bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A successful strategy for start‐upof a laboratory‐scale UASB reactor treating sulfate‐rich sugar cane vinasse
Authors: Barrera Ernesto L. , Spanjers Henri , Romero Osvaldo , Rosa Elena , Dewulf Jo
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present research was to provide a strategy for the start‐up of upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors treating sugar cane vinasse, with emphasis on the relevant sulfur compounds along the reactor height. To this end, a laboratory‐scale UASB reactor was started up and its performance under the applied conditions was studied.

RESULTS

Biomass was able to assimilate organic loading rates from 3 to 10 kg chemical oxygen demand (COD) mR−3 d−1, reducing VFAs accumulation, while increasing biogas production rate (BPR) from 0.92 to 4.12 m3 mR−3 d−1. The COD and sulfate (SO42−) were mainly removed in the reactor bed, showing homogenous distribution in the blanket and settler zones. However, from bottom to top of the reactor, a slight decrease of total and free sulfide concentrations was observed, indicating that the sludge bed in the UASB reactor was exposed to H2S concentrations higher than those measured in the reactor effluent.

CONCLUSIONS

During 54 days, the development of macroscopic granules, the COD removal efficiency, the BPR and the CH4 content proved good indicators to monitor the start‐up period. Further research will be needed for strategy validation in pilot and full‐scale UASB reactors treating vinasse. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Association between grayscale sonographic and clinical findings in severe knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Kauppinen Kyösti , Pylväläinen Juho , Pamilo Konsta , Helminen Olli , Haapea Marianne , Saarakkala Simo S. , Nevalainen Mika T.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

To assess whether ultrasonographic (US) findings associate with clinical findings in severe knee osteoarthritis (OA). Association of US findings with side‐of‐knee pain and inter‐reader agreement of knee US were also evaluated.

Methods

One‐hundred‐two patients (in total 123 knees) with severe knee OA were recruited for this cross‐sectional study. US was performed by a single observer, and on 53 knees by two independent observers to assess inter‐reader reliability. Preoperative clinical data was available for 69 knees. Cutoff values were applied to dichotomize US and clinical findings. The Chi‐square test, Mann‐Whitney test, and prevalence‐ and bias‐adjusted kappa (PABAK) were applied for statistical analyses.

Results

Seven of 99 associations tested were statistically significant. Associations were observed between range of flexion and lateral femoral (P = .009) and tibial (P = .001) osteophytes, mediolateral instability and damage to the lateral femoral cartilage (P = .014) and damage to the lateral meniscus (P = .031), and alignment and damage to the lateral femoral cartilage (P < .001), lateral tibial osteophytes (P = .037), and damage to the lateral meniscus (P < .001). A strong association was observed between medial‐sided pain and same‐sided cartilage damage and osteophytes (P < .001). That inter‐reader agreement was excellent on the medial side of the knee joint (PABAK = 0.811‐0.887).

Conclusions

US findings show a rather poor association with clinical OA findings. Inter‐reader agreement of knee US is excellent on the medial side.
Meiotic initiation in chicken germ cells is regulated by Cyp26b1 and mesonephros
Authors: Yousefi Taemeh Sara , Mahdavi Shahri Naser , Lari Roya , Bahrami Ahmad Reza , Dehghani Hesam
Published: October 2019

Our knowledge of mechanisms involved in the meiosis of chicken germ cells is very limited. In mammalian fetal ovaries, the onset of meiosis is dependent on retinoic acid and subsequent upregulation of the Stra8 gene. To clarify the mechanism of meiotic initiation in chicken germ cells, we investigated the role of Cyp26b1, a retinoic acid‐degrading enzyme. The Cyp26b1‐inhibitor, ketoconazole was used to treat the ex vivo‐cultured stage 36 gonads/mesonephroi. Then, the progression of meiosis was studied by histological and immunohistochemical analysis and the level of the transcript for Stra8 was evaluated by a quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction in individual ketoconazole‐treated gonads after 6 days in culture.

The results revealed that meiosis was induced in both testes and right ovary upon inhibition of Cyp26b1 in the ex vivo‐cultured gonads, despite downregulation of Stra8 messenger RNA in the treated gonads. Also, meiosis was observed only when mesonephros was cultured alongside the left ovary.

These findings demonstrate that in chicken, Stra8 is not the only factor for the entrance into meiosis, and Cyp26b1 and mesonephros play critical regulatory roles for the sex‐specific timing of meiotic initiation in birds.
Protective effect of phosphatidylcholine on lysophosphatidylcholine‐induced cellular senescence in cholangiocyte
Authors: Ohigashi Toshikazu , Kanno Keishi , Sugiyama Akiko , Nguyen Phuong Thao , Kishikawa Nobusuke , Otani Yuichiro , Kobayashi Tomoki , Matsuo Hiroaki , Tazuma Susumu
Published: October 2019

Background

Pancreaticobiliary maljunction and intrahepatic gallstones are at a high risk for biliary malignancy. Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) is increased in the bile of these patients, and we have previously reported that LPC‐induced cytotoxicity causes senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in cholangiocytes. We aimed to determine the protective effect of phosphatidylcholine (PC) on LPC‐induced cholangiocyte cytotoxicity.

Methods

MMNK‐1, a human immortalized cholangiocyte cell line was treated with LPC with or without PC. To assess the biological effects of SASP components on cholangiocarcinoma, HuH28 and HuCCT1 (human cholangiocarcinoma cell lines) were cultured in the conditioned media where MMNK‐1 cells treated with LPC.

