bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intersections between Jews and Media
Authors: Katz Maya Balakirsky
Published: March 2020

In this volume, the relationship between Jews and media is not only vividly illustrated, but it is consciously drawn into the formation of modern Jewish history and modern media. Maya Balakirsky Katz addresses key Jewish-media intersections in which Jews and mass media implicated (or were implicated by) one another. In this study, Katz discusses the relationship that Jews have had with mass media forms of print, film, photography, advertising, and postcards within the periods that these media have gained cultural ascendancy. These historical moments are tethered to a broader conversation addressing the major theoretical issues at the center of the discourse on Jews and media. Bearing this mutually constructive relationship in mind, Intersections between Jews and Media offers both a tangible demographic portrait of the real Jews who entered mass media and lays a theoretical and methodological framework for more qualitative analyses.
Application of Raman Spectroscopy for Determination of Syngas Composition
Authors: Petrov Dmitry V. , Matrosov Ivan I. , Zaripov Alexey R. , Maznoy Anatoly S.
Published: March 2020

Raman spectroscopy is a unique tool for fast analysis of multicomponent gas media. In this work, we studied the features of application of this method for monitoring the syngas (mixture of CO + H2 + CH4 + CO2 + N2) composition. To determine concentrations, we used contour fit method, where the Raman spectrum of mixture is compared with a synthetically calculated spectrum. The effects of pressure changes and various exposure times on the accuracy of measurements are investigated. It was found that effect of pressure and environment on band contours results in measurement errors several times higher than the errors caused by deviations of the signal intensities.
Polyurethane derived from castor oil reinforced with long cotton fibers: Static and dynamic testing of a novel eco-friendly composite material
Authors: da Costa Romeu RC , Sato Eduardo S , Ribeiro Marcelo L , Medeiros Ricardo de , Vieira André FC , Guedes Rui M , Tita Volnei
Published: March 2020

A novel eco-friendly composite material made of polyurethane derived from castor oil reinforced with long cotton fibers was developed. A set of comparative analyses comprising static and dynamic tests was established using specimens made of castor oil-based polyurethane reinforced by glass fibers, and epoxy reinforced by glass and cotton fibers. The manufacturing method and estimation of fiber volume fraction of the specimens were described in detail. Tensile and flexural tests were performed to evaluate the mechanical performance of the novel laminate. Fractographic post-mortem examinations assessed the quality of the fiber–matrix interaction and allowed direct observation of the failure modes. Surface treatment of natural fibers appears necessary to improve the adhesion of the natural fibers to the matrix. Dynamic responses are discussed, considering natural frequencies and modal damping coefficients. In this context, the potentialities and the limitations of using the novel eco-friendly composite material as structural parts are discussed.
Single-Cell Analysis of the Periodontal Immune Niche in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Belkina A.C. , Azer M. , Lee J.J. , Elgaali H.H. , Pihl R. , Cleveland M. , Carr J. , Kim S. , Habib C. , Hasturk H. , Snyder-Cappione J.E. , Nikolajczyk B.S.
Published: March 2020

Periodontitis (PD) is a common source of uncontrolled inflammation in obesity-associated type 2 diabetes (T2D). PD apparently fuels the inflammation of T2D and associates with poor glycemic control and increased T2D morbidity. New therapeutics are critically needed to counter the sources of periodontal infection and inflammation that are accelerated in people with T2D. The precise mechanisms underlying the relationship between PD and T2D remain poorly understood. Every major immune cell subset has been implicated in the unresolved inflammation of PD, regardless of host metabolic health. However, analyses of inflammatory cells in PD with human periodontal tissue have generally focused on mRNA quantification and immunohistochemical analyses, both of which provide limited information on immune cell function. We used a combination of flow cytometry for cell surface markers and enzyme-linked immunospot methods to assess the subset distribution and function of immune cells isolated from gingiva of people who had PD and were systemically healthy, had PD and T2D (PD/T2D), or, for flow cytometry, were systemically and orally healthy. T-cell subsets dominated the cellular immune compartment in gingiva from all groups, and B cells were relatively rare. Although immune cell frequencies were similar among groups, a higher proportion of CD11b+ or CD4+ cells secreted IFNγ/IL-10 or IL-8, respectively, in cells from PD/T2D samples as compared with PD-alone samples. Our data indicate that fundamental differences in gingival immune cell function between PD and T2D-potentiated PD may account for the increased risk and severity of PD in subjects with T2D. Such differences may suggest unexpected therapeutic targets for alleviating periodontal inflammation in people with T2D.
Building Expertise: Effects of Experience Claims on Responses to Advice
Authors: St.Cyr Brisini Kellie , Solomon Denise Haunani
Published: March 2020

