bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Freezing of dendritic cells with trehalose as an additive in the conventional freezing medium results in improved recovery after cryopreservation
Authors: Shinde Prajakta , Khan Nikhat , Melinkeri Sameer , Kale Vaijayanti , Limaye Lalita
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Dendritic cell (DC) vaccination involves administration of multiple doses. Cryopreservation of tumor antigen–pulsed DCs can provide a ready to use vaccine source and eliminate the need of frequent withdrawal of the patient's blood for vaccine preparation. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of addition of trehalose in the freezing medium on the recovery of DCs after cryopreservation.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

DCs were generated from mononuclear cells from apheresis samples of healthy donors. For long‐term storage of 6 months, cells were frozen with a rate‐controlled programmable freezer and stored in liquid nitrogen. For short‐term storage of 1 month, cells were frozen and stored at −80°C. DCs frozen with Iscove's Modified Dulbecco's Medium + 10% dimethyl sulfoxide + 20% fetal bovine serum served as the control group, while the test group was additionally supplemented with 50 μg/mL of trehalose. After revival of control and test DCs, they were assessed for viability, morphology, phenotype, and functions.

RESULTS

The addition of trehalose to the conventional freezing medium helped to preserve the viability and functionality of DCs better than dimethyl sulfoxide alone in both long‐ and short‐term cryopreservation. Trehalose also protected the mitochondrial membrane potential and cytoskeleton integrity of DCs, which are necessary for their functionality. Mediators of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway like Caspase‐9 and Bim‐1 were found to be low in the test.

CONCLUSION

Supplementation of conventional freezing medium with trehalose results in better quality of DCs revived after cryopreservation. This finding could help improve DC vaccine preparation for cancer immunotherapy.
Outcomes and risk factors of transfusion‐associated circulatory overload: a case control study
Authors: Daurat Aurélien , Grenie Jessie , Roger Claire , Daurat Gérald , Cuvillon Philippe , Muller Laurent , Lefrant Jean Yves
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Transfusion‐associated circulatory overload (TACO) is a growing concern in clinical practice.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A case control study was performed at the Nîmes University Hospital, France. TACO cases occurring after RBC transfusion reported from January 1, 2014, to May 31, 2017, were included as cases. Four controls by case were randomly selected among the other RBC recipients on the same day.

RESULTS

During the study period, 60 TACO diagnoses were reported for 37,029 transfused RBCs to a total of 8787 patients; 240 controls were included. The average rate of TACO was one case every 616 RBCs transfused. One in 146 transfused patients experienced TACO. TACO was associated with a higher 28‐day mortality (22% vs. 11%; p = 0.003), and a longer hospital stay compared with controls (23.5 ± 19.6 days vs. 15.9 ± 20.1 days; p < 0.001). Four risk factors were independently associated with TACO in multivariable analysis: chronic use of loop diuretics (odds ratio [OR], 6.5, 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.3–12.9), hemorrhagic shock (OR, 12; 95% CI, 2.9–50), body weight <46 kg (OR, 7.9; 95% CI, 2.3–26.8) and chronic hypertension (OR, 4.1; 95% CI, 2–8.5).

CONCLUSION

TACO was frequent and associated with poor outcome. Four independent risk factors were identified: hemorrhagic shock, low body weight, chronic use of diuretics, and chronic hypertension.
Stability of Gyroscopic Circulatory Systems
Authors: Udwadia Firdaus E.
Published: November 2018

This paper presents results related to the stability of gyroscopic systems in the presence of circulatory forces. It is shown that when the potential, gyroscopic, and circulatory matrices commute, the system is unstable. This central result is shown to be a generalization of that obtained by Lakhadanov, which was restricted to potential systems all of whose frequencies of vibration are identical. The generalization is useful in stability analysis of large scale multidegree-of-freedom real life systems, which rarely have all their frequencies identical, thereby expanding the compass of applicability of stability results for such systems. Comparisons with results in the literature on the stability of such systems are made, and the weakness of results that deal with only general statements about stability is exposed. It is shown that the commutation conditions given herein provide definitive stability results in situations where the well-known Bottema–Karapetyan–Lakhadanov result is inapplicable.
The two faces of cGAS in cancer and immunity
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: November 2018

Cytosolic DNA sensing by cGAS promotes immunity, but its nuclear localization can promote tumorigenesis.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Streptomyces
sp. Strain SHP22-7, a New Species Isolated from Mangrove of Enggano Island, Indonesia
Authors: Handayani Ira , Ratnakomala Shanti , Lisdiyanti Puspita , Fahrurrozi  , Kusharyoto Wien , Alanjary Mohammad , Ort-Winklbauer Regina , Kulik Andreas , Wohlleben Wolfgang , Mast Yvonne
Published: November 2018

Streptomyces
sp. SHP22-7 is a novel strain isolated from a mangrove sample on Enggano Island, Indonesia.
Echinocandin-Induced Microevolution of Candida parapsilosis Influences Virulence and Abiotic Stress Tolerance
Authors: Papp Csaba , Kocsis Katica , Tóth Renáta , Bodai László , Willis Jesse R. , Ksiezopolska Ewa , Lozoya-Pérez Nancy E. , Vágvölgyi Csaba , Mora Montes Hector , Gabaldón Toni , Nosanchuk Joshua D. , Gácser Attila
Published: November 2018

Candida parapsilosis
is an opportunistic fungal pathogen with the ability to cause infections in immunocompromised patients. Echinocandins are the currently recommended first line of treatment for all
Candida
species. Resistance of
Candida albicans
to this drug type is well characterized.
C. parapsilosis
strains have the lowest
in vitro
susceptibility to echinocandins; however, patients with such infections typically respond well to echinocandin therapy. There is little knowledge of acquired resistance in
C. parapsilosis
and its consequences on other characteristics such as virulence properties. In this study, we aimed to dissect how acquired echinocandin resistance influences the pathogenicity of
C. parapsilosis
and to develop explanations for why echinocandins are clinically effective in the setting of acquired resistance.
Bacteria engineered to produce IL-22 in intestine induce expression of REG3G to reduce ethanol-induced liver disease in mice
Authors: Hendrikx Tim , Duan Yi , Wang Yanhan , Oh Jee-Hwan , Alexander Laura M , Huang Wendy , Stärkel Peter , Ho Samuel B , Gao Bei , Fiehn Oliver , Emond Patrick , Sokol Harry , van Pijkeren Jan-Peter , Schnabl Bernd
Published: November 2018

Objective

Antimicrobial C-type lectin regenerating islet-derived 3 gamma (REG3G) is suppressed in the small intestine during chronic ethanol feeding. Our aim was to determine the mechanism that underlies REG3G suppression during experimental alcoholic liver disease.

Design

Interleukin 22 (IL-22) regulates expression of REG3G. Therefore, we investigated the role of IL-22 in mice subjected to chronic-binge ethanol feeding (NIAAA model).

Results

In a mouse model of alcoholic liver disease, we found that type 3 innate lymphoid cells produce lower levels of IL-22. Reduced IL-22 production was the result of ethanol-induced dysbiosis and lower intestinal levels of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), a microbiota-derived ligand of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), which regulates expression of IL-22. Importantly, faecal levels of IAA were also found to be lower in patients with alcoholic hepatitis compared with healthy controls. Supplementation to restore intestinal levels of IAA protected mice from ethanol-induced steatohepatitis by inducing intestinal expression of IL-22 and REG3G, which prevented translocation of bacteria to liver. We engineeredLactobacillus reuterito produce IL-22 (L. reuteri/IL-22) and fed them to mice along with the ethanol diet; these mice had reduced liver damage, inflammation and bacterial translocation to the liver compared with mice fed an isogenic control strain and upregulated expression of REG3G in intestine. However,L. reuteri/IL-22 did not reduce ethanol-induced liver disease inReg3g–/–mice.

Conclusion

Ethanol-associated dysbiosis reduces levels of IAA and activation of the AHR to decrease expression of IL-22 in the intestine, leading to reduced expression of REG3G; this results in bacterial translocation to the liver and steatohepatitis. Bacteria engineered to produce IL-22 induce expression of REG3G to reduce ethanol-induced steatohepatitis.
Investigating sirukumab for rheumatoid arthritis: 2-year results from the phase III SIRROUND-D study
Authors: Thorne Carter , Takeuchi Tsutomu , Karpouzas George Athanasios , Sheng Shihong , Kurrasch Regina , Fei Kaiyin , Hsu Benjamin
Published: November 2018

Objectives

The phase III, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group SIRROUND-D study evaluated long-term efficacy and safety of the interleukin (IL)-6 inhibitor, sirukumab, in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) refractory to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Methods

Patients were randomised 1:1:1 to sirukumab 100  mg every 2 weeks (q2w), 50  mg every 4 weeks or placebo q2w subcutaneously. Patients initially randomised to placebo were rerandomised at Weeks 18, 40 or 52 to one of the sirukumab groups until Week 104.

Results

Of 1670 randomised patients, 1402 were included in the full analysis set and 1269 in the radiographic analysis set at Week 104. American College of Rheumatology scores, Disease Activity Score based on C-reactive protein, Clinical Disease Activity Index and clinically meaningful improvements in patient-reported outcomes were sustained at Week 104 among patients initially randomised to sirukumab. Placebo patients subsequently rerandomised to sirukumab showed clinical improvements at Week 104 that were comparable to results among patients initially randomised to sirukumab. Radiographic progression from Week 52 to Week 104 was comparable between all groups whether initially randomised to sirukumab or subsequently rerandomised to sirukumab from placebo. No new safety signals were identified in the extended exposure period compared with the initial 52 weeks of treatment.

Conclusions

Sirukumab treatment resulted in sustained reductions in clinical signs and symptoms and minimal progression in radiographic damage over 2 years among patients with RA refractory to DMARDs. The safety profile of sirukumab was as expected for an anti-IL-6 agent, with no new signals reported.
Comparing the disease course of patients with seronegative and seropositive rheumatoid arthritis fulfilling the 2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria in a treat-to-target setting: 2-year data from the ARCTIC trial
Authors: Nordberg Lena Bugge , Lillegraven Siri , Aga Anna-Birgitte , Sexton Joseph , Olsen Inge Christoffer , Lie Elisabeth , Berner Hammer Hilde , Uhlig Till , van der Heijde Desirée , Kvien Tore K , Haavardsholm Espen A
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Recent studies suggest that implementation of the 2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) leads to higher inflammatory activity in seronegative compared with seropositive patients at time of diagnosis. Our aim was to compare the disease course in seronegative and seropositive patients classified according to the 2010 criteria.

Methods

DMARD-naïve patients with RA fulfilling the 2010 criteria were included in the treat-to-target ARCTIC trial and followed for 24 months. We stratified patients as seropositive (rheumatoid factor (RF)+, anticitrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA)+ or both) or seronegative (RF– and ACPA–) and compared disease activity, radiographic progression, treatment response and remission rates across groups.

Results

230 patients were included with mean (SD) age 51.4 (13.7) years, and 61% were female. 34 patients (15%) were seronegative. At 24  months, disease activity measures, radiographic progression and remission rates were similar between groups, despite more inflammatory activity in seronegative patients at baseline. Treatment response was slower in seronegative compared with seropositive patients. The groups received similar treatment.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that among patients with RA classified according to the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria, seronegative patients respond well to modern treatment strategies. However, treatment response was somewhat slower in seronegative patients and radiographic progression was similar in seronegative and seropositive patients. Our results indicate that seronegative RA is not a mild form of the disease and requires intensive treat-to-target therapy similar to treatment of seropositive RA.
Matroid Secretary Problems
Authors: Babaioff Moshe , Immorlica Nicole , Kempe David , Kleinberg Robert
Published: November 2018

We define a generalization of the classical secretary problem called the
matroid secretary problem
. In this problem, the elements of a matroid are presented to an online algorithm in uniformly random order. When an element arrives, the algorithm observes its value and must make an irrevocable decision whether or not to accept it. The accepted elements must form an independent set, and the objective is to maximize the combined value of these elements. We present an
O
(log
k
)-competitive algorithm for general matroids (where
k
is the rank of the matroid), and constant-competitive algorithms for several special cases including graphic matroids, truncated partition matroids, and bounded degree transversal matroids. We leave as an open question the existence of constant-competitive algorithms for general matroids. Our results have applications in welfare-maximizing online mechanism design for domains in which the sets of simultaneously satisfiable agents form a matroid.
Solving Optimization Problems with Diseconomies of Scale via Decoupling
Authors: Makarychev Konstantin , Sviridenko Maxim
Published: November 2018

We present a new framework for solving optimization problems with a diseconomy of scale. In such problems, our goal is to minimize the cost of resources used to perform a certain task. The cost of resources grows superlinearly, as

x
q

,
q
≥ 1, with the amount
x
of resources used. We define a novel linear programming relaxation for such problems and then show that the integrality gap of the relaxation is

A
q

, where

A
q

is the
q
-th moment of the Poisson random variable with parameter 1. Using our framework, we obtain approximation algorithms for the Minimum Energy Efficient Routing, Minimum Degree Balanced Spanning Tree, Load Balancing on Unrelated Parallel Machines, and Unrelated Parallel Machine Scheduling with Nonlinear Functions of Completion Times problems. Our analysis relies on the decoupling inequality for nonnegative random variables. The inequality states that

║∑

i
=1

n

X

i

║

q

≤
C

q

║∑

i
=1

n

Y

i

║

q

,

where

X
i

are independent nonnegative random variables,

Y
i

are possibly dependent nonnegative random variables, and each

Y
i

has the same distribution as

X
i

. The inequality was proved by de la Peña in 1990. De la Peña, Ibragimov, and Sharakhmetov showed that

C
q

≤ 2 for
q
∈(1,2) and

C
q

≤
A

q

1/
q

for
q
≥ 2. We show that the optimal constant is

C
q

=
A

q

1/
q

for any
q
≥ 1. We then prove a more general inequality: For every convex function φ,

E[φ(∑

i
=1

n

X

i

)] ≤ E[φ (
P
∑

i
=1

n

Y
i
)],

and, for every
concave
function ψ,

E[ψ (∑

i
=1

n

X

i

)] ≥ E[ψ(P∑

i
=1

n

Y
i

)],

where
P
is a Poisson random variable with parameter 1 independent of the random variables
Y

i

.
Impact of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase D on hepatic diacylglycerol accumulation, steatosis, and insulin resistance in diet-induced obesity
Authors: Masuda Shigeki , Fujishima Yuya , Maeda Norikazu , Tsugawa-Shimizu Yuri , Nakamura Yuto , Tanaka Yoshimitsu , Obata Yoshinari , Fukuda Shiro , Nagao Hirofumi , Kita Shunbun , Nishizawa Hitoshi , Shimomura Iichiro
Published: November 2018

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase D (GPI-PLD) is an enzyme that specifically cleaves GPI anchors. Previous human studies suggested the relationship of GPI-PLD to insulin resistance, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the biological roles of GPI-PLD have not been elucidated. Here, we hypothesized that GPI-PLD impacted on lipid and glucose metabolism, especially in the liver. GPI-PLD mRNA was most highly expressed in the liver, and the hepatic mRNA level and circulating concentration of GPI-PLD were significantly augmented in diabetic mice. To investigate in vivo functions of GPI-PLD, we generated GPI-PLD knockout (GP-KO) mice. Mice lacking GPI-PLD exhibited the amelioration of glucose intolerance and hepatic steatosis under high-fat and high-sucrose diet. Furthermore, diacylglycerol (DAG) content was significantly decreased, and PKCε activity was suppressed in the livers of GP-KO mice. In vitro knockdown and overexpression experiments of GPI-PLD using rat primary hepatocytes showed the GPI-PLD-dependent regulation of intracellular DAG content. Finally, serum GPI-PLD levels were strongly and independently associated with serum alanine transaminase (R = 0.37, P = 0.0006) and triglyceride (R = 0.34, P = 0.001) levels in male subjects with metabolic syndrome. In conclusion, upregulation of hepatic GPI-PLD in diabetic conditions leads to DAG accumulation in the liver by shedding GPI anchors intracellularly, which may play a causal role in impaired hepatic insulin signaling and the progression of NAFLD.
Taurolidine Sensitivity of Eryptosis, the Suicidal Erythrocyte Death
Authors: Fink Madeline , Al Mamun Bhuyan Abdulla  , Zacharopoulou Nefeli , Lang Florian
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: The taurine derivative Taurolidine is effective against diverse bacteria and tumor growth. In the treatment of cancer, the substance is effective in part by triggering suicidal death or apoptosis of tumor cells. The Taurolidine-induced apoptosis involves mitochondria. Erythrocytes lack mitochondria but are nevertheless able to enter suicidal erythrocyte death or eryptosis, which is characterized by cell shrinkage and cell membrane scrambling with phosphatidylserine translocation to the erythrocyte surface. Signaling of eryptosis includes increase of cytosolic Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i), oxidative stress and ceramide. The present study explores, whether Taurolidine induces eryptosis and, if so, which cellular mechanisms are involved. Methods: Phosphatidylserine exposure at the cell surface was estimated using annexin-V-binding, cell volume using forward scatter, [Ca2+]i using Fluo3-fuorescence, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation using 2’,7’-dichlorodihydrofuorescein (DCF)-dependent fluorescence, and ceramide abundance using specific antibodies. Results: A 48 hours exposure of human erythrocytes to Taurolidine (60 µg/ml) significantly enhanced the percentage of annexin-V-binding cells, significantly decreased forward scatter and significantly increased Fluo3-fluorescence and ceramide abundance, but not DCF-fluorescence. The effect of Taurolidine on annexin-V-binding was virtually abrogated by removal of extracellular Ca2+. Conclusion: Taurolidine triggers cell shrinkage and phospholipid scrambling of the erythrocyte cell membrane, an effect at least in part due to Ca2+ entry and paralleled by increase of ceramide abundance.
ЗМІНИ БІОХІМІЧНИХ ПОКАЗНИКІВ У КРОВІ ВИСОКО- ТА НИЗЬКОЕМОЦІЙНИХ ЩУРІВ ПРИ ЕТАНОЛОВОМУ ГЕПАТОЗІ
Authors: Kostiuk O. A. , Denefil O. V. , Golovata T. K.
Published: November 2018

Вступ. Визначення механізмів ушкоджувального впливу етанолу на печінку у тварин з різною реактивністю може сприяти розробці нових методів лікування та профілактики алкогольного ураження органів і систем.

Метадослідження – виявити механізми ушкоджувального впливу при етаноловому гепатозі на організм високо- (ВЕ) та низькоемоційних (НЕ) щурів-самців.

Методи дослідження. Досліди виконано на 72 ВЕ і НЕ безпородних щурах-самцях віком 5,5–6 місяців. Тварин було поділено на 3 групи: контроль 1 (К1), контроль 2 (К2) та етаноловий гепатоз (ЕГ). Емоційний стан щурів визначали за методикою “відкрите поле”. Щури групи К2 протягом 67 днів замість води ­отримували 5 % розчин глюкози, тварини групи ЕГ – 10 % розчин етилового спирту, розведеного 5 % розчином глюкози. У сироватці крові визначали рівень аланін- та аспартатамінотрансферази, лужної фосфатази, загального білка, глюкози, показників окисної модифікації білків, дієнових і трієнових кон’югатів, шиффових основ, активність супероксиддисмутази, каталази, вміст церулоплазміну і пероксидазну активність крові. Забирали печінку для морфологічного дослідження.

Результати й обговорення. У НЕ щурів групи К1 відмічено більші активність процесів пероксидного окиснення ліпідів, концентрацію глюкози, менші рівень аланінамінотрансферази, вміст білка. При ЕГ продукти пероксидного окиснення ліпідів зменшилися одночасно з підвищенням активності антиоксидантів, але зріс вміст продуктів окисної модифікації білків, знизився вміст загального білка, більше у ВЕ тварин; збільшилась глюкоза. У ВЕ щурів знизився рівень аланінамінотрансферази, у НЕ тварин він підвищився. печінка була більш уражена у ВЕ тварин.

Висновок. Моделювання етанолового гепатозу в щурів з різною емоційністю спричинює ураження гепатоцитів унаслідок зростання окисної модифікації білків, що більш виражено у ВЕ тварин.
A new genus and species of ototretine firefly from Borneo (Coleoptera: Lampyridae)
Authors: BOCAKOVA MILADA , JANISOVA KRISTYNA
Published: November 2018

Emasia n. gen. is proposed within the Ototretinae together with one new species Emasia dentata n. sp. from Malaysia (Borneo). Principal apomorphic features are listed and illustrations of diagnostic characters provided.
New data on the taxonomy, distribution and host plants of Australian Epermeniidae (Lepidoptera: Epermenioidea)
Authors: GAEDIKE REINHARD
Published: November 2018

During the examination of hitherto undetermined specimens, six new species were found: Gnathifera fuscostriata sp. nov., G. luridicapitella sp. nov., G. montana sp. nov., G. robinsoni sp. nov., Epermenia (Epermeniola) macrodentata sp. nov., Gaedikermenia australica sp. nov. Ochromolopis paropsias Gaedike, 1972 is a new synonym of Gnathifera opsias (Meyrick, 1897). The taxa epispora Meyrick, 1897 and parasitica Meyrick, 1930, previously placed in the genus Epermenia, are transferred to Gaedikermenia Sohn & Wu, 2015. The male genitalia of Gnathifera bidentella (Gaedike, 1981) and G. acacivorella (Gaedike, 1968), and the female genitalia of G. pseudaphronesa (Gaedike, 1972) and G. queenslandi (Gaedike, 1968) are described and illustrated for the first time. First records within Australia are established for nine species. New host plants are recorded for Gnathifera eurybias (Meyrick, 1897), G. bipunctata (Gaedike, 1968), G. opsias (Meyrick, 1897), Paraepermenia santaliella Gaedike, 1968 and Gaedikermenia epispora (Meyrick, 1897). Now 25 Epermeniidae species are known from Australia. The systematic and generic affiliation of Epermenia xeranta Meyrick, 1917, is still uncertain.
Reactive Oxygen Species Are Necessary for Bleomycin A5-Induced Apoptosis and Extracellular Matrix Elimination of Nasal Polyp-Derived Fibroblasts
Authors: Wu Fan , Tian Peng , Ma Yun , Wang Jingyi , Ou Huashuang , Zou Hua
Published: November 2018

Background:

The pathology of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp (CRSwNP) is characterized by the infiltration of a large number of fibroblasts, resulting in extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Intralesional bleomycin A5 (BLE) injection has proved to be effective and safe, providing a novel treatment for CRSwNP. However, the mechanism is not clearly understood.

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to explore the possible mechanism of BLE-induced apoptosis in nasal polyp–derived fibroblasts (NPDFs).

Material and methods:

Dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate probe, cell migration assays, and cell cycle analysis were used to detect the growth characteristics and basal reactive oxygen species (ROS) traits of NPDFs. Annexin V/propidium iodide and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay was used to detect BLE-induced apoptosis. As a control, the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) was used to abrogate ROS induced by BLE. Western blot analysis was used to evaluate the effects of BLE on apoptosis and the ECM proteins of NPDFs.

Results:

The results showed that NPDFs had more active growth characteristics and higher basal ROS levels than normal nasal mucosa fibroblasts (NMFCs). NPDFs were more sensitive to BLE-induced apoptosis and ROS accumulation. GSH abrogation inhibits BLE-induced ECM degradation and apoptosis in NPDFs through a mitochondrial-mediated pathway.

Conclusions:

BLE induced NPDF apoptosis and ECM degradation through a mitochondrial-mediated pathway and in a ROS-dependent manner.
Decomposing Isomorphism: What Drives Similarity in the Adoption of New Public Management?
Authors: Li Jun , Chung Ken
Published: November 2018

New public management is a major paradigm in public administration, and its widespread adoption has been explained by institutional theory. However, most studies treat adoption as a discrete event and cannot explain why some organizations are moving away in the face of isomorphic pressure. We investigate three dimensions of isomorphism—convergence, compliance, and commitment—and test their separate effects on interorganizational similarity in adopting private service delivery, a primary form of outsourcing, among U.S. local governments. This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating the multiplicity of isomorphism and by showing how variation occurs in the isomorphic process.
Ambivalences of populism: The case of Catalan independentism
Authors: Gamper Sachse Daniel
Published: November 2018

Most of the Spanish media have portrayed Catalan independentism as nationalism and populism. This article argues that this political and social mobilization does not fit into the usual definitions of populism as anti-elitist, anti-liberal and anti-pluralistic movement. Catalan independentism is here interpreted by stressing its democratic features, namely as a form of democratic populism: horizontally organized, and critical of procedural safeguards and counter-majoritarian powers. The popular organization of the referendum on 1 October 2017 and the vigorous democratic experience by almost half of the population of Catalonia allow for a characterization of this populism as a hybrid phenomenon that includes bottom-up and top-down dynamics, thereby contrasting with the usual leader-centred understanding of populism.
Returning to Social Life: Development of Social Identity for Adolescent and Young Adult Survivors of Leukemia in Korea
Authors: An Hyeran , Lee Sunhee
Published: November 2018

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the life experiences and processes that occur as adolescent and young adult leukemia survivors return to social life using grounded theory. Method: This study comprised 14 adolescents and young adults who visited a hospital for follow-up care after treatment of leukemia. We used in-depth interviews to examine the participants’ experiences in returning to social life. The semistructured questionnaire examined “good and bad experiences in returning to social life,” “sources of happiness and stress,” and “strategies for managing stressful events.” Results: We extracted 6 categories and 21 concepts from the interviews. We grouped the 6 categories into a core category and three phases: “catching up with others,” “discovering myself,” and “planning my future.” A core category shown through all phases was “fear of recurrence.” The “catching up with others” phase included themes of “feeling different from others” and “wanting to be like others.” The “discovering myself” phase included “completing one thing at a time” and “recognizing myself as special.” The “planning my future” phase included “looking for things I can do.” Conclusions: Self-esteem was an important issue for adolescent leukemia survivors; negative illness perception affected self-esteem in both adolescents and young adults. It is important for health care providers to develop programs to help adolescent and young adult leukemia survivors to perceive their disease experiences more positively and to take part in social life, including school life.
Shadowing or What? Experience of Shadowing Acts of Being in the Field of Education
Authors: Knutas Agneta
Published: November 2018

The aim of this article is to investigate my experience of shadowing as a method. Since shadowing comes in a wide variety of understandings, the article gives the reader a short overview of research fields and topics connected to shadowing. In my use of the method, I have focused upon shadowing teachers at a multigrade school in rural Norway. Toward this background, I have formulated the research question, “In what ways has shadowing arisen thoughts on challenges as well as contributed to preliminary results?” The investigation of my experiences presents entrance to the field and orientation and use of compass. I present theories that developed during fieldwork and contributed to concepts, interpretation, and preliminary results. The results indicate shadowing gives the researcher challenges in reference to research design, terminology, and techniques. The contribution to the preliminary results indicate you have to be present in the moment to experience organizing work, whereas you can observe organizations after the fact.
Parents’ future visions for their autistic transition-age youth: Hopes and expectations
Authors: Chen Jennifer , Cohn Ellen S , Orsmond Gael I
Published: November 2018

Researchers have documented that young adults with autism spectrum disorder have poor outcomes in employment, post-secondary education, social participation, independent living, and community participation. There is a need to further explore contributing factors to such outcomes to better support successful transitions to adulthood. Parents play a critical role in transition planning, and parental expectations appear to impact young adult outcomes for autistic individuals. The aim of this study was to explore how parents express their future visions (i.e. hopes and expectations) for their autistic transition-age youth. Data were collected through focus groups and individual interviews with 18 parents. Parents’ hopes and expectations focused on eight primary domains. In addition, parents often qualified or tempered their stated hope with expressions of fears, uncertainty, realistic expectations, and the perceived lack of guidance. We discuss our conceptualization of the relations among these themes and implications for service providers and research.
Mentoring Functions and Outcomes: An Integrative Literature Review of Sociocultural Factors and Individual Differences
Authors: Banerjee-Batist Rimjhim , Reio Thomas G. , Rocco Tonette S.
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this article was to examine the possible roles sociocultural and individual difference variables play in fostering mentoring relationships. Using the integrative literature review method, we first identified four themes constituting sociocultural factors examined in mentoring relationships: gender, ethnicity, culture, and age. Nine broad themes constituting individual differences examined in mentoring relationships emerged: cognitive styles, personality, locus of control, attachment styles, interpersonal orientation, organizational orientation, learning goal orientation, social judgment capacity, and achievement and avoidance orientation. We found that though mentoring research has extensively studied sociocultural factors, it lacks sufficient depth in discussing mentoring functions and outcomes from the individual difference perspective. Individual differences need to be independently incorporated into future mentoring research, as well as in combination with research with sociocultural factors.
Assessing response to neo-adjuvant therapy in locally advanced rectal cancer using Intra-voxel Incoherent Motion modelling by DWI data and Standardized Index of Shape from DCE-MRI
Authors: Petrillo Antonella , Fusco Roberta , Granata Vincenza , Filice Salvatore , Sansone Mario , Rega Daniela , Delrio Paolo , Bianco Francesco , Romano Giovanni Maria , Tatangelo Fabiana , Avallone Antonio , Pecori Biagio
Published: November 2018

Background:

Our aim was to investigate preoperative chemoradiation therapy (pCRT) response in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) comparing standardized index of shape (SIS) obtained from dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) with intravoxel-incoherent-motion-modelling-derived parameters by diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI).

Materials and methods:

Eighty-eight patients with LARC were subjected to MRI before and after pCRT. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), tissue diffusion (Dt), pseudodiffusion (Dp) and perfusion fraction (f) were calculated and percentage changes ∆ADC, ∆Dt, ∆Dp, ∆f were computed. SIS was derived comparing DCE-MRI pre- and post-pCRT. Nonparametric tests and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed.

Results:

A total of 52 patients were classified as responders (tumour regression grade; TRG ⩽ 2) and 36 as not-responders (TRG > 3). Mann–Whitney U test showed statistically significant differences in SIS, ∆ADC and ∆Dt between responders and not-responders and between complete responders (19 patients with TRG = 1) versus incomplete responders. The best parameters to discriminate responders by nonresponders were SIS and ∆ADC, with an accuracy of 91% and 82% (cutoffs of −5.2% and 18.7%, respectively); the best parameters to detect pathological complete responders were SIS, ∆f and ∆Dp with an accuracy of 78% (cutoffs of 38.5%, 60.0% and 83.0%, respectively). No increase of performance was observed by combining linearly each possible couple of parameters or combining all parameters.

Conclusion:

SIS allows assessment of preoperative treatment response with high accuracy guiding the surgeon versus more or less conservative treatment. DWI-derived parameters reached less accuracy compared with SIS and combining linearly DCE- and DWI-derived parameters; no increase of accuracy was obtained.
Alteration of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells, Chronic Inflammatory Cytokines, and Exosomal miRNA Contribute to the Peritoneal Immune Disorder of Patients With Endometriosis
Authors: Chen Ya , Wang Kangxia , Xu Yuping , Guo Peipei , Hong Baoli , Cao Yunxia , Wei Zhaolian , Xue Rufeng , Wang Chao , Jiang Huanhuan
Published: November 2018

Immunologic disorder has been reported to promote the progression of endometriosis (EMT). It has been known that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) drive the progression of many types of diseases. Few studies have shown the relation between MDSCs and EMT. To test whether MDSCs play a role in the progression of EMT, we defined MDSCs, cytokines, and the exosomal microRNA (miRNA) profile in peritoneal fluid (PF) from EMT patients. Characteristics of MDSCs, regulatory T cells (Tregs) and effector T cells were quantified by flow cytometry. Peritoneal fluid monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP) 1/3, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand (CXCL) 1/2, and 13 other cytokines were performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Exosomal miRNA sequencing was prepared from PF of 3 women with early-stage EMT, 3 women with advanced stage EMT, and 3 women from control group. Our results showed that accumulations of monocytic MDSCs (Mo-MDSCs) and Tregs were detected in advanced patients with EMT. Patients with EMT displayed a significantly higher production of PF CXCL1, CXCL2, MCP-1, MCP-3, and HGF as compared to those from controls. MicroRNA sequencing showed 13 exosomal miRNAs (miRNA-1908, -130b, -451a, -486-5p, -4488, -432, -342, -425, -505, -6508, -145, -365a, and -365b) which are involved in immune alteration and cell proliferation and were differentially expressed in patients with EMT (fold-change ± 2.0). In conclusion, our study revealed that Mo-MDSCs, inflammatory cytokines, and exosomal miRNA seem to be involved in the progression of EMT; however, the relation between Mo-MDSCs, cytokines, and miRNA needs further research.
Chilaiditi’s sign, a cause of pseudo-pneumoperitoneum: A case report
Authors: Sachdev Manjit Singh Benjamin , Mahadzir Muhammad Daniel Azlan , Lee Tiong Chan
Published: November 2018

The differentiation between a pseudo-pneumoperitoneum and true pneumoperitoneum on an initial chest radiograph is challenging but essential to clinical practice. The former is managed conservatively whereas the latter may require surgical intervention. Chilaiditi’s sign describes a rare incidental radiological finding of gas filled bowel interpositioned between the right hemi-diaphragm and the liver, which is visible on a plain abdominal or chest radiograph. It is often misdiagnosed as a pneumoperitoneum. Correct diagnosis of Chilaiditi’s sign in an asymptomatic patient can prevent unnecessary procedures. We have reported one incidental chest radiograph with Chilaiditi’s sign in a patient presenting and treated for pneumonia. The report aims to illustrate the diagnostic dilemma experienced by clinicians in distinguishing a true versus pseudo-pneumoperitoneum on a chest radiograph.
Unconscious Racial Bias May Affect Dentists’ Clinical Decisions on Tooth Restorability: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Patel N. , Patel S. , Cotti E. , Bardini G. , Mannocci F.
Published: November 2018

Methods:

In this single-center cross-sectional survey, 57 dentists were given a clinical scenario in combination with a patient’s relevant clinical photographs and radiographs depicting either a Black or White patient presenting with a decayed tooth and associated symptoms of irreversible pulpitis. Explicit bias was measured through a questionnaire, which evaluated participants’ course of treatment, strength of recommendation, and their perception of patients’ dental cooperativeness. Implicit bias was evaluated through brief implicit associate tests.

Results:

Recommendation for root canal treatment (RCT) in the White patient condition was significantly higher than in the Black patient condition (χ2 = 4.77, P < 0.05). Overall, participants were significantly more likely to recommend root canal treatment to White patients (t = 2.46, P = 0.0172) and significantly more likely to recommend extraction for Black patients (t = 3.03, P = 0.0034). In total, 91.23% and 78.95% of all participants displayed high Brief Implicit Association Test race and cooperation scores, respectively, showing a pro-White bias in both categories. This trend was shown to be irrespective of the patient condition.

Conclusions:

Dentists’ decision making was affected by the race of the patient, resulting in a greater likelihood of extractions (less RCT) for Black patients presenting with a broken-down tooth and symptoms of irreversible pulpitis.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

The results of this study can be used by clinicians to understand the impact that unconscious racial bias may have on their treatment planning decisions. This information can create awareness, thereby reducing the impact that potential biases can have on the treatment patients receive.
Perceived and Assessed Dental Treatment Needs of Schoolchildren in Benoe Division, Cameroon
Authors: Keboa M.T. , Madathil S.A. , Nicolau B.
Published: November 2018

Introduction:

Oral health surveys combining clinical and subjective measures are effective to inform oral health policy, practice, and evaluation of oral health interventions. However, only a few studies have examined the agreement between these measures in developing countries.

Objectives:

This study investigates dental treatment needs among Cameroon’s schoolchildren; specifically, we aim to estimate the extent to which perceived and clinical measures are in agreement.

Methods:

Using a multistage sampling technique, we randomly selected 11 schools and their pupils to participate in this study. We conducted an oral clinical examination using a mouth mirror and blunt probe in a classroom to evaluate children’s oral health. In addition, the participants filled out a questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics, oral health behavior, and perceived treatment needs. To fulfill our aims, we use descriptive statistics and unconditional logistic regression.

Results:

Out of 700 children invited to participate, 692 completed the study (98.8%). The mean age of the children was 11.45 y (SD = 1.21), and there were slightly more boys ( n = 366, 52.9%) than girls ( n = 326, 47.1%). The majority of the children (85.2%) felt that their oral health was good, and more than half (53.2%) reported a perceived need for dental treatment. While 68.2% ( n = 472) had at least 1 objective treatment need, only 65.8% of them perceived this need, indicating a medium level of sensitivity (65.9%, 95% CI = 61.4% to 70.2%). In addition, we observed a high positive predictive value (84.5%, 95% CI = 80.4% to 88.1%) for perceived treatment need to detect clinically evaluated dental treatment need.

Conclusion:

Our findings show that perceived treatment has a high positive predicted value to determine clinical treatment need. Subjective assessment of treatment need may be an alternative low-cost option to help policy makers to design oral health interventions for Cameroonian children.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

This study illustrates the potential of schoolchildren in a low-income country to make a good prediction of their dental treatment needs. The majority of these countries lack the human and material resources to conduct oral health surveys that include clinical assessment of treatment needs. Therefore, stakeholders can rely on data from self-administered oral health surveys to inform policy and delivery of services to schoolchildren in resource-limited settings.
Evidence for oestrogen sensitivity in perinatal depression: pharmacological sex hormone manipulation study
Authors: Mehta Divya , Rex-Haffner Monika , Søndergaard Helle Bach , Pinborg Anja , Binder Elisabeth B. , Frokjaer Vibe G.
Published: November 2018

Background

Enhanced sensitivity to oestrogen signalling may drive increased risk for depressive symptoms when exposed to peripartum sex-steroid hormone fluctuations.

Aim

Testing if 116 pre-identified sex steroid-responsive transcripts that predicted perinatal depression (PND) translates to a pharmacological model of hormone-induced mood changes.

Method

We generated longitudinal, genome-wide gene-expression and DNA-methylation data from 60 women exposed to a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) or placebo. We used linear mixed-effect models to assess differences between baseline and follow-up for gene expression and DNA methylation in the biphasic ovarian response to GnRHa.

Results

Of the 116 PND-predictive transcripts, a significant (19%) overlap was observed with those differentially expressed post-GnRHa at both early and later follow-up, indicating sustained effects. Similarly, 49% of tested genes were differentially methylated post-GnRHa at the late follow-up. Within the GnRHa group, a large proportion of PND genes were significantly associated (gene expression; DNA methylation) with changes in depressive symptoms (28%; 66%), oestradiol levels (49%; 66%) and neocortex serotonin transporter binding (8%; 45%) between baseline and follow-up.

Conclusions

Our data bridge clinical PND biomarkers with a pharmacological model of sex hormone-induced mood changes and directly relate oestrogen-induced biological changes with depressive symptoms and associated serotonin-signalling changes. Our data highlight that individual variations in molecular sensitivity to oestrogen associate with susceptibility to hormone-induced mood changes and hold promise for candidate biomarkers.

Declaration of interest

V.G.F. received honorarium for being a speaker for H. Lundbeck A/S. E.B.B. receives research funding from Böhringer Ingelheim to investigate FKBP5 as a potential drug target for depression.
Progressive Increase in Scholarly Productivity of New American Board of Anesthesiology Diplomates From 2006 to 2016: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Ford Daniel K. , Richman Aaron , Mayes Lena M. , Pagel Paul S. , Bartels Karsten
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND:

Improving research productivity is a common goal in academic anesthesiology. Initiatives to enhance scholarly productivity in anesthesiology were proposed more than a decade ago as a result of emphasis on clinical work. We hypothesized that American Board of Anesthesiology diplomates certified from 2006 to 2016 would be progressively more likely to have published at least once during this time period.

METHODS:

A complete list of 17,332 new diplomates was obtained from the American Board of Anesthesiology for the years 2006 to 2016. These names were queried using PubMed, and the number of publications up to and including the diplomate’s year of primary certification was recorded. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the association of the year of primary certification and whether a diplomate had published at least once.

RESULTS:

The percentage of American Board of Anesthesiology diplomates with ≥1 publication at the time of primary certification increased from 14.9% to 29.3% from 2006 to 2016. The mean number of publications per diplomate more than doubled from 0.31 to 0.79. Logistic regression analysis revealed the year of primary certification as significantly associated with having ≥1 publication (P < .001). Using 2006 as the reference year, odds of having published at least once were higher in the years 2010 to 2016, with the highest odds ratio of having a article published occurring in 2016: 2.359 (confidence interval, 1.978–2.812; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Publications by new diplomates of the American Board of Anesthesiology have increased between 2006 and 2016. Whether the observed increase in publications could reflect efforts to stimulate interest in academic objectives during training remains to be proven.
ПРОЕКТИРОВАНИЕ И РЕАЛИЗАЦИЯ ПРОГРАММЫ РАЗВИТИЯ ЛИЧНОСТНОЙ ГОТОВНОСТИ БУДУЩЕГО ПЕДАГОГА К ИННОВАЦИОННОЙ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ В ПРОЦЕССЕ ИЗУЧЕНИЯ ПСИХОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ДИСЦИПЛИН
Authors: Savinova Tatyana Viktorovna , Kudashkin Olga Vasilyevna , Erokhina Tatyana Gennadievna
Published: November 2018

Цель. Статья посвящена развитию личностной готовности будущего педагога к инновационной деятельности. Данная проблема в настоящее время стала особо актуальной в связи с реформированием профессионального образования и его ориентированием на инновации.Метод или методология проведения работы. Теоретический анализ литературы по проблеме исследования, проектирование программы развития личностной готовности будущего педагога к инновационной деятельности в процессе изучения психологических дисциплин.Результаты. Разработанная в ходе исследования программа способствует развитию у будущих педагогов личностных качеств, необходимых для эффективной реализации инновационной деятельности.Область применения результатов. Результаты исследования могут быть полезны преподавателям вузов и использоваться в процессе разработки и проведения психологических дисциплин; специалистами различных организаций для формирования кадровой политики и подбора персонала.