bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of ICAM-1 Predicts Poor Survival in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma: A Study Based on TCGA and GEO Databases and Tissue Microarray
Authors: Wang Shasha , Yin Can , Zhang Ying , Zhang Lu , Tao Lin , Liang Weihua , Pang Lijuan , Fu Ruiting , Ding Yusong , Li Feng , Jia Wei
Published: June 2019

Intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), an important adhesion molecule in the immunoglobulin superfamily, is expressed on many cell types. Recent studies have identified ICAM-1 as a potential oncogene that promotes the development of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC); it was also found to be associated with poor survival. However, the clinical significance of its expression in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is unclear. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the significance of ICAM-1 expression in HGSOC. Data on ICAM1 expression and mutations in serous ovarian carcinoma (SOC) were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and ICAM1 mRNA expression data in HGSOC were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. ICAM-1 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in HGSOC and normal fallopian tube tissues microarray. In TCGA data, amplification/mutation of ICAM1 was identified in 12% of serous ovarian carcinoma samples, and overexpression of ICAM1 mRNA predicted reduced overall survival in SOC. From TCGA and GEO data, SOC patients with ICAM1 mRNA overexpression treated with chemotherapeutic drugs that contained taxol or taxol and platin together had significantly reduced progression-free survival. According to GEO data, ICAM1 mRNA expression was found significantly higher in HGSOC than in control samples. In our study, ICAM-1 overexpression was observed in 63.1% (65/103) of HGSOCs. As a prognostic biomarker, overexpression of ICAM-1 predicted reduced recurrence-free and overall survival and is an independent risk factor for poor prognosis. These findings suggest that overexpression of ICAM-I is an independent indicator of poor prognosis for HGSOC and that it can serve as an effective clinical prognostic biomarker for this disease.
Three-Level DC-DC Controlled-Source Circuit of Marine Electromagnetic Detection Transmitter
Authors: Tao Haijun , Zhang Guopeng , Zheng Zheng
Published: June 2019

Nowadays, marine electromagnetic method is a geophysical method which can effectively explore natural gas hydrate (NGH) resources. This method acquires seafloor structure and distribution laws of mineral resources by transmitting high-power electromagnetic waves to the seafloor, and its detection depth relies on the intensity of transmitted electromagnetic waves. At present, marine electromagnetic transmitter is not proper for transmission of high-power electromagnetic waves, and therefore, a novel controlled-source circuit of soft switching three-level marine electromagnetic transmitter is proposed in this paper, one step-down winding is added at the secondary side of high-frequency transformer in series connection with a linear inductor, asymmetric phase-shift PWM control is used, and soft switching of controlled-source circuit within the overall power range is realized. A detailed analysis of the operation process and circuit characteristics is given, and finally, a prototype is designed. Experimental results indicate that this circuit is of wide ZVS range and high efficiency, and it meets requirements for deep-sea detection of high-voltage power supply transmitter.
Age Matters: Objective Gait Assessment in Early Parkinson’s Disease Using an RGB-D Camera
Authors: Muñoz Ospina Beatriz , Valderrama Chaparro Jaime Andrés , Arango Paredes Juan David , Castaño Pino Yor Jaggy , Navarro Andrés , Orozco Jorge Luis
Published: June 2019

Background. Gait alterations are hallmarks for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). In normal conditions, age could affect gait dynamics. Although it is known that objective assessment of gait is a valuable tool for diagnosis and follow-up of patients with PD, only few studies evaluate the effect of aging on the gait pattern of patients with PD. Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess differences in gait dynamics between PD patients and healthy subjects and to investigate the effects of aging on these differences using a low-cost RGB-D depth-sensing camera. Methods. 30 PD patients and 30 age-matched controls were recruited. Descriptive analysis was used for clinical variables, and Spearman’s rank correlation was used to correlate age and gait variables. The sample was distributed in age groups; then, Mann–Whitney U test was used for comparison of gait variables between groups. Results. PD patients exhibited prolonged swing (p=0.002) and stance times (p<0.001) and lower speed values (p<0.001) compared to controls. This was consistent in all age groups, except for the one between 76 and 88 years old, in which the controls were slower and had longer swing and stance times. These results were statically significant for the group from 60 to 66 years. Conclusion. Gait speed, swing, and stance times are useful for differentiating PD patients from controls. Quantitative gait parameters measured by an RGB-D camera can complement clinical assessment of PD patients. The analysis of these spatiotemporal variables should consider the age of the subject.
Integrating Traffics with Network Device Logs for Anomaly Detection
Authors: Lu Jiazhong , Lv Fengmao , Zhuo Zhongliu , Zhang Xiaosong , Liu Xiaolei , Hu Teng , Deng Wei
Published: June 2019

