bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dopamine and Addiction
Authors: Wise Roy A. , Robble Mykel A.
Published: January 2020

Addiction is commonly identified with habitual nonmedical self-administration of drugs. It is usually defined by characteristics of intoxication or by characteristics of withdrawal symptoms. Such addictions can also be defined in terms of the brain mechanisms they activate; most addictive drugs cause elevations in extracellular levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Animals unable to synthesize or use dopamine lack the conditioned reflexes discussed by Pavlov or the appetitive behavior discussed by Craig; they have only unconditioned consummatory reflexes. Burst discharges (phasic firing) of dopamine-containing neurons are necessary to establish long-term memories associating predictive stimuli with rewards and punishers. Independent discharges of dopamine neurons (tonic or pacemaker firing) determine the motivation to respond to such cues. As a result of habitual intake of addictive drugs, dopamine receptors expressed in the brain are decreased, thereby reducing interest in activities not already stamped in by habitual rewards.
Family Caregiving for Older Adults
Authors: Schulz Richard , Beach Scott R. , Czaja Sara J. , Martire Lynn M. , Monin Joan K.
Published: January 2020

Family members are the primary source of support for older adults with chronic illness and disability. Thousands of published empirical studies and dozens of reviews have documented the psychological and physical health effects of caregiving, identified caregivers at risk for adverse outcomes, and evaluated a wide range of intervention strategies to support caregivers. Caregiving as chronic stress exposure is the conceptual driver for much of this research. We review and synthesize the literature on the impact of caregiving and intervention strategies for supporting caregivers. The impact of caregiving is highly variable, driven largely by the intensity of care provided and the suffering of the care recipient. The intervention literature is littered with many failures and some successes. Successful interventions address both the pragmatics of care and the emotional toll of caregiving. We conclude with both research and policy recommendations that address a national agenda for caregiving.
Social Media– and Internet-Based Disease Surveillance for Public Health
Authors: Aiello Allison E. , Renson Audrey , Zivich Paul N.
Published: January 2020

Disease surveillance systems are a cornerstone of public health tracking and prevention. This review addresses the use, promise, perils, and ethics of social media– and Internet-based data collection for public health surveillance. Our review highlights untapped opportunities for integrating digital surveillance in public health and current applications that could be improved through better integration, validation, and clarity on rules surrounding ethical considerations. Promising developments include hybrid systems that couple traditional surveillance data with data from search queries, social media posts, and crowdsourcing. In the future, it will be important to identify opportunities for public and private partnerships, train public health experts in data science, reduce biases related to digital data (gathered from Internet use, wearable devices, etc.), and address privacy. We are on the precipice of an unprecedented opportunity to track, predict, and prevent global disease burdens in the population using digital data.
TGR5 signaling mitigates parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease
Authors: Willis Kent A. , Gomes Charles K. , Rao Prahlad , Micic Dejan , Moran E. Richard , Stephenson Erin , Puchowicz Michelle , Al Abdallah Qusai , Mims Tahliyah S. , Gosain Ankush , Yin Dengping , Talati Ajay J. , Chang Eugene B. , Han Joan C. , Pierre Joseph F.
Published: January 2020

Bile acid receptors regulate the metabolic and immune functions of circulating enterohepatic bile acids. This process is disrupted by administration of parenteral nutrition (PN), which may induce progressive hepatic injury for unclear reasons, especially in the newborn, leading to PN-associated liver disease. To explore the role of bile acid signaling on neonatal hepatic function, we initially observed that Takeda G protein receptor 5 (TGR5)-specific bile acids were negatively correlated with worsening clinical disease markers in the plasma of human newborns with prolonged PN exposure. To test our resulting hypothesis that TGR5 regulates critical liver functions to PN exposure, we used TGR5 receptor deficient mice (TGR5−/−). We observed PN significantly increased liver weight, cholestasis, and serum hepatic stress enzymes in TGR5−/−mice compared with controls. Mechanistically, PN reduced bile acid synthesis genes in TGR5−/−. Serum bile acid composition revealed that PN increased unconjugated primary bile acids and secondary bile acids in TGR5−/−mice, while increasing conjugated primary bile acid levels in TGR5-competent mice. Simultaneously, PN elevated hepatic IL-6 expression and infiltrating macrophages in TGR5−/−mice. However, the gut microbiota of TGR5−/−mice compared with WT mice following PN administration displayed highly elevated levels of Bacteroides and Parabacteroides, and possibly responsible for the elevated levels of secondary bile acids in TGR5−/−animals. Intestinal bile acid transporters expression was unchanged. Collectively, this suggests TGR5 signaling specifically regulates fundamental aspects of liver bile acid homeostasis during exposure to PN. Loss of TGR5 is associated with biochemical evidence of cholestasis in both humans and mice on PN.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Parenteral nutrition is associated with deleterious metabolic outcomes in patients with prolonged exposure. Here, we demonstrate that accelerated cholestasis and parental nutrition-associated liver disease (PNALD) may be associated with deficiency of Takeda G protein receptor 5 (TGR5) signaling. The microbiome is responsible for production of secondary bile acids that signal through TGR5. Therefore, collectively, these data support the hypothesis that a lack of established microbiome in early life or under prolonged parenteral nutrition may underpin disease development and PNALD.
Role of microRNA-210-3p in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Morishita Asahiro , Fujita Koji , Iwama Hisakazu , Chiyo Taiga , Fujihara Shintaro , Oura Kyoko , Tadokoro Tomoko , Mimura Shima , Nomura Takako , Tani Joji , Yoneyama Hirohito , Kobayashi Kiyoyuki , Kamada Hideki , Guan Yu , Nishiyama Akira , Okano Keiichi , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Himoto Takashi , Shimotohno Kunitada , Masaki Tsutomu
Published: January 2020

