bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cancer therapy-induced cardiovascular toxicity: old/new problems and old drugs
Authors: Beyer Andreas M. , Bonini Marcelo G. , Moslehi Javid
Published: June 2019

Cardio-oncology has emerged as an exciting new field at the intersection of cardiology and oncology. While improved oncology treatment efficacy has increased survival rates in cancer patients, the long-term cardiovascular consequences of this life-saving treatment have become more clinically relevant. Both traditional and newer (targeted) cancer therapies can have cardiovascular and metabolic sequelae, resulting in heart failure, coronary artery disease, myocarditis, pericardial disease, hypertension, and vascular and metabolic perturbations (Moslehi JJ. Cardiovascular toxic effects of targeted cancer therapies. N Engl J Med 375: 1457–1467, 2016). Both acute and chronic cardiovascular toxicities have proven challenging for clinicians and patients, significantly contributing to morbidity and mortality. Although chronic cardiovascular disease affects a growing number of cancer survivors (~17 million in the United States in 2019), cardiovascular toxicities associated with cancer and cancer therapies are poorly understood mechanistically. To balance potential damage to the cardiovascular system with effective and efficient cancer treatment, novel strategies are sorely needed. This perspective focuses on an assembly of articles that discuss novel means of counteracting adverse cardiovascular events in response to anticancer therapy. In light of new clinical syndromes in cardiology due to cancer therapies, we hope to highlight promising research opportunities offered by cardio-oncology (Bellinger AM, Arteaga CL, Force T, Humphreys BD, Demetri GD, Druker BJ, Moslehi JJ. Cardio-oncology: how new targeted cancer therapies and precision medicine can inform cardiovascular discovery. Circulation 132: 2248–2258, 2015.).
Aging women and their endothelium: probing the relative role of estrogen on vasodilator function
Authors: Somani Yasina B. , Pawelczyk James A. , De Souza Mary Jane , Kris-Etherton Penny M. , Proctor David N.
Published: June 2019

Despite significant decreases in cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in the past three decades, it still remains the leading cause of death in women. Following menopause and the accompanying loss of estrogen, women experience a unique, accelerated rise in CVD risk factors. Dysfunction of the endothelium represents an important antecedent to CVD development, with rapid declines in endothelial vasodilator function reportedly taking place across the menopause transition. Importantly, the decline in endothelial function is independent of chronological age and is associated with estrogen deficiency. Estrogen-mediated effects, including increasing nitric oxide bioavailability and attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation, contribute to preserving endothelial health. This review will discuss studies that have probed the role of estrogen on endothelial vasodilator function in women at discrete stages of the menopause transition and the effects of estradiol supplementation in postmenopausal women. Estrogen receptor signaling is also an important aspect of endothelial function in women, and studies suggest that expression is reduced with both acute and prolonged estrogen deficiency. Changes in regulatory mechanisms of estrogen receptor-α expression as well as sensitivity to estrogen may underlie the differential effects of estrogen therapy in early (≤5 yr past final menstrual period) and late postmenopausal women (>5 yr past final menstrual period). Lastly, this review presents potential therapeutic targets that include increasing l-arginine bioavailability and estrogen receptor activation to prevent endothelial dysfunction in postmenopausal women as a strategy for decreasing CVD mortality in this high-risk population.
Subfornical organ insulin receptors tonically modulate cardiovascular and metabolic function
Authors: Jeong Jin Kwon , Horwath Julie A. , Simonyan Hayk , Blackmore Katherine A. , Butler Scott D. , Young Colin N.
Published: June 2019

Insulin acts within the central nervous system through the insulin receptor to influence both metabolic and cardiovascular physiology. While a major focus has been placed on hypothalamic regions, participation of extrahypothalamic insulin receptors in cardiometabolic regulation remains largely unknown. We hypothesized that insulin receptors in the subfornical organ (SFO), a forebrain circumventricular region devoid of a blood-brain barrier, are involved in metabolic and cardiovascular regulation. Immunohistochemistry in mice revealed widespread insulin receptor-positive cells throughout the rostral to caudal extent of the SFO. SFO-targeted adenoviral delivery of Cre-recombinase in insulin receptorlox/loxmice resulted in sufficient ablation of insulin receptors in the SFO. Interestingly, when mice were maintained on a normal chow diet, deletion of SFO insulin receptors resulted in greater weight gain and adiposity, relative to controls, independently of changes in food intake. In line with this, ablation of insulin receptors in the SFO was associated with marked hepatic steatosis and hypertriglyceridemia. Selective removal of SFO insulin receptors also resulted in a lower mean arterial blood pressure, which was primarily due to a reduction in diastolic blood pressure, whereas systolic blood pressure remained unchanged. Cre-mediated targeting of SFO insulin receptors did not influence heart rate. These data demonstrate multidirectional roles for insulin receptor signaling in the SFO, with ablation of SFO insulin receptors resulting in an overall deleterious metabolic state while at the same time maintaining blood pressure at low levels. These novel findings further suggest that alterations in insulin receptor signaling in the SFO could contribute to metabolic syndrome phenotypes.
An ERG Enhancer–Based Reporter Identifies Leukemia Cells with Elevated Leukemogenic Potential Driven by ERG-USP9X Feed-Forward Regulation
Authors: Aqaqe Nasma , Yassin Muhammad , Yassin Abed Alkader , Ershaid Nour , Katz-Even Chen , Zipin-Roitman Adi , Kugler Eitan , Lechman Eric R. , Gan Olga I. , Mitchell Amanda , Dick John E. , Izraeli Shai , Milyavsky Michael
Published: June 2019

Acute leukemia is a rapidly progressing blood cancer with low survival rates. Unfavorable prognosis is attributed to insufficiently characterized subpopulations of leukemia stem cells (LSC) that drive chemoresistance and leukemia relapse. Here we utilized a genetic reporter that assesses stemness to enrich and functionally characterize LSCs. We observed heterogeneous activity of the ERG+85 enhancer–based fluorescent reporter in human leukemias. Cells with high reporter activity (tagBFPHigh) exhibited elevated expression of stemness and chemoresistance genes and demonstrated increased clonogenicity and resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy as compared with their tagBFPNeg counterparts. The tagBFPHigh fraction was capable of regenerating the original cellular heterogeneity and demonstrated increased invasive ability. Moreover, the tagBFPHigh fraction was enriched for leukemia-initiating cells in a xenograft assay. We identified the ubiquitin hydrolase USP9X as a novel ERG transcriptional target that sustains ERG+85–positive cells by controlling ERG ubiquitination. Therapeutic targeting of USP9X led to preferential inhibition of the ERG-dependent leukemias. Collectively, these results characterize human leukemia cell functional heterogeneity and suggest that targeting ERG via USP9X inhibition may be a potential treatment strategy in patients with leukemia.

Significance:

This study couples a novel experimental tool with state-of-the-art approaches to delineate molecular mechanisms underlying stem cell-related characteristics in leukemia cells.
Genetic Ablation of the Cystine Transporter xCT in PDAC Cells Inhibits mTORC1, Growth, Survival, and Tumor Formation via Nutrient and Oxidative Stresses
Authors: Daher Boutaina , Parks Scott K. , Durivault Jerome , Cormerais Yann , Baidarjad Hanane , Tambutte Eric , Pouysségur Jacques , Vučetić Milica
Published: June 2019

Although chemoresistance remains a primary challenge in the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), exploiting oxidative stress might offer novel therapeutic clues. Here we explored the potential of targeting cystine/glutamate exchanger (SLC7A11/xCT), which contributes to the maintenance of intracellular glutathione (GSH). Genomic disruption of xCT via CRISPR-Cas9 was achieved in two PDAC cell lines, MiaPaCa-2 and Capan-2, and xCT-KO clones were cultivated in the presence of N-acetylcysteine. Although several cystine/cysteine transporters have been identified, our findings demonstrate that, in vitro, xCT plays the major role in intracellular cysteine balance and GSH biosynthesis. As a consequence, both xCT-KO cell lines exhibited amino acid stress with activation of GCN2 and subsequent induction of ATF4, inhibition of mTORC1, proliferation arrest, and cell death. Tumor xenograft growth was delayed but not suppressed in xCT-KO cells, which indicated both the key role of xCT and also the presence of additional mechanisms for cysteine homeostasis in vivo. Moreover, rapid depletion of intracellular GSH in xCT-KO cells led to accumulation of lipid peroxides and cell swelling. These two hallmarks of ferroptotic cell death were prevented by vitamin E or iron chelation. Finally, in vitro pharmacologic inhibition of xCT by low concentrations of erastin phenocopied xCT-KO and potentiated the cytotoxic effects of both gemcitabine and cisplatin in PDAC cell lines. In conclusion, our findings strongly support that inhibition of xCT, by its dual induction of nutritional and oxidative cellular stresses, has great potential as an anticancer strategy.

Significance:

The cystine/glutamate exchanger xCT is essential for amino acid and redox homeostasis and its inhibition has potential for anticancer therapy by inducing ferroptosis.
Identifying Candidate Druggable Targets in Canine Cancer Cell Lines Using Whole-Exome Sequencing
Authors: Das Sunetra , Idate Rupa , Cronise Kathryn E. , Gustafson Daniel L. , Duval Dawn L.
Published: June 2019

Cancer cell culture has been a backbone in cancer research, in which analysis of human cell line mutational profiles often correlates with oncogene addiction and drug sensitivity. We have conducted whole-exome sequence analyses on 33 canine cancer cell lines from 10 cancer types to identify somatic variants that contribute to pathogenesis and therapeutic sensitivity. A total of 66,344 somatic variants were identified. Mutational load ranged from 15.79 to 129.37 per Mb, and 13.2% of variants were located in protein-coding regions (PCR) of 5,085 genes. PCR somatic variants were identified in 232 genes listed in the Cancer Gene Census (COSMIC). Cross-referencing variants with human driving mutations on cBioPortal identified 61 variants as candidate cancer drivers in 30 cell lines. The most frequently mutated cancer driver was TP53 (15 mutations in 12 cell lines). No drivers were identified in three cell lines. We identified 501 non-COSMIC genes with PCR variants that functionally annotate with COSMIC genes. These genes frequently mapped to the KEGG MAPK and PI3K–AKT pathways. We evaluated the cell lines for ERK1/2 and AKT(S473) phosphorylation and sensitivity to the MEK1/2 inhibitor, trametinib. Twelve of the 33 cell lines were trametinib-sensitive (IC50 < 32 nmol/L), all 12 exhibited constitutive or serum-activated ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and 8 carried MAPK pathway cancer driver variants: NF1(2), BRAF(3), N/KRAS(3). This functionally annotated database of canine cell line variants will inform hypothesis-driven preclinical research to support the use of companion animals in clinical trials to test novel combination therapies.
УЧАСТЬ МЕДСЕСТРИ У ФОРМУВАННІ КОМПЛАЄНСУ ДО ЛІКУВАННЯ ПАЦІЄНТІВ ІЗ ГІПЕРТОНІЧНОЮ ХВОРОБОЮ ТА ІШЕМІЧНОЮ ХВОРОБОЮ СЕРЦЯ
Authors: Smachylo A. I. , Syvac H. S. , Kaminskaya O. V. , Pankiv I. I.
Published: June 2019

У статті розглянуто актуальні питання формування комплаєнсу (прихильності) до лікування пацієнтів із гіпертонічною хворобою та ішемічною хворобою серця. Оцінено необхідність взаємодії медичних сестер і пацієнтів при вирішенні проблем, пов’язаних із недостатнім комплаєнсом до проведеної медикаментозної терапії.
НОВІ ПІДХОДИ ДО ЗАСТОСУВАННЯ МЕТОДІВ ФІЗИЧНОЇ РЕАБІЛІТАЦІЇ У ПАЦІЄНТІВ МОЛОДОГО ВІКУ З ДИСФУНКЦІЄЮ СКРОНЕВО-НИЖНЬОЩЕЛЕПНОГО СУГЛОБА
Authors: Tabaka Kh. I. , Stelmakh H. O. , Bakalyuk T. G.
Published: June 2019

У роботі проаналізовано тенденції відновного лікування у пацієнтів із дисфункцією скронево-нижньощелепного суглоба та наведено результати власних досліджень. Ця тема актуальна для декіль­кох дисциплин: стоматології, неврології, ортопедії, медичної реабілітації, мануальної терапії.
Wnt5a-Mediated Neutrophil Recruitment Has an Obligatory Role in Pressure Overload–Induced Cardiac Dysfunction
Authors: Wang Ying , Sano Soichi , Oshima Kosei , Sano Miho , Watanabe Yosuke , Katanasaka Yasufumi , Yura Yoshimitsu , Jung Changhee , Anzai Atsushi , Swirski Filip K. , Gokce Noyan , Walsh Kenneth
Published: June 2019

Background:

Although the complex roles of macrophages in myocardial injury are widely appreciated, the function of neutrophils in nonischemic cardiac pathology has received relatively little attention.

Methods:

To examine the regulation and function of neutrophils in pressure overload–induced cardiac hypertrophy, mice underwent treatment with Ly6G antibody to deplete neutrophils and then were subjected to transverse aortic constriction.

Results:

Neutrophil depletion diminished transverse aortic constriction–induced hypertrophy and inflammation and preserved cardiac function. Myeloid deficiency of Wnt5a, a noncanonical Wnt, suppressed neutrophil infiltration to the hearts of transverse aortic constriction–treated mice and produced a phenotype that was similar to the neutropenic conditions. Conversely, mice overexpressing Wnt5a in myeloid cells displayed greater hypertrophic growth, inflammation, and cardiac dysfunction. Neutrophil depletion reversed the Wnt5a overexpression–induced cardiac pathology and eliminated differences in cardiac parameters between wild-type and myeloid-specific Wnt5a transgenic mice.

Conclusions:

These findings reveal that Wnt5a-regulated neutrophil infiltration has a critical role in pressure overload–induced heart failure.
Regulation of Crypto Tokens and Initial Coin Offerings in the EU
Authors: Burilov Vlad
Published: June 2019

Much like initial public offerings produce publicly traded securities, Initial Coin Offerings (icos) produce crypto tokens tradeable on crypto exchanges. Despite an apparent need for investor protection the ico and the tokenisation phenomenon have yet to be addressed by legislative action on the EU level. The paper studies the suitability of the EU regulatory framework to capture tokenised financial instruments and utility tokens based on the views of the EU supervisory and national competent authorities. It is argued that EU regulators shall first ensure legal certainty by defining the scope of tokenised financial instruments subject to MiFID. Further, authorisation and ongoing requirements shall be adapted to address the risks posed by distributed technology and direct global access of investors to crypto markets. Finally, there is no immediate need for a bespoke EU-wide regime governing utility tokens; fragmentation of the market is a positive development providing a testing field for future supranational initiatives.
A new subspecies of Dysiatus from the Sangihe and Talaud islands (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae, Prioninae)
Authors: MISSORI PAOLO , ERCOLI LUCIA
Published: June 2019

The prioninae genus Dysiatus consists of one large species, Dysiatus melas (Pascoe, 1869), occurring on Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. Like other Asian prioninae, its habitat is limited to mountain rainforests, but its distribution does not appear to be threatened because of the large area of suitable habitat available. The new subspecies described here was collected in the remote Sangihe Islands within the province of North Sulawesi. Other specimens of this subspecies have been reported from the Talaud Islands, which lie northeast of the Sangihe Islands.
Facile Preparation of Cadmium Gallate Nanoparticles as a Novel Photocatalyst with High Efficiency and Stability
Authors: Liang Ce , Tao Nian , Wang Bowen , Liu Wenjun , Bi Ke , Lei Ming
Published: June 2019

In this work, we introduced a facile approach for preparing cadmium gallate (CdGa2 O4 nanoparticles, and we first studied the photocatalytic properties of this ternary spinel oxide. Through a solvothermal process for the formation of precursor and the subsequent
calcination process for recrystallization, CdGa2 O4 nanoparticles with diameter of ca. 12 nm were synthesized. They were characterized by using X-ray diffraction patterns and electron microscopy images. UV-visible diffuse absorption spectroscopy was also conducted; its
spectra indicate that CdGa2 O4 nanoparticles have strong but small blue-shift absorption relative to that of the bulk samples. Moreover, the CdGa2 O4 nanoparticles could photocatalytically decompose rhodamine B (RhB) molecules with high efficiency
in aqueous solution under ultraviolet irradiation. Notably, this novel photocatalyst exhibited outstanding recycling stability, and it retained almost the same capacity in the fourth photocatalytic cycle. We deduce that the high photocatalytic performance results from the large specific surface
area, energetic photoinduced carriers, and inherent stability.
Tractor Rollover Protection: Is the Incorrect Use of Foldable Rollover Protective Structures Due to Human or to Technical Issues?
Authors: Micheletti Cremasco Margherita , Caffaro Federica , Giustetto Ambra , Vigoroso Lucia , Paletto Giuseppe , Cavallo Eugenio
Published: June 2019

Objective:

To identify the critical behaviors that may hinder the correct use of foldable rollover protective structures (FROPS) on tractors and to explore the influence of user factors and FROPS technical characteristics.

Background:

FROPS are effective in preventing fatal injuries in rollover accidents if they are in the upright position. However, many farmers leave FROPS folded down.

Method:

Twenty farmers and sixteen models of tractors were involved in the study. Operators were observed while raising the FROPS, and the observed behaviors were correlated with user factors and FROPS technical features.

Results:

In the initial rotation of the FROPS, higher lowered roll-bar to ground distance and FROPS pivot-pin to ground distance required more awkward and unbalanced postures ( p = .02 and p = .01, respectively). When rotating the FROPS in upright position, smaller stature of the participants and higher FROPS pivot-pin to ground distance were significantly correlated with using the tractor’s rear 3-point lower links as a supporting surface ( p = .01 and p = .02, respectively).

Conclusion:

FROPS might be revised considering users’ comfort in use and anthropometric variability, to improve reachability, avoid risky behaviors, and enhance FROPS operation.

Application:

Technical solutions to enhance FROPS accessibility may be developed, particularly by providing safe surfaces to support operators and highlighting the grasping points. Further best practices and information on correct gestures to handle the FROPS should be included in the tractor manual.
Regionalism and Regional Cooperation in Central Asia
Authors: Patnaik Ajay
Published: June 2019

In the post-Soviet period, Central Asia has lost the cohesiveness it had in the Soviet period. The states of the region have since been seeking outward linkages to pursue their economic and security interests. In the process, the relation between the Central Asian countries weakened and, in some cases, became adversarial. The nation-building process undertaken by the national leaders alienated ethnic minorities and neighbouring states. As a result, the regional mechanisms or organizations that have come up in the region are led or initiated by powers such as Russia, China and the USA. The competing interests of these powers have not helped in promoting cooperation among the Central Asia countries though some of these organizations are useful for member states. However, a new trend is visible since 2016 when a new leader became president in Uzbekistan. Improved bilateral relations and summits of leaders of the region create hope for a new regionalism in Central Asia that is based on the internal cooperative dynamics within the region. This may not replace the already existing mechanisms or organizations. However, the process itself is conducive for intra-regional cooperation and would be helpful in keeping the region free from the geopolitical competition of external powers.
Attitudes and Tourists’ Sustainable Behavior: An Overview of the Literature and Discussion of Some Theoretical and Methodological Issues
Authors: Passafaro Paola
Published: June 2019

The article reports an overview of studies that have investigated the role of attitudes in understanding tourists’ sustainable choices. The literature is discussed in the light of theories and empirical research in social and environmental psychology. The aim is to show how past and present work in these disciplines can help tourism scholars to deal with the complex functioning of the attitude concept when this is applied to sustainability issues. Particular attention has been paid to the theoretical and methodological distinctions between the different types of attitudes as they relate to sustainability. Suggestions for improving the effective use of attitudes in sustainability related tourism studies are made together with a discussion of the possible research avenues directed to consolidate as well as to broaden the theoretical foundations of the use of the attitude concept in this field.
Experimental Theology: Theological Anthropology and the Psychological Sciences
Authors: Callaway Kutter , Strawn Brad
Published: June 2019

The theology and psychology “conversation” is currently constrained by a series of seemingly intractable difficulties, ranging from competing methodological commitments to assumptions about theological projects not being vulnerable to empirical verification or falsifiability. This article suggests that a thoroughgoing experimental theology has the capacity to move beyond a conversational paradigm in ways that current approaches simply do not allow, especially as it concerns an interdisciplinary understanding of what it means to be human. It suggests that Experimental Theology (ET) conceives of “conversation” only as a starting point for interdisciplinary projects; grounds theological theories empirically; and advances both psychological and theological research in new and substantive ways, and toward new ends.
The role of unions in addressing behavioural market failures
Authors: Harcourt Mark , Gall Gregor , Kumar Rinu Vimal , Croucher Richard
Published: June 2019

The traditional view of economists is that unions cause market failures, thereby reducing economic efficiency. Freeman and Medoff challenged this overly negative view, suggesting unions address market failures associated with the ‘public goods’ aspects of terms and conditions in the workplace for members and non-members alike. This article builds upon their work by arguing workers’ collective voice via unions can also be used to address particular behavioural market failures associated with common defects in individual cognition. Specifically, the article suggests how unions through membership, expert and organisational learning effects can help address four common behavioural market failures or cognitive mistakes, namely, short-termism, inattention to important but hidden attributes, unrealistic optimism, and poor probability estimation. In order to explore how the three effects help mitigate the four failures, the article draws upon insights from behavioural economics. Finally, it discusses the factors which influence the extent of the application of the three effects.
Legal Issues for Orientation and Mobility Specialists: Minimizing the Risks of Liability
Authors: Marsh Ruth Ann , Hartmeister Fred , Griffin-Shirley Nora
Published: June 2019

This article discusses the potential negligence-based liability risks that orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists often face when assisting visually impaired students with independent travel in uncontrolled environments. It also presents strategies that may minimize the risks of O&M training for both students and O&M specialists.
The use of Directives in Verbal Interactions between Blind Children and their Mothers
Authors: Pérez-Pereira Miguel , Conti-Ramsden Gina
Published: June 2019

Verbal interactions between three mothers and their young blind children, with special attention to the use of maternal directives, were examined. It was found that a simple analysis of maternal directives can be misleading. Thus, counting single occurrences of directives ignores the possible adaptive role that directive sequences may have in conversational interactions with blind children.
The Self-Concepts of Spanish Children and Adolescents with Low Vision and Their Sighted Peers
Authors: López-Justicia Maria Dolores , Pichardo Maria Carmen , Amezcua Juan Antonio , Fernández Eduardo
Published: June 2019

Three studies of Spanish students with low vision, aged 4–7, 8–11, and 12–17, found that overall, the participants’ scores for some dimensions of self-concept were lower than those of comparison groups of sighted students of the same ages. Because the participants with low vision were found to have difficulty coping with a number of situations in their school and social lives, it is suggested that teaching and learning methods should be changed to incorporate strategies, such as cooperative learning, that may help improve the self-concept and academic performance of students with low vision.
Schools’ Efforts to Involve Latino Families of Students with Visual Impairments
Authors: Milian Madeline
Published: June 2019

This study found that Latino families thought that schools did well in providing information about their children with visual impairments and inviting families to school programs and poorly on encouraging families to volunteer at school, providing assistance to families in helping their children with self-care activities, and making home visits. The families’ ratings varied by the children's ages and reading modes, by the length of time the families had lived in the United States, and the languages the families spoke.
Health Conditions, Activity Limitations, and Participation Restrictions among Older People with Visual Impairments
Authors: Crews John E. , Campbell Vincent A.
Published: June 2019

Data from the Second Supplement on Aging (1994) were analyzed to evaluate the presence of selected medical conditions, performance of basic and instrumental activities of daily living, and participation in life situations in two groups of visually impaired elders (persons aged 70–74 and persons aged 85 years or older) and two other groups of elders in the same age groups who are not visually impaired. Results indicated that, for both age groups, visual impairment is a significant risk factor for additional medical conditions, activity limitations, and participation restrictions.
Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments: What are they Teaching?
Authors: Wolffe Karen E. , Sacks Sharon Z. , Corn Anne L. , Erin Jane N. , Huebner Kathleen M. , Lewis Sandra
Published: June 2019

This article describes the results of a qualitative study on researchers’ observations of teachers of students with visual impairments and how the teachers spend their time in the classroom. The researchers report on the types of training and services being provided to students, including instruction in areas of the expanded core curriculum, also known as disability-specific skills training.
Enhancing the Social Interaction Skills of Preschoolers with Visual Impairments
Authors: D'Allura Tana
Published: June 2019

This longitudinal, observational study of 13 children in a preschool for children with visual impairments examined the effects of reverse mainstreaming, in combination with the cooperative learning strategy, on the social interaction patterns of preschoolers with and without visual impairments. It found that the type of environment provided and the learning strategies used affect both whether and how children relate to their environment.
Experiences of Older Adults who Stopped Driving Because of their Visual Impairments: Part 3
Authors: Rosenblum L. Penny , Corn Anne L.
Published: June 2019

This is the third in a series that describes the experiences of 162 adults, age 60 and older, who stopped driving due to a visual impairment. The participants responded to open-ended questions concerning the advantages and disadvantages of stopping driving, strategies they used in obtaining rides, and advice they would offer to adults who are about to stop driving. Participants spoke about the need to be proactive nondrivers.
Self-determined Recreational and Leisure Choices of Individuals with Deaf-Blindness
Authors: Lieberman Lauren , Stuart Moira
Published: June 2019

Of the 51 adults who were deaf-blind and cognitively normal who were surveyed about their recreational preferences and practices, 50% were employed and 60% were unsatisfied with their current recreational pursuits, which did not match their preferred recreational activities. The barriers to involvement in recreational activities were the lack of transportation, others to participate with, programming, and time.
Use of the Talking Tactile Tablet in Mathematics Testing
Authors: Landau Steven , Russell Michael , Gourgey Karen , Erin Jane N. , Cowan Jennifer
Published: June 2019

This article describes an experimental system for administering multiple-choice math tests to students who are visually impaired or otherwise print disabled. Using a new audio-tactile computer peripheral device called the Talking Tactile Tablet, the authors created a preliminary version of a self-voicing test that included 12 items, all of which referred to a graphical element. Users could take the test, working through the items at their own speed and learning about associated tactile graphic diagrams by pressing on various features to hear appropriate audio descriptions.
Contact: Effects of an Intervention Program to Foster Harmonious Interactions between Deaf-Blind Children and Their Educators
Authors: Janssen Marleen J. , Riksen-Walraven J. Marianne , Van Dijk Jan P. M.
Published: June 2019

This study examined the effects of an intervention program to improve the quality of daily interaction between six congenitally deaf-blind children and their 14 educators (teachers, caregivers, and mothers). With video analysis as the most important tool, the interaction coaches trained the educators to recognize the children's signals and attune their behaviors to the children's.
Essential Behavioral Qualities for Effective Leadership in Schools for Students who are Visually Impaired: A National Study
Authors: Oyinlade A. Olu , Gellhaus Marva , Darboe Kebba
Published: June 2019

This study examined the perceived essential behavioral leadership qualities necessary for effective leadership by principals and superintendents in schools for students with visual impairments. The findings suggest that people-oriented leadership qualities are perceived to be better suited for effective leadership than are job-centered qualities in these schools.
In the Palm of Your Hand: A Vision of the Future of Technology for People with Visual Impairments
Authors: Fruchterman James R.
Published: June 2019

From the perspective of a nonprofit leader in the field of adaptive technology, the wireless cell phone is the key to greater access to technology for people with disabilities. The confluence of the mobile computing needs of the general public and the visually impaired community grows ever closer and bodes well for tools that will help lower barriers to education and employment.
Information Technology and Universal Design: An Agenda for Accessible Technology
Authors: Tobias Jim
Published: June 2019

Developments in information technology underscore the need for greater awareness, facilitation of universal design, and a focus on nontechnological barriers to implementing technology. The author presents his views on the current status of accessible technology, where the most significant barriers remain, and what may be done to address them.
A Haptic Glove as a Tactile-Vision Sensory Substitution for Wayfinding
Authors: Zelek John S. , Bromley Sam , Asmar Daniel , Thompson David
Published: June 2019

A prototype of a device that relays navigational information to a person who is visually impaired using a portable tactile glove and a wearable computer and camera system was demonstrated and tested. The results of preliminary tests using the glove as a navigational device show that the paths traversed by subjects negotiating an obstacle course using the glove were not qualitatively different from the paths produced with existing wayfinding devices and that hitting probabilities, the measure of the likelihood of hitting an obstacle, are minimized from goal-directed random walks.
Tai Chi for People with Visual Impairments: A Pilot Study
Authors: Miszko Tanya A. , Ramsey Vincent K. , Blasch Bruce B.
Published: June 2019

This pilot study assessed the physical and psychological outcomes of a tai chi exercise program for eight adults with visual impairments. It found that after eight weeks of orientation and mobility training and tai chi practice, the participants’ single leg-stance time and total knee flexion work and power improved, as did their frequency of, independence in, and satisfaction with performing mobility tasks.
Meeting the Challenge: Innovation in One State Rehabilitation System's Approach to Transition
Authors: Jorgensen-Smith Tammy , Lewis Sandra
Published: June 2019

This article describes a pilot program that used local rehabilitation facilities to address the career-education needs of visually impaired students aged 14–21 in three Florida communities. The extensive planning, data collection, and evaluation process will allow this project to be improved and expanded throughout the state.
Ergonomic Enhancement for Older Readers with Low Vision
Authors: Watson Gale R. , Ramsey Vincent , De l'Aune William , Elk Arona
Published: June 2019

This study found that the provision of ergonomic workstations for 12 older persons with age-related macular degeneration who used low vision devices significantly increased the participants’ reading speed and decreased their discomfort when reading.
Social Support and Self-esteem among Adolescents with Visual Impairments
Authors: Huurre Taina Maarit , Komulainen Erkki Juhani , Aro Hillevi Marita
Published: June 2019

The social support and self-esteem of 115 adolescents with visual impairments (who were blind or had low vision) who attended mainstream Finnish schools and a control group of 607 sighted classmates of 66 visually impaired adolescents were assessed using a self-report questionnaire. The study found that the self-esteem of the sighted and visually impaired adolescents did not differ and that relationships with friends significantly contributed to the enhancement of the self-esteem of the adolescents with visual impairments.
Relationship between Self-Ratings by Sensory Impaired Students and Teachers’ Ratings of Generalizable Skills
Authors: Loeding Barbara L. , Greenan James P.
Published: June 2019

This study examined the relationship between students’ self-ratings and teachers’ ratings of four sets of generalizable skills. The students, who were deaf, hard-of-hearing, or blind or had low vision were enrolled in vocational classes at two residential secondary schools. The findings revealed little agreement between the students and their teachers about the students’ levels of skills.
Traumatic Orbital Subperiosteal Hematoma With Acute Visual Compromise: Role of the Head and Neck Surgeon
Authors: Shokri Tom , Patel Vijay A. , Goyal Neerav
Published: June 2019

The primary goal was to report our institutional experience of a rare, vision-threatening complication following craniomaxillofacial trauma. A retrospective review was performed between January 2016 and January 2018 to identify 3 patients with traumatic orbital subperiosteal hematoma (OSPH). Visual acuity, intraocular pressures (IOPs), and the need for surgical intervention were abstracted. The age range was 36 to 88 years. Indications for surgical intervention include relative afferent pupillary defect, gaze restriction, visual impairment, and elevated IOP. Preoperatively, IOP range was 15.0 to 25.0. Two patients required OSPH evacuation via a medial brow approach. Follow-up after ocular injury ranged from 25 to 41 days, with IOP range of 13.0 to 16.0. Traumatic OSPH is an uncommon clinical finding; prompt assessment with consideration of surgical intervention may mitigate deleterious long-term morbidity, chiefly sudden blindness. Further research efforts may elucidate the optimal method in the management of this complex clinical entity.
Organizational Identity Struggles and Reconstruction During Organizational Change: Narratives as symbolic, emotional and practical glue
Authors: Ernst Jette , Jensen Schleiter Astrid
Published: June 2019

The article offers a novel perspective on the formation of organizational identity (OI) during major organizational change. The empirical context of our studies is the establishment of a new acute care department and the reorganization of care, where nurses and managers struggle to construct and reclaim a legitimate identity within the hospital and simultaneously strive to gain a leading position among acute care departments in the country. We use Bourdieu’s theoretical ideas combined with a focus on narratives as an original and fertile perspective for studying OI. We propose that OI is inherently temporal, embodied and socially configured and cannot be separated from the institutionalized context of its setting because it is interlaced with (in this case) health professional logics. We show how OI is constructed through the strategizing moves of managers and nurses. This includes their narrative constructions of their quest for care progression and a legitimate OI that function as symbolic, emotional and practical glue.
miR-33-5p knockdown attenuates abdominal aortic aneurysm progression via promoting target adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter A1 expression and activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Zhao Lingfeng , Huang Jian , Zhu Yancui , Han Shengbin , Qing Kaixiong , Wang Jin , Feng Yaoyu
Published: June 2019

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of miR-33-5p in abdominal aortic aneurysm progression, which regulated adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1)-mediated cholesterol efflux and lipid accumulation in THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells through the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Methods:

Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate the expression level of miR-33-5p and ABCA1 mRNA in abdominal aortic aneurysm patient and normal person tissues. The relationship between miR-33-5p and ABCA1 was examined by dual luciferase report assay. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to evaluate the levels of cholesterol contents. Cholesterol efflux detection was performed by liquid scintillator. The expression of inflammatory cytokines was detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Western blot was applied to determine the expression levels of ABCA1, PI3K (p-PI3K), and Akt (p-Akt).

Results:

The quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis results revealed miR-33-5p overexpression in abdominal aortic aneurysm tissues, but the expression level of ABCA1 was lower in abdominal aortic aneurysm tissues than non-abdominal aortic aneurysm tissues. Subsequently, the dual luciferase report gene assay confirmed that ABCA1 was a target of miR-33-5p, and miR-33-5p-negative regulated ABCA1 expression. Moreover, the expression levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, and ABCA1 were decreased in THP-1 cell transferred with ABCA1 siRNA, but knockdown of miR-33-5p had an opposite effect. Furthermore, knockdown of miR-33-5p decreased the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, TNF-α, total cellular cholesterol, and promoted cholesterol efflux in THP-1-derived foam cells. Importantly, LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor) or si-ABCA1 completely inhibited the stimulatory effects of miR-33-5p inhibitor.

Conclusion:

This study has found that knockdown of miR-33-5p induced ABCA1 expression and promoted inflammatory cytokines and cholesterol efflux likely via activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Anaplastic Large T-Cell Lymphoma in the Intestine of Dogs
Authors: Stranahan Lauren W. , Whitley Derick , Thaiwong Tuddow , Kiupel Matti , Oliveira Fabiano
Published: June 2019

Anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma (ALTCL) is a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin T-cell lymphoma that occasionally occurs in the gastrointestinal tract of humans. Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL) type 1 is the most common type of intestinal lymphoma in dogs, and ALTCL has not previously been reported in the intestinal tract of dogs. Thirteen dogs with intestinal masses diagnosed as intestinal lymphoma with anaplastic morphology were reviewed. Clinical data, including treatment protocols, were available for 11 cases. Immunohistochemistry for CD3, CD20, and CD30 was performed for all cases in addition to PCR for Antigen Receptor Rearrangements (PARR) for assessment of clonality. Eight (62%) of the cases presented with intestinal perforation, and all cases had 1 or more masses arising from the small intestine. Histologically, all cases were characterized by transmural infiltrates of large, CD3-positive and frequently CD30-positive cells. Neoplastic T cells had marked anisocytosis and anisokaryosis, prominent nucleoli, and occasionally indented to reniform nuclei. There was abundant necrosis and inflammation with occasional vascular invasion within neoplastic masses. All cases had a monoclonal T-cell receptor γ gene rearrangement. The median survival time was 5 days, with 1 dog surviving 2 years after the initial diagnosis. ALTCL can occur as an aggressive transmural lymphoma in the gastrointestinal tract of dogs and commonly causes intestinal perforation. ALTCL can be differentiated from EATL type 1 and might have implications for accurate prognostication and selection of therapeutic options in the future.
Optimizing Expert-Based Decision-Making of Pavement Maintenance using Artificial Neural Networks with Pattern-Recognition Algorithms
Authors: Hafez Marwan , Ksaibati Khaled , Atadero Rebecca A.
Published: June 2019

Light pavement rehabilitations and low-cost treatments are extensively employed among transportation agencies on roads with relatively low traffic volumes to optimize available resources. One concern with this approach entails the difficulties of determining the optimal timing for treatment application. Making the best use of limited resources requires improvements in maintenance decision-making for selecting treatments considering all affecting factors and previous experience. This paper presents a machine learning approach in the decision-making process for determining the most appropriate pavement maintenance and rehabilitation alternatives for low-volume paved roads at the network level. Based on regional experts’ recommendations and engineering judgments in Colorado, a wide range of 884 cases of pavement-treatment patterns were generated. Then an artificial neural network (ANN) was trained with pattern-recognition algorithms. Two ANN prediction models were developed on the basis of pavement condition data, represented by six condition indices, and road lengths. The objective of training the models is to evaluate the variability of maintenance practices among five engineering regions within the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). The outcome of this study describes the implementation gaps of pavement-preservation activities among CDOT regions resulting from limited maintenance funding. The regional maintenance selection can be processed by the developed ANN decision-making tool to recommend alternatives from regional recommendations as well as similar applications statewide to fit pavement management needs and expected performance.
Application of Machine Learning Techniques for the Analysis of National Bridge Inventory and Bridge Element Data
Authors: Fiorillo Graziano , Nassif Hani
Published: June 2019

The MAP-21 Act requires information on bridge assets to be at the element level for management operations in the U.S.A. This approach has the objective of improving future predictions of the performance of bridge assets for a more precise evaluation of condition and correct allocation of management funds to keep bridges in a good state of repair. Although bridge element conditions were introduced in the 1990s, the application of such data had never been mandatory for bridge asset management until 2014, therefore, the amount of historical data on bridge element (BE) condition is still limited. On the other hand, National Bridge Inventory (NBI) ratings have been collected since the 1970s and a wide range of data are available. Therefore, it is natural to ask whether BE condition can be predicted using NBI data. In the past, researchers statistically related BE and NBI data, but little has been done to revert NBI to BE. This paper addresses both challenges of mapping BE–NBI condition data using several machine learning techniques. The results of the analysis of these techniques applied to a sample of about 9,000 bridges from northeastern states of the U.S.A. shows that between 79.8% and 100% of the NBI ratings for deck, superstructure, and substructure can be predicted within a rating error of ± 1. The back-mapping operation of NBI time-dependent ratings to BE deterioration profiles for deck, superstructure, and substructure can also be predicted accurately with a probability greater than 50% at the 95% confidence level.
Evaluation of Meniscal Regeneration in a Mini Pig Model Treated With a Novel Polyglycolic Acid Meniscal Scaffold
Authors: Otsuki Shuhei , Nakagawa Kosuke , Murakami Tomohiko , Sezaki Shunsuke , Sato Hideki , Suzuki Masakazu , Okuno Nobuhiro , Wakama Hitoshi , Kaihatsu Kunihiro , Neo Masashi
Published: June 2019

Background:

Meniscal injury is a severe impediment to movement and results in accelerated deterioration of the knee joint.

Purpose:

To evaluate the effect of a novel meniscal scaffold prepared from polyglycolic acid coated with polylactic acid/caprolactone on the treatment of meniscal injury in a mini pig model.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

The model was established with a 10-mm resection at the anterior medial meniscus on both knee joints. A scaffold was implanted in the right knee joint. The meniscal scaffold was inserted and sutured next to the native meniscus. The histological analysis was performed to determine meniscal regeneration with safranin O staining, cell proliferation with PCNA, inflammation with TNF, and collagen structure and production with picrosirius red and immunofluorescence. Cartilage degeneration was evaluated with Safranin O. Meniscal regeneration and joint fluid were evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging.

Results:

Although compressive stress and elastic modulus were significantly lower in the scaffold than in the native porcine menisci, ultimate tensile stress was similar. Implanted scaffolds were covered with tissue beginning at 4 weeks, with increased migration of proliferating cells to the implant area at 4 and 8 weeks. Scaffolds were absorbed with freshly produced collagen at 24 weeks. Cartilage degeneration was significantly lower in the meniscus-implanted group than in the meniscectomy group. Magnetic resonance imaging results did not show severe accumulation of joint fluids, suggesting negligible inflammation. Density of the implanted menisci was comparable with that of the native menisci.

Conclusion:

Meniscal scaffold prepared from polyglycolic acid has therapeutic potential for meniscal regeneration.

Clinical Relevance:

This meniscal scaffold can improve biological knee reconstruction and prevent the increase of total knee arthroplasty.