bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AK098656, a Novel Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell–Dominant Long Noncoding RNA, Promotes Hypertension
Authors: Jin Ling , Lin Xianjuan , Yang Lei , Fan Xiaofang , Wang Wenjie , Li Shuangyue , Li Jing , Liu Xiaoyan , Bao Minghui , Cui Xiao , Yang Jichun , Cui Qinghua , Geng Bin , Cai Jun
Published: December 2017

Recent studies reported some long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs)–mediated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) phenotypic switch, which was a common pathophysiological process of vascular diseases. However, whether human-specific expressed lncRNAs would modulate VSMCs phenotype and participate into the pathogenesis of essential hypertension remains unclear. By comparing the circulating lncRNAs expression profiles between hypertensive patients and healthy controls, we identified a lncRNA-AK098656, strongly upregulated in the plasma of hypertensive patients, and predominantly expressed in VSMCs. AK098656 promoted VSMCs synthetic phenotype evidenced by increasing VSMC proliferation and migration, elevating extracellular matrix proteins, whereas lowering contractile proteins. Furthermore, AK098656 was demonstrated to directly bind with the VSMCs-specific contractile protein, myosin heavy chain-11, and an essential component of extracellular matrix, fibronectin-1, and finally lowered these protein levels through protein degradation. AK098656 was also shown to bind with 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 11 and facilitated myosin heavy chain-11 to interact with this protein. In vivo, AK098656 transgenic rats showed spontaneous development of hypertension, with elevated VSMCs synthetic phenotype and narrowed resistant arteries. Transgenic rats also showed slight cardiac hypertrophy without other complications, which was similar with early pathophysiological changes of hypertension. All these data indicated AK098656 as a new human VSMC-dominant lncRNA, which could promote hypertension through accelerating contractile protein degradation, increasing VSMC synthetic phenotype, and finally narrowed resistance arteries.
Targeting CXCR4 (CXC Chemokine Receptor Type 4) for Molecular Imaging of Aldosterone-Producing Adenoma
Authors: Heinze Britta , Fuss Carmina T. , Mulatero Paolo , Beuschlein Felix , Reincke Martin , Mustafa Mona , Schirbel Andreas , Deutschbein Timo , Williams Tracy Ann , Rhayem Yara , Quinkler Marcus , Rayes Nada , Monticone Silvia , Wild Vanessa , Gomez-Sanchez Celso E. , Reis Anna-Carinna , Petersenn Stephan , Wester Hans-Juergen , Kropf Saskia , Fassnacht Martin , Lang Katharina , Herrmann Ken , Buck Andreas K. , Bluemel Christina , Hahner Stefanie
Published: December 2017

Primary aldosteronism is the most frequent cause of secondary hypertension and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality compared with hypertensive controls. The central diagnostic challenge is the differentiation between bilateral and unilateral disease, which determines treatment options. Bilateral adrenal venous sampling, currently recommended for differential diagnosis, is an invasive procedure with several drawbacks, making it desirable to develop novel noninvasive diagnostic tools. When investigating the expression pattern of chemokine receptors by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, we observed high expression of CXCR4 (CXC chemokine receptor type 4) in aldosterone-producing tissue in normal adrenals, adjacent adrenal cortex from adrenocortical adenomas, and in aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA), correlating strongly with the expression of CYP11B2 (aldosterone synthase). In contrast, CXCR4 was not detected in the majority of nonfunctioning adenomas that are frequently found coincidently. The specific CXCR4 ligand 68Ga-pentixafor has recently been established as radiotracer for molecular imaging of CXCR4 expression and showed strong and specific binding to cryosections of APAs in our study. We further investigated 9 patients with primary aldosteronism because of APA by 68Ga-pentixafor–positron emission tomography. The tracer uptake was significantly higher on the side of increased adrenocortical aldosterone secretion in patients with APAs compared with patients investigated by 68Ga-pentixafor–positron emission tomography for other causes. Molecular imaging of aldosterone-producing tissue by a CXCR4-specific ligand may, therefore, be a highly promising tool for noninvasive characterization of patients with APAs.
Microtubule Regulation of Kv7 Channels Orchestrates cAMP-Mediated Vasorelaxations in Rat Arterial Smooth Muscle
Authors: Lindman Johanna , Khammy Makhala M. , Lundegaard Pia R. , Aalkjær Christian , Jepps Thomas A.
Published: December 2017

