bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Ursolic Acid on the Expression of Th1–Th2-related Cytokines in a Rat Model of Allergic Rhinitis After PM2.5 Exposure
Authors: Sun Na , Han Zhijin , Wang Hong , Guo Zhiqiang , Deng Congrui , Dong Weiyang , Zhuang Guoshun , Zhang Ruxin
Published: March 2020

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a global health problem and closely related to environmental factors. Ursolic acid (UA) has potential in the treatment of allergic inflammation. The effects of UA intervention on PM2.5-induced AR remain uncertain.

Objective

To assess the effects of UA on nasal symptoms and the expression of T-helper (Th)1–Th2-related cytokines in a rat model of AR after fine particulate matter (particulate matter ≤ 2.5 µm [PM2.5]) exposure.

Methods

A total of 40 healthy female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal control group (NC group), ovalbumin (OVA)- induced AR model (AR group), PM2.5-exposed AR group exposed to 200 g/m3 PM2.5 for 30 days via inhalation (ARE group), and a group with UA intervention to the AR model after PM2.5 exposure (UA group). UA intervention was adopted after PM2.5 exposure in the UA group. Nasal symptoms and levels of Th1–Th2 cytokines in the serum were detected in each individual rat. The pathological changes and expression of Eotaxin in the nasal mucosa of each individual rat were examined by histology.

Results

PM2.5 significantly increased the number of sneezes and nasal rubs in the rats with AR, and UA alleviated these symptoms. UA decreased interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13, Eotaxin-1, and OVA Immunoglobulin E (IgE) protein levels. In the AR group, hematoxylin and eosin staining showed disordered arrangement of the nasal mucosa epithelium, cell shedding, eosinophilic infiltration, swelling of the glands, and submucosal vascular congestion. UA group showed reduced eosinophilic infiltration and orderly arrangement of the mucosal epithelium when compared with the ARE group. Immunohistochemical results showed that the expression of Eotaxin in the UA group was lower than that in the ARE group.

Conclusion

UA could relieve nasal symptoms caused by PM2.5 exposure, the possible mechanism of which is to inhibit the expression of Th2 cytokines, eosinophilic infiltration, and specific IgE production.
Effects of emotions and brand personality on consumer commitment, via the mediating effects of brand trust and attachment
Authors: Valette-Florence Rita , Valette-Florence Pierre
Published: March 2020

Based on the concepts of brand personality and emotion, this article focuses on their respective impacts on the main variables of brand relationship, trust, attachment and overall commitment with the brand. Based on a large panel of consumers, the statistical processing was conducted according to a covariance structure analysis (CSA) or a partial least squares (PLS) approach, with measurement error carefully taken into account. The corresponding model confirms the impact of brand emotion and personality on consumer commitment through the mediating effects of trust and brand attachment. More precisely, the results show the total mediating role-played by trust in the impact of a brand’s personality on commitment. Finally, the analysis highlights the stability of the results on the six brands tested in this research. However, it also illustrates significant differences between brands depending on their evaluative or hedonic nature.
Investigating Equity-Minded Migrant Education Policies in Shanghai From Migrant Parents’ Perspectives
Authors: Li Dongmei
Published: March 2020

Purpose:

This article aims to explore how suburban public schools in Shanghai of China have implemented the top-down equity-minded migrant policies of free compulsory education and equal access to public education.

Design/Approach/Methods:

This qualitative study focuses on public schools in the suburb of Shanghai, one of the top migrant-receiving metropolitan cities in China. Using personal network, referral, snowballing, and “guerrilla interviewing,” the researcher recruited 13 migrant parents that represent 11 cities of 9 provinces and collected interview data between early January and late June of 2015. Data sources include 10 face-to-face interviews, 3 telephone interviews, 6 follow-up interviews, and supplementary policy documents.

Findings:

It finds that local public schools have fully implemented free compulsory education, but have not supported equal access, revealing an inconsistent and arbitrary policy enactment pattern. Although all the interviewees have worked and lived in Shanghai for an average of 10 years, only those that afford a real property, receive exceptions, or have personal connections can have children enrolled in public schools. Further, parents’ perceptions of the policy implementation vary across cases with most of them not demonstrating an awareness of education equality.

Originality/Value:

This study synthesizes stories shared by migrant parents and reports an interesting policy implementation pattern. It contributes to the field of migrant education study and confirms that top-down equity-minded reform is likely to encounter challenges.
Are Confucius Institutes Building Blocks or Stumbling Blocks for Foreign Students in China: An Empirical Study of 190 Countries (1999–2015)
Authors: Chen Dongyang , Ha Wei
Published: March 2020

Purpose:

This study investigates the impact of Confucius Institutes on China’s international education initiatives. First, it examines whether the establishment of Confucius Institutes has a gravitational effect on the scale of foreign students coming to China. Second, it discerns whether there are any association between the establishment of Confucius Institutes and the attributes of foreign students based on the type of program they select. Third, it identifies whether there are any differences in the impact of Confucius Institutes based on constraints such as the number of foreign students, income levels, cultural distance, and geographical endowment.

