bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does motivational regulation affect physical activity patterns among Norwegian Police University College students?
Authors: Jenssen Ole Ragnar Norheim , Dillern Thomas
Published: July 2021

Physical readiness is important for operative police officers to cope with occupational tasks. Despite this, physical activity and physical fitness among police officers decrease throughout their occupational career. Self-determination theory (SDT) is a major theoretical approach in motivation research for sports and physical activity. SDT describes types of motivation and motivational regulation and how they are related to physical activity and physical activity adherence. This study aims to explore whether there is a relationship between motivation and the physical activity level of future police officers. The study was based on a survey design, including two questionnaires: Motives for Physical Activities Measure – Revised, measuring motivational regulation; and International Physical Activity Questionnaire – short form, measuring physical activity. Two hundred and fifty-eight students at the Norwegian Police University College (NPUC) participated in the study. Our results revealed that motivational regulation, especially intrinsic and integrated regulation, significantly predicted physical activity among NPUC students. Our findings support the basics of SDT, and how it is related to physical activity patterns and physical activity adherence. When discussing physical training and physical readiness, and to understand the reduction in physical activity and fitness among police officers, one cannot neglect the importance of exploring and understanding the motivation for physical activity among police officers. Educational institutions like the NPUC have an important role in securing minimum levels of physical fitness when graduating students, but even more importantly they can have a central part in nurturing intrinsic motivation for physical activity for the future police officers, which facilitates physical activity adherence throughout their policing career.
Avoidance, ambiguity, alternation: Position blurring strategies in multidimensional party competition
Authors: Koedam Jelle
Published: July 2021

In a multidimensional environment, parties may have compelling incentives to obscure their preferences on select issues. This study contributes to a growing literature on position blurring by demonstrating how party leaders purposively create uncertainty about where their party stands on the issue of European integration. By doing so, it theoretically and empirically disentangles the cause of position blurring—parties’ strategic behavior—from its intended political outcome. The analysis of survey and manifesto data across 14 Western European countries (1999–2019) confirms that three distinct strategies—avoidance, ambiguity, and alternation—all increase expert uncertainty about a party's position. This finding is then unpacked by examining for whom avoidance is particularly effective. This study has important implications for our understanding of party strategy, democratic representation, and political accountability.
Near Future Teaching: Practice, policy and digital education futures
Authors: Bayne Sian , Gallagher Michael
Published: July 2021

When considering digital futures for universities it is the instrumentalising narratives developed by corporate ‘ed-tech’ which often drive the debate. These are narratives which, aligning tightly to marketisation, unbundling and other dominant ideological trends, describe a highly technologised, datafied and surveillant future for teaching. This future is often framed as an imperative, leaving university communities with the sense that a future is being designed for them over which they have relatively little control. This paper describes the theory, methods and outcomes of a project which set out to counter this tendency, using participative, co-design methods within a ‘top down’ policy initiative to envision an alternative future for digital education within our own institution.

Our starting point was that universities need to get better at crafting their own, compelling counter-narratives concerning the future of technology in teaching, in order to assert the agency and presence of the academic and student bodies in the face of technological change. In working toward this, we drew on recent thinking in anticipation studies in education and developed an original methodology for participative futures work within universities. The paper reports on the outcomes of this project, and its implications for the sector more generally, arguing that university communities can work to define their own digital futures through an emphasis on collectivity, participation and hope.
Transformation and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of Teacher Candidates in an International Student Teaching Program
Authors: King Kelley M. , Dixon Kathryn V. , González-Carriedo Ricardo , Dixon-Krauss Lisbeth
Published: July 2021

This case study addressed effects of international student teaching on U.S. teacher candidates’ cross-cultural adaptability and perspectives on language, culture, and schooling. Interviews and the Cross-Cultural Adaptability Inventory were collected from 18 participants before and after 4 weeks student teaching internationally. Interviews were coded using the Cross-Cultural Adaptability Inventory dimensions and interpreted using Mezirow’s transformational learning theory. Findings suggested that increased cross-cultural adaptation aligns with transformational learning. Transformational learning led participants to question assumptions and consider incorporating different perspectives in future teaching.
Concurrent validity and reliability of a functional electromechanical dynamometer to assess isometric mid-thigh pull performance
Authors: Baena-Raya Andrés , Díez-Fernández David M. , García-Ramos Amador , Soriano-Maldonado Alberto , Rodríguez-Pérez Manuel A.
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to examine the concurrent validity and reliability of a functional electromechanical dynamometer (FEMD) to assess the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) kinetic variables: peak force (PF), rate of force development (RFD), and time-specific force values (50-, 100-, 150-, and 200-ms). Twenty-seven male collegiate athletes (age: 22.9 ± 1.9 years; stature: 184.8 ± 10.4 cm; body mass: 84.2 ± 11.8 kg) performed four IMTP trials simultaneously on a force platform and the FEMD. The PF variables calculated from performance of the IMTP on both devices were reliable (CV < 3%; ICC > 0.90) and valid (bias < 13.9 N; random error < 52.1 N; r = 1.00), but they showed heteroscedasticity of the errors ( R2 > 0.23). The RFD (CV > 10.88%; ICC < 0.76) and initial force (CV > 8.81%; ICC < 0.76) variables did not reach an acceptable reliability for any device, but they showed strong associations between them ( r range = 0.53–0.69). These results indicate that the FEMD is an acceptable alternative to assess athlete’s maximal force production (i.e. PF), but the data collected with FEMD and force plates should not be used interchangeably.
Comparison of head size and bite force in two sympatric munia species
Authors: Rao Xiaodong , Yang Canchao , Liang Wei
Published: July 2021

