bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CPNE7 Induces Biological Dentin Sealing in a Dentin Hypersensitivity Model
Authors: Park S.H. , Lee Y.S. , Lee D.S. , Park J.C. , Kim R. , Shon W.J.
Published: August 2019

Dentin hypersensitivity commonly occurs due to opened dentinal tubules for many reasons. In our previous study, copine 7 (CPNE7) could induce dentin formation for an indirect pulp-capping model in vivo. This study aims to investigate the formation of tertiary dentin when CPNE7 is applied to intentionally exposed dentin with nothing over it in vivo, whether it affects microleakage of the teeth, and the penetration ability of CPNE7 molecules through dentinal tubules in vitro. Cervical dentin areas of 6 maxillary incisors of 5 beagles were exposed to a class V–like lesion, and 1 side of 3 maxillary incisors was adapted with recombinant CPNE7 protein for 5 min as the experimental group. The other side was the control group, and there was no treatment of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and CPNE7 after preparation. The defects were exposed without any restorations, and all beagles were sacrificed after 4 wk. The fluid penetration of exposed dentin areas was investigated by a microleakage-testing device and confocal laser scanning microscope. Tertiary dentin formation was confirmed with histological scanning electronic microscopic analysis. Tertiary dentin formation reduces dentinal fluid flow due to occluded tubules or discontinuity with primary or secondary dentin. The in vivo hypersensitivity model with the anterior teeth of beagle dogs showed newly formed tertiary dentin at the dentin-pulp boundary in recombinant CPNE7–treated teeth when compared with the untreated control group in histologic analysis. Scanning electronic microscopic analysis revealed occluded sites with mineral deposition of intratubular dentin. In the permeability test, the mean microleakage value of the CPNE7-treated group was significantly lower than that of the control group ( P < 0.05). The tubular penetration of rhodamine B–combined CPNE7 was confirmed under confocal laser scanning microscope. CPNE7 induces formation of tertiary dentin through shallowly exposed dentinal tubules, which decreases dentin permeability.
Mobilizing civilians into high-risk forms of violent collective action
Authors: Mironova Vera , Whitt Sam
Published: August 2019

We consider whether prior political activism increases the likelihood of engaging in higher-risk forms of violent collective action. We test our hypothesis in the context of the 2014 Euromaidan and subsequent separatist violence in Eastern Ukraine. In the aftermath of the Euromaidan protests, the Ukrainian government began a widespread campaign to mobilize young men for military service against separatist movements in the Donbas region amid escalating tensions with Russia. In July 2014, we survey young men who were volunteering to join the Ukrainian military’s counterinsurgency efforts and compare them to other young men who live in the same community but had not volunteered. Using a case control study design, we interviewed 100 young men who reported to a local Ukrainian army recruitment station in Kharkiv, a city in Eastern Ukraine which was an important center for military recruitment efforts. We compared them to 100 other young men who lived in the same communities, received recruitment notices, but had chosen not to report. Military recruits were sampled by cluster-sampling at the recruitment station, with random selection of recruits by cluster. Civilian males were sampled by random route in the vicinity of the recruitment station. When comparing survey responses between recruits and civilians, we find strong linkages between prior Euromaidan participation and military mobilization. Our results are robust to controls for parochial ethnocentrism and mere support for Euromaidan goals. Maidan participation and military mobilization are also correlated with a strong sense of self-efficacy, optimism, risk tolerance, patriotic nationalism, and feelings of in-group solidarity with protesters and the military. These correlates illustrate plausible mechanisms for how individuals could transition to increasingly higher-cost, higher-risk forms of collective action.
Decarbonisation and World Poverty: A Just Transition for Fossil Fuel Exporting Countries?
Authors: Armstrong Chris
Published: August 2019

If dangerous climate change is to be avoided, the majority of the world’s fossil fuel supplies cannot be burned. Exporting countries will, therefore, lose out on a significant source of revenue – among them some of the world’s poorest countries. Might they have a claim to assistance from the international community if these losses come to pass? If so, on what basis? I examine two distinct arguments for assistance. The first is based on the claim that when our expectations are thwarted by public policy, compensation for those affected may be morally required. The second is premised upon the right to development – a right which is potentially jeopardised when some fossil fuel assets must go unexploited. I argue that the second argument enjoys better prospects. I also discuss several mechanisms which would allow the international community to assist countries incurring losses arising from the need to stabilise our global climate.
What Role Does Patient Gratitude Play in the Relationship Between Relationship Quality and Patient Loyalty?
Authors: Huang Chih-Hsuan , Wu Hsin-Hung , Lee Yii-Ching , Li Li
Published: August 2019

