bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The prevalence and impact of self‐reported foot and ankle pain in the over 55 age group: a secondary data analysis from a large community sample
Authors: Keenan Anne‐Maree , Drake Chris , Conaghan Philip G. , Tennant Alan
Published: November 2019

Background

While the prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal problems are high, most attention has been directed towards the back, knee and hip disorders. Foot pain is known to be common in older adults and accounts for a significant burden on health services. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of foot and ankle joint pain, considering age, presence of co‐morbidities and other site joint pain, in a large community sample.

Methods

In the North Yorkshire Health study, 16,222 people over 55 years participated in a detailed survey of the prevalence and impact of lower limb joint problems. Self‐assessment of overall body pain and functional activities of daily living were assessed. Participants indicated the presence of joint pain, stiffness or swelling during the last 3 months which had lasted for more than 6 weeks on a manikin: data were captured on the foot and the ankle.

Results

The prevalence of self‐reported foot and ankle joint pain was substantial: 184.33 per 1000, second only to knee problems. While foot pain was common, it was mostly associated with joint pain at other sites; only 1 in 11 of those with foot and ankle pain reported it only in the foot. Logistic regression modeling revealed while established factors such as co‐morbidities, knee and hip problems contributed to functional impairment, foot and ankle problems contributed to an additional increased risk of having difficulty standing and walking by two fold (OR = 2.314, 95%CI 2.061–2.598), going up and down stairs by 71% (OR = 1.711, 95%CI 1.478–1.980) and getting up from a seated position by 44% (OR = 1.438, 95%CI 1.197–1.729).

Conclusion

These results suggest that not only are foot problems in the over 55 age group extremely prevalent, they have a considerable impact on functional abilities.
MicroRNA-326-5p enhances therapeutic potential of endothelial progenitor cells for myocardial infarction
Authors: Li Xiaoting , Xue Xiang , Sun Yuejun , Chen Lei , Zhao Ting , Yang Wentao , Chen Yongbing , Zhang Zhiwei
Published: November 2019

Background

Our study sought to investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of miR-326-5p-overexpressing endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) on acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

Mouse EPCs were isolated, purified, and identified by flow cytometry and uptake of DiI-ac-LDL. The target gene of miR-326-5p was predicted using target prediction algorithms and verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RT-qPCR, and Western blot. After EPCs were transfected with the agomir or antagomir of miR-326-5p, tube formation assay and Matrigel plug angiogenesis assay were conducted in four groups (NC, miR-326-5p agomir, miR-326-5p antagomir, and miR-326-5p agomir+Wnt1 agonist). In addition, a mouse model of MI was established and treated with the injection of miR-326-5p-EPCs, miR-326-5p-EPCs+ Wnt1 agonist, EPCs-NC, or PBS/control into the peri-infarcted myocardium. Subsequently, cardiac function was monitored by echocardiography at 7 and 28 days postoperatively. Finally, the infarcted hearts were collected at 28 days, and the size of myocardial infarction was measured by Masson’s trichrome staining and the neovascularization in the peri-infarcted area was examined through immunofluorescence staining.

Results

Luciferase reporter assay indicated that Wnt1 was a direct target of miR-326-5p. Using RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis, we further demonstrated that the expression level of Wnt1 was negatively correlated with miR-326-5p expression in EPCs. Both in vitro study of tube formation assay and in vivo investigation of subcutaneous Matrigel plug assay revealed that the miR-326-5p agomir could significantly enhance the angiogenic capacity of EPCs, and this effect was partially inhibited by Wnt1 agonist. Meanwhile, miR-326-5p antagomir could obviously reduce the the angiogenic capacity of EPCs in vivo compared with that in the NC group. Moreover, the transplantation of miR-326-5p-overexpressing EPCs in the ischemic hearts of mice significantly enhanced the angiogenesis in the peri-infarcted zone and improved the cardiac function. However, the enhanced capacity of angiogenesis of miR-326-5p-overexpressing EPCs was remarkably neutralized by Wnt1 agonist, accompanied by the decreased improvement in cardiac function.

Conclusion

miR-326-5p significantly enhanced the angiogenic capacity of EPCs. Transplantation of miR-326-5p-overexpressing EPCs improved cardiac function for AMI therapy, which can be a novel strategy for enhancing therapeutic angiogenesis in ischemic heart diseases.
Supplementation of vitamin C promotes early germ cell specification from human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Li Zili , Fang Fang , Zhao Qian , Li Honggang , Xiong Chengliang
Published: November 2019

Background

As the precursors of sperm and eggs, human primordial germ cells (hPGCs) emerge as early as weeks 2 to 3 of post-implantation development. Recently, robust hPGC induction models have been established in vitro with different protocols, but global 5mC/5hmC epigenetic reprogramming is not initiated in vitro. Previous studies found that vitamin C can enhance Tet (ten-eleven translocation) enzyme expression and improve 5hmC level in cells. But the effect of vitamin C supplementation on hPGC in vitro induction is still unknown.

Methods

We generated a gene-edited human embryonic stem cell (hESC) line carrying a BLIMP1-mkate2 reporter by CRISPR/Cas9 technology and used flow cytometry to optimize the PGC differentiation protocol; meanwhile, the expression of PGC genes (BLIMP1, TFAP2C, SOX17, OCT4) was evaluated by qRT-PCR. When different concentrations of vitamin C were added to the induction medium, the percentage of hPGCLCs (hPGC-like cells) was analyzed by flow cytometry; dot blot and ELISA were used to detect the levels of 5hmC and 5mC. The expression of TET enzymes was also evaluated by qRT-PCR.