Microtubules can regulate GPCR (G protein–coupled receptor) signaling in various cell types. In vascular smooth muscle, activation of the β-adrenoceptor leads to production of cAMP to mediate a vasorelaxation. Little is known about the role of microtubules in smooth muscle, and given the importance of this pathway in vascular smooth muscle cells, we investigated the role of microtubule stability on β-adrenoceptor signaling in rat renal and mesenteric arteries. In isometric tension experiments, incubation with the microtubule inhibitors colchicine and nocodazole enhanced isoprenaline-mediated relaxations of renal and mesenteric arteries that the microtubule stabilizer, paclitaxel, prevented. Sharp microelectrode experiments showed that colchicine treatment caused increased hyperpolarization of mesenteric artery segments in response to isoprenaline. Application of the Kv7 channel blocker, XE991, attenuated the effect of colchicine on isoprenaline relaxations, whereas iberiotoxin—a BKCa channel blocker—had no effect. In addition, colchicine improved the relaxations to the Kv7.2 to 7.5 activator, S-1, in both renal and mesenteric artery segments compared with dimethyl sulfoxide incubation. We determined that increased mesenteric artery myocytes treated with colchicine showed increased Kv7.4 membrane expression, but Western blot analysis showed no change in total Kv7.4 protein. This study is the first to show microtubule disruption improves the β-adrenoceptor–mediated relaxations of mesenteric and renal arteries and determine this enhancement to be because of increased membrane expression of the Kv7 voltage-gated potassium channels.
Carotid Atheroma From Men Has Significantly Higher Levels of Inflammation and Iron Metabolism Enabled by Macrophages
Authors: Yuan Xi-Ming , Ward Liam J. , Forssell Claes , Siraj Nabeel , Li Wei
Published: December 2017

Background and Purpose—

Men differ from women in the manifestation of atherosclerosis and iron metabolism. Intraplaque hemorrhage and hemoglobin (Hb) catabolism by macrophages are associated with atherosclerotic lesion instability. The study aims were to investigate sex differences in (1) lesion severity in relation to blood Hb, (2) iron homeostasis in human carotid plaques, and (3) macrophage polarization within atheroma.

Methods—

The carotid artery samples from 39 men and 23 women were immunostained with cell markers for macrophages, smooth muscle cells, ferritin, and TfR1 (transferrin receptor 1), which were further analyzed according to sex in relation to iron, Hb, and lipids in circulation. Additionally, samples of predefined regions from human carotid atherosclerotic lesions, including internal controls, were used for proteomic analysis by mass spectrometry.

Results—

Male patients, compared with women, had larger necrotic cores and more plaque rupture, which were associated with higher levels of Hb. Atheroma of male patients had significantly higher levels of Hb in circulation and CD68 macrophages, ferritin, and TfR1 in lesions. CD68 macrophages were significantly correlated with ferritin and TfR1. Plaques from male patients comparatively possessed higher levels of inflammatory macrophage subsets, CD86 (M1) and CD163 (M2), but lower levels of STF (serotransferrin) and HPX (hemopexin).

Conclusions—

Male patients with carotid atheroma had more advanced and ruptured lesions associated with significantly higher levels of inflammatory macrophage infiltration and high iron stores in the blood and in their plaques. These findings help to understand sex differences and iron metabolism in atherosclerosis and factors related to atheroma progression.
A Causal Role of the Right Superior Temporal Sulcus in Emotion Recognition From Biological Motion
Authors: Basil Rochelle A. , Westwater Margaret L. , Wiener Martin , Thompson James C.
Published: December 2017

Understanding the emotions of others through nonverbal cues is critical for successful social interactions. The right posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS) is one brain region thought to be key in the recognition of the mental states of others based on body language and facial expression. In the present study, we temporarily disrupted functional activity of the right pSTS by using continuous, theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (cTBS) to test the hypothesis that the right pSTS plays a causal role in emotion recognition from body movements. Participants ( N = 23) received cTBS to the right pSTS, which was individually localized using fMRI, and a vertex control site. Before and after cTBS, we tested participants’ ability to identify emotions from point-light displays (PLDs) of biological motion stimuli and a nonbiological global motion identification task. Results revealed that accurate identification of emotional states from biological motion was reduced following cTBS to the right pSTS, but accuracy was not impaired following vertex stimulation. Accuracy on the global motion task was unaffected by cTBS to either site. These results support the causal role of the right pSTS in decoding information about others’ emotional state from their body movements and gestures.
Listening to pre-school children speak about health and health-promoting behaviours
Authors: Wiseman Nicola , Harris Neil , Lee Jessica
Published: December 2017

Objective:

As children become increasingly exposed to health information and education, it is important to understand how these messages affect the way children speak about health and health behaviours. Children are social agents and co-constructors of their social worlds. Exploring how pre-school children speak about health and health-promoting behaviours can help explain what children make of health messages and may help facilitate communication between children, parents and educators.

Methods:

Participants included 163 pre-school children aged 3–5 years attending childcare centres in South-East Queensland, Australia. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore how pre-school children speak about health and health behaviours. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results:

Participant responses were structured as two categories. The first category was Meaning of Healthy. This category comprised four themes of eat your food ( n = 74 of 145, 51%), participating in activities ( n = 36, 24%), growing big and strong ( n = 20, 13%) and not being sick ( n = 15, 10%). The second category, How to be Healthy, comprised five themes including eat healthy food ( n = 86 of 150, 57%), reduce risk ( n = 31, 20%), treat illness ( n = 13, 8%), be well behaved ( n = 12, 8%) and do exercise ( n = 8, 5%).

Conclusion:

Findings highlighted the centrality of food in how children speak about health. In comparison to the discussion of food and the importance of eating healthy food, there was limited mention of physical activity by participants as a way to be healthy. The theme reduce risk emerged from participant responses and relates to the practice of safety behaviours to prevent injury and illness. Future research needs to determine whether the emphasis children place on risk minimisation is shaping how young children speak about health and how this interaction plays out in their health behaviour.
Justice Served? Perceptions of Plea Bargaining Involving a Sexual Assault in Child and Adult Females
Authors: Golding Jonathan M. , Lynch Kellie R. , Malik Sarah E. , Foster-Gimbel Olivia
Published: December 2017

Seventy-four community members (46 women, 28 men) read vignettes describing a plea bargain in a mock sexual assault case. We employed a within-participant design and manipulated rape victim age (6- vs. 26-year-old), type of plea bargain agreement (reduced prison sentence vs. only probation), and reason for plea bargain (save victim from reliving a traumatic experience vs. save time in court). Participants answered questions about the plea bargain agreement (e.g., was justice served). The results showed less support of plea bargaining when it (a) involved a child, (b) involved only probation, and (c) when the rationale for the plea bargain was to save time. Significant moderation revealed that plea deals involving probation in 6-year-old child cases were perceived most negatively. The results are discussed in terms of procedural justice theory in sexual assault cases, and how perceptions of the general public impact the use of plea bargaining as a legal tool.
I Have, Therefore I Love: Status Quo Preference in Mate Choice
Authors: Gunaydin Gul , Selcuk Emre , Yilmaz Cansu , Hazan Cindy
Published: December 2017

Decades of research indicate that individuals adhere to existing states (“status quo bias”) and value them more (“endowment effect”). The present work is the first to investigate status quo preference within the context of trade-offs in mate choice. Across seven studies (total N = 1,567), participants indicated whether they would prefer remaining with a current partner possessing a particular set of traits (e.g., high trustworthiness, low attractiveness) or switching to an alternative partner possessing opposite traits. Preference for a given trait was highest when the individual representing the status quo (one’s romantic partner or an interaction partner) possessed that trait. Concerns about hurting the partner, ambiguity avoidance, and biased construal of the partner and the alternative predicted status quo preference and disapproval of the current partner by network members eliminated this effect. These findings indicate that when it comes to matters of the heart, we tend to love what we currently have.
Being a Parent to an Adult Child With Drug Problems: Negative Impacts on Life Situation, Health, and Emotions
Authors: Richert Torkel , Johnson Björn , Svensson Bengt
Published: December 2017

This study is about the vulnerability of parents to adult children with drug problems. The study is based on a self-reporting questionnaire ( n = 687) distributed to parents in Sweden via family member organizations, treatment centers, and online communities. Most parents reported extensive negative consequences on relationships, social life, and mental health due to their children’s drug problems. Most parents also experienced strong feelings of powerlessness, grief, guilt, and shame. Many parents reported a negative impact on their economy and work ability. In general, fathers claimed to feel less of a negative impact than mothers. A more severe drug problem and life situation for the child was associated with a greater negative impact for the parents. Many parents experienced difficulties in securing adequate help both for their child and for themselves. The study shows the need for increased support efforts for this parent group.
Egyptian Concepts on the Orientation of the Human Body
Authors: Raven Maarten J.
Published: December 2017

Many rituals in ancient Egypt manifest a preoccupation with the orientation of the body. The dead were often buried with the head towards the north. The decoration of coffins and canopic chests also shows an underlying system of cosmic notions. Various other rituals demonstrate a strong predilection for facing south, an orientation which is also apparent from the designations for east and west in the Egyptian language. Apparently there was a firm belief in the need to conform to the four directions of the sky during rites de passage such as birth, mummification, and burial.
The Market Scene in the Tomb of Khaemhat (Tt 57)
Authors: Pino Cristina
Published: December 2017

The tomb of Khaemhat (TT 57) is renowned for the exceptional quality of its reliefs, as well as for the historical importance contained in the representations and texts describing the king's Sed Festival. The numerous scenes depicting agricultural tasks that decorate the tomb are related to Khaemhat's main function, namely the control of agricultural production and subsequent storage for distribution. On the wall adjacent to the one showing the harvest there is a scene representing a market, an unusual subject in New Kingdom tombs, though more frequent in Old Kingdom mastabas. At Thebes, markets only appear certainly in the tombs of Kenamon (TT 162), Ipuy (TT 217) and Huy and Kenro (TT 54). Even if there are some similarities in all these representations, that of Khaemhat has several peculiarities that make it unique and which may well reveal new information about commerce in ancient Egypt.
A Shattered Granodiorite Dyad of Akhenaten and Nefertiti from Tell El-Amarna
Authors: Thompson Kristin
Published: December 2017

In 1992 188 pieces of a shattered granodiorite dyad depicting Akhenaten and Nefertiti seated beside each other were found in an excavation dump at Tell el-Amarna. Considerable evidence shows that the pieces had originally been discovered in 1912 by Ludwig Borchardt's expedition in the complex of the sculptor Thutmose, along with a matching granodiorite head that was taken to Germany (Berlin 21358). From 2001 to 2003, reconstruction was carried out, resulting in substantial sections representing roughly half of the original statue. Although in some respects the pose is traditional, the positions of the wrists suggest an unusual, possibly unique, arrangement for the missing hands. Along with several hundred other recently recovered fragments from dumps at Amarna, the dyad will contribute to our knowledge of the statuary programme in the ancient city.
Papyrus BM EA 10075 and Papyrus Bodleian MS. Egypt. A. 41 (P): Two Halves of a Ptolemaic Contract of Sale Reunited
Authors: Cannata Maria
Published: December 2017

Publication of Papyrus Bodleian MS. Egypt, a. 41 (P) together with a new edition of Papyrus BM EA 10075. The documents are written in the Demotic script and concern the sale of a property located within the Anubieion in the Memphite necropolis by Nḫṱ-nb=f son of Ḥr-nd-iṱ=f, together with his brethren, to their cousin, the woman 'Is.t-wry.t daughter of Pȝ-ti-nfr-tm. The contracts were written by Pa-hrṱ son of Ḥr-sȝ-is.t the younger, in year 18 of Ptolemy XII Auletes (Neos Dionysos) (64 BC).
Contextualizing the Drink-Spiking Narrative That “Everyone Knows”
Authors: Colyer Corey J. , Weiss Karen G.
Published: December 2017

Accounts of drink tampering and subsequent sexual assault are commonly shared among students on college campuses, with more than a third of college students in one study claiming to know someone who has been drugged without their knowledge. This phenomenon has produced two schools of thought. A risk mitigation approach attempts to isolate and measure the risks of drink-spiking as a real problem, whereas a social constructionist approach treats drink-spiking as a cultural narrative, even a myth, that symbolizes broader social anxieties. This article critically assesses both arguments and proposes a theoretical middle ground that attempts to contextualize drink-spiking narratives as a site for critical inquiry. We argue that researchers are hampered by an unwillingness to see drink-spiking as both a cultural phenomenon and a problem of consequence. In our critical discussion, we propose a theoretical framework that contextualizes drink-spiking narratives that “everyone knows” as learned, shared, and reified within select social spaces, namely, “party scenes” rife with ambiguity and conflict. Within these contexts, narratives of drink-spiking are constructs that have both utility and consequence. As such, drink-spiking narratives present a problem worth inquiry.
Rethinking Transport Infrastructure Planning to Extend Its Value over Time
Authors: Givoni Moshe , Perl Anthony
Published: December 2017

Contemporary transport infrastructure planning typically rests upon the core belief that physical mobility has inherent advantages and that more of it will always yield better socioeconomic outcomes. Such an embrace of maximum growth yields a misguided calculus for planning transport infrastructure. Rather than seeking to meet the demand for future mobility by reflexively expanding the quantity of infrastructure, there is a need to consider alternatives that can support a sustainable future. By applying the “half-life” concept to transport infrastructure, this article explores alternatives to extending its use over time that can open up new possibilities for generating and extending its value to society.
WNT Takes Two to Tango: Molecular Links between the Circadian Clock and the Cell Cycle in Adult Stem Cells
Authors: Matsu-ura Toru , Moore Sean R. , Hong Christian I.
Published: December 2017

Like two dancers, the circadian clock and cell cycle are biological oscillators engaged in bidirectional communication, resulting in circadian clock–gated cell division cycles in species ranging from cyanobacteria to mammals. The identified mechanisms for this phenomenon have expanded beyond intracellular molecular coupling components to include intercellular connections. However, detailed molecular mechanisms, dynamics, and physiological functions of the circadian clock and cell cycle as coupled oscillators remain largely unknown. In this review, we discuss current understanding of this connection in light of recent findings that have uncovered intercellular coupling between the circadian clock in Paneth cells and the cell cycle in intestinal stem cells via WNT signaling. This extends the impact of circadian rhythms regulating the timing of cell divisions beyond the intracellular domain of homogenous cell populations into dynamic, multicellular systems. In-depth understanding of the molecular links and dynamics of these two oscillators will identify potential targets and temporal regimens for effective chronotherapy.
“It’s Not All About Money”: Toward a More Comprehensive Understanding of Financial Abuse in the Context of VAW
Authors: Eriksson Marie , Ulmestig Rickard
Published: December 2017

Men’s violence against women (VAW) is multifaceted and complex. Besides physical, psychological, and sexual violence, women subjected to VAW often suffer from economic hardship and financial abuse. Financial abuse involves different tactics used to exercise power and gain control over partners. Experiences of financial abuse make it difficult for women to leave an abusive partner and become self-sufficient. From an intersectional perspective, applying the concept of the continuum of violence, the aim of this article is to develop a more comprehensive understanding of how women subjected to men’s violence in intimate relationships experience the complexity of financial abuse in their lives, in the context of VAW. Based on 19 in-depth interviews with women surviving domestic violence, the study describes how intertwined women’s experiences of financial abuse are with other forms of abuse, influencing each other, simultaneously experienced as a distinct form of abuse with severe and longstanding consequences. Women in the study describe how men’s abuse affects them financially, causing poverty and affecting their ability to have a reasonable economic standard. Financial abuse also causes women ill health, and damages their self-esteem and ability to work, associate, and engage in social life. The interviewed women describe how experiences of financial abuse continue across time, from their past into their present situation and molding beliefs about the future. According to the interviews, financial abuse in private life sometimes continues into the public sphere, reproduced by social workers mimicking patterns of ex-partners’ abuse. Bringing out a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamic continuum of financial abuse, our results deepen knowledge about the complexity of VAW in women’s lives, and thereby are important in processes of making victims of violence survivors of violence.
A new finding for carbon nanotubes in polymer blends
Authors: Guo Jiaxi , Briggs Nicholas , Crossley Steven , Grady Brian P
Published: December 2017

High aspect ratio multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) having an average length of 4.23 μm and an average diameter of 9.5 nm have been melt mixed with immiscible polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS/PMMA) blends in mass ratio 80:20 and 20:80, respectively. The carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reside in the PMMA phase, and length analysis after melt mixing indicates that when PMMA was the minor phase (20 wt%), little or no CNT breaking occurred during mixing. On the other hand, when PMMA was the major phase (80 wt%), the average length of the CNTs was reduced to 2.78 μm, approximately 70% of their original length. Mixing the CNTs with neat PMMA under the same mixing conditions resulted in a reduction in CNT length to 1.02 μm, only 24% of the original length. Electrical conductivity results show that less CNT breakage leads to a reduction by a factor of 2.5 in the electrical percolation threshold in the 20:80 PMMA/PS blend polymer, which is much larger than a simple volume fraction argument would suggest. This article shows for the first time that relatively long MWCNTs break less in polymer blends than in the neat polymer with concomitant reductions in percolation threshold.
Methods for assessing and controlling placebo effects
Authors: Kessels Rob , Mozer Reagan , Bloemers Jos
Published: December 2017

The placebo serves as an indispensable control in many randomized trials. When analyzing the benefit of a new treatment, researchers are often confronted with large placebo effects that diminish the treatment effect. Various alternative methods have been proposed for analyzing placebo and treatment effects in studies where large placebo effects are expected or have already occurred. This paper presents an overview of methodological work that has been proposed for assessing and/or controlling for placebo effects in randomized trials. Throughout this paper, two main approaches are discussed. The first approach considers designs that represent alternatives to the classical placebo-controlled randomized trial design. Separately, the second approach considers adopting new methods for the statistical analysis of placebo and treatment effects to be implemented after the data have been collected using a classical randomized trial design.
Clinical Excellence in Palliative Care: Examples From the Published Literature
Authors: Wu David Shih , Wright Scott M.
Published: December 2017

Background:

With the expansion of palliative care, the concept of clinical excellence is worthy of study and has not been described well in the literature.

Objective:

To apply the domains of clinical excellence, as proposed and published by the Miller Coulson Academy of Clinical Excellence, to the field of palliative care.

Design:

Review of the literature to identify episodes of superb palliative care delivered by individuals and teams.

Measurement and Main Results:

In reviewing 821 publications, we found multiple palliative care case reports to serve as exemplars for each of the distinct domains of clinical excellence.

Conclusions:

The domains of excellence are relevant and applicable to the field of palliative care. This article aims to inspire clinicians—and advance the field—by promoting thoughtful reflection on what clinical excellence in palliative care entails.
Flowcharts, Swimlanes, and Timelines
Authors: Passera Stefania
Published: December 2017

Government-published documents often fail to communicate clearly—not only with citizens but also with professional readers such as civil servants. Visual or multimodal approaches remain rare. This is a particularly unhelpful practice in regard to legal–bureaucratic instructions (e.g., contracts, rules, policies), which exist to guide compliant behavior. This study explores the development and experimental evaluation of a diagrammatic guide of terms and conditions for public procurement that is addressed to civil servants. Results show that the diagrammatic format, compared to prose, significantly enhances comprehension accuracy and answering speed and is perceived as more appealing and functional by users.
Selection and use of microsatellite markers for individual identification and meat traceability of six swine breeds in the Chinese market
Authors: Zhao Jie , Li Tingting , Zhu Chao , Jiang Xiaoling , Zhao Yan , Xu Zhenzhen , Yang Shuming , Chen Ailiang
Published: December 2017

Meat traceability based on molecular markers is exerting a great influence on food safety and will enhance its key role in the future. This study aimed to investigate and verify the polymorphism of 23 microsatellite markers and select the most suitable markers for individual identification and meat traceability of six swine breeds in the Chinese market. The mean polymorphism information content value of these 23 loci was 0.7851, and each locus exhibited high polymorphism in the pooled population. There were 10 loci showing good polymorphism in each breed, namely, Sw632, S0155, Sw2406, Sw830, Sw2525, Sw72, Sw2448, Sw911, Sw122 and CGA. When six highly polymorphic loci were combined, the match probability value for two random individual genotypes among the pig breeds (Beijing Black, Sanyuan and Taihu) was lower than 1.151 E-06. An increasing number of loci indicated a gradually decreasing match probability value and therefore enhanced traceability accuracy. The validation results of tracing 18 blood and corresponding meat samples based on five highly polymorphic loci (Sw2525, S0005, Sw0107, Sw911 and Sw857) were successful, with 100% conformation probability, which provided a foundation for establishing a traceability system for pork in the Chinese market.
R v Bradshaw
Authors: Hunt Chris DL , Rankin Micah B
Published: December 2017

The Supreme Court of Canada’s decision in R v Bradshaw marks a major development in the evolution of Canada’s principled exception to hearsay. In this comment the authors criticise the court’s new approach to the admissibility of corroborative evidence. They argue that the test is overly strict and is discordant with the common sense, functional approach previously endorsed by the court. They also urge caution about combining procedural and substantive reliability into a third or hybrid approach to threshold reliability.
A systematic evidence synthesis of interventions to engage children and young people in consultations about their long-term conditions
Authors: Bray Lucy , Maden Michelle , Bewley Toni , Carter Bernie
Published: December 2017

Children and young people with long-term conditions are not always provided with opportunities to engage fully in consultations. This systematic review examined the effectiveness or worth of methods used to engage children and young people with long-term conditions in their consultations. Searches were undertaken in October 2016 in eight databases and of the grey literature. Two reviewers independently screened the results, extracted data and assessed the quality of the studies using a validated and reliable checklist. A narrative synthesis of mixed method data was undertaken. Twelve studies were included in the review. Interventions used to engage children and young people mainly focused on face-to-face outpatient consultations, with an emphasis on diabetes and asthma. Most of the interventions focused on either improving health professionals’ communication skills or encouraging children’s and young people’s engagement through providing condition-related information or a structured way to be included in consultations. Fewer interventions were child-led or directed towards developing children’s and young people’s skills to become key reporters of their condition. This review has demonstrated that interventions targeted at children and young people with long-term conditions can improve their levels of engagement in consultations. There is a need for more systematic development and robust evaluation of interventions to improve children’s active participation in consultations.
A new swarm intelligence optimized multiclass multi-kernel relevant vector machine: An experimental analysis in failure diagnostics of diesel engines
Authors: Li Zhixiong , Jiang Yu , Duan Zhihe , Peng Zhongxiao
Published: December 2017

This work attempts to introduce a new intelligent method for condition monitoring of diesel engines. Diesel engine is one of the most important power providers for various industrial applications, including automobiles, ships, agricultures, construction, and electrical machinery. Due to harsh working environment, diesel engines are vulnerable to failures. This article addresses a significant need to improve predictive maintenance activities in diesel engines. A new failure diagnostics approach was proposed based on the manifold learning and swarm intelligence optimized multiclass multi-kernel relevant vector machine. Three manifold learning algorithms were first respectively used to fuse the features that extracted from the original vibration data of the diesel engines into a new nonlinear space. The fused features contain the most distinct health information of the engine by discarding redundant features. Then, the swarm intelligence optimized multiclass multi-kernel relevant vector machine was proposed to identify the failures using the fused features. The contribution of this research is that the dragonfly algorithm is employed to optimize the weights of the multi-kernel functions in the multiclass relevant vector machine. It was also applied to establishing a weighted-sum model by combining the outputs of swarm intelligence optimized multiclass multi-kernel relevant vector machine models with different manifold learning algorithms. Robust failure detection of diesel engines is achieved owing to combined strengths of multiple kernel functions and weighted-sum strategy. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by experimental vibration data collected from a commercial diesel engine. The failure detection capability of the proposed manifold learning and swarm intelligence optimized multiclass multi-kernel relevant vector machine method for diesel engines will potentially benefit the machine condition monitoring industry by improving budgeting/forecasting and/or enabling just-in-time maintenance.
Reading (for) Decolonization: Engaging With Life Writing in Labrador’sThem DaysMagazine
Authors: Hallett Vicki S.
Published: December 2017

