bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased CO2 and light intensity regulate growth and leaf gas exchange in tomato
Authors: Pan Tonghua , Wang Yunlong , Wang Linghui , Ding Juanjuan , Cao Yanfei , Qin Gege , Yan Lulu , Xi Linjie , Zhang Jing , Zou Zhirong
Published: August 2019

Carbon dioxide concentration (CO2) and light intensity are known to play important roles in plant growth and carbon assimilation. Nevertheless, the underlying physiological mechanisms have not yet been fully explored. Tomato seedlings (Solanum lycopersicum Mill. cv. Jingpeng No. 1) were exposed to two levels of CO2 and three levels of light intensity and the effects on growth, leaf gas exchange and water use efficiency were investigated. Elevated CO2 and increased light intensity promoted growth, dry matter accumulation and pigment concentration and together the seedling health index. Elevated CO2 had no significant effect on leaf nitrogen content but did significantly upregulate Calvin cycle enzyme activity. Increased CO2 and light intensity promoted photosynthesis, both on a leaf‐area basis and on a chlorophyll basis. Increased CO2 also increased light‐saturated maximum photosynthetic rate, apparent quantum efficiency and carboxylation efficiency and, together with increased light intensity, it raised photosynthetic capacity. However, increased CO2 reduced transpiration and water consumption across different levels of light intensity, thus significantly increasing both leaf‐level and plant‐level water use efficiency. Among the range of treatments imposed, the combination of increased CO2 (800 µmol CO2 mol−1) and high light intensity (400 µmol m−2 s−1) resulted in optimal growth and carbon assimilation. We conclude that the combination of increased CO2 and increased light intensity worked synergistically to promote growth, photosynthetic capacity and water use efficiency by upregulation of pigment concentration, Calvin cycle enzyme activity, light energy use and CO2 fixation. Increased CO2 also lowered transpiration and hence water usage.
Polls and Elections: Resistance Is Not Futile: Anti‐Trump Protest and Senators’ Opposition to President Trump in the 115th Congress
Authors: Miras Nicholas S.
Published: August 2019

Though 2017 saw historic levels of political activism in the form of anti‐Trump protests, it remains to be seen whether these demonstrations actually led lawmakers to harden their resistance to President Donald Trump’s agenda. Coupling state‐level protest data, Senate voting records, and a collection of senators’ tweets from 2017, I find that anti‐Trump protests led to heightened opposition to the president in the U.S. Senate, though largely along party lines. Senate Democrats representing states that saw more intense Women’s March demonstrations were more likely to oppose the president’s legislative agenda, particularly on nominations votes. Moreover, the frequency of anti‐Trump demonstrations back home increased the likelihood that Democratic senators issued tweets critical of President Trump. Senate Republicans, however, were unresponsive to anti‐Trump protests, both in the chamber and on Twitter.
It's All Relative: Understanding “Women Friendliness” Between and Within States
Authors: Pyeatt Nicholas , Yanus Alixandra B.
Published: August 2019

Objective

In this article, we reexamine how the entry and success of women state legislative candidates is affected by local political context.

Methods

We use evidence from state legislative elections from 2001 to 2010 to test our hypotheses.

Results

We find that female candidates’ emergence and success are affected by the district's context relative to both all districts nationally and all districts within that state. Intrastate comparisons are particularly influential in districts that are less women friendly using a national comparison.

Conclusions

Our findings underscore the importance of considering multiple dimensions of political context as scholars attempt to understand the variation in political representation of women state legislators.
External validity of randomized controlled trials of interventions in venous leg ulceration: A systematic review
Authors: Gethin Georgina , Ivory John D. , Connell Lauren , McIntosh Caroline , Weller Carolina D.
Published: August 2019

We set out to evaluate quality of reporting of data related to external validity from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing treatment interventions for active venous leg ulcers. Using a systematic review study design, we identified 144 full‐text RCTs of treatment interventions, where the wound was assessed and published in English from 1998 to 2018. We found that the median study sample size was 75.5. Weighted mean wound size was 13.22 cm2 and weighted mean wound duration was 22.20 months. Forty‐six (32%) reported numbers screened for eligibility and 27 (19%) reported the number who declined to participate; 19 (13%) reported on patient ethnicity; 60 (42%) reported comorbidities; and 5 (4%) reported current medication use. When reported, 60/102 (59%) excluded patients with an ankle‐brachial pressure index <0.8; 68/135 (50%) were conducted in Europe, 6/135 (4%) in Asia, and 74/104 (71%) were conducted in outpatient facilities; 3 (2%) reported socioeconomic factors and 88 (61%) reported on adverse events. We concluded that there is inadequate reporting of data related to external validity in reports of RCTs assessing venous leg ulcers treatment interventions. Significant variability exists in the ankle‐brachial pressure index cutoff point for inclusion or exclusion, making generalizability difficult to assess.
Dynamics of Bacterial Community and Fermentation Quality during Ensiling of Wilted and Unwilted
Moringa oleifera
Leaf Silage with or without Lactic Acid Bacterial Inoculants
Authors: Wang Yi , He Liwen , Xing Yaqi , Zheng Yanting , Zhou Wei , Pian Ruiqi , Yang Fuyu , Chen Xiaoyang , Zhang Qing
Published: August 2019

