bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aster huangpingensis (Asteraceae, Astereae), a new species from Guizhou, China

Authors: LI ZHI , XIONG YI-CHANG , LIAO JUN-JIE , XIAO JIA-WEI , LI WEI-PING
Published: February 2020

A new Asteraceae species, Aster huangpingensis W. P. Li & Z. Li from Guizhou, China, is described and illustrated based on morphological and molecular analyses. Detailed morphological comparisons indicated that A. huangpingensis is similar to A. dolichophyllus. However, it can be distinguished from A. dolichophyllus by its lower leaves (2.5) 3.3–5.8 (7.5) × 0.3–0.9 cm, narrowly oblanceolate or spatulate, bracts glandular, punctate, few or absent, involucres campanulate, 3.5–5.5 mm in diam., ray florets 11–22 and disk florets 16–28, middle phyllary margins with strigillose and eglandular hairs, stigmatic appendage equilaterally triangle-shaped, and different flowering period. Molecular analyses based on nuclear ITS and ETS sequence data supported A. huangpingensis as a distinct species, and its systematic position is determined in A. subgen. Aster sect. Aster. Cytological observations showed that the new species is diploid with its karyotype being 2n =2x =18 = 16 m + 2 sm. Its only population is located on riverbanks of a stream that will become a tourist hotspot and is in urgent need for conservation actions.
Marine Tardigrada from the Mexican Caribbean with the description of Styraconyx robertoi sp. nov. (Arthrotardigrada: Styraconyxidae)
Authors: PÉREZ-PECH WILBERT ANDRÉS , DE JESÚS-NAVARRATE ALBERTO , DEMILIO ERICA , ANGUAS-ESCALANTE ABRIL , HANSEN JESPER GULDBERG
Published: February 2020

Marine tardigrades were sampled at three sites on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. Eleven taxa were collected, one of which is described as a new species. Styraconyx robertoi sp. nov. is characterized by: asymmetric primary clavae; dorsal cuticle with a grid-like sculpture; claws with reduced accessory hooks; females with peduncles on only two digits (the external) of legs I–IV; males with peduncles only on the external digits of legs I–III and peduncles on all four digits of leg IV. Styraconyx robertoi sp. nov. is most similar to S. craticuliformis Chang & Rho, 1998 and S. kristenseni Renaud-Mornant, 1981 by having asymmetric primary clavae but differs from S. craticuliformis mainly by the number of peduncles and from S. kristenseni mainly by the presence of a grid-like dorsal sculpture. Additionally, a comparison of material collected from the same region, but reported previously only as genus level records, was carried out in order to produce a refined list of the known Mexican marine tardigrade species.
Descriptions of larvae of three Philopotamidae species from China (Insecta, Trichoptera)
Authors: HU YAN-LI , TSRING SAMTEN , WANG BEI-XIN , SUN CHANG-HAI
Published: February 2020

Adults and larvae of the family Philopotamidae from Zhejiang Province, China, were examined and mtCOI gene sequences were extracted and analyzed, males and larvae of 3 species were successfully associated. The larvae of Chimarra sadayu Malicky 1993, Dolophilodes bellatula Sun & Malicky 2002, Wormaldia unispina Sun 1998 are described in detail and their diagnostic photographs and illustrations are presented. Diagnostic characters for genera and species are discussed.
Submesoscale Eddy Vertical Covariances and Dynamical Constraints from High-Resolution Numerical Simulations
Authors: D’Addezio Joseph M. , Jacobs Gregg A. , Yaremchuk Max , Souopgui Innocent
Published: February 2020

We analyze high-resolution (1 km) simulations of the western Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Arabian Sea to understand submesoscale eddy dynamics. A mask based on the Okubo–Weiss parameter isolates small-scale eddies, and we further classify those with |ζ/f| ≥ 1 as being submesoscale eddies. Cyclonic submesoscale eddies exhibit a vertical depth structure in which temperature anomalies from the large-scale background are negative. Peak density anomalies associated with cyclonic submesoscale eddies are found at a depth approximately twice the mixed layer depth (MLD). Within anticyclonic submesoscale eddies, temperature anomalies are positive and have peak density anomalies at the MLD. The depth–depth covariance structure for the cyclonic and anticyclonic submesoscale eddies have maxima over a shallow region near the surface and weak off diagonal elements. The observed vertical structure suggests that submesoscale eddies have a shallower depth profile and smaller vertical correlation scales when compared to the mesoscale phenomenon. We test a two-dimensional submesoscale eddy dynamical balance. Compared to a geostrophic dynamical balance using only pressure gradient and Coriolis force, including velocity tendency and advection produces lower errors by about 20%. In regions with strong tides and associated internal waves (western Pacific and Arabian Sea), using the mixed layer integrated small-scale steric height within the dynamical equations produces the lowest magnitude errors. In areas with weak tides (Gulf of Mexico), using small-scale sea surface height (SSH) produces the lowest magnitude errors. Recovering a submesoscale eddy with the correct magnitude and rotation requires integration of small-scale specific volume anomalies well below the mixed layer.
Tie Dissolution in Market Networks: A Theory of Vicarious Performance Feedback
Authors: Clough David R. , Piezunka Henning
Published: February 2020