Results

The presence of PC reduced reactive oxygen species generation and oxidative DNA damage in MMNK‐1 treated with LPC. Moreover, SA‐β‐gal activity was markedly downregulated by PC. The secretion of SASP components, including interleukin (IL)‐8, IL‐6, and C‐C motif chemokine ligand 2 was also substantially reduced in the presence of PC. Cellular proliferation and migration were enhanced in HuCCT1 and HuH28 cells when cultured in the conditioned media, and these observations were suppressed by simultaneous addition of PC.

Conclusion

PC protects cholangiocytes against LPC‐induced cytotoxicity and cellular senescence, suggesting its potential as a target for inhibiting LPC‐related carcinogenesis and its promotion.
The Perpetual Outsider: Voices of Black Women Pursuing Doctoral Degrees at Predominantly White Institutions
Authors: Shavers Marjorie C. , Moore James L.
Published: October 2019

This qualitative study explored the perceptions and experiences of Black female doctoral students at predominantly White institutions and their impact on academic persistence and overall well‐being. Fifteen Black female doctoral students participated in semistructured interviews, and each one was administered a demographic questionnaire and was extended an opportunity to participate in member checking. All data collected from the semistructured interviews, demographic questionnaires, and member‐checking exercises were analyzed using Black feminist thought as an interpretive lens. Whereas several themes emerged and are discussed in previous articles (Shavers & Moore, 2014a, 2014b), this article focused on the “Perpetual Outsider” theme, comprising the following subthemes: (a) unwelcoming spaces, (b) tokenism, and (c) outsiders at home. Implications are offered based on identity, support systems, and group counseling.

Este estudio cualitativo exploró las percepciones y experiencias de estudiantes negras de doctorado en instituciones predominantemente blancas, así como su impacto en la persistencia académica y bienestar general. Quince estudiantes negras de doctorado participaron en entrevistas semiestructuradas, y a cada una de ellas se les administró un cuestionario demográfico y se les ofreció la oportunidad de participar en seguimientos de miembros. Todos los datos recopilados a partir de las entrevistas semiestructuradas, los cuestionarios demográficos y los ejercicios de seguimiento de miembros fueron analizados e interpretados desde la perspectiva del pensamiento feminista negro. Aunque surgieron varios temas que se comentan en artículos anteriores (Shavers & Moore, 2014a, 2014b), este artículo se centra en el tema del “Forastero perpetuo”, que incluye los siguientes subtemas: (a) espacios hostiles, (b) representación simbólica y (c) forasteros en casa. Se ofrecen implicaciones basadas en la identidad, sistemas de apoyo y consejería de grupo.
Multicultural Competence–Focused Peer Supervision: A Multiple Case Study of Clinical and Counseling Psychology Trainees
Authors: Somerville William , Marcus Sam , Chang Doris F.
Published: October 2019

In this longitudinal, qualitative case study, 21 clinical and counseling psychology trainees met in leaderless peer supervision groups for 1 training year to discuss multicultural aspects of their clinical work. Peer supervision sessions were audio recorded and transcribed, and the content was analyzed using thematic analysis. Results indicated that, despite the absence of experts to facilitate discussions, participants were able to focus on multicultural issues and generally benefited from this type of peer supervision.

En este estudio de caso longitudinal y cualitativo, 21 alumnos de psicología clínica y consejería se reunieron en grupos de supervisión entre pares sin líderes durante un año de su formación para discutir aspectos multiculturales de su trabajo clínico. Se grabó y transcribió el audio de las sesiones de supervisión entre pares, y luego se analizó el contenido usando un análisis temático. Los resultados indicaron que, a pesar de la ausencia de expertos para facilitar las discusiones, los participantes fueron capaces de centrarse en los temas multiculturales y generalmente se beneficiaron de este tipo de supervisión entre pares.
Evaluation of liver failure in a pediatric transplant recipient of a liver allograft with inherited chromosomally integrated HHV‐6B
Authors: Bonnafous Pascale , Phan Tuan L. , Himes Ryan , Eldin Karen , Gautheret‐Dejean Agnès , Prusty Bhupesh K. , Agut Henri , Munoz Flor M.
Published: October 2019

Background

Active infections of human herpesvirus 6B (HHV‐6B) are frequent in immunocompromised recipients after transplantation. Nevertheless, they need to be distinguished from latent inherited chromosomally integrated genomes (iciHHV‐6) present in about 1% of the population to avoid unnecessary administration of toxic antivirals.

Methods

A 5‐year‐old child presented with acute liver allograft rejection associated with HHV‐6 DNA in plasma, which led to an unfavorable outcome. We investigated the possibility of HHV‐6 infection derived from an iciHHV‐6 present in the donor's liver using molecular and histopathology studies in various tissues, including quantification of HHV‐6 DNA, genotyping, sequencing for antiviral resistance genes, relative quantification of viral transcripts, and detection of gB and gH viral proteins.

Results

The presence of iciHHV‐6B was evidenced in the donor with signs of reactivation in the gallbladder and transplanted liver (detection of HHV‐6B mRNA and late proteins). This localized expression could have played a role in liver rejection. Low viral loads in the recipient's plasma, with identical partial U39 sequences, were in favor of viral DNA released from the transplanted liver rather than a systemic infection.