People place more value on advice from others whom they view as expert; however, the ways in which advisors might increase perceptions of their expertise through language choice remains unclear. This article examines a married partner’s ability to influence perceptions of their expertise, and consequent advice outcomes, by making explicit claims about past experience with a problem. Two experimental studies tested the effects of experience claims across work versus family problem contexts and examined dimensions of relational communication as mediators. Findings demonstrated that experience claims have the potential to affect evaluations of the spouse’s expertise and evaluations of advice; however, this effect varied based on problem context. Results suggested that statements about previous experience with work problems may improve advice outcomes, whereas experience claims in the context of family problems lead to less positive perceptions of advice. Perceived advisor empathy mediated the negative association between experience claims and advice outcomes.
Pessimism, Futility and Extinction: An Interview with Eugene Thacker
Authors: Dekeyser Thomas
Published: March 2020

In this interview with Thomas Dekeyser, Eugene Thacker elaborates on the central themes of his work. Addressing themes including extinction, futility, human universalism, network euphoria, political indecision and scientific nihilism, the interview positions Thacker’s work within the contemporary theoretical conjuncture, specifically through its relation to genres of thought his work is often grouped with or cast against: vitalism, speculative realism and accelerationism. More broadly, however, the interview offers a unique insight into Thacker’s approach to the thinking, doing and writing of ‘philosophy’.
Assessment of a new tool to improve case manager identification of delayed return to work in the first two weeks of a workers’ compensation claim
Authors: Iles Ross A , Sheehan Luke R , Gosling Cameron McR
Published: March 2020

Objective:

To determine whether the Plan of Action for a Case (PACE) tool improved identification of workers at risk of delayed return to work.

Design:

Prospective cohort of workers with accepted workers’ compensation claims in the state of New South Wales, Australia.

Interventions:

The 41-item PACE tool was completed by the case manager within the first two weeks of a claim. The tool gathered information from the worker, employer and treating practitioner. Multivariate logistic regression models predicted work time loss of at least one and three months.

Results:

There were 524 claimants with complete PACE information. A total of 195 (37.2%) had work time loss of at least one month and 83 (15.8%) had time loss of at least three months. Being male, injury location, an Orebro Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Questionnaire–Short Form score >50, having a small employer, suitable duties not being available, being certified unfit, and the worker having low one-month recovery expectations predicted time loss of over one month. For three months, injury location, a Short Form Orebro score >50, no return-to-work coordinator, and being certified unfit were significant predictors. The model incorporating PACE information provided a significantly better prediction of both one- and three-month outcomes than baseline information (area-under-the-curve statistics—one month: 0.85 and 0.68, respectively; three months: 0.85 and 0.69, respectively; both P < 0.001)

Conclusion:

The PACE tool improved the ability to identify workers at risk of ongoing work disability and identified modifiable factors suited to case manager–led intervention.
Underwater pre-touch based on artificial electric sense
Authors: Boyer Frédéric , Lebastard Vincent , Ferrer Steven Bruce , Geffard Franck
Published: March 2020

This article exploits a bio-inspired sensor technology named artificial electric-sense to emulate underwater pre-touch. The sensor is considered as an electric finger controlled remotely by an operator to follow the boundaries of objects. Using electric measurements only, the approach feeds back pre-touch forces and torques to the operator through an haptic interface. These forces and torques are generated by a set of virtual electric charges and dipoles arranged on the probe and reacting in the electric field reflected by the objects. This model of emulated forces is passive and guarantees the stability of a position–position haptic feedback loop. The whole approach is assessed through a set of experiments carried out on a Cartesian slave robot coupled to an haptic interface. The obtained results show the feasibility of the concept and its robustness to different configurations of objects. Such an electro-haptic feedback opens new perspectives in both electric field sensing and underwater robotics.
SmartPAN: A novel polysaccharide-microsphere-based surgical indicator of pancreatic leakage
Authors: Pausch Thomas Moritz , Mitzscherling Clara , Abbasi Sepehr , Cui Jiaqu , Liu Xinchun , Aubert Ophelia , Weissenberger Melanie , Johansson Henrik , Schuisky Peter , Büsch Christopher , Bruckner Thomas , Golriz Mohammad , Mehrabi Arianeb , Hackert Thilo
Published: March 2020

Postoperative pancreatic fistula is a major surgical complication that can follow pancreatic resection. Postoperative pancreatic fistula can develop as a consequence of leaking pancreatic fluid, which calls for an intraoperative indicator of leakage. But suitable indicators of pancreatic leakage have yet to be found. This study details the evidence-based development and early efficacy assessments of a novel pancreatic leakage indicator (SmartPAN), following the IDEAL framework of product development. We developed 41 SmartPAN prototypes by combining indicators of pancreatic fluid with a polysaccharide-microsphere matrix. The prototypes were assessed in vitro using porcine ( Sus scrofa domesticus) pancreatic tissue and ex vivo with human pancreatic fluid. From these initial tests, we chose a hydrogel-based compound that uses the pH indicator bromothymol blue to detect alkali pancreatic fluid. This prototype was then assessed in vivo for usability, effectiveness and reliability using a porcine model. Treatment groups were defined by SmartPAN-reaction at initial pancreatic resection: indicator-positive or negative. Indicator-positive individuals randomly received either targeted closure of leakage sites or no further closure. We assessed SmartPAN’s reliability and effectiveness by monitoring abdominal drainage for amylase and with relaparotomy after 48 h. SmartPAN responses were consistent between both surgical procedures and conformed to amylase measurements. In conclusion, we have developed the first surgery-ready indicator for predicting the occurrence of pancreatic leakage during pancreatic resection. SmartPAN can enable targeted prophylactic closure in a simple and reliable way, and thus may reduce the impact of postoperative pancreatic fistula by guiding peri- and post-operative management.
Plasma immunoglobulin binding protein 1 as a predictor of development of lupus nephritis
Authors: Kwon Oh Chan , Lee Eun-Ju , Oh Ji Seon , Hong Seokchan , Lee Chang-Keun , Yoo Bin , Park Min-Chan , Kim Yong-Gil
Published: March 2020

Objective

Urine levels of immunoglobulin binding protein 1 (IGBP1) are increased in patients with lupus nephritis (LN) compared with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients without nephritis. However, the clinical significance of IGBP1 level in plasma is unclear. We aimed to evaluate whether the plasma level of IGBP1 can predict future development of LN in SLE patients without nephritis.

Methods

Forty-three SLE patients without nephritis were followed for 5 years. Plasma IGBP1 levels were measured using ELISA, and clinical and laboratory data were obtained at study entry. Development of LN was confirmed by renal biopsy. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with development of LN, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the predictive value of each factor.

Results

Of the total 43 patients, eight (18.6%) developed LN during the follow-up period. Compared with patients who did not develop LN, those who developed LN had higher levels of plasma IGBP1 (6.3 ng/ml (range 4.3–9.6 ng/mL) vs. 13.3 ng/ml (range 7.2–31.3 ng/ml); p =  0.023). In the Cox regression analysis, higher CRP (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.325, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.073–1.637, p =  0.009), anti-dsDNA antibody (Ab; HR = 1.066, 95% CI 1.012–1.124, p =  0.017) and plasma IGBP1 (HR = 1.091, 95% CI 1.034–1.152, p =  0.002) were associated with future development of LN. Among these factors, anti-dsDNA Ab (area under the curve (AUC)=0.893) had the highest predictive value followed by plasma IGBP1 (AUC = 0.761) and CRP (AUC = 0.634). A combination of anti-dsDNA Ab and plasma IGBP1 as a composite predictor was highly specific (97%) for predicting the development of LN.

Conclusions

Plasma IGBP1 can be used complementarily with anti-dsDNA Ab for detecting SLE patients at a higher risk of developing LN.
Association Between Antipsychotics and Osteoporosis Based on Real-World Data
Authors: Yokoyama Satoshi , Wakamoto Shoki , Tanaka Yuki , Nakagawa Chihiro , Hosomi Kouichi , Takada Mitsutaka
Published: March 2020

Background:

Osteoporosis, which is a major public health concern, has been known to reduce health-related quality of life. Some studies have suggested that antipsychotics could perhaps cause osteoporosis by increasing serum prolactin levels. However, the association between antipsychotics and the risk for developing osteoporosis has been controversial.

Objective:

The present study aimed to assess the association between antipsychotic use and onset of osteoporosis in real-world settings.

Methods:

A multimethod data-mining approach using different algorithms and databases was used. First, disproportionality analysis was conducted using the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database (2004-2017) with reporting odds ratio (ROR) and information component (IC) being used to indicate a signal. Furthermore, a sequence symmetry analysis using data from a large Japanese administrative claims database (2005-2017; JMDC Inc, Japan) was conducted. Short-term intervals (ie, 12, 24, and 36 months) were set to investigate the association between antipsychotic use and onset of osteoporosis using the adjusted sequence ratio (SR) to indicate a signal.

Results:

No potential association between osteoporosis and all antipsychotics was observed in the FAERS database, except for perphenazine, which exhibited significant signals using both ROR and IC. Moreover, no potential association between osteoporosis and antipsychotics was observed in the JMDC claims database, except for sulpiride and aripiprazole. None of the antipsychotics indicated significant signals using all analyzed items (ROR, IC, and adjusted SR).

Conclusion and Relevance:

Real-world data show no association between antipsychotic use and the onset of osteoporosis. Further pharmacoepidemiological studies are needed for causality assessment.
Punk routine and academic discipline
Authors: Burø Thomas
Published: March 2020

This is a personal account of being an anarchist punk rock kid in academia, a meditation on the entanglement of punk rock arts and activism with organisation studies. To illustrate this entanglement, I present some of my experiences with hardcore punk rock and anarchist organisation and trace how I believe this background in a radical counterculture formed and conditioned my work within organisation studies and how my academic training has influenced my activism as a punk musician. The article employs Donna Haraway’s concept of partial perspective to reflect on how I have not only learned to see and understand organisation through my lasting engagement with punk and anarchist culture outside the walls of academia, but also learned to see and use art as a medium for change. The article conceptualises punk’s fidelity to the otherwise, the ever-present conviction that life, society and, indeed, the world could be otherwise. In my experience, this fidelity has translated into an anarchist scientific knowledge interest, and when employed in the service of organisation studies, it has enabled me to see, think and study organisation from an anarchist position. To be true to the spirit and aesthetic sensibilities of punk, the article is written in an impatient, erratic and fragmented style.
Towards standardisation of evidence-based clinical care process specifications
Authors: McLachlan Scott , Kyrimi Evangelia , Dube Kudakwashe , Hitman Graham , Simmonds Jennifer , Fenton Norman
Published: March 2020

There is a strong push towards standardisation of treatment approaches, care processes and documentation of clinical practice. However, confusion persists regarding terminology and description of many clinical care process specifications which this research seeks to resolve by developing a taxonomic characterisation of clinical care process specifications. Literature on clinical care process specifications was analysed, creating the starting point for identifying common characteristics and how each is constructed and used in the clinical setting. A taxonomy for clinical care process specifications is presented. The De Bleser approach to limited clinical care process specifications characterisation was extended and each clinical care process specification is successfully characterised in terms of purpose, core elements and relationship to the other clinical care process specification types. A case study on the diagnosis and treatment of Type 2 Diabetes in the United Kingdom was used to evaluate the taxonomy and demonstrate how the characterisation framework applies. Standardising clinical care process specifications ensures that the format and content are consistent with expectations, can be read more quickly and high-quality information can be recorded about the patient. Standardisation also enables computer interpretability, which is important in integrating Learning Health Systems into the modern clinical environment. The approach presented allows terminologies for clinical care process specifications that were widely used interchangeably to be easily distinguished, thus, eliminating the existing confusion.
Discovering socially withdrawn youth in Shanghai through the eyes of social workers: A mixed-methods study
Authors: Liu Lucia L , Li Tim MH , Wong Paul WC
Published: March 2020

The phenomenon of the social withdrawal of youth has been increasingly identified in some developed Asian and Western countries. There is also evidence to suggest that it is an emerging problem among the youth of China. To assess the current status of this youth problem in China, an exploratory mixed-methods study was conducted to collect the views through survey from 364 social workers in Shanghai and five focus group interviews were then conducted.

Findings

Social workers in Shanghai began to identify cases of social withdrawal among youth as early as in 2004. Social workers’ perceptions and intervention approaches were influenced by the extent of their experience in working with the identified youth group. They believed family relationships were a key causal factor in the social withdrawal of youth. The majority of family members of socially withdrawn youth tended to see social workers as the first line of help. Social workers also reported that the fragmentation of existing social services in Shanghai was a significant barrier, with respect to the rendering of timely assistance to this youth population.

Applications

This study can be considered to be the first attempt to explore the extent and nature of youth social withdrawal behaviour in China, from the perspectives of Chinese social workers. It is hoped that the study provides insights into the capacity of the existing youth social services in China to deal with this emerging youth issue.
Respiratory mechanics evaluation of mice submitted to intravenous methacholine: Bolus vs. continuous infusion
Authors: L Vitorasso Renato de , de Oliveira Maria A , Tavares-de-Lima Wothan , Moriya Henrique T
Published: March 2020

The application of a bronchoconstrictor, usually Methacholine (MCh), in respiratory mechanics studies is usually accompanied by the assessment of respiratory mechanics in a dose–response curve. The MCh used in the dose–response curve can be inhaled (i.h.) and intravenous (i.v.) and there are studies comparing i.v. bolus and i.h. MCh in both mice and rats. However, MCh i.v. can be injected at short time interval (bolus) or in continuous infusion. This comparison is relevant since the way MCh is applied influences the mathematical model. We chose an aging process scenario to compare both protocols. This study aims to compare respiratory mechanics of 3-, 6-, and 10-month SAMR1 mice and how both administration methods (continuous infusion and bolus) impact respiratory mechanics evaluation. Both protocols were capable of assessing the difference among ages and doses in: peak or plateau; and area under the curve analysis. The respiratory mechanics parameters were Rn, G, and H (two-way analysis of variance: groups and doses with a P < 0.05 for all). Also, the infusion protocol presented a higher sensitivity to dose increment. In conclusion, both protocols were able to discriminate intragroup and intergroup differences. In the bolus protocol, the highest value of each curve dose may not correspond to the highest real value, and the loss of this point may be a problematic factor in the sample size. These factors are not present in the infusion protocol. Additionally, at this lineage and age screening, the infusion protocol appeared to be more sensitive to differences among ages when compared to the bolus protocol.

Impact statement

Respiratory mechanics studies are associated with fundamental research and translational studies; the present work thus investigates this particular matter. Our current research describes differences and similarities between two different ways of administrating a very prevalent bronchoconstrictor (methacholine) in an aging process scenario. The core issue of our work is related with troubles we find with the bolus protocol and the application of the mathematical model used to assess the respiratory mechanics. Our findings reveal the continuous infusion as an alternative to these problems and we hope to provide the proper foundations to a more reliable assessment in the respiratory field.
The role of inflammation in driving left ventricular remodeling in a pre-HFpEF model
Authors: Loredo-Mendoza Maria L , Ramirez-Sanchez Israel , Bustamante-Pozo Moises Muratt , Ayala Marcos , Navarrete Viridiana , Garate-Carrillo Alejandra , Ito Bruce R , Ceballos Guillermo , Omens Jeffrey , Villarreal Francisco
Published: March 2020

We previously reported on the development of left ventricular (LV) structural and functional changes in an aged, female rat model where the effects of ovariectomy and excess weight (stimulated by fructose in water) were also explored. Ovariectomy and/or excess weight led to a prolongation of active relaxation, loss of cardiac output, and LV fibrosis in the setting of preserved ejection fraction. In this follow-up study, we wished to characterize the possible role of LV inflammation, oxidative stress (OS), and cell death in inducing such changes. Four experimental groups were studied: young (3 months old), aged (18 months old), aged + ovariectomy (OVX), and aged + ovariectomy + 10% fructose (OVF). Using conventional histology and immunohistochemistry of myocardium as well as biochemical assays of plasma samples, we document the presence of inflammatory cell aggregates in LV myocardium which are associated to high levels of plasma inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, TGF-β1) and OS (carbonyl proteins) in aged, OVX, and OVF vs. young animals. In the inflammatory areas, normal cardiac tissue was substituted by replacement and interstitial fibrosis and M1 macrophages, (as per by CD68 immunostaining) as we all as by co-localization with TGF-β1. We also document increases in plasma troponin I levels, loss of capillary density, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and death. Select changes were further aggravated by ovariectomy and/or excess weight. In conclusion, aging in the female rat heart, when compounded with estrogen depletion and excess weight promotes the development of greater levels inflammation, OS, fibrosis, capillary rarefaction, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and injury/death. These factors likely play an important role in the development of LV remodeling that leads to the development of a “pre-HFpEF” phenotype.

Impact statement

The incidence of HFpEF continues to increase and ∼2/3 of the patient population are post-menopausal women. Unfortunately, most studies focus on the use of male animal models of remodeling. In this study, however, using female rats to set a model of pre-HFpEF, we provide insights to possible mechanisms that contribute to HFpEF development in humans that will lead us to a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of HFpEF.
Gender and age inequalities in television and news production culture in Poland: Ethnography in a public broadcasting company
Authors: Gober Greta
Published: March 2020

Previous studies that looked at the quality of media cultures that emerged in the process of democratisation in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) have largely missed the role these cultures play in maintaining gender and age inequalities in the media. This ethnography fills this gap. Through the example of one public service broadcaster, Telewizja Polska (TVP), the quality of the post-communist media culture is examined. The article argues that television work in Poland is carried out under the combined pressure from political actors, economic forces and patriarchal ideology, resulting in a weak media autonomy that characterises the CEE region overall. The theoretical framework of field theory is used to demonstrate this link.
Suitable indications of eculizumab for patients with refractory generalized myasthenia gravis
Authors: Oyama Munenori , Okada Kensuke , Masuda Masayuki , Shimizu Yuko , Yokoyama Kazumasa , Uzawa Akiyuki , Kawaguchi Naoki , Ikeguchi Ryotaro , Hoshino Yasunobu , Hatano Taku , Ozawa Yukiko , Nakahara Jin , Aizawa Hitoshi , Kitagawa Kazuo , Hattori Nobutaka , Kuwabara Satoshi , Murai Hiroyuki , Suzuki Shigeaki
Published: March 2020

Background:

Eculizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets complement protein C5 and inhibits terminal complement-mediated damage at the neuromuscular junction. Recently, the REGAIN study showed that eculizumab was effective and well tolerated in patients with anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive refractory generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). However, there is no consensus regarding which kind of patients with gMG are selected to preferentially receive eculizumab.

Methods:

Between January and December 2018, we followed 1388 patients with MG at seven hospitals located in Tokyo and Chiba. We evaluated the clinical features of MG and the patients’ quality of life. Clinical status and severity were determined by the recommendations of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America.

Results:

Of 1388 patients with MG, 12 (0.9%) patients received eculizumab. A total of 11 patients who were anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive with refractory gMG (M:F = 3:8) completed the 26-week treatment with eculizumab. The disease subtypes represented included five cases of early onset MG, one of late-onset MG, and five of thymoma-associated MG. Overall, seven patients had experienced myasthenic crisis. The mean quantitative MG score ranged from 18.6 at baseline to 9.1 at week 26 ( p = 0.008). Similarly, the mean MG activities of daily living score ranged from 10.8 at baseline to 4.2 at week 26 ( p = 0.002). There were marked improvements in all patients’ quality of life status. Overall, seven patients were able to reduce the dose of prednisolone at week 26. All but one patient did not require additional rescue treatment. Overall, one patient with early onset MG could not continue the eculizumab treatment due to nausea and vertigo.

Conclusion:

We demonstrate that eculizumab provided remarkable benefits for refractory gMG in practical real-world experience as well as in the REGAIN study. Patients with refractory gMG with myasthenia crisis and thymoma-associated MG are suitable for eculizumab administration.
PARP inhibitor combinations in prostate cancer
Authors: Pezaro Carmel
Published: March 2020

Polyadenosine-diphosphate-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors cause deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage that can be lethal to cells with deficient repair mechanisms. A number of PARP inhibitors are being tested as treatments for men with prostate cancer, both as monotherapies and in combinations that are based on purported synergies in treatment effect. While the initial single-agent development focused on men with identified deficiencies in DNA-repair pathways, broader patient populations are being considered for combination approaches. This review summarizes the current clinical development of PARP inhibitors and explores the rationale for novel combination strategies.
Management of Zygomatic Arch Fractures by Intraoral Open Reduction and Transbuccal Fixation: A Technical Note
Authors: Panneerselvam Elavenil , Balasubramanian Sasikala , Kempraj Jaghandeep , Babu Vijitha Ravindira , Raja V. B. Krishna Kumar
Published: March 2020

Fractures of the zygomatic arch are common due to its anatomical prominence. The post-traumatic restoration of the arch form is important to maintain the midfacial symmetry and anteroposterior projection of the face. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of fractured arch is indicated in specific clinical presentations. The traditional methods of ORIF of zygomatic arch fractures require cutaneous incisions, which are associated with complications such as scarring and facial nerve injury. This article presents a simple technique of “intraoral reduction and transbuccal fixation” of the arch that negates the problems associated with the conventional approaches to ORIF.
Antimicrobial therapy of 3 days or less is sufficient after successful ERCP for acute cholangitis
Authors: Haal Sylke , ten Böhmer Britt , Balkema Sebastiaan , Depla Annekatrien CTM , Fockens Paul , Jansen Jeroen M , Kuiken Sjoerd D , Liberov Boris I , van Soest Ellert , van Hooft Jeanin E , Sieswerda Elske , Voermans Rogier P
Published: March 2020

Background

Recommendations for the duration of antimicrobial therapy in cholangitis after successful endoscopic biliary drainage vary. The aim of this study was to compare the occurrence of local infectious complications in patients with acute cholangitis treated with antibiotics for 3 days or less compared with 4 days or more.

Methods

We performed a retrospective multicentre study in seven hospitals in the Netherlands. Patients who received a successful biliary drainage by endoscopic retrograde cholangio‐pancreatography because of cholangitis due to common bile duct stones between 2012 and 2017 were included. The primary outcome was the occurrence of a local infectious complication within 3 months of endoscopic retrograde cholangio‐pancreatography. Secondary outcomes included Clostridioides difficile infection, total length of hospital stay and all‐cause mortality.

Results

A total of 426 patients with cholangitis were identified and 296 patients met all inclusion criteria. Therapy duration was ≤3 days in 137 patients (46.3%). During follow‐up, 41 patients (13.9%) developed a local infectious complication. Occurrence of infectious complications did not differ between the two groups (p  = 0.32). No patient developed Clostridioides difficile infection. Median hospital stay was 6 days (interquartile range 4–8 days) in the short antibiotic group compared with 7 days (interquartile range 5–9 days) in the long group (p  = 0.03). Four (1.4%) patients died during follow‐up, all were treated for ≥4 days (p  = 0.13).

Conclusions

Antimicrobial therapy of 3 days or less seems to be sufficient after successful biliary drainage in patients with acute cholangitis. Randomized trials should confirm our findings.
Prediction of Progression in Polycystic Kidney Disease Using the Kidney Failure Risk Equation and Ultrasound Parameters
Authors: Akbari Ayub , Tangri Navdeep , Brown Pierre A. , Biyani Mohan , Rhodes Emily , Kumar Teerath , Shabana Wael , Sood Manish M.
Published: March 2020

Background:

The kidney failure risk equation (KFRE) is a validated risk algorithm for predicting the risk of kidney failure in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients regardless of etiology. Patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (AD-PCKD) experience long disease trajectories and as such identifying individuals at risk of kidney failure would aid in intervention

Objective:

To examine the utility of the KFRE in predicting adverse kidney outcomes compared with existing risk factors in a cohort of patients with AD-PCKD.

Methods:

Retrospective cohort study of AD-PCKD patients referred to a tertiary care center with a baseline kidney ultrasound and a KFRE calculation. Cox proportional hazards were used to examine the association of the KFRE and composite of an eGFR decline of >30% or the need for dialysis/transplantation. Discrimination and calibration of a parsimonious fully adjusted model and a model containing only total kidney volume (TKV) with and without the addition of the KFRE was determined.

Results:

Of 340 patients with AD-PCKD eligible, 221 (65%) met inclusion criteria. Older age, cardiac disease, cancer, higher systolic blood pressure, albuminuria, lower eGFR and a higher initial TKV were more common in patients with a higher KFRE. A total of 120 events occurred over a median patient follow-up time of 3.2 years. KFRE was independently associated with the composite kidney outcome. Addition of the KFRE significantly improved discrimination and calibration in a TKV only model and a fully adjusted model.

Conclusions:

In a diverse, referral population with AD-PCKD, the KFRE was associated with adverse kidney outcomes and improved risk prediction.
An Experimental Swallow Evoked Potential Protocol to Investigate the Neural Substrates of Swallowing
Authors: Kloepper Ashley , Arnold Joseph , Ruffolo Alexis , Kinealy Brian , Haxton Chandler , Nichols Nicole , Takahashi Kazutaka , Lever Teresa E.
Published: March 2020

Advancement in dysphagia intervention is hindered by our lack of understanding of the neural mechanisms of swallowing in health and disease. Evoking and understanding neural activity in response to normal and disordered swallowing is essential to bridge this knowledge gap. Building on sensory evoked potential methodology, we developed a minimally invasive approach to generate swallow evoked potentials (SwEPs) in response to repetitive swallowing induced by citric acid stimulation of the oropharynx in lightly anesthetized healthy adult rats. The SwEP waveform consisted of 8 replicable peaks within 10 milliseconds immediately preceding the onset of electromyographic swallowing activity. Methodology refinement is underway with healthy rats to establish normative SwEP waveform morphology before proceeding to models of advanced aging and age‐related neurodegenerative diseases. Ultimately, we envision that this experimental protocol may unmask the pathologic neural substrates contributing to dysphagia to accelerate the discovery of targeted therapeutics.
Prognostic impact of CSF3R mutations in favorable risk childhood acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Tarlock Katherine , Alonzo Todd , Wang Yi-Cheng , Gerbing Robert B. , Ries Rhonda E. , Hylkema Tiffany , Smith Jenny L. , Maxson Julia E. , Meshinchi Soheil
Published: March 2020

Truncation mutations in the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor gene (CSF3R) are a rare abnormality in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia, and are usually associated either with mutations in CEBPA or with t(8;21). Through sequencing of over 2000 patients, the authors demonstrated that, although CSF3R mutations with associated t(8;21) still had an excellent response, CSF3R mutation abrogated the favorable risk of CEBPA mutation alone.
Managing climate change in drinking water reservoirs: potentials and limitations of dynamic withdrawal strategies
Authors: Feldbauer Johannes , Kneis David , Hegewald Tilo , Berendonk Thomas U. , Petzoldt Thomas
Published: March 2020

Background

Climate change induced a rise in surface water temperature and a prolongation of summer stratification in drinking water reservoirs. Stratification and temperature are important factors for drinking water production because they influence bio-geo-chemical processes and thus affect water quality. Most drinking water reservoirs have outlet structures that allow water to be withdrawn from different depths at variable rates. The thermal structure of these reservoirs can thus be managed actively by means of dynamic withdrawal schemes.

Results

We employed the hydro-physical General Lake Model to simulate the effects of different withdrawal strategies on temperatures and stratification in three German reservoirs. In particular, we assessed the potential of depth- and time-variable withdrawal to mitigate the impacts of climate change. We found that deep water temperatures (25 m below surface) and the end of summer stagnation are strongly controlled by the withdrawal regime. Specifically, the simulated impact of the withdrawal scheme was of the same order of magnitude as the observed impact of climate change over the last 30 years. However, the end of ice cover, the onset of summer stagnation, and near-surface temperatures (3 m depth) were rather insensitive to altered withdrawal strategies.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that an adaption of withdrawal depth and timing will partly compensate for the effects of climate change. Dynamic withdrawal should thus be considered as an integral part of future reservoir management strategies.
Genotype calling of triploid offspring from diploid parents
Authors: Grashei Kim Erik , Ødegård Jørgen , Meuwissen Theo H. E.
Published: March 2020

Background

Polyploidy is widespread in animals and especially in plants. Different kinds of ploidies exist, for example, hexaploidy in wheat, octaploidy in strawberries, and diploidy, triploidy, tetraploidy, and pseudo-tetraploidy (partly tetraploid) in fish. Triploid offspring from diploid parents occur frequently in the wild in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and, as with triploidy in general, the triploid individuals are sterile. Induced triploidy in Atlantic salmon is common practice to produce sterile fish. In Norwegian aquaculture, production of sterile triploid fish is an attempt by government and industry to limit genetic introgression between wild and farmed fish. However, triploid fish may have traits and properties that differ from those of diploids. Investigating the genetics behind traits in triploids has proved challenging because genotype calling of genetic markers in triploids is not supported by standard software. Our aim was to develop a method that can be used for genotype calling of genetic markers in triploid individuals.

