bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharyngeal reconstruction by anterolateral thigh flap with vastus lateralis muscle transfer for effective swallowing after total glossolaryngectomy: A case report
Authors: Kadota Hideki , Kamizono Kenichi , Yoshida Sei , Hanada Masuo , Inatomi Yusuke , Fukushima Seita , Nakashima Torahiko , Yasumatsu Ryuji , Nakagawa Takashi
Published: March 2019

Background

We report a novel reconstruction technique that maintained effective swallowing after total glossolaryngectomy (TGL) by restoring pharyngeal constriction using a vascularized vastus lateralis muscle transfer.

Methods

A 65‐year‐old male with recurrent tongue cancer underwent TGL and anterolateral thigh flap reconstruction with the vastus lateralis muscle. The bilateral cut ends of the remaining posterior pharyngeal wall constrictor muscle were sutured to the transferred vastus lateralis muscle so that the two muscles encircled the reconstructed pharynx. The femoral nerve of the vastus lateralis muscle was coapted to the hypoglossal nerve.

Results

Videofluorographic examination showed the contrast bolus flowing smoothly with little assistance from gravity. Laryngoscopic examination showed circumferential constriction of the reconstructed pharynx. The patient could swallow soft food without placing the bolus in his posterior oral cavity or drinking simultaneously.

Conclusion

The restoration of pharyngeal constriction introduces the possibility of functional swallowing in patients after TGL.
Adipose‐Specific Lipin‐1 Overexpression Renders Hepatic Ferroptosis and Exacerbates Alcoholic Steatohepatitis in Mice
Authors: Zhou Zhou , Ye Ting Jie , Bonavita Gregory , Daniels Michael , Kainrad Noah , Jogasuria Alvin , You Min
Published: March 2019

Lipin‐1 is a Mg2+‐dependent phosphatidic acid phosphohydrolase involved in the generation of diacylglycerol during synthesis of phospholipids and triglycerides. Ethanol‐mediated inhibitory effects on adipose‐specific lipin‐1 expression were associated with experimental steatohepatitis in rodents. In the present study, using an adipose‐specific lipin‐1 overexpression transgenic (Lpin1‐Tg) mouse model, we tested a hypothesis that adipose‐specific lipin‐1 overexpression in mice might dampen ethanol‐induced liver damage. Experimental alcoholic steatohepatitis was induced by pair‐feeding ethanol to Lpin1‐Tg and wild‐type (WT) mice using the chronic‐plus‐binge ethanol feeding protocol. Unexpectedly, following the chronic‐plus‐binge ethanol challenge, Lpin1‐Tg mice exhibited much more pronounced steatosis, exacerbated inflammation, augmented elevation of serum liver enzymes, hepatobiliary damage, and fibrogenic responses compared with the WT mice. Mechanistically, overexpression of adipose lipin‐1 in mice facilitated the onset of hepatic ferroptosis, which is an iron‐dependent form of cell death, and subsequently induced ferroptotic liver damage in mice under ethanol exposure. Concurrently, adipose lipin‐1 overexpression induced defective adiponectin signaling pathways in ethanol‐fed mice. Conclusion: We identified ferroptosis as a mechanism in mediating the detrimental effects of adipose‐specific lipin‐1 overexpression in mice under chronic‐plus‐binge ethanol exposure. Our present study sheds light on potential therapeutic approaches for the prevention and treatment of human alcoholic steatohepatitis.
Conceptualising upcoming Chinese bank insolvency law: Cross‐border issues
Authors: Guo Shuai
Published: March 2019

This paper examines the cross‐border effectiveness of bank resolution measures in the context of current and soon‐to‐be revised Chinese bank insolvency legislation, that is, the Bank Resolution Regulation. The general framework is regulated in the Chinese Enterprise Bankruptcy Law. With regard to the outgoing effects of Chinese bank resolution measures, the ultimate decision is in the hands of China's counterparts. However, it is proposed that the contractual approach could be a solution to enhance legal certainty. On the other hand, the incoming effectiveness of foreign resolution measures has to be firstly recognised in China. Three major tests in terms of recognition and enforcement are international agreement, reciprocity, and public policy exception. These criteria should be interpreted against the background of emerging international regime for bank resolution and latest development in the Chinese legal community.
Performing Ideologies: Fostering Raciolinguistic Literacies Through Role‐Play in a High School English Classroom
Authors: Seltzer Kate
Published: March 2019

The author describes a literacy activity that took place in an 11th‐grade English language arts classroom: student‐created role‐play. Through a discussion of two such role‐plays, the author explores how these performances illustrate students’ engagement with raciolinguistic ideologies that marginalize certain speakers through the simultaneous processes of being seen and heard through deficit perspectives. Students collaboratively designed role‐plays that demonstrated their understandings of how their language practices were (mis)heard by linguistic gatekeepers. In analyzing these performances, the author shows how students creatively represented their grapplings with raciolinguistic ideologies and the white listening subjects who maintain them. The author discusses how educators can take a critical translingual approach to language and literacy classrooms, encouraging students—through multilingual, multimodal texts, writing assignments, and activities such as role‐play—to interrogate and disrupt such oppressive ideologies.
Dyadic connections in the context of group mentoring: A social network approach
Authors: Williams Joanna L. , Molloy Elreda Lauren , Henderson Lora J. , Deutsch Nancy L. , Lawrence Edith C.
Published: March 2019

Aims

The aim of this study was to examine how relational ties among all participants in a group mentoring program related to connections within assigned mentor–mentee dyads.

