bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional textiles for prevention of pressure ulcers – a review
Authors: Sikka Monica Puri , Garg Samridhi
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to summarize researches conducted related to functional textiles for prevention of pressure ulcers and critical analysis of the outcomes to pave path for the future research in this area for benefit of the patients. Pressure ulcers, also known as bed sores, pressure sores and decubitus ulcers, are localized areas of tissue damage that develop due to pressure usually over a bony prominence. A standard hospital mattress has an interface pressure of 100 mmHg which can result in pressure ulcers unless repositioning occurs at regular intervals. Moisture accumulation on the skin is an important physical factor predisposing a patient to the occurrence of pressure ulcers and tissue breakdown. The disability leads to several requirements of functional clothing and textile products. The textiles play a variety of roles in this concern, from simply having good aesthetic appearance to preventing life threatening risks. An ideal support surface prevents pressure ulcers by providing pressure redistribution and maintaining a healthy skin microenvironment. The use of the textiles for the care of elderly disabled and bedridden persons can play an important role, as their quality of life can be improved by making use of functional and good-looking textiles.

Design/methodology/approach

This review paper aims to summarize researches conducted related to functional textiles for prevention of pressure ulcers and critical analysis of the outcomes to pave path for the future research in this area for benefit of the patients.

Findings

In the past years, there have been several functional textiles developed for the prevention of pressure ulcer. They are designed to maintain proper microclimate around patient skin. Sheepskin is one of the oldest used bed overlays which prevent pressure ulcer but its prolonged use leads to uneasy feeling for the patient. A sensor in bed for pressure detection is one of the good alternatives as it provides proper indication on when to change the position of the patient so that the pressure can be shifted and ulcers is prevented. These sensors are costly and complex to setup so for common man they are not easily available. Multilayer textiles on the other hand are complex to make as the properties are dependent upon the fiber content, yarn structure, fabric structure and technique of layering them together. Spacer fabric provides good air and moisture permeability, but there is a scope to study this type of fabric by varying the fibers type and thickness of the spacer fabric. A bedding material which is not much complex and can be easily purchased and used by common man for in-house usage is the need of the hour.

Originality/value

There is no comprehensive review available regarding research in this area with critical analysis of the outcomes for future study.
Social capital, exploratory learning and exploitative learning in project-based firms: the mediating effect of collaborative environment
Authors: Sumanarathna Nipuni , Duodu Bismark , Rowlinson Steve
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The study aims to provide suggestions for project-based firms (PBFs) to create value through the development of social capital, collaborative environment and organisational learning (exploratory & exploitative learning). In this regard, a conceptual model is proposed that examines the interrelations between social capital, collaborative environment and exploratory & exploitative learning in the context of PBFs.

Design/methodology/approach

A semi-systematic literature review focussed on interrelations between social capital, exploratory & exploitative learning and collaborative environment was undertaken. Top ranked journals and highly relevant journal articles in the management domain were considered for the review. To analyse literature, the content analysis technique incorporating NVIVO 12 software was adopted.

Findings

Conceptual model suggests that social capital positively affects exploratory & exploitative learning through collaborative environment in PBFs. Three dimensions of social capital (network ties, trust and shared goals) create collaborative environment and collaborative environment enhances organisational learning in PBFs across different levels. Ultimately, social capital, collaborative environment and exploratory & exploitative learning contribute to value creation in PBFs.

Originality/value

Although the relationship between social capital and exploratory & exploitative learning has been researched previously, findings remain inconsistent. This study provides an alternative perspective to discuss this relationship with the proposed mediating construct: collaborative environment. Considering the context of PBFs, a conceptual model was developed to explain the interrelations between social capital, collaborative environment and learning. This study especially discusses collaborative environment as a value creation factor.
The digitalization in EMAS-registered organizations: evidences from Italy and Poland
Authors: Canestrino Rossella , Ćwiklicki Marek , Kafel Piotr , Wojnarowska Magdalena , Magliocca Pierpaolo
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate the scope of digitalization in the EMAS-registered organizations for better understanding its extent in environmental committed firms' activities.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis was employed to examine the environmental statements of the EMAS-registered organizations. About 60 Italian and Polish entities were selected from the EMAS database using simple random sampling method.

Findings

The article fills the gap in the theory of managing change in an environmental context, suggesting that the action plan for sustainable development does not meet the objectives of digitalization. Organizations registered in EMAS do not express a strong tendency to introduce ICT in the pursuit of environmental goals, which is contrary to the assumptions about the benefits of digitalization for sustainable development.

Research limitations/implications

The first limitation refers to the small size of the sample. Since environmental statements are always published in national languages, only two countries – Italy and Poland – were chosen for investigation. The use of national language hinders comparison, but the inclusion of more registered organizations could give additional explanations. Secondly, the content analysis would have benefited from the collection of additional source of information (webpages and company documentations), since many firms do not refer to digitalization in the environmental statements. Gathering primary data from managers explaining the motives behind their strategic environmental decisions could be also useful.

Practical implications

Giving the agreement about the environmental advantages of digitalization, this study offers to the practitioners the chance to catch new opportunities within the field of environmental sustainability by the employment of more integrated approach to digitalization.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to examine two dynamically developing areas, namely digitalization and environmental sustainability. This study enriches current knowledge about both areas, examining the level of digitalization of European high-environmental performing firms. In doing this, it reports lack of important use of digitalization in the action plans for environmental commitments in Polish and Italian EMAS-registered organizations.
Factors affecting the likelihood of a hospitalization following a diabetes‐related emergency department visit: A regional and urban‐rural analysis
Authors: Ferdinand Alva O. , Akinlotan Marvellous A. , Callaghan Timothy , Towne Samuel D. , Bolin Jane N.
Published: May 2020

Background

The objective of this study is to examine place‐based and individual‐level predictors of diabetes‐related hospitalizations that stem from emergency department (ED) visits.

Methods

We conducted a pooled cross‐sectional analysis of the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) for 2009 to 2014 to identify ED‐initiated hospitalizations that were driven by the need for diabetes care. The odds of an ED‐initiated diabetes‐related hospitalization were assessed for the United States as a whole and separately for each census region.

Results

Nationally, residents of noncore areas (odds ratio [OR] 1.10; CI 1.08, 1.12), the South (OR 8.03; CI 6.84, 9.42), Blacks (OR 2.49; CI 2.47, 2.52), Hispanics (OR 2.32; CI 2.29, 2.35), Asians or Pacific Islanders (OR 1.20; CI 1.16, 1.23), Native Americans (OR 2.18; CI 2.10, 2.27), and the uninsured (OR 2.14; CI 2.11, 2.27) were significantly more likely to experience an ED‐initiated hospitalization for diabetes care. Census region‐stratified models showed that noncore residents of the South (OR 1.17; CI 1.14, 1.20) and Midwest (OR 1.06; CI 1.02, 1.11) had higher odds of a diabetes‐related ED‐initiated hospitalization.

Conclusions

As continued efforts are made to reduce place‐based disparities in diabetes care and management, targeted focus should be placed on residents of noncore areas in the South and Midwest, racial and ethnic minorities, as well as the uninsured population.
Use of health and support services by people living with dementia in the community setting
Authors: Kalisch Ellett Lisa M. , Pratt Nicole L. , Nguyen Tuan A. , Roughead Elizabeth E.
Published: May 2020

Objective

To determine the access to and use of health‐care services by people with dementia in the community.

Methods

A retrospective cross‐sectional analysis of the Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) administrative claims data was conducted. Veterans and their spouses with one or more dementia claims between 1 January 2000 and 30 June 2016, who were aged ≥45 years at the time of the claim and who were still alive and living in the community on 30 June 2017, were included. We assessed the proportions of people with dementia who received medical, pharmacy and medicines, allied health services, and home care supports from 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017.

Results

A total of 10 171 people with dementia were included. They had a median age of 89 years, 60% were female, and 63% lived in a major city. Over the one‐year study period, 98% visited the GP and 99% had medicines dispensed at a pharmacy. Eighty‐two per cent saw a specialist, and 19% saw a geriatrician. Thirty‐one per cent received a DVA‐funded dose administration aid to support medication administration, and 19% received a home medicines review. Less than half had claims for occupational therapist services (48%), community nursing (48%), physiotherapists (41%) or dentist visits (33%). Fifty‐eight per cent received home care supports, for example domestic assistance.

Conclusions

Many people living with dementia in the community do not access all of the health‐care or support services available to them. Ensuring that people with dementia and their carers are supported to access the services available to assist them live in the community setting for as long as possible is important.
Midazolam microdosing applied in early clinical development for drug–drug interaction assessment
Authors: Wiebe Sabrina T. , Huennemeyer Andreas , Kadus Werner , Goettel Markus , Jambrecina Alen , Schultz Armin , Vinisko Richard , Schlieker Laura , Herich Lena , Mikus Gerd
Published: May 2020

Aims

We aimed to incorporate a pharmacologically inactive midazolam microdose into early clinical studies for the assessment of CYP3A drug–drug interaction liability.

Methods

Three early clinical studies were conducted with substances (Compounds A, B and C) which gave positive CYP3A perpetrator signals in vitro. A 75 μg dose of midazolam was administered alone (baseline CYP3A activity) followed by administration with the highest dose groups tested for each compound on Day 1/3 and Day 14 or Day 17. Midazolam exposure (AUC0–∞, Cmax) during administration with the test substances was compared to baseline data via an analysis of variance on log‐transformed data. Partial AUC2–4 ratios were also compared to AUC0–∞ ratios using linear regression on log‐transformed data.

Results

Test compound Cmax values exceeded relevant thresholds for drug–drug interaction liability. Midazolam concentrations were quantifiable over the full profiles for all subjects in all studies. Point estimates of the midazolam AUC0–∞ gMean ratios ranged from 108.3 to 127.1% for Compound A, from 93.3 to 114.5% for Compound B, and from 92.0 to 96.7% for the two highest dose groups of Compound C. Cmax gMean ratios were in the same range. Thus, no relevant drug–drug interactions were evident, based on the results of midazolam microdosing. AUC2–4 ratios from these studies were comparable to the AUC0–∞ ratios.

Conclusion

Midazolam microdosing incorporated into early clinical studies is a feasible tool for reducing dedicated drug–drug interaction studies, meaning reduced subject burden. Limited sampling could further reduce subject burden, costs and needed resources.
Antitumour peptide based on a protein derived from the horseshoe crab: CIGB‐552 a promising candidate for cancer therapy
Authors: Oliva Arguelles Brizaida , Riera‐Romo Mario , Guerra Vallespi Maribel
Published: May 2020

Peptide‐based cancer therapy has been of great interest due to the unique advantages of peptides, such as their low MW, the ability to specifically target tumour cells, easily available and low toxicity in normal tissues. Therefore, identifying and synthesizing novel peptides could provide a promising option for cancer patients. The antitumour second generation peptide, CIGB‐552 has been developed as a candidate for cancer therapy. Proteomic and genomic studies have identified the intracellular protein COMMD1 as the specific target of CIGB‐552. This peptide penetrates to the inside tumour cells to induce the proteasomal degradation of RelA, causing the termination of NF‐κB signalling. The antitumour activity of CIGB‐552 has been validated in vitro in different human cancer cell lines, as well as in vivo in syngeneic and xenograft tumour mouse models and in dogs with different types of cancers. The aim of this review is to present and discuss the experimental data obtained on the action of CIGB‐552, including its mechanism of action and its therapeutic potential in human chronic diseases. This peptide is already in phase I clinical trials as antineoplastic drug and has also possible application for other inflammatory and metabolic conditions.
Modelling the Soft Robot Kyma Based on Real‐Time Finite Element Method
Authors: Martin‐Barrio A. , Terrile S. , Diaz‐Carrasco M. , del Cerro J. , Barrientos A.
Published: May 2020

Modelling soft robots is a non‐trivial task since their behaviours rely on their morphology, materials and surrounding elements. These robots are very useful to safely interact with their environment and because of their inherent flexibility and adaptability skills. However, they are usually very hard to model because of their intrinsic non‐linearities. This fact presents a unique challenge in the computer graphics and simulation scopes. Current trends in these fields tend to narrow the gap between virtual and real environments. This work will explain a challenging modelling process for a cable‐driven soft robot called Kyma. For this purpose, the real‐time Finite Element Method (FEM) is applied using the Simulation Open Framework Architecture. And two methods are implemented and compared to optimize the model efficiency: a heuristic one and the Model Order Reduction. Both models are also validated with the real robot using a precise motion tracking system. Moreover, an analysis of robot–object interactions is proposed to test the compliance of the presented soft manipulator. As a result, the real‐time FEM emerges as a good solution to accurately and efficiently model the presented robot while also allowing to study the interactions with its environment.
STK24 modulates excitatory synaptic transmission in epileptic hippocampal neurons
Authors: Yang Juan , Jiang Qian , Yu Xinyuan , Xu Tao , Wang You , Deng Jing , Liu Yong , Chen Yangmei
Published: May 2020

Introduction

A large amount of literature has indicated that excitatory synaptic transmission plays a crucial role in epilepsy, but the detailed pathogenesis still needs to be clarified.

Methods

In the present study, we used samples from patients with temporal lobe epilepsy, pentylenetetrazole‐kindled mice, and Mg2+‐free‐induced epileptic cultured hippocampal neurons to detect the expression pattern of STK24. Then, the whole‐cell recording was carried out after STK24 overexpression in the Mg2+‐free‐induced epileptic cultured hippocampal neurons. In addition, coimmunoprecipitation was performed to detect the association between endogenous STK24 and main subunits of NMDARs and AMPARs in the hippocampus of PTZ‐kindled mice.

Results

Here, we reported that STK24 was specifically located in epileptic neurons of human and pentylenetetrazole‐kindled mice. Meanwhile, the expression of STK24 was significantly down‐regulated in these samples which are mentioned above. Besides, we found that the amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents was increased in STK24 overexpressed epileptic hippocampal cultured neurons, which means the excitatory synaptic transmission was changed. Moreover, the coimmunoprecipitation, which further supported the previous experiment, indicated an association between STK24 and the subunits of the NMDA receptor.

Conclusion

These findings expand our understanding of how STK24 involved in the excitatory synaptic transmission in epilepsy and lay a foundation for exploring the possibility of STK24 as a drug target.
Efforts of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation on cognitive spectrum: From explicit to implicit changes in the patients with Parkinson's disease for 1 year
Authors: You ZhiFei , Wu Yi‐ Ying , Wu Rong , Xu Zhi‐Xiang , Wu Xi , Wang Xiao‐Ping
Published: May 2020

Objective

To evaluate the cognitive function of Chinese patients with Parkinson's disease PD postsubthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN‐DBS).

