bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenomic profiling of DNA methylation for hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis and prognosis prediction
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Ge Shuang , Wang Jun , Jing Xiaotong , Li Hailing , Mei Shuyu , Zhang Juan , Liang Ke , Xu Hui , Zhang Xiaoying , Zhang Cuijuan
Published: May 2019

Background and Aim

DNA hypermethylation has emerged as a novel molecular biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis prediction of many cancers. We aimed to identify clinically useful biomarkers regulated by DNA methylation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Genome‐wide methylation analysis in HCCs and paired noncancerous tissues was performed using an Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation 450K BeadChip array. Methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction and pyrosequencing were used to validate the methylation status of selected genes in 100 paired HCCs and noncancerous samples.

Results

A total of 97 027 (20.0%) out of 485 577 CpG sites significantly were differed between HCC and noncancerous tissues. Among all the significant CpG sites, 48.8% are hypermethylated and 51.2% are hypomethylated in HCCs. Multiple signaling pathways (AMP‐activated protein kinase, estrogen, and adipocytokine) involved in gene methylation were identified in HCC. FES was selected for further analysis based on its high level of methylation confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and pyrosequencing. The result showed that FES hypermethylation was correlated with tumor size (0.001), serum alpha fetoprotein (0.023), and tumor differentiation (0.006). FES protein was significantly downregulated in 51/100 (51%) HCCs, and 94.12% (48/51) of them were due to promoter hypermethylation. Both FES hypermethylation and protein downregulation were associated with the progression‐free survival and overall survival of HCC patients. Overexpressed and knockdown of FES confirmed its inhibitory effect on the proliferation and migration of HCC cells.

Conclusions

We identified many new differentially methylated CpGs in HCCs and demonstrate that FES functions as a tumor suppressor gene in HCC and its methylation status could be used as an indicator for prognosis of HCC.
Integrating Oral Health Curricula into Midwifery Graduate Programs: Results of a US Survey
Authors: Haber Judith , Dolce Maria C. , Hartnett Erin , Savageau Judith A. , Altman Susan , Lange‐Kessler Julia , Silk Hugh
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Midwives are a significant segment of the US maternal and primary health care workforce and play a pivotal role in addressing women's oral health care needs during pregnancy and throughout their life span. The purpose of this research was to assess oral health curricular integration in midwifery programs and examine factors that influence integration and satisfaction with graduates’ level of oral health competence.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, national survey of midwifery programs was conducted using an electronically distributed 19‐item, self‐administered questionnaire completed by the Directors of Midwifery Education. Data analysis included univariate and bivariate statistics.

Results

All of the responding midwifery programs (N = 33) were educating their graduates about oral health; however, less than a quarter (22.6%) of program directors were satisfied with their graduates’ competency. Significant factors promoting integration were routine teaching by a dental professional and a formal relationship with a dental school, dental residency, or dental hygiene program. Programs with 4 or more hours of oral health curriculum were more likely to have a faculty oral health champion, use simulation in evaluation of their learners, and include interprofessional oral health education.

Discussion

With adequate oral health education, midwives are ideally positioned to integrate oral health in pregnancy care as well as well woman care throughout the life span, thereby expanding access to oral health care.
It takes two! Exploring sex differences in parenting neurobiology and behaviour
Authors: Rajhans Purva , Goin‐Kochel Robin P. , Strathearn Lane , Kim Sohye
Published: May 2019

Parents lay the foundation for their children's socio‐emotional experiences by sensitively responding to their needs. The hormonal and neurobiological changes that occur during the transition to parenthood importantly contribute to the parents’ caregiving behaviour toward their children. Much research has emphasised the relationship between the mother, who is most often the primary caregiver, and her infant, with less focus on the role of fathers in child development. However, recent accounts have suggested that fathers also play an important role in promoting the health, development and psychosocial wellbeing of their children. Evidence from the behavioural literature has indicated that there are significant differences between typical mother‐infant versus father‐infant interactions. The current review aims to outline differences between maternal and paternal caregiving by discussing the differences in their biological mechanisms. First, we focus on the different hormones that are correlated with sensitive parenting behaviours in mothers and fathers. Next, we discuss the differences between neural bases of motherhood and fatherhood. Lastly, we discuss ways in which parental hormones, parental brain and parental exposure to infant cues interact to shape parental caregiving behaviour. In summary, this review highlights the distinct but complementary nature of maternal and paternal caregiving.
Characterisation and origins of melanin‐concentrating hormone immunoreactive fibres of the posterior lobe of the pituitary and median eminence during lactation in the Long‐Evans rat
Authors: Costa Helder C. , Da‐Silva Joelcimar M. , Diniz Giovanne B. , Motta‐Teixeira Livia C. , Da‐Silva Renata J. , Battagello Daniella S. , Sita Luciane V. , de‐Moraes Machado Carla , Horta‐Júnior José A. C. , Bittencourt Jackson C.
Published: May 2019