Advanced cyberattacks are often featured by multiple types, layers, and stages, with the goal of cheating the monitors. Existing anomaly detection systems usually search logs or traffics alone for evidence of attacks but ignore further analysis about attack processes. For instance, the traffic detection methods can only detect the attack flows roughly but fail to reconstruct the attack event process and reveal the current network node status. As a result, they cannot fully model the complex multistage attack. To address these problems, we present Traffic-Log Combined Detection (TLCD), which is a multistage intrusion analysis system. Inspired by multiplatform intrusion detection techniques, we integrate traffics with network device logs through association rules. TLCD correlates log data with traffic characteristics to reflect the attack process and construct a federated detection platform. Specifically, TLCD can discover the process steps of a cyberattack attack, reflect the current network status, and reveal the behaviors of normal users. Our experimental results over different cyberattacks demonstrate that TLCD works well with high accuracy and low false positive rate.
Optimizing Maximum Monitoring Frequency and Guaranteeing Target Coverage and Connectivity in Energy Harvesting Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Bao Xuecai , Han Longzhe , He Xun , Tan Wenqun , Fan Tanghuai
Published: June 2019

Improving the quality of monitoring and guaranteeing target coverage and connectivity in energy harvesting wireless sensor networks (EH-WSNs) are important issues in near-perpetual environmental monitoring. Existing solutions only focus on the utility of coverage or energy efficient coverage by considering target connectivity for battery-powered WSNs. This paper focuses on optimizing the maximum monitoring frequency with guaranteed target coverage and connectivity in EH-WSNs. We first analyzed the factors affecting monitoring quality and the energy harvesting model. Thereafter, we presented the problem formulation and proposed the algorithm for maximizing monitoring frequency and guaranteeing target coverage and connectivity (MFTCC) that is based on graph theory. Furthermore, we presented the corresponding distributed implementation approach. On the basis of the existing energy harvesting prediction model, expensive simulations show that the proposed MFTCC algorithm achieves high average maximum monitoring frequency and energy usage ratio. Moreover, it obtains a higher throughput than existing target monitoring methods.
Epidemiology of Imported Malaria in Netrokona District of Bangladesh 2013-2018: Analysis of Surveillance Data
Authors: Karim Md Abdul , Kabir M. Moktadir , Siddiqui Md Ashraf , Laskar Md Shahidul Islam , Saha Anjan , Naher Shamsun
Published: June 2019

Introduction. Netrokona is one of the first phase malaria elimination targeted 8 districts of Bangladesh by 2021. The district constitutes only 7% of the population but contributes half of the malaria cases in that area. Most of the cases of that district are imported from Meghalaya State of India. The study was conducted to understand the epidemiology of these imported malaria cases for further strategy development to prevent both imported and introduced cases. Methodology. The study was retrospectively conducted on the malaria cases confirmed by microscopy and/or RDT by the government and/or NGO service providers between 2013 and 2018. The information of the cases was collected from the verbal “investigation” report of individual malaria confirmed cases. The respondents of the “investigation” were either the patients or their family members. Out of the 713 cases during the study period, descriptive analysis of 626 cases (based on the completeness of “investigation form”) of the district was done using MS Excel version 2016. Results. Proportion of imported malaria in Netrokona district increased from 60% in 2013 to 95% in 2018 which persists throughout the year with a little seasonal fluctuation. The overall contribution of these imported cases is 93% by cross-border workers by population type and 84%, 66%, and 95% by male, labour, and tribal population considering the factors of sex, occupation, and ethnicity, respectively. Population aged between 15 and 49 years contributed 82% of these imported cases. All of these cases occurred in the internationally bordering belt with Meghalaya State of India. Species-wise distribution revealed lower P. falciparum (63%) and higher mixed (28%) infection in imported cases compared to the 71% Pf and 20% mixed infection among the indigenous infections whereas P. vivax is similar in both cases. Conclusion. Imported malaria is an emerging issue that has a potential risk of increased local transmission which might be a challenge to malaria elimination in that area. Appropriate interventions targeting the cross-border workers are essential to prevent the introduced cases and subsequently avoid reestablishment when elimination of the disease is achieved.
Physical Absorption of Folic Acid and Chitosan on Dihydroartemisinin-Loaded Poly-Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid Nanoparticles via Electrostatic Interaction for Their Enhanced Uptake and Anticancer Effect
Authors: Nguyen Chien Ngoc , Tran Bao Ngoc , Thi Hoa Nguyen , Huu Phong Pham , Thi Huong Nguyen
Published: June 2019

In this study, dihydroartemisinin (DAR), an anticancer agent with low toxicity, was loaded into poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles. The obtained PLGA cores were then coated with chitosan (CS) and/or folic acid (FA) by electrostatic interactions to enhance their anticancer and cellular uptake properties. DAR-loaded PLGA nanoparticles were prepared by the solvent evaporation method. CS and FA solutions at different ratios were dispersed concurrently into the PLGA suspension to facilitate electrostatic interactions and form nanosuspensions. The physiochemical properties of nanoparticles such as average particle size (Z), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), TEM image, X-ray diffraction, and encapsulation efficiency were determined. We then determined the role of FA and CS coating on the nanoparticle surface in cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, and apoptosis. We show that the resultant nanoparticles were spherical and uniform, with a coating layer containing FA and CS covering PLGA cores with a Z of 223.5±4.28 nm, PDI of 0.209±0.03, and ZP of 15.75±1.3 mV. Both FA and CS improved the cytotoxicity of nanoparticles compared to free DAR and PLGA nanoparticles in HL-60 and KB cancer cell lines. Further, FA enhanced the cellular uptake of nanoparticles to a greater extent than CS. However, CS contributed more to apoptosis induction than FA.
Neoantigens Derived from Recurrently Mutated Genes as Potential Immunotherapy Targets for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zhou Jie , Zhao Wenyi , Wu Jingcheng , Lu Jun , Ding Yongfeng , Wu Shanshan , Wang Haiyong , Ding Ding , Mo Fan , Zhou Zhan , Teng Lisong , Chen Shuqing
Published: June 2019