Moringa oleifera
leaf is a high-quality feed source for livestock and is increasingly used all over the world. Ensiling might be an effective method for preservation of the leaves. In the practice of silage making, lactic acid bacterial inoculants and wilting are commonly used to improve nutrition preservation. Monitoring the changes in a bacterial community during fermentation gives an insight into understanding and improving the ensiling process. Our results suggest that wilting and lactic acid bacterial inoculants had an influence on the bacterial community and fermentation process of
M. oleifera
leaf silage. Wilting showed positive effects on silage fermentation by decreasing the abundance of
Enterobacter
spp., while LF and LL improved the fermentation quality by inhibiting
Enterobacter
spp. and enhancing
Lactobacillus
spp. Both LF and LL accelerated the ensiling process from cocci (like
Lactococcus
,
Enterococcus,
and
Leuconostoc
spp.) to lactobacilli.
Mechanistic Model for the Coexistence of Nitrogen Fixation and Photosynthesis in Marine
Trichodesmium
Authors: Inomura Keisuke , Wilson Samuel T. , Deutsch Curtis
Published: August 2019

Trichodesmium
is a major nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium and exerts a significant influence on the oceanic nitrogen cycle. It is also a widely used model organism in laboratory studies. Since the nitrogen-fixing enzyme nitrogenase is extremely sensitive to oxygen, how these surface-dwelling plankton manage the two conflicting processes of nitrogen fixation and photosynthesis has been a long-standing question. In this study, we developed a simple model of metabolic fluxes of
Trichodesmium
capturing observed daily cycles of photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, and boundary layer oxygen concentrations. The model suggests that forming a chain of cells for spatially segregating nitrogen fixation and photosynthesis is essential but not sufficient. It also requires a barrier against oxygen diffusion and high rates of oxygen scavenging by respiration. Finally, the model indicates that the life span of intracellular oxygen is extremely short, thus enabling cells to instantly create a low-oxygen environment upon deactivation of photosynthesis.
Evaluation of spin in abstracts of papers in psychiatry and psychology journals
Authors: Jellison Samuel , Roberts Will , Bowers Aaron , Combs Tyler , Beaman Jason , Wayant Cole , Vassar Matt
Published: August 2019

We have identified ‘spin’ in abstracts of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with nonsignificant primary endpoints in psychiatry and psychology journals. This is a cross-sectional review of clinical trials with nonsignificant primary endpoints published in psychiatry and psychology journals from January 2012 to December 2017. The main outcome was the frequency and manifestation of spin in the abstracts. We define spin as the ‘use of specific reporting strategies, from whatever motive, to highlight that the experimental treatment is beneficial, despite a statistically nonsignificant difference for the primary outcome, or to distract the reader from statistically nonsignificant results’. We have also assessed the relationship between industry funding and spin. Of the 486 RCTs examined, 116 were included in our analysis of spin. Spin was identified in 56% (n=65) of those included. Spin was found in 2 (2%) titles, 24 (21%) abstract results sections and 57 (49.1%) abstract conclusion sections. Evidence of spin was simultaneously identified in both results and conclusions sections in 15% of RCTs (n=17). Twelve articles reported industry funding (10%). Industry funding was not associated with increased odds of spin in the abstract (unadjusted OR: 1.0; 95% CI: 0.3 to 3.2). We found no relationship between industry funding and spin in abstracts. These findings raise concerns about the effects spin may have on clinicians. Further steps could be taken to address spin, including inviting reviewers to comment on the presence of spin and updating Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials guidelines to contain language discouraging spin.
Impact of antimicrobial stewardship managed by clinical pharmacists on antibiotic use and drug resistance in a Chinese hospital, 2010–2016: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Wang Huaguang , Wang Han , Yu Xiaojia , Zhou Hong , Li Boyu , Chen Gang , Ye Zhikang , Wang Ying , Cui Xiangli , Zheng Yunying , Zhao Rui , Yang Hui , Wang Zihui , Wang Peng , Yang Chunxia , Liu Lihong
Published: August 2019

Objectives

‘National Special Stewardship in the Clinical Use of Antibiotics’ was put forward in July 2011 in China. We aimed to retrospectively evaluate the impact of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) managed by clinical pharmacists on antibiotic utilisation, prophylaxis and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Design

This was a retrospective observational study of trends in antibiotic use and AMR in the context of AMS.

Setting

Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, a 1400-bed tertiary hospital, in China.

Data and participants

Antibiotic prescriptions from 820 doctors included all outpatients (n=17 766 637) and inpatients (n=376 627) during 2010–2016. Bacterial resistance data were from all inpatients (n=350 699) during 2011–2016.

Interventions

Multiaspect intervention measures were implemented by clinical pharmacists (13 persons), for example, formulating the activity programme and performance management, advising on antibacterial prescriptions and training.

Outcome measures

The proportion of antibiotic prescriptions among outpatients and inpatients, intensity of consumption in defined daily dose (DDD)/100 bed-days, antibiotic prophylaxis in type I incision operations and resistance rates ofEscherichia coli,Klebsiella pneumoniaeandPseudomonas aeruginosawere retrospectively analysed.

