bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre-emptive rituximab in focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis patients at risk of recurrence after kidney transplantation
Authors: Auñón Pilar , Polanco Natalia , Pérez-Sáez María José , Rodrigo Emilio , Sancho Asunción , Pascual Julio , Andrés Amado , Praga Manuel
Published: August 2019

Background

The recurrence of proteinuria after kidney transplantation (KT) is a characteristic complication of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). It has been suggested that pre-emptive rituximab might prevent recurrences in patients at risk, but there is no agreement about which factors might help to identify such patients.

Methods

We studied 93 kidney transplants with biopsy-proven idiopathic FSGS in order to analyse if preventive rituximab treatment could decrease recurrences in patients at risk.

Results

Fifteen patients (16.1%) presented a recurrence after KT, but when we restricted the analysis to the 34 patients presenting nephrotic syndrome at primary disease onset, the recurrence diagnosis rate increased to 44.1%. All patients with recurrence had complete nephrotic syndrome at the time of diagnosis. After multivariate adjustment, the only significant risk factor for recurrence was the presence of complete nephrotic syndrome at diagnosis. Twelve of the 34 patients at risk for recurrence received rituximab at the time of transplantation. Clinical and analytical characteristics were similar in all patients at risk. The number of recurrences was similar among treated (50%) and non-treated patients (40.9%).

Conclusions

Nephrotic syndrome with hypoalbuminaemia at diagnosis is the most important feature to identify patients at risk of recurrence. Our data suggest that pre-emptive rituximab is not effective to prevent FSGS recurrences.
The Transnational Counter-Terrorism Order: A Problématique
Authors: de Londras Fiona
Published: August 2019

We live our lives in an often-unseen transnational counter-terrorism order. For almost two decades now, counter-terrorist hegemons have been acting on multiple transnational levels, using a mixture of legal, institutional, technical and political manoeuvres to develop laws, policies and practices of counter-terrorism that undervalue rights, exclude civil society, limit dissent and disagreement, and expand greatly the reach of national and transnational security. The assemblage of laws, institutions, forums, processes, bureaucracies, and cooperative networks that have emerged from these machinations should be understood as a transnational counter-terrorism order that is intended to instantiate on a global level ‘an arrangement of social life…[that]…promotes certain goals or values’ (Bull), whether or not they conflict with rights, whether or not they emerge from legitimate and participatory processes. This paper brings together various seemingly-technical or esoteric strands of law, institutions, policy and politics to show their connections, interdependencies and interactions and, thereby, to illustrate the emergence of this transnational counter-terrorism order. It argues that unless we recognise the connections between and multi-scalar implications of the seemingly disparate, sometimes opaque, and often bureaucratic elements that make up the transnational counter-terrorism order, its scale and implications will remain hidden in plain sight and we may find ourselves unable effectively to insist on fidelity to the constitutionalist values of rights, accountability, and democratic legitimacy.
Recoarctation of the aorta after the Norwood procedure may be treated during the second stage of the surgical palliation
Authors: Mroczek Tomasz , Czerżyńska Magdalena , Sacharczuk Julita , Żurek Rafał , Wójcik Elżbieta , Morka Aleksandra , Kuźma Jacek , Skalski Janusz H
Published: August 2019

OBJECTIVES

Recoarctation of the aorta (re-CoA) after the Norwood procedure is traditionally treated during catheter-based aortoplasty (CB-A) performed as a separate procedure preceding stage II surgical palliation (S II SP). Our goal was to determine the efficacy of the protocol according to which re-CoA after the Norwood procedure in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome is treated during S II SP using hybrid catheter-based aortoplasty.

METHODS

We compared 2 groups of infants who developed re-CoA after the Norwood procedure and were treated at the same institution: In group I (n = 18), CB-A was traditionally performed before S II SP; in group II (n = 15), CB-A was performed during S II SP using a hybrid procedure (catheter access was through an aortic cannula routinely used for cardiopulmonary bypass). The right ventricular fractional area change was analysed.

RESULTS

The CB-A was performed effectively in both groups. S II SP was performed at a younger age in group II (5.4 ± 0.3 vs 6.0 ± 0.4 months; P = 0.003), with lower body weight (5.6 ± 0.5 vs 6.0 ± 0.4; P = 0.03, respectively). The duration of hospital stay did not differ between the groups (10.6 ± 6.2 vs 11.6 ± 6.4 days; P = 0.91). The right ventricular fractional area change measured before S II SP was higher in group I (39.7 ± 4.2% vs 36.8 ± 3.6%, respectively; P = 0.009), but the difference was not seen 1 month after S II SP (41.0 ± 5.6 vs 39.8 ± 4.1; P > 0.05). The total radiation dose was significantly lower in group II.

