bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining racial and ethnic trends and differences in annual healthcare expenditures among a nationally representative sample of adults with arthritis from 2008 to 2016
Authors: Spector Antoinette L. , Nagavally Sneha , Dawson Aprill Z. , Walker Rebekah J. , Egede Leonard E.
Published: June 2020

Background

Disparities in health care utilization and outcomes for racial and ethnic minorities with arthritis are well-established. However, there is a paucity of research on racial and ethnic differences in healthcare expenditures and if this relationship has changed over time. Our objectives were to: 1) examine trends in annual healthcare expenditures for adults with arthritis by race and ethnicity, and 2) determine if racial and ethnic differences in annual healthcare expenditures were independent of other factors such as healthcare access and functional disability.

Methods

We used the Medical Expenditures Panel Survey (2008–2016) to examine trends in annual healthcare expenditures within and between racial and ethnic groups with arthritis (n = 227,663). A two-part model was used to estimate the marginal differences in expenditures by race and ethnicity after adjusting for relevant covariates, including the impact of healthcare access.

Results

Between 2008 and 2016, there were no significant changes in unadjusted healthcare expenditures within any of the racial and ethnic groups, but the trend among non-Hispanic whites did differ significantly from Hispanics and Other. In fully adjusted analysis, mean annual expenditures for non-Hispanic whites was $946, $939, and $1178 more than non-Hispanic blacks, Hispanics, and Other, respectively (p < .001). Healthcare access also independently explained expenditure differences in this population with adults who delayed care spending significantly more ($2629) versus those who went without care spending significantly less (−$1591).

Conclusions

Race and ethnicity are independent drivers of healthcare expenditures among adults with arthritis independent of healthcare access and functional disability. This underscores the need for ongoing research on the factors that influence persistent racial and ethnic differences in this population.
Inhibiting autophagy potentiates the antitumor efficacy of Euphorbia royleana for canine mammary gland tumors
Authors: Huang Yu-Ya , Chen Chia-Hung , Hsu Chia-Hui , Kuo Tsun-Yung , Liu Cheng-Chi , Liao Albert Tai-Ching , Lin Chen-Si
Published: June 2020

Background

Canine mammary gland tumors (cMGTs) are the most common neoplasms in intact female canines and viewed as a suitable model for studying human breast cancers. Euphorbia royleana has been reported to have a variety of antitumor efficacies. We have prepared the crude extracts of E. royleana in ethanol and hexane solvents to evaluate the anti-tumor effects for cMGT in vitro and in vivo.

Results

The results showed that E. royleana could inhibit cell proliferation and colony formation in cMGT cells. The suppression of tumor cell growth resulted from necrosis and cell cycle arrest. Moreover, autophagy appears to play a critical role in E. royleana-mediated cell death by triggering cell apoptosis. The in vivo results also revealed that E. royleana treatment could reduce the size of solid tumors while exhibiting low toxicity in cMGT-bearing nude mice.

Conclusions

The anti-tumor mechanisms of E. royleana were firstly verified to show it would cause autophagic cell death, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest in canine mammary tumor cells. The in vitro and in vivo findings in the present study revealed E. royleana has potential anticancer effects for the treatment of canine mammary gland tumors.
A computational paradigm for real-time MEG neurofeedback for dynamic allocation of spatial attention
Authors: Rana Kunjan D. , Khan Sheraz , Hämäläinen Matti S. , Vaina Lucia M.
Published: June 2020

Background

Neurofeedback aids volitional control of one’s own brain activity using non-invasive recordings of brain activity. The applications of neurofeedback include improvement of cognitive performance and treatment of various psychiatric and neurological disorders. During real-time magnetoencephalography (rt-MEG), sensor-level or source-localized brain activity is measured and transformed into a visual feedback cue to the subject. Recent real-time fMRI (rt-fMRI) neurofeedback studies have used pattern recognition techniques to decode and train a brain state to link brain activities and cognitive behaviors. Here, we utilize the real-time decoding technique similar to ones employed in rt-fMRI to analyze time-varying rt-MEG signals.

Results

We developed a novel rt-MEG method, state-based neurofeedback (sb-NFB), to decode a time-varying brain state, a state signal, from which timings are extracted for neurofeedback training. The approach is entirely data-driven: it uses sensor-level oscillatory activity to find relevant features that best separate the targeted brain states. In a psychophysical task of spatial attention switching, we trained five young, healthy subjects using the sb-NFB method to decrease the time necessary for switch spatial attention from one visual hemifield to the other (referred to as switch time). Training resulted in a decrease in switch time with training. We saw that the activity targeted by the training involved proportional changes in alpha and beta-band oscillations, in sensors at the occipital and parietal regions. We also found that the state signal that encodes whether subjects attend to the left or right visual field effectively switches consistently with the task.

Conclusion

We demonstrated the use of the sb-NFB method when the subject learns to increase the speed of shifting covert spatial attention from one visual field to the other. The sb-NFB method can target timing features that would otherwise also include extraneous features such as visual detection and motor response in a simple reaction time task.
Complete genome analysis of hepatitis B virus in Qinghai-Tibet plateau: the geographical distribution, genetic diversity, and co-existence of HBsAg and anti-HBs antibodies
Authors: Liu He , Shen Liping , Zhang Shuang , Wang Feng , Zhang Guomin , Yin Zundong , Qiu Feng , Liang Xiaofeng , Wang Fuzhen , Bi Shengli
Published: June 2020

Background

The genetic variation and origin of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau were poorly studied. The coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs has been described as a puzzle and has never been reported in the indigenous population or in recombinant HBV sequences. This study aimed to report geographical distribution, genetic variability and seroepidemiology of HBV in southwest China.

