bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zero balance ultrafiltration using dialysate during nationwide bicarbonate shortage: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Mullane Ryan , Fristoe Lance , Markin Nicholas W. , Brakke Tara R. , Merritt-Genore Helen Mari , Siddique Aleem , Miles Clifford D. , Plumb Troy J.
Published: September 2019

Background

Zero balance ultrafiltration (Z-BUF) utilizing injectable 8.4% sodium bicarbonate is utilized to treat hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis associated with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The nationwide shortage of injectable 8.4% sodium bicarbonate in 2017 created a predicament for the care of cardiac surgery patients. Given the uncertainty of availability of sodium bicarbonate solutions, our center pro-actively sought a solution to the sodium bicarbonate shortage by performing Z-BUF with dialysate (Z-BUF-D) replacement fluid for patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass.

Methods

Single-center, retrospective observational evaluation of the first 46 patients at an academic medical center who underwent Z-BUF using dialysate over a period of 150 days with comparison of these findings to a historical group of 39 patients who underwent Z-BUF with sodium chloride (Z-BUF-S) over the preceding 150 days. The primary outcome was the change in whole blood potassium levels pre- and post-Z-BUF-D. Secondary outcomes included changes in pre- and post-Z-BUF-D serum bicarbonate levels and the amount of serum bicarbonate used in each Z-BUF cohort (Z-BUF-D and Z-BUF-S).

Results

Z-BUF-D and Z-BUF-S both significantly reduced potassium levels during CPB. However, Z-BUF-D resulted in a significantly decreased need for supplemental 8.4% sodium bicarbonate administration during CPB (52 mEq ± 48 vs. 159 mEq ± 85,P < 0.01). There were no complications directly attributed to the Z-BUF procedure.

Conclusion

Z-BUF with dialysate appears to be analternative to Z-BUF with sodium chloride with marked lower utilization of intravenous sodium bicarbonate.
The potential role of P.gingivalis in gastrointestinal cancer: a mini review
Authors: Liu Xiao-bo , Gao Zi-ye , Sun Chuan-tao , Wen Hui , Gao Bo , Li Sheng-bao , Tong Qiang
Published: September 2019

Bacterial infection may be involved in the entire process of tissue carcinogenesis by directly or indirectly affecting the occurrence and development of tumors. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.gingivalis) is an important pathogen causing periodontitis. Periodontitis may promote the occurrence of various tumors. Gastrointestinal tumors are common malignant tumors with high morbidity, high mortality, and low early diagnosis rate. With the rapid development of molecularbiotechnology, the role of P.gingivalis in digestive tract tumors has been increasingly explored. This article reviews the correlation between P.gingivalis and gastrointestinal cancer and the pathogenesis of the latter. The relationship among P.gingivalis, periodontal disease, and digestive tract tumors must be clarifiedthrough a multi-center, prospective, large-scale study.
Three year survival among patients with aids-related Kaposi sarcoma treated with chemotherapy and combination antiretroviral therapy at Moi teaching and referral hospital, Kenya
Authors: Busakhala Naftali , Kigen Gabriel , Waako Paul , Strother R. Matthew , Chite Fredrick , Loehrer Patrick
Published: September 2019

Background

AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma (AIDS-KS), a common malignancy in Kenya is associated with high morbidity and mortality. AIDS-KS is treated using bleomycin and vincristine (BV) plus or minus doxorubicin in most low resource settings, with response rates ranging from 24.8 to 87%. Survival in low resource settings has not been well documented. We report the three-year survival in a cohort of seventy patients referred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH).

Methods

Study participants are part of a randomized phase IIA trial on the use of gemcitabine compared to bleomycin plus vincristine for the treatment of Kaposi sarcoma after combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in Western Kenya. All patients were followed for three years in MTRH. Survival was determined by three monthly physical examination and analysed using Kaplan-Meier method, while possible determinants of survival such as baseline characteristics, type of chemotherapy, initial CD4 counts, age at enrolment, gender and early response to chemotherapy were analysed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression.

Results

Participants were aged between 19 and 70 years with 56% being male. The median CD4 count was 224 cells/μl, median duration of HIV diagnosis was 12.0 months and median duration of KS lesions after histology diagnosis before initiating chemotherapy was 4.8 weeks. At three years, 60 (85.7%) patients were alive. Six of those who died were under treatment with BV while four with gemcitabine. There was no difference in the probability of survival between the patients on either treatment arm (HR = 0.573 [95% C. I 0.143, 2.292; p = 0.4311]). Additionally, the hazard ratio (HR) for response after six weeks, age at enrolment and gender indicated that they were not significant determinants of survival. Patients with normal CD4 cell counts (> = 500/μl), had a HR of 0.401(0.05,3.23; p = 0.391), suggesting better survival.

Conclusions

Patients with AIDS-KS treated with combined antiretroviral drugs had excellent three-year survival regardless of whether they were treated with BV or gemcitabine as first line therapy. An initial CD4 cell count of > = 500/μl appeared to improve survival while gender, age and early response to chemotherapy were not predictors of survival after three years.