Methods

Cognitive function was assessed by neuropsychological methods in PD patients. Twenty matched healthy persons served as normal controls. t test, analysis of variance, and chi‐square analysis were used to compare the difference among the groups. Reliable change index was utilized to analyze the changes in cognition from the individual level.

Results

(a) Improvement in motor function was significantly better after STN‐DBS (P < .01). (b) Notably, the increase error rates of implicit SRTT (serial reaction time task) was significantly higher after STN‐DBS as compared with the conservative therapy group (P = .03). (c) The decline of verbal fluency (explicit) was also significantly higher after STN‐DBS than that in the medication therapy group (P = .03). (d) In the explicit clock‐drawing test, scores had significantly improved after STN‐DBS (P = .04).

Conclusions

STN‐DBS as a neuromodulatory tool in the Chinese PD population not only improves motor symptoms but also cognitive function to a certain extent, such as the decline of executive function and verbal fluency. The explicit cognitive decline was significantly quicker than that in patients on medication therapy. The improvement of visiospatial function was also noted. Implicit memory impairment during the 1‐year follow‐up period was not observed.
Evaluation of the safety of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors for treating patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Wang Weihao , Zhang Lina , Pei Xiaobei , Pan Qi , Guo Lixin
Published: May 2020

Aim

To conduct an overall safety assessment of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT‐2) inhibitors used for the treatment of patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D), including ketoacidosis, genital infection, volume depletion, liver and kidney injury events, cardiovascular events, diarrhea and severe hypoglycaemia.

Materials and Methods

We searched three databases (Pubmed, Embase and the Cochrane Library) for randomized controlled trials that treated T1D by using SGLT‐2 inhibitors from 2000 to 5 March 2020.

Results

Of the 1653 articles identified that fit our search criteria, 22 studies included qualitative‐based results, eight of which were randomized clinical trials that included quantitative‐based results. Compared with the control group, the SGLT‐2 inhibitors treatment group was found to have had an increased incidence of ketoacidosis (P < .00001, OR 4.34, 95% CI [2.37, 7.96], I2 = 18%), events leading to discontinuation (P < .0001, OR 1.76, 95% CI [1.34, 2.31], I2 = 0%), genital infection (P < .00001, OR 3.64, 95% CI [2.82, 4.70], I2 = 0%), volume depletion (P = .006, OR 2.10, 95% CI [1.23, 3.59], I2 = 4%) and diarrhoea (P = .008, OR 1.64, 95% CI [1.14, 2.36], I2 = 0%). However, according to subgroup analysis, the risk of diarrhoea was dose‐related. The incidence of urinary tract infection, cardiovascular events, renal events, liver injury and fracture was not significantly different for the treatment group compared with the control group.

Conclusions

Despite showing some promise as a treatment approach, the application of SGLT‐2 inhibitors for patients with T1D should be considered with caution.
Freshwater crabs (Decapoda: Pseudothelphusidae) increase rates of leaf breakdown in a neotropical headwater stream
Authors: Yang Carol , Wenger Seth J. , Rugenski Amanda T. , Wehrtmann Ingo S. , Connelly Scott , Freeman Mary C.
Published: May 2020

Freshwater crabs are the largest macroconsumers in many neotropical headwater streams, but few studies have examined their roles in ecosystem processes such as leaf litter breakdown. As omnivorous macroconsumers, freshwater crabs affect multiple trophic levels. They may directly increase leaf breakdown through fragmentation and consumption or indirectly decrease breakdown by consuming other macroinvertebrates, including shredders and detritivores.

In a headwater stream in Monteverde, Costa Rica, we conducted an in‐stream experiment with 40 enclosures to quantify the effects of pseudothelphusid crabs on both leaf breakdown and macroinvertebrate colonisation of leaves. Half of the enclosures were randomly selected to contain two crabs (mean carapace width = 30 mm) and half were controls without crabs. We sampled mixed leaf packs from the enclosures on days 11, 19, 28, 34, and 42. We found the leaves of one species (Koanophyllon pittieri) almost completely decomposed by day 28 in both treatments (crab versus no crab). The other two leaf species (Meliosma idiopoda, Quercus brenesii) composed the remaining leaf mass at the end of the experiment.

At 42 days, enclosures with crabs had faster rates of leaf breakdown than those without crabs (with crabs: k = −0.020; without crabs: k = −0.016; p = 0.034). This suggests that the magnitude of direct leaf breakdown by crabs, due to fragmentation, consumption, or manipulation of leaves, was greater than any indirect effects on leaf breakdown via crab consumption of other leaf‐consuming species.

Macroinvertebrate composition based on taxa abundances or biomasses did not significantly differ between treatments (ANOSIM; p = 0.73 and p = 0.65, respectively). Shredder and detritivore abundances and biomasses increased significantly through time (ANOVA; p ≤ 0.001), but there was no evidence of an effect of crab presence (p > 0.2), nor were there significant interactions between crab presence and time (p > 0.3).