Conclusions

Determination of iciHHV‐6 status before transplantation should be considered to guide clinical decisions, such as antiviral prophylaxis, viral load monitoring, and antiviral therapy.
College Students' Reported Financial Stress and Its Relationship to Psychological Distress
Authors: Cadaret Michael C. , Bennett Sara Rieder
Published: October 2019

This study examined how financial stress was related to psychological distress as measured by the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms–62 (Locke et al., 2011). Data were collected from students seeking psychological services at a large midwestern university. Results indicated that higher levels of financial stress are associated with greater family distress, academic distress, overall distress, and lower grade point average. Group differences are presented and discussed. Suggestions for addressing financial stress in counseling are provided.
Vocational Expectations and Self‐Stigmatizing Views Among Collegiate Recovery Students: An Exploratory Investigation
Authors: Watts Justin R. , Tu Wei‐Mo , O'Sullivan Deirdre
Published: October 2019

Collegiate recovery programs (CRPs) provide support for students in recovery from substance use disorders. Little research exists examining factors relevant to this population, making it challenging to prioritize recovery and educational goals. This study used a national sample (N = 80) of students involved in CRPs to investigate the relationships among self‐stigma, quality of life, psychological health, and vocational expectations. A regression model revealed these factors to explain 34% of self‐stigmatizing views in this sample.
The Influence of Stigma on College Students' Attitudes Toward Online Video Counseling and Face‐to‐Face Counseling
Authors: Bird Matthew D. , Chow Graig M. , Meir Gily , Freeman Jaison
Published: October 2019

The difference in attitudes toward online video counseling and face‐to‐face counseling and the relationship between stigma and these attitudes were investigated among a sample of 588 college students. Attitudes toward face‐to‐face counseling are more favorable compared with those toward online video counseling. However, self‐stigma does not influence attitudes toward online video counseling to the same extent as face‐to‐face counseling. Services delivered through online video counseling may be beneficial for those experiencing higher levels of stigma.
A Counselor‐Delivered Mindfulness and Social–Emotional Learning Intervention for Early Childhood Educators
Authors: Palacios Alfredo F. , Lemberger‐Truelove Matthew E.
Published: October 2019

The authors discuss the results from an early childhood mental health consultation (ECMHC) intervention delivered by a professional counselor to 6 teachers in urban, culturally diverse, and economically challenged school environments. Results from a phenomenological analysis of the data evince the influence of the ECMHC intervention, which combined social–emotional learning with mindfulness‐based learning. In particular, results show how the teachers experienced growth in emotional regulation in and beyond the classroom.
A Portrait of the Person Seen Through the Four Dimensions of Focusing
Authors: Ikemi Akira
Published: October 2019

In this article, the author examines how a person may be viewed through 4 dimensions of focusing: experiencing, reexperiencing, space, and the body. Elaborating on the theory and relevance to psychotherapy of each dimension, the author portrays a mindful, experiencing, sensing person who stands in the openness of not knowing; taps into the body as a resource to navigate life; creates new, fluid understandings of self and life; cocreates meaning with others; and lives forward with these novel meanings.
Antimicrobial activity and chemical composition of white birch (Betula papyrifera Marshall) bark extracts
Authors: Blondeau Dorian , St‐Pierre Annabelle , Bourdeau Nathalie , Bley Julien , Lajeunesse André , Desgagné‐Penix Isabel
Published: October 2019

Extracts from white birch have been reported to possess antimicrobial properties, but no study has linked the chemical composition of bark extract with antimicrobial activity. This study aimed to identify white birch (Betula papyrifera Marshall) bark extracts with antimicrobial activity and elucidate its composition. In order to obtain the highest extraction yield, bark residues >3 mm were retained for extraction. A total of 10 extraction solvents were used to determine the extraction yield of each of them. Methanol and ethanol solvents extracted a greater proportion of molecules. When tested on eight microorganism species, the water extract proved to have the best antimicrobial potential followed by the methanol extract. The water extract inhibited all microorganisms at low concentration with minimal inhibitory concentration between 0.83 and 1.67 mg/ml. Using ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled to a time‐of‐flight quadrupole mass spectrometer, several molecules that have already been studied for their antimicrobial properties were identified in water and methanol extracts. Catechol was identified as one of the dominant components in white birch bark water extract, and its antimicrobial activity has already been demonstrated, suggesting that catechol could be one of the main components contributing to the antimicrobial activity of this extract. Thus, extractives from forestry wastes have potential for new applications to valorize these residues.
Chromate exposure induces DNA hypermethylation of the mismatch repair gene MLH1 in lung cancer
Authors: Tsuboi Mitsuhiro , Kondo Kazuya , Soejima Shiho , Kajiura Koichiro , Kawakita Naoya , Toba Hiroaki , Kawakami Yukikiyo , Yoshida Mitsuteru , Takizawa Hiromitsu , Tangoku Akira
Published: October 2019