Neoantigens are optimal tumor-specific targets for T-cell based immunotherapy, especially for patients with “undruggable” mutated driver genes. T-cell immunotherapy can be a “universal” treatment for HLA genotype patients sharing same oncogenic mutations. To identify potential neoantigens for therapy in gastric cancer, 32 gastric cancer patients were enrolled in our study. Whole exome sequencing data from these patients was processed by TSNAD software to detect cancer somatic mutations and predict neoantigens. The somatic mutations between different patients suggested a high interpatient heterogeneity. C>A and C>T substitutions are common, suggesting an active nucleotide excision repair. The number of predicted neoantigens was significantly higher in patients at stage T1a compared to in patients at T2 or T4b. Six genes (PIK3CA, FAT4, BRCA2, GNAQ, LRP1B, and PREX2) were found as recurrently mutated driver genes in our study. Combining with highly frequent HLA alleles, several neoantigens derived from six recurrently mutated genes were considered as potential targets for further immunotherapy.
Development of Collagen-Based 3D Matrix for Gastrointestinal Tract-Derived Organoid Culture
Authors: Jee Joo Hyun , Lee Dong Hyeon , Ko Jisu , Hahn Soojung , Jeong Sang Yun , Kim Han Kyung , Park Enoch , Choi Seon Young , Jeong Sukin , Lee Joong Woon , Cho Han-Jun , Kwon Min-Soo , Yoo Jongman
Published: June 2019

Organoid is a cell organization grown in a three-dimensional (3D) culture system which represents all characteristics of its origin. However, this organ-like structure requires supporting matrix to maintain its characteristics and functions. Matrigel, derived from mouse sarcoma, has often been used as the supporting matrix for organoids, but the result may not be desirable for clinical applications because of the unidentified components from the mouse sarcoma. On the other hand, natural characteristics of collagen emphasize toxic-free friendly niche to both organoid and normal tissue. Hence, this study attempts to develop a new, collagen-based matrix that may substitute Matrigel in organoid culture. Collagen-based matrix was made, using type 1 collagen, Ham’s F12 nutrient mixture, and bicarbonate. Then, characteristics of mouse colon organoids were analyzed by morphology and quantitative messenger RNA (mRNA) expression, revealing that the mouse colon organoids grown in the collagen-based matrix and in Matrigel had quite similar morphology, specific markers, and proliferative rates. Mouse small intestine–derived organoids, stomach-derived organoids, and human colon–derived organoids were also cultured, all of which were successfully grown in the collagen-based matrix and had similar properties compared to those cultured in Matrigel. Furthermore, possibility of organoid transplantation was observed. When mouse colon organoids were transplanted with collagen matrix into the EDTA-colitis mouse model, colon organoids were successfully engrafted in damaged tissue. For that reason, the use of collagen-based matrix in organoid culture will render organoid cultivation less expensive and clinically applicable.
Use of Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotic in an Inpatient Unit of a Community Teaching Hospital
Authors: Olayinka Olaniyi , Oyelakin Ayotomide , Cherukupally Karthik , Virk Inderpreet , Ojimba Chiedozie , Khadka Susmita , Maksymenko Alexander , Fouron Patrice , Khandaker Taher , Olupona Tolu , Hershberger Jason
Published: June 2019

Background. Individuals with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (SSD) often experience significant impairment in educational, occupational, and psychosocial functioning. The clinical benefit of long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) in the management of patients with SSD is well established. SSD patients who are nonadherent to treatment have lower disease relapse and readmission rates when prescribed a LAI, compared to oral antipsychotics. Despite the reported advantages of LAIs, their prescription rates in clinical settings remain low. This pilot study aimed to determine the pattern of LAI prescription in psychiatric inpatients of a teaching community hospital in Brooklyn, New York. Methods. A retrospective review of the charts of patients discharged from the psychiatric units of the hospital from September 1, 2017, through September 30, 2017, was conducted. Frequencies and proportions for demographic and disease-related characteristics were calculated. Pertinent continuous variables were recoded into categorical variables. Chi-square-tests or Fisher’s exact tests were performed for categorical variables. The one-sample Shapiro-Wilk test (for sample size < 50) was used to check for the normality of distribution of continuous variables. Statistical significance was defined as p ≤ 0.05. Results. Forty-three (70%) of the patients discharged from the inpatient unit during the study period had SSD and were eligible for a LAI. Their ages ranged from 20 to 71 years (mean = 41 years), and more than two-thirds were male. Less than half of the eligible patients (n = 19; 44%) were prescribed a LAI, most of whom were male (n=16; 84%). An association between age group (patients aged 41 years or younger) and LAI use was observed (p < 0.05), while gender, employment status, living arrangement, length of hospital stay, recent hospitalization, and cooccurring substance use disorder were not. Conclusion. LAI prescription rate at the inpatient psychiatric unit of the hospital was marginally higher than those reported in most studies. Age appears to influence LAI use during the study period. Initiatives that increase LAI prescription rate for all eligible patients admitted to inpatient psychiatric unit should be encouraged.
Development and Formulation of the Experimental Dentifrice Based onPassiflora mollissima(Tumbo) with and without Fluoride Anion: Antibacterial Activity on Seven Antimicrobial Strains
Authors: Mayta-Tovalino Frank , Gamboa Eloy , Sánchez Richard , Rios Jorge , Medina Ramín , García Martín , Asencios Jhonn
Published: June 2019

