bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Fatal Gastrointestinal and Peritoneal Ischemic Disease” of Unknown Cause at Arba Minch Hospital, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Feyisa Jilcha Diribi , Kenea Melka , Gashaw Efrem , Getahun Eskezyiaw Agedew , Hicks Barry Leon , Desalegn Hailemichael
Published: October 2018

Gastrointestinal and peritoneal ischemic disease due to unknown etiology present with intestinal obstruction and/or peritonitis otherwise in healthy patient emerged as fatal disease at Arba Minch General Hospital. This disorder was diagnosed based on intraoperative finding. Clinical presentation and natural history of disease progression were similar. It is estimated that about 6–10 lives are being claimed each year at Arba Minch Hospital with this disease of unidentified cause accounting for the largest figure of surgical department. Here we report case analysis and literature review illustrating clinical presentation, workup, preoperative diagnosis, intraoperative diagnosis, and final outcome of fatal gastrointestinal and peritoneal ischemic disease.
The Differential Effects of Leukocyte-Containing and Pure Platelet-Rich Plasma on Nucleus Pulposus-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Implications for the Clinical Treatment of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Jia Jun , Wang Shan-zheng , Ma Liang-yu , Yu Jia-bin , Guo Yu-dong , Wang Chen
Published: October 2018

Background. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a promising strategy for intervertebral disc degeneration. However, the potential harmful effects of leukocytes in PRP on nucleus pulposus-derived mesenchymal stem cells (NPMSCs) have seldom been studied. This study aimed at comparatively evaluating effects of pure platelet-rich plasma (P-PRP) and leukocyte-containing platelet-rich plasma (L-PRP) on rabbit NPMSCs in vitro. Methods. NPMSCs isolated from rabbit NP tissues were treated with L-PRP or P-PRP in vitro, and then cell proliferation and expression of stem cell markers, proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β), production of ECM (extracellular matrix-related protein), and NF-κB p65 protein were validated by CCK-8 assay, real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence, and western blot respectively. Results. NPMSCs differentiate into nucleus pulposus-like cells after treatment of PRPs (P-PRP and L-PRP), and NPMSCs exhibited maximum proliferation at a 10% PRP dose. L-PRP had observably higher concentration of leukocytes, TNF-α, and IL-1β than P-PRP. Furthermore, compared to P-PRP, L-PRP induced the differentiated NPMSCs to upregulate the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β, enhanced activation of the NF-κB pathway, increased the expression of MMP-1 and MMP-13, and produced less ECM in differentiated NPMSCs. Conclusions. Both P-PRP and L-PRP can induce the proliferation and NP-differentiation of NPMSCs. Compared to L-PRP, P-PRP can avoid the activation of the NF-κB pathway, thus reducing the inflammatory and catabolic responses.
Study on the Spatially Variable Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity and Deformation Behavior of Accumulation Reservoir Landslide Based on Surface Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Survey
Authors: Zhang Shu , Xiahou Yunshan , Tang Huiming , Huang Lei , Liu Xiao , Wu Qiong
Published: October 2018

Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) is spatially variable in accumulation landslide sites that exert significant effort onto landslide seepage and deformation behavior. To better understand spatial variability and the effect of Ks on the slide mass of an accumulation landslide, this study introduced the surface nuclear magnetic resonance (SNMR) technology to study a representative reservoir accumulation landslide field in the Three Gorges Reservoir area (TGRA), the Baishuihe landslide, to obtain a series of relative reliable spatial measurements of Ks effectively on the basis of calibration in terms of the field tests measurements. The estimated Ks values were distributed log‐normally for the overall landslide mass site with a wide range of 3.00 × 10−6∼7.80 × 10−3 cm/s, which reaches about 3 orders of magnitude. Variogram analysis indicated that the Ks values have the range (A) of 295.89 m and 65.56 m for the overall site and major cross‐sectional analysis, respectively. A finite‐element seepage‐stress analysis associated with a Kriging‐interpolated spatial Ks variable calculation model based on the best‐fitted theoretical variogram was subsequently performed to study the seepage and deformation behavior of the landslide. The available monitored data and simulated results of the finite‐element seepage‐stress analysis indicated that the Baishuihe landslide is a progressive landslide, and the main factor influencing the deformation is rainfall and reservoir water fluctuation. This study provides an unconventional framework for studying the heterogeneous geomaterial and contributes to a better understanding of the spatial variation of the hydraulic property of accumulation reservoir landslides at a field scale.
Experimental Combined Numerical Approach for Evaluation of Battery Capacity Based on the Initial Applied Stress, the Real-Time Stress, Charging Open Circuit Voltage, and Discharging Open Circuit Voltage
Authors: Yun Liu , Panda Biranchi , Gao Liang , Garg Akhil , Meijuan Xu , Chen Dezhi , Wang Chin-Tsan
Published: October 2018

With the intensification of energy crisis, considerable attention has been paid to the application and research of lithium-ion batteries. A significant progress has also been made in the research of lithium-ion battery capacity evaluation using electrochemical and electrical parameters. In this study, the effect of mechanical characteristic parameter (i.e., stack stress) on battery capacity is investigated using the experimental combined numerical approach. The objective of the proposed approach is to evaluate the capacity based on the initial applied stress, the real-time stress, charging open circuit voltage, and discharging open circuit voltage. Experiments were designed and the data is fed into evolutionary approach of genetic programming. Based on analysis, the accuracy of the proposed GP model is fairly high while the maximum percentage of error is about 5%. In addition, a negative correlation exists between the initial stress and battery capacity while the capacity increases with real-time stress.
Feasibility of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Monitoring of Postoperative Total Knee Arthroplasty without Metal Artifacts: A Preliminary Study of a Novel Implant Model
Authors: Meng Xiangchao , Du Zhe , Wang You
Published: October 2018

