bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and urinary kidney injury molecule-1 as biomarkers of renal function in cancer patients treated with cisplatin
Authors: Ghadrdan Elliyeh , Ebrahimpour Sholeh , Sadighi Sanambar , Chaibakhsh Samira , Jahangard-Rafsanjani Zahra
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Cisplatin-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) is the major limitation to the use of cisplatin-based chemotherapy regimens. Serum creatinine as a traditional marker did not increase in a timely enough fashion in AKI patients. Therefore, recently, the novel markers such as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) were considered for early detection of AKI. The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of urinary NGAL and KIM-1 with serum creatinine in cisplatin related AKI.

Methods

Patients ≥18 years with solid tumors who received cisplatin-based chemotherapy were included. Urine samples were collected 0, 6 and 24 h after cisplatin infusion and the urinary NGAL, KIM-1, and creatinine concentrations were evaluated. NGAL and KIM-1 concentrations were adjusted based on urine creatinine to eliminate hydration effects. Serum creatinine levels were assessed at the base and 72 h after cisplatin administration.

Results

Seven out of the 35 recruited patients (20%) suffered from AKI defined by Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria. In AKI patients, the ratio of urinary KIM-1–creatinine at 24 h compared to baseline (24 h/baseline) and NGAL–creatinine 24 h/baseline were significantly higher than those of non-AKI group ( p = 0.037 and 0.047 respectively). The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for KIM-1–creatinine 24 h/baseline and NGAL–creatinine 24 h/baseline were 0.78 (0.59–0.96, p = 0.032) and 0.77 (0.57–0.97, p = 0.036) respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings showed that the changes in urinary NGAL–creatinine and KIM-1–creatinine ratios, 24 h after cisplatin administration can be utilized to predict AKI in cisplatin recipients.
Thermo-elastoplastic behavior of a rotating sandwich disc made of temperature-dependent functionally graded materials
Authors: Eldeeb AM , Shabana YM , Elsawaf A
Published: February 2020

In this paper, the thermo-elastoplastic behaviors of rotating sandwich nonuniform thickness annular discs made of functionally graded materials are evaluated using the numerical finite difference method. The sandwich disc is composed of number of equal width layers, and each layer has its own volume fraction. The temperature dependency of the constituent materials is considered; hence, the thermomechanical properties are functions of both position and temperature. The plasticity analysis is accomplished based on the modified Tamura–Tomota–Ozawa model and von Mises yielding criterion. The effects of angular speed, number of layers, thickness profile, and boundary conditions on the stresses and displacements are investigated. Since failure may occur at the interface between the successive layers, the circumferential stress-jumps at the interfaces are also considered. Results ascertain that the temperature dependency of the properties highly influences the disc behaviors. In addition, better disc performance is obtained by increasing the number of layers and/or decreasing the angular speed.
The relative effects of implicit and explicit corrective feedback on the acquisition of 3rd person -s by Chinese university students: A classroom-based study
Authors: Zhao Yongbin , Ellis Rod
Published: February 2020

This article reports a classroom-based study of the effects of two types of corrective feedback (CF) on the acquisition of 3rd person -s. One hundred and nine Chinese university students completed three communicative tasks: One group received implicit CF consisting of a single corrective move (implicit recasts), a second group received explicit CF consisting of a dual corrective move (a prompt followed by a more explicit recast), a third group performed the tasks without feedback, and a control group just completed two tests. The groups completed two pre-tests, immediate post-tests and delayed post-tests. Gains in accuracy in a test of procedural knowledge (an elicited imitation test) and in a test of declarative knowledge (an untimed grammaticality judgement test) were evident in the first three groups but with few differences among the test scores of these groups. No gains occurred in the test control group. Explicit feedback involving a dual feedback move elicited more uptake-with-repair but this was unrelated to gains in accuracy and overall the implicit CF involving a single feedback move was as effective as the explicit. This finding, which was unexpected, may reflect the Chinese learners’ general orientation to form in this particular classroom context.
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield: Narratives on the road to asylum
Authors: Hocking Debbie C
Published: February 2020

This study aimed to explore the ecological influences on subjective well-being identified by current and former community-dwelling asylum seekers engaged in the process of Refugee Status Determination in Australia. This article presents the qualitative component of a prospective mixed-methods study of 131 asylum seekers and refugees (T1, N = 131; T2, N = 56). The Framework Analysis method was employed to qualitatively analyse the narrative data derived from 187 semi-structured interviews documenting pre-, peri-, and post-migration experiences, and the impact of Australia’s asylum policies and procedures. Four overarching themes comprising 15 sub-themes emerged: The Refugee Status Determination process (Waiting; Uncertainty; Worry) ; Psychosocial factors (Un/employment & gainful activity; Medicare; Accommodation; Family separation & loneliness; Loss) ; Health and well-being (Mental health; Physical health & somatic issues; Hopelessness; Helplessness) ; and Protective factors (Hope; Support & social connectivity; Religion). The complex interface between the Refugee Status Determination process, un/employment, and mental health concerns was the most salient finding. Policy implications are discussed in relation to the application of the Convention and Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees and the Guidelines on the Judicial Approach to Expert Medical Evidence.
Secret and safe: The underlife of concealed objects from the Royal Derwent Hospital, New Norfolk, Tasmania
Authors: Bryant Lauren , Burke Heather , Ireland Tracy , Wallis Lynley A , Wight Chantal
Published: February 2020

