bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The neurophysiological response to manual therapy and its analgesic implications: A narrative review
Authors: Vigotsky Andrew D , Bruhns Ryan P
Published: January 2018

Manual therapy has long been a component of physical rehabilitation programs, especially to treat those in pain. The mechanisms of manual therapy, however, are not fully understood, and it has been suggested that its pain modulatory effects are of neurophysiological origin, and may be mediated by the descending modulatory circuit. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to examine the neurophysiological response of different types of manual therapy, in order to better understand the neurophysiological mechanisms behind each therapy’s analgesic effects. It is concluded that different forms of manual therapy elicit analgesic effects via different mechanisms. Additionally, future avenues of mechanistic research pertaining to manual therapy are discussed.
Strong longitudinal variation in wing aspect ratio of a damselfly, Calopteryx maculata (Odonata: Zygoptera)
Authors: Hassall Christopher
Published: January 2018

Geographical patterns in body size have been described across a wide range of species, leading to the development of a series of fundamental biological rules. However, shape variables are less well-described despite having substantial consequences for organismal performance. Wing aspect ratio (AR) has been proposed as a key shape parameter that determines function in flying animals, with high AR corresponding to longer, thinner wings that promote high manoeuvrability, low speed flight, and low AR corresponding to shorter, broader wings that promote high efficiency long distance flight. From this principle it might be predicted that populations at range edges would exhibit low AR wings. I test this hypothesis using the riverine damselfly, Calopteryx maculata, sampled from 34 sites across its range margin in North America. Nine hundred and seven male specimens were captured from across the 34 sites (mean=26.7 ±2.9 SE per site), dissected and measured to quantify the area and length of all four wings. Geometric morphometrics were employed to investigate geographical variation in wing shape. The majority of variation in wing shape involved changes in wing aspect ratio, confirmed independently by geometric morphometrics and wing measurements. There was a weak positive relationship between wing aspect ratio and temperature, in line with work on other insects. However, there was a strong longitudinal pattern in which western populations exhibited lower wing aspect ratio. This longitudinal pattern may be related to increasing variability in precipitation from east to west in North America. I discuss my findings in light of research of the functional ecology of wing shape across vertebrate and invertebrate taxa
Modelling to Drive Design: Honing the SU+RE House through Performance Simulations
Authors: May Ed
Published: January 2018

Digital simulation technologies are for the first time allowing designers to directly study and impact the flows of energy, water, air, heat and sound which affect a building's occupants. The SU+RE House is a prime example of this. Guest‐Editor Ed May, one of the Stevens Institute of Technology faculty leaders for the project and also a partner in the Brooklyn‐based design and consulting firm BLDGtyp, looks closely at how it demonstrated the possibilities of integrating data and environmental analysis techniques into the architectural design process, to produce truly sustainable and resilient buildings.
The Design of Public Policy: Sustainability and Resilience at the City Scale
Authors: Holtzman Ann
Published: January 2018

Municipalities and regional governments urgently need appropriate strategies to withstand climate catastrophes. As Zoning Officer and Floodplain Administrator for the City of Hoboken, Ann Holtzman has a wealth of experience in this field. She emphasises the importance of not just laying down rules, but also encouraging innovation. This is exemplified by the US Department of Energy's 2013 ‘Rebuild by Design’ competition, whose winning entry – a multi‐practice collaboration – is informing improvements to the area's storm resiliency in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.
Flexible Modulation of CO‐Release Using Various Nuclearity of Metal Carbonyl Clusters on Graphene Oxide for Stroke Remediation
Authors: Tan Mein Jin , Pan Han‐Chi , Tan Hui Ru , Chai Jian Wei , Lim Qi Feng , Wong Ten It , Zhou Xiaodong , Hong Zi‐Yao , Liao Lun‐De , Kong Kien Voon
Published: January 2018

Utilizing the size‐dependent adsorption properties of ruthenium carbonyl clusters (Ru–carbon monoxide (CO)) onto graphene oxide (GO), a facile CO‐release platform for in situ vasodilation as a treatment for stroke‐related vascular diseases is developed. The rate and amount of formation of the CO‐release‐active RuII(CO)2 species can be modulated by a simple mixing procedure at room temperature. The subsequent thermally induced oxidation of RuII(CO)2 to RuO2 on the GO surface results in the release of CO. Further modulation of thermal and CO‐release properties can be achieved via a hybridization of medium‐ and high‐nuclearity of Ru–CO clusters that produces a RuO2/RuII(CO)2/6Ru–CO–GO composite, where 6Ru–CO–GO provides a photothermally activated reservoir of RuII(CO)2 species and the combined infrared absorption properties of GO and RuO2 provides photothermal response for in situ CO‐release. The RuO2/RuII(CO)2/6Ru–CO–GO composite does not produce any cytotoxicity and the efficacy of the composite is further demonstrated in a cortical photothrombotic ischemia rat model.
Self‐Healing Inside APbBr3 Halide Perovskite Crystals
Authors: Ceratti Davide Raffaele , Rakita Yevgeny , Cremonesi Llorenç , Tenne Ron , Kalchenko Vyacheslav , Elbaum Michael , Oron Dan , Potenza Marco Alberto Carlo , Hodes Gary , Cahen David
Published: January 2018

