bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metformin alleviates muscle wasting post-thermal injury by increasing Pax7-positive muscle progenitor cells
Authors: Yousuf Yusef , Datu Andrea , Barnes Ben , Amini-Nik Saeid , Jeschke Marc G.
Published: January 2020

Background

Profound skeletal muscle wasting and weakness is common after severe burn and persists for years after injury contributing to morbidity and mortality of burn patients. Currently, no ideal treatment exists to inhibit muscle catabolism. Metformin is an anti-diabetic agent that manages hyperglycemia but has also been shown to have a beneficial effect on stem cells after injury. We hypothesize that metformin administration will increase protein synthesis in the skeletal muscle by increasing the proliferation of muscle progenitor cells, thus mitigating muscle atrophy post-burn injury.

Methods

To determine whether metformin can attenuate muscle catabolism following burn injury, we utilized a 30% total burn surface area (TBSA) full-thickness scald burn in mice and compared burn injuries with and without metformin treatment. We examined the gastrocnemius muscle at 7 and 14 days post-burn injury.

Results

At 7 days, burn injury significantly reduced myofiber cross-sectional area (CSA) compared to sham,p < 0.05. Metformin treatment significantly attenuated muscle catabolism and preserved muscle CSA at the sham size. To investigate metformin’s effect on satellite cells (muscle progenitors), we examined changes in Pax7, a transcription factor regulating the proliferation of muscle progenitors. Burned animals treated with metformin had a significant increase in Pax7 protein level and the number of Pax7-positive cells at 7 days post-burn,p < 0.05. Moreover, through BrdU proliferation assay, we show that metformin treatment increased the proliferation of satellite cells at 7 days post-burn injury,p < 0.05.

Conclusion

In summary, metformin’s various metabolic effects and its modulation of stem cells make it an attractive alternative to mitigate burn-induced muscle wasting while also managing hyperglycemia.
Stem cell-derived cell sheet transplantation for heart tissue repair in myocardial infarction
Authors: Guo Rui , Morimatsu Masatoshi , Feng Tian , Lan Feng , Chang Dehua , Wan Feng , Ling Yunpeng
Published: January 2020

Stem cell-derived sheet engineering has been developed as the next-generation treatment for myocardial infarction (MI) and offers attractive advantages in comparison with direct stem cell transplantation and scaffold tissue engineering. Furthermore, induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cell sheets have been indicated to possess higher potential for MI therapy than other stem cell-derived sheets because of their capacity to form vascularized networks for fabricating thickened human cardiac tissue and their long-term therapeutic effects after transplantation in MI. To date, stem cell sheet transplantation has exhibited a dramatic role in attenuating cardiac dysfunction and improving clinical manifestations of heart failure in MI. In this review, we retrospectively summarized the current applications and strategy of stem cell-derived cell sheet technology for heart tissue repair in MI.
Oral submucous fibrosis: A contemporary narrative review with a proposed inter-professional approach for an early diagnosis and clinical management
Authors: Rao Naman R. , Villa Alessandro , More Chandramani B. , Jayasinghe Ruwan D. , Kerr Alexander Ross , Johnson Newell W.
Published: January 2020

Oral Submucous fibrosis (OSMF) has traditionally been described as “a chronic, insidious, scarring disease of the oral cavity, often with involvement of the pharynx and the upper esophagus”. Millions of individuals are affected, especially in South and South East Asian countries. The main risk factor is areca nut chewing. Due to its high morbidity and high malignant transformation rate, constant efforts have been made to develop effective management. Despite this, there have been no significant improvements in prognosis for decades. This expert opinion paper updates the literature and provides a critique of diagnostic and therapeutic pitfalls common in developing countries and of deficiencies in management. An inter-professional model is proposed to avoid these pitfalls and to reduce these deficiencies.
Geomorphometric characterisation of natural and anthropogenic land covers
Authors: Cao Wenfang , Sofia Giulia , Tarolli Paolo
Published: January 2020

The scientific community has widely discussed the role of abiotic and biotic forces in reshaping the Earth’s surface. Currently, the literature is debating whether humans are leaving a topographic signature on the landscape. Apart from the influence of humans on processes, does the resulting landscape bear an unmistakable signature of anthropogenic activities? This research analyses from a statistical point of view the morphological signature of anthropogenic and natural land covers in different topographic context, as a fundamental challenge in the emerging debate of human-environment relationships and the modelling of global environmental change. It aims to explore how intrinsically small-scale processes, related to land use, can influence the form of entire landscapes and to determine whether these processes create a distinctive topography. The work focusses on four study areas in floodplains, plain to hilly, hills and mountains, for which LiDAR-derived Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) are available. Surface morphology is described with different geomorphometric parameters (slope, mean curvature and surface peak curvature) and their frequency distribution. The results show that the distribution of geomorphometric indices can reveal anthropogenic land covers and landscapes. In most cases, different land covers show statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in their morphology. Finally, this study demonstrates the possibility to use a geomorphic analysis to quantify anthropogenic impact based on land covers in different landscape contexts. This provides useful insight into understanding the impact of human activities on the present morphology and offers a comprehensive understanding of coupling human-land interaction from a geomorphological point of view.
Mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma with loss of HER2 positivity after trastuzumab-based chemotherapy for HER2-positive gastric cancer: a case report
Authors: Nagata Hiromi , Tsujimoto Hironori , Yaguchi Yoshihisa , Kouzu Keita , Itazaki Yujiro , Ishibashi Yusuke , Tsuchiya Satoshi , Sugihara Takao , Ito Nozomi , Harada Manabu , Nomura Shinsuke , Utsumi Yoshitaka , Shimazaki Hideyuki , Kishi Yoji , Ueno Hideki
Published: January 2020

Background

Trastuzumab (T-mab)-based chemotherapy is a standard regimen for human epithelial growth factor 2 (HER2)-positive gastric cancer. However, some patients have demonstrated a change in HER2 status after T-mab-based treatment of breast cancer. We report a rare case of mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma with loss of HER2 positivity after T-mab-based chemotherapy for HER2-positive gastric cancer.

Case presentation

A 60-year-old man presented with a mass of the upper abdomen, which was diagnosed as adenocarcinoma with a HER2 score of 3+ by endoscopic biopsy. He received seven cycles of combination chemotherapy with capecitabine, cisplatin, and T-mab. Subsequently, he underwent open total gastrectomy, distal pancreatosplenectomy, and extended left hepatic lobectomy as a conversion surgery. The surgically resected specimen demonstrated both adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine components; therefore, it was diagnosed as HER2-negative mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma. Although the patient received additional chemotherapy, multiple liver metastases appeared at 3 months postoperatively and he died at 6 months postoperatively because of the rapidly progressing metastatic tumor.

Conclusions

We encountered a rare case of rapidly progressive mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma that was negative for HER2 expression after T-mab treatment combined with chemotherapy.
Congenital hyperinsulinism associated with Hirschsprung’s disease—a report of an extremely rare case
Authors: Shono Takeshi , Shono Kumiko , Hashimoto Yoshiko , Taguchi Shohei , Masuda Masanori , Muramori Kastumi , Taguchi Tomoaki
Published: January 2020

Background

Congenital hyperinsulinism (CH) is a rare disease, characterized by severe hypoglycemia induced by inappropriate insulin secretion from pancreatic beta-cells in neonate and infant. Hirschsprung’s disease (HD) is also a rare disease in which infants show severe bowel movement disorder. We herein report an extremely rare case of combined CH and HD.

Case presentation

The patient was a full-term male infant who showed poor feeding, vomiting, and hypotonia with lethargy on the day of birth. He was transferred to tertiary hospital after a laboratory analysis revealed hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia. The patient showed remarkable abdominal distension without meconium defecation. An abdominal X-ray showed marked dilatation of the large bowel. He was diagnosed with CH (nesidioblastosis) associated with suspected HD. He was initially treated with an intravenous infusion of high-dose glucose with the intermittent injection of glucagon. This was successfully followed by treatment with diazoxide and octreotide (a somatostatin analog). At 8 months of age, HD was confirmed by the acetylcholinesterase staining of a rectal mucosal biopsy specimen, and a transanal pull-through operation was performed to treat HD. At 14 months of age, subtotal pancreatectomy was performed for the treatment of focal CH located in the pancreatic body. His postoperative course over the past 12 years has been uneventful without any neurologic or bowel movement disorders.

Conclusions

Although it is extremely rare for CH to be associated with HD, associated HD should be considered when a patient with CH presents severe constipation.
Development of transomental hernia shortly after laparoscopic colonic surgery: a case report
Authors: Haruna Takahiro , Matsuda Akihisa , Koizumi Michihiro , Yamada Takeshi , Shinji Seiichi , Yokoyama Yasuyuki , Takahashi Goro , Hotta Masahiro , Iwai Takuma , Hara Keisuke , Takeda Kohki , Yoshida Hiroshi
Published: January 2020

Background

A transomental hernia is defined as bowel invagination into an abnormal hiatus of the omentum. It is a rare type of internal hernia that is sometimes lethal. We herein report a case of a transomental hernia developing shortly after laparoscopic sigmoidectomy.

Case presentation

A 71-year-old man underwent laparoscopic sigmoidectomy. He was admitted to our hospital because of abdominal pain and nausea on postoperative day 12. Laboratory investigation showed increased levels of inflammatory markers. Abdominal computed tomography showed a closed loop and mesenteric edema of the small intestine with ascites. We performed an emergency operation under the diagnosis of strangulated bowel obstruction. Operative findings showed internal herniation of strangulated ileal loops through a defect of the omentum with hemorrhagic ascites. The incarcerated small bowel was resected and reconstructed because the ischemic change was irreversible after the reduction. We partially resected the omentum that had formed the defect. The patient’s postoperative progress was good, and he was discharged on postoperative day 8.

Conclusions

Almost all internal hernias after intestinal surgery are mesenteric hernias; however, we should bear in mind that the more lethal transomental hernia is also possible. Therefore, immediate surgical exploration should be performed in a timely manner for internal hernias, especially for patients with early-onset symptoms after laparoscopic intestinal surgery.
The relationship between energy consumption, economic growth and carbon dioxide emissions in Pakistan
Authors: Khan Muhammad Kamran , Khan Muhammad Imran , Rehan Muhammad
Published: January 2020

Developing countries are facing the problem of environmental degradation. Environmental degradation is caused by the use of non-renewable energy consumptions for economic growth but the consequences of environmental degradation cannot be ignored. This primary purpose of this study is to investigate the nexus between energy consumption, economic growth and CO2emission in Pakistan by using annual time series data from 1965 to 2015. The estimated results of ARDL indicate that energy consumption and economic growth increase the CO2 emissions in Pakistan both in short run and long run. Based on the estimated results it is recommended that policy maker in Pakistan should adopt and promote such renewable energy sources that will help to meet the increased demand for energy by replacing old traditional energy sources such as coal, gas, and oil. Renewable energy sources are reusable that can reduce the CO2 emissions and also ensure sustainable economic development of Pakistan.
Participatory action research to pilot a model of mental health service user involvement in an Ethiopian rural primary healthcare setting: study protocol
Authors: Abayneh Sisay , Lempp Heidi , Hanlon Charlotte
Published: January 2020

Background

Involvement of service-users at all levels of the mental health system is a policy imperative in many countries internationally. However, putting policy into practice seems complex; little is known about how best to involve service users and efforts are often criticized for being tokenistic. In low-and-middle income countries, less attention has been given to the roles of service users within mental health systems. The proposed study is part of a larger project intended to develop service-user involvement in mental health system strengthening in Ethiopia. A Theory of Change (ToC) model has already been developed through a participatory approach. This study protocol aims to describe the theoretical background and methods to pilot this model using participatory action research (PAR) and explore participants’ experience of involvement.

Methods

The proposed study will apply a PAR approach situated in critical social theory and conduct a phenomenological case study to find out participants’ experience of involvement. This will be conducted in three stages. The focus of Stage 1 will be to(i) establish a Research Advisory Group (RAG), and Research Participant Group (RPG) at district and primary healthcare facility levels, respectively, and (ii) identify and prioritize potential areas of concern for involvement in the domains of advocacy, service planning and development, monitoring and improving service quality. In Stage 2, we will work with the RPG to develop a plan of action for the selected area. Stage 3 will aim to assist the RPG to implement and evaluate the plan of action. Process indicators and observation will be combined with in-depth interviews with participants to elicit their experiences of involvement. Thematic content analysis will be used.

Discussion

The participatory approach to mental health service user involvement in health system strengthening employed by this study will support the implementation of solutions through locally relevant and contextualized actions. Findings from this study will contribute to the body of knowledge towards understanding the complexity of implementation of service user involvement and refine the ToC model for transferability to similar settings.
Relation between perceived emotional intelligence and social factors in the educational context of Brazilian adolescents
Authors: Vaquero-Diego M. , Torrijos-Fincias P. , Rodriguez-Conde M. J.
Published: January 2020

Background

The study of emotional intelligence (EI), demographics, and family factors of adolescent high school students allows us to appraise adolescents’ skills for their academic and vocational training. The objectives of the study focus on whether there is any relationship between context variables such as gender, age of parents, or work activity, and self-perception of emotional intelligence.

Methodology

This study sampled 11.370 participants, aged between 12 and 17 years, in the 7th and 9th years of fundamental education, and the 3rd year of upper secondary education. Data from this study comes from students enrolled in the SESI schools of the City of Sao Paulo. To examine the data, we applied the TMMS-24 test to statistical analysis where gender relates to the three dimensions of perceived emotional intelligence (PEI): attention, clarity, and emotional repair.

Results

The results obtained allow us to show how teenagers are perceived with respect to three dimensions: attention, clarity and emotional repair, and thereby extrapolating the need to continue the promotion of emotional education in schools.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the application of the Brazilian version of the TMMS-24 in training programs in PEI must consider a whole series of sociocultural aspects. These aspects should start with a series of initial measures that allow for the perceptions of participants to be observed, and to extend onward to influence the willingness of the beneficiaries to participate in this type of intervention. Provided the intervention is anchored in a solid theoretical base, and executed under a rigorous study, its efficacy can be verified.
Doughnut bother! Histopathological examination of anastomotic doughnuts following colorectal anastomosis does not change patient management
Authors: Dixon Steven , Barrow Hannah , Hughes Jane
Published: January 2020

Introduction

The use of a circular stapling device to create an anastomosis following colonic or rectal resection is common practice in the United Kingdom. Histopathological analysis of the anastomotic doughnuts produced takes time and resources, but does it ever change patient management?

The aim of this study was to review the examination of doughnuts and whether patient treatment was altered by the findings.

Method

A retrospective case note review of all cases involving anastomotic doughnuts in a single trust between December 2010 and January 2018, was performed.

Results

There were 435 cases identified, male to female ratio was 2.0:1, age range 20–86 years and a median age of 66 years. 376 Doughnut samples were received by the pathology department (86.4%) and 354 were examined (81.4%). The disease processes involved were adenocarcinoma (n = 352, 80.9%), diverticular disease (n = 47, 10.8%), no residual disease/complete response (n = 22, 5.1%), adenoma (n = 7, 1.6%), mucinous (n = 5, 1.1%), Crohn’s disease (n = 1, 0.2%) and neuroendocrine (n = 1, 0.2%). Benign adenomatous change was identified in 4 cases (0.9%). No doughnuts examined contained dysplastic or malignant changes.

Conclusion

The histological examination of anastomotic doughnuts is extremely unlikely to identify malignant change and subsequently does not change patient management. Pathology departments could save time and resources by not routinely examining doughnuts.
Microbiological and molecular insights on rare Actinobacteria harboring bioactive prospective
Authors: Amin Dina H. , Abdallah Nagwa A. , Abolmaaty Assem , Tolba Sahar , Wellington Elizabeth M. H.
Published: January 2020

Background

Actinobacteriais as a group of advanced filamentous bacteria. RareActinobacteriaare of special interest as they are rarely isolated from the environments. They are a major source of important bioactive compounds. Determining the proper strategy for the identification ofActinobacteriaharboring biosynthetic gene clusters and producing bioactive molecules is a challenging platform.

Methodology

In this review, we discuss a consequence of microbiological and molecular methods for the identification of rareActinobacteria.In addition to that, we shed light on rareActinobacteria’s significance in antibiotic production. We also clarified molecular approaches for the manipulation of novel biosynthetic gene clusters via PCR screening, fosmid libraries, and Illumina whole-genome sequencing in combination with bioinformatics analysis.

Conclusion

Perceptions of the conventional and molecular identification ofActinobacteriawere conducted. This will open the door for the genetic manipulation of novel antibiotic gene clusters in heterologous hosts. Also, these conclusions will lead to constructing new bioactive molecules via genetically engineering biosynthetic pathways.
Surgical excision: an effective initial therapeutic option in the management of giant macrocystic lymphatic malformations in children
Authors: Hassan Moaied A. , Gatea Hasan K. , Ja’afar Thura K.
Published: January 2020

Background

Lymphatic malformations are rare benign cystic tumors that result from localized disordered embryologic development of the lymphatic system and can develop anywhere in the body, predominantly in the head and neck. These lesions are classified according to the diameter of the largest cystic cavity within the lesion into microcystic and macrocystic types. Historically, surgical excision has been considered the mainstay of treatment and still remains the first therapeutic option of choice for many surgeons particularly for giant macrocystic lesions. Several alternative therapeutic modalities emerged including intralesional sclerotherapy and laser therapy with encouraging results.

The study is designed to assess the effectiveness and safety of surgical excision as an initial therapeutic option in the management of these malformations.

Results

Asymptomatic mass with parental cosmetic and functional concerns was the mode of presentation in six (66.7%) patients. Seven (77.8%) patients were presented before the age of 2 years. Six (66.7%) of the patients had their lesions in the neck. Complete surgical excision was achieved in eight (88.9%) patients without any evident significant injury to vital neurovascular structures. None of the patients had any difficulties with breathing, swallowing, or phonation and cosmetic results were satisfactory in the majority (88.9%) of them.

Conclusion

Radical surgical excision of giant macrocystic lymphatic malformations in children is possible in experienced hands. It is an effective and safe initial therapeutic option and gives satisfactory esthetic and functional results.
Separation of simultaneous sources acquired with a high blending factor via coherence pass robust Radon operators
Authors: Lin Rongzhi , Sacchi Mauricio D.
Published: January 2020

We have developed an iterative method for simultaneous source separation (deblending) suitable for data acquired with a high blending factor. Our technique adopts the robust sparse Radon transform to define a coherence pass operator that is used in conjunction with the steepest-descent method to guarantee solutions that honor simultaneous source records. We find that an important improvement in convergence is attainable when the coherence pass projection is derived from a robust sparse Radon transform. This is a consequence of having an iterative deblending algorithm that applies intense denoising to erratic blending noise in its initial iterations. The coherence pass robust Radon operator acts as a data projection operator that preserves coherent signals and annihilates incoherent blending noise right from the start of the iterative process. We compare the algorithm with its nonrobust version and find that a coherence pass nonrobust Radon operator will only achieve high-quality results for acquisitions with a moderate blending factor.
Predicting and 3D modeling of karst zones using seismic facies analysis in Ordovician carbonates of the Tahe oilfield, China
Authors: Méndez José N. , Jin Qiang , González María , Hehua Wei , Boateng Cyril D.
Published: January 2020

Karsted carbonates of the Ordovician Yingshan Formation represent significant hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Tarim Basin, China. Due to the geologic complexity of the formation, realistically predicting and modeling karst zones and rock properties is challenging. This drives the need to apply diverse techniques for building a suitable geologic model. We have developed a static model approach that uses fully automated seismic facies classification processes for predicting and modeling patterns associated with karst elements. Our method uses a seismic attribute and well logs as input data. We initially processed a seismic facies volume using the hierarchical clustering technique. This is based on seismic attribute values that take into account an optimal number of classes. The outcome reveals various patterns illustrated with low amplitudes highlighting the geomorphology of paleokarst elements. Simultaneously, a seismic traces map of the karsted interval was processed using the hybrid clustering technique conducted on seismic trace shape. In this case, the karst facies was extracted from the output and used as secondary input data in trend analysis of the model. Both outputs obtained from clustering techniques are processed in a volume of the most probable facies, which delineate the karst patterns. The results of the modeling process are visualized in various time slices and cross sections, appropriately recognizing the relationship of estimated patterns with karst zones. We have evaluated the karstification thickness and porosity map obtained from the 3D model that detail a reasonable connectivity between karst elements. This is based on the paleogeographic location and type of filling, as well as the dissolution development along the main striking faults. Finally, our method outputs a logical model of karst zones located within the host rock, which reduces the uncertainty and identify nonperforated segments.
In the aftermath of clozapine discontinuation: comparative effectiveness and safety of antipsychotics in patients with schizophrenia who discontinue clozapine
Authors: Luykx Jurjen J. , Stam Noraly , Tanskanen Antti , Tiihonen Jari , Taipale Heidi
Published: January 2020

Background

Although clozapine is often discontinued, there is a paucity of guidelines and evidence on treatment options after clozapine discontinuation. Moreover, it is currently unknown whether reinstating clozapine in patients formerly using clozapine should be avoided.

Aims

To compare the real-world effectiveness of antipsychotics after clozapine cessation.

Method

From Finnish registry data (1995–2017), we identified 2250 patients with schizophrenia who had been using clozapine for ≥1 year before treatment cessation. The primary analysis consisted of adjusted within-individual analyses of psychiatric ward readmission owing to psychosis and treatment failure. Secondary analyses concerned between-individual mortality differences.

Results

Compared with no use of antipsychotics, risk of psychiatric ward readmission was lowest for reinitiation of clozapine (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.49; 95% CI 0.40–0.61; P < 0.0001), oral olanzapine (aHR 0.58; 95% CI 0.48–0.71; P < 0.0001) and antipsychotic polypharmacy (aHR 0.62; 95% CI 0.53–0.72; P < 0.0001). Risk of treatment failure was lowest for aripiprazole long acting injectable (aHR 0.42; 95% CI 0.27–0.65; P < 0.0001), reinitiation of clozapine (aHR 0.49; 95% CI 0.43–0.57; P < 0.0001) and oral olanzapine (aHR 0.69; 95% CI 0.61–0.77; P < 0.0001). Mortality risk was lowest for reinitiation of clozapine (aHR 0.18; 95% CI 0.09–0.36; P < 0.0001) and oral olanzapine (aHR 0.26; 95% CI 0.17–0.40; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Clozapine and olanzapine are the most effective and safest treatment options in those discontinuing clozapine for undefined reasons. Clozapine should therefore be reconsidered in patients with schizophrenia who previously discontinued this compound.
Prospective Initiative to Reduce Mucosal Barrier Injuries and Bloodstream Infections in Patients With Hematologic Malignancy Receiving Inpatient Chemotherapy
Authors: Reed Daniel , Sen Jeremy , Lassiter Katie , Thomas Tanya , Harr Erin , Daniels Elizabeth , Keng Michael
Published: January 2020

PURPOSE:

Mucosal barrier injury (MBI) occurs during periods of prolonged neutropenia in patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy for hematologic malignancies. This can lead to laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infections (LCBIs) and subsequent complications, including sepsis, organ failure, and possible death. There are no published prevention strategies for MBI. The purpose of our proposal was to decrease our MBI-LCBI events per month by 25%.

METHODS:

A multidisciplinary team was assembled to achieve this proposal. Cause-and-effect diagrams in addition to Pareto charts were used to investigate potential interventions. Using Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles, multiple tests of change were designed over the course of 3 years.

RESULTS:

The number of baseline events per month for MBI-LCBIs was 1.1. With the completion of the first PDSA cycle, the MBI-LCBI events dropped to 1.0 event per month. A second PDSA cycle involving implementation of an oral care kit improved to 0.35 events per month. This unfortunately was not sustained, and a root cause analysis demonstrated that physician noncompliance with ordering the oral kit was the main reason. After the change of a physician-driven protocol to a nurse-driven protocol, the third PDSA cycle resulted in a decrease in MBI-LCBI events to 0.89 events per month.

CONCLUSION:

To our knowledge, this is the first published report of an intervention to prevent MBI-LCBI events. Through a multidisciplinary approach and with quality improvement tools, we were able to demonstrate a significant reduction in MBI-LCBI events.
The Effect of Increased Intraocular Pressure During Steep Trendelenburg Positioning in Robotic Prostatectomy and Hysterectomy on Structural and Functional Ocular Parameters
Authors: Awad Hamdy , Bai Michael , Ramadan Mohamed Ehab , Shabsigh Ahmad , Backes Floor , Craven Mary Abigail , Abdel-Rasoul Mahmoud , Bergese Sergio D. , Slabaugh Mark
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND:

Robotic prostatectomy and robotic hysterectomy require steep Trendelenburg positioning. Many authors documented significant increases in intraocular pressure (IOP) during steep Trendelenburg. However, the long-term biological effect of a significant increase in IOP on the structural and functional ocular system is unknown. This study examines the effect of a significant increase in IOP on the visual acuity, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT), and ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness in 52 patients without preexisting ocular disease of both genders before and 3 months after their procedures.

METHODS:

This was a prospective cohort study. The total number of patients included was 56, then 3 females and 1 male case were excluded, totaling 28 robotic hysterectomies and 24 robotic prostatectomies were performed. Patients underwent complete eye examination before the procedure and 3 months after, measuring the main outcome of RNFLT and the secondary outcomes of GCC thickness, foveal threshold (FT), mean deviation (MD), and pattern standard deviation (PSD). These outcomes were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. On the day of surgery, we examined the IOP after induction of anesthesia, at the end of steep Trendelenburg, and in the recovery room.

RESULTS:

There were significant differences in IOP values at the end of steep Trendelenburg versus after induction and 45–60 minutes post-awakening (P < .001 for both groups). No difference between IOP 45 and 60 minutes post-awakening and IOP after induction was observed in either group. The highest IOPs occurred at the end of the steep Trendelenburg time point for both groups. The mean duration of steep Trendelenburg in robotic prostatectomy was 184.6 minutes (standard deviation [SD] = 30.8), while the mean duration in robotic hysterectomy was 123.0 minutes (SD = 29.8). All ophthalmologic examinations were normal preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. The ocular parameters in the retina and optic disk did not differ significantly before surgery and 3 months after.

CONCLUSIONS:

There is a significant increase in IOP during steep Trendelenburg positioning. There was no significant difference in the ocular parameters examined 3 months after the procedure in this cohort.
Poetics contra Psychoanalysis
Authors: Freer Alexander
Published: January 2020

This essay argues that psychoanalytic literary criticism has largely failed because it has assumed that literature and psychoanalysis share common analytical ground. It contends that psychoanalytic approaches necessarily deform literature, that literary readings deform psychoanalytic theory, and that the assumption of commonality between poetics and psychoanalysis causes psychoanalytic literary criticism to go astray. Advocating the opposite approach, the essay sets poetics against psychoanalysis, contending that where their mutual tension and disfigurement is recognized and investigated, psychoanalysis and literature can become genuinely available to one another.
First data on microflora of loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) nests from the coastlines of Sicily (Italy)
Authors: Gambino Delia , Persichetti Maria Flaminia , Gentile Antonino , Arculeo Marco , Visconti Giulia , Currò Vittoria , Caracappa Giulia , Crucitti Daniela , Piazza Antonio , Mancianti Francesca , Nardoni Simona , Vicari Domenico , Caracappa Santo
Published: January 2020

Caretta caretta is threatened by many dangers in the Mediterranean basin, but most are human related. The purpose of this research were: i) to investigate microflora in samples from six loggerhead sea turtle nests located on the Sicilian coast; and ii) to understand microbial diversity associated with nests, with particular attention to bacteria and fungi involved in failed hatchings.

During the 2016 and 2018 summers, 456 eggs and seven dead hatchling from six nests were collected. We performed bacteriological and mycological analyses on 88 egg samples and seven dead hatchlings, allowing us to isolate: Fusarium spp. (80.6%), Aeromonas hydrophila (55.6%), Aspergillus spp. (27.2%) and Citrobacter freundii (9%). Two Fusarium species were identified by microscopy and were confirmed by PCR and ITS sequencing. Statistical analyses showed significant differences between nests and the presence/absence of microflora, whereas no significance differences were observed between eggs and nests.

This is the first report that catalogues microflora from C. caretta nests/eggs in the Mediterranean Sea, and provides key information on potential pathogens that may affect hatching success. Moreover, our results suggest the need for wider investigations over extensive areas to identify other microflora, and to better understand hatching failures and mortality related to microbial contamination in this important turtle species.
Musculoskeletal mass and shape are correlated with competitive ability in male house mice (Mus musculus)
Authors: Cooper Amanda N. , Cunningham Christopher B. , Morris Jeremy S. , Ruff James S. , Potts Wayne K. , Carrier David R.
Published: January 2020

Intense physical competition between males for mating opportunities is widespread among mammals. In such agonistic encounters, males with combinations of morphological, physiological, and behavioral characters that allow them to dominate an opponent have greater fitness. However, the specific physical traits associated with competitive ability are poorly understood. Larger body size is often correlated with fitness in mammals. Interestingly, fitness is maximized at intermediate body masses in male house mice (Mus musculus), a species with a polygynous mating system in which males compete physically for access to reproductive resources. Here, we used competition trials in semi-natural, mixed-sex population enclosures to directly measure competitive ability in male house mice based on control of a preferred nesting site. We tested the hypothesis that the musculoskeletal systems of male mice demonstrating high competitive ability are more specialized for competition by comparing the masses of 10 major muscle groups and eight bones as well as a set of 12 skeletal shape indices associated with anatomical specialization for fighting performance in a set of nine winners and 20 losers. Winning males possessed several traits hypothesized to enhance performance in male-male contests: relatively greater mass in several muscle groups and bones of the fore- and hindlimb and larger scapular surface area. Unexpectedly, no measurements of the head and neck differed significantly between winners and losers. These results identify musculoskeletal traits associated with competitive ability in male house mice and suggest that our current understanding of mammalian fighting performance is incomplete and more nuanced than previously considered.
Physiological and pharmacological characterization of a molluscan neuronal efflux transporter; evidence for age-related transporter impairment
Authors: Hermann Petra M. , Perry Alexander C. , Hamad Izen , Wildering Willem C.
Published: January 2020

Plasma membrane efflux transporters play crucial roles in the removal and release of harmful but also beneficial substances from the interior of cells and tissue types in virtually every extant species. They contribute to the clearance of a broad spectrum of exogenous and endogenous toxicants and harmful metabolites including the reactive lipid aldehyde byproducts of lipid peroxidation that are a hallmark of cellular aging. Here we tested whether declining transporter functionality may contribute to functional decline in a snail model of neuronal aging. Through measuring the removal of 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein, a known substrate for membrane efflux transporters, we provide, for the first time, physiological evidence for the existence of probenecid-, MK571- and glutathione-sensitive efflux transporters in (gastropod) neurons and demonstrate that their functionality declines with age. Our data supports the idea that waning cellular detoxification capacity might be a significant factor in the escalation of (lipo-)toxicity observed in neuronal aging.
Evaluation and Management of Sports-Related Lacerations of the Head and Neck
Authors: Hyden Andrew , Tennison Matthew
Published: January 2020

Soft tissue injuries to the head and neck are a common occurrence in sports. These anatomical regions are somewhat predisposed because of the “athletic stance” that is utilized in many close-contact sports. Although appropriate use of protective equipment, including mouth guards, helmets, and face shields, has reduced the incidence and severity of these injuries, they still occur regularly. To provide appropriate medical care, one must possess adequate knowledge of the superficial and deep anatomical structures, fundamental knowledge and skill in regard to wound care, and awareness of potential poor outcomes related to lacerations of unique structures, such as the mouth, eye, or ear.
Prioritizing Physical Activity in Schools: Educational Leaders’ Perspectives
Authors: Lounsbery Monica A.F. , McKenzie Thomas L. , Thompson Hannah R.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the perspectives of diverse school leaders relative to feasible physical activity (PA) policies and practices.

Objectives

Our main objective was to identify barriers to school PA and find creative solutions for overcoming them. A secondary objective was to assess school leaders’ perspectives on the integration of health and education as a function of ASCD’s (the largest professional organization for education leaders in the United States) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model.

Methods

We held three focus groups from a convenience sample of ASCD school leaders (n = 20) from Washington, Oregon, and California. They were stratified by their experiential backgrounds (i.e., school, district, and varied-context levels), and we used a standardized protocol and script. Audio records were transcribed, and data were analyzed using the constant comparative method.

Results

Time requirements for other subject areas were identified as the primary barrier to school PA, and the absence of clear physical education (PE) outcomes was cited as cause for the marginalization of PE. Developing clear PE outcomes, especially focusing on physical fitness and PA, was posited as a solution. Participants agreed that numerous school opportunities for PA were needed, but legal liability was a concern. Although they supported subject matter content integration, leaders at all levels lacked familiarity with the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model.

Conclusions

Limited time during the day is the greatest barrier to PA in schools, and programs without specific outcomes are allocated less time. Leaders recognize the importance of having multiple PA program opportunities and PE having clear outcomes.

Implications for Policy

School leaders from diverse levels should be enlisted when designing PA policy and practice. Policies that include measurable outcomes for PE may serve as a catalyst for improving programs.
eIF1 discriminates against suboptimal initiation sites to prevent excessive uORF translation genome-wide
Authors: Zhou Fujun , Zhang Hongen , Kulkarni Shardul D. , Lorsch Jon R. , Hinnebusch Alan G.
Published: January 2020

The translation preinitiation complex (PIC) scans the mRNA for an AUG codon in a favorable context. Previous findings suggest that the factor eIF1 discriminates against non-AUG start codons by impeding full accommodation of Met-tRNAi in the P site of the 40S ribosomal subunit, necessitating eIF1 dissociation for start codon selection. Consistent with this, yeast eIF1 substitutions that weaken its binding to the PIC increase initiation at UUG codons on a mutant his4 mRNA and particular synthetic mRNA reporters; and also at the AUG start codon of the mRNA for eIF1 itself owing to its poor Kozak context. It was not known however whether such eIF1 mutants increase initiation at suboptimal start codons genome-wide. By ribosome profiling, we show that the eIF1-L96P variant confers increased translation of numerous upstream open reading frames (uORFs) initiating with either near-cognate codons (NCCs) or AUGs in poor context. The increased uORF translation is frequently associated with the reduced translation of the downstream main coding sequences (CDS). Initiation is also elevated at certain NCCs initiating amino-terminal extensions, including those that direct mitochondrial localization of the GRS1 and ALA1 products, and at a small set of main CDS AUG codons with especially poor context, including that of eIF1 itself. Thus, eIF1 acts throughout the yeast translatome to discriminate against NCC start codons and AUGs in poor context; and impairing this function enhances the repressive effects of uORFs on CDS translation and alters the ratios of protein isoforms translated from near-cognate versus AUG start codons.
The effectiveness and characteristics of pregnancy yoga interventions: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Corrigan Lisa , Eustace-Cook Jessica , Moran Patrick , Daly Deirdre
Published: January 2020

Background: The purpose of this review is to systematically examine the reported clinical effectiveness of pregnancy yoga.  The review will use the FITT (frequency, intensity, time/duration and type) principle of physical activity to characterise the different types of yoga interventions that have been evaluated in the included studies.  Studies will be categorised as effectiveness or efficacy studies and this continuum of efficacy versus effectiveness will be incorporated into the full review. 

Methods/design: The following electronic databases will be searched using a detailed search strategy: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL, WHOLiS, AMED, ScieLo, ASSIA and Web of Science. Randomised control trials and quasi-experimental studies examining pregnancy yoga and reporting on effect will be included. Titles, abstracts and full articles will be screened by two investigators independently to identify eligible studies.  The Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias Assessment tool will be used to assess study quality.  Quality of the evidence will be evaluated using the GRADE criteria. A standardised data extraction form will be used to extract data. Effect sizes will be estimated using mean differences for continuous outcomes, and relative risks for dichotomous outcome. Where possible, pooling of effect estimates will be done using a random effect model.  The outcomes of interest are quality of life, stress, anxiety, depression, mode of birth, labour duration and pain management in labour.

Discussion: This review will synthesise the best available evidence on the effectiveness of yoga during pregnancy and provide valuable high-quality information for clinicians and health policymakers. Findings will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presentation at relevant conference proceedings. The review will make recommendations for the appropriate volume, intensity and type of pregnancy yoga for maximum effect and may have implications for policy and practice relating to pregnancy yoga as an intervention.  

Registration: PROSPERO, CRD42019119916.  Registered on 11th January 2019.
MILP Models for Complex System Reliability Redundancy Allocation with Mixed Components
Authors: Park Young Woong
Published: January 2020

The redundancy allocation problem (RAP) aims to find an optimal allocation of redundant components subject to resource constraints. In this paper, mixed integer linear programming (MILP) models and MILP-based algorithms are proposed for complex system reliability redundancy allocation problem with mixed components, where the system have bridges or interconnecting subsystems and each subsystem can have mixed types of components. Unlike the other algorithms in the literature, the proposed MILP models view the problem from a different point of view and approximate the nonconvex nonlinear system reliability function of a complex system using random samples. The solution to the MILP converges to the optimal solution of the original problem as sample size increases. In addition, data aggregation-based algorithms are proposed to improve the solution time and quality based on the proposed MILP models. A computational experiment shows that the proposed models and algorithms converge to the optimal or best-known solution as sample size increases. The proposed algorithms outperform popular metaheuristic algorithms in the literature.
A enunciação de pedidos como estratégia de (im)polidez no contexto de ensino de português brasileiro como língua adicional
Authors: Albuquerque Rodrigo , Muniz Aline
Published: January 2020

Nesta pesquisa, investigamos, no contexto de ensino de português brasileiro como língua adicional, como se dá a negociação de estratégias linguísticas e não linguísticas de (im)polidez relacionadas à enunciação de pedidos. No debate concernente à (im)polidez, consideramos o ato de pedir (LABOV; FANSHEL, 1977; CODY et al., 1983; TRACY et al., 1984; CRAIG et al., 1986), inspirados em Kerbrat-Orecchioni (2004), um fenômeno universal (LAKOFF, 1973; LEECH, 1983; BROWN; LEVINSON, 1987) de distinta manifestação sócio/intercultural (BLUM-KULKA; OLSHTAIN, 1984; TRACY et al., 1984; CRAIG et al., 1986; CULPEPER, 2011; KERBRAT-ORECCHIONI, 2004, 2006; CONLAN, 2005; KALLIA, 2005; MENDOZA 2005; TSUZUKI et al., 2005; SRINARAWAT, 2005; BOUSFIELD, 2008). Metodologicamente, caracterizamos o nosso estudo como qualitativo, inscrito em uma perspectiva etnográfica (GREEN; BLOOME, 1997), ou melhor, microetnográfica (GARCEZ, 2008; GARCEZ et al., 2014). Os resultados da pesquisa revelaram, nos dois excertos sob análise, que a diretividade (e a potencial impolidez das ações linguageiras) foi mitigada por meio de recursos linguísticos e paralinguísticos, de modo a minimizar ruídos (e desconfortos) interacionais.