bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nkx2-3—A Slippery Slope From Development Through Inflammation Toward Hematopoietic Malignancies
Authors: Vojkovics Dóra , Kellermayer Zoltán , Kajtár Béla , Roncador Giovanna , Vincze Áron , Balogh Péter
Published: February 2018

The development of peripheral lymphoid tissues from the mesoderm is the result of a complex convergence combining lymphohematopoietic differentiation with the local specification of nonhematopoietic mesenchymal components. Although the various transcriptional regulators with fate-determining effects in diversifying the mobile leukocyte subsets have been thoroughly studied and identified, the tissue-specific determinants promoting the regional differentiation of resident mesenchyme are less understood. Of these factors, various members of the NK-class Nkx paralogues have emerged as key regulators for the organogenesis of spleen and mucosal lymphoid tissues, and recent data have also indicated their involvement in various pathological events, including gut inflammation and hematopoietic malignancies. Here, we summarize available data on the roles of Nkx2-3 in lymphoid tissue development and discuss its possible value as a developmental marker and disease-associated pathogenic trait.
The influence of road surface texture on the skid resistance under wet conditions
Authors: Kienle Rebekka , Ressel Wolfram , Götz Tobias , Weise Markus
Published: February 2018

Due to their influence on traffic safety, skid resistance and drainage are important surface properties of a road and their optimization and durability is still focus of ongoing research. Under wet conditions, these two characteristics are connected as a wetted road cannot provide a sufficient skid resistance without a working drainage system. The wet friction is mainly affected by the road surface geometry and the water depth. Herein, we describe a novel numerical approach to study the influence of the surface texture – mainly the microtexture – on the wet friction coefficient. This method is based on the hysteresis effect, which is the main friction force on rough surfaces under wet conditions. We therefore use an already established friction model for dry surfaces and extend its range of application by an additional consideration of water films. A drainage model has been developed to calculate the water film thickness for a given road surface and geometry (pavement surface runoff model) as systematic measurements of water film thicknesses in situ are difficult. The water depth determines the number of contact points between the pavement and the tyre. Based on three-dimensional measurements of a surface texture, the friction coefficient is calculated. By this newly developed model approach, it is possible to identify the main factors influencing wet skid resistance in regard to the pavement surface microtexture and the water film thickness.
Scaling effects of measuring disc brake airborne particulate matter emissions – A comparison of a pin-on-disc tribometer and an inertia dynamometer bench under dragging conditions
Authors: Alemani M , Wahlström J , Matějka V , Metinöz I , Söderberg A , Perricone G , Olofsson U
Published: February 2018

An important contributor to non-exhaust emissions in urban areas is airborne particulate matter originating from brake systems. A well-established way to test such systems in industry is to use inertia dynamometer benches; although they are quite expensive to run. Pin-on-disc tribometers, on the other hand, are relatively cheap to run, but simplify the real system. The literature indicates promising correlations between these two test stands with regard to measured airborne number distribution. Recent studies also show a strong dependency between the airborne number concentration and the disc temperature. However, a direct comparison that also takes into account temperature effects is missing. The aim of this paper is, therefore, to investigate how the transition temperature is affected by the different test scales, under dragging conditions, and the effects on total concentration and size distribution. New and used low-steel pins/pads were tested against cast iron discs/rotors on both the aforementioned test stands, appositely designed for particulate emission studies. A constant normal load and constant rotational velocity were imposed in both test stands. Results show that a transition temperature can always be identified. However, it is influenced by the test scale and the frictional pair status. Nevertheless, emissions are assessed similarly when an equivalent frictional pair status is analysed (e.g. run-in). Further investigations for fully run-in samples on the pin-on-disc should be performed in order to finally assess the possibility of using the tribometers for the initial assessment of different friction materials.
Accounting for carbon emissions associated with tourism-related consumption
Authors: Tang Meiwei , Ge Shouzhong
Published: February 2018

This article explores the issues of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions resulting from the production of the goods and services provided to supply tourism consumption. First, we define the scope of tourism activities and the resulting tourism consumption and tourism direct gross value added (TDGVA). Second, we calculate CO2 emissions for sectors and compile a carbon input-output table (CIOT). Third, we adjust the tourism-related products consumed according to the range of the corresponding sectors of the CIOT. Finally, we use Shanghai as an example to calculate the carbon emissions that result from tourism consumption using the input-output model. This study shows that the TDGVA accounted for 7.97% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2012, whereas the carbon footprint of tourism accounted for 20.45% of total carbon emissions. The results demonstrate that tourism is not a low-carbon industry in Shanghai.
Feasibility of dimensionally reduced heat transfer analysis for structural members subjected to localised fire
Authors: Jiang Liming , Chen Suwen , Usmani Asif
Published: February 2018

Considerable attention has been placed on the localised fire action in the structural fire safety engineering community. Localised fire action can be represented by a linear or exponential correlation between incident heat flux and radial distance. Society of Fire Protection Engineers proposes an exponential curve suitable for low fire load. Eurocode 1 suggests a combination of linear and exponential curves, which is suitable for high fire loads. This article discusses the feasibility of dimensional reduction for heat transfer analysis in structures subjected to realistic fires. The work has been presented to accurately estimate the error introduced by dimensional reduction under highly varying localised heat flux representative of the most non-uniform fire conditions in a building compartment. It is shown that beams and slabs can be adequately modelled with lower dimensional heat transfer analysis for most of the localised fire action.
People diagnosed with dementia in Sweden: What type of home care services and housing are they granted? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Odzakovic Elzana , Hydén Lars-Christer , Festin Karin , Kullberg Agneta
Published: February 2018

Aims: This study aims to examine what types of home care services and housing are granted to people with a dementia diagnosis and how these types are associated with socio-demographic factors (sex, age, marital status, native or foreign born, and regional area). Methods: A cross-sectional study of all people diagnosed with dementia in three Swedish counties was conducted from the medical records in 2012. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to investigate associations between home care services and housing and socio-demographic variables. Results: In total, 17,405 people had a dementia diagnosis, and the majority were women, aged 80+ years, and unmarried. Some 72% were living in ordinary housing and 28% lived in special housing. Of those who lived in ordinary housing, 50% did not receive any home care service. Not receiving any type of home care services was less common for older people and was also associated with being married and living in rural municipalities. The most common home care services granted were home help and personal care. Special housing was more common for older people, unmarried persons, and those living in rural municipalities. Conclusions: Most people with a dementia diagnosis were living in ordinary housing, and, surprisingly, half of those did not receive any type of home care service. This knowledge is essential for making the living conditions and needs of people living with dementia more visible and to provide good home care services for people with dementia and their families.
The effects of disclosure format on native advertising recognition and audience perceptions of legacy and online news publishers
Authors: Amazeen Michelle A , Wojdynski Bartosz W
Published: February 2018

This experiment with a representative sample of US adults ( N = 800) examines the effects of disclosure design characteristics in sponsored news on readers’ ability to recognize such content as paid advertising, and examines whether such recognition differently affects perceptions of legacy and digital-first publishers. Although fewer than 1 in 10 participants were able to recognize native advertising, our study shows that effectively designed disclosure labels facilitate recognition. However, participants who did recognize native advertising had lessened opinions of the publisher and the institution of advertising, overall.
Your parents will read this: Reading (as) parents in journalistic coverage of the Safe Schools Coalition Australia controversy
Authors: Thompson Jay Daniel
Published: February 2018

This article focuses on the journalistic rhetoric surrounding the Safe Schools Coalition Australia. This rhetoric is significant for two reasons. First, readers have been interpellated as parents by both pro- and anti-Safe Schools commentators. The reader/parent is either persuaded to feel indignation and horror at that program’s attempts to sexualize innocent children (and thus want to oppose Safe Schools), or gratitude that the program is actually benefiting children (and thus want to protect Safe Schools). Second, journalistic rhetoric about Safe Schools is significant because of what it suggests about how gender and sexual diversity in schools have been reported on by journalists.
Exploring alternative combustion control strategies for low-load exhaust gas temperature management of a heavy-duty diesel engine
Authors: Guan Wei , Zhao Hua , Ban Zhibo , Lin Tiejian
Published: February 2018

The employment of aftertreatment systems in modern diesel engines has become indispensable to meet the stringent emissions regulations. However, a minimum exhaust gas temperature of approximately 200 °C must be reached to initiate the emissions control operations. Low-load engine operations usually result in relatively low exhaust gas temperature, which lead to reduced or no exhaust emissions conversion. In this context, this study investigated the use of different combustion control strategies to explore the trade-off between exhaust gas temperature, fuel efficiency, and exhaust emissions. The experiments were performed on a single-cylinder heavy-duty diesel engine at a light load of 2.2 bar indicated mean effective pressure. Strategies including the late intake valve closing timing, intake throttling, late injection timing (Tinj), lower injection pressure (Pinj), and internal exhaust gas recirculation and external exhaust gas recirculation were investigated. The results showed that the use of external exhaust gas recirculation and lower Pinj was not effective in increasing exhaust gas temperature. Although the use of late Tinj could result in higher exhaust gas temperature, the delayed combustion phase led to the highest fuel efficiency penalty. Intake throttling and internal exhaust gas recirculation allowed for an increase in exhaust gas temperature at the expense of higher fuel consumption. In comparison, late intake valve closure strategy achieved the best trade-off between exhaust gas temperature and net indicated specific fuel consumption, increasing the exhaust gas temperature by 52 °C and the fuel consumption penalty by 5.3% while reducing nitrogen oxide and soot emissions simultaneously. When the intake valve closing timing was delayed to after −107 crank angle degree after top dead centre, however, the combustion efficiency deteriorated and the HC and CO emissions were significantly increased. This could be overcome by combining internal exhaust gas recirculation with late intake valve closure to increase the in-cylinder combustion temperature for a more complete combustion. The results demonstrated that the ‘late intake valve closure + internal exhaust gas recirculation’ strategy can be the most effective means, increasing the exhaust gas temperature by 62 °C with 4.6% fuel consumption penalty. Meanwhile, maintaining high combustion efficiency as well as low HC and CO emissions of diesel engines.
Quality of care reported by proxies – Does resident cognition count?
Authors: Kahanpää Anja , Noro Anja , Perälä Marja-Leena
Published: February 2018

Resident self-reports are considered the primary source of quality of care information, but proxy reports by family or staff can also be used to supplement or substitute resident reports. This study analyses how the results of proxy reports vary according to residents’ cognition level. The data set used covers proxy reports of family ( n = 558) and staff ( n = 801), divided by the availability of resident self-reports (family yes n = 289, no n = 269; staff yes 393, no = 408). Family and staff proxies assessed residents’ quality of care as better when resident self-reports were also available, and quality of care tended to be assessed as poorer among those with higher cognitive decline. The results of this methodological study indicate the importance of using several proxy evaluations; however, these can only supplement resident self-reports, not replace them. The interpretation rules acknowledging dependency between residents’ cognition and proxy assessments could be used as a basis for future comparisons of quality improvement in long-term care and for painting a more comprehensive picture of service quality.
A comparison of linear and mosaic diagrams for set visualization
Authors: Luz Saturnino , Masoodian Masood
Published: February 2018

Linear diagrams have been shown to compare favourably to better known forms of set visualization, such as Venn and Euler diagrams, in supporting non-interactive assessment of set relationships. Recent studies that compared several variants of linear diagrams have demonstrated that users perform best at tasks involving identification of intersections, disjointness and subsets when using a horizontally drawn linear diagram with thin lines representing sets and employing vertical lines as guide lines. The essential visual task the user needs to perform in order to interpret this kind of diagram is vertical alignment of parallel lines and detection of overlaps. Space-filling mosaic diagrams which support this same visual task have been used in other applications, such as the visualization of schedules of activities, where they have been shown to be superior to linear Gantt charts. In this article, we present an experimental comparison of linear and mosaic diagrams for visualization of set relationships, in terms of accuracy, time-to-answer and subjective ratings of perceived task difficulty. The findings show that the two visualizations are largely similar with respect to these measures, suggesting that the choice of one or the other may be solely guided by other visual design considerations. Mosaic diagrams might be more suitable, for instance, in cases where miniature diagrams representing overviews of relations in different collections of sets are required, such as in small-multiples displays.
Presidentialisation: One Term, Two Uses – Between Deductive Exercise and Grand Historical Narrative
Authors: Elgie Robert , Passarelli Gianluca
Published: February 2018

This article focuses on the two main contributions to the contemporary academic debate about the term ‘presidentialisation’, namely the books by Samuels and Shugart and Poguntke and Webb. The aim is not to rehearse critiques that have already been made about this term or to add another to the list. Instead, the aim is to distinguish between two different ways in which the same term has been applied in the two studies. Both sets of authors are concerned with the same term, but each operationalises it in a different way. Acknowledging these differences allows us to focus on a specific aspect of Poguntke and Webb’s account that is absent from Samuels and Shugart’s, namely the construction of a grand historical narrative.
Distal Placement of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) to Restore Hemodynamic Stability in a Patient With Proximal Aortic Rupture
Authors: Strauss Shira , Engels Paul , Harlock John
Published: February 2018

Purpose: To report unconventional use of the resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) technique to restore hemodynamic stability in a patient who was hemorrhaging from aortic injury proximal to the target zone of occlusion. Case Report: A 72-year-old woman underwent urgent thoracic stent-graft repair of a ruptured 8×8-cm mycotic pseudoaneurysm. Two months later, follow-up imaging revealed that the proximal aortic stent seal zone had degenerated, so a percutaneous procedure was performed 2 months later to preemptively reinforce the segment of stented aorta. Shortly after obtaining femoral access, the patient’s condition abruptly deteriorated with profound hypotension, presumably a result of an access complication. REBOA was established in the supraceliac aorta, which sustained the mean arterial pressure while the anesthesiologist resuscitated the patient. Unexpectedly, angiography showed a rupture of the descending thoracic aorta immediately proximal to the upper stent-graft. Balloon inflation distal to the rupture site was maintained while the patient’s hypotension was treated. Another stent-graft was quickly placed over the area of concern, overlapping proximal to the prior grafts. Once the aortic perforation was sealed, the patient stabilized hemodynamically. Inotropic support was weaned, and the REBOA occlusion catheter was deflated. Final angiograms of the arch and thoracic aorta confirmed no extravasation; angiograms of the infrarenal aorta and iliac arteries showed no evidence of injury. Conclusion: This case illustrates that applying REBOA distal to the injury site in certain clinical scenarios may sufficiently increase peripheral resistance to compensate temporarily for cardiovascular collapse secondary to aortic injury.
Development, characterization and thermal performance of insulating nonwoven fabrics made from textile waste
Authors: Wazna Mohamed EL , Gounni Ayoub , Bouari Abdeslam EL , Alami Mustapha EL , Cherkaoui Omar
Published: February 2018

