bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunohistochemical distribution of glucagon‐like peptide 1 in the digestive system of different aquatic vertebrates
Authors: Chu Dechang , He Ying , Li Na , Zhang Haili , Zhang Hongmei , Li Chunhua , Deng Zhenxu , Chen Yan , Han Xue , Li Yangui , Wei Tao
Published: October 2019

The distribution of glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1)‐positive cells in digestive tracts and pancreases of aquatic vertebrates was investigated by immunohistochemical staining method. The results suggested that GLP‐1‐positive cells were distributed in the columnar mucous epithelium and tubular glands of lamina propria in the digestive system. However, GLP‐1‐positive cells were also found in subepithelial lamina propria of the mucosae and muscularis in each segment of the digestive tract of Rana nigromaculata. The distribution densities of these cells reached peaks in the stomachs, and the middle or end segments of small intestines of Chinese softshell turtle, Bufo gargarizans, R. nigromaculata and catfish, and there was the third distribution density peak in the rectum of catfish. The total amount or overall density of GLP‐1‐positive cells varied a lot in the digestive tracts of different animal species. The distribution density was relatively low in the digestive tract of chub and reached the maximum in the digestive tracts of snakehead and catfish, but no GLP‐1‐positive cells were found in the digestive tract of bighead carp. GLP‐1‐positive cells were densely distributed in the pancreases of Chinese softshell turtle, B. gargarizans and R. nigromaculata. These cells spread over the superficial layers of islets or scattered in exocrine pancreas in the pancreas of B. gargarizans, spread in the endocrine cells or scattered in the pancreas of Chinese softshell turtle, scattered in the pancreas of R. nigromaculata and distributed in the superficial layers of islets in the pancreas of catfish.
Plastination—A scientific method for teaching and research
Authors: Sora Mircea‐Constantin , Latorre Rafael , Baptista Carlos , López-Albors Octavio
Published: October 2019

Over the last four decades, plastination has been one of the best processes of preservation for organic tissue. In this process, water and lipids in biological tissues are replaced by polymers (silicone, epoxy, polyester) which are hardened, resulting in dry, odourless and durable specimens. Nowadays, after more than 40 years of its development, plastination is applied in more than 400 departments of anatomy, pathology, forensic sciences and biology all over the world. The most known polymers used in plastination are silicone (S10), epoxy (E12) and polyester (P40). The key element in plastination is the impregnation stage, and therefore depending on the polymer that is used, the optical quality of specimens differs. The S10 silicone technique is the most common technique used in plastination. Specimens can be used, especially in teaching, as they are easy to handle and display a realistic topography. Plastinated silicone specimens are used for displaying whole bodies, or body parts for exhibition. Transparent tissue sections, with a thickness between 1 and 4 mm, are usually produced by using epoxy (E12) or polyester (P40) polymer. These sections can be used to study both macroscopic and microscopic structures. Compared with the usual methods of dissection or corrosion, plastinated slices have the advantage of not destroying or altering the spatial relationships of structures. Plastination can be used as a teaching and research tool. Besides the teaching and scientific sector, plastination becomes a common resource for exhibitions, as worldwide more and more exhibitions use plastinated specimens.
Human Vicegerency and the Golden Rule: The Islamic Case Against Exclusion
Authors: Reda Ayman
Published: October 2019

The Islamic conception of social exclusion complements the Catholic perspective found in other contributions to this issue. The Islamic prohibitions of social exclusion are derived from theological principles that combine to provide a metaphysical basis for the golden rule that one should treat others as one wishes to be treated. This article examines the roots of a practical morality that enjoins us to treat other people as equals and prohibits exploitation of them in economic exchange. This philosophy is based on four principles found in the Qur'an and the hadith (teachings of the Prophet): vicegerency, commensurability, responsibility, and prophecy. These four principles combine to show how humans, as God's agents on earth, have the means to carry out the divine will. The practice of justice in Islamic thought does not rely on social conventions that are variable and contingent but on absolute principles revealed to us by the Prophet. That gives Islam an advantage over secular thought in establishing a strong foundation for social and ethical principles that give egalitarianism a transcendent basis. Thus, social inclusivity in Islamic thought is an integral part of a life governed by piety and prophecy.
Electrocardiogram characteristics of P wave associated with successful pulmonary vein isolation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: Significance of changes in P‐wave duration and notched P wave
Authors: Yanagisawa Satoshi , Inden Yasuya , Okamoto Hiroya , Fujii Aya , Sakamoto Yusuke , Mamiya Keita , Tomomatsu Toshiro , Shibata Rei , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: October 2019

Background

The mechanisms involved in changes in P wave following catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) are uncertain. This study aimed to assess the relationship between changes in P‐wave morphology and pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection following ablation by the assessment of 12‐lead surface electrocardiogram and signal‐averaged electrocardiogram.

Methods

This retrospective study included 115 consecutive patients with paroxysmal AF that underwent repeat ablation for recurrence following initial ablation. We investigated changes in P‐wave morphology between baseline and repeat procedure in patients with and without PV reconnection. The study also included as validation group without recurrence (n = 67) following initial ablation.

