bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationship between residual sphincter damage after primary repair, faecal incontinence, and anal sphincter function in primiparous women with an obstetric anal sphincter injury
Authors: Patton Vicki , Kumar Swetha , Parkin Katrina , Karantanis Emmanuel , Dinning Phil 
Published: November 2018

Background and AimsAnal sphincter injury has been identified as a primary cause of post‐partum fecal incontinence in women with obstetric anal sphincter injury. However, women without obstetric anal sphincter injury may also develop fecal incontinence. The aim is to determine the relationship between fecal incontinence severity; and i) residual anal sphincter injury, quantified by the Starck score, and ii) anal sphincter tone.MethodsConsecutive case series of prospectively collected data set in a Pelvic Floor Unit within a tertiary teaching hospital in Australia. Population 181 primiparous women with Sultan classification Grade 3 and 4 sphincter injuries. Main outcome measures: Sultan classification, anal manometry, pudendal nerve terminal motor latency, St Mark's fecal incontinence score, and Starck ultrasound score.Results45% of women reported some degree of fecal incontinence. One third of women with normal external sphincter tone were incontinent. Those with higher Starck score had higher St Mark's scores. A higher Sultan classification correlated with more severe incontinence regardless if the repair was complete. Forceps delivery had a twofold risk of incontinence when compared to non‐forceps delivery.ConclusionThe importance of an effective anal sphincter repair is confirmed. However, overall there is no direct relationship between residual sphincter damage, anal sphincter tone, and fecal incontinence severity. These data indicate that anal sphincter integrity alone is not the sole mechanism for maintaining fecal continence. Rectal and colonic motor function may also play a role and investigation into these components may provide greater insight into the effect of vaginal delivery upon fecal continence mechanisms
Characterizing pelvic floor muscles activities using magnetomyography
Authors: Escalona‐Vargas Diana , Oliphant Sallie , Siegel Eric R. , Eswaran Hari 
Published: November 2018

AimsTo characterize levator ani muscle (LAM) activity in nulligravidas using magnetomyography (MMG) and define MMG characteristics associated with LAM activity with and without accessory muscle contributions.MethodsMMG data were collected from eight nulligravidas during rest and voluntary LAM contractions (Kegels) of varying intensity. We utilized simultaneous vaginal manometry and surface electromyography (sEMG) to evaluate for accessory muscle recruitment. Moderate Kegel (MK) MMG trials were sub‐selected based on the presence or absence of accessory muscle interaction. Amplitude and spectral‐related indicators were calculated across MK epochs: root‐mean square (RMS) amplitude, percentage amplitude relative to rest, and relative power spectrum density (rPSD) in three frequency bands (low, middle, high). Ternary diagram characterized rPSD from selected Kegels and ROC analysis was performed to identify cut‐points to differentiate MKs from interacting MKs.ResultsNineteen MMG recordings were obtained. Amplitude and spectral parameters were significantly different between isolated and interacting MK epochs. Mean RMS and power values of the isolated MK were, respectively, 120.66 ± 43.8 fT and 1.72 ± 1.44 (T2/Hz)*10−28. Amplitudes of MK were 64% and 117 higher than baseline activities for the isolated and interacting epochs, respectively. ROC curves reveled cut‐off points on low and middle frequency bands that achieved perfect separation (ROC‐AUC = 1.0) between isolated and interacting MK.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that MMG, a novel biomagnetic technique, allows precise detection and characterization of normal female pelvic floor function. Results show that isolated moderate voluntary contraction of the LAMs produces distinct MMG amplitude and spectral characteristics compared with Kegels involving co‐activation of other muscle groups.
Student perspectives on managing sickle cell disease at school
Authors: Haridasa Naeha , DeBaun Michael R. , Sanger Maureen , Mayo‐Gamble Tilicia L. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe study objective was to identify the perceptions of children with sickle cell disease (SCD) in the school environment.MethodsSemistructured interviews (N = 14) were conducted with pediatric patients ages 6 to 10 who attended Metro Nashville Public Schools. These participants were recruited through the Vanderbilt Sickle Cell Disease Clinic. Participants were asked about the perceived efficacy of their teachers to (1) understand SCD; (2) communicate with students regarding SCD; (3) handle an SCD‐related pain episode in school; and (4) identify methods to compensate for school absenteeism associated with an SCD diagnosis. Content analysis identified underlying themes.ResultsFive themes emerged that highlighted the perceptions and recommendations of children with SCD in the school environment: (1) perceptions that allow students to prevent SCD from limiting their school experience; (2) administrator actions to alleviate challenges associated with SCD; (3) communication about SCD; (4) how SCD interferes with school activities; and (5) ways students advocate for themselves. Students also provided four areas of recommendations for school personnel: (1) ways teachers can help with school activities; (2) make‐up work for school absences; (3) empowering students with SCD; and (4) helping with SCD episodes at school.ConclusionsStudents with SCD advocated strongly for their needs at school to attain their education. However, they perceived school personnel to lack knowledge about SCD management. This could be overcome with a handbook specific for teachers of students with SCD that could address each of the five themes.
Pediatric residents’ perceived barriers to opioid use in sickle cell disease pain management
Authors: Fearon Amber , Marsh Anne , Kim Jennifer , Treadwell Marsha 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectiveCurrent guidelines recommend high‐priority treatment of severe sickle cell disease (SCD) pain with opioids; however, patients with SCD have historically been undertreated. We used mixed methods to assess pediatric residents’ perceptions toward opioid use in SCD pain management.MethodsWe distributed a survey to 88 residents at an urban pediatric medical center in a cross‐sectional study. Participants responded to questions about perceived barriers to acute SCD pain management and attitudes toward patients with SCD. Responses were examined using bivariate analyses. Five pediatric residents were interviewed, to provide more in‐depth understanding of barriers to SCD pain management.ResultsFifty‐three residents (60%) completed the survey. Participants were divided into “more experienced” (had seen ≥ 21 patients with SCD; 45.3%) or “less experienced.” Both groups reported potential for tolerance and dependence as major barriers to opioid use in SCD. Less experienced residents reported a greater need for additional training in SCD pain management (P < 0.05), more concern about addiction, and greater empathy for patients with SCD (P < 0.05). Both groups agreed that patients with SCD were “frustrating to care for.” Thematic analysis revealed that increased patient and provider barriers led to distrust, ultimately leading to undertreatment of pain and inadequate care.ConclusionAlthough more experienced residents reported feeling more comfortable treating acute SCD pain and were less concerned with addiction compared with less experienced residents, certain negative views of patients with SCD were prevalent among all residents. Findings suggest that residency training must address provider attitudes as well as knowledge about SCD.
Estimating the Reliability of Low‐Abundant Signals and Limited Replicate Measurements through MS2 Peak Area in SWATH
Authors: Limonier Franck , Willems Sander , Waeterloos Geneviève , Sneyers Myriam , Dhaenens Maarten , Deforce Dieter 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSequential windows acquisition of all theoretical fragment ions mass spectrometry (SWATH‐MS) provides large‐scale protein quantification with high accuracy and selectivity. Nevertheless, reliable quantification of low‐abundant signals in complex samples remains challenging, as recently illustrated in a multicenter benchmark study of different label‐free software tools. Here, the SWATH Replicates Analysis 2.0 template from Sciex is used to highlight that the relationship between the MS2 peak area and the variability can be described by a function. This functional relationship appears to be largely insensitive to variation in samples or acquisition conditions, suggesting a device‐intrinsic property. By using a power regression, it is shown that the MS2 peak area can be used to predict the quantification repeatability without relying on replicate injections, thus contributing to high‐throughput confident quantification of low‐abundant signals with SWATH‐MS.
On‐Tissue Hydrogel‐Mediated Nondestructive Proteomic Characterization: Application to fr/fr and FFPE Tissues and Insights for Quantitative Proteomics Using a Case of Cardiac Myxoma
Authors: Taverna Domenico , Mignogna Chiara , Santise Gianluca , Gaspari Marco , Cuda Giovanni 
Published: November 2018

PurposeThe application of a methodology for quantitative protein analysis from formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissue by using hydrogels. Miniaturized polymeric gels are placed onto histologically defined tissue regions in order to perform localized digestion for bottom‐up proteomics. Hydrogel‐extracted peptides are then labeled with tandem mass tags (TMT) reagents for relative protein quantification. A cardiac myxoma biopsy is used.Experimental designMultiple hydrogels, incorporating the proteolytic enzyme trypsin, are placed on serial tissue sections, and processed for digestion and TMT derivatization. SCX fractionation before LC‐MS/MS analysis and bioinformatics analysis are carried out.ResultsTwo histologically different areas on both FFPE and frozen sections of the same cardiac myxoma biopsy are compared. In total, 1949 (FFPE) and 2491 (frozen) proteins are identified, with a total overlap of 56%. The quantitative comparison highlighted 15 (FFPE) and 138 (frozen) differentially expressed proteins between myxoma regions.ConclusionThe methodology successfully detects numerous protein signals from FFPE and frozen specimens and is able to differentiate between tissue regions. A fast and reliable tissue preparation for quantitative protein analysis by minimum sample manipulation is developed. This offers an option for on‐tissue proteomics analysis while preserving the inherent spatial information on the tissue.
RNAi‐knockdown of the Locusta migratoria nuclear export factor protein results in insect mortality and alterations in gut microbiome
Authors: Xie Jiaqin , Li Shangji , Zhang Wei , Xia Yuxian 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe migratory locust Locusta migratoria is one of the most important agricultural pests worldwide. The nuclear export factor 1 (NXF1) protein plays a crucial role in mediating mRNA transport from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. This study evaluates whether NXF1 could be a potential target for RNAi‐mediated pest control of L. migratoria.RESULTSWe cloned and characterized the nuclear export factor lm‐nxf1 of L. migratoria. Lm‐nxf1 was expressed in all tissues examined, including head, fat body, hemolymph, trunk, leg and midgut, with high expression observed in the hemolymph and fat body. Injection of lm‐nxf1 dsRNA into hemolymph resulted in inhibition of mRNA export in hemocytes, which were used as a target for observing mRNA export. Total hemocyte levels were reduced by ca. 97% in lm‐nxf1‐dsRNA‐treated locusts, and high insect mortality occurred with LT50 = 7.75 day as compared with 18.15 day for gfp‐dsRNA‐treated controls. Further, the locust intestine became atrophy, and the opportunistic pathogens Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter asburiae were specifically detected in midgut after lm‐nxf1 dsRNA treatment.CONCLUSIONSThe results reveal that knockdown of the lm‐nxf1 gene affects the survival of L. migratoria, indicating that lm‐nxf1 is a potential target for RNAi‐mediated pest control. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Natural Polymer‐Based Copper/ Sandarac Resin Catalyzed Regioselective One‐Pot Synthesis of 1,4‐Disubstituted 1,2,3‐Triazoles under Ultrasonic Irradiation
Authors: Faeghi Faezeh , Javanshir Shahrzad , Molaei Shiva 
Published: November 2018

AbstractA simple ultrasonic‐assisted method was developed for click synthesize of natural polymer based copper/sandarac resin (CuO/SD) by linking two different unit sandarac resin powder and Cu(CH3COO)2. The CuO/SD nanocomposite was characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). All these analysis, showed that the surface of sandarac resin was uniformly covered by a layer of CuO nanoplates. Subsequently, its catalytic activity was studied in the synthesis of 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazoles via a one‐pot three‐component reaction among benzyl halides, sodium azide and terminal alkynes in water under ultrasonic irradiation. The reduction of copper (II) complexes of terpene acids to catalytic species Cu (I) occurred under ultrasonic conditions during cavitation. The use of natural CuO/SD catalyst in combination with ultrasonic irradiation eliminated the need of a reducing agent, moreover, it is easily separable, and recyclable so made this already efficacious click reaction, even more user‐friendly.
Thiophene Analogue of Isotanshinone‐II Nucleus: A Novel Approach towards the Synthesis of Phenanthro[4,3‐b]‐thiophene‐4,5‐dione and Phenanthro[3,4‐b]thiophene‐4,5‐dione Derivatives
Authors: Sarkar Aparna , Das Rumpa , Kar Gandhi K. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe phenanthraquinone moiety condensed with heteroarene moieties posses various therapeutic activities. In this article, synthesis of some novel thienophenanthraquinones (eg. Phenanthro[4,3‐b]thiophene‐4,5‐dione / phenanthro[3,4‐b]‐thiophene‐4,5‐dione derivatives) is reported using a novel pathway developed by us. 3,4‐Dihydro‐1‐(2‐thienyl)naphthalene‐2‐carbaldehyde derivatives 3 a‐c were aromatized with DDQ to respective 1‐(2‐thienyl)naphthalene‐2‐carbaldehyde derivatives 4 a‐c. Conversion of the CHO functionality to CH2CO2H functionality was achieved in 4 steps to afford 2‐[1‐(2‐thienyl)naphthalene‐2‐yl]acetic acid derivatives 7 a‐c. Intramolecular Friedal‐Crafts acylation of these acids followed by Fremy's salt oxidation of the resulting phenanthro[4,3‐b]thiophene‐4‐ol derivatives 8 a‐c furnished the title compounds 9 a‐c in overall 7 steps. Following a similar route another novel thienophenanthraquinone [10‐methoxyphenanthro[3,4‐b]thiophene‐4,5‐dione 18] has also been synthesized. This synthetic route is very simple with fewer steps and is of good to excellent yields in most of the steps involved.
Forming a Kanyakla: A qualitative study to develop a novel social support intervention for adolescents living with HIV
Authors: Wolf Hilary T. , Chelliah Shantha S. , Ong'wen Patricia , Tepper Vicki , Kwena Zachary A. , Cohen Craig R. 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTIntroductionHIV is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among youth in sub Saharan Africa. This study explores the adaptation of an adult social network intervention for adolescents, entitled Kanyakla.MethodsThe study was conducted in Kisumu, Kenya from July to November 2016. Data was collected from: (1) semi‐structured interviews (n = 32) with adolescents living with HIV aged 15–19; and (2) two focus group discussions (n = 21). Transcripts were coded using thematic analysis through the lens of an Adolescent Development Model.ResultsParticipants were interested in joining a Kanyakla to build social support, learn new skills, and partake in recreational activities. Many participants feared inadvertent disclosure related to stigma. Certain dichotomous themes emerged including the need for privacy versus the need for social support; and the desire for inclusion of elders versus preference for same‐aged peers in the Kanyaklas.ConclusionsWith this study, we have key information that can be applied to developing the Kanyakla intervention for adolescents. Further study is needed to reconcile the dichotomies that emerged.
Settling of cohesive sediment: particle-resolved simulations
Authors: Vowinckel B. , Withers J. , Luzzatto-Fegiz Paolo , Meiburg E. 
Published: November 2018

We develop a physical and computational model for performing fully coupled, grain-resolved direct numerical simulations of cohesive sediment, based on the immersed boundary method. The model distributes the cohesive forces over a thin shell surrounding each particle, thereby allowing for the spatial and temporal resolution of the cohesive forces during particle–particle interactions. The influence of the cohesive forces is captured by a single dimensionless parameter in the form of a cohesion number, which represents the ratio of cohesive and gravitational forces acting on a particle. We test and validate the cohesive force model for binary particle interactions in the drafting–kissing–tumbling (DKT) configuration. Cohesive sediment grains can remain attached to each other during the tumbling phase following the initial collision, thereby giving rise to the formation of flocs. The DKT simulations demonstrate that cohesive particle pairs settle in a preferred orientation, with particles of very different sizes preferentially aligning themselves in the vertical direction, so that the smaller particle is drafted in the wake of the larger one. This preferred orientation of cohesive particle pairs is found to remain influential for systems of higher complexity. To this end, we perform large simulations of 1261 polydisperse settling particles starting from rest. These simulations reproduce several earlier experimental observations by other authors, such as the accelerated settling of sand and silt particles due to particle bonding, the stratification of cohesive sediment deposits, and the consolidation process of the deposit. They identify three characteristic phases of the polydisperse settling process, viz. (i) initial stir-up phase with limited flocculation, (ii) enhanced settling phase characterized by increased flocculation, and (iii) consolidation phase. The simulations demonstrate that cohesive forces accelerate the overall settling process primarily because smaller grains attach to larger ones and settle in their wakes. For the present cohesive number values, we observe that settling can be accelerated by up to 29 %. We propose physically based parametrization of classical hindered settling functions introduced by earlier authors, in order to account for cohesive forces. An investigation of the energy budget shows that, even though the work of the collision forces is much smaller than that of the hydrodynamic drag forces, it can substantially modify the relevant energy conversion processes.
Automotive international trade networks: A comparative analysis over the last two decades
Authors: GORGONI SARA , AMIGHINI ALESSIA , SMITH MATTHEW 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis paper explores the structural changes in the international organization of automotive production since the early 1990s. We apply descriptive network measures to international trade data for the period 1993–2013 for three automotive component groups with different technological intensity, with the aim of understanding (1) how the automotive international trade network has changed since the beginning of the 1990s; (2) whether regionalization has increased over time; (3) how the role that rising powers play within and between regions interacts with regionalization patterns. Our findings suggest that the structure of trade has changed significantly over the last two decades in all components. The network for electric and electrical parts and engines has evolved to become more hierarchical, with a cohesive core tied to hangers-on in the periphery, while the opposite has happened for rubber and metal. Regionalization patterns also show important differences across components. Finally, we have found an apparent association between the strengthening of regionalization patterns and the role played by traditional players and rising powers.
High dosage of zinc modulates T-cells in a time-dependent manner within porcine gut-associated lymphatic tissue
Authors: Kreuzer-Redmer Susanne , Arends Danny , Schulte Jasper N. , Karweina Diana , Korkuc Paula , Wöltje Nadine , Hesse Deike , Pieper Robert , Gerdts Volker , Zentek Jürgen , Meurens Francois , Brockmann Gudrun A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractZn serves as a powerful feed additive to reduce post-weaning diarrhoea in pigs. However, the mechanisms responsible for Zn-associated effects on the adaptive immune responses following feeding of a very high dosage of Zn remain elusive. In this study, we examined the T-cell response in gut-associated lymphatic tissues of seventy-two weaned piglets. Piglets received diets with 57 mg Zn/kg (low Zn concentration, LZn), 164 mg Zn/kg (medium Zn concentration, MZn) or 2425 mg Zn/kg (high Zn concentration, HZn) mg Zn/kg feed for 1, 2 or 4 weeks. We observed that feeding the HZn diet for 1 week increased the level of activated T-helper cells (CD4+ and CD8αdim) compared with feeding MZn and LZn (P<0·05). In addition, we observed higher transcript amounts of interferon γ and T-box 21 (TBET) in the HZn group compared with the MZn and LZn groups (P<0·05). A gene set enrichment analysis revealed an over-representation of genes associated with ‘cytokine signalling in immune system’. Remarkably, feeding of a very high Zn dosage led to a switch in the immune response after 2 weeks. We detected higher relative cell counts of CD4+CD25high regulatory T-helper cells (P<0·05) and a higher expression of forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) transcripts (P<0·05). After 4 weeks of feeding a high-dosage Zn diet, the relative CD4+ T-cell count (P<0·05) and the relative CD8β+ T-cell count (P<0·1) were reduced compared with the MZn group. We hypothesise that after 1 week the cellular T-helper 1 response is switched on and after 2 weeks it is switched off, leading to decreased numbers of T-cells.
Translation as destruction: Kezilahabi's adaptation of Heidegger's “Being”
Authors: Rettová Alena 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTanzanian novelist and philosopher Euphrase Kezilahabi strives to “dismantle the resemblance of language to the world” (1985: 216) through challenging the fundamental philosophical dichotomy of subject and object. The result of this dismantling will be a new “language whose foundation is Being” (Kezilahabi 1991: 69; lugha ambayo msingi wake ni kuwako). This is an expression of a new relationship between humanity and Being built on a holistic epistemology of experience and embodiment. Through “kuwako”, Kezilahabi expresses in Swahili the Heideggerian concept of Sein (Being). His adherence to Heidegger, however, puts him at risk of compromising the very foundation of his own philosophy: his continued critique of essentialism. This article argues that Kezilahabi salvages his concept of “kuwako” from these essentialist pitfalls precisely through his declared “destructive rather than deconstructive stand vis-à-vis the Western philosophy of value and representation” (Kezilahabi 1985: 4). The destruction is implemented on the thematic level: a phase of “vurumai” (chaos) which destroys previous traditions of philosophy is staged in Nagona. However, translation is an even more powerful device to carry out this destruction: “kuwako” is not an innocent reiteration but a radical reformulation of Heidegger's central philosophical concept, decisively informed by Kezilahabi's lifelong propensity for existentialism.