bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigations on oil sorption capacity of nettle fibrous assembly and 100% nettle and nettle/kapok blended needle-punched nonwovens
Authors: Thilagavathi G , Praba Karan C
Published: July 2018

The oil sorption capacity of nettle fibrous assembly and needle-punched nonwoven structures of 100% nettle and nettle/kapok blends 50/50 and 75/25 were investigated. The porosity of nettle fibrous assembly was varied from 91 to 99% and a maximum oil sorption capacity was 56 g/g and 23.90 g/g for high-density oil and diesel oil, respectively. Porosity of fibrous assembly significantly influenced the oil sorption capacity. It has been observed that an increase in the proportion of kapok fibers in the nettle/kapok blended nonwoven structure increased the oil sorption capacity and reduced water sorption than that of 100% nettle nonwoven. This is because of the inherent hydrophobic property of kapok. However, 100% kapok could not be made into needle-punched nonwoven and hence it has been blended with nettle; 50/50 nettle/kapok blended structure showed maximum oil sorption capacity of 28.5 g/g and 22.5 g/g for high-density oil and diesel oil, respectively, which is higher oil sorption capacity than the commercial polypropylene-based nonwoven. The presence of kapok improved the sorption capacity by 13 to 18% when compared to 100% nettle nonwoven.
Microwave-Assisted Ablation Improves the Prognosis of Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Liver Resection
Authors: Shen Haiyuan , Zhou Shu , Lou Yun , Gao Yangjuan , Cao Shouji , Wu Du , Li Guoqiang
Published: July 2018

Objective:

We evaluated microwave-assisted liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Patients and Methods:

We enrolled 79 patients in this study, and microwave ablation was used for liver resection. Patients were randomized to group A (50.6%; n = 40), liver resection without microwave ablation, or group B (49.4%; n = 39), liver resection performed using microwave ablation. Data were analyzed for statistical significance.

Results:

Of the participants enrolled, 60 were male, and the participant’s average age was 59.32 ± 10.34 years. The mean overall tumor diameter was 4.39 (2.00) cm, and this did not differ between groups. Intraoperative blood loss in group B was significantly less than that in group A ( P < .001). No differences were reported between the 2 groups regarding surgical time ( P = .914), postoperative morbidity ( P = .718), and late postoperative complications ( P = .409). Postoperative drainage volume for group B was less than that of group A on the first ( P = .005) and third ( P = .019) day after surgery. The time of postoperative hospitalization in group B was significantly shorter than that in group A ( P < .001). Local recurrence was noted in 18.99% of cases (n = 15) in group B, which is less than that of group A ( P = 0.047), while in group B distant metastasis is less but not statistically significant ( P = 0.061). The 1-year and 3-year cumulative survival rates were 57% and 93.7%, respectively.

Conclusions:

The curative effects of liver resection combined with microwave ablation during operation are superior to only liver resection in the treatment of primary liver cancer.
Extract of the Medicinal Plant Pao Pereira Inhibits Pancreatic Cancer Stem-Like Cell In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Dong Ruochen , Chen Ping , Chen Qi
Published: July 2018

Pancreatic cancers are enriched with cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), which are resistant to chemotherapies, and responsible for tumor metastasis and recurrence. Here, we investigated the extract of a medicinal plant Pao Pereira (Pao) for its activity against pancreatic CSCs. Pao inhibited overall proliferation of human pancreatic cancer cell lines with IC50 ranging from 125 to 325 μg/mL and had limited cytotoxicity to normal epithelial cells. Pancreatic CSC population, identified using surface markers CD24+ CD44+ EpCam+ or tumor spheroid formation assay, was significantly reduced, with IC50s of ~100 μg/mL for 48 hours treatment, and ~27 μg/mL for long-term treatment. Nuclear β-catenin levels were decreased, suggesting suppression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In vivo, Pao at 20 mg/kg, 5 times/week gavage, significantly reduced tumorigenicity of PANC-1 cells in immunocompromised mice, indicating inhibition of CSCs in vivo. Further investigation is warranted in using Pao as a novel treatment targeting pancreatic CSCs.
Physics Career Education Day: Design, Implementation, and Assessment
Authors: Zeng Liang , Ortega Ruben , Faust John , Guerrero Oscar
Published: July 2018

The nation faces critical shortages of Hispanic science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) college graduates—especially in physics. To address youth lack of awareness about physics careers, physics educators at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley implemented a strategic intervention anchored in Modern Expectancy-Value Theory, Physics Career Education Day, in collaboration with two local school districts. Presurvey and postsurvey results have shown that this intervention significantly increased student awareness and interest in physics careers.
Teetering on the Brink
Authors: Selby David , Kagawa Fumiyo
Published: July 2018

Unchecked climate change poses a self-inflicted existential risk to humanity as it exacerbates the multiple-crisis syndrome facing global society. In international policy, education for sustainable development is widely flagged as transformative. To realize that transformative potential, sustainability educators are exploring the nexus between their field and that of transformative learning. They particularly call for a stretching of epistemology so that unsustainable practices are challenged, taken-for-granted thinking and assumptions disrupted, root causes of global dysfunction interrogated, values subjected to critical scrutiny, change potential of socio-affective learning unleashed, and paradigm shift thus catalyzed. The problem is the overall lack of consensus about what needs sustaining and what needs transforming. Seeking to address that problem, we call for subversive learning interrogating four key climate change drivers: economic growth, consumerism, denial, and climate injustice. We also call for restorative learning in three important areas: restoring nature intimacy, confronting despair, and reclaiming the good life.
Early Intervention With Adrenocorticotropin for Acute Encephalopathy-Associated Epileptic Spasms: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Yonemoto Kousuke , Ichimiya Yuko , Sanefuji Masafumi , Kaku Noriyuki , Sakata Ayumi , Baba Rieko , Yamashita Fumiya , Akamine Satoshi , Torio Michiko , Ishizaki Yoshito , Maehara Yoshihiko , Sakai Yasunari , Ohga Shouichi
Published: July 2018

