bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thrombolytic therapy in older acute ischemic stroke patients with gastrointestinal malignancy or recent bleeding
Authors: Inohara Taku , Liang Li , Kosinski Andrzej S , Smith Eric E , Schwamm Lee H , Hernandez Adrian F , Bhatt Deepak L , Fonarow Gregg C , Peterson Eric D , Xian Ying
Published: August 2019

Background

There are limited data on the safety of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) for treating acute ischemic stroke in patients with gastrointestinal malignancy or recent gastrointestinal bleeding within 21 days of their index stroke.

Aims

To evaluate clinical outcomes in patients treated with rtPA for acute ischemic stroke who had gastrointestinal malignancy or recent gastrointestinal bleeding

Methods

We identified patients who were treated with rtPA for acute ischemic stroke between 2/2009 and 12/2015 from the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke linked to Medicare claims data. Gastrointestinal malignancy and recent gastrointestinal bleeding were defined as any gastrointestinal malignancy hospitalisation within one year prior to acute ischemic stroke and gastrointestinal bleeding hospitalisation within 21 days prior to acute ischemic stroke, respectively. Outcomes of interest included in-hospital mortality and bleeding complications.

Results

Among 40,396 patients aged 65 years or older treated with rtPA for acute ischemic stroke from 1522 sites (mean age [SD] 81.0 [8.1] years; 41.9% women), 136 (0.3%) had gastrointestinal malignancy ( n = 96) or recent gastrointestinal bleeding ( n = 43). Patients with gastrointestinal malignancy or bleeding had more severe stroke than those without (median NIHSS [interquartile range]: 14.0 [8.0–19.0] vs. 11.0 [6.0–18.0]). The rates of in-hospital mortality and life-threatening systemic haemorrhage were not significantly different between those with and without gastrointestinal malignancy or bleeding (mortality: 10.3% vs. 9.0%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.01, 95%CI 0.58–1.75; bleeding: 2.3% vs. 1.2%, aOR 1.72, 95%CI 0.58–5.11).

Conclusions

In this observational cohort, we did not find increased risk of in-hospital mortality and bleeding in rtPA-treated patients with gastrointestinal malignancy or recent gastrointestinal bleeding.
Monoclonal immunoglobulin–mediated kidney disease: What is beyond amyloidosis in real practice?
Authors: Zakharova Elena V , Makarova Tatyana A , Stolyarevich Ekaterina S , Vorobyeva Olga A
Published: August 2019

Background:

Monoclonal immunoglobulin–mediated kidney disease with various patterns of damage may occur in patients with B-cell malignancies and non-malignant monoclonal gammopathies, and the latter are actually merged under the umbrella of monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance. Amyloidosis is the most well-known monoclonal immunoglobulin–related kidney damage. We focused on the rarer conditions and aimed to evaluate the non-amyloid spectrum of monoclonal immunoglobulin–mediated patterns of renal damage in real clinical practice.

Methods:

A single-center non-interventional retrospective study included 45 patients with pathology-proven non-amyloid monoclonal immunoglobulin–mediated kidney disease, followed during 2002–2018. Disease duration, proteinuria, serum creatinine, need for dialysis at the time of kidney biopsy, clinical diagnosis, and kidney pathology findings were analyzed.

Results:

No significant differences in the median age, disease duration at the time of biopsy, or main clinical presentation of kidney disease were found between patients with monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance and patients with B-cell malignancies. Pathology patterns like proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal immunoglobulin deposits, membranous nephropathy, C3 glomerulopathy, cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis, and combinations of light chain proximal tubulopathy with monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease, and of C3 glomerulopathy with light chain proximal tubulopathy were found in monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance setting only. In contrast, light chain proximal tubulopathy alone, anti-glomerular basement glomerulonephritis, and combinations of cast nephropathy with light chain proximal tubulopathy, and cast nephropathy with monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease were associated with multiple myeloma only. Monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease, intracapillary monoclonal immunoglobulin M deposits, and cast nephropathy alone were seen in both settings.

Conclusion:

The presence of monoclonal gammopathy in patients with proteinuria and/or impaired kidney function demands kidney biopsy. Neither duration of kidney disease nor its clinical presentation allows differentiating malignant and non-malignant causes of monoclonal immunoglobulin–mediated renal damage. Several pathology patterns, even cast nephropathy, can be found both in cases of monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance and in cases of B-cell malignancies. Dual patterns of damage, including combinations of organized and non-organized deposits, or organized deposits with monoclonal immunoglobulin–induced damage without monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition, constitute up to 9%, mostly in multiple myeloma cases.
Bringing diversity to nature: Politicizing gender, race and class in environmental organizations?
Authors: Arora-Jonsson Seema , Ågren Mia
Published: August 2019

