bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monocytes Undergo Functional Reprogramming to Generate Immunosuppression through HIF-1α Signaling Pathway in the Late Phase of Sepsis
Authors: Li Li-Li , Dai Bing , Sun Yu-Han , Zhang Ting-Ting
Published: February 2020

Severe pneumonia with sepsis is characterized by a dysregulated inflammatory response of endotoxin. In our study, we attempted to investigate the roles of the immune guardian cells (monocytes) in the immune-inflammatory response of severe pneumonia-induced sepsis. We performed analysis in the blood samples of human and animals with ELISA, western blot, flow cytometry (FCM) methods, etc. Results showed that the proinflammatory status shifted to hypoinflammatory phases during the sepsis process. In a clinical study, the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, etc., except for IL-10, were inhibited in the late phase of sepsis, while, in an animal study, the immune suppression status was attenuated with administration of the adenovirus Ade-HIF-1α. Conversely, the amount of IL-10 was lower in the adenovirus Ade-HIF-1α group compared with the sepsis model group and the Ade-control group. Moreover, in the clinical study, the programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) was overexpressed in monocytes in the late phase of sepsis, while the expression of proteins HIF-1α and STAT3 was decreased in the late phase of sepsis. However, in the animal study, we found that the HIF-1α factor facilitated the inflammatory response. The expression of the proteins HIF-1α and STAT3 was increased, and the PD-L1 protein was decreased with the adenovirus Ade-HIF-1α administration compared with the rats without Ade-HIF-1α injection and with the Ade-control injection. Additionally, the proteins HIF-1α and STAT3 were coregulated at transcriptional levels during the inflammatory responses of sepsis. Taken together, monocytes undergo reprogramming to generate immunosuppression through the HIF-1α signaling pathway in the late phase of sepsis.
The Role of Gut Microbiome Perturbation in Fatigue Induced by Repeated Stress from Chemoradiotherapy: A Proof of Concept Study
Authors: González-Mercado Velda J. , Pérez-Santiago Josué , Lyon Debra , Dilán-Pantojas Israel , Henderson Wendy , McMillan Susan , Groer Maureen , Kane Brad , Marrero Sara , Pedro Elsa , Saligan Leorey N.
Published: February 2020

Objectives. The objectives of this proof of concept study were to (a) examine the temporal changes in fatigue and diversity of the gut microbiome over the course of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in adults with rectal cancers; (b) investigate whether there are differences in diversity of the gut microbiome between fatigued and nonfatigued participants at the middle and at the end of CRT; and (c) investigate whether there are differences in the relative abundance of fecal microbiota at the phylum and genus levels between fatigued and nonfatigued participants at the middle and at the end of CRT. Methods. Stool samples and symptom ratings were collected prior to the inception of CRT, at the middle (after 12–16 treatments) and at the end (after 24–28 treatments) of the CRT. Descriptive statistics and Mann–Whitney U test were computed for fatigue. Gut microbiome data were analyzed using the QIIME2 software. Results. Participants (N = 29) ranged in age from 37 to 80 years. The median fatigue score significantly changed at the end of CRT (median = 23.0) compared with the median score before the initiation of CRT for the total sample (median = 17.0; p≤0.05). At the middle of CRT, the alpha diversity (abundance of Operational Taxonomic Units) was lower for fatigued participants (149.30 ± 53.1) than for nonfatigued participants (189.15 ± 44.18, t(23) = 2.08, p≤0.05). A similar trend was observed for the Shannon and Faith diversity indexes at the middle of CRT. However, at the end of CRT, there were no significant differences for any alpha diversity indexes between fatigued and nonfatigued participants. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla for fatigued participants, and Escherichia, Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, and Oscillospira were the most abundant genera for fatigued participants. Conclusion. CRT-associated perturbation of the gut microbiome composition may contribute to fatigue.
On Construction of a Super Hierarchy of the Wadati-Konno-Ichikawa Equation
Authors: Li Xuemei , Li Lutong
Published: February 2020

In this paper, a super Wadati-Konno-Ichikawa (WKI) hierarchy associated with a 3×3 matrix spectral problem is derived with the help of the zero-curvature equation. We obtain the super bi-Hamiltonian structures by using of the super trace identity. Infinitely, many conserved laws of the super WKI equation are constructed by using spectral parameter expansions.
Endoscopic Endonasal Resection of Meckel’s Cave Epidermoid Cysts: Case Discussion and Literature Review
Authors: Zakaria Jehad , Saini Pravesh , Yanovskaya Mariya , Tsiang John T. , Ravindran Krishnan , Johans Stephen , Patel Chirag R. , Germanwala Anand V.
Published: February 2020

Meckel’s cave (MC) epidermoid cysts are relatively uncommon lesions. In cases where surgical excision is indicated, resection is often carried out via a frontosphenotemporal craniotomy from an anterolateral approach or a temporal craniotomy with or without a petrosectomy for a lateral corridor; both of these routes are associated with brain retraction and potential neurovascular injury. The anterior location of MC in the middle cranial fossa makes safe access via posterior fossa-based approaches—such as the retrosigmoid approach—challenging as well. Here, we present the cases of two patients diagnosed with epidermoid cysts in MC who underwent surgical resection via an endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approach. Near-total resection was achieved in both cases, with only mild transient neurologic disturbances postoperatively. Radiographically, no evidence of residual disease was noted in either patient. We further review the nuances of an extended endoscopic endonasal approach to these lesions.
Ophthalmologic Manifestations and Retinal Findings in Children with Down Syndrome
Authors: Ugurlu Adem , Altinkurt Emre
Published: February 2020