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocarcinogenesis is not necessarily associated with the liver fibrotic stage and is occasionally seen at early fibrotic stages. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are essentially 18- to 22-nucleotide-long endogenous noncoding RNAs. Aberrant miRNA expression is a common feature of various human cancers. The aberrant expression of specific miRNAs has been shown in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissue compared with nontumor tissue. Thus, we examined targetable miRNAs as a potential new biomarker related to the high risk of HBV-related hepatocarcinogenesis, toward the prevention of cancer-related deaths. HCC tissue samples from 29 patients who underwent hepatectomy at our hospital in 2002–2013 were obtained. We extracted the total RNA and analyzed it by microRNA array, real-time RT-PCR, and three comparisons: 1) HBV-related HCC and adjacent nontumor tissue, 2) HCV-related HCC and adjacent nontumor tissue, and 3) non-HBV-, non-HCV-related HCC and adjacent nontumor tissue. We also performed a functional analysis of miRNAs specific for HBV-related HCC by using HBV-positive HCC cell lines. MiR-210-3p expression was significantly increased only in the HBV-related HCC tissue samples. MiR-210-3p expression was upregulated, and the levels of its target genes were reduced in the HBV-positive HCC cells. The inhibition of miR-210-3p enhanced its target gene expression in the HBV-positive HCC cells. In addition, miR-210-3p regulated the HBx expression in HBV-infected Huh7/NTCP cells. The enhanced expression of miR-210-3p was detected specifically in HBV-related HCC and regulated various target genes, including HBx in the HBV-positive HCC cells. MiR-210-3p might, thus, be a new biomarker for the risk of HBV-related HCC.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our present study demonstrated that miR-210-3p is the only microRNA with enhanced expression in HBV-related HCC, and the enhanced expression of miR-210-3p upregulates HBx expression. Therefore, miR-210-3p might be a pivotal biomarker of HBV-related hepatocarcinogenesis, and the inhibition of miR-210-3p could prevent inducing hepatocarcinogenesis related to HBV infection.
Emotional Expression Processing and Depressive Symptomatology: Eye-Tracking Reveals Differential Importance of Lower and Middle Facial Areas of Interest
Authors: Hunter Laurie , Roland Laralin , Ferozpuri Ayesha
Published: January 2020

The current study explored the eye-tracking patterns of individuals with nonclinical levels of depressive symptomatology when processing emotional expressions. Fifty-three college undergraduates were asked to label 80 facial expressions of five emotions (anger, fear, happiness, neutral, and sadness) while an eye-tracker measured visit duration. We argue visit duration provides more detailed information for evaluating which features of the face are used more often for processing emotional faces. Our findings indicated individuals with nonclinical levels of depressive symptomatology process emotional expressions very similarly to individuals with little to no depressive symptoms, with one noteworthy exception. In general, individuals in our study visited the “T” region, lower and middle AOIs (Area of Interest), more often than upper and noncore areas, but the distinction between the lower and middle AOIs appears for happiness only when individuals are higher in depressive symptoms.
Case Report of Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease from Sub-Saharan Africa: An Important Mimic of Tuberculous Lymphadenitis
Authors: Sharma Karishma , Otieno Fredrick , Shah Reena
Published: January 2020

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare form of painful lymphadenopathy, usually cervical, which is more common in Southeast Asia and rarely reported from Africa. Symptoms are usually nonspecific (fever, night sweats, etc.), and can mimic more common diseases such as tuberculosis (TB) in endemic areas. We report a case of a 29-year-old black African woman who was admitted with headache, neck pain, fever, and lymphadenopathy. She was found to have aseptic meningitis, eventually attributed to TB based on cervical node biopsy, although further histology suggested KFD. Blood tests for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were negative; she had already been commenced on anti-TB treatment and had responded well and so was continued with this therapy. She was also later diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis 3 months after her diagnosis of KFD. Five months after stopping TB treatment, she was readmitted with the same symptoms and associated painless lymphadenopathy. Repeat biopsy was morphologically similar to that of 2017, and repeat evaluation confirmed SLE. She has since been managed by a rheumatologist and continues to do well.
Concentrations of Metals in Tissues of Cockle Anadara granosa (Linnaeus, 1758) from East Java Coast, Indonesia, and Potential Risks to Human Health
Authors: Soegianto Agoes , Putranto Trisnadi Widyaleksono Catur , Lutfi Wahyuhani , Almirani Firdha Nur , Hidayat Arfian Rahmat , Muhammad Andi , Firdaus Rachmadiva Aulia , Rahmadhani Yaniar Sari , Fadila Desi Aina Nur , Hidayati Dewi
Published: January 2020

