bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modification of PA/PU superfine non-woven fiber for “breath” property using collagen and vegetable tannins
Authors: Xu Na , Wang Xuechuan , Wang Lezhi , Zheng Yonggui , Zhang Fengjie , Guo Peiying
Published: October 2018

Unfigured sea-island superfine fiber PA/PU non-woven (USFSLB) is used to mimic leather’s microstructure as the base of artificial leather. USFSLB has many characteristics and advantages resembling those of natural leather. However, compared with natural leather, the wearing comfort of artificial leather is inferior due to its poor moisture adsorption and permeability. In this work, a “two-step” method of chemical treatment is proposed, in which collagen/chromium-vegetable tannin (C-CrT) is immobilized on nylon fiber of USFSLB to improve its moisture adsorption and permeability (“breath” property). The two-step surface modification involved sulfuric acid hydrolysis and modifying the C-CrT on nylon fiber. Compared with the pristine USFSLB, the tensile strength, the elongation at break, the anti-static performance, the thickness, and the uniformity of C-CrT-treated USFSLB were improved at different levels. Importantly, the C-CrT-treated USFSLB showed excellent moisture adsorption and permeability, especially the liquid wicking rate (LWR) improved by 344%. The self-assembly mechanism of collagen/chromium-vegetable tannin (C-CrT) modified on nylon fibers was analyzed and discussed.
Risk Perceptions for Trauma-Related Research: An Exploratory Study of Undergraduate Student Researchers in Psychology
Authors: Atkins Melissa S. , LeGrow Christopher
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this study was to examine student researchers’ perceptions of risks associated with trauma-related research. The participants were 92 students enrolled in an introductory Research Methods course. Students evaluated (a) trauma-exposed participants’ ability to provide informed consent and (b) the potential consequences of participating in trauma-focused research. Risk perceptions were assessed at the beginning of the course, after completion of the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) ethics education, and at the end of the course. Results show that student researchers’ perceptions of risk changed significantly across time. After completing the CITI ethics education, students perceived trauma-exposed individuals as less able to provide informed consent and also perceived greater potential for negative consequences from participation in trauma-focused research, perceptions that were relatively maintained throughout the remainder of the course.
What’s special about orthographic processing? Further evidence from transposition effects in same-different matching
Authors: Ktori Maria , Bertrand Daisy , Grainger Jonathan
Published: October 2018

We sought evidence for letter-specific processing in the same-different matching task by comparing performance to random consonant strings and either strings of symbols (Experiment 1) or strings of digits (Experiment 2). The strings could be aligned horizontally or vertically, and on “different” response trials the to-be-matched strings could differ by the transposition of two adjacent characters or by the substitution of two adjacent characters. Making a “different” response was harder when the difference involved a transposition compared with a substitution—the transposition effect. Crucially, the transposition effect was significantly greater for letters than for symbols or digits when stimuli were aligned horizontally, but did not differ significantly across stimulus type with vertically aligned strings. These results suggest that it is processing specific to horizontally aligned letter strings, a reading-specific mechanism, that causes the greater transposition effects for letter stimuli in the same-different matching task when stimuli are arranged horizontally.
Comparison of 90-Day Perioperative Outcomes in Shoulder Arthroplasty Between the Elderly and Nonelderly Patients
Authors: Crook Paul D. , Foster William C. , Kates Stephen L. , Korpon Jonathan R. , Ortega Gustavo A. , Boardman Douglas N.
Published: October 2018

Introduction:

As life expectancy increases, the incidence of shoulder arthroplasty continues to increase as well. There are few shoulder arthroplasty studies investigating perioperative complication, readmission, and mortality. Furthermore, with bundled payments on the horizon, the cost of shoulder arthroplasty has become a significant issue. Clarifying risk factors for the need for postdischarge acute care will be critical information due to the high cost of such care. The goal of this study was to compare discharge disposition, length of stay (LOS), perioperative complications, readmission, and mortality in elderly and nonelderly cohorts to determine whether age is a risk factor for shoulder arthroplasty.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively compared 89 elderly patients (80 years or older) and 86 nonelderly patients (79 years or younger) who underwent hemiarthroplasty, total shoulder arthroplasty, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, or revision shoulder arthroplasty from 2007 to 2015. Baseline characteristics were compared between the 2 cohorts. We then compared discharge disposition, LOS, 90-day complication rate, readmission, and mortality between the 2 cohorts.

Results:

Average length of hospitalization and percentage of patients with greater than 2 days of hospitalization were significantly higher in the elderly cohorts. Forty-four percent of the elderly cohorts were discharged to a skilled nursing facility compared to 6% in the nonelderly cohorts ( P < .0001). There were no significant differences found in 90-day major complication rate, readmission, or mortality.

Discussion:

Shoulder arthroplasty is a valuable surgery for various indications in the elderly population. However, the likelihood of a patient to need a prolonged hospitalization or skilled nursing facility care after surgery are important questions that need to be answered. Our study shows that age over 80 years is a risk factor for prolonged hospitalization and need for skilled nursing facility care after shoulder arthroplasty.