Environmental organizations play an important role in mainstream debates on nature and in shaping our environments. At a time when environmental NGOs are turning to questions of gender-equality and ethnic diversity, we analyze their possibilities to do so. We argue that attempts at ethnic and cultural diversity in environmental organizations cannot be understood without insight into the conceptualizations of nature and the environment that underpin thinking within the organization. Serious attempts at diversity entail confronting some of the core values on nature-cultures driving the organization as well as understanding the dimensions of power such as class, gender, and race that structure its practices. We study what nature means for one such organization, the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, and the ways in which thinking about nature dictates organizational practice and sets the boundaries of their work with diversity in their projects on outdoor recreation. We base our analysis on official documents and interviews, analyze how “diversity” and “gender-equality” are represented in the material and reflect on the interconnections as well as the different trajectories taken by the two issues. Our study shows that the organization’s understanding of nature is a central and yet undiscussed determinant of their work with diversity that closes down as much as it opens up the space for greater inclusion of minorities. We argue that for environmental organizations wanting to diversity membership, a discussion of what nature means for people and their relationships to each other and nature is vital to any such efforts.
Long-term outcome of patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma treated with blinatumomab
Authors: Dufner Vera , Sayehli Cyrus M. , Chatterjee Manik , Hummel Horst D. , Gelbrich Götz , Bargou Ralf C. , Goebeler Maria-Elisabeth
Published: August 2019

Blinatumomab, the first-in-class CD3/CD19 bispecific T-cell engager antibody construct, has recently been approved for treating patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. However, the clinical proof of concept of blinatumomab efficacy was initially demonstrated in patients with R/R B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) in the MT103-104 phase 1 dose-escalation and expansion trial (NCT00274742), which defined 60 µg/m2 per day as the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). The clinically most relevant adverse effects were neurologic symptoms and cytokine release syndrome. Currently, there are no data on long-term outcomes and toxicity for B-NHL patients receiving blinatumomab treatment, so we performed a single-center, long-term follow-up analysis of 38 patients who participated in the MT103-104 phase 1 trial. We found no evidence for long-term toxicities, especially no blinatumomab-induced neurocognitive impairments. For the entire study population, the median overall survival (OS) was 4.6 years. Remarkably, patients who had received ≥60 µg/m2 per day and responded to blinatumomab achieved a median OS of 7.7 years. Of note, 6 of the surviving patients treated at the MTD have been treatment-free for more than 7 years. In contrast, patients who were treated at dose levels below the MTD had a median OS of only 1.1 years. These results indicate that 60 µg/m2 per day seems to represent the targeted dose level of blinatumomab required for durable remission in R/R B-NHL. Here, we provide the first clinical evidence that blinatumomab lacks long-term toxicity and has the potential to induce sustained remissions in patients with R/R B-NHL.
Subcutaneous C1 inhibitor for prevention of attacks of hereditary angioedema: additional outcomes and subgroup analysis of a placebo-controlled randomized study
Authors: Li H. Henry , Zuraw Bruce , Longhurst Hilary J. , Cicardi Marco , Bork Konrad , Baker James , Lumry William , Bernstein Jonathan , Manning Michael , Levy Donald , Riedl Marc A. , Feuersenger Henrike , Prusty Subhransu , Pragst Ingo , Machnig Thomas , Craig Timothy ,   for the COMPACT Investigators
Published: August 2019

Background

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a debilitating disorder resulting from C1-esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) deficiency. In the COMPACT phase 3 study the prophylactic use of a subcutaneous C1 inhibitor (C1-INH [SC], HAEGARDA®, CSL Behring) twice weekly significantly reduced the frequency of acute edema attacks. Analysis of treatment effects by subgroups, onset of effect, and other exploratory analysis have not been reported.

Methods

This is a post hoc exploratory analysis on data from the randomized, placebo-controlled COMPACT study. 90 patients with C1-INH-HAE were randomized to 1 of 4 treatment sequences: C1-INH (SC) 40 or 60 IU/kg of body weight twice weekly for 16 weeks, preceded or followed by a placebo period. The pre-specified primary efficacy endpoint was the time-normalized number of HAE attacks, and pre-specified secondary efficacy endpoints were the percentage of patients with a certain treatment response (≥ 50% reduction on C1-INH (SC) versus placebo in the time-normalized number of attacks) and the time-normalized number of use of rescue medication. Pre-specified exploratory endpoints included severity of attacks, alone and combined with rescue medication use. Post hoc analyses included exploration of onset of effect and clinical assessment of patients with < 50% of response.

Results

Subgroup findings by various patient characteristics showed a consistent preventive effect of C1-INH (SC). In a post hoc analysis of attacks, the onset of the preventive effect within the first 2 weeks after treatment initiation in COMPACT showed that 10/43 patients (23%) experienced attacks of any severity with 60 IU/kg versus 34/42 patients (81%) with placebo. The need for rescue medication was tenfold lower with 60 IU/kg (35 treated attacks) versus placebo (358 treated attacks). A qualitative analysis of the 4 patients treated with 60 IU/kg and with < 50% reduction of attacks demonstrated a reduction in severity of attacks, rescue medication use, and symptom days which was considered a clinically meaningful treatment effect.

Conclusions

C1-INH (SC) prophylaxis demonstrated a preventive treatment effect with evidence of benefit within 2 weeks. A consistent treatment effect at recommended C1-INH (SC) dosing was evident in all subgroups of patients with type I/II HAE and by various measures of disease and treatment burden.