Self‐healing, where a modification in some parameter is reversed with time without any external intervention, is one of the particularly interesting properties of halide perovskites. While there are a number of studies showing such self‐healing in perovskites, they all are carried out on thin films, where the interface between the perovskite and another phase (including the ambient) is often a dominating and interfering factor in the process. Here, self‐healing in perovskite (methylammonium, formamidinium, and cesium lead bromide (MAPbBr3, FAPbBr3, and CsPbBr3)) single crystals is reported, using two‐photon microscopy to create damage (photobleaching) ≈110 µm inside the crystals and to monitor the recovery of photoluminescence after the damage. Self‐healing occurs in all three perovskites with FAPbBr3 the fastest (≈1 h) and CsPbBr3 the slowest (tens of hours) to recover. This behavior, different from surface‐dominated stability trends, is typical of the bulk and is strongly dependent on the localization of degradation products not far from the site of the damage. The mechanism of self‐healing is discussed with the possible participation of polybromide species. It provides a closed chemical cycle and does not necessarily involve defect or ion migration phenomena that are often proposed to explain reversible phenomena in halide perovskites.
The Synergistic Effect of Cation and Anion of an Ionic Liquid Additive for Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: Yoo Dong‐Joo , Kim Ki Jae , Choi Jang Wook
Published: January 2018

Lithium metal anodes are steadily gaining more attention, as their superior specific capacities and low redox voltage can significantly increase the energy density of rechargeable batteries far beyond those of current Li‐ion batteries. Nonetheless, the relevant technology is still in a premature research stage mainly due to the uncontrolled growth of Li dendrites that ceaselessly cause unwanted side reactions with electrolyte. In order to circumvent this shortcoming, herein, an ionic liquid additive, namely, 1‐dodecyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium (Pyr1(12)+) bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (FSI−), for conventional electrolyte solutions is reported. The Pyr1(12)+ cation with a long aliphatic chain mitigates dendrite growth via the combined effects of electrostatic shielding and lithiophobicity, whereas the FSI− anion can induce the formation of rigid solid–electrolyte interphase layers. The synergy between the cation and anion significantly improves cycling performance in asymmetric and symmetric control cells and a full cell paired with an LiFePO4 cathode. The present study provides a useful insight into the molecular engineering of electrolyte components by manipulating the charge and structures of the involved molecules.
Sustained release of dexamethasone from drug‐loadingPLGAscaffolds with specific pore structure fabricated by supercritical CO2foaming
Authors: Xin Xin , Guan Yi‐Xin , Yao Shan‐Jing
Published: January 2018

Inducing differentiation of bone marrow stem cells to generate new bone tissue is highly desirable by controlling the release of some osteoinductive or osteoconductive factors from porous scaffolds. In this study, dexamethasone was selected as a representative of small molecule drugs and dexamethasone‐loading porous poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) scaffolds were successfully fabricated by supercritical CO2foaming. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that scaffolds had rough and relatively interconnected pores facilitating cells adhesion and growth. Specially, dexamethasone which was incorporated into PLGA matrix in a molecularly dispersed state could serve as a nucleation agent to be helpful for the formation of interconnected pores. Dexamethasone‐loading porous PLGA scaffolds exhibited sustained release profile, and the delivery of dexamethasone from porous scaffolds could last for up to 2 months. The cumulative released amount of dexamethasone was relevant with drug loading capacity (1.66%–2.95%) and pore structure of scaffolds; while the release behavior was anomalous (non‐Fickian) transport by fitting with the simple exponential equation, which had a diffusional exponentnhigher than 0.5. It is feasible to fabricate drug‐loading porous scaffolds by supercritical CO2foaming with specific pore structure and sustained release profile, which can be well applied in bone tissue engineering. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2018,135, 46207.
From the Tower shootings in 1966 to Campus Carry in 2016: Collective trauma at the University of Texas at Austin
Authors: Ponder JoAnn
Published: January 2018

The first mass school shooting in the modern history of the United States occurred at the University of Texas at Austin on August 1, 1966. A 25‐year‐old student, Charles Whitman, went on a rampage that ultimately left 16 dead and 31 injured. With no prior models for how to respond, public discourse about the tragedy was squelched. Fifty years lapsed before a proper permanent memorial was dedicated – the same day that the Campus Carry gun law went into effect. This article explores the tragedy and its aftermath through the lens of history, rhetoric, sociology, and psychoanalysis. The silence and disavowal after the killings, the perception that Austin lost its innocence, feelings of helplessness and shame, more permissive gun laws, and even the counter‐culture's glorification of Whitman were symptomatic of collective trauma. In the years since the massacre, we learned that collective trauma requires witnessing, discourse, and memorialization for healing to occur.
Economic Optimization and Control Based on Multi Priority Rank RTO and Double Layered MPC
Authors: Pan Hong‐Guang , Zhong Weimin , Wang Zai‐Ying
Published: January 2018