Brain size is a key factor determining the performance and fitness of an organism; birds with relatively larger brains might have advantages in the utilization of resources and dispersal. Bite force is another important indicator of fitness, and plays an essential role in intra- and inter-specific competition. In this study, a comparative analysis was conducted on the head size and bite force of the two sister species, the white-rumped munia ( Lonchura striata) and scaly-breasted munia ( L. punctulata) that differ in distribution range. The results showed that the scaly-breasted munia, which has a wider distribution range, had a significantly larger head size than that of the white-rumped munia. In addition, scaly-breasted munias had a greater bite force; however, the difference was not significant. One possible explanation could be that the smaller head to body ratio in scaly-breasted munias reduced their bite-force slightly. Further, this finding could be attributed to the fact that similar food resources and foraging habitats of the two species lead to a similar bite force. Our study supported the argument that head size, rather than bite force, plays a more important role in the dispersal and evolutionary adaptation of birds.
Features of indeterminate results of QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test in patients with haematological malignancies
Authors: Huang Chen-Cheng , Jerry Teng Chieh-Lin , Wu Ming-Feng , Lee Ching-Hsiao , Chen Hui-Chen , Huang Wei-Chang
Published: July 2021

Background and aims:

The application of QuantiFERON-TB Gold in-Tube (QFT-GIT) in patients with haematological malignancies (HMs) has not been well studied. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the features of patients with HMs whose QFT-GIT results were indeterminate.

Methods:

This study enrolled patients with HMs for the analysis of QFT-GIT tests and additional 2-year follow-up. The characteristics and predictors of QFT-GIT indeterminate results were identified. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) incidence rate (IR) and incidence rate ratio (IRR) were also investigated.

Results:

Of 89 participants, 27 (30.3%) had QFT-GIT indeterminate results. The QFT-GIT indeterminate patients were characterized with the diagnosis of leukaemia (63.0% versus 32.3%, p = 0.044), abnormal white blood count (WBC) (88.9% versus 14.5%, p = 0.001), abnormal lymphocyte percentage (81.5% versus 14.5%, p = 0.001) and lower lymphocyte count (×109/l) (0.5 versus 2.2, p = 0.000) when compared with those with determinate results. Meanwhile, abnormal WBC [odds ratios (OR): 15.18, p = 0.003] and lymphocyte percentage (OR: 6.90, p = 0.033) were predictors of indeterminate results. One patient with the QFT-GIT indeterminate status and high interferon-γ level of negative control result developed active TB with a TB IR of 18.5 per 1000 person-years and an IRR of 0.1 (95% confidence interval, 0.01–0.71) when compared with positive QFT-GIT patients without prophylaxis treatment.

Conclusion:

Abnormal ranges of WBC and lymphocyte differential count percentage were independent predictors useful to determine the optimal timing of implementing QFT-GIT test in patients with HMs.
Recurrent wheezing after bronchiolitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus in children younger than 3 years: A 1-year follow-up study
Authors: Zhou Li , Xu Zhufei , Li Jing , Hu Fangyu , Ren Juan
Published: July 2021

We analysis the frequency and risk factors of wheezing in infants. We chose children with initial wheezing before 3 years of age who were hospitalized for medical treatment. Wheezing frequency was determined by follow-up at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Information such as birth status, age, sex, preterm, mode of delivery, birth order, eczema history, personal allergy history, family allergy history, passive smoking, and place of residence (urban/rural) was collected. Total serum IgE level, serum allergen testing, routine blood tests, C-reactive protein level, procalcitonin level, respiratory pathogens tests, sputum culture, chest radiography or computed tomography were performed in all patients. The correlation between each factor and wheezing recurrence was evaluated. A total of 259 children were included in the study. They were divided into single recurrence, multiple recurrences, and no recurrence groups. The recurrence rate of wheezing was 56.8% (30.5% had a single recurrence and 26.3% had 2 or more recurrences). The percentage of children with a personal allergy history in the multiple recurrences group was significantly higher than in the single recurrence and no recurrence groups ( P = 0.031 and 0.008, respectively). The age of the children in the multiple recurrences group was significantly lower than that in the single recurrence group ( P < 0.001). Clinical severity scores were higher in the multiple recurrences group than in the single recurrence and no recurrence groups ( P = 0.002 and <0.001, respectively). Most children did not experience multiple recurrent wheezing. Children with young age, serious condition, and allergic constitution were prone to recurrent wheezing.
Pragmatic state rescaling: The dynamics and diversity of state space in Indonesian megaproject planning and governance
Authors: Hudalah Delik , Talitha Tessa , Lestari Seruni Fauzia
Published: July 2021

In the past decade, Indonesia has become one of the Asian countries that massively promote large-scale infrastructure development to stimulate economic growth and improve the nation's competitiveness. Using the theoretical perspective of state rescaling, we explore how megaproject complexity defines the scope and process of state involvement in Indonesia's regional infrastructure planning, development, and governance. Aided by a typology of state rescaling, we compare two megaproject case studies: the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Train (JBHST) and the Kertajati International Airport and Aerocity (KIAA). It reveals that the dynamics of political culture, governance style, and policy domain shed light on the pragmatic rediscovering of state activism to manage risk and uncertainty in Indonesia’s multi-actor and multi-scale megaproject decision-making environment.
Descemet membrane suturing to manage recurrent graft detachment in a patient with Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty on failed penetrating keratoplasty
Authors: Ashena Zahra , Hickman-Casey Thomas , Nanavaty Mayank A.
Published: July 2021

A 65-year-old patient with history of keratoconus, mild cataract and penetrating keratoplasty over 30 years ago developed corneal oedema subsequent of graft failure with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of counting fingers. He underwent a successful cataract surgery combined with a 7.25 mm Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) with Sodium Hexafluoride (SF6) gas. His cornea remained oedematous inferiorly at 4 weeks, despite two subsequent re-bubbling due to persistent DMEK detachment inferiorly. This was managed by three radial full thickness 10-0 nylon sutures placed in the inferior cornea along with intracameral injection of air. Following this, his anterior segment ocular coherence tomography (OCT) confirmed complete attachment of the graft, and the sutures were removed 4 weeks later. Unaided visual acuity was 20/63 and BCVA was 20/32 after 8 months. DMEK suturing can be helpful in persistent DMEK detachments, which is refractory to repeated re-bubbling due to uneven posterior surface of previous PK.
The Distinctiveness of Indian Leaders in the Global Landscape: An Exploration of Strengths and Challenges
Authors: D’Souza Nikita , Nautiyal Snigdha
Published: July 2021

Global organisations have seen more leaders of Indian origin, both at the helm and in key business positions across the world than ever before. This article explores the underlying psychosocial qualities and leadership capabilities that Indians bring to global organisations through the lens of YSC’s leadership assessments. We drew from the expertise and experience of our seasoned consultants to evaluate emerging themes by analysing over 400 leaders and synthesising a profile of the typical Indian leader. We explored in-depth the journeys of 44 of these leaders to understand what differentiates them to thrive in global environments and the challenges they navigate through to lead in the global arena. We drew on the tensions they navigate while managing the dynamics of global, matrixed organisations and offer recommendations to successfully traverse towards success. We highlight the implications and provide suggestions for global organisations to understand Indian talent and create the conditions for them to unlock their potential.
Diversity of experience and labor productivity in creative industries
Authors: Kekezi Orsa
Published: July 2021

This paper studies how the previous experience among workers relates to the labor productivity of the creative industries in Sweden. Effective knowledge transfers are dependent on the cognitive distance among employees. Using longitudinal matched employer-employee data, I measure the portfolio of the skills within a workplace through (i) the workers' previous occupation, and (ii) the industry they have been working in previously. Estimates show that diversity of occupational experience is positive for labor productivity, but the diversity of industry experience is not. When distinguishing between related and unrelated diversity, the relatedness of occupational experience is positive for labor productivity, while unrelated occupational experience instead shows negative relationship with productivity. These results point towards the importance of occupational skills that workers bring with them to a new employment, for labor productivity.
Palmo-plantar hyperkeratosis associated with HTLV-1 infection: a case report
Authors: Quintero-Muñoz Elías , Arsanios Daniel Martin , Beltrán María Fernanda Estupiñán , Vera Juan David , Giraldo Catalina Palacio , Velandia Omar , Calderon Carlos Mauricio
Published: July 2021

Background

Palmoplantar hyperkeratosis is a cutaneous manifestation that had not been clearly associated with infection by the human T-cell lymphotropic virus, which is a retrovirus that in most cases does not develop clinical pathologies and its symptoms may be undetected. The skin is one of the most affected organs, however until now only seborrheic dermatitis, xerosis/ichthyosis and infective dermatitis associated with HTLV-1 have been described as cutaneous clinical manifestations of this disease.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 36-year-old male patient with serologically documented HTLV-1 infection, who presented symptoms of diarrhea, malabsorption due to Strongyloides stercoralis, and in whom a physical examination revealed an association with generalized xerosis and palmoplantar keratoderma confirmed by skin biopsy. Other infectious etiologies and malignancy were ruled out. This clinical manifestation was managed with dermal hydration, and skin care which improved the thickened skin and make it less noticeable.

Conclusions

According to our experience, this is the first reported case of palmoplantar keratoderma associated with a human lymphotropic virus infection. This is a skin manifestation that has not been confirmed in conjunction with HTLV-I before. This implies that palmoplantar keratoderma is a new clinical manifestation of this infection, that should be considered in the initial approach of patients in endemic areas with these dermatological characteristics.
Prediction of non-reassuring fetal status and umbilical artery acidosis by the maternal characteristic and ultrasound prior to induction of labor
Authors: Lu Jing , Jiang Jinna , Zhou Ying , Chen Qionghua
Published: July 2021

Objective

To investigate the predictive value of pre-induction digital examination, sonographic measurements and parity for the prediction of non-reassuring fetal status and cord arterial pH < 7.2 prior to the induction of labor (IOL).

Method

This was a prospective observational study, including 384 term pregnancies undergoing IOL. Before the IOL, the Bishop score (BS) by digital examination, sonographic Doppler parameters and the estimated fetal weight (EFW) was assessed. The fetal cord arterial was sampled to measure the pH at delivery. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of non-reassuring fetal status and low cord arterial pH.

Results

Forty four cases (11.5%) had non-reassuring fetal status, and 76 cases (19.8%) had fetal cord arterial pH < 7.2. In the non-reassuring fetal status group, the incidence of cord arterial pH < 7.2 was significantly higher than that in the normal fetal heart rate group (χ2 = 6.401,p = 0.011). Multivariate analysis indicated that significant independent predictors of non-reassuring fetal status were nulliparity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 3.746,p = 0.003), EFW < 10thpercentile (AOR: 3.764,p = 0.003) and cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) < 10thcentile (AOR:4.755,p < 0.001). In the prediction of non-reassuring fetal status, the performance of the combination of nulliparity and EFW < 10th percentile was improved by the addition of CPR < 10th percentile (AUC: 0.681, (95%CI: 0.636 to 0.742) vs 0.756, (95%CI:0.713 to 0.795)), but the difference was not significant (DeLong test: z = 1.039,p = 0.053).. None of the above variables were predictors of cord arterial pH < 7.2.

Conclusion

The risk of fetal acidosis has increased in cases of non-reassuring fetal status. Nulliparity, small for gestational age and CPR < 10th centile are independent predictors for non-reassuring fetal status in term fetuses, though the addition of CPR < 10th centile could not significantly improve the screening accuracy.
Analysis of using high-precision radiotherapy in the treatment of liver metastases regarding toxicity and survival
Authors: Voglhuber Theresa , Eitz Kerstin A. , Oechsner Markus , Vogel Marco M. E. , Combs Stephanie E.
Published: July 2021

Background

Hepatic metastases occur frequently in the context of many tumor entities. Patients with colorectal carcinoma have already developed liver metastases in 20% at the time of diagnosis, and 25–50% develop metastases in the further course of the disease and therapy. The frequent manifestation and the variable appearance of liver metastases result in an interdisciplinary challenge, regarding treatment management. The aim of this study was to evaluate high-precision stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for liver metastases.

Methods

A cohort of 115 patients with 150 irradiated liver metastases was analyzed. All metastases were treated between May 2004 and January 2020 using SBRT. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) was performed in all patients for treatment planning, followed by image-guided high-precision radiotherapy using cone-beam CT. A median cumulative dose of 35 Gy and a median single dose of 7 Gy was applied.

Results

Median OS was 20.4 months and median LC was 35.1 months with a 1-year probability of local failure of 18% (95%-CI: 12.0–24.3%). In this cohort, 18 patients were still alive at the time of evaluation. The median FU-time in total was 11.4 months and for living patients 26.6 months. 70.4% of patients suffered from acute toxicities. There were several cases of grade 1 and 2 toxicities, such as constipation (13.9%), nausea (24.4%), loss of appetite (7.8%), vomiting (10.4%), diarrhea (7.8%), and abdominal pain (16.5%). 10 patients (8.7%) suffered from grade 3 toxicities. Late toxicities affected 42.6% of patients, the majority of these affected the gastrointestinal system.

Conclusion

SBRT is becoming increasingly important in the field of radiation oncology. It has evolved to be a highly effective treatment for primary and metastasized tumors, and offers a semi-curative treatment option also in the case of oligometastatic patients. Overall, it represents a very effective and well-tolerated therapy option to treat hepatic metastases. Based on the results of this work and the studies already available, high-precision radiotherapy should be considered as a valid and promising treatment alternative in the interdisciplinary discussion.
Associations of changes in neighbourhood walkability with changes in walking activity in older adults: a fixed effects analysis
Authors: Timmermans Erik J. , Visser Marjolein , Wagtendonk Alfred J. , Noordzij J. Mark , Lakerveld Jeroen
Published: July 2021

Background

Supporting older adults to engage in physically active lifestyles requires supporting environments. Walkable environments may increase walking activity in older adults, but evidence for this subgroup is scarce, and longitudinal studies are lacking. This study therefore examined whether changes in neighbourhood walkability were associated with changes in walking activity in older adults, and whether this association differed by individual-level characteristics and by contextual conditions beyond the built environment.

