bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of regulatory T cells in cancer
Authors: Stockis Julie , Roychoudhuri Rahul , Halim Timotheus Y. F.
Published: April 2019

The inflammatory response to transformed cells forms the cornerstone of natural or therapeutically induced protective immunity to cancer. Regulatory T (Treg) cells are known for their critical role in suppressing inflammation, and therefore can antagonize effective anti‐cancer immune responses. As such, Treg cells can play detrimental roles in tumour progression and in the response to both conventional and immune‐based cancer therapies. Recent advances in our understanding of Treg cells reveal complex niche‐specific regulatory programmes and functions, which are likely to extrapolate to cancer. The regulation of Treg cells is reliant on upstream cues from haematopoietic and non‐immune cells, which dictates their genetic, epigenetic and downstream functional programmes. In this review we will discuss how Treg cells are themselves regulated in normal and transformed tissues, and the implications of this cross talk on tumour growth.
Portfolio selection under uncertainty: a new methodology for computing relative‐robust solutions
Authors: Caçador Sandra , Dias Joana Matos , Godinho Pedro
Published: April 2019

In this paper, a new methodology for computing relative‐robust portfolios based on minimax regret is proposed. Regret is defined as the utility loss for the investor resulting from choosing a given portfolio instead of choosing the optimal portfolio of the realized scenario. The absolute‐robust strategy was also considered and, in this case, the minimum investor's expected utility in the worst‐case scenario is maximized. Several subsamples are gathered from the in‐sample data and for each subsample a minimax regret and a maximin solution are computed, to avoid the risk of overfitting. Robust portfolios are computed using a genetic algorithm, allowing the transformation of a three‐level optimization problem in a two‐level problem. Results show that the proposed relative‐robust portfolio generally outperforms (other) relative‐robust and non‐robust portfolios, except for the global minimum variance portfolio. Furthermore, the relative‐robust portfolio generally outperforms the absolute‐robust portfolio, even considering higher risk aversion levels.
Tuning oxygen vacancy in LiNbO3 single crystals for prominent memristive and dielectric behaviors
Authors: Wang Chunchang , Sun Jie , Ni Wei , Yue Binbin , Hong Fang , Liu Hong , Cheng Zhenxiang
Published: April 2019

Understanding and manipulating the behavior of oxygen vacancy in oxide materials are of vital importance for rejuvenating materials with novel functionalities. We herein report a exciting phenomenon of oxygen vacancies changing from an isolated state to a clustered state in LiNbO3 single crystals. The clustering of the oxygen vacancies induces a relaxor‐like dielectric anomaly and a first‐order phase transition. The relaxor‐like dielectric anomaly was argued to be a pseudo‐relaxor behavior resulting from the combined contributions of a dipolar relaxation and a Maxwell‐Wagner relaxation. The first‐order phase transition was ascribed to be an electric‐ferroelectric phase transition. Interestingly, a well‐defined melting point of the oxygen‐vacancy clusters was observed. At temperatures near the point, a small dc field can lead to resistance switching from a high resistance state to a low resistance state, yielding a prominent memristive effect with the OFF/ON ratio of 102. Our results underscore that controlling the oxygen vacancy state is a promising strategy to tailor the properties of oxides for novel device applications.
Thermal stability of nano Ce1−xTixO2 material system for X < 0.2
Authors: Mordekovitz Yuval , Shelly Lee , Hayun Shmuel
Published: April 2019

Ceria (CeO2) is a technologically promising compound due to a remarkable set of properties. However, the use of ceria also has drawbacks, the most pronounced of which is the material's poor thermal stability. This property limits the use of ceria‐based materials at elevated temperatures, in many technological applications. To overcome this, the addition of TiO2 is proposed. Such addition essentially creates a new material system, namely Ce1−xTixO2. In this work, an array of techniques were employed to determine the thermal stability of this new compound range (X < 0.2). Results show that when nano‐sized, TiO2 is fully soluble in CeO2 in this range. After heat treatment, however, the material coarsens and the solubility limit decreases to less than 2 at.%. as the compound undergoes significant changes. These include solute segregation and phase separation. Finally, the factors that affect compound stability are discussed.
Consumer Response toward Plus‐Size Models Featured in the Mainstream Media
Authors: Pounders Kathrynn , Mabry‐Flynn Amanda
Published: April 2019

The rise of the body acceptance movement among consumers has led several brands and media outlets to feature models with diverse body shapes and sizes. However, little research has examined consumer reactions to these nontraditional models. This exploratory study addresses this gap by examining consumer response to three different instances in which a plus‐size model was featured in a popular press magazine. Discourse analysis examined consumer‐generated online comments. Three broad themes were identified that included positive sentiment related to more inclusivity in media representations of women: concern about model body size and health, and questions around how a “plus” size body is defined. This work offers insight into consumer response to plus‐size models, sheds light into how society views the plus‐size body and health, as well as how brands can begin to integrate plus‐size models into marketing and advertising campaigns.
Successful treatment of facial vascular skin diseases with a 577‐nm pro‐yellow laser
Authors: Mohamed Essam‐Elden M. , Mohamed Tawfik Khaled , Hassan Ahmad Wafaa
Published: April 2019

Background

Treatment of vascular skin diseases is one of the most important indications of the laser.

Aims

To evaluate the effectiveness of 577‐nm pro‐yellow laser in the treatment of some vascular skin diseases.