A prevailing hierarchical structure in industrial process optimization and control includes three levels, i.e., a real time optimization (RTO) level, a double layered model predictive control (MPC) level (which is composed of a steady‐state target calculation (SSTC) layer and a dynamic control layer), and a distributed control level. In this paper, a multi priority rank RTO algorithm, in which a new variable is introduced to uniformly express the set points, is presented to get optimal set points according to their importance levels. In order to guarantee the feasibility of the dynamic control layer during tracking the steady‐state targets calculated in SSTC layer, the region of attraction is added into the SSTC layer as additional constraints, hence, the steady‐state targets can be calculated online and transmitted to the dynamic control layer at each instant to guide the state to achieve the steady‐state state gradually. The effect of the above methods are illustrated through an example.
Einaxialer Zugversuch für Carbonbeton mit textiler Bewehrung
Authors: Schütze Elisabeth , Bielak Jan , Scheerer Silke , Hegger Josef , Curbach Manfred
Published: January 2018

Der zunehmende Einsatz von Carbonbeton macht die Kenntnis der entsprechenden Materialkennwerte, v. a. das Verhalten unter Zugbeanspruchung, grundsätzlich erforderlich. Da bislang nur für wenige Bewehrungsmaterialien konkrete Bemessungskennwerte vorliegen, ist man häufig auf deren experimentelle Ermittlung angewiesen. Im Zuge der Weiterentwicklung der Materialien wurden in den vergangenen Jahren auch die Prüfmethoden wiederholt modifiziert. Die in einem gemeinsamen Forschungsprojekt von TU Dresden, RWTH Aachen und MFPA Leipzig erarbeitete Prüfempfehlung zur Bestimmung der Materialkennwerte bei Zugbeanspruchung von Textilbeton wird hier vorgestellt. Ergänzt sind praktische Empfehlungen zu Versuchsdurchführung und Vermeidung typischer Fehler sowie Hinweise zur Interpretation der Ergebnisse.
An intelligent, adaptive, performance‐sensitive, and virtual reality‐based gaming platform for the upper limb
Authors: Dhiman Ashish , Solanki Dhaval , Bhasin Ashu , Das Abhijit , Lahiri Uttama
Published: January 2018

Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability, characterized by a spectrum of muscle weakness and movement abnormalities related to the upper limb. About 80% of individuals who had a stroke suffer from upper limb dysfunction. Conventional rehabilitation aims to improve one's ability to use paralyzed limbs through repetitive exercise under one‐on‐one supervision by physiotherapists. This poses difficulty given the limited availability of healthcare resources and the high cost of availing specialized services at healthcare centers, particularly in developing countries like India. Thus, the design of cost‐effective, home‐based, and technology‐assisted individualized rehabilitation platform that can deliver real‐time feedback on one's skill progress is critical. This paper describes the design of a novel, multimodal, virtual reality (VR)‐based, and performance‐sensitive exercise platform that can intelligently adapt its task presentation to one's performance. Here, we aim to address unilateral shoulder abduction and adduction that are essential for the performance of daily living activities. We designed an experimental study in which six individuals who had chronic stroke (post‐stroke period: >6 months) participated. While they interacted with our VR‐based tasks, we recorded their physiological signals in a synchronized manner. Preliminary results indicate the potential of our VR‐based, adaptive individualized system in the performance of individuals who had a stroke suffering from upper limb movement disorders.
Dual Drug Targeting of Mutant Bcr‐Abl Induces Inactive Conformation: New Strategy for the Treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia and Overcoming Monotherapy Resistance
Authors: El Rashedy Ahmed A. , Olotu Fisayo A. , Soliman Mahmoud E. S.
Published: January 2018

Bcr‐Abl is an oncogenic fusion protein which expression enhances tumorigenesis, and has been highly associated with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Acquired drug resistance in mutant Bcr‐Abl has enhanced pathogenesis with the use of single therapy agents such as nilotinib. Moreover, allosteric targeting has been identified to consequentially inhibit Bcr‐Abl activity, which led to the recent development of ABL‐001 (asciminib) that selectively binds the myristoyl pocket. Experimental studies have revealed that the combination of nilotinib and ABL‐001 induced a ‘bent’ conformation in the C‐terminal helix of Bcr‐Abl; a benchmark of inhibition, thereby exhibiting a greater potency in the treatment of CML, surmounting the setbacks of drug resistance, disease regression and relapse. Therefore, we report the first account of the dynamics and conformational analysis of oncogenic T334I Bcr‐Abl by dual targeting. Our findings revealed that unlike in the Bcr‐Abl‐Nilotinib complex, dual targeting by both inhibitors induced the bent conformation in the C‐terminal helix that varied with time. This was coupled with significant alteration in Bcr‐Abl stability, flexibility, and compactness and an overall structural re‐orientation inwards towards the hydrophobic core, which reduced the solvent‐exposed residues indicative of protein folding. This study will facilitate allosteric targeting and the design of more potent allosteric inhibitors for resistive target proteins in cancer.
Firm Environmental Performance under Scrutiny: The Role of Strategic and Organizational Orientations
Authors: Ardito Lorenzo , Dangelico Rosa Maria
Published: January 2018