Them Days magazine is a quarterly publication that has been dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Labrador for the past 42 years. It is created in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador, in the mainland portion of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. This article outlines a methodology of faithful feminist witnessing that is used to engage the Indigenous and non-Indigenous stories contained in Them Days and the story of Them Days itself. This methodology utilizes decolonizing, postcolonial, and feminist life-writing theories, and is guided by decolonial attitude, which the author argues is demonstrated in the magazine’s founding principles and continuing work.
Physiologically Attainable Concentrations of Lycopene Induce Mitochondrial Apoptosis in LNCaP Human Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Hantz Holly L. , Young Leeanne F. , Martin Keith R.
Published: December 2017

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the United States. Studies show that people with diets rich in tomato-based foods have reduced risks of cancer, viz., prostate cancer. This is attributed, in part, to lycopene, the most abundant carotenoid in tomatoes. Thus, we studied the effect of lycopene at physiologically attainable concentrations on apoptosis, cellular proliferation, and necrosis in LNCaP human prostate cancer cells. Cells at 37°C and >80% confluency were treated with media alone (0.32% tetrahydrofuran vehicle) or with increasing concentrations (0.3–3.0 μM) of lycopene overnight. After washing monolayers, analyses by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed that cellular accumulation of lycopene was 5.5 ± 0.8, 14.0 ± 3.2, and 36.7 ± 12.3 pmole/106 cells for 0.3, 1.0, and 3.0 μM, respectively, and not detected in control cells. Lycopene did not alter cellular proliferation because bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation and cell numbers were identical among groups. However, results of a 3[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed that mitochondrial function decreased 61%–83% with increasing concentrations of lycopene (P < 0.001). Cytotoxicity and necrosis did not contribute to this effect because lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release (1.5%–1.8%) and trypan blue exclusion (89%–93%) were similar. Subsequently, we demonstrated that increasing concentrations of lycopene significantly (P < 0.05) reduced mitochondrial transmembrane potential, induced the release of mitochondrial cytochrome c, and increased annexin V binding, confirming induction of apoptosis. Thus, lycopene at physiologically relevant concentrations did not affect cellular proliferation or promote necrosis but clearly altered mitochondrial function and induced apoptosis in LNCaP human prostate cancer cells.
Modified Brain Activations of the Nondamaged Hemisphere During Ipsilesional Upper-Limb Movement in Persons With Initial Severe Motor Deficits Poststroke
Authors: van Dokkum Liesjet E. H. , le Bars Emmanuelle , Mottet Denis , Bonafé Alain , Menjot de Champfleur Nicolas , Laffont Isabelle
Published: December 2017

Background. Poststroke, the ipsilesional upper limb shows slight but substantial and long-term motor deficits. Objective. To define brain activation patterns during a gross motor flexion/extension task of the ipsilesional elbow early poststroke before and after rehabilitation, in relation to the corresponding kinematic characteristics at each time point. Method. Simultaneous analysis of kinematic features (amplitude, frequency, smoothness, and trajectory of movement) and of corresponding functional magnetic resonance imaging activations (block-design). A total of 21 persons with subacute initial severe stroke (Fugl-Meyer score <30/66) participated twice: within the first 2 months poststroke (V0) and after 6 weeks of rehabilitation (V1). Results at both time points were compared with activation patterns and kinematics of 13 healthy controls. Results. Compared with controls ( a) movements of the ipsilesional upper-limb poststroke were smaller (V0 + V1) and less smooth (V0 + V1) and ( b) participants poststroke showed additional recruitment of the contralesional middle temporal gyrus (V0) and rolandic opercularis involved in movement visualization (V0 + V1), whereas they lacked activation of the supramarginal gyrus (V0 + V1). Over time, participants poststroke showed an extended activation of the contralesional sensorimotor cortex at V0. Conclusion. Movements of the ipsilesional upper limb within an initially severe stroke group were not only atypical in motor outcome, but seemed to be controlled differently. Together the observed changes pointed toward an overall disturbance of the bihemispheric motor network poststroke, marked by ( a) a possible despecialization of the nondamaged hemisphere and ( b) the employment of alternative control strategies to ensure optimal task execution.
The Value of Motion: Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Are Correlated With Range of Motion in Total Ankle Replacement
Authors: Dekker Travis J. , Hamid Kamran S. , Federer Andrew E. , Steele John R. , Easley Mark E. , Nunley James A. , Adams Samuel B.
Published: December 2017

Background: The proposed benefit of total ankle replacement (TAR) over ankle fusion is preserved ankle motion, thus we hypothesized that an increase in range of motion (ROM) is positively correlated with validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in individuals receiving TAR. Methods: Patients undergoing TAR at a single academic medical center between 2007 and 2013 were evaluated in this study. In addition to a minimum of 2-year follow-up, complete preoperative and postoperative outcome measures for the Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI), Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) Bother and Function Indices, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were requisite for inclusion. Standardized weightbearing maximum dorsiflexion and plantarflexion sagittal radiographs were obtained and previously described ankle and foot measurements were performed to determine ankle ROM. Results: Eighty-eight patients met inclusion criteria (33 INBONE, 18 Salto-Talaris, 37 STAR). Mean time to final ROM radiographs was 43.8 months (range 24-89 months). All aforementioned PROMs improved between preoperative evaluation and most recent follow-up (  P < .01). Final ankle ROM was significantly correlated with postoperative FADI, SF-36 Mental Component Summary (MCS), SMFA Bother and Function Indices, and VAS. Additionally, dorsiflexion was positively associated with FADI, SF-36 MCS, and SMFA Function (  P < .05) but plantarflexion had no such influence on outcomes. No differences were identified with subset stratification by prosthesis type, fixed versus mobile-bearing design or etiology. Conclusion: In this TAR cohort with prospectively collected outcomes data, radiographic sagittal plane ankle motion was positively correlated with multiple PROMs. Disease-specific and generic health-related quality of life PROMs demonstrated improvement postoperatively in all domains when evaluating final total range of motion. Patients who undergo TAR for end-stage osteoarthritis with improvement in ROM demonstrate a direct correlation with improved patient-centric metrics and outcome scores.

Levels of Evidence: Level III: Retrospective comparative study
Understanding Disruption through Molitor’s Models
Authors: Rhemann Maureen
Published: December 2017

The work of futurist Graham Molitor presents examples of previously used methodologies to identify disruption and cumulative patterns of change. He offers foresight professionals a time-tested model to develop long-range futures.
Interferon beta-1b in treatment-naïve paediatric patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis: Two-year results from the BETAPAEDIC study
Authors: Gärtner Jutta , Brück Wolfgang , Weddige Almuth , Hummel Hannah , Norenberg Christiane , Bugge Jörg-Peter ,   for the BETAPAEDIC Study Group
Published: December 2017

Background and objective

Study evaluating Betaferon(R)'s safety and tolerability in paediatric patients with multiple sclerosis (BETAPAEDIC) is a prospective, open-label observational multicentre study to assess the safety and effectiveness of interferon beta-1b in paediatric patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis.

Methods

Treatment-naïve patients (12–16 years) scheduled to start interferon beta-1b were enrolled with follow-up visits every six months for two years. Effectiveness was evaluated by annualised relapse rate, Expanded Disability Status Scale progression, cranial magnetic resonance imaging and cognitive testing. Fatigue was assessed by the Fatigue Severity Scale.

Results

Sixty-eight patients were screened and 67 enrolled, with mean (standard deviation) age 14.2 (1.3) years ( n=65 in the effectiveness analysis). Mean disease duration was 11 months before study enrolment; at baseline, mean (standard deviation) Expanded Disability Status Scale was 0.6 (1.0); T2 lesion number 18.3 (15.1). Mean annualised relapse rate during the study was 0.7 ( n=57), 28/57 patients (49.1%) had no relapses and for 40/52 (76.9%) no Expanded Disability Status Scale progression was observed; 23/56 (41.1%) were relapse- and progression-free to last follow-up. Neuropsychological test and fatigue scores were within normal ranges (baseline and last follow-up). Eighteen patients had fatigue at some point. New T2 and gadolinium-enhancing (Gd+) lesions were seen in 43/55 (66.2%) and 29/55 (52.7%) patients respectively. Most frequent adverse events were influenza-like illness, headache, injection-site reactions and elevated liver enzymes.

Conclusion

Interferon beta-1b is an effective treatment with a favourable safety profile for paediatric patients.
Thrombin generation correlates with disease duration in multiple sclerosis (MS): Novel insights into the MS-associated prothrombotic state
Authors: Parsons Martin EM , O’Connell Karen , Allen Seamus , Egan Karl , Szklanna Paulina B , McGuigan Christopher , Ní Áinle Fionnuala , Maguire Patricia B
Published: December 2017

Background

Thrombin is well recognised for its role in the coagulation cascade but it also plays a role in inflammation, with enhanced thrombin generation observed in several inflammatory disorders. Although patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have a higher incidence of thrombotic disease, thrombin generation has not been studied to date.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to characterise calibrated automated thrombography parameters in patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) and primary progressive MS (PPMS) in comparison to healthy controls (HCs).

Methods

Calibrated automated thrombography was performed on platelet poor plasma from 15 patients with RRMS, 15 with PPMS and 19 HCs.

Results

We found that patients with RRMS generate thrombin at a significantly faster rate than the less inflammatory subtype, PPMS or HCs. In addition, the speed of thrombin generation was significantly correlated with time from clinical diagnosis in both subtypes. However, in RRMS the rate of thrombin generation was increased with increased time from clinical diagnosis, while in PPMS the rate of thrombin generation decreased with increased time from clinical diagnosis.

Conclusions

These data likely reflect the differential active proinflammatory states in each MS subtype and provide novel mechanistic insights into the clinically relevant prothrombotic state observed in these patients.