bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intravenous Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke After Recent Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Marto João Pedro , Kauppila Linda Azevedo , Jorge Cláudia , Calado Sofia , Viana-Baptista Miguel , Pinho-e-Melo Teresa , Fonseca Ana Catarina
Published: August 2019

Background and Purpose—

The safety of IV r-tPA (intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treatment after recent myocardial infarction (MI) is still a matter of debate. We studied the safety of delivering IV r-tPA to AIS patients with a MI within the preceding 3 months.

Methods—

Retrospective review of consecutive AIS admitted to 2 tertiary university hospitals’ and systematic literature review for AIS patients with history of MI in the previous 3 months. Patients were divided into 2 groups: treated or not treated with standard IV r-tPA dose for AIS. Cardiac complications (cardiac rupture/tamponade, intracardiac thrombus embolization, or life-threatening arrhythmias) were compared between groups and assessed by type of MI (non–ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI], or STEMI) and time elapsed between vascular events.

Results—

One hundred and two patients were included; 46 (45.1%) were derived from literature review. Median age (interquartile range) was 64 (53–75) years old, and 69 (67.6%) were men. Forty-seven (46.1%) received IV r-tPA. In the treated group, 25 (53.2%) and 23 (48.9%) patients had, respectively, concurrent AIS and MI and STEMI, in comparison with 12 (21.8%;
P
=0.002) and 36 (65.5%;
P
=0.110) patients in the nontreated. Four (8.5%) IV r-tPA–treated patients died from confirmed or presumed cardiac rupture/ tamponade, all with a STEMI in the week preceding stroke. This complication occurred in 1 (1.8%) patients in the nontreated group (
P
=0.178). There were no differences in thrombus embolization (1 [2.1%) versus 2 [3.6];
P
=1.000) and life-threatening arrhythmias (3 [6.4%) versus 7 [12.7];
P
=0.335). No non-STEMI patients receiving IV r-tPA had cardiac complications.

Conclusions—

In patients with AIS and recent or concurrent MI, MI type and the time elapsed between the 2 events should be taken into consideration when deciding to deliver IV r-tPA. Although recent non-STEMI or concurrent events seem safe, STEMI in the week preceding stroke should prompt caution. The low number of events and publication bias may have influenced our conclusions.
Contributions of Stepping Intensity and Variability to Mobility in Individuals Poststroke
Authors: Hornby T. George , Henderson Christopher E. , Plawecki Abbey , Lucas Emily , Lotter Jennifer , Holthus Molly , Brazg Gabrielle , Fahey Meghan , Woodward Jane , Ardestani Marzieh , Roth Elliot J.
Published: August 2019

Background and Purpose—

The amount of task-specific stepping practice provided during rehabilitation poststroke can influence locomotor recovery and reflects one aspect of exercise dose that can affect the efficacy of specific interventions. Emerging data suggest that markedly increasing the intensity and variability of stepping practice may also be critical, although such strategies are discouraged during traditional rehabilitation. The goal of this study was to determine the individual and combined contributions of intensity and variability of stepping practice to improving walking speed and distance in individuals poststroke.

Methods—

This phase 2, randomized, blinded assessor clinical trial was performed between May 2015 and November 2018. Individuals between 18 and 85 years old with hemiparesis poststroke of >6 months duration were recruited. Of the 152 individuals screened, 97 were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 training groups, with 90 completing >10 sessions. Interventions consisted of either high-intensity stepping (70%–80% heart rate reserve) of variable, difficult stepping tasks (high variable), high-intensity stepping performing only forward walking (high forward), and low-intensity stepping in variable contexts at 30% to 40% heart rate reserve (low variable). Participants received up to 30 sessions over 2 months, with testing at baseline, post-training, and a 3-month follow-up. Primary outcomes included walking speeds and timed distance, with secondary measures of dynamic balance, transfers, spatiotemporal kinematics, and metabolic measures.

Results—

All walking gains were significantly greater following either high-intensity group versus low-variable training (all
P
<0.001) with significant correlations with stepping amount and rate (
r
=0.48–60;
P
<0.01). Additional gains in spatiotemporal symmetry were observed with high-intensity training, and balance confidence increased only following high-variable training in individuals with severe impairments.

Conclusions—

High-intensity stepping training resulted in greater improvements in walking ability and gait symmetry than low-intensity training in individuals with chronic stroke, with potential greater improvements in balance confidence.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02507466.
Is the Eye Like What It Sees? A Critique of Aristotle on Sensing by Assimilation
Authors: Matthen Mohan
Published: August 2019

Aristotle held that perception consists in the reception of external sensory qualities (or sensible forms) in the sensorium. This idea is repeated in many forms in contemporary philosophy, including, with regard to vision, in the idea (still not firmly rejected) that the retinal image consists of points of colour. In fact, this is false. Colour is a quality that is constructed by the visual system, and though it is possible to be a realist about colour, it is completely misleading to think of it as received by the retina. Moreover, such supposedly “charitable” interpretations of Aristotle’s doctrines, based on misconceptions of perception-science, distort our understanding of his historical context.
Reply to the Paper “Beutel et al. 2018. Is †Skleroptera (†Stephanastus) an order in the stemgroup of Coleopterida (Insecta)?”
Authors: Kirejtshuk Alexander G. , Nel Andre
Published: August 2019

