bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determining the age and possibility for an extraterrestrial impact formation mechanism of the Ilumetsa structures (Estonia)
Authors: Losiak A. , Jõeleht A. , Plado J. , Szyszka M. , Kirsimäe K. , Wild E. M. , Steier P. , Belcher C. M. , Jazwa A. M. , Helde R.
Published: January 2020

The Ilumetsa site, in Estonia, consists of two round, rimmed structures that are 725 m apart. The structures are listed as proven impact craters in the Impact Earth database, despite lack of commonly accepted, unequivocal proof of extraterrestrial collision identified at this location. We excavated trenches though the Ilumetsa Large and Ilumetsa Small structures and found small pieces of charcoal within the putative proximal ejecta in both structures, in a similar geological setting as previously identified charcoal in Kaali (Losiak et al. 2016) and Morasko craters (see Szokaluk et al. 2019). Our 14C dating of charcoal allowed us to conclude that these crater‐like features formed simultaneously between 7170 and 7000 cal. years bp, about 7 ka after deglaciation of this area. A ground penetrating radar survey of the nearby bog shows that no additional Ilumetsa structures bigger than 40 m exist. Geochemical studies of the ejecta and a search using a metal detector did not reveal any clear indication of extraterrestrial material. This suggests Ilumetsa may have been formed by an impact of stony‐iron or stony body, which got significantly weathered in a wet‐temperate climate. The mystery of the formation of the structures at Ilumetsa remains; however, due to significant circumstantial evidence discussed herein, we are confident to call it a “probable” impact site.
Feeling the heat at the millennium: Thermosensors playing with fire
Authors: Mandin Pierre , Johansson Jörgen
Published: January 2020

An outstanding question regards the ability of organisms to sense their environments and respond in a suitable way. Pathogenic bacteria in particular exploit host‐temperature sensing as a cue for triggering virulence gene expression. This micro‐review does not attempt to fully cover the field of bacterial thermosensors and in detail describe each identified case. Instead, the review focus on the time‐period at the end of the 1990's and beginning of the 2000's when several key discoveries were made, identifying protein, DNA and RNA as potential thermosensors controlling gene expression in several different bacterial pathogens in general and on the prfA thermosensor of Listeria monocytogenes in particular.
Structure and function of Listeria teichoic acids and their implications
Authors: Sumrall Eric T. , Keller Anja P. , Shen Yang , Loessner Martin J.
Published: January 2020

Teichoic acids (TAs) are the most abundant glycopolymers in the cell wall of Listeria, an opportunistic Gram‐positive pathogen that causes severe foodborne infections. Two different structural classes of Listeria TA exist: the polyribitolphosphate‐based wall teichoic acid (WTA) that is covalently anchored to the peptidoglycan, and the polyglycerolphosphate‐based lipoteichoic acid (LTA) that is tethered to the cytoplasmic membrane. While TA polymers govern many important physiological processes, the diverse glycosylation patterns of WTA result in a high degree of surface variation across the species and serovars of Listeria, which in turn bestows varying effects on fitness, biofilm formation, bacteriophage susceptibility and virulence. We review the advances made over the past two decades, and our current understanding of the relationship between TA structure and function. We describe the various types of TA that have been structurally determined to date, and discuss the genetic determinants known to be involved in TA glycosylation. We elaborate on surface proteins functionally related to TA decoration, as well as the molecular and analytical tools used to probe TAs. We anticipate that the growing knowledge of the Listeria surface chemistry will also be exploited to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for this pathogen.
Moving Images: Visual Metaphors of Peace in the Movie Mango Dreams
Authors: Engelkamp Stephan , Roepstorff Kristina , Spencer Alexander
Published: January 2020

Visual metaphors stand at the border between text and image, as they are linguistic figures that visualize the spoken. Based on this assumption and on the existing knowledge on the discourse analytical method of metaphor analysis, Part One of the article develops a method of visual metaphor analysis (VMA). Part Two uses this method to examine the metaphors of peace found in the acclaimed movie Mango Dreams, the winner of the Peace on Earth Film Festival 2017. The film by John Upchurch tells a story of Dr. Amit Singh, whose family was killed by Muslims during the partition of India and who is suffering from the onset of dementia. In order to confront his fading memories and in pursuit of peace, he commences on a journey to his childhood home in what today is Pakistan. On his travel, he is aided by Muslim rickshaw driver Salim, whose wife was raped and murdered by Hindus. During the long journey across India in a rickshaw, the two form a close friendship and help each other find the peace they have been searching for. Based on our visual metaphor analysis (VMA) of the film, as well as an interview with the director, the article demonstrates how metaphors are employed to visualize a positive concept of peace, particularly HOME, JOURNEY, and BRIDGE, which has a specific temporal, spatial, and moral dimension. In contrast to much of the international relations research on visualization of peace and conflict, the conceptualizations of peace in Mango Dreams metaphorically envision positive peace, instead of the more familiar conceptualization of negative peace, through a representation of PEACE not only in terms of a place (HOME) or process (JOURNEY) but as practice (BRIDGE).
Adolescent food insecurity: A review of contextual and behavioral factors
Authors: Dush Jennifer L.
Published: January 2020

Objective

The purpose of this review is to examine recent research on contextual and behavioral factors that will lead to better understanding of adolescent food insecurity and health outcomes.

Design

A literature search for peer‐reviewed, English language, research articles published between 2009 and 2019, using CINAHL, Embase®, Pubmed, and the Cochrane Library.

Sample

The final sample represents thirty studies on food insecurity with a sample including adolescents, and that employ a measure of food insecurity.

Results

Variables of interest and results on topics such as weight‐related factors, maternal parenting and behaviors, mental health, and adolescent‐level behavioral factors are summarized.

Conclusion

Food insecurity is associated with poor adolescent health and mental health. All adolescents should be screened for food insecurity, involving pediatric and mental health care settings. Future research on adolescent food insecurity should explore parent and parenting factors, household composition and family dynamics, psychological factors, health behaviors, and stress; peer influences might also be an important area of research with adolescents. While previous research has relied on parents’ reports, adolescents'experiences are unique, and they are willing and reliable research participants; they should be included in future food insecurity research.
Support for the Populist Radical Right: Between Uncertainty Avoidance and Risky Choice
Authors: Gründl Johann , Aichholzer Julian
Published: January 2020

The last several decades have witnessed a structural change in politics toward cultural and identity conflicts, accompanied by the rise of populist radical right (PRR) parties. However, we know surprisingly little about the psychological or cognitive‐motivational factors underlying PRR support. We claim that uncertainty avoidance (UA)—an epistemic avoidance motivation—represents a central motive because UA resonates with the PRR platform and precedes common predictors of PRR voting. Using data from the 2017 Austrian National Election Study, we found that UA was indeed indirectly associated with a higher likelihood of PRR voting. This association is because greater UA fostered right‐wing sociocultural views, whereas associations with populist attitudes or expected government competence were more ambiguous. PRR parties appear to offer “certainty,” but as extreme parties, they also remain a “risky choice.” We conclude by discussing the contribution of a cognitive‐motivational account to explain PRR voting.
Relationship between nursing students' levels of internet addiction, loneliness, and life satisfaction
Authors: Turan Nuray , Durgun Hanife , Kaya Hatice , Aştı Türkinaz , Yilmaz Yaren , Gündüz Gizem , Kuvan Dilek , Ertaş Gonca
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This study examined nursing students' levels of Internet addiction, loneliness, and satisfaction with life.

Design and Methods

This descriptive, cross‐sectional study was conducted in included university involving 160 nursing students who completed an information form and the Internet addiction, UCLA Loneliness, and Satisfaction with Life Scales.

Findings

No significant correlation was found between students' Internet addiction, loneliness, and life satisfaction (P > .05). However, a significant positive correlation between loneliness and life satisfaction was observed (P < .05).

Practice Implications

Measures to raise students' awareness of Internet addiction and social activities to enhance communication skills and life satisfaction should be planned.
Mild hypertension protects the elderly from cognitive impairment: a 7‐year retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Feng , Li Dai , Wang Lu , Zhu Jialin , Zhao Minghui , Lei Ping
Published: January 2020

Aim

People with mild cognitive impairment have a high risk of converting to dementia. Previous studies have suggested that hypertension is implicated in the development of mild cognitive impairment, but such effect in people much older than 70 years may be quite different. The aim of the study was to reveal the relationship between hypertension and mild cognitive impairment risk in this age group.

Methods

A total of 985 subjects were retrospectively enrolled from Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, and all of them were cognitively normal 7 years earlier. During these years, 134 subjects were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment according to the Mini‐Mental State Examination. Research data of all the subjects were collected from medical records.

Results

Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that compared with the subjects without hypertension, the subjects with grade 1 hypertension or duration <10 years showed a decreased risk of mild cognitive impairment (hazards ratio (HR): 0.54, 95%CI: 0.32–0.87; HR: 0.65, 95%CI: 0.40–0.99), and the subjects with grade 2–3 hypertension or duration ≥10 years had an increased risk of the disease (HR: 1.75, 95%CI: 1.25–2.42; HR: 1.52, 95%CI: 1.08–2.15). In addition, compared with the patients without hypertension, the patients taking angiotensin II receptor antagonists / angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors had an increased risk of the disease (HR: 1.91, 95%CI: 1.29–2.83).

Conclusion

In subjects over 70 years old, short‐term and mild hypertension might be a protective factor for mild cognitive impairment and prevent them from such a disease.
A Non-Parametric Projection-Based Estimator for the Probability of Causation, with Application to Water Sanitation in Kenya
Authors: Cuellar Maria , Kennedy Edward H.
Published: January 2020

Current estimation methods for the probability of causation ‘PC’ make strong parametric assumptions or are inefficient. We derive a non-parametric influence-function-based estimator for a projection of PC, which allows for simple interpretation and valid inference by making weak structural assumptions. We apply our estimator to real data from an experiment in Kenya. This experiment found, by estimating the average treatment effect, that protecting water springs reduces childhood disease. However, before scaling up this intervention, it is important to determine whether it was the exposure, and not something else, that caused the outcome. Indeed, we find that some children, who were exposed to a high concentration of bacteria in drinking water and had a diarrhoeal disease, would probably have contracted the disease absent the exposure since the estimated PC for an average child in this study is 0.12 with a 95% confidence interval of (0.11, 0.13). Our non-parametric method offers researchers a way to estimate PC, which is essential if we wish to determine not only the average treatment effect, but also whether an exposure probably caused the observed outcome.
Detection of 6pLOH in an aplastic anemia patient by in phase HLA genotyping
Authors: Kikkawa Eri , Shiina Takashi , Shigenari Atsuko , Ozaki Yuki , Suzuki Shingo , Ando Kiyoshi , Onizuka Makoto
Published: January 2020

