bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
17β-estradiol alters mRNA co-expression after murine muscle injury and mild hypobaria
Authors: Moore Scott Emory , Voss Joachim G , St. Pierre Schneider Barbara 
Published: September 2019

Here, we assessed the effects of 17β-estradiol exposure on mRNA co-expression patterns of muscle tissue during recovery in a closed muscle crush injury and hypobaria exposure murine model. Eighteen ovariectomized placebo-treated and 18 ovariectomized 17β-estradiol-treated female mice underwent closed muscle crush injury and hypobaric simulated flight. The mice recovered for 32, 96, or 192 h, and then were euthanized. Their harvested injured lateral gastrocnemius muscles underwent microarray analysis. We used weighted gene co-expression network analysis to construct a co-expression network for the control mice, and then applied the same network to the estrogen-treated mice. We compared the relationships between co-expression in gene modules over time between the two experimental groups. Enriched functional cluster analyses of significant co-expression network modules document a variety of different pathways of interest. Some of the functional cluster enrichments within several of the significantly correlated modules are related to the formation and function of microtubules. Our findings demonstrate that following a closed muscle crush injury in a murine model, the presence of 17β-estradiol alters mRNA co-expression patterns over time. It appears that estrogen promotes the expression of mRNA related to microtubule activity within the cytoskeleton of myofibers and in movement of organelles and receptors. Further study is needed, but the enrichment of these microtubule-related pathways may be integral in the muscle tissue regeneration process, and thus suggests that the presence of estrogen may promote muscle recovery through the work of the microtubules. Impact statement This study uses a murine model to address the clinical situation of transporting soldiers or civilians who have sustained skeletal muscle trauma by air. Our findings show that crush-injured muscle tissue of ovariectomized, 17β-estradiol-treated mice exposed to mild hypobaric hypoxia exhibited mRNA co-expression patterns among pathways associated with microtubule-dependent processes. Palmitoylation and other pathways necessary for movement of estrogen receptors to the cell membrane were also differentially enriched in the estrogen-treated mice. These first findings reframe the discussion regarding estrogen effects during muscle recovery from an inflammation-oriented inquiry to that of a structural, cytoskeletal inquiry and support additional research to understand the non-inflammation-related influences of estrogen during muscle recovery. Also, these results may suggest a role for estrogen or estrogen-like substances to treat muscle trauma.
User Group Consultation: Design Quality and Project Success
Authors: Carthey Jane 
Published: September 2019

Aim: User group consultation is more effective when participants work toward commonly agreed goals and objectives. To understand how they set these goals, this research explored how “user group” participants from diverse professional discipline backgrounds define the concepts of “design quality” and “project success,” and their connection on a healthcare facility design project. Background: User group consultation is often time-consuming, frustrating, and expensive. Rarely are design quality or project success clearly defined, nor is the connection between them communicated well either in the literature or by project clients. Method: Using an online survey, respondents were asked to rank frameworks of components for design quality and project success in order of importance and to indicate how they believed their project clients would assess the same items. They were asked about the connection between the terms, and how well each was achieved on their healthcare projects, both from their personal and their client’s point of view. Results: Design quality and project success were personally valued highly by respondents, with a strong connection seen between the concepts. By contrast, respondents perceived their clients saw the connection as less important. Functionality was essential to all, especially clinicians, but designers and other consultants demonstrated a broader perspective on all design outcomes. Conclusions: Healthcare designers should take the lead on project teams in defining design quality and its connection to project success as part of setting clear goals and objectives for more effective user group consultation.
The challenge of multiple cardiovascular risk factor control outside Western Europe: Findings from the International ChoLesterol management Practice Study
Authors: Blom Dirk J , Santos Raul D , Daclin Veronique , Mercier Florence , Ruiz Alvaro J , Danchin Nicolas ,   on behalf of the ICLPS study group
Published: September 2019

BackgroundComprehensive control of multiple cardiovascular risk factors reduces cardiovascular risk but is difficult to achieve.DesignA multinational, cross-sectional, observational study.MethodsThe International ChoLesterol management Practice Study (ICLPS) investigated achievement of European Society of Cardiology (ESC)/European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) guideline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) targets in patients receiving lipid-modifying therapy in countries outside Western Europe. We examined the rate of, and association between, control of multiple risk factors in ICLPS participants with dyslipidaemia, diabetes and hypertension (N = 2377).ResultsMean (standard deviation) age of patients was 61.4 (10.4) years; 51.3% were male. Type 2 diabetes was the most common form of diabetes (prevalence, 96.9%). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 67.8%, obesity 40.4%, atherosclerotic disease 39.6% and coronary artery disease 33.5%. All patients were at high (38.2%) or very high (61.8%) cardiovascular risk according to ESC/EAS guidelines. Body mass index (BMI) was <25 kg/m2in 20.3% of patients, 62.8% had never smoked and 25.2% were former smokers. Overall, 12.2% achieved simultaneous control of LDL-C, diabetes and blood pressure. Risk factor control was similar across all participating countries. The proportion of patients achieving individual guideline-specified treatment targets was 43.9% for LDL-C, 55.5% for blood pressure and 39.3% for diabetes. Multiple correspondence analysis indicated that control of LDL-C, control of blood pressure, control of diabetes, BMI and smoking were associated.ConclusionComprehensive control of multiple cardiovascular risk factors in high-risk patients is suboptimal worldwide. Failure to control one risk factor is associated with poor control of other risk factors.
Can Split Renal Volume Assessment by Computed Tomography Replace Nuclear Split Renal Function in Living Kidney Donor Evaluations? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Habbous Steven , Garcia-Ochoa Carlos , Brahm Gary , Nguan Chris , Garg Amit X. 
Published: September 2019

Background: As part of their living kidney donor assessment, all living donor candidates complete a computed tomography (CT) angiogram, but some also receive a nuclear renogram for split renal function (SRF%). Objective: We considered whether split renal volume (SRV%) assessed by CT can predict SRF%. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Setting: Living donor candidates undergoing evaluation as potential living kidney donors. Patients: Living donor candidates who received both a nuclear renogram for split function and CT for SRV as part of their living donor work-up. Measurements: Split renal volume from CT scans and SRF from nuclear renography. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature, abstracting data and digitizing plots where possible. We searched Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. We added data from donor candidates assessed in London, Ontario from 2013 to 2016. We used fixed and random-effects models to pool Fisher’s z-transformed Pearson’s correlation coefficient ( r). We conducted random-effects meta-regression on digitized and aggregate data. Studies were restricted to living kidney donors or living donor candidates. Results: After pooling 19 studies (n = 1479), we obtained a pooled correlation of r = 0.74 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.61-0.82). By linear regression using individual-level data, we observed a 0.76% (95% CI = 0.71-0.81) increase in SRF% for every 1% increase in SRV%. Split renal volume had a specificity of 88% for discriminating SRF at a threshold that could influence the decision of which kidney is to be removed (between-kidney difference ≥10%). Predonation SRV and SRF both moderately predicted kidney function 6 to 12 months after donation: r = 0.75 for SRV and r = 0.73 for SRF; Δ r = 0.05 (–0.02, 0.13). Limitations: Most studies were retrospective and measured SRV and SRF only on selected living donor candidates. Efficiency gains in removing the SRF from the evaluation will depend on the transplant program. Conclusion: Split renal volume has the potential to replace SRF for some candidates. However, it is uncertain whether it can do so reliably and routinely across different transplant centers. The impact on clinical decision-making needs to be assessed in well-designed prospective studies. Trial registration: The digitized data are registered with Mendeley Data (doi10.17632/dyn2bfgxxj.2).
Spindle cell sarcomas, suggestive of peripheral nerve sheath tumours, arising in the tongues of two cats
Authors: Dobromylskyj Melanie J , Martinez Fernando , Lovell Anna 
Published: September 2019

Case summary Two domestic shorthair cats, one an 11-year-old female neutered cat and the other a 13-year-old male neutered cat, presented with partly raised, well-demarcated masses at the rostral tip of the tongue. Histological examination and immunohistochemical staining were consistent with sarcomas, and were most suggestive of peripheral nerve sheath tumours. One tumour had histological features consistent with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (PNST). Relevance and novel information Feline PNSTs arising on the tongue are rarely described in the published literature, and, to our knowledge, a case of malignant PNST originating at this site has not been described to date. Therefore, this represents a new differential diagnosis for cats presenting with a lingual mass. Regardless of histological malignancy, in cats these tumours have the potential for local recurrence but appear very unlikely to metastasise.
Combination therapy with bosentan and sildenafil for refractory digital ulcers and Raynaud’s phenomenon in a 30-year-old woman with systemic sclerosis: Case report and literature review
Authors: Rademacher Jan-Gerd , Wincup Chris , Tampe Björn , Korsten Peter 
Published: September 2019

Background: Systemic sclerosis is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by skin and organ fibrosis, and vasculopathy. Raynaud’s phenomenon is almost universally present in systemic sclerosis and can be the most debilitating symptom. Raynaud’s phenomenon may lead to the development of digital ulcers, potentially complicated by infection, tissue necrosis, and auto-amputation. Recommended treatments have variable efficacy. Methods: We report the case of a 30-year-old woman with diffuse systemic sclerosis suffering from severe Raynaud’s phenomenon and digital ulcers with digital tissue necrosis who was treated with combination therapy of an endothelin receptor antagonist and phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor. In addition, we reviewed the literature on the topic. Results: Previous therapy with calcium-channel blockers, intravenous iloprost, and bosentan had all failed to control symptoms. We added sildenafil in combination with bosentan and observed a rapid and sustained treatment effect. Raynaud’s phenomenon severity, number of attacks, and attack duration decreased within 2 weeks of initiating treatment. Furthermore, this resulted in the healing of established digital ulcers. Conclusion: Our case report suggests that combination therapy may be a feasible treatment for the most severely affected and refractory patients. In our literature review, we found one retrospective study and three additional cases with similarly encouraging results.
Representation of therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome in clinical trials over the past 20 years
Authors: Borate Uma , Norris Brianna A. , Statler Abby , Fu Rongwei , Bucy Taylor , Sekeres Mikkael A. 
Published: September 2019

Key PointsPatients with t-MDS are underrepresented in clinical trials when taking into account the prevalence of such patients. Eligibility criteria and sponsorship type may contribute to t-MDS patient exclusion.
Income inequality and mass shootings in the United States
Authors: Kwon Roy , Cabrera Joseph F. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Mass shootings are an increasingly common phenomenon in the United States. However, there is little research on whether the recent growth of income inequality is associated with this rise of mass shootings. We thus build on our prior research to explore the connection between income inequality and mass shootings across counties in the United States.

Methods
We assemble a panel dataset of 3144 counties during the years 1990 to 2015. Socioeconomic data are extracted from the U.S. Bureau of the Census. Mass shootings data are from three databases that compile its information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and media sources, respectively. These data are analyzed using random effects negative binomial regressions, while controlling for seven additional predictors of crime.

Results
Counties experiencing a one standard deviation growth of income inequality witnessed 0.43 more mass shootings when using the definition of three or more victim injuries (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.24, 1.66; P < .001) and 0.57 more mass shootings when using the designation of four or more victim deaths (IRR = 1.57; 95% CI = 1.26, 1.96; P < .001).

Conclusions
Counties with growing levels of income inequality are more likely to experience mass shootings. We assert that one possibility for this finding is that income inequality fosters an environment of anger and resentment that ultimately leads to violence.
Assessing prior knowledge types as predictors of academic achievement in the introductory phase of biology and physics study programmes using logistic regression
Authors: Binder Torsten , Sandmann Angela , Sures Bernd , Friege Gunnar , Theyssen Heike , Schmiemann Philipp 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Increasingly, high dropout rates in science courses at colleges and universities have led to discussions of causes and potential support measures of students. Students’ prior knowledge is repeatedly mentioned as the best predictor of academic achievement. Theory describes four hierarchically ordered types of prior knowledge, from declarative knowledge of facts to procedural application of knowledge. This study explores the relevance of these four prior knowledge types to academic achievement in the introductory phase of the two science subjects, biology and physics.

Results
We assessed the knowledge types at the beginning and student achievement (measured by course completion) at the end of the first study year. We applied logistic regression models to evaluate the relationship between the knowledge types and academic achievement. First, we controlled for a well-established predictor of academic achievement (high school grade point average). Second, we added the knowledge types as predictors. For biology, we found that only knowledge about principles and concepts was a significant predictor in the first year. For physics, knowledge about concepts and principles as well as the ability to apply knowledge to problems was related to academic achievement.

Conclusion
Our results concerning the knowledge types, which are of special relevance in biology and physics studies, could lead to effective measures, e.g. for identifying at-risk students and course guidance. Furthermore, the results provide a profound starting point for controlled intervention studies that systematically foster the identified relevant knowledge types in each subject and aim at a theory- and empirical-based optimization of pre- and introductory courses.
Fetal exposure to maternal inflammation interrupts murine intestinal development and increases susceptibility to neonatal intestinal injury
Authors: Elgin Timothy G. , Fricke Erin M. , Gong Huiyu , Reese Jeffrey , Mills David A. , Kalantera Karen M. , Underwood Mark A. , McElroy Steven J. 
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACT
Fetal exposure to chorioamnionitis can impact the outcomes of the developing fetus both at the time of birth and in the subsequent neonatal period. Infants exposed to chorioamnionitis have a higher incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) pathology, including necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC); however, the mechanism remains undefined. To simulate the fetal exposure to maternal inflammation (FEMI) induced by chorioamnionitis, pregnant mice (C57BL/6J, IL-6−/−, RAG−/− or TNFR1−/−) were injected intraperitoneally on embryonic day (E)15.5 with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 100 µg/kg body weight). Pups were delivered at term, and reared to postnatal day (P)0, P7, P14, P28 or P56. Serum and intestinal tissue samples were collected to quantify growth, inflammatory markers, histological intestinal injury, and goblet and Paneth cells. To determine whether FEMI increased subsequent susceptibility to intestinal injury, a secondary dose of LPS (100 µg/kg body weight) was given on P5, prior to tissue harvesting on P7. FEMI had no effect on growth of the offspring or their small intestine. FEMI significantly decreased both goblet and Paneth cell numbers while simultaneously increasing serum levels of IL-1β, IL-10, KC/GRO (CXCL1 and CXCL2), TNF and IL-6. These alterations were IL-6 dependent and, importantly, increased susceptibility to LPS-induced intestinal injury later in life. Our data show that FEMI impairs normal intestinal development by decreasing components of innate immunity and simultaneously increasing markers of inflammation. These changes increase susceptibility to intestinal injury later in life and provide novel mechanistic data to potentially explain why preterm infants exposed to chorioamnionitis prior to birth have a higher incidence of NEC and other GI disorders.
Self-management and its associated factors among people living with diabetes in Blantyre, Malawi: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kwanjo Banda Chimwemwe , Gombachika Belinda T. , Nyirenda Moffat J. , Muula Adamson Sinjani 
Published: September 2019