The recent critical revision of the order Skleroptera by Beutel et al. (2018a) is considered. We show several defects in their interpretation, contradicted by the original descriptions and diagnosis (Nel et al., 2013; Kirejtshuk & Nel, 2013). The main arguments of the initial interpretation of Stephanastus polinae
Kirejtshuk et Nel, 2013 (Stephanastidae) and reasons for the proposal of the order Skleroptera (Kirejtshuk & Nel, 2013) are mentioned, together with reasons to reject the proposal of Beutel et al. (2018a, b). A comparison of Skleroptera with other neopteran orders is made. Lastly the problem of the position of Umenocoleus as a member of Coleopterida versus a roachoid is discussed, the first hypothesis being supported by synapomorphies which is not the case for the second.
Key to species of the genus Cyrta Melichar (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) with description of a new species
Authors: ZHANG LAN , XING JICHUN
Published: August 2019

A new leafhopper species: Cyrta webbi sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Guizhou Province, China. A key based on the male genitalia is given to distinguish all species of this genus. The type specimen of the new species is deposited in the Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China (GUGC).
The Juntos Pilot Study: A Diabetes Management Intervention for Latino Caregiving Dyads
Authors: Mendez-Luck Carolyn A. , Miranda Jeanne , Mangione Carol M. , Yoon Jangho , VanGarde Aurora
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to design a culturally sensitive dyad-level diabetes intervention to improve glycemic control for older Latino adults with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

This study used a pretest-posttest noncontrol group design. The intervention was developed from formative research with Mexican-origin caregiving dyads. The curriculum was adapted from 2 randomized trials of community interventions specifically designed for Latino older adults with type 2 diabetes. The curriculum consisted of communication skill-building exercises and dyad decision making on lifestyle changes to improve the older adult’s blood glucose levels. Thirty-two community-dwelling dyads completed a 6-week program of one-on-one sessions with a trained program facilitator. Main outcomes were feasibility and acceptability of the Juntos program. The authors assessed feasibility by examining participant burden and retention and acceptability by participant exit interviews. Although underpowered for outcomes, A1C, health status, and dyadic communication were also assessed to evaluate whether trends suggested the effectiveness of the intervention.

Results

Most participants viewed Juntos as an acceptable program and wanted the program expanded in terms of length and scope. All outcomes showed improvement from baseline through 6 months postintervention.

Conclusions

Results show that Juntos is acceptable to Mexican-origin caregiving dyads and is a promising approach for effectively controlling type 2 diabetes among older Latino adults who have a family caregiver.
Relationship between Helicobacter pylori-positivity in the gallbladder and stomach and effect on gallbladder pathologies
Authors: Ari Aziz , Tatar Cihad , Yarikkaya Enver
Published: August 2019

Objective

Helicobacter pylori commonly occurs in the stomach, but localizations outside the stomach and related diseases have also been investigated. However, the relationship between H. pylori and gallstones remains controversial. We aimed to investigate the relationships between H. pylori in the stomach and the gallbladder and gallstones.

Methods

This prospective case-control study included patients who underwent cholecystectomy because of gallstones, pancreatic head cancer, or hepatic resection. The patients were separated into two groups according to the detection of H. pylori in gallbladder samples using Giemsa staining. Stomach H. pylori status was based on previous gastroscopy.

Results

The study enrolled 60 patients, comprising 27 patients with gallstones and 33 without. There was no significant difference in the incidence of gallstones between patients with or without H. pylori in the stomach or gallbladder. Furthermore, the presence of H. pylori in the stomach was measured in 14 patients and was significantly correlated with H. pylori in the gallbladder.

Conclusion

The current study showed no relationship between the occurrence of gallstones and the presence of H. pylori in either the gallbladder or the stomach. In contrast to previous reports, this suggests that H. pylori does not play a role in the development of gallstones.
Editing Adult Education Quarterly: Reflections on the Editorial Role
Authors: English Leona M. , Gleiman Ashley , Hansman Catherine A. , Sun Qi , Zacharakis Jeff
Published: August 2019

This essay is a reflection of our five-year jouney at co-editors of Adult Education Quarterly. We identify some of our accomplishments and challenges, as well as critique some of our editing practices and role as editors. We also discuss our goal to strengthen AEQ’s position as a premier international research journal in adult education and learning, and how we used AEQ Forum as a venue to introduce important issues. Finally we identify some future trends that may affect our journal and profession.
Control of Daily Locomotor Activity Patterns in Drosophila suzukii by the Circadian Clock, Light, Temperature and Social Interactions
Authors: Shaw Bethan , Fountain Michelle , Wijnen Herman
Published: August 2019

