bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient Attitudes toward Gestational Weight Gain and Exercise during Pregnancy
Authors: Lott M. L. , Power M. L. , Reed E. G. , Schulkin J. , Mackeen A. D.
Published: September 2019

Body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) are important factors for neonatal and maternal health. Exercise helps women moderate their BMI and GWG, and provides health benefits to mother and child. This survey study assessed patients’ perceptions of counseling they received during pregnancy, their sources of information about GWG, and their attitudes toward exercise during pregnancy. We distributed an anonymous survey to 200 pregnant women over the age of 18 at a tertiary care center in Danville, Pennsylvania. Survey questions included demographics, discussions with medical providers regarding GWG and exercise, and their exercise habits before and during pregnancy. 182 women (91%) responded. Most reported their provider discussed weight and diet (78.8%), expected GWG (81.6%), and exercise during pregnancy (79.8%); however, 28% of obese women and 25% of women who did not plan to exercise during pregnancy reported not receiving exercise counseling. Approximately 20% of women did not plan to exercise during pregnancy. Women decreased the number of days per week they exercised (40.6% with 3 or more days prepregnancy versus 30.7% during pregnancy, P=0.002). Some patients who did not exercise prior to pregnancy (12%) expressed interest in a personal training session. Among women in the eight month or later, 42.4% were above GWG recommendations. Our study found barriers to adequate activity during pregnancy; 20% of pregnant women not receiving/remembering counseling regarding exercise. Interest in personal training from patients that did not exercise suggests they would benefit from increased efforts to encourage physical activity. Exercise and GWG counseling based in medical science as well as patient psychological needs will help efforts to reduce GWG and improve pregnancy outcomes.
Fretting Wear and Fatigue Life Analysis of Fuel Bundles Subjected to Turbulent Axial Flow in CEFR
Authors: Shu Yafeng , Wu Jianjun , Yang Yongwei , Zhao Zelong
Published: September 2019

In a fast spectrum reactor, the fuel rod bundle is mainly positioned radially by the wire which can make contact with the adjacent fuel rods, and then it is inevitable that flow-induced vibration (FIV) will cause fretting wear and vibration fatigue of the fuel cladding at the contact position. Therefore, the computational model of fretting wear and fatigue life about the fuel rod bundle caused by FIV will be studied in this paper. Based on the random vibration model of the fuel rod bundle, Hertz contact theory, and Archard wear theory, the fretting wear life computational model and the fatigue life computational model of the wire-to-adjacent fuel rod (WAFR) contact have been established. Finally, taking CEFR design parameters as an example, the fretting wear life and vibration fatigue life of the cladding are calculated, and it is found that fatigue affects the service life of the fuel rod more seriously than fretting wear. The calculation model and method lay a foundation for further accurate prediction and analysis of the fuel rod life.
Comparison of Time Series Methods and Machine Learning Algorithms for Forecasting Taiwan Blood Services Foundation’s Blood Supply
Authors: Shih Han , Rajendran Suchithra
Published: September 2019

Purpose. The uncertainty in supply and the short shelf life of blood products have led to a substantial outdating of the collected donor blood. On the other hand, hospitals and blood centers experience severe blood shortage due to the very limited donor population. Therefore, the necessity to forecast the blood supply to minimize outdating as well as shortage is obvious. This study aims to efficiently forecast the supply of blood components at blood centers. Methods. Two different types of forecasting techniques, time series and machine learning algorithms, are developed and the best performing method for the given case study is determined. Under the time series, we consider the Autoregressive (AUTOREG), Autoregressive Moving Average (ARMA), Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), Seasonal ARIMA, Seasonal Exponential Smoothing Method (ESM), and Holt-Winters models. Artificial neural network (ANN) and multiple regression are considered under the machine learning algorithms. Results. We leverage five years worth of historical blood supply data from the Taiwan Blood Services Foundation (TBSF) to conduct our study. On comparing the different techniques, we found that time series forecasting methods yield better results than machine learning algorithms. More specifically, the least value of the error measures is observed in seasonal ESM and ARIMA models. Conclusions. The models developed can act as a decision support system to administrators and pathologists at blood banks, blood donation centers, and hospitals to determine their inventory policy based on the estimated future blood supply. The forecasting models developed in this study can help healthcare managers to manage blood inventory control more efficiently, thus reducing blood shortage and blood wastage.
Ethanol Extract of Leaves ofCassia siamea LamProtects against Diabetes-Induced Insulin Resistance, Hepatic, and Endothelial Dysfunctions inob/obMice
Authors: Koffi Camille , Soleti Raffaella , Nitiema Mathieu , Mallegol Patricia , Hilairet Gregory , Chaigneau Julien , Boursier Jerome , Kamagate Mamadou , Le Lay Soazig , Die-Kakou Henri Maxime , Andriantsitohaina Ramaroson
Published: September 2019

