bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting gastrointestinal and renal involvement in adult IgA vasculitis
Authors: Hočevar Alojzija , Tomšič Matija , Jurčić Vesna , Perdan Pirkmajer Katja , Rotar Žiga
Published: December 2019

Background

Immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV) is still poorly defined in the adult population. We aimed to determine the predictors of gastrointestinal (GI) or renal involvement in adult IgAV.

Methods

The prospective study included histologically proven adult IgAV cases diagnosed between January 2013 and July 2019 at our secondary/tertiary rheumatology center. We evaluated the role of clinical and the laboratory parameters as markers predicting the GI or renal involvement in IgAV, using the multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

During the 79-month observation period, we identified 214 new adult IgAV cases (59.3% males, median (interquartile range) age 64.6 (57.2–76.7) years). The GI tract and renal involvement developed in 58 (27.1%) and 83 (38.8%) cases, respectively (concurrently in 26 (12.1%) cases). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, generalized purpura (OR 6.74 (95%CI 3.18–14.31)), the pre-treatment neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) > 3.5 (OR 2.78 (95%CI 1.34–5.75)), and elevated serum IgA levels (OR 0.40 (95%CI 0.20–0.79)) were extracted as factors associated with GI complications, whereas current smoking (OR 3.23 (95%CI 1.50–6.98)), generalized purpura (OR 1.98 (95%CI 1.08–3.61)), elevated serum IgA (OR 2.25 (95%CI 1.21–4.18)), NLR > 3.5 (OR 1.96 (95%CI 1.02–3.77)), and marginally age (1.02 (95%CI 1.01–1.04)) emerged as factors associated with renal complications.

Conclusion

Generalized purpura and pre-treatment NLR predicted both GI and renal involvement, whereas active smoking was associated with renal involvement, and the serum IgA level had a divergent effect on renal and GI involvement in adult IgAV.
Successful thrombolytic therapy with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in ischemic stroke after idarucizumab administration for reversal of dabigatran: a case report
Authors: Ohtani Toshiyuki , Sintoku Ryosuke , Yajima Tasuku , Kaneko Naoyuki
Published: December 2019

Background

Idarucizumab is a specific antidote for the anticoagulant dabigatran. Although its efficacy has been recently reported, the drug is still in postmarketing surveillance and requires case data in different emergency settings. A newer intravenous thrombolytic therapy with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator has been proposed after injection of idarucizumab in patients receiving dabigatran; however, the safety and efficacy of this therapy are equivocal because of the limited number of reported cases. We describe a case of a patient with acute lacunar stroke causing dysarthria and hemiparesis successfully treated with intravenous thrombolytic therapy with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator after reversal of dabigatran with idarucizumab.

Case presentation

A 67-year-old Asian woman was transferred to our emergency center 200 minutes after sudden onset of dysarthria and right-sided hemiparesis. She had been taking dabigatran for prevention of stroke recurrence caused by atrial fibrillation. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging revealed a new lacunar infarction near old putamen infarctions. We treated her with intravenous thrombolytic therapy with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator after administering idarucizumab. The time to recombinant tissue plasminogen activator administration was 5 minutes from idarucizumab injection and 269 minutes from symptom onset. The patient’s activated partial thromboplastin times were 68.0 and 43.2 seconds before and after the therapy, respectively. The patient’s neurological symptoms improved significantly after the treatment, and she experienced no adverse events.

Conclusions

Intravenous thrombolytic therapy with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator after reversal of dabigatran with idarucizumab may be safe and feasible in patients with acute ischemic stroke with lacunar infarct. Furthermore, intravenous thrombolytic therapy with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator could be used in patients in emergency settings until just before the end of the recommended time limit within which it needs to be administered because of the immediate effect of idarucizumab.
Control plane delay minimization-based capacitated controller placement algorithm for SDN
Authors: Chai Rong , Yuan Qiongfang , Zhu Lei , Chen Qianbin
Published: December 2019

Software-defined networking (SDN) is proposed as a new network paradigm which decouples control plane from data plane and provides flexible network management. In this paper, we consider the capacitated controller placement problem in SDN, which jointly determines the number, location, and the capacity matching strategy of SDN controllers. redTo stress the importance of control plane delay which is composed of both the transmission and processing delay between controllers and switches, and the inter-controller delay; we formulate control plane delay minimization problem subject to controller-switch association constraints, controller capacity constraints, etc. Since the formulated optimization problem is a complicated nonlinear integer programming problem which cannot be solved easily, we transform it into controller-switch association subproblem and controller capacity matching subproblem. To solve the controller-switch association subproblem, we propose a heuristic algorithm based on Dijkstra algorithm and K-means algorithm. Given the controller-switch association strategy, we then apply the Kuhn-Munkres (K-M) algorithm to solve the controller capacity matching subproblem and obtain the capacitated controller placement strategy. Simulation results are shown to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Security governance as a service on the cloud
Authors: Bryce Ciarán
Published: December 2019

