bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disruption of tumour-associated macrophage trafficking by the osteopontin-induced colony-stimulating factor-1 signalling sensitises hepatocellular carcinoma to anti-PD-L1 blockade
Authors: Zhu Ying , Yang Jing , Xu Da , Gao Xiao-Mei , Zhang Ze , Hsu Jennifer L , Li Chia-Wei , Lim Seung-Oe , Sheng Yuan-Yuan , Zhang Yu , Li Jian-Hua , Luo Qin , Zheng Yan , Zhao Yue , Lu Lu , Jia Hu-Liang , Hung Mien-Chie , Dong Qiong-Zhu , Qin Lun-Xiu
Published: March 2019

Objective

In the tumour microenvironment, critical drivers of immune escape include the oncogenic activity of the tumour cell-intrinsic osteopontin (OPN), the expression of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and the expansion of tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs). We investigated the feasibility of targeting these pathways as a therapeutic option in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mouse models.

Design

We analysed the number of tumour-infiltrating immune cells and the inflammatory immune profiles in chemically induced liver tumour isolated from wild-type andOPNknockout (KO) mice. In vitro cell cocultures were further conducted to investigate the crosstalk between TAMs and HCC cells mediated by OPN, colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF1) and CSF1 receptor (CSF1R). The in vivo efficacy of anti-PD-L1 and CSF1/CSF1R inhibition was evaluated in OPN overexpressing subcutaneous or orthotopic mouse model of HCC.

Results

The numbers of TAMs, as well as the expression levels of M2 macrophage markers and PD-L1 were significantly decreased, but the levels of cytokines produced by T-helper 1 (Th1) cells were upregulated in tumour tissues from OPN KO mice compared with that from the controls. In addition, we observed a positive association between the OPN and PD-L1 expression, and OPN expression and TAM infiltration in tumour tissues from patients with HCC. We further demonstrated that OPN facilitates chemotactic migration, and alternative activation of macrophages, and promotes the PD-L1 expression in HCC via activation of the CSF1-CSF1R pathway in macrophages. Combining anti-PD-L1 and CSF1R inhibition elicited potent antitumour activity and prolonged survival of OPNhightumour-bearing mice. Histological, flow cytometric and ELISA revealed increased CD8+T cell infiltration, reduced TAMs and enhanced Th1/Th2 cytokine balance in multiple mouse models of HCC.

Conclusions

OPN/CSF1/CSF1R axis plays a critical role in the immunosuppressive nature of the HCC microenvironment. Blocking CSF1/CSF1R prevents TAM trafficking and thereby enhances the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of HCC.
Gun laws and school safety
Authors: Ghiani Marco , Hawkins Summer Sherburne , Baum Christopher F
Published: March 2019

Background

This paper examines the associations between state-level gun control and adolescent school safety overall and by student sex, age, and race.

Methods

We used data on 926 639 adolescents from 45 states in the 1999–2015 Youth Risk Behavior Surveys. Students self-reported on weapon carrying at school, the number of times they experienced weapon threats or injuries at school, the number of school days missed due to feeling unsafe, and weapon carrying at any location. For each state and year, 133 gun laws were combined into an index of gun control strength. Difference-in-differences logistic regression models were used to evaluate the associations of stricter gun laws with binary measures of students’ weapon carrying and perception of school safety, controlling for individual and state characteristics, as well as year and state fixed effects.

Results

An IQR increase in the index (ie, a 15-point increase corresponding to a strengthening of gun control) was associated with a 0.8-percentage point decrease in the probability of weapon threats at school (p=0.029), a 1.1-percentage point decrease in the probability of missing school due to feeling unsafe (p=0.002) and a 1.9-percentage point decrease in the probability of carrying weapons at any location (p=0.001). Stricter gun laws had a stronger negative association with weapon carrying among males compared with females. Stricter gun laws were also differentially associated with weapon carrying by race/ethnicity.

Conclusions

The adoption of stricter state gun laws was associated with improvements in school climate and subjective perceptions of safety.
Transversus thoracis muscle plane block in cardiac surgery: a pilot feasibility study
Authors: Fujii Satoru , Roche Matthew , Jones Philip M , Vissa Deepti , Bainbridge Daniel , Zhou Jian Ray
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Cardiac surgery patients often experience significant pain after median sternotomy. The transversus thoracis muscle plane (TTP) block is a newly developed, single-shot nerve block technique that provides analgesia for the anterior chest wall. In this double-blind pilot study, we assessed the feasibility of performing this novel block as an analgesic adjunct.

Methods

All patients aged 18–90 undergoing elective cardiac surgery were randomized to the block or standard care control group on admission to the intensive care unit after surgery. Under ultrasound guidance, patients in the block group received the TTP block with 20 mL of either 0.3% or 0.5% ropivacaine bilaterally, based on weight. The control group did not receive any injections. All blocks were performed by a single anesthesiologist, and data collection was performed by blinded assessors. The primary feasibility outcomes were rate of recruitment, adherence, and adverse events. The rate of recruitment was defined as the ratio of patients giving informed consent to the number of eligible patients who were approached to participate. Secondary outcomes included 12-hour and 24-hour Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores, 24-hour hydromorphone and acetaminophen requirements, time to extubation, time to first opioid administration, and patient satisfaction (on a yes/no questionnaire) at 24 hours.

