bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in physiology and virulence during the selection of resistant Yersinia ruckeri mutants under subinhibitory cefotaxime concentrations
Authors: García‐Torrico Ana Isabel , Guijarro José A. , Cascales Desirée , Méndez Jessica
Published: October 2019

Bacterial antibiotic resistance is one of the main healthcare problems currently. Apart from reducing antibiotic efficacy, it has awakened the interest of scientists due to its association with bacterial fitness and virulence. Interestingly, antibiotic resistance can be a source of both increased fitness and decreased fitness, even though the molecular basis of these relationships remains unknown. The aim of this work is to define the effects of sub‐MIC concentrations of cefotaxime, an antibiotic extensively used in clinical practice, on the physiology and virulence of Yersinia ruckeri and to determine the importance of these sub‐MIC concentrations for the selection of antibiotic‐resistant mutants in the aquatic environment. Results indicated that exposure to sub‐MIC concentrations of cefotaxime selected Y. ruckeri populations with irreversible alterations in the physiology, such as slow growth, aggregation in liquid cultures and modification of the colony morphology. These bacteria also displayed changes in the OMPs and LPS profiles and a full attenuation of virulence. An overexpression of the envelope stress regulator RpoE was also detected after exposure to the antibiotic. In conclusion, exposure to cefotaxime selected, at high frequency, Y. ruckeri strains that survive the antibiotic stress at the expense of a fitness cost and the loss of virulence.
Microbiological and chemical quality of different types of salted pearl mullet (Chalcalburnus tarichi Pallas, 1811)
Authors: Ogur Seda , Erkan Nuray
Published: October 2019

This research aimed to determine microbiological and chemical quality of different types of salted pearl mullet (Chalcalburnus tarichi Pallas, 1811). Samples of salted pearl mullet (C. tarichi Pallas, 1811), produced by six different methods, were obtained from three different local producers at the end of the hunting season of 2016 and 2017 (May–June) with wooden boxes, plastic cans, or in bottom perforated plastic cans. Samples stored in a cold storage (2 ± 2°C) were analyzed in August and September of 2017. Six fish were used in each sampling day and thus the analyses were completed in 18 days. So, 108 fish samples were analyzed (3 producer × 6 method × 3 sample for each method × 2 hunting season). Analysis results were calculated as mean ± SD. One‐way analysis of variance was used to determine whether there was a significant difference between the sample groups analyzed, and p < .05 was considered significant. All sample groups were found to be appropriate according to total mesophilic aerobic bacteria count, but one sample group (OS11‐old sample, gutted and cleaned fish producted in wooden box according to method 1) included Salmonella spp. and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, it was found to be inappropriate (p < .05). The total volatile basic nitrogen acceptability upper limit (25–30 mg/100 g) were found to be exceeded in three sample groups (OS12‐old sample, ungutted, and uncleaned fish producted in wooden box according to method 1, OS31‐old sample, gutted, and cleaned fish producted in bottom perforated plastic can according to method 3, OS32‐old sample, ungutted, and uncleaned fish producted in bottom perforated plastic can according to method 3) (p < .05) and the tiobarbituric acid index value was found to vary between 13.32 ± 0.08 and 31.43 ± 0.04 μg malondialdehyde/g (p < .05). According to histamine results, all sample groups were determined at acceptable values (p > .05). However, it was determined that the salt amount of the sample groups was very high in raw, and that more than half of the salt amount remained in the samples, even after baked waiting for 3 hr in warm water (p < .05).
The effects of nanoemulsions based on citrus essential oils (orange, mandarin, grapefruit, and lemon) on the shelf life of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fillets at 4 ± 2°C
Authors: Durmus Mustafa
Published: October 2019

This study investigated the antioxidant and antimicrobial effects of nanoemulsions of orange, grapefruit, mandarin, and lemon essential oils on rainbow trout fillets stored at 4 ± 2°C in refrigerator. The results demonstrated that the shelf life of the rainbow trout fillets was determined as 10 days for the control group, 12 days for the tween 80 (surfactant), 14 days for orange and lemon treatment groups, and 16 days for mandarin and grapefruit groups. Nanoemulsions based on essential oils removed the fishy odor and had a positive effect on organoleptic quality. The use of citrus essential oil‐based nanoemulsions decreased the values of biochemical parameters and slowed the growth of bacteria compared to the control group. Among all treatment groups, only the control group exceeded the TVB‐N limit value on the 12th day of storage. PV and FFA values in fillets treated with mandarin and grapefruit nanoemulsions developed more slowly during the storage period. In addition, the lowest bacteria counts were found in the mandarin and grapefruit treatment groups. It can be concluded that especially mandarin and grapefruit EOs in all citrus essential oils can be recommended for preparing nanoemulsions in the preservation of rainbow trout fillets.
Positive correlation between pancreatic volume and post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis
Authors: Maruyama Hirotsugu , Shiba Masatsugu , Ishikawa‐Kakiya Yuki , Kato Kunihiro , Ominami Masaki , Fukunaga Shusei , Otani Koji , Hosomi Shuhei , Tanaka Fumio , Kamata Noriko , Taira Koichi , Nagami Yasuaki , Yamagami Hirokazu , Tanigawa Tetsuya , Watanabe Toshio , Yamamoto Akira , Kabata Daijiro , Shintani Ayumi , Fujiwara Yasuhiro
Published: October 2019

Background and Aim

Post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) remains the most common and serious adverse event associated with ERCP. Risk factors for PEP have been described in various reports. However, risk factors have not been quantified to date. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for PEP by quantification of pancreatic volume using pre‐ERCP images.