Results

The proportion of antibiotic prescriptions decreased in outpatients (from 19.38% to 13.21%) and in inpatients (from 64.34% to 34.65%), the intensity of consumption dropped from 102.46 to 37.38 DDD/100 bed-days. The proportion of antibiotic prophylaxis decreased from 98.94% to 18.93%. The proportion of rational timing of initial dose increased from 71.11% to 96.74%, the proportion of rational duration rose from 2.84% to 42.63%. Time series analysis demonstrated the resistance rates ofE. coliandP. aeruginosato fluoroquinolones decreased, the incidence rate of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureusalso decreased, whereas the resistance rates ofE. coliandK. pneumoniaeto carbapenems increased. The antibiotic use was partly positively correlated with AMR.

Conclusions

AMS had an important role in reducing antibiotic use and surgical antibiotic prophylaxis. The AMR was positively correlated with antibiotic consumption to some extent.
Prognostic factors in low back pain individuals undergoing steroid and anaesthetic intra-articular facet joint infiltration: a protocol for a prospective, longitudinal, cohort study
Authors: Rodrigues João Carlos , Poetscher Arthur Werner , Lenza Mario , Gotfryd Alberto Ofenhejm , Martins Filho Délio Eulálio , Rodrigues Luciano Miller Reis , Garcia Rodrigo Gobbo , Rosemberg Laercio Alberto , Barros Durval do Carmo Santos , Kihara Filho Eduardo Noda , Ferretti Mario , Bang Gilbert Sung Soo
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Lumbar pain of facet origin is a common problem worldwide. For those patients not responding to traditional treatment, one approach may be intra-articular infiltration of corticoid and anaesthetic. However, despite the increasing demand for this procedure, no consensus exists regarding its therapeutic value. The selection of eligible participants may be a determining factor since only those with an inflammatory process will benefit from the use of corticosteroids. This study aims to identify differences in disability, pain and quality of life scores in individuals with and without facet joint inflammation who were diagnosed using MRI.

Method and analysis

This prospective cohort will include individuals older than 18 years with a clinical diagnosis of facet syndrome who underwent intra-articular infiltration. Changes in scores of pain, disability and quality of life questionnaires at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months of follow-up compared with baseline will be analysed. An MRI examination performed before infiltration will help to distinguish between exposed (with inflammation) and non-exposed (non-inflammation) groups with facet syndrome. The primary outcome will be the disability questionnaire (Roland Morris), and the secondary outcomes will be the score questionnaires for pain (Visual Analogue Scale), quality of life (EuroQol Quality of Life Questionnaire) and disability (Oswestry).

Ethics and dissemination

The Internal Review Board approved this study, which started only after the approval number (5291417.0.0000.0071) was received. All recruited participants will receive a verbal explanation about the purpose of the study, and their decision to participate will be free and voluntary. All participants enrolled in the study will provide a signed informed consent form including confidentiality terms. The results obtained in this study will be presented at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed scientific journals to disseminate the knowledge.

Trials registration number

NCT03304730; Pre-results.
Communicating benign biopsy results by telephone in the NHS Breast Screening Programme: a protocol for a cluster randomised crossover trial
Authors: Williamson Sian Zena , Johnson Rebecca , Sandhu Harbinder Kaur , Parsons Nicholas , Jenkins Jacquie , Casey Margaret , Kearins Olive , Taylor-Phillips Sian
Published: August 2019

Introduction

One of the main harms from breast cancer screening is the anxiety caused by false positive results. Various factors may be associated with false-positive anxiety. One modifiable factor may be the method of communication used to deliver results. The aim of this study is to measure the effect on anxiety of receiving benign biopsy results in-person or by telephone.

Methods and analysis

This is a multi-centre cluster randomised crossover trial in the English National Health Service Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) involving repeated survey measures at four time points. Participants will be women of screening age who have a biopsy following a suspicious mammography result, who ultimately receive a benign or normal (B1) result. Centres will trial both telephone and in-person results on a month-by-month basis, being randomised to which communication method will be trialled first. Women will be blinded to the method of communication they will receive. The analysis will compare women who have received telephone results and women who have received in-person results. The primary outcome measure will be anxiety (measured by the Psychological Consequences Questionnaire) after receiving results, while controlling for baseline anxiety. Secondary outcome measures will include anxiety at 3 and 6 months post-results, understanding of results and patient preferences for how results are communicated. Qualitative telephone interviews will also be conducted to further explore women’s reasons for communication preferences. Qualitative and quantitative data will be integrated after initial separate analysis using the pillar integration process.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Public Health England Breast Screening Programme Research Advisory Committee, (BSPRAC_0013, ODR1718_040) and the National Health Service Health Research Authority (HRA) West Midlands—Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee (17/WM/0313). The findings from this study will be disseminated to key stakeholders within the NHSBSP and via academic publications.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN36997684

Trial sponsor

This research is part of a PhD award and is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council Doctoral Training Centre at the University of Warwick and Public Health England. The sponsor for this research is Jane Prewett (sponsorship@warwick.ac.uk).
Behavioural analysis of postnatal physical activity in the UK according to the COM-B model: a multi-methods study
Authors: Ellis Kate , Pears Sally , Sutton Stephen
Published: August 2019

Objective

Develop a behavioural analysis of factors influencing postnatal physical activity (PA) according to the ‘capability, opportunity, motivation and behaviour’ (COM-B) model of behaviour to inform intervention development using the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW).

Design

Cross-sectional, multi-method study using semi-structured interviews and a quantitative questionnaire.

Setting

Children’s centres and mother and baby groups in Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire, UK.

Participants

Convenience samples of postnatal women were interviewed (n=16) and completed the questionnaire (n=158).

Methods

Semi-structured interviews followed a preprepared topic guide exploring the COM-B model components and analysed using framework analysis. The questionnaire, based on the self-evaluation of behaviour questionnaire, was adapted using patient and public involvement and findings from the interviews. Questionnaire participants rated their agreement with 22 predefined statements related to COM-B model components. Mean, SD and 95% CI were calculated and each item categorised according to importance. Demographic data were collected.

Results

The questionnaire identified that new mothers would be more active if they had more time, felt less tired, had accessible childcare, were part of a group, advised by a healthcare professional, able to develop a habit and had more motivation. Additional themes emerging from qualitative data were engaging in PA groups with other new mothers, limited physical stamina following complicated births, social interaction, enjoyment and parental beliefs as motivation, provision of child-friendly PA facilities and environments and babies’ unpredictable routines.

Conclusion

The behavioural analysis presented in this paper identifies and adds detail on the range of factors influencing the target behaviour. Some are unique to the target population, requiring targeted interventions for postnatal women, whereas some are individualised, suggesting the need for individually tailored interventions. We will use the behavioural analysis presented to design an intervention using the subsequent steps in the BCW.
Integrating tobacco cessation into routine dental practice: protocol for a qualitative study
Authors: Shah Rachana , Shah Rupal , Shah Sujal , Bhojani Upendra
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Combined efforts to encompass different aspects of tobacco control have been in place for some time. Despite the recognition of the need to offer support to tobacco users to quit tobacco use, such support remains highly inadequate in India. However, little is known about the practice of oral health professionals (OHP) and the experiences and expectations of dental patients in the context of tobacco cessation (TC) services. In this article, we describe the protocol of a doctoral research project that explores OHPs and their patients in an Indian city. The aims are (A) to understand the functioning of the oral healthcare system towards TC and what changes to it will be needed to benefit TC and (B) to capture the views of dental patients on TC services provided by OHPs.

Methods and analysis

A cross-sectional qualitative study based on individual interviews with OHPs and dental patients will be carried out in the city of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. The OHP will be purposively selected from two major organisation types: (1) single-doctor dental clinics and (2) dental hospital attached to teaching institutions. The sample population will be divided into two subgroups: general OHP (dentists practising general dentistry irrespective of their qualification) and prosthodontists (dentists with a specialisation in prosthodontics). We will sample dental patients through convenient sampling from a public teaching hospital and select private dental care facilities. The sampling of OHPs and dental patients will continue until we reach data saturation. Interviews will be audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and coded by hand. The interview transcript will subsequently be analysed using thematic content analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

The study received ethical approval from the Institutional Ethical Committee of the Government Dental College and Hospital, Ahmedabad. The findings will be disseminated through conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications and to the study participants.
Mapping the evidence of intimate partner violence among women living with HIV/AIDS in Africa: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Meskele Mengistu , Khuzwayo Nelisiwe , Taylor Myra
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Among women living with HIV, intimate partner violence (IPV) is increasingly recognised worldwide as a serious public health concern. The understanding of the link between IPV and HIV is currently inconclusive and information concerning the IPV experiences of HIV-infected women is insufficient. This protocol aims to map evidence of IPV against women living with HIV/AIDS in Africa.

Methods and analysis

We will search and review peer-reviewed and review articles. The comprehensive search will include the electronic databases PubMed, MEDLINE with full text via EBSCO host, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Scopus. The advanced search will use MeSH terms. Grey literature will also be included. The titles of the studies from the database searches will be screened, and duplicates will be removed. The abstract screening will be done independently by two reviewers, followed by the full-text screening which will be based on the eligibility criteria. The six methodological stages in this review will be to: identify the research questions; identify relevant studies; select the studies; chart the data; collate, summarise and report the results; and thereafter undertake consultations. The quality of studies included in the review will be determined by the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. NVIVO software V.11 will be used to undertake a thematic analysis of each of the studies and to extract the relevant outcomes.

Dissemination

The results of this study will be disseminated through publication, and presented at conferences related to IPV.