The environment in health care organizations is becoming increasingly competitive. Therefore, to improve patient return rates, health care organizations need to examine how to enhance the physician-patient relationship. In particular, the role of patient gratitude on the physician-patient relationship in health care organizations is still ambiguous. The specific role of patient gratitude in the medical service industry needs to be identified. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate physician-patient interactions with reference to relationship marketing and to further understand the relationships among relationship quality, patient gratitude, and patient loyalty. The potential effects of patient gratitude on the physician-patient relationship were examined by testing mediation effect. The results demonstrated that patient gratitude had a notable effect on the association between relationship quality and patient loyalty. To improve the physician-patient relationship in the medical service industry, health care managements should not ignore the 3 relationship quality tactics perceived by patients, specially the role of the potential effect of patient gratitude on relational building.
Gatekeeping within the simplicity regime: evaluative practices in television idea development
Authors: Andersen Mads Møller T.
Published: August 2019

This article investigates the kinds of evaluative practices that are employed when gatekeepers in TV want to maximise creativity. By analysing the evaluative regimes used in TV idea development, the analysis points to how a simplicity regime is used in the observed idea development sessions, with ideas being judged constantly as to whether they are clear and simple enough. Using observations, interviews and briefs as data sources, the article concludes that the desire of gatekeeping editors to maximise creativity can place significant pressure on developers who find it difficult to live up to these desires. In addition, the findings suggest that these developers primarily develop ideas for their immediate gatekeeping editors and that the TV viewers are not considered as equally important in their idea development process.
Evaluation of agomelatine for the treatment of sleep problems in adults with autism spectrum disorder and co-morbid intellectual disability
Authors: Ballester Pura , Martínez María José , Inda María-del-Mar , Javaloyes Auxiliadora , Richdale Amanda L , Muriel Javier , Belda César , Toral Natalia , Morales Domingo , Fernández Eduardo , Peiró Ana M
Published: August 2019

Purpose:

Intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are common, co-occurring developmental disorders and are frequently associated with sleep problems. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of agomelatine as a pharmacotherapy for sleep problems in ASD adults with ID.

Method:

A randomised, crossover, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, with two three-month periods of treatment starting with either agomelatine or placebo and a washout period of two weeks. Ambulatory circadian monitoring (24 hours/7 days) evaluated total sleep time (TST) as the primary outcome variable.

Results:

Participants ( N=23; 35±12 years old; 83% male) had a median of three (interquartile range (IQR) 1–4) co-morbidities and were taking a median of five (IQR 2–7) prescribed drugs. Before agomelatine or placebo treatment, all subjects presented with insomnia symptoms, including sleep latency (100% abnormal, 55±23 minutes) or TST (55% abnormal, 449±177 minutes), and 66% had circadian rhythm sleep–wake abnormalities with rhythm phase advancements according to the M5 sleep phase marker values. During the three-month agomelatine treatment, night TST significantly increased by a mean of 83 minutes (16% abnormal, 532±121 minutes), together with a phase correction (M5 1:45±2:28 hours vs. 3:15±2:20 hours), improving sleep stability in wrist temperature rhythm (0.43±0.29 vs. 0.52±0.18 AU). Adverse events were mild and transient.

Conclusions:

Agomelatine was effective and well tolerated for treating insomnia and circadian rhythm sleep problems present in adults with ASD and ID.
A mixed-methods pilot study to evaluate a collaborative anaesthetic and surgical training package for emergency surgical cricothyroidotomy
Authors: Berwick Richard J , Gauntlett William , Silverio Sergio A , Wallace Hilary , Mercer Simon , Brown Jeremy M , Sandars John E , Morton Ben , Groom Peter
Published: August 2019

In a ‘can’t intubate, can’t oxygenate’ scenario, success of emergency front-of-neck access is dependent upon a clinician’s skill, competence and confidence to initiate the procedure. Surgical cricothyroidotomy is an important airway skill, as it can be employed as both the primary method of emergency front-of-neck access or as a rescue approach if a needle technique should fail. We designed a collaborative surgical and anaesthetic training package to address perceived anaesthetic reluctance to perform surgical cricothyroidotomy and undertook a pilot study of the package using a mixed-methods approach. The package consisted of three elements: theory teaching, surgical experience and repeated high-fidelity simulation. Ten anaesthetic trainees were trained using the package. Training comprised face-to-face tuition on the 2015 Difficult Airway Society guidelines, the Vortex cognitive aid, manikin-based surgical cricothyroidotomy instruction and surgical experience gained from an elective surgical tracheostomy. A standardised, high-fidelity in situ ‘can’t intubate, can’t oxygenate’ simulation was used to assess performance at baseline and at two weeks and six months after training. Participants scored their self-efficacy, underwent qualitative semi-structured interviews and had their performance quantitatively assessed to evaluate this training. Six months following training, participants’ performance had improved. They reported significantly increased self-efficacy and demonstrated significantly reduced deliberation time to initiate surgical cricothyroidotomy in the simulated ‘can’t intubate, can’t oxygenate’ emergency. Thematic framework analysis of interview transcripts revealed that reluctance to perform surgical cricothyroidotomy was related to fear and anxiety in regard to performing the procedure. These results support wider adoption of collaborative educational training packages, including hands-on surgical teaching, to improve trainees’ efficacy and confidence with surgical cricothyroidotomy and front-of-neck access in an emergency ‘can’t intubate, can’t oxygenate’ scenario.
An Exploration of the Ways in Which Feelings of “Maternal Ambivalence” Affect Some Women
Authors: Chapman Emma , Gubi Peter M.
Published: August 2019

This study explores the ways in which feelings of “maternal ambivalence” affect women. Through semistructured interviews, four women spoke about their experiences that led to ambivalent feelings about their motherhood. The data gathered from these interviews were analyzed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. This research found that these women experienced a loss of independence, relationships, and confidence when they became mothers. Together, these losses felt like a loss of “self” which led to many unexpected and unwanted feelings. They were shocked and confused when they experienced feelings of resentment towards themselves, others, and their children. They also experienced unexpected feelings of boredom and anxiety in relation to mothering. However, with time and perspective, these women experienced a reemergence of “self” through their ability to begin to balance parts of “self” and accept their ambivalent feelings towards motherhood.
Acute Freeze-Dried Mango Consumption With a High-Fat Meal has Minimal Effects on Postprandial Metabolism, Inflammation and Antioxidant Enzymes
Authors: O’Hara Crystal , Ojo Babajide , Emerson Sam R , Simenson Ashley J , Peterson Sandra , Perkins-Veazie Penelope , Payton Mark E , Hermann Janice , Smith Brenda J , Lucas Edralin A
Published: August 2019

Objective:

Postprandial fluxes in oxidative stress, inflammation, glucose, and lipids, particularly after a high-fat meal (HFM), have been implicated in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study is to determine whether acute freeze-dried mango consumption modulates the postprandial response to an HFM. We hypothesized that the addition of mango, which is a rich source of many bioactive components, to an HFM would lower postprandial triglycerides, glucose, and inflammation, and increase antioxidant enzymes, compared to a standard HFM alone.

Methods:

In a randomized cross-over study, 24 healthy adult males (18-25 years old) consumed a typical American breakfast (670 kcal; 58% fat) with or without the freeze-dried mango pulp (50 g). Lipids, glucose, antioxidant enzymes, and inflammatory markers were assessed at baseline/fasting and 1, 2, and 4 hours after the HFM.

Results:

Addition of mango resulted in lower glucose (95.8 ± 4.4 mg/dL; P = .002) and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; 58.4 ± 2.7 mg/dL; P = .01) 1 hour post-HFM compared to control (glucose: 104.8 ± 5.4 mg/dL; HDL-C: 55.2 ± 2.3 mg/dL), although no differences were observed in triglycerides ( P = .88 for interaction). No significant meal × time interactions were detected in markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein, P = .17; interleukin-6, P = .30) or antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, P = .77; glutathione peroxidase, P = .36; catalase, P = .32) in the postprandial period.

Conclusions:

When added to an HFM, acute mango consumption had modest beneficial effects on postprandial glucose and HDL-C responses, but did not alter triglyceride, inflammatory, or antioxidant enzymes.
Validation of the RUDAS in Patients With a Middle-Level Education in Lima, Peru
Authors: Custodio Nilton , Montesinos Rosa , Lira David , Herrera-Perez Eder , Chavez Kristy , Hernandez-Córdova Gustavo , Cuenca José , Gamboa Carlos , Metcalf Tatiana
Published: August 2019

Objectives:

To assess the psychometric properties of the Peruvian version of the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS-PE) to discriminate controls from patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early dementia (ED) in a population with a mid-level education.

Methods:

A total of 133 patients from a memory clinic were administered the RUDAS-PE, INECO Frontal Screening, Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination, and Mini-Mental State Examination. Results were compared against a neuropsychological evaluation (gold standard). Validity measures, internal consistency, and concurrent validity were calculated.

Results:

Cronbach’s α was 0.68; Pearson’s ratio was 0.79 ( P < .01). The area under the receiver–operating characteristics curve of the RUDAS to discriminate between ED and MCI was 89.0% (optimal cutoff at <21), whereas between MCI and controls, it was 99.0% (optimal cutoff at <24).

Conclusions:

The RUDAS-PE has acceptable psychometric properties performing well in its ability to discriminate controls from patients with MCI and ED.
A Revised Motor Activity Log Following Rasch Validation (Rasch-Based MAL-18) and Consensus Methods in Chronic Stroke and Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Van de Winckel Ann , Gauthier Lynne
Published: August 2019

