bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital versus Traditional Newspapers: Influences on Perceived Substitutability
Authors: Flavián Carlos , Gurrea Raquel
Published: July 2019

In the newspaper industry there is a growing interest in the analysis of the duality of channels that distribute the latest news. In this study we identify the main motivations that lead readers to read the press. We also analyse the influence of motivations on the degree of perceived substitutability between digital and traditional newspapers. First, a qualitative study was carried out in order to learn about this particular context of analysis in greater detail. Specifically, we held a focus group and a series of in-depth interviews. These analyses allowed us to identify the four main motivations to read the press: (1) to search for specific information, (2) to get updated news, (3) for leisure reasons, and (4) as a habit. Subsequently, a survey was applied to a representative sample of users and several hypotheses were tested with a binary logistic regression analysis. The results confirm that the motivation to search for updated news influences negatively the perceived degree of substitutability between channels (readers prefer the digital channel when searching for updated news). We also found that reading as entertainment or as habit led readers to consider both channels more ‘substitutable’. These findings suggest that both channels can survive alongside one another, avoiding cannibalistic effects, and that the newspaper industry should recognise the difference of the digital channel by paying more attention to its peculiarities.
Purkinje Cells Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Mavroudis Ioannis , Petridis Foivos , Kazis Dimitrios , Njau Samuel N. , Costa Vasiliki , Baloyannis Stavros J.
Published: July 2019

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the main causes of dementia in senium and presenium. It is clinically characterized by memory impairment, deterioration of intellectual faculties, and loss of professional skills. The cerebellum is a critical part in the distributed neural circuits participating not only in motor function but also in autonomic, limbic, and cognitive behaviors. In present study, we aim to investigate the morphological changes in the Purkinje cells in different cerebellar regions in AD and to correlate them with the underlying AD pathology. Purkinje cells exhibit significant morphometric alterations in AD and prominently in the anterior lobe which is related to higher cognitive functions. The present study gives new insights into the cerebellar pathology in AD and confirms that Purkinje cells pathology is a key finding in AD brains and that AD is characterized by regional-specific atrophy picked in the anterior cerebellar lobe.
Heartbreakers—Cardiac Stress After Uncomplicated Generalized Convulsive Seizures
Authors: Gaspard Nicolas
Published: July 2019

[Box: see text]
Reflections on Life Design Narrative Inquiry as a Methodology for Research With Child Sex Trafficking Survivors
Authors: Visser Anja , du Preez Petro , Simmonds Shan
Published: July 2019

At present, there is a dearth of primary data on the experiences of the child survivors of trafficking for sexual exploitation. Qualitative research methodologies are needed to help researchers and practitioners from a variety of disciplines to understand the complex issues associated with child sex trafficking (CST), to gain greater insight into the nature of this problem, and to devise strategies to combat this form of trafficking. In this article, we report on our use of a synthesized methodology, life design narrative inquiry (LDNI), as a way to generate primary data on the experiences of the survivors. This methodology enables researchers to do research with CST survivors to gain a deeper insight into the nature of trafficking to devise strategies in different disciplines to combat this form of trafficking. Reflections on employing LDNI with child trafficking survivors revealed that this methodology is context sensitive, takes on an individualistic perspective, and leads to rich descriptions of CST survivors’ experiences. Reflections on ethical challenges revealed that gaining access to CST survivors is a complex process, protecting both the participants and the researchers against harm is challenging and that keeping confidentiality of participants is extremely important.
Public views regarding the responsibility of patients, clinicians, and institutions to participate in research in the United States
Authors: Weinfurt Kevin P , Lin Li , Sugarman Jeremy
Published: July 2019

Background

The need for more and better evidence to inform clinical decision making among all stakeholders has fueled calls for creating learning healthcare systems. The successful realization of a learning healthcare system seems to assume that various parties have a responsibility to participate in learning activities, including research. The objective of this study was to determine whether members of the general public perceive an ethical responsibility to participate in pragmatic clinical research that would be inherent to a learning health system.

Methods

A total of 2994 English-speaking adults completed a nationally representative online survey.

Results

About two-thirds of respondents were relatively neutral regarding a responsibility for themselves and others to participate in research; the remainder felt that they and others did not have a responsibility to participate in research.

Conclusions

Efforts to justify and develop a robust learning health system in an ethically acceptable fashion need to take these findings into account.
Scientific Utopia III: Crowdsourcing Science
Authors: Uhlmann Eric Luis , Ebersole Charles R. , Chartier Christopher R. , Errington Timothy M. , Kidwell Mallory C. , Lai Calvin K. , McCarthy Randy J. , Riegelman Amy , Silberzahn Raphael , Nosek Brian A.
Published: July 2019

Most scientific research is conducted by small teams of investigators who together formulate hypotheses, collect data, conduct analyses, and report novel findings. These teams operate independently as vertically integrated silos. Here we argue that scientific research that is horizontally distributed can provide substantial complementary value, aiming to maximize available resources, promote inclusiveness and transparency, and increase rigor and reliability. This alternative approach enables researchers to tackle ambitious projects that would not be possible under the standard model. Crowdsourced scientific initiatives vary in the degree of communication between project members from largely independent work curated by a coordination team to crowd collaboration on shared activities. The potential benefits and challenges of large-scale collaboration span the entire research process: ideation, study design, data collection, data analysis, reporting, and peer review. Complementing traditional small science with crowdsourced approaches can accelerate the progress of science and improve the quality of scientific research.
American origins: Political and religious divides in US collective memory
Authors: Yamashiro Jeremy K , Van Engen Abram , Roediger Henry L
Published: July 2019

Origin stories are particularly influential collective memories, establishing a society in the minds of its members. National collective memories are frequently conceived as being shared by all members of the country, but subnational groups may differ in their images of the group’s past. Surveying 2000 Americans, we examined political and religious differences in foundational events selected for America’s origins. While there was considerable agreement across religious and political affiliations for the most important events, there were also critical differences. While all participants demonstrated a marked positivity bias in their origin stories, conservative participants more frequently omitted foundational atrocities from America’s origin story, and thus had the most positive stories. Secular participants were most likely to begin America with the independent state, whereas religious participants frequently began America with earlier colonization events. Origin stories accord with varying images of America and American identity.
Data Sharing
Authors: Bergren Martha Dewey , Johnson Kathleen
Published: July 2019

The data life cycle starts with defining what data are needed, to collecting, storing, protecting, using, sharing, retiring, and destroying data. A May 2019 NASN School Nurse article, “Data Governance and Stewardship,” addressed who is accountable for the data life cycle within a school system. This article will discuss data sharing, the ethics, and the steps that must be taken to share data responsibly. As discussed in the previous article, policies and procedures about data sharing are available in every school district. Frequently, the guidelines pertain only to sharing personally identifiable student information and do not address the sharing of aggregated information for the purposes of needs assessments, priority setting, outcomes measurement, or for advocating for resources or policy changes at the district, state, or national level. Fortunately, guidance of sharing data and crafting data sharing agreements is provided by the Privacy Technical Assistance Center at the U.S. Department of Education. This is the sixth article in the series on data.
Increasing HIV-Free Survival of Infants: Reorganizing Care Using Quality Improvement for the Optimal Health and Nutrition of HIV-Positive Women and Their Exposed Infants in Uganda
Authors: Nsubuga-Nyombi Tamara , Karamagi Esther , Nabitaka Linda , Namukose Samalie , Calnan Jacqueline , Nyakwezi Sheila , Bachou Hanifa , Oucul Lazarus , Amoah Aurora O.
Published: July 2019

Reorganizing service delivery to integrate nutrition and infant and young child feeding (IYCF) with prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) is important for improving outcomes of HIV-positive mothers and HIV-exposed infants (HEIs). Quality improvement (QI) strategies were implemented at 22 health facilities. The percentage of HIV-positive pregnant women and lactating mothers who received IYCF counseling at each visit improved (45%-100%; mean = 93.1%, standard deviation [SD] = 15.5). Adherence to IYCF practices improved (70%-96%; mean = 92.4%, SD = 8.5). Mother–baby pairs receiving the standard care package improved (0%-100%; mean = 98.6%, SD = 22.6). The HEIs alive at 18 months and infected decreased (mean = 6.2%, SD = 4.8). Statistical significance of change was estimated using Fisher exact test and magnitude of change over time by calculating the odds ratio. For all indicators, improvement was rapid and significant ( P < .001), especially in the first 6 months of QI implementation. Using QI to integrate nutrition and ensure consistent and comprehensive PMTCT service delivery improved IYCF adherence and decreased transmission.
Risk for malignancies of infectious etiology among adult survivors of specific non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes
Authors: Herr Megan M. , Schonfeld Sara J. , Dores Graça M. , Engels Eric A. , Tucker Margaret A. , Curtis Rochelle E. , Morton Lindsay M.
Published: July 2019

Infectious agents have been identified in the etiology of certain non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) subtypes and solid tumors. The impact of this shared etiology on risk for second cancers in NHL survivors has not been comprehensively studied. We used US population–based cancer registry data to quantify risk of solid malignancies associated with infectious etiology among 127 044 adult 1-year survivors of the 4 most common NHL subtypes diagnosed during 2000 to 2014 (mean follow-up, 4.5-5.2 years). Compared with the general population, elevated risks for liver, stomach, and anal cancers were observed among diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) survivors (standardized incidence ratio [SIR], 1.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.46-2.31; SIR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.16-1.94; SIR, 3.71; 95% CI, 2.52-5.27, respectively) and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL; SIR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.34-2.83; SIR, 2.78; 95% CI, 2.02-3.74; SIR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.02-4.64, respectively) but not follicular lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma. Anal cancer risk was particularly elevated among DLBCL survivors with HIV (SIR, 68.34; 95% CI, 37.36-114.66) vs those without (SIR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.22-3.34). The observed patterns are consistent with shared associations between these cancers and hepatitis C virus, Helicobacter pylori, and HIV, respectively. In contrast, risks for cervical and oropharyngeal/tonsil cancers were not elevated among survivors of any NHL subtype, possibly because of the lack of NHL association with human papillomavirus or population-wide screening practices (for cervical cancer). In summary, patterns of elevated second cancer risk differed by NHL subtype. Our results suggest shared infectious etiology has implications for subsequent cancer risks among DLBCL and MZL survivors, which may help inform surveillance for these survivors.
Trisodium citrate 4% versus heparin as a catheter lock for non-tunneled hemodialysis catheters in critically ill patients: a multicenter, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Quenot Jean-Pierre , Helms Julie , Bourredjem Abderrahmane , Dargent Auguste , Meziani Ferhat , Badie Julio , Blasco Gilles , Piton Gaël , Capellier Gilles , Mezher Chaouki , Rebibou Jean-Michel , Nadji Abdelouaid , Crepin Thomas , Barbar Saber Davide , Fleck Camille , Cransac Amélie , Boulin Mathieu , Binquet Christine , Soudry-Faure Agnès , Bruyère Rémi ,   for the VERROU-REA Trial Investigators and the CRICS TRIGGERSEP Group (Clinical Research in Intensive Care and Sepsis Trial Group for Global Evaluation and Research in Sepsis)
Published: July 2019

Background

Non-tunneled hemodialysis catheters are currently used for critically ill patients with acute kidney injury requiring extracorporeal renal replacement therapy. Strategies to prevent catheter dysfunction and infection with catheter locks remain controversial.

Methods

In a multicenter, randomized, controlled, double-blind trial, we compared two strategies for catheter locking of non-tunneled hemodialysis catheters, namely trisodium citrate at 4% (intervention group) versus unfractionated heparin (control group), in patients aged 18 years or older admitted to the intensive care unit and in whom a first non-tunneled hemodialysis catheter was to be inserted by the jugular or femoral vein. The primary endpoint was length of event-free survival of the first non-tunneled hemodialysis catheter. Secondary endpoints were: rate of fibrinolysis, incidence of catheter dysfunction and incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI), all per 1000 catheter-days; number of hemorrhagic events requiring transfusion, length of stay in intensive care and in hospital; 28-day mortality.

Results

Overall, 396 randomized patients completed the trial: 199 in the citrate group and 197 in the heparin group. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between groups. The duration of event-free survival of the first non-tunneled hemodialysis catheter was not significantly different between groups: 7 days (IQR 3–10) in the citrate group and 5 days (IQR 3–11) in the heparin group (p = 0.51). Rates of catheter thrombosis, CRBSI, and adverse events were not statistically different between groups.

Conclusions

In critically ill patients, there was no significant difference in the duration of event-free survival of the first non-tunneled hemodialysis catheter between trisodium citrate 4% and heparin as a locking solution. Catheter thrombosis, catheter-related infection, and adverse events were not statistically different between the two groups.

Trial registration Registered with Clinicaltrials.gov under the number NCT01962116. Registered 14 October 2013.
Germany’s AfD – members, leaders and ideologies
Authors: Klikauer Thomas
Published: July 2019

In the year 2018, Germany’s new radical right-wing party, the AfD, completed its electoral success by entering the two remaining state parliament in which the AfD wasn’t represented – Bavaria and Hessen. Hessen is also the state where Hubert Kleinert’s (The AfD and its members[Die AfD und ihre Mitglieder], 2018) excellent investigation into AfD members takes place. His empirical work represents a unique insight into ideology and thinking of AfD members. One of the key members of the AfD is Björn Höcke. Björn Höcke is more than just a member. He is the leader of the AfD in his home state of Thuringia and his is the leader of the highly influential radical right wing,Der Flügel. The wing, as it is known, represents the most extremist section of the AfD. It is partly because of the wing that CDU hard man, Friedrich Merz, recently called the AfD, ‘openly Nazi [with] antisemitic undertones’ (https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/afd-are-nazis-angela-merkel-rival-friedrich-merz-g0dvwvdlg). In Sebastian Hennig’s (Never twice in the same river[Nie zweimal in denselben Fluss], 2018) interview with Björn Höcke, the völkisch boss talks freely about this political ideas. Finally, the rise of the AfD marks a distinctive move to the right changing Germany’s political culture. What all this means is shown in Andreas Peglau’s (Shifting Right in the twenty-first Century[Rechtsruck im 21. Jahrhundert], 2018) exquisite book ‘Shifting Right in the 21stCentury’. The review concludes by arguing that the AfD is not an outright Nazi party. The AfD is a fascistoid party – it carries elements of fascism inside.
Promoting Breast Cancer Surveillance: The EMPOWER Study, a Randomized Clinical Trial in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study
Authors: Oeffinger Kevin C. , Ford Jennifer S. , Moskowitz Chaya S. , Chou Joanne F. , Henderson Tara O. , Hudson Melissa M. , Diller Lisa , McDonald Aaron , Ford James , Mubdi Nidha Z. , Rinehart Dayton , Vukadinovich Christopher , Gibson Todd M. , Anderson Nassim , Elkin Elena B. , Garrett Kathleen , Rebull Margaret , Leisenring Wendy , Robison Leslie L. , Armstrong Gregory T.
Published: July 2019