Patients/methods

Ninety‐five patients with vascular skin diseases were included in this prospective monocentric study. They were classified into: port‐wine stain birthmarks (n = 37), papulopustular rosacea (n = 20), facial telangiectasia (n = 16), and facial erythema (n = 22). All participants received a monthly session of 577‐nm pro‐yellow laser. Follow‐up was done by comparing the photographs before and at every follow‐up visit.

Results

At the final visit, there was a significant improvement (>50%) occurred in 24/37 (64.82%), 12/20 (60%), 10/16 (62.5%), and 19/22 (86.3%) cases and poor response occurred in 6/37 (16.2%), 2/20 (10%), 2/16 (12.5%), and 0/22 cases after a mean number of sessions 7.76 ± 2.28, 3.1 ± 1.8, 3.63 ± 1.12, and 1.8 ± 0.85 in port‐wine stain, rosacea‐, facial telangiectasia‐, and facial erythema‐treated groups, respectively. Transient irritation and erythema during the session were the only complications reported in the study.

Conclusion

Facial port‐wine stains, rosacea, telangiectasia, and erythema can be successfully treated with a single pass of 577‐nm pro‐yellow laser with a minimal side effect. Facial erythema showed the highest degree of success with the least number of sessions, while more sessions needed for the treatment of port‐wine stain.
Topical skin therapies in subjects undergoing full facial rejuvenation
Authors: Dayan Steven H. , Bacos Jonathan T. , Ho Thuy‐Van T. , Gandhi Nimit D. , Gutierrez‐Borst Selika , Kalbag Arjun
Published: April 2019

Background

Cosmeceutical therapies including face washes, moisturizers, chemical peels and antioxidant formulations are intended to improve the esthetic appearance of skin. The use of these products as adjuncts to full facial rejuvenation with hyaluronic acid filler and abobotulinumtoxinA may improve cosmetic and socio‐esthetic outcomes.

Objective

To characterize the effect of skin care products in subjects undergoing full facial rejuvenation with abobotulinumtoxinA and hyaluronic acid in improving facial skin appearance, patient satisfaction, and projected first impressions.

Methods

Twenty subjects were recruited and divided into two treatment groups. Subjects in Group A followed a standard skin care regimen, whereas subjects in Group B received a more robust skin care regimen including chemical peels and antioxidant formulations. All subjects underwent facial rejuvenation treatments with hyaluronic acid at Visit 2 and with abobotulinumtoxinA at Visit 7. Patient esthetic improvement, satisfaction, self‐esteem, and first impression were evaluated via the Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Assessment Scale, Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, Skin Quality Assessment, Heatherton & Polivy State Self‐Esteem Scale, Subject Satisfaction Scale, and the First Impressions Questionnaire.

Results

Both treatment groups experienced significant improvements in the Skin Quality Assessment, Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Assessment Scale, Heatherton and Polivy State Self‐Esteem Scale, and First Impressions Questionnaire.

Conclusion

The cosmeceutical therapies used in this study in combination with abobotulinumtoxinA and hyaluronic acid filler improved subjects’ skin quality, self‐esteem, and projected first impressions. Larger studies are needed to determine the most efficacious combination of topical skin therapies with facial rejuvenation therapy.
Loss of alveolar bone density in postmenopausal, osteopenic women is associated with circulating levels of gelatinases
Authors: Thompson David M. , Lee Hsi‐Ming , Stoner Julie A. , Golub Lorne M. , Nummikoski Pirkka V. , Payne Jeffrey B.
Published: April 2019

Objective

To determine whether circulating levels of two matrix metalloproteinases, MMP‐2 and MMP‐9, are associated with loss of alveolar bone density (ABD) or height (ABH), or with progression of periodontitis (relative clinical attachment level [RCAL]), among postmenopausal women with local and systemic bone loss.

Background

This study was planned as part of a 2‐year randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, clinical trial examining efficacy/safety of subantimicrobial dose doxycycline (20 mg bid) in postmenopausal osteopenic women. This study examines whether serum levels of gelatinases are associated with local changes in the periodontium.

Methods

A sample of 113 women received periodontal maintenance for moderate to advanced chronic periodontitis and consented to analysis of stored serum biomarkers. Posterior vertical bitewings were taken, and serum collected, at baseline, one, and 2 years. ABD was determined by computer‐assisted densitometric image analysis (CADIA), ABH by the Hausmann et al (1992, J Periodontol 63, 657) method, and RCAL by Florida Probe (every 6 months). MMPs were measured densitometrically on gelatin zymograms using denatured type I collagen as substrate and purified MMP‐2 (72 kDa) and MMP‐9 (92 kDa) as standards. Evidence of worsening in the periodontium at a tooth site was defined as a change from baseline of, for ABD, at least 14 densitometric units (for subcrestal locations) or 17 units (for crestal locations); of at least 0.4 mm for ABH; and of at least 1.5 mm for RCAL. Logistic regression models, while accounting for clustering, compared the odds of worsening in ABD, ABH, or RCAL, after 2 years of observation, between groups defined by baseline and concurrent levels of serum gelatinases.

Results

Changes in ABH and RCAL were not associated with circulating levels of MMP‐2 or MMP‐9. However, elevated odds of ABD loss over 24 months were associated, among smokers, with both baseline and concurrent levels of MMP‐9 in the middle and highest tertile, and with concurrent levels of MMP‐2 in the middle (but not the highest) tertile. Elevated odds of ABD loss were also associated, among women within 5 years of menopause, with baseline levels of MMP‐2 in the highest tertile.