Results

The maximum P‐wave duration (PWD) was significantly decreased from baseline to just after the procedure in all groups. However, for the PV reconnection group (n = 100), the maximum PWD was significantly increased again at the repeat procedure. In contrast, the maximum PWD was significantly reduced between baseline and repeat procedure in the non‐PV reconnection group (n = 15). The signal‐averaged PWD was significantly decreased from baseline to repeat procedure in the non‐PV reconnection group, but, conversely, was increased in the PV reconnection group. In the non‐PV reconnection group, the disappearance of notched P wave was detected in 8 of 15 patients (53%), which was significantly higher than in other groups (p = .001). A new or delayed notched P wave was identified in the PV reconnection group only. These results were confirmed in the validation group.

Conclusions

The reverse dynamics of PWD after initial shortening directly following ablation were significantly associated with PV reconnection.
Impact of modern media on analgesic requirements during extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy
Authors: El‐Khoury Hanna J. , Brookes John D. L. , Tan Bryan , Shahbaz Shekib , McCahy Philip J.
Published: October 2019

Background

In Australia, shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) to treat urinary tract stones is routinely performed with general anaesthesia (GA). We have established a SWL service avoiding GA based outside operating theatres and wish to assess the effectiveness of utilizing modern media on patient satisfaction and analgesic requirements during treatment.

Methods

A randomized three‐arm trial was performed. Patients were allocated to either watching videos or listening to music on a tablet device, or to getting no media distraction. A total of 95 patients were recruited in a 1:1:1 fashion. Analgesic requirements were recorded during the procedure and patients were asked to fill out a questionnaire with a visual analogue scale to assess their overall pain and satisfaction with the procedure.

Results

Overall pain scores were decreased – the sound media group reported a mean pain score of 3.52 (P = 0.005), the visual group was 3.62 (P = 0.007), compared to 5.45 in the control group. Analgesic requirements were significantly decreased when compared to the control group (P = 0.05). Overall satisfaction with the procedure was improved in the treatment groups, with the sound group having the best result (P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Modern media can be used as a distraction during SWL in a safe and effective way when treating renal tract stones without GA. Analgesic requirements are decreased significantly, therefore decreasing any potential side‐effects and complications. Other departments in Australia should consider using this technique.
Is laparoscopic selective lateral lymph node dissection for locally advanced rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy safe?
Authors: Yang Xuyang , Gu Chaoyang , Hu Tao , Bi Liang , Wei Mingtian , Deng Xiangbing , Wang Ziqiang , Zhou Zongguang
Published: October 2019

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the technical feasibility, safety and oncological outcomes of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME) with selective lateral lymph node (LLN) dissection (sLLND) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) and clinically suspected swollen LLNs treated with preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT).

Methods

Consecutive patients with LARC and swollen LLNs who underwent laparoscopic TME and sLLND following nCRT between October 2012 and October 2018 were reviewed from the prospectively collected database. Patient demographics, operation safety, perioperative complications and oncological outcomes were analysed.

Results

A total of 43 patients were identified. All procedures were completed under laparoscopy without conversion to open surgery. The median operation time was 313 min (range 170–570 min). The median blood loss was 80 mL (range 30–450 mL). The median number of LLNs harvested was 11 (range 1–29). LLN metastasis was found in 12 patients (27.9%). Major post‐operative complications were found in four patients (9.3%). The median hospital stay was 7 days (range 4–27 days). The median time to tolerance to liquid food was 72 h (range 36–120 h). The post‐operative 30‐day mortality rate was 0%. Over the median follow‐up of 24 months, no lateral pelvic recurrence developed. For the whole group of patients, the 2‐year cumulative overall survival and disease‐free survival were 90.5% and 78.1%, respectively.

Conclusion

With the advantages of a minimally invasive approach, laparoscopic TME and sLLND following preoperative nCRT in patients with LARC and swollen LLNs is safe and feasible. This procedure provides acceptable perioperative and oncological outcomes.
Blood utilisation and transfusion reactions in adult patients transfused with conventional or pathogen‐reduced platelets
Authors: Bahar Burak , Schulz Wade L. , Gokhale Amit , Spencer Bryan R. , Gehrie Eric A. , Snyder Edward L.
Published: October 2019

Pathogen‐reduced (PR) platelets are routinely used in many countries. Some studies reported changes in platelet and red blood cell (RBC) transfusion requirements in patients who received PR platelets when compared to conventional (CONV) platelets. Over a 28‐month period we retrospectively analysed platelet utilisation, RBC transfusion trends, and transfusion reaction rates data from all transfused adult patients transfused at the Yale‐New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA. We determined the number of RBC and platelet components administered between 2 and 24, 48, 72 or 96 h. A total of 3767 patients received 21 907 platelet components (CONV = 8912; PR = 12 995); 1,087 patients received only CONV platelets (1578 components) and 1,466 patients received only PR platelets (2604 components). The number of subsequently transfused platelet components was slightly higher following PR platelet components (P < 0·05); however, fewer RBCs were transfused following PR platelet administration (P < 0·05). The mean time‐to‐next platelet component transfusion was slightly shorter following PR platelet transfusion (P = 0·002). The rate of non‐septic transfusion reactions did not differ (all P > 0·05). Septic transfusion reactions (N = 5) were seen only after CONV platelet transfusions (P = 0·011). These results provide evidence for comparable clinical efficacy of PR and CONV platelets. PR platelets eliminated septic transfusion reactions without increased risk of other types of transfusions with only slight increase in platelet utilisation.
An upsurge of the serum free light chains as a possible missing link in tumour lysis syndrome in multiple myeloma
Authors: Yavorkovsky Leonid L. , Jing Wen , Baker Robin
Published: October 2019

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a slow‐growing malignancy characterized by a low proliferation rate of plasma cells and a relatively rare incidence of tumour lysis syndrome (TLS). Three myeloma patients developed TLS following cytotoxic therapy (two after radiation treatment) that was associated with an abrupt increase of serum free light chains (FLC). All three patients demonstrated extramedullary plasmacytomas that exhibited aggressive features compared to the original myeloma. The findings suggested that an abrupt liberation (rather than slow secretion) of FLC from myeloma cells may trigger a fulminant cast nephropathy and present an unrecognized risk factor and potentially aggravating component of TLS.
Point‐biserial correlation: Interval estimation, hypothesis testing, meta‐analysis, and sample size determination
Authors: Bonett Douglas G.
Published: October 2019

The point‐biserial correlation is a commonly used measure of effect size in two‐group designs. New estimators of point‐biserial correlation are derived from different forms of a standardized mean difference. Point‐biserial correlations are defined for designs with either fixed or random group sample sizes and can accommodate unequal variances. Confidence intervals and standard errors for the point‐biserial correlation estimators are derived from the sampling distributions for pooled‐variance and separate‐variance versions of a standardized mean difference. The proposed point‐biserial confidence intervals can be used to conduct directional two‐sided tests, equivalence tests, directional non‐equivalence tests, and non‐inferiority tests. A confidence interval for an average point‐biserial correlation in meta‐analysis applications performs substantially better than the currently used methods. Sample size formulas for estimating a point‐biserial correlation with desired precision and testing a point‐biserial correlation with desired power are proposed. R functions are provided that can be used to compute the proposed confidence intervals and sample size formulas.
The changing Patagonian landscape: Erosion and westward sediment transfer paths in northern Patagonia during the Middle and Late Pleistocene
Authors: Villaseñor Tania , Tentori Daniel , Marsaglia Kathleen M. , Pinto Luisa
Published: October 2019

Pleistocene glaciations have promoted important landscape transformations as a result of high rates of erosion and rapid sediment evacuation to adjacent marine basins. In the Patagonian Andes the role of the Patagonian Ice Sheet on landscape evolution, in particular the spatial patterns of glacial erosion and its influence on sediment fluxes, is poorly documented. Here, we investigate the Middle and Late Pleistocene sedimentary record of the continental slope from Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Site 861, offshore Patagonia (46°S), to evaluate the link between glaciations, mountain range erosion and continental margin strata formation. Petrographic analysis of the sand‐size fraction (0.063–2 mm) and ɛNd and 87Sr/86Sr measurements in the silt‐size fraction (10–63 µm) indicate that glacial erosion over the last 350,000 years has focused within the Patagonian Batholith, with a minor influence of a proximal source to the drilling site, the Chonos Metamorphic Complex. This shows that erosion has focused in the core of the northern Patagonian Andes, coinciding roughly with the location of the Liquiñe‐Ofqui Fault Zone and the zone of concentrated precipitation during glaciations, suggesting a combined climatic and structural control on glacial erosion. Temporal variation in the provenance signal is contemporaneous with a marked change in the stratigraphy of ODP Site 861 that occurred after the glaciation of MIS 8 (~240 kyr ago). Before MIS 8, a restricted provenance signal and coarse lithofacies accumulated on the continental slope indicates spatially restricted erosion and efficient transfer of sediment towards the ocean. In contrast, very high provenance variability and finer continental slope lithofacies accumulation after MIS 8 suggest a disorganized expansion of the areas under erosion and a more distal influence of ice sediment discharge to this site. We argue that this change may have been related to a re‐organization of the drainage patterns of the Patagonian Ice Sheet and flow of outlet glaciers to the continental margin during the last two glaciations.
Allosteric mechanism of an oximino‐piperidino‐piperidine antagonist for the CCR5 chemokine receptor
Authors: Zhang Yangpeng , Chen Hai‐Feng
Published: October 2019

The first step for the HIV‐1 virus infecting host cell is bound with the CCR5 chemokine receptor. A set of allosteric inhibitors of oximino‐piperidino‐piperidine antagonists for CCR5 chemokine receptor was discovered. However, the allosteric mechanism of these inhibitors is still unsolved. Therefore, residue‐level dynamics correlation network combining with on molecular dynamics simulation was used to investigate the allosteric mechanism. The dynamics correlation network of bound CCR5 is significantly different from that of free CCR5. The community of the most active complex suggests that the allosteric information can freely transfer from the allosteric site to the effector site of the second extracellular loop, while the information transfers bottleneck for the less active one. Here, a hypothesis was proposed that “binding‐induced allosteric mechanism” was used to reveal the allosteric regulation of antagonists and the network perturbation confirmed it. Finally, the shortest path algorithm was used to identify the possible allosteric pathway with Gly173‐Lys171‐Thr177‐Tyr89‐LIG which was evaluated by the network perturbation of key residue. Furthermore, the efficiency of allostery for the most active system is the highest among these antagonist complexes. The strategy targeting the allosteric pathway can be used to design novel inhibitors of HIV‐1 virus.
Prediction of water positions in the binding sites of proteins based on collections of multi‐source heterogeneous atoms
Authors: Xiao Wei , Lu Lihua , Ji Chunlei , Yu Xiang , Qi Delin
Published: October 2019

Water molecules play an important role in mediating the interactions between proteins and ligands. However, it is difficult to distinguish the key water molecules directly because they are widely and irregularly distributed. Based on the results of statistical analysis, a composite tetrahedral model is proposed to predict the potential hydration sites in the binding sites of crystal structures. By analyzing the different protein atoms and ligand atoms that interact with water molecules, the unified representation and measurement of these multi‐source heterogeneous atoms in the multi‐dimensional feature space were adopted. The potential hydration sites could be predicted based on the results of the preference analysis and the shape‐matching method. A test set was used to evaluate the model performance and extensive comparison with the tetrahedral‐water‐cluster model and Dowser++ revealed that the composite tetrahedral model can not only predict the potential sites of multiple key water molecules in the binding sites but also has a better prediction accuracy.
Cinnamon extract inhibits allergen‐specific immune responses in human and murine allergy models
Authors: Ose Robert , Tu Jessica , Schink Anne , Maxeiner Joachim , Schuster Petra , Lucas Kurt , Saloga Joachim , Bellinghausen Iris
Published: October 2019

Background

Ceylon cinnamon has been shown to possess anti‐inflammatory properties in many diseases including allergic inflammation.

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyse in more detail the effects of cinnamon extract (CE) and its major compounds p‐cymene and trans‐cinnamaldehyde (CA) on allergen‐specific immune responses in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

Therefore, monocyte‐derived mature dendritic cells (DC) from grass or birch pollen allergic donors were pulsed with the respective allergen in the presence or absence of CE, p‐cymene, CA or the solvent ethanol and co‐cultured with autologous CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, basophil activation test was performed with or without CE or ethanol treatment. For the in vivo experiments, BALB/c mice were immunized with ovalbumin (OVA) and orally treated with CE or ethanol.

Results

Addition of CE, p‐cymene or CA, but not ethanol significantly inhibited DC maturation and subsequent allergen‐specific T cell proliferation as well as Th1 and Th2 cytokine production. Sulphidoleukotriene release and CD63 expression by basophils were also significantly diminished after addition of CE. In vivo, treatment of OVA‐sensitized mice with CE led to a significant shift from OVA‐specific IgE towards IgG2a production and to a strong inhibition of OVA‐specific proliferation. Moreover, airway inflammation as well as anaphylaxis after intranasal or systemic allergen challenge was significantly reduced in CE‐treated mice. Furthermore, topical application of CE prevented calcipotriol‐induced atopic dermatitis‐like inflammation in these mice.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Taken together, our data indicate that the anti‐inflammatory effect of cinnamon might be exploited for treatment of allergic inflammation, which needs to be further investigated.
Serum IFI16 and anti-IFI16 antibodies in psoriatic arthritis
Authors: De Andrea M , De Santis M , Caneparo V , Generali E , Sirotti S , Isailovic N , Guidelli G M , Ceribelli A , Fabbroni M , Simpatico A , Cantarini L , Gisondi P , Idolazzi L , Gariglio M , Selmi C
Published: October 2019

Nuclear interferon-inducible protein 16 (IFI16) and anti-IFI16 antibodies have been detected in subjects with several rheumatic diseases, often correlating with disease severity, and in this study we investigated their prevalence and clinical associations in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) compared to psoriasis (Pso). We tested sera and synovial fluids of patients with PsA for IFI16 protein levels by capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and for anti-IFI16 immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgA by ELISA, protein radio-immunoprecipitation and immunoprecipitation-Western blot of IgG. Sera from patients with Pso and healthy subjects were used as controls, and in a subgroup of patients with PsA we also studied sera after treatment with etanercept. IFI16 was detectable in the sera of 66% of patients with Pso, 46% with PsA and 19% of controls. Among PsA cases, 51% of IFI16-positive cases had elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) compared to 31% of patients with undetectable IFI16. Anti-IFI16 of both IgG and IgA isoforms were detected with significantly higher frequency in PsA and Pso compared to healthy controls, with higher IgG titres in patients with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) (P = 0·015). Immunoprecipitation confirmed the presence of anti-IFI16 IgG antibodies and these preferentially recognized epitopes outside the N-terminus of the protein. Lastly, IFI16 was detected in one of seven and anti-IFI16 in three of seven synovial fluids from patients with PsA. Therefore, IFI16 and anti-IFI16 are detectable in serum and synovial fluid of PsA patients, especially in cases of elevated CRP.
White matter T2 hyperintensities and blood‐brain barrier disruption in the hyperacute stage of subarachnoid hemorrhage in male mice: The role of lipocalin‐2
Authors: Toyota Yasunori , Wei Jialiang , Xi Guohua , Keep Richard F. , Hua Ya
Published: October 2019

Aims

The current study examined whether white matter injury occurs in the hyperacute (4 hours) phase after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and the potential role of blood‐brain barrier (BBB) disruption and an acute phase protein, lipocalin 2 (LCN2), in that injury.

