bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual MAPK Inhibition Is an Effective Therapeutic Strategy for a Subset of Class II BRAF Mutant Melanomas
Authors: Dankner Matthew , Lajoie Mathieu , Moldoveanu Dan , Nguyen Tan-Trieu , Savage Paul , Rajkumar Shivshankari , Huang Xiu , Lvova Maria , Protopopov Alexei , Vuzman Dana , Hogg David , Park Morag , Guiot Marie-Christine , Petrecca Kevin , Mihalcioiu Catalin , Watson Ian R. , Siegel Peter M. , Rose April A.N.
Published: June 2018

Purpose:

Dual MAPK pathway inhibition (dMAPKi) with BRAF and MEK inhibitors improves survival in BRAF V600E/K mutant melanoma, but the efficacy of dMAPKi in non-V600 BRAF mutant tumors is poorly understood. We sought to characterize the responsiveness of class II (enhanced kinase activity, dimerization dependent) BRAF mutant melanoma to dMAPKi.

Experimental Design:

Tumors from patients with BRAF wild-type (WT), V600E (class I), and L597S (class II) metastatic melanoma were used to generate patient-derived xenografts (PDX). We assembled a panel of melanoma cell lines with class IIa (activation segment) or IIb (p-loop) mutations and compared these with WT or V600E/K BRAF mutant cells. Cell lines and PDXs were treated with BRAFi (vemurafenib, dabrafenib, encorafenib, and LY3009120), MEKi (cobimetinib, trametinib, and binimetinib), or the combination. We identified 2 patients with BRAF L597S metastatic melanoma who were treated with dMAPKi.

Results:

BRAFi impaired MAPK signaling and cell growth in class I and II BRAF mutant cells. dMAPKi was more effective than either single MAPKi at inhibiting cell growth in all class II BRAF mutant cells tested. dMAPKi caused tumor regression in two melanoma PDXs with class II BRAF mutations and prolonged survival of mice with class II BRAF mutant melanoma brain metastases. Two patients with BRAF L597S mutant melanoma clinically responded to dMAPKi.

Conclusions:

Class II BRAF mutant melanoma is growth inhibited by dMAPKi. Responses to dMAPKi have been observed in 2 patients with class II BRAF mutant melanoma. These data provide rationale for clinical investigation of dMAPKi in patients with class II BRAF mutant metastatic melanoma.

See related commentary by Johnson and Dahlman, p. 6107.
Is Cannabis Use Treatment Also Indicated for Patients with Low to Moderate Polysubstance Use
Authors: Neumann Maria , Bühringer Gerhard , Höfler Michael , Wittchen Hans-Ulrich , Hoch Eva
Published: June 2018

Background: Polysubstance use (PSU) is common among patients with cannabis use (CU) and is related to more severe CU problems. However, it is unclear how PSU predicts CU treatment outcomes beyond CU patterns. We examined the frequency, amount, and class of additionally used substances as predictors for primary and secondary outcomes. Methods: We conducted crude and adjusted regression analyses for PSU variables as predictors of remission, abstinence, ­reduction, and secondary outcomes in 166 help-seeking ­patients from a randomized clinical trial of CANDIS, a ­cognitive behavioral treatment program. Results: Patients with recent illegal PSU experienced more difficulties in reducing their CU (B = –1.22, p < 0.001). In contrast, remission rates were slightly higher in patients with a wide variety of ­last-year-PSU (RD = 0.04, p < 0.001). Amphetamine use ­predicted poorer outcomes regarding CU-related problems (B = –4.22, p = 0.019), and the use of opiates, inhalants, and dissociative substances predicted poorer physical health outcomes (B = –0.62, p = 0.009; B = –0.96, p = 0.039; B = –1.18, p = 0.007). Conclusions: CU treatment is also effective for patients with moderate PSU. However, treatment effects may be enhanced by addressing specific PSU characteristics as part of a modularized program.
Hypospadias Is Not Rare in Dogs: Five New Cases, a Retrospective Study, and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Switonski Marek , Dzimira Stanislaw , Aleksiewicz Roman , Szczerbal Izabela , Nowacka-Woszuk Joanna , Krzeminska Paulina , Deska Tomasz , Nizanski Wojciech
Published: June 2018

Hypospadias, the abnormal position of the urethral orifice, is considered a rare congenital malformation of the reproductive organs in male dogs. We present 5 new cases of hypospadias - 2 of the penile type in German Shepherd Dogs and 3 perineal types in a Bavarian Mountain Hound, a French Bulldog, and an American Staffordshire Terrier. Other abnormalities (rudimentary or underdeveloped penis, incompletely formed preputial sheath, and bilateral cryptorchidism) were also observed. Molecular analysis of all cases revealed the presence of Y-linked genes (SRY and ZFY). Cytogenetic and histological analysis could be performed for only 2 cases: a normal male sex chromosome complement (78,XY) and spermatogenetically inactive testicles were observed. A retrospective search for hypospadias in 19,950 medical records of male dogs from a single veterinary clinic in Poland (2006-2017) was also performed. Altogether, 10 reports of penile hypospadias were found (0.05%). The majority of the reports concerned German Shepherd Dogs (8 cases among 1,511 male dogs of this breed), and thus, the estimated incidence of hypospadias in this breed was 0.5%. Moreover, we performed a review of 26 cases of canine hypospadias reported in the years 2004-2017. Our study and the review of the literature suggest that hypospadias is not rare in dogs and that some breeds (such as German Shepherd Dog and Boston Terrier) may be prone to this disorder.
Tbx20
Is Required in Mid-Gestation Cardiomyocytes and Plays a Central Role in Atrial Development
Authors: Boogerd Cornelis J. , Zhu Xiaoming , Aneas Ivy , Sakabe Noboru , Zhang Lunfeng , Sobreira Debora R. , Montefiori Lindsey , Bogomolovas Julius , Joslin Amelia C. , Zhou Bin , Chen Ju , Nobrega Marcelo A. , Evans Sylvia M.
Published: June 2018

Rationale:

Mutations in the transcription factor
TBX20
(T-box 20) are associated with congenital heart disease. Germline ablation of
Tbx20
results in abnormal heart development and embryonic lethality by embryonic day 9.5. Because
Tbx20
is expressed in multiple cell lineages required for myocardial development, including pharyngeal endoderm, cardiogenic mesoderm, endocardium, and myocardium, the cell type–specific requirement for TBX20 in early myocardial development remains to be explored.

Objective:

Here, we investigated roles of TBX20 in midgestation cardiomyocytes for heart development.

Methods and Results:

Ablation of
Tbx20
from developing cardiomyocytes using a doxycycline inducible
cTnTCre
transgene led to embryonic lethality. The circumference of developing ventricular and atrial chambers, and in particular that of prospective left atrium, was significantly reduced in
Tbx20
conditional knockout mutants. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated reduced proliferation of
Tbx20
mutant cardiomyocytes and their arrest at the G1-S phase transition. Genome-wide transcriptome analysis of mutant cardiomyocytes revealed differential expression of multiple genes critical for cell cycle regulation. Moreover, atrial and ventricular gene programs seemed to be aberrantly regulated. Putative direct TBX20 targets were identified using TBX20 ChIP-Seq (chromatin immunoprecipitation with high throughput sequencing) from embryonic heart and included key cell cycle genes and atrial and ventricular specific genes. Notably, TBX20 bound a conserved enhancer for a gene key to atrial development and identity,
COUP-TFII/Nr2f2
(chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor 2/nuclear receptor subfamily 2, group F, member 2). This enhancer interacted with the
NR2F2
promoter in human cardiomyocytes and conferred atrial specific gene expression in a transgenic mouse in a TBX20-dependent manner.

Conclusions:

Myocardial TBX20 directly regulates a subset of genes required for fetal cardiomyocyte proliferation, including those required for the G1-S transition. TBX20 also directly downregulates progenitor-specific genes and, in addition to regulating genes that specify chamber versus nonchamber myocardium, directly activates genes required for establishment or maintenance of atrial and ventricular identity. TBX20 plays a previously unappreciated key role in atrial development through direct regulation of an evolutionarily conserved
COUPT-FII
enhancer.
Intercollicular nucleus electric stimulation encoded “walk forward” commands in pigeons
Authors: Wang Hui , Yang Junqing , Lv Changzhi , Huai Ruituo , Li Yuxia
Published: June 2018

The bio-robot research field is growing. Robo-pigeons have been successfully programmed to turn left or right; however, a satisfactory method of commanding a robo-pigeon to walk forward is still lacking. This problem has become a roadblock to progress in bio-robot research and applications. In mammals, the midbrain periaqueductal gray region (PAG) plays a key role in mediating defensive reactions in response to fear and anxiety. The avian intercollicular nucleus (ICo) is thought to correspond to the PAG. In this study, we found that microstimulating the ICo could successfully induce a robo-pigeon to walk forward. Compared with stimulation of the previously used archistriatum, the response time was considerably shorter and the behavior accuracy significantly higher. This paper describes in detail the process of controlling a robo-pigeon such that it walks forward and backward along a prescribed straight line. From the results, we draw the conclusion that the ICo is suitable for prompting the “walk forward” order in robo-pigeons.
A Multi-Level Governance Approach to Residence Rights of Migrants and Irregular Residence in the EU
Authors: Hinterberger Kevin Fredy
Published: June 2018

This contribution analyses residence rights of migrants and irregular residence from a conceptual viewpoint. In the pertinent legal literature, it is argued that every Member State still decides autonomously if the residence of a migrant is permitted; in other words, if he or she is found to be irregular. I question this view, since it ignores the multi-layered character of decision-making in the EU. To do so, I differentiate between migrants who have privileged residence rights (e.g. Union citizens) and those who have not. In depicting the legal situation of migrants with privileged residence rights, I am able to identify three different levels among which the legislative decision-making power in the EU is distributed (international, EU and national level). Consequently, I challenge the ‘statist assumption’ in showing that legislative decisions with regard to residence rights of migrants have been partly taken out of the exclusive domain of Member States in the EU.
Assessing Environmental Impact and the Duty to Cooperate
Authors: Scanlon Zoe , Beckman Robert
Published: June 2018

The Philippines v China Award contained a number of novel and highly progressive findings with respect to obligations for the protection of the marine environment under UNCLOS. Thus far, these elements of the decision have gone largely unexamined in the surrounding literature. This article concentrates on two specific aspects of these findings: the obligations in respect of environmental impact assessments in articles 205 and 206, and articles 197 and 123 and the duty to cooperate. It analyses the Award and identifies some concerns with the Tribunal's reasoning in these areas. Although broadly, the Award upholds effective protections for the marine environment; this article highlights aspects of the decision in which different approaches could have been taken that would have led to stronger outcomes for the marine environment.
Three new species of Acalypha (Euphorbiaceae, Acalyphoideae) from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil and Paraguay
Authors: CARDIEL JOSÉ MARÍA , MUÑOZ IRIS MONTERO , GARCÍA IRENE SANCHO
Published: June 2018

Acalypha chaquensis, A. inselbergensis, and A. pedemontana (Euphorbiaceae: Acalyphoideae) are described as new species, and illustrated with line drawings. A. chaquensis is found in northwestern Paraguay and northern Argentina; A. inselbergensis grows on granitic rock outcrops in Pernambuco State, in Brazil, and A. pedemontana is found in the eastern slope of the Cordillera Oriental of the Bolivian Andes. These species belong to subgenus Acalypha, sections Communes (A. chaquensis and A. pedemontana) and Cuspidatae (A. inselbergensis). Comments on the systematics of the morphologically related species are included.
The Benefits of Global High Resolution for Climate Simulation: Process Understanding and the Enabling of Stakeholder Decisions at the Regional Scale
Authors: Roberts M. J. , Vidale P. L. , Senior C. , Hewitt H. T. , Bates C. , Berthou S. , Chang P. , Christensen H. M. , Danilov S. , Demory M.-E. , Griffies S. M. , Haarsma R. , Jung T. , Martin G. , Minobe S. , Ringler T. , Satoh M. , Schiemann R. , Scoccimarro E. , Stephens G. , Wehner M. F.
Published: June 2018

The time scales of the Paris Climate Agreement indicate urgent action is required on climate policies over the next few decades, in order to avoid the worst risks posed by climate change. On these relatively short time scales the combined effect of climate variability and change are both key drivers of extreme events, with decadal time scales also important for infrastructure planning. Hence, in order to assess climate risk on such time scales, we require climate models to be able to represent key aspects of both internally driven climate variability and the response to changing forcings. In this paper we argue that we now have the modeling capability to address these requirements—specifically with global models having horizontal resolutions considerably enhanced from those typically used in previous Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) exercises. The improved representation of weather and climate processes in such models underpins our enhanced confidence in predictions and projections, as well as providing improved forcing to regional models, which are better able to represent local-scale extremes (such as convective precipitation). We choose the global water cycle as an illustrative example because it is governed by a chain of processes for which there is growing evidence of the benefits of higher resolution. At the same time it comprises key processes involved in many of the expected future climate extremes (e.g., flooding, drought, tropical and midlatitude storms).
A Barotropic Mechanism for the Response of Jet Stream Variability to Arctic Amplification and Sea Ice Loss
Authors: Ronalds Bryn , Barnes Elizabeth , Hassanzadeh Pedram
Published: June 2018

Previous studies have found that the most consistent response of the eddy-driven jet to sea ice loss and Arctic amplification in fully coupled general circulation models (GCMs) is a broad region of anomalous easterlies on the poleward flank. In this study, a similar response is noted in a dry dynamical core GCM with imposed surface heating at the pole, and it is shown that in both a fully coupled GCM’s North Atlantic basin and the dry dynamical core, the anomalous easterlies cause an asymmetrical narrowing of the jet on the poleward flank of the climatological jet. A suite of barotropic model simulations run with polar forcing shows decreased jet positional variability consistent with a narrowing of the jet profile, and it is proposed that this narrowing decreases the distance Rossby waves can propagate away from the jet core, which drives changes in jet variability. Since Rossby wave propagation and dissipation is intrinsic to the development and maintenance of the eddy-driven jet, and is tightly coupled to a jet’s variability, this acts as a meridional constraint on waves’ ability to propagate outside of the jet core, leading to the decreased variability in zonal-mean jet position. The results from all three models demonstrates that this relationship is present across a model hierarchy.
Water Fluoridation and Dental Caries in U.S. Children and Adolescents
Authors: Slade G.D. , Grider W.B. , Maas W.R. , Sanders A.E.
Published: June 2018

Fluoridation of America’s drinking water was among the great public health achievements of the 20th century. Yet there is a paucity of studies from the past 3 decades investigating its dental health benefits in the U.S. population. This cross-sectional study sought to evaluate associations between availability of community water fluoridation (CWF) and dental caries experience in the U.S. child and adolescent population. County-level estimates of the percentage of population served by CWF (% CWF) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Water Fluoridation Reporting System were merged with dental examination data from 10 y of National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (1999 to 2004 and 2011 to 2014). Dental caries experience in the primary dentition (decayed and filled tooth surfaces [dfs]) was calculated for 7,000 children aged 2 to 8 y and in the permanent dentition (decayed, missing, and filled tooth surfaces [DMFS]) for 12,604 children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 y. Linear regression models estimated associations between % CWF and dental caries experience with adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics: age, sex, race/ethnicity, rural-urban location, head-of-household education, and period since last dental visit. Sensitivity analysis excluded counties fluoridated after 1998. In unadjusted analysis, caries experience in the primary dentition was lower in counties with ≥75% CWF (mean dfs = 3.3; 95% confidence limit [CL] = 2.8, 3.7) than in counties with <75% CWF (mean dfs = 4.6; 95% CL = 3.9, 5.4), a prevented fraction of 30% (95% CL = 11, 48). The difference was also statistically significant, although less pronounced, in the permanent dentition: mean DMFS (95% CL) was 2.2 (2.0, 2.4) and 1.9 (1.8, 2.1), respectively, representing a prevented fraction of 12% (95% CL = 1, 23). Statistically significant associations likewise were seen when % CWF was modeled as a continuum, and differences tended to increase in covariate-adjusted analysis and in sensitivity analysis. These findings confirm a substantial caries-preventive benefit of CWF for U.S. children and that the benefit is most pronounced in primary teeth.
A Surveillance-Based Hepatitis C Care Cascade, New York City, 2017
Authors: Moore Miranda S. , Bocour Angelica , Laraque Fabienne , Winters Ann
Published: June 2018

Objectives:

The care cascade, a method for tracking population-level progression from diagnosis to cure, is an important tool in addressing and monitoring the hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic. However, little agreement exists on appropriate care cascade steps or how best to measure them. The New York City (NYC) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) sought to construct a care cascade by using laboratory surveillance data with clinically relevant categories that can be readily updated over time.

Methods:

We identified all NYC residents ever reported to the DOHMH surveillance registry with HCV through June 30, 2017 (n = 175 896). To account for outmigration, death, or treatment before negative RNA results became reportable to the health department, we limited the population to people with any test reported since July 1, 2014. Of these residents, we identified the proportion with a reported positive RNA test and estimated the proportion treated and cured since July 2014 by using DOHMH-developed surveillance-based algorithms.

Results:

Of 78 886 NYC residents ever receiving a diagnosis of HCV and tested since July 1, 2014, a total of 70 397 (89.2%) had ever been reported as RNA positive through June 30, 2017; 36 875 (46.7%) had initiated treatment since July 1, 2014, and 23 766 (30.1%) appeared cured during the same period.

Conclusion:

A substantial gap exists between confirming HCV infection and initiating treatment, even in the era of direct-acting antivirals. Using this cascade, we will monitor progress in improved treatment and cure of HCV in NYC.
Interdependence in Health and Functioning Among Older Spousal Caregivers and Care Recipients
Authors: Hoffman Geoffrey J. , Burgard Sarah , Mendez-Luck Carolyn A. , Gaugler Joseph E.
Published: June 2018

Older spousal caregiving relationships involve support that may be affected by the health of either the caregiver or care recipient. We conducted a longitudinal analysis using pooled data from 4,632 community-dwelling spousal care recipients and caregivers aged ⩾50 from the 2002 to 2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. We specified logistic and negative binomial regression models using lagged predictor variables to assess the role of partner health status on spousal caregiver and care recipient health care utilization and physical functioning outcomes. Care recipients’ odds of hospitalization, odds ratio (OR): 0.83, p<.001, decreased when caregivers had more ADL difficulties. When spouses were in poorer versus better health, care recipients’ bed days decreased (4.69 vs. 2.54) while caregivers’ bed days increased (0.20 vs. 0.96). Providers should consider the dual needs of caregivers caring for care recipients and their own health care needs, in adopting a family-centered approach to management of older adult long-term care needs.
CT colonography: implementation, indications, and technical performance – a follow-up national survey
Authors: Thorén Fredrik , Johnsson Åse A , Brandberg John , Hellström Mikael
Published: June 2018

Background

Computed tomography colonography (CTC) is an accepted complement or alternative to optical colonoscopy (OC) but its implementation is incompletely analyzed, and technical performance varies between centers.

Purpose

To evaluate implementation, indications, and technical performance of CTC in Sweden and to evaluate compliance to international guidelines.

Material and Methods

A structured, self-assessed questionnaire regarding implementation and technical performance of CTC was sent to all eligible radiology departments in Sweden. Eighty-six out of 89 departments replied. Comparisons were made with similar national surveys from 2004 and 2009.

Results

The number of centers performing CTC gradually increased from 23 in 2004 to 77 in 2016. In parallel, centers performing barium enema (BE) examinations have decreased from 89 in 2004 to 13 in 2016. Main reasons stated for still performing BE were lack of resources regarding CTC/OC. Main reasons for not performing CTC were lack of suitable software, lack of machine/reading time, and lack of experience. The majority of centers follow international CTC guidelines. An important exception is fecal tagging, which was implemented in only 63% of the centers. Incomplete OC remains a major indication for CTC, while preoperative CTC in colorectal cancer and follow-up after diverticulitis have emerged as new indications.

Conclusion

CTC today is well implemented in routine healthcare but still lacking in capacity. Indications have expanded over time, and most departments perform “state of the art” CTC, although fecal tagging is incompletely implemented.
Castoriadis versus Michels
Authors: Karavitis Gerasimos
Published: June 2018

Throughout his life, Cornelius Castoriadis displayed an unwavering commitment to democracy. He militated for it and developed concepts to elucidate its significance for human freedom. Yet are the concepts Castoriadis developed enough to explain the depth of his aforementioned commitment? In this essay, I try to imagine how Castoriadis would have addressed Roberto Michels’s ‘iron law of oligarchy’ thesis. I find that Castoriadis’s concepts can help us question the normative value Michels assigned to oligarchy, but they fail to explain how he could have remained so committed to democracy when oligarchy seems ineluctable. Such a commitment, I argue, ultimately rests on an existential decision, the roots of which cannot be rationally explained.
The theology of the image in television and emblem theories
Authors: Fliethmann Axel
Published: June 2018

The article provides a comparative analysis of the similarities of arguments put forward by discourses on mass imagery in the Renaissance and modernity. In particular, emblem theories are quite striking in the way they advanced similar arguments to theories about television. In both cases we find iconoclast and iconodule arguments, and in both cases we find an implicit, holy or unholy theological connection being made between mass medium, the image, and technology. The article will argue that the condemnation of or fascination with images in mass media is a form of discursive, i.e. textual, self-protection.
Race, Colorism, Body Size, Body Position, and Sexiness
Authors: Reddy-Best Kelly L. , Choi Eunji , Park Hangael
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this study is to critically examine the fashion illustration textbooks that are currently being used within the textile and apparel discipline. Using gendered stereotypes and intersectionality theory as a conceptual and theoretical framework, the following research questions guided our study: (a) Are women represented in diverse races, and how do racial hierarchies intersect with these representations? (b) How are women’s body sizes represented, and how does race intersect with these representations? (c) How are women’s bodies positioned, and how do gendered stereotypes and hierarchies of race intersect with these representations? We used the content analysis method and analyzed fashion illustration textbooks in several categories including gender, race, body size, body position, provocative, skin color, and hair type. We found very few women of color, a majority of thin bodies, and more light-skinned Black individuals than dark-skinned Black individuals.
Private roles in enhancing Multi-Level Governance: China's “Internet + ” national strategy
Authors: Jing Yijia , Li Danyao
Published: June 2018

Multi-Level Governance engages players from multiple levels of governments and multiple sectors for better governance results. This paper argues that private actors may take a collaborative governance approach to facilitate intergovernmental policy making and implementation. Specifically, the rise of private sector economy in China has engendered interests and opportunities for resourceful private actors to link fragmented intergovernmental policy system. Using China's “Internet + ” national strategy as a case, the paper finds that internet firms, by adopting collaborative strategies like mediating, brokering, leveraging, and coordinating, contributed significantly to a concerted and swift process of intergovernmental policy making and implementation. Individual, industrial, institutional, and global factors together induced such unusual private activeness. The paper offers evidence of China's Multi-Level Governance practices and identifies an organic linkage in the formation and functioning of Multi-Level Governance.
The effectiveness of traditional Basic Life Support training and alternative technology‐enhanced methods in high schools
Authors: Onan Arif , Turan Sevgi , Elcin Melih , Erbil Bulent , Bulut Şule Çınar
Published: June 2018

Background:

Implementation of resuscitation training in school programs is a promising approach to improve rates of cardiopulmonary resuscitation use by trained bystanders. Unfortunately, theoretical cardiopulmonary resuscitation instruction alone is not sufficiently effective in developing practical skills.

Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of traditional Basic Life Support training and alternative instructional methods to achieve learning objectives of Basic Life Support education.

Methods:

This quasi‐experimental study was conducted in a secondary school in Ankara, Turkey. Eighty‐three voluntary students were randomly allocated to theoretical (Group A), video‐based (Group B), and mobile‐assisted video‐based instructions (Group C). All groups were led by the course teacher. Assessments were conducted in training and again 1 week later. Assessments were based on Basic Life Support knowledge and confidence performance scores.

Results:

Statistically significant difference was found for the groups’ Confidence Scale scores (F(2, 73) = 3.513, p = 0.035, ηp2 = 0.088); Group C (6.76 ± 1.70) scored higher than Group A. The groups’ Basic Life Support checklist scores were statistically significant (F(2, 73) = 28.050, p = 0.000, ηp2 = 0.435); Group C (32.32 ± 3.84) scored higher than the other groups. Statistically significant difference was found for the groups’ measurable Basic Life Support scores (F(2, 73) = 13.527, p = 0.000, ηp2 = 0.270); and Group C (23.76 ± 3.98) scored higher than the other groups.

Conclusion:

Our findings showed that all instruction methods led to increased Basic Life Support knowledge scores. The mobile‐assisted program significantly increased knowledge scores. Same‐group high‐quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation parameters were more positive than the other instruction groups except for hand position. Group C students expressed higher confidence in their ability to act in an emergency when witnessing a victim collapse.
What cooperating music teachers say about educative mentoring: A focus study research project
Authors: Abramo Joseph Michael , Campbell Mark Robin
Published: June 2018

In this study, we examine and provide a framework for “educative mentoring” by investigating five cooperating music teachers’ experiences and strategies of serving as mentors to student teachers. Data collection included a survey, focus groups, and individual interviews. The themes that arose suggest that cooperating teachers use narratives and wait for educative moments to emerge rather than preparing them ahead of time when mentoring. Cooperating teachers also wanted more guidance from the teacher education programs they serve. From this, we suggest that educative mentoring for the cooperating teachers was structured by the negotiation of three dialectical relationships: reflecting versus modeling; emergence versus purposefulness; and learning to teach in specific contexts versus preparation that transfers to teaching music in all settings. These findings may inform music teacher education practice and research by providing a framework for how cooperating teachers support novice teachers’ educational growth and providing cooperating teachers with the guidance they may desire from universities.
Humour in Sports Coaching: ‘It’s a Funny Old Game’
Authors: Edwards Christian Nicholas , Jones Robyn L
Published: June 2018

The primary purpose of this article was to investigate the use and manifestation of humour within sports coaching. This was particularly in light of the social significance of humour as a critical component in cultural creation and negotiation. Data were gathered from a 10-month ethnographic study that tracked the players and coaches of Senghenydd City Football Club (a pseudonym) over the course of a full season. Precise methods of data collection included participant observation, reflective personal field notes, and ethnographic film. The results demonstrated the dominating presence of both ‘inclusionary putdowns’ and ‘disciplinary humour’, particularly in relation to how they contributed to the production and maintenance of the social order. Finally, a reflective conclusion discusses the temporal nature of the collective understanding evident among the group at Senghenydd, and its effect on the humour evident. In doing so, the work contributes to the body of knowledge regarding the social role of humour within sports coaching.
‘We no longer live in a time of separation’: A comparative analysis of how editorial and commercial integration became a norm
Authors: Cornia Alessio , Sehl Annika , Nielsen Rasmus Kleis
Published: June 2018

The separation between editorial and business activities of news organisations has long been a fundamental norm of journalism. Journalists have traditionally considered this separation as both an ethical principle and an organisational solution to preserve their professional autonomy and isolate their newsrooms from profit-driven pressures exerted by advertising, sales and marketing departments. However, many news organisations are increasingly integrating their editorial and commercial operations. Based on 41 interviews conducted at 12 newspapers and commercial broadcasters in six European countries, we analyse how editors and business managers describe the changing relationship between their departments. Drawing on previous research on journalistic norms and change, we focus on how interviewees use rhetorical discourses and normative statements to de-construct traditional norms, build new professionally accepted norms and legitimise new working practices. We find, first, that the traditional norm of separation no longer plays the central role that it used to. Both editors and managers are working to foster a cultural change that is seen as a prerequisite for organisational adaptation to an increasingly challenging environment. Second, we find that a new norm of integration, based on the values of collaboration, adaptation and business thinking, has emerged. Third, we show how the interplay between declining and emerging norms involves a difficult negotiation. Whereas those committed to the traditional norm see commercial considerations as a threat to professional autonomy, our interviewees see the emerging norm as a new way of ensuring professional autonomy by working with other parts of the organisation to jointly ensure commercial sustainability.
Extraction of alginate from brown seaweeds and evolution of bioactive alginate film coated textile fabrics for wound healing application
Authors: Janarthanan M , Senthil Kumar M
Published: June 2018

In this study, the application of textile fabrics coated with biodegradable bioactive alginate film was investigated, which was obtained from natural polysaccharides such as sodium alginate extracted from sargassum wightii and padina tetrastromatica seaweeds. The functional groups present in the bioactive substances of alginate film coated fabrics was assessed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of alginate film coated fabrics were assessed using DPPH free radical scavenging and EN ISO 20645 test methods, respectively. The effect of coatings on biomaterials was evaluated using field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and the effect of alginate film coated fabrics on comfort properties such as thickness, air permeability, wickability, flexural stiffness, and wettability was studied. The experimental result specifies that the maximum antioxidant activity of 54 ± 0.98% inhibition was achieved and maximum antibacterial activity was attained with the inhibition zone of 44 mm in alginate film coated textile fabrics. The air permeability, flexural stiffness, wettability, and wickability properties were slightly affected in both coated textile fabrics compared with uncoated fabric. The sargassum wightii alginate film coated textile fabric showed 80% of wound healing activity compared with padina tetrastromatica alginate film coated textile fabric. This alginate film coated textile fabrics are preferably suitable for nonimplantable materials such as wound healing, skin grafts, food industry, pharmaceutical industry, and hygienic textiles.
The lived experiences of operating theatre scrub nurses learning technical scrub skills ‘I’m doing this right, aren’t I? Am I doing this right?’
Authors: Radford Eleanor J , Fotis Theo
Published: June 2018

Operating theatre scrub nurses (OTSNs) are not required to have undertaken a secondary or specialist post-registration theatre qualification to work in the operating theatre (OT) setting in the UK. From the systematic review there is only very limited literature or research in how technical scrub skills are acquired. This study explores the lived experiences of OTSNs learning technical scrub skills. The study employed the qualitative methodology of interpretative phenomenological analysis. Data was collected from six participating OTSNs using semi-structured interviews. Four superordinate themes emerged: How technical scrub skills are established, Gatekeepers, How the learner feels whilst learning and, Reflections of the experienced scrub nurse. The study found that the experiences of OTSNs learning technical scrub skills are varied and a variety of teaching and learning methods are utilised. These experiences were influenced by the team, mentor and surgeon within the OT environment. Lived experiences were also influenced by organisational structure and service pressures within the NHS.
Challenges of developing a district child welfare plan in South Africa: lessons from a community-engaged HIV/AIDS research project
Authors: Beard Jennifer , Skalicky Anne , Nkosi Busisiwe , Zhuwau Tom , Cakwe Mandisa , Simon Jonathon , DeSilva Mary Bachman
Published: June 2018

The Amajuba Child Health and Wellbeing Research Project measured the impact of orphaning due to HIV/AIDS on South African households between 2004 and 2007. Community engagement was a central component of the project and extended through 2010. We describe researcher engagement with the community to recruit participants, build local buy-in, stimulate interest in study findings, and promote integration of government social welfare services for families and children affected by HIV/AIDS. This narrative documents the experience of researchers, drawing also on project reports, public documents, and published articles, with the objective of documenting lessons learned in this collaboration between researchers from two universities and a community in South Africa during a period that spanned seven years. This experience is then analyzed within the context of an applied research, community-engagement framework.
Outcomes of shoulder arthroplasty following axillary lymph node dissection
Authors: Padegimas Eric M , Merkow David , Nicholson Thema A , Lazarus Mark D , Ramsey Matthew L , Williams Gerald R , Namdari Surena
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Shoulder arthroplasty with previous axillary lymph node dissection historically has unsatisfactory outcomes. We analyzed outcomes of primary shoulder arthroplasty in patients with previous axillary lymph node dissection.

Methods

Thirty-two primary shoulder arthroplasties after prior axillary lymph node dissection were performed. These patients were analyzed for patient-reported outcomes, range of motion, complications, and reoperations.

Results

Average age was 70.8 ± 7.5 years old. There were 19 anatomic total shoulder arthroplasties, four hemiarthroplasties, and nine reverse total shoulder arthroplasties. Eight were performed by a superior approach while 24 were performed by a deltopectoral approach with cephalic vein preservation. There were three complications (one deltoid dehiscence, one axillary nerve palsy, and one postoperative pneumonia). There was one revision (hemiarthroplasty to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for cuff failure at 91 weeks), two reoperations, and no infections. Patient-reported outcomes were available for 21/26 (80.1%) of the surviving shoulders at 4.8 ± 2.0 years. Average visual analog scale pain score was 7.1 ± 14.5, Simple Shoulder Test score 8.3 ± 2.6 “yes” responses, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score 80.2 ± 17.4, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score 83.6 ± 14.1.

Conclusion

Axillary lymph node dissection is not a contraindication to shoulder arthroplasty. A deltopectoral exposure can be utilized without substantial risk of worsening lymphedema or wound complications. While a superior approach avoids cephalic vein injury, important approach-related complications (deltoid dehiscence and axillary nerve palsy) were observed. Level of evidence: Level IV—case series.
Assessing the incidence of acidosis in patients receiving metformin with and without risk factors for lactic acidosis
Authors: Trinkley Katy E. , Anderson Heather D. , Nair Kavita V. , Malone Daniel C. , Saseen Joseph J.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Despite strong recommendations to use metformin as first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes (T2DM), its use has been suboptimal, likely due to concerns of lactic acidosis. This study compared the association of acidosis in patients with T2DM prescribed metformin with those prescribed other antihyperglycemic medications or no medications.

Methods:

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with newly diagnosed T2DM utilizing an administrative database, which includes medical and prescription claims. Eligible patients had a diagnosis of T2DM, had continuous health plan enrollment 3 months prior to study enrollment and during the study period, and were at least 18 years of age. Mutually exclusive exposure groups were metformin only, other antihyperglycemic medications, and no medication. Acidosis cases were stratified by exposure group and risk factors for lactic acidosis (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hepatic dysfunction, alcohol abuse, heart failure, renal insufficiency, age of 80 years or older, and a history of acidosis). Degree of renal insufficiency was not available. Associations between exposure and acidosis were estimated, and risk factors evaluated.

Results:

A total of 132,780 patients met inclusion criteria: 24,936 (20%) metformin only group, 15,059 (11%) other antihyperglycemic medication group, and 92,785 (70%) no medication group. Acidosis was observed in 1.45 per 10,000 patient months (0.78 metformin, 1.59 other antihyperglycemic medication, 1.51 no medication). The unadjusted relative risk of acidosis was 0.5 for patients prescribed metformin only compared with the other exposure groups (95% confidence interval = 0.2–1.2). There was no significant difference in risk of acidosis between exposure groups, irrespective of risk factors for lactic acidosis.

Conclusions:

Risk of acidosis was similar with metformin only compared with those prescribed other antihyperglycemic medications or no medication. These results support expanded use of metformin for T2DM. Additional studies are needed to understand the impact of risk factor severity on risk of lactic acidosis.
Influence of Multi-microphone Signal Enhancement Algorithms on the Acoustics and Detectability of Angular and Radial Source Movements
Authors: Lundbeck Micha , Hartog Laura , Grimm Giso , Hohmann Volker , Bramsløw Lars , Neher Tobias
Published: June 2018

Hearing-impaired listeners are known to have difficulties not only with understanding speech in noise but also with judging source distance and movement, and these deficits are related to perceived handicap. It is possible that the perception of spatially dynamic sounds can be improved with hearing aids (HAs), but so far this has not been investigated. In a previous study, older hearing-impaired listeners showed poorer detectability for virtual left-right (angular) and near-far (radial) source movements due to lateral interfering sounds and reverberation, respectively. In the current study, potential ways of improving these deficits with HAs were explored. Using stimuli very similar to before, detailed acoustic analyses were carried out to examine the influence of different HA algorithms for suppressing noise and reverberation on the acoustic cues previously shown to be associated with source movement detectability. For an algorithm that combined unilateral directional microphones with binaural coherence-based noise reduction and for a bilateral beamformer with binaural cue preservation, movement-induced changes in spectral coloration, signal-to-noise ratio, and direct-to-reverberant energy ratio were greater compared with no HA processing. To evaluate these two algorithms perceptually, aided measurements of angular and radial source movement detectability were performed with 20 older hearing-impaired listeners. The analyses showed that, in the presence of concurrent interfering sounds and reverberation, the bilateral beamformer could restore source movement detectability in both spatial dimensions, whereas the other algorithm only improved detectability in the near-far dimension. Together, these results provide a basis for improving the detectability of spatially dynamic sounds with HAs.
Srsf2

P95H
initiates myeloid bias and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative syndrome from hemopoietic stem cells
Authors: Smeets Monique F. , Tan Shuh Ying , Xu Jane Jialu , Anande Govardhan , Unnikrishnan Ashwin , Chalk Alistair M. , Taylor Scott R. , Pimanda John E. , Wall Meaghan , Purton Louise E. , Walkley Carl R.
Published: June 2018

Key Points

Srsf2 P95H/+ mutation within hemopoietic stem cells is required to initiate myeloid-biased hemopoiesis. Mutation of Srsf2 is sufficient to initiate the development of MDS/MPN in vivo in the setting of native hemopoiesis.
A potential therapeutic role for angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in human pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Hemnes Anna R. , Rathinasabapathy Anandharajan , Austin Eric A. , Brittain Evan L. , Carrier Erica J. , Chen Xinping , Fessel Joshua P. , Fike Candice D. , Fong Peter , Fortune Niki , Gerszten Robert E. , Johnson Jennifer A. , Kaplowitz Mark , Newman John H. , Piana Robert , Pugh Meredith E. , Rice Todd W. , Robbins Ivan M. , Wheeler Lisa , Yu Chang , Loyd James E. , West James
Published: June 2018

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a deadly disease with no cure. Alternate conversion of angiotensin II (AngII) to angiotensin-(1–7) (Ang-(1–7)) by angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) resulting in Mas receptor (Mas1) activation improves rodent models of PAH. Effects of recombinant human (rh) ACE2 in human PAH are unknown. Our objective was to determine the effects of rhACE2 in PAH.

We defined the molecular effects of Mas1 activation using porcine pulmonary arteries, measured AngII/Ang-(1–7) levels in human PAH and conducted a phase IIa, open-label pilot study of a single infusion of rhACE2 (GSK2586881, 0.2 or 0.4 mg·kg−1intravenously).

Superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and inflammatory gene expression were identified as markers of Mas1 activation. After confirming reduced plasma ACE2 activity in human PAH, five patients were enrolled in the trial. GSK2586881 was well tolerated with significant improvement in cardiac output and pulmonary vascular resistance. GSK2586881 infusion was associated with reduced plasma markers of inflammation within 2–4 h and increased SOD2 plasma protein at 2 weeks.

PAH is characterised by reduced ACE2 activity. Augmentation of ACE2 in a pilot study was well tolerated, associated with improved pulmonary haemodynamics and reduced markers of oxidant and inflammatory mediators. Targeting this pathway may be beneficial in human PAH.
Monitoring of Technology Adoption Using Web Content Mining of Location Information and Geographic Information Systems: A Case Study of Digital Breast Tomosynthesis
Authors: Onega Tracy , Kamra Dharmanshu , Alford-Teaster Jennifer , Hassanpour Saeed
Published: June 2018

Purpose

To our knowledge, integration of Web content mining of publicly available addresses with a geographic information system (GIS) has not been applied to the timely monitoring of medical technology adoption. Here, we explore the diffusion of a new breast imaging technology, digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT).

Methods

We used natural language processing and machine learning to extract DBT facility location information using a set of potential sites for the New England region of the United States via a Google search application program interface. We assessed the accuracy of the algorithm using a validated set of publicly available addresses of locations that provide DBT from the DBT technology vendor, Hologic. We quantified precision, recall, and F1 score, aiming for an F1 score of ≥ 95% as the desirable performance. By reverse geocoding on the basis of the results of the Google Maps application program interface, we derived a spatial data set for use in an ArcGIS environment. Within the GIS, a host of spatiotemporal analyses and geovisualization techniques are possible.

Results

We developed a semiautomated system that integrated DBT location information into a GIS that was feasible and of reasonable quality. Initial accuracy of the algorithm was poor using only a search term list for information retrieval (precision, 35%; recall, 44%; F1 score, 39%), but performance dramatically improved by leveraging natural language processing and simple machine learning techniques to isolate single, valid instances of DBT location information (precision, 92%; recall, 96%; F1 score, 94%). Reverse geocoding yielded reliable geographic coordinates for easy implementation into a GIS for mapping and planned monitoring.

Conclusion

Our novel approach can be applicable to technologies beyond DBT, which may inform equitable access over time and space.