Conclusion

Among postmenopausal osteopenic women, loss of ABD was associated, in smokers, with elevated circulating levels of MMP‐9 and MMP‐2. In those within 5 years of menopause, ABD loss was associated with elevated circulating levels of MMP‐2.
Relations of liver fat with prevalent and incident chronic kidney disease in the Framingham Heart Study: A secondary analysis
Authors: Wilechansky Robert M. , Pedley Alison , Massaro Joseph M. , Hoffmann Udo , Benjamin Emelia J. , Long Michelle T.
Published: April 2019

Background & Aims

Prior studies demonstrated an association between non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and chronic kidney disease (CKD), though data are conflicting. We examined the association between liver fat and prevalent and incident CKD in the Framingham Heart Study (FHS).

Methods

We included FHS participants who underwent computed tomography (CT) from 2002 to 2005 (n = 1315). After excluding heavy alcohol use (n = 211) and missing covariates (n = 117), the final sample included 987 participants. For the incident CKD analysis, we excluded 73 participants with prevalent CKD. Liver fat was measured by the average liver attenuation on CT. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was obtained using the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration Creatinine‐Cystatin C equation, and CKD was defined as eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. Microalbuminuria was defined by sex‐specific urinary albumin‐creatinine ratio cut‐offs. Multivariable‐adjusted regression models were performed to determine the association between liver fat and CKD.

Results

The prevalence of hepatic steatosis and CKD were 19% and 14% respectively (55.9% women, mean age 60 ± 9 years). After adjusting for covariates, we observed no significant associations between liver fat and CKD, microalbuminuria or eGFR in cross‐sectional analyses. We observed positive associations between liver fat, incident microalbuminuria and reduced eGFR in age‐ and sex‐adjusted models; these relationships were not significant in multivariable‐adjusted models.

Conclusions

In this community‐based cohort study, we did not observe significant associations between liver fat and prevalent or incident CKD with a median follow‐up time of 12.5 years. The association between NAFLD and CKD may be accounted for by shared risk factors; confirmatory studies are needed.
The Analysis and Forecasting of Tennis Matches by using a High Dimensional Dynamic Model
Authors: Gorgi P. , Koopman S. J. , Lit R.
Published: April 2019

We propose a high dimensional dynamic model for tennis match results with time varying player-specific abilities for different court surface types. Our statistical model can be treated in a likelihood-based analysis and can handle high dimensional data sets while the number of parameters remains small. In particular, we analyse 17 years of tennis matches for a panel of over 500 players, which leads to more than 2000 dynamic strength levels. We find that time varying player-specific abilities for different court surfaces are of key importance for analysing tennis matches. We further consider several other extensions including player-specific explanatory variables and the match configurations for Grand Slam tournaments. The estimation results can be used to construct rankings of players for different court surface types. We finally show that our proposed model produces accurate forecasts. We provide evidence that our model significantly outperforms existing models in the forecasting of tennis match results.
The Effect of Similarity Between a Product’s Shape Properties and the Benefit Offered on Judgments and Preferences
Authors: Sorozon Kelly Saporta
Published: April 2019

Studies show a product's shape affects consumer judgments. Yet, the basic principle that governs shape effects is unclear. In this study, we fill this gap by demonstrating that causal-reasoning considerations govern shape effects. Specifically, people expect cause (e.g., an energy drink) and its effect (e.g., fat burning) to exhibit some degree of resemblance or congruency (“like causes like”). This expectation leads them to use the “law of similarity” heuristic when judging artifacts. In two studies, we focused on a product's shape. For half of the products, the shape was an intrinsic property of the product (i.e., had the causal power to produce the effect), and for the other half, the shape was an extrinsic property of the product. For both kinds of properties (extrinsic and intrinsic), we demonstrate that the same ad (e.g., an energy drink that "claims" to produce fat burning) is more persuasive (willingness to purchase the product, and choice between products) when the product's shape is congruent rather than incongruent (e.g., a “tall” can vs. a “short” can) with the effect promised.We strengthen the notion that leaning on a cause-effect-similarity heuristic is very basic, by showing that choice situations accelerate the effect of congruency more for products for which the focal property is extrinsic than for products for which it is intrinsic.In line with other studies that show causal reasoning considerations govern judgment and choice on artifacts (products), the present study demonstrates causal-reasoning considerations govern judgment and choice concerning the cause-effect-similarity heuristic as well.
Biological responses of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) to different host plants: an investigation on bottom-up effects
Authors: Azadi qoort Afsoon , Sedaratian-Jahromi Amin , Haghani Mostafa , Ghane-Jahromi Mojtaba
Published: April 2019