Despite long traditional utilization and some reports on the antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic action ofCassia siamea, the mechanisms involved have not been investigated yet. Thus, the objective of the present study was to investigate whether and how oral administration of the ethanolic extract ofCassia siamea Lamleaves (LECS) improves glucose and insulin homoeostasis, liver damage, and endothelial dysfunction in an experimental model of type 2 diabetes, the leptin-deficientob/obmice. Oxidative stress and protein expression of insulin-dependent and insulin -independent signaling pathways were studied. Obese(ob/ob) vs. control (ob/+) mice were treated daily with intragastric administration of either vehicle or LECS (200 mg/kg, per day) for 4 weeks. Fasting blood glucose, body weight, food intake, glucose and insulin tolerance, oxidative stress, and liver damage as well as vascular complications with respect to endothelial dysfunction were examined. Administration of LECS in obese mice significantly reduced blood glucose and insulin levels, improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, and restored the increase of circulating AST and ALT without modification of body weight and food intake. These effects were associated with increased activity of both insulin and AMPK pathways in the liver and skeletal muscles. Of particular interest, administration of LECS in obese mice completely prevented the endothelial dysfunction resulting from an increased NO⋅and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the aorta. Altogether, oral administration of LECS remarkably attenuates features of type 2 diabetes on glucose, hepatic inflammation, insulin resistance, endothelial function, and vascular oxidative stress, being as most of these effects are related to insulin-dependent and insulin-independent mechanisms. Therefore, this study points for the therapeutic potential ofCassia siameain correcting both metabolic and vascular alterations linked to type 2 diabetes.
Horizontal Ridge Augmentation and Contextual Implant Placement with a Resorbable Membrane and Particulated Anorganic Bovine Bone-Derived Mineral
Authors: Attanasio Ferdinando , Pacifici Andrea , Giudice Amerigo , Polimeni Antonella , Pacifici Luciano
Published: September 2019

Alveolar ridge deficiency is considered a major limitation for successful implant placement. Various approaches have been developed to horizontal augmentation of bone volume. This case report presents the medium-term results of one-stage guided bone augmentation using an anorganic bovine bone (70%) and autologous bone (30%), placed in layers, in association with resorbable collagen membrane for a subsequent implant placement. The patient presented with a localized horizontal ridge defect in the posterior zone of the jaw. The clinical and radiographic presentations, as well as relevant literature, are presented.
The Role of Circulating CD16+CD56+ Natural Killer Cells in the Screening, Diagnosis, and Staging of Colorectal Cancer before Initial Treatment
Authors: Cui Feng , Qu Di , Sun Ruya , Tao Han , Si Junru , Xu Yuqing
Published: September 2019

Background and Objective. A reliable noninvasive prediction tool for the screening, diagnosis, and/or staging of colorectal cancer (CRC) before surgery is critical for the choice of treatment and prognosis. Methods. Patients admitted for initial treatment of CRC between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2018, were retrieved and reviewed. Records of CD16+CD56+ natural killer (NK) cells were analyzed according to the stages of CRC. Results. The number of qualified participants in the healthy, stage I, stage II, stage III, and stage IV CRC patients were 60, 66, 60, 70, and 68, respectively. There was a significant difference in circulating CD16+CD56+ NK cells between the healthy group and the CRC group (p<0.01), as well as between the healthy group and stage III or IV CRC group (p<0.01 and 0.001, respectively). The percentage of circulating CD16+CD56+ NK cells in lymphocytes was negatively correlated with the occurrence of CRC. When comparing the pool of stage I and II CRC cases with the pool of stage III and IV CRC cases using circulating CD16+CD56+ NK cells, the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve was 0.878. Using an optimal cutoff value of 15.6%, the OR was 0.06 (0.03, 0.11), p<0.001, sensitivity was 86.5%, specificity was 72.5%, positive predictive value was 74.2%, and negative predictive value was 85.5%. Conclusions. Circulating CD16+CD56+ NK cells can be used as a screening and diagnostic/staging tool for CRC.
Comparison of Oxidative Stress Parameters in Heart Failure Patients Depending on Ischaemic or Nonischaemic Aetiology
Authors: Romuk Ewa , Wojciechowska Celina , Jacheć Wojciech , Nowak Jolanta , Niedziela Jacek , Malinowska-Borowska Jolanta , Głogowska-Gruszka Anna , Birkner Ewa , Rozentryt Piotr
Published: September 2019

Background. Abnormalities in the oxidative and antioxidant states causing oxidative stress were both found in heart failure (HF) of various aetiologies and atherosclerosis. Aim of Study. The goals of the study were as follows: comparison of oxidative stress parameters (OSP) in ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) (n=479) and nonischaemic cardiomyopathy (nICM) (n=295) patients; assessment of the relationships of OSP with functional capacity (NYHA class), maximal oxygen consumption (max.O2), left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF), and NT-proBNP concentration; and determination of the mutual relations of OSP in subgroups of patients with ICM and n-ICM. Methods. Serum concentrations of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), uric acid (UA), bilirubin, albumin, protein sulfhydryl groups (PSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. The oxidative stress index (OSI) and MDA/PSH ratio were calculated. Results. Higher concentrations of TAC (1.14 vs 1.11 mmol/l; p<0.001) and MDA (1.80 vs 1.70 μmol/l; p<0.05) and higher MDA/PSH ratios (0.435 vs 0.358; p<0,001) were observed in ICM than in nICM patients. Simultaneously, lower values of the OSI index (4.27 vs 4.6; p<0,05), PSH (4.10 vs 4.75 μmol/g of protein; p<0,001), and bilirubin (12.70 vs 15.40 μmol/l; p<0,001) concentrations were indicated in ICM patients. There were no differences in TOS, UA, and albumin between the examined groups. The NYHA class and VO2max correlate with MDA, bilirubin, and albumin in both groups, while with UA only in the ICM group. Correlations between the NYHA class, VO2max, and PSH were indicated in nICM. The association of LVEF with UA, bilirubin, and albumin has been demonstrated in the ICM group. The study showed negative correlations between TAC, MDA, and PSH and positive between TAC and MDA in both groups. In ICM patients, MDA positively correlated with UA. A negative correlation between PSH and concentrations of UA and bilirubin was expressed only in the nICM group. Conclusion. The obtained results confirm the relationship between the severity of HF and oxidative stress. The mechanisms of oxidative stress and antioxidant defence are partially different in the ICM and the nICM patients.
Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma of the Oral Cavity Successfully Treated with Brentuximab Vedotin
Authors: Meconi Federico , Secchi Roberto , Palmieri Raffaele , Vaccarini Sara , Rapisarda Vito Mario , Giannì Laura , Esposito Fabiana , Provenzano Ida , Nasso Daniela , Pupo Livio , Cantonetti Maria
Published: September 2019

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a CD-30 positive lymphoproliferative disorder with good prognosis, usually treated with radiation therapy and surgery. Head, neck, and extremities are the most frequently involved sites. In this paper, we describe an unusual case of oral localization, recurring after skin-involving radiotherapy, successfully treated with sixteen cycles of brentuximab vedotin. This could be a more effective approach with a less detrimental toll for treating these rare disorders.
Chromosomal Instability and mTORC1 Activation through PTEN Loss Contribute to Proteotoxic Stress in Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Chui M. Herman , Doodnauth Sasha A. , Erdmann Natalie , Tiedemann Rodger E. , Sircoulomb Fabrice , Drapkin Ronny , Shaw Patricia , Rottapel Robert
Published: September 2019

High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma commonly arises from fallopian tube secretory epithelium and is characterized by a high level of chromosomal instability. To model the acquisition of aneuploidy during early carcinogenesis, chromosome missegregation was induced in immortalized tubal epithelial cells, which proved acutely detrimental to cellular fitness. The phenotype was characterized by accumulation of misfolded proteins, activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR), decreased protein synthesis, and enhanced vulnerability to proteasome inhibition. However, chromosome missegregation also resulted in heightened transformation potential, assessed by colony formation in soft agar. Ovarian cancer cells retained intrinsic sensitivity to proteasome inhibitors under adherent culture conditions, but acquired resistance as spheroids (recapitulating their native configuration in ascites) by downregulating protein synthesis via mTORC1 suppression. Loss of PTEN drove constitutive mTORC1 activity, enhanced proteotoxic stress, as evidenced by UPR induction, and resensitized tumor spheroids to proteasome inhibition both in vitro and in vivo. In cohorts of primary ovarian carcinomas, mTORC1 and UPR signaling pathways were closely associated. These results implicate attenuation of protein synthesis as a protective mechanism in tumor spheroids, which may explain the overall poor response to bortezomib in clinical trials of patients with advanced ovarian cancer. However, patients with PTEN-deficient tumors may represent a subpopulation potentially amenable to treatment with proteasome inhibitors or other therapeutic agents that disrupt protein homeostasis.

Significance:

Chromosome instability and protein synthesis are important factors that determine the efficacy of proteotoxic stress-inducing agents, such as proteasome inhibitors, in the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Myeloid-Derived Suppressive Cells Promote B cell–Mediated Immunosuppression via Transfer of PD-L1 in Glioblastoma
Authors: Lee-Chang Catalina , Rashidi Aida , Miska Jason , Zhang Peng , Pituch Katarzyna C. , Hou David , Xiao Ting , Fischietti Mariafausta , Kang Seong Jae , Appin Christina L. , Horbinski Craig , Platanias Leonidas C. , Lopez-Rosas Aurora , Han Yu , Balyasnikova Irina V. , Lesniak Maciej S.
Published: September 2019

The potent immunosuppression induced by glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the primary obstacles to finding effective immunotherapies. One hallmark of the GBM-associated immunosuppressive landscape is the massive infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and, to a lesser extent, regulatory T cells (Treg) within the tumor microenvironment. Here, we showed that regulatory B cells (Breg) are a prominent feature of the GBM microenvironment in both preclinical models and clinical samples. Forty percent of GBM patients (n = 60) scored positive for B-cell tumor infiltration. Human and mouse GBM-associated Bregs were characterized by immunosuppressive activity toward activated CD8+ T cells, the overexpression of inhibitory molecules PD-L1 and CD155, and production of immunosuppressive cytokines TGFβ and IL10. Local delivery of B cell–depleting anti-CD20 immunotherapy improved overall survival of animals (IgG vs. anti-CD20 mean survival: 18.5 vs. 33 days, P = 0.0001), suggesting a potential role of Bregs in GBM progression. We unveiled that GBM-associated MDSCs promoted regulatory B-cell function by delivering microvesicles transporting membrane-bound PD-L1, able to be up-taken by tumoral B cells. The transfer of functional PD-L1 via microvesicles conferred Bregs the potential to suppress CD8+ T-cell activation and acquisition of an effector phenotype. This work uncovered the role of B cells in GBM physiopathology and provides a mechanism by which the GBM microenvironment controls B cell–mediated immunosuppression.