Design/Approach/Methods:

Based on the trade gravity model and the push–pull theory, we estimated a two-way fixed-effects model using panel data of all source countries from 1999 to 2015.

Findings:

Results show that Confucius Institutes have helped China attract more foreign students on Chinese government scholarships, with each Institute increasing such enrolment by 1.3%. However, Confucius Institutes have resulted in a drop in the total number of foreign students studying in China, especially nondegree students. This substitution effect means that the Institutes actually help China improve the composition of its foreign students. Further heterogeneity analysis shows that the substitution effect is primarily driven by the main source countries. Accordingly, this study suggests that China should establish more Confucius Institutes in Africa and Eastern Europe to maximize the catalyzing effect of Confucius Institutes.

Originality/Value:

In contrast to previous studies on foreign scholarship in China, this study examines all 190 source countries from 1999 to 2015. This comprehensive study also explores the heterogeneous effects of foreign students on trade across economic, cultural, and geographical domains.
Intravenous Iron May Improve Outcomes in Elderly Patients With Operative Hip Fractures
Authors: Engel Jamie L. , Gabra Joseph N. , Kane Patrick , Kurtz William J.
Published: March 2020

Introduction:

Hip fractures are common injuries with high morbidity and mortality rates. These patients often become anemic and require allogenic blood transfusion. Transfusions are costly with potential complications. This study examines the effect of intravenous (IV) iron on patients with hip fractures, undergoing surgery within 48 hours, and being treated with a highly restrictive transfusion protocol.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective chart review performed on patients admitted to a level 1 tertiary care center with fractures of the proximal femur from December 2015 to December 2017 included 239 patients. Patients who received 300 mg of IV iron when their hemoglobin fell below 11 g/dL were compared to a control group of patients who never received IV iron with respect to transfusion rate, 30-day readmission rate, nosocomial infections, length of stay, and hospital costs.

Results:

There were no significant differences in transfusion rates ( P = .118). There was a trend toward decreased length of stay ( P = .063) and 30-day readmission rates ( P = .051) with a 59% reduction in the odds of 30-day readmission when a patient received IV iron. There were no differences in nosocomial infection rates or cost of hospitalization.

Discussion:

This study presents a compelling argument for further research regarding the use of IV iron in elderly patients undergoing surgery for a hip fracture. Length of stay and transfusion rates are increased in patients with intertrochanteric fractures and undergoing intramedullary nailing. A higher number of these patients in the IV iron group may have falsely increased these rates. A prospective, randomized, controlled trial is needed to assess the true effects of perioperative IV iron.

Conclusions:

This study showed no significant benefit to IV iron use in elderly patients undergoing surgical treatment of hip fracture. The decrease in 30-day readmission rate should be further examined with a prospective randomized controlled trial.
A Comparative Study of 10th Grade Turkish Cypriot Students’ Writing Errors
Authors: Terzioğlu Yildiz , Bensen Bostanci Hanife
Published: March 2020

The present study aims to shed light on analyzing the types and the frequency of the written sentence errors committed by 58 tenth grade Turkish Cypriot English as a foreign language (EFL) students in two classrooms, that is, Class A and B at a public vocational high school in North Cyprus. A quasi-experimental design was employed in the study where Class A was the experimental group which was exposed to an audio-visual aid titled “the Little Red Riding Hood” and Class B who acted as the control group. Data were collected from the written sentences produced by the students. All the errors committed by the students were identified and categorized into syntactic, morphological, orthographic, and lexical categories. The results of the study showed that both classes of students committed 11 types of common errors: (a) wrong use of articles, (b) wrong use of prepositions, (c) word order, (d) verb tense, (e) omission of plural –s, (f) misuse of the possessive –s, (g) incorrect use of comparative adjectives, (h) incorrect spelling, (i) punctuation, (j) capitalization, and (k) wrong words. However, the experimental group committed less errors ( N = 232, 57.14%) as compared to the control group ( N = 320, 78.82%). The findings have implications for EFL teachers to incorporate audio-visual aids into their teaching methodologies when teaching the writing skill.
“Mom, You Don’t Get It”: A Critical Examination of Multiracial Emerging Adults’ Perceptions of Parental Support
Authors: Atkin Annabelle L. , Jackson Kelly F.
Published: March 2020

