bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aspirin Inhibition of In Vivo Effects of Intestinal Alkaline Phosphatase on Platelets
Authors: Iatridis P. G , Iatridis S. G , Ferguson J. H
Published: June 2018

Intravenous injections of 10 mg/kg purified intestinal alkaline phosphatase (AlPh) into (I) normal (non-aspirinized) rabbits and (II) aspirinized rabbits, show that aspirin inhibits significantly the AlPh effects on platelet aggregation and adhesion. Since aspirin does not change the assayable injected AlPh activity or its electrophoretic distribution, and whereas aspirin inhibits the platelet ADP release, it is very possible that the effects of AlPh on platelets are due to platelet ADP release by AlPh.

Aspirin also inhibits the hypercoagulable effect of the injected AlPh. If aspirin acetylates the platelet membrane by its acetyl group, this could compete with HF (Hageman factor) which is a sialoglycoprotein, and could thus prevent the activation of HF on the surface of platelets.
Retention of Plasminogen Activator and Acid Phosphatase in Lysosomes of Lipemic Rats
Authors: Beard E. L
Published: June 2018

The effect of chronic lipemia on lysosomal permeability was investigated. Rats were fed either 40% butter, 40% corn oil, atherogenic, thrombogenic or normal diet for 9 months. Prior to sacrifice, half of each diet group was injected with acid phosphatase to increase lysosomal lability. Blood and liver lysosome isolated were assayed for lysosomal enzyme levels. Only lysosomes from rats fed the normal diet responded to acid phosphatase injections by releasing increased quantities of plasminogen activator and acid phosphatase from liver lysosomes into the blood. It was concluded that chronic hypercholesterolemia and elevated blood phospholipid levels increased the integrity of lysosomal membranes and interfered with release of the hydrolytic enzymes retained by them.
Factor X
Authors: Prydz H , Gladhaug Å
Published: June 2018

A monospecific antiserum against factor X was prepared in rabbits. The antiserum precipitated factor X in human plasma and serum and monkey serum. The antiserum was used to :

1. demonstrate the presence of factor X precursor in blood from patients under anticoagulant therapy,

2. produce an artificial factor X deficiency substrate useful for testing factor X,

3. study the species specificity of factor X from various common laboratory mammals.
Pharmacokinetics of Warfarin Following Intravenous Administration to Man
Authors: O’Reilly R. A , Welling P. G , Wagner J. G
Published: June 2018

Nine sets of plasma concentration, time data, observed following rapid intravenous injection of sodium warfarin to human subjects, were fit well by the equation appropriate to the two compartment open model. The average value of the forward distribution rate constant (K1) was 0.700 h-1 (standard deviation 0.623 h-1); the average value of the reverse distribution rate constant (K-1) was 1.09 h-1 (S.D. 0.583 h-1); the average value of the loss rate constant (K2) was 0.0362 h-1 (S.D. 0.015 h-1); and the average volume of the inner compartment, of which plasma is assumed to be representative, was 4.72 1 (S.D. 0.989 1) corresponding to an average of 7.18% of body weight (S.D. 1.46). These data indicate that in the dose range studied, 50 to 600 mg of sodium warfarin, there is no evidence of dose-dependent kinetics of warfarin in man.
Studies on Thrombolysis with Streptokinase
Authors: Gottlob R , Stockinger L , Pötting U , Schattenmann G
Published: June 2018

In vitro whole blood clots of various ages, experimental thrombi produced in the jugular vein of rabbits and human thrombi from arteries and veins were examined in semi-thin sections and by means of electron microscopy.

In all types of clots examined a typical course of retraction was found. Retraction starts with a dense excentrical focus which grows into a densification ring. After 24 hours the entire clot becomes almost homogeneously dense; later a secondary swelling sets in.

Shortly after coagulation the erythrocytes on the rim of the clot are bi-concave discs. They then assume the shape of crenate spheres, turn into smooth spheres and finally become indented ghosts which have lost the largest part of their contents. In the inner zone, which makes up the bulk of the clot, we observed bi-concave discs prior to retraction. After retraction we see no crenations but irregularly shaped erythrocytes. Once the secondary swelling sets in, the cross-section becomes polygonal and later spherical. After extensive hemolysis we observe the “retiform thrombus” made up of ghosts.

Experimental and clinical thrombi present the same morphology but are differentiated from in vitro clots by: earlier hemolysis, immigration of leukocytes, formation of a rim layer consisting of fibrin and thrombocytes, and the symptoms of organization. Such symptoms of organization which definitely will prevent lysis with streptokinase were found relatively late in experimental and clinical thrombi. Capillary buds and capillary loops were never found in clinical thrombi prior to the third month.