Results

Twenty patients were approached for this study and 19 were enrolled. Eight patients received the intended intervention in each group. The recruitment rate was 95% of all approached eligible patients, and the adherence rate to treatment group was 94%. There were no block-related adverse events. The mean (SD) NRS pain scores at rest were 3.3 (3.2) in the block group vs 5.6 (3.2) in the control group at 12 hours. At 24 hours, the pain scores were 4.1 (3.9) vs 4.1 (3.3) in the block and control group, respectively. The mean (SD) 24-hour hydromorphone administration was 1.9 (1.1) mg in the block group vs 1.8 (0.9) mg in the control group.

Discussion

The TTP block is a novel pain management strategy poststernotomy. The results reveal a high patient recruitment, adherence, and satisfaction rate, and provide some preliminary data supporting safety.

Trial registration number

NCT03128346
.
Olive oil promotes wound healing of mice pressure injuries through NOS-2 and Nrf2
Authors: Schanuel Fernanda Seabra , Saguie Bianca Oliveira , Monte-Alto-Costa Andréa
Published: March 2019

The pressure injury environment is characterized by overproduction of reactive oxygen species and exacerbated inflammation, which impair the healing of these lesions. Mediterranean-like diet may be a good intervention to improve the healing of pressure injury owing to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant components. Thus, this study evaluated the hypothesis that olive oil, as a main source of lipid in Mediterranean diet, could improve cutaneous wound healing of pressure injury in mice. Male Swiss mice were randomly divided into standard, olive oil, or soybean oil plus olive oil groups and fat represented 10% of total calories in all groups. Four weeks after the beginning of diet administration, 2 cycles of ischemia–reperfusion (IR) by external application of 2 magnets disks were performed in the dorsal skin to induce pressure injury formation. Fourteen days after the end of the second IR cycle, olive oil-based diet reduced neutrophils cells and cyclooxygenase-2 protein expression and increased nitric oxide synthase-2 and protein and lipid oxidation. Olive oil based-diet also increased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 protein expression and collagen type I precursor protein expression. In addition, administration of olive oil-based diet promoted wound closure at 7, 10, and 14 days after the end of the second IR cycle. These findings support the hypothesis that olive oil-based diet improves cutaneous wound healing of pressure injury in mice through the reduction of inflammation and stimulation of redox equilibrium.
Withdrawal resistance of structural self-tapping screws parallel-to-grain in common Canadian timber species
Authors: Gutknecht Manoah Philippe , MacDougall Colin
Published: March 2019

An experimental investigation of the withdrawal resistance of self-tapping screws (STS) inserted parallel-to-grain in Douglas fir and eastern white pine, dry (7% – 6% MC) and wet (28% MC), is conducted. Withdrawal tests with 10 mm screws showed that at an embedment length of 240 mm in dry Douglas fir, 280 mm in wet Douglas fir, and 320 mm in dry eastern white pine, the screws consistently failed by yielding in tension. Withdrawal tests of 12 mm screws and a constant embedment length of 280 mm showed that a longer embedment length is needed compared to the 10 mm screws to ensure tensile screw failure consistently occurs. For both the 10 mm and 12 mm screws, the withdrawal resistance was lower for the wet wood as compared to dry. The CSA O86 equation for lag screws significantly under-predicts the withdrawal resistance of STSs inserted parallel-to-grain.
Implications of climatic variations in temporal precipitation patterns for the development of design storms in Newfoundland and Labrador
Authors: Amponsah Abena O. , Daraio Joseph A. , Khan Amir A.
Published: March 2019

The distribution of precipitation in time is an important aspect for the development of design storms for storm water infrastructure design. The current set of mass curves used throughout the province of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) may not be justified. To identify variation in mass curves across NL, and compare results with existing mass curves, hourly precipitation data from 10 stations were used. Bayesian k-means clustering was used to identify dimensionless mass curves to represent precipitation patterns. Eight distinct temporal patterns of precipitation were identified and further regrouped into four, useful for making recommendations on the choice of mass curve. Crosstabulation applied to the patterns were found to be significantly influenced by event duration, depth, and climate zone. Results support the conclusion that climate was an important determinant of temporal distribution of precipitation, and it is important to determine which pattern is dominant in a given region.
Effect of salts and pH on the removal of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) from aqueous solutions through precipitation and electroflocculation
Authors: Pensini Erica , Dinardo Andrea , Lamont Kristine , Longstaffe James , Elsayed Abdallah , Singh Ashutosh
Published: March 2019

This study shows that salt type and pH affect the removal of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) from water through flocculation and electro-enhanced flocculation. PFOA concentrations decreased by approximately 80% with 20 mM FeCl3 and initial pH = 3–10. Electro-enhanced flocculation at pH = 3 reduced PFOA concentrations in water by approximately 70% with CaCl2 and KCl, and by 50% with NaCl. At alkaline pH, PFOA removal was approximately 20% with CaCl2 and KCl. PFOA removal was negligible without salts or with AlCl3, and with NaCl at alkaline pH. Differences in PFOA removal are likely due to the settling behaviour of the cation-PFOA complexes formed.
Rapid identification of Erwinia amylovora and Pseudomonas syringae species and characterization of E. amylovora streptomycin resistance using quantitative PCR assays
Authors: Laforest Martin , Bisaillon Katherine , Ciotola Marie , Cadieux Mélanie , Hébert Pierre-Olivier , Toussaint Vicky , Svircev Antonet M.
Published: March 2019