Multiracial families are becoming increasingly common in the United States, yet there is a dearth of research examining how parents of Multiracial youth provide support for navigating challenges associated with being mixed race in a monocentric society. The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the parental support strategies that Multiracial emerging adults perceived to be helpful in their own development. Twenty Multiracial emerging adults (50% female, mean age = 20.55) with diverse Multiracial heritages were interviewed about conversations they had with their parents regarding their racial experiences throughout their childhood. Critical supplementary analysis using constructivist grounded theory identified three themes of parental support (i.e., connection support, discrimination support, and Multiracial identity expression support) and informed a conceptual model demonstrating relationships between environmental context, parent characteristics, family dynamics, risks, and identity development. Findings are discussed in terms of implications for researchers and practitioners serving Multiracial families.
Tuberculous osteomyelitis of the proximal femur masquerading as bone secondary: A case report
Authors: Maduakonam Dim Edwin , Lee Lam Ying , Kenneth Ho Wai Yip , Raymond Yau Ching Hin , Shek Tony WH
Published: March 2020

Tuberculosis is a mycobacterial infection, but it can mimic many diseases including diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The need to consider it as a differential diagnosis of musculoskeletal tumours and tumour-like conditions cannot be overemphasized. The opinions of some, that tuberculosis is a disease of the undeveloped world, can no longer be sustained especially in the presence of immunodeficiency disorders, including HIV/AIDS, which have a worldwide prevalence. Traditionally, literature evidence shows that tuberculosis can mimic quite a number of diseases, including cancers. This has been found to be true, even in some technologically advanced countries. We present a case of hepatocellular cancer patient incidentally found to have concomitant hepatic tuberculosis who complained of bone lesion, with clinico-radiologic features of metastasis, but which turned out to be a tuberculous infection of the bone.
Perioperative Blood Flow Restriction Rehabilitation in Patients Undergoing ACL Reconstruction: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lu Yining , Patel Bhavik H. , Kym Craig , Nwachukwu Benedict U. , Beletksy Alexander , Forsythe Brian , Chahla Jorge
Published: March 2020

Background:

Low-load blood flow restriction (BFR) training has attracted attention as a potentially effective method of perioperative clinical rehabilitation for patients undergoing orthopaedic procedures.

Purpose:

To (1) compare the effectiveness of low-load BFR training in conjunction with a standard rehabilitation protocol, pre- and postoperatively, and non-BFR interventions in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and (2) evaluate protocols for implementing BFR perioperatively for patients undergoing ACLR.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A systematic review of the 3 medical literature databases was conducted to identify all level 1 and 2 clinical trials published since 1990 on BFR in patients undergoing ACLR. Patient demographics from included studies were pooled. Outcome data were documented, including muscle strength and size, and perceived pain and exertion. A descriptive analysis of outcomes from BFR and non-BFR interventions was performed.

Results:

A total of 6 studies (154 patients; 66.2% male; mean ± SD age, 24.2 ± 3.68 years) were included. Of these, 2 studies examined low-load BFR as a preoperative intervention, 1 of which observed a significant increase in muscle isometric endurance ( P = .014), surface electromyography of the vastus medialis ( P < .001), and muscle blood flow to the vastus lateralis at final follow-up ( P < .001) as compared with patients undergoing sham BFR. Four studies investigated low-load BFR as a postoperative intervention, and they observed significant benefits in muscle hypertrophy, as measured by cross-sectional area; strength, as measured by extensor torque; and subjective outcomes, as measured by subjective knee pain during session, over traditional low-load resistance training (all P < .05). BFR occlusion periods ranged from 3 to 5 minutes, with rest periods ranging from 45 seconds to 3 minutes.

Conclusion:

This systematic review found evidence on the topic of BFR rehabilitation after ACLR to be sparse and heterogeneous likely because of the relatively recent onset of its popularity. While a few authors have demonstrated the potential strength and hypertrophy benefits of perioperative BFR, future investigations with standardized outcomes, long-term follow-up, and more robust sample sizes are required to draw more definitive conclusions.
Political ecologies of infrastructural and intestinal decay
Authors: Bresnihan Patrick , Hesse Arielle
Published: March 2020

In March 2007, when Cryptosporidium contaminated water supplies in Galway City, Ireland, political authorities responded quickly to upgrade water treatments plants. This response framed the crisis as a solely technical problem of infrastructural decay, obscuring legacies of urban and agricultural (over)development. In this paper, we examine dominant responses to infrastructural contamination that depoliticize and re-inscribe divisions among bodies, nature, infrastructure, rural and urban. The temporality of the Galway outbreak and the speedy response by the state is not replicated throughout Ireland. In parts of rural Roscommon, the neighbouring county to Galway, microbiological risks to the drinking water supply have been left unattended for more than eight years. The interplay of social, political, economic, and ecological factors produces uneven exposures to health risks that are situated within and mediated through water infrastructure. Drawing on postcolonial insights, the unevenness of infrastructural provision across Ireland does not just tell a story of exclusion and othering, but also provides space for different infrastructural projects to unfold. While the response to contamination within the public water supply replayed well-known technical fixes, the work of the National Federation of Group Water Schemes, the representative body of community managed water systems in rural Ireland, illustrates a different form of infrastructural practice that negotiates legacies of institutional abandonment and acknowledges the wider hydro-social cycle as part of, rather than ancillary to, water infrastructure. By blending political ecologies of health and postcolonial approaches to infrastructure, we analyse the unevenness of responses to infrastructural contamination and trace its relationship to legacies of uneven development and imaginaries of urban and rural Ireland.
Extendable mirrors to improve anesthesia provider comfort for eye and positioning checks in prone patients: A pilot study
Authors: Lin Sophia , Bailey LaSharVeA , Nguyen Thai , Mintz Cyrus , Rosenblatt Kate
Published: March 2020

Prone positioning is frequently used for spinal surgery and is associated with risks including perioperative visual loss and stroke. Frequent eye checks and careful neck positioning are recommended. In our hospital’s current model, anesthesia providers are required to kneel on the operating room floor beneath operating room table, exposing themselves to hazards such as bodily fluids and back and knee strain. This maneuver is both time consuming and unpleasant. While new devices that enable easier visualization of patients in the prone position exist, they are costly and not universally compatible with all operating room tables. Our objective for this feasibility pilot study was to determine if simple, extendable mirrors increase anesthetist comfort during these cases. A nonrandomized survey-based feasibility pilot study was performed, evaluating comfort while performing eye checks with extendable lighted mirrors compared to the standard kneeling practice. A total of 41 nurse anesthetists and anesthesiology residents were analyzed. A mixed model logistic regression demonstrates a three-fold improvement in comfort with the prone position after mirror use (OR = 3.34; 95% CI: 1.06–10.48; p = 0.039). The frequency of eye checks did not change significantly with introduction of the mirror. Use of the extendable mirror improves anesthesia provider comfort with patients in the prone position. We postulate that it may be a useful addition to our practice.
Gastric Outlet Obstruction Secondary to Pyloric Thickening in an Adolescent Male
Authors: Liddick Sonia
Published: March 2020

Gastric outlet obstruction secondary to pyloric thickening in adolescents is an extremely rare finding. The condition is caused by a number of benign or malignant etiologies that cause an impediment to gastric emptying. Common and uncommon etiologies as well as the pathogenesis of gastric outlet obstruction are discussed. A case study of gastric outlet obstruction in a 14-year-old male is presented, and the crucial role of sonography in the diagnostic process of his condition is considered.
Dimorphism in the TCRγ-chain repertoire defines 2 types of human immunity to Epstein-Barr virus
Authors: Djaoud Zakia , Parham Peter
Published: March 2020

Humans form 2 groups based on their innate immunity to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Group 1 makes a strong natural killer (NK)–cell and γδ T-cell response, whereas group 2 makes a strong NK-cell response, but a weak γδ T-cell response. To investigate the underlying basis for this difference in γδ T-cell immunity to EBV, we used next-generation sequencing to compare the γδ T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoires of groups 1 and 2. In the absence of EBV, group 1 TCRγ chains are enriched for complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3s) containing JγP, whereas group 2 TCRγ chains are enriched for CDR3s containing Jγ2. In group 1 donors, EBV activates many γδ T cells expressing Vγ9JγP, inducing proliferation that produces a large population of activated effector cells. The TCRs using Vγ9JγP are closely related to the TCRs of γδ T cells that respond to phosphoantigens. In group 2 donors, EBV activates a small subpopulation of γδ T cells, most expressing Vγ9JγP. In conclusion, we find that differences in the TCRγ-chain repertoire underlie the differential response of group 1 and group 2 to EBV.
Cerebrospinal fluid of chronic osteoarthritic patients induced interleukin-6 release in human glial cell-line T98G
Authors: Liu Weiling , Li Chunmei , Tan Francis Chee Kuan , Neo Hong Jye , Chan Yiong Huak , Low Chian-Ming , Lee Tat Leang
Published: March 2020

Background

Chronic osteoarthritic pain is not well understood in terms of its pathophysiological mechanism. Activated glial cells are thought to play a role in the maintenance of chronic pain. T98G glioblastoma cell line was previously observed to release higher amounts of interleukin-6 (IL-6) when treated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with another chronic pain condition, post-herpetic neuralgia. In this study, we investigated the ability of CSF from patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis suffering from chronic pain, to trigger the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-6, IL-1beta and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) from T98G. Characterization of upstream signalling was also explored.

Methods

Fifteen osteoarthritis patients undergoing total knee replacement due to chronic knee pain and 15 patients without pain undergoing other surgeries with spinal anaesthesia were prospectively recruited. CSF was collected during anaesthesia. CSF were added to cultured T98G cells in the presence of lipopolysaccharide. IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α release from T98G cells were measured using enzyme immunoassay. Antibody array and western blotting were performed using CSF-triggered T98G cell lysates to identify possible signalling targets. Age, gender and pain scores were recorded. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare IL-6 release and protein expression between groups. Association between IL-6 and pain score was analysed using linear regression.

