bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wound closure expectations after fasciotomy for paediatric compartment syndrome
Authors: Shirley E. D. , Mai V. , Neal K. M. , Kiebzak G. M.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Acute compartment syndrome often requires additional surgery to achieve wound closure. Little information exists regarding the expected number of surgeries, techniques and complications after closure in paediatric patients.

Methods

A retrospective chart review identified patients treated for acute compartment syndrome at four hospitals over a ten-year period. The cause of injury, type of dressing, number of surgeries, type of closure and complications were recorded.

Results

In all, 32 patients (mean 10.9 years, 1 to 17) who underwent 18 lower and 14 upper extremity fasciotomies met inclusion criteria. Definitive wound closure technique was delayed primary in 72%, split thickness skin graft in 25%, and primary in 3% of patients. Closure required a mean 2.4 surgeries (0 to 4) over a mean 7.7 days (0 to 34). Days to closure and number of surgeries required were not significantly affected by mechanism of injury, fasciotomy location or type of dressing used. A total of 23.1% of patients with upper extremity and 0% with lower extremity fasciotomies had concerns about the scar appearance. Other complications included neurapraxia (6.7%), stiffness (6.7%), swelling (3.3%), scar pain (3.3%) and weakness (3.3%).

Conclusions

The most common complication after paediatric compartment syndrome is an unpleasant scar. Wound closure after upper or lower extremity fasciotomies in paediatric patients requires a split thickness skin graft in approximately one in four patients. However, avoiding a skin graft does not guarantee the absence of cosmetic concerns, which are more likely following upper extremity fasciotomies.

Level of Evidence

IV
Periarteriolar Glioblastoma Stem Cell Niches Express Bone Marrow Hematopoietic Stem Cell Niche Proteins
Authors: Hira Vashendriya V.V. , Wormer Jill R. , Kakar Hala , Breznik Barbara , van der Swaan Britt , Hulsbos Renske , Tigchelaar Wikky , Tonar Zbynek , Khurshed Mohammed , Molenaar Remco J. , Van Noorden Cornelis J.F.
Published: January 2018

In glioblastoma, a fraction of malignant cells consists of therapy-resistant glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) residing in protective niches that recapitulate hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niches in bone marrow. We have previously shown that HSC niche proteins stromal cell–derived factor-1α (SDF-1α), C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), osteopontin (OPN), and cathepsin K (CatK) are expressed in hypoxic GSC niches around arterioles in five human glioblastoma samples. In HSC niches, HSCs are retained by binding of SDF-1α and OPN to their receptors CXCR4 and CD44, respectively. Protease CatK cleaves SDF-1α to release HSCs out of niches. The aim of the present study was to reproduce the immunohistochemical localization of these GSC markers in 16 human glioblastoma samples with the addition of three novel markers. Furthermore, we assessed the type of blood vessels associated with GSC niches. In total, we found seven GSC niches containing CD133-positive and nestin-positive GSCs as a single-cell layer exclusively around the tunica adventitia of 2% of the CD31-positive and SMA-positive arterioles and not around capillaries and venules. Niches expressed SDF-1α, CXCR4, CatK, OPN, CD44, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, and vascular endothelial growth factor. In conclusion, we show that GSC niches are present around arterioles and express bone marrow HSC niche proteins.
Here Is Information: Mobilise. Selected writings by Ian White, Mike Sperlinger (ed.) (2016)
Authors: McStravick Conal
Published: January 2018

London: LUX, 352 pp., ISBN: 9780992884055, hardback, £22
The Video Show: A Festival of Independent Video
Authors: Webb-Ingall Ed
Published: January 2018

The Video Show: A Festival of Independent Video and the events that followed this exhibition, which took place at the Serpentine Gallery, London, 1975, will provide an historical context to consider the ongoing and complex relationship between art and activism, which surrounded the use of video since its arrival in the United Kingdom in the early 1970s. ‘Artist video’ on the one hand and ‘community video’ on the other, will be framed by the actions of London Video Arts (LVA), who formed to support artists working with video and the Association of Video Workers (AVW), who formed to support people working with video on a not-for-profit basis.
Systems and constraints: Contexts for a British cinema of ‘intentional limitation’
Authors: Windhausen Federico
Published: January 2018

This article groups together a small number of films made at the London Filmmakers’ Co-operative in the first half of the 1970s, primarily by film-makers such as Chris Welsby and William Raban, who are more typically discussed in relation to the category of ‘landscape films’. The films discussed here explore the restrictive and expansive possibilities of systems, constraints and procedural processes. They often resemble other experimental films that deploy repetition, but they are distinguished by the following feature: the consistent use of predetermined rules and prescripts; in-camera editing that either follows preselected schema and set procedures or breaks from these for specific reasons; and causal mechanisms, often requiring the film-maker to react to events occurring at a specific site. These practices draw from and contribute to a broader interest in systems-oriented and constraint-based processes that also encompass literature and painting. Consequently, this study looks at two collectives, Oulipo and the Systems Group, in order to provide a more period-specific contextualization of this tendency within the Co-op. Linking together much of this work are beliefs and attitudes such as the resistance to romantic notions of creative activity and the view that the artwork’s form is more than simply a static construct.
Analysis of Catalytic Material Effect on the Photovoltaic Properties of Monolithic Dye-sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Nursam Natalita Maulani , Istiqomah Ade , Hidayat Jojo , Anggraini Putri Nur , - Shobih
Published: January 2018

