , Saggino Aristide
Published: July 2017

Adolescence is a critical period for the emergence of a balanced personality in adults. Extraversion, neuroticism, and affective self-efficacy beliefs in emotion regulation showed to be good predictors of psychological well-being in adolescents. We analyzed the association between affective self-efficacy beliefs, personality traits, and psychological well-being of 179 Italian adolescents. We also analyzed the connection between adolescents’ filial self-efficacy beliefs and psychological well-being and possible moderating effects of self-efficacy beliefs on personality traits. Results show that extraversion, neuroticism, and self-efficacy beliefs in emotion regulation are correlated with psychological well-being, while filial self-efficacy does not. Self-efficacy beliefs do not show significant moderating effects on personality traits, even if self-efficacy beliefs in expressing positive emotions reduce negative characteristics of individuals with high level of psychoticism.
Heterology as Aesthetics: Bataille, Sovereign Art and the Affirmation of Impossibility
Authors: Kennedy Kevin
Published: July 2017

Like all discourses on the ‘other’, Bataille’s heterology is faced with the problem of conceptualizing the heterogeneous (the other of thought, reason and language), while preserving its alterity, its fundamental resistance to conceptual thought. This paper interrogates the potential parallels between this aspect of Bataille’s notion and some of the prevalent concerns of contemporary and traditional aesthetics. The argument is based on the idea that theories of the aesthetic, akin to Bataille’s heterology, are always inevitably confronted with the paradoxical task of conceptually framing an experience that, per definition, resists philosophical or political appropriation. In relation to this my paper traces a development in Bataille’s thinking from an initial rejection of art and the aesthetic to their later reconfiguration as manifestations of sovereignty. Here I show how Bataille’s notion of sovereign art presents an implicit attempt to overcome some of the aporias to have surfaced in his earlier account of heterology. This development in Bataille’s thought is analysed in the context of his changing relationship with Surrealism.
Outsourcing the State: New Sources of Elite Power
Authors: Froud Julie , Johal Sukhdev , Moran Michael , Williams Karel
Published: July 2017

This article uses the example of public sector outsourcing to explore how elite power can be fallible. A contract between the state and private companies represents a complex interweaving of different kinds of power with uncertain outcomes: the experience of outsourcing in the UK and elsewhere is that it frequently goes wrong, with fiascos creating political embarrassment for states and financial problems for companies. Drawing on Deleuze and Guattari, the article explores how the contract is a political device that can be both tool and weapon but which has uncertain outcomes. In doing so, it makes a distinctive contribution by arguing that elite work is often about repair and managing the political or financial consequences of failure.
Examining how dependence on smartphones at work relates to Chinese employees’ workplace social capital, job performance, and smartphone addiction
Authors: Li Li , Lin Trisha T. C.
Published: July 2017

This research examines how dependence on smartphones for various goals at work, such as understanding, orientation, and communication, relates to employees’ job performance, workplace social capital, and smartphone addiction. Data were collected from a survey of 527 workers in urban China. Regression results indicated that dependence on smartphones for understanding and communication at work has no influence on individuals’ job performance. Only dependence on smartphones for orientation was positively associated with their job performance. Dependence on smartphones for communication has positive association with employees’ workplace social capital. Most interestingly, we found that dependence on smartphones for understanding and orientation was positively associated with smartphone addiction; however, dependence on smartphones for communication has no influence on smartphone addiction. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
A controlled clinical trial of a clinically-tuned powered ankle prosthesis in people with transtibial amputation
Authors: Gardinier Emily S , Kelly Brian M , Wensman Jeffrey , Gates Deanna H
Published: July 2017

Objective:

To determine whether there are changes in level walking performance for people using a powered ankle prosthesis that was tuned by an independent, manufacturer-certified prosthetist in accordance with device recommendations.

Design:

Intervention study with cross-over design.

Setting:

Laboratory.

Participants:

Convenience sample of 10 individuals with unilateral, transtibial amputation, and 10 age- and gender-matched control participants.

Interventions:

Powered ankle prosthesis (BiOM T2 Ankle System).

Main outcome metrics:

Metabolic costs of walking, preferred walking speed.

Results:

There were no significant differences in oxygen consumption (2.9% difference; P = 0.606, d = 0.26), cost of transport (~1% difference; P = 0.652, d = 0.23), or preferred walking speed (~1% difference; P = 0.147, d = 0.76) when using the powered ankle compared to unpowered prostheses. Secondary analyses of user characteristics revealed that participants who were classified as having the highest function (K4 on Medicare’s 5-point scale from K0 to K4) were significantly more likely to exhibit energy cost savings than those classified as having lower function (K3; P = 0.014, d = 2.36).

Conclusions:

Participants did not demonstrate significant improvements in energetics or preferred speed when wearing a clinically tuned powered ankle prosthesis compared to their non-powered prostheses. Prescribers of powered devices should understand that not all users will show an immediate reduction in energy expenditure.
A feasibility study of a novel, task-specific movement training intervention for women with patellofemoral pain
Authors: Salsich Gretchen B , Yemm Barbara , Steger-May Karen , Lang Catherine E , Van Dillen Linda R
Published: July 2017

Objective:

To investigate whether a novel, task-specific training intervention that focused on correcting pain-producing movement patterns was feasible and whether it would improve hip and knee kinematics, pain, and function in women with patellofemoral pain.

Design:

Prospective, non-randomized, within-group, double baseline, feasibility intervention study.

Subjects:

A total of 25 women with patellofemoral pain were enrolled.

Intervention:

The intervention, delivered 2×/week for six weeks, consisted of supervised, high-repetition practice of daily weight-bearing and recreational activities. Activities were selected and progressed based on participants’ interest and ability to maintain optimal alignment without increasing pain.

Main measures:

Primary feasibility outcomes were recruitment, retention, adherence, and treatment credibility (Credibility/Expectancy Questionnaire). Secondary outcomes assessing intervention effects were hip and knee kinematics, pain (visual analog scale: current, average in past week, maximum in past week), and function (Patient-Specific Functional Scale).

Results:

A total of 25 participants were recruited and 23 were retained (92% retention). Self-reported average daily adherence was 79% and participants were able to perform their prescribed home program correctly (reduced hip and knee frontal plane angles) by the second intervention visit. On average, treatment credibility was rated 25 (out of 27) and expectancy was rated 22 (out of 27). Hip and knee kinematics, pain, and function improved following the intervention when compared to the control phase.

Conclusion:

Based on the feasibility outcomes and preliminary intervention effects, this task-specific training intervention warrants further investigation and should be evaluated in a larger, randomized clinical trial.
The role of movement errors in modifying spatiotemporal gait asymmetry post stroke: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lewek Michael D , Braun Carty H , Wutzke Clint , Giuliani Carol
Published: July 2017

Objective:

Current rehabilitation to improve gait symmetry following stroke is based on one of two competing motor learning strategies: minimizing or augmenting symmetry errors. We sought to determine which of those motor learning strategies best improves overground spatiotemporal gait symmetry.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Rehabilitation research lab.

Subjects:

In all, 47 participants (59 ± 12 years old) with chronic hemiparesis post stroke and spatiotemporal gait asymmetry were randomized to error augmentation, error minimization, or conventional treadmill training (control) groups.

Interventions:

To augment or minimize asymmetry on a step-by-step basis, we developed a responsive, “closed-loop” control system, using a split-belt instrumented treadmill that continuously adjusted the difference in belt speeds to be proportional to the patient’s current asymmetry.

Main measures:

Overground spatiotemporal asymmetries and gait speeds were collected prior to and following 18 training sessions.

Results:

Step length asymmetry reduced after training, but stance time did not. There was no group × time interaction. Gait speed improved after training, but was not affected by type of asymmetry, or group. Of those who trained to modify step length asymmetry, there was a moderately strong linear relationship between the change in step length asymmetry and the change in gait speed.