Objectives. To develop and formulate a new experimental dentifrice with and without fluoride based on the peel and the fruit of thePassiflora mollissima(tumbo) and also to evaluate its antimicrobial activity against seven bacterial strains.Methods. The sample was calculated using the mean comparison formula, obtaining wells (n = 12) for each of the strains evaluated:S. mutans,E. faecalis,Actinomyces,Lactobacillus,C. albicans,S. sanguinis, andS. oralis. The antibacterial activity of the dentifrice was evaluated by the direct contact technique.Results. It was found that the highest antimicrobial activity was only present in pulp-based dentifrices against strains ofS. mutans21.0 ± 1.8,E. faecalis16.3 ± 3.9,Actinomyces22.1 ± 1.3, andLactobacillus21.0 ± 1.3. However, in comparison with other strains such asC. albicans,S. sanguinis, andS. oralis, the peel-based dendrifrice ofPassiflora mollissimaobtained the highest antimicrobial activity.Conclusion. The experimental dentifrice based onPassiflora mollissimahad an antibacterial effect against the seven microbial strains during the first 24 and 48 hours.
Effect of Size on the Saturable Absorption and Reverse Saturable Absorption in Silver Nanoparticle and Ultrafast Dynamics at 400 nm
Authors: Maurya Sandeep Kumar , Rout Anuradha , Ganeev Rashid A. , Guo Chunlei
Published: June 2019

Saturable absorption and reverse saturable absorption play an important role in the studies of the nonlinear optical properties of nanoparticles at resonant excitation. With this viewpoint, nonlinear absorption processes of chemically prepared silver nanoparticles in deionized water were studied using femtosecond laser pulses at 400 nm. Our nonlinear absorption study shows that there is competition between saturable absorption and two-photon absorption in prepared Ag NPs which depends on the size of the nanoparticles. We have also studied the ultrafast dynamics associated with nanoparticles which also results in the direct correlation between the ultrafast timescale and the size of the nanoparticle. The excitation of Ag NPs at 400 nm has shown the manifestation of damped oscillation which is attributed to the radial breathing mode oscillation due to acoustic vibration.
Clinical Implications of Decreased Computed Tomography Value after Ramucirumab in Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Izawa Naoki , Sunakawa Yu , Doi Ayako , Arai Hiroyuki , Horie Yoshiki , Hirakawa Mami , Mizukami Takuro , Ogura Takashi , Tsuda Takashi , Nakajima Takako Eguchi
Published: June 2019

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate whether a decrease of computed tomography (CT) value for tumors serves as a predictive marker in patients with advanced gastric cancer (aGC) who have undergone chemotherapy with vascular epithelial growth factor receptor 2 inhibitor (ramucirumab). Method: We retrospectively analyzed 44 patients with aGC who received taxane alone (TAX arm; n = 33), ramucirumab alone, or ramucirumab in combination with taxane (RAM arm; n = 11) as second-line or later chemotherapy between July 2010 and October 2016. In all patients, tumor size and tumor CT value were evaluated at two timepoints: pretreatment and first evaluation. We calculated the change of the tumors’ CT value. The associations of these factors with tumor response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival were investigated. Results: Ten (90.9%) of 11 patients in the RAM arm and 18 (54.5%) of 33 patients in the TAX arm showed decreased CT values. The rate of CT value change in the RAM arm (median −32.80%, range −53.63 to 6.84%) was higher than that in the TAX arm (median −0.44%, range −37.47 to 40.64%; p = 0.0005). When using the median value of CT value change as a cut-off, PFS was significantly longer in patients with a high rate of CT value change (decrease ≥32.80%) than in those with a low rate (decrease <32.80%) in the RAM arm (median 292 and 112 days; p = 0.045), while no significant difference of this kind was found in the TAX arm (median 91 and 125 days; p = 0.45). Conclusions: Patients with aGC treated with ramucirumab experienced a significant decrease of CT value of tumors and had an association between the rate of CT value change and PFS. Our study suggests that CT value changes of tumors may be a predictor for the efficacy of ramucirumab in aGC.
Maintenance with Trabectedin in the Treatment of Platinum-Sensitive Recurrent Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Guerra Alía Eva María , Sempere Ortega Cayetano , Cortés Salgado Alfonso , Sanchez Martínez Concepción , Galindo Álvarez Julio , Pérez Miez Belén
Published: June 2019

Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common type of cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. The current usual therapeutic approach in this disease includes optimal cytoreductive therapy followed by platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy, along with neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to surgery in selected cases. The platinum-free interval (PFI) continues to be the most useful tool to assist in the selection of the subsequent therapy and to predict response to treatment. The combination of trabectedin and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) is useful in patients with partially platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer, in patients who have previously received two or more platinum-based chemotherapy regimens, in patients who have already experienced a platinum-induced hypersensitivity reaction and in patients who have previously failed to respond to a platinum-based treatment. Case Presentation: A 64-years-old postmenopausal woman with pain, abdominal distension, and an altered intestinal transit and with partially platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer, was successfully treated with a second line of trabectedin chemotherapy in combination with PLD, followed by trabectedin in monotherapy. This case proves the effectiveness of the combination of trabectedin and PLD and demonstrates how the administration of trabectedin, even in monotherapy, allows to maintain an adequate clinical response with good tolerance to the treatment during more than two years of drug administration.
A Case of Miscarriage Caused by a Small Uterus following Childhood Chemotherapy
Authors: Kitayama Rie
Published: June 2019

A majority of miscarriages have been thought to be caused by fertile ovum abnormalities; however, our findings suggest that a small uterus can also potentially cause miscarriage. There are no reports on the association between a small uterus and miscarriage. A woman in her late 20s, whose medical history revealed childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia, which progressed to remission after chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and bone marrow transplantation. Ultrasound revealed no ovarian follicles in either of the ovaries and small uterus (length, 32 mm) In cycle 15, after ovum collection, frozen embryos with Veeck’s classification of G3b9 were obtained. Embryo transplantation was performed during the hormone replacement cycle, resulting in pregnancy. On day 5 of gestational week 18, the patient experienced mild lower abdominal pain, and she underwent a spontaneous delivery.
Combined Application of Nivolumab and Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Led to Acute-Onset Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Fujiu Koichi , Fukaya Yasuo , Kamimoto Masahiro , Miyamoto Hideaki , Cong Yue , Suzuki Hiroyuki
Published: June 2019

We report a case of acute-onset type 1 diabetes due to combined application of nivolumab and intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). An 84-year-old woman underwent lung resection for pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma. She had been treated for type 2 diabetes and later experienced lung cancer recurrence. She was started on nivolumab treatment, and complete response was achieved for one year. However, during this time, she was diagnosed with superficial bladder cancer and underwent surgery but experienced recurrence. After one month of intravesical BCG instillation, the patient developed acute-onset type 1 diabetes. Thus, we recommend that combined application of nivolumab and intravesical BCG be avoided.
Pulmonary Embolism in a Donor of Living Donor Liver Transplantation
Authors: Onda Shinji , Shiba Hiroaki , Sakamoto Taro , Furukawa Kenei , Gocho Takeshi , Yanaga Katsuhiko
Published: June 2019

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a rare but potentially fatal complication that may develop in a living liver donor. Here, we report a case of non-massive PE diagnosed by elevated serum D-dimer levels and successfully treated using anticoagulant therapy. A 57-year-old man underwent extended left hepatectomy as a living liver donor. His past medical history included hypertension and dyslipidemia which required medication and a history of smoking. Mechanical prophylactic measures for venous thromboembolism, including intermittent pneumatic compression and elastic stocking, were used; however, no pharmacological prophylaxis was used. Although the patient ambulated on postoperative day (POD) 1, he developed hypoxia. Serum D-dimer level was elevated to 29.3 ng/mL on POD 2. Enhanced computed tomography revealed small peripheral PEs in the branches of the right upper, right middle, and left lower lobes without deep vein thrombosis. Intravenous heparin was initiated followed by warfarin. The thrombi resolved completely by POD 13, following which warfarin was continued for 3 months. As of 25 months after donation, the patient remains well without recurrence of PE. Early diagnosis and treatment of postoperative PE are critical for preventing mortality of liver donors.
Advances in Therapies and Imaging for Systemic Vasculitis
Authors: Farrah Tariq E. , Basu Neil , Dweck Marc , Calcagno Claudia , Fayad Zahi A. , Dhaun Neeraj
Published: June 2019

Vasculitis is a systemic disease characterized by immune-mediated injury of blood vessels. Current treatments for vasculitis, such as glucocorticoids and alkylating agents, are associated with significant side effects. Furthermore, the management of both small and large vessel vasculitis is challenging because of a lack of robust markers of disease activity. Recent research has advanced our understanding of the pathogenesis of both small and large vessel vasculitis, and this has led to the development of novel biologic therapies capable of targeting key cytokine and cellular effectors of the inflammatory cascade. In parallel, a diverse range of imaging modalities with the potential to monitor vessel inflammation are emerging. Continued expansion of combined structural and molecular imaging using positron emission tomography with computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging may soon provide reliable longitudinal tracking of vascular inflammation. In addition, the emergence of radiotracers able to assess macrophage activation and immune checkpoint activity represents an exciting new frontier in imaging vascular inflammation. In the near future, these advances will allow more precise imaging of disease activity enabling clinicians to offer more targeted and individualized patient management.
Inhibition of Mitochondrial Oxidative Damage Improves Reendothelialization Capacity of Endothelial Progenitor Cells via SIRT3 (Sirtuin 3)-Enhanced SOD2 (Superoxide Dismutase 2) Deacetylation in Hypertension
Authors: He Jiang , Liu Xing , Su Chen , Wu Fang , Sun Jiapan , Zhang Jianning , Yang Xulong , Zhang Chanjuan , Zhou Ziting , Zhang Xiaoyu , Lin Xiufang , Tao Jun
Published: June 2019

Objective:

Dysfunction of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) leads to impaired endothelial repair capacity in patients with hypertension, but the mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Mitochondrial oxidative stress is involved in endothelial injury in hypertension. In this study, we aim to investigate the role of mitochondrial oxidative stress in the deficient endothelial reparative capacity of EPCs and identify enhanced SIRT3 (sirtuin 3)-mediated SOD2 (superoxide dismutase 2) deacetylation as a novel endothelial protective mechanism in hypertension.

Approach and Results:

Hypertension-EPCs displayed increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial damage, including loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, abnormal mitochondrial ultrastructure, and mtDNA oxidative injury, which was coincided with impaired in vitro function and in vivo reendothelialization capacity. The harmful effects of hypertension on mitochondrial function of EPCs were in vitro mimicked by angiotensin II coincubation. Scavenging of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species with mitoTEMPO attenuated mitochondrial oxidative damage and rescued reendothelialization capacity. Enzymatic activity and deacetylation level of SOD2 were significantly reduced in hypertension-EPCs, which was accompanied with decreased SIRT3 expression. Knockdown of SIRT3 in EPCs resulted in mitochondrial oxidative damage, hyperacetylation of SOD2, and suppression of reendothelialization capacity. SIRT3 physically interacted with SOD2 and eliminated excess mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, restored mitochondrial function through enhancing SOD2 activity by deacetylation of K68. Upregulation of SIRT3/SOD2 signaling improved reendothelialization capability of EPCs.

Conclusions:

The present study demonstrated for the first time that mitochondrial oxidative damage because of deficient SIRT3/SOD2 signaling contributes to the decline in reendothelialization capacity of EPCs in hypertension. Maintenance of mitochondrial redox homeostasis in EPCs may be a novel therapeutic target for endothelial injury.
Envisioning the Third World: Modern Art and Diplomacy in Maoist China
Authors: Wang Yang
Published: June 2019

In the mid-1950s, China conducted robust cultural exchange with the Third World in tandem with a parallel political program to influence non-aligned nations in contestation to the Soviet Union and Western powers. This article examines this underrecognized facet of Maoist-era art through the international engagements of two Xi'an artists, Shi Lu (1919–1982) and Zhao Wangyun (1907–1977), who traveled to India and Egypt as cultural attaché of the Chinese state. By tracing the travels of the two artists in light of their artistic and theoretical formulations, this article argues that contact with decolonizing spheres of the Third World inspired Chinese artists to embrace forms of indigenous Chinese art like ink painting in rejection of Euro-American modernism. In solidarity with other non-Western art spheres that developed similar nativist responses to the hegemony of Western modernism, Chinese artists belonged to a global postwar movement to assert political independence through artistic autonomy and national style.
Celebrating Science in Ancient Greece and Rome
Authors: Taub Liba
Published: June 2019

Current ideas about the aims and value of scientific work and knowledge may be part of our inherited legacy from Greco-Roman antiquity. While financial rewards were important in the past and are important today, when we look at individual ancient Greeks and Romans known for their scientific ideas and achievement, we see that a number of these were avowedly pursuing science for a gain which was very specific, but not financial. Motivations might include intellectual curiosity and a desire for personal improvement, including increased understanding, as well as an interest in gaining reputation and influencing posterity. In Greco-Roman antiquity there were various ways in which an individual’s scientific achievements could be celebrated, commemorated, honoured and memorialised; several are considered here.
“In the Society’s Strong Box”
Authors: Higgitt Rebekah
Published: June 2019

It has become a commonplace that exceptional achievement, including within science, should be rewarded with prizes and that these will often take the form of a medal. The ubiquity of such awards today means that the circumstances behind their arrival tend to be overlooked, but they were novelties when first suggested at the Royal Society in the 1730s. This article traces the creation of the Copley Medal and explores the meaning of medals to the recipients, the Society and the proposer of the scheme, Martin Folkes. Paying attention to the medal’s iconography and material nature can shed light on how experimental philosophy and the role of the Royal Society were conceived by key Fellows, demonstrating their links to antiquarianism and Freemasonry. Rather than arriving as a fully formed reward system, the medal concept required investment of time, money, thought and skill, and the development of ritual, meaning and value.
Informality: a Window on Contemporary Emotions History
Authors: Stearns Peter N.
Published: June 2019

An intriguing and pervasive development in the history of the past century – in the United States and at least some other societies – has been the rise of greater informality in interpersonal relations. Almost everyone knows this has been happening – a class of college students can offer a number of valid illustrations (with a heavy dose of habits on social media), and some have lived through even more extensive changes in, for example, the way people dress. But the phenomenon is dramatically understudied, taken for granted rather than assessed or analysed. There is a serious historical topic here that should be addressed by a wider audience, with several dimensions for further evaluation.
In the Name of Modernization: How has the Concept of “Family” been Reshaped among Evenki Hunters under the State Power of China?
Authors: Yu Hsin-lun , Bao Yinghua
Published: June 2019

This paper investigates the ways in which the concept of “family” was reshaped, during the process of modern capitalization, among Evenki hunters under the state power of China from the seventeenth century onward. By doing so, it attempts to illustrate two things: one is to depict the trajectory how the Evenki traditional family commune system was regulated into the state power of the Qing Dynasty and modern nation-state of China; second, it aims to argue further that, contrary to the general understanding that regards the practice of socialism in 1950s China as an attempt to de-capitalize private property of the family, in Evenki society, it is through the practice of socialism that the concept of private property was established.

