bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intrastorm Variability of the Inland and Orographic Enhancement of a Sea-Effect Snowstorm in the Hokuriku Region of Japan
Authors: Veals Peter G. , Steenburgh W. James , Nakai Sento , Yamaguchi Satoru 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA prolonged period of winter monsoonal flow brought heavy sea-effect snowfall to the Hokuriku region along the west coast of the Japanese island of Honshu from 2 to 7 February 2010. Snowfall in some locations exceeded 140 cm, but the distribution within the event was highly variable. We examine the factors contributing to these variations using data from a Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) C-band surveillance radar, JMA soundings, surface precipitation observations, and a Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model simulation. There were three distinct periods during the event. Period 1 featured relatively weak flow with precipitation confined mainly to the coast and lowlands. Precipitation maxima were located where the flow ascended: 1) over terrain-blocked air, 2) at the foot of a high flow-normal barrier, or 3) relatively unimpeded over the lower mountain ranges. Flow strengthened during period 2, yielding stronger vertical velocities over the terrain with precipitation maxima shifting inland and to higher elevation. The flow strengthened further in period 3, with the precipitation maxima shifting higher in elevation and into the lee, with almost no precipitation falling in the lowlands. Thus, greater inland penetration and enhancement of precipitation occurred as the flow speed increased, but additional factors such as the subcloud sublimation of hydrometeors and the convective instability also contribute to differences between periods 2 and 3. These results illustrate the importance of incident flow strength in modulating the distribution and enhancement of snowfall in global lake- and sea-effect regions.
Reform of the death investigation system in Japan
Authors: Ishihara Kenji , Iwase Hirotaro 
Published: April 2020

The autopsy rate in Japan is lower than that in other countries, and most death investigations have historically been conducted by police officers through external inspection. Although medicolegal autopsy was not performed during the samurai administration, the European death investigation system was adopted in the second half of the 19th century and judicial autopsy began in universities’ forensic medicine departments. After World War II, the medical examiner system was introduced under US influence, but it was only adopted in certain areas. Further reforms were introduced in the 21st century—in 2012, two laws relating to death investigation were enacted: The Act on Promotion of Death Investigation (Promotion Act), which provided foundational principles and included measures for investigating the causes of death and identification of bodies, and the Act on the Investigation of Cause of Death and on Identification of Bodies Handled by the Police, which recommended a procedure for death investigation, including a new autopsy system. The Death Investigation Promotion Program was to meant to be decided by the government in 2014. However, the relevant Act expired after it ran out of time. Later, in 2019, the Basic Act for Promotion of Death Investigation, the successor to the Promotion Act, was passed. This Act is significant because it sets the basic foundational principle and imposes plans created by the government. However, it remains unclear how these measures can be implemented, so further discussion and financial investment are now required.
Building a Strategic Trade and Industrial Policy for Puerto Rico in the Context of Colonial Exclusion and Lack of a Development Strategy
Authors: Aponte-García Maribel , Orengo-Serra Karen 
Published: April 2020

Given Puerto Rico’s colonial exclusion from Latin American and Caribbean regionalism and its ruling parties’ disregard for stimulating an industrial base of small and medium-sized local enterprises rather than U.S. multinational corporations, Puerto Rico needs to construct new pathways to inclusive socioeconomic development. One approach is articulating strategic and industrial policies to stimulate these enterprises from below by promoting value chains focused on exports or export potential. A proposed systematization draws on the experience gained in a project carried out under an agreement between the University of Puerto Rico and Puerto Rico’s Trade and Export Company to generate strategic export plans and map value chains for small and medium-sized enterprises. Dada la exclusión colonial de Puerto Rico del regionalismo latinoamericano y caribeño y el desprecio de sus partidos gobernantes por estimular una base industrial de pequeñas y medianas empresas locales en lugar de corporaciones multinacionales estadounidenses, Puerto Rico necesita construir nuevas vías hacia el desarrollo socioeconómico inclusivo. Un enfoque es articular políticas estratégicas e industriales para estimular a estas empresas desde abajo mediante la promoción de cadenas de valor centradas en las exportaciones o el potencial de exportación. La sistematización propuesta se basa en la experiencia adquirida en un proyecto llevado a cabo en virtud de un acuerdo entre la Universidad de Puerto Rico y la Compañía de Comercio y Exportación de Puerto Rico para generar planes estratégicos de exportación y mapear cadenas de valor para pequeñas y medianas empresas.
The miR-25-3p/Sp1 pathway is dysregulated in ovarian endometriosis
Authors: Shen Licong , Hong Xiaxia , Liu Yang , Zhou Wenjun , Zhang Yi 
Published: April 2020