Conclusion:

Augmenting errors was not superior to minimizing errors or providing only verbal feedback during conventional treadmill walking. Therefore, the use of verbal feedback to target spatiotemporal asymmetry, which was common to all participants, appears to be sufficient to reduce step length asymmetry. Alterations in stance time asymmetry were not elicited in any group.
Minocycline plus N-acteylcysteine induces remyelination, synergistically protects oligodendrocytes and modifies neuroinflammation in a rat model of mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Haber Margalit , James Jessica , Kim Justine , Sangobowale Michael , Irizarry Rachel , Ho Johnson , Nikulina Elena , Grin’kina Natalia M , Ramadani Albana , Hartman Isabella , Bergold Peter J
Published: July 2017

Mild traumatic brain injury afflicts over 2 million people annually and little can be done for the underlying injury. The Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs Minocycline plus N-acetylcysteine (MINO plus NAC) synergistically improved cognition and memory in a rat mild controlled cortical impact (mCCI) model of traumatic brain injury.3 The underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of the drug combination are unknown. This study addressed the effect of the drug combination on white matter damage and neuroinflammation after mCCI. Brain tissue from mCCI rats given either sham-injury, saline, MINO alone, NAC alone, or MINO plus NAC was investigated via histology and qPCR at four time points (2, 4, 7, and 14 days post-injury) for markers of white matter damage and neuroinflammation. MINO plus NAC synergistically protected resident oligodendrocytes and decreased the number of oligodendrocyte precursor cells. Activation of microglia/macrophages (MP/MG) was synergistically increased in white matter two days post-injury after MINO plus NAC treatment. Patterns of M1 and M2 MP/MG were also altered after treatment. The modulation of neuroinflammation is a potential mechanism to promote remyelination and improve cognition and memory. These data also provide new and important insights into how drug treatments can induce repair after traumatic brain injury.
Cannibal states, empty bellies: Protest, history and political imagination in post-Dayton Bosnia
Authors: Kurtović Larisa , Hromadžić Azra
Published: July 2017

In February 2014, Bosnia-Herzegovina witnessed its largest and most dramatic wave of civic protests since the end of the 1992–1995 war and the signing of Dayton Peace Accords. Confrontations with the police and the destruction of dozens of government buildings subsequently gave way to the formation of plenums – town hall assemblies – where protesters collectively articulated their grievances against the country's corrupt and deeply unpopular political authorities. The plenums emphasized Bosnia's pressing problems of widespread unemployment, rising poverty and corruption, and in so doing sidelined the ossified nationalist rhetoric and identity politics. This article analyzes the main representations of protests, and the sociopolitical and economic pressures that helped usher in this massive public uprising. We demonstrate how protesters sought to break out of the impasses of post-Dayton ethnic politics by actively recuperating and representing alternative visions of participatory politics and popular sovereignty associated with socialist-era imaginaries and embodied in the plenum. We argue that these efforts signal the emergence of a new kind of prefigurative politics that provide alternative practices of political organization, decision-making, and sociability in Bosnia and beyond.
Efficacy of strength training on tension-type headache: A randomised controlled study
Authors: Madsen Bjarne K , Søgaard Karen , Andersen Lars L , Tornøe Birte , Jensen Rigmor H
Published: July 2017

Background

Strength training has shown effects in reducing neck pain. As neck pain is highly prevalent in tension-type headache (TTH), it is relevant to examine the effect of strength training of the shoulder muscles on TTH patients.

Aim

To examine the effect of strength training of the shoulder/neck muscles on TTH frequency and duration.

Methods

Sixty patients with TTH were randomised into strength training or a control group. The strength training group trained ten weeks with elastic resistance bands. The control group performed ergonomic and posture correction. Efficacy was evaluated at follow-up after 19–22 weeks.

Results

Twenty-three patients completed strength training and 21 completed ergonomic and posture correction (per-protocol). No between-group effect was detected, but within groups numerical reductions were noted in both groups from baseline to follow-up. Frequency of TTH in the strength training group decreased by 11% ( P = 0.041) and duration decreased by10% ( P = 0.036), while the ergonomic and posture correction group showed a significant reduction in frequency of 24% ( P = 0.0033) and a decrease in duration of 27% ( P = 0.041).

Conclusion

No significant difference between the groups was found and the within-group effects did not reach clinical significance. Combining all the elements into a multifaceted intervention could prove more useful and should be further explored in future studies.