Trial registration EU Clinical Trials Register, 2013-000916-10, Registered 10 December 2013, https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2013-000916-10; ClinicalTrials.gov Register, NCT01912456, Registered 31 July 2013, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01912456.
Phase II Study of Avelumab in Patients With Mismatch Repair Deficient and Mismatch Repair Proficient Recurrent/Persistent Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Konstantinopoulos Panagiotis A. , Luo Weixiu , Liu Joyce F. , Gulhan Doga C. , Krasner Carolyn , Ishizuka Jeffrey J. , Gockley Allison A. , Buss Mary , Growdon Whitfield B. , Crowe Heather , Campos Susana , Lindeman Neal I. , Hill Sarah , Stover Elizabeth , Schumer Susan , Wright Alexi A. , Curtis Jennifer , Quinn Roxanne , Whalen Christin , Gray Kathryn P. , Penson Richard T. , Cannistra Stephen A. , Fleming Gini F. , Matulonis Ursula A.
Published: August 2019

PURPOSE

Despite the tissue-agnostic approval of pembrolizumab in mismatch repair deficient (MMRD) solid tumors, important unanswered questions remain about the role of immune checkpoint blockade in mismatch repair–proficient (MMRP) and –deficient endometrial cancer (EC).

METHODS

This phase II study evaluated the PD-L1 inhibitor avelumab in two cohorts of patients with EC: (1) MMRD/ POLE (polymerase ε) cohort, as defined by immunohistochemical (IHC) loss of expression of one or more mismatch repair (MMR) proteins and/or documented mutation in the exonuclease domain of POLE; and (2) MMRP cohort with normal IHC expression of all MMR proteins. Coprimary end points were objective response (OR) and progression-free survival at 6 months (PFS6). Avelumab 10 mg/kg intravenously was administered every 2 weeks until progression or unacceptable toxicity.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients were enrolled. No patient with POLE-mutated tumor was enrolled in the MMRD cohort, and all MMRP tumors were not POLE-mutated. The MMRP cohort was closed at the first stage because of futility: Only one of 16 patients exhibited both OR and PFS6 responses. The MMRD cohort met the predefined primary end point of four ORs after accrual of only 17 patients; of 15 patients who initiated avelumab, four exhibited OR (one complete response, three partial responses; OR rate, 26.7%; 95% CI, 7.8% to 55.1%) and six (including all four ORs) PFS6 responses (PFS6, 40.0%; 95% CI, 16.3% to 66.7%), four of which are ongoing as of data cutoff date. Responses were observed in the absence of PD-L1 expression. IHC captured all cases of MMRD subsequently determined by polymerase chain reaction or genomically via targeted sequencing.

CONCLUSION

Avelumab exhibited promising activity in MMRD EC regardless of PD-L1 status. IHC for MMR assessment is a useful tool for patient selection. The activity of avelumab in MMRP/non- POLE–mutated ECs was low.
Biophysical characterizations of the recognition of the AAUAAA polyadenylation signal
Authors: Hamilton Keith , Sun Yadong , Tong Liang
Published: August 2019

Most eukaryotic messenger RNA precursors must undergo 3′-end cleavage and polyadenylation for maturation. We and others recently reported the structure of the AAUAAA polyadenylation signal (PAS) in complex with the protein factors CPSF-30, WDR33, and CPSF-160, revealing the molecular mechanism for this recognition. Here we have characterized in detail the interactions between the PAS RNA and the protein factors using fluorescence polarization experiments. Our studies show that AAUAAA is recognized with ∼3 nM affinity by the CPSF-160–WDR33–CPSF-30 ternary complex. Variations in the RNA sequence can greatly reduce the affinity. Similarly, mutations of CPSF-30 residues that have van der Waals interactions with the bases of AAUAAA also lead to substantial reductions in affinity. Finally, our studies confirm that both CPSF-30 and WDR33 are required for high-affinity binding of the PAS RNA, while these two proteins alone and their binary complexes with CPSF-160 have much lower affinity for the RNA.
Case Report: Concurrent primary CNS lymphoma and meningothelial meningioma - nuances of diagnosis and management
Authors: Kashyap Samir , Bernstein Jacob , Bowen Ira , Menoni Rosalinda , Miulli Dan
Published: August 2019

Background: The incidence of two distinct primary intracranial pathologies is an exceedingly rare phenomenon. Although meningiomas are well known to coexist with other primary intracranial malignancies there are only nine reported cases of a meningioma occurring simultaneously with primary CNS lymphoma in the literature. We report a case of a woman who sustained multiple injuries due to two distinct intracranial pathologies, however, lateralizing signs were unrecognized for two weeks prior to her final diagnosis.