Results

We optimized the PGC differentiation protocol with the BLIMP1-mkate reporter hESCs, and the efficiency of PGC induction in vitro can be improved to 30~40%. When 50 μg/mL vitamin C was added, the derived hPGCLCs not only upregulated the expression of key genes involved in human early germ cell development such as NANOS3, TFAP2C, BLIMP1, and SOX17, but also increased the levels of 5hmC and TET enzymes.

Conclusions

Taken together, supplementation of vitamin C can promote the in vitro induction of hPGCLCs from hESCs, which might be related to vitamin C-mediated epigenetic regulations during the differentiation process.
Intra-pancreatic tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells: a promising therapeutic potential with anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic profiles
Authors: Khiatah Bashar , Qi Meirigeng , Du Weiting , T-Chen Kuan , van Megen Kayleigh M. , Perez Rachel G. , Isenberg Jeffrey S. , Kandeel Fouad , Roep Bart O. , Ku Hsun Teresa , Al-Abdullah Ismail H.
Published: November 2019

Background

Human pancreata contain many types of cells, such as endocrine islets, acinar, ductal, fat, and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). MSCs are important and shown to have a promising therapeutic potential to treat various disease conditions.

Methods

We investigated intra-pancreatic tissue-derived (IPTD) MSCs isolated from tissue fractions that are routinely discarded during pancreatic islet isolation of human cadaveric donors. Furthermore, whether pro-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties of these cells could be enhanced was investigated.

Results

IPTD-MSCs were expanded in GMP-compatible CMRL-1066 medium supplemented with 5% human platelet lysate (hPL). IPTD-MSCs were found to be highly pure, with > 95% positive for CD90, CD105, and CD73, and negative for CD45, CD34, CD14, and HLA-DR. Immunofluorescence staining of pancreas tissue demonstrated the presence of CD105+cells in the vicinity of islets. IPTD-MSCs were capable of differentiation into adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts in vitro, underscoring their multipotent features. When these cells were cultured in the presence of a low dose of TNF-α, gene expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha-stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6) was significantly increased, compared to control. In contrast, treating cells with dimethyloxallyl glycine (DMOG) (a prolyl 4-hydroxylase inhibitor) enhanced mRNA levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Interestingly, a combination of TNF-α and DMOG stimulated the optimal expression of all three genes in IPTD-MSCs. Conditioned medium of IPTD-MSCs treated with a combination of DMOG and TNF-α contained higher levels of pro-angiogenic (VEGF, IL-6, and IL-8) compared to controls, promoting angiogenesis of human endothelial cells in vitro. In contrast, levels of MCP-1, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, were reduced in the conditioned medium of IPTD-MSCs treated with a combination of DMOG and TNF-α.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate that IPTD-MSCs reside within the pancreas and can be separated as part of a standard islet-isolation protocol. These IPTD-MSCs can be expanded and potentiated ex vivo to enhance their anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic profiles. The fact that IPTD-MSCs are generated in a GMP-compatible procedure implicates a direct clinical application.
Digital spotlighting filtering optimization for SAR imaging
Authors: Balster Eric J. , Mundy David B. , Kordik Andrew M. , Hill Kerry L.
Published: November 2019

In this paper, a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image formation simulator is used to objectively evaluate the parameter selection within the digital spotlighting process. Specifically, recommendations for the filter type and filter order of the low-pass filters used in the range and azimuth decimation processes within the digital spotlighting algorithm are determined to maximize image quality and minimize computational cost. Results show that a finite impulse response low-pass filter with a Taylor $(\overline {n}=5)$(n¯=5) window applied provides the highest image quality over a wide range of filter orders and decimation factors. Additionally, a linear relationship between filter length and decimation factor is found.
Lipiodol retention pattern after TACE for HCC is a predictor for local progression in lesions with complete response
Authors: Dioguardi Burgio Marco , Sartoris Riccardo , Libotean Claudia , Zappa Magaly , Sibert Annie , Vilgrain Valérie , Ronot Maxime
Published: November 2019

Background

To evaluate the predictive value of the lipiodol retention pattern for local progression of HCC with a complete response (CR) on CT according to mRECIST criteria after a first session of conventional chemoembolization (cTACE).

Methods

From January 2014 to May 2016 all consecutive patients undergoing a first cTACE session for HCC were identified. Inclusion criteria were the presence of ≤3 HCCs and available pre- and post-cTACE CT. Tumor response was classified according to mRECIST criteria. The analysis focused on tumors with a CR. The lipiodol retention pattern in these tumors was classified as complete (C-Lip, covering the entire tumor volume), or incomplete (I-Lip). Local progression was defined as the reappearance of areas of enhancement on arterial-phase images with washout on portal/delayed phase images within 2 cm from treated tumors on follow-up CT.

