bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the scars’ vascularization using computer processing of the digital images
Authors: Teplyi Valerii , Grebchenko Kateryna
Published: October 2018

Background

The application of new techniques of the scars’ correction requires the objective evaluation of their vascularization.

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of digital program ImageJ in assessing neovascularization of pathologic scars.

Material and methods

In this cross‐sectional study, a total of 25 patients with pathologic scars were enrolled. Vessel selection in the first set of digital images of their scars was performed by computer processing started from thresholding with subsequent manual correction. In the second set of the same pictures, Vessel Analysis plugin was used. Comparison of both approaches was performed by three independent investigators. The time required for images processing was measured.

Results

The average time that image processing and calculation have taken in the first group (753.3 ± 88.02 seconds) was statistically longer (P < 0.0001) than in the second one (358.1 ± 105.91 seconds). Independent investigators scored the precision of vessel selection in the first group as 80.4 ± 9.82, in the second group as 72.6 ± 10.53 (P < 0.0001). Kolmogorov‐Smirnov test demonstrated higher precision of vessel selection by method that involves manual correction (P < 0.001). The results of Vascular Density measurements were obviously overestimated in the second group. More expedient looks calculation of the Vascular Length Density: ratio of skeletonized vasculature area to total area. Skeletonization avoids overestimation of Vascular Density, but the density of the vessel mesh can be determined.

Conclusions

Computer processing of the scars’ digital photographs using ImageJ software gives cheap, technically easy and not cumbersome way of superficial scars’ vascularization objectifying. Vessel selection with subsequent manual correction has advantage of higher precision.
Teacher Perceptions of Climate, Motivation, and Self-Efficacy: Is There Really a Connection
Authors: Reaves Shemon J , Cozzens Jeffry Allen
Published: October 2018

This study investigated if correlations existed between teachers’ perceptions of elements of a safe and supportive school climate/working environment in regards to teachers’ intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy beliefs. Additionally, it examined the degree of significance when teachers feel safe and supported versus those that do not. Finally, it investigated which of the four elements has the greatest impact on intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy through the lens of educators to improve teaching, teacher retention, and job satisfaction. Survey data were collected from certified teachers in West Tennessee school districts. The responses to the Safe and Supportive School Questionnaire and Attitude Toward Teaching Survey provided quantitative data for analyses. A series of independent samples t-tests, liner regressions, and Spearman correlations revealed strong positive correlation existed between a number of the four elements and intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy. Additionally, it revealed teachers have significantly higher intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy in safe and supportive schools. Conclusions of this study and recommendations are outlined in this paper.
Effectiveness and experiences of team-based learning in nurse education programs: a mixed methods systematic review protocol
Authors: Sookhoo Dave , Thurston Chris
Published: October 2018

Review objectives/questions:

The objective of this mixed methods systematic review is to develop an integrated synthesis of quantitative and qualitative research evidence on team-based learning (TBL) in undergraduate nurse education programs to inform active learning strategies among students.

More specifically, the objectives are:

i) For the quantitative component, to identify the effectiveness of TBL on improving academic performance and team skills following participation in TBL activities.

ii) For the qualitative component, to identify students’ experiences of engagement in TBL.
Effectiveness of sugammadex versus neostigmine on restoration of neuromuscular function in surgical patients with myasthenia gravis undergoing rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Yellott Elizabeth , Badeaux Jennifer , Martin Jennifer , Schiavo Julie H.
Published: October 2018

Review question/objective:

The objective of this systematic review is to identify the effectiveness of sugammadex versus neostigmine on the reversal of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade in surgical patients with myasthenia gravis undergoing general anesthesia.
Archaeogaming: a book review
Authors: Boom Krijn
Published: October 2018

As a video game enthusiast and archaeologist, the concept of archaeogaming has been on my radar since Andrew Reinhard coined the term back in 2013 (Reinhard 2013). This book is Reinhard's latest and most integral attempt at describing his idea of the many intersections of archaeology and play. This review will roughly follow the structure of the book and discuss contents by chapter, followed by a final assessment.
Effect of carbon doping on threshold voltage and mobility of In-Si-O thin-film transistors
Authors: Kurishima Kazunori , Nabatame Toshihide , Mitoma Nobuhiko , Kizu Takio , Aikawa Shinya , Tsukagoshi Kazuhito , Ohi Akihiko , Chikyow Toyohiro , Ogura Atsushi
Published: October 2018