Reducing firm environmental burden is not easy. Thus, several studies have investigated the antecedents of good firm environmental performance; however, they provide contrasting results, focus on specific categories of antecedents, and often rely on subjective performance measures. This study overcomes these gaps by jointly considering the effects of different firm strategic and organizational orientations on several dimensions of environmental performance, objectively measured. Through the analysis of 269 large global companies included in the Newsweek Green Ranking 2014, we found that: both market and environmental management orientations have a positive effect on carbon, energy, and water productivity; green supply chain management orientation has a positive influence on waste and water productivity; and technology orientation negatively affects carbon and waste productivity. Based on these findings, we advise managers that strategic and organizational orientations do not affect all types of environmental performance in the same way, thus calling for caution when they are designed for environmentally friendly purposes. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Economy of scale: third partner strengthens a keystone ant‐plant mutualism
Authors: Prior Kirsten M. , Palmer Todd M.
Published: January 2018

While foundation species can stabilize ecosystems at landscape scales, their ability to persist is often underlain by keystone interactions occurring at smaller scales.Acacia drepanolobiumis a foundation tree, comprising >95% of woody cover in East African black‐cotton savanna ecosystems. Its dominance is underlain by a keystone mutualistic interaction with several symbiotic ant species in which it provides housing (swollen thorns) and carbohydrate‐rich nectar from extra‐floral nectaries (EFN). In return, it gains protection from catastrophic damage from mega‐herbivores.Crematogaster mimosaeis the ecologically dominant symbiotic ant in this system, also providing the highest protection services. In addition to tendingEFN,C. mimosaetend scale insects for carbohydrate‐rich honeydew. We investigated the role of scale insects in this specialized ant‐plant interaction. Specifically, does this putatively redundant third partner strengthen the ant‐plant mutualism by making the ant a better protector of the tree? Or does it weaken the mutualism by being costly to the tree while providing no additional benefit to the ant‐plant mutualism? We coupled observational surveys with two scale‐manipulation experiments and found evidence that this third partner strengthens the ant‐plant mutualism. Trees with scale insects experimentally removed experienced a 2.5X increase in elephant damage compared to trees with scale insects present over 10 months. Reduced protection was driven by scale removal causing a decrease in ant colony size and per capita baseline activity and defensive behavior. We also found that ants increased scale‐tending and the density of scale insects on trees whenEFNwere experimentally reduced. Thus, in this system, scale insects andEFNare likely complementary, rather than redundant, resources with scale insects benefitting ants whenEFNproduction is low (such as during annual dry periods in this semi‐arid ecosystem). This study reveals that a third‐partner strengthens an ant‐plant mutualism that serves to stabilize a whole ecosystem.
Potassium and the use of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: data from BIOSTAT‐CHF
Authors: Beusekamp Joost C. , Tromp Jasper , van der Wal Haye H. , Anker Stefan D. , Cleland John G. , Dickstein Kenneth , Filippatos Gerasimos , van der Harst Pim , Hillege Hans L. , Lang Chim C. , Metra Marco , Ng Leong L. , Ponikowski Piotr , Samani Nilesh J. , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Zwinderman Aeilko H. , Rossignol Patrick , Zannad Faiez , Voors Adriaan A. , van der Meer Peter
Published: January 2018

Background

Hyperkalaemia is a common co‐morbidity in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Whether it affects the use of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors and thereby negatively impacts outcome is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the association between potassium and uptitration of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) and its association with outcome.

Methods and results

Out of 2516 patients from the BIOSTAT‐CHF study, potassium levels were available in 1666 patients with HFrEF. These patients were sub‐optimally treated with ACEi/ARB or beta‐blockers and were anticipated and encouraged to be uptitrated. Potassium levels were available at inclusion and at 9 months. Outcome was a composite of all‐cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization at 2 years. Patients' mean age was 67 ± 12 years and 77% were male. At baseline, median serum potassium was 4.3 (interquartile range 3.9–4.6) mEq/L. After 9 months, 401 (24.1%) patients were successfully uptitrated with ACEi/ARB. During this period, mean serum potassium increased by 0.16 ± 0.66 mEq/L (P < 0.001). Baseline potassium was an independent predictor of lower ACEi/ARB dosage achieved [odds ratio 0.70; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51–0.98]. An increase in potassium was not associated with adverse outcomes (hazard ratio 1.15; 95% CI 0.86–1.53). No interaction on outcome was found between baseline potassium, potassium increase during uptitration, or potassium at 9 months and increased dosage of ACEi/ARB (Pinteraction > 0.5 for all).

Conclusion

Higher potassium levels are an independent predictor of enduring lower dosages of ACEi/ARB. Higher potassium levels do not attenuate the beneficial effects of ACEi/ARB uptitration.
Improved Synthesis of Unsymmetrical N‐Aryl‐N′‐alkylpyridyl ß‐Diketimines Using Molecular Sieves and their Lithium Complexes
Authors: Chand Kuldeep , Tsai Cheng‐Long , Chen Hsuan‐Ying , Ching Wei‐Min , Hsu Sung‐Po , Carey James R. , Hsu Sodio C. N.
Published: January 2018