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) are widely developed due to their attractive appearance and simple fabrication processes. One of the challenges that arise in the DSSC fabrication involves high material cost associated with the cost of conductive substrate. DSSC with monolithic configuration was then developed on the basis of this motivation. In this contribution, titanium dioxide-based monolithic type DSSCs were fabricated on a single fluorine-doped transparent oxide coated glass using porous ZrO2 as spacer. Herein, the catalytic material for the counter-electrode was varied using carbon composite and platinum in order to analyze their effect on the solar cell efficiency. Four-point probe measurement revealed that the carbon composite exhibited slightly higher conductivity with a sheet resistance of 9.8 Ω/sq and 10.9 Ω/sq for carbon and platinum, respectively. Likewise, the photoconversion efficiency of the monolithic cells with carbon counter-electrode almost doubled the efficiency of the cells with platinum counter-electrode. Our results demonstrate that carbon could outperform the performance of platinum as catalytic material in monolithic DSSC.
Tracking System for Indoor TV Antenna Based on CVBS Signal Processing
Authors: Miawarni Herti , Hidayat M. Mahaputra , Sumpeno Surya , Setijadi Eko
Published: January 2018

Analog terrestrial TV is still a popular choice for urban societies although the migration to digital system has already begun. Video quality of analog TV was heavily influenced by performance of the antenna. Most users prefer to use indoor antenna due to its simplicity. The disadvantage of this type of antenna is the users may need to change the antenna direction repeatedly when they change to different TV channel. In this research, we designed and developed tracking system that enable indoor TV antenna to adjust its direction automatically to get optimum video clarity. This system is built by several servo motors and telescopic antennas. Composite Video Baseband Signal (CVBS) processing is used to obtain reference information regarding video clarity level conditions on TV screen. The results show that CVBS signal processing has performance in describing video clarity level. System performance has been verified from trial results on some UHF channels. Minimum tracking time is reach 23.4 second and the maximum reach 24.6 second.
An Empirical Study of Policy Implementation of Thailand Talent Mobility Programme
Authors: Koseeyaporn Poolsak , Kaweekijmanee Kittisak , Kitipongwatana Arum , Wiarachai Oraphan
Published: January 2018

This paper empirically examines the national policy deployment of talent mobility programme aiming to leverage innovation atmosphere in private sector as a part of national strategy to escape middle income country status. The main policy mechanism is to facilitate universities and research institutes to develop their internal regulations in accordance with the Cabinet approval such that their talents can be legally mobilised to conduct research or project in private companies for competitiveness improvement. Moreover, clearing houses or service centres were established to eliminate the gap between industry and university, whereas training programmes were also developed for capacity building purpose, especially for staffs in those centres. Lastly, facilitation resources such as management, research fund, and compensation were mutually supported by government agencies including National Science Technology and Innovation Policy Office and Office of the Higher Education Commission. Based on data collection from the talent mobility projects executed during 2014 to 2016, key success factors and barriers were observed and subsequently the policy recommendations were proposed for improving the programme implementation in future.
 
Keywords: Talent Mobility, STI Policy, GEDP
Diagnostic value of newborn foot length to predict gestational age
Authors: Fawziah Mutia Farah , Soebagyo Bambang , Hidayah Dwi
Published: January 2018

Background  Identification of gestational age, especially within 48 hours of birth, is crucial for newborns, as the earlier preterm status is detected, the earlier the child can receive optimal management. Newborn foot length is an anthropometric measurement which is easy to perform, inexpensive, and potentially efficient for predicting gestational age.Objective  To analyze the diagnostic value of newborn foot length in predicting gestational age.Methods  This diagnostic study was performed between October 2016 and February 2017 in the High Care Unit of Neonates at Dr. Moewardi General Hospital, Surakarta. A total of 152 newborns were consecutively selected and underwent right foot length measurements before 96 hours of age. The correlation between newborn foot length to classify as full term and gestational age was analyzed with Spearman’s correlation test because of non-normal data distribution. The cut-off point of newborn foot length was calculated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and diagnostic values of newborn foot length were analyzed by 2 x 2 table with SPSS 21.0 software.Results There were no significant differences between male and female newborns in terms of gestational age, birth weight, choronological age, and newborn foot length (P>0.05). Newborn foot length and gestational age had a significant correlation (r=0.53; P=0.000). The optimal cut-off newborn foot length to predict full term status was 7.1 cm. Newborn foot length below 7.1 cm had sensitivity 75%, specificity 98%, positive predictive value 94.3%, negative predictive value 90.6%, positive likelihood ratio 40.5, negative likelihood ratio 0.25, and post-test probability 94.29%, to predict preterm status in newborns.Conclusion  Newborn foot length can be used to predict gestational age, especially for the purpose of differentiating between preterm and full term newborns.
Waist circumference and insulin levels in obese children
Authors: Cempaka Vina Paramitha , Sidiartha I Gusti Lanang
Published: January 2018