Objective The transcription factor Specificity protein 1 (Sp1) plays important roles in many critical biological functions; however, its expression and underlying functions in endometriosis remain undefined. Bioinformatics has suggested that Sp1 is potentially regulated by miR-25-3p. This study investigated Sp1 and miR-25-3p expression and their interaction during the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Methods Fifteen women with American Fertility Society stage III/IV ovarian endometriosis and 14 disease-free controls were included. Sp1 expression was detected by qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting. Using both bioinformatics and genetics, we identified that Sp1 was a potential target of miR-25-3p. Then, the relationship between miR-25-3p and Sp1 was investigated by knockdown and overexpression experiments. Results Sp1 mRNA and protein levels were increased in ectopic and eutopic endometrium compared with normal endometrium samples, with the highest expression in ectopic endometrium samples. In vitro experiments and luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that Sp1 was upregulated when miR-25-3p was depleted and that Sp1 was a direct target of miR-25-3p, respectively. Conclusions Our study revealed increased Sp1 expression in ovarian endometriosis and subsequently demonstrated that miR-25-3p directly targets Sp1. This suggests a novel miRNA/Sp1 pathway in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, which should be further explored for other potential therapeutic targets.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Hyaluronic Acid for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Belk John W. , Kraeutler Matthew J. , Houck Darby A. , Goodrich Jesse A. , Dragoo Jason L. , McCarty Eric C. 
Published: April 2020

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) are 2 nonoperative treatment options for knee osteoarthritis (OA) that are supposed to provide symptomatic relief and help delay surgical intervention. Purpose: To systematically review the literature to compare the efficacy and safety of PRP and HA injections for the treatment of knee OA. Study Design: Meta-analysis of level 1 studies. Methods: A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase to identify level 1 studies that compared the clinical efficacy of PRP and HA injections for knee OA. The search phrase used was platelet-rich plasma hyaluronic acid knee osteoarthritis randomized. Patients were assessed via the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and Subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scale. A subanalysis was also performed to isolate results from patients who received leukocyte-poor and leukocyte-rich PRP. Results: A total of 18 studies (all level 1) met inclusion criteria, including 811 patients undergoing intra-articular injection with PRP (mean age, 57.6 years) and 797 patients with HA (mean age, 59.3 years). The mean follow-up was 11.1 months for both groups. Mean improvement was significantly higher in the PRP group (44.7%) than the HA group (12.6%) for WOMAC total scores ( P < .01). Of 11 studies based on the VAS, 6 reported PRP patients to have significantly less pain at latest follow-up when compared with HA patients ( P < .05). Of 6 studies based on the Subjective IKDC outcome score, 3 reported PRP patients to have significantly better scores at latest follow-up when compared with HA patients ( P < .05). Finally, leukocyte-poor PRP was associated with significantly better Subjective IKDC scores versus leukocyte-rich PRP ( P < .05). Conclusion: Patients undergoing treatment for knee OA with PRP can be expected to experience improved clinical outcomes when compared with HA. Additionally, leukocyte-poor PRP may be a superior line of treatment for knee OA over leukocyte-rich PRP, although further studies are needed that directly compare leukocyte content in PRP injections for treatment of knee OA.
Technological advances: Have they improved standards? Review of outcomes from the Welsh cervical screening programme
Authors: Castanon Alejandra 
Published: April 2020

Objectives Introduction of new technologies into cervical screening programmes has allowed more efficient programmes with less resources. We present an overview of screening technologies introduced into the Cervical Screening Wales programme and their evolution over time. Methods Data from the programme’s statistical report were used to evaluate its performance over a 17-year period between 2001/02 and 2017/18. Results The introduction of liquid-based cytology has had a substantial impact on reducing inadequate sample rates and on increasing the positive predictive value of cytology. Inadequate rates have increased following the implementation of human papilloma virus testing as a triage test for cytology. Further knock-on effects on standard reporting ranges are expected following the introduction of human papilloma virus testing as the primary screening test. New performance standards have been introduced to better reflect the performance of the programme at a time when disease prevalence is expected to fall as women vaccinated against human papilloma virus reach screening age. Conclusions Improvements to this cervical cancer screening programme as illustrated through performance indicator ranges suggest a major role played by technology.
Examining Board Gameplay and Learning: A Multidisciplinary Review of Recent Research
Authors: Bayeck Rebecca Yvonne 
Published: April 2020

Background Recent years have seen the resurgence of board games designed for entertainment, and to teach or explicate real life problems. The revival of board gameplay has been discussed in mainstream media, and has drawn the attention of researchers. Yet, in the field of games studies, the conception of games as learning spaces is mostly emphasized through digital/video games. Aim This literature review reveals the current knowledge regarding the learning potential of board games in various settings, subjects, and diverse learners. Results Board games are spaces for mathematical learning and learning spaces that can enable the learning of various contents. Board games allow for various interactions that result in players engaging in computational thinking, teamwork, and creativity. Conclusion The relationship between board gameplay and learning is evidenced across disciplines and countries. Board games simplify complex issues and systems, which make them appropriate to further explore learning and concepts such as motivation and computational thinking in formal and informal settings. Furthermore, there is need to expand research on learning in commercial board games.
Targeting spinal TRAF6 expression attenuates chronic visceral pain in adult rats with neonatal colonic inflammation
Authors: Weng Rui-Xia , Chen Wei , Tang Jia-Ni , Sun Qian , Li Meng , Xu Xue , Zhang Ping-An , Zhang Ying , Hu Chuang-Ying , Xu Guang-Yin 
Published: April 2020

Background Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders. It is featured by abdominal pain in conjunction with altered bowel habits. However, the pathophysiology of the syndrome remains largely unknown. Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) has been reported to be involved in neuropathic pain. The aim of this study was to investigate roles and mechanisms of TRAF6 in the chronic visceral hypersensitivity. Methods Visceral hypersensitivity was induced by neonatal colonic inflammation and was identified by colorectal distention. The protein level, RNA level, and cellular distribution of TRAF6 and its related molecules were detected with Western blot, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence. In vitro spinal cord slice recording technique was performed to determine the synaptic transmission activities. Results Neonatal colonic inflammation rats displayed visceral hypersensitivity at the age of six weeks. The expression of TRAF6 was obviously upregulated in spinal cord dorsal horn of neonatal colonic inflammation rats at the age of six weeks. Immunofluorescence study showed that TRAF6 was dominantly expressed in spinal astrocytes. Intrathecal injection of TRAF6 small interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly reduced the amplitude of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents at the spinal dorsal horn level. Furthermore, knockdown of TRAF6 led to a significant downregulation of cystathionine β synthetase expression in the spinal dorsal horn of neonatal colonic inflammation rats. Importantly, intrathecal injection of TRAF6 siRNA remarkably alleviated visceral hypersensitivity of neonatal colonic inflammation rats. Conclusions Our results suggested that the upregulation of TRAF6 contributed to visceral pain hypersensitivity, which is likely mediated by regulating cystathionine β synthetase expression in the spinal dorsal horn. Our findings suggest that TRAF6 might act as a potential target for the treatment of chronic visceral pain in irritable bowel syndrome patients.
Comparison of the effects of intravenous propofol and propofol with low-dose ketamine on preventing postextubation cough and laryngospasm among patients awakening from general anaesthesia: A prospective randomised clinical trial
Authors: Chungsamarnyart Yanipan , Pairart Jiranun , Munjupong Sithapan 
Published: April 2020