This paper reports a study on potential applicability of nonwoven samples made from textiles waste in building industries. Four nonwoven fabrics based on acrylic and wool waste were made using the needle punching technique, and tested in terms of thermo-physical properties. Results show that all developed nonwovens have an excellent insulation performance, the thermal conductivity is in the range of 0.03476–0.04877 W/(m·K); these values are comparable with that of conventional insulation materials. The lowest value of the thermal conductivity is observed for the nonwoven made from washed wool Wr (0.03476 W/m.K). In order to evaluate the thermal performance of manufactured nonwoven, a reduced-scale thermally controlled cavity was used; each wall of the cavity is outfitted with one nonwoven. The comparison is based on the outside surface temperature walls. The fixed inside surface temperature was 36 ℃; however, the outside surface temperature was less than 19 ℃. This result is in accordance with the obtained thermal conductivity values and confirms that materials based on textile waste have competitive thermal properties and could be used in building insulation materials.
Voters’ Response to Candidate Ambiguity in U.S. House Elections
Authors: Cahill Christine , Stone Walter J.
Published: February 2018

There is a sizable literature on the causes and effects of candidate positioning in elections. An implication of this research is that candidates present clear issue positions to the electorate and citizens then make voting decisions based on this information. However, if candidates are ambiguous in the positions they take, this may impair voters’ decision-making and prompt voters to punish them for inconsistency. Although there is a growing literature on the effects of candidate and party ambiguity, consensus on the implications of ambiguity for candidates and voters is yet to be achieved. Using data from the 2010 House elections, we find that candidate ambiguity undermines voters’ ability to vote consistent with the spatial logic just as Downs speculated. We also find, in contrast to Downs, that voters punish rather than reward candidate ambiguity. We suggest that a possible mechanism is in voters’ valence ratings of candidates.
Fryldeficiency is associated with defective kidney development and function in mice
Authors: Byun Yong-Sub , Kim Eun-Kyoung , Araki Kimi , Yamamura Ken-ichi , Lee Kihoon , Yoon Won-Kee , Won Young-Suk , Kim Hyoung-Chin , Choi Kyung-Chul , Nam Ki-Hoan
Published: February 2018

FRY like transcription coactivator ( Fryl) gene located on chromosome 5 is a paralog of FRY microtubule binding protein ( Fry) in vertebrates. It encodes a protein with unknown functions. Fryl gene is conserved in various species ranging from eukaryotes to human. Although there are several reports on functions of Fry gene, functions of Fryl gene remain unclear. A mouse line containing null mutation in Fryl gene by gene trapping was produced in this study for the first time. The survival and growth of Fryl−/−mice were observed. Fryl gene expression levels in mouse tissues were determined and histopathologic analyses were conducted. Most Fryl−/−mice died soon after birth. Rare Fryl−/−survivors showed growth retardation with significantly lower body weight compared to their littermate controls. Although they could breed, more than half of Fryl−/−survivors died of hydronephrosis before age 1. No abnormal histopathologic lesion was apparent in full-term embryo or adult tissues except the kidney. Abnormal lining cell layer detachments from walls of collecting and convoluted tubules in kidneys were apparent in Fryl−/−neonates and full-term embryos. Fryl gene was expressed in renal tubular tissues including the glomeruli and convoluted and collecting tubules. This indicates that defects in tubular systems are associated with Fryl functions and death of Fryl−/−neonates. Fryl protein is required for normal development and functional maintenance of kidney in mice. This is the first report of in vivo Fryl gene functions.

Impact statement

FRY like transcription coactivator ( Fryl) gene is conserved in various species ranging from eukaryotes to human. It expresses a protein with unknown function. We generated a Fryl gene mutant mouse line and found that most homozygous mice died soon after their birth. Rare Fryl−/−survivors showed growth retardation with significantly lower body weight compared to their littermate controls. Although they could breed, more than half of Fryl−/−survivors died of hydronephrosis before age 1. Full-term mutant embryos showed abnormal collecting and convoluted tubules in kidneys where Fryl gene was expressed. Collectively, these results indicate that Fryl protein is required for normal development and functional maintenance of kidney in mice. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on in vivo Fryl gene functions.
Healthy Living After Cancer Treatment: Considerations for Clinical and Community Practice
Authors: Bluethmann Shirley M. , Sciamanna Christopher N. , Winkels Renate M. , Sturgeon Kathleen M. , Schmitz Kathryn H.
Published: February 2018