Two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, is a cosmopolitan pest causing economic damage to a wide range of different host plants worldwide. In the present study, bottom-up effects of four common greenhouse plants including cucumber (cultivar “Negin”), tomato (cultivar “Isabella”), eggplant (cultivar “Bell”) and watermelon (cultivar “Crimson”) on biological parameters of this pest were evaluated using age-stage, two-sex life table theory. The obtained results revealed that the durations of different life stages of T. urticae were significantly affected by the host plants tested. Accordingly, the highest and lowest recorded values for duration of total immature stages of this mite were recorded on tomato (12.09 ± 0.25 day) and eggplant (8.37 ± 0.16 day), respectively. The duration of oviposition period was also significantly different and the highest value was estimated on watermelon (14.19 ± 1.26 day). Furthermore, host plants tested significantly affected the mortality of different life stages and the highest immature mortality was estimated on tomato (65.31 ± 4.81 %). The highest and lowest estimated values for intrinsic rate of increase (r) were recorded on cucumber (0.239 ± 0.014 day-1) and tomato (0.104 ± 0.016 day-1), respectively. The calculated values for mean generation time (T) were the highest on tomato (17.81 ± 0.53 day) and the lowest on eggplant (13.98 ± 0.28 day). These findings demonstrated that cucumber and tomato had the lowest and highest negative effects on the biological parameters of T. urticae, respectively.
A ballistic model-based method for ranging small arms fire using a single acoustic sensor node
Authors: Lo Kam W.
Published: April 2019

A ballistic model-based method is proposed for ranging small arms fire using a single acoustic sensor node, without a priori knowledge of the two ballistic model parameters: the muzzle speed and ballistic constant of the bullet, except that their actual values lie within a known two-dimensional (2D) parameter subspace. The method assumes that the line of fire misses the sensor node by a small angle, referred to as the miss angle, typically within a few degrees. A closed-form range estimator is derived, which computes the mean value of the feasible range estimates over the 2D parameter subspace for a presumed miss angle, using the measurements of the differential time of arrival and differential angle of arrival of the muzzle blast and ballistic shock wave at the sensor node. The output of the range estimator for a small presumed miss angle provides the range estimate of the point of fire. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated using simulated data for 36 different types of bullets and using real data for two different types of bullets.
Hamstring Eccentric Strengthening Program: Does Training Volume Matter?
Authors: Lacome Mathieu , Avrillon Simon , Cholley Yannick , Simpson Ben M. , Guilhem Gael , Buchheit Martin
Published: April 2019

Aim: To compare the effect of low versus high volume of eccentric-biased hamstring training programs on knee-flexor strength and fascicle length changes in elite soccer players. Methods: A total of 19 elite youth soccer players took part in this study and were randomly assigned into 2 subgroups. For 6 weeks in-season, the groups performed either a low-volume (1 set per exercise; 10 repetitions in total) or a high-volume (4 sets; 40 repetitions) eccentric training of their knee flexors. After 6-weeks midtraining (MID), players performed the alternate training regimen. Each training set consisted of 4 repetitions of the Nordic hamstring exercise and 6 repetitions of the bilateral stiff-leg deadlift. Eccentric knee-flexor strength (NordBord) as well as biceps femoris long head and semimembranosus fascicle length (scanned with ultrasound scanner) were assessed during pretraining (PRE), MID, and posttraining (POST) tests. Results: Knee-flexor eccentric strength very likely increased from PRE to MID (low volume: +11.3% [7.8%] and high volume: 11.4% [5.3%]), with a possibly-to-likely increase in biceps femoris long head (+4.5% [5.0%] and 4.8% [2.5%]) and semimembranosus (+4.3% [4.7%] and 6.3% [6.3%]) fascicle length in both groups. There was no substantial changes between MID and POST. Overall, there was no clear between-group difference in the changes from PRE to MID and MID to POST for neither knee-flexor eccentric strength, biceps femoris long head, nor semimembranosus fascicle length. Conclusions: Low-volume knee-flexor eccentric training is as effective as a greater training dose to substantially improve knee-flexor strength and fascicle length in-season in young elite soccer players. Low volume is, however, likely more appropriate to be used in an elite team facing congested schedules.
Training-Induced Changes in the Respiratory Compensation Point, Deoxyhemoglobin Break Point, and Maximal Lactate Steady State: Evidence of Equivalence
Authors: Inglis Erin Calaine , Iannetta Danilo , Keir Daniel A. , Murias Juan M.
Published: April 2019

Purpose: To evaluate whether the coherence in the oxygen uptake () associated with the respiratory compensation point (RCP), near-infrared spectroscopy-derived muscle deoxyhemoglobin ([HHb]) break point ([HHb]BP), and maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) would persist at the midpoint and endpoint of a 7-month training and racing season. Methods: Eight amateur male cyclists were tested in 3 separate phases over the course of a cycling season (PRE, MID, and POST). Testing at each phase included a ramp-incremental test to exhaustion to determine RCP and [HHb]BP. The PRE and POST phases also included constant power output rides to determine MLSS. Results: Compared with PRE, at both RCP and [HHb]BP was greater at MID (delta: RCP 0.23 [0.14] L·min−1, [HHb]BP 0.33 [0.17] L·min−1) and POST (delta: RCP 0.21 [0.12], [HHb]BP 0.30 [0.14] L·min−1) (P < .05). at MLSS also increased from PRE to POST (delta: 0.17 [12] L·min−1) (P < .05). was not different at RCP, [HHb]BP, and MLSS at PRE (3.74 [0.34], 3.64 [0.40], 3.78 [0.23] L·min−1) or POST (3.96 [0.25], 3.95 [0.32], 3.94 [0.18] L·min−1) respectively, and RCP (3.98 [0.33] L·min−1) and [HHb]BP (3.97 [0.34] L·min−1) were not different at MID (P > .05). PRE–MID and PRE–POST changes in associated with RCP, [HHb]BP, and MLSS were strongly correlated (range: r = .85–.90) and demonstrated low mean bias (range = −.09 to .12 L·min−1). Conclusions: At all measured time points, at RCP, [HHb]BP, and MLSS were not different. Irrespective of phase comparison, direction, or magnitude of changes, intraindividual changes between each index were strongly related, indicating that interindividual differences were reflected in the group mean response and that their interrelationships are beyond coincidental.
The Impact of Preconditioning Strategies Designed to Improve 2000-m Rowing Ergometer Performance in Trained Rowers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Turnes Tiago , Cruz Rogério S.O. , Caputo Fabrizio , De Aguiar Rafael A.
Published: April 2019