Purpose. Acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and reduced diffusion (AESD) is a leading cause of childhood-onset encephalopathy in Japan. Children with AESD frequently develop intractable epilepsy, whereas their treatment options remain to be determined. Method. We present 2 unrelated girls, who developed AESD at 25 months (case 1) and 12 months of age (case 2). Both cases underwent intensive cares from the first day of illness, whereas severe neurological impairments were left on discharge. They showed repeated signs of epileptic spasms at 2 months (case 1) and 8 months (case 2) after the onset of AESD. Video-monitoring electroencephalograms (EEG) detected the recurrent attacks accompanying slow-wave bursts and transient suppressions of the precedent epileptiform discharges, as typically observed in epileptic spasms. Results. Intramuscular injection of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH, 0.0125 mg/kg/d) was introduced within 1 month from the onset of epileptic spasms and continued for 2 weeks. The ACTH treatment disrupted the paroxysmal activity in EEG, and it has relieved these patients from epileptic seizures for more than 1 year. Conclusion. This report illustrates the potential efficacy of ACTH for a group of children with epileptic spasms after AESD.
Protective Effects of Methanol Extract of Vernonia amygdalina (del.) Leaf on Aspirin-Induced Gastric Ulceration and Oxidative Mucosal Damage in a Rat Model of Gastric Injury
Authors: Adefisayo Modinat A. , Akomolafe Rufus O. , Akinsomisoye Olumide S. , Alabi Quadri K. , Ogundipe Laofe , Omole Joseph G. , Olamilosoye Kehinde P.
Published: July 2018

This study investigated the quantitative polyphenolic constituents and gastroprotective effects of methanol extract of Vernonia amygdalina leaf (MEVA) against aspirin-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Ulceration was induced by 3 days’ oral administration of aspirin (150 mg/kg body weight). Wistar rats were pretreated with cimetidine (reference drug) at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight and MEVA at 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg body weight once daily for 28 days prior to ulcer induction. At the end of the experiment, gastric secretions, antioxidant status, and histopathological alteration were evaluated. We observed that the significantly increased ulcer index, gastric volume, free and total acidity, malondialdehyde level, and pepsin activity were effectively reduced following treatment with 200 and 300 mg/kg MEVA. The extract also markedly attenuated the reduced activity of superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione level as well as pH and mucin content in the ulcerated rats. Administration of the extract also significantly attenuates necrosis of the stomach tissue of the ulcerated rats. The results suggested that the MEVA leaf, preferably at 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight, ameliorated aspirin-induced gastric ulceration via antioxidative and H2 receptor antagonist.
A kinematics analysis of the lower limb during running with different sports shoes
Authors: Fu Lin , Gu Yaodong , Mei Qichang , Baker Julien S , Fernandez Justin
Published: July 2018

The study aimed to investigate the differences in lower limb joint angles during running with three different sports shoes: basketball shoes, football shoes, and running shoes. Fifteen male subjects (age: 25 ± 2.2 years, height: 1.79 ± 0.05 m, and mass: 70.8 ± 3.4 kg) were asked to run on a treadmill at their preferred running speed. The Vicon 3D motion analysis system was used to capture the kinematics of the lower extremity during running. A one-way analysis of variance was used to determine whether any statistical significance existed between the three types of shoes (α < 0.05). Significant differences existed in the lower limb joints between the three sports shoes, particularly at the knee joint. Running shoes presented more knee flexion than basketball shoes and football shoes. In the frontal plane, basketball shoes showed less knee abduction than running shoes and football shoes. No significant difference occurred in ankle external rotation between basketball shoes and football shoes, and both of them presented greater range of motion of the ankle and knee than running shoes.
Retrospective analysis of the Photo at Discharge scheme and readmission for surgical site infection following coronary artery bypass graft surgery
Authors: Rochon Melissa , Jenkinson Sian , Ramroop Reeshma , Deakin Alexia , Rai Padma , Healy Katie , Lukban Russel , Soppa Alison , Bhugun Kavita , Lavack Cheryl , Fuller Nikki , Morais Carlos , Raja Shahzad G
Published: July 2018

Background:

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a costly and devastating complication of surgery. Many cardiac SSIs develop after the patient leaves hospital, but evidence demonstrating the benefit of patient/carer involvement in the process of monitoring and promptly identifying SSI post-discharge is limited. This study estimates the probability of readmission for SSI for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients receiving the Photo at Discharge (PaD).

Methods:

Trained personnel undertook continuous, prospective SSI surveillance using Public Health England protocol between January 2013 and December 2016. Baseline covariables were collected for 1747 CABG-only procedures. As a quasi-randomised design, we adjusted for non-random PaD assignment using retrospective propensity score (PS)-matching based on 12 variables of interest, assessed whether the model had been adequately specified and performed an outcomes analysis.

Results:

A total of 568 patients with PaD were PS-matched with 568 controls. The probabilities of SSI readmission were 0.352 (2/568) and 1.761 (10/568), respectively. The difference in risk of readmission for SSI was significant (relative risk = 0.2, 95% confidence interval = 0.04–0.91; P = 0.04).