Methods

Subarachnoid hemorrhage was induced by endovascular perforation in adult mice. First, wild‐type (WT) mice underwent MRI 4 hours after SAH to detect white matter T2 hyperintensities. Second, changes in LCN2 expression and BBB disruption associated with the MRI findings were examined. Third, SAH‐induced white matter injury at 4 hours was compared in WT and LCN2 knockout (LCN2 KO) mice.

Results

At 4 hours, most animals had uni‐ or bilateral white matter T2 hyperintensities after SAH in WT mice that were associated with BBB disruption and LCN2 upregulation. However, some disruption and LCN2 upregulation was also found in mice with no T2‐hyperintensity lesion. In contrast, there were no white matter T2 hyperintensities in LCN2 KO mice after SAH. LCN2 deficiency also attenuated BBB disruption, myelin damage, and oligodendrocyte loss.

Conclusions

Subarachnoid hemorrhage causes very early BBB disruption and LCN2 expression in white matter that is associated with and may precede T2 hyperintensities. LCN2 deletion attenuates MRI changes and pathological changes in white matter after SAH.
Implementation of multimodal computed tomography in a telestroke network: Five‐year experience
Authors: Garcia‐Esperon Carlos , Soderhjelm Dinkelspiel Frode , Miteff Ferdi , Gangadharan Shyam , Wellings Tom , O´Brien Bill , Evans James , Lillicrap Tom , Demeestere Jelle , Bivard Andrew , Parsons Mark , Levi Chris , Spratt Neil James ,   for the Northern NSW Telestroke investigators
Published: October 2019

Aims

Penumbral selection is best‐evidence practice for thrombectomy in the 6‐24 hour window. Moreover, it helps to identify the best responders to thrombolysis. Multimodal computed tomography (mCT) at the primary centre—including noncontrast CT, CT perfusion, and CT angiography—may enhance reperfusion therapy decision‐making. We developed a network with five spoke primary stroke sites and assessed safety, feasibility, and influence of mCT in rural hospitals on decision‐making for thrombolysis.

Methods

Consecutive patients assessed via telemedicine from April 2013 to June 2018. Clinical outcomes were measured, and decision‐making compared using theoretical models for reperfusion therapy applied without mCT guidance. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) was assessed according to Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke Thrombolysis Registry criteria.

Results

A total of 334 patients were assessed, 240 received mCT, 58 were thrombolysed (24.2%). The mean age of thrombolysed patients was 70 years, median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was 10 (IQR 7‐18) and 23 (39.7%) had a large vessel occlusion. 1.7% had sICH and 3.5% parenchymal hematoma. Three months poststroke, 55% were independent, compared with 70% in the non‐thrombolysed group.

Conclusion

Implementation of CTP in rural centers was feasible and led to high thrombolysis rates with low rates of sICH.
“M” line: New anatomical landmark for the maxillary sinus natural ostium
Authors: Leite Janaina Gonçalves da Silva , Nogueira Joao Flavio , Pallanch John , da Costa Ticiana Cabral , Feijão Moisés Ximenes , Querido Raquel de Sousa Lobo Ferreira , Cavalcante Maria Luzete Costa
Published: October 2019

Objective

Describe a reliable anatomical landmark that can be used to locate the maxillary sinus natural ostium (MSNO) during endoscopic surgery, even if the uncinate process is preserved.

Design

Descriptive anatomical.

Setting

An anatomical and radiological study was performed to evaluate the consistency of the landmark, denominated "M" line.

Subjects and Methods

Dissections were performed in 57 cadaver heads (114 sides). In addition, 73 computerised tomography (CT) scans (146 sides) of patients with chronic inflammatory sinonasal disease were analysed using a three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction computer program.

Results

The "M" line crossed the MSNO in 112 dissected sides (98.2%) and 140 sides at CT 3D reconstruction (95.9%).

Conclusion

The "M" line is a reliable anatomical landmark for predicting MSNO location. As such, it could improve and facilitate endoscopic sinus surgery, using traditional, minimally invasive or uncinate preserving techniques.
Randomized controlled trial of 8 weeks’ vs 12 weeks’ interval between neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Terzi C. , Bingul M. , Arslan N. C. , Ozturk E. , Canda A. E. , Isik O. , Yilmazlar T. , Obuz F. , Birkay Gorken I. , Kurt M. , Unlu M. , Ugras N. , Kanat O. , Oztop I.
Published: October 2019

Aim

The aim was to compare the pathological complete response (pCR) rate at 8 compared to 12 weeks’ interval between completion of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and surgery in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.

Method

This was a randomized trial which included a total of 330 patients from two institutions. Patients with locally advanced (T3‐4N0M0, TxN+M0) rectal cancer were randomized into 8‐ and 12‐week interval groups. All the patients received long‐course CRT (45 Gy in 1.8 Gy fractions and concomitant oral capecitabine or 5‐fluorouracil infusion). Surgery was performed at either 8 or 12 weeks after CRT. The primary end‐point was pCR. Secondary end‐points were sphincter preservation, postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Results

Two‐hundred and fifty‐two patients (n = 125 in the 8‐week group, n = 127 in the 12‐week group) were included. Demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between groups. The overall pCR rate was 17.9% (n = 45): 12% (n = 15) in the 8‐week group and 23.6% (n = 30) in the 12‐week group (P = 0.021). Sphincter‐preserving surgery was performed in 107 (85.6%) patients which was significantly higher than the 94 (74%) patients in the 12‐week group (P = 0.016). Postoperative mortality was seen in three (1.2%) patients overall and was not different between groups (1.6% in 8 weeks vs 0.8% in 12 weeks, P = 0.494). Groups were similar in anastomotic leak (10.8% in 8 weeks vs 4.5% in 12 weeks, P = 0.088) and morbidity (30.4% in 8 weeks and 20.1% in 12 weeks, P = 0.083).