Case Description: A 64-year-old female with history of diabetes mellitus type 2 initially presented to the Emergency Department, two weeks prior, following a mechanical fall at home resulting in a left bimalleolar fracture. CT imaging revealed a right occipital mass with significant vasogenic edema causing 12mm of midline shift. MRI revealed two distinct homogeneously contrast-enhancing lesions: a right occipital mass with dural-based attachment, as well as a homogenously contrast-enhancing lesion adjacent to the right posterolateral ventricle. FLAIR signal changes were also appreciated and were noted to extend across the corpus callosum, raising concerns for a high-grade glial process. She underwent a right occipital craniotomy with gross total resection of the right occipital mass as well as subtotal resection and biopsy of the second lesion. Final pathology of the extra-axial lesion was found to be meningothelial meningioma and the deep lesion was found to be diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Discussion: We describe a rare instance of simultaneous meningioma and primary CNS lymphoma that was found to be the underlying cause of a traumatic injury several weeks after the incident. We review the current diagnosis and management nuances in the setting of multiple intracranial oncologic processes.
Recent advances in managing and understanding seborrheic keratosis
Authors: Wollina Uwe
Published: August 2019

Seborrheic keratosis (SK) is a common benign epidermal tumor with predominance in adult patients. Whereas common SKs are more frequent in Caucasians, dermatosis papulosa nigra is more prevalent in patients with a Fitzpatrick skin type of at least 3. There seems to be a link between extrinsic skin aging and the occurrence of SK. Mutations of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 and other signaling molecules are a frequent finding in SK lesions. However, this does not translate into any malignant potential. Viral infections are particularly common in genital lesions, although their pathogenetic relevance for SK is questionable. Different histologic and clinical subtypes have been identified. The great variability of SKs raises some difficulties in diagnosis. Dermoscopy is the preferred non-invasive diagnostic method, in particular to differentiate pigmented SKs from other pigment tumors, including cutaneous melanoma. Eruptive SKs can be a paraneoplastic condition known as the Leser–Trélat sign. New targeted cancer treatments can cause a pseudo-Leser–Trélat sign. The treatment in practice is mainly minor surgery, including cryosurgery, shave excisions, and laser-assisted removal. The medical approaches have only limited effects. Recently, two formulations for topical therapy have been evaluated: a product with 40% hydrogen peroxide (HP40) and an aqueous nitric–zinc complex. Based on clinical trials, HP40 seems to be a promising alternative to surgery, in particular for facial lesions.
Performance characteristics of a modified HIV-1 drug resistance genotyping method for use in resource-limited settings
Authors: Magomere Edwin O. , Nyangahu Donald D. , Kimoloi Sammy , Webala Brenda A. , Ondigo Bartholomew N.
Published: August 2019

Background: HIV-1 drug resistance (HIVDR) assays are critical components of HIV clinical management programs in the face of emerging drug resistance. However, the high costs associated with existing commercial HIVDR assays prohibit their routine usage in resource-limited settings. We present the performance characteristics of a modified commercial HIVDR testing assay.

Methods: A total of 26 plasma samples were used to validate and assess the accuracy, precision, reproducibility and amplification sensitivity of a modified HIVDR assay by HIV genotyping. In addition, a cost comparison between the original and the modified assay was performed using the ingredient costing approach.

Results: The performance characteristics of the modified assay were in agreement with the original assay. Accuracy, precision and reproducibility showed nucleotide sequence identity of 98.5% (confidence interval (CI), 97.9–99.1%), 98.67% (CI, 98.1–99.23) and 98.7% (CI, 98.1–99.3), respectively.  There was no difference in the type of mutations detected by the two assays (χ2 = 2.36, p = 0.26). Precision and reproducibility showed significant mutation agreement between replicates (kappa = 0.79 and 0.78), respectively (p < 0.05). The amplification sensitivity of the modified assay was 100% and 62.5% for viremia ≥1000 copies/ml and <1000 copies/ml respectively. Our assay modification translates to a 39.2% reduction in the cost of reagents.

Conclusions: Our findings underscore the potential of modifying commercially available HIVDR testing assays into cost-effective, yet accurate assays for use in resource-limited settings.
Moving forward to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals: How do we secure sustainable investments for family planning?
Authors: Addico Gifty , Greaney Jennie , Lacayo Yann
Published: August 2019

Evidence demonstrates how rights-based family planning (FP) brings transformational benefits to women, families, communities and countries. Investing in FP is not only a human rights issue, but also a key catalytic factor for countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Sustainable and equitable access to FP has a tremendous socioeconomic impact and boosts synergistic efforts to reduce poverty, achieve food security and improved nutrition, save lives and improve health and well-being, improve women’s and girls’ education, advance gender equality and empowerment, mitigate the effects of access to water and sanitation, reduce the impact on health of climate change, and contribute to economic growth and social inclusion. Nevertheless, while the benefits are realized across many other sectors, the burden of financing for FP is born predominantly by the health sector. Although there have been several attempts to integrate FP into other sectors’ initiatives, the results have not yet been fully systematized or scaled up. This open letter calls for a new approach to broaden the attention of different sectors to invest in FP as a catalytic intervention to achieve the SDGs. Using the UNFPA Conceptual Framework for Sustainable Financing for Family Planning, we will highlight elements to be considered by development actors in shaping national, regional and global actions. By exploring new funding sources and mechanisms to increase investments in FP, maximizing efficiency, and overall, revamping FP beyond the health sector, we intend to expand the reach of the discussions across non-traditional actors, underscoring the need to increase efforts towards guaranteeing universal health access for all as a main contributor to achieve the 2030 agenda. Further, we will detail experiences of how UNFPA and development partners have incorporated innovative approaches to secure sustainable financing for FP at the national level providing concrete examples on how to proceed in this area.
Synthesis of Graphene Oxide Through Ultrasonic Assisted Electrochemical Exfoliation
Authors: Aksoy Canser , Anakli Duygu
Published: August 2019