Recent studies have reported loss of heterozygosity in the chromosome 6p arms (6pLOH) of acquired aplastic anemia (AA) patients, and in tumor cells trying to escape the autoimmune system. We thus sought to establish detection methods for LOH to investigate the mechanisms underlying AA and tumor immunity. Herein, we report our evaluation of 6pLOH in a patient with severe AA patient using super‐high resolution, single‐molecule, sequence‐based typing (SS‐SBT). The highest ratios of 6pLOH detection were observed during the patient's treatment with granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF). This result suggested that most of the neutrophil precursor cells stimulated by G‐CSF already had LOH in the HLA lesion. The SS‐SBT method is a simple NGS method that provides complete HLA allele coverage.
Common, intermediate and well‐documented HLA alleles in world populations: CIWD version 3.0.0
Authors: Hurley Carolyn K. , Kempenich Jane , Wadsworth Kim , Sauter Jürgen , Hofmann Jan A. , Schefzyk Daniel , Schmidt Alexander H. , Galarza Pablo , Cardozo Maria B. R. , Dudkiewicz Malgorzata , Houdova Lucie , Jindra Pavel , Sorensen Betina S. , Jagannathan Latha , Mathur Ankit , Linjama Tiina , Torosian Tigran , Freudenberger Rafi , Manolis Anastasios , Mavrommatis John , Cereb Nezih , Manor Sigal , Shriki Nira , Sacchi Nicoletta , Ameen Reem , Fisher Raewyn , Dunckley Heather , Andersen Irene , Alaskar Ahmed , Alzahrani Mohsen , Hajeer Ali , Jawdat Dunia , Nicoloso Grazia , Kupatawintu Pawinee , Cho Louise , Kaur Ashminder , Bengtsson Mats , Dehn Jason
Published: January 2020

A catalog of common, intermediate and well‐documented (CIWD) HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1, ‐DRB3, ‐DRB4, ‐DRB5, ‐DQB1 and ‐DPB1 alleles has been compiled from over 8 million individuals using data from 20 unrelated hematopoietic stem cell volunteer donor registries. Individuals are divided into seven geographic/ancestral/ethnic groups and data are summarized for each group and for the total population. P (two‐field) and G group assignments are divided into one of four frequency categories: common (≥1 in 10 000), intermediate (≥1 in 100 000), well‐documented (≥5 occurrences) or not‐CIWD. Overall 26% of alleles in IPD‐IMGT/HLA version 3.31.0 at P group resolution fall into the three CIWD categories. The two‐field catalog includes 18% (n = 545) common, 17% (n = 513) intermediate, and 65% (n = 1997) well‐documented alleles. Full‐field allele frequency data are provided but are limited in value by the variations in resolution used by the registries. A recommended CIWD list is based on the most frequent category in the total or any of the seven geographic/ancestral/ethnic groups. Data are also provided so users can compile a catalog specific to the population groups that they serve. Comparisons are made to three previous CWD reports representing more limited population groups. This catalog, CIWD version 3.0.0, is a step closer to the collection of global HLA frequencies and to a clearer view of HLA diversity in the human population as a whole.
How to … be reflexive when conducting qualitative research
Authors: Barrett Aileen , Kajamaa Anu , Johnston Jenny
Published: January 2020

Reflexivity can be a complex concept to grasp when entering the world of qualitative research. In this article, we aim to encourage new qualitative researchers to become reflexive as they develop their critical research skills, differentiating between the familiar concept of reflection and reflective practice and that of reflexivity. Although reflection is, to all intents and purposes, a goal‐oriented action with the aim of improving practice, reflexivity is a continual process of engaging with and articulating the place of the researcher and the context of the research. It also involves challenging and articulating social and cultural influences and dynamics that affect this context. As a hallmark of high‐quality qualitative research, reflexivity is not only an individual process but one that needs to be considered a collective process within a research team, and communicated throughout the research process. In keeping with our previous articles in this series, we have illustrated the theoretical concept of reflexivity using practical examples of published research.
An importin‐beta‐like protein mediates lignin‐modification‐induced dwarfism in Arabidopsis
Authors: Panda Chinmayee , Li Xin , Wager Amanda , Chen Han‐Yi , Li Xu
Published: January 2020