Results

Significant higher levels of IL-6 were released by T98G cells when induced by osteoarthritis patients’ CSF in the presence of LPS. The IL-6 levels showed positive association with pain score (adjusted B estimate = 10.1 (95% Confidence Interval 4.3–15.9); p = 0.001). Antibody array conducted with 6 pooled T98G cell lysate induced with osteoarthritis pain patient CSF identified greater than 2-fold proteins including STE20-related kinase adaptor protein and spleen tyrosine kinase. Further validation done using western blotting of individual CSF-triggered T98G cell lysate showed non-significant increase.

Conclusion

Higher IL-6 release from T98G when triggered by OA-CSF, in the presence of LPS, suggest the presence of “unknown molecule” in CSF that may be crucial in the maintenance phase of chronic pain in our osteoarthritis population. Further studies on the signalling pathways involved in pain and relevance of IL-6 release from T98G cells in other pain models are needed.
Change in public awareness of colorectal cancer symptoms following the Be Cancer Alert Campaign in the multi-ethnic population of Malaysia
Authors: Schliemann Désirée , Paramasivam Darishiani , Dahlui Maznah , Cardwell Christopher R. , Somasundaram Saunthari , Ibrahim Tamin Nor Saleha Binti , Donnelly Conan , Su Tin Tin , Donnelly Michael
Published: March 2020

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) cases are detected late in Malaysia similar to most Asian countries. The Be Cancer Alert Campaign (BCAC) was a culturally adapted mass media campaign designed to improve CRC awareness and reduce late detection in Malaysia. The evaluation of the BCAC-CRC aimed to assess campaign reach, campaign impact and health service use.

Methods

Participants aged ≥40 years (n = 730) from randomly selected households in Selangor State Malaysia, completed interview-based assessments. Campaign reach was assessed in terms of responses to an adapted questionnaire that was used in evaluations in other countries. The impact of the campaign was assessed in terms of awareness, confidence to detect symptoms and self-efficacy to discuss symptoms with a doctor as captured by the Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM). CAM was administered before-and-after campaign implementation and responses by BCAC recognisers (i.e. participants who recognised one or more of the BCAC television, radio or print advertisements when prompted) and non-recognisers (i.e. participants who did not recognise any of the BCAC advertisements) were compared analytically. Logistic regression analysed comparative differences in cancer awareness by socio-demographic characteristics and recognition of the BCAC materials.

Results

Over 65% of participants (n = 484) recognised the BCAC-CRC. Campaign-recognisers were significantly more likely to be aware of each CRC symptom at follow-up and were more confident about noticing symptoms (46.9% vs 34.9%, p = 0.018) compared to non-recognisers. There was no difference between groups in terms of self-efficacy to see a doctor about symptoms. Improved symptoms awareness at follow-up was lower for Indians compared to Malays (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.53, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.34, 0.83, p = 0.005). Health service use data did not indicate an increase in screening activity during or immediately after the campaign months.

Conclusion

Overall, the findings of the evaluation indicated that the culturally adapted, evidence-based mass media intervention improved CRC symptom awareness among the Malaysian population; and that impact is more likely when a campaign operates a differentiated approach that matches modes of communication to the ethnic and social diversity in a population.
Comparison of the responsiveness of the WOMAC and the 12-item WHODAS 2.0 in patients with Kashin–Beck disease
Authors: Yang Lei , Wang Dimiao , Li Xiuxia , Yuan Hangjing , Fang Hua , Guo Xiong
Published: March 2020

Background

Several questionnaires have been used to assess the health status of patients with Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) in clinical trials, but the evidence regarding the responsiveness of these instruments in KBD patients is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the responsiveness of the Chinese version of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) and 12-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) in KBD patients undergoing intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid (HA).

Methods

A sample of 232 KBD patients treated with intra-articular injection of HA completed the WOMAC, 12-item WHODAS 2.0 and joint dysfunction index (JDI) both pre- and post-treatment. Responsiveness was assessed using correlation and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses following the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist.

Results

Overall, there were significant improvements in the mean scores on the WOMAC and on the 12-item WHODAS 2.0, except for in the cognition domain. Correlation analysis showed that changes in the WOMAC and 12-item WHODAS 2.0 scores had moderate or weak positive associations with the changes in the JDI. However, acceptable areas under the ROC curve (value > 0.7) were found for all domains and for the total score on the WOMAC, but only for the mobility domain and the total score on the 12-item WHODAS 2.0.

Conclusions

These results demonstrated that the WOMAC was more responsive than the 12-item WHODAS 2.0 in KBD patients treated with intra-articular injection of HA. Our findings support the continued use of the WOMAC as an outcome measure in assessing disability in KBD patients.
Test–retest reliability of tip, key, and palmar pinch force sense in healthy adults
Authors: Li Lin , Li Yanxia , Wu Changhong , Zhang Xinyan
Published: March 2020

Background

No previous studies have investigated the test–retest reliability of tip, key, and palmar pinch force sense in healthy adults. The present study explores the test-retest reliability of tip, key, and palmar pinch force sense for different force levels in healthy adults during an ipsilateral force reproduction task.

Methods

Fifty-six healthy subjects were instructed to produce varying levels of reference forces (10, 30, and 50% maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC)) using three types of pinches (tip pinch, palmar pinch, and key pinch) and to reproduce these forces using the same hand. The subjects were tested twice by the same experienced testers, 1 week apart.

Results

Based on the high values of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), the tip pinch (0.783–0.895) and palmar pinch (0.752–0.903) force sense tests demonstrated good reliability for all the variables. The ICCs for the key pinch (0.712–0.881) indicated fair to good relative test-retest reliability.

Conclusion

1) This study demonstrates that high test-retest reliability of tip, key, and palmar pinch force sense in healthy adults can be achieved using standardized positioning and the proposed approach. 2) According to the reliability measurements, 30 and 50% maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) are the most reliable pinch force sense levels.
Bioinformatics analysis of vascular RNA-seq data revealed hub genes and pathways in a novel Tibetan minipig atherosclerosis model induced by a high fat/cholesterol diet
Authors: Pan Yongming , Yu Chen , Huang Junjie , Rong Yili , Chen Jiaojiao , Chen Minli
Published: March 2020

Background

Atherosclerosis is a major contributor to cardiovascular events, however, its molecular mechanism remains poorly known. Animal models of atherosclerosis can be a valuable tool to provide insights into the etiology, pathophysiology, and complications of atherosclerosis. In particular, Tibetan minipigs are a feasible model for studying diet-related metabolic and atherosclerotic diseases.

Methods

We used vascular transcriptomics to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in high fat/cholesterol (HFC) diet-fed Tibetan minipig atherosclerosis models, analyzed the DEGs gene ontology (GO) terms, pathways and protein-protein interactions (PPI) networks, and identified hub genes and key modules using molecular complex detection (MCODE), Centiscape and CytoHubba plugin. The identified genes were validated using the human carotid atherosclerosis database (GSEA 43292) and RT-PCR methods.

Results

Our results showed that minipigs displayed obvious dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, atherosclerotic plaques, as well as increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and leukocyte recruitment after 24 weeks of HFC diet feeding compared to those under a regular diet. Our RNA-seq results revealed 1716 DEGs in the atherosclerotic/NC group, of which 1468 genes were up-regulated and 248 genes were down-regulated. Functional enrichment analysis of DEGs showed that the HFC diet-induced changes are related to vascular immune-inflammatory responses, lipid metabolism and muscle contraction, indicating that hypercholesterolemia caused by HFC diet can activate innate and adaptive immune responses to drive atherosclerosis development. Furthermore, we identified four modules from the major PPI network, which are implicated in cell chemotaxis, myeloid leukocyte activation, cytokine production, and lymphocyte activation. Fifteen hub genes were discovered, including TNF, PTPRC, ITGB2, ITGAM, VCAM1, CXCR4, TYROBP, TLR4, LCP2, C5AR1, CD86, MMP9, PTPN6, C3, and CXCL10, as well as two transcription factors (TF), i.e. NF-ĸB1 and SPI1. These results are consistent with the expression patterns in human carotid plaque and were validated by RT-PCR.

Conclusions

The identified DEGs and their enriched pathways provide references for the development and progression mechanism of Tibetan minipig atherosclerosis model induced by the HFC diet.
Advances in neuroprosthetic management of foot drop: a review
Authors: Gil-Castillo Javier , Alnajjar Fady , Koutsou Aikaterini , Torricelli Diego , Moreno Juan C.
Published: March 2020

This paper reviews the technological advances and clinical results obtained in the neuroprosthetic management of foot drop. Functional electrical stimulation has been widely applied owing to its corrective abilities in patients suffering from a stroke, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injury among other pathologies. This review aims at identifying the progress made in this area over the last two decades, addressing two main questions: What is the status of neuroprosthetic technology in terms of architecture, sensorization, and control algorithms?. What is the current evidence on its functional and clinical efficacy? The results reveal the importance of systems capable of self-adjustment and the need for closed-loop control systems to adequately modulate assistance in individual conditions. Other advanced strategies, such as combining variable and constant frequency pulses, could also play an important role in reducing fatigue and obtaining better therapeutic results. The field not only would benefit from a deeper understanding of the kinematic, kinetic and neuromuscular implications and effects of more promising assistance strategies, but also there is a clear lack of long-term clinical studies addressing the therapeutic potential of these systems. This review paper provides an overview of current system design and control architectures choices with regard to their clinical effectiveness. Shortcomings and recommendations for future directions are identified.
Anti-colorectal cancer effects of scutellarin revealed by genomic and proteomic analysis
Authors: Xiong Liu-Lin , Du Ruo-Lan , Xue Lu-Lu , Jiang Ya , Huang Jin , Chen Li , Liu Jia , Wang Ting-Hua
Published: March 2020

Background

Colorectal cancer, one of the most common digestive tumors with high mortality and morbidity worldwide, currently lacks effective therapies available to improve the prognosis. This study was aimed to investigate the potency of Scutellarin against colorectal cancers, and explore the related mechanism via genomic and proteomic analysis.

Methods

Cell counting kit-8 assay was employed to detect the viability of HCT-116 and RKO cell lines treated with Scutellarin. The apoptosis of HCT-116 and RKO cells after Scutellarin administration was determined by TUNEL staining and Caspase 3/7 activity. Cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry analysis. The wound healing and transwell invasion test detected the role of Scutellarin in migration and invasion of HCT-116 and RKO cells. Meanwhile, the energy metabolism and growth of tumor tissues in vivo at day 28 were observed by PET-CT after Scutellarin administration with 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg into 4-week-old nude mice. Blood routine and liver functions were also detected to evaluate the side effect of Scutellarin. Furthermore, the disease and function classifications which the differentially expressed genes and proteins involved after Scutellarin treatment were determined by genomic and proteomic analysis respectively.

Results

The Scutellarin inhibited the migration and increased apoptosis of HCT-116 and RKO cell lines. Besides, Scutellarin treatment substantially decreased the growth and volume of colorectal tumors in nude mice without side effects on the blood routine and liver function. The differentially expressed genes in RKO cells after Scutellarin administration were mainly enriched in cell death and survival, organismal injury and abnormalities, and cancer. In addition, forty-seven upregulated and twenty-nine downregulated proteins were identified. Functional clustering analysis exhibited enriched biological processes, cellular components, molecular functions and related pathways of these proteins in cellular metabolic. Then protein–protein interactions analysis showed the regulatory relationship among these differentially expressed proteins.

Conclusions

Taken together, the present findings revealed that Scutellarin exerted significant antitumor effect with no side effects in the blood and liver by regulating various important molecules in tumor proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis.
Correction to: Molecular basis of Leigh syndrome: a current look
Authors: Schubert Baldo Manuela , Vilarinho Laura
Published: March 2020

The original version of this article [1] unfortunately included an error to an author’s name. Author Manuela Schubert Baldo was erroneously presented as Manuela Baldo Schubert.
Lost and found: the posthumous portrait of Louis Agassiz by Henry Ulke (1876), and their noteworthy relationship
Authors: Mollen Frederik H.
Published: March 2020

Despite today’s controversy regarding several aspects of his legacy, Swiss-born Harvard Professor Louis Agassiz (1807–1873) was one of the most eminent scientists of his time. After his death, Washington-based photographer and amateur naturalist, Henry Ulke (1821–1910), honored his ‘esteemed friend’ which is clear from his personal letter of condolence addressed to Agassiz’s eldest son Alexander, and a posthumous portrait (oil on canvas) dated 1876. In 1877, his portrait was purchased by the United States Capitol, but it was not accepted by the Joint Committee on the Library. Thereafter, it soon went missing and remained unnoticed for nearly 150 years, until the same portrait (or at least a second, original version) was brought to auction in 2013 by heirs of the Ulke family. The painting is based on a rare carte-de-visite photograph, which bears the 1876 backstamp of Henry’s brother, Julius Ulke (1833–1910). Both the painting and the card, undoubtedly depicting Agassiz, were once mislabeled as General Francis E. Spinner, United States Treasurer (1802–1890), probably by Henry’s son, Titus Ulke (1866–1961) or another descendent. The rediscovery of the painting is of major historic and artistic importance. It is now on display in the library of Elasmobranch Research, Belgium.
Technologies, strategies and approaches for testing populations at risk of sexually transmitted infections: a systematic review protocol to inform prevention and control in EU/EEA countries
Authors:   on behalf of the NASSTI, Francis Suzanna C. , Parajuli Arun , Mardh Otilia , Falconer Jane , Andreasen Aura , Harding-Esch Emma
Published: March 2020

Objectives

This protocol outlines a systematic review methodology, aiming to assess the recent evidence-base for the impact of testing strategies and approaches on access to testing, testing coverage, and linkage to care for populations at risk for specific curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, and Mycoplasma genitalium infections).

Data sources

These include MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Global Health, Cochrane Database, Epistemonikos, CINAHL Plus, and Web of Science Core Collection.

Review methods

Papers reporting primary data from 1 January 2012 onwards will be included. Titles, abstracts, and full texts will be reviewed for inclusion, and data will be extracted using a pre-specified and piloted data extraction form, by two independent reviewers. Experts in the field will be contacted and interviewed for further information about ongoing or unpublished studies. A narrative synthesis of the findings will be conducted.

Discussion

Outcomes of this study will inform policy makers, national and international programme coordinators, public health and clinical experts, and civil society organisations involved in STI prevention and control in EU/EEA countries and elsewhere. The review will provide a direction for future researchers and programmers seeking to improve STI testing services among key populations at high risk for STIs.