Results

Allele signals were produced for 381 triploid Atlantic salmon offspring using a 56 K Thermo Fisher GeneTitan genotyping platform. Genotypes were successfully called by applying finite normal mixture models to the (transformed) allele signals. Subsets of markers were filtered by quality control statistics for use with downstream analyses. The quality of the called genotypes was sufficient to allow for assignment of diploid parents to the triploid offspring and to discriminate between maternal and paternal parents from autosomal inheritance patterns. In addition, as the maternal inheritance in triploid offspring is identical to gynogenetic inheritance, the maternal recombination pattern for each chromosome could be mapped by using a similar approach as that used in gene-centromere mapping.

Conclusions

We show that calling of dense marker genotypes for triploid individuals is feasible. The resulting genotypes can be used in parentage assignment of triploid offspring to diploid parents, to discriminate between maternal and paternal parents using autosomal inheritance patterns, and to map the maternal recombination pattern using an approach similar to gene-centromere mapping. Genotyping of triploid individuals is important both for selective breeding programs and unravelling the underlying genetics of phenotypes recorded in triploids. In principle, the developed method can be used for genotype calling of other polyploid organisms.
Cyclosporine a directly affects human and mouse b cell migration in vitro by disrupting a hIF-1 αdependent, o2 sensing, molecular switch
Authors: Hilchey Shannon P , Palshikar Mukta G , Emo Jason A , Li Dongmei , Garigen Jessica , Wang Jiong , Mendelson Eric S , Cipolla Valentina , Thakar Juilee , Zand Martin S
Published: March 2020

Background

Hypoxia is a potent molecular signal for cellular metabolism, mitochondrial function, and migration. Conditions of low oxygen tension trigger regulatory cascades mediated via the highly conserved HIF-1 α post-translational modification system. In the adaptive immune response, B cells (Bc) are activated and differentiate under hypoxic conditions within lymph node germinal centers, and subsequently migrate to other compartments. During migration, they traverse through changing oxygen levels, ranging from 1-5% in the lymph node to 5-13% in the peripheral blood. Interestingly, the calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporine A is known to stimulate prolyl hydroxylase activity, resulting in HIF-1 α destabilization and may alter Bc responses directly. Over 60% of patients taking calcineurin immunosuppressant medications have hypo-gammaglobulinemia and poor vaccine responses, putting them at high risk of infection with significantly increased morbidity and mortality.

Results

We demonstrate that O 2 tension is a previously unrecognized Bc regulatory switch, altering CXCR4 and CXCR5 chemokine receptor signaling in activated Bc through HIF-1 α expression, and controlling critical aspects of Bc migration. Our data demonstrate that calcineurin inhibition hinders this O 2 regulatory switch in primary human Bc.

Conclusion

This previously unrecognized effect of calcineurin inhibition directly on human Bc has significant and direct clinical implications.
Transcriptome analysis of metabolic pathways associated with oil accumulation in developing seed kernels of Styrax tonkinensis, a woody biodiesel species
Authors: Wu Qikui , Cao Yuanyuan , Chen Chen , Gao Zhenzhou , Yu Fangyuan , Guy Robert D.
Published: March 2020

Background

Styrax tonkinensis (Pierre) Craib ex Hartwich has great potential as a woody biodiesel species having seed kernels with high oil content, excellent fatty acid composition and good fuel properties. However, no transcriptome information is available on the molecular regulatory mechanism of oil accumulation in developing S. tonkinensis kernels.

Results

The dynamic patterns of oil content and fatty acid composition at 11 time points from 50 to 150 days after flowering (DAF) were analyzed. The percent oil content showed an up-down-up pattern, with yield and degree of unsaturation peaking on or after 140 DAF. Four time points (50, 70, 100, and 130 DAF) were selected for Illumina transcriptome sequencing. Approximately 73 million high quality clean reads were generated, and then assembled into 168,207 unigenes with a mean length of 854 bp. There were 5916 genes that were differentially expressed between different time points. These differentially expressed genes were grouped into 9 clusters based on their expression patterns. Expression patterns of a subset of 12 unigenes were confirmed by qRT-PCR. Based on their functional annotation through the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool and publicly available protein databases, specific unigenes encoding key enzymes, transmembrane transporters, and transcription factors associated with oil accumulation were determined. Three main patterns of expression were evident. Most unigenes peaked at 70 DAF, coincident with a rapid increase in oil content during kernel development. Unigenes with high expression at 50 DAF were associated with plastid formation and earlier stages of oil synthesis, including pyruvate and acetyl-CoA formation. Unigenes associated with triacylglycerol biosynthesis and oil body development peaked at 100 or 130 DAF.

Conclusions

Transcriptome changes during oil accumulation show a distinct temporal trend with few abrupt transitions. Expression profiles suggest that acetyl-CoA formation for oil biosynthesis is both directly from pyruvate and indirectly via acetaldehyde, and indicate that the main carbon source for fatty acid biosynthesis is triosephosphate originating from phosphohexose outside the plastid. Different sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferases are implicated in diacylglycerol biosynthesis at early versus late stages of oil accumulation. Triacylglycerol biosynthesis may be accomplished by both diacylglycerol and by phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferases.