bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pam3CSK4 Induces MMP-9 Expression in Human Monocytic THP-1 Cells
Authors: Al-Rashed Fatema , Kochumon Shihab , Usmani Safa , Sindhu Sardar , Ahmad Rasheed
Published: April 2017

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 is known to degrade the extracellular matrix and increased MMP-9 levels are related with the pathogenesis of many inflammatory conditions including obesity. Pam3CSK4 is a synthetic triacylated lipopeptide (LP) which is a potent activator of immune cells and induces cytokine production. However, it is unclear whether Pam3CSK4 is able to induce MMP-9 expression in monocytic cells. We, therefore, determined MMP-9 production by Pam3CSK4-treated THP-1 cells and also investigated the signal transduction pathway(s) involved. Methods: MMP-9 expression was determined by real-time qPCR and ELISA. MMP-9 activity was assessed by zymography. THP-1 cells, THP1-XBlueTM cells, THP1-XBlueTM-defMyD cells, anti-TLR2 mAb and selective pharmacological inhibitors were used to study signaling pathways involved. Phosphorylated and total proteins were detected by western blotting. Results: Pam3CSK4 induced MMP-9 expression (P<0.05) at both mRNA and protein levels in human monocytic THP-1 cells. Increased NF-κB/AP-1 activity was detected in Pam3CSK4-treated THP-1 cells and MMP-9 production in these cells was significantly suppressed by pre-treatment with anti-TLR2 neutralizing antibody or by inhibition of clathrin-dependent endocytosis. Also, MyD88-/- THP-1 cells did not express MMP-9 following treatment with Pam3CSK4. Inhibition of JNK, MEK/ERK, p38 MAPK and NF-κB significantly suppressed MMP-9 gene expression (P<0.05). Conclusion: Pam3CSK4 induces MMP-9 production in THP-1 cells through the TLR-2/MyD88-dependent mechanism involving MEK/ERK, JNK, p38 MAPK and NF-κB/AP-1 activation.
Examining the Causal Role of Leptin in Alzheimer Disease: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Romo Matthew L. , Schooling C. Mary
Published: April 2017

Background: Observational evidence regarding the role of leptin in Alzheimer disease (AD) is conflicting. We sought to determine the causal role of circulating leptin and soluble plasma leptin receptor (sOB-R) levels in AD using a separate-sample Mendelian randomization study. Methods: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) independently and solely predictive of log-transformed leptin (rs10487505 [LEP], rs780093 [GCKR], rs900400 [CCNL1], rs6071166 [SLC32A1], and rs6738627 [COBLL1]) and of sOB-R (rs1137101 [LEPR], rs2767485 [LEPR], and rs1751492 [LEPR]) levels (ng/mL) were obtained from 2 previously reported genome-wide association studies. We obtained associations of leptin and sOB-R levels with AD using inverse variance weighting with fixed effects by combining Wald estimates for each SNP. Sensitivity analyses included using weighted median and MR-Egger methods and repeating the analyses using only SNPs of genome-wide significance. Results: Using inverse variance weighting, genetically predicted circulating leptin levels were not associated with AD, albeit with wide confidence intervals (CIs): odds ratio (OR) 0.99 per log-transformed ng/mL; 95% CI 0.55-1.78. Similarly, the association of sOB-R with AD was null using inverse variance weighting (OR 1.08 per log-transformed ng/mL; 95% CI 0.83-1.41). Results from our sensitivity analyses confirmed our findings. Conclusions: In this first Mendelian randomization study estimating the causal effect of leptin on AD, we did not find an effect of genetically predicted circulating leptin and sOB-R levels on AD. As such, this study suggests that leptin is unlikely to be a major contributor to AD, although the wide CIs preclude a definitive assessment.
Restarting Anticoagulant Therapy After Intracranial Hemorrhage
Authors: Murthy Santosh B. , Gupta Ajay , Merkler Alexander E. , Navi Babak B. , Mandava Pitchaiah , Iadecola Costantino , Sheth Kevin N. , Hanley Daniel F. , Ziai Wendy C. , Kamel Hooman
Published: April 2017

Background and Purpose—

The safety and efficacy of restarting anticoagulation therapy after intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) remain unclear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the associations of anticoagulation resumption with the subsequent risk of ICH recurrence and thromboembolism.

Methods—

We searched published medical literature to identify cohort studies involving adults with anticoagulation-associated ICH. Our predictor variable was resumption of anticoagulation. Outcome measures were thromboembolic events (stroke and myocardial infarction) and recurrence of ICH. After assessing study heterogeneity and publication bias, we performed a meta-analysis using random-effects models to assess the strength of association between anticoagulation resumption and our outcomes.

Results—

Eight studies were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis, with 5306 ICH patients. Almost all studies evaluated anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists. Reinitiation of anticoagulation was associated with a significantly lower risk of thromboembolic complications (pooled relative risk, 0.34; 95% confidence interval, 0.25–0.45;
Q
=5.12,
P
for heterogeneity=0.28). There was no evidence of increased risk of recurrent ICH after reinstatement of anticoagulation therapy, although there was significant heterogeneity among included studies (pooled relative risk, 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 0.58–1.77;
Q
=24.68,
P
for heterogeneity <0.001). No significant publication bias was detected in our analyses.