Purpose: The 2000-m rowing-ergometer test is the most common measure of rowing performance. Because athletes use different intervention strategies for enhancing performance, investigating the effect of preconditioning strategies on the 2000-m test is of great relevance. This study evaluated the effects of different preconditioning strategies on 2000-m rowing-ergometer performance in trained rowers. Methods: A search of electronic databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science) identified 27 effects of different preconditioning strategies from 17 studies. Outcomes were calculated as percentage differences between control and experimental interventions, and data were presented as mean ± 90% confidence interval. Performance data were converted to the same metrics, that is, mean power. Meta-regression analyses were conducted to assess whether performance level or caffeine dose could affect the percentage change. Results: The overall beneficial effect on 2000-m mean power was 2.1% (90% confidence limit [CL] ±0.6%). Training status affected the percentage change with interventions, with a −1.1% (90% CL ±1.2%) possible small decrease for 1.0-W·kg−1 increment in performance baseline. Caffeine consumption most likely improves performance, with superior effect in higher doses (≥6 mg·kg−1). Sodium bicarbonate and beta-alanine consumption resulted in likely (2.6% [90% CL ±1.5%]) and very likely (1.4% [90% CL ±1.2%]) performance improvements, respectively. However, some preconditioning strategies such as heat acclimation, rehydration, and creatine resulted in small to moderate enhancements in 2000-m performance. Conclusions: Supplementation of caffeine and beta-alanine is a popular and effective strategy to improve 2000-m ergometer performance in trained rowers. Additional research is warranted to confirm the benefit of other strategies to 2000-m rowing-ergometer performance.
Verbal Instruction Reduces Patellofemoral Joint Loading During Bodyweight Squatting
Authors: Almonroeder Thomas G. , Watkins Emily , Widenhoefer Tricia
Published: April 2019

Context: The bodyweight squat exercise is a common component for treatment and prevention of patellofemoral pain; however, it can also place a high load on the patellofemoral joint. Restricting anterior motion of the knees relative to the toes during squatting appears to reduce patellofemoral loading. However, exercise professionals typically rely on verbal instructions to alter squat technique. Objective: To evaluate the influence of verbal instructions regarding squat technique on patellofemoral joint loading. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Motion analysis laboratory. Participants: Eleven uninjured females. Intervention: Participants performed bodyweight squats before (baseline) and after receiving verbal instructions to limit anterior knee motion. Two different types of verbal instruction were used, one intended to promote an internal focus of attention and the other intended to promote an external focus of attention. Three-dimensional kinematics and kinetics were recorded using a multicamera system and force plate. Main Outcome Measures: Sagittal plane patellofemoral joint forces and stress were estimated using a musculoskeletal model. Results: Participants demonstrated a reduction in patellofemoral joint forces (35.4 vs 31.3 N/kg; P = .01) and stress (10.7 vs 9.2 mPa; P = .002) after receiving instructions promoting an internal focus of attention, compared with their baseline trials. Participants also demonstrated a reduction in patellofemoral joint forces (35.4 vs 32.3 N/kg; P = .03) and stress (10.7 vs 9.6 mPa; P = .04) after receiving instructions promoting an external focus of attention (vs baseline). However, there were no significant differences in patellofemoral forces (P = .84) or stress (P = .41) for trials performed with an internal versus external attentional focus. Conclusion: It appears that verbal instruction regarding knee position influences patellofemoral joint loading during squatting.
Comparison of Protonics™ Knee Brace With Sport Cord on Knee Pain and Function in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Alshaharani Mastour S. , Lohman Everett B. , Bahjri Khaled , Harp Travis , Alameri Mansoor , Jaber Hatem , Daher Noha S.
Published: April 2019

Context:Protonics™knee brace has been suggested as an intervention for patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. However, the effectiveness of this knee brace compared with traditional conservative methods knee rehabilitation is lacking.Objective:To compare the effect of Protonics™knee brace versus sport cord on knee pain and function in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.Design:Randomized controlled trial.Setting:Loma Linda University.Participants:There were 41 subjects with patellofemoral pain with a mean age of 28.8 (5.0) years and body mass index of 25.6 (4.7) kg/m2participated in the study.Intervention:Subjects were randomized to 1 of 2 treatment groups, the Protonics™knee brace (n = 21) or the sport cord (n = 20) to complete a series of resistance exercises over the course of 4 weeks.Main Outcome Measures:Both groups were evaluated according to the following clinical outcomes: anterior pelvic tilt, hip internal/external rotation, and iliotibial band flexibility. The following functional outcomes were also assessed: Global Rating of Change Scale, the Kujala score, the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and the lateral step-down test.Results:Both groups showed significant improvement in the outcome measures. However, the Protonics™knee brace was more effective than the sport cord for the Global Rating of Change Scale over time (immediate 1.0 [2.1] vs post 2 wk 3.0 [2.2] vs 4 wk 4.6 [2.3] in the Protonics™brace compared with 0.0 [2.1] vs 1.3 [2.2] vs 3.0 [2.3] in the sport cord,P < .01), suggesting greater satisfaction.Conclusions:Both study groups had significant improvements in the clinical and functional symptoms of patellofemoral pain. The Protonics™knee brace group was significantly more satisfied with their outcome. However, the sport cord may be a more feasible and cost-effective method that yields similar results in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Systematic Review of Host-Mediated Activity of Miltefosine in Leishmaniasis through Immunomodulation
Authors: Palić Semra , Bhairosing Patrick , Beijnen Jos H. , Dorlo Thomas P. C.
Published: April 2019

Host immune responses are pivotal for the successful treatment of the leishmaniases, a spectrum of infections caused by
Leishmania
parasites. Previous studies speculated that augmenting cytokines associated with a type 1 T-helper cell (Th1) response is necessary to combat severe forms of leishmaniasis, and it has been hypothesized that the antileishmanial drug miltefosine is capable of immunomodulation and induction of Th1 cytokines.
Type E Botulinum Neurotoxin-Producing Clostridium butyricum Strains Are Aerotolerant during Vegetative Growth
Authors: Camerini Serena , Marcocci Lucia , Picarazzi Lara , Iorio Egidio , Ruspantini Irene , Pietrangeli Paola , Crescenzi Marco , Franciosa Giovanna
Published: April 2019

Botulinum neurotoxins, the causative agents of the potentially fatal disease of botulism, are produced by certain
Clostridium
strains during vegetative growth, usually in anaerobic environments. Our findings indicate that, contrary to current understanding, the growth of neurotoxigenic
C. butyricum
strains and botulinum neurotoxin type E production can continue upon transfer from anaerobic to aerated conditions and that adaptation of strains to oxygenated environments requires global changes in proteomic and metabolic profiles. We hypothesize that aerotolerance might constitute an unappreciated factor conferring physiological advantages on some botulinum toxin-producing clostridial strains, allowing them to adapt to otherwise restrictive environments.
Thyroid detectives: on the trail of Munchausen’s syndrome
Authors: Chakraborty Partha Pratim , Goswami Soumik , Bhattacharjee Rana , Chowdhury Subhankar
Published: April 2019

Thyrotoxicosis factitia, a disorder frequently seen in young or middle-aged women with psychological disorders, most commonly results from surreptitious ingestion of excess thyroid hormones. In most patients, diagnosis is relatively straightforward and depends on the demonstration of biochemical thyrotoxicosis, suppressed endogenous thyroid function and absence of clinical features of underlying thyroid disease. However, at times, confounding factors can make the diagnosis particularly challenging and necessitate the investigating physician to don the detective’s cap to get to the root of the problem. We discuss a patient whose diagnosis was reached with ingenuity after considerable effort from four endocrinologists having a total experience of 37 years in their field.
Pre-eclampsia and risk of later kidney disease: nationwide cohort study
Authors: Kristensen Jonas H , Basit Saima , Wohlfahrt Jan , Damholt Mette Brimnes , Boyd Heather A
Published: April 2019

Objective

To investigate associations between pre-eclampsia and later risk of kidney disease.

Design

Nationwide register based cohort study.

Setting

Denmark.

Population

All women with at least one pregnancy lasting at least 20 weeks between 1978 and 2015.

Main outcome measure

Hazard ratios comparing rates of kidney disease between women with and without a history of pre-eclampsia, stratified by gestational age at delivery and estimated using Cox regression.

Results

The cohort consisted of 1 072 330 women followed for 19 994 470 person years (average 18.6 years/woman). Compared with women with no previous pre-eclampsia, those with a history of pre-eclampsia were more likely to develop chronic renal conditions: hazard ratio 3.93 (95% confidence interval 2.90 to 5.33, for early preterm pre-eclampsia (delivery <34 weeks); 2.81 (2.13 to 3.71) for late preterm pre-eclampsia (delivery 34-36 weeks); 2.27 (2.02 to 2.55) for term pre-eclampsia (delivery ≥37 weeks). In particular, strong associations were observed for chronic kidney disease, hypertensive kidney disease, and glomerular/proteinuric disease. Adjustment for cardiovascular disease and hypertension only partially attenuated the observed associations. Stratifying the analyses on time since pregnancy showed that associations between pre-eclampsia and chronic kidney disease and glomerular/proteinuric disease were much stronger within five years of the latest pregnancy (hazard ratio 6.11 (3.84 to 9.72) and 4.77 (3.88 to 5.86), respectively) than five years or longer after the latest pregnancy (2.06 (1.69 to 2.50) and 1.50 (1.19 to 1.88). By contrast, associations between pre-eclampsia and acute renal conditions were modest.