Background Coughing and laryngospasm are undesirable consequences occurring when patients awaken from general anaesthesia. The objective of the study aimed to compare the effects of intravenous propofol and propofol with low-dose ketamine on preventing postextubation cough and laryngospasm. Methods In all, 120 patients scheduled surgery under general anaesthesia were randomly assigned into three groups. Patients in the control group (C-group) received intravenous 0.9% NaCl, while patients in the propofol group (P-group) received intravenous 0.25mg/kg propofol and patients in the propofol combined with ketamine group (PK-group) received intravenous 0.25mg/kg of propofol plus 0.15mg/kg of ketamine. Drugs were administered before extubation. Incidence and severity of coughing and laryngospasm were recorded by a blinded anaesthesiologist. Results Subjects of the PK-group (25%) experienced significantly reduced incidence of postoperative cough than that in the P-group (55%) and C-group (72.5%) (all P < 0.05). The severity of cough in the PK-group was significantly less than that in the P-group and C-group (P = 0.039 and P < 0.001, respectively). No significant difference was found in the incidence and severity of laryngospasm between comparison groups. Conclusion Intravenous combination of propofol and low-dose ketamine significantly reduced the incidence and severity among patients awakening from general anaesthesia.
Medial Opening Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy Decreases Medial Meniscal Extrusion and Improves Clinical Outcomes and Return to Activity
Authors: Astur Diego Costa , Novaretti Joao Victor , Gomes Marcelo Lins , Rodrigues Adilson Góes , Kaleka Camila Cohen , Cavalcante Elton Luiz Batista , Debieux Pedro , Amaro Joicemar Tarouco , Cohen Moises 
Published: April 2020

Background: Medial meniscal extrusion (MME) is defined as displacement of the meniscus that extends beyond the tibial margin. Knee varus malalignment increases MME. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to quantify MME before and after medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and to correlate the reduction of MME with clinical outcomes and return to activity. It was hypothesized that MME would decrease after HTO and that patients with lower MME after surgery would have improved clinical outcomes and return to activity at short-term follow-up. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This study included 66 patients who underwent HTO to correct the anatomic axis with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. MME was measured using magnetic resonance imaging preoperatively and 6 weeks after surgery (study protocol). Patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively with the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, and Tegner score. Results: The mean ± SD preoperative and postoperative MME values were 3.9 ± 0.6 mm and 0.9 ± 0.5 mm, respectively. At 2 years after surgery, KOOS, pain VAS, and Tegner scores were higher than those found preoperatively ( P < .001). Patients with less than 1.5 mm of MME after surgery had better clinical outcomes and return to activity compared with patients who had MME of 1.5 mm or more ( P < .05). Conclusion: Medial opening wedge HTO decreased MME after 6 weeks and improved clinical outcomes and return to activity at a minimum 2-year follow-up. Additionally, patients with postoperative MME of less than 1.5 mm had better clinical outcomes and return to activity compared with patients who had postoperative MME of 1.5 mm or more.
The mitochondrial outer membrane protein SYNJ2BP interacts with the cell adhesion molecule TMIGD1 and can recruit it to mitochondria
Authors: Hartmann Christian , Schwietzer Ysabel Alessa , Kummer Daniel , Kirschnick Nils , Hoppe Esther , Thüring Eva-Maria , Glaesner-Ebnet Mark , Brinkmann Frauke , Gerke Volker , Reuter Stefan , Nakayama Masanori , Ebnet Klaus 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Transmembrane and immunoglobulin domain-containing protein 1 (TMIGD1) is a recently identified cell adhesion molecule which is predominantly expressed by epithelial cells of the intestine and the kidney. Its expression is downregulated in both colon and renal cancer suggesting a tumor suppressive activity. The function of TMIGD1 at the cellular level is largely unclear. Published work suggests a protective role of TMIGD1 during oxidative stress in kidney epithelial cells, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown.