Managers need to periodically evaluate any exchange partner to decide whether to continue or dissolve the exchange tie, but doing so can be challenging because of causal ambiguity: it can be difficult to attribute organizational performance to any specific underlying factor. One way managers may evaluate their exchange partners is by observing the performance trajectories of competitors who rely on the same exchange partners. We propose a theory of vicarious performance feedback and test it in the context of Formula One motor racing. We find that a firm building a Formula One racing car is more likely to end an exchange relationship with an engine supplier after that supplier’s other customers experience an episode of poor performance relative to their historic track record. In line with an attention-based view of the firm, this behavior occurs when the firm’s own performance is below its aspiration level. This work extends our understanding of how managers use vicarious learning to supplement their direct experience when evaluating their exchange partners, expands our thinking about network dynamics by showing how network neighbors’ experiences can influence tie decisions made within a dyad, and contributes to the cognitive foundations of problemistic search by showing how external information is integrated into managers’ responses to their own firm’s underperformance.
An improved constrained predictive functional control for industrial processes: A chamber pressure process study
Authors: Wu Sheng , Hou Pingzhi , Zou Hongbo
Published: February 2020

An improved constrained predictive functional control for the pressure of a coke furnace is proposed in this article. In conventional constrained model predictive control, a quadratic programming problem is usually constructed to replace the original cost function and constraints to obtain the optimal control law. Under strict constraints, however, the relevant quadratic programming problem may have no feasible solutions. Unlike conventional approaches, there are several effective relaxations introduced for the constraints in the proposed scheme; then, a new cost function and the new transformed constraints are generated. With the improved constraints and cost function, there are always acceptable solutions for the quadratic programming problem under various conditions. The validity of the presented constrained model predictive control algorithm is evaluated through the regulation of the pressure of the coke furnace.
Efficacy of continuous and pulsed therapeutic ultrasound combined with exercises for knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Alfredo Patrícia Pereira , Junior Washington Steagall , Casarotto Raquel Aparecida
Published: February 2020

Objectives:

To compare the effects of continuous and pulsed therapeutic ultrasound combined with strengthening exercises.

Design:

This is a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Pontifical Catholic University.

Subjects:

One hundred participants with Grade 2–4 knee osteoarthritis and both genders were involved.

Intervention:

Participants were randomized into five groups: Group I ( n = 20; in the first month, continuous ultrasound was applied), Group II ( n = 20; in the first month, pulsed ultrasound was applied), Group III ( n = 20; in the first and second months, continuous ultrasound was applied), Group IV ( n = 20; in the first and second months, pulsed ultrasound was applied) and Group V ( n = 20; patients received only exercise sessions for eight weeks). All patients in the groups that received ultrasound application performed exercises in the second month of treatment. The sessions occurred three times a week.

Main measures:

Pain was assessed using the visual analogical scale, functionality was assessed using the Lequesne questionnaire, range of motion was assessed using a universal goniometer, muscular strength was assessed using a dynamometer, mobility was assessed using the Timed Up and Go test and 8-meter walk test and the activity level was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire.

Results:

Statistically significant differences ( P < 0.05) were presented by Group III in the variables pain during activities of daily living (ADLs) 5.89 (2.18), mobility assessed by 8-meter test 2.68 (2.56), in pain 10.65 (4.40), function 25.50 (10.87) and total 38.65 (15.29) of WOMAC and functionality 9.10 (5.15).

Conclusion:

Prolonged applications of continuous ultrasound combined with exercises are effective in providing pain, mobility, functionality and activity in subjects with knee osteoarthritis.
Sales Education for Engineering Students: What Drives Interest and Choice?
Authors: Scott Joseph I. , Beuk Frederik
Published: February 2020

Universities increasingly make their sales curriculum available for groups other than dedicated sales students. This study investigates engineering students’ drivers that predict interest in sales certification, as well as drivers that predict actual choice for a sales curriculum. We focus on engineering students ( n = 204) and contrast our findings with business students ( n = 179). Based on social cognitive theory, we investigate how personality (Big Five personality factors and Trait Competitiveness), ability (ACT, GPA, and Academic Self-Efficacy), and social factors (role models, and perception of salespersons) affect interest and choice. Our results indicate that although the regression models explain a reasonable amount of variance, models that work for business students do not work equally well for engineering students. Also, our analysis reveals that factors that explain interest do not explain actual choice, and vice versa. In addition, we uncover subtle gender difference when it comes to actual choice for a sales curriculum. Finally, the benefits that engineering students perceive of sales certification differ primarily based on whether students are taking sales classes, and not on degree sought.
Iodine concentration of healthy lymph nodes of neck, axilla, and groin in dual-energy computed tomography
Authors: Sauter Andreas P , Ostmeier Sophie , Nadjiri Jonathan , Deniffel Dominik , Rummeny Ernst J , Pfeiffer Daniela
Published: February 2020

Background

Lymph nodes (LN) are examined in every computed tomography (CT) scan. Until now, an evaluation is only possible based on morphological criteria. With dual-energy CT (DECT) systems, iodine concentration (IC) can be measured which could conduct in an improved diagnostic evaluation of LNs.

Purpose

To define standard values for IC of cervical, axillary, and inguinal LNs in DECT.

Material and Methods

Imaging data of 297 patients who received a DECT scan of the neck, thorax, abdomen–pelvis, or a combination of those in a portal-venous phase were retrospectively collected from the institutional PACS. No present history of malignancy, inflammation, or trauma in the examined region was present. For each examined region, the data of 99 patients were used. The IC of the three largest LNs, the main artery, the main vein, and a local muscle of the examined area was measured, respectively.

Results

Normalization of the IC of LNs to the artery, vein, muscle, or a combination of those did not lead to a decreased value-range. The smallest range and confidence interval (CI) of IC was found when using absolute values of IC for each region. Hereby, mean values (95% CI) for IC of LN were found: 2.09 mg/mL (2.00–2.18 mg/mL) for neck, 1.24 mg/mL (1.16–1.33 mg/mL) for axilla, and 1.11 mg/mL (1.04–1.17 mg/mL) for groin.

Conclusion

The present study suggests standard values for IC of LNs in dual-layer CT could be used to differentiate between healthy and pathological lymph nodes, considering the used contrast injection protocol.
Misleading Focal Clinical, Neurophysiologic, and Imaging Features in 2 Children With Generalized Epilepsy Who Underwent Invasive Electroencephalographic (EEG) Monitoring
Authors: Ba-Armah Duaa , Jain Puneet , Whitney Robyn , Donner Elizabeth , Drake James , Go Cristina , Nair Rajesh Ramachandran , Snead O. Carter , Weiss Shelly , Widjaja Elysa , Yamamoto Eriko , Ye Annette , Yamasaki Haruka , Ochi Ayako
Published: February 2020

Children and adults with genetic generalized epilepsy may have focal clinical seizure symptoms as well as electroencephalographic (EEG) findings. This may pose a diagnostic challenge to clinicians, especially when concomitant focal neuroimaging findings exist and the epilepsy is medically refractory. We sought to highlight the challenges that clinicians may face through the description of 2 children with suspected genetic generalized epilepsy who had both focal seizure symptoms and EEG/neuroimaging findings and underwent invasive EEG monitoring. Ultimately, invasive monitoring failed to demonstrate a focal origin for the seizures in both cases, and instead confirmed the presence of genetic generalized epilepsy. We demonstrate that ≥3-Hz generalized monomorphic spike and waves are less likely to represent secondary bilateral synchrony, that focal neuroimaging findings may not always be causal and that repeated hyperventilation is an essential activation procedure for genetic generalized epilepsy.
Aspirational Individuals, Hopeful Communities: Histories and Subjectivities of Precarity in Regional Australia
Authors: Forbes-Mewett Helen , Schermuly Allegra Clare , Hegarty Kieran
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we utilise Jørgensen’s concept of what precarity does to make sense of stalled industrial development in a regional Australian community. In 2008–2009, a Chinese-owned multinational company proposed the development of an alumina refinery near Bowen, Queensland, offering residents the prospect of economic and local job growth, before the proposal was shelved in 2010. In direct contrast to the imagined ‘secure employment’ residents hoped the development would offer, past experiences of multinational developments had instead compounded economic and social precarity. Through a qualitative study of community and business perceptions in Bowen in 2008–2009, we explore how a regional community understands and resists histories and experiences of precarity. Despite recognising the changing economic and social structures that have contributed to insecurity, actors position themselves as malleable and aspirational potential workers, rather than resisting employment insecurity through collective means. This study provides a way of understanding the forces that impact aspirations of work in regional Australia and the gap between these aspirations and the tangible social impacts of a neoliberal economy.
Loneliness at Work: Its Consequences and Role of Moderators
Authors: Mohapatra Mamta , Madan Poornima , Srivastava Shalini
Published: February 2020

The study aims to identify the consequences of loneliness at work (LW) by studying the impact of moderating variables. Responses from 264 middle-level managers belonging to organizations in different sectors in the Delhi-NCR region of northern India were used for data analysis. The results reveal that LW has a positive and significant association with work alienation and a negative relationship with psychological well-being; a negative relationship is established between LW and perceived organizational support (POS); and a significant and negative relationship is established between LW and self-esteem. Furthermore, it validates that POS and SE moderate the relationship between LW, work alienation and psychological well-being. The findings of the study suggest that organizations need to inculcate a sense of belonging, camaraderie and attachment among employees to guard against LW.
Tibial Stress Fracture Following Ankle Arthrodesis
Authors: Elghazy Mohamed Abdelaziz , Hagemeijer Noortje C. , Waryasz Gregory R. , Guss Daniel , O’Donnell Seth , Blankenhorn Brad , DiGiovanni Christopher W.
Published: February 2020

Background:

End-stage ankle arthritis is frequently treated with either tibiotalar or tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis, but the inherent loss of accommodative motion increases mechanical load across the distal tibia. Rarely, patients can go on to develop a stress fracture of the distal tibia without any antecedent traumatic event. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of tibial stress fracture after ankle arthrodesis, highlight any related risk factors, and identify the effectiveness of treatment strategies and their healing potential.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was performed at 2 large academic medical centers to identify patients who had undergone ankle arthrodesis and subsequently developed a stress fracture of the tibia. Any patient with a tibial stress fracture before ankle arthrodesis, or with a nontibial stress fracture, was excluded from the study.