Background Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. Its prevalence has increased at an alarming rate. Overweight and obese children are prone to obesity in adulthood and to developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age. Increased waist circumference has been shown to contribute to the risk of metabolic syndrome in obese adults.Objective To assess for a correlation between waist circumference and insulin level in obese children.Methods In this cross-sectional study, obese children aged 6-10 years were included by consecutive sampling. We excluded children with infectious disease, malignancy, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or those who had not fasted before the blood draw. Subjects underwent waist circumference and fasting blood glucose measurements. Serum insulin levels were examined by enzyme-labeled chemiluminescent immunometric assay,after subjects had fasted for 10-14 hours. Data were analyzed by correlation analysis.Results Subjects had a mean waist circumference of 80.2 cm (SD 7.2) and mean insulin level of 10.70 (SD 7.5). µIU/mL Pearson’s correlation test revealed a significant, moderately positive correlation between waist circumference and elevated insulin level (r=0.45; P=0.006).Conclusion Waist circumference and insulin level have a significant, moderate, positive correlation in obese children. As such, waist circumference may be a simple method for early detection of hyperinsulinemia, as a risk factor for metabolic syndrome.
Traces of Besov, Triebel-Lizorkin and Sobolev Spaces on Metric Spaces
Authors: Saksman Eero , Soto Tomás
Published: January 2018

We establish trace theorems for function spaces defined on general Ahlfors regular metric spaces Z. The results cover the Triebel-Lizorkin spaces and the Besov spaces for smoothness indices s < 1, as well as the first order Hajłasz-Sobolev space M1,p(Z). They generalize the classical results from the Euclidean setting, since the traces of these function spaces onto any closed Ahlfors regular subset F ⊂ Z are Besov spaces defined intrinsically on F. Our method employs the definitions of the function spaces via hyperbolic fillings of the underlying metric space.
Further Evidence of a Brown Dwarf Orbiting the Post-Common Envelope Eclipsing Binary V470 Cam (HS 0705+6700)
Authors: Bogensberger David , Clarke Fraser , Lynas-Gray Anthony Eugene
Published: January 2018

Several post-common envelope binaries have slightly increasing, decreasing or oscillating orbital periods. One of several possible explanations is light travel-time changes, caused by the binary centre-of-mass being perturbed by the gravitational pull of a third body. Further studies are necessary because it is not clear how a third body could have survived subdwarf progenitor mass-loss at the tip of the Red Giant Branch, or formed subsequently. Thirty-nine primary eclipse times for V470 Cam were secured with the Philip Wetton Telescope during the period 2016 November 25th to 2017 January 27th. Available eclipse timings suggest a brown dwarf tertiary having a mass of at least 0.0236(40) M⊙, an elliptical orbit with an eccentricity of 0.376(98) and an orbital period of 11.77(67) years about the binary centreof- mass. The mass and orbit suggest a hybrid formation, in which some ejected material from the subdwarf progenitor was accreted on to a precursor tertiary component, although additional observations would be needed to confirm this interpretation and investigate other possible origins for the binary orbital period change.
On the 3He anomaly in hot subdwarf B stars
Authors: Schneider David , Irrgang Andreas , Heber Ulrich , Nieva Maria F. , Przybilla Norbert
Published: January 2018

Decades ago, 3He isotope enrichment in helium-weak B-type main-sequence, in blue horizontal branch and in hot subdwarf B (sdB) stars, i.e., helium-core burning stars of the extreme horizontal branch, were discovered. Diffusion processes in the atmosphere of these stars lead to the observed abundance anomalies. Quantitative spectral analyses of high-resolution spectra to derive photospheric isotopic helium abundance ratios for known 3He sdBs have not been performed yet. We present preliminary results of high-resolution and high S/N spectra to determine the 3He and 4He abundances of nine known 3He sdBs. We used a hybrid local/non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE/NLTE) approach for B-type stars investigating multiple He i lines, including λ4922 Å and λ6678 Å, which show the strongest isotopic shifts in the optical spectral range.We also report the discovery of four new 3He sdBs from the ESO Supernova Progenitor survey. Most of the 3He sdBs cluster in a narrow temperature strip between ∼ 26000 K and ∼ 30000 K and have almost no atmospheric 4He at all. Interestingly, three 3He sdBs show evidence for vertical helium stratification.
Second order evolution equations with nonlocal conditions
Authors: Benchohra Mouffak , Nieto Juan J. , Rezoug Noreddine
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we shall establish sufficient conditions for the existence of solutions for second order semilinear functional evolutions equation with nonlocal conditions in Fréchet spaces. Our approach is based on the concepts of Hausdorff measure, noncompactness and Tikhonoff’s fixed point theorem. We give an example for illustration.
Almost periodic solutions of Volterra difference systems
Authors: Koyuncuoglu Halis Can , Adıvar Murat
Published: January 2018

We study the existence of an almost periodic solution of discrete Volterra systems by means of fixed point theory. Using discrete variant of exponential dichotomy, we provide sufficient conditions for the existence of an almost periodic solution. Hence, we provide an alternative solution for the open problem proposed in the literature.
Assessing the importance of High Nature Value farmlands for the conservation of Lesser Kestrels Falco naumanni
Authors: Galanaki Antonia , Kominos Theodoros , Jones Martin J.
Published: January 2018

Agricultural areas, such as cereal cultivations, that support species of European and/or national conservation concern are considered as ‘High Nature Value’ farmlands (HNVf) and are very important for the preservation of biodiversity in Europe. The lesser kestrel Falco naumanni is a migratory falcon breeding largely in the HNVf of the Mediterranean basin. The main cause of its decline in Europe has been habitat loss and degradation as a result of agricultural intensification driven largely by the EU Common Agricultural Policies (CAP). In Greece, its population dropped by about 50% since the 1970s and its preferred habitats have shrunk. The aim of this study was to assess habitat preferences of breeding Lesser Kestrels in agro-ecosystems of Greece and relate these habitats to HNVf for conservation purposes. The study area is located in the plain of Thessaly, Central Greece, holding the main lesser kestrel breeding populations in the country, where dry cereal crops have been significantly depleted over the past decades. Species distribution models were developed with generalised additive models for the analyses. Predicted probability of lesser kestrel occurrence was found to be positively associated with farmed landscapes of dry cereal cultivations. Other important predictors were cultivated irrigated farmland and landscape heterogeneity. Main results of the statistical models agree with the findings of other habitatbased studies that highlight the importance of low-input farming systems, that is, HNVf, for safeguarding vital Lesser Kestrels habitats in their breeding grounds in the Mediterranean. A key conservation priority for conserving species dependant on HNVf is the maintenance of those low-input farming systems and the implementation of a greener CAP that would promote environmental-friendly farming practices to preserve and enhance biodiversity in the agro-ecosystems of Europe.
A Democratic Expertise? Public Participation in Science-based Decision-making
Authors: Bevilacqua Dario
Published: January 2018

The article focuses on the importance of technical and scientific assessments in present public regulation, notably in extra-national governance. The necessity to rely on experts’ opinions in order to neutralize decisions, so to avoid arbitrariness and harmonize policies, is both crucial and increasingly predominant. Nonetheless, such evaluations are not always neutral, sound or independent. This may produce arbitrary decisions for regulatory measures that need to be at least impartial. Instead of proposing to shift the decision-making on behalf of discretionary or political regulators, the article insists on the idea of improving the moment of scientific assessment. The tool to increase the reliability of science-based opinions without compromising scientific neutrality is to realize a knowledge-based participation, only open to qualified interveners. The latter should be experts belonging to no-profit private associations pursuing public interests, with the aim to open up the discussion in uncertain fields of scientific investigation. This would make science democratic, but aims to legitimize its opinions – by adding democratic devices to scientific assessment – when they are not objective and have a regulatory effect, assuming that experts are exercising an (indirect) role of public regulators. The implementation of a mechanism of public participation in scientific assessments – limited to a selected representation of stakeholders qualified for their competence, knowledge and preparation – would enhance a scientific debate that would make scientific assessments plural without conditioning them to public opinion. Such a model could have advantages and some drawbacks, although the latter could be overcome with the application of an effective and efficient legal discipline covering the entire procedure.
Metabolic Reprogramming of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: The Role of miRNAs
Authors: Qattan Amal
Published: January 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are well known to influence the expression of the genes that regulate critical cellular functions. Various reports have suggested that they play critical roles in breast cancer metabolism through the regulation of various metabolic pathways, including the metabolism of glucose, lipids, glycolysis and the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA). miRNAs regulate the metabolic process by targeting key molecules (enzymes, kinases transporters) or by modifying the expression of key transcription molecules. In addition, miRNAs can indirectly regulate mRNA translation by targeting chromatin-remodeling enzymes. Furthermore, miRNAs influence the expression of both oncogenes and tumor suppressors and have a major impact on PI3K/AKT, HIF, and MYC signal transduction, which contributes to the metabolic phenotype in human cancer. Although human epidermal growth factor and endocrine therapies have been effective in treating breast cancer, for locally advanced and distant metastases mortality remains high. Drug resistance and recurrence remain major hurdles for advanced breast cancer therapy. Given the critical influence of metabolic reprogramming in the progression of neoplasm, tumorigenesis and metastasis, research should focus on novel targets of metabolic enzymes to reverse drug resistance and improve overall survival rates. Blocking the miRNAs that contribute to metabolic reprogramming or the use of exogenous miRNAs as antisense oligonucleotides, may be an effective way to treat aggressive, chemo-resistant cancers. This review summarizes current knowledge on the mechanism of action of miRNAs in altering the metabolism of cancer cells and presents possible therapeutic approaches to treating breast cancers that are resistant to current drugs.
Modification of Bikerman model with specific ion sizes
Authors: Horng Tzyy-Leng , Tsai Ping-Hsuan , Lin Tai-Chia
Published: January 2018