The morphological findings agree with earlier physical and enzymatic investigations. The observation that phenomena of reorganization occur relatively late and frequently only in the rim areas of large thrombi explains why lytic therapy is possible in some of the chronic obliterations.
Physico-Chemical and Immunological Properties of Bovine Hageman Factor
Authors: Grammens G. L , Prasad A. S , Mammen E. F , Barnhart M. I
Published: June 2018

By using glass wool absorption followed by elution in strong salt solution and various precipitation methods and DEAE cellulose column chromatography, Hageman factor was purified from bovine plasma. Physico-chemical properties were studied in native protein and in 6 M urea (denatured) which was used in order to prevent monomer - polymer conversion. S°20,w was 7.07 in 0.1 M KC1 and 5.84 in 6 M urea. The intrinsic viscosity by Kragh’s method was 0.0540 ml/g inNaCl-phosphate buffer and 0.0815 ml/g in 6 M urea. Partial specific volume (v) by method based on amino acid residues in undenatured protein, was 0.724 cc/g. By using differential sedimentation equilibrium in 6 M urea-H20 and 6 M urea - D20 solution, v was determined as 0.740 cc/g. In urea, molecular weight (MW) was 142,000 as determined by meniscus depletion method. Similar values were obtained for nondenatured and denatured protein by Sephadex gel filtration, from amino acid composition using Brand’s method and Schachman’s equation. For undenatured and denatured Hageman factor, molar frictional ratios (f/fo) were 1.39 and 1.58, axial ratios were 5.0 and 7.0 and estimation of diffusion constant (D°20, w) based on S-rate, MW and v, gave values of 4.45 x 10-7 and 3.88 x 10-7 cm2/sec respectively. Our data indicate that the molecule was unfolded in 6 M urea solution. Two N-terminal groups, glycine and valine, were demonstrated by Edman procedure. Carbohydrate analysis revealed the following: hexosamine 0.8%, protein- bound hexose 1.9%, fucose 0.19% and sialic acid 0.35%. Isoelectric point was determined as 7.9 by electrofocussing technique. This protein migrated with gamma globulin on electrophoresis. Hageman factor was found to be a powerful immunogen. Anti Hageman factor reacted with both a plasma and a serum protein but not with purified IgG.
Factor IX-Inhibitors
Authors: Lechner K
Published: June 2018

1. Two patients with severe hemophilia B and an acquired inhibitor against factor IX are described.

2. The inhibitors inactivate factor IX irreversibly. The speed of inactivation is very fast and cannot slowed down by dilution of the inhibitor or by lowering of the incubation temperature. Factor IX of serum is inactivated to a higher degree than factor IX of plasma. Factor IX inhibitors are more sensitive to dilution than factor VIII inhibitors.

3. The inhibitor protein is eluted from the Sephadex G-200 column with the G-peak. On Chromatography on DEAE-cellulose two activity peaks are obtained.

4. Immunologically the inhibitors belong predominantly to the immune globulins of the G-class, but it cannot be excluded that the activity is also associated with IgA. As light chains kappa chains were found in one case.
A Study of Proteolytic and Fibrinolytic Factors in the Human Prostate
Authors: Nijs Michelle , Brassinne Christiane , Coune A , Tagnon H. J
Published: June 2018

An analysis of the proteolytic factors contained in human prostatic tissue was performed in vitro. Casein, fibrinogen and fibrin, non-radioactive and radioiodinated were used as substrates.

A first factor, called direct proteolytic activity, capable of proteolyzing casein without prior activation, is described. It had no effect on fibrinogen or fibrin, was inhibited by epsilon aminocaproic acid, but not by the soybean trypsin inhibitor. This shows that this proteolytic activity was quite different from plasmin.

A second factor, called plasminogen proactivator, was demonstrated on bovine plasminogen in the presence of streptokinase, the latter being unable to produce direct activation of bovine plasminogen. Activation of this system resulted in the transformation of plasminogen into plasmin, capable of digesting casein as well as fibrinogen and fibrin. Epsilon aminocaproic acid and the soybean trypsin inhibitor inhibited this system. The properties of this proactivator show that it probably does not result from the presence of small amounts of plasminogen in the prostate. Urokinase, a factor present in human urine, is able to activate this proactivator under certain conditions.

The third factor, called plasminogen activator, was capable of activating directly human plasminogen into plasmin. It was not active on bovine plasminogen. Epsilon aminocaproic acid and the soybean trypsin inhibitor were effective inhibitors. Addition of large volumes of human prostatic extract to human plasminogen resulted in a paradoxical decrease of the proteolytic activity suggesting the possible existence in the prostate of an inhibitor of this third factor.

Possible relationships between these factors and the clinical state of fibrinolysis observed in some cases of disseminated prostatic cancer are discussed.
The Evaluation of the Two-Stage Prothrombin Assay
Authors: Hemker H. C , Hemker P. W , Torren K. v. d , Devilee P. P , Hermens W. Th , Loeliger E. A
Published: June 2018

It is shown that (and why) the traditional ways of evaluating a thrombin generation curve do not give acceptable estimations of the prothrombin content of the sample. An alternative method is shown to meet the requirements better; it consists of drawing the thrombin generation curve on a semi-logarithmic graph, and extrapolating the descending slope to zero time. This gives a thrombin concentration representing the prothrombin concentration of the original sample.
A Rapid Method for the Semiquantitative Determination of Fibrinogen and Fibrinogen Degradation Products (FDP) in Defibrination Syndrome
Authors: Sas G , Jákó J , Domán J , László C , Pádár J
Published: June 2018

1. It was found that effects of deliberate changes in fibrinogen concentration and in the amount of FDP added to the experimental system (containing pure fibrinogen solution and saline- or serumdiluted plasma) could be approximated with satisfactory accuracy by a linear plot of the logarithm of clotting times versus the inverse of fibrinogen concentration.

By increasing FDP activity the slope of the obtained lines becomes proportionately steeper. The constants, which interrelate clotting time, fibrinogen concentration and FDP activity, are to be derived experimentally. The obtained formula is expressed also nomographically.

2. Apart from the presence of some very rare anticoagulants, an elongation of thrombin time observed under strictly specified conditions points to a substantial reduction of fibrinogen concentration and/or an interplay of fibrinogen degradation products.

If a definite amount of fibrinogen (Fibrinogen sec. Warner Chilcott) is admixed to a pathological plasma, thrombin time in the latter will decrease in a specifiable manner. By entering the original and corrected thrombin time values in the reported nomogram the fibrinogen content and FDP activity of the pathological plasma can be calculated.

3. The described procedure for fibrinogen and FDP assay is suitable first of all in acute defibrination syndrome and at the thrombolytic therapy. Its agreement with the results obtained by immunodiffusion was satisfactory as regards the fibrinogen in plasmas of different fibrinogen concentration.
Diospyros kaki Cr. and Climate Changes
Authors: Creveld Marijke
Published: June 2018

Diospyros kaki Cr. as a homeopathic remedy was made from the Kaki tree from Nagasaki, Japan, that survived the 1945 Plutonium bomb attack on the city during the war between Japan and the USA. Two short cases show the remedy can be used for climate change–related indications, namely skin cancers and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The Process of Building the Repertory and a Glance to the Roads Ahead: Discussion with Roger Van Zandvoort
Authors: Tagori Yossi
Published: June 2018

This article concerns an interview with Roger van Zandvoort, author of ‘Complete Repertory and Dynamic Repertory’. In some parts, it is referring to an article I published in Vol. 2, 2017, of Homeopathic Link ‘Call for a New Concept of Homeopathic Software’. The parts concerned are those dealing with the future development of the homeopathic software, and especially the possibility to have in future software that will enable colleagues worldwide to share their data and the way these data can contribute to future repertories.
Treating Sickle Cell Disease in Africa
Authors: Achieng Benta , Akpabio Elton , Balikwisha Joseph , Omondi Monica , Hongo Yuanita , Chappell Peter , van der Zee Harry
Published: June 2018

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a condition causing lots of complications and suffering. In the past decades, treatment modalities have been developed that increase life expectancy and the quality of life of SCD patients. In Africa, these are not available, resulting in SCD patients to die young after many hospitalisations for serious and often painful crises. A new homeopathy-based remedy for SCD has been used with good results since 2013.
Usefulness of Preoperative Simulation in Skull Base Approach: A Case Report
Authors: Kolakshyapati Manish , Abiko Masaru , Mitsuhara Takafumi , Takeda Masaaki , Shrestha Tejashwi , Kurisu Kaoru , Ikawa Fusao
Published: June 2018

Skull base approach is a neurosurgical challenge requiring dexterity of the operating surgeon for good postoperative outcome. In addition to the experience of the operating surgeon, adequate preoperative information of the tumor is necessary to ensure better outcome. In clinoid meningioma, it is sometimes difficult to determine its relationship with the surrounding structure and the feeding artery. Previously, preoperative simulation has been utilized to determine the intracranial course of the compressed nerves in relation to the petroclival meningioma. We report a case of clinoid meningioma where preoperative fusion of three dimensional computed tomography angiography (3D-CTA) and 3T-fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition (FIESTA) images was useful in determining the exact location of the feeding artery to devascularize the tumor and aid in surgery. Preoperative simulation with three-dimensional digital subtraction angiography (3D-DSA) and 3T-FIESTA fusion images can be a useful adjunct tool to supplement surgery and to train neurosurgical trainees.
High-Definition Video Recording: Taking Sport Technology to the Operating Room
Authors: de Sierra C. , Cuenca-Castillo J. , Estevez-Cid F.
Published: June 2018

Filming surgeries for teaching purposes, publications, and patient records has become increasingly popular as the systems for digital recording have evolved, becoming high-quality systems, both smaller and lighter. Digital recording allows long-term storage, retrieval, and database organization. In addition, sharing digital contents has also become easier since video sharing sites and social networks make it possible to upload these contents onto the Internet. We describe a simple and economical system for surgeons to record surgeries in high definition under sterile conditions without any interference with the surgeon's line of vision.
Risk of Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism in Autoimmune Diseases: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Leeuw Karina , Rutgers Abraham , Meijer Karina , Tichelaar Vladimir , Borjas-Howard Jaime
Published: June 2018