Scoping review registration

Currently, a scoping review is not eligible for registration on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews.
The influence of narrative medicine on medical students’ readiness for holistic care practice: a realist synthesis protocol
Authors: Huang Yufrica , Monrouxe Lynn V , Huang Chien-Da
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Holistic healthcare considers the whole person—their body, mind, spirit and emotions—and has been associated with narrative medicine practice. Narrative medicine is medicine performed with narrative skill and has been offered as a model for humanism and effective medical practice. Narrative medicine interventions have been associated with physicians’ increased empathy and more meaningful interactions with patients about managing their illness and preventative medicine. However, while there is some evidence that certain groups are more open to narrative practices (eg, traditional vs Western medical students), the extent to which narrative medicine interventions during undergraduate medical education impacts on students’ readiness for holistic care, as well as the underlying reasons why, is unknown.

Methods and analysis

Realist review is a theory-driven approach to evaluate complex interventions. It focuses on understanding how interventions and programmes work (or not) in their contextual setting. This realist synthesis aimed to formulate a theory around the influence of narrative medicine medical students’ readiness for holistic care practice. We will follow Pawson’s five steps: locate existing theories, search strategy, study selection, data extraction, data analysis and synthesis. We will use the following electronic databases: Web of Science, Medline, Scopus and Embase. Articles between January 2008 and September 2018 will be included. Results will be written according to the RAMESES (Realist And Meta-narrative Evidence Syntheses: Evolving Standards) standard for reporting realist syntheses.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was obtained from the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for the wider study. The findings of this review will provide useful information for academics and policymakers, who will be able to apply the findings in their context when deciding whether and how to introduce narrative medicine programmes into medical students’ curricula. We will publish our findings in peer-reviewed journals and international conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018115447.
Successful treatment of psychosis induced by interferon alpha and ribavirin with paliperidone: first case reported
Authors: Carrillo de Albornoz Calahorro Carmen Maura , Navarrete Paez Maria Isabel , Guerrero Jimenez Margarita , Gutierrez Rojas Luis
Published: August 2019

Several clinical studies have shown a large number of mental symptoms by immunomodulatory treatment with interferon (IFN). The most frequently described symptoms are depression, suicidal behaviour, manic symptoms, anxiety, psychosis and delirium, associated with other non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, psychomotor retardation, decreased libido, insomnia, difficulty in concentration and attention. Having a history of mental disorder contraindicates the use of IFN-alpha. These adverse effects that affect the mental state appear usually at the beginning of the treatment (most after 3 weeks of treatment). The incidence of psychotic episodes is low and the episodes usually remit when treatment is interrupted; only some cases require antipsychotic treatment. We present the case of a patient affected with hepatitis C who began to present self-referential delirious symptoms after receiving the treatment with IFN and who was successfully treated with paliperidone. This patient could be classified within the group of high-risk psychiatric patients given the family history of schizophrenia and his personal history of illegal drug consumption. The pharmacological actions of paliperidone are similar to other high potency atypical antipsychotics. The receptor-binding profile of paliperidone most closely resembles that of risperidone and ziprasidone. Paliperidone differs from risperidone and most other antipsychotics by its relatively low extent of enzymatic hepatic metabolism. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case described that was successfully treated with paliperidone.
Spatial joins
Authors: Bouros Panagiotis , Mamoulis Nikos
Published: August 2019

The spatial join is a popular operation in spatial database systems and its evaluation is a well-studied problem. This paper reviews research and recent trends on spatial join evaluation. The complexity of different data types, the consideration of different join predicates, the use of modern commodity hardware, and support for parallel processing open the road to a number of interesting directions for future research, some of which we outline in the paper.
Quantum Monte Carlo Methods in Nuclear Physics: Recent Advances
Authors: Lynn J.E. , Tews I. , Gandolfi S. , Lovato A.
Published: August 2019

In recent years, the combination of precise quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) methods with realistic nuclear interactions and consistent electroweak currents, in particular those constructed within effective field theories (EFTs), has led to new insights in light and medium-mass nuclei, neutron matter, and electroweak reactions. For example, with the same chiral interactions, QMC calculations can reproduce binding energies and radii for light nuclei, n–α scattering phase shifts, and the neutron matter equation of state. This compelling new body of work has been made possible both by advances in QMC methods for nuclear physics, which push the bounds of applicability to heavier nuclei and to asymmetric nuclear matter, and by the development of local chiral EFT interactions up to next-to-next-to-leading order and minimally nonlocal interactions including Δ degrees of freedom. In this review, we discuss these recent developments and give an overview of the exciting results for nuclei, neutron matter and neutron stars, and electroweak reactions.
Some Noncontractive Maps on Incomplete Metric Spaces Have Also Fixed Points
Authors: Rashid Tawseef , Khan Qamrul Haq , Mlaiki Nabil , Aydi Hassen
Published: August 2019

In this article, we discuss a new version of metric fixed point theory. The application of this newly introduced concept is to find some fixed point results where many well-known results in literature cannot be applied. We give some examples to illustrate the given concepts and obtained results.
Baicalin Protects against Thrombin-Induced Cell Injury in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
Authors: Zhang Anna , Hou Yunfeng , Sun Chao , Pu Ying , Sun Yu , Zhang Yuan , Shen Yang , Zhou Qingbo
Published: August 2019