Background. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide superior detailed images of tissues without ionizing radiation, the imaging evaluation of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) complications and posttherapy changes can be limited because of abundant artifacts on MRI scans due to metallic implants and endoprosthesis in limb salvage and fracture fixation. This study aimed to develop a novel model of TKA using a polyetheretherketone- (PEEK-) on-highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) implant and to investigate its feasibility for MRI monitoring of peri-implant bone formation, the healing process, signs of infection, and tumor recurrence after TKA. Methods. Three skeletally mature goats underwent TKA with the PEEK-on-HXLPE implant. Radiographic and MRI examinations were performed at 4 weeks postoperatively. Images were analyzed for the existence of artifact interruption and postoperative changes in the bone and peripheral soft tissue. Results. The results showed that PEEK and HXLPE were invisible, but the metal wires were clearly visualized on X-rays. On MRI scans, PEEK and HXLPE materials showed a low signal intensity, fine metal wires generated no obvious metal artifacts on MRI scans, and the marrow and soft tissue showed a continuous signal intensity without artifact interruption. Conclusions. This preliminary study introduced a novel model using PEEK-on-HXLPE knee implant for in vivo MRI monitoring of the region around the implant without metal artifacts. This novel model may be used to apply MRI to observe bone formation and the healing process around the prosthesis and the signs of infection and tumor recurrence after TKA. This model may be used to improve the diagnostic accuracy of postoperative complications of TKA clinically.
Artificial Membrane Induced by Novel Biodegradable Nanofibers in the Masquelet Procedure for Treatment of Segmental Bone Defects
Authors: Yu Yi-Hsun , Wu Ren-Chin , Lee Demei , Chen Che-Kang , Liu Shih-Jung
Published: October 2018

The Masquelet induced-membrane technique for the treatment of segmental bone defects includes a two-stage surgical procedure, and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) plays a major role in the treatment. However, the PMMA spacer must be surgically removed. Here, we investigated the potential of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanofibers, a biodegradable material to replace the PMMA spacer, allowing the bioactive membrane to be induced and the spacer to degrade without the additional surgery on a rabbit femoral segmental bone defect model. PLGA nanofibers were shown to degrade completely six weeks after implantation in the investigated animals, and a thick membrane was found to circumferentially fold around the segmental bone defects. Results from image studies demonstrated that, in the group without the bone graft, all studied femurs exhibited either nonunion or considerable malunion. In contrast, the femurs in the bone graft group had a high union rate without considerable deformities. Histological examinations suggested that the membranous tissue in this group was rich in small blood vessels and the expression of BMP2 and VEGF increased. Our results demonstrate that the biodegradable PLGA nanofibers may be useful for replacing the PMMA spacer as the bioactive-membrane inducer, facilitating the process of healing and removing the need for repeated surgeries.
The Effect of Anterior Capsule Polishing on Capsular Contraction and Lens Stability in Cataract Patients with High Myopia
Authors: Wang Dandan , Yu Xiaoyu , Li Zhangliang , Ding Xixia , Lian Hengli , Mao Jianyang , Zhao Yinying , Zhao Yun-E.
Published: October 2018

Purpose. To evaluate the effect of anterior capsule polishing in patients with high myopia after cataract surgery. Setting. The Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China. Design. Prospective study. Methods. High myopic patients with a bilateral cataract who underwent phacoemulsification with 360° anterior capsular polishing in one eye and without polishing in the contralateral eye were recruited. The following parameters were recorded at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively, including the area and diameter of the anterior capsule opening (area and D), IOL tilt and decentration, refraction, and postoperative aqueous depth (PAD). Results. Paired samples of 38 eyes of 19 patients were enrolled. The area decreased significantly in both the polished group and unpolished group, whereas the diameter reduced more in the unpolished group. The IOL tilt and decentration at 3-month and 6-month follow-up showed significant differences between two groups. In the unpolished group, the IOL decentration firstly appeared between one-month to three-month visit, while the refraction error, PAD, and IOL tilt were significantly different between the three-month and six-month visits. Conclusion. 360° anterior capsule polishing can effectively reduce the extent of the anterior capsule contraction and increase the stability of IOL. The study was registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, and the clinical trial accession number is NCT 03142269.
Sinking Skin Flap Syndrome: Phenomenon of Neurological Deterioration after Decompressive Craniectomy
Authors: Khan Noman Ahmed Jang , Ullah Saad , Alkilani Waseem , Zeb Hassan , Tahir Hassan , Suri Joshan
Published: October 2018

Sinking skin flap syndrome is rare phenomenon that occurs in patients with large craniectomies. Alteration in normal anatomy and pathophysiology can result in wide variety of symptoms including altered mental status, hemodynamic instability, and dysautonomias. Management is largely conservative. We here present a case of a patient with large craniectomy who was admitted to our hospital with pneumonia. Later on, he developed worsening mental status and CT head revealed sinking skin flap with significant midline shift. This is a very rare case of neurological deterioration after craniectomies, commonly known as sinking skin flap syndrome. To our knowledge, only few cases have been reported so far.
Leveraging Bioorthogonal Click Chemistry to Improve 225Ac-Radioimmunotherapy of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Poty Sophie , Carter Lukas M. , Mandleywala Komal , Membreno Rosemery , Abdel-Atti Dalya , Ragupathi Ashwin , Scholz Wolfgang W. , Zeglis Brian M. , Lewis Jason S.
Published: October 2018

Purpose:

Interest in targeted alpha-therapy has surged due to α-particles' high cytotoxicity. However, the widespread clinical use of this approach could be limited by on-/off-target toxicities. Here, we investigated the inverse electron-demand Diels–Alder ligation between an 225Ac-labeled tetrazine radioligand and a trans-cyclooctene–bearing anti-CA19.9 antibody (5B1) for pretargeted α-radioimmunotherapy (PRIT) of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This alternative strategy is expected to reduce nonspecific toxicities as compared with conventional radioimmunotherapy (RIT).

Experimental Design: A side-by-side comparison of 225Ac-PRIT and conventional RIT using a directly 225Ac-radiolabeled immunoconjugate evaluates the therapeutic efficacy and toxicity of both methodologies in PDAC murine models.

Results:

A comparative biodistribution study of the PRIT versus RIT methodology underscored the improved pharmacokinetic properties (e.g., prolonged tumor uptake and increased tumor-to-tissue ratios) of the PRIT approach. Cerenkov imaging coupled to PRIT confirmed the in vivo biodistribution of 225Ac-radioimmunoconjugate but—importantly—further allowed for the ex vivo monitoring of 225Ac's radioactive daughters' redistribution. Human dosimetry was extrapolated from the mouse biodistribution and confirms the clinical translatability of 225Ac-PRIT. Furthermore, longitudinal therapy studies performed in subcutaneous and orthotopic PDAC models confirm the therapeutic efficacy of 225Ac-PRIT with the observation of prolonged median survival compared with control cohorts. Finally, a comparison with conventional RIT highlighted the potential of 225Ac-PRIT to reduce hematotoxicity while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.

Conclusions:

The ability of 225Ac-PRIT to deliver a radiotherapeutic payload while simultaneously reducing the off-target toxicity normally associated with RIT suggests that the clinical translation of this approach will have a profound impact on PDAC therapy.
Clonal Relatedness and Mutational Differences between Upper Tract and Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Audenet François , Isharwal Sumit , Cha Eugene K. , Donoghue Mark T.A. , Drill Esther N. , Ostrovnaya Irina , Pietzak Eugene J. , Sfakianos John P. , Bagrodia Aditya , Murugan Paari , Dalbagni Guido , Donahue Timothy F. , Rosenberg Jonathan E. , Bajorin Dean F. , Arcila Maria E. , Hechtman Jaclyn F. , Berger Michael F. , Taylor Barry S. , Al-Ahmadie Hikmat , Iyer Gopa , Bochner Bernard H. , Coleman Jonathan A. , Solit David B.
Published: October 2018

Purpose:

To investigate genomic differences between urothelial carcinomas of the upper tract (UTUC) and bladder (UCB), with a focus on defining the clonal relatedness of temporally distinct tumors.

Experimental Design:

We prospectively sequenced tumors and matched germline DNA using targeted next-generation sequencing methods. The cohort included 195 UTUC patients and 454 UCB patients. For a subgroup of 29 patients with UTUC and a history of a subsequent UCB, both tumors were analyzed to assess their clonal relatedness.

Results:

With the progression to higher UTUC clinical state, there were fewer alterations in the RTK/RAS pathway but more alterations in TP53/MDM2. Compared with UCB, TP53, RB1, and ERBB2 were less frequently altered in UTUC (26% vs. 46%, 3% vs. 20%, 8% vs. 19%, respectively; Q < 0.001), whereas FGFR3 and HRAS were more frequently altered (40% vs. 26%, 12% vs. 4%, respectively; Q < 0.001). On the basis of an integrated analysis of tumor mutational burden, MSIsensor score and mutational signature, 7.2% of UTUC tumors were classified as MSI-high/MMR-deficient (MSI-H/dMMR). The risk of bladder recurrence after UTUC was significantly associated with mutations in FGFR3, KDM6A, CCND1, and TP53. Comparison of UCB with corresponding UTUC tumors from the same patient supports their clonal relatedness.

Conclusions:

UTUC and UCB exhibit significant differences in the prevalence of common genomic alterations. In individual patients with a history of both tumors, UCB and UTUC were always clonally related. Genomic characterization of UTUC provides information regarding the risk of bladder recurrence and can identify tumors associated with Lynch syndrome.
Targeting of Hematologic Malignancies with PTC299, A Novel Potent Inhibitor of Dihydroorotate Dehydrogenase with Favorable Pharmaceutical Properties
Authors: Cao Liangxian , Weetall Marla , Trotta Christopher , Cintron Katherine , Ma Jiyuan , Kim Min Jung , Furia Bansri , Romfo Charles , Graci Jason D. , Li Wencheng , Du Joshua , Sheedy Josephine , Hedrick Jean , Risher Nicole , Yeh Shirley , Qi Hongyan , Arasu Tamil , Hwang Seongwoo , Lennox William , Kong Ronald , Petruska Janet , Moon Young-Choon , Babiak John , Davis Thomas W. , Jacobson Allan , Almstead Neil G. , Branstrom Art , Colacino Joseph M. , Peltz Stuart W.
Published: October 2018

PTC299 was identified as an inhibitor of VEGFA mRNA translation in a phenotypic screen and evaluated in the clinic for treatment of solid tumors. To guide precision cancer treatment, we performed extensive biological characterization of the activity of PTC299 and demonstrated that inhibition of VEGF production and cell proliferation by PTC299 is linked to a decrease in uridine nucleotides by targeting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), a rate-limiting enzyme for de novo pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis. Unlike previously reported DHODH inhibitors that were identified using in vitro enzyme assays, PTC299 is a more potent inhibitor of DHODH in isolated mitochondria suggesting that mitochondrial membrane lipid engagement in the DHODH conformation in situ is required for its optimal activity. PTC299 has broad and potent activity against hematologic cancer cells in preclinical models, reflecting a reduced pyrimidine nucleotide salvage pathway in leukemia cells. Archived serum samples from patients treated with PTC299 demonstrated increased levels of dihydroorotate, the substrate of DHODH, indicating target engagement in patients. PTC299 has advantages over previously reported DHODH inhibitors, including greater potency, good oral bioavailability, and lack of off-target kinase inhibition and myelosuppression, and thus may be useful for the targeted treatment of hematologic malignancies.
Combination Therapy Using Ruxolitinib and Oncolytic HSV Renders Resistant MPNSTs Susceptible to Virotherapy
Authors: Ghonime Mohammed G. , Cassady Kevin A.
Published: October 2018

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are aggressive soft-tissue sarcomas resistant to most cancer treatments. Surgical resection remains the primary treatment, but this is often incomplete, ultimately resulting in high mortality and morbidity rates. There has been a resurgence of interest in oncolytic virotherapy because of encouraging preclinical and clinical trial results. Oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) selectively replicates in cancer cells, lysing the cell and inducing antitumor immunity. We previously showed that basal interferon (IFN) signaling increases interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) expression, restricting viral replication in almost 50% of MPNSTs. The FDA-approved drug ruxolitinib (RUX) temporarily resets this constitutively active STAT signaling and renders the tumor cells susceptible to oHSV infection in cell culture. In the studies described here, we translated our in vitro results into a syngeneic MPNST tumor model. Consistent with our previous results, murine MPNSTs exhibit a similar IFN- and ISG-mediated oHSV-resistance mechanism, and virotherapy alone provides no antitumor benefit in vivo. However, pretreatment of mice with ruxolitinib reduced ISG expression, making the tumors susceptible to oHSV infection. Ruxolitinib pretreatment improved viral replication and altered the oHSV-induced immune-mediated response. Our results showed that this combination therapy increased CD8+ T-cell activation in the tumor microenvironment and that this population was indispensable for the antitumor benefit that follows from the combination of RUX and oHSV. These data suggest that JAK inhibition prior to oncolytic virus treatment augments both oHSV replication and the immunotherapeutic efficacy of oncolytic herpes virotherapy.
Altered Binding of Tumor Antigenic Peptides to MHC Class I Affects CD8+ T Cell–Effector Responses
Authors: Clancy-Thompson Eleanor , Devlin Christine A. , Tyler Paul M. , Servos Mariah M. , Ali Lestat R. , Ventre Katherine S. , Bhuiyan M. Aladdin , Bruck Patrick T. , Birnbaum Michael E. , Dougan Stephanie K.
Published: October 2018

T-cell priming occurs when a naïve T cell recognizes cognate peptide–MHC complexes on an activated antigen-presenting cell. The circumstances of this initial priming have ramifications on the fate of the newly primed T cell. Newly primed CD8+ T cells can embark onto different trajectories, with some becoming short-lived effector cells and others adopting a tissue resident or memory cell fate. To determine whether T-cell priming influences the quality of the effector T-cell response to tumors, we used transnuclear CD8+ T cells that recognize the melanoma antigen TRP1 using TRP1high or TRP1low TCRs that differ in both affinity and fine specificity. From a series of altered peptide ligands, we identified a point mutation (K8) in a nonanchor residue that, when analyzed crystallographically and biophysically, destabilized the peptide interaction with the MHC binding groove. In vitro, the K8 peptide induced robust proliferation of both TRP1high and TRP1low CD8+ T cells but did not induce expression of PD-1. Cytokine production from K8-stimulated TRP1 cells was minimal, whereas cytotoxicity was increased. Upon transfer into B16 tumor–bearing mice, the reference peptide (TRP1-M9)- and K8-stimulated TRP1 cells were equally effective at controlling tumor growth but accomplished this through different mechanisms. TRP1-M9–stimulated cells produced more IFNγ, whereas K8-stimulated cells accumulated to higher numbers and were more cytotoxic. We, therefore, conclude that TCR recognition of weakly binding peptides during priming can skew the effector function of tumor-specific CD8+ T cells.
Risk of Fetal Loss in Pregnancies Undergoing Midtrimester Amniocentesis after Inconclusive Chorionic Villus Sampling
Authors: Salsi Ginevra , Grati Francesca Romana , Bellussi Federica , Pompilii Eva , Maggi Federico , Simoni Giuseppe , D’Ambrosi Francesco , Orsi Michele , Gentile Mattia , Rembouskos Georgios , Zuliani Guglielmo , Volpe Paolo , Pilu Gianluigi
Published: October 2018

Objective: To estimate the procedure-related risk of miscarriage in pregnancies undergoing amniocentesis (AC) following inconclusive results for a chorionic villus sampling (CVS). Methods: This was a multicentric retrospective cohort study of patients in which both CVS at 11–13 weeks’ gestation and AC at 16–22 weeks were performed between January 1st, 2008, and July 31st, 2017. The primary outcome measure was pregnancy loss prior to 24 weeks gestation; the secondary one was intrauterine demise after 24 weeks. Results: A total of 287 patients underwent transabdominal CVS and AC. Nine patients were lost at follow-up; therefore, the analysis was conducted on a population of 278 patients (275 singletons and 3 dichorionic twin pregnancies). AC was performed because of placental mosaicism (93.6%), failure of direct/semidirect preparation of trophoblastic cells (3.2%), or targeted genetic testing after the diagnosis of an anomaly in the second trimester (3.2%). In continuing pregnancies, there were no fetal losses prior to 24 weeks’ gestation. Two intrauterine demises (including 1 fetus with multiple anomalies and growth restriction) in the third trimester were recorded. Conclusion: Patients undergoing midtrimester AC because of an inconclusive result of CVS can be reasonably reassured that in general the risk of miscarriage and fetal loss following the procedure is very small.
Observational Study of a Wearable Sensor and Smartphone Application Supporting Unsupervised Exercises to Assess Pain and Stiffness
Authors: Perraudin Caroline G.M. , Illiano Vittorio P. , Calvo Francesc , O’Hare Emer , Donnelly Seamas C. , Mullan Ronan H. , Sander Oliver , Caulfield Brian , Dorn Jonas F.
Published: October 2018

Background: Evaluation of pain and stiffness in patients with arthritis is largely based on participants retrospectively reporting their self-perceived pain/stiffness. This is subjective and may not accurately reflect the true impact of therapeutic interventions. We now have access to sensor-based systems to continuously capture objective information regarding movement and activity. Objectives: We present an observational study aimed to collect sensor data from participants monitored while performing an unsupervised version of a standard motor task, known as the Five Times Sit to Stand (5×STS) test. The first objective was to explore whether the participants would perform the test regularly in their home environment, and do so in a correct and consistent manner. The second objective was to demonstrate that the measurements collected would enable us to derive an objective signal related to morning pain and stiffness. Methods: We recruited a total of 45 participants, of whom 30 participants fulfilled pre-defined criteria for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or psoriatic arthritis and 15 participants were healthy volunteers. All participants wore accelerometers on their wrists, day and night for about 4 weeks. The participants were asked to perform the 5×STS test in their own home environment at the same time in the morning 3 times per week. We investigated the relationship between pain/stiffness and measurements collected during the 5×STS test by comparing the 5×STS test duration with the patient-reported outcome (PRO) questionnaires, filled in via a smartphone. Results: During the study, we successfully captured accelerometer data from each participant for a period of 4 weeks. The participants performed 56% of the prescribed 5×STS tests. We observed that different tests made by the same participants were performed with subject-specific characteristics that remained consistent throughout the study. We showed that 5×STS test duration (the time taken to complete the 5×STS test) was significantly and robustly associated with the pain and stiffness intensity reported via the PROs, particularly the questions asked in the morning. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the feasibility and usefulness of regular, sensor-based, monitored, unsupervised physical tests to objectively assess the impact of disease on function in the home environment. This approach may permit remote disease monitoring in clinical trials and support the development of novel endpoints from passively collected actigraphy data.
Ethyl Pyruvate Attenuates CaCl2-Induced Tubular Epithelial Cell Injury by Inhibiting Autophagy and Inflammatory Responses
Authors: Zhao Jiawen , Cheng Jiwen , Li Chengyang , Xu Mingbin , Ma Chenjun , Qin Lei , Yi Kai , Liao Naikai
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: Nephrolithiasis is one of the most prevalent diseases of the urinary system. Approximately 80% of human kidney stones are composed of calcium oxalate (CaOx), and hypercalciuria is one of the most common metabolic disorders. Emerging evidence indicates that autophagy and inflammatory responses are related to the formation of CaOx nephrolithiasis. However, the roles of autophagy and inflammation in patients with hypercalciuria remain unclear. Ethyl pyruvate (EP) displays protective effects in experimental models of many illnesses. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of EP in vitro through its inhibition of autophagy and inflammatory responses after CaCl2-induced tubular epithelial cell injury. Methods: First, we cultured human tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells in the presence of various concentrations of CaCl2 (0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mg/ml) for 12 h and EP (0, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 mM) for 2 h to select the optimum concentration using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. Cells in culture were stimulated with CaCl2 (1.0 mg/ml, 12 h) with or without EP pretreatment (2.5 mM, 2 h). After the exposure, we detected the expression of inflammation-related proteins using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot analysis. Finally, the levels of autophagy-related proteins were determined through Western blot analysis, and the number of GFP-LC3 dots and autophagic vacuoles was detected under confocal microscopy. Results: With the use of the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and the LDH assay, we identified the optimum concentration for CaCl2 (1.0 mg/ml) treatment and EP pretreatment (2.5 mM). Our research indicated that CaCl2 can induce autophagy and inflammatory responses in HK-2 cells. Furthermore, treatment with EP prior to CaCl2 stimulation attenuated HK-2 cell injury by inhibiting autophagy and inflammation. Conclusion: Our results provide evidence that EP attenuates CaCl2-induced injury of HK-2 cells by downregulating the expression of inflammation and autophagy proteins that may be associated with the inhibition of the high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1)/toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB pathway and the competitive interaction with Beclin-1 of HMGB1.
Overexpression of KIF2A is Suppressed by miR-206 and Associated with Poor Prognosis in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Sheng Nan , Xu Yun-Zhao , Xi Qing-Hua , Jiang Hai-Yan , Wang Chen-Yi , Zhang Yu , Ye Qing
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: This study aimed to investigate the expression and prognostic value of kinesin family member 2A (KIF2A) and the suppression effects of microRNA-206 (miR-206) on KIF2A in ovarian cancer. Methods: Ovarian cancer tissues from patients and ovarian cancer cell lines (A2780 and SKOV3) were used in this study. miR-206 mimics and control were transiently transfected into cells. RT-qPCR was performed to detect KIF2A mRNA and miR-206 expression levels, Western blot was performed to detect KIF2A protein levels, Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay was used to examine the inhibition effects of miR-206 on KIF2A mRNA, immunohistochemical staining was used to examine the expression of KIF2A in tissue sections. CCK-8, transwell and Annexin-V-FITC/Propidium Iodide staining with flow cytometry were used to detect the cell proliferation, migration/invasion, and apoptosis respectively. Results: Our study explored the expression profiles of KIF2A and miR-206 in the patients with ovarian cancer. We found that overexpression of KIF2A was associated with a poor prognosis in ovarian cancer. We also found that KIF2A mRNA contains two target sites for miR-206 binding and confirmed that miR-206 directly suppresses KIF2A; inhibits ovarian cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion; and induces apoptosis. Conclusion: The results suggest KIF2A could serve a valuable prognostic indicator in ovarian cancer and provide a rationale for treatment of ovarian cancer by targeting KIF2A via miR-206.
Associations Between Blood Pressure and Arterial Stiffness With Cognition: Neuroaggression or Neuroselection?
Authors: Ferreira Isabel
Published: October 2018

See Article by
Lamballais et al
.
Pollen morphology of some Arenaria taxa (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: DOĞAN CAHİT , ERDEM SEDAT ÖMER
Published: October 2018

Palynological characteristics of 11 taxa belonging to the genus Arenaria (Caryophyllaceae) have been examined. Pollen grains in the pollen slides, which were prepared according to the method of acetolysis, morphological features were determined with light microscope and also with SEM, then microphotographs of pollens were taken. Morphological examinations were performed on the part of the work carried out with light microscope, pollen sizes, pore sizes and numbers were observed to vary between taxa. The pollen type of the studied taxa is pantoporate (periporate), pollen shape is prolate spheroidal, exine structure is subtectate, the ornamentation is microechinate-perforate. The pores are covered with operculum and the surface of the operculum is microechinate. According to the results of the study, pollen definitions of the taxa were made. Based on different palyno-morphological characters, a taxonomic key was develop for quick and accurate identification. The results of the study corroborate that morphological features, such as axes, aperture number, Plg, and Plt diameter and distance between pores, show differences which can be taken into consideration in the systematic discrimination within the groups, and also for discrimination of the taxa in the genus Arenaria.
Anthurium narae—A new species of Araceae from a small forest fragment in southeastern Brazil
Authors: CAMELO MEL C. , COELHO MARCUS A. N. , TEMPONI LÍVIA G.
Published: October 2018

Anthurium narae is described from the state of Minas Gerais, in southeastern Brazil. It occurs in a small forest fragment of semideciduous seasonal montane forest, a component of Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Descriptions, illustrations, photographs and comparison with other similar species of Anthurium sect. Urospadix are provided together with comments about geographical distribution, ecology, phenology, and conservation status.
Molecular and cytological evidences denied the immediate-hybrid hypothesis for Saxifraga yuparensis (sect. Bronchiales, Saxifragaceae) endemic to Mt. Yubari in Hokkaido, northern Japan
Authors: TAMURA SAYA , FUKUDA TOMOKO , PIMENOVA ELENA A. , PETRUNENKO EKATERINA A. , KRESTOV PAVEL V. , BONDARCHUK SVETLANA N. , CHERNYAGINA OLGA A. , SUYAMA YOSHIHISA , TSUNAMOTO YOSHIHIRO , MATSUO AYUMU , TSUBOI HAYATO , TAKAHASHI HIDEKI , SATO KEN , NISHIKAWA YOKO , SHIMAMURA TAKASHI , FUJITA HIROKO , NAKAMURA KOH
Published: October 2018

SAYA TAMURA, TOMOKO FUKUDA, ELENA A. PIMENOVA, EKATERINA A. PETRUNENKO, PAVEL V. KRESTOV, SVETLANA N. BONDARCHUK, OLGA A. CHERNYAGINA, YOSHIHISA SUYAMA, YOSHIHIRO TSUNAMOTO, AYUMU MATSUO, HAYATO TSUBOI, HIDEKI TAKAHASHI, KEN SATO, YOKO NISHIKAWA, TAKASHI SHIMAMURA, HIROKO FUJITA & KOH NAKAMURA An alpine plant Saxifraga yuparensis is endemic to a scree consisting of greenschist of Mt. Yubari in Hokkaido, Japan and it has been proposed as an immediate hybrid derived from two species of the same section Bronchiales based on morphological intermediacy: namely S. nishidae, a diploid species endemic to a nearby cliff composed of greenschist and tetraploid S. rebunshirensis comparatively broadly distributed in Japan and Russian Far East. Saxifraga yuparensis is red-listed and it is crucial for conservation planning to clarify whether this is an immediate hybrid and lacks a unique gene pool. The immediate-hybrid hypothesis was tested by molecular and cytological data. In nuclear ribosomal and chloroplast DNA trees based on maximum parsimony and Bayesian criteria, S. yuparensis and S. rebunshirensis formed a clade with several other congeners while S. nishidae formed another distinct clade. Genome-wide SNP data clearly separated these three species in principal coordinate space, placing S. yuparensis not in-between of S. rebunshirensis and S. nishidae. Chromosome observation indicated that S. yuparensis is tetraploid, not triploid directly derived from diploid-tetraploid crossing. Additionally, observation of herbarium specimens revealed that leaf apex shape of S. yuparensis fell within the variation of S. rebunshirensis. These results indicate that S. yuparensis is not an immediate hybrid of S. rebunshirensis and S. nishidae but a distinct lineage and an extremely narrow endemic species, that deserves for intensive conservation.
A new species of Ouratea (Ochnaceae) from the Atlantic Forest in Northeastern Brazil
Authors: SILVA FERNANDA OLIVEIRA , BARBOSA MARIA REGINA DE V. , AMORIM ANDRÉ M.
Published: October 2018

Ouratea robusta, a new species from the Atlantic Forest in northeastern Brazil is described and illustrated. Comments about the habitat, phenology and distribution are presented. The new species is morphologically similar to O. crassa and O. fieldingiana, both occurring in the states of Alagoas, Bahia and Sergipe, but can be easily distinguished from these by the entire or slightly serrate leaves, flabellate petals and the showy, stout panicle.
Atriplex retusa, the correct name for A. deserticola (Chenopodiaceae; Amaranthaceae sensu APG)
Authors: BÖHNERT TIM , LUEBERT FEDERICO , WEIGEND MAXIMILIAN
Published: October 2018

The genus Atriplex Linnaeus (1753: 1052) (Chenopodiaceae Vent.; placed in Amaranthaceae Juss. s. l. in APG IV 2016) comprises about 300 species distributed mainly in subtropical, temperate, and subarctic regions of the world and is mostly adapted to dry conditions on often saline soils (Sukhorukov & Danin 2009, Kadereit et al. 2010, Iamonico 2013, APG IV 2016). The genus is highly diverse in Eurasia, Australia and North America. South America is another centre of diversity with ca. 55 species, 45 of which are considered as native (Brignone et al. 2016). A recent and exhaustive taxonomical synopsis of Atriplex for South America was published by Brignone et al. (2016), but there are also regional taxonomic revisions, e.g., for Chile by Rosas (1989), or Argentina by Múlgura de Romero (1981, 1982 & 1984).
Hidden gems in museum cabinets: new species and new distributional records of Scolytodes (Coleoptera: Scolytinae)
Authors: JORDAL BJARTE H.
Published: October 2018

Twenty-one new species of Scolytodes Ferrari are described from Central and South America: Scolytodes cavus Jordal, sp. nov., Scolytodes excavatus Jordal, sp. nov., Scolytodes speculofrons Jordal, sp. nov., Scolytodes potens Jordal, sp. nov., Scolytodes minimus Jordal, sp. nov., Scolytodes setosicauda Jordal, sp. nov., Scolytodes monticola Jordal, sp. nov., Scolytodes aureifrons Jordal, sp. nov., Scolytodes piliscapus Jordal, sp. nov., Scolytodes curvicostatus Jordal, sp. nov., Scolytodes vellus Jordal, sp. nov., Scolytodes granulatus Jordal, sp. nov., Scolytodes bipilosus Jordal, sp. nov., Scolytodes asperatus Jordal, sp. nov., Scolytodes flavifrons Jordal, sp. nov., Scolytodes capillus Jordal, sp. nov., Scolytodes rufus Jordal, sp. nov., Scolytodes johnsoni Jordal, sp. nov., Scolytodes longipilus Jordal, sp. nov., Scolytodes prolatus Jordal, sp. nov., and Scolytodes bicarinatus Jordal, sp. nov. Females of two species were associated with males and described for the first time: Scolytodes pelicipennis (Schedl, 1952) from Mexico, and Scolytodes venustulus Wood, 1967 from Costa Rica. New synonymies were inferred in four species: Scolytodes bolivianus Eggers, 1928 (=Scolytodes aequipunctatus Eggers, 1943 syn. nov.); Scolytodes major Eggers, 1928 (=Scolytodes argentinensis Eggers, 1943 syn. nov.; =Scolytodes boliviensis Eggers, 1928; =Scolytodes similis Eggers, 1928 syn. nov.); Scolytodes ingae (Blackman, 1943), stat. nov. (=Scolytodes trigonus Jordal, 2013 syn. nov.); Scolytodes canalis Wood, 1974 (=Scolytodes amabilis Wood, 1975 syn. nov.). New country records are reported for 13 species: S. alni Wood, 1969 (Panama), S. bolivianus (Brazil), S. canalis Wood, 1974 (Guatemala), S. chapuisi Wood, 1977 (Peru, Brazil), S. costabilis Wood (Costa Rica), S. elongatus Schedl, 1935 (Panama), S. immanis Wood, 1969 (Panama), S. ingae (Blackman, 1943) (Panama), S. irazuensis Wood, 1969 (Panama), S. major (Honduras, Brazil), S. pelicipennis (Schedl, 1952) (Mexico), S. triangulus Jordal, 1998 (Panama), S. unipunctatus (Blandford, 1897) (Panama, Venezuela), S. venustulus Wood, 1967 (Costa Rica).
SMITHSONIAN SOLAR CONSTANT VALUES
Authors: Kimball H. H.
Published: October 2018

A critical study of the values published during the past 20 years leads to profound respect for the skill, energy, and devotion to science evidenced in connection with their determination. The mean of these values is generally accepted as correct within the limits of the accuracy of the observations. This paper has to do principally with the two following sources of error, and their probable effect upon the day-to-day variations in the solar constant values:(1) Pyrheliometer readings. Numerous comparisons between different instruments indicate a probable error in the readings of one, provided both are equally good, of about ±0.30 per cent. For Montezuma, Chili, Dr. Abbot computes the error to be ±0.20 per cent, and since a solar constant value depends upon the readings of two instruments, the error would be onlyThis enters directly into the determination of the solar constant values.(2) The difficulties of extrapolating pyrheliometer readings to the outer limit of the atmosphere, which is accomplished through determinations of atmospheric transmissibility for monochromatic radiation, (a), by the bolometer, or (b) by the pyranometer. An examination of individual determinations made at Montezuma and Harqua Hala on days having not less than 6 determinations at the two stations, gives probable errors of from ±0.2,3 per cent to ±0.74 per cent, and the day-to-day variability seems to be a function of the number of determinations upon which the daily values are based.

Since the probable error, or the probable variability, in the day-to-day values of the solar constant derived from determinations at these two stations is less than ±0.5 per cent, it is seen that solar variability, if it exists, is of the same order of magnitude as the probable error of the determinations. Therefore, this fact must be taken into account in attempting to correlate solar constant values with weather and other phenomena.
Indo-Western Pacific Climate Variability: ENSO Forcing and Internal Dynamics in a Tropical Pacific Pacemaker Simulation
Authors: Wang Chuan-Yang , Xie Shang-Ping , Kosaka Yu
Published: October 2018

El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) peaks in boreal winter but its impact on Indo-western Pacific climate persists for another two seasons. Key ocean–atmosphere interaction processes for the ENSO effect are investigated using the Pacific Ocean–Global Atmosphere (POGA) experiment with a coupled general circulation model, where tropical Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies are restored to follow observations while the atmosphere and oceans are fully coupled elsewhere. The POGA shows skills in simulating the ENSO-forced warming of the tropical Indian Ocean and an anomalous anticyclonic circulation pattern over the northwestern tropical Pacific in the post–El Niño spring and summer. The 10-member POGA ensemble allows decomposing Indo-western Pacific variability into the ENSO forced and ENSO-unrelated (internal) components. Internal variability is comparable to the ENSO forcing in magnitude and independent of ENSO amplitude and phase. Random internal variability causes apparent decadal modulations of ENSO correlations over the Indo-western Pacific, which are high during epochs of high ENSO variance. This is broadly consistent with instrumental observations over the past 130 years as documented in recent studies. Internal variability features a sea level pressure pattern that extends into the north Indian Ocean and is associated with coherent SST anomalies from the Arabian Sea to the western Pacific, suggestive of ocean–atmosphere coupling.
Energy Loss from Transient Eddies due to Lee Wave Generation in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Yang Luwei , Nikurashin Maxim , Hogg Andrew M. , Sloyan Bernadette M.
Published: October 2018

Observations suggest that enhanced turbulent dissipation and mixing over rough topography are modulated by the transient eddy field through the generation and breaking of lee waves in the Southern Ocean. Idealized simulations also suggest that lee waves are important in the energy pathway from eddies to turbulence. However, the energy loss from eddies due to lee wave generation remains poorly estimated. This study quantifies the relative energy loss from the time-mean and transient eddy flow in the Southern Ocean due to lee wave generation using an eddy-resolving global ocean model and three independent topographic datasets. The authors find that the energy loss from the transient eddy flow (0.12 TW; 1 TW = 1012 W) is larger than that from the time-mean flow (0.04 TW) due to lee wave generation; lee wave generation makes a larger contribution (0.12 TW) to the energy loss from the transient eddy flow than the dissipation in turbulent bottom boundary layer (0.05 TW). This study also shows that the energy loss from the time-mean flow is regulated by the transient eddy flow, and energy loss from the transient eddy flow is sensitive to the representation of anisotropy in small-scale topography. It is implied that lee waves should be parameterized in eddy-resolving global ocean models to improve the energetics of resolved flow.
Measurement of Dysprosium Stark Width and the Electron Impact Width Parameter
Authors: dos Santos Jhonatha R. , Neto Jonas Jakutis , Rodrigues N. , Destro M.G. , Neri José W. , Bueno Patrícia , Christ Benedito
Published: October 2018

In this work, we suggest a methodology to determine the impact parameter for neutral dysprosium emission lines from the characterization of the plasma generated by laser ablation in a sealed chamber filled with argon. The procedure is a combination of known consistent spectroscopic methods for plasma temperature determination, electron density, and species concentration. With an electron density of 3.1 × 1018 cm–3 and temperature close to 104 K, we estimated the impact electron parameter for nine spectral lines of the neutral dysprosium atom. The gaps in the impact parameter data in the literature, mainly for heavy elements, stress the importance of the proposed method.
Book review: Sudeshna Guha, Artefacts of History: Archaeology, Historiography and Indian Pasts
Authors: Sen Swadhin
Published: October 2018

Sudeshna Guha, Artefacts of History: Archaeology, Historiography and Indian Pasts, New Delhi: SAGE, 2015, 296 pp.
Book review: Udaya Kumar, Writing the First Person: Literature, History, and Autobiography in Modern Kerala
Authors: Keshavamurthy Kiran
Published: October 2018

Udaya Kumar, Writing the First Person: Literature, History, and Autobiography in Modern Kerala, Ranikhet: Permanent Black, 2016, 324 pp.
Historical Data: Histopathology Lesions Observed in the Eyes of Control Rabbits in Topical Ocular Administration and Contact Lens Studies
Authors: Langevin Nicholas E. , Schafer Kenneth A. , Turner Oliver C. , McPherson Brittany J. , Rose Robert E.
Published: October 2018

Information on background changes in the ocular tissues of rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus), a common species employed in ophthalmic toxicology studies, is sparse. This complicates interpretation of changes in light of small sample sizes on any single study. The purpose of this publication is to document the interstudy incidence of spontaneous or iatrogenic changes occurring in eyes of control rabbits. Photomicrographs of select lesions are provided. The data set was derived from a total of 54 studies conducted over an eleven-year period at Alcon Research Ltd., a Novartis Division, which featured topical ocular and contact lens routes of administration. It includes a total of 1,222 pigmented and albino New Zealand rabbits and a total of 2,084 eyes which were either untreated or treated with innocuous control articles. There were no noteworthy differences across routes of administration. Changes in anterior segment ocular and adnexal tissues were more common than in posterior segment ocular tissues. Overall, mononuclear cell infiltration was the most common finding. The retina was the posterior tissue most commonly observed with spontaneous changes, with folds and rosettes being the most common retinal finding. Retinal changes were more common in albino as compared to pigmented rabbits. Understanding the incidence and characteristics of spontaneous ocular lesions facilitates accurate and consistent diagnosis and data interpretation.