As the number of US cancer survivors now reaches almost 16 million, understanding how to care for survivors after cancer treatment has demanded national attention. Increasingly, compelling benefits of lifestyle behaviors for cancer prevention and control have been demonstrated. In particular, physical activity is recommended as a central component of healthy living after cancer treatment. However, survivors struggle to achieve recommended physical activity and other behaviors for reasons that are still not well understood. Further, as greater than 60% of cancer survivors are older than 65 years, there is a unique opportunity to increase engagement of older adults in health programs and clinical trials. This article considers evidence from two reviews: a review on epidemiology studies of lifestyle and cancer and a review on different behavioral intervention strategies to achieve positive behavioral changes in cancer survivors. Both reviews offer important evidence on the role of lifestyle in life after cancer treatment. However, more investigation is needed on the practice of lifestyle medicine for cancer survivors, including ways to extend the reach of health promotion beyond cancer clinics, to primary care and community settings.
Hybrid modeling and verification of disk-stacked shock absorber valve
Authors: Xu Jingli , Chu Jinli , Ma Hongwei
Published: February 2018

The mathematical model of valve deformation of hydraulic shock absorber is established using the hybrid method of large deflection and beam deflection. The model can be used for design purposes and helps in developing damping valve based on single disk and shim stack. The model of the hydraulic shock absorber with valve system consists of shim stack and a spring preloaded disk is developed using AMESim. The correctness of the mathematical model of the valve deformation based on the hybrid method and the simulation model using AMESim is verified by the shock absorber bench test, which proves the method proposed in this article is reasonable and reliable. It is significant for reference in the design and development of hydraulic shock absorber.
Assessing the accuracy of ultrasound estimation of gestational age during routine antenatal care in in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancies
Authors: Knight Bridget , Brereton Aaron , Powell Roy J , Liversedge Helen
Published: February 2018

Introduction

In the UK an accurate gestational age is confirmed by ultrasound measured foetal crown rump length (CRL) at 11 + 2–14 + 1 weeks of gestation. The currently recommended Robinson and Fleming crown rump length reference chart was develop in 1975. Advances in ultrasound technology and standardized crown rump length measurement training could mean this is now out of date. Our study aimed to assess its accuracy in current routine antenatal care.

Methods

Retrospective data from 178 IVF pregnancies seen for routine antenatal care at a UK Regional Maternity Unit between 1 January 2006 and 1 January 2016 was retrieved. We compared ultrasound calculated crown rump length gestational age taken at the routine First Trimester Screening Clinic (FTSC) with the ‘true’ gestational age calculated from the known IVF fertilization date.

Results

We identified a systematic overestimation of gestational age by ultrasound using the currently recommended crown rump length reference chart when compared to IVF gestational age. The mean overestimation was 3.0 days (95% CI: 2.7 to 3.4), p < 0.001. A range of alternative ultrasound reference charts also generated a systematic overestimation, ranging from 1.6 to 2.9 days ( p < 0.001, for each).

Conclusions

The current crown rump length reference chart systematically overestimates gestational age by an average of three days when assessed in IVF pregnancies. A systematic overestimation was also identified in alternative crown rump length reference charts. These differences, although slight, were systematic with implications for the accuracy of gestational age estimation particularly in pregnancies at risk of pre-term delivery or growth restriction. Our findings need confirming in larger, non IVF cohorts and could lead to the need for an updated crown rump length reference chart.
How will telemedicine change clinical practice in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?
Authors: Vitacca Michele , Montini Alessandra , Comini Laura
Published: February 2018

Within telehealth there are a number of domains relevant to pulmonary care: telemonitoring, teleassistance, telerehabilitation, teleconsultation and second opinion calls. In the last decade, several studies focusing on the effects of various telemanagement programs for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been published but with contradictory findings. From the literature, the best telemonitoring outcomes come from programs dedicated to aged and very sick patients, frequent exacerbators with multimorbidity and limited community support; programs using third-generation telemonitoring systems providing constant analytical and decisionmaking support (24 h/day, 7 days/week); countries where strong community links are not available; and zones where telemonitoring and rehabilitation can be delivered directly to the patient’s location. In the near future, it is expected that telemedicine will produce changes in work practices, cultural attitudes and organization, which will affect all professional figures involved in the provision of care. The key to optimizing the use of telemonitoring is to correctly identify who the ideal candidates are, at what time they need it, and for how long. The time course of disease progression varies from patient to patient; hence identifying for each patient a ‘correct window’ for initiating telemonitoring could be the correct solution.

In conclusion, as clinicians, we need to identify the specific challenges we face in delivering care, and implement flexible systems that can be customized to individual patients’ requirements and adapted to our diverse healthcare contexts.
Prediction of the margin of victory only from team rankings for regular season games in NCAA men’s basketball
Authors: Beaudoin David , Duchesne Thierry
Published: February 2018

The main objective of this article was to investigate the extent to which the margin of victory can be predicted solely by the rankings of the opposing teams in NCAA Division I men’s basketball games. Several past studies have modeled this relationship for the games played during the March Madness tournament. This work aimed at verifying whether the models advocated in previous studies can accurately predict the margin of victory in regular season games. Indeed, most previous articles have shown that a simple quadratic regression model provides fairly accurate predictions of the margin of victory when team rankings only range from 1 to 16. Does that still hold true when team rankings increase to 351? Do the model assumptions hold? Can semi- or nonparametric methods that yield even better results (i.e. predicted margins of victory that more closely resemble actual results) be found? The analyses presented in this article suggest that the answer is “yes” to all three questions!
Contemporary approaches to the management of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Pasquali Renato
Published: February 2018

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder in women in their reproductive years and is characterized by androgen excess, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology. It is also associated with several metabolic abnormalities, particularly insulin resistance and obesity, which play an important role in the pathophysiology of PCOS and, in particular, negatively influence ovarian function and fertility. This review article summarizes the available treatment for women with PCOS. Specifically, current and potentially new therapies are discussed.
Psychosocial factors associated with change in pain and disability outcomes in chronic low back pain patients treated by physiotherapist: A systematic review
Authors: Alhowimel Ahmed , AlOtaibi Mazyad , Radford Kathryn , Coulson Neil
Published: February 2018

Background:

Almost 80% of people have low back pain at least once in their life. Clinical guidelines emphasize the use of conservative physiotherapy and the importance of staying active. While the psychological factors predicting poor recovery following surgical intervention are understood, the psychosocial factors associated with poor outcomes following physiotherapy have yet to be identified.

Methods:

Electronic searches of PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO and EBSCO were conducted using terms relating to psychosocial factors, chronic low back pain, disability and physiotherapy. Papers examining the relationship between psychosocial factors and pain and disability outcomes following physiotherapy were included. Two reviewers selected, appraised and extracted studies independently.

Results:

In total, 10 observational studies were identified that suggested an association between fear of movement, depression, self-efficacy and catastrophizing in modifying pain and disability outcomes following physiotherapy.

Discussion:

Although limited by methodological shortcomings of included studies, and heterogeneity of physiotherapy interventions and measures of disability and psychosocial outcomes, the findings are consistent with other research in the context of back pain and physiotherapy, which suggest an association between psychosocial factors, including fear of movement, catastrophizing and self-efficacy and pain and disability outcomes in chronic low back pain patients treated by physiotherapist. However, a direct relationship cannot be concluded from this study.

Conclusion:

Findings suggest an association between psychosocial factors, including fear of movement, catastrophizing and self-efficacy and pain and disability outcomes in chronic low back pain patients treated by physiotherapist, which warrants further study.
Prescriber continuity and medication availability in older adults with cardiometabolic conditions
Authors: Maciejewski Matthew L , Hammill Bradley G , Voils Corrine I , Ding Laura , Bayliss Elizabeth A , Curtis Lesley H , Wang Virginia
Published: February 2018

Background:

Many older adults have multiple conditions and see multiple providers, which may impact their use of essential medications.

Objective:

We examined whether the number of prescribers of these medications was associated with the availability of medications, a surrogate for adherence, to manage diabetes, hypertension or dyslipidemia.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort of 383,145 older adults with diabetes, hypertension or dyslipidemia in the US Medicare program living in 10 states. The association between the number of prescribers of cardiometabolic medications in 2010 and medication availability (proportion of days with medication on hand) in 2011 was estimated via logistic regression, controlling for patient demographic characteristics and chronic conditions.

Results:

Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes, hypertension and/or dyslipidemia had an average of five chronic conditions overall, obtained 10–12 medications for all conditions and most often had one prescriber of cardiometabolic medications. In adjusted analyses, the number of prescribers was not significantly associated with availability of oral diabetes agents but having more prescribers is associated with increased medication availability in older Medicare beneficiaries with dyslipidemia or hypertension.

