bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tailored mobile text messaging interventions targeting type 2 diabetes self-management: A systematic review and a meta-analysis
Authors: Sahin Cigdem , Courtney Karen L , Naylor PJ , E Rhodes Ryan
Published: April 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to identify, assess and summarize available scientiﬁc evidence on tailored text messaging interventions focused on type 2 diabetes self-management. The systematic review concentrated on message design and delivery features, and tailoring strategies. The meta-analysis assessed the moderators of the effectiveness of tailored text messaging interventions.

Methods

A comprehensive search strategy included major electronic databases, key journal searches and reference list searching for related studies. PRISMA and Cochrane Collaboration's guidelines and recommended tools for data extraction, quality appraisal and data analysis were followed. Data were extracted on participant characteristics (age, gender, ethnicity), and interventional and methodological characteristics (study design, study setting, study length, choice of modality, comparison group, message type, format, content, use of interactivity, message frequency, message timing, message delivery, tailoring strategies and theory use). Outcome measures included diet, physical activity, medication adherence and glycated hemoglobin data (HbA1C). Where possible, a random effects meta-analysis was performed to pool data on the effectiveness of the tailored text messaging interventions and moderator variables.

Results

The search returned 13 eligible trials for the systematic review and 11 eligible trials for the meta-analysis. The majority of the studies were randomized controlled trials, conducted in high-income settings, used multi-modalities, and mostly delivered informative, educational messages through an automated message delivery system. Tailored text messaging interventions produced a substantial effect ( g = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.08–0.99, p < 0.001) on HbA1C values for a total of 949 patients. Subgroup analyses revealed the importance of some moderators such as message delivery ( QB = 18.72, df = 1, p = 0.001), message direction ( QB = 5.26, df = 1, p = 0.022), message frequency ( QB = 18.72, df = 1, p = 0.000) and using multi-modalities ( QB = 6.18, df = 1, p = 0.013).

Conclusions

Tailored mobile text messaging interventions can improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients. However, more rigorous interventions with larger samples and longer follow-ups are required to confirm these findings and explore the effects of tailored text messaging on other self-management outcomes.
Using cytometric bead arrays to detect cytokines in the serum of patients with different types of pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Bai Ruolan , Tao Luyan , Li Bingxue , Liu Aihua , Dai Xiting , Ji Zhenhua , Jian Miaomiao , Ding Zhe , Luo Lisha , Chen Taigui , Ma Mingbiao , Peng Yun , Bao Fukai
Published: April 2019

Cytokines play a crucial role in mediating immune responses to tuberculosis (TB). The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of cytokines in patients with different forms of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and identify valuable cytokine biomarkers for the diagnosis of PTB. We measured the levels of six cytokines (interleukin (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)) in the serum of healthy donors (n = 30). Patients with active PTB (n = 46) and those with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI, n = 38) were examined using cytometric bead arrays. The levels of the six cytokines in the serum samples were measured promptly, sensitively, and simultaneously. The levels of IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-γ were significantly higher in the PTB group compared with those reported in the healthy donors ( P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). In addition, significantly higher levels of IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-γ were found in the active PTB group compared with those observed in the LTBI group ( P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). However, the levels of IL-4 and TNF-α in the sera of patients from the PTB group did not show a significant correlation with those measured in the healthy donor group. Our data demonstrated that IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-γ may be useful in the auxiliary diagnosis of tuberculosis and as biomarkers for distinguishing LTBI from TB.
The level of intracellular tacrolimus in T cell is affected by CD44+ ABCB1+ activities triggered by inflammation
Authors: Bae Eunjin , Han Seung Seok , Park Dong Jun , Lee Hajeong , Yu Mi-Yeon , Kim Kyu Hong , Kim Min Chang , Cho Joo-Youn , Min Sang-Il , Ha Jongwon , Kim Yon Su , Yang Seung Hee
Published: April 2019

Rejection is an important issue in kidney transplant. Although with adequate trough level of tacrolimus, acute rejection occurs, and we are focused on these cases. We hypothesized that the lower concentration of tacrolimus in the peripheral blood mononuclear cell would be a cause of rejection; in this regard, we describe ABCB1, which regulates intracellular concentration of tacrolimus. The effect of inflammation on the intracellular concentration of tacrolimus was evaluated, as was the association between that concentration and ABCB1 and CD44 activities. Seven kidney recipients experiencing acute rejection were prospectively enrolled. Both the whole blood concentration of tacrolimus and intracellular concentration of tacrolimus were measured at the time of enrollment and after stabilization. A human T lymphoblastoid cell line (Jurkat T cell) was treated with various concentrations of tacrolimus for 21 h and then stimulated for 3 h. The levels of mRNA interleukin-2, interleukin-8, and interferon-γ decreased dose dependently by tacrolimus. Furthermore, a fluorescence-activated cell sorter was used to count cells expressing CD44 and ABCB1; changes in intracellular concentration of tacrolimus were explored after tacrolimus treatment and stimulation. Also, B6 splenocytes were tested in the same manner as previous Jurkat T cell experiments. The tacrolimus ratio of three patients was lower at the time of acute rejection than when patients were stabilized. In vitro, the intracellular concentration of tacrolimus decreased after stimulation. Under the same conditions, CD44+ ABCB1+ cells increased in proportion on tacrolimus treatment and stimulation. This work supports the hypothesis that inflammation reduces the intracellular tacrolimus level, possibly via drug efflux mediated by CD44+ ABCB1+ and inflammation could lead to acute rejection.
Left Subclavian Artery Test Balloon Occlusion Before Covered Stent for Recoarctation and Aneurysm
Authors: Rothman Abraham , Ciccolo Michael L. , Galindo Alvaro , Evans William N.
Published: April 2019