Small companies need help to detect and to respond to increasing security related threats. This paper presents a cloud service that automates processes that make checks for such threats, implement mitigating procedures, and generally instructs client companies on the steps to take. For instance, a process that automates the search for leaked credentials on the Dark Web will, in the event of a leak, trigger processes that instruct the client on how to change passwords and perhaps a micro-learning process on credential management. The security governance service runs on the cloud as it needs to be managed by a security expert and because it should run on an infrastructure separated from clients. It also runs as a cloud service for economy of scale: the processes it runs can service many clients simultaneously, since many threats are common to all. We also examine how the service may be used to prove to independent auditors (e.g., cyber-insurance agents) that a company is taking the necessary steps to implement its security obligations.
Serum histone H3 levels and platelet counts are potential markers for coagulopathy with high risk of death in septic patients: a single-center observational study
Authors: Ito Takashi , Totoki Takaaki , Yokoyama Yayoi , Yasuda Tomotsugu , Furubeppu Hiroaki , Yamada Shingo , Maruyama Ikuro , Kakihana Yasuyuki
Published: December 2019

Background

Recent studies have suggested that anticoagulant therapy does not confer a survival benefit overall in sepsis, but might be beneficial in sepsis-associated disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). In particular, those with high Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores might be the optimal target for anticoagulant therapy. However, both DIC and SOFA scores require the measurement of multiple markers. The purpose of this study was to explore a minimal marker set for determining coagulopathy at high risk of death in septic patients, wherein histone H3 levels were evaluated as indicators of both organ failure and coagulation activation.

Methods

We analyzed correlations among levels of serum histone H3 and other coagulation markers in 85 cases of sepsis using Spearman’s rank correlation test. We then compared the utility of histone H3 to that of other coagulation markers in predicting the traditional DIC state or 28-day mortality by receiver-operating characteristics analysis. Finally, we suggested cut-off values for determining coagulopathy with high risk of death, and evaluated their prognostic utility.

Results

Serum histone H3 levels significantly correlated with thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT) levels (Spearman’s ρ = 0.46, p < 0.001), and weakly correlated with platelet counts (Spearman’s ρ = − 0.26, p < 0.05). Compared to other coagulation markers, histone H3 levels showed better performance in predicting 28-day mortality. When combining serum histone H3 levels with platelet counts, our new scoring system showed a concordance rate of 69% with the traditional four-factor criteria of DIC established by the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine. The 28-day mortality rates of the new and the traditional criteria-positive patients were 43% and 21%, respectively. Those of the new and the traditional criteria-negative patients were 5.7% and 9.4%, respectively.

Conclusions

Serum histone H3 levels and platelet counts are potential markers for determining coagulopathy with high risk of death in septic patients. Further studies are needed to clarify the utility of serum histone H3 levels in the diagnostic of coagulopathy/DIC.
Fault model of the 2012 doublet earthquake, near the up-dip end of the 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake, based on a near-field tsunami: implications for intraplate stress state
Authors: Kubota Tatsuya , Hino Ryota , Inazu Daisuke , Suzuki Syuichi
Published: December 2019

On December 7, 2012, an earthquake occurred within the Pacific Plate near the Japan Trench, which was composed of deep reverse- and shallow normal-faulting subevents (Mw 7.2 and 7.1, respectively) with a time interval of ~10 s. It had been known that the stress state within the plate was characterized by shallow tensile and deep horizontal compressional stresses due to the bending of the plate (bending stress). This study estimates the fault model of the doublet earthquake utilizing tsunami, teleseismic, and aftershock data and discusses the stress state within the incoming plate and spatiotemporal changes seen in it after the 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake. We obtained the vertical extents of the fault planes of deep and shallow subevents as ~45–70 km and ~5 (the seafloor)–35 km, respectively. The down-dip edge of the shallow normal-faulting seismic zone (~30–35 km) deepened significantly compared to what it was in 2007 (~25 km). However, a quantitative comparison of the brittle strength and bending stress suggested that the change in stress after the Tohoku-Oki earthquake was too small to deepen the down-dip end of the seismicity by ~10 km. To explain the seismicity that occurred at a depth of ~30–35 km, the frictional coefficient in the normal-faulting depth range required would have had to be ~0.07 ≤μ≤ ~0.2, which is significantly smaller than the typical friction coefficient. This suggests the infiltration of pore fluid along the bending faults, down to ~30–35 km. It is considered that the plate had already yielded to a depth of ~35 km before 2011 and that the seismicity of the area was reactivated by the increase in stress from the Tohoku-Oki earthquake.
Full command of a network by a new node: some results and examples
Authors: Grácio Clara , Fernandes Sara , Lopes Luís Mário
Published: December 2019

We consider that a network of chaotic identical dynamical systems is connected to a new node. Depending on some properties of the network and on the way that connection is made, the new node may control the network. We consider a full-command connection and analyze the possibility of the network being full-commandable by the new node. For full-commandable networks, we define the full-command-window, a set that includes some of the values that the coupling strength of the new node may assume. We present several results and examples that enlight us how a network can become more vulnerable or resistant to full-command.
Neutralization of interleukin-17A alleviates burn-induced intestinal barrier disruption via reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines in a mouse model
Authors: Song Yajun , Li Yang , Xiao Ya , Hu Wengang , Wang Xu , Wang Pei , Zhang Xiaorong , Yang Jiacai , Huang Yong , He Weifeng , Huang Chibing
Published: December 2019

Background

The intestinal barrier integrity can be disrupted due to burn injury, which is responsible for local and systemic inflammatory responses. Anti-inflammation strategy is one of the proposed therapeutic approaches to control inflammatory cascade at an early stage. Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) plays a critical role in inflammatory diseases. However, the role of IL-17A in the progression of burn-induced intestinal inflammation is poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of IL-17A and associated pro-inflammatory cytokines that were deeply involved in the pathogenesis of burn-induced intestinal inflammatory injury, and furthermore, we sought to determine the early source of IL-17A in the intestine.

Methods

Mouse burn model was successfully established with infliction of 30% total body surface area scald burn. The histopathological manifestation, intestinal permeability, zonula occludens-1 expression, pro-inflammatory cytokines were determined with or without IL-17A-neutralization. Flow cytometry was used to detect the major source of IL-17A+ cells in the intestine.

Results

Burn caused intestinal barrier damage, increase of intestinal permeability, alteration of zonula occludens-1 expressions, elevation of IL-17A, IL-6, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), whereas IL-17A neutralization dramatically alleviated burn-induced intestinal barrier disruption, maintained zonula occludens-1 expression, and noticeably, inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines elevation. In addition, we observed that the proportion of intestinal IL-17A+Vγ4+ T subtype cells (but not IL-17A+Vγ1+ T subtype cells) were increased in burn group, and neutralization of IL-17A suppressed this increase.

Conclusions

The main original findings of this study are intestinal mucosa barrier is disrupted after burn through affecting the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and a protective role of IL-17A neutralization for intestinal mucosa barrier is determined. Furthermore, Vγ4+ T cells are identified as the major early producers of IL-17A that orchestrate an inflammatory response in the burn model. These data suggest that IL-17A blockage may provide a unique target for therapeutic intervention to treat intestinal insult after burn.
Mesenchymal stromal cells-exosomes: a promising cell-free therapeutic tool for wound healing and cutaneous regeneration
Authors: Hu Peng , Yang Qinxin , Wang Qi , Shi Chenshuo , Wang Dali , Armato Ubaldo , Prà Ilaria Dal , Chiarini Anna
Published: December 2019

Abstact

Cutaneous regeneration at the wound site involves several intricate and dynamic processes which require a series of coordinated interactions implicating various cell types, growth factors, extracellular matrix (ECM), nerves, and blood vessels. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) take part in all the skin wound healing stages playing active and beneficial roles in animal models and humans. Exosomes, which are among the key products MSCs release, mimic the effects of parental MSCs. They can shuttle various effector proteins, messenger RNA (mRNA) and microRNAs (miRNAs) to modulate the activity of recipient cells, playing important roles in wound healing. Moreover, using exosomes avoids many risks associated with cell transplantation. Therefore, as a novel type of cell-free therapy, MSC-exosome -mediated administration may be safer and more efficient than whole cell. In this review, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the latest studies and observations on the role of MSC-exosome therapy in wound healing and cutaneous regeneration. In addition, we address the hypothesis of MSCs microenvironment extracellular vesicles (MSCs-MEVs) or MSCs microenvironment exosomes (MSCs-MExos) that need to take stock of and solved urgently in the related research about MSC-exosomes therapeutic applications. This review can inspire investigators to explore new research directions of MSC-exosome therapy in cutaneous repair and regeneration.
Coordinated control of conventional power sources and PHEVs using jaya algorithm optimized PID controller for frequency control of a renewable penetrated power system
Authors: Annamraju Anil , Nandiraju Srikanth
Published: December 2019

In renewable penetrated power systems, frequency instability arises due to the volatile nature of renewable energy sources (RES) and load disturbances. The traditional load frequency control (LFC) strategy from conventional power sources (CPS) alone unable to control the frequency deviations caused by the aforementioned disturbances. Therefore, it is essential to modify the structure of LFC, to handle the disturbances caused by the RES and load. With regards to the above problem, this work proposes a novel coordinated LFC strategy with modified control signal to have Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) for frequency stability enhancement of the Japanese power system. Where, the coordinated control strategy is based on the PID controller, which is optimally tuned by the recently developed JAYA Algorithm (JA). Numerous simulations are performed with the proposed methodology and, the results have confirmed the effectiveness of a proposed approach over some recent and well-known techniques in literature. Furthermore, simulation results reveal that the proposed coordinated approach significantly minimizing the frequency deviations compared to the JAYA optimized LFC without PHEVs & with PHEVs but no coordination.
Learning capacity: predicting user decisions for vehicle-to-grid services
Authors: Shipman Rob , Naylor Sophie , Pinchin James , Gough Rebecca , Gillott Mark
Published: December 2019

The electric vehicles (EV) market is projected to continue its rapid growth, which will profoundly impact the demand on the electricity network requiring costly network reinforcements unless EV charging is properly managed. However, as well as importing electricity from the grid, EVs also have the potential to export electricity through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, which can help balance supply and demand and stabilise the grid through participation in flexibility markets. Such a scenario requires a population of EVs to be pooled to provide a larger storage resource. Key to doing so effectively however is knowledge of the users, as they ultimately determine the availability of a vehicle. In this paper we introduce a machine learning model that aims to learn both a) the criteria influencing users when they decided whether to make their vehicle available and b) their reliability in following through on those decisions, with a view to more accurately predicting total available capacity from the pool of vehicles at a given time. Using a series of simplified simulations, we demonstrate that the learning model is able to adapt to both these factors, which allows the required capacity of a market event to be satisfied more reliably and using a smaller number of vehicles than would otherwise be the case. This in turn has the potential to support participation in larger and more numerous market events for the same user base and use of the technology for smaller groups of users such as individual communities.
Analysis of the cannabinoid content of strains available in the New Jersey Medicinal Marijuana Program
Authors: Coogan Thomas A.
Published: December 2019

Background

The six licensed operators in the New Jersey Medicinal Marijuana Program submit their strains of cannabis flower to a single laboratory, administered by the state’s Department of Health, for testing. The results of these tests are made available by the State on a web page for patients, allowing a study of the range of cannabinoid profiles available in the program.

Methods

Reports on cannabinoid concentrations were collected from 245 test reports released by the State lab; the relative quantities of cannabinoids on all strains was evaluated, as well as trends in the strain types being tested.

Results

The collection of strain profiles available in New Jersey conforms to results of other population studies, revealing three broad classification of strains based on their relative concentration of cannabinoids: the overwhelmingly majority of strains contain only trace (< 1%) CBDA but high THCA concentration; a handful are balanced in CBDA and THCA content; and a very few strains have a high concentration of CBDA and minimal THCA (< 1%). In those strains that contain more than 1% of both THCA and CBDA, those two substances are present in comparable quantities. The concentration of CBGA is higher in those strains that have the highest THCA concentration, though there are strains that have high THCA (> 20%) with CBGA concentrations at the low end of the range (< 0.5%). In the high CBD strains, the concentration of CBGA is positively correlated with CBDA, but the CBGA concentrations are several fold less in CBD-dominant strains than in THC-dominant strains: the highest measured CBGA concentration in a CBD-dominant strain is only at the average value of CBGA concentration in THC-dominant strains. The most-recently tested strains are overwhelmingly of the THC-dominant type.

Conclusions

Though some high CBD strains are available in the New Jersey medical marijuana program, the vast majority of strains that have been tested are the THC-dominant strains which contain less than 1% CBDA. The data available from the State does not include any information on how well the different strains sell, but it can be inferred from the trend in strain types tested that the demand in the New Jersey medical market is for THC-dominant strains.
Effect of irrigation water containing arsenic on elemental composition of bean and lettuce plants cultivated in calcareous sandy soil
Authors: Sandil Sirat , Dobosy Péter , Kröpfl Krisztina , Füzy Anna , Óvári Mihály , Záray Gyula
Published: December 2019

Background

The uptake of arsenic by vegetables from soil irrigated with arsenic enriched groundwater poses a major health hazard. The edible portion of these vegetables transfer arsenic to the human beings. The uptake of arsenic was studied in bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in a controlled greenhouse pot culture with calcareous sandy soil as substrate. The plants were irrigated with water containing sodium arsenate at concentrations 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 mg L− 1. The total arsenic concentration of the different plants parts was determined by ICP-MS, following microwave-assisted acid digestion. The change in plant biomass production and essential macroelements (Mg, P, K) and microelements concentration (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn) was also studied.

Results

The As concentration in the bean was in the order: root>stem>leaf>bean fruit and in lettuce: root>leaves. At the highest dose (0.5 mg L− 1) the As concentration in the bean fruit and lettuce leaves was 22.1 μg kg− 1 and 1207.5 μg kg− 1 DW, respectively. Increasing As concentration in the irrigation water resulted in decreased edible biomass production in bean, while in lettuce the edible biomass production increased. Neither plant exhibited any visible toxicity symptoms. No significant change was observed in the macro and microelements concentration. The total and the water-soluble arsenic in soil amounted to 3.5 mg kg− 1 and 0.023 mg kg− 1, respectively. The transfer factor was found to increase with increase in the As treatment applied. The transfer factor range for bean from root to fruit was 0.003–0.005, and for lettuce from root to leaves was 0.14–0.24.

Conclusion

Considering the FAO-WHO recommended maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI) limit of 2.1 μg kg− 1 body weight, and the biomass production, both plants should not be cultivated at As treatment level higher than 0.1 mg L− 1.

Graphical abstract
Amount and Intensity of Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Lower Cancer Risk
Authors: Matthews Charles E. , Moore Steven C. , Arem Hannah , Cook Michael B. , Trabert Britton , Håkansson Niclas , Larsson Susanna C. , Wolk Alicja , Gapstur Susan M. , Lynch Brigid M. , Milne Roger L. , Freedman Neal D. , Huang Wen-Yi , Berrington de Gonzalez Amy , Kitahara Cari M. , Linet Martha S. , Shiroma Eric J. , Sandin Sven , Patel Alpa V. , Lee I-Min
Published: December 2019

PURPOSE

To determine whether recommended amounts of leisure-time physical activity (ie, 7.5-15 metabolic equivalent task [MET] hours/week) are associated with lower cancer risk, describe the shape of the dose-response relationship, and explore associations with moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity.

METHODS

Data from 9 prospective cohorts with self-reported leisure-time physical activity and follow-up for cancer incidence were pooled. Multivariable Cox regression was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs of the relationships between physical activity with incidence of 15 types of cancer. Dose-response relationships were modeled with restricted cubic spline functions that compared 7.5, 15.0, 22.5, and 30.0 MET hours/week to no leisure-time physical activity, and statistically significant associations were determined using tests for trend ( P < .05) and 95% CIs (< 1.0).

RESULTS

A total of 755,459 participants (median age, 62 years [range, 32-91 years]; 53% female) were followed for 10.1 years, and 50,620 incident cancers accrued. Engagement in recommended amounts of activity (7.5-15 MET hours/week) was associated with a statistically significant lower risk of 7 of the 15 cancer types studied, including colon (8%-14% lower risk in men), breast (6%-10% lower risk), endometrial (10%-18% lower risk), kidney (11%-17% lower risk), myeloma (14%-19% lower risk), liver (18%-27% lower risk), and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (11%-18% lower risk in women). The dose response was linear in shape for half of the associations and nonlinear for the others. Results for moderate- and vigorous-intensity leisure-time physical activity were mixed. Adjustment for body mass index eliminated the association with endometrial cancer but had limited effect on other cancer types.

CONCLUSION

Health care providers, fitness professionals, and public health practitioners should encourage adults to adopt and maintain physical activity at recommended levels to lower risks of multiple cancers.
Computerized Analysis of Brain MRI Parameter Dynamics in Young Patients With Cushing Syndrome—A Case-Control Study
Authors: Tirosh Amit , RaviPrakash Harish , Papadakis Georgios Z , Tatsi Christina , Belyavskaya Elena , Charalampos Lyssikatos , Lodish Maya B , Bagci Ulas , Stratakis Constantine A
Published: December 2019

Background

Young patients with Cushing Syndrome (CS) may develop cognitive and behavioral alterations during disease course.

Methods

To investigate the effects of CS on the brain, we analyzed consecutive MRI scans of patients with (n = 29) versus without CS (n = 8). Multiple brain compartments were processed for total and gray/white matter (GM/WM) volumes and intensities, and cortical volume, thickness, and surface area. Dynamics (last/baseline scans ratio per parameter) were analyzed versus cortisol levels and CS status (persistent, resolved, and non-CS).

Results

Twenty-four-hour urinary free cortisol (24hUFC) measurements had inverse correlation with the intensity of subcortical GM structures and of the corpus callosum, and with the cerebral WM intensity. 24hUFC dynamics had negative correlation with volume dynamics of multiple cerebral and cerebellar structures. Patients with persistent CS had less of an increase in cortical thickness and WM intensity, and less of a decrease in WM volume compared with patients with resolution of CS. Patients with resolution of their CS had less of an increase in subcortical GM and cerebral WM volumes, but a greater increase in cortical thickness of frontal lobe versus controls.

Conclusion

Changes in WM/GM consistency, intensity, and homogeneity in patients with CS may correlate with CS clinical consequences better than volume dynamics alone.
Potential Impact of BMI on the Aggressiveness of Presentation and Clinical Outcome of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Matrone Antonio , Ceccarini Giovanni , Beghini Marianna , Ferrari Federica , Gambale Carla , D’Aqui Mariaida , Piaggi Paolo , Torregrossa Liborio , Molinaro Eleonora , Basolo Fulvio , Vitti Paolo , Santini Ferruccio , Elisei Rossella
Published: December 2019

Background

Obesity is a risk factor for several cancers, including differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Moreover, it has also been investigated as a potential risk factor for aggressiveness of DTC, but the data gathered so far are conflicting. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI), aggressiveness of DTC at diagnosis, and clinical outcome.

Methods

We evaluated 1058 consecutive DTC patients treated with total thyroidectomy and enrolled at the time of first radioactive iodine (131I) treatment. Patients were divided into 4 groups based on their BMI: underweight (< 18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m2), and obese (≥ 30 kg/m2). Histological aggressiveness of DTC at the time of diagnosis and clinical outcome according to 2015 American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines were evaluated.

Results

No differences in histological features, ATA risk of recurrence, activity of 131I administered and prevalence of 131I avid metastatic disease after first131I treatment, have been demonstrated among the groups. Furthermore, at the end of follow up (median = 5.7 years), no differences were evident in the number of further treatments performed as well as in the clinical response.

Conclusions

In our study group of Caucasian subjects, we could not demonstrate any association between BMI and aggressiveness of DTC, neither at the time of diagnosis nor during follow-up. These data indicate that postsurgical assessment and therapeutic attitude for treatment and follow-up of DTC should be based on the class of risk applied to the general population, with no concern for BMI.
Identification of Sec23ip, Part of 14-3-3γ Protein Network, as a Regulator of Acute Steroidogenesis in MA-10 Leydig Cells
Authors: Aghazadeh Yasaman , Venugopal Sathvika , Martinez-Arguelles Daniel Benjamin , Boisvert Annie , Blonder Josip , Papadopoulos Vassilios
Published: December 2019

Testosterone production occurs in the Leydig cells of the testes and is essential for virilization, development, reproduction, and quality of life. Although the steroidogenic proteins involved in cholesterol conversion to testosterone (T) are well characterized, the causes of reduced T during fetal, neonatal, and adult life remain uncertain. It is well established that normal cellular function is achieved through fine-tuning of multiple rather than single protein networks. Our objective was to use mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics to identify which cellular pathways, other than the steroidogenic machinery, influence testosterone production in MA-10 mouse tumor Leydig cells. The 14-3-3 family of scaffolds mediate protein–protein interactions facilitating the crosstalk between protein networks. We previously showed that in MA-10 cells, 14-3-3γ is a critical regulator of steroidogenesis. Therefore, identifying proteins that interact with 14-3-3γ during steroidogenesis could provide clues into the other networks involved. Using liquid chromatography (LC)–MS, we identified 688 proteins that interact with 14-3-3γ and thus potentially impact MA-10 cell steroidogenesis. The identified proteins belong to multiple protein networks, including endoplasmic reticulum–Golgi cargo sorting and vesicle biogenesis, micro ribonucleic acid-induced gene silencing, inflammation, and vesicle trafficking, to name a few. We found that silencing one of the candidates, Sec23ip, a protein known to be involved in vesicle trafficking, resulted in decreased steroidogenesis. We further showed that in Sec23ip-silenced MA-10 cells, cholesterol mobilization from the cytoplasmic membrane to mitochondria is impaired. Taken together these data suggest that Sec23ip is involved in cholesterol trafficking to supply cholesterol for acute steroidogenesis through its interactions with 14-3-3γ.
Impact of High-Intensity Interval Training, Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training, and Resistance Training on Endothelial Function in Older Adults
Authors: O’BRIEN MYLES W. , JOHNS JARRETT A. , ROBINSON SUSAN A. , BUNGAY AMANDA , MEKARY SAID , KIMMERLY DEREK S.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

It is unclear if high-intensity interval training (HIIT) elicits superior improvements in brachial artery (BA) flow-mediated dilation (FMD) responses (i.e., endothelial-dependent vasodilation) than moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) or resistance training (RT) in otherwise healthy older adults. Whether HIIT enhances lower-limb FMD responses and/or augments low flow-mediated constriction (L-FMC) (endothelial-dependent vasoconstriction) responses more than MICT or RT is also unknown. We tested the hypothesis that HIIT would improve BA and popliteal artery (POP) FMD and L-FMC responses more than MICT or RT in healthy older adults.

Methods

Thirty-eight older adults (age, 67 ± 6 yr) performed 6 wk of either HIIT (2 × 20 min bouts alternating between 15-s intervals at 100% of peak power output [PPO] and passive recovery [0% PPO]; n = 12), MICT (34 min at 60% PPO; n = 12), or whole-body RT (8 exercises, 2 × 10 repetitions; n = 14). The L-FMC and FMD were measured before and after training using high-resolution ultrasound and quantified as the percent change in baseline diameter during distal cuff occlusion and after cuff release, respectively.

Results

Resting BA blood flow and vascular conductance (both, P < 0.003) were greater after HIIT only. The HIIT and MICT similarly increased BA-FMD (pre–post: both, P < 0.001), but only HIIT improved BA L-FMC (P < 0.001). Both HIIT and MICT similarly enhanced POP FMD and L-FMC responses (both, P < 0.045). Resistance training did not impact FMD or L-FMC responses in either artery (all, P > 0.20).

Conclusions

HIIT and MICT, but not RT, similarly improved lower-limb vasodilator and vasoconstrictor endothelial function in older adults. Although HIIT and MICT groups enhanced BA vasodilator function, only HIIT improved resting conductance and endothelial sensitivity to low-flow in the BA. In the short-term, HIIT may be most effective at improving peripheral vascular endothelial function in older adults.
Development of the State Financial Control and Audit System in the EAEU Member Countries
Authors: Dmitrieva I. , Kharakoz Yu. , Zhakan Talgat
Published: December 2019

The article discusses the functions, tasks, competencies and main directions of development of the supreme bodies of financial control and audit in the EAEU member countries.
Features of Public Accountant Task by Estimation of Economic Strength of Business Security
Authors: Dymova I.
Published: December 2019

In the article the order of documentary accompaniment of public accountant task is examined as evaluated by economic strength of business security both from the side of economic subject and public accountants. Th e authorial variant of construction of matrix of accordance of actual indexes is off ered fi nancially — to economic activity of economic subject to the threshold values of indicators of economic security of business.
Non-Financial Public Reporting in the Field of Sustainable Development As a Source of Information and an Object of Audit Services in the Digital Economy
Authors: Kazakova Nataliya , Bobkova Marina , Prilepskaya A. , Thi Lok Doan
Published: December 2019

Th e article analyzes the trends in the formation of public non-fi nancial reporting by companies in terms of increasing requirements for business information transparency. Th e features of non-fi nancial reporting as an object of audit services are generalized, as well as the existing problems of performing audit tasks in non-fi nancial reporting.
Partnership with Stakeholders: Base Building Algorithm
Authors: Kulakova E.
Published: December 2019

The article proposes an algorithm for building a base of stakeholders and interaction with them. The topic under discussion seems particularly relevant in view of the imminent adoption of a federal law on public non-financial reporting, which provides for the disclosure of an algorithm for achieving the strategic goals of any organization.
Two new species of Neotropical cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Cicadettinae: Carinetini) from Bolivia

Authors: SANBORN ALLEN F.
Published: December 2019

Two species, Carineta bidigitata sp. nov. and Herrera aurenigrapilosa sp. nov., of Neotropical cicadas from Carinetini Distant, 1905 are described as new. The species are illustrated and detailed comparisons to the cogeneric Bolivian species are made to facilitate identification of Bolivian specimens.
Records of Cholevinae (Coleoptera: Leiodidae) sampled by pitfall traps in the Central Italian Alps
Authors: LATELLA LEONARDO , PEDROTTI LUCA , GOBBI MAURO
Published: December 2019