Results:

A total of 15 out of 1046 ankle fusion patients (1.4%) developed a tibial stress fracture at a mean time of 42 ± 82 months (range, 3-300 months) following the index procedure. The index procedure for these 15 patients who went on to subsequently develop stress fractures included isolated ankle arthrodesis (n = 8), ankle arthrodesis after successful subtalar fusion (n = 2), primary TTC arthrodesis (n = 2), and ankle arthrodesis subsequent to successful subtalar fusion with resultant ankle nonunion requiring revision TTC nailing (n = 3). Four patients had undergone fibular osteotomy with subsequent onlay strut fusion, and 5 had undergone complete resection of the lateral malleolus. Stress fracture location was found to be at the level of the fibular osteotomy in 2 patients and at the proximal end of an existing or removed implant in 9. Fourteen of the 15 patients had a nondisplaced stress fracture and were initially treated with immobilization and activity modification. Of these, 3 failed to improve with nonoperative treatment and subsequently underwent operative fixation (intramedullary nail in 2; plate fixation in 1). Only 1 of the 15 patients presented with a displaced fracture and underwent immediate plate fixation. All patients reported pain improvement and were ultimately healed at final follow-up.

Conclusion:

In this case series review, we found a 1.4% incidence of tibial stress fracture after ankle arthrodesis, and both hardware transition points and a fibular resection or osteotomy appear to be risk factors. Operative intervention was required in approximately 25% of this population, but the majority of tibial stress fractures following ankle fusion were successfully treated nonoperatively, and ultimately all healed.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Intravitreal melphalan therapy for vitreous seeds in retinoblastoma: Implementation and outcomes of a new chemotherapy protocol
Authors: Solana-Altabella Antonio , Valero Silvia , Balaguer Julia , Escobar-Cava Paloma , Barranco Honorio , López Eduardo , Ribes-Artero Hugo , Poveda Jose Luis
Published: February 2020

Retinoblastoma is the most common paediatric ocular tumour, which appears in the retina. Without treatment, retinoblastoma grows and destroys the internal ocular globe architecture, even leading to metastasis. When treated, overall survival is close to 97%, the alkylating drug melphalan being the most extensively used chemotherapeutic agent in localised treatment. The aim of this study is to describe the implementation of a new intravitreal chemotherapy retinoblastoma treatment protocol for children implanting vitreous seeds through intravitreal melphalan injections and to evaluate the patients’ health outcomes treated with it. Between December 2014 and July 2018, seven patients were treated with this protocol. They received a mean of 3.3 cycles of intravitreal melphalan with standard doses of 30 mcg per cycle. In the seven eyes treated in our hospital, the response was as expected; three eyes with vitreous seedings (43%) were successfully treated. The main adverse effects presented by all patients were scars at cryogenisation points. In two patients, the appearance of ‘salt and pepper’ retinopathy was reported. Oncology pharmacists, as part of the treatment team, can provide information about recommended doses, expected adverse effects, stability of preparations, most appropriate method of processing, packaging, and methods of drug administration, to ensure efficacy and especially safety in the administration of these drugs.
Gatekeeping in High-Performance Settings
Authors: Knotek Steven E. , Foley-Nicpon Megan , Kozbelt Aaron , Olszewski-Kubilius Paula , Portenga Steve , Subotnik Rena F. , Worrell Frank C.
Published: February 2020

Gatekeeping is an ever-present feature in the distribution of and access to educational resources in many aspects of our lives. In high performance domains, a gatekeeping process determines acceptance into elite training programs, invitations to perform, drafting onto elite sports teams, and matriculation into graduate school. Gatekeeping can be defined as the process by which an arbiter influences high performers’ transitions between and ascension within developmental stages and can culminate with outstanding performance in a field. In this article, we briefly review the history of the research of gatekeeping. Next, we consider criteria that are specifically related to the role of gatekeeping in high performance and, then, we explore gatekeeping in the domains of the performing arts, sport, and academics. The final section discusses future directions for investigation and enhancement of the practice.
Improvement of Blood Pressure Control by Adherence Check in Patients With Apparent Treatment-Resistant Hypertension: A Case Series
Authors: Hosohata Keiko , Inada Ayaka , Oyama Saki , Doi Takashi , Niinomi Iku , Wakabayashi Tomohito , Uchida Mayako , Iwanaga Kazunori , Matsuoka Hiroyuki
Published: February 2020

