bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scleral Buckling with a Noncontact Wide-Angle viewing System in the Management of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
Authors: Yan Hua
Published: June 2016

Purpose

To introduce a modified scleral buckling surgery using noncontact wide-angle viewing system and intraocular illumination in the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) without proliferative retinopathy.

Methods

A modified scleral buckling surgery using noncontact wide-angle viewing system with a 25-G optic fiber through sclerotomy site was performed in 22 eyes of 22 patients with RRD. Twelve women and 10 men were included. The mean age was 49.23 ± 15.19 years. The mean refraction of myopia was -4 D (range -3 to -7 D). The mean duration of RRD was 6.64 ± 3.14 days. The preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ranged from 0.02 to 0.8. Mean follow-up was 9.59 ± 2.24 months. Proliferative retinopathy was grade A in 8 eyes and grade B in 14 eyes.

Results

This surgery was performed successfully and retinal attachment was achieved in all eyes at the final follow-up. The postoperative BCVA increased in all eyes. No complication was encountered related to this technique.

Conclusions

This modified scleral buckling surgery brings a panoramic and upright view and easy surgical maneuvers. It may be an additional approach for the management of RRD.
Cullin-1 Promotes Cell Proliferation in Human Breast Cancer and is Related to Diabetes
Authors: Zhou Yun-Hai , Xia Jiazeng , Xu Wen-Huan , Zhu Xiqi , Wu Xiao-Hong , Hua Dong , Xing Chungen
Published: June 2016

Aim

Breast carcinoma (BCA) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are two major health problems in women and the general population. Cullin-1 is reported to be an important tumor-related protein involved in cell-cycle progression, signal transduction and transcription. The aim of this work is to investigate the role of Cullin-1 in the development of BCA and to find potential relationships between Cullin-1 and diabetes in BCA patients.

Methods

To evaluate the function of Cullin-1, we entered 168 patients with primary invasive BCA in this study. Pairs of BCA tissues and adjacent noncancerous tissues from these patients were collected between 2006 and 2008. We used immunohistochemistry to analyze the correlation between Cullin-1 expression and clinicopathological variables and patient survival. In addition, we investigated the role of Cullin-1 in BCA cell proliferation.

Results

Cullin-1 expression was upregulated in BCA tissues. Enhanced immunoreactivity for Cullin-1 in BCA tissues was inversely correlated with overall survival and disease-free survival, which suggested a poor prognosis in BCA patients. Strong expression of Cullin-1 was more frequently observed in patients with estrogen receptor negativity and HER2 positivity. We also found that Cullin-1 expression was increased in BCA patients with a previous diagnosis of diabetes.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that increased Cullin-1 expression is significantly correlated with poor prognosis in patients with BCA. Cullin-1 might regulate BCA cell proliferation through the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Thus, Cullin-1 might be an important marker and a therapeutic target in BCA.
Retrograde Dissection of the Axillary Artery during Arteriogram via Arteriovenous Access
Authors: Patel Daven , Soundararajan Vinaya , Soundararajan Ramesh
Published: June 2016

Introduction

Retrograde arterial dissection is a recognized complication of endovascular intervention but has not been well reported especially in the context of dialysis arteriovenous access procedures. The management of this complication is also not well defined.

Case presentation

We report the case of an 80-year-old female with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on dialysis who developed an asymptomatic retrograde dissection of the left axillary artery during an arteriogram performed via a retrograde approach as part of access dysfunction evaluation. The condition was managed conservatively with no other intervention and close follow-up. No surgical intervention or stenting was needed in this case.

Discussion

Conservative management of retrograde arterial dissection in the arm may be a viable option especially in asymptomatic patients due to the nature of the injury. The force of blood flow in the antegrade direction limits the expansion of the false lumen and likely promotes the spontaneous healing of the vessel.
T.A.B.: Proposed New System for Graphic Standardization (And Sharing) of Clinical Histories of Bladder Cancer Patients
Authors: Dal Moro Fabrizio , Zattoni Filiberto
Published: June 2016

Background and Aim

Doctors usually report patients’ histories in three forms: on paper, as electronic files, or as slides. However, because accurate reporting of a long clinical history is difficult, especially in cases of chronic or long-term diseases, mistakes and misunderstandings can and do occur. We have developed and tested a template-based graphic system named T.A.B. (Talking About Bladder) to standardize the clinical histories of patients with bladder cancer (BC), focusing on non-muscle-invasive diseases.

Methods

By standardizing data inputs into a single template using a few simple symbols, the system can combine and overlap clinical, pathological, and therapeutic information.

Results and Conclusions

Our proposed system for reporting BC history could reduce the risk of missing important clinical information, especially in patients with long-term BC. This simple, immediate, and standardized system of reporting NMIBC medical history could facilitate both adherence to standards of care and assessment of care when treatment guidelines exist.
Transobturator Surgery in Presence of Corona Mortis: A Study in 13 Women
Authors: Castellani Daniele , Saldutto Pietro , Galica Vikiela , Masciovecchio Stefano , Galatioto Giuseppe Paradiso , Vicentini Carlo
Published: June 2016

Purpose

Severe and life-threatening bleeding has been reported in the literature after retropubic mid-urethral slings procedure, due to corona mortis damage. The aim of this study is to evaluate safety of transobturator passage of the tape in stress-urinary incontinence (SUI) correction and anchoring the mesh in pelvic-organ prolapse (POP) repair in the presence of corona mortis.

Materials and methods

Thirteen women with a pre-operatory contrast-enhanced abdominal multidetector computed tomography were prospectively enrolled in the study between January 2009 and December 2014. Eight women underwent a Monarc® and one a Spark® Sling System procedures for SUI correction, and three an Elevate® Anterior and Apical prolapse system and one a Perigee procedure to repair anterior/apical POP. All procedures were performed by a single experienced pelvic surgeon.

Results

Surgery was uneventful in all cases. No major bleeding was seen during surgery. No pelvic hematoma was identified 24 hours after the procedure. All women were discharged 1 day after surgery.

Conclusions

Transobturator surgery seems to be a safe way in the presence of the corona mortis. However, further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
Forord
Authors: Dalgard Odd Steffen , Kringlen Einar , Dahl Alv A.
Published: June 2016

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Statistisk sentralbyrås generelle utvalgsplan
Authors: Bjørnstad Jan F.
Published: June 2016

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Assessing the Impact of Electronic Human Resource Management on Creation of Organizational Agility: A Study in the Bushehr Banks, Iran
Authors: Hamidianpour Fakhriyeh , Esmaeilpour Majid , Firoozi Habibeh
Published: June 2016

Agility is a series of capabilities and competencies, which can cause survival and growth of the organization in business environment. One of the approaches that help organizations to enhance agility is electronic human resource management (E-HRM) approach. The main objective of the present study is finding an answer for this issue that how one can use E-HRM approach to develop organizational agility. In this study that has been conducted using survey method, after review of foreign and domestic research literature and construction of conceptual model, a questionnaire would be provided and distributed among employees of bank branches of Bushehr City in Iran and finally, collected data from 315 questionnaires would be analyzed using structural equation modeling method. Obtained results from the study confirm the presented conceptual model and indicate that using electronic learning of human resources, electronic payment of human resources, human resources maintenance and electronic performance appraisal of human resources and also electronic human resource management (E-HRM) can affect organizational agility significantly in confidence level of 99%. In addition, effect of variables of Electronic employment of human resources and human resource communications on organizational agility has not been confirmed. 
The Study of the Relationship between Depression and Emotional Intelligence among the Students of Zabol University of Medical Sciences in 2014
Authors: Behzadmehr Raziye , Seyedinejag Mina , Behzadmehr Maryam
Published: June 2016

This study aimed to answer the question that what is the relationship between depression and emotional intelligence among the students of Zabol University of medical sciences in 2014?

This study is descriptive-correlational that examined 294 students of Zabol University of medical sciences in 1393 by using stratified random sampling. Bar-On emotional intelligence questionnaire and Beck depression questionnaire were used to collect data. Pearson correlation coefficient and regression were used for data analysis. The obtained results show that there is a significant relationship between emotional intelligence and depression. On the other hand, there is a significant relationship between emotional intelligence with the variables (gender, major satisfaction, type of faculty, and place of living) and depression with the variables (gender, major satisfaction, father’s education and type of faculty).
Economic Impact of Tourism Accommodation: Thailand
Authors: Vora-Sittha Pornpen
Published: June 2016

Accommodation plays a significant role in tourism infrastructure; without a reliable place to stay overnight, tourists will not visit the location. Aligning with concepts described in the 2008 Tourism Satellite Account: Recommended Methodological Framework (TSA: RMF 2008), accommodation services are among 12 tourism sectors which are interrelated with each other through flow-on activities. When accommodation establishments purchase goods and services through their day-to-day transaction and pay their workers, this money is recirculated through the economy. Therefore, this study examined the impacts of expenditure spent by the visitors for accommodation on the economy both directly and indirectly. The Leontief Input-Output Model for the twelve tourism sectors was developed to calculate the impacts of tourist spending on lodging and other interrelated tourism services in Thailand. Data used in this study are from both primary and secondary sources. Findings indicated that tourism accommodation in Thailand was the second largest contributor to the tourism industry after “Air passenger transport services”. The computed multiplier showed that linkages of services between accommodation services providers and other tourism sectors helped generate income for the economy higher than the direct income paid directly from the tourists.
Conflict Resolution with Management Design of Sinergy Program Revitalisation between Government, Corporation (CSR) and Society on the Basis of Economic Efficiency Corridor in East Kalimantan
Authors: Hardoko Aloysius , Susilo Susilo , Pardosi Jawatir
Published: June 2016

The implementation of conflict resolution phase III study showed that a win-win solution is beneficial to both sides of the conflict. The whole area is selected based on the amount of the most numerous mining and oil palm plantations which are plagued by the problem of external conflict, both with agencies and communities around the mines and plantations in East Kalimantan.