A 57-year-old man, with a history of coarctation patch repair at three years of age, presented with left ventricular dilatation and moderate to severe dysfunction. A computed tomographic angiogram of the chest revealed moderate residual stenosis of the distal arch and proximal descending aorta and a large aneurysm adjacent to the origin of the left subclavian artery. Due to high surgical risk, a hybrid approach was undertaken with temporary balloon occlusion of the left subclavian artery, followed by surgical left common carotid to left subclavian artery graft and percutaneous covered stent implantation to relieve the obstruction and exclude the aneurysm.
Effects of Multimedia Learning Combined With Strategy-Based Instruction on Vocabulary Learning and Strategy Use
Authors: Rahimi Merak , Allahyari Atefeh
Published: April 2019

The present study investigated the impact of multimedia-assisted explicit vocabulary learning strategy (VLS) instruction on foreign language learners’ strategy use and vocabulary learning. A total of 40 learners of English as a foreign language participated in the study as the experimental ( n = 20) and control groups ( n = 20). The participants’ vocabulary knowledge, vocabulary size, and the use of VLSs were assessed prior to the study. For 15 weeks, the experimental group received a multimedia-assisted explicit VLS instruction, whereas the control group received conventional explicit VLS instruction. At the end of the experiment, the participants’ vocabulary knowledge, vocabulary size, and the use of VLS were measured again. The result of data analysis revealed that the two groups’ vocabulary learning and size were significantly different at the end of the course in favor of the experimental group. It was also revealed that incorporating multimedia in the procedure of VLS instruction had a significant impact on experimental group’s use of memory and cognitive strategies, whereas their use of metacognitive and determination strategies was not affected by the intervention.
Vocabulary and Reading Comprehension Revisited: Evidence for High-, Mid-, and Low-Frequency Vocabulary Knowledge
Authors: Masrai Ahmed
Published: April 2019

The association between vocabulary knowledge and reading comprehension has been extensively researched. However, modeling the contribution of vocabulary knowledge within different frequency ranges to second language (L2) learners’ reading comprehension is an underexplored area. Thus, the present study examines the degree to which high-, mid-, and low-frequency-based levels of orthographic vocabulary knowledge are able to predict L2 reading comprehension. A vocabulary size test and the reading section of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) were administered to 256 tertiary-level Arab learners of English. The participants’ language proficiency ranged from B2 to C1 of Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) levels. Results showed that high- and mid-frequency word ranges contributed uniquely to the L2 reading comprehension for the entire cohort. When the participants were categorized to relatively low- and relatively high-proficiency subgroups, only high-frequency range explained variance in L2 reading comprehension for the low-proficiency subgroup. Among the high-proficiency subgroup, high-, mid-, and low-frequency-based ranges offered unique contribution to L2 reading comprehension, but mid-frequency range explained the largest variance. The findings provide evidence aimed at informing approaches to the development of overall vocabulary size and the mid-frequency words, and not just a focus on the most frequent vocabulary, for the purpose of supporting L2 reading comprehension.
Regional Variation in Nonoperative Therapy Utilization for Symptomatic Lumbar Stenosis and Spondylolisthesis: A 2-Year Costs Analysis
Authors: Davison Mark A. , Lilly Daniel T. , Moreno Jessica , Cheng Joseph , Bagley Carlos , Adogwa Owoicho
Published: April 2019

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives:

To characterize regional variations in maximal nonoperative therapy (MNT) costs in patients suffering from lumbar stenosis or spondylolisthesis.

Methods:

Medical records from patients with symptomatic lumbar stenosis or spondylolisthesis undergoing primary ≤3-level lumbar decompression and fusion procedures from 2007 to 2016 were gathered from a large insurance database. Geographic regions (Midwest, Northeast, South, and West) reflected the US Census Bureau definitions. Records were searchable by International Classification of Diseases diagnosis/procedure codes, Current Procedural Terminology codes, and insurance-specific generic drug codes. Utilization of MNT, defined as cost billed, prescriptions written, and number of units disbursed, within 2-years prior to index surgery was assessed.

Results:

A total of 27 877 patients underwent 1-, 2-, or 3-level lumbar decompression and fusion surgery. Regional breakdown of the study cohort was as follows: South 62.3%, Midwest 25.2%, West 10.4%, Northeast 2.1%. Regional variations in the number of patients using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) ( P < .0001), opioids ( P < .0001), muscle relaxants ( P < .0001), and lumbar steroid injections ( P < .0001) were detected. A significant difference was identified in the regional MNT failure rates ( P < .0001). The total cost associated with MNT prior to index surgery was $48 411 125 ($1736.60/patient), with the Midwest ($1943.83/patient) responsible for the greatest average spending. Despite comprising 62.3% of the cohort, the South was accountable for 67.5% of NSAID prescriptions, 64.6% of opioid prescriptions, and 71.2% of muscle relaxant prescriptions.

Conclusions:

Regional differences exist in the costs of MNT in patients with lumbar stenosis and spondylolisthesis prior to surgery. Future studies should focus on identifying patients likely to fail prolonged nonoperative management.
A Comparison of Borrowing and Default Behaviour Between Men and Women
Authors: Koride Padmavathi , Gurtoo Anjula
Published: April 2019

Micro-credit started out as an intervention designed to address credit scarcity of women, purportedly because women are disenfranchised from property rights and adhere to repayment norms. Men, in contrast, were known for misusing the loans and defaulting on them. This paper, based on a sample of 490 men and 349 women drawn from four districts in erstwhile Andhra Pradesh, compares the borrowing and default drivers of men and women using systematic sampling techniques and rigorous statistical tests. Results show women’s disenfranchisement from family income and property, and hence their dependence on SHG membership for borrowing. Furthermore, men borrow from banks and planned repayments even in conditions of distress, where both genders are cost rationed. The findings also point to men co-opting with women for financing agriculture. A comparison of default drivers points to debt traps and lower or inadequate income driving defaults and underscores the asymmetry of information and asymmetry of power between lender–principals and borrower–agents, where the principals have an advantage over the agents in both the cases ( Saam, 2007 ). The paper, therefore, questions the blanket assumptions of compliant repayments by women and wilful defaults by men.

JEL codes: D63, D82, J16, Z13, C51
Pituitary as a Source of HCG: Residual Levels After Bilateral Testicular Tumor Removal
Authors: Santen Richard , Hasan Farhad , Thoren Katie , Farooki Azeez
Published: April 2019

Context. Challenging clinical scenario in which elevated β-human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG, subsequently termed HCG) levels suggested occult tumor metastases after removal of bilateral testicular cancers and metastases from them and as well as after chemotherapy. Case Report. A 22-year-old male, post excision of bilateral testicular tumors, who had no imaging or clinical evidence of residual tumor but an elevated HCG raising the question of the presence and location of occult tumor metastases. Clinical Questions. Does luteinizing hormone (LH) cross-react with HCG in current assays? What levels of testosterone and estradiol are necessary to suppress LH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in a male patient with bilateral orchiectomy, and therefore lacking inhibin? Does the pituitary secrete HCG and under what circumstances? Assessment. Current HCG assays no longer cross-react with LH as did prior assays, but the presence of heterophile antibodies and other factors such as biotin can still cause false positive HCG levels. In the chronic post-orchiectomy state, the pituitary is relatively resistant to LH and FSH suppression by testosterone. The pituitary secretes HCG in very small amounts unless interruption of negative feedback results in high LH and FSH whereupon HCG levels become elevated. Clinical Conclusion. A GnRH antagonist suppressed both LH and HCG in this patient indicating that the elevated HCG was secreted by the pituitary and not by occult tumor metastases. Further credence for this conclusion resulted from the lack of a progressive increase in HCG levels over a 4-year period of follow-up and from no evidence of metastatic tumors on serial imaging.
A Coronary Conundrum: Papillary Muscle Rupture and Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation Secondary to Coronary Thromboembolism in Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Authors: Shere Amar , Agasthi Pradyumna , Mookadam Farouk , Konduru Sudheer , Arsanjani Reza
Published: April 2019

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder that has a strong propensity for a hypercoagulable state and is known to be associated with venous and arterial thromboembolism. We describe an uncommon case of APS in the setting of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, with thromboembolism, and a rare complication after an uncommon etiology of myocardial infarction. This case highlights the importance of early and appropriate type of anticoagulation to reduce the morbidity and mortality in patients with APS.
Sustained Glycemic Control With Ivacaftor in Cystic Fibrosis–Related Diabetes
Authors: Christian Francis , Thierman Andrew , Shirley Erin , Allen Karen , Cross Cory , Jones Kellie
Published: April 2019

Cystic fibrosis–related diabetes (CFRD) is a common comorbidity in cystic fibrosis with pancreatic insufficiency occurring early in the disease process. Current treatment is exogenous insulin therapy as CFRD is due to impaired insulin secretion. Recent small studies have shown improvement in endogenous insulin secretion with a short period of ivacaftor therapy in primarily pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator mutations amenable to potentiation. In this article, we present the case of an adult patient with long-standing CFRD who developed sustained improvement in glycemic control after initiation of ivacaftor.
Sternoclavicular Joint Reconstruction Fracture Risk Is Reduced With Straight Drill Tunnels and Optimized With Tendon Graft Suture Augmentation
Authors: Martetschläger Frank , Reifenschneider Franziska , Fischer Nicole , Wijdicks Coen A. , Millett Peter J. , Imhoff Andreas B. , Braun Sepp
Published: April 2019

Background:

Despite the rare entity of sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) instability, a variety of different reconstruction techniques for SCJ dislocations have been described. A technique with oblique drilling has been proposed to reduce intraoperative risks.

Purpose:

To biomechanically investigate different cerclage reconstruction techniques and the benefit of additional reinforcement using suture tape.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Reconstructed artificial bone specimens were mounted on a mechanical testing machine. They were subjected to anterior and posterior translation, analyzing ultimate strength, displacement, stiffness, and elongation. For stage 1, different angulations of the drill tunnels through the sternum and clavicle were compared. Straight drill tunnels from anterior to posterior were compared with 45° oblique drill tunnels. For stage 2, three different materials for cerclage reconstruction were compared: (1) suture tape alone (FT group), (2) tendon graft alone (tendon group), and (3) tendon graft with suture tape augmentation (tendon+FT group).

Results:

For the FT group, in the anterior and posterior directions, straight drill holes resulted in a significantly higher load to failure (936.9 ± 122.5 N) compared with oblique ones (434.5 ± 20.2 N) ( P < .0001). During cyclic testing, all specimens with straight drill holes survived the 5- to 550-N step, while all specimens with oblique ones failed during the 5- to 450-N step. Analyzing the graft material choice, the mean load to failure was 556.6 ± 174.3 N for the tendon group, 936.9 ± 122.5 N for the FT group, and 767.0 ± 110.7 N for the tendon+FT group ( P = .089). The stiffness of the tendon+FT group was significantly lower than that of the FT group and significantly higher than that of the tendon group.

Conclusion:

Oblique tunnel placement during SCJ reconstruction, while reducing the intraoperative risk, results in decreased primary stability of the construct. Tendon graft reconstruction with suture tape augmentation leads to enhanced stability and optimizes biomechanical properties of the construct.

Clinical Relevance:

The surgical technique with straight drill holes has superior initial biomechanical properties and may likewise produce superior clinical outcomes in the treatment of SCJ instability. Suture tape augmentation can provide additional stability to reconstruction procedures.
Understanding the Racial Discipline Gap in Schools
Authors: Gopalan Maithreyi , Nelson Ashlyn Aiko
Published: April 2019

We explore the discipline gap between Black and White students and between Hispanic and White students using a statewide student-level panel data set on Indiana public school students attending prekindergarten through 12th grade from 2008–2009 through 2013–2014. We demonstrate that the Black-White disciplinary gaps, defined in a variety of ways and robust to a series of specification tests, emerge as early as in prekindergarten and widen with grade progression. The magnitude of these disciplinary gaps attenuates by about half when we control for many student- and school-level characteristics, but it persists within districts and schools. In contrast, we find that Hispanic-White gaps are initially null and statistically insignificant at the prekindergarten/kindergarten level and attenuate substantially after adjustment for cross-school (district) variation and other covariates. We further disentangle the discipline gap using a decomposition technique that provides empirical support for the hypothesis that Black students nonrandomly sort into more punitive disciplinary environments.
Patient Safety Morning Report: Innovation in Teaching Core Patient Safety Principles to Third-Year Medical Students
Authors: Beekman Michele , Emani Vamsi K , Wolford Robert , Hanson Keith , Wickham Gerald , Aiyer Meenakshy
Published: April 2019

Introduction:

Patient safety (PS) is one of the most important priorities in modern healthcare systems. Unfortunately, PS education is limited in many medical school curricula. Our objective was to implement an innovative curriculum to introduce third-year medical students on their pediatric clerkship to PS concepts and domains, and to provide a safe environment to discuss lapses in PS that they identified while caring for patients.

Methods:

At the start of the pediatric clerkship, students were introduced to the curriculum, instructed to identify a lapse of PS, and to submit a description and analysis of the lapse using the SAFE framework (S = Safety concern, A = Action taken, F = Failure, linked to safety domains, E = Effects on patient outcome). Two sessions, 90-mins each, were conducted every clerkship during which there was a brief didactic presentation, each student presented their case, and the case discussed by students and faculty.

Results:

Over 19 months, 75 students participated. The most common PS themes identified were Communication (57% of cases), Human factors (39%), and System issues (37%). Anonymous written feedback was obtained; learners reported improved knowledge and ability to identify lapses in PS and to propose potential solutions to prevent similar future events. They expressed a desire for additional PS and quality improvement education.

Discussion:

Our results show that third-year medical students are able to identify lapses in PS and able to propose solutions. This aligns with the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) goals of entrustable professional activities (EPA) 13. We intend to expand the curriculum to other third-year core clerkships.
Meaning and Identity Implications of Age 30: Experiences of Women Professionals from India
Authors: Rakesh Supriya
Published: April 2019

Age is an important aspect that influences women’s career choices and identities. For employed women, age 30 is often associated with gendered discourses around reproductive time-lines, work–family conflict, stalling of careers or ‘opt-out’ from the workforce. However, age is often ignored in research on women’s careers as well as organisational diversity and inclusion practices. Through an interpretative study of corporate women professionals from India, this article examines the meaning and identity implications of age 30. Findings point to tensions and contradictions in social norms at the intersection of age and gender, and age 30 as a barrier or outer limit for participants’ realisation of strong career identities.
Nrf2 activation in myeloid cells and endothelial cells differentially mitigates sickle cell disease pathology in mice
Authors: Keleku-Lukwete Nadine , Suzuki Mikiko , Panda Harit , Otsuki Akihito , Katsuoka Fumiki , Saito Ritsumi , Saigusa Daisuke , Uruno Akira , Yamamoto Masayuki
Published: April 2019