Thrombin plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Baicalin, an active flavonoid compound, was shown to attenuate the development of atherosclerosis, but the mechanism remains elusive. In the present study, the role and mechanism of baicalin in thrombin-induced cell injury was investigated in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Our results showed that baicalin significantly reduced thrombin-induced apoptosis of HUVECs. Additional experiments showed that baicalin inhibited thrombin-induced NF-κB activation and PAR-1 expression. In addition, baicalin decreased thrombin-induced PAR-1 expression by inhibiting ERK pathway. These results indicated that baicalin has protective effects on thrombin-induced cell injury in HUVECs possibly through inhibition of PAR-1 expression and its downstream NF-κB activation, which was mediated by ERK1/2 activation.
Nrf2-Heme Oxygenase-1 Attenuates High-Glucose-Induced Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition of Renal Tubule Cells by Inhibiting ROS-Mediated PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β Signaling
Authors: Shin Jong Ho , Kim Kyeong Min , Jeong Jin Uk , Shin Jae Min , Kang Ju Hyung , Bang Kitae , Kim Joo-Heon
Published: August 2019

Background. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is thought to play a significant role in the advancement to chronic kidney disease and contributes to the deposition of extracellular matrix proteins and renal fibrosis relating to diabetic nephropathy. Method. We studied the effect of Nrf2-HO-1 signaling on high-glucose- (HG-) induced EMT in normal human tubular epithelial cells, that is, HK2 cells. In short, we treated HK2 cells with HG and sulforaphane (SFN) as an Nrf2 activator. EMT was evaluated by the expression activity of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and mesenchymal markers such as vimentin and fibronectin. Results. Exposure of HK2 cells to HG (60 mM) activated the expression of vimentin and fibronectin but decreased E-cadherin. Treatment of HK2 cells with SFN caused HG-induced attenuation in EMT markers with activated Nrf2-HO-1. We found that SFN decreased HG-induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt at serine 473, and inhibitory phosphorylation of serine/threonine kinase glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) at serine 9. Subsequently, these signaling led to the downregulation of the Snail-1 transcriptional factor and the recovery of E-cadherin. Conclusion. The present study suggests that Nrf2-HO-1 signaling has an inhibitory role in the regulation of EMT through the modulation of ROS-mediated PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β activity, highlighting Nrf2-HO-1 and GSK-3β as potential therapeutic targets in diabetic nephropathy.
Short-Term and Long-Term Blood Pressure Changes and the Risk of All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality
Authors: Dai Yue , Wang Yali , Xie Yanxia , Zheng Jia , Guo Rongrong , Sun Zhaoqing , Xing Liying , Zhang Xingang , Sun Yingxian , Zheng Liqiang
Published: August 2019

Background. Few studies compared the effects of BP changes in short- and long-terms on all-cause mortality and CVD mortality. Methods. We performed a 12.5-year follow-up study to examine the association between short- (2008 to 2010) and long-term [baseline (2004-2006) to 2010] BP changes and the risk of mortality (2010 to 2017) in the Fuxin prospective cohort study. The Cox proportional hazards model was used for this study, and the average BP was stratified according to the Seven Joint National Committee (JNC7). Results. We identified 1496 (805 CVD deaths) and 2138 deaths (1222 CVD deaths) in short- and long-term study. Compared with BP maintainer, in short-term BP changes, for participants from normotension or prehypertension to hypertension, the hazards ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of all-cause mortality were 1.948 (1.118-3.392) and 1.439 (1.218-1.700), respectively, while for participants from hypertension to prehypertension, the HRs (95% CIs) were 0.766 (0.638-0.899) for all-cause mortality and 0.729 (0.585-0.908) for CVD mortality, respectively. In long-term BP changes, for participants from normotension or prehypertension to hypertension, the HRs (95% CIs) of all-cause mortality were 1.738 (1.099-2.749) and 1.203 (1.023-1.414), and they were 2.351 (1.049-5.269) and 1.323 (1.047-1.672) for CVD mortality, respectively. In addition, the effects of short-term BP changes on all-cause and CVD mortality, measured as regression coefficients (β), were significantly greater than those in long-term change (all P<0.05). Conclusions. Our study emphasizes that short-term changes in BP have a greater impact on all-cause and CVD mortality than long-term changes and assess the cut-off value of the changes in blood pressure elevation.
Transvestism Recognized in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Ishiguro Hiroki , Honobe Naomi , Suzuki Takefumi , Tamai Mariko , Nakane Takaya
Published: August 2019

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) comprises a series of rare hereditary connective tissue diseases characterized by musculoskeletal, skin, and cardiovascular involvements. EDS may be associated with physical as well as psychological pain that can lead to psychiatric problems. EDS imposes substantial psychological burden on patients, and recent large-scale studies have suggested that patients with EDS have a higher risk of mood disorders than the general population. To the best of our knowledge, we describe, for the first time, the cases of two Japanese patients with EDS complicated with mood disorders who secondarily developed transvestism that was judged strongly related to early stressful situations through childhood and adolescence. The first case was of a man in his mid-30s and the second of a woman in her late 20s. We report on detailed psychosocial data to further discuss the medical management and genetic counseling of such infrequent but challenging conditions. Physicians are advised to be aware of various potential psychological and psychiatric issues that may accompany EDS.
Chlamydiaand Its Many Ways of Escaping the Host Immune System
Authors: Wong Won Fen , Chambers James P. , Gupta Rishein , Arulanandam Bernard P.
Published: August 2019

