bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Assessment and Clinical Risk Management for Young Antisocial Children: The Forgotten Group
Authors: Augimeri Leena , Walsh Margaret , Woods Sarah , Jiang Depeng
Published: April 2019

Centre for Children Committing Offences (CCCO), at Child Development Institute (CDI) in Toronto, Canada, developed Early Assessment Risk Lists (EARL-20B for boys; EARL-21G for girls), for young children at-risk for future criminality. In this first EARL prospective longitudinal study, 573 boys and 294 girls who participated in SNAP®, a gender-specific evidencebased model for at-risk children (6-11 years), 8.2% of boys and 3.1% of girls had registered criminal offences at follow up (mean age 14.9 and 14.6 respectively). EARL Total, Family, Child, and Responsivity domain scores, including two gender-specific risk items and Overall Clinical Judgment predicted early onset of criminal activity. Findings suggest that gender-sensitive clinical risk assessment and management tools are important for effectively identifying and potentially reducing criminal outcomes.
El análisis crítico del discurso como herramienta de investigación psicosocial del mundo del trabajo: discusiones desde América Latina
Authors: Stecher Antonio
Published: April 2019

Este artículo presenta la perspectiva teórico-metodológica del Análisis Crítico del Discurso, y dentro de ésta, el modelo tridimensional de discurso desarrollado por Norman Fairclough. Se destaca el modo en que dichos enfoques pueden enriquecer el campo de la investigación psicosocial sobre el trabajo en América Latina, arrojando luces sobre las dimensiones discursivas de los procesos de reestructuración productiva y flexibilización laboral implementados en diversos países de la región. Se argumenta que a pesar del importante desarrollo y renovación de dicho campo en América Latina en la última década, aún es escasa la incorporación de las herramientas conceptuales del análisis del discurso, lo que ha dificultado el estudio de las emergentes modalidades de uso del lenguaje que caracterizan al nuevo capitalismo.
Adaptación y validación de la escala de orientación a la dominancia social (SDO) en una muestra chilena
Authors: Cárdenas Manuel , Meza Patricio , Lagues Karen , Yañez Susan
Published: April 2019

Presentamos una adaptación de la escala de Dominancia Social de la que se estudian sus propiedades psicométricas en una muestra chilena. Adicionalmente, se relaciona con otras medidas y variables psicosociales relevantes (autoritarismo, nacionalismo, patriotismo, etc.), toda vez que se busca dar cuenta del fenómeno de invarianza de género y establecer si la escala se comporta siguiendo un patrón unifactorial o multifactorial . La muestra quedó conformada por 304 participantes y los resultados indican que se trataría de un instrumento fiable y válido para detectar la variable dominancia, en nuestro entorno social. Los resultados muestran mayor compatibilidad con la estructura de dos factores que con la original de carácter unifactorial y la se ratifica la hipótesis de invarianza de género.
Evaluación de la potencia explicativa de los grafos de redes sociales clandestinas con UciNet y NetDraw
Authors: Trujillo Humberto M. , Mañas Fernando M. , González-Cabrera Joaquín
Published: April 2019

El objetivo del presente trabajo es evaluar la potencia explicativa de la visualización de las representaciones generadas mediante gráficas de redes sociales. Para ello se analizan los grafos obtenidos con la aplicación de las herramientas de software UciNet y NetDraw, teniendo en cuenta una serie de principios para su interpretación efectiva. Se estudian las características internas de las principales redes “yihadistas” que se han formado y que han actuado en España. Esto es, se indaga analíticamente el grado de relevancia de la interacción social de los actores durante su militancia y las características e implicaciones de su estructura en red.
Forgiveness and conflict resolution in close relationships: within and cross partner effects
Authors: Paleari Francesca Giorgia , Regalia Camillo , Fincham Frank D.
Published: April 2019

Do forgiveness and conflict tactics (compromise, aggression, and avoidance) predict effective arguing and relationship quality? Using 92 Italian couples their own relationship quality. For both men and women, negative responses to conflict (unforgiveness, aggression, and avoidance) overlapped and jointly predicted self-reported and partner-reported relationship quality, directly and indirectly via effective arguing. Positive responses investigated (benevolence and compromise) did not overlap for either men or women. Men’s positive responses to conflict uniquely predicted self-reported and partner-reported relationship quality via effective arguing, whereas women’s positive responses did not predict them independently of the male partner’s tactics.
Perfiles motivacionales y diferencias en variables afectivas, motivacionales y de logro
Authors: Valle Antonio , Núñez Pérez José Carlos , Rodríguez Susana , González Cabanach Ramón , González Pienda Julio Antonio , Rosario Pedro
Published: April 2019

En este trabajo se pretende identificar si existen combinaciones de múltiples metas que dan lugar a diferentes perfiles motivacionales. La muestra está integrada por 1924 estudiantes universitarios. A través del análisis de conglomerados se han identificado seis perfiles motivacionales. Los resultados indican que el perfil motivacional que engloba a los estudiantes que están motivados para aprender, pero también para conseguir mejores resultados que los demás y para evitar dar una mala imagen ante ellos, son los que informan de un mejor rendimiento académico y los que creen también tener un nivel más alto de conocimientos en las materias académicas que están cursando. Por otro lado, los estudiantes con un perfil motivacional orientado al aprendizaje son los que hacen una valoración más alta de las tareas, los que tienen un mayor grado de control sobre su proceso de aprendizaje, y los que tienen unos niveles más bajos de ansiedad.
COPE-28: un análisis psicométrico de la versión en español del brief COPE
Authors: Morán Astorga Consuelo , Landero Hernández René , González Ramírez Mónica Teresa
Published: April 2019