See related Spotlight on p. 1902
Long-Term Survival Outcomes of Metabolically Supported Chemotherapy with Gemcitabine-Based or FOLFIRINOX Regimen Combined with Ketogenic Diet, Hyperthermia, and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Iyikesici Mehmet Salih
Published: September 2019

Background: Despite introduction of new chemotherapeutic agents, outcomes of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer are still poor. Metabolically supported chemotherapy (MSCT) is a novel approach targeting dysregulated energy mechanism of the tumor cell. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the efficacy of metabolically supported administration of chemotherapy combined with ketogenic diet, hyperthermia, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Method: This retrospective observational study included 25 patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal carcinoma (stage IV) who received MSCT (either gemcitabine-based or FOLFIRINOX regimen administered concomitantly with induced hypoglycemia) plus ketogenic diet, hyperthermia, and HBOT combination. Survival outcomes were evaluated. Results: During the mean follow-up duration of 25.4 ± 19.3 months, median overall survival and median progression-free survival were 15.8 months (95% CI, 10.5–21.1) and 12.9 months (95% CI, 11.2–14.6), respectively. Age and gender did not have any effect on overall survival (p > 0.05 for all). Conclusions: MSCT administered together with ketogenic diet, hyperthermia, and HBOT appears to be a viable option with the potential to improve survival outcomes in patients diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Further research, particularly with larger comparative clinical trials, is warranted.
Karyotype Analysis of the New Talpa Species Talpa aquitania (Talpidae; Insectivora) from Northern Spain
Authors: Gutiérrez Juana , Aleix-Mata Gaël , Lamelas Luz , Arroyo María , Marchal Juan A. , Sánchez Antonio
Published: September 2019

Karyotypes of 3 male Talpa specimens from northern Spain were analyzed. The mesostyles of upper molars and cytochrome b sequence analysis identified these specimens as belonging to Talpa aquitania, a new Talpa species recently described from northern Spain and southern France. We describe here for the first time the karyotype of Talpa aquitania. Its diploid number is 2n = 34 and NFa = 64, and all chromosomes including the sex chromosomes are biarmed, either metacentric or submetacentric. G-banding demonstrated that the karyotypes of T. aquitania and T. occidentalis (the most closely related species) are almost identical. However, the karyotype of T. aquitania differs from the karyotypes of both T. europaea and T. occidentalis in that it has a medium-sized biarmed Y chromosome rather than a dot-like chromosome and that chromosome 16 is submetacentric in T. aquitania but has a small p-arm in both T. europaea and T. occidentalis. Pericentromeric C-bands were scarce and only clearly visible in a few chromosomal pairs. In addition, C-banding demonstrated that half of the 14p, the 16p, and the Y chromosome are all heterochromatic. rDNA genes were located at the secondary constriction in autosomal pair 3, a common feature in the karyotypes of all Talpa species. Hybridization signals for telomeric repeats were found on the telomeres and the pericentric regions of some chromosomes and co-localized in the secondary constriction of pair 3 with the rDNA genes. In conclusion, the karyotype of T. aquitania from northern Spain is very similar to the karyotype of other species belonging to the genus Talpa.
Unusual Recurrent Lateral Canthus Mass in a 16-Year-Old Male Patient: Neurothekeoma
Authors: Maktabi Azza M.Y. , Al-Hussain Hailah , Khoja Hatim , Alkatan Hind Manaa
Published: September 2019

Neurothekeoma (NTK) is a specific benign soft tissue tumor, typically involving the skin of the head and neck area as well as the upper part of the body in young age with female predominance. It has a typical lobular pattern of growth but often displays atypical features such as myxoid stroma or fascicular pattern, which makes the diagnosis more difficult and may necessitate the use of immunohistochemical staining to differentiate NTK from nerve sheath tumor. Ocular NTK in general is very rare with only 11 cases previously reported. We are presenting a case of recurrent mixed cellular/myxoid NTK involving the lateral canthal area of a 16-year-old-boy and we demonstrate the diagnostic challenge in such cases to attract the attention of ophthalmologists and pathologist to the rare occurrence of NTK in the ocular region.
Malnutrition as a Complication of Bariatric Surgery – A Clear and Present Danger?
Authors: Lange Jessica , Königsrainer Alfred
Published: September 2019

Obesity is a chronic life-threatening disease, and bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment in those patients. The two main operations are laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). LSG carries a smaller risk for nutritional deficiencies, while gastric bypass procedures are associated with increased nutritional deficiencies because the procedure is more complex and changes the gastrointestinal anatomy. Recent studies comparing LSG and RYGB have proven that these types of operation may lead to a similar weight reduction effect but cause different micronutrient deficiencies. Types of malnutrition after bariatric surgery include protein-energy malnutrition and deficiencies of micronutrients, such as iron, folate, vitamin A, and vitamin B12. Bariatric patients who do not adhere to the recommended diets are at a greater risk of developing relevant malnutrition. Therefore, life-long postoperative clinical and laboratory monitoring is necessary to diagnose deficiencies of vitamins, trace elements, and minerals and to correct them with supplements. Unfortunately, no standardized aftercare regimes exist for these patients, and the costs for nutritional supplements are paid by the patients themselves.
Biallelic Variants in
ASNA1
, Encoding a Cytosolic Targeting Factor of Tail-Anchored Proteins, Cause Rapidly Progressive Pediatric Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Verhagen Judith M.A. , van den Born Myrthe , van der Linde Herma C. , G.J. Nikkels Peter , Verdijk Rob M. , Kivlen Maryann H. , van Unen Leontine M.A. , Baas Annette F. , ter Heide Henriette , van Osch-Gevers Lennie , Hoogeveen-Westerveld Marianne , Herkert Johanna C. , Bertoli-Avella Aida M. , van Slegtenhorst Marjon A. , Wessels Marja W. , Verheijen Frans W. , Hassel David , Hofstra Robert M.W. , Hegde Ramanujan S. , van Hasselt Peter M. , van Ham Tjakko J. , van de Laar Ingrid M.B.H.
Published: September 2019

Background:

Pediatric cardiomyopathies are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of heart muscle disorders associated with high morbidity and mortality. Although knowledge of the genetic basis of pediatric cardiomyopathy has improved considerably, the underlying cause remains elusive in a substantial proportion of cases.

Methods:

Exome sequencing was used to screen for the causative genetic defect in a pair of siblings with rapidly progressive dilated cardiomyopathy and death in early infancy. Protein expression was assessed in patient samples, followed by an in vitro tail-anchored protein insertion assay and functional analyses in zebrafish.

Results:

We identified compound heterozygous variants in the highly conserved
ASNA1
gene (arsA arsenite transporter, ATP-binding, homolog), which encodes an ATPase required for post-translational membrane insertion of tail-anchored proteins. The c.913C>T variant on the paternal allele is predicted to result in a premature stop codon p.(Gln305*), and likely explains the decreased protein expression observed in myocardial tissue and skin fibroblasts. The c.488T>C variant on the maternal allele results in a valine to alanine substitution at residue 163 (p.Val163Ala). Functional studies showed that this variant leads to protein misfolding as well as less effective tail-anchored protein insertion. Loss of
asna1
in zebrafish resulted in reduced cardiac contractility and early lethality. In contrast to wild-type mRNA, injection of either mutant mRNA failed to rescue this phenotype.

Conclusions:

Biallelic variants in
ASNA1
cause severe pediatric cardiomyopathy and early death. Our findings point toward a critical role of the tail-anchored membrane protein insertion pathway in vertebrate cardiac function and disease.
Pharmacological Modulation of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Reverses Thrombotic Stroke tPA (Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator) Resistance
Authors: Peña-Martínez Carolina , Durán-Laforet Violeta , García-Culebras Alicia , Ostos Fernando , Hernández-Jiménez Macarena , Bravo-Ferrer Isabel , Pérez-Ruiz Alberto , Ballenilla Federico , Díaz-Guzmán Jaime , Pradillo Jesús M. , Lizasoain Ignacio , Moro María A.
Published: September 2019

Background and Purpose—

Recanalization of the occluded artery is a primary goal in stroke treatment. Unfortunately, endovascular treatment is not always available, and tPA (tissue-type plasminogen activator) therapy is limited by its narrow therapeutic window; importantly, the rate of early arterial recanalization after tPA administration is low, especially for platelet-rich thrombi. The mechanisms for this tPA resistance are not well known. Since neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have been implicated in this setting, our aim was to study whether NET pharmacological modulation can reverse tPA resistance and the role of TLR4 (Toll-like receptor 4), previously related to NET formation, in thrombosis.

Methods—

To this goal, we have used a mouse photothrombotic stroke model, which produces a fibrin-free thrombus composed primarily of aggregated platelets and thrombi obtained from human stroke patients.

Results—

Our results demonstrate that (1) administration of DNase-I, which promotes NETs lysis, but not of tPA, recanalizes the occluded vessel improving photothrombotic stroke outcome; (2) a preventive treatment with Cl-amidine, impeding NET formation, completely precludes thrombotic occlusion; (3) platelet TLR4 mediates NET formation after photothrombotic stroke; and (4) ex vivo fresh platelet-rich thrombi from ischemic stroke patients are effectively lysed by DNase-I.

Conclusions—

Hence, our data open new avenues for recanalization of platelet-rich thrombi after stroke, especially to overcome tPA resistance.
The second species of the genus Gorochovius Xie, Zheng & Li, 2004 (Orthoptera: Phalangopsidae: Phaloriinae) discovered from China
Authors: MA LIBIN , MA GE
Published: September 2019

Gorochovius furvus sp. n. is the second known species of the genus Gorochovius Xie, Zheng & Li, 2004. The new one is very similar to G. trinervus. But it is distributed farther south than the that species. They can be identified by morphological and acoustical characters. Here, the new species was described, and all species are illustrated and their calling songs analyzed.
On the origin of Anagyrus callidus (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a parasitoid of pink hibiscus mealybug Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)
Authors: TRIAPITSYN SERGUEI V. , ANDREASON SHARON A. , DOMINGUEZ CHRYSALYN , PERRING THOMAS M.
Published: September 2019