This is one of the first studies to quantify the effects of pseudothelphusid freshwater crabs on leaf breakdown rates. Our results suggest that these crabs can play a significant role in detrital processing in neotropical headwater streams. This study has also demonstrated that short‐term enclosure experiments are useful in measuring in‐stream effects of crab activity on leaf breakdown.
An invasive fish promotes invasive plants in Minnesota lakes
Authors: Larkin Daniel J. , Beck Marcus W. , Bajer Przemyslaw G.
Published: May 2020

Biological invasions can greatly alter ecological communities, affecting not only the diversity and abundance but also composition of invaded assemblages. This is because invaders’ impacts are mediated by characteristics of resident species: some may be highly sensitive to invader impacts while others are unaffected or even facilitated. In some cases, this can result in invasive species promoting further invasions; in particular, herbivory by introduced animals has been shown to disproportionately harm native plants, which can indirectly benefit non‐native plants. Here, we investigated whether such patterns emerged through the effects of an invasive fish species on lake plant communities.

Specifically, we tested whether invasion of Minnesota (U.S.A.) lakes by Cyprinus carpio (common carp), an omnivorous, benthivorous fish known to reduce abundance and richness of aquatic plants, differentially affected native versus non‐native plant species. We applied statistical models to a large, long‐term monitoring dataset (206 macrophyte taxa recorded in 913 lakes over a 20‐year time period) to test whether carp altered community composition, to identify which macrophyte species were most sensitive to carp and determine whether species characteristics predicted carp sensitivity, and to characterise consequences of carp invasion on lake‐level vegetation attributes.

We found that carp exerted strong selective pressure on community composition. Native macrophytes, those with a more aquatic growth form, and those considered less tolerant of disturbance (i.e. higher coefficients of conservatism) were more sensitive to carp. Conversely, no introduced macrophytes exhibited sensitivity to carp and all had higher probabilities of occurrence as carp abundance increased. The net effect of carp invasion was a shift toward less species‐rich plant communities characterised by more non‐native and disturbance‐tolerant species.

These results have several implications for conservation and management. First, they reinforce the need to prevent further spread of carp outside of their native range. Where carp have already established, their control should be incorporated into efforts to restore aquatic vegetation; this may be an essential step for recovering particular plant species of high conservation importance. Furthermore, reducing carp abundance could have ancillary benefits of reducing dominance by invasive plant species. Lastly, where carp cannot be eliminated, managers should target native macrophytes that are relatively tolerant of carp in shoreline plantings and other revegetation efforts.
Hemodialysis treatment in patients with severe electrolyte disorders: Management of hyperkalemia and hyponatremia
Authors: Pirklbauer Markus
Published: May 2020

Significant deviations of serum potassium and sodium levels are frequently observed in hospitalized patients and are both associated with increased all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality. The presence of acute or chronic renal failure facilitates the pathogenesis and complicates the clinical management. In the absence of reliable outcome data in the context of dialysis prescription, requirement of renal replacement therapy in patients with severe electrolyte disturbances constitutes a therapeutic challenge. Recommendations for intradialytic management are based on pathophysiologic reasoning and clinical observations only, and as such, heterogeneous and limited to expert opinion level. This article reviews current strategies for the management of severe hyperkalemia and hyponatremia in hemodialysis patients.
Erratum for modeling non‐isothermal crystallization in a BaO·2SiO2 glass
Authors: Van Hoesen D. C. , Xia Xinsheng , McKenzie Matthew E. , Kelton K. F.
Published: May 2020

The manuscript titled “Modeling nonisothermal crystallization in a BaO∙2SiO2 glass” contains two minor mistakes. This errata acknowledges and corrects the errors. The corrections clarify the details of the simulations performed in the original work and do not impact the results.
Prognostic implications of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia morphology in high‐risk patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Adduci Carmen , Boldini Francesca , Palano Francesca , Musumeci Beatrice , De Lucia Carmine , Russo Domitilla , Volpe Massimo , Autore Camillo , Francia Pietro
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The prognostic impact of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) morphology has never been explored in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). In a single‐center cohort of consecutive HCM patients implanted with an implanted cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD), we assessed NSVT morphology patterns and their prognostic implications.

Methods

A cohort of consecutive HCM patients implanted with an ICD was followed from ICD implantation to last follow‐up visit. Patients were assessed for NSVT as stored events in ICD memory. Ventricular tachycardias (VTs) were classified as monomorphic (MM) or polymorphic according to intracardiac electrogram morphology.

Results

One hundred nine consecutive HCM patients (68 males; mean age: 45 ± 17 years) composed the study population. During follow‐up (71 ± 48 months), 7 polymorphic NSVT in 4 patients and 370 MM NSVT in 42 patients were retrieved from ICD memory. Among patients with only MM NSVT, 19 (45%) had one morphology, 17 (41%) had two morphologies, 3 (7%) had three morphologies, and 3 (7%) had four morphologies. Patients with polymorphic NSVT had the highest risk of ICD interventions (HR, 5.04; 95% CI, 1.26‐20.19; P = .02). A stepwise increase of the risk of ICD interventions in patients with two, three, and four NSVT morphologies was observed. Out of 16 patients with both NSVT and ICD‐treated VTs, 13 (81%) had at least one ICD‐treated VT with the same morphology of a previous long‐lasting NSVT.