CONCLUSIONS

re-CoA after the Norwood procedure in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome can be treated effectively during S II SP using a hybrid procedure. The strategy allows for reduction of the total radiation dose and of the number of procedures and does not prolong the postoperative course, even in patients with decreased right ventricular systolic function.
Coursebooks: Is there more than meets the eye?
Authors: Hughes Stacey Holliday
Published: August 2019

This article responds to Jordan and Gray’s critique of the global coursebook and the call to have open, critical discussions about coursebook use in light of SLA research (Jordan and Gray 2019). I make a case for why the assumptions made about what constitutes a global coursebook are too narrow. I also dismiss the idea of one type of global coursebook and that the two coursebooks mentioned as examples of a typical global coursebook follow a wholly synthetic syllabus with an explicit instruction model. Most modern global coursebooks, I posit, have both synthetic and analytic characteristics. I point to research which gives evidence in support of the benefit of explicit instruction within the context of communicative language practice. In defence of publishers, I present an alternative viewpoint showing that major publishers do not simply publish coursebooks with little regard to educational research in pursuit of profit. I end by addressing the issue of why a coursebook—or course package—can be a valuable set of resources for teachers.
A proof of principle study of atomoxetine for the prevention of vasovagal syncope: the Prevention of Syncope Trial VI
Authors: Sheldon Robert S , Lei Lucy , Guzman Juan C , Kus Teresa , Ayala-Paredes Felix A , Angihan Jesse , Safdar Shahana , Maxey Connor , Bennett Graham , Raj Satish R
Published: August 2019

Aims

There are few effective therapies for vasovagal syncope (VVS). Pharmacological norepinephrine transporter (NET) inhibition increases sympathetic tone and decreases tilt-induced syncope in healthy subjects. Atomoxetine is a potent and highly selective NET inhibitor. We tested the hypothesis that atomoxetine prevents tilt-induced syncope.

Methods and results

Vasovagal syncope patients were given two doses of study drug [randomized to atomoxetine 40 mg (n = 27) or matched placebo (n = 29)] 12 h apart, followed by a 60-min drug-free head-up tilt table test. Beat-to-beat heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and cardiac haemodynamics were recorded using non-invasive techniques and stroke volume modelling. Patients were 35 ± 14 years (73% female) with medians of 12 lifetime and 3 prior year faints. Fewer subjects fainted with atomoxetine than with placebo [10/29 vs. 19/27; P = 0.003; risk ratio 0.49 (confidence interval 0.28–0.86)], but equal numbers of patients developed presyncope or syncope (23/29 vs. 21/27). Of patients who developed only presyncope, 87% (13/15) had received atomoxetine. Patients with syncope had lower nadir mean arterial pressure than subjects with only presyncope (39 ± 18 vs. 69 ± 18 mmHg, P < 0.0001), and this was due to lower trough HRs in subjects with syncope (67 ± 30 vs. 103 ± 32 b.p.m., P = 0.006) and insignificantly lower cardiac index (2.20 ± 1.36 vs. 2.84 ± 1.05 L/min/m2, P = 0.075). There were no significant differences in stroke volume index (32 ± 6 vs. 35 ± 5 mL/m2, P = 0.29) or systemic vascular resistance index (2156 ± 602 vs. 1790 ± 793 dynes*s/cm5*m2, P = 0.72).

Conclusion

Norepinephrine transporter inhibition significantly decreased the risk of tilt-induced syncope in VVS subjects, mainly by blunting reflex bradycardia, thereby preventing final falls in cardiac index and BP.
Impact of overweightness and critical weight loss on overall survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma initially treated with chemoembolization
Authors: Chen Zhen-Xin , Jian Zhi-Wei , Wu Xi-Wen , Wang Jun-Cheng , Peng Jing-Yuan , Huang Chun-Yu , Lao Xiang-Ming
Published: August 2019

Background

The effects of overweightness and weight loss on the development and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of overweightness and weight loss on the survival of patients with intermediate/advanced HCC receiving chemoembolization as initial treatment.

Methods

We examined 1,170 patients who underwent chemoembolization as initial treatment for Barcelona-Clínic Liver Cancer stages B and C HCC at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (Guangzhou, China) between December 2009 and May 2015. A baseline body mass index (BMI) of ≥23 kg/m2 was defined as overweight, and body-weight loss of ≥5.0% from baseline was defined as critical weight loss (CWL). Cox regression analysis was used to determine the association between overweightness or CWL and overall survival (OS).

Results

The median survival time was 16.8 (95% confidence interval, 13.9–19.7) months and 11.1 (95% confidence interval, 10.0–12.2) months in the overweight and non-overweight groups (log-rank test, P < 0.001), respectively. Cox multivariate analysis identified overweightness as an independent protective prognostic factor for OS (P < 0.001). Subgroup stratification analysis revealed a significant association between overweightness and survival among patients receiving further treatment (P = 0.005), but not in those not receiving further treatment (P = 0.683). Multivariate analysis showed that both overweightness and CWL were independent prognostic factors for OS among patients receiving further treatment.

Conclusion

Among patients with intermediate- or advanced-stage HCC initially treated with chemoembolization, overweightness was associated with longer OS. Furthermore, CWL was an independent adverse prognostic factor for OS in patients receiving additional treatment.
Pharmacological treatment of hepatorenal syndrome: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Li , Long Yin , Li Ke-Xin , Xu Gao-Si
Published: August 2019

Background

Observational studies suggest that hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) patients who receive pharmacological therapy before orthotopic liver transplantation display a post-transplant outcome similar to those without HRS. The aim of this study was to comprehensively compare and rank the pharmacological therapies for HRS.

Methods

We reviewed PubMed, Elsevier, Medline, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) for studies that were published between 1 January 1999 and 24 February 2018. The primary endpoint was reversal of HRS. The secondary endpoints were the changes in serum creatinine (Scr) and serum sodium. We evaluated the different therapeutic strategies using network meta-analysis on the basis of Bayesian methodology.

Results

The study included 24 articles with 1,419 participants evaluating seven different therapeutic strategies for HRS. The most effective treatments to induce reversal of HRS were terlipressin plus albumin, noradrenaline plus albumin, and terlipressin, which had a surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) of 0.086, 0.151, and 0.451, respectively. The top two treatments for decreasing Scr were dopamine plus furosemide plus albumin (rank probability: 0.620) and terlipressin plus albumin (rank probability: 0.570). For increasing serum sodium, the optimal treatment was octreotide plus midodrine plus albumin (rank probability: 0.800), followed by terlipressin plus albumin (rank probability: 0.544).

Conclusions

Terlipressin plus albumin and dopamine plus furosemide plus albumin should be prioritized for decreasing Scr in HRS, and octreotide plus midodrine plus albumin was the most effective at increasing serum sodium. Terlipressin plus albumin showed a comprehensive effect in both decreasing Scr and increasing serum sodium.
Architecture of Parallel Adaptation in Ten Lacustrine Threespine Stickleback Populations from the White Sea Area
Authors: Terekhanova Nadezhda V , Barmintseva Anna E , Kondrashov Alexey S , Bazykin Georgii A , Mugue Nikolai S
Published: August 2019

Adaptation of threespine stickleback to freshwater involves parallel recruitment of freshwater alleles in clusters of closely linked sites, or divergence islands (DIs). However, it remains unclear to what extent the DIs and the alleles that constitute them coincide between populations that underwent adaptation to freshwater independently. We examine threespine sticklebacks from ten freshwater lakes that emerged 500–1500 years ago in the White Sea basin, with the emphasis on repeatability of genomic patterns of adaptation among the lake populations and the role of local recombination rate in the distribution and structure of DIs. The 65 detected DIs are clustered in the genome, forming 12 aggregations, and this clustering cannot be explained by the variation of the recombination rate. Only 21 of the DIs are present in all the freshwater populations, likely being indispensable for successful colonization of freshwater environment by the ancestral marine population. Within most DIs, the same set of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) distinguish marine and freshwater haplotypes in all the lake populations; however, in some DIs, freshwater alleles differ between populations, suggesting that they could have been established by recruitment of different haplotypes in different populations.
Phylogenomics Reveals Clear Cases of Misclassification and Genus-Wide Phylogenetic Markers for Acinetobacter
Authors: Mateo-Estrada Valeria , Graña-Miraglia Lucía , López-Leal Gamaliel , Castillo-Ramírez Santiago
Published: August 2019

The Gram-negative Acinetobacter genus has several species of clear medical relevance. Many fully sequenced genomes belonging to the genus have been published in recent years; however, there has not been a recent attempt to infer the evolutionary history of Acinetobacter with that vast amount of information. Here, through a phylogenomic approach, we established the most up-to-date view of the evolutionary relationships within this genus and highlighted several cases of poor classification, especially for the very closely related species within the Acinetobacter calcoaceticus–Acinetobacter baumannii complex (Acb complex). Furthermore, we determined appropriate phylogenetic markers for this genus and showed that concatenation of the top 13 gives a very decent reflection of the evolutionary relationships for the genus Acinetobacter. The intersection between our top markers and previously defined universal markers is very small. In general, our study shows that, although there seems to be hardly any universal markers, bespoke phylogenomic approaches can be used to infer the phylogeny of different bacterial genera. We expect that ad hoc phylogenomic approaches will be the standard in the years to come and will provide enough information to resolve intricate evolutionary relationships like those observed in the Acb complex.
Post-critical SsPmp and its applications to Virtual Deep Seismic Sounding (VDSS) – 2: 1-D imaging of the crust/mantle and joint constraints with receiver functions
Authors: Liu Tianze , Klemperer Simon L , Ferragut Gabriel , Yu Chunquan
Published: August 2019

Virtual Deep Seismic Sounding (VDSS) has emerged as a novel method to image the crust–mantle boundary (CMB) and potentially other lithospheric boundaries. In Part 1, we showed that the arrival time and waveform of post-critical SsPmp, the post-critical reflection phase at the CMB used in VDSS, is sensitive to several different attributes of the crust and upper mantle. Here, we synthesize our methodology of deriving Moho depth, average crustal Vp and uppermost-mantle Vp from single-station observations of post-critical SsPmp under a 1-D assumption. We first verify our method with synthetics and then substantiate it with a case study using the Yellowknife and POLARIS arrays in the Slave Craton, Canada. We show good agreement of crustal and upper-mantle properties derived with VDSS with those given by previous active-source experiments and our own P receiver functions (PRF) in our study area. Finally, we propose a PRF-VDSS joint analysis method to constrain average crustal Vp/Vs ratio and composition. Our PRF-VDSS joint analysis shows that the southwest Slave Craton has an intermediate crustal composition, most consistent with a Mesoarchean age.
Generalized earthquake frequency–magnitude distribution described by asymmetric Laplace mixture modelling
Authors: Mignan A
Published: August 2019