This paper focuses on a collection of objects deliberately concealed beneath the verandah of a ward for middle-class, female, paying patients at Australia’s longest continuously operating mental health institution, the Royal Derwent Hospital in Tasmania. Cached in small discrete mounds across an area of some 50 square metres, the collection was probably concealed in the mid-20th century and contains over 1000 items of clothing, ephemera and other objects dating from 1880 to the mid-1940s. In achieving a possessional territory of such magnitude, this patient achieved a level of personal self-expression that is rarely encountered archaeologically, particularly within an institutional context. Analysis of this collection as an ‘underlife’ illuminates both functional aspects of the hospital and the hopes and desires of this particular, though still anonymous, patient and her vibrant world of things.
Identification of Skill-Appropriate Courses to Improve Retention of At-Risk College Freshmen
Authors: Daniel Alan M.
Published: February 2020

Identifying and supporting high-risk students are critical to increasing retention and persistence. What makes some high-risk students able to succeed, while others attrit? This article argues that early success in college courses is a key factor in resilience among high-risk students. Enrolling students in skill-appropriate courses during their first semester can serve as a buffer against vulnerability in high-risk students. This article presents an approach to identifying risk factors, determining which courses are skill-appropriate, and adjusting student advising to improve long-term student success. An example case from a small public 4-year college is analyzed to demonstrate the process, and the results indicate a potential for dramatic increases in persistence to graduation among high-risk students. Short- and long-term implementation strategies as well as benefits to both students and institutions are discussed.
Challenges and Lessons Learned From Digital Storytelling With Parenting Women in Recovery
Authors: Paterno Mary T. , Leckenby Denise , Pachucki Mark C.
Published: February 2020

With the national increase in opioid use disorder among pregnant and parenting women, innovative mechanisms are being utilized to engage with mothers to build social support and promote recovery. This is particularly important in rural settings where other support systems may be limited. Digital storytelling is an interactive tool that often facilitates social connectedness among participants and may foster empowerment and community building among mothers in recovery. We conducted one digital storytelling workshop with rural mothers in recovery in 2018 to examine the feasibility of employing this method to engage with mothers in recovery in a community setting and promote social support among participants. In this article, we describe what we learned from working with the mothers to guide others considering using digital storytelling with women with opioid use disorder in future research or public health intervention projects.
Jianpi-Huayu Formula Inhibits Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Regulating Expression of miR-602, Which Targets the RASSF1A Gene
Authors: Huang Yajing , Zhou Cheng , Wen Huihong , Chen Yongxu , Xie Yingjie , Lan Xiaohe , Lin Juze , Huang Xuhui , Mo Yousheng , Yang Cong , Wang Qi , Wang Changjun
Published: February 2020

The traditional Chinese medicine formula Jianpi-Huayu (JPHY) has been reported to be effective in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, its underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this article, we employed an orthotopic transplantation model in nude mice to explore whether JPHY could inhibit the development of HCC by regulating miR-602, which targets the Ras association domain-containing protein 1A (RASSF1A) pathway. HCC SMMC-7721 cells were treated with JPHY to test whether the RASSF1A gene as mediated by miR-602 affected the proliferation and apoptosis of tumor cells. We subsequently detected miR-602, RASSF1A, and tumor cell apoptosis–related markers in cells and liver tumor tissues. We observed that mice treated with JPHY had smaller tumors and higher survival rates than untreated ones. Similarly, JPHY-treated SMMC-7721 cells exhibited alterations in morphology and higher cytotoxicity compared with the control group. Furthermore, we found that JPHY decreased overexpression of miR-602 and increased protein expression levels of the RASS1A gene, which in turn altered protein expression levels of tumor cell apoptosis–related genes in the cells and liver tumor tissues of drug-treated mice. These results indicated that JPHY could potentially be used to treat HCC by targeting miR-602, which targets the RASSF1A gene, which in turn plays a major role in HCC pathogenesis.
Transparent Defaults and Consent for Participation in a Learning Health Care System: An Empirical Study
Authors: Dranseika Vilius , Piasecki Jan
Published: February 2020

We report a preregistered study that was designed to answer three questions about using transparent defaults to increase participation in a hypothetical learning health care system. Do default options influence consent to participate in learning activities within a learning health care system? Does transparency about default options decrease the effect of the defaults? Do people reconsider their choice of participation once they are informed about the defaults applied? In our study, application of the defaults did not have influence on rates of consent, nor did transparency about defaults have an effect on the rates of consent. Participants were also not likely to change their choice after being informed that defaults were applied to their previous choice. In general, our study raises doubts that defaults (both covert and transparent) can be used as an effective means in significantly increasing participation in learning health care systems.
We Are What We Eat: Assessing the Use of a Documentary Film as an Educational Tool to Change Students’ Nutritional Attitudes and Behaviors
Authors: Dissen Anthony , Crowell Tara
Published: February 2020

Background: Identifying effective educational strategies to change lifestyle behaviors related to eating habits is imperative for health professionals providing education related to disease management and prevention. The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of mass media as a tool for improving dietary habits. Methods: 151 Undergraduate students participated in a quasi-experimental control group design at a midsize liberal arts university. The treatment group watched the film Forks Over Knives and was assessed on their dietary habits, locus of control, and current stage of change before and after viewing the film. Results: Results showed differences to current stage of change in reducing animal-based food consumption in the treatment group but did not show significant changes in increasing plant-based food. Discussion: This study provides evidence that use of the documentary Forks Over Knives affects students’ intake of animal-based foods but is not an impactful enough tool to increase intake of plant-based foods. Translation to Health Practice: Professionals who utilize the film Forks Over Knives to encourage dietary changes should do so as part of a more structured, long-term behavior change intervention program. Additional research is needed to compare Forks Over Knives with other documentary films that encourage plant-based dietary habits.
Ultrasound features of immature ovarian teratomas: Case series and review of literature
Authors: Abdullahi Idle S , Hayes K , Ross JA
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Immature ovarian teratomas are rare but account for 10–20% of ovarian cancers in women under the age of 20 years. This study aimed to characterise immature ovarian teratomas using grey-scale and Doppler ultrasonography and review the literature to refine the diagnosis of immature ovarian teratomas.

Methods

Patients with a confirmed histological diagnosis of immature ovarian teratoma from years 2006–2018, who had undergone a transvaginal ultrasound at two large teaching hospitals, were identified. The imaging was retrieved from the centres clinical databases. Ultrasound scans were performed by experienced ultrasound examiners and described according to International Ovarian Tumour Analysis criteria.

Results

Eight patients were identified in total with a mean age of 26 years (range 13–35). Half of the patients had a past history of a mature ovarian teratoma (3 ipsilateral, 1 contralateral). The cysts were generally large (median 115 mm), fast growing unilateral lesions with a single, peripheral predominantly solid component arising from the cyst wall. The solid component was hyperechoic with multiple foci of fibrosis and numerous small cysts. The cystic component typically formed less than 75% of the lesion and the cyst fluid was of low-level echogenicity. Subjective assessment of vascularity of the solid part of the tumours varied between scores of 1 and 2. Tumour markers showed a raised serum a-fetoprotein level in 42% of these patients.

Conclusion

Although there were no ultrasound features that were pathognomonic of immature teratoma, the diagnosis should be suspected in a young woman with a large ovarian cyst with a fibrotic, microcystic solid component, particularly if she has a past history of a dermoid cyst.
Context and conditions matter: Stress and strain in the exercise of leadership power
Authors: Krauter Jörg
Published: February 2020

Current research shows that a significant number of leaders suffer from strain which effects their application of power. This is a highly relevant leadership issue in today’s challenging business world. This study applies conservation of resources theory and the critical leadership studies approach to re-think leadership dynamics such as stressors and strain factors and their influence on power-related behaviour. The leader role, leader–member relations, workplace, organization and environment can be identified as resource passageways which create, maintain or limit the development of resources such as power-related behaviour. Research on the self-assessments of 43 German leaders from private sector shows that strain factors, leader role and leader–member relations can influence power-related behaviour. The data also show the importance of clarifying demands and expectations to prevent resource loss, otherwise overtaxed leaders are highly likely to use negative forms of power-related behaviour. The results demonstrate the need to improve understanding of the leader role with its increasing demands to be more flexible, agile and ambidextrous, but also to accept the human limitations of those who take on senior positions. Hence, the study findings demonstrate that context and conditions shape the situation in which leaders are embedded and therefore how to handle power is not only a problem for leaders themselves. The article also discusses the limitations of these findings and outlines possible directions for future research.
Post-truth claims and the wishing away of brute facts
Authors: Spector Bert
Published: February 2020

Post-truth claims making has, since 2016, emerged as a defining cultural and political phenomenon. It involves an assertion, made from a position of power, based on an inaccurate description of objective facts. It is a lie, to be sure, but not one intended to be taken literally. Rather, it is meant to be taken as faithful to and reflective of some deeper perceived truth. In this essay, I advance the argument that post-truth claims making is not some pernicious outgrowth of post-modernist/social constructionist theorizing, and not simply a new term for lying. Rather, it involves a particular kind of pact between claims maker and intended audience in which the leader lies by asserting inaccurate claims, expecting the intended audience to put aside that acknowledged inaccuracy in support of a belief in some shared goal. Reliance on post-truth claims helped fuel the rise of mid-20th century authoritarians, and is now a tool of authoritarian political leaders posing as populists.
Leadership and the power of resentment/ressentiment
Authors: Ciulla Joanne B
Published: February 2020

This paper examines the emotion of resentment and the French version of it, ressentiment. It shows why resentment is an effective way for leaders to cultivate followers who are loyal to them even when they do not serve the followers’ interests. I begin by looking at the differences between the two concepts of resentment and ressentiment in the literature and how they relate to justice, fairness, self-esteem, social status, nostalgia, and other emotions. Next, I go on to explore one of the most harmful aspects of resentment, the social and moral bi-product of it that Nietzsche and Scheler call the “inversion of values.” This is when leaders convince followers that what is considered good by those they resent as bad, and vice versa. I then construct a picture of how leaders like Donald Trump cultivate resentment and invert values. While I do not offer a panacea for resentment, I believe that understanding it better may point us towards a cure.
An evaluation of the implementation of Safewards on an assessment and treatment unit for people with an intellectual disability
Authors: Davies Bronwen , Silver Jade , Josham Scarlett , Grist Emma , Jones Lewis , Francis Nicky , Truelove Cerys , Shindler Matthew , Jones Sian , Gwatkin Alice
Published: February 2020

This study evaluates the implementation of Safewards on an assessment and treatment unit (ATU) for people with an intellectual disability. There are no previous studies evaluating this model in this context and previous research has focused largely on acute mental health services. The ‘Patient–Staff Conflict Shift Report’ was used at baseline for 1 month and 1 year later, after all the interventions had been implemented, to evaluate the impact of Safewards. Significant reductions were found in conflict and containment measures used within the service after the implementation of Safewards. Staff who led on the interventions were also asked to give feedback on their experiences, the challenges they faced and how they would like to move forward. Safewards was generally seen as a positive approach by the team. Limitations of this study are highlighted and suggestions for future research are made.
Can the Implicit Association Test Measure Automatic Judgment? The Validation Continues
Authors: Vianello Michelangelo , Bar-Anan Yoav
Published: February 2020

In this commentary, we welcome Schimmack’s reanalysis of Bar-Anan and Vianello’s multitrait multimethod (MTMM) data set, and we highlight some limitations of both the original and the secondary analyses. We note that when testing the fit of a confirmatory model to a data set, theoretical justifications for the choices of the measures to include in the model and how to construct the model improve the informational value of the results. We show that making different, theory-driven specification choices leads to different results and conclusions than those reported by Schimmack (this issue, p. 396). Therefore, Schimmack’s reanalyses of our data are insufficient to cast doubt on the Implicit Association Test (IAT) as a measure of automatic judgment. We note other reasons why the validation of the IAT is still incomplete but conclude that, currently, the IAT is the best available candidate for measuring automatic judgment at the person level.
Analysis of maritime transport accidents using Bayesian networks
Authors: Fan Shiqi , Yang Zaili , Blanco-Davis Eduardo , Zhang Jinfen , Yan Xinping
Published: February 2020

A Bayesian network–based risk analysis approach is proposed to analyse the risk factors influencing maritime transport accidents. Comparing with previous studies in the relevant literature, it reveals new features including (1) new primary data directly derived from maritime accident records by two major databanks Marine Accident Investigation Branch and Transportation Safety Board of Canada from 2012 to 2017, (2) rational classification of the factors with respect to each of the major types of maritime accidents for effective prevention, and (3) quantification of the extent to which different combinations of the factors influence each accident type. The network modelling the interdependency among the risk factors is constructed by using a naïve Bayesian network and validated by sensitivity analysis. The results reveal that the common risk factors among different types of accidents are ship operation, voyage segment, ship type, gross tonnage, hull type, and information. Scenario analysis is conducted to predict the occurrence likelihood of different types of accidents under various situations. The findings provide transport authorities and ship owners with useful insights for maritime accident prevention.
Within-field variability of turfgrass surface properties and athlete performance: Modeling their relationship using GPS and GIS technologies
Authors: Straw Chase M , Principe Francesca M , Kurtz Emily L , Wiese-Bjornstal Diane M , Horgan Brian P
Published: February 2020

Surface properties of turfgrass athletic fields exhibit within-field variability. Wearable global positioning system athlete performance tracking units allow for the investigation of field impact on athlete performance. The purpose of this technical note is to present a case study introducing a methodology to model the effect of within-field variability on athlete performance using global positioning system and geographic information system technologies. Fifteen male collegiate club rugby athletes wore a global positioning system unit (10 Hz frequency sampling locational data) during two home games. Only athlete speed (m/s) was considered because measurements were georeferenced. Soil moisture, soil compaction, turfgrass quality, and surface hardness measurements were taken and georeferenced from the field prior to the games. The field’s boundary was digitized in a geographic information system and divided into 3 m2 grid cells. Georeferenced data were imported to the geographic information system and underwent processes to calculate the team’s weighted mean speed and surface property variability scores in each grid cell for both games. Linear regressions were conducted with the data sets to determine the effect of within-field variability on team mean speed. Depending on the game, within-field variability of each measured surface property, as well as a few interactions, did significantly influence team speed. Future larger-scale studies can build upon the reported methodology to further investigate and validate these types of relationships. Coaches, trainers, athletes, and field managers could use this information to prepare for, or manage, turfgrass athletic fields in a way that better meets expectations and maximizes performance.
Laboratory evaluation of a wearable head impact sensor for use in water polo and land sports
Authors: Cecchi Nicholas J , Monroe Derek C , Oros Theophil J , Small Steven L , Hicks James W
Published: February 2020

The SIM-G is a waterproof head impact sensor that has been previously evaluated for use in a headband, but not yet in a mode of attachment suitable for water polo. For this study, a CADEX linear impactor was used to impact a Hybrid III headform while wearing either a headband or modified water polo cap, each housing a SIM-G. In both headgears, the SIM-G consistently underestimated peak linear acceleration ( p < .001) and peak rotational velocity ( p < .001), and consistently overestimated peak rotational acceleration ( p < .001) relative to the headform. These inaccuracies are consistent with previous evaluations of the SIM-G, but notably, impact magnitudes did not differ between the different modes of attachment ( p > .198). The proprietary SIM-G algorithm used for classifying false/true positives performed poorly at the back and crown impact locations in both the water polo cap and headband, but accuracy of this algorithm did not significantly differ between the water polo cap and headband (60.5% vs 49.4%, respectively). The SIM-G’s ability to correctly predict impact location also performed poorly in both headgears when impacts occurred at the crown location, but was significantly better overall in the water polo cap than the headband (80.2% vs 55.6%, respectively). These results demonstrate that the SIM-G exhibits shared limitations and a similar performance overall when placed in either a headband or water polo cap. Potential explanations for the inaccuracies of the SIM-G, as well as methods of optimizing its application in sports, are discussed.
Self-Reported Adult Attachment and Observed Parenting Behavior of New Mothers and Fathers
Authors: Olsavsky Anna L. , Berrigan Miranda , Schoppe-Sullivan Sarah J.
Published: February 2020

This study examined associations between parents’ self-reported adult attachment and observed parenting behavior using a dyadic and family systemic approach. 182 primiparous expectant couples (182 mothers and 182 fathers) reported on their attachment avoidance and anxiety during the third trimester of pregnancy and were observed interacting with their infants at 3 and 9 months postpartum to assess positive and negative parenting behavior. Path analyses revealed that fathers had the lowest observed negative parenting behavior at 3 months postpartum when they were low in anxiety and mothers were also low in anxiety or avoidance. At 9 months postpartum, greater attachment avoidance was associated with lower observed positive parenting behavior and higher observed negative parenting behavior regardless of parent gender. Moreover, when mothers were more anxious and fathers more avoidant, mothers exhibited greater negative parenting behavior; when mothers were more avoidant and fathers more anxious, mothers exhibited less positive parenting behavior.
Perceiving Change in Responsiveness From the Relationship Partner’s Behaviors
Authors: Hui Chin Ming , Ng Jacky Chi Kit , Shieh Natalie Jane
Published: February 2020

This study examined whether, and how, romantic partners can accurately judge each other’s state level of responsiveness during a conflict discussion. Dating couples ( N = 84 pairs) engaged in a 10-min videotaped discussion about an unresolved conflict and then reviewed the recorded discussion. For each 30-s segment of interaction, participants reported their own responsiveness and judged their partner’s responsiveness. Trained coders also coded each participant’s displayed interpersonal behaviors (e.g., smile) and displayed responsiveness within each segment. The results showed that (a) the perceiving partner could somewhat accurately judge the target’s change in responsiveness (as indexed by the target’s self-report and observers’ ratings) during the discussion and (b) some behaviors (e.g., rejection of suggestions) seemed to be linked to agreements between the perceiver and the target in their assessments of responsiveness. The nature of accurate judgment of responsiveness (or the perceiver-target agreement in their assessments) will be discussed.
Medical cannibus as an alternative for opioids for chronic pain: A case report
Authors: Caldera Franklin E
Published: February 2020

Opioid medication–related deaths have increased to epidemic proportions in the last decade. This report describes a case of 43-year-old female with a traumatic brain injury who developed chronic pain and opioid dependence. The patient expressed concerns and wanted weaning off opioids. Recent legalization of medical marijuana in Pennsylvania allows us to try it as an alternative to opioids for chronic pain. Medical cannibus has risks associated with administration but is safer than opioids. Our patient was successfully weaned off her opioid medications with the help of medical cannibus and pain remained well controlled. More studies need to be done on using medical cannibus as an alternative to opioids.
Increased ankle muscle coactivation in the early stages of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Cofré Lizama L Eduardo , Bastani Andisheh , van der Walt Anneke , Kilpatrick Trevor , Khan Fary , Galea Mary P
Published: February 2020

Background

Neural damage at early stages of multiple sclerosis (MS) can subtly affect gait muscle activation patterns. Detecting these changes using current clinical tools, however, is not possible. We propose using muscle coactivation measures to detect these subtle gait changes. This may also help in identifying people with MS (PwMS) that may benefit from strategies aimed at preventing further mobility impairments.

Objective

We aimed to determine if coactivation of ankle muscles during gait is greater in PwMS with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score <3.5. A secondary aim is to determine whether coactivation increases are speed dependent.

Methods

For this study 30 PwMS and 15 healthy controls (HC) walked on a treadmill at 1.0 m/s, 1.2 m/s and 1.4 m/s. Electromyography was recorded from the tibialis anterior (TA), soleus (SO) and lateral gastrocnemius (LG). The coactivation index was calculated between SO/TA and LG/TA. Ankle kinematics data were also collected.

Results

Compared with HC, PwMS exhibited significantly greater SO/TA and LG/TA coactivation, which was greater during early stance and swing phases ( p < .01). Speed did not affect coactivation except during early stance. Ankle kinematic changes were also observed.

Conclusion

PwMS exhibited greater ankle muscles coactivation than controls regardless of the speed of walking. These changes in muscle activation may serve as a biomarker of neurodegeneration occurring at early stages of the disease.
Anterior Cervical Reduction Decompression Fusion With Plating for Management of Traumatic Subaxial Cervical Spine Dislocations
Authors: Abdelgawaad Ahmed Shawky , Metry Arsany B. S. , Elnady Belal , El Sheriff Essam
Published: February 2020

Study Design:

Prospective case series.

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy of anterior-only approach, for treatment of type C F4 (AO classification) traumatic subaxial cervical spine injuries.

Methods:

Patients with type C F4 traumatic cervical injuries presenting to a tertiary center between June 2017 and July 2018 were included. Outcome measures included self-reported measures (Neck Disability Index, visual analogue scale, and return to work), radiological measures (local segmental angle, Ishihara curvature index, cervical lordosis angle, and step-off distance), fusion state, and neurological state according to American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS).

Results:

Twenty-one cases were operated by anterior approach with mean age 39.1 ± 13.8 years. The most common injury was at C4-5 (47.6%). Six out of 7 cases (85.7%) with preoperative neurological impairment showed late follow-up improvement by one or more grade in AIS. Complete anatomical reduction and imaging measures did not correlate significantly to the self-reported outcome measures. Median value of local segmental angle improved from −16° (−11° to −20) preoperatively to 0° (−7°) to 8°) at late follow-up. The cervical lordotic angle and Ishihara curvature index improved from 35° (29° to 43°) and 6.92 (−2.7 to 28.9) preoperatively, to 44° (33° to 51°) and 18.7 (−3.5 to 26.9) at the late follow-up, respectively. Step-off distance decreased postoperatively, however; complete reduction could not be achieved.

Conclusion:

Surgical treatment of lower cervical traumatic instability by anterior decompression and fusion is efficient regarding fusion state and patients’ satisfaction. The anterior approach can be recommended in cases with neurological impairment and in patients with medical comorbidities or when a short operative time—compared with combined approach—is preferred.
Hand-Held Portable Versus Conventional Cart-Based Ultrasound in Musculoskeletal Imaging
Authors: Falkowski Anna L. , Jacobson Jon A. , Freehill Michael T. , Kalia Vivek
Published: February 2020

Background:

Portable ultrasound machines are now common, used for point-of-care applications and needle guidance for percutaneous procedures; however, the effectiveness of portable ultrasound in evaluation of the musculoskeletal system has not been fully assessed.

Purpose:

To prospectively evaluate the use of portable hand-held ultrasound in comparison with conventional cart-based ultrasound in evaluation of the musculoskeletal system.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

In this institutional review board–approved, prospective study, 100 consecutive patients with informed consent were imaged through use of both portable and cart-based ultrasound equipment using 12-5 MHz linear transducers. Agreement in ultrasound diagnosis was documented along with expected clinical changes in management if there was disagreement (definitely no, probably no, uncertain, probably yes, definitely yes). Imaging details of disagreement cases were recorded, and descriptive statistics were calculated.

Results:

There were 42 male and 58 female patients (mean ± SD age, 53 ± 13 years) imaged over a time period of 20 months. Anatomic areas scanned were the shoulder (n = 30), elbow (n = 11), hand and wrist (n = 15), hip (n = 10), knee (n = 11), foot and ankle (n = 12), and others (n = 11). Scanning with conventional ultrasound revealed abnormality in 92% of patients. Agreement in diagnosis made between portable versus cart-based ultrasound was found in 65% of patients. In the 35% of patients with discordant results, the change in diagnosis resulted in no change in clinical management in 46%, probably no change in 29%, uncertain change in 14%, probable change in 11%, and definite change in 0%. The diagnoses changing management (4%; 4/100) included nondetection of a satellite nodule (n = 1), ganglion cyst (n = 1), hernia (n = 1), and underestimated tendon tear (n = 1).

Conclusion:

When compared with conventional cart-based ultrasound, a musculoskeletal diagnosis using portable hand-held ultrasound was concordant or was discordant without clinical relevance in 96% (96/100) of patients. Knowledge of benefits and limitations of portable hand-held ultrasound will help determine areas where specific types of ultrasound equipment can be used.
Home to Stay: An Integrated Monitoring System Using a Mobile App to Support Patients at Home Following Colorectal Surgery
Authors: Keng Christine J S , Goriawala Alifiya , Rashid Saira , Goldstein Rachel , Schmocker Selina , Easson Alexandra , Kennedy Erin
Published: February 2020

Background:

Patients undergoing colorectal surgery are vulnerable during their transition from hospital to home and require increased support following discharge from hospital. Study objectives were to perform an initial assessment of patient uptake, outcomes, and satisfaction with an integrated discharge monitoring system called Home to Stay.

Methods:

The intervention was an integrated discharge monitoring system that uses a mobile app platform. Patients downloaded the app prior to discharge from hospital and received a Daily Health Check day #1 to #14, #21, and #30. Patient responses’ were accessed by the health-care team via secure web site, and extreme responses were “flagged” to indicate that a follow-up telephone call was necessary. Primary outcomes were patient uptake, Quality of Recovery scores and satisfaction with the program. Secondary outcomes were 30-day emergency room (ER) visits and readmissions.

Results:

One hundred and thirty-two patients were invited to participate and 106 accepted. Of these, 93 used the app at least once. The mean overall score on the Quality of Recovery Scale increased significantly from day 1 to day 14. Patient satisfaction with the app was high, with 92% of patients reporting overall satisfaction as good or excellent. The 30-day readmission rate was 6% and was lower than the 30-day readmission rate of 18% reported for the 4 months prior to the start of the study.

Conclusions:

The Home to Stay Program to support patients at home after colorectal surgery is feasible with high patient uptake and satisfaction. This program has the potential to reduce 30-day readmissions, however further studies are required.
An evaluation of Datix implementation for incident reporting at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare
Authors: Mushcab Hayat , Bunting David , Yami Saeed , Abandi Ali , Hunt Catherine
Published: February 2020

Background

Incident-reporting systems are designed to obtain information about events and situations affecting patient safety. These incidents can be used to inform individual and organizational learning and improvement opportunities for quality and patient safety.

Aim

This study aims to evaluate incident reporting at the Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare (JHAH) since the implementation of Datix and the staff’s behavior towards incident reporting.

Methods

This is a prospective, mixed methods study. Incident-reporting system reports are used to evaluate the volume of incident reporting before and after implementing the new software. A questionnaire was developed to assess the attitude of hospital staff members to reporting incidents in general and the use of Datix in particular.

Results

Incident reporting increased in 2017 and 2018 by 51% and 57%, respectively, using Datix compared with the previously implemented software. JHAH has 3812 active employees, with nearly 60% of them using Datix. The study received 377 survey responses (response rate approximately 10%). We received a majority of positive responses about the workplace safety culture and the value of the system.

Conclusion

Implementation of the Datix reporting system resulted in an increased number of incident reports. An action plan was put in place that may improve incident reporting by further increasing awareness regarding the importance of reporting and supporting more training.
Changes in Expression of Receptor-Interacting Protein Kinase 1 in Secondary Neural Tissue Damage Following Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Kanno Haruo , Ozawa Hiroshi , Handa Kyoichi , Murakami Taishi , Itoi Eiji
Published: February 2020

Introduction:

Necroptosis is a form of programmed cell death that is different from apoptotic cell death. Receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) plays a particularly important function in necroptosis execution. This study investigated changes in expression of RIPK1 in secondary neural tissue damage following spinal cord injury in mice. The time course of the RIPK1 expression was also compared with that of apoptotic cell death in the lesion site.

Methods and Materials:

Immunostaining for RIPK1 was performed at different time points after spinal cord injury. The protein expressions of RIPK1 were determined by western blot. The RIPK1 expressions in various neural cells were investigated using immunohistochemistry. To investigate the time course of apoptotic cell death, TUNEL-positive cells were counted at the different time points. To compare the incidence of necroptosis and apoptosis, the RIPK1-labeled sections were co-stained with TUNEL.

Results:

The RIPK1 expression was significantly upregulated in the injured spinal cord. The upregulation of RIPK1 expression was observed in neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. The increase in RIPK1 expression started at 4 hours and peaked at 3 days after injury. Time course of the RIPK1 expression was similar to that of apoptosis detected by TUNEL. Interestingly, the increased expression of RIPK1 was rarely observed in the TUNEL-positive cells. Furthermore, the number of RIPK1-positive cells was significantly higher than that of TUNEL-positive cells.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated that the expression of RIPK1 increased in various neural cells and peaked at 3 days following spinal cord injury. The temporal change of the RIPK1 expression was analogous to that of apoptosis at the lesion site. However, the increase in RIPK1 expression was barely seen in the apoptotic cells. These findings suggested that the RIPK1 might contribute to the pathological mechanism of the secondary neural tissue damage after spinal cord injury.
Pan-tissue transcriptome analysis of long noncoding RNAs in the American beaver Castor canadensis
Authors: Kashyap Amita , Rhodes Adelaide , Kronmiller Brent , Berger Josie , Champagne Ashley , Davis Edward W. , Finnegan Mitchell V. , Geniza Matthew , Hendrix David A. , Löhr Christiane V. , Petro Vanessa M. , Sharpton Thomas J. , Wells Jackson , Epps Clinton W. , Jaiswal Pankaj , Tyler Brett M. , Ramsey Stephen A.
Published: February 2020

Background

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have roles in gene regulation, epigenetics, and molecular scaffolding and it is hypothesized that they underlie some mammalian evolutionary adaptations. However, for many mammalian species, the absence of a genome assembly precludes the comprehensive identification of lncRNAs. The genome of the American beaver (Castor canadensis) has recently been sequenced, setting the stage for the systematic identification of beaver lncRNAs and the characterization of their expression in various tissues. The objective of this study was to discover and profile polyadenylated lncRNAs in the beaver using high-throughput short-read sequencing of RNA from sixteen beaver tissues and to annotate the resulting lncRNAs based on their potential for orthology with known lncRNAs in other species.

Results

Using de novo transcriptome assembly, we found 9528 potential lncRNA contigs and 187 high-confidence lncRNA contigs. Of the high-confidence lncRNA contigs, 147 have no known orthologs (and thus are putative novel lncRNAs) and 40 have mammalian orthologs. The novel lncRNAs mapped to the Oregon State University (OSU) reference beaver genome with greater than 90% sequence identity. While the novel lncRNAs were on average shorter than their annotated counterparts, they were similar to the annotated lncRNAs in terms of the relationships between contig length and minimum free energy (MFE) and between coverage and contig length. We identified beaver orthologs of known lncRNAs such asXIST,MEG3,TINCR, andNIPBL-DT.We profiled the expression of the 187 high-confidence lncRNAs across 16 beaver tissues (whole blood, brain, lung, liver, heart, stomach, intestine, skeletal muscle, kidney, spleen, ovary, placenta, castor gland, tail, toe-webbing, and tongue) and identified both tissue-specific and ubiquitous lncRNAs.

Conclusions

To our knowledge this is the first report of systematic identification of lncRNAs and their expression atlas in beaver. LncRNAs—both novel and those with known orthologs—are expressed in each of the beaver tissues that we analyzed. For some beaver lncRNAs with known orthologs, the tissue-specific expression patterns were phylogenetically conserved. The lncRNA sequence data files and raw sequence files are available via the web supplement and the NCBI Sequence Read Archive, respectively.
Transcriptome analysis of fungicide-responsive gene expression profiles in two Penicillium italicum strains with different response to the sterol demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicide prochloraz
Authors: Zhang Tingfu , Cao Qianwen , Li Na , Liu Deli , Yuan Yongze
Published: February 2020

Background

Penicillium italicum(blue mold) is one of citrus pathogens causing undesirable citrus fruit decay even at strictly-controlled low temperatures (< 10 °C) during shipping and storage.P. italicumisolates with considerably high resistance to sterol demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicides have emerged; however, mechanism(s) underlying such DMI-resistance remains unclear. In contrast to available elucidation on anti-DMI mechanism forP. digitatum(green mold), howP. italicumDMI-resistance develops has not yet been clarified.

Results

The present study prepared RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) libraries for twoP. italicumstrains (highly resistant (Pi-R) versus highly sensitive (Pi-S) to DMI fungicides), with and without prochloraz treatment, to identify prochloraz-responsive genes facilitating DMI-resistance. After 6 h prochloraz-treatment, comparative transcriptome profiling showed more differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Pi-R than Pi-S. Functional enrichments identified 15 DEGs in the prochloraz-induced Pi-R transcriptome, simultaneously up-regulated inP. italicumresistance. These included ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter-encoding genes, major facilitator superfamily (MFS) transporter-encoding genes, ergosterol (ERG) anabolism component genesERG2,ERG6andEGR11(CYP51A), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling-inducer genesMkk1andHog1, and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase (CaMK) signaling-inducer genesCaMK1andCaMK2. Fragments Per Kilobase per Million mapped reads (FPKM) analysis of Pi-R transcrtiptome showed that prochloraz induced mRNA increase of additional 4 unigenes, including the other twoERG11isoformsCYP51BandCYP51Cand the remaining kinase-encoding genes (i.e.,Bck1andSlt2) required for Slt2-MAPK signaling. The expression patterns of all the 19 prochloraz-responsive genes, obtained in our RNA-seq data sets, have been validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). These lines of evidence in together draw a general portrait of anti-DMI mechanisms forP. italicumspecies. Intriguingly, some strategies adopted by the present Pi-R were not observed in the previously documented prochloraz-resistantP. digitatumtranscrtiptomes. These included simultaneous induction of all majorEGR11isoforms (CYP51A/B/C), over-expression ofERG2andERG6to modulate ergosterol anabolism, and concurrent mobilization of Slt2-MAPK and CaMK signaling processes to overcome fungicide-induced stresses.

Conclusions

The present findings provided transcriptomic evidence onP. italicumDMI-resistance mechanisms and revealed some diversity in anti-DMI strategies betweenP. italicumandP. digitatumspecies, contributing to our knowledge onP. italicumDMI-resistance mechanisms.