Classical Poisson-Boltzman and Poisson-Nernst-Planck models can only work when ion concentrations are very dilute, which often mismatches experiments. Researchers have been working on the modification to include finite-size effect of ions, which is non-negelible when ion concentrations are not dilute. One of modified models with steric effect is Bikerman model, which is rather popular nowadays. It is based on the consideration of ion size by putting additional entropy term for solvent in free energy. However, ion size is non-specific in original Bikerman model, which did not consider specific ion sizes. Many researchers have worked on the extension of Bikerman model to have specific ion sizes. A direct extension of original Bikerman model by simply replacing the non-specific ion size to specific ones seems natural and has been acceptable to many researchers in this field.Herewe prove this straight forward extension, in some limiting situations, fails to uphold the basic requirement that ion occupation sites must be identical. This requirement is necessary when computing entropy via particle distribution on occupation sites.We derived a new modified Bikerman model for using specific ion sizes by fixing this problem, and obtained its modified Poisson-Boltzmann and Poisson-Nernst-Planck equations.
The crystal structure of N′-(2-nitrobenzylidene)-2-phenylacetohydrazide, C15H13N3O3
Authors: Li-Hua Wang , Qing-Yun Liu , Xi-Shi Tai
Published: January 2018

C15H13N3O3, orthorhombic, P212121 (no. 19), a = 8.6321(17) Å, b = 12.120(2) Å, c = 13.540(3) Å, V = 1416.6(5) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0453, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1141, T = 293(2) K.
The Origin and Evolution of the Opposition between Testimonial and Factual Evidentials in Purik and Other Varieties of Tibetan
Authors: Zemp Marius
Published: January 2018

The main purpose of this paper is to elucidate a special type of egophoric markers found in Purik and other varieties of Tibetan. These factual evidential markers, deriving from the Written Tibetan existential copula yod, are regularly used in Purik to profile not only events in which the informant participates, but also events which the informant is in the position to describe as facts even if she does not directly participate in them. The factual function of yod is argued here to reflect the indicative function yod served when it was the only existential copula at a stage of the language in which no evidential functions had grammaticalized yet. A comparison of the evidential inventory of Purik with those of other well documented Tibetan varieties reveals that it was in resultative constructions that yod first became contrasted by ’dug *‘was there’, facilitating the reanalysis of two evidentially opposed existential copulas. Hence, the factual meaning of yod formed in contrast to testimonial ’dug. The evolution of the factual yod is traced from its first emergence up to its restriction to egophoric contexts in Central Tibetan, and compared with that of egophoric markers in West Himalayish Bunan.
A study about the Tutte polynomials of benzenoid chains
Authors: Sahin Abdulgani
Published: January 2018

The Tutte polynomials for signed graphs were introduced by Kauffman. In 2012, Fath-Tabar, Gholam-Rezaeı and Ashrafı presented a formula for computing Tutte polynomial of a benzenoid chain. From this point on, we have also calculated the Tutte polynomials of signed graphs of benzenoid chains in this study.
Time Course of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Muscle Damage Markers for 5 Days After a Soccer Match: Effects of Sex and Playing Position
Authors: Souglis Athanasios , Bogdanis Gregory C. , Chryssanthopoulos Costas , Apostolidis Nikolaos , Geladas Nickos D.
Published: January 2018

Souglis, A, Bogdanis, GC, Chryssanthopoulos, C, Apostolidis, N, and Geladas, ND. Time course of oxidative stress, inflammation and muscle damage markers for 5 days after a soccer match: Effects of sex and playing position. J Strength Cond Res 32(7): 2045–2054, 2018—This study examined the influence of sex and playing position on the time course of selected oxidative stress, inflammation, and muscle damage markers after an official soccer match. Sixty professional soccer players (30 men and 30 women) were divided into 3 groups, according to their playing position: defenders, midfielders, and attackers. Each group consisted of 10 male and 10 female players. Sixty healthy volunteers (30 men and 30 women) served as control. Blood samples were taken before and after the match and daily for 5 days after the match. Analysis of variance revealed different responses over time between sex and playing positions, as shown by the 3-way interaction, for creatine kinase (CK), protein carbonyls (PCs), catalase, fibrinogen, uric acid (UA), lactate dehydrogenase, reduced glutathione, C-reactive protein, and interleukin 6 (p < 0.01). Male players had higher values compared with women of the same playing position, for all oxidative, inflammatory, and muscle damage indices (p < 0.01). Also, in both sexes, midfielders had higher peaks in all indices compared with defenders (p < 0.05). Five days after the game CK and UA concentrations had not returned to pregame levels in any exercise group, whereas PCs were still elevated in male midfielders and attackers (p < 0.05). These results show that sex and playing position influence the time course of selected oxidative stress, inflammation, and muscle damage markers after an official soccer game. This information should be taken into account by practitioners for the design of training programs after match play.
Locus Coeruleus Activity Strengthens Prioritized Memories Under Arousal
Authors: Clewett David V. , Huang Ringo , Velasco Rico , Lee Tae-Ho , Mather Mara
Published: January 2018