Conclusion:

Findings from this single-centre observation study suggest the PaD is associated with a reduction in CABG readmission for SSI and a further study is warranted to verify the efficacy of this strategy.
Prof. Mostafa A El-Sayed and Nanobiomedicine
Authors: Hamada Yahia Z
Published: July 2018

Prof. Mostafa A El-Sayed, Regents’ Professor and Julius Brown Chair at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the Georgia Institute of Technology, has well over 755 publications in a variety of fields ranging from the areas of photochemistry, to ultrafast laser spectroscopy, to time-resolved Raman spectroscopy, to formulating what is known as the El-Sayed Rule. One of the main subject areas of Prof. El-Sayed’s research interests is Nanobiomedicine; he is one of the pioneers in this field. We are sending this perspective in celebration of Prof. El-Sayed’s 85th birthday on May 8, 2018. We would like to encourage the science community to submit their research to Nanobiomedicine. In brief, Prof. Mostafa El-Sayed has demonstrated that using gold nanoparticles and irradiating them with laser beams can kill cancerous cells without harming the surrounding healthy tissues. The concept of photothermal therapy, that he introduced, had been successful in culture cells and living animal models.
Eclectic Styles and Classical Performance: Motivation and Self-Efficacy Belief at Two Summer Music Camps
Authors: Hendricks Karin S. , Smith Tawnya D.
Published: July 2018

String teachers and scholars have suggested that classically trained students may be motivated to engage in eclectic (e.g., rock, pop, jazz, groove, folk) styles. However, we do not fully understand the ways in which students’ motivation to engage in new styles might be influenced by their perceptions of their ability to perform in those styles. In this mixed-method study, we draw upon quantitative, qualitative, and arts-based data from 120 middle and high school students at two camps (one emphasizing classical music, the other emphasizing eclectic styles), to explore various ways in which students develop self-efficacy beliefs and motivation to perform in a variety of musical approaches. According to analysis of all data, students at both camps generally expressed having positive musical and social experiences. Negative experiences, while less common, stemmed from confusion or frustration with music learning, boredom with music that was too easy or not interesting, and competitive comparison with others. Based on findings from qualitative and arts-based data, we suggest that these students may have benefited from additional teacher support when encountering new musical techniques.
Eight Artist-Level Violinists Performing Unaccompanied Bach: Are There Consistent Tuning Patterns?
Authors: Geringer John M.
Published: July 2018

This study was designed to explore the intonation performances of highly regarded concert violinists in an unaccompanied context. I chose eight solo artists representing different generations of performers (Heifetz, Grumiaux, Milstein, Perlman, Hahn, Midori, Barton Pine, and Shaham). Pitch performances were analyzed in commercial recordings spanning 65 years of two unaccompanied pieces composed by Bach, one in d minor and one in E major. I investigated whether similarities in intonation tendencies would occur among these respected artists, and whether the displayed patterns would approximate the theoretical tuning systems that have been studied previously: Just, Pythagorean, or equal temperament. The artists appear to have their own individual tendencies, and none of them conformed consistently to any theoretical tuning system. Although there are average tendencies on isolated intervals that approximate one tuning or the other, multiple repetitions show a wide range both between and within individual performers. However, performances of the thirds and sixths in the major key and less so in the minor key (intervals that illustrate the largest differences in tuning between systems) did display a propensity toward Pythagorean tuning of these scale degrees. Deviations away from all three tuning systems are common, and these artists never play exactly in one tuning or another.
When dialogue means refusal
Authors: Wright Sarah
Published: July 2018

In my response to Rose-Redwood et al.’s (2018) ‘The Possibilities and Limits to Dialogue’ ( Dialogues in Human Geography 8(2): 109–123), I attend to the question of what it means to refuse dialogue. Dialogue as it is often deployed is supported by a host of colonial logics that position many marginalized humans, and nonhumans, as unable to communicate ‘rationally’ (that is to dialogue). Drawing on the work of Indigenous scholars, Glen Coulthard ((2014) Red Skin, White Masks: Rejecting the Colonial Politics of Recognition. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Press.), Audra Simpson ((2007) Ethnographic refusal: indigeneity, ‘voice’ and colonial citizenship. Junctures: The Journal for Thematic Dialogue 9: 67–80; (2014) Mohawk Interruptus: Political Life Across the Borders of Settler States. Durham, UK: Duke University Press.), and others, I suggest that refusal can mean more than merely stepping outside dialogue, allowing the problematic to pass unchallenged. Rather, refusal may be a way of resisting, reframing, and redirecting colonial and capitalist logics, constituting both an important political strategy and an assertion of diverse sovereignties and lifeworlds. Refusal, in these contexts, is neither a negation of the need for dialogue nor a withdrawal from the need to counter colonialism, but a refusal to be drawn into politics that enable colonialism, and so can be a strong assertion of sovereignty. I then position myself in relation to this work, thinking through what refusal as dialogue might mean as a non-Indigenous human geographer living and working on stolen land, committed to the complex, even intractable, task of supporting decolonization.
Conscientious disengagement and whiteness as a condition of dialogue
Authors: Mott Carrie , Cockayne Daniel
Published: July 2018

This commentary explores some of the threads developed by the editors of Dialogues in Human Geography in light of the recent publication and online conversation surrounding our article, ‘Citation Matters’. We examine the precariousness of academic speech, question when it’s necessary to conscientiously disengage from dialogue, and posit whiteness as a limit of and condition for dialogue. We frame this around the claim, building further on Mouffe’s concept of agonism, that different speech acts, in particular within spheres like the academy, and especially in the absence of a clear foundation for dialogue, can be viewed from a point of view of nonequivalence.
While we dialogue, others die
Authors: Alderman Derek , Inwood Joshua FJ
Published: July 2018