Methods

Data from 668 participants (57.8–93.4 years at baseline) across three waves (2005/06, 2008/09 and 2011/12) of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) were used. These individuals did not relocate during follow-up. Self-reported outdoor walking activity in minutes per week was assessed using the LASA Physical Activity Questionnaire. Composite exposure measures of neighbourhood walkability (range: 0 (low)-100 (high)) within 500-m Euclidean buffer zones around each participant’s residential address were constructed by combining objectively measured high-resolution Geographic Information System data on population density, retail and service destination density, land use mix, street connectivity, green space density, and sidewalk density. Fixed effects linear regression analyses were applied, adjusted for relevant time-varying confounders.

Results

Changes in neighbourhood walkability were not statistically significantly associated with changes in walking activity in older adults (β500m = − 0.99, 95% CI = -6.17–4.20). The association of changes in neighbourhood walkability with changes in walking activity did not differ by any of the individual-level characteristics (i.e., age, sex, educational level, cognitive impairment, mobility disability, and season) and area-level characteristics (i.e., road traffic noise, air pollution, and socioeconomic status).

Conclusions

This study did not show evidence for an association between changes in neighbourhood walkability and changes in walking activity in older adults. If neighbourhood walkability and walking activity are causally linked, then changes in neighbourhood walkability between 2005/06 and 2011/12 might have been not substantial enough to produce meaningful changes in walking activity in older adults.
Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tears with platelet rich plasma: a prospective study with 2 year follow‐up
Authors: Prodromos Chadwick C , Finkle Susan , Prodromos Alexandra , Chen Jasmine Li , Schwartz Aron , Wathen Lucas
Published: July 2021

Background

Surgical treatment of full-thickness rotator cuff (RC) tears is associated with generally good results. There is no consensus regarding treatment of partial thickness tears that fail conservative treatment. The purpose of this study was to look at the efficacy and confirm the safety of dual injection PRP into the shoulder of patients with rotator cuff pathology who have failed conservative treatment with followup to two years.

Methods

Seventy-one shoulders with MRI confirmed, rotator cuff pathology who failed conservative treatment, had dual PRP injection into the rotator cuff. Global improvement, Quick DASH and VAS scores were collected at 6, 12, and 24 months after treatment and comparison of means was used to analyze changes.

Results

No adverse events were seen in any patient. Based on global rating scores positive results were seen in 77.9 % of patients at 6 months, 71.6 % at 1 year, and 68.8 % of patients at 2 years. Mean VAS scores improved from 50.2 [CI 44.4–56.0] pre-injection to 26.2 [CI 19.5–32.9] at 6 months, 22.4[CI 16.1–28.7] at 1 year and 18.2 [CI 12.3–24.1] at 2 years (p < 0.0001 for all). The mean Q- DASH scores (0-100, 100 worse) improved from 39.2 [CI 34.3–44.1] for all patients before treatment to 20.7[CI 15.0-26.4] at 6 months, 18.0[CI 12.9–23.1] at 1 year, and 13.8 [CI 8.4–18.8] at 2 years (p < 0.0001 for all). No patient with partial tear had clinical evidence of progression to full thickness tear. When separated into subgroups based on rotator cuff status, all subgroups showed improvement. Patients in the > 50 % partial tear group had the best overall improvement based on Global Rating scores while those in the tendinitis group had the poorest outcomes.

Conclusions

PRP injection is a safe and effective treatment for RC cuff injury in patients who have failed conservative treatment of activity modification and physical therapy without deterioration of results two years after treatment. Better results are obtained with greater structural tendon damage than in shoulders with inflammation without structural damage.

Trial registration

This is not a clinical trial.
The effects of exercise training versus intensive insulin treatment on skeletal muscle fibre content in type 1 diabetes mellitus rodents
Authors: McBey David P. , Dotzert Michelle , Melling C. W. J.
Published: July 2021

Background

Intensive-insulin treatment (IIT) strategy for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has been associated with sedentary behaviour and the development of insulin resistance. Exercising patients with T1DM often utilize a conventional insulin treatment (CIT) strategy leading to increased insulin sensitivity through improved intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) content. It is unclear how these exercise-related metabolic adaptations in response to exercise training relate to individual fibre-type transitions, and whether these alterations are evident between different insulin strategies (CIT vs. IIT). Purpose: This study examined glycogen and fat content in skeletal muscle fibres of diabetic rats following exercise-training.

Methods

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: Control-Sedentary, CIT- and IIT-treated diabetic sedentary, and CIT-exercised trained (aerobic/resistance; DARE). After 12 weeks, muscle-fibre lipids and glycogen were compared through immunohistochemical analysis.

Results

The primary findings were that both IIT and DARE led to significant increases in type I fibres when compared to CIT, while DARE led to significantly increased lipid content in type I fibres compared to IIT.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that alterations in lipid content with insulin treatment and DARE are primarily evident in type I fibres, suggesting that muscle lipotoxicity in type 1 diabetes is muscle fibre-type dependant.
Postoperative oxaliplatin-based hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: an effective and safe palliative treatment option for colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastasis
Authors: Sun Tuanhe , Li Kang , Xu Gang , Zhu Kun , Wang Qiong , Dang Chengxue , Yuan Dawei
Published: July 2021

Background

The prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer and peritoneal metastasis (CRC-PM) after incomplete cytoreductive surgery (CRS) or palliative surgery is poor. Novel and effective therapies are urgently needed. This study aimed to assess the effects of palliative postoperative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in patients with CRC-PM.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients with CRC-PM at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University in 05/2014–05/2019. Observation indicators included overall survival (OS), ascites-free survival, peritoneal cancer index (PCI), and completeness of cytoreduction (CC). Kaplan-Meier survival curves and multivariable Cox regression models were used to determine the factors associated with OS and ascites-free survival. The ascites-specific quality of life (QoL) was measured using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Ascites Index (FACIT-AI).

Results

Eighty-two patients were included, including 37 and 45 in the HIPEC and non-HIPEC groups, respectively. Mean OS was 10.3±3.7 (95% CI 9.5–11.2) months. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression suggested that PCI (HR=6.086, 95% CI 3.187–11.620, P < 0.0001) was independently associated with OS. The degree of ascites (HR=2.059, 95% CI 1.412–3.005, P < 0.0001), PCI (HR=6.504, 95% CI 2.844–14.875, P < 0.0001), and HIPEC (HR=0.328, 95% CI 0.191–0.562, P < 0.0001) were independently associated with ascites-free survival. In patients with survival >6 months, postoperative ascites-specific QoL was significantly improved after HIPEC compared with the non-HIPEC group (P < 0.001). Oxaliplatin-based HIPEC significantly increased the rates of neutropenia and peripheral neurotoxicity (both P < 0.05).

Conclusion

These data indicate that postoperative oxaliplatin-based HIPEC might help increase ascites-free survival in CRC-PM patients after incomplete CRS or palliative surgery, with improved QoL after 6 months of follow-up.
Apatinib induces endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis and autophagy and potentiates cell sensitivity to paclitaxel via the IRE-1α–AKT–mTOR pathway in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Yu-Ming , Xu Xin , Tang Jian , Sun Zhi-Yong , Fu Yu-Jie , Zhao Xiao-Jing , Ma Xiu-Mei , Ye Qing
Published: July 2021

Background

Apatinib, a novel vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has been approved for the treatment of metastatic gastric cancer and other tumors. Apatinib exerts antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects in different kinds of cancer cells. However, the molecular mechanisms by which apatinib effective against esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) have only been partially researched and whether it has a sensitizing effect on paclitaxel remains unclear.

Materials and methods

The effects of apatinib or paclitaxel on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, autophagy, apoptosis and proliferation of ESCC cell lines were evaluated. Western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses were performed to detect the expression of related genes. The weight and volume of xenograft tumors in mice were measured.

Results

In the current study, we elucidated the antiproliferative and ER-stress-mediated autophagy-inducing effects of apatinib on ECA-109 and KYSE-150 esophageal squamous cancer cells and identified the underlying mechanisms of its action. We demonstrated that apatinib not only inhibited the proliferation and induced the apoptosis of ESCC cells, but also activated ER stress and triggered protective autophagy. Moreover, inhibiting autophagy by chloroquine (CQ) enhanced the apatinib-induced apoptosis of ESCC cells through the IRE-1α–AKT–mTOR pathway. In addition, we showed, for the first time, the paclitaxel combined with apatinib and CQ exhibited the best antitumor effect on ESCC both in vivo and in vitro via the IRE-1α–AKT–mTOR pathway.

Conclusions

Our data showed that apatinib induced ER stress, autophagy and apoptosis in ESCC. Inhibiting autophagy by CQ enhanced apatinib-induced apoptosis. The combination of apatinib and CQ sensitized ESCC cells to paclitaxel to induce apoptosis through the IRE-1α–AKT–mTOR signaling pathway, thus providing the basis for its use in innovative anticancer therapeutic strategies.

Graphic abstract
Quantifying fear of failure in STEM: modifying and evaluating the Performance Failure Appraisal Inventory (PFAI) for use with STEM undergraduates
Authors: Henry Meredith A. , Shorter Shayla , Charkoudian Louise K. , Heemstra Jennifer M. , Le Benjamin , Corwin Lisa A.
Published: July 2021

Background

The ability to navigate obstacles and embrace iteration following failure is a hallmark of a scientific disposition and is hypothesized to increase students’ persistence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). However, this ability is often not explicitly explored or addressed by STEM instructors. Recent collective interest brought together STEM instructors, psychologists, and education researchers through the National Science Foundation (NSF) research collaborativeFactors affecting Learning, Attitudes, and Mindsets in Education network(FLAMEnet) to investigate intrapersonal elements (e.g., individual differences, affect, motivation) that may influence students’ STEM persistence. One such element isfear of failure(FF), a complex interplay of emotion and cognition occurring when a student believes they may not be able to meet the needs of an achievement context. A validated measure for assessing FF, the Performance Failure Appraisal Inventory (PFAI) exists in the psychological literature. However, this measure was validated in community, athletic, and general undergraduate samples, which may not accurately reflect the motivations, experiences, and diversity of undergraduate STEM students. Given the potential role of FF in STEM student persistence and motivation, we felt it important to determine if this measure accurately assessed FF for STEM undergraduates, and if not, how we could improve upon or adapt it for this purpose.