The increasing number of new cases ofChlamydiainfection worldwide may be attributed to the pathogen’s ability to evade various host immune responses. Summarized here are means of evasion utilized byChlamydiaenabling survival in a hostile host environment. The pathogen's persistence involves a myriad of molecular interactions manifested in a variety of ways,e.g., formation of membranous intracytoplasmic inclusions and cytokine-induced amino acid synthesis, paralysis of phagocytic neutrophils, evasion of phagocytosis, inhibition of host cell apoptosis, suppression of antigen presentation, and induced expression of a check point inhibitor of programmed host cell death. Future studies could focus on the targeting of these molecules associated with immune evasion, thus limiting the spread and tissue damage caused by this pathogen.
Low-Grade Albuminuria Is Associated with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Diastolic Dysfunction in Patients with Hypertension
Authors: Wang Tingjun , Zhong Hongbin , Lian Guili , Cai Xiaoqi , Gong Jin , Ye Chaoyi , Xie Liangdi
Published: August 2019

Introduction: Microalbuminuria is a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in hypertensive patients. However, the relationship between low-grade albuminuria, a higher level of albuminuria below microalbuminuria threshold, and hypertension-related organ damage is unclear. Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (LVH) is well recognized to be a subclinical organ damage of hypertension, and LV diastolic dysfunction is also reported to be an early functional cardiac change of hypertension that predicts heart failure. The present study aimed to investigate the association of low-grade albuminuria with LVH and LV diastolic dysfunction in hypertensive patients. Methods: This cross-sectional observational clinical study was retrospectively performed in 870 hypertensive patients admitted to our hospital. Urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) was calculated to assess the levels of albuminuria: macroalbuminuria (≥300 mg/g), microalbuminuria (≥30 mg/g, but <300 mg/g), and normal albuminuria (<30 mg/g). Low-grade albuminuria was defined as sex-specific highest tertile within normal albuminuria (8.1–29.6 mg/g in males and 11.8–28.9 mg/g in females). LVH and LV diastolic dysfunction were identified as recommended by American Society of Echocardiography. Results: Of the 870 patients, 765 (87.9%) had normal albuminuria, 77 (8.9%) had microalbuminuria, and 28 (3.2%) had macroalbuminuria. Percentage of LVH and LV diastolic dysfunction was increased with ascending UACR. UACR was independently associated with LVH and LV diastolic dysfunction, even in patients with normal albuminuria. Multivariable logistic regression showed that the patients with the highest tertile within normal albuminuria had nearly 80% increase in LVH and nearly 60% increase in LV diastolic dysfunction (adjusted OR for LVH 1.788, 95% CI 1.181–2.708, p = 0.006; adjusted OR for LV diastolic dysfunction 1.567, 95% CI 1.036–2.397, p = 0.034). After further stratification analyses in patients with normal albuminuria, it was shown that this independent association persisted in female patients, those who were younger than 70 years old, and those with duration of hypertension <15 years. Conclusion: Low-grade albuminuria was associated with LVH and LV diastolic dysfunction in hypertensive patients, especially in patients younger than 70 years old, and those with duration of hypertension <15 years.
Small-Cell Lung Cancer Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Patients with Poor Performance Status
Authors: Aida Yuka , Nakazawa Kensuke , Shiozawa Toshihiro , Ogawa Ryoko , Kiwamoto Takumi , Morishima Yuko , Sakamoto Toru , Sekine Ikuo , Hizawa Nobuyuki
Published: August 2019

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is highly sensitive to platinum-based chemotherapy. However, its indication in patients with a poor performance status (PS) at initial diagnosis is controversial. We retrospectively reviewed all clinical courses of pathologically diagnosed SCLC patients with poor PS, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group PS 3 and 4. Among 18 patients, 12 were treated with chemotherapy and 6 with supportive care alone. During the chemotherapy courses, PS improved in 7 (58.3%, including the PS 4 cases), remained stable in 2 (16.7%), and deteriorated in 3 (25%) patients. Moreover, 5 patients showed partial responses to chemotherapy (response rate of 41.7%). Grade 3–4 neutropenia developed in 10 (83.3%) patients and grade 3 febrile neutropenia occurred in 5 (41.7%) patients, but no grade 4 non-hematological toxicity was noted. Mortality associated with lung toxicity (grade 5) due to treatment occurred in a 77-year-old-male patient with PS 3. No substantial difference in survival was observed between patients with PS 3 and 4, even when including those treated with supportive care alone. Treatment had a positive effect on survival: after chemotherapy, the 6-month survival rate of PS 3 and 4 patients was 66.7%. In contrast, all patients treated with supportive care alone died within 5 months. These findings suggest that chemotherapy is indicated in selected SCLC patients not only with PS 3, but also with PS 4.
Concurrent Kidney Glomerular and Interstitial Lesions Associated with Kimura’s Disease
Authors: Yang Shicong , Wang Jue , Chen Yanyang , Jiang Zeying , Zhong Tingting , Dong Yu , Guan Weiming , Chen Wenfang
Published: August 2019

Background: Kimura disease (KD) is a chronic benign inflammatory disorder that is usually manifested as a deep, subcutaneous mass with or without regional lymphadenopathy in the head and neck region. Various types of glomerulonephritis are associated with KD, including minimal change disease (MCD), membranous glomerulopathy (MN), and immunoglobulin (Ig)A-nephropathy. Kidney interstitial lesion associated with KD is rarely reported. The aim of this study was to expand the spectrum of kidney lesions associated with KD. Methods: From 2007 to 2016, 12 cases of KD with kidney lesions were retrospectively reviewed. Pathological examinations included hematoxylin and eosin staining, periodic acid-schiff staining, periodic acid-methenamine silver staining, and Masson staining, immunofluorescence, and electron microscope analyses. Results: Anatomic sites of subcutaneous involvement included head and neck area, arm, and groin. Most cases had elevated IgE level and peripheral eosinophilia. Nephrotic syndrome was the most common kidney manifestation. Pathological results showed 3 types of glomerulonephritis, including 9 cases of MCD, 2 cases of IgA nephropathy, and 1 case of MN. Of note, 4 MCD cases showed concurrent glomerular and interstitial lesions associated with KD, including 2 distinct patterns: (1) a diffusely eosinophilic and lymphatic infiltration similar to KD lesion developed elsewhere and (2) exclusively eosinophilic infiltration in the interstitium. Eight out of 10 patients were responsive to steroid treatment and had complete remission of proteinuria and recovery of kidney function. Conclusion: Our report suggested that, in addition to glomerulonephritis, interstitial lesions may also be associated with KD. Pathologist should pay special attention to differentiated diagnosis when such pathological changes are identified in patients with subcutaneous mass or cervical lymphadenopathy with concurrent kidney manifestation.
Bifocal Bone Transport over a Preexisting Nail to Treat a Septic Femoral Shaft Nonunion
Authors: Tsibidakis Haridimos , Guerreschi Francesco , Fakhry Fakher , Poli Piero , Grion Luca , Panou Artemisia
Published: August 2019

Intramedullary nailing is the method of choice for the treatment of most femoral shaft fractures. However, it is not always an easy procedure with predictable results as leg length discrepancy as well as rotational and angular malunion may occur. Lengthening over an intramedullary nail (IMN) has become very common as it allows early removal of the external fixator. This report presents a case of an open femoral shaft fracture initially treated with an IMN and subsequently complicated by a septic nonunion. Union was obtained by bifocal bone transport with a circular external fixator over the preexisting nail without exchange or removal of the previously inserted IMN. In conclusion, the presence of an IMN supports osteotomy and regenerates bone during bone healing, prevents fracture and/or deformation of the regenerated bone, and reduces the time needed for the external fixator.
A Female Shankaracharya?
Authors: DeNapoli Antoinette E.
Published: August 2019

This article examines the practices through which a female religious leader (guru) in India by the name of Trikal Bhavanta Saraswati (in shorthand, “Mataji”) constructs women’s alternative authority in a high powered lineage of male Hindu gurus called Shankaracharyas. Mataji’s appropriation of the Shankaracharya leadership demonstrates an Indic example of “dharmic feminism,” by virtue of which she advocates the female as normative and, through that radical notion, advances a dharmic platform for gender equality in institutions in which women rarely figure among the power elite. Through narrative performance, Mataji reshapes the boundaries of religious leadership to affirm new possibilities for female authority in a lineage that has denied women’s agency. Exploring her personal experience narratives and the themes they illuminate can shed light on why her leadership intervenes in an orthodox lineage of male authority to exercise alternative authority and exact transformation of contemporary Hinduism.
Agents of Change
Authors: Borchgrevink Kaja
Published: August 2019

This article examines the intersection of religion, gender and development through an analysis of religious practice and development engagement among women activists in two religio-political aid organizations in contemporary Pakistan. Situated on the margins of the mainstream aid and development field, these women are rarely conceded agents of development. Yet focusing on improving women’s position and wellbeing, their activities are similar to those of many other development NGO s. As part of religio-political movements advancing gender complementarity and segregation, women’s activism and conceptions of development reflect a particular intersection of religion, gender and class. A close read of women’s discourse and practice reveals how women interpret and appropriate Islamic teachings, local cultural practices, and global norms by balancing ideology and pragmatism. In the process of negotiating, upholding and resisting norms and practices, these activists can be seen as active agents of change in their local contexts.
Benthic Amphipoda (Crustacea: Peracarida) of the Great Barrier Reef (cover)
Authors: LOWRY J. K. , MYERS A. A.
Published: August 2019

(cover)
A review of Organopoda Hampson, 1893 (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) from China, with description of three new species
Authors: CUI LE , XUE DAYONG , JIANG NAN
Published: August 2019

The Chinese species of the genus Organopoda Hampson, 1893 are reviewed: seven species are reported from China. Three new species, O. acutula sp. nov., O. deltaformis sp. nov. and O. megiste sp. nov. are described. Diagnostic characters of all Chinese species are provided. External features and genitalia are depicted.