bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined use of multiparametric flow cytometry and cytomorphology to enhance detection of neuroblastoma metastatic cells in bone marrow
Authors: Manenq Christine , Lesesve Jean‐François , Dreumont Natacha , Massin Frédéric , Salignac Sylvain , Mansuy Ludovic , Chastagner Pascal , Latger‐Cannard Véronique , Broséus Julien
Published: December 2019

Introduction

In the context of neuroblastoma (NB), the screening for bone marrow (BM) metastasis is a recurrent issue for hematology laboratory routine practice. Detection of low tumor burden using light microscopy is often difficult. In this regard, our objective was to evaluate the performance of multiparametric flow cytometry (FC) for detecting NB metastatic cells in BM.

Methods

We applied a new FC multiparametric panel allowing the analysis of the co‐expression of 5 surface markers: GD2 (disialoganglioside 2), CD9, CD56, CD81, and CD90, on CD45‐negative BM cell populations, and compared results with BM biopsy immunohistochemistry, which is the reference method.

Results

In spike‐in tests, the multiparametric FC successfully detected NB cells mixed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells to a level of 0.01%. FC analysis was performed on 45 sets of BM aspirates sampled from 21 children, either at diagnosis or during follow‐up. Combining multiparametric FC with light microscopy improved NB metastasis detection, with a higher sensitivity (76.9% vs 61.5%) and a higher specificity (94.4% vs 77.8%) as compared to light microscopy alone. At the time of diagnosis, multiparametric FC detected NB metastatic cells in all cases.

Conclusion

These results illustrate the performance of multiparametric FC analysis to detect metastatic BM infiltration of NB. This is of particular interest in an emergency context, since when combined with light microscopy, it enhances the detection of metastatic invasion within a short timeframe, allowing an adapted and rapid clinical management.
Poor access to kidney disease management services in susceptible patient populations in rural Australia is associated with increased aeromedical retrievals for acute renal care
Authors: Gardiner Fergus W. , Bishop Lara , Gale Lauren , Harwood Abby , Teoh Narci , Lucas Robyn M. , Jones Martin , Laverty Martin
Published: December 2019

Background

Inequalities in access to renal services and acute care for rural and remote populations in Australia have been described but not quantified.

Aim

To describe: the coverage of renal disease management services in rural and remote Australia; and the characteristics of patients who had an aeromedical retrieval for renal disease by Australia's Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).

Methods

Data from the RFDS, the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and Health Direct were used to estimate provision of renal disease management services by geographic area. RFDS patient diagnostic data were prospectively collected from 2014 to 2018.

Results

Many rural and remote areas have limited access to regular renal disease management services. Most RFDS retrievals for renal disease are from regions without such services. The RFDS conducted 1636 aeromedical retrievals for renal disease, which represented 1.6% of all retrievals. Among retrieved patients, there was a higher proportion of men than women (54.6% vs 45.4%, P < 0.01), while indigenous patients (n = 546, 33.4%) were significantly younger than non‐indigenous patients (40.9 vs 58.5, P < 0.01). There were significant differences in underlying diagnoses triggering retrievals between genders, with males being more likely than females to be transferred with acute renal failure, calculus of the kidney and ureter, renal colic, obstructive uropathy, and kidney failure (all P < 0.01). Conversely, females were more likely to have chronic kidney disease, disorders of the urinary system, acute nephritic syndrome, tubulo‐interstitial nephritis, and nephrotic syndrome (all P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Aeromedical retrievals for acute care were from rural areas without regular access to renal disease prevention or management services.
Networks of Iron
Authors: Dahlström Hanna
Published: December 2019

The information which can be extracted from studying craft and production in past societies is by no means limited to technology and exchange. Analysing thechaîne opératoireof iron production in medieval society provides a new perspective and knowledge of its role for urban development. Seen as a complex network of economic, social and material relations, craft and production are embedded in society and have the power to influence it. This article presents and discusses the remains of blacksmithing found at the site of Rådhuspladsen (‘City Hall Square’) in Copenhagen. The analysis focuses on the scale, types and organisation of the ironworking, as well as identifying the people who may have been involved, including their social and geographical networks. This study aims to better understand the role of iron production for the development of medieval Copenhagen and in general, its role in medieval Danish towns.
Inhibition of MELK produces potential anti‐tumour effects in bladder cancer by inducing G1/S cell cycle arrest via the ATM/CHK2/p53 pathway
Authors: Chen Song , Zhou Qiang , Guo Zicheng , Wang Yejinpeng , Wang Lu , Liu Xuefeng , Lu Mengxin , Ju Lingao , Xiao Yu , Wang Xinghuan
Published: December 2019

We aimed to investigate the biological function of MELK and the therapeutic potential of OTSSP167 in human bladder cancer (BCa). First, we observed overexpression of MELK in BCa cell lines and tissues and found that it was associated with higher tumour stage and tumour grade, which was consistent with transcriptome analysis. High expression of MELK was significantly correlated with poor prognosis in BCa patients, and MELK was found to have a role in the cell cycle, the G1/S transition in mitosis, and DNA repair and replication. Furthermore, BCa cells presented significantly decreased proliferation capacity following silencing of MELK or treatment with OTSSP167 in vitro and in vivo. Functionally, reduction in MELK or treatment of cells with OTSSP167 could induce cell cycle arrest and could suppress migration. In addition, these treatments could activate phosphorylation of ATM and CHK2, which would be accompanied by down‐regulated MDMX, cyclin D1, CDK2 and E2F1; however, p53 and p21 would be activated. Opposite results were observed when MELK expression was induced. Overall, MELK was found to be a novel oncogene in BCa that induces cell cycle arrest via the ATM/CHK2/p53 pathway. OTSSP167 displays potent anti‐tumour activities, which may provide a new molecule‐based strategy for BCa treatment.
Lovastatin‐mediated MCF‐7 cancer cell death involves LKB1‐AMPK‐p38MAPK‐p53‐survivin signalling cascade
Authors: Huang Shiu‐Wen , Chyuan I‐Tsu , Shiue Ching , Yu Meng‐Chieh , Hsu Ya‐Fen , Hsu Ming‐Jen
Published: December 2019

There is increasing evidence that statins, which are widely used in lowering serum cholesterol and the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, also exhibits anti‐tumour properties. The underlying mechanisms by which statins‐induced cancer cell death, however, remain incompletely understood. In this study, we explored the anti‐tumour mechanisms of a lipophilic statin, lovastatin, in MCF‐7 breast cancer cells. Lovastatin inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis. Lovastatin caused p21 elevation while reduced cyclin D1 and survivin levels. Lovastatin also increased p53 phosphorylation, acetylation and its reporter activities. Results from chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that p53 binding to the survivin promoter region was increased, while Sp1 binding to the region was decreased, in MCF‐7 cells after lovastatin exposure. These actions were associated with liver kinase B1 (LKB1), AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) activation. Lovastatin's enhancing effects on p53 activation, p21 elevation and survivin reduction were significantly reduced in the presence of p38MAPK signalling inhibitor. Furthermore, LKB1‐AMPK signalling blockade abrogated lovastatin‐induced p38MAPK and p53 phosphorylation. Together these results suggest that lovastatin may activate LKB1‐AMPK‐p38MAPK‐p53‐survivin cascade to cause MCF‐7 cell death. The present study establishes, at least in part, the signalling cascade by which lovastatin induces breast cancer cell death.
Evolutionary developmental genetics of teeth and odontodes in jawed vertebrates: a perspective from the study of elasmobranchs
Authors: Berio Fidji , Debiais‐Thibaud Mélanie
Published: December 2019

Most extant vertebrates display a high variety of tooth and tooth‐like organs (odontodes) that vary in shape, position over the body and nature of composing tissues. The development of these structures is known to involve similar genetic cascades and teeth and odontodes are believed to share a common evolutionary history. Gene expression patterns have previously been compared between mammalian and teleost tooth development but we highlight how the comparative framework was not always properly defined to deal with different tooth types or tooth developmental stages. Larger‐scale comparative analyses also included cartilaginous fishes: sharks display oral teeth and dermal scales for which the gene expression during development started to be investigated in the small‐spotted catsharkScyliorhinus caniculaduring the past decade. We report several descriptive approaches to analyse the embryonic tooth and caudal scale gene expressions inS. canicula. We compare these expressions wih the ones reported in mouse molars and teleost oral and pharyngeal teeth and highlight contributions and biases that arise from these interspecific comparisons. We finally discuss the evolutionary processes that can explain the observed intra and interspecific similarities and divergences in the genetic cascades involved in tooth and odontode development in jawed vertebrates.
Effect of acute kidney injury on long‐term outcomes of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients using the International Club of Ascites‐acute kidney injury criteria
Authors: Sohn Won , Kim Jung Hee , Cho Ju‐Yeon
Published: December 2019

Background and Aim

This study aimed to investigate the effect of acute kidney injury (AKI) on long‐term mortality of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in cirrhotic patients using International Club of Ascites (ICA)‐AKI criteria.

Methods

A total of 157 cirrhotic patients with a first episode of SBP between 2007 and 2016 were analyzed. We investigated the long‐term mortality with related risk factors of SBP in cirrhosis including the ICA‐AKI criteria. The ICA‐AKI stage at SBP diagnosis is evaluated by stages 0–3. Stage progression was defined as a progression of AKI to a higher stage.

Results

The ICA‐AKI stage at the diagnosis of SBP was stage 0 in 91 (58%), stage 1 in 33 (21%), stage 2 in 19 (12%), and stage 3 in 14 patients (9%). Stage progression within 48 h after SBP diagnosis was noted in 18 patients (12%). Multivariable analysis showed that the risk factors for overall survival were age ≥ 60 years (hazard ratio [HR] 1.74, P = 0.029), serum sodium ≤ 130 mmol/L (HR 1.3, P = 0.017), ICA‐AKI stage 1 (HR 2.51, P = 0.003), ICA‐AKI stage 2 or 3 (HR 3.36, P < 0.001), and stage progression at 48 h after SBP diagnosis (HR 2.57, P = 0.004). The differences in overall survival using the ICA‐AKI in patients without AKI using the conventional criteria were significantly different (P = 0.019).

Conclusion

Acute kidney injury and its progression are significant risk factors for mortality in cirrhotic patients with SBP. The application of the ICA‐AKI criteria is important and advantageous for early evaluation and intervention for a better prognosis in cirrhotic patients with SBP.
The qualification and training of laser/intense pulse light hair removal operators within South Africa
Authors: Thomas Mandy M. , Houreld Nicolette N. , Brooks Nicole
Published: December 2019

Background

Lasers and intense pulse light (IPL) sources are powerful devices that can cause skin burns, pigmentary changes, and scarring if used incorrectly. Adequate training is essential, and regulations are required to limit complications.

Aims

The purpose was to investigate the qualifications and training obtained by laser hair removal operators in South Africa.

Methods

Questionnaires were distributed and information gathered from owners/managers of laser clinics, suppliers of laser devices in South Africa, individuals in the workplace performing laser hair removal procedures, and accredited tertiary institutions.

Results

A majority of clinic owners/managers (94.45%) felt that more emphasis should be placed on laser hair removal training at a tertiary level, and 66.67% outsource additional training provided by the manufacturer of laser devices. Based on the survey to manufacturers, 50% did not require any formal qualification as a minimum requirement, while 33.33% indicated laser hair removal training is incorporated at a NQF level 4 (National/Senior Certificate). The majority of individuals (68.89%) received training from tertiary institutions; however, they did not receive any practical training, and 60.87% felt the amount of training was insufficient. According to the survey sent to tertiary institutions in South Africa, only 27.78% offer laser hair removal training, and of these, 20% offer no practical training and 50% indicated that no practical examination is provided.

Conclusions

There is a clear lack of training in laser hair removal in South Africa. The industry should have standard requirements in terms of minimum practical and theoretical hours with regards to the therapy.
Students' observations of hand hygiene in nursing homes using the five moments of hand hygiene
Authors: Løyland Borghild , Peveri Anne Marthe , Hessevaagbakke Elisabeth , Taasen Inger , Lindeflaten Katrin
Published: December 2019

Aims and objectives

To use nursing students to observe hand hygiene adherence in nursing homes and to explore whether the students' reflections after observing hand hygiene practices gives them a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Background

Residents in nursing homes worldwide have low tolerance for healthcare‐associated infections that require antibiotics, and hand hygiene is the single most effective action to reduce infections.

Design

Observational study using (a) World Health Organization's (WHO) “Five moments for hand hygiene” validated tool to record indications and adherence and (b) an exploratory study of individual reflection notes from students conducted during and after observations.

Methods

From February 12–15, 2018, 26 nursing students in their second semester of a 3‐year bachelor programme participated as observers in five wards in four nursing homes in the Oslo metropolitan area. This study was performed according to the STROBE statement.

Results

Hand hygiene was performed for 57.2% of the 2,393 indications observed and recorded. Adherence differed significantly by type of personnel and by location. Four thematic categories emerged from the reflection notes: (a) practical awareness and introspection; (b) visualisation and enhancement of understanding of practice learning; (c) incorrect hand hygiene practices; and (d) stimulation to increase essential knowledge.

Conclusion

Hand hygiene adherence was too low to prevent healthcare‐associated infections and to reduce the use of antibiotics. The students' reflection notes indicated more “insight and understanding of the complexity of hand hygiene.” We suggest using nursing students in clinical placement as a means of incorporating different interventions as part of their learning skills and become “living reminders” of the importance of hygiene and infection prevention.

Relevance for clinical practice

Improving the student's activity about hygiene and infection prevention in clinical placement may help to raise awareness by healthcare workers in nursing homes.
Randomised clinical trial of group‐based physiotherapy in extremely low birthweight children with minimal/mild motor impairment: A preliminary study
Authors: Brown Laura , Burns Yvonne R , Watter Pauline , Gibbons Kristen S , Gray Peter H
Published: December 2019

Aim

Extremely low birthweight infants often present with mild neurodevelopmental impairments in gross motor function and postural stability in early childhood. The aim of the study was to undertake a randomised controlled trial to determine the short‐ and longer‐term effects of group‐based physiotherapy compared to standard care on performance in extremely low birthweight children with minimal/mild impairment.

Methods

Fifty children aged 4 years, born <28 weeks gestation and/or birthweight <1000 g with minimal/mild motor impairment were enrolled in a randomised controlled trial and randomly allocated to 6 weeks of group‐based intervention (n = 24) or standard care (n = 26). The intervention consisted of a combination of traditional physiotherapy and task‐oriented approaches of approximately 1 h in duration and varied according to each child's strengths and weaknesses. Baseline, post intervention and 1 year post baseline assessments included Movement Assessment Battery for Children‐2 (MABC‐2), single leg stance, lateral reach and long jump.

Results

Forty‐eight (96%) children completed the study, which demonstrated no significant differences between the intervention and standard care groups on any of the assessments. Both groups improved initially from baseline to initial reassessment on the MABC‐2 (P < 0.001). For both groups, however, MABC‐2 manual dexterity, aiming/catching and total score declined from baseline to 1 year follow‐up. However, for both groups, single leg stance and limb strength were significantly improved from baseline to 1 year follow‐up.

Conclusions

There were no differences in outcomes between groups. Both approaches may contribute to improved short‐term performance and longer‐term improvements on functional skills in extremely preterm children.
Icariside II improves myocardial fibrosis in spontaneously hypertensive rats by inhibiting collagen synthesis
Authors: Fu Shu , Li Yeli , Wu Yuting , Yue Yun , Yang Danli
Published: December 2019

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the effects of icariside II (ICS II) on myocardial fibrosis in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and to explore the possible mechanisms.

Methods

We used SHRs as animal models, and we administered ICS II (4, 8 or 16 mg/kg) orally by gavage for 12 consecutive weeks (Fu et al., Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 100: 64). The left ventricular morphology of the rats was observed using haematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining. The occurrence of myocardial interstitial fibrosis was detected by Masson's trichrome staining. The protein levels of alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Collagen I, III, matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9, respectively), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), phospho-Smad2 (p-Smad2), phospho-Smad3 (p-Smad3) and phospho-p38 (p-p38) were examined by Western blotting.

Key findings

The results suggested that ICS II improved myocardial interstitial and perivascular collagen deposition and decreased Collagen I/III and α-SMA expression. ICS II (8 and 16 mg/kg) downregulated the expression of MMP-2 and MMP9 and upregulated the expression of TIMP1. In addition, the protein levels of p-Smad2/3, TGF-β1 and p-p38 were decreased by ICS II treatment.

Conclusions

The results suggest that ICS II can inhibit the expression of Collagen I and Collagen III through the MMP/TIMP-1 and TGF-β1/Smad2,3/p-p38 signalling pathways and that it has therapeutic effects on myocardial fibrosis.
The Influence of Color on Brand Extension: Mediation Role of Processing Style
Authors: Kim Yeung‐Jo
Published: December 2019

Color carries distinct psychological meanings and thus it may induce a different cognitive processing style. Adopting this conceptual framework, the current research investigated the influence of color on brand extension evaluation. For color manipulation, participants were given the picture of a brand extension product (e.g., notebook) on a blue versus red background on a sheet of paper. Then participants evaluated the brand extension product. The finding revealed that participants in the blue‐background condition evaluated the extension product more favorably than those in the red‐background condition. This research further demonstrated that processing style mediated the effect of color on the evaluation of the brand extension product by using a visual matching task. In addition, this research showed the moderating effect of brand slogan on brand extension evaluation. Participants in the blue‐background condition evaluated the extension product (i.e., digital camera) more favorably when they were exposed to the abstract brand slogan, whereas participants in the red‐background condition evaluated the extension product more favorably when they were exposed to the concrete brand slogan.
Temperature‐mediated shifts in salamander transcriptomic responses to the amphibian‐killing fungus
Authors: Ellison Amy , Zamudio Kelly , Lips Karen , Muletz‐Wolz Carly
Published: December 2019

Life processes of ectothermic vertebrates are intimately linked to the temperature of their environment, influencing their metabolism, reproduction, behaviour and immune responses. In amphibians infected by the generalist chytrid pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), host survival, infection prevalence and infection intensity are often temperature‐ and/or seasonally dependent. However, the transcriptional underpinnings of thermal differences in infection responses remain unknown. Measuring the impact of temperature on host responses to infection is a key component for understanding climatic influences on chytrid disease dynamics. The Bd‐responsive gene pathways in frogs are well documented, but our understanding of salamander immune expression profiles during infection with chytrids remains limited. Here we characterize the transcriptomic responses of Plethodon cinereus using RNA sequencing by comparing skin and splenic gene expression of individuals uninfected, succumbing to Bd infection and naturally cleared of Bd infection at three temperatures. We suggest that amphibian temperature‐dependent susceptibility to Bd is probably driven by shifts in expression of the innate and adaptive immune axes. Our study shows increased expression of transcripts associated with inflammation at lower temperatures and a shift towards increased expression of adaptive immune genes, including MHC (major histocompatibility complex), at higher temperatures. In the face of climate change, and as concerns for the spread of emergent chytrid pathogens increase, our results provide important functional genomic resources to help understand how these pathogenic fungi may continue to affect amphibian communities globally in the future.
Disruption of miRNA sequences by TALENs and CRISPR/Cas9 induces varied lengths of miRNA production
Authors: Bi Honghao , Fei Qili , Li Riqing , Liu Bo , Xia Rui , Char Si Nian , Meyers Blake C. , Yang Bing
Published: December 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 20‐24 nucleotides (nt) small RNAs functioning in eukaryotes. The length and sequence of miRNAs are not only related to the biogenesis of miRNAs but are also important for downstream physiological processes like ta‐siRNA production. To investigate these roles, it is informative to create small mutations within mature miRNA sequences. We used both TALENs (transcription activator‐like effector nucleases) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (Cas9) to introduce heritable base pair mutations in mature miRNA sequences. For rice, TALEN constructs were built targeting five different mature miRNA sequences and yielding heritable mutations. Among the resulting mutants, mir390 mutant showed a severe defect in the shoot apical meristem (SAM), a shootless phenotype, which could be rescued by the wild‐type MIR390. Small RNA sequencing showed the two base pair deletion in mir390 substantially interfered with miR390 biogenesis. In Arabidopsis, CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated editing of the miR160* strand confirmed that the asymmetric structure of miRNA is not a necessary determinant for secondary siRNA production. CRISPR/Cas9 with double‐guide RNAs successfully generated mir160a null mutants with fragment deletions, at a higher efficiency than a single‐guide RNA. The difference between the phenotypic severity of miR160a mutants in Col‐0 versus Ler backgrounds highlights a diverged role for miR160a in different ecotypes. Overall, we demonstrated that TALENs and CRISPR/Cas9 are both effective in modifying miRNA precursor structure, disrupting miRNA processing and generating miRNA null mutant plants.
Validation of the Japanese Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire
Authors: Sato Yuki , Ochiai Ryota , Ishizaki Yuko , Nishida Toshihiko , Miura Kenichiro , Taki Atsuko , Tani Yumi , Naito Mariko , Takahashi Yoshimitsu , Yaguchi‐Saito Akiko , Hattori Motoshi , Nakayama Takeo
Published: December 2019

Background

For patients with childhood‐onset chronic illnesses, the transition to adult care requires an understanding of transition readiness and the effectiveness of evaluation methods. However, no such psychometrically verified scales exist in Japan. This study aimed to develop a Japanese version of the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ) and verify its validity and reliability.

Methods

The Japanese TRAQ was developed in accordance with international guidelines, followed by a preliminary survey to verify face validity among six participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. For the main survey 107 patients who fulfilled the same inclusion criteria were asked to complete the questionnaire and provide basic information. After descriptive statistics analysis, the construct validity of the Japanese TRAQ was tested using the t‐test and Pearson's correlation coefficients. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were calculated to assess reliability.

Results

In the main survey, 76 participants with no missing data were included in the complete data analysis (40 males 36 females; mean age, 17.8 and 18.2 years, respectively). The mean total Japanese TRAQ score was 3.9. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were 0.94 overall and 0.8–0.96 for each of the four domains. The known‐groups analysis revealed that older participants (r = 0.23, P = 0.044), those having knowledge of the disease name (yes [4.0] vs no [3.4]; P < 0.001), and making unaccompanied hospital visits (with parent/others [3.7] vs alone [4.4]; P < 0.001) had significantly higher total TRAQ scores.

Conclusion

We confirmed preliminarily the validity and reliability of the Japanese TRAQ.
Assessment of rejection risk following subtherapeutic calcineurin inhibitor levels after pediatric heart transplantation
Authors: Kerr Sarah M. , Jorgensen Neal W. , Hong Borah J. , Friedland‐Little Joshua M. , Albers Erin L. , Newland David M. , Law Yuk M. , Kemna Mariska S.
Published: December 2019

CNIs are the mainstay of immunosuppressive therapy after pediatric HTx. While regular laboratory surveillance is performed to ensure blood levels are within targeted range, the risk of acute rejection associated with subtherapeutic CNI levels has never been quantified. This is a retrospective single‐center review of 8413 CNI trough levels in 138 pediatric HTx recipients who survived >1 year after HTx. Subtherapeutic CNI levels were defined as <50% of the lower limit of target range. The risk of acute, late (>12 months post‐transplant) rejection following recipients' subtherapeutic CNI levels was assessed using time‐varying multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis. We found that 79 of 138 recipients (57%) had at least one subtherapeutic CNI level on routine surveillance laboratories during a mean follow‐up of 5.5 ± 3.6 years. Following an episode of subtherapeutic levels, 17 recipients (22%) had biopsy‐proven rejection within the next 3 months; the majority (9/17) within the first 2 weeks. After presenting with subtherapeutic CNI levels, recipients incurred a 6.1 times increased risk of acute rejection in the following 3 months (HR = 6.11 [2.41, 15.51], P = <.001). Age at HTx, HLA sensitization, or positive crossmatch were not associated with acute late rejection, but rejection in the first post‐transplant year was (HR 2.61 [1.27, 5.35], P = .009). Thus, maintaining therapeutic CNI levels is the most important factor in preventing acute rejection in recipients who are >12 months after pediatric HTx. Recipients who present with subtherapeutic CNI levels on surveillance monitoring are 6.1 times more likely to develop rejection in the following 3 months.
Tacrolimus blood concentration increase depends on administration route when combined with voriconazole in pediatric stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Utano Tomoyuki , Kato Motohiro , Osumi Tomoo , Shioda Yoko , Kiyotani Chikako , Terashima Keita , Tomizawa Daisuke , Matsumoto Kimikazu , Yamatani Akimasa
Published: December 2019

Background

Understanding of TAC pharmacokinetics is required to avoid both overdosing and underdosing. VRCZ is known to increase the TAC blood concentration by inhibiting CYP3A4; however, detailed, practical information on pediatric cases is still scarce. Herein, we investigated the association between the TAC blood concentration and dosage focusing on the administration route and concomitant use of VRCZ in children.

Methods

In total, 38 children who received TAC during stem cell transplantation at our hospital between January 2013 and April 2018 were included. The ratio of the TAC blood concentration (ng/mL) to dosage (mg/kg/day) (C/D) was calculated at the last continuous intravenous infusion (C/Div) and after switching to oral administration (C/Dpo).

Results

Patients with VRCZ (n = 14) showed a higher C/D regardless of administration route (median C/Div: with VRCZ/without VRCZ = 832/643, median C/Dpo: with VRCZ/without VRCZ = 339/45). Additionally, the (C/Div)/(C/Dpo) was about one‐fourth in cases with VRCZ; the median (C/Div)/(C/Dpo) was 3.3 for cases with VRCZ and 13.5 for cases without VRCZ. Interestingly, the increase in the TAC blood concentration due to VRCZ was higher when TAC was administered orally, especially in adolescent patients.

Conclusions

To obtain an optimal TAC blood concentration, dose adjustment based on multiple factors, such as administration route, concomitant use of VRCZ, and age, is required.
André Naud: From Vatican II to Simone Weil
Authors: Schmidt Lawrence
Published: December 2019

André Naud was a French‐Canadian Catholic theologian who served as a peritus or advisor to Cardinal Leger, the Archbishop of Montreal at the Second Vatican Council between 1962 and 1965. Naud’s entire theological career was informed by the teachings of the Council. This was the reason why during the Papacy of John Paul II after 1978 he became alarmed at the expansion and the distortion of the authority of the magisterium. Over the last fifteen years of his life, he wrote three remarkable books on this theme. In the last book (2002) entitled Les Dogmes et le Respect de l’Intelligence: Plaidoyer Inspiré par Simone Weil (The Dogmas and the Respect for Intelligence: An Argument Inspired by Simone Weil), he undertook an in‐depth analysis of Simone Weil, who had argued in the 1940s that Catholicism was in need of a philosophical cleaning up. This paper elaborates and explains the particular ways that Weil’s writings helped Naud to reformulate in the spirit of the Second Vatican Council the role of the magisterium with regard to dogmatic formulations, the manner of the reception of that teaching, the inspiration of scripture, the interpretation of miracles and the understanding of the Church itself.
Perception of audiovisual infant directed speech
Authors: Englund Nunne , Behne Dawn M.
Published: December 2019

Infant perception often deals with audiovisual speech input and a first step in processing this input is to perceive both visual and auditory information. The speech directed to infants has special characteristics and may enhance visual aspects of speech. The current study was designed to explore the impact of visual enhancement in infant‐directed speech (IDS) on audiovisual mismatch detection in a naturalistic setting. Twenty infants participated in an experiment with a visual fixation task conducted in participants’ homes. Stimuli consisted of IDS and adult‐directed speech (ADS) syllables with a plosive and the vowel /a:/, /i:/ or /u:/. These were either audiovisually congruent or incongruent. Infants looked longer at incongruent than congruent syllables and longer at IDS than ADS syllables, indicating that IDS and incongruent stimuli contain cues that can make audiovisual perception challenging and thereby attract infants’ gaze.
“We're the Normal Ones Here”: Community Involvement, Peer Support, and Transgender Mental Health
Authors: Johnson Austin H. , Rogers Baker A.
Published: December 2019

This article uses ethnographic methods to explore how peer support and community involvement influence the mental health and well‐being of transgender (or, trans) people in the southeastern United States. The study builds on existing research that suggests that trans community involvement and peer support among trans people enhance mental health experiences and moderate the effects of stigma and discrimination on health outcomes. Through qualitative analysis of 158 hours of participant observation and 33 in‐depth interviews with members of a trans community organization in the U.S. Southeast, this paper identifies three key processes through which peer support and community involvement enhance the mental health and well‐being of trans people: (1) the normalization of trans identities and experiences; (2) the creation of a social support network; and (3) the empowerment of trans people.
Frontline implementation of welfare conditionality in Norway: A maternalistic practice
Authors: Gjersøe Heidi Moen , Leseth Anne , Vilhena Susana
Published: December 2019

Welfare conditionality is both ambitious and ambiguous for the frontline workers who put policy into practice. Since January 2017, the Norwegian frontline service should require social assistance benefit recipients under the age of 30 to participate in some sort of work‐related activation, so‐called mandatory activation. Drawing on qualitative interviews with frontline workers at local offices in the Norwegian Public Welfare Service (NAV), we investigate how the requirement is implemented in a context of a professionalised social welfare service. Mandatory activation is arguably a paternalistic measure. Drawing on Bernardo Zacka's concept of moral dispositions and Laura Specker Sullivan's concepts of maternalism, our findings indicate that at the frontline, mandatory activation policies are implemented by maternalistic decision making, emphasising the interpersonal relation between trained caseworkers and clients. The caseworkers use their discretionary powers in the implementation of conditionality and sanctions by emphasising care and support as embedded in the strict rules.
Combined molecular and morphological data provide insights into the evolution and classification of Chilocorini ladybirds (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Li Wenjing , Łączyński Piotr , Escalona Hermes E. , Eberle Jonas , Huo Lizhi , Chen Xiaosheng , Huang Weidong , Chen Bingxu , Ahrens Dirk , Ślipiński Adam , Tomaszewska Wioletta , Wang Xingmin
Published: December 2019

Ladybirds of the cosmopolitan tribe Chilocorini prey mainly on coccids and include several important biocontrol agents. The phylogenetic relationships of Chilocorini are poorly known. In this paper, we provide a phylogenetic reconstruction of Chilocorini containing all 27 genera based on five molecular markers and 86 adult morphological characters. Morphological character states were mapped on the combined data tree from Bayesian inference to analyse morphological traits of each genus. Sixteen morphological characters were selected to reconstruct the ancestral states using maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood methods. Divergence times were estimated based on the relaxed molecular clock approach. Our results indicate that Chilocorini, excludingChilocorellusMiyatake, is monophyletic and closely related to Plotinini. The crown group Chilocorini was estimated to date back to the Middle Cretaceous.AnisorcusCrotch,EgiusMulsant,PhaenochilusWeise andSimmondsiusAhmad & Ghani are synonymized here withChilocorusLeach (syn.n.). The genusChilocorellusis excluded from Chilocorini. The split of current genera was estimated to have occurred during the Middle Paleogene to Late Paleogene.
Meiotic recombination profiling of interspecific hybrid F1 tomato pollen by linked read sequencing
Authors: Rommel Fuentes Roven , Hesselink Thamara , Nieuwenhuis Ronald , Bakker Linda , Schijlen Elio , van Dooijeweert Willem , Diaz Trivino Sara , de Haan Jorn R. , Sanchez Perez Gabino , Zhang Xinyue , Fransz Paul , de Jong Hans , van Dijk Aalt D. J. , de Ridder Dick , Peters Sander A.
Published: December 2019

Genome wide screening of pooled pollen samples from a single interspecific F1 hybrid obtained from a cross between tomato, Solanum lycopersicum and its wild relative, Solanum pimpinellifolium using linked read sequencing of the haploid nuclei, allowed profiling of the crossover (CO) and gene conversion (GC) landscape. We observed a striking overlap between cold regions of CO in the male gametes and our previously established F6 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) population. COs were overrepresented in non‐coding regions in the gene promoter and 5′UTR regions of genes. Poly‐A/T and AT rich motifs were found enriched in 1 kb promoter regions flanking the CO sites. Non‐crossover associated allelic and ectopic GCs were detected in most chromosomes, confirming that besides CO, GC represents also a source for genetic diversity and genome plasticity in tomato. Furthermore, we identified processed break junctions pointing at the involvement of both homology directed and non‐homology directed repair pathways, suggesting a recombination machinery in tomato that is more complex than currently anticipated.
Evolutionary trends in RuBisCO kinetics and their co‐evolution with CO2 concentrating mechanisms
Authors: Iñiguez Concepción , Capó‐Bauçà Sebastià , Niinemets Ülo , Stoll Heather , Aguiló‐Nicolau Pere , Galmés Jeroni
Published: December 2019

RuBisCO‐catalyzed CO2 fixation is the main source of organic carbon in the biosphere. This enzyme is present in all domains of life in different forms (III, II, and I) and its origin goes back to 3500 Mya, when the atmosphere was anoxygenic. However, the RuBisCO active site also catalyzes oxygenation of ribulose 1,5‐bisphosphate, therefore, the development of oxygenic photosynthesis and the subsequent oxygen‐rich atmosphere promoted the appearance of CO2 concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) and/or the evolution of a more CO2‐specific RuBisCO enzyme. The wide variability in RuBisCO kinetic traits of extant organisms reveals a history of adaptation to the prevailing CO2/O2 concentrations and the thermal environment throughout evolution. Notable differences in the kinetic parameters are found among the different forms of RuBisCO, but the differences are also associated with the presence and type of CCMs within each form, indicative of co‐evolution of RuBisCO and CCMs. Trade‐offs between RuBisCO kinetic traits vary among the RuBisCO forms and also among phylogenetic groups within the same form. These results suggest that different biochemical and structural constraints have operated on each type of RuBisCO during evolution, probably reflecting different environmental selective pressures. