bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redefining the State in Health Care Policy in Italy and the United States
Authors: Frisina Doetter Lorraine , Neri Stefano
Published: October 2018

In highly decentralized political systems such as in Italy and the United States of America (US), the global financial crises beginning in 2008 gave way to a more assertive role of the central government in policy areas including health. In the Italian National Health Service, the central government intensified cost containment, partially recentralizing policy‐making and limiting the autonomy of Regions with high deficits. In the predominantly private health system of theUS, crisis ushered in dramatic federal health reform in 2010. This study asks, what role did financial crisis and an analogous intergovernmental context surrounding health care play in explaining the (re)centralization observed between two highly divergent health system types? We examine evidence particularly with a view to the concept ofregulatory hybridization(Rothgang et al., 2010) and the larger explanatory model of health care system change put forth by Schmid, Cacace, Götze and Rothgang (2010) and Frisina Doetter, Götze, Schmid, Cacace and Rothgang (2015). In doing so, we explore the relationship between functionalist vs. contextual variables embedded within the model. Our findings highlight the necessity to revise the concept of regulatory hybridization to allow for greater analytical focus on territorial shifts in power to understand developments in decentralized health care systems.
Simulation of three‐dimensional incompressible flows in generalized curvilinear coordinates using a high‐order compact finite‐difference lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Ezzatneshan Eslam , Hejranfar Kazem
Published: October 2018

In the present study, a high‐order compact finite‐difference lattice Boltzmann method is applied for accurately computing 3‐D incompressible flows in the generalized curvilinear coordinates to handle practical and realistic geometries with curved boundaries and nonuniform grids. The incompressible form of the 3‐D nineteen discrete velocity lattice Boltzmann method is transformed into the generalized curvilinear coordinates. Herein, a fourth‐order compact finite‐difference scheme and a fourth‐order Runge‐Kutta scheme are used for the discretization of the spatial derivatives and the temporal term, respectively, in the resulting 3‐D nineteen discrete velocity lattice Boltzmann equation to provide an accurate 3‐D incompressible flow solver. A high‐order spectral‐type low‐pass compact filtering technique is applied to have a stable solution. All boundary conditions are implemented based on the solution of the governing equations in the 3‐D generalized curvilinear coordinates. Numerical solutions of different 3‐D benchmark and practical incompressible flow problems are performed to demonstrate the accuracy and performance of the solution methodology presented. Herein, the 2‐D cylindrical Couette flow, the decay of a 3‐D double shear wave, the cubic lid‐driven cavity flow with nonuniform grids, the flow through a square duct with 90° bend and the flow past a sphere at different flow conditions are considered for validating the present computations. Numerical results obtained show the accuracy and robustness of the present solution methodology based on the implementation of the high‐order compact finite‐difference lattice Boltzman method in the generalized curvilinear coordinates for solving 3‐D incompressible flows over practical and realistic geometries.
Colorectal cancer susceptibility loci and influence on survival
Authors: Song Nan , Kim Kyeezu , Shin Aesun , Park Ji Won , Chang Hee Jin , Shi Jiajun , Cai Qiuyin , Kim Dae Yong , Zheng Wei , Oh Jae Hwan
Published: October 2018

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified multiple single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with colorectal cancer risk. To evaluate the potential influence of colorectal cancer susceptibility SNPs on disease prognosis, we investigated whether GWAS‐identified colorectal cancer risk SNPs and polygenic risk scores (PRSs) might be associated with survival among colorectal cancer patients. A total of 1374 colorectal cancer patients were recruited from the Korean National Cancer Center. For genotyping, 30 colorectal cancer‐susceptibility SNPs previously identified by GWAS were selected. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to evaluate associations of these risk SNPs and PRSs with disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). The prognostic values were compared between genetic and nongenetic models using Harrell's c index. During the follow‐up period (median: 88, 91 months for DFS and OS), 570 DFS (41.5%) and 487 OS (35.4%) events were observed. We found that 5 SNPs were significantly associated with DFS or OS among colorectal cancer patients at P < .05: rs10936599 at 3q26.2 (MYNN), rs704017 at 10q22.3 (ZMIZ1‐AS1), rs11196172 at 10q25.2 (TCF7L2), rs3802842 at 11q23.1 (COLCA1‐2), and rs9929218 at 16q22.1 (CDH1). The PRSs constructed using these 5 SNPs were associated with worse survival (DFS: Ptrend = .02 unweighted PRS, Ptrend = .01 weighted PRS, OS: Ptrend = 3.7 × 10−3 unweighted, Ptrend = .02 weighted PRS). Our results suggest that several colorectal cancer susceptibility SNPs might also be related to survival by influencing disease progression.
The percentage of cells with 17p deletion and the size of 17p deletion subclones show prognostic significance in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Yuan Ying‐Ying , Zhu Hua‐Yuan , Wu Jia‐Zhu , Xia Yi , Liang Jin‐Hua , Wu Wei , Cao Lei , Wang Li , Fan Lei , Li Jian‐Yong , Xu Wei
Published: October 2018

TP53 disruption is considered to be the most important prognostic factor in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), but not all patients with TP53 disruption have similar dismal outcomes. We evaluated the prognostic value of TP53 disruption in CLL patients without treatment indications. Data of 305 CLL patients were analyzed. 41 of them (13%) had TP53 disruption. Patients with lower percentage of cells with del(17p) had significantly better survival. Patients with mutated IGHV, β2‐microglobulin ≤3.5 mg/L, wild‐type TP53, age ≤65 years or without complex karyotype (CK) had relatively favorable outcomes in the del(17p) group. Furthermore, patients with del(17p) as a minor clone showed survival advantage compared with those with del(17p) as a major clone. These data suggest that the percentage of cells with del(17p), the size of the del(17p) subclone, CLL International Prognostic Index, and CK should be considered to build refined prognostication models for patients with TP53 disruption.
WWOX, the FRA16D gene: A target of and a contributor to genomic instability
Authors: Hussain Tabish , Liu Bin , Shrock Morgan S. , Williams Terence , Aldaz C. Marcelo
Published: October 2018

WWOX is one of the largest human genes spanning over 1.11 Mbp in length at chr16q23.1‐q23.2 and containing FRA16D, the second most common chromosomal fragile site. FRA16D is a hot spot of genomic instability, prone to breakage and for causing germline and somatic copy number variations (CNVs). Consequentially WWOX is frequent target for deletions in cancer. Esophageal, stomach, colon, bladder, ovarian, and uterine cancers are those most commonly affected by WWOX deep focal deletions. WWOX deletions significantly correlate with various clinicopathological features in esophageal carcinoma. WWOX is also a common target for translocations in multiple myeloma. By mapping R‐loop (RNA:DNA hybrid) forming sequences (RFLS) we observe this to be a consistent feature aligning with germline and somatic CNV break points at the edges and core of FRA16D spanning from introns 5 to 8 of WWOX. Germline CNV polymorphisms affecting WWOX are extremely common in humans across different ethnic groups. Importantly, structural variants datasets allowed us to identify a specific hot spot for germline duplications and deletions within intron 5 of WWOX coinciding with the 5′ edge of the FRA16D core and various RFLS. Recently, multiple pathogenic CNVs spanning WWOX have been identified associated with neurological conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, infantile epileptic encephalopathies, and other developmental anomalies. Loss of WWOX function has recently been associated with DNA damage repair abnormalities, increased genomic instability, and resistance to chemoradiotherapy. The described observations place WWOX both as a target of and a contributor to genomic instability. Both of these aspects will be discussed in this review.
Impact of time spent walking on incident dementia in elderly Japanese
Authors: Tomata Yasutake , Zhang Shu , Sugawara Yumi , Tsuji Ichiro
Published: October 2018

Objectives

This study examined the hypothesis that time spent walking daily has a marked impact on incident dementia.

Methods/design

First, we analyzed data from a Japanese cohort (n = 13 990 aged ≥65 y) to obtain hazard ratios. Time spent walking per day (<0.5, 0.5‐1, or ≥1 h) was assessed using a self‐reported questionnaire. Data on 5.7‐year incident dementia were retrieved from the public long‐term care insurance database. After estimating the multivariate‐adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of incident dementia using the Cox model, the population attributable fraction (PAF) was calculated using the prevalence in a representative Japanese survey, the “National Health and Nutrition Survey”.

Results

The time spent walking per day showed an inverse association with incident dementia: the multiple‐adjusted HRs (95% confidence intervals) were 1.00 (reference) for less than 0.5 hour, 0.81 [0.71, 0.92] for 0.5 to 1 hour, and 0.72 [0.62, 0.84] for more than or equal to 1 hour. Our estimates indicate that 18.1% of dementia cases would be attributable to walking if all subjects walked more than or equal to 1 h/d and 14.0% if subjects increased their daily time spent walking to one level above the present one (<0.5 to 0.5‐1 or 0.5‐1 to ≥1 h).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the daily time spent walking has a considerable preventive impact on incident dementia in Japan.
Academic Advising as a Catalyst for Equity
Authors: Lawton Julia
Published: October 2018

This chapter identifies academic advising practices and policies that contribute to delivering a meaningful student experience and ways that institutions can ensure their academic advising contributes to closing the opportunity gap.
Assessing the Impact of Academic Advising: Current Issues and Future Trends
Authors: Zarges Kathy Megyesi , Adams Tomarra A. , Higgins Elizabeth M. , Muhovich Ned
Published: October 2018

Assessment of learning has been embedded in higher education for decades. As educators have recognized that academic advising is an important component of learning, the assessment of academic advising has become a necessity and is critical to its success in the future.
Faculty Advising: Roles, Rewards, and Requisites
Authors: Troxel Wendy G.
Published: October 2018

In this chapter, the challenges and controversies of faculty advising are addressed in a panel‐discussion format, from the various lenses of academic leadership, faculty, and faculty development. The panel discusses issues of workload, promotion and tenure, and accountability related to academic advising roles and responsibilities.
Epilogue
Authors: Troxel Wendy G. , Joslin Jennifer E.
Published: October 2018

The final chapter synthesizes the issues presented and addresses additional critical elements necessary for excellence in academic advising, as well as emerging trends in the relationship between academic advising and student success.
A national study on collaboration in care planning for patients with complex needs
Authors: Larsson Lena G. , Bäck‐Pettersson Siv , Kylén Sven , Marklund Bertil , Gellerstedt Martin , Carlström Eric
Published: October 2018

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to investigate inter‐organisational collaboration on care planning for patients with complex care needs. Internationally, and in Sweden where the data for this study was collected, difficulties in care planning and transition of patients between the main health care providers, hospitals, municipal care, and primary care are well known.

Method

A survey of a total population of care managers in hospitals, municipalities, and primary care in Sweden was conducted. The study assessed accessibility, willingness, trustworthiness, and collaboration between health care providers. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multivariate regressions.

Results

The results indicate that Swedish health care providers show strong self‐awareness, but they describe each other's ability to collaborate as weak. Primary care stands out, displaying the highest discrepancy between self‐awareness and displayed accessibility, willingness, trustworthiness, and collaboration.

Conclusion

Inability to collaborate in patient care planning may be due to shortcomings in terms of trust between caregivers in the health care organisation at a national level. Organisations that experience difficulties in collaboration tend to defend themselves with arguments about their own excellence and insufficiency of others.
Socio‐economic indicators, dietary patterns, and physical activity as determinants of maternal obesity in middle‐income countries: Evidences from a cohort study in Mexico
Authors: Arredondo Armando , Torres Christian , Orozco Emanuel , Pacheco Selene , Huang Fengyang , Zambrano Elena , Bolaños‐Jiménez Francisco
Published: October 2018

Maternal obesity is one of the main public health problems at a world level. It is a multifactorial disease with multiple causes, and few studies exist on its dietary patterns, physical activity and social determinants. This work aims to identify determinants of maternal obesity in a middle income country. Research is based on a prospective cohort design. Data were collected using questionnaires applied to pregnant women. Three dietary patterns were identified, and only half of the women carry out physical activity. The regression analysis showed an association between overweight/obesity and the following variables: age 25 to 29 years old (3.8; CI 1.6‐9.0), 30 to 34 years old (3.7; CI 1.2‐11.6); health problems during pregnancy (2.1; CI 1.0‐4.1); socio‐economic income (1.73; CI 1.54‐2.05); hypertension (2.7; CI 1.4‐4.5); mild food insecurity (1.9; CI 1.0‐3.8); moderate insecurity (3.7; CI 0.92‐15.4); refined food dietary pattern (.76; CI.61‐.95). The risk of increasing BMI during pregnancy mainly depends on socioeconomic and demographic variables such as age, educational level, income, food insecurity, and dietary pattern. This study's results could be used as evidences for the revision, planning, and adjustment of interventions for the prevention and management of maternal obesity, as a part of the national strategies against overweight and obesity.
High‐frequency trading from an evolutionary perspective: Financial markets as adaptive systems
Authors: Manahov Viktor , Hudson Robert , Urquhart Andrew
Published: October 2018

The recent rapid growth of algorithmic high‐frequency trading strategies makes it a very interesting time to revisit the long‐standing debates about the efficiency of stock prices and the best way to model the actions of market participants. To evaluate the evolution of stock price predictability at the millisecond timeframe and to examine whether it is consistent with the newly formed adaptive market hypothesis, we develop three artificial stock markets using a strongly typed genetic programming (STGP) trading algorithm. We simulate real‐life trading by applying STGP to millisecond data of the three highest capitalized stocks: Apple, Exxon Mobil, and Google and observe that profit opportunities at the millisecond time frame are better modelled through an evolutionary process involving natural selection, adaptation, learning, and dynamic evolution than by using conventional analytical techniques. We use combinations of forecasting techniques as benchmarks to demonstrate that different heuristics enable artificial traders to be ecologically rational, making adaptive decisions that combine forecasting accuracy with speed.
3D bioprinted glioma cell‐laden scaffolds enriching glioma stem cells via epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Wang Xuanzhi , Dai Xingliang , Zhang Xinzhi , Ma Cheng , Li Xinda , Xu Tao , Lan Qing
Published: October 2018

Glioma stem cells (GSCs) are thought to be the root cause of tumor recurrence and drug resistance in glioma patients. In‐depth study of GSCs is of great significance for developing the treatment strategies of glioma. Unfortunately, it is difficult and takes complicated process to obtain GSCs. Therefore, establishing an ideal in vitro model for enriching GSCs will greatly promote the study of GSCs. In this study, the stemness properties of glioma cells were enhanced in three‐dimensional (3D) bioprinted tumor model. Furthermore, the possible molecular mechanism of GSCs enrichment: epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) was explored. Compared with two‐dimensional cultured cells, the proportion of GSCs and EMT‐related genes in 3D cultured cells were significantly increased. Moreover, the 3D cultured glioma cells with improved stemness properties resulted in higher drug resistance in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo. Taken together, 3D bioprinted glioma cell‐laden scaffold provides a proper platform for the enrichment of GSCs and it is expected to further promote the research on glioma drug resistance. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 383–391, 2019.
Atomistic chemical computation of Olefin polymerization reaction catalyzed by (pyridylamido)hafnium(IV) complex: Application of Red Moon simulation
Authors: Matsumoto Kentaro , Takayanagi Masayoshi , Suzuki Yuichi , Koga Nobuaki , Nagaoka Masataka
Published: October 2018

We have realized the microscopic simulation of olefin polymerization, that is, the simulation of the catalytic polymerization (CP) reaction system composed of (pyridylamido)hafnium(IV) complex as the catalyst. For this purpose, we adopted Red Moon (RM) method, a novel molecular simulation method to simulate the complex reaction system. First, according to the previous research, with the help of the QM calculation, we proposed a model system and elementary processes and explained the theoretical treatment of the simulation by the RM method (the RM simulation). In addition, we also proposed a macroscopic simulation based on chemical kinetics simulation. Then, we performed two simulations and compared them in terms of the effective time evolution of the three macroscopic physical quantities, the number‐average molecular weight
Mn, the mass‐average molecular weight
Mw, and the molar‐mass dispersity
ĐM. The comparison showed that the two simulations are in quantitative or partially qualitative agreement with each other. Therefore, it is concluded that the RM simulation could not only simulate the CP reaction process microscopically, but also it is connected essentially to reproduce the time evolution of the macroscopic physical quantities on the basis of its microscopic simulation data. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Close correlation between hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome—Based on liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry measurements
Authors: Yang Yabo , Ding Miao , Di Na , Azziz Ricardo , Yang Dongzi , Zhao Xiaomiao
Published: October 2018

Background

To investigate the correlation between hyperandrogenism (HA) and insulin resistance (IR) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by measuring serum total testosterone (TT) using a liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry assay (LC‐MS/MS).

Methods

This cohort study included 332 patients with PCOS, 63 patients with IR and 276 with controls. TT levels were measured by LC‐MS/MS and chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA); glucose and insulin levels were determined by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

Results

Compared with CLIA, LC‐MS/MS differentiated more cases with high TT levels among the non‐PCOS subjects with IR In patients with PCOS, LC‐MS/MS‐based TT levels or a combination with the mFG score detected a significantly higher incidence of HA in subjects with IR identified by hyperinsulinemia (HIN), HOMA‐IR or impaired fasting glucose (IFG) than in those without IR Conversely, the IR rates demonstrated by HIN, HOMA‐IR, or IFG were remarkably higher in the LC‐MS/MS‐defined high TT subgroup than in the normal TT subgroup. However, the CLIA platform could not discern a difference in HA incidence between IR and non‐IR subgroups or in IR rate between high and normal TT populations. ROC curves also proved that HIN, HOMA‐IR, and IFG were positive contributors to HA as measured by LC‐MS/MS

Conclusions

The correlation between HA and IR has always been underestimated, partly owing to the less accurate methods previously used to measure TT. HIN, HOMA‐IR, and IFG are likely to contribute to the development of HA from a clinical perspective.
Recombinant streptavidin fusion proteins as signal reporters in rapid test of human hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Zhou Shengliang , Cao Shinian , Ma Guoliang , Ding Tielin , Mu Jingjing , Han Weilu , Sun Dongxu , Chen Caifa
Published: October 2018

Background

Early diagnosis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is very important for the treatment of the disease. Development of sensitive and specific rapid detection assays is of great significance for the diagnosis. Here, we describe a promising method of using gold‐labeled streptavidin fusion proteins as novel signal reporter in a rapid detection assay for HCV infection.

Methods

Recombinant genes encoding streptavidin fused with Escherichia coli maltose‐binding protein (MBP) or with a portion of bacterial translational initiation factor 2 were cloned in expression vectors pMAL‐5CX and pET28 and transformed in proper Escherichia coli host strains. The genes were induced and streptavidin fusion proteins, named M‐STV and IF‐STV, respectively, were purified by affinity chromatography to over 90% purity. The biotin‐binding activity of M‐STV and IF‐STV was tested by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). M‐STV was labeled with colloidal gold nanoparticles and used as a signal reporter to develop a lateral flow‐based rapid test for detecting anti‐HCV antibodies in human blood samples.

Results

M‐STV showed slightly higher biotin‐binding activity and similar binding specificity as compared to commercial streptavidin. The gold‐labeled M‐STV bound specifically to biotin moieties immobilized on the rapid test strips in a dose‐responsive manner and was successfully used in detecting HCV antibodies in serum samples of patients infected with HCV. The rapid test displayed higher detection sensitivity than gold‐labeled commercial NeutrAvidin.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that gold‐labeled M‐STV is a promising agent in rapid tests of HCV infection and possibly other viral infections.
Tumor suppressors BTG1 and BTG2: Beyond growth control
Authors: Yuniati Laurensia , Scheijen Blanca , van der Meer Laurens T. , van Leeuwen Frank N.
Published: October 2018

Since the identification of B‐cell translocation gene 1 (BTG1) and BTG2 as antiproliferation genes more than two decades ago, their protein products have been implicated in a variety of cellular processes including cell division, DNA repair, transcriptional regulation and messenger RNA stability. In addition to affecting differentiation during development and in the adult, BTG proteins play an important role in maintaining homeostasis under conditions of cellular stress. Genomic profiling of B‐cell leukemia and lymphoma has put BTG1 and BTG2 in the spotlight, since both genes are frequently deleted or mutated in these malignancies, pointing towards a role as tumor suppressors. Moreover, in solid tumors, reduced expression of BTG1 or BTG2 is often correlated with malignant cell behavior and poor treatment outcome. Recent studies have uncovered novel roles for BTG1 and BTG2 in genotoxic and integrated stress responses, as well as during hematopoiesis. This review summarizes what is currently known about the roles of BTG1 and BTG2 in these and other cellular processes. In addition, we will highlight the molecular mechanisms and biological consequences of BTG1 and BTG2 deregulation during cancer progression and elaborate on the potential clinical implications of these findings.
Sensilla on six olfactory organs of male Eogystia hippophaecolus (Lepidoptera: Cossidae)
Authors: Hu Ping , Gao Chenglong , Tao Jing , Lu Pengfei , Luo Youqing , Ren Lili
Published: October 2018

Eogystia hippophaecolus (Hua et al.) is an important boring pest that primarily damages sea buckthorn, causing large ecological and economic damages in China. In this study, we used scanning electron microscopy to investigate the sensilla on six olfactory tissues of male E. hippophaecolus: antennae, labial palps, external genitals, propodeum, mesopodium, and metapedes. On the antennae, two types of sensillum trichodea, two types of sensillum basiconica, a type of sensillum coeloconica, and Böhm's bristles were found. The labial palps had sensilla trichodea and chaetica. On the external genitals, three types of sensilla trichodea were the only sensilla. Böhm bristles were found on the base of the tibia and at the terminus of the tarsus. Most sensilla were distributed on the tarsus of the three pairs of legs, and notably, a majority of which were sensilla trichodea and sensilla chaetica, were on the pretarsus and telotarsus of the three pairs of legs. In this study, the distribution, number, type, and morphology of the sensilla on six olfactory organs of E. hippophaecolus were determined, which established the foundation for a future immunohistochemical search of olfactory proteins.

Research highlights

Eogystia hippophaecolus is a serious pest of seabuckthorn. The distribution, number, type, and morphology of olfactory sensilla of E. hippophaecolus are determined. The function and distribution of sensilla are compared with those of other insects.
Effects of a potentially erosive antiasthmatic medicine on the enamel and dentin of primary teeth: An in situ study
Authors: Scatena Camila , de Mesquita‐Guimarães Késsia Suênia Fidelis , Galafassi Daniel , Palma‐Dibb Regina Guenka , Borsatto Maria Cristina , Serra Mônica Campos
Published: October 2018

This study evaluates, in situ, the effect of an anti‐asthmatic medicine on the enamel and dentin of primary teeth. Twenty‐eight specimens of enamel and dentin were prepared, selected, sterilized, and stored. Microhardness, microscopic morphology, and initial surface roughness were evaluated. Fourteen volunteers wore palatal devices containing two dentin specimens and two enamel specimens. Volunteers underwent surface treatment three times a day for 5 days, with the dripping of 5 ml of salbutamol sulfate for 1 min, only on specimens from one side of the device. At the end of the experiment the microscopic morphology, roughness, surface loss, and microhardness were ascertained. For enamel surfaces exposed to the medicine, erosion was observed in the microscopy images, along with a significant increase in roughness (p = .0325) and tissue loss (p = .03251) and a significant decrease in microhardness (p = .0325). For the dentin surfaces, erosion was observed in the microscopy images, but there was no significant increase in roughness (p = .593) or tissue loss (p = .285) nor any decrease in microhardness (p = .1088). In conclusion, the salbutamol sulfate had an in situ erosive effect on primary teeth enamel and this effect was observed morphologically on primary dentin.

Research Highlights

Asthma is considered a global health problem, and its prevalence has increased in many countries, especially among children, as well as dental erosion. This study has clinical relevance because provides data on the erosive effect of a commonly prescribed anti asthmatic drug on deciduous teeth.
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Light Microscopy (LM)‐based Palyno‐morphological views of Solanaceae in Western Himalaya
Authors: Kayani Sadaf , Hussain Manzoor , Ahmad Mushtaq , Zafar Muhammad , Sultana Shazia , Butt Maryam Akram , Ali Shaukat , Shah Ghulam Mujtaba , Mir Sehrosh
Published: October 2018

In this study, plants belonging to family Solanaceae growing in Western Himalaya region have been observed palynologically under Light Microscope and Scanning electron microscope. Present investigation comprises of 10 genera and 23 species, namely, Atropa acuminata, Capsicum decoraticus, Capsicum frutescens, Cestrum aurantiacum, Cestrum diurnum, Cestrum nocturnum, Datura alba, Datura innoxia, Datura stramonium, Hyoscymus niger, Lycopersicon esculentum, Nicotiana rustica, Nicotiana tabacum, Petunia alba, Petunia hybrida, Solanum erianthum, Solanum melongena, Solanum miniatum, Solanum pseudocapsicum, Solanum surratense, Solanum tuberosum, Withania coagulans, Withania somnifera. Solanaceae is a eurypalynous family. Grains are usually Tricolporate and Tetracolporate, radially symmetrical, isopolar, prolate‐spheroidal to oblate‐spheroidal to oblate‐spheroidal to subprolate to per prolate or suboblate to oblate, size range: 8.55–72 μm, amb circular, semi‐angular or subangular, aperture drop‐type, labrum common‐type, exine usually 2 μm thick, nexine 1–1.5 μm thick. Tectum usually psilate, sexine reticulate, granulate or striato‐reticulate, with obscure pattern, sexine 1–2 μm thick, nexine 1–1.5 μm thick, and intine 0.5–1 μm thick. Most striking variation has been found in the shape class, aperture‐type, and tectal surface. Based on these characters, taxonomic keys have been made for correct identification of members in Solanaceae. However, the grains of this family are usually tricolporate and have direct relationship with certain members of the family Scrophulariaceae.

Palyno‐morphological characters of family Solanaceae have been studied for the first time in Western Himalayan region of Pakistan. These palyno‐morphological characters are significant for identification of the members of family Solanaceae.
Micromorphological observation of seed coat of Eucalyptus species (Myrtaceae) using scanning electron microscopy technique
Authors: Luqman Muhammad , Zafar Muhammad , Ahmad Mushtaq , Ozturk Munir , Sultana Shazia , Alam Fakhre , Ullah Farhat
Published: October 2018

Seed shape, surface cells shape, arrangement, anticlinal wall pattern, and periclinal wall protuberances were recorded for nine species of Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) using scanning electron microscopy to determine the importance of seed morphological characters as an additional tool for identification. Most of the seeds were found ovate and some seeds were elliptic and cuboid in shape. Almost reticulate regular seed surface patterns were observed. Four types of surface cells were examined; diamond, elliptic, oblong, and irregular. Majority of the seeds showed raised anticlinal wall level and diversity from wavy to puzzle in pattern. Periclinal wall may be glabrous or having protuberances that were rhombus and bullate in shape. Both macro‐ and micromorphological characters can provide basis for classification and delimitation of genus Eucalyptus.

Research highlights

Seeds quantitative characters of nine Eucalyptus species as seed length, width, and weight.

Macromorphological characters of seeds including seed color, helium position, and seed shape.

Micromorphological characters include seed surface, periclinal wall, and anticlinal wall investigation under scanning electron microscope.

Ultra‐seed sculpturing features as an additional tool in identification.
Characterization of ligature‐induced experimental periodontitis
Authors: de Molon Rafael Scaf , Park Chan Ho , Jin Qiming , Sugai Jim , Cirelli Joni Augusto
Published: October 2018

We sought to better characterize the progression of periodontal tissue breakdown in rats induced by a ligature model of experimental periodontal disease (PD). A total of 60 male Sprague–Dawley rats were evenly divided into an untreated control group and a PD group induced by ligature bilaterally around first and second maxillary molars. Animals were sacrificed at 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 21 days after the induction of PD. Alveolar bone loss was evaluated by histomorphometry and microcomputed tomography (μCT). The immune‐inflammatory process in the periodontal tissue was assessed using descriptive histologic analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). This ligature model resulted in significant alveolar bone loss and increased inflammatory process of the periodontal tissues during the initial periods of evaluation (0–14 days). A significant increase in the gene expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and proteins involved in osteoclastogenesis, receptor activator of nuclear factor‐k B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) was observed in the first week of analysis. In the later periods of evaluation (14–21 days), no significant alterations were noted with regard to inflammatory processes, bone resorption, and expression of cytokine genes. The ligature‐induced PD model resulted in progressive alveolar bone resorption with two different phases: Acute (0–14 days), characterized by inflammation and rapid bone resorption, and chronic (14–21 days) with no significant progression of bone loss. Furthermore, the gene expressions of IL‐6, IL‐1β, TNF‐α, RANKL, and OPG were highly increased during the progress of PD in the early periods.

Research Highlights

Ligature‐induced bone resorption in rats occurred in the initial periods after disease induction

The bone resorption was characterized by two distinct phases: Acute (0–14 days), with pronounced inflammation and alveolar bone loss

Chronic phase (14–21 days): No further disease progression

Several pro‐inflammatory cytokines were increased during the progress of periodontitis
Studies on the complementary relationship of surface ornamentations between megaspores and microspores of Selaginella P. Beauv. (Selaginellaceae)
Authors: Wang Lijuan , Zhang Xianchun , Liu Jiaxi
Published: October 2018

In the present study, the surface ornamentations of both megaspores and microspores of 20 species of Selaginella were studied using scanning electron microscopy. The results of the present study showed that the megaspore surface ornamentations are complementary to the corresponding microspore surface ornamentations. In detail, reticulate surface ornamentation of megaspores is complementary to granulate and baculate ornamentations of microspores; verrucate ornamentation of megaspores is complementary to scabrate ornamentation of microspores; granulate ornamentation of megaspores is complementary to verrucate–rugulate or verrucate ornamentations of microspores; verrucate–rugulate ornamentation of megaspores is complementary to spinulate, verrucate, or verrucate–rugulate ornamentations of microspores; tuberculate ornamentation of megaspores is complementary to lamellate, tuberculate or verrucate ornamentations of microspores. Complementary ornamentation between megaspores and microspores allows microspores to adhere to megaspores. Our observations support the “synaptospory” hypothesis, that is, spore surface ornamentation plays a part in keeping or bringing spores together during their dispersal in the pteridophytes.
Thoracic complications of pancreatitis
Authors: Kumar Prem , Gupta Pankaj , Rana Surinder
Published: October 2018

Acute pancreatitis in its severe form may lead to systemic inflammatory response syndrome and multisystem organ dysfunction. Acute lung injury is an important cause of mortality in the setting of severe acute pancreatitis. Besides lung involvement, acute and chronic pancreatitis may also lead to the involvement of other thoracic compartments, including mediastinum, pleura, and vascular structures. These manifestations are an important cause of morbidity and may pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. These manifestations have not been discussed in detail in the available literature. In this review, we discuss the thoracic complications of pancreatitis, including lung, pleural, mediastinal, and vascular manifestations.
Robert Owen, utopian socialism and social transformation
Authors: Rogers Chris
Published: October 2018

This paper critically scrutinizes accounts of Robert Owen’s life and works focusing on his purported “utopianism” and his supposedly deficient “socialism.” It suggests that such positions have relied on questionable assertions about the potential of particular modes of social transformation, and a failure to acknowledge the distinction Owen makes between the practical arrangements necessary to begin the process of transformation, and those arrangements that would ultimately prevail in “the new moral world.” It also argues that such accounts may contribute to the development of fatalistic narratives surrounding cooperative values and projects involving strategic compromise. In response, the paper reconsiders the significance of Owen through the lens of a “strategic presentism” that considers how Owen’s ideas can be thought of as significant contributions to theorizing social transformation.
Spermatogenesis in the deep‐sea brachiopod Pelagodiscus atlanticus and the phylogenetic significance of spermatozoon structure
Authors: Temereva Elena N. , Kuzmina Tatyana V.
Published: October 2018

Details of spermatogenesis and sperm organization are often useful for reconstructing the phylogeny of closely related groups of invertebrates. Development in general and gametogenesis in particular usually differ in shallow water and deep‐sea invertebrates. Here, the spermatogenesis and ultrastructure of sperm were studied in the deep‐sea brachiopod Pelagodiscus atlanticus. The testes of P. atlanticus are voluminous sacs located along the lateral sides of the body. Germ cells develop around the blood capillaries, contact the basal lamina, and contain germ plasm, numerous mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, lipid droplets, and centrioles of the rudimentary cilium. During spermatogenesis, several proacrosomal vesicles appear at the posterior pole of the cell; these vesicles then fuse and migrate to the anterior pole. The spermatozoon has a head with an acrosome, nucleus, eight mitochondria, proximal and distal centrioles orthogonally arranged, and a long tail. Comparative analysis suggests that the spermatozoon of P. atlanticus can be considered the most ancestral among all brachiopods. Such an organization indicates that fertilization is external in this deep‐sea species. Spermatozoa of other brachiopods should be regarded as derived from this ancestral type. The transformation of brachiopod spermatozoa might have occurred in three different ways that correspond to the three main clades of recent brachiopods: Linguliformea, Craniiformea, and Rhynchonelliformea.
Mechanoreceptive sensillum fields at the tarsal tip of insect legs
Authors: Joel Anna‐Christin , Adamova Hana , Bräunig Peter
Published: October 2018

Groups of mechanoreceptive sensilla form small sensory fields on the ventral rim of the most distal tarsomeres in insects. Within these fields two or three sensilla are located closely together. Anterior and posterior fields are found in all three pairs of legs with only a few exceptions. The composition, exact location, and morphology of the fields were studied in representative species of several insect orders using light and scanning electron microscopy. There was no obvious correlation between field morphology and insect phylogenetic relationships.
Role of resting state MRI temporal latency in refractory pediatric extratemporal epilepsy lateralization
Authors: Shah Manish N. , Nguyen Ryan D. , Pao Ludovic P. , Zhu Liang , CreveCoeur Travis S. , Mitra Anish , Smyth Matthew D.
Published: October 2018

Background

Pediatric epilepsy affects 0.5–1% of children, with 10–30% of these children refractory to medical anticonvulsant therapy and potentially requiring surgical intervention. Analysis of resting state functional MRI (rsMRI) signal temporal differences (latency) has been proposed to study the pathological cognitive processes.

Purpose/Hypothesis

To quantitatively and qualitatively analyze the correlation of rsMRI signal latency to pediatric refractory extratemporal epilepsy seizure foci lateralization.

Study Type

Retrospective review.

Population

With Institutional Review Board approval, rsMRI and anatomical MRI scans were obtained from 38 registered pediatric epilepsy surgery patients from Washington University and 259 healthy control patients from the ADHD‐200 dataset.

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T echo planar imaging (EPI) blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) sequence.

Assessment

The images were transformed to pediatric atlases in Talairach space. Preoperative voxelwise latency maps were generated with parabolic interpolation of the rsMRI signal lateness or earliness when compared with the global mean signal (GMS) using cross‐covariance analysis.

Statistical Tests

Latency z‐score maps were created for each epilepsy patient by voxelwise calculation using healthy control mean and standard deviation maps. Voxelwise hypothesis testing was performed via multiple comparisons corrected (false discovery and familywise error rate) and uncorrected methods to determine significantly late and early voxels. Significantly late and/or early voxels were counted for the right and left hemisphere separately. The hemisphere with the greater proportion of significantly late and/or early voxels was hypothesized to contain the seizure focus. Preoperative rsMRI latency analysis hypotheses were compared with postoperative seizure foci lateralization determined by resection images.

Results

Preoperative rsMRI latency analysis correctly identified seizure foci lateralization of 64–85% of postoperative epilepsy resections with the proposed methods. RsMRI latency lateralization analysis was 77–100% sensitive and 58–79% specific. In some patients, qualitative analysis yielded preoperative rsMRI latency patterns specific to procedure performed.

Data Conclusion

Preoperative rsMRI signal latency of pediatric epilepsy patients was correlated with seizure foci lateralization.

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1347–1355.
Comparing signal‐to‐noise ratio for prostate imaging at 7T and 3T
Authors: Steensma Bart R. , Luttje Mariska , Voogt Ingmar J. , Klomp Dennis W.J. , Luijten Peter R. , van den Berg Cornelis A.T. , Raaijmakers Alexander J.E.
Published: October 2018

Background

In MRI, the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) theoretically increases with B0 field strength. However, because of attenuation of the radiofrequency (RF) fields at 7T, it is not certain if this SNR gain can be realized for prostate imaging.

Purpose/Hypothesis

To investigate the SNR gain in prostate imaging at 7T as compared with 3T. It is expected that SNR will improve for prostate imaging at 7T compared with 3T.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Four healthy volunteers and one prostate cancer patient.

Field Strength/Sequence

All subjects were scanned at 3T and at 7T using optimal coil setups for both field strengths. For all volunteers, proton density‐weighted images were acquired for SNR analysis and actual flip angle imaging (AFI) maps were acquired for correction of measured SNR values. In the patient, a T2‐weighted (T2w) image was acquired at 3T and at 7T.

Assessment

SNR was calculated in the prostate region for all volunteers. SNR was normalized for flip angle, receiver bandwidth, and voxel volume. SNR was also calculated for different sensitivity encoding (SENSE) acceleration factors.

Statistical Testing

SNR values are represented as the arithmetic mean of SNR values in the prostate. Estimated SNR in the T2w image is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the signal intensity (SI) divided by the standard deviation of the SI in a specified zone. Tumor‐to‐tissue contrast is calculated as (SItumor+SIzone)/( SItumor‐SIzone).

Results

An increase in SNR ranging from 1.7‐fold to 2.8‐fold was measured in the prostate at 7T in comparison to 3T for four volunteers. At 7T, it is possible to achieve a 4‐fold SENSE acceleration in the left‐right direction with similar SNR to a nonaccelerated 3T image. T2w imaging was done at 3T and 7T in one patient, where improved tumor‐to‐tissue contrast was demonstrated at 7T.

Data Conclusion

SNR improves for prostate imaging at 7T as compared with 3T.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1446–1455.
Measurement of magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) from cervical spinal cord: Multicenter reproducibility and variability
Authors: Combès Benoit , Monteau Laureline , Bannier Elise , Callot Virginie , Labauge Pierre , Ayrignac Xavier , Carra Dallière Clarisse , Pelletier Jean , Maarouf Adil , de Seze Jerome , Collongues Nicolas , Barillot Christian , Edan Gilles , Ferré Jean Christophe , Kerbrat Anne ,   EMISEP study group
Published: October 2018

Background

Assessing the multicenter variability of magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) measurements in the spinal cord of healthy controls is the first step toward investigating its clinical use as a biomarker.

Purpose

To analyze the between‐session, between‐participant, and between‐scanner variability of MTR measurements in automatically extracted regions of interest in the cervical cord of healthy controls.

Study Type

Control study.

Population

Forty‐four participants, distributed across five MRI scanners (all from the same manufacturer). Ten participants were scanned twice in the same scanner, and 10 others were scanned twice in two different scanners.

Field Strength/Sequence

3D‐gradient echo images, centered on C5, without and with magnetization transfer prepulse at 3T.

Assessment

We calculated the mean MTR for different vertebral levels in the whole cord (WC), as well as in the white matter and gray matter, and determined the between‐session, between‐participant, and between‐scanner variabilities.

Statistical Tests

Coefficients of variation and intraclass correlations (ICCs) for the different variabilities and their associated confidence intervals.

Results

The MTR measurements for Levels C4‐C6 (near the slab center) exhibited a mean value in WC of 34.6 pu and a pooled standard deviation of 0.9 pu. The between‐session coefficient of variation was estimated as 2.3% (ICC = 0.63), the between‐participant coefficient as 1.6% (ICC = 0.32), and the between‐scanner coefficient as 0.7% (ICC = 0.05). The resulting aggregate coefficient of variation was 2.9%, which was sufficiently low to detect an MTR reduction of 1 pu between groups of about 45 participants (Type‐I error rate: 0.05; Type‐II error rate: 0.10).

Data Conclusion

The good between‐scanner reproducibility and low overall variability in cervical spinal cord MTR measurements in a control population might pave the way for multicenter analyses in various neurological diseases with moderate cohort sizes.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1777–1785.