bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visibilities and the Analysis of Interdiscourse: The Case of Digital Health Practices
Authors: Urban Monika
Published: January 2019

This contribution examines the study of interdiscourses in visual discourse analysis. An expanded theory of interdiscursivity considers the integration, plausibility, and popularization of meanings, offering a perspective on ways of legitimating interventions and instructions or guidelines for action. Based on the reconstruction of meaning assignments, the expanded interdiscourse theory presented here opens up the possibility of tracing how power is exercised through the occupation of particular discourse positions, whether these are of a linguistic or of a pictorial/visual nature. With reference to poststructuralist theories, assignments of meaning are seen as inherently temporary and unstable. Whatever social reality is, it remains at least partially ambiguous and is determined anew in conflicts or tensions surrounding hegemonic negotiations. Visual discourse analysis thus focuses on the precarious nature of hegemony-building processes. How such adjustments of meaning through visualizations can be investigated within the framework of interdiscursive analysis is discussed using the example of the digitalization of body data via wearables.
Elastic and inelastic local strain fields in composites with coated fibers or particles: theory and validation
Authors: Chatzigeorgiou George , Meraghni Fodil
Published: January 2019

This paper deals with mean field multiscale approaches for coated fiber- or particle-reinforced composites under nonlinear strain. The current work attempts to extend Dvorak’s well-known transformation field analysis for mean field approaches, in which the composite’s constitutive law is split into an elastic and an inelastic part. The classical Eshelby’s inhomogeneity problem considering eigenstrains is revisited in order to address the presence of a coating layer. For this scope, three different methodologies are employed, one for general ellipsoidal inhomogeneities, a modified composite cylinder method for long cylindrical fibers and a modified composite sphere method for spherical particles. After identifying proper interaction tensors for the inhomogeneity and its coating layer, the composite’s overall response is evaluated by extending classical mean field techniques, such as the Mori–Tanaka and the self-consistent methods. Numerical examples illustrate the differences in macroscopic and microscopic predictions between the general approach and the modified composite cylinder and sphere Assemblages.
Five Decades of Comprehension Research: Informing the Future
Authors: Cervetti Gina
Published: January 2019

This article shares insights from a symposium celebrating the retirement of P. David Pearson, one of the most influential reading researchers of the last half-century. Presenters addressed the nature, instruction, and assessment of reading comprehension, teacher learning and comprehension, and the texts and contexts of comprehension. Collectively, the sessions offered the opportunity to reflect on what we have learned over five decades of comprehension research and practice and to engage with questions about the work that lies ahead. In particular, presenters called for renewed efforts to link comprehension instruction to students’ roles as agents and actors; to embrace complex views of readers, texts, and contexts; and to foreground teachers’ roles in their own learning about comprehension and in instructional reform efforts.
It is safe to use minimal restrictions following posterior approach total hip arthroplasty: results from a large cohort study
Authors: van der Weegen Walter , Kornuijt Anke , Das Dirk , Vos Rein , Sijbesma Thea
Published: January 2019

Background:

To prevent early postoperative dislocation following a total hip arthroplasty (THA) procedure, patients must adhere to restrictions. Restrictive protocols are common if THA surgery is performed using the posterior approach, but scientific evidence form larger studies that supports these restrictions are scarce. In this large cohort study we compare the <90-days dislocation rate between patients receiving posterior approach THA managed with minimal versus extensive restrictions.

Methods:

Prospective cohort ( n = 1049) of consecutive elective primary hip replacement surgery procedures (September 2014–July 2017) managed with minimal postoperative restrictions. Hospital charts were prospectively reviewed for patient demographics, risk factors and any hip dislocation. Control ( n = 1102) consecutive primary elective THAs (January 2011–August 2014) managed with a traditional restrictive protocol. A posterior surgical approach was used in all procedures.

Results:

Minimal restrictions group: 17 dislocations <90 days (1.6%); Restricted group: 28 (2.5%), chi-square p = 0.1. Testing the hypothesis of inferiority by a minimum of 1% increase in ⩽90 days dislocation risk: p = 0.14 (test for difference) and p < 0.001 (non-inferiority test), allowing us to discard the null hypothesis (absolute increase in risk of ⩾1% with minimal restrictions). The proportion of surgeries performed with a femoral head size ⩾32 mm was higher in the minimal restrictions group.

Conclusions:

Patients can be managed safely with minimal restrictions following posterior approach THA if combined with frequent use of larger femoral heads.
Profiles and academic trajectories of cognitively gifted children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Cain Meghan K , Kaboski Juhi R , Gilger Jeffrey W
Published: January 2019

Gifted children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often referred to as twice-exceptional, the term that highlights the co-occurrence of exceptional challenges and exceptional giftedness. This study performed secondary data analysis on samples of twice-exceptional children from the Pre-Elementary Education Longitudinal Study and the Special Education Elementary Longitudinal Study datasets. The results provide a descriptive profile of twice-exceptional (e.g. demographics, average academic performance, and services utilized), trajectory plots that indicate how academic performance changes over time, and multilevel analyses that model growth in academic outcomes using demographics, school services, and giftedness as predictors. Some of the key findings are that twice-exceptional students show not only higher initial levels of academic performance, but they improve over time relative to the non-gifted ASD counterparts and—with the exception of Letter Word Matching—even relative to the general population. Moreover, they benefit from mental health services disproportionately. Together, the results offer a deeper understanding of the twice-exceptional autistic population, their academic performance over time, and the services that they utilize.
Media portrayals of mental disorder in Saudi Arabia: a review of popular newspapers
Authors: McCrae Niall , Sharif Loujain , Norman Ian
Published: January 2019