Trial registration

Number PACTR201510001.
Correction to: Trial of healthy relationship initiatives for the very early years (THRIVE), evaluating Enhanced Triple P for Baby and Mellow Bumps for those with additional social and care needs during pregnancy and their infants who are at higher risk of maltreatment: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors:   THRIVE Trial Research Team, Henderson Marion , Wittkowski Anja , McIntosh Emma , McConnachie Alex , Buston Katie , Wilson Philip , Calam Rachel , Minnis Helen , Thompson Lucy , O’Dowd John , Law James , McGee Elizabeth , Wight Daniel
Published: September 2019

Following publication of the original article [1], it has been brought to our attention that an error was slipped into the article’s title.
Identification of candidate genes controlling oil content by combination of genome-wide association and transcriptome analysis in the oilseed crop Brassica napus
Authors: Xiao Zhongchun , Zhang Chao , Tang Fang , Yang Bo , Zhang Liyuan , Liu Jingsen , Huo Qiang , Wang Shufeng , Li Shengting , Wei Lijuan , Du Hai , Qu Cunmin , Lu Kun , Li Jiana , Li Nannan
Published: September 2019

Background

Increasing seed oil content is one of the most important targets for rapeseed (Brassica napus) breeding. However, genetic mechanisms of mature seed oil content inBrassica napus(B. napus) remain little known. To identify oil content-related genes, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed using 588 accessions.

Results

High-throughput genome resequencing resulted in 385,692 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) with a minor allele frequency (MAF) > 0.05. We identified 17 loci that were significantly associated with seed oil content, among which 12 SNPs were distributed on the A3 (11 loci) and A1 (one loci) chromosomes, and five novel significant SNPs on the C5 (one loci) and C7 (four loci) chromosomes, respectively. Subsequently, we characterized differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the seeds and silique pericarps on main florescences and primary branches of extremely high- and low-oil content accessions (HO and LO). A total of 64 lipid metabolism-related DEGs were identified, 14 of which are involved in triacylglycerols (TAGs) biosynthesis and assembly. Additionally, we analyzed differences in transcription levels of key genes involved in de novo fatty acid biosynthesis in the plastid, TAGs assembly and lipid droplet packaging in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) between high- and low-oil contentB. napusaccessions.

Conclusions

The combination of GWAS and transcriptome analyses revealed seven candidate genes located within the confidence intervals of significant SNPs. Current findings provide valuable information for facilitating marker-based breeding for higher seed oil content inB. napus.
Introducing low-quality feedstocks in bioethanol production: efficient conversion of the lignocellulose fraction of animal bedding through steam pretreatment
Authors: Sanchis-Sebastiá Miguel , Erdei Borbála , Kovacs Krisztina , Galbe Mats , Wallberg Ola
Published: September 2019

Background

Animal bedding remains an underutilized source of raw material for bioethanol production, despite the economic and environmental benefits of its use. Further research concerning the optimization of the production process is needed, as previously tested pretreatment methods have not increased the conversion efficiency to the levels necessary for commercialization of the process.

Results

We propose steam pretreatment of animal bedding, consisting of a mixture of straw and cow manure, to deliver higher ethanol yields. The temperature, residence time and pH were optimized through response-surface modeling, where pretreatment was evaluated based on the ethanol yield obtained through simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of the whole pretreated slurry. The results show that the best conditions for steam pretreatment are 200 °C, for 5 min at pH 2, at which an ethanol yield of about 70% was obtained. Moreover, the model also showed that the pH had the greatest influence on the ethanol yield, followed by the temperature and then the residence time.

Conclusions

Based on these results, it appears that steam pretreatment could unlock the potential of animal bedding, as the same conversion efficiencies were achieved as for higher-quality feedstocks such as wheat straw.
Better safe than sorry: a vehicular traffic re-routing based on traffic conditions and public safety issues
Authors: de Souza Allan M. , Braun Torsten , Botega Leonardo C. , Cabral Raquel , Garcia Islene C. , Villas Leandro A.
Published: September 2019

Vehicular traffic re-routing is the key to provide better traffic mobility. However, taking into account just traffic-related information to recommend better routes for each vehicle is far from achieving the desired requirements of proper transportation management. In this way, context-aware and multi-objective re-routing approaches will play an important role in traffic management. Yet, most procedures are deterministic and cannot support the strict requirements of traffic management applications, since many vehicles potentially will take the same route, consequently degrading overall traffic efficiency. So, we propose an efficient algorithm named as Better Safe Than Sorry (BSTS), based on Pareto-efficiency. Simulation results have shown that our proposal provides a better trade-off between mobility and safety than state-of-the-art approaches and also avoids the problem of potentially creating different congestion spots.
Adrenal neuroblastoma in an elderly adult: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Zhang Haibin , Feng Ziwei
Published: September 2019

Background

Neuroblastoma is an embryonal malignancy of the autonomic nervous system and is the most common extracranial tumor of early childhood. However, neuroblastoma in adults is rare with an overall incidence of 1 in 10 million adults/year. Adults with neuroblastoma have a significantly worse prognosis than children with neuroblastoma.

