bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnolol protects Saccharomyces cerevisiae antioxidant-deficient mutants from oxidative stress and extends yeast chronological life span
Authors: Subramaniyan Subasri , Alugoju Phaniendra , SJ Sudharshan , Veerabhadrappa Bhavana , Dyavaiah Madhu
Published: March 2019

We investigated the protective effect of a natural polyphenol, magnolol, on Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells under oxidative stress, and during aging. Our results showed the sensitivity of S. cerevisiae antioxidant gene deficient mutants (sod1∆, sod2∆, cta1∆, ctt1∆, gtt2∆ and tsa1∆) against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and menadione stress was rescued by magnolol as demonstrated in spot and colony forming unit counts. Yeast cells pretreated with magnolol showed decreased intracellular oxidation, lipid peroxidation and an increased level of reduced glutathione. Further, SOD1, CTA1 and GTT2 gene expression was examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and was found that magnolol significantly attenuated the upregulation of SOD1 and CTA1 genes under oxidative stress. Finally, longevity of the wild type and sod1 mutant cells were extended by magnolol, and also enhance stress resistance against oxidant stress during chronological aging.
Longitudinal Examination of Emotional Functioning in Older Adults After Spousal Bereavement
Authors: Szabó Ágnes , Kok Almar A L , Beekman Aartjan T F , Huisman Martijn
Published: March 2019

Objectives

This study examined trajectories of emotional functioning in three domains (depressive symptoms, emotional, and social loneliness) for individuals who experienced spousal bereavement and investigated cross-domain adaptation. We hypothesized that emotional difficulties after bereavement would be more detectable in emotional loneliness than depressive symptoms or social loneliness.

Methods

Using latent class growth analysis, we modeled changes in depressive symptoms, emotional loneliness, and social loneliness from 12 years pre- to 12 years post-bereavement on data from 686 older adults to identify trajectories indicating adaptive and maladaptive functioning in each domain.

Results

Most participants reported depressive symptoms below the clinically relevant threshold by showing a resilient (15.5%) or a slightly elevated (53.5%) trajectory post-bereavement. One third (31%) reported clinically relevant depressive symptoms. More than half of the sample reported emotional loneliness post-bereavement, varying form prolonged (17%), increasing and prolonged (28.3%), and chronically high (8.9%) levels. Remaining participants displayed resilience (13.5%) or recovery (32.3%). Social loneliness showed four trajectories: very low and resilient (43.3%), low and resilient (27.5%), increasing (20.2%), and chronically high (9%) levels. One third of participants maintained adaptive, whereas 12% displayed maladaptive, functioning across all domains post-bereavement.

Discussion

An increase in emotional loneliness was the most commonly observed change after spousal bereavement. This highlights the central role of emotional loneliness in depression after bereavement.
A genome-wide association study of bitter and sweet beverage consumption
Authors: Zhong Victor W , Kuang Alan , Danning Rebecca D , Kraft Peter , van Dam Rob M , Chasman Daniel I , Cornelis Marilyn C
Published: March 2019

Except for drinking water, most beverages taste bitter or sweet. Taste perception and preferences are heritable and determinants of beverage choice and consumption. Consumption of several bitter- and sweet-tasting beverages has been implicated in development of major chronic diseases. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of self-reported bitter and sweet beverage consumption among ~370 000 participants of European ancestry, using a two-staged analysis design. Bitter beverages included coffee, tea, grapefruit juice, red wine, liquor and beer. Sweet beverages included artificially and sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) and non-grapefruit juices. Five loci associated with total bitter beverage consumption were replicated (in/near GCKR, ABCG2, AHR, POR and CYP1A1/2). No locus was replicated for total sweet beverage consumption. Sub-phenotype analyses targeting the alcohol, caffeine and sweetener components of beverages yielded additional loci: (i) four loci for bitter alcoholic beverages (GCKR, KLB, ADH1B and AGBL2); (ii) five loci for bitter non-alcoholic beverages (ANXA9, AHR, POR, CYP1A1/2 and CSDC2); (iii) 10 loci for coffee; six novel loci (SEC16B, TMEM18, OR8U8, AKAP6, MC4R and SPECC1L-ADORA2A); (iv) FTO for SSBs. Of these 17 replicated loci, 12 have been associated with total alcohol consumption, coffee consumption, plasma caffeine metabolites or BMI in previous GWAS; none was involved in known sweet and bitter taste transduction pathways. Our study suggests that genetic variants related to alcohol consumption, coffee consumption and obesity were primary genetic determinants of bitter and sweet beverage consumption. Whether genetic variants related to taste perception are associated with beverage consumption remains to be determined.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ameliorate MEGF10 myopathy
Authors: Saha Madhurima , Rizzo Skylar A , Ramanathan Manashwi , Hightower Rylie M , Santostefano Katherine E , Terada Naohiro , Finkel Richard S , Berg Jonathan S , Chahin Nizar , Pacak Christina A , Wagner Richard E , Alexander Matthew S , Draper Isabelle , Kang Peter B
Published: March 2019