Newspapers are influential sources of information and opinion on mental health, but careless reporting may reinforce stigma. This review examined portrayals of mental disorder in Saudi Arabian newspapers. A cross-sectional sample (N = 200) of relevant articles was obtained from four of the most popular newspapers. These were categorised for descriptive and thematic analysis, using an established framework. The theme of highest frequency was advocacy, actions, and concerns; such articles were likely to have a positive impact by raising public awareness. Similarly, numerous reports with the theme of treatment and recovery informed readers of developments in mental health care, potentially breaking down barriers to seeking help. The theme of blame was found in a quarter of the articles; in addition to discussing environmental and genetic factors, there were several commentaries or reports on spiritual possession, which could perpetuate stigmatising ideas. While portrayals of mental disorder in Saudi newspapers show similarities to media coverage in other countries, distinct cultural perspectives were evident, including the prevailing notion of the ‘evil eye’. The authors recommend collaboration of mental health experts, patients and family carers to devise guidelines for more accurate reporting of mental disorder by Saudi media.
Extended kinetic method and RRKM modeling to reinvestigate proline’s proton affinity and approach the meaning of effective temperature
Authors: Lesage Denis , Mezzache Sakina , Gimbert Yves , Dossmann Héloïse , Tabet Jean-Claude
Published: January 2019

Proline proton affinity PA(Pro) was previously measured by extended kinetic methods with several amines as reference bases using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer ( J Mass Spectrom 2005; 40: 1300). The measured value of 947.5 ± 5 kJ.mol−1 differs by more than 10 kJ.mol−1 from previous reported experimental or calculated values. This difference may be explained in part by the existence of relatively large entropy difference between the two dissociation channels (ΔΔS‡avg = 31 ± 10 J.mol−1.K−1) and by the inaccuracy of the amines proton affinity used as reference bases. In the present work, these experimental measurements were reinvestigated by RRKM modeling using MassKinetics software. From this modeling, a new PA value of 944.5 ± 5 kJ.mol−1 and a ΔΔS‡avg(600K) value of 33 ± 10 J.mol−1.K−1 are determined. However, the difference between experiment and recent theoretical calculations remains large (10 kJ.mol−1). These RRKM simulations allow also accessing to the effective temperature parameter (T eff) and to discuss the meaning of this term. As previously reported, T eff mainly depends on the internal energy and on the decomposition time as well. It also depends on the critical energies and on the transition state. Considering the entrance of the collision cell as a new ion source, T eff is finally shown to be close to a characteristic temperature (T char).
In vitro gene expression and detergent-free reconstitution of active proteorhodopsin in lipid vesicles
Authors: Fracasso Giorgio , Körner Yvonne , Gonzales David Thomas T , Dora Tang T-Y.
Published: January 2019

In situ generation of proton gradients across membranes is a key component for energy generation within cells and is therefore an important feature for the design of energy converting artificial cells. Here, we establish a stepwise method for the in vitro expression and detergent-free reconstitution of proteorhodopsin into the membrane of lipid vesicles. This represents a novel technique towards the bottom-up synthesis of energy-generating artificial cells.

Impact statement

Our results offer the potential for straightforward, additive-free, and molecularly simple routes to building complex bioreactors based on in vitro transcription–translation systems and lipid vesicles.
Minimally Invasive Video-Assisted Thyroidectomy: Analysis of Complications From a Systematic Review
Authors: Scerrino Gregorio , Melfa Giuseppina , Raspanti Cristina , Rotolo Giulia , Salamone Giuseppe , Licari Leo , Fontana Tommaso , Tutino Roberta , Porrello Calogero , Gulotta Gaspare , Cocorullo Gianfranco
Published: January 2019

Background. Nowadays, minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) is considered a safe and effective option. However, its complication rate has not been specifically discussed yet. The aim of this systematic review was enrolling a large number of studies to estimate early and late complications (transient and definitive, uni- and bilateral laryngeal nerve palsy; transient and definitive hypocalcemia; cervical hematoma; hypertrophic or keloid scar) of MIVAT compared with conventional technique. Methods. The review was performed according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) criteria in PubMed and Embase. Search terms were “minimally invasive,” “video-assisted,” and “thyroidectomy.” We enrolled randomized clinical trials, nonrandomized trials, and noncontrolled trials. Results. Thirty-two articles were considered suitable. Complication rate of MIVAT was quite similar to conventional technique: only one randomized trial found a significant difference concerning overall skin complication, and a single trial highlighted hypocalcemia significantly increased in MIVAT, concerning serologic value only. No difference concerning symptomatic nor definitive hypocalcemia was found. Conclusions. We can confirm that MIVAT is a safe technique. It should be adopted in mean-high-volume surgery centers for thyroidectomy, if a strict compliance with indication was applied.
Comparative Analysis of Mitochondrial Proteome Reveals the Mechanism of Enhanced Ram Sperm Motility Induced by Carbon Ion Radiation After In Vitro Liquid Storage
Authors: He Yuxuan , Li Hongyan , Zhang Yong , Hu Junjie , Shen Yulong , Feng Jin , Zhao Xingxu
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study was to reveal the mechanism of enhanced ram sperm motility induced by heavy ion radiation (HIR) after in vitro liquid storage. Ram semen was stored for 24 hours at 5°C and then irradiated with 0.1 Gy carbon ion radiation (CIR). In comparison to nonirradiated (NIR) sperm, the motility, viability, and adenosine triphosphate content were all higher in CIR sperm, and the reactive oxygen species levels were lower. Moreover, 87 differential mitochondrial protein spots were detected in 2-dimensional gels between CIR and NIR sperm and were identified as 52 corresponding proteins. In addition, 33 differential proteins were involved in a main pathway network, including COX5B, ERAB/HSD17B10, ETFA, SDHB, and SOD2, which are known to be involved in cell communication, energy production, and antioxidant responses. We used immunoblotting and immunofluorescence to analyze the content and localization of these proteins, respectively, and the levels of these proteins in CIR sperm were lower than those in NIR sperm. An understanding of the molecular function of these proteins could provide further insight into the mechanisms underlying high sperm motility induced by HIR in rams.
C57BL/6 substrain differences in inflammatory and neuropathic nociception and genetic mapping of a major quantitative trait locus underlying acute thermal nociception
Authors: Bryant Camron D , Bagdas Deniz , Goldberg Lisa R , Khalefa Tala , Reed Eric R , Kirkpatrick Stacey L , Kelliher Julia C , Chen Melanie M , Johnson William E , Mulligan Megan K , Imad Damaj M
Published: January 2019

Sensitivity to different pain modalities has a genetic basis that remains largely unknown. Employing closely related inbred mouse substrains can facilitate gene mapping of nociceptive behaviors in preclinical pain models. We previously reported enhanced sensitivity to acute thermal nociception in C57BL/6J (B6J) versus C57BL/6N (B6N) substrains. Here, we expanded on nociceptive phenotypes and observed an increase in formalin-induced inflammatory nociceptive behaviors and paw diameter in B6J versus B6N mice (Charles River Laboratories). No strain differences were observed in mechanical or thermal hypersensitivity or in edema following the Complete Freund’s Adjuvant model of inflammatory pain, indicating specificity in the inflammatory nociceptive stimulus. In the chronic constrictive nerve injury, a model of neuropathic pain, no strain differences were observed in baseline mechanical threshold or in mechanical hypersensitivity up to one month post-chronic constrictive nerve injury. We replicated the enhanced thermal nociception in the 52.5°C hot plate test in B6J versus B6N mice from The Jackson Laboratory. Using a B6J × B6N-F2 cross (N = 164), we mapped a major quantitative trait locus underlying hot plate sensitivity to chromosome 7 that peaked at 26 Mb (log of the odds [LOD] = 3.81, p < 0.01; 8.74 Mb-36.50 Mb) that was more pronounced in males. Genes containing expression quantitative trait loci associated with the peak nociceptive marker that are implicated in pain and inflammation include Ryr1, Cyp2a5, Pou2f2, Clip3, Sirt2, Actn4, and Ltbp4 (false discovery rate < 0.05). Future studies involving positional cloning and gene editing will determine the quantitative trait gene(s) and potential pleiotropy of this locus across pain modalities.
Workloads placed on adolescent cricket players: A pilot study
Authors: Pote Lee , Christie Candice J
Published: January 2019

Cricket players nowadays are faced with increased physical demands, and as a result, it is important to manage their workload, particularly to control and predict risk of injury. While this has been investigated at an elite level, few studies have looked at the workloads placed on adolescent cricket players. The purpose of this study was therefore to determine the workloads placed on school boy cricketers, specifically within a South African context. Twelve male school boy cricketers between the ages of 16 and 19 years participated in the study. Match and practice data were collected over a period of 74 days and included number of shuttles run (batsmen), number of deliveries bowled (bowlers) as well as central ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Injury data were also collected. These data were then used to determine the acute:chronic (a:c) workload ratio (two-week rolling average) as well as session RPE (sRPE). Fast bowlers delivered more balls during matches compared to practices, whereas batsmen ran more shuttles at practices compared to matches. Session RPE was higher for matches compared to practices. There did not appear to be a relationship between workload and injury risk; however, this may have been due to the small sample size. It was concluded that it is important to monitor individual workloads of players. Also, intensities of practices need to be increased to match game demands. Lastly, the study design was effective and the methods used were found to be appropriate for a larger population.
Association Between Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunction and Cognition in Older Adults
Authors: Churnin Ian , Qazi Jamiluddin , Fermin Cyrelle R. , Wilson James H. , Payne Spencer C. , Mattos Jose L.
Published: January 2019

Background

The association between olfactory dysfunction (OD) and cognitive decline is becoming apparent in the emerging literature. However, the literature demonstrating a similar effect between gustatory dysfunction (GD) and cognition is not well established.

Objective

To determine whether OD and GD are independently associated with cognitive impairment.

