Search

This study aims to explore teacher noticing differences of the sampled US and Chinese elementary teachers from cross-cultural mathematics videos. A total of 34 expert teachers commented on 25 video clips online. We coded what and how teachers noticed from the videos both quantitatively and qualitatively. Findings reveal teachers' strong interests and profound reflections, especially in the teaching domain including representations, communication, and teacher questioning/guide. Cross-cultural differences in teacher noticing were identified, which were discussed based on possible cultural influences. Implications in research and practice, teacher support, and methodology are discussed.

In 2015, U.K. newborn screening (NBS) laboratory guidelines were introduced to standardize dried blood spot (DBS) specimen quality acceptance and specify a minimum acceptable DBS diameter of ≥7 mm. The UK ‘acceptable’ avoidable repeat rate (AVRR) is ≤2%. To assess inter-laboratory variability in specimen acceptance/rejection, two sets of colored scanned images (n = 40/set) of both good and poor-quality DBS specimens were distributed to all 16 U.K. NBS laboratories for evaluation as part of an external quality assurance (EQA) assessment. The mean (range) number of specimens rejected in the first EQA distribution was 7 (1–16) and in the second EQA distribution was 7 (0–16), demonstrating that adherence to the 2015 guidelines was highly variable. A new minimum standard for DBS size of ≥8 mm (to enable a minimum of six sub-punches from two DBS) was discussed. NBS laboratories undertook a prospective audit and demonstrated that using ≥8 mm as the minimum acceptable DBS diameter would increase the AVRR from 2.1% (range 0.55% to 5.5%) to 7.8% (range 0.55% to 22.7%). A significant inverse association between the number of specimens rejected in the DBS EQA distributions and the predicted AVVR (using ≥8 mm minimum standard) was observed (r = −0.734, p = 0.003). Before implementing more stringent standards, the impact of a standard operating procedure (SOP) designed to enable a standardized approach of visual assessment and using the existing ≥7 mm diameter (to enable a minimum of four sub-punches from two DBS) as the minimum standard was assessed in a retrospective audit. Implementation of the SOP and using the ≥7 mm DBS diameter would increase the AVRR from 2.3% (range 0.63% to 5.3%) to 6.5% (range 4.3% to 20.9%). The results demonstrate that there is inconsistency in applying the acceptance/rejection criteria, and that a low AVVR is not an indication of good-quality specimens being received into laboratories. Further work is underway to introduce and maintain standards without increasing the AVRR to unacceptable levels.

BackgroundReduction or differences in facial expression are a core diagnostic feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet evidence regarding the extent of this discrepancy is limited and inconsistent. Use of automated facial expression detection technology enables accurate and efficient tracking of facial expressions that has potential to identify individual response differences.MethodsChildren and adults with ASD (N = 124) and typically developing (TD, N = 41) were shown short clips of "funny videos." Using automated facial analysis software, we investigated differences between ASD and TD groups and within the ASD group in evidence of facial action unit (AU) activation related to the expression of positive facial expression, in particular, a smile.ResultsIndividuals with ASD on average showed less evidence of facial AUs (AU12, AU6) relating to positive facial expression, compared to the TD group (p < .05, r = - 0.17). Using Gaussian mixture model for clustering, we identified two distinct distributions within the ASD group, which were then compared to the TD group. One subgroup (n = 35), termed "over-responsive," expressed more intense positive facial expressions in response to the videos than the TD group (p < .001, r = 0.31). The second subgroup (n = 89), ("under-responsive"), displayed fewer, less intense positive facial expressions in response to videos than the TD group (p < .001; r = - 0.36). The over-responsive subgroup differed from the under-responsive subgroup in age and caregiver-reported impulsivity (p < .05, r = 0.21). Reduced expression in the under-responsive, but not the over-responsive group, was related to caregiver-reported social withdrawal (p < .01, r = - 0.3).LimitationsThis exploratory study does not account for multiple comparisons, and future work will have to ascertain the strength and reproducibility of all results. Reduced displays of positive facial expressions do not mean individuals with ASD do not experience positive emotions.ConclusionsIndividuals with ASD differed from the TD group in their facial expressions of positive emotion in response to "funny videos." Identification of subgroups based on response may help in parsing heterogeneity in ASD and enable targeting of treatment based on subtypes.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02299700. Registration date: November 24, 2014.

Abstract Background Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), the rate-limiting enzyme in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) biosynthesis, is up-regulated in several cancers, including metastatic melanoma (MM). The BRAF oncogene is mutated in different cancer types, among which MM and thyroid carcinoma (THCA) are prominent. Drugs targeting mutant BRAF are effective, especially in MM patients, even though resistance rapidly develops. Previous data have linked NAMPT over-expression to the acquisition of BRAF resistance, paving the way for therapeutic strategies targeting the two pathways. Methods Exploiting the TCGA database and a collection of MM and THCA tissue microarrays we studied the association between BRAF mutations and NAMPT expression. BRAF wild-type (wt) cell lines were genetically engineered to over-express the BRAF V600E construct to demonstrate a direct relationship between over-activation of the BRAF pathway and NAMPT expression. Responses of different cell line models to NAMPT (i)nhibitors were studied using dose–response proliferation assays. Analysis of NAMPT copy number variation was performed in the TCGA dataset. Lastly, growth and colony forming assays were used to study the tumorigenic functions of NAMPT itself. Results The first finding of this work is that tumor samples carrying BRAF-mutations over-express NAMPT, as demonstrated by analyzing the TCGA dataset, and MM and THC tissue microarrays. Importantly, BRAF wt MM and THCA cell lines modified to over-express the BRAF V600E construct up-regulated NAMPT, confirming a transcriptional regulation of NAMPT following BRAF oncogenic signaling activation. Treatment of BRAF-mutated cell lines with two different NAMPTi was followed by significant reduction of tumor growth, indicating NAMPT addiction in these cells. Lastly, we found that several tumors over-expressing the enzyme, display NAMPT gene amplification. Over-expression of NAMPT in BRAF wt MM cell line and in fibroblasts resulted in increased growth capacity, arguing in favor of oncogenic properties of NAMPT. Conclusions Overall, the association between BRAF mutations and NAMPT expression identifies a subset of tumors more sensitive to NAMPT inhibition opening the way for novel combination therapies including NAMPTi with BRAFi/MEKi, to postpone and/or overcome drug resistance. Lastly, the over-expression of NAMPT in several tumors could be a key and broad event in tumorigenesis, substantiated by the finding of NAMPT gene amplification.

This paper investigates the critical role of church membership in the process of economic recovery after high-impact natural disasters. We document a significant adverse treatment effect of the 2005 hurricane season in the Southeastern United States on establishment-level productivity. However, we find that establishments in counties with higher rates of church membership saw a significantly stronger recovery in terms of productivity for 2005–10. We also show that church membership is correlated with post-disaster entrepreneurship activities and population growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundIn ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), predictors of subclinical dysfunction of remote myocardium are unknown. We prospectively aimed at identifying clinical and biochemical correlates of remote subclinical dysfunction and its impact on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).MethodsOne-hundred thirty-three patients (63.9 ± 12.1 years, 68% male) with first successfully treated (54% anterior, 46% non-anterior, p = 0.19) STEMI underwent echocardiography at 5 ± 2 days after onset and at 8 ± 2-month follow-up, and were compared to 13 age and sex-matched (63.3 ± 11.4) healthy controls. All 16 left ventricular (LV) segments were grouped into ischemic, border, and remote myocardium: mean value of longitudinal strain (LS) within grouped segments were expressed as iLS, bLS, rLS, respectively. LV end-diastolic (EDV), end-systolic (ESV) volumes indexed for body surface area (EDVi, ESVi, respectively), LVEF and global LS (GLS) were determined. Creatinine, glomerular filtration rate, admission level of NT-pro-brain-natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and troponin peaks were considered for the analysis.ResultsAt baseline, rLS (15.5 ± 4.4) was better than iLS (12.9 ± 4.8, p < 0.001), but lower than that in controls (19.1 ± 2.7, p < 0.001) and similar to bLS (15 ± 5.4, p = ns), and did not differ between patients with single or multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD). At multivariate regression analysis, only admission NT-proBNP levels but not peak Tn levels independently predicted rLS (β = −0.58, p = 0.001), as well as iLS (β = −0.52, p = 0.001). Both at baseline and at follow-up, rLS correlated to LVEF similarly to iLS and bLS (p < 0.001 for all). Median value of rLS at baseline was 15%: compared to patients with rLS ≥ 15% at baseline, patients with rLS < 15% showed lower LVEF (52.3 ± 9.4 vs. 58.6 ± 7.6, p < 0.001) and GLS (16.3 ± 3.9 vs. 19.9 ± 3.2), and higher EDVi (62.3 ± 19.9 vs. 54 ± 12, p = 0.009) and ESVi (30.6 ± 15.5 vs. 22.3 ± 7.6, p < 0.001) at follow-up.ConclusionIn optimally treated STEMI, dysfunction of remote myocardium assessed by LS: (1) is predicted by elevated NT-proBNP; (2) could be independent of CAD extent and infarct size; (3) is associated to worse LV morphological and functional indexes at follow-up.

Facial expression is impaired in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but rarely systematically studied. We focus on the ability of individuals with ASD to produce facial expressions of emotions in response to a verbal prompt. We used the Janssen Autism Knowledge Engine (JAKE®), including automated facial expression analysis software (FACET) to measure facial expressions in individuals with ASD (n = 144) and a typically developing (TD) comparison group (n = 41). Differences in ability to produce facial expressions were observed between ASD and TD groups, demonstrated by activation of facial action units (happy, scared, surprised, disgusted, but not angry or sad). Activation of facial action units correlated with parent-reported social communication skills. This approach has potential for diagnostic and response to intervention measures. Trial Registration NCT02299700.

Abstract Statin‐induced autoimmune necrotizing myositis is a rare but important cause muscle weakness. Withdrawal of the statin and steroid treatment alone may be insufficient treatment for SIANM. Targeted immunosuppression may be needed and can be effective.

Abstract Background Reduction or differences in facial expression are a core diagnostic feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet evidence regarding the extent of this discrepancy is limited and inconsistent. Use of automated facial expression detection technology enables accurate and efficient tracking of facial expressions that has potential to identify individual response differences. Methods Children and adults with ASD (N = 124) and typically developing (TD, N = 41) were shown short clips of “funny videos.” Using automated facial analysis software, we investigated differences between ASD and TD groups and within the ASD group in evidence of facial action unit (AU) activation related to the expression of positive facial expression, in particular, a smile. Results Individuals with ASD on average showed less evidence of facial AUs (AU12, AU6) relating to positive facial expression, compared to the TD group (p < .05, r = − 0.17). Using Gaussian mixture model for clustering, we identified two distinct distributions within the ASD group, which were then compared to the TD group. One subgroup (n = 35), termed “over-responsive,” expressed more intense positive facial expressions in response to the videos than the TD group (p < .001, r = 0.31). The second subgroup (n = 89), (“under-responsive”), displayed fewer, less intense positive facial expressions in response to videos than the TD group (p < .001; r = − 0.36). The over-responsive subgroup differed from the under-responsive subgroup in age and caregiver-reported impulsivity (p < .05, r = 0.21). Reduced expression in the under-responsive, but not the over-responsive group, was related to caregiver-reported social withdrawal (p < .01, r = − 0.3). Limitations This exploratory study does not account for multiple comparisons, and future work will have to ascertain the strength and reproducibility of all results. Reduced displays of positive facial expressions do not mean individuals with ASD do not experience positive emotions. Conclusions Individuals with ASD differed from the TD group in their facial expressions of positive emotion in response to “funny videos.” Identification of subgroups based on response may help in parsing heterogeneity in ASD and enable targeting of treatment based on subtypes. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT02299700 . Registration date: November 24, 2014

Background and Objectives: In the presence of a persistent endodontic lesion or endodontic failure, the alternative for the recovery of the dental element is endodontic retreatment or endodontic surgery, which consists in the surgical removal of the root apices with retrograde closure of the endodontium. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to provide an updated value of the Risk Ratio between the two types of treatment in order to offer to clinicians who propose a non-surgical endodontic retreatment or an endodontic surgery a direct comparison. Materials and Methods: The revision was performed according to PRISMA indications: three databases (PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane register) were consulted through the use of keywords relevant to the revision topic: surgical endodontic retreatment, endodontic retreatment, apicoectomy. This search produced 7568 records which, after eliminating duplicates and applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulted in a total of seven included articles. The meta-analyses were conducted by applying fixed-effects models, given the low percentage of heterogeneity. In addition, trial sequency analysis (TSA) was performed for the analysis of the statistical power of the results and GRADE for the quality of the evidence. Results: The results of the meta-analyses’ data report an aggregate risk ratio (RR) between non-surgical endodontic retreatment and surgical endodontic retreatment of: 1.05 [0.74, 1.47] at one year of follow-up; RR 2.22 [1.45, 3.41] at two years of follow-up; an RR 1.08 [0.73 1.62] for a follow-up period of 3–4 years; and an RR 0.92 [0.53, 1.61] for a follow-up period of 8–10 years. Conclusions: The results of the present meta-analysis show that in the long term, the risk of failure is identical for the two groups, and there is only a slightly higher risk of failure for non-surgical endodontic retreatments, when only two years of follow-up are considered.

The ubiquitin–proteasome system is responsible for the bulk of protein degradation in eukaryotic cells. Proteins are generally targeted to the 26S proteasome through the attachment of polyubiquitin chains. Several proteins also contain ubiquitin-independent degrons (UbIDs) that allow for proteasomal targeting without the need for ubiquitination. Our laboratory previously showed that UbID substrates are less processively degraded than ubiquitinated substrates, but the mechanism underlying this difference remains unclear. We therefore designed two model substrates containing both a ubiquitination site and a UbID for a more direct comparison. We found UbID degradation to be overall less robust, with complete degradation only occurring with loosely folded substrates. UbID degradation was unaffected by the nonhydrolyzable ATP analog ATPγS, indicating that UbID degradation proceeds in an ATP-independent manner. Stabilizing substrates halted UbID degradation, indicating that the proteasome can only capture UbID substrates if they are already at least transiently unfolded, as confirmed using native-state proteolysis. The 26S proteasome therefore switches between ATP-independent weak degradation and ATP-dependent robust unfolding and degradation depending on whether or not the substrate is ubiquitinated.

A useful concept in the development of physical models on the κ-Minkowski noncommutative spacetime is that of a curved momentum space. This structure is not unique: several inequivalent momentum space geometries have been identified. Some are associated to a different assumption regarding the signature of spacetime (i.e. Lorentzian vs. Euclidean), but there are inequivalent momentum spaces that can be associated to the same signature and even the same group of symmetries. Moreover, in the literature there are two approaches to the definition of these momentum spaces, one based on the right- (or left-)invariant metrics on the Lie group generated by the κ-Minkowski algebra. The other is based on the construction of 5-dimensional matrix representation of the κ-Minkowski coordinate algebra. Neither approach leads to a unique construction. Here, we find the relation between these two approaches and introduce a unified approach, capable of describing all momentum spaces, and identify the corresponding quantum group of spacetime symmetries. We reproduce known results and get a few new ones. In particular, we describe the three momentum spaces associated to the κ-Poincaré group, which are half of a de Sitter, anti-de Sitter or Minkowski space, and we identify what distinguishes them. Moreover, we find a new momentum space with the geometry of a light cone, associated to a κ-deformation of the Carroll group.

There is a demand across the country for highly trained epilepsy specialist nurses (ESNs) due to the increasing number of patients that this long-term condition affects. It is estimated that 65 million people worldwide are affected by epilepsy. If not treated and supported effectively, epilepsy comes with high risk of mortality, comorbidities, stigma and high potential costs to the NHS. Patients who do not have access to a highly trained ESNs can be significantly and negatively affected by wrong diagnosis, gaps in knowledge when facing general care, incorrect and, on occasion, detrimental treatment options, poor epilepsy education and advocacy. Furthermore, patients living in rural areas often do not have access to large tertiary centres or neurologists with an interest in epilepsy. Due to this, access to ESNs running nurse-led clinics in smaller hospitals and community settings is vital to improving patient care. Nonetheless, there is a shortage of highly trained ESNs. The ESN development programme discussed in this article was formed as a concerted action to address recruitment challenges and widen the area and scope of care for people with an epilepsy diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benzodiazepines, psychotropic drugs, are ubiquitous in the aquatic environment due to over-consumption and inefficient removal by sewage treatment plants. Bioaccumulation with consequent behavioral and physiological effects has been reported in many aquatic species. However, the responses are species-specific and still poorly understood. To improve the knowledge, we exposed the freshwater snail Planorbarius corneus to 1, 5, or 10 µg/L of delorazepam, the most widely consumed benzodiazepine in Italy. Conventional behavioral tests were used to assess the effects on locomotor and feeding behavior. Histological and biochemical analyses were also performed to detect possible changes in the structure and composition of the foot mucus and glands. The results show a paradoxical response with reduced feeding activity and locomotor hyperactivity. Pedal mucus was altered in texture but not in composition, becoming particularly rich in fibrous collagen-like material, and a significant change in the protein composition was highlighted in the foot. In conclusion, exposure to delorazepam induces disinhibited behavior in Planorbarius corneus, potentially increasing the risk of predation, and an increase in mucus protein production, which, together with reduced feeding activity, would severely compromise energy resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES:To describe the prevalence of risk factors for women at high risk of fracture in a population-based sample of postmenopausal women who were not using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), to demonstrate how the estimated prevalence of women at high risk of future fracture is affected by the different criteria used for classification, and to characterize the populations identified and missed by each of the criteria. A key study objective was to compare the proportion of postmenopausal women at high risk of fracture in a managed care population using several different definitions of who is at high risk. DESIGN:The Osteoporosis Population-based Risk Assessment study, a randomized trial of three screening strategies. SETTING:Conducted at Group Health Cooperative in western Washington state. PARTICIPANTS:Women aged 60 to 79 who had not used HRT for at least 12 months were chosen at random. MEASUREMENTS:In one of the trial arms, 428 women had their bone mineral density (BMD) measured at the hip and spine (L1-L4) using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Minimum t scores and z scores at all sites were used for classification. Risk factors for fractures were assessed at the time of the BMD scan. RESULTS:Guidelines based on the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures classified 25.1% of the women as being at high risk of fracture, compared with 30.0% and 68.0% using World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations and National Osteoporosis Foundation guidelines, respectively. Classification based on low BMD alone (WHO) failed to include more than 50% of women who had already experienced a clinical fracture. CONCLUSIONS:Prevalence of women at high risk of fracture not using HRT varies notably depending on the criteria used for identification. The criteria used to identify women to target for primary and secondary prevention of osteoporotic fractures has major implications for population-based prevention strategies.