Conclusion

s Pre-eclampsia, particularly early preterm pre-eclampsia, was strongly associated with several chronic renal disorders later in life. More research is needed to determine which women are most likely to develop kidney disease after pre-eclampsia, what mechanisms underlie the association, and what clinical follow-up and interventions (and in what timeframe post-pregnancy) would be most appropriate and effective.
Comparing alternative follow-up strategies for patients with stable coeliac disease
Authors: Pritchard Lucy , Waters Carolyn , Murray Iain Alexander , Bebb James , Lewis Stephen
Published: April 2019

Background

Once clinically stable, patients with coeliac disease should have annual follow-up. Lack of capacity in gastroenterology outpatient clinics mean alternatives are required.

Objectives

We studied the effectiveness of follow-up deferred to general practitioners (GP-FU) and compared this with a neighbouring Trust where follow-up was through a dedicated nurse-led telephone clinic (T-FU).

Design

All patients with coeliac disease were posted a questionnaire examining patient satisfaction, adherence with gluten-free diet and calcium intake.

Results

517 of 825 patients (62.7%) completed a postal questionnaire (median age 61, 72% female). 28% of GP-FU and 84% of T-FU patients received an annual review. Of those seen, 33% (GP-FU) and 53% (T-FU) were weighed (χ265.8, p<0.001), 44% and 63% had symptom review (χ281.1, p<0.001) and 33% and 51% had dietary adherence checked (χ260.6, p<0.001). Almost all patients considered their adherence with gluten-free diet (GFD) good or excellent, although the majority of patients failed to achieve the recommended daily intake of calcium. GP-FU patients were more likely to receive calcium±vitamin D supplements (77% vs 42%, χ288.2, p<0.001) and they were also more likely to receive appropriate vaccinations (67% vs 38%, χ217.6, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Discharge of patients with coeliac disease to primary-care in many cases results in their complete loss to follow-up. When patients were reviewed, either by GP-FU and T-FU, many aspects of their care are not addressed. Whether this will result in late complications remains to be seen.
Increased levels of sST2 in patients with mitral annulus disjunction and ventricular arrhythmias
Authors: Scheirlynck Esther , Dejgaard Lars A , Skjølsvik Eystein , Lie Oyvind H , Motoc Andreea , Hopp Einar , Tanaka Kaoru , Ueland T , Ribe Margareth , Collet Carlos , Edvardsen Thor , Droogmans Steven , Cosyns Bernard , Haugaa Kristina H
Published: April 2019

Objective

Displacement of the mitral valve, mitral annulus disjunction (MAD), is described as a possible aetiology of sudden cardiac death. Stress-induced fibrosis in the mitral valve apparatus has been suggested as the underlying mechanism. We aimed to explore the association between stretch-related and fibrosis-related biomarkers and ventricular arrhythmias in MAD. We hypothesised that soluble suppression of tumourigenicity-2 (sST2) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1) are markers of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with MAD.

Methods

We included patients with ≥1 mm MAD on cardiac MRI. We assessed left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and fibrosis by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). The occurrence of ventricular arrhythmia, defined as aborted cardiac arrest, sustained or non-sustained ventricular tachycardia, was retrospectively assessed. We assessed circulating sST2 and TGFβ1 levels.

Results

We included 72 patients with MAD, of which 22 (31%) had ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with ventricular arrhythmias had lower LVEF (60 % (±6) vs 63% (±6), p = 0.04), more frequently papillary muscle fibrosis (14 (64%) vs 10 (20%), p < 0.001) and higher sST2 levels (31.6 ± 10.1 ng/mL vs 25.3 ± 9.2 ng/mL, p = 0.01) compared with those without, while TGFβ1 levels did not differ (p = 0.29). Combining sST2 level, LVEF and papillary muscle fibrosis optimally detected individuals with arrhythmia (area under the curve 0.82, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.92) and improved the risk model (p < 0.05) compared with single parameters.

Conclusion

Circulating sST2 levels were higher in patients with MAD and ventricular arrhythmias compared with arrhythmia-free patients. Combining sST2, LVEF and LGE assessment improved risk stratification in patients with MAD.
Is There a Single Method for the Internet of Things?
Authors: Jacobson Ivar , Spence Ian , Ng Pan-Wei
Published: April 2019

The Industrial Internet Consortium predicts the IoT (Internet of Things) will become the third technological revolution after the Industrial Revolution and the Internet Revolution. Its impact across all industries and businesses can hardly be imagined. Existing software (business, telecom, aerospace, defense, etc.) is expected to be modified or redesigned, and a huge amount of new software, solving new problems, will have to be developed. As a consequence, the software industry should welcome new and better methods.
Vigorous Public Debates in Academic Computer Science
Authors: Regehr John
Published: April 2019

This installment of Research for Practice features a special curated selection from John Regehr, who takes us on a tour of great debates in academic computer science research. In case you thought flame wars were reserved for Usenet mailing lists and Twitter, think again: the academic literature is full of dramatic, spectacular, and vigorous debates spanning file systems, operating system kernel design, and formal verification.
Hybrid Private Record Linkage
Authors: Rao Fang-Yu , Cao Jianneng , Bertino Elisa , Kantarcioglu Murat
Published: April 2019