Methods

The 2013–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was queried for 1376 older adults, corresponding to a weighted population sample of 50 816 529, to assess olfactory and gustatory status and cognition using univariate and multivariate regression analyses. OD and GD were determined using objective measurements with validated protocols. Participants were stratified as normal or abnormal cognition status using accepted cutoff values as indicated for the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD) neuropsychological test, Animal Fluency Test (AFT), and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST).

Results

OD was associated with both mild cognitive impairment (odds ratio [OR] 1.809, P = .004) and dementia (OR 3.173, P < .001) with CERAD testing, abnormal AFT (OR 2.424, P < .001), and abnormal DSST (OR 4.028, P < .001). GD based on 1M NaCl whole mouth taste testing was associated with dementia on CERAD testing (OR 2.217, P = .004). When smell and taste parameters were included together in the regression model, both OD and GD remained significant independent predictors of dementia status based on CERAD testing (OR 3.133, P < .001, OR 1.904, P = .015).

Conclusions

OD and severe GD represent independent predictors of cognitive impairment in a nationally representative sample of older adults.
A real-world comparative analysis of carfilzomib and other systemic multiple myeloma chemotherapies in a US community oncology setting
Authors: Rifkin Robert M. , Medhekar Rohan , Amirian E. Susan , Aguilar Kathleen M. , Wilson Thomas , Boyd Marley , Mezzi Khalid , Panjabi Sumeet
Published: January 2019

Background:

Most multiple myeloma (MM) patients ultimately progress, with remission duration decreasing after first relapse. Recently, novel agents have been approved for the treatment of relapsed MM. There is a paucity of real-world data on these treatments. We sought to compare time to next treatment (TTNT) in MM patients in their second line of therapy (LOT2), treated with common proteasome inhibitor (PI)-based triplets.

Methods:

Adult MM patients who received carfilzomib (K) between 1 November 2013 and 29 February 2016 at US Oncology Network (USON) clinics utilizing iKnowMed™ electronic health records (EHRs) were identified. Patients were included if they were ⩾18 years of age, not enrolled in clinical trials, had ⩾2 visits at a USON clinic and received LOT2 regimens consisting of: K+lenalidomide with steroid (KRd), bortezomib+lenalidomide with steroid (VRd), or bortezomib+cyclophosphamide with steroid (VCyd). TTNT was estimated from LOT2 initiation to LOT3 initiation using the Kaplan–Meier method, and hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using Cox modeling.

Results:

A total of 718 patients received a K-containing regimen sometime during their MM treatment (LOT1 to LOT5). Of these, 156 patients received: KRd ( n = 112; 71.8%), VRd ( n =27; 17.3%), or VCyd ( n = 17; 10.9%). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups (mean age: 64.8 years; 58% male). Median TTNT was longest for KRd [25.3 months; 95% confidence interval (CI): 19.71–NR], versus VRd or VCyd (VRd median TTNT: 10.2 months, 95% CI: 4.24–12.71; VCyd: 6.5 months, 95% CI: 3.02–12.78; log-rank p < 0.0001). The adjusted HR for KRd was 0.19 (95% CI: 0.11–0.37), compared with VRd.

Conclusions:

Considering the real-world nature of these data, the median TTNT observed with KRd was relatively consistent, with progression-free survival (PFS) for KRd observed in the phase III ASPIRE trial (median PFS: ITT population = 26.3 months; LOT2 = 29.6 months). Patients who received KRd at first relapse had significantly longer TTNT, compared with those on VRd or VCyd, confirming the value of KRd as an important treatment option for relapsed MM.
Novel treatment approaches and future perspectives in follicular lymphoma
Authors: Sutamtewagul Grerk , Link Brian K.
Published: January 2019

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is a common B-cell malignancy characterized by relatively indolent growth and incurability with an expected lifetime course of serial intermittent treatment courses. Many patients with FL have lives shortened by the disease and despite a relatively favorable prognosis relative to other incurable systemic malignancies, optimal management of FL has not been achieved. This review focuses on identifying both patients for whom novel therapies might be most beneficial as well as systematically reviewing novel strategies at various levels of investigation. Prognostic markers incorporating clinical measurements and tumor genetics are discussed, yet at the time of diagnosis do not yet powerfully discriminate patients for whom specific strategies are beneficial. Reassessment of prognosis after evaluating the response to initial therapy is the most powerful identifier of those in need of novel management strategies. For initial therapy of high burden systemic disease, anti-CD20 antibody along with chemotherapy or immunomodulators all offer relatively similar effects on overall survival with subtly different effects on progression-free survival and quality of life. Several new agents currently under investigation in the upfront setting are discussed. Perhaps the best testing ground for novel therapies is in patients with early relapse following initial immunochemotherapy. Ongoing research in multiple therapy classes including, novel monoclonal antibodies, antibody drug conjugates, immunomodulatory agents, intracellular pathway inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and epigenetic regulators are discussed herein.
Fontan Revision: Presurgical Planning Using Four-Dimensional (4D) Flow and Three-Dimensional (3D) Printing
Authors: Carberry Thomas , Murthy Raghav , Hsiao Albert , Petko Colin , Moore John , Lamberti John , Hegde Sanjeet
Published: January 2019

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) can be a complication of certain postoperative Fontan patients whose hepatic venous blood return is not distributed evenly to both lungs. A ten-year-old female, who had previously undergone staged single ventricle palliation for complex congenital heart disease, underwent a Fontan revision due to significant left-sided pulmonary AVMs and increasing arterial oxygen desaturation. The combination of four-dimensional flow cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and three-dimensional printing enabled presurgical planning for a Fontan takedown and diversion of hepatic venous flow to the azygous vein that resulted in significant clinical improvement.
Vitamin A and Hydrochlorothiazide Causing Severe Hypercalcemia in a Patient With Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Varghese Ron T. , Khasawneh Khaled , Desikan Raman K. , Subramaniam Anandaraj , Weaver Todd , Nair Ganesh K. V.
Published: January 2019

Objective. To report a case of severe hypercalcemia, exacerbated by vitamin A supplementation and hydrochlorothiazide, in a patient with primary hyperparathyroidism. Methods. Clinical and laboratory findings are presented along with response to therapy. Results. A 68-year-old white female presented to the emergency department complaining of nausea, vomiting, and altered mental status. Laboratory findings revealed calcium 15.8 mg/dL (8.4-10.2), albumin 4.1 g/dL (3.8-4.8), and parathyroid hormone 62 pg/mL (14-64). Serum calcium improved after intravenous hydration with normal saline. Prior to this hospitalization, over-the-counter medications were significant for calcium (600 mg daily), vitamin A (11 000 IU daily), and vitamin D (800 IU daily).The patient’s prescription medications were significant for hydrochlorothiazide (12.5 mg daily). Twenty-four-hour urine calcium was subsequently found to be 146 mg (35-250). Myeloma, lymphoma, and sarcoidosis were ruled out as the etiology for hypercalcemia. The diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism was confirmed. She was treated surgically for primary hyperparathyroidism. The right and left superior parathyroid showed hypercellular parathyroid on pathology. The patient was normocalcemic after surgery. Conclusion. Previous reports suggest that very high doses of vitamin A is required to cause hypercalcemia. This case suggests that in a setting of primary hyperparathyroidism and hydrochlorothiazide therapy, vitamin A may contribute to the development of severe hypercalcemia in patients who are on calcium and vitamin D supplements. Given their biologic effects, public awareness needs to be created regarding the injudicious use of vitamins.
Concomitant Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus and Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma with Direct-Acting Antivirals in HIV Coinfection: A Case Report
Authors: Gallipani Alyssa , Cha Agnes , Berkowitz Leonard , Bakshi Anjali
Published: January 2019

This report describes a case of concomitant treatment of advanced diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with chemoimmunotherapy along with direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C virus in a patient coinfected with HIV. The patient tolerated gemcitabine, dexamethasone, cisplatin, and rituximab and achieved sustained virologic response after treatment with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir.
Teaching and Learning about Settler-colonial Racism: A Case for “Unsettling” Minoritizing and Multicultural Perspectives
Authors: Pelak Cynthia Fabrizio
Published: January 2019

This article contributes to emerging efforts to decolonize race-based approaches and antiracist pedagogies in sociology. Building on recent scholarship on settler colonialism and decolonization as well as her experiences of being unsettled, the author discusses the limitations of her critical sociological toolkit for understanding and teaching about the cultural violence associated with “Indian” sport mascots. By discussing an active-learning writing assignment and students’ work from an online course in sport and society, the author argues for sociologists to go beyond frameworks that conceptualize American Indians as a racial or ethnic group seeking greater inclusion in a multicultural nation and consider ongoing settler colonialism that structures U.S. society. The author contends that adding land back into sociological frameworks will help make visible legitimized racism and the cultural logic of elimination and replacement of Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island. To conclude, the author advocates for instructors to be critically self-reflective and to use sociology classrooms as sites of decolonization.
Follistatin-like 1 protects mesenchymal stem cells from hypoxic damage and enhances their therapeutic efficacy in a mouse myocardial infarction model
Authors: Shen Han , Cui Guanghao , Li Yanqiong , Ye Wenxue , Sun Yimin , Zhang Zihan , Li Jingjing , Xu Guiying , Zeng Xiansheng , Zhang Yanxia , Zhang Wencheng , Huang Zan , Chen Weiqian , Shen Zhenya
Published: January 2019

Background

Cell therapy remains the most promising approach against ischemic heart injury. However, poor survival of engrafted cells in ischemic sites diminishes its therapeutic efficacy. Follistatin-like 1 (Fstl1) is documented as a novel pro-survival cardiokine for cardiomyocytes, and it is protective during ischemic heart injury. In the present study, we characterize the potential of Fstl1 as an effective strategy to enhance hypoxia resistance of donor cells and optimize stem cell-based therapy.

Methods

Murine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were expanded in monolayer culture and characterized by flow cytometry. MSCs were subjected to hypoxia to mimic cardiac ischemic environment. Expression of Fstl1 was monitored 0, 24, and 48 h following hypoxia. Constitutive expression of Fstl1 in MSCs was achieved by lentivirus-mediated Fstl1 overexpression. Genetically modified MSCs were further collected for cell death and proliferation assay following 48 h of hypoxic treatment. Acute myocardial infarction (MI) model was created by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery, while control MSCs (MSCs-mCherry) or Fstl1-overexpressing MSCs (MSCs-Fstl1) were injected into the peri-infarct zone simultaneously. Subsequently, retention of the donor cells was evaluated on post-therapy 1, 3, & 7 days. Finally, myocardial function, infarct size, inflammation, and neovascularization of the infarcted hearts were calculated thereafter.

Results

Expression of Fstl1 in hypoxic MSCs declines dramatically in a time-dependent manner. In vitro study further demonstrated that Fstl1 promotes survival and proliferation of hypoxic MSCs. Moreover, Fstl1 significantly prolongs MSC survival/retention after implantation. Finally, transplantation with Fstl1-overexpressing MSCs significantly improves post-MI cardiac function by limiting scar formation, reducing inflammatory response, and enhancing neovascularization.

Conclusions

Our results suggest Fstl1 is an intrinsic cardiokine promoting survival and proliferation of MSCs, thereby optimizing their engraftment and therapeutic efficacy during cell therapy.
An integrated characterization of contractile, electrophysiological, and structural cardiotoxicity of Sophora tonkinensis Gapnep. in human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Wang Ruiying , Wang Min , Wang Shan , Yang Ke , Zhou Ping , Xie Xueheng , Cheng Qi , Ye Jingxue , Sun Guibo , Sun Xiaobo
Published: January 2019

Background

Cardiotoxicity remains an important concern in drug discovery and clinical medication. Meanwhile, Sophora tonkinensis Gapnep. (S. tonkinensis) held great value in the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine, but cardiotoxic effects were reported, with matrine, oxymatrine, cytisine, and sophocarpine being the primary toxic components.

Methods

In this study, impedance and extracellular field potential (EFP) of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) were recorded using the cardio non-labeled cell function analysis and culture system (Cardio-NLCS). The effects of matrine, oxymatrine, cytisine, and sophocarpine (2, 10, 50 μM) on cell viability; level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (CK-MB), and cardiac troponin I (CTn-I); antioxidant activities; production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA); and disruption of intracellular calcium homeostasis were also added into the integrated assessment.

Results

The results showed that matrine and sophocarpine dose-dependently affected both impedance and EFP, while oxymatrine and cytisine altered impedance significantly. Our study also indicated that cardiotoxicity of matrine, oxymatrine, cytisine, and sophocarpine was related to the disruption of calcium homeostasis and oxidative stress. Four alkaloids of S. tonkinensis showed significant cardiotoxicity with dose dependence and structural cardiotoxicity synchronized with functional changes of cardiomyocytes.

Conclusions

This finding may provide guidance for clinical meditation management. Furthermore, this study introduced an efficient and reliable approach, which offers alternative options for evaluating the cardiotoxicity of the listed drugs and novel drug candidates.
Understanding divergence of living standards between Asia and Europe: a proposition of regionally dominant cultural effects
Authors: Yong Enn Lun
Published: January 2019

This paper aims to compare living standards in Asia and in Europe with respect to several cultural dimensions to which the research on economic prosperity has paid attention. Some studies pool countries in multiple regions to identify cultural effects on economic prosperity, and this paper argues that such regional differences in culture must be considered. In addition to empirically distinguishing Asia and Europe in terms of living standards with respect to selected cultural dimensions, this study also distinguishes and investigates regions within Europe. A theoretical argument explains each region’s dominant cultural dimension, thereby hypothesizing regionally distinct effects of culture on living standards. A quadruple model is developed, and different samples are used to test the reliability and validity of the theoretical proposition. Two cultural dimensions, individualism and power distance, are identified as hallmarks of the divergence of living standards between Asia and Europe. Individualism has a significantly positive effect in Europe but insignificant in Asia, whereas the findings are opposite for power distance. The results remain robust even after controlling for confounders. The findings suggest potential barriers to maximizing the effectiveness of economic policies because a development approach adopted from Europe could be less effective in Asia, and vice versa, owing to a different dominant culture.
SOD1 activity threshold and TOR signalling modulate VAP(P58S) aggregation via ROS-induced proteasomal degradation in aDrosophilamodel of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Chaplot Kriti , Pimpale Lokesh , Ramalingam Balaji , Deivasigamani Senthilkumar , Kamat Siddhesh S. , Ratnaparkhi Girish S.
Published: January 2019

Familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (F-ALS) is an incurable, late onset motor neuron disease, linked strongly to various causative genetic loci. ALS8 codes for a missense mutation, P56S, in VAMP-associated Protein B (VAPB) that causes the protein to misfold and form cellular aggregates. Uncovering genes and mechanisms that affect aggregation dynamics would greatly help increase our understanding of the disease and lead to potential therapeutics.

We developed a quantitative high-throughput, Drosophila S2R+ cell-based kinetic assay coupled with fluorescent microscopy to score for genes involved in the modulation of aggregates of fly ortholog, VAP(P58S), fused with GFP. A targeted RNAi screen against 900 genes identified 150 hits that modify aggregation, including the ALS loci SOD1, TDP43 and also genes belonging to the TOR pathway. Further, a system to measure the extent of VAP(P58S) aggregation in the Drosophila larval brain was developed in order to validate the hits from the cell based screen. In the larval brain, we find that reduction of SOD1 level or decreased TOR signalling reduces aggregation, presumably by increasing levels of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). The mechanism of aggregate clearance is, primarily, proteasomal degradation which appears to be triggered by an increase in ROS.

We have thus uncovered an interesting interplay between SOD1, ROS and TOR signalling that regulates the dynamics of VAP aggregation. Mechanistic processes underlying such cellular regulatory networks will lead us to a better understanding of initiation and progression of ALS.
Exocyst subunit Sec6 is positioned by microtubule overlaps in the moss phragmoplast prior to cell plate membrane arrival
Authors: Tang Han , de Keijzer Jeroen , Overdijk Elysa J. R. , Sweep Els , Steentjes Maikel , Vermeer Joop E. M. , Janson Marcel E. , Ketelaar Tijs
Published: January 2019

During plant cytokinesis a radially expanding membrane-enclosed cell plate is formed from fusing vesicles that compartmentalizes the cell in two. How fusion is spatially restricted to the site of cell plate formation is unknown. Aggregation of cell-plate membrane starts near regions of microtubule overlap within the bipolar phragmoplast apparatus of the moss Physcomitrella patens. Since vesicle fusion generally requires coordination of vesicle tethering and subsequent fusion activity, we analyzed the subcellular localization of several subunits of the exocyst, a tethering complex active during plant cytokinesis. We found that the exocyst complex subunit Sec6 but not the Sec3 or Sec5 subunits localized to microtubule overlap regions in advance of cell plate construction in moss. Moreover, Sec6 exhibited a conserved physical interaction with an ortholog of the Sec1/Munc18 protein KEULE, an important regulator for cell-plate membrane vesicle fusion in Arabidopsis. Recruitment of the P. patens protein KEULE and vesicles to the early cell plate was delayed upon Sec6 gene silencing. Our findings, thus, suggest that vesicle-vesicle fusion is, in part, enabled by a pool of exocyst subunits at microtubule overlaps, which is recruited independently of vesicle delivery.
Large gastric trichobezoar causing failure to thrive and iron deficiency anaemia in an adolescent girl: a case report emphasising the imaging findings and review of the literature
Authors: Lyons Duncan
Published: January 2019

Failure to thrive, iron deficiency anaemia and abdominal pain are common paediatric presentations to general practitioners, outpatient clinics and are often referred to emergency departments. When young female patients suffering from psychiatric disorders, such as trichotillomania and trichophagia present to medical practitioners, the rare diagnosis of a trichobezoar, which is an accumulation of indigestible human hair in the gastrointestinal tract (90 % occurring in the stomach) needs to be suspected. Imaging is the mainstay of trichobezoar diagnosis and requires accurate interpretation to prevent complications. A case of a 14-year-old girl is presented, who was referred from paediatric outpatient clinics for an elective admission to the emergency department. She presented with abdominal pain, iron deficiency anaemia, failure to thrive and an epigastric/left upper quadrant mass felt on examination. A large trichobezoar was found on CT images, confirmed on endoscopy and removed with an open laparotomy. However, on the work-up imaging modalities, the radiologists missed the subtle findings of a trichobezoar. Although uncommon, trichobezoars should be considered as a differential diagnosis in female paediatric patients with a psychiatric history, who present with abdominal pain and epigastric mass. Imaging is the mainstay for trichobezoar diagnosis. As such, radiologists need to be familiar with the apparent, and subtler, pathological findings of this diagnosis and possible differential diagnoses across all imaging modalities. After successful treatment, psychiatric consultation and treatment is imperative in order to prevent reoccurrence.
An unexpected finding from a submental mass
Authors: Makwana Meeral , Walsh Stephen , Gangoli Sameer
Published: January 2019

This case describes a fit and well 17-year-old male who underwent surgical resection of a longstanding, painless, right lateral neck swelling. Believed to be either a vascular malformation, ranula or enlarged sublingual gland from pre-operative MR studies, histopathological examination of the mass revealed it as normal thyroid tissue. Post-operative imaging confirmed the absence of any remaining thyroid tissue. Hypothyroidism was confirmed with subsequent thyroid function tests. Interestingly, a “thyroid storm” which presented unknowingly during the surgical removal of the lesion did not trigger suspicion that thyroid tissue was being handled at the time. Normal, ectopic thyroid tissue in the lateral neck is rare but should be considered a differential diagnosis for neck lumps, particularly if it also presents as an intraoral swelling, as in this case. The presence of the orthotopic thyroid gland should be confirmed with diagnostic imaging prior to surgical excision of unknown neck masse
Bioethics as the ‘Third Culture’: Integrating Science and Humanities, Preventing ‘Normative Violence’
Authors: Boutlas George
Published: January 2019

Integrative Bioethics engages in descriptive and normative fields, or in two cultures, as Snow puts it in The Two Cultures and the Scientific Revolution, announcing though, in his later writings the emergence of a third culture that can mediate between the two. Thomas Kuhn in The Structure of Scientific Revolutions exposes the practice of a new paradigm of the teaching of history describing in fact the relation of science and humanities in the positivist era. The long standing reasons-causes debate that lay the groundwork of the implied incompatibility of the two cultures, as it reflects on the Collingwoodian anti-causalism of the philosophy of history, against Davidsonian causalism, may elucidate the problem of the ‘marriage’ of cultures. Taking a look on Collingwood’s absolute presuppositions and Carnap’s external to linguistic frameworks questions, will help us investigate the possibility of a coherent framework for integrated Bioethics. Can we frame a transdisciplinary field, where science and humanities as collaborating social practices, or as a new ‘cultural policy’ (according to Richard Rorty), will abstain from normative violence against each other?
Legal regulation of judicial regulation: experience of foreign States
Authors: Соловьёв Андрей , Solovyev Andrey
Published: January 2019

The publication is a comparative legal study of foreign experience in the legal regulation of the system of judicial regulation in some countries of Europe, North and Latin America, as well as Africa and Oceania.
The monograph deals with the General problems of the organization of the Institute of judicial regulation in foreign countries, as well as certain procedural issues related to its implementation.
Designed for researchers, teachers, graduate students, undergraduates and students of law schools specializing in the theory of law and the state, constitutional, administrative, civil procedural law, as well as issues of the judiciary.
For the Record: An Educational Memoir in Late Colonial India
Authors: Puri Tara
Published: January 2019

Mary Bhore’s Some Impressions of England (Bhore 1900) forms a record of her travel to England and the basis of her argument for women’s education in India. While Bhore does not openly criticise the empire, her account of her experiences as well as her very presence in England invert the logic of imperial relations by turning the colonial subject into the ethnographic observer. Her memoir is not unlike the writing of the “England-returned” men and women in late-colonial India, but it shows a curious absence of the personal. Drawing on Foucault’s “Self Writing”, I will argue that Bhore’s text is as much “a narrative of the self” as it is about a shaping of the other; in other words, it is an attempt to turn her own experience into a kind of guide for her readers.
From Heroic Durga to the Next Victim of an Oppressive Patriarchal Indian Culture: Too Many Variants of Phoolan Devi’s Biography
Authors: Szurlej Tatiana
Published: January 2019

Phoolan Devi (10.08.1963–25.07.2001), the famous Bandit Queen still appears in stories about famous Indian women. However, while in India, mainly among poor villagers, she is usually described as a heroic defender of the poorest, in the West Phoolan is seen primarily as another victim of Indian patriarchal culture. Moreover, although most of books about Phoolan are based on interviews with her, every version of her biography differs from one another, which raises the question whether these differences are the consequence of a conscious manipulation of a person who tries to justify certain dark aspects of her life, since the famous dacoit owes her fame to her bloody act of revenge on Thakurs in the Behmai village, which was the biggest crime committed by bandits in India until then.

The most popular story about Phoolan’s life is the film Bandit Queen made in 1994 by Shekhar Kapur, based on the book India’s Bandit Queen. The True Story of Phoolan Devi by Mala Sen, who is also the author of the screenplay. The autobiography of Phoolan Devi, who tried to stop the release of the Bandit Queen, claiming that it shows a false story, was written in response to those two works. By constructing her image in the autobiography, Phoolan Devi tries to appear as a very strong woman who could achieve a lot, in spite of adverse conditions. Yet it is hard to resist the impression that the autobiography of Phoolan Devi, despite of its very realistic elements, is to some extent a false testimony. The question remains whether it was the publisher, who decided to construct the story this way to satisfy the tastes of the Western readers and respond to their needs, just like the movie of Shekhar Kapur, or maybe Phoolan, deliberately or unknowingly, presented herself as a victim in search of sympathy after the massacre in Behmai.
Find the way
Authors: Rawstrone Annette
Published: January 2019

Digital technology in early years settings divides commentators, but the strength of opinion backs children using it in creative ways, finds Annette Rawstrone
Teens and toddlers
Authors: Rawstrone Annette
Published: January 2019

A programme that sees teenagers mentor nursery children is having positive effects for both sides. By Annette Rawstrone
SLCN in key stage 3: Part 1
Authors: Bromley Matt
Published: January 2019

Speech, language and communication needs can be the underpinning reason for many other problems and should be on the radar of every secondary school. In a new five-part series, Matt Bromley looks at how to support SLCN in key stage 3
CEO sob desafio duplo: crise econômica e inovação tecnológica
Authors: Simões-Coelho Marco F. , Sender Gisela , Deccax Ronaldo Andrade , Cunha de Almeida Victor Manoel
Published: January 2019

Este caso de ensino tem como questão central os desafios para a sobrevivência da empresa Ccaps Translation and Localization – empresa do segmento de localização de software, que é a adaptação de programas de computador para outros países, idiomas e culturas. O caso foi estruturado para desenvolver o conhecimento de alunos em cursos de graduação ou pós em Administração de Empresas e Engenharia de Produção, em particular nas disciplinas de estratégia e inovação. O caso possibilita que os alunos apreendam os conceitos fundamentais da Teoria da Inovação Disruptiva e da Ambidestria Organizacional. A primeira teoria descreve o impacto e desafios suscitados por inovações como as que ameaçam a sobrevivência da Ccaps e a segunda constitui instrumento estratégico para vislumbrar alternativas viáveis e promissoras para perenizar a empresa. Os alunos devem ser conduzidos pelo professor para a análise crítica dos ambientes competitivos e das capacidades atuais e futuras da Ccaps, explorando o caráter inibidor (problemas e restrições) e habilitador (soluções e “alavancas”).