Conclusions—

In observational studies, reinstitution of anticoagulation after ICH was associated with a lower risk of thromboembolic complications and a similar risk of ICH recurrence. Randomized clinical trials are needed to determine the true risk–benefit profile of anticoagulation resumption after ICH.
Pacifying Urban Insurrections
Authors: Khalili Laleh
Published: April 2017

David Kilcullen, an Australian soldier-scholar who acted as counterinsurgency advisor to both the Pentagon and the State Department in theusWar on Terror, is refashioning himself as an expert on geospatial security and urban crises. HisOut of the Mountainsis a Malthusian account of urban disorder in the global South, in what he calls ‘crowded, complex, and coastal’ cities as a terrain of future asymmetric warfare. This review situates his work within the intellectual context of the counterinsurgency & pacification epistemic community out of which it arises, and addresses why his book may have received plaudits from the socialist urban theorist Mike Davis.
Rethinking Soviet Marxism: The Case of Evald Ilyenkov
Authors: Vivaldi Giuliano Andrea
Published: April 2017

This review-essay explores approaches to the thought of the creative Soviet Marxist thinker Evald Ilyenkov as discussed in a recent book edited by Alex Levant and Vesa Oittinen, Dialectics of the Ideal: Evald Ilyenkov and Creative Soviet Marxism. The book consists of a series of commentaries and contextual essays which centre on the translated text of Ilyenkov’s Dialectics of the Ideal. The approach the authors take to Ilyenkov’s work differs from previous ones of exploring the totality of Ilyenkov’s thought or eclectic aspects of it. By commenting on and contextualising Ilyenkov’s major text on the Ideal they locate the contribution of Ilyenkov in dialogue with traditions of classical European philosophy, and Western and Soviet Marxism, and in his importance to contemporary issues in philosophy and other disciplines. A deep analysis of Ilyenkov’s dense and often complex text is also given. By doing so the authors highlight the immense contribution of Ilyenkov to contemporary thought.
Numerical Simulations of a Tornadic Supercell over the Mediterranean
Authors: Miglietta Mario Marcello , Mazon Jordi , Rotunno Richard
Published: April 2017

On 28 November 2012, a multivortex EF3 tornado occurred in southeastern Italy causing one fatality and estimated damage of 60 million euros. At approximately 1050 LT (0950 UTC), this tornado, which initially formed in association with a supercell thunderstorm over the Ionian Sea, moved inland. The environment where the tornadic supercell developed was characterized by large vertical wind shear in the lowest 1 km of the atmosphere and moderate conditional instability. Mesoscale-model numerical simulations show that it is possible to produce a simulated supercell thunderstorm with a track, change in intensity, and evolution similar to the actual one that spawned the tornado in Taranto, southern Italy. The genesis of the simulated supercell is due to a combination of mesoscale meteorological features: warm low-level air advected toward the Ionian Sea, combined with midlevel cooling due to an approaching trough, increased the potential instability; the intense vertical shear favored the possibility of supercell development; and boundary layer rolls over the Ionian Sea moved in phase with the cells produced by the orography of Calabria to supply ascent, moisture, and heat to the convection. An unusual feature of the present case is the central role of the orography, which was verified in a sensitivity experiment where it was reduced by 80%.
Use of a Novel Airway Kit and Simulation in Resident Training on Emergent Pediatric Airways
Authors: Melzer Jonathan M. , Hamersley Erin R. S. , Gallagher Thomas Q.
Published: April 2017

Objective

Development of a novel pediatric airway kit and implementation with simulation to improve resident response to emergencies with the goal of improving patient safety.

Methods

Prospective study with 9 otolaryngology residents (postgraduate years 1‐5) from our tertiary care institution. Nine simulated pediatric emergency airway drills were carried out with the existing system and a novel portable airway kit. Response times and time to successful airway control were noted with both the extant airway system and the new handheld kit. Results were analyzed to ensure parametric data and compared with t tests. A Bonferroni adjustment indicated that an alpha of 0.025 was needed for significance.

Results

Use of the airway kit significantly reduced the mean time of resident arrival by 47% (P =. 013) and mean time of successful intubation by 50% (P =. 007). Survey data indicated 100% improved resident comfort with emergent airway scenarios with use of the kit.

Discussion

Times to response and meaningful intervention were significantly reduced with implementation of the handheld airway kit. Use of simulation training to implement the new kit improved residents’ comfort and airway skills. This study describes an affordable novel mobile airway kit and demonstrates its ability to improve response times.

Implications for Practice

The low cost of this airway kit makes it a tenable option even for smaller hospitals. Simulation provides a safe and effective way to familiarize oneself with novel equipment, and, when possible, realistic emergent airway simulations should be used to improve provider performance.
A Fresh Cadaver Model for the Instruction of Ultrasound‐Guided Fine‐Needle Aspiration of Thyroid Nodules
Authors: McCrary Hilary C. , Faucett Erynne A. , Hurbon Audriana N. , Milinic Tijana , Cervantes Jose A. , Kent Sean L. , Adamas‐Rappaport William J.
Published: April 2017

Objective

The aim of our study is to determine if a fresh cadaver model (FCM) for the instruction of ultrasound (US)–guided fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroid nodules is a practical method for instruction.

