bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
International Allies, Institutional Layering and Power in the Making of Labour in Bangladesh
Authors: Zajak Sabrina
Published: July 2017

This contribution discusses trajectories of labour power in the making. Taking a practice theory perspective on power, and focusing on the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh, the author asks how Bangladeshi trade unions are attempting to use changes in the industrial landscape after the factory collapse of Rana Plaza in 2013 to constitute different power sources. The article challenges assumptions in power resource theories that associational, institutional and social‐cultural power are pre‐existing factors, arguing that trade unions have to co‐construct and enact those power sources in order for them to become meaningful. The article contributes to the debate on Networks of Labour Activism (NOLA) by showing that networked interactions with global unions and other labour support organizations help to construct power in an incremental way through information sharing, claim reframing, increasing social recognition, and the construction of a ‘shadow of protection’ for trade unions. But it also points out new limitations resulting from managerial and political resistance, which aims to contain and reverse the growing power of labour. The Bangladesh Accord is a double‐edged sword: on the one hand it provides unions with new opportunities for developing strategic capabilities, while on the other hand it is used by powerful domestic actors to discredit trade unions and mobilize workers against the constraints of the Accord.
Perceived stress is associated with increased rostral middle frontal gyrus cortical thickness: a family‐based and discordant‐sibling investigation
Authors: Michalski L. J. , Demers C. H. , Baranger D. A. A. , Barch D. M. , Harms M. P. , Burgess G. C. , Bogdan R.
Published: July 2017

Elevated stress perception and depression commonly co‐occur, suggesting that they share a common neurobiology. Cortical thickness of the rostral middle frontal gyrus (RMFG), a region critical for executive function, has been associated with depression‐ and stress‐related phenotypes. Here, we examined whether RMFG cortical thickness is associated with these phenotypes in a large family‐based community sample. RMFG cortical thickness was estimated using FreeSurfer among participants (n = 879) who completed the ongoing Human Connectome Project. Depression‐related phenotypes (i.e. sadness, positive affect) and perceived stress were assessed via self‐report. After accounting for sex, age, ethnicity, average whole‐brain cortical thickness, twin status and familial structure, RMFG thickness was positively associated with perceived stress and sadness and negatively associated with positive affect at small effect sizes (accounting for 0.2–2.4% of variance; p‐fdr: 0.0051–0.1900). Perceived stress was uniquely associated with RMFG thickness after accounting for depression‐related phenotypes. Further, among siblings discordant for perceived stress, those reporting higher perceived stress had increased RMFG thickness (P = 4 × 10−7). Lastly, RMFG thickness, perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and positive affect were all significantly heritable, with evidence of shared genetic and environmental contributions between self‐report measures. Stress perception and depression share common genetic, environmental, and neural correlates. Variability in RMFG cortical thickness may play a role in stress‐related depression, although effects may be small in magnitude. Prospective studies are required to examine whether variability in RMFG thickness may function as a risk factor for stress exposure and/or perception, and/or arises as a consequence of these phenotypes.
Modulation of the activated protein C pathway in severe haemophilia A patients: The effects of thrombomodulin and a factor V‐stabilizing fab
Authors: Brophy D. F. , Martin E. J. , Mohammed B. M. , Barrett J. C. , Kuhn J. G. , Nolte M. E. , Wiinberg B. , Holmberg H. L. , Lund J. , Salbo R. , Waters E. K.
Published: July 2017

Introduction

The thrombomodulin (TM)/activated protein C (APC) system is a key regulator of haemostasis, limiting amplification and propagation of the formed blood clot to the injury site. Dampening APC's inhibition of factor V (FV) and factor VIII (FVIII) may be a future strategy in developing next‐generation therapeutic targets for haemophilia treatment.

Aims

To determine ex vivo the respective concentration‐dependent effects of TM and a FV‐stabilizing Fab on the APC regulatory pathway in severe FVIII‐deficient blood and plasma.

Methods

Ten severe haemophilia A subjects and one healthy control were enrolled. Blood was spiked with TM (0, 1, 2.5, 5, 10, 20.0 nmol/L) and FV‐stabilizing Fab (0, 3, 15, 65, 300 nmol/L). The respective effects were compared to FVIII concentrations of 3‐ and 10% using rotational thromboelastometry clotting time (CT) and thrombin generation analysis (TGA).

Results

With 1 and 2.5 nmol/L TM, 5% FVIII resulted in CT similar to the absence of TM, suggesting it completely reversed the effect of APC. Increasing TM concentrations also reduced peak thrombin generation and ETP. The addition of 300 nmol/L FV‐stabilizing Fab returned CT to nearly baseline, but for most subjects was less than the effects of 3‐ or 10% FVIII. The FV‐stabilizing Fab produced similar or greater thrombin generation compared to samples with 3‐ or 10% FVIII.

Conclusions

The FV‐stabilizing Fab resulted in enhanced CT and TGA parameters consistent with FVIII levels of 3‐ and 10%. Additional studies need to further characterize how modulating the APC pathway may prove beneficial in developing new haemophilia drug targets.
How nurses cope with patient death: A systematic review and qualitative meta‐synthesis
Authors: Zheng Ruishuang , Lee Susan Fiona , Bloomer Melissa Jane
Published: July 2017

Aims and objectives

To review literature on nurses’ coping strategies with patient death.

Background

Dealing with the loss of a patient was viewed as one of the most demanding and challenging encounters in clinical practice. Those nurses who are not competent in coping with patient death may be inadequate in supporting dying patients and their family members, and minimise the quality of end‐of‐life care. To get a broader understanding of how nurses cope with patient death and to develop meaningful and effective interventions, a systematic review which would help underpin the multidimensional approaches is needed.

Design

A systematic review.

Methods

Exhaustive searching in ten databases: CINAHL Plus, EMBASE, MEDLINE, AMED, PsycINFO, ProQuest Health & Medical Complete, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, Google Scholar, EThOS and CareSearch. Meta‐aggregation was used to synthesise the findings of the included studies.

Results

This systematic review aggregated ten categories from the sixteen qualitative studies included, and then two synthesised findings were derived: intrinsic resources and extrinsic resources. The intrinsic resources consisted of setting boundaries, reflection, crying, death beliefs, life and work experience, and daily routines and activity. The extrinsic resources were comprised of talking and being heard, spiritual practices, education and programmes, and debriefing.

Conclusion

This systematic review synthesised the findings about what resources nurses use when coping with patient death and made recommendations on future directions. Areas which could be developed to improve deficiencies that nurses had when faced with the losses of their patients were identified. Nurses need more support resources, which better assist them in coping with patient death.

Relevance to clinical practice

The results of this systematic review could provide evidence for nurses’ coping strategies when dealing with patient death, and the recommendations could be employed by nurses to cope with the losses of patients.
Pediatric intracerebral histiocytic sarcoma with rhabdoid features: Case report and literature review
Authors: Kim Young Hye , Yie Gie‐Taek , Kim Na Rae , Jeon In‐Sang , Cho Hyun Yee , Seok Jae Yeon , Kim Eung Yeop , Lee Kyu Chan
Published: July 2017

A 16‐year‐old boy presented with marked weight loss, weakness of the left extremities and dizziness of 2 months duration and vomiting for 2 days. Brain MRI showed an approximately 6.5 × 5.3 cm‐sized huge heterogeneous enhancing mass located in the corpus callosum, extending into the lateral ventricle. Open biopsy showed that the lesion consisted of lymphoplasmacytes and plump histiocytes with rhabdoid morphology, which were stained with S‐100 protein, CD68 (KP1) and negative for CD1a. Histiocytic tumor was initially diagnosed. Chemotherapy using methotrexate, 6‐mercaptopurine, vinblastine, interferon‐alpha and dexamethasone was performed. After 5 months, partial removal was done. Microscopically, plump and bizarre tumor cells as well as rhabdoid features were found. Occasional spindle cells and necrosis were also found. These cells were positive for CD163, CD68, lysozyme, CD4, INI‐1 and BRG1. BRAF V600E mutation was detected. The lesion was finally diagnosed as histiocytic sarcoma. Radiotherapy (6000 cGy in 30 fractions) was done. Both cerebral and extracerebral histiocytic sarcomas have long been diagnosed by unclarified criteria; its rarity as well as previously unclarified criteria can easily lead to a misinterpretation. Histiocytic sarcoma of the CNS is exceptionally rare in children, associated with an exceptionally poor prognosis. To date, only seven cases of pediatric cerebral histiocytic sarcomas have been reported. The present case is the first pediatric case showing BRAF V600E‐mutated intracerebral histiocytic sarcoma.
Ricochet pollination in Senna (Fabaceae) – petals deflect pollen jets and promote division of labour among flower structures
Authors: Amorim T. , Marazzi B. , Soares A. A. , Forni‐Martins E. R. , Muniz C. R. , Westerkamp C.
Published: July 2017

Naturalists Fritz and Hermann Müller hypothesised that heteranthery often leads to a division of labour into ‘feeding’ and ‘pollinating’ stamens; the latter often being as long as the pistil so as to promote successful pollination on the bees’ back. In many buzz‐pollinated species of Senna, however, the so‐called pollinating stamens are short and not level with the stigma, raising the question of how pollen is shed on the bees’ back. Here we explore a mechanism called ‘ricochet pollination’. We test whether division of labour is achieved through the interaction between short lower stamens and strongly concave ‘deflector petals’.

We studied the arrangement and morphology of the floral organs involved in the ricochet pollination, functioning of the flowers through artificial sonication and observed the interactions between bees and flowers in the field.

The middle stamens are adapted to eject pollen downwards, which can be readily collected on the bee mid legs. Most of the pollen is ejected towards the deflector petal(s). Pollen from this set of stamens is more likely to contribute to pollination. The pollen grains seem to ricochet multiple times against the deflector petals to eventually reach the bee's back.

The pollen ricochet mechanism promotes a division of labour by involving additional floral organs, such as petals, reinforcing the Müllers’ division‐of‐labour hypothesis. However, alternative, non‐multiexclusive hypotheses could be explored in genus Senna and other angiosperm species.
The ALDH21 gene found in lower plants and some vascular plants codes for a NADP+‐dependent succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase
Authors: Kopečná Martina , Vigouroux Armelle , Vilím Jan , Končitíková Radka , Briozzo Pierre , Hájková Eva , Jašková Lenka , von Schwartzenberg Klaus , Šebela Marek , Moréra Solange , Kopečný David
Published: July 2017

Lower plant species including some green algae, non‐vascular plants (bryophytes) as well as the oldest vascular plants (lycopods) and ferns (monilophytes) possess a unique aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) gene named ALDH21, which is upregulated during dehydration. However, the gene is absent in flowering plants. Here, we show that ALDH21 from the moss Physcomitrella patens codes for a tetrameric NADP+‐dependent succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSALDH), which converts succinic semialdehyde, an intermediate of the γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) shunt pathway, into succinate in the cytosol. NAD+ is a very poor coenzyme for ALDH21 unlike for mitochondrial SSALDHs (ALDH5), which are the closest related ALDH members. Structural comparison between the apoform and the coenzyme complex reveal that NADP+ binding induces a conformational change of the loop carrying Arg‐228, which seals the NADP+ in the coenzyme cavity via its 2′‐phosphate and α‐phosphate groups. The crystal structure with the bound product succinate shows that its carboxylate group establishes salt bridges with both Arg‐121 and Arg‐457, and a hydrogen bond with Tyr‐296. While both arginine residues are pre‐formed for substrate/product binding, Tyr‐296 moves by more than 1 Å. Both R121A and R457A variants are almost inactive, demonstrating a key role of each arginine in catalysis. Our study implies that bryophytes but presumably also some green algae, lycopods and ferns, which carry both ALDH21 and ALDH5 genes, can oxidize SSAL to succinate in both cytosol and mitochondria, indicating a more diverse GABA shunt pathway compared with higher plants carrying only the mitochondrial ALDH5.
Influence of different cleaning processes on the surface chemistry of gold nanoparticles
Authors: La Spina Rita , Spampinato Valentina , Gilliland Douglas , Ojea-Jimenez Isaac , Ceccone Giacomo
Published: July 2017

In this paper, the authors have investigated the effects of different cleaning methods (centrifugation and dialysis) on the surface chemistry and composition of 15 nm sodium citrate stabilized gold nanoparticles. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) results indicate that three centrifugation cycles are sufficient to remove most of the citrate molecules, while centrifuged liquid sedimentation and dynamic light scattering data reveal some degree of nanoparticle aggregation when three centrifugation cycles are exceeded. Regarding the dialysis procedure, NMR analysis demonstrated that after nine cleaning cycles, the citrate concentration is comparable to that measured after the first centrifugation (about 6 × 10−4 M) but with an increase in the dispersion polydispersivity index as determined by dynamic light scattering. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results support the NMR findings and revealed a major hydrocarbon contamination after the nanoparticles cleaning process. The impact of cleaning on surface functionalization was tested using 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecanethiol hydrophobic thiols (PFT) to test thiol-citrate substitution. After 24 h exposure, the PFT coverage was less than 0.6 monolayer (ML) for both pristine nanoparticles and particles after three dialysis cycles, but about 0.8 ML after two centrifugation washes.
Turmoil imperils research university in Andes
Authors: Mega Emiliano Rodríguez
Published: July 2017

Budget cuts and firings threaten Ecuador's plans for an academic powerhouse.
Disease sleuths unmask deadly encephalitis culprit
Authors: Pulla Priyanka
Published: July 2017

Old microbial foe takes on a nastier guise in northern India.
Serum Hepatitis B Virus DNA, RNA, and HBsAg: Which Correlated Better with Intrahepatic Covalently Closed Circular DNA before and after Nucleos(t)ide Analogue Treatment?
Authors: Gao Yuhua , Li Yutang , Meng Qinghua , Zhang Zhanqing , Zhao Ping , Shang Qinghua , Li Yue , Su Mingze , Li Tong , Liu Xueen , Zhuang Hui
Published: July 2017

The study was designed to investigate whether serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) RNA is a strong surrogate marker for intrahepatic HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) compared with serum HBV DNA, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. Serum HBV RNA, HBV DNA, HBsAg, HBeAg, and intrahepatic cccDNA were quantitatively detected at baseline (
n
= 82) and 96 weeks (
n
= 62) after treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogue (NUC) in HBeAg-positive CHB patients. The correlations among serum HBV RNA, HBV DNA, HBsAg, HBeAg, and intrahepatic cccDNA levels were then statistically analyzed. The results showed that pretreatment intrahepatic cccDNA levels correlated better with serum HBV DNA levels (
r
= 0.36,
P
< 0.01) than with serum HBV RNA levels (
r
= 0.25,
P
= 0.02), whereas no correlations were found between pretreatment intrahepatic cccDNA levels and HBsAg (
r
= 0.15,
P
= 0.17) or HBeAg (
r
= 0.07,
P
= 0.56) levels. At 96 weeks after NUC treatment, intrahepatic cccDNA levels correlated well with HBsAg levels (
r
= 0.39,
P
< 0.01) but not with serum HBV RNA, HBV DNA, and HBeAg levels (all
P
> 0.05). Besides, the decline in the intrahepatic cccDNA level from baseline to week 96 correlated better with the reduction in the serum HBsAg levels than with the decreases in the levels of the other markers (for the HBsAg decline,
r
= 0.38,
P
< 0.01; for the HBV DNA decline,
r
= 0.35,
P
= 0.01; for the HBV RNA decline,
r
= 0.28,
P
< 0.05; for the HBeAg decline,
r
= 0.18,
P
= 0.19). In conclusion, the baseline serum HBV RNA level or its decline after 96 weeks of NUC therapy correlated with the corresponding intrahepatic cccDNA level, while it was less than that seen with serum HBV DNA at baseline and HBsAg (or its decline) at 96 weeks after treatment, respectively.
Identification of Vaccinia Virus Replisome and Transcriptome Proteins by Isolation of Proteins on Nascent DNA Coupled with Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Senkevich Tatiana G. , Katsafanas George C. , Weisberg Andrea , Olano Lisa R. , Moss Bernard
Published: July 2017

Poxviruses replicate within the cytoplasm and encode proteins for DNA and mRNA synthesis. To investigate poxvirus replication and transcription from a new perspective, we incorporated 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) into nascent DNA in cells infected with vaccinia virus (VACV). The EdU-labeled DNA was conjugated to fluor- or biotin-azide and visualized by confocal, superresolution, and transmission electron microscopy. Nuclear labeling decreased dramatically after infection, accompanied by intense labeling of cytoplasmic foci. The nascent DNA colocalized with the VACV single-stranded DNA binding protein I3 in multiple puncta throughout the interior of factories, which were surrounded by endoplasmic reticulum. Complexes containing EdU-biotin-labeled DNA cross-linked to proteins were captured on streptavidin beads. After elution and proteolysis, the peptides were analyzed by mass spectrometry to identify proteins associated with nascent DNA. The known viral replication proteins, a telomere binding protein, and a protein kinase were associated with nascent DNA, as were the DNA-dependent RNA polymerase and intermediate- and late-stage transcription initiation and elongation factors, plus the capping and methylating enzymes. These results suggested that the replicating pool of DNA is transcribed and that few if any additional viral proteins directly engaged in replication and transcription remain to be discovered. Among the host proteins identified by mass spectrometry, topoisomerases IIα and IIβ and PCNA were noteworthy. The association of the topoisomerases with nascent DNA was dependent on expression of the viral DNA ligase, in accord with previous proteomic studies. Further investigations are needed to determine possible roles for PCNA and other host proteins detected.

IMPORTANCE
Poxviruses, unlike many well-characterized animal DNA viruses, replicate entirely within the cytoplasm of animal cells, raising questions regarding the relative roles of viral and host proteins. We adapted newly developed procedures for click chemistry and iPOND (
I
solation of
p
roteins
o
n
n
ascent
D
NA) to investigate vaccinia virus (VACV), the prototype poxvirus. Nuclear DNA synthesis ceased almost immediately following VACV infection, followed swiftly by the synthesis of viral DNA within discrete cytoplasmic foci. All viral proteins known from genetic and proteomic studies to be required for poxvirus DNA replication were identified in the complexes containing nascent DNA. The additional detection of the viral DNA-dependent RNA polymerase and intermediate and late transcription factors provided evidence for a temporal coupling of replication and transcription. Further studies are needed to assess the potential roles of host proteins, including topoisomerases IIα and IIβ and PCNA, which were found associated with nascent DNA.
Cerebral oxygenation during skin-to-skin care in preterm infants not receiving respiratory support
Authors: Lorenz Laila , Marulli Adriana , Dawson Jennifer A , Owen Louise S , Manley Brett J , Donath Susan M , Davis Peter G , Kamlin C Omar F
Published: July 2017

Objective

Skin-to-skin care (SSC) has proven benefits in preterm infants, but increased hypoxic and bradycardic events have been reported. This may make clinicians hesitant to recommend SSC as standard care. We hypothesised that regional cerebral oxygenation (rStO2) measured with near infrared spectroscopy is not worse during SSC compared with standard incubator care.

Design

Prospective, observational, non-inferiority study.

Setting

Single tertiary perinatal centre in Australia.

Patients

Forty preterm infants (median (IQR) 30.6 (29.1–31.7) weeks' gestation) not receiving respiratory support were studied on day 14 (8–38).

Interventions

Recordings during 90 min of incubator care, followed by 90 min of SSC. Each infant acted as their own control and caregivers were blinded to the rStO2 measurements.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was the mean difference in rStO2 between SSC and incubator care. The prespecified margin of non-inferiority was −1.5%. Secondary outcomes included heart rate (HR), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), time in quiet sleep, temperature and hypoxic (SpO2 <80% for >5 s) or bradycardic events (HR <80 bpm for >5 s) and time spent in cerebral hypoxia (rStO2<55%) and hyperoxia (rStO2>85%).

Results

Mean (SD) rStO2 was lower during SSC compared with incubator care: 73.6 (6.0)% vs 74.8 (4.6)%, mean difference (95% CI) 1.3 (2.2 to 0.4)%. HR was 5 bpm higher, SpO2 1% lower and time in quiet sleep 24% longer during SSC. Little evidence of a difference was observed in temperature. The number of hypoxic or bradycardic events as well as the proportion of time spent in cerebral hypoxia and hyperoxia was very low in both periods.

Conclusions

Mean rStO2 was marginally lower during SSC without observed differences in hypoxic or bardycardic events but an increase in time spent in quiet sleep.

Trial registration number

This trial is linked to Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: identifier 12616000240448. It was registered pre-results.
Energy drinks give you wings but also an abnormal exercise test
Authors: Choudhury Tawfiqur R , Abdool Muhammad A , Galasko Gavin
Published: July 2017

This is the case of a 53-year-old man with known coronary artery disease who underwent two exercise treadmill tests (ETT). The first test, which yielded an abnormal result, was undertaken shortly after he had drunk two cans of Red Bull, a popular energy drink (ED). A second ETT was undertaken 1 week later by the same team without EDs on board and the test result was normal. This case suggests that drinking EDs prior to an ETT could lead to a false positive result and should be discouraged prior to exercise testing.
Increasing age is a major risk factor for susceptibility to heat stress during physical activity
Authors: McGinn Ryan , Poirier Martin P. , Louie Jeffrey C. , Sigal Ronald J. , Boulay Pierre , Flouris Andreas D. , Kenny Glen P.
Published: July 2017

We evaluated the extent to which age, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body fat can independently determine whole-body heat loss (WBHL) in 87 otherwise healthy adults. We show that increasing age is a major predictor for decreasing WBHL in otherwise healthy adults (aged 20–70 years), accounting for 40% of the variation in the largest study to date. While greater body fat also had a minor detrimental impact on WBHL, there was no significant role for cardiorespiratory fitness.
An assessment of the efficacy of rub stations for detection and abundance surveys of Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis)
Authors: Crowley Shannon M. , Hodder Dexter P.
Published: July 2017

Barbed and scented rub pads that rely on a cheek-rubbing behavioural response are a standard survey design that has been used extensively across the range of Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis Kerr, 1792). However, there have not been any published studies evaluating the effectiveness of rub stations for detecting lynx by comparing other simultaneous survey methods. We used a combination of paired rub stations and remote cameras at 41 sites to compare detection probabilities between the two methods and conduct a mark–recapture population estimate of Canada lynx using rub stations to further interpret our findings. The detection probability calculated using cameras approached 1.0 for most of the winter season (mean = 0.88), whereas it remained less than 0.52 for hair rub stations (mean = 0.27). The low and variable detection probability using hair snags, high detection probability using cameras, and the potential gender or individual bias in rubbing behaviour based on our mark–recapture analysis suggest that rub stations are not the most efficient survey method available for Canada lynx. Until additional research incorporating spatial scale, seasonal timing, gender bias, and survey design is conducted, we urge caution in the use of hair stations that rely on the cheek-rubbing behaviour of Canada lynx.
Moving object detection based on on-line block-robust principal component analysis decomposition
Authors: Yang Biao , Cao Jinmeng , Zou Ling
Published: July 2017

Robust principal component analysis (RPCA) decomposition is widely applied in moving object detection due to its ability in suppressing environmental noises while separating sparse foreground from low rank background. However, it may suffer from constant punishing parameters (resulting in confusion between foreground and background) and holistic processing of all input frames (leading to bad real-time performance). Improvements to these issues are studied in this paper. A block-RPCA decomposition approach was proposed to handle the confusion while separating foreground from background. Input frame was initially separated into blocks using three-frame difference. Then, punishing parameter of each block was computed by its motion saliency acquired based on selective spatio-temporal interesting points. Aiming to improve the real-time performance of the proposed method, an on-line solution to block-RPCA decomposition was utilized. Both qualitative and quantitative tests were implemented and the results indicate the superiority of our method to some state-of-the-art approaches in detection accuracy or real-time performance, or both of them.
The geological work of the Scottish National Antarctic Expedition, 1902 – 04
Authors: Stone Philip
Published: July 2017

The Scottish National Antarctic Expedition (1902 – 04) made the first topographical survey and geological assessment of Laurie Island, one of the South Orkney Islands. The expedition's surgeon and geologist, J. H. H. Pirie, provided competent geological descriptions but these were largely overshadowed by his misidentification of an obscure plant fossil as a graptolite. Erroneous confirmation by eminent British palaeontologists led to Triassic rocks being regarded as Lower Palaeozoic for fifty years. The mistake arose from the familiarity of all concerned with the geology of the Scottish Southern Uplands: they were led astray by the preconception that, as in Scotland, deformed ‘greywacke–shale’ successions would contain Lower Palaeozoic fossils. Other, more successful aspects of the expedition's geological investigations are less well known. Fossils acquired in the Falkland Islands expanded that archipelago's poorly known Devonian brachiopod fauna, but arguably the most important palaeontological discovery lay unrecognized for ten years. A limestone block dredged from the bed of the Weddell Sea contained Early Cambrian archaeocyath fossils which, had they been promptly identified, would have been the first record of this important Antarctic palaeofauna. Instead, the Weddell Sea material complemented fossils recovered on the opposite, Ross Sea side of the Antarctic continent during Shackleton's British Antarctic Expedition (1907 – 09).
PEDF expression affects retinal endothelial cell proangiogenic properties through alterations in cell adhesive mechanisms
Authors: Falero-Perez Juliana , Park SunYoung , Sorenson Christine M. , Sheibani Nader
Published: July 2017

Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is an endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis. Although various ocular cell types including retinal endothelial cells (EC) produce PEDF, we know very little about cell autonomous effects of PEDF in these cell types. Here we determined how PEDF expression affects retinal EC proangiogenic properties. Retinal EC were prepared from wild-type (PEDF+/+) and PEDF-deficient (PEDF−/−) mice. The identity of EC was confirmed by staining for specific markers including vascular endothelial cadherin, CD31, and B4-lectin. Retinal EC also expressed VEGF receptor 1 and endoglin, as well as ICAM-1, ICAM-2, and VCAM-1. PEDF−/− retinal EC were more proliferative, less apoptotic when challenged with H2O2, less migratory, and less adherent compared with PEDF+/+ EC. These changes could be associated, at least in part, with increased levels of tenascin-C, fibronectin, thrombospondin-1 and collagen IV, and lower amounts of osteopontin. PEDF−/− EC also exhibited alterations in expression of a number of integrins including α2, αv, β1, β8, and αvβ3, and cell-cell adhesion molecules including CD31, zonula occluden-1, and occludin. These observations correlated with attenuation of capillary morphogenesis and increased levels of oxidative stress in PEDF−/− EC. PEDF−/− EC also produced lower levels of VEGF compared with PEDF+/+ cells. Thus, PEDF deficiency has a significant impact on retinal EC adhesion and migration, perhaps through altered production of extracellular matrix and junctional proteins in response to increased oxidative stress affecting their proangiogenic activity.
Depression after Stroke in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ojagbemi Akin , Akpa Onoja , Elugbadebo Fisayo , Owolabi Mayowa , Ovbiagele Bruce
Published: July 2017

Objective. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence and characteristics of poststroke depression (PSD) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Methods. We searched Medline, PsycINFO, and African Journals OnLine using keywords for stroke and depression and the .mp. operator for all 54 SSA countries/regions. Further information was retrieved through a manual search of references from relevant published and unpublished articles. We included only peer-reviewed original studies with epidemiological or experimental designs, conducted random-effect meta-analysis, and identified the most commonly associated factors by weight (inverse of variance method). Results. Seventeen studies, comprising 1483 stroke survivors, met the criteria for syntheses. The pooled frequency of clinically diagnosed PSD was 31% (95% CI = 26%–36%), versus 13.9% in healthy control pairs. Prevalence did not vary much across healthcare settings but was affected by methods of depression ascertainment. PSD was significantly associated with low education, cognitive impairment, physical disability, poor quality of life, and divorced marital status. Conclusion. Almost 1 in 3 individuals with stroke in SSA has clinical depression. Despite limitations around quality of identified studies, results of the present systematic review overlap with findings in the global literature and highlight useful targets for the design and trial of tailored intervention for PSD in SSA.
The Recent Advances on Liver Cancer Stem Cells: Biomarkers, Separation, and Therapy
Authors: Xiao Yanhong , Lin Mei , Jiang Xingmao , Ye Jun , Guo Ting , Shi Yujuan , Bian Xuefeng
Published: July 2017

As the third major reason of mortality related to cancer in the world, liver cancer is also the fifth most frequent cancer. Unluckily, a majority of patients succumb and relapse though many progresses have been made in detection and therapy of liver cancer. It has been put forward that in liver cancer, cancer stem cells (CSCs) hold main responsibility for the formation, invasion, metastasis, and recurrence of tumor. Strategies that are intended to target liver CSCs are playing a more and more significant role in supervising the development of liver cancer treatment and assessing new therapeutic methods. Herein, a brief review about molecule markers, signal pathways, separation, and treatment on liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) is provided in this paper.
HCV Integrated Care: A Randomized Trial to Increase Treatment Initiation and SVR with Direct Acting Antivirals
Authors: Groessl Erik J. , Liu Lin , Sklar Marisa , Ho Samuel B.
Published: July 2017

Background and Aims. Psychiatric or substance use disorders are barriers to successful HCV antiviral treatment. In a randomized, controlled trial (RCT), the effects of HCV Integrated Care (IC) for increasing treatment rates and sustained viral response (SVR) were studied with direct acting antivirals (DAA). Methods. In 2012-13, VA patients, whose screening was positive for depression, PTSD, or substance use (N=79), were randomized to IC or Usual Care (UC). IC consisted of brief psychological interventions and case management. The primary endpoint was SVR among patients followed for an average of 16.6 months. Results. 42% of the study participants were previously homeless and 79% had HCV genotype 1. Twice as many IC participants (45%) initiated treatment compared with UC participants (23%) (χ2 = 4.59, p=0.032). Among those treated, SVR rates did not significantly differ (IC: 12/18 = 67%; UC: 5/9 = 55%; p=0.23). Among all randomized participants, IC participants trended toward better SVR rates (30.0% versus 12.8% in UC; p=0.07). Conclusions. Although first-generation DAAs are no longer used, this smaller RCT helps confirm the results of a larger multisite RCT showing that Integrated Care results in higher treatment initiation and SVR rates among HCV-infected persons with comorbid psychological disorders. Integrated mental health services can facilitate treatment among the most challenging HCV patients, many of whom have not been successfully treated. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT00722423.
Different Modulatory Effects of IL-17, IL-22, and IL-23 on Osteoblast Differentiation
Authors: Zhang Jing-Ru , Pang Dan-Dan , Tong Qiang , Liu Xia , Su Ding-Feng , Dai Sheng-Ming
Published: July 2017

Objectives. To examine the expressions of IL-17, IL-22, and IL-23 receptors in four osteoblast models and the effects of IL-17, IL-22, and IL-23 on osteoblasts.Methods. Gene expression levels of receptors, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN), and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx-2), were evaluated by RT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR. Proliferative responses and cell cycle analysis were detected by a CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. ALP activity and ALP mass were detected by an ALP activity assay and ALP staining, respectively.Results. In primary osteoblasts, only the IL-17 receptor was expressed. In C2C12, MC3T3-E1, and Saos-2 cells, the genes of IL-17, IL-22, and IL-23 receptors were not detectable. None of IL-17, IL-22, and IL-23 had an obvious effect on the proliferation of primary osteoblasts, but IL-17 exhibited an inhibitory effect on the gene expression of ALP, OCN, and Runx-2. The ALP activity and ALP mass of primary osteoblasts were downregulated by IL-17 treatment in a dose-dependent manner, and IL-17 failed to inhibit BMP-2-induced phosphorylation of Smad.Conclusion. Primary osteoblasts constitutively express IL-17 receptors, but none of C2C12 cells, MC3T3-E1 cells, and Saos-2 cells express any receptors for IL-17, IL-22, and IL-23. IL-17 inhibits BMP-2-induced osteoblast differentiation via the BMP/Smad-independent pathway.
Pitfall in the Diagnosis of Diabetes Insipidus and Pregnancy
Authors: Sum Melissa , Fleischer Jessica B. , Khandji Alexander G. , Wardlaw Sharon L.
Published: July 2017

Diabetes insipidus (DI) during pregnancy and the perinatal period is an uncommon medical problem characterized by polyuria and excessive thirst. Diagnosis of DI may be overlooked in the setting of pregnancy, a time when increased water intake and urine output are commonly reported. We report two cases: one of transient DI in a young woman during her third trimester of twin pregnancy in association with acute fatty liver and hypertension and one of postpartum DI secondary to Sheehan syndrome from rupture of a splenic artery aneurysm. These cases illustrate the spectrum with which DI related to pregnancy and delivery can present and highlight the difficulty in making the diagnosis since the symptoms are often initially overlooked.
The Role of Laparoscopy in the Management of a Diagnostic Dilemma: Jejunal Ectopic Pancreas Developing into Jejunojejunal Intussusception
Authors: Giordano Alessio , Alemanno Giovanni , Bergamini Carlo , Prosperi Paolo , Bruscino Alessandro , Valeri Andrea
Published: July 2017

Ectopic pancreas (EP) is a rare congenital anomaly defined as the presence of pancreatic tissue in topographic anomaly. It is usually silent but it may become clinically evident when complicated by acute conditions. The development of laparoscopic surgery has changed the way to manage such conditions, especially in the setting of emergency surgery, thanks to its diagnostic and therapeutic role with excellent results. We decided to perform an emergency diagnostic exploratory laparoscopy in a 29-year-old man with an acute abdomen and nonspecific radiological images for intestinal occlusion. A jejunojejunal intussusception was found, caused by a mass. We decided to carry out minilaparotomy to perform a resection of the affected jejunum. Histological examination confirmed the presence of a jejunal ectopic pancreas. Adult intussusception caused by EP represents 5% of all cases of intussusception. As CT scan, especially when performed in emergency setting for small bowel obstruction diagnosis, can usually demonstrate nondiagnostic findings suggestive of intussusception of unknown origin, laparoscopic exploration could help surgeons in order to perform a resolute diagnosis and treat the pathology.
Cytokine Signature in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients on Hemodialysis
Authors: Rios Danyelle Romana Alves , Pinheiro Melina Barros , de Oliveira Junior Wander Valadares , Braga Gomes Karina , Carvalho Andréa Teixeira , Martins-Filho Olindo Assis , Simões e Silva Ana Cristina , Dusse Luci Maria Sant’Ana
Published: July 2017

Hemodialysis is a modality of blood filtration in which accumulated toxins and water are removed from the body. This treatment is indicated for patients at the end stage of renal disease. Vascular access complications are responsible for 20–25% of all hospitalizations in dialyzed patients. The occurrence of thrombosis in the vascular access is a serious problem that may severely compromise or even make the hemodialysis impossible, which is vital for the patient. The aim of this study was to investigate inflammatory profile in patients undergoing hemodialysis as well as the association between these alterations and vascular access thrombosis. A total of 195 patients undergoing hemodialysis have been evaluated; of which, 149 patients had not experienced vascular access thrombosis (group I) and 46 patients had previously presented this complication (group II). Plasma levels of cytokines including interleukin (IL-) 2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γwere measured by cytometric bead array. Our results showed that patients with previous thrombotic events (group II) had higher levels of the IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, and IFN-γwhen compared to those in group I. Furthermore, a different cytokine signature was detected in dialyzed patients according to previous occurrences or not of thrombotic events, suggesting that elevated levels of T-helper 1 and T-helper 2 cytokines might, at least in part, contribute to this complication.
A Novel Evaluation for Predicting Aortic Complicated Lesions Using Calcification on Chest X-ray
Authors: Yamaguchi Yoshitaka , Tanaka Tomotaka , Yoshimura Sohei , Koga Masatoshi , Nagatsuka Kazuyuki , Toyoda Kazunori
Published: July 2017

Background: The aorta is a significant source of cerebral thromboembolisms. Aortic complicated lesions (ACLs) are key findings on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for assessing aortic sources of emboli to the brain. TEE is sometimes avoided due to its invasiveness. However, few reports have examined alternative methods for predicting ACLs. We investigated relationships between aortic arch calcification (AAC) on chest X-ray and ACLs. Methods: Participants comprised 300 patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack who underwent TEE for the evaluation of the aortic arch and heart. A postero-anterior plain chest X-ray in the recumbent position was evaluated on admission for each patient. AAC was evaluated using 4 grades (0-3) and “AAC thickness” defined as the distance from the inner margin of the most distant AAC to the outer margin of the aortic vessel wall. ACLs were defined by intima-media thickness (IMT) ≥4.0 mm or presence of ulcerated or mobile plaques. Carotid maximum IMT on ultrasonography was also evaluated. Comparison of the diagnostic ability to predict ACL was performed between AAC grades and AAC thickness or AAC thickness and carotid maximum IMT using the Delong method. Results: ACLs were identified in 71 patients (23.7%), including ACLs with ulcerated plaques in 24 (8.0%) and ACLs with mobile plaques in 9 (3.0%). Plaque thickness was greater in higher AAC grades or higher quartiles of AAC thickness (p for trend <0.001 each). The Cochran-Armitage test showed that both higher AAC grade and higher quartile of AAC thickness were significantly associated with the presence of ACLs, as well as the presence of ulcerated or mobile plaques (p for trend < 0.001 each). Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed optimal cut-off values for AAC thickness of 5.6 mm for ACLs and 6.0 mm for ulcerated or mobile plaques. Multivariate logistic regression revealed a higher grade of AAC (grades 2-3) and AAC thickness (≥6 mm) as significantly associated with ACLs and ulcerated or mobile plaques (p < 0.001 each). ROC curve comparisons showed that AAC thickness offered a better marker of ACLs than AAC grade (p = 0.019), although no significant difference was evident between AAC thickness and carotid maximum IMT (p = 0.567). Conclusions: AAC on chest X-ray, evaluated by both AAC grade and AAC thickness to the outer aortic vessel wall, was significantly associated with ACLs on TEE. AAC thickness was suggested as more useful than AAC grade and equivalent to carotid IMT in predicting ACLs.
Africa and the Legitimacy of the icc in Question
Authors: Niang Mandiaye
Published: July 2017

This article focuses on the current challenge facing the International Criminal Court (icc), as its legitimacy is questioned by an increasing number of African countries. This challenge is all the more sensitive, when the African Union forum appears to act as an official platform giving credence to, and indeed amplifying, the echo of these opposing voices. Do those African countries or African leaders have a point when they complain about selective prosecutions targeting only Africans? If so, are there any effective remedies that could alleviate their concerns, while not compromising the need for justice? What is the way forward for the icc if this institution is to build a future in and with Africa? This article does not provide definitive answers to these questions. It attempts to shed light upon avenues that might be worthwhile exploring, to build consensus and to marshal some much-needed support for international justice.
Further study on Rhopobota Lederer (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Olethreutinae) from China
Authors: ZHANG AIHUAN
Published: July 2017

Two new species of Rhopobota Lederer are described from China: R. projecta Zhang, sp. nov., and R. quadrata Zhang, sp. nov. The female of R. floccosa Zhang, Li & Wang is reported for the first time. Photographs of the adults and illustrations of the genitalia are provided. All of the specimens are deposited in the Insect Collection, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
Supraglottic Carcinoma: Patterns of Recurrence
Authors: Lutz Charles K. , Wagner Robin L. , Johnson Jonas T. , Myers Eugene N.
Published: July 2017

A retrospective review of 202 patients with supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma and at least 2 years of follow-up was performed. Surgery alone was used to treat 102 patients, and combined therapy in 100 patients. Local-regional failure occurred in 47 (23%) patients. Only 4 patients (2%) developed recurrence at the primary site. The neck was the most common site for recurrent disease (39/47 or 83%), which in 35 patients appeared in the undirected, contralateral side. The risk to the contralateral side of the neck in patients with midline (epiglottic) lesions was similar to that in those with unilateral (aryepiglottic fold) lesions. Supraglottic laryngectomy, when properly selected, did not compromise primary control in the larynx. Radiation therapy was ineffective in controlling metastasis to the contralateral side of the neck in 16 of 99 patients (16 %). Therefore, routine bilateral neck dissection should be considered in the surgical treatment of supraglottic carcinoma for control of regional disease.
Role of the Soft Palate in Laryngeal Functions and Selected Voice Qualities
Authors: Yanagisawa Eiji , Kmucha Steven T. , Estill Jo
Published: July 2017

The role of the soft palate in normal laryngeal functions and in the production of selected voice qualities was studied by a simultaneous velolaryngeal videoendoscopy technique. For this technique, the Olympus ENF-P flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscope was passed via one nostril to study the function of the larynx, while the Hopkins 70° rhinoscopic telescope was passed via the other nostril to study the function of the soft palate and velopharyngeal closure. A Kay Elemetrics DSP Sona-Graph, model 5500, was used to analyze a complex vocal figure of five consecutive voice qualities, three of which were nasal, and two, oral. Simultaneous velolaryngeal videoendoscopy proved to be of great value for the understanding of the interaction of velar and laryngeal functions and for clarifying the mechanisms of nasal and twang qualities.
Squamous Carcinomas with Glandlike (Adenoid) Features
Authors: Batsakis John G. , Huser Jeffrey
Published: July 2017

Squamous cell carcinomas with a prominent glandlike histologic component are uncommon histologic variants found in the skin and mucous membranes. Although not restricted to the head and neck, they have a predilection for that anatomic area. Lost in the debate over their histogenesis are repeated observations that the carcinomas have an aggressiveness and life-consuming capacity that exceed those of conventional squamous cell carcinomas.
Laryngeal and Laryngotracheoesophageal Clefts: Role of Early Surgical Repair
Authors: Myer Charles M. , Holmes Douglas K. , Cotton Robin T. , Jackson R. Kirk
Published: July 2017

An uncommon congenital anomaly of the developing aerodigestive tract is the congenital laryngeal cleft and its extension, the congenital laryngotracheoesophageal (LTE) cleft. Because of the subtle findings sometimes seen with clefts confined to the larynx, the diagnosis may be difficult. The potential problems of airway obstruction and repeated aspiration frequently associated with laryngeal and LTE clefts mandate early surgical repair. Over the past 3 years, 14 patients with congenital laryngeal or LTE clefts have been managed at Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. This report details our experience and philosophy regarding the diagnosis and management of the condition, and presents the histopathologic findings of a case of complete LTE cleft in which surgical repair was delayed and death resulted.