Conclusions

In high‐risk HCM patients, the occurrence of polymorphic NSVT and of NSVT with multiple morphologies carries a high risk for ICD interventions. Sustained VTs tend to recur with the same morphology of previous long‐lasting NSVTs.
Atrial tachycardia circuits include low voltage area from index atrial fibrillation ablation relationship between RF ablation lesion and AT
Authors: Kitamura Takeshi , Takigawa Masateru , Derval Nicolas , Denis Arnaud , Martin Ruairidh , Vlachos Konstantinos , Nakatani Yosuke , Frontera Antonio , Cheniti Ghassen , Martin Claire A. , Bourier Felix , Lam Anna , Duchateau Josselin , Pambrun Thomas , Sacher Frédéric , Cochet Hubert , Hocini Meleze , Haïssaguerre Michel , Jaïs Pierre
Published: May 2020

Background

No study to date has used high‐density mapping to investigate the relationship between prior radiofrequency (RF) lesions for persistent atrial fibrillation (PsAF) ablation and subsequent atrial tachycardias (ATs).

Methods

From 41 consecutive patients who underwent AT ablation at a second procedure using an ultrahigh‐density mapping system, 22 patients (38 ATs) were included as they also had complete maps with a multipolar catheter and three‐dimensional (3D) mapping system at the time of the first PsAF ablation procedure. We, therefore, compared voltage maps from the first AF ablation procedure to those from the subsequent AT ablation procedure, as well as the lesion sets used for AF ablation vs the activation patterns in AT during the second procedure.

Results

In the 38 ATs, 211 of 285 analyzed atrial areas displayed low voltage area (LVA) (74%). Eighteen percent (38/211) existed before the index ablation for AF while 82% (173/211) were newly identified as LVA during the second procedure. Ninety‐nine percent (172/173) of the newly developed LVA colocalized with RF lesions delivered for PsAF. Of the 38 ATs, 89.5% (34/38) AT circuits were associated with newly developed LVA due to RF lesions whilst 10.5% (4/38) AT circuits were associated with pre‐existing LVA observed at the index procedure. No AT circuit was completely independent from index RF lesions in this series.

Conclusions

Analysis of detailed 3D electroanatomical mapping demonstrates that most ATs after PsAF ablation are involving LVAs due to index RF lesions.
SNHG16/miR‐605‐3p/TRAF6/NF‐κB feedback loop regulates hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis
Authors: Hu Yi‐Lin , Feng Ying , Chen Yu‐Yan , Liu Jia‐Zhou , Su Yang , Li Peng , Huang Hua , Mao Qin‐Sheng , Xue Wan‐Jiang
Published: May 2020

The mechanism by which miR‐605‐3p regulates hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis has not been clarified. In this study, we found that miR‐605‐3p was down‐regulated in HCC and that low miR‐605‐3p expression was associated with tumour thrombus and tumour satellites. HCC patients with low miR‐605‐3p expression showed shorter overall survival and disease‐free survival after surgery. Overexpression of miR‐605‐3p inhibited epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and metastasis of HCC through NF‐κB signalling by directly inhibiting expression of TRAF6, while silencing of miR‐605‐3p had the opposite effect. We also found that SNHG16 directly bound to miR‐605‐3p as a competing endogenous RNA. Mechanistically, high expression of SNHG16 promoted binding to miR‐605‐3p and inhibited its activity, which led to up‐regulation of TRAF6 and sustained activation of the NF‐κB pathway, which in turn promoted epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and metastasis of HCC. TRAF6 increased SNHG16 promoter activity by activating NF‐κB, thereby promoting the transcriptional expression of SNHG16 and forming a positive feedback loop that aggravated HCC malignancy. Our findings reveal a mechanism for the sustained activation of the SNHG16/miR‐605‐3p/TRAF6/NF‐κB feedback loop in HCC and provide a potential target for a new HCC treatment strategy.
Plant cell totipotency: Insights into cellular reprogramming
Authors: Su Ying Hua , Tang Li Ping , Zhao Xiang Yu , Zhang Xian Sheng
Published: May 2020

Plant cells have a powerful capacity in their propagation to adapt to environmental change, given that a single plant cell can give rise to a whole plant via somatic embryogenesis without the need for fertilization. The reprogramming of somatic cells into totipotent cells is a critical step in somatic embryogenesis. This process can be induced by stimuli such as plant hormones, transcriptional regulators and stress. Here, we review current knowledge on how the identity of totipotent cells is determined and the stimuli required for reprogramming of somatic cells into totipotent cells. We highlight key molecular regulators and associated networks that control cell fate transition from somatic to totipotent cells. Finally, we pose several outstanding questions that should be addressed to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying plant cell totipotency.
Microglial lysophosphatidic acid promotes glioblastoma proliferation and migration via LPA1 receptor
Authors: Amaral Rackele F. , Geraldo Luiz H. M. , Einicker‐Lamas Marcelo , e Spohr Tania C. L. de S. , Mendes Fabio , Lima Flavia R. S.
Published: May 2020