El propósito del presente es analizar las propiedades psicométricas del cuestionario Brief COPE en población española, analizando la estructura y dimensiones básicas del cuestionario, llamando COPE-28 a la versión española del mismo. La muestra fue de 260 adultos. Para analizar la estructura factorial, se realizó un análisis factorial exploratorio con el método de componentes principales y rotación varimax. Posteriormente se realizó un análisis factorial de segundo orden con las subescales que forman el COPE-28. El resultado de la prueba KMO pone en duda la factibilidad de realizar un análisis factorial; el análisis no confirma la estructura factorial original del instrumento. Con base en los resultados obtenidos se afirma que la validez del COPE-28 no es concluyente.
Validez y fiabilidad del inventario de ideación suicida positiva y negativa – PANSI, en estudiantes colombianos
Authors: Villalobos Álvarez Fredy Hernán
Published: April 2019

Para conocer las características psicométricas de una versión en español del Inventario de Ideación Suicida Positiva y Negativa-PANSI, se realizó un estudio de tipo instrumental, con la participación de 643 estudiantes de colegios y universidades de San Juan de Pasto (Colombia). El análisis factorial exploratorio mostró una estructura bifactorial que explicaba el 64% de la varianza. El primer factor correspondió a ideas suicidas negativas, mientras que el segundo, abarcó pensamientos protectores ante el suicidio. La escala total y las subescalas tuvieron altos valores de consistencia interna. El PANSI tuvo relaciones significativas con medidas de depresión, desesperanza, ideas suicidas y autoestima, y con indicadores de gravedad de la conducta suicida. Se concluye que el PANSI tiene buenas propiedades psicométricas, razón por la cual podría ser utilizada con estudiantes adolescentes y jóvenes.
A Step Toward Fault Type and Severity Characterization in Spur Gears
Authors: Dadon I. , Koren N. , Klein R. , Bortman J.
Published: April 2019

Gear transmissions are widely used in industrial applications and are considered to be critical components. To date, the capabilities of gear condition indicators are controversial as some condition indicators can diagnose one type of fault at the early stages, yet cannot diagnose other types of faults. This study focused on fault detection and characterization based on vibrations in a spur gear transmission. Three different common local faults were examined: tooth face fault, broken tooth, and cracks at the tooth root. The faults were thoroughly analyzed to understand the fault manifestation in the vibration signature and to find condition indicators that are robust and sensitive to the existence and severity of the fault. The analysis was based on both experimental data and simulated signals from a well-established dynamic model of the gear system. The fault detection capability of common condition indicators, as well as newly defined condition indicators, was examined and measured using statistical distances. For each fault type, the investigated condition indicators were categorized according to their discrimination power between faulted and healthy states and the ability to rank the fault severity. It was concluded that faults that affect the involute profile throughout the tooth are easily detectable. Faults such as root cracks or chipped tooth, in which mainly the tooth stiffness is affected, are much more challenging to detect. It has been shown that while using a realistic model, the capabilities of different condition indicators can be tested, and the experiments can be replaced by simulations.
TRPV1 promotes opioid analgesia during inflammation
Authors: Basso Lilian , Aboushousha Reem , Fan Churmy Yong , Iftinca Mircea , Melo Helvira , Flynn Robyn , Agosti Francina , Hollenberg Morley D. , Thompson Roger , Bourinet Emmanuel , Trang Tuan , Altier Christophe
Published: April 2019

Inflammation-induced TRPV1 activity promotes pain relief by relocalizing β-arrestin2.
Cholesterol and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: April 2019

Inhibiting the accumulation of cholesterol in iPSC-derived neurons prevents the accumulation of both β-amyloid and tau.
LanI-Mediated Lantibiotic Immunity in Bacillus subtilis: Functional Analysis
Authors: Geiger Christoph , Korn Sophie Marianne , Häsler Michael , Peetz Oliver , Martin Janosch , Kötter Peter , Morgner Nina , Entian Karl-Dieter
Published: April 2019

The two lantibiotics nisin and subtilin are produced by
Lactococcus lactis
and
Bacillus subtilis
, respectively. Both peptides have strong antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, and therefore, appropriate protection mechanisms are required for the producing strains. To prevent toxicity of their own lantibiotic, both bacteria express immunity proteins, called SpaI and NisI, and in addition, ABC transporters SpaFEG and NisFEG. Whereas it has been shown that the ABC transporters protect the producing strains by transporting the toxic peptides to the extracellular space, the exact mode of action and the physiological function of the lipoproteins during immunity are still unknown. Understanding the exact role of lantibiotic immunity proteins is of major importance for improving production rates and for the design of newly engineered peptide antibiotics. Here, we show (i) the specificity of each lipoprotein for its own lantibiotic, (ii) the specific physical interaction of subtilin with its lipoprotein SpaI, (iii) the physiological function of SpaI in protecting the cellular membrane, and (iv) the importance of the C-terminal part of subtilin for its interaction with SpaI.
A Genomic Approach To Identify Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii Strains with Enhanced Competitive Fitness in the Lungs during Multistrain Pneumonia
Authors: Agard Mallory J. , Ozer Egon A. , Morris Andrew R. , Piseaux Raul , Hauser Alan R.
Published: April 2019

Microbial competition is most often studied at the genus or species level, but interstrain competition has been less thoroughly examined.
Klebsiella pneumoniae
is an important pathogen in the context of hospital-acquired pneumonia, and a better understanding of strain competition in the lungs could explain why some strains of this bacterium are more frequently isolated from pneumonia patients than others.
Pathotyping the Zoonotic Pathogen Streptococcus suis: Novel Genetic Markers To Differentiate Invasive Disease-Associated Isolates from Non-Disease-Associated Isolates from England and Wales
Authors: Wileman Thomas M. , Weinert Lucy A. , Howell Kate J. , Wang Jinhong , Peters Sarah E. , Williamson Susanna M. , Wells Jerry M. , Langford Paul R. , Rycroft Andrew N. , Wren Brendan W. , Maskell Duncan J. , Tucker Alexander W.
Published: April 2019

Streptococcus suisis one of the most important zoonotic bacterial pathogens of pigs, causing significant economic losses to the global swine industry.S. suisis also a very successful colonizer of mucosal surfaces, and commensal strains can be found in almost all pig populations worldwide, making detection of theS. suisspecies in asymptomatic carrier herds of little practical value in predicting the likelihood of future clinical relevance.
Pyrophosphate Stimulates the Phosphate-Sodium Symporter of
Trypanosoma brucei
Acidocalcisomes and
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Vacuoles
Authors: Potapenko Evgeniy , Cordeiro Ciro D. , Huang Guozhong , Docampo Roberto
Published: April 2019

Acidocalcisomes, first described in trypanosomes and known to be present in a variety of cells, have similarities with
S. cerevisiae
vacuoles in their structure and composition. Both organelles share a Na
+
/P
i
symporter involved in P
i
release to the cytosol, where it is needed for biosynthetic reactions. Here we show that PP
i
, at physiological cytosolic concentrations, stimulates the symporter expressed in either
Xenopus
oocytes or yeast vacuoles via its SPX domain, revealing a signaling role of this molecule.
Candida glabrata Has No Enhancing Role in the Pathogenesis of
Candida
-Associated Denture Stomatitis in a Rat Model
Authors: Yano Junko , Yu Alika , Fidel Paul L. , Noverr Mairi C.
Published: April 2019

Many denture wearers suffer from
Candida
-associated denture stomatitis (DS), a fungal infection of the hard palate in contact with dentures. Biofilm formation by
Candida albicans
on denture/palate surfaces is considered a central process in the infection onset. Although
Candida glabrata
is frequently coisolated with
C. albicans
, its role in DS pathogenesis is unknown. We show here, using a contemporary rat model that employed a patented intraoral denture system, that
C. glabrata
established stable colonization on the denture/palate. However, in contrast to
C. albicans
inoculated rats, rats inoculated with
C. glabrata
exhibited minimal changes in weight gain or palatal tissue damage. Likewise, coinoculation with the two
Candida
species resulted in no exacerbation of
C. albicans
-induced DS pathology. Together, our findings indicate that
C. glabrata
has no inducing/enhancing role in DS pathogenesis.
Interacting geomorphic and ecological response of step-pool streams after wildfire
Authors: Chin Anne , Solverson Anna P. , O’Dowd Alison P. , Florsheim Joan L. , Kinoshita Alicia M. , Nourbakhshbeidokhti Samira , Sellers Samantha M. , Tyner Lauren , Gidley Rachel
Published: April 2019

Detailed study of the response of step-pool mountain channels to wildfire is rare despite increasing vulnerability of these systems. This paper reports the initial biogeomorphic response of step-pool streams to storms following the 2012 Waldo Canyon Fire, Colorado, USA. Field surveys, benthic macroinvertebrate sampling, and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) terrestrial laser scanning through 2014 generated a substantial data set comparing changes within seven channels burned by a range of severity with three unburned reference reaches. Results showed that wildfire increased the susceptibility of step-pool channels to destabilize according to the severity of burn. Whereas the step-pool morphology (step height H, step length L, and H/L) remained relatively unchanged in unburned and low-severity burned channels—even through an extreme rainfall event with recurrence intervals up to 500–1000 years—study sites affected by high burn severity altered significantly following the first comparatively minor storms. Study channels burned by moderate severity exhibited variable responses ranging from minor to substantial morphological changes, suggesting that additional factors, including slope, local topography, and proximity to other highly disturbed sites may play explanatory roles. The ecological response corroborated the geomorphic findings, with data for benthic macroinvertebrates varying according to burn severity along with the changing post-fire step-pool morphology. Ordination analysis enabled data synthesis and showed that precipitation intensity (r = 0.59) and the severity of burn (r = 0.60) together influenced the interacting morphologic and ecological responses after the Waldo Canyon Fire. Variations in H (r = 0.72), L (r = 0.56), and thalweg elevation (r = 0.75) correlated the most with the types of benthic macroinvertebrates present. Following the Waldo Canyon Fire, the highest rainfall intensities coincidentally occurred over study sites in high-severity burn areas. Although disentangling the effects of rainfall intensity and burn severity proved difficult given this scenario, the interacting and complementary roles of burn severity and rainfall intensity likely led to the greatest morphologic and ecological impacts at those sites. Findings offer insights for the post-fire management of step-pool streams that characterize frequently burned mountain areas. As wildfires grow in frequency and magnitude under warming regimes, management becomes increasingly important for anticipating future changes in burned river landscapes, mitigating potential floods and hazards, and promoting sustainable river ecosystems.
Adalimumab-induced IgA nephropathy
Authors: Bhagat Singh Aneesha Kaur , Jeyaruban Andrew Sujeevan , Wilson Gregory John , Ranganathan Dwarakanathan
Published: April 2019

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most commonly diagnosed glomerulonephritis worldwide. It is usually idiopathic and may be associated with many other diseases. Recently, biological agents including tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) inhibitors have been identified as a potential cause for IgAN. We report the case of a 39-year-old woman who presented with renal dysfunction and visible haematuria. She had a background of Crohn’s disease (CD) and had been on adalimumab for 4 years following a right hemicolectomy. Subsequently, she underwent a renal biopsy that demonstrated IgAN and adalimumab was ceased. Following a flare in her CD, she was commenced on infliximab, which led to remission of the IgAN and CD. This is the first case to demonstrate the occurrence of IgAN as a complication of a TNFα inhibitor (adalimumab) that remained in remission despite the commencement of a second TNFα inhibitor (infliximab).
Acute bilateral pulmonary embolism in a 21-year-old: is May-Thurner syndrome in our differential?
Authors: Bhadra Rajarshi , Somasundaram Meyappan , Iltchev Daniel V , Ravakhah Keyvan
Published: April 2019

May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) is a clinical condition where the left common iliac vein gets compressed by the overlying right common iliac artery anterior to the fifth lumbar vertebra and the sacral promontory. It results in vessel wall injury and predisposition to thrombosis. We present a case of a 21-year-old African-American man with no significant past medical history who came to the emergency department with left lower limb swelling associated with shortness of breath, and was eventually diagnosed to have extensive left lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) along with acute bilateral extensive pulmonary embolism (PE) as a consequence to MTS. MTS should be considered in the differential when young patients present with unprovoked or recurrent left-sided DVT. Diagnosis of this anatomical variant is critical as it may need long-term anticoagulation and consideration of pharmaco-mechanical intervention such as mechanical thrombectomy and venoplasty with or without stenting.
Pilonidal abscess of the breast
Authors: Keighley Joseph , Nadim Aishah , Howlett David
Published: April 2019

Pilonidal disease is a common condition, typically occurring in the natal cleft of adult males. Other sites of pilonidal sinus are rarely reported. We report a case of periareolar pilonidal abscess in the breast of a 52-year-old woman who presented via the breast clinic complaining of nipple inversion and pain. Clinical examination and imaging revealed an underlying abscess which recurred despite antibiotic therapy and needle aspiration; the patient therefore underwent surgical excision of the abscess cavity. Subsequent histology diagnosed pilonidal abscess, an important differential to consider in the case of breast abscess, particularly in cases that are slow to resolve or recur post-treatment.
Delayed diagnosis of odontoid peg osteomyelitis with bilateral X and XII cranial nerve palsies
Authors: Chaudhry Faisal Bashir , Raza Samavia , Ahmad Usman
Published: April 2019

Upper cervical osteomyelitis is rare. Its presenting features are fever and neck pain, but rarely it can involve lower nerves. MRI is the main imaging modality, but it is difficult to interpret due to the unique anatomy of C1 and C2 vertebra and complex intervertebral joint. We describe a case of a 67-year-old woman, who presented with the complaint of loss of voice, neck pain and fever for 5 days. Despite repeated imaging of neck, the diagnosis was not reached. As the patient’s condition continued to deteriorate, clinical signs of bilateral 10th and 12th cranial nerve paralysis appeared and lead to a focused workup for base of skull pathology. Discussion with the radiologist helped guide the imaging protocol, which leads to the correct diagnosis being made. Treatment was tailored by blood cultures and available images. Temporary immobilisation with a cervical collar and a total of 12 weeks of antibiotics lead to complete remission.
Multi-organ involvement secondary to varicella zoster virus, herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus in an immunocompromised patient
Authors: Jariwala Ripal , Zeitler Kristen , Riddle Nicole D , Sriaroon Chakrapol
Published: April 2019

The use of immunosuppressing agents can act as a catalyst for viral reactivation, promoting systemic infection with organ involvement. Current literature remains sparse on this topic but does provide individual case reports involving single viruses. We present the case of an immunocompromised patient with skin lesions, pancreatitis, colitis and hepatitis. Work-up revealed varicella zoster virus, which likely put the patient at risk for multi-organ involvement, as well as clinical suspicion of other implicated viruses, specifically herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus. A high clinical index of suspicion along with biopsy guidance for viral involvement in immunocompromised patients is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.
Common variable immunodeficiency syndrome with chronic diarrhoea
Authors: Nasa Mukesh , Mishra Smruti Ranjan , Lipi Lipika , Sud Randhir
Published: April 2019

Common variable immunodeficiency syndrome (CVID) is a heterogeneous disorder characterised by diminished levels of IgG, IgA and/or IgM, and recurrent bacterial infections. Sinopulmonary infections are most commonly reported followed by gastrointestinal (GI) infections. GI tract represents the largest immune organ with abundance of lymphoid cells, its involvement can manifest variably ranging from asymptomatic involvement to florid symptoms and signs. Diffuse nodular lymphoid hyperplasia (DNLH) of the GI tract is characterised by numerous small polypoid nodules of variable size in the small intestine, large intestine or both. It is commonly seen in association to immunodeficiency states such as CVID, IgA deficiency and chronic infections due toGiardia lambliaandHelicobacter pyloriand cryptosporidiosis. Repetitive antigenic stimulation leads to lymphoid hyperplasia. We herein describe a case of DNLH of the intestine and another case of duodenal cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection associated with CVID.
Ocular infiltration as initial presentation of acute monocytic leukaemia transformed from chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia associated withBRAFV600E mutation
Authors: Tedjaseputra Aditya , Vilcassim Fathima Shahla , Grigoriadis George
Published: April 2019

Acute monocytic leukaemia (French-British-American classification: AML-M5b) is characterised by a predominance of cells of the monocytic lineage on bone marrow examination. Furthermore, a discerning feature is its tendency for tissue infiltration. While gum hypertrophy and hepatosplenomegaly are common, ocular involvement is rare. Here, we present a case of a 75-year-old man referred with proptosis and monocytosis—subsequently diagnosed as AML-M5b, whose disease course was distinguished by extensive tissue invasion (ocular, pulmonary, liver, spleen). Cytogenetics and molecular tests were consistent with blastic transformation of previously undiagnosed chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia, supported by the presence of long-standing, low-grade monocytosis. Notably, aBRAFV600E mutation was also detected—an oncogenic driver previously reported in de novo and therapy-related, but not chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia-transformed, AML-M5b. While an initial response to cytoreductive treatment was observed, his tissue-invasive disease soon progressed with worsening pulmonary infiltrates, disseminated intravascular coagulation and renal failure, resulting in death.
Isolated first carpometacarpal joint dislocation managed with closed reduction and splinting
Authors: Slocum Amanda Mun Yee , Lui Tun Hing
Published: April 2019

A 56-year-old man, right-hand-dominant office worker, complained of pain and swelling at the base of his right thumb after using his hand to press onto the front passenger seat during an emergency brake. X-ray showed a dorsal dislocation of the first carpometacarpal joint of his right hand. Closed reduction of the joint was performed. As there were no clinical signs of instability post-reduction and X-ray confirmed that the joint was congruent, the joint was immobilised in a thumb spica splint for 6 weeks. His pain subsided and the range of motion of his first carpometacarpal joint was full at 9 weeks post-injury. Two years after the injury, he was asymptomatic and X-ray revealed normal joint anatomy with no obvious subluxation or osteoarthritic change. For patients with first carpometacarpal joint dislocations, non-operative management with splinting is a good option if the joint is stable post-reduction.
Woakes’ syndrome
Authors: El Fakiri Mohamed Mehdi , Lakhdar Youssef , Raji Abdelaziz
Published: April 2019

Woakes’ syndrome is a rare entity defined as recurrent sinonasal polyposis with a consequent nasal pyramid deformity. Only a few cases are reported in the literature. The goal of this study is to present the features of Woakes’ syndrome through a clinical case. A 42-year-old man presented with a history of ASA triad. He started self-medication for 5 years. He returned to the otorhinolaryngology department for the aggravation and persistence of symptoms. CT scans showed the deformity and thinning of the nasal bones. A functional endoscopic sinus surgery and correction of nasal pyramid deformity were performed. At 6 months' follow-up, good functional and aesthetic outcomes were observed. Woakes’ syndrome was described more than 130 years ago. Treatment includes endoscopic sinonasal surgery and local treatment. Adequate management and good adherence to the therapeutic protocol could be factors to prevent this syndrome.
Vimentin overexpression as a novel poor prognostic biomarker in eyelid sebaceous gland carcinoma
Authors: Bhardwaj Mansi , Sen Seema , Chosdol Kunzang , Bakhshi Sameer , Pushker Neelam , Sharma Anjana , Kashyap Seema , Bajaj Mandeep S , Singh Vijay Kumar
Published: April 2019

Background

Vimentin is an intermediate-sized filament which is highly expressed in mesenchymal cells and is associated with epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT markers ZEB2 and Slug lead to Vimentin overexpression and E-cadherin loss, resulting in invasion and metastasis. However, the status of Vimentin remains unexplored in eyelid sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC). The study aims to determine status of Vimentin in SGC and its association with EMT markers E-cadherin, ZEB2 and Slug.

Methods

Vimentin protein expression was undertaken in 66 cases with SGC by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was determined in 42 fresh tissues by quantitative real-time PCR. Association of Vimentin with E-cadherin, ZEB2 and Slug was also analysed. Patients were followed up for 17–69 months (mean 34.02 ± 14.73 months).

Results

IHC revealed Vimentin overexpression in 37/66 (56%) cases. This overexpression showed significant association with lymph node metastasis (p=0.004) and pagetoid spread (p=0.05). Patients with high Vimentin expression also had poor disease-free survival (p=0.033). Univariate Cox regression model indicated that high Vimentin expression (p=0.043) and advanced tumour stage (p=0.002) were independent adverse prognostic factors. High Vimentin mRNA expression was seen in 16/42 (38%) cases and correlated significantly with lymph node metastasis (p=0.027), advanced tumour stage (p=0.002) and large tumour size (p=0.023). Vimentin expression overall showed a significant inverse association with E-cadherin and direct association with ZEB2 expression.

Conclusions

Vimentin overexpression in SGC is associated with EMT and leads to poor clinical outcome. It also emerged as a novel predictor for lymph node metastasis and poor survival.
Genetic and observational evidence supports a causal role of sex hormones on the development of asthma
Authors: Arathimos Ryan , Granell Raquel , Haycock Philip , Richmond Rebecca C , Yarmolinsky James , Relton Caroline L , Tilling Kate
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Males have a higher prevalence of asthma in childhood, whereas females have a higher prevalence in adolescence and adulthood. The ‘adolescent switch’ observed between sexes during puberty has been hypothesised to be due to fluctuating sex hormones. Robust evidence of the involvement of sex hormones in asthma could lead to development of therapeutic interventions.

Methods

We combine observational evidence using longitudinal data on sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), total and bioavailable testosterone and asthma from a subset of males (n=512) in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, and genetic evidence of SHBG and asthma using two-sample Mendelian randomisation (MR), a method of causal inference. We meta-analysed two-sample MR results across two large data sets, the Trans-National Asthma Genetics Consortium genome-wide association study of asthma and UK Biobank (over 460 000 individuals combined).

Results

Observational evidence indicated weak evidence of a protective effect of increased circulating testosterone on asthma in males in adolescence, but no strong pattern of association with SHBG. Genetic evidence using two-sample MR indicated a protective effect of increased SHBG, with an OR for asthma of 0.86 (95% CI 0.74 to 1.00) for the inverse-variance weighted approach and an OR of 0.83 (95% CI 0.72 to 0.96) for the weighted median estimator, per unit increase in natural log SHBG. A sex-stratified sensitivity analysis suggested the protective effect of SHBG was mostly evident in females.

Conclusion

We report the first suggestive evidence of a protective effect of genetically elevated SHBG on asthma, which may provide a biological explanation behind the observed asthma sex discordance. Further work is required to disentangle the downstream effects of SHBG on asthma and the molecular pathways involved.
Regenerative pharmacology for COPD: breathing new life into old lungs
Authors: Ng-Blichfeldt John-Poul , Gosens Reinoud , Dean Charlotte , Griffiths Mark , Hind Matthew
Published: April 2019

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major global health concern with few effective treatments. Widespread destruction of alveolar tissue contributes to impaired gas exchange in severe COPD, and recent radiological evidence suggests that destruction of small airways is a major contributor to increased peripheral airway resistance in disease. This important finding might in part explain the failure of conventional anti-inflammatory treatments to restore lung function even in patients with mild disease. There is a clear need for alternative pharmacological strategies for patients with COPD/emphysema. Proposed regenerative strategies such as cell therapy and tissue engineering are hampered by poor availability of exogenous stem cells, discouraging trial results, and risks and cost associated with surgery. An alternative therapeutic approach is augmentation of lung regeneration and/or repair by biologically active factors, which have potential to be employed on a large scale. In favour of this strategy, the healthy adult lung is known to possess a remarkable endogenous regenerative capacity. Numerous preclinical studies have shown induction of regeneration in animal models of COPD/emphysema. Here, we argue that given the widespread and irreversible nature of COPD, serious consideration of regenerative pharmacology is necessary. However, for this approach to be feasible, a better understanding of the cell-specific molecular control of regeneration, the regenerative potential of the human lung and regenerative competencies of patients with COPD are required.
12-month randomised controlled trial of ginseng extract for moderate COPD
Authors: Shergis Johannah Linda , Thien Francis , Worsnop Christopher John , Lin Lin , Zhang Anthony L , Wu Lei , Chen Yuanbin , Xu Yinji , Langton David , Da Costa Cliff , Fong Harry , Wu Darong , Story David , Xue Charlie C
Published: April 2019

Background

Panax ginseng(ginseng) is a therapeutic herb which might be beneficial in COPD. The study investigated if ginseng, compared with placebo, is effective and safe for people with moderate COPD.

Methods

This multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial compared 24 weeks of ginseng capsules (100 mg twice daily) with placebo. Participants were followed up for a further 24 weeks. Participants were aged 40 years and over and had airflow limitation in the moderate (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2) COPD range. The coprimary endpoints were the St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire, the COPD Assessment Test and the Short Form Health Survey. Secondary outcomes included lung function, exacerbation rate and use of relief medication.

Findings

168 participants were randomised 1:1 from five centres in Australia and China. Baseline characteristics were balanced between groups. There were no significant differences between ginseng and placebo, with overall results improving in both groups. Ginseng seemed safe for, and well tolerated by, people with COPD.

Interpretation

There was no significant difference in improvement in health-related quality of life (primary outcome) between the ginseng and placebo groups.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12610000768099.
Illuminating the photoisomerization of a modified azobenzene single crystal by femtosecond absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Krawczyk Kamil M. , Field Ryan L. , Liu Lai Chung , Dong Mingxin , Woolley G. Andrew , Miller R.J. Dwayne
Published: April 2019

The mechanism of isomerization for azobenzene is a topic still to be completely elucidated. Here, we describe the ultrafast dynamics of a brominated dioxane-methoxy-azobenzene under single crystal conditions by means of femtosecond transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy. Upon excitation with 400 nm light, spectral components with decays of 0.72, 2.9, and >10 ps are observed. The fast components of the system correspond to vibrational cooling of the population on the S1 excited state, with a decay to a local minimum in the reaction coordinate, followed by a longer evolution to a dark intermediate state prior to relaxing to the ground state, S0. The long time constant can be used to describe the isomerization process, returning excited population to the ground state. Spectral frequencies observed at 33 and 82 cm−1 suggest that both rotation and inversion occur in the system, with a stronger contribution coming from the latter due to a weakened N–N double bond in the excited state. This information provides insight into the structural nature of modified azobenzene systems and sets the stage for future structural studies of the molecule’s isomerization dynamics.
Nitration reactions of conjugated compounds employing lithium nitrate and trifluoroacetic anhydride
Authors: Wade Peter A. , Paparoidamis Nicholas , Miller C. Jared , Costa Stephanie A.
Published: April 2019

Tandem nitration and Ritter reaction of three conjugated dienes using trifluoroacetyl nitrate in acetonitrile led predominantly to 1,4-addition products and concomitant N-nitration. The major products, N-nitro-N-(4-nitrobut-2-enyl)acetamide derivatives, were obtained in 57%–70% yield. Tandem nitration and Ritter reaction of 4-methylpent-3-en-2-one led to the 1,2-addition product, a base-sensitive α-nitroketone. Nitration of N-methylacetamide and pyrrolidine by trifluoroacetyl nitrate occurs on the N-atom, whereas nitration of N-phenylacetamide occurs on the aromatic ring.
Involvement of the Akt-dependent CREB signaling pathway in hydrogen-peroxide-induced early growth response protein-1 expression in rat vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Rondeau Vincent , Jain Ashish , Truong Vanessa , Srivastava Ashok K.
Published: April 2019

Increased generation of reactive oxygen species is believed to play a key role in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. Excessive growth and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) have been suggested to be major contributors to vascular dysfunction. Potential involvement of early growth response protein-1 (Egr-1), a zinc finger transcription factor, in the development of vascular diseases has been suggested. Recent studies have shown that the reactive oxygen species hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) increases Egr-1 expression in VSMCs; however, signaling events leading to H2O2-induced Egr-1 expression are not fully understood. Therefore, we aimed to determine the signaling pathways implicated in H2O2-induced Egr-1 expression in rat VSMCs. Pharmacological blockade of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway by wortmannin or SC66 significantly inhibited the protein and mRNA levels of Egr-1 induced by H2O2. H2O2-induced Egr-1 expression was associated with increased phosphorylation of cyclic AMP response element-binding (CREB) protein, and pharmacological inhibition or silencing of Akt attenuated both H2O2-induced CREB phosphorylation and Egr-1 expression. Moreover, RNA interference-mediated depletion of CREB almost completely suppressed the stimulatory effect of H2O2 on Egr-1 expression. Pharmacological blockade or silencing of c-Src resulted in significant suppression of H2O2-induced Egr-1 expression as well as Akt and CREB phosphorylation. These data show that H2O2 enhances the expression of Egr-1, which was associated with increased phosphorylation of Akt, and H2O2 triggers its effects on Egr-1 expression through c-Src–mediated Akt and CREB-dependent signaling events in VSMCs.
Optimal Deployment of Charging Piles for Electric Vehicles Under the Indirect Network Effects
Authors: Tian Shihui , Hua Guowei , Cheng T. C. E.
Published: April 2019

It has been found that there is a close relationship between the popularization of electric vehicles and the deployment of the charging facilities, which provides either positive or negative feedback. Given the existence of the double feedback mechanism, namely the indirect network effects, we aim to quantify it by means of empirical research and mathematical modeling. We start with the decision equations, which consist of the consumer’s adoption decision equation and the charging-pile operator’s entrance decision equation. We quantify the influence process by analyzing the equilibrium state and critical equilibrium point. Compared with the general situation in which the scale of the charging piles is decided by the number of electric vehicles, we find that the decision that takes the indirect network effects into consideration has a great positive impact on the popularization of electric vehicles. Our findings shed light on the formulation of incentive policy and the charging-pile operator’s decision-making. We also apply location theory to address the issue of charging-pile points layout in practice.
Influence of Foramen Magnum Boundary Condition on Intracranial Dynamic Response Under Forehead Impact Using Human Body Finite Element Model
Authors: Ren Lihai , Wang Dangdang , Jiang Chengyue , Hu Yuanzhi
Published: April 2019