Although the melanin‐concentrating hormone (MCH) and its coding mRNA are predominantly found in the tuberal hypothalamus, there is detectable synthesis of MCH in the preoptic hypothalamus exclusively in lactating dams, suggesting a participation of MCH in the alterations that take place after parturition. Also implicated in the dam physiology is oxytocin, a neurohormone released from the posterior pituitary that is necessary for milk ejection. Because the projection fields from oxytocin‐immunoreactive (‐IR) neurones and the mediobasal preoptic hypothalamus overlap and MCH‐IR neurones are found in proximity to oxytocin neurones, we investigated the spatial relationship between MCH and oxytocin fibres. Accordingly, we employed multiple immunohistochemistry labelling for MCH and oxytocin for light and electron microscopy techniques, in addition to i.v. tracer injection combined with in situ hybridisation to identify MCH neurones that project to neurosecretory areas. As described for other strains, lactating Long‐Evans dams also display immunoreactivity for MCH in the preoptic hypothalamus on days 12 and 19 of lactation. The appearance of these neurones is contemporaneous with an increase in MCH‐IR fibres in both the internal layer of the median eminence and the posterior pituitary. In both regions, MCH‐ and oxytocin‐IR fibres were found in great proximity, although there was no evidence for synaptic interaction between these two populations at the ultrastructural level. The tracer injection revealed that only mediobasal preoptic MCH neurones project to the posterior pituitary, suggesting a neuroendocrine‐modulatory role for this population. When taken together, the results obtained in the present study indicate that neuroplasticity events at the mediobasal preoptic hypothalamus that occur during late lactation may be part of a neuroendocrinology control loop involving both MCH and oxytocin.
Appeals to Semiotic Registers in Ethno‐Metapragmatic Accounts of Variation
Authors: Penry Williams Cara
Published: May 2019

Discussions of folklinguistic accounts of language use are frequently focused on dismissing them because of their limitations. As a result, not a lot is written regarding how such accounts are done and how they “work.” This article examines how folklinguistic evaluations are achieved in interaction, particularly through appeals to semiotic registers (Agha 2007). It describes how in explaining their beliefs regarding linguistic variation, speakers frequently produce voicings with varying transparency. These rely on understandings of the social world and bring large collections of linguistic resources into play. They offer rich insights if analytic attention is given to their details because even when evaluating a single variant, whole ways of speaking, and even being, may be utilized. The paper explores in turn how analysis reveals the inseparability of variants, understandings of context and audience, the relationship between linguistic forms and social types, and the performance of social types via the evaluation of semiotic resources. In each section, discussion is grounded in extracts from interviews on Australian English with speakers of this variety of English. Cumulatively they show the primacy of semiotic registers in ethno‐metapragmatic accounts.
Associations between tooth wear and dental sleep disorders: A narrative overview
Authors: Wetselaar Peter , Manfredini Daniele , Ahlberg Jari , Johansson Anders , Aarab Ghizlane , Papagianni Chryssa E. , Reyes Sevilla Marisol , Koutris Michail , Lobbezoo Frank
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Tooth wear is a common finding in adult patients with dental sleep disorders. The aim of this paper was to review the literature on the possible associations between tooth wear and the following dental sleep disorders: sleep‐related oro‐facial pain, oral moistening disorders, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) and sleep bruxism.

Methods

A PubMed search was performed on 1 June 2018 using MeSH terms in the following query: Tooth Wear AND (Facial Pain OR Temporomandibular Joint Disorders OR Xerostomia OR Sialorrhea OR Gastroesophageal Reflux OR Sleep Apnea Syndrome OR Sleep Bruxism).

Results

The query yielded 706 reports on tooth wear and the mentioned dental sleep disorders. Several associations between tooth wear and the dental sleep disorders were suggested in the literature. It could be concluded that: (a) tooth wear is associated with dental pain and/or hypersensitivity; (b) oral dryness is associated with tooth wear, oro‐facial pain and sleep bruxism; (c) GERD is associated with tooth wear, oro‐facial pain, oral dryness, OSAS and sleep bruxism; (d) OSAS is associated with oral dryness, GERD and sleep bruxism; and (e) sleep bruxism is associated with tooth wear.

Conclusions

Tooth wear is associated with the dental sleep disorders oro‐facial pain, oral dryness, GERD and sleep bruxism. The dental sleep disorders are interlinked with each other, which leads to indirect associations as well, and makes the consequences of each single condition difficult to disentangle. Knowledge of these associations is clinically relevant, but more research is needed to confirm their validity.
Recession‐proof skills, cities, and resilience in economic downturns
Authors: Weinstein Amanda , Patrick Carlianne
Published: May 2019

We provide evidence, by combining Occupational Information Network (O*NET) data with monthly Current Population Survey data from 1990 to 2015, that occupations characterized by high cognitive and people skill requirements are less sensitive to recessions, conditional on educational attainment, industry, and individual characteristics. These results are driven by urban areas, particularly noncollege educated people in urban areas, and vary with city size. Finally, we provide the first evidence that metropolitan areas’ recovery from economic downturns depends upon initial skill composition of occupations in the area.
Pediatric Farm Injuries Presenting to United States Emergency Departments, 2001‐2014
Authors: Zagel Alicia L. , Kreykes Nathaniel S. , Handt Erica A.
Published: May 2019

Purpose

While it is well‐known that injuries are a common cause of morbidity among children, limited information is available on injuries that occur in agricultural settings. This study characterizes pediatric farm injuries that present to United States emergency departments and compares them to injuries that occur in the normal course of childhood, at homes and residences.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System‐All Injury Program, 2001‐2014, compared injuries occurring on farms to those at homes in youth ages <20 years. Linear regression models assessed injuries over the time period among demographic subgroups.

Findings

Between 2001 and 2014, there were an estimated 279,279 injuries that occurred on farms in youth <20 years. Farm injuries most commonly occurred among youth ages from 15 to 19 years (44%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 39%‐49%), whereas home injuries were often among children <5 years (42%, 95% CI: 39%‐45%). After adjusting for confounders, farm injuries were 60 times more likely to be caused by machinery and 4 times more likely to result in hospitalization than home injuries. Overall, the number of farm injuries decreased by 44% between 2001 and 2014.

Conclusions

Characteristics of youth farm injuries are much different from injuries occurring at homes. Although the overall number of farm injuries among youth has decreased substantially over time, injury prevention initiatives targeted toward these particular injuries are important to continue due to the significant morbidity of these injuries.
Worldwide long‐distance dispersal favored by epizoochorous traits in the biogeographic history of Omphalodeae (Boraginaceae)
Authors: Otero Ana , Jiménez‐Mejías Pedro , Valcárcel Virginia , Vargas Pablo
Published: May 2019

Biogeographic dispersal is supported by numerous phylogenetic results. In particular, transoceanic dispersal, rather than vicariance, is suggested for some plant lineages despite current long distances between America and Europe. However, few studies on the biogeographic history of plants have also studied the role of diaspore syndromes in long‐distance dispersal (LDD). Species of the tribe Omphalodeae (Boraginaceae) offer a suitable study system because the species have a wide variety of diaspore traits related to LDD and different lineages conform to patched worldwide distributions on three distant continents (Europe, America and New Zealand). Our aim is to reconstruct the biogeographical history of the Omphalodeae and to investigate the role of diaspore traits favoring LDD and current geographic distributions. To this end, a time‐calibrated phylogeny with 29 of 32 species described for Omphalodeae was reconstructed using biogeographical analyses (BioGeoBEARS, Lagrange) and models (DEC and DIVA) under different scenarios of land connectivity. Character‐state reconstruction (SIMMAP) and diversification rate estimations of the main lineages were also performed. The main result is that epizoochorous traits have been the ancestral state of LDD syndromes in most clades. An early diversification age of the tribe is inferred in the Western Mediterranean during late Oligocene. Colonization of the New World by Omphalodeae, followed by fast lineage differentiation, took place sometime in the Oligocene‐Miocene boundary, as already inferred for other angiosperm genera. In contrast, colonization of remote islands (New Zealand, Juan Fernández) occurred considerably later in the Miocene‐Pliocene boundary.
Extinct genus Lagokarpos reveals a biogeographic connection between Tibet and other regions in the Northern Hemisphere during the Paleogene
Authors: Tang He , Liu Jia , Wu Fei‐Xiang , Spicer Teresa , Spicer Robert A. , Deng Wei‐Yu‐Dong , Xu Cong‐Li , Zhao Fan , Huang Jian , Li Shu‐Feng , Su Tao , Zhou Zhe‐Kun
Published: May 2019

The biodiversity history on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP) has remained unclear for a long time. Recent paleobotanical investigations provide opportunities for revealing the phytogeographic history on the QTP in deep time and for testing phylogeographic hypotheses. Lagokarpos is an extinct genus with unknown modern affinities. It is easily distinguished by its fruits, which have two long wings and an elliptical fruit body. Previously, Lagokarpos fossils have only been found from North America and Germany, ranging from the latest Paleogene to early middle Eocene. Recently, we found fossil fruits of this genus from the Niubao Formation, near Bangoin County in the central QTP. A new species, namely Lagokarpos tibetensis H. Tang, T. Su & Z. K. Zhou sp. nov., is described. This is the first fossil record of the genus in Asia. The occurrence of L. tibetensis indicates a close floristic linkage between the QTP and other floras in the Northern Hemisphere during the Paleogene. According to the floristic assemblages, we suggest the central QTP experienced a tropical or subtropical humid climate during that period.
Effects of Second Language Pronunciation Teaching Revisited: A Proposed Measurement Framework and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Saito Kazuya , Plonsky Luke
Published: May 2019

We propose a new framework for conceptualizing measures of instructed second language (L2) pronunciation performance according to three sets of parameters: (a) the constructs (focused on global vs. specific aspects of pronunciation), (b) the scoring method (human raters vs. acoustic analyses), and (c) the type of knowledge elicited (controlled vs. spontaneous). Adopting this model (Framework for L2 Pronunciation Measurement) as a synthetic tool, we coded the instruments found in 77 studies of L2 pronunciation teaching published between 1982 and 2017. We calculated the frequency of each measurement type and reexamined the interaction of instructional effectiveness and measurement within the sample. According to the results, instruction is most effective when it targets learners’ monitored production of specific segmental or suprasegmental features. The efficacy of instruction remains relatively unclear when gains are measured globally via subjective, human judgments, especially at a spontaneous level.

Open Practices

This article has been awarded an Open Materials badge. All materials are publicly accessible via the IRIS database at https://www.iris-database.org. Learn more about the Open Practices badges from the Center for Open Science: https://osf.io/tvyxz/wiki.
Reclassification of the serows and gorals: the end of a neverending story?
Authors: Mori Emiliano , Nerva Luca , Lovari Sandro
Published: May 2019

Taxonomy is partly a subjective matter, but it is instrumental for ecological, behavioural and especially conservation studies. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, goat‐antelopes (Bovidae: Rupicaprini tribe) number 13 species, 62% of which are ‘Threatened’ or ‘Near Threatened’ with extinction. During recent decades, the number of extant species of goat‐antelopes – especially in endemic Asian genera (goral: six speciesNaemorhedusspp.; serow: seven speciesCapricornisspp.) – has been inflated.

We have revised the taxonomy and phylogeny of the gorals and serows, for the first time using the total mitochondrial genome of all taxa.

We confirm the existence of three goral and four serow species. We can find no justification for the existence ofNaemorhedus griseus(Chinese goral),Naemorhedus bedfordi(Himalayan goral) andNaemorhedus evansi(Burmese goral), which should be pooled together withinNaemorhedus goral(brown goral). Two species of mainland serow are also recognised:Capricornis rubidus(red serow) andCapricornis sumatraensis(Sumatran serow).Capricornis rubidusandNaemorhedus baileyi(red goral) are the forms more closely related to the common Pliocenic, still‐unknown ancestor. Among serows,Capricornis crispusis sister to all remaining species.Capricornis rubidusandCapricornis swinhoei(Formosan serow) are sister species, probably the remnants of an older radiation of mainland serows.
Ecological gradients drive insect wing loss and speciation: The role of the alpine treeline
Authors: McCulloch Graham A. , Foster Brodie J. , Dutoit Ludovic , Ingram Travis , Hay Eleanor , Veale Andrew J. , Dearden Peter K. , Waters Jonathan M.
Published: May 2019

Alpine ecosystems are frequently characterized by an abundance of wing‐reduced insect species, but the drivers of this biodiversity remain poorly understood. Insect wing reduction in these environments has variously been attributed to altitude, temperature, isolation, habitat stability or decreased habitat size. We used fine‐scale ecotypic and genomic analyses, along with broad‐scale distributional analyses of ecotypes, to unravel the ecological drivers of wing reduction in the wing‐dimorphic stonefly Zelandoperla fenestrata complex. Altitudinal transects within populations revealed dramatic wing reduction over very fine spatial scales, tightly linked to the alpine treeline. Broad biogeographical analyses confirm that the treeline has a much stronger effect on these ecotype distributions than altitude per se. Molecular analyses revealed parallel genomic divergence between vestigial‐winged (high altitude) and full‐winged (low altitude) ecotypes across distinct streams. These data thus highlight the role of the alpine treeline as a key driver of rapid speciation, providing a new model for ecological diversification along exposure gradients.
Vaginal yeast colonisation: From a potential harmless condition to clinical implications and management approaches—A literature review
Authors: Chatzivasileiou Panagiota , Vyzantiadis Timoleon‐Achilleas
Published: May 2019

Vaginal yeast colonisation is a common clinical condition in premenopausal women. The potential pathogenicity and the circumstances under which it could evolve into infection are not fully clarified. Extensive review the literature regarding the definition of the vaginal yeast colonisation, its demographic features and causes as well as the risk factors favouring infection along with the necessity of treatment. Databases, namely PubMed‐MEDLINE, Google Scholar, the University College London databases, e‐journals, e‐books and official Health Organisations websites were extensively searched in English, French, German and Greek language with no restriction in the type of publications during the last thirty years. In healthy women, vaginal yeast colonisation is an asymptomatic state with Candida albicans being the most prevalent species. Pregnant, HIV‐positive and diabetic hosts are at higher risk. Other risk factors include oral contraceptives, hormonal replacement therapy and previous antibiotic use. Colonisation does not necessitate therapeutic intervention when asymptomatic. Prophylactic therapy during the third trimester of pregnancy is often recommended for reducing the risk of neonatal candidiasis. The distinction between commensalism and vaginitis is often complicated. Clinicians should be aware of the clinical context in order to decide the indicated therapeutic approach.
Impact of heat processing on the nutritional content of Gryllus bimaculatus (black cricket)
Authors: Dobermann D. , Field L. M. , Michaelson L. V.
Published: May 2019

Insects are increasingly suggested as a potential novel solution to global nutrition challenges. However, limited research is available on the impact of processing methods on the nutritional content of edible insects. This trial examines the effect of heat processing on the nutritional profile of the black cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus. Adult black crickets were killed by freezing and then dried at either a low (45°C) or high (120°C) temperature followed by nutritional analysis of protein and micronutrient content. An additional set of samples was either freeze‐dried or dried at 32, 45, 72 or 120°C followed by nutritional analysis of lipid content. Analysis showed that percentage protein content was significantly higher in crickets dried at 45°C, a difference of roughly 1% of the total weight. Similarly, calcium content was also significantly higher in crickets dried at 45°C, although no other measured micronutrients were affected. Additionally, the fatty acid content was significantly influenced by higher temperature processing. Freeze‐drying black crickets conserved significantly more of the long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids than drying at 120°C. Insects hold potential as a source of essential nutrients and fatty acids; however, consideration must be given to heat processing at high temperatures as this may affect the nutritional profile.
Wholegrains and health: Many benefits but do contaminants pose any risk?
Authors: Nugent A. P. , Thielecke F.
Published: May 2019

Since pre‐historic times, humans have consumed grains as part of their diet. Being rich in carbohydrates, grains typically form a key part of all food‐based dietary guidelines, with wholegrains recommended as healthy dietary choices. However, grains are also exposed to contaminants from air, soil, water, insects, animals, microbes, humans, storage and shipping containers, and handling and processing equipment and can be one of the main dietary sources of food‐borne contaminants by virtue of their frequent consumption. Recent scientific reports positively highlight wholegrains as foods with inherent health properties, which, because they provide fibre and micronutrients such as B vitamins and zinc, can improve the quality of carbohydrate intake as part of sustainable, healthy diets. This article describes potential health‐protective properties inherent to wholegrains and contends that the presence of contaminants in wholegrains, including mycotoxins, heavy metals and acrylamide, merits continued monitoring but that any such risk does not outweigh the known benefits of wholegrain consumption.
Environmental drivers for cheaters of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in tropical rainforests
Authors: Gomes Sofia I. F. , van Bodegom Peter M. , Merckx Vincent S. F. T. , Soudzilovskaia NadejdaA.
Published: May 2019

Hundreds of nonphotosynthetic mycoheterotrophic plant species cheat the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis. Their patchy local occurrence suggests constraints by biotic and abiotic factors, among which the role of soil chemistry and nutrient status has not been investigated.

Here, we examine the edaphic drivers predicting the local‐scale distribution of mycoheterotrophic plants in two lowland rainforests in South America. We compared soil chemistry and nutrient status in plots where mycoheterotrophic plants were present with those without these plants.

Soil pH, soil nitrate, and the interaction between soil potassium and nitrate concentrations were the best predictors for the occurrence of mycoheterotrophic plants in these tropical rainforests. Mycoheterotrophic plant occurrences decreased with a rise in each of these predictors. This indicates that these plants are associated with low‐fertility patches. Such low‐fertility conditions coincide with conditions that potentially favour a weak mutualism between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi according to the trade balance model.

Our study points out which soil properties favour the cheating of arbuscular mycorrhizal networks in tropical forests. The patchy occurrence of mycoheterotrophic plants suggests that local soil heterogeneity causes the stability of arbuscular mycorrhizal networks to vary at a very small scale.
Maternal and early‐life area‐level characteristics and childhood adiposity: A systematic review
Authors: Wilding Sam , Ziauddeen Nida , Smith Dianna , Roderick Paul , Alwan Nisreen A.
Published: May 2019

There is a cross‐sectional evidence that physical and social environments are linked to childhood adiposity. Evidence is scarce for the role of preconception, pregnancy, and early‐life area‐level characteristics in shaping childhood adiposity. We aimed to systematically review evidence for associations between physical and social environmental conditions experienced in these periods and childhood adiposity. Published literature was identified from the CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO databases. Longitudinal studies linking an area‐level environmental exposure in the preconception, pregnancy, or early‐life (less than 1 year) periods and a measure of adiposity between the ages of 2 and 12 years were examined. Eight studies in the United States, Denmark, South Korea, United Kingdom, and Canada satisfied the inclusion criteria. Storm‐induced maternal stress, nitrogen oxides exposure, traffic noise, and proximity were associated with greater childhood adiposity. Frequent neighbourhood disturbances were associated with lower adiposity, while particulate matter exposure was associated with both higher and lower adiposity in childhood. Area‐level characteristics may play a role in the ongoing obesity epidemic. There is a limited evidence of longitudinal associations between preconception, pregnancy, and early‐life area‐level characteristics with childhood adiposity. Numerous factors that appear important in cross‐sectional research have yet to be assessed longitudinally, both individually and in combination.
Bone Material Properties of Human Phalanges Using Vickers Indentation
Authors: Yin Bing , Guo Jia‐liang , Wang Jian‐zhao , Li Sheng , Liu Ya‐ke , Zhang Ying‐ze
Published: May 2019

Objective

To investigate the microhardness distribution throughout the human hand phalanges using the Vickers method, which can be used to directly evaluate the bone mechanical properties at tissue level and provide an alternative means to investigate bone quality.

Methods

The phalanges bones involved in this study were collected from three healthy donors; fresh‐frozen right limbs were used. The phalanges bones were dissected and cut into 3‐mm thick slices perpendicular to the long axis in the phalanges base, the phalanges shaft, and the phalanges head with a low‐speed saw and then the slices were polished with sandpaper. A microindenter fitted with a Vickers indenter point was used to measure the Vickers hardness in the plantar, dorsal, medial, and lateral sites of cortical bone in metatarsal shaft and trabecular bone in the metatarsal base and head. The indentation load and dwell time was set to 50 g and 12 s for both the cortical and cancellous tissues in this study. For each site or region, five valid values were recorded and averaged as the Vickers hardness for the site or region.

Results

In total, 96 bone slices were harvested from the base, shaft, and head of the 15 phalanges and 1920 indentations were performed. In general, the Vickers hardness in phalanges was 34.11 ± 7.95 HV. For the 5 phalanges, the 3rd phalanx showed the highest hardness (36.74 ± 7.10 HV), closely followed by the 1st (36.46 ± 5.96 HV) and 2nd (35.28 ± 6.52 HV) phalanx. The hardness in the 4th (31.90 ± 9.15 HV) and 5th (31.19 ± 8.22 HV) phalanx were significantly lower than in the other 3 phalanges. The hardness in the phalanx shaft (38.52 ± 6.67 HV) was significantly higher than that in both the base (30.73 ± 7.46 HV) and head (30.64 ± 6.81 HV) of the phalanx (F = 300.7, P = 0.000); no statistic difference existed between the base and head of the phalanx (P = 0.996). The Vickers hardness in the proximal, middle, and distal phalanx showed statistical difference in Vickers hardness (F = 19.278, P = 0.000). The proximal phalanx showed higher Vickers hardness than the middle phalanx in the 2nd to 5th phalanges (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

This study reported on the Vickers hardness distribution of the human phalanges bone and provides the theoretical basis of differences in hardness, which will benefit the placement of plates and screws in orthopaedic surgery and contribute to the research on ideal artificial bones and 3D‐printed orthopaedic implants with inner gradient distribution of hardness.
Acquired short QT syndrome in a cancer patient treated with Toad
Authors: Huang Yan , Xu Yong , Barajas‐Martinez Hector , Hu Dan
Published: May 2019

Although drug‐induced short QT syndrome (SQTS) has been recognized, we currently report the first acquired SQTS case induced by bufotalinin (toad, an antineoplastic drug), which is a traditional Chinese folk prescription. It has cross reaction with digoxin and affects the Na+‐K+‐ATPase, the SR Ca2+ release from ryanodine receptor‐2 (RyR2), the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production from the mitochondria. The case presented with bradycardia, extreme QT shortening, and sinoatrial block that were resolved after gastric lavage, rehydration, electrolyte (hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, hypocalcemia) correction, and atropine injection. Clinicians should recognize a potential association between toad poisoning and SQTS from this case.
Over‐the‐needle trans‐septal access using the cryoballoon delivery sheath and dilator in atrial fibrillation ablation
Authors: Ströker Erwin , De Greef Yves , Schwagten Bruno , Kupics Kaspars , Coutiño Hugo Enrique , Takarada Ken , Abugattas Juan Pablo , Salghetti Francesca , De Cocker Jeroen , Stockman Dirk , Sieira Juan , Brugada Pedro , Chierchia Gian‐Battista , de Asmundis Carlo
Published: May 2019

Background

In the setting of second‐generation cryoballoon (CB2) ablation, left atrial (LA) access is generally achieved using a standard sheath (SS) that is exchanged for the 15Fr cryoballoon delivery sheath (CBS) and dilator over a long wire (CBS over‐the‐wire technique, CBS‐W). Our objective was to evaluate the direct use of the CBS to gain LA access, by advancing the latter over the trans‐septal needle (CBS over‐the‐needle technique, CBS‐N), under transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) guidance.

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent CB2 ablation with the CBS‐N technique were evaluated for feasibility of gaining LA access using TEE guidance and fluoroscopy views. Complications related to the LA access were compared with a matched CBS‐W control group. Subanalysis (30 CBS‐W vs 30 CBS‐N patients) evaluated time‐to‐LA of the CBS: time from superior vena cava (with SS vs CBS) to LA insertion of the CBS, after exchange or directly, respectively.

Results

LA access could be achieved in all 505 patients of the CBS‐N group, without technique modification or additional equipment. Challenging interatrial septa were noted in 13% of these patients: previous atrial septal defect repair (1%), hypermobile (10%), aneurysmal (1%), and abnormally thickened/fibrotic (1%). Incidence of complications was similar to the CBS‐W group. Subanalysis showed a shorter time‐to‐LA in the CBS‐N versus CBS‐W group, 72 ± 46 seconds versus 293 ± 180 seconds, P < .001.

Conclusions

Our study showed that the CBS‐N technique is feasible and safe under echocardiographic guidance. Without sheath exchange, it simplifies the CB2 procedure, is less costly, time sparing, and might reduce the risk of air embolism.
Ultrasound‐guided quadratus lumborum block compared to caudal ropivacaine/morphine in children undergoing surgery for vesicoureteric reflex
Authors: Sato Makoto
Published: May 2019

Background

Ultrasound‐guided quadratus lumborum block is a regional anesthetic technique which can provide perioperative analgesia for all age groups, including pediatric patients undergoing abdominal surgery. We hypothesized that the quadratus lumborum block would be as efficacious as a caudal block, the gold standard of pediatric lower abdominal regional anesthesia, in providing pain control after ureteral reimplantation but also have a longer duration.

Methods

Forty‐seven pediatric patients between the ages of 1 and 17 years undergoing bilateral ureteral reimplantation surgery via a low transverse incision were enrolled and randomized into the quadratus lumborum block and caudal block groups. All blocks were performed preoperatively under general anesthesia. We analyzed the following outcomes: the requirement for narcotic analgesics, pain score, episodes of emesis, and complications at 0, 4, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively.

Results

The study included 44 patients after excluding three who were ineligible. The fentanyl requirement for postoperative rescue analgesia during the first 24 hours was significantly lower in the quadratus lumborum block group than in the caudal block group (median [interquartile range]: 0 [0‐1] vs 3 [0‐5], P = 0.016, 95% confidence intervals: −4 to 0) but not at 30 minutes, 4, or 48 hours. No significant difference was observed in the pain scores or the incidence of interventions to treat nausea and vomiting during the entire period. No postoperative complication was observed.

Conclusion

The quadratus lumborum block was more effective in reducing the postoperative opioid requirement for rescue analgesia during the initial 24 hours than caudal ropivacaine/morphine.
The tomato Arp2/3 complex is required for resistance to the powdery mildew fungus Oidium neolycopersici
Authors: Sun Guangzheng , Feng Chanjing , Guo Jia , Zhang Ancheng , Xu Yuanliu , Wang Yang , Day Brad , Ma Qing
Published: May 2019

The actin‐related protein 2/3 complex (Arp2/3 complex), a key regulator of actin cytoskeletal dynamics, has been linked to multiple cellular processes, including those associated with response to stress. Herein, the Solanum habrochaites ARPC3 gene, encoding a subunit protein of the Arp2/3 complex, was identified and characterized. ShARPC3 encodes a 174‐amino acid protein possessing a conserved P21‐Arc domain. Silencing of ShARPC3 resulted in enhanced susceptibility to the powdery mildew pathogen Oidium neolycopersici (On‐Lz), demonstrating a role for ShARPC3 in defence signalling. Interestingly, a loss of ShARPC3 coincided with enhanced susceptibility to On‐Lz, a process that we hypothesize is the result of a block in the activity of SA‐mediated defence signalling. Conversely, overexpression of ShARPC3 in Arabidopsis thaliana, followed by inoculation with On‐Lz, showed enhanced resistance, including the rapid induction of hypersensitive cell death and the generation of reactive oxygen. Heterologous expression of ShARPC3 in the arc18 mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (i.e., ∆arc18) resulted in complementation of stress‐induced phenotypes, including high‐temperature tolerance. Taken together, these data support a role for ShARPC3 in tomato through positive regulation of plant immunity in response to O. neolycopersici pathogenesis.
Bacterial infection systemically suppresses stomatal density
Authors: Dutton Christian , Hõrak Hanna , Hepworth Christopher , Mitchell Alice , Ton Jurriaan , Hunt Lee , Gray Julie E.
Published: May 2019

Many plant pathogens gain entry to their host via stomata. On sensing attack, plants close these pores to restrict pathogen entry. Here, we show that plants exhibit a second longer term stomatal response to pathogens. Following infection, the subsequent development of leaves is altered via a systemic signal. This reduces the density of stomata formed, thus providing fewer entry points for pathogens on new leaves. Arabidopsis thaliana leaves produced after infection by a bacterial pathogen that infects through the stomata (Pseudomonas syringae) developed larger epidermal pavement cells and stomata and consequently had up to 20% reductions in stomatal density. The bacterial peptide flg22 or the phytohormone salicylic acid induced similar systemic reductions in stomatal density suggesting that they might mediate this effect. In addition, flagellin receptors, salicylic acid accumulation, and the lipid transfer protein AZI1 were all required for this developmental response. Furthermore, manipulation of stomatal density affected the level of bacterial colonization, and plants with reduced stomatal density showed slower disease progression. We propose that following infection, development of new leaves is altered by a signalling pathway with some commonalities to systemic acquired resistance. This acts to reduce the potential for future infection by providing fewer stomatal openings.
Engineering interaction: Structural change, locus of identification, and the formation and maintenance of cross‐unit ties
Authors: Gray Steven M. , Bunderson J. Stuart , Boumgarden Peter , Bechara John P.
Published: May 2019

Cross‐unit ties–relationships that facilitate discretionary information sharing between individuals from different business units–offer a range of organizational benefits. Scholars argue that organizations can promote cross‐unit ties by: (a) formally bringing together individuals from different business units into structural links (e.g., cross‐unit strategic committees) to encourage the formation of new cross unit ties and, (b) transferring individuals across units, which can increase cross‐unit interaction when ties to the prior unit are maintained. This study considers the notion that the success of these formal interventions in fostering cross‐unit interaction is contingent on identification with the local unit relative to identification with the broader organization. Specifically, we propose that structural links are more likely to foster cross‐unit ties when organizational identification is high and unit identification is low. In contrast, lateral transfers are more likely to result in cross‐unit ties when both organizational identification and unit identification are high. We find general support for these propositions in data obtained from a sample of senior leaders of a Fortune 200 agribusiness company before and after a restructuring designed to stimulate cross‐unit information sharing. Our model and results make important contributions to our understanding of the relationship between formal and informal structure and reconcile conflicting views regarding the moderating effect of unit identification on intergroup relations.
Social Accountability and Institutional Change: The Case of Citizen Oversight of Police
Authors: Ali Mir Usman , Pirog Maureen
Published: May 2019

This article examines the ability of social accountability to spur gradual institutional change at the municipal level, using the case of citizen oversight agencies (COAs) for police agencies. Using the gradual change framework and the social accountability framework to guide the empirical strategy and data collected through an original survey of COAs, the authors test the impact of COAs on institutional outcomes in policing. We find that, in accordance with the gradual change framework, the degree to which a COA reduces racial disparity in policing outcomes depends on its scope of authority and the degree of discretion afforded by existing institutions to police officers. In general, the wider the scope of authority, and the broader the discretion afforded by existing institutions, the greater the likelihood of change in institutional outcomes.
From Research Evidence to “Evidence by Proxy”? Organizational Enactment of Evidence‐Based Health Care in Four High‐Income Countries
Authors: Kislov Roman , Wilson Paul , Cummings Greta , Ehrenberg Anna , Gifford Wendy , Kelly Janet , Kitson Alison , Pettersson Lena , Wallin Lars , Harvey Gill
Published: May 2019

Drawing on multiple qualitative case studies of evidence‐based health care conducted in Sweden, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, the authors systematically explore the composition, circulation, and role of codified knowledge deployed in the organizational enactment of evidence‐based practice. The article describes the “chain of codified knowledge,” which reflects the institutionalization of evidence‐based practice as organizational business as usual, and shows that it is dominated by performance standards, policies and procedures, and locally collected (improvement and audit) data. These interconnected forms of “evidence by proxy,” which are informed by research partly or indirectly, enable simplification, selective reinforcement, and contextualization of scientific knowledge. The analysis reveals the dual effects of this codification dynamic on evidence‐based practice and highlights the influence of macro‐level ideological, historical, and technological factors on the composition and circulation of codified knowledge in the organizational enactment of evidence‐based health care in different countries.
The Third Shift? Gender and Empowerment in a Women’s Ecotourism Cooperative
Authors: Morgan Mayra Sanchez , Winkler Richelle L.
Published: May 2019

Ecotourism is lauded as a path toward sustainable development and women’s empowerment in rural areas around the world, but little is known about how gendered expectations shape its processes and outcomes. This paper employs an in‐depth qualitative case study of a female‐only ecotourism cooperative in rural Mexico to investigate how local gender dynamics influence women’s opportunities to benefit from ecotourism development. Findings show that women’s family and work commitments prevent their ability to devote the resources and energy necessary to make the cooperative successful. In this context, women are first expected to be wives and mothers, and to fulfill the substantial daily expectations associated with those roles. In addition, most women work outside the home. This leaves little time or energy for a “third shift” as ecotourism entrepreneurs running their own cooperative. Women put their own interests and goals on the back burner, because of the demands of the first two shifts. If ecotourism is to empower women, localized gender structures must be understood and addressed. Overlooking these challenges can mean that ecotourism projects, even those specifically aimed at empowering women, may only further burden women and reinforce gender models that perpetuate inequality.
Perfusion of the skin’s microcirculation after cold‐water immersion (10°C) and partial‐body cryotherapy (−135°C)
Authors: Hohenauer Erich , Deliens Tom , Clarys Peter , Clijsen Ron
Published: May 2019

Background

Investigations of the perfusion of the skin's microcirculation with laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) after cold treatments are rare. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects between cold‐water immersion (CWI) conduction and partial‐body cryotherapy (PBC) convection on perfusion of the microcirculation and skin temperature on the thigh.

Materials and Methods

Twenty healthy males were randomly allocated to CWI (10°C for 10 minutes) or PBC (−60°C for 30 seconds, −135°C for 2 minutes). Perfusion and skin temperature measurements were conducted on the anterior thigh region up to 60 minutes post‐treatment.

Results

Cold‐water immersion decreased perfusion of the microcirculation significantly compared to baseline values between 10 minutes (P = 0.003) and 30 minutes (P = 0.01) post‐treatment. PBC increased perfusion of the microcirculation and decreased skin temperature only at the first measurement interval (0 minute, both P = 0.01) post‐treatment. Additionally, local skin temperature was significantly decreased compared to baseline values only after CWI up to 30 minutes (P = 0.04) post‐treatment.

Conclusion

Cold‐water immersion reduced local skin microcirculation and skin temperature while PBC only slightly increased the perfusion of the microcirculation immediately after the treatment. For cooling purposes, the conduction method seems superior compared to the convection method, assessed with a LSCI device.