bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information-based imitation of university commercialization strategies: The role of technology transfer office autonomy, age, and membership into an association
Authors: Pitsakis Konstantinos , Giachetti Claudio
Published: June 2019

We investigate whether university technology transfer offices, that is, divisions responsible for the commercialization of academic research, imitate their industry peers when designing their commercialization strategy. We borrow from information-based theories of imitation and the literature on academic entrepreneurship to argue that given a technology transfer office’s autonomy to strategize independently from its parent university, information from within and outside the technology transfer office affects its propensity to imitate the commercialization strategy of the “most successful peers,” that is, those with the largest live spinoff portfolio and greatest revenues from spinoffs in the industry. We contend that a technology transfer office’s experience, that is, a function of its age, represents a key internal source of information for the technology transfer office when deciding whether to imitate or not; we also consider the technology transfer office’s embeddedness in a network where the most successful peer is also a member as a key external source of information. From data on 86 British university technology transfer offices and their commercialization strategies between 1993 and 2007 that were drawn from both secondary sources and in-depth interviews with technology transfer office managers, we find that there is a negative relationship between technology transfer offices’ autonomy and their level of imitation of the most successful technology transfer office’s strategy, and that this relationship is moderated by the technology transfer offices’ age and by their membership into an association where the most successful technology transfer office is also a member.
Evaluating Prognostic Factors for Liver Transplantation Among United States Patients With Hereditary Transthyretin-Mediated (hATTR) Amyloidosis Using National Registry Data
Authors: Brandman Danielle , Lin Hollis , McManus Anastasia , Agarwal Sonalee , Gache Larry M. , Irish William , Gollob Jared , Živković Saša A
Published: June 2019

Introduction:

Orthotopic liver transplantation has been used as a treatment for hereditary transthyretin-mediated (hATTR) amyloidosis, a rare, progressive, and multisystem disease.

Research Question:

The objective is to evaluate survival outcomes post-liver transplantation in patients with hATTR amyloidosis in the United States and assess whether previously published prognostic factors of patient survival in hATTR amyloidosis are generalizable to the US population.

Design:

This cohort study examined patients with hATTR amyloidosis undergoing liver transplant in the United States (N = 168) between March 2002 and March 2016 using data reported to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (UNOS)/United Network for Organ Sharing (OPTN).

Results:

A multivariable Cox hazards regression model showed among all factors tested, only modified body mass index (kg/m2 × g/L) at the time of transplant was significantly associated with survival. Higher modified BMI was associated with lower risk of death relative to a reference population (<600) with historically poor post-transplant outcomes. Patients with modified BMI 1000 to <1200 (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.27; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.10-0.73), 1200 to <1400 (HR = 0.20; 95% CI = 0.06-0.75), and ≥1400 (HR = 0.15; 95% CI = 0.04-0.61) exhibited improved adjusted 5-year post-transplant survival of 74%, 80%, and 85%, respectively, versus 33% in the reference population.

Discussion:

The association between a higher modified BMI threshold at the time of transplant and improved post-transplant survival suggests that the previously published patient selection criterion for modified BMI may not be applicable to the US population.
Co-viewing Virtually: Social Outcomes of Second Screening with Televised and Streamed Content
Authors: Nee Rebecca C. , Barker Valerie
Published: June 2019

Viewership of traditional television programming has been steadily declining, particularly among younger audiences, who have turned to smartphones, social media, streaming services, and YouTube to consume video. These audiences also frequently engage in second-screening practices, using another device to virtually connect with others regarding what they are watching. Most prior research has focused on the effects of second screening via social media with televised content. Through a survey of teens in the Middle East ( N = 258) and young adults in the United States ( N = 643), the current study found second screening frequently occurs with both traditional TV and streaming content. Framed by co-viewing theory, results show both practices positively correlate with a constructed second-screen social capital affinity (SSSCA) scale, mirroring co-viewing in person. Findings also indicate that second screening need not take place simultaneously with video viewing to gratify social needs.
Does Metformin Have an Effect on Stent Patency Rates
Authors: Kibrik Pavel , Alsheekh Ahmad , Izakovich Tereza , Chait Jesse , Goldstein Matthew A. , Monteleone Christina M. , Hingorani Anil , Ascher Enrico
Published: June 2019

Background:

Metformin is the most commonly used drug for type 2 diabetes. Research has shown that metformin also has a protective effect on endothelium by decreasing endothelial vascular reactivity. We hypothesize that metformin will decrease restenosis/reintervention rates in patients receiving lower extremity non–drug-eluting stents (nDESs) in the superficial femoral artery(SFA) and/or popliteal artery.

Materials/Methods:

Retrospective study was performed on 187 patients from October 2012 to December 2015 who received an nDES in the SFA and/or popliteal artery. Patients were divided into 3 groups (Table 1) and compared against for duplex based restenosis (>60%) rates, limb loss rates, and reintervention rates. Each patient’s Trans-Atlantic-Inter-Society-Consensus II (TASC-II) class was collected. Postoperative duplex was performed 1 week after the procedure, then every 3 months for the first year, then, every 6 months to check for patency. IBM-SPSS-22 was used for all analyses.

Results:

Average age of the patients was 64.65 ± 73.4 years. 101 patients had 101 procedures performed on the left lower extremity; 86 patients had 86 procedures performed on the right lower extremity; 123 patients were male and 64 were female. Average length of follow-up was 13.1±9.7 months. Most common indication for intervention was claudication, followed by critical limb threatening ischemia. Restenosis and reintervention by groups can be seen in Table 1. No patients experienced limb loss. There were no statistically significant differences between any of the 3 groups and their limb loss, restenosis, or reintervention rates.

Conclusions:

Despite having multiple proven effects in improving certain clinical outcomes and a proven protective effect on endothelium by decreasing endothelial vascular reactivity, metformin does not appear to reduce restenosis or reintervention rates in patients receiving lower extremity nDESs in the SFA and/or popliteal artery.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Regarding Research Ethics Committees Among Health Care Faculty at Two Public Universities in Jordan
Authors: Ayoub Nehad M. , Qandil Abeer M. , McCutchan J. Allen
Published: June 2019

Human research at Jordanian universities is increasing. This descriptive cross-sectional survey assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning the procedures and review process of research ethics committees (RECs) among faculty in health sciences in two major Jordanian universities. Most faculty reported having no training in research ethics in their current institutions. Although knowledge of RECs’ roles and functions was adequate, deficiencies were found regarding the advisory and monitoring roles for RECs raised in this survey. Faculty expressed concerns about levels of ethical training for members of RECs and potential conflicts of interest and bias in review process. RECs should provide ethics training for faculty, and future research should examine the functioning of the RECs in Jordan and other Middle Eastern countries.
Echo intensity reliability between two rectus femoris probe sites
Authors: Rabello Rodrigo , Fröhlich Matias , Bueno Aline Felicio , Marcolino Miriam Allein Zago , De Bona Bernardi Thainá , Sbruzzi Graciele , Aurélio Vaz Marco
Published: June 2019

Introduction

The ultrasound technique has been extensively used to measure echo intensity, with the goal of measuring muscle quality, muscle damage, or to detect neuromuscular disorders. However, it is not clear how reliable the technique is when comparing different days, raters, and analysts, or if the reliability is affected by the muscle site where the image is obtained from. The goal of this study was to compare the intra-rater, inter-rater, and inter-analyst reliability of ultrasound measurements obtained from two different sites at the rectus femoris muscle.

Methods

Muscle echo intensity was quantified from ultrasound images acquired at 50% [RF50] and at 70% [RF70] of the thigh length in 32 healthy subjects.

Results

Echo intensity values were higher ( p = 0.0001) at RF50 (61.08 ± 12.04) compared to RF70 (57.32 ± 12.58). Reliability was high in both RF50 and RF70 for all comparisons: intra-rater (ICC = 0.89 and 0.94), inter-rater (ICC = 0.89 and 0.89), and inter-analyst (ICC = 0.98 and 0.99), respectively. However, there were differences ( p < 0.05) between raters and analysts when obtaining/analyzing echo intensity values in both rectus femoris sites.

Conclusions

The differences in echo intensity values between positions suggest that rectus femoris's structure is not homogeneous, and therefore measurements from different muscle regions should not be used interchangeably. Both sites showed a high reliability, meaning that the measure is accurate if performed by the same experienced rater in different days, if performed by different experienced raters in the same day, and if analyzed by different well-trained analysts, regardless of the evaluated muscle site.
Lessons From Pinocchio: Cues to Deception May Be Highly Exaggerated
Authors: Luke Timothy J.
Published: June 2019

Deception researchers widely acknowledge that cues to deception—observable behaviors that may differ between truthful and deceptive messages—tend to be weak. Nevertheless, several deception cues have been reported with unusually large effect sizes, and some researchers have advocated the use of such cues as tools for detecting deceit and assessing credibility in practical contexts. By examining data from empirical deception-cue research and using a series of Monte Carlo simulations, I demonstrate that many estimated effect sizes of deception cues may be greatly inflated by publication bias, small numbers of estimates, and low power. Indeed, simulations indicate the informational value of the present deception literature is quite low, such that it is not possible to determine whether any given effect is real or a false positive. I warn against the hazards of relying on potentially illusory cues to deception and offer some recommendations for improving the state of the science of deception.
Abnormal liver function tests
Authors: Tang Ceen-Ming
Published: June 2019

Liver disease is a clinical priority area identified by the RCGP, due to increasing levels of morbidity and mortality. Liver disease causes an estimated 8500 premature deaths in the UK annually, predominantly from a rise in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcohol-related liver disease, and viral hepatitis. There has been a corresponding increase in liver function tests (LFTs) ordered from primary care, often as part of medication reviews or monitoring of chronic disease. GPs will therefore encounter an increasing number of abnormal LFTs in patients asymptomatic of liver disease. This article outlines a framework for investigating abnormal LFTs in primary care.
In-flight model parameter and state estimation using gradient descent for high-speed flight
Authors: Li S , De Wagter C , de Visser CC , Chu QP , de Croon GCHE
Published: June 2019

High-speed flight in GPS-denied environments is currently an important frontier in the research on autonomous flight of micro air vehicles. Autonomous drone races stimulate the advances in this area by representing a very challenging case with tight turns, texture-less floors, and dynamic spectators around the track. These properties hamper the use of standard visual odometry approaches and imply that the micro air vehicles will have to bridge considerable time intervals without position feedback. To this end, we propose an approach to trajectory estimation for drone racing that is computationally efficient and yet able to accurately estimate a micro air vehicle’s state (including biases) and parameters based on sparse, noisy observations of racing gates. The key concept of the approach is to optimize unknown and difficult-to-observe state variables so that the observations of the racing gates best fit with the known control inputs, estimated attitudes, and the quadrotor dynamics and aerodynamics during a time window. It is shown that a gradient-descent implementation of the proposed approach converges ∼4 times quicker to (approximately) correct bias values than a state-of-the-art 15-state extended Kalman filter. Moreover, it reaches a higher accuracy, as the predicted end-point of an open-loop turn is on average only ∼20 cm away from the actual end-point, while the extended Kalman filter and the gradient descent method with kinematic model only reach an accuracy of ∼50 cm. Although the approach is applied here to drone racing, it generalizes to other settings in which a micro air vehicle may only have sparse access to velocity and/or position measurements.
Targeting the SLIT/ROBO pathway in tumor progression: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic perspectives
Authors: Jiang Zhengdong , Liang Gang , Xiao Ying , Qin Tao , Chen Xin , Wu Erxi , Ma Qingyong , Wang Zheng
Published: June 2019

The SLITs (SLIT1, SLIT2, and SLIT3) are a family of secreted proteins that mediate positional interactions between cells and their environment during development by signaling through ROBO receptors (ROBO1, ROBO2, ROBO3, and ROBO4). The SLIT/ROBO signaling pathway has been shown to participate in axonal repulsion, axon guidance, and neuronal migration in the nervous system and the formation of the vascular system. However, the role of the SLIT/ROBO pathway has not been thoroughly clarified in tumor development. The SLIT/ROBO pathway can produce both beneficial and detrimental effects in the growth of malignant cells. It has been confirmed that SLIT/ROBO play contradictory roles in tumorigenesis. Here, we discuss the tumor promotion and tumor suppression roles of the SLIT/ROBO pathway in tumor growth, angiogenesis, migration, and the tumor microenvironment. Understanding these roles will help us develop more effective cancer therapies.
The impact of project risk management maturity on performance: Complexity as a moderating variable
Authors: Hartono Budi , Wijaya Deo F , Arini Hilya M
Published: June 2019

This study examines the utility of project risk management maturity (PRMM) for project-based organizations across different domains. The relationship between organization-level PRMM and firm’s performance is studied. Two alternatives of theoretical model are developed on the basis of an extensive literature review. The first model (i.e. traditional model) posits a direct positive relationship between PRMM and organizational performance. The second model suggests that the relation between the two key variables is positively moderated by the average level of “complexity” of projects which are typically performed by respective organizations. A cross-sectional, self-administrated survey is carried out with targeted respondents of senior members representing their respective organizations in construction, ICT, and telco industries in Indonesia (distributed = 651, response rate = 21.5%, final sample size = 100). The result suggests that, in general, the utility of PRMM is observable across organizations—but its efficacy diminishes for organizations with lower level of “project complexity.” This study provides an empirical support to the moderation model. The finding contributes to theoretical refinement on studies pertinent to project risk maturity. From a practical perspective, the result highlights the importance of contextual variables (in this case, project complexity) when designing organizational maturity.
Preparation of Protected 13Cn-Labeled Isodesmosines: Mechanistic Insight of Isodesmosine Formation
Authors: Tanaka Nao , Usuki Toyonobu
Published: June 2019

Isodesmosine is a pyridinium amino acid that contributes to elastin’s crosslinking structure. It is known to form by condensation and aromatization of 3 allysines and 1 lysine, preceded by previous formation of allysine residues from lysine through enzymatic oxidation. In this work, utilizing Pr(OTf)3-promoted Chichibabin pyridinium synthesis, 4 types of protected 13C-labeled isodesmosines were prepared from different amounts of protected 13C-labeled and nonlabeled aldehydes, together with protected lysine hydrochlorides. Comparisons of peak intensities of 13C nuclear magnetic resonance of the obtained isodesmosine-13C n suggested that the formation of crosslinkers occurs instantaneously in one of the proposed mechanistic pathways, or via an entirely different route.
Psathyrellanic Acid, a Monocyclic Diterpenoid From the Basidiomycete Psathyrella candolleana
Authors: Liu Ya-Pei , Dai Quan , Pu Chao-Jun , Wang Meng , Li Zheng-Hui , Liu Ji-Kai , Feng Tao
Published: June 2019

Psathyrelloic acid (1), a novel monocyclic diterpenoid, was isolated from the cultures of the basidiomycete Psathyrella candolleana. The structure was elucidated by means of spectroscopic methods. Psathyrelloic acid showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with an IC50 value of 16 μg/mL.
Flavonoids From the Flowers of Sophora davidii and Their Anti-Tobacco Mosaic Virus Activities
Authors: Yang Jing , Fei Jiaxiang , Su Haijian , Tian Haiying , Huang Shen , Yang Pengfei , Mao Duobin , Hu Sulin
Published: June 2019

A new pterocarpan, named davidicarpan A (1), together with 9 known flavonoids, including 3 pterocarpans (2-4) and 6 isoflavones (5-10), were isolated from the flowers of Sophora davidii (France.) Pavol. Their structures were confirmed by high-resolution electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry, one-dimensional (1D) and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and comparison with reported literature values. Compounds 1 and 4 exhibited anti-tobacco mosaic virus (anti-TMV) activities with inhibition rates of 27.4% and 26.2%, which was higher than that of the positive control, ningnamycin.
Consumer Prices for Surgical Management of End-Stage Hallux Rigidus
Authors: Smyth Niall A. , Krishnan Vaishnavi , McCormick Johnathon R. , Kaplan Jonathan R. , Aiyer Amiethab A.
Published: June 2019

Background. Hallux rigidus is the most prevalent arthritic condition of the foot. Treatment of end-stage disease traditionally consists of a first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) arthrodesis; however, the use of a synthetic cartilage implant is becoming more common. With the high prevalence of disease and implementation of new treatment modalities, health care consumers should be aware of the costs associated with management. The purpose of this study was to determine access to the cost and variability in price of first MTPJ arthrodesis and synthetic cartilage implantation. Methods. Forty academic centers were contacted using a standardized patient script. The patient was a 59-year-old female who had failed conservative treatment of hallux rigidus. Each institution was contacted up to 3 times in an attempt to obtain a full bundled operative quote for a first MTPJ arthrodesis and synthetic cartilage implantation. Results. Twenty centers (50%) provided a quote for first MTPJ arthrodesis and 15 centers (38%) provided a quote for synthetic cartilage implantation. Only 14 centers (35%) were able to provide a quote for both procedures. The mean bundled price for MTPJ arthrodesis was $21 767 (range $8417 to $39 265). The mean bundled price for synthetic cartilage implantation was $21 546 (range $4903 to $74 145). There was no statistically significant difference between the bundled price for first MTPJ arthrodesis and synthetic cartilage implantation. Conclusions. There was limited availability of consumer prices for first MTPJ arthrodesis and synthetic implantation, thus impeding health care consumers’ decision making. There was a wide range of quotes for both procedures, indicating potential cost savings.

Levels of Evidence: IV, basic science
Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia associated with myeloid sarcomas and NPM1 mutation: a case report and literature review
Authors: Matanes Faris , AbdelAzeem Basel M.A. , Shah Gaurav , Reddy Vishnu , Saad Ayman , Papadantonakis Nikolaos
Published: June 2019

We present a case of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) associated with myeloid sarcomas. The CMML also harbored a NPM1 mutation, which is uncommonly described outside the context of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We describe our treatment strategy, which involved remission-induction chemotherapy that led to rapid resolution of myeloid sarcomas, and we present a literature review highlighting the treatment challenges that similar cases pose.
Algorithmic anxiety: Masks and camouflage in artistic imaginaries of facial recognition algorithms
Authors: de Vries Patricia , Schinkel Willem
Published: June 2019

This paper discusses prominent examples of what we call “algorithmic anxiety” in artworks engaging with algorithms. In particular, we consider the ways in which artists such as Zach Blas, Adam Harvey and Sterling Crispin design artworks to consider and critique the algorithmic normativities that materialize in facial recognition technologies. Many of the artworks we consider center on the face, and use either camouflage technology or forms of masking to counter the surveillance effects of recognition technologies. Analyzing their works, we argue they on the one hand reiterate and reify a modernist conception of the self when they conjure and imagination of Big Brother surveillance. Yet on the other hand, their emphasis on masks and on camouflage also moves beyond such more conventional critiques of algorithmic normativities, and invites reflection on ways of relating to technology beyond the affirmation of the liberal, privacy-obsessed self. In this way, and in particular by foregrounding the relational modalities of the mask and of camouflage, we argue academic observers of algorithmic recognition technologies can find inspiration in artistic algorithmic imaginaries.
The Evaluation of Statistical Process Control Methods to Monitor Interview Duration During Survey Data Collection
Authors: Jin Jiayun , Vandenplas Caroline , Loosveldt Geert
Published: June 2019

Despite general agreement regarding the usefulness of statistical process control (SPC) tools for monitoring paradata, using SPC from an early phase of the survey fieldwork is rather rare. This study focuses on one type of paradata—interview duration—to fill this void. First, we establish a procedure based on the idea of enabling fieldwork monitoring for the seventh round of the European Social Survey in Belgium from its start. The impact of respondent characteristics on interview duration is controlled for by multiple regression. Moreover, we simulate the real conditions of an ongoing survey data collection process by cumulating data and repeating the identification of problematic interviews each week, on the basis that “new” data are available. Second, for each interview we record and track the results with regard to whether or not it is problematic over the fieldwork period, to examine the consistency of our findings. We find that as more data becomes available, the results concerning whether an interview is problematic changes in only 0.3% of the cases. Out of the 27 interviews identified as problematic when all information was available, 25 were immediately identified once relevant information was available. Overall, these findings suggest that SPC tools are reliable and efficient in a survey context, and accordingly have great potential for allowing survey practitioners to focus on the interviews for which further examination is needed immediately, rather than when the data collection has been completed.
Impact of Public Spending on National Food Security Mission and Farmers Livelihoods in Tamil Nadu
Authors: Sivagnanam K. Jothi , Murugan K.
Published: June 2019

National Food Security Mission (NFSM) scheme is one of the flagship schemes for the development farmer’s livelihood. The objective is to achieve self-sufficiency in foodgrains production to improve livelihood, particularly in rice, wheat and pulses. It is providing the modern machinery, farm management and pest management. The article intends to analyse the trends in area, production and productivity of rice in the NFSM and non-NFSM districts in Tamil Nadu. This article is divided into four sections. The first is introductory in nature; the second deals with review of literature. The third section describes the rice production in Tamil Nadu, and the fourth section describes the government spending to the NFSM scheme in Tamil Nadu. Finally, it provides concluding remarks and policy suggestions from the study.
Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease in a patient with recently diagnosed systemic sclerosis
Authors: van Leeuwen Nina M , Ramiro Sofia , Ninaber Maarten K , Nossent Esther , de Vries-Bouwstra Jeska K
Published: June 2019

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease is a rare cause of pulmonary hypertension in patients with systemic sclerosis that can be misclassified as pulmonary arterial hypertension. Differentiation between pulmonary veno-occlusive disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension is challenging because of the similar clinical picture. Nevertheless, discrimination is important because pulmonary veno-occlusive disease has a worse prognosis. Vasodilators including phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors and endothelin receptor antagonists should be started with caution and often in combination with diuretics to prevent pulmonary edema.
The Effect of Select Systemic Medications on Visual Outcomes in Diabetics With Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Birnbaum Faith A. , Thomas Akshay S. , Thomas Mridul K. , Yoon Stephen P. , Dmitriev Pauline , Kim Jane S. , Powers James H. , Khan Kirin , Gomez-Caraballo Maria , Fekrat Sharon
Published: June 2019

Purpose:

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the effect of systemic medications and glycemic control on the visual outcome and treatment burden in patients with diabetes and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed for patients with diabetes diagnosed with a BRVO at an academic eye center from 2009 to 2017. The use of select antihypertensives, antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants, and hypoglycemics was reviewed. Data on visual acuity (VA), central subfield thickness (CST), treatment course, and hemoglobin (Hb)A1c were obtained throughout follow-up.

Results:

A total of 121 eyes met criteria with a median follow-up duration of 19.4 months. The mean baseline logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) VA was 0.56 (Snellen equivalent, 20/72) and mean final logMAR VA was 0.5 (20/63). At final follow-up, aspirin 325 mg was associated with 4.8 fewer injections (n = 13, P = .04), insulin was associated with 3.6 more injections (n = 26, P = .04), warfarin was associated with a 79 µm increase in CST ( P = .02), and a 1% increase in HbA1c was associated with 0.86 more injections ( P < .01).

Conclusions:

The VA outcome of BRVO in diabetics may be worse than that of BRVO in nondiabetics. Worse diabetic control was associated with a higher treatment burden. High-dose aspirin was associated with fewer injections.
Investigation of structure–mechanical property relationship in fused filament fabrication of the polymer composites
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Bhushan Pulak , Sinha Nishant , Prakash Om , Bhattacharya Shantanu
Published: June 2019

Fused filament fabrication (FFF) process is an emerging 3D printing technique primarily used for rapid prototyping in academic and industrial environments. The mechanical properties of these 3D-printed samples are highly anisotropic in nature and depend on various process parameters. Literature suggests that build orientation is a crucial parameter affecting the mesostructural and mechanical properties of these parts. However, there are no existing models that can correlate the mechanical properties of these printed parts with their mesostructural properties. Herein, a multiparametric mathematical model has been developed, establishing a correlation between the tensile strength, neck length, and pore size of the printed parts. An extensive investigation is carried out on six materials, namely acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABSplus P430, ABS POLYLAC® PA-757, and LG ABS RS657), polycarbonate (PC), FDM Nylon 12, and PC-ABS alloys printed in two different build orientations (XZ and ZX). The change in mechanical properties with respect to build orientation and the mesostructural properties was examined. It was established that parts printed in the XZ orientation exhibit a higher tensile strength, owing to the higher neck length and smaller pore size. Regression analysis was carried out to develop mathematical models correlating the tensile strength with the mesostructural properties of the printed parts. A good agreement is observed between the theoretically predicted and experimentally found tensile strength.
Emicizumab use in major orthopedic surgery
Authors: Seaman Craig D. , Ragni Margaret V.
Published: June 2019

Key Points

Major orthopedic surgery can be performed safely in hemophilia patients with inhibitors receiving emicizumab.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Down-regulated lncRNA DLX6-AS1 inhibits tumorigenesis through STAT3 signaling pathway by suppressing CADM1 promoter methylation in liver cancer stem cells
Authors: Wu Dong-Mei , Zheng Zi-Hui , Zhang Ying-Bo , Fan Shao-Hua , Zhang Zi-Feng , Wang Yong-Jian , Zheng Yuan-Lin , Lu Jun
Published: June 2019

Background

Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) are a small subset of cells characterized by unlimited self-renewal, cell differentiation, and uncontrollable cellular growth. LCSCs are also resistant to conventional therapies and are thus believed to be held responsible for causing treatment failure of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It has been recently found that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important regulators in HCC. This present study aims to explore the underlying mechanism of how lncRNA DLX6-AS1 influences the development of LCSCs and HCC.

Methods

A microarray-based analysis was performed to initially screen differentially expressed lncRNAs associated with HCC. We then analyzed the lncRNA DLX6-AS1 levels as well as CADM1 promoter methylation. The mRNA and protein expression of CADM1, STAT3, CD133, CD13, OCT-4, SOX2, and Nanog were then detected. We quantified our results by evaluating the spheroid formation, proliferation, and tumor formation abilities, as well as the proportion of tumor stem cells, and the recruitment of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) in LCSCs when lncRNA DLX6-AS1 was either overexpressed or silenced.

Results

LncRNA DLX6-AS1 was upregulated in HCC. The silencing of lncRNA DLX6-AS1 was shown to reduce and inhibit spheroid formation, colony formation, proliferation, and tumor formation abilities, as well as attenuate CD133, CD13, OCT-4, SOX2, and Nanog expression in LCSCs. Furthermore, downregulation of lncRNA DLX6-AS1 contributed to a reduction in CADM1 promoter methylation via suppression of DNMT1, DNMT3a, and DNMT3b in LCSCs and inactivating the STAT3 signaling pathway.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that down-regulated lncRNA DLX6-AS1 may inhibit the stem cell properties of LCSCs through upregulation of CADM1 by suppressing the methylation of the CADM1 promoter and inactivation of the STAT3 signaling pathway.
Multidisciplinary work promotes preventive medicine and health education in primary care: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Schor Ayelet , Bergovoy-Yellin Lucia , Landsberger Daniel , Kolobov Tania , Baron-Epel Orna
Published: June 2019

Background

Preventive medicine and health education are among the strategies used in coping with chronic diseases. However, it is yet to be determined what effect do personal and organizational aspects have on its’ implementation in primary care.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in order to assess and compare preventive medicine and health education activities in three types of primary care models: solo working independent physicians, nurse-physician collaborations and teamwork (nurses, dietitians and social workers working alongside a physician). Questionnaires were emailed to 1203 health professionals between September and November 2015, working at Maccabi Healthcare Services, the second largest Israeli healthcare organization.

Self-reported rates of health education groups conducted, proactive appointments scheduling and self-empowerment techniques use during routine appointments, were compared among the three models. Independent variables included clinic size as well as health professionals’ occupation, health behaviors and training.

A series of multivariate linear regressions were performed in order to identify predictors of preventive medicine and health education implementation.

Computerized health records (CHR) validated our self-report data through data regarding patients’ health behaviours and outcomes, including health education group registration, adherence to occult blood tests and influenza vaccinations as well as blood lipid levels.

Results

Responders included physicians, nurses, dietitians and social workers working at 921 clinics (n = 516, response rate = 31%).

Higher rates of proactive appointments scheduling and health education groups were found in the Teamwork and Collaboration models, compared to the Independent Physician Model. Occupation (nurses and dietitians), group facilitation training and personal screening adherence were identified as preventive medicine and health education implementation predictors.

Group registration, occult blood tests, healthy population’s well-controlled blood lipids as well as influenza vaccinations among chronically ill patients were all significantly higher in the Teamwork and Collaboration models, compared to the Independent Physician Model.

Conclusions

The Teamwork and Collaboration models presented higher rates of preventive medicine and health education implementation as well as higher rates of patients’ positive health behaviours documented in these models.

This suggests multidisciplinary primary care models may contribute to population’s health by enhancing preventive medicine and health education implementation alongside health professionals’ characteristics.
Oncological and functional outcomes following transoral laser microsurgery in patients with T2a vs T2b glottic squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Forner David , Rigby Matthew H. , Hart Robert D. , Trites Jonathan R. , Taylor S. Mark
Published: June 2019

Background

There is a paucity of evidence comparing oncological and voice outcomes between T2a and T2b glottic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients treated with transoral laser microsurgery (TLM). This study identified functional and oncological outcomes in this cohort.

Methods

Retrospective review of prospectively collected data of patients treated with TLM for T2 glottic SCC from 2003 to 2017.

Results

In total, 75 patients were included. Five-year local control rates were significantly different between T2a and T2b patients (75.2% vs 57.0%, p = 0.022). There was no difference in five-year survival between patients with T2a disease and T2b disease (69.5% vs 73.4%, p = 0.627). There was no significant difference in mean VHI-10 scores in the pre-operative period (18.3 vs 21.4, p = 0.409). However, patients with T2b disease had significantly worse perceived voice outcomes post-operatively (6.6 vs 21.3 p = 0.001). Patients with T2a disease saw significant improvements in mean VHI-10 scores following surgery (18.3 vs 6.6, p = 0.000), while T2b patients did not (21.4 vs 21.3, p = 0.979). The overall laryngeal preservation rate was 94.7%, with 11.5% of T2b patients requiring salvage organ sacrifice.

Conclusions

This study highlights positive functional outcomes for T2a glottic SCC. Patients with T2b disease appear to have significantly worse oncological and functional outcomes, including worse voice quality following surgery and higher rates of salvage laryngectomy.
So you want to do biocodicology? A field guide to the biological analysis of parchment
Authors: Fiddyment Sarah , Teasdale Matthew D. , Vnouček Jiří , Lévêque Élodie , Binois Annelise , Collins Matthew J.
Published: June 2019

Biocodicology, the study of the biological information stored in manuscripts, offers the possibility of interrogating manuscripts in novel ways. Exploring the biological data associated to parchment documents will add a deeper level of understanding and interpretation to these invaluable objects, revealing information about book production, livestock economies, handling, conservation and the historic use of the object. As biotechnological methods continue to improve we hope that biocodicology will become a highly relevant discipline in manuscript studies, contributing an additional perspective to the current scholarship. We hope that this review will act as a catalyst enabling further interactions between the heritage science community, manuscript scholars, curators and conservators.
Anterior cleft palate due to Cbfb deficiency and its rescue by folic acid
Authors: Sarper Safiye E. , Inubushi Toshihiro , Kurosaka Hiroshi , Ono Minagi Hitomi , Murata Yuka , Kuremoto Koh-ichi , Sakai Takayoshi , Taniuchi Ichiro , Yamashiro Takashi
Published: June 2019

Core binding factor β (Cbfb) is a cofactor of the Runx family of transcription factors. Among these transcription factors, Runx1 is a prerequisite for anterior-specific palatal fusion. It was previously unclear, however, whether Cbfb served as a modulator or as an obligatory factor in the Runx signaling process that regulates palatogenesis. Here, we report that Cbfb is essential and indispensable in mouse anterior palatogenesis. Palatal fusion in Cbfb mutants is disrupted owing to failed disintegration of the fusing epithelium specifically at the anterior portion, as observed in Runx1 mutants. In these mutants, expression of TGFB3 is disrupted in the area of failed palatal fusion, in which phosphorylation of Stat3 is also affected. TGFB3 protein has been shown to rescue palatal fusion in vitro. TGFB3 also activated Stat3 phosphorylation. Strikingly, the anterior cleft palate in Cbfb mutants is further rescued by pharmaceutical application of folic acid, which activates suppressed Stat3 phosphorylation and Tgfb3 expression in vitro. With these findings, we provide the first evidence that Cbfb is a prerequisite for anterior palatogenesis and acts as an obligatory cofactor in the Runx1/Cbfb-Stat3-Tgfb3 signaling axis. Furthermore, the rescue of the mutant cleft palate using folic acid might highlight potential therapeutic targets aimed at Stat3 modification for the prevention and pharmaceutical intervention of cleft palate.
Paediatric morbidity and mortality in Sierra Leone. Have things changed after the 2014/2015 Ebola outbreak?
Authors: Sesay Tom , Denisiuk Olga , Zachariah Rony
Published: June 2019

Background: Sierra Leone was severely affected by the 2014/2015 Ebola outbreak and is likely to have had longer term repercussions on the health system including on paediatric morbidity and mortality. We thus assessed under-five morbidity and mortality for malaria, acute respiratory Infections (ARI)/pneumonia, watery diarrhoea and measles during the post-Ebola period in Sierra Leone and compared this with the pre- and intra-Ebola periods.

Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study using program data from the District Health Information system (DHIS2) and sourced from 14 districts in Sierra Leone. It included under-five children from 1,200 health facilities country-wide. Study periods included: before (June 1st, 2013-April 30th, 2014); during (June 1st, 2014-April 30th, 2015); and after Ebola (June 1st, 2016-April 30th, 2017).

Results: Malaria, ARI/pneumonia and diarrhoea consultations declined during Ebola but recovered to pre-Ebola levels in the post-Ebola period.  During the post-Ebola period, there was a highly significant reduction in case-fatality for the first three morbidities compared to the pre-Ebola period (P<0.0001). Average number of measles cases increased from 48/month in the pre-Ebola period to 568/month (12-fold increase) post-Ebola. Although there was no difference in measles case-fatality between the pre- and post-Ebola periods, case-fatality post-Ebola was significantly lower than during Ebola (Relative Risk: 0.05, 95% confidence interval 0.02-0.15, P<0.0001).

Conclusions: Consultations for under-five children at health facilities in Sierra Leone recovered to pre-Ebola levels and case-fatality for common childhood illnesses declined significantly. This is a change for the better. However, the high level of reported measles cases in the post-Ebola period indicates gaps in immune status and needs focused attention.
Staffing in public health facilities after the Ebola outbreak in rural Sierra Leone: How much has changed?
Authors: Squire James Sylvester , Hann Katrina , Denisiuk Olga , Zachariah Rony
Published: June 2019

Background: The 2014-2015 Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone led the Ministry of Health and Sanitation to set minimum standards of staffing (medical/non-medical) at the district level for the provision of basic essential health services (BPEHS).

In one of the worst Ebola affected districts in Sierra Leone, we assessed staffing levels measured against these stipulated standards before, during, and 16 months after the Ebola outbreak.

Methods: The study population included all health workers in 83 health facilities. We assessed staffing levels at three points in time: pre-Ebola (April 2014); the end of the outbreak (November 2015); and 16 months post-Ebola (March 2017).

April 2014 was immediately prior to the Ebola outbreak and thus representative of the human resource situation before the outbreak. November 2015 was the month when Sierra Leone was declared Ebola-free, and thus reflects the end-situation after Ebola. March 2017 was two years since the launch of the BPEHS, and some progress should be expected.

Results: Against recommended medical staff numbers during pre-, intra- and post-Ebola periods, deficits were 67%, 65% and 60% respectively. Similarly, against recommended non-medical staff numbers during pre-, intra- and post-Ebola periods, the deficit remained at 92% throughout. In the post-Ebola period, there was a deficit of 73% against 1,389 recommended health worker positions.

Conclusions: Nothing has really changed in the state of human resources for health, and urgent measures are needed to rectify the situation and prevent a déjà vu in the advent of a new Ebola outbreak.
Prevalence and risk factors for low back pain among university teaching staff in Nairobi, Kenya: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Diallo Saikou Yaya Kollet , Mweu Marshal Mutinda , Mbuya Simeon Ochanda , Mwanthi Mutuku Alexander
Published: June 2019

Background: To date, there are few studies carried out on low back pain (LBP) among university teaching staff in developing countries despite academics being a high-risk group for LBP. In Kenya, to the best of our knowledge, there are no published studies that have investigated risk factors for LBP among teaching staff. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of LBP among teaching staff of the University of Nairobi (UoN), during the period June 2016 – May 2017, and to identify its socio-demographic and work-related risk factors.

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study design was used to estimate the prevalence and investigate the risk factors for LBP among 136 teaching staff of UoN. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on LBP history, work-related and socio-demographic characteristics of the study participants. The 12-month prevalence of LBP and its associated 95% exact binomial confidence interval were estimated. A mixed-effects logistic regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between the predictors and LBP.

Results: The estimated 12-month prevalence of LBP was 64% (95% CI: 55.3%–72.0%). From the multivariable analysis, physical inactivity (aOR: 6.0; 95% CI: 1.2–29.6), office chairs without lumbar supports (aOR: 3.3; 95% CI: 0.1–0.9) and high workplace stress (aOR: 4.4; 95% CI: 1.1–17.5) were identified as significant risk factors for LBP among the respondents.

Conclusions: This study has revealed a high burden of LBP among teaching staff of the UoN and undoubtedly mimics the situation in other higher learning institutions in Kenya. Physical inactivity, sitting on chairs without lumbar supports and workplace stress have been identified as modifiable risk factors for LBP among teaching staff. This suggests a need to strengthen advocacy for regular physical activity, team-building activities and investment in office infrastructure to mitigate the effects of LBP within learning institutions.
InferCNV, a python web app for copy number inference from discrete gene-level amplification signals noted in clinical tumor profiling reports
Authors: Kenny Paraic A.
Published: June 2019

As somatic next-generation sequencing gene panel analysis in advanced cancer patients is becoming more routine, oncologists are frequently presented with reports containing lists of genes with increased copy number. Distinguishing which of these amplified genes, if any, might be driving tumor growth and might thus be worth considering targeting can be challenging. One particular issue is the frequent absence of genomic contextual information in clinical reports, making it very challenging to determine which reported genes might be co-amplified and how large any such amplicons might be. We describe a straightforward Python web app, InferCNV, into which healthcare professionals may enter lists of amplified genes from clinical reports. The tool reports (1) the likely size of amplified genomic regions, (2) which reported genes are co-amplified and (3) which other cancer-relevant genes that were not evaluated in the assay may also be co-amplified in the specimen. The tool is accessible for web queries at http://infercnv.org.