Clinical trials registration number

NCT02984826
Patellofemoral Joint Loads During Running at the Time of Return to Sport in Elite Athletes With ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Herrington Lee , Alarifi Saud , Jones Richard
Published: July 2017

Background:

Patellofemoral joint pain and degeneration are common in patients who undergo anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The presence of patellofemoral joint pain significantly affects the patient’s ability to continue sport participation and may even affect participation in activities of daily living. The mechanisms behind patellofemoral joint pain and degeneration are unclear, but previous research has identified altered patellofemoral joint loading in individuals with patellofemoral joint pain when running. It is unclear whether this process occurs after ACLR.

Purpose:

To assess the patellofemoral joint stresses during running in ACLR knees and compare the findings to the noninjured knee and matched control knees.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Thirty-four elite sports practitioners who had undergone ACLR and 34 age- and sex-matched controls participated in the study. The participants’ running gait was assessed via 3D motion capture, and knee loads and forces were calculated by use of inverse dynamics.

Results:

A significance difference was found in knee extensor moment, knee flexion angles, patellofemoral contact force (about 23% greater), and patellofemoral contact pressure (about 27% greater) between the ACLR and the noninjured limb ( P ≤ .04) and between the ACLR and the control limb ( P ≤ .04); no significant differences were found between the noninjured and control limbs ( P ≥ .44).

Conclusion:

Significantly greater levels of patellofemoral joint stress and load were found in the ACLR knee compared with the noninjured and control knees.

Clinical Relevance:

Altered levels of patellofemoral stress in the ACLR knee during running may predispose individuals to patellofemoral joint pain.
Asthma Worsened by Benzoate Contained in Some Antiasthmatic Drugs
Authors: Balatsinou L. , Di Gioacchino G. , Sabatino G. , Cavallucci E. , Caruso R. , Gabriele E. , Ramondo S. , Di Giampaolo L. , Verna N. , Di Gioacchino M.
Published: July 2017

Here, we report our experience on benzoate hypersensitivity. Drug and food additives are known to induce pseudo-allergic reactions such as urticaria, eczema, asthma and rhinitis. These reactions are often under-diagnosed, above all in allergic patients treated with additive containing drugs. On the contrary, attention to additives present in some drug formulations and foods may often permit more correct diagnosis.
The Fifth Frame of Colorblind Ideology: Maintaining the Comforts of Colorblindness in the Context of White Fragility
Authors: Jayakumar Uma M. , Adamian Annie S.
Published: July 2017

In the context of newly emerging racial backlash with implications for colorblind ideology, the authors explore understandings of race and racism among white students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). They build on Bonilla-Silva’s four frames of colorblind ideology and describe a fifth—the disconnected power-analysis frame. Interviews with 18 white students across three HBCUs revealed that this frame allows students with a limited but growing awareness of racial inequality to more strategically engage with and benefit from an environment where race is salient, while preserving white privilege in the process. The findings underscore the enduring significance of colorblind frames and the need for continued vigilance in naming covert race-coded language that perpetuates white supremacy.
Global capacity, potentials and trends of solid waste research and management
Authors: Nwachukwu Michael A , Ronald Mersky , Feng Huan
Published: July 2017

In this study, United States, China, India, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Egypt, Brazil, Italy, Germany, Taiwan, Australia, Canada and Mexico were selected to represent the global community. This enabled an overview of solid waste management worldwide and between developed and developing countries. These are countries that feature most in the International Conference on Solid Waste Technology and Management (ICSW) over the past 20 years. A total of 1452 articles directly on solid waste management and technology were reviewed and credited to their original country of research. Results show significant solid waste research potentials globally, with the United States leading by 373 articles, followed by India with 230 articles. The rest of the countries are ranked in the order of: UK > Taiwan > Brazil > Nigeria > Italy > Japan > China > Canada > Germany >Mexico > Egypt > Australia. Global capacity in solid waste management options is in the order of: Waste characterisation-management > waste biotech/composting > waste to landfill > waste recovery/reduction > waste in construction > waste recycling > waste treatment–reuse–storage > waste to energy > waste dumping > waste education/public participation/policy. It is observed that the solid waste research potential is not a measure of solid waste management capacity. The results show more significant research impacts on solid waste management in developed countries than in developing countries where economy, technology and society factors are not strong. This article is targeted to motivate similar study in each country, using solid waste research articles from other streamed databases to measure research impacts on solid waste management.
Summary of Research Findings at the University of Virginia Learning Disabilities Research Institute
Authors: Hallahan Daniel P. , Hall Robert J. , Ianna Susan O. , Kneedler Rebecca Dailey , Lloyd John Wills , Loper Ann B. , Reeve Ronald E.
Published: July 2017