Study Design

Pre‐ and postinstruction assessment of medical students’ ability to perform US‐guided FNA of artificially created thyroid nodules placed adjacent to the thyroid gland of a fresh cadaver.

Setting

University‐based fresh cadaver laboratory.

Subjects and Methods

Study participants included a total of 17 first‐ and second‐year medical students with minimal US training. Technical skills were assessed using a 10‐item checklist. In addition, a cognitive assessment regarding the indications, contraindications, and complications of the procedure was completed. A postinstruction assessment was provided for participants 5 weeks after their initial assessment. Differences between pre‐ and postinstruction assessment scores of technical skills were analyzed using McNemar’s test. The mean cognitive knowledge gain was analyzed using a paired 2‐sample t test.

Results

Eight of 10 items on the skills checklist were statistically significant between pre‐ and postinstruction skills assessment (P <. 05). There was a statistically significant change in cognitive knowledge gain regarding the contraindications of the procedure (P =. 001), but not for indications or complications (P =. 104 and P =. 111, respectively).

Conclusion

US‐guided FNA continues to be an important diagnostic procedure in the workup of thyroid nodules, making it an essential skill to integrate into surgical skills lab. Our FCM for the instruction of US‐guided FNA is the first of its kind, and this pilot study shows this is a viable method for instruction.
Anatomic Characteristics, Identification, and Protection of the Nonrecurrent Laryngeal Nerve during Thyroidectomy
Authors: Qiao Na , Wu Lin‐feng , Gao Wei , Qu Feng‐zhi , Duan Peng‐yu , Cao Cheng‐liang , Li Pan‐quan , Sun Bei , Wang Gang
Published: April 2017

Objective

We aimed to investigate the anatomical features and variation pattern of the nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve (NRLN), summarize the methods for identifying the NRLN before and during thyroidectomy, and share experiences regarding preventing and treating its injury.

Study Design

Retrospective case data analysis.

Setting

First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University.

Subjects and Methods

Between January 2002 and May 2016, 7392 patients underwent thyroidectomy in our hospital. Of them, 28 patients with NRLN were identified, and their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

This study included 7392 patients in which the recurrent laryngeal nerves (RLNs) were routinely identified during surgery. The presence of NRLN was intraoperatively confirmed in 28 patients. All the NRLNs were located on the right side and its overall incidence was 0.37%. Five of the NRLNs were classified as type I, 19 as type IIa, and 4 as type IIb. Of the 28 cases, 4 NRLNs were injured during surgery, in which primary end‐to‐end anastomosis or local seal with corticosteroid injection was performed as a remedy. In the 4 patients with NRLN injury, 2 presented with postoperative hoarseness that indicated vocal cord paralysis confirmed by laryngoscope; the other 2 patients’ voices had no significant changes.

Conclusion

The NRLN, which is rare in clinical practice and predominantly right‐sided, is anatomically more complex and variant at a higher risk of surgical injury. The key factors to accurately identify NRLN and to effectively prevent its injury include careful interpretation of auxiliary examination results before surgery, raising awareness of its presence, meticulous dissection, and routine exposure of the RLN during surgery.
Case‐Logging Practices in Otolaryngology Residency Training: National Survey of Residents and Program Directors
Authors: Dermody Sarah M. , Gao William , McGinn Johnathan D. , Malekzadeh Sonya
Published: April 2017

Objective

(1) Evaluate the consistency and manner in which otolaryngology residents log surgical cases. (2) Assess the extent of instruction and guidance provided by program directors on case‐logging practices.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional national survey.

Setting

Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education otolaryngology residency programs in the United States.

Subjects and Methods

US otolaryngology residents, postgraduate year 2 through graduating chiefs as of July 2016, were recruited to respond to an anonymous questionnaire designed to characterize surgical case‐logging practices. Program directors of US otolaryngology residency programs were recruited to respond to an anonymous questionnaire to elucidate how residents are instructed to log cases.

Results

A total of 272 residents and 53 program directors completed the survey, yielding response rates of 40.6% and 49.5%, respectively. Perceived accuracy of case logs is low among residents and program directors. Nearly 40% of residents purposely choose not to log certain cases, and 65.1% of residents underreport cases performed. More than 80% of program directors advise residents to log procedures performed outside the operating room, yet only 16% of residents consistently log such cases.

Conclusion

Variability in surgical case‐logging behaviors and differences in provided instruction highlight the need for methods to improve consistency of logging practices. It is imperative to standardize practices across otolaryngology residency programs for case logs to serve as an accurate measure of surgical competency. This study provides a foundation for reform efforts within residency programs and for the Resident Case Log System.
Rejecting the Cycle of Violence: When Women Say No to War (Israel-Palestine 1987–2013)
Authors: Pouzol Valérie
Published: April 2017

During the already long history of the Israel-Palestine conflict, women from both sides of the Green Line have been highly visible participants in the often perilous enterprise of establishing dialogue, of maintaining links with the other side, and of thinking seriously about the conditions that will need to be brought together for the construction of a just and lasting peace. By their words, their often symbolic actions, and their activist strategies, they have durably contributed to the building of a ‘clandestine’ peace often far removed from the calendars and issues of the major international negotiations. In these collective actions, choosing the path of non-violence has often been at the heart of their repertoire of militant activities and their discourses. This article proposes to examine certain examples of such activities and involvement since the first Intifada of 1987 up until the very recent past, showing that the choice of non-violent strategies has been a significantly marked tendency of the activism of women, and that this is always associated with the formulation of renewed forms of discourse around peace and reconciliation.
DAME: Runtime-compilation for data movement
Authors: Prabhu Tarun , Gropp William
Published: April 2017

Modern machines consist of multiple compute devices and complex memory hierarchies. For many applications, it is imperative that any data movement between and within the various compute devices be done as efficiently as possible in order to obtain maximum performance. However, hand-optimizing code for one architecture will likely sacrifice both performance portability and software maintainability. In addition, some optimization decisions are best made at runtime. This suggests that the problem ought to be tackled on two fronts. First, provide the programmer with a declarative language to describe data layouts and data motion. This would allow the runtime system to be tuned for each architecture by a specialist and free the programmer to concentrate on the application itself. Second, exploit the execution time information to optimize the data movement code further. MPI derived datatypes accomplish the former task and Just In Time (JIT) compilation can be used for the latter. In this paper, we present DAME—a language and interpreter designed to be used as the backend for MPI derived datatypes. We also present DAME-L and DAME-X, two JIT-enabled implementations of DAME, all of which have been integrated into MPICH. We evaluate their performance on DDTBench and two mini-applications written with MPI derived datatypes and obtain communication speedups of up to 20× and mini-application speedups of up to 3×.
Lumped parameter model and numerical model of vapor bubble–driven valve-less micro-pump
Authors: Qu Yang , Zhou Junjie
Published: April 2017

A lumped parameter model for a vapor bubble–driven valve-less micro-pump is established, in which the mass transition process is considered, and a numerical model is built to validate it. The lumped parameter model consists of a bubble dynamic model based on Rayleigh–Plesset equation, a phase-change model based on thermodynamics, and a pump chamber pressure model derived from the mass conservation law accounting for the resistance of the nozzle and diffuser. The numerical model is established in ANSYS Fluent. Source terms of mass and energy transfers caused by phase change are taken into the control equation using user-defined function. The result shows that these two models have a good agreement with each other, in terms of bubble dynamics and flow performance. The proposed analytical model allows a convenient tool to study the vapor bubble–driven valve-less micro-pump and has a potential to guide the design of the micro-pumps.
Pressure fluctuation and flow pattern of a mixed-flow pump with different blade tip clearances under cavitation condition
Authors: Xu Yun , Tan Lei , Liu Yabin , Cao Shuliang
Published: April 2017

Cavitation phenomenon has strong transient characteristics and is highly influenced by geometric structure. In this study, the cavitation performance with influence of blade tip clearance for a mixed-flow pump is studied using the renormalization group (RNG) k–ε turbulence model and the Zwart–Gerber–Belamri cavitation model. The dominant frequency and maximum amplitude values at non-cavitation condition and different cavitation conditions are compared and associated with flow field features. The results show that the dominant frequency value under incipient cavitation and critical cavitation is 3.2 fi and when the cavitation is severe, the frequency value changes to 3.5 fi. Then, the influence of tip clearance width on cavitation performance of the mixed-flow pump is also discussed. The results show that the increase in tip clearance will significantly aggravate the performance drop of the pump under cavitation conditions. The critical net positive suction head value increases in 4.79% of the value under no-tip clearance condition. At the same time, by the inner flow field observation and analysis, the morphological of cavitation bubbles is also changed, and the cavitation bubbles tend to attach to the blade suction side and the attachment length increases as the tip clearance increases.
Optimal control of heavy haul train based on approximate dynamic programming
Authors: Wang Xi , Tang Tao , He Hui
Published: April 2017

This research investigates the optimal control problem of heavy haul train for the minimization of longitudinal forces. As the heavy haul train is much heavier and longer than ordinary train, the in-train forces should be carefully manipulated to reduce the train’s maintenance cost and, most importantly, to ensure operation safety. Specifically, the limitations of pneumatically controlled braking system increase the need for the optimal control strategy to accounting for future grades, speed restrictions and uncertain disturbances. In this article, the stochastic dynamic programming model is adopt to set up a rigorous mathematical formulation for heavy haul train control, and approximate dynamic programming algorithm with lookup table representation is introduced to find the optimal solution of the considered problem. By handling the existed uncertainties in a mathematical way, the post-decision state variable is utilized to represent the state of the heavy haul train after we have made a control decision but before any exogenous information has arrived. Finally, the computational results demonstrate the effectiveness and performance of the proposed model and algorithm.
Strategies to Modify the Risk of Heart Failure Readmission
Authors: Wan Thomas T. H. , Terry Amanda , Cobb Enesha , McKee Bobbie , Tregerman Rebecca , Barbaro Sara D. S.
Published: April 2017

Background:

Human factors play an important role in health-care outcomes of heart failure (HF) patients. A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trial studies on HF hospitalization may yield positive proofs of the beneficial effect of specific care management strategies.

Purpose:

To investigate how the 8 guiding principles of choice, rest, environment, activity, trust, interpersonal relationships, outlook, and nutrition reduce HF readmissions.

Basic Procedures:

Appropriate keywords were identified related to the (1) independent variable of hospitalization and treatment, (2) the moderating variable of care management principles, (3) the dependent variable of readmission, and (4) the disease of HF to conduct searches in 9 databases. Databases searched included CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, ERIC, MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycInfo, Science Direct, and Web of Science. Only prospective studies associated with HF hospitalization and readmissions, published in English, Chinese, Spanish, and German journals between January 1, 1990, and August 31, 2015, were included in the systematic review. In the meta-analysis, data were collected from studies that measured HF readmission for individual patients.

Main Findings:

The results indicate that an intervention involving any human factor principles may nearly double an individual’s probability of not being readmitted. Participants in interventions that incorporated single or combined principles were 1.4 to 6.8 times less likely to be readmitted.

Principal Conclusions:

Interventions with human factor principles reduce readmissions among HF patients. Overall, this review may help reconfigure the design, implementation, and evaluation of clinical practice for reducing HF readmissions in the future.
Interim PET-driven strategy in de novo diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: do we trust the driver?
Authors: Le Gouill Steven , Casasnovas René-Olivier
Published: April 2017

18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) has become a central tool for both accurate initial staging and determination of prognosis after treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, the role of PET during treatment (iPET) in daily practice remains a matter of significant debate. This perspective reviews the published studies on iPET in DLBCL, including the methods used to analyze iPET, its timing, and studies of iPET-driven therapy to illuminate where daily practice may benefit from the use of iPET. When performed after 2 and/or 4 courses of immunochemotherapy, iPET has a very good negative predictive value, utilizing both visual (qualitative) and semiquantitative methods. The visual method accurately predicts outcome for patients with limited disease. The semiquantitative method, eg, the change of the difference of maximum standardized uptake value (ΔSUVmax), is for patients with advanced DLBCL, for whom iPET identifies patients with very good outcome with continuation of standard therapy. A low ΔSUVmax also helps identify patients with a risk for relapse averaging 50% and warrants review of their scheduled therapy. To date, no trial has demonstrated the superiority of an iPET-driven strategy in DLBCL. However, the very good negative and good positive predictive values of iPET support its use in daily practice as a better predictive tool than contrast-enhanced computed tomographic scan for therapeutic decision making.
Erythrocyte sialoglycoproteins engage Siglec-9 on neutrophils to suppress activation
Authors: Lizcano Anel , Secundino Ismael , Döhrmann Simon , Corriden Ross , Rohena Cristina , Diaz Sandra , Ghosh Pradipta , Deng Lingquan , Nizet Victor , Varki Ajit
Published: April 2017

Key Points

Erythrocytes suppress neutrophil activation and apoptosis in whole blood. Sialoglycoproteins on the erythrocyte surface regulate neutrophils through Siglec-9.
Clinical updates in adult immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Lambert Michele P. , Gernsheimer Terry B.
Published: April 2017

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) occurs in 2 to 4/100 000 adults and results in variable bleeding symptoms and thrombocytopenia. In the last decade, changes in our understanding of the pathophysiology of the disorder have led to the publication of new guidelines for the diagnosis and management of ITP and standards for terminology. Current evidence supports alternatives to splenectomy for second-line management of patients with persistently low platelet counts and bleeding. Long-term follow-up data suggest both efficacy and safety, in particular, for the thrombopoietin receptor agonists and the occurrence of late remissions. Follow-up of patients who have undergone splenectomy for ITP reveals significant potential risks that should be discussed with patients and may influence clinician and patient choice of second-line therapy. Novel therapeutics are in development to address ongoing treatment gaps.
Challenges Persist Under Americans With Disabilities Act Amendments Act: How Can Oncology Providers Help?
Authors: Feuerstein Michael , Gehrke Amanda K. , McMahon Brian T. , McMahon Megan C.
Published: April 2017

Purpose:

To determine whether the Amendments to the hallmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA; effective January 2009), which provide increased access to the antidiscrimination laws for many with chronic illness, are related to changes in workplace discrimination allegations in individuals with a history of cancer.

Methods:

Information collected by the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission was used to compare allegations of discrimination and their merit before (2001 to 2008) and after (2009 to 2011) implementation of the Amendments Act.

Results:

Allegations related to terms of employment (eg, promotions, wages) were more likely to be filed (odds ratio [OR], 1.34; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.61) and determined to have merit (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.77) after implementation of the Amendments Act. Allegations related to workplace relations (eg, harassment, discipline, discharge) were also more likely to be filed post Amendments Act (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.78), although the merit of this complaint remained stable. Filing of all other allegations of discrimination (ie, hiring, reasonable accommodation, and termination) and their merit remained unchanged post Amendments Act.

Conclusion:

Despite the implementation of the Amendments Act, discrimination allegations in those with a history of cancer persisted or in certain areas increased. Although prevention of workplace discrimination rests primarily with employers, the oncology care team is uniquely qualified to provide information related to residual symptoms and function that can facilitate more personalized solutions to workplace discrimination, such as successful workplace accommodations. Information is provided that can assist the oncology team in their efforts to improve work outcomes.
Economic Evaluation of a Hospital-Based Palliative Care Program
Authors: Isenberg Sarina R. , Lu Chunhua , McQuade John , Razzak Rab , Weir Brian W. , Gill Natasha , Smith Thomas J. , Holtgrave David R.
Published: April 2017

Purpose:

Establish costs of an inpatient palliative care unit (PCU) and conduct a threshold analysis to estimate the maximum possible costs for the PCU to be considered cost effective.

Methods:

We used a hospital perspective to determine costs on the basis of claims from administrative data from Johns Hopkins PCU between March 2013 and March 2014. Using existing literature, we estimated the number of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) that the PCU could generate. We conducted a threshold analysis to assess the maximum costs for the PCU to be considered cost effective, incorporating willingness to pay ($180,000 per QALY). Three types of costs were considered, which included variable costs alone, contribution margin (ie, revenue minus variable costs), and PCU cost savings compared with usual care (from a separate publication).

Results:

The data showed that there were 153 patient encounters (PEs), variable costs of $1,050,031 ($1,343 per PE per day), a contribution margin of $318,413 ($407 per PE per day), and savings compared with usual care of $353,645 ($452 savings per PE per day). On the basis of the literature, the program could generate 3.11 QALYs from PEs (0.05 QALY) and caregivers (3.06 QALYs). The threshold analysis determined that the maximum variable cost required to be cost effective was $559,800 (an additional $716 per PE per day could be spent).

Conclusion:

According to variable costs, the PCU was not cost effective; however, when considering savings of the PCU compared with usual care, the PCU was cost saving. The contribution margin showed that the PCU was cost saving. This study supports efforts to expand PCUs, which enhance care for patients and their caregivers and can generate hospital savings. Future research should prospectively explore the cost utility of PCUs.
Morphology Design of Crystalline and Polymer Materials from Nanoscopic to Macroscopic Scales
Authors: Oaki Yuya
Published: April 2017

Morphology of molecules and materials has significant impact on properties and functions. At molecular and nanometer scales, morphologies of molecules and their organized state are controlled by molecular design and synthesis. This account focuses on morphologies of crystalline and polymer materials from nanometer to macroscopic scales. A good model for morphology control is found in nature. Biominerals form inorganic–organic composites with hierarchically organized morphologies under mild conditions. We found the overlooked biological strategy for the morphogenesis from the nanocrystals and the macromolecules. Inspired by biological approaches, hierarchically organized morphologies of crystals were prepared through controlled growth in the presence of organic polymers. The bioinspired approaches are regarded as polymer-controlled crystallization. Recently, we developed the reverse approach, namely crystal-controlled polymerization. The hierarchical morphology control of organic and inorganic polymer materials was achieved by using crystals. Morphology design and control of materials have potential for improvement of performance and emergence of unprecedented properties. The present account summarizes basic findings of the overlooked biological strategy, polymer-mediated crystallization, and crystal-mediated polymerization.
Structure of the DEAH/RHA ATPase Prp43p bound to RNA implicates a pair of hairpins and motif Va in translocation along RNA
Authors: He Yangzi , Staley Jonathan P. , Andersen Gregers Rom , Nielsen Klaus H.
Published: April 2017

Three families of nucleic acid-dependent ATPases (DEAH/RHA, Ski2-like, and NS3/NPH-II), termed the DExH ATPases, are thought to execute myriad functions by processive, ATP-dependent, 3′ to 5′ translocation along single-stranded nucleic acid. While the mechanism of translocation of the viral NS3/NPH-II family has been studied extensively, it has not been clear if or how the principles that have emerged for this family extend to the other two families. Here we report the crystal structure of the yeast DEAH/RHA family ATPase Prp43p, which functions in splicing and ribosome biogenesis, in complex with poly-uracil and a nonhydrolyzable ATP analog. The structure reveals a conserved DEAH/RHA-specific variation of motif Ib within the RecA1 domain of the catalytic core, in which the motif elongates as a β-hairpin that bookends the 3′ end of a central RNA stack, a function that in the viral and Ski-2 families is performed by an auxiliary domain. Supporting a fundamental role in translocation, mutations in this hairpin abolished helicase activity without affecting RNA binding or ATPase activity. While the structure reveals differences with viral ATPases in the RecA1 domain, our structure demonstrates striking similarities with viral ATPases in the RecA2 domain of the catalytic core, including both a prominent β-hairpin that bookends the 5′ end of the RNA stack and a dynamic motif Va that is implicated in mediating translocation. Our crystal structure, genetic, and biochemical experiments, as well as comparisons with other DExH ATPases, support a generalized mechanism for the DExH class of helicases involving a pair of bookends that inchworm along RNA.
Investigating the ionosphere response to exhaust products of “Progress” cargo spacecraft engines on the basis of Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Radar data
Authors: Шпынев Борис , Shpynev Boris , Алсаткин Сергей , Alsatkin Sergei , Хахинов Виталий , Khakhinov Vitaliy , Лебедев Валентин , Lebedev Valentin
Published: April 2017

