bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Between School Administrators’ Leadership Styles, School Culture, and Organizational Image
Authors: Kalkan Ümit , Altınay Aksal Fahriye , Altınay Gazi Zehra , Atasoy Ramazan , Dağlı Gökmen
Published: January 2020

In this study, the relationships between the leadership styles of school principals, school culture, and organizational image are examined according to the teachers’ perceptions. The study is designed according to a relational survey model, and it consists of 370 teachers working in 20 schools in Selçuklu, Karatay, and Meram districts of Konya, Turkey. The leadership style scale of school principals (LSSSP), the scale for school culture (SSC), and the scale of the organizational image (SOI) were used as data collection tools. Pearson’s correlation, regression, and path analysis were used for analyzing data in addition to descriptive statistics. It was found that school principals manifest transformational leadership characteristics, the perception of school culture by the teachers is strong and the perception of the organizational image by the teachers is medium. It was also found that there are significant relationships between leadership styles, the school culture, and organizational image, along with the leadership style of school principals, which significantly predicted school culture, and school culture, which significantly predicted organizational image. School culture has a mediator effect on both leadership styles and the organizational image. This is due to the realization of the leadership styles that have an important role in developing an organizational image, through school culture. This research offers the presumptions that leadership manifested by the principal creates a positive effect on the members of the organization and contributes to the formation of strong school culture, in addition to leadership and school culture making a positive contribution to the organizational image of the educational institution.
Investigation of Factors Affecting the Achievement of University Students with Logistic Regression Analysis: School of Physical Education and Sport Example
Authors: Eratlı Şirin Yeliz , Şahin Mustafa
Published: January 2020

In this study, the factors affecting the success of university students were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. In the study, success variable was defined according to the survey information applied to 360 university students studying in School of Physical Education and Sport in Çukurova University and Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University in Turkey, in 2017–2018 academic year. The relationship between the answers to the Likert-type scale questions affecting success variables and the course success was estimated by logistic regression analysis. According to the results of the research, because independent variables such as mother’s education status, age, and class were statistically insignificant, they were not included in the multivariate model. According to the findings, variables such as gender, the university they studied, the way they chose their department, and father’s education are seen as important in the growth of students’ academic success. In addition to this, the variables such as counseling about their profession, support of department’s instructors, and communication with instructor have been found to be considerably effective on success. It was observed that the way they chose their department (willingly–compulsorily) was the most effective factor, and father’s education was the second effective factor. As a result, the success levels of the students were found to differ according to the sociodemographic characteristics and their relations with the instructors. On the contrary, as the instructors’ guidance, support, and communication skills are effective contributors on student’s success, it has been concluded that instructors should take these factors into account.
Reasons for Forgiving: Individual Differences and Emotional Outcomes
Authors: Belicki Kathryn , DeCourville Nancy , Kamble Shanmukh Vasant , Stewart Tammy , Rubel Alicia
Published: January 2020

This research is part of a program to identify common forms of forgiveness and study the outcomes associated with different ways of forgiving. Two samples, one in Canada ( N = 274) and one in India ( N = 159), completed a third version of the Reasons for Forgiving Questionnaire (R4FQ), several measures of individual differences, as well as measures of affect and mood while imagining their injurer. Nine R4FQ subscales were derived: For the Relationship, To Feel Better, Based on Principle, Because Injurer Reformed, To Demonstrate Moral Superiority, Because Understood Injurer, For God, Because of Social Pressure, and For Pragmatic Reasons. These subscales were differentially related to religiosity, attachment security, trait anger, collectivism, and individualism. Positive emotional outcomes were associated with forgiving for the relationship, based on principle, because injurer reformed, and because understood injurer. In contrast, negative outcomes were associated with forgiving To Demonstrate Moral Superiority, Because of Social Pressure, and For Pragmatic Reasons.
Probing the Links Between Team Resilience, Competitive Advantage, and Organizational Effectiveness: Evidence from Information Technology Industry
Authors: Sharma Shikha , Sharma Sanjeev K.
Published: January 2020

Modern business environment throws hard punches not just at an individual level but at team level too. In today’s sweeping and highly complex environment, top teams need to be more than just high performers. They need to adapt and thrive, regardless of the turbulence they face. Research revealed that resilient teams can be more agile and adjust easily with the varying demands of its market. Appreciating the importance of resilience in team-context, this study examined the relationship among team resilience (TR), competitive advantage (CA), and organizational effectiveness (OE). Using descriptive research design data were collected from 300 employees aggregated into 71 teams from 18 IT firms located in Northern India. Statistical analyses found a significant relationship between TR and OE. CA was found to be a partial mediator among the relationship between TR and OE. Findings underline the strength of a relationship and predictive ability of various dimensions of TR with OE and CA. Based on the empirical results, the researcher proposed a Team Resilience Building Framework (TRBF). The organizations may benefit from the research findings in terms of devising the strategies to enhance resilience capacity of their teams.
Nature and Extent of Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure in India: A Study of Selected BSE Companies
Authors: Aspal Parvesh Kumar , Singh Manjit
Published: January 2020

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure is growing at an increasing trend in the corporate world. It is a relatively new concept and it has emerged as a crucial research domain over the last decade. Financial as well as social performances of the company are the strong basis of sustainable development. At present, corporations in India are confirming an authentic and legitimate concern about the upliftment of their stakeholders and community. Thus, the prime objective of this study is to analyse the nature and extent of CSR disclosure in Indian companies selected from the top 200 BSE companies for the period 2014–2016. Content analysis has been employed using CSR checklist to compute the disclosure score under four dimensions of CSR, such as employee relations; welfare and development of community; consumer issues and products and environment. The percentage of companies disclosing CSR has been observed to be enhancing over the period of study and regarding the dimensions of CSR. The most disclosed dimension is customer issues and products followed by community development and welfare, environment and employee relations. The analysis also reveals that the CSR disclosure in selected industries has been increased during the period of study. Oil and gas industry is on the top position in terms of CSR disclosure and chemical and leather industry stands at the bottom-most position.
Measurement of the Posterior Tibial Slope Depends on Ethnicity, Sex, and Lower Limb Alignment: A Computed Tomography Analysis of 378 Healthy Participants
Authors: Pangaud Corentin , Laumonerie Pierre , Dagneaux Louis , LiArno Sally , Wellings Peter , Faizan Ahmad , Sharma Akash , Ollivier Matthieu
Published: January 2020

Background:

There is no general consensus on the normal and pathological values for the posterior tibial slope (PTS).

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The primary aim of this study was to determine standard values for the PTS in healthy participants using 3-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT). A secondary aim was to determine the effect of demographic factors and coronal-plane lower limb alignment on the PTS measurement. The hypothesis was that the PTS would be significantly influenced by demographic factors and coronal-plane lower limb alignment.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A CT-based modeling and analytics system was used to examine and measure lower limb alignment and the PTS in 378 patients (193 male and 185 female; mean age, 58.3 ± 16.4 years [range, 18-92 years]; mean body mass index, 25.0 ± 4.4 kg/m2). The lateral, medial, and global PTS were measured for each patient. All measurements were constructed using algorithm-calculated landmarks, resulting in reproducible and consistent constructs for each specimen. The results were then evaluated based on ethnicity, sex, and hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle.

Results:

The study population comprised 219 white and 159 Asian participants. The mean global, medial, and lateral PTS were 6.3° (range, –5.5° to 14.7°; 1% with ≥12°), 6.2° (range, –4.1° to 17.2°; 3% with ≥12°), and 5.3° (range, –4.7° to 16.2°; 2% with ≥12°), respectively. The lateral (Δ = –1.0° [95% CI, 0.6°-1.6°]; P < .0001) and global (Δ = –0.5° [95% CI, 0.0°-0.8°]; P = .0332) PTS were smaller in the female subpopulation. The global PTS was greater (Δ = 1.9° [95% CI, 1.5°-2.3°]; P < .0001) in the Asian subpopulation. The mean HKA angle was 179.6° (range, 170°-190°). The HKA angle was significantly correlated with the medial and global PTS. Specimens with a genu varum knee exhibited a significantly greater global (Δ = 1.2° [95% CI, 0.8°-1.7°]; P < .0001) and medial (Δ = 1.9° [95% CI, 1.3°-2.5°]; P < .0001) PTS.

Conclusion:

The present study gives a benchmark for the physiological values of the PTS in a healthy population and highlights several factors influencing the PTS, such as ethnicity, sex, and alignment. Anatomic variants with a PTS ≥12° were very uncommon (≤3%) in our Asian and white groups and thus could be considered as pathological. The PTS is a crucial anatomic factor for anterior cruciate ligament injuries and reconstruction. A general consensus is lacking regarding the cutoff for abnormal values, thus guiding standard of care. This study investigated the dispersion of global, medial, and lateral posterior plateau tibial angles in a large population representing a range of demographic diversity.
Leveraging Gene Expression Subgroups to Classify DLBCL Patients and Enrich for Clinical Benefit to a Novel Agent
Authors: Risueno Alberto , Hagner Patrick Ryan , Towfic Fadi , Fontanillo Celia , Djebbari Amira , Parker Joel S. , Drew Clifton , Nowakowski Grzegorz S. , Maurer Matthew J. , Cerhan James R. , Wei Xin , Ren Yan , Lee Chung-Wein , Couto Suzana , Wang Maria , Pourdehnad Michael , Gandhi Anita Krithivas , Trotter Matthew William Burnell
Published: January 2020

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is a heterogeneous disease, commonly described by cell-of-origin (COO) molecular subtypes. We sought to identify novel patient subgroups through an unsupervised analysis of a large public dataset of gene expression profiles from newly diagnosed de novo DLBCL patients, yielding two biologically distinct subgroups characterized by differences in the tumor microenvironment. Pathway analysis and immune deconvolution algorithms identified higher B-cell content and a strong proliferative signal in subgroup A and enriched T-cell, macrophage, and immune/inflammatory signals in subgroup B, reflecting similar biology to published DLBCL stratification research. A gene expression classifier, featuring 26 gene expression scores, was derived from the public dataset to discriminate subgroup A (classifier-negative, immune-low) and subgroup B (classifier-positive, immune-high) patients. Subsequent application to an independent series of diagnostic biopsies and replicated the subgroups with immune cell composition confirmed via immunohistochemistry. Avadomide, a CRL4CRBN E3 ubiquitin ligase modulator, demonstrated clinical activity in relapsed/refractory DLBCL patients, independent of COO subtypes. Given the immunomodulatory activity of avadomide and need for a patient selection strategy, we applied the gene expression classifier to pretreatment biopsies from relapsed/refractory DLBCL patients receiving avadomide (NCT01421524). Classifier-positive patients demonstrated an enrichment in response rate and progression-free survival of 44% and 6.2 months versus 19% and 1.6 months for classifier-negative patients (HR=0.49 [0.280, 0.86]; P=.0096). The classifier was not prognostic for R-CHOP or salvage immunochemotherapy. The classifier described here discriminates DLBCL tumors based on tumor and non-tumor composition and has potential utility to enrich for clinical response to immunomodulatory agents including avadomide.
Development and Survival of MYC-driven Lymphomas Requires MYC-Antagonist MNT to Curb MYC-induced Apoptosis
Authors: Nguyen Hai Vu , Vandenberg Cassandra J , Ng Ashley P , Robati Mikara R , Anstee Natasha S , Rimes Joel , Hawkins Edwin , Cory Suzanne
Published: January 2020

Deregulated over-expression of MYC is implicated in the development and malignant progression of most (~70%) human tumors. MYC drives cell growth and proliferation but also, at high levels, promotes apoptosis. Here, we report that the proliferative capacity of MYC-driven normal and neoplastic B lymphoid cells depends on MNT, a MYC-related transcriptional repressor. Our genetic data establish that MNT synergises with MYC by suppressing MYC-driven apoptosis and that it does so primarily by reducing the level of pro-apoptotic BIM. In Em-Myc mice, which model the MYC/IGH chromosome translocation in Burkitt's lymphoma, homozygous Mnt deletion greatly reduced lymphoma incidence by enhancing apoptosis and markedly decreasing premalignant B lymphoid cell populations. Strikingly, by inducing Mnt deletion within transplanted fully-malignant Em-Myc lymphoma cells, we significantly extended transplant recipient survival. The dependency of lymphomas on MNT for survival suggests that drugs inhibiting MNT could significantly boost therapy of MYC-driven tumors by enhancing intrinsic MYC-driven apoptosis.
MPL mutations in essential thrombocythemia uncover a common path of activation with eltrombopag dependent on W491
Authors: Levy Gabriel , Carillo Serge , Papoular Benjamin , Cassinat Bruno , Zini Jean-Marc , Leroy Emilie , Varghese Leila N. , Chachoua Ilyas , Defour Jean-Philippe , Smith Steven O. , Constantinescu Stefan N.
Published: January 2020

Mutations in the MPL gene encoding the human thrombopoietin receptor (TpoR) drive sporadic and familial essential thrombocythemias (ETs). We identified 2 ET patients harboring double mutations in cis in MPL, namely, L498W-H499C and H499Y-S505N. Using biochemical and signaling assays along with partial saturation mutagenesis, we showed that L498W is an activating mutation potentiated by H499C and that H499C and H499Y enhance the activity of the canonical S505N mutation. L498W and H499C can activate a truncated TpoR mutant, which lacks the extracellular domain, indicating these mutations act on the transmembrane (TM) cytosolic domain. Using a protein complementation assay, we showed that L498W and H499C strongly drive dimerization of TpoR. Activation by tryptophan substitution is exquisitely specific for position 498. Using structure-guided mutagenesis, we identified upstream amino acid W491 as a key residue required for activation by L498W or canonical activating mutations such as S505N and W515K, as well as by eltrombopag. Structural data point to a common dimerization and activation path for TpoR via its TM domain that is shared between the small-molecule agonist eltrombopag and canonical and novel activating TpoR mutations that all depend on W491, a potentially accessible extracellular residue that could become a target for therapeutic intervention.
How I treat obese patients with oral anticoagulants
Authors: Wang Tzu-Fei , Carrier Marc
Published: January 2020

Obesity has become a major threat to health worldwide. The prevalence of obesity is rapidly increasing, so much so that the World Health Organization has declared obesity as a global epidemic. Obesity is associated with multiple health problems, including venous thromboembolism and atrial fibrillation, both of which are treated with anticoagulation. However, obesity and treatments for obesity such as bariatric surgery can influence absorption, excretion, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of various anticoagulants. This results in uncertainty regarding the best antithrombotic strategies in this population, particularly in the morbidly obese. In the recent years, several studies have attempted to investigate anticoagulation use in this population and provided more insight. Herein, we present 4 cases of anticoagulant use in the obese to illustrate the common challenges faced by clinicians and discuss our approach. Whenever possible, we provide a review of the literature and base our recommendations on the best available evidence.
Thrombin activation of PAR-1 contributes to microvascular stasis in mouse models of sickle cell disease
Authors: Sparkenbaugh Erica M. , Chen Chunsheng , Brzoska Tomasz , Nguyen Julia , Wang Shaobin , Vercellotti Gregory M. , Key Nigel S. , Sundd Prithu , Belcher John D. , Pawlinski Rafal
Published: January 2020

Vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) is the primary cause of morbidity and hospitalization in sickle cell disease (SCD); however, only 4 therapies (hydroxyurea, l-glutamine, crizanlizumab, and voxeletor) are currently approved in SCD. These agents limit the duration, severity, and frequency of crises. Activation of coagulation is a hallmark of SCD. Studies in animal models of SCD have shown that coagulation contributes to the chronic inflammation and end-organ damage associated with the disease; however, it is unknown whether coagulation directly contributes to the microvascular stasis that causes VOC. Herein, we demonstrate that inhibition of tissue factor (TF) and the downstream coagulation proteases factor Xa and thrombin significantly attenuates heme-induced microvascular stasis in mouse models of VOC. Pharmacologic inhibition of the principal thrombin receptor, protease activated receptor-1 (PAR-1), as well as deficiency of PAR-1 in all nonhematopoietic cells, also reduces stasis in sickle mice. PAR-1 deficiency was associated with reduced endothelial von Willebrand factor expression, which has been shown to mediate microvascular stasis. In addition, TF inhibition reduces lung vaso-occlusion in sickle mice mediated by arteriolar neutrophil-platelet microemboli. In sum, these results suggest that prophylactic anticoagulation might attenuate the incidence of VOC.
N-acetylcysteine inhibits thrombosis in a murine model of myeloproliferative neoplasm
Authors: Craver Brianna M. , Ramanathan Gajalakshmi , Hoang Summer , Chang Xinyue , Mendez Luque Laura F. , Brooks Stefan , Lai Hew Yeng , Fleischman Angela G.
Published: January 2020

Thrombosis is a major cause of mortality in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), though there is currently little to offer patients with MPN beyond aspirin and cytoreductive therapies such as hydroxyurea for primary prevention. Thrombogenesis in MPN involves multiple cellular mechanisms, including platelet activation and neutrophil-extracellular trap formation; therefore, an antithrombotic agent that targets one or more of these processes would be of therapeutic benefit in MPN. Here, we treated the JAK2V617F knockin mouse model of polycythemia vera with N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a sulfhydryl-containing compound with broad effects on glutathione replenishment, free radical scavenging, and reducing disulfide bonds, to investigate its antithrombotic effects in the context of MPN. Strikingly, NAC treatment extended the lifespan of JAK2V617F mice without impacting blood counts or splenomegaly. Using an acute pulmonary thrombosis model in vivo, we found that NAC reduced thrombus formation to a similar extent as the irreversible platelet inhibitor aspirin. In vitro analysis of platelet activation revealed that NAC reduced thrombin-induced platelet-leukocyte aggregate formation in JAK2V617F mice. Furthermore, NAC reduced neutrophil extracellular trap formation in primary human neutrophils from patients with MPN as well as healthy controls. These results provide evidence that N-acetylcysteine inhibits thrombosis in JAK2V617F mice and provide a pre-clinical rationale for investigating NAC as a therapeutic to reduce thrombotic risk in MPN.
Combined effects of ocean acidification and hypoxia on the early development of the thick shell mussel Mytilus coruscus
Authors: Wang Xinghuo , Shang Yueyong , Kong Hui , Hu Menghong , Yang Jinlong , Deng Yuewen , Wang Youji
Published: January 2020

Ocean acidification has become serious, and seawater hypoxia has become evident in acidified waters. The combination of such stressors may have interactive effects on the fitness of marine organisms. In order to investigate the interactive effects of seawater acidification and hypoxia on the early development of marine bivalves, the eggs and sperm of the thick shell musselMytilus coruscuswere exposed to combined treatments of pH (8.1, 7.7, 7.3) and dissolved oxygen (2, 6 mg/L) for 96 h culture observation to investigate the interactive effects of seawater acidification and hypoxia on the early development of marine bivalves. Results showed that acidification and hypoxia had significant negative effects on various parameters of the early development of the thick shell mussel. However, hypoxia had no effect on fertilization rate. Significant interactions between acidification and hypoxia were observed during the experiment. Short-term exposure negatively influenced the early development of the thick shell mussel but did not affect its survival. The effects of long-term exposure to these two environmental stresses need further study.
The radiological assessment, hazard evaluation, and spatial distribution for a hypothetical nuclear power plant accident at Baiji potential site
Authors: Mohammed Saeed Ismael Mohammed , Saleh Muneer Aziz Mohammed , Hashim Suhairul , Hama Younis Mohammed Salih , Hamza Khaidzir , Al-Shatri Shwan Hassan
Published: January 2020

Background

The safety assessment in site selection for a new nuclear power plant is an essential issue for human health. It could be improved by predicting the consequences for a hypothetical accident. This paper is contextual with the nuclear safety regarding the risk upon human health from the hazard constituted by the emission of radioactive material due to a hypothetical nuclear power plant accident. HYSPLIT model used and configured based on terrestrial and meteorological conditions for this purpose.

Results

It presents an analysis of the time-series and spatial distribution for dispersed radioactive contaminants from a hypothetical accident at Baiji potential site. This is based on the geological and meteorological specifications of the potential site. Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model configured to simulate the atmospheric dispersion of fission emissions, then assesses the public health consequences of a hypothetical nuclear accident. Results indicate that the total individual dose intake by the population living around the potential site from the hypothetical accident exceeded 1 Sv, greater than the allowed dose limits by International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). The probability of cancer incidence at regions on directions of southeast to northeast along 30 km from the potential site was high (0.0378 to 0.00131) risk/person. However, the areas that laid on the west and south-west of the site recorded higher levels of influence compared to regions on other directions. Also, the reduction of exposure dose with the distance from the site presented. The north-direction regions from the Baiji site recorded a rapid reduction of exposure dose to become zero at 40 km distance.

Conclusions

Finally, to minimize the radiological impacts on population, emergency procedures are required at the regions that laid on the west and south-west of the site. These countermeasure remedy actions should include evacuation, sheltering, ban the sale of local agriculture productions, and long-range resettlement of the population. Since the plume of radioactive contaminants did not arrive at the regions on east and northeast, 40 km away from Baiji site, these areas could be categorized as a support zone.
Towards a synthesis of the Caribbean biogeography of terrestrial arthropods
Authors: Crews Sarah C. , Esposito Lauren A.
Published: January 2020

Background

The immense geologic and ecological complexity of the Caribbean has created a natural laboratory for interpreting when and how organisms disperse through time and space. However, competing hypotheses compounded with this complexity have resulted in a lack of unifying principles of biogeography for the region. Though new data concerning the timing of geologic events and dispersal events are emerging, powerful new analytical tools now allow for explicit hypothesis testing. Arthropods, with varying dispersal ability and high levels of endemism in the Caribbean, are an important, albeit understudied, biogeographic model system. Herein, we include a comprehensive analysis of every publicly available genetic dataset (at the time of writing) of terrestrial Caribbean arthropod groups using a statistically robust pipeline to explicitly test the current extent of biogeographic hypotheses for the region.

Results

Our findings indicate several important biogeographic generalizations for the region: the South American continent is the predominant origin of Caribbean arthropod fauna; GAARlandia played a role for some taxa in aiding dispersal from South America to the Greater Antilles; founder event dispersal explains the majority of dispersal events by terrestrial arthropods, and distance between landmasses is important for dispersal; most dispersal events occurred via island hopping; there is evidence of ‘reverse’ dispersal from islands to the mainland; dispersal across the present-day Isthmus of Panama generally occurred prior to 3 mya; the Greater Antilles harbor more lineage diversity than the Lesser Antilles, and the larger Greater Antilles typically have greater lineage diversity than the smaller islands; basal Caribbean taxa are primarily distributed in the Greater Antilles, the basal-most being from Cuba, and derived taxa are mostly distributed in the Lesser Antilles; Jamaican taxa are usually endemic and monophyletic.

Conclusions

Given the diversity and deep history of terrestrial arthropods, incongruence of biogeographic patterns is expected, but focusing on both similarities and differences among divergent taxa with disparate life histories emphasizes the importance of particular qualities responsible for resulting diversification patterns. Furthermore, this study provides an analytical toolkit that can be used to guide researchers interested in answering questions pertaining to Caribbean biogeography using explicit hypothesis testing.
Does manual therapy affect functional and biomechanical outcomes of a sit-to-stand task in a population with low back pain? A preliminary analysis
Authors: Carpino Giancarlo , Tran Steven , Currie Stuart , Enebo Brian , Davidson Bradley S. , Howarth Samuel J.
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Manual therapy (MT) hypothetically affects discrepant neuromuscular control and movement observed in populations with low back pain (LBP). Previous studies have demonstrated the limited influence of MT on movement, predominately during range of motion (ROM) testing. It remains unclear if MT affects neuromuscular control in mobility-based activities of daily living (ADLs). The sit-to-stand (STS) task represents a commonly-performed ADL that is used in a variety of clinical settings to assess functional and biomechanical performance.

Objective

To determine whether MT affects functional performance and biomechanical performance during a STS task in a population with LBP.

Methods

Kinematic data were recorded from the pelvis and thorax of participants with LBP, using an optoelectronic motion capture system as they performed a STS task before and after MT from November 2011 to August 2014. MT for each participant consisted of two high-velocity low-amplitude spinal manipulations, as well as two grade IV mobilizations of the lumbar spine and pelvis targeted toward the third lumbar vertebra and sacroiliac joint in a side-lying position; the order of these treatments was randomized. Pelvis and thorax kinematic data were used to derive the time-varying lumbar angle in the sagittal plane for each STS trial. The difference between the maximum and minimum lumbar angles during the STS trial determined the sagittal ROM that was used as the biomechanical outcome. Time to complete each STS trial was used as a functional measure of performance. Pre-MT and post-MT values for the lumbar sagittal ROM and time to completion were statistically analysed using paired samples t-tests.

Results

Data were obtained from 40 participants with 35 useful datasets (NRS = 3.3 ± 1.2; 32.4 ± 9.8 years; 16 females, 19 males). After MT, lumbar sagittal ROM increased by 2.7 ± 5.5 degrees (p = 0.007). Time to complete the STS test decreased by 0.4 ± 0.4 s (p < 0.001).

Discussion

These findings provide preliminary evidence that MT might influence the biomechanical and functional performance of an STS task in populations with LBP. The MT intervention in this study involved a combination of spinal manipulations and mobilizations. Future work will expand upon these data as a basis for targeted investigations on the effects of either spinal manipulation and mobilization on neuromuscular control and movement in populations with LBP.
Scurvy may occur even in children with no underlying risk factors: a case report
Authors: Gallizzi Romina , Valenzise Mariella , Passanisi Stefano , Pajno Giovanni Battista , De Luca Filippo , Zirilli Giuseppina
Published: January 2020

Background

Since ancient times, scurvy has been considered one of the most fearsome nutritional deficiency diseases. In modern developed countries, this condition has become very rare and is only occasionally encountered, especially in the pediatric population. Underlying medical conditions, such as neuropsychiatric disorders, anorexia nervosa, celiac disease, Crohn disease, hemodialysis, and severe allergies to food products may enhance the risk of developing scurvy.

Case presentation

We report the case of an otherwise healthy 3-year-old white boy who developed scurvy due to a selective restrictive diet derived from his refusal to try new food. He presented to our clinic with asthenia and refusal to walk. During hospitalization he developed severe anemia and hematochezia. A diagnosis of scurvy was assessed on the basis of nutritional history, clinical features, radiographic findings, and laboratory findings. Supplementation of ascorbic acid enabled a prompt resolution of symptoms.

Conclusions

Scurvy is caused by vitamin C deficiency. Cutaneous bleeding, mucosal bleeding, and anemia represent typical manifestations of the disease. These symptoms are directly connected to ascorbic acid involvement in collagen biosynthesis. Some radiographic findings can be useful for the diagnosis. Treatment aims to normalize serum levels of vitamin C in order to counteract the deprivation symptoms. The present case report demonstrates that scurvy may sporadically occur in pediatric patients, even in individuals with no predisposing medical conditions and/or potential risk factors.
Association between anthraquinone laxatives and colorectal cancer: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lombardi Niccolò , Bettiol Alessandra , Crescioli Giada , Maggini Valentina , Gallo Eugenia , Sivelli Francesco , Sofi Francesco , Gensini Gian Franco , Vannacci Alfredo , Firenzuoli Fabio
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Products containing anthraquinones (AQ) are mainly used as laxatives and have several biological effects. Long-term use of AQ laxatives is associated with an increased risk of serious adverse events (AEs), such as colorectal cancer (CRC). We will systematically synthesize the evidence on the potential association between the use of AQ laxatives and the risk of CRC.

Methods and analysis

We will search MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Clinicaltrials.gov. To avoid missing any relevant studies, we will search the bibliographies of retrieved papers and recent reviews in the field. Interventions will include products containing oral AQ laxatives, in particular, those derived from rhubarb, senna, cascara, buckhorn, and aloe. Two review authors will independently screen title, abstract, and full texts and will independently extract data from included studies. The primary outcome is the number of participants diagnosed with CRC, while the secondary outcome will be cases of melanosis coli. We will also consider all other AEs reported in the included studies, in particular, intestinal bleeding, alterations of gastrointestinal motility, and potential for dependence. When possible and appropriate, for each outcome, a meta-analysis will be performed.

Discussion

This protocol is prepared in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols guidelines. The protocol gives an insight into the scope and parameters for the systematic review to be carried out.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42019125414
Extended Tension Chord Model for Boundary Elements of RC Walls Accounting for Anchorage Slip and Lap Splices Presence
Authors: Tarquini Danilo , de Almeida João Pacheco , Beyer Katrin
Published: January 2020

This paper presents a mechanical model for the simulation of reinforced concrete (RC) wall boundary elements with lap splices, which builds on the tension chord model. The model is composed of an assembly of components, each one accounting for a different source of deformation. Namely: (i) an anchorage-slip element accounting for the strain penetration of the longitudinal reinforcement into the foundation; (ii) a basic tension chord element evaluating the response outside the lap splice zone; and (iii) a lap splice element describing the behaviour within the lap splice region. For an imposed global displacement, the model provides the steel and concrete stress and strain distributions, the crack distribution and opening, as well as the global resisting axial force. For spliced members, the ultimate displacement is computed through a semi-empirical relationship providing the average lap splice strain at failure. Validation is carried out against a series of uniaxial cyclic tests on RC wall boundary elements featuring both continuous and spliced reinforcement; different lap splice lengths and confining reinforcement are considered. Overall, a good match is obtained between numerical and experimental results in terms of crack width, rebar strain distribution along the splices and ultimate displacement.
Dietary effects on gut microbiota of the mesquite lizard Sceloporus grammicus (Wiegmann, 1828) across different altitudes
Authors: Montoya-Ciriaco Nina , Gómez-Acata Selene , Muñoz-Arenas Ligia Catalina , Dendooven Luc , Estrada-Torres Arturo , Díaz de la Vega-Pérez Aníbal H. , Navarro-Noya Yendi E.
Published: January 2020

Background

High-altitude ecosystems are extreme environments that generate specific physiological, morphological, and behavioral adaptations in ectotherms. The shifts in gut microbiota of the ectothermic hosts as an adaptation to environmental changes are still largely unknown. We investigated the food ingested and the bacterial, fungal, and protistan communities in feces of the lizardSceloporus grammicusinhabiting an altitudinal range using metabarcoding approaches.

Results

The bacterial phylaBacteroidetesandFirmicutes, and the generaBacteroidesandParabacteroidesdominated the core fecal bacteriome, whileZygomycotaandAscomycota, and the speciesBasidiobolus ranarumandBasidiobolus magnusdominated the core fecal mycobiome. The diet ofS.grammicusincluded 29 invertebrate families belonging toArachnida,Chilopoda, andInsecta. The diversity and abundance of its diet decreased sharply at high altitudes, while the abundance of plant material andAgaricomyceteswas significantly higher at the highest site. The composition of the fecal microbiota ofS.grammicuswas different at the three altitudes, but not between females and males. Dietary restriction inS.grammicusat 4150 m might explain the high fecal abundance ofAkkermansiaandOscillopira, bacteria characteristic of long fasting periods, while low temperature favoredB.magnus. A high proportion of bacterial functions were digestive inS.grammicusat 2600 and 3100, while metabolism of aminoacids, vitamins, and key intermediates of metabolic pathways were higher at 4150 m. Different assemblages of fungal species in the lizard reflect differences in the environments at different elevations. Pathogens were more prevalent at high elevations than at the low ones.

Conclusions

Limiting food resources at high elevations might obligeS.grammicusto exploit other food resources and its intestinal microbiota have degradative and detoxifying capacities.Sceloporus grammicusmight have acquiredB.ranarumfrom the insects infected by the fungus, but its commensal relationship might be established by the quitinolytic capacities ofB.ranarum.The mycobiome participate mainly in digestive and degradative functions while the bacteriome in digestive and metabolic functions.
Increased replication of dissimilatory nitrate-reducing bacteria leads to decreased anammox bioreactor performance
Authors: Keren Ray , Lawrence Jennifer E. , Zhuang Weiqin , Jenkins David , Banfield Jillian F. , Alvarez-Cohen Lisa , Zhou Lijie , Yu Ke
Published: January 2020

Background

Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) is a biological process employed to remove reactive nitrogen from wastewater. While a substantial body of literature describes the performance of anammox bioreactors under various operational conditions and perturbations, few studies have resolved the metabolic roles of their core microbial community members.

Results

Here, we used metagenomics to study the microbial community of a laboratory-scale anammox bioreactor from inoculation, through a performance destabilization event, to robust steady-state performance. Metabolic analyses revealed that nutrient acquisition from the environment is selected for in the anammox community. Dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) was the primary nitrogen removal pathway that competed with anammox. Increased replication of bacteria capable of DNRA led to the out-competition of anammox bacteria, and the loss of the bioreactor’s nitrogen removal capacity. These bacteria were highly associated with the anammox bacterium and considered part of the core microbial community.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the importance of metabolic interdependencies related to nitrogen- and carbon-cycling within anammox bioreactors and the potentially detrimental effects of bacteria that are otherwise considered core microbial community members.
Towards a new school’s role in the Italian contemporary city
Authors: Nucci Lucia , Galimberti Laura
Published: January 2020

In Italy there is a considerable amount of experience in school constructions from the 60s that have anticipated the Italian national school’s standards with a fair level of quality. Like in other countries this historical patrimony is now obsolete for several reasons of which: prefabrication, asbestos-containing materials, artificial glass fibres. The paper examines the activities carried out by the Italian Mission Structure for School Buildings Struttura di Missione per l’Edilizia Scolastica (SMES) for the coordination and boost in the implementation of the school buildings’ regeneration projects. The SMES was an office led by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, engaged in regenerating and improving school building’s safety between 2014 and 2018.
Morphological characteristics of local entomopathogenic protozoan strains isolated from insect cadavers of certain stored-grain pests in Egypt
Authors: Alfazairy Ahlam Ahmed , El-Abed Yasien Mohamed Gamal , Karam Hedaya Hamza , Ramadan Hanan Mohamed
Published: January 2020

The present study has documented, for the first time in Egypt, the natural occurrence of four entomopathogenic protozoans (EPP) among five of the most abundant and damaging insect pests of stored grains or their products. These insect pests (Laemophloeus (Cryptolestes) turcicus (Grouvelle), Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius), Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky), Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), and Plodia interpunctella (Hobner) were infesting lots of crushed-maize grains, wheat grains, and wheat flour, brought, in 2015, from El-Behera Governorate, Egypt. The morphological characteristics, including spore size, of the entomopathogen infective units, spores, of the isolated entomopathogenic protozoans, were closely fit with the description to the following genera: Mattesia, Farinocystis, Adelina, and Nosema. The prevalence of these entomopathogens ranged between 9 and 89%. This study seems to be the first report of Mattesia sp. on S. zeamais; Adelina sp. on L. turcicus or R. dominica, and the second report of Nosema sp. on R. dominica. The rate of natural infection by the neogregarine, Mattesia sp. (tentatively, M. dispora), was the highest in L. turcicus beetles (89%) followed by that in P. interpunctella moths (48%), larvae (40%), and pupae (32%) and then in S. zeamais weevils (42%) and R. dominica beetles with a low rate of infection (9%). The microsporidian entomopathogen, Nosema sp., (tentatively, N. whitei) was naturally occurred in 11% of the examined adult cadavers of R. dominica. The coccidian entomopathogen, Adelina sp., was found, respectively, in 60% and 27% of larval and adult cadavers of T.castaneum, while the Adelina-natural infection rates in R. dominica and L. turcicus adult cadavers were 34% and 14%, respectively. A high rate of natural infection with another neogregarine, Farinocystis sp. (tentatively, F. tribolii), has also been recorded in T. castaneum adult (50%) or larval cadavers (36%).
Coalbed methane content prediction using deep belief network
Authors: Peng Fan , Peng Suping , Du Wenfeng , Liu Hongshuan
Published: January 2020

Accurate measurement of coalbed methane (CBM) content is the foundation for CBM resource exploration and development. Machine-learning techniques can help address CBM content prediction tasks. Due to the small amount of actual measurement data and the shallow model structure, however, the results from traditional machine-learning models have errors to some extent. We have developed a deep belief network (DBN)-based model with the input as continuous real values and the activation function as the rectified linear unit. We first calculated a variety of seismic attributes of the target coal seam to highlight the features of the coal seam, then we preprocessed the original attribute features, and finally developed the performance of the DBN model using the preprocessed features. We used 23,374 training data to train our model, 23,240 for pretraining, and 134 for fine-tuning. For the purpose of demonstrating the advantages of the DBN model, we compared it with two typical machine-learning models, including the multilayer perceptron model and the support vector regression model. These two models were trained based on the same labeled training data. The results, obtained from different models, indicated that the DBN model has the least error, which means that it is more accurate than the other two models when used to predict CBM content.
Randomized, Multicenter, Phase II Trial of Gemcitabine and Cisplatin With or Without Veliparib in Patients With Pancreas Adenocarcinoma and a Germline BRCA/PALB2 Mutation
Authors: O’Reilly Eileen M. , Lee Jonathan W. , Zalupski Mark , Capanu Marinela , Park Jennifer , Golan Talia , Tahover Esther , Lowery Maeve A. , Chou Joanne F. , Sahai Vaibhav , Brenner Robin , Kindler Hedy L. , Yu Kenneth H. , Zervoudakis Alice , Vemuri Shreya , Stadler Zsofia K. , Do Richard K. G. , Dhani Neesha , Chen Alice P. , Kelsen David P.
Published: January 2020

PURPOSE

Five percent to 9% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) develop in patients with a germline BRCA1/2 or PALB2 (g BRCA/PALB2+) mutation. Phase IB data from a trial that used cisplatin, gemcitabine, and veliparib treatment demonstrated a high response rate (RR), disease control rate (DCR), and overall survival (OS) in this population. We designed an open-label, randomized, multicenter, two-arm phase II trial to investigate cisplatin and gemcitabine with or without veliparib in g BRCA/PALB2+ PDAC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eligible patients had untreated g BRCA/PALB2+ PDAC with measurable stage III to IV disease and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 to 1. Treatment for patients in arm A consisted of cisplatin 25 mg/m2 and gemcitabine 600 mg/m2 intravenously on days 3 and 10; treatment for patients in arm B was the same as that for patients in arm A, and arm A also received veliparib 80 mg orally twice per day on days 1 to 12 cycled every 3 weeks. The primary end point was RRs of arm A and arm B evaluated separately using a Simon two-stage design. Secondary end points were progression-free survival, DCR, OS, safety, and correlative analyses.

RESULTS

Fifty patients were evaluated by modified intention-to-treat analysis. The RR for arm A was 74.1% and 65.2% for arm B ( P = .55); both arms exceeded the prespecified activity threshold. DCR was 100% for arm A and 78.3% for arm B ( P = .02). Median progression-free survival was 10.1 months for arm A (95% CI, 6.7 to 11.5 months) and 9.7 months for arm B (95% CI, 4.2 to 13.6 months; P = .73). Median OS for arm A was 15.5 months (95% CI, 12.2 to 24.3 months) and 16.4 months for arm B (95% CI, 11.7 to 23.4 months; P = .6). Two-year OS rate for the entire cohort was 30.6% (95% CI, 17.8% to 44.4%), and 3-year OS rate was 17.8% (95% CI, 8.1% to 30.7%). Grade 3 to 4 hematologic toxicities for arm A versus arm B were 13 (48%) versus seven (30%) for neutropenia, 15 (55%) versus two (9%) for thrombocytopenia, and 14 (52%) versus eight (35%) for anemia.

CONCLUSION

Cisplatin and gemcitabine is an effective regimen in advanced g BRCA/PALB2+ PDAC. Concurrent veliparib did not improve RR. These data establish cisplatin and gemcitabine as a standard approach in g BRCA/ PALB2+ PDAC.
Diffusion in crowded colloids of particles cyclically changing their shapes
Authors: Koyano Y. , Kitahata H. , Mikhailov A. S.
Published: January 2020

A simple model of an active colloid consisting of dumbbell-shaped particles that cyclically change their length without propelling themselves is proposed and analyzed. At nanoscales, it represents an idealization for bacterial cytoplasm or for a biomembrane with active protein inclusions. Our numerical simulations demonstrate that non-equilibrium conformational activity of particles can strongly affect diffusion and structural relaxation: while a passive colloid behaves as a glass, it gets progressively fluidized when the activity is turned on. Qualitatively, this agrees with experimental results on optical tracking of probe particles in bacterial and yeast cells where metabolism-induced fluidization of cytoplasm was observed.