Recent models posit that bursts of locus ceruleus (LC) activity amplify neural gain such that limited attention and encoding resources focus even more on prioritized mental representations under arousal. Here, we tested this hypothesis in human males and females using fMRI, neuromelanin MRI, and pupil dilation, a biomarker of arousal and LC activity. During scanning, participants performed a monetary incentive encoding task in which threat of punishment motivated them to prioritize encoding of scene images over superimposed objects. Threat of punishment elicited arousal and selectively enhanced memory for goal-relevant scenes. Furthermore, trial-level pupil dilations predicted better scene memory under threat, but were not related to object memory outcomes. fMRI analyses revealed that greater threat-evoked pupil dilations were positively associated with greater scene encoding activity in LC and parahippocampal cortex, a region specialized to process scene information. Across participants, this pattern of LC engagement for goal-relevant encoding was correlated with neuromelanin signal intensity, providing the first evidence that LC structure relates to its activation pattern during cognitive processing. Threat also reduced dynamic functional connectivity between high-priority (parahippocampal place area) and lower-priority (lateral occipital cortex) category-selective visual cortex in ways that predicted increased memory selectivity. Together, these findings support the idea that, under arousal, LC activity selectively strengthens prioritized memory representations by modulating local and functional network-level patterns of information processing.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAdaptive behavior relies on the ability to select and store important information amid distraction. Prioritizing encoding of task-relevant inputs is especially critical in threatening or arousing situations, when forming these memories is essential for avoiding danger in the future. However, little is known about the arousal mechanisms that support such memory selectivity. Using fMRI, neuromelanin MRI, and pupil measures, we demonstrate that locus ceruleus (LC) activity amplifies neural gain such that limited encoding resources focus even more on prioritized mental representations under arousal. For the first time, we also show that LC structure relates to its involvement in threat-related encoding processes. These results shed new light on the brain mechanisms by which we process important information when it is most needed.
Safety and tolerability of one-year intramuscular testosterone regime to induce puberty in older men with CHH
Authors: Pazderska Agnieszka , Mamoojee Yaasir , Artham Satish , Miller Margaret , Ball Stephen G , Cheetham Tim , Quinton Richard
Published: January 2018

We present herein our 20-year experience of pubertal induction in apubertal older (median age 56 years; range 38.4–69.5) men with congenital hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (n = 7) using a simple fixed-dose and fixed-interval intramuscular testosterone that we originally pioneered in relation to achieving virilisation of natal female transgender men. This regime was effective and well tolerated, resulting in complete virilisation by around 1 year after treatment initiation. No physical or psychological adverse effects were encountered in this group of potentially vulnerable individuals. There were no abnormal excursions of laboratory parameters and extended follow-up beyond the first year of treatment revealed remarkable improvements in bone density. We highlight advantages to both patients and physicians of this regime in testosterone-naïve older men with congenital hypogonadism and discourage the over-rigid application to such patients of treatment algorithms derived from paediatric practice in relation to the evaluation and management in younger teenagers with delayed puberty of uncertain cause.
The impact of preload reduction with head-up tilt testing on longitudinal and transverse left ventricular mechanics: a study utilizing deformation volume analysis
Authors: Schneider Caroline , Forsythe Lynsey , Somauroo John , George Keith , Oxborough David
Published: January 2018

Background Left ventricular (LV) function is dependent on load, intrinsic contractility and relaxation with a variable impact on specific mechanics. Strain (ε) imaging allows the assessment of cardiac function; however, the direct relationship between volume and strain is currently unknown. The aim of this study was to establish the impact of preload reduction through head-up tilt (HUT) testing on simultaneous left ventricular (LV) longitudinal and transverse function and their respective contribution to volume change.

Methods: A focused transthoracic echocardiogram was performed on 10 healthy male participants (23 ± 3 years) in the supine position and following 1 min and 5 min of HUT testing. Raw temporal longitudinal ε (Ls) and transverse ε (Ts) values were exported and divided into 5% increments across the cardiac cycle and corresponding LV volumes were traced at each 5% increment. This provided simultaneous LV longitudinal and transverse ε and volume loops (deformation volume analysis–DVA).

Results: There was a leftward shift of the ε-volume loop from supine to 1 min and 5 min of HUT (P < 0.001). Moreover, longitudinal shortening was reduced (P < 0.001) with a concomitant increase in transverse thickening from supine to 1 min, which was further augmented at 5 min (P = 0.018).