Purpose. To evaluate ocular findings in children with Down syndrome and to compare with the healthy children group. Methods. The study patients were divided into two groups as the diagnosed Down syndrome group and the control group. The study was designed as a prospective and single-center study in Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology. The study included 93 patients in the age range from 7 to 18 years, who applied to the ophthalmology department of our clinic in the period from July 2017 to June 2018. The study included the patients allocated into the control group and the Down syndrome patients allocated into the patient group, containing 49 and 44 participants, respectively. All patients underwent complete ophthalmologic examination with biomicroscopy. Autorefractometer measurements were performed in all patients, and the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was determined with the use of the Snellen chart. All patients underwent spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) measurements for central foveal retinal (CRT), subfoveal choroidal (CCT), and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thicknesses. Results. The average CRT was 241.2 ± 25.7 microns in Down syndrome group and 219.4 ± 21.1 microns in the control group. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in regards to CRT (p<0.001). The average pRNFL values were 123.1 ± 15.4 microns in the Down syndrome group and 102.2 ± 8.7 microns in the control group (p<0.001). Conclusions. In the subjects with Down syndrome, the incidence of lens opacities, strabismus, and amblyopia was higher than the control group. CRT and pRNFL were thicker in the Down syndrome group than in control group. This may represent retinal developmental changes in the patients with Down syndrome.
Efficacy of a Specialized Group Intervention for Compulsive Exercise in Inpatients with Anorexia Nervosa: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Dittmer Nina , Voderholzer Ulrich , Mönch Claudia , Cuntz Ulrich , Jacobi Corinna , Schlegl Sandra
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Treatment of compulsive exercise is recognized as a key unmet challenge in the treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN). To address this challenge, we developed the manualized group intervention “healthy exercise behavior” (HEB). This study evaluates the efficacy of HEB for the reduction of compulsive exercise as add-on to routine inpatient treatment (treatment as usual [TAU]) in a randomized controlled trial. Methods: Two hundred and seven adolescent and adult female inpatients with (atypical) AN were randomly allocated to TAU or to additional participation in HEB (TAU + HEB). HEB integrates elements of exercise-based therapy into a cognitive-behavioral approach. Assessments took place at admission, pre-intervention, post-intervention, discharge, and 6 months follow-up. Primary outcome was the severity of compulsive exercise assessed by the Commitment to Exercise Scale between pre- and post-intervention; secondary outcomes were additional aspects of compulsive exercise, assessed by the Compulsive Exercise Test, weight gain, eating disorder and general psychopathology, and emotion regulation. Results: In intention-to-treat analysis for the primary outcome, the TAU + HEB group showed significantly stronger reductions in the severity of compulsive exercise compared to the TAU group (z = –2.81; p = 0.005; effect size [ES] = –0.3). We also found significantly stronger reductions from admission to discharge (z= 2.62; p = 0.009; ES = –0.43), and from admission to follow-up (z = 2.1; p = 0.035; ES = –0.39). Regarding secondary outcomes, we found significant group differences between pre- and post-intervention in additional aspects of compulsive exercise (z = –2.55; p = 0.011; ES = –0.27). We did not find significant differences regarding weight gain, eating disorder and general psychopathology, and emotion regulation. Conclusions: Our intervention proved efficacious in reducing compulsive exercise in inpatients with (atypical) AN.
Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide Excites Proopiomelanocortin Neurons: Implications for the Regulation of Energy Homeostasis
Authors: Chang Rachel , Hernandez Jennifer , Gastelum Cassandra , Guadagno Kaitlyn , Perez Lynnea , Wagner Edward J.
Published: February 2020

Objective: We examined whether pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) excites proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons via PAC1 receptor mediation and transient receptor potential cation (TRPC) channel activation. Methods: Electrophysiological recordings were done in slices from both intact male and ovariectomized (OVX) female PACAP-Cre mice and eGFP-POMC mice. Results: In recordings from POMC neurons in eGFP-POMC mice, PACAP induced a robust inward current and increase in conductance in voltage clamp, and a depolarization and increase in firing in current clamp. These postsynaptic actions were abolished by inhibitors of the PAC1 receptor, TRPC channels, phospholipase C, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, and protein kinase C. Estradiol augmented the PACAP-induced inward current, depolarization, and increased firing, which was abrogated by estrogen receptor (ER) antagonists. In optogenetic recordings from POMC neurons in PACAP-Cre mice, high-frequency photostimulation induced inward currents, depolarizations, and increased firing that were significantly enhanced by Gq-coupled membrane ER signaling in an ER antagonist-sensitive manner. Importantly, the PACAP-induced excitation of POMC neurons was notably reduced in obese, high-fat (HFD)-fed males. In vivo experiments revealed that intra-arcuate nucleus (ARC) PACAP as well as chemogenetic and optogenetic stimulation of ventromedial nucleus (VMN) PACAP neurons produced a significant decrease in energy intake accompanied by an increase in energy expenditure, effects blunted by HFD in males and partially potentiated by estradiol in OVX females. Conclusions: These findings reveal that the PACAP-induced activation of PAC1 receptor and TRPC5 channels at VMN PACAP/ARC POMC synapses is potentiated by estradiol and attenuated under conditions of diet-induced obesity/insulin resistance. As such, they advance our understanding of how PACAP regulates the homeostatic energy balance circuitry under normal and pathophysiological circumstances.
Revisiting the Borrowability Scale(s) of Free Grammatical Elements: Evidence from Modern Greek Contact induced Varieties
Authors: Melissaropoulou Dimitra , Ralli Angela
Published: February 2020