Anagyrus callidus Triapitsyn, Andreason & Perring (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), recently described from southern California, USA and Mexico, is a primary parasitoid of the pink hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). This wasp species previously was misidentified as Anagyrus kamali Moursi, which was introduced and released as such in the United States (California and Florida) and Mexico. In this paper, the origin of A. callidus is shown to be from Taiwan, based on differences in the morphology and molecular sequences of voucher specimens of an earlier colony of the misidentified A. kamali from Puerto Rico (released in August 2002 in southern Florida), and specimens that originated in southern Taiwan.
Meteorological Connectivity from Regions of High Biodiversity within the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica
Authors: Katurji M. , Khan B. , Sprenger M. , Datta R. , Joy K. , Zawar-Reza P. , Hawes I.
Published: September 2019

Meteorological connectivity between biological hot spots of the McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDVs) of Antarctica is thought to play a role in species distribution and abundance through the aeolian transport of bioaerosols. Understanding the potential role of such meteorological connectivity requires an understanding of near-surface wind flow within and between valley airsheds. To address this, we applied Lagrangian wind trajectory modeling to mesoscale (spatial resolution of ~1 km) weather model output to predict connectivity pathways, focusing on regions of high biodiversity. Our models produce maps of a likelihood metric of wind connectivity that demonstrate the synoptic and mesoscale dependence of connections between local, near-local, and nonlocal areas on wind transport, modulated by synoptic weather and topographic forcing. These connectivity areas can have spatial trends modulated by the synoptic weather patterns and locally induced topographically forced winds. This method is transferrable to other regions of Antarctica for broader terrestrial, coastal, and offshore ecological connectivity research. Also, our analysis and methods can inform better placement of aeolian dust and bioaerosol samplers in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, provide preliminary guidelines behind the meteorological controls of sediment transport and smaller particle distribution, and present quantifiable knowledge informing new hypotheses around the potential of wind acting as a physical driver for biological connectivity in the MDVs.
Public Opinion on Criminal Records and Employment: A Test of Competing Theoretical Models
Authors: Lehmann Peter S. , Pickett Justin T. , Denver Megan
Published: September 2019

Much prior research has examined the sources of individuals’ attitudes toward the application of punishment via the justice system. Some findings from this literature suggest that punitive attitudes are expressive, retributive, and closely connected to racial resentment. Other research, however, emphasizes that these sentiments are instrumental, utilitarian, and associated with the management of perceived risk. To date, little research has explored public attitudes regarding employment as a reentry barrier, and it is unclear which of these perspectives is more salient for understanding support for employers’ use of criminal records in hiring decision-making. Using survey data on a national sample of American adults ( N = 1,202), the current study finds stronger support for an instrumental model than an expressive model.
Compound Bias due to Measurement Error When Comparing Regression Coefficients
Authors: Murrah William M.
Published: September 2019

Multiple regression is often used to compare the importance of two or more predictors. When the predictors being compared are measured with error, the estimated coefficients can be biased and Type I error rates can be inflated. This study explores the impact of measurement error on comparing predictors when one is measured with error, followed by a simulation study to help quantify the bias and Type I error rates for common research situations. Two methods used to adjust for measurement error are demonstrated using a real data example. This study adds to the literature documenting the impact of measurement error on regression modeling, identifying issues particular to the use of multiple regression for comparing predictors, and offers recommendations for researchers conducting such studies.
Efficacy of Proximal Resin Infiltration on Caries Inhibition: Results from a 3-Year Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Peters M.C. , Hopkins A.R. , Zhu L. , Yu Q.
Published: September 2019

This study reports 3-y outcomes of a split-mouth randomized clinical trial. Resin infiltration’s capacity to arrest caries lesion progression in noncavitated proximal lesions is affirmed. Forty-two consented young adults, blinded to tooth surface allocation, were treated with resin infiltration on 1 randomly selected surface and concurrently experienced a mock infiltration procedure on another. Both treatments were provided as an adjunct to the currently accepted standard-of-care regimen (periodic prophylaxis and serial fluoride varnish applications) appropriate for the management of high caries risk. Challenging periods of low oral hygiene compliance were expected. The primary outcome measure was 3-y radiographic lesion progression. Blinded investigators evaluated each study surface for lesion progression with a series of images obtained at intervals over the 3-y course of study. Proportions of progressing lesions were compared with McNemar’s test. Twenty-nine noncavitated lesion pairs in permanent posterior teeth demonstrating caries penetrating into inner enamel or outer dentin were included in the analyses. No adverse events were reported. Radiographic progression was recorded in 4 of 29 infiltrated lesions (14%) and 14 of 29 control lesions (48%, P < .003). Adjunct resin infiltration demonstrated a high 3-y efficacy of 71% (relative risk reduction). The prevented fraction was 86% for infiltration versus 52% for controls. Resin infiltration was 100% successful in arresting caries progression in inner enamel lesions (E2) and 64% in outer dentin lesions (D1). Supplementary microinvasive resin infiltration is significantly more efficacious in reducing proximal lesion progression than management by standard noninvasive therapy alone. Long-term results may shed light on whether this represents the arrest or delay of the caries disease process (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01584024).
Work–Family Conflict and Well-Being among German Couples: A Longitudinal and Dyadic Approach
Authors: Yucel Deniz , Fan Wen
Published: September 2019

This study examines dual-earner couples to determine whether changes in work–family conflict predict changes in one’s own (i.e., actor effects) or partner’s (i.e., partner effects) health and well-being as well as gender differences in these relationships. Using data from 1,001 dual-earner couples in Wave 6 and Wave 8 of the German Family Panel survey (Pairfam), we found (1) significant actor effects for all outcomes, with stronger actor effects among men than women on mental health; (2) significant partner effects for life satisfaction and mental health, with stronger partner effects among men than women on life satisfaction; and (3) stronger actor effects than corresponding partner effects for life satisfaction and mental health. As work–family conflict has become a fact of life for many contemporary workers, our results contribute by highlighting the importance of using couple-level data and testing longitudinal crossover effects to provide a fuller understanding of such conflict’s health consequences.
Manganese-free chow, a refined non-invasive solution to reduce gastrointestinal signal for T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of the mouse abdomen
Authors: Kersemans Veerle , Wallington Sheena , Allen Philip D , Gilchrist Stuart , Kinchesh Paul , Browning Richard , Vallis Katherine A , Schilling Kathrin , Holdship Phil , Stork Lee-Anne , Smart Sean
Published: September 2019

Commercial mouse chow is designed to provide a complete, nutrient-rich diet, and it can contain upwards of 100 mg/kg manganese, an essential mineral. Manganese acts as a relaxation time-shortening contrast agent for both T1 and T2, and where standard chow is hydrated in the gastrointestinal tract, bright signals are produced when using T1-weighted imaging (T1WI). As a result of peristalsis, gastrointestinal hyperintensities result in temporally unstable signals, leading to image ghosting and decreased resolution from that prescribed. To avoid the problem, various methods of gastrointestinal tract modulation, including the use of intestinal cleansing with laxatives and dietary modulation, have been reported. Here, dietary modulation has been extended to the use of a biologically innocuous, long-term change of diet. In this study, we report on the use of a commercially available manganese-free chow to improve the image quality of the gastrointestinal tract. This manganese-free chow, apart from the omitted manganese which is available in tap water, is a complete diet and readily available. We investigated the time-dependent, diet-related gastrointestinal intensities on short-TR T1WI magnetic resonance imaging; monitored body mass, food and water consumption and standard blood biochemistry analysis following diet change; and determined manganese concentration in blood plasma following a five-day change to manganese-free chow. We show that the manganese-free chow presents a refinement to other gastrointestinal tract modulation, as it avoids the need for invasive procedures for gut voiding and can be provided ad libitum so that animals can be maintained with no need for prescribed diet change before imaging.
Impeller meridional plane optimization of pump as turbine
Authors: Sen-chun Miao , Zhi-xiao Shi , Xiao-hui Wang , Feng-xia Shi , Guang-tai Shi
Published: September 2019

How to improve efficiency is still a very active research point for pump as turbine. This article comes up with a method for optimal design of pump as turbine impeller meridional plane. It included the parameterized control impeller meridional plane, the computational fluid dynamics technique, the optimized Latin hypercube sampling experimental design, the back propagation neural network optimized by genetic algorithm and genetic algorithm. Concretely, the impeller meridional plane was parameterized by the Pro/E software, the optimized Latin hypercube sampling was used to obtain the test sample points for back propagation neural network optimized by genetic algorithm, and the model corresponding to each sample point was calculated to obtain the performance values by the computational fluid dynamics techniques. Then, back propagation neural network learning and training are carried out by combining sample points and corresponding model performance values. Last but not least, back propagation neural network optimized by genetic algorithm and genetic algorithm were combined to deal with the optimization problem of impeller meridional plane. According to the aforementioned optimization design method, impeller meridional plane of the pump as turbine was optimized. The result manifests that the optimized pump as turbine energy-conversion efficiency was improved by 2.28% at the optimum operating condition, at the same time meet the pressure head constraint, namely the head difference between initial and optimized model is under the set numeric value. This demonstrates that the optimization method proposed in this article to optimize the impeller meridional plane is practicable.
Elder Mistreatment in an Italian Population: Prevalence and Correlates
Authors: Badenes-Ribera Laura , Fabris Matteo A. , Longobardi Claudio
Published: September 2019

This study aimed to examine the prevalence of elder mistreatment (EM) in an Italian population and to determine the risk factors. The sample consisted of 393 older adults ( Mage = 77.07; standard deviation = 9.45) of whom 60.1% were females. The prevalence of EM was of 20.1%. Older elders who were separated, divorced, with a poor state of health, and problems of autonomy were more likely to experience EM. The most common forms of EM were physical/sexual (9.9%) and emotional mistreatment (9.9%). The most common perpetrators were paid caregivers and members of the victim’s family. A path analysis model suggested that limited autonomy and poor perceived health status appeared to be predictors of EM. We conclude that the results of this study have important implications in terms of reducing mistreatment of older adults. Understanding EM is essential to promoting equality, tolerance, and supportive attitudes and developing better prevention policies and practices.
Hip fractures following denosumab discontinuation: three clinical cases reports
Authors: Sosa Henríquez Manuel , Gómez de Tejada Romero María Jesús , Escudero-Socorro María , Torregrosa Suau Oscar
Published: September 2019

Summary

A significant loss of bone mineral density and the appearance of multiple vertebral fractures after discontinuation of denosumab treatment have been described. To date, no hip fractures have been reported. We present three cases of patients who suffered femoral fractures after denosumab suppression.
The Myocardial Cell: Normal Growth, Cardiac Hypertrophy and Response to Injury
Authors: Bishop Sanford P.
Published: September 2019

Development and growth of cardiac muscle tissue is controlled by a variety of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Fetal growth is by hyperplasia, is strongly governed by inherent factors and is only slightly modified by external environmental factors. The number of cell divisions is species-dependent and normally stops shortly after birth. Developing blood volume and pressure dictate the hypertrophic stage of normal growth, and this may be further modified by abnormal hemodynamic and humoral factors. Connective tissue, neural and vascular components of the myocardium mature along with the myocyte, and alterations in these structures profoundly affect myocyte function. Hypertrophy beyond normal growth is the response of the myocyte by increased protein synthesis to various stimuli including hemodynamic, humoral and ischemic factors. Injury to normal and hypertrophied myocardium may vary due to structural and metabolic adaptations of hypertrophied tissue, such as connective tissue proliferation, vascular supply alterations and glycolytic metabolic potential. Ischemic effects influence not only cell necrosis, but also hypertrophy and congestive myocardial failure.
Myocyte Response to Stimulation of Receptors and Ion Channels
Authors: Marsh James D.
Published: September 2019

Ventricular myocytes dissociated from adult rat heart and cultured chick embryo ventricular cells were utilized to examine mechanisms by which neurotransmitters, hormones, and ontogeny modulate expression and function of β-adrenergic receptors and L-type calcium channels. Either freshly dissociated cells or cultured cells were studied by an optical-video system to characterize contractility and, in some instances, by a microspectrofluorimeter to determine [Ca2+]i as reported by fura 2. Ligand binding studies in intact cells and membranes were conducted with receptor and ion channel antagonists and agonists. Exposure of intact cells to isoproterenol produced contractile de-sensitization, loss of high affinity receptors from the sarcolemma and closely coupled decline in hormone-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity. Desensitization was by a microfilament-dependent process. Down-regulation depended upon microtubular function. During development of the chick heart, there was an increase in number of dihydropyridine binding sites, taken as a measure of number of L-type calcium channels, at a time when sensitivity to [Ca2+]o and to Bay k 8644 declined. Thyroid hormone was capable of up-regulating L-type calcium channels. Prolonged exposure to a β-adrenergic agonist produced coordinate down-regulation of β-receptors and calcium channels. Down-regulation was a cAMP-dependent process. Thus, the β-adrenergic receptor and a distal component of the effector-response coupling system, the L-type calcium channel, can be regulated independently and in concert by physiologically and pathophysiologically important mechanisms.
Myocardial Connective Tissue Alterations
Authors: Caulfield James B. , Wolkowicz Paul E.
Published: September 2019

There is a complex network of collagen throughout the heart. It is composed of a hierarchy of fibrils and fibers ranging from 10 nm to 2–3 microns in diameter. This network can be broken down by ischemia, adriamycin administration, or disulfide administration in laboratory animals. Following loss due to coronary artery ligation, the ischemic area begins bulging within 3 h. General loss of portions of the collagen matrix is induced by intravenous oxidizing glutathione, and results in marked diffuse ventricular dilatation. Generalized collagen loss in the ventricles, as induced by disulfide administration or adriamycin infusion, persists for 6 months at which time evidence of some replacement is visible, and evidence of diffuse fibrosis is present. In humans, cardiac dilatation occurs in a variety of disease states without overstretch of sarcomeres. This presumes rearrangement of the muscle bundles, which can only occur with marked alterations of the collagen matrix. Ventricular dilatation, associated with viral myocarditis or puerperal cardiomyopathy, may persist for months, suggesting the collagen loss, as with the experimental animals, takes many months to repair. The cardiac dilatation may ameliorate, or, in some patients, deteriorate into heart failure. The animal experiments with loss of the collagen matrix, ventricular dilatation, and failure to replace the matrix for many months provide an explanation for persistent cardiac dilatation in various human diseases.
The Impact of Financial Crises on the Asset Allocation: Classical Theory Versus Behavioral Theory
Authors: Harzallah Amen Aissi , Abbes Mouna Boujelbene
Published: September 2019

The aim of this article is to compare the portfolio optimization generated by the behavioral portfolio theory (BPT) and the mean variance theory (MVT) by investigating the impact of the global financial crisis on the asset allocation. We use data from the Canadian Stock Exchange over the 2002–2015 period. By comparing both approaches, we show that for any level of aspiration and admissible failure, the BPT optimal portfolio will always contain a part of the mean–variance frontier. Thus, in the case of higher degree of risk aversion induced by typical BPT investors, the security set is located on the upper right of the Markowitz frontier. However, even if the optimal portfolios of MVT and BPT may coincide, MVT investors associated with an extremely low degree of risk aversion will not systematically choose BPT optimal portfolios. Our results also indicate the period of financial crisis generate huge losses in MVT portfolio values that implies a lower expected return and a higher level of risk. Furthermore, we point out the absence of the BPT optimal portfolio when potential losses are higher during the 2008 global financial crisis.

JEL: G11, G17, G40