PURPOSE

The aim of the current study was to increase the uptake of screening mammography among high-risk women who were treated for a childhood cancer with chest radiotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two hundred four female survivors in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study who were treated with chest radiotherapy with 20 Gy or greater, age 25 to 50 years, and without breast imaging in the past 24 months were randomly assigned 2:1 to receive a mailed informational packet followed by a tailored telephone-delivered brief motivational interview (intervention) versus an attention control. Primary outcome was the difference in the proportion of participants who completed a screening mammogram by 12 months as evaluated in an intent-to-treat analysis. Stratum-adjusted relative risk (RR) and 95% CI were estimated using the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel method. Secondary outcomes included the completion of screening breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and barriers to screening and moderating factors.

RESULTS

Women in the intervention group were significantly more likely than those in the control group to report a mammogram (45 [33.1%] of 136 v 12 [17.6%] of 68; RR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.3). The intervention was more successful among women age 25 to 39 years (RR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.1 to 4.7) than among those age 40 to 50 years (RR, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.6 to 3.2). The proportion of women who reported a breast MRI at 12 months was similar between the two groups: 16.2% (intervention) compared with 13.2% (control; RR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.6 to 2.5). Primary barriers to completing a screening mammogram and/or breast MRI included lack of physician recommendation, deferred action by survivor, cost, and absence of symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Use of mailed materials followed by telephone-delivered counseling increased mammography screening rates in survivors at high risk for breast cancer; however, this approach did not increase the rate of breast MRI. Cost of imaging and physician recommendation were important barriers that should be addressed in future studies.
Increase in Osteocalcin Following Testosterone Therapy in Men With Type 2 Diabetes and Subnormal Free Testosterone
Authors: Ghanim Husam , Dhindsa Sandeep , Green Kelly , Abuaysheh Sanaa , Batra Manav , Makdissi Antoine , Chaudhuri Ajay , Dandona Paresh
Published: July 2019

Context

One-third of men with type 2 diabetes have subnormal free testosterone concentrations. We evaluated the following: (i) whether bone mineral density (BMD) and bone strength are affected by gonadal status in type 2 diabetes and (ii) the effect of testosterone replacement on markers of osteoblast and osteoclast activity.

Design

This is a secondary analysis of a previously completed, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Ninety-four men with type 2 diabetes were recruited; 44 had subnormal free testosterone concentrations. Men with subnormal free testosterone concentrations were randomized to receive intramuscular injections of testosterone or placebo every 2 weeks for 22 weeks. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scans were performed at baseline and at 23 weeks.

Results

Men with subnormal free testosterone had similar BMD compared with men with normal free testosterone. However, bone strength indices were lower in men with subnormal free testosterone. BMD was related to free estradiol concentrations (r = 0.37, P = 0.004 at hip), whereas bone strength was related to free testosterone concentrations (r = 0.41, P < 0.001). Testosterone replacement increased osteocalcin concentrations [mean change (95% CI), 3.52 (0.45, 6.59), P = 0.008]. C-Terminal telopeptide (CTx) concentrations also increased at 15 weeks but reverted to baseline following that. There were no changes in other bone turnover markers or BMD.

Conclusion

We conclude that testosterone replacement resulted in an increase in osteocalcin and a transient increase in CTx, indicating an increase in osteoblastic activity and transient increase in bone breakdown. Therefore, a major action of testosterone is to increase bone turnover in men with type 2 diabetes.
Having a Conscious Patient During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: Is It Not Time to Consider Sedation Protocol?: A Case Report
Authors: Sukumar Vasanth
Published: July 2019

A middle-aged man with acute inferior wall myocardial infarction was admitted in cardiac arrest and in an unresponsive state to the hospital. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was initiated. Patient showed signs of consciousness throughout the CPR. The impact of awareness during CPR on the neuropsychological status of a patient with a favorable neurological outcome is yet to be studied on a large scale. Sedation protocol without compromising hemodynamic status may prove a fair choice in such cases.
Real-time imaging of integrin β4 dynamics using a reporter cell line generated by Crispr/Cas9 genome editing
Authors: Elaimy Ameer L. , Wang Mengdie , Sheel Ankur , Brown Caitlin W. , Walker Melanie R. , Amante John J. , Xue Wen , Chan Amanda , Baer Christina E. , Goel Hira Lal , Mercurio Arthur M.
Published: July 2019

The ability to monitor changes in the expression and localization of integrins is essential for understanding their contribution to development, tissue homeostasis and disease. Here, we pioneered the use of Crispr/Cas9 genome editing to tag an allele of the β4 subunit of the α6β4 integrin. A tdTomato tag was inserted with a linker at the C-terminus of integrin β4 in mouse mammary epithelial cells. Cells harboring this tagged allele were similar to wild-type cells with respect to integrin β4 surface expression, association with the α6 subunit, adhesion to laminin and consequent signaling. These integrin β4 reporter cells were transformed with YAP (also known as YAP1), which enabled us to obtain novel insight into integrin β4 dynamics in response to a migratory stimulus (scratch wound) by live-cell video microscopy. An increase in integrin β4 expression in cells proximal to the wound edge was evident, and a population of integrin β4-expressing cells that exhibited unusually rapid migration was identified. These findings could shed insight into integrin β4 dynamics during invasion and metastasis. Moreover, these integrin β4 reporter cells should facilitate studies on the contribution of this integrin to mammary gland biology and cancer.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Electrophysiology and transcriptomics reveal two photoreceptor classes and complex visual integration inHirudo verbana
Authors: Stowasser Annette , Stahl Aaron , Benoit Joshua B. , Wagenaar Daniel A.
Published: July 2019

Among animals with visual processing mechanisms, the leech Hirudo verbana is a rare example in which all neurons can be identified. However, little is known about its visual system, which is composed of several pigmented head eyes and photosensitive non-pigmented sensilla that are distributed across its entire body. Although several interneurons are known to respond to visual stimuli, their response properties are poorly understood. Among these, the S cell system is especially intriguing: It is multimodal, spans the entire body of the leech, and is thought to be involved in sensory integration. To improve our understanding of the role of this system, we tested its spectral sensitivity, spatial integration, and adaptation properties. The response of the S cell system to visual stimuli was found to be strongly dependent on the size of the area stimulated, and adaptation was local. Furthermore, an adaptation experiment demonstrated that at least two color channels contributed to the response, and that their contribution was dependent on the adaptation to the background. The existence of at least two color channels was further supported by transcriptomic evidence, which indicated the existence of at least two distinct groups of putative opsins for leeches. Taken together, our results show that the S cell system has response properties that could be involved in the processing of spatial and color information of visual stimuli. We propose the leech as a novel system to understand visual processing mechanisms with many practical advantages.
Nano-Saturn with an Ellipsoidal Body: Anthracene Macrocyclic Ring–C70 Complex
Authors: Toyota Shinji , Yamamoto Yuta , Wakamatsu Kan , Tsurumaki Eiji , Muñoz-Castro Alvaro
Published: July 2019

A macrocyclic compound consisting of six anthracene units formed a Saturn-shaped complex with fullerene C70 as the ellipsoidal guest. The association constant of the host-guest complex was determined by the NMR titration method to be 4.6 × 103 L mol−1, twice than observed for the C60 counterpart. X-ray analysis revealed that the guest molecule was included in the center of the cavity in nearly standing orientation, whereas DFT calculations predicted the complexation in various orientations. In any complex structure, CH⋯π interactions play an important role in forming the ring–body supramolecular system. The intraannular hydrogen atoms in the ring moiety were deshielded upon complexation, and this phenomenon is discussed on the basis of the NMR shielding of C70 and the calculated structures. In spite of the different relative orientations of C70, the host-guest formation strength remains similar exposing the great versatility of the host capabilities against non-spherical fullerenes.
Macrophage Regulation of Muscle Regrowth From Disuse in Aging
Authors: Reidy Paul T. , Dupont-Versteegden Esther E. , Drummond Micah J.
Published: July 2019

Skeletal muscle immune cells, such as macrophages, are necessary for proper regrowth after muscle disuse. We suggest that the important role of macrophages concerning muscle regrowth after disuse is divergent compared with young mice (i.e., dysregulated) during the recovery period. Modulation of macrophages may be a promising future therapeutic target to enhance the impaired muscle growth during recovery from disuse in older adults.
Motor Strategies Learned during Pain Are Sustained upon Pain-free Reexposure to Task
Authors: SALOMONI SAURO E. , MARINOVIC WELBER , CARROLL TIMOTHY J. , HODGES PAUL W.
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Pain affects movement planning and execution, and may interfere with the ability to learn new motor skills. Variations among previous studies suggest task-specific effects of pain on the initial acquisition and subsequent retention of motor strategies.

Methods

The present study assessed how acute pain in the anterior deltoid muscle affects movement accuracy of fast arm-reaching movements during force field perturbations and upon immediate pain-free repetition of the same task.

Results

Despite having slower initial rate of improvement, individuals who experienced pain during training achieved the same final performance as pain-free controls. However, pain altered the strategy of muscle activation adopted to perform the task, which involved less activity of the shoulder and arm muscles. Strikingly, motor strategies developed during the first exposure to the force field were retained upon reexposure to the same perturbation after resolution of pain.

Conclusions

Although reduced muscle activation may be interpreted as metabolically efficient, it reduces joint stability and can have negative consequences for joint integrity. These results demonstrate that alternative motor strategies developed in the presence of pain can be maintained when training is resumed after resolution of pain. This effect could have deleterious consequences if it applies when learning motor skills in sports training and rehabilitation.
Exercise Intensity Matters in Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain Rehabilitation
Authors: VERBRUGGHE JONAS , AGTEN ANOUK , STEVENS SJOERD , HANSEN DOMINIQUE , DEMOULIN CHRISTOPHE , O. EIJNDE BERT , VANDENABEELE FRANK , TIMMERMANS ANNICK
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Exercise therapy (ET) is advocated as a treatment for chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP). However, therapy effect sizes remain low. In other chronic disorders, training at higher intensity has resulted in greater improvements on both general health related and disease specific outcomes compared to lower-intensity ET. Possibly, high-intensity training also improves effect sizes in CNSLBP.

Objective

To compare the effects of a high-intensity ET program with a similar moderate-intensity ET program on disability, pain, function, exercise capacity, and abdominal/back muscle strength in persons with CNSLBP.

Methods

In a randomized controlled trial, persons with CNSLBP performed a 12-wk ET program (24 sessions, 1.5 h per session, twice per week) at high-intensity training (HIT) or moderate-intensity training (MIT). Questionnaires to assess disability (Modified Oswestry Index [MODI]), pain intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale), and function (Patient Specific Functioning Scale), a cardiopulmonary exercise test to assess exercise capacity (V˙O2max, cycling time), and a maximum isometric muscle strength test to assess abdominal/back muscle strength (maximum muscle torque) were administered at baseline and after the training program.

Results

Thirty-eight participants (HIT: n = 19, MIT: n = 19) were included (mean age, 44.1 yr, SD = 9.8, 12 males). Groups did not differ at baseline. Between group differences (P < 0.01) in favor of HIT were found for MODI, V˙O2max, and cycling time. Within group improvements (P < 0.01) were found in both groups on MODI (HIT:−64%, MIT:−33%), Numeric Pain Rating Scale (HIT, −56%; MIT, −39%), Patient-Specific Functioning Scale (HIT:+37%, MIT:+39%), V˙O2max (HIT:+14, MIT:+4%), cycling time (HIT:+18%, MIT:+13%), and back muscle strength (HIT:+10%, MIT:+14%).

Conclusions

High-intensity training proved to be a feasible, well tolerated, and effective therapy modality in CNSLBP. Moreover, it shows greater improvements on disability and exercise capacity than a similar ET performed at moderate intensity.
PTBP1 mRNA isoforms and regulation of their translation
Authors: Arake de Tacca Luisa M. , Pulos-Holmes Mia C. , Floor Stephen N. , Cate Jamie H.D.
Published: July 2019

Polypyrimidine tract-binding proteins (PTBPs) are RNA binding proteins that regulate a number of posttranscriptional events. Human PTBP1 transits between the nucleus and cytoplasm and is thought to regulate RNA processes in both. However, information about PTBP1 mRNA isoforms and regulation of PTPB1 expression remains incomplete. Here we mapped the major PTBP1 mRNA isoforms in HEK293T cells and identified alternative 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions (5′-UTRs, 3′-UTRs), as well as alternative splicing patterns in the protein coding region. We also assessed how the observed PTBP1 mRNA isoforms contribute to PTBP1 expression in different phases of the cell cycle. Previously, PTBP1 mRNAs were shown to crosslink to eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 (eIF3). We find that eIF3 binds differently to each PTBP1 mRNA isoform in a cell cycle dependent manner. We also observe a strong correlation between eIF3 binding to PTBP1 mRNAs and repression of PTBP1 levels during the S phase of the cell cycle. Our results provide evidence of translational regulation of PTBP1 protein levels during the cell cycle, which may affect downstream regulation of alternative splicing and translation mediated by PTBP1 protein isoforms.
Pidotimod in the treatment of pediatric recurrent respiratory tract infection
Authors: Li Xia , Li Qingfang , Wang Xudong , Lu Man , Shen Jingjing , Meng Qingmei
Published: July 2019

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of pidotimod in the treatment of recurrent respiratory tract infection in children.

Methods: One hundred thirty-two patients with recurrent respiratory tract infection who received treatment in Tianan City Central Hospital were selected and divided into an observation group and a control group using random number table, 66 in each group. Patients in the control group were given conventional treatment, while patients in the observation group were given conventional treatment and pidotimod treatment; the clinical efficacy of the two therapies was compared. The levels of IgG and IgM were measured after treatment.

Results: The vital signs and the content of inflammatory mediator and Th1/Th2 in serum before and after treatment were compared, and the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated. The fever, pulmonary rale, cough and antiadoncus of patients in the observation group disappeared earlier than those in the control group (P<0.05). The onset duration of respiratory tract infection and days of antibiotic application of the observation group were shorter than those of the control group after treatment (P<0.05). The times of infection of the observation group were less than that of the control group (P<0.05). Before treatment, the two groups had no significant difference in the content of inflammatory mediators and Th1/Th2 in the serum (P>0.05). The serum content of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-4 of the two groups one week after treatment was lower than that before treatment, and the content of interferon (IFN)-γ and IFN-γ/IL-4 were higher than that before treatment; moreover the observation group had lower serum content of TFN-α and IL-4 and lower content of IFN-γ and IFN-γ/IL-4 compared to the control group (P<0.05). The overall response rate of the observation group was 92.4%, much higher than 81.8% in the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Pidotimod has a remarkable efficacy in the treatment of pediatric recurrent respiratory tract infection because it can effectively inhibit the infection and optimize Th1/Th2 immune function.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.82

How to cite this:Li X, Li Q, Wang X, Lu M, Shen J, Meng Q. Pidotimod in the treatment of pediatric recurrent respiratory tract infection. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(4):981-986. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.4.82

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Mitochondrial DNA sequence variations in populations of Sardinapilchardus(Walbaum 1792) along the Tunisian coasts
Authors: FADHLAOUI-ZID ΚARIMA
Published: July 2019

Sardine is a fish species of great economic importance to Tunisia. Knowledge of genetic diversity and population distribution is essential for an efficient management and sustainability of any regional fishery. This study aimed to assessing the genetic structure and to specify the stocks of the European sardine (Sardina pilchardus). To this end, 83 specimens were collected from three localities along the Tunisian coast and analysed using mitochondrial DNA sequences. The results of sequence analysis determined the existence of variations in 40 single nucleotide sites within the 307 bp fragment of the cytb gene examined and defined twenty different haplotypes. Genetic diversity, estimated by haplotypic diversity, was high in all samples. Tunisian S.pilchardus samples show some level of genetic structuring. First, genetic differentiation between localities (ΦST estimates) was significant for all comparison. Second, the analysis of molecular variance AMOVA indicates a high level of genetic variation (ΦST = 0.093; P<0.001). The structural patterns identified can be explained largely in relation to the regional oceanographic features. In conclusion, this study provided initial genetic data in making inference of the genetic structure of S. pilchardus along the Tunisian coasts.
Adopting a logical framework model to help achieve a balanced and healthy vaccine R&D portfolio
Authors: Lalani Bhoomi , Sobti Sourabh
Published: July 2019

Vaccines are currently the 5th biggest therapy area with global sales for prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines to be ~ $30B, which is expected to increase to $45B by 2024. Immunization is globally recognized as one of the best investments to improve health, with impact lasting beyond saving 2-3M lives every year with benefits accrued over a lifetime.

Enterprise value of any R&D company is a cumulative sum of its projects and proprietary technologies. Hence organizations need to continuously evaluate their portfolios to review the health of projects as changes in external environment may impact project viability. Simultaneously, addition of any new project in a company’s portfolio is a significant investment and needs to be evaluated using an objective multi-parametric framework. In this pursuit, Hilleman Labs, an equal joint venture by MSD and Wellcome Trust, has created a logical framework to evaluate potential vaccine candidates before they are added to the portfolio.
Pliny the Younger and the Art of Narration
Authors: Hajduk Jacek
Published: July 2019

In this paper I try to examine some of Pliny’s well known letters as pieces of literary fiction. The main interest here is not the authenticity of facts presented, but some literary techniques that Pliny uses in order to make his descriptions more vivid.
On the Relatinization of the Latin Term 'magister'
Authors: Jasińska Katarzyna , Piwowarczyk Dariusz R.
Published: July 2019

The expansion of the linguistic lexicon by means of loanwords is a common phenomenon. During this process the word is taken from the donor language and assimilated in the system of the recipient language. Loanword adaptation is carried out on the semantic and formal level which concerns the pronunciation, spelling and grammatical characteristics of a word in question. In this article we present the case of the Latin word magister concentrating on its phonetic accommodation and process of its relatinization after the original borrowing in the Old Polish language. The word was relatinized in Polish, that is reborrowed from the Latin orthographic form and as such it functions in the Polish lexicon to this very day. Additionally, we investigate the semantic adaptation of the word, describing the relations between the Latin and the Polish meanings of the word magister at different stages of development of both languages.
The Revenge of Augustus: Caesar, Octavian and History in Neil Gaiman’s "August"
Authors: Klęczar Aleksandra
Published: July 2019

The paper discusses the reception of Roman history in Neil Gaiman’s graphic short story August. It concentrates on the analysis of narrative approach and the ways in which the history of Rome, Caesar and Augustus has been interwoven with Gaiman’s fictional world.
Sustainability in dentistry
Authors: Tilling Elaine
Published: July 2019

Dental hygienist ElaineTilling shares her thoughts on how the dental profession can play their part
Guardian angels
Authors: Biro-Csizmadia Tunde
Published: July 2019

Dental nurse Tunde Biro-Csizmadia fell into the ‘perfect job’, which allows her to contribute to the care of nervous patients. Here she talks about empathy, enthusiasm and other essentials
‘Dentistry ticks all my boxes’
Authors: Bainham Lisa
Published: July 2019

What does it take to turn a dental nursing career into an award-winning role as practice manager and president of a dental association? We hear from ADAM's Lisa Bainham
Oral health in a sensory world
Authors: MacKay Neil
Published: July 2019

We are all hardwired into thinking that everyone can clean their teeth. But, as Neil MacKay explains, there may be some invisible barriers
Time for change: child dental care
Authors: Vulpe Dorina
Published: July 2019

Dorina Vulpe offers her guide to treating paediatric patients with dental fears
Psychometric properties of the self-efficacy for therapeutic mode use tool in a mixed sample of occupational therapists: a pilot study
Authors: Yazdani Farzaneh , Bonsaksen Tore
Published: July 2019

Background/A

Skills that enable the maintenance of productive relationships with clients are an essential aspect of therapeutic practice and include the use of therapeutic modes appropriate to clients' needs. The therapist requires a certain level of self-efficacy in order to use therapeutic modes in client–therapist interactions. Recently, a tool was developed to assess therapists' self-efficacy in the use of therapeutic modes. The structure of factors within and internal consistency of the self-efficacy for therapeutic mode use tool was examined.

Methods

Occupational therapists (n=51) from the UK and Iran completed the self-efficacy for therapeutic mode use assessment tool and provided sociodemographic information. The structure of factors was examined using principal component analysis and parallel analysis; internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's α and inter-item correlation.

Results

Parallel analysis suggested that the preferred structure has only one factor, explaining 55.2% of data variance. The items' factor loadings ranged between 0.67 and 0.80, and the scale had a Chronbach α of 0.83.

Conclusions

The sum of the scale scores can be useful in occupational therapy research and audits focusing on self-efficacy in the use of therapeutic modes in practice.
Is Two-Dimensional Video A Valid And Reliable Measure Of Three-Dimensional Kinematics In Runners With Patellofemoral Pain?
Authors: Neal Bradley Stephen , Lack Simon David , Barton Christian John , Birn-Jeffrey Alexandra , Miller Stuart , Morrissey Dylan
Published: July 2019

Background/Aims

Peak hip adduction and knee flexion during running are associated with patellofemoral pain persistence, representing treatment targets. Clinical practice is lacking a validated, reliable tool with which to measure these kinematics. This study aimed to determine the accuracy of clinical gait analysis, by investigating concurrent validity, intra- and inter-rater reliability of two-dimensional video.

Methods

A total of 21 participants with patellofemoral pain were recruited (10 males, 11 females). Synchronised three-dimensional and two-dimensional kinematic data were collected during over-groundrunning. Two-dimensional videos were analysed with the Hudl Technique application using a commercially available tablet (iPad). Single measure intraclass coreelation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated using a two-way mixed effects model with absolute agreement. Three-dimensional peak hip internal rotation was investigated as a covariate with backward linear regression, using the F change statistic.

Results

There was poor agreement between three-dimensional and two-dimensional measurement of peak hip adduction (ICC 0.06) and peak knee flexion (ICC 0.42). Moderate intra-rater reliability was identified for both variables (ICC 0.61–0.65). Inter-rater reliability for peak knee flexion was moderate (ICC 0.71), but was poor for peak hip adduction (ICC 0.31). Three-dimensional peak hip internal rotation did not significantly explain the identified poor agreement for either variable.

Conclusions

Poor agreement between three-dimensional kinematics and two-dimensional video was identified for both variables in runners with patellofemoral pain, despite acceptable intra-rater reliability. Investigation of software with increased precision is warranted, to improve the accuracy of two-dimensional video predicting three-dimensional kinematics in the clinical setting. Clinical gait analysis using the Hudl Technique application is not currently advocated.
A Novel Feature Selection based Ensemble Decision Tree Classification Model for Predicting Severity Level of COPD Disease
Authors: Raja Banda Srinivas , Babu Tummala Ranga
Published: July 2019

In the current era, research on automated knowledge extraction from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) images is growing rapidly. COPD becomes a highly prevalent disease that impacts both patients and healthcare system. In various medical applications, image classification algorithms are used to predict the disease severity that can help in early diagnosis and decision-making process. Also, for large scale and complex medical images, machine learning techniques are more efficient,accuracy and reliable. Traditional image classification models such as Naïve Bayesian, Neural Networks, SVM, Regression models. etc are used to classify the image using the annotated ROI and image texture features. These models are used as a diagnostic tool in analyzing the COPD and disease prediction. These models are not applicable to classify the COPD using the disease severity level. Also, the accuracy and false positive rate of existing classification models is still far from satisfactory, due to lack of feature extraction and noise handling methods. Therefore, developing an effective classification model for predicting the severity of the COPD using features derived from CT images is a challenge task.In this paper, an ensemble feature selection based classification model was developed, using images features extracted from COPD patients’ CT scan images, to classify disease into “Severity level ” and “Normal level” categories, representing their riskof suffering a COPD disease. We applied five different classifier methods and three state-of-the-art ensemble classifiers to the COPD dataset and validated their performance in terms of F-measure and false positive rate. We found that proposed feature selection based ensemble classifier (F-measure 0.957) had the highest average accuracy for COPD classification.