Adherence to medications is an important challenge while treating chronic disease such as resistant hypertension, which is defined as uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) despite treatment with more than 3 antihypertensive drugs to achieve targets. It is possible that poor adherence is the most significant contributor to rates of pseudo-resistance among treated hypertensive patients. In this report, we describe 4 patients with apparent treatment-resistant hypertension, who received intervention to promote adherence by pharmacists who set the prescribed medicines in a weekly medication calendar and conducted a weekly pill count. The results showed that the intervention of pharmacists to medication adherence improved systolic BP in patients with apparent treatment-resistant hypertension; however, further controlled trials are required to strengthen supporting evidence.
‘A male dominance kind of vibe’: Approaching unsolicited dick pics as sexism
Authors: Amundsen Rikke
Published: February 2020

This article explores women’s accounts of receiving unsolicited dick pics from men. Drawing on material derived from in-depth interviews with adult British women, its focus is on how these interviewees relied on a postfeminist discursive framework in order to make sense of such experiences, and on how this rendered them more likely to recognise unsolicited dick pic practices as acts of sexism. As such, these women also felt encouraged to respond to their receiving of unsolicited dick pics by engaging in humorous practices of anti-sexist resistance. Still, the article also shows how the interviewees’ drawing on a postfeminist discursive framework rendered them more prone to approach unsolicited dick pic practices and sexism in individualised and decontextualised manners, meaning that they failed to recognise and critically address the broader social structures that enable dick pics to circulate online as acts of sexism in the first place.
Lived Islam in post-Soviet Russia: Officials, experts, and ordinary interpretations of Islam
Authors: Vicini Fabio
Published: February 2020

Recent anthropological scholarship on Islam has tended to carve out the ‘everyday’ as a space of Muslim life that has the potential to escape the normativity of religious discourses. In this paper, I discuss how the special issue edited by Di Puppo and Schmoller critically engages these debates by first moving the lens of attention from the religious to the ‘secular’ sphere as the source of normative discourse. The essays collected in the special issue focus indeed on the state’s and lay officials’ discourses in post-Soviet, self-declared secular Russia as the normative framework that defines much of the commitment and self-understanding of Muslims in the region. But the special issue does more. It also shows that far from remaining stalled in their own respective domains, normative discourses and ‘daily practices’ intertwine profoundly, as Muslims navigate through the normative dichotomies that are imposed on them by national and supranational global discourses. In the process, Muslims in post-Soviet Russia are able to bend these denominations to their needs, as they struggle to see legitimised their status of citizens belonging to a minority religious confession. In this vein, I conclude by suggesting that rather than reproducing static oppositions between the levels of discourse and that of practice, it is to the mutual interactions between the two and to the alternative possibilities that are disclosed by Muslim life within and without overdetermined limits that we have to turn when investigating the multiplicity and diversity of Islam in Post-Soviet Russia and beyond.
Rethinking the communication of action research: Can we make it dialogic?
Authors: Canto-Farachala Patricia , Larrea Miren
Published: February 2020

The paper proposes connectivity as an interactive approach to communicating research results from action research processes. It argues that action researchers tend to communicate their research results to the action research community in linear ways, which is inconsistent with the principles of action research. In so doing, action researchers miss out on an opportunity to engage in learning processes with other action researchers. Such learning processes may lead to the creation of new workable knowledge and to stronger communities of practice. The paper builds on action research (which focuses on interaction during the research process) and on participatory communication (which focuses on interaction during the communication process) to explore connectivity in practice and to contribute to its theoretical development. It presents an action research process developed in a research institute in Spain’s Basque region as a case study to elaborate that while connectivity may not be a feasible option in all cases, it does invite action researchers to rethink their expectations when writing to communicate new knowledge generated by their action research processes.
Influence of fabric structure on the tensile and flexural properties of three-dimensional angle-interlock woven composites
Authors: Ma Zhenyu , Zhang Pingze , Zhu Jianxun
Published: February 2020

The application of three-dimensional angle-interlock woven composites (3DAC) as structure components in aerospace field creates tremendous demands for mechanical properties. A new kind of 3DAC with bidirectional fabric structure was proposed in this paper. The tensile properties of 3DAC and 3D bidirectional angle-interlock composites (3DBAC) were conducted by quasi-static tensile tests. According to three-point bending method, the flexural properties of 3DAC and 3DBAC were experimentally tested. The load–displacement curves of specimens showed that 3DBAC presented the better stability due to the higher noncrimp rate. The stress–strain curves indicated that the tensile modulus of elasticity in 3DBAC was larger than 3DAC, and the flexural modulus of 3DBAC gained an advantage over 3DAC. Based on the mesostructure of fabrics, the failure characterizations of specimens were analyzed. Results showed that the yarns in 3DBAC bear the maximum load, and the tensile fracture was regular. Through the analysis of crack morphologies, it is found that 3DBAC exhibits better flexural properties. The results supply the theoretical support for the manufacturing of structural components in the field of lightweight design.
Monitoring Dual VEGF Inhibition in Human Pancreatic Tumor Xenografts With Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound
Authors: Lamuraglia Michele , Barrois Guillaume , Le Guillou-Buffello Delphine , Santin Mathieu , Kerbol Anne , Comperat Eva , Coron Alain , Lucidarme Olivier , Bridal S. Lori
Published: February 2020

Background:

Association of drugs acting against different antiangiogenic mechanisms may increase therapeutic effect and reduce resistance. Noninvasive monitoring of changes in the antiangiogenic response of individual tumors could guide selection and administration of drug combinations. Noninvasive detection of early therapeutic response during dual, vertical targeting of the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway was investigated in an ectopic subcutaneous xenograft model for human pancreatic tumor.