Perturbation of lignin biosynthesis often results in severe growth and developmental defects in plants, which imposes practical limitations to genetic enhancement of lignocellulosic biomass for biofuel production. Currently, little information is known about the cellular and genetic mechanisms of this important phenomenon. Here we show that defects in both cell division and cell expansion underlie the dwarfism of an Arabidopsis lignin mutant ref8, and report the identification of a GROWTH INHIBITION RELIEVED 1 (GIR1) gene from a suppressor screen. GIR1 encodes an importin‐beta‐like protein required for the nuclear import of MYB4, a transcriptional repressor of phenylpropanoid metabolism. Disruption of GIR1 and MYB4 similarly alleviates the cellular defects and growth inhibition in ref8, suggesting that the growth rescue effect of gir1 is likely due to compromised MYB4 transport and function. Importantly, the phenylpropanoid perturbation is not alleviated in gir1 ref8 and myb4 ref8, suggesting that the function of MYB4 in growth inhibition of lignin‐modified plants is likely to be distinct from its known role in transcriptional regulation of phenylpropanoid biosynthetic genes. This study also provides evidence that lignin‐modification‐induced dwarfism is not merely due to compromised water transport brought about by lignin deficiency, as gir1 has no effect on the growth inhibition of other lignin mutants that show the collapsed xylem phenotype.
Efficacy of HLA virtual cross‐matched platelet transfusions for platelet transfusion refractoriness in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Seike Keisuke , Fujii Nobuharu , Asano Naomi , Ohkuma Shigenori , Hirata Yasushi , Fujii Keiko , Sando Yasuhisa , Nakamura Makoto , Naito Kazunori , Saeki Kyosuke , Meguri Yusuke , Asada Noboru , Ennishi Daisuke , Nishimori Hisakazu , Matsuoka Ken‐ichi , Tsubaki Kazuo , Otsuka Fumio , Maeda Yoshinobu
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Cross‐matched platelet (cross‐matched PLT) transfusion is effective for immune‐mediated platelet transfusion refractoriness (PTR), but is more costly and time‐consuming for physical cross‐match than using standard PLT units. Recent studies have reported the utility of human leucocyte antigens (HLA) virtual cross‐matched PLT (HLA‐matched PLT) that is defined as HLA‐A/B matched or no antibody against donor‐specific antigen. Here, we evaluated the effect of HLA‐matched PLTs for PTR in post hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Our study included a total of 241 PLTs in 16 patients who underwent HSCT at Okayama University Hospital between 2010 and 2017, receiving either HLA‐matched or cross‐matched PLTs. We calculated the 24‐hour corrected count increments (CCI‐24) to evaluate the effect of PLTs. A CCI‐24 ≥ 4500 was considered to be a successful transfusion.

RESULTS

We analyzed 139 cross‐matched PLTs and 102 HLA‐matched PLTs. In the immune‐mediated PTR, the rate of successful transfusion was 60.5% for cross‐matched PLT and 63.4% for HLA‐matched PLT (p = 0.825). On the other hand, the median CCI‐24 for cross‐matched PLT transfusions and HLA‐matched PLT transfusions were 1856 and 5824 (p < 0.001), with a success rate of 28.1 and 54.1% in cases with non‐immune‐mediated PTR, respectively (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The effectiveness of HLA‐matched PLT is not inferior to cross‐matched PLT. This result indicates that physical cross‐match can be omitted in post HSCT PTR.
The effect of entrustable professional activities on pathology resident confidence in blood banking/transfusion medicine
Authors: Ju Jennifer Y. , Wehrli Gay
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education requires milestone reporting of the Six General Core Competencies. Additionally, Graduate Medical Education (GME) is transitioning to adopt competency‐based education methodologies including entrustable professional activities (EPAs) for objective, observable, and measurable milestone progression. The College of American Pathologists published 19 EPAs, including one for transfusion‐related adverse events. This survey study includes developing EPAs for transfusion reaction evaluation and assessing residents before and after implementing these EPAs.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Three transfusion reaction EPAs were developed and implemented in July 2018 for the Postgraduate Year (PGY) 2 pathology residents. An online, anonymous survey was sent to all 21 pathology trainees before and one year after EPA implementation. In July 2018 and August 2019, each survey included the same six multiple‐choice, single‐response, confidence questions, with a rating scale of extremely, very, slightly, or not at all confident. This study was approved by the hospitalʼs Institutional Review Board for Health Sciences Research and GME Committee.

RESULTS

Analysis was performed on PGY2‐4 residents. In 2018, 13 of 20 participants were analyzed. In 2019, 15 of 19 participants were analyzed. Number and percentage of responses were reported. The results showed an increase in trainee confidence, with the greatest improvement among the first class to use the EPAs.

CONCLUSION

EPAs provide an effective framework for objective and measurable progression of trainees. One year after the implementation of transfusion reaction EPAs at our site, the trainees showed enhanced confidence levels in handling Blood Bank and Transfusion Medicine Services coverage.
Long‐term clinical outcomes of dogs with single congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts attenuated with thin film banding or ameroid ring constrictors
Authors: Otomo Aki , Singh Ameet , Jeong Junemoe , Dobberstein Rachel , Lundhild Alexandra , Peter Elyse , Brisson Brigitte , Oblak Michelle , Milovancev Milan
Published: January 2020

Objective

To compare long‐term clinical outcomes of dogs with single congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (CEHPSS) treated with thin film banding (TFB) consisting of polyolefin fiber or ameroid ring constrictor (ARC) placement in dogs.

Design

Retrospective, two‐center clinical study.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs (n = 123) with single CEHPSS undergoing gradual attenuation via TFB (n = 85) or ARC (n = 38).

Methods

Medical records of dogs with CEHPSS were reviewed. Follow‐up data were collected from the referring veterinarian and/or owner via standardized questionnaire. Data were analyzed to compare short‐term mortality rate and long‐term outcome (>6 months).

Results

Dogs in the TFB group were older than dogs in the ARC group (median age, 19 vs 12 months, respectively; P = .01). There was no difference in survival to discharge between dogs in the TFB (81/85 [95.3%]) and ARC (37/38 [97.4%]; P > .99) groups. Preoperative levetiracetam was more frequently administered to dogs treated with TFB (64/85 [75.3%]) than to dogs treated with ARC (15/38 [39.5%;] P = .0002). Postoperative seizures were reported in 10 (8.1%) dogs; their prevalence did not differ between dogs treated with TFB (9/85 [10.6%]) and dogs treated with ARC (1/38 [2.6%]; P = .17). Median follow‐up time for dogs treated with TFB (58.0 months, range 8‐130) and ARC (63.3 months, range 7‐138; P = .24) did not differ.

Conclusion

Gradual attenuation of a single CEHPSS with either TFB or ARC resulted in similar long‐term clinical outcomes and low postoperative morbidity and mortality rates.

Clinical significance

Thin film banding (polyolefin fiber) offers an alternative leading to clinical outcomes similar to ARC in dogs with single CEHPSS.
A Review of Switched Inertance Hydraulic Converter Technology1
Authors: Yuan Chenggang , Pan Min , Plummer Andrew
Published: January 2020

Digital hydraulics is a new technology providing an alternative to conventional proportional or servovalve-controlled systems in the area of fluid power. Digital hydraulic applications, such as digital pumps, digital valves and actuators, switched inertance hydraulic converters (SIHCs), and digital hydraulic power management systems, promise high-energy efficiency and less contamination sensitivity. Research on digital hydraulics is driven by the need for highly energy efficient hydraulic machines but is relatively immature compared to other energy-saving technologies. This review introduces the development of SIHCs particularly focusing on the work being undertaken in the last 15 years and evaluates the device configurations, performance, and control strategies that are found in the current SIHC research. Various designs for high-speed switching valves are presented, and their advantages and limitations are compared and discussed. The current limitations of SIHCs are discussed and suggestions for the future development of SIHCs are made.
Experimental Investigation of Solid Particle Erosion in Successive Elbows in Gas Dominated Flows
Authors: Asgharpour Alireza , Zahedi Peyman , Arabnejad Khanouki Hadi , Shirazi Siamack A. , McLaury Brenton S.
Published: January 2020

When a fluid containing erosive particles flows through two or more elbows mounted in series with short distances between them, the downstream elbows which are installed after the first elbow are exposed to erosion from a flow that is not fully developed, and therefore, the characteristics of erosive wear in the second elbow can be different than the first. In this work, the erosion magnitude and pattern in two standard successive vertical–horizontal and horizontal–vertical elbows are examined experimentally. Utilizing an ultrasonic technique (UT), erosion measurements are performed in gas–sand and gas–liquid–sand annular flows to investigate the effects of particle size and flowrates. A paint removal study is also performed to capture the erosion patterns in two elbows for different flow conditions. Using two clear elbows, a flow visualization is performed which shows the quality of phase distribution in the two elbows in series in annular and stratified flows. Measurements show the erosion in the second elbow for this geometry and these flow conditions are less than or in a few cases nearly equal to the first elbow. The location of maximum erosion for all the cases considered is around 45 and 65 deg from the inlet of the elbow in the first and second elbows, respectively. Two areas of high impact frequencies are identified in both elbows. One high-intensity particle impact region which is affected primarily by first impact of particles, and another pattern is formed due to rebounded particles from the first impact.
Differences in Baseline Joint Moments and Muscle Activation Patterns Associated With Knee Osteoarthritis Progression When Defined Using a Clinical Versus a Structural Outcome
Authors: Costello Kerry E. , Astephen Wilson Janie L. , Stanish William D. , Urquhart Nathan , Hubley-Kozey Cheryl L.
Published: January 2020

Both structural and clinical changes can signify knee osteoarthritis progression; however, these changes are not always concurrent. A better understanding of mechanical factors associated with progression and whether they differ for structural versus clinical outcomes could lead to improved conservative management. This study examined baseline gait differences between progression and no progression groups defined at an average of 7-year follow-up using 2 different outcomes indicative of knee osteoarthritis progression: radiographic medial joint space narrowing and total knee arthroplasty. Of 49 individuals with knee osteoarthritis who underwent baseline gait analysis, 32 progressed and 17 did not progress using the radiographic outcome, while 13 progressed and 36 did not progress using the arthroplasty outcome. Key knee moment and electromyography waveform features were extracted using principal component analysis, and confidence intervals were used to examine between-group differences in these metrics. Those who progressed using the arthroplasty outcome had prolonged rectus femoris and lateral hamstrings muscle activation compared with the no arthroplasty group. Those with radiographic progression had greater mid-stance internal knee rotation moments compared with the no radiographic progression group. These results provide preliminary evidence for the role of prolonged muscle activation in total knee arthroplasty, while radiographic changes may be related to loading magnitude.
Compression-induced dedifferentiation of adipocytes promotes tumor progression
Authors: Li Yiwei , Mao Angelo S. , Seo Bo Ri , Zhao Xing , Gupta Satish Kumar , Chen Maorong , Han Yu Long , Shih Ting-Yu , Mooney David J. , Guo Ming
Published: January 2020

Physical compression–induced dedifferentiation of adipocytes promotes tumor progression.
Focused ultrasound delivery of a selective TrkA agonist rescues cholinergic function in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Xhima K. , Markham-Coultes K. , Nedev H. , Heinen S. , Saragovi H. U. , Hynynen K. , Aubert I.
Published: January 2020

Focused ultrasound delivery of a selective TrkA agonist rescues cholinergic function in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease.
Different motilities of microtubules driven by kinesin-1 and kinesin-14 motors patterned on nanopillars
Authors: Kaneko Taikopaul , Furuta Ken’ya , Oiwa Kazuhiro , Shintaku Hirofumi , Kotera Hidetoshi , Yokokawa Ryuji
Published: January 2020

Nanopatterning of motors reveals that the number and spacing of kinesin-14, and not of kinesin-1, dictate microtubule velocity.
Novel CD11b
+
Gr-1
+
Sca-1
+
myeloid cells drive mortality in bacterial infection
Authors: Park Min Young , Kim Hyung Sik , Lee Ha Young , Zabel Brian A. , Bae Yoe-Sik
Published: January 2020

We found a new type of white blood cell induced by bacterial infection that has lethal effects on host survival.
Atmospheric CO
2
levels from 2.7 billion years ago inferred from micrometeorite oxidation
Authors: Lehmer O. R. , Catling D. C. , Buick R. , Brownlee D. E. , Newport S.
Published: January 2020

Iron-rich micrometeorites from a 2.7 billion-year-old limestone could constrain atmospheric CO
2
levels on the early Earth.
Seismic evidence for megathrust fault-valve behavior during episodic tremor and slip
Authors: Gosselin Jeremy M. , Audet Pascal , Estève Clément , McLellan Morgan , Mosher Stephen G. , Schaeffer Andrew J.
Published: January 2020

Recurring slow slip and tremor events at subduction zones are accompanied by fluctuations in pore-fluid pressure.
Dense hydroxyl polyethylene glycol dendrimer targets activated glia in multiple CNS disorders
Authors: Sharma Anjali , Sharma Rishi , Zhang Zhi , Liaw Kevin , Kambhampati Siva P. , Porterfield Joshua E. , Lin Ku Chien , DeRidder Louis B. , Kannan Sujatha , Kannan Rangaramanujam M.
Published: January 2020

PEGOL-60, a ligand-free high hydroxyl surface density dendrimer, targets neuroinflammation from systemic administration.
Monoubiquitination of p120-catenin is essential for TGFβ-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor metastasis
Authors: Wu Qingang , Li Gao , Wen Chengwen , Zeng Taoling , Fan Yuxi , Liu Chunyan , Fu Guo-Feng , Xie Changchuan , Lin Qi , Xie Liping , Huang Lei , Pu Pengpeng , Ouyang Zhong , Chan Hong-Lin , Zhao Tong-Jin , Chen Xiao Lei , Fu Guo , Wang Hong-Rui
Published: January 2020

Monoubiquitination of p120-catenin controls adherens junction dissociation in TGFβ-induced EMT.
PI4KIIIβ is a therapeutic target in chromosome 1q–amplified lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Tan Xiaochao , Banerjee Priyam , Pham Edward A. , Rutaganira Florentine U. N. , Basu Kaustabh , Bota-Rabassedas Neus , Guo Hou-Fu , Grzeskowiak Caitlin L. , Liu Xin , Yu Jiang , Shi Lei , Peng David H. , Rodriguez B. Leticia , Zhang Jiaqi , Zheng Veronica , Duose Dzifa Y. , Solis Luisa M. , Mino Barbara , Raso Maria Gabriela , Behrens Carmen , Wistuba Ignacio I. , Scott Kenneth L. , Smith Mark , Nguyen Khanh , Lam Grace , Choong Ingrid , Mazumdar Abhijit , Hill Jamal L. , Gibbons Don L. , Brown Powel H. , Russell William K. , Shokat Kevan , Creighton Chad J. , Glenn Jeffrey S. , Kurie Jonathan M.
Published: January 2020

This study identifies a molecular basis for malignant secretion and provides a rationale to test PI4KIIIβ antagonists as an intervention.
Neurodevelopment and risk for ADHD and depression
Authors: Gee Dylan G.
Published: January 2020

Childhood brain connectivity predicts psychiatric difficulties four years later.
Clostridioides difficile
-Associated Antibiotics Alter Human Mucosal Barrier Functions by Microbiome-Independent Mechanisms
Authors: Kester Jemila C. , Brubaker Douglas K. , Velazquez Jason , Wright Charles , Lauffenburger Douglas A. , Griffith Linda G.
Published: January 2020

A clinically relevant risk factor for
Clostridioides difficile
-associated disease (CDAD) is recent antibiotic treatment. Although broad-spectrum antibiotics have been shown to disrupt the structure of the gut microbiota, some antibiotics appear to increase CDAD risk without being highly active against intestinal anaerobes, suggesting direct nonantimicrobial effects. We examined cell biological effects of antibiotic exposure that may be involved in bacterial pathogenesis using an
in vitro
germfree human colon epithelial culture model.
Pharmacodynamics of Meropenem against Acinetobacter baumannii in a Neutropenic Mouse Thigh Infection Model
Authors: Sabet Mojgan , Tarazi Ziad , Griffith David C.
Published: January 2020

Acinetobacter baumannii
infections are difficult to treat and have limited treatment options. Carbapenems, including meropenem, are currently considered the first-line agents for the treatment of infections caused by
Acinetobacter
spp. The percentage of a 24-hour period that the concentration of free drug in plasma is above the MIC (%24-h
f
T>MIC) to achieve stasis, 1 log CFU, or 2 log CFU of bacterial killing against
A. baumannii
has not been studied previously for meropenem.
Overexpression of RamA, Which Regulates Production of the Multidrug Resistance Efflux Pump AcrAB-TolC, Increases Mutation Rate and Influences Drug Resistance Phenotype
Authors: Grimsey Elizabeth M. , Weston Natasha , Ricci Vito , Stone Jack W. , Piddock Laura J. V.
Published: January 2020

In
Enterobacteriales
, the AcrAB-TolC efflux pump exports substrates, including antimicrobials, from the cell. Overexpression of AcrAB-TolC can occur after exposure to fluoroquinolones, leading to multidrug resistance. The expression of AcrAB-TolC in
Salmonella
is primarily regulated by the transcriptional activator RamA. However, other transcriptional activators, such as MarA, SoxRS, and Rob, can influence AcrAB-TolC expression. This study determined whether the overproduction or absence of RamA influences the mutation rate or the phenotype of mutants selected in
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium SL1344 after ciprofloxacin exposure.
What does integrated care mean from an older person’s perspective? A scoping review
Authors: Lawless Michael T. , Marshall Amy , Mittinty Manasi Murthy , Harvey Gillian
Published: January 2020

Objective

To systematically map and synthesise the literature on older adults’ perceptions and experiences of integrated care.

Setting

Various healthcare settings, including primary care, hospitals, allied health practices and emergency departments.

Participants

Adults aged ≥60 years.

Interventions

Integrated (or similarly coordinated) healthcare.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Using scoping review methodology, four electronic databases (EMBASE, CINAHL, PubMed and ProQuest Dissertation and Theses) and the grey literature (Open Grey and Google Scholar) were searched to identify studies reporting on older adults’ experiences of integrated care. Studies reporting on empirical, interpretive and critical research using any type of methodology were included. Four independent reviewers performed study selection, data extraction and analysis.

Results

The initial search retrieved 436 articles, of which 30 were included in this review. Patients expressed a desire for continuity, both in terms of care relationships and management, seamless transitions between care services and/or settings, and coordinated care that delivers quick access, effective treatment, self-care support, respect for patient preferences, and involves carers and families.

Conclusions

Participants across the studies desired accessible, efficient and coordinated care that caters to their needs and preferences, while keeping in mind their rights and safety. This review highlights the salience of the relational, informational and organisational aspects of care from an older person’s perspective. Findings are transferable and could be applied in various healthcare settings to derive patient-centred success measures that reflect the aspects of integrated care that are deemed important to older adults and their supporters.
Novel quality improvement method to reduce cost while improving the quality of patient care: retrospective observational study
Authors: Mate Kedar S , Rakover Jeffrey , Cordiner Kay , Noble Amy , Hassan Noura
Published: January 2020

Background

Healthcare cost management strategies are limited in number and resource intensive. Budget constraints in the National Health Service Scotland (NHS Scotland) apply pressure on regional health boards to improve efficiency while preserving quality.

Methods

We developed a technical method to assist health systems to reduce operating costs, called continuous value management (CVM). Derived from lean accounting and employing quality improvement (QI) methods, the approach allows for management to reduce or repurpose resources to improve efficiency. The primary outcome measure was the cost per patient admitted to the ward in British pounds (£).

Interventions

The first step of CVM is developing a standard care model. Teams then track system performance weekly using a tool called the ‘box score’, and improve performance using QI methods with results displayed on a visual management board. A 29-bed inpatient respiratory ward in a mid-sized hospital in NHS Scotland pilot tested the method.

Results

We included 5806 patients between October 2016 and May 2018. During the 18-month pilot, the ward realised a 21.8% reduction in cost per patient admitted to the ward (from an initial average level of £807.70 to £631.50 as a new average applying Shewhart control chart rules, p<0.0001), and agency nursing spend decreased by 30.8%. The ward realised a 28.9% increase in the number of patients admitted to the ward per week. Other quality measures (eg, staff satisfaction) were sustained or improved.

Conclusion

CVM methods reduced the cost of care while improving quality. Most of the reduction came by way of reduced bank nursing spend. Work is under way to further test CVM and understand leadership behaviours supporting scale-up.
Percutaneous mitral commissurotomy versus surgical commissurotomy for rheumatic mitral stenosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Singh Achintya Dinesh , Mian Agrima , Devasenapathy Niveditha , Guyatt Gordon , Karthikeyan Ganesan
Published: January 2020

Aim

Patients with severe mitral stenosis (MS) and their clinicians typically choose percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy (PTMC) over surgical commissurotomy (SC). However, the durability of PTMC relative to SC is uncertain. We compared the efficacy, safety and durability of PTMC with SC for the treatment of MS.

Methods

We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE and WHO ICTRP registers for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing PTMC, and open and/or closed mitral commissurotomy. The principal outcomes were rate of re-intervention and symptomatic improvement as inferred from the surrogate measures of immediate postprocedural mitral valve area (MVA), MVA at ≥6 month follow-up, incidence of mitral regurgitation (MR) and restenosis. We calculated weighted mean differences (WMD) for continuous outcomes, relative risks (RR) for binary outcomes and pooled outcomes using random-effects models and assessed the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Results

Seven RCTs with 553 patients proved eligible. Pooled estimates showed no convincing difference in the risk of restenosis or re-intervention (15/100 fewer with PTMC, 95% CI (−20 to +8); quality of evidence: moderate) or in symptoms as inferred from immediate MVA (WMD 0.15, 95% CI (−0.18 to 0.48): very low), from the incidence of postprocedural severe MR (3/100 more with PTMC, 95% CI (−1 to +10): moderate) or from MVA at 30 months.

Conclusion

Until data demonstrating convincing superiority of SC over PTMC become available, our results support the current practice of recommending PTMC to young patients with MS and favourable valve morphology, as it is associated with lower peri-procedural morbidity.

PROSPERO registration number

PROSPERO 2017 (CRD42017079512).
Comorbidity and bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Hirlekar Geir , Jonsson Martin , Karlsson Thomas , Bäck Maria , Rawshani Araz , Hollenberg Jacob , Albertsson Per , Herlitz Johan
Published: January 2020

​Objective

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performed before the arrival of emergency medical services (EMS) is associated with increased survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The aim of this study was to determine whether patients who receive bystander CPR have a different comorbidity compared with patients who do not, and to determine the association between bystander CPR and 30-day survival when adjusting for such a possible difference.

​Methods

Patients with witnessed OHCA in the Swedish Registry for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation between 2011 and 2015 were included, and merged with the National Patient Registry. The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was used to measure comorbidity. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the effect of CCI on the association between bystander CPR and outcome.

​Results

In total, 11 955 patients with OHCA were included, 71% of whom received bystander CPR. Patients who received bystander CPR had somewhat lower comorbidity (CCI) than those who did not (mean±SD: 2.2±2.3 vs 2.5±2.4; p<0.0001). However, this difference in comorbidity had no influence on the association between bystander CPR and 30-day survival in a multivariable model including other possible confounders (OR 2.34 (95% CI 2.01 to 2.74) without adjustment for CCI and OR 2.32 (95% CI 1.98 to 2.71) with adjustment for CCI).

​Conclusion

Patients who undergo CPR before the arrival of EMS have a somewhat lower degree of comorbidity than those who do not. Taking this difference into account, bystander CPR is still associated with a marked increase in 30-day survival after OHCA.
Approach to haemoabdomen in small animal patients
Authors: Pratschke Kathryn
Published: January 2020

Background: Haemoabdomen (also sometimes called haemoperitoneum) is the pathological accumulation of blood within the peritoneal cavity and can present a challenging clinical scenario. It frequently combines an emergency presentation with a condition that can have many different causes, some of which carry a poor prognostic outlook and limited likely survival times. The main objectives for patients with haemoabdomen include re‐establishing and supporting an effective circulating blood volume, confirming the diagnosis and identifying the extent of abnormalities present, maintaining oxygen‐carrying capacity to the tissues and arresting/controlling ongoing haemorrhage.

Aim of the article: This article discusses how to provide an efficient and comprehensive but logical diagnostic approach to haemoabdomen, and how to combine it with sound decision making and excellent client communication to achieve the optimum outcome for each patient.
Diagnosis and management of the itchy horse
Authors: Curnow Ben
Published: January 2020

Background: Out in the field, it can be particularly challenging to work up a case of the itchy horse. The history can be vague, the patient is large with a dense coat, and the microscope is located back at the practice. Management can also cause frustration for both the clinician and the client, with tasks that may be manageable for dogs and cats proving impractical in ponies and horses.

Aim of the article: This article outlines some of the common causes of pruritus in horses, how to get an accurate diagnosis, and how to treat them effectively.
The evidentiary basis of vertebral augmentation: a 2019 update
Authors: De Leacy Reade , Chandra Ronil V , Barr John D , Brook Allan , Cianfoni Alessandro , Georgy Bassem , Jhamb Ashu , Lohle Paul N M , Manfre Luigi , Marcia Stefano , Venmans Alexander , Bageac Devin , Hirsch Joshua A
Published: January 2020

No aspect of neurointerventional practice has been associated with as longstanding contention and debate as to its effectiveness as has vertebroplasty (VP). Four blinded randomized controlled trials published since 2009 have demonstrated conflicting results regarding a conferred benefit in pain reduction and functional improvement for patients who undergo VP for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. Significant heterogeneity exists between each of these trials, which has resulted in difficulty for interventionalists and surgeons to translate the trial findings into routine clinical practice. In addition, patients and their families are ever more enlightened and enabled via the internet and social media to review both medical literature and websites. Without the proper background and context, their decisions may be lacking appropriate and necessary scientific discussion. This review article summarizes the randomized controlled trial data to date, with particular focus on the aforementioned four blinded studies. We will also evaluate the profound impact of the decrease in vertebral augmentation utilization on short- and long-term patient morbidity and mortality using available national and administrative datasets from both within the USA and internationally. We also consider future trial design to help evaluate this procedure and determine its role in modern neurointerventional practice.
U.S. Big 4 and Local Auditors in the China Initial Public Offering Market
Authors: Feng Zhi-Yuan , Huang Hua-Wei , Dao Mai
Published: January 2020

This paper examines (1) whether auditor type affects initial public offering (IPO) pricing; (2) whether the effect of IPO pricing is different for clients with different ownership structures. We find that (1) firms being audited by Big 4 accounting firms receive IPO premium while others being audited by local accounting firms do not; (2) Big 4 auditors receive higher audit fees than China’s Top 10 or small local auditors. This paper extends the prior research (e.g., Kumar, P and N Langberg (2009). Corporate fraud and investment distortions in efficient capital markets. The RAND Journal of Economics, 40, 144–172) that reduces agency conflicts between shareholders and manager (by means of better audit quality) and also reconciles corporate misreporting and investment distortions.