Objectives. To derive a shorter version of the Motor Activity Log Quality-of-Movement Scale (MAL-28) with enhanced content and construct validity. Design. Validation cohort. Setting. Outpatient rehabilitation within an academic laboratory. Participants. Retrospective consecutive sample of 149 community-dwelling adults with chronic mild/moderate upper-extremity hemiparesis caused by stroke or multiple sclerosis (MS). Intervention. Not applicable. Methods. Participants received the MAL-28 at baseline and following upper-extremity rehabilitation. Rasch Measurement Theory informed threshold ordering of scoring categories, tests of fit, differential item functioning, targeting, response dependency, local dependency, and reliability (person separation index [PSI]). Seasoned examiners rated the content validity of each item. Test-retest reliability of the revised scale was calculated. Results. We established content and construct validity for 18 items. The resultant 18-item MAL fit the model (χ2 = 77.93; df = 72; P = .30) and targeted the population—that is, minimal floor (12.08%) or ceiling effects (0%), with acceptable reliability (PSI = 0.84) and good test-retest reliability [ICC(1, 1) = 0.86]. The hierarchy of item difficulty was independent of sex, age, affected side, diagnosis, or intervention type used, and there was local dependency in 3 pairs of items. Responses from a subsequent testing session were dependent on the responses from prior testing, indicating response dependency, for which a correction was proposed. Once response dependency was neutralized, there was a 15% greater treatment response. Conclusions. Content and construct validity are established for Rasch-based MAL-18 for chronic stages of stroke and MS. A Rasch-based conversion table enables clinical use of the MAL-18.
A new hydrazone-based colorimetric chemosensor for naked-eye detection of copper ion in aqueous medium
Authors: Shi Shao-Min , Li Qiao , Hu Sheng-Li
Published: August 2019

A new hydrazone-based colorimetric Cu2+ chemosensor is synthesized. Its structure was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Its binding properties towards various metal ions are examined through absorption spectroscopy. In aqueous THF solution, the chemosensor exhibits selective recognition towards Cu2+ over other metal ions with a colour change from colourless to pink. The complex formed between the chemosensor and Cu2+ ions forms a 2:1 stoichiometry with an association constant of 2.46 × 108M−2. The analytical detection limit for Cu2+ by the naked eye is as low as 10.0 μM.
Prognostic relevance of DNA damage and repair biomarkers in elderly patients with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant hormone therapy: evidence from the real-world setting
Authors: Di Benedetto Anna , Ercolani Cristiana , Pizzuti Laura , Angelucci Domenico , Sergi Domenico , Marinelli Camilla , Iezzi Laura , Sperati Francesca , Terrenato Irene , Mazzotta Marco , Mariani Luciano , Vizza Enrico , Paoletti Giancarlo , Tomao Silverio , Maugeri-Saccà Marcello , Barba Maddalena , Tinari Nicola , Natoli Clara , Ciliberto Gennaro , Grassadonia Antonino , Vici Patrizia
Published: August 2019

Background:

The logic behind the outcome of endocrine therapy in breast cancer has long remained poorly understood. The prognostic role of DNA damage and repair biomarkers (DDR) was explored in postmenopausal, hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant hormone therapy (NAHT).

Methods:

Data on 55 patients were included. The phosphorylated ataxia-teleangectasia and Rad3-related protein (pATR), phosphorylated ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase, and phosphorylated H2A Histone Family Member X (γ-H2AX) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in paired tissues collected at baseline and following NAHT. Biomarkers were considered both singularly and within signatures. Ki-67 percentage change was the primary biomarker endpoint. Classical endpoints were also considered.

Results:

The most favorable Ki-67 outcome was associated with the γ-H2AX/pATM signature ( p = 0.011). In models of Ki-67 reduction, ‘luminal B’ subtype, higher grade of anaplasia, and the γ-H2AX/pATM signature tested as significant ( p < 0.05 for all). Results were confirmed in multivariate analysis. No association was observed with pathologic response. An increase of ∆γ-H2AX in paired breast tissues was associated with longer event-free survival ( p = 0.027) and overall survival ( p = 0.042). In Cox models, both survival outcomes were solely affected by grade of anaplasia, with less favorable prognosis in the highest grades ( p < 0.05 for both).

Conclusions:

We report novel evidence of the prognostic role of DDR biomarkers on important patient outcomes in postmenopausal hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer patients treated with NAHT. If confirmed in future and adequately sized trials, our results may help inform therapeutic decisions and clarify underlying biological mechanisms.
A narrative review evaluating the safety and efficacy of e-cigarettes as a newly marketed smoking cessation tool
Authors: Worku Dominic , Worku Elliott
Published: August 2019

Introduction:

E-cigarettes are an alternative to traditional tobacco-based cigarettes. While having considerable societal awareness, conflicting evidence exists to support their claims that they are an effective smoking cessation tool and are safe. Currently >7000 flavours exist with evidence that they exhibit detrimental cellular and tissue effects. A literature review was conducted utilising PubMed and Google Scholar Databases identifying papers between 2014 and 2019. The aims of this study were to accurately gauge the safety and efficacy of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool.

Methods:

Search terms including ‘electronic cigarettes’ and ‘vaping’ were used to identify suitable references. A total of 314 articles were identified from which papers were excluded due to risk of bias, insufficient detail or were duplicate from which 58 papers were used in the final review.

Results:

Evidence shows that e-cigarettes can have detrimental effects on several cell lines and animal models with their flavourings and nicotine content implicated; this has, however, not translated into major health outcomes after 3.5 years follow-up but has been linked to chronic lung disease and cardiovascular disease. While advertised as an effective smoking cessation tool, no consensus can be made regarding their effectiveness although the first robust randomised controlled trial reports some success. This, however, is offset by the fact that the most common e-cigarette use is as a dual user and that there is evidence of threefold increased risk of future tobacco smoking.

