bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transarterial Radioembolization (TARE) Agents beyond 90Y-Microspheres
Authors: Bouvry C. , Palard X. , Edeline J. , Ardisson V. , Loyer P. , Garin E. , Lepareur N.
Published: December 2018

Liver malignancies, either primary tumours (mainly hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma) or secondary hepatic metastases, are a major cause of death, with an increasing incidence. Among them, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents with a dark prognosis because of underlying liver diseases and an often late diagnosis. A curative surgical treatment can therefore only be proposed in 20 to 30% of the patients. However, new treatment options for intermediate to advanced stages, such as internal radionuclide therapy, seem particularly attractive. Transarterial radioembolization (TARE), which consists in the use of intra-arterial injection of a radiolabelled embolising agent, has led to very promising results. TARE with 90Y-loaded microspheres is now becoming an established procedure to treat liver tumours, with two commercially available products (namely, SIR-Sphere® and TheraSphere®). However, this technology remains expensive and is thus not available everywhere. The aim of this review is to describe TARE alternative technologies currently developed and investigated in clinical trials, with special emphasis on HCC.
The Efficacy and Safety of Norepinephrine and Its Feasibility as a Replacement for Phenylephrine to Manage Maternal Hypotension during Elective Cesarean Delivery under Spinal Anesthesia
Authors: Wang Xian , Shen Xiaofeng , Liu Shijiang , Yang Jianjun , Xu Shiqin
Published: December 2018

Maternal hypotension commonly occurs during spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery, with a decrease of systemic vascular resistance recognized as a significant contributor. Accordingly, counteracting this effect with a vasopressor that constricts arterial vessels is appropriate, and the pure α-adrenergic receptor agonist phenylephrine is the current gold standard for treatment. However, phenylephrine is associated with dose-dependent reflex bradycardia and decreased cardiac output, which can endanger the mother and fetus in certain circumstances. In recent years, the older, traditional vasopressor norepinephrine has attracted increasing attention owing to its mild β-adrenergic effects in addition to its α-adrenergic effects. We search available literature for papers directly related to norepinephrine application in spinal anesthesia for elective cesarean delivery. Nine reports were found for norepinephrine use either alone or compared to phenylephrine. Results show that norepinephrine efficacy in rescuing maternal hypotension is similar to that of phenylephrine without obvious maternal or neonatal adverse outcomes, and with a lower incidence of bradycardia and greater cardiac output. In addition, either computer-controlled closed loop feedback infusion or manually-controlled variable-rate infusion of norepinephrine provides more precise blood pressure management than equipotent phenylephrine infusion or norepinephrine bolus. Thus, based on the limited available literature, norepinephrine appears to be a promising alternative to phenylephrine; however, before routine application begins, more favorable high-quality studies are warranted.
Versatile Framework for Medical Image Processing and Analysis with Application to Automatic Bone Age Assessment
Authors: Zhao Chen , Han Jungang , Jia Yang , Fan Lianghui , Gou Fan
Published: December 2018

Deep learning technique has made a tremendous impact on medical image processing and analysis. Typically, the procedure of medical image processing and analysis via deep learning technique includes image segmentation, image enhancement, and classification or regression. A challenge for supervised deep learning frequently mentioned is the lack of annotated training data. In this paper, we aim to address the problems of training transferred deep neural networks with limited amount of annotated data. We proposed a versatile framework for medical image processing and analysis via deep active learning technique. The framework includes (1) applying deep active learning approach to segment specific regions of interest (RoIs) from raw medical image by using annotated data as few as possible; (2) generative adversarial Network is employed to enhance contrast, sharpness, and brightness of segmented RoIs; (3) Paced Transfer Learning (PTL) strategy which means fine-tuning layers in deep neural networks from top to bottom step by step to perform medical image classification or regression tasks. In addition, in order to understand the necessity of deep-learning-based medical image processing tasks and provide clues for clinical usage, class active map (CAM) is employed in our framework to visualize the feature maps. To illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework, we apply our framework to the bone age assessment (BAA) task using RSNA dataset and achieve the state-of-the-art performance. Experimental results indicate that the proposed framework can be effectively applied to medical image analysis task.
Optimal Control of Overtaking Maneuver for Intelligent Vehicles
Authors: Németh Balázs , Gáspár Péter , Hegedűs Tamás
Published: December 2018

In the paper a hierarchical overtaking strategy, which is a driver assistance function or rather an autonomous function in electric/autonomous vehicles, is proposed. The solution uses speed and acceleration signals from the surrounding vehicles. These signals are processed with clustering methods in order to achieve probability density functions and predict their expected motion. The strategy includes several additional layers, such as decision making concerning the maneuver, the computation of the required trajectory, and the tracking control of the vehicle. Trajectory generation is formed as an optimization task, which is able to include the prediction model of the surrounding vehicles in the constraints. A robust Linear Parameter Varying (LPV) control design method is proposed to guarantee the tracking of the computed reference. The proposed strategy is able to guarantee the safe motion of the vehicles and handle the interactions with the other traffic participants.
Adherence to Iron-Folate Supplementation and Associated Factors among Pastoralist’s Pregnant Women in Burji Districts, Segen Area People’s Zone, Southern Ethiopia: Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Boti Negussie , Bekele Tezera , Godana Wanzahun , Getahun Eskeziyaw , Gebremeskel Feleke , Tsegaye Behailu , Oumer Bilcha
Published: December 2018