The results of the implementation indicate that the conflict resolution is done through an integrated way with the principle of "win win". This has been proven through focus group forum that has agreed on a settlement process which is not detrimental to all parties though maximum expectations are not quite achievable. Several successfully resolved cases are disputed lands (mines and plantations) and the negative impact of the exploitation of the mine.

In general, this is well received by all participants of the FGD, however, there are input / suggestions as follows: 1) the government must engage all elements and take responsibility for CSR programs that have been agreed, 2) agreed decision is not only tripartite coordination, but should include aspects of Coordination, Integration and Synchronization, 3) the Court should modify the rules based on Regional Acts, in which all decisions is not only relying on litigation, but also on the non-litigation, 4) It should incorporate aspects of mental development and HR potential of the local community through a variety of training (workshops) required by the surrounding community.

Based on observations and FGD, it shows that this design can be done and turns out to be beneficial for all parties concerned, though there is an obstacle when claims for compensation are too high (replacement land with a maximum price) whereas the companies only want to replace with a low price supported by evidences are not owned by the local residents. However, the principle of "win-win solution" works well on solving the conflict that has been happening.
Evaluation of Scientific Thinking of Zakaria Razi about the World of Natural and Cosmology
Authors: Ahangar Mohammad Esmail Esmaili
Published: June 2016

In the fourth and fifth century of AH (tenth and eleventh. m) all science, especially natural science and cosmology were interest to people particular to scientists. These centuries was in a row of the best periods of prosperity, science and culture and became famous in the history and civilization of "the golden age of Islamic Iran". As a result, new scientific findings add to the scientific achievements of the past and also influenced the minds of scientists in the later centuries. Razi had a big contribution in the development of philosophy and natural sciences at the beginning of the fourth century AH equal to the tenth century AD and achieve the highest degrees in their time in various fields. Razi raised the opinion of the ancient alchemy of Khamse, and also transformed elixir to chemistry. And was founded the core of chemistry and give chemistry to the medicine. among what was written in the third to seventh century of AD about race (the ninth to the thirteenth century), we find many cases that all of them express his accurate method in the clinical experimental method. Razi not only experiences in medicine but also knew tests as essential topics in the natural sciences. Human scientific past was known by thoughts of scientists such as Razi and their theories are the cornerstone of philosophers thinking of recent history. Therefore, this article seeks to examine the scientific thinking of Razi about the world of nature and cosmology. For this purpose, the method of library and tools of notes taking was used.
Development of New Structural Materials with Improved Mechanical Properties and High Quality of Structures through New Methods
Authors: Nurmurodov Salokhiddin , Rasulov Alisher , Turakhodjaev Nodir , Bakhadirov Kudratkhon , Yakubov Lazizkhan , Abdurakhmanov Khusniddin , Tursunov Tokhir
Published: June 2016

Up-to-date science and technology requires further development and wide introduction of new high- performance processes to produce refractory metals. These may include plasma chemical technology of high dispersed powders production. Practical implementation of plasma chemical method in producing and processing of high dispersed powders is in its initial stage. Along with this at the present time the demand for processing of structural materials with improved physical and mechanical properties is now steadily increasing. Such materials have low machinability due to high hardness and durability at high temperatures which results in heavy wear of a cutting tool. To improve the efficiency when processing hard-to-cut materials it is necessary to enhance the tool’s durability; this can be provided by application of new grades of hard alloys received from tungsten nanopowders. New alloy, obtained by the new developed technology, has higher degree of hardness and wear resistance compared with existing alloys and will be intended for hard materials processing.
Validation of the Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast Instrument for the Detection of Salmonellae with SureTect Salmonella Species PCR Kit
Authors: Cloke Jonathan , Evans Katharine , Crabtree David , Hughes Annette , Simpson Helen
Published: June 2016

The Thermo Scientific SureTect™ Salmonella species real-time PCR assay is a rapid alternative method designed for the detection of salmonellae in a wide range of foods, animal feeds, and production-environment samples. The assay has previously been validated according to the AOAC Research Institute Performance Tested MethodsSM program using Thermo Scientific PikoReal™ PCR cycler and Thermo Scientific SureTect Software Performance Tested Method 051303). This report details the method-modification study performed to validate an updated assay format, utilizing a reduced target probe concentration and an extension of the PCR cycler platform to enable the use of the kit with a Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast PCR cycler and Applied Biosystems RapidFinder™ Express 2.0 software. During this validation study, a matrix study was conducted on a subset of the method's claimed matrixes, comparing the performance of the modified SureTect Salmonella species kit (a reduced target probe concentration with a 7500 Fast platform) to the reference method detailed in ISO 6579:2002. No significant difference by probability of detection statistical analysis was found between SureTect or International Organization for Standardization methods for any of the matrixes analyzed during the study. Inclusivity and exclusivity studies using the modified method demonstrated accurate results for the 117 Salmonella and 36 non-Salmonella strains tested. Multiple production lots of the newly formatted kit were evaluated and found to be consistent with the current assay. Robustness studies confirmed that the change to the kit had no impact on the assay's performance when alterations were made to method parameters having the greatest potential impact on assay performance.
Determination of Sterigmatocystin in Infant Cereals from Hangzhou, China
Authors: Liu Shaoying , Fan Jicai , Huang Xihui , Jin Quan , Zhu Guonian
Published: June 2016

A simple method was developed for the determination of sterigmatocystin in infant cereals. The method consists of a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) extraction approach and cleanup with an SPE HLB cartridge. After purification for separation and quantification of sterigmatocystin, HPLC with UV detection and diode-array detection (DAD) was used at sterigmatocystin levels >10 μg/kg, whereas ultra-performance LC with electrospray ionization (ESI) and tandem MS (MS/MS) was used at levels <10 μg/kg. The compound was determined by UV-DAD at 325 nm and by ESI-MS/MS in the positive ionization mode. Good r2 values (≥0.99) were found with both UV-DAD and ESI-MS/MS, and satisfactory recoveries (84.8–96.2%) of sterigmatocystin in infant cereals were demonstrated, with RSD values ≤11.43%. The developed analytical method was used for the determination of sterigmatocystin in infant cereals from Hangzhou, China.
Preanalytic Variables in Cytology: Lessons Learned From Next-Generation Sequencing—The MD Anderson Experience
Authors: Roy-Chowdhuri Sinchita , Stewart John
Published: June 2016

Context.—

As our understanding of genomic alterations underlying solid tumor malignancies continues to evolve, molecular testing of tumor samples is increasingly used to guide therapeutic management. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) provides a novel platform for the simultaneous screening of multiple genes using small amounts of DNA. Several recent studies have described NGS mutational analysis using cytologic specimens. The cytopathologist's role in specimen assessment and triaging is critical to effectively implementing NGS in routine cytology practice.

Objectives.—

To review the NGS experience and a variety of preanalytic factors that affect NGS success rates of cytologic specimens at our institution.

Data Sources.—

To evaluate cytology specimen adequacy rates for NGS, we reviewed a 14-month period of image-guided fine-needle aspiration and core needle biopsies used for testing. In addition, we reviewed data from our previously published studies to evaluate preanalytic factors affecting NGS success in these specimens.

Conclusions.—

Identifying factors that affect NGS success rates in cytology specimens is crucial for a better understanding of specimen adequacy requirements and for proper use of limited-volume tissue samples. In our practice, which uses direct smears as well as cell block sections, NGS success rates in core needle biopsy and fine-needle aspiration samples are comparable. The chance of successful testing is further increased by procuring concurrent fine-needle aspiration and core needle biopsy samples. The type of glass slides used for direct smears and the method of tissue extraction affect our DNA yield. Validating a DNA input for cytology samples that is lower than that recommended by the manufacturer has significantly increased our NGS success rate.
Aporte del empleo fuera de finca a los ingresos de hogares indígenas y mestizos de la Amazonía ecuatoriana
Authors: Vasco Cristian , Bilsborrow Richard
Published: June 2016

This study examines the process of income diversification among indigenous and mestizo households settled in one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. The results of a random-effect tobit model show that agricultural wage work is the principal income source for homes with scarce or no land. Self-employment employs households with low endowments of education but high endowments of capital. Non-agricultural wage income absorbs educated individuals either indigenous or mestizo.
Economic structure of fishing activity: an analysis of mackerel fishery management in the Basque Country
Authors: García-Enríquez Javier , Murillas-Maza Arantza , Arteche Josu
Published: June 2016

This paper analyses the activity of the Basque fleet during the mackerel fishing season and presents an economic analysis of the equilibrium of this fishery. It seeks to determine whether its economic structure represents an internal factor explaining the fishermen’s behaviour. The inverse demand function and the average cost function are therefore estimated. Moreover, the analysis conducted here also takes into account the institutional dimension by factoring in current fishery regulation measures. Conclusions are drawn as to whether the incentives provided by the management measures and the strategy of fishermen are optimal on the basis of the estimated economic functions.
Homopaternité, gestation pour autrui : no man’s land?
Authors: Côté Isabel , Sauvé Jean-Sébastien
Published: June 2016

Au Québec, dans le but d’accéder à la paternité, des couples gais ont recours à la gestation pour autrui. Or, cette technique de procréation assistée suscite de nombreux débats, qui ont notamment trait à son encadrement juridique. À l’aide d’une revue de l’état du droit positif et d’un travail de terrain ayant été réalisé auprès de pères gais ayant eu recours à cette façon d’accéder à la paternité, nous montrons en quoi le flou juridique concernant la gestation pour autrui complique les relations que ces pères gais entretiennent avec deux instances étatiques intervenant auprès des familles, soit le Directeur de l’état civil et le Régime québécois d’assurance parentale. Il nous semble, après étude, que l’intégration, dans la législation québécoise, d’un véhicule procédural distinct, soigneusement conçu pour s’appliquer à la gestation pour autrui, permettrait de rendre moins complexes ces relations. Nous ajoutons notre voix à d’autres, qui font pression depuis un certain temps déjà, pour une réforme législative allant en ce sens.
L’affectation à un but durable, vers une nouvelle forme d’appropriation des biens communs? Réflexions autour de l’article 1030 du Code civil du Québec
Authors: Gidrol-Mistral Gaële
Published: June 2016

L’article 1030 du Code civil du Québec est mieux connu pour son principe du droit au partage que pour la possibilité qu’il offre de le tenir en échec lorsque le bien commun se trouve affecté à un but durable. Bien que l’affectation à but durable soit le plus souvent cantonnée aux affectations objectives de biens mis au service d’autres biens ou destinés à l’exploitation de ces derniers, la généralité de la rédaction de cet article ouvrirait la voie à des affectations sans relation directe avec d’autres biens. S’appuyant sur une analyse jurisprudentielle et doctrinale, cette étude révèle l’existence d’affectations subjectives qui détachent l’affectation du bien commun de toute relation de dépendance à d’autres biens. L’affectation durable reposerait dès lors sur un intérêt commun cristallisé dans la somme des intérêts propriétaires, voire sur un intérêt collectif autonome, dévoilant ainsi une nouvelle facette de l’indivision, outil moderne de gestion collective, réfléchie et durable des biens communs.
Contrat de volume : quels effets? Quelques leçons tirées du contrat de service américain
Authors: Kolli Kamelia
Published: June 2016

La liberté contractuelle cause de nombreux remous en transport maritime. Elle est au centre de l’éternelle controverse opposant les chargeurs et les transporteurs. Celle-ci remonte à l’époque des negligence clauses auxquelles le Harter Act américain (1893) avait mis fin et qui a été suivi à l’international par les Règles de La Haye, par les Règles de La Haye-Visby et par les Règles de Hambourg. Finalement, les conventions maritimes sont fondées sur un régime impératif de responsabilité. Les Règles de Rotterdam devaient initialement suivre la voie de l’impérativité, devenue ainsi la tradition. Pourtant, un tournant a été amorcé avec l’introduction du contrat de volume inspiré directement du service contract américain et qui permettrait aux parties de négocier librement les conditions de services appropriées à leurs besoins. Cette approche commerciale marquant la résurrection de la liberté contractuelle est censée adapter le droit maritime à la réalité moderne des échanges et des transports de lignes régulières. Depuis les années 80, cette industrie a, en effet, subi de profondes transformations pour intégrer la chaîne logistique des chargeurs (supply chain management). En dehors d’une confrontation entre liberté et impérativité, longuement débattue par la doctrine, l’analyse de l’approche commerciale et de ses conséquences a été occultée par la communauté juridique. Notre objectif est alors de déterminer, à l’aune du contrat de service américain et du supply chain management, les soubassements de cette approche commerciale pour en déduire les changements que le contrat de volume impliquerait pour les opérateurs de transport si les Règles de Rotterdam venaient à entrer en vigueur.
Municipalités et hydrocarbures : chargées à blanc sur la ligne de front?
Authors: Tremblay Hugo
Published: June 2016

Les municipalités cristallisent fréquemment l’opposition aux énergies fossiles. À
cet égard, la portée de l’action municipale dépend de la marge de manoeuvre juridique dont
elles disposent. Cet article explore les pouvoirs que possèdent les municipalités
relativement aux projets de développement et de transport des hydrocarbures. L’étude de
trois litiges impliquant des municipalités permet d’aborder successivement les limites du
champ d’action réglementaire des municipalités dans le cadre constitutionnel canadien, les
mécanismes de conciliation entre la réglementation municipale et la législation provinciale,
et les contraintes imposées par le risque de poursuites en responsabilité à l’encontre des
municipalités.
Acque Sotterranee 2.0
Authors: Beretta Giovanni Pietro , Borsi Iacopo , Cerutti Paolo , La Vigna Francesco , Rossetto Rudy
Published: June 2016

Not available.
Direct mechanical stimulation of tip links in hair cells through DNA tethers
Authors: Basu Aakash , Lagier Samuel , Vologodskaia Maria , Fabella Brian A , Hudspeth AJ
Published: June 2016

Mechanoelectrical transduction by hair cells commences with hair-bundle deflection, which is postulated to tense filamentous tip links connected to transduction channels. Because direct mechanical stimulation of tip links has not been experimentally possible, this hypothesis has not been tested. We have engineered DNA tethers that link superparamagnetic beads to tip links and exert mechanical forces on the links when exposed to a magnetic-field gradient. By pulling directly on tip links of the bullfrog's sacculus we have evoked transduction currents from hair cells, confirming the hypothesis that tension in the tip links opens transduction channels. This demonstration of direct mechanical access to tip links additionally lays a foundation for experiments probing the mechanics of individual channels.
Acquisition of cell-adhesion capability of the surface of crosslinked albumin films irradiated with atmospheric-pressure plasma jets
Authors: Shirafuji Tatsuru , Iwamura Mami , Taga Ryosuke , Kashiwagi Yukiyasu , Nakajima Kota , Ogata Yuji , Tanaka Kenji , Tachibana Akira , Tanabe Toshizumi
Published: June 2016

Crosslinked albumin films, to which L929 cells do not attach by nature, acquire the L929-cell-adhesion capability by irradiation of an atmospheric-pressure plasma jet (APPJ) of He gas. The number of attached cells was 2.6 × 104 cells/cm2 after the APPJ irradiation for 180 s, while conventional UV photolithography, which was performed in our previous work, required 2 h to obtain the same order of magnitude of the number of attached cells. The contact angle of samples decreased steeply from 105 to 38° in the first 10 s irradiation, but decreased quite gradually from 38 to 32° with increasing irradiation time from 10 to 180 s. In contrast to the nonlinear variation in the contact angles, the number of attached cells almost linearly increased from 4.5 × 103 to 2.6 × 104 cells/cm2 with increasing treatment time. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of the samples indicated that hydrophilic functional groups of C–C=O gradually formed with increasing APPJ irradiation time up to 180 s. These results suggest that the cell-adhesion capability of the crosslinked albumin films is not simply explained by the decrease in contact angle but also by the formation of oxidized functional groups on the surface. The effects of UV and vacuum UV light from APPJ were negligible, which indicates that the formation of oxidized functional groups on the surface is not caused by photon-assisted surface reactions but by reactions involving chemically active species supplied from APPJ.
Roles of charged particles and reactive species on cell membrane permeabilization induced by atmospheric-pressure plasma irradiation
Authors: Sasaki Shota , Kanzaki Makoto , Hokari Yutaro , Tominami Kanako , Mokudai Takayuki , Kanetaka Hiroyasu , Kaneko Toshiro
Published: June 2016

As factors that influence cell membrane permeabilization during direct and indirect atmospheric-pressure plasma irradiation, charged particle influx, superoxide anion radicals (O2
−∙), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in plasma-irradiated solution were evaluated. These are the three strong candidate factors and might multiply contribute to cell membrane permeabilization. In particular, a shorter plasma diffusion distance leads to the enhancement of the direct effects such as charged particle influx and further increase cell membrane permeability. In addition, O2
−∙ dissipates over time (a life span of the order of minutes) in plasma-irradiated water, and the deactivation of a plasma-irradiated solution in term of cell membrane permeabilization occurs in a life span of the same order. These results could promote the understanding of the mechanism of plasma-induced cell membrane permeabilization.
Fluence-dependent dynamics of the 5d6s exchange splitting in Gd metal after femtosecond laser excitation
Authors: Frietsch Björn , Carley Robert , Gleich Markus , Teichmann Martin , Bowlan John , Weinelt Martin
Published: June 2016

We investigate the fluence-dependent dynamics of the exchange-split 5d6s valence bands of Gd metal after femtosecond, near-infrared (IR) laser excitation. Time- and angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (tr-ARPES) with extreme ultraviolet (XUV) probe pulses is used to simultaneously map the transient binding energies of the minority and majority spin valence bands. The decay constant of the exchange splitting increases with fluence. This reflects the slower response of the occupied majority-spin component, which we attribute to Elliot–Yafet spin-flip scattering in accordance with the microscopic three-temperature model (M3TM). In contrast, the time constant of the partly unoccupied minority-spin band stays unaffected by a change in pump fluence. Here, we introduce as an alternative to superdiffusive spin transport exchange scattering, which is an ultrafast electronic mechanism explaining the observed dynamics. Exchange scattering can reduce the spin polarization in the partially unoccupied minority-spin band and thus its energetic position without effective demagnetization.
Photographic observation of magnetic domain structure with three-dimensional local magnetization direction
Authors: Meguro Sakae , Akahane Koichi , Saito Shin
Published: June 2016

The direction of magnetization of a magnetic material is possibly oriented three-dimensionally because of the presence of magnetic anisotropy field, self-demagnetizing field, and stray field. Therefore, the three-dimensional detection of the direction of magnetization is required. The method of magnetic domain observation by photographic imaging utilizing the Kerr effect is widely used. If the perpendicular magnetization components exist, there is a problem that obliquely incident light has superimposed longitudinal Kerr and polar Kerr effects. To perform the three-dimensional detection of magnetization direction, it is necessary to eliminate the influence of the polar Kerr effect from the Kerr effect of obliquely incident light. We report the photographic observation of the magnetic domain structure and the detection of the three-dimensional local magnetization direction using the Kerr effect, applying only an in-plane saturation magnetic field.
Bounds for the weighted Dragomir–Fedotov functional
Authors: Alomari Mohammad W.
Published: June 2016

In literature the Dragomir-Fedotov functional is well known as

In this work a generalization of D (f; u) is established. Namely, we define the weighted Dragomir- Fedotov functional such as:

and hence several bounds are proved.
Clinical and prognostic value of preoperative hydronephrosis in upper tract urothelial carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tian Yuejun , Gong Yuwen , Pang Yangyang , Wang Zhiping , Hong Mei
Published: June 2016

Background.Epidemiological studies have reported various results relating preoperative hydronephrosis to upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). However, the clinical significance and prognostic value of preoperative hydronephrosis in UTUC remains controversial. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive meta-analysis of the extent of the possible association between preoperative hydronephrosis and the risk of UTUC.

Methods.We searched PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Embase to identify eligible studies written in English. Summary odds ratios (ORs) or hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using fixed-effects or random-effects models.

Results.Nineteen relevant studies, which had a total of 5,782 UTUC patients enrolled, were selected for statistical analysis. The clinicopathological and prognostic relevance of preoperative hydronephrosis was evaluated in the UTUC patients. The results showed that all tumor stages, lymph node status and tumor location, as well as the risk of cancer-specific survival (CSS), overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS) and metastasis-free survival (MFS) were significantly different between UTUC patients with elevated preoperative hydronephrosis and those with low preoperative hydronephrosis. High preoperative hydronephrosis indicated a poor prognosis. Additionally, significant correlations between preoperative hydronephrosis and tumor grade (high grade vs. low grade) were observed in UTUC patients; however, no significant difference was observed for tumor grading (G1 vs. G2 + G3 and G1 + G2 vs. G3). In contrast, no such correlations were evident for recurrence status or gender in UTUC patients.

Conclusions.The results of this meta-analysis suggest that preoperative hydronephrosis is associated with increased risk and poor survival in UTUC patients. The presence of preoperative hydronephrosis plays an important role in the carcinogenesis and prognosis of UTUC.
Towards evenly distributed grazing patterns: including social context in sheep management strategies
Authors: di Virgilio Agustina , Morales Juan Manuel
Published: June 2016

Background.A large proportion of natural grasslands around the world is exposed to overgrazing resulting in land degradation and biodiversity loss. Although there is an increasing effort in the promotion of sustainable livestock management, rangeland degradation still occurs because animals’ foraging behaviour is highly selective at different spatial scales. The assessment of the ecological mechanisms modulating the spatial distribution of grazing and how to control it has critical implications for long term conservation of resources and the sustainability of livestock production. Considering the relevance of social interactions on animals’ space use patterns, our aim was to explore the potential effects of including animals’ social context into management strategies using domestic sheep grazing in rangelands as case study.

Methods.We used GPS data from 19 Merino sheep (approximately 10% of the flock) grazing on three different paddocks (with sizes from 80 to 1000 Ha) during a year, to estimate resource selection functions of sheep grazing in flocks of different levels of heterogeneity. We assessed the effects of sheep class (i.e., ewes, wethers, and hoggets), age, body condition and time since release on habitat selection patterns.

Results.We found that social rank was reflected on sheep habitat use, where dominant individuals (i.e., reproductive females) used more intensively the most preferred areas and low-ranked (i.e., yearlings) used less preferred areas. Our results showed that when sheep grazed on more heterogeneous flocks, grazing patterns were more evenly distributed at all the paddocks considered in this study. On the other hand, when high-ranked individuals were removed from the flock, low-ranked sheep shifted their selection patterns by increasing the use of the most preferred areas and strongly avoided to use less preferred sites (i.e., a highly selective grazing behaviour).

Discussion.Although homogenization and segregation of flocks by classes are common practices to increase flock productivity, we are proposing an alternative that employs behavioural interactions in heterogeneous flocks to generate more evenly distributed grazing patterns. This practice can be combined with other practices such as rotational grazing and guardian dogs (to decrease mortality levels that may be generated by sheep grazing on more risky habitats). This does not imply any modifications of livestock stocking rates and densities or any additional investments for labour and materials. Considering livestock behaviour is critical for the design of sustainable management practices that balance landscape conservation and livestock productivity.
Mycophenolate Mofetil and New-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: You Yijun , Zhou Zhuochao , Wang Fan , Li Jian , Liu Honglei , Cheng Xiaobing , Su Yutong , Chen Xiaowei , Zheng Hui , Sun Yue , Shi Hui , Hu Qiongyi , Xu Jing , Teng Jialin , Yang Chengde , Ye Junna
Published: September 2024

Importance

Anti–double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibody has been reported to have a close relationship with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) flares and participates in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis (LN) as well as causing damage to other organs. However, whether early use of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) could prevent SLE flares is not clear.

Objective

To assess the efficacy and safety of MMF plus prednisone and hydroxychloroquine sulfate compared with prednisone and hydroxychloroquine sulfate alone in patients with SLE.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This investigator-initiated, multicenter, observer-blinded randomized clinical trial enrolled 130 participants aged 18 to 65 years and was conducted in 3 hospitals across China. Treatment-naive patients with newly diagnosed SLE, a high titer of anti-dsDNA antibody, and no major organ involvement were included. The study was started September 1, 2018, and the follow-up was completed September 30, 2021. Data were analyzed from December 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022.

Interventions

Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive oral prednisone (0.5 mg/kg/d) and hydroxychloroquine sulfate (5 mg/kg/d) (control group) or prednisone (0.5 mg/kg/d) and hydroxychloroquine sulfate (5 mg/kg/d) plus MMF (500 mg twice daily) (MMF group) for 96 weeks.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the proportion of patients presenting with flares according to the Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment–Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI) Flare Index. The secondary outcomes included the proportion with lupus low disease activity state at week 96, 36-Item Short Form Health Survey scores before and after treatment, proportion of adverse events (AEs), and changes in SLEDAI-2000 scores and prednisone doses.

Results

Among 130 randomized patients (mean [SD] age, 34.5 [12.5] years; 112 [86.2%] women), 119 (91.5%) completed the follow-up. The risk of severe flare was significantly lower in the MMF group (7 of 65 [10.8%]) vs the control group (18 of 65 [27.7%]) (relative risk [RR], 0.39 [95% CI, 0.17-0.87]; P = .01). Additionally, 1 of 65 patients in the MMF group (1.5%) and 9 of 65 in the control group (13.8%) manifested LN (RR, 0.11 [95% CI, 0.01-0.85]; P = .008). Most common serious study drug–related AEs were infections (20 of 65 [30.8%] in the control group and 22 of 65 [33.8%] in the MMF group).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this randomized clinical trial suggest that MMF may reduce the rate of severe flare and lower the incidence of LN in patients with new-onset SLE and a high titer of anti-dsDNA antibody without major organ involvement.

Trial Registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR1800017540
Microplastics in the Olfactory Bulb of the Human Brain
Authors: Amato-Lourenço Luís Fernando , Dantas Katia Cristina , Júnior Gabriel Ribeiro , Paes Vitor Ribeiro , Ando Rômulo Augusto , de Oliveira Freitas Raul , da Costa Ohanna Maria Menezes M. , Rabelo Renata S. , Soares Bispo Kelly Cristina , Carvalho-Oliveira Regiani , Mauad Thais
Published: September 2024

Importance

Microplastic (MP) pollution is an emerging environmental and health concern. While MPs have been detected in various human tissues, their presence in the human brain has not been documented, raising important questions about potential neurotoxic effects and the mechanisms by which MPs might reach brain tissues.

Objective

To determine the presence of MPs in the human olfactory bulb and to analyze their characteristics such as size, morphology, color, and polymeric composition.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This case series study used a cross-sectional design involving the analysis of olfactory bulb tissues obtained from deceased individuals during routine coroner autopsies. The sampling procedures were conducted at São Paulo City Death Verification Service, with laboratory analysis carried out at the Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS). Participants included 15 adult individuals who had been residents of São Paulo for more than 5 years and underwent coroner autopsies. Exclusion criteria included previous neurosurgical interventions. Data analysis was performed in April 2024.

Exposure

The primary exposure assessed was the presence of MPs in the olfactory bulb, analyzed through direct tissue examination and digested tissue filtration followed by micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were the identification and characterization of MPs within the olfactory bulb, including their size, morphology, color, and polymeric composition.

Results

The median age of the 15 deceased individuals was 69.5 years, ranging from 33 to 100 years, with 12 males and 3 females. MPs were detected in the olfactory bulbs of 8 out of 15 individuals. A total of 16 synthetic polymer particles and fibers were identified, with 75% being particles and 25% being fibers. The most common polymer detected was polypropylene (43.8%). Sizes of MPs ranged from 5.5 μm to 26.4 μm for particles, and the mean fiber length was 21.4 μm. Polymeric materials were absent in procedural blank and negative control filters, indicating minimal contamination risk.

Conclusions and Relevance

This case series provides evidence of MPs found in the human olfactory bulb, suggesting a potential pathway for the translocation of MPs to the brain. The findings underscore the need for further research on the health implications of MP exposure, particularly concerning neurotoxicity and the potential for MPs to bypass the blood-brain barrier.
An Introduction to the Chemistry and Properties of Excited‐State Mixed‐Valence Systems
Authors: Ramírez‐Wierzbicki Ivana , Cotic Agustina , Cadranel Alejandro
Published: September 2024

While ground‐state mixed‐valence systems are very well known, excited‐state mixed‐valence (ES‐MV) systems received comparably less attention. Intervalence charge‐transfer (IVCT) excited states, locally excited mixed‐valence (LE‐MV) systems, and photoinduced mixed‐valence (PI‐MV) systems are different types of ES‐MV systems. They are the simplest models for excited‐state electron transfer reactions, and therefore crucial in the development of solar energy conversion schemes. IVCT exited states are the best‐known ES‐MV systems and are usually called electronic isomers or redox isomers of the ground state. Their back electron transfer reactivity depends on whether it proceeds with or without spin conservation. LE‐MV systems feature locally excited donors or acceptors, and their reactivity might be dominated by locally excited states or IVCT excited states. PI‐MV systems include charge transfer counterparts, which can adopt different spatial distributions with respect to the mixed‐valence core. Depending on the location of the charge‐transfer counterpart, drastic changes in the electronic configuration of PI‐MV systems can arise, with equally important impact on their reactivity in comparison to only the donor or the acceptor. This review addresses different processes that lead to the generation of ES‐MV systems, their properties, reactivity, and spectroscopy. Additionally, the experimental techniques usually employed to study ES‐MV systems are briefly discussed, together with theoretical formalisms and classifications which were developed for the ground state but can also be applied to the excited state.