MEGF10 myopathy is a rare inherited muscle disease that is named after the causative gene, MEGF10. The classic phenotype, early onset myopathy, areflexia, respiratory distress and dysphagia, is severe and immediately life-threatening. There are no disease-modifying therapies. We performed a small molecule screen and follow-up studies to seek a novel therapy. A primary in vitro drug screen assessed cellular proliferation patterns in Megf10-deficient myoblasts. Secondary evaluations were performed on primary screen hits using myoblasts derived from Megf10−/− mice, induced pluripotent stem cell-derived myoblasts from MEGF10 myopathy patients, mutant Drosophila that are deficient in the homologue of MEGF10 (Drpr) and megf10 mutant zebrafish. The screen yielded two promising candidates that are both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), sertraline and escitalopram. In depth follow-up analyses demonstrated that sertraline was highly effective in alleviating abnormalities across multiple models of the disease including mouse myoblast, human myoblast, Drosophila and zebrafish models. Sertraline also restored deficiencies of Notch1 in disease models. We conclude that SSRIs show promise as potential therapeutic compounds for MEGF10 myopathy, especially sertraline. The mechanism of action may involve the Notch pathway.
Norm contestation in the digital era: campaigning for refugee rights
Authors: Hall Nina
Published: March 2019

Activists in the internet era are taking action through online petitions, twitter storms and by forming new digital advocacy organizations such as Campact, 38 Degrees and GetUp!. However, no International Relations (IR) scholarship has systematically examined the role of digital advocacy organizations in norm contestation. Digital advocacy organizations warrant study given their international reach, their large memberships, their longevity, their frequent campaigning activity and their claimed impact. This article focuses on the responses of three digital advocacy organizations in Australia, the UK and Ireland to the same external crisis: an increasing number of refugees worldwide. It asks: when and why did these organizations engage in behavioural norm contestation during the refugee crisis? Their use of behavioural contestation is a puzzle, given that digital advocacy organizations have low implementation power. The article draws on interviews with activists and experts, and finds that advocacy groups firstly use discursive contestation (debating the meaning and importance of norms), and then may engage in behavioural contestation (influencing the implementation of norms). Discursive contestation is less costly, and perceived to be less effective, than behavioural contestation. The article suggests that digital advocacy organizations can mobilize people online and offline, and IR scholars should examine this important source of power. This article forms part of the special section of the May 2019 issue of International Affairs on ‘The dynamics of dissent’, guest-edited by Anette Stimmer and Lea Wisken.
Systematic Review With Meta-analysis: Epidemiology of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Zou Zi-Yuan , Shen Bo , Fan Jian-Gao
Published: March 2019

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly identified in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but there are few systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the studies of NAFLD in IBD patients.

Methods

MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched (until August 2018) to identify observational studies that reported the prevalence and risk factors for NAFLD in IBD patients. Pooled prevalence, odds ratios (OR), mean difference (MD), and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. Study quality was assessed using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale.

Results

Of the 662 citations evaluated, 19 studies (including 5620 subjects) reported the prevalence of NAFLD in IBD population and were included for the analysis. The overall pooled prevalence was 27.5% (95% CI, 20.7%–34.2%). The prevalence was higher in older patients (MD = 8.22; 95% CI, 6.22–10.22), type 2 diabetes (OR = 3.85; 95% CI, 2.49–5.95), hypertension (OR = 3.18; 95% CI, 2.36–4.28), obesity (OR = 2.79; 95% CI, 1.73–4.50), insulin resistance (OR = 6.66; 95% CI, 1.28–34.77), metabolic syndrome (OR = 4.96; 95% CI, 3.05–8.05), chronic kidney disease (OR = 4.83; 95% CI, 1.79–13.04), methotrexate use (OR = 1.76; 95% CI, 1.02–3.06), surgery for IBD (OR = 1.28; 95% CI, 1.02–1.62), and longer duration of IBD (MD = 5.60; 95% CI, 2.24–8.97).

Conclusions

We found that NAFLD was not uncommon in the IBD population. Older age, metabolic risk factors, methotrexate use, prior surgery, and longer duration of IBD are predictors for the presence of NAFLD in IBD. Screening of NAFLD might be recommended among IBD patients with the aforementioned factors.
Does Cellular Metabolism from Primary Fibroblasts and Oxidative Stress in Blood Differ between Mammals and Birds? The (Lack-thereof) Scaling of Oxidative Stress
Authors: Jimenez A G , O’Connor E S , Tobin K J , Anderson K N , Winward J D , Fleming A , Winner C , Chinchilli E , Maya A , Carlson K , Downs C J
Published: March 2019