Systematic review registration

In accordance with guidelines outlined in the PRISMA-P methodology, this protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on 30 January 2019: CRD42019118261.
Generalized fractional integral inequalities of Hermite–Hadamard type for harmonically convex functions
Authors: Zhao Dafang , Ali Muhammad Aamir , Kashuri Artion , Budak Hüseyin
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we establish inequalities of Hermite–Hadamard type for harmonically convex functions using a generalized fractional integral. The results of our paper are an extension of previously obtained results (İşcan in Hacet. J. Math. Stat. 43(6):935–942, 2014 and İşcan and Wu in Appl. Math. Comput. 238:237–244, 2014). We also discuss some special cases for our main results and obtain new inequalities of Hermite–Hadamard type.
Correction to: Structural heterogeneity in and around the fold-and-thrust belt of the Hidaka Collision zone, Hokkaido, Japan and its relationship to the aftershock activity of the 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake
Authors: Iwasaki Takaya , Tsumura Noriko , Ito Tanio , Arita Kazunori , Matsubara Makoto , Sato Hiroshi , Kurashimo Eiji , Hirata Naoshi , Abe Susumu , Noda Katsuya , Fujiwara Akira , Kikuchi Shinsuke , Suzuki Kazuko
Published: March 2020

In the original publication of this article (Iwasaki et al. 2019), the author name ‘Matsubara Makoto’ in author list is not correct. The correct name should be ‘Makoto Matsubara’.
Combining spatial and economic criteria in tree-level harvest planning
Authors: Packalen Petteri , Pukkala Timo , Pascual Adrián
Published: March 2020

Background

Modern remote sensing methods enable the prediction of tree-level forest resource data. However, the benefits of using tree-level data in forest or harvest planning is not clear given a relative paucity of research. In particular, there is a need for tree-level methods that simultaneously account for the spatial distribution of trees and other objectives. In this study, we developed a spatial tree selection method that considers tree-level (relative value increment), neighborhood related (proximity of cut trees) and global objectives (total harvest).

Methods

We partitioned the whole surface area of the stand to trees, with the assumption that a large tree occupies a larger area than a small tree. This was implemented using a power diagram. We also utilized spatially explicit tree-level growth models that accounted for competition by neighboring trees. Optimization was conducted with a variant of cellular automata. The proposed method was tested in stone pine (Pinus pineaL.) stands in Spain where we implemented basic individual tree detection with airborne laser scanning data.

Results

We showed how to mimic four different spatial distributions of cut trees using alternative weightings of objective variables. The Non-spatial selection did not aim at a particular spatial layout, the Single-tree selection dispersed the trees to be cut, and the Tree group and Clearcut selections clustered harvested trees at different magnitudes.

Conclusions

The proposed method can be used to control the spatial layout of trees while extracting trees that are the most economically mature.
Lifestyle counselling as secondary prevention in patients with minor stroke and transient ischemic attack: study protocol for a randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Liljehult Jacob , Molsted Stig , Møller Tom , Overgaard Dorthe , Adamsen Lis , Jarden Mary , Christensen Thomas
Published: March 2020

Background

Most patients with minor stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) are discharged with little or no specialised follow-up. Nonetheless, these patients have a high prevalence of cognitive impairments and a considerable risk of recurrent stroke. Smoking cessation, physical activity, and adherence to antihypertensive and antithrombotic medication are highly recommended in patients with minor stroke and TIA. Evidence suggests that simple encouragement to change lifestyle is ineffective. Behavioural interventions might therefore be needed to support patients in managing their own health post-discharge.

Objectives

We aim to test the (1) feasibility of randomisation acceptance and an early initiated, client-centred lifestyle and behavioural intervention in a clinical setting, and (2) potential effect of the intervention on arterial blood pressure in patients with minor stroke or TIA and (3) explore the participants experience of barriers and facilitators for health behaviour after a stroke, including perceived needs and social support.

Methods

We will conduct a randomized controlled pilot trial: Eligible patients with acute minor stroke or TIA (n = 40) will be randomly allocated to either early initiated counselling with four weekly post-discharge follow-up sessions for 12 weeks or usual care. The primary outcome will be program feasibility and to discuss the relevance of arterial blood pressure as primary outcome after 12 weeks intervention. Selected participants will be invited to participate in semi-structured interviews, based on purposeful sampling, to evaluate the intervention and explore their experience of life after a stroke. The interviews will be analysed using a five-step thematic analysis approach.

Discussion

The study will provide evidence of the feasibility and potential effect of early initiated counselling on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with minor stroke and TIA. Qualitative interviews will contribute with a more nuanced understanding of the barriers and facilitators of health enhancing behaviour. Optimizing health behaviour counselling and providing formal support to the patients’ post-discharge may ease the transition and help more patients adhere to lifestyle and medication recommendations.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrial.gov, NCT03648957