Case presentation

In this case report we describe a 75-year-old Han Chinese woman with bilateral lower extremities weakness, numbness, and fatigue for 1 week. She initially presented as primary hyperaldosteronism with hypertension, persistent hypokalemia, and an elevated aldosterone/plasma renin activity ratio. An abdominal computed tomography scan with intravenously administered contrast showed a solid mass arising from her left adrenal gland. She underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery that allowed the resection of the mass. Microscopic and immunohistochemical staining, which were positive for synaptophysin, CD56, and vimentin, confirmed the diagnosis of adrenal neuroblastoma. Surgical resection of the tumor was done and no chemotherapy or radiation therapy was done postoperatively. She died from lung and brain metastases 22 months after surgical resection.

Conclusion

Adrenal neuroblastoma in elderly adults is a very rare disease with sparse data available in the literature. Early stage disease could be managed by surgical resection alone. However, the prognosis is significantly worse than that observed in pediatric patients. Further research focusing on tumor biology and therapy for this rare malignancy in adults may help to improve disease outcome.
The significance of aspartate on NAD(H) biosynthesis and ABE fermentation in Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824
Authors: Liao Zhengping , Yang Xitong , Fu Hongxin , Wang Jufang
Published: September 2019

The co-factor NADH plays an important role in butanol biosynthesis. In this study, we found that aspartate could effectively improve the butanol production of Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824. Further study showed that aspartate could be used as the precursor of NADH de novo synthesis in C. acetobutylicum ATCC 824. When 2 g/L aspartate was added, the transcription levels of essential genes (nadA, nadB and nadC) for NADH de novo synthesis were significantly higher than that of without aspartate addition. The levels of intracellular NAD+, NADH, total NAD(H) and the ratio of NADH/NAD+ were also significantly increased, which were 63.9 ± 8.0%, 85.0 ± %, 77.7 ± 8.0% and 12.7 ± 2.9% higher than those of without aspartate addition, respectively. Furthermore, the butanol production was improved by overexpressing the NADH de novo synthesis genes, and the fermentation performance could be further enhanced by strengthening the VB1 biosynthesis and NADH de novo synthesis pathway simultaneously. As a result, the butanol titer of the engineered strain 824(thiCGE–nadC) reached 13.96 ± 0.11 g/L, 7.2 ± 0.4%, 18.1 ± 0.1%, 34.1 ± 0.1% higher than that of 824(thiCGE), 824(nadC) and the wild type strain, respectively. This study has a reference value for the NADH related researches of other microbes, and the engineering strategy used in this study provides a new idea for construction of efficient fuel-producing strains.
Tonal signal detection in passive sonar systems using atomic norm minimization
Authors: Kim Jinhong , Kim Junhan , Nguyen Luong Trung , Shim Byonghyo , Hong Wooyoung
Published: September 2019

Frequency estimation of a tonal signal in passive sonar systems is crucial to the identification of the marine object. In the conventional techniques, a basis mismatch error caused by the discretization of the frequency domain is unavoidable, resulting in a severe degradation of the object detection quality. To overcome the basis mismatch error, we propose a tonal frequency estimation technique in the continuous frequency domain. Towards this end, we formulate the frequency estimation problem as an atomic norm minimization problem. From the numerical experiments, we show that the proposed technique is effective in identifying the tonal frequency components of marine objects.
Some new weakly singular integral inequalities with discontinuous functions for two variables and their applications
Authors: Luo Yaoyao , Xu Run
Published: September 2019

This paper investigates some new retarded weakly singular integral inequalities with discontinuous functions for two independent variables. The inequalities given here can be used in the qualitative analysis of various problems for integral equations and differential equations. Some examples are also given to illustrate the application of the conclusion.
Community acceptability and the energy transition: a citizens’ perspective
Authors: Lennon Breffní , Dunphy Niall P. , Sanvicente Estibaliz
Published: September 2019

Background

Every energy transition has had its winners and its losers, both economically and in terms of social justice and community cohesion. The current transition is no different given the complex, intersecting matrices of power and experience that influence the key stakeholders and actors involved. Local oppositions to the deployment of renewable energy technologies have been significantly higher than expected. In numerous instances, these oppositions have been in reaction to the disempowerment of local rights and entitlements associated with specific developments. Consequently, there is a clear need for governance structures and organisational formats that are participatory, inclusive and mindful of the lived experiences of local people. Despite the knowledge gaps and financial constraints that continue to persist, how can local communities become empowered to drive project development and meaningfully engage in the low-carbon energy transition?

Methods

This paper presents a methodology for investigating citizen perceptions of the energy transition and the kinds of roles they see themselves having in its implementation. Working with six communities across five European countries (France, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and the UK), we conducted a series of iterative cross-sectional community engagements using a mixed methods approach. In addition, a number of innovative participatory action research tools were incorporated to engage citizens in co-designing their own energy transition pathways.

Results

Participants expressed having restricted agency as citizens participating in the energy system. They also felt locked in to a limiting set of false choices as ‘energy consumers’ that do not translate into real or meaningful power, despite popular narratives to the contrary. The research also resulted in a co-designed characterisation tool to help local communities assess the energy democracy and citizen participation potential of a number of participatory business models.

Conclusions

Citizens remain locked out of the decision-making processes of the energy transition. We outline a more integrated approach, using co-design and participatory action research, to incorporate citizen perspectives into the planning and implementation of more appropriate business configurations. This paper presents demonstrable examples of how extended stakeholder perspectives can improve procedural justice outcomes and ensure the rollout of more equitable energy configurations into the future.
Seasonal dynamics of cyanobacteria and eukaryotic phytoplankton in a multiple-reservoir recycling irrigation system
Authors: Kong Ping , Richardson Patricia , Hong Chuanxue
Published: September 2019

Background

Agricultural runoff recycling systems are manmade aquatic ecosystems of growing significance to global water sustainability, crop health, and production. This study investigated the seasonal dynamics of microbial community in a three-reservoir recycling irrigation system with a stepwise water flow and compared with that of an adjacent runoff-free stream. Runoff water from all production areas was captured in a sedimentation reservoir which overflowed to a transition reservoir then retention reservoir through a culvert. Stream water was pumped to replenish the reservoirs as needed during growing seasons.

Results

16S rDNA PCR clone libraries of quarterly water samples from three reservoirs and one stream were sequenced, and 575 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified and assigned to cyanobacteria, eukaryotic phytoplankton, and other bacteria. When compared to the stream, three reservoirs consistently had low microbial diversity. A distinct seasonal pattern of microbial community structure was observed for each reservoir and the stream. Stream was consistently dominated by other bacteria. Retention reservoir was dominated by cyanobacteria during the summer and fall and eukaryotic phytoplankton during the winter and spring. Sedimentation reservoir was dominated by cyanobacteria beginning in the spring but that dominance was altered when water was pumped from the stream from early spring to fall seasons. Transition reservoir had the greatest shift of microbial community structure, being dominated by other bacteria in the summer, cyanobacteria in the fall, and eukaryotic phytoplankton in the winter and spring. Water temperature and ammonium level were the two most important contributing factors to the seasonality of microbial community in these reservoirs.

Conclusions

The three recycling irrigation reservoirs consistently had lower microbial diversity and distinct community structure when compared to the stream. These reservoirs were typically dominated by cyanobacteria during warm seasons and eukaryotic phytoplankton during cool seasons. This seasonal pattern was altered when water was pumped from the stream. The cyanobacteria dominance was associated with rising water temperature and ammonium level. These results highlight the importance of preventing agricultural runoff from entering natural waterways and water resources and provide a useful framework for further investigations into the ecological processes of this emerging ecosystem.
Hospital outbreak caused by linezolid resistant Enterococcus faecium in Upper Austria
Authors: Kerschner Heidrun , Cabal Adriana , Hartl Rainer , Machherndl-Spandl Sigrid , Allerberger Franz , Ruppitsch Werner , Apfalter Petra
Published: September 2019

Background

Enterococcus faecium is part of the human gastrointestinal flora but may act as opportunistic pathogen. Environmental persistence, high colonization capability and diverse intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms make it especially successful in nosocomial high-risk settings. In March 2014, an outbreak of Linezolid resistant Enterococcus faecium (LREfm) was observed at the hematooncology department of a tertiary care center in Upper Austria.

Methods

We report on the outbreak investigation together with the whole genome sequencing (WGS)-based typing results including also non-outbreak LREfm and susceptible isolates.

Results

The 54 investigated isolates could be divided in six clusters based on cgMLST. Cluster one comprised LREfm isolates of genotype ST117 and CT24, which was identified as the causative clone of the outbreak. In addition, the detection of four other clusters comprising isolates originating from hematooncology patients but also at other hospitals, pointed to LREfm transmission between local healthcare facilities. LREfm patients (n = 36) were typically at risk for acquisition of nosocomial pathogens because of immunosuppression, frequent hospitalization and antibiotic therapies. Seven of these 36 patients developed LREfm infection but were successfully treated. After termination of the initial outbreak, sporadic cases occurred despite a bundle of applied outbreak control interventions.

Conclusions

WGS proved to be an effective tool to differentiate several LREfm clusters in an outbreak. Active screening for LREfm is important in a high-risk setting such as hematooncology, where multiple introductions are possible and occur despite intensified infection control measures.
Unemployment and the European Union, 2000–2017: structural exploration of distant past economic experience and future prosperity
Authors: Yong Enn Lun
Published: September 2019

Distant past experience of economic performance is hypothesized to govern long-run employment performance across 28 European Union (EU) state members. Economic studies usually include lag structure for causality analysis, such as the Wold causal chain and recursive vector autoregression. The inquiry of this paper is different from the literature for two reasons: first, it intends to explain theoretically and empirically how long an influence of significant economic experience in the distant past on long-run unemployment would last. Second, the focus is on the EU due to the ongoing debate over economic integration and independent economies, of which Brexit is one prominent example. Based on panel data, a diagrammatic theory conveys the meaning of the distant past economic experience and its relationship with long-run unemployment in the EU. Empirical investigations include causality tests and long-lasting economic influences, where a new simple approach toward Cholesky decomposition is also demonstrated. The effect of an unexpected shock to inflation on unemployment can remain literally substantive for up to nearly four decades, while unemployment effects of some trade-related innovations can last even longer. The results are supported using analogical reasoning of macroeconomic behaviors incorporated in the original concept of this research.
Chlorogenic acid protects PC12 cells against corticosterone-induced neurotoxicity related to inhibition of autophagy and apoptosis
Authors: Shi Xiaowen , Zhou Nian , Cheng Jieyi , Shi Xunlong , Huang Hai , Zhou Mingmei , Zhu Haiyan
Published: September 2019

Background

There are evidences that chlorogenic acid (CGA) has antidepressant effects, however the underlying molecular mechanism has not been well understood. The aim of the study was to explore the neuroprotective effect of CGA on corticosterone (CORT)-induced PC 12 cells and its mechanism, especially the autophagy pathway.

Methods

PC12 cells were incubated with CORT (0, 100, 200, 400 or 800 μM) for 24 h, cell viability was measured by MTT assay. PC12 cells were cultured with 400 μM of CORT in the absence or presence of CGA (25 μg/ml) for 24 h, morphologies and specific marker of autophagosome were observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and confocal immunofluorescence microscopy, respectively. In addition, PC12 cells were treated with different doses of CGA (0, 6.25, 12.5, 25 or 50 μg/ml) with or without CORT (400 μM) for 24 h, cell viability and changes in the morphology were observed, and further analysis of apoptotic and autophagic proteins, and expression of AKT/mTOR signaling pathway were carried out by Western blot. Specific inhibitors of autophagy 3-Methyladenine (3-MA) and chloroquine (CQ) were added to the PC12 cells cultures to explore the potential role of autophagy in CORT-induced neuronal cell apoptosis.

Results

Besides decreasing PC12 cell activity, CORT could also induce autophagy and apoptosis of PC12 cells, while CGA could reverse these effects. In addition, CGA treatment regulated AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in PC12 cells. CGA, similar to 3-MA and QC, significantly inhibited CORT-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells.

Conclusions

Our results provide a new molecular mechanism for the treatment of CORT-induced neurotoxicity by CGA, and suggest CGA may be a potential substance which is can alleviate depression.
The role of PKAc1 in gene regulation and trichodimerol production in Trichoderma reesei
Authors: Hinterdobler Wolfgang , Schuster André , Tisch Doris , Özkan Ezgi , Bazafkan Hoda , Schinnerl Johann , Brecker Lothar , Böhmdorfer Stefan , Schmoll Monika
Published: September 2019

Background

Trichoderma reesei represents a model system for investigation of plant cell wall degradation and its connection to light response. The cyclic adenosine monophosphate pathway (cAMP pathway) plays an important role in both physiological outputs, being crucial for regulation of photoreceptor function as well as for cellulase regulation on different carbon sources. Phosphorylation of photoreceptors and of the carbon catabolite repressor CRE1 was shown in ascomycetes, indicating a relevance of protein kinase A in regulation of the target genes of these transcription factors as well as an impact on regulation of induction specific genes. Moreover, the cAMP pathway impacts growth and development.

Results

Here, we investigated gene regulation by the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A (PKAc1) upon growth on cellulose. We found distinct gene sets for regulation upon growth in light and darkness with an overlap of only 13 genes. PKAc1 regulates metabolic genes as well as transport and defense functions. The overlap of gene regulation by PKAc1 with the genes representing the cAMP dependent regulatory output of the photoreceptor ENV1 indicates an involvement of PKA in this pathway, which counteracts its effects by contrasting regulation. Moreover, we found considerable overlap with the gene sets regulated under cellulase inducing conditions and by the carbon catabolite repressor CRE1. Our analysis also showed that PKAc1 regulates the genes of the SOR cluster associated with the biosynthesis of sorbicillinoids. The homologue of gin4, encoding a CAMK type kinase, which is regulated by PKAc1, CRE1 and YPR2 showed a moderate impact on trichodimerol production. We isolated trichodimerol as representative sorbicillin compound and established a method for its quantification in large sample sets using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC), which can be broadly applied for secondary metabolite screening of mutants or different growth conditions. Due to the high expression levels of the SOR cluster under conditions of sexual development we crosschecked the relevance of PKAc1 under these conditions. We could show that PKAc1 impacts biosynthesis of trichodimerol in axenic growth and upon mating.

Conclusions

We conclude that PKAc1 is involved in light dependent regulation of plant cell wall degradation, including carbon catabolite repression as well as secondary metabolism and development in T. reesei.
Risk of lingual nerve injuries in removal of mandibular third molars: a retrospective case-control study
Authors: Tojyo Itaru , Nakanishi Takashi , Shintani Yukari , Okamoto Kenjiro , Hiraishi Yukihiro , Fujita Shigeyuki
Published: September 2019

Background

Through the analysis of clinical data, we attempted to investigate the etiology and determine the risk of severe iatrogenic lingual nerve injuries in the removal of the mandibular third molar.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who had undergone microsurgical repair of lingual nerve injuries. The following data were collected and analyzed: patient sex, age, nerve injury side, type of impaction (Winter’s classification, Pell and Gregory’s classification). Ratios for the respective lingual nerve injury group data were compared with the ratios of the respective data for the control group, which consisted of data collected from the literature. The data for the control group included previous patients that encountered various complications during the removal of the mandibular third molar.

Results

The lingual nerve injury group consisted of 24 males and 58 females. The rate of female patients with iatrogenic lingual nerve injuries was significantly higher than the control groups. Ages ranged from 15 to 67 years, with a mean age of 36.5 years old. Lingual nerve injury was significantly higher in the patient versus the control groups in age. The lingual nerve injury was on the right side in 46 and on the left side in 36 patients. There was no significant difference for the injury side. The distoangular and horizontal ratios were the highest in our lingual nerve injury group. The distoangular impaction rate in our lingual nerve injury group was significantly higher than the rate for the control groups.

Conclusion

Distoangular impaction of the mandibular third molar in female patients in their 30s, 40s, and 50s may be a higher risk factor of severe lingual nerve injury in the removal of mandibular third molars.
Prevalence of silicone oil droplets in eyes treated with intravitreal injection
Authors: Melo Gustavo Barreto , Dias Junior Celso de Souza , Morais Fábio Barreto , Cardoso Alexandre Lima , Figueiredo Ana Galrão Almeida , Lima Filho Acácio Alves Souza , Rodrigues Eduardo Büchele , Emerson Geoffrey Guy , Maia Maurício
Published: September 2019

Objective

To assess the number of eyes with silicone oil in the vitreous after intravitreal injection.

Methods

This cross-sectional, comparative study was divided into 2 groups: (1) treatment—eyes subjected to antiangiogenic therapy; (2) control—no history of intravitreal injection. Subjects were assessed regarding age, gender, clinical diagnosis, lens status, visual acuity and number of previous intravitreal injections. All eyes underwent a meticulous slit-lamp and ultrasound examination for the identification of silicone oil. ImageJ software was used to quantify the index of silicone oil (IOS) by ultrasonography.

Results

Sixty-seven eyes (30 controls, 37 treated) were included. Slit-lamp examination found silicone oil droplets in 25 out of 37 (67.57%) treated eyes and in none of the control group. Ultrasonography identified silicone oil in 28 out of 37 (75.68%) treated eyes and in 1 out of 30 (3.33%) controls. An observed agreement of 85.07% and a Cohen’s Kappa coefficient of 69.10% (p < 0.0001) between ultrasonography and biomicroscopy were found. Wilcoxon test showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0006) in IOS between controls (0.41 ± 0.43%) and treated eyes (2.69 ± 2.55%). Spearman’s correlation test (0.61; p < 0.0001) showed that the greater the number of injections, the higher the IOS.

Conclusions

Silicone oil droplets were found in the majority of the eyes previously treated with antiangiogenic intravitreal injection. The greater the number of injections, the higher the likelihood of finding silicone oil. An improvement in the technique of injection and better-quality syringes post-injection silicone oil droplets.
Genomic Function of Estrogen Receptor β in Endometriosis
Authors: Han Sang Jun , Lee Jiyeun E , Cho Yeon Jean , Park Mi Jin , O’Malley Bert W
Published: September 2019

Estrogen receptor (ER) β plays a critical role in endometriosis progression because cytoplasmic ERβ stimulates proinflammatory signaling in ectopic lesions and prevents apoptosis to promote their survival. However, the role of “nuclear ERβ” in endometriosis progression is not known. This critical knowledge gap obscures our understanding of the full molecular etiology of ERβ-mediated endometriosis progression. To fill this void, we generated an ERβ-regulated transcriptome and ERβ cistrome in ectopic lesions and the eutopic endometrium of mice with endometriosis by using a new endometrium-specific FLAG-tagged human ERβ overexpression mouse model. The integration of these omics data sets revealed that ERβ stimulated the proliferation activities of ectopic lesions and the eutopic endometrium by directly upregulating MYC and E2 transcription factor target genes and genes associated with the G2/M transition. Additionally, ERβ stimulated gene expression associated with TNFα/nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, reactive oxygen species signaling, IL-6/Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 signaling, and hypoxia signaling and suppressed IFNα signaling in ectopic lesions to enhance endometriosis progression. ERβ also stimulated gene expression associated with the unfolded protein response and IL-6/JAK/STAT3 inhibitory signaling and suppressed TNFα/NF-κB signaling in the eutopic endometrium to cause endometriosis-associated endometrial dysfunction. Therefore, nuclear ERβ-regulated gene networks provide critical clues to understand the molecular etiology and complexity of endometriosis and endometriosis-associated endometrial dysfunction.
Emerging techniques in atherosclerosis imaging
Authors: Syed Maaz BJ , Fletcher Alexander J , Forsythe Rachael O , Kaczynski Jakub , Newby David E , Dweck Marc R , van Beek Edwin JR
Published: September 2019

Atherosclerosis is a chronic immunomodulated disease that affects multiple vascular beds and results in a significant worldwide disease burden. Conventional imaging modalities focus on the morphological features of atherosclerotic disease such as the degree of stenosis caused by a lesion. Modern CT, MR and positron emission tomography scanners have seen significant improvements in the rapidity of image acquisition and spatial resolution. This has increased the scope for the clinical application of these modalities. Multimodality imaging can improve cardiovascular risk prediction by informing on the constituency and metabolic processes within the vessel wall. Specific disease processes can be targeted using novel biological tracers and “smart” contrast agents. These approaches have the potential to inform clinicians of the metabolic state of atherosclerotic plaque. This review will provide an overview of current imaging techniques for the imaging of atherosclerosis and how various modalities can provide information that enhances the depiction of basic morphology.
Effectiveness of the Hospital Learning Center (Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health): Satisfaction with service and parents’ attitudes towards children’s illness
Authors: Fuengfoo Adidsuda , Leelathanaporn Sija , Mekrungcharas Thanyaporn , Sakulnoom Kim , Owjinda Sumitra , Noipong Piyanat , Srinuan Suphawan , Kumjaroen Sarunya , Phonok Natchanan
Published: September 2019

Background: All children, whether healthy or ill, should have access to equal educational opportunities. Healthcare institutions and hospitals have been approved to work with schools to establish learning centers to provide education to sick children. This study has been conducted to develop a practical model for learning centers in hospitals across Thailand to create equality and ensure valuable human resources for the future. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a hospital learning center for continuing education of child patients and to determine the factors that are most appropriate study plans, the parents’ attitude about their child’s illness, and the children’s satisfaction with the learning center.

Methods: The total sample population was 400, consisting of 200 parents and 200 child patients aged 4 to 18 years. The respondents were given a questionnaire to obtain their feedback using a Likert scale.

Results: The most common child patients were those with chronic illness followed by those with common illnesses, and lastly children with developmental problems. All 200 children received continuing education; 20 child patients (10%) who had been evaluated received a modified education plan. After analyzing the results of satisfaction with the learning center, the scores ranged from 4.21 to 5.00 (mean = 4.28, SD = 0.62).  

Conclusions: Sick children can continue their education at the hospital learning center in Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health. Study plans can be modified to suit children with chronic illnesses and developmental problems, children in primary and secondary school, and those requiring prolonged hospitalization. Parents in the study had appropriate attitudes about the disease and education of their children. Sick children gave the highest ratings showing extremely high satisfaction with the hospital learning center.
Vadja kirjaviisist ja sõnaloomest
Authors: Ernits Enn
Published: September 2019

To create an effective literary language, it is necessary to solve the following main problems: 1) selecting suitable dialect area(s); 2) establishing linguistic standards; 3) developing orthography; and 4) adapting the literary language to modern linguistic and cultural demands (Tauli 1968: 19). In solving these problems with regard to the Votic language, language planners can start from both general principles of language planning and the planning experiences of other Balto-Finnic literary languages, such as Estonian, Finnish, Võro and Veps. Today it is advisable to resolve the planning problems of minority languages as flexibly as possible. The author favours the Kattila dialect as the background for the written language, but does not exclude the use of other Votic dialects for this purpose. In the initial period of the Votic literary language at least there is no real need to determine strong norms. It is strongly advised that consistent use be made of a phonological writing system using the letters c, č, š, ž, õ, ä, ö, ü; ď, ń, ŕ, ź and ť. There is no need to designate the sandhi in the script. The language should be enriched with modern concepts where possible, with the creation of new lexis based on actual words and those borrowed from neighbouring languages. The formation of words is mainly the result of compounding and derivation, for example čehsi-škoulu ‘secondary school’ and nimezikko ‘list’ (< nimi ‘name’).
Variations in tactile signing – the case of one-handed signing
Authors: Mesch Johanna
Published: September 2019

Tactile sign language is a variety of a national sign language. Tactile signing among persons with deafblindness also includes some minor variations. Early analyses of tactile Swedish Sign Language (e.g. Mesch 1998, 2001) show how interactants use both their hands in tactile communication in two different positions: dialogue position and monologue position. This paper examines the signing variations that partially or functionally blind signers encounter when using one hand to communicate with each other in a conversation dyad in what is one of the most advanced types of sign language communication. In tactile one-handed signing, the signer uses her right hand both for producing and receiving signs, while the addressee uses her left hand not only for receiving but also for producing signs after turn-taking, even though it is the non-dominant hand and, therefore, is not normally used to produce one-handed signs. In this study, conversation analysis was conducted on the discourse of four groups.The results show that some variations depend on the linguistic background of individuals and their everyday communication. A com-parative study of a two-handed and a one-handed system is then presented, focusing on issues of simplicity, flexibility, turn-taking, and feedback. Some results showing changes in the sign structures of both communication types are also presented
Australia and Catalonia: a comparative study on the protection of minority languages from a legal standpoint. Education in the mother tongue. Is the language a factor of integration or a barrier?
Authors: Vacca Alessia
Published: September 2019

This article is a comparative study of the education system in minority languages between Catalonia and Australia from a legal standpoint. Catalonia has a complex legislation: National Constitution, Statute of Autonomy, Regional Laws, a strong legal framework, a language always alive as a political instrumentto get the power. Australia has not a legal framework in this area and has a confused planning system. In Europe, the Council of Europe has been in charge of the protection of human rights.Australia signed and ratified some International Conventions which are not a strong legal basis to claim an education system in aborigines’ languages. The Catalan Law on Linguistic Normalizationn. 7 of 1983, replaced by the Law on Linguistic Policy n. 1 of1998, has, among the other purposes, also that to stimulate the use of Catalan as language of education in all levels of teaching.The school has a fundamental importance for the transmission of the culture of minorities. If the educational systems didn’t have any regime of teaching in the mother tongue all policies are not efficient.
Minority language policy regarding personal names – an overview
Authors: Walkowiak Justyna
Published: September 2019

Language Policy (LP) with language planning as its implementation is now a well-established field; yet, as evidenced by the scarcity of scholarly literature, seldom concerned with personal names. The paper looks at personal names (given names and surnames) and discusses the ways in which they can be perceived as objects of minority LP. Policies regarding personal names are analysed within the framework of the traditional division of language planning into status, corpus and acquisition planning. These policies are then further examined according to other dimensions: what the object of a LP is, who its agent is, what motivates a LP, what effects it exerts, and how a LP is carried out. Finally, the paper looks at EU minority legislation with reference to personal names, especially at the country-specific opinions which reflect the FCNM monitoring process, highlighting areas of controversy. In conclusion, it is shown how vital personal names are to personal and group identity and, consequently, how control over them helps the nation-state control a minority, although – it is argued – not every regulation constitutes a minority LP
Truncated multilingual repertoire in Indian migrant families in three cities of Europe
Authors: Haque Shahzaman
Published: September 2019

This paper outlines a case study of language choices between three Indian immigrant families residing in three different countries of Europe – France, Norway, and Finland. The issue is to focus on the language practices of the immigrant members when the verbal repertoire is composed of several languages owing to truncated competencies. What are the languages at their disposal and how do they exploit their truncated multilingual repertoire within different social settings? The sociolinguistic and ethnographic empirical observations have yielded useful information on the multiple usages of languages by our participants. This paper reveals how several languages are handled in the daily life with limited or high competence in each of them displaying the intricacies of truncated multilingual repertoire. The latter has been found playing a pivotal role in situating language practices with different segments of the society
Multilingualism in Finnish schools: policies and practices
Authors: Latomaa Sirkku , Suni Minna
Published: September 2019

This article provides an overview of multilingualism in Finnish schools. The focus is on the experiences gathered from the teachers of plurilingual students, i.e. students from immigrant backgrounds. The data in our study were collected by administering a web questionnaire, and the topics covered, for example, the status of languages and the teaching arrangements tailored for plurilingual students. In addition to reacting to the questionnaire’s statements, the respondents could freely comment on any of the topics, which enriched the quantitative data by offering many useful perspectives. Several respondents reported that during their working careers, noticeable progress has been made accommodating plurilingual students. On the other hand, the results showed that several challenges still remain, such as assuring a more uniform provision of L1 and L2 instruction. In some regions of Finland, such programmes have been functioning well, but in others, administrators are only just awakening to the increasing multilingualism in their schools.
Static and dynamic states: the case of Estonian stative colour expressions
Authors: Paulsen Geda
Published: September 2019

The aim of this study is to account for stative situations through the example of structurally different but semantically close colour expressions: the Estonian stative verbs derived from colour adjectives and colour adjectives appearing as the predicative. Stative verbs are assumed to be similar to copula constructions, with the aspectual distinction of temporary/permanent property. In this article, the stative colour expressions are analysed using the linguistic diagnostics developed for the determination of ontological properties of different types of states – the sc. Davidsonian and Kimian states (see e.g. Maienborn 2003). Analysis reveals that the copula construction with colour adjective as predicative is ambiguous, inclining to the Kimian states but also assigning properties characteristic to the Davidsonian states; the stative colour verbs, in turn, are true examples of Davidsonian states. In addition to the examination of the stative properties, the conceptual structure analysis of the colour expressions instantiating stative and dynamic states is given. The observer’s evaluation of the coloured object as a mental image is treated as part of the lexical information of the colour statives. Also, sentential and contextual phenomena of the colour statives are discussed.