bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A randomized, open-label study to investigate the effect of belimumab on pneumococcal vaccination in patients with active, autoantibody-positive systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Chatham W , Chadha A , Fettiplace J , Kleoudis C , Bass D , Roth D , Gordon D
Published: May 2017

Objective

Intravenous belimumab 10 mg/kg is approved as an add-on therapy in patients with active, autoantibody-positive systemic lupus erythematosus. This study aimed to assess the impact of belimumab on immune response to pneumococcal vaccination in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Methods

This was a Phase 4, open-label study (GSK BEL115470; NCT01597492) conducted in the United States. Patients were randomized (7:9) to receive a 23-valent pneumococcal vaccination four weeks prior to (pre-belimumab cohort) or 24 weeks after (belimumab-concurrent cohort) commencing four-weekly belimumab 10 mg/kg intravenous treatment plus standard systemic lupus erythematosus therapy. Analyses of vaccine titers were performed on the as-treated population (received ≥1 dose of belimumab). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with positive antibody responses (≥2-fold increase from pre-vaccination levels, or post-vaccination level ≥ 0.6 µg/mL if pre-vaccination levels were unquantifiable) to ≥1 of 23 pneumococcal vaccine serotypes, four weeks post vaccination. Other endpoints included the proportion of patients with positive antibody responses to ≥2 to ≥10, and ≥11–23 (post hoc analysis) of serotypes. Safety was assessed by monitoring adverse events.

Results

Seventy-nine patients received pneumococcal vaccination (pre-belimumab cohort, n = 34; belimumab-concurrent cohort, n = 45). The majority (87.3% [69/79]) completed the study; 10 (12.7%) withdrew (patient request, n = 3; adverse event, n = 3; lost to follow-up, n = 2; other, n = 2). At Week 4 post-vaccination, 97.0% (32/33) and 97.6% (40/41) of patients (pre-belimumab and concurrent belimumab cohorts, respectively) had a positive response to ≥1 of 23 pneumococcal serotypes. Over 85% of patients in both cohorts responded to ≥10 of serotypes, approximately 80% responded to ≥12 serotypes, and approximately two-thirds responded to ≥16 serotypes. Little difference was observed between cohorts across a broad response, up to 23 serotypes. Eight (23.5%) patients experienced an adverse event considered by the investigator to be treatment-related in the pre-belimumab cohort and four (8.9%) in the belimumab-concurrent cohort; seven patients experienced non-fatal serious adverse events (pre-belimumab cohort, 11.8% [ n = 4]; concurrent-belimumab cohort, 6.7% [ n = 3]), and no deaths were reported.

Conclusion

The proportion of patients generating a response to ≥1 pneumococcal serotype did not differ between the pre-belimumab and belimumab-concurrent cohorts; the proportions were also comparable across a broader response (from ≥2 serotypes to 23 serotypes).
The validity and reliability of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Quality of Life Questionnaire (L-QoL) in a Turkish population
Authors: Duruöz M T , Unal C , Toprak C Sanal , Sezer İ , Yilmaz F , Ulutatar F , Atagündüz P , Baklacioglu H S
Published: May 2017

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may have a profound impact on quality of life. There is increasing interest in measuring quality of life in lupus patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of SLE Quality of Life Questionnaire (L-QoL) in Turkish SLE patients.

Methods

SLE according to 2012 Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Classification Criteria were recruited into the study. Demographic data, clinical parameters and disease activity measured with the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index-2000 (SLEDAI-2K); were noted. Nottingham Health Profile and Health Assessment Questionnaire were filled out in addition to the Turkish L-QoL (LQoL-TR). Internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and convergent and discriminant validity were evaluated.

Results

The mean age of participants was 43.55 ± 14.33 years and the mean disease duration was 89.8 ± 92.1 months. The patients filled out LQoL-TR in 2.5 min. Strong correlation of LQoL-TR with all subgroups of the Nottingham Health Profile and the Health Assessment Questionnaire were established showing the convergent validity. The highest correlation was demonstrated with emotional reactions (rho = 0.72) and sleep component (rho = 0.65) of the Nottingham Health Profile scale ( p < 0.0001). Its poor and not significant correlation with nonfunctional parameters (age, disease duration, perceived general health, SLEDAI-2K) showed its discriminative properties. LQoL-TR demonstrated good internal reliability with a Cronbach’s α of 0.93 and test–retest reliability with intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.87.

Conclusion

The LQoL-TR is a practical and useful tool which demonstrates good validity and reliability.
MicroRNA-146a induces immune suppression and drug-resistant colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Khorrami Samaneh , Zavaran Hosseini Ahmad , Mowla Seyed Javad , Soleimani Masoud , Rakhshani Naser , Malekzadeh Reza
Published: May 2017