Conclusion:

We conclude that elderly patients who undergo shoulder arthroplasty are significantly more likely to have extended hospitalizations and to be discharged to skilled nursing facilities compared to nonelderly patients.
Gastronomy, Tourism, and the Soft Power of Malaysia
Authors: Hussin Hanafi
Published: October 2018

This review article examines the link between tourism and soft power in view of five (four proposed by Ooi) interlinked ways (approaches). It also looks whether Malaysia (as a case study) by using the soft power approaches has achieved the desired outcomes or not. The article found that Ooi’s approach is adequate to analyze a country’s tourism policy, strategies, tourists’ perceptions, and the outcomes of tourism. However, it has ignored the independent role of gastronomy, the business-enabling environment, recognition of the cultural and natural sites as world heritage, and methodological approach to address negative stereotypes against other nationalities. The article also maintains that Malaysia has efficiently used the soft power approach and maximally received benefits from it without the use of coercive powers. This research offers insight into different power tools applied in a variety of contexts which shape the image of the country.
Systemic sclerosis and primary biliary cholangitis: An overlapping entity?
Authors: Lepri Gemma , Bellando Randone Silvia , Matucci Cerinic Marco , Allanore Yannick
Published: October 2018

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease that may lead to skin and internal organ fibrosis. Based on skin involvement, two subsets of the disease are recognized (limited cutaneous SSc and diffuse cutaneous SSc). The new 2013 American College of Rheumatology/European League against Rheumatism classification criteria allow to identify SSc patients at the early stage of the disease that allows new research avenues. The aetiology of the disease is still unknown, but it has an important autoimmune basis and its association with other autoimmune diseases has been reproducibly reported. Among them, primary biliary cholangitis is considered the most common liver disease in SSc. The aim of this review is to provide an overview on recent findings about SSc associated to primary biliary cholangitis. Although the aetiology of the two diseases is still unknown, data suggest that these two disorders share the expression of fibrogenic cytokines, involved both in generation and function of T lymphocytes subpopulation (Th17 cells) and regulatory T lymphocytes. In addition, the relationships between SSc and primary biliary cholangitis may be closer as suggested by the presence of primary biliary cholangitis–specific antibodies in SSc patients and vice versa. Recent findings confirm a prevalence of overt primary biliary cholangitis in about 2% of SSc population, in particular in patients with limited cutaneous SSc and positive anticentromere antibodies. The prevalence increases if also patients with only primary biliary cholangitis–specific antibodies are considered. Data regarding SSc prevalence in primary biliary cholangitis patients have also been recently clarified. Altogether, stimulating results are moving the field forward regarding the relationships of these two autoimmune and fibrotic disorders that may belong to an overlapping entity.
Intracapillary monoclonal deposits disease due to B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Sanghavi Sarah F , Nicosia Roberto F , Dong Zhao Ming , Lynch Ryan C
Published: October 2018

Intracapillary monoclonal deposits disease is a rare kidney disorder defined by the presence of intracapillary monoclonal IgM deposits that completely obstruct glomerular capillary lumina. It is typically associated with Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia and significant levels of circulating monoclonal IgM. We describe a patient that presented with nephrotic range proteinuria, rapidly rising serum creatinine, and low levels of biclonal IgM. Kidney biopsy showed intracapillary monoclonal deposits disease with a membranoproliferative pattern and focal crescent formation. Subsequent bone marrow biopsy revealed marginal zone lymphoma. Despite treatment, the patient rapidly progressed to end-stage renal disease. Patients with indolent lymphomas and low levels of circulating clonal IgM may present with aggressive renal disease due to IgM deposition.
Use of iris pattern recognition to evaluate ocular torsional changes associated with head tilt
Authors: Hussein Mohamed , Coats David
Published: October 2018

Purpose:

To describe the use of enhanced iris images and a computer software program to quantify ocular torsional changes associated with head tilt.

Methods:

Pixel coordinates of the pupil and different iris landmarks were obtained manually using paint program from digital images of the right and left iris of 3 subjects with normal extraocular motility. Photographs of the right eye and of the left eye were taken in the straight-ahead position and at various degrees of right and left head tilt. A computer software program converted the x- and y-pixel coordinates into angles of rotation after averaging multiple points and determining the degree and the direction of torsion for each eye. The degree of head tilt was mathematically calculated from the digital images. The degree and the direction of ocular torsion were correlated with the degree and the direction of head tilt.

Results:

The average degree of head tilt was 27.5 degrees (from 8 to 43 degrees). The average intorsion of the lower eye per degree of head tilt was 0.61 degrees (from 0.54 to 0.65 degrees). The average extorsion of the higher eye per degree of head tilt was 0.56 degrees (from 0.43 to 0.60 degrees). The average ocular torsional changes strongly correlated with the degree of head tilt (correlation coefficient = 0.92).

Conclusions:

Computer-assisted iris pattern recognition and analysis of the ocular torsional changes associated with head tilt may provide a useful and objective means of assessing ocular torsion.
Estimating the prevalence of latent tuberculosis in a low-incidence setting: Australia
Authors: Dale Katie Dorothy , Trauer James McCracken , Dodd Pete J. , Houben Rein M.G.J. , Denholm Justin Timothy
Published: October 2018

Migration is a key driver of tuberculosis (TB) in many low-incidence settings, with the majority of TB cases attributed to reactivation of latent TB (LTBI) acquired overseas. A greater understanding of LTBI risk in heterogeneous migrant populations would aid health planning. We aimed to estimate the LTBI prevalence and distribution among locally born and overseas-born Australians.

Annual risks of TB infection estimates were applied to population cohorts (by country of birth, year of arrival and age) in Australian census data in 2006, 2011 and 2016.

Both the absolute number and proportion of Australian residents with LTBI increased from 4.6% (interquartile range (IQR) 4.2–5.2%) in 2006 to 5.1% (IQR 4.7–5.5%) in 2016, due to the increasing proportion of the population born overseas (23.8% in 2006 to 28.3% in 2016). Of all residents estimated to have LTBI in 2016; 93.2% were overseas born, 21.6% were aged <35 years and 34.4% had migrated to Australia since 2007.

The overall prevalence of LTBI in Australia is low. Some residents, particularly migrants from high-incidence settings, may have considerably higher risk of LTBI, and these findings allow for tailored public health interventions to reduce the risk and impact of future TB disease.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: MicroRNA-9 modified bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) repair severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) via inducing angiogenesis in rats
Authors: Qian Daohai , Song Guodong , Ma Zhilong , Wang Guannan , Jin Lei , Hu Minghua , Song Zhenshun , Wang Xiaoming
Published: October 2018

Background

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is an acute abdominal disease characterized by pancreatic necrosis and systemic disease. In a previous study, we showed that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) can reduce SAP by secreting microRNA (miR)-9; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The present study investigated the mechanism underlying BMSC-induced pancreatic regeneration.

Methods

BMSCs were isolated, and miR-9 modified/antagonized BMSCs (pri-miR-9-BMSCs/TuD-BMSCs) were generated and injected into SAP rats. The levels of inflammatory cytokines and histopathologic changes were examined using ELISA and H&E staining. Angiogenesis was analyzed by qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Cell function tests, dual luciferase reporter assays, cell co-culture, western blotting, and cell tracing were used to explore the mechanisms underlying miR-9 induced angiogenesis.

Results

Pri-miR-9-BMSCs induced angiogenesis in SAP rats (Ang-1↑, TIE-2↑, and CD31↑) and repaired damaged vascular endothelial cells (VECs) in vitro, promoting angiogenesis (Ang-1↑, TIE-2↑, PI3K↑, AKT↑, p-AKT↑, CD31↑, and CD34↑). Pri-miR-9-BMSCs released miR-9 into VECs or injured pancreatic tissue, targeting the VE-cadherin gene and promoting PI3K/AKT signaling to treat SAP (VE-cadherin↓, β-catenin↓, PI3K↑, p-AKT↑), whereas antagonizing miR-9 in BMSCs did not alleviate or aggravated SAP.

Conclusions

Pri-miR-9-BMSCs can repair injured pancreatic tissue by secreting miR-9 and promoting angiogenesis.
Identification of fractured carbonate vuggy reservoirs in the S48 well area using 3D 3C seismic technique: A case history from the Tarim Basin
Authors: Li Zongjie , Wang Yun , Yang Zichuan , Li Haiying , Yu Guangming
Published: October 2018

As a type of carbonate reservoir and main oil-gas production formation in the Tarim Basin, China, fractures and paleokarst caves in Ordovician limestone are the targets of interest for seismic exploration in the S48 well area. Although conventional 3D, high-density, and wide-azimuth seismic acquisition has been widely applied in the Tarim Basin, we still need to determine what 3D 3C seismic data can further do for the characterization and fluid detection of the carbonate reservoir. In the S48 well area of the Tahe oilfield, we had acquired 3D 3C seismic data with single digital 3C sensors at the same grid, whereas the traditional 1C acquisition had arrayed geophones. Through comparison and analysis of two kinds of seismic data, including field records and migration profiles, some important characteristics can be found: (1) The [Formula: see text]
Use of seismic attributes and open-hole log data to characterize production variability in a fractured carbonate play: A case study from Madison County, Texas
Authors: Beck Courtney , Khadeeva Anna , Sarmah Bhaskar , Kimbell Trey
Published: October 2018

Understanding natural fracture systems is key for tight carbonate plays, in which production is dependent on secondary interconnected porosity networks. Locating geographic areas and stratigraphic sections with high natural fracture density and optimizing well locations and perforations to connect these fractures can enhance well performance and asset value. There is substantial production variation in the Cretaceous stacked carbonate play in East Texas, despite similarities in well completion and perforated intervals. Petrophysical property models did not explain the significant variation in well production; therefore, we have developed a multidisciplinary workflow combining seismic and log data with the goal of identifying faulting and natural fractures and understanding their effect on production. We used seismic discontinuity to map faults as the main indicator of presence of fractures. We calibrated triple combo logs with an image log to generate an indicator curve to identify natural fractures. The fracture indicator curve provided a good prediction of where natural fractures may occur, and discontinuity maps revealed a good correlation to well production. Furthermore, we concluded that drilling too closely to large faults negatively impacted production and correlated with increased water production. The workflow developed here can be used to optimize well placement in the stacked carbonate play of Madison County, Texas, and it can be applied to other fractured carbonate reservoirs.
Prediction of geomechanical sweet spots in a tight gas sandstone reservoir: A case study of lower Permian strata in the southern Qinshui Basin, China
Authors: Zhao Difei , Yinghai Guo , Yin Shuai , Ren Chengyao , Wang Yujie
Published: October 2018

Using the tight sandstone of the lower Permian Shanxi Formation in the southern Qinshui Basin as an example, we have developed the concept of “geomechanical sweet spots” in a strongly deformed strike-slip fault zone. The evaluation elements for geomechanical sweet spots include current tectonics, paleotectonics, fractures, and rock brittleness. The high-angle basement-surface strike-slip faults that developed in the study area control the formation and development of the descending plane (upper plate) positive traction folds and the ascending plane (lower plate) isopach folds. The current tectonics and the paleotectonics in the mid-Himalayan tectonic period have a certain adjustment effect on the distribution of natural gas. We predicted the fracture development area of the target layer in the main episode of the Himalayan period based on the 3D finite-element method. The regions with a higher fracture development degree are mainly distributed in the Sitou-Houchengyao strike-slip fault zone and the northwestern and eastern parts of the study area. We also divide the brittleness index of sand group II into four grades. Based on a single-factor evaluation of the current tectonics, paleotectonics, fractures, and rock brittleness, we established a standard parameter system for evaluating the geomechanical sweet spots of tight gas sandstone reservoirs.
Progesterone Receptor Status Predicts Response to Progestin Therapy in Endometriosis
Authors: Flores Valerie A , Vanhie Arne , Dang Tran , Taylor Hugh S
Published: October 2018

Context

Progestin-based therapy is the first-line treatment for managing endometriosis-associated pain. However, response to progestins is currently variable and unpredictable. Predictive markers for response to progestin-based therapy would allow for a personalized approach to endometriosis treatment.

Objective

We hypothesize that progesterone receptor (PR) levels in endometriotic lesions determine response to progestin-based therapy.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Academic center.

Patients

Fifty-two subjects with histologically confirmed endometriosis and a previous documented response to hormonal therapy were included.

Interventions

Immunohistochemistry was performed on sections of endometriotic lesions using a rabbit polyclonal IgG for detection of PR-A/B.

Main Outcome Measures

The Histo (H)-score was used for quantifying PR status. Response to progestin-based therapies was determined from review of the electronic medical record.

Results

H-score was higher in responders compared with nonresponders. Subjects were categorized into three groups: high (H-score > 80, n = 7), medium (H-score 6 to 80, n = 28), and low (H-score ≤ 5, n = 17) PR status. The threshold of PR > 80 was associated with a 100% positive predictive value. The threshold of PR < 5 was associated with a 94% negative predictive value.

Conclusion

PR status is strongly associated with response to progestin-based therapy. Receptor status in endometriosis could be used to tailor hormonal-based regimens after surgery, and negate trialing progestin-based therapy to determine resistance. Ascertainment of PR status may allow for a novel, targeted, precision-based approach to treating endometriosis.
Unilateral Adrenalectomy Could Be a Valid Option for Primary Nodular Adrenal Disease: Evidence From Twins
Authors: Kyrilli Aglaia , Lytrivi Maria , Bouquegneau Marie Sylvie , Demetter Pieter , Lucidi Valerio , Garcia Camilo , Moreno-Reyes Rodrigo , Tabarin Antoine , Corvilain Bernard , Driessens Natacha
Published: October 2018

Primary pigmented nodular adrenal disease (PPNAD) accounts for <1% of ACTH-independent Cushing syndrome. We describe the case of twin female patients with PPNAD who both had sustainable disease control after unilateral adrenalectomy, which corroborates current evidence in favor of unilateral adrenalectomy for a subset of patients with PPNAD. Patient A presented with a 10-kg weight gain over the past year and facial plethora. Diagnostic evaluation revealed abolition of normal cortisol rhythm with suppressed ACTH levels, normal adrenal CT and MRI imaging and a slightly left-predominant adrenal uptake on 131I iodomethyl norcholesterol scintigraphy coupled with single-photon emission CT/CT. PPNAD was confirmed after genetic testing revealed a known pathogenic PRKA1A mutation (c.709 (-7-2) del6). At that time, her twin sister (patient B) was asymptomatic. Patient A underwent successful unilateral adrenalectomy and histology confirmed PPNAD. Two years after initial onset of symptoms in patient A, patient B was seen for the same subtle symptoms of progressive weight gain. Diagnostic test results were identical, revealing the same clinical features and mutational status as patient A. Patient B also underwent unilateral adrenalectomy with a favorable outcome. Follow-up 3 years after surgery for patient A and 18 months for patient B showed sustained disease control without recurrence and uncompromised quality of life, with no adrenal insufficiency having occurred. Unilateral adrenalectomy can be a successful therapeutic approach for patients with PPNAD with a mild phenotype without the risk and the inconvenience of subsequent adrenal insufficiency, which alters quality of life.
Objective Epidural Space Identification Using Continuous Real-Time Pressure Sensing Technology: A Randomized Controlled Comparison With Fluoroscopy and Traditional Loss of Resistance
Authors: Gebhard Ralf E. , Moeller-Bertram Tobias , Dobecki Douglas , Peralta Feyce , Pivalizza Evan G. , Rupasinghe Madhumani , Ilic Sanja , Hochman Mark
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND:

Performance of epidural anesthesia and analgesia depends on successful identification of the epidural space (ES). While multiple investigations have described objective and alternative methodologies to identify the ES, traditional loss of resistance (LOR) and fluoroscopy (FC) are currently standard of care in labor and delivery (L&D) and chronic pain (CP) management, respectively. While FC is associated with high success, it exposes patients to radiation and requires appropriate radiological equipment. LOR is simple but subjective and consequently associated with higher failure rates. The purpose of this investigation was to compare continuous, quantitative, real-time, needle-tip pressure sensing using a novel computer-controlled ES identification technology to FC and LOR for lumbar ES identification.

METHODS:

A total of 400 patients were enrolled in this prospective randomized controlled noninferiority trial. In the CP management arm, 240 patients scheduled to receive a lumbar epidural steroid injection had their ES identified either with FC or with needle-tip pressure measurement. In the L&D arm, 160 female patients undergoing lumbar epidural catheter placements were randomized to either LOR or needle-tip pressure measurement. Blinded observers determined successful ES identification in both arms. A modified intention-to-treat protocol was implemented, with patients not having the procedure for reasons preceding the intervention excluded. Noninferiority of needle-tip pressure measurement regarding the incidence of successful ES identification was claimed when the lower limit of the 97.27% confidence interval (CI) for the odds ratio (OR) was above 0.50 (50% less likely to identify the ES) and P value for noninferioirty <.023.

RESULTS:

Demographics were similar between procedure groups, with a mild imbalance in relation to gender when evaluated through a standardized difference. Noninferiority of needle-tip pressure measurement was demonstrated in relation to FC where pain management patients presented a 100% success rate of ES identification with both methodologies (OR, 1.1; 97.27% CI, 0.52–8.74; P = .021 for noninferiority), and L&D patients experienced a noninferior success rate with the novel technology (97.1% vs 91%; OR, 3.3; 97.27% CI, 0.62–21.54; P = .019) using a a priori noninferiority delta of 0.50.

CONCLUSIONS:

Objective lumbar ES identification using continuous, quantitative, real-time, needle-tip pressure measurement with the CompuFlo Epidural Computer Controlled Anesthesia System resulted in noninferior success rates when compared to FC and LOR for CP management and L&D, respectively. Benefits of this novel technology may include nonexposure of patients to radiation and contrast medium and consequently reduced health care costs.
CRISPR-Cas9 human gene replacement and phenomic characterization in Caenorhabditis elegans to understand the functional conservation of human genes and decipher variants of uncertain significance
Authors: McDiarmid Troy A. , Au Vinci , Loewen Aaron D. , Liang Joseph , Mizumoto Kota , Moerman Donald G. , Rankin Catharine H.
Published: October 2018

Our ability to sequence genomes has vastly surpassed our ability to interpret the genetic variation we discover. This presents a major challenge in the clinical setting, where the recent application of whole exome and whole genome sequencing has uncovered thousands of genetic variants of uncertain significance. Here, we present a strategy for targeted human gene replacement and phenomic characterization based on CRISPR-Cas9 genome engineering in the genetic model organism Caenorhabditis elegans that will facilitate assessment of the functional conservation of human genes and structure-function analysis of disease-associated variants with unprecedented precision. We validate our strategy by demonstrating that direct single-copy replacement of the C. elegans ortholog (daf-18) with the critical human disease-associated gene Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog (PTEN) is sufficient to rescue multiple phenotypic abnormalities caused by complete deletion of daf-18, including complex chemosensory and mechanosenory impairments. In addition, we used our strategy to generate animals harboring a single copy of the known pathogenic lipid phosphatase inactive PTEN variant (PTEN-G129E) and showed that our automated in vivo phenotypic assays could accurately and efficiently classify this missense variant as loss-of-function. The integrated nature of the human transgenes allows for analysis of both homozygous and heterozygous variants and greatly facilitates high-throughput precision medicine drug screens. By combining genome engineering with rapid and automated phenotypic characterization, our strategy streamlines identification of novel conserved gene functions in complex sensory and learning phenotypes that can be used as in vivo functional assays to decipher variants of uncertain significance.
Impaired Thermoregulatory Function during Dynamic Exercise in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: ALLEN DUSTIN R. , HUANG MU , MORRIS NATHAN B. , CHASELING GEORGIA K. , FROHMAN ELLIOT M. , JAY OLLIE , DAVIS SCOTT L.
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Impairments in sudomotor function during passive whole-body heating have been reported in multiple sclerosis (MS), a demyelinating disease of the CNS that disrupts autonomic function. However, the capability of the thermoregulatory system to control body temperature during exercise has never been assessed in MS. Thus, the aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that thermoregulatory function is impaired in MS patients compared with healthy controls (CON) exercising at similar rates of metabolic heat production.

Methods

Sweating and skin blood flow responses were compared between 12 individuals diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS (9 females, 3 males) and 12 sex-, age-, mass-, and BSA-matched CON during a single bout of cycling exercise (rate of metabolic heat production: ∼4.5 W·kg−1) for 60 min in a climate-controlled room (25°C, 30% RH).

Results

Individuals with MS exhibited an attenuated increase in cumulative whole-body sweat loss after 30 min (MS, 72 ± 51 g; CON, 104 ± 37 g; P = 0.04) and 60 min (MS, 209 ± 94 g; CON, 285 ± 62 g; P = 0.02), as well as lower sweating thermosensitivity (MS, 0.49 ± 0.26 mg·cm−2·min−1·°C−1; CON, 0.86 ± 0.30 mg·cm−2·min−1·°C−1; P = 0.049). Despite evidence for thermoregulatory dysfunction, there were no differences between MS and CON in esophageal or rectal temperatures at 30- or 60-min time points (P > 0.05). Cutaneous vasculature responses were also not different in MS compared with CON (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Taken together, MS blunts sweating responses during exercise while cutaneous vasculature responses are preserved. Altered mechanisms of body temperature regulation in persons with MS may lead to temporary worsening of disease symptoms and limit exercise tolerance under more thermally challenging conditions.
Sophisticated Bidders in Beauty-Contest Auctions
Authors: Galavotti Stefano , Moretti Luigi , Valbonesi Paola
Published: October 2018

We study bidding behavior by firms in beauty-contest auctions, i.e., auctions in which the winning bid is the one that gets closest to some function (average) of all submitted bids. Using a dataset on public procurement beauty-contest auctions, we show that firms’ observed bidding behavior departs from equilibrium and can be predicted by a “sophistication” index, which captures the firms’ capacity of bidding close to optimality in the past. We show that our empirical evidence is consistent with a Cognitive Hierarchy model of bidders’ behavior. We also investigate whether and how firms learn to bid strategically through experience. (JEL D22, D44, D83, H57, L12)
The impact of the student companies programme on the development of social skills of the youth
Authors: Saks Katrin , Virnas Janeli
Published: October 2018

Uurimuse eesmärk on välja selgitada, milline on õpilasfirmade programmi roll noorte sotsiaalsete oskuste ja isiksusomaduste arendamisel. Uuring tehti 2016.−2017. aastal õpilasfirmade programmis osalenud noortega, kes olid pärit Tartu-, Põlva- ja Võrumaalt. Eel- ja järeltestimise käigus koguti enesekohase küsimustikuga andmeid sotsiaalsetele oskustele ja ettevõtlikkusega seotud olulisimatele isiksusomadustele antud hinnangute kohta. Tulemustest selgus, et õpilasfirmade programmis osalemine toetab noorte hinnangul nende enesejuhtimisoskust, akadeemilisi oskusi ja enesekehtestamisoskust ning ettevõtlikkuse, loovuse ja paindlikkuse arengut. Statistiliselt olulised muutused avaldusid vaid Põlva- ja Tartumaa noortel, kellele pakuti peale õpilasfirmade üldise programmi ka lisategevusi ja -tuge. Võrumaa noorte hinnangul ei avaldunud nende sotsiaalsete oskuste ja isiksus omaduste arengus suuri muutusi, mille põhjus võib olla liiga suur õpilaste arv ühe juhendaja  kohta. Samuti ei olnud Võrumaa õpilasfirmadel kaasatud õppesse mentoreid ning nad ei osalenud toetavates tegevustes.
 Summary
Students’ autonomous motivation in relation to self-management, initiative and creativity when becoming an entrepreneur
Authors: Malleus Elina , Venesaar Urve , Mädamürk Kaja , Arro Grete
Published: October 2018

Ettevõtluse kontekstis on oluline uurida, mis motiividel alustavad ettevõtjad tegutsemist ning kuidas need mõjutavad edasist ettevõtlusprotsessi. Motiivide uurimine seotuna teiste ettevõtluses oluliste pädevustega (nt enesejuhtimine, algatusvõime ja loovus) võimaldab paremini mõista motivatsiooni olemust ning pöörata kõne alustele teemadele tähelepanu juba ettevõtlusõppes. Uurimusega soovitakse rakendada eri valdkondades (nt haridus, psühholoogia, tervishoid) levinud ise määramisteooriat ettevõtlusõppes. Selleks uuritakse 497 kutse- ja kõrgkoolideõppija kogemust ning motiive ettevõtlusega alustamisel, lähtudes autonoomse ja kontrollitud motivatsiooni teooriast ning sidudes valitud teoreetilise lähtekoha varem ettevõtluse kontekstis esile tõstetud pädevustega. Uurimistulemusena ilmneb, et õppijad, kes lähtuvad ettevõtlusega alustamisel pigem autonoomsele motivatsioonile viitavatest põhjustest, annavad kõrgemaid hinnanguid oma enese juhtimisoskuste, algatusvõime ja loovuse kohta. Seega võib autonoomse motivatsiooni teadlik toetamine ettevõtlushariduses olla seotud ka õppijate edasise parema toimetulekuga ettevõtlusmaastikul.
 Summary
The implementation of creative specialties within the context of the model for entrepreneurial competencies
Authors: Männiste Tiiu , Rõigas Andres , Araste Lii , Mäger Marju
Published: October 2018

Ettevõtlusõpe on jõudnud haridusmaastikule ning selle rakendamise vajadust kinnitavad ka mitmed strateegiad ja uuringud. Looverialade õpetamise seisukohalt on see kasvava tähtsusega kogu maailma majanduses. Alates 2015. aastast on Tartu Ülikooli Viljandi kultuuriakadeemia rakendanud Eesti haridussüsteemis kõigil erialadel kohustuslikku ettevõtlusõpet. Mitmeaastane kogemus võimaldab analüüsida, kuivõrd on ettevõtluspädevused loovainetega lõimitud. Artiklis käsitletakse kvalitatiivsele sisuanalüüsile tuginedes ettevõtluspädevustega seonduvaid õpiväljundeid ja ettevõtlust arendavaid õppetöövorme Viljandi kultuuriakadeemia 2015/2016. ja 2016/2017. õa rakenduskõrghariduse õppekavades. Analüüsist selgub, et õppeasutuse spetsiifika tõttu keskenduvad õppekavad eelkõige kultuurilistele pädevustele. Ettevõtlusega seotud teadmised on väljunditena fikseeritud peamiselt ettevõtlusainetes ja erialaülestes projektides, millel on ettevõtluskultuuri toetava hariduskeskkonna tunnuseid. Kuigi ettevõtlust arendavate õppeainete ja loovainete õpiväljundite seos on nõrk ning ettevõtlust toetav kultuur on veel tervikuks sidumata, võib õppekavade erialamoodulite õpiväljunditest leida ka ettevõtlusele omaseid pädevusi.
 Summary
Desmid algae (Charophyta: Conjugatophyceae) of Ekaterinburg, Middle Urals, Russia
Authors: Shakhmatov Andrei S. , Pavlovskiy Evgeniy V. , Paukov Alexander G.
Published: October 2018

Species composition of desmid algae and their habitat preferences in water bodies of Ekaterinburg city were studied during the 2013–2017. Thirty-seven species and subspecific taxa which belong to 12 genera and 2 families were identified, of which 17 species are new for the eastern macroslope of the Middle Urals. Canonical correspondence analysis, which was performed to reveal habitat preferences, demonstrates that the majority of analyzed species prefer quarry lakes, ponds and overgrown lake shores, contrary to fens and rivers.
New and rare lichens and allied fungi from the Pskov Region, Russia
Authors: Istomina Nina B. , Likhacheva Olga V. , Stepanchikova Irina S. , Kuznetsova Ekaterina S. , Himelbrant Dmitry E.
Published: October 2018

Forty-one species of lichens and two lichenicolous fungi are reported from the Pskov Region. Of them, thirty-nine species are new for the region, including Lempholemma dispansum – a rare species with scattered distribution, previously recorded only once in the European Russia in the 19th century. The most important findings are confined to ancient limestone outcrops and old manor parks: these habitats are also promising for further investigations, taking in account high level of anthropogenic transformation of the Pskov Region.
Ausencia de habilidades gerenciales para una cultura de innovación universitaria en instituciones de Colombia y Venezuela
Authors: Donawa Torres Zoraima Aurelia , Gámez Araujo Willington German
Published: October 2018

El objetivo fundamental de esta investigación fue identificar las habilidades gerenciales para una cultura de innovación universitaria en instituciones de Colombia y Venezuela. Para cumplir con el objetivo, se estudiaron las bases teóricas de los autores Horth y Buchner (2009), Dyer, Gregersen y Christensen (2012) y Tomás (2010), entre otros. La metodología utilizada fue bajo el paradigma de investigación positivista, la investigación fue descriptiva con un diseño no experimental, transeccional y de campo. La población estuvo constituida por 60 docentes de cada universidad. Como instrumento para la recolección de datos se elaboró un cuestionario utilizando las categorías de respuestas de tipo Likert de 33 ítems, validado por siete expertos en el área. La confiabilidad del instrumento fue determinada por el método Alfa de Cronbach presentando un 0.94 de confiabilidad. Los resultados de la investigación permiten evidenciar un bajo porcentaje tanto en las habilidades necesarias para ser innovadores, como en las habilidades de descubrimiento, por lo que se concluye la ausencia de las habilidades gerenciales para una cultura de innovación universitaria en instituciones de educación superior de Colombia y Venezuela.
Participación económica femenina y emprendimiento en el Estado de Nayarit, México
Authors: Chong González Elizabeth Guadalupe , Pérez Pina Yoslin
Published: October 2018

Con base en información estadística de los censos y del  Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), el objetivo principal del trabajo es  dar cuenta de las actividades económicas que desarrolla la población ocupada femenina de Nayarit; así mismo identificar los cambios que presentan en su mercado de trabajo, con la finalidad de conocer las principales ocupaciones que desarrollan, su situación ocupacional, así como su participación en la actividad emprendedora. Los resultados muestran que entre 1970 y 1990 las mujeres participaban considerablemente en actividades relativas al sector primario, sin embargo han tomado mayor relevancia las actividades del sector terciario. En lo referente a situación en el trabajo, en su mayoría son asalariadas y trabajadoras por cuenta propia, en algunos casos estas últimas han fortalecido su negocio convirtiéndose así en empleadoras, destacando el emprendimiento como uno de los principales cambios en el mercado de trabajo.
Mecanismos de Financiación y Gestión de Recursos Financieros del Sector de la Construcción, Infraestructura y Megaproyectos en Colombia
Authors: Gutiérrez Ossa Jahir Alexander , Vega Juan David , Osorio Alvarez Santiago
Published: October 2018

El escrito plantea la consecuencia que debe tener los mecanismos de financiación y de gestión de recursos financieros con respecto al tamaño de las obras de construcción, infraestructura y Megaproyectos en Colombia. La tendencia a medir la relación financiera y los costos que dichas intervenciones exigen, es tan desconocida, como la propia consideración de los impactos, luego de la terminación de las obras.  El análisis exploratorio y descriptivo, sirve de sustento básico para ampliar las razones por las cuales se cree que el propio tamaño de las obras reduce el análisis académico e investigativo sobre ello. El análisis financiero de las grandes obras no termina con la disposición de ellas, al contrario, implica la internalización de ellas en donde son asentadas.
El Individuo y sus motivaciones en el proceso emprendedor
Authors: Marulanda-Valencia Flor Ángela , Montoya Restrepo Iván Alonso , Vélez Restrepo Juan Manuel
Published: October 2018

Con el fin de identificar las motivaciones más importantes en el proceso de creación de empresa, en esta investigación se combinan aspectos cualitativos y cuantitativos. En primer lugar se realizó un estudio exploratorio con emprendedores de Medellín a los que se aplicó un cuestionario semiestructurado en el que se indagó, mediante pregunta abierta, por las motivaciones para crear y administrar su empresa. Con base en los resultados de éste, y la revisión de literatura, que se basa más en aportes teóricos sobre el comportamiento humano y aspectos motivacionales, que en desarrollos empíricos más recientes, se diseñó un constructo con escala tipo Likert, conformado por 6 dimensiones y 35 sub-dimensiones, que fue aplicado a otro grupo de emprendedores. Finalmente se realizaron entrevistas en profundidad con algunos de los respondientes del último grupo.  Se encontró que factores como el cumplimiento de un sueño, el crecimiento personal, los nuevos desafíos y la necesidad de independencia, fueron los más importantes para tomar la decisión. Mientras que aspectos económicos y del entorno, fueron menos significativos. Como contribución a la teoría de las motivaciones, entre otros, se propone romper con el paradigma de la clasificación tradicional entre emprendimiento por necesidad y emprendimiento de oportunidad
Oral health risk assessment
Authors: Chapple Liz , Yonel Zehra
Published: October 2018

Evidence shows that the use of validated risk assessment tools helps healthcare professionals to predict patients' likelihood of developing a disease with greater accuracy. Risk assessment tools have been shown to be beneficial in assisting professionals to communicate findings to patients. The psychological benefits of risk assessment tools have also been demonstrated in terms of positive behavioural change.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: With the current shift towards preventive approaches to healthcare, risk assessment can assist in directing resources and prevention programmes to those patients most in need.
Sports mouthguards and orthodontic treatment
Authors: Meade Maurice J
Published: October 2018

It is recommended that all those participating in sports involving physical contact wear a sports mouthguard (MG) to prevent or reduce the severity of dental trauma. Fixed orthodontic appliances are potentially an additional risk factor for traumatic dental injuries during sports participation. Non-custom-made MGs may be ill-fitting, poorly retentive and ineffective in minimizing injury to the teeth and associated structures compared with custom-made MGs. The presence of fixed orthodontic appliances and prospective tooth movement, however, present a challenge in the provision of custom-made MGs for the orthodontic patient.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Most orthodontic treatment is carried out in the age group of patients where there is a reported peak in the incidence of dental injury during sports activity. Oral health professionals need to be aware of the role MGs play in minimizing injury to the teeth and associated structures.
Effects of music on patient anxiety during surgery: literature review
Authors: Gupta Ashana , Ahmed Bilal
Published: October 2018

The dental surgery induces some degree of anxiety in many patients: 12% of the UK adult population who had visited a dentist were extremely dentally anxious. Such patients can be unco-operative and difficult to manage as they avoid dental visits and suffer a greater amount of dental disease. Furthermore, patients believe that their oral health has an impact on their quality of life. Sedation is an option to relieve anxiety, however this is associated with risks, including respiratory depression and over sedation. Erdal et al found that music was as effective as midazolam in terms of its sedative and anxiolytic properties during surgery.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Music has demonstrated its usefulness in terms of calming anxious patients.
Multi-professional-delivered enhanced supportive care improves quality of life for patients with incurable cancer
Authors: Monnery Daniel , Benson Sinead , Griffiths Ann , Cadwallader Claire , Hampton-Matthews Julian , Coackley Alison , Cooper Malcolm , Watson Amanda
Published: October 2018

Background:

Enhanced supportive care (ESC) promotes the earlier implementation of supportive care within cancer care. While earlier supportive care has been demonstrated to improve patient outcomes, the model of delivery is variable. The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre has developed a multi-professional delivered model with clinical nurse specialists providing ongoing patient review and care.

Method:

A retrospective single-system design was used to assess longitudinal changes in Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Scale (IPOS) scores as indicators of quality of life. For other outcomes, a retrospective case control analysis was undertaken.

Results:

Statistically significant improvements in all IPOS scores were observed for patients attending ESC. Compared to controls, quantitative outcomes included prolonged survival and reduced chemotherapy-related mortality. Multi-professional delivered ESC successfully improves quality of life and outcomes.
Research Roundup
Authors: Heggs Karen
Published: October 2018

Synopses of a selection of recently published research articles of relevance to palliative care
Time-dependent behaviour of bone accentuates loosening in the fixation of fractures using bone-screw systems
Authors: Xie S. , Manda K. , Pankaj P.
Published: October 2018

Aims

Loosening is a well-known complication in the fixation of fractures using devices such as locking plates or unilateral fixators. It is believed that high strains in the bone at the bone-screw interface can initiate loosening, which can result in infection, and further loosening. Here, we present a new theory of loosening of implants. The time-dependent response of bone subjected to loads results in interfacial deformations in the bone which accumulate with cyclical loading and thus accentuates loosening.

Methods

We used an ‘ideal’ bone-screw system, in which the screw is subjected to cyclical lateral loads and trabecular bone is modelled as non-linear viscoelastic and non-linear viscoelastic-viscoplastic material, based on recent experiments, which we conducted.

Results

We found that the interfacial deformation in the bone increases with the number of cycles, and the use of a non-linear viscoelastic-viscoplastic model results in larger deformations, some of which are irrecoverable. There is an apparent trend in which interfacial deformations increase with increasing porosity of bone.

Conclusion

The developed time-dependent model of the mechanical behaviour of bone permits prediction of loosening due to cyclical loads, which has not been possible previously. Application of this model shows that implant loosening will be accentuated by cyclical loading due to physiological activities, and the risks of loosening are greater in osteoporotic patients. Cite this article: S. Xie, K. Manda, P. Pankaj. Time-dependent behaviour of bone accentuates loosening in the fixation of fractures using bone-screw systems. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:580–586. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.710.BJR-2018-0085.R1.