bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frozen Sections in Pleural Pathology: A Valuable Tool
Authors: Karpathiou Georgia , Froudarakis Marios , Forest Fabien , Mobarki Mousa , Patoir Arnaud , Gay Pierre , Vergnon Jean Michel , Tiffet Olivier , Peoc'h Michel
Published: May 2017

Background: Knowledge of pleural malignancy can lead to immediate pleurodesis during thoracoscopy. However, the accuracy of pleural frozen sections is largely unknown. Objectives: To investigate the accuracy of frozen sections in pleural tumor pathology. Methods: A total of 156 frozen pleural sections performed with the question of malignancy were retrospectively reviewed. The original frozen sections were compared to the permanent section slides which were considered as the gold standard. The influence of the following parameters on the frozen section response was evaluated: specimen size, clinical information, as well as the processing by a specialized pulmonary pathologist or not. The reasons of discrepancies were categorized as sampling errors or interpretation errors. Results: Frozen sections made up 16.4% of 951 pleural biopsies performed in the same time period. Accurate diagnosis was feasible in 92.3% of the cases. There were 7 (4.5%) deferred (inconclusive) cases and 5 (3.2%) discrepant cases. Sensitivity of the method was 96.26%, specificity 97.87%, the positive predictive value was 99.04%, and the negative predictive value was 92%. There was no association between the responses given during frozen section and specimen size, clinical information, or the evaluation by a specialized pulmonary pathologist. Four of the 12 cases were sampling errors, while 8 cases were interpretation errors mostly made in the absence of fat tissue invasion. Thus, paucicellular lesions without prominent invasion - fat invasion or haphazardly invading cellular proliferation - were those posing most of the difficulties during frozen section. Conclusions: Frozen sections are a highly accurate tool in pleural pathology. Thus, they can be used when an immediate pleurodesis is requested.
Interstitial 10q21.1q23.31 Duplication due to Meiotic Recombination of a Paternal Balanced Complex Rearrangement: Cytogenetic and Molecular Characterization
Authors: Alesi Viola , Orlando Valeria , Genovese Silvia , Loddo Sara , Pisaneschi Elisa , Pompili Daniele , Surace Cecilia , Restaldi Fabrizia , Digilio Maria C. , Dallapiccola Bruno , Dentici Maria L. , Novelli Antonio
Published: May 2017

Complex chromosomal rearrangements (CCRs) are structural aberrations involving more than 2 chromosomal breakpoints. They are associated with different outcomes depending on the deletion/duplication of genomic material, gene disruption, or position effects. Balanced CCRs can also undergo missegregation during meiotic division, leading to unbalanced derivative chromosomes and, in some cases, to affected offspring. We report on a patient presenting with developmental and speech delay, growth retardation, microcephaly, hypospadias, and dysmorphic features, harboring an interstitial 10q21.1q23.31 duplication, due to recombination of a paternal CCR. Application of several cytogenetic and molecular techniques allowed determining the biological bases of the rearrangement, understanding the underlying chromosomal mechanism, and assessing the reproductive risk.
Janus Kinase 3, a Novel Regulator for Smooth Muscle Proliferation and Vascular Remodeling
Authors: Wang Yung-Chun , Cui Xiao-Bing , Chuang Ya-Hui , Chen Shi-You
Published: May 2017

Objective—

Vascular remodeling because of smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation is a common process occurring in several vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, aortic aneurysm, post-transplant vasculopathy, restenosis after angioplasty, etc. The molecular mechanism underlying SMC proliferation, however, is not completely understood. The objective of this study is to determine the role and mechanism of Janus kinase 3 (JAK3) in vascular remodeling and SMC proliferation.

Approach and Results—

Platelet-derived growth factor-BB, an SMC mitogen, induces JAK3 expression and phosphorylation while stimulating SMC proliferation. Janex-1, a specific inhibitor of JAK3, or knockdown of JAK3 by short hairpin RNA, inhibits the SMC proliferation. Conversely, ectopic expression of JAK3 promotes SMC proliferation. Mechanistically, JAK3 promotes the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase in SMC, 2 signaling pathways known to be critical for SMC proliferation and vascular remodeling. Blockade of these 2 signaling pathways by their inhibitors impeded the JAK3-mediated SMC proliferation. In vivo, knockdown of JAK3 attenuates injury-induced neointima formation with attenuated neointimal SMC proliferation. Knockdown of JAK3 also induces neointimal SMC apoptosis in rat carotid artery balloon injury model.

Conclusions—

Our results demonstrate that JAK3 mediates SMC proliferation and survival during injury-induced vascular remodeling, which provides a potential therapeutic target for preventing neointimal hyperplasia in proliferative vascular diseases.
Serotonin Signaling Through the 5-HT
1B
Receptor and NADPH Oxidase 1 in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Hood Katie Y. , Mair Kirsty M. , Harvey Adam P. , Montezano Augusto C. , Touyz Rhian M. , MacLean Margaret R.
Published: May 2017

Objective—

Serotonin can induce human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell (hPASMC) proliferation through reactive oxygen species (ROS), influencing the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We hypothesize that in PASMCs, serotonin induces oxidative stress through NADPH-oxidase–derived ROS generation and reduced Nrf-2 (nuclear factor [erythroid-derived 2]-like 2) antioxidant systems, promoting vascular injury.

Approach and Results—

HPASMCs from controls and PAH patients, and PASMCs from Nox1
−/−
mice, were stimulated with serotonin in the absence/presence of inhibitors of Src kinase, the 5-HT
1B
receptor, and NADPH oxidase 1 (Nox1). Markers of fibrosis were also determined. The pathophysiological significance of our findings was examined in vivo in serotonin transporter overexpressing female mice, a model of pulmonary hypertension. We confirmed thatserotonin increased superoxide and hydrogen peroxide production in these cells. For the first time, we show that serotonin increased oxidized protein tyrosine phosphatases and hyperoxidized peroxiredoxin and decreased Nrf-2 and catalase activity in hPASMCs. ROS generation was exaggerated and dependent on cellular Src-related kinase, 5-HT
1B
receptor, and the serotonin transporter in human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells from PAH subjects. Proliferation and extracellular matrix remodeling were exaggerated in human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells from PAH subjects and dependent on 5-HT
1B
receptor signaling and Nox1, confirmed in PASMCs from Nox1
−/−
mice. In serotonin transporter overexpressing mice, SB216641, a 5-HT
1B
receptor antagonist, prevented development of pulmonary hypertension in a ROS-dependent manner.

Conclusions—

Serotonin can induce cellular Src-related kinase–regulated Nox1-induced ROS and Nrf-2 dysregulation, contributing to increased post-translational oxidative modification of proteins and activation of redox-sensitive signaling pathways in hPASMCs, associated with mitogenic responses. 5-HT
1B
receptors contribute to experimental pulmonary hypertension by inducing lung ROS production. Our results suggest that 5-HT
1B
receptor–dependent cellular Src-related kinase-Nox1-pathways contribute to vascular remodeling in PAH.
Relationship of Autoantibodies to MDA-LDL and ApoB-Immune Complexes to Sex, Ethnicity, Subclinical Atherosclerosis, and Cardiovascular Events
Authors: Prasad Anand , Clopton Paul , Ayers Colby , Khera Amit , de Lemos James A. , Witztum Joseph L. , Tsimikas Sotirios
Published: May 2017

Objective—

Modifications of lipid constituents within atherosclerotic lesions generate neoepitopes that activate innate and adaptive immune responses. We aimed to define the prevalence, distribution, and relationship of autoantibody titers of oxidized lipoproteins to subclinical atherosclerosis and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in different ethnic groups.

Approach and Results—

IgG and IgM autoantibodies to malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein (MDA-LDL) and apolipoprotein B-100-immune complexes were measured in 3509 individuals (1814 blacks, 1031 whites, 589 Hispanics, and 85 no race identifier) from the Dallas Heart Study with median 10.5-year follow-up. Coronary artery calcium score, abdominal aortic plaque by magnetic resonance imaging, and MACE were quantified. IgG MDA-LDL and IgG and IgM apolipoprotein B-100-immune complexes were significantly different between groups, with blacks having the highest levels of IgG MDA-LDL and IgG apolipoprotein B-100-immune complexes and Hispanics having the highest levels of IgM apolipoprotein B-100-immune complexes (
P
<0.001 for all). IgGs tended to be higher and IgMs lower with age for all markers. In multivariable-adjusted binary logistic regression analysis, a doubling of IgG MDA-LDL levels was associated with prevalent coronary artery calcium score >10 Agatston units (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.21 [1.07–1.36];
P
=0.002). Multivariable-adjusted Cox regression analysis revealed that IgG MDA-LDL was independently associated with time to incident MACE in the entire group (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.76 [1.16–2.72];
P
=0.009 for fourth versus first quartile). This effect was particularly prominent in black subjects (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], 2.52 [1.39–4.57];
P
=0.002).

Conclusions—

Autoantibodies to oxidized lipoproteins and immune complexes with apoB-100 lipoproteins vary significantly by sex, age, and ethnicity. Higher baseline IgG MDA-LDL titers independently associate with new MACE. These findings may contribute to the understanding of differences in ethnic-specific MACE events.
The Interplay of Images and Writing in Mafteaḥ Shelomoh: Two Experiments for Escaping from Prison
Authors: Kohs Michael
Published: May 2017

Mafteaḥ Shelomoh, the Hebrew adaptation of the Clavicula Salomonis, contains a remarkably large number of visual elements, including images and other text-structuring means. This article compares the use of images and image captions of one segulla (an instruction for a magical procedure) in two different manuscripts of the Sefer Mafteaḥ Shelomoh: the ms Oriental 14759 (The British Library, London), and the ms Gollancz. It tries to show how the scribes of the manuscripts were involved in a kind of meta-textual criticism when arranging the textual material anew, adding captions to images and obtaining missing material from alternative sources.
Festuca galiciensis, a new species of the F. valesiaca group (Poaceae) from Ukraine
Authors: BEDNARSKA IRYNA , BRAZAUSKAS GINTARAS
Published: May 2017

Festuca galiciensis, a new endemic species from Western Ukraine is described. Its ecology, distribution, morphology and leaf anatomy are discussed. The taxonomic relationship of the new species with F. rupicola, with which it grows in mixed populations, and its delimitation with respect to other species of the F. valesiaca group, are also discussed.
A new species of Craterostigma (Linderniaceae) from Kenya
Authors: DARBYSHIRE IAIN , FISCHER EBERHARD
Published: May 2017

The new species Craterostigma loitense from the Loita Hills in Kenya is described and illustrated. It differs from Craterostigma purpureum in the two abaxial staminodes, the basal tufts of hairs on the anthers, and the subentire to serrulate leaf margin.
Shaping Public Opinion for Confrontation: Catalan Independence Claims as Represented in Spanish, Catalan, Valencian, and Basque Editorials
Authors: Xicoy Enric , Perales-García Cristina , Xambó Rafael
Published: May 2017

Editorials represent a newspaper’s principal means of ideological positioning and serve to identify the attitude of each newspaper and its readership to some of the main actors in any given conflict, especially those that are political in nature. Catalonia’s independence movement has experienced a surge in recent years. The turning point came in July 2010, after Spain’s constitutional court ruled against some aspects of Catalonia’s Statute of Autonomy (the legislation regulating the relationship between the Catalan autonomous community and the Spanish state). The ruling annulled some of the articles of the statute. The demonstration in support of Catalan independence that took place on September 11, 2012, was considered the most important among several mass rallies held for this purpose over successive years on Catalonia’s National Day. This article presents the results of a qualitative and quantitative analysis of editorial articles published around these two key dates, with the goal of studying each newspaper’s treatment of political actors and their degree of identification with these actors. Their use of arguments aimed at persuading readers and legitimizing a given position during the specified time periods in 2010 and 2012 will also be studied. The study focuses on the editorial articles published by several newspapers in four distinct regional contexts: Catalonia, Valencia, the Basque Country, as well as the whole of Spain. The analyzed articles were published a few days before and after July 10, 2010, and September 11, 2012.
Availability of Outpatient Mental Health Care by Pediatricians and Child Psychiatrists in Five U.S. Cities
Authors: Cama Shireen , Malowney Monica , Smith Anna Jo Bodurtha , Spottswood Margaret , Cheng Elisa , Ostrowsky Louis , Rengifo Jose , Boyd J. Wesley
Published: May 2017

The authors sought to assess the availability of outpatient mental health care through pediatrician and child psychiatrist offices in the United States and to characterize differences in appointment availability by location, provider type, and insurance across five cities. To do so, the authors posed as parents of a 12-year-old child with depression, gave a predetermined insurance type, and asked to make the first available appointment with the specified provider. They called the offices of 601 individual pediatricians and 312 child psychiatrists located in five U.S. cities and listed as in-network by Blue Cross Blue Shield, one of the largest private insurers in the United States. Appointments were obtained with 40% of the pediatricians and 17% of the child psychiatrists. The mean wait time for psychiatry appointments was 30 days longer than for pediatric appointments. Providers were less likely to have available appointments for children on Medicaid, which is public insurance for low-income people. The most common reason for being unable to make an appointment was that the listed phone number was incorrect. Pediatricians were twice as likely to see new patients and to see them sooner than child psychiatrists. Increasing the number of both types of providers may be necessary to increase access to mental health care for children.
Foreign Aid as a Counterterrorism Tool
Authors: Savun Burcu , Tirone Daniel C.
Published: May 2017

Is foreign aid effective in reducing terrorism? The existing evidence is mostly negative. We argue that this pessimistic outlook on the efficacy of aid as a counterterrorism tool is partly a function of focusing on only one type of aid: economic aid. Governance and civil society aid can dampen the participation in and support for terrorism by altering the political conditions of a country. We expect countries that receive high levels of governance and civil society aid to experience fewer domestic terrorist incidents than countries that receive little or none. Using a sample of aid eligible countries for the period from 1997 to 2010, we find that governance and civil society aid is effective in dampening domestic terrorism, but this effect is only present if the recipient country is not experiencing a civil conflict. Our findings provide support for the continued use of democracy aid as a counterterrorism tool.
Our culture is who we are! “Rescuing” Grenadian identity through musicking and music education
Authors: Sirek Danielle
Published: May 2017

In this article I explore the relationships between identities and musicking in Grenada, West Indies, taking into account the understandings of community and nationhood that foreground and inform identity discourse in the Grenadian context. Through the dual lenses of music education and ethnomusicology, I analyze musicking and music education initiatives intended to “rescue” Grenadian identity and Grenadian values as articulated by an older generation of Grenadians and by governmental agencies. I argue that musicking in Grenada is intertwined with identity in complex ways, and that there is a perceived lack of transmission of folk musicking practices whose consequences extend well beyond losing musical traditions. This article illuminates conflicts of identity, the deep sense of loss of “who we are” that has occurred in Grenadian society in recent times, and controversies of music transmission.
Assessing Classroom Climate in Special Education: A Validation Study of the Special Education Classroom Climate Inventory
Authors: Beld M. H. M. , van der Voort D. , van der Helm G. H. P. , Kuiper C. H. Z. , de Swart J. J. W. , Stams G. J. J. M.
Published: May 2017

This study examined the internal structure, convergent validity, and reliability of the student self-report Special Education Classroom Climate Inventory (SECCI) in a sample of 325 students attending special education classes in six (semi) secure residential settings and in two youth prisons in the Netherlands. Both exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) provided evidence of a theoretically based four-factor model—with Teacher Support, Positive Student Affiliation, Negative Student Interactions, and Unstructured Classroom Environment as dimensions—showing an adequate fit to the data, providing preliminary support for validity of the SECCI. Limited evidence for convergent validity was found in significant but small associations between classroom climate and academic self-concept. Ordinal Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficients were good for all factors. The SECCI might be used to assess and subsequently target (problematic) classroom climate in schools for special education for students in (secure) residential youth care and youth prisons, although further development of the SECCI and replication of our study results seem necessary.
Exposure to Domestic Violence and Abuse: Evidence of Distinct Physical and Psychological Dimensions
Authors: Naughton Catherine M. , O’Donnell Aisling T. , Muldoon Orla T.
Published: May 2017

Recent literature on exposure to domestic violence (DV) highlights the need for increased understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence and abuse (DVA). The current aims were to explore whether two separate dimensions, physical and psychological DVA, were evident in adult children’s reports of their exposure to DVA in their family of origin, and whether these dimensions affected psychological well-being and perceived satisfaction with emotional support (hereafter referred to as social support satisfaction). Young adults ( N = 465, aged 17-25, 70% female) reported their experiences of DVA as perpetrated by their parents/caregivers, as well as psychological well-being and social support satisfaction, in an online survey. Using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), we verified the presence of a two-factor model (physical and psychological DVA). Hierarchical linear regression analysis demonstrated the differing impact of these two factors: Specifically, although exposure to psychological DVA (domestic abuse [DA]) was related to reduced psychological well-being, there was no significant effect of exposure to physical DVA (DV). However, mediation analysis suggested the presence of a suppression effect; there was a magnification of the negative relationship between exposure to psychological DA and social support satisfaction when exposure to physical DV was accounted for. Although findings are preliminary, they provide strong evidence to support theoretical arguments regarding the need for future research to conceptualize exposure to DVA in terms of both physical and psychological dimensions. Our findings also highlight that to improve service response and provide effective interventions, it is essential to include exposure to psychological DA in risk assessments of such young adults.
TIM-3 plays a more important role than PD-1 in the functional impairments of cytotoxic T cells of malignant Schwannomas
Authors: Li Zhao , Liu Xiaobing , Guo Rongbin , Wang Pengfei
Published: May 2017

Cancer immunotherapy using cytotoxic T cells demonstrates dramatic survival benefits in lymphomas, but its efficacy in solid tumors is limited. Here, we investigated the possibility of using cytotoxic T cells to treat malignant Schwannoma, a rare but aggressive nerve sheath tumor, by examining the native T-cell immunity in the host. We found that compared to CD8+ T cells from healthy controls or benign Schwannoma patients, the CD8+ T cells from malignant Schwannoma patients were present at normal frequencies but were substantially enriched with PD-1−TIM-3+ and PD-1+TIM-3+ cells. Compared to the PD-1−TIM-3− CD8+ T cells, the PD-1−TIM-3+ and PD-1+TIM-3+ CD8+ T cells presented significantly lower proliferation capacity, reduced interleukin 2 and interferon gamma expression, and/or dramatically decreased perforin and granzyme B secretion, indicating a whole-spectrum immunosuppression and reduced cytotoxicity. TIM-3 expression alone was associated with lower proliferation and less perforin and granzyme B secretion, whereas PD-1 expression alone was not associated with functional impairments, suggesting that TIM-3 expression was a better marker of exhausted CD8+ T cells. The expression of galectin 9, a TIM-3 ligand, in CD4+ Th cells was significantly elevated in malignant, but not benign, Schwannoma patients and were enriched in CD25+ Treg cells. Both the PD-1−TIM-3+ and PD-1+TIM-3+ CD8+ T cells responded to Treg-mediated and galectin 9–mediated suppression, whereas the PD-1+TIM-3− CD8+ T cells only responded to Treg-mediated suppression. In resected tumors, the malignant Schwannomas had more tumor-infiltrating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells than the benign Schwannomas, but a large fraction of these tumor-infiltrating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressed PD-1 and/or TIM-3, which indicated that their antitumor immunity was compromised. Together, our results suggested that PD-1 and TIM-3 blockade might be necessary in developing effective immunotherapeutic strategies in malignant Schwannoma, in which TIM-3 may play a more important role.
MiR-19a regulates the cell growth and apoptosis of osteosarcoma stem cells by targeting PTEN
Authors: Zhao Di , Chen Youbin , Chen Shunliang , Zheng Chuangyi , Hu Jun , Luo Shaowei
Published: May 2017

MicroRNAs are small, endogenous, and non-coding RNAs that play important regulatory roles in multiple biological processes in cancers. Recent evidence has indicated that miR-19a participates in the cancer tumorigenic progression. However, the functional roles of miR-19a in cancer stem cells are still unclear. As the cancer stem cells are considered to be responsible for the tumor recurrence and treatment failure in osteosarcoma, the aim of this study is to investigate the molecular mechanism of miR-19a underlying osteosarcoma tumorigenesis. In this study, we observed significant upregulation of miR-19a in osteosarcoma patients’ tumor tissues as well as the osteosarcoma cell lines in vitro. We showed that knockdown of miR-19a by its antisense oligonucleotide (anti-miR-19a) significantly decreased the population of cancer stem cells in osteosarcoma cell lines. Furthermore, we found the miR-19a regulated the cell proliferation, migration, and viability in the human osteosarcoma–cancer stem cells. The gene of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10, which is an important tumor suppressor, was found to be directly regulated by miR-19a in human osteosarcoma–cancer stem cells. We demonstrated that knockdown of miR-19a increased the expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10. As the anti-miR-19a inhibited the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT pathway and induced apoptosis of human osteosarcoma–cancer stem cells, the phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 small interfering RNA inhibited the effect of it. Meanwhile, the phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 small interfering RNA also abolished the effect of anti-miR-19a on inhibiting the cell proliferation, migration, and viability in the human osteosarcoma–cancer stem cells. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that dysregulation of miR-19a plays critical roles in the osteosarcoma stem cells, at least in part via targeting the phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10. Knockdown of miR-19a may represent a potential strategy for the osteosarcoma treatment.
Form follows function: Morphological and immunohistological insights into epithelial–mesenchymal transition characteristics of tumor buds
Authors: Enderle-Ammour Kathrin , Bader Moritz , Ahrens Theresa Dorothee , Franke Kai , Timme Sylvia , Csanadi Agnes , Hoeppner Jens , Kulemann Birte , Maurer Jochen , Reiss Philip , Schilling Oliver , Keck Tobias , Brabletz Thomas , Stickeler Elmar , Werner Martin , Wellner Ulrich Friedrich , Bronsert Peter
Published: May 2017

In cancer biology, the architectural concept “form follows function” is reflected by cell morphology, migration, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition protein pattern. In vivo, features of epithelial–mesenchymal transition have been associated with tumor budding, which correlates significantly with patient outcome. Hereby, the majority of tumor buds are not truly detached but still connected to a major tumor mass. For detailed insights into the different tumor bud types and the process of tumor budding, we quantified tumor cells according to histomorphological and immunohistological epithelial–mesenchymal transition characteristics. Three-dimensional reconstruction from adenocarcinomas (pancreatic, colorectal, lung, and ductal breast cancers) was performed as published. Tumor cell morphology and epithelial–mesenchymal transition characteristics (represented by zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 and E-Cadherin) were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively in a three-dimensional context. Tumor buds were classified into main tumor mass, connected tumor bud, and isolated tumor bud. Cell morphology and epithelial–mesenchymal transition marker expression were assessed for each tumor cell. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition characteristics between isolated tumor bud and connected tumor bud demonstrated no significant differences or trends. Tumor cell count correlated significantly with epithelial–mesenchymal transition and histomorphological characteristics. Regression curve analysis revealed initially a loss of membranous E-Cadherin, followed by expression of cytoplasmic E-Cadherin and subsequent expression of nuclear zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1. Morphologic changes followed later in this sequence. Our data demonstrate that connected and isolated tumor buds are equal concerning immunohistochemical epithelial–mesenchymal transition characteristics and histomorphology. Our data also give an insight in the process of tumor budding. While there is a notion that the epithelial–mesenchymal transition zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1–E-Cadherin cascade is initiated by zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1, our results are contrary and outline other possible pathways influencing the regulation of E-Cadherin.
HLA-DRB1*04:05 allele is associated with intracortical lesions on three-dimensional double inversion recovery images in Japanese patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Shinoda Koji , Matsushita Takuya , Nakamura Yuri , Masaki Katsuhisa , Yamasaki Ryo , Yamaguchi Hiroo , Togao Osamu , Hiwatashi Akio , Kira Jun-ichi
Published: May 2017

Background:

Cortical lesions (CLs) frequently observed in Caucasian patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) contribute to disability. However, it remains unclear whether CLs are associated with clinical features and genetic risk factors, such as HLA-DRB1*15:01 and -DRB1*04:05 in Asian MS patients.

Objective:

To elucidate the frequency of CLs and their association with HLA-DRB1 and DPB1 alleles in Japanese MS patients.

Methods:

Three-dimensional double inversion recovery imaging and clinical information were retrospectively obtained from 92 Japanese MS patients.

Results:

CLs of any type, intracortical lesions (ICLs), and leukocortical lesions (LCLs) were detected in 39.1%, 26.1%, and 28.3% of patients, respectively. MS patients with ICLs had a significantly higher frequency of secondary progression and greater Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores than those without ICLs. Similar trends were observed with CLs and LCLs. The number of all three lesion types positively correlated with EDSS scores. The frequency and number of ICLs were significantly higher in HLA-DRB1*15:01 carriers than in HLA-DRB1*15:01 non-carriers, but significantly lower in HLA-DRB1*04:05 carriers than in HLA-DRB1*04:05 non-carriers. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a negative association of HLA-DRB1*04:05 with ICLs.

Conclusion:

ICLs are associated with greater disease severity in Japanese MS patients and are partly suppressed by the HLA-DRB1*04:05 allele.
Reaching rural Ohio with intellectual disability psychiatry
Authors: Gentile Julie P , Cowan Allison E , Harper Beth , Mast Ryan , Merrill Brian
Published: May 2017

Individuals with intellectual disability experience higher rates of mental illness when compared with the general population, and there is a lack of medical and mental health professionals in rural and under-served areas. With the increase in discharge of individuals from institutional settings back to their home communities into the least restrictive environments, there are more patients with complex needs being added to the schedules of physicians in the outpatient delivery care system. Patients with disabilities may not travel well or tolerate changes in routine so may not have access to psychiatry. Utilization of telepsychiatry is well suited to this specialized patient population because it allows a highly traumatized group to meet with a psychiatrist and other mental health professionals from a location of their choice. Ohio’s Telepsychiatry Project for Intellectual Disability was initiated in 2012 to serve outlying communities with a lack of infrastructure and resources, to provide specialized mental health services to individuals with co-occurring mental illness and intellectual disability. After five years, over 900 patients with intellectual disability from 64 of Ohio’s 88 counties receive specialized mental health treatment through this statewide grant-funded project.
Design of layered structure with nanofibrous resonant membrane for acoustic applications
Authors: Kucukali-Ozturk Merve , Nergis Banu , Candan Cevza
Published: May 2017

Textiles such as wool felts are very commonly used materials for sound absorbing purposes on commercial white goods (e.g., washing machines, tumble dryers). In this study, it was aimed to discuss the limitations of wool felts for a domestic type washing machine. Accordingly, an alternative sound absorption material in a layered form was designed, in which a nonwoven covering together with nanofibrous resonant membrane and wool felt were used. The nanofibrous membrane in the structures was developed and its properties were discussed within the scope of the previous works of the authors. Therefore, this paper focused on the spunbond and meltblown nonwovens of various areal densities, which were employed as covering materials in the layered structures. The single and multilayered nonwovens were selected regarding three main criteria, namely acoustic performance, cost, and ease of production. The acoustic performance of the layered (combined) structures was measured in accordance with the relevant standards, and the results were comparatively discussed. In addition to that, Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution together with Analytic Hierarchy Process was employed not only to determine the best performed nonwoven as a covering layer, but also to find out the optimized solution among the combined (layered) structures developed, so far as the acoustic behavior was concerned.
Why and When Empowering Leadership Has Different Effects on Employee Work Performance: The Pivotal Roles of Passion for Work and Role Breadth Self-Efficacy
Authors: Hao Po , He Wei , Long Li-Rong
Published: May 2017

Drawing on the dualistic model of passion, the present study examines why and when empowering leadership has different effects on employee work performance including both task performance and creative performance. Field survey data from 69 teams and 266 employees revealed that empowering leadership had a positive indirect relationship with employee work performance via harmonious passion for work and a negative indirect relationship with employee work performance via obsessive passion for work. Moreover, individual role breadth self-efficacy was found to moderate the relationships of empowering leadership with employees’ two types of passion for work, thereby affecting the relationship between empowering leadership and employee work performance. Moderation analyses revealed that empowering leadership was more likely to increase employee work performance when employees have high rather than low levels of role breadth self-efficacy. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings were discussed.
Lessons in Legal Literacy: Democratizing Legal Critique as a Means of Resisting Racial Injustice
Authors: Barter Faith
Published: May 2017

This commentary addresses the problem of racial injustice in the United States through the lens of the legal humanities. Using examples from the grand jury materials in the Michael Brown shooting as a case study, I argue for close reading, literary analysis, and other humanist methodologies as tools to empower undergraduates and laypeople as legal critics. The second half of the commentary describes a recent pedagogical exercise as an example of the possibilities for legal literacy instruction within an undergraduate humanities curriculum. Ultimately, I argue that the work of building legal literacy has the potential to resist or address racial injustice by making legal texts and institutions more amenable to critique from the legal humanities and the public humanities.
Culture and Self-Esteem Over Time
Authors: Hamamura Takeshi , Septarini Berlian Gressy
Published: May 2017

Self-esteem is increasing in the United States according to temporal meta-analyses of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. However, it remains unclear whether this trend reflects broad social ecological shifts toward urban, affluent, and technologically advanced or a unique cultural history. A temporal meta-analysis of self-esteem was conducted in Australia. Australia shares social ecological and cultural similarities with the United States. On the other hand, Australian culture is horizontally individualistic and places a stronger emphasis on self-other equality compared to American culture. For this reason, the strengthening norm of positive self-esteem found in the United States may not be evident in Australia. Consistent with this possibility, the findings indicated that self-esteem among Australian high school students, university students, and community participants did not change between 1978 and 2014.
A study to evaluate the prevalence of impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia in adults with type 2 diabetes in outpatient clinic in a tertiary care centre in Singapore
Authors: Zhu Ling , Ang Li Chang , Tan Wee Boon , Xin Xiaohui , Bee Yong Mong , Goh Su-Yen , Teh Ming Ming
Published: May 2017

Background:

Impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia (IAH) predisposes affected patients to severe hypoglycaemia. There are few data on prevalence of IAH in adults with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes in Asia. We aim to ascertain the prevalence of IAH among insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes in an outpatient clinic in a tertiary care centre in Singapore.

Methods:

A total of 374 patients with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes attending the outpatient diabetes clinic in a tertiary referral centre in Singapore were recruited over a 4-month period. Participants completed a questionnaire to document baseline characteristics and assess their hypoglycaemia awareness status, using a combination of the Clarke, Gold and Pedersen-Bjergaard methods.

Results:

Using the Clarke, Gold and Pedersen-Bjergaard methods, prevalence of IAH in our cohort was 9.6%, 13.4% and 33.2% respectively. Overall, 7.2% of participants suffered from severe hypoglycaemia in the preceding year. The IAH group had more episodes of severe hypoglycaemia across all three methods, compared with the normal awareness group ( p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in mean HbA1c, duration of diabetes and insulin treatment between the IAH and normal awareness groups.

Conclusions:

IAH is prevalent in adults with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes in Asia, and is associated with significantly increased risk of severe hypoglycaemia.
QSAR molecular parameters calculated for US EPA ToxCast Phase 1 and 2 chemical compounds tested against embryonic zebrafish
Authors: Garg Rajni , Ko Gene M , Smith Carr J
Published: May 2017

Freshwater and marine environments are exposed to small concentrations of many different chemicals produced by industrial, agricultural, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, and household applications. Due to concerns regarding potential adverse events from these exposures, regulatory agencies around the world have established aquatic toxicology testing protocols that measure untoward responses in a wide variety of freshwater and marine organisms. Following a literature review of databases on the toxicity of chemicals to fish, the embryonic zebrafish ( Danio rerio) database compiled by the Tanguay Laboratory at Oregon State University was determined to be well suited for quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) analysis. This database possesses a number of favorable characteristics including large size (1060 unique US Environmental Protection Agency ToxCast phase 1 and 2 chemical compounds), relatively recent data collected using state-of-the-art methods, 18 simultaneously measured toxicological end points, transparent embryos that develop externally thereby facilitating toxicological evaluation, and the vast majority of the genetic code is expressed and active during early life stages. The molecular parameters calculated for each of the chemicals in the database include the logarithm of the octanol–water partition coefficient, molar volume, and molar refractivity. For each chemical, the availability of these molecular parameter values can facilitate future QSAR studies using any of the 18 different toxicological end points measured as the biological activity of interest.
Ethnicity of Patients With Germline GCM2-Activating Variants and Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Guan Bin , Welch James M. , Vemulapalli Meghana , Li Yulong , Ling Hua , Kebebew Electron , Simonds William F. , Marx Stephen J. , Agarwal Sunita K.
Published: May 2017

Context:

Germline gain-of-function variants in the transcription factor GCM2 were found in 18% of kindreds with familial isolated hyperparathyroidism (FIHP). These variants [c.1136T>A (p.Leu379Gln) and c.1181A>C (p.Tyr394Ser)] were located in a 17-amino acid transcriptional inhibitory domain named C-terminal conserved inhibitory domain (CCID).

Objective:

We investigated the ethnicity of individuals with germline variants in the GCM2 CCID in our primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) patient samples and in the Genome Aggregation Database.

Design:

Ethnicity information was obtained from an in-house clinical database and genetic counseling. Sanger sequencing of blood DNA was used to determine the genotype of the GCM2 CCID region. Luciferase reporter assays were performed to determine the functional impact of GCM2 variants.

Setting and Patients:

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases endocrine clinic is a service that accepts PHPT referral patients.

Results:

The GCM2 p.Tyr394Ser variant was found in 41% [95% confidence interval (CI), 22% to 64%] of Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) kindreds with FIHP and in 27% (95% CI, 17% to 40%) of AJ patients with sporadic PHPT. The p.Tyr394Ser variant was also found in sporadic PHPT patients of European ancestry, but at a lower prevalence. The p.Leu379Gln variant was found in 8% (95% CI, 1% to 26%) of European kindreds with FIHP and 0.5% (95% CI, 0% to 3.0%) of sporadic PHPT cases of European ancestry. The sporadic PHPT patients with GCM2-activating variants often had multigland involvement or postoperative recurrent or persistent disease.

Conclusions:

Specific GCM2-activating variants enriched among various ethnic backgrounds could contribute to a large number of cases with FIHP or sporadic PHPT.
A CRISPR/Cas9-based method and primer design tool for seamless genome editing in fission yeast
Authors: Rodríguez-López María , Cotobal Cristina , Fernández-Sánchez Oscar , Borbarán Bravo Natalia , Oktriani Risky , Abendroth Heike , Uka Dardan , Hoti Mimoza , Wang Jin , Zaratiegui Mikel , Bähler Jürg
Published: May 2017

In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe the prevailing approach for gene manipulations is based on homologous recombination of a PCR product that contains genomic target sequences and a selectable marker. The CRISPR/Cas9 system has recently been implemented in fission yeast, which allows for seamless genome editing without integration of a selection marker or leaving any other genomic ‘scars’. The published method involves manual design of the single guide RNA (sgRNA), and digestion of a large plasmid with a problematic restriction enzyme to clone the sgRNA. To increase the efficiency of this approach, we have established and optimized a PCR-based system to clone the sgRNA without restriction enzymes into a plasmid with a dominant natMX6 (nourseothricin) selection marker. We also provide a web-tool, CRISPR4P, to support the design of the sgRNAs and the primers required for the entire process of seamless DNA deletion. Moreover, we report the preparation of G1-synchronized and cryopreserved S. pombe cells, which greatly increases the efficiency and speed for transformations, and may also facilitate standard gene manipulations. Applying this optimized CRISPR/Cas9-based approach, we have successfully deleted over 80 different non-coding RNA genes, which are generally lowly expressed, and have inserted 7 point mutations in 4 different genomic regions.
Diabetic ketoacidosis: Should current management include subcutaneous insulin injections?
Authors: Gavidia Quezada Rocio , Edriss Hawa
Published: May 2017

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a well-known acute complication in patients with both type 1 andtype 2 diabetes mellitus. Although mortality has decreased considerably, it remains an importantcause for admission to intensive care units. Medical management includes intravenous fluidtherapy, insulin, correction of electrolyte abnormalities, and addressing the precipitating factorwhich in most cases is infection or non-compliance with insulin therapy. Usually patients withdiabetic ketoacidosis are admitted to the intensive care unit for continuous infusion of insulin;however, the development of rapid acting insulin analogues has made it possible to treatmild to moderate diabetic ketoacidosis with subcutaneous insulin. Although studies usingsubcutaneous insulin include only a small number of patients, this approach seems as effectiveas intravenous insulin infusions in patients with mild to moderate diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabeticeducation and close follow-up for patients admitted for diabetic ketoacidosis remain essentialto avoid recurrence and readmissions.Keywords: Diabetic ketoacidosis, acute complication in diabetes, rapid acting insulinanalogues, subcutaneous insulin in diabetic ketoacidosis
Pasteurella multocida meningitis with disseminated intravascular coagulation and multi-organ failure in an adult with no bite history
Authors: Juarez Edna , Adiga Avinash
Published: May 2017

A 70-year-old woman with an extensive past medical history presented to the emergencycenter with two weeks of generalized weakness, fatigue, resting shortness of breath, andabdominal pain. The patient was bradycardic and hypotensive and was admitted to theintensive care unit. Within a few hours of admission, she developed worsening lethargy andrespiratory acidosis and required intubation and vasopressor support. Laboratory results wereremarkable for azotemia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Magnetic resonance imaging of thebrain was unremarkable; an EEG reported mildly generalized slowing and no epileptiformwaves. Cerebrospinal fluid culture was positive for Pasteurella multocida. The patient laterdeveloped acute hepatic injury, acute kidney injury, and an elevated D-Dimer with a decreasedfibrinogen consistent with disseminated intravascular coagulation. After twelve days her familydecided for comfort care only; the patient was extubated and died.
Getting published: a practical guide
Authors: Albarran John , Dowling Sally
Published: May 2017

The aim of the first two articles in this new series is to introduce and guide potential authors on how to develop a successful writing strategy that will lead to publication in a targeted journal. A key aspect of the series is to assist individuals with approaches to address their fears and anxieties, and engage with the process of writing a paper in a more confident and productive way, thus minimising early rejection. The content will provide detailed and practical guidance on the various stages of developing a high-quality manuscript, and this will be structured around three core areas that include: undertaking preparatory background work, the writing phase and conducting quality control. The series will also include issues on choosing an appropriate subject, an appropriate journal, authorship and co-authorship, the peer-review process and dealing with reviewers' feedback, positively and effectively.
Research Roundup
Authors: Cowan Helen
Published: May 2017

Helen Cowan presents a selection of recently published articles of interest to nurses working in cardiovascular nursing. The aim of this roundup is to provide a brief overview of the research papers selected. A full reference is provided for those who wish to take a look at the research in further detail
Piracy, politics and control: The paradox of Tanzania’s Kiswahili video film tax stamps
Authors: Shule Vicensia
Published: May 2017

The growth of the Kiswahili video film industry in Tanzania has generally been hit hard by piracy and copyright infringements. As a result, the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), a state agency charged with the responsibility of tax collection, stepped in and introduced tax stamps in 2013 to minimize the problem of piracy and foster censorship as part of efforts aimed at formalizing the local video film industry. This article examines the enforcement of this regulatory measure. Specifically, it looks at the background to the problem, the execution process, and the politics inherent in the enforcement of the anti-piracy initiative. Using the crime pattern theory, the article analyses the piracy occurrence in the video film industry and the attendant mitigation measures. It looks at the genesis of tax stamps in relation to piracy and censorship and interrogates the legitimacy of the process as well as its purported intention in relation to quality control and improvement. Its major thrust is to establish whether tax stamps can regulate piracy, increase artists’ income, formalize the sector and broaden the tax base – or whether the measure is just a political gimmick in response to politically-charged statements and manoeuvres.
Название *
Authors: Боярский Максим Ivanovich
Published: May 2017

Аннотация *