Conclusion:

The incremental addition of new prescribers may be clinically reasonable for complex patients but creates the potential for coordination problems and informational discontinuity over time. Health systems may want to identify complex patients with multiple prescribers to minimize care fragmentation.
Early mining and smelting lead anomalies in geological archives as potential stratigraphic markers for the base of an early Anthropocene
Authors: Wagreich Michael , Draganits Erich
Published: February 2018

This article reviews possible lower boundaries for an early Anthropocene period. Although a noticeable environmental impact of humans, caused by hunting, the use of fire, forest clearance, animal domestication and agriculture had already occurred in the Neolithic, these early signals are strongly diachronous and localised. Here, we examine early significant, synchronous and regional stratigraphic signals indicating an anthropogenic influence as consequences of mining and smelting-related trace metal contamination. A first regional lead contamination event in the Northern Hemisphere is recognized during the (Eastern Mediterranean) Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age, between 3500 and 2800 BP, with a peak at around 3000 BP. Another pronounced anthropogenic lead peak is recorded around 2000 BP, during the Roman period. These events, as defined by lead enrichment and changes in lead isotope ratios, accompanied by other trace metal enrichments, are found in several types of archives, such as Arctic ice-cores and European peat-bogs, speleothems as well as fluvial, lake and marine records. Potential stratigraphic correlations and secondary markers may be present using tephrochronology, climate events, and magnetostratigraphy. Such a definition of the base of a formally defined (early) Anthropocene stage/period allows the application of the GSSP (Global Stratotype Section and Point) concept by using a point in a physical archive, and, in contrast to the late Anthropocene, includes a significant quantity of anthropogenic strata as evidence for an Anthropocene chronostratigraphic unit.
How to estimate (and not to estimate) war deaths: A reply to van Weezel and Spagat
Authors: Hagopian Amy , Flaxman Abraham , Galway Lindsay , Takaro Tim K. , Burnham Gilbert
Published: February 2018

Stijn van Weezel and Michael Spagat (2017) have critiqued our 2011 report of mortality in Iraq following the 2003 US-led invasion in this issue of Research & Politics. In this response, we make our case for reporting both direct and indirect excess war-related deaths (while distinguishing the difference), defend our efforts to account for survival bias, and provide evidence for including all household-reported deaths, not just those cases where a death certificate can be demonstrated. We also point out Van Weezel and Spagat’s misunderstanding of our sample selection method, despite our citation of our separate paper that thoroughly describes our approach.
Musculoskeletal pain and menopause
Authors: Watt Fiona E
Published: February 2018

Musculoskeletal pain, arthralgia and arthritis are all more common in women, and their frequency increases with age and in some appears to be associated with the onset of menopause. The clinical assessment, investigation and management of women presenting with musculoskeletal pain, arthralgia or arthritis at the time of menopause are reviewed. Common causes of arthralgia and arthritis in this population are discussed. The epidemiological and trials evidence for the effects of hormone replacement therapy on musculoskeletal pain and arthritis (primarily from RCTs of HRT for other menopausal symptoms) are discussed. Lastly, the possible underlying aetiological roles of sex hormones including estrogen, and their deficiency, in predisposing to musculoskeletal pain and arthritis are overviewed. Although the association appears strong, a causal link between estrogen deficiency and musculoskeletal pain or different types of arthritis is lacking; there have been few studies specifically within this group of symptomatic patients, and there is much still to understand about musculoskeletal pain and arthritis at the time of the menopause, and about how we might prevent or treat this.
Are previous episodes of bacterial vaginosis a predictor for vaginal symptoms in breast cancer patients treated with aromatase inhibitors?
Authors: Gade Malene R , Goukasian Irina , Panduro Nathalie , Kamby Claus , Nilas Lisbeth , Tuxen Malgorzata K , Bjerrum Lars
Published: February 2018

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of vaginal symptoms in postmenopausal women with breast cancer exposed to aromatase inhibitors, and to investigate if the risk of vaginal symptoms is associated with previous episodes of bacterial vaginosis.

Methods

Patients from Rigshospitalet and Herlev University Hospital, Denmark, were identified through the register of Danish Breast Cancer Cooperation Group and 78 patients participated in the study. Semiquantitave questionnaires and telephone interview were used to assess the prevalence of vaginal symptoms and previous episode(s) of bacterial vaginosis. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the association between vaginal symptoms and previous episodes of bacterial vaginosis.

Results

Moderate to severe symptoms due to vaginal itching/irritation were experienced by 6.4% (95% CI: 2.8–14.1%), vaginal dryness by 28.4% (95% CI: 19.4–39.5%), and dyspareunia by 23.1% (95% CI: 11.0–42.1%). Patients with earlier episodes of bacterial vaginosis had an increased risk of vaginal dryness when exposed to a treatment with an aromatase inhibitor, adjusted OR 5.5 (95% CI 1.3–21.6).

Conclusion

A considerable number of patients exposed to aromatase inhibitor have vaginal symptoms and the risk is highest among patients with earlier episodes of bacterial vaginosis.
Weibo and the making of Chinese networked publics: Witness, debates and expertise
Authors: Han Eileen Le
Published: February 2018

Through the analysis of the online discourses about Weibo in the past and present, this article examines how the platform has taken part in the shaping of Chinese networked publics and public participation as it has been undergoing three stages of development itself: collective witness, ideological contention, and networks of expertise. The three stages reflect a major transformation of social media and digital culture in China, from the civic-minded public engagement and activism to the celebration of individual online fame and monetization of content creation. This transformation is taking place at the tightening state control of digital media, suggesting a blurring boundary between corporate and public interests under such circumstance.
Electrospraying poloxamer/(bio-)polymer blends using a needleless electrospinning machine
Authors: Böttjer Robin , Grothe Timo , Wehlage Daria , Ehrmann Andrea
Published: February 2018

Electrospinning can be used to create nanofiber mats with high material purity and a large inner surface, applicable for medical or biotechnological filters, cell growth, and so on. Not each polymer which can be dissolved, however, can be spun in this way. Depending on the material, solution, and spinning parameters, especially on the molecular weight and the polymer concentration in the solution, either fibers or droplets can be formed. Both fibers and droplets are of technological interest for different applications. This article examines the possibilities of electrospinning or electrospraying poloxamer 188 (formerly known as Lutrol F 68, BASF, Germany) in combination with different biopolymers (dextran, gelatin, and agarose) as well as polyacrylonitrile (PAN) which belongs to the polymers spinnable from nontoxic solvents. Due to the similarity of the chemical structures of poloxamer and poly(ethylene glycol), a well-known spinning agent, and the relatively low molecular weight of poloxamer 188, it can be expected to work as a spraying agent. Our results show that electrospraying poloxamer/biopolymer blends is indeed possible, with the unexpected effect that for higher polymer concentrations, combining poloxamer 188 with dextran, fibers are formed additionally on parts of the substrate. Co-spinning poloxamer 188 with PAN, on the other hand, results in creation of a nanofiber mat whose morphology is mainly defined by the PAN content. The study shows that poloxamer can indeed be used as a spraying/spinning agent in electrospraying/electrospinning diverse biopolymers.
Flavagline analog FL3 induces cell cycle arrest in urothelial carcinoma cell of the bladder by inhibiting the Akt/PHB interaction to activate the GADD45α pathway
Authors: Yuan Gangjun , Chen Xin , Liu Zhuowei , Wei Wensu , Shu Qinghai , Abou-Hamdan Hussein , Jiang Lijuan , Li Xiangdong , Chen Rixin , Désaubry Laurent , Zhou Fangjian , Xie Dan
Published: February 2018

Background

Prohibitin 1 (PHB) is a potential target for the treatment of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB). FL3 is a newly synthesized agent that inhibits cancer cell proliferation by targeting the PHB protein; however, the effect of FL3 in UCB cells remains unexplored.

Methods

FL3 was identified to be a potent inhibitor of UCB cell viability using CCK-8 (cell counting kit-8) assay. Then a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to further demonstrate the inhibitory effect of FL3 on UCB cell proliferation and to determine the underlying mechanisms.

Results

FL3 inhibited UCB cell proliferation and growth both in vitro and in vivo. By targeting the PHB protein, FL3 inhibited the interaction of Akt and PHB as well as Akt-mediated PHB phosphorylation, which consequently decreases the localization of PHB in the mitochondria. In addition, FL3 treatment resulted in cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, and this inhibitory effect of FL3 could be mimicked by knockdown of PHB.

Through the microarray analysis of mRNA expression after FL3 treatment and knockdown of PHB, we found that the mRNA expression of the growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible alpha (GADD45α) gene were significantly upregulated. When knocked down the expression of GADD45α, the inhibitory effect of FL3 on cell cycle was rescued, suggesting that FL3-induced cell cycle inhibition is GADD45α dependent.

Conclusion

Our data provide that FL3 inhibits the interaction of Akt and PHB, which in turn activates the GADD45α-dependent cell cycle inhibition in the G2/M phase.
Understanding Men’s Perceptions of Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Cancer Screening in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Moses Erin , Pedersen Heather N. , Wagner Emily C. , Sekikubo Musa , Money Deborah M. , Ogilvie Gina S. , Mitchell-Foster Sheona M.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This preliminary study explores Ugandan men’s knowledge and attitudes about human papillomavirus (HPV), cervical cancer, and screening.

Methods

A local physician led an education session about cervical cancer for 62 men in Kisenyi, Kampala in Uganda. Trained nurse midwives administered surveys to assess knowledge and attitudes before and after the education session.

Results

From the pre-education survey, only 24.6% of men had heard of HPV previously, and 59% of men had heard of cervical cancer. Posteducation, 54.5% of men believed only women could be infected with HPV and 32.7% of men believed antibiotics could cure HPV. Despite their limited knowledge, 98.2% of men stated they would support their partners to receive screening for cervical cancer, and 100% of men surveyed stated they would encourage their daughter to get the HPV vaccine if available.

Conclusions

Knowledge of HPV and cervical cancer among Ugandan men is low. Even after targeted education, confusion remained about disease transmission and treatment. Ongoing education programs geared toward men and interventions to encourage spousal communication about reproductive health and shared decision making may improve awareness of cervical cancer prevention strategies.