Methods

Overall, 800 patients were recruited from April 2012 to February 2015 for this study. There were 168 patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria. Measurement of pancreatic volume was achieved using the volume analyzer SYNAPSE VINCENT in all cases and was used to evaluate the risk factors for PEP.

Results

According to the criteria established by the consensus guidelines (Cotton classification), 17 patients (10.1%) were classified as having mild disease, 4 (2.4%) as having moderate disease, and 5 (3.0%) as having severe disease. Multivariate model analysis showed that a large pancreatic volume was a significant risk factor for PEP (odds ratio [OR] 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–1.13;P < 0.001). In addition, the association between the pancreatic volume and the severity of PEP was positively correlated (the effect of volume [per 1 mL]; OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.07–1.12;P < 0.001, the effect of volume [per 10 mL]; OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.72–3.00;P < 0.001). A larger pancreatic volume was significantly associated with a higher incidence of PEP.

Conclusions

A large pancreatic volume was identified as a risk factor for PEP. The results of this study suggest that pre‐ERCP images might be useful for predicting PEP.
Sepsis in Older Adults in Long‐Term Care Facilities: Challenges in Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Yoshikawa Thomas T. , Reyes Bernardo J. , Ouslander Joseph G.
Published: October 2019

Despite the current understanding of the pathophysiology of sepsis and advances in its treatment, the rate of sepsis is increasing globally. Sepsis is a common cause of hospitalization in older adults, and infections are among the most common diagnoses among residents transferred to the hospital from long‐term care facilities (LTCFs). LTCFs and hospitals are facing financial and regulatory requirements to reduce potentially preventable emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and hospital readmissions due to infections and other causes. In addition, the human and financial costs of these events are substantial. Current criteria for early identification of sepsis have low sensitivity and specificity among LTCF residents. Early diagnosis must focus on changes in clinical, mental, and functional status, and vital signs including pulse oximetry. Laboratory data can increase the suspicion of sepsis, but the availability of testing and timing of results limits its usefulness in most LTCFs.While new diagnostic criteria for sepsis are being developed and validated in the LTCF setting, clinical practice and decision support tools are available to guide management. Most LTFCs do not have the capabilities to manage sepsis based on current guidelines despite availability of qualified nursing staff and clinicians. Thus excluding circumstances in which a resident's desire is palliative or hospice care without transfer to a hospital, most LTCFs will continue to transfer residents with severe infections at risk for evolving into sepsis to an acute hospital setting. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2234–2239, 2019
Voice‐Controlled Intelligent Personal Assistants to Support Aging in Place
Authors: O'Brien Katherine , Liggett Anna , Ramirez‐Zohfeld Vanessa , Sunkara Priya , Lindquist Lee A.
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Many older adults wish to age in place, and voice‐controlled intelligent personal assistants (VIPAs; eg, Amazon Echo and Google Home) potentially could support unmet home needs. No prior studies have researched the real‐world use of VIPAs among older adults. We sought to explore how older adults and caregivers utilize VIPAs.

DESIGN/MEASUREMENT

Retrospective review of all verified purchase reviews of the Amazon Echo posted on Amazon.com between January 2015 and January 2018, with filtering for health‐related older adult key words. Open‐ended reviews were qualitatively analyzed to identify relevant themes.

RESULTS

On retrieval, there were 73 549 reviews; and with subsequent key word filtering, 125 total reviews were subsequently analyzed. Five major themes were identified: (1) entertainment (“For two very senior citizens…we have really had fun with Echo. She tells us jokes, answers questions, plays music.); (2) companionship (“A senior living alone…I now have Alex to talk to.”); (3) home control; (4) reminders (“I needed something that would provide me with information I couldn't remember well, such as the date, day, or my schedule…I highly recommend for anyone with memory challenges”); and (5) emergency communication. Several felt it reduced burdening caregivers. “…You also feel guilt from fear of overburdening your caregivers. Alexa has alleviated much of this.” Specifically, caregivers found that: “By making playlists of songs from her youth whoever is providing care, family or professional caregiver, can simply request the right song for the moment in order to sooth, redirect, or distract Mom.” Alternatively, negative reviewers felt the VIPA misunderstood them or could not adequately respond to specific health questions.

CONCLUSION

VIPAs are a low‐cost artificial intelligence that can support older adults in the home and potentially reduce caregiver burden. This study is the first to explore VIPA use among older adults, and further studies are needed to examine the direct benefits of VIPAs in supporting aging in place. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:176–179, 2019
Impact of social support in preventing burnout syndrome in nurses: A systematic review
Authors: Velando‐Soriano Almudena , Ortega‐Campos Elena , Gómez‐Urquiza José L. , Ramírez‐Baena Lucía , De La Fuente Emilia I. , Cañadas‐De La Fuente Guilllermo A.
Published: October 2019

Aim

Burnout is a reality in the nursing profession. It is composed of three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment, and results from being subjected to chronic stress in the healthcare context. Social support (SS), that is, the assistance and protection given by others, is a predictive and protective factor against burnout syndrome. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between SS, in its different forms, and burnout syndrome in nurses, and to identify the risk factors for burnout.

Methods

A systematic literature review was carried out, following the PRISMA recommendations. The databases CINAHL, PsycINFO, Proquest Platform (Proquest Health & Medical Complete), Pubmed and Scopus were consulted, using the descriptors: “burnout, professional AND social support AND nursing”. To minimize potential publication bias, the search had no time or sample size limitation.

Results

Burnout was reported, to a greater or lesser extent, in all the articles analyzed, and the SS received by nurses in the workplace from supervisors and coworkers was found to play a fundamental role in preventing the syndrome. However, to date the bibliography on this issue is scant, and there is little consensus as to the degree of SS received.

Conclusions

Burnout prevention plans, with particular attention to SS, should be developed to improve nurses' quality of life and to enhance the care they provide.
Taking the longer view: Explaining Multicultural London English and Multicultural Paris French
Authors: Cheshire Jenny
Published: October 2019

The article explores the perplexing outcomes of comparative research projects in London and Paris on language change in multilingual areas of the cities populated by large numbers of recent immigrants with very diverse language backgrounds. In London, as in many other northern European cities, language contact on such a large scale has resulted in the emergence of a “multiethnolect”: a repertoire of innovative linguistic forms used by young people of all ethnicities, including monolingual non‐immigrant speakers. In Paris, however, there was no such repertoire. I propose four factors that are necessary for a multiethnolect to emerge and that explain why similar processes of population movement, immigration, and globalization have produced such different linguistic outcomes in London and Paris. These factors remind us that language evolution, like language use, is constrained not only by the social characteristics of individuals but also by the socio‐cultural historical contexts in which individuals live.
Immunoreactive insulin stability in horses at risk of insulin dysregulation
Authors: Leschke Dakota H. , Muir Genevieve S. , Hodgson Jack K. , Coyle Mitchell , Horn Remona , Bertin François‐René
Published: October 2019

Background

Diseases associated with insulin dysregulation (ID), such as equine metabolic syndrome and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, are of interest to practitioners because of their association with laminitis. Accurate insulin concentration assessment is critical in diagnosing and managing these diseases.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine the effect of time, temperature, and collection tube type on insulin concentrations in horses at risk of ID.

Animals

Eight adult horses with body condition score >6/9.

Methods

In this prospective study, subjects underwent an infeed oral glucose test 2 hours before blood collection. Blood samples were divided into ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, heparinized, or serum tubes and stored at 4 or 20°C. Tubes were centrifuged and analyzed for insulin by a chemiluminescent assay over 8 days. Changes in insulin concentrations were compared with a linear mixed effects model.

Results

An overall effect of time, tube type and temperature was identified (P = .01, P = 0.001, and P = 0.001, respectively). Serum and heparinized samples had similar concentrations for 3 days at 20°C and 8 days at 4°C; however, after 3 days at 20°C, heparinized samples had significantly higher insulin concentrations (P = .004, P = .03, and P = .03 on consecutive days). Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid samples had significantly lower insulin concentrations regardless of time and temperature (P = .001 for all comparisons).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

These results suggest an ideal protocol to determine insulin concentrations involves using serum or heparinized samples with analysis occurring within 3 days at 20°C or 8 days at 4°C.
Muscari sabihapinari sp. nov. (Asparagaceae) from Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: Eroğlu Huseyin , Pinar Süleyman Mesut , Fidan Mehmet
Published: October 2019

We describe Muscari sabihapinari (Asparagaceae: Scilloideae) as a new species from the Adana and Sivas provinces in South Anatolia, Turkey. It grows in rocky‐stony steppe habitats. Muscari sabihapinari shows general aspect similar to that of M. anatolicum, M. atillae and M. discolor but is easily distinguished from them by its bulb, leaf and flower characteristics. A complete morphological description, identification key, pollen characteristics, detailed photographs, comparative photographs and comparison table with the closely related species are presented.
Interaction among ploidy, breeding system and lineage diversification
Authors: Zenil‐Ferguson Rosana , Burleigh J. Gordon , Freyman William A. , Igić Boris , Mayrose Itay , Goldberg Emma E.
Published: October 2019

If particular traits consistently affect rates of speciation and extinction, broad macroevolutionary patterns can be interpreted as consequences of selection at high levels of the biological hierarchy. Identifying traits associated with diversification rates is difficult because of the wide variety of characters under consideration and the statistical challenges of testing for associations from comparative phylogenetic data. Ploidy (diploid vs polyploid states) and breeding system (self‐incompatible vs self‐compatible states) are both thought to be drivers of differential diversification in angiosperms.

We fit 29 diversification models to extensive trait and phylogenetic data in Solanaceae and investigate how speciation and extinction rate differences are associated with ploidy, breeding system, and the interaction between these traits.