Methods

College student female mentors (n = 54) and middle school‐aged female mentees (
n = 65) in eight mentoring groups completed social network surveys on multiple occasions, rating all groupmates on connection and effort to reach out.

Results

Hierarchical linear models (participants nested in groups) revealed mentors who were rated as being highly connected to multiple mentees had stronger connections within their dyad. For mentees, high ratings on efforts to reach out to others related to the stronger dyadic connection. Mentees reported lower dyadic connection in groups with more segregation by role.

Conclusion

Results suggest group dynamics matter for one‐on‐one mentoring relationships, but how they matter differs by role. Implications for the use of social network analysis to assess complex settings are discussed.
Determinants of sense of community in congregations
Authors: Itzhaki Yael , Cnaan Ram A.
Published: March 2019

This study examined the contribution of personal aspects (i.e., self‐esteem and motivation to lead), social aspects (i.e., number of congregational friends and positive and negative societal conditional regard), and psychological aspects (feelings of loneliness) to the sense of community among congregational members. The study was conducted in Israel among 260 active synagogue members between the ages of 18 and 88 years old (mean = 32.91). Structural equation modeling indicated that social aspects made the most significant contribution to sense of community. A significant direct positive contribution of a number of congregational friends and societal conditional positive regard to sense of community was found. However, societal conditional negative regard made the highest negative direct contribution to sense of community, and motivation to lead made no contribution to sense of community. Self‐esteem made only an indirect positive contribution to sense of community via loneliness, and loneliness made a direct negative contribution to sense of community. Findings highlight the importance of the social aspect as a whole, and of societal conditional regard specifically, in understanding sense of community among congregational members.
Initial experience in synthesis of (2S,4R)‐4‐[18F]fluoroglutamine for clinical application
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhang Lifang , Yang Jianhua , Wu Zehui , Ploessl Karl , Zha Zhihao , Liu Fei , Xu Xiaoxia , Zhu Hua , Yang Zhi , Zhu Lin , Kung Hank F.
Published: March 2019

We report initial experience in synthesis of (2S,4R)‐4‐[18F]fluoroglutamine, [18F]FGln, which has been used as a tool for monitoring glutamine metabolism in cancer patients. [18F]FGln was prepared by a fully automated PET‐MF‐2V‐IT‐I synthesizer under GMP‐compliant conditions for routine clinical studies. The total radiosynthesis time was about 65 minutes, the decay‐corrected radiochemical yield was 18.0 ± 4.2% (n = 59; failure n = 15), and the radiochemical purity was greater than 90%. In some situations, the yields were low (less than 5%), and the most likely cause of this problem is the initial fluorination step; the fluoride ion might not have been fully activated. In other occasions, low final radiochemical purity was often associated with the failure of the second step—removal of protection groups by anhydrous trifluoroacetic acid. A trace amount of water led to production of undesired 4‐[18F]fluoroglutamic acid. Knowledge learned from the successes and failures of synthesis may be helpful to identify critical steps and pitfalls for preparation of this clinically useful metabolic probe, [18F]FGln, for imaging glutamine utilization in tumor of cancer patients.
Do sharks exhibit heterodonty by tooth position and over ontogeny? A comparison using elliptic Fourier analysis
Authors: Cullen Joshua A. , Marshall Christopher D.
Published: March 2019

Tooth morphology is often used to inform the feeding ecology of an organism as these structures are important to procure and process dietary resources. In sharks, differences in morphology may facilitate the capture and handling of prey with different physical properties. However, few studies have investigated differences in tooth morphology over ontogeny, throughout the jaws of a single species, or among species at multiple tooth positions. Bull (Carcharhinus leucas), blacktip (Carcharhinus limbatus), and bonnethead sharks (Sphyrna tiburo) are coastal predators that exhibit ontogenetic dietary shifts, but differ in their feeding ecologies. This study measured tooth morphology at six positions along the upper and lower jaws of each species using elliptic Fourier analysis to make comparisons within and among species over their ontogeny. Significant ontogenetic differences were detected at four of the six tooth positions in bull sharks, but only the posterior position on the lower jaw appeared to exhibit a functionally relevant shift in morphology. No ontogenetic changes in morphology were detected in blacktip or bonnethead sharks. Intraspecific comparisons found that most tooth positions significantly differed from one another across all species, but heterodonty was greatest in bull sharks. Additionally, interspecific comparisons found differences among all species at each tooth position except between bull and blacktip sharks at two positions. These morphological patterns within and among species may have implications for prey handling efficiency, as well as in providing insight for paleoichthyology studies and reevaluating heterodonty in sharks.
Semiautomatic carotid intraplaque hemorrhage volume measurement using 3D carotid MRI
Authors: Liu Jin , Sun Jie , Balu Niranjan , Ferguson Marina S. , Wang Jinnan , Kerwin William S. , Hippe Daniel S. , Wang Amy , Hatsukami Thomas S. , Yuan Chun
Published: March 2019

Background

Presence of intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) is a known risk factor for stroke and plaque progression. Accurate and reproducible measurement of IPH volume are required for further risk stratification.

Purpose

To develop a semiautomatic method to measure carotid IPH volume.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Patients scheduled for carotid endarterectomy and patients with 16–79% asymptomatic carotid stenosis by ultrasound.

Field Strength

3T.

Sequence

Simultaneous noncontrast angiography and intraplaque hemorrhage (SNAP) MRI.

Assessment

A semiautomated volumetric measurement of IPH using signal intensity thresholding of 3D SNAP volume was implemented. Fourteen carotid endarterectomy patients were enrolled to determine the signal intensity threshold of IPH using histology. Thirty‐three patients with 16–79% asymptomatic stenosis were scanned twice within 1 month to evaluate reproducibility. The normalized SNAP intensity with the highest Youden index for predicting IPH on histology was used for thresholding. Scan–rescan reproducibility of IPH measurement was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV).

Statistical Tests

Receiver operating characteristic curve, area under the curve, Cohen's kappa, intraclass correlation coefficient, coefficient of variance (CV), and paired t‐test.

Results

IPH detection by the algorithm had substantial agreement with manual review (kappa: 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.83, 1.00) and moderate agreement with histology (kappa: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.68). IPH volume measurements by the algorithm were strongly correlated with histology (Spearman's rho = 0.76, P = 0.002). IPH measurements were also reproducible, with ICCs of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.57, 0.96), 0.77 (95% CI: 0.32, 0.94), and 0.99 (95% CI: 0.93, 1.00) for maximum/mean normalized intensity and IPH volume, respectively. The corresponding CVs were 10.6%, 5.2%, and 11.8%.

Data Conclusion

IPH volume measurements on SNAP MRI are highly reproducible using semiautomatic measurement.

Level of Evidence 2

Technical Efficacy Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1055–1062.
Three‐dimensional turbo‐spin‐echo amide proton transfer‐weighted mri for cervical cancer: A preliminary study
Authors: He Yong‐Lan , Li Yuan , Lin Cheng‐Yu , Qi Ya‐Fei , Wang Xiaoqi , Zhou Hai‐Long , Yang Jun‐Jun , Xiang Yang , Xue Hua‐Dan , Jin Zheng‐Yu
Published: March 2019

Background

Amide proton transfer‐weighted (APTw) imaging has shown great potential in the diagnosis of cancer, but has yet not been well studied in cervical cancer.

Purpose

To evaluate the image quality and clinical feasibility of APTw MRI for cervical cancer.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

In all, 75 patients with cervical lesions and 49 healthy volunteers.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T, 3D turbo spin echo (TSE) APTw sequence.

Assessment

Three radiologists, blinded to the clinical data, independently evaluated APTw image quality with a 5‐point Likert scale on 64 patients with pathologically confirmed cervical cancer. APT values, calculated based on asymmetry of acquired Z‐spectrum with respect to water frequency, using 3D turbo spin echo volume acquisition with B0 correction, were independently measured by two radiologists, twice for each observer, on 52 cervical cancer lesions and 49 normal cervical stroma with a mean region of interest area of 638.6 mm2 and 557.5 mm2, respectively.

Statistical Tests

Interobserver agreement was evaluated by Kendall's W test. Intra‐ and interobserver interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were computed. Student's t‐test was used to compare the differences of APT values between cervical cancer and normal cervix; receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed.

Results

Most cases revealed good APTw image quality with excellent agreement (Kendall's W = 0.850, P < 0.001). APT values of cervical cancer and normal cervical stroma were 2.745 ± 0.065 and 1.853 ± 0.059, respectively, with a significant difference (P < 0.0001). Intraobserver ICCs were 0.963 and 0.960 for two readers. Interobserver ICC was 0.993. Area under the curve (AUC) for differentiating cervical cancer from normal cervical stroma was 0.927. The feasible threshold value for AUC was determined as 2.221 with sensitivity of 84.62% and specificity of 83.66%.

Data Conclusion

3D TSE APTw MRI is feasible in cervical cancer. Cervical cancer showed significantly higher APT values than normal cervix.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1318–1325.
Open Workplace Climate and LGB Employees' Psychological Experiences: The Roles of Self‐Concealment and Self‐Acceptance
Authors: Jiang Zhou , Wang Ying , Hu Xiaowen , Wang Zhongmin
Published: March 2019

This study explores how an environmental factor (i.e., a perceived open climate) shapes lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) employees' job satisfaction and job anxiety through the mediating role of self‐concealment. It also investigates the moderating role of self‐acceptance. Results from 315 LGB employees supported the conclusion that a perceived open climate for minority sexuality increased job satisfaction and decreased job anxiety. The open climate–job anxiety relationship was mediated by self‐concealment, and both stages of this mediation process were moderated by self‐acceptance. These findings offer useful insights for counselors and managers to help LGB individuals improve their workplace psychological experiences.
Home‐Based Exercise in Patients Awaiting Liver Transplantation: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Williams Felicity Rhian , Vallance Alice , Faulkner Thomas , Towey Jennifer , Durman Simon , Kyte Derek , Elsharkawy Ahmed Mohamed , Perera Thamara , Holt Andrew , Ferguson James , Lord Janet M. , Armstrong Matthew James
Published: March 2019

Frailty is associated with increased mortality both before and after liver transplantation (LT). There are no standardized exercise programs, in particular home‐based exercise programs (HBEPs), for patients awaiting LT. The aim was to investigate the feasibility of such a program in patients awaiting LT. Patients were randomly selected from the Birmingham LT waiting list and provided with a 12‐week HBEP, including average daily step (ADS) targets and twice‐weekly resistance exercises. Feasibility was based on patient eligibility (≥66% of waiting list), target recruitment (≥90% of n = 20), safety (no related serious adverse events), and adherence (≥66% adherence to 6‐week HBEP). Measures of aerobic (incremental shuttle walk test [ISWT], ADS), functional capacity (short physical performance battery test [SPPBT]), and health‐related quality of life (EuroQol 5‐Dimension 5‐Level (EQ‐5D‐5L) and hospital anxiety and depression score [HADS]) were taken at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks. 18 patients (50% male; median age, 55 years) were recruited. All domains of the study feasibility criteria were met. ISWT improved after 6 weeks (50 m; P ≤ 0.01) and 12 weeks (210 m; P ≤ 0.01), despite withdrawal of the telephone health calls. Similarly, improvements were seen in ADS (2700/day; P ≤ 0.01) and the SPPBT (2.5; P = 0.02) after 12 weeks. There was no difference in HADS (median difference [MD] –3; P = 0.69), but EQ‐5D‐5L after 12 weeks (17.5%; P = 0.04). In conclusion, a 12‐week HBEP, incorporating both easy‐to‐apply resistance and aerobic exercises, is safe and feasible in patients awaiting LT. Measures of aerobic and functional capacity demonstrate trends toward improvement that warrant further investigation in a randomized controlled trial.
NASH Is the Most Rapidly Growing Etiology for Acute‐on‐Chronic Liver Failure‐Related Hospitalization and Disease Burden in the United States: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Axley Page , Ahmed Zunirah , Arora Sumant , Haas Allen , Kuo Yong‐Fang , Kamath Patrick S. , Singal Ashwani K.
Published: March 2019

Acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) is characterized by multiple organ failure (OF) with high short‐term mortality. There is lack of population‐based data on trends on etiology specific ACLF related burden. National Inpatient Sample (2006‐2014) was queried using ICD‐09 codes for admissions with cirrhosis and ACLF (≥2 extrahepatic OF). Of 1,928,764 admissions for cirrhosis between 2006 and 2014, 112,174 (5.9%) had ACLF (4.5%, 1.2%, and 0.2% with ACLF 1, 2, and 3, respectively). The brain was the most common OF in 11.9%, followed by respiratory failure in 7.7%, cardiac failure in 6.3%, and renal failure in 5.6%. ACLF increased by 24% between 2006 and 2014 with a 63% increase in 179,104 patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) cirrhosis (3.5% to 5.7%); a 28% increase in patients with 429,306 alcoholic cirrhosis (5.6% to 7.2%); a 25% increase in patients with 1,091,053 with other etiologies (5.2% to 6.5%); and no significant change in 229,301 patients with viral hepatitis (VH) (4.0% to 4.1%). In‐hospital mortality was higher among ACLF patients compared with patients without ACLF (44% versus 4.7%; P < 0.0001). Each NASH‐related ACLF patient compared with other etiologies had a longer mean length of stay (14 versus 12 days), was associated with higher median total charges (US $151,196 versus US $134,597), and had more frequent use of dialysis (45% versus 36%) and longterm care (32% versus 26%; P < 0.0001 for all). Results remained similar in a subgroup analysis after including half of admissions with cryptogenic cirrhosis as NASH. In conclusion, NASH cirrhosis is the most rapidly growing indication for ACLF‐related hospitalization and use of hospital resources. In the setting of improved treatment options for chronic hepatitis, the health care burden of chronic viral‐related liver disease remains stable. Population‐based strategies are needed to reduce the health care burden of cirrhosis, particularly related to NASH.
Utah health system moving forward in suicide‐reduction efforts
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2019

Officials of a Utah‐based health care system say they are implementing a robust and strategic plan to address suicide‐prevention efforts across the state, with the support of mental health advocates, elected officials and gun owners.
N.J. agency partners with legal group to help SPMI patients
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2019

Noting that medical‐legal partnerships are being recognized and gaining traction as an effective and relatively low‐cost intervention to improve health outcomes, a New Jersey–based mental health organization and a public interest law agency have partnered to assist patients with a serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI) in need of legal assistance before they reach a crisis point.
The Acid/Base Profile of a Large Food Chemical Database
Authors: Santibáñez‐Morán Marisa G. , Rico‐Hidalgo Mariel P. , Manallack David T. , Medina‐Franco José L.
Published: March 2019

Molecular acid/base properties have a significant influence on membrane permeation, metabolism, absorption, and affinity for biological targets. In particular, ionizable groups are critical in the strength of target‐molecule interactions, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity. In this study, we estimated the acid/base properties of the food chemicals from FooDB, a public compound collection with more than 22,000 compounds. It was found that the food chemicals have 40.9 % of neutral compounds, which is twice as many as that found in approved drugs. The most common functional groups among the acid groups in the food chemicals were phenols (16.1 %), phosphates (17.3 %), and carboxylates (17.3 %) while the single‐base‐containing compounds were of less interest as they accounted for just 5.5 %. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic acid/base profiling of food chemicals and it is part of a continued effort to profile food chemicals for their broad interest in several areas such as nutrition and the food industry in general.
Glutamate diffusion in the rat brain in vivo under light and deep anesthesia conditions
Authors: Chen Xi , Tamang Siddartha M. , Du Fei , Ongur Dost
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Glutamate (Glu) is the most abundant neurotransmitter in the human central nervous system and glutamatergic neurotransmission has been implicated in many common and severe neuropsychiatric disorders. In vivo MRS techniques have been developed to measure brain Glu concentration to investigate the pathophysiology of various brain disorders. However, it is difficult to interpret Glu signal changes because Glu plays multiple roles in the brain and is found in multiple microenvironments including cytosolic, vesicular, and extracellular.

Methods

In vivo diffusion‐weighted MRS (DW‐MRS) with low to very high b‐values was performed on the rat prefrontal cortex at 9.4T under both light and deep anesthetic conditions to examine Glu diffusion properties.

Results

Significant alterations in Glu diffusion as well as reduced Glu concentration were observed under deep anesthesia compared with superficial anesthesia in the absence of similar changes in NAA or creatine.

Conclusion

The modifications in Glu diffusion under deep anesthesia might reflect changes in Glu microenvironment. The present work shows that Glu DW‐MRS could be an important tool to explore Glu physiology with changing levels of neuronal activity and synaptic function.
Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Discovery and Genetic Variation in YY-Male and Mixed-Sex Strains of Nile Tilapia Available in the United States
Authors: Delomas Thomas A , Gomelsky Boris , Vu Ninh , Campbell Matthew R , Novelo Noel D
Published: March 2019

The present study was focused on the discovery of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and measuring genetic variation in three YY-male and five mixed-sex Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus strains, which are available in the United States. We performed restriction site-associated DNA sequencing for SNP discovery and genotyping. Overall, 31,813 SNPs were identified and used to measure both intra- and interstrain genetic variation. Mean expected heterozygosity (He) ranged from a low of 0.084 in the Miami YY strain to a high of 0.222 in the Miami mixed-sex strain. Two of the three YY groups (Miami YY and Fishgen YY Red) had the lowest He values (0.084 and 0.085, respectively) and the second- and third-lowest observed heterozygosity (Ho) values (both Ho = 0.107). The number of private alleles varied from 90 to 3,795 in different strains and tended to increase with increasing He. Inbreeding, as measured by FIS, was found to be low in all populations, ranging from −0.060 ± 0.004 (mean ± SE) in the Fishgen YY Dark strain to 0.04 ± 0.0093 in the GIFT (Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia) strain; this indicates that the analyzed strains are currently being maintained with approximately random mating of individuals. Genetic differentiation between populations, as measured by pairwise FST, ranged from little differentiation (FST = 0.06 for the Ismailia Canal and GIFT strains) to strong differentiation (FST = 0.32 for the Miami YY and Lake Manzala strains). The discovered SNPs and quantification of genetic variation can be used for parentage determination and high-throughput pedigree reconstruction as well as for determining the optimal interstrain crosses to achieve heterosis.
Patients with Subacromial Pain Syndrome Present no Reduction of Shoulder Proprioception: A Matched Case‐Control Study
Authors: Gomes Bruno S.Q. , Coelho Vanessa K. , Terra Bruno S. , Bunn Priscila S. , Saragiotto Bruno T. , Ferreira Arthur S. , Nogueira Leandro A.C.
Published: March 2019

Background

Shoulder pain is common among patients with musculoskeletal pain and the prevalence of patients with subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) is high. Despite the high prevalence, there is a lack of an extensive evaluation of the proprioception acuity in patients with SAPS. Knowledge of the proprioceptive deficit would assist clinicians in the proper treatment and may offer an alternative explanation for the mechanisms underlying SAPS, which are poorly understood.

Objective

To compare the proprioceptive function of the shoulder in patients with SAPS and matched controls.

Study Design

Matched case‐control study.

Setting

Physical Functional Rehabilitation Service of an outpatient clinic.

Participants

A total of 32 consecutive patients with SAPS who sought physical therapy for shoulder pain and 32 healthy participants (control group) matched for age, sex, and handedness.

Interventions

All participants completed a questionnaire containing sociodemographic information, pain intensity and characteristics, the Numerical Pain Rating Scale, and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index.

Main Outcome Measurements

The proprioceptive assessment was performed through kinesthesia, passive joint position sense (PJPS), and the active joint position sense (AJPS).

Results

The groups showed no statistically significant differences in kinesthesia, PJPS, and AJPS for internal or external rotation. The proprioceptive acuity was not associated with pain intensity or functional disability in patients with SAPS.

Conclusions

Participants with SAPS did not present proprioceptive deficits in a pain‐free motion of medial and lateral rotation when compared to their matched controls. The proprioceptive deficit may not be involved with the mechanisms underlying SAPS and seems not to interfere with the clinical outcomes of patients with SAPS.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Effectiveness of High‐Intensity Interval Training for Fitness and Mobility Post Stroke: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wiener Joshua , McIntyre Amanda , Janssen Scott , Chow Jeffrey TY , Batey Cristina , Teasell Robert
Published: March 2019

Objective

To evaluate the evidence on the effectiveness of high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) in improving fitness and mobility post stroke.

Type

Systematic review.

Literature Survey

Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus were searched for articles published in English up to January 2018.

Methodology

Studies were included if the sample was adult human participants with stroke, the sample size was ≥3, and participants received >1 session of HIIT. Study and participant characteristics, treatment protocols, and results were extracted.

Synthesis

Six studies with a total of 140 participants met inclusion criteria: three randomized controlled trials and three pre‐post studies. HIIT protocols ranged 20 to 30 minutes per session, 2 to 5 times per week, and 2 to 8 weeks in total. HIIT was delivered on a treadmill in five studies and a stationary bicycle in one study. Regarding fitness measures, HIIT produced significant improvements in peak oxygen consumption compared to baseline, but the effect was not significant compared to moderate intensity continuous exercise (MICE). Regarding mobility measures, HIIT produced significant improvements on the 10‐Meter Walk Test (10MWT), 6‐Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Functional Ambulation Categories (FAC), Timed Up and Go Test, and Rivermead Motor Assessment compared to baseline. The effect of HIIT was significant compared to MICE on the 10MWT and FAC but not on the 6MWT or BBS.

Conclusions

There is preliminary evidence that HIIT may be an effective rehabilitation intervention for improving some aspects of cardiorespiratory fitness and mobility post stroke.

Level of Evidence

I.
Succulent plant diversity as natural capital
Authors: Grace Olwen M.
Published: March 2019

Societal Impact Statement

Drought‐tolerant plants are increasingly recognized as a resource to mitigate the consequences of climate change. Succulent plants use stored water to sustain metabolism during regular droughts; succulence is a highly successful adaptation that has evolved in thousands of species throughout the plant kingdom. Desert (xeromorphic) succulent species are a potentially relevant resource to manage environments and energy supply in the hottest and driest places. However, many species are threatened with extinction or could become invasive outside their natural range. This review highlights research needed to develop desert succulents as a sustainable resource in a carbon economy.

Drought and increased temperature of the Earth's surface pose significant social and economic challenges under the anticipated effects of climate change. The presence of a reservoir of water to sustain metabolism under drought conditions is a conceptually simple, but remarkably complex, adaptation in the plant kingdom known broadly as succulence. The trait has arisen repeatedly among flowering plant lineages: thousands of succulent species representing immense taxonomic diversity are found on all continents except the polar regions. The phylogenetic diversity and ecological adaptations of desert‐adapted (xeromorphic) succulent plants could be particularly relevant resources to meet the challenges of environmental change, in applications as varied as bioenergy, urban greening, and high‐value products. However, a more complex picture is emerging in which xeromorphic succulents endemic to arid and semi‐arid regions could be at risk of extinction due to habitat loss and exploitation, while others could become invasive if introduced outside their natural range, thus compounding an existing problem of invasive succulent plant species. This review aims to summarize the state of current knowledge of xeromorphic succulent plants as a resource, draw attention to conservation concerns, and examine the potential for their unique traits to be harnessed in a climate change‐resilient world.
Synthesis of bis‐Isoxazole‐bis‐Ethylene Dinitrate and bis‐Isoxazole‐tetra‐Ethylene Tetranitrate: Potential Energetic Plasticizers
Authors: Wingard Leah A. , Sausa Rosario C. , Guzmán Pablo E. , Pesce‐Rodriguez Rose , Sabatini Jesse , Drake Gregory W.
Published: March 2019

The syntheses and characterizations of two new energetic compounds based on a bis‐isoxazole scaffold are presented. The syntheses employ a metal‐free [3+2] cycloaddition of an alkyne and a nitrile oxide. In addition, we report the molecular structure of these compounds as determined by single crystal x‐ray diffractometry. Both materials have favourable sensitivity properties and low melting points. Their energetic properties indicate potential use as propellant plasticizers.
Dragging of Magnetic Domain Walls by Interlayer Exchange
Authors: Stier Martin , Erdmann Jennifer , Thorwart Michael
Published: March 2019

Magnetic domain walls can be moved by spin‐polarized currents due to spin‐transfer torques. This opens the possibility to use them in spintronic memory devices as, e.g., in racetrack storage. Naturally, in miniaturized devices domain walls can get very close to each other and affect each other's dynamics. In this work, two separated domain walls in different layers which interact via an interlayer exchange coupling have been considered. One of these walls is moved by a spin‐polarized current. Depending on several parameters as the current density, the interlayer coupling or the pinning potential, the combined dynamics of the two domain walls can change very strongly, allowing for, e.g., a correlated motion of the walls. In addition, a more subtle effect appears as a suppression of the Walker breakdown accompanied by an increase of the domain wall velocity.
Sensing up to 40 atm Using Pressure‐Sensitive Aero‐GaN
Authors: Dragoman Mircea , Ciobanu Vladimir , Shree Sindu , Dragoman Daniela , Braniste Tudor , Raevschi Simion , Dinescu Adrian , Sarua Andrei , Mishra Yogendra K. , Pugno Nicola , Adelung Rainer , Tiginyanu Ion
Published: March 2019

This work reports on the fabrication and characterization of a robust pressure sensor based on aero‐GaN. The ultraporous aeromaterial consists of GaN interconnected hollow micro‐tetrapods with the wall thickness of about 70 nm. The inner surface of hollow micro‐tetrapods contains an ultrathin film of ZnO genetically related to the sacrificial template used for epitaxial deposition of GaN. The pressure sensing measurements disclose a nearly linear dependence of the electrical conductance versus applied pressure up to 40 atm, a stable state signal being attained after an interval of about 10 s.
Decentralized tube‐based model predictive control of uncertain nonlinear multiagent systems
Authors: Nikou Alexandros , Dimarogonas Dimos V.
Published: March 2019