In this study, a co-sputtering method with In2O3 and SiC targets was used to fabricate carbon-doped In-Si-O (In1-xSixO1-yCy) as the channel material for oxide thin-film transistors (TFTs). Three types of In1-xSixO1-yCy channels, namely, In0.88Si0.12O0.99C0.01 (Si0.12C0.01), In0.76Si0.24O0.99C0.01 (Si0.24C0.01), and In0.60Si0.40O0.98C0.02 (Si0.40C0.02), were prepared. After annealing at 300 °C, the Si0.24C0.01 and Si0.40C0.02 films retained an amorphous structure, while the Si0.12C0.01 films exhibited a body-centered-cubic structure. However, all the In1-xSixO1-yCy films maintained a smooth surface with a root-mean-square roughness of approximately 0.28 nm, despite structural differences. Results showed that the conductivities of all the In1-xSixO1-yCy films were not sensitive to the O2 partial pressure during sputtering, indicating that In1-xSixO1-yCy films exhibit more stable electrical conductivity than other InOx-based oxides. The field-effect mobility (μFE) with respect to the Si concentration of In1-xSixO1-yCy and In1-xSixO TFTs showed very similar behavior. In contrast, the threshold voltage (Vth) behavior of the two types varied dramatically, with the In1-xSixO TFTs Vth value increasing drastically from −57.7 to 9.7 V with increasing Si concentration, and the Vth of In1-xSixO1-yCy TFTs increasing only gradually from −9.2 to 2.4 V. This indicates that incorporated carbon has a significant effect on Vth at a low Si concentration due to strong C—O bond formation. The highest bond dissociative energy occurs between O and C atoms in the In1-xSixO1-yCy channel. The amount of oxygen vacancy in Si0.12C0.01, Si0.24C0.01, and Si0.40C0.02 was 18.9%, 13.3%, and 12.9%, respectively. As a result, the Si0.12C0.01 TFT exhibited superior transistor properties of Vth = −9.2 V while maintaining a μFE of 32.4 cm2/Vs. Therefore, an In1-xSixO1-yCy film is significantly advantageous as a channel material for oxide TFTs given that it can result in mobility exceeding 30 cm2/Vs.
Development of ultralight nanocellulose magnets using ultrasonic agitation
Authors: Bradley Derek T. , Clausen Eric , Shand Paul M. , Fleming Matthew , Kidd Timothy E.
Published: October 2018

In this study, a simple method was developed to incorporate commercially available magnetic AlNiCo powders into nanocellulose composite solids and aerogels. Fine magnetic powders can be homogeneously integrated using only ultrasonic agitation. Simply grinding standard industrial powders within a mortar and pestle was sufficient to create a fine enough starting material, although care must be taken not to magnetize the powder to prevent agglomeration. The resulting suspension could be freeze dried to form ultralight ferromagnetic aerogels or dried to form hard magnetic solids or films. Homogeneous nanocellulose composites with mass ratios of up to 50% AlNiCo were readily achieved. The resulting materials showed magnetic behavior as expected for a standard AlNiCo composite, with a homogeneous and submicron magnetic particle distribution. The resultant properties compared favorably to processes using preformed magnetic nanoparticles as a starting material. The simplicity of the technique, which uses standard industrial reagents, could be useful in developing sustainable and economically feasible methods for creating nanocellulose composite materials.
The ventriloquist paradigm: Studying speech processing in conversation with experimental control over phonetic input
Authors: Felker E. , Troncoso-Ruiz A. , Ernestus M. , Broersma M.
Published: October 2018

This article presents the ventriloquist paradigm, an innovative method for studying speech processing in dialogue whereby participants interact face-to-face with a confederate who, unbeknownst to them, communicates by playing pre-recorded speech. Results show that the paradigm convinces more participants that the speech is live than a setup without the face-to-face element, and it elicits more interactive conversation than a setup in which participants believe their partner is a computer. By reconciling the ecological validity of a conversational context with full experimental control over phonetic exposure, the paradigm offers a wealth of new possibilities for studying speech processing in interaction.
Elastomeric passive transmission for autonomous force-velocity adaptation applied to 3D-printed prosthetics
Authors: O’Brien Kevin W. , Xu Artemis , Levine David J. , Aubin Cameron A. , Yang Ho-Jung , Xiao Michael F. , Wiesner Lennard W. , Shepherd Robert F.
Published: October 2018

A 3D-printed passively variable transmission for rapid, strong actuation is shown in a lightweight, tendon-driven prosthetic hand.
From active perception to deep learning
Authors: Kragic Danica
Published: October 2018

Computer vision diverged from robotics and has focused on contests and data sets; reconnecting the two could solve real-world problems.
Harnessing the immune response to improve functional healing
Authors: Holloway Julianne L.
Published: October 2018

Interleukin-4–conjugated gold nanoparticles promote M2 macrophage polarization and functional muscle recovery in an ischemic mouse model.
Promising New Antifungal Treatment Targeting Chorismate Synthase from
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis
Authors: Rodrigues-Vendramini Franciele Abigail Vilugron , Marschalk Cidnei , Toplak Marina , Macheroux Peter , Bonfim-Mendonça Patricia de Souza , Svidzinski Terezinha Inez Estivalet , Seixas Flavio Augusto Vicente , Kioshima Erika Seki
Published: October 2018

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), caused by
Paracoccidioides
, is a systemic mycosis with granulomatous character and a restricted therapeutic arsenal. The aim of this work was to search for new alternatives to treat largely neglected tropical mycosis, such as PCM.
DUSP10 Negatively Regulates the Inflammatory Response to Rhinovirus through Interleukin-1β Signaling
Authors: Manley Grace C. A. , Stokes Clare A. , Marsh Elizabeth K. , Sabroe Ian , Parker Lisa C.
Published: October 2018

Rhinoviruses are one of the causes of the common cold. In patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, viral infections, including those with rhinovirus, are the commonest cause of exacerbations. Novel therapeutics to limit viral inflammation are clearly required. The work presented here identifies DUSP10 as an important protein involved in limiting the inflammatory response in the airway without affecting immune control of the virus.
Complete Genomic Sequence of the Potyvirus
Mashua Virus Y
, Obtained from a 33-Year-Old Mashua (
Tropaeaolum tuberosum
) Sample
Authors: Adams Ian P. , Fox Adrian , Boonham Neil , Jones Roger A. C.
Published: October 2018

We present the complete genomic sequence of a new potyvirus we tentatively call
Mashua virus Y
(MasVY), first isolated in 1984 from a plant of the Andean tuber crop mashua (
Tropaeolum tuberosum
, family
Tropaeolaceae
). There was a 70% nucleotide identity between MasVY and a genomic sequence of
Verbena virus Y
.
Draft Genome Sequence of Citrobacter gillenii MBT-C3, Isolated from Lamb’s Lettuce
Authors: Cho Gyu-Sung , Stein Maria , Bockelmann Wilhelm , Neve Horst , Brinks Erik , Franz Charles M. A. P.
Published: October 2018

The genome of the streptomycin-resistant
Citrobacter gillenii
strain MBT-C3, isolated from lamb’s lettuce in Germany, was sequenced. Sequence analysis showed the assembled draft genome size to be 5,167,205 bp, containing a predicted total of 5,011 protein-encoding genes, 8 rRNAs, and 71 tRNAs.
A numerical approach for determining the resistance of fine mesh filters
Authors: Sherratt Anthony , DeGroot Christopher T. , Straatman Anthony G. , Santoro Domenico
Published: October 2018

Characterizing the resistance of mesh filters, in terms of pressure drop as a function of flow velocity, is an important part of modeling any filtration process. Most commonly, filters are characterized experimentally, which can be costly and time-consuming. This motivates a generalized numerical approach for characterizing the resistance of mesh filters based on the flow through a representative segment of a filter. There is uncertainty, however, in the correct specification of boundary conditions such that the numerical results for flow through the small segment match the overall behaviour of the filter. In this work, an experimentally validated numerical approach is developed by examining the velocity and turbulence intensity experienced across the filter. It has been shown that the flow resistance results are not sensitive to the turbulence intensity, but depend greatly on the imposed flow velocity. Specifying the peak velocity as the boundary condition in the filter simulations resulted in a good match with experiments, while using the bulk velocity did not reproduce the experimental results.
Peak torque, rate of torque development and average torque of isometric ankle and elbow contractions show excellent test–retest reliability
Authors: Simpson Daniel , Ehrensberger Monika , Nulty Christopher , Regan Joanne , Broderick Patrick , Blake Catherine , Monaghan Kenneth
Published: October 2018

Background: Peak Torque (PT), Rate of Torque Development (RTD) and Average Torque (AT) over a single contraction assess the three components of muscle function during isometric contractions. Surprisingly, AT has never been reported or its reliability confirmed.

Objectives: This study aims to establish protocol reliability for ankle dorsiflexion and elbow extension isometric muscle function (PT, RTD, AT) in healthy participants using the Biodex System 3 Dynamometer.

Methods: Twelve participants (6 male, 6 female, mean age [Formula: see text] years) performed four maximal isometric contractions on two occasions. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Typical Error (TE) and Coefficient of Variation (CV) for PT, RTD and AT were reported.

Results: The ICC for all strength parameters varied from 0.98–0.92. TE for ankle dorsiflexion PT was 1.38[Formula: see text]Nm, RTD 7.43[Formula: see text]Nm/s and AT 1.33[Formula: see text]Nm, CV varied from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text]. For elbow extension, TE was 3.36[Formula: see text]Nm for PT, 14.87[Formula: see text]Nm/s for RTD and 3.03[Formula: see text]Nm for AT, CV varied from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text].

Conclusion: Maximal isometric ankle dorsiflexion and elbow extension PT, RTD and AT can be evaluated with excellent reliability when following the described protocol. This testing procedure, including the application of AT, can be confidently applied in research, exercise or clinical settings.
Towards a More Resilient Delhi: Rapid Urbanization and Climate Change
Authors: Singh Jasdeep
Published: October 2018

The discourse on resilient cities encapsulates various analogies, which are further constructed through the work of researchers in creation of several resilience assessment methodologies and toolkits. Despite the presence of numerous resilience assessment tools, there is an apparent lack of participation of residents of the global south within the assessment and iterative transformation processes. The situation, hence, is not truly represented through application of these tools in certain socio-political climates such as of India. Consistent economic growth of India has resulted in rapid urbanization of major cities. But, this has not been supplemented with proper planning, resulting in imbalances in all spheres of city infrastructure. Delhi, capital city of India, has been one of the worst hit cities. The hot seasons have caused thousands of fatalities in the past few years. An attempt is made to review the application of current resilience tools in Delhi against the backdrop of the sustainable development goals. In an attempt to improve the approach of these existing tools, an initial iteration is conducted, hinging on qualitative data obtained through surveying a sample population of the city and accessible quantitative metric data. Possible intervention scenarios are further suggested in view of aforementioned stressors and resilience scores.

Research question: Where are the current resilience tools found lacking in the case of the global south, specifically in Delhi? How can the applicability of these tools be improved without compromising the deliverables yet ensuring an all-inclusive approach?

Key findings:

(1) The city is found lacking in adequate infrastructure facilities to its residents especially within the ambits of basic water and sanitation provision and healthcare services.