Conclusion:

Future research is needed to evaluate the long-term health outcomes and efficacy of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool with greater discussion between patients and clinicians regarding this smoking cessation tool.
Keloid research: current status and future directions
Authors: Tsai Chia-Hsuan , Ogawa Rei
Published: August 2019

Introduction:

Keloids and hypertrophic scars are fibroproliferative disorders of the skin that result from abnormal healing of injured or irritated skin. Multiple studies suggest that genetic, systemic and local factors may contribute to the development and/or growth of keloids and hypertrophic scars. A key local factor may be mechanical stimuli. Here, we provide an up-to-date review of the studies on the roles that genetic variation, epigenetic modifications and mechanotransduction play in keloidogenesis.

Methods:

An English literature review was performed by searching the PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases with the following keywords: genome-wide association study; epigenetics; non-coding RNA; microRNA; long non-coding RNA (lncRNA); DNA methylation; mechanobiology; and keloid. The searches targeted the time period between the date of database inception and July 2018.

Results:

Genetic studies identified several single-nucleotide polymorphisms and gene linkages that may contribute to keloid pathogenesis. Epigenetic modifications caused by non-coding RNAs (e.g. microRNAs and lncRNAs) and DNA methylation may also play important roles by inducing the persistent activation of keloidal fibroblasts. Mechanical forces and the ensuing cellular mechanotransduction may also influence the degree of scar formation, scar contracture and the formation/progression of keloids and hypertrophic scars.

Conclusions:

Recent research indicates that the formation/growth of keloids and hypertrophic scars associate clearly with genetic, epigenetic, systemic and local risk factors, particularly skin tension around scars. Further research into scar-related genetics, epigenetics and mechanobiology may reveal molecular, cellular or tissue-level targets that could lead to the development of more effective prophylactic and therapeutic strategies for wounds/scars in the future.
Father Reflections on Their Involvement With Primary School Students: Connections to School Literacy Learning
Authors: Lynch Jacqueline
Published: August 2019

Father involvement in children’s education is known to have increased over the years, yet less is known about their involvement with children outside of school, particularly after children attend formal schooling. Such information could provide more knowledge of children’s literacy engagement in schools as well as have implications for future teaching practice. Another goal was to gain insight on fathers’ recommendations for schools in order to assist student learning. There were 13 fathers from culturally diverse backgrounds who volunteered for a 30–40 minute interview. Three themes were found: (1) shared father–child interests and practice, (2) importance of student interest and choice in school, and (3) student writing difficulties and self-concept issues. Following father interviews, teachers were invited for a short interview in order to gather knowledge on their perspectives on student engagement and literacy teaching and learning. Two Grade 2 teachers consented, and two themes were revealed: (1) children’s motivation for reading and writing in school and (2) teacher knowledge of father–child interactions. Following father and teacher theme comparisons, recommendations were suggested for both home and in-school learning. Considering the deficiency in current knowledge of fathers’ practices and perspectives, this research offers further insight on father interactions with children and their perspectives for school learning.
The spatial distribution and frequency of street, plot and building types across five European cities
Authors: Berghauser Pont Meta , Stavroulaki Gianna , Bobkova Evgeniya , Gil Jorge , Marcus Lars , Olsson Jesper , Sun Kailun , Serra Miguel , Hausleitner Birgit , Dhanani Ashley , Legeby Ann
Published: August 2019

Typologies have always played an important role in urban planning and design practice and formal studies have been central to the field of urban morphology. These studies have predominantly been of a historical-qualitative nature and do not support quantitative comparisons between urban areas and between different cities, nor offer the precise and comprehensive descriptions needed by those engaged in urban planning and design practice. To describe contemporary urban forms, which are more diffuse and often elude previous historic typologies, systematic quantitative methods can be useful but, until recently, these have played a limited role in typo-morphological studies. This paper contributes to recent developments in this field by integrating multi-variable geometric descriptions with inter-scalar relational descriptions of urban form. It presents typologies for three key elements of urban form (streets, plots and buildings) in five European cities, produced using statistical clustering methods. In a first instance, the resulting typologies contribute to a better understanding of the characteristics of streets, plots and buildings. In particular, the results offer insight into patterns between the types (i.e. which types are found in combination and which not) and provide a new large scale comparative analysis across five European cities. To conclude, a link between quantitative analysis and theory is established, by testing two well-known theoretical propositions in urban morphology: the concept of the burgage cycle and the theory of natural movement.
Exploring the influence of road network structure on the spatial behaviour of cyclists using crowdsourced data
Authors: Orellana Daniel , Guerrero Maria L
Published: August 2019