Despite an abundance of literature on the risk of a first venous thromboembolic event (VTE) in autoimmune diseases, specific recommendations about managing VTE in autoimmune diseases are lacking. This article aimed to collect evidence on the risk of recurrent VTE in patients with autoimmune diseases. The authors searched PubMed/Embase for studies including patients with VTE and autoimmune diseases as an exposure or studies including patients with autoimmune diseases in which recurrent VTE was one of the outcomes. Eleven articles were selected from 4,739 unique abstracts. Of the 11 studies, 3 reported time-dependent rates. Two studies collected rates of recurrence in Behcet's disease, reporting a 5-year recurrence risk between 35 and 40%. However, the 5-year recurrence risk was lower than 10% in patients treated with immunosuppressant medication, while two studies suggested frequent recurrence in patients on only anticoagulant therapy. The other study reporting time-dependent incidence concerned patients with inflammatory bowel disease and index VTE. The 5-year risk of recurrent VTE was 33.4%, yielding a hazard ratio of 1.7 versus controls. All studies were retrospective and therefore risk may overestimate recurrence risk in comparison with known prospective cohort studies. There are insufficient data to make confident recommendations about the management of recurrent VTE prevention in patients with autoimmune diseases in general. The overall VTE risk profile, lower effectiveness of anticoagulants, and the observation that immunosuppression lowered risk of recurrence in patients with Behcet's disease seem to warrant immunosuppressant therapy over anticoagulation as a first consideration when preventing VTE recurrence in these patients.
Cardiac Graft from Donors with Extracorporeal Support—A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Panholzer Bernd , Huenges Katharina , Cremer Jochen , Haneya Assad
Published: June 2018

The persistent global shortage of organ donors is still a major limitation for transplantation. Experiences of heart transplantation from donors with extracorporeal support are rare. Here, we report from two cases of donors who were supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation due to acute circulatory failure. In both cases, the direct postoperative course was uneventful and free from major complications. The patients were discharged to a rehabilitation clinic. Our experience suggests that the use of heart organ from carefully selected donors with extracorporeal support is possible and may lead to an excellent outcome.
Neurological Sequelae due to Inborn Metabolic Diseases in Pediatric Refugees: Challenges in Treating the Untreated
Authors: Schiergens Katharina , Staudigl Michael , Borggraefe Ingo , Maier Esther
Published: June 2018

In the 2015 mass migration from Syria and neighboring countries, Germany received an unprecedented number of 4,76,649 asylum applications. As many of the refugees arrived in Southern Germany via the Austrian border, the city of Munich was faced with the majority of Germany's inflow of war refugees and their complex health issues. Among the refugees were a high number of children. Their main health issues were infectious diseases and surgical procedures due to trauma, but we also encountered complex chronic diseases. This report describes clinical history, signs and symptoms, diagnostics, and treatment of six pediatric patients with untreated inborn errors of metabolism (IEM): phenylketonuria, biotinidase deficiency, HMG-CoA lyase deficiency, mucopolysaccharidosis type II, and mucopolysaccharidosis type VI. Since early diagnosis and treatment is essential in IEM, both delayed diagnosis and inadequate therapy in refugee children may lead to significant brain injury, organ damage, and even death. Severe neurological sequelae in both phenylketonuria and HMG-CoA lyase deficiency could have been prevented by newborn screening. Screening programs are necessary to improve the prognoses for refugee children. European Union governments and involved health care systems should pursue early diagnosis and treatment in pediatric refugees regarding IEM to prevent neurological long-term sequelae.
Direct Excision of the Lower Eyelid: A Safe and Effective Method for Treating Dermatochalasis and Pigmentation
Authors: Glasgold Robert , Rabach Lesley , Glasgold Mark , Rogal Joelle
Published: June 2018

The subciliary and skin pinch approaches are the most widely accepted techniques for treating dermatochalasis of the lower eyelid. Direct excision (DE) is an accepted method for treating festoons; however, it is not a popular technique for the treatment of dermatochalasis and pigment of the lower lid. DE of the lower lid offers a safe and excellent aesthetic result for dermatochalasis and pigment of the lower lid, without causing lower lid malposition, which can occur with more traditional methods. In addition to being able to remove significantly more skin without risking lower lid malposition, this procedure allows for removal of the most pigmented and poorly textured skin overlying the nasojugal groove. It is an effective alternative to the conventional subciliary and skin pinch approaches.
Impedance measurement system for automatic determination of glycated hemoglobin
Authors: Tsai Shou-Ai , Tang Jing-Yau , Wang Min-Haw , Jang Ling-Sheng
Published: June 2018

In this study, an automatic glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) impedance measurement system (AHMS) is developed for the detection of HbA1c. The proposed device removes some of the drawbacks of common instruments for HbA1c detection (i.e., large, expensive, difficult to operate) by detecting the ratio of HbA1c to Hb. The method is label-free and requires only a small sample volume; no additional reagents are required. The manpower consumption and bulk of the instrument are also reduced. The method provides a simple way to analyze impedance deviation and effectively reduces the effort required by the operator. The ratios of HbA1c to Hb (4%–7%) are well distinguished, and the experiment is used to build a database for AHMS. To check the reliability of the proposed system, a sample test using three different ratios of HbA1c is applied in this study. The sample test uses HbA1c to Hb ratios of 4.7%, 5.6%, and 6.8%, and the determined experimental values are 4.93%, 5.8%, and 6.83%, respectively. The sample test has an accuracy of approximately 96.99%. Based on these results, the proposed system for detecting HbA1c through protein coverage is both effective and feasible.
Development of a hard X-ray split-and-delay line and performance simulations for two-color pump-probe experiments at the European XFEL
Authors: Lu W. , Friedrich B. , Noll T. , Zhou K. , Hallmann J. , Ansaldi G. , Roth T. , Serkez S. , Geloni G. , Madsen A. , Eisebitt S.
Published: June 2018