(2) The city is relatively unprepared to face unforeseen events, both at the administrative and the grassroots levels. The lack of knowledge transfer and cooperation are largely evident.
Streaming Communication Protocols
Authors: Boczkowski Lucas , Kerenidis Iordanis , Magniez Frédéric
Published: October 2018

We define the Streaming Communication model that combines the main aspects of communication complexity and streaming. Input arrives as a stream, spread between several agents across a network. Each agent has a bounded memory, which can be updated upon receiving a new bit, or a message from another agent. We provide tight tradeoffs between the necessary resources, i.e., communication between agents and memory, for some of the canonical problems from communication complexity by proving a strong general lower bound technique. Second, we analyze the Approximate Matching problem and show that the complexity of this problem (i.e., the achievable approximation ratio) in the one-way variant of our model is strictly different both from the streaming complexity and the one-way communication complexity thereof.
A Joint Odyssey into Cancer Genetics
Authors: Cory Suzanne , Adams Jerry M.
Published: October 2018

The war on cancer that began some 40 years ago with the discovery of oncogenes is starting to be won. We feel fortunate to have contributed to several advances. Here we recall how molecular biology became our scientific passion, how we met from opposite ends of the earth, and how our 50-year odyssey has taken us from gene expression through immunogenetics to exploring the molecular basis of cancer and cell death. We describe the scientific discoveries that motivated us and remarkable scientists who influenced us. We sketch our studies that clarified the role of chromosome translocations in cancer and established the value of genetically engineered mouse models of tumorigenesis. Finally, we outline how our findings with many talented close colleagues on cell death regulation stimulated the development of remarkable new anticancer agents called BH3 mimetics, which are encouraging hope that many more malignancies will become controllable and even curable.
Reconstruction of Ovine Trachea with a Biomimetic Composite Biomaterial
Authors: Ścierski Wojciech , Lisowska Grażyna , Namysłowski Grzegorz , Misiołek Maciej , Pilch Jan , Menaszek Elżbieta , Gawlik Radosław , Błażewicz Marta
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate a novel composite material for tracheal reconstruction in an ovine model. A polymer containing various forms of carbon fibers (roving, woven, and nonwoven fabric) impregnated with polysulfone (PSU) was used to create cylindrical tracheal implants, 3 cm in length and 2.5 cm in diameter. Each implant, reinforced with five rings made of PSU-impregnated carbon-fiber roving, had three external layers made of carbon-fiber woven fabric and the inner layer formed of carbon-fiber nonwoven fabric. The inner surface of five implants was additionally coated with polyurethane (PU), to promote migration of respiratory epithelium. The implants were used to repair tracheal defects (involving four tracheal rings) in 10 sheep (9-12 months of age; 40-50 kg body weight). Macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the implants and tracheal anastomoses were examined 4 and 24 weeks after implantation. At the end of the follow-up period, outer surfaces of the implants were covered with the tissue which to various degree resembled histological structure of normal tracheal wall. In turn, inner surfaces of the prostheses were covered only with vascularized connective tissue. Inner polyurethane coating did not improve the outcomes of tracheal reconstruction and promoted excessive granulation, which contributed to moderate to severe stenosis at the tracheal anastomoses. The hereby presented preliminary findings constitute a valuable source of data for future research on a tracheal implant being optimally adjusted for medical needs.
Wavelet Transform‐Based Damage Identification in Bladed Disks and Rotating Blades
Authors: Rajendran P. , Jamia N. , El-Borgi S. , Friswell M. I.
Published: October 2018

Blade vibration and blade clearance are effective diagnostic features for the identification of blade damage in rotating machines. Blade tip‐timing (BTT) is a noncontact method that is often used to monitor the vibration and clearance of blades in a rotating machinery. Standard signal processing of BTT measurements give one blade response sample per revolution of the machine which is often insufficient for the diagnosis of damage. This paper uses the raw data signals from the sensors directly and employs a wavelet energy‐based mistuning index (WEBMI) to predict the presence and locations of damage in rotating blades. The Lipschitz exponent is derived from the wavelet packet coefficients and used to estimate the severity of the damage. In this study, experiments were conducted to obtain BTT measurements on rotating blades at 100 rpm using three different sensors: an active eddy current sensor, a passive eddy current sensor, and an optical sensor. In addition, hammer excitation experiments were conducted for various added mass (damage) cases to compute the damage severity for a bladed disk. To simulate the damage experimentally in the bladed disk and rotating blades, masses were added to the blades to alter their dynamics and mimic the damage. The results indicate that the WEBMI can detect the presence and location of damage in rotating blades using measurements from common BTT sensors. To check the robustness of the proposed damage severity index, the experimental results were compared with numerical simulation for the bladed disk and showed good agreement.
The Analgesic Efficacy of Transverse Abdominis Plane Block versus Epidural Block after Caesarean Delivery: Which One Is Effective? TAP Block? Epidural Block?
Authors: Canakci Ebru , Gultekin Ahmet , Cebeci Zubeyir , Hanedan Bulent , Kilinc Anil
Published: October 2018