Background. Iron deficiency anemia among pregnant women is one of the most common public health problems in developing country particularly in Ethiopia. Iron/folic acid supplementation with optimal adherence is the main cost-effective strategy for prevention and control of iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women. However, level of adherence to iron/folic acid supplementation and its associated factors were not well identified in study area. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the level of adherence to iron/folic acid supplementation and associated factors among pregnant women in Burji Districts, southern Ethiopia. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 317 pregnant women in Burji Districts from March to April 2017 using interviewer administered questionnaires. Data were entered into Epi Info 3.5.1 and exported to SPSS version 20.0 for analysis. Binary and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with iron/folic acid supplementation. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and p-value <0.05 were used to declare statistical significance. Results. Among women participating in the study, 163(51.4%) were adherent to iron/folate acid supplementation. Factors significantly associated with adherence to iron and folic acid supplementation were maternal educational status (AOR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.13-4.97), early registration for ANC (AOR: 2.49, 95% CI: 1.45 – 4.27), history of anemia during current pregnancy (AOR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.09-3.72), and knowledge about iron and folic acid supplementation (AOR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.02-3.76). Forgetfulness and fear of side effects were among the leading reasons of pregnant women for nonadherence to iron and folic acid supplementation. Conclusions. This study revealed that adherence to iron /folic acid supplementation was found to be 51.4%. Maternal educational status, early registration for ANC, history of anemia during current pregnancy, and knowledge about iron and folic acid supplementation were significant factors associated with adherence to iron/folic acid supplementation among pastoralist’s pregnant women. Therefore, anemia prevention strategy should include strengthening giving awareness, counseling, strengthening community health education, and participation in health programs which are necessary to improve the uptake of iron/folic acid supplements.
Decreased Endometrial IL-10 Impairs Endometrial Receptivity by Downregulating HOXA10 Expression in Women with Adenomyosis
Authors: Wang Junxia , Huang Chenyang , Jiang Ruiwei , Du Yali , Zhou Jianjun , Jiang Yue , Yan Qiang , Xing Jun , Hou Xiaoni , Zhou Jidong , Sun Haixiang , Yan Guijun
Published: December 2018

Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of IL-10 in regulating the receptivity marker HOXA10 in the endometrium of women with adenomyosis.Methods. The expression levels of IL-10, HOXA-10, STAT3, and p-STAT3 in the endometrium of women with adenomyosis and controls were examined by means of western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The expression of the HOXA10 protein in Ishikawa cells treated with rIL-10 was examined by western blotting. The attachment rate of BeWo cell spheroids to Ishikawa cells treated with rIL-10 was expressed as a percentage of the total number of spheroids.Results. The expression levels of HOXA10 and IL-10 in the adenomyosis group were significantly lower than those in the control group, and there was a positive correlation between HOXA10 and IL-10 protein levels in all the women examined. rIL-10 increased HOXA10 expression in a concentration- and time-dependent manner by inducing the phosphorylation of STAT3 in Ishikawa cells. Treatment with rIL-10 promoted the attachment of BeWo spheroids to Ishikawa cells, which was reversed by the inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation. The expression of p-STAT3 in the adenomyosis group was significantly lower than that in the control group, and there was a positive correlation between IL-10 and p-STAT3 protein levels in all the women examined.Conclusions. Both IL-10 and HOXA10 levels in the endometrium are significantly reduced in women with adenomyosis compared with those in control women. The phosphorylation of STAT3 has been proven to be a critical mediator between IL-10 and HOXA10, which may play critical roles in embryo implantation.
The Role of fMRI in the Assessment of Neuroplasticity in MS: A Systematic Review
Authors: Laura De Giglio , Silvia Tommasin , Nikolaos Petsas , Patrizia Pantano
Published: December 2018

Neuroplasticity, which is the ability of the brain to adapt to internal and external environmental changes, physiologically occurs during growth and in response to damage. The brain’s response to damage is of particular interest in multiple sclerosis, a chronic disease characterized by inflammatory and neurodegenerative damage to the central nervous system. Functional MRI (fMRI) is a tool that allows functional changes related to the disease and to its evolution to be studied in vivo. Several studies have shown that abnormal brain recruitment during the execution of a task starts in the early phases of multiple sclerosis. The increased functional activation during a specific task observed has been interpreted mainly as a mechanism of adaptive plasticity designed to contrast the increase in tissue damage. More recent fMRI studies, which have focused on the activity of brain regions at rest, have yielded nonunivocal results, suggesting that changes in functional brain connections represent mechanisms of either adaptive or maladaptive plasticity. The few longitudinal studies available to date on disease evolution have also yielded discrepant results that are likely to depend on the clinical features considered and the length of the follow-up. Lastly, fMRI has been used in interventional studies to investigate plastic changes induced by pharmacological therapy or rehabilitation, though whether such changes represent a surrogate of neuroplasticity remains unclear. The aim of this paper is to systematically review the existing literature in order to provide an overall description of both the neuroplastic process itself and the evolution in the use of fMRI techniques as a means of assessing neuroplasticity. The quantitative and qualitative approach adopted here ensures an objective analysis of published, peer-reviewed research and yields an overview of up-to-date knowledge.
The Mutant Thyroid Hormone Receptor Beta R320P Causes Syndrome of Resistance to Thyroid Hormone
Authors: Kimura Tetsuya , Hayashi Yoshitaka , Tsukamoto Yuka , Okamoto Yasuyuki
Published: December 2018

A 31-year-old Japanese male patient with a history of atrial fibrillation showed elevated serum levels of free thyroxine and triiodothyronine and a normal level of thyrotropin. The same abnormal hormone pattern was also found in his son. These data indicated that the index patient and the son have thyroid hormone resistance syndrome. Exon sequencing using DNA from these two patients revealed that both patients harbored a heterozygous mutation in the THRB gene: G1244C in exon 9, which results in R320P substitution. Therefore, thyroid hormone resistance syndrome caused by THRB mutation (RTHβ) was diagnosed. The mutation of the 320th arginine to proline has not been found to date. In conclusion, herein, we have described the first case of RTHβ that is associated with R320P mutation.
Measuring and Training Speech-Language Pathologists’ Orofacial Cueing: A Pilot Demonstration
Authors: Namasivayam Aravind Kumar , Bali Rohan , Ward Roslyn , Tieu Krystal Danielle , Yan Tina , Hayden Deborah , van Lieshout Pascal
Published: December 2018

Tactile-kinesthetic-proprioceptive (TKP) input used to facilitate speech motor control is considered an active ingredient within speech motor interventions. Objective metrics identifying skill level differences across speech-language pathologists (S-LP) providing TKP cues are crucial for monitoring treatment delivery fidelity. The study examined three kinematic measures indicating accuracy and consistency of TKP inputs by 3 S-LPs with varying experience levels (S-LP 1: novice; S-LP 2 and S-LP 3: advanced). Confidence interval measures were used to compare the accuracy of jaw movement amplitudes of the vowel /a/ made by a model participant versus S-LPs giving the TKP input. Generalised Orthogonal Procrustes Analysis (GPA) and cyclic Spatial Temporal Index (cSTI) were used to determine movement consistency. Results revealed passive jaw excursions induced by S-LP 2 and 3 to be not statistically significant from the model participant’s active jaw movements. cSTI values decreased with advanced level of experience (19.28, 12.14, and 9.33 for S-LP 1, S-LP 2, and S-LP 3, respectively). GPA analyses revealed a similar pattern for S-LPs with more experience demonstrating lower mean RMS values (0.22, 0.03, and 0.11 for S-LP 1, S-LP 2, and S-LP 3, respectively). Findings suggest kinematic measures adapted from the motor control literature can be applied to assess S-LP skill differences in providing TKP cues.
In-Hospital Onset of Pseudothrombocytopenia Days before Surgery
Authors: Souza Luiz , Amorim Luiz , Pereira Ana
Published: December 2018

Automated cell counters often produce spuriously low platelet counts due to laboratory artifacts. These in vitro phenomena may lead to erroneous treatments, surgical delays, and unnecessary platelet transfusions. An overlooked case of newly developed anticoagulant-induced platelet aggregation diagnosed in a preoperative visit is discussed and diagnostic clues are presented.
Apoptotic and Early Innate Immune Responses to PB1-F2 Protein of Influenza A Viruses Belonging to Different Subtypes in Human Lung Epithelial A549 Cells
Authors: Pasricha Gunisha , Mukherjee Sanjay , Chakrabarti Alok K.
Published: December 2018

PB1-F2 is a multifunctional protein and contributes to the pathogenicity of influenza A viruses. PB1-F2 is known to have strain and cell specific functions. In this study we have investigated the apoptotic and inflammatory responses of PB1-F2 protein from influenza viruses of diverse pathogenicities in A549 lung epithelial cells. Overexpression of PB1-F2 resulted in apoptosis and heightened inflammatory response in A549 cells. Comparison revealed that the response varied with each subtype. PB1-F2 protein from highly pathogenic H5N1 virus induced least apoptosis but maximum inflammatory response. Results indicated that apoptosis was mediated through death receptor ligands TNFα and TRAIL via Caspase 8 activation. Significant induction of cytokines/chemokines CXCL10, CCL5, CCL2, IFNα, and IL-6 was noted in A549 cells transfected with PB1-F2 gene construct of 2008 West Bengal H5N1 virus (H5N1-WB). On the contrary, PB1-F2 construct from 2007 highly pathogenic H5N1 isolate (H5N1-M) with truncated N-terminal region did not evoke as exuberant inflammatory response as the other H5N1-WB with full length PB1-F2, signifying the importance of N-terminal region of PB1-F2. Sequence analysis revealed that PB1-F2 proteins derived from different influenza viruses varied at multiple amino acid positions. The secondary structure prediction showed each of the PB1-F2 proteins had distinct helix-loop-helix structure. Thus, our data substantiate the notion that the contribution of PB1-F2 to influenza pathogenicity is greatly strain specific and involves multiple host factors. This data demonstrates that PB1-F2 protein of influenza A virus, when expressed independently is minimally apoptotic and strongly influences the early host response in A549 cells.
Fatal Invasive Cryptococcal Infection in an HIV-Negative Elderly Patient with Decompensated Hepatic Cirrhosis
Authors: Koba Shigeru , Ueda Kazuki , Mori Masahiro , Miki Kenji , Imashuku Shinsaku
Published: December 2018

Diagnosis of invasive cryptococcal infection in apparently nonimmunocompromised patients is difficult and often delayed. Human immunodeficiency virus- (HIV-) negative patients with decompensated hepatic cirrhosis might be at high risk of cryptococcal infection. We report here an 82-year-old Japanese female with end-stage hepatic failure and undergoing renal dialysis, hospitalized with septic shock-like symptoms. The patient had had hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the past. She survived only 4 days following admission. During hospitalization, she was found to have pleural effusion and ascites. Cryptococcus neoformans was obtained from blood culture but not from pleural effusion culture. Consequently, the patient was diagnosed as having invasive cryptococcosis in association with HBV-related hepatic cirrhosis. Unfortunately, the patient died prior to receiving antifungal agents. Twelve Japanese cases of hepatic cirrhosis-related invasive cryptococcal infection, consisting of previously described and this case, were summarized for discussion of the clinical features and outcomes.
The Immunogenicity of the C Fragment of Tetanus Neurotoxin in Production of Tetanus Antitoxin
Authors: Yu Rui , Ji Chong , Xu Junjie , Wang Denghai , Fang Ting , Jing Yue , Kwang-Fu Shen Clifton , Chen Wei
Published: December 2018

The demand of tetanus antitoxin (TAT) as tetanus treatment in developing and underdeveloped countries is still great since it is relatively easy to achieve and affordable. However, there are still issues in the preparation of highly effective TAT with tetanus toxoid (TT) as the immunogen. The tetanus toxin native C-fragment (TeNT-Hc) retains many properties and it is a very promising candidate for the development of tetanus human vaccine. In this study, we tested the immunogenicity of TeNT-Hc in the preparation of tetanus antibodies, by TeNT-Hc alone or in different combinations with TT. The antibody titers and components in horse serum or plasma in different groups were analyzed and compared with those immunized by the conventional TT and it showed comparability with the results of traditional methods. The plasma efficacy andin vivotetanus toxin neutralization were also tested. After two stages of immunizations, the average potency in plasma of all groups reached more than 1,000 IU / mL except that in group 4. In group 5, the first two basic immunizations with TT and the subsequent immunizations with TeNT-Hc, it showed slightly higher antibody titers and potency. This study demonstrated that TeNT-Hc is a safe, effective, and yet easy-to-produce low-cost immunogen and suitable for TT replacement in tetanus antitoxin production.
Trigeminal Meningioma in a Patient with Tardive Dyskinesia as Only Symptom
Authors: Catană Maria-Gabriela , Dan Andreea-Alina , Roman-Filip Corina
Published: December 2018

Most meningiomas are benign, encapsulated tumors (95% of the cases), generally undergoing a limited number of genetic aberrations. We present the case of a 74-year-old patient with no significant pathological history, who is admitted to the neurology ward for orofacial dyskinesias accompanied by hypoesthesia in the left hemiface, a symptomatology that had started insidiously about two months before and worsened progressively over the past 3 weeks. A cerebral MRI was performed which revealed a small mass with discrete T2 hyperintensity and T1 iso-signal compared to the gray matter located in the left pontine cistern, with a large, well-defined base at the level of the cerebral tentorium. The diagnosis of trigeminal meningioma was established and the treatment was started, after hearing the opinion of a neurosurgeon.
Glioblastoma Treatment with Temozolomide and Bevacizumab and Overall Survival in a Rural Tertiary Healthcare Practice
Authors: Carter Tonia C. , Medina-Flores Rafael , Lawler Benjamin E.
Published: December 2018

Background. The efficacy of temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy for treating newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM), a primary brain tumor with short survival, was demonstrated in a clinical trial in 2005, and since then, the standard-of-care for newly diagnosed GBM has been maximal safe surgery followed by 60 Gray of radiation with concomitant and adjuvant TMZ (standard radiotherapy and TMZ). In 2009, clinical trials also reported on the efficacy of bevacizumab for treating recurrent GBM. We performed a retrospective cohort study to evaluate the impact of treatment regimens on overall survival for patients with GBM at a rural tertiary healthcare practice. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 307 consecutive, newly diagnosed GBM patients at one institution between 1995 and 2012 and assessed treatment patterns. We also compared overall survival according to the treatment received. Results. Only 0.6% (1/163) of patients diagnosed before 2005 received standard radiotherapy and TMZ versus 36.1% (52/144) of patients diagnosed since 2005 (P < 0.0001). For patients who received standard radiotherapy and TMZ, the median overall survival was 17.0 months versus 7.0 months for patients who received 60 Gray of radiation but no chemotherapy (P = 0.0000078). The median overall survival was 15.4 months in the 19 patients treated with bevacizumab monotherapy at first GBM recurrence versus 6.8 months in the 32 patients with no treatment at first GBM recurrence (P = 0.00015), but patients who received bevacizumab were younger and more likely to have had a surgical resection and 60 Gray of radiation at diagnosis. Conclusions. TMZ and bevacizumab therapies were rapidly adopted in a rural tertiary healthcare setting, and patients who received these treatments had increased overall survival. However, advantageous prognostic factors in patients who received bevacizumab at recurrence may have influenced the extent of the increase in overall survival attributed to this treatment.
Magnitude of Vancomycin-ResistantEnterococci(VRE) Colonization among HIV-Infected Patients Attending ART Clinic in West Amhara Government Hospitals
Authors: Agegne Manamenot , Abera Bayeh , Derbie Awoke , Yismaw Gizachew , Shiferaw Melashu Balew
Published: December 2018