A hard X-ray Split-and-Delay Line (SDL) under construction for the Materials Imaging and Dynamics station at the European X-Ray Free-Electron Laser (XFEL) is presented. This device aims at providing pairs of X-ray pulses with a variable time delay ranging from −10 ps to 800 ps in a photon energy range from 5 to 10 keV for photon correlation and X-ray pump-probe experiments. A custom designed mechanical motion system including active feedback control ensures that the high demands for stability and accuracy can be met and the design goals achieved. Using special radiation configurations of the European XFEL’s SASE-2 undulator (SASE: Self-Amplified Spontaneous Emission), two-color hard x-ray pump-probe schemes with varying photon energy separations have been proposed. Simulations indicate that more than 109 photons on the sample per pulse-pair and up to about 10% photon energy separation can be achieved in the hard X-ray region using the SDL.
Language choices and practices of migrants in Germany
Authors: Fiedler Sabine , Wohlfarth Agnes
Published: June 2018

The language uses of twenty migrants in Germany who have English in their language repertoires are investigated through semi-structured interviews and qualitative content analysis. The findings suggest that in occupation-related situations and daily life, these migrants resort to English in situations that are too difficult to handle in German. For most of them this is only temporary, before they have a sufficient command of German. Whether and how well migrants learn German depends on factors such as the planned length of stay, the demand for the language in their professional field, previous migration experiences, and personality. Most of the interviewees had taken language classes and were highly motivated to learn German, as English is not always a viable option for communication in Germany and because they considered proficiency in German a sign of respect. The use of German and English as a lingua franca were the two major mediation strategies, along with language technologies like Google Translate, while some interviewees reported successful use of intercomprehension.
Exploring the construction of the Irish Mammy in ‘Mrs Brown’s Boys’
Authors: Murphy Bróna , Palma-Fahey María
Published: June 2018

This paper explores how the cultural concept of the Irish Mammy is portrayed in the popular television comedy series ‘Mrs Brown’s Boys’. Considering the historicity and cultural aspects surrounding essential views of Irishness that have shaped the archetype of the stereotype, we draw on a corpus of (semi)scripted fictional interaction taken from the series. Using a Corpus Assisted Discourse Studies (CADS) approach to explore linguistic patterning surrounding the use of key lexical markers (e.g. Mammy), we investigate what they reveal about how the concept is represented, (de)constructed, and negotiated. The paper discusses the construction and deconstruction of the stereotype and the extent to which it draws on shared knowledge to reflect and navigate particular cultural values and concerns (Hall 1997; Hall et al. 2013). It views the deconstruction, in particular, as a way of challenging the traditional stereotype, in light of societal change, to provide a more layered, realistic and multi-faceted insight into the identities of the Irish Mammy figure within the fictional context of Mrs Brown’s Boys.
Preludeas lifespan gauge
Authors: Thomson David
Published: June 2018

Through multiple versions ofPrelude, readers can follow the progress of a poem 41 years in the making, a period that exceeds by far the timeline of its narration. To do so I employed automated analysis platforms LIWC (Pennebaker, Chung, Ireland, Gonzales, & Booth, 2007a) and SEANCE (Crossley, Kyle, & McNamara, 2016). Results reveal that Wordsworth exhibited habits of mind resonant with maturation, especially in his increased positivity and abstraction. Discriminant function analysis revealed four psychological markers that almost completely identified shifts between editions. Indices connoting trust and sadness, as well as positive adjectives and the cognitive indicator of exclusion, accounted for 63 percent of the variance. The study offers a methodology for considering multiple versions of any text in which the passage of time becomes an important marker. I present these findings within a digital humanities framework and conclude by discussing applications.
Whatever Happened toThe Little Black Fish?
Authors: Bassiri Kaveh
Published: June 2018

This essay uses retranslation studies to trace the defanging and domestication of Samad Behrangi’sThe Little Black Fish, a children’s story once hailed as a major revolutionary and literary text. Behrangi’s book is the only modern Iranian prose work to have been translated multiple times both before and after the Islamic Revolution of 1979. The study compares the texts from several of these retranslations, by considering whether they have been domesticated for their English readers, as well as their context, by looking at the cultural impact of such factors as the Islamic Revolution and US‒Iran relations. It looks at how various translators and publishers have interpreted the story and how their perspectives reflect Iranian history, the influence of Middle East studies, and the interests of the Iranian diaspora. The result sheds light on translation norms, as well as on the circulation and interpretation of Iranian literature in the global context.
The Bride
Authors: Fardjam Farideh
Published: June 2018

Farideh Fardjam (b. 1935) is an accomplished Iranian playwright. After receiving her early education in Iran, she spent several years studying in France. She then returned to Iran and obtained her B.A. degree in Persian literature from the University of Tehran.

Fardjam has been writing plays since 1961. Her interests also center on children's stories. Ten of her stories on traditional Iranian themes have already been published. Fardjam has been living in Amsterdam since the early 1970s where she has been active in the public relations division of the Dutch Radio and Television. She has prepared several documentary films including a film on Iranian women during the revolution.