Methods

During 2014–2017, 1263 HBsAg positive serum were identified and 183 complete genome sequences were obtained. Serum samples were collected from community-based populations by a multistage random sampling method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the HBV complete genome sequences. Then recombination, genetic variability, and serological analysis were performed.

Results

(1) Of the 1263 HBsAg positive serum samples, there were significant differences between the distribution of seromarkers in Tibet and Qinghai. (2) Of 183 complete genome sequences, there were 130 HBV/CD1 (71.0%), 49 HBV/CD2 (26.8%) and four HBV/C2 isolates (2.2%). Serotype ayw2 (96.1%) was the main serological subtype. (3) Several nucleotide mutations were dramatically different in CD1 and CD2 sequences. Clinical prognosis-related genetic variations such as nucleotide mutation T1762/A1764 (27.93%), A2189C (12.85%), G1613A (8.94%), T1753C (8.38%), T53C (4.47%) T3098C (1.68%) and PreS deletion (2.23%) were detected in CD recombinants. (4) From the inner land of China to the northeast boundary of India, different geographical distributions between CD1 and CD2 were identified. (5) Twenty-seven (2.14%) HBsAg/HBsAb coexistence serum samples were identified. S protein amino acid mutation and PreS deletion were with significant differences between HBsAg/HBsAb coexistence group and control group.

Conclusions

HBV/CD may have a mixed China and South Asia origin. Based on genetic variations, the clinical prognosis of CD recombinant seems more temperate than genotype C strains in China. The HBsAg/HBsAb coexistence is a result of both PreS deletion and aa variation in S protein. Several unique mutations were frequently detected in HBV/CD isolates, which could potentially influence the clinical prognosis.
Cardiovascular health outcomes of mobbing at work: results of the population-based, five-year follow-up of the Gutenberg health study
Authors: Romero Starke Karla , Hegewald Janice , Schulz Andreas , Garthus-Niegel Susan , Nübling Matthias , Wild Philipp S. , Arnold Natalie , Latza Ute , Jankowiak Sylvia , Liebers Falk , Rossnagel Karin , Riechmann-Wolf Merle , Letzel Stephan , Beutel Manfred , Pfeiffer Norbert , Lackner Karl , Münzel Thomas , Seidler Andreas
Published: June 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to determine if there is an increased risk of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) resulting from workplace mobbing measured with two mobbing instruments in the Gutenberg Health Study.

Methods

In this prospective study, we examined working persons younger than 65 years for the presence of mobbing at baseline and at a 5-year follow-up using a single-item and a 5-item instrument. We used multivariate models to investigate the association between mobbing and incident CVD, hypertension, and change in arterial stiffness and further stratified the models by sex.

Results

After adjustment for confounders, mobbed workers appeared to have a higher risk of incident CVD than those not mobbed (single-item HR = 1.28, 95% CI 0.73–2.24; 5-item HR = 1.57, 95% CI 0.96–2.54). With the 5-item instrument, men who reported mobbing had a higher risk of incident CVD (HR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.01–3.09), while no association was observed for women (HR = 1.05, 95% CI 0.38–2.91). There was no difference in risks between men and women with the single-item instrument. No association between mobbing and incident hypertension and arterial stiffness was seen.

Conclusions

Our results show an indication of an increased risk of incident CVD for those mobbed at baseline when using the whole study population. Differences in risks between men and women when using the five-item instrument may be due to the instrument itself. Still, it is essential to detect or prevent workplace mobbing, and if present, to apply an intervention to halt it in order to minimize its adverse effects on CVD.
Clinical implication in the use of the AAA algorithm versus the AXB in nasopharyngeal carcinomas by comparison of TCP and NTCP values
Authors: Bufacchi Antonella , Caspiani Orietta , Rambaldi Giulia , Marmiroli Luca , Giovinazzo Giuseppe , Polsoni Mattia
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Retrospective analysis of volumetric modulated arc therapy treatment plans to investigate qualitative, possible, clinical consequences of the use of AAA versus AXB in nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) cases.

Methods

The dose distribution of 26 treatment plans, produced using RapidArc technique and AAA algorithm, were recalculated using AXB and the same number of monitor units provided by AAA and clinically delivered to each patient. The potential clinical effect of dosimetric differences in the planning target volume (PTV) and in organs at risk (OAR) were evaluated by comparing TCP and NTCP values. The Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was used for statistical comparison of all results obtained from the use of the two algorithms.

Results

The poorer coverage of the PTV, with higher prescribed dose, was reflected in the TCP, which was significantly lower when AXB was used, the median value was 81.55% (range: 74.90, 88.60%) and 84.10% (range: 77.70, 89.90%) for AAA (p < 0.001). OAR mean dose was lower in the AXB recalculated plan than the AAA plan and the difference was statistically significant for all the structures. The NTCP for developing mandible necrosis showed the largest median percentage difference between AAA and AXB (56.6%), the NTCP of risk for larynx edema of Grade ≥ 2 followed with 12.2%.

Conclusions

Differences in dose distribution of NPC treatment plans recalculated with AXB are of clinical significance in those situations where the PTV and OAR involve air or bone, media in which AXB has been shown to more accurately represent the true dose distribution. The availability of AXB algorithm could improve patient dose estimation, increasing the data consistency of clinical trials.
CD155 immunoregulation as a target for natural killer cell immunotherapy in glioblastoma
Authors: Lupo Kyle B. , Matosevic Sandro
Published: June 2020

Natural killer (NK) cells are powerful immune effectors, modulating their anti-tumor function through a balance activating and inhibitor ligands on their cell surface. Though still emerging, cancer immunotherapies utilizing NK cells are proving promising as a modality for the treatment of a number of solid tumors, including glioblastoma (GBM) and other gliomas, but are often limited due to complex immunosuppression associated with the GBM tumor microenvironment which includes overexpression of inhibitory receptors on GBM cells. CD155, or poliovirus receptor (PVR), has recently emerged as a pro-tumorigenic antigen, overexpressed on GBM and contributing to increased GBM migration and aggressiveness. CD155 has also been established as an immunomodulatory receptor, able to both activate NK cells through interactions with CD226 (DNAM-1) and CD96 and inhibit them through interaction with TIGIT. However, NK cell TIGIT expression has been shown to be upregulated in cancer, establishing CD155 as a predominantly inhibitory receptor within the context of GBM and other solid tumors, and rendering it of interest as a potential target for antigen-specific NK cell-based immunotherapy. This review will explore the function of CD155 within GBM as it relates to tumor migration and NK cell immunoregulation, as well as pre-clinical and clinical targeting of CD155/TIGIT and the potential that this pathway holds for the development of emerging NK cell-based immunotherapies.
A valuable and affordable handheld ultrasound in combating COVID-19
Authors: Qian Feng , Zhou Xueqin , Zhou Jianqiao , Liu Zhenhua , Nie Qian
Published: June 2020

The handheld ultrasound demonstrates clinical and economic value in combating COVID-19 based on interviews with frontline ultrasound physician and cardiologist as well as a national expert in medical ultrasound.
A feasibility study of a WhatsApp-delivered Transtheoretical Model-based intervention to promote healthy eating habits for firefighters in Hong Kong: a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ng Wing Man , Cheung Kin
Published: June 2020

Background

Firefighters’ health is often affected by a high prevalence of obesity and cardiovascular diseases, which are common risk factors for sudden cardiac death. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of enhancing healthy eating habits in firefighters through an education programme.

Methods

This will be a cluster randomized control trial study. The participants will be assigned randomly into either control (health promotion pamphlet) or intervention (health promotion pamphlet and education materials through WhatsApp) groups. Changes in healthy eating habits will be assessed by a self-administered questionnaire and anthropometric measurements at three different time points.

Discussion

More education is required in order to improve firefighters’ eating habits.

Trial registration

ISRCTN registry identifier: Registered on 8 April 2019 ISRCTN95472464.
Penguins are competent hosts of Haemoproteus parasites: the first detection of gametocytes, with molecular characterization of Haemoproteus larae
Authors: Inumaru Mizue , Aratani Shiori , Shimizu Misa , Yamamoto Mineka , Sato Yukita , Murata Koichi , Valkiūnas Gediminas
Published: June 2020

Background

The majority of penguins (Sphenisciformes) have evolved in areas with weak or absent transmission of haemosporidian parasites and are usually naïve to avian haemosporidian infections.Plasmodiumparasites are transmitted by mosquitoes, and lethal avian malaria has been often reported in captive penguins in many countries. The related haemosporidian parasites belonging toHaemoproteusandLeucocytozoonhave also been detected in penguins but less often thanPlasmodiuminfections. The majority ofHaemoproteusinfection reports in penguins are based solely on PCR-based diagnostics. It remains unclear if haemoproteids can complete their life-cycle and produce infective stages (gametocytes) in penguins or whether these infections are abortive in penguins, and thus dead ends for transmission. In other words, it remains unknown if penguins are competent hosts forHaemoproteusparasites, which cause disease in non-adapted birds.

Methods

Two captive African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) and two Magellanic penguins (S. magellanicus) were found to be positive forHaemoproteusinfection in two open-air aquariums in Japan, and the parasites were investigated using both PCR-based testing and microscopical examination of blood films. Samples from a black-tailed gull (Larus crassirostris) and previously tested gulls were used for comparison.

Results

The lineage hSPMAG12 was detected, and gametocytes ofHaemoproteussp. were seen in the examined penguins and gull. Observed gametocytes were indistinguishable from those ofHaemoproteus larae, which naturally parasitize birds of the genusLarus(Laridae). The detected sequence information and Bayesian phylogenetic analysis supported this conclusion. Additionally, morphologically similar gametocytes and closely related DNA sequences were also found in other gull species in Japan. Phylogenetic analysis based on partialcytbsequences placed the lineage hSPMAG12 ofH. laraewithin the clade of avian haemoproteids which belong to the subgenusParahaemoproteus, indicating thatCulicoidesbiting midges likely transmit the parasites between penguins and gulls.