The synthesis of unsymmetrical β‐diketimines with N‐aryl‐N′‐alkyl substitution require at least two condensation steps and tedious purification procedures. An improvement in the preparation of four unsymmetrical N‐aryl‐N′‐alkylpyridyl β‐diketimine ligands (HL1–HL4) using 5‐Å molecular sieves is reported. The synthesis of four Li complexes (LiL1, LiL2, LiL3, and LiL4) containing N‐aryl‐N′‐alkylpyridyl β‐diketimines ligands is also presented. All four Li complexes were fully characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopic, 13C NMR spectroscopic, and elemental analyses. X‐ray structure analysis and spectroscopic results indicate that the Li β‐diketimine structures and ligand binding modes are governed by the bulkiness of the N‐aryl substituent and the length of the pyridyl arm of the N‐aryl‐N′‐alkyl β‐diketiminate ligand.
Synthesis and crystal structures of novel (4‐phenylthiazol‐2(3H)‐ylidene) benzamide and ((benzoylimino)‐3‐(9,10‐dioxo‐9,10‐dihydroanthracen‐1‐yl)‐4‐oxothiazolidin‐5‐ylidene)acetate derivatives
Authors: Hossaini Mahshid , Heydari Reza , Maghsoodlou Malek Taher , Kolahdoozan Majid , Graiff Claudia
Published: January 2018

A new approach to the synthesis of new heterocyclic compounds with benzoylisothiocyanate, amines, and 2‐bromoacetophenone (phenacyl bromide) fragments in one molecule has been developed. The synthesis method comprises condensation reaction for the preparation of novel (4‐phenylthiazol‐2(3H)‐ylidene) benzamide derivatives. These new compounds were synthesized via one‐pot and multicomponent reaction of 2‐furanmethylamine, 5‐chloro‐2‐phenoxyaniline, and 1‐naphthylamine with phenacyl bromide and substituted benzoylisothiocyanates. Moreover, new series of anthraquinone‐thiazole hybrids have been synthesized. These compounds were prepared from unsymmetrical thiourea containing anthraquinone and dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylate. The nature of the compounds was confirmed by IR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, mass spectrometry, and CHNS elemental analysis. The structural elucidation was accomplished by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction methods.
Is this health campaign really social marketing? A checklist to help you decide
Authors: Chau Josephine Y. , McGill Bronwyn , Thomas Margaret M. , Carroll Tom E. , Bellew William , Bauman Adrian , Grunseit Anne C.
Published: January 2018

Issue addressed

Social marketing (SM) campaigns can be a powerful disease prevention and health promotion strategy but health‐related campaigns may simply focus on the “promotions” communication activities and exclude other key characteristics of the SM approach. This paper describes the application of a checklist for identifying which lifestyle‐related chronic disease prevention campaigns reported as SM actually represent key SM principles and practice.

Methods

A checklist of SM criteria was developed, reviewed and refined by SM and mass media campaign experts. Papers identified in searches for “social marketing” and “mass media” for obesity, diet and physical activity campaigns in the health literature were classified using the checklist.

Results

Using the checklist, 66.6% of papers identified in the “SM” search and 39% of papers identified from the “mass media” search were classified as SM campaigns. Inter‐rater agreement for classification using the abstract only was 92.1%.

Conclusions

Health‐related campaigns that self‐identify as “social marketing” or “mass media” may not include the key characteristics of a SM approach. Published literature can provide useful guidance for developing and evaluating health‐related SM campaigns, but health promotion professionals need to be able to identify what actually comprises SM in practice.

So what?

SM could be a valuable strategy in comprehensive health promotion interventions, but it is often difficult for non‐experts to identify published campaigns that represent a true SM approach. This paper describes the application of a checklist to assist policy makers and practitioners in appraising evidence from campaigns reflecting actual SM in practice. The checklist could also guide reporting on SM campaigns.
The free healthcare initiative in Sierra Leone: Evaluating a health system reform, 2010‐2015
Authors: Witter Sophie , Brikci Nouria , Harris Tim , Williams Richard , Keen Sarah , Mujica Ana , Jones Alex , Murray‐Zmijewski Alex , Bale Barbara , Leigh Bailah , Renner Ade
Published: January 2018

This article presents the findings of a theory‐based evaluation of the Sierra Leone Free Health Care Initiative (FHCI), using mixed methods. Analytical approaches included time‐series analysis of national survey data to examine mortality and morbidity trends, as well as modelling of impact using the Lives Saved Tool and expenditure trend analysis. We find that the FHCI responded to a clear need in Sierra Leone, was well designed to bring about needed changes in the health system to deliver services to the target beneficiaries, and did indeed bring funds and momentum to produce important systemic reforms. However, its ambition was also a risk, and weaknesses in implementation have been evident in a number of core areas, such as drugs supply. We conclude that the FHCI was one important factor contributing to improvements in coverage and equity of coverage of essential services for mothers and children. Modelled cost‐effectiveness is high—in the region of US$ 420 to US$ 444 per life year saved. The findings suggest that even—or perhaps especially—in a weak health system, a reform‐like fee removal, if tackled in a systematic way, can bring about important health system gains that benefit vulnerable groups in particular.
Stigma and unmet sexual and reproductive health needs among international migrant sex workers at the Mexico–Guatemala border
Authors: Rocha‐Jiménez Teresita , Morales‐Miranda Sonia , Fernández‐Casanueva Carmen , Brouwer Kimberly C. , Goldenberg Shira M.
Published: January 2018

Objective

To explore international migrant sex workers' experiences and narratives pertaining to the unmet need for and access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) at the Mexico–Guatemala border.