Glioblastomas (GBMs) are highly aggressive primary brain tumors characterized by cellular heterogeneity, insensitivity to chemotherapy and poor patient survival. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a lysophospholipid that acts as a bioactive signaling molecule and plays important roles in diverse biological events during development and disease, including several cancer types. Microglial cells, the resident macrophages of the central nervous system, express high levels of Autotaxin (ATX,Enpp2), an enzyme that synthetizes LPA. Our study aimed to investigate the role of LPA on tumor growth and invasion in the context of microglia‐GBM interaction. First, through bioinformatics studies, patient data analysis demonstrated that more aggressive GBM expressed higher levels of ENPP2, which was also associated with worse patient prognosis with proneural GBM. Using GBM‐microglia co‐culture system we then demonstrated that GBM secreted factors were able to increase LPA1 and ATX in microglia, which could be further enhanced by hypoxia. On the other hand, interaction with microglial cells also increased ATX expression in GBM. Furthermore, microglial‐induced GBM proliferation and migration could be inhibited by pharmacological inhibition of LPA1, suggesting that microglial‐derived LPA could support tumor growth and invasion. Finally, increased LPA1 expression was observed in GBM comparing with other gliomas and could be also associated with worse patient survival. These results show for the first time a microglia‐GBM interaction through the LPA pathway with relevant implications for tumor progression. A better understanding of this interaction can lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies setting LPA as a potential target for GBM treatment.

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Commuting and migration
Authors: Brueckner Jan K. , Št'astná Lenka
Published: May 2020

This paper studies the connection between interregional commuting and interregional migration, using data from the Czech Republic. In principle, prior commuting could either raise or lower the propensity to migrate, depending on whether the existence of commuting alters the benefits of migration by more than it changes the costs. The Czech data, however, indicate that commuting raises the likelihood of migration overall and for nonelderly age groups. But for the elderly, the effect is the reverse, with prior commuting making migration less likely.
Transfer of repeated exposure cost via color–flavor associations
Authors: Qi Yuxuan , Zhao Hui , Wang Chujun , Wan Xiaoang
Published: May 2020

Two studies were conducted to examine whether more exposures to one attribute of a drink can lead to a decrease in the likability of another attribute of this drink. In Study 1, participants repeatedly imagined drinking a glass of colored beverage before rating the likability of certain drink flavors. The results revealed that more rounds of imagined consumption of a colored drink resulted in a decrease in the participants' liking of a color‐associated flavor. In Study 2, participants repeatedly drank the same flavored beverage without any visual cues before rating the likability of certain drink colors. The results revealed that more rounds of blindfolded consumption of a flavored drink resulted in a decrease in the participants' liking of a flavor‐associated color. Collectively, these results suggest that repeated exposure to one attribute of a drink caused a cost on the participants' preference on another attribute of this drink via color–flavor associations.

Practical applications

People tend to associate features across different senses, a phenomenon referred to as crossmodal correspondences. Many studies have demonstrated the positive effects of being congruent with these crossmodal correspondences, such as the facilitation on cognitive tasks or more positive evaluations of the stimuli. By contrast, the findings of the present study demonstrate the transfer of the repeated exposure cost on the participants' liking of drink products via color–flavor associations, indicative of the counterintuitively negative influence of color–flavor associations on consumer preference in a dynamic context. These findings also provide empirical evidence regarding the influence of imagery on consumers' responses to product attributes that they have not directly experienced, and shed some light on product designs in bundling.
Nanomedicine: a new paradigm to overcome drug incompatibilities
Authors: Abdelkader Ayat , Fathi Heba A , Hamad Mostafa A , Elsabahy Mahmoud
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Drug incompatibilities may compromise the safety and effectiveness of combined drugs and result in mild-to-serious clinical complications, such as catheter obstruction, loss of drug efficacy, formation of toxic derivatives and embolism. Various preventive strategies have been implemented to overcome drug incompatibilities with limited success. This review presents an innovative approach to prevent drug incompatibilities via isolating the incompatible drugs into nanostructures.

Key findings

Several examples of incompatible drugs may be loaded separately into nanostructures of various types. Physicochemical characteristics and biocompatibility of the nanomaterials that are being utilized to prevent physicochemical incompatibilities should be carefully considered.

Conclusions

There is a new era of exploiting nanomaterials in overcoming various types of physicochemical incompatibilities, with additional benefits of further improvements in pharmacokinetic profiles and pharmacological actions of the administered drugs.
Azéma martingales for Bessel and CIR processes and the pricing of Parisian zero‐coupon bonds
Authors: Dassios Angelos , Lim Jia Wei , Qu Yan
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we study the excursions of Bessel and Cox–Ingersoll–Ross (CIR) processes with dimensions . We obtain densities for the last passage times and meanders of the processes. Using these results, we prove a variation of the Azéma martingale for the Bessel and CIR processes based on excursion theory. Furthermore, we study their Parisian excursions, and generalize previous results on the Parisian stopping time of Brownian motion to that of the Bessel and CIR processes. We obtain explicit formulas and asymptotic results for the densities of the Parisian stopping times, and develop exact simulation algorithms to sample the Parisian stopping times of Bessel and CIR processes. We introduce a new type of bond, the zero‐coupon Parisian bond. The buyer of such a bond is betting against zero interest rates, while the seller is effectively hedging against a period where interest rates fluctuate around 0. Using our results, we propose two methods for pricing these bonds and provide numerical examples.
Isokinetic Strength Test of Muscle Strength and Motor Function in Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Wang Xiao‐fei , Ma Zhen‐hua , Teng Xue‐ren
Published: May 2020

Objective

To use isokinetic strength testing system to test and analyze the relationship between changes in muscle strength before and after knee replacement in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

A total of 200 patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis treated from June 2018 to June 2019 were selected for TKA. The patient's isokinetic muscle strength test was performed in the first, third, and the sixth month before and after the operation. The knee hamstring peak torque (PT value), quadriceps peak torque (PT value), and total work were mainly measured. The knee joint was evaluated at the hospital for special surgery score, range of motion and other knee function standards, and then healthy limbs and normal people were tested with the same method. Statistical data was used to analyze and deal with the data, evaluate the muscle strength and motor function changes with time progressing, then compare the differences to the healthy limb. From P < 0.05, we can see that the differences have some statistical significance. The influences that TKA has on motor function changes of lower limbs were also observed.

Results

Among the 200 subjects, 162 completed all follow‐up tests, and the remaining 38 were lost to follow‐up for various reasons. The rate of loss of follow‐up was approximately 19%. The isokinetic muscle strength test system and the knee joint function scoring standard were used to record the knee joint muscle strength and function changes before and after knee joint replacement. Statistical analysis was performed to show the knee joint hamstring muscle force and quadriceps muscle strength and joint mobility in the first month after the surgery. The knee joint muscle strength and joint mobility were significantly improved after the third month after the surgery, but there were still some differences compared with normal people. The knee function index was significantly improved in the sixth month after operation (P < 0.05), and there were no significant differences compared with normal people.

Conclusions

Knee joint strength and knee function after TKA are significantly improved compared with preoperative function, which is of great significance for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. The constant velocity muscle strength test system has the advantages of safety, accuracy, repeatability and easy operation. It is a good method to evaluate the knee joint's muscle strength and function after the knee joint replacement.
Creating healthier policies, systems, and environments: Using the CDC CHANGE tool to evaluate the impact of a coalition provided community‐based wellness program
Authors: Simpson Vicki
Published: May 2020

Objectives

This manuscript describes policy, systems, and environments (PSE) changes made to support health secondary to a county‐based coalition nurse‐led program targeting vulnerable populations at five community‐based sites in a single rural Midwest county.

Design

A mixed‐methods pre–post approach was used to evaluate the PSE changes occurring over a 1‐year period secondary to wellness programming.

Sample

Five community sites including three predominantly manufacturing worksites and two faith‐based sites were included in this study.

Measurements

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Community Health Assessment aNd Group Evaluation tool was used to collect PSE data both at site initiation and 1 year later. Logs kept by program staff which included discussions with site leaders and program participants were also used to measure PSE changes.

Intervention

Monthly wellness programming which included intentional feedback to site leadership concerning participant feedback and coalition staff observations of the impact of site specific PSEs on healthy lifestyle behaviors.

Outcomes

Positive changes reflecting improvement in policy and environments were noted for 99.2% of the scores with a total of 13 PSE changes documented across the sites. The greatest change noted related to leadership, indicating increased commitment by site leadership to support health.
New Statistical Metrics for Multisite Replication Projects
Authors: Mathur Maya B. , VanderWeele Tyler J.
Published: May 2020

Increasingly, researchers are attempting to replicate published original studies by using large, multisite replication projects, at least 134 of which have been completed or are on going. These designs are promising to assess whether the original study is statistically consistent with the replications and to reassess the strength of evidence for the scientific effect of interest. However, existing analyses generally focus on single replications; when applied to multisite designs, they provide an incomplete view of aggregate evidence and can lead to misleading conclusions about replication success. We propose new statistical metrics representing firstly the probability that the original study's point estimate would be at least as extreme as it actually was, if in fact the original study were statistically consistent with the replications, and secondly the estimated proportion of population effects agreeing in direction with the original study. Generalized versions of the second metric enable consideration of only meaningfully strong population effects that agree in direction, or alternatively that disagree in direction, with the original study. These metrics apply when there are at least 10 replications (unless the heterogeneity estimate τ^=0, in which case the metrics apply regardless of the number of replications). The first metric assumes normal population effects but appears robust to violations in simulations; the second is distribution free. We provide R packages (Replicate and MetaUtility).