Hexavalent chromium is recognized as a human carcinogen. Our previous studies revealed that lung cancer (LC) in chromate‐exposed workers (chromate LC) had molecular features of frequent microsatellite instability (MSI), repression of MLH1 level, and aberrant DNA methylation of several tumor‐suppressor genes, including MLH1. In the present study, we quantitatively investigated MLH1‐promoter methylation status using bisulfite pyrosequencing of paired tumorous/nontumorous tissues from chromate and nonchromate LCs to determine the effect of chromate exposure on MLH1‐promoter methylation. The methylation level of MLH1 promoter was significantly higher in chromate LC tumors (P < .001) than nonchromate LC tumors and, among chromate LC, significantly higher in tumorous tissue than nontumorous tissue (P = .004). Moreover, the methylation level of MLH1 promoter in normal lung tissue tended to be higher in chromate LC than nonchromate LC (P = .062). In addition, LC with reduced levels of MLH1 showed significantly higher methylation levels of MLH1 promoter than LC exhibiting normal MLH1 levels (P = .019). Moreover, immunohistochemical analyses determined that levels of SUV39H1, an H3K9me2‐related methyltransferase, were higher in chromate LC than nonchromate LC (P = .076). Furthermore, we evaluated three DNA double‐strand break‐repair genes (MRE11, RAD50, and DNA‐PKcs) as possible targets of MSI by fragment‐length polymorphism analysis, revealing the mutation frequency of RAD50 as significantly higher in chromate LC than nonchromate LC (P = .047). These results suggest that chromate exposure might induce MLH1 hypermethylation in LC as a mechanism of chromate‐induced carcinogenesis.
Gene‐level genome‐wide association analysis of suicide attempt, a preliminary study in a psychiatric Mexican population
Authors: González‐Castro Thelma Beatriz , Martínez‐Magaña José Jaime , Tovilla‐Zárate Carlos Alfonso , Juárez‐Rojop Isela Esther , Sarmiento Emmanuel , Genis‐Mendoza Alma Delia , Nicolini Humberto
Published: October 2019

Background

Evidence suggests that liability for suicide behavior is heritable; additionally, suicide has been partly related to other psychiatric disorders. Nevertheless, most of the information reported so far address Caucasian and Asian individuals. Hence, our aim was to conduct a gene‐level association study in Mexican psychiatric individuals diagnosed with suicide attempt.

Methods

We recruited 192 individuals from two clinical centers in Mexico. All participants were born in Mexico and had Mexican parents and grandparents. Direct genotyping was performed using the commercial platform Infinium PsychArray BeadChip. A p‐value lower than 1e‐05 was considered as gene‐level significant and a p‐value lower than 1e‐04 was considered as gene‐level nominal significant.

Results

Our analyses showed that SCARA5 was associated to suicide intent at a gene‐level with statistical significance (p‐value = 1.12e‐6). Other genes were nominally associated with suicide attempt: GHSR (p‐value = 0.0004), RGS10 (p‐value = 5.13e‐5), and STK33 (p‐value = 3.62e‐5). Regarding gene variant analyses, the SNPs with a statistical association (p > .05) were rs561361616, rs1537577, rs11198999 for RGS10, and rs11041981, rs11041993, rs11041994, rs11041995, rs11041997, rs10840083, rs10769918 for STK33. For these genes, previous studies have associated SCARA5 with depression, GHSR with alcohol dependence and depression, and RGS10 with schizophrenia and depression. To date, STK33 has not been associated with any psychiatric disorder.

Conclusion

Our outcomes revealed that SCARA5, GHSR, RGS10 and STK33 could be considered as risk biomarkers for suicide attempt behavior in our Mexican psychiatric sample. We recommend to perform larger scale analyses to have conclusive results.
Design of nonuniform substrate dielectric lens antennas using 3D printing technology
Authors: Belen Mehmet A. , Mahouti Peyman
Published: October 2019

With the latest developments in 3D printing technologies and decreases in their costs, these prototyping methods are now being used extensively in many applications for fast, low‐cost, and precise prototyping. In this work, 3D printing technology had been used for prototyping of nonuniform substrate dielectric lens antennas. For this, two study cases had been taken into consideration: (a) design of a dielectric lens antenna with 25 nonuniform height dielectric pillars with constant dielectric value, and (b) design of a dielectric lens antenna with 25 pillars of nonuniform dielectric constant value but equal height. Both of the designs, first, were modeled in 3D EM simulation environments and then were prototyped via 3D printing technology. Both the simulations and measured results of the prototyped antennas were compared and found that they were agreeable. Both of the antenna designs achieved a measured gain level of almost 17.4 dBi at 10 GHz, with a return loss of less than −10 dB. Thus, as it can be observed from the experimental results, the proposed 3D printing‐based manufacturing process is an efficient solution for the realization of high‐performance nonuniform substrate dielectric lens antennas that are either difficult or impractical with conventional prototyping methods.
Technical Note: Increased photon starvation artifacts at low helical pitch in ultra‐low‐dose CT
Authors: Browne Jacinta E. , Bruesewitz Michael R. , Vrieze Thomas J. , McCollough Cynthia H. , Yu Lifeng
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The aim of this study was to demonstrate that a low helical pitch causes increased photon starvation artifacts at ultra‐low‐dose CT.

Methods

A cylindrical water phantom with a diameter of 30 cm was scanned on two different generation CT scanners: a 64‐slice scanner (Sensation 64, Siemens Healthcare) and a 192‐slice scanner (Somatom Force, Siemens Healthcare) at multiple effective mAs levels (mAs/pitch = 200, 100, 50, 25, and 12). The corresponding CTDIvol values were 4.1, 2.0, 1.0, 0.5 mGy, on the 64‐slice scanner and 3.8, 1.9, 1.0, 0.5 mGy on the 192‐slice scanner, for the selected effective mAs values. For each dose setting, the scan was repeated at four helical pitches: 1.2, 0.9, 0.6, and the lowest achievable pitch on each scanner. The tube current was automatically adjusted by the scanner so that the effective mAs, and thus CTDIvol, were kept the same for different pitches. All CT data sets were reconstructed with a slice thickness of 3mm and a medium smooth kernel. Images acquired at the same dose level but different helical pitches were visually inspected to assess photon starvation artifacts and noise levels.

Results

At the same radiation dose, image noise increased with the decreasing helical pitch. The increase was more severe on the old‐generation 64‐slice scanner. Photon starvation artifacts were evident at 200 effective mAs on the 64‐slice scanner at 80 kV. On the 192‐slice scanner there was no visible photon starvation artifacts at both 200 and 50 effective mAs (CTDIvol = 4.1 mGy and 1.0 mGy, respectively); nor was there a visible impact from the lower helical pitch. Only when the dose was lowered to be extremely low (~0.26 mGy, achievable at 70 kV), did photon starvation artifacts become evident.

Conclusions

A low helical pitch may increase image noise and photon starvation artifacts compared to a higher pitch for the same dose level, particularly at ultra‐low dose CT.
The motor unit and quantitative electromyography
Authors: Bromberg Mark B.
Published: October 2019

Electromyography (EMG) assesses the anatomic motor unit (A‐MU), but knowledge of its anatomy, physiology, and changes with pathology is limited. The electrophysiological motor unit (E‐MU) and its motor unit potential (E‐MUP) represents a fraction of the A‐MU. Routine EMG assesses a limited number of E‐MUP waveform characteristics (metrics) and their magnitudes qualitatively scaled in a nonlinear manner. Another approach is quantitative EMG (QEMG), whereby 20+ E‐MUPs are extracted and both basic and derived metrics obtained and values expressed quantitatively. In diseased muscle, many E‐MUP metrics may be normal, which complicates diagnostic interpretation. In QEMG, E‐MUP metrics can be clustered and statistical analyses performed to assign probabilities that E‐MUPs (and the muscle) are normal, neuropathic, or myopathic. In this article we review what is known about the A‐MU, the restricted E‐MU, E‐MUP metrics, and what QEMG offers currently and in the future.
How can we improve the diagnosis and management of bladder pain syndrome? Part 1: ICI‐RS 2018
Authors: Khullar Vik , Chermansky Christopher , Tarcan Tufan , Rahnama'i Mohammad Sajjad , Digesu Alex , Sahai Arun , Veit‐Rubin Nikolaus , Dmochowski Roger
Published: October 2019

Background

This paper summarizes the discussion in a think tank at the ICI‐RS 2018 about the diagnosis of bladder pain syndrome (BPS).

Aims

To review the guidelines, investigations and subtypes of BPS.

Materials and Methods

Review of literature in the light of the think tank discussion.

Results

All guidelines recommend completing history, physical examination, urine analysis, urine culture, and urine cytology to define the BPS phenotype but there are differences on further investigations. In those guidelines which recommend cystoscopy, the identification of Hunner's lesions (HLs) is recommended as this changes the treatment plan and outcome.

Conclusion

We propose that the differentiation of Hunner's ulcers is an important step in the assessment of these patients. Further suggestions for research are suggested.
Are there differences in the damage to the pelvic floor between malmstrom's and kiwi omnicup vacuums? A multicenter study
Authors: González‐Diaz Enrique , García‐Mejido José A. , Martín‐Martínez Alicia , Fernández‐Fernández Camino , Ortega Ismael , Medina Margarita , Fernández‐Corona Alfonso , Fernández‐Palacín Ana , Sainz José A.
Published: October 2019

Objectives

The objective of this study is to investigate a multicenter study to establish if differences exist in the levator ani muscle avulsion (LAM) rates between deliveries performed with Malmstrom's vacuum and the Kiwi vacuum.

Study design

A prospective, multicenter observational study with 199 primiparous subjects was performed. All patients had undergone vaginal delivery by vacuum (Malmstrom's or Kiwi). Avulsion was defined as an abnormal insertion of LAM in the lower pubic branch in the multiplanar mode, as identified in the three central sections by transperineal 3/4D echography 6 months after delivery. The area of ​​the levator hiatus was measured in the plane of minimum dimensions at rest, during the Valsalva maneuver and during contraction.

Results

LAM avulsion occurred in 33.1% of cases in which Malmstrom's vacuum was used and in 29.4% of cases in which the Kiwi vacuum was used (the difference was not statistically significant), which resulted in a crude odds ratio (OR) of 0.977 (0.426, 2.241; P = .957) and an adjusted OR of 2.90 (0.691; 12.20; P = .146). Women in the Malmstrom's vacuum group had a larger LHA at rest 14.77 vs 12.64 cm2; P = .001) and at maximum contraction (13.41 vs 10.83 cm2; P < 0.001) in comparison with the Kiwi group, although the difference did not reach statistical significance under Valsalva maneuver (18.71 vs 17.21 cm2; P = .051).Differences between both groups were detected in the measurements of the hiatus area levator at rest (14.77 vs 12.64 cm2), during the Valsalva maneuver (18.71 vs 17.21 cm2) and during maximum contraction (13.41 vs 10.83 cm2).

Conclusions

In the present study, Malmstrom's vacuum was not associated with a higher risk of LAM in comparison with Kiwi's Omnicup.
What's in a name? Choosing a title for a female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery clinic: A prospective questionnaire
Authors: Nguyen Anh , Cheung Alice , Berg William , Lee Wai , Weissbart Steven , Kim Jason
Published: October 2019

Aims

A new multidisciplinary clinic specializing in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) opened at our institution. We sought to assess patient preference in naming this new center, and how readability and word choice informs these preferences.

Methods

We prospectively surveyed patient preference in naming this new center, as well as patient knowledge and societal perception of pelvic floor disorders. This survey was distributed to female patients presenting to general urology and gynecology clinics.

Results

There were 300 respondents out of 1000 distributed surveys. Patients preferred titles with accessible readability scores and societally neutral vocabulary. Preferred titles for the clinic were at a 6th‐grade readability level. Patients preferred neutral titles that included the word “health” and disliked titles that contained the words “pelvic floor” and “dysfunction.” In general, survey participants believed that “incontinence” was associated with negative connotations.

Conclusion

Readable and neutral vocabulary in the title of the clinic are key components of patient‐preferred titles for an FPMRS clinic and affect patient comfort levels in scheduling an appointment.
Role of p38 MAP kinase signaling pathways in storage and voiding dysfunction in mice with spinal cord injury
Authors: Shimizu Nobutaka , Wada Naoki , Shimizu Takahiro , Suzuki Takahisa , Kurobe Masahiro , Kanai Anthony J. , de Groat William C. , Hashimoto Mamoru , Hirayama Akihide , Uemura Hirotsugu , Yoshimura Naoki
Published: October 2019

Aim

To investigate the role of p38 MAP kinase in lower urinary tract dysfunction in mice with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods

Cystometry and external urethral sphincter‐electromyography were performed under an awake condition in 4‐week SCI female mice. Two weeks after SCI, a catheter connected to an osmotic pump filled with a p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor or artificial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was implanted into the intrathecal space of L6‐S1 spinal cord for continuous intrathecal instillation at infusion rate of 0.51 μL/h for 2 weeks before the urodynamic study. L6 dorsal root ganglia were then removed from CSF and p38 MAPK inhibitor‐treated SCI mice as well as from CSF‐treated normal (spinal intact) mice to evaluate the levels of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) transcripts by real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

In p38 MAPK inhibitor‐treated SCI mice, nonvoiding contractions during bladder filling, bladder capacity, and post‐void residual volume were significantly reduced while micturition pressure and voiding efficiency were significantly increased in comparison to these measurements in CSF‐treated SCI mice. The expression of TRPV1, TNF‐α, and iNOS messenger RNA was increased in SCI mice compared with expression in spinal intact mice and significantly decreased after p38 MAPK inhibitor treatment.

Conclusions

The p38 MAPK signaling pathway in bladder sensory neurons or in the spinal cord plays an important role in storage and voiding problems such as detrusor overactivity and inefficient voiding after SCI.
Reducing overprescribing of antibiotics for suspected urinary tract infections in a health sciences campus student health service
Authors: Sebesta Elisabeth M. , March Anika , Sayegh Christopher , Li Gen , Love Michelle , Badalato Gina M. , Ferdschneider Marcy , Cooper Kimberly L.
Published: October 2019

Aims

Recommendations for the management of women with suspected uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections (UTIs) include presumptive antibiotics with or without obtaining a urine culture (UCx). However, with increasing antibiotic resistance, efforts to decrease antibiotic usage are vital. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine if the presumptive treatment of women with suspected uncomplicated UTIs is contributing to unnecessary antibiotic usage.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all nonpregnant female patients presenting to our student health services clinic with UTI symptoms from December 2016 to May 2017 who had UCx sent. Clinical information, symptoms, office urine dip, and UCx results were reviewed. Patients with positive and negative UCx were compared.

Results

A total of 67 patients were included for analysis. Presenting symptoms included dysuria (59/60, 98%), frequency (41/45, 91%), and urgency (27/27, 100%). Office urine dip was performed on 33 of 67 (49%) patients. Dips were positive for leukocytes (88%), blood (79%), and nitrites (18%). All patients in the study were prescribed antibiotics, most commonly nitrofurantoin (82%). Culture results were negative in 29 of 67 (43%). There were no significant differences in duration of symptoms, presenting symptoms, or urine dip results between patients with a negative UCx and those with a positive UCx.

Conclusions

In our study, we found a significant negative UCx rate in women with symptoms of uncomplicated UTI, representing a cohort of patients who were exposed to antibiotics unnecessarily. In addition, we found no difference in presenting symptoms or urine dip results to help distinguish patients with a positive UCx.
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Bias in Participants with Severe Obesity Regardless of Deindexation
Authors: Guebre‐Egziabher Fitsum , Brunelle Charlotte , Thomas Jouve , Pelletier Caroline C. , Normand Gabrielle , Juillard Laurent , Dubourg Laurence , Lemoine Sandrine
Published: October 2019

Objective

Morbid obesity is associated with a higher independent risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) has been evaluated in a limited number of study participants with severe obesity.

Methods

A total of 706 measured GFR (mGFR) results from 598 participants with obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2) were retrospectively collected. The performance of the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation, Chronic Kidney Disease‐Epidemiology (CKD‐EPI) equation, and deindexed eGFR were compared with mGFR from the gold standard technique (inuline or iohexol), adjusted (mGFRr) or nonadjusted (mGFR) to body surface area. Absolute bias, precision, and accuracy were calculated.

Results

Mean mGFRr (58 ± 31 mL/min/1.73 m2) was significantly different from CKD‐EPI and MDRD (P < 0.001). Mean mGFR (nonindexed) (70 ± 40 mL/min) was significantly higher than mGFRr (P < 0.001). eGFR showed important biases and low accuracies for CKD‐EPI and MDRD (10.7 ± 10.7 and 12.2 ± 13.7 mL/min/1.73 m2; 78% vs. 75% respectively). Deindexation worsened bias and accuracy 30% (percentage of GFR estimates within 30% of mGFRr or mGFR) between eGFR and mGFR.

Conclusions

eGFR overestimates mGFR and is associated with important biases and inaccuracies in patients with severe obesity, and deindexing eGFR worsens the overestimation. These findings may have important implications in examining kidney function in patients with obesity.
Inflammatory macrophages switch to CCL17‐expressing phenotype and promote peritoneal fibrosis
Authors: Chen Yi‐Ting , Hsu Hao , Lin Chi‐Chun , Pan Szu‐Yu , Liu Shin‐Yun , Wu Ching‐Fang , Tsai Pei‐Zhen , Liao Chia‐Te , Cheng Hui‐Teng , Chiang Wen‐Chih , Chen Yung‐Ming , Chu Tzong‐Shinn , Lin Shuei‐Liong
Published: October 2019

Peritoneal fibrosis remains a problem in kidney failure patients treated with peritoneal dialysis. Severe peritoneal fibrosis with encapsulation or encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis is devastating and life‐threatening. Although submesothelial fibroblasts as the major precursor of scar‐producing myofibroblasts in animal models and M2 macrophage (Mϕ)‐derived chemokines in peritoneal effluents of patients before diagnosis of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis have been identified, attenuation of peritoneal fibrosis is an unmet medical need partly because the mechanism for cross talk between Mϕs and fibroblasts remains unclear. We use a sodium hypochlorite‐induced mouse model akin to clinical encapsulated peritoneal sclerosis to study how the peritoneal Mϕs activate fibroblasts and fibrosis. Sodium hypochlorite induces the disappearance of CD11bhighF4/80high resident Mϕs but accumulation of CD11bintF4/80int inflammatory Mϕs (InfMϕs) through recruiting blood monocytes and activating local cell proliferation. InfMϕs switch to express chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 17 (CCL17), CCL22, and arginase‐1 from day 2 after hypochlorite injury. More than 75% of InfMϕs undergo genetic recombination by Csf1r‐driven Cre recombinase, providing the possibility to reduce myofibroblasts and fibrosis by diphtheria toxin‐induced Mϕ ablation from day 2 after injury. Furthermore, administration of antibody against CCL17 can reduce Mϕs, myofibroblasts, fibrosis, and improve peritoneal function after injury. Mechanistically, CCL17 stimulates migration and collagen production of submesothelial fibroblasts in culture. By breeding mice that are induced to express red fluorescent protein in Mϕs and green fluorescence protein (GFP) in Col1a1‐expressing cells, we confirmed that Mϕs do not produce collagen in peritoneum before and after injury. However, small numbers of fibrocytes are found in fibrotic peritoneum of chimeric mice with bone marrow from Col1a1‐GFP reporter mice, but they do not contribute to myofibroblasts. These data demonstrate that InfMϕs switch to pro‐fibrotic phenotype and activate peritoneal fibroblasts through CCL17 after injury. CCL17 blockade in patients with peritoneal fibrosis may provide a novel therapy. © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dysregulation of AMPA receptor subunit expression in sporadic ALS post‐mortem brain
Authors: Gregory Jenna M , Livesey Matthew R , McDade Karina , Selvaraj Bhuvaneish T , Barton Samantha K , Chandran Siddharthan , Smith Colin
Published: October 2019

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterised by progressive motor neuron degeneration. Although there are over 40 genes associated with causal monogenetic mutations, the majority of ALS patients are not genetically determined. Causal ALS mutations are being increasingly mechanistically studied, though how these mechanisms converge and diverge between the multiple known familial causes of ALS (fALS) and sporadic forms of ALS (sALS) and furthermore between different neuron types, is poorly understood. One common pathway that is implicated in selective motor neuron death is enhanced α‐amino‐3‐hydroxyl‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole‐propionate (AMPAR)‐mediated excitoxicity. Specifically, human in vitro and pathological evidence has linked the C9orf72 repeat expansion mutation to a relative increase in the Ca2+‐permeable AMPAR population due to AMPAR subunit dysregulation. Here, we provide the first comparative quantitative assessment of the expression profile of AMPAR subunit transcripts, using BaseScope, in post‐mortem lower motor neurons (spinal cord, anterior horn), upper motor neurons (motor cortex) and neurons of the pre‐frontal cortex in sALS and fALS due to mutations in SOD1 and C9orf72. Our data indicated that AMPAR dysregulation is prominent in lower motor neurons in all ALS cases. However, sALS and mutant C9orf72 cases exhibited GluA1 upregulation whereas mutant SOD1 cases displayed GluA2 down regulation. We also showed that sALS cases exhibited widespread AMPAR dysregulation in the motor and pre‐frontal cortex, though the exact identity of the AMPAR subunit being dysregulated was dependent on brain region. In contrast, AMPAR dysregulation in mutant SOD1 and C9orf72 cases was restricted to lower motor neurons only. Our data highlight the complex dysregulation of AMPAR subunit expression that reflects both converging and diverging mechanisms at play between different brain regions and between ALS cohorts. © 2019 Authors. Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Genetic or pharmacologic blockade of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 inhibits the progression of peritoneal fibrosis
Authors: Shi Yingfeng , Tao Min , Wang Yi , Zang Xiujuan , Ma Xiaoyan , Qiu Andong , Zhuang Shougang , Liu Na
Published: October 2019

Dysregulation of histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many cancers. However, the role of EZH2 in peritoneal fibrosis remains unknown. We investigated EZH2 expression in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and assessed its role in peritoneal fibrosis in cultured human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs) and murine models of peritoneal fibrosis induced by chlorhexidine gluconate (CG) or high glucose peritoneal dialysis fluid (PDF) by using 3‐deazaneplanocin A (3‐DZNeP), and EZH2 conditional knockout mice. An abundance of EZH2 was detected in the peritoneum of patients with PD associated peritonitis and the dialysis effluent of long‐term PD patients, which was positively correlated with expression of TGF‐β1, vascular endothelial growth factor, and IL‐6. EZH2 was found highly expressed in the peritoneum of mice following injury by CG or PDF. In both mouse models, treatment with 3‐DZNeP attenuated peritoneal fibrosis and inhibited activation of several profibrotic signaling pathways, including TGF‐β1/Smad3, Notch1, epidermal growth factor receptor and Src. EZH2 inhibition also inhibited STAT3 and nuclear factor‐κB phosphorylation, and reduced lymphocyte and macrophage infiltration and angiogenesis in the injured peritoneum. 3‐DZNeP effectively improved high glucose PDF‐associated peritoneal dysfunction by decreasing the dialysate‐to‐plasma ratio of blood urea nitrogen and increasing the ratio of dialysate glucose at 2 h after PDF injection to initial dialysate glucose. Moreover, delayed administration of 3‐DZNeP inhibited peritoneal fibrosis progression, reversed established peritoneal fibrosis and reduced expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2, and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and ‐9. Finally, EZH2‐KO mice exhibited less peritoneal fibrosis than EZH2‐WT mice. In HPMCs, treatment with EZH2 siRNA or 3‐DZNeP suppressed TGF‐β1‐induced upregulation of α‐SMA and Collagen I and preserved E‐cadherin. These results indicate that EZH2 is a key epigenetic regulator that promotes peritoneal fibrosis. Targeting EZH2 may have the potential to prevent and treat peritoneal fibrosis. © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of carbon nanotubes/polyethersulfone antistatic composite materials by a mixing process
Authors: Tian Yuhan , Zhong Jiachun , Hu Linqing , Zheng Xiaoyi , Cheng Jie , Pu Zejun
Published: October 2019

In this work, a facilitated physical dispersion technology was employed to prepare polymer‐based antistatic composites using polyethersulfone (PES) as matrix and the acidulated multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) as nanofillers, scattering the PES resin in the deionized water contained MWCNT by the colloid mill to obtain MWCNT/PES emulsion and the MWCNT/PES composites were prepared by melt processing. The influence of dispersion technology about the MWCNT/PES composites on the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties was investigated in detail. The morphology of the MWCNT/PES emulsion was investigated by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscope, respectively. The results showed that the MWCNT nanoparticles were encapsulated in the PES microspheres homogeneously. In addition, the obtained MWCNT/PES composites showed higher glass transition temperature (T
g) and initial thermal decomposition temperature (T5%). More importantly, the tensile strength and surface resistance of 3 wt% MWCNT/PES composites were up to 112 MPa and 106 Ω/m, respectively. Therefore, these high‐performance polymer‐based antistatic composites will have potential application in electronic devices applied with high temperature conditions.
Projection‐transformation method with considering energy conservation
Authors: Yamauchi Hitoshi , Ozaki Koichi , Sato Yoichiro , Fukuta Tadao , Obunai Kiyotaka
Published: October 2019

In this paper, a projection‐transformation method that considers the conservation of energy during transformation is proposed. To consider energy conservation, an area‐integration function of the input image is introduced. By conducting the projection‐transformation of this function, energy is conserved during transformation. The pixel value of the transformed image is calculated by integrating the transformed function. The Gauss–Legendre numerical integration scheme is used for the integration calculation. Moreover, the pixel area change during the transformation is considered by using the Jacobian factor. To demonstrate the projection‐transformation, standard images of the SIDBA and SCID datasets are used. Also, the ISO 12233 Test Chart is used for evaluation using high‐frequency images. The quality of the transformed images is evaluated using the structural similarity index and peak signal‐to‐noise ratio values. Because the image quality is affected by the color space, the evaluations are conducted using RGB and YUV color spaces. The results show that the proposed methods produce the highest quality values regardless of the type of image or color space. Moreover, the quality of the transformed image is improved when considering the Jacobian of the pixel area change. The results demonstrate that the proposed method is effective in improving the quality of the projection‐transformed image. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Discharge characteristics and mechanisms under the medium vacuum region in a vacuum interrupter
Authors: Nakano Yusuke , Masuda Seiya , Kozako Masahiro , Hikita Masayuki , Tanaka Tsuyoshi , Kobayashi Masato
Published: October 2019

This article deals with discharge characteristics and mechanisms in the medium vacuum range of 1–1000 Pa in a vacuum interrupter (VI), which consists of complex electrode configuration with an electrode of floating potential and an insulator. Gas leakage was simulated by enclosing air or SF6 gas. From a measured discharge current and a shield potential, the discharge characteristics inside the VI at each pressure were discussed. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.