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is caused by a monogenic mutation of the β-globin gene and affects millions of people worldwide. SCD is associated with sustained hemolytic anemia, vasoocclusion, ischemia-reperfusion injury, oxidative tissue damage, inflammatory cell activation, and systemic endothelial dysfunction. The transcription factor Nrf2 coordinates the expression of a wide variety of genes encoding antioxidant, detoxification, and metabolic enzymes. Nrf2 participates in suppressing proinflammatory cytokines and organ protection in SCD. However, little is known regarding the mechanisms by which Nrf2 ameliorates SCD pathology or how some cells respond to Nrf2 stimuli to alleviate SCD pathology. Here, we asked whether monocytes/granulocytes and/or endothelial cells are particularly critical in alleviating the pathology of SCD. By targeting these cells with a Cre recombinase system, we generated SCD::Keap1F/F::LysM-Cre and Tie1-Cre mice with constitutive Nrf2 activation in monocytes/granulocytes and endothelial cells, respectively. Analyses of SCD::Keap1F/F::LysM-Cre and SCD::Keap1F/F::Tie1-Cre mice revealed significantly reduced inflammation, along with decreased white blood cell counts and lower Tnfα and Il1β expression in the lungs. Notably, SCD::Keap1F/F::LysM-Cre mice exhibited reduced heme distribution in the liver, consistent with a decrease in the damaged areas. Vascular function in SCD::Keap1F/F::Tie1-Cre mice was significantly improved, with a 50% decrease in vascular leakage and low expression of the adhesion molecules Vcam1 and P-selectin. Thus, Nrf2 activation in monocytes/granulocytes and endothelial cells contributes differentially and cooperatively to the improvement of SCD pathology.
Rational cotargeting of HDAC6 and BET proteins yields synergistic antimyeloma activity
Authors: Carew Jennifer S. , Espitia Claudia M. , Zhao Weiguo , Visconte Valeria , Anwer Faiz , Kelly Kevin R. , Nawrocki Steffan T.
Published: April 2019

Inhibition of bromodomain and extra terminal (BET) protein family members, including BRD4, decreases the expression of c-MYC and other key oncogenic factors and also significantly induces histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) expression. On the basis of the role of HDAC6 in malignant pathogenesis, we hypothesized that rational cotargeting of HDAC6 and BET family proteins may represent a novel approach that yields synergistic antimyeloma activity. We used genetic and pharmacologic approaches to selectively impair HDAC6 and BET function and evaluated the consequential impact on myeloma pathogenesis. These studies identified HDAC6 upregulation as an efficacy reducing mechanism for BET inhibitors because antagonizing HDAC6 activity synergistically enhanced the activity of JQ1 in a panel of multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines and primary CD138+ cells obtained from patients with MM. The synergy of this therapeutic combination was linked to significant reductions in c-MYC expression and increases in apoptosis induction. Administration of the clinical HDAC6 inhibitor ricolinostat was very well tolerated and significantly augmented the in vivo antimyeloma activity of JQ1. Ex vivo pharmacodynamic analyses demonstrated that the combination of JQ1 and ricolinostat led to significantly lower MM cell proliferation and increased apoptosis and diminished expression of c-MYC and BCL-2. These data demonstrate that cotargeting of HDAC6 and BET family members is a novel and clinically actionable approach to augment the efficacy of both classes of agents that warrants further investigation.
Metabolomic and molecular insights into sickle cell disease and innovative therapies
Authors: Adebiyi Morayo G. , Manalo Jeanne M. , Xia Yang
Published: April 2019

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal-recessive hemolytic disorder with high morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiology of SCD is characterized by the polymerization of deoxygenated intracellular sickle hemoglobin, which causes the sickling of erythrocytes. The recent development of metabolomics, the newest member of the “omics” family, has provided a powerful new research strategy to accurately measure functional phenotypes that are the net result of genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic changes. Metabolomics changes respond faster to external stimuli than any other “ome” and are especially appropriate for surveilling the metabolic profile of erythrocytes. In this review, we summarize recent pioneering research that exploited cutting-edge metabolomics and state-of-the-art isotopically labeled nutrient flux analysis to monitor and trace intracellular metabolism in SCD mice and humans. Genetic, structural, biochemical, and molecular studies in mice and humans demonstrate unrecognized intracellular signaling pathways, including purinergic and sphingolipid signaling networks that promote hypoxic metabolic reprogramming by channeling glucose metabolism to glycolysis via the pentose phosphate pathway. In turn, this hypoxic metabolic reprogramming induces 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate production, deoxygenation of sickle hemoglobin, polymerization, and sickling. Additionally, we review the detrimental role of an impaired Lands’ cycle, which contributes to sickling, inflammation, and disease progression. Thus, metabolomic profiling allows us to identify the pathological role of adenosine signaling and S1P-mediated erythrocyte hypoxic metabolic reprogramming and hypoxia-induced impaired Lands' cycle in SCD. These findings further reveal that the inhibition of adenosine and S1P signaling cascade and the restoration of an imbalanced Lands' cycle have potent preclinical efficacy in counteracting sickling, inflammation, and disease progression.
Characterization of a cryptic IGH/CCND1 rearrangement in a case of mantle cell lymphoma with negative CCND1 FISH studies
Authors: Peterson Jess F. , Baughn Linda B. , Ketterling Rhett P. , Pitel Beth A. , Smoley Stephanie A. , Vasmatzis George , Smadbeck James B. , Greipp Patricia T. , Mangaonkar Abhishek A. , Thompson Carrie A. , Parikh Sameer A. , Chen Dong , Viswanatha David S.
Published: April 2019

Key Points

This article characterizes a cryptic IGH/CCND1 rearrangement in MCL by NGS. Mate-pair sequencing can help in accurately diagnosing MCL in cases of cyclin-D1–positive B-cell lymphoma with negative CCND1 FISH studies.
Foot orthoses alter lower limb biomechanics but not jump performance in basketball players with and without flat feet
Authors: Ho Malia , Kong Pui Wah , Chong Lowell Jia‐Yee , Lam Wing‐Kai
Published: April 2019

Background

Flat‐footed individuals are believed to have poorer jump performance compared to normal‐arched individuals. Foot orthoses are commonly used to support the deformed foot arch, and improve normal foot function. However, it is unclear if foot orthoses use affects jump performance in athletes. Our study aims to investigate if foot type and/or foot orthosis influence countermovement jump (CMJ) and standing broad jump (SBJ) performance and lower limb biomechanics.

Methods

Twenty‐six male basketball players were classified into normal‐arched (n = 15) or flat‐footed (n = 11) groups using the Chippaux‐Smirak index, navicular drop test, and the resting calcaneal angle measurement. They performed jumps with and without prefabricated foot orthoses. We measured jump height and distance for CMJ and SBJ, respectively. Hip, knee and ankle joint angles, angular velocities, moments and powers during take‐off were also measured.

Results

For CMJ, the flat‐footed group exhibited less ankle plantarflexion (F1,24 = 8.407, p = 0.008, ηp2 = 0.259 large effect) and less hip joint power (F1,24 = 7.416, p = 0.012, ηp2 = 0.244 large effect) than the normal‐arched group. Foot orthoses reduced ankle eversion in both groups (F1,24 = 6.702, p = 0.016, ηp2 = 0.218 large effect). For SBJ, the flat‐footed group produced lower peak hip angular velocity (F1,24 = 7.115, p = 0.013, ηp2 = 0.229 large effect) and generated lower horizontal GRF (F1,24 = 5.594, p = 0.026, ηp2 = 0.189 large effect) than the normal‐arched group. Wearing foot orthoses reduced ankle eversion (F1,24 = 5.453, p = 0.028, ηp2 = 0.185 large effect), peak horizontal GRF (F1,24 = 13.672, p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.363 large effect) and frontal plane ankle moment (F1,24 = 4.932, p = 0.036, ηp2 = 0.170 large effect).

Conclusion

Foot type and the use of foot orthoses influence take‐off biomechanics, but not actual CMJ and SBJ performances in basketball players. Compared to the normal‐arched individuals, flat‐footed athletes generated smaller propulsion GRF and lower hip flexion velocity and power, which suggests possible compensatory movement strategies to maximise jump performance. Future studies may investigate whether these altered biomechanics, taking into consideration their respective magnitude and effect sizes, may have implications on lower limb injuries. The use of foot orthoses resulted in biomechanical changes in both the normal‐arched and flat‐footed groups but does not enhance jumping performance.
Full-volume 3D seismic interpretation methods: A new step towards high-resolution seismic stratigraphy
Authors: Paumard Victorien , Bourget Julien , Durot Benjamin , Lacaze Sébastien , Payenberg Tobi , George Annette D. , Lang Simon
Published: April 2019

Following decades of technological innovation, geologists now have access to extensive 3D seismic surveys across sedimentary basins. Using these voluminous data sets to better understand subsurface complexity relies on developing seismic stratigraphic workflows that allow very high-resolution interpretation within a cost-effective timeframe. We have developed an innovative 3D seismic interpretation workflow that combines full-volume and semi-automated horizon tracking with high-resolution 3D seismic stratigraphic analysis. The workflow consists of converting data from seismic (two-way traveltime) to a relative geological time (RGT) volume, in which a relative geological age is assigned to each point of the volume. The generation of a horizon stack is used to extract an unlimited number of chronostratigraphic surfaces (i.e., seismic horizons). Integrated stratigraphic tools may be used to navigate throughout the 3D seismic data to pick seismic unconformities using standard seismic stratigraphic principles in combination with geometric attributes. Here, we applied this workflow to a high-quality 3D seismic data set located in the Northern Carnarvon Basin (North West Shelf, Australia) and provided an example of high-resolution seismic stratigraphic interpretation from an Early Cretaceous shelf-margin system (Lower Barrow Group). This approach is used to identify 73 seismic sequences (i.e., clinothems) bounded by 74 seismic unconformities. Each clinothem presents an average duration of approximately 63,000 years (fifth stratigraphic order), which represents an unprecedented scale of observation for a Cretaceous depositional system on seismic data. This level of interpretation has a variety of applications, including high-resolution paleogeographical reconstructions and quantitative analysis of subsurface data. This innovative workflow constitutes a new step in seismic stratigraphy because it enables interpreters to map seismic sequences in a true 3D environment by taking into account the full variability of depositional systems at high frequency through time and space.
Randomized Phase II Trial to Compare the Efficacy of Haloperidol and Olanzapine in the Control of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Nepal
Authors: Dulal Soniya , Paudel Bishnu Dutta , Neupane Prakash , Shah Aarati , Acharya Bibek , Poudyal Bishesh Sharma , Shilpakar Ramila , Wood Lori Anne
Published: April 2019

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to compare efficacy and toxicity of olanzapine (OLN; a higher-cost drug) and haloperidol (HAL; a lower-cost drug) in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in patients who receive highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a randomized, phase II trial, patients were randomly assigned to receive either OLN 10 mg orally on days 1 to 4 or HAL 1 mg orally on day 1 and 0.5 mg twice daily on days 2 to 4. Both groups received ondansetron 16 mg and dexamethasone 12 mg intravenously on day 1. Patients recorded their nausea using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) and recorded daily episodes of vomiting from day 1 to day 5. The primary end point was complete nausea prevention (CNP; ie, ESAS of 0). Secondary end point was complete emesis prevention (CEP).

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients were randomly assigned, and 64 received their allocated treatment (n = 32 in each arm). There was no difference in CNP during the overall period (days 1 to 5) between OLN and HAL (68.7% v 71.8%; P = .78). In the acute period (day 1) and the delayed period (days 2 to 5), CNP was similar between OLN and HAL (acute: 84.3% v 81.2%; delayed: 68.7% v 75%). No difference was identified in the rate of CEP during the overall period (81.2% with OLN v 78.1% with HAL; P = .75), during the acute period (93.7% with OLN v 90.6% with HAL), or during the delayed period (84.3% with OLN v 84.3% with HAL). No difference in toxicities was noted between treatment arms.

CONCLUSION

In this study, HAL had comparable efficacy to OLN in the management of CINV, which suggests that it is the higher-value option in patients who receive HEC in resource-scarce countries.
penner/lgl2is required for the integrity of the photoreceptor layer in the zebrafish retina
Authors: Kujawski Satu , Sonawane Mahendra , Knust Elisabeth
Published: April 2019

The vertebrate retina is a complex tissue built from multiple neuronal cell types, which develop from a pseudostratified neuroepithelium. These cells are arranged into a highly organized and stereotypic pattern formed by nuclear and plexiform layers. The process of lamination as well as the maturation and differentiation of photoreceptor cells rely on the establishment and maintenance of apico-basal cell polarity and formation of adhesive junctions. Defects in any of these processes can result in impaired vision and are causally related to a variety of human diseases leading to blindness. While the importance of apical polarity regulators in retinal stratification and disease is well established, little is known about the function of basal regulators in retinal development. Here, we analyzed the role of Lgl2, a basolateral polarity factor, in the zebrafish retina. Lgl2 is upregulated in photoreceptor cells and in the retinal pigment epithelium by 72 h post fertilization. In both cell types, Lgl2 is localized basolaterally. Loss of zygotic Lgl2 does not interfere with retinal lamination or photoreceptor cell polarity or maturation. However, knockdown of both maternal and zygotic Lgl2 leads to impaired cell adhesion. As a consequence, severe layering defects occur in the distal retina, manifested by a breakdown of the outer plexiform layer and the outer limiting membrane. These results define zebrafish Lgl2 as an important regulator of retinal lamination, which, given the high degree of evolutionary conservation, may be preserved in other vertebrates, including human.
Effect of Reaction Temperature and Time on the Preferential Preparation of Cage Octamer and Decamer of Ammonium-Functionalized POSSs
Authors: Matsumoto Takatoshi , Kaneko Yoshiro
Published: April 2019

In this study, the hydrolytic condensation of 3-(2-aminoethylamino)propyltrimethoxysilane and 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane was performed using aqueous trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (HOTf) as a catalyst and solvent at various setting temperatures and pressures in a Kugelrohr apparatus. The solvent evaporation time can be controlled by changing the pressure in the Kugelrohr apparatus. Ammonium-functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) mixtures with high proportions of cage octamer (T8-POSS) were consequently obtained at lower setting temperatures (60 °C) in a Kugelrohr apparatus regardless of the solvent evaporation times (2–10 h). Meanwhile, using higher setting temperatures (100 °C and 120 °C) and longer solvent evaporation times (6–8 h), the proportion of cage decamer (T10-POSS) in the POSS mixture increased. Therefore, T10-POSS formed more easily than T8-POSS during reactions in which the solvent was evaporated at higher temperatures and for longer times.
ΑΝΩΝΥΜΟΥ ΤΟΥ ΕΛΛΗΝΟΣ, ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΝΟΜΑΡΧΙΑ ΜΙΑ ΑΠΟΠΕΙΡΑ ΕΡΜΗΝΕΙΑΣ
Authors: ΚΡΕΜΜΥΔΑΣ ΒΑΣΙΛΗΣ
Published: April 2019

ΔΕΝ ΔΙΑΤΙΘΕΤΑΙ ΠΕΡΙΛΗΨΗ ΣΤΗΝ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΓΛΩΣΣΑ
Η ιστορία, ο ιστορικός και ο δικαστής Σκέψεις για τη δίκη του Χάιντς Ρίχτερ
Authors: Μπουρνάζος Στρατής
Published: April 2019

Δεν διατίθεται περίληψη.
Το Αρχείο της Επαρχιακής Δημογεροντίας Ναυπλίου (1828-1829). Εισαγωγή – μεταγραφή κειμένων – επιμέλεια Δημήτρης Χ. Γεωργόπουλος, ΓΑΚ – Αρχεία Νο μού Αργολίδας, Ναύπλιο 2015
Authors: Σκλαβενίτης Τριαντάφυλλος
Published: April 2019

Δεν διατίθεται περίληψη
Πέπη Γαβαλά, Α΄ Δημοτικό Σχολείο Σπάρτης, 1834-2000, Γενικά Αρχεία του Κράτους – Αρχεία Νομού Λακωνίας ­6­, Σπάρτη 2015
Authors: Σκλαβενίτης Τριαντάφυλλος
Published: April 2019

Δεν διατίθεται περίληψη
Endometriosis: advances and controversies in classification, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment
Authors: Rolla Edgardo
Published: April 2019

Endometriosis is an enigmatic disease that could start at birth. Its pathogenesis is supported by different theories. Accumulating facts relate it to a multigenic disorder. In this review of recent publications, the principal symptoms of the disease, pain and infertility, as well as its pathogenesis, diagnosis, and classification will be addressed. Endometriosis presents three main variants: superficial peritoneal disease, deep infiltrating endometriosis, and ovarian endometriomas. The management of the disease, surgery, and medical and alternative therapies will be discussed. Special reference will be made to the quality of surgery and how to understand patients with endometriosis and endometriosis.
RANKL is a therapeutic target of bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Tanaka Sakae
Published: April 2019

Although remarkable advances have been made in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), novel therapeutic options with different mechanisms of action and fewer side effects have been expected. Recent studies have demonstrated that bone-resorbing osteoclasts are critically involved in the bone destruction associated with RA. Denosumab, a human antibody against receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL), efficiently suppressed the progression of bone erosion in patients with RA by suppressing osteoclast differentiation and activation in several clinical studies, although it had no effect on inflammation or cartilage destruction. Denosumab, in combination with anti-rheumatic drugs, is considered a pivotal therapeutic option for the prevention of bone destruction in RA.
3D based on 2D: Calculating helix angles and stacking patterns using forgi 2.0, an RNA Python library centered on secondary structure elements.
Authors: Thiel Bernhard C. , Beckmann Irene K. , Kerpedjiev Peter , Hofacker Ivo L.
Published: April 2019

We present forgi, a Python library to analyze the tertiary structure of RNA secondary structure elements. Our representation of an RNA molecule is centered on secondary structure elements (stems, bulges and loops). By fitting a cylinder to the helix axis, these elements are carried over into a coarse-grained 3D structure representation. Integration with Biopython allows for handling of all-atom 3D information. forgi can deal with a variety of file formats including dotbracket strings, PDB and MMCIF files. We can handle modified residues, missing residues, cofold and multifold structures as well as nucleotide numbers starting at arbitrary positions. We apply this library to the study of stacking helices in junctions and pseudoknots and investigate how far stacking helices in solved experimental structures can divert from coaxial geometries.
pysradb: A Python package to query next-generation sequencing metadata and data from NCBI Sequence Read Archive
Authors: Choudhary Saket
Published: April 2019

The NCBI Sequence Read Archive (SRA) is the primary archive of next-generation sequencing datasets. SRA makes metadata and raw sequencing data available to the research community to encourage reproducibility and to provide avenues for testing novel hypotheses on publicly available data. However, methods to programmatically access this data are limited. We introduce the Python package, pysradb, which provides a collection of command line methods to query and download metadata and data from SRA, utilizing the curated metadata database available through the SRAdb project. We demonstrate the utility of pysradb on multiple use cases for searching and downloading SRA datasets. It is available freely at https://github.com/saketkc/pysradb.
RVDB-prot, a reference viral protein database and its HMM profiles
Authors: Bigot Thomas , Temmam Sarah , Pérot Philippe , Eloit Marc
Published: April 2019

We present RVDB-prot, a database corresponding to the protein equivalent of the nucleic acid reference virus database RVDB. Protein databases can be helpful to perform more sensitive protein sequence comparisons. Similarly to its homologous public repository, RVDB-prot aims to provide reliable and accurately annotated unique entries, while including also an Hidden Markov Model (HMM) protein profiles database for distant protein searching.
A pilot study on assessing the gap between nurses’ task performances and knowledge pertaining the same with reference to “ I COUGH” initiative- a call for promoting patient ‘care bundle’ assignments in low-income nations
Authors: Munakomi Sunil , Shrestha Sangam , Luitel Anita
Published: April 2019

Background: The health sector in low-income nations has been crippled owing to low resources, lack of trained staff and a scarcity of effective health-related reforms. Amidst such a scenario, implementation of patient-centered care bundle approaches could help reprise the autonomy and standards of care for healthcare providers as well as safeguard patient safety.

Methods: We sought to determine the gap between task performance and the underlying knowledge pertaining the same among nurses from intensive and high dependency neurosurgical units within three hospitals in Nepal through a questionnaire-based approach focusing on task assignments to prevent pulmonary complications among their patients and scoring them with references to   the variables of ‘I COUGH’, a similar patient care bundle initiative.

Results: There is a gross discrepancy between the patterns of task performance and the knowledge regarding the rationale behind the same tasks among nurses working in critical care neurosurgical units. In reference to I COUGH, nurses had below 50% knowledge on interventions aimed to prevent pulmonary complications among their patients, irrespective of the level of experience attained in the units. Furthermore, none of them had complete knowledge regarding all components of effective chest physiotherapy.

Conclusion: There is the utmost need for the implementation of patient-focused care bundle approaches in upraising the health delivery standards, especially in low-income nations. Such initiatives can promote autonomy amongst healthcare professionals on patient care as well as assuring better patient outcomes by minimizing complications.