The FSUE Central Research Institute of Machine Building (TsNIIMash), Rocket and Space Corporation “Energia”, and Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics of Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (ISTP SB RAS) jointly conducted the active space experiment “Radar-Progress” in 2007–2015. During this experiment, we used the Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Radar to study space-time characteristics of ionospheric disturbances generated by exhaust products of “Progress” cargo spacecraft engines. As the basic effect during exhaust product injection we consider the formation of new centers for recombination of ambient ionospheric ions O+ on molecules of water and carbon dioxide. This produces an ionization “hole” in the region of injection. In nighttime conditions when the majority of experiments were performed, this hole was filled by hydrogen ions from the plasmasphere, thus the ion composition in the vicinity of the hole and incoherent scatter spectra were changed. For successful observation of the ionization hole dynamics, the critical factors are the degree of radar antenna diagram filling by exhaust products and the velocity of the thermospheric neutral wind, which makes exhaust gases move from the antenna diagram. These two factors lead to poor repeatability of successful experiments. Successful experiments recorded a decrease in electron density up to 35 % in the hole that existed for 30 min. The lifetime of the region with high concentration of H+ ions can be as long as one hour.
MicroRNA Profiling Reveals Marker of Motor Neuron Disease in ALS Models
Authors: Hoye Mariah L. , Koval Erica D. , Wegener Amy J. , Hyman Theodore S. , Yang Chengran , O'Brien David R. , Miller Rebecca L. , Cole Tracy , Schoch Kathleen M. , Shen Tao , Kunikata Tomonori , Richard Jean-Philippe , Gutmann David H. , Maragakis Nicholas J. , Kordasiewicz Holly B. , Dougherty Joseph D. , Miller Timothy M.
Published: April 2017

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by the loss of motor neurons (MNs) in the brain and spinal cord, leading to fatally debilitating weakness. Because this disease predominantly affects MNs, we aimed to characterize the distinct expression profile of that cell type to elucidate underlying disease mechanisms and to identify novel targets that inform on MN health during ALS disease time course. microRNAs (miRNAs) are short, noncoding RNAs that can shape the expression profile of a cell and thus often exhibit cell-type-enriched expression. To determine MN-enriched miRNA expression, we used Cre recombinase-dependent miRNA tagging and affinity purification in mice. By defining thein vivomiRNA expression of MNs, all neurons, astrocytes, and microglia, we then focused on MN-enriched miRNAs via a comparative analysis and found that they may functionally distinguish MNs postnatally from other spinal neurons. Characterizing the levels of the MN-enriched miRNAs in CSF harvested from ALS models of MN disease demonstrated that one miRNA (miR-218) tracked with MN loss and was responsive to an ALS therapy in rodent models. Therefore, we have used cellular expression profiling tools to define the distinct miRNA expression of MNs, which is likely to enrich future studies of MN disease. This approach enabled the development of a novel, drug-responsive marker of MN disease in ALS rodents.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease in which motor neurons (MNs) in the brain and spinal cord are selectively lost. To develop tools to aid in our understanding of the distinct expression profiles of MNs and, ultimately, to monitor MN disease progression, we identified small regulatory microRNAs (miRNAs) that were highly enriched or exclusive in MNs. The signal for one of these MN-enriched miRNAs is detectable in spinal tap biofluid from an ALS rat model, where its levels change as disease progresses, suggesting that it may be a clinically useful marker of disease status. Furthermore, rats treated with ALS therapy have restored expression of this MN RNA marker, making it an MN-specific and drug-responsive marker for ALS rodents.
The Franciscans and Yaylaq Khatun
Authors: Kovács Szilvia
Published: April 2017

This study explores two issues. The first topic, as the title suggests, deals with the appearance of the Franciscan Order and its expansion at the expense of the Dominicans on the southern Russian steppe in the second half of the thirteenth century. The second question is tied to one of the successes of the Franciscans: the conversion to Christianity of one of the wives of Nogay, the khanmaker, the powerful lord of the western regions of the Golden Horde. I will reconstruct what can be ascertained about this khatun, based on Latin, Muslim and Byzantine sources.
Precursors of the botanical exploration of South America. Wilhelm Piso (1611–1678) and Georg Marcgrave (1610–1644)
Authors: Ossenbach Carlos
Published: April 2017

The Dutch colonization of northeastern Brazil from 1630 to 1654 is described, with emphasis on the years 1636–1644, when the colony was under the administration of Johan-Maurits Prince of Nassau-Siegen (1604–1679). During his rule, the Company sent the geographer and astronomer Georg Marcgrave (1610–1644) and the physician Wilhelm Piso (1611–1644) to Recife. Both explored northern Brazil and made rich botanical and zoological collections, which were published in Amsterdam in 1648, after Pisos’s return, under the title Historia Naturalis Brasiliae; a second edition followed in 1658. In this work Piso mentions for the first time the orchid Vanilla in its current spelling. Both Piso and Marcgrave collected and illustrated Catasetum maculatum L.C.R., whilst a third orchid species, Trigonidium acuminatum Batem., can be found in Marcgrave’s herbarium.
A legjelentősebb angiogeneticus gének méhlepényi expressziójának változásai a méhen belüli növekedési visszamaradás hátterében
Authors: Kovács Péter , Rab Attila , Szentpéteri Imre , Joó József Gábor , Kornya László
Published: April 2017

Abstract:

Placental vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) gene and endoglin gene are both overexpressed in placental samples obtained from pregnancies with intrauterine growth restriction compared to normal pregnancies. In the background of these changes a mechanism can be supposed, in which the increased endoglin activity in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) leads to impaired placental circulation through an antioangiogenetic effect. This results in the development of placental vascular dysfunction and chronic fetal hypoxia. It is chronic hypoxia that turns on VEGF-A as a compensatory mechanism to improve fetal vascular blood supply by promoting placental blood vessel formation. Although the maternal serum placental growth factor (PlGF) level is a potential predictor for both IUGR and praeeclampsia, placental PlGF gene activity may be less of an active in the regulation of placental circulation in IUGR pregnancies during the later stages of gestation. Orv. Hetil., 2017, 158(16), 612–617.
PENGARUH VAKSINASI MATERNAL ANTI-AEROMONAS IIYDROPHIIA TERHADAP BENIH IKAN LELE DUMBO (Clarias sp.) YANG DIHASILKANNYA
Authors: Taukhid Taukhid , Bastiawan Dayat
Published: April 2017

Penelitian vaksinasi maternal pada ikan lele telah dilakukan di panti benih unitPengembangan Budidaya Air Tawar (UPBAT) Cijengkol dan laboratorium penyakit ikanBalai Penelitian Perikanan Air Tawar.
Redes sociales en el trabajo social. Apuntes para la praxis profesional social
Authors: Gil Ríos Ana María
Published: April 2017

Objetivo. Plantear una reflexión sobre la relevancia de las redes sociales en la praxis del trabajo social. Para ello se tienen en cuenta los resultados de una investigación realizada en el barrio Solferino, de la ciudad de Manizales, Colombia, que buscó identificar los sentidos construidos por sus habitantes frente a las redes consideradas significativas. Metodología. Descriptiva, la cual se lleva a cabo desde la revisión conceptual de autores relevantes en el tema y algunos aspectos de la teoría de las capacidades de Nussbaum (2012) y del construccionismo social de Gergen (2006). Resultados. El presente escrito muestra la relevancia de las redes sociales para el análisis de los procesos sociales y la construcción de tejido social. Conclusión. Se identificó a las redes sociales como apuesta para la construcción de alternativas al desarrollo.
Inclusão socioespacial de pessoas com deficiência no programa “minha casa minha vida”: dicotomias entre o discurso político e a ação efetiva
Authors: Lombardi Anna Paula , Löwen Sahr Cicilian Luiza
Published: April 2017

Objetivo. Avaliar se o programa de habitação “Minha Casa Minha Vida” (MCMV), desenvolvido pelo governo federal brasileiro na atualidade, vem proporcionando a inclusão socioespacial de Pessoas com Deficiência (PcD). Busca-se identificar se as transformações nos espaços internos de moradia, bem como na articulação dos conjuntos habitacionais à cidade, representam um rompimento com a histórica lógica de exclusão urbana do Estado, permitindo se avançar em direção a uma sociedade mais justa e inclusiva. Metodologia. A análise ocorre a partir de dados dos primeiros conjuntos do programa implantados na cidade de Ponta Grossa no Paraná. Foram realizadas entrevistas com os sujeitos de pesquisa, bem como efetuadas observações de campo. Resultados. As casas adaptadas atendem à satisfação individual das PcD e suas famílias, todavia, a mudança para os novos conjuntos os obrigam a deslocamentos de grande distancia para terem acesso ao comércio, educação, saúde e lazer. Conclusão. Não se confirma a ruptura na lógica do Estado, assiste-se apenas a uma mudança em seu discurso político.
Investigación para la paz y trabajo social: construcción de una cultura para las paces con perspectiva de género
Authors: Loaiza Giraldo Ana María
Published: April 2017

Objetivo. Ofrecer un escenario de reflexión para los profesionales de las ciencias humanas, pero sobre todo a los profesionales en trabajo social, acerca de las posibilidades que la profesión-disciplina tiene hacia la construcción y mantenimiento de la paz. Metodología. Metodológicamente está orientado por la investigación documental y es el resultado de la búsqueda de articulación entre el trabajo social y la investigación para la paz, teniendo de fondo los aportes conceptuales de la perspectiva de género, haciendo especial énfasis en el cuidado, el pensamiento maternal y la reflexión sobre las nuevas masculinidades.
Lineamientos de política pública a partir de la doble incidencia entre la Ley 1448 de 2011 y los sobrevivientes del desplazamiento forzado
Authors: Bustamante Sierra Vizney Leonardo
Published: April 2017

Objetivo. Identificar la doble incidencia que existe entre el proceso de ejecución de la Ley 1448 de 2011, conocida como “ley de víctimas y restitución de tierras”, y las personas sobrevivientes del desplazamiento forzado. Con el fin de proponer estrategias y formular lineamientos de política pública que permitan potenciar la incidencia positiva que ha tenido la mencionada ley en la atención y reparación integral de las ‘víctimas’ del desplazamiento forzado. Metodología. Se definió que la incidencia, desde los sobrevivientes hacia la ley, se analizaría en términos de participación e influencia; mientras que la incidencia, desde la ley hacia los sobrevivientes, se analizaría en términos de repercusión y eficacia en materia de atención integral. Para esto fue necesario acudir a un grupo de sobrevivientes que hacen parte de los programas de asistencia humanitaria de la Pastoral Social de Manizales y paralelamente analizar algunos artículos puntuales de la ley que favorecen la participación de las ‘víctimas’ y que, por tanto, favorecen la doble incidencia. Resultados y Conclusiones. Al final se proponen cinco lineamientos de política pública, organizados en tres categorías, que permiten incrementar la eficacia de la ley en materia de asistencia, atención y reparación integral de los sobrevivientes del desplazamiento forzado en la ciudad de Manizales.