Recent studies underline the involvement of microRNAs in cancer development through induction of immune suppression milieu and evolution of drug resistance. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of miR-146a on regulatory T cells’ frequencies, T-lymphocyte proliferation, and cytokine expression as well as drug resistance in cancer cells. We found that miR-146a was overexpressed in colon cancer HT-29 cells. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained from healthy donors and were co-cultured with transfected HT-29 cells. Afterward, peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation, expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines, and regulatory T cells’ frequencies were assayed. Also, drug resistance in transfected HT-29 cells was analyzed following treatment with 5-fluorouracil and irinotecan. Overexpression of miR-146a increased transforming growth factor-β and interleukin-10 expressions and enhanced regulatory T cells’ frequencies in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Also, the number of cells undergoing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis significantly decreased in transfected HT-29 cancer cells. In conclusion, upregulation of miR-146a plays an important role in enhancing immune suppression through increasing the regulatory T cells’ population. Also, our data indicated that colon cancer drug resistance is possibly associated with miR-146a overexpression.
Tumor protein D52 (isoform 3) contributes to prostate cancer cell growth via targeting nuclear factor-κB transactivation in LNCaP cells
Authors: Dasari Chandrashekhar , Yaghnam Dattu Prasad , Walther Reinhard , Ummanni Ramesh
Published: May 2017

Our previous study showed that TPD52 overexpression could increase migration and proliferation of LNCaP cells contributing to the development of prostate cancer. However, mechanism of TPD52 in prostate cancer initiation and progression remains elusive. In this study, we investigated the possible underlying mechanism of TPD52 in prostate cancer progression. In LNCaP cells, TPD52 expression was altered by transfecting with either EGFP-TPD52 or specific short hairpin RNA. Overexpression of TPD52 protected LNCaP cells from apoptosis through elevated anti-apoptotic proteins XIAP, Bcl-2, and Cyclin D1, whereas Bax was downregulated. Mechanistically, we found that TPD52 confers transactivation of nuclear factor-κB, thereby enhancing its target gene expression in LNCaP cells. TPD52 promotes LNCaP cell invasion probably via increased matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression and its activity while tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase expression is significantly downregulated. Notably, TPD52 might be involved in cell adhesion, promoting tumor metastasis by inducing loss of E-cadherin, expression of vimentin and vascular cell adhesion molecule, and additionally activation of focal adhesion kinase. Furthermore, TPD52 directly interacts with nuclear factor-κB p65 (RelA) and promotes accumulation of phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB (p65)S536 that is directly linked with nuclear factor-κB transactivation. Indeed, depletion of TPD52 or inhibition of nuclear factor-κB in TPD52-positive cells inhibited secretion of tumor-related cytokines and contributes to the activation of STAT3, nuclear factor-κB, and Akt. Interestingly, in TPD52 overexpressing LNCaP cells, nuclear factor-κB inhibition prevented the autocrine/paracrine activation of STAT3. TPD52 activates STAT3 through ascertaining a cross talk between the nuclear factor-κB and the STAT3 signaling systems. Collectively, these results reveal mechanism by which TPD52 is associated with prostate cancer progression and highlight the approach for therapeutic targeting of TPD52 in prostate cancer.
Diagnostic and prognostic value of scavenger receptor class B type 1 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Xu Guanghua , Lou Ning , Xu Yuchen , Shi Hangchuan , Ruan Hailong , Xiao Wen , Liu Lei , Xiao Haibing , Qiu Bin , Bao Lin , Yuan Changfei , Chen Ke , Yang Hongmei , Zhang Xiaoping
Published: May 2017

Aberrant expression of scavenger receptor class B type 1 has been reported in several human cancers. Nevertheless, the roles of scavenger receptor class B type 1 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma remain unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of scavenger receptor class B type 1 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. The messenger RNA level of scavenger receptor class B type 1 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma tissues was detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, while protein level was determined by western blot and immunohistochemistry. The lipid content between clear cell renal cell carcinoma tissues and normal kidney tissues was differentiated by Oil Red O and hematoxylin–eosin staining. The diagnostic value of scavenger receptor class B type 1 was determined by receiver operating characteristic curve. The prognostic significance of scavenger receptor class B type 1 was assessed by Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox regression analysis. Our results showed that the expression of scavenger receptor class B type 1 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma tissues at both messenger RNA and protein level was much higher than that in normal kidney tissues. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis exhibited a significant value of area under the curve (0.8486, 95% confidence interval: 0.7926–0.9045) with strong sensitivity (0.75, 95% confidence interval: 0.6535–0.8312) and specificity (0.90, 95% confidence interval: 0.8238–0.9510). Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that patients with higher scavenger receptor class B type 1 expression had shorter progression-free survival time. Cox analysis indicated that scavenger receptor class B type 1 was an independent prognostic biomarker. In conclusion, our findings implied that scavenger receptor class B type 1 might serve as a diagnostic and independent prognostic biomarker in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
The clinicopathological significance of forkhead box P1 and forkhead box O3a in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas
Authors: Luo Xin , Yang Zhulin , Liu Xiao , Liu Ziru , Miao Xiongying , Li Daiqiang , Zou Qiong , Yuan Yuan
Published: May 2017

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a highly malignant tumor with poor prognosis, and the biomarkers for the early diagnosis, targeting therapy, and prognosis are still not clinically available. This study investigated the expression of forkhead box P1 and forkhead box O3a proteins in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tumor tissues and pancreatic tissues with and without benign lesions using immunohistochemical staining. Results showed that the positive rates of forkhead box P1 and forkhead box O3a protein expression were significantly lower in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tumors compared to peritumoral tissues, benign pancreatic tissues, and normal pancreatic tissues (p < 0.01). Pancreatic tissues with negative forkhead box P1 and forkhead box O3a protein expression exhibited dysplasia or intraepithelial neoplasia. The positive rates of forkhead box P1 and forkhead box O3a expression were significantly lower in cases with tumor mass >5 cm, lymph node metastasis, invasion to surrounding tissues and organs, and tumor–node–metastasis III + IV stage disease compared to cases with tumor mass ⩽5 cm (p < 0.05), no lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively), no invasion (p = 0.003 and p = 0.004, respectively), and tumor–node–metastasis I or II stage disease (p < 0.05). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients with negative forkhead box P1 and forkhead box O3a expression survived significantly shorter than patients with positive forkhead box P1 and forkhead box O3a expression (p = 0.000). Cox multivariate analysis revealed that negative forkhead box P1 and forkhead box O3a expression was an independent poor prognosis factor in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients. The area under the curve of a receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.642 for forkhead box P1 (95% confidence interval: 0.553–0.730) and 0.655 for forkhead box O3a (95% confidence interval: 0.6568–0.742). Loss of forkhead box P1 and forkhead box O3a protein expression is associated with carcinogenesis, progression, and poor prognosis in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas.
Vanadium(III)-l-cysteine enhances the sensitivity of murine breast adenocarcinoma cells to cyclophosphamide by promoting apoptosis and blocking angiogenesis
Authors: Basu Abhishek , Bhattacharjee Arin , Baral Rathindranath , Biswas Jaydip , Samanta Amalesh , Bhattacharya Sudin
Published: May 2017

Various epidemiological and preclinical studies have already established the cancer chemopreventive potential of vanadium-based compounds. In addition to its preventive efficacy, studies have also indicated the abilities of vanadium-based compounds to induce cell death selectively toward malignant cells. Therefore, the objective of the present investigation is to improve the therapeutic efficacy and toxicity profile of an alkylating agent, cyclophosphamide, by the concurrent use of an organovanadium complex, vanadium(III)-l-cysteine. In this study, vanadium(III)-l-cysteine (1 mg/kg body weight, per os) was administered alone as well as in combination with cyclophosphamide (25 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneal) in concomitant and pretreatment schedule in mice bearing breast adenocarcinoma cells. The results showed that the combination treatment significantly decreased the tumor burden and enhanced survivability of tumor-bearing mice through generation of reactive oxygen species in tumor cells. These ultimately led to DNA damage, depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptosis in tumor cells. Further insight into the molecular pathway disclosed that the combination treatment caused upregulation of p53 and Bax and suppression of Bcl-2 followed by the activation of caspase cascade and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. Administration of vanadium(III)-l-cysteine also resulted in significant attenuation of peritoneal vasculature and sprouting of the blood vessels by decreasing the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor A and matrix metalloproteinase 9 in the ascites fluid of tumor-bearing mice. Furthermore, vanadium(III)-l-cysteine significantly attenuated cyclophosphamide-induced hematopoietic, hepatic, and genetic damages and provided additional survival advantages. Hence, this study suggested that vanadium(III)-l-cysteine may offer potential therapeutic benefit in combination with cyclophosphamide by augmenting anticancer efficacy and diminishing toxicity to the host.
Development of a rapid, simple, and specific real-time PCR assay for detection of pseudorabies viral DNA in domestic swine herds
Authors: Sayler Katherine A. , Bigelow Troy , Koster Leo G. , Swenson Sabrina , Bounds Courtney , Hernández Felipe , Wisely Samantha M.
Published: May 2017

Despite successful eradication of pseudorabies virus (PRV) from the commercial pig industry in the United States in 2004, large populations of feral swine in certain regions act as wildlife reservoirs for the virus. Given the threat of reintroduction of the virus into domestic herds, a rapid, reliable, easily implemented assay is needed for detection of PRV. Although a real-time PCR (rtPCR) assay exists, improvements in rtPCR technology and a greater understanding of the diversity of PRV strains worldwide require an assay that would be easier to implement, more cost effective, and more specific. We developed a single-tube, rapid rtPCR that is capable of detecting 10 copies of PRV glycoprotein B ( gB) DNA per 20-µL total volume reaction. The assay did not produce a false-positive in samples known to be negative for the virus. The assay was negative for genetically similar herpesviruses and other porcine viruses. Our assay is a highly specific and sensitive assay that is also highly repeatable and reproducible. The assay should be a useful tool for early detection of PRV in pigs in the case of a suspected introduction or outbreak situation.
Nodular typhlocolitis, heterakiasis, and mesenchymal neoplasia in a ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) with immunohistochemical characterization of visceral metastases
Authors: Himmel Lauren , Cianciolo Rachel
Published: May 2017

A 9-y-old, male ring-necked pheasant ( Phasianus colchicus) was autopsied following euthanasia because of acute distress, recumbency, and dyspnea. The bird had experienced a protracted period of neuromuscular disease localized to the left sciatic nerve. Gross and histologic examination of the large intestine revealed intramural nodules predominantly comprised of atypical, whorling spindle cells with small cores of granulomatous inflammation centered on cross-sections of immature adult nematodes. The body structures of these metazoan organisms and clinical disease manifestation are consistent with Heterakis isolonche infection. Nodular spindle cell proliferations without granulomatous inflammation or intralesional nematodes were also found throughout the liver and lungs, suggesting metastasis from the intestine. Immunohistochemical staining of the hepatic and pulmonary tumor tissue with vimentin and S100 suggests a neurofibroblastic origin.
Acute leukemia in six horses (1990–2012)
Authors: Barrell Emily A. , Asakawa Midori Goto , Felippe M. Julia B. , Divers Thomas J. , Stokol Tracy
Published: May 2017

Acute leukemia is rare in horses. Herein we describe historical, clinicopathologic, and postmortem findings in 6 horses with acute leukemia. Medical records of horses with >20% bone marrow blasts and cytochemical or immunophenotyping results were reviewed. Affected horses were 2–8 y of age and of different breeds and sex. Horses were presented acutely with nonspecific signs (e.g., fever, lethargy). Characteristic hemogram findings were bi- or pancytopenia with low blast numbers. Histologic examination revealed extramedullary infiltrates, especially in lymph nodes, spleen, kidney, liver, and lungs. Leukemias were classified as B-cell ( n = 3) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) ( n = 3). Tumors in 4 cases expressed multiple lineage markers, which complicated classification. Acute leukemia should be suspected in horses with moderate-to-severe bi- or pancytopenia. Blood smears should be reviewed for neoplastic cells, and bone marrow examination is required for diagnosis. Leukemia classification is best achieved using combined morphologic, cytochemical, and immunophenotyping results.
Pigmented tumors in fallow deer (Dama dama): 11 cases
Authors: Hughes Kelly L. , Bildfell Rob J. , Alcantar Benjamin
Published: May 2017

Pigmented tumors have been reported infrequently in captive deer. We document herein the clinical progression and gross and histopathologic features of pigmented tumors diagnosed as melanoma and pigmented schwannoma in 11 white fallow deer ( Dama dama). Affected animals were part of a captive herd maintained at a drive-through park in southern Oregon and were 5–17 y of age during the study period (2004–2013). Primary lesion locations included periocular, perineal, and neck tissues, with cutaneous and internal metastases later identified at autopsy in some cases of malignant melanoma. Diagnoses included 7 malignant melanomas, 2 benign melanomas, and 2 pigmented schwannomas. Diagnosis of melanoma was based on typical histomorphologic features, and final diagnosis of pigmented schwannomas was based on histomorphologic features with negative staining for melan A and positive staining for laminin. Metastasis was found in 3 of 7 cases diagnosed as malignant melanoma; 2 had extensive pulmonary involvement and resulted in euthanasia of the animal; 1 animal developed eyelid and ear lesions that also resulted in euthanasia.
Detwinning of preloaded martensite in shape memory alloys and its effect on the cyclic behavior of NiTi cylindrical actuators
Authors: Owusu-Danquah Josiah S , Saleeb Atef F
Published: May 2017

A multi-mechanism material model is used to investigate the effect of the degree of martensitic detwinning/reorientation occurring at the end of mechanical preloading, on the performance of shape memory tubular and solid cylindrical actuators. A high-temperature ternary Ni50.3Ti29.7Hf20 alloy, showing almost complete transformation behavior, and an ordinary binary Ni49.9Ti50.1 material, depicting incomplete martensitic transformation, are used. The results indicated a clear correlation between the shape memory cyclic actuation behavior and the martensitic deformation character of the selected alloy. More specifically, while the actuation strokes produced by the Ni50.3Ti29.7Hf20 systems consistently followed a direct pattern for the different geometries and torque magnitudes, the results for the Ni49.9Ti50.1 cases indicated a behavior that is counterintuitive to what may be expected under pure mechanical loading conditions. In particular, when subjected to the same, high preload torques, Ni49.9Ti50.1 solid actuator under lesser stresses generated higher twist strokes than a tubular counterpart experiencing higher stresses.
Dynamic modeling with feedforward/feedback control design for a three degree of freedom piezoelectric nanopositioning platform
Authors: Orszulik Ryan R , Duvigneau Fabian , Gabbert Ulrich
Published: May 2017

This article presents the dynamic modeling of a three degree of freedom nanopositioning platform driven by three parallel piezoelectric actuators. The dynamics of the platform are formulated through the equations of rigid body motion, and then the stiffness of the actuators is included to form the full equations of motion. From a control perspective, the location of the sensors is important as they affect the output equation of the system. Hence, three different cases are analyzed with respect to their input–output characteristics in terms of their Bode plots. Finally, the H∞ loop shaping feedforward/feedback control design is shown and demonstrated via simulation for tracking a step signal.
Squeeze-strengthening of magnetorheological fluids (part 1): Effect of geometry and fluid composition
Authors: Lucking Bigué Jean-Philippe , Charron François , Plante Jean-Sébastien
Published: May 2017

Recent research has shown that magnetorheological fluid can undergo squeeze-strengthening when flow conditions promote filtration. While a Péclet number has been used to predict filtration in non-magnetic two-phase fluids submitted to slow compression, the approach has yet to be adapted to magnetorheological fluid behavior in order to predict the conditions leading to squeeze-strengthening behavior of magnetorheological fluid. In this article, a Péclet number is derived and adapted to the Bingham rheological model. This Péclet number is then compared to the experimental occurrence of squeeze-strengthening behavior obtained from several squeeze geometries and magnetorheological fluid compositions submitted to pure-squeeze conditions. Results show that the Péclet number well predicts the occurrence of squeeze-strengthening behavior in high-concentration magnetorheological fluid made from various particle sizes and using various squeeze geometries. Moreover, it is shown that squeeze-strengthening occurrence is increased when using annulus geometries or by increasing average particle radius. While lowering concentration increases filtration, tested conditions only led to squeeze-strengthening behavior after concentration had increased close to packing limit. Altogether, results suggest that the Péclet number derived in this study can be used to predict the occurrence of squeeze-strengthening for various magnetorheological fluids and squeeze geometries using the well-known rheological properties of magnetorheological fluids.
Specific features of non-Newtonian magnetorheological fluid flow in the workpiece–instrument gap of a polishing facility
Authors: Korobko Evguenia V , Mokeev Albert A , Kryt Anastasiya V , Dragašius Egidijus , Mokeev Andrei A.
Published: May 2017

The model of magnetorheological polishing fluid flow has been developed in the form of a jet formed in the gradient magnetic field in the gap between the workpiece and the instrument of a polishing facility. The model allows one to determine the shape of the transverse and longitudinal sections of the jet and the pressure acting on the workpiece surface being polished, while accounting for the known configuration of the gap and magnetic field strength distribution. The appearance of the nose surf and the stern concurrent wave producing an additional pressure drop in the workpiece–instrument gap has been established. The solution of the Navier–Stokes equation in the approximation of lubrication for magnetorheological polishing fluid with boundary conditions accounting for the action of inertial forces has shown that in the inlet section of the gap the pressure drop is positive, and the velocity profile is almost flat near the workpiece, whereas closer to the outlet from the gap, the pressure falls below the atmospheric pressure. The pressure is maximum at the forward edge of the workpiece, as in the case of the well-known phenomenon of hydroplaning.
Evaluating Seeking Safety for Women in Prison: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tripodi Stephen J. , Mennicke Annelise M. , McCarter Susan A. , Ropes Katie
Published: May 2017

Objective:

This study assessed the effectiveness of Seeking Safety on depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with incarcerated women.

Method:

A randomized controlled trial ( N = 40) was used to analyze Seeking Safety’s effectiveness compared to a treatment-as-usual control group. Analyses of covariance were used to assess differences at posttest ( n = 33) and 4-month follow-up ( n = 29) while repeated measures analysis of variance was used to assess the influence of the intervention on changes over time ( n = 29). The researchers also analyzed individual participants’ scores from pretest to 4-month follow-up ( n = 29).

Results:

Both groups decreased their scores on the Center for Epidemiology Studies–Depression Scale and the PTSD Checklist, although improvement was greater for treatment group participants except for depression at 4-month follow-up.

Conclusion:

Results support the continued use of Seeking Safety as a helpful corrections-based intervention for women, but more research with larger sample sizes is needed to consider it an effective intervention.
The Impact of Organizational Culture Differences, Synergy Potential, and Autonomy Granted to the Acquired High-Tech Firms on the M&A Performance
Authors: Tarba Shlomo Y. , Ahammad Mohammad F. , Junni Paulina , Stokes Peter , Morag Omri
Published: May 2017

The aim of the article is to examine the factors influencing the overall acquisition performance of the companies acquiring the high-tech firms. The data were gathered during 2007-2009 via a cross-sectional survey using a questionnaire on a sample of Israeli high-tech firms that were engaged in acquisitions. Given its global leading role in the high-tech sector, Israel constitutes an important site for the study of mergers in this industrial domain. The findings indicate that synergy potential (similarities and complementarities) between high-tech merging firms, effectiveness of post-acquisition integration, and organizational cultural differences positively influence the overall acquisition performance merging high-tech firms. Moreover, our findings suggest that organizational cultural differences moderate the relationship between effectiveness of post-acquisition integration and overall acquisition performance as such that positive effect of effectiveness of post-acquisition integration is higher when organizational differences are higher. Our findings indicate that organizational cultural differences also positively moderate the relationship between autonomy granted and the overall acquisition performance. An important contribution of the present article is the development of a conceptual framework incorporating the direct and moderating effect of organizational cultural differences and autonomy granted on the overall performance of acquisition.
The Role of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ in Mediating Cardioprotection Against Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Zhong Chong-Bin , Chen Xi , Zhou Xu-Yue , Wang Xian-Bao
Published: May 2017

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a serious cardiovascular disease resulting in high rates of morbidity and mortality. Although advances have been made in restoring myocardial perfusion in ischemic areas, decreases in cardiomyocyte death and infarct size are still limited, attributing to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. It is necessary to develop therapies to restrict myocardial I/R injury and protect cardiomyocytes against further damage after MI. Many studies have suggested that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), a ligand-inducible nuclear receptor that predominantly regulates glucose and lipid metabolism, is a promising therapeutic target for ameliorating myocardial I/R injury. Thus, this review focuses on the role of PPARγ in cardioprotection during myocardial I/R. The cardioprotective effects of PPARγ, including attenuating oxidative stress, inhibiting inflammatory responses, improving glucose and lipid metabolism, and antagonizing apoptosis, are described. Additionally, the underlying mechanisms of cardioprotective effects of PPARγ, such as regulating the expression of target genes, influencing other transcription factors, and modulating kinase signaling pathways, are further discussed.
Manganese-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Studies of Rat Behavior: Transient Motor Deficit in Skilled Reaching, Rears, and Activity in Rats After a Single Dose of MnCl2
Authors: Alaverdashvili Mariam , Lapointe Valerie , Whishaw Ian Q , Cross Albert R
Published: May 2017

Manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI) has been suggested to be a useful tool to visualize and map behavior-relevant neural populations at large scale in freely behaving rodents. A primary concern in MEMRI applications is Mn2+ toxicity. Although a few studies have specifically examined toxicity on gross motor behavior, Mn2+ toxicity on skilled motor behavior was not explored. Thus, the objective of this study was to combine manganese as a functional contrast agent with comprehensive behavior evaluation. We evaluated Mn2+ effect on skilled reach-to-eat action, locomotion, and balance using a single pellet reaching task, activity cage, and cylinder test, respectively. The tests used are sensitive to the pathophysiology of many neurological and neurodegenerative disorders of the motor system. The behavioral testing was done in combination with a moderate dose of manganese. Behavior was studied before and after a single, intravenous infusion of MnCl2 (48 mg/kg). The rats were imaged at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days following infusion. The results show that MnCl2 infusion resulted in detectable abnormalities in skilled reaching, locomotion, and balance that recovered within 3 days compared with the infusion of saline. Because some tests and behavioral measures could not detect motor abnormalities of skilled movements, comprehensive evaluation of motor behavior is critical in assessing the effects of MnCl2. The relaxation mapping results suggest that the transport of Mn2+ into the brain is through the choroid plexus-cerebrospinal fluid system with the primary entry point and highest relaxation rates found in the pituitary gland. Relaxation rates in the pituitary gland correlated with measures of motor skill, suggesting that altered motor ability is related to the level of Mn circulating in the brain. Thus, combined MEMRI and behavioral studies that both achieve adequate image enhancement and are also free of motor skills deficits are difficult to achieve using a single systemic dose of MnCl2.
Do non-native languages have an effect on word order processing in first language Turkish?
Authors: Cedden Gülay , Aydın Özgür
Published: May 2017

Aims and Objectives/Purpose/Research Questions:

Existing studies on sentence processing in bi-/multilinguals are typically centred on the first language (L1) influence on second language sentence processing. However, there is almost no evidence of influence in the other direction. The aim of this study is to find out whether being mono-, bi-, tri- or plurilingual has an effect on reading times (RTs) in the native language. To this end, Turkish native speakers’ RTs are measured when processing Turkish canonical subject–object–verb sentences, subject–verb–object (SVO) sentences where constituents move to post-verbal positions and SVO– ki sentences where post-verbal constituents are base generated.

Design/Methodology/Approach:

A non-cumulative self-paced reading task is used in order to measure the RTs of a sentence. The area of interest contains (i) the critical verb, (ii) the verb of the complement clause and (iii) the argument or adjunct of the complement clause (32 sentences + 12 filler sentences). All elements are matched according to their frequency of occurrence and their syllable structure.

Data and Analysis:

Analyses of variance are performed on RTs of the area of interest.

Findings/Conclusions:

One of the main findings in this study is that all three sentence types are processed significantly slower by the monolingual group than by the bi- and multilingual groups. We infer that non-native languages have a positive effect on processing the word order in the L1, which might lead to a faster processing in the three sentence types. The findings are discussed in terms of working memory and the “gap-driven strategy”.

Originality and Significance/Implications:

The results are interpreted from psycholinguistic and syntactic points of view.
e-Learning for the elderly on drug utilization: A pilot study
Authors: Throfast Victoria , Hellström Lina , Hovstadius Bo , Petersson Göran , Ericson Lisa
Published: May 2017

This study explores the attitudes of elderly people to the use of electronic educational technology (e-learning) on drug utilization, with particular emphasis on the layout, usability, content, and level of knowledge in the tool. e-Learning modules were evaluated by a group of elderly people (aged ⩾65 years, n = 16) via a questionnaire comprising closed and open-ended questions. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses of the responses showed mostly positive reviews. The results indicate that the e-learning modules are a suitable tool for distributing information and education and that they can be managed by elderly individuals who are familiar with computers, allowing them to learn more about medication use.
Pogge, poverty, and war
Authors: Lippert-Rasmussen Kasper
Published: May 2017

According to Thomas Pogge, rich people do not simply violate a positive duty of assistance to help the global poor; rather, they violate a negative duty not to harm them. They do so by imposing an unjust global economic structure on poor people. Assuming that these claims are correct, it follows that, ceteris paribus, wars waged by the poor against the rich to resist this imposition are morally equivalent to wars waged in self-defense against military aggression. Hence, if self-defense against military aggression is just, then, ceteris paribus, so are defensive wars against the imposition of economic injustice. While I do not think Pogge’s analysis of the causes of global poverty is correct, I defend these inferences against various challenges.
New Endovascular Technique to Prevent Distal Embolism for Iliofemoral Occlusive Disease: Reverse Flow Aspiration With Proximal Sheath Blockage
Authors: Soga Yoshimitsu , Tomoi Yusuke , Hiramori Seiichi , Murata Naotaka , Kobayashi Yohei , Ichihashi Kei , Aodo Kenji
Published: May 2017

Purpose: To report the safety and efficacy of a new technique to prevent distal embolism during treatment of iliofemoral occlusions: reverse flow aspiration with proximal sheath blockage (ReFLAP). Method: Between October 2013 and December 2014, 90 patients (mean age 74 years; 66 men) were prospectively enrolled in a study to evaluate the ReFLAP technique during treatment of 110 occlusions in the iliac artery (72, 65%) or superficial femoral artery (SFA; 38, 35%). The mean occlusion lengths of iliac and SFA lesions were 79 and 179 mm, respectively. The concept of ReFLAP is to aspirate debris after balloon dilation using reverse flow through collaterals without antegrade flow. The main endpoints were the incidence of distal embolization, amputation, complications, and the ReFLAP capture rate, which was visually estimated during aspiration using 4 prespecified grades (0, none; 1, foamy debris; 2, small particles; 3, massive particles). Results: ReFLAP was successful in 105 (95.4%) of the 110 lesions attempted; the 5 failures were due to severe vessel tortuosity or calcification. The incidences of distal embolization and amputation were both 0. Minor complications unrelated to ReFLAP were observed in 8 patients. The ReFLAP procedure aspirated debris in 57 (54%) of the 105 lesions. Aspirated material, including marked clots (grades 2 and 3), was confirmed in 40 (38%) of the lesions. The distribution of aspiration grades was significantly different between iliac and SFA lesions (p=0.02). Conclusion: Our results suggest that the ReFLAP endovascular technique to prevent distal embolization during iliofemoral occlusive disease treatment is simple, safe, and effective.
Diagnosis and prognosis of neo-liberal globalization: From the Tea Party movement’s perspective
Authors: Cao Hao
Published: May 2017

Alter-globalization movement (AGM) studies have been thus far focused almost exclusively on the left movements’ struggles against neo-liberal globalization. This article uses the Tea Party movement to demonstrate how a right-wing movement reacts to neo-liberal globalization. It discusses the grass-roots Tea Partiers’ (TPers) diagnoses and prognoses of neo-liberal globalization’s impacts in three realms: the US economy, popular control of the political processes and the preservation of the national community. My findings show that while the TPers largely agree with the left AGMs in locating the problems and causes of neo-liberal globalization, their solutions diverge sharply from that of the latter and point to a US-dominated neo-liberal global order. By thematizing conservative movements’ relation to AGM, this article indicates the possible coalitions and cleavages between the right-wing movements and left-leaning AGMs, which suggest that AGMs should not be solely defined negatively vis-à-vis neo-liberal globalization.
Guidance for Return to Learn After a Concussion
Authors: McNeal Lori , Selekmen Janice
Published: May 2017

Returning to school following a diagnosed concussion presents challenges to the school nurse, especially when the student’s health care provider does not provide guidance. While the student may appear “normal,” their brain has been injured and needs time to heal. This article presents specific suggestions that may be helpful as the school nurse promotes schoolwide policy changes and develops an individualized plan for the student’s “return to learn.” Successful return to the role of student with a significant decrease in symptoms must precede any plans for a return to sports activity.
Educator Preparedness for Mental Health in Adolescents: Opportunities for School Nurse Leadership
Authors: Smith-Fromm Tiffany , Evans-Agnew Robin A.
Published: May 2017

One in five adolescents will experience a mental health event in their lifetime. If left untreated, depression, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity, and anorexia/bulimia can elevate the risk of dropping out of high school. As a key principle of 21st-century nursing practice, school nurses must provide leadership in educating school staff in identifying and responding to mental health issues in high school settings. This article describes the results of an online survey assessing secondary educators’ knowledge of and experience with mental health issues in one school district. Resources are suggested to assist nurses in educating school staff, providing them with ways to decrease stigma in the classroom, and partnering with the community to improve services.
T2* Mapping of the Hip in Asymptomatic Volunteers with Normal Cartilage Morphology: An Analysis of Regional and Age-Dependent Distribution
Authors: Hesper Tobias , Schleich Christoph , Buchwald Alexander , Hosalkar Harish S. , Antoch Gerald , Krauspe Rüdiger , Zilkens Christoph , Bittersohl Bernd
Published: May 2017

Objective

To assess age-dependent and regional differences in T2* relaxation measurements in hip joint cartilage of asymptomatic volunteers at 3 T.

Design

Three age cohorts (cohort 1: age 20-30 years, 15 individuals; cohort 2: age 30-40 years, 17 individuals; cohort 3: age 40-50 years, 15 individuals) were enrolled. T2* values were obtained in the central and peripheral cartilage of the acetabulum and the femoral head in 7 regions (anterior to superior and posterior).

Results

T2* did not differ among age cohorts in acetabular cartilage (cohort 1: 24.65 ± 6.56 ms, cohort 2: 24.70 ± 4.83 ms, cohort 3: 25.81 ± 5.10 ms, P = 0.10) and femoral head cartilage (cohort 1: 27.08 ± 8.24 ms, cohort 2: 25.90 ± 7.82 ms, cohort 3: 26.50 ± 5.61 ms, P = 0.34). Analysis of the regional T2* distribution pattern indicates increased T2* values in the anterior, anterior-superior, superior-anterior, and the posterior-superior aspects of acetabular and femoral head cartilage. For acetabular cartilage, higher values were observed in the central region (25.90 ± 4.80 ms vs. 24.21 ± 4.05 ms, P < 0.0001) whereas femoral head cartilage did not reveal such differences (26.62 ± 5.74 ms vs. 26.37 ± 5.89 ms, P = 0.44).

Conclusions

The T2* analysis of presumably healthy hip joint cartilage does not seem to be stratified according to age in this population. Regional T2* variation throughout hip joint cartilage is apparent in this modality.
A Unique Intracardiac Shunt: Identifying Complex Anatomy in Reoperative Adult Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Martin Billie-Jean , Rebeyka Ivan M. , Smallhorn Jeffrey F. , Taylor Dylan A. , Muhll Isabelle F. Vonder
Published: May 2017

Adult patients with repaired congenital heart disease are presenting with previously unseen types of residual lesions and consequences of prior repair. Patients with d-transposition of the great arteries repaired with atrial switch operations are returning with dysrhythmias and atrioventricular valve disease requiring intervention. We present the challenging case of a young adult with a residual shunt identified on preoperative three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography, the precise anatomy of which was only characterized intraoperatively.
Innovative Work Behaviour: Propositions on Influence from Within and Without an Individual in the Organisational Context
Authors: Jose Shelly , Mampilly Sebastian R.
Published: May 2017

Innovation in general and innovative work behaviour (IWB) in particular have been identified as key to sustained competitive advantage and core aspects of management. This article takes an ecological psychology point of view, considering behaviour as an outcome of individual factors, (organisational) context and the interaction of the two, and also self-efficacy as an individual factor leading to IWB, to put forth a few propositions.
Editorial: HIV and lipopolysaccharide: double trouble in the liver
Authors: Crane Megan , Lewin Sharon R
Published: May 2017

Discussion on the role of HIV infection and immune activation in liver resident monocytes.
Elevated interferon-γ–induced protein 10 and its receptor CXCR3 impair NK cell function during HIV infection
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Wu Tong , Ma Meichen , Zhang Zining , Fu Yajing , Liu Jing , Xu Junjie , Ding Haibo , Han Xiaoxu , Chu Zhenxing , Wu Yuntao , Shang Hong , Jiang Yongjun
Published: May 2017

As the first line of defense in the human immune system, NK cells play essential roles in prevention of tumorigenesis and viral infection. It is known that NK cells have impaired function in HIV infection; however, it remains unclear why this occurs. IP-10 is a chemokine and inflammatory factor that is associated with such diseases as tuberculosis, hepatitis B virus, and pancreatic cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate IP-10 levels and CXCR3 expression in NK cells that were affected by HIV and to elucidate whether NK cell function could be affected by IP-10. Our results demonstrate that IP-10 levels and expression of CXCR3 in NK cells was significantly higher in HIV-infected participants compared with noninfected participants. Moreover, the ability of NK cells to secrete IFN-γ and, specifically, to lyse K562, was suppressed with exposure to high levels of IP-10. This study also showed that CXCR3+ NK cell function decreased dramatically when treated with IP-10, which indicates that CXCR3+ NK cells were the main targets of IP-10. Furthermore, IP-10 or CXCR3 blocking could restore NK cell function. These data suggest that elevated IP-10 levels may impair NK cell function during HIV infection and that IP-10/CXCR3 blocking may be a novel therapeutic strategy in the control and functional cure of HIV.
A Case Report of Hypoglycemia and Hypogammaglobulinemia: DAVID Syndrome in a Patient With a Novel NFKB2 Mutation
Authors: Lal Rayhan A. , Bachrach Laura K. , Hoffman Andrew R. , Inlora Jingga , Rego Shannon , Snyder Michael P. , Lewis David B.
Published: May 2017

Context:

Deficient anterior pituitary with variable immune deficiency (DAVID) syndrome is a rare disorder in which children present with symptomatic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency preceded by hypogammaglobulinemia from B-cell dysfunction with recurrent infections, called common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). Subsequent whole exome sequencing studies have revealed germline heterozygous C-terminal mutations of NFKB2 as a cause of DAVID syndrome or of CVID without clinical hypopituitarism. However, to the best of our knowledge there have been no cases in which the endocrinopathy has presented in the absence of a prior clinical history of CVID.

Case Description:

A previously healthy 7-year-old boy with no history of clinical immunodeficiency presented with profound hypoglycemia and seizures. He was found to have secondary adrenal insufficiency and was started on glucocorticoid replacement. An evaluation for autoimmune disease, including for antipituitary antibodies, was negative. Evaluation unexpectedly revealed hypogammaglobulinemia [decreased immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, and IgA]. He had moderately reduced serotype-specific IgG responses after pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. Subsequently, he was found to have growth hormone deficiency. Six years after initial presentation, whole exome sequencing revealed a de novo heterozygous NFKB2 missense mutation c.2596A>C (p.Ser866Arg) in the C-terminal region predicted to abrogate the processing of the p100 NFKB2 protein to its active p52 form.

Conclusions:

Isolated early-onset ACTH deficiency is rare, and C-terminal region NFKB2 mutations should be considered as an etiology even in the absence of a clinical history of CVID. Early immunologic evaluation is indicated in the diagnosis and management of isolated ACTH deficiency.