We revisit Martin Luther King Jr’s famous Letter from a Birmingham Jail (2013 [1963]), using his words to frame our thinking about the promise, limits, and efficacy of dialogue. The life and death politics of everyday oppressed people should directly inform any consideration of the merits of scholars engaging in (or disengaging from) dialogue, what they ultimately say, and with whom they engage in dialogue and political action. The stakes are too high—for the academy, broader society, and especially for those groups who bear the direct burden of injustice—not to engage in scholarly dialogue and debate. It is also important for scholars to communicate in resonant ways and enhance the value of their academic dialogue to oppressed groups. The most significant threat to scholarly dialogue is not necessarily from extremists; rather, the challenge lies in creating consequential dialogue with those who remain silent and indifferent in the face of what King called ‘the deep groans and passionate yearnings of the oppressed’.
An(Other) geographical critique of development and SDGs
Authors: Sultana Farhana
Published: July 2018

Geographers should engage with development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by utilizing not only the theoretical and methodological tools from our various subfields but also through advocacy, expanding the role of public intellectuals and holding institutions and people to account. If we want emancipatory politics and transformations in development, we need to challenge and improve what is done in the name of SDGs, keeping central the issues of social justice and ethical engagement. This is perhaps the most critical thing geographers can undertake going forward in order to dismantle the master’s current house.
Incidence and risk factors of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension following venous thromboembolism, a population‐based cohort study in England
Authors: Martinez C. , Wallenhorst C. , Teal S. , Cohen A.T. , Peacock A.J.
Published: July 2018

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a complication of unresolved organised pulmonary emboli/thrombi obstructing the major pulmonary arteries. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence and risk factors of CTEPH in a cohort with first venous thromboembolism (VTE). This was a population‐based cohort study of patients with first VTE and no active cancer in England between 2001 and 2012. CTEPH was assessed using a rigorous case‐ascertainment algorithm. Risk factors for CTEPH were studied using a nested case‐control approach by matching CTEPH cases to VTE patients without CTEPH. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) of comorbidities were estimated from conditional logistic regression. During 81,413 person‐years of follow‐up among 23,329 patients with first VTE (mean follow‐up 3.5 years; maximum 11.0 years) 283 patients were diagnosed with CTEPH (incidence rate 3.5 per 1000 person‐years); cumulative incidence was 1.3% and 3.3% at 2 and 10 years after pulmonary embolism, and 0.3% and 1.3% following deep vein thrombosis (DVT), respectively. Risk factors for CTEPH included age over 70, OR 2.04 (95% CI 1.23 to 3.38), female gender, 1.44 (1.06 to 1.94), pulmonary embolism at first VTE, 3.11 (2.23 to 4.35), subsequent pulmonary embolism and DVT, 3.17 (2.02 to 4.96) and 2.46 (1.34 to 4.51) respectively, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 3.17 (2.13 to 4.73), heart failure 2.52 (1.76 to 3.63) and atrial fibrillation, 2.42 (1.71 to 3.42). CTEPH develops most commonly after pulmonary embolism and less frequently after DVT. Awareness of risk factors may increase referrals to specialised centres for confirmation of CTEPH and initiation of specific treatment.
Orexin-A protects SH-SY5Y cells against H2O2-induced oxidative damage via the PI3K/MEK1/2/ERK1/2 signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Chun-Mei , Yang Chun-Qing , Cheng Bao-Hua , Chen Jing , Bai Bo
Published: July 2018

Orexin-A elicits multiple potent effects on a variety of tumor cells via different signaling pathways. However, it is unknown whether it has a neuroprotective effect on SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. This study investigated the neuroprotective effect of Orexin-A against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative damage in SH-SY5Y cells and the underlying mechanism. H2O2 treatment decreased the viability of SH-SY5Y cells, induced apoptosis, and decreased superoxide dismutase activity. Orexin-A attenuated these effects, indicating that it protects SH-SY5Y cells against H2O2-induced oxidative damage. Pre-treatment with Orexin-A also attenuated H2O2-induced increases in phosphorylation of MEK1/2 and ERK1/2. Moreover, these effects of Orexin-A were reduced in the presence of the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Finally, pre-treatment with LY294002 abrogated attenuation of the H2O2-induced decrease in cell viability and increase in caspase-3/7 activity by Orexin-A. These results show that the PI3K/MEK1/2/ERK1/2 signaling pathway is involved in the neuroprotective effects of Orexin-A against H2O2-induced oxidative damage in SH-SY5Y cells. Our findings provide insight into the neuroprotective effects of Orexin-A and the underlying mechanism, which will be useful for the treatment of nervous system diseases.
Examining the Decoupling Model of Equanimity in Mindfulness Training: An Intensive Experience Sampling Study
Authors: Shoham Adi , Hadash Yuval , Bernstein Amit
Published: July 2018

Although Buddhist thought and contemporary psychological science have theorized that equanimity may be a critical outcome and salutary mechanism of action of mindfulness, empirical evidence is limited. Eighty-two meditation-naive adults (52% female; Mage = 25.05 years, SD = 3.26 years) from the general community participated in a 3-week, six-session mindfulness training intervention. Prior to and then over the course of the intervention, in the contexts of daily living and mindfulness meditation, we collected 52 digital experience samples (2–3/day). Mixed-linear models permitted analysis of data much like 82 single-subject multiple-baseline experimental design data sets. The practice and cultivation of mindfulness states were associated with elevations in manifestations of equanimity (i.e., elevated willingness and decreased hedonic-based avoidance), which were robust to spontaneous subjective stress as well as experimentally evoked idiographic negative self-referential thoughts. Mindfulness may therefore function to decouple desire (wanting and not wanting) from the hedonic tone of experience (pleasant and unpleasant).
Boundary Crossing and Reflexivity: Navigating the Complexity of Cultural and Linguistic Identity
Authors: Kassis-Henderson Jane , Cohen Linda , McCulloch Rosalind
Published: July 2018

Recent research demonstrates that operating effectively across boundaries is more complex than traditional essentialist models in cross-cultural studies suggest. The authors present a teaching model that leverages this research and moves away from static comparative models of intercultural interaction. Using self-reflexive and analytical processes, students learn to apprehend the multiple facets of their own and others’ identities as these become salient in different contexts. The article shows that through the experience of this course, students develop a mind-set which is essential to deal with the complexity facing today’s professionals. Students are quoted verbatim to illustrate the success of this model.
Effects of Bone Fragility and Antiresorptive Drugs on Periodontal Disease and Tooth Loss: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Penoni D.C. , Leão A.T.T. , Torres S.R. , Farias M.L.F. , Fernandes T.M. , Crivelli M. , Vettore M.V.
Published: July 2018

This longitudinal study aimed to elucidate whether systemic bone fragility predicts severe periodontal clinical attachment loss (CAL) and tooth loss over the years and to test the influence of bone medication and periodontal maintenance in these relationships. Elderly women were evaluated for bone mineral density (BMD) and for fracture risk assessment (FRAX) in a cross-sectional analysis and retrospective follow-up (6- and 10-y periods). Data on BMD and FRAX were used as indicators of bone fragility in structural equation modeling. Periodontal examination and data on postmenopausal tooth loss were recorded. Multivariate Poisson regression models with robust covariance were used to estimate relative risk (RR) and 95% CI of BMD and FRAX for sites with CAL ≥6 mm and for tooth loss. The cross-sectional analysis included 134 women aged 65 to 80 y, and from them 71 and 49 women had available data for analysis in the 6- and 10-y follow-up periods, respectively. Bone fragility predicted severe CAL over 10 y (e.g., femoral neck: 10-y analysis, β = −0.389, P = 0.005; cross-sectional, β = −0.190, P = 0.004); however, this association did not remain significant when the use of bone medication was evaluated. Poisson regression showed that a better skeletal condition was associated with a lower risk of severe periodontal disease and tooth loss (cross-sectional femoral neck: RR = 0.08, P < 0.001; RR = 0.03, P < 0.001, respectively) when not adjusted for bone medication and periodontal maintenance. The receiver operating characteristic curve suggested that women with osteoporosis should be referred for periodontal assessment (sensitivity = 71.0%, specificity = 70.0%). Bone fragility is a relevant longitudinal predictor of severe periodontal disease and tooth loss among elderly women. The use of bisphosphonates improved the bone condition as well as the periodontal status. Periodontal maintenance also minimized the negative impact of low BMD on teeth-supportive tissues in the studied population.

Knowledge Transfer Statement: The results of this study present evidence that the management of bone fragility and osteoporosis may be important in the prevention of periodontal attachment loss and future tooth loss. Besides the antiresorptive effects of the antiosteoporosis drugs on systemic bone conditions, these medications may protect periodontal tissues. The interaction of health care professionals such as dentists and physicians represents a key role for the approach to women’s health, especially in an aging world.
Vernacular Architecture of Handloom Sari Weavers in India: A Case for Conservation of Traditional Houses and Settlements of Handloom Weavers’ Clusters
Authors: Bagchee Aruna
Published: July 2018

This article pleads for concerted action to conserve the tangible heritage of iconic sari weaving clusters in India. Handloom weaving is an ancient and highly skilled craft. Weavers’ homes which also function as their artisanal workshops represent a unique typology of dual purpose vernacular architecture. We discuss the significance of this architecture, its close links with the traditional craft of handloom weaving, and the results of a pilot project to safeguard this valuable built heritage in the historical town of Chanderi in India.
Alcohol-based surgical hand preparation: translating scientific evidence into clinical practice
Authors: Gaspar Gilberto G. , Menegueti Mayra G. , Lopes Ana Elisa R. , Santos Roberto O. C. , de Araújo Thamiris R. , Nassiff Aline , Ferreira Lécio R. , Dallora Maria Eulalia L. V. , Canini Silvia R. M. S. , Bellissimo-Rodrigues Fernando
Published: July 2018

Background

Although alcohol-based surgical hand preparation offers potential advantages over the traditional surgical scrubbing technique, implementing it may be challenging due to resistance of surgeons in changing their practice. We aimed to implement alcohol-based surgical hand preparation in the hospital setting evaluating the impact of that on the quality and duration of the procedure, as well as on the prevention of surgical site infections.

Methods

A quasi-experimental study conducted at a tertiary-care university hospital from April 01 to November 01, 2017. Participants were cardiac and orthopedic surgical teams (n = 56) and patients operated by them (n = 231). Intervention consisted of making alcohol-based handrub available in the operating room, convincing and training surgical teams for using it, promoting direct observation of surgical hand preparation, and providing aggregated feedback on the quality of the preparation. The primary study outcome was the quality of the surgical hand preparation, inferred by the compliance with each one of the steps predicted in the World Health Organization (WHO) technique, evaluated through direct observation. Secondary study outcome was the patient’s individual probability of developing surgical site infection in both study periods. We used the Wilcoxon for paired samples and McNemar’s test to assess the primary study outcome and we build a logistic regression model to assess the secondary outcome.