We show that diversification patterns in Solanaceae are better explained by breeding system and an additional unobserved factor, rather than by ploidy. We also find that the most common evolutionary pathway to polyploidy in Solanaceae occurs via direct breakdown of self‐incompatibility by whole genome duplication, rather than indirectly via breakdown followed by polyploidization.

Comparing multiple stochastic diversification models that include complex trait interactions alongside hidden states enhances our understanding of the macroevolutionary patterns in plant phylogenies.
The intersection between the oculomotor and hippocampal memory systems: empirical developments and clinical implications
Authors: Ryan Jennifer D. , Shen Kelly , Liu Zhong‐Xu
Published: October 2019

Decades of cognitive neuroscience research has shown that where we look is intimately connected to what we remember. In this article, we review findings from human and nonhuman animals, using behavioral, neuropsychological, neuroimaging, and computational modeling methods, to show that the oculomotor and hippocampal memory systems interact in a reciprocal manner, on a moment‐to‐moment basis, mediated by a vast structural and functional network. Visual exploration serves to efficiently gather information from the environment for the purpose of creating new memories, updating existing memories, and reconstructing the rich, vivid details from memory. Conversely, memory increases the efficiency of visual exploration. We call for models of oculomotor control to consider the influence of the hippocampal memory system on the cognitive control of eye movements, and for models of hippocampal and broader medial temporal lobe function to consider the influence of the oculomotor system on the development and expression of memory. We describe eye movement–based applications for the detection of neurodegeneration and delivery of therapeutic interventions for mental health disorders for which the hippocampus is implicated and memory dysfunctions are at the forefront.
Prognostic role of RECK in pathological outcome‐dependent buccal mucosa squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Hung‐Chih , Tseng Yu‐Kai , Shu Chih‐Wen , Fu Ting‐Ying , Liou Huei‐Han , Huang Cheng‐Hui , Chen Chien‐Chou , Wang Jyh‐Seng , Wu Pi‐Chuang , Ger Luo‐Ping , Hung Wen‐Chun , Liu Pei‐Feng
Published: October 2019

Background

Buccal mucosal squamous cell carcinoma (BMSCC) is an aggressive oral cancer. Moreover, reversion‐inducing cysteine‐rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) is a well‐known tumor suppressor in many cancers. Our aim was to investigate the association of RECK expression with prognosis in BMSCC patients with different clinicopathological features.

Materials and Methods

The expression level of RECK was determined by immunohistochemistry using tissue microarrays containing specimens from 193 BMSCC patients. The association of RECK expression with outcomes in BMSCC patients stratified by different clinicopathological features was analyzed by Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

The low expression level of RECK was associated with shorter disease‐specific survival, especially in patients with age >40 years, moderate or poor cell differentiation, advanced pathological stage, and history of postoperative radiotherapy. However, the low expression level of RECK was not associated with poor disease‐free survival, except in BMSCC patients with age ≦40 years, advanced pathological stage and lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, RECK‐knockdowned cells showed higher cell viability and abilities of invasion/migration, indicating that RECK might be a tumor suppressor for tumor progression in oral cancer.

Conclusion

The low expression of RECK might be a potential prognostic biomarker for pathological outcome‐dependent BMSCC patients.
Establishing temperate crustose early Holocene coralline algae as archives for palaeoenvironmental reconstructions of the shallow water habitats of the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Ragazzola Federica , Caragnano Annalisa , Basso Daniela , Schmidt Daniela N. , Fietzke Jan
Published: October 2019

Over the past decades, coralline algae have increasingly been used as archives of palaeoclimate information due to their seasonal growth bands and their vast distribution from high latitudes to the tropics. Traditionally, these reconstructions have been performed mainly on high latitude species, limiting the geographical area of their potential use. Here we assess the use of temperate crustose fossil coralline algae from shallow water habitats for palaeoenvironmental reconstruction to generate records of past climate change. We determine the potential of three different species of coralline algae, Lithothamnion minervae, Lithophyllum stictaeforme and Mesophyllum philippii, with different growth patterns, as archives for pH (δ11B) and temperature (Mg/Ca) reconstruction in the Mediterranean Sea. Mg concentration is driven by temperature but modulated by growth rate, which is controlled by species‐specific and intraspecific growth patterns. L. minervae is a good temperature recorder, showing a moderate warming trend in specimens from 11.37 cal ka BP (from 14.2 ± 0.4°C to 14.9 ± 0.15°C) to today. In contrast to Mg, all genera showed consistent values of boron isotopes (δ11B) suggesting a common control on boron incorporation. The recorded δ11B in modern and fossil coralline specimens is in agreement with literature data about early Holocene pH, opening new perspectives of coralline‐based, high‐resolution pH reconstructions in deep time.
Engineering plant virus resistance: from RNA silencing to genome editing strategies
Authors: Zhao Yaling , Yang Xin , Zhou Guohui , Zhang Tong
Published: October 2019

Viral diseases severely affect crop yield and quality, thereby threatening global food security. Genetic improvement of plant virus resistance is essential for sustainable agriculture. In the last decades, several modern technologies were applied in plant antiviral engineering. Here we summarized breakthroughs of the two major antiviral strategies, RNA silencing and genome editing. RNA silencing strategy has been used in antiviral breeding for more than thirty years, and many crops engineered to stably express small RNAs targeting various viruses have been approved for commercial release. Genome editing technology has emerged in the past decade, especially CRISPR/Cas, which provides new methods for genetic improvement of plant virus resistance and accelerates resistance breeding. Finally, we discuss the potential of these technologies for breeding crops, and the challenges and solutions they may face in the future.
Syndromes associated with multiple pilomatricomas: When should clinicians be concerned?
Authors: Ciriacks Kevin , Knabel Daniel , Waite Megan Brittany
Published: October 2019

Background

Multiple pilomatricomas have been linked to various syndromes. However, these associations are poorly defined, leaving practitioners conflicted on management of these patients.

Objective

To perform a comprehensive review to clarify the strength of these relationships and identify which patients may benefit from additional screening and/or genetic screening.

Methods

A literature search was performed using the PubMed, Ovid, and Cochrane databases. Syndromic, familial, and sporadic cases of multiple pilomatricomas were stratified based on number of pilomatricomas. This information was graphed for visual comparison.

Results

Sixty‐six syndromic cases from 52 publications were identified, with the majority (54) of cases representing myotonic dystrophy, familial adenomatous polyposis‐related syndromes (including Gardner syndrome), Turner syndrome, or Rubinstein‐Taybi syndrome. Twenty‐five of the 54 cases (46.3%) had six or more pilomatricomas. Of sporadic cases, 128 out of 134 (95.5%) had five or less pilomatricomas.

Limitations

Most articles were case reports and series, which are vulnerable to publication bias. Specific details were not explicitly noted in some original articles, and incomplete data could not always be included in analysis. Syndromes may have been missed in sporadic cases.

Conclusion

The presence of six or more pilomatricomas is highly suggestive of an underlying syndrome (>95% specificity). These patients should undergo additional screening. Patients with less than six pilomatricomas and family history of myotonic dystrophy, first‐degree relative with colon cancer or FAP‐related syndrome, or family history of pilomatricomas should also undergo further screening.
Comparative analysis of the phototoxicity induced by BRAF inhibitors and alleviation through antioxidants
Authors: Heppt Markus V. , Clanner‐Engelshofen Benjamin M. , Marsela Enklajd , Wessely Anja , Kammerbauer Claudia , Przybilla Bernhard , French Lars E. , Berking Carola , Reinholz Markus
Published: October 2019

Background

Small molecules tackling mutated BRAF (BRAFi) are an important mainstay of targeted therapy in a variety of cancers including melanoma. Albeit commonly reported as side effect, the phototoxic potential of many BRAFi is poorly characterized. In this study, we evaluated the phototoxicity of 17 distinct agents and investigated whether BRAFi‐induced phototoxicity can be alleviated by antioxidants.

Methods

The ultraviolet (UV) light absorbance of 17 BRAFi was determined. Their phototoxic potential was investigated independently with a reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the 3T3 neutral red uptake (NRU) assay in vitro. To test for a possible phototoxicity alleviation by antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin E phosphate, trolox, and glutathione (GSH) were added to the 3T3 assay of selected inhibitors.

Results

The highest cumulative absorbance for both UVA and UVB was detected for vemurafenib. The formation of ROS was more pronounced for all compounds after irradiation with UVA than with UVB. In the 3T3 NRU assay, 8 agents were classified as phototoxic, including vemurafenib, dabrafenib, and encorafenib. There was a significant correlation between the formation of singlet oxygen (P = .026) and superoxide anion (P < .001) and the phototoxicity observed in the 3T3 NRU assay. The phototoxicity of vemurafenib was fully rescued in the 3T3 NRU assay after GSH was added at different concentrations.

Conclusion

Our study confirms that most of the BRAF inhibitors exhibited a considerable phototoxic potential, predominantly after exposure to UVA. GSH may help treat and prevent the phototoxicity induced by vemurafenib.
A case of renal cell carcinoma unclassified with medullary phenotype without detectable gene deletion
Authors: Tsuzuki Sadatoshi , Kataoka Tatsuki R. , Ito Hiroaki , Ueshima Chiyuki , Asai Satsuki , Yokoo Hideaki , Haga Hironori
Published: October 2019

Renal cell carcinoma unclassified with medullary phenotype (RCCU‐MP) is a rare variant of renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) characterized by loss of SMARCB1 (INI1 / SNF5 / BAF47) protein expression in patients without sickle cell trait. Here, we report a case of RCCU‐MP in a Japanese patient who had experienced colon cancer 13 years ago, gastric cancer 11 years ago and lung cancer 9 years ago and had received hemodialysis for 15 years. This is the first report of RCCU‐MP in Japan. The patient was not of African descent, and did not have SCT or any other hereditary blood abnormality typical of RMC. The tumor was located in the left kidney, and was composed histologically of rhabdoid cells with marked lymphocyte infiltration; it was immunohistochemically negative for SMARCB1. We were, however, unable to detect mutation in the SMARCB1 gene, reduced messengerRNA expression, or deletion or translocation of chromosome 22, where the SMARCB1 gene is located. These results suggest that RCCU‐MP may not involve the hemizygous loss of this gene noted in typical RMC cases.
CEO research orientation, organizational context, and innovation in the pharmaceutical industry
Authors: van de Wal Nino , Boone Christophe , Gilsing Victor , Walrave Bob
Published: October 2019

This study develops and tests a comprehensive framework that explains what, when, and how CEO characteristics influence firms’ innovation outcomes in R&D‐intensive industries. Empirical evidence from 109 CEOs from 87 U.S.‐based pharmaceutical firms over the period 2001–2013 reveals that research‐oriented CEOs – those with ability and motivation for science and technology – increase their firms’ innovation outcomes. The results indicate that the CEO–innovation relationship strongly depends on the extent of CEOs’ managerial discretion, which is shaped by the organizational context. We contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the role of CEOs in firms´ innovation performance differentials.
Diclofenac attenuates inflammation through TLR4 pathway and improves exercise performance after exhaustive swimming
Authors: Steckling Flávia M. , Lima Frederico D. , Farinha Juliano B. , Rosa Pamela Carvalho , Royes Luiz Fernando Freire , Cuevas Maria J. , Bresciani Guilherme , Soares Félix Alexandre , González‐Gallego Javier , Barcelos Rômulo P.
Published: October 2019

Background

The use of NSAIDs has become a common practice to counteract the pro‐inflammatory acute effects of exercise, in order to improve sports performance. The liver, due to its central role in energy metabolism, may be involved primarily in the process of ROS generation and consequently inflammation after exhaustive exercise.

Objective

To analyze the influence of diclofenac on the liver TLR4 pathway and time to exhaustion in rats submitted to repeated exhaustive swimming.

Methods

An exhaustive test was performed in order to mimic athletes’ routine, and inflammatory status and oxidative stress markers were evaluated in the liver. Animals were divided into sedentary and exhaustion groups, with this last performing three exhaustive swimming bouts. At the same time, diclofenac or saline was pre‐administered once a day for nine days.

Results

Data showed significantly increased COX‐2, TLR4, and MyD88 protein content in the liver after exhaustive swimming bouts. The levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines also increased after exhaustive exercise, while these effects were attenuated in the group treated with diclofenac plus exhaustive swimming bouts. The anti‐inflammatory modulation provoked by diclofenac treatment was associated with an increased time to exhaustion in the exercise bouts. The exhaustive exercise increased TBARS formation, but diclofenac treatment blunted this elevation, while GSH/GSSG ratios in both exhaustion‐saline and exhaustion‐diclofenac‐treated groups were lower than in the sedentary‐saline group.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that diclofenac may improve exercise performance and represent an effective tool to ameliorate the pro‐inflammatory status in liver when associated with exhaustive exercise, and the liver may be a possible therapeutic target.
A novel multiplexed 11 locus HLA full gene amplification assay using next generation sequencing
Authors: Truong Linh , Matern Benedict , D'Orsogna Lloyd , Martinez Patricia , Tilanus Marcel G. J. , De Santis Dianne
Published: October 2019

The rapid progress of HLA typing techniques has contributed to improving the outcome of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, unambiguous HLA typing remains challenging. Next generation sequencing (NGS) has been shown to resolve the HLA typing ambiguity and simplify HLA typing workflows. The aim of this study is to develop a multiplexed full‐gene PCR assay for 11 HLA loci that can be used on any NGS platform to provide additional information to the traditionally sequenced regions. The entire gene of HLA‐A, HLA‐B, HLA‐C, DRB1, DRB3/4/5, DQB1, DQA1, DPB1, and DPA1 were amplified in four multiplexed reactions. A DNA reference panel of 47 samples representing the most common allele groups was selected to evaluate this novel assay using the Ion Torrent sequencing platform. The specificity and sensitivity of this assay was confirmed on additional 158 samples from a local Caucasian control cohort. Full gene sequences from start to stop codons including some UTR regions were obtained for all 11 HLA loci with complete gene coverage and sufficient read‐depth for 3619 alleles. The whole amplicon was analysed for HLA class I genes, while only exons were analysed for class II genes. All alleles were amplified as expected with 100% concordance at full gene resolution for HLA class I and exon resolution for HLA class II loci when compared with previously used NGS or Sanger sequencing methods. In summary, the novel multiplexed PCR approach for full‐gene HLA typing enabled for a large amount of genetic information to be generated in a simple and fast workflow.
Accuracy of placement of pedicle screws in the thoracolumbar spine of dogs with spinal deformities with three‐dimensionally printed patient‐specific drill guides
Authors: Elford James H. , Oxley Bill , Behr Sebastien
Published: October 2019

Objective

To determine the accuracy of pedicle screw placement in the thoracic spine of dogs with spinal deformities with three‐dimensionally (3D) printed patient‐specific drill guides.

Study design

Retrospective study.

Sample population

Six dogs in which sixty pedicle screws were placed in the thoracolumbar spine.

Methods

Medical records were searched between June 2017 and June 2018 for dogs with clinical signs associated with a thoracolumbar vertebral malformation. Inclusion criteria included MRI and computed tomography (CT) data that were used to create 3D printed patient‐specific drill guides. All dogs were stabilized dorsally with guided bicortical pedicle screws and polymethylmethacrylate. Accuracy of screw placement was assessed by immediately postoperative CT according to a modified Zdichavsky classification.

Results

Five pugs and one French bulldog met the inclusion criteria. Sixty bicortical pedicle screws were placed; 96.7% were graded as I (optimal placement), and 3.3% were classified as IIa (partial penetration of the medial pedicle wall) according to a modified Zdichavsky classification.

Conclusion

Three‐dimensionally printed patient‐specific drill guides allowed safe and accurate placement of pedicle screws in the thoracolumbar spine in dogs with vertebral malformation.

Clinical significance

Three‐dimensionally printed patient‐specific drill guides are a safe and effective method of placing pedicle screws in dogs with thoracolumbar vertebral malformations.
Adjustment to Risk Free Rate/ Violation of Put-Call Parity
Authors: Simozar Saied
Published: October 2019

The present value of a forward contract for any asset that does not pay a dividend is calculated by discounting its forward price by the risk-free rate. We show that the discount function for assets that have a non-zero correlation with interest rates, has to be adjusted to account for the correlation between the asset and interest rates. Put-Call parity is also violated and needs to be adjusted as well for such assets. It is shown that the risk-free rate is asset dependent. The adjustment to the price is small for short dated forwards, but increases quadratically with time to maturity.
Factors Affecting Social Exclusion, Friendship Quality, Social Competence and Emotion Management Skills and the Effect of Problem Behaviors on Related Characteristics in Adolescents
Authors: Sert Ağır Meral
Published: October 2019

This study was conducted to determine the predictive effect of the features (scale scores) related to the factors that affect social exclusion, friendship quality, social competence and emotional management skills in adolescents on adolescent problem behaviors such as smoking, alcohol use, unhappiness, hopelessness and self-harm behaviors. This research was carried out on 422 students studying at 9th, 10th and 11th grades in 11 high schools randomly selected among the state Anatolian high schools of Kadıköy with the permission of Istanbul Governorship MNE No: 59090411-20-E.4519169 dated 21.04.2016. Data were collected through Social Exclusion, Friendship Quality, Social Competence and Emotional Management Scales and personal information form prepared by the researcher. The data were analyzed with SPSS 23 statistical software, two-way ANOVA (univariate) and logistic regression techniques. The findings showed that on the features related to social exclusion, social competence, friendship quality and emotional management skills, the following were effective: having smoker friends, having friends with negative behaviors towards others, dissatisfaction with physical appearance, perception of self-efficacy, getting along with friends, being sensitive towards daily events, having smoker family members and alcohol use the family, experiencing less economic problems in the family and participating in activities such as cinema with the family. The quality of friendship intimacy had an increasing effect on smoking and alcohol use, while the security dimension had a reducing effect on alcohol use, feeling unhappy, feeling hopeless and self-harm (bodily damage). The social exclusion, emotional management and coping with the problem dimensions had a diminishing effect on alcohol use, while negative emotions and the ability to control negative bodily reactions had a diminishing effect on self-harm behaviors. The findings suggest that, especially emotional management skills, friendship quality and social exclusion are dynamics that can determine the psycho-social risk susceptibility of adolescents. The results of the research reveal the importance of getting adolescents to gain the skills to manage friendship selection and friendship relations through studies aimed at supporting the emotional development of adolescents.
Estudios del lenguaje desde una perspectiva glotopolítica
Authors: Molina Ríos Juliana Angélica
Published: October 2019

El artículo presenta algunas reflexiones derivadas del proyecto de investigación doctoral relacionado con los “Ideologemas sobre los procesos de formación de excombatientes después de la firma del Acuerdo de Paz en Colombia”. Se presentan los temas y problemas de estudio que se han abordado desde la glotopolítica, especialmente desde los ideologemas. La glotopolítica, como campo de conocimiento que se vincula a la sociolingüística, se pregunta por las prácticas lingüísticas que legitiman, reproducen y transforman las relaciones sociales y las estructuras de poder. En el presente escrito, se desarrollan tres apartados: a) las representaciones ideológicas del lenguaje, b) la función política de la lengua en diccionarios, gramáticas y manuales de texto y c) las políticas lingüísticas: normatividad y regulación lingüísticas, los cuales dan cuenta del creciente interés por comprender el lenguaje y la lengua articulados a la política.
Effects of Nonuniform Temperature Distribution on Degradation of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Cavalheiro Gabriel M. , Iriyama Takuto , Nelson George J. , Huang Shan , Zhang Guangsheng
Published: October 2019

The effects of nonuniform temperature distribution on the degradation of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are investigated in this study. A Li-ion battery stack consisting of five 3 Ah pouch cells connected in parallel was tested for 2215 cycles and compared with a single baseline cell. The behaviors of temperature distribution, degradation, and current distribution of the stack were characterized and discussed. Results supported the hypothesis that nonuniform temperature distribution causes nonuniform and accelerated degradation. All cells in the stack experienced higher temperature rise and degraded faster than the baseline cell. In particular, capacity retention of the middle cell in the stack decreased to 50.7% after 2215 cycles, while the baseline cell capacity retention was still 87.8%. The resistance of cells in the stack experienced nonuniform but similar pattern of variation with cycling. The resistances remained stable in early cycles, then experienced a rapid increase, and then became stable again. The middle cell resistance increased abruptly in the last 20 cycles before failure. Current distribution behaviors of the stack also changed significantly during cycling, which was consistent with cell resistance behaviors. The middle cell experienced much higher C rate than average, suggesting that its accelerated degradation can be attributed to the synergized effects of higher local temperature and higher local current.
Force Measurements of the Flow Around Arrays of Three and Four Columns With Different Geometry Sections, Spacing Ratios, and Incidence Angles
Authors: Gonçalves Rodolfo Trentin , Hirabayashi Shinichiro , Vaz Guilherme , Suzuki Hideyuki
Published: October 2019

An experimental campaign for the flow around a stationary array of three and four columns with low aspect ratio, H/L = 1.5, piercing the water free surface, was carried out in a towing tank. These numbers of columns correspond to typical multi-column offshore systems, such as semi-submersibles (SS), tension leg platforms (TLPs), and floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs). Three parameters were investigated: the spacing ratio between column centers (from two up to four characteristic lengths), current incidence angles, and column section geometries (circular, square, and diamond). The Reynolds number of the experiments was 100,000. Forces were measured in each column using a three degrees-of-freedom load cell, and results of lift and drag forces were presented for each column separately and the whole system. The results of mean and standard deviation of forces were assessed using a statistical uncertainty analysis procedure for finite length measurements’ signals. This methodology not only assesses the quality of the experimental data but also facilitates validation of numerical tools. The objectives of the current work were therefore manifold: to better understand the influence of the relative position, shape, and incidence angle on multi-column offshore structures; to create a reliable database for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) validation; and to prepare the path to flow-induced motions (FIMs) experimental and numerical work of free-moving multi-column offshore systems.
Two- and Three-Dimensional Simulation of Sound Attenuation by Cylinder Arrays
Authors: Zhang Junjian , Zheng Z. Charlie , Ke Guoyi
Published: October 2019

A finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation coupled with an immersed-boundary method is used to investigate sound attenuation through both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cylinder arrays. The focus is on sound attenuation behaviors near Bragg’s bandgap frequencies for periodic structures. Both 2D and 3D simulations show that the finite cylinder arrays produce significant sound attenuation near the bandgap frequencies, with more attenuation effects in the 2D cylinder arrays because of the uniformity of sound source and neglected structure diffraction in the third dimension. When extended to 3D simulation, which can accommodate physically realistic conditions, sound attenuation near Bragg’s frequencies is reduced in comparison with 2D results. The 3D simulation also reaches a better agreement when comparing with the measurement data from the literature. Results and discussions on arrangement of cylinder arrays to achieve better sound attenuation effects are also presented.
Constitutive Properties Determination of Human Cranium by an Experimental–Computational Modal Analysis
Authors: Eslaminejad Ashkan , Hosseini-Farid Mohamad , Ziejewski Mariusz , Karami Ghodrat
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we identified the material constitutive parameters of the human skull from reported tensile test results. Initially, we applied both linear-elastic and Mooney–Rivlin nonlinear hyperelastic constitutive models to the available tensile test data at different strain rates of 0.005, 0.10, 10, and 150 1/sec. It was shown that the suggested hyperelastic model fitted the test results with higher accuracy in comparison with the linear-elastic model. In the next step, the experimental modal analysis was carried out through roving hammer-impact tests on a dried human skull. The first four natural frequencies of the skull were measured to be 496, 543, 1250, and 1287 Hz, and these values were verified by the modal assurance criterion. Then, a 3D finite element (FE) model of that human skull was created by a 3D scanner and discretized to carry out a computational modal analysis. The performance of the determined material properties for the human skull from both linear and hyperelastic material models was evaluated using FE modal analysis. The calculated modal frequencies were then compared to the experimentally measured frequencies. It was shown that the material parameters from both the linear and hyperelastic constitutive models obtained at a strain rate of 0.10 1/sec, provided the best performance in computational modal analysis with minimum deviations relative to the experimental results. These results confer a better understanding of the human skull behavior among different strain rates, which could increase the accuracy of nonlinearity dynamic simulations on the skull.
Group sparse underwater acoustic channel estimation with impulsive noise: Simulation results based on Arctic ice cracking noise
Authors: Tian Ya-nan , Han Xiao , Yin Jing-wei , Liu Qing-yu , Li Lin
Published: October 2019

Many underwater acoustic (UWA) channels exhibit impulsive noise, thereby severely degrading the performance of traditional channel estimation algorithms. This paper presents two channel estimation algorithms for impulsive noise, namely (i) the variable forgetting factor l1,0 recursive least sign algorithm (VFF-l1,0-RLSA) and (ii) the variable forgetting factor l2,0 recursive least sign algorithm (VFF-l2,0-RLSA), both of which exploit the group sparse multipath structure and maintain robustness under impulsive noise. By using the l1 norm of the estimation error as part of the cost function, RLSAs are better at detecting and rejecting impulsive noise than the recursive least squares algorithms. A mixed l1,0 or l2,0 norm is incorporated with a RLSA to achieve better performance in group sparse UWA channel estimation. The time-varying forgetting factor and regularization parameter in the two proposed algorithms help to improve their performance. Simulation results based on Arctic ice cracking noise demonstrate the robustness and superiority of the two proposed algorithms.