The biofidelity is an essential requirement of the application of human head finite element (FE) models to investigate head injuries under mechanical loadings. However, the influence of the foramen magnum boundary condition (FMBC) on intracranial dynamic responses under head impacts has yet to be fully identified until now. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different modeling methods of the FMBC on intracranial dynamic responses induced by forehead impact, especially the axonal injury associated dynamic responses. The total human model for safety (THUMS) was applied in this study. Two FE models with different FMBC modeling methods were developed from the THUMS model. Then, three forehead impact FE models were established respectively, including the original THUMS model. Further FE simulations were conducted to investigate the influence of FMBC modeling methods on intracranial dynamic responses. Though, difference between the intracranial dynamic responses (relative skull-brain motion and strain responses) at areas far from the foramen magnum were slightly, the corresponding difference at the brain stem area were distinctly. Meanwhile, the predicted axonal injury risk of the brain stem white matter was varying among each other. Different modeling methods of FMBC could result in different intracranial dynamic responses of the brain stem, and affect the axonal injury prediction. Therefore, the modeling of the FMBC should be further evaluated for the study of brain stem injury using human head FE models.
WILLINGNESS TO FORMALIZE: A CASE STUDY OF THE INFORMAL MICRO AND SMALL-SCALE ENTERPRISES IN ZIMBABWE
Authors: MUKORERA SOPHIA Z. E.
Published: April 2019

The rapidly growing informal micro and small-scale enterprise sector in Zimbabwe is an issue of concern because the government is still struggling to revive the economy from the effects of economic meltdown. Of main concern is the lost revenue through tax evasion. The growing informal sector is believed to be a result of the poor quality of certain institutions, high corruption levels in the country and lack of incentives to formalize. The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of growth constraints on the willingness to formalize by informal MSEs. Twenty internal and external growth inhibiting factors were analyzed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and a logistic model was estimated on a dichotomous variable of willing/not willing to formalize. The results show that willingness/unwillingness to formalize by informal entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe is significantly related to institutional imperfections and asymmetry of bureaucracy associated with the registration process, lack of access to technology, market and financial constraints and lack of entrepreneurial and management skills. Improving the bureaucracy of the registration process and access to technology may possibly increase the odds of the informal operators formalizing their businesses. However, improvement in market and financial constraints and entrepreneurial and managerial skills will decrease the odds of willingness to formalize.
Sensitive Electrochemical Determination of Hyperin Based on Electrochemically Activated ZrO2 Nanoparticles-Modified Carbon Paste Electrode
Authors: Wang Na , Kou Jianyao , Wang Lijie , Wang Fei , Lu Kui
Published: April 2019

A novel electrochemically activated ZrO2 nanoparticles modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) (ZrO2-CPE(ox)) was prepared and applied for selective and sensitive determination of hyperin. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectra and electrochemical experiment were used to characterize the ZrO2 nanoparticles and investigate the electrochemical performance of the ZrO2-CPE(ox). Compared with bare CPE and electrochemically activated CPE (CPE(ox)), the ZrO2-CPE(ox) got more reactive sites by electrochemical treatment and exhibited larger effective surface area and more excellent electrochemical catalytic activity toward the redox of hyperin. Under the optimum conditions, the oxidation peak currents showed a linear relationship with the concentrations of hyperin in the range of [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mol[Formula: see text]L[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mol[Formula: see text]L[Formula: see text], and a low detection limit of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mol[Formula: see text]L[Formula: see text] was achieved for hyperin. Moreover, the proposed method exhibited an excellent selectivity, stability, reproducibility and repeatability, which make it very suitable for a potential choice for determining the concentrations of hyperin in drug matrices.
Assessing copper fertility of intrusive rocks using field portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) data
Authors: Ahmed Ayesha , Crawford Anthony J. , Leslie Christopher , Phillips Joshua , Wells Tristan , Garay Amos , Hood Shawn B. , Cooke David R.
Published: April 2019

Based on a global compilation of whole-rock geochemical data, Sr/Y and Sr/MnO are identified as effective discriminators between ore-forming and unprospective intrusions in the porphyry Cu setting. Intrusive rocks are classified into three fertility groups – prospective, unprospective and mixed-signal – designed to assist explorers as a discrimination tool, narrowing the exploration search space in porphyry Cu districts.

Portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) data of Sr, Y and MnO were collected on pulp powders and rock slabs from six porphyry Cu (±Mo ± Au) districts. Pre- and post-mineralization intrusions from porphyry Cu districts have lower Sr/Y and Sr/MnO values than syn-mineralization intrusions from the same districts, although absolute values are variable between districts.

pXRF data were compared to conventional whole-rock data to determine if pXRF data were appropriate substitutes for conventional whole-rock methods of evaluating the ore-forming potential of intrusive rocks. pXRF data collected on pulp material were found to be more accurate (within 16% of conventional methods) and more precise (<5% relative standard deviation (RSD)) than those collected on intact rock slabs (within 37% of conventional methods and <24% RSD). These differences are attributed to the grain size and mineral homogeneity of samples. Despite the low precision of pXRF analyses on individual rock slabs (mean RSD of 24% Sr/Y and 32% Sr/MnO), the mean values for each sample plot in the expected fertility field on the Sr/Y and Sr/MnO diagram. Our results demonstrate that
in situ
pXRF data collection provides an effective discriminator of Cu fertility, and represents a powerful field exploration tool.

Supplementary material:
Tabulated pXRF data for all samples including standards are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4447769