Results

We observed 534 surgical hand preparation events. Among 33 participants with full data available for both study periods, we observed full compliance with all the steps predicted in the WHO technique in 0.03% (1/33) of them in the pre-intervention period and in 36.36% (12/33) of them in the intervention period (OR:12.0, 95% CI: 2. 4-59.2, p = 0.002). Compared to the pre-intervention period, the intervention reduced the duration of the preparation (4.8 min vs 2.7 min, respectively; p < 0.001). The individual risk of developing a surgical site infection did not significantly change between the pre-intervention and the intervention phase (Adjusted RR = 0.66; 95% CI 0. 16-2.70, p = 0.563).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that, when compared to the traditional surgical scrub, alcohol-based surgical hand preparation improves the quality and reduces the duration of the preparation, being at least equally effective for the prevention of surgical site infections.
Efficacy of praziquantel treatment regimens in pre-school and school aged children infected with schistosomes in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review
Authors: Kabuyaya Muhubiri , Chimbari Moses John , Mukaratirwa Samson
Published: July 2018

Background

Schistosomiasis is a serious public health burden in sub-Saharan Africa. Praziquantel is the only drug recommended by the World Health Organization to treat both urogenital and intestinal schistosomiasis. The reliance on a single drug to treat a disease with such a huge burden has raised concerns of possible drug resistance mainly in endemic areas. This systematic review was conducted to identify gaps and recent progress on the efficacy of different regimens of praziquantel in treating schistosomiasis among children in sub-Saharan Africa where Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium are endemic.

Main text

A literature search of peer-reviewed journals was done on Google Scholar, MEDLINE (under EBSCOhost) and PubMed databases using pre-defined search terms and Boolean operators. The search included studies published from 2008 to 2017 (August) with emphasis on the efficacy of praziquantel on S. haematobium and S. mansoni infections among preschool and school children. Nineteen publications satisfied the inclusion criteria for the review. The studies reviewed were from 10 sub-Saharan African countries and 7/19 of the studies (37%) were conducted in Uganda. Seven studies (37%) focused on Schistosoma mansoni, 6/19 (31.5%) on S. haematobium and another 6 on mixed infection. A single standard dose of 40 mg/kg body weight was the most used regimen (9) followed by the repeated single standard dose assessed for efficacy at 3–4 weeks post-treatment.

Conclusions

A repeated standard dose of 40 mg/kg achieved satisfactory efficacy compared to a single dose against both parasite species. However, findings on efficacy of repeated doses in co-infection of S. mansoni and S. haematobium were not conclusive. Praziquantel administrated at 60 mg/kg was slightly more efficacious than the 40 mg/kg standard dose. Minor and transitory side-effects were reported for both regimens. The review indicates that further investigations are necessary to conclusively determine efficacy of praziquantel on coinfection of S. haematobium and S. mansoni to formulate concrete guidelines on the use of repeated doses at 40 or 60 mg/kg for treating schistosomiasis. We recommend the use of the egg reduction rate (ERR) formula recommended by the WHO for assessing praziquantel efficacy in order for the results to be comparable for different regions.
Plane-wave domain least-squares reverse time migration with free-surface multiples
Authors: Liu Xuejian , Liu Yike
Published: July 2018

Free-surface multiples have been used in the reverse time migration (RTM) procedure to provide additional subsurface illumination. However, imaging multiple reflections with conventional RTM operators generates many crosstalk artifacts. Least-squares RTM (LSRTM) can be used to iteratively suppress crosstalk artifacts of multiples; however, the method is computationally intensive. By applying the linear Radon transformation to hundreds of shots of acquired data to produce dozens of plane-wave gathers, we have developed plane-wave domain LSRTM with free-surface multiples, which could efficiently provide images from the multiples with the crosstalk artifacts effectively suppressed. The proposed method has high computational efficiency when the dynamic plane-wave encoding scheme is used, in which only one or two plane-wave gathers of multiples are migrated at each iteration. We apply the method to numerical Pluto1.5 data and find that the proposed method can reduce most crosstalk artifacts and enhance spatial resolution, using even less computational time relative to RTM with multiples. Furthermore, joint imaging of primaries and multiples by plane-wave LSRTM can provide broader illumination and higher fold for the subsurface when compared with the imaging process with primaries only.
The Galperin source: A novel efficient multicomponent seismic source
Authors: Häusler Mauro , Schmelzbach Cedric , Sollberger David
Published: July 2018

Multicomponent acquisition enables a more complete observation of the seismic wavefield compared with single-component measurements and has therefore experienced increased interest in the past few decades. Whereas the use of multicomponent receivers is well-established, efficient and effective multicomponent sources are still difficult to realize. One of the main drawbacks of common multicomponent sources is that the source coupling differs for different components. Differences in the source coupling can lead to amplitude variations introducing uncertainties when jointly analyzing data from two or three components (e.g., for multicomponent polarization analysis). To overcome this problem, we have designed a new multicomponent vector source, referred to as the Galperin source. The design is inspired by the Galperin receiver configuration, and it consists of three orthogonal source vectors ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text]), which all have the same inclination relative to the horizontal. Using the Galperin configuration, three orthogonal source components can be acquired without moving the source and changing the source coupling, which also increases acquisition efficiency. We built a prototype of the Galperin source and compared it with other multicomponent sources used for near-surface investigations. Comparisons in the time and frequency domains indicate a good agreement between data acquired using the Galperin source and other, more conventional, sources. However, because the three source acquisition vectors [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] and the resulting processing coordinates [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] are linked by a rotational matrix, errors on one component can project into others. Therefore, precise leveling of the Galperin source and identical source strength for all three source components is essential to minimize errors.
Pax6 regulation of Sox9 in the mouse retinal pigmented epithelium controls its timely differentiation and choroid vasculature development
Authors: Cohen-Tayar Yamit , Cohen Hadar , Mitiagin Yulia , Abravanel Zohar , Levy Carmit , Idelson Masha , Reubinoff Benjamin , Itzkovitz Shalev , Raviv Shaul , Kaestner Klaus H. , Blinder Pablo , Elkon Ran , Ashery-Padan Ruth
Published: July 2018

The synchronized differentiation of neuronal and vascular tissues is crucial for normal organ development and function, although there is limited information about the mechanisms regulating the coordinated development of these tissues. The choroid vasculature of the eye serves as the main blood supply to the metabolically active photoreceptors, and develops together with the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE). Here, we describe a novel regulatory relationship between the RPE transcription factors Pax6 and Sox9 that controls the timing of RPE differentiation and the adjacent choroid maturation. We used a novel machine learning algorithm tool to analyze high resolution imaging of the choroid in Pax6 and Sox9 conditional mutant mice. Additional unbiased transcriptomic analyses in mutant mice and RPE cells generated from human embryonic stem cells, as well as chromatin immunoprecipitation and high-throughput analyses, revealed secreted factors that are regulated by Pax6 and Sox9. These factors might be involved in choroid development and in the pathogenesis of the common blinding disease: age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Single-cell biology: resolving biological complexity, one cell at a time
Authors: Ranzoni Anna M. , Cvejic Ana
Published: July 2018

In March 2018, over 250 researchers came together at the Wellcome Genome Campus in Hinxton, Cambridge, UK, to present their latest research in the area of single-cell biology. A highly interdisciplinary meeting, the Single Cell Biology conference covered a variety of topics, ranging from cutting-edge technological innovation, developmental biology and stem cell research to evolution and cancer. This meeting report summarises the key findings presented and the major research themes that emerged during the conference.
The MAPK Erk5 is necessary for proper skeletogenesis involving a Smurf-Smad-Sox9 molecular axis
Authors: Iezaki Takashi , Fukasawa Kazuya , Horie Tetsuhiro , Park Gyujin , Robinson Samuel , Nakaya Michio , Fujita Hiroyuki , Onishi Yuki , Ozaki Kakeru , Kanayama Takashi , Hiraiwa Manami , Kitaguchi Yuka , Kaneda Katsuyuki , Yoneda Yukio , Takarada Takeshi , Guo X. Edward , Kurose Hitoshi , Hinoi Eiichi
Published: July 2018

Erk5 belongs to the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family. Following its phosphorylation by Mek5, Erk5 modulates several signaling pathways in a number of cell types. In this study, we demonstrated that Erk5 inactivation in mesenchymal cells causes abnormalities in skeletal development by inducing Sox9, an important transcription factor of skeletogenesis. We further demonstrate that Erk5 directly phosphorylates and activates Smurf2 (a ubiquitin E3 ligase) at Thr249, which promotes the proteasomal degradation of Smad proteins and phosphorylates Smad1 at Ser206 in the linker region known to trigger its proteasomal degradation by Smurf1. Smads transcriptionally activated the expression of Sox9 in mesenchymal cells. Accordingly, removal of one Sox9 allele in mesenchymal cells from Erk5-deficient mice rescued some abnormalities of skeletogenesis. These findings highlight the importance of the Mek5-Erk5-Smurf-Smad-Sox9 axis in mammalian skeletogenesis.
RDH10-mediated retinol metabolism and RARα-mediated retinoic acid signaling are required for submandibular salivary gland initiation
Authors: Metzler Melissa A. , Raja Swetha , Elliott Kelsey H. , Friedl Regina M. , Tran Nhut Quang Huy , Brugmann Samantha A. , Larsen Melinda , Sandell Lisa L.
Published: July 2018

In mammals, the epithelial tissues of major salivary glands generate saliva and drain it into the oral cavity. For submandibular salivary glands (SMGs), the epithelial tissues arise during embryogenesis from naïve oral ectoderm adjacent to the base of the tongue, which begins to thicken, express SOX9 and invaginate into underlying mesenchyme. The developmental mechanisms initiating salivary gland development remain unexplored. In this study, we show that retinoic acid (RA) signaling activity at the site of gland initiation is colocalized with expression of retinol metabolic genes Rdh10 and Aldh1a2 in the underlying SMG mesenchyme. Utilizing a novel ex vivo assay for SMG initiation developed for this study, we show that RDH10 and RA are required for salivary gland initiation. Moreover, we show that the requirement for RA in gland initiation involves canonical signaling through retinoic acid receptors (RAR). Finally, we show that RA signaling essential for gland initiation is transduced specifically through RARα, with no contribution from other RAR isoforms. This is the first study to identify a molecular signal regulating mammalian salivary gland initiation.
Life in the flow: unique adaptations for feeding on drifting zooplankton in garden eels
Authors: Khrizman Alexandra , Ribak Gal , Churilov Dmitri , Kolesnikov Irena , Genin Amatzia
Published: July 2018