The Institute at Virginia focused its efforts on LD children with attentional problems. Emphasis was placed on developing cognitive behavior modification techniques that help children improve their attention to tasks and that provide children an effective strategy for approaching academic tasks. Studies included investigations of metacognition, information processing, self-recording of task-related behavior, and strategy training. Adult-child interactions and psychometric properties of the Woodcock-Johnson battery also were studied.
Recreational Areas for Handicapped Students: A Design Process
Authors: Debettencourt Daniel J.
Published: July 2017

Ideally, physical environments are created in response to the unique needs of users. Today, educators are challenged to provide safe recreational facilities accessible to handicapped students which complement special educational programs. A planning process for designing recreational areas for handicapped students is described. Several key planning criteria are delineated. External and internal factors involved in the location, layout, and materials selection are examined, and the process of planning, programming, and design is presented as the method for assuring appropriate and adequate physical settings.
Learning Environments: A Review of Physical and Temporal Factors
Authors: Zentall Sydney S.
Published: July 2017

A theoretical integration of research concerned with environmental variables and their effects on students’ behavior and performance is presented. The impact of classroom stimuli, such as novelty, color, noise, proximity to teacher and peers on both normal and exceptional children is reviewed. The relation between these sources of classroom stimulation and information sources (i.e., type of task and access to material, person, and role resources) is also discussed. Large deviations from optimal levels of environmental stimulation, which more often occur for exceptional than for normal children, will produce attentional and activity disruptions sufficient to interfere with classroom performance and social interaction.
Hemodynamic Instability Secondary to Vasopressin Withdrawal in Septic Shock
Authors: Bissell Brittany D. , Magee Carolyn , Moran Peter , Bastin Melissa L. Thompson , Flannery Alexander H.
Published: July 2017

Rationale:

Vasopressors such as norepinephrine are first line for support of mean arterial pressure (MAP) in the management of septic shock. Their use, however, is commonly associated with many adverse events. These detriments frequently trigger the use of alternative, noncatecholamine therapies, including vasopressin. Vasopressin deficiency is a known physiologic consequence of septic shock, and while guidelines recommend vasopressin in addition to norepinephrine, no consensus exists on the duration of deficiency or ideal time of cessation. Studies have suggested that vasopressin discontinuation prior to other vasopressors may lead to hypotension; however, data are limited. This study evaluates the optimal sequence for the discontinuation of vasopressin therapy in septic shock.

Methods:

This was a 1-year retrospective study of 152 patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) with septic shock who received concurrent norepinephrine and vasopressin for vasoactive support. Patients were excluded if death occurred on vasopressors, within 24 hours after discontinuation of vasopressors, or within 48 hours of ICU admission. The primary outcome of hemodynamic instability included incidence of hypotension after vasopressor discontinuation (2 consecutive MAPs < 60 mm Hg), fluid bolus administration, greater than 0.05 μg/kg/min increase in norepinephrine requirements, or addition of an alternative vasopressor. Secondary outcomes included time to hypotension, total vasopressor duration, arrhythmias, mortality, and length of stay.

Results:

Ninety-one patients met exclusion criteria, resulting in 61 patients for evaluation. Vasopressin was the first vasoactive therapy to be discontinued in 19 patients and last in 42 patients. Baseline characteristics and the use of potentially confounding treatments known to effect MAP were similar between groups. Discontinuation of vasopressin first was associated with a significant increase in hemodynamic instability (74% vs 16.7%, P < .01), with a shorter time to hemodynamic instability (5 vs 15 hours, P < .01). Secondary outcomes were similar.

Conclusion:

Vasopressin discontinuation prior to cessation of norepinephrine infusion was associated with an increased risk of hemodynamic instability.