bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Repair of a Meniscal Defect in a Rabbit Model Through Use of a Thermosensitive, Injectable, In Situ Crosslinked Hydrogel With Encapsulated Bone Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Transforming Growth Factor β1
Authors: Chen Chen , Song Jialin , Qiu Jiayu , Zhao Jinzhong
Published: January 2020

Background:

Meniscal injury repair with tissue engineering technique is promising. Among various scaffolds, the thermosensitive injectable hydrogel has recently attracted much attention.

Purpose:

(1) Evaluate the biocompatibility of thermosensitive, injectable, in situ crosslinked hydrogel and (2) determine whether the hydrogel with or without transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) could support the fibrochondrogenic differentiation of bone mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) and promote the repair of a critical-sized defect in rabbit meniscus.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

The rheological and sustained release properties of the hydrogel were demonstrated. BMSCs were isolated and cultured. Cell viability, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and Western blot were tested in vitro. In vivo, a critical-sized defect was introduced into the meniscus of 30 rabbits. Each defect was randomly assigned to be implanted with either phosphate-buffered saline (PBS); BMSC-laden hydrogel; or BMSC-laden, TGF-β1-incorporated hydrogel. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed at 8 weeks after surgery. The Ishida scoring system was adopted to evaluate the healing quantitatively.

Results:

The elastic modulus of the hydrogel was about 1000 Pa. The hydrogel demonstrated a sustained-release property and could promote proliferation and induce fibrochondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs after the incorporation of TGF-β1 ( P < .001). At 8 weeks after surgery, a large amount of fibrocartilaginous tissue, which was positive on safranin-O staining and expressed strong type II collagen intermingled with weak type I collagen, was observed in the defect region of the BMSC-laden, TGF-β1-incorporated hydrogel group. In the BMSC-laden hydrogel group, the defect was filled with fibrous tissue together with a small amount of fibrocartilage. The mean ± SD quantitative scores obtained for the 3 groups—PBS; BMSC-laden hydrogel; and BMSC-laden, TGF-β1-incorporated hydrogel—were 1.00, 3.20 ± 0.84, and 5.00 ± 0.71, respectively ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

The hydrogel was biocompatible and could stimulate strong fibrochondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs after the incorporation of TGF-β1. The local administration of the BMSC-laden, TGF-β1-incorporated hydrogel could promote the healing of rabbit meniscal injury.

Clinical Relevance:

This hydrogel is an alternative scaffold for meniscus tissue engineering.
Dance in Sculpture of the Early 20th Century
Authors: Portnova Tatiana
Published: January 2020

This article is concerned with the ratio of plastic arts as exemplified by sculptural works depicting dances of the early 20th century. Special attention is paid to the Greek motives in the Russian art of this period, which became the subject of inexhaustible aesthetic and artistic interest. The representation of ancient dance motifs, their figurative image and the nature of antiquity in sculptural plastics, various approaches to the interpretation of ancient plots and themes, the role and significance of the “antique” component in their artistic structure are considered in the article. The study of multi‐level interactions between sculpture and dance in the context of antiquity calls for a comprehensive approach, including historical‐cultural, theoretical‐analytical and comparative‐typological methods. Relating to ancient Greek images, ballet images of S. Konenkov, M. Ryndzyunskaya, N. Andreev, V. Vatagin, V. Beklimishev and S. Erzya provide a purely individual, unique and peculiar vision of dance corresponding to the ancient era. The categories and expressive means of dance were simultaneously analyzed close to the sculptural style of the masters because they are difficult to be divided methodologically and exist as an established artistic system. The concepts of “plastic expressiveness” in relation to the dancers imprinted in sculptures were interpreted. Analyzing the museum materials and sculptures depicting the dancing process, it was concluded that the ancient influence of plastic images on structural and genre determinants may vary.
Characteristics Behaviors of Coagulation and Fibrinolysis Markers in Acquired Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: Sakai Kazuya , Wada Hideo , Nakatsuka Yuki , Kubo Masayuki , Hayakawa Masaki , Matsumoto Masanori
Published: January 2020

Introductions:

Patients with acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) show no severe abnormalities in coagulation or fibrinolysis. However, the exact extent of the abnormalities is unclear.

Materials and Methods:

This study analyzed 138 patients with acquired TTP and 46 patients with septic disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) who were included in a Japanese registry. Complete blood cell counts and 8 coagulation or fibrinolysis parameters were compared between the 2 groups.

Results:

Platelet counts in the acquired TTP group were significantly lower than those in the septic DIC group (P < .001). The international normalized ratio of prothrombin time and the activated partial thromboplastin time in the septic DIC group were significantly higher and longer, respectively, than those in the acquired TTP group (P < .01). The antithrombin (AT) values were significantly lower in the septic DIC group than in the acquired TTP group (P < .001), the latter of which were almost normal. Although both groups revealed elevations of fibrinogen degradation product (FDP) and D-dimer, these levels were significantly higher in the septic DIC group than in the acquired TTP group (P < .001). Of 138 patients with acquired TTP, 25 (18.1%) were diagnosed with septic DIC by the diagnostic criteria of the Japanese Ministry Health, Labour and Welfare, and 78 (56.5%) by those of the Japanese Association of Acute Medicine. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that acquired TTP could be diagnosed based on severe thrombocytopenia (<20 × 109/L), normal AT level (>87%), and mildly elevated FDP (<23 µg/mL).

Conclusions:

Our results indicate that 3 routine laboratory tests could differentiate between acquired TTP and septic DIC.
Inhaled Albuterol Use and Impaired Lactate Clearance in Patients With Sepsis: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Maeda Tetsuro , Paralkar Janvi , Kuno Toshiki , Patrawalla Paru
Published: January 2020

Background:

Lactate clearance has become important in the management of sepsis. However, factors unrelated to sepsis-induced hyperlactatemia, including β-2 adrenergic agonists, can interfere with lactate clearance.

Objectives:

To investigate the association of inhaled albuterol with lactate clearance in patients with sepsis.

Methods:

This was a single-center retrospective cohort study. Adult patients with sepsis diagnosed in the emergency department from May 2015 to May 2016 with initial lactate levels >2 mmol/L and serial lactate measurements 2 to 6 hours apart were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on whether they received inhaled albuterol between lactate measurements. The primary end point was lactate clearance of 10%. Secondary end points included intensive care unit (ICU) consultation and in-hospital mortality. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the effect of inhaled albuterol on lactate clearance.

Results:

Of 269 patients included, 58 (22%) received inhaled albuterol between lactate measurements. This group had a significantly higher prevalence of pulmonary disease and a lower initial lactate compared to those who did not receive inhaled albuterol. They had a significantly lower rate of lactate clearance (45% vs 77%, P < .001); however, ICU consultation (71% vs 57%, P = .066) and in-hospital mortality (19% vs 22%, P = .64) were not significantly different. A multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusting for age, sex, chronic kidney disease, cirrhosis, cancer, septic shock or severe sepsis, and the amount of intravenous fluids received showed that inhaled albuterol was independently associated with impaired lactate clearance (adjusted odds ratio: 0.26, 95% confidence interval: 0.14-0.50, P < .001).

Conclusions:

Inhaled albuterol in patients with sepsis was associated with impaired lactate clearance without an increase in ICU consultation or in-hospital mortality. Impaired lactate clearance in patients with sepsis who receive inhaled albuterol should be interpreted with caution.
Electrospun metformin-loaded polycaprolactone/chitosan nanofibrous membranes as promoting guided bone regeneration membranes: Preparation and characterization of fibers, drug release, and osteogenic activity in vitro
Authors: Zhu Junjin , Ye Huilin , Deng Dan , Li Jidong , Wu Yingying
Published: January 2020

A guided bone regeneration membrane is a pivotal therapeutic modality used to maintain sufficient space for bone regeneration, which is of great significance in curing alveolar bone defects. Metformin has been found to possess the ability of promoting osteogenic differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells. To develop guided bone regeneration membranes with better osteoinductive ability, metformin was incorporated into polycaprolactone/chitosan nanofibrous membranes by electrospinning technique, followed by glutaraldehyde crosslinking to reinforce chitosan stability in aqueous solutions. The fabricated nanofibrous membranes were then characterized by scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, water contact angle testing, mechanical properties test, and drug release test. Furthermore, rats bone mesenchymal stem cells were seeded on membranes for the evaluation of the effect of metformin-loaded polycaprolactone/chitosan nanofibrous membranes on cell morphology, alkaline phosphate activity, and osteogenic mineralization in vitro. Our results showed that nanofibers were fabricated successfully with smooth surface free from beads formation. The crosslinked-polycaprolactone/chitosan/metformin membranes had a more appropriate water contact angle of 44.25 ± 1.37° and the drug release curve of metformin featured early sudden release and slow release in the later stage over a 23-day period. Besides, in vitro studies suggested that the crosslinked-polycaprolactone/chitosan/metformin membrane was more suitable for cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells. Consequently, the metformin-loaded polycaprolactone/chitosan nanofibrous membranes would be promoted for bone regeneration as guided bone regeneration membranes.
Effect of silicon carbide hard particles scratch on the diamond cutting tools groove wear
Authors: Wang Jiachun , Chi Huarui , Lv Maoqiang , Liu Xiaoxuan , Li Yuntao , Zhao Yan
Published: January 2020

The flank faces of diamond cutting tools are characterized by the groove wear when the tools are used to machine single crystal silicon workpieces precisely, which significantly affects the quality of the machined surface. Many researchers confirmed the existence of SiC hard particles and inferred that hard particles scratch led to the groove wear on tools flank face. However, little literature can be found to reveal the formation process of tools groove wear. Therefore, in this paper, a scratch model of SiC hard particles and diamond tool is proposed by molecular dynamics simulation method to investigate the formation mechanism of the groove wear on the tools flank face. The two basic scratch conditions, namely mechanical scratch and rolling scratch, are utilized to simulate hard particles motion on diamond tools surface respectively, and the tools wear are suggested by the variation in coordination numbers. It can be concluded that owing to the high temperature, the locally softened performance of diamond tools combined with continuous effects of SiC hard particles are the main factors that lead to the formation of the groove wear on the tools flank face.
Detection of bovine viral diarrhea virus in stable flies following consumption of blood from persistently infected cattle
Authors: Carlson Jaden M. , Vander Ley Brian L. , Lee Sang I. , Grotelueschen Dale M. , Walz Paul H. , Workman Aspen M. , Heaton Michael P. , Boxler David J.
Published: January 2020

Control of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) relies on resource-intensive sampling to detect and remove persistently infected (PI) cattle. Herd-level surveillance tools would be useful for herds with unknown BVDV status and for monitoring herds with BVDV-free status. Our objective was to determine the feasibility of using stable flies as a sampling tool to detect BVDV at the herd level. Stable flies ( Stomoxys calcitrans) were fed citrated blood from either BVDV-PI or BVDV-free cattle to establish pools of 100 flies with various proportions of BVDV-fed flies (0%, 1%, 10%, 20%, 40%, or 100% in each pool). BVDV-fed flies in these pools were harvested either 1, 2, or 3 d after consuming BVDV-PI blood to determine the impact of time after feeding. Two replicates of a 3-d by 6-dilution level matrix were produced. BVDV RNA was consistently detected on day 1 when ≥10% of the flies in the pool consumed PI blood. On days 2 and 3, positive BVDV RNA detection was variable and became less consistent. Our results demonstrate that BVDV RNA can be detected in stable flies after feeding on blood from PI cattle. Successful use of stable flies as a surveillance tool will require validation under field conditions.
The CMS State Innovation Models Initiative and Improved Health Information Technology and Care Management Capabilities of Physician Practices
Authors: Kandel Zosha K. , Rittenhouse Diane R. , Bibi Salma , Fraze Taressa K. , Shortell Stephen M. , Rodríguez Hector P.
Published: January 2020

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) State Innovation Models (SIMs) initiative funded 17 states to implement health care payment and delivery system reforms to improve health system performance. Whether SIM improved health information technology (HIT) and care management capabilities of physician practices, however, remains unclear. National surveys of physician practices ( N = 2,722) from 2012 to 2013 and 2017 to 2018 were linked. Multivariable regression estimated differential adoption of 10 HIT functions and chronic care management processes (CMPs) based on SIM award status (SIM Round 1, SIM Round 2, or non-SIM). HIT and CMP capabilities improved equally for practices in SIM Round 1 (5.3 vs. 6.8 capabilities, p < .001), SIM Round 2 (4.7 vs. 7.0 capabilities, p < .001), and non-SIM (4.2 vs. 6.3 capabilities, p < .001) states. The CMS SIM Initiative did not accelerate the adoption of ten foundational physician practice capabilities beyond national trends.
Protective role of black seed oil in doxorubicin-induced cardiac toxicity in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Hagag Adel A , Badraia Ibrahim M , El-Shehaby Walid A , Mabrouk Maaly M
Published: January 2020

Background

Leukemia is the most common pediatric malignancy. It affects bone marrow cells especially lymphoid cell precursor. Leukemia is treated mainly by chemotherapy. Doxorubicin is a well-established chemotherapeutic agent included in treatment protocols of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Its efficacy is often limited by its cardiotoxic side effects. Many studies are directed to overcome this problem. Black seed oil was found to have a potent cardioprotective effect. Aim of the study: To assess the protective role of black seed oil against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Subjects and methods

This study was carried out on 40 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia including 20 patients under doxorubicin therapy and black seed oil 80 mg/kg/dose divided into 3 doses starting at the same moment of beginning of doxorubicin infusion therapy and continued for 1 week after each doxorubicin dose [group I] and 20 patients under doxorubicin and placebo for 1 week after each doxorubicin dose [group II]. They underwent conventional echo-Doppler measures of left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions and pulsed wave tissue Doppler of lateral mitral annulus.

Results

No significant differences were found in parameters of electrocardiograph including S-T segment and Q-T interval either before or after doxorubicin therapy. No significant differences in echocardiographic parameters were found between group I and group II before therapy. Non-significant changes in parameters of diastolic function [E/A ratio or e/a ratio] were found after doxorubicin therapy in group I and II, but there were significant reduction in parameters of systolic function [EF, FS and s wave] after doxorubicin therapy more in group II than group I. Conclusion and recommendation: From this study, we concluded that: Black seed oil improves some cardiac side effects of doxorubicin as shown by better systolic functions in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who were treated with Doxorubicin and black seed (group I) than in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who were treated with doxorubicin alone with no black seeds (group II), and therefore multi center studies is recommended to be done before we can recommend the use of black seed oil as an adjuvant therapy in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia under doxorubicin-based treatment protocol.
Using PPP to Procure Social Infrastructure: Lessons From 20 Years of Experience in Ireland
Authors: O’Shea Cian , Palcic Dónal , Reeves Eoin
Published: January 2020

Ireland has almost two decades of experience with using public private partnerships (PPPs) for the procurement of social infrastructure such as schools, courthouses, and health facilities. This article focuses on Ireland’s schools sector where 27 school buildings with an estimated capital value of €500 million have been procured via PPP to date. We review the changes that have occurred to the governance of PPPs and supporting institutional structures, which have evolved considerably over the past 20 years. Evidence of policy learning has led to the development of detailed PPP guidelines and the establishment of a centralized PPP agency with responsibilities that exceed international norms. We highlight how the development of PPP institutions has been an ongoing and gradual process, which will continue to evolve if concerns in relation to accountability and transparency are to be addressed.
Mix&Match: A Resource-Based Complaint Recovery Framework for Tangible Compensation
Authors: Stakhovych Stanislav , Tamaddoni Ali
Published: January 2020

Resource exchange theory suggests service recovery compensation is optimal when it is commensurate with what was lost (e.g., refund for overcharging). However, in practice, companies cannot always follow the theory-driven prescriptions, and the complaint recovery literature remains silent on how to best recover in such suboptimal situations. This study takes a resource-based theory stance to propose Mix&Match, a complaint recovery framework for tangible compensation offers (refunds, redeliveries, or credits) to optimize customer retention and lifetime value in both optimal and suboptimal complaint recovery scenarios. We find that matching tangible compensation with the complaint cause (e.g., redelivery for expired products) is the most effective recovery response for improving customer retention and lifetime value. However, in suboptimal nonmatching scenarios, monetary compensation in the form of store credit proves to be the most effective response.
Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment secondary to isolated retinal metastasis from small cell lung carcinoma: An uncommon complication
Authors: Ucgul Ahmet Yucel , Ozdek Sengul , Hasanreisoğlu Murat , Aydın Kubra , Atalay Hatice Tuba
Published: January 2020

Purpose:

To report a case of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment associated with isolated retinal metastasis from lung carcinoma.

Methods:

Multimodal imaging, including wide-field retinal imaging, ultrasonic imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Results:

Systemic chemotherapy and cranial prophylactic radiotherapy resulted in shrinkage of these lesions and retinal breaks making them much smaller and preventing progression of retinal detachment transiently.

Conclusion:

This is the first reported case of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment secondary to retinal metastasis from a lung cancer.
Nitric Oxide and S-Nitrosylation in Cancers: Emphasis on Breast Cancer
Authors: Mishra Deepshikha , Patel Vaibhav , Banerjee Debabrata
Published: January 2020

Nitric oxide (NO) is a ubiquitous, endogenously produced, water-soluble signaling molecule playing critical roles in physiological processes. Nitric oxide plays pleiotropic roles in cancer and, depending on its local concentration, may lead to either tumor progression or tumor suppression. Addition of NO group to a cysteine residue within a protein, termed as S-nitrosylation, plays diverse regulatory roles and affects processes such as metabolism, apoptosis, protein phosphorylation, and regulation of transcription factors. The process of S-nitrosylation has been associated with development of different cancers, including breast cancer. The present review discusses different mechanisms through which NO acts, with special emphasis on breast cancers, and provides detailed insights into reactive nitrogen species, posttranslational modifications of proteins mediated by NO, dual nature of NO in cancers, and the implications of S-nitrosylation in cancers. Our review will generate interest in exploring molecular regulation by NO in different cancers and will have significant therapeutic implications in the management and treatment of breast cancer.
Sociomaterial relations and adaptive space in routine performance
Authors: Paananen Soili
Published: January 2020

This article examines the various processes through which sociomaterial relations constitute the performance of a routine. The study’s theoretical underpinnings are linked to sociomateriality in understanding the dynamics of routine performance. In this study, adaptive space furthers sociomaterial relations and processes, and their dynamics to constitute the routine performance. The findings are based on ethnographic research that was conducted during an international crisis management exercise. The analysis consists of three field episodes that illustrate the different processes in which the sociomaterial matters in routine performance. The article contributes to the theoretical discussion by showing, first, how adaptive space enables going beyond the sociomaterial dualism and transfers the theoretical emphasis to the fluidity and dynamism of these relations. It also draws attention to the sociomaterial processes that constitute the performance of the routine. Third, it further shows how through sociomaterial relations and processes the organizing of professional knowledge co-constitution is performed and managed.
Influence of dimple location and depth on the performance characteristics of the hydrodynamic journal bearing system
Authors: Singh Niranjan , Awasthi RK
Published: January 2020

This paper concerns with theoretical investigation to predict the influence of cylindrical textures on the static and dynamic performance characteristics of hydrodynamic journal bearing system and the performance is compared with smooth surface bearing. The Reynolds equation governing the fluid–film between the journal and the bearing surface is solved numerically with the assistance of finite element method and the performance characteristics are evaluated as a function of eccentricity ratio, dimple depth and its location. In this study, four journal bearing configurations viz: smooth (non-textured), full-textured, partially textured-I, and partially textured-II are considered for the evaluation of theoretical results. The simulated results indicate that the influence of surface textures is more significant when the textures were created in upstream zone of 126°–286° and dimple aspect ratio nearly 1.0.
Can CSF biomarkers predict future MS disease activity and severity?
Authors: Magliozzi Roberta , Cross Anne H
Published: January 2020

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a heterogeneous disease. With several disease modifying treatments of different mechanisms of action in use now and in development, it is important to identify reliable biomarkers to identify those higher risk MS patients in whom stronger but riskier treatments might be used, as well as to identify those for whom safer treatments of lower efficacy would be sufficient. Here we review cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood biomarkers that show promise for differentiating people with MS who are at risk for severe disease and disability from those with more benign disease. We reviewed published literature for studies reporting biomarkers with predictive value in MS. Most studies of MS CSF found the presence of oligoclonal bands (both IgG and IgM), high IgG index and high levels of kappa light chains to each be associated with worse prognosis. Neurofilament light chain (NfL) and two markers of glial activation, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and YKL-40, were higher in CSF of people with subsequent clinical progression or imaging evidence for neurodegeneration. Few reports have been made yet on the prognostic significance of blood NfL, but in one early report baseline, serum NfL (sNfL) predicted subsequent brain volume loss.
Recent advances in network medicine: From disease mechanisms to new treatment strategies
Authors: Faria do Valle Ítalo
Published: January 2020

Conventional reductionist approaches have guided most of our understanding in disease diagnostic and treatment. However, most diseases are not consequence of perturbations in a single protein or metabolite, but rather of the effect that these perturbations have in their cellular context. The emerging field of network medicine offers a set of tools to explore molecular networks and to retrieve insights about mechanisms of different diseases. The study of the protein interactome, the map of physical interactions among human proteins, revealed that disease proteins tend to interact with each other, linking diseases to well-defined interactome neighborhoods. These disease-associated neighborhoods have been defined as disease modules, and they can uncover the biological significance of genes identified by genetic studies, reveal molecular mechanisms that connect different phenotypes, and help identify new pharmacological strategies for disease treatment. Therefore, network medicine offers a framework in which the complexity of different aspects of multiple sclerosis can be explored in an integrative fashion, which can ultimately provide insights about disease mechanisms and treatment.
A roadmap to precision medicine for multiple sclerosis
Authors: Chitnis Tanuja , Prat Alexandre
Published: January 2020

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects approximately 1 million persons in the United States, and is the leading cause of neurological disability in young adults. The concept of precision medicine is now being applied to MS and has the promise of improved care. MS patients experience a variety of neurological symptoms, and disease severity ranges from mild to severe, and the biological underpinnings of these phenotypes are now starting to be elucidated. Precision medicine involves the classification of disease subtypes based on the underlying biology, rather than clinical phenotypes alone, and may govern disease course and treatment response. Over 18 disease-modifying drugs have been approved for the treatment of MS, and several biomarkers of treatment response are emerging. This article provides an overview of the concepts of precision medicine and emerging biological markers and their evolving role in decision-making in MS management.
Lessons from precision medicine in rheumatology
Authors: Wampler Muskardin Theresa L , Paredes Jacqueline L , Appenzeller Simone , Niewold Timothy B
Published: January 2020

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are two common autoimmune rheumatic diseases that vary in severity, clinical presentation, and disease course between individuals. Molecular and genetic studies of both diseases have identified candidate genes and molecular pathways that are linked to various disease outcomes and treatment responses. Currently, patients can be grouped into molecular subsets in each disease, and these molecular categories should enable precision medicine approaches to be applied in rheumatic diseases. In this article, we will review key lessons learned about disease heterogeneity and molecular characterization in rheumatology, which we hope will lead to personalized therapeutic strategies.
The effect of sex on multiple sclerosis risk and disease progression
Authors: Voskuhl Rhonda R
Published: January 2020

Sex differences in the incidence or severity of disease characterize many autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases. Multiple sclerosis is a complex disease with both autoimmune and neurodegenerative aspects and is characterized by sex differences in susceptibility and progression. Research in the study sex differences is a way to capitalize on a known clinical observation, mechanistically disentangle it at the laboratory bench, then translate basic research findings back to the clinic as a novel treatment trial tailored to optimally benefit each sex. This “Bedside to Bench to Bedside” approach based on sex differences in MS will be reviewed here, first for disease susceptibility then for disability progression.
Economic policy uncertainty and demand for international tourism: An empirical study
Authors: Nguyen Canh Phuc , Schinckus Christophe , Su Thanh Dinh
Published: January 2020

The sensitivity of countries to the global macroeconomic uncertainty is directly related to the income level affecting, therefore, the demand for the outbound international tourism. Precisely, we observe that a higher economic policy uncertainty leads to more departures and more total expenditures but less expenditure per tourist – this finding is the first contribution of this article since it suggests that outbound tourism might be considered as an inferior good. In an uncertain context increasing the probability of decrease in the agents’ wealth, the population travel more but spend less money per trip suggesting that these travels are mainly made in neighbour countries. A higher uncertainty also induces a higher demand for outbound international tourism but less touristic expenditures in low- and lower-middle-income economies. These findings show the multifaceted aspect of tourism since it suggests an emigration effect that we discuss in this article.
On agonistic narratives of migration
Authors: Hansen Hans Lauge
Published: January 2020

The aim of this article is to apply the concept of agonism to the study of migration and migration narratives in order to shed new light upon a complex field and contribute to the countering of neo-nationalist right-wing populism. Following Chantal Mouffe, the author argues that agonistic narrative traits can be found in already existing cultural products that are able to unsettle the existing identity positions of the hegemonic European identity discourse pitting the national citizen against the figure of the migrant, and/or create new identity positions and alliances across the ‘us’–’them’ divide. Agonistic narratives of migration are stories able simultaneously to counter the two complementary and hegemonic discourses on migration, the antagonistic, neo-nationalist discourse representing the migrant as a threat, and the humanitarian discourse representing the migrant as a victim. Instead, agonistic narratives aim to forge alliances through protest and activities against inequality and discrimination.
Why bite the hand that feeds you? Politicians’ and journalists’ perceptions of common conflicts
Authors: Maurer Peter , Riedl Andreas
Published: January 2020

The conflicts between politicians and journalists might prejudice the culture of democratic discourse, even though their relationship is not always conflictual. Although some studies have touched upon the topic, we know little about why these conflicts arise concretely. To fill this gap, this article first approaches such common conflicts from the perspective of Bourdieu’s field theory, which has been argued to entail expectations of conflicts because it explicates the ways in which agents can enhance their personal symbolic capital by playing in the respective neighboring field while following distinct professional doxas. Methodologically, our argument relies on the responses of political and journalistic elites (n = 862) who were surveyed in Germany, Austria, and France. The countries represent diverging media systems and journalistic cultures within the Western model that potentially influence the type of conflicts in the relationship. Based on qualitative and quantitative analyses of the 599 reasons for conflict expressed by the respondents, the article identifies two main types of conflict. One pertains to the journalistic doxa, as it involves the overruling of political norms by journalistic standards in reporting, and the other pertains to the political doxa when overruling journalistic values. We evaluate the theoretical contribution of Bourdieu’s approach to making sense of conflict in the politician–journalist relations.
Faces of companies: Personalization of corporate coverage in crisis and non-crisis periods
Authors: Denner Nora , Koch Thomas , Senger Stephanie
Published: January 2020

Journalists need to make complex economic issues comprehensible for their readers. One possibility to do so is using personalization and putting company representatives (e.g. CEO, spokesperson) instead of the company as an organization in the focus of their work. Especially in times of crisis, the use of personalization could increase because crises are often associated with great uncertainty and complexity. Therefore, this study examines personalization in corporate coverage during crisis and non-crisis periods. To this end, we analyzed the coverage of four different German print media before, during, and after six selected corporate crises using a quantitative content analysis. The study shows that journalists focus more on internal stakeholders of companies at times of crisis compared to non-crisis periods. In general, the internal stakeholders journalists focus on are the CEOs as well as members of the board and supervisory board. Interestingly, in times of crisis, the coverage about the CEO declines, whereas the members of the board and supervisory board receive more attention.
Feature extraction for bearing prognostics using weighted correlation of fault frequencies over cycles
Authors: Lim Chaeyoung , Kim Seokgoo , Seo Yun-Ho , Choi Joo-Ho
Published: January 2020

In the predictive maintenance of rolling element bearings, finding a good prognostic feature to predict the remaining useful life is of critical importance, since it enables the maintenance scheduling in advance while ensuring the life without failure. In this article, a method for health index extraction is proposed for the bearing prognostics using the weighted correlation of fault frequencies over cycles. Although there have been numerous studies toward this purpose, this article is distinct in three aspects, which is more favorable for practical applications: First, the feature is simple and is rooted on the physical faults. Second, the method is applied after the anomaly detection. Third, the method is examined by the three run-to-failure cases with different types of bearings: one ball and two roller elements, which may suggest more general applicability. The trends of the proposed health index and prognostic performance are evaluated against the traditional features: root mean square and kurtosis. As a result, it is found that the new health index shows superior performance in view of the prognosis, which exhibits gradual and monotonic increase in overall performance with respect to the cycles since the inception of anomaly detection at the early stage.
Protocol and Preliminary Results of the Nutritarian Women’s Health Study: A Longitudinal Effectiveness-Implementation Hybrid Study Assessing Dietary Intake and Health Outcomes
Authors: Sutliffe Jay T. , Gardner Julia C. , Wetzel Wendy S. , Carnot Mary Jo , Adams Alison E. M.
Published: January 2020

Whole-food plant-rich dietary patterns have been shown to be associated with significant health benefits and disease-risk reduction. One such program, which has been gaining popularity, is the micronutrient-dense plant-rich (mNDPR) “Nutritarian” diet. The goal of this study is to determine the feasibility of implementing an online mNDPR “Nutritarian” intervention program and to determine the effectiveness of this program in reducing risk of chronic disease in women. The Nutritarian Women’s Health Study is a long-term online longitudinal hybrid effectiveness-implementation study. Participants are recruited through social media, medical professionals/offices, and nutrition-related events and conferences. Participants receive online nutrition education and complete regular self-reported questionnaires regarding lifestyle, nutrition practices, and health. The online intervention program appears to be feasible and effective. Some decline in dietary adherence, particularly for certain food types, was observed during the study. For groups at risk, based on body mass index or waist-to-height ratio, there were initial decreases in body mass index and waist-to-height that leveled off over time, in some cases returning to baseline measures. The study suggests the implementation of the Nutritarian dietary pattern, through an online intervention component, may be effective in reducing the risk of chronic disease, with implications for clinical and public health practice.
Intercoder Reliability in Qualitative Research: Debates and Practical Guidelines
Authors: O’Connor Cliodhna , Joffe Helene
Published: January 2020

Evaluating the intercoder reliability (ICR) of a coding frame is frequently recommended as good practice in qualitative analysis. ICR is a somewhat controversial topic in the qualitative research community, with some arguing that it is an inappropriate or unnecessary step within the goals of qualitative analysis. Yet ICR assessment can yield numerous benefits for qualitative studies, which include improving the systematicity, communicability, and transparency of the coding process; promoting reflexivity and dialogue within research teams; and helping convince diverse audiences of the trustworthiness of the analysis. Few guidelines exist to help researchers negotiate the assessment of ICR in qualitative analysis. The current article explains what ICR is, reviews common arguments for and against its incorporation in qualitative analysis and offers guidance on the practical elements of performing an ICR assessment.
Bio-mechanical risk factors for uterine prolapse among women living in the hills of west Nepal: A case-control study
Authors: Devkota Hridaya Raj , Sijali Tula Ram , Harris Carisa , Ghimire Dirgha J , Prata Ndola , Bates Michael N
Published: January 2020

Objective:

To investigate whether heavy load carrying, wearing a patuka, and body position at work are risk factors for uterine prolapse among Nepali women.

Methods:

Community-based case-control study of 448 women (170 cases of uterine prolapse; 278 controls) aged 18–60 years in Kaski district, Nepal was conducted. Women diagnosed with uterine prolapse were cases. Two controls were recruited for each case, frequency-matched by residential area and age. Multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate associations between outcome and exposures.

Results:

No association of heavy load carrying with uterine prolapse was observed; women who never used a patuka had lower odds of uterine prolapse (odds ratio = 0.18, 95% confidence interval = 0.05–0.71). Women working in a sitting position had higher odds than those working in a standing position (odds ratio = 2.94, 95% confidence interval = 1.74–4.96), as did women who mainly worked in a bending position (odds ratio = 2.45, 95% confidence interval = 1.12–5.34). Housewives were more prone to uterine prolapse than women engaged in farming (odds ratio = 2.13, 95% confidence interval = 1.31–3.47).

Conclusion:

Using a patuka, occupation, and body position during work were all associated with uterine prolapse. No association was found with heavy load carrying, although that might be attributable to the cross-sectional nature of study recruitment.
Ethical reflections on children’s participation in educational research during humanitarian crises
Authors: Maglio Fabiana , Pherali Tejendra
Published: January 2020

This paper aims to reflect upon ethical dilemmas arising from educational research in humanitarian contexts, particularly when involving children. In recognition of the paucity of knowledge on how to define ethics in humanitarian research, we review the existing body of literature that explores ethical responsibilities towards children involved in educational research at school and their communities. The paper argues that research ethics should be at the forefront of every study that is conducted in crisis contexts and more rigorous review and vetting processes are necessary to protect children, researchers and wider communities who live in crisis settings. We hope to promote an informed debate on research ethics in humanitarian contexts, while encouraging the development of rigorous guidelines, notes and minimum standards.
Effect of Ramadan fasting: Association with time of day on time-motion, technical aspect and psychophysiological response to simulated karate competition in young amateur competitors
Authors: Issaoui Mahdi , Zouhal Hassane , Yousfi Narimen , Salhi Amal , Aloui Ali , Bragazzi Nicola , Hamdouni Habil , Miarka Bianka , Hackney Anthony C , Ben Abderrahman Abderraouf
Published: January 2020