Introduction and Objective. TAP block has gained popularity to provide postoperative analgesia after abdominal surgery but its advantage over epidural analgesia is disputed. For lower abdominal surgeries, epidural analgesia has been the gold standard and time-tested technique for providing postoperative analgesia, but contraindications for the same would warrant need for other equally good analgesic techniques. The objective of this study is to compare the analgesic efficacy of both the techniques. Materials and Methods. Eighty patients in the ASA I-II risk group, undergone an elective C-section, were randomly assigned to the study. In the TAP group, before the C-section, a single-dose spinal anaesthesia was performed by administering 3 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine to the patients when they were in the sitting position. After the C-section, an ultrasound-guided bilateral TAP block was performed in these patients in the recovery room for postoperative analgesia. In the single-dose EPI group, the patients received 16 cc of isobaric bupivacaine, 3 mg of morphine, and 50 mcg of fentanyl, making a total volume of 20 cc and being administered to the epidural space. Results. A higher level of patient satisfaction was observed in the EPI group (p=0.003). The amount (mg) of total analgesics received by the patients in the first 24 hours of the postoperative period was statistically significantly higher (p=0.021) in the TAP group compared to the EPI group. The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of the EPI group were significantly lower compared to that of the TAP group (p<0.001). Conclusion. The epidural anaesthesia is still the golden standard to achieve a postcaesarean analgesia. Epidural anaesthesia is a considerably effective method in controlling the postoperative pain. We are of the opinion that epidural anaesthesia should be preferred in the first place to achieve a successful postcaesarean analgesia as it provides more effective pain control.
Modafinil Induced Psychosis in a Patient with Bipolar 1 Depression
Authors: DiSciullo Alexander A. , English Clayton D. , Horn William T.
Published: October 2018

Modafinil has been used as an adjunctive medication in the treatment of bipolar 1 depression with reported success. Case reports have been published demonstrating modafinil induced mania in bipolar patients and modafinil induced psychosis in schizophrenic patients. To our knowledge, we report the only case of modafinil induced psychosis in a patient with bipolar depression treated with both mood stabilizers and antipsychotics. In addition, it is the quickest onset to psychosis (2 days) at the lowest dosage of modafinil (100 mg/day) reported in the literature. Although favorable outcomes using modafinil for treatment of bipolar depression have been reported in literature, clinicians should remain cautious of the potential to rapidly induce psychosis with modafinil at low dosages in patients with bipolar depression despite being treated with mood stabilizers and antipsychotics.
A Case Report of Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) for a Japanese Patient with Recurrent Depressive Disorder: The Importance of Layered Processes in CFT
Authors: Asano Kenichi , Shimizu Eiji
Published: October 2018

Major depressive disorder is a common mental health problem around the world. To treat depression, cognitive behavioural therapy is highly recommended by some guidelines. However, there are reports pointing out the existence of patients who do not respond to cognitive behavioural therapy because of dissociation between thoughts and experiences. To treat such patients, compassion focused therapy was developed, but there are no reports of compassion focused therapy for Japanese patients. This report presents a case of compassion focused therapy for a Japanese female with major depressive disorder and suicidal feelings. After receiving compassion focused therapy, the patient recovered and began to have social interaction with others again. This case suggested the importance of psychoeducation, exercises involving compassionate images and breathing, and a compassionate relationship in conducting compassion focused therapy.
Essential Role of Zinc and Zinc Transporters in Myeloid Cell Function and Host Defense against Infection
Authors: Sapkota Muna , Knoell Daren L.
Published: October 2018

Zinc is an essential micronutrient known to play a vital role in host defense against pathogens. Diets that are deficient in zinc lead to impaired immunity and delayed recovery from and worse outcomes following infection. Sustained insufficient zinc intake leads to dysregulation of the innate immune response and increases susceptibility to infection whereas zinc supplementation in at-risk populations has been shown to restore host defense and reduce pathogen-related morbidity and mortality. Upon infection, zinc deficiency leads to increased pathology due to imbalance in key signaling networks that result in excessive inflammation and collateral tissue damage. In particular, zinc impacts macrophage function, a critical front-line cell in host defense, in addition to other immune cells. Deficits in zinc adversely impact macrophage function resulting in dysregulation of phagocytosis, intracellular killing, and cytokine production. An additional work in this field has revealed a vital role for several zinc transporter proteins that are required for proper bioredistribution of zinc within mononuclear cells to achieve an optimal immune response against invading microorganisms. In this review, we will discuss the most recent developments regarding zinc’s role in innate immunity and protection against pathogen invasion.
The Central Role of Inflammation Associated with Checkpoint Inhibitor Treatments
Authors: Vajaitu Cristina , Draghici Carmen Cristina , Solomon Iulia , Lisievici Cristina Victoria , Popa Alexandra Victoria , Lupu Mihai , Caruntu Constantin , Constantin Maria Magdalena , Voiculescu Vlad Mihai
Published: October 2018

An important function of the immune system is its ability to differentiate between healthy cells in the organism and “foreign” cells, allowing the latest to be attacked and the first ones to be conserved. The most important molecules in this process are considered to be checkpoint inhibitors. This review is focused on the association between cancer and inflammation, underlying the mechanisms of action of monoclonal antibodies that are targeting checkpoint inhibitors: ipilimumab against cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and pembrolizumab and nivolumab against programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), their indications for treatment, and side effects. Presence of antibodies against checkpoint inhibitors shows promising results in the clinical trials in patients with types of cancer difficult to treat until now such as melanoma, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and renal cell carcinoma, offering an increase in the overall survival rate, response rate, and progression-free rate. Resistance is now observed to emerge in patients treated with this therapy, showing the need for more studies in order to design a biomarker that will predict the type of response to immunotherapy.
The Prevalence of Abdominal Obesity and Its Correlates among the Adults in Dodoma Region, Tanzania: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Munyogwa Mariam John , Mtumwa Abdalla Hussein
Published: October 2018