Conclusion

Extending the interval between CRT and surgery from 8 to 12 weeks resulted in a 2‐fold increase in pCR rate without any difference in mortality and morbidity.
White sponge nevus: A condition not always clinically suspected
Authors: Bezerra Kelly T. , Leite Taiana C. , Roza Ana Luiza O.C. , Araújo Rubem , Israel Mônica S. , Canedo Nathalie H.S. , Agostini Michelle , Benevenuto de Andrade Bruno Augusto , Romañach Mário J.
Published: October 2019

White sponge nevus (WSN) is an uncommon benign inherited disorder characterized by white and diffuse painless lesions in oral, esophageal, or genital mucosa. The lesions may develop at birth or later in childhood or adolescence, with careful clinical examination being sufficient for diagnosis in most cases. However, microscopic analysis may be necessary particularly in adults in which other whitish oral lesions may be clinically suspected. Dermatologists, dentists, and pathologists should consider WSN when evaluating multiple white oral lesions, thus preventing unnecessary treatments. Herein, we report four additional cases of WSN with emphasis on its clinical and histopathological features.
OUTCOME UNCERTAINTY, FAN TRAVEL, AND AGGREGATE ATTENDANCE
Authors: Humphreys Brad R. , Miceli Thomas J.
Published: October 2019

The uncertainty of outcome hypothesis (UOH) informs economists' understanding of consumer decisions to attend sporting events and team revenue generation. We develop a model of fan behavior based on standard expected utility methods which incorporates fan heterogeneity in terms of decisions to travel to away games and strong preferences for wins. The model reflects aggregate attendance outcomes across local and visiting fans, generates predictions consistent with the UOH, and gives rise to concave league‐wide revenue functions. Empirical analysis of game outcomes and attendance at regular season National Basketball association games from 1979 to 2013 supports key predictions of the model. (JEL L83, D12, Z20)
Bank profitability and macroeconomic conditions: Are business models different?
Authors: Bonaccorsi di Patti Emilia , Palazzo Francesco
Published: October 2019

The paper investigates the impact of macroeconomic conditions on the profitability of EU banks by testing for differential effects according to the business model. We group banks into three business models using a hierarchical cluster analysis and find that using clusters based on the share of assets invested in loans reveals heterogeneity in the sensitivity of bank profitability to economic growth across business models. Our main result is that GDP growth, credit growth, and the risk‐free yield curve influence profitability as expected, but we also find that the effect of GDP growth is only significant for banks that have a high and medium share of assets invested in loans, and not for banks that hold large portfolios of securities. This difference depends on the impact of growth on asset write downs, especially those on loans and, to a lesser extent, on revenues. The results suggest that studies relating bank profitability to macroeconomic conditions should take the heterogeneity of business models into account.
Ecosystem functioning in relation to species identity, density, and biomass in two tunneller dung beetles
Authors: Piccini Irene , Caprio Enrico , Palestrini Claudia , Rolando Antonio
Published: October 2019

1. Species abundance, biomass, and identity are the main factors that influence ecosystem functioning. Previous studies have shown that community attributes and species identity help to maintain natural ecosystem functioning.

2. This study examined how species identity, biomass, and abundance in dung pats (i.e. density) of dung beetles affect multiple ecological functions: dung removal, seed dispersal, and germination. Specifically, two species of tunnellers were targeted: Onthophagus illyricus (Scopoli, 1763) and Copris lunaris (Linnaeus, 1758). In accordance with their natural abundance, densities ranging from 10 to 80 individuals were considered for O. illyricus, and those from two to eight were considered for C. lunaris, spanning the total biomass per treatment from 0.22 to 1.76 g.

3. Results showed that, even at higher abundance, O. illyricus is not as efficient as C. lunaris. These results show that species identity, biomass, and density are crucial factors for maintaining ecosystem functioning. The combined effect of species identity and density/biomass facilitated dung removal and seed dispersal. Conversely, species identity is the only relevant factor for germination. Moreover, relationships among functions depend on the species investigated: C. lunaris showed a positive correlation between dung removal and seed dispersal, whereas O. illyricus showed a positive correlation between germination and dung removal.

4. In conclusion, optimal ecosystem functioning depends on multiple factors, such as density and species identity, and thus also on body size, nesting strategies and ecological functions investigated. Moreover, the loss of larger and efficient species cannot be compensated by higher abundances of small species.
Attitudes of dental practitioners towards antimicrobial therapy in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Coric Anka , Grgic Svjetlana , Kostic Sandra , Vukojevic Katarina , Zovko Ruzica , Radica Natasa , Markotic Filipa
Published: October 2019

Introduction

The objective of this study was to assess perceptions and attitudes amongst dental practitioners in relation to antibiotic usage and antibiotic resistance.

Methods

Self‐administered questionnaire was given to dental practitioners employed in south Croatia, west Herzegovina and Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (N = 115).

Results

81.7% of respondents agreed the usage of antimicrobials is frequently uncritical and unnecessary. 83.5% of dental practitioners reported that they have used guidelines in their practice; however, only 9 out of 115 stated valid guidelines. One‐third of the respondents agreed or were undecided that the usage of antimicrobials in every oral inflammatory process treatment is justified. Furthermore, 13% was undecided and 26% agreed that pregnant women and breastfeeding women should not use any antimicrobials. However, three quarters of respondents considered they had satisfactory knowledge on antimicrobials.

Discussion

The respondents considered they had satisfactory knowledge on antimicrobials, which was in contrast to the knowledge shown, but also expressed the need for additional education. Therefore, adequate measures include the creation of the local guidelines, their implementation, and updating the practitioners’ knowledge on antibiotic use and resistance through continuous educational courses.
Non‐target screening of leaf litter‐derived dissolved organic matter using liquid chromatography coupled to high‐resolution mass spectrometry (LC‐QTOF‐MS)
Authors: Brock Olaf , Helmus Rick , Kalbitz Karsten , Jansen Boris
Published: October 2019

Leaf litter‐derived dissolved organic matter (DOM) is an important source of organic matter entering the mineral soil, but characterization of leaf litter DOM is often not detailed enough to understand DOM dynamics and processes at the molecular level. (Ultra‐) high‐resolution techniques such as Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT‐ICR‐MS), Orbitrap mass spectrometry and quadrupole time‐of‐flight (QTOF) mass spectrometry have brought a new level of detail to (D)OM research by providing molecular formulae and information on molecular structures. We present a novel approach for leaf litter DOM characterization that includes non‐target screening using liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to high‐resolution QTOF‐MS. A method validation test showed that out of 26 spiked naturally occurring DOM molecules in a leaf litter DOM sample, 23 were found as features. After implementation of additional filtering to exclude certain combinations of heteroatoms (that are difficult to resolve even by the newest high‐resolution MS instruments), including molecular formulae with P atoms, 22 molecular formulae were correctly assigned. Although a large part of the annotated molecular formulae was unique for the respective litter sources, the molecular compound class distribution was similar for deciduous, coniferous and mixed leaf litter DOM. Most intense masses were detected in the 100–300 Da mass range, showing a bias of QTOF‐MS towards lower masses compared to FT‐ICR‐MS. The use of LC in combination with QTOF‐MS for leaf litter (D)OM characterization provides, together with Orbitrap‐MS, a more widely available and lower cost high‐resolution MS alternative to FT‐ICR‐MS. Novel approach to the characterization and analysis of leaf litter derived DOM. Non‐target screening using LC‐QTOF‐MS and the patRoon R package. Similar molecular compound class distribution for three leaf litter sources. High‐resolution DOM characterization alternative to FT‐ICR‐MS.

Highlights

Novel approach to the characterization and analysis of leaf litter‐derived DOM.

Non‐target screening using LC‐QTOF‐MS and the patRoon R package.

Similar molecular compound class distribution for three leaf litter sources.

High‐resolution DOM characterization alternative to FT‐ICR‐MS.
Perimysial microarteriopathy in dermatomyositis with anti‐nuclear matrix protein‐2 antibodies
Authors: Liu Y. , Zheng Y. , Gang Q. , Xie Z. , Jin Y. , Zhang X. , Deng X. , Hao H. , Gao F. , Zhang Z. , Xiong H. , Zhang W. , Wang Z. , Yuan Y.
Published: October 2019

Background and purpose

Dermatomyositis (DM) with anti‐nuclear matrix protein‐2 (NXP‐2) antibodies usually shows multifocal ischaemic lesions in muscle. Here, we aimed to investigate the microarteriopathy underlying muscle ischaemia in anti‐NXP‐2‐positive DM.

Methods

A total of 16 patients diagnosed with anti‐NXP‐2‐positive DM were investigated by muscle biopsy. A total of 13 patients with DM with other myositis‐specific antibodies and 11 normal controls were included for comparison. Immunofluorescence assays were performed to localize endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and pericytes, and to determine lesions in myofibers and microvessels by vascular endothelial growth factor and myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA). Electron microscopy was carried out to assess ultrastructure alterations.

Results

Subcutaneous edema, severe muscle weakness and dysphagia together with elevated creatine kinase, D‐dimer and triglyceride levels, and decreased albumin levels were found in anti‐NXP‐2‐positive DM. Muscle ischaemia included regional muscle edema, perifascicular atrophy, microinfarcts and focal punched‐out vacuoles. The density of arterioles was higher in anti‐NXP‐2‐positive DM (P ＜ 0.05). Perimysial arterioles with thickened vascular wall, thrombosis and lipid accumulation were found in the vascular wall of diseased perimysial arterioles. The frequency of diseased arterioles and thrombosis was higher in anti‐NXP‐2‐positive DM (P < 0.05). Sarcoplasmic vascular endothelial growth factor and MxA expression was observed in multifocal ischaemic lesions. MxA was present in endothelial and smooth muscle cells of the diseased arterioles and pericytes. Electron microscopy confirmed damaged capillaries and tubuloreticular structures.

Conclusions

Our research suggested that perimysial arterioles were most commonly involved in anti‐NXP‐2‐positive DM, which led to muscle ischaemia.
The Legacy, Leadership, and Hope of Pan‐African Women as a Missional Focus for Theological Education
Authors: Walker‐Smith Angelique
Published: October 2019

This article analyzes the experience and self‐understanding of Pan‐African women of faith, who have often been viewed at the margins of church history and in the larger context of this history. This article challenges this marginal location. It argues that through the theological lens of the ecumenical Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace—and under the tenets of via positiva, via negativa, and via transformativa—the historical, present, and future pilgrimage of Pan‐African women of faith and their vision of hope needs to be further examined for a more inclusive embrace and accompaniment of the ecumenical community. Theological education should be a priority in preparing leaders for advancing the agenda of justice and peace. The article concludes by detailing the past, recent, and future work of the Pan‐African Women's Ecumenical Empowerment Network (PAWEEN) and its partners.
Ex vivo culture of mouse skin activates an interleukin 1 alpha‐dependent inflammatory response
Authors: Zhou Hong‐Ming , Slominski Radomir M. , Seymour Leroy J. , Bell Maria C. , Dave Priya , Atumonye Joseph , Wright William , Dawes Avery , Griesenauer Brad , Paczesny Sophie , Kaplan Mark H. , Spandau Dan F , Turner Matthew J.
Published: October 2019

Ex vivo culture of mouse and human skin causes an inflammatory response characterized by production of multiple cytokines. We used ex vivo culture of mouse tail skin specimens to investigate mechanisms of this skin culture‐induced inflammatory response. Multiplex assays revealed production of interleukin 1 alpha (IL‐1α), interleukin 1 beta (IL‐1β), interleukin 6 (IL‐6), chemokine C‐X‐C motif ligand 1 (CXCL1), granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) during skin culture, and quantitative PCR revealed transcripts for these proteins were also increased. Ex vivo cultures of skin from myeloid differentiation primary response 88 deficient mice (Myd88−/−) demonstrated significantly reduced expression of transcripts for the aforementioned cytokines. The same result was observed with skin from interleukin 1 receptor type 1 deficient mice (Il1r1−/−). These data suggested the IL‐1R1/MyD88 axis is required for the skin culture‐induced inflammatory response and led us to investigate the role of IL‐1α and IL‐1β (the ligands for IL‐1R1) in this process. Addition of IL‐1α neutralizing antibody to skin cultures significantly reduced expression of Cxcl1, Il6 and Csf3. IL‐1β neutralization did not reduce levels of these transcripts. These studies suggest that IL‐1α promotes the skin the culture‐induced inflammatory response.
Bonga shad (Ethmalosa fimbriata) spawning tactics in an upwelling environment
Authors: Baldé Bocar Sabaly , Döring Julian , Ekau Werner , Diouf Malick , Brehmer Patrice
Published: October 2019

Successful recruitment in small pelagic fish populations inhabiting upwelling zones is subject to variation in fecundity and is driven by spatial and temporal fluctuations in environmental conditions, that is, mainly sea surface temperature, salinity and food availability. These fluctuations in abiotic factors have stimulated small pelagic fish populations to exhibit specifically adapted spawning tactics. To better understand to what extent a short‐lived exploited fish species such as bonga shad Ethmalosa fimbriata has adapted to an upwelling environment, we have investigated the interrelationship between upwelling intensity as a proxy for productivity and population fecundity by means of a virtual population analysis. We found that females of intermediate size contributed significantly more eggs to the population's fecundity than smaller or larger ones. Our model results further indicate that E. fimbriata exhibits a spawning preference at water temperatures of around 25°C and upwelling intensities of around 2.5 m3 s−1 m−1. Hence, we hypothesize that climate change‐driven increases in sea temperatures and modifications of upwelling‐favourable winds could significantly impact the species’ reproductive biology. To understand how climate change might impact fisheries, spawning tactics of small pelagic fishes are important to assess as well as their recruitment success. Such information is particularly relevant in countries where the fishery is critical at socio‐economic level, to better implement fisheries management addressing multiple stressors.
China's Belt and Road Initiative and the emerging geographies of global urbanisation
Authors: Williams Joe , Robinson Caitlin , Bouzarovski Stefan
Published: October 2019

China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is heralded as the largest investment in infrastructure in history and is expected to re‐shape the geographies of urbanisation in the coming decades. In this paper we review the burgeoning, yet still embryonic literature on the BRI. Our aim is to move beyond currently dominant framings of the BRI as a geopolitical or economic strategy that tend to overlook the complex embeddedness of infrastructure. Drawing on theories of planetary urbanisation, we argue that the BRI constitutes a form of urbanisation that is bound up with the socio‐spatial and ecological restructuring of global capitalism. We illustrate this by mapping and analysing energy projects under the BRI. Overall, we outline a research agenda on the BRI that calls for (1) a more nuanced analysis of its spatial and scalar politics; (2) approaching the BRI as a distinctly urban question; and (3) a disruption of the dominant China‐centric discussions through critical in‐depth case‐study analysis.