bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nano-structured Cellulose as Green Adsorbents for Water Purification: A Mini Review
Authors: Ibrahim H. , Sazali N. , Ibrahim I. N. , Sharip M. S.
Published: July 2019

Celluloses are natural polysaccharides that have garnered attentions in recent years due to their sustainability, availability and notable applications in various fields. Whilst demand of clean water sources keep increasing, modified nano-structured cellulose derived from agricultural waste showed a good prospect in adsorbing pollutants from water. To date, large number of studies have reported the performance of nanocellulose in removing wide range of pollutants from effluents. The purpose of this mini review is to present an overview of existing literatures on the utilization of nanocellulose-based materials as adsorbent for water remediation and make aware of possible development of integrating adsorption and nanotechnology for water separation and purification.
Impact of Antibiotic Gut Exposure on the Temporal Changes in Microbiome Diversity
Authors: Burdet Charles , Nguyen Thu Thuy , Duval Xavier , Ferreira Stéphanie , Andremont Antoine , Guedj Jérémie , Mentré France ,   the DAV132-CL-1002 Study Group, Ait-Ilalne B. , Alavoine L. , Duval X. , Ecobichon J. L. , Ilic-Habensus E. , Laparra A. , Nisus M. E. , Ralaimazava P. , Raine S. , Tubiana S. , Vignali V. , Chachaty E.
Published: July 2019

Although the global deleterious impact of antibiotics on the intestinal microbiota is well known, temporal changes in microbial diversity during and after an antibiotic treatment are still poorly characterized. We used plasma and fecal samples collected frequently during treatment and up to one month after from 22 healthy volunteers assigned to a 5-day treatment by moxifloxacin (
n
 = 14) or no intervention (
n
 = 8).
The
tva
(A) Gene from Brachyspira hyodysenteriae Confers Decreased Susceptibility to Pleuromutilins and Streptogramin A in Escherichia coli
Authors: García-Martín Ana B. , Schwendener Sybille , Perreten Vincent
Published: July 2019

The
tva
(A) gene suspected to confer resistance to pleuromutilins in
Brachyspira hyodysenteriae
was tested for functionality in
Escherichia coli
AG100A and
Staphylococcus aureus
RN4220. Expression of the cloned
tva
(A) gene conferred decreased susceptibility to pleuromutilin (P) and streptogramin A (S
A
) antibiotics in
E. coli
and had a minor effect in
S. aureus
. The finding provides evidence of the direct association of
tva
(A) with the PS
A
resistance phenotype.
Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing of the 2014 Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Li Tony , Mbala-Kingebeni Placide , Naccache Samia N. , Thézé Julien , Bouquet Jerome , Federman Scot , Somasekar Sneha , Yu Guixia , Sanchez-San Martin Claudia , Achari Asmeeta , Schneider Bradley S. , Rimoin Anne W. , Rambaut Andrew , Nsio Justus , Mulembakani Prime , Ahuka-Mundeke Steve , Kapetshi Jimmy , Pybus Oliver G. , Muyembe-Tamfum Jean-Jacques , Chiu Charles Y.
Published: July 2019

We applied metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) to detect Zaire Ebola virus (EBOV) and other potential pathogens from whole-blood samples from 70 patients with suspected Ebola hemorrhagic fever during a 2014 outbreak in Boende, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and correlated these findings with clinical symptoms. Twenty of 31 patients (64.5%) tested in Kinshasa, DRC, were EBOV positive by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR).
Successful treatment of nasopharyngeal cancer using radiotherapy with concurrent cetuximab in a patient with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
Authors: Budure Alexandra Nicoleta , Winquist Eric , Palma David , Correa Rohann Jonathan Mark
Published: July 2019

Herein we present a case of a patient with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease who was diagnosed with locally invasive nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In the context of CMT, the use of standard platinum-based radio-sensitising chemotherapy would have been neurotoxic and is contraindicated in patients with CMT. However, no alternate antineoplastic treatment strategies for patients with CMT have been described in the literature. In this case, an innovative approach was taken using radical radiotherapy concurrently with the biological agent cetuximab. The patient did not suffer any neurotoxicity, though he did experience several expected toxicities commonly associated with this regimen. The patient nonetheless completed treatment and has experienced an excellent response both clinically and radiographically and remains disease free.
Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex IV deficiency presenting as neonatal respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Kotecha Shrinal , Kairamkonda Venkatesh
Published: July 2019

A term girl infant delivered following foetal distress presented with early respiratory distress syndrome and lactic acidaemia. She subsequently underwent detailed investigation for primary lactic acidaemia and was identified as homozygous for the c.515A>G,p.(Tyr172Cys) missense variant in theLRPPRCgene. Variants in this gene are known to cause French-Canadian type Leigh syndrome. Both parents were confirmed to be heterozygous for this mutation. This is the first case report of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex IV deficiency presenting as foetal distress and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.
Nasal high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (nHFOV) versus nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) as an initial therapy for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm and near-term infants
Authors: Iranpour Ramin , Armanian Amir-Mohammad , Abedi Ahmad-Reza , Farajzadegan Ziba
Published: July 2019

Background

Currently, various forms of non-invasive respiratory support have been used in the management of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm neonates. However, nasal high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (nHFOV) has not yet been applied commonly as an initial treatment.

Objectives

This study was designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of nHFOV compared with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) in preterm and near-term infants with RDS.

Methods

In a randomised clinical trial, a total of 68 neonates (gestational age (GA) between 30 and 36 weeks and 6 days) with a clinical diagnosis of RDS were randomly assigned to either the NCPAP (n=34) or the nHFOV (n=34) group. The primary outcome was the duration of non-invasive respiratory support (duration of using NCPAP or nHFOV).

Result

The median (IQR) duration of non-invasive respiratory support, was significantly shorter in the nHFOV group than that in the NCPAP group (20 (15–25.3) versus 26.5 (15–37.4) hours, respectively; p=0.02). The need for a ventilator occurred in 4 out of 34 (11.8%) neonates in the NCPAP group and in none of the neonates in the nHFOV group (p=0.03). In addition, intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) occurred in nine cases (6.9%) in the NCPAP group and two cases (3.3%) in the nHFOV group, which showed a significant difference (p=0.04). The incidence of pneumothorax, chronic lung disease, pulmonary haemorrhage and necrotising enterocolitis was similar between the two groups.

Conclusion

This study showed that nHFOV significantly reduced the duration of non-invasive respiratory support and decreased the need for intubation compared with NCPAP in infants with RDS. Furthermore, nHFOV seems to reduce the incidence of IVH without increasing other complications.

Trial registration number

IRCT2017062734782N1.
Identification of patients with Pompé disease using routine pathology results: PATHFINDER (creatine kinase) study
Authors: Reynolds Tim M , Tylee Karen , Booth Kathryn , Wierzbicki Anthony S
Published: July 2019

Aims

Adult-onset inherited errors of metabolism can be difficult to diagnose. Some cases of potentially treatable myopathy are caused by autosomal recessive acid α-1,4 glucosidase (acid maltase) deficiency (Pompé disease). This study investigated whether screening of asymptomatic patients with elevated creatine kinase (CK) could improve detection of Pompé disease.

Methods

Pathology databases in six hospitals were used to identify patients with elevated CK results (>2× upper limit of normal). Patients were recalled for measurement of acid α-1,4 glucosidase activity in dried blood spot samples.

Results

Samples were obtained from 812 patients with elevated CK. Low α-glucosidase activity was found in 13 patients (1.6%). Patients with neutropaenia (n=4) or who declined further testing (n=1) were excluded. Confirmation plasma specimens were obtained from eight individuals (1%) for a white cell lysosomal enzyme panel, and three (0.4%) were confirmed to have low α-1,4-glucosidase activity. One patient was identified as a heterozygous carrier of an acid α-1,4 glucosidase c.-32–13 G>T mutation. Screening also identified one patient who was found to have undiagnosed Fabry disease and one patient with McArdle’s disease. One patient later presented with Pompé’s after an acute illness. Including the latent case, the frequency of cases at 0.12% was lower than the 2.5% found in studies of patients with raised CK from neurology clinics (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Screening pathology databases for elevated CK may identify patients with inherited metabolic errors affecting muscle metabolism. However, the frequency of Pompé’s disease identified from laboratory populations was less than that in patients referred for neurological investigation.
Plucked hair follicles from patients with chronic discoid lupus erythematosus show a disease-specific molecular signature
Authors: Shalbaf Mohammad , Alase Adewonuola A , Berekmeri Anna , Md Yusof Md Yuzaiful , Pistolic Jelena , Goodfield Mark J , Edward Sara , Botchkareva Natalia V , Stacey Martin , Vital Edward M , Wittmann Miriam
Published: July 2019

Objective

When faced with clinical symptoms of scarring alopecia—the standard diagnostic pathway involves a scalp biopsy which is an invasive and expensive procedure. This project aimed to assess if plucked hair follicles (HFs) containing living epithelial cells can offer a non-invasive approach to diagnosing inflammatory scalp lesions.

Methods

Lesional and non-lesional HFs were extracted from the scalp of patients with chronic discoid lupus erythematosus (CDLE), psoriasis and healthy controls. RNA was isolated from plucked anagen HFs and microarray, as well as quantitative real-time PCR was performed.

Results

Here, we report that gene expression analysis of only a small number of HF plucked from lesional areas of the scalp is sufficient to differentiate CDLE from psoriasis lesions or healthy HF. The expression profile from CDLE HFs coincides with published profiles of CDLE from skin biopsy. Genes that were highly expressed in lesional CDLE corresponded to well-known histopathological diagnostic features of CDLE and included those related to apoptotic cell death, the interferon signature, complement components and CD8+T-cell immune responses.

Conclusions

We therefore propose that information obtained from this non-invasive approach are sufficient to diagnose scalp lupus erythematosus. Once validated in routine clinical settings and compared with other scarring alopecias, this rapid and non-invasive approach will have great potential for paving the way for future diagnosis of inflammatory scalp lesions.
Relative genome size variation in the African agroforestry treeParkia biglobosa(Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae) and its relation to geography, population genetics, and morphology
Authors: Dobeš Christoph , Steccari Irene , Köstenberger Selina , Lompo Djingdia
Published: July 2019

Variation in genome size and in chromosome number can be linked to genetic, morphological, and ecological characteristics, and thus be taxonomically significant. We screened the relative genome size (RGS) and counted the number of mitotic chromosomes in the African agroforestry tree Parkia biglobosa, a widely distributed savannah species that shows conspicuous morphological clinal variation and strong genetic structure, and tested for linkage of RGS variation to geography, leaf morphology, and population genetic variation. An improved protocol for the preparation of chromosomes was developed. The study is based on 58 individuals from 15 populations covering most of the distribution range of the species. We observed differences in RGS among individuals of up to 10.2%, with some of the individuals differing statistically in RGS from the bulk of screened individuals. Most of the RGS variation was within populations, whereas variation was unrelated to any of the tested features of the species. Those chromosome numbers that could be exactly established were invariable 2n = 2x = 26. In conclusion, there was no evidence from the karyological data for structured intraspecific taxonomic heterogeneity.
A computational study on airflow balancing in a horticultural drying chamber
Authors: Elhalwagy Mahmoud , Straatman Anthony , Goyette Bernard , Avigad Gideon
Published: July 2019

Simulations were conducted to study the airflow across skids of grapes in a horticultural grape drying chamber for the purpose of balancing the airflow to produce a uniform drying environment. The focus of the study was on the approach taken to provide balanced airflow using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tool combined with experimental data. The process was to first characterize the crate stacks by comparison of airflow simulations across a single crate stack to experimental data to establish resistance coefficients. The next step was to use these coefficients to simulate a row of stacked skids to establish corrections in terms of additional (variable) resistance that would result in balanced airflow. The corrected model was then used to simulate flow through the entire horticultural chamber to confirm that under the conditions of fan operation, the balance of airflow persists. The study shows that while the unmodified stacks had nearly 20% imbalance from the first to the last stack, the stack with resistance modifiers corrected this imbalance to within 5%, which is considered suitable for operation of the chamber.
Observation of room temperature multiferroic and electrical properties in gadolinium ferrite nanoparticles
Authors: Kundu Shovan Kumar , Rana Dhiraj Kumar , Basu Soumen
Published: July 2019

The formation and characterization of multiferroic Gadolinium Ferrite (GdFeO3) nanoparticles has been demonstrated in detail. The structural, magnetic, magnetodielectric, ferroelectric, optical and electrical properties are studied at different temperature ranges. Dielectric properties, DC and AC transport properties and dielectric relaxation behavior are analyzed in electrical characterization. XRD pattern confirms the phase formation where crystallite size, lattice strain, etc. are carried out by Rietveld refinement and Williamson–Hall plot. Average particle size is 64 nm, which is calculated from TEM image. Mixed ferroic order of ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism along with exchange bias are detected in the nanoparticles. Ferroelectric nature of the sample is confirmed by the P-E hysteresis loops. Positive magnetodielectric coupling is observed in GdFeO3 nanoparticles, which is a signature of multifunctionality nature. Charge transport mechanism of DC and AC applied electric field is successfully analyzed with Mott’s variable range hopping (VRH) and correlated barrier hopping (CBH) theoretical models, respectively. Non-Debye type relaxation behavior is observed with activation energy of 0.37 eV. Optical band gap is calculated from the Tauc plot (2.98 eV) which confirms the semiconducting nature of the sample. Existence of ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic (FM/AFM) and ferroelectric along with magnetodielctric coupling ensures the multiferroic property of GdFeO3 nanoparticles, which may enhance potentiality in spintronic device applications.
Tripled fixed point results via a measure of noncompactness with applications
Authors: Nashine Hemant Kumar , Arab Reza , Ibrahim Rabha W.
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we create tripled fixed point outcomes via a subjective measure of noncompactness in the sense of Banas and Goebel. Furthermore, we introduce some applications of the measure of noncompactness notion to functional equations including nonlinear integral equations as well as local fractional integral equations.
a-Pseudo complementation on ADL’s
Authors: Santhi Sundar Raj Ch. , Nageswara Rao S. , Ramanuja Rao K.
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we introduce the concept of an [Formula: see text]-pseudo complementation [Formula: see text] on an Almost Distributive Lattice [Formula: see text] for an arbitrary fixed element [Formula: see text] and any [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] and discuss several properties of this. Here, we obtain a bijection correspondence between the [Formula: see text]-pseudo complementations on [Formula: see text] and maximal elements of [Formula: see text] We prove that the set [Formula: see text] is a Boolean algebra which is independent(upto isomorphism) of the [Formula: see text]-pseudo complementation [Formula: see text].
Understanding of Long-Term CO2-Brine-Rock Geochemical Reactions Using Numerical Modeling and Natural Analogue Study
Authors: Zhu Huixing , Xu Tianfu , Tian Hailong , Feng Guanhong , Yang Zhijie , Zhou Bing
Published: July 2019

To further understand the interactions of CO2-brine-rock at geological time scales, in this study, a 1D reactive transport model of CO2 intrusion into sandstone of the Longtan Formation (P2l) in the Huangqiao area, China, was constructed based on site-specific data. The simulation time is consistent with the retention time of CO2 in the Longtan sandstone Formation and is set to 20 Ma. The reactive transport model is calibrated and revised using the measured data for sandstone samples from Well X3 (i.e., the natural analogue). By comparing the simulation results with measured data for the natural analogue, the long-term geochemical reactions are investigated. The simulation results indicate that the brine-rock interactions induced by CO2 can be roughly divided into two stages. First, susceptible minerals (e.g., chlorite, ankerite, calcite, and feldspar minerals) dissolve rapidly under acidic conditions formed by the dissolution of CO2. The precipitation of siderite is facilitated by the dissolution of ankerite and chlorite. Smectite-Ca and dawsonite precipitate due to the dissolution of anorthite and albite, respectively. Dawsonite begins to convert into smectite-Na when albite is completely dissolved. As the reactions continue, intermediate products (i.e., illite, smectite-Na, and smectite-Ca) generated in the first stage become the reactants and subsequently react with CO2 and brine. These three clay minerals are not stable under acidic conditions and transform into kaolinite and paragenetic quartz in the later stage of reaction. Comparing the simulation results of the Base Case with the measured data for the natural analogue and inspired by previous studies, the scour of kaolinite is supposed to have occurred in this region and is considered in the revised model by introducing a coefficient of the scour of kaolinite (i.e., Case 2). The simulation results of Case 2 fit well with the measured data on mineral assemblage, and the trend of the sandstone porosity growth caused by the CO2-brine-rock reaction is captured by our simulation results. The combination of numerical simulation and natural analogue study indicates that the joint effects of long-term CO2-brine-rock reactions and scour of kaolinite increase the pore space of the host rock and result in an increase in quartz content in the sandstone.
Role for Endocannabinoids in Spinal Manipulative Therapy Analgesia?
Authors: Onifer Stephen M. , Sozio Randall S. , Long Cynthia R.
Published: July 2019

Chronic pain is quite prevalent and causes significant disabilities and socioeconomic burdens. Spinal manipulative therapy and other manipulative therapies are used to manage chronic pain. There is a critical knowledge gap about mechanisms and sites of action in spinal manipulative therapy pain relief, especially the short-term analgesia that occurs following a treatment. Endocannabinoids are an activity-dependent neurotransmitter system that acts as a short-term synaptic circuit breaker. This review describes both clinical research and basic research evidence suggesting that endocannabinoids contribute to short-term manipulative therapy analgesia. Determining endocannabinoids involvement in spinal manipulative therapy will improve its clinical efficacy when results from basic science and clinical research are translated.
The Smaller the Better: Designing Solar Energy Harvesting Sensor Nodes for Long-Range Monitoring
Authors: Mabon Malo , Gautier Matthieu , Vrigneau Baptiste , Le Gentil Mickaël , Berder Olivier
Published: July 2019

Emerging Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN) represent a real breakthrough for monitoring applications, since they give the possibility to generate and transmit data over dozens of kilometers while consuming few energy. To further increase the autonomy of such wireless systems, the present paper proposes an original methodology to correctly dimension the key elements of an energy autonomous node, namely, the supercapacitor and the battery that mainly give the form factor of the node. Among the LPWAN candidates, LoRa is chosen for real field experiments with a custom wireless platform that proves its energy neutrality over a finite horizon. Different LoRa configurations are explored, leading to adequate dimensioning. As an example, it is shown that, for the same quality of service, the size of the solar panel needed to keep a LoRa node autonomous in the South of France is less than half of the size required in North of France.
Time-Varying Ocean-Like Surface Scattering at Grazing Incidence: Numerical Analysis of Doppler Spectrum at HF/VHF/UHF Bands
Authors: Hou Yidong , Wen Biyang , Wang Caijun , Yang Yonghuai
Published: July 2019

This paper numerically analyzes the characteristics of the Doppler spectrum at HF/VHF/UHF bands from 1D time-varying ocean-like surfaces at grazing incidence in vertical polarization mode. The rough surface is transformed into a local perturbation plane which has its roughness flattened at the edges. The scattering waves include coherent reflected wave and incoherent scattering waves. The surface currents exciting the incoherent scattering waves are regarded as the unknowns which can be solved from the improved surface integral equation using the method of moments (MoM). The incident plane wave allows the incident angle to reach up to 90° (grazing incidence). Then the backscattering wave in the far field can be calculated, and the Doppler spectrum is obtained by coherent Monte-Carlo simulation. Firstly, the validity of the method is verified by comparing with the mature small perturbation method at the HF band. Then the incident wave frequency is asymptotically increased from HF to UHF, and the application range of the SPM is quantitatively evaluated in the Doppler spectrum domain. Finally, the paper focuses on analyzing the characteristics of Doppler spectrum in different bands and different sea states and comparing the influence of nonlinear ocean waves on the Doppler spectrum at different frequencies.
Reprogramming of Adult Retinal Müller Glial Cells into Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells as an Efficient Source of Retinal Cells
Authors: Slembrouck-Brec Amélie , Rodrigues Amélie , Rabesandratana Oriane , Gagliardi Giuliana , Nanteau Céline , Fouquet Stéphane , Thuret Gilles , Reichman Sacha , Orieux Gael , Goureau Olivier
Published: July 2019

The reprogramming of human somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has broad applications in regenerative medicine. The generation of self-organized retinal structures from these iPSCs offers the opportunity to study retinal development and model-specific retinal disease with patient-specific iPSCs and provides the basis for cell replacement strategies. In this study, we demonstrated that the major type of glial cells of the human retina, Müller cells, can be reprogrammed into iPSCs that acquire classical signature of pluripotent stem cells. These Müller glial cell-derived iPSCs were able to differentiate toward retinal fate and generate concomitantly retinal pigmented epithelial cells and self-forming retinal organoid structures containing retinal progenitor cells. Retinal organoids recapitulated retinal neurogenesis with differentiation of retinal progenitor cells into all retinal cell types in a sequential overlapping order. With a modified retinal maturation protocol characterized by the presence of serum and high glucose levels, our study revealed that the retinal organoids contained pseudolaminated neural retina with important features reminiscent of mature photoreceptors, both rod and cone subtypes. This advanced maturation of photoreceptors not only supports the possibility to use 3D retinal organoids for studying photoreceptor development but also offers a novel opportunity for disease modeling, particularly for inherited retinal diseases.
Gold Nanorod Integrated Electrochemical Sensing for Hyperglycaemia on Interdigitated Electrode
Authors: Zheng Shumin , Zhang Hong , Lakshmipriya Thangavel , Gopinath Subash C. B. , Yang Na
Published: July 2019

Gestational diabetes (hyperglycaemia) is an elevated blood sugar level diagnosed during the period of pregnancy and affects the baby’s health. Hyperglycaemia has been found within the gestational weeks between 24 and 28, and the foetus has also the possibility of getting out prior to this test frame; it causes excessive birth weight, early birth, low-blood sugar level, respiratory distress syndrome, and type-2 diabetes to the mother. It creates a mandatory situation to identify the hyperglycaemia at least during the pregnancy weeks from 18 to 20. Further, a continuous monitoring of the level of glucose is necessary for the proper delivery. In this work, a method is introduced for glucose detection at 0.06 mg/mL, assisted by gold nanorod (GNR)-conjugated glucose oxidase (GOx) on interdigitated electrode sensor. In the absence of GNR, GOx shows the limit of glucose detection to be 0.25 mg/mL. Moreover, with GOx-GNR the reactions of all the glucose concentrations have recorded higher levels of the current from the baseline. With the specificity analysis, it was found that the glucose only reacts with GOx-GNR and discriminates other sugars efficiently. This method of detection is useful to diagnose and continuously monitor the glucose level during the pregnancy period.
Determination of Electrolytes in Critical Illness Patients at Different pH Ranges: Whom Shall We Believe, the Blood Gas Analysis or the Laboratory Autoanalyzer?
Authors: Hohmann Christopher , Pfister Roman , Kuhr Kathrin , Merkle Julia , Hinzmann Julian , Michels Guido
Published: July 2019

Introduction. The determination of the electrolytes sodium and potassium is essential in critical care. In daily clinical practice, both the blood gas analyzer (ABG) and the laboratory autoanalyzer (AA) are generally applied. However, there is still uncertainty regarding the convergence of the prementioned assays, and data about the comparability dependent on the pH value are still lacking.Materials and Methods. One hundred samples from intensive care unit patients with a range in pH values between 7.20 and 7.49 were evaluated in this retrospective cohort study. All patients suffered an infarct-related cardiogenic shock and were intubated and not under therapeutical hypothermia at the time of blood collection. We used scatter plots to compare different distributions of sodium and potassium values between the methods. Comparability of the analyses was assessed using the Bland–Altmann approach, and intraclass correlations (ICC) as estimates of interrater reliability were calculated.Results. The mean potassium level measured on ABG was 4.33 mmol/L (SD 0.48 mmol/L), and the value obtained using the AA was 4.40 mmol/L (SD 0.55 mmol/L). A Bland–Altman comparison for total potassium measurements revealed that the limits of agreement were small (−0.241 to 0.391 mmol/L). Total ICC displayed a very good correlation of 0.949. For sodium, we found average values of 140 mmol/L (SD 5.20 mmol/L) in the AA and 140 mmol/L (SD 5.80 mmol/L) in the ABG assessment. Contrarily, the Bland–Altman comparison for sodium displayed that the 95% limits of agreement were very wide (−5.99 to 6.59 mmol/L) for total measurements as well as in every pH subgroup. Total ICC only reached a value of 0.830.Conclusion. Data from our single-center study indicate that urgent and vital decisions based on potassium measurements can be made by trusting the value obtained on the ABG machine irrespective of pH values.
New Functions of Long Noncoding RNAs during EMT and Tumor Progression
Authors: Li Chunlai
Published: July 2019

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is orchestrated by aberrant activation of EMT transcription factors and expression of downstream target genes resulting in increased tumor initiation, metastatic potential, and therapeutic resistance. In this issue of Cancer Research, Wang and colleagues show that the long noncoding RNA SATB2-AS1 is dysregulated in colorectal carcinoma and correlates with poor survival and prognosis. They present a new functional mechanism illustrating how the SATB2-AS1–SATB2–Snail axis is involved in epigenetic modification that regulates colorectal carcinoma progression.

See related article by Wang et al., p. 3542
Co-targeting Bulk Tumor and CSCs in Clinically Translatable TNBC Patient-Derived Xenografts via Combination Nanotherapy
Authors: Sulaiman Andrew , McGarry Sarah , El-Sahli Sara , Li Li , Chambers Jason , Phan Alexandra , Côté Marceline , Cron Greg O. , Alain Tommy , Le Yevgeniya , Lee Seung-Hwan , Liu Sheng , Figeys Daniel , Gadde Suresh , Wang Lisheng
Published: July 2019

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts disproportionally for the majority of breast cancer–related deaths throughout the world. This is largely attributed to lack of a specific therapy capable of targeting both bulk tumor mass and cancer stem cells (CSC), as well as appropriate animal models to accurately evaluate treatment efficacy for clinical translation. Thus, development of effective and clinically translatable targeted therapies for TNBC is an unmet medical need. We developed a hybrid nanoparticles-based co-delivery platform containing both paclitaxel and verteporfin (PV-NP) to target TNBC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumor and CSCs. MRI and IVIS imaging were performed on mice containing PDX tumors to assess tumor vascularity and accumulation of NPs. NF-κB, Wnt, and YAP activities were measured by reporter assays. Mice bearing TNBC PDX tumor were treated with PV-NPs and controls, and tumors progression and CSC subpopulations were analyzed. MRI imaging indicated high vascularization of PDX tumors. IVIS imaging showed accumulation of NPs in PDX tumors. In comparison with control-NPs and free-drug combination, PV-NPs significantly retarded tumor growth of TNBC PDX. PV-NPs simultaneously repressed NF-κB, Wnt, and YAP that have been shown to be crucial for cancer growth, CSC development, and tumorigenesis. In conclusion, NPs containing two clinically used drugs concurrently inhibited NF-κB, Wnt, and YAP pathways and exhibited synergic effects on killing TNBC bulk tumor and CSCs. This combination nanotherapy evaluated with a PDX model may lead to an effective treatment of patients with TNBC.
AKR1C3 Promotes AR-V7 Protein Stabilization and Confers Resistance to AR-Targeted Therapies in Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Liu Chengfei , Yang Joy C. , Armstrong Cameron M. , Lou Wei , Liu Liangren , Qiu Xiaomin , Zou Binhao , Lombard Alan P. , D'Abronzo Leandro S. , Evans Christopher P. , Gao Allen C.
Published: July 2019

The mechanisms resulting in resistance to next-generation antiandrogens in castration-resistant prostate cancer are incompletely understood. Numerous studies have determined that constitutively active androgen receptor (AR) signaling or full-length AR bypass mechanisms may contribute to the resistance. Previous studies established that AKR1C3 and AR-V7 play important roles in enzalutamide and abiraterone resistance. In the present study, we found that AKR1C3 increases AR-V7 expression in resistant prostate cancer cells through enhancing protein stability via activation of the ubiquitin-mediated proteasome pathway. AKR1C3 reprograms AR signaling in enzalutamide-resistant prostate cancer cells. In addition, bioinformatical analysis of indomethacin-treated resistant cells revealed that indomethacin significantly activates the unfolded protein response, p53, and apoptosis pathways, and suppresses cell-cycle, Myc, and AR/ARV7 pathways. Targeting AKR1C3 with indomethacin significantly decreases AR/AR-V7 protein expression in vitro and in vivo through activation of the ubiquitin-mediated proteasome pathway. Our results suggest that the AKR1C3/AR-V7 complex collaboratively confers resistance to AR-targeted therapies in advanced prostate cancer.
TGFβ Programs Central Memory Differentiation inEx Vivo–Stimulated Human T Cells
Authors: Dahmani Amina , Janelle Valérie , Carli Cédric , Richaud Manon , Lamarche Caroline , Khalili Myriam , Goupil Mathieu , Bezverbnaya Ksenia , Bramson Jonathan L. , Delisle Jean-Sébastien
Published: July 2019

The adoptive transfer of ex vivo–expanded T cells is a promising approach to treat several malignancies. Several lines of evidence support that the infusion of T cells with early memory features, capable of expanding and persisting after transfer, are associated with better outcomes. We report herein that exposure to exogenous TGFβ during human T-cell stimulation ex vivo leads to the accumulation of early/central memory (Tcm) cells. Exposure to TGFβ suppressed the expression of BLIMP-1, a key orchestrator of effector T-cell differentiation, and led to the upregulation of the memory-associated transcription factor ID3. Accordingly, this was associated with an early memory transcriptional signature in both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subsets. The T cells stimulated in the presence of TGFβ expanded normally, and displayed polyfunctional features and no suppressive activity. The adoptive transfer of ex vivo–stimulated T cells into immunodeficient mice confirmed that TGFβ-conditioned cells had an enhanced capacity to persist and mediate xenogeneic graft-versus-host disease, as predicted by their early T-cell memory phenotype. Chimeric antigen receptor–expressing T cells generated in the presence of exogenous TGFβ were cytotoxic and more effective at controlling tumor growth in immunodeficient animals. This work unveils a new role for TGFβ in memory T-cell differentiation and indicates that TGFβ signaling may be harnessed to program Tcm differentiation in the context of ex vivo T-cell stimulation for adoptive immunotherapy in humans.
Decreased Occupational Functioning and Increased Physical Health Complaints in Treatment Seekers with Internet-Related Disorders: Compared to Patients with Gambling Disorder
Authors: Müller Kai W. , Beutel Manfred E. , Wölfling Klaus
Published: July 2019

Background: Internet-related disorders (IRDs) as a growing mental health issue will probably be included in the upcoming ICD-11. While research on psychological aspects has progressed, less data are available regarding the physical health status of patients. Thus, we provide new data on physical health complaints, prediagnosed illness, level of functioning, and work ability in a clinical sample. Methods: From consecutive treatment seekers, we included n = 286 patients with IRD, n = 95 subjects with excessive yet not disordered Internet use, and n = 106 patients with gambling disorder (GD). All 3 groups were compared regarding lifestyle habits, medical history, somatic complaints, sleep disturbances, level of functioning and work ability using standardized self-reports, and clinical ratings. Results: Patients with IRD differed from nonclinical controls by higher somatic complaints, a lower level of functioning, and a higher degree of impairment in social and occupational contexts. Only few differences were found between patients with IRD and GD. Conclusions: Compared to individuals with excessive, not addictive online behaviors, patients diagnosed with IRD displayed higher somatic symptoms, and more sleep problems. This implies that psychotherapeutic interventions should also consider physical and psychosomatic problems when treating patients. Among patients with IRD, significant social and occupational deficits were comparable to patients with GD. This emphasizes that IRD are causing severe impairment in relevant aspects of the patients’ lives.
Cochlear Nerve Hypoplasia: Audiological Characteristics in Children and Adults
Authors: Cinar Betul Cicek , Tahir Emel , Batuk Merve Ozbal , Yarali Mehmet , Sennaroglu Gonca , Sennaroglu Levent
Published: July 2019

Background: Cochlear nerve deficiency is a general term used to describe both cochlear nerve hypoplasia (CNH) and cochlear nerve aplasia. Although these two conditions can have similar results on audiological evaluation, CNH yields more variation in audiological tests. Objectives: To describe the audiological characteristics of the CNH cases in our series in relation to radiological findings. Methods: We reviewed the medical charts, audiological findings, and radiological findings on cases with CNH. We included cases with CNH in one ear or both ears. Out of 90 subjects with CNH, we included a total of 40 individuals (21 women and 19 men; 49 ears) in the current study. We reviewed and analyzed the participants’ audiological test results according to the radiological findings. Results: Cases with CNH showed variations according to the cochlear structure. There were 13 normal cochleae, 4 with incomplete partition type I, and 32 with cochlear hypoplasia. The accompanying cochlear apertures also showed variation: 17 were normal, 28 stenotic, and 4 aplastic cochlear apertures. The subjects displayed hearing loss ranging from moderate to profound; furthermore, 4 subjects had no response to sound whatsoever. The degree of hearing loss was not statistically significantly different with regard to the presence or absence of cochlear malformation with CNH (p > 0.005). We observed both sensorineural hearing loss and mixed-type hearing loss among the CNH cases. Conclusions: CNH is the presence of a cochlear nerve that is smaller in diameter than the facial nerve. It can be accompanied with other associated inner ear malformations of different degrees of severity. We observed degrees of hearing loss ranging from moderate to profound.
Management of Patients with Patent Foramen Ovale and Cryptogenic Stroke: An Update
Authors: Abdelghani Mohammad , El-Shedoudy Sahar A.O. , Nassif Martina , Bouma Berto J. , de Winter Robbert J.
Published: July 2019

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common benign finding in healthy subjects, but its prevalence is higher in patients with stroke of unclear cause (cryptogenic stroke). PFO is believed to be associated with stroke through paradoxical embolism, and certain clinical and anatomical criteria seem to increase the likelihood of a PFO to be pathological. Recent trials have shown that closure of PFO, especially if associated with an atrial septal aneurysm and/or a large interatrial shunt, may reduce the risk of recurrent stroke as compared to medical treatment. However, it remains challenging to risk stratify patients with suspected PFO-related stroke and to decide if device closure is indicated. We sought to review contemporary evidence and to conclude an evidence-based strategy to prevent recurrence of PFO-related stroke.
Radiographic Assessment of Objective Responses Using the ITMIG-Modified Criteria in Thymic Carcinoma
Authors: Hakozaki Taiki , Okuma Yusuke , Hosomi Yukio , Hishima Tsunekazu
Published: July 2019

Introduction: Pleural metastases are common among patients with thymic carcinoma. Accurate and consistent measurement of pleural lesions is often difficult because of their unique locations and growth patterns. To minimize intraobserver variability, the International Thymic Malignancies Interest Group (ITMIG) proposed modified criteria for measurement of tumor response for thymic epithelial tumors. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of advanced or recurrent thymic carcinoma patients treated with chemotherapy between 1980 and 2016 in our institution. The best objective responses were assessed using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) and the ITMIG-modified criteria. Results: A total of 26 patients were included in the present study. According to the RECIST criteria, 1 (3.8%) patient showed complete response (CR), and 13 (50.0%), 10 (38.5%), and 2 (7.7%) showed partial response (PR), stable disease (SD), and progressive disease (PD), respectively. All 26 patients had the same best overall response using the ITMIG criteria. The median time to progression (TTP) according to the RECIST criteria and the ITMIG-modified criteria was 5.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.8–8.6) and 7.0 months (95% CI 3.8–9.3), respectively (p = 0.993). Conclusion: The ITMIG-modified criteria showed a high concordance rate with RECIST 1.1 criteria in response assessment of thymic carcinoma.
Uma experiência exitosa de meio século da Universidade de São Paulo junto à comunidade
Authors: Ferraz Ivan Savioli , Del Ciampo Luiz Antonio
Published: July 2019

A extensão constitui-se em parte indissociável das atividades universitárias e elo fundamental da interface da academia com a comunidade. A participação da universidade na assistência à saúde da comunidade talvez represente uma das faces mais visíveis e, ao mesmo tempo, sensíveis da extensão universitária. A atuação da Universidade de São Paulo (USP) no Centro Médico Social Comunitário “Vila Lobato” (CMSC “Vila Lobato”) tem se constituído em uma experiência exitosa de meio século junto à comunidade servida por esta unidade básica de saúde de Ribeirão Preto. Alunos de graduação do curso de medicina e de nutrição e metabolismo da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto-USP (FMRP-USP) e, também, médicos residentes do Hospital das Clínicas da FMRP-USP têm prestado assistência à saúde à população local. Alunos de graduação de outras unidades do Campus de Ribeirão Preto da USP (odontologia, enfermagem e psicologia) também atuam no CMSC “Vila Lobato”. Inúmeros projetos de pesquisa na área da saúde foram e continuam sendo desenvolvidos na unidade, beneficiando a comunidade. A experiência de meio século da USP junto ao CMSC “Vila Lobato” constitui-se em modelo bem-sucedido de extensão universitária, devendo não somente ser reconhecido de forma genuína no meio acadêmico, mas também, estimulada.
Caracterização de pacientes com lesão encefálica adquirida submetidos a cirurgia para correção de deformidades nos membros inferiores
Authors: Mattos Deborah Cristina Garcia de , Oliveira Danielle Silva Viegas de , Suzigan Erika , Neves Rita De Cassia , Braga Douglas Martins
Published: July 2019

Objetivo: Identificar as características demográficas e clínicas dos pacientes com Lesão Encefálica Adquirida (LEA) submetidos a cirurgias ortopédicas para correção de deformidades em membros inferiores (MMII), e analisar quais procedimentos cirúrgicos foram mais realizados nesses pacientes. Métodos: estudo transversal com revisão de 103 prontuários de pacientes submetidos a cirurgia ortopédica para correção de deformidade em membros inferiores no período de 2012 a 2014.  Resultados: Os pacientes com diagnóstico de Traumatismo Cranioencefálico (TCE) e sequela de dupla hemiparesia foram os frequentemente submetidos à cirurgia de correção de partes moles, sendo que o alongamento de tríceps sural a técnica mais realizada. Conclusão: Os pacientes vítimas de TCE foram submetidos a correções cirúrgicas de MMII, seguidos pelos pacientes vítimas de Acidente Vascular Cerebral (AVC), com faixa etária entre 39 e 51 anos, respectivamente, e predominância do sexo masculino, em todos os grupos. As técnicas mais realizadas envolveram a correção de deformidades no pé e tornozelo. Observamos que o tempo transcorrido entre a lesão e o procedimento cirúrgico fora igual ou superior a quatro anos, sendo comum que pacientes chegassem aos centros de reabilitação com deformidades, já instaladas, devido à espera para ingressar em algum serviço.
Agenesia do lobo direito hepático
Authors: Queiroz Rodolfo Mendes , Urbano Cristina Jorge , Almeida Fernanda Catib Costa Pires de , Mello Denise Fabri Rezende Engracia , Queiroz Michela Gomes , Nery Breno , Abdala Ronaldo , Bernardes-Filho Fred
Published: July 2019

A agenesia lobar hepática é uma condição incomum, observada em 1/19000 autopsias e podendo ser mais rara em se tratando do lobo direito, com números próximos de 40 casos relatados na literatura. O seu diagnóstico se baseia na não identificação do ducto hepático, das veias hepática e portal correspondentes. Descrevemos um caso de uma agenesia do lobo direito hepático como achado em exames de imagem abdominais em uma mulher de 63 anos com queixa de desconforto abdominal difuso crônico e apresentando laboratorialmente discreta elevação das enzimas hepáticas.
Perfil clínico-epidemiológico de pacientes com hanseníase atendidos em hospital universitário no Rio de Janeiro entre 2008 e 2017
Authors: Menezes Vinicius Martins de , Guedes Juliana Chaves Ruiz , Fernandes Larissa Starling de Albuquerque , Haddad Natacha de Mello , Lima Ricardo Barbosa , Martins Elizabeth Santana , Martins Carlos José
Published: July 2019

Modelo do estudo: Estudo observacional, longitudinal, retrospectivo e descritivo de uma coorte de pacientes.

Objetivo: Descrever o perfil clínico e epidemiológico dos pacientes com diagnóstico de hanseníase, atendidos em um centro de referência no estado do Rio de Janeiro.

Metodologia: Foram incluídos todos os pacientes com diagnóstico de hanseníase atendidos no Hospital Universitário Gaffrée e Guinle entre os anos de 2008 a 2017. Os dados foram coletados através da revisão de prontuários e analisados através de estatística descritiva, utilizando-se o software SPSS 22.0 database . Resultados: Um total de 112 pacientes foi incluído no estudo, sendo que 54,5% eram do sexo masculino. A média de idade foi de 49,9 anos, 62,4% eram moradores do município do Rio de Janeiro e 69,9% apresentaram formas clínicas multibacilares da hanseníase. Foi possível avaliar o grau de incapacidade inicial de 36 (32,1%) dos pacientes incluídos. Desses, 25% apresentaram grau de incapacidade inicial II. Durante o tratamento poliquimioterápico, 21 (18,8%) pacientes apresentaram algum efeito colateral, sendo o mais comum a anemia relacionada à dapsona. Cinquenta e nove (52,7%) pacientes apresentaram algum tipo de estado reacional da hanseníase e 10 (8,9%) apresentaram complicações sistêmicas graves durante o acompanhamento.

Conclusões: O presente estudo evidenciou um perfil clínico-epidemiológico diferente do descrito na literatura, com uma grande porcentagem de pacientes com grau de incapacidade inicial II, uma alta frequência de estados reacionais e de complicações advindas do curso clínico da doença ou dos tratamentos implementados.
Proceedings of the 15th International Symposium on Trichoptera (Cover)
Authors: MENDEZ PATINA K. , SPAGNA JOSEPH C. , HOLZENTHAL RALPH W. , HOUGHTON DAVID C.
Published: July 2019

Cover
New Caledonia's Trichoptera—present status of knowledge
Authors: JOHANSON KJELL ARNE , WELLS ALICE
Published: July 2019

The first Trichoptera recorded from New Caledonia were four species described by Kimmins in 1953, each in a new endemic genus. The diversity was increased to eight species with the publication by Sykora in 1967 of three new species in two new genera and a fourth species in a previously established genus. Today, 239 valid species are known from the country, representing 20 genera in 10 families. Analysis of published records for some 32,000 Trichoptera specimens collected from 291 localities shows that the highest species diversity is in the SE part of the Grande Terre, and that species diversity is greatest at lower altitudes, i.e. 0–200 meters above sea level. We also see that the three most frequently collected families (85% of the individuals) in the sampled material are Hydroptilidae (35%), followed by Hydropsychidae (27%), and Leptoceridae (22%). Phylogenetic analyses have demonstrated that the first species to occupy the island and the earliest radiations took place on areas covered by ultrabasic substrate, which is poor in nutrients and rich in certain toxic heavy metals.