Results

The final population included 50 patients with 82 HCCs. A total of 46 (56%) HCCs were classified with a CR, including 16 (35%) with I-Lip, and 30 (65%) with C-Lip. After a median follow-up of 14 months (3.2–35.9 months), 15/16 (94%) and 10/30 (30%) of I-Lip and C-Lip HCCs showed local progression on CT, respectively (p < 0.001), with no significant difference in the time to progression (mean 11.1 ± 2 vs. 13.4 ± 3 months for I-Lip and C-Lip, respectivelyp = 0.51).

Conclusions

HCCs with incomplete lipiodol retention after a first cTACE session have a high risk of local progression even when there is a CR according to mRECIST, and should be considered to be incompletely treated.
Effective erector spinae plane block for postoperative analgesia in a pyothorax patient who underwent emergency re-open thoracotomy—a case report
Authors: Kawagoe Izumi , Satoh Daizoh , Fukui Mariko , Suzuki Kenji , Inada Eiichi
Published: November 2019

Background

The appropriate choice of postoperative analgesia for pyothorax surgery is unclear since local infection could contaminate the catheter used for regional blocks and bacteremia can lead to disordered coagulation. We performed erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in a pyothorax patient undergoing emergency re-open thoracotomy.

Case presentation

An 81-year-old male with internal jugular vein stenosis on aspirin therapy was scheduled for pyothorax drainage and residual middle lobectomy 14 days after he underwent open right lower lung lobectomy for lung cancer.

ESPB was performed with injection of 20 ml of 0.375% levobupivacaine at the Th5 transverse process of the right side under ultrasound guidance.

Although he needed intravenous pentazocine for pain on postoperative day 0, no more analgesics were required postoperatively. NRS score ranged from 0 to 1 thereafter.

Conclusions

ESPB provided effective postoperative analgesia following emergency re-open thoracotomy for our pyothorax patient. ESPB might be the appropriate choice for postoperative analgesia following pyothorax surgery.
Lower genital tract infections in young female juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients
Authors: Ferreira Gabriela R. V. , Tomioka Renato B. , Queiroz Ligia B. , Kozu Katia , Aikawa Nadia E. , Sallum Adriana M. E. , Serafini Paulo , Tacla Maricy , Baracat Edmund C. , Pereira Rosa M. R. , Bonfá Eloisa , Silva Clovis A.
Published: November 2019

Background

To evaluate human papillomavirus (HPV), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients.

Methods

After exclusion, 33 female adolescent and young JIA patients (ILAR criteria) and 28 healthy controls were selected for this study. Demographic data, gynecological, sexual function, cervical cytology and histological abnormalities were evaluated. JIA clinical/laboratorial parameters and treatment were also assessed. HPV-DNA, CT-DNA and NG-DNA testing in cervical specimens were performed by Hybrid Capture 2 assays.

Results

The mean current age was similar in JIA patients and controls (23.3 ± 6.24 vs. 26.1 ± 6.03 years, p = 0.09). The frequencies of sexual intercourse (76% vs. 89%, p = 0.201) and abnormal cervical cytology (24% vs. 11%, p = 0.201) were similar in JIA compared to controls. The higher frequency of HPV infection in JIA patients than controls (30% vs. 11%, p = 0.155) did not reach statistical significance. CT (0% vs. 7%, p = 0.207) and NG infections (0% vs. 4%, p = 0.459) were also alike in both groups. Further evaluation of JIA patients with abnormal and normal cervical cytology showed that the former group had a higher frequency of HPV infection (87% vs. 12%, p = 0.0002) with a low frequency of HPV vaccination (0% vs. 8%, p = 1.0). No differences were evidenced between these two JIA groups regarding demographic data, sexual function and clinical/laboratorial parameters. The frequencies of methotrexate (p = 0.206) and biological agent use (p = 0.238) were similar in both JIA groups.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this was the first study to assess lower genital infections in JIA patients allowing the identification of HPV as main cause of cervical dysplasia. Methotrexate and biological agents do not seem to increase risk of lower genital tract infections in JIA patients.
Large-scale inversions majorly drive upland cotton population differentiation
Authors: TIAN Shilin , MA Zhiying
Published: November 2019

Recently, Li and his team hosted a project on roles of inversion in upland cotton population differentiation. Strikingly, genomic comparison identified, and subsequent RIL population and germplasm panel haplotype analyses confirmed, that large-scale inversions on chromosome At08 are widely distributed and have over time mediated the reduction of meiotic recombination that has ultimately driven genetically isolated haplotypes of G. hirsutum. This work is likely to become the new benchmark for cotton functional genomics research, and the scientific insights from the comparative analyses contributed substantially to our basic understanding of how genomic inversions influence meiotic recombination and thus lower genetic diversity in plant populations.
Determination of physiological parameters for endogenous glucose production in individuals using diurnal data
Authors: van Stee Mariël F. , Krishnan Shaji , Groen Albert K. , de Graaf Albert A.
Published: November 2019

Background

Triple tracer meal experiments used to investigate organ glucose-insulin dynamics, such as endogenous glucose production (EGP) of the liver are labor intensive and expensive. A procedure was developed to obtain individual liver related parameters to describe EGP dynamics without the need for tracers.

Results

The development used an existing formula describing the EGP dynamics comprising 4 parameters defined from glucose, insulin and C-peptide dynamics arising from triple meal studies. The method employs a set of partial differential equations in order to estimate the parameters for EGP dynamics. Tracer-derived and simulated data sets were used to develop and test the procedure. The predicted EGP dynamics showed an overall meanR2of 0.91.

Conclusions

In summary, a method was developed for predicting the hepatic EGP dynamics for healthy, pre-diabetic, and type 2 diabetic individuals without applying tracer experiments.
Identifying Faculty and Peer Interaction Patterns of First-Year Biology Doctoral Students: A Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Jeong Soojeong , Blaney Jennifer M. , Feldon David F.
Published: November 2019

Faculty and peer interactions play a key role in shaping graduate student socialization. Yet, within the literature on graduate student socialization, researchers have primarily focused on understanding the nature and impact of faculty alone, and much less is known about how peer interactions also contribute to graduate student outcomes. Using a national sample of first-year biology doctoral students, this study reveals distinct categories that classify patterns of faculty and peer interaction. Further, we document inequities such that certain groups (e.g., underrepresented minority students) report constrained types of interactions with faculty and peers. Finally, we connect faculty and peer interaction patterns to student outcomes. Our findings reveal that, while the classification of faculty and peer interactions predicted affective and experiential outcomes (e.g., sense of belonging, satisfaction with academic development), it was not a consistent predictor of more central outcomes of the doctoral socialization process (e.g., research skills, commitment to degree). These and other findings are discussed, focusing on implications for future research, theory, and practice related to graduate training.
Recent Progress in Learning Progressions Research
Authors: Gouvea Julia Svoboda
Published: November 2019

Learning progressions (LPs) are hypothetical models that describe how learning in a domain may unfold over time. Over the past decade, LPs have grown in popularity. At the same time, there have been advances in LP research. In this installment of Current Insights, I bring together three recent articles that examine the validity and utility of LPs as models to guide research and instruction.
Meeting the mental health needs of low- and middle-income countries: the start of a long journey
Authors: Kisely Steve , Siskind Dan
Published: November 2019

Mental health is increasingly recognised as an important component of global health. In recognition of this fact, the European Union funded the Emerald programme (Emerging Mental Health Systems in Low- and Middle-Income Countries). The aims were to improve mental health in the following six low- and middle-income countries (LMICs): Ethiopia, India, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda. The Emerald programme offers valuable insights into addressing the mental health needs of LMICs. It provides a framework and practical tools. However, it will be important to evaluate longer-term effects including improvements in mental health outcomes, as well as the applicability to LMICs beyond existing participant countries. Importantly, this must be coupled with efforts to improve health worker retention in LMICs.
Prevalence and Mortality of Individuals With X-Linked Hypophosphatemia: A United Kingdom Real-World Data Analysis
Authors: Hawley Samuel , Shaw Nick J , Delmestri Antonella , Prieto-Alhambra Daniel , Cooper Cyrus , Pinedo-Villanueva Rafael , Javaid M Kassim
Published: November 2019

Background

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is a rare multisystemic disease with a prominent musculoskeletal phenotype. We aim here to improve understanding of the prevalence of XLH across the life course and of overall survival among people with XLH.

Methods

This was a population-based cohort study using a large primary care database in the United Kingdom (UK) from 1995 to 2016. XLH cases were matched by age, gender, and practice to up to 4 controls. Trends in prevalence over the study period were estimated (stratified by age) and survival among cases was compared with that of controls.

Findings

From 522 potential cases, 122 (23.4%) were scored as at least possible XLH, while 62 (11.9%) were classified as highly likely or likely (conservative definition). In main analyses, prevalence (95% CI) increased from 3.1 (1.5–6.7) per million in 1995–1999 to 14.0 (10.8–18.1) per million in 2012–2016. Corresponding estimates using the conservative definition were 3.0 (1.4–6.5) to 8.1 (5.8–11.4). Nine (7.4%) of the possible cases died during follow-up, at median age of 64 years. Fourteen (2.9%) of the controls died at median age of 72.5 years. Mortality was significantly increased in those with possible XLH compared with controls (hazard ratio [HR] 2.93; 95% CI, 1.24–6.91). Likewise, among those with likely or highly likely XLH (HR 6.65; 1.44–30.72).

Conclusions

We provide conservative estimates of the prevalence of XLH in children and adults within the UK. There was an unexpected increase in mortality in later life, which may have implications for other fibroblast growth factor 23–related disorders.
Reconstructive surgery of the operated stomach
Authors: Ручкин Дмитрий , Ruchkin Dmitriy , Козлов Валентин , Kozlov Valentin
Published: November 2019

The monograph formulated the concept of physiological reconstruction of the digestive tract during repeated operations on the stomach. The experience of surgical treatment of patients with diseases of the operated stomach and recurrent gastric cancer of the Department of reconstructive surgery of the esophagus and stomach Of the national medical research center of surgery named after A. V. Vishnevsky is presented. The immediate and long-term results of the original operations selected individually are highlighted. Special attention is paid to the study of motor and evacuation function of the gastrointestinal tract, to identify the frequency and severity of postgastrectomy and postgastresection syndromes after reconstructive interventions.
For students and teachers, as well as anyone interested in the problems of gastric surgery.
Food as part of the national culture of peoples
Authors: Чередниченко Лариса , Cherednichenko Larisa
Published: November 2019

The textbook examines the factors that shape the culture of food of different countries and peoples, the main systems and types of food. The leading role of food culture in shaping the health of the nation is revealed. Chapters 2-7 are devoted to the national characteristics and traditions in the diet of different countries, national cuisine which deserve special attention because of the wide popularity in the world. The General principles of formation of traditions and features of food of the people of the world taking into account national, religious, historical and natural and geographical conditions are considered.
It will be useful for bachelors in preparing for seminars, performing individual calculation and graphic tasks and preparing for certification in the discipline.
Ensuring the Requirements of Ergonomics in the Automated the Layout of Equipment
Authors: Е Вин Тун , E Vin Tun , Маркин Л. , Markin Leonid
Published: November 2019

The article discusses the solution to the problem of automating the design of layouts of various equipment, taking into account ergonomics, by which is meant the provision of service areas. The article describes the development of methods and algorithms that provide access to installation tools and workspace during installation and maintenance of already placed equipment. The solution method is geometric modeling of both the placed objects and the installation equipment necessary for its maintenance, as well as the trajectory of its movement to the service area. Thus, both the installation equipment and the movement paths are treated as composable objects, the intersection of which with other objects is unacceptable. As a modeling method, receptor-based geometric models that discretize the allocation space were used. The choice of receptor models is due to the fact that the solid-state model of all the instantaneous positions of the installation tool in the process of its delivery and operation is extremely complex from a geometrical point of view. The possibility of relatively easy to determine the fact of the intersection of all objects of the scene, described by receptor models, and is the rationale for the choice in our study of the receptor method of geometric modeling. Based on the receptor design model, a procedure has been developed for determining the trajectory of a mounting tool at a given operating point, as well as the formation of the space required for operation, or establishing the fact that it is impossible to service a particular object, which indicates an unsatisfactory (non-ergonomic) given design solution. In this study a feature of using receptor models is the use of 6-digit codes in the receptor matrices, which, with some complication of the modeling method, allows to obtain additional information about problem areas in the layout under study (impossibility of carrying a tool, impossibility of performing assembly operations, etc.). Algorithms for solving this problem, as well as a graphical shell that visualizes the results of computer-aided design, are implemented as C# programs.
Targeting Prospective Customers: Robustness of Machine-Learning Methods to Typical Data Challenges
Authors: Simester Duncan , Timoshenko Artem , Zoumpoulis Spyros I.
Published: November 2019

We investigate how firms can use the results of field experiments to optimize the targeting of promotions when prospecting for new customers. We evaluate seven widely used machine-learning methods using a series of two large-scale field experiments. The first field experiment generates a common pool of training data for each of the seven methods. We then validate the seven optimized policies provided by each method together with uniform benchmark policies in a second field experiment. The findings not only compare the performance of the targeting methods, but also demonstrate how well the methods address common data challenges. Our results reveal that when the training data are ideal, model-driven methods perform better than distance-driven methods and classification methods. However, the performance advantage vanishes in the presence of challenges that affect the quality of the training data, including the extent to which the training data captures details of the implementation setting. The challenges we study are covariate shift, concept shift, information loss through aggregation, and imbalanced data. Intuitively, the model-driven methods make better use of the information available in the training data, but the performance of these methods is more sensitive to deterioration in the quality of this information. The classification methods we tested performed relatively poorly. We explain the poor performance of the classification methods in our setting and describe how the performance of these methods could be improved.

This paper was accepted by Matthew Shum, marketing.
Supplier Competition and Cost Reduction with Endogenous Information Asymmetry
Authors: Li Cuihong
Published: November 2019

Problem definition: We consider a buyer sourcing from multiple competing suppliers who exert cost-reduction efforts before procurement contracts are awarded. Academic/practical relevance: The supply chain is subject to the classic hold-up problem—as the lack of a contract commitment hinders suppliers’ incentives to make investment upfront—complicated with supplier competition. Methodology: With deterministic cost-reduction outcomes, suppliers will not exert any effort if this effort is observable, and a pure-strategy equilibrium does not exist if the effort is unobservable. We analyze the mixed-strategy equilibrium with unobservable supplier effort, in which suppliers randomize their efforts and the buyer designs an optimal procurement mechanism. Results: We show that the optimal procurement mechanism can be implemented by a conventional single-price reverse auction with a random reserve price. The mixed strategy of supplier effort generates endogenous information asymmetry on supplier costs that provides suppliers with information rent, which sustains their efforts. The endogenous information asymmetry improves effort efficiency (by inducing positive supplier effort), yet introduces trade inefficiency (by causing the possible failure of trade between the parties). Although increasing supplier competition (measured by the number of suppliers) hurts the effort efficiency, it improves trade efficiency. As a result, the buyer is always better off introducing supplier competition by including more than one supplier in the supply base. However, the desired supply base size (number of suppliers) depends on the product revenue: For high-margin goods, the optimal size is achieved with two suppliers, whereas for low-margin goods, a larger supply base is better for the buyer. We show that the result based on deterministic cost reduction can be established as a limit of the case when uncertainty in cost reduction exists and shrinks to null. Managerial implications: Our study helps to understand the impact of supplier competition when supply-chain parties deliberately make their actions unpredictable to avoid being held up. The findings provide managerial guidance on procurement auction and supply base designs.
Implementing minimum nutritional guidelines for school meals in secondary schools in Wales: What are the challenges?
Authors: Addis Samia
Published: November 2019

Background:

Minimum nutritional guidelines for school meals were introduced across the UK to address concerns about poor provision and rising childhood obesity but little evidence relates to the challenges associated with implementing guidelines within the school context.

Aims:

Using an implementation model, this paper reports a qualitative study of the views, experiences and challenges identified in respect of the implementation of minimum nutritional guidance (Appetite for Life) in secondary schools in Wales.

Methods:

Semi-structured interviews (n=13) were undertaken with policy, local authority and school staff members in four schools within one local authority in Wales. Interviews were recorded and transcribed and analysis was underpinned by a framework approach.

Findings:

Members of staff welcomed the guidelines, noting the contribution to the health and wellbeing of pupils, however, they reported that meals were less popular and that take-up of school meals had reduced as pupils endeavoured to access banned foods elsewhere.

Conclusions:

The guidelines have implications for school meal uptake and contextual factors such as the built environment will influence the success of such policies.
Supporting pessimistic children and young people
Authors: Thornton Stephanie
Published: November 2019

Pessimism is often considered to be a negative trait. However, assuming that pessimism is indeed a trait and a bad thing is would be naïve. Stephanie Thornton explains why, rather than trying to turn them into optimists it is better to help young people channel pessimism in constructive ways.
Impact of the first health dialogue meetings with newly arrived child migrants and their families in Sweden
Authors: Leinander Lea , Olsson Ann-Margreth E.
Published: November 2019

As a part of its health-monitoring programme, Sweden invites all children to access health services. In this qualitative study, first meetings with newly arrived child migrants and their families are described from the perspective of primary school nurses through three themes: methods and strategies in use, impact of the first health dialogues, and dedication of the school nurses. With many newly arrived migrants and scarce support within the school system, the nurses felt abandoned in balancing their available work hours with their own ambitions and conducting the meetings, including health checkups and mapping the vaccination status of the children.
Techniques for supporting students suffering with anxiety
Authors: Knightsmith Pooky
Published: November 2019

Anxiety-related disorders are increasingly common among the young people in our classrooms. Dr Pooky Knightsmith offers us five simple calming strategies that can be used or taught
Developmental change in children's understanding of medical treatments
Authors: Thornton Stephanie
Published: November 2019

Children and young people's understanding of treatment can affect health outcomes. Stephanie Thornton discusses the implications.
Biological Weapon or Biological Threat?
Authors: Vladyko A.
Published: November 2019

A hundred years have passed since viruses were first discovered and throughout this time humans overwhelmingly regard them as agents of infectious diseases. Based on the previously developed concept (1997) on the role of viruses in the origin and evolution of biological kinds, we found it necessary to discuss another point of view pertaining to the biological nature and function of viruses. Adaptogens are structures similar to a virus but differ from it by disseminated format in the macro organism by the principle of mixed co-viral system are proposed for consideration as a biological complex of molecular motifs designed to adapt humans, animals, plants, bacteria (essentially all flora and fauna) to changing environmental conditions to maintain species diversity. From this standpoint a virus is regarded as a consequence of environmental effects on adaptogens, and serves as an indicator or marker of disease rather than a factor of evolution. In this regard, we propose to revise the established provisions for the diagnosis, prevention and therapy of infectious and somatic diseases as well as the classification of viruses.
Gaseous and Solid Emissions from Combustion of a Bio-solid Waste in Fluidized
Authors: Vamvuka D. , Alexandrakis S.
Published: November 2019

The gaseous emissions and the combustion efficiency of a bio-solid waste from a wastewater treatment plant were determined, as a function of excess air ratio and reactor loading, by conducting combustion tests in a bubbling fluidized bed system. Fly and bottom ashes were subjected to mineralogical and chemical analyses. According to the results, the bio-waste studied burned with a uniform temperature along the fluid bed unit. CO, SO2 and NOx emissions were below allowable limits, except those of SO2 at excess air ratio λ=1.5 and those of NOx at excess air ratio λ=1.3. An increase of excess air from 30% to 50%, or a reduction of the feeding rate from 0.6 to 0.48kg/h resulted in lower SO2 and NOx emissions, whereas higher CO emissions. Under test conditions, combustion efficiencies ranged between 98.5 and 98.8%. An improved performance was achieved at a lower reactor loading and a higher excess air ratio. Fly ashes were enriched in Si and P minerals, as well as Cu, Zn and Sr trace metals. All trace element values fulfilled EU legislation for landfill disposal.
MicroRNA-186 improves fracture healing through activating the bone morphogenetic protein signalling pathway by inhibiting SMAD6 in a mouse model of femoral fracture
Authors: Wang C. , Zheng G-F. , Xu X-F.
Published: November 2019

Objectives

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported as key regulators of bone formation, signalling, and repair. Fracture healing is a proliferative physiological process where the body facilitates the repair of a bone fracture. The aim of our study was to explore the effects of microRNA-186 (miR-186) on fracture healing through the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling pathway by binding to Smad family member 6 (SMAD6) in a mouse model of femoral fracture.

Methods

Microarray analysis was adopted to identify the regulatory miR of SMAD6. 3D micro-CT was performed to assess the bone volume (BV), bone volume fraction (BVF, BV/TV), and bone mineral density (BMD), followed by a biomechanical test for maximum load, maximum radial degrees, elastic radial degrees, and rigidity of the femur. The positive expression of SMAD6 in fracture tissues was measured. Moreover, the miR-186 level, messenger RNA (mRNA) level, and protein levels of SMAD6, BMP-2, and BMP-7 were examined.