Introduction. Overweight and obesity are a threat to the public health following their association with noncommunicable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers. Despite this fact, the information on overweight and obesity, particularly in most developing countries, is still scarce to address the problem. This article partly addresses the gap through the findings of a cross-sectional survey that was conducted in Dodoma Region, Central Tanzania, to determine the prevalence and correlates of abdominal obesity among adults. Methods. Using a community-based cross-sectional survey, data were generated from the participants who aged 18 years and above. Simple random sampling and Kish selection table techniques were used to get the sample who responded through a face-to-face-administered questionnaire. Waist circumference was measured using the guideline of the WHO protocol of measuring waist and hip circumference. Abdominal obesity is defined as a condition with waist circumference >102 cm for men and >88 cm for women. Prevalence was computed with a 95% confidence interval. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were fitted to identify the risk factors associated with abdominal obesity. Results. A total of 840 respondents took part in the study. The overall prevalence of abdominal obesity was found to be 24.88% (209/840). The prevalence of abdominal obesity was significantly higher among women than men (35.14% vs. 6.89%, p<0.0001) and higher among urban dwellers (33.56%) than their rural counterparts (15.56%). Correlates of abdominal obesity was found to be gender, marital status, place of residence, age, education level, and the time used in watching television. Conclusion. This study revealed a high prevalence of abdominal obesity among the people living in the Dodoma Region. Increased age, urban residence, more time spent on television, less walking per day, and being ever married were all associated with having abdominal obesity in this population.
Prognostic Value of Excision Repair Cross-Complementing mRNA Expression in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Luo Shan-Shan , Liao Xi-Wen , Zhu Xiao-Dong
Published: October 2018

Except for excision repair cross-complementing 1 (ERCC1), mRNA expression of the remaining ERCC genes has not been investigated in the prognosis of gastric cancer (GC). The present study aimed to explore the mRNA expression and prognostic values of each member of the ERCC family in GC patients by using the Kaplan–Meier (KM) plotter tool. The details of each ERCC family member were entered into a database and GC patients were separated into high and low expression to draw survival plots using the KM plotter. In the present study, we observed that high expression of ERCC1 mRNA was significantly associated with longer overall survival (OS) for all GC patients (hazard ratio [HR]=0.77, 95% confidence intervals [CI]=0.63–0.95, P=0.016) compared with low expression. High expression of ERCC4 and ERCC6 mRNA indicated a worse OS for all GC patients (HR=1.28, 95% CI=1.02–1.6, P=0.035 and HR=1.25, 95% CI=1.02–1.54, P=0.029, respectively) and especially for patients with intestinal-type GC (HR=1.87, 95% CI=1.26–2.79, P=0.0018 and HR=1.62, 95% CI=1.04–2.54, P=0.033, respectively). High ERCC8 mRNA expression indicated a worse OS for all GC patients (HR=1.34, 95% CI=1.02–1.76, P=0.034) and especially for patients with diffuse-type GC (HR=2.25, 95% CI=1.36–3.75, P=0.0013). In conclusion, our findings indicate that ERCC4, ERCC6, and ERCC8 may be potential biomarkers for GC prognosis and may serve as potential therapeutic targets for GC. However, these findings still need further verification.
In Utero Diagnoses of Strikingly Similar Presentations of Complete Atrioventricular Septal Defects in a Pair of Dizygotic Twins Concordant for Trisomy 21
Authors: Ling Diamond , Dayan Jonathan G
Published: October 2018

Trisomy 21, or Down syndrome (DS), is a genetic disorder affecting approximately 1 in 500–750 live births. The prevalence of DS has increased over the past two decades, correlating with a rise in the proportion of pregnancies complicated by advanced maternal age. There is also a correlation between advanced maternal age and dizygotic twinning rates. There is an increased risk of at least one twin being affected in dizygotic pregnancies compared to singletons. However, despite this greater relative risk, reports of concordance of DS in both dizygotic twins are very rare. Congenital heart disease (CHD) occurs in roughly 40% of individuals with DS, but there can be considerable phenotypic variation. The most common, atrioventricular septal defect accounts for only 40% of CHD seen in DS. There is also a higher incidence of CHD in twins, but also with a low incidence of concordance. There have been only five reported cases of concordant DS in dizygotic twins with confirmed chromosomal analyses; none of which describe concordant congenital heart disease. Here, we describe an unusual case of dizygotic twins of differing genders concordant for both Down syndrome and congenital heart disease of a strikingly similar presentation.
Altered Expression of Hematopoiesis Regulatory Molecules in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells of Patients with Aplastic Anemia
Authors: Chaturvedi Chandra Prakash , Tripathy Naresh Kumar , Minocha Ekta , Sharma Akhilesh , Rahman Khaliqur , Nityanand Soniya
Published: October 2018

We have investigated the expression of RNA transcripts of hematopoiesis regulatory molecules, viz., macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1α, stem cell factor (SCF), and transforming growth factor (TGF)-βin lipopolysaccharide-induced bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and levels of their soluble forms in the culture supernatants of BM-MSCs and BM plasma of patients with acquired aplastic anemia (AA) (n=29) and controls (n=29). The BM-MSCs of AA patients as compared to controls had markedly lower expression of MIP-1αtranscripts (p<0.001), higher expression of TNF-α(p<0.001), G-CSF (p<0.001), and SDF-1α(p<0.01) transcripts, and no difference in the expression of SCF and TGF-βtranscripts. The culture supernatants of BM-MSCs and BM plasma of AA patients in comparison to controls also had lower levels of MIP-1α(p<0.01andp<0.001, respectively) and higher levels of TNF-α(p<0.05for both) and G-CSF (p<0.05andp<0.001, respectively) but with no difference in the levels of SDF-1αand SCF. The levels of TGF-βwere although similar in culture supernatants of BM-MSCs of both the groups, but they were significantly lower in BM plasma of the patients than controls (p<0.001). Our data shows that BM-MSCs of AA patients have altered expression of hematopoiesis regulatory molecules suggesting that they may have a role in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Cerdulatinib Pharmacodynamics and Relationships to Tumor Response Following Oral Dosing in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory B-cell Malignancies
Authors: Coffey Greg P. , Feng Jiajia , Betz Andreas , Pandey Anjali , Birrell Matt , Leeds Janet M. , Der Kenneth , Kadri Sabah , Lu Pin , Segal Jeremy , Wang Y. Lynn , Michelson Glenn , Curnutte John T. , Conley Pamela B.
Published: October 2018

Purpose:

Preclinical studies suggest SYK and JAK contribute to tumor-intrinsic and microenvironment-derived survival signals. The pharmacodynamics of cerdulatinib, a dual SYK/JAK inhibitor, and associations with tumor response were investigated.

Patients and Methods:

In a phase I dose-escalation study in adults with relapsed/refractory B-cell malignancies, cerdulatinib was administered orally to sequential dose-escalation cohorts using once-daily or twice-daily schedules. The study enrolled 8 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), 13 with follicular lymphoma, 16 with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and 6 with mantle cell lymphoma. Correlation of tumor response with pharmacodynamic markers was determined in patients with meaningful clinical responses.

Results:

Following cerdulatinib administration, complete SYK and JAK pathway inhibition was achieved in whole blood of patients at tolerated exposures. Target inhibition correlated with serum cerdulatinib concentration, and IC50 values against B-cell antigen receptor (BCR), IL2, IL4, and IL6 signaling pathways were 0.27 to 1.11 μmol/L, depending on the phosphorylation event. Significant correlations were observed between SYK and JAK pathway inhibition and tumor response. Serum inflammation markers were reduced by cerdulatinib, and several significantly correlated with tumor response. Diminished expression of CD69 and CD86 (B-cell activation markers), CD5 (negative regulator of BCR signaling), and enhanced expression of CXCR4 were observed in 2 patients with CLL, consistent with BCR and IL4 suppression and loss of proliferative capacity.

Conclusions:

Cerdulatinib potently and selectively inhibited SYK/JAK signaling at tolerated exposures in patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell malignancies. The extent of target inhibition in whole-blood assays and suppression of inflammation correlated with tumor response. (ClinicalTrials.gov ID:NCT01994382).
Anti-TNF Exposure during Pregnancy in Crohn’s Disease Patients
Authors: Silva Elen Farinelli de Campos , Baima Júlio Pinheiro , de Barros Jaqueline Ribeiro , Renosto Fernanda Lofiego , de Sibia Carina de Fatima , Saad-Hossne Rogério , Sassaki Ligia Yukie
Published: October 2018

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects young people of reproductive age. Therefore, a broad discussion is needed about the possible disease effects in pregnancy, as well as the risks of fetal exposure to the medications used, especially biological therapy. This study aimed to describe the management of 4 Crohn’s disease patients who received anti-TNF therapy during pregnancy and present a literature review. We reported 4 cases composed of young women who became pregnant while receiving anti-TNF agents. The patients presented a satisfactory response to the clinical treatment and the pregnancies progressed without complications. We did not observe maternal or embryonic toxicity, or unfavorable outcomes. The available data point to inflammatory activity as the main risk factor for unfavorable gestational evolution to date, and showed anti-TNF therapy to be safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, the benefits and risks must be discussed with the patient and management decisions should be taken on an individual basis.
Neo-Calvinism and Ethnic Churches in Multiethnic Contexts
Authors: Ong Andrew
Published: October 2018

Despite neo-Calvinism’s thorny historic relationship with apartheid, this article retrieves from neo-Calvinism to contribute to the contemporary evangelical conversation about ethnic and multiethnic churches. Scholars of various disciplines have commonly accepted a link between neo-Calvinism and South Africa’s apartheid. Meanwhile, neo-Calvinists labor to sever this link, wishing to disentangle their tradition from apartheid’s evils, such as the enforcement of racially segregated churches. In reaction to the evils of such segregation, many contemporary Evangelicals have advocated for multiethnic churches that demographically reflect their ethnically diverse communities on the basis of Christian unity. This has implicitly and explicitly challenged the legitimacy of ethnic churches. This article contends that despite the link between neo-Calvinism and apartheid, and despite neo-Calvinist efforts to sever this link, neo-Calvinism offers good biblical and theological support for the establishment of ethnic churches in multiethnic contexts without at all denigrating multiethnic churches or falling into the evils of apartheid.
Reforming Melchizedek
Authors: Fisher Jeff
Published: October 2018

This essay demonstrates the significant changes to the interpretation of passages in Hebrews about Melchizedek during the Reformation era. This comparison of the emphases in the medieval tradition with those of Protestant interpreters substantiates the gradual movement toward an increased interest in the literal-historical sense without entirely discarding a spiritual sense. It reveals continuity with explaining Melchizedek as a type of Christ and the diversity of explanations about Melchizedek’s identity, location, and purpose. And it establishes discontinuity with interpreters’ explanations for the way the author of Hebrews used Old Testament and about Melchizedek’s actions as a type of the Eucharist.
“His Death Manifested Its Power and Efficacy in Us”
Authors: van Driel Edwin Chr.
Published: October 2018

Even while Calvin affirms the reality of the resurrection of the flesh, Christ’s resurrection does only very limited work in Calvin’s theological imagination. It is only revelatory and applicatory of a transformative event that has previously occurred. For Calvin, the full measure of salvation is obtained in Christ’s death, not in his resurrection. Christ’s resurrection makes us aware of this salvific reality and allows us to be drawn into it, but it does not inaugurate a salvific transformation itself. Moreover, while Calvin holds that Christ’s resurrection is a guarantee and model for our resurrection, embodiment plays no role in his eschatological vision.
Dryophthorinae weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) of the forest floor in Southeast Asia: DNA analysis of two new Nephius from Vietnam and Taiwan suggests non-monophyly of Stromboscerini
Authors: GREBENNIKOV VASILY V.
Published: October 2018

The weevil genus Nephius Pascoe is for the first time reported from Vietnam (N. argus sp. nov.) and Taiwan (N. acastus sp. nov.). Until now the genus was attributed to the tribe Stromboscerini and contained nine nominal species and two subspecies known only from the type series. Phylogenetic analysis of one mitochondrial (COI) and two nuclear (ITS2 and 28S) markers strongly rejected monophyly of the tribe by placing the monophyletic Nephius as sister to a clade consisting of reciprocally monophyletic Dryophthorus and the rest of Stromboscerini. All herein used data (localities, DNA sequences, specimen images) are available online in public datasets dx.doi.org/10.5883/DS-NEPHIUS1 and dx.doi.org/10.5883/DS-NEPHIUS2.
A new genus and species of Sophiini Townsend, 1936 (Diptera: Tachinidae) from Brazil, with an updated key to the genera of the tribe
Authors: DE SANTIS MARCELO DOMINGOS
Published: October 2018

Sophiini is a New World tribe of Tachinidae composed, prior to this study, of 19 species in eight genera. Cryptosophia aurulenta gen. and sp. nov. from Amazonas, Brazil, is described and assigned to that tribe. The new genus can be easily distinguished from the other genera in the tribe, mainly by: head with occiput clearly swollen medially; thorax without a proepisternal seta; and meron with pale yellow setae almost indistinguishable from the yellow integument. It is most similar to members of the genera Neosophia Guimarães and Sophiella Guimarães. An updated and illustrated key to the genera of Sophiini is provided, including Cryptosophia gen. nov. Descriptions and illustrations of the female terminalia, spermatheca, and first instar larva are also provided for the new genus and species.
Effect of Periodontal Treatment on HbA1c among Patients with Prediabetes
Authors: Kocher T. , Holtfreter B. , Petersmann A. , Eickholz P. , Hoffmann T. , Kaner D. , Kim T.S. , Meyle J. , Schlagenhauf U. , Doering S. , Gravemeier M. , Prior K. , Rathmann W. , Harks I. , Ehmke B. , Koch R.
Published: October 2018

Evidence is limited regarding whether periodontal treatment improves hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) among people with prediabetes and periodontal disease, and it is unknown whether improvement of metabolic status persists >3 mo. In an exploratory post hoc analysis of the multicenter randomized controlled trial “Antibiotika und Parodontitis” (Antibiotics and Periodontitis)—a prospective, stratified, double-blind study—we assessed whether nonsurgical periodontal treatment with or without an adjunctive systemic antibiotic treatment affects HbA1c and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels among periodontitis patients with normal HbA1c (≤5.7%, n = 218), prediabetes (5.7% < HbA1c < 6.5%, n = 101), or unknown diabetes (HbA1c ≥ 6.5%, n = 8) over a period of 27.5 mo. Nonsurgical periodontal treatment reduced mean pocket probing depth by >1 mm in both groups. In the normal HbA1c group, HbA1c values remained unchanged at 5.0% (95% CI, 4.9% to 6.1%) during the observation period. Among periodontitis patients with prediabetes, HbA1c decreased from 5.9% (95% CI, 5.9% to 6.0%) to 5.4% (95% CI, 5.3% to 5.5%) at 15.5 mo and increased to 5.6% (95% CI, 5.4% to 5.7%) after 27.5 mo. At 27.5 mo, 46% of periodontitis patients with prediabetes had normal HbA1c levels, whereas 47.9% remained unchanged and 6.3% progressed to diabetes. Median hsCRP values were reduced in the normal HbA1c and prediabetes groups from 1.2 and 1.4 mg/L to 0.7 and 0.7 mg/L, respectively. Nonsurgical periodontal treatment may improve blood glucose values among periodontitis patients with prediabetes (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00707369).