Ramadan is characterized by daily abstinence from food and fluid intake from dawn to sunset. The understanding of the Ramadan effects on the diurnal variations of athletic performance is crucial for practitioners, coach and researchers to prepare sport events and optimize performance. The aim of the present study was to reveal the effect of Ramadan on the performance aspect, heart rate and rating of perceived exertion during a karate match. In a randomized counterbalanced, 2 × 2 cross-over order, 22 male and female amateur karate athletes (age = 16.8 years, body mass = 59.1 kg, height = 168.3 cm) participated in simulated karate match at 8–10 a.m. and 5–7 p.m. on three different occasions: 1 week before Ramadan, the second week of Ramadan (during Ramadan), and 2 weeks after Ramadan. Performance aspects were analyzed, and heart rate and rating of perceived exertion were assessed before and immediately after the match at each visit. Our results demonstrated that Ramadan adversely affected time-motion variables (fighting time and preparatory time) and heart rate during simulated karate match (p < 0.05, all). However, heart rate pic response to karate match was higher during Ramadan when compared with before Ramadan and after Ramadan. However, rating of perceived exertion results did not show any variation during Ramadan phases. Concerning the interaction of Ramadan and time of day, fighting time and stoppage time were higher in the evening and in the morning before Ramadan and the inverse during Ramadan, respectively (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Ramadan altered the diurnal variation of performance aspect, in terms of fighting time and stoppage time, during simulated karate match.
The Moovis® implant for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis: results after 2 to 6 years
Authors: Martins Antoine , Charbonnel Sébastien , Lecomte Frédéric , Athlani Lionel
Published: January 2020

In this retrospective study we reviewed the outcomes of 46 trapeziometacarpal joint replacements with the Moovis® prosthesis in 46 patients with painful osteoarthritis. The dual mobility design of this prosthesis aims to reduce prosthetic dislocation and subsidence. At follow-up 2 to 6 years (mean 5 years) after operation, pain was reduced from 6 to 0 on a visual analogue scale from 0 to 10. The scores of the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire improved significantly. Thumb motion and grip and pinch strength did not differ significantly from the contralateral hand. There were no radiographical signs of implant subsidence or loosening. No implant required revision. Forty-five patients rated the result as excellent or good. We conclude the Moovis® is a reliable and effective implant at short- to mid-term follow-up.

Level of evidence: IV
Airway wall thickness and airflow limitations in asthma assessed in quantitative computed tomography
Authors: Patyk Mateusz , Obojski Andrzej , Sokołowska-Dąbek Dąbrówka , Parkitna-Patyk Martyna , Zaleska-Dorobisz Urszula
Published: January 2020

Background:

Asthma is a frequent chronic disease of the airways. In spite of the fact that symptoms of asthma are well known, the pathogenesis has not yet been fully understood. Quantitative computed tomography (qCT) of the lung allows for the measurment of a set of parameters. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of quantitative computed tomography in the assessment of airway wall thickness in asthma.

Methods:

The prospective study was performed on a group of 83 patients with well-defined, long-term asthma between 2016 and 2018. The control group was composed of 30 healthy volunteers. All examined subjects were non-smokers. All computed tomography (CT) studies were performed using a 128 multi-slice CT scanner with no contrast, following a chest scanning protocol in the supine position, at full inspiration and breath-holds.

Results:

Quantitative bronchial tree measurements were obtained from the third up to the ninth generation of the posterior basal bronchi (B10) of the right lung in a blinded fashion. The value of the wall thickness in patients with asthma was significantly higher in all measured generations of the bronchial tree (third to ninth generation). The lumen area and the inner diameter significantly correlated with the lung function tests and were substantially smaller in the examined group from the seventh to the ninth generation of the bronchi ( p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

We conclude that airway remodelling occurs in most patients with long-term asthma and is associated mainly with the medium and small airways. Imaging techniques, especially qCT can be useful in the diagnosis and management of asthma. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.
Smoking and pregnancy: The era of electronic nicotine delivery systems
Authors: Desai Nikita
Published: January 2020

Electronic nicotine delivery systems have been commercially available in the United States since 2007. Despite a decrease in combustible cigarette use, electronic nicotine delivery systems use has dramatically increased among both adults and adolescents. These devices have been marketed as smoking cessation aids, although data on their efficacy are scarce. Pregnant women are an especially vulnerable population susceptible to claims of safety and efficacy, and the medical community remains inadequately informed on how to counsel these women. The purpose of this article is to review known literature regarding the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems in pregnancy, to understand the differences between cigarettes and electronic nicotine delivery systems use in pregnancy, and to further guide clinicians on how to advise the pregnant woman on their use.