This study reports the presence of Cd, Pb, Zn, Hg, Cu, and Cr in the cockles (Anadara granosa, Linnaeus, 1758) harvested along the East Java Coast, Indonesia. The concentrations of metals were determined by atomic absorption spectrometer and expressed in mg kg-1 wet weight. The concentrations of metals ranged from 0.11 to 0.82 mg kg−1 for Cd, 0.10 to 0.54 mg kg−1 for Pb, 10.22 to 19.04 mg kg−1 for Zn, 0.02 to 1.47 mg kg−1 for Hg, 1.79 to 4.76 mg kg−1 for Cu, and 1.64 to 3.79 mg kg−1 for Cr. The metal concentrations in the whole tissues of cockles were in the order Zn>Cu>Cr>Hg>Cd>Pb. The Cd and Pb levels in cockles were found to be higher than the permissible limit for human consumption according to EC and FAO; the levels of Hg exceeded the EC, Hong Kong, Australia, and Indonesia standards; and the levels of Cr exceeded the Hong Kong standard. The estimated weekly intake (EWI) of cockles indicates that the concentrations of Cd and Hg in the cockle tissues from Gresik were higher than the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI); meanwhile, the concentrations of Cr of cockles from all locations were higher than and close to the PTWI. The THQ values for Cd at Gresik, for Hg at Gresik, Surabaya, and Pasuruan, and for Cr at all locations were higher than one indicating that these metals pose potential noncarcinogenic effects to consumers. Reducing the consumption of cockles should be done in order to minimize the adverse effects of metals especially Cd, Hg, and Cr to human health.
Minimally Invasive Carpal Tunnel Release (CTR) Using the Wongsiri Technique with MiniSURE
Authors: Wongsiri Sunton , Liawrungrueang Wongthawat
Published: January 2020

Introduction. The standard open technique for carpal tunnel surgery has wound problems and complications significantly more than minimally invasive surgery using the Wongsiri technique with MiniSURE Kit® (Surgical Innovation Healthcare Co., Ltd, Bangkok, Thailand) and in particular, the open technique surgery requires a longer time for return to work. CTR surgery with endoscopic devices improves the results with fewer wound problems when compared with the commonly used open technique; however, nerve complications and injury are more prevalent with endoscopic surgery than with the open technique. The Wongsiri technique produces good results with new medical devices such as the MiniSURE View, for improved vision and line-of-sight, and the MiniSURE Cut for improved and complete cutting via the supraretinacular technique that may reduce the nerve problems associated with endoscopic tooling in the carpal tunnel. Purpose. To evaluate the results of the operation and postoperative outcomes of the Wongsiri technique with a MiniSURE Kit®. Methods. 20 patients underwent carpal tunnel release using the Wongsiri technique and a MiniSURE Kit® with a five-step surgery: MIS starts when the surgeon makes a 1.5–1.8 cm incision, creates a working space, inserts the visual tube of MiniSURE View, inserts the freer, and then cuts the transverse carpal ligament by using the MiniSURE Cut. Results. All 20 successes of the Wongsiri technique and MiniSURE Kit® surgery occurred within 6.8 minutes operative time and a 12 mm wound size. A single outlier, in one case (6.7%), the patient experienced pillar pain which abated within one month. Patients can return to work in 7.3 days. Conclusions. The Wongsiri technique with the MiniSURE Kit® demonstrated good outcomes similar to the endoscope. By contrast with the endoscopic surgery, the Wongsiri technique with the MiniSURE Kit® reduced preop, operating, and postop time, many resources, and significant costs and resulted in no nerve problems or complications.
Effect of Acetone-n-Butanol-Ethanol (ABE) as an Oxygenate on Combustion, Performance, and Emission Characteristics of a Spark Ignition Engine
Authors: Wu Gang , Wu Deng , Li Yuelin , Meng Lei
Published: January 2020

Ethanol is the most extensively used oxygenate for spark ignition (SI) engines. In comparison with ethanol, n-butanol exhibits a number of desirable properties for use in SI engines, which has proved to be a very promising oxygenated alternative fuel in recent years. However, the dehydration and recovery of bio-n-butanol consume extra money and energy in the acetone-n-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation process. Hence, we focus on the research of ABE as a potential oxygenated alternative fuel in SI engines. The combustion, performance, and emission characteristics of B30, E30, ABE30 (i.e., 30 vol.% n-butanol, ethanol, and ABE blended with 70 vol.% gasoline), and G100 (pure gasoline) were compared in this study. The comparison results between B30, E30, and ABE30 at stoichiometric conditions show that ABE30 presents retarded combustion phasing, higher brake thermal efficiency, lower CO emissions, higher UHC emissions, and similar NOx emissions. In comparison with G100 under various engine loads and equivalence ratios, for the most part, ABE30 exhibits 1.4% higher brake thermal efficiency, 14% lower carbon monoxide, 9.7% lower unburned hydrocarbons, and 23.4% lower nitrogen oxides. It is indicated that ABE could be served as the oxygenate in spark ignition engine due to its capability to improve energy efficiency and reduce pollutant emissions.
The Role of Serotonin in Concanavalin A-Induced Liver Injury in Mice
Authors: Pang Qing , Jin Hao , Ke Xiquan , Man Zhongran , Wang Yong , Tan Yi , Lu Zheng , Liu Huichun
Published: January 2020