Results

MicroRNA-186 was predicted to regulate SMAD6. Furthermore, SMAD6 was verified as a target gene of miR-186. Overexpressed miR-186 and SMAD6 silencing resulted in increased callus formation, BMD and BV/TV, as well as maximum load, maximum radial degrees, elastic radial degrees, and rigidity of the femur. In addition, the mRNA and protein levels of SMAD6 were decreased, while BMP-2 and BMP-7 levels were elevated in response to upregulated miR-186 and SMAD6 silencing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study indicated that miR-186 could activate the BMP signalling pathway to promote fracture healing by inhibiting SMAD6 in a mouse model of femoral fracture. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2019;8:550–562.
Therapeutic Antibodies and Cancer Vaccines
Authors: Patel Mahnoor
Published: November 2019

Antibodies are proteins synthesized in blood against specific antigens. Antigen binding causes activation, proliferation and differentiation of the B cells. After activation, B cells becomes plasma cells and secrete antibodies. Therapeutic antibodies are monoclonal antibodies and use as passive immunotherapy for the treatment of cancer. It is well established option in clinical oncology. Anticancer vaccines are less advanced because of some exception of successfully applied prophylactic vaccines against oncogenic virus infections. The formation of therapeutic vaccine is still a great challenge due to the self nature of tumor antigens. Therapeutic antibodies as vaccines against cancer are produced in healthy cells by using cancer antigens and use for the patient to treat existing cancer by strengthening the natural defense of the body against cancer.
Telomerase Inhibition for Killing Cancer Cells
Authors: Patel Mahnoor
Published: November 2019

There is an upper limit to the number of times a cell can divide before it stops growing and enters a phase which is called senescence. For human embryonic diploid fibroblasts, the Hayflick limit is about 60 doublings. This limit is related to the end-replication problem faced by DNA polymerase as it moves along a template strand synthesizing a new strand. DNA polymerase must initiate synthesis from an RNA primer and it synthesizes a new strand beginning with the primers 3 end. The need for the RNA primer means that the DNA polymerase cannot replicate the very 5 end of the lagging strand because the primer occupies the last few bases of the template strand. As a consequence, the DNA of a chromosome shortens by 50-100 nucleotides each time the chromosome replicates. Eukaryotic chromosomes have telomeres at their ends, which are long sections made up of a repeat sequences, TTAGGG in human cells. These sequences protect the ends of the chromosomes, thus preventing the chromosomes from interacting with each other. Telomeres are eroded with each division until they no longer function properly, with catastrophic results for the cell.
Embryoscope - An Advanced Embryo Monitoring Biomedical Instrument
Authors: Patel Mahnoor
Published: November 2019

Embryoscope is a machine which is used to monitor embryo from the time of conception. It allows fertility specialist to select the most viable embryo during
in-vitro fertilization. This instrument reduces the risk of taking embryo from the incubator for observation. It can monitor 12 embryos at once and take photos of each embryo every 5 to 10 minutes during the entire incubation period. With the help of this instrument, fertility expert can also monitor the abnormality in embryo. The embryoscope is an incubator with an integrated camera. The detection of abnormality can be done without harming the embryo.
Nanorobot - The Future of Medical Science
Authors: Patel Mahnoor
Published: November 2019

Nanorobotics is the branch of nanotechnology. Nanorobotics is important in creating machines or robots which is close to the microscopic scale of nanometer (10-9 m). A nanorobot is a tiny machine and it is designed specifically to perform a specific or particular task repeatedly and with great precision at nanoscale dimensions. The diameter of nanorobot is about 0.5 to 3 microns and it is constructed out of parts which have dimension range of 1 to 100 nm. Nanorobotics has strong potential to revolutionized healthcare, to treat disease in future. Nanotechnology changes the shape of industry, broadening the product development and interrelationship between pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and healthcare industry. Nanorobots are used for various purposes in medical science.
Immune status of patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
Authors: Frolov V. M. , Peresadin N. A. , Petrunya A. M. , Pinsky L. L.
Published: November 2019

Immune status of 48 patients with noninsulindependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) was studied by the cytotoxic test with monoclonal antibodies. The majority of NIDDM patients were found to develop secondary immunodeficiency of the relative hyposuppressor type, the degree of immune shifts augmenting with the disease duration and as they acquire insulin dependence.
Osteopenic syndrome in liquidators of the Chernobyl power plant accident consequences
Authors: Rozhinskaya L. Ya. , Marova Ye. I. , Rassokhin B. M. , Purtova G. S. , Bukhman A. I. , Oganov V. S. , Rakhmanov A. S. , Bakulin A. V. , Rodionova S. S. , Mischenko B. P. , Goncharov N. P. , Kolesnikova G. S. , Slovesnova T. A.
Published: November 2019