Methods:

Dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound 12 MHz was used to monitor tumor-bearing Naval Medical Research Institute mice beginning 15 days after tumor implantation. Mice received therapy from 15 to 29 days with sorafenib (N = 9), ziv-aflibercept (N = 11), combined antiangiogenic agents (N = 11), and placebo control (N = 14). Sorafenib (BAY 43-9006; Nexavar), a multikinase inhibitor acting on Raf kinase and receptor tyrosine kinases—including vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 2 and 3—was administered daily (60 mg/kg, per os). Ziv-aflibercept (ZALTRAP), a high-affinity ligand trap blocking the activity of vascular endothelial growth factor A, vascular endothelial growth factor B, and placental growth factor was administered twice per week (40 mg/kg, intraperitoneally).

Results:

Functional evaluation with dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound indicated stable tumor vascularization for the control group while revealing significant and sustained reduction after 1 day of therapy in the combined group ( P = .007). There was no survival benefit or penalty due to drug combination. The functional progression-free survival assessed with dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound was significantly higher for the 3 treated groups; whereas, the progression-free survival based on tumor size did not discriminate therapeutic effect.

Conclusions:

Dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound, therefore, presents strong potential to monitor microvascular modifications during antiangiogenic therapy, a key role to monitoring antiangiogenic combining therapy to adapt dose range drug.
How Would You Like Your Epileptic Network? Linear, Nonlinear, Virtual?
Authors: Gotman Jean
Published: February 2020

[Box: see text]
Family experiences of personalised accommodation and support for people with intellectual disability
Authors: Iriarte Edurne Garcia , McConkey Roy , Vilda Dovile
Published: February 2020

Previous studies suggest that family members of people with intellectual disabilities prefer them to move to supervised living arrangements such as group homes. In Ireland, personalised arrangements are emerging, but families have had little exposure to this option. In this qualitative study, we explored the perspectives of family members following their relative’s move to personalised support options, mostly from group homes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2011 with a family member of 17 people who had previously moved, with follow-up interviews held with 12 of them up to 18 months later. Thematic analysis on interview transcripts was conducted by three researchers. The family members spoke favourably of the new arrangements. A core theme of enabled independence emerged with subthemes of greater self-reliance in personal care, increased confidence, more social inclusion and gains for relatives. Reservations focussed on the need for more support hours, managing risk and loneliness.
Recalcitrant vulvar Hailey-Hailey disease treated with alitretinoin and onabotulinumtoxinA: A case report
Authors: Lemieux Alexandre , Funaro Deana
Published: February 2020

Hailey-Hailey disease is an autosomal dominant genodermatosis leading to chronic hyperkeratotic and fissured lesions in the intertriginous areas. We present a 53-year-old woman with a case of vulvar and inguinal Hailey-Hailey disease resistant to usual treatments. She was efficiently treated with alitretinoin 10 mg daily combined with injections of onabotulinumtoxinA every 9 months. The combination led to an almost complete resolution of the lesions and symptoms at follow-ups.
Effects of the first three doses of benralizumab on symptom control, lung function, blood eosinophils, oral corticosteroid intake, and nasal polyps in a patient with severe allergic asthma
Authors: Pelaia Corrado , Busceti Maria Teresa , Vatrella Alessandro , Ciriolo Marco , Garofalo Eugenio , Crimi Claudia , Terracciano Rosa , Lombardo Nicola , Pelaia Girolamo
Published: February 2020

Severe allergic eosinophilic asthma can be characterized by inadequate control, despite the regular use of high dosages of inhaled corticosteroids/long-acting β2-adrenergic agonists combinations, and the very frequent utilization of oral corticosteroids. Therefore, under these circumstances, an add-on biological treatment with monoclonal antibodies directed against suitable molecular targets, involved in the pathobiology of type-2 airway inflammation, is very useful. Within such a context, our case report refers to a 46-year-old woman with severe allergic eosinophilic asthma and relapsing nasal polyps, not eligible to add-on biological therapy with omalizumab because of her very high serum levels of immunoglobulins E (IgE). She is currently under treatment with the humanized monoclonal antibody benralizumab (30 mg subcutaneous injection, administered every 4 weeks for the first three doses, and every 8 weeks thereafter), an eosinophil-depleting anti-interleukin-5-receptor biologic. Our patient experienced relevant clinical and functional improvements already after the first dose, and subsequently striking changes were recorded after the second and third doses, including remarkable increases in asthma control test scores and forced expiratory volume in 1 s values, associated with a complete depletion of blood eosinophils and the interruption of oral corticosteroid intake, as well as with the concomitant disappearance of nasal polyps after the second dose. In conclusion, this case study suggests that benralizumab can exert a very rapid and effective therapeutic action in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma and nasal polyposis.
Modified Lothrop (Draf III) procedure for the treatment of a recurrent orbitofrontal cholesterol granuloma: A case report
Authors: Yokoi Hidenori , Yamanaka Hidetaka , Matsumoto Yuma , Kawada Michitsugu , Fujiwara Masachika , Ohara Arisa , Saito Koichiro
Published: February 2020

Orbitofrontal cholesterol granuloma is a rare occurrence. Here, we present a case involving a 64-year-old man with a recurrent orbitofrontal cholesterol granuloma treated by the Modified Lothrop (Draf III) procedure. The patient, who had a history of trauma and previous sinus surgery, presented with chief complaints of nasal congestion, olfactory impairment, and diplopia. We suspected chronic sinusitis; computed tomography showed a soft-tissue shadow extending from the bilateral frontal sinuses to the ethmoid sinuses, with a cyst in the right orbitofrontal region. We performed endoscopic surgery for removal of the mass, and histopathological analysis of the resected specimen confirmed a diagnosis of cholesterol granuloma. The lesion recurred 2 months later, and we performed revision surgery using the Modified Lothrop or Draf III procedure. The patient showed no relapse at the 5-year follow-up. These findings suggest that the Draf III procedure is an effective surgical treatment for cholesterol granulomas.
Patient’s Experiences and Satisfaction in Diabetes Care and Out-of-Pocket Expenditure for Follow-Up Care Among Diabetes Patients in Urban Puducherry, South India
Authors: Priya TK , Jayaseelan Venkatachalam , Krishnamoorthy Yuvaraj , Sakthivel Manikandanesan , Majella Marie Gilbert
Published: February 2020

Introduction:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus has huge economic burden for both patient and health-care system. Management of the condition in India faces multiple challenges such as paucity of trained medical and paramedical staff, poor quality, lack of satisfaction with services, and unaffordability of services.

Objective:

To determine the level of satisfaction and the out-of-pocket expenditure for type 2 diabetes patients receiving treatment from public and private sectors in urban Puducherry.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted in Urban Health Centre area of tertiary care center from August to September 2016. A total of 200 patients suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus for 1 year or more and resided for at least a year in Puducherry were included in the study. Among the 200 participants, 100 were receiving care from government and 100 from private facility.

Result and conclusion:

Median cost of diabetes care in government facility was 2000 INR while in private facility was 13050 INR. About 70.1% of the patients were satisfied with the health-care services received. There was no significant difference in the level of satisfaction between government and private health facility. Almost three-fourths of the diabetes patients are satisfied with the care received irrespective of the type of health facility. The cost of diabetes care is more for patients seeking care from private sector than public sector. Availability of insulin and free syringes in the primary health center, provision of specialized footwear, and spectacles free of cost can help in reducing the out-of-pocket expenditure.
Complicating notions of violence: An embodied view of violence against women in Honduras
Authors: Jokela-Pansini Maaret
Published: February 2020

Feminist geographic analysis has demonstrated that violence inflicted on women is embodied, experienced and personal and at the same time, linked to global socio-political and economic processes and patriarchal norms. Consequently, violence is a complex system instead of a norm located in certain places. In heavily militarised societies, patriarchal power regimes are even more prevalent because states’ security strategies promote a masculinist understanding of protection as to who should be protected and by whom – and from what. This study draws on feminist geopolitical analysis and explores how feminist activists in Honduras experience and resist violence in their everyday lives. The research is grounded in interviews, focus-group discussions and participant observation with Honduran activists. The findings demonstrate that violence and its effects are first embedded in women’s everyday lives through feelings of fear and unsafety on the streets, at the workplace and at home. Second, violence operates through structures and institutions such as the military and police, impunity for violence against women and the juridical restriction of reproductive rights. Third, the internationally financed war on drugs and ‘development’ projects contribute to violence, thus, there is a link between intimate experiences of violence and global economic and military powers that sustain violence. Activists therefore argue that, for their needs, the state’s and international organisations’ security approaches are inadequate. The paper weaves together feminist visions of collective self-care and discusses activists’ strategies against violence. This study contributes to a growing feminist geographic scholarship linking women’s bodily experiences with violence and responds to calls for complicating notions of violence.
Surface Proton Conduction of Sm-Doped CeO2-δ Thin Film Preferentially Grown on Al2O3 (0001)
Authors: Nishioka D. , Tsuchiya T. , Namiki W. , Takayanagi M. , Kawamura K. , Fujita T. , Yukawa R. , Horiba K. , Kumigashira H. , Higuchi T.
Published: February 2020