Serotonin is involved in the pathological processes of several liver diseases via the regulation of inflammatory response and oxidative stress. We aimed to investigate the role of serotonin in Concanavalin A- (Con A-) induced acute liver injury (ALI). ALI was induced in C57B/6 wild-type (WT) mice and tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) knockout mice through tail vein injection of Con A (15 mg/kg body weight). Another group of TPH1 knockout ALI mice was supplied with 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) in advance to recover serotonin. The blood and liver tissues of mice were collected in all groups. Markedly increased serum levels of serotonin were identified after the injection of Con A. Increased serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and stronger hepatic tissue pathology were detected, suggesting that serotonin could mediate Con A-induced liver damage. Serotonin significantly facilitated the release of serum and intrahepatic inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-17A (IL-17A), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis-alpha (TNF-α), after the administration of Con A. In addition, serotonin significantly increased the intrahepatic levels of oxidative stress markers malonaldehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and nitric oxide (NO) and decreased antioxidant stress indicator glutathione (GSH) in Con A-treated mice. Additionally, serotonin promoted hepatocyte apoptosis and autophagy based on B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-asociated X protein (Bax), and Beclin-1 levels and TUNEL staining. More importantly, serotonin activated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and upregulated the hepatic expressions of high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1), toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4), and downstream molecules in Con A-mediated liver injury. Serotonin 2A receptor was upregulated in liver tissue after Con A injection, and serotonin 2A receptor antagonist Ketanserin protected against Con A-induced hepatitis. These results indicated that serotonin has the potential to aggravate Con A-induced ALI via the promotion of inflammatory response, oxidative stress injury, and hepatocyte apoptosis and the activation of hepatic HMGB1-TLR signaling pathway and serotonin 2A receptor.
Numerical Simulation Analysis of NPR Anchorage Monitoring of Bedding Rock Landslide in Open‐Pit Mine
Authors: Zhang Kai , Yang Xiaojie , Cui Xuebin , Wang Yong , Tao Zhigang
Published: January 2020

Nanfen open‐pit iron mine is the largest single open‐pit mine in Asia. Because of the lag of the extension project, the section has slowly spread in the shape of “V,” and disasters such as landslides occur frequently. In this study, first, the NPR anchor cable monitoring, which shows supernormal mechanical characteristics and can realize the monitoring and early warning target for the whole landslide process and early warning curve of bedding rock “2016‐1101 landslide” in the lower wall of Nanfen open‐pit mine, was analyzed, revealing the failure process of the bedding rock landslide and the force evolution characteristics of the NPR anchor cable. Then, based on the Fish language in FLAC3D and 3DEC software, the mechanical model of the NPR anchor cable was constructed, and numerical simulation was performed on the whole process of “16‐1101 landslide” induced by accumulation of old landslide body. The results of this study indicate that the stress monitoring curves and failure characteristics of the NPR anchor cables in the whole process of landslide by the two numerical simulation methods are basically consistent with the field measurement results, providing a theoretical and practical basis for the mechanistic analysis and numerical simulation of other similar slopes.
Detection and Localization of Early-Stage Multiple Brain Tumors Using a Hybrid Technique of Patch-Based Processing, k-means Clustering and Object Counting
Authors: Nasor Mohamed , Obaid Walid
Published: January 2020

Brain tumors are a major health problem that affect the lives of many people. These tumors are classified as benign or cancerous. The latter can be fatal if not properly diagnosed and treated. Therefore, the diagnosis of brain tumors at the early stages of their development can significantly improve the chances of patient’s full recovery after treatment. In addition to laboratory analyses, clinicians and surgeons extract information from medical images, recorded by various systems such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray, and computed tomography (CT). The extracted information is used to identify the essential characteristics of brain tumors (location, size, and type) in order to achieve an accurate diagnosis to determine the most appropriate treatment protocol. In this paper, we present an automated machine vision technique for the detection and localization of brain tumors in MRI images at their very early stages using a combination of k-means clustering, patch-based image processing, object counting, and tumor evaluation. The technique was tested on twenty real MRI images and was found to be capable of detecting multiple tumors in MRI images regardless of their intensity level variations, size, and location including those with very small sizes. In addition to its use for diagnosis, the technique can be integrated into automated treatment instruments and robotic surgery systems.
Comparative and Functional Genomic Resource for Mechanistic Studies of Human Blood Pressure–Associated Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms
Authors: Mishra Manoj K. , Liang Eugene Y. , Geurts Aron M. , Auer Paul W.L. , Liu Pengyuan , Rao Sridhar , Greene Andrew S. , Liang Mingyu , Liu Yong
Published: January 2020