Background.Enterococcithat colonize the intestinal tract of immunocompromised patients are an important cause of nosocomial infections. Data on the prevalence of vancomycin-resistantEnterococci(VRE) and its antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and associated factors are scarce in the present study area. Therefore, this study was conducted aimed at determining the prevalence of VRE colonization among HIV-infected patients attending ART clinic at West Amhara Government Hospitals.Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 February 2017 to 31 May 2017. A total of 349 HIV patients were included in the study. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data and possible associated factors for VRE colonization. Identification and confirmation ofEnterococcifrom stool sample was performed based on the standard procedures. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method on the Muller–Hinton agar plate as per the standard protocol, and resistance profile of the isolates was determined according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLIS). Data were analyzed using SPSS v23. Descriptive analysis was used to visualize differences within data. Moreover, the stepwise logistic regression model was done to assess factors associated with VRE colonization.Pvalue was set at 0.05 to indicate statistical significance difference.Results. The overall colonization status ofEnterococciwas at 63% (220/349). The VRE colonization was at 17 (7.7% (95% CI: 4.9–12.0)). AmongEnterococcalisolates tested for antimicrobial susceptibility, 142 (64.5%) were found resistant to two or more antibiotics. Antibiotic treatment (for >2 weeks) and history of hospital admission in the last six month were found statistically associated for VRE colonization (AOR = 10.18, (95% CI: 1.9–53.20)) and (AOR = 20.17; (95% CI: 5.22–77.93)), respectively.Conclusions. The observed VRE with multidrug resistance colonization need a periodic surveillance of antimicrobial testing to detect emerging resistance and prevent the spread of further drug resistance.
Antiperiodic Boundary Value Problems for Impulsive Fractional Functional Differential Equations via Conformable Derivative
Authors: Wang Jingfeng , Bai Chuanzhi
Published: December 2018

In this paper, by using the lower and upper solution method and the monotone iterative technique, we investigate the existence of solutions to antiperiodic boundary value problems for impulsive fractional functional equations via a recent novel concept of conformable fractional derivative. An example is given to illustrate our theoretical results.
Combined Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma with Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Gang , Yuan Ren , Tucker Tracy , Gates Allan B. , Bellamy Christopher D. , Hayes Malcolm M.
Published: December 2018

A unique case of combined papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC) and mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC) presenting in a man aged 67 years is reported. The two separate components were distinct on morphological, immunohistochemical (IHC), and genetic grounds, while type 2 PRCC predominated. Three years after the initial diagnosis, the PRCC component metastasized to the lungs where it morphologically mimicked a pulmonary neuroendocrine tumor. Retrospectively focal neuroendocrine differentiation was demonstrated by IHC in the PRCC component of the primary neoplasm.
Characteristics of Organic Acid Secretion Associated with the Interaction betweenBurkholderia multivoransWS-FJ9 and Poplar Root System
Authors: Li Guan-Xi , Wu Xiao-Qin , Ye Jian-Ren , Yang He-Chuan
Published: December 2018

The objective of this study was to investigate whether plant-bacteria interaction affects the secretion of organic acids by both organisms and to assess whether the production of IAA by the bacterium increases the secretion of organic acids by root exudates, and if the stress produced by low available phosphorus (P) affects the production of organic acids by bacteria, by roots, or by root exudates in presence of bacterial cultures. With this purpose, we used as a biological model poplar plants and one strain ofBurkholderia multivoransable to solubilize P. High performance liquid chromatography was utilized to measure organic acids. The tests, the inductive effects of exogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) on secretion of organic acids, the 2 × 4 × 2 factorial design experiment, and the ability of organic acids to solubilize tricalcium phosphate were performed to investigate the interactive effects. The results showed that, afterB. multivoransWS-FJ9 interacted with the poplar root system, the key phosphate-solubilizing driving force was gluconic acid (GA) which was produced in three ways: (1) secreted by the root system in the presence of IAA produced byB. multivoransWS-FJ9; (2) secreted byB. multivoransWS-FJ9; and (3) secreted by the poplar root system in the presence of phosphorus stress. When phosphorus stress was absent, the GA was produced as outlined in (1) and (2) above. These results demonstrated that inoculatingB. multivoransWS-FJ9 into the poplar root system could increase the amount of GA secretion and implied that the interaction betweenB. multivoransWS-FJ9 and the poplar root system could contribute to the increase of P available fraction for poplar plants.
Parental Dietary Protein Source and the Role of
CMKLR1
in Determining the Severity of Dahl Salt-Sensitive Hypertension
Authors: Abais-Battad Justine M. , Lund Hayley , Fehrenbach Daniel J. , Dasinger John Henry , Alsheikh Ammar J. , Mattson David L.
Published: December 2018

Studies from our laboratory have revealed an important role for the maternal diet and the dietary protein source in the development of hypertension and renal injury in Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rats. The current study sought to compare salt-induced hypertension, renal damage, and immune cell infiltration in the offspring of breeders fed either a casein- or gluten-based diet, with the hypothesis that offspring from gluten-fed breeders would fail to develop these SS phenotypes. When fed identical diets post-weaning, the F1 generation gluten offspring demonstrated lower mean arterial pressure (149.1±3.1 versus 162.5±5.8 mm Hg), albuminuria (166.2±34.6 versus 250.9±27.8 mg/day), and outer medullary protein casting (7.4±0.8% versus 13.1±1.3%) in response to high salt compared with the casein offspring (n=9–11). The gluten offspring also had fewer CD45+ leukocytes, CD11b/c+ monocytes/macrophages, CD3+ T cells, and CD45R+ B cells infiltrating the kidney. Analysis of the F2 generation gluten offspring also exhibited lower mean arterial pressure and renal damage compared with rats born from casein breeders (n=7–9), with no difference in renal immune cell infiltration.
CMKLR1
—receptor for the novel prohypertensive adipokine chemerin—was found via polymerase chain reaction array to be significantly upregulated (2.99-fold) in renal T cells isolated from F2 offspring of casein-fed versus gluten-fed parents. Furthermore,
CMKLR1
inhibition via α-NETA (2-[α-naphthoyl] ethyltrimethylammonium iodide) treatment significantly attenuated renal immune cell infiltration, hypertension, and renal damage in SS rats fed high salt. Together, these data demonstrate the influence of the parental diet in determining the salt-induced hypertension, renal damage, and inflammatory phenotype of the offspring.
Therapeutic Suppression of mTOR (Mammalian Target of Rapamycin) Signaling Prevents and Reverses Salt-Induced Hypertension and Kidney Injury in Dahl Salt-Sensitive Rats
Authors: Kumar Vikash , Evans Louise C. , Kurth Theresa , Yang Chun , Wollner Clayton , Nasci Victoria , Zheleznova Nadezhda N. , Bukowy John , Dayton Alex , Cowley Allen W.
Published: December 2018

mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) signaling has emerged as a key regulator in a wide range of cellular processes ranging from cell proliferation, immune responses, and electrolyte homeostasis. mTOR consists of 2 distinct protein complexes, mTORC1 (mTOR complex 1) and mTORC2 (mTOR complex 2) with distinct downstream signaling events. mTORC1 has been implicated in pathological conditions, such as cancer and type 2 diabetes mellitus in humans, and inhibition of this pathway with rapamycin has been shown to attenuate salt-induced hypertension in Dahl salt-sensitive rats. Several studies have found that the mTORC2 pathway is involved in the regulation of renal tubular sodium and potassium transport, but its role in hypertension has remained largely unexplored. In the present study, we, therefore, determined the effect of mTORC2 inhibition with compound PP242 on salt-induced hypertension and renal injury in salt-sensitive rats. We found that PP242 not only completely prevented but also reversed salt-induced hypertension and kidney injury in salt-sensitive rats. PP242 exhibited potent natriuretic actions, and chronic administration tended to produce a negative Na
+
balance even during high-salt feeding. The results indicate that mTORC2 and the related downstream associated pathways play an important role in regulation of sodium balance and arterial pressure regulation in salt-sensitive rats. Therapeutic suppression of the mTORC2 pathway represents a novel pathway for the potential treatment of hypertension.
Risk and Temporal Changes of Heart Failure Among 5‐Year Childhood Cancer Survivors: a DCOG‐LATER Study
Authors: Feijen E. A. M. (Lieke) , Font‐Gonzalez Anna , Van der Pal Helena J. H. , Kok Wouter E. M. , Geskus Ronald B. , Ronckers Cécile M. , Bresters Dorine , van Dalen Elvira C. , van Dulmen‐den Broeder Eline , van den Berg Marleen H. , van der Heiden‐van der Loo Margriet , van den Heuvel‐Eibrink Marry M. , van Leeuwen Flora E. , Loonen Jacqueline J. , Neggers Sebastian J. C. M. M. , Versluys A. B. (Birgitta) , Tissing Wim J. E. , Kremer Leontien C. M. ,   the DCOG‐LATER Study Group, Dolsma W. , Grootenhuis M.A. , den Hartogh J.G. , Jaspers M.W.M. , Postma A. , Hollema N. , Kok J.L. , Teepen J.C. , de Ridder J.G. , Caron H.N. , van der Meer P.
Published: December 2018

Background

Heart failure is one of the most important late effects after treatment for cancer in childhood. The goals of this study were to evaluate the risk of heart failure, temporal changes by treatment periods, and the risk factors for heart failure in childhood cancer survivors (
CCS
).

Methods and Results

The DCOG‐LATER (Dutch Childhood Oncology Group–Long‐Term Effects After Childhood Cancer) cohort includes 6,165 5‐year CCS diagnosed between 1963 and 2002. Details on prior cancer diagnosis and treatment were collected for this nationwide cohort. Cause‐specific cumulative incidences and risk factors of heart failure were obtained. Cardiac follow‐up was complete for 5,845 CCS (94.8%). After a median follow‐up of 19.8 years and at a median attained age of 27.3 years, 116 survivors developed symptomatic heart failure. The cumulative incidence of developing heart failure 40 years after childhood cancer diagnosis was 4.4% (3.4%–5.5%) among all CCS. The cumulative incidence of heart failure grade ≥3 among survivors treated in the more recent treatment periods was higher compared with survivors treated earlier (Gray test,
P
=0.05). Mortality due to heart failure decreased in the more recent treatment periods (Gray test,
P
=0.02). In multivariable analysis, survivors treated with a higher dose of mitoxantrone or cyclophosphamide had a higher risk of heart failure than survivors who were exposed to lower doses.

Conclusions

CCS
treated with mitoxantrone, cyclophosphamide, anthracyclines, or radiotherapy involving the heart are at a high risk for severe, life‐threatening or fatal heart failure at a young age. Although mortality decreased, the incidence of severe or life‐threatening heart failure increased with more recent treatment periods.
The current use of the past imperfect tense in Albanian and Serbian – a case study
Authors: Sejdiu-Rugova Lindita , Krijezi Merima
Published: December 2018

The current use of the past imperfect tense in Albanian and Serbian – a case studyThe article deals with the indirect influence of Albanian grammar among the native speakers of Serbian who study Albanian as a foreign language as an awareness and transformation process when translating the past imperfect forms from Albanian as a foreign language into their mother tongue Serbian, more specifically the past imperfect of Albanian into Serbian as their mother tongue. The emphasize that while translating, the students are guided not by knowledge of formal grammar but by actual by real usage of this tense in Albanian and Serbian. Współczesne użycie imperfectum w języku serbskim i albańskim Artykuł dotyczy bezpośredniego wpływu gramatyki albańskiej na język serbski wśród Serbów uczących się języka albańskiego jako obcego. Przedmiotem opisu jest przekład albańskich form imperfektywnych w tłumaczeniu z albańskiego na serbski, w którym ta forma werbalna nie jest już używana. Autorki podkreślają, że studenci, tłumacząc, nie kierują się formalną wiedzą gramatyczną na temat funkcjonowania imperfectum w obu językach, ale realnymi zastosowaniami tej formy temporalnej.
“Chomskyan revolution” in Bulgarian socio-cultural and linguistic environment
Authors: Venkova Tzvetomira
Published: December 2018

Chomskyan revolution in Bulgarian socio-cultural and linguistic environment The term Chomskyan revolution, referring to the innovative current in modern American linguistics and Noam Chomsky as it’s leading figure, permeated the metaphorical imagery of the popular linguistic and socio-cultural spheres in the USA. This term actually surpassed specialized linguistic circles, where it designated Chomsky’s transformational-generative grammar model and normally appeared in quotation marks. However, although Chomskyan revolution came to occupy a central position in the American network of unquestioned cultural mythologemes, its Bulgarian reception was different. The overall impression in Bulgarian linguistic and socio-cultural circles regarding the revolutionary leap has been rather skeptical and reserved, although the Chomskyan grammar model itself has been introduced into research practice. Such a difference in attitudes towards the status of transformational-generative grammar in the source and a target country is discussed here in terms of motivations and basic positions. Rewolucja Chomsky’ego w bułgarskim środowisku społeczno-kulturowym i lingwistycznymTermin „rewolucja Chomsky'ego”, odnoszący się do całkowicie nowatorskiego nurtu współczesnego językoznawstwa amerykańskiego i Chomsky'ego jako jego wiodącej postaci, przeniknął do popularnej sfery językowej i społeczno-kulturowej w USA jako część ich metaforycznego imaginarium. Przekroczył on niejako granice wyspecjalizowanych środowisk lingwistycznych, które standardowo zapisywały go w cudzysłowie, i ostatecznie wyznaczył model gramatyki transformacyjno-generatywnej Chomsky'ego. Chociaż „rewolucja Chomsky’ego” stała się centralnym elementem amerykańskiej siatki niekwestionowanych mitologemów kulturowych, środowisko bułgarskie zareagowało inaczej. Ogólna opinia bułgarskich środowisk językoznawczych i społeczno-kulturowych na temat rewolucyjnego skoku była dość sceptyczna i pełna zastrzeżeń, chociaż sam model gramatyki Chomsky'ego został wprowadzony do praktyki badawczej. Przedmiotem artykułu jest właśnie ta odmienność postaw pod względem motywacji i stanowisk zajmowanych wobec statusu gramatyki transformacyjno-generatywnej w kraju źródłowym i kraju odbiorcy.
Slovensko-romanski jezički kontakt na primeru dve pojave iz rezijskog
Authors: Runić Marija
Published: December 2018

Slavic-Romance language contact: the case of two phenomena in Resian This paper investigates the mechanisms of language contact in shaping two aspects of Resian nominal and clausal syntax, the quantifier karjë ‘many, much’ and the rise of subject clitics. Resian is a definitely endangered Slavic variety spoken by not more than 1000 speakers in the Italian Alps, which has been in intense contact with Romance (Friulan and Italian) for centuries. It is well known that language contact is the principal trigger for language change (Kroch, 2001). The contact, indeed, has been readily invoked in some descriptive work on Resian (Skubic, 2000) to account for the observed Romance-like traits of Resian grammar. In order to account for the observed changes, which point to the direction of developing Romance-like traits, I propose instead a scenario which relies on the interplay of both internal and external causes (along the lines of Heine and Kuteva, 2005), with the initial trigger being provided internally (e.g. phonological changes, structural gaps). Słowiańsko-romański kontakt językowy na przykładzie dwóch zjawisk z dialektu rezjańskiego W artykule przeanalizowano mechanizmy kontaktu językowego w kształtowaniu się dwóch aspektów składni nominalnej i zdaniowej Rezjan – funkcjonowanie kwantyfikatora karjë ‘wiele, dużo’ oraz tworzenie się klityk. Rezjański jest silnie zagrożonym dialektem słowiańskim używanym przez nie więcej niż 1000 osób w Alpach włoskich, które od wieków pozostawały w intensywnym kontakcie z ludnością romańską (posługującą się językiem friulskim i włoskim). Wiadomo, że kontakt językowy jest głównym czynnikiem powodującym zmiany w idiolekcie (Kroch, 2001). O kontakcie międzyjęzykowym mówi się w wielu opisach gramatycznych, np. w Skubic, 2000, gdzie przedstawiono zaobserwowane romańskie cechy gramatyki dialektu rezjańskiego. Analizowane w artykule sytuacje potwierdzają tezę, że konstrukcje rozwinięte na skutek kontaktu językowego są nie tylko rezultatem wpływu zewnętrznego, ale także pro­cesów wewnątrzjęzykowych (za Heine i Kuteva, 2005) – początkowe „wyzwalacze” zazwyczaj pochodzą z systemu rodzimego (np. zmiany fonologiczne, luki strukturalne).
Morfonologia tematu rumuńskich derywatów paradygmatycznych. Alternacje i ich funkcje
Authors: Cychnerski Tomasz
Published: December 2018

Stem morphophonology in Romanian paradigmatic derivatives: alternations and their functions Paradigmatic derivation is one of the basic word formation processes in Romanian. The aim of this paper is a characterization of its formal exponents. The work is founded on a previously realized analysis of the derivational stem in several thousands of cases of conversion and back-formation. In the analyzed stems there is mostly no morphophonological change. Alternations only occur in a particular class of feminine substantives and in some back derivatives. Those are the alternations which take place in the whole morphophonological system. Nearly each of them may be treated as constituents of compound paradigm-alternation formatives. Morfonologia tematu rumuńskich derywatów paradygmatycznych. Alternacje i ich funkcjeCelem niniejszego artykułu jest charakterystyka formalnych wykładników derywacji paradygmatycznej w języku rumuńskim, która jest dlań jednym z podstawowych procesów słowotwórczych. Praca oparta jest na wcześniej dokonanej analizie tematu słowotwórczego w kilku tysiącach przypadków konwersji i derywacji wstecznej. W temacie tym przeważnie nie dochodzi do zmian morfonologicznych. Alternacje mają miejsce tylko w określonej grupie rzeczowników żeńskich i w niektórych derywatach wstecznych. Są to alternacje wykorzystywane w całym systemie morfonologicznym. Prawie wszystkie mogą być interpretowane jako składniki złożonych formantów paradygmatyczno-alternacyjnych.
Hybrid war: real casualties in Ukraine
Authors: Kamusella Tomasz
Published: December 2018

Hybrid war: real casualties in UkraineThe Russo-Ukrainian war that broke out in 2014 in the wake of Russia’s annexation of Crimea continues to be all too rarely noticed in the West. Observers comment widely on the novel ‘hybrid’ character of warfare as developed and trialed by the Kremlin worldwide during the recent years, but pay scant attention to the Russian ‘training ground’ in eastern Ukraine. The article probes into the realities of the ongoing RussoUkrainian war, alongside the ideological underpinnings of the Kremlin’s intervention and Ukraine’s response to this attack. It appears that the Russian government adopted ethnolinguistic nationalism, typical of Central Europe, namely, that all Russian-speakers constitute the Russian nation, especially if their communities compactly inhabit areas directly bordering on the Russian Federation. Wojna hybrydowa: Prawdziwe ofiary wojny rosyjsko-ukraińskiejWojna rosyjsko-ukraińska, która wybuchła w 2014 r. w następstwie aneksji Krymu przez Rosję, jest nadal zbyt rzadko zauważana na Zachodzie. Obserwatorzy szeroko komentują „hybrydowy” charakter działań wojennych, wypracowywanych i wypróbowywanych przez Kreml po całym świecie w ciągu ostatnich lat, lecz nie zwracają uwagi na rosyjski „poligon doświadczalny” we wschodniej Ukrainie. Artykuł analizuje realia toczącej się tam wojny rosyjsko-ukraińskiej, jak i ideologiczne założenia interwencji militarnej Kremla oraz reakcję Ukrainy na tenże atak ze strony Rosji. Wydaje się, że rosyjski rząd przyjął jako uzasadnienie etnolingwistyczny nacjonalizm (typowy dla Europy Środkowej), a mianowicie, że wszystkie osoby rosyjskojęzyczne to członkowie narodu rosyjskiego, zwłaszcza jeśli ich społeczności zamieszkują tereny bezpośrednio graniczące z obszarem Federacji Rosyjskiej.
Sytuacja językowa na Ukrainie w świetle powszechnego spisu ludności oraz badań socjologicznych
Authors: Pietnoczka Paweł
Published: December 2018

Language situation in Ukraine in light of the general census and sociological researchThe article presents the language situation in the independent country of Ukraine. It shows what part of Ukrainian society perceives the Ukrainian language, the Russian language or both of these two languages at the same time as their mother tongue. The paper also shows which of the two languages, Ukrainian or Russian, is more commonly used by Ukrainians in everyday life. Special focus was placed on linguistic diversity of particular regions of Ukraine. The aim of the paper was achieved by analyzing the general census of 2001, as well as the results of the public opinion polls conducted in the period of independence by, among others, the “Public Opinion” Centre for Sociological Research, the Olexander Razumkov Ukrainian Centre for Economic and Political Studies and the Kiev International Institute of Sociology. Sytuacja językowa na Ukrainie w świetle powszechnego spisu ludności oraz badań socjologicznychW artykule została przybliżona sytuacja językowa w niepodległej Ukrainie. Ukazano dla jakiej części społeczeństwa ukraińskiego językiem ojczystym jest język ukraiński, dla jakiej rosyjski oraz jednocześnie ukraiński i rosyjski. Przybliżono także, którym językiem – ukraińskim czy rosyjskim – częściej posługują się w życiu codziennym Ukraińcy. Znaczna uwaga została ponadto zwrócona na zróżnicowanie językowe poszczególnych regionów Ukrainy. Na osiągnięcie postawionego celu pozwoliła analiza wyników spisu powszechnego ludności przeprowadzonego w 2001 r. oraz wyników badań opinii publicznej przeprowadzonych w okresie niepodległości m.in. przez Centrum Badań Socjologicznych „Opinia Społeczna”, Ukraińskie Centrum Badań Ekonomicznych i Politycznych im. Ołeksandra Razumkowa oraz Kijowski Międzynarodowy Instytut Socjologii.