This study explores the effect of the spatial configuration of street networks on movement patterns of users of a cycling monitoring app, employing crowdsourced information from OpenStreetMap and Strava Metro. Choice and Integration measures from Space Syntax were used to analyse the street network’s configuration for different radiuses. Multiple linear regression models were fitted to explore the influence of these measures on cycling activity at the street segment level after controlling other variables such as land use, household density, socio-economic status, and cycling infrastructure. The variation of such influence for different time periods (weekday vs. weekend) and trip purposes (commuting vs. sports) was also analysed. The results show a positive significant association between normalised angular choice ( NACH) and cycling activity. Although the final regression model explained 5.5% of the log-likelihood of the intercept model, it represents an important improvement compared with the base (control-only) model (3.8%). The incidence rate ratio of NACH’s Z scores was 1.63, implying that for an increase of one standard deviation of NACH, there is an expected increment of about 63% in the total cyclist counts while keeping all other variables the same. These results are of interest for researchers, practitioners, and urban planners, since the inclusion of Space Syntax measures derived from available public data can improve movement behaviour modelling and cycling infrastructure planning and design.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: The specific MYB binding sites bound by TaMYB in the GAPCp2/3 promoters are involved in the drought stress response in wheat
Authors: Zhang Lin , Song Zhiqiang , Li Fangfang , Li Xixi , Ji Haikun , Yang Shushen
Published: August 2019

Background

Drought stress is one of the major abiotic stresses that affects plant growth and productivity. The GAPCp genes play important roles in drought stress tolerance in multiple species. The aim of this experiment was to identify the core cis-regulatory elements that may respond to drought stress in the GAPCp2 and GAPCp3 promoter sequences.

Results

In this study, the promoters of GAPCp2 and GAPCp3 were cloned. The promoter activities were significantly improved under abiotic stress via regulation of Rluc reporter gene expression, while promoter sequence analysis indicated that these fragments were not almost identical. In transgenic Arabidopsis with the expression of the GUS reporter gene under the control of one of these promoters, the activities of GUS were strong in almost all tissues except the seeds, and the activities were induced after abiotic stress. The yeast one-hybrid system and EMSA demonstrated that TaMYB bound TaGAPCp2P/3P. By analyzing different 5′ deletion mutants of these promoters, it was determined that TaGAPCp2P (− 1312~ − 528) and TaGAPCp3P (− 2049~ − 610), including the MYB binding site, contained enhancer elements that increased gene expression levels under drought stress. We used an effector and a reporter to co-transform tobacco and found that TaMYB interacted with the specific MYB binding sites of TaGAPCp2P (− 1197~ − 635) and TaGAPCp3P (− 1456~ − 1144 and − 718~ − 610) in plant cells. Then, the Y1H system and EMSA assay demonstrated that these MYB binding sites in TaGAPCp2P (− 1135 and − 985) and TaGAPCp3P (− 1414 and − 665) were the target cis-elements of TaMYB. The deletion of the specific MYB binding sites in the promoter fragments significantly restrained the drought response, and these results confirmed that these MYB binding sites (AACTAAA/C) play vital roles in improving the transcription levels under drought stress. The results of qRT-PCR in wheat protoplasts transiently overexpressing TaMYB indicated that the expression of TaGAPCp2/3 induced by abiotic stress was upregulated by TaMYB.

Conclusion

The MYB binding sites (AACTAAA/C) in TaGAPCp2P/3P were identified as the key cis-elements for responding to drought stress and were bound by the transcription factor TaMYB.
Commitment devices in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Jarl Gustav
Published: August 2019

Background

Non‐removable offloading devices are recommended for the treatment of uncomplicated plantar diabetic foot ulcers because adherence to using removable devices is low. However, patients may not always understand how crucial the non‐removability is to ulcer healing, leaving them with the impression that it is the device per se that heals the ulcer. Thus, after ulcer healing when patients return to using removable offloading devices, typically therapeutic footwear, they often return to a low level of adherence resulting in high reulceration rates. To change this pattern of behavior based on a misconception, we need to start with how we as clinicians are conceptualizing treatment with offloading devices.

Non‐removable offloading devices as commitment devices

Commitment devices are voluntary restrictions people put on their future selves to resist short‐term temptations and achieve long‐term goals. In this paper, it is suggested that a change from viewing non‐removable offloading devices as means to force compliance, to viewing them as commitment devices could facilitate a change to a clinical thinking that emphasizes the importance of high adherence without compromising respect for patient autonomy.

Conclusion

Viewing non‐removable offloading devices as commitment devices seems to be a promising approach to emphasize the importance of adherence while respecting patient autonomy. Hopefully, patients' higher appreciation of the role of adherence can lead to higher adherence to using therapeutic footwear after healing and consequently to reduced reulceration rates.
Amplitude variation with incident angle inversion for Q-factors in viscoelastic media: A case study
Authors: Li Chuanhui , Liu Xuewei
Published: August 2019

At an interface separating two viscoelastic media, the variation of the reflection coefficient with the incident angle is associated with the quality factors ([Formula: see text]-factors) of both media; this sets up a theoretical foundation for [Formula: see text]-factor inversion by amplitude variation with incident angle (AVA). The AVA inversion for [Formula: see text]-factors was applied to a field example of a gas reservoir to detect gas. Considering that the AVA inversion is commonly performed to obtain P- and S-wave velocities in the previous interpretation of the field seismic data, a new AVA inversion process for [Formula: see text]-factors was designed. The existing P- and S-wave velocities were used as the reference phase velocities at the dominant frequency of seismic signals in viscoelastic media, and then the [Formula: see text]-factors for P- and S-waves were inverted from the isofrequency components of the partial angle stack gathers with known reference phase velocities. The application in the field example found that this process obtained stable inverted [Formula: see text]-factor results, providing more powerful evidence for reservoir characterization.
Crustal architecture of the northwestern and central Gulf of Mexico from integrated geophysical analysis
Authors: Filina Irina
Published: August 2019

The tectonic history of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) is a subject for ongoing debate. The nature of the crust in the northwestern and central parts of the basin remains poorly understood. Joined interpretation of two 2D seismic cross sections — GUMBO1 and GUMBO2 — with potential fields (gravity and magnetics) constrained with available well data allows testing various hypotheses about the subsurface structures and crustal architecture in the study area. In the northwestern GOM, two contradicting hypotheses about the nature of the crust were tested — exhumed mantle versus a thinned and intruded continental crust resulted from magma-rich rifting. The nature of the crust was also investigated in the central GOM, where the disagreement in the location of the ocean-continent boundary (OCB) from various published tectonic models reaches 140 km (87 mi). The results suggest that the crust in the study area is stretched continental with multiple magmatic additions represented by dense and highly magnetic bodies with fast seismic velocities, presumably introduced during the magma-assisted rifting of the GOM. The contact between oceanic and continental domains, i.e., the OCB, is interpreted to be near the Sigsbee Escarpment for both modeled lines. The analysis does not support the presence of thick presalt sediments in the study area. This result questions the currently accepted tectonic reconstructions of the GOM as thick presalt deposits are imaged confidently by various seismic surveys along the western Yucatan margin, which is believed to be a conjugate for the study area. This apparent mismatch in distribution of the presalt sediments requires further investigation.
Teashirt1 (Tshz1) is essential for the development, survival and function of hypoglossal and phrenic motor neurons
Authors: Chaimowicz Charlotte , Ruffault Pierre-Louis , Chéret Cyril , Woehler Andrew , Zampieri Niccolò , Fortin Gilles , Garratt Alistair N. , Birchmeier Carmen
Published: August 2019

Breathing and feeding are essential motor functions and rely on the activity of hypoglossal and phrenic motor neurons that innervate the tongue and diaphragm, respectively. Little is known about the genetic programs that control the development of these neuronal subtypes. The transcription factor Tshz1 is strongly and persistently expressed in developing hypoglossal and phrenic motor neurons. We used conditional mutation of Tshz1 in the progenitor zone of motor neurons (Tshz1MNΔ) to show that Tshz1 is essential for survival and function of hypoglossal and phrenic motor neurons. Hypoglossal and phrenic motor neurons are born in correct numbers, but many die between E13.5-E14.5 in Tshz1MNΔ mutant mice. In addition, innervation and electrophysiological properties of phrenic and hypoglossal motor neurons are altered. Severe feeding and breathing problems accompany this developmental deficit. While motor neuron survival can be rescued by the elimination of the pro-apoptotic factor Bax, innervation, feeding and breathing defects persist in Bax−/−;Tshz1MNΔ mutants. We conclude that Tshz1 is an essential transcription factor for the development and physiological function of phrenic and hypoglossal motor neurons.
Keratins regulate Hsp70-mediated nuclear localization of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase
Authors: Lee So-Young , Kim Sujin , Lim Younglan , Yoon Han-Na , Ku Nam-On
Published: August 2019

Intermediate filament protein keratin 8 (K8) binds to heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and p38 MAPK, and is phosphorylated at Ser74 by p38α (MAPK14, hereafter p38). However, a p38 binding site on K8 and the molecular mechanism of K8-p38 interaction related to Hsp70 are unknown. Here, we identify a p38 docking site on K8 (Arg148/149 and Leu159/161) that is highly conserved in other intermediate filaments. A docking-deficient K8 mutation caused increased p38-Hsp70 interaction and enhanced p38 nuclear localization, indicating that the p38 dissociated from mutant K8 makes a complex with Hsp70, which is known as a potential chaperone for p38 nuclear translocation. Comparison of p38 MAPK binding with keratin variants associated with liver disease showed that the K18 I150V variant dramatically reduced binding with p38, which is similar to the effect of the p38 docking-deficient mutation on K8. Because the p38 docking site on K8 (Arg148/149 and Leu159/161) and the K18 Ile150 residue are closely localized in the parallel K8/K18 heterodimer, the K18 I150V mutation might interfere with K8-p38 interaction. These findings show that keratins, functioning as cytoplasmic anchors for p38, modulate p38 nuclear localization and thereby might affect a number of p38-mediated signal transduction pathways.
Unsupervised Isometric Exercise versus Wait-and-See for Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy
Authors: VUVAN VIANA , VICENZINO BILL , MELLOR REBECCA , HEALES LUKE JAMES , COOMBES BROOKE KAYE
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the effect of unsupervised isometric exercise compared with a wait-and-see approach on pain, disability, global improvement, and pain-free grip strength in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy.

Methods

Forty participants with unilateral lateral elbow tendinopathy of at least 6 wk duration were randomized to either wait-and-see (n = 19) or a single supervised instruction session by a physiotherapist, followed by an 8-wk unsupervised daily program of progressive isometric exercise (n = 21). Primary outcomes were Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation, global rating of change on a six-point scale (dichotomized to success and no success) and pain-free grip strength at 8 wk. Secondary outcomes were resting and worst pain on an 11-point numerical rating scale, and thermal and pressure pain thresholds as a measure of pain sensitivity.

Results

Thirty-nine (98%) participants completed 8-wk measurements. The exercise group had lower Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation scores compared with wait-and-see at 8 wk (standardized mean difference [SMD], −0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], −1.58 to −0.26). No group differences were found for success on global rating of change (29% exercise vs 26% wait-and-see (risk difference, 2.3%; 95% CI, −24.5 to 29.1)), or pain-free grip strength (SMD, −0.33; 95% CI, −0.97 to 0.30). No differences were observed for all secondary outcomes except for worst pain, which was moderately lower in the exercise group (SMD, −0.80; 95% CI, −1.45 to −0.14).

Conclusions

Unsupervised isometric exercise was effective in improving pain and disability, but not perceived rating of change and pain-free grip strength when compared with wait-and-see at 8 wk. With only one of the three primary outcomes being significantly different after isometric exercises, it is doubtful if this form of exercise is efficacious as a sole treatment.
Does Eccentric-only and Concentric-only Activation Increase Power Output?
Authors: KRZYSZTOFIK MICHAL , WILK MICHAL , GOLAS ARTUR , LOCKIE ROBERT GEORGE , MASZCZYK ADAM , ZAJAC ADAM
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The aim of study was to evaluate changes in power output and bar velocity in the bench press throw (BPT) following the bench press (BP) exercise as a conditioning activity (CA) with concentric only (CONONLY) and eccentric only (ECCONLY) contractions.

Methods

Thirty-two (n = 32) healthy strength-trained men participated in this study (age, 28.4 ± 4.5 yr; height, 177 ± 7.6 cm; body mass, 93.5 ± 9.3 kg; BP one-repetition maximum (1RM), 143.6 ± 17.5 kg). The experiment was performed following a randomized crossover design, where each participant performed 2 sets of 2 repetitions using the BP exercise as the CA at 90% 1RM ECCONLY, 90% 1RM CONONLY, 110% 1RM ECCONLY, or 130% 1RM ECCONLY contraction. The BPT was performed to assess changes in peak power (PP), mean power (MP), and peak velocity (PV), mean velocity (MV) before and after CA. The differences between analyzed variables before and after the CA were verified using ANOVA with repeated measures. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

There were statistically significant differences between baseline and postactivation value of PP and PV in the BPT (P < 0.05) after the CA with ECCONLY contraction at 110% 1RM and at 130% 1RM as well between baseline and postactivation value of MV in the BPT (P < 0.05) after CA with contraction at 110% 1RM. There were no significant differences between baseline and postactivation values of PP, MP, PV, and MV in the BPT after the CA with CONONLY contraction at 90% 1RM and CA with ECCONLY contraction at 90% 1RM.

Conclusions

Partial movement with ECCONLY contraction is effective in short-term power output development, but only when the load used in the CA exceeds 100% 1RM.
Case Report: Spontaneous perforation of choledochal cyst in an infant: Successful management in a centre with limited means
Authors: Rahman Rafey Abdul , Gupta Umesh Kumar
Published: August 2019

Background: Biliary peritonitis due to a ruptured choledochal cyst (CC) is a rare occurrence. The difference between bile duct perforation (BDP) and ruptured choledochal cysts continues to be a matter of debate. Simple drainage, T tube placement and cholecystostomy have been proposed as the initial treatment of choice. Definitive surgery in the form excision of the CC and hepatico-enterostomy has been described as the ideal treatment option. We report a successful management of a unique case of perforated choledochal cyst in an infant who presented with biliary peritonitis.

Case report: An 8 months old female child presented with biliary peritonitis as result of spontaneous perforation of a choledochal cyst. The patient was successfully managed initially by placement of T tube in the perforated cyst followed by a T tube cholangiogram. Definitive surgery was performed 5 weeks after the initial surgery in which cyst was excised and hepatico-duodenostomy was performed. The child is currently in follow up and doing well.

Conclusion: Perforated CC can present as acute abdomen sometimes having only subtle signs. In absence of any previous established diagnosis of CC and trained radiological support the condition becomes challenging to diagnose preoperatively. External T-tube drainage followed by T-tube cholangiogram can help in delineating the anatomy. Cyst excision along with hepaticoportoentersomy remains the gold standard definitive treatment.