Bone system was examined in 112 liquidators; in 71 of these osseous tissue density was studied by osseous densitometer using bienergetic x-ray absorptiometry and in 45 x-ray examinations, analyses of biochemical and hormonal parameters were carried out. Spinal painful syndrome was detected in 61 to 82 % of the examinees. For analysis of densitometric and x-ray parameters the liquidators were divided into 2 groups: group I included those who worked at the power plant in 1986 (55 %) and group 2 were those who worked there in 1987-1989. Radiation doses in group 1 reliably surpassed those in group 2 (p0.001). Bone mineral density in the lumbar vertebrae was significantly lower in group 1 as against group 2 and lower in both groups us. controls. More than 5 % osseous mineral loss was revealed in 73 % of group 1 liquidators and in 43 % of group 2 ones. Analysis of spinal roentgenograms in 45 liquidators showed a high incidence of negligible and moderately expressed osteoporosis without compression fractures of vertebral bodies: osteopenia signs were found in 87 % of group 1 examinees complaining of pain in the spine and in 73 % of group 2 examinees; signs of osteochondrosis and spondylosis were detected in 40 % of group 1 and in 47 % of group 2 subjects. Hence, a higher incidence of osteopenia in liquidators, more manifest condition and its higher detection rate in subjects exposed to higher radiation doses indicate a certain contribution of radiation factor to the development of the osteopenia syndrome in liquidators.
Milli Tarihin Yeniden İnşa Sürecinde Sabitler ve Değişkenler: Bağımsızlık Öncesi ve Sonrası Azerbaycan Tarihçiliğinde Osmanlı İmajı (Tarih Ders Kitapları Çerçevesinde)
Authors: Azizova Elnura
Published: November 2019

Tarih yazıcılığının gelişimini önemli ölçüde etkileyen
alanlardan biri olarak millî tarih yazıcılığı ulusların siyasal, sosyal ve
kültürel hayatının önemli olaylarının kayda alınmasının ötesinde, özellikle son
iki yüzyılda siyasal varoluşun ve kültürel kimlik oluşturmanın en etkin aracı
olmuştur. Azerbaycan’da milli tarih yazıcılığı son yüzyılda ideolojik, politik
ve kültürel değerleri bir-birinden farklı Azerbaycan Demokratik Cumhuriyeti
(1918-1920), Azerbaycan Sovyet Sosyalist Respublikası (1920-1991) ve Azerbaycan
Respublikası (1991- ) dönemlerini yaşamıştır. Azerbaycan’ın 71 senelik sovyet
ve 25 yıllık bağımsızlık dönemi araştırmanın dönemsel sınırlarını
oluşturacaktır.

Bütün uluslar gibi Azerbaycan Türkleri’nin de tarihi
diğer uluslarla askeri, politik, ekonomik, sosyal ve kültürel etkileşime bağlı
olarak gelişmiştir. Bu bağlamda Azerbaycan’ın millî tarih yazıcılığı açısından
Türkiye, diğer devletlerle kıyaslanamayacak kadar önemli tarihi figür olmuştur.
Selçuklu ve Türkiye Cumhuriyeti gibi öncesi ve sonrası da önem arzetmekle
birlikte, Osmanlı döneminde Türkiye, Azerbaycan tarihinin bizzat içinde rol
almıştır. Araştırmanın başlıca amacı Azerbaycan tarihçiliğinde Osmanlı imajının
tespit edilerek millî tarih yazıcılığında dönemlerarası süreklilik ve
değişikliğin karşılıklı analiz edilmesidir.

Gerek sovyet, gerekse bağımsızlık dönemi Azerbaycan’da
okullarda Eğitim Bakanlığı’nca tek tip ve zorunlu olarak okutulan tarih ders
kitapları araştırmanın başlıca kaynaklarını oluşturacaktır. Azerbaycan
tarihçiliğinin bağımsızlık öncesi ve sonrası dönemlerinde Osmanlı algısı, bazen
siyasi ve derslik yazarlarının kimliği gibi bireysel faktörlere bağlı olarak
kendi içinde homojenlik arzetmediği için her dönemin kendi içindeki
değişikliğin iz sürümü de sovyet ve post-sovyet dönemlerin farklı senelerinde
yayınlanmış ders kitaplarından tespit edilecektir. Ders kitaplarının yanısıra,
Azerbaycan tarihçiliğinin her iki dönemle ilgili belli-başlı eserlerinden
bütünlüğün sağlanması ve karşılaştırma amacıyla yararlanılacaktır.
Crystal Clear
Authors: Kuban Adam J. , Apsley Sam , Kissel Halley , Rodriguez Ignacio , Sipes Natalie
Published: November 2019

Arsenic is a known toxin—and it is in our water. But should it be a cause for concern?Crystal Clear? Arsenic in Indiana’s Drinking Water explores this question, and the answermay be surprising. This short documentary explains the origins of arsenic in our drinkingwater supply and consults experts to identify its impact. Students enrolled in the class WaterQuality Indiana at Ball State University began producing the documentary in January 2019.All the students involved had backgrounds in science, but none had prior media-productionexperience. Expert interviews included in the documentary included Mark Elliot, from theHoosier Microbiological Lab; Jessi Haeft, Ph.D., an assistant professor at Ball State University’sDepartment of Environment, Geology, and Natural Resources; and Bradley Hayes, M.D.,a doctor affiliated with Indiana University Health’s Ball Memorial Hospital. Key takeawaysfrom the students’ aggregate reflections include: (1) their general underestimation of the timeand effort that goes into documentary production; (2) their acknowledgment of arsenic as anaturally occurring toxin, but one that is not currently of paramount concern in regards toIndiana’s drinking water supply; and (3) the noticeable increase in their own media literacyas a result of this experience, which may have longer-term implications for these aspiringscience professionals.