The complete part of the earthquake frequency–magnitude distribution, above the completeness magnitude mc, is well described by the Gutenberg–Richter law. On the other hand, incomplete data does not follow any specific law, since the shape of the frequency–magnitude distribution below max(mc) is function of mc heterogeneities that depend on the seismic network spatiotemporal configuration. This paper attempts to solve this problem by presenting an asymmetric Laplace mixture model, defined as the weighted sum of Laplace (or double exponential) distribution components of constant mc, where the inverse scale parameter of the exponential function is the detection parameter κ below mc, and the Gutenberg–Richter β-value above mc. Using a variant of the Expectation-Maximization algorithm, the mixture model confirms the ontology proposed by Mignan [2012, https://doi.org/10.1029/2012JB009347], which states that the shape of the earthquake frequency–magnitude distribution shifts from angular (in log-linear space) in a homogeneous space–time volume of constant mc to rounded in a heterogeneous volume corresponding to the union of smaller homogeneous volumes. The performance of the proposed mixture model is analysed, with encouraging results obtained in simulations and in eight real earthquake catalogues that represent different seismic network spatial configurations. We find that k = κ/ln(10) ≈ 3 in most earthquake catalogues (compared to b = β/ln(10) ≈ 1), suggesting a common detection capability of different seismic networks. Although simpler algorithms may be preferred on pragmatic grounds to estimate mc and the b-value, other methods so far fail to model the angular distributions observed in homogeneous space-time volumes. Mixture modelling is a promising strategy to model the full earthquake magnitude range, hence potentially increasing seismicity data availability tenfold, since ca. 90 per cent of earthquake catalogue events are below max(mc).
Spp1 (osteopontin) promotes TGFβ processing in fibroblasts of dystrophin-deficient muscles through matrix metalloproteinases
Authors: Kramerova Irina , Kumagai-Cresse Chino , Ermolova Natalia , Mokhonova Ekaterina , Marinov Masha , Capote Joana , Becerra Diana , Quattrocelli Mattia , Crosbie Rachelle H , Welch Ellen , McNally Elizabeth M , Spencer Melissa J
Published: August 2019

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by mutations in the gene encoding dystrophin. Prior work has shown that DMD progression can vary, depending on the genetic makeup of the patient. Several modifier alleles have been identified including LTBP4 and SPP1. We previously showed that Spp1 exacerbates the DMD phenotype in the mdx mouse model by promoting fibrosis and by skewing macrophage polarization. Here, we studied the mechanisms involved in Spp1's promotion of fibrosis by using both isolated fibroblasts and genetically modified mice. We found that Spp1 upregulates collagen expression in mdx fibroblasts by enhancing TGFβ signaling. Spp1's effects on TGFβ signaling are through induction of MMP9 expression. MMP9 is a protease that can release active TGFβ ligand from its latent complex. In support for activation of this pathway in our model, we showed that treatment of mdx fibroblasts with MMP9 inhibitor led to accumulation of the TGFβ latent complex, decreased levels of active TGFβ and reduced collagen expression. Correspondingly, we found reduced active TGFβ in Spp1−/−mdxB10 and Mmp9−/−mdxB10 muscles in vivo. Taken together with previous observations of reduced fibrosis in both models, these data suggest that Spp1 acts upstream of TGFβ to promote fibrosis in mdx muscles. We found that in the context of constitutively upregulated TGFβ signaling (such as in the mdxD2 model), ablation of Spp1 has very little effect on fibrosis. Finally, we performed proof-of-concept studies showing that postnatal pharmacological inhibition of Spp1 reduces fibrosis and improves muscle function in mdx mice.
Molecular genetic investigations identify new clinical phenotypes associated with BCS1L-related mitochondrial disease
Authors: Oláhová Monika , Berti Camilla Ceccatelli , Collier Jack J , Alston Charlotte L , Jameson Elisabeth , Jones Simon A , Edwards Noel , He Langping , Chinnery Patrick F , Horvath Rita , Goffrini Paola , Taylor Robert W , Sayer John A
Published: August 2019

BCS1L encodes a homolog of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae bcs1 protein, which has a known role in the assembly of Complex III of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Phenotypes reported in association with pathogenic BCS1L variants include growth retardation, aminoaciduria, cholestasis, iron overload, lactic acidosis and early death (GRACILE syndrome), and Björnstad syndrome, characterized by abnormal flattening and twisting of hair shafts (pili torti) and hearing problems. Here we describe two patients harbouring biallelic variants in BCS1L; the first with a heterozygous variant c.166C>T, p.(Arg56*) together with a novel heterozygous variant c.205C>T, p.(Arg69Cys) and a second patient with a novel homozygous c.325C>T, p.(Arg109Trp) variant. The two patients presented with different phenotypes; the first patient presented as an adult with aminoaciduria, seizures, bilateral sensorineural deafness and learning difficulties. The second patient was an infant who presented with a classical GRACILE syndrome leading to death at 4 months of age. A decrease in BCS1L protein levels was seen in both patients, and biochemical analysis of Complex III revealed normal respiratory chain enzyme activities in the muscle of both patients. A decrease in Complex III assembly was detected in the adult patient’s muscle, whilst the paediatric patient displayed a combined mitochondrial respiratory chain defect in cultured fibroblasts. Yeast complementation studies indicate that the two missense variants, c.205C>T, p.(Arg69Cys) and c.325C>T, p.(Arg109Trp), impair the respiratory capacity of the cell. Together, these data support the pathogenicity of the novel BCS1L variants identified in our patients.
DNA damage and hormone-related cancer: a repair pathway view
Authors: Pooley Karen A , Dunning Alison M
Published: August 2019