Understanding behavioral rhythms in a pest species can contribute to improving the efficacy of control methods targeting that pest. However, in some species, the behavioral patterns recorded in artificial conditions contrast greatly with observed wild-type behavioral rhythms. In this study, we identify the determinants of daily activity rhythms of the soft and stone fruit pest Drosophila suzukii. The impact of gender, space, social housing, temperature, light, fly morph, and the circadian clock on D. suzukii locomotor rhythms was investigated. Assays were performed under artificial laboratory conditions or more natural semifield conditions to identify how these factors affected daily locomotor behavior. Daily locomotor activity patterns collected under semifield conditions varied very little between the various sex and social condition combinations. However, in lab-based assays, individual and group-housed males often exhibited divergent activity patterns, with more prominent hyperactivity at light/dark transitions. In contrast, hyperactivity responses were suppressed under lab protocols mimicking summer conditions for groups of females and mixed-sex groups. Moreover, when environmental cues were removed, flies held in groups displayed stronger rhythmicity than individual flies. Thus, social interactions can reinforce circadian behavior and resist hyperactivity responses in D. suzukii. Fly morph appeared to have little impact on behavioral pattern, with winter and summer morph flies displaying similar activity profiles under April semifield and laboratory mimic environmental conditions. In conclusion, separate and combined effects of light, temperature, circadian clock function, and social interactions were apparent in the daily activity profiles of D. suzukii. When groups of female or mixed-sex flies were used, implementation of matching photoperiods and realistic daily temperature gradients in the lab was sufficient to re-create behavioral patterns observed in summer semifield settings. The ability to leverage lab assays to predict D. suzukii field behavior promises to be a valuable asset in improving control measures for this pest.
Modeling the Influence of Synaptic Plasticity on After-effects
Authors: Foster Semra , Christiansen Tom , Antle Michael C.
Published: August 2019

While circadian rhythms in physiology and behavior demonstrate remarkable day-to-day precision, they are also able to exhibit plasticity in a variety of parameters and under a variety of conditions. After-effects are one type of plasticity in which exposure to non–24-h light-dark cycles (T-cycles) will alter the animal’s free-running rhythm in subsequent constant conditions. We use a mathematical model to explore whether the concept of synaptic plasticity can explain the observation of after-effects. In this model, the SCN is composed of a set of individual oscillators randomly selected from a normally distributed population. Each cell receives input from a defined set of oscillators, and the overall period of a cell is a weighted average of its own period and that of its inputs. The influence that an input has on its target’s period is determined by the proximity of the input cell’s period to the imposed T-cycle period, such that cells with periods near T will have greater influence. Such an arrangement is able to duplicate the phenomenon of after-effects, with relatively few inputs per cell (~4-5) being required. When the variability of periods between oscillators is low, the system is quite robust and results in minimal after-effects, while systems with greater between-cell variability exhibit greater magnitude after-effects. T-cycles that produce maximal after-effects have periods within ~2.5 to 3 h of the population period. Overall, this model demonstrates that synaptic plasticity in the SCN network could contribute to plasticity of the circadian period.
Peer-Mediated Pivotal Response Treatment at School for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Boudreau Ainsley M. , Lucyshyn Joseph M. , Corkum Penny , Meko Katelyn , Smith Isabel M.
Published: August 2019

The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of peer training in pivotal response treatment (PRT) for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in their first year of school. Four 6-year-old boys with ASD and eight typically developing (TD) children (aged 4-6 years) participated in the study. A non-concurrent multiple-probe (across participants) baseline design was used. Outcomes were assessed before, immediately after, and 6 to 9 weeks following an eight-session training period. Overall, rates of peer engagement increased following training for three of the four children with ASD and rates of social initiation increased following training for two of the four children with ASD; these gains were maintained at follow-up. TD peers’ fidelity in implementing PRT techniques also improved. The present study suggests that relatively brief peer training in PRT can produce immediate and short-term sustained gains in peer-related social communication skills of children with ASD at school.
Time-to-event analysis when the event is defined on a finite time interval
Authors: Lee Catherine , Lee Stephanie J , Haneuse Sebastien
Published: August 2019

Acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a frequent complication following hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Research on risk factors for acute GVHD has tended to ignore two important clinical issues. First, post-transplant mortality is high. In our motivating data, 100-day post-HCT mortality was 15.4%. Second, acute GVHD in its classic form is only diagnosed within 100 days of the transplant; beyond 100 days, a patient may be diagnosed with late onset acute or chronic GVHD. Standard modeling of time-to-event outcomes, however, generally conceive of patients being able to experience the event at any point on the time scale. In this paper, we propose a novel multi-state model that simultaneously: (i) accounts for mortality through joint modeling of acute GVHD and death, and (ii) explicitly acknowledges the finite time interval during which the event of interest can take place. The observed data likelihood is derived, with estimation and inference via maximum likelihood. Additionally, we provide methods for estimating the absolute risk of acute GVHD and death simultaneously. The proposed framework is compared via comprehensive simulations to a number of alternative approaches that each acknowledge some but not all aspects of acute GVHD, and illustrated with an analysis of HCT data that motivated this work.
Radiographic Assessment of First Tarsometatarsal Joint Shape and Orientation
Authors: Koury Kimberly , Staggers Jackson R. , Pinto Martim C. , Godoy-Santos Alexandre L. , Smyth Niall A. , Shah Ashish B. , de Cesar Netto Cesar
Published: August 2019

Background:

Hypermobility within the first tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint is a predisposing factor for hallux valgus. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the shape and angulation of the first TMT joint are affected by the positioning of the foot in radiographs.