Results
In this study, we address the subcellular localization of TMIGD1 in renal epithelial cells and identify a cytoplasmic scaffold protein as interaction partner of TMIGD1. We find that TMIGD1 localizes to different compartments in renal epithelial cells and that this localization is regulated by cell confluency. Whereas it localizes to mitochondria in subconfluent cells it is localized at cell-cell contacts in confluent cells. We find that cell-cell contact localization is regulated by N-glycosylation and that both the extracellular and the cytoplasmic domain contribute to this localization. We identify Synaptojanin 2-binding protein (SYNJ2BP), a PDZ domain-containing cytoplasmic protein, which localizes to both mitochondria and the plasma membrane, as interaction partner of TMIGD1. The interaction of TMIGD1 and SYNJ2BP is mediated by the PDZ domain of SYNJ2BP and the C-terminal PDZ domain-binding motif of TMIGD1. We also find that SYNJ2BP can actively recruit TMIGD1 to mitochondria providing a potential mechanism for the localization of TMIGD1 at mitochondria.

Conclusions
This study describes TMIGD1 as an adhesion receptor that can localize to both mitochondria and cell-cell junctions in renal epithelial cells. It identifies SYNJ2BP as an interaction partner of TMIGD1 providing a potential mechanism underlying the localization of TMIGD1 at mitochondria. The study thus lays the basis for a better understanding of the molecular function of TMIGD1 during oxidative stress regulation.
Higher blood pressure in elderly hypertensive females, with increased arterial stiffness and blood pressure in females with the Fibrillin-1 2/3 genotype
Authors: Åström Malm Ida , Alehagen Urban , Blomstrand Peter , Dahlström Ulf , De Basso Rachel 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundElderly patients have a relatively high cardiovascular risk due to increased arterial stiffness, elevated blood pressure and decreased amounts of elastin in the arteries. The composition of the media layer in the arterial wall, comprising elastin, collagen, smooth muscle cells, proteoglycans, fibronectin and fibrillin-1, influences its mechanical properties. Mutations in the fibrillin-1 gene leads to increased aortic stiffness, elevated pulse pressure and aortic root dilatation. This study investigates whether there is a sex difference among hypertensive elderly patients regarding blood pressure, arterial stiffness and fibrillin-1 genotypes.MethodsA total of 315 hypertensive subjects (systolic blood pressure > 140 mmHg) were included in this study (155 men and 160 women aged 71–88 years). Aortic pulse wave velocity and augmentation index were determined using SphygmoCor, and brachial blood pressure was measured using an oscillometric technique. Fibrillin-1 was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction and with a capillary electrophoresis system.ResultsFemales showed a significantly higher peripheral mean arterial pressure (females; 107.20 mmHg, males 101.6 mmHg,p = 0.008), central mean arterial pressure (females; 107.2 mmHg, males 101.6 mmHgp = 0.008), central systolic blood pressure (females; 148.1 mmHg, males 139.2 mmHg,p <  0.001) and central pulse pressure (females; 68.9 mmHg, males 61.6 mmHg,p = 0.035) than males. Females with the Fibrillin-1 2/3 genotype showed a significantly higher augmentation index (FBN1 2/3; 39.9%, FBN1 2/2 35.0%, FBN1 2/4 35.8,p = 0.029) and systolic blood pressure (FBN1 2/3; 174.6 mmHg, FBN1 2/2168.9 mmHg, FBN1 2/4169.9 mmHg,p = 0.025) than females with the 2/2 and 2/4 genotypes.ConclusionThe findings of this study may indicate that hypertensive elderly females, especially elderly females with Fibrillin-1 2/3, have increased systolic blood pressure and arterial stiffness.