In the framework of a long-term project launched by the Stelvio National Park for monitoring the spatio-temporal patterns in plant, arthropod and vertebrate species assemblages, the results on the sampled cholevid species are reported. The abundance of specimens and the distribution of species has been studied in relation to nine environmental variables. Five species of the tribe Cholevini were sampled during this research: Apocatops nigrita, Catops coracinus, Catops fuliginosu, Catops nigricans and Catops tristis. The most abundant and frequent species were Apocatops nigrita and Catops coracinus. The effect of the environmental variables on the distribution of two of the most abundant species (C. coracinus, A. nigrita) was tested and described. Updated information about the distribution and ecology of the five sampled species were provided.
Multipartite quantum entanglement creation for distant stationary systems
Authors: Li Tao , Wang Zhenkai , Xia Keyu
Published: December 2019

We present efficient protocols for creating multipartite Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) and W states of distant stationary qubits. The system nonuniformity and/or the non-ideal single-photon scattering usually limit the performance of entanglement creation, and result in the decrease of the fidelity and the efficiency in practical quantum information processing. By using linear optical elements, errors caused by the system nonuniformity and non-ideal photon scattering can be converted into heralded loss in our protocols. Thus, the fidelity of generated multipartite entangled states keeps unchanged and only the efficiency decreases. The GHZ state of distant stationary qubits is created in a parallel way that its generation efficiency considerably increases. In the protocol for creating the W state of N distant stationary qubits, an input single photon is prepared in a superposition state and sent into N paths parallelly. We use the two-spatial-mode interferences to eliminate the “which path” single-photon scattering “knowledge”. As a result, the efficiency of creating the N-qubit W state is independent of the number of stationary qubits rather than exponentially decreases.
СРАВНИТЕЛЬНОЕ ИЗУЧЕНИЕ ПРОБЛЕМ РАЗВИТИЯ КУЛЬТУРЫ КЫРГЫЗОВ-КОЧЕВНИКОВ С КУЛЬТУРОЙ АЛТАЙЦЕВ
Authors: Жакыпбеков Жаныбек Жакыпбекович
Published: December 2019

Изучение истоков кочевой цивилизации, основанное на анализе этнической ментальности и исторических процессов, очень актуально в наши дни. Центральноазиатские ученые сегодня по-разному трактуют духовные начала древних культур кочевников. Некоторые кыргызоведы, опираясь на кыргызскую санжыру, считают, что 3000–3500 лет тому назад в Центральной Азии образовалось Угуз-Уйгурское государство, расположенное на реке Самара, оно стало называться Самаркенти. Государство Угуз во время правления Отор-хана протянулось на западе до Аму-Дарьи и Каспия, а на востоке — до Алтайских гор. Казахские философы на основе «Дао Алтая» выдвигают гипотезу, согласно который «золотая земля» (Алтай) породила древнюю цивилизацию — праалтайцев, просветивших территорию Алтаиду, или Гиперборею, а затем все древние цивилизации: Шумер, Египет, Вавилон, Индию, Китай и др. В работе делается попытка анализа основных моментов сложения и дальнейшего развития духовной культуры кыргызов-кочевников. Все приведенные сюжеты формирования культуры кыргызов-кочевников подтверждены историческими фактами. Проблема исследовалась путем сравнительного анализа культуры кыргызов-кочевников с историей культуры алтайцев.
ОЦЕНКА СОЦИАЛЬНОГО САМОЧУВСТВИЯ СОВРЕМЕННОЙ МОЛОДЕЖИ
Authors: Желнина Евгения Валерьевна , Савельева Анна Евгеньевна
Published: December 2019

Представлены результаты эмпирического исследования социального самочувствия современной молодежи крупного промышленного города. Целью исследования стал анализ особенностей социального самочувствия молодых людей с использованием типовой методики, разработанной Центром изучения социокультурных изменений ИФ РАН под руководством член-корреспондента РАН Н.И. Лапина, «Социокультурный портрет региона», которая позволила рассчитать индекс социального самочувствия на основе трех его базовых значений: коэффициент защищенности, коэффициент удовлетворенности и коэффициент оптимизма. Кроме того, в работе использованы данные, полученные в результате проведения биографического интервью. При сборе эмпирических данных для расчета индекса социального самочувствия был выбран метод опроса (анкетирование). В процессе исследования было выяснено, что в целом молодые люди оценивают город положительно, отмечая, что он вызывает у них чувства симпатии, любви или равнодушия. Однако такие аспекты, как трудоустройство по специальности, обеспечение медицинских услуг, качество и уровень жизни, внешний облик городского пространства, по мнению респондентов, находятся на низком уровне. Индекс социального самочувствия молодых людей составил 0,7. Данное значение определяет высокий уровень социального настроения, защищенности и удовлетворенности жизни молодежи. Посредством использования качественного метода социологического исследования — биографического интервью было изучено и проанализировано отношение респондентов к городу, выявлены его достоинства и недостатки, определены планы молодых людей на будущее и жизненные перспективы.
ПОСТАНОВКА ПРОБЛЕМЫ ИДЕНТИФИКАЦИИ ПОЛА ЛИЦА КАК ОСНОВАНИЯ НАЗНАЧЕНИЯ УГОЛОВНОГО НАКАЗАНИЯ
Authors: Воронкова Евгения Олеговна , Горовая Виктория Юрьевна , Горовой Святослав Александрович , Стародубцева Мария Александровна
Published: December 2019

Настоящая статья имеет целью обозначить проблему определения пола лица с точки зрения назначения уголовного наказания и выбора вида исправительного учреждения. Проблема является актуальной в отношении лиц, страдающих расстройством половой идентификации (транссексуалы, трансгендеры, лица, сменившие пол). В основу работы положены проблемные казусы. Авторами отмечается, что неурегулированность правового статуса изучаемой категории лиц позволяет давать неоднозначные оценки с точки зрения медицины и права отношениям, связанным с ними. Значимость данной статьи проявляется в том, что авторы призывают найти приемлемое решение проблемы идентификации пола лица, страдающего расстройством половой идентификации.
Evaluation of the Relationship Between Advanced Oxidation end Products and Inflammatory Markers in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Aydin Zeki , Karadag Serhat , Ozturk Savas , Gursu Meltem , Uzun Sami , Cebeci Egemen , Sumnu Abdullah , Kazancioglu Rumeyza
Published: December 2019

Introduction
Increased oxidative stress and blunted anti-oxidant mechanisms are important problems in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) act directly on proteins, leading to the formation of oxidized amino acids. Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) are among these substances. Many oxidant substances increase the level of AOPP. Iron is an element with strong oxidant capacity, especially when used intravenously. It is thought that iron treatment further increases the oxidative stress in HD patients. We aimed to investigate the relationship between AOPP and inflammatory status in HD patients.

Materials and Methods
Patients who were on maintenance HD program without additional co-morbidities and no history of use of intravenous iron within the last two weeks were recruited in the study. The blood samples taken just before the dialysis session were analyzed for AOPP, serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), ferritin, C-reactive protein (CRP), ß2-microglobulin, fibrinogen, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α levels besides routine biochemical measurements and complete blood count.

Results
The number of patients included in the study was 102 (n: 53 female, %52.0) and the mean age was 47.6±13.9 years. The mean transferrin saturation was 25.4%. AOPP levels, iron use in patients was higher compared to patients who do not use (respectively 2.58±0.19 mmol/l and 2.50 ±0.16mmol/l, p = 0.046). We did not detect statistically significant correlation of AOPP levels with iron parameters and other inflammatory markers.

Conclusion
The present study showed that intravenous iron therapy does not increase oxidative stress. Although serum AOPP level was higher in patients on intravenous iron treatment, it was not correlated with iron indices and inflammatory markers. So, intravenous iron may exert its oxidant effect free from serum iron indices.
TASAWUF PENDIDIKAN: DARI SPIRITUALITAS MANUSIA MENUJU INSAN KAMIL
Authors: Hanani Ahmad , Hamidi Nur
Published: December 2019

This article examines the relation and position of human beings in the context of "educational mysticism". This study is important to do using the literature approach to descriptive conceptual research to see the position of man as a creature of God specifically created by God and for certain purposes. Humans according to mysticism are creatures of God that are specially created ("copy") by God and for the purpose of His tajalli (tanazul) and because humans have the potential of the lut because of certain temptations he can glide to a low level, if he wants to return to his fitrah, then he should make a certain effort (mujahadah and riyadlah) in order to climb (taraqi) again "unite" with Him throughthe fourstages of tajalli. That tajalli, both in the process of tanazul and taraqqi, should be understood figuratively and metaphorically (majazi). This situation is due to the existence of love and longing for Allah SWT, so that what is seen and felt is He alone, like someone who is hit by romance with his lover, who is loved and loved, always imagined in his eyes and heart. Thus, a compromise can be made between the concept of Sufism al-Shafi, namely Sufism which combines Sufic vision with a vision of philosophy and Sunni Sufism, namely Sufism which assumes itself to the Koran and Al-Hadist.                                                                                   

Keywords: Mysticism, Education, Sprituality, Insan Kamil, Tanazul dan Taraqqi.

Abstrak

Artikel  ini mengkaji relasi dan kedudukan manusia dalam konteks “tasawuf pendidikan”. Kajian ini penting dilakukan dengan  menggunakan pendekatan literature research-konseptual deskriptif untuk melihat kedudukan manusia sebagai makhluk Tuhan yang dicipta secara khusus oleh Tuhan dan untuk tujuan tertentu. Manusia menurut tasawuf adalah makhluk Tuhan yang dicipta secara khusus (“copi”) oleh Tuhan dan untuk tujuan tajalli-Nya (tanazul) dan karena manusia mempunyai potensi lahut yang karena berbagai godaan tertentu dia bisa meluncur ke tingkat yang rendah, apabila dia ingin kembali ke fitrahnya, maka hendaknya melakukan upaya tertentu (mujahadah dan riyadlah) agar bisa mendaki (taraqi) kembali “bersatu” dengan-Nya melalui empat tahap tajalli. Bahwa tajalli, baik dalam proses tanazul dan taraqqi itu, hendaknya dipahami secara figuratif dan metoforis(majazi). Dengan demikian, maka bisa dilakukan kompromis antara konsep tasawuf al-shafi, yaitu tasawuf yang memadukan antara visi sufistik dengan visi filsafat dan tasawuf sunni, yaitu tasawuf yang mengasaskan diri kepada Al-Quran dan Al-Hadist.

Kata kunci: Tasawuf, Pendidikan, Spritualitas, Insan Kamil, Tanazul dan Taraqqi.