Sm-doped CeO2-δ (Ce0.9Sm0.1O2-δ; SDC) thin films were prepared on Al2O3 (0001) substrates by radio frequency magnetron sputtering. The prepared thin films were preferentially grown along the [111] direction, with the spacing of the (111) plane (d111) expanded by 2.6% to compensate for a lattice mismatch against the substrate. The wet-annealed SDC thin film, with the reduced d111 value, exhibited surface protonic conduction in the low-temperature region below 100 °C. The O1s photoemission spectrum exhibits H2O and OH− peaks on the SDC surface. These results indicate the presence of physisorbed water layers and the generation of protons on the SDC (111) surface with oxygen vacancies. The protons generated on the SDC surface were conducted through a physisorbed water layer by the Grotthuss mechanism.
Nanoscale Au-ZnO Heterostructure Developed by Atomic Layer Deposition Towards Amperometric H2O2 Detection
Authors: Xu Hongyan , Wei Zihan , Verpoort Francis , Hu Jie , Zhuiykov Serge
Published: February 2020

Nanoscale Au-ZnO heterostructures were fabricated on 4-in. SiO2/Si wafers by the atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique. Developed Au-ZnO heterostructures after post-deposition annealing at 250 °C were tested for amperometric hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) detection. The surface morphology and nanostructure of Au-ZnO heterostructures were examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), etc. Additionally, the electrochemical behavior of Au-ZnO heterostructures towards H2O2 sensing under various conditions is assessed by chronoamperometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results showed that ALD-fabricated Au-ZnO heterostructures exhibited one of the highest sensitivities of 0.53 μA μM−1 cm−2, the widest linear H2O2 detection range of 1.0 μM–120 mM, a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.78 μM, excellent selectivity under the normal operation conditions, and great long-term stability. Utilization of the ALD deposition method opens up a unique opportunity for the improvement of the various capabilities of the devices based on Au-ZnO heterostructures for amperometric detection of different chemicals.

Graphical abstract
High-throughput deep sequencing reveals the important role that microRNAs play in the salt response in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.)
Authors: Yang Zhengmei , Zhu Panpan , Kang Hunseung , Liu Lin , Cao Qinghe , Sun Jian , Dong Tingting , Zhu Mingku , Li Zongyun , Xu Tao
Published: February 2020

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small regulatory RNAs, have been proven to play important roles in plant growth, development and stress responses. Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatasL.) is an important food and industrial crop that ranks seventh in staple food production. However, the regulatory mechanism of miRNA-mediated abiotic stress response in sweet potato remains unclear.

Results

In this study, we employed deep sequencing to identify both conserved and novel miRNAs from salinity-exposed sweet potato cultivars and its untreated control. Twelve small non-coding RNA libraries from NaCl-free (CK) and NaCl-treated (Na150) sweet potato leaves and roots were constructed for salt-responsive miRNA identification in sweet potatoes. A total of 475 known miRNAs (belonging to 66 miRNA families) and 175 novel miRNAs were identified. Among them, 51 (22 known miRNAs and 29 novel miRNAs) were significantly up-regulated and 76 (61 known miRNAs and 15 novel miRNAs) were significantly down-regulated by salinity stress in sweet potato leaves; 13 (12 known miRNAs and 1 novel miRNAs) were significantly up-regulated and 9 (7 known miRNAs and 2 novel miRNAs) were significantly down-regulated in sweet potato roots. Furthermore, 636 target genes of 314 miRNAs were validated by degradome sequencing. Deep sequencing results confirmed by qRT-PCR experiments indicated that the expression of most miRNAs exhibit a negative correlation with the expression of their targets under salt stress.

Conclusions

This study provides insights into the regulatory mechanism of miRNA-mediated salt response and molecular breeding of sweet potatoes though miRNA manipulation.
MicroRNA expression profile analysis in sperm reveals hsa-mir-191 as an auspicious omen of in vitro fertilization
Authors: Xu Hua , Wang Xin , Wang Zhikai , Li Jianhui , Xu Zhiming , Miao Maohua , Chen Guowu , Lei Xiangdong , Wu Jun , Shi Huijuan , Wang Ke , Zhang Tiancheng , Sun Xiaoxi
Published: February 2020

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of noncoding small RNAs that play important roles in many physiological processes by regulating gene expression. Previous studies have shown that the expression levels of total miRNAs increase during mouse embryonic development, and some miRNAs control the regulatory network in development progression. However, few studies have focused on the effects of miRNAs on early human embryonic development. The relationship between miRNAs and early human embryogenesis is still unknown.

Results

In this study, RNA-seq data collected from sperm samples from 102 patients with a normal sperm index but treated with assisted reproductive technology (ART) were analyzed for the relationships between differentially expressed small RNAs and the fertilization rate (FR), blastocyst rate and high-quality embryo rate (HQER). The sperm samples with high hsa-mir-191 expression had a higher FR, effective embryo rate (EER) and HQER. hsa-mir-191 was used as a single indicator to predict the HQER. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve had an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.686. We also found that hsa-mir-191 expression is correlated with an abnormal sperm rate (cor = 0.29, p < 0.01). We also evaluated the relationship between hsa-mir-34c and early human embryo development in these 102 sperm samples and obtained negative results.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that high hsa-mir-191-5p expression in sperm is associated with early human embryonic quality and that hsa-mir-191-5p could be used as a potential marker to screen high-quality sperm to improve the success rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF).