bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Intuitive Movement Reembodiment on the Quality of Life of Older Adults With Dementia: A Pilot Study
Authors: Choo Ting , Barak Yoram , East Ali
Published: July 2019

Background:

The creative use of reminiscent music and natural movements were reported to have positive effects on the well-being of older adults with cognitive impairment.

Objectives:

To explore the effects of the intuitive movement reembodiment (IMR) program on the quality of life (QoL) of older adults with dementia.

Methods:

Data collected from 22 participants were analyzed: group 1 (mild dementia), group 2 (moderate dementia), group 3 (advanced dementia). All study groups participated in 10 weekly sessions. Self-reported QoL ratings were gathered through using the World Health Organisation (WHO)-5 questionnaire, alongside qualitative evidence recorded through onsite observation.

Results:

Statistically significant improvement in QoL was demonstrated after session 6. The qualitative analysis showed that the IMR sessions provided a sense of humor, imagination, and intuition that motivated the participants to dance and interact with joy.

Conclusion:

These preliminary positive findings need to be replicated in a larger randomized controlled trial.
Influence of Patient Setting and Dedicated Limb Salvage Efforts on Outcomes in Charcot-Related Foot Ulcer
Authors: Schmidt Brian M. , Holmes Crystal M.
Published: July 2019

Charcot neuroarthropathy is a devastating consequence of diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy. Because of its rarity, the condition is often misdiagnosed or poorly managed. When misadventure occurs, patients with Charcot neuroarthropathy can suffer ulceration, infection, amputation, and death. When patients have Charcot-related foot ulcers, the risks are amplified. Utilizing advanced electronic medical record analysis, a 30-month investigation was undertaken to determine if patients with diabetes mellitus and a concomitant diagnosis of Charcot-related foot ulcer were at greater risk of complications because of location setting of initial treatment for their condition. Charcot foot–related ulcers that are diagnosed in the outpatient setting had established foot specialist care. The outpatient management of the condition lead to a significant reduction in the amount of admissions to a higher acuity setting. However, patient outcomes did not vary once established and dedicated limb salvage efforts were employed. In this large contemporary population managed in a tertiary health system, patients with Charcot-related foot ulcer had negative outcomes when they were initially treated in an inpatient setting and had a significantly greater likelihood of readmission as compared with individuals who had established focused limb salvage care.
Diabetic Foot Ulcer as a Cause of Significant Decline in the Renal Function Among South Indian Population With Type 2 Diabetes: Role of TGF-β1 and CCN Family Proteins
Authors: Smina T. P. , Rabeka M. , Viswanathan Vijay
Published: July 2019

In the present study, a total of 428 South Indian subjects were divided into four different groups, consisting of individuals with type 2 diabetes without any other complications (T2DM), T2DM subjects with stage 2 and 3 diabetic kidney disease (CKD), T2DM subjects with grade 2 or 3 diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) and T2DM subjects having both diabetic kidney disease and diabetic foot ulcer (CKDDFU). The study was conducted ambispectively by comparing the changes in renal function among two consecutive periods, i.e., the period prior to the development of grade 2 and 3 diabetic foot ulcer (retrospectively) and after the development of DFU (prospectively). A gradual and uniform reduction of eGFR was observed throughout the study period in the subjects affected with either CKD or DFU alone. Whereas in subjects with both CKD and DFU, there was a sharp decline in the eGFR during the six months prior to the baseline, i.e., the period in which the development of ulcer and its progression to grade 2 or 3 happened. Remarkable elevations in the levels of TGF-β1 and CCN2 (CTGF), as well as a significant reduction in the level of CCN3 (NOV), were observed in the serum of CKDDFU group subjects, compared to the other groups. Increased production of TGF-β1 in response to the inflammatory stimulus from multiple sites in CKDDFU subjects caused a subsequent down-regulation of CCN3, followed by the activation of a large quantity of CCN2.
Etiological Role of Diet in 30-Day Readmissions for Heart Failure: Implications for Reducing Heart Failure–Associated Costs via Culinary Medicine
Authors: Razavi Alexander C. , Monlezun Dominique J. , Sapin Alexander , Sarris Leah , Schlag Emily , Dyer Amber , Harlan Timothy
Published: July 2019

Background. Reducing the under-30-day readmission for heart failure (HF) patients is a modifiable quality-of-care measure, yet the role of diet in HF readmissions and cost-effective HF care remain ill-defined. Methods. Medical chart review was conducted to determine cause(s) for HF treatment failure. Randomized controlled trial–backed machine learning models were employed to assess the relationship of culinary medicine education with HF 30-day readmission rate and cost. Results. Of 1031 HF admissions, 130 occurred within 30 days of discharge (12.61%.) Nearly two-thirds of individuals were male (64.02%), while the mean age and median length of stay were 64.33 ± 14.02 and 2, respectively. Medication noncompliance (34.62%) was the most common etiology for 30-day readmissions, followed by dietary noncompliance (16.92%), comorbidity (16.92%), a combination of dietary and medication noncompliance (10%), HF exacerbation (10%), iatrogenic (10%), and drug abuse (1.54%). Medication noncompliance contributed to the highest gross charge by readmission, costing a total of $1 802 096. Compared with traditional care, culinary medicine education for HF patients would prevent 93 HF readmissions and save $3.9 million in an estimated 4-year period. Conclusion. Though pharmacological treatment remains a focal point of HF management, diet-based approaches may improve tertiary HF prevention and reduce HF-associated health care expenditures.
The intellectual ableism of leisure research: Original considerations towards understanding well-being with and for people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Campbell Natalie
Published: July 2019

People with intellectual disabilities (IDs) are considered to be one of the most marginalized, isolated and disenfranchised groups in society. However, recent social prescription intervention programmes are being introduced to enhance the physical and mental well-being of these individuals through participation in leisure activities, thus increasing academic interest in research within the area. This article introduces the theoretical and methodological tensions in applying mainstream scholarly thinking of leisure and well-being to people with IDs and argues that by failing to acknowledge and address such tensions scholars are at risk of demonstrating intellectual ableism. Layering Kleiber’s components of leisure over Seligman’s Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment concept of well-being, this article poses critical questions of how each contributing element of well-being could be reconceptualized for people with neurological diversities. The intersection of leisure, well-being and ID is ripe for research development; however, many studies in the domain are falling short of suitable theoretical discussion and methodological rigour. This article concludes with suggestions on how scholars can reduce intellectual ableism through inclusive design, methodological reporting, acknowledging bias and grappling theoretical dissonance.
A novel holmium–mercury complex: Structure, green photoluminescence, energy transfer mechanism and semiconducting properties
Authors: Lin Wei-Sheng , Kuang Han-Mao , Luo Hui , Chen Wen-Tong
Published: July 2019

The complex (Ho(IA)3(H3O)(H2O)) n(0.5 nHg2I6) (HIA = isonicotinic acid) has been synthesized via a hydrothermal reaction and has a one-dimensional (1D) chain-like structure. It has an emission band in the green region of 542 nm, which could originate from the 5 S2 → 5 I8 transition of the Ho3+ ion. The compound possesses Commission Internationale de I’Éclairage chromaticity coordinates of (0.2065, 0.4969) and has a wide optical band gap of 2.32 eV, as found by solid-state UV-Vis diffuse reflectance measurements.
Insecticidal Activity of Natural Capsaicinoids Against Several Agricultural Insects
Authors: Li Biao , Yang Mei , Shi Rui , Ye Min
Published: July 2019

In this paper, the insecticidal activity of natural capsaicinoids (NC) and reference ingredients (imidacloprid, abamectin, and pyridaben, which are active ingredients of commercial pesticides) against 14 agricultural insects was studied in both the laboratory and field. The results of insecticidal activity in the laboratory showed that the median lethal concentration (LC50) and 90% lethal concentration values of the NC against 14 agricultural insects were greater than those of reference ingredients and the NC had a weaker relative toxicity than the corresponding reference ingredients. The NC showed impressive insecticidal activity when it was used to control Aphis gossypii from Cucumis sativus (LC50 152.82 mg L−1) but unimpressive insecticidal activity when used against Ectropis obliqua hypulina and Pieris rapae (LC50 1557.47 and 1502.48 mg L−1, respectively), which revealed that the insecticidal spectrum of NC was confined. Field experiments showed that the control effect of successively spraying the NC 2 times against insects was significantly higher than the effect of spraying 1 time.
Recent Advances in the Analysis of Rosmarinic Acid From Herbs in the Lamiaceae Family
Authors: Sik Beatrix , Kapcsándi Viktória , Székelyhidi Rita , Hanczné Erika L. , Ajtony Zsolt
Published: July 2019

Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a phenolic acid found in a variety of plants, especially those in the Lamiaceae family. A number of biological effects are attributed to the compound; so, in recent years, RA has been the focus of many studies. The aim of this review is to provide information on the latest developments on flow chromatography analysis of RA. A reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with gradient elution and either diode array or mass spectrometric detection is usually used to measure the compound. Factors affecting the performance of HPLC analysis of RA such as sample preparation, column, mobile phase, and detection methods are discussed in detail in this review.
Evaluation of a Mental and Behavioral Health Patient Room Mockup at a VA Facility
Authors: Sachs Naomi A. , Shepley Mardelle M. , Peditto Kati , Hankinson Mary Therese , Smith Kathryn , Giebink Brian , Thompson Tammy
Published: July 2019

Objective:

The primary goal of this research was to evaluate a physical full-scale, high-fidelity mockup of a mental and behavioral health (MBH) inpatient room and bathroom.

Background:

There is minimal research on design for MBH and no published research using mockups to evaluate a MBH design proposal. To address this gap, an interdisciplinary team developed an ideal Patient-Centered MBH Patient Room, which was built as a mockup at a Veterans Administration (VA) facility and evaluated by patients and staff in situ.

Method:

The mock-up was evaluated using a structured mixed methods process that incorporates feedback using Feedback Forms and facilitated Listening Sessions. Our two primary hypotheses were that the design, as represented by the mock-up, would be positively evaluated and that there would be a difference between staff and patient perceptions, with patients rating the design higher than staff.

Results:

Quantitative analysis confirmed our hypotheses, revealing an overall positive response, with a difference between patients and staff. Contrary to hypothesis, staff consistently rated the design higher than patients. Qualitative analysis found mixed reception of the design and three primary themes: safety, homeyness/deinstitutionalization, and positive distraction/nature.

Conclusions:

Physical mock-ups may be an effective tool for evaluation of a proposed design; however, staff perceptions of the environment may differ from those of patients. One drawback of using a physical high-fidelity mock-up is the expectation that the mock-up perfectly represents the proposed design. With this project, even small unfinished details were distracting to the participants and may have negatively affected the evaluation.
One step forward, two steps back? Social rehabilitation of foreign offenders under Framework Decisions 2008/909/JHA and 2008/947/JHA
Authors: Faraldo-Cabana Patricia
Published: July 2019

Offenders’ rehabilitation is the declared objective of the transfer of foreign offenders to their country of nationality/origin or permanent residence in Framework Decisions 2008/909/JHA and 2008/947/JHA. The driving rationale behind is that allowing foreign offenders to serve their sentence close to home is a significant instrument in improving their chances of social rehabilitation. However, there is a contradiction between what it is declared to be the main purpose of these European instruments and their other explicit and implicit objectives, mainly, promoting mutual recognition of decisions in criminal matters, reducing prison population and removing undesired aliens. This contradiction mirrors the ambiguous role played by offenders’ consent in the context of transfer procedures, and other aspects that do not entirely fit the purpose of increasing the prospects of rehabilitation of foreign offenders. This article explores the concept of social rehabilitation in both Framework Decisions from the viewpoint that its mention as the main rationale for transfer procedures is one important step towards a more humane model of judicial cooperation in the European Union (EU) area of freedom, security and justice. After an in-depth analysis of the aims underlying the adoption of both instruments, this article contributes to the idea that effectiveness of judicial cooperation in criminal matters, in the case of the EU, and the interest in reducing prison population and getting rid of unwanted foreign offenders, in the case of the issuing member states, are the true governing criteria of transfer procedures. There is a clear risk that social rehabilitation can be used deceptively or as an excuse to effectively deport foreign offenders, in particular where consent is not a requirement. This conclusion situates both Framework Decisions two steps back from their point of origin, the Council of Europe conventions on the matter.
Conveying troublesome concepts: Using an open-space learning activity to teach mixed-methods research in the health sciences
Authors: Johnson Rebecca E , Murphy Marie , Griffiths Frances
Published: July 2019

In the past decade, there has been a groundswell of interest in the use of mixed-methods approaches to conduct research in the health sciences. However, there remains a paucity of diverse teaching materials, curricula and activities to support the continued expansion of education and innovation in mixed-methods research. Here, we report the development and evaluation of an open-space learning activity and tool to aid teaching the concept of synthesis in mixed-methods research. We detail the iterations of the teaching activity and tool as they were developed, we report student feedback, and we discuss the utility of the activity and tool for introducing the concept of synthesis in mixed-methods research within health science and related fields.
A Pilot Assessment of Primary Care Providers’ Knowledge of Adrenal Insufficiency Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Makin Vinni , Nowacki Amy S. , Colbert Colleen Y.
Published: July 2019

Background and Objectives: Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is one of the most challenging diagnoses in primary care, and misdiagnosis is costly. The aim of this educational needs assessment was to assess primary care physicians’ (PCPs) knowledge of AI diagnosis and management as a preliminary step in developing a professional education module to address knowledge of practice gaps. Methods: We developed a 12-item needs assessment and pretested questionnaire items prior to use to gather validity evidence. The questionnaire contained 4 AI knowledge items, 4 needs assessment items, and 4 demographic items. It was administered to 100 PCPs across a single integrated health care system over a 6-month period. Results: Fifty-one of 100 questionnaires were returned. The majority of respondents believed their knowledge of AI diagnosis and management was “average” when compared with peers. Responses indicated that PCPs were fairly comfortable diagnosing, but not managing AI patients. There was no association between respondents’ clinical knowledge of AI and respondents’ roles as clinical instructors (ie, having trainees assigned to them). A total of 54% of respondents said they utilized online resources to enhance current knowledge of AI and 88% of respondents said they would use a new AI resource, if available. When asked to rank preferences for professional development modalities, 26/38 respondents ranked UpToDate, 21/38 respondents ranked traditional lecture, and 19/38 respondents ranked case discussion among their top 3 choices. Conclusion: Results of this needs assessment showed that PCPs within our health care system both needed and desired professional development targeting AI diagnosis and management. A faculty development session, which included a short lecture and case scenarios, was developed and delivered to PCPs at participating family health centers. Session materials are now available for use by other institutions to meet professional development needs on this important topic.
A New Theoretical Framework for Multicultural Workforce Motivation in the Context of International Organizations
Authors: Erciyes Erdem
Published: July 2019

This research investigates the impact of culture, leadership, and power on staff motivation in selected international organizations (IOs) and develops a theoretical framework to assist with the practice of workforce motivation. Utilizing critical theory as a paradigm of inquiry, the study’s philosophical perspective leans heavily on “phenomenology.” Concern for understanding the cultural aspect led to the result of utilizing critical ethnography methodology. Moreover, three qualitative methods were used: semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and, non-participant observations. Twenty-two supervisors, and the same number of staff, from the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Trade Centre (ITC), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the World Health Organization (WHO) took part in interviews and focus groups. Non-participatory observations were also carried out on a 3-day working schedule for the four IOs. For the first time in the existing literature, the findings of this research have established a theoretical framework which demonstrates linkages between concepts of culture, leadership, and power on staff motivation.
Concomitant old complex fracture–dislocation of the first metatarsophalangeal, Lisfranc, and naviculocuneiform joints
Authors: Vosoughi Amir Reza , Akbarzadeh Armin
Published: July 2019

Old simultaneous complex fracture–dislocation of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP), Lisfranc, and naviculocuneiform joints as an overwhelming injury has not been reported in the literature yet. In a 29-year-old man, 6 months following the trauma, the medial column of foot was reconstructed using iliac tricortical bone graft from navicular to the first metatarsal. Arthrodesis of the second and third tarsometatarsal joints and resection arthroplasty of the first MTP joint were done. His clinical and radiographic evaluation after 18 months revealed an acceptable function with returning to pre-injury job but with some limitations in recreational activities.

Level of evidence: level 4
How College Makes Citizens: Higher Education Experiences and Political Engagement
Authors: Perrin Andrew J. , Gillis Alanna
Published: July 2019

One function of undergraduate education is supporting successful citizenship later in life. Educational achievement is positively, if variably, related to political engagement. However, questions remain about the role of selection into college education as well as the specific college experiences that facilitate postcollege good citizenship. The aim of this study is to test the independent effect of higher education completion on three forms of postgraduation political engagement, using national longitudinal data and controlling for selection into college completion using control-function models. The authors also test the effects of several specific experiences encountered during college—course topic areas and high-impact educational experiences—on these outcomes. College completion has an independent effect (beyond selection) on citizenship behaviors. Social sciences and humanities coursework and two high-impact experiences (being mentored and engaging in a community-based project) were associated with political engagement. Higher education is a training ground for citizenship; particular course and extracurricular experiences help fulfill that mission.
Building morphometric analysis as a tool for urban renewal: Identifying post-Second World War mass public housing development potential
Authors: Porat Idan , Shach-Pinsly Dalit
Published: July 2019

The focus of this study is on the ability of morphometrics and building pattern recognition to improve top-down urban renewal processes by identifying post-Second World War mass housing suitable for urban renewal. We used two conceptual frameworks: the first from the field of urban design and architecture and the second from the field of multi-parametric analysis and geographic information system. A survey of a sample of typical post-Second World War mass housing units based on historical blueprints was developed to identify geometric indicators. The geometric indicators were transformed into a geographic information system parametric model for the identification of post-Second World War mass housing units and sites in current urban plans on a city scale. The model was implemented in the city of Haifa, Israel, as a case study. The analysis results indicate 1288 buildings in 283 urban sites suitable for urban renewal, 10% of the present city’s housing stock.
Stimulating Entrepreneurial Interest in Engineers Through an Experiential and Multidisciplinary Course Collaboration
Authors: Roy Nira , Schlosser Francine , Pasek Zbigniew
Published: July 2019

Entrepreneurship education is gaining momentum in today’s world. This article focuses on a teaching intervention introducing engineering students to multidisciplinary innovation and entrepreneurship, using experiential learning and the lean start-up method. We compare the experience and attitude change of engineers enrolled in a mixed cohort of undergraduate business and engineering students to those enrolled in an engineering-only cohort. To evaluate the effectiveness and outcome of the program, data were collected at the very beginning of each course and at their completion. Results indicated interest in entrepreneurship significantly increased at the end of the course and supported the concept that interest in entrepreneurship can be positively motivated through experiential learning. The engineering-only cohort experienced a greater change in entrepreneurial interest and were challenged more over the course of the term than the multidisciplinary cohort. Nonetheless, the multidisciplinary cohort benefited by interacting with business students and leveraging the shared disciplinary experience.
The EUROLIGHT cluster headache project: Description of methods and the study population – An Internet-based cross-sectional study of people with cluster headache
Authors: Andrée Colette , Gantenbein Andreas R , Sandor Peter S , Schoenen Jean , Pohl Heiko
Published: July 2019

Objective:

To present the methodology and to describe the sample of a large, Internet-based survey on the burden of cluster headache (CH).

Methods:

Participants filled out a questionnaire online. Inclusion criteria were a reported diagnosis of CH and a residency in a European country; exclusion criteria were refusal to give informed consent and to complete the questionnaire.

Results:

A total of 1514 participants completed the questionnaire. Of these, 66.2% were male and 31.2% reported suffering from chronic CH. The diagnosis was validated based upon the responses in 92.9% of the participants. Other diagnoses seemed more likely in 0.8%. Among the participants with self-reported chronic CH, the International Classification of Headache Disorders-3 beta criteria for chronicity were fulfilled by 90.8%.

Conclusions:

In this article, we discuss the applied methodology as well as the properties of the sample. The overall accuracy of the self-reported diagnoses was very good as judged by our questionnaire; women and chronic CH were slightly over-represented. We will present the results of more thorough analyses in future articles and believe that these data will provide deeper insights into the burden of CH and will help to give a voice to those who endure this painful disease.
Hitachiite, Pb5Bi2Te2S6, a new mineral from the Hitachi mine, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Kuribayashi Takahiro , Nagase Toshiro , Nozaki Tatsuo , Ishibashi Junichiro , Shimada Kazuhiko , Shimizu Masaaki , Momma Koichi
Published: July 2019

Hitachiite, Pb5Bi2Te2S6, is a new mineral discovered in the Hitachi mine, located in the Ibaraki Prefecture of Japan. The mean of 21 electron microprobe analyses gave: Pb 52.01, Bi 23.06, Fe 0.69, Sb 0.17, Te 13.74, S 9.71, Se 0.54, total 100.04 wt.%. The empirical chemical formula based on 15 apfu is (Pb4.75Fe0.23)Σ4.98(Bi2.09Sb0.03)Σ2.12Te2.04(S5.73Se0.13)Σ5.86, ideally Pb5Bi2Te2S6. Synchrotron single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments indicated that hitachiite has trigonal symmetry, space groupP${\bar 3}$m1, witha= 4.2200(13) Å,c= 27.02(4) Å andZ= 1. The four strongest diffraction peaks shown in the powder X-ray pattern [d, Å (I)(hkl)] are: 3.541(35)(012), 3.391(59)(013), 3.039(100)(015) and 2.114(56)(110). The calculated density (Dcalc) for the empirical chemical formula is 7.54 g/cm3.

The crystal structure of hitachiite has been refined using synchrotron single-crystal X-ray diffraction data, toR= 7.38% and is based onABC-type stacking of 15 layers (five Pb, two Bi, two Te, and six S layers) along the [001] direction, and with each layer ideally containing only one kind of atom. The stacking sequence is described as Te–Bi–S–Pb–S–Pb–S–Pb–S–Pb–S–Pb–S–Bi–Te. The discovery of hitachiite implies that the minerals of the Bi2Te2S–PbS join might form a homologous series of Bi2Te2S·nPbS.
α4β1 integrin associates with VEGFR2 in CLL cells and contributes to VEGF binding and intracellular signaling
Authors: Gutiérrez-González Alejandra , Aguilera-Montilla Noemí , Ugarte-Berzal Estefanía , Bailón Elvira , Cerro-Pardo Isabel , Sánchez-Maroto Clara , García-Campillo Lara , García-Marco José A. , García-Pardo Angeles
Published: July 2019

Key Points

α4β1 integrin and VEGFR2 function as a receptor complex for VEGF in CLL cells. Contribution to VEGF functions in CLL is a novel pathological role for α4β1 integrin in this malignancy.
Nano calcium carbonate versus nano calcium hydroxide in alcohols as a deacidification medium for lignocellulosic paper
Authors: Malešič Jasna , Kadivec Mariša , Kunaver Matjaž , Skalar Tina , Cigić Irena Kralj
Published: July 2019

Deacidification is an established conservation treatment for the prolongation of the acidic paper stability. Several different deacidification systems are in use today, such as the dispersions of alkaline nanoparticles in organic solvents. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of different calcium nanoparticle dispersions in alcohols on lignocellulosic paper. Commercially available nano calcium hydroxide dispersions for paper deacidification, and laboratory prepared nano calcium carbonate dispersions in ethanol and 2-propanol were investigated and compared as to their effectiveness in increasing the stability of paper. The FE-SEM analyses were used to determine the size of Ca(OH)2 and CaCO3 particles in the dispersions. The SEM–EDS analyses were performed both on the paper surface and its cross-section in order to ascertain the distribution of calcium ions following the deacidification treatment. An evaluation of the changes of color, molecular weight, pH and alkaline reserve on different lignocellulosic papers was performed. In comparison to untreated samples, our results indicate all the investigated deacidification treatments decrease the degradation rate constant of cellulose, as determined by accelerated degradation. However, the treatments involving nano calcium hydroxides in both alcohols noticeably affect the color of the treated lignocellulosic papers. According to the obtained results, nano calcium carbonate is therefore the more suitable deacidification agent for the lignin containing papers.
Impaired dendritic cell functions in lung cancer: a review of recent advances and future perspectives
Authors: Wang Jing‐Bo , Huang Xue , Li Fu‐Rong
Published: July 2019

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the key factors providing protective immunity against lung tumors and clinical trials have proven that DC function is reduced in lung cancer patients. It is evident that the immunoregulatory network may play a key role in the failure of the immune response to terminate tumors. Lung tumors likely employ numerous strategies to suppress DC‐based anti‐tumor immunity. Here, we summarize the recent advances in our understanding on lung tumor‐induced immunosuppression in DCs, which affects the initiation and development of T‐cell responses. We also describe which existing measures to restore DC function may be useful for clinical treatment of lung tumors. Furthering our knowledge of how lung cancer cells alter DC function to generate a tumor‐supportive environment will be essential in order to guide the design of new immunotherapy strategies for clinical use.
Can Administrative Data Improve the Performance of Cancer Clinical Trial Economic Analyses?
Authors: Hanna Timothy P. , Nguyen Paul , Pater Joseph , O’Callaghan Christopher J. , Mittmann Nicole , Earle Craig C. , Tu Dongsheng , Jonker Derek , Hay Annette E.
Published: July 2019

PURPOSE:

Trial economic analyses, such as cost-effectiveness analysis, often rely on trial-collected data, which are burdensome and expensive to collect and may be incomplete. In contrast, administrative databases systematically collect health system encounters. We investigated whether administrative data could improve the performance of cancer trial economic analysis.

METHODS:

Health administrative data were probabilistically linked to Ontario patient data from the Canadian Cancer Trials Group CO.17 trial (n = 572), which evaluated cetuximab plus best supportive care (75 linked Ontario patients) versus best supportive care alone (73 patients) in previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer. Trial-collected resource utilization data and vital status were compared with administrative data. Cost effectiveness in 2007 Canadian dollars was determined with bootstrap incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) CIs.

RESULTS:

Up to trial date of last contact, administrative data vital status was concordant in more than 96%. Twenty-nine subsequent deaths occurred. Up to trial last contact, there were 50 net additional hospitalizations in administrative data and 33 net additional emergency department visits. Total costs were $3,023,034 for the cetuximab group and $1,191,118 for the control group up to trial last contact. The ICER was $211,128 per life-year gained (90% CI, $101,396 to $694,950) up to trial last contact and $164,378 (90% CI, −$138,260 to $644,555) up to administrative data last contact. ICER estimates were similar to the analysis using trial-collected data.

CONCLUSION:

Administrative data were more complete than trial data for hospital encounters, a key cost driver in economic analysis. There was a longer follow-up. This demonstrates the potential of administrative data to relieve the burden of collecting key data in cancer trials, which represents a considerable effort and expense.
Factors Associated With Clinical Deterioration Among Patients Hospitalized on the Wards at a Tertiary Cancer Hospital
Authors: Lyons Patrick G. , Klaus Jeff , McEvoy Colleen A. , Westervelt Peter , Gage Brian F. , Kollef Marin H.
Published: July 2019

PURPOSE:

Patients hospitalized outside the intensive care unit (ICU) frequently experience clinical deterioration. Little has been done to describe the landscape of clinical deterioration among inpatients with cancer. We aimed to describe the frequency of clinical deterioration among patients with cancer hospitalized on the wards at a major academic hospital and to identify independent risk factors for clinical deterioration among these patients.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective cohort study at a 1,300-bed urban academic hospital with a 138-bed inpatient cancer center. We included consecutive admissions to the oncology wards between January 1, 2014, and June 30, 2017. We defined clinical deterioration as the composite of ward death and transfer to the ICU.

RESULTS:

We evaluated 21,219 admissions from 9,058 patients. The composite outcome occurred during 1,945 admissions (9.2%): 1,365 (6.4%) had at least one ICU transfer, and 580 (2.7%) involved ward death. Logistic regression identified several independent risk factors for clinical deterioration, including the following: age (odds ratio [OR], 1.33 per decade; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.67), male sex (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.33), comorbidities, illness severity (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.13), emergency admission (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.26 to 1.67), hospitalization on particular wards (OR, 1.525; 95% CI, 1.326 to 1.67), bacteremia (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.52), fungemia (OR, 3.76; 95% CI, 1.90 to 7.41), tumor lysis syndrome (OR, 3.01; 95% CI, 2.41 to 3.76), and receipt of antimicrobials (OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.72 to 2.42) and transfusions (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.42 to 1.92).

CONCLUSION:

Clinical deterioration was common; it occurred in more than 9% of admissions. Factors independently associated with deterioration included comorbidities, admission source, infections, and blood product transfusion.
The −839(A/C) Polymorphism in the ECE1 Isoform b Promoter Associates With Osteoporosis and Fractures
Authors: Hansen Karen E , Johnson Michael G , Carter Tonia C , Mayer John , Keuler Nicholas S , Blank Robert D
Published: July 2019

Context

We previously found that variation in a quantitative trait locus, including the gene-encoding endothelin-converting enzyme 1 (Ece1), accounted for 40% of the variance in bone biomechanics and bone mineral density (BMD) in an intercross of recombinant congenic mouse strains.

Objective

We hypothesized that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the human ECE1 isoform b promoters, at ECE1 b −338(G/T) and ECE1 b −839(A/C), would associate with osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Design

We genotyped DNA for the ECE1 −338(G/T) and −839(A/C) SNPs.

Setting

A community medical center.

Participants

Postmenopausal women (3564) with ≥1 dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan ≥60 years of age.

Main Outcome Measures

BMD, osteoporosis, and clinical fractures.

Results

In multivariate models controlling for age, weight, healthcare duration, and tobacco, the CC genotype reduced the odds of lifetime fracture (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.12, 0.87) and fracture ≥50 years of age (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.11, 0.87), whereas the AC genotype increased odds of osteoporosis (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.02 1.78) relative to the AA genotype. However, when controlling the false-discovery rate, findings were no longer significant. We found no consistent relationship between the ECE1 b −338(G/T) and study outcomes.

Conclusions

The CC genotype was associated with fewer fractures, whereas the AC genotype was associated with osteoporosis. Our small sample size and few minorities are study limitations. Findings should be tested in another cohort to confirm a link between the ECE1 −839(A/C) SNPs and osteoporosis.
Mild maternal hyperglycemia in INSC93S transgenic pigs causes impaired glucose tolerance and metabolic alterations in neonatal offspring
Authors: Renner Simone , Martins Ana Sofia , Streckel Elisabeth , Braun-Reichhart Christina , Backman Mattias , Prehn Cornelia , Klymiuk Nikolai , Bähr Andrea , Blutke Andreas , Landbrecht-Schessl Christina , Wünsch Annegret , Kessler Barbara , Kurome Mayuko , Hinrichs Arne , Koopmans Sietse-Jan , Krebs Stefan , Kemter Elisabeth , Rathkolb Birgit , Nagashima Hiroshi , Blum Helmut , Ritzmann Mathias , Wanke Rüdiger , Aigner Bernhard , Adamski Jerzy , Hrabě de Angelis Martin , Wolf Eckhard
Published: July 2019

Alongside the obesity epidemic, the prevalence of maternal diabetes is rising worldwide, and adverse effects on fetal development and metabolic disturbances in the offspring's later life have been described. To clarify whether metabolic programming effects are due to mild maternal hyperglycemia without confounding obesity, we investigated wild-type offspring of INSC93S transgenic pigs, which are a novel genetically modified large-animal model expressing mutant insulin (INS) C93S in pancreatic β-cells. This mutation results in impaired glucose tolerance, mild fasting hyperglycemia and insulin resistance during late pregnancy. Compared with offspring from wild-type sows, piglets from hyperglycemic mothers showed impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance: +3-fold in males; +4.4-fold in females) prior to colostrum uptake. Targeted metabolomics in the fasting and insulin-stimulated state revealed distinct alterations in the plasma metabolic profile of piglets from hyperglycemic mothers. They showed increased levels of acylcarnitines, gluconeogenic precursors such as alanine, phospholipids (in particular lyso-phosphatidylcholines) and α-aminoadipic acid, a potential biomarker for type 2 diabetes. These observations indicate that mild gestational hyperglycemia can cause impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and associated metabolic alterations in neonatal offspring of a large-animal model born at a developmental maturation status comparable to human babies.
Next-generation RNA sequencing of FFPE subsections reveals highly conserved stromal reprogramming between canine and human mammary carcinoma
Authors: Amini Parisa , Nassiri Sina , Ettlin Julia , Malbon Alexandra , Markkanen Enni
Published: July 2019

Spontaneous canine simple mammary carcinomas (mCA) are often viewed as models of human mCA. Cancer-associated stroma (CAS) is central for initiation and progression of human cancer, and is likely to play a key role in canine tumours as well. However, canine CAS lacks characterisation and it remains unclear how canine and human CAS compare. Formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue constitutes a valuable resource of patient material, but chemical crosslinking has largely precluded its analysis by next-generation RNA sequencing (RNAseq). We have recently established a protocol to isolate CAS and normal stroma from archival FFPE tumours using laser-capture microdissection followed by RNAseq. Using this approach, we have analysed stroma from 15 canine mCA. Our data reveal strong reprogramming of canine CAS. We demonstrate a high-grade molecular homology between canine and human CAS, and show that enrichment of upregulated canine CAS genes strongly correlates with the enrichment of an independently derived human stromal signature in the TCGA breast tumour dataset. Relationships between different gene signatures observed in human breast cancer are largely maintained in the canine model, suggesting a close interspecies similarity in the network of cancer signalling circuitries. Finally, we establish the prognostic potential of the canine CAS signature in human samples, emphasising the relevance of studying canine CAS as a model of the human disease. In conclusion, we provide a proof-of-principle to analyse specific subsections of FFPE tissue by RNAseq, and compare stromal gene expression between human and canine mCA to reveal molecular drivers in CAS supporting tumour growth and malignancy.
Mechanics of nuclear membranes
Authors: Agrawal Ashutosh , Lele Tanmay P.
Published: July 2019

Cellular nuclei are bound by two uniformly separated lipid membranes that are fused with each other at numerous donut-shaped pores. These membranes are structurally supported by an array of distinct proteins with distinct mechanical functions. As a result, the nuclear envelope possesses unique mechanical properties, which enables it to resist cytoskeletal forces. Here, we review studies that are beginning to provide quantitative insights into nuclear membrane mechanics. We discuss how the mechanical properties of the fused nuclear membranes mediate their response to mechanical forces exerted on the nucleus and how structural reinforcement by different nuclear proteins protects the nuclear membranes against rupture. We also highlight some open questions in nuclear envelope mechanics, and discuss their relevance in the context of health and disease.
Cutaneous sensory feedback from paw pads affects lateral balance control during split-belt locomotion in the cat
Authors: Park Hangue , Latash Elizaveta M. , Molkov Yaroslav I. , Klishko Alexander N. , Frigon Alain , DeWeerth Stephen P. , Prilutsky Boris I.
Published: July 2019

Cutaneous sensory feedback from the paw pads plays an important role in regulating body balance, especially in challenging environments like ladder or slope walking. Here, we investigated the contribution of cutaneous sensory feedback from the paw pads to balance control in cats stepping on a split-belt treadmill. Fore- and hindpaws were anesthetized unilaterally using lidocaine injections. We evaluated body balance in intact and compromised cutaneous feedback conditions during split-belt locomotion with belt speed ratios of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0. Measures of body balance included step width, relative duration of limb support phases, lateral bias of center of mass (CoM) and margins of static and dynamic stability. In the intact condition, static and dynamic balance declined with increasing belt-speed ratio due to a lateral shift of the CoM toward the borders of support on the slower moving belt. Anesthesia of the ipsilateral paws improved locomotor balance with increasing belt speed ratios by reversing the CoM shift, decreasing the relative duration of the two-limb support phase, increasing the duration of four- or three-limb support phases, increasing the hindlimb step width and static stability. We observed no changes in most balance measures in anesthetized conditions during tied-belt locomotion at 0.4 m s−1. CoM lateral displacements closely resembled those of the inverted pendulum and of human walking. We propose that unilaterally compromised cutaneous feedback from the paw pads is compensated by improving lateral balance and by shifting the body toward the anesthetized paws to increase tactile sensation during the stance phase.
Resistance Exercise–induced Changes in Muscle Phenotype Are Load Dependent
Authors: LIM CHANGHYUN , KIM HYO JEONG , MORTON ROBERT W. , HARRIS ROGER , PHILLIPS STUART M. , JEONG TAE SEOK , KIM CHANG KEUN
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Lower-load (LL), higher-repetition resistance exercise training (RET) can increase muscle mass in a similar degree as higher-load (HL), lower-repetition RET. However, little is known about how LL and HL RET modulate other aspects of the RET phenotype such as satellite cells, myonuclei, and mitochondrial proteins. We aimed to investigate changes in muscle mass, muscle strength, satellite cell activity, myonuclear addition, and mitochondrial protein content after prolonged RET with LL and HL RET.

Methods

We recruited 21 young men and randomly assigned them to perform 10 wk RET (leg press, leg extension, and leg curl) three times per week with the following conditions: 80FAIL (80% one-repetition maximum [1RM] performed to volitional fatigue), 30WM (30%1RM with volume matched to 80FAIL), and 30FAIL (30%1RM to volitional fatigue). Skeletal muscle biopsies were taken from the vastus lateralis pre- and post-RET intervention.

Results

After 10 wk of RET, only 30FAIL and 80FAIL showed an increase in peak torque and type I fiber cross-sectional area (P < 0.05). Moreover, only 30FAIL resulted in a significant decrease in the myonuclear domain of type II muscle fibers and an increase in mitochondrial proteins related to autophagy, fission, and fusion (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

We discovered that LL RET was effective at increasing the content of several mitochondrial proteins. Similar to previous research, we found that changes in muscle mass and strength were independent of load when repetitions were performed to volitional fatigue.
Updating the evidence on the effectiveness of the alcohol reduction app, Drink Less: using Bayes factors to analyse trial datasets supplemented with extended recruitment
Authors: Garnett Claire , Michie Susan , West Robert , Brown Jamie
Published: July 2019

Background: A factorial experiment evaluating the Drink Less app found no clear evidence for main effects of enhanced versus minimal versions of five components but some evidence for an interaction effect. Bayes factors (BFs) showed the data to be insensitive. This study examined the use of BFs to update the evidence with further recruitment.

Methods: A between-subject factorial experiment evaluated the main and two-way interaction effects of enhanced versus minimal version of five components of Drink Less. Participants were excessive drinkers, aged 18+, and living in the UK. After the required sample size was reached (n=672), additional data were collected for five months. Outcome measures were change in past week alcohol consumption and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score at one-month follow-up, amongst responders only (those who completed the questionnaire). BFs (with a half-normal distribution) were calculated (BF<0.33 indicate evidence for null hypothesis; 0.33<BF<3 indicate data are insensitive).

Results: Of the sample of 2586, 342 (13.2%) responded to follow-up. Data were mainly insensitive but tended to support there being no large main effects of the enhanced version of individual components on consumption (0.22<BF<0.83) or AUDIT score (0.14<BF<0.98). Data no longer supported there being two-way interaction effects (0.31<BF<1.99). In an additional exploratory analysis, participants receiving four of the components averaged a numerically greater reduction in consumption than those not receiving any (21.6 versus 12.1 units), but the data were insensitive (BF=1.42).

Conclusions: Data from extended recruitment in a factorial experiment evaluating components of Drink Less remained insensitive but tended towards individual and pairs of components not having a large effect. In an exploratory analysis, there was weak, anecdotal evidence for a synergistic effect of four components. In the event of uncertain results, calculating BFs can be used to update the strength of evidence of a dataset supplemented with extended recruitment.