Methods:

Ten adult above-knee fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens were placed into a radiolucent apparatus that allowed controlled angulation of each foot at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 degrees in dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, and eversion. For each specimen, the first TMT joint angle (1TMTJA), shape of the distal articular surface of the medial cuneiform (flat or curved), and image quality of the first TMT joint were measured.

Results:

The mean value for 1TMTJA was 22.9 degrees (95% confidence interval [CI] 21.9-24). Individual anatomical variations of the specimens as well as the different angulations due to foot positioning significantly influenced the 1TMTJA (both P < .001). Joints that were found to have a flat configuration showed significantly increased 1TMTJA on average when compared to the ones with curved articular surface, 25.9 (95% CI 24.4-27.4) and 20.8 degrees (95% CI 19.5-22.0) ( P < .001), respectively. Image quality for visualization of the first TMT joint was progressively better for increased angles of dorsiflexion and inversion.

Conclusion:

The shape and angulation of the first TMT joint on radiographic evaluation are affected by the positioning of the foot.

Clinical Relevance:

Clinical usefulness of these radiographic characteristics is limited and should not influence operative planning in patients with possible instability of the first TMT joint.
Preliminary Experience With a Minimally Invasive Technique for Hallux Valgus Correction With No Fixation
Authors: Lucattelli Giuseppe , Catani Ottorino , Sergio Fabrizio , Cipollaro Lucio , Maffulli Nicola
Published: August 2019

Background:

Percutaneous operative techniques for hallux valgus (HV) correction are less damaging to soft tissues and the first metatarsophalangeal joint, and they carry a lower risk of wound complications. We report our preliminary results using a percutaneous technique that allowed correction of the deformity without internal fixation.

Methods:

One hundred ninety-five consecutive patients with isolated symptomatic HV were surgically treated using a percutaneous technique without any form of internal fixation, with a mean follow-up of 34.6 months. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux-metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale score was used for clinical assessment. Radiographic evaluation included pre- and postoperative assessment of the hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), and sesamoid position in weightbearing radiographs.

Results:

According to the AOFAS score, the patients improved from a preoperative median of 54.7 to 89.6 at 2 years’ follow-up ( P = .002). Patients were satisfied or very satisfied in 94% of cases at the latest follow-up. A mean radiographic correction of the HVA of 15.5 degrees, of the IMA of 5.4 degrees, and of the DMAA of 5.4 degrees was achieved. The AOFAS global score and every individual parameter improved significantly between pretreatment and latest follow-up ( P > .01). A total of 19 (9.7%) complications were reported.

Conclusion:

This percutaneous technique, which did not use any form of internal fixation described, produced durable results for the correction of HV, reliably correcting the deformity and resulting in significant improvement in function and decrease of pain.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Fisetin Prolongs Therapy Window of Brain Ischemic Stroke Using Tissue Plasminogen Activator: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Wang Limin , Cao Di , Wu Huijun , Jia Hongning , Yang Chaoping , Zhang Lihua
Published: August 2019

Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) can be utilized to treat ischemic stroke with safety and effectiveness but limited by a narrow therapeutic window. In the present clinical trial among patients with stroke, we sought to evaluate the potential of fisetin to extend the therapeutic window of rt-PA treatment. Patients with stroke were divided based on their onset-to-treatment time (OTT) and then randomly assigned to receive the rt-PA treatment combined with fisetin or placebo. Primary outcome was evaluated using the National Institutes of Health Stroke scale (NIHSS), and secondary outcome was assessed by serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2, MMP 9, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Fisetin dramatically improved the treatment outcomes of the patients with stroke in the delayed OTT strata, as revealed by lower NIHSS scores. The beneficial effect of fisetin was likely attributable to reduced levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, and CRP in the serum, as evidenced by strong linear correlations between serum levels of such markers with the NIHSS scores in all enrolled patients. Fisetin may possess the potential to supplement traditional rt-PA treatments among patients with stroke, particularly for those with delayed OTT, and thereby extend the otherwise narrow therapeutic window and improve the treatment outcomes.
Women in Spanish Municipal Councils and Budgetary Policies
Authors: Cabaleiro-Casal Roberto , Buch-Gómez Enrique J.
Published: August 2019

As men and women are sociologically different, scientific literature attempts to explain differences in public outcomes in terms of the gender of elected representatives. In the municipal sphere, few studies have analyzed the short- and long-run effects of the gender of the mayor and the councillors on global budgetary policy. Our research aims to fill this gap. One of our main findings is that a change from a male to a female mayor, or a change in the proportion of female councillors ideologically alienated from a female mayor, has a significant impact on budgetary policy. We have also verified that the presence of female politicians with a right-wing ideology on a municipal council leads the municipality to lower levels of current expenditure with respect to non-social spending in both the short and the long term.
A Note on Assessment of Transportation Infrastructure Data Management Practices
Authors: Oti Isaac C. , Gharaibeh Nasir G.
Published: August 2019

The amount of data being maintained by state departments of transportation (DOTs) and local transportation agencies is increasing steadily. Although data provide opportunities to facilitate decision making at transportation agencies, there are challenges involved in managing large and diverse data. This article provides an assessment of the maturity of three data management practice (stewardship, storage and warehousing, and integration) for 16 transportation data groups based on a survey of 43 DOTs in the United States. The assessment results show that data management practices at the monitoring and operations phases of transportation infrastructure life cycle are likely more mature than those at other phases. Inventory data, in particular, has the most mature data management practices. On the other end, real estate data and travel modeling data have the least mature data management practices. A comparison of the practices indicates that data stewardship is more mature than data integration and storage and warehousing practices.
Building Transparency and Trustworthiness in Inductive Research Through Computer-Aided Qualitative Data Analysis Software
Authors: O’Kane Paula , Smith Anne , Lerman Michael P.
Published: August 2019

Many scholars have called for qualitative research to demonstrate transparency and trustworthiness in the data analysis process. Yet these processes, particularly within inductive research, often remain shrouded in mystery. We suggest that computer-aided/assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) can support qualitative researchers in their efforts to present their analysis and findings in a transparent way, thus enhancing trustworthiness. To this end, we propose, describe, and illustrate working examples of six CAQDAS building blocks, three combined CAQDAS techniques, and two coder consistency checks. We argue that these techniques give researchers the language to write about their methods and findings in a transparent manner and that their appropriate use enhances a research project’s trustworthiness. Specific CAQDAS techniques are rarely discussed across an array of inductive research processes. Thus, we see this article as the beginning of a conversation about the utility of CAQDAS to support inductive qualitative research.
Retrieval strategy for ruptured balloon with circumferential tear during angioplasty for arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Murata Ryohei , Kamiizumi Yo , Haneda Tsutomu , Ishizuka Chihiro , Kashiwakura Sayuri , Tsuji Takeshi , Kasai Hironori , Tani Yasuhiro , Inagaki Naoto , Chiba Satoshi , Ito Koji
Published: August 2019

Introduction:

Balloon angioplasty is a common endovascular procedure. The balloon for angioplasty sometimes ruptures (incidence, 3.6%–10%), and it is constructed such that it ruptures in a longitudinal direction and complications related to rupture are rare. However, on rare occasions, retrieval is challenging, especially in the case of ruptures with a circumferential tear. There is no established method for retrieval and careful retrieval is required due to the risk of embolization by the residual balloon fragment.

Technique:

We describe two cases of balloon rupture in the transverse direction during percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients. In these cases, the balloon ruptured with a circumferential tear and dissected into two parts, and the tip edge remained in the vessel. We inserted an additional introducer at the side of the tip edge, caught the guidewire by a gooseneck snare, and hooked the residual balloon fragment. This also stabilized and increased the stiffness of the guidewire through the “pull-through technique.” Then, we reintroduced the gooseneck snare to catch the residual balloon. We then inserted a cobra-head catheter from the first introducer and pushed the residual balloon. We finally retrieved the ruptured balloon by pulling back the gooseneck snare and pushing using the cobra-head catheter simultaneously.

Results:

We could retrieve the ruptured balloons successfully using this technique and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was continued in both cases.

Conclusion:

Our technique of retrieval may be suitable for cases of balloon rupture with a circumferential tear during percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. The technique enables less invasive retrieval and continuation of the percutaneous transluminal angioplasty thereafter.
The Plasma [Kynurenine]/[Tryptophan] Ratio and Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase: Time for Appraisal
Authors: Badawy Abdulla A-B , Guillemin Gilles
Published: August 2019

The plasma kynurenine to tryptophan ([Kyn]/[Trp]) ratio is frequently used to express or reflect the activity of the extrahepatic Trp-degrading enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). This ratio is increasingly used instead of measurement of IDO activity, which is often low or undetectable in immune and other cells under basal conditions, but is greatly enhanced after immune activation. The use of this ratio is valid in in vitro studies, eg, in cell cultures or isolated organs, but its ‘blanket’ use in in vivo situations is not, because of modulating factors, such as supply of nutrients; the presence of multiple cell types; complex structural and functional tissue arrangements; the extracellular matrix; and hormonal, cytokine, and paracrine interactions. Determinants other than IDO may therefore be involved in vivo. These are hepatic tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) activity and the flux of plasma-free Trp down the Kyn pathway. In addition, conditions leading to accumulation of Kyn, eg, inhibition of activities of Kyn monooxygenase and kynureninase, could lead to elevation of the aforementioned ratio. In this review, the origin of use of this ratio will be discussed, variations in extent of its elevation will be described, evidence against its indiscriminate use will be presented, and examining determinants other than IDO activity and their correlates will be proposed for future studies.
ZPR1-Dependent Neurodegeneration Is Mediated by the JNK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Jiang Xiaoting , Kannan Annapoorna , Gangwani Laxman
Published: August 2019

The zinc finger protein ZPR1 deficiency causes neurodegeneration and results in a mild spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)-like disease in mice with reduced Zpr1 gene dosage. Mutation of the survival motor neuron 1 ( SMN1) gene causes SMA. Spinal muscular atrophy is characterized by the degeneration of the spinal cord motor neurons caused by chronic low levels of SMN protein. ZPR1 interacts with SMN and is required for nuclear accumulation of SMN. Patients with SMA express reduced levels of ZPR1. Reduced Zpr1 gene dosage increases neurodegeneration and severity of SMA disease in mice. Mechanisms underlying ZPR1-dependent neurodegeneration are largely unknown. We report that neurodegeneration caused by ZPR1 deficiency is mediated by the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) group of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). ZPR1-dependent neuron degeneration is mediated by central nervous system (CNS)-specific isoform JNK3. ZPR1 deficiency activates the MAPK signaling cascade, MLK3 → MKK7 → JNK3, which phosphorylates c-Jun and activates caspase-mediated neuron degeneration. Neurons from Jnk3-null mice show resistance to ZPR1-dependent neurodegeneration. Pharmacologic inhibition of JNK reduces degeneration of ZPR1-deficient neurons. These data show that ZPR1-dependent neurodegeneration is mediated by the JNK signaling pathway and suggest that ZPR1 downregulation in SMA may contribute to JNK-mediated neurodegeneration associated with SMA pathogenesis.
1-Norbornyl cation may be in equilibrium with 2-norbornyl cation
Authors: Mamantov Andrew
Published: August 2019

New 1H and 13C NMR 400 MHZ spectra of the 2-Nb cation under stable ion conditions, for example, in SbF5/SO2F2/SO2ClF, −80 oC, show besides the usual 1H NMR resonances at δ 4.93, 2.82, 1.85, the never before seen singlet, δ 9.63, and doublet, δ 2.97 (J2,6 = 16.6 Hz), ratio 1.00 : 1.07, proposed to be due to resonance-stabilized bridgehead 1-Nb cationic enantiomers in equilibrium with 2-Nb cation. The corresponding 13C proton-coupled NMR spectrum, −80 oC, has a C3,5,7 triplet, δ 30.45, J(CH) = 139.14 Hz, and C4 doublet, δ 37.7, J(CH) = 154.54 Hz. The C1,2,6 absorption, δ 91.04 is relatively broad, whereas previously, at −70 oC, it was a pentuplet. The 13C proton-decoupled spectrum at −80 oC shows the C4 doublet and C3,5,7 triplet collapsed to a singlet, but the C1,2,6 resonance is still broad. Analyses support the slowing exchange between resonance stabilized enantiomeric 2-cations at ≤ –159 oC. Some future studies are proposed.
The marijuana user in US news media: an examination of visual stereotypes of race, culture, criminality and normification
Authors: Mortensen Tara Marie , Moscowitz Leigh , Wan Anan , Yang Aimei
Published: August 2019

In the wake of growing legalization efforts, both medicinal and recreational marijuana use in the US is becoming more prevalent and societally acceptable. However, racial, criminal and cultural stereotypes linger in mediated visual portrayals. This study examines the extent to which mediated visual portrayals in mainstream news have been impacted by these recent legalization efforts. Employing a quantitative as well as a qualitative analysis of visual images used to represent marijuana use in mainstream news, this study draws upon the power of visual framing and the construction of social reality to examine how visual symbols and iconic signifiers are used to construct both stereotypical and ‘mainstreamed’ or ‘normative’ depictions of marijuana use. Analyzing 458 visuals across 10 different media outlets across the political spectrum, both before and after legalization of marijuana in Colorado, this study shows how news portrayals perpetuated stereotypes about marijuana users, particularly around criminality and pot-culture iconography. Relatively few depictions of marijuana users in the US are visuals of ordinary, ‘normal’ people or families. This study thus interrogates the relationship between representations of race, criminality and ‘pothead’ stereotypes associated with marijuana use, and how these visual representations differ amongst liberal and conservative news sites, finding that the political ideology of the news outlet largely influences the visual stereotyping of marijuana users. The study concludes by considering both the legal and cultural implications of how mainstream news visually represents marijuana use, considering how persistent decades-old representations were largely perpetuated rather than challenged in light of legalization efforts.
Policing the “Sensible” in the Era of YouTube: Urban Villages and Racialized Subjects in Delhi
Authors: Dattatreyan Ethiraj Gabriel
Published: August 2019

This article attends to the ways in which user-generated video content presumed destined for online social media circulation polices the sensible and, in turn, is policed because of its capacity to reveal the messy, turbulent politics of the everyday. Focusing on an incident that targeted African students and entrepreneurs residing in Delhi, the article argues that the policing of user-generated audio-visual content of unfolding events in this milieu reveals a politics of the sensible that imagines digital circulation beyond national borders as a key site of contestation and that pushes us to reconsider simplistic ideas that valorize the democratization of representation as an interruption of the social order in one sociotemporal scale.
Commissioning and Evaluation of a Third-Party 6 Degrees-of-Freedom Couch Used in Radiotherapy
Authors: Chan Maria F. , Lim Seng-Boh , Li Xiang , Tang Xiaoli , Zhang Peng , Shi Chengyu
Published: August 2019

Purposes:

The newly released Protura 6 degrees-of-freedom couch (CIVCO) has limited quality assurance protocols and pertinent publications. Herein, we report our experiences of the Protura system acceptance, commissioning, and quality assurance.

Methods:

The Protura system integration was tested with peripheral equipment on the following items: couch movement range limit, 6 degrees-of-freedom movement accuracy, weight test and couch sagging, system connection with Linac, isocentricity of couch and rotation alignment, kV and cone-beam computed tomography imaging of HexaCHECK with MIMI phantom (Standard Imaging), and an in-house custom 6 degrees-of-freedom quality assurance phantom. A couch transmission measurement was also performed.

Results:

The vertical, longitudinal, and lateral ranges of the 6 degrees-of-freedom couch pedestal are 43.9 to 0.0 cm, 24.6 to 149.5 cm, −20.6 to 20.7 cm, respectively. The couch movement accuracy was within 1 mm in all directions. The couch sagging with a 200 lbs (∼91 kg) evenly distributed object is 1.0 cm and 0.4° pitch in the distal end of the couch. The isocentricity of the couch was about 0.5 mm in diameter of all crosshair projections on the couch isocenter level, and the largest couch rotation alignment observed was (0.3°) at the couch angle of 90°. The deviation from the reference position (zero position) of the HexaCHECK phantom, measured by matching the cone-beam computed tomography with the reference planning computed tomography, was found to be below 0.2 mm in the anterior–posterior and right–left dimensions, 0.4 mm in superior–inferior dimension, and 0.1° in roll, pitch, and yaw directions.

Conclusions:

A 6 degrees-of-freedom quality assurance phantom is helpful for the commissioning and routine quality assurance tests. Due to the third-party integration with Linac, the system is prone to “double-correction” errors. A rigorous quality assurance program is the key to a successful clinical implementation of the Protura system.
The impact of ICT on financial development: Empirical evidence from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries
Authors: Alshubiri Faris , Jamil Syed Ahsan , Elheddad Mohamed
Published: August 2019

The globalization revolution has led to many countries considering advancing technology, which has led to electronic finance becoming an important aspect in all economic and financial sectors. This study aims to investigate the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on the financial development index of six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries from the period 2000 to 2016. The results are reported in terms of two main ICT variables: fixed broadband and Internet users as a proxy of ICT and domestic credit to private sector as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) and broad money supply/GDP as two proxies of the financial development index. This methodology used fixed effects (FEs) estimations, and the results show that an increase in fixed broadband has a statistically significant and positive effect on both proxies of financial development. In terms of domestic credit as a percentage of the GDP proxy, the positive effects of ICT (broadband) are greater than the one from Internet users. A 1% increase in fixed broadband leads to approximately 2% increase in financial development, but the Internet user variable resulted in about a 0.09% increase. The other money supply proxy increased by 0.40% when ICT increased by 1%. Additionally, money supply increased by 0.11% when the Internet user ratio increased by 1% .To control for the endogeneity problem, the study used a generalized method of moments estimator, and the results confirm the previous results of the FE. Moreover, the negative impact of economic growth and natural resources was found to be valid and significant, while urbanization and trade openness were found to significantly and positively affect both financial development proxies. The main conclusion of the study is that GCC countries should take action in building an effective joint information system to help construct efficient economic sectors.
Protective Effects of Indole 3-Acetonitrile-4-Methoxy-2-S-β-d-Glucopyranoside From Nasturtium officinale R. Br. Against Ultraviolet B-Induced Photodamage in Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Kim Yumin , Bae Kyung Suk
Published: August 2019

Ultraviolet radiation induces skin photoaging, which is associated with the elevation of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and the decrease of procollagen. Nasturtium officinale plays a well-known role in the treatment of sulfur-containing compounds and their important role in protecting human health. However, their skin protective activity toward UVB-induced photodamage remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of indole 3-acetonitrile-4-methoxy-2- S-β-d-glucopyranoside (IAMG) from N. officinale on UVB-irradiated normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF). Our results show that IAMG enhanced NHDF cell migration. The UVB-induced increases in MMP-1 and decrease in type I procollagen were ameliorated by IAMG treatment. Taken together, our data strongly suggest that IAMG from N. officinale could reduce UVB-induced photodamage.
A Crisis in “Open Access”: Should Communication Scholarly Outputs Take 77 Years to Become Open Access?
Authors: Ghanbari Baghestan Abbas , Khaniki Hadi , Kalantari Abdolhosein , Akhtari-Zavare Mehrnoosh , Farahmand Elaheh , Tamam Ezhar , Ebrahim Nader Ale , Sabani Havva , Danaee Mahmoud
Published: August 2019

This study diachronically investigates the trend of the “open access” in the Web of Science (WoS) category of “communication.” To evaluate the trend, data were collected from 184 categories of WoS from 1980 to 2017. A total of 87,997,893 documents were obtained, of which 95,304 (0.10%) were in the category of “communication.” In average, 4.24% of the documents in all 184 categories were open access. While in communication, it was 3.29%, which ranked communication 116 out of 184. An Open Access Index (OAI) was developed to predict the trend of open access in communication. Based on the OAI, communication needs 77 years to fully reach open access, which undeniably can be considered as “crisis in scientific publishing” in this field. Given this stunning information, it is the time for a global call for “open access” by communication scholars across the world. Future research should investigate whether the current business models of publications in communication scholarships are encouraging open access or pose unnecessary restrictions on knowledge development.
Outcome of Distal Biceps Tendon Repair With and Without Concomitant Bicipital Aponeurosis Repair
Authors: Conlin Catherine Ellen , Naderipour Alireza , ElMaraghy Amr
Published: August 2019

Background:

The bicipital aponeurosis (BA) can often be torn concomitantly with a distal biceps tendon (DBT) rupture. Its repair, although recommended by some, has not commonly been addressed during the surgical management of DBT ruptures, and to date, surgical repair of the BA with DBT repair has not been evaluated clinically.

Purpose:

To utilize subjective and objective outcome measures to examine the safety and efficacy of 2-incision DBT repair with and without repair of the BA in patients with a DBT rupture.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Demographic and surgical data were reviewed retrospectively. Patients returned to the clinic to complete subjective outcome measures and objective measurements of range of motion, strength, and biceps contour. All patients were evaluated at least 1 year after surgical treatment.

Results:

Data from 24 male patients with a DBT rupture were used for the analysis; 13 (54%) underwent concomitant DBT and BA repair, and 11 (46%) underwent isolated DBT repair. There were no complications at 1 year in either group. The DBT + BA repair group returned to recreational activities faster (77% within 6 months and 100% within 1 year) than the isolated DBT repair group (36% within 6 months, 91% within 1 year, and 100% after more than 2 years) ( P = .05). There was a trend toward better Patient-Rated Elbow Evaluation pain scores in the DBT + BA repair group than in the isolated DBT repair group (1.2 vs 5.3, respectively; P = .18). A trend also emerged toward closer return to subjective preinjury strength (77% vs 44%, respectively; P = .14). No significant difference emerged in patient satisfaction with the biceps contour, subjective scores on functional activities and disability, or objective measurements of strength, contour, and range of motion.

Conclusion:

This pilot study suggests that repair of the BA in conjunction with DBT repair leads to a faster return to recreational activities compared with isolated DBT repair. Also noted was a trend toward subjectively improved pain and greater perceived strength, after DBT + BA repair, although this was not statistically significant. Further investigation with a larger population is required to better elucidate these potential differences.
Lobe specificity of iron binding to transferrin modulates murine erythropoiesis and iron homeostasis
Authors: Parrow Nermi L. , Li Yihang , Feola Maria , Guerra Amaliris , Casu Carla , Prasad Princy , Mammen Luke , Ali Faris , Vaicikauskas Edvinas , Rivella Stefano , Ginzburg Yelena Z. , Fleming Robert E.
Published: August 2019

In this Plenary Paper, the investigators demonstrate that the two monoferric forms of transferrin, the major plasma glycoprotein involved in cellular iron delivery, have functionally distinct effects on erythropoiesis and systemic iron regulation.
Mechanistic Insights into Methane Oxidation by Molecular Oxygen under Photoirradiation: Controlled Radical Chain Reactions
Authors: Hori Yuta , Abe Tsukasa , Shiota Yoshihito , Yoshizawa Kazunari
Published: August 2019

The selective oxidation of CH4 using O2 is one of the most attractive subjects as an elusive target reaction. Ohkubo and Hirose recently reported that chlorine dioxide radical (ClO2•), which is generated by mixing NaClO2 and HCl in an aqueous solution, acts as an efficient oxidant in the oxidation of CH4 to CH3OH and HCOOH under photoirradiation in the two-phase system of perfluorohexane and water (Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2018, 57, 2126). The reaction system gives CH3OH and HCOOH without further oxidation products. They proposed that methoxy radical (CH3O•) plays an important role as an intermediate in the oxidation of CH4. In the present work, we focus on the reactivity of CH3O• to CH4 in detail to propose a reasonable radical mechanism for the oxidation of CH4 using DFT calculations at the M06-2X/6-311+G** level of theory and UCCSD(T)/6-311+G** calculations. Our reaction analysis suggests that the reaction of CH3O• with CH4 and the disproportionation of CH3O• take place as CH4 + CH3O• → CH3• + CH3OH and 2CH3O• → CH3OH + HCHO, respectively. In contrast, the isomerization from CH3O• to CH2•(OH), suggested by Ohkubo and Hirose, is unlikely to occur under ambient conditions, due to the high activation barrier for this reaction. A better understanding of the well-controlled radical chain reactions is useful for reaction design of the hydroxylation of methane.