In this short review, we examine the overlap between genes known to be mutated in the germlines of individuals at risk of breast, ovarian and prostate cancers, and their positions in DNA damage repair pathways. Cancer risk mutations have been consistently reported in certain genes at the top of these pathways, but none have been reported in others. We consider whether some of these gene products are too crucial to life for mutations to be tolerated, whilst others, further down the pathways, are less essential.
Thermodynamics of the Bladderwort Feeding Strike—Suction Power from Elastic Energy Storage
Authors: Berg Otto , Singh Krizma , Hall Maxwell R , Schwaner M Janneke , Müller Ulrike K
Published: August 2019

The carnivorous plant bladderwort exemplifies the use of accumulated elastic energy to power motion: respiration-driven pumps slowly load the walls of its suction traps with elastic energy (∼1 h). During a feeding strike, this energy is released suddenly to accelerate water (∼1 ms). However, due to the traps’ small size and concomitant low Reynolds number, a significant fraction of the stored energy may be dissipated as viscous friction. Such losses and the mechanical reversibility of Stokes flow are thought to degrade the feeding success of other suction feeders in this size range, such as larval fish. In contrast, triggered bladderwort traps are generally successful. By mapping the energy budget of a bladderwort feeding strike, we illustrate how this smallest of suction feeders can perform like an adult fish.
Comparing outcomes between valve-sparing root replacement and the Bentall procedure in proximal aortic aneurysms: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Salmasi Mohammad Yousuf , Theodoulou Iakovos , Iyer Priyanka , Al-Zubaidy Mohaimen , Naqvi Danial , Snober Mohammed , Oo Aung , Athanasiou Thanos
Published: August 2019

In aortic root aneurysms, the challenge of a valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSRR) procedure is to ensure durable aortic valve function without reintervention. Although the Bentall procedure defers the durability of valve function to the prosthesis, short- and long-term complications tend to be higher. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of VSRR and Bentall procedures in patients with aortic root aneurysms. A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed regarding the outcomes of the Bentall procedure compared with those of VSRR from the inception of the 2 procedures until July 2018. Studies with short- and long-term comparative data were included. An initial search yielded 9517 titles. Thirty-four studies were finally included for meta-analysis (all retrospective, non-randomized), comprising 7313 patients (2944 valve-sparing and 4369 Bentall procedures) with no evidence of publication bias. Operative mortality was found to be significantly lower in the VSRR group [odds ratio (OR) 0.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37–0.70; P < 0.001] despite overall higher cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times. The 5-year survival rate was also more favourable in the VSRR group (OR 1.93 95% CI 1.15–3.23; P < 0.05). Significantly lower rates of cerebral thromboembolism (OR 0.668, 95% CI 0.477–0.935; P = 0.019) and heart block (OR 0.386, 95% CI 0.195–0.767; P = 0.007) were also found after VSRR. There was no significant difference in rates of reoperation between the groups at long-term follow-up (OR 1.32, 95% CI 0.75–2.33; P = 0.336). Meta-regression of patient and operative covariates yielded no influence on the main outcomes (P > 0.05). These findings suggest that VSRR is an appropriate and potentially better treatment option for a root aneurysm when the aortic valve is repairable.
Two-dimensional Brinkman flows and their relation to analogous Stokes flows
Authors: Martin P A
Published: August 2019

2D Stokes flows often exhibit the Stokes paradox: logarithmic growth of the fluid velocity in the far field. Analogous Brinkman flows are governed by the same equations apart from an additional term involving a parameter $\alpha$. Although these equations reduce to those for Stokes flow when $\alpha =0$, we show that the Brinkman solutions do not approach the corresponding Stokes solutions as $\alpha \to 0$; instead, logarithmic divergence with $\alpha$ is found. We also show that Brinkman flows do not exhibit a Stokes-like paradox. These results are given in detail for two specific problems, namely flow past a rigid circular cylinder and flow past a thin rigid strip.
Some Remarks on Non-Symmetric Interpolation Macdonald Polynomials
Authors: Sahi Siddhartha , Stokman Jasper
Published: August 2019

We provide elementary identities relating the three known types of non-symmetric interpolation Macdonald polynomials. In addition we derive a duality for non-symmetric interpolation Macdonald polynomials. We consider some applications of these results, in particular to binomial formulas involving non-symmetric interpolation Macdonald polynomials.
Persistence of Neutralizing Antibody Responses Among Yellow Fever Virus 17D Vaccinees Living in a Nonendemic Setting
Authors: Kareko Bettie W , Booty Brian L , Nix Chad D , Lyski Zoe L , Slifka Mark K , Amanna Ian J , Messer William B
Published: August 2019

Background

The once-in-a-lifetime recommendation for vaccination against yellow fever virus (YFV) has been controversial, leading to increased scrutiny of the durability of immunity after 17D vaccination.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional analysis of 17D vaccinees living in nonendemic Portland, Oregon. Neutralization assays were used to determine YFV immunity. The relationships between 17D immunity and vaccination history, demographics, and travel were evaluated using nominal logistic regression.

Results

Seventy-one of 92 (77.2%) subjects were YFV seropositive (90 percent plaque reduction neutralization test ≥1:10) at all timepoints, and 24 of 38 (63.8%) were YFV seropositive at ≥10 years after single-dose vaccination. No relationship was found between YFV immunity and time in endemic countries, other flavivirus immunity, or demographics. Subjects were most likely to become seronegative between 3 and 12 years postvaccination (logistic regression, odds ratio [OR] = 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12–2.73). A comparison of our results and 4 previous studies of YFV nonendemic vaccinees found that overall, 79% (95% CI, 70%–86%) of vaccinees are likely to be seropositive ≥10 years postvaccination.

Conclusions

These results suggest that 1 in 5 17D vaccinees will lack neutralizing antibodies at ~10 years postvaccination, and a booster vaccination should be considered for nonendemic vaccinees before travel to regions where there is a high risk of YFV transmission.
The mental health and depression of rural-to-urban migrant workers compared to non-migrant workers in Shanghai: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Zan , Dai Junming , Wu Ning , Gao Junling , Fu Hua
Published: August 2019

Background

Migrant workers worldwide commonly are susceptible to mental disorders. Since the 1980s, there has been a large-scale increase in the number of migrant workers in China; this development parallels the acceleration of socio-economic transformation. Studies addressing this population rarely focus on workers’ mental health or psychological well-being, yet it is imperative to understand the mental health status of rural-to-urban migrant workers and study the relationship between migration and mental health.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of 3286 participants (response rate 85.4%) was conducted among different work units in Shanghai. All of the variables of this survey were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire, with depression measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale and poor mental health (PMH) measured by the World Health Organization 5-Item Well-Being Index (WHO-5) scale. Pearson’s χ2 test and logistic regression were used to compare migrants with urbanites, and to identify factors related to mental health outcomes.

Results

Migrant workers (15.3%) had a slightly higher prevalence of depression than non-migrant (12.0%) workers, with notable PMH (26.9%) among participants >45 y of age. In the logistic regression models, those who reported low job satisfaction, unhealthy organizations, poor physical health (self-rated) and long working hours were 2.86 (95% CI 2.14 to 3.84), 1.42 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.91), 1.89 (95% CI 1.41 to 2.55) and 1.48 (95% CI 1.08 to 2.03) times more likely to have depression, respectively. Similarly, workers >45 y of age were 2.92 (95% CI 1.65 to 5.16) and 1.80 (95% CI 1.01 to 3.21) times more likely to have PMH for low job satisfaction and unhealthy organizations, respectively.

Conclusions

There are numerous potential causes affecting the mental health of Chinese internal migrant workers. Strengthening the construction of healthy organizations and enhancing workers’ job satisfaction may improve the mental health status or psychological well-being of this group.
The effect of a community-based health insurance on the out-of-pocket payments for utilizing medically trained providers in Bangladesh
Authors: Khan Jahangir A M , Ahmed Sayem , Sultana Marufa , Sarker Abdur Razzaque , Chakrovorty Sanchita , Rahman Mohammad Hafizur , Islam Ziaul , Rehnberg Clas , Niessen Louis W
Published: August 2019

Background

We aimed to estimate the effect of the community-based health insurance (CBHI) scheme on the magnitude of out-of-pocket (OOP) payments for the healthcare of the informal workers and their dependents. The CBHI scheme was piloted through a cooperative of informal workers, which covered seven unions in Chandpur Sadar Upazila, Bangladesh.

Methods

A quasi-experimental study was conducted using a case-comparison design. In total 1292 (646 insured and 646 uninsured) households were surveyed. Propensity score matching was done to minimize the observed baseline differences in the characteristics between the insured and uninsured groups. A two-part regression model was applied using both the probability of OOP spending and magnitude of such spending for healthcare in assessing the association with enrolment status in the CBHI scheme while controlling for other covariates.

Results

The OOP payment was 6.4% (p < 0.001) lower for medically trained provider (MTP) utilization among the insured compared with the uninsured. However, no significant difference was found in the OOP payments for healthcare utilization from all kind of providers, including the non-trained ones.

Conclusions

The CBHI scheme could reduce OOP payments while providing better quality healthcare through the increased use of MTPs, which consequently could push the country towards universal health coverage.
Distinct roles of BCNP1 in B-cell development and activation
Authors: Hong Rongjian , Lai Nannan , Xiong Ermeng , Ouchida Rika , Sun Jiping , Zhou Yang , Tang Yue , Hikida Masaki , Tsubata Takeshi , Tagawa Masatoshi , Wang Yanqing , Wang Ji-Yang
Published: August 2019

B-cell novel protein 1 (BCNP1) has recently been identified as a new B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling molecule but its physiological function remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that mice deficient in BCNP1 exhibit impaired B-cell maturation and a reduction of B-1a cells. BCNP1-deficient spleen B cells show enhanced survival, proliferation and Ca2+ influx in response to BCR cross-linking as compared with wild-type spleen B cells. Consistently, mutant B cells show elevated phosphorylation of SYK, B-cell linker protein (BLNK) and PLCγ2 upon BCR cross-linking. In vivo, BCNP1-deficient mice exhibit enhanced humoral immune responses to T-independent and T-dependent antigens. Moreover, aged mutant mice contain elevated levels of serum IgM and IgG3 antibodies and exhibit polyclonal and monoclonal B-cell expansion in lymphoid organs. These results reveal distinct roles for BCNP1 in B-cell development, activation and homeostasis.
Challenges and opportunities using online portals to recruit diverse patients to behavioral trials
Authors: Tabriz Amir Alishahi , Fleming Patrice Jordan , Shin Yongyun , Resnicow Ken , Jones Resa M , Flocke Susan A , Shires Deirdre A , Hawley Sarah T , Willens David , Lafata Jennifer Elston
Published: August 2019