This article aims to test the general validity of borrowability scales by investigating contrastively two contact induced linguistic varieties of Greek. It tries to elucidate the factors that facilitate or inhibit the borrowability of free grammatical elements, which are usually considered as less amenable to transfer. It argues against the formulation of any borrowability scales of a generalized predictive power, even in cases where there is a common denominator. It suggests that factors such as the (in)compatibility between the two languages in contact, specific re-arrangements brought to the replica language, and the category of the items under investigation play a key role for the adoption of free grammatical elements. It demonstrates that while borrowability of free grammatical elements is not shown to be an exact mirroring of their ranking on the cline of lexicality-grammaticality, general tendencies seem to be at play.
A new species of Acrotaeniostola Hendel and new records of Gastrozonini and Ceratitidini (Diptera: Tephritidae) from India
Authors: DAVID K. J. , SACHIN K. , HANCOCK D. L.
Published: February 2020

A new species of Acrotaeniostola Hendel, A. connexa sp. n. of tribe Gastrozonini, is described from India. Acroceratitis incompleta Hardy of tribe Gastrozonini and Ceratitella sobrina (Zia) of tribe Ceratitidini have been recorded for the first time from India. The genus Ceratitella Malloch and tribe Ceratitidini are recorded for the first time from India.
Systematic placement and identity of Eumicrus deplanatus L.W. Schaufuss (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: February 2020

Examination of the type specimen of the Neotropical Eumicrus deplanatus Schaufuss, as well as material newly collected in Venezuela, allowed for clarifying the systematic placement of this enigmatic species. It is not a member of Scydmaenus Latreille or Euconnus Thomson, genera in which it was placed by previous authors, but belongs in Sciacharis Broun. Sciacharis (Palaeoconnus) deplanatus comb. n. is established, and the species is redescribed. For the first time males are reported, and the aedeagus, crucial for species identification, is illustrated.
Aenigmaphes gen. n., a new glandulariine genus of the Australian region (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: February 2020

Aenigmaphes gen. n. is described for a New Guinean Aenigmaphes papuanus sp. n. The new genus is characterized by several unique features, among others, by the pronotum with one pair of adjacent antebasal pits at middle, both situated in a deep median longitudinal groove, and the posterior margin of each mesocoxal rest demarcated by a step-wise ridge, which extends laterad and is bent posterad to connect with the lateral metaventral margin far behind the mesocoxae. The adult of the new species is minute, wingless and microphthalmous, which may be adaptations to subterranean life. Females of an undescribed species of Aenigmaphes are also recorded from Sulawesi. Relationships of the new genus within Glandulariini remain unclear.
Description of Alpheus gallicus, a new deep-water snapping shrimp from Galicia Bank, northeastern Atlantic (Malacostraca, Decapoda, Alpheidae)
Authors: SCIOLI JUSTIN A. , ANKER ARTHUR
Published: February 2020

A new species of the snapping shrimp genus Alpheus Fabricius, 1798 is described based on material from Galicia Bank, an offshore seamount off northwestern Spain. The type series of Alpheus gallicus n. sp. was collected at a depth of 768–785 m, making it one of the deepest occurring snapping shrimps. The new species belongs to the Alpheus macrocheles species group and is morphologically most similar to several deep-water members of this group, viz. A. lentiginosus Anker & Nizinski, 2011, A. platydactylus Coutière, 1897, A. romensky Burukovsky, 1990, as well as to the shallow-water A. macrocheles (Hailstone, 1835). The new species can be distinguished from all of them by some features on the minor cheliped and dactyli of the third to fifth pereiopods. In addition to morphology, DNA barcoding of the COI gene distinguished A. gallicus n. sp. from all related species with available barcode sequences.
Discoveries of the genera Baeochila and Idiocysta from Japan, with descriptions of two new species (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae)
Authors: SOUMA JUN
Published: February 2020

Two lace bug genera, Baeochila Drake & Poor, 1937 and Idiocysta China, 1930 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae) are recorded from Japan for the first time, and two new species, B. horvathi sp. nov. and I. takarai sp. nov., are described. The former was collected from the vines of Hedera rhombea (Miq.) Bean (Araliaceae) and the bark of Trachycarpus fortunei (Hook.) H.Wendl. (Arecaceae) in suburbanized areas of Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, and the latter was collected from the leaves of Freycinetia formosana Hemsl. (Pandanaceae) in the laurilignosa ecosystem of the Ryukyu Islands. The distribution ranges and host plant relationships of the two new species are discussed. Keys to all species of the two genera and photographs of living individuals for the new species are also presented.
Probabilistic Contingency Tables: An Improvement to Verify Probability Forecasts
Authors: Gold Sarah , White Edward , Roeder William , McAleenan Mike , Kabban Christine Schubert , Ahner Darryl
Published: February 2020

The 45th Weather Squadron (45 WS) records daily rain and lightning probabilistic forecasts and the associated binary event outcomes. Subsequently, they evaluate forecast performance and determine necessary adjustments with an established verification process. For deterministic outcomes, weather forecast analysis typically utilizes a traditional contingency table (TCT) for verification; however, the 45 WS uses an alternative tool, the probabilistic contingency table (PCT). Using the TCT for verification requires a threshold, typically at 50%, to dichotomize probabilistic forecasts. The PCT maintains the valuable information in probabilities and verifies the true forecasts being reported. Simulated forecasts and outcomes as well as 2015–18 45 WS data are utilized to compare forecast performance metrics produced from the TCT and PCT to determine which verification tool better reflects the quality of forecasts. Comparisons of frequency bias and other statistical metrics computed from both dichotomized and continuous forecasts reveal misrepresentative performance metrics from the TCT as well as a loss of information necessary for verification. PCT bias better reflects forecast verification in contrast to that of TCT bias, which suggests suboptimal forecasts when in fact the forecasts are accurate.
Regional Thermodynamic Characteristics Distinguishing Long- and Short-Duration Freezing Rain Events over North America
Authors: McCray Christopher D. , Gyakum John R. , Atallah Eyad H.
Published: February 2020

Freezing rain is an especially hazardous winter weather phenomenon that remains particularly challenging to forecast. Here, we identify the salient thermodynamic characteristics distinguishing long-duration (six or more hours) freezing rain events from short-duration (2–4 h) events in three regions of the United States and Canada from 1979 to 2016. In the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada, strong surface cold-air advection is not common during freezing rain events. Colder onset temperatures at the surface and in the near-surface cold layer support longer-duration events there, allowing heating mechanisms (e.g., the release of latent heat of fusion when rain freezes at the surface) to act for longer periods before the surface reaches 0°C and precipitation transitions to rain. In the south-central United States, cold air at the surface is replenished via continuous cold-air advection, reducing the necessity of cold onset surface temperatures for event persistence. Instead, longer-duration events are associated with warmer and deeper >0°C warm layers aloft and stronger advection of warm and moist air into this layer, delaying its erosion via cooling mechanisms such as melting. Finally, in the southeastern United States, colder and especially drier onset conditions in the cold layer are associated with longer-duration events, with evaporative cooling crucial to maintaining the subfreezing surface temperatures necessary for freezing rain. Through an improved understanding of the regional conditions supporting freezing rain event persistence, we hope to provide useful information to forecasters in their attempt to predict these potentially damaging events.
Transmission Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic Imaging, Mapping, and Synchrotron Scanning Microscopy with Zinc Sulfide Hemispheres on Living Mammalian Cells at Sub-Cellular Resolution
Authors: Chan Ka Lung Andrew , Altharawi Ali , Fale Pedro , Song Cai Li , Kazarian Sergei G. , Cinque Gianfelice , Untereiner Valérie , Sockalingum Ganesh D.
Published: February 2020

Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic imaging and microscopy of single living cells are established label-free technique for the study of cell biology. The constant driver to improve the spatial resolution of the technique is due to the diffraction limit given by infrared (IR) wavelength making subcellular study challenging. Recently, we have reported, with the use of a prototype zinc sulfide (ZnS) transmission cell made of two hemispheres, that the spatial resolution is improved by the factor of the refractive index of ZnS, achieving a λ/2.7 spatial resolution using the synchrotron–IR microscopy with a 36× objective with numerical aperture of 0.5. To refine and to demonstrate that the ZnS hemisphere transmission device can be translated to standard bench-top FT-IR imaging systems, we have, in this work, modified the device to achieve a more precise path length, which has improved the spectral quality of the living cells, and showed for the first time that the device can be applied to study live cells with three different bench-top FT-IR imaging systems. We applied focal plane array (FPA) imaging, linear array, and a synchrotron radiation single-point scanning method and demonstrated that in all cases, subcellular details of individual living cells can be obtained. Results have shown that imaging with the FPA detector can measure the largest area in a given time, while measurements from the scanning methods produced a smoother image. Synchrotron radiation single-point mapping produced the best quality image and has the flexibility to introduce over sampling to produce images of cells with great details, but it is time consuming in scanning mode. In summary, this work has demonstrated that the ZnS hemispheres can be applied in all three spectroscopic approaches to improve the spatial resolution without any modification to the existing microscopes.
Aggregation Behavior of Acylated Pepsin-Solubilized Collagen Based on Fluorescence Spectrum Technology
Authors: Li Conghu , Wu Yan , Li Guoying , Zhang Ying , Ma Xinghong , Fang Yifan , Li Wenjuan , Tian Zhenhua
Published: February 2020

The aggregation behavior of collagen-based materials plays an important role in their processing because it could affect their physicochemical properties. Based on the intrinsic fluorescence characteristic of tyrosine, fluorescence spectrum technology was used to investigate the aggregation state of the acylated collagen molecules in aqueous solution. The results showed that the aggregate degree of the acylated collagen was higher than that of the native collagen due to the hydrophobic interaction. With the increase of concentrations of the acylated collagen or at NaCl higher than 40 mmol/L, the aggregate degree of the acylated collagen molecules increased. When the pH was close to the isoelectric point of the acylated collagen, the hydrophobic interaction and the hydrogen bond helped to increase the aggregation degree. However, with the increase of temperature (10–70 ℃), the aggregation state of the acylated collagen decreased gradually due to the quenching, the molecular collision, and the broken of hydrogen bonds. Furthermore, two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) showed that the response order was 360 > 305 nm at various acylated collagen and NaCl (>40 mmol/L) concentrations, while the response order was 305 > 360 nm when the pH value was increased from 5.0 to 9.0. Temperature-dependent 2D-COS showed there were four bands that occurred and the response order was listed as follows: 293 > 305 > 360 > 420 nm. In brief, the results might provide an important guide for molding processes of the acylated collagen.
Mid-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy of Oil Sands Minerals Based on Tunable Quantum Cascade Lasers
Authors: Harhira Aïssa , Vanier Francis , Padioleau Christian , El Haddad Josette , Blouin Alain
Published: February 2020

Minerals play an important role in the oil sands extraction efficiency. It is thus important to assess the major mineral abundance in oil sands ores. This paper presents the application of tunable quantum cascade lasers for mid-infrared reflectance spectroscopy on oil sands minerals. The investigations and results show a new tool to determine oil sands mineral type and to determine potentially quartz and clay contents.
Depth Profiling Investigation of Seawater Using Combined Multi-Optical Spectrometry
Authors: Ye Wangquan , Guo Jinjia , Li Nan , Qi Fujun , Cheng Kai , Zheng Ronger
Published: February 2020

Depth profiling investigation plays an important role in studying the dynamic processes of the ocean. In this paper, a newly developed hyphenated underwater system based on multi-optical spectrometry is introduced and used to measure seawater spectra at different depths with the aid of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). The hyphenated system consists of two independent compact deep-sea spectral instruments, a deep ocean compact autonomous Raman spectrometer and a compact underwater laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy system for sea applications (LIBSea). The former was used to take both Raman scattering and fluorescence of seawater, and the LIBS signal could be recorded with the LIBSea. The first sea trial of the developed system was taken place in the Bismarck Sea, Papua New Guinea, in June 2015. Over 4000 multi-optical spectra had been captured up to the diving depth about 1800 m at maximum. The depth profiles of some ocean parameters were extracted from the captured joint Raman–fluorescence and LIBS spectra with a depth resolution of 1 m. The concentrations of [Formula: see text] and the water temperatures were measured using Raman spectra. The fluorescence intensities from both colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) and chlorophyll were found to be varied in the euphotic zone. With LIBS spectra, the depth profiles of metallic elements were also obtained. The normalized intensity of atomic line Ca(I) extracted from LIBS spectra raised around the depth of 1600 m, similar to the depth profile of CDOM. This phenomenon might be caused by the nonbuoyant hydrothermal plumes. It is worth mentioning that this is the first time Raman and LIBS spectroscopy have been applied simultaneously to the deep-sea in situ investigations.
Raman Spectroscopy: An Exploratory Study to Identify Post-Radiation Cell Survival
Authors: Pansare Kshama , Raj Singh Saurav , Chakravarthy Venkatavaradhan , Gupta Neha , Hole Arti , Gera Poonam , Sarin Rajiv , Murali Krishna Chilakapati
Published: February 2020

Resistance to radiotherapy has been an impediment in the treatment of cancer, and the inability to detect it at an early stage further exacerbates the prognosis. We have assessed the feasibility of Raman spectroscopy as a rapid assay for predicting radiosensitivity of cancer cells in comparison to the conventional biological assays. Cell lines derived from breast adenocarcinoma (MCF7), gingivobuccal squamous cell carcinoma (ITOC-03), and human embryonic kidney (HEK293) were subjected to varying doses of ionizing radiation. Cell viability of irradiated cells was assessed at different time points using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and Raman spectroscopy, and colony-forming capability was evaluated by clonogenic assay. Radiosensitivity observed using MTT assay was limited by the finding of similar cell viability in all the three cell lines 24 h post-irradiation. However, cell survival assessed using clonogenic assay and principal component linear discriminant analysis (PC-LDA) classification of Raman spectra showed correlating patterns. Irradiated cells showed loss of nucleic acid features and enhancement of 750 cm−1 peak probably attributing to resonance Raman band of cytochromes in all three cell lines. PC-LDA analysis affirmed MCF7 to be a radioresistant cell line as compared to ITOC-03 and HEK293 to be the most radiosensitive cell line. Raman spectroscopy is shown to be a rapid and alternative assay for identification of radiosensitivity as compared to the gold standard clonogenic assay.
Copying Europe? Integration as a Citizenship Requirement in Australia
Authors: Askola Heli
Published: February 2020

Recent decades have seen a significant expansion of so-called “integration requirements” for citizenship applicants in many countries. Though led by European states, the trend now seems to be reaching traditional settler states such as Australia. This article examines the integration requirement proposed for citizenship applicants in Australia in 2017. According to the proposal, applicants for citizenship by conferral would have been required to show that they had “integrated into the Australian community,” for instance, through employment, involvement in community organizations, and the absence of conduct inconsistent with Australian values. Although the proposal failed, it is noteworthy because of its far-reaching nature and novelty in a traditional country of immigration. This article analyzes the implications of the proposed legislation with reference to the diverse groups of permanent immigrants entering Australia, demonstrating its discriminatory potential in terms of gender, nationality, and visa category. It argues that the proposal failed because despite its significant implications, the government did not put forward a convincing case for its introduction and may even have initiated it as a symbolic gesture. The article contributes to understanding why integration requirements that are popular in some states and regions may fail to gain favor in others. It suggests that, given the rapid spread of restrictive immigration policies, scholars should pay more attention to the specific local conditions under which immigration and citizenship policy transfers succeed or fail.
Family support, respect, and empathy as correlates of U.S. Latino/Latina college students’ prosocial behaviors toward different recipients
Authors: Streit Cara , Carlo Gustavo , Killoren Sarah E.
Published: February 2020

Cultural developmental and relational theories suggest that multiple social agents influence young adults’ prosocial behavior (i.e., actions intended to benefit others; e.g., helping or comforting others in need). Despite these theoretical foundations, research that examines cultural and multiple relational correlates of prosocial behaviors in U.S. Latino/Latina college students is scarce. Moreover, young adults are socialized to express prosocial behaviors to recipients that have distinct interpersonal relationships. The present study investigated the relations between mothers’, fathers’, and siblings’ support and U.S. Latino/Latina young adults’ prosocial behaviors toward different recipients (family, friends, and strangers) and considered the mediating roles of family respect values, perspective taking, and empathic concern. The sample was 253 U.S. Latino/Latina college students (58.2% female; M age = 21.07, SD =1.98) with at least one sibling. Structural equation modeling showed evidence for cultural values and moral traits as intervening mechanisms in the relations between family support and prosocial behaviors. All forms of family support predicted family respect values, which were associated with prosocial behaviors toward family and friends more so than toward strangers. Family respect values also predicted perspective taking and empathic concern and there was evidence for the mediating role of empathic concern in the relations between perspective taking and prosocial behaviors (across recipient). The current study demonstrates the interplay of multiple family socialization agents in predicting U.S. Latino/Latina college students’ prosocial behaviors toward different recipients, which has implications for theories of prosocial development.
Modified one-session endovascular treatment for deep venous thrombosis with high risk of pulmonary embolism: Short-term outcomes
Authors: Li Wei , Yin Yu , Gu Chengtao , Fan Baorui , Duan Pengfei , Jin Yonghai , Ni Caifang
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the safety and short-term outcomes of the modified one-session endovascular treatment with inferior vena cava filter placement and retrieval in one stage for the treatment of acute lower extremity deep vein thrombosis.

Method

Twenty-three patients with unilateral acute lower extremity deep vein thrombosis underwent modified one-session endovascular treatments, which were performed in one stage. Inferior vena cava filter placement without detachment, thrombectomy, and inferior vena cava filter retrieval were performed in one stage. Angioplasty and stent implantation were performed for patients with iliac vein stenosis. Venography was performed to identify the clearance of the thrombus. Color Doppler ultrasound and/or venography were conducted during the follow-up.

Results

A total of 20/23 (87%) patients with thrombus removal rate >90% successfully underwent modified one-session endovascular treatment. inferior vena cava filters were detached in 3/23 (13%) patients achieving 50%–90% thrombus removal rate. Twenty-one iliac vein stents were implanted in 21/23 (91%) patients with iliac vein stenosis. After treatment, the differences in the circumferences of the affected limb and the healthy limb both significantly decreased. No procedure-related death, symptomatic pulmonary embolism, or major bleeding occurred. During the 12–25 months of follow-up, iliac vein stents and lower extremity veins maintained patent.

Conclusions

The modified one-session endovascular treatment with one-stage inferior vena cava filter placement and retrieval might be safe for the treatment of acute lower extremity deep vein thrombosis, and the early clinical outcomes are satisfactory. Placing and retrieving an inferior vena cava filter in one session could safeguard the endovascular interventions as well as reduce the filter-related complications associated with long dwelling times.
Justification of Wife Beating and Utilization of Antenatal and Delivery Care in Bangladesh
Authors: Tareque Md. Ismail , Alam Md. Shahin , Peet Evan D. , Rahman Md. Mosfequr , Rahman K. M. Mustafizur
Published: February 2020

We examined the association between women’s justification of wife beating and their utilization of professional antenatal and delivery care in Bangladesh. We used data which describes a nationally representative sample of currently married women aged 15 to 49 years ( n = 3,449). Services from medically trained providers were considered professional antenatal care (ANC) and delivery services. Women’s attitudes toward wife beating in five circumstances (if a woman goes out without telling her husband, neglects children, argues with her husband, refuses to have sexual intercourse with her husband, and burns food) were used to describe the justification of wife beating. Chi-square tests and multilevel logistic regression analyses were performed; 74% of the women would not justify wife beating, 65% attended ≥1 ANC visits, 25% attended ≥4 ANC visits, and 44% utilized professional delivery care. Women who would not justify wife beating were more likely to utilize ≥1 ANC visits (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.89; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.26, 2.81]), ≥4 ANC visits (AOR: 1.14; 95% CI: [0.76, 1.71]), and professional delivery care (AOR: 1.93; 95% CI: [1.31, 2.85]). Older age, women’s and husband’s higher education, lower parity, urban residence (except for ≥1 ANC visits), and higher socioeconomic statuses including divisional differences were significant confounders for increased utilization of both professional ANC and delivery care. In addition, older age at marriage and current unemployment were also associated with increased utilization of delivery care services. This association between women’s justification of wife beating and their utilization of professional antenatal and delivery care services has potential implications for maternal and child health policy in Bangladesh where intimate partner violence is commonplace, and societal norms teach women to obey their husbands and accept submissive roles. Public policy should aim to create awareness among women about the negative impact of justifying wife beating, and accepting intimate partner violence on their own and children’s health.
The culture from peritoneal dialysis catheter enhances yield of microorganism identification in peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis
Authors: Kanjanabuch Talerngsak , Puapatanakul Pongpratch , Saejew Thunvarat , Pavatung Preeyarat , Manuprasert Wasin , Leelahavanichkul Asada , Chatsuwan Tanittha , Udomsantisuk Nibondh
Published: February 2020

An additional yield of culture from the removed peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter in diagnosis of pathogen causing refractory peritonitis was assessed in 118 eligible patients from 7 PD centers. Peritoneal dialysis fluid (PDF) culture identified organisms in 86 (72.9%) patients, while the catheter culture identified organisms in 55 (46.6%) patients. PD catheter culture could additionally identify organisms in 19 patients whose PDF culture were negative, increasing the positive culture rate to 89%, in other word 16.1% reducing the culture-negative rate. PD catheter culture provided additional yield, especially in fungal and enterococcal infections.
Tension-free mesh repair of inguinal hernia in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Luk Yan , Li Jason Yu Yin , Law Tsz Ting , Ng Lily , Wong Kin Yuen
Published: February 2020

Background:

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the first-line renal replacement therapy for end-stage renal failure patients in Hong Kong. Abdominal wall hernia is a common mechanical complication of PD, and early surgical repair has been advocated to reduce complications. This study aims to review the outcomes of tension-free mesh repair of inguinal hernia in PD patients.

Methods:

All PD patients who underwent elective repair of inguinal hernia from 2009 to 2015 were identified from a single centre for retrospective analysis. Primary outcomes included surgical complications, perioperative dialysis technique and recurrence.

Results:

Twenty-one patients with a total of 26 inguinal hernia repairs were included in this 7-year retrospective study. All were males, and the mean age was 68 ± 10 years. Diabetic nephropathy ( n = 9, 42.9%) and glomerulonephritis ( n = 7, 33.3%) were the two most common causes of renal failure. All hernias were detected after the initiation of PD, and the mean duration of PD to hernia detection was 16 months (range 1–65 months). Lichtenstein open mesh repair was performed in all patients. Complications included seroma ( n = 3, 11.5%) and ischaemic orchitis ( n = 1, 3.8%). There were no mesh infection or recurrence. Twenty patients (95.2%) received intermittent peritoneal dialysis post-operatively and returned to continuous ambulatory PD in 15 to 30 days. Only one patient (4.8%) required bridging haemodialysis due to Tenckhoff catheter blockage.

Conclusions:

Tension-free mesh repair is associated with low morbidity and low recurrence rates in PD patients. Timely management and close collaboration with renal physicians are essential to continue PD after repair.
Retrospective study of patients on hybrid dialysis: Single-center data from North America
Authors: Sriperumbuduri Sriram , Biyani Mohan , Brown Pierre Antoine , McCormick Brendan B
Published: February 2020

Hybrid dialysis involves combining peritoneal and hemodialysis (HD) in patients with end-stage renal disease. Its reported use is quite limited outside of Japan. We present a retrospective review of 18 patients at our center that received this therapy and describe their ultimate disposition. We observed that 39% of the population on hybrid dialysis ultimately transitioned to full in center HD, 28% continue until death, and 33% either transition to home HD or received a transplant. In our center, hybrid dialysis was successful as a bridging therapy or in balancing continuation of dialysis with quality of life among those with a limited prognosis.
Health-related quality of life and adequacy of dialysis for the individual maintained on peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Finkelstein Fredric O , Foo Marjorie WY
Published: February 2020

The goal of care of the peritoneal dialysis (PD) patient should be directed at adjusting therapy to maximize the patient’s health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Incorporating the routine assessments of HRQOL into the care of PD patients is important and should serve as an essential marker of the adequacy of dialysis and help the dialysis staff design the optimal treatment regimen for each patient. HRQOL is best assessed with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). How best to incorporate these PROMs into the routine care of the PD patient is not clear in terms of the best instruments to use, frequency of measurements, patient acceptability, and how to translate these assessments into improvements in patient care. Nevertheless, incorporating routine assessments of HRQOL into the care of PD patients is essential if the dialysis team is to provide optimal care; it is an area that is receiving increasing attention and is ripe for further study and investigation.
Accuracy of the estimation of V and the implications this has when applying Kt/Vurea for measuring dialysis dose in peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Davies Simon J , Finkelstein Fredric O
Published: February 2020

Background:

Current guidelines for the prescription of peritoneal dialysis dose rely on a single cut-off ‘minimal’ value of K t/ V. To apply this in the clinic, this requires an accurate estimation of V, the volume of urea distribution that equates to the total body water (TBW). This analysis sought to determine the accuracy to which V can be estimated.

Methods:

A literature search was undertaken of studies comparing TBW estimation using two or three of the following methods: isotopic dilution (gold standard), anthropometric equations (e.g. Watson formula) and bioimpedance analysis. Studies of healthy and dialysis populations of all ages were included. Mean differences and 95% limits of agreement (LOA) were extracted and pooled.

Results:

In 44 studies (31 including dialysis subjects), the between-method population means were typically within 1–1.5 L of each other, although larger bias was seen when applying anthropometric equations to different racial groups. However, the 95% LOA for all comparisons were consistently wide, typically ranging ±12–18% of the TBW. For a typical individual whose TBW is 35 L with a measured K t/ V of 1.7, this translates into a range of K t/ V 1.4–2.05.

Conclusions:

There are limitations to the accuracy of estimation of V which call into question the validity of applying a single threshold K t/ V value as indicative of adequate dialysis. This should be taken into account in guideline development such that if a target K t/ V was deemed appropriate that this should be expressed as a range; alternatively single targets should be avoided and dialysis dose should be determined according to patient need.
Net flow generation in closed-loop valveless pumping
Authors: Manopoulos Christos , Tsangaris Sokrates , Mathioulakis Dimitrios
Published: February 2020

Net flow generation in valveless pumping, met in many physiological applications and recently in micropumping devices, constitutes an open fluid dynamics issue due to the complex interaction between the fluid medium and the flexible walls of the pump. In the context of the present experimental work, the conditions of the net flow generation are examined in a closed-loop horizontal valveless pump, which consists of a rigid and an elastic tube of equal diameters and lengths, and a pincher that forces the liquid within the tube to oscillate at Reynolds and Womersley numbers up to 7800 and 48, respectively. Pinching off as well as at the mid-length of the pump flexible tube, net flow is generated at certain pinching frequencies for which details are presented based on simultaneous recording of the pressure at the two tube junctions, the flow rate and the displacement of the pincher. Pinching off the mid-length of the pump at low pinching frequencies, net flow rate is practically null due to the almost identical pressure waveforms at the tube junctions, which vary in phase with the pincher motion. However, close to the first natural frequency of the hydraulic loop, the reflection of the pressure waves at the tube junctions combined with their increased phase difference cause high axial pressure gradients, which when they increase simultaneously with the squeezing of the tube, net flow rate maximization occurs. Pinching at the flexible tube mid-length area, nonzero net flow rates can also be generated, the sign of which changes when the pincher mid-point crosses the tube mid-length without being nullified.
A systematic review of pharmacological therapies and their effectiveness on health-related quality of life outcomes in patients with juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Cintrón D , Alanis J M , Álvarez-Villalobos N , Rodríguez-Gutiérrez R , Vilá L M
Published: February 2020

Juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) presents with an aggressive course and high morbidity associated with disease and treatment. JSLE patients have a poorer health-related quality of life (HRQoL) when compared with age-matched patients with other rheumatologic disorders. We aim to summarize the impact of current pharmacological therapies on the HRQoL of JSLE patients. Search strategies were developed across seven databases. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and cohort studies comparing interventions to standard therapy, placebo or pre-post cohort comparisons for more than 4 weeks were included. The outcome included self-reported scales compared at baseline and a therapeutic time point. Risk of bias was evaluated by using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Newcastle–Ottawa quality assessment scale. A total of 2812 articles were narrowed down to 309 for full-text screening. Four RCTs and one prospective cohort study, with a total of 634 JSLE patients, met the inclusion criteria. Four of the studies had a controlled intervention plus standard therapy compared with standard therapy alone or placebo. Multiple indices were used to evaluate HRQoL. These included the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire, Simple Measure of Impact of Lupus Erythematosus in Youngsters tool, Kids Fatigue Severity Scale and Child Depression Inventory. A single study reported a significant improvement while remaining studies reported no difference or failed to report the statistical analysis. Although HRQoL is significantly impaired in JSLE, evidence regarding its improvement is limited due to the small number of eligible studies, heterogeneity in scales, and HRQoL domains. A universal HRQoL questionnaire for JSLE needs to be established and used in both the research and clinical setting. All studies should adhere to reporting guidelines.