bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conserved role for Ataxin‐2 in mediating endoplasmic reticulum dynamics
Authors: del Castillo Urko , Gnazzo Megan M. , Sorensen Turpin Christopher G. , Nguyen Ken C. Q. , Semaya Emily , Lam Yuwan , de Cruz Matthew A. , Bembenek Joshua N. , Hall David H. , Riggs Blake , Gelfand Vladimir I. , Skop Ahna R.
Published: April 2019

Ataxin‐2, a conserved RNA‐binding protein, is implicated in the late‐onset neurodegenerative disease Spinocerebellar ataxia type‐2 (SCA2). SCA2 is characterized by shrunken dendritic arbors and torpedo‐like axons within the Purkinje neurons of the cerebellum. Torpedo‐like axons have been described to contain displaced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in the periphery of the cell; however, the role of Ataxin‐2 in mediating ER function in SCA2 is unclear. We utilized the Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila homologs of Ataxin‐2 (ATX‐2 and DAtx2, respectively) to determine the role of Ataxin‐2 in ER function and dynamics in embryos and neurons. Loss of ATX‐2 and DAtx2 resulted in collapse of the ER in dividing embryonic cells and germline, and ultrastructure analysis revealed unique spherical stacks of ER in mature oocytes and fragmented and truncated ER tubules in the embryo. ATX‐2 and DAtx2 reside in puncta adjacent to the ER in both C. elegans and Drosophila embryos. Lastly, depletion of DAtx2 in cultured Drosophila neurons recapitulated the shrunken dendritic arbor phenotype of SCA2. ER morphology and dynamics were severely disrupted in these neurons. Taken together, we provide evidence that Ataxin‐2 plays an evolutionary conserved role in ER dynamics and morphology in C. elegans and Drosophila embryos during development and in fly neurons, suggesting a possible SCA2 disease mechanism.
The CT dorsolateral subluxation index is a feasible method for quantifying laxity in the feline hip joint
Authors: Valastro Carmela , Franchini Delia , Valentini Valerio , Lanave Gianvito , Maggiolino Aristide , Ciccarelli Stefano , Di Bello Antonio
Published: April 2019

The dorsolateral subluxation index of the femoral head is a good proxy of hip dysplasia in dogs. An exploratory, prospective, descriptive study was carried out in order to assess whether the dorsolateral subluxation index may also be useful to improve diagnosis of hip dysplasia in cats. The dorsolateral subluxation index was determined by CT scans simulating the loading position, and compared with measurements of the Norberg‐Olsson angle. A total of 82 cats were subjected to radiographic examination of the pelvis, in the standard ventro‐dorsal projection, and to CT scans of the pelvis and hips. The Norberg‐Olsson angle of each hip was calculated radiographically, while the dorsolateral subluxation index of the femur was calculated on CT images according to a technique recently developed for evaluation of hip dysplasia in dogs. Using the Norberg‐Olsson angle a total of 52 hips (31,7%) were diagnosed as dysplastic, 74 (45,1%) as non‐dysplastic, and 38 (23,1%) as borderline. Using the dorsolateral subluxation index, values ranged from a minimum of 34.6% to a maximum of 66.6% and four distribution classes were proposed. Findings indicated that the dorsolateral subluxation index previously described as method for quantifying hip dysplasia in dogs is also a feasible method for quantifying hip dysplasia in cats. Future studies are needed to more definitively determine the diagnostic sensitivity of this method.
Contaminant seeds in imported crop seed lots: a non‐negligible human‐mediated pathway for introduction of plant species to islands
Authors: Gervilla C , Rita J , Cursach J
Published: April 2019

Contaminant seeds in crop seed lots constitute a pathway for plant species introduction into new areas, and these non‐native weeds may be an environmental problem if they become invasive. Seed certification is a process that regulates and guarantees the quality of seed lots, including their purity. In this study, we assessed weed contamination in certified and non‐certified seed lots (n = 116) from 12 crop species commonly cultivated in the Balearic Islands. Contaminant seeds were separated using sieves, and then manually under a stereomicroscope, before they were germinated to confirm taxonomic identity. Weight, number and diversity of the contaminant seeds per kilogram of seed lot, number released per hectare according to sowing rate, and taxonomic identity and biogeographical origin of contaminant species were recorded. Although certification reduced the number of contaminant seeds in the seed lots, it did not entirely eliminate contaminants, because we found up to 2000 contaminant seeds kg−1 of certified ryegrass and sulla. Overall, contaminant seeds represented 118 taxa; of which, 82 were identified to species level, 70% of species were native, 19% were cultivated, and 11% were non‐native. Two of the identified taxa were first records for the Balearic Islands. In conclusion, contaminant seeds in imported crop seed lots represent a non‐negligible pathway for plant species introduction.
A REVIEW OF VISION BASED DEFECT DETECTION USING IMAGE PROCESSING TECHNIQUES FOR BEVERAGE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY
Authors: Abdul Rahman Nor Nabilah Syazana , Mohd Saad Norhashimah , Abdullah Abdul Rahim , Ahmat Norunnajjah
Published: April 2019