Methods

An inductive qualitative analysis was conducted based on ethnographic fieldwork (2012–2015) including participant observation and audio‐recorded in‐depth interviews. The participants were female sex workers aged 18 years or older and international migrants working at the Mexico–Guatemala border.

Results

In total, 31 women were included. The greatest areas of unmet need included accessible, affordable, and nonstigmatizing access to contraception and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. On both sides of the border, poor information about the health systems, services affordability, and perceived stigma resulted in barriers to access SRH services, with women preferring to access private doctors in their destination country or delaying uptake of until their next trip home. Financial barriers prevented women from accessing needed services, with most only receiving SRH services in their destination country through public health regulations surrounding sex work or as urgent care.

Conclusions

There is a crucial need to avoid prioritizing vertical disease‐specific services and to promote access to rights‐based SRH services for migrant sex workers in both home and destination settings.
Integrating Hip‐Hop Culture and Rap Music Into Social Justice Counseling With Black Males
Authors: Washington Ahmad Rashad
Published: January 2018

In this article, the author suggests that Hip‐Hop culture and rap music, in particular, can be integrated into individual counseling interactions with Black male clients to discuss the social injustices (e.g., hypercriminalization) they face. Literature examining the history of Hip‐Hop culture and how rap music has been used therapeutically with Black males is presented. The article concludes with a vignette illustrating how Elligan's () rap therapy framework can help explore experiences Black male clients encounter.
Identification and Characterization of Mononuclear Phagocytes Isolated From Rat Testicular Interstitial Tissues
Authors: Miller Scott C , Bowman Beth M , Roberts Lee K
Published: January 2018

Rat testicular interstitial tissues contain numerous mononuclear phagocytelike cells. Dispersed testicular tissues are allowed to settle onto a glass substrate and the strongly adherent cells are identified as the same cells that have been described in vivo, based on the retention of an in vivo marker (plutonium). These putative testicular intersitial tissue macrophages (TIMs) have adhesion and cell surface features characteristic of mononuclear phagocytes, as determined by scanning electron microscopy. Immediately after isolation from testicular tissues. TIMs show a strong staining reaction for nonspecific esterase. These cells have Fc and complement receptors and some express la cell- surface antigens. About two thirds of the TIMs phagocytose sheep red blood cells and most of the cells are capable of nonspecific phagocytosis of polystyrene beads. This study demonstrates that the phagocytic cells found in testicular interstitial tissues have morphological, histochemical, phagocytic, and immunological properties characteristic of functionally active mononuclear phagocytes. These results suggest that these resident mononuclear phagocytes may play a role in immune-related functions in the testis.
Activation of a NADPH Oxidase From Horse Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes in a Cell- Free System
Authors: Heyneman R A , Vercauteren R E
Published: January 2018

A postnuclear cell fraction from resting horse polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes incubated with fatty acid-salt ions such as oleate or linoleate generated a NADPH-dependent oxygen consumption and superoxide production. Oxidative activity was negligible or absent in the postnuclear fraction from mononuclear leukocytes, p-chloromercuribenzene sulfonic acid-treated granulocytes, and granulocytes from a patient with chronic granulomatous disease. Although consistently associated with the membrane fraction from resting PMN leukocytes, the superoxide-generating activity was shown to be dependent on a thus far unknown cytosolic constituent. The apparent Km's for NADPH and NADH (66 and 1,600 µM, respectively), the pH optimum for the reaction (7.0), the cyanide insensitivity, and transient nature of the reaction together with the stoichiometric relationship between oxygen uptake and NADPH oxidation led to the conclusion that in the presence of cytosol a cell-free latent respiratory burst oxidase can be converted into an active enzyme by interaction with oleate micelles.
Secretion of Macrophage-Derived Growth Factor During Acute Lung Injury Induced by Bleomycin
Authors: Kovacs Elizabeth J , Kelley Jason
Published: January 2018

Monocytes are capable of producing a growth factor which causes fibroblasts to replicate in vitro. This macrophage-derived growth factor (MDGF) may be particularly important in controlling the proliferation of mesenchymal cells in the pulmonary interstitium following acute lung injury. To evaluate the role of macrophages in modulating the proliferative capacity of fibroblasts, we added serum-free culture medium from lavage-derived rat lung macrophages to confluent monolayers of quiescent adult rat lung fibroblasts and monitored their return to the cell cycle both by 3H-thymidine incorporation and by increases in cell number. Growth factor activity secreted in 24 h by untreated macrophages was compared to that from normal macrophages stimulated in vitro by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and from macrophages retrieved from lungs injured by intratracheal administration of bleomycin. Unstimulated macrophages from control animals secreted minimal amounts of MDGF; addition of LPS to normal macrophages increased MDGF secretion 3- to 4-fold. Adherent cells obtained by lung lavage of bleomycin-treated animals spontaneously secreted near maximal levels of nondialyzable MDGF with little further stimulation by LPS. The MDGF secreted by LPS-stimulated control cells and by macrophages retrieved from injured lungs share identical elution profiles from DEAE-Sepha- cel anionic exchange columns, and heat stability profiles. The substance acts as a competence factor when tested on rat lung fibroblasts. These shared physical and biologic properties suggest that the growth factor secreted by cells lavaged from injured lungs is identical to MDGF secreted in response to LPS. Because MDGF release could not be induced by direct exposure of freshly isolated macrophages to bleomycin, we suggest that augmented release of MDGF is an indirect feature of acute lung injury in this model.
Endothelial Cells Enhance the Human Pokeweed Mitogen Lymphocyte Response
Authors: Shanahan William R , Weston Donna M , Korn Joseph H
Published: January 2018

The effect of endothelial cells (EC) on lymphocyte mitogen responses was examined. Irradiated or mitomycin C treated EC were co-cultured with allogeneic peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBM), and proliferative responses to pokeweed mitogen (PWM) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) were assessed by 3H-thymidine incorporation. Compared to lymphocyte responses in the absence of EC, EC co-culture enhanced PWM responses at 72 hours by 55 ± 28%, 103 ± 24%, and 96 ± 9% at EC:PBM ratios of 1:30, 1:10, and 1:3, respectively. The EC co-culture also resulted in signficant lymphocyte responses to otherwise submitogenic doses of PWM (10−4μ g/ml) as well as an accelerated kinetics of response. There was no effect of EC on PHA responses. The EC effect appeared not to require cell contact for its expression; however, supernates of EC cultures were not capable of reproducing the effect. On a cell-for-cell basis, EC were more potent in enhancing responses of adherent-cell-depleted lymphocytes than either allogeneic or syngeneic monocytes. Fibroblasts could not substitute for EC in enhancing PWM response, suggesting that the effect was not a nonspecific feeder phenomenon. The EC may play a role in modulating some immune responses in vivo, especially those occurring in areas of inflammation, neovascularization, and endothelial cell proliferation.
Enzyme Histochemical Comparison of Biomphalaria glabrata Amebocytes With Human Granuloma Macrophages
Authors: McKerrow James H , Jeong Kathleen H , Beckstead Jay H
Published: January 2018

In fresh water snails, amebocytes are the principal cells that react to parasitic infection. Ultrastructurally, amebocytes resemble mammalian macrophages. To clarify the relationship between amebocytes and macrophages, we compared the histochemical staining for seven enzymes in Biomphalaria glabrata snail amebocytes, both in the amebocyte-producing organ (APO) and in the encapsulation reaction formed around parasite sporocysts with the staining in macrophages from the lymph nodes of patients with sarcoid or tuberculosis. Snails were infected with Echinostoma paraensei and Schistosoma mansoni miracidia. APOs and ventricular tissue with encapsulated parasites were fixed and embedded in glycol methacrylate monomer. Hardened blocks were sectioned at 2 μ m and stained for alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, α- naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE), ATPase, peroxidase, 5′nucleotidase, and chloroacetate esterase. The amebocyte-producing organ contained cells that were positive for acid phosphatase, ANAE, and ATPase. Amebocytes in the capsules formed around echinostome sporocysts showed stronger staining for the same three enzymes. Capsules did not form around schistosome sporocysts, but the connective tissue around them contained numerous amebocytes that were also positive for these three enzymes. The amebocyte enzyme histochemistry resembled that in human granuloma macrophages, but differed from that in neutrophils. The increased expression of enzymes in amebocytes involved in the encapsulation reaction as compared to those in the APO was reminiscent of the alterations observed when human monocytes convert to tissue macrophages. These studies support the hypothesis that the amebocyte is an “invertebrate macrophage.”
Effects of N-NitrosodimethyIamine on Cell-Mediated Immunity
Authors: Holsapple Michael P , Bick Peter H , Duke Scherer S
Published: January 2018

Dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) exposure altered the cell-mediated immune response of B6C3F1 adult female mice as assessed by several immunological assays. Following 14 daily exposures (i.p.) to 1.5, 3.0, or 5.0 mg DMN/kg, mice exhibited a depression in their lymphoproliferative response to the T-cell mitogens concanavalin A and phytohemagglutinin, and in their mixed lymphocyte response to mitomycin-treated DBA-2 spleen cells. The delayed hypersensitivity response (DHR) to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), as measured by vascular permeability changes, was decreased by over 50% at the 5.0-mg/kg dose. When the DHR to KLH was measured by an influx of endogenously 125l- iododeoxyuridine (lUdR)-labelled monocytes, there was a 300% increase in the response of the 5.0-mg-DMN/kg group. Adoptive transfer studies using exogenously radiolabeled (51Cr) bone marrow cells from either vehicle- or DMN-treated (5 mg/kg) donors indicated a >60% reduction in the DHR to KLH in DMN-treated mice (5.0 mg/kg level) regardless of the donor treatment. Animals exposed to DMN exhibited a decreased susceptibility to Listeria monocytogenes. The dichotomy in the results of the KLH DHR measured by monocyte influx and the increased resistance to the bacterial challenge were interpreted to reflect an effect on bone marrow. The numbers of granulocyte/ monocyte stem cells were increased in a dose-related fashion in bone marrow from DMN-treated mice. The results indicate that DMN-treatment impairs cell- mediated immunity while increasing the number of bone marrow cells differentiating to form granulocytes or monocytes with an apparent enhancement in functional activity.
Intracellular Activation of Human and Rodent Macrophages by Human Lymphokines Encapsulated in Liposomes
Authors: Kleinerman Eugenie S , Fogler William E , Fidler Isaiah J
Published: January 2018

Cell-free culture supernatant fluids rich in macrophage-activating factor (MAF) activity were obtained from mitogen-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes (MNL). The MAF preparations were incubated with human peripheral blood monocytes, rat alveolar macrophages (AM), and mouse peritoneal exudate macrophages (PEM). Only human monocytes were rendered tumorilytic against the human A375 melanoma cells, whereas rat AM or mouse PEM were not activated to lyse their respective syngeneic tumor targets. In contrast, once entrapped in multilamellar liposomes, the human MAF activated the human and rodent macrophages to become tumoricidal. The MAF activity was not due to contamination with endotoxins nor to the presence of gamma interferon. These data suggest that in contrast to macrophage surface receptors, which are species specific, the intracellular target sites for human MAF may cross species barriers.
Localization and Characterization of Macrophages in Murine Uterus
Authors: Hunt Joan S , Manning Linda S , Mitchell Deanna , Selanders Jean R , Wood Gary W
Published: January 2018

Macrophages are known to be present in the murine uterus and are known to be among those cells comprising the uterine decidual response to pregnancy. The extent of macrophage involvement in the decidual response has not been documented, and there are unresolved questions regarding expression of markers normally associated with macrophages on cells within the decidua.

Using tissue immunohistology, macrophages were identified in virgin and pregnant murine uteri. A significant increase in macrophage density was noted during all stages of pregnancy. When uteri from virgin and pregnant mice were enzymatically digested, 10% of uterine cells from virgin and 22% from pregnant mice expressed macrophage markers (binding of rabbit antimouse macrophage serum, Fc γ receptor expression). Double labeling immunofluorescence demonstrated that the two markers were associated with the same cells. Those results were confirmed in “panning” experiments using a monoclonal antimouse macrophage reagent. In cell suspensions from pregnant murine (C3H/HeN) uteri, 50% of cells exhibiting macrophage markers were I-Ak positive, and macrophages accounted for nearly all I-Ak positive cells in uterine cell suspensions. The results of this study demonstrate that the murine decidual response to pregnancy includes an increase in Fc γ receptor-bearing macrophages and that a relatively high percentage of those macrophages are la positive.
In Vitro Antiviral Properties of Endotoxin-Activated Rat Kupffer Cells
Authors: Keller Françoise , Wild Marie-Thérèse , Kirn André
Published: January 2018

Kupffer cells isolated from the liver of normal rats were checked for their antiviral activities. The intrinsic antiviral effect against vaccinia virus was high whether the cells were activated in vitro with endotoxin or not. The expression of the extrinsic antiviral activity measured by mixing isolated Kupffer cells with vaccinia-virus-infected target cells was remarkably enhanced by prior treatment of the Kupffer cells with LPS. Interferon was shown to be not responsible for that inhibitory activity. Different experimental data suggest that the virus replication in the target cells is blocked at a late stage in the replication cycle.
Enhanced Activity of the Macrophage-Like Cell Line J774.1 Following Exposure to Gamma Radiation
Authors: Gallin Elaine K , Green Spencer W , Sheehy Paul A
Published: January 2018

Exposure of the macrophage-like cell line J774.1 to 20 gray of cobalt-60 gamma radiation resulted in a block of tritiated thymidine incorporation, along with an increase in cell “activation,” as assessed by increases in lysosomal enzyme and ectoenzyme content, PMA-induced H2O2 production, and NBT staining, ingestion of E(IgG), spreading, and membrane ruffling. These changes are evident within 1 day postradiation and peak at 4 days postradiation.
The Motile Response of Lung Macrophages: Theoretical and Experimental Approaches Using the Linear Under-Agarose Assay
Authors: Stickle Douglas F , Lauffenburger Douglas A , Daniele Ronald P
Published: January 2018

The alveolar macrophage plays an important role in the lung's defense against inhaled particles, but few studies have addressed the motile behavior of these cells. In this study, we measured alveolar macrophage random motility using a modification of the under-agarose assay. The cells were exposed to a uniform concentration of F-norleucyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FNLLP) in an agarose system, establishing conditions for stimulated random motility (or chemokinesis). Experimental results were compared with a theoretical model of cell migration. In this model, chemokinesis was expressed as a random motility coefficient, μ, which is the cellular equivalent of a diffusion coefficient for a molecule. The experimental data that described the migration of alveolar macrophages (density profiles) agreed well with the theoretical model. The random motility coefficient ranged from 1 × 10−9 cm2/sec (no FNLLP) to a maximum of 1 × 10−8 cm2/sec at 10−9 M FNLLP. For concentrations of FNLLP greater than 10−9 M, the random motility decreased to a constant value of 3 × 10−9 cm2/sec. The maximum random motility response was observed at an FNLLP concentration one order of magnitude below the measured FNLLP equilibrium dissociation constant, Kd, of 6 × 10−8 M for alveolar macrophages and was essentially constant over a large range of FNLLP concentrations on either side of the Kd value. These results suggest that such a combined experimental and theoretical approach 1) reduces the limitation of previous techniques that depended largely on physical characteristics of the assay and 2) more closely identifies and measures intrinsic properties of cell motility.