Erwinia amylovora and Pseudomonas syringae are bacterial phytopathogens responsible for considerable yield losses in commercial pome fruit production. The pathogens, if left untreated, can compromise tree health and economically impact entire commercial fruit productions. Historically, the choice of effective control methods has been limited. The use of antibiotics was proposed as an effective control method. The identification of these pathogens and screening for the presence of antibiotic resistance is paramount in the adoption and implementation of disease control methods. Molecular tests have been developed and accepted for identification and characterization of these disease-causing organisms. We improved existing molecular tests by developing methods that are equal or superior in robustness for identifying E. amylovora or P. syringae while being faster to execute. In addition, the real-time PCR-based detection method for E. amylovora provided complementary information on the susceptibility or resistance to streptomycin of individual isolates. Finally, we describe a methodology and results that compare the aggressiveness of the different bacterial isolates on four apple cultivars. We show that bacterial isolates exhibit different behaviors when brought into contact with various apple varieties and that the hierarchical clustering of symptom severity indicates a population structure, suggesting a genetic basis for host cultivar specificity.
Nitrogen fertilizer is a key factor affecting the soil chemical and microbial communities in a Mollisol
Authors: Du Yan , Wang Tianye , Wang Chengyu , Anane Paul-Simon , Liu Shuxia , Paz-Ferreiro Jorge
Published: March 2019

Microbial communities drive geochemical cycles in soils. Relatively few studies have assessed the long-term impacts of different types of soil amendments under field conditions in long-term experiments. The response of soil microbial organisms in a Mollisol cultivated with maize for 35 years was examined. Treatments involved the use of N, P, and K fertilizers and two doses of straw residue in isolation or combined. Real-time PCR and Illumina MiSeq sequencing methods were used to characterize the microbial community. The results showed that addition of nitrogen fertilizers decreased soil pH, but this was mitigated when a high dose of straw was also incorporated. Long-term application of inorganic fertilizers was able to alter the abundance of functional soil microbial population. Application of inorganic N fertilizer resulted in distinctive changes on N-cycle microorganisms. Phosphate-solubilizing functional genes abundance was lower in plots with no phosphate fertilizer. Sequencing analysis showed that the presence or absence of N in the fertilizer mix is a key factor affecting bacterial community diversity of agricultural soil, and pH, total organic C, and total N show a high correlation with bacterial community composition. Nitrogen addition increased the N concentration in the soil, which could cause changes in the soil pH and change the soil bacterial community. Our findings proved that interaction of N fertilizer with other fertilizers can affect microbial communities.
Production of doubly charmed baryons with the excited heavy diquark at LHC
Authors: Berezhnoy A. V. , Belov I. N. , Likhoded A. K.
Published: March 2019

The yield of doubly charmed baryons with excited heavy diquark in S-wave and P-wave states has been estimated at LHC energies. The observation possibility of such baryons is discussed.
Extended uncertainty principle and thermodynamics
Authors: Chung Won Sang , Hassanabadi Hassan
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we discuss the EUP and thermodynamics. Using three-dimensional extension of the EUP, we find the EUP-corrected Poisson bracket and use it to compute the number of microstates. We use it to discuss some physical models such as monatomic gas in a spherical container, monatomic gas in a cylindrical container, and interacting gas in a spherical container.
Waveform adjustment for obtaining higher quality droplets based on a multi-satellite droplet monitoring system
Authors: Chang Jiaqing , Jiang Fan , Shen Teng , Chi Mingshan , Huang Bo
Published: March 2019

In the field of printed electronics, there are many kinds of ink with a variety of performance and parameters. In order to generate high-quality droplets, it is necessary to eject droplet for testing in order to discover the appropriate excitation voltage and waveform shape. Consequently, a real-time and efficient droplet monitoring system is needed to monitor droplet formation quality. A multi-satellite droplet monitoring system is proposed in this paper. It can not only monitor the droplet with multiple satellites but also can generate the instantaneous droplet position curve, length curve and velocity curve. The waveform voltage and dwell time can be adjusted in real-time to obtain droplets with higher quality and efficiency.
Asymmetries in Volatility: An Empirical Study for the Peruvian Stock and Forex Markets
Authors: Alanya Willy , Rodríguez Gabriel
Published: March 2019

Asymmetric autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (EGARCH) models and asymmetric stochastic volatility (ASV) models are applied to daily data of Peruvian stock and Forex markets for the period of 5 January 1998–30 December 2011. Following the approach developed in [Omori, Y, S Chib, N Shephard and J Nakajima (2007). Stochastic volatility with leverage: Fast likelihood inference. Journal of Econometrics, 140, 425–449], Bayesian estimation tools are used with Normal and [Formula: see text]-Student errors in both models. The results suggest the significant presence of asymmetric effects in both markets. In the stock market, negative shocks generate higher volatility than positive shocks. In the Forex market, shocks related to episodes of depreciation create higher uncertainty in comparison with episodes of appreciation. Thus, the Central Reserve Bank faces relatively major difficulties in its intention of smoothing Forex volatility in times of depreciation. The model with the best fit in both markets is the ASV model with Normal errors. The stock market returns have greater periods of volatility; however, both markets react to shocks in the economy, as they display similar patterns and have a significant correlation for the sample period studied.
An isometric embedding of the g(t)-Brownian motion with application in stability and homotopy group
Authors: Justo Claudia Luque , Ledesma Diego Sebastian , da Silva Fabiano Borges
Published: March 2019

In this work, we construct a [Formula: see text]-Brownian motion via an isometric embedding, whose approach permit to define the Laplace operator associated with parametrized metric [Formula: see text], for every [Formula: see text]. We present an Itô formula for stochastic flow acting on time-dependent tensor fields, in particular to the metric [Formula: see text] and consequently to the norm of a stochastic process in [Formula: see text]. We use this approach to study stability by [Formula: see text]th moment exponent of [Formula: see text]-Brownian motion and its applications on homotopy groups.
Long-time behavior of random and nonautonomous Fisher-KPP equations. Part II. Transition fronts
Authors: Salako Rachidi B. , Shen Wenxian
Published: March 2019

In the current series of two papers, we study the long-time behavior of the following random Fisher-KPP equation: [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is a given probability space, [Formula: see text] is an ergodic metric dynamical system on [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] for every [Formula: see text]. We also study the long-time behavior of the following nonautonomous Fisher-KPP equation: [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is a positive locally Hölder continuous function. In the first part of the series, we studied the stability of positive equilibria and the spreading speeds of (1.1) and (1.2). In this second part of the series, we investigate the existence and stability of transition fronts of (1.1) and (1.2). We first study the transition fronts of (1.1). Under some proper assumption on [Formula: see text], we show the existence of random transition fronts of (1.1) with least mean speed greater than or equal to some constant [Formula: see text] and the nonexistence of random transition fronts of (1.1) with least mean speed less than [Formula: see text]. We prove the stability of random transition fronts of (1.1) with least mean speed greater than [Formula: see text]. Note that it is proved in the first part that [Formula: see text] is the infimum of the spreading speeds of (1.1). We next study the existence and stability of transition fronts of (1.2). It is not assumed that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are bounded above and below by some positive constants. Many existing results in literature on transition fronts of Fisher-KPP equations have been extended to the general cases considered in the current paper. The current paper also obtains several new results.
EXPLAINING VARIATIONS IN THE COMMONALITY OF INFORMAL SECTOR COMPETITION ACROSS LATIN AMERICAN AND THE CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES
Authors: WILLIAMS COLIN C. , LIU BO
Published: March 2019

To advance understanding of the relationship between entrepreneurship and the informal sector, the aim of this paper is to evaluate and explain variations in the extent to which formal enterprises witness competition from unregistered or informal enterprises across Latin American and Caribbean countries. Reporting World Bank Enterprise Survey (WBES) data on 31 Latin American and Caribbean countries, this reveals that two-thirds (65.5 percent) of formal enterprises witness competition from informal sector enterprise. To explain the cross-country variations, four competing theories are evaluated, which variously view the prevalence of the informal sector to be determined by either: economic under-development (modernization theory); high taxes and state over-interference (neo-liberal theory); too little state intervention (political economy theory), or an asymmetry between the laws and regulations of formal institutions and the unwritten socially shared rules of informal institutions (institutional theory). A probit regression analysis confirms the modernization, political economy and institutional theories, but not the neo-liberal theory. Beyond economic under-development, therefore, it is too little state intervention and whether the laws and regulations developed by governments are in symmetry with the norms, values and beliefs of entrepreneurs. The paper concludes by discussing the theoretical and policy implications of these findings.
Lerna
Authors: Saad Mohamed M. , Palmieri Roberto , Ravindran Binoy
Published: March 2019

We present Lerna, an end-to-end tool that automatically and transparently detects and extracts parallelism from data-dependent sequential loops. Lerna uses speculation combined with a set of techniques including code profiling, dependency analysis, instrumentation, and adaptive execution. Speculation is needed to avoid conservative actions and detect actual conflicts. Lerna targets applications that are hard-to-parallelize due to data dependency. Our experimental study involves the parallelization of 13 applications with data dependencies. Results on a 24-core machine show an average of 2.7× speedup for micro-benchmarks and 2.5× for the macro-benchmarks.
Elevated Heme Synthesis and Uptake Underpin Intensified Oxidative Metabolism and Tumorigenic Functions in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Sohoni Sagar , Ghosh Poorva , Wang Tianyuan , Kalainayakan Sarada Preeta , Vidal Chantal , Dey Sanchareeka , Konduri Purna Chaitanya , Zhang Li
Published: March 2019

Tumors of human non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are heterogeneous but exhibit elevated glycolysis and glucose oxidation relative to benign lung tissues. Heme is a central molecule for oxidative metabolism and ATP generation via mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Here, we showed that levels of heme synthesis and uptake, mitochondrial heme, oxygen-utilizing hemoproteins, oxygen consumption, ATP generation, and key mitochondrial biogenesis regulators were enhanced in NSCLC cells relative to nontumorigenic cells. Likewise, proteins and enzymes relating to heme and mitochondrial functions were upregulated in human NSCLC tissues relative to normal tissues. Engineered heme-sequestering peptides (HSP) reduced heme uptake, intracellular heme levels, and tumorigenic functions of NSCLC cells. Addition of heme largely reversed the effect of HSPs on tumorigenic functions. Furthermore, HSP2 significantly suppressed the growth of human NSCLC xenograft tumors in mice. HSP2-treated tumors exhibited reduced oxygen consumption rates (OCR) and ATP levels. To further verify the importance of heme in promoting tumorigenicity, we generated NSCLC cell lines with increased heme synthesis or uptake by overexpressing either the rate-limiting heme synthesis enzyme ALAS1 or uptake protein SLC48A1, respectively. These cells exhibited enhanced migration and invasion and accelerated tumor growth in mice. Notably, tumors formed by cells with increased heme synthesis or uptake also displayed elevated OCRs and ATP levels. These data show that elevated heme flux and function underlie enhanced OXPHOS and tumorigenicity of NSCLC cells. Targeting heme flux and function offers a potential strategy for developing therapies for lung cancer.

Significance:

These findings show that elevated heme availability due to increased heme synthesis and uptake causes intensified oxygen consumption and ATP generation, promoting tumorigenic functions and tumor growth in NSCLC.
The Dark Side of Innate Immunity Fosters Tumor Growth and Offers New Diagnostic
Authors: Carbone Ennio
Published: March 2019

So far, the tumor's immune landscape has been related mainly to the adaptive immune cell infiltrate. The possibility of using tumor-infiltrating innate immune cells as the source for prognostic markers and their role in immune checkpoint therapy have been neglected. Unraveling these aspects may lead to new immune therapy interventions.

See related article by Duan et al., p. 3304
Common Infections and Target Organs Associated with Chronic Granulomatous Disease in Iran
Authors: Mortaz Esmaeil , Azempour Elham , Mansouri Davood , Tabarsi Payam , Ghazi Mona , Koenderman Leo , Roos Dirk , Adcock Ian M.
Published: March 2019

Recurrent severe bacterial and fungal infections are characteristic features of the rare genetic immunodeficiency disorder chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). The disease usually manifests within the first years of life with an incidence of 1 in approximately 200,000 live births. The incidence is higher in Iran and Morocco where it reaches 1.5 per 100,000 live births. Mutations have been described in the 5 subunits of NADPH oxidase, mostly in gp91phox and p47phox, with fewer mutations reported in p67phox, p22phox, and p40phox. These mutations cause loss of superoxide production in phagocytic cells. CYBB, the gene encoding the large gp91phox subunit of the transmembrane component cytochrome b558 of the NADPH oxidase complex, is localized on the X-chromosome. Genetic defects in CYBB are responsible for the disease in the majority of male CGD patients. CGD is associated with the development of granulomatous reactions in the skin, lungs, bones, and lymph nodes, and chronic infections may be seen in the liver, gastrointestinal tract, brain, and eyes. There is usually a history of repeated infections, including inflammation of the lymph glands, skin infections, and pneumonia. There may also be a persistent runny nose, inflammation of the skin, and inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth. Gastrointestinal problems can also occur, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and perianal abscesses. Infection of the bones, brain abscesses, obstruction of the genitourinary tract and/or gastrointestinal tract due to the formation of granulomatous tissue, and delayed growth are also symptomatic of CGD. The prevention of infectious complications in patients with CGD involves targeted prophylaxis against opportunistic microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella spp., Salmonella spp. and Aspergillus spp. In this review, we provide an update on organ involvement and the association with specific isolated microorganisms in CGD patients.
Nephrology in South Africa: Not Yet ubuntu
Authors: Wearne Nicola , Okpechi Ikechi G. , Swanepoel Charles R.
Published: March 2019

Background: South Africa (SA) is an upper middle-income country with a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic, an accelerated burden of non-communicable diseases, and a concurrent epidemic of tuberculosis. These con­ditions overwhelm a health system struggling under the pressure of restricted resources, including an insufficient workforce. Private practice has become more involved in the care of patients in the country but serves mainly those who are members of a Medical Aid. These Medical Aids will usually cover up to 100% of the costs for management of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Summary: There are currently 2.3 nephrologists per million individuals, which is far lower than the global average and grossly inadequate to meet the nephrology care needs in SA. Covert chronic dialysis rationing has occurred in the public sector since the 1960s. However, the lack of formality triggered the formation of explicit rationing guidelines in one province. These guidelines have been ethically endorsed but not embraced nationally. The demand for hemodialysis (HD) has led some provinces to practicing “PD-First” programs. SA remains one of only 12 countries within Africa that perform renal transplantation, and it is the only country in Africa that relies on deceased donation for the majority of its transplants. The first kidney transplant in SA took place at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in 1966 and the first dialysis was performed by a general practitioner working in a town close to Johannesburg in 1957. The University of Cape Town successfully pioneered the transplantation of kidneys from HIV-positive donors to positive recipients. SA was the second country in the world to form a National Kidney Foundation as well as a renal society. Nephrology training is in place and incorporates master’s and PhD programs in nephrology. Despite the numerous challenges, SA nephrologists have been among the leading researchers in nephrology from the African continent.
Human Papillomavirus in Thai Women and Men with Anogenital Warts
Authors: Nilyanimit Pornjarim  , Chansaenroj Jira , Srisomboon Jatupol , Rodrangnok Wanida , Rajakom Ngamta , Daengsaard Ekkachai , Sookrak Nutthavit , Poovorawan Yong
Published: March 2019

Objective: Anogenital warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Globally, HPV genotypes 6 and 11 are most often associated with anogenital warts. However, the diversity of HPV genotypes found in patients with genital warts in Thailand is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate HPV-associated anogenital warts in the Thai population and to assess whether genotypes found are represented in the bivalent and quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Methods: This study included 206 anogenital swab samples from patients who were diagnosed with anogenital warts. Detection of HPV DNA was performed using polymerase chain reaction to amplify the L1 gene and sequencing. Results: HPV was identified in 88.3% (182/206) of the samples. The majority of HPV genotypes were low-risk genotypes HPV6 (36.9%) and HPV11 (36.4%), which represented the most common infection found in genital warts in this study. Conclusion: Immunization with the quadrivalent vaccine (HPV6, HPV11, HPV16, and HPV18) could potentially prevent genital warts caused by HPV infection.
Capsule Endoscopy after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Can Predict Transplant-Related Mortality
Authors: Inoki Kazuya , Kakugawa Yasuo , Takamaru Hiroyuki , Sekiguchi Masau , Matsumoto Minori , Matsuda Takahisa , Ito Ayumu , Tanaka Takashi , Inamoto Yoshihiro , Fuji Shigeo , Kurosawa Saiko , Kim Sung-Won , Fukuda Takahiro , Ohe Yuichiro , Saito Yutaka
Published: March 2019

Background and Objectives: Allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) is a curative therapy for hematological malignancies, but transplant-related mortality (TRM) remains a concern. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of capsule endoscopy (CE) by evaluating the correlation between inflammatory findings on CE and TRM. Methods: The data of patients after allo-SCT were retrospectively collected. The association between findings on CE and TRM at 100 days from the CE was evaluated. Results: Of the 94 patients included in the study, 47 showed inflammatory findings on CE. The findings were diagnosed as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD; n = 17), cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection (n = 14), and GVHD with CMV infection (n = 16). Of the 47 patients, 13 (28%) had TRM. Endoscopic diagnoses of these TRM cases were GVHD (n = 4), CMV infection (n = 0), and GVHD with CMV infection (n = 9). In contrast, in the remaining 47 patients who showed no inflammatory findings on CE, 2 patients (4%) had TRM. The proportion of TRM was higher in patients with inflammatory findings than in those without it (28 vs. 4%, p < 0.01). Conclusions: CE may predict TRM in patients who developed gastrointestinal symptoms after allo-SCT.
Rapid Changes of Thyroid Function in a Young Woman with Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
Authors: Trummer Christian , Schwetz Verena , Aberer Felix , Pandis Marlene , Lerchbaum Elisabeth , Pilz Stefan
Published: March 2019

Objective: A conversion from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis to Graves’ disease and vice versa leads to diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Clinical Presentation and Intervention:A 30-year-old female presented with overt hyperthyroidism and negative thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies (TRAbs). Since hashitoxicosis was assumed, the patient was treated with propranolol. Within the next few weeks, the patient developed severe overt hypothyroidism, which was treated with levothyroxine. However, after several more weeks, she presented with overt hyperthyroidism once again, this time showing elevated TRAbs. Conclusion: We suggest educating patients and physicians to recognize changes in thyroid function and close monitoring of unclear cases of overt hyperthyroidism.
Restauração da diversidade: os viveiros do estado de São Paulo
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola Superior de Agronomia “Luiz de Queiroz”, Vidal Cristina Yuri , Rodrigues Ricardo Ribeiro ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola Superior de Agronomia “Luiz de Queiroz”
Published: March 2019

As ações de restauração florestal no estado de São Paulo são expressivas no contexto das iniciativas espalhadas pelo Brasil. O pioneirismo no estado ganhou força ao longo dos esforços que o Instituto de Botânica e a Secretaria de Meio Ambiente do estado de São Paulo empenharam em promover, desde meados da década de 1980, discussões entre pesquisadores, ONGs e profissionais do mercado. A autora desta obra disponibilizou-se a avaliar a produção dos viveiros considerando dois componentes: a riqueza de espécies e a abundância de cada uma delas. Como muitos viveiros fecharam e muitos outros se encontram em dificuldades, haverá impacto dos compromissos ambientais que dependem e/ou envolvem ações de restauração ecológica. Nesse diagnóstico a autora apresenta os resultados mais interessantes e relevantes aos viveiristas e outros tomadores de decisão, expondo a situação atual e discutindo o papel que esse setor desempenha na qualidade das ações de restauração ativa.
Editorial
Authors: Magma Comissão Editorial
Published: March 2019

Em “O Direito à Literatura”, Antonio Candido nos lembra de que pensar em direitos humanos tem um pressuposto: “reconhecer que aquilo que consideramos indispensável para nós é também indispensável para o próximo”. No clássico ensaio — originalmente uma palestra para a Comissão de Justiça e Paz da Arquidiocese de São Paulo —, ele questiona se a literatura poderia ser incluída entre os bens considerados indispensáveis à dignidade humana, ao lado de itens mais tangíveis, como o direito à moradia e à alimentação. Mas, se Candido conclui que o direito à fruição dos grandes clássicos da literatura é parte fundamental da experiência humana, é possível radicalizar — no sentido de levar à raiz, procedimento que o grande professor preconizava — e reivindicar o direito à expressão literária àqueles que foram privados desse espaço por razões históricas e políticas. (...)
Open Source, Collaboration, and Access: A Critical Analysis of “Openness” in the Design Field
Authors: Gasparotto Silvia
Published: March 2019

The article explores the concept of “openness” in the design field. In particular, it suggests a broad interpretation of the relationship between “openness” and design by analyzing the use of the expression “open design” between 2000 and 2017. This expression is related to words such as, co-design, crowdsourcing, open innovation, making and open manufacturing, which can be synthesized by the concepts of open source, collaboration, and access. The article finally expresses, through a critical point of view, the reasons why open processes in design have limitations.
Conversations in Context: Cross-Cultural (Grassroots) Biblical Interpretation Groups Challenging Western-centric (Professional) Biblical Interpretation
Authors: John Helen C.
Published: March 2019

This article considers how biblical scholarship might break out of its western-dominated, largely historical-critical mould. I argue that we might challenge the hegemony of ‘western worldview’ scholarship by capitalising on the interpretative insights of alternative worldviews; in that regard, I advance a cross-cultural methodology. Additionally, I advocate engaging with grassroots interpreters, thereby contributing to the decentring of scholarly biblical criticism. Finally, this article focuses on the value of interpretation through dialogue, which functions here on two levels: the researcher dialoguing with grassroots interpretation groups in cross-cultural settings, and the resulting grassroots interpretations dialoguing with western professional biblical interpretations. The potential of this approach is demonstrated using a case study: Mark 4:35-41 interpreted with Cross-Cultural Biblical Interpretation Groups in northern Namibia. The interpretative insights of grassroots groups in non-western contexts, free(r) from the influence of western worldviews and scholarship, function to highlight the equally contextual nature of mainstream professional biblical interpretation.
The Threat of Empire: Monstrous Hybridity in Revelation 13
Authors: Macumber Heather
Published: March 2019

The Apocalypse of John is filled with monsters who threaten both spatial and cultural boundaries. They are generally understood as ciphers for the Roman Empire and its ­rulers. Rather than seeking the ancient Near Eastern origins of the monstrous imagery, the intent of this paper is to use monster theory to better understand why John employs monsters throughout the apocalypse. I argue that the author’s portrayal of the threat and punishment of hybrid monsters reveals his own insecurities and fears concerning his communities’ assimilation with Roman culture. John uses monsters specifically to target rival prophets in his communities that espouse a different vision of living under Rome rule.
Redescription of three Italian species of Labronema Thorne, 1939 (Dorylaimida: Dorylaimidae)
Authors: Peña-Santiago Reyes , Vinciguerra Maria Teresa
Published: March 2019

This contribution presents a redescription of three Labronema species originally described from Italy: L. angeloi, L. carusoi and L. pulchrum. Their type material is re-examined, described and illustrated with line drawings and micrographs. New information about these species is provided, including morphometrics and relevant morphological features. Morphologically, the three species form a homogeneous group, but can be separated by significant differences in the structure of female genital system, cuticle thickness on the tail, and shape and size of the spicules. Labronema pulchrum is regarded as a junior synonym of L. duhouxi.
Ghana-Korea Economic Relations – The Record after 40 Years and the Future
Authors: Adu Amoah Lloyd G. , Asante Kwasi
Published: March 2019

Over the last sixty years the economic and industrial fortunes of Ghana and Korea have proved worryingly divergent. Though Ghana and South Korea had comparatively similar GDP per capita in the 1960s, South Korea in 20171 ($29,742.839) has been able to attain a GDP per capita that is about ten times that of Ghana ($1,641.487). This work critically examines the economic relationship between Ghana and South Korea in the last forty years. It focuses on the economic miracle of South Korea and the lessons for developing countries like Ghana. The article utilizes economic, historical and policy data drawn from primary and secondary sources in an attempt to examine the economic relations between the two countries thus far and prescribe ways in which Ghana can benefit far more than ever before from her economic co-operation with Korea. The paper argues that for Ghana to benefit from its economic relations with South Korea the ideational example of this East Asian state in constructing a developmental state (DS) is critical. Flowing from this, it is recommended that this West African nation becomes more diligent and innovative in her economic relations with Korea as a matter of strategic necessity in pursuit of Ghana’s long held industrialization dream.
What’s in a Duty? EU Identification of Non-cooperating Port States and Their Prescriptive Responses
Authors: Honniball Arron N.
Published: March 2019

Council Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008 provides that a third country may be identified and subject to measures if it fails “to discharge the duties incumbent upon it under international law as flag, port, coastal or market state, to take action to prevent deter and eliminate IUU fishing”. In assessing the promise or limits of this unilateral listing mechanism, the question arises as to what influence, if any, it has had on third-country legislation. This article uses a case study on port state duties, demonstrating the use and impact of the unilaterally defined port state duties and their implementation in EU practice. The latter part addresses trends in the prescriptive responses of port states, including whether the EU listing process was a contributing factor to legislative reform. Prescriptive trends highlighted are the implementation of generally accepted treaty-based port state measures, followed by three examples of expansion into port state offences.
Competence-Based Approach, Normative Control, and the International Responsibility of the EU and Its Member States
Authors: Contartese Cristina
Published: March 2019

Within the debate on the attribution of international responsibility to international organizations and/or its Member States, the role that the internal rules of the organization may play is not settled. The competence-based approach, where a relationship is supposed to exist between the EU/Member States’ division of competences and international responsibility, and the normative control doctrine, where the Union is deemed responsible for the actions of its Member States in the course of implementing EU law, are at the heart of such debate. This contribution aims to investigate whether the recent practice concerning the Union’s international responsibility in the fields of fisheries and investment adds clarifying elements. The analysis will specifically focus on the 2015
ITLOS

Advisory Opinion (Case No 21), an award under the Energy Charter Treaty (Electrabel v Hungary), and the investor-to-state dispute settlement mechanisms laid down in the recent EU bilateral investment agreements. Although one of these cases seems to implicitly recognise the normative control as a rule for the attribution of conduct to the EU when its Member States act implementing Union acts, what is missing, however, is a clear and deep debate on its specific elements. Discussions on a competence-based approach and normative control seem generally confused at the EU as well as at the international community level, suggesting that important opportunities have been missed to properly re-open the debate on the role of the organizations’ internal rules for the attribution of international responsibility.
The Role of International Investment Law in the Business and Human Rights Legal Process
Authors: Chiussi Ludovica
Published: March 2019

This article examines the interplay between international investment law and international human rights law in order to assess whether the former can be used to foster corporate accountability for violations of human rights. The role of international investment agreements in ensuring corporate compliance with human rights will be addressed, together with the approach to human rights violations of corporations by international investment tribunals. Whilst acknowledging some inherent limits of IIL, the underling argument of the paper is that rebalancing rights and obligations of investors may give teeth to corporate human rights accountability, while also benefitting the legitimacy of IIL.
The Rehabilitation of Philosophy via Hermeneutics. Maimonides’ Diverging Scriptural Evidence Regarding the Quest for the Rationale of the Commandments
Authors: Seidler Meir
Published: March 2019

This article focuses on one of the central issues in Moses Maimonides’ Jewish philosophy: the quest for the rationale of the commandments. Maimonides regards this quest as religiously obligatory. However, on two occasions he points to diverging scriptural evidence to underline his claim. By juxtaposing the two different scriptural proofs adduced by Maimonides, his use of hermeneutics in the service of philosophy is exposed in the inner precincts of Judaism: in regard to Judaism’s particularistic law. In terms of spiritual leadership, Maimonides’ dual scriptural approach enables him to bring his philosophical message home to different audiences.
What the Mona Lisa and a Screwdriver Have in Common
Authors: Bahr Amrei
Published: March 2019

In philosophy – especially in philosophy of technology and philosophy of art –, several specific accounts of artifact functionality have been developed. These accounts usually have a restricted scope: they are clearly limited to either technical artifacts or entities of art. In this paper, a contrasting account will be developed, which aims at covering both functions of technical artifacts and functions of art works as well as their instances. The paper is in two parts: In the first part, the method of specifying desiderata that Houkes and Vermaas have introduced to develop their theory of technical functions is adopted. Drawing on exemplary (failed) function ascriptions referring to items of art and technology, four desiderata are presented, all of which an account has to meet to provide a convincing analysis of both function ascriptions to technical artifacts and function ascriptions to art works and their instances. In the second part, an account that meets these desiderata is developed.
Externalism about Artifactual Words and the Taxonomy of Artifacts
Authors: Marconi Diego
Published: March 2019

Putnam and others have argued that semantic externalism extends to artifactual kind words such as “pencil” or “doorstop”. I first show that, even with natural kinds, externalism applies (at best) to words for ground level kinds. The issue then arises of which categories of artifacts should be identified as kinds in the relevant, restricted sense. I argue that, though there are natural taxonomies of artifactual categories at least some of which have well-defined ground levels, even words for such kinds do not appear to have externalist semantics, as they do not support ignorance or error arguments. Some think that membership to any kind is determined by objective features. Against this, I argue that the makers’ productive intentions are often crucial in selecting which pattern of features counts as constitutive of a kind. Though externalists may insist that membership to a kind is ultimately determined by sharing objective features, the resulting version of externalism can hardly be distinguished from internalism.