Conclusions: Preload reduction occurs within 1 min of HUT but does not further reduce at 5 min. This decline is associated with a decrease in longitudinal ε and concomitant increase in transverse ε. Consequently, augmented transverse relaxation appears to be an important factor in the maintenance of LV filling in the setting of reduced preload. DVA provides information on the relative contribution of mechanics to a change in LV volume and may have a role in the assessment of clinical populations.
SULFATION PATHWAYS: Sources and biological activities of marine sulfated steroids
Authors: Carvalhal Francisca , Correia-da-Silva Marta , Sousa Emília , Pinto Madalena , Kijjoa Anake
Published: January 2018

Marine environment is rich in structurally unique molecules and can be an inspiring source of novel drugs. Currently, six marine-derived drugs are in the market with FDA approval and several more are in the clinical pipeline. Structurally diverse and complex secondary metabolites have been isolated from the marine world and these include sulfated steroids. Biological activities of nearly 150 marine sulfated steroids reported from 1978 to 2017 are compiled and described, namely antimicrobial, antitumor, cardiovascular and antifouling activities. Structure–activity relationship for each activity is discussed.
Modeling the Evolution of Female Meiotic Drive in Maize
Authors: Hall David W , Dawe R Kelly
Published: January 2018

Autosomal drivers violate Mendel’s law of segregation in that they are overrepresented in gametes of heterozygous parents. For drivers to be polymorphic within populations rather than fixing, their transmission advantage must be offset by deleterious effects on other fitness components. In this paper, we develop an analytical model for the evolution of autosomal drivers that is motivated by the neocentromere drive system found in maize. In particular, we model both the transmission advantage and deleterious fitness effects on seed viability, pollen viability, seed to adult survival mediated by maternal genotype, and seed to adult survival mediated by offspring genotype. We derive general, biologically intuitive conditions for the four most likely evolutionary outcomes and discuss the expected evolution of autosomal drivers given these conditions. Finally, we determine the expected equilibrium allele frequencies predicted by the model given recent estimates of fitness components for all relevant genotypes and show that the predicted equilibrium is within the range observed in maize land races for levels of drive at the low end of what has been observed.
The Complexities and Nuances of Analyzing the Genome of Drosophila ananassae and Its Wolbachia Endosymbiont
Authors: Dunning Hotopp Julie C , Klasson Lisa
Published: January 2018

In “Retrotransposons Are the Major Contributors to the Expansion of the Drosophila ananassae Muller F Element,” Leung et al. (2017) improved contigs attributed to the Muller F element from the original CAF1 assembly, and used them to conclude that most of the sequence expansion of the fourth chromosome of D. ananassae is due to a higher transposon load than previously thought, but is not due to Wolbachia DNA integrations. While we do not disagree with the first conclusion, the authors base their second conclusion on the lack of homology detected between their improved CAF1 genome assembly attributed to D. ananassae and reference Wolbachia genomes. While the consensus CAF1 genome assembly lacks any sequence similarity to the reference genome of the Wolbachia endosymbiont of Drosophila melanogaster (wMel), numerous studies from multiple laboratories provide experimental support for a large lateral/horizontal gene transfer (LGT) of a Wolbachia genome into this D. ananassae line. As such, we strongly suspect that the original whole genome assembly was either constructed after the removal of all Wolbachia reads, or that Wolbachia sequences were directly removed from the contigs in the CAF1 assembly. Hence, Leung et al. (2017) could not have identified the Wolbachia LGT using the CAF1 assembly. This manuscript by Leung et al. (2017) highlights that an assembly of the Wolbachia sequence reads and their mate pairs was erroneously attributed solely to the Wolbachia endosymbiont, albeit before we understood the extent of LGT in D. ananassae. As such, we recommend that the sequences deposited at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) under PRJNA13365 should not be attributed to Wolbachia endosymbiont of D. ananassae, but should have their taxonomy reclassified by NCBI as “Unclassified sequences.” As our knowledge about genome biology improves, we need to reconsider and reanalyze earlier genomes removing the prejudice introduced from now defunct paradigms.
Genome-Wide Screen forSaccharomyces cerevisiaeGenes Contributing to Opportunistic Pathogenicity in an Invertebrate Model Host
Authors: Phadke Sujal S , Maclean Calum J , Zhao Serena Y , Mueller Emmi A , Michelotti Lucas A , Norman Kaitlyn L , Kumar Anuj , James Timothy Y
Published: January 2018

Environmental opportunistic pathogens can exploit vulnerable hosts through expression of traits selected for in their natural environments. Pathogenicity is itself a complicated trait underpinned by multiple complex traits, such as thermotolerance, morphology, and stress response. The baker’s yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is a species with broad environmental tolerance that has been increasingly reported as an opportunistic pathogen of humans. Here we leveraged the genetic resources available in yeast and a model insect species, the greater waxmoth Galleria mellonella, to provide a genome-wide analysis of pathogenicity factors. Using serial passaging experiments of genetically marked wild-type strains, a hybrid strain was identified as the most fit genotype across all replicates. To dissect the genetic basis for pathogenicity in the hybrid isolate, bulk segregant analysis was performed which revealed eight quantitative trait loci significantly differing between the two bulks with alleles from both parents contributing to pathogenicity. A second passaging experiment with a library of deletion mutants for most yeast genes identified a large number of mutations whose relative fitness differed in vivovs.in vitro, including mutations in genes controlling cell wall integrity, mitochondrial function, and tyrosine metabolism. Yeast is presumably subjected to a massive assault by the innate insect immune system that leads to melanization of the host and to a large bottleneck in yeast population size. Our data support that resistance to the innate immune response of the insect is key to survival in the host and identifies shared genetic mechanisms between S. cerevisiae and other opportunistic fungal pathogens.
Development and validation of the Griffith University Affective Learning Scale (GUALS): A tool for assessing affective learning in health professional students’ reflective journals
Authors: Rogers Gary D. , Mey Amary , Chan Pit Cheng , Lombard Marise , Miller Fiona
Published: January 2018

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. BackgroundAssessment of health students' attainment of cognitive and psychomotor learning outcomes is achieved through the application of well-established methods. However, for learning in the affective domain, which, in the health professions, is closely associated with the development of 'professionalism', assessment remains challenging as there is a dearth of validated, reliable and practical tools available. The aim of this study was to develop and test the reliability of an instrument assess for evidence of affective learning in the reflective journals of health professional students who have participated in emotionally-impactive learning experiences.MethodBased on the findings of our earlier published work on the assessment of affective learning (Rogers, Mey & Chan, 2017), we developed a practical tool known as the Griffith University Affective Learning Scale (GUALS). We trained a pool of learning facilitators in the assessment of affective learning and the use of the instrument. Two facilitators, in parallel, independently graded each of the daily journals of 26 medical students undertaking a week-long immersive simulation activity. Assessors were asked to rate the highest level of affective learning evident in each journal. Statistical analysis explored score distribution, means and inter-rater differences.ResultsOne hundred and twenty-five journal entries (five from each of 25 students - one selected student had missing journals and was thus excluded from the analysis) were rated by a total of seven trained facilitators. Scores were normally distributed, with a mean of 4.23 (SD = 1.10) on a seven-point scale. Inter-rater absolute score concordance was seen for 45.6% of the journals, with a mean inter-rater difference of 0.56 points, maximum difference of 2.00 points and intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.86 (95% Cl: 0.80 - 0.90).ConclusionsGUALS, when utilised by trained assessors, appears to be a reliable tool to assess for evidence of affective learning in medical students' journals related to emotionally-impactive simulated clinical experiences. Further research should explore its utilisation in relation to other learning experiences such as real clinical setting encounters, as well as with students from other health professions and in other settings where the assessment of affective learning is important.
Effect of dental laboratory exposure on dental students: A preliminary investigation
Authors: Deshpande Saee , Joshi Jayashree , Radke Usha
Published: January 2018

This article was migrated. The article was not marked as recommended. Background:Teaching dental materials in first and second BDS training years is a very demanding task. The theory can be taught but the relevant clinical and laboratory procedures can be shown only in third and final BDS. Therefore, understanding can be improved if technical laboratory procedures are shown live to these students in early years.Methodology:An early laboratory exposure was planned for second BDS students related to various dental materials including dental ceramic, waxes and casting procedures. 60 students were divided in 2 groups of control and experimental respectively. Pre-test and post-test were administered. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to know their perceptions regarding the intervention.Results:The mean scores were pretest 29±3 and for control group 33±2 and for experimental group 45±4. the difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). Common themes that emerged from semistructured interviews included better understanding of the topics especially technical procedures and scope of dental laboratory in clinical practice.Conclusion:Early laboratory exposure can be successfully coupled with traditional teaching of dental materials in early years of BDS training to provide a practical context to theoretical learning.
The Development and Implementation of New Assessment Tools for the Surgical Clerkship Rotation
Authors: Kolar Mila , Katsoulas Eleni , Toprak Ayca , Nowlan-Suart Theresa , Davidson Lindsay , Winthrop Andrea , Hastings-Truelove Amber , Stockley Denise
Published: January 2018

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Innovation: We developed two new rubrics with explicit behavioural anchors to assess students in the Queen's undergraduate medical education (UGME) surgery clerkship rotation. These rotation rubrics, complemented by a new ambulatory clinic encounter card, improved the quality, consistency, and timeliness of feedback for clerks from faculty preceptors. This innovation was introduced during a comprehensive workplace-based assessment re-design being undertaken in the Department of Surgery as part of the transition to a post-graduate competency-based medical education (CBME) system for post-graduate education (PGME). The core UGME working group, comprised of a faculty surgeon, assessment consultant, and a surgical resident, selected terminology and designed the tool visual structure to be similar to the new post-graduate assessment tools, since most preceptors supervise learners in both programs. This consistency enhanced buy-in from faculty and ensured a smooth transition to the use of the new UGME tools. Development: The new assessment process was developed and piloted in three phases: (1) development of an assessment system based on rubrics with explicit behavioural descriptors as the key assessment tools; (2) implementation of a pilot study to establish the acceptability and feasibility of the use of these rubrics, with iterative revisions based on stakeholder feedback; and (3) development of a validity argument for the use of these assessment tools. The latter is scheduled for 2018. Outcomes: The use of these rotation behaviour-anchored rubrics and corresponding ambulatory clinic encounter card has greatly improved the mid- and final-rotation feedback provided to students on the Surgery Clerkship. The concrete, descriptive information provided by the rubrics allows the course director to provide specific feedback during rotation exit meetings. The course director has the ability to clearly articulate to students the areas where they have met (or exceeded) the expected level of competency, as well as areas which require additional attention.