bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can the Workplace Limitations Questionnaire Capture Short-term Productivity Losses in Acute Distal Radius Fractures Treated With Operative Fixation Versus Cast Immobilization in the Working Population?
Authors: Gammal Isaac D. , Shi Gilbert , Nellans Kate W.
Published: June 2020

Background: Distal radius fractures (DRFs) contribute substantially to overall morbidity in the elderly population. We believe that accurately capturing total productivity losses is vital to understanding the true economic impact of these injuries in working patients. Methods: We conducted a prospective nonrandomized cohort study and enrolled working patients with DRF treated with either casting or operative fixation. We administered the Workplace Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ, Tufts Medical Center) at the first visit following injury and at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months after definitive treatment. The WLQ measures the degree to which employed individuals are experiencing limitations on-the-job due to their health problems and estimates health-related productivity loss. We also calculated the monetary value of work time lost at market value in US dollars. The treatment groups were analyzed for statistical similarity using Student t tests. Results: A total of 30 patients met our study’s inclusion criteria. The WLQ index score trended downward in both groups across all time points and was lower in the operative cohort compared with the nonoperative cohort at 6 weeks (1.4% vs 12.9% productivity loss, P = .17). The monetary value of work time lost trended downward across all time points and was lower in the operative cohort compared with the nonoperative cohort ($200.21 vs $2846.90, P = .12). Conclusions: In this pilot study, we successfully applied the WLQ to working patients treated for DRF. The WLQ is effective in capturing short-term productivity losses following DRF and may suggest a decreased at-work burden among patients treated with operative fixation compared with casting.
Accuracy analysis and optimization of infrared guidance test device
Authors: Wang Zhou , Chen Yin , Wang Tao , Zhang Bo
Published: June 2020

As an important modern weapon, the development of infrared-guided missile reflects comprehensive national strength of a country. Therefore, it is especially important to establish a semi-physical simulation device to test the performance of missile, and the test device requires high accuracy. Based on the above background, an infrared guidance test device is designed in this article. The accuracy of its shell and rotating mechanism are studied in detail, and the error factors are quantified to provide theoretical basis for structural optimization. The orthogonal experiment design reduces the number of sensitivity analysis experiments on key design parameters. Factors affecting the maximum deformation and overall quality of the shell were determined. The range method was used to analyze sensitivity factors, and the final optimization result that met the minimum deformation and minimum quality was determined. Experimental results show that the rotation error of the main shaft of the rotating mechanism includes axial, radial, and angular motion errors, and experimental value is basically consistent with theoretical value. After the shell optimization, the infrared target pointing error [Formula: see text] and the infrared target position offset error ξ′ = 0.1525 mm meet the accuracy requirements. This method can provide new ideas for precision research and optimization of structural design of rotating mechanism.
A novel analytical model for the thermal behavior of a fiber-reinforced plastic pulley in a front-end accessory drive
Authors: Liu Xingchen , Behdinan Kamran
Published: June 2020

This research proposes an innovative model for calculating the temperature distribution of a composite pulley inside a belt drive. The main advantage of the proposed model is a significant reduction in the costs of calculation resources and time. This model adopts two classical theories to determine the heat generation flux and subsequent thermal flow into the pulley. Then, ordinary differential equations are developed in this model according to the irregular geometric structures of a pulley to describe the thermal flow inside this component. Afterward, analytical solutions of the ordinary differential equations are derived to provide final temperature distributions of the pulleys. Moreover, measurements of thermal properties are conducted to reduce the influence of errors. To improve the reliability of the results, experimental temperature measurements were performed on a composite pulley of a designed belt drive system in an engine dynamometer system to validate this analytical model under various operating conditions. The temperature data measured at multiple locations indicate good agreement with the corresponding analytical results. Therefore, the temperature distribution provided by this model can be utilized for the development of high-thermal resistance composite. It can also be used for thermal fatigue simulations of composites under numerous load cases.
Framing of Bangladesh in U.S. Media: A postcolonial analysis
Authors: Alam Khorshed
Published: June 2020

This study examines how Bangladesh, a Muslim-dominated country located in the global South, has been portrayed in leading U.S. media over the past five years (2011–2015). Investigating the process of media framing from a postcolonial theoretical perspective, this study analyses 240 stories (reports, editorials, opinion pieces, etc.) in two U.S. media outlets ( The New York Times and The Washington Post) to understand the framing of Bangladesh. The findings indicate that negative attributes frequently come to construct the image of Bangladesh and describe the moral state of the nation. Violent Islamic extremists, disastrous country, and human rights violations emerge as the dominant frames to describe Bangladesh. Drawing on postcolonial theory, the article argues that these stereotypical frames of Bangladesh are important to sustaining the binary opposition of the West with its other. I conclude by calling for a democratic media representation globally.
Mis Chinos, Tus Chinos: The Orientalism of Chilean K-pop fans
Authors: Min Wonjung
Published: June 2020

This article aims to analyze the dual Orientalism of the Chilean fans of K-pop. All Asians in Chile are often referred to as chinitos (Chinese). Chilean society, generally speaking, considers the fans of Asian popular culture as ‘weird’ and as ‘outsiders’. The rejection of an unfamiliar culture is related to the process of cultural identity formation in Chile: an oligarchy society. Taking this into account, this article, based on in-depth interviews conducted in Santiago in September–November 2018, explores the most influential phenomena on the formation of cultural identity in Chile, determining social legacies of socio-economic status in Chile, and the influence of Japanese and Korean popular culture on young adults in Chile. Then, it investigates the nuances of the term chinitos in Chilean youth. Finally, it maps out the multiple societal contradictions in Chilean youth due to conflicting co-existence of indigenous culture and rapid neo-liberalization.
Comparing research topics in European and International Communication Association journals: Computational analysis
Authors: Soffer Oren , Geifman Dorit
Published: June 2020

This study uses diachronic computational analysis enhanced with a qualitative approach to examine ongoing changes in communication studies, comparing trends in two European media studies journals and three major International Communication Association journals. We analyze the titles, keywords, and abstracts of 2,585 articles published between 1994–2007 and 2008–2016. We find differences between topics in the two periods in each of the journals’ groups and between the two groups themselves. In the European group, we find centrality of topics related to media change and media logic. In the ICA journals, we find a strengthening of scholarly engagement with effects studies. At the same time, we find evidence of erosion of the place of cultural studies as a distinctive research stream.
Inhibition of microRNA-128-3p alleviates liver ischaemia–reperfusion injury in mice through repressing the Rnd3/NF‐κB axis
Authors: Mou Tong , Luo Yunhai , Huang Zuotian , Zheng Daofeng , Pu Xingyu , Shen Ai , Pu Junliang , Li Tingting , Dai Jiangwen , Chen Wei , Wu Zhongjun
Published: June 2020

Although liver ischaemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury remains the primary underlying reason for liver transplant failure or post-transplantation liver dysfunction, the underlying mechanism is still largely elusive. MicroRNAs (miRNA) are involved in multiple physiological and pathological processes, including inflammation. Here, we identified that the miR-128-3p/Rho family GTPase 3 (Rnd3)/NF‐κB axis might play a critical role in liver I/R injury. Our results demonstrated that the level of miR-128-3p was negatively correlated with the Rnd3 level during liver I/R. Dual luciferase reporter assay results proved that Rnd3 mRNA was a direct target of miR-128-3p. Additionally, Western blotting and quantitative RT-PCR analyses revealed that knock-down of miR-128-3p could up-regulate Rnd3 mRNA and protein levels, thereby suppressing the NF-κB pathway through down-regulating NF‐κB p65. Consequently, the serum levels of NF-κB–associated inflammatory factors and aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase were decreased. Moreover, overexpression of Rnd3 could reverse the activation of NF-κB caused by miR-128-3p agomir during liver I/R injury. Overall, our study results suggest that repression of miR-128-3p can alleviate liver I/R injury through the miR-128-3p/Rnd3/NF‐κB axis and may facilitate the development of novel protective approaches against liver I/R injury.
Comparing the Efficacy of True-Volume Analysis Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging With Computerized Tomography and Conventional Methods of Evaluation in Cystic Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: A Pilot Study
Authors: King Jesse L. , Walley Kempland Corbin , Stauch Chris , Bifano Shawn , Juliano Paul , Aynardi Michael C.
Published: June 2020

Background: Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) often require advanced imaging if they prove to be refractory to preliminary microfracture. Orthopedic surgeons may misinterpret the size and morphology of the OLT when evaluating through conventional methods. The purpose of this study was to evaluate MRI as a modality for calculating true-volumes and compare its utility to that of CT true-volume and conventional methods of measuring lesion size. Methods: With IRB approval, an institutional radiology database was queried for patients with cystic OLT that had undergone and failed microfracture and had compatible CT and MR scans between 2011 and 2016. Five lesions, previously analyzed and described in the literature using CT true-volume, were selected. 10 orthopedic surgeons independently estimated the volume of these 5 OLT via standard MRI. Next, 3D reconstructions were created and morphometric true-volume (MTV) analysis measurements of each OLT were generated. The percent change in volumes from CT and MR was compared based upon MTVs determined from 3D reconstructive analysis. Results: The volume calculated using conventional methods in CT and MR scans grossly overestimated the size by of the OLT by 285-864% and 56-374% respectively when compared to 3D true-volume analysis of those CT and MR scans. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that true-volume is more accurate for calculating lesion size than conventional methods. Additionally, when comparing MRI and CT, thin slice CT true-volume is superior to MRI true-volume. True-volume calculation improves accuracy with CT and MRI and should be recommended for use in revision OLT cases.

Levels of Evidence: Level III: Case control study
Non-invasive papillary urothelial carcinoma, low-grade of the renal pelvis mimicking a xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in a male patient: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Xie Xi , Wang Ning , Wang Yuyong , He Huadong , Kong Fanlei , Li Ning
Published: June 2020

We report on a 31-year-old male patient with non-invasive papillary urothelial carcinoma, low grade of the renal pelvis disguised as xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. The only symptom of the patient was lower back pain. The initial renal-enhanced computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography showed that the right kidney had a benign lesion and this inflammatory lesion might be xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. A percutaneous renal biopsy was performed and histopathologic examination revealed a xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. Initially, we diagnosed it as xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis and treated it with antibiotics. One and a half years later, the patient suffered from back pain again. The lesion increased significantly and a right renal pelvic lesion with retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy was considered a malignant lesion on computed tomography scan. Therefore, radical resection of right renal pelvis carcinoma was performed under retroperitoneal laparoscopy. Intraoperative frozen section was reported as right renal urothelial carcinoma with no metastasis in renal hilar lymph node. Postoperative histopathologic examination revealed non-invasive papillary urothelial carcinoma, low grade of renal pelvis.
Antecedents of Entrepreneurial Skills and Their Influence on the Entrepreneurial Intention of Academics
Authors: Vega-Gómez Francisco I. , Miranda González Francisco J. , Chamorro Mera Antonio , Pérez-Mayo Jesus
Published: June 2020

The promotion of academic entrepreneurship through the creation of university spin-offs (USOs) as a transfer system has been enhanced during the last two decades. This commitment of universities and public policy makers has been based mainly on the use of investments of public funds in universities and the capacity for such investments to create employment and economic growth. In this sense, entrepreneurial skills are one of the strongest determinants of intention. For this reason, the present study proposes the use of the paradigm known as Big Five, which proposes as personality variables those recognized by the acronym OCEAN (openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism) to recognize if they are determinants of entrepreneurial skills and entrepreneurial intent, all through the application of Theory Planed Behavior (TPB). To study the influence of entrepreneurial skills, a self-administrated questionnaire was sent to more than 33,000 Spanish academics. The responses yielded a sample size of 799. The results show that entrepreneurial skills are the prime determinants of attitude and perceived control, and attitude is the decisive factor that determines the intention to go into business. Therefore, investment in training and the cultivation of skills and attitudes constitute the most relevant factors for achieving an increase in the creation of USOs.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Interventions Used to Increase Adolescent IEP Meeting Participation
Authors: Sanderson Kelli A. , Goldman Samantha E.
Published: June 2020

This study examined the effectiveness of interventions used to increase the participation of adolescents with disabilities during individualized education program (IEP) meetings. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis were conducted to identify and synthesize the group-design experimental literature on this topic, as well as evaluate intervention effects. Six studies met inclusion criteria and were included in the analyses. Adolescents who participated in self-advocacy curriculum interventions made significantly more contributions during IEP meetings compared with students in control groups. Given this information, school districts should consider implementing such curricula and making student attendance and participation at IEP meetings a top priority. However, additional high-quality research is needed to expand the evidence base for this practice for students with more severe disabilities.
The Changes in Cervical Biomechanics After CTDR and Its Association With Heterotopic Ossification: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Hui Nicholas , Phan Kevin , Lee Mei-Yi , Kerferd Jack , Singh Telvinderjit , Mobbs Ralph J.
Published: June 2020

Study Design:

A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives:

Cervical total disc replacement (CTDR) can preserve range of motion (ROM) of the operated spinal segment in cadaver studies. Evidence is less clear in clinical trials. The present study aims to investigate the differences in cervical biomechanics before and after CTDR and its association with heterotopic ossification (HO) development.

Method:

Articles that reported the rate of HO and ≥1 difference in cervical biomechanics were included in quantitative analyses. We pooled the mean difference (MD) of cervical biomechanics before and after CTDR. Subgroup analyses and metaregression analyses were conducted to identify potential contributors to heterogeneity.

Results:

Of the 599 studies screened, 35 studies were included in the final analysis. In comparison with preoperative values, ROM of the spinal segment inferior (MD: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.74) and superior (MD: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.75) to the surgical spinal segment, functional spinal unit (FSU) angle (MD: 2.23; 95% CI: 1.11 to 3.35), and C2/C7 Cobb angle (MD: 3.49; 95% CI: 1.73 to 5.25) significantly increased after CTDR. In contrast, FSU and cervical ROM at baseline were no different from follow-up. On multivariable meta-regression analyses, HO and ROM-limiting HO were not associated with changes in cervical biomechanics. Single-level CTDR and duration of follow-up were associated with changes in cervical biomechanics.

Conclusion:

Our study reported the pooled mean of biomechanics at baseline and final follow-up and their differences. The changes in biomechanics were not associated with the rates of HO and ROM-limiting HO.
Telemedicine for the Spine Surgeon in the Age of COVID-19: Multicenter Experiences of Feasibility and Implementation Strategies
Authors: Franco Daniel , Montenegro Thiago , Gonzalez Glenn A. , Hines Kevin , Mahtabfar Aria , Helgeson Melvin D. , Patel Rakesh , Harrop James
Published: June 2020

Study design:

Multicenter study.

Objectives:

The COVID-19 pandemic has obligated physicians to recur to additional resources and make drastic changes regarding the standard physician-patient encounter. In the last century, there has been a substantial improvement in technology, which over the years has opened the door to a new form of medical practicing known as telemedicine.

Methods:

Healthcare workers from three hospitals involved in the care for COVID-19 patients in the united states were invited to share their experience using telemedicine to deliver clinical care to their patients.

Results:

Since the appearance of this worldwide outbreak, social distancing has been a key factor in preventing the spread of the virus, for which measures have been taken to limit physical contact. Because of the ongoing situation, telemedicine has been progressively incorporated into the physician-patient encounters and quickly has become an essential component in the day-today medical practice.

Conclusions:

It is feasible to deliver viable spine practice with the use of telemedicine. A proper patient selection of patients requiring virtual treatment versus those requiring in-person visits should be considered.
Patriarchy and Beauty: The Power Over Indian Women
Authors: Pandian Lydia V. K.
Published: June 2020

Bourdieu says that the individual’s education and skills are the cultural capital and believe it as the modality for the individuals in the upper classes to dominate and alienate the individuals of the lower rungs in the class hierarchy. His concept is important here to understand how beauty power discourse as cultural capital is used for oppressing Indian women though he thought that this particular power discourse cannot be applied to countries like India. And, this article analyses the limitations in the application of his definition of the concept ‘cultural capital’ to the Indian state and the established connection of body image and skin tone to the ideology of power and status, and how it has become a need for Indian women to achieve those desirable attributes of beauty to enable them to be celebrated and to wield cultural and economic power in their field.
Segmenting Excessive Alcohol Consumers: Implications for Social Marketing
Authors: Sahadev Sunil , Malhotra Neeru , Mukherjee Avinandan (Avi)
Published: June 2020

While extant studies have mainly investigated differences between drinkers and non-drinkers, the literature on segmenting heavy drinkers and profiling them is surprisingly scarce. This study makes a significant contribution to the social marketing literature by illustrating a novel way of targeting heavy drinkers by utilizing their health management styles and provides useful insights into understanding how segmentation could be a valuable tool for developing effective social marketing programmes that are aimed at reducing excessive alcohol consumption. Analysis of data collected through the HINTS study reveals a two-cluster segmentation model. The two segments of heavy drinkers distinctly differ in terms of the extent of reliance and trust they place on health service professionals. Hence, the segmentation analysis provides interesting and novel insights into the level of dependence of heavy drinkers on the health care system and their health management styles. The study provides an actionable perspective for future research, public policy and social marketing.
“Bearing the Pain”: The Experience of Aging African Americans With Osteoarthritis Pain
Authors: Booker Staja Q. , Tripp-Reimer Toni , Herr Keela A.
Published: June 2020

Studies document that osteoarthritis-related joint pain is more severe in African American older adults, but research on the personal experience of osteoarthritis pain self-management in this population is limited. Using a qualitative descriptive design, our objective was to extend our understanding of the experience of life with osteoarthritis pain. Eighteen African Americans (50 years and older) were recruited from Louisiana to participate in a single semi-structured, in-depth interview. A conventional content analysis revealed that “Bearing the pain” characterized how older African Americans dealt with osteoarthritis. Bearing the pain comprised three actions: adjusting to pain, sharing pain with others, and trusting God as healer. We discovered that a metapersonal experience subsumes the complex biopsychosocial-cultural patterns and the intricate interaction of self, others, and God in living with and managing osteoarthritis pain. Study findings have implications for application of more inclusive self-management frameworks and interventions.
Integrating an Interprofessional Geriatric Active Learning Workshop Into Undergraduate Medical Curriculum
Authors: Jirau-Rosaly Wanda , Brown Shilpa P , Wood Elena A , Rockich-Winston Nicole
Published: June 2020

Purpose:

The aging population in the United States poses a substantial challenge to our health care system, and particularly affects the training of physicians in geriatric care. To introduce undergraduate medical students to a variety of clinical skills and concepts emphasized in geriatrics, we created an interprofessional geriatric workshop and examined changes in student perceptions of working in interprofessional teams, knowledge regarding geriatric concepts, perceptions of the pre-work material, and suggestions for curricular improvement to enhance the workshop for future students.

Methods:

Second-year medical students participated in a 4-hour workshop with tasks that emphasized activities of daily living, geriatric physical assessment, end-of-life discussions, Beers Criteria, and a home health assessment. Pre- and post-surveys were administered including the Students Perceptions of Interprofessional Clinical Education–Revised (SPICE-R) survey and a knowledge assessment. Student perceptions of pre-work and overall program assessment were captured after the workshop. Descriptive statistics and paired t tests assessed for significant differences. Emerging themes were analyzed using the Glaser constant comparative method.

Results:

Of the 186 medical student participants, 178 students completed the SPICE-R survey, demonstrating significant increases in students’ perceptions of the value of interprofessional education ( P < .001). In addition, 111 students completed the pre- and post-test for the knowledge assessment, demonstrating significant gains in geriatric concepts ( P < .001). Overall, most students perceived the pre-work as useful and felt prepared to evaluate geriatric patients. Open-ended question analysis supported results, in which 34 students indicated that they felt most comfortable performing a home health assessment and emphasized the usage of the home health simulation.

Conclusions:

Introducing medical students to a variety of geriatric assessments and concepts in an interprofessional environment early in their career positively influences their perceptions of working as an interprofessional team member to deliver comprehensive care to older adults.
Experiential Application of a Culinary Medicine Cultural Immersion Program for Health Professionals
Authors: Olfert Melissa D , Wattick Rachel A , Hagedorn Rebecca L
Published: June 2020

Nutrition is a key factor in preventing and treating long-term disease. Patients should be advised to follow evidence-based dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, which has shown success in preventing or managing a variety of long-term diseases. All health professionals can play a role in providing nutrition advice to patients; however, many have shown an overall low nutrition knowledge and self-efficacy in counseling patients. Because of this, there is a call by health professional organizations for an increase in the applied nutrition education of health professionals. Increasing Culinary Health Opportunities for Professionals is a learn-first, practice second experiential learning program with currently practicing or aspiring health professionals aimed to increase nutrition knowledge, self-efficacy, attitudes, and dietary intake. Currently practicing health professionals (n = 15) and aspiring health professionals (n = 14) were recruited to participate in a 16-week online course on culinary medicine and the Mediterranean diet followed by a 2-week cultural immersion in Tuscany, Italy. Participants were taught the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle, culinary medicine, nutrition counseling, and cultural comparisons in the online course. In Tuscany, participants completed culinary lessons, organic farm tours, food production facility tours, and various tastings of Mediterranean foods. Participants completed a 51-item survey that measured nutrition knowledge, self-efficacy, attitudes, and Mediterranean diet adherence at baseline, post-online education, and post-cultural immersion. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to determine differences in mean scores between cohort 1 (currently practicing) and cohort 2 (aspiring). Results showed that cohort 1 had a greater increase in knowledge (1.07 ± 0.40 vs −0.87 ± 0.40, P = .0069) and self-efficacy (0.74 ± 0.24 vs 0.01 ± 0.24, P = 0.0441) from pre-post course, but at the conclusion of the cultural immersion, there were no significant differences between cohorts in mean changes in attitude, knowledge, self-efficacy, or Mediterranean diet scores from baseline. These results suggest that implementation of this curriculum can be equally effective in increasing nutrition-related attitudes, self-efficacy, and Mediterranean diet adherence for both currently practicing and aspiring health professionals.
Ischemic stroke in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients: An increasingly age-related comorbidity?
Authors: Schaefer Jan H , Stephan Christoph , Foerch Christian , Pfeilschifter Waltraud
Published: June 2020

Introduction

The global incidence of ischemic stroke among patients with human immunodeficiency virus is increasing. The aim of this controlled case analysis was to study patient characteristics, stroke etiologies, and risk factors in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients in a medical system with easy access to antiretroviral therapies.

Patients and methods

We conducted a retrospective, observational study of human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients treated in our stroke unit and outpatient clinic in Germany between 2012 and 2018. A control group of all patients treated for acute ischemic stroke in 2018 was used to elicit possible differences in stroke localization, etiology, and distribution of risk factors.

Results

Out of 3615 patients with an acute ischemic stroke, 24 (0.7%) were newly or previously diagnosed as human immunodeficiency virus-positive. Strokes in this cohort were caused by large-vessel disease (37.5%), small-vessel disease (20.8%), cryptogenic-embolism (20.8%), vasculitis (16.7%), and cardio-embolism (4.2%). Large-vessel disease-related strokes were more often located in the posterior circulation (77.8%). Compared to the control group, cardio-embolic strokes were less and vasculitis and large-vessel disease more frequent. Human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients were younger at stroke onset (53.7 ± 12.8 vs. 70.2 ± 14.6 years, p = 0.05).

Discussion

Although the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus-infection among patients treated for acute ischemic strokes appears low, this collective merits special attention due to a high burden of potentially modifiable risk factors and vasculitis.

Conclusion

Compared to previous studies, age at stroke onset was one of the highest, supporting the hypothesis that as antiretroviral therapy increases the life expectancy of people living with HIV/AIDS, they will be increasingly affected by cardiovascular disease. Human immunodeficiency virus-related cerebral vasculitis was associated with high mortality (75%).
Laxative Activities of 80% Methanolic Extract of the Leaves of Grewia ferruginea Hochst Ex A Rich in Mice
Authors: Tessema Mulusew Yemiru , Wubneh Zewdu Birhanu , Asrie Assefa Belay
Published: June 2020

Background.

There are numerous medicinal plants including the leaves of Grewia ferruginea used as traditional medicine for the treatment of constipation. This study was conducted to evaluate the laxative activity of the leaves of G ferruginea.

Methods.

The laxative activity of the leaves of G ferruginea was tested using 3 models: laxative activity, gastrointestinal motility, and gastrointestinal secretion tests. The effect of the plant extract on mean number of feces, fecal water content, ratio of intestinal distance traveled by the charcoal meal and intestinal fluid accumulation were evaluated and analyzed.

Results.

Significant increase was observed in the mean weight of wet fecal matter at 200 (1.00 ± 0.03 g, P < .05) and 400 mg/kg (1.01 ± 0.02 g, P < .01), relative to loperamide constipated negative control group. Similarly, percent fecal water content was significantly improved in extract treated groups at 100 mg/kg (52.10% ± 2.04%, P < .05), 200 mg/kg (54.02% ± 2.15%, P < .01), and 400 mg/kg (54.25% ± 2.50%, P < .01) compared with the negative control group. The gastroinestinal transit ratio was also significantly increased with 200 mg/kg ( P < .01) and 400 mg/kg ( P < .001) of the extract relative to the constipated negative control. The crude extract showed significant increase in intestinal fluid accumulation at 200 mg/kg (0.48 ± 0.07 g, P < .05) and 400 mg/kg (0.51 ± 0.08 g, P < .01) compared with the negative control.

Conclusion.

The results of the present study indicated that 80% methanol extract of the leaves of G ferruginea possessed significant laxative activity. As such, this study corroborates the traditional claim of using G ferruginea in the treatment of constipation.
HHEX promotes myeloid transformation in cooperation with mutant ASXL1
Authors: Takeda Reina , Asada Shuhei , Park Sung-Joon , Yokoyama Akihiko , Becker Hans Jiro , Kanai Akinori , Visconte Valeria , Hershberger Courtney E , Hayashi Yasutaka , Yonezawa Taishi , Tamura Moe , Fukushima Tsuyoshi , Tanaka Yosuke , Fukuyama Tomofusa , Matsumoto Akiko , Yamasaki Satoshi , Nakai Kenta , Yamazaki Satoshi , Inaba Toshiya , Shibata Tatsuhiro , Inoue Daichi , Honda Hiroaki , Goyama Susumu , Maciejewski Jaroslaw P , Kitamura Toshio
Published: June 2020

Additional sex combs-like 1 (ASXL1), an epigenetic modulator, is frequently mutated in myeloid neoplasms. Recent analyses of mutant ASXL1 conditional knock-in (ASXL1-MT-KI) mice suggested that ASXL1-MT alone is insufficient for myeloid transformation. In our previous study, we utilized retrovirus-mediated insertional mutagenesis, which exhibited susceptibility of ASXL1-MT-KI hematopoietic cells to transform into myeloid leukemia cells. In this screening, we identified Hematopoietically expressed homeobox (HHEX) gene as one of the common retrovirus integration sites. In this study, we investigated the potential cooperation between ASXL1-MT and HHEX in myeloid leukemogenesis. Expression of HHEX enhanced proliferation of ASXL1-MT expressing HSPCs by inhibiting apoptosis and blocking differentiation, whereas it showed only modest effect in normal HSPCs. Moreover, ASXL1-MT and HHEX accelerated the development of RUNX1-ETO9a and FLT3-ITD leukemia. Conversely, HHEX depletion profoundly attenuated the colony-forming activity and leukemogenicity of ASXL1-MT-expressing leukemia cells. Mechanistically, we identified MYB and ETV5 as downstream targets for ASXL1-MT and HHEX by using transcriptome and ChIP-seq analyses. Moreover, we found that expression of ASXL1-MT enhanced the binding of HHEX to the promoter loci of MYB or ETV5 via reducing H2AK119ub. Depletion of MYB or ETV5 induced apoptosis or differentiation in ASXL1-MT-expressing leukemia cells, respectively. In addition, ectopic expression of MYB or ETV5 reversed the reduced colony-forming activity of HHEX-depleted ASXL1-MT-expressing leukemia cells. These findings indicated that the HHEX-MYB/ETV5 axis promotes myeloid transformation in ASXL1-mutated preleukemia cells.
Impact of TKIs post–allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in Philadelphia chromosome–positive ALL
Authors: Saini Neeraj , Marin David , Ledesma Celina , Delgado Ruby , Rondon Gabriela , Popat Uday R. , Bashir Qaiser , Hosing Chitra M. , Nieto Yago , Alousi Amin M. , Qazilbash Muzaffar H. , Ciurea Stefan , Shpall Elizabeth , Khouri Issa , Kantarjian Hagop , Jabbour Elias , Ravandi Farhad , Champlin Richard E. , Kebriaei Partow
Published: June 2020

How to best use tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) of BCR-ABL after allogeneic stem cell transplantation for Philadelphia chromosome–positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is unknown but will almost certainly not be addressed by a definitive randomized trial. Saini and colleagues provide a large body of observational data to reinforce earlier circumstantial evidence favoring prophylactic use of TKIs for at least 2 years posttransplant.
COVID-19 and coagulation: bleeding and thrombotic manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Al-Samkari Hanny , Karp Leaf Rebecca S. , Dzik Walter H. , Carlson Jonathan C. T. , Fogerty Annemarie E. , Waheed Anem , Goodarzi Katayoon , Bendapudi Pavan K. , Bornikova Larissa , Gupta Shruti , Leaf David E. , Kuter David J. , Rosovsky Rachel P.
Published: June 2020

Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have elevated D-dimer levels. Early reports describe high venous thromboembolism (VTE) and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) rates, but data are limited. This multicenter retrospective study describes the rate and severity of hemostatic and thrombotic complications of 400 hospital-admitted COVID-19 patients (144 critically ill) primarily receiving standard-dose prophylactic anticoagulation. Coagulation and inflammatory parameters were compared between patients with and without coagulation-associated complications. Multivariable logistic models examined the utility of these markers in predicting coagulation-associated complications, critical illness, and death. The radiographically confirmed VTE rate was 4.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.9-7.3), and the overall thrombotic complication rate was 9.5% (95% CI, 6.8-12.8). The overall and major bleeding rates were 4.8% (95% CI, 2.9-7.3) and 2.3% (95% CI, 1.0-4.2), respectively. In the critically ill, radiographically confirmed VTE and major bleeding rates were 7.6% (95% CI, 3.9-13.3) and 5.6% (95% CI, 2.4-10.7), respectively. Elevated D-dimer at initial presentation was predictive of coagulation-associated complications during hospitalization (D-dimer >2500 ng/mL, adjusted odds ratio [OR] for thrombosis, 6.79 [95% CI, 2.39-19.30]; adjusted OR for bleeding, 3.56 [95% CI, 1.01-12.66]), critical illness, and death. Additional markers at initial presentation predictive of thrombosis during hospitalization included platelet count >450 × 109/L (adjusted OR, 3.56 [95% CI, 1.27-9.97]), C-reactive protein (CRP) >100 mg/L (adjusted OR, 2.71 [95% CI, 1.26-5.86]), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) >40 mm/h (adjusted OR, 2.64 [95% CI, 1.07-6.51]). ESR, CRP, fibrinogen, ferritin, and procalcitonin were higher in patients with thrombotic complications than in those without. DIC, clinically relevant thrombocytopenia, and reduced fibrinogen were rare and were associated with significant bleeding manifestations. Given the observed bleeding rates, randomized trials are needed to determine any potential benefit of intensified anticoagulant prophylaxis in COVID-19 patients.
Dynamic Control of High-Range Photoresponsivity in a Graphene Nanoribbon Photodetector
Authors: Yu Juan , Zhong Jiahong , Kuang Xiaofei , Zeng Cheng , Cao Lingkai , Liu Yanping , Liu Zongwen
Published: June 2020

Graphene has been demonstrated to be a promising material for optoelectronics and photodetection devices because of its ultra-broadband optical absorption and high carrier mobility. However, its integration with optoelectronic systems has been limited by the zero-bandgap and the lack of a gain mechanism. Herein, we demonstrate a novel photodetector based on the graphene nanoribbons (GRNs) with a sizable bandgap. Utilizing trapping charge at the interface between SiO2 and light-doped silicon, an ultrahigh gain of 22,400 has been obtained. Our devices show an enhanced photoresponsivity (~ 800 AW−1) while the response speed is still fast (up to 10 μs). This photoresponsivity is about two orders of magnitude higher compared to that of a previous graphene-based photodetector. The photodetector exhibits a wide-range tunability via source-drain bias and back gate voltage. Our work addresses key challenges for the photodetectors and potentially provides the desired pathway toward practical application of graphene photodetectors that can be externally manipulated by an electric field with fast response speed and high sensitivity.
Learning from the real practices of users of a smart carpooling app
Authors: Adelé Sonia , Dionisio Corinne
Published: June 2020

Aim

This paper explores the real practices of users of a smart carpooling application that learns their mobility habits and predicts their future trips to propose relevant matches.

Method

A combination of usage data and interviews analysis allows us to explore the commuter experience from registration to the first and the next shared rides.

Findings

The results highlight the shortcomings associated with human factors in carpooling and with human-smart system interactions. They show that perceptions of practical constraints and poor counterparts are the major reasons for difficulty in incorporating carpooling into daily mobility. Psychosocial barriers take different forms at different steps of the carpooling experience (search for information or guarantees about other users, the necessity of conversing with others, much uncertainty about how to behave). The fact that the service is smart amplifies these problems and reduces the desire to carpool again because it creates new misunderstandings (i.e., the user does not understand what the system vs. the other users do) and discomfort in relation to other riders (no answer, too many refusals, necessity of refusing, negative carpool experience, or concern over proposing a bad carpool). Despite these difficulties, the users perceive carpooling as a good solution and a positive human experience when the matching is accurate. We propose some recommendations to overcome the identified difficulties.
Freight distribution in urban areas: a method to select the most important loading and unloading areas and a survey tool to investigate related demand patterns
Authors: Diana Marco , Pirra Miriam , Woodcock Andree
Published: June 2020

Cities all around the world are observing increasing levels of urban freight activities owing to the growth of internet shopping combined to the traditional distribution to shops, creating additional problems in terms of congestions and environmental impacts. This study, developed within the European Project SUITS framework, aims at showing how Local Authorities can effectively observe freight flows from the demand side. This led to the design, implementation and testing of a spatial cluster analysis approach to understand which are the most important loading/unloading parking spots in an urban setting by processing the GPS traces of a fleet of logistic vehicles. Later field activities should focus on these important areas to maximize the efficiency of the survey. A survey of retailers and shops in such areas to observe delivering activities is then proposed. The whole process, namely the spatial analysis and the field survey, was then tested to the real case of an Italian city (Turin) to assess the potentiality of the methods. The methodology proposed can give useful insights to Local Authorities on a way of monitoring the freight distribution patterns at the more disaggregated individual loading/unloading area.
An empirical Bayes approach to normalization and differential abundance testing for microbiome data
Authors: Liu Tiantian , Zhao Hongyu , Wang Tao
Published: June 2020

Background

Advances in DNA sequencing have offered researchers an unprecedented opportunity to better study the variety of species living in and on the human body. However, the analysis of microbiome data is complicated by several challenges. First, the sequencing depth may vary by orders of magnitude across samples. Second, species are rare and the data often contain many zeros. Third, the specimen is a fraction of the microbial ecosystem, and so the data are compositional carrying only relative information. Other characteristics of microbiome data include pronounced over-dispersion in taxon abundances, and the existence of a phylogenetic tree that relates all bacterial species. To address some of these challenges, microbiome analysis workflows often normalize the read counts prior to downstream analysis. However, there are limitations in the current literature on the normalization of microbiome data.

Results

Under the multinomial distribution for the read counts and a prior for the unknown proportions, we propose an empirical Bayes approach to microbiome data normalization. Using a tree-based extension of the Dirichlet prior, we further extend our method by incorporating the phylogenetic tree into the normalization process. We study the impact of normalization on differential abundance analysis. In the presence of tree structure, we propose a phylogeny-aware detection procedure.

Conclusions

Extensive simulations and gut microbiome data applications are conducted to demonstrate the superior performance of our empirical Bayes method over other normalization methods, and over commonly-used methods for differential abundance testing. Original R scripts are available at GitHub (https://github.com/liudoubletian/eBay).
LPS-treatment of bovine endometrial epithelial cells causes differential DNA methylation of genes associated with inflammation and endometrial function
Authors: Jhamat Naveed , Niazi Adnan , Guo Yongzhi , Chanrot Metasu , Ivanova Elena , Kelsey Gavin , Bongcam-Rudloff Erik , Andersson Göran , Humblot Patrice
Published: June 2020

Background

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin stimulates pro-inflammatory pathways and is a key player in the pathological mechanisms involved in the development of endometritis. This study aimed to investigate LPS-induced DNA methylation changes in bovine endometrial epithelial cells (bEECs), which may affect endometrial function. Following in vitro culture, bEECs from three cows were either untreated (0) or exposed to 2 and 8 μg/mL LPS for 24 h.

Results

DNA samples extracted at 0 h and 24 h were sequenced using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS). When comparing DNA methylation results at 24 h to time 0 h, a larger proportion of hypomethylated regions were identified in the LPS-treated groups, whereas the trend was opposite in controls. When comparing LPS groups to controls at 24 h, a total of 1291 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified (55% hypomethylated and 45% hypermethylated). Integration of DNA methylation data obtained here with our previously published gene expression data obtained from the same samples showed a negative correlation (r = − 0.41 for gene promoter,r = − 0.22 for gene body regions,p < 0.05). Differential methylation analysis revealed that effects of LPS treatment were associated with methylation changes for genes involved in regulation of immune and inflammatory responses, cell adhesion, and external stimuli. Gene ontology and pathway analyses showed that most of the differentially methylated genes (DMGs) were associated with cell proliferation and apoptotic processes; and pathways such as calcium-, oxytocin- and MAPK-signaling pathways with recognized roles in innate immunity. Several DMGs were related to systemic inflammation and tissue re-modelling includingHDAC4, IRAK1, AKT1, MAP3K6, Wnt7AandADAMTS17.

Conclusions

The present results show that LPS altered the DNA methylation patterns of bovine endometrial epithelial cells. This information, combined with our previously reported changes in gene expression related to endometrial function, confirm that LPS activates pro-inflammatory mechanisms leading to perturbed immune balance and cell adhesion processes in the endometrium.
QTL mapping of web blotch resistance in peanut by high-throughput genome-wide sequencing
Authors: Liu Hua , Sun Ziqi , Zhang Xinyou , Qin Li , Qi Feiyan , Wang Zhenyu , Du Pei , Xu Jing , Zhang Zhongxin , Han Suoyi , Li Shaojian , Gao Meng , Zhang Lina , Cheng Yujie , Zheng Zheng , Huang Bingyan , Dong Wenzhao
Published: June 2020

Background

Web blotch is one of the most important foliar diseases worldwide in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). The identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for peanut web blotch resistance represents the basis for gene mining and the application of molecular breeding technologies.

Results

In this study, a peanut recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was used to map QTLs for web blotch resistance based on high-throughput genome-wide sequencing. Frequency distributions of disease grade and disease index in five environments indicated wide phenotypic variations in response to web blotch among RILs. A high-density genetic map was constructed, containing 3634 bin markers distributed on 20 peanut linkage groups (LGs) with an average genetic distance of 0.5 cM. In total, eight QTLs were detected for peanut web blotch resistance in at least two environments, explaining from 2.8 to 15.1% of phenotypic variance. Two major QTLs qWBRA04 and qWBRA14 were detected in all five environments and were linked to 40 candidate genes encoding nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) or other proteins related to disease resistances.

Conclusions

The results of this study provide a basis for breeding peanut cultivars with web blotch resistance.