Private record linkage protocols allow multiple parties to exchange matching records, which refer to the same entities or have similar values, while keeping the non-matching ones secret. Conventional protocols are based on computationally expensive cryptographic primitives and therefore do not scale. To address these scalability issues, hybrid protocols have been proposed that combine differential privacy techniques with secure multiparty computation techniques. However, a drawback of such protocols is that they disclose to the parties both the matching records and the differentially private synopses of the datasets involved in the linkage. Consequently, differential privacy is no longer always satisfied. To address this issue, we propose a novel framework that separates the private synopses from the matching records. The two parties do not access the synopses directly, but still use them to efficiently link records. We theoretically prove the security of our framework under the state-of-the-art privacy notion of differential privacy for record linkage (DPRL). In addition, we develop a simple but effective strategy for releasing private synopses. Extensive experimental results show that our framework is superior to the existing methods in terms of efficiency.
Expression of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Related mRNAs in Chronic Otitis Media
Authors: Dong Sung Hwa , Kim Young Il , Kim Myung Gu , Kim Youn-Jung , Byun Jae Yong , Park Moon Suh , Kim Sang Hoon , Yeo Seung Geun
Published: April 2019

Objectives: Unfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) cause an ER stress response and can result in various pathologic conditions, including inflammation. Otitis media is the most common disease in otolaryngology and is associated with inflammation. The pathophysiology of chronic otitis media is not well understood; we therefore investigated the expression pattern of ER stress-related mRNAs in chronic otitis media. Methods: Specimens were obtained from 47 patients with chronic otitis media over a period of 2 years. Expression levels of 6 ER stress transcription factors were quantitatively assessed using real-time RT-PCR. Results: The mRNA expression of sXBP1 was significantly higher in the otorrhea present group than in the otorrhea absent group (p < 0.05). ATF6 expression was significantly higher in the ossicle destruction group than in the ossicle intact group (p < 0.05). mRNA expression of the 6 ER stress-related genes did not differ significantly between those patients with positive microbial cultures versus those with negative cultures (p > 0.05) or those with facial nerve dehiscence versus those without facial nerve dehiscence (p > 0.05). Conclusions: sXBP1 appears to be involved in chronic otitis media-associated inflammation, including otorrhea. ATF6 is associated with the destruction of ossicles. Our results suggest that certain ER stress-related genes are expressed in chronic otitis media-associated inflammation.
Strong Antitumor Activity of Bevacizumab and Aflibercept in Neuroendocrine Carcinomas: In-Depth Preclinical Study
Authors: Rodríguez-Remírez María , del Puerto-Nevado Laura , Fernández Aceñero María Jesús , Ebrahimi-Nik Hakimeh , Cruz-Ramos Marlid , García-García Laura , Solanes Sonia , Baños Natalia , Molina-Roldán Elena , García-Foncillas Jesús , Cebrián Arancha
Published: April 2019

Background: Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) is a rare and very aggressive tumor. It has been greatly understudied, and very little is known about optimal treatment strategy for patients with this disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vivo whether anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs could be a therapeutic alternative for these tumors with a poor prognosis. Methods: We have developed 2 xenograft models using either human cell line derived from lung (H460) or from colon (COLO320) NEC to assess the effect of 2 antiangiogenic drugs, aflibercept and bevacizumab, on tumor growth and their pathological characteristics. Additionally, tumors were subjected to immunohistochemistry staining and proteins were measured with Western blot and ELISA. Results: Both aflibercept and bevacizumab showed significant antitumor activity (p < 0.001). In the H460 model, aflibercept resulted in 94% tumor growth inhibition (TGI) and bevacizumab treatment resulted in 72.2% TGI. Similarly, in the COLO320 model, aflibercept and bevacizumab resulted in 89.3 and 84% TGI, respectively. Moreover, antitumor activity occurs early after treatment initiation. Using Tumor Control Index score, which address the kinetics of tumor growth in a way comparable to the methods used in human clinical studies, we confirmed that both drugs inhibit significantly tumor growth. When tumor stabilization was evaluated, aflibercept shows higher ability to stabilize NEC tumors than bevacizumab. Conclusion: Results derived from this study strongly support anti-VEGF therapies, especially aflibercept, as a novel therapeutic option in NECs. Further studies are necessary, but our observations encourage the evaluation of antiangiogenics in clinical trials combined with standard chemotherapy.
A percepção de jovens operários do setor informal calçadista sobre o trabalho
Authors: Souza Elaine Cristina Vilioni de , Ribeiro Daniela de Figueiredo , Andrade Antônio dos Santos
Published: April 2019

Este estudo dedicou-se a investigar e compreender as percepções de jovens operários do setor informal calçadista sobre o trabalho. Participaram do estudo cinco jovens, com idade entre 16 e 24 anos, trabalhadores de bancas calçadistas localizadas em um bairro tipicamente operário de uma cidade do interior do estado de São Paulo. Para isso, utilizou-se a carto(foto)grafia como um dos métodos investigativos. Os próprios participantes produziram fotografias de cenas acerca do seu trabalho e falaram sobre seus significados por meio das entrevistas individual e de grupo focal, que foram gravadas em áudio e literalmente transcritas. A avaliação dos dados foi orientada pelos princípios da categorização da análise de conteúdo, e a entrevista em grupo focal foi analisada a partir de categorias formadas e nomeadas pelos próprios participantes e discutida à luz do referencial teórico-conceitual adotado. Concluiu-se então que a maioria dos participantes vive em um universo com possibilidades cristalizadas, o que os impossibilita de construir novos modos de ser e existir no mundo, alojados na alienada lógica dominante, aprisionados à subjetividade capitalística. Alguns, ainda, mesmo que sutilmente, conseguem ver novas possibilidades e tecer algum desejo de transformação.