As part of mitonuclear communication, retrograde and anterograde signaling helps maintain homeostasis under basal conditions. Basal conditions, however, vary across phylogeny. At the cell-level, some mitonuclear retrograde responses can be quantified by measuring the constitutive components of oxidative stress, the balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants. ROS are metabolic by-products produced by the mitochondria that can damage macromolecules by structurally altering proteins and inducing mutations in DNA, among other processes. To combat accumulating damage, organisms have evolved endogenous antioxidants and can consume exogenous antioxidants to sequester ROS before they cause cellular damage. ROS are also considered to be regulated through a retrograde signaling cascade from the mitochondria to the nucleus. These cellular pathways may have implications at the whole-animal level as well. For example, birds have higher basal metabolic rates, higher blood glucose concentration, and longer lifespans than similar sized mammals, however, the literature is divergent on whether oxidative stress is higher in birds compared with mammals. Herein, we collected literature values for whole-animal metabolism of birds and mammals. Then, we collected cellular metabolic rate data from primary fibroblast cells isolated from birds and mammals and we collected blood from a phylogenetically diverse group of birds and mammals housed at zoos and measured several parameters of oxidative stress. Additionally, we reviewed the literature on basal-level oxidative stress parameters between mammals and birds. We found that mass-specific metabolic rates were higher in birds compared with mammals. Our laboratory results suggest that cellular basal metabolism, total antioxidant capacity, circulating lipid damage, and catalase activity were significantly lower in birds compared with mammals. We found no body-size correlation on cellular metabolism or oxidative stress. We also found that most oxidative stress parameters significantly correlate with increasing age in mammals, but not in birds; and that correlations with reported maximum lifespans show different results compared with correlations with known aged birds. Our literature review revealed that basal levels of oxidative stress measurements for birds were rare, which made it difficult to draw conclusions.
Dispersion and volatility of TFPQ and TFPR: findings from three service industries
Authors: Morikawa Masayuki
Published: March 2019

This study presents the empirical findings on cross-sectional dispersion and time-series volatility of TFPQ and TFPR using high-frequency establishment-level panel data from three narrowly defined service industries. The within-industry dispersion of TFPQ is not larger than that of TFPR, and this finding differs from past studies on the manufacturing sector. Productivity dispersion is smaller when aggregated industry-level productivity is higher, and vice versa. Service producers with highly volatile productivity are less productive in both TFPQ and TFPR.
R&D offshoring and home industry productivity
Authors: de Rassenfosse Gaétan , Thomson Russell
Published: March 2019

Offshoring research and development (R&D) commonly invokes concerns regarding the loss of high value jobs and a hollowing out of technological capabilities, but it can also benefit domestic firms by enabling them to tap into the global technological frontier. We study the effect of R&D offshoring on industrial productivity in the home country using industry-level data for 18 OECD countries over a 26-year period. Simultaneity between productivity and R&D offshoring is addressed by using foreign tax policy as an instrument for offshored R&D. We show that R&D offshoring contributes positively to productivity in the home country, irrespective of the host country destination.
Finite-time terminal synergetic control of a class of nonlinear systems with unmatched uncertainties
Authors: Ahifar Azadeh , Noei Abolfazl Ranjbar , Rahmani Zahra
Published: March 2019

In this paper, the problem of finite-time tracking for nth-order uncertain nonlinear systems with unmatched uncertainties is addressed. Using a terminal synergetic manifold, a controller is provided to force the tracking error to the origin in finite time in the presence of unmatched uncertainties. With this method, chattering problem is completely removed without defining a new function. Lyapunov theory is used to prove the stability of the proposed method. The proposed controller provides the convergence of finite-time tracking error to zero by suitable performance that is theoretically analysed and proved through simulation.
Comparative Analysis of the Antiviral Effects Mediated by Type I and III Interferons in Hepatitis B Virus–Infected Hepatocytes
Authors: Bockmann Jan-Hendrik , Stadler Daniela , Xia Yuchen , Ko Chunkyu , Wettengel Jochen M , Schulze zur Wiesch Julian , Dandri Maura , Protzer Ulrike
Published: March 2019

Background

Type III interferons (IFNs) (λ1–3) activate similar signaling cascades as type I IFNs (α and β) via different receptors. Since IFN-α and lymphotoxin-β activate cytosine deamination and subsequent purging of nuclear hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, we investigated whether IFN-β and -λ may also induce these antiviral effects in differentiated HBV-infected hepatocytes.

Methods

After determining the biological activity of IFN-α2, -β1, -λ1, and -λ2 in differentiated hepatocytes, their antiviral effects were analyzed in HBV-infected primary human hepatocytes and HepaRG cells.

Results

Type I and III IFNs reduced nuclear open-circle DNA and covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) levels in HBV-infected cells. IFN-β and -λ were at least as efficient as IFN-α. Differential DNA-denaturing polymerase chain reaction and sequencing analysis revealed G-to-A sequence alterations of HBV cccDNA in IFN-α, -β, and -λ–treated liver cells indicating deamination. All IFNs induced apolipoprotein B messenger RNA–editing enzyme–catalytic polypeptide-like (APOBEC) deaminases 3A and 3G within 24 hours of treatment, but IFN-β and -λ induced longer-lasting expression of APOBEC deaminases in comparison to IFN-α.

Conclusions

IFN-β, IFN-λ1, and IFN-λ2 induce cccDNA deamination and degradation at least as efficiently as IFN-α, indicating that these antiviral cytokines are interesting candidates for the design of new therapeutic strategies aiming at cccDNA reduction and HBV cure.
Controlling intestinal colonization of high-risk haematology patients with ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae: a randomized, placebo-controlled, multicentre, Phase II trial (CLEAR)
Authors: Dimitriou Vassiliki , Biehl Lena M , Hamprecht Axel , Vogel Wichard , Dörfel Daniela , Peter Silke , Schafhausen Philippe , Rohde Holger , von Lilienfeld-Toal Marie , Klassert Tilman E , Slickers Peter , Ehricht Ralf , Slevogt Hortense , Christ Hildegard , Hellmich Martin , Farowski Fedja , Tsakmaklis Anastasia , Higgins Paul G , Seifert Harald , Vehreschild Maria J G T
Published: March 2019

Objectives

We assessed the efficacy and safety of an oral antimicrobial regimen for short- and long-term intestinal eradication of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-EC/KP) in immunocompromised patients.

Methods

We performed a randomized (2:1), double-blind multicentre Phase II study in four haematology–oncology departments. Patients colonized with ESBL-EC/KP received a 7 day antimicrobial regimen of oral colistin (2 × 106 IU 4×/day), gentamicin (80 mg 4×/day) and fosfomycin (three administrations of 3 g every 72 h), or placebo. Faecal, throat and urine specimens were collected on day 0, 6 ± 2, 11 ± 2, 28 ± 4 and 42 ± 4 after treatment initiation, and the quantitative burden of ESBL-EC/KP, resistance genes and changes in intestinal microbiota were analysed. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01931592.

Results

As the manufacture of colistin powder was suspended worldwide, the study was terminated prematurely. Overall, 29 (18 verum/11 placebo) out of 47 patients were enrolled. The short-term intestinal eradication was marginal at day 6 (verum group 15/18, 83.3% versus placebo 2/11, 18.2%; relative risk 4.58, 95% CI 1.29–16.33; Fisher’s exact test P = 0.001) and not evident at later timepoints. Quantitative analysis showed a significant decrease of intestinal ESBL-EC/KP burden on day 6. Sustained intestinal eradication (day 28 + 42) was not achieved (verum, 38.9% versus placebo, 27.3%; P = 0.299). In the verum group, mcr-1 genes were detected in two faecal samples collected after treatment. Microbiome analysis showed a significant decrease in alpha diversity and a shift in beta diversity.

Conclusions

In this prematurely terminated study of a 7 day oral antimicrobial eradication regimen, short-term ESBL-EC/KP suppression was marginal, while an altered intestinal microbiota composition was clearly apparent.
Digital biomarkers from geolocation data in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia: a systematic review
Authors: Fraccaro Paolo , Beukenhorst Anna , Sperrin Matthew , Harper Simon , Palmier-Claus Jasper , Lewis Shôn , Van der Veer Sabine N , Peek Niels
Published: March 2019

Objective

The study sought to explore to what extent geolocation data has been used to study serious mental illness (SMI). SMIs such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are characterized by fluctuating symptoms and sudden relapse. Currently, monitoring of people with an SMI is largely done through face-to-face visits. Smartphone-based geolocation sensors create opportunities for continuous monitoring and early intervention.

Materials and Methods

We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Scopus by combining terms related to geolocation and smartphones with SMI concepts. Study selection and data extraction were done in duplicate.

Results

Eighteen publications describing 16 studies were included in our review. Eleven studies focused on bipolar disorder. Common geolocation-derived digital biomarkers were number of locations visited (n = 8), distance traveled (n = 8), time spent at prespecified locations (n = 7), and number of changes in GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) cell (n = 4). Twelve of 14 publications evaluating clinical aspects found an association between geolocation-derived digital biomarker and SMI concepts, especially mood. Geolocation-derived digital biomarkers were more strongly associated with SMI concepts than other information (eg, accelerometer data, smartphone activity, self-reported symptoms). However, small sample sizes and short follow-up warrant cautious interpretation of these findings: of all included studies, 7 had a sample of fewer than 10 patients and 11 had a duration shorter than 12 weeks.

Conclusions

The growing body of evidence for the association between SMI concepts and geolocation-derived digital biomarkers shows potential for this instrument to be used for continuous monitoring of patients in their everyday lives, but there is a need for larger studies with longer follow-up times.
Inheritance and Realized Heritability of Resistance to Imidacloprid in the Brown Planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), From Indonesia
Authors: Diptaningsari Danarsi , Trisyono Y Andi , Purwantoro Aziz , Wijonarko Arman
Published: March 2019

The brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens Stål., is a major insect pest causing serious damage to the rice crop in many rice-producing countries. The aim of the study was to determine the inheritance characteristics and realized heritability of resistance to imidacloprid in N. lugens from Banyumas, Central Java Province, Indonesia. The five generations of selection increased the resistance ratio (RR) from 46.20-fold at generation 45 (G45) to 150.39-fold (G49) compared with the laboratory-susceptible population. The LC50 values of imidacloprid for the progeny of reciprocal crosses, F1 and F1’, showed no significant differences, indicating that imidacloprid resistance was inherited autosomally in N. lugens. The degree of dominance (D) values for F1 and F1’ were 0.65 and 0.64, respectively, suggesting that imidacloprid resistance in N. lugens was expressed as an incompletely dominant trait. Chi-square analysis based on the monogenic hypothesis indicated that imidacloprid resistance in N. lugens was polygenic. Furthermore, the estimation realized heritability value (h2) was 0.0893. These results would be useful to determine an effective resistance management strategies in N. lugens.
HER2-Enriched Subtype and ERBB2 Expression in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Treated with Dual HER2 Blockade
Authors: Prat Aleix , Pascual Tomás , De Angelis Carmine , Gutierrez Carolina , Llombart-Cussac Antonio , Wang Tao , Cortés Javier , Rexer Brent , Paré Laia , Forero Andres , Wolff Antonio C , Morales Serafín , Adamo Barbara , Brasó-Maristany Fara , Vidal Maria , Veeraraghavan Jamunarani , Krop Ian , Galván Patricia , Pavlick Anne C , Bermejo Begoña , Izquierdo Miguel , Rodrik-Outmezguine Vanessa , Reis-Filho Jorge S , Hilsenbeck Susan G , Oliveira Mafalda , Dieci Maria Vittoria , Griguolo Gaia , Fasani Roberta , Nuciforo Paolo , Parker Joel S , Conte PierFranco , Schiff Rachel , Guarneri Valentina , Osborne C Kent , Rimawi Mothaffar F
Published: March 2019

Background

Identification of HER2-positive breast cancers with high anti-HER2 sensitivity could help de-escalate chemotherapy. Here, we tested a clinically applicable RNA-based assay that combines ERBB2 and the HER2-enriched (HER2-E) intrinsic subtype in HER2-positive disease treated with dual HER2-blockade without chemotherapy.

Methods

A research-based PAM50 assay was applied in 422 HER2-positive tumors from five II–III clinical trials (SOLTI-PAMELA, TBCRC023, TBCRC006, PER-ELISA, EGF104090). In SOLTI-PAMELA, TBCRC023, TBCRC006, and PER-ELISA, all patients had early disease and were treated with neoadjuvant lapatinib or pertuzumab plus trastuzumab for 12–24 weeks. Primary outcome was pathological complete response (pCR). In EGF104900, 296 women with advanced disease were randomized to receive either lapatinib alone or lapatinib plus trastuzumab. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall response rate (ORR), and overall survival (OS) were evaluated.

Results

A total of 305 patients with early and 117 patients with advanced HER2-positive disease were analyzed. In early disease, HER2-E represented 83.8% and 44.7% of ERBB2-high and ERBB2-low tumors, respectively. Following lapatinib and trastuzumab, the HER2-E and ERBB2 (HER2-E/ERBB2)-high group showed a higher pCR rate compared to the rest (44.5%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 35.4% to 53.9% vs 11.6%, 95% CI = 6.9% to 18.0%; adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 6.05, 95% CI = 3.10 to 11.80, P < .001). Similar findings were observed with neoadjuvant trastuzumab and pertuzumab (pCR rate of 66.7% in HER2-E/ERBB2-high, 95% CI = 22.3% to 95.7% vs 14.7% in others, 95% CI = 4.9% to 31.1%; adjusted OR = 11.60, 95% CI = 1.66 to 81.10, P = .01). In the advanced setting, the HER2-E/ERBB2-high group was independently associated with longer PFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.35 to 0.79, P < .001); higher ORR (16.3%, 95% CI = 8.9% to 26.2% vs 3.7%, 95% CI = 0.8% to 10.3%, P = .02); and longer OS (HR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.44 to 0.97, P = .01).

Conclusions

Combining HER2-E subtype and ERBB2 mRNA into a single assay identifies tumors with high responsiveness to HER2-targeted therapy. This biomarker could help de-escalate chemotherapy in approximately 40% of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.
A Re-Examination of D-H-M in the Meṣad ḤAshavyahu Ostracon (KAI 200)
Authors: Noll Sonja
Published: March 2019

Although the contents of the seventh-century bce letter found on ostraca fragments at Meṣad ḤAshavyahu are relatively well understood, the proposed interpretation of one word has been too quickly accepted and should be challenged. This is the interpretation of , in line 14, as a form of , which is said to mean ‘be silent’. The association with is not a foregone conclusion, however, and a survey of the biblical corpus demonstrates that a connection between II- and II- roots is exceptional rather than the norm. Furthermore, the existence of the root is itself uncertain, and the claim that it means ‘be silent’ is questionable rather than established. Finally, the only biblical use of the root , in Jer. 14:9, seems to have similar connotations and should be used to help interpret in the letter.
Pipeline Endovascular Device vs Stent-Assisted Coiling in Small Unruptured Aneurysms: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Malhotra Ajay , Wu Xiao , Brinjikji Waleed , Miller Timothy , Matouk Charles C , Sanelli Pina , Gandhi Dheeraj
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

Both stent-assisted coiling (SAC) and flow diversion with the Pipeline Embolization device (PED; Medtronic Inc) have been shown to be safe and clinically effective for treatment of small (<10 mm) unruptured aneurysms. However, the economic impact of these different techniques has not been established.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the cost-effectiveness between stent-assisted coiling and flow diversion using PED, including procedural costs, long-term outcomes, and aneurysm recurrence.

METHODS

A decision-analytical study was performed with Markov modeling methods to simulate patients undergoing SAC or PED for treatment for unruptured aneurysms of sizes 5 and 7 mm. Input probabilities were derived from prior literature, and 1-way, 2-way, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) were performed.

RESULTS

In base case calculation and PSA, PED was the dominant strategy for both the size groups, with and without consideration of indirect costs. One-way sensitivity analyses show that the conclusion remained robust when varying the retreatment rate of SAC from 0% to 50%, and only changes when the retreatment rate of PED > 49%. PED remained the more cost-effective strategy when the morbidity and mortality of PED increased by <55% and when those of SAC decreased by <37%. SAC only became cost-effective when the total cost of PED is >$73000 more expensive than the total cost of SAC.

CONCLUSION

With increasing use of PED for treatment of small unruptured anterior circulation aneurysms, our study indicates that PED is cost-effective relative to stent coiling irrespective of aneurysm size. This is due to lower aneurysm recurrence rate, as well as better health outcomes.
Factors Associated With Degree and Length of Recovery in Children With Mild and Complicated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Gardner James E , Teramoto Masaru , Hansen Colby
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

A complicated mild traumatic brain injury (C-mTBI) is an mTBI with some form of intracranial abnormality identified radiographically. The lack of knowledge in recovery patterns and no clear guidelines on return to activity in children with C-mTBI provide unique challenges to physicians.

OBJECTIVE

To examine recovery patterns among three cohorts: mTBI, mTBI with skull fracture only (mTBI-SF), and C-mTBI via a cross-sectional survey.

METHODS

Caregivers of children with mTBI (from hospital database queries 2010–2013) were mailed a questionnaire on preinjury health, postinjury recovery, and activity patterns before and after injury. We examined degree (0-10 with 10 being complete recovery) and length (in months) of recovery in children with mTBI, and associations of potential risk factors to these variables.

RESULTS

Of the 1777 surveyed, a total of 285 complete responses were analyzed for this study. Data included 175 (61.4%) children with mTBI, 33 (11.6%) children with mTBI-SF, and 77 (27.0%) children with C-mTBI. Older age and C-mTBI (vs mTBI) were significantly associated with a lower degree and longer period of recovery (P < .05). Predicted probabilities of complete recovery for children with mTBI, those with mTBI-SF, and those with C-mTBI were 65.5%, 52.7%, and 40.0%, respectively. Predicted probabilities of not yet completely recovered after more than a year since injury for these groups were 11.3%, 24.4%, and 37.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate significant differences in children with different forms of mTBI, and argue for further investigation of treatment plans individualized for each form of mTBI.
Bruno Bettelheim
Authors: Szajnberg Nathan
Published: March 2019

Bruno Bettelheim (b. 23 August 1903—d. 13 March 1990) was one of the foremost 20th-century thinkers about psychoanalysis, education, child therapy, and child development and treatment. He was born into a well-off Viennese family—his father, Anton, owned a lumber processing business, and his mother was the former Paula Seidler. (One grandmother had some twelve children, one of whom, he believed, was likely schizophrenic.) He attended gymnasium for a classical education and began his doctorate at the University of Vienna, where he studied until his father died. Bettelheim interrupted his studies to run the family business until 1937, then he completed his thesis on Kant and aesthetics. Some five decades later, he returned to this first love of aesthetics when he was invited to lecture in New York on art. He spoke on the artists who captured his heart and mind—Klimt, Kokoschka, and especially Schiele—artists who attempted to portray on the surface what dwelt within man’s soul. He contrasted them with the Impressionists, who focused on how surfaces shifted with changes of light. Reviewing Bettelheim’s contributions to our thinking means covering the many subjects about which he wrote and thought deeply, particularly after his concentration camp experiences. Like many Jewish refugee intellectuals from Europe—Fromm, Szasz, Erikson, Koestler, Adorno (and the unsuccessful refugee, Walter Benjamin)—his range of thinking was broad. Bettelheim’s writing covered the milieu and residential treatment of children, parenting, loss of autonomy in extreme settings, social prejudice, raising children in kibbutz, fairy tales, mistranslation (and misunderstandings) of Freud, and education. The essay “Freud’s Vienna,” as well as Freud and Man’s Soul, is the closest he came to a memoir. Prior to the Nazi Anschluss, Bettelheim joined the underground army in Austria as an officer. Once the Anschluss was announced, he was surprised, even shocked, that Austria’s neighbors did nothing and the army folded. He spent two months making sure his decommissioned soldiers were safe, and then escaped to the Czech border, where the Czechs promptly handed him over to the Nazis, who imprisoned him in the Dachau and Buchenwald concentration camps beginning in May 1938.
Article V Conventions and American Federalism: Contemporary Politics in Historical Perspective
Authors: Condray Patrick M , Conlan Timothy J
Published: March 2019

This article examines the federalism implications of state-initiated calls for an Article V convention. Article V of the U.S. Constitution allows two-thirds of the states to call for a convention to consider one or more Constitutional amendments. This article explores the framers’ intent in adding this provision to the Constitution, the history of state efforts to call an Article V convention, and the politics of contemporary efforts to promote such a convention. It utilizes a unique database of 354 state calls for an Article V convention to analyze the evolving politics of this constitutional mechanism. It argues that recent state efforts to promote an Article V convention mirror some historical patterns, particularly the focus on limiting federal government powers in some way. At the same time, Article V initiatives since 2010 diverge from historical practice in their exceedingly partisan nature, which may alter their implications for the federal system.
Liquidity Provision Contracts and Market Quality: Evidence from the New York Stock Exchange
Authors: Bessembinder Hendrik , Hao Jia , Zheng Kuncheng
Published: March 2019

We exploit a discontinuity in the New York Stock Exchange Designated Market Maker (DMM) contract to identify causal effects of DMM participation on equilibrium market outcomes. We document that contractual features that enhance DMM participation are associated with increased depth, narrower bid-ask spreads, and higher rates of price improvement, with most of the improvements attributable to increases in liquidity provision on markets other than the NYSE. These results cannot be attributed to the mechanical effects of the contractual changes and support the interpretation that market making is characterized by strategic complementarity.

Received October 7, 2017; editorial decision December 10, 2018 by Editor Itay Goldstein.
A scoping review of transmission of dengue virus from donors to recipients after solid organ transplantation
Authors: Cedano Jorge Andrés , Mora Bárbara Lucía , Parra-Lara Luis Gabriel , Manzano-Nuñez Ramiro , Rosso Fernando
Published: March 2019

Dengue virus can infect humans through vectorial and non-vectorial transmission. Classically, non-vectorial transmission has been related to vertical transmission and health care–associated infections, but recently transmission to solid organ and bone marrow recipients has been reported. We performed a scoping review of the available literature searching for evidence on screening for dengue in potential organ donors and the use of these infected organs. From 372 unique records identified, 17 were eligible to be included in our scoping study. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, three studies were included. These studies described a total of six patients from India (two case reports; n=2) and Colombia (one case series; n=4). Three patients received a liver, two received a kidney and one had a heart transplant. The onset of symptoms occurred in the first week after transplant in all cases and all experienced fever as the primary symptom. All patients presented thrombocytopenia with a platelet count <50 000. None of the patients developed graft rejection. However, four patients presented graft complications. No recipient deaths occurred. There is not a strong recommendation for dengue screening of donors in transplantation guidelines, but in endemic areas, physicians should be aware of this type of transmission before transplantation.
Respiratory Mechanics, Lung Recruitability, and Gas Exchange in Pulmonary and Extrapulmonary Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Coppola Silvia , Froio Sara , Marino Antonella , Brioni Matteo , Cesana Bruno Mario , Cressoni Massimo , Gattinoni Luciano , Chiumello Davide
Published: March 2019

Objectives:

Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a clinical syndrome characterized by a refractory hypoxemia due to an inflammatory and high permeability pulmonary edema secondary to direct or indirect lung insult (pulmonary and extrapulmonary form). Aim of this study was to evaluate in a large database of acute respiratory distress syndrome patients, the pulmonary versus extrapulmonary form in terms of respiratory mechanics, lung recruitment, gas exchange, and positive end-expiratory pressure response.

Design:

A secondary analysis of previously published data.

Patients:

One-hundred eighty-one sedated and paralyzed acute respiratory distress syndrome patients (age 60 yr [46–72 yr], body mass index 25 kg/m2 [22–28 kg/m2], and Pao
2/Fio
2 184 ± 66).

Interventions:

Lung CT scan performed at 5 and 45 cm H2O. Two levels of positive end-expiratory pressure (5 and 15 cm H2O) were randomly applied.

Measurements and Main Results:

Ninety-seven and 84 patients had a pulmonary and extrapulmonary acute respiratory distress syndrome. The median time from intensive care admission to the CT scan and respiratory mechanics analysis was 4 days (interquartile range, 2–6). At both positive end-expiratory pressure levels, pulmonary acute respiratory distress syndrome presented a significantly lower Pao
2/Fio
2 and higher physiologic dead space compared with extrapulmonary acute respiratory distress syndrome. The lung and chest wall elastance were similar between groups. The intra-abdominal pressure was significantly higher in extrapulmonary compared with pulmonary acute respiratory distress syndrome (10 mm Hg [7–12 mm Hg] vs 7 mm Hg [5–8 mm Hg]). The lung weight and lung recruitability were significantly higher in pulmonary acute respiratory distress syndrome (1,534 g [1,286–1,835 g] vs 1,342 g [1,090–1,507 g] and 16% [9–25%] vs 9% [5–14%]).

Conclusions:

In the early stage, pulmonary acute respiratory distress syndrome is characterized by a greater impairment of gas exchange and higher lung recruitability. The recognition of the origin of acute respiratory distress syndrome is important for a more customized ventilatory management.
Evolution of cooperation in an epithelium
Authors: Renton Jessie , Page Karen M.
Published: March 2019

Cooperation is prevalent in nature, not only in the context of social interactions within the animal kingdom but also on the cellular level. In cancer, for example, tumour cells can cooperate by producing growth factors. The evolution of cooperation has traditionally been studied for well-mixed populations under the framework of evolutionary game theory, and more recently for structured populations using evolutionary graph theory (EGT). The population structures arising due to cellular arrangement in tissues, however, are dynamic and thus cannot be accurately represented by either of these frameworks. In this work, we compare the conditions for cooperative success in an epithelium modelled using EGT, to those in a mechanical model of an epithelium—the Voronoi tessellation (VT) model. Crucially, in this latter model, cells are able to move, and birth and death are not spatially coupled. We calculate fixation probabilities in the VT model through simulation and an approximate analytic technique and show that this leads to stronger promotion of cooperation in comparison with the EGT model.
Beyond being innervated: the epidermis actively shapes sensory dendritic patterning
Authors: Yang Wei-Kang , Chien Cheng-Ting
Published: March 2019

Sensing environmental cues requires well-built neuronal circuits linked to the body surface. Sensory neurons generate dendrites to innervate surface epithelium, thereby making it the largest sensory organ in the body. Previous studies have illustrated that neuronal type, physiological function and branching patterns are determined by intrinsic factors. Perhaps for effective sensation or protection, sensory dendrites bind to or are surrounded by the substrate epidermis. Recent studies have shed light on the mechanisms by which dendrites interact with their substrates. These interactions suggest that substrates can regulate dendrite guidance, arborization and degeneration. In this review, we focus on recent studies of
Drosophila
and
Caenorhabditis elegans
that demonstrate how epidermal cells can regulate dendrites in several aspects.
Neural basis of hunger-driven behaviour in
Drosophila
Authors: Lin Suewei , Senapati Bhagyashree , Tsao Chang-Hui
Published: March 2019

Hunger is a motivational state that drives eating and food-seeking behaviour. In a psychological sense, hunger sets the goal that guides an animal in the pursuit of food. The biological basis underlying this purposive, goal-directed nature of hunger has been under intense investigation. With its rich behavioural repertoire and genetically tractable nervous system, the fruit fly
Drosophila melanogaster
has emerged as an excellent model system for studying the neural basis of hunger and hunger-driven behaviour. Here, we review our current understanding of how hunger is sensed, encoded and translated into foraging and feeding behaviours in the fruit fly.
From template to anchors: transfer of virtual pendulum posture control balance template to adaptive neuromuscular gait model increases walking stability
Authors: Davoodi Ayoob , Mohseni Omid , Seyfarth Andre , Sharbafi Maziar A.
Published: March 2019

Biomechanical models with different levels of complexity are of advantage to understand the underlying principles of legged locomotion. Following a minimalistic approach of gradually increasing model complexity based onTemplate & Anchorconcept, in this paper, a spring-loaded inverted pendulum-based walking model is extended by a rigid trunk, hip muscles and reflex control, called nmF (neuromuscular force modulated compliant hip) model. Our control strategy includes leg force feedback to activate hip muscles (originated from the FMCH approach), and a discrete linear quadratic regulator for adapting muscle reflexes. The nmF model demonstrates human-like walking kinematic and dynamic features such as the virtual pendulum (VP) concept, inherited from the FMCH model. Moreover, the robustness against postural perturbations is two times higher in the nmF model compared to the FMCH model and even further increased in the adaptive nmF model. This is due to the intrinsic muscle dynamics and the tuning of the reflex gains. With this, we demonstrate, for the first time, the evolution of mechanical template models (e.g. VP concept) to a more physiological level (nmF model). This shows that the template model can be successfully used to design and control robust locomotor systems with more realistic system behaviours.
Self-assembly of sodium dodecylsulfate and dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide mixed surfactants with dyes in aqueous mixtures
Authors: Sachin K. M. , Karpe Sameer A. , Singh Man , Bhattarai Ajaya
Published: March 2019

The micellar property of mixed surfactant systems, cationic (dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide, DTAB) and anionic (sodium dodecylsulfate, SDS) surfactants with variable molar ratios in aqueous system has been reported by using surface tension and conductivity measurements at
T
= 293.15, 298.15 and 303.15 K. DTAB concentrations are varied from 1.0 × 10
−4
to 3 × 10
−4
mol l
−1
in 1.0 × 10
−2
mol l
−1
SDS solution while the SDS concentration is varied from 1.0 × 10
−3
to 1.5 × 10
−2
mol l
−1
in approximately 5.0 × 10
−3
mol l
−1
DTAB, so that such concentrations of DTAB-SDS (DTAB-rich) and SDS-DTAB (SDS-rich) solutions were chosen 3 : 1 ratio. The critical micellar concentration, as well as surface and thermodynamic properties for DTAB-rich and SDS-rich solutions, were evaluated by the surface tension (
γ
) and conductivity (
κ
) methods. The pseudo phase separation model was coupled with the dissociated Margules model for synergism. The Krafft temperature behaviour and optical analysis of mixed surfactants are studied using conductivity and UV–Vis spectroscopy, respectively. The dispersibility and stability of DTAB-rich and SDS-rich solutions with and without dyes (2.5 × 10
−5
mol l
−1
of methyl orange and methylene blue) are carried out by using UV–Vis spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering.
The direction after-effect is a global motion phenomenon
Authors: Curran William , Beattie Lee , Bilello Delfina , Coulter Laura A. , Currie Jade A. , Pimentel Leon Jessica M.
Published: March 2019

Prior experience influences visual perception. For example, extended viewing of a moving stimulus results in the misperception of a subsequent stimulus's motion direction—the direction after-effect (DAE). There has been an ongoing debate regarding the locus of the neural mechanisms underlying the DAE. We know the mechanisms are cortical, but there is uncertainty about where in the visual cortex they are located—at relatively early local motion processing stages, or at later global motion stages. We used a unikinetic plaid as an adapting stimulus, then measured the DAE experienced with a drifting random dot test stimulus. A unikinetic plaid comprises a static grating superimposed on a drifting grating of a different orientation. Observers cannot see the true motion direction of the moving component; instead they see pattern motion running parallel to the static component. The pattern motion of unikinetic plaids is encoded at the global processing level—specifically, in cortical areas MT and MST—and the local motion component is encoded earlier. We measured the direction after-effect as a function of the plaid's local and pattern motion directions. The DAE was induced by the plaid's pattern motion, but not by its component motion. This points to the neural mechanisms underlying the DAE being located at the global motion processing level, and no earlier than area MT.