We describe the use of an online patient portal to recruit and enroll primary care patients in a randomized trial testing the effectiveness of a colorectal cancer (CRC) screening decision support program. We use multiple logistic regression to identify patient characteristics associated with trial recruitment, enrollment, and engagement. We found that compared to Whites, Blacks had lower odds of viewing the portal message (OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.37–0.57), opening the attached link containing the study material (OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.62–0.92), and consenting to participate in the trial (OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.67–0.93). We also found that compared to Whites, Asians had lower odds of viewing the portal message (OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.33–0.64), opening the attached link containing the study material (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.54–0.97), consenting to participate in the trial (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.53–0.95), and completing the trial’s baseline questionnaire (OR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.36–0.90). While portals offer an opportunity to mitigate human bias in trial invitations, because of racial disparities—not only in who has a portal account, but in how they interact with trial recruitment and enrollment material within the portal—using portals alone for trial recruitment may generate study samples that are not racially diverse.
Effects of supplementing processed straw during late gestation on sow physiology, lactation feed intake, and offspring body weight and carcass quality1
Authors: Agyekum Atta Kofi , Columbus Daniel A , Farmer Chantal , Beaulieu A Denise
Published: August 2019

This study investigated the effects of supplementing late gestation sow diets with processed or unprocessed oat or wheat straw on physiology, early lactation feed intake, and offspring performance. One hundred fifty gestating sows were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 dietary treatments (30 sows per diet) from day 86 of gestation until farrowing. Treatments, arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial plus a control, were a standard gestation diet (control) or control supplemented with 10% wheat or oat straw, processed or unprocessed. Sows were fed a standard lactation diet postfarrowing. The processed straws were produced by high-pressure compaction at 80 °C. On day 101 of gestation (day 15 of the trial), blood samples were collected from a subset of sows (n = 8 per treatment) through ear vein catheters and analyzed for insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), prolactin, glucose, and urea concentrations. Fecal samples were collected on days 103 to 104 of gestation to determine nutrient digestibility, and feeding motivation was investigated on day 104. Litter characteristics and sow feed intake were recorded for 7 d postfarrowing. Three piglets per litter were selected at weaning, fed standard diets, and followed to market. Treatment had no effect on feeding motivation, piglet characteristics at birth, estimated milk production, and offspring BW at market or carcass quality. Processed straw improved DM digestibility and energy content and the effect was greater with oat straw (straw × processing effect, P < 0.05). Pre- and postprandial glucose concentrations tended to decrease (P < 0.10) with processing of wheat, but not oat straw, and this effect was more apparent in the preprandial samples. Preprandial prolactin concentration increased with oat but decreased with wheat straw, whereas postprandial IGF-1 and prolactin concentration increased with processing of wheat, but not oat straw (straw × processing, P < 0.05). Sow lactation feed intake improved (P < 0.05) with oat straw supplementation relative to wheat straw. Piglet weaning weight increased (P < 0.05) with oat straw supplementation and processing improved (P < 0.05) nursery exit BW. However, straw supplementation, regardless of processing, had no effect on offspring BW at market or carcass quality. Overall, oat straw supplementation had a greater impact on sow physiology and provided benefits for sows in late gestation, and there was some indication that further benefits could be obtained through mild processing.
The Nature of the Rome Statute and the Place of International Law before the International Criminal Court
Authors: de Souza Dias Talita
Published: August 2019

Over 20 years have passed since the adoption of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Yet the nature of the Statute still is an open question. It remains unclear who is bound by the Statute, to what extent and under what legal basis. While there is now little doubt that the Statute applies to states parties and the individuals subject to their territorial and active nationality jurisdiction, the same cannot be said for situations accepted by states on an ad hoc basis or referred by the Security Council. This question has significant implications for the Court’s applicable law in particular cases, including on issues of immunities of state officials and non-retroactivity. The aim of this article is to provide a more comprehensive answer to that question by building on previous studies in three ways. First, the nature of the Statute will be sought not only in relation to individuals but also states. Secondly, recourse will be had to the full range of interpretative tools in Articles 31 and 32 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, including its travaux préparatoires. Thirdly, particular attention will be given to the principle of systemic integration and the doctrine of delegated powers in international law, as part of the context of the Statute.
Oncological outcome of neoadjuvant low-dose estramustine plus LHRH agonist/antagonist followed by extended radical prostatectomy for Japanese patients with high-risk localized prostate cancer: a prospective single-arm study
Authors: Enokida Hideki , Yamada Yasutoshi , Tatarano Shuichi , Yoshino Hirofumi , Yonemori Masaya , Sakaguchi Takashi , Nishimura Hiroaki , Eura Rumiko , Nakagawa Masayuki
Published: August 2019

Background

Patients with advanced high-risk prostate cancer (PCa) are prone to have worse pathological diagnoses of positive surgical margins and/or lymph node invasion, resulting in early biochemical recurrence (BCR) despite having undergone radical prostatectomy (RP). Therefore, it is controversial whether patients with high-risk PCa should undergo RP. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemohormonal therapy (NAC) followed by “extended” RP.

Methods

A total of 87 patients with high-risk PCa prospectively underwent extended RP after NAC; most of the patients underwent 6 months of estramustine phosphate (EMP) 140 mg twice daily, along with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist/antagonist. We developed our surgical technique to reduce the rate of positive surgical margins. We aimed to approach the muscle layer of the rectum by dissecting the mesorectal fascia and continuing the dissection through the mesorectum until the muscle layer of the rectum was exposed.

Results

More than 1 year had elapsed after surgery in all 86 patients, with a median follow-up period of 37.7 months. The 3-year BCR-free survival was 74.9%. Multivariate Cox-regression analysis revealed that a positive core ratio of 50% or greater and pathological stage of pT3 or greater were independent predictors for BCR. About 17 of 23 cases received salvage androgen deprivation therapy and concurrent external beam radiotherapy, and showed no progression after the salvage therapies.

Conclusions

NAC concordant with extended RP is feasible and might provide good cancer control for patients with high-risk PCa.
The molecular chaperone Hsp90α deficiency causes retinal degeneration by disrupting Golgi organization and vesicle transportation in photoreceptors
Authors: Wu Yuan , Zheng Xiudan , Ding Yubo , Zhou Min , Wei Zhuang , Liu Tao , Liao Kan
Published: August 2019

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is an abundant molecular chaperone with two isoforms, Hsp90α and Hsp90β. Hsp90β deficiency causes embryonic lethality, whereas Hsp90α deficiency causes few abnormities except male sterility. In this paper, we reported that Hsp90α was exclusively expressed in the retina, testis, and brain. Its deficiency caused retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a disease leading to blindness. In Hsp90α-deficient mice, the retina was deteriorated and the outer segment of photoreceptor was deformed. Immunofluorescence staining and electron microscopic analysis revealed disintegrated Golgi and aberrant intersegmental vesicle transportation in Hsp90α-deficient photoreceptors. Proteomic analysis identified microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP1B) as an Hsp90α-associated protein in photoreceptors. Hspα deficiency increased degradation of MAP1B by inducing its ubiquitination, causing α-tubulin deacetylation and microtubule destabilization. Furthermore, the treatment of wild-type mice with 17-DMAG, an Hsp90 inhibitor of geldanamycin derivative, induced the same retinal degeneration as Hsp90α deficiency. Taken together, the microtubule destabilization could be the underlying reason for Hsp90α deficiency-induced RP.
The Reform of Investor-State Dispute Settlement: Bringing the Findings of Social Psychology into the Debate
Authors: Gicquello Myriam
Published: August 2019

This article introduces the findings of social psychology, especially group psychology, into the study of investment arbitration. It argues that arbitrators as members of small groups (i.e. tribunals or divisions in an Investment Court) might be subjected to a number of influences inherent to such collective settings—factors already proven to be at play in domestic courts. In turn, identifying those factors provides an opportunity to reduce their impact on the decision-making of legal adjudicators through the implementation of adequate remedies. Adopting one of the most popular models of group decision-making—groupthink— this article discusses the manifestations and implications of this theory for Investor-State Dispute Settlement both in its ad hoc and institutionalized forms. Specifically, it claims that the Investment Court defended by the EU and generally posited in some agreements might not be that different from the current system from a socio-psychological perspective, and hence could be further improved.
Arabinoxylan rice bran (MGN-3/Biobran) enhances radiotherapy in animals bearing Ehrlich ascites carcinoma†
Authors: Badr El-Din Nariman K , Areida Said K , Ahmed Kvan O , Ghoneum Mamdooh
Published: August 2019

This study examines the ability of arabinoxylan rice bran (MGN-3/Biobran) to enhance the anti-cancer effects of fractionated X-ray irradiation of Ehrlich solid tumor-bearing mice. Swiss albino mice bearing tumors were exposed to the following: (i) Biobran treatment (40 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal injections) beginning on day 11 post-tumor cell inoculation until day 30; (ii) ionizing radiation (Rad) 2 Gy at three consecutive doses on days 12, 14 and 16; or (iii) Biobran + Rad. Final tumor weight was suppressed by 46% for Biobran, 31% for Rad and 57% for the combined treatment (Biobran + Rad) relative to control untreated mice. Biobran and Rad also arrested the hypodiploid cells in the sub-G1-phase, signifying apoptosis by +102% and +85%, respectively, while the combined treatment induced apoptosis by +123%, with similar results in the degree of DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, Biobran + Rad upregulated the relative gene expression and protein level of p53 and Bax in tumor cells, down-regulated Bcl-2 expression, and increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase-3 activity, with the combined treatment greater than for either treatment alone. Additionally, the combined treatment modulated the decrease in body weight, the increase in liver and spleen weight, and the elevation of liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase to be within normal values. We conclude that Biobran enhances radiation therapy-induced tumor regression by potentiating apoptosis and minimizing toxicities related to radiation therapy, suggesting that Biobran may be useful in human cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and warranting clinical trials.
Esophageal ‘pyocele’: thoracoscopic management
Authors: Sapkota Ranjan , Thapa Bibhusal , Sayami Prakash
Published: August 2019

Mucocele of the native esophagus is a rare complication after esophageal bypass surgery for various indications. Esophageal mucoceles rarely get infected, forming a ‘pyocele’ which becomes symptomatic. Various approaches have been utilized in the management of such pyoceles. We report a similar patient managed successfully in our center utilizing a thoracoscopic deroofing and partial excision of the pyocele.