A major challenge faced by sessile animals that feed in the flow is to maintain effective feeding postures while enduring hydrodynamic forces. Garden eels exhibit an exceptional lifestyle: feeding on drifting zooplankton while being “anchored” in a burrow they dig in the sand. Using underwater observations, sampling and 3-D video recording, we measured the feeding rates and characterized feeding postures of garden eels under a wide range of current speeds. We show that the eels behaviorally resolve the tradeoff between adverse biomechanical forces and beneficial fluxes of food by modulating their body postures according to current speeds. In doing so, the eels substantially reduce drag forces when currents are strong, yet keep their head well above bottom in order to effectively feed under conditions of high prey fluxes. Those abilities allowed garden eels to become one of the rare oceanic fishes that live in sandy, predation-rich habitats and feed on zooplankton while being attached to the bottom.
LUTTE CONTRE LES MALADIES INFECTIEUSES: 2
Authors: DALLING Sir THOMAS
Published: July 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΔΕΔΟΜΕΝΑ ΤΙΝΑ ΕΠΙ ΤΗΣ ΦΥΣΙΟΛΟΓΙΑΣ ΤΗΣ ΕΚΚΡΙΣΕΩΣ ΤΟΥ ΓΑΛΑΚΤΟΣ
Authors: ΠΑΠΑΡΓΥΡΗΣ ΣΠΥΡΟΣ Γ.
Published: July 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΜΕΛΕΤΗ ΕΠΙ ΤΩΝ ΒΡΟΥΚΕΛΛΩΣΕΩΝ ΤΩΝ ΖΩΩΝ ΕΝ ΕΛΛΑΔΙ
Authors: ΔΡΑΓΩΝΑΣ ΠΑΝΤΕΛΗΣ Ν.
Published: July 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΜΑΘΗΜΑΤΙΚΗ Δ1ΕΡΕΥΝΗΣΙΣ ΤΟΥ ΕΚ ΔΙΑΤΡΟΦΗΣ ΚΟΣΤΟΥΣ TOY ΩΟΥ
Authors: ΚΑΛΑΪΣΑΚΗΣ Π.
Published: July 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΣΥΜΒΟΛΗ ΕΙΣ ΤΗΝ ΜΕΛΕΤΗΝ ΤΗΣ ΔΡΑΣΕΩΣ ΠΑΡΑΓΟΝΤΩΝ ΤΙΝΩΝ ΕΚ ΤΩΝ ΕΠΗΡΕΑΖΟΝΤΩΝ ΤΗΝ ΚΑΤΑΝΑΛΩΣΙΝ ΤΗΣ ΤΡΟΦΗΣ ΕΙΣ ΤΑΣ Ω0Τ0Κ0ΥΣ ΟΡΝΙΘΑΣ
Authors: ΔΗΜΑΚΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ Ι. , ΚΑΛΑΪΣΑΚΗΣ Π.
Published: July 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΑΙ ΙΟΝΙΖΟΥΣΑΙ ΑΚΤΙΝΟΒΟΛΙΑΙ ΚΑΙ Η ΣΠΟΥΔΑΙΟΤΗΣ ΑΥΤΩΝ ΕΝ ΤΗ ΒΙΟΛΟΓΙΑ
Authors: ΑΝΔΡΙΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ Α.
Published: July 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
ΕΠΙΔΡΑΣΙΣ ΤΩΝ ΣΠΕΡΜΑΤΟΔΟΤΩΝ ΤΑΥΡΩΝ ΤΟΥ ΣΤΑΘΜΟΥ ΚΤΗΝΟΤΡΟΦΙΚΗΣ ΕΡΕΥΝΗΣ ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗΣ ΕΠΙ ΤΗΣ ΓΑΛΑΚΤΟΠΑΡΑΓΩΓΗΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΠΟΓΟΝΩΝ ΤΩΝ
Authors: ΒΛΑΧΟΥ Κ. , ΚΑΛΛΙΦΑΤΙΔΟΥ Ι.
Published: July 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
A three minutes supine position test reveals higher risk of spinal anesthesia induced hypotension during cesarean delivery. An observational study.
Authors: Erango Markos , Frigessi Arnoldo , Rosseland Leiv Arne
Published: July 2018

Background: Cesarean delivery is performed under spinal anesthesia, and vasodilation is the main cause for a drop in blood pressure. The compression of the aorta and inferior vena cava by the gravid uterus is of additional clinical importance. Hypotension may occur during cesarean delivery even if prophylactic infusion of phenylephrine is practiced. We have tested if a 3 minute supine observation, can identify a subset of women with decreasing systolic arterial pressure (SAP) under spinal anesthesia.

Methods: We performed a prospective observational study at Oslo University Hospital on healthy pregnant women for planned cesarean delivery. Continuous measurements of calibrated invasive SAP and estimated cardiac output were recorded for 76 women in a 3 minutes measurement with the woman in the left lateral position, followed by supine position for 3 minutes. Using functional data clustering, principal component analysis and curve smoothing, to filter way noise and reduce the dimensionality of the signal, we clustered the women into separate SAP groups.  

Results: We identified two significantly different groups of women during supine position; one characterized by initial drop in SAP, the other showed initial increase. After spinal anesthesia, the mean SAP curve of the women in the first group showed a drop in blood pressure, which was more rapid than for the other women. A minor difference in cardiac output was observed between the two groups of women with the mean cardiac output curve for the first group being higher.

Conclusions: This work indicates that supine position affect clinically relevant cardiovascular measurements in pregnant women. A simple test may identify patients with increased risk of spinal anesthesia induced hypotension.