This paper addresses the problem of decentralized tube‐based nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) for a general class of uncertain nonlinear continuous‐time multiagent systems with additive and bounded disturbance. In particular, the problem of robust navigation of a multiagent system to predefined states of the workspace while using only local information is addressed under certain distance and control input constraints. We propose a decentralized feedback control protocol that consists of two terms: a nominal control input, which is computed online and is the outcome of a decentralized finite horizon optimal control problem that each agent solves at every sampling time, for its nominal system dynamics; and an additive state‐feedback law which is computed offline and guarantees that the real trajectories of each agent will belong to a hypertube centered along the nominal trajectory, for all times. The volume of the hypertube depends on the upper bound of the disturbances as well as the bounds of the derivatives of the dynamics. In addition, by introducing certain distance constraints, the proposed scheme guarantees that the initially connected agents remain connected for all times. Under standard assumptions that arise in nominal NMPC schemes, controllability assumptions, communication capabilities between the agents, it is guaranteed that the multiagent system is input‐to‐state stable with respect to the disturbances, for all initial conditions satisfying the state constraints. Simulation results verify the correctness of the proposed framework.
Pushing for speed or scope? Pharmaceutical lobbying and Food and Drug Administration drug review
Authors: Barber Benjamin , Diestre Luis
Published: March 2019

Research Summary

We argue firms implementing political activities face a fundamental trade‐off between the content and the speed of public officials' decisions. Firms can use their political capital to speed up public officials' decisions at the expense of less customized content, or to push for more tailored content at the expense of speed. How do firms respond to this trade‐off? We argue firms' nonmarket strategies are determined by their market environment: they will push for content or speed depending upon the level of competitive pressures they face in the market. In the presence of high market pressures, firms are more likely to push for speed; whereas firms facing low market pressures are more likely to push for customized content.

Managerial Summary

We show evidence of a trade‐off between content and speed in the political arena looking at Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug approvals: lobbying for broader drugs leads to longer revisions, whereas lobbying to speed up the review process leads to narrower drugs. We explore how firms respond to this trade‐off in a sample of 540 new drug applications to the FDA from 1998 to 2015. We show firms' lobbying strategies depend upon the level of intellectual property (IP) protection behind their drugs: firms with high levels of IP protection are more likely to lobby for drug scope, whereas firms with low levels of IP protection are more likely to lobby for revision speed.
Hierarchical Porous SWCNT Stringed Carbon Polyhedrons and PSS Threaded MOF Bilayer Membrane for Efficient Solar Vapor Generation
Authors: Ma Xu , Fang Wenzhang , Guo Yi , Li Zhuoyi , Chen Danke , Ying Wen , Xu Zhen , Gao Chao , Peng Xinsheng
Published: March 2019

Interfacial solar vapor generation is considered to be an efficient and eco‐friendly technology for harvesting solar energy and providing freshwater. However, the efficient and long‐term steady evaporation of seawater under 1 sun becomes a critical issue when it comes to practical applications. Based on this issue, a special double‐layer structure, which contains a metal–organic‐framework‐derived hierarchical porous carbon membrane (HPCM) for solar absorption and a polystyrene sulfonate (PSS)@Cu3(BTC)3•3H2O (HKUST‐1)/single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) (PHS) membrane for water supply and salt blocking, is designed in this work. The converted heat is utilized efficiently in situ to drive the evaporation of water‐trapped HPCM. The PHS membrane with PSS modified channels successfully prevents the deposition of salt. Due to the synergistic combination of the HPCM and PHS membranes, the device exhibits a remarkably high water evaporation rate of 1.38 kg m−2 h−1 and solar‐vapor generation efficiency of 90.8% under 1 sun.
Linear Pyrazole‐bridged Tetra(N‐heterocyclic carbene) Ligands and Their Hexanuclear Silver(I) Complexes
Authors: Resch Stefan G. , Dechert Sebastian , Meyer Franc
Published: March 2019

New hybrid ligands are reported that combine two types of popular donor groups within a single linear scaffold, viz., a central pyrazolate bridge and two appended bis(N‐heterocyclic carbene) units; the ligand strands thus provide two potentially tridentate {NCC} compartments. The pyrazole/tetraimidazolium proligands, [H5L1](PF6)4 and [H5L2](PF6)4, were synthesized via multi‐step protocols, and the NH prototropy of [H5L1](PF6)4 was examined by variable temperature (VT) NMR spectroscopy, giving solvent dependent activation parameters (ΔH‡ = 27.6 kJ·mol–1, ΔS‡ = –125 J·mol–1·K–1 in [D3]MeCN; ΔH‡ = 40.4 kJ·mol–1, ΔS‡ = –86.9 J·mol–1·K–1 in [D6]DMSO) that are in the range typical for pyrazoles. Reaction of the proligands with Ag2O gave hexametallic complexes [Ag6(L1)2](PF6)4 and [Ag6(L2)2](PF6)4 that involve all six potential donor atoms of the ligands, viz. the four CNHC and two Npz donors, in metal coordination. X‐ray crystallography revealed a chair‐like central {Ag6} deck in both complexes but different arrangements of the ligand strands, which goes along with significantly different AgI···AgI distances that indicate more pronounced argentophilic interactions in case of [Ag6(L1)2]4+.
Years of Life Lost for Older Patients After Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Mazzotti Federico , Cucchetti Alessandro , Claassen Yvette H. M. , Bos Amanda C. R. K. , Bastiaannet Esther , Ercolani Giorgio , Dekker Jan Willem T.
Published: March 2019

Background

An aging population combined with an increased colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence in the older population will increase its prevalence in the elderly, questioning how many years of life are lost (YLLs) in these patients.

Patients and methods

Data from 32,568 Dutch CRC patients ≥ 80 years were used to estimate the number of YLLs after diagnosis, using a reference age‐, sex‐ and year‐of‐onset‐matched cohort derived from national life tables. YLLs were additionally adjusted by comorbidities. Number needed to treat (NNT) was used as measure of surgical effect size.

Results

Surgery was applied in 74.9% of patients leading to 1.3 YLLs, being superior in 86.1% of cases with respect to alternative therapies (YLLs 4.8 years) and resulting in a number of two patients needed to operate to achieve one positive outcome. YLLs and NNTs depended on CRC stage, patient’ age and comorbidities. For Stage I–II patients in the best clinical conditions (80–85 years without comorbidities), YLLs increased up to 4.1 years after surgery and up to 8.8 years without surgery (NNT 3). For Stage III patients, the NNT of surgery varied between 2 when they were in the best clinical conditions and 4 when they were older with high comorbidities. In Stage IV patients, the NNT ranged between 6 and 31.

Conclusions

YLLs represents a novel approach to evaluate CRC prognosis. Stage I–III surgical patients can have a life expectancy similar to that of general population, being the NNT of surgery reasonably small compared with alternatives. Personalized comorbidity data are needed to confirm present findings.
Current concepts in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease; IL10/IL10R colitis as a model disease
Authors: Almana Yousef , Mohammed Reem
Published: March 2019

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a heterogeneous group of disorders composed mainly of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) and undetermined IBD. The peak incidence of occurrence is mainly beyond the pediatric age group. Recent knowledge about genetic factors had been strongly linked to pediatric IBD (PIBD). Recent advances in genomic technologies have prompted the identification of genetic defects underlying rare, very early-onset IBD (VEO-IBD) as a disease subgroup noted especially in populations with higher consanguinity rates. A better understanding of key players in the complex homeostasis of the immune system in the gut and illustrating the relationships between intestinal microbiome, systemic immune dysregulation and primary immunodeficiency have received growing recognition over the years. In this article, we provide a review of the key players of the immunity of the gut, compare between adult and pediatric IBD as an interesting module to investigate the relationship between monogenic and multifactorial/polygenic diseases, list genetic mutations confirmed to be linked to VEO IBD and summarize the scientific work that led to the discovery of one of the monogenic mutations related to infantile colitis, namely IL10 and IL10 receptor defects.
Near Eastern Landscapes and Declassified U2 Aerial Imagery
Authors: Hammer Emily , Ur Jason
Published: March 2019

Recently declassified photographs taken by U2 spy planes in the 1950s and 1960s provide an important new source of historical aerial imagery useful for Eurasian archaeology. Like other sources of historical imagery, U2 photos provide a window into the past, before modern agriculture and development destroyed many archaeological sites. U2 imagery is older and in many cases higher resolution than CORONA spy satellite imagery, the other major source of historical imagery for Eurasia, and thus can expand the range of archaeological sites and features that can be studied from an aerial perspective. However, there are significant barriers to finding and retrieving U2 imagery of particular locales, and archaeologists have thus not yet widely used it. In this article, we aim to reduce these barriers by describing the U2 photo dataset and how to access it. We also provide the first spatial index of U2 photos for the Middle East. A brief discussion of archaeological case studies drawn from U2 imagery illustrates its merits and limitations. These case studies include investigations of prehistoric mass-kill hunting traps in eastern Jordan, irrigation systems of the first millennium BC Neo-Assyrian Empire in northern Iraq, and twentieth-century marsh communities in southern Iraq.
Effects of expressive writing and use of cognitive words on meaning making and post-traumatic Growth
Authors: Zheng Lei , Lu Qian , Gan Yiqun
Published: March 2019

Expressive writing can enhance cognitive processing and improve stress regulation. Particularly, the use of cognitive words (i.e., insightful and causal words) in writing may be associated with the process of meaning making and promotion of post-traumatic growth (PTG). The aim of the present study was to determine how expressive writing and the use of causal and insightful cognitive words influenced meaning making and PTG during writing. In total, 52 traumatized university students were recruited and randomly assigned to one of two writing conditions involving either an expressive writing task or a neutral writing task. The results showed that participants who engaged in expressive (vs. neutral) writing showed higher scores on the presence of meaning and PTG in the post-writing, self-report questionnaires. Moreover, writing task (expressive or neutral) and frequency of causal and insightful cognitive words were both significant predictors of meaning, which in turn led to high levels of PTG. In conclusion, the use of causal and insightful words might be a fundamental cognitive process for developing meaning in writing, which is essential for our further understanding of meaning making and PTG.