The fieldwork was conducted between 2015 and 2016 in Giden village, the only hunting tribe within the Evenki Autonomous Banner/Country, Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region, in north-eastern China. Through articulating historical documents and a field survey of 24 veteran hunters, this paper attempts to develop an understanding of how traditional Evenki culture was engaged with the practice of modernization under state power and then changed the formation of family in family commune society.
Emerging from the flow of time: lectotypification of the name Zannichellia peltata Bertol. (Potamogetonaceae) and its taxonomic history
Authors: LASTRUCCI LORENZO , ARDENGHI NICOLA M. G. , ALESSANDRINI ALESSANDRO
Published: June 2019

Zannichellia peltata Bertoloni (1854: 10) was described in the 10th volume of Flora Italica. This is one of the two species of Zannichellia Linnaeus (1753: 969) that he recorded from Italy (the other being Z. palustris Linnaeus [1753: 969]). Antonio Bertoloni (1775−1868) described the species based on a Gasparrini collection from the vicinity of Rosarno (Reggio Calabria) in southern Italy: “Habui ex fossis, et aquis quietis Calabriae prope Rosarno a Gasparrinio”.
First records of Leptopezella Sinclair & Cumming (Diptera: Hybotidae: Ocydromiinae) from Brazil
Authors: BARROS LUANA MACHADO , FREITAS-SILVA RAFAEL A.P. , ALE-ROCHA ROSALY
Published: June 2019

Leptopezella Sinclair & Cumming, 2007 is a small genus of Ocydromiinae characterized by the absence of cell dm (Fig. 3) and presence of ventral spine-like setae on the hind first tarsomere (Fig. 2). It was first mentioned as “undescribed genus A” in the key of Sinclair & Cumming (2000) and later described including four species: L. anatolica Sinclair & Cumming, 2007, L. perata Sinclair & Cumming, 2007 and L. spinosa Sinclair & Cumming, 2007 from Australia and L. masneri Sinclair & Cumming, 2007 from Bolivia (Sinclair & Cumming 2007). In South America the genus has been recorded so far from Bolivia and Argentina (Sinclair & Cumming 2000, 2007). In the present study we record the genus occurring for the first time in several administrative states from Brazil.
Descriptions of four new species of the Ambrysus signoreti Stål species complex (Heteroptera: Nepomorpha: Naucoridae
Authors: REYNOSO-VELASCO DANIEL , SITES ROBERT W.
Published: June 2019

The genus Ambrysus Stål is the most species rich genus of Naucoridae. Multiple species groups in the genus have been proposed, including the North American Ambrysus signoreti Stål complex. Four new species belonging to the A. signoreti complex are described and illustrated: three from Mexico (Ambrysus brailovskyi Reynoso & Sites n. sp., A. henryi Reynoso & Sites n. sp., A. schuhi Reynoso & Sites n. sp.) and one from Mexico and Guatemala (A. sitesi Reynoso n. sp.), bringing the total number of described species of Ambrysus to 97.
A study on the genus Stenus Latreille from Shenzhen City of Guangdong, South China (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae)
Authors: TANG LIANG , XU WANG , XIA MEI-HUA
Published: June 2019

The species of the genus Stenus Latreille from Shenzheng city, Guangdong, South China, are studied. A new species is described under the name: Stenus wutongshanus sp. n. Five species, Stenus tenuipes Sharp, 1874, Stenus abdominalis abdominalis Fauvel, 1895 Stenus bivulneratus Motschulsky, 1857, Stenus stigmatias Puthz, 2008 and Stenus spurius L. Benick, 1929, are newly recorded to Guangdong. Diagnostic characters of the new species are illustrated and a key to species of Shenzheng city is provided.
A new species of Nothobrya Arlé, 1961 (Collembola: Entomobryidae) from Brazil and notes on key characters for Nothobryinae taxonomy, with an identification key to the species of the subfamily
Authors: NUNES RUDY CAMILO , BELLINI BRUNO CAVALCANTE
Published: June 2019

A new species of Nothobrya Arlé is described and illustrated. The specimens were collected in Serra da Capivara National Park and its vicinities, Caatinga Biome, Piauí State, Brazil, from soil and leaf litter samples. Nothobrya sertaneja sp. nov. differs from the two previously described species of the genus, N. arlei Silveira & Mendonça and N. schubarti Arlé, by antennae with 4–5 antennomeres (6 in N. arlei and N. schubarti); metatrochanteral organ with 7–13 spine-like chaetae (15 in N. arlei and 3–4 in N. schubarti); tenaculum with 2–3 smooth chaetae on corpus (4 ciliated chaetae in N. arlei and 2 chaetae with unclear morphology in N. schubarti); and inner unguis with 2 basal paired teeth, 1 median and 1 apical tooth (2 basal paired, 1 median and 2 lateral teeth in N. arlei and 2 basal paired and 0–1 unpaired median tooth in N. schubarti). We present herein the first complete and labelled dorsal chaetotaxy description of the genus and the entire subfamily, including the S-chaetotaxy of the tergal segments. Finally, we also provide a new diagnosis to Nothobrya, plus an identification key to species of Nothobryinae.
Evolving the National Weather Service to Build a Weather-Ready Nation: Connecting Observations, Forecasts, and Warnings to Decision-Makers through Impact-Based Decision Support Services
Authors: Uccellini Louis W. , Ten Hoeve John E.
Published: June 2019

As the cost and societal impacts of extreme weather, water, and climate events continue to rise across the United States, the National Weather Service (NWS) has adopted a strategic vision of a Weather-Ready Nation that aims to help all citizens be ready, responsive, and resilient to extreme weather, water, and climate events. To achieve this vision and to meet the NWS mission of saving lives and property and enhancing the national economy, the NWS must improve the accuracy and timeliness of forecasts and warnings, and must directly connect these forecasts and warnings to critical life- and property-saving decisions through the provision of impact-based decision support services (IDSS). While the NWS has been moving in this direction for years, the shift to delivering IDSS holistically requires an agency-wide transformation. This article discusses the elements driving the need for change at the NWS to build a Weather-Ready Nation; the foundational basis for IDSS; ongoing challenges to provide IDSS across federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial levels of government; the path toward evolving the NWS to deliver more effective IDSS; the importance of partnerships within the weather, water, and climate enterprise and with those responsible for public safety to achieve the Weather-Ready Nation vision; and initial supporting evidence and lessons learned from early efforts.
Portrait des pratiques évaluatives des ergothérapeutes œuvrant au Québec
Authors: Gobeil Janie , Larivière Nadine , Carrier Annie , Bier Nathalie , Bottari Carolina , Veillette Nathalie , Rouleau Suzanne , Gélinas Isabelle , Provencher Véronique , Couture Mélanie , Levasseur Mélanie
Published: June 2019

Description.

L’évaluation du client est primordiale dans la pratique de l’ergothérapie, notamment pour établir les priorités de traitement et pour vérifier l’efficacité des interventions. Les pratiques évaluatives des ergothérapeutes sont cependant peu documentées.

But.

Dresser un portrait des pratiques évaluatives des ergothérapeutes du Québec selon les dimensions personne-environnement-occupation et les clientèles.

Méthodologie.

Une enquête transversale a été réalisée à l’aide d’un sondage en ligne envoyé aux ergothérapeutes du Québec.

Résultats.

En pédiatrie, les ergothérapeutes utilisent majoritairement des outils standardisés des aptitudes physiques et neurologiques. L’évaluation d’adultes cible principalement les aptitudes physiques et la productivité. Auprès des aînés, l’évaluation repose surtout sur les aspects fonctionnels, particulièrement les aptitudes physiques, les soins personnels et la sécurité à domicile, et sur le dépistage des difficultés cognitives.

Implications pour la pratique.

L’évaluation ergothérapique serait généralement axée sur les aptitudes physiques. Pour assurer une approche holistique, l’occupation et l’environnement devraient être davantage considérés dans l’évaluation.
Risk Factors and Outcomes From All-Terrain Vehicle Injuries Compared With Motor Vehicle Collisions in Children
Authors: Ramgopal Sriram , Cramer Natan , Gaines Barbara A. , Conti Kavitha A.
Published: June 2019

We compared risk factors and outcomes of children injured from all-terrain vehicle (ATV) injuries to those injured from motor vehicle collisions (MVC). We reviewed records of patients ≤18 years of age admitted to a trauma center with ATV- or MVC-related injuries between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2015. Demographics were compared using logistic regression. Rates of injuries were compared using χ2 tests. Of 6293 patients, 1140 (18%) ATV and 5153 (82%) MVC events were identified. In multivariable analysis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 95% confidence interval [CI]), patients with ATV-related injuries occurred more at older age (≥12 years; aOR = 4.29, 95% CI = 3.20-5.77), in rural counties (aOR = 3.72, 95% CI = 2.62-5.28), in regions with lower median household income (aOR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.03-1.83), and in the spring (aOR = 2.44, 95% CI = 1.87-3.18), and summer (aOR = 2.50, 95% CI = 1.93-3.25) compared with winter. ATV-related injuries occurred less frequently among females (aOR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.65-0.89). Upper extremity injuries were associated with ATV-related injuries ( P ≤ .001). Findings may facilitate identification of at-risk groups for targeted interventions.
Design, simulation and virtual implementation of a novel fundamental programmable logic controllers laboratory in a 3D virtual world
Authors: Aydogan Hakan , Aras Faruk
Published: June 2019

Thanks to the development of education and internet technologies, two-dimensional educational environments such as internet pages in distance education are starting to leave their places to three-dimensional virtual worlds with more communication and interaction tools, that offer with–without instructor, synchronous–asynchronous and individual–collaborative learning environments. In this study, a new basic programmable logic controllers laboratory was designed, simulated and virtually implemented on Second Life, a 3D virtual world with powerful features such as object construction and programming language. Then, this virtual programmable logic controllers laboratory was introduced to the students of Electricity and Energy Department of Usak University who had previously taken the programmable logic controllers course theoretically, and a survey about this laboratory was administered. One-hundred percent of the students who participated in the survey found this lab to be helpful, and 95.45% found it to be useful. Based on this lab design and evaluations, the specific and general conclusions including the pros and cons are discussed.