We report a ‘green’, simple and efficient approach for the production of graphene oxide (GO) by ultrasonic assisted electrochemical exfoliation of graphite rods, and by using Improved Hummers’ graphene oxide (IGO) as an electrolyte. The effects of applied bias, electrolyte concentration and the duration of the electrochemical exfoliation on the quality of the GO nanosheets were investigated. The produced graphene oxide with a high yield (> 48%), and the lowest defect was obtained in the ultrasonic assisted electrochemical exfoliation performed at 0.05% IGO mass percent in DI water and 50 V applied bias for 1 hour at room temperature. The structural, morphological and physical properties of the obtained nanostructures were analyzed by XRD, Raman, FESEM, STEM techniques and thermal conductivity analysis, respectively. The characteristic Raman bands were observed at 1354 cm-1 and 1590 cm-1 for the prepared GO nanosheets. The produced graphene oxides exhibited a lateral dimension of 3-7 μm revealed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). It was observed that the thermal conductivity enhancement of 14.95% was obtained for GO, which was higher than the other IGO nanofluid (7.64%) with respect to DI water at 20oC.
Synthesis, characterization (IR, 1H, 13C & 31P NMR), fungicidal, herbicidal and molecular docking evaluation of steroid phosphorus compounds
Authors: Alam Mahboob , Kim Youngwon , Park Soonheum
Published: August 2019

Phosphorus containing steroidal derivatives such as 3β-oxo-[diazaphosphalidine-2’-one] stigmast-5-ene and 3β-oxo-[diazaphosphalidine-2’-one] stigmast-5,22-diene were designed, synthesized and characterized using spectroscopic techniques (IR,1H,13C &31P NMR, HRMS) and elemental analysis. The fungicidal and herbicidal studies of the compounds were performed and the experimental outcomes showed that compound 4 showed a good fungicidal activity against mycelium growth of fungi, while in the case of herbicidal activity, both compounds show a moderate activity compared to the commercial drug; Atrazine. The binding free energy of active compound 4 to the receptor named 4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) was calculated using the molecular docking study. The HPPD is one of the most effective targets of plants for the herbicide study.
Der Rückgang pränominaler Genitive in deranstatt-Konstruktion
Authors: Ebert Christian
Published: August 2019

Die syntaktische Ausdifferenzierung im Laufe der Grammatikalisierung der komplexen Präpositionanstattim Hinblick auf die Stellung des Genitivs wurde im Korpus des Deutschen Textarchivs für den Zeitraum 1500–1800 untersucht. Dabei wurden Belege für die zirkumpositionale und präpositionaleanstatt-Variante mit einer Vergleichsgruppe von drei nicht-grammatikalisierten Nomen verglichen, unter Berücksichtigung der Faktoren Belebtheit, Definitheit und semantischer Klasse des Genitivattributs. Mit einem verallgemeinerten linearen gemischten Modell konnte gezeigt werden, dass die Genitivstellung in denanstatt-Konstruktionen signifikant stärker zur Nachstellung tendiert als bei den Nomen der Vergleichsgruppe, jedoch nur, wenn es sich bei dem Genitiv um ein Konkretum handelt. Für Eigennamen lassen sich keine signifikanten Unterschiede feststellen, für Abstrakta ist der Befund nicht eindeutig. Das deutet darauf hin, dass eine syntaktische Ausdifferenzierung stattgefunden hat, allerdings nur in bestimmten Kontexten, abhängig von den semantischen Eigenschaften des Genitivattributs.
Cultural differences in speed adaptation in human-robot interaction tasks
Authors: Vannucci Fabio , Sciutti Alessandra , Lehman Hagen , Sandini Giulio , Nagai Yukie , Rea Francesco
Published: August 2019

In social interactions, human movement is a rich source of information for all those who take part in the collaboration. In fact, a variety of intuitive messages are communicated through motion and continuously inform the partners about the future unfolding of the actions. A similar exchange of implicit information could support movement coordination in the context of Human-Robot Interaction. In this work, we investigate how implicit signaling in an interaction with a humanoid robot can lead to emergent coordination in the form of automatic speed adaptation. In particular, we assess whether different cultures – specifically Japanese and Italian – have a different impact on motor resonance and synchronization in HRI. Japanese people show a higher general acceptance toward robots when compared with Western cultures. Since acceptance, or better affiliation, is tightly connected to imitation and mimicry, we hypothesize a higher degree of speed imitation for Japanese participants when compared to Italians. In the experimental studies undertaken both in Japan and Italy, we observe that cultural differences do not impact on the natural predisposition of subjects to adapt to the robot.
Registrierung von multimodalen Sensordaten für die Oberflächeninspektion / Registration of multimodal sensor data for surface inspection
Authors: Dutschk Beate , Ernst Philipp , Heizmann Michael
Published: August 2019

Da vermehrt mehrere Sensorsysteme oder auch Multisensor-Systeme zur Charakterisierung von Oberflächen eingesetzt werden, kann durch eine geeignete Kombination der erhaltenen Ergebnisse ein holistisches Ergebnis erzielt werden. Die Grundlage dafür bildet eine passende Registrierung der unterschiedlichen Messungen der Oberflächentopografie. Dieser Beitrag beschreibt ein mögliches Verfahren für die Registrierung von multimodalen Sensordaten. Dabei wird für diesen Anwendungsfall zuerst eine Konturenextraktion zur Merkmalsgewinnung für eine grobe Registrierung eingesetzt, welche mit einem flächenbasierten Verfahren auf Basis der Transinformation zur feinen Registrierung ergänzt wird. Die Kombination kann die Zuverlässigkeit der Registrierung erhöhen, da die einzelnen Verfahren für sich alleine in manchen Fällen keine aussagekräftigen Ergebnisse liefern.
Linguistic Landscape-Forschung in sprachhistorischer Perspektive: Zur Entwicklung visueller Kommunikate im öffentlichen Raum der Stadt Luxemburg im langen 19. Jahrhundert
Authors: Gilles Peter , Ziegler Evelyn
Published: August 2019

In this article we outline how corpus-based studies can contribute to the methodology of linguistic landscape research. Linguistic-landscape research can be roughly understood as the “study of writing on display in the public sphere” (Coulmas 2009: 14). From a historical perspective, we investigate the emergence and use of the public sphere as a place of attention for official top-down communication in Luxembourg. Based on a large corpus of public announcements of the municipality of the city of Luxembourg, the history of public top-down communication is analysed by taking into account both sociolinguistic and linguistic factors. The analysis reveals that the public announcements are increasingly typographically and linguistically adapted to the conditions of public perception and self-reading in the course of time – whereby initially the multimodal embedding of the older presentation form is maintained.
Transplant nephrectomy; pathological features of 124 consecutive cases in a single center study over 10 years
Authors: Muramatsu Masaki , Hyodo Yoji , Lee Abigail , Aikawa Atsushi , Puliatti Carmelo , Yaqoob Magdi , Sheaff Michael
Published: August 2019

Background: Transplant nephrectomy (TN) is not commonly performed but it may be essential for several indications. Objectives: This study details an in-depth evaluation of the histological changes present in TN specimens. Patients and Methods: We identified 124 consecutive TN cases between 2004 and 2014. The indication for TN was divided into four groups: acute graft loss without significant blood flow (AGL group- 47 cases); suspected ongoing rejection or graft intolerance syndrome (Rej/GIS group44 cases); infection (INF group- 24 cases); and miscellaneous reasons (MIS group- 9 cases). We examined the histological changes, including the main renal artery (MRA), intrarenal arteries, the renal vein and the ureter. Results: In AGL group, most cases showed no tubulointerstitial inflammation, interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy, but 74.5% had necrosis. All cases in Rej/GIS group showed severe interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy, since 40.9% showed severe tubulointerstitial inflammation. Glomerulitis was observed in 52.3% and transplant glomerulopathy (TG) was detected in 75.0%. Arteritis of intrarenal arteries and the MRA were detected in 70.5% and 59.1%. In INF group, 66.7% had tubulitis and 79.2% had interstitial inflammation with lymphocytes, and severe interstitial fibrosis while, tubular atrophy were detected in 66.7%. TG was detected in 62.5%. In MIS group, the histological changes were minor. Conclusions: This study provides a detailed description of the morphological characteristics associated with various indications for TN. TN will occasionally reveal unexpected and significant findings that may require specific forms of treatment to manage the patient appropriately.
Histopathological features of thrombotic microangiopathies in renal biopsies
Authors: Ernandes Neto Miguel , Soler Lucas de Moraes , Gallindo Vasconcelos Halita Vieira , dos Santos Daniela Cristina , Viero Rosa Marlene , Modelli de Andrade Luis Gustavo
Published: August 2019

Background: Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a morphologic lesion characterized by thrombi occluding microvasculature related to endothelial injury. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the association between histopathological findings and etiology of TMA. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study comprised a sample of 34 patients who underwent renal biopsy and received an initial TMA diagnoses resulting in 29 definitive TMA cases. We evaluated the TMA features and clinical histopathological correlation. Results: The most frequent etiologies were atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) (n= 10; 34.5%), hemolytic uremic syndrome caused by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STECHUS) (n=6; 24.1%) and secondary causes of TMA (n= 12; 41.4%). We found the following histological features; patients with aHUS had thrombi in 60% of biopsies, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN)-like pattern in 20% and ischemia in 20%; patients with STEC-HUS had thrombi (14.3%), MPGN-like pattern (14.3%), endothelial swelling (14.3%) and ischemia (57.1%); patients with secondary etiologies had thrombi (58.3%), endothelial swelling (16.7%), ischemia (16.7%) and MPGN-like pattern (8.3%). Conclusions: The distribution of classic TMA findings was not related to etiology in spite of microthrombi having been found mostly in aHUS and secondary etiologies, whereas ischemia was found mainly in STEC-HUS. We did not find a histopathological pattern to each etiology of TMA.
A new complement factor B mutation associated with crescentic C3 glomerulopathy; a case report
Authors: Coelho Sofia Semedo , Fernandes Ana Raquel , Soares Elsa , Valério Patrícia , Matos Bruno , Romão Helena , Góis Mário , Sousa Helena , Fidalgo Teresa , Natário Ana Sofia , Barreto Carlos
Published: August 2019

Background: C3 glomerulopathy is a recently described entity classified as complementassociated glomerular disease. Case Presentation: We report a case of a 48-year-old man referred to the nephrology department for nephrotic syndrome with rapidly progressive kidney failure, acquired partial lipodystrophy and drusen in Bruch’s membrane of the retina. Blood tests showed low C3 and no evidence for autoimmune diseases, monoclonal gammopathy or infection. The renal biopsy revealed a proliferative endocapillary and crescentic glomerulonephritis with glomerular deposits exclusively of C3 and significant interstitial fibrosis. The electronic microscopy was consistent with dense deposit disease. The complement analysis revealed a pathogenic mutation of the complement factor B (CFB) gene not previously described in literature. Conclusions: The authors report a new mutation of CFB, in a dense deposit disease patient; this finding brings a new insight to the pathogenic pathway of C3 glomerulopathy and possibly to other complement dysregulation associated glomerular diseases. More clinical trials are needed to clarify both the pathogenicity and the optimal treatment for these entities.
Matrix metalloproteinases in nephrotic syndrome; a vital but obscure field of research
Authors: Sreelatha Souparnika , D'souza Benedicta , D'souza Vivian
Published: August 2019

Context: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in the remodelling of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) by tightly regulating the metabolism of extracellular matrix (ECM) of the GBM. Evidence Acquisitions: Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), Google Scholar, PubMed, EBSCO, Scopus and Web of Science have been searched. Results: Gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) are mainly found involved in the remodelling of GBM and therefore this review focuses on these two MMPs and their action in nephrotic syndrome (NS), which is a protein losing enteropathy occurring due to the loss of integrity of GBM. In addition to the blood corpuscles, glomerular epithelial cells and mesangium are also expressing MMPs, and various cytokines and growth factors are involved in addition to tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in regulating the metabolism of ECM via MMPs. While examining the results of MMP activity and expression in NS, except diabetic nephropathy (DN), membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) and hereditary NS where there was a clear down-regulation of MMP, all the other types of NS showed conflicting results. Both suppression and induction of MMPs are finally leading to GBM thickening, loss of integrity and proteinuria. Enhanced MMP activity leads to increase in matrix turnover and accumulation of ECM remnants and apoptotic cells leading to fibrosis. On the other hand, diminished expression of MMPs prevents the normal ECM turnover and matrix accumulation. The review compiled the mechanisms of action of both downregulation and upregulation of MMPs. Conclusions: Imbalance of ECM metabolism due to varied expression levels and activities of MMPs in different types of primary NS might contribute to the progression of nephropathies. Further studies are required to identify the potential and usage of MMPs as a diagnostic/prognostic/ therapeutic tool.
Morphologic lesions of membranous nephropathy in association with various demographic and laboratory parameters of patients; a single center study
Authors: Zamani Sara , Nasri Hamid
Published: August 2019

Introduction: Nephrotic syndrome is an important clinical presentation of glomerular diseases that is classified into several types based on the findings of renal biopsy. Membranous neuropathy is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome, especially in adults over 40 years of age, which may lead to end-stage renal failure. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the association of morphologic lesions of membranous nephropathy (MN) on renal biopsy with various demographic and laboratory parameters of the patients. Patients and Methods: This study was performed on renal biopsies, which were referred to the laboratory with the diagnosis of MN. To reach a definite diagnosis of MN, an immunofluorescence study (IgG, IgA, IgM, C1q and C3 antibody deposits) was conducted for all patients. Light microscopy was conducted to categorize the morphologic lesions of the glomeruli and interstitial area. The percentage of interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy was assessed too. Additionally, age, gender, and 24- hour urinary protein and serum creatinine were recorded. Results: Among 175 idiopathic MN patients, 98 were male (56%). The patients’ age was between 14 and 84 years (mean; 42±15 years). The mean of serum creatinine and 24-hour urine protein were 1.05 ± 0.31 mg/dL and 2779.56± 1495.80 mg/d, respectively. We found a significant correlation between gender and serum creatinine level, which was higher in men (P<0.001). Moreover, there was a significant, positive correlation between serum creatinine and age of patients (P<0.001, r=0.25). Additionally, there was a significant correlation between serum creatinine and interstitial fibrosis (P=0.001). We found a significant correlation between serum creatinine and the pathologic stage of glomeruli (P=0.003). The stages of glomeruli were also associated with the proportion of interstitial fibrosis (P=0.001) and C3 deposition rate (P=0.002). IgG deposition score was also significantly different in age ranges over and under 40 years of age (P=0.001). The 24-hours proteinuria had no correlation with other laboratory parameters and microscopic findings. Conclusion: In accordance with other studies, we found that MN is more common among male patients. The positive correlation between serum creatinine and proportion of interstitial fibrosis is in concordance with previous studies. We found a positive correlation between serum creatinine and glomerular morphologic stages. It may show the importance of glomerular damage intensity in prognosis and survival of patients.
Perceived Burdensomeness Among Adolescents: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of the Contexts in Which Perceptions of Burdensomeness Occur
Authors: Hill Ryan M. , Hunt Quintin A. , Oosterhoff Benjamin , Yeguez Carlos E. , Pettit Jeremy W.
Published: August 2019

Introduction: This study explored the contexts in which adolescents report perceptions of being a burden on others, via a mixed-methods approach, to inform the development of interventions targeting perceived burdensomeness as a risk factor for suicide ideation.

Method: Participants were 41 adolescents, 13–19 years of age (M = 16.95, SD = 1.61), with elevated perceived burdensomeness on the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire. Adolescent were predominantly female (70.7%) and Hispanic (73.2%). Adolescents provided up to three examples of times they experienced perceived burdensomeness. Examples (N = 102) were qualitatively coded to identify common themes, followed by quantitative analyses of demographic factors associated with identified themes.

Results: Seven main categories emerged from the qualitative analyses of examples: Drain on Resources, Perceptions of Failure and Brokenness, Relationship Conflict/Withdrawal, Misbehavior, Emotional Distress, Academic Problems, and Lack of Belongingness. Adolescent boys reported a greater proportion of burdensomeness attributions related to Misbehavior and a lower proportion related to Emotional Distress, relative to girls.

Discussion: Major themes aligned with theorized components of perceived burdensomeness. Adolescent examples focused predominantly on normative experiences, supporting the notion that perceived burdensomeness may represent a distorted cognition. The results may inform the development of interventions targeting perceived burdensomeness.
Expected Value of Reward Predicts Episodic Memory for Incidentally Learnt Reward-Item Associations
Authors: Mason Alice , Lorimer Amy , Farrell Simon
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we draw connections between reward processing and cognition by behaviourally testing the implications of neurobiological theories of reward processing on memory. Single-cell neurophysiology in non-human primates and imaging work in humans suggests that the dopaminergic reward system responds to different components of reward: expected value; outcome or prediction error; and uncertainty of reward (Schultz et al., 2008). The literature on both incidental and motivated learning has focused on understanding how expected value and outcome—linked to increased activity in the reward system—lead to consolidation-related memory enhancements. In the current study, we additionally investigate the impact of reward uncertainty on human memory. The contribution of reward uncertainty—the spread of the reward probability distribution irrespective of the magnitude—has not been previously examined. To examine the effects of uncertainty on memory, a word-learning task was introduced, along with a surprise delayed recognition memory test. Using Bayesian model selection, we found evidence only for expected value as a predictor of memory performance. Our findings suggest that reward uncertainty does not enhance memory for individual items. This supports emerging evidence that an effect of uncertainty on memory is only observed in high compared to low risk environments.
Analisis Fitur Kebahasaan Teks Tajuk Rencana Harian Suara Merdeka dan Kompas Edisi 1 sampai dengan 30 April 2017
Authors: Hastuti Desi , Hartono Bambang , Utami Santi Pratiwi Tri
Published: August 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi perbedaan karakteristik fitur kebahasaan yang terdapat pada wacana teks Tajuk Rencana Harian Suara Merdeka dan Kompas Edisi 1 sampai dengan 30 April 2017. Pendekatan yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah pendekatan teoretis dan pendekatan metodologis. Pendekatan teoretis dalam penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan analisis wacana, sedangkan pendekatan metodologis yang digunakan berupa pendekatan kualitatif yang bersifat deskriptif. Data dalam penelitian ini berupa penggalan wacana yang terdapat dalam teks Tajuk Rencana Harian Suara Merdeka dan Kompas Edisi 1 sampai dengan 30 April 2017. Metode pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah metode simak yang dilanjutkan dengan teknik catat. Metode analisis data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode agih yang dilanjutkan dengan teknik baca markah. Metode penyajian hasil analisis data yang digunakan adalah metode penyajian informal. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, ditemukan 91 data untuk penggunaan pronomina penunjuk, 69 data untuk penggunaan konjungsi kausalitas, 81 data untuk konjungsi pertentangan, dan 5 data untuk konjungsi misalan.

This study aims to identify differences in characteristics of linguistic features contained in the text discourse of the Daily Plans of Suara Merdeka and Kompas Edition 1 to April 30, 2017. The approach used in this study is theoretical approach and methodological approach. The theoretical approach in this research uses discourse analysis approach, while the methodological approach used is descriptive qualitative approach. The data in this study is a fragment of discourse contained in the text of the Daily Suara Merdeka and Kompas Edition 1 to April 30, 2017. The data collection method used is the refer method followed by the record technique. Data analysis methods used in this study is a method that continued with the technique of reading markah. Method of presentation of result of data analysis used is method of informal presentation. Based on the results of the study, 91 data were found for the use of pronominal pointers, 69 data for the use of conjunction causality, 81 data for conjunction contradictions, and 5 data for conjunctions.