The Bride has been produced and shown in both Iran and the United States. The play was shown on the Iranian television in the early 1960s with a noted cast that included Khorvash, Safavi, Nasirian, and Entezami.
Src activation by Chk1 promotes actin patch formation and prevents chromatin bridge breakage in cytokinesis
Authors: Dandoulaki Maria , Petsalaki Eleni , Sumpton David , Zanivan Sara , Zachos George
Published: June 2018

In cytokinesis with chromatin bridges, cells delay abscission and retain actin patches at the intercellular canal to prevent chromosome breakage. In this study, we show that inhibition of Src, a protein-tyrosine kinase that regulates actin dynamics, or Chk1 kinase correlates with chromatin breakage and impaired formation of actin patches but not with abscission in the presence of chromatin bridges. Chk1 is required for optimal localization and complete activation of Src. Furthermore, Chk1 phosphorylates human Src at serine 51, and phosphorylated Src localizes to actin patches, the cell membrane, or the nucleus. Nonphosphorylatable mutation of S51 to alanine reduces Src catalytic activity and impairs formation of actin patches, whereas expression of a phosphomimicking Src-S51D protein rescues actin patches and prevents chromatin breakage in Chk1-deficient cells. We propose that Chk1 phosphorylates Src-S51 to fully induce Src kinase activity and that phosphorylated Src promotes formation of actin patches and stabilizes chromatin bridges. These results identify proteins that regulate formation of actin patches in cytokinesis.
Serbian primary care physicians’ perspectives on adolescents’ right to confidentiality in sexual and reproductive healthcare—a qualitative interview study
Authors: Jeremic Stojkovic Vida , Matejic Bojana , Turza Karel
Published: June 2018

Background

In prominent international documents and professional position papers, confidentiality was recognized as a necessary condition for effective reproductive healthcare of adolescents. Although legally guaranteed, it is questionable if the right to confidentiality of adolescents is respected in healthcare practice in Serbia.

Objectives

To assess primary care physicians’ perspectives on the legal right of minors to confidentiality in sexual and reproductive healthcare, as well as their experiences in practice.

Methods

Qualitative, semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 12 primary care pediatricians and gynecologists at several municipalities of the city of Belgrade were performed. Interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis method.

Results

Most interviewees were aware of their legal obligations and support the general idea of granting adolescents the right to confidentiality. They recognized that the lack of confidentiality assurances prevents adolescents’ access to sensitive care. However, physicians expressed concerns regarding medical situations when parents should be notified, which was reflected in their inconsistent respect of said right in actual practice. Several organizational obstacles were emphasized by interviewees, including insufficient number of physicians, time constraints, poor access to gynecological services and vague definitions of legal provisions.

Conclusion

If the aim is for adolescents’ right to confidentiality to be consistently respected in practice, primary care physicians need to be systematically educated about legal provisions and given comprehensive clinical guidelines. The general positive attitude towards confidentiality expressed by the primary care physicians implies that a possibility exists to engage them as main advocates for improvements in access to the necessary health care.
A workflow for simplified analysis of ATAC-cap-seq data in R
Authors: Shrestha Ram Krishna , Ding Pingtao , Jones Jonathan D G , MacLean Dan
Published: June 2018

Background

Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin (ATAC)-cap-seq is a high-throughput sequencing method that combines ATAC-seq with targeted nucleic acid enrichment of precipitated DNA fragments. There are increased analytical difficulties arising from working with a set of regions of interest that may be small in number and biologically dependent. Common statistical pipelines for RNA sequencing might be assumed to apply but can give misleading results on ATAC-cap-seq data. A tool is needed to allow a nonspecialist user to quickly and easily summarize data and apply sensible and effective normalization and analysis.

Results

We developed atacR to allow a user to easily analyze their ATAC enrichment experiment. It provides comprehensive summary functions and diagnostic plots for studying enriched tag abundance. Application of between-sample normalization is made straightforward. Functions for normalizing based on user-defined control regions, whole library size, and regions selected from the least variable regions in a dataset are provided. Three methods for detecting differential abundance of tags from enriched methods are provided, including bootstrap t, Bayes factor, and a wrapped version of the standard exact test in the edgeR package. We compared the precision, recall, and F-score of each detection method on resampled datasets at varying replicate, significance threshold, and genes changed and found that the Bayes factor method had the greatest overall detection power, though edgeR was slightly stronger in simulations with lower numbers of genes changed.

Conclusions

Our package allows a nonspecialist user to easily and effectively apply methods appropriate to the analysis of ATAC-cap-seq in a reproducible manner. The package is implemented in pure R and is fully interoperable with common workflows in Bioconductor.
Adiabatic exponential midpoint rule for the dispersion-managed nonlinear Schrödinger equation
Authors: Jahnke T , Mikl M
Published: June 2018

Modeling long-haul data transmission through dispersion-managed optical fiber cables leads to a nonlinear Schrödinger equation where the linear part is multiplied by a large, discontinuous and rapidly changing coefficient function. Typical solutions oscillate with high frequency and have low regularity in time, such that traditional numerical methods suffer from severe step size restrictions and typically converge only with low order. We construct and analyse a norm-conserving, uniformly convergent time-integrator called the adiabatic exponential midpoint rule by extending techniques developed in Jahnke & Mikl (2018, Adiabatic midpoint rule for the dispersion-managed nonlinear Schrödinger equation. Numer. Math., 138, 975–1009). This method is several orders of magnitude more accurate than standard schemes for a relevant set of parameters. In particular, we prove that the accuracy of the method improves considerably if the step size is chosen in a special way.
A Secreted ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ Peroxiredoxin Simultaneously Suppresses Both Localized and Systemic Innate Immune Responses In Planta
Authors: Jain Mukesh , Munoz-Bodnar Alejandra , Zhang Shujian , Gabriel Dean W.
Published: June 2018

The oxidative (H2O2) burst is a seminal feature of the basal plant defense response to attempted pathogen invasions. In ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ UF506, expression of the SC2 prophage-encoded secreted peroxidase (F489_gp15) increases bacterial fitness and delays symptom progression in citrus. Two chromosomal 1-Cys peroxiredoxin genes, CLIBASIA_RS00940 (Lasprx5) and CLIBASIA_RS00445 (Lasbcp), are conserved among all sequenced ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ strains, including those lacking prophages. Both LasBCP and LasdPrx5 have only a single conserved peroxidatic Cys (CP/SH) and lack the resolving Cys (CR/SH). Lasprx5 appeared to be a housekeeping gene with similar moderate transcript abundance in both ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’–infected psyllids and citrus. By contrast, Lasbcp was expressed only in planta, similar to the expression of the SC2 peroxidase. Since ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ is uncultured, Lasbcp and Lasprx5 were functionally validated in a cultured surrogate species, Liberibacter crescens, and both genes significantly increased oxidative stress tolerance and cell viability in culture. LasBCP was nonclassically secreted and, in L. crescens, conferred 214-fold more resistance to tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBOOH) than wild type. Transient overexpression of Lasbcp in tobacco suppressed H2O2-mediated transcriptional activation of RbohB, the key gatekeeper of the systemic plant defense signaling cascade. Lasbcp expression did not interfere with the perception of ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ flagellin (flg22Las) but interrupted the downstream activation of RbohB and stereotypical deposition of callose in tobacco. Critically, LasBCP also protected against tBOOH-induced peroxidative degradation of lipid membranes in planta, preventing subsequent accumulation of antimicrobial oxylipins that can also trigger the localized hypersensitive cell death response.
Center Rot of Onion (Allium cepa) Caused by Pantoea ananatis Requires pepM, a Predicted Phosphonate-Related Gene
Authors: Asselin Jo Ann E. , Bonasera Jean M. , Beer Steven V.
Published: June 2018

Pantoea ananatis, a cause of center rot of onion, is problematic in the United States and elsewhere. The bacterium lacks disease determinants common to most other bacterial pathogens of plants. A genomic island containing the gene pepM was detected within many onion-pathogenic strains of P. ananatis of diverse origins. The pepM gene of P. ananatis putatively encodes a protein that converts phosphoenolpyruvate to phosphonopyruvate, the first step in the biosynthesis of phosphonates and related molecules. This gene appears to be essential for center rot disease. Deletion of pepM rendered the mutant strain unable to cause lesions in leaves of growing onions and water-soaking of inoculated yellow onion bulbs. Furthermore, growth of the deletion mutant in onion leaves was significantly diminished compared with wild-type bacteria, and the mutant failed to cause cell death in tobacco. Complementation of the mutated strain with pepM restored the phenotype to wild-type capability. The pepM gene is the first pathogenicity factor identified that affects bacterial fitness as well as symptom development in both leaves and bulbs in a pathogen causing center rot of onion.
Course Evaluation Summary: An Enlightening and Useful Documentation Tool for Assessing Learner Outcomes and Developing Plans for Nursing Course Improvement
Authors: Kern Jacqueline
Published: June 2018

The Course Evaluation Summary (CES) is a data collection and analysis tool designed to assess the extent to which course learning outcomes are met by students within a course. Course assignments and assessments are linked to outcomes, allowing for the comparison of target and actual outcomes and the identification of strengths and areas of concern. The CES allows faculty to develop an action plan for course improvement as needed and to document implemented course changes and student concerns. Used every semester, the CES provides a history of continuous course evaluation and course improvement.
Clinical Nurses’ Perceptions of a Senior Capstone Dedicated Educational Unit
Authors: Glynn Donna M. , Wendt Judith , Russell Bonnie , Conley Grace , Hill Patrick
Published: June 2018

Clinical nurses’ perceptions of a senior capstone dedicated educational unit (DEU) model to transition to practice was evaluated in a pilot study. Nursing students were placed in the traditional capstone and the DEU senior capstone unit with clinical nurses. Staff nurses completed an online survey to compare and contrast satisfaction and effectiveness of the models. The results of the study revealed no perceived differences in the outcomes of a DEU experience as compared to the traditional preceptor model. However, nursing management reported an improved sense of leadership and teamwork on the unit with the DEU model.
Peace, Love, Field Day: An Innovative Approach to Cultivating Healthy Academic Communities
Authors: Kaylor Sara K. , Johnson Paige T.
Published: June 2018

The American Nurses Association declared 2017 the Year of the Healthy Nurse. In an effort to promote a healthy academic environment, faculty and staff in institutions of higher learning should serve as role models for healthy living for their students. This article describes an innovative approach to cultivating a healthy academic environment. Details about planning and implementation are provided along with recommendations for future implementation.
Surviving Sepsis Campaign: Research Priorities for Sepsis and Septic Shock
Authors: Coopersmith Craig M. , De Backer Daniel , Deutschman Clifford S. , Ferrer Ricard , Lat Ishaq , Machado Flavia R. , Martin Greg S. , Martin-Loeches Ignacio , Nunnally Mark E. , Antonelli Massimo , Evans Laura E. , Hellman Judith , Jog Sameer , Kesecioglu Jozef , Levy Mitchell M. , Rhodes Andrew
Published: June 2018

Objective:

To identify research priorities in the management, epidemiology, outcome and underlying causes of sepsis and septic shock.

Design:

A consensus committee of 16 international experts representing the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine and Society of Critical Care Medicine was convened at the annual meetings of both societies. Subgroups had teleconference and electronic-based discussion. The entire committee iteratively developed the entire document and recommendations.

Methods:

Each committee member independently gave their top five priorities for sepsis research. A total of 88 suggestions (Supplemental Table 1, Supplemental Digital Content 2, http://links.lww.com/CCM/D636) were grouped into categories by the committee co-chairs, leading to the formation of seven subgroups: infection, fluids and vasoactive agents, adjunctive therapy, administration/epidemiology, scoring/identification, post-intensive care unit, and basic/translational science. Each subgroup had teleconferences to go over each priority followed by formal voting within each subgroup. The entire committee also voted on top priorities across all subgroups except for basic/translational science.

Results:

The Surviving Sepsis Research Committee provides 26 priorities for sepsis and septic shock. Of these, the top six clinical priorities were identified and include the following questions: 1) can targeted/personalized/precision medicine approaches determine which therapies will work for which patients at which times?; 2) what are ideal endpoints for volume resuscitation and how should volume resuscitation be titrated?; 3) should rapid diagnostic tests be implemented in clinical practice?; 4) should empiric antibiotic combination therapy be used in sepsis or septic shock?; 5) what are the predictors of sepsis long-term morbidity and mortality?; and 6) what information identifies organ dysfunction?

Conclusions:

While the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines give multiple recommendations on the treatment of sepsis, significant knowledge gaps remain, both in bedside issues directly applicable to clinicians, as well as understanding the fundamental mechanisms underlying the development and progression of sepsis. The priorities identified represent a roadmap for research in sepsis and septic shock.
Increasing Evidence-Based Interventions in Patients with Acute Infections in a Resource-Limited Setting: A Before-and-After Feasibility Trial in Gitwe, Rwanda
Authors: Urayeneza Olivier , Mujyarugamba Pierre , Rukemba Zacharie , Nyiringabo Vincent , Ntihinyurwa Polyphile , Baelani John I. , Kwizera Arthur , Bagenda Danstan , Mer Mervyn , Musa Ndidiamaka , Hoffman Julia T. , Mudgapalli Ashok , Porter Austin M. , Kissoon Niranjan , Ulmer Hanno , Harmon Lori A. , Farmer Joseph C. , Dünser Martin W. , Patterson Andrew J.
Published: June 2018

Objective:

To evaluate whether a focused education program and implementation of a treatment bundle increases the rate of early evidence-based interventions in patients with acute infections.

Design:

Single-center, prospective, before-and-after feasibility trial.

Setting:

Emergency department of a sub-Saharan African district hospital.

Patients:

Patients > 28 days of life admitted to the study hospital for an acute infection.

Interventions:

The trial had three phases (each of four months). Interventions took place during the second (educational program followed by implementation of the treatment bundle) and third (provision of resources to implement treatment bundle) phases.

Measurements and Main Results:

Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected at study enrollment; 24, 48, and 72 hours after hospital admission; and at discharge. A total of 1,594 patients were enrolled (pre-intervention, n = 661; intervention I, n = 531; intervention II, n = 402). The rate of early evidence-based interventions per patient during Intervention Phase I was greater than during the pre-intervention phase (74 ± 17 vs. 79 ± 15%, p < 0.001). No difference was detected when data were compared between Intervention Phases I and II (79 ± 15 vs. 80 ± 15%, p = 0.58). No differences in the incidence of blood transfusion (pre-intervention, 6%; intervention I, 7%; intervention II, 7%) or severe adverse events in the first 24 hours (allergic reactions: pre-intervention, 0.2%; intervention I, 0%; intervention II, 0%; respiratory failure: pre-intervention, 2%; intervention I, 2%; intervention II, 2%; acute renal failure: pre-intervention, 2%; intervention I, 2%; intervention II, 1%) were observed.

Conclusions:

Our results indicate that a focused education program and implementation of an infection treatment bundle in clinical practice increased the rate of early evidence-based interventions in patients with acute infections (mostly malaria) admitted to a sub-Saharan African district hospital. Provision of material resources did not further increase this rate. While no safety issues were detected, this could be related to the very low disease severity of the enrolled patient population (www.clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02697513).