bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of incidental findings on multi‐detector computed tomography for transcatheter aortic valve implantation assessment: A single‐centre study and review of the literature
Authors: Ha Francis J , Tham Jodie Li Mei , Paleri Sarang , Wright Christine , Yap Kelvin K , Adams Heath SL , Whitbourn Robert J , Palmer Sonny C
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) require multi‐detector computed tomography (MDCT) when considered for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Incidental findings on MDCT are common given the age group and region imaged. Our aim was to evaluate the frequency and outcome of incidental findings (IF) identified on MDCT and the impact on survival.

Methods

This single‐centre analysis retrospectively reviewed severe AS patients who underwent MDCT during TAVI workup. MDCT reports were reviewed for any IF and defined into three categories: IF of no relevant clinical significance (IF‐NoCS), IF of non‐immediate clinical significance (IF‐NICS) and IF of immediate clinical significance (IF‐ICS). Demographics, follow‐up of IF and survival were calculated from MDCT date.

Results

Two hundred and sixty‐five patients underwent MDCT for TAVI suitability (mean age 83 ± 6 years, 52% male). The majority proceeded to TAVI (65%). Renal lesions (25%) and lung nodules (18%) were the most common IF. Fifty‐nine patients (22%) had IF‐NICS; 39% (23/59) were benign, 59% were not further investigated and one patient had suspected lung cancer. Six patients (2.3%) had IF‐ICS and all were diagnosed with lung cancer. During a median follow‐up of 272 days, there was no survival difference between patients with IF‐ICS or IF‐NICS versus patients without IF or IF‐NoCS in the overall cohort (P = 0.44) or in TAVI patients (P = 0.88).

Conclusion

Incidental findings on MDCT are common with one‐quarter having IF‐ICS or IF‐NCIS. Most patients with IF‐NICS did not undergo further investigation. Standardized reporting of MDCT may assist in clarifying the need for further investigation which will in turn influence decision and timing to proceed with TAVI.
Analysis of factors related to chronic cough after lung cancer surgery
Authors: Xie Ming‐ran , Zhu Yong‐fu , Zhou Mei‐qi , Wu Sheng‐bing , Xu Guang‐wen , Xu Shi‐bin , Xu Mei‐qing
Published: March 2019

Background

In this study, we investigated the relationship between chronic cough and clinicopathological features in postoperative patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy for the treatment of postoperative chronic cough in patients with NSCLC.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 171 patients with NSCLC who received lobectomy at our center between September 2017 and February 2018. The Mandarin Chinese version of the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ‐MC) was used to evaluate the degree of cough in patients. Postoperative cough was assessed by a visual analog scale (VAS).

Results

The total LCQ‐MC score for the whole group was 19.79 ± 0.53 before surgery and 18.40 ± 0.70 after surgery (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that right lung cancer, difficult airway, acute cough and history of COPD were independent predictors of chronic cough. Of the 68 patients diagnosed with chronic cough, 41 received acupuncture therapy (acupuncture therapy group), and 27 received no acupuncture therapy (no therapy group). No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of their LCQ‐MC scores at eight weeks after surgery (p = 0.756). However, the acupuncture therapy group had a significantly higher LCQ‐MC score than the no therapy group at 10 weeks after surgery (p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Right lung cancer, difficult airway, acute cough, and history of COPD are independent predictors of chronic cough after surgery. For patients with chronic cough, acupuncture therapy can shorten the recovery time and improve quality of life after surgery.
A longitudinal study of Aboriginal images in annual reports: evidence from an arts council
Authors: Rentschler Ruth , Subramaniam Nava , Martin Brian
Published: March 2019

This paper provides a longitudinal analysis of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander imagery use in the annual reports (ARs) of the Australia Council for the Arts (ACA). Content analysis based on imagery, textual narrative and para‐text analyses of ARs over 43 years (1973–2015) reveals that the nature and extent of Aboriginal images in ACA's ARs systematically varies with the broader contemporary socio‐political and economic developments. Our findings provide insights on an institutional response to the portrayal and shaping of the identity of a key stakeholder group, i.e. Aboriginal artists, which are associated with gaining and maintaining organisational legitimacy.
Fentanyl: the many challenges ahead
Authors: Mars Sarah G. , Rosenblum Daniel , Ciccarone Daniel
Published: March 2019

Commentary to: Illicit fentanyls in the opioid street market: desired or imposed?
Femoral side‐only revision options for the Birmingham resurfacing arthroplasty
Authors: Chan Mun Khin , Caudwell Michelle , Suchowersky Andrew , Ashton Andrew
Published: March 2019

Background

The Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) system (Smith and Nephew) was developed as an alternative to conventional total joint replacement for younger, more active patients. Among other complications exists the risk for femoral component failure. The only marketed revision option for such a complication involves exchange of all components for a total replacement arthroplasty. This presents as a considerable and potentially unnecessary operative burden where revision of only the femoral prosthesis would suffice. We have analysed revision options for BHR in the context of periprosthetic femoral fractures with a stable acetabular component.

Methods

Technical details of dual mobility hip systems available in Australia were collated and analysed to assess for potential ‘off label’ use with an existing BHR acetabular component. These data were then compared with the custom‐made Smith and Nephew dual mobility implant with respect to clearance and sizing.

Results

Two dual mobility articulation modalities from two companies were identified as appropriate for potential usage with four products analysed in detail. These two demonstrated acceptable sizing and clearance measurements.

Conclusion

Comparison between readily available dual mobility prostheses with custom‐made implants showed off label dual mobility prosthetic use to be a viable alternative for femoral‐only revisions with in situ BHR. Single component revision has several advantages which include: a less complex surgical procedure, shorter operative time, decreased blood loss and the expectation of resultant lower morbidity. Furthermore, this less complex revision surgery should give comparable results to that of primary total hip arthroplasty.
Long‐term oncological outcomes of single‐port laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer
Authors: Hirano Yasumitsu , Hiranuma Chikashi , Hattori Masakazu , Douden Kenji , Yamaguchi Shigeki
Published: March 2019

Background

We retrospectively reviewed our consecutive experience from the introduction of single‐port laparoscopic surgery (SPS) for colon cancer, and its 5‐year oncological outcomes are evaluated.

Methods

A total of 288 patients (140 males) with a mean age of 71.5 years were treated with the single‐port laparoscopic colectomy for stage I, II and III colon cancers. Exclusion criteria of SPS were patients with unresolved bowel obstruction, T4b tumour, tumour perforation and severe medical illness.

Results

In 20 patients (6.9%), we inserted an extra port mainly to transect the rectum. The median follow‐up period was 52 months. The 5‐year relapse‐free survival rates in stage I, II and III patients were 95.8%, 80.2% and 61.6%, respectively. The 5‐year overall survival rates for stage I, II and III patients were 97.4%, 85.3% and 72.9%, respectively. The 5‐year cancer‐specific survival rates in patients diagnosed pathologically T1, T2, T3 and T4 were 100%, 100%, 92.1% and 73.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

SPS colectomy can be applied to the treatment of colon cancer with good long‐term oncological outcomes. However, we should pay more attention when we treat the pathologically diagnosed T4 tumours.
Effects of Nigella sativa seeds (black cumin) on insulin secretion and lipid profile: A pilot study in healthy volunteers
Authors: Pelegrin Sophie , Galtier Florence , Chalançon Anne , Gagnol Jean‐Pierre , Barbanel Anne‐Marie , Pélissier Yves , Larroque Michel , Lepape Samuel , Faucanié Marie , Gabillaud Isabelle , Petit Pierre , Chevassus Hugues
Published: March 2019

It has been claimed that Nigella sativa seeds (NSS), also known as black cumin, have antidiabetic and lipid‐lowering properties. Our pilot study investigated the effects of powdered NSS on insulin secretion and lipid profile in healthy male volunteers. We conducted a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled 4‐week trial in 30 subjects, receiving NSS powder (1 g/day) or placebo orally (15 subjects/group). Insulin secretion as determined by the hyperglycaemic clamp technique, insulin sensitivity as well as cholesterol and triglycerides serum concentrations, were measured before and after treatment. NSS powder administration was clinically well tolerated. It did not modify fasting glycaemia and insulinaemia, and was ineffective on glucose‐induced insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity. No significant changes on serum lipids were observed after treatment in any treatment groups, nor between the two treatment groups. However, in the treated group only, there was a significant correlation between total cholesterol change after treatment and its baseline level (r = −0.71, P = 0.006, n = 13), and between low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol change after treatment and its baseline level (r = −0.74, P = 0.004, n = 13). No such correlations were found for high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and for triglycerides. These results do not confirm any NSS effect on glucose regulation; however, they suggest that NSS powder may be of interest in lowering lipid concentrations in hyperlipidaemic subjects.
Devices and desires: Competing visions of a good education in the digital age
Authors: McFarlane Angela E.
Published: March 2019

The long anticipated ubiquity of digital technologies is now established in the developed world. The manifestations and consequences are not entirely as predicted, perhaps nowhere more so than in the classroom. Amid a clamour for the banning of mobile phone use in school, it is timely to reflect upon the Utopian dream of an enriched experience of education mediated by computers and consider where it all went wrong. Computer‐mediated instruction was supposed to free learners from the constraints which were preventing them from achieving their full potential. The barriers erected by inadequate teaching, impoverished curricula and limited assessment systems would be removed through the introduction of intelligent tutoring systems, worldwide access to information and comprehensive assessment protocols. In reality, the majority of OECD countries are still struggling to ensure that all school leavers have an adequate level of numeracy and literacy to serve their own and the national economy’s needs. This paper considers policy and practice in the introduction of digital technologies in schools as recorded in the available research evidence. The data sources are predominantly from the UK with some US examples. What emerges goes to the heart of what is meant by a good education.

Anticipated contribution to the Special Issue theme

This paper will address the theme Government policy: national visions for educational experience through the lens of government‐led innovation in curriculum definition and high‐stakes assessment as a device to manage school accountability. The data sources will be predominantly from the UK with some US examples. It will draw heavily on recent desk research supported through an award from the Nuffield Foundation.
Do Immigrants Trust Trade Unions? A Study of 18 European Countries
Authors: Gorodzeisky Anastasia , Richards Andrew
Published: March 2019

Migrants form growing proportions of national workforces in advanced capitalist societies. Yet little is known about their attitudes towards the principal agents of worker representation in their host countries, the trade unions, much less via cross‐national research. Using European Values Survey data, we redress this imbalance by examining migrants’ levels of trust in unions, compared to native‐born. We find higher levels of trust in unions by migrants (compared to native‐born) in general and especially by migrants during their first decades after arrival and whose countries of origin are characterized by poor quality institutions. These findings have significant implications for unionization strategies towards migrants, especially given received wisdom portraying migrants as indifferent or distrustful towards unions.
β3‐Adrenoceptor as a potential immuno‐suppressor agent in melanoma
Authors: Calvani Maura , Bruno Gennaro , Dal Monte Massimo , Nassini Romina , Fontani Filippo , Casini Arianna , Cavallini Lorenzo , Becatti Matteo , Bianchini Francesca , De Logu Francesco , Forni Giulia , la Marca Giancarlo , Calorini Lido , Bagnoli Paola , Chiarugi Paola , Pupi Alberto , Azzari Chiara , Geppetti Pierangelo , Favre Claudio , Filippi Luca
Published: March 2019

Background and Purpose

Stress‐related catecholamines have a role in cancer and β‐adrenoceptors; specifically, β2‐adrenoceptors have been identified as new targets in treating melanoma. Recently, β3‐adrenoceptors have shown a pleiotropic effect on melanoma micro‐environment leading to cancer progression. However, the mechanisms by which β3‐adrenoceptors promote this progression remain poorly understood. Catecholamines affect the immune system by modulating several factors that can alter immune cell sub‐population homeostasis. Understanding the mechanisms of cancer immune‐tolerance is one of the most intriguing challenges in modern research. This study investigates the potential role of β3‐adrenoceptors in immune‐tolerance regulation.

Experimental Approach

A mouse model of melanoma in which syngeneic B16‐F10 cells were injected in C57BL‐6 mice was used to evaluate the effect of β‐adrenoceptor blockade on the number and activity of immune cell sub‐populations (Treg, NK, CD8, MDSC, macrophages, and neutrophils). Pharmacological and molecular approaches with β‐blockers (propranolol and SR59230A) and specific β‐adrenoceptor siRNAs targeting β2‐ or β3‐adrenoceptors were used.

Key Results

Only β3‐, but not β2‐adrenoceptors, were up‐regulated under hypoxia in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and selectively expressed in immune cell sub‐populations including Treg, MDSC, and NK. SR59230A and β3‐adrenoceptor siRNAs increased NK and CD8 number and cytotoxicity, while they attenuated Treg and MDSC sub‐populations in the tumour mass, blood, and spleen. SR59230A and β3‐adrenoceptor siRNAs increased the ratio of M1/M2 macrophages and N1 granulocytes.

Conclusions and Implications

Our data suggest that β3‐adrenoceptors are involved in immune‐tolerance, which opens the way for new strategic therapies to overcome melanoma growth.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Adrenoceptors—New Roles for Old Players. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.14/issuetoc
Tectonic, sedimentary and diagenetic controls on sediment maturity of lower Cambrian quartz arenite from southwestern Baltica
Authors: Lorentzen Sanne , Augustsson Carita , Jahren Jens , Nystuen Johan P. , Schovsbo Niels H.
Published: March 2019

Lower Cambrian quartz arenitic deposits have a worldwide occurrence. In this study, petrographic and mineralogical analyses were carried out on samples from the quartz‐rich Ringsaker Member of the Vangsås Formation from southern Norway and the corresponding Hardeberga Formation from southern Sweden and on the Danish island of Bornholm. The quartz arenite is almost completely quartz cemented and has an average intergranular volume of 30%. The quartz cement is the dominating cause for porosity loss. Dissolution along stylolites and microstylolites is suggested to be the primary and secondary source for the quartz cement respectively. The quartzose sandstone from southern Norway was severely cemented prior to the Caledonian Orogeny, thus limiting the tectonic influence on diagenesis during thrusting. For most samples, authigenic clay minerals and detrital phyllosilicates represent ca. 5% of the present‐day composition. This, together with a low feldspar content, of on average 4%, indicates that the sediment was extremely quartz‐rich already during deposition. The low amount of feldspar prior to burial and the formation of early diagenetic kaolinite point to weathering, sediment reworking and early diagenesis act as important controls on sediment maturity. The large variation in clay‐mineral and feldspar content between the localities, as well as within the sandstone successions, can be explained by different palaeogeography on the shelf during deposition and subsequently dissimilar subjection to reworking and early diagenetic processes. Weathering in the provenance area, reworking in the depositional shallow‐marine environment and meteoric flushing during the burial stage are suggested to explain the high mineralogical maturity of the lower Cambrian sandstone from southwestern Baltica. These processes may generally account for similar quartz‐rich shallow‐marine sandstone units, deposited as a result of intensive continental denudation and during temperate to subtropical and moderately humid conditions.
The Sprouty/Spred family as tumor suppressors: Coming of age
Authors: Kawazoe Tetsuro , Taniguchi Koji
Published: March 2019

The Ras/Raf/ERK pathway is one of the most frequently dysregulated signaling pathways in various cancers. In some such cancers, Ras and Raf are hotspots for mutations, which cause continuous activation of this pathway. However, in some other cancers, it is known that negative regulators of the Ras/Raf/ERK pathway are responsible for uncontrolled activation. The Sprouty/Spred family is broadly recognized as important negative regulators of the Ras/Raf/ERK pathway, and its expression is downregulated in many malignancies, leading to hyperactivation of the Ras/Raf/ERK pathway. After the discovery of this family, intensive research investigated the mechanism by which it suppresses the Ras/Raf/ERK pathway and its roles in developmental and pathophysiological processes. In this review, we discuss the complicated roles of the Sprouty/Spred family in tumor initiation, promotion, and progression and its future therapeutic potential.
Design and optimize N‐substituted EF24 as effective and low toxicity NF‐κB inhibitor for lung cancer therapy via apoptosis‐to‐pyroptosis switch
Authors: Chen Liping , Li Qian , Zheng Zhiwei , Xie Jingwen , Lin Xiaoming , Jiang Chengxi , Xu Haineng , Wu Xiaoping , Wu Jianzhang , Zhang Huajie
Published: March 2019

As NF‐κB signaling pathway is constitutively activated in lung cancer, targeting NF‐κB has a potential for the treatment. EF24 has been proved to be a NF‐κB inhibitor with good antitumor activity, while whose toxicity possibly became one of the obstacles to enter into clinical application. In order to find high efficiency and low toxicity NF‐κB inhibitors, EF24 was modified and 13d was screened out. It was proved that 13d possessed an effective combination of inhibiting NF‐κB pathway and showing lower cytotoxicity on normal cells as well as less toxicity in acute toxicity experiment compared with the lead compound of EF24. In addition, 13d was found to inhibit cell vitality, arrest cell cycle in G2/M phase, promote cell apoptosis, and suppress the xenograft tumor growth. Furthermore, 13d was elucidated to induce pyroptosis developing from apoptosis, which was associated with the inhibition of NF‐κB. Taken together, it was suggested that 13d was a potent antitumor agent.
How does societal reaction to children's health issues contribute to health policy in Europe? Results of a survey
Authors: Zdunek Kinga , Schröder‐Bäck Peter , Alexander Denise , Rigby Michael , Blair Mitch
Published: March 2019

Background

In the European context the awareness of societal responsibility for children's health has increased with greater attention to children's rights and child empowerment processes. Child health issues are considered particularly sensitive; thus, they often provoke strong societal reactions, which, as a consequence, influence national health policies across Europe. Effectiveness of societal influences increases with the involvement of various actors in the context.

Methods

A qualitative approach was used to identify the level of societal involvement in health decision‐making. A questionnaire was sent to the Country Agents (CAs) of the Models of Child Health Appraised (MOCHA) project. CAs are contact points in each of the 30 participating in the project countries and were asked to identify strong public and professional discussions related to child health services in their countries. Data collection was undertaken between July and December 2016.

Results

Based on 71 case studies, we identified eight thematic patterns, which characterize societal reactions to the currently worrisome child health issues across Europe. We devoted our attention to the three most controversial: child vaccination, child poverty and child abuse. The cases described by the CAs show the broad perspective in the perception of child health problems. Child health issues involve the public and raise nationwide debates. Public concerns were directly or indirectly related to child health and depicted the national overtone.

Conclusions

Concerns in Europe about child health care are twofold: they are devoted to systemic issues (indirect patient orientation) and to child health and well‐being (direct patient orientation). The phenomenon of societal responsibility for children's health is important for the support of public acceptance of child health policy.
Evaluation of children's participation in a national dental programme in France
Authors: Bas Anne Charlotte , Azogui‐Lévy Sylvie
Published: March 2019

Objectives

The current national oral health programme for children in France, called the DHE “Dental Health Examination,” began in 2007. The aims of the current study were to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the DHE programme in improving resource allocation to preventive dental services and providing access to dental care, especially for the children who need it most. The main questions were as follows: How many children participate in it? Does it reach the children who need it most? And does it save dental care costs?

Methods

The study examined data for 1937 children aged 6‐16 years. Data came from two data sets: (a) a 2010 French self‐reported survey on health, health care and insurance; and (b) the data set of the National Health Insurance Fund on healthcare consumption, based on reimbursement data to families and payments to providers; this data set contains information on healthcare expenditures. We investigated participation in the DHE programme, the wider use of dental care services and the total amount spent on dental care in 2010, by dental health status and socio‐demographic characteristics. Data analysis used multiple logistic and linear regressions.

Results

Children in households with higher income were more likely to participate in the DHE programme (OR = 3.09, 95% CI [1.78, 5.36]). Families with higher incomes were more likely to use dental care (OR = 2.23, 95% CI [1.40, 3.55]). Households with private complementary health insurance utilized more children's dental care services than households without it (OR = 2.79, 95% CI [1.04, 7.49]). Families that were aware of the DHE prevention programme were more likely to utilize dental care (OR = 1.77, 95 % CI [1.34, 2.33]) and had lower dental care expenses (coeff. = −142.93, 95% CI [−207.68, −78.18]).

Conclusion

Financial barriers remain the major obstacle to dental care utilization in France, even with DHE, a free secondary prevention programme aimed at all French children. Participation in the DHE programme is associated with better access to dental care and with lower costs for both the National Health Insurance Fund and participating households.
Mucosal tolerance therapy in humans: Past and future
Authors: Rezende Rafael M. , Cox Laura M. , Weiner Howard L.
Published: March 2019

Mucosal tolerance refers to the physiological process by which exposure of proteins to the mucosal surface preferentially induces tolerance. The route of mucosal administration can determine the type of regulatory T (Treg) cells induced, with the oral route inducing transforming growth factor‐β‐producing Treg cells and the nasal route inducing interleukin‐10‐secreting Treg cells. Previous studies of oral tolerance to autoantigens in humans, including patients with multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, led to mixed results and negative phase III trials, although oral immunotherapy for food allergy has met with success. A great deal has been learned since initial trials were carried out, and new approaches to mucosal tolerance are now being planned. For example: (i) successful oral tolerance might involve an understanding of the microbiome, and it appears that abnormalities in the microbiome that occur in autoimmune disease might have a negative impact on oral tolerance; (ii) individuals with autoimmune illnesses might have ongoing inflammation and therapy to downregulate the inflammatory milieu before inducing tolerance might be required. We have recently discovered that oral or nasal anti‐CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) induces Treg cells at the mucosal system, and these cells travel systemically to suppress inflammatory diseases, including models of multiple sclerosis, diabetes, lupus, arthritis and colitis. Trials of nasal anti‐CD3 are planned for patients with progressive multiple sclerosis, and oral anti‐CD3 is planned for patients with inflammatory bowel disease and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis. With our new understanding of the mucosal immune system and new approaches, mucosal tolerance has the potential to be successfully applied to patients with a wide variety of diseases.
Magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis of demyelinating diseases: An update
Authors: Miki Yukio
Published: March 2019

Major demyelinating diseases include multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) encephalomyelitis. As treatment strategies differ among these diseases, precise diagnosis of demyelinating diseases is crucial, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis. In the present review, MRI appearances of characteristic lesions of these demyelinating diseases, and differentiation between MS and other demyelinating diseases based on MRI findings are discussed.
Disease‐modifying drugs for multiple sclerosis in Japan: A focus on the 2017 Japanese guidelines and the 2018 supplement
Authors: Niino Masaaki , Miyazaki Yusei
Published: March 2019

Currently, six disease‐modifying drugs (DMD) for multiple sclerosis are available in Japan: subcutaneous interferon‐β‐1b, intramuscular interferon‐β‐1a, glatiramer acetate, natalizumab, fingolimod and dimethyl fumarate. These drugs have different clinical and adverse effects. Therefore, it is critical to select the appropriate DMD, and switching from one DMD to another in clinical practice requires careful monitoring. The Japanese guidelines for multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica were revised in 2017, and a supplement to the guidelines for dimethyl fumarate was published in 2018. Herein, we review the characteristics of the six DMD available in Japan, and discuss their use according to the Japanese guidelines.
Case of central nervous system inflammatory disease in late pregnancy
Authors: Isobe Noriko , Baba Toshikazu , Nakamura Yuri , Shinoda Koji , Watanabe Mitsuru , Matsushita Takuya , Kira Jun‐ichi
Published: March 2019

Background

During pregnancy, dynamic changes occur not only in coagulation, but also in immune responses. We report a case of a patient who developed an inflammatory disease in the central nervous system during late pregnancy and was challenging to diagnose.

Case presentation

A 27‐year‐old woman experienced dysarthria during pregnancy at approximately 33 gestational weeks. From the 38th week of pregnancy, she developed general fatigue, clumsiness of the left hand and numbness of the right side of the body. After delivery of her child at 41 weeks’ gestation, she was moved to the neurology ward for further investigation. She showed limb ataxia of the left extremities and sensory disturbance on the right side of the body, including the face. Magnetic resonance imaging detected multiple gadolinium‐enhanced lesions at the brainstem and cerebrum. High‐dose intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy was effective, but her symptoms still remained, including palatal myoclonus. Diagnosing this patient was challenging, but clinically isolated syndrome or multiple sclerosis and neuro‐Behҫet's disease were the main candidates.

Conclusions

We present a case of a pregnant woman who developed brain inflammatory lesions with unknown etiology. Longitudinal follow up is mandatory for diagnosis with careful tapering of oral prednisolone.
From Story to Science: The Contribution of Reading Fiction and Hybrid Stories to Conceptual Change with Young Children
Authors: Altun Dilek
Published: March 2019

This quasi‐experimental study with 34 preschoolers explores how fictional and hybrid storybooks contribute to conceptual changes in preschoolers' understanding of lunar concepts. Interviews and children's drawings before and after reading sessions provided the data. Findings revealed that (i) young children have intuitive knowledge and alternative explanations from their experiences and lay culture, (ii) storybook messages and illustrations cause misconceptions and (iii) hybrid stories increase protoscientific explanations among children of both genders. Combining accurate scientific information and enjoyable context makes hybrid storybooks effective edutainment for preschoolers.
Processing Negation in a Miniature Artificial Language
Authors: Farshchi Sara , Andersson Richard , van de Weijer Joost , Paradis Carita
Published: March 2019

In two miniature artificial language learning experiments, we compare the processing of narrow and broad negation, corresponding to prefixal negation (unhappy) and free‐standing negation (not happy) respectively, with that of non‐negation (happy). Three artificial prefixes were invented to express the three meanings above. The meaning scope expressed by the negation types was manipulated in the experiments, and the processing of the three forms was tested through a picture–word verification task. In Experiment 1, the scope expressed by prefixal negation was included in the scope expressed by free‐standing negation, while in Experiment 2, there was no overlap between the two negation types and the scope of free‐standing negation was limited to the intermediate range of a scale. Experiment 1 showed that narrow negation is more difficult to process than the non‐negated meanings, but not as difficult as broad negation. Experiment 2 showed that when the meaning scope of broad negation was restricted to the middle range, the processing difficulty found in Experiment 1 disappeared, as it did not take longer for participants to identify the middle range compared to the ends of the scale. We show that the chunking of the negated meanings relative to one another plays a role in the processing cost of these forms.
Tumour biomarkers—Tracing the molecular function and clinical implication
Authors: Lin Jiahao , Ma Lie , Zhang Di , Gao Jiafeng , Jin Yipeng , Han Zhihai , Lin Degui
Published: March 2019

In recent years, with the increase in cancer mortality caused by metastasis, and with the development of individualized and precise medical treatment, early diagnosis with precision becomes the key to decrease the death rate. Since detecting tumour biomarkers in body fluids is the most non‐invasive way to identify the status of tumour development, it has been widely investigated for the usage in clinic. These biomarkers include different expression or mutation in microRNAs (miRNAs), circulating tumour DNAs (ctDNAs), proteins, exosomes and circulating tumour cells (CTCs). In the present article, we summarized and discussed some updated research on these biomarkers. We overviewed their biological functions and evaluated their multiple roles in human and small animal clinical treatment, including diagnosis of cancers, classification of cancers, prognostic and predictive values for therapy response, monitors for therapy efficacy, and anti‐cancer therapeutics. Biomarkers including different expression or mutation in miRNAs, ctDNAs, proteins, exosomes and CTCs provide more choice for early diagnosis of tumour detection at early stage before metastasis. Combination detection of these tumour biomarkers may provide higher accuracy at the lowest molecule combination number for tumour early detection. Moreover, tumour biomarkers can provide valuable suggestions for clinical anti‐cancer treatment and execute monitoring of treatment efficiency.
The importance of graft cell composition in outcome after allogeneic stem cell transplantation in patients with malignant disease
Authors: Svenberg Petter , Wang Tengyu , Uhlin Michael , Watz Emma , Remberger Mats , Ringden Olle , Mattsson Jonas , Uzunel Mehmet
Published: March 2019

Background

Graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) and relapse remain majobstacles ftreatment success in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In the present study, we evaluated the immune cell profile of the graft to outcome after HSCT.

Study design and method

Flow cytometry data of graft cell subsets [CD34+, CD3+, CD19+, CD4+, CD8+, CD3‐CD56+CD16+, CD4+CD127lowCD25high] from G‐CSF primed peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) donors was collected retrospectively from 299 patients with hematological malignancies undergoing HSCT between 2006 and 2013. The association to overall survival, transplant‐related mortality (TRM), GVHD and probability of relapse was analyzed. Patients outcome from HLA‐identical sibling (Sib) (n = 97) and unrelated donors (URD) (n = 202) were analyzed separately as all URD patients received anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG).

Results

Five‐year overall survival was similar in the two cohorts (68% (Sib) vs 65% (URD)). The relapse incidence was significantly lower in the Sib cohort (24% vs 35%, P = 0.04). Multivariate analysis in the URD group revealed an association between a higher CD8+ dose and less relapse (HR, 0.94; 95%CI, 0.90‐0.98; P = 0.006) as well as an association between higher CD34+ dose and both higher TRM (HR, 1.09; 95%CI, 1.02‐1.20; P = 0.02) and relapse (HR, 1.09; 95%CI, 1.01‐1.17; P = 0.025). The Sib analysis showed an association between a higher graft CD19+ dose and more severe acute GVHD (HR, 1,09; 95%CI, 1.03‐1.15; P = 0.003) and TRM (HR, 1.09; 95%CI, 1.01‐1.17; P = 0.036). In addition, a higher CD4+ graft content was associated to an increased risk for chronic GVHD (HR, 1.02; 95%CI 1.00‐1.04; P = 0.06).

Conclusion

These data indicate an importance of PBSC dongraft composition in patients with a hematological malignancy.
SOCIAL BACKGROUND, EDUCATION, AND INEQUALITY
Authors: Andersen Torben M.
Published: March 2019

The role parents' education plays for the educational achievements of children is a source of unequal opportunities. Through this channel the number of educated affects the options of future cohorts, creating a social multiplier effect making improvements in education self‐reinforcing. Policies to compensate for inequalities of opportunities—public education or transfers—have very different implications. Transfers not only reduce inequality on impact but also reduce social mobility, while public education—even if a perfect substitute to private education—works in the opposite direction. Social impediments to education are similar to a market imperfection, and publicly provided education may lead to a Pareto improvement. (JEL D3, I2, H2, H4)
CONTESTS WITH DRAWS: AXIOMATIZATION AND EQUILIBRIUM
Authors: Vesperoni Alberto , Yildizparlak Anil
Published: March 2019

We introduce and axiomatize a class of single‐winner contest success functions that embody the possibility of a draw. We then analyze the game of contest that our success functions induce, having different prizes delivered in the occurrence of a win and a draw. We identify conditions for the existence and uniqueness of a symmetric interior Nash equilibrium and show that equilibrium efforts and equilibrium rent dissipation can be larger than in a Tullock contest (with no possibility of a draw) due to increased competition even if the draw‐prize is null. These results suggest that a contest designer may profit from introducing the possibility of a draw. Finally, we show that this approach naturally extends to multiprize contests with multiple draws across different subsets of the set of players. (JELC72, D72, D74)
Akrasia,practical reason, and the diversity of motivation: A new defense of tripartition
Authors: Carey Jeremiah
Published: March 2019

In akrasia, an agent intentionally acts against her own judgment about what it is best to do. This presents many puzzles for the understanding of human motivation. The Socrates of Plato's Protagoras, for example, denies this is possible because he claims that all action is motivated by an agent's belief about what is best. Plato himself seems to reject this view in the Republic, appealing to three distinct sources of motivation. This paper takes Plato's side in the general debate, arguing for a new tripartite moral psychology. Because the akratic acts for a reason but against the conclusion of her practical reasoning, there must be a way of acting for reasons other than through reasoning about them. This way is desire. But once there is a division between reason and desire, a third capacity is needed to solve conflicts that can arise between them, the will.
Comparing chemical extraction and a piecewise function with diffusive gradients in thin films for accurate estimation of soil zinc bioavailability to Sedum plumbizincicola
Authors: Zhou J.W. , Wu L.H. , Zhou T. , Li Z. , Sun X.Y. , Luo Y.M. , Christie P.
Published: March 2019

Accurate evaluation of metal bioavailability to hyperaccumulators is necessary for prediction of metal uptake and estimation of phytoextraction potential. Sedum plumbizincicola X.H. Guo et S.B. Zhou ex L.H. Wu (Crassulaceae), a hyperaccumulator of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn), was grown in a pot experiment in 108 agricultural soils representing a wide range of typical Chinese soil types. The contribution of soil properties to Zn uptake was assessed quantitatively. Soil total Zn, soluble Zn, CaCl2‐extractable Zn and (DGT)‐extractable Zn concentrations (Zntotal, Znsoln, ZnCaCl2 and ZnDGT, respectively) were compared to predict shoot Zn concentration (Znshoot) using a piecewise equation. This showed a logarithmic increase with increasing Zntotal from 100–1000 mg kg−1 but plateaued outside this range. The optimum soil pH for Zn removal was ~ 5.5 and further acidification was unnecessary because Znshoot increased significantly with a decrease in pH from 7.5 to 5.5 and rarely changed at pH < 5.5. Sedum plumbizincicola grown in loamy or clay loam soils had larger Znshoot than in sandy or clay soils. The ZnCaCl2 was superior to other methods in estimating Zn bioavailability across all the data. At pH < 5.5, ZnCaCl2 showed much stronger correlation with Znshoot than Zntotal, Znsoln or ZnDGT. Piecewise equations (single linear regression equations at different intervals of soil properties) versus Zntotal and ZnCaCl2 at different pH ranges considerably increased the accuracy of prediction of Znshoot compared with the global equations derived from all data. Estimation of the potential of S. plumbizincicola for Zn phytoextraction in the field indicated that it is feasible to decontaminate acid‐polluted soils with Zntotal ≤ 500 mg kg−1 with S. plumbizincicola.

Highlights

Zn bioavailability to hyperaccumulators needs to be estimated over a wide range of soil types.

Piecewise equations considerably improved the prediction of shoot Zn concentration.

CaCl2 extraction was more suitable than DGT for the estimation of Zn bioavailability.

Decontamination with S. plumbizincicola is feasible for acid soils with Zntotal ≤ 500 mg kg−1.
Examination of Indices of High School Performance Based on the Graded Response Model
Authors: Allen Jeff , Mattern Krista
Published: March 2019

We examined summary indices of high school performance (coursework, grades, and test scores) based on the graded response model (GRM). The indices varied by inclusion of ACT test scores and whether high school courses were constrained to have the same difficulty and discrimination across groups of schools. The indices were examined with respect to skewness, incremental prediction of college degree attainment, and differences across racial/ethnic and socioeconomic subgroups. The most difficult high school courses to earn an “A” grade included calculus, chemistry, trigonometry, other advanced math, physics, algebra 2, and geometry. The GRM‐based indices were less skewed than simple high school grade point average (HSGPA) and had higher correlations with ACT Composite score. The index that included ACT test scores and allowed item parameters to vary by school group was most predictive of college degree attainment, but had larger subgroup differences. Implications for implementing multiple measure models for college readiness are discussed.
Borrelia outer surface protein C is capable of human fibrinogen binding
Authors: Bierwagen Paulina , Szpotkowski Kamil , Jaskolski Mariusz , Urbanowicz Anna
Published: March 2019

Outer surface protein C (OspC) is one of the most abundant surface lipoproteins produced during early infection by the Borrelia spirochete, the causative agent of Lyme disease. The high sequence variability of the ospC gene results in the production of several and strongly divergent OspC types. One of the known roles of OspC is the recruitment of blood components, including complement regulators, to facilitate the bloodstream survival of Borrelia at an essential stage of host infection. Here, we identify and describe a new interaction between OspC and human fibrinogen. To test the ability of OspC to bind fibrinogen, we developed a microscale thermophoresis assay using four fluorescently labeled types of OspC. We show that OspC binds fibrinogen tightly, with nanomolar Kd, and that the binding depends on the OspC type. The binding assays combined with SAXS studies allowed us to map the OspC‐binding site on the fibrinogen molecule. Spectrometric measurements of fibrinogen clotting in the presence of OspC indicate that OspC negatively influences the clot formation process. Taken together, our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that OspC interacts with blood protein partners to facilitate Borrelia spreading by the hematogenous route.
Glutathione S‐transferase omega 1 inhibition activates JNK‐mediated apoptotic response in breast cancer stem cells
Authors: Manupati Kanakaraju , Debnath Sudhan , Goswami Kalyan , Bhoj Priyanka S. , Chandak Hemant S. , Bahekar Sandeep P. , Das Amitava
Published: March 2019

Glutathione S‐transferase omega 1 (GSTO1) contributes to the inactivation of a wide range of drug compounds via conjugation to glutathione during phase reactions. Chemotherapy‐induced GSTO1 expression in breast cancer cells leads to chemoresistance and promotes metastasis. In search of novel GSTO1 inhibitors, we identified S2E, a thia‐Michael adduct of sulfonamide chalcone with low LC50 (3.75 ± 0.73 μm) that binds to the active site of GSTO1, as revealed by molecular docking (glide score: −8.1), cellular thermal shift assay and fluorescence quenching assay (Kb ≈ 10 × 105 mol·L−1). Docking studies confirmed molecular interactions between GSTO1 and S2E, and identified the hydrogen bond donor Val‐72 (2.14 Å) and hydrogen bond acceptor Ser‐86 (2.77 Å). Best pharmacophore hypotheses could effectively map S2E and identified the 4‐methyl group of the benzene sulfonamide ring as crucial to its anti‐cancer activity. Lack of a thiophenyl group in another analog, 2e, reduced its efficacy as observed by cytotoxicity and pharmacophore matching. Furthermore, GSTO1 inhibition by S2E, along with tamoxifen, led to a significant increase in apoptosis and decreased migration of aggressive MDA‐MB‐231 cells, as well as significantly decreased migration, invasion and mammosphere formation in sorted breast cancer stem cells (CSCs, CD24−/CD44+). GSTO1 silencing in breast CSCs also significantly increased apoptosis and decreased migration. Mechanistically, GSTO1 inhibition activated the c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase stress kinase, inducing a mitochondrial apoptosis signaling pathway in breast CSCs via the pro‐apoptotic proteins BAX, cytochrome c and cleaved caspase 3. Our study elucidated the role of the GSTO1 inhibitor S2E as a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing chemotherapy‐induced breast CSC‐mediated cancer metastasis and recurrence.
Multiscale carbon fibre–reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites containing carbon nanotubes with tailored interfaces
Authors: Santos Raquel M. , Vale Diogo , Rocha Jéssica , Martins Carla , Mould Sacha T. , Rocha Nuno
Published: March 2019

Pristine and functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with tailored interfaces were efficiently dispersed in an epoxy matrix using a three‐roll mill and further reinforced with carbon fibres. 1.3‐Dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides was used for the chemical modification of MWCNTs by a solvent‐free approach. The influence of different loadings and types of MWCNTs on the final properties of the epoxy matrix was studied. Moreover, the most promising formulations were selected for manufacturing of prepreg sheets. The transversal tensile properties and the interlaminar fracture toughness under mode I loading (GIC) of multiscale carbon fibre–reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites were characterized. The results point out that it is not straightforward to transfer the remarkable intrinsic properties of MWCNTs to the composite level, although an overall positive trend was found. Double cantilever beam experiments showed that GIC of CFRP composites was improved 44% at ultralow content of functionalized MWCNTs (0.043 wt%).