Background: Self-management is key to the control of glycaemia and prevention of complications in people living with diabetes. Many people living with diabetes in Malawi have poorly controlled glucose and they experience diabetes-related complications. This study aimed to assess diabetes self-management behaviours and to identify factors associated with it among people living with diabetes at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), Blantyre, Malawi. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 510 adults attending a diabetes clinic at a teaching referral hospital in southern Malawi. The social cognitive theory was applied to identify factors associated with following all recommended self-management behaviours. Data on participants’ demographics, clinical history, diabetes knowledge, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, social support, environmental barriers and diabetes self-management were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with following all self-management behaviours. Results: The mean age of participants was 53.6 (SD 13.3) years. Self-reported medication adherence within the last seven days was 88.6% (n=494); 77% reported being physically active for at least 30 minutes on more than three days in the previous seven days; 69% reported checking their feet every day and inspecting inside their shoes; 58% reported following a healthy diet regularly. Overall, only 33% reported following all the self-management behaviours regularly. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that self-efficacy was the only social cognitive factor associated with following all the self-management practices (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Participants in our study were not consistently achieving all self-management practices with dietary practices being the least adhered to behaviour by many. To improve self-management practices of people living with diabetes, current health education programs should not only aim at improving diabetes related knowledge but also self-efficacy. Adopting interventions that promote self-efficacy in diabetes patients such as exposure to role models, peer education, providing positive feedback, and counselling is recommended.
Developing clinical academic researchers: insights from practitioners and managers in nursing, midwifery and allied health
Authors: Roddam Hazel , Cross Lucy , Georgiou Rachel , Gibson Josephine , Jones Stephanie , Olive Philippa , Smith Grete , Thomas Lois 
Published: September 2019

Background/Aims Developing a clinical academic role in nursing, midwifery and the allied health professions is challenging because of the lack of a national career pathway, recognition and understanding of the role. This evaluation aimed to explore perspectives of aspiring, or active clinical academics, and healthcare managers in nursing, midwifery and the allied health professions about the benefits, barriers and enablers of engagement in these career pathways. Methods In total, eight workshops were facilitated across England (four each for managers and prospective clinical academics), where 162 participants shared their experiences and perceptions of clinical academic research activities. Results Three major themes were identified that related to the perceived benefits, barriers and enablers of engagement in these career pathways: building health research capacity, building individuals' health research capability, and improving patient care. Conclusion This article demonstrates factors that are valued and perceived to be working well by practitioners and their clinical service managers, and highlights key priorities for further strategic support.
The Implications of the Hungarian Nation Policy in Central Europe Since 1989: Between Tension and Integration
Authors: Royer Laura 
Published: September 2019

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Since its democratic transition in the early nineties, Hungary has developed a foreign policy strategy, directed at Hungarian minorities abroad, known as ‘nation policy’ (nemzetpolitika). This nation policy can be conceptualised as a set of symbolic, financial, and political measures, and discourses directed at the Hungarian historical communities residing outside of the Hungarian state, aiming to strengthen Hungarian culture, language and influence in the Carpathian Basin.
In this paper, I seek to set out and analyse the implications of the Hungarian nation policy in Central Europe. After providing historical and conceptual background, I will argue that the Hungarian nation policy has in fact had contradictory outcomes in Central Europe, sometimesleading to confrontation with Hungary’s neighbours, while at other times instigating dialogue, integration and development. Ultimately, I will call upon critical perspectives, highlighting the challenges and limits of this governmental strategy.