The objective of the current study is to use comparative and functional genomic analysis to help to understand the biological mechanism mediating the effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on blood pressure. We mapped 26 585 SNPs that are in linkage disequilibrium with 1071 human blood pressure–associated sentinel SNPs to 9447 syntenic regions in the mouse genome. Approximately 21.8% of the 1071 linkage disequilibrium regions are located at least 10 kb from any protein-coding gene. Approximately 300 blood pressure–associated SNPs are expression quantitative trait loci for a few dozen known blood pressure physiology genes in tissues including specific kidney regions. Blood pressure–associated sentinel SNPs are significantly enriched for expression quantitative trait loci for blood pressure physiology genes compared with randomly selected SNPs (
P
<0.00023, Fisher exact test). Using a newly developed deep learning method and other methods, we identified SNPs that were predicted to influence the conservation of CTCF (CCCTC-binding factor) binding across cell types, transcription factor binding, mRNA splicing, or secondary structures of RNA including long noncoding RNA. The SNPs were more likely to be located in CTCF-binding regions than what would be expected from the whole genome (
P
=4.90×10
−7
, Pearson χ
2
test). One example synonymous SNP rs9337951 was predicted to influence the secondary structure of its host mRNA JCAD (junctional cadherin 5 associated) and was experimentally validated to influence JCAD protein expression. These findings provide an extensive comparative and functional genomic resource for developing experiments to test the functional significance of human blood pressure–associated SNPs in human cells and animal models.
Novel method for optimizing the dewatering rate of a coal-bed methane well
Authors: Lu Xiuqin , Wu Zhiqi , Li Xuefei , Zhang Chen , Wang Ning , Huang Mulian , Liu Zhengshuai , Cai Yidong
Published: January 2020

The reasonable dewatering rate in the single-phase water flow plays an essential role in pressure propagation and coal-bed methane production. However, current fluid velocity sensitivity experiments cannot provide an optimum dewatering rate for field coal-bed methane production. This study proposes a new method to optimize the dewatering rate for coal-bed methane wells by assuming the investigation distance reaches the well boundary when the bottom hole pressure declines to the critical desorption pressure. The effect of the stress sensitivity and fluid velocity sensitivity on pressure propagation was first simulated with COMSOL Multiphysics software. The results showed that the expansion area considering the stress sensitivity is shorter than that neglecting the stress sensitivity when the bottom hole pressure reached to the critical desorption pressure at 200 days. The expansion area with high dewatering rate will be shorter about 35 m than that with low dewatering rate at 200 days. The relationship between the maximum investigation distance and required time was established to optimize the dewatering rate by combining the pressure profile considering the influence of stress sensitivity with material balance equation. The new model indicates that the initial permeability, porosity, and cleat compressibility have an important effect on investigation distance. The simulation of these parameters’ sensitivity suggests that the bigger the ratio of initial permeability and porosity, the longer the investigation distance is, and the smaller the cleat compressibility is, the longer the expansion area is. According to this model, we need to take more than 600 days at 0.58 m/d constant dewatering rate to reach the maximum investigation distance of 0.67 mD initial permeability. This work can be conducive to choose reasonable dewatering rate in single-phase water flow for coal-bed methane well production.
Justifying Social Inequalities: The Role of Social Darwinism
Authors: Rudman Laurie A. , Saud Lina H.
Published: January 2020

Three studies supported a model whereby associations between ideologies that share roots in biological determinism and outcomes that reinforce inequality (based on gender, race, or class) were mediated by system justification beliefs (SJB). Outcomes included support for Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton as president (Study 1), justifying police brutality (Study 2), and support for a White House budget that slashed the social safety net to endow the wealthy with tax cuts (Study 3). These findings provoke a vital question: How do people deem unequal systems worthy of defense? Each study compared social Darwinism, social dominance orientation (SDO), and biological essentialism. We expected social Darwinism to account for the most variance in SJB because it provides both the rationale for social hierarchies (natural selection) and defends them as required for human welfare. This prediction was supported in each study. Implications for the psychology of legitimacy are discussed.
Rationality and coordination: Visualizing highway network in Sichuan, China
Authors: Sun Wenjie , Liu Sijing , Zhu LuLu , Li Guoqi
Published: January 2020

The highway network is considered to be an effective solution for reducing regional differences and promoting high-quality economic development. This study mapped Sichuan’s highway network on an equal per capita GDP cartogram and on an equal highway freight volumes cartogram, which can provide a unique perspective to recognize the rationality of highway layouts and its coordination relationship with the population and economic development. The research result indicates that highway layouts are seriously affected by the topographical and geologic conditions, and the population and level of economic development are key influencing factors. It also shows that the density of the highway network is still seriously inadequate in the vast mountain and plateau area.
Predictors of Overweight and Obesity in Childhood Cancer Survivors
Authors: Gance-Cleveland Bonnie , Linton Anna , Arbet Jaron , Stiller Debra , Sylvain Genevieve
Published: January 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the potential risk factors for overweight/obesity in survivors of childhood cancer. Design: A retrospective chart review of childhood cancer survivors ( N = 321) seen in a cancer survivor clinic was conducted to determine the strongest risks of overweight/obesity. Risk factors were as follows: age, race, gender, cancer diagnosis, body mass index at diagnosis, and treatment. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify risks of overweight/obesity while simultaneously adjusting for other patient factors. Findings: Data suggested that female cancer survivors, Hispanics, those with higher body mass index at diagnosis, and those with longer duration of treatment had greater odds of being overweight/obese. Conclusions: Many of the risk factors for overweight/obesity in childhood cancer survivors are consistent with the general population, and length of cancer treatment is unique to this population. Implications for Nursing: Findings from this study will inform care for childhood cancer survivors to improve long-term cardiovascular health.
Analysis of low damping ratios in multi-exciter stationary non-Gaussian random vibration control
Authors: Zheng Ronghui , Chen Huaihai , Qin Min , Angeli Andrea , Vandepitte Dirk
Published: January 2020

This article investigates the influence of low damping ratios on the performance of the multi-exciter stationary non-Gaussian random vibration control system. The basic theory of the multi-exciter stationary non-Gaussian random vibration method is reviewed first, and then the influences of low damping ratios on multi-output spectra and kurtoses are analyzed. The low damping ratios cause an ill-conditioned problem which will make the drive spectral matrix solution inaccurate; thus, some spectral lines located at resonance peaks in the response spectra cannot be modified within the preset tolerances by the control algorithms. The regularization method is used to alleviate the calculation error. The output kurtoses are dependent not only on the characteristics of the system but also on the input signals. It is found that the kurtosis control will be intractable if the damping ratios are very low. A two-input two-output cantilever beam simulation example is described to illustrate the analysis results.
Differentiating Symptoms of ADHD in Preschoolers: The Role of Emotion Regulation and Executive Function
Authors: Landis Taylor D. , Garcia Alexis M. , Hart Katie C. , Graziano Paulo A.
Published: January 2020

Objective: This study examined the extent to which individual differences in executive function (EF) and emotion regulation (ER) were uniquely associated with inattention and hyperactivity symptoms of ADHD, respectively. Method: Participants included 249 preschool children with at-risk or clinically elevated levels of externalizing behavior problems (EBPs). Results: Regression analyses were conducted examining the association between EF and ER—as reported by parents/teachers and assessed via child task performance—and hyperactivity and inattention. Even after accounting for IQ, age, sex, and severity of oppositional defiant disorder, greater levels of parent/teacher-reported EF problems and worse EF performance were associated with greater inattention. In addition, better observed ER was associated with lower inattention. Conversely, greater levels of parent/teacher-reported EF problems and worse parent/teacher-reported ER were associated with greater hyperactivity. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that underlying deficits in EF and ER do differentially relate to ADHD symptoms.
First Australians using mediatisation to preserve, maintain and promote cultural heritage
Authors: Robinson Keith Christopher
Published: January 2020

This article offers an insight into the relationships between deep mediatisation and the preservation, maintenance and promotion of First Australian cultural heritage by exploring three related themes. First, it provides an up-to-date analysis of the theory of mediatisation from a theoretical perspective, including the leading research and methodological perceptions of mediatisation. Second, it highlights First Australian creativity and innovation in their adoption of new media technologies, using the frameworks of mediatisation to establish sustainable new revenue streams in the global digital economy. Finally, it discusses how mediatisation helps to promote and strengthen community connections by focusing attention on social and cultural affairs in a First Australian context.
Improving the stiffness of the aerostatic thrust bearing by using a restrictor with multi-orifice series
Authors: Zheng Yueqing , Yang Guangwei , Cui Hailong , Hou Yu
Published: January 2020

To improve the stiffness of the orifice-type aerostatic bearing, a new construction of orifice restrictor with multiple orifices in series was proposed to enhance the restriction effect. The restriction effects of the restrictors with multiple orifices in series were studied numerically. Based on a circular aerostatic thrust bearing with a central feedhole, the effect of the bearing stiffness improved by the restrictors with multiple orifices in series was studied. The results show that the aerostatic bearing with the restrictors with multiple sub-orifices in series shows higher maximal bearing stiffness than the bearing with traditional simple orifice restrictor. For example, the maximal stiffness for aerostatic bearing with the restrictor of four sub-orifices in series is 57 N/µm, which is ∼11% larger than that of the bearing with simple orifice. With this construction, the restriction effect of the orifice restrictor can be enhanced by increasing the number of the sub-orifices, instead of decreasing the aperture of the orifice. This approach avoids the difficulty of manufacturing the orifice restrictor with too small aperture for achieving a high restriction effect. The feasibility of the restrictor with multiple sub-orifices in series proposed in this paper was verified with experimental studies.
Multiple rib fractures: A novel and prognostic CT-based classification system
Authors: Simpson Rosalind B , Dorman Jessica R , Hunt William J , Edwards John G
Published: January 2020

Background

The accepted classification for multiple rib fractures is binary: flail chest or not. There is a wide spectrum of morphology with subsequent variation in the impact on chest wall mechanics and clinical outcomes. As the practice of surgical stabilisation of rib fractures evolves, there is a need for a better taxonomy. The aim of this study was to create a data-driven radiological classification system for multiple rib fractures, prognostic of both complications and surgical stabilisation of rib fracture.

Methods

The radiological pattern of injury was assessed for cases undergoing surgical stabilisation of rib fracture (n = 48) over a five-year period and a consecutive sample of non-operative controls (n = 48). Every rib fracture (n = 1032) was assessed on CT scans for location, displacement and comminution. An iterative classification system was developed and tested for inter-observer agreement and outcome prediction.

Results

The fractures occurred in a ‘series’ (≥3 consecutive ribs at a similar location) in 72% of cases: these were more likely to be displaced (p < 0.001). Variables included in the classification were the anatomical pattern (presence, length and overlap of series) and degree of displacement. The classification was prognostic for complications (p < 0.001), discriminated for fixation (C = 0.907) and had acceptable inter-observer agreement (k = 0.50).

Conclusions

The Sheffield Multiple Rib Fracture Classification derived categories of short/long series, and short/long flail chest, with sub-division according to the presence of displacement. It was prognostic for clinical outcomes and of surgical fixation. It may facilitate communication, comparison of outcomes and selection for management protocols.
Neural stem cell-derived exosomes facilitate spinal cord functional recovery after injury by promoting angiogenesis
Authors: Zhong Dong , Cao Yong , Li Cheng-Jun , Li Miao , Rong Zi-Jie , Jiang Liyuan , Guo Zhu , Lu Hong-Bin , Hu Jian-Zhong
Published: January 2020

Acute traumatic spinal cord injury is a devastating event without effective therapeutic approach. The feeble plasticity of spinal cord microvascular endothelial cells (SCMECs) after trauma is one of the major causes for the exacerbation of spinal cord injury. Therefore, improving the plasticity and regeneration of SCMECs is crucial to promote recovery after spinal cord injury. For the present study, we explored the influence of exosomes derived from neural stem cells (NSCs-Exos) on the spinal cord microvascular regeneration after spinal cord injury and determined the underlying mechanisms. After the primary NSCs and SCMECs were extracted, exosomes were isolated from NSCs conditioned medium and used to co-incubated with the SCMECs in vitro, and then the effect of exosomes on the angiogenic activities of SCMECs was measured. The candidate molecules involved in the NSCs-Exos-mediated angiogenesis were screened using Western blotting. The effect of NSCs-Exos on angiogenesis and spinal cord functional recovery after injury in vivo was analyzed. The results demonstrated that NSCs-Exos could enhance the angiogenic activities of SCMECs, and were highly enriched in VEGF-A. The level of VEGF-A was downregulated in NSCsshVEGF-A-Exos and the pro-angiogenic effects on cocultured SCMECs were inhibited. Furthermore, NSCs-Exos significantly accelerated the microvascular regeneration, reduced the spinal cord cavity, and improved the Basso mouse scale scores in spinal cord injury mice. This work provides the evidence of the underlying mechanism of NSCs-Exos-mediated angiogenesis and suggests a novel therapeutic target for spinal cord injury.

Impact statement

The feeble plasticity of SCMECs after trauma is one of the major causes for the exacerbation of SCI. Therefore, improving the regeneration ability of SCMECs is crucial to promote spinal cord functional recovery after injury. Our current study uncovered that NSCs-Exos could promote SCMECs migration, tube formation and proliferation in vitro, and further identified that exosomal VEGF-A mediated the pro-angiogenic effect. Furthermore, we observed a remarkable microvascular density increase, spinal cord cavity shrinkage, and motor function recovery in SCI mice treated with NSCs-Exos, which confirmed the therapeutic effects of NSCs-Exos to alleviate SCI. Downregulating VEGF-A partially abolished these effects of NSCs-Exos. This is the first study to reveal that NSCs-Exos has the pro-angiogenic effect on SCMECs by transferring VEGF-A and promote microvascular regeneration and tissue healing, indicating that NSCs-Exos can become a promising therapeutic bioagent for facilitating the functional recovery of SCI.
Implementation of a Spine-Centered Care Pathway at a Regional Academic Spine Center
Authors: Ghobrial George M. , Wilson Jefferson , Franco Daniel , Vogl Kristen , Vaccaro Alexander R. , Harrop James S.
Published: January 2020

Study Design:

Retrospective case series.

Objective:

To describe the early implementation of an inpatient spinal surgery unit and measure the impact on cost and length of stay (LOS).

Methods:

A retrospective case review was performed for frequent spine-related diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) cared for by a dedicated multidisciplinary team: combined anterior/posterior (AP) spinal fusion with major complicating or comorbid condition (MCC), combined (AP) spinal fusion with CC, combined (AP) spinal fusion without complicating or comorbid (CC)/MCC, cervical spinal fusion with MCC, cervical spinal fusion with CC, and cervical spinal fusion without CC/MCC. Four time periods were compared: historical control, initial pathway implementation, full pathway implementation, and spine unit opening. Mean hospital LOS, mean and median total costs (USD), and ratio of costs-to-charges were analyzed.

Results:

The number of spine cases per interim ranged from 219 to 258. The mean overall hospital LOS and mean cost varied from 3.8 to 4.3 days for all DRGs across the time periods and was not significant. Cost also did not vary significantly throughout. Median variable cost per anterior/posterior spinal fusion procedure with a CC or MCC declined by 16 311, first with the institution of a spine pathway protocol by USD8738 and then USD7423 with the establishment of a spine care unit but did not reach significance.

Conclusions:

The use of a standardized, inpatient spine care pathway implemented by a multidisciplinary team may reduce the hospital length of stay and decrease overall costs.
Preoperative Maximization to Reduce Complications in Spinal Surgery
Authors: Maitra Sukanta , Mikhail Christopher , Cho Samuel K. , Daubs Michael D.
Published: January 2020

Study design:

Invited narrative review.

Objectives:

The aim of this review was to summarize current literature regarding risk factors that surgeons can optimize in the preoperative setting in the spinal surgery patient, in order to reduce complications and improve patient-reported outcomes.

Methods:

Review of the relevant literature by the authors.

Results:

Modifiable risk factors identified relative to the patient include obesity, malnutrition/nutrient deficiency, diabetes/hyperglycemia, preoperative anemia, vitamin D/DEXA (dual-energy radiograph absorptiometry), nicotine use/smoking, and opioid use/psychosocial factors.

Conclusion:

By maximizing a patient’s physiological and psychological status prior to elective spine surgery, we may move closer to achieving the goals of value-based care: improving patient-reported outcomes while decreasing the cost of care.
Clinical response to larotrectinib in adult Philadelphia chromosome–like ALL with cryptic ETV6-NTRK3 rearrangement
Authors: Nardi Valentina , Ku Nora , Frigault Matthew J. , Dubuc Adrian M. , Tsai Harrison Kwei , Amrein Philip C. , Hobbs Gabriela S. , Brunner Andrew M. , Narayan Rupa , Burke Meghan E. , Foster Julia , Dal Cin Paola , Maus Marcela V. , Fathi Amir T. , Hock Hanno
Published: January 2020

Key Points

Larotrectinib has clinical activity in adult Ph-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia with ETV6-NTRK3 rearrangements. ETV6-NTRK3 rearrangements can be cryptic and subclonal in Ph-like ALL at diagnosis and selected for with aggressive therapy.
Prevalence and associated risk factors of human intestinal parasitic infections: a population-based study in the southeast of Kerman province, southeastern Iran
Authors: Abbaszadeh Afshar Mohammad Javad , Barkhori Mehni Maryam , Rezaeian Mostafa , Mohebali Mehdi , Baigi Vali , Amiri Somayeh , Amirshekari Mohammad Bagher , Hamidinia Ruhollah , Samimi Mohammad
Published: January 2020

Background

Determination of the prevalence and distribution pattern of intestinal parasites is a fundamental step to set up an effective control program to improve the health status. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among inhabitants of Rudbar-e Jonub county, southeast of Kerman province, southeastern Iran.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 861 stool specimens were collected from inhabitants of Rudbar-e Jonub county through a multistage cluster sampling method in 2018. The collected specimens were examined by parasitological methods including, direct wet-mounting (for the fresh specimens with a watery consistency), formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation and agar plate culture.

Results

The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 34.2% (95% CI 30.1 to 38.2). The prevalence of protozoan parasites 32.3% (95% CI 28.4 to 36.5) was significantly higher than helminthic parasites 3.2% (95% CI 2.1 to 4.7).Blastocystis sp.(13.3%),Entamoeba coli(11.4%) andGiardia lamblia(10.6%) as protozoan parasite andHymenolepis nana(2.4%) as helminthic parasite were the most common detected intestinal parasites in the study.Entamoeba histolytica/dispar(1.5%),Iodamoeba bütschlii(1.0%),Chilomastix mesnili(0.5%),Entamoeba hartmanni(0.4%),Enterobius vermicularis(0.3%) andAscaris lambercoides(0.3%) were other detected parasites. Multiple logistic regression revealed a significant association of intestinal parasitic infections with source of drinking water and residency status (rural/urban). Multiple infections with 2 or 3 parasitic agents constituted 22.7% of 295 infected cases.

Conclusions

This study revealed a high prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections among inhabitants of Rudbar-e Jonub county. Intestinal parasites especially protozoans remain a challenging public health problem wherever sanitation and health measures are limited in Iran.
Dietary practices and associated factors among pregnant women in West Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Demilew Yeshalem Mulugeta , Alene Getu Degu , Belachew Tefera
Published: January 2020

Background

The optimal dietary practice is a critical requisite for maternal nutrition. However, the majority of Ethiopian pregnant women have inadequate nutrient intakes. These may be due to their poor dietary habits. Identifying factors affecting the dietary practices of pregnant women is crucial to design appropriate interventions. In this country, the dietary practices of pregnant women and determinants are not well studied. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the dietary practices and associated factors among pregnant women in West Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 712 pregnant women from May to August 2018. Quantitative data complemented with a qualitative method. Pregnant women were selected using a cluster sampling technique. Structured questionnaires were utilized for data collection. Data were entered into Epi-Info version 7.2.2 and exported to SPSS version 23 software for analysis. Data were described using frequencies and mean. A logistic regression analysis was done.

Three focus group discussions and 17 key-informant interviews were conducted for the qualitative data. Focus group discussion participants were mothers, husbands, and health professionals. Typical case and homogeneous sampling techniques were used for the key-informant interviews and focus group discussions, respectively. Thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data.

Results

Only 19.9% of respondents had appropriate dietary practices. On the multivariable logistic regression analyses, being food secure [AOR = 2.25, 95% CI: (1.1, 4.5)], having high edible crop production [AOR = 2.00, 95% CI: (1.2, 3.2)] and a favorable attitude [AOR = 1.69, 95% CI: (1.1, 2.6)] were significantly associated with the appropriate dietary practices of pregnant women. In the qualitative study, lack of knowledge on maternal diet, cultural prohibition, and knowledge gap of the professionals were barriers that interfere with dietary practices during pregnancy.

Conclusion

Pregnant women in the study area are found to have suboptimal dietary practices. Therefore, health professionals should give regular nutrition counseling using cards and role models for promoting diversified food production and consumption.