Vision based quality inspection emerged as a prime candidate in beverage manufacturing industry. It functions to control the product quality for the large scale industries; not only to save time, cost and labour, but also to secure a competitive advantage. It is a requirement of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001, to appease the customer satisfaction in term of frequent improvement of the quality of products and services. It is totally impractical to rely on human inspector to handle a large scale quality control production because human has major drawback in their performance such as inconsistency and time consuming. This article reviews defect detection using image processing techniques for beverage manufacturing industry. There are comparative studies on techniques suggested by previous researchers. This review focuses on shape defect detection, color concentration inspection and level of liquid products measurement in a container. Shape, color and level defects are the main concern for bottle inspection in beverage manufacturing industry. The development of practical testing and the services performance are also discussed in this paper.
THE EFFECT OF OXYGEN AND NITROGEN FUNCTIONAL GROUPS ON THE ELECTROCHEMICAL PERFORMANCE OF ORDERED CARBON
Authors: Razman Nur Izzatie Hannah , Endud Salasiah , Misnon Izan Izwan
Published: April 2019

Ordered carbon (OC) has been synthesised via replication strategy by using Santa Barbara Amorphous (SBA)-15 as a template. The successful replication process has been proven by nitrogen adsorption-desorption analyzer and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The OC showed well-aligned mesopore system, similar to the SBA-15 template. The oxygen and nitrogen functional groups introduced were identified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Electrochemical performance of the oxygen containing OC (OC-O), nitrogen containing OC (OC-N), and oxygen nitrogen containing OC (OC-ON) was then evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) using a three electrode system in 1M KOH aqueous electrolyte. The OC-O, OC-N, and OC-ON showed significant increment in specific capacitance, CS and exhibited good capacitance retention (CR, %) over high scan rate and current density.
IMPROVING THE WALL-FOLLOWING ROBOT PERFORMANCE USING PID-PSO CONTROLLER
Authors: Adriansyah Andi , Suwoyo Heru , Tian Yingzhong , Deng Chenwei
Published: April 2019

A wall-following robot is one of the main issues in autonomous mobile robot behavior. However, a wall-following robot needs a robust controller to perform specific tasks accurately. This paper presents an optimization method termed Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). It was used to automatically produce necessary parameters of the PID controller; henceforth, it was termed as PID-PSO Controller. A new technique of PSO was introduced to enhance the ability of a PID controller to maintain the linear velocity of a mobile robot. The PID-PSO controller was applied to a wheeled wall-following robot. A number of experiments were carried out, and the simulated results were adopted and performed in real applications. Based on several experimental results it can be obtained that the accumulative errors the robot use PID controllers tuned manually, tuned by GA and tuned by PSO are 0.7866, 0.78543 and 0.74619, respectively. Also, the convergence process of PID parameters using the proposed PSO is faster and more optimal than GA. Therefore, it can be said that the proposed system can improve the performance of wall-following robots by decreasing the accumulative error of up to 9%.
From Genuineness to Finder Authenticity in Communicative Language Teaching
Authors: Esfandiari Mehran , Gawhary Mir Wais
Published: April 2019

The shift from traditional towards more learner-centered approaches to teaching has resulted in the concept of authenticity becoming central to Communicative Language Teaching (CLT). As a relational notion, authenticity has to do with the interaction between learners and input materials in terms of appropriate responses, as opposed to its notion of genuineness as an absolute quality. It paves the way for language to be authenticated through context, as it encourages a use-to-learn rather than a learn-to-use approach. Using authentic materials requires a great deal of attention to be paid to not only the contextualization and authenticity of tasks, but also to the incorporation of genuine texts into task design, which itself has been revolutionized through modern technology. Using the Web as a technological tool has resulted in another version of authenticity, which might be in line with finder authenticity. The main aim of this paper is to argue that the notion of authenticity has come a long way from genuineness to finder authenticity.
Development of a Novel Test Method to Characterize Material Properties in Corrosive Environments for Subsea HPHT Design
Authors: Thodla Ramgopal , Holtam Colum , Saraswat Rajil
Published: April 2019

High pressure high temperature (HPHT) design is a significant new challenge facing the subsea sector, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico. API 17TR8 provides HPHT Design Guidelines, specifically for subsea applications. Fatigue endurance (i.e., S–N) and fracture mechanics design are both permitted, depending on the criticality of the component. Both design approaches require material properties generated in corrosive environments, such as seawater with cathodic protection and/or sour production fluids. In particular, it is necessary to understand sensitivity to cyclic loading frequency (for both design approaches), crack growth rates (CGR) (for fracture mechanics approach) as well as fracture toughness performance. For many subsea components, the primary source of fatigue loading is associated with the start-up and subsequent shutdown operation of the well, with long hold periods in-between, during which static crack growth (CG) could occur. These are the two damage modes of most interest when performing a fracture mechanics based analysis. This paper presents the preliminary results of a novel single specimen test method that was developed to provide fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR) and fracture toughness data in corrosive environments, in a timeframe that is compatible with subsea HPHT development projects. Test data generated on alloy 625+ in seawater with cathodic protection are presented along with a description of how the test method was developed. A crack tip strain rate based formulation was applied to the data to rationalize the effect of frequency, stress intensity factor range (ΔK), and maximum stress intensity factor (Kmax).
Collocation-based transfer matrix algorithm for high frequency propagation in a segmented waveguide network
Authors: Ginsberg Jerry H.
Published: April 2019

Equations governing the pressure and particle velocity in a sequence of disparate waveguides having arbitrary shapes are derived by a collocation procedure that exactly satisfies junction conditions at a set of points. The ansatz is a modal series whose basis functions describe transverse spatial variation. They are found in an eigenanalysis that satisfies impedance conditions at the walls. The dependent variables are amplitudes of functions that describe modal dependence in the direction of propagation. A solvable set of equations governing these amplitudes in all segments is obtained by combining the junction equations and equations that enforce conditions at the ends of the network. A recursive transfer matrix algorithm that is derived enables sequential solution of the equations for a single junction. An example of two segments, one of whose wall has substantial compliance and resistance, is analyzed by implementing the classical orthogonality method in parallel to the collocation procedure. Results for the modal amplitudes, as well as the pressure and particle velocity distributions along the junction are examined for convergence. Continuity of the particle velocity tangent to a junction, especially in the vicinity of corners, where diffraction is strong, is shown to be an unambiguous indicator of a solution's accuracy.
Perceptual threshold of apparent source width in relation to the azimuth of a single reflection
Authors: Johnson Dale , Lee Hyunkook
Published: April 2019

An investigation into the perceptual threshold of apparent source width (ASW) in relation to a single reflection azimuth was performed in binaural reproduction. In the presence of a direct sound, subjects compared the ASW produced by a single 90° reference reflection against ASW produced by a test reflection with a varying angle for four reflection delay times between 5 and 30 ms. Threshold angles were found to be approximately 40° and 130°, and did not appear to be dependent on delay time. It was also found that these threshold angles were associated to saturation in [1-IACCE3] versus reflection azimuth.
Two Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates Producing a
bla
KPC-2
Carbapenemase from a Canadian Patient
Authors: Mataseje Laura F. , Boyd David A. , Mulvey Michael R. , Longtin Yves
Published: April 2019

This report describes two hypervirulent
Klebsiella pneumoniae
isolates that produced
K. pneumoniae
carbapenemase (KPC), which were identified from a rectal swab and a urine culture upon hospital admission. The patient had recently traveled to Greece, where he was hospitalized.
Synthesis of
d
-Amino Acid-Containing Dipeptides Using the Adenylation Domains of Nonribosomal Peptide Synthetase
Authors: Kano Soichiro , Suzuki Shin , Hara Ryotaro , Kino Kuniki
Published: April 2019

Because almost all amino acids in nature are
l
-amino acids, the functioning of
d
-amino acids has received little attention. Thus, there is little information available on the activity of enzymes toward
d
-amino acids or synthetic methods for
d
-amino acid-containing dipeptides. Recently,
d
-amino acids and
d
-amino acid-containing peptides have attracted attention as novel functional compounds, and
d
-amino acid-activating enzymes and synthetic methods are required for the development of the
d
-amino acid-containing-peptide industry. This study provides additional knowledge regarding
d
-amino acid-activating enzymes and proposes a unique synthetic method for
d
-amino acid-containing peptides, including
ld
-,
dl
-, and
dd
-dipeptides.
A Genome-Wide Haploid Genetic Screen Identifies Heparan Sulfate-Associated Genes and the Macropinocytosis Modulator TMED10 as Factors Supporting Vaccinia Virus Infection
Authors: Luteijn Rutger D. , van Diemen Ferdy , Blomen Vincent A. , Boer Ingrid G. J. , Manikam Sadasivam Saravanan , van Kuppevelt Toin H. , Drexler Ingo , Brummelkamp Thijn R. , Lebbink Robert Jan , Wiertz Emmanuel J.
Published: April 2019

Poxviruses are large DNA viruses that can infect a wide range of host species. A number of these viruses are clinically important to humans, including variola virus (smallpox) and vaccinia virus. Since the eradication of smallpox, zoonotic infections with monkeypox virus and cowpox virus are emerging. Additionally, poxviruses can be engineered to specifically target cancer cells and are used as a vaccine vector against tuberculosis, influenza, and coronaviruses. Poxviruses rely on host factors for most stages of their life cycle, including attachment to the cell and entry. These host factors are crucial for virus infectivity and host cell tropism. We used a genome-wide knockout library of host cells to identify host factors necessary for vaccinia virus infection. We confirm a dominant role for heparin sulfate in mediating virus attachment. Additionally, we show that TMED10, previously not implicated in virus infections, facilitates virus uptake by modulating the cellular response to phosphatidylserine.
Phenotypic and Functional Differences between Human Herpesvirus 6- and Human Cytomegalovirus-Specific T Cells
Authors: Fastenackels Solène , Bayard Charles , Larsen Martin , Magnier Philippe , Bonnafous Pascale , Seddiki Nabila , Appay Victor , Gautheret-Dejean Agnès , Sauce Delphine
Published: April 2019

T cells are central to an effective defense against persistent viral infections that can be related to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) or human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6). However, knowledge of HHV-6-specific T-cell responses is limited. In order to deepen our knowledge of T-cell responses to HHV-6, we characterized HHV-6A- and HHV-6B-specific CD4
+
and CD8
+
T-cell responses directly
ex vivo
from healthy coinfected blood donors. Despite the strong similarity of HHV-6 and HCMV from a virologic point of view, we observed immunological differences, particularly in relation to the frequency and phenotype of effector/memory and regulatory virus-specific T cells. This suggests that different immune factors are solicited in the control of HHV-6 infection than in that of HCMV infection. Our findings may encourage immunomonitoring of patients with viral replication episodes to follow the emergence of effector versus regulatory T cells.
Roles of the Transcription Factors Sfl2 and Efg1 in White-Opaque Switching in a/α Strains of Candida albicans
Authors: Park Yang-Nim , Conway Kayla , Conway Thomas P. , Daniels Karla J. , Soll David R.
Published: April 2019

More than 95% of
Candida albicans
strains isolated from humans are
MTL
a
/α, and approximately a third of these can undergo the white-to-opaque transition. Therefore, besides being a requirement for
MTL
-homozygous strains to mate, the opaque phenotype very likely plays a role in the commensalism and pathogenesis of nonmating,
a
/α populations colonizing humans.
Nephrotic range proteinuria and metabolic alkalosis in Takayasu arteritis
Authors: Tsuchida Takahiro , Yano Hiroyuki , Raita Yoshihiko , Kinjo Mitsuyo
Published: April 2019

Nephrotic range proteinuria and metabolic alkalosis are unusual findings in large vessel vasculitis. In this case, renovascular hypertension with unilateral renal artery stenosis in Takayasu arteritis was complicated by nephrotic range proteinuria. Symptoms resolved after angioplasty, although non-nephrotic proteinuria persisted. The renal pathology of Takayasu arteritis included focal glomerulosclerosis.
Craniomandibular osteopathy in a golden jackal (Canis aureus)
Authors: Marinković Darko M , Lazarević Macanović Mirjana , Krstić Nikola , Ćirović Duško , Gielen Ingrid
Published: April 2019

Craniomandibular osteopathy is a rare disorder in dogs, characterised by subperiosteal and extraperiosteal new bone proliferations on the skull, on the mandibles in particular and occasionally on long bones. Data about craniomandibular osteopathy in the golden jackal (Canis aureus) are lacking. This paper describes craniomandibular osteopathy in a seven‐month‐old animal. The mandibular region and the distal section of the hindlimb were examined radiologically and by CT. Both imaging modalities showed ossifying periosteal deposits localised on the left side of the mandible and irregular periosteal ossifying deposits covering the surface of the crural bones. Histopathology revealed new bone formation in the endosteum, periosteum and trabecular bone of the mandible and in the distal section of the hindlimb, but no inflammatory cells were found. Craniomandibular osteopathy in free‐living canids has not yet been reported. However, the macroscopic imaging and histopathological features in this pup were consistent with the disease.
Machinability Assessment in High Speed Turning of High Strength Temperature Resistant Superalloys
Authors: Pawade Raju , Khadtare Avinash , Dhumal Dhanashree , Wankhede Vishal
Published: April 2019

The paper discusses the effect of cutting parameters and cutting tool material on chip compression ratio, cutting forces and surface roughness in turning of high strength temperature resistant superalloys (HSTR). The experiments were performed in dry cutting environment on precision CNC lathe with fixed depth of cut of 0.5[Formula: see text]mm. Analytical model is developed to determine chip segmentation frequency, shear angle and shear strain and it is correlated with the machining parameters. The machinability of the selected superalloys is assessed in terms of cutting force, chip compression ratio and surface roughness. It is found from the experimental analysis cutting force magnitude is less at higher cutting speed for all the superalloys. Chip compression ratio is found maximum in case of Inconel 718 due to precipitation hardening of alloy and followed by Inconel 600 and Inconel 800. The chip segmentation frequency is high at lower cutting speed for Inconel 600 due significant strain hardening. Serrated chips are produced during machining of three selected superalloys and it is found that serrated tooth spacing decreases with cutting speed. Shear plane angle increases on cutting speed increases which effect tool workpiece contact length during machining resulted thin, short and snarled chips was produced. From analytical modeling it shows that shear strain decreases with cutting speed which indicate that at higher cutting speed material deformed elastically than plastically. The effect of cutting tool material is observed on the surface roughness. The better surface finish is obtained with coated carbide inserts as compared to ceramic inserts for all the selected superalloys. However, Inconel 800 shows higher surface roughness due to combination of (Ni–Cr–Fe) alloying element which is responsible for carburization of surface layer during machining.
Earnings Management in Response to Corporate Tax Rate Reduction Under an Imputation Tax System
Authors: Kuo Nan-Ting , Lee Cheng-Few
Published: April 2019

Our study explores how firms respond to a tax rate reduction under an imputation tax system. By exploring Taiwanese data, we find that firms engage in significant downward earnings management preceding a tax rate reduction, and this earnings management behavior reverses in the following year. We further explore what factors drive this finding, given that corporate tax avoidance reduces shareholder imputation credits and thus generates limited tax benefits to most shareholders. We argue and find evidence that three factors explain the tax-induced earnings management: (1) financing benefits from tax savings, (2) managerial rent extraction, and (3) the influence of foreign and domestic institutional shareholders. Our results suggest that factors other than shareholder tax benefits have significant effects on corporate tax avoidance, suggesting that firms still have strong incentives to avoid taxes under an imputation tax system.
Does Mandatory Adoption of IFRS Enhance Earnings Quality? Evidence From Closer to Home
Authors: Krishnan Gopal V. , Zhang Jing
Published: April 2019

The global accounting convergence and the often discussed probable adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by U.S. regulators is a timely topic. We contribute to the literature by examining a more recent mandatory IFRS adoption by Canada. Canadian GAAP (CGAAP) is often considered a close substitute for U.S. GAAP. One key feature of this setting is that two earnings numbers are available for fiscal year 2010 since Canadian firms were required to reconcile earnings under CGAAP with earnings under IFRS. We run a “horse race” of earnings quality between earnings under CGAAP and IFRS. We find that on average, relative to IFRS-earnings, earnings under CGAAP have greater association with next period cash flows and higher degree of persistence. Further, when the difference between earnings under CGAAP and IFRS is large, IFRS-earnings are less value-relevant and less persistent. These results strongly support the notion that higher earnings quality is associated with CGAAP. Finally, the results also indicate that differences between CGAAP and IFRS with regard to accounting for financial instruments and investments significantly impair the quality of IFRS-earnings. Our findings are potentially informative to any revival of policy debates on the possible adoption of IFRS by U.S. firms.
Combined Use of Excimer Laser and High-Speed Rotational Atherectomy to Overcome a Severely Calcified Lesion in Endovascular Therapy
Authors: Nakabayashi Keisuke , Hata Shinya , Kaneko Nobuhito , Matsui Akihiro , Tanaka Kazuhiko , Ando Hiroshi , Shimizu Minoru
Published: April 2019

Although endovascular therapy (EVT) is commonly used in treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD), severely calcified lesions pose a challenge, in spite of the technical advancement. In this report, we discuss the case of a 74-year-old male with coronary artery disease and end-stage renal disease who presented at our institution with bilateral intermittent claudication. Angiography showed chronic total occlusion (CTO) of the right superficial femoral arteries (SFA). Because the bilateral external iliac arteries demonstrated moderate stenosis, we performed endovascular therapy on the right SFA-CTO using a contralateral approach. With the antegrade wire progressing into the subintimal space, direct distal-SFA puncture was performed and wire externalization was established. However, no devices (minimal balloon, microcatheter, or Crosser system) were able to pass the lesion in antegrade or retrograde manner, even though the child catheter support or needle cracking technique from outside/inside was applied. Therefore, we used a combination of an excimer laser and high-speed rotational atherectomy to overcome the severely calcified lesion. First, the excimer laser catheter (Turbo Elite 0.9 mm) ablated the entry to the CTO; however, it did not pass through completely. Thereafter, the thin microcatheter (Caravel) succeeded in crossing the CTO in an antegrade manner using the BAlloon Deployment using FORcible Manner (BADFORM) technique. After wire-exchange to the Rota-wire, rotational atherectomy (RotaLink Plus 1.5 mm) passed through the CTO. Subsequently, we could dilate the CTO lesion with a conventional balloon followed by bare metal stent deployment. The right ankle-brachial index of the patient improved from being unmeasurable to 0.79, and the intermittent claudication disappeared. This combination therapy, described as the “RASER” technique in coronary section, is accepted for reimbursement. However, these devices in EVT section are considered off-label use in Japan. Therefore, we have to refrain from frequent use of this strategy; however, this method provides an option for severely calcified lesions.
Mid- and Long-Term Effects of Endovascular Surgery and Hybrid Procedures for Complex Aortic Diseases
Authors: Xu Jiasheng , Zhou Yu , Guo Jingjing , Huang Yu , Jiang Yangkai , Liao Kaili , Zhou Weimin
Published: April 2019

Objective. To assess the efficacy and short- and mid-term results of endovascular surgery and hybrid surgical procedures in treatment of complex aortic dissection. Methods. Clinical data of 90 patients with complex aortic dissection admitted from June 2012 to June 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Among the patients, 60 cases were male and 30 cases were female, and their ages were ranged from 32 to 79, with an average age of 55 years old; different endovascular techniques and/or hybrid procedures were performed in these patients. Results. Technical success rate was 100% for the entire group of patients. Type I endoleak occurred in 8 patients immediately after stent-graft placement, which in 2 cases disappeared after a proximal Cuff placement, and the other cases received no special treatment. Follow-up was conducted from 1 month to 72 months, with an average of 36.3 months, and no stent-graft migration or organ ischemia was noted. In the follow-up patients, no type I endoleak occurred but type II endoleak was found in 2 cases, which were cured without treatment; no patient had paraplegia. Conclusion. Endovascular surgery and hybrid procedures have demonstrable mid- and long-term efficacy in treatment of complex aortic diseases. However, this conclusion still requires multicenter, large-sample studies to further confirm.
Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma Containing Xenogenic Adipose Tissue-Derived Stromal Cells on Restoring Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: A Preclinical Study in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Ma Chao , Wang Ran , Zhao Dingliang , Wang Naikun , Han Ying , Wang Shichong , Gao Tianyun , Wang Bin , Lu Lijuan
Published: April 2019

Objective. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) containing multiple growth factors is a promising strategy for disc degeneration. Thus, this study hypothesizes that the combination of PRP and adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) may repair degenerative disc more effectively than using each one of them alone. Methods. The model of early intervertebral disc degeneration was induced by annular puncture in the New Zealand rabbit. Autologous PRP was extracted from fresh arterial blood by using two centrifugation techniques. ADSC was offered by the Center for Clinic Stem Cell Research. Four weeks after the first experiment, PRP or ADSCs or a combination of PRP and ADSCs was injected into the punctured intervertebral disc. Four weeks later, disc height and signal intensity on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were assessed. Results. One month after puncture, we detected relatively narrow discs and lower signal intensity in MRI T2-weighted images. At four weeks after injection, the PRP-ADSC group statistically significantly restored discs, compared with PRP, ADSCs, or negative control group. Conclusions. The combination of PRP and ADSCs shows an effective potential to restore degenerated intervertebral discs in the rabbit.
A Human Organotypic Microfluidic Tumor Model Permits Investigation of the Interplay between Patient-Derived Fibroblasts and Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Truong Danh D. , Kratz Alexander , Park Jin G. , Barrientos Eric S. , Saini Harpinder , Nguyen Toan , Pockaj Barbara , Mouneimne Ghassan , LaBaer Joshua , Nikkhah Mehdi
Published: April 2019

Tumor–stroma interactions significantly influence cancer cell metastasis and disease progression. These interactions are partly comprised of the cross-talk between tumor and stromal fibroblasts, but the key molecular mechanisms within the cross-talk that govern cancer invasion are still unclear. Here, we adapted our previously developed microfluidic device as a 3D in vitro organotypic model to mechanistically study tumor–stroma interactions by mimicking the spatial organization of the tumor microenvironment on a chip. We cocultured breast cancer and patient-derived fibroblast cells in 3D tumor and stroma regions, respectively, and combined functional assessments, including cancer cell migration, with transcriptome profiling to unveil the molecular influence of tumor–stroma cross-talk on invasion. This led to the observation that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) enhanced invasion in 3D by inducing expression of a novel gene of interest, glycoprotein nonmetastatic B (GPNMB), in breast cancer cells, resulting in increased migration speed. Importantly, knockdown of GPNMB blunted the influence of CAF on enhanced cancer invasion. Overall, these results demonstrate the ability of our model to recapitulate patient-specific tumor microenvironments to investigate the cellular and molecular consequences of tumor–stroma interactions.

Significance:

An organotypic model of tumor–stroma interactions on a microfluidic chip reveals that CAFs promote invasion by enhancing expression of GPNMB in breast cancer cells.
Machine Learning to Build and Validate a Model for Radiation Pneumonitis Prediction in Patients with Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Yu Hao , Wu Huanmei , Wang Weili , Jolly Shruti , Jin Jian-Yue , Hu Chen , Kong Feng-Ming (Spring)
Published: April 2019

Purpose:

Radiation pneumonitis is an important adverse event in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving thoracic radiotherapy. However, the risk of radiation pneumonitis grade ≥ 2 (RP2) has not been well predicted. This study hypothesized that inflammatory cytokines or the dynamic changes during radiotherapy can improve predictive accuracy for RP2.

Experimental Design:

Levels of 30 inflammatory cytokines and clinical information in patients with stages I–III NSCLC treated with radiotherapy were from our prospective studies. Statistical analysis was used to select predictive cytokine candidates and clinical covariates for adjustment. Machine learning algorithm was used to develop the generalized linear model for predicting risk RP2.

Results:

A total of 131 patients were eligible and 17 (13.0%) developed RP2. IL8 and CCL2 had significantly (Bonferroni) lower expression levels in patients with RP2 than without RP2. But none of the changes in cytokine levels during radiotherapy was significantly associated with RP2. The final predictive GLM model for RP2 was established, including IL8 and CCL2 at baseline level and two clinical variables. Nomogram was constructed based on the GLM model. The model's predicting ability was validated in the completely independent test set (AUC = 0.863, accuracy = 80.0%, sensitivity = 100%, specificity = 76.5%).

Conclusions:

By machine learning, this study has developed and validated a comprehensive model integrating inflammatory cytokines with clinical variables to predict RP2 before radiotherapy that provides an opportunity to guide clinicians.
Socioeconomic Status and Long-Term Stroke Mortality, Recurrence and Disability in Iran: The Mashhad Stroke Incidence Study
Authors: Morovatdar Negar , Thrift Amanda G. , Stranges Saverio , Kapral Moira , Behrouz Reza , Amiri Amin , Heshmati Abbas , Ghahremani Amirali , Farzadfard Mohammad Taghi , Mokhber Naghmeh , Azarpazhooh Mahmoud Reza
Published: April 2019

Background: Little is known about the association between socioeconomic status and long-term stroke outcomes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Methods: Patients were recruited from the Mashhad Stroke Incidence Study in Iran. We identified different socioeconomic variables including the level of education, occupation, household size, and family income. Residential location according to patient’s neighbourhood was classified into less privileged area (LPA), middle privileged area and high privileged area (HPA). Using Cox regression, competing risk analysis and logistic regression models, we determined the association between socioeconomic status and 1- and 5-year stroke outcomes. Generalized linear model was used for adjusting associated variables for stroke severity. Results: Six hundred twenty-four patients with first-ever stroke were recruited in this study. Unemployment prior to stroke was associated with an increased risk of 1- and 5-year post-stroke mortality (1 year: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 3.3; 95% CI 1.6–7.06: p = 0.001; 5 years: aHR 2.1; 95% CI 1.2–3.6: p = 0.007). The 5-year mortality rate was higher in less educated patients (<12 years) as compared to those with at least 12 years of schooling (aHR 1.84; 95% CI 1.05–3.23: p = 0.03). Patients living in LPA compared to those living in HPAs experienced a more severe stroke at admission (aB 3.84; 95% CI 0.97–6.71, p = 0.009) and disabling stroke at 1 year follow-up (OR 6.1; 95% CI 1.3–28.4; p = 0.02). Conclusion: A comprehensive stroke strategy should also address socioeconomic disadvantages.
Longitudinale Halb-und-Halb-Nägel: Fallbericht und Literaturübersicht
Authors: Cohen Philip
Published: April 2019

Halb-und-Halb-Nägel wurden ursprünglich als transversale Leukonychie bei Patienten mit chronischer Nierenerkrankung beschrieben; später wurden auch andere Erkrankungen (z.B. Morbus Behçet und Morbus Crohn) und Medikamente (wie Isoniazid) mit diesen Veränderungen der Nägel in Verbindung gebracht. Es liegen allerdings auch Berichte über longitudinale Halb-und-Halb-Nägel (mit Veränderung des medialen Anteils der Nägel) an den Großzehen einer älteren Frau sowie, wie nachstehend vorgestellt, an den Daumen eines älteren Mannes vor, die beide weder unter Morbus Behçet, Morbus Crohn oder einer Nierenerkrankung litten noch Isoniazid anwandten. Bei der Frau lagen eine echte Leukonychie, bilaterale Hallux-valgus-Deformität und chronisches Trauma der medialen Nagelfalze vor. Der Mann hatte eine nicht traumatische apparente Leukonychie und bilaterale Koilonychie; der nicht weiße laterale Anteil seines linken Daumennagels wies auch eine lineare Rille (infolge einer digitalen mukoiden Zyste an der proximalen Nagelfalz) und subunguale Hyperkeratose auf. Zusammenfassend lässt sich sagen, dass longitudinale Halb-und-Halb-Nägel ein seltenes Phänomen sind, das bisher mit keiner systemischen Erkrankung oder Medikation in Verbindung gebracht worden ist. Die erworbene Nagelveränderung kann sich entweder als idiopathischer Befund oder nach chronischem Trauma manifestieren.
pH-Wert und mikrobielle Infektionen
Authors: Rippke Frank , Berardesca Enzo , Weber Teresa M.
Published: April 2019

Ein durchgängig saurer pH-Wert im Stratum corneum ist ein wesentlicher Bestandteil des Schutzsystems der Haut, der eine feindliche Umgebung für die Besiedelung durch pathogene Mikroorganismen schafft. Doch diese Barriere kann bei gesunder und umso mehr bei geschädigter Haut durchbrochen werden. Mykosen, Windel-/Inkontinenz-assoziierte Dermatitis und Wundheilung sind Beispiele für Situationen, in denen durch veränderte Haut- oder Umgebungsbedingungen eine mikrobielle Infektion begünstigt wird. Pilze verfügen über ein komplexes System, mit dem sie den pH-Wert ihrer Umgebung erfassen, um durch entsprechende Stoffwechselreaktionen ihre Adhäsion, Vermehrung und Invasion zu gewährleisten, indem mikrobielle Metaboliten den pH-Wert der Haut weiter erhöhen, bis schließlich eine klinisch manifeste Infektion (Mykose) vorliegt. Menschen mit Diabetes, bei denen der pH-Wert der Haut in intertriginösen Bereichen erhöht ist, sind besonders anfällig für Candidosen. Bei Windeldermatitis und Inkontinenz-assoziierter Dermatitis ist die Ursache für den erhöhten pH-Wert der Haut und die Schädigung der Hautbarrierefunktion der Kontakt mit Urin und Fäzes, ob unter Okklusion oder nicht, und durch Wirts- und mikrobielle Enzyme und Metaboliten wird dieser Zustand aufrechterhalten. Das führt zur Dezimierung der schützenden residenten Mikroflora und ihrer Überwucherung durch Pilze, meist Candida albicans. Die Hautpflege mit leicht sauren Produkten kann helfen, diese Form von Dermatitis zu verhindern und zu behandeln. Der Prozess der Wundheilung ist eine komplexe Abfolge biologischer Ereignisse, die mit dem pH-Wert der Umgebung korrelieren, welcher die verschiedenen Phasen der Wundheilung beeinflusst. Der pH-Wert ist für die adäquate Aktivität von Immunzellen und wichtigen Enzymen ebenso bestimmend wie für die Biofilmbildung. Wenn der Heilungsprozess gestört wird, können Wunden chronisch werden und sind dann durch einen neutralen bis leicht alkalischen pH-Wert gekennzeichnet. Vor diesem Hintergrund könnten die Überwachung des pH-Wertes und die Herstellung eines sauren Milieus als Wundbehandlungsmaßnahme sinnvoll sein.
Depressive Psoriasis-Patienten können ein schlechteres Ansprechen auf Etanercept zeigen - eine weitere Expertenmeinung
Authors: Gieler Uwe
Published: April 2019

Background/Aims: This study aimed to investigate the predicting values of depression and anxiety symptoms for clinical response to etanercept treatment in psoriasis patients. Methods: A total of 85 psoriasis patients who received 6 months of etanercept treatment were consecutively enrolled in this prospective cohort study. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score was evaluated at month 0 (M0), M1, M3, and M6, and the corresponding PASI 75/90 response at each visit was assessed. Also, anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at M0, M1, M3, and M6. Results: Depression symptoms were observed to correlate with female gender (p = 0.004), longer disease duration (p = 0.018), and higher PASI score (p < 0.001), and anxiety symptoms were seen to be associated with female gender (p = 0.017), larger psoriasis-affected body surface area (p = 0.049), and higher PASI score (p = 0.017) in psoriasis patients. After etanercept treatment, HADS-Depression (HADS-D) and HADSAnxiety (HADS-A) scores were both decreased at M1, M3, and M6 (all p < 0.001) compared with M0. Most importantly, baseline depressed patients presented with a lower PASI 75 response rate at M3 (p = 0.014) and M6 (p = 0.005), and a reduced PASI 90 response rate at M6 (p = 0.045) compared with baseline non-depressed patients. Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that depression symptoms at baseline were an independent predictive factor for the lower possibility of both PASI 75 response (p = 0.048) and PASI 90 response (p = 0.048) achievements at M6 in psoriasis patients. However, no correlation of baseline anxiety symptoms with PASI 75/90 responses was observed. Conclusion: Depression symptoms at baseline independently predict a worse clinical response to etanercept treatment in psoriasis patients.
Versorgungsqualität und Praktikabilität in der Teledermatologie
Authors: Kirsten Natalia
Published: April 2019

A decreasing number of dermatologists and an increasing number of patients in Western countries have led to a relative lack of clinicians providing expert dermatologic care. This, in turn, has prolonged wait times for patients to be examined, putting them at risk. Store-and-forward teledermatology improves patient access to dermatologists through asynchronous consultations, reducing wait times to obtain a consultation. However, live video conferencing as a synchronous service is also frequently used by practitioners because it allows immediate interaction between patient and physician. This raises the question of which of the two approaches is superior in terms of quality of care and convenience. There are pros and cons for each in terms of technical requirements and features. This viewpoint compares the two techniques based on a literature review and a clinical perspective to help dermatologists assess the value of teledermatology and determine which techniques would be valuable in their practice.
Melanoma in situ/Lentigo maligna: Wo und bei wem sollte ich darauf achten?
Authors: Maschke Jan
Published: April 2019

Introduction: Lentigo maligna (LM) is a rare form of in situ melanoma, frequently seen as a large patch in elderly patients. The aim of this study was to assess clinical and dermoscopic features of LM. Material and Methods: A retrospective study of LM patients presenting to our center between July 2007 and July 2017 was performed. Demographic data, anatomical location, laterality, diameter, Clark level, Breslow stage, ‘ABCD' signs and dermoscopic features were registered. Facial versus extrafacial LM were compared. Results: We found 21 LM, of which 12 had an extrafacial location and 9 a facial location. Half of the extrafacial lesions were located on an upper limb. The median age at diagnosis was 63 years (ranging from 38 to 84 years). Most LM cases were female (16/21) with phototype II (13/21). More than half of the patients (11/21) had a history of a skin neoplasm or actinic keratosis. The median diameter found was 6 mm (interquartile range = 4.5 mm), ranging from 1 to 15 mm. Five lesions were invasive (median Breslow depth of 0.2 mm), and 4 of them were extrafacial. Discussion: In this study LM was more frequently found in an extrafacial location and as a small patch with a 6-mm diameter medium. The epidemiology of LM/LM melanoma might be changing. Full body examination and dermoscopy are of the utmost importance for the diagnosis. Dermatologists should be aware and search for small lesions outside the face and neck, particularly in middle-aged female patients with photo-damaged skin.
Effect of Furosemide under Hyperchloremic Acidosis on Intraoperative Oliguria and Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Normal Renal Function
Authors: Kikura Mutsuhito , Nishino Junko , Suzuki Yuji , Uraoka Masahiro
Published: April 2019

Background: Renal function tends to deteriorate in a hyperchloremic acidifying environment, which is reflected by a decrease in the difference between sodium and chloride. Objectives: To examine the effect of furosemide administered under hyperchloremic acidosis on intraoperative oliguria and acute kidney injury in patients with preoperatively normal renal function. Methods: In patients undergoing abdominal or orthopedic surgeries (April 2010–November 2018), we retrospectively identified patients who preoperatively had a normal renal function but experienced intraoperative oliguria under hyperchloremic acidosis (a sodium-chloride difference < 30 mEq/L) without dehydration. We compared the perioperative urine output and the incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury between patients who intraoperatively received an initial dose of 5 mg of furosemide (the furosemide group) and patients who did not intraoperatively receive furosemide (the control group). Results: We identified 62 patients in the furosemide group and 48 patients in the control group. The furosemide group intraoperatively received 0.11 ± 0.06 mg/kg of furosemide (range 0.06–0.39 mg/kg). Compared to the control group, the furosemide group had greater urine output (mL/kg/h) in the operating room (1.1 ± 0.7 vs. 0.3 ± 0.1, p < 0.01) and on postoperative day 1 (1.2 ± 0.5 vs. 1.1 ± 0.4, p = 0.02). The incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury was lesser in the furosemide group than that in the control group (8.0 vs. 27.0%, p < 0.01; multivariate OR 0.18; 95% CI 0.05–0.61; p < 0.01). Conclusions: In surgery patients under hyperchloremic acidosis, furosemide (0.1 mg/kg) resolved intraoperative oliguria and reduced the incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury.
РОЗРОБКА СКЛАДУ ТА ТЕХНОЛОГІЇ ЗУБНОЇ ПАСТИ З МЕТИЛСАЛІЦИЛАТОМ
Authors: Hrynovets I. S. , Shostak T. A. , Yaremyshyn Yu. V. , Hrynovets V. S.
Published: April 2019

Мета роботи. Розробка складу та технології зубної пасти з метилсаліцилатом.

Матеріали і методи. Використано методи інформаційного пошуку, аналізу даних літератури та проведено експериментальні дослідження.

Результати й обговорення. Як активний фармацевтичний інгредієнт запропонованої зубної пасти використано метилсаліцилат, оскільки проявляє протимікробну, знеболювальну та протизапальну дії. Оптимальний склад зубної пасти визначали на підставі проведення власних експериментальних досліджень: натрійкарбоксиметилцелюлоза – гелеутворювач, кальцію карбонат – абразивний компонент, сахарин – коригент смаку, натрій гідрокарбонат – пом’якшувач та регулятор лужно-кислотного балансу, гліцерин –вологоутримувач, ментол – коригент смаку, вода – розчинник.

Висновок. Розробка зубної пасти з метилсаліцилатом є не лише розширенням асортиментної групи гігієнічних засобів – це удосконалений підхід до відновлення мікробіоцинозу, можливість більш ретельного очищення зубів від нальоту та освіження подиху, що є важливим при щоденному догляді за порожнинною рота.