Results

Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and cognitive interviews, we re-validated the PFAI with a sample of undergraduates enrolled in STEM courses, primarily introductory biology and chemistry. Results indicate that a modified 15-item four-factor structure is more appropriate for assessing levels of FF in STEM students, particularly among those from groups underrepresented in STEM.

Conclusions

In addition to presenting an alternate factor structure, our data suggest that using the original form of the PFAI measure may significantly misrepresent levels of FF in the STEM context. This paper details our collaborative validation process and discusses implications of the results for choosing, using, and interpreting psychological assessment tools within STEM undergraduate populations.
Male parent birds exert more effort to reproduce in two desert passerines
Authors: Ma Donghui , Lu Mengjie , Cheng Zhichang , Du Xingnan , Zou Xiaoyu , Yao Xingxing , Bao Xinkang
Published: July 2021

Background

Parental investment by birds is limited by the habitat environment, and a male parent increases its effort to reproduce in birds that live in high-altitude areas.

Methods

A study of the reproductive behaviour of the Saxaul Sparrow (Passer ammodendri) and the Isabelline Shrike (Lanius isabellinus) was carried out at the Gansu An’xi Extremely Arid Desert National Nature Reserve in northwest China to determine the reproductive input of passerine species in desert habitats.

Results

In Saxaul Sparrows, compared to the female parent, the male parent exhibited a significantly higher frequency of nest-defense behaviour (chirping and warning) during nesting, hatching and feeding periods. In addition, in comparison to the female parent, the male parent exhibited almost equal frequencies of nesting and incubation but fed nestlings significantly more times. Similar to the male sparrows, the feeding rates of the male Isabelline Shrikes were significantly higher than those of the females. The hatching rate and fledging rate of the Saxaul Sparrow on average in this study were 81.99 and 91.92%, respectively, while those of the shrike were 69.00 and 96.53%, respectively.

Conclusions

These two different passerine species living in the same desert environment exhibited the same trend in their reproductive investments. Adapting to desert environments is a strategy that may have evolved in passerines where male parent birds put more effort than females into reproduction to ensure high reproductive output.
Predictors of failure of intersegmental line creation using bronchoscopic jet ventilation for thoracoscopic pulmonary segmentectomy
Authors: Ikeda Mizuko , Tanabe Miwako , Fujimoto Ayumi , Matsuoka Tomoka , Sumie Makoto , Yamaura Ken
Published: July 2021

Background

During pulmonary segmentectomy, identification of the target segment is essential. We used bronchoscopic jet ventilation (BJV) to delineate the intersegmental plane by selectively sending air into the target segment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors associated with BJV failure.

Methods

Data were retrospectively collected from 48 patients who underwent pulmonary segmentectomy with BJV between March 2014 and May 2019 at a single center. Data were compared between BJV succeeded cases and failed cases.

Results

In 13 cases (27%), BJV were unsuccessful. The Brinkman index was significantly higher in failed cases (962 ± 965 failed vs. 395 ± 415 successful, P = 0.0067). The success rate was significantly lower when BJV was applied to the posterior basal segmental bronchus (B10) (B10: 1/5 (20%) vs others: 34/43 (79%), P = 0.015).

Conclusion

Long-term smoking and the bronchus corresponding to the posterior basal segment might make successful performance of BJV difficult.
GMP-compliant production of [68Ga]Ga-NeoB for positron emission tomography imaging of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor
Authors: Pretze Marc , Reffert Laura , Diehl Steffen , Schönberg Stefan O. , Wängler Carmen , Hohenberger Peter , Wängler Björn
Published: July 2021

Background

[68Ga]Ga-NeoB is a novel DOTA-coupled Gastrin Releasing Peptide Receptor (GRPR) antagonist with high affinity for GRPR and good in vivo stability. This study aimed at (1) the translation of preclinical results to the clinics and establish the preparation of [68Ga]Ga-NeoB using a GMP conform kit approach and a licensed 68Ge/68Ga generator and (2) to explore the application of [68Ga]Ga-NeoB in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) before and/or after interventional treatment (selective internal radiotherapy, irreversible electroporation, microwave ablation).

Results

Validation of the production and quality control of [68Ga]Ga-NeoB for patient use had to be performed before starting the GMP production. Six independent batches of [68Ga]Ga-NeoB were produced, all met the quality and sterility criteria and yielded 712 ± 73 MBq of the radiotracer in a radiochemical purity of > 95% and a molar activity of 14.2 ± 1.5 GBq/μmol within 20 min synthesis time and additional 20 min quality control. Three patients (2 females, 1 male, 51–77 yrs. of age) with progressive gastrointestinal stromal tumor metastases in the liver or peritoneum not responsive to standard tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy underwent both [68Ga]Ga-NeoB scans prior and after interventional therapy. Radiosynthesis of 68Ga-NeoB was performed using a kit approach under GMP conditions. No specific patient preparation such as fasting or hydration was required for [68Ga]Ga-NeoB PET/CT imaging. Contrast-enhanced PET/CT studies were performed. A delayed, second abdominal image after the administration of the of [68Ga]Ga-NeoB was acquired at 120 min post injection.

Conclusions

A fully GMP compliant kit preparation of [68Ga]Ga-NeoB enabling the routine production of the tracer under GMP conditions was established for clinical routine PET/CT imaging of patients with metastatic GIST and proved to adequately visualize tumor deposits in the abdomen expressing GRPR. Patients could benefit from additional information derived from [68Ga]Ga-NeoB diagnosis to assess the presence of GRPR in the tumor tissue and monitor antitumor treatment.
Computer-assisted subcapital correction osteotomy in slipped capital femoral epiphysis using individualized drill templates
Authors: Zakani Sima , Chapman Christopher , Saule Adam , Cooper Anthony , Mulpuri Kishore , Wilson David R.
Published: July 2021

Background

Subcapital osteotomy by means of surgical hip dislocation is a treatment approach offered for moderate-to-severe cases of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE). This procedure is demanding, highly dependent on the surgeon’s experience, and requires considerable radiation exposure for monitoring and securing the spatial alignment of the femoral head. We propose the use of individualized drill guides as an accurate method for placing K-wires during subcapital correction osteotomies in SCFE patients.

Methods

Five CT scans of the hip joint from otherwise healthy patients with moderate-to-severe SCFE were selected (ages 11–14). Three dimensional models of each patient’s femur were reconstructed by manual segmentation and physically replicated using additive manufacturing techniques. Five orthopaedic surgeons virtually identified the optimal entry point and direction of the two threaded wires for each case. 3D printed drill guides were designed specific to each surgical plan, with one side shaped to fit the patient’s bone and the other side containing holes to guide the surgical drill. Each surgeon performed three guided (using the drill guides) and three conventional (freehand) simulated procedures on each case. Each femur model was laser scanned and digitally matched to the preoperative model for evaluation of entry points and wire angulations. We compared wire entry point, wire angulation, procedure time and number of x-rays between guided and freehand simulated surgeries.

Results

The guided group (1.4 ± 0.9 mm; 2.5° ± 1.4°) was significantly more accurate than the freehand group (5.8 ± 3.2 mm; 5.3° ± 4.4°) for wire entry location and angulation (p < 0.001). Guided surgeries required significantly less drilling time and intraoperative x-rays (90.5 ± 42.2 s, 3 ± 1 scans) compared to the conventional surgeries (246.8 ± 122.1 s, 14 ± 5 scans) (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

We conclude that CT-based preoperative planning and intraoperative navigation using individualized drill guides allow for improved accuracy of wires, reduced operative time and less radiation exposure in simulated hips.

Clinical relevance

This preliminary study shows promising results, suggesting potential direct benefits to SCFE patients by necessitating less time under anesthesia and less intra-operative radiation exposure to patients, and increasing surgical accuracy.
Qualitative and psychometric approaches to evaluate the PROMIS pain interference and sleep disturbance item banks for use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Becker Brandon , Raymond Kimberly , Hawkes Carol , Foster April Mitchell , Lovley Andrew , Saucier Cory , Rizio Avery A. , Bjorner Jakob Bue , Kosinski Mark
Published: July 2021

Background

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) commonly experience pain despite the availability of disease-modifying treatments. Sleep disturbances are frequently reported in RA, with pain often a contributing factor. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pain Interference and Sleep Disturbance item banks were initially developed to provide insights into the patient experience of pain and sleep, respectively, though they were not specifically intended for use in RA populations. This study evaluated the content validity of the PROMIS Pain Interference and Sleep Disturbance item banks in RA and identified relevant content for short forms for patients with RA that achieved high measurement precision across a broad range of health.

Methods

A qualitative approach consisting of hybrid concept elicitation and cognitive debriefing interviews was used to evaluate the content validity of the item banks in RA. Interviews were semi-structured and open-ended, allowing a range of concepts and responses to be captured. Findings from the qualitative interviews were used to select the most relevant items for the short forms, and psychometric evaluation, using existing item-response theory (IRT) item parameters, was used to evaluate the marginal reliability and measurement precision of the short forms across the range of the latent variables (i.e. pain interference and sleep disturbance).

Results

Thirty-two participants were interviewed. Participants reported that RA-related pain and sleep disturbances have substantial impacts on their daily lives, particularly with physical functioning. The PROMIS Pain Interference and Sleep Disturbance item banks were easy to understand and mostly relevant to their RA experiences, and the 7-day recall period was deemed appropriate. Qualitative and IRT-based approaches identified short forms for Pain Interference (11 items) and Sleep Disturbance (7 items) that had high relevance and measurement precision, with good coverage of the concepts identified by participants during concept elicitation.

Conclusion

Pain and sleep disturbances affect many aspects of daily life in patients with RA and should be considered when novel treatments are developed. This study supports the use of the PROMIS Pain Interference and Sleep Disturbance item banks in RA, and the short forms developed herein have the potential to be used in clinical studies of RA.