Conclusions

This study shows that some species ofHaemoproteusparasites complete their development and produce gametocytes in penguins, which may be source of infection for biting midges transmitting haemoproteosis. To prevent haemosporidiosis in zoos, we call for control not only of mosquitoes, but also biting midges.
Human biodistribution and internal dosimetry of 4-[ 18F]fluorobenzyl-dexetimide: a PET radiopharmaceutical for imaging muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain and heart
Authors: Pain Cameron D. , O’Keefe Graeme J. , Ackermann Uwe , Dore Vincent , Villemagne Victor L. , Rowe Christopher C.
Published: June 2020

Background

4-[18F] fluorobenzyl dexetimide (F-DEX) is the first non-subtype selective fluorine-18 labelled tracer for muscarinic receptors (mAChR) used in humans. A recent first-in-human study found high regional brain uptake with low variation in normal subjects. Disturbance of mAChR has been reported in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia and depression and various cardiac diseases. The following work assesses the biodistribution, organ tracer kinetics and radiation dose associated with F-DEX.

Method

Dose calculations were based on activity uptake derived from multiple time point whole body PET CT imaging and the organ-specific dosimetric S-factors derived from the ICRP 133 standard man and woman mathematical phantoms. Effective doses were calculated using the latest ICRP tissue weighting factors.

Results

Serial images and time activity curves demonstrate high brain and left ventricular myocardial uptake (5% and 0.65% of injected activity, respectively) with greater retention in brain than myocardium. The mean effective dose was in concordance with other 18F labelled tracers at 19.70 ± 2.27 μSv/MBq. The largest absorbed doses were in the liver (52.91 ± 1.46 μGy/MBq) and heart wall (43.94 ± 12.88 μGy/MBq) for standard man and the liver (61.66 ± 13.61 μGy/MBq) and lungs (40.93 ± 3.11 μGy/MBq) for standard woman. The absorbed dose to all organs, most notably, the red bone marrow (20.03 ± 2.89 μGy/MBq) was sufficiently low to ensure no toxicity after numerous follow-up procedures.

Conclusions

The radiation dose associated with an administration of F-DEX is comparable to that of other 18F labelled tracers such as FDG (19.0 μSv/MBq) and lower than tracers used for SPECT imaging of muscarinic receptors (I-DEX 28.5 μSv/MBq). Clinical use would likely result in an effective dose less than 4 mSv for the ICRP 133 standard phantoms after dose optimisation allowing justification for numerous follow-up procedures. Recent results from first in-human studies and a comparatively low radiation dose make F-DEX an attractive option for future applications of imaging muscarinic receptors in the brain. Further investigation of the potential of F-DEX for imaging parasympathetic innervation of the heart may be warranted.
A pilot QI primary care practice program to help reduce infant mortality risks
Authors: Gittelman Michael A. , Fluitt Kristen , Anzeljc Samantha , RajanBabu Arun , Carle Adam C. , Arnold Melissa Wervey , Mahabee-Gittens E. Melinda
Published: June 2020

Background

Tobacco smoke exposure (TSE) and inappropriate sleep position/environments contribute to preventable infant deaths. The objective of our quality improvement (QI) program was to increase primary care provider (PCP) screening and counseling for TSE and safe sleep risks at well-child visits (WCVs) and to assess caregiver behavior changes at subsequent visits.

Methods

Pediatric practices, recruited from the Ohio Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics’ database, self-selected to participate in this TSE and safe sleep PCP QI program. At every WCV over a 10-month period, caregivers with children < 1 year old were to be screened and counseled by providers. Caregiver demographics, TSE, and safe sleep practices were assessed. Individual PCP results were paired with subsequent family screening tools at follow up visits to determine changes in TSE and safe sleep practices. Differences in frequencies were determined and paired t-tests were used to compare means.

Results

Fourteen practices (60 providers) participated; 7289 screens were completed: 3972 (54.5%) initial screens and 1769 (24.3%) subsequent WCV screens. Caregivers on the initial screen were primarily white (61.7%), mothers (86.0%) with public insurance (41.7%). Within the first month after QI program initiation, PCPs TSE screening was during 80% of WCVs, which increased to > 90% by end of the QI program. A total of 637 /3953 (16.1%) screened positive for home TSE on the initial visit: 320/3953 (8.1%) exposed by at least the primary caregivers, and 317/3953 (8.0%) exposed by a home adult smoker (not the identified caregiver). Of caregivers receiving smoking counseling with subsequent follow-up WCV (n = 100), the mean number of cigarettes smoked daily decreased significantly from 10.6 to 4.6 (p = 0.03). Thirty-four percent of caregivers (34/100) reported they quit smoking at their second visit. A total of 1072 (27%) infants screened at risk for inappropriate sleep position or environment at their initial visit. Of these at-risk infants whose caregivers received safe sleep counseling, 49.1% practiced safer sleep behaviors at follow-up.

Conclusions

PCPs participating in a QI program increased screening at WCVs for infant mortality risks. After counseling and providing resources about TSE and safe sleep, many caregivers reported practicing safer behaviors at their next WCV.
Ivosidenib in Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 1–Mutated Advanced Glioma
Authors: Mellinghoff Ingo K. , Ellingson Benjamin M. , Touat Mehdi , Maher Elizabeth , De La Fuente Macarena I. , Holdhoff Matthias , Cote Gregory M. , Burris Howard , Janku Filip , Young Robert J. , Huang Raymond , Jiang Liewen , Choe Sung , Fan Bin , Yen Katharine , Lu Min , Bowden Chris , Steelman Lori , Pandya Shuchi S. , Cloughesy Timothy F. , Wen Patrick Y.
Published: June 2020

PURPOSE

Diffuse gliomas are malignant brain tumors that include lower-grade gliomas (LGGs) and glioblastomas. Transformation of low-grade glioma into a higher tumor grade is typically associated with contrast enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging. Mutations in the isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 ( IDH1) gene occur in most LGGs (> 70%). Ivosidenib is an inhibitor of mutant IDH1 (mIDH1) under evaluation in patients with solid tumors.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter, open-label, phase I, dose escalation and expansion study of ivosidenib in patients with m IDH1 solid tumors. Ivosidenib was administered orally daily in 28-day cycles.

RESULTS

In 66 patients with advanced gliomas, ivosidenib was well tolerated, with no dose-limiting toxicities reported. The maximum tolerated dose was not reached; 500 mg once per day was selected for the expansion cohort. The grade ≥ 3 adverse event rate was 19.7%; 3% (n = 2) were considered treatment related. In patients with nonenhancing glioma (n = 35), the objective response rate was 2.9%, with 1 partial response. Thirty of 35 patients (85.7%) with nonenhancing glioma achieved stable disease compared with 14 of 31 (45.2%) with enhancing glioma. Median progression-free survival was 13.6 months (95% CI, 9.2 to 33.2 months) and 1.4 months (95% CI, 1.0 to 1.9 months) for the nonenhancing and enhancing glioma cohorts, respectively. In an exploratory analysis, ivosidenib reduced the volume and growth rates of nonenhancing tumors.

CONCLUSION

In patients with m IDH1 advanced glioma, ivosidenib 500 mg once per day was associated with a favorable safety profile, prolonged disease control, and reduced growth of nonenhancing tumors.
Neoadjuvant Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy for Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Brohl Andrew S. , Sondak Vernon K.
Published: June 2020

The Oncology Grand Rounds series is designed to place original reports published in the Journal into clinical context. A case presentation is followed by a description of diagnostic and management challenges, a review of the relevant literature, and a summary of the authors’ suggested management approaches. The goal of this series is to help readers better understand how to apply the results of key studies, including those published in Journal of Clinical Oncology, to patients seen in their own clinical practice.

A 78-year-old man presented with rapidly enlarging lymph nodes in the right preauricular region and neck. Needle biopsy revealed a cytokeratin 20–positive, high-grade neuroendocrine neoplasm consistent with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Cross-sectional imaging disclosed a 5.2-cm intraparotid mass and extensive adenopathy in the ipsilateral cervical and submental chains ( Figs 1A and 1C ), without distant metastatic disease. A skin examination did not reveal a primary lesion (hence, stage IIIA, T0N1bM0). The patient’s history was notable for hypertension, diet-controlled diabetes type II, high cholesterol, and a past history of numerous cutaneous basal and squamous cell carcinomas. He was quite active but reported discomfort from the bulk of the tumors. The patient was evaluated by the surgical oncology team, who believed that the parotid mass and cervical adenopathy were technically resectable but that resection carried a substantial risk of morbidity because of the potential need to sacrifice the facial and/or spinal accessory nerves and because of a likely margin-positive (R1 or R2) result. He was referred to the medical oncology team to discuss management options for regionally advanced, “borderline-resectable” MCC.
Evolutionarily conserved transcription factors drive the oxidative stress response in Drosophila
Authors: Ryan Sarah M. , Wildman Kaitie , Oceguera-Perez Briseida , Barbee Scott , Mortimer Nathan T. , Vrailas-Mortimer Alysia D.
Published: June 2020

As organisms are constantly exposed to the damaging effects of oxidative stress through both environmental exposure as well as internal metabolic processes, they have evolved a variety of mechanisms to cope with this stress. One such mechanism is the highly conserved p38 MAPK (p38K) pathway, which is known to be to post-translationally activated in response to oxidative stress resulting in the activation of downstream antioxidant targets. However, little is known about the role of p38K transcriptional regulation in response to oxidative stress. Therefore, we analyzed the p38K gene family across the genus Drosophila to identify conserved regulatory elements. We find that oxidative stress exposure results in increased p38K protein levels in multiple Drosophila species and is associated with increased oxidative stress resistance. We also find that the p38Kb genomic locus includes conserved AP-1 and lola-PT transcription factor consensus sites. Accordingly, over-expression of these transcription factors in D. melanogaster is sufficient to induce transcription of p38Kb and enhances resistance to oxidative stress. We further find that the presence of a putative lola-PT binding site in the p38Kb locus of a given species is predictive of the species’ survival in response to oxidative stress. Through our comparative genomics approach, we have identified biologically relevant putative transcription factor binding sites that regulate the expression of p38Kb and are associated with resistance to oxidative stress. These findings reveal a novel mode of regulation for p38K genes and suggests that transcription may play as important a role in p38K mediated stress responses as post-translational modifications.
Insulin Receptors and Intracellular Ca2+ Form a Double-Negative Regulatory Feedback Loop Controlling Insulin Sensitivity
Authors: Pomytkin Igor , Pinelis Vsevolod
Published: June 2020

Since the discovery of insulin and insulin receptors (IR) in the brain in 1978, numerous studies have revealed a fundamental role of IR in the central nervous system and its implication in regulating synaptic plasticity, long-term potentiation and depression, neuroprotection, learning and memory, and energy balance. Central insulin resistance has been found in diverse brain disorders including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Impaired insulin signaling in AD is evident in the activation states of IR and downstream signaling molecules. This is mediated by Aβ oligomer-evoked Ca2+ influx by activating N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) with Aβ oligomers directly, or indirectly through Aβ-induced release of glutamate, an endogenous NMDAR ligand. In the present opinion article, we highlight evidence that IR and free intracellular Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]i form a double-negative regulatory feedback loop controlling insulin sensitivity, in which mitochondria play a key role, being involved in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis and IR activation. We found recently that the glutamate-evoked rise in [Ca2+]i inhibits activation of IR and, vice versa, insulin-induced activation of IR inhibits the glutamate-evoked rise in [Ca2+]i. In theory, such a double-negative feedback loop generates bistability. Thus, a stable steady state could exist with high [Ca2+]i and nonactive IR, or with active IR and low [Ca2+]i, but no stable steady state is possible with both high [Ca2+]i and active IR. Such a circuit could toggle between a high [Ca2+]i state and an active IR state in response to glutamate and insulin, respectively. This model predicts that any condition leading to an increase of [Ca2+]i may trigger central insulin resistance and explains why central insulin resistance is implicated in the pathogenesis of AD, with which glutamate excitotoxicity is a comorbid condition. The model also predicts that any intervention aiming to maintain low [Ca2+]i may be useful for treating central insulin resistance.
Unemployment and Worker Participation in the Gig Economy: Evidence from an Online Labor Market
Authors: Huang Ni , Burtch Gordon , Hong Yili , Pavlou Paul A.
Published: June 2020

The gig economy comprises a large portion of the workforce in today’s economy. The gig economy has low barriers to entry, enabling flexible work arrangements and allowing workers to engage in contingent employment, whenever, and in some cases, such as online labor markets, wherever, workers desire. And many of the workers seek and complete work via digital platforms. However, there is a lack of understanding into the participation in such platforms. The growth of the gig economy has been partly attributed to technological advancements that enable flexible work environments. In this study, we consider the role of an alternative driver, economic downturns, and associated financial stressors in the offline economy, for example, unemployment. Our analysis combines data from a leading online labor market and various archival sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics. We find local economic conditions significantly impact the intensive and extensive margins of labor supply in online labor markets. And such impacts are heterogeneous across different county characteristics. Given the prominence of the gig economy, we believe more research is needed to understand gig-economy participation. It is notable that policy makers recently started to look at related issues, proposing laws to protect the gig workers, such as the recent California Assembly Bill 5.
Occupational performance status and reliability of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Daftari Tahereh , Havaei Naser , Rezaei Mandana , Ghalibaf Babak
Published: June 2020

Background/Aims

Cystic fibrosis affects the respiratory system and may interfere with an individual's occupational performance. This study intended to evaluate the reliability of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure in children with cystic fibrosis and to compare the occupational performance of children with cystic fibrosis to that of healthy participants.

Methods

A total of 21 children with cystic fibrosis were included in the reliability and comparison phases of this study and 30 healthy children were recruited for the comparison phase. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure was used to collect data on occupational performance and satisfaction. Intraclass correlation coefficients and standard error measurements were obtained to evaluate the reliability of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. An independent t-test was used to compare the occupational performance of the two groups.

Results

The test–retest reliability using a 7-day interval was 0.86–0.87 (standard error: 1.79–1.91). The agreement between therapists' scores for inter-rater reliability ranged from 0.87 to 0.90 (standard error: 1.44–1.68). There was a significant difference in performance subscale scores between children with cystic fibrosis and healthy children (P<0.05). There was no significant between-group difference in satisfaction scores.

Conclusions

The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure is a reliable tool for evaluating the occupational performance of children with cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis directly and indirectly affects occupational performance. Children with cystic fibrosis and their parents may require help and education in the performance and organisation of activities and occupations.
Clinical evaluation of polyabsorbent TLC-NOSF dressings on chronic wounds: a prospective, observational, multicentre study of 1140 patients
Authors: Dissemond Joachim , Lützkendorf Steffen , Dietlein Michael , Neßeler Ingo , Becker Elisa , Möller Udo , Thomassin Laetitia , Bohbot Serge , Münter Karl-Christian
Published: June 2020

Objective:

The superior wound healing properties and cost-effectiveness of TLC-NOSF dressings in the local treatment of chronic wounds have already been demonstrated by several randomised controlled trials (RCTs) at a high quality level. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of new TLC-NOSF dressings with polyabsorbent fibres in an unselected population of patients under real-life conditions.

Method:

A large, prospective, multicentre, observational study with two polyabsorbent TLC-NOSF dressings (UrgoStart Plus Pad and UrgoStart Plus Border, Laboratoires Urgo, France) was conducted in Germany between July 2017 and December 2018. Main outcomes included wound healing rate, clinical assessment of wound healing progression, local tolerability and acceptance of dressings.

Results:

A total of 1140 patients with chronic wounds of various aetiologies (leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, etc.) were treated with the investigated dressings in 130 centres, for a mean duration of 56±34 days. By the final visit, 48.5% of wounds had healed and 44.8% had improved. Similar results were reported regardless of wound aetiology or regardless of proportions of sloughy and granulation tissue at the start of treatment. According to the subgroup analysis by wound duration, the sooner the TLC-NOSF treatment was initiated, the better the clinical outcomes for all types of wounds. The dressings were very well tolerated and accepted by the patients.

Conclusion:

These results are consistent with those from RCTs conducted on TLC-NOSF dressings. They complete the evidence on the good healing properties and safety profile of these dressings, especially in non-selected patients treated in current practice, and regardless of the characteristics of wounds and patients. They support the use of the dressings as a first-line intervention and until wound healing in the management of chronic wounds, in association with appropriate standard of care.
The treatment of paediatric burns with concentrated surfactant gel technology: a case series
Authors: Pittinger Timothy P , Curran Danielle , Hermans Michel HE
Published: June 2020

Objective:

To assess the safety and efficacy of a surfactant-based technology for the management of burns.

Method:

In a retrospective review, paediatric patients with different types of burns were treated with the gel technology. In some patients, the treatment was combined with a topical antimicrobial agent. Primary objectives of the review were the assessment of healing, healing times and ease of use of the material.

Results:

The wounds of 15 paediatric patients with different types of burns, particularly with regard to depth and anatomical location, were evaluated using a retrospective chart review. It was found that the surfactant gel technology, with or without the topical antimicrobial agent, assisted in autolytic debridement, and that time to re-epithelialisation was short and within the range of those obtained with other established treatments.

Conclusion:

The number of patients and wounds in this evaluation is small but the study indicates that the gel technology provides a safe and effective way to treat smaller burns in paediatric patients.
Comparing near infrared spectroscopy and transcutaneous oxygen measurement in hard-to-heal wounds: a pilot study
Authors: Serena Thomas E , Yaakov Raphael , Serena Laura , Mayhugh Timothy , Harrell Khristina
Published: June 2020

Objective:

Oxygen plays an integral role in all phases of the wound healing process and tissue oxygenation is a key determinant of wound healing. A comprehensive evaluation of patients with hard-to-heal wounds must include measurement of oxygenation in and around the area of skin breakdown. The current gold standard, transcutaneous oxygen measurement (TCOM), has numerous drawbacks and as a result has fallen into disuse.

Method:

This study compared measurement of tissue oxygenation of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) with TCOM in patients with acute and hard-to-heal wounds. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to evaluate the normality of the data. The level of agreement between NIRS and TCOM was determined using Bland-Altman analysis. The relationship between TCOM and NIRS was examined using Pearson correlation.

Results:

A total of 24 observations were obtained from 10 patients using TCOM and NIRS. The weighted mean partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) in the study population was 39.54mmHg (8.96 standard deviation). Bland–Altman analysis showed that mean difference was positive (18.75), suggesting an overestimation of oxygen measurements using TCOM compared with NIRS. The oxygen levels measured by TCOM and NIRS showed a strong correlation (r=0.74).

Conclusion:

The wound and hyperbaric community would benefit from a simplified procedure for measuring tissue oxygenation. These findings suggest a strong trend toward correlation between NIRS and TCOM. A further study in a larger population is recommended. NIRS offers several advantages over TCOM. Clinicians have immediate point-of-care visualisation of tissue oxygenation using a handheld device. The procedure takes minutes to perform and is less operator-dependent than TCOM. Finally, NIRS allows measurement of oxygenation in the wound bed, while TCOM does not.
Weakly coupled 10-mode-division multiplexed transmission over 48-km few-mode fibers with real-time coherent MIMO receivers
Authors: Beppu Shohei , Igarashi Koji , Kikuta Masahiro , Soma Daiki , Nagai Tomoyuki , Saito Yasuo , Takahashi Hidenori , Tsuritani Takehiro , Morita Itsuro , Suzuki Masatoshi
Published: June 2020

For weakly coupled mode-division multiplexed (MDM) transmission systems, we design and implement optical coherent receiver prototypes with real-time multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) digital signal processing to equalize two degenerate linearly polarized modes with dual polarization. Using field programmable gate array circuits, we implement real-value 8 × 2 MIMO adaptive equalization with externally separated phase compensators based on the least mean square algorithm, which enables not only training equalization but also fast carrier-phase tracking. With the optical coherent MIMO receiver prototype, we demonstrate real-time weakly coupled 10 × MDM wavelength-division multiplexed dual-polarization quadrature phase shift keying transmission over 48-km few-mode fibers. This report shows a record number of multiplexed spatial modes, namely, 10 modes with dual polarization, in real-time MDM transmission experiments.
Genetic variability of the Avian leukosis virus subgroup J gp85 gene in layer flocks in Lower Egypt
Authors: Yehia Nahed , El-Sayed Hemat S. , Omar Sabry E. , Amer Fatma
Published: June 2020

Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of layer flock tumor disease in Lower Egypt during the period of 2018- 2019 and to undertake molecular characterization and determine the genetic diversity of all identified viruses.

Materials and Methods: Forty samples were collected from layer chicken located in six governorates of Lower Egypt during the period of 2018-2019. Samples were taken from tumors in different organs. Tumor tissues were identified by histopathological sectioning and then further confirmed by a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Finally, genetic evolution of Avian leukosis virus (ALV-J) gp85 gene was studied.

Results: All the study samples were negative for Marek's disease virus, reticuloendotheliosis virus A,B,C and D and 20 samples were positive for ALV-J in backyard in six governrates. Sequencing of ALV-J gp85 gene was performed for six representative samples (one from each governorate), and they were found to be genetically related to prototype virus HPRS-1003 (identity percentage: 91.2-91.8%), but they were from a different group that was similar to the AF88-USA strain (first detected in 2000) with specific mutations, and they differed from a strain that was previously isolated in Egypt in 2005, forming two different subgroups (I and II) that had mutations in the hr1domain (V128F, R136A) and hr2 domain (S197G, E202K).

Conclusion: The ALV-J virus was the main cause of neoplastic disease in layer chickens from Lower Egypt in the period of 2018-2019. We found that the genetic evolution of ALV-J gp85 gene was related to prototype virus HPRS-1003 but in a different group with a specific mutation. Further studies are needed to evaluate the antigenicity and pathogenicity of recently detected ALV-J strains.
Hábitos alimentarios y rendimiento académico en escolares adolescentes de Chile.
Authors: Ibarra Mora Jessica , Hernández Mosqueira Claudio Marcelo , Ventura-Vall-Llovera Carles
Published: June 2020

Introducción: Este estudio tuvo por objetivo analizar la relación entre rendimiento académico y los hábitos alimentarios de una población escolar adolescente de Chile.Material y Métodos: El estudio fue de tipo descriptivo y de corte transversal. La muestra fue de 2116 estudiantes (60,8% mujeres y 39,2% hombres). Se determinaron los hábitos por medio de un recordatorio de 24 horas y se consideraron los promedios escolares generales, de matemática y lenguaje, además de pruebas estandarizadas. Para el análisis de datos se utilizaron estadísticos descriptivos e inferenciales.Resultados: Los resultados indicaron que un 59,1% de los estudiantes desayuna; un71,4% realiza tres o cuatro comidas al día; Y, que quienes realizan dichas acciones tienen medias de rendimiento superiores a quienes no.Conclusiones: Quienes presentan correctos hábitos alimentarios evidencian un mejor rendimiento escolar, realzando la importancia de promover hábitos de vida saludable entre la comunidad escolar.
Fenomena Perda Syariah: Institusional Identitas pada Tingkat Local State
Authors: Ahmad Munawar
Published: June 2020

KOnseptualisasi demokrasi, pada umumnya hanya menonjolan dua karakteristik, yakni, pertama, Pendefinisian yang menekankan pada dimensi prosedural, yakni demikrasi dipahami sebagai persoalan tata cara memerintah, kedua, Berkaitan dengan peranan "agen" sebagai determinan pokok dalam eksplanasi terhadap keberhasilan demokrasi. Agen di sini lebih ditujukan kepada para aktor politik di tingkat lokal, baik lembaga maupun perorangan. Lahirnya Perda Syariah, dipandang Porter (2002), sebagai wujud agresivitas Islam politik tatala pemerintah Orde Baru gagal menerapkan Corporatism. Jadi, fenomena perda syariah di beberapa kabupaten, ada kecenderungan kuat bahwa institusional identitas merupakan reaksi yang rasional. Setidaknya, bagi para elit local-state, karena mereka mendapatkan capital di balik munculnya perda-perda tersebut.
Fenomena Perda Syariah: Institutional Identitas pada Tingkat Local State
Authors: Ahmad Munawar
Published: June 2020

AbstrakKonseptualisasi demokrasi, pada umumnya hanya menonjolkan dua karakteristik, yakni, pertama, pendefinisan yang menekankan pada dimensi prosedural. Kedua, berkaitan dengan perbedaan "agen" sebagai determinan pokok dalam eksplorasi terhadap keberhasilan demokrasi. Agen di sini lebih ditujukan kepada para aktor politik di tingkat lokal, baik lembaga maupun perorangan. Lahirnya Perda Syariah, dipandang Porter (2002), sebagai wujud agresifitas Islam politik tatkala pemerintah Orde Baru gagal menerapkan corporatism. Jadi, fenomena perda syariah di beberapa kabupaten, ada kecenderungan kuat bahwa institusional identitas merupakan reaksi yang rasional. Setidaknya, bagi para elit local-state, karena mereka mendapatkan capital di balik munculnya perda-perda tersebut.Kata kunci: Perda Syariah, Institusional identitas.
A.R BASWEDAN DAN PAI: POTRET NASIONALISME WARGA KETURUNAN PERSPEKTIF SOSIOPOLITIK HISTORIS
Authors: Abdullah Nafilah
Published: June 2020

In this article, the authors review about A.R. Baswedan and his movement through the Arab Party of Indonesia (PAI). A.R Baswedan is an Arab descendant known as the pioneer of independence of the Republic of Indonesia. The author through historical socio-political studies found that A.R Baswedan is an example of Arabic descent who counter Arabism and views between the Arab descendants and the descendants of indigenous Indonesians are the same or equal and the same fate. They both have one nationality, Indonesia. This fusion attitude in the Indonesian citizenship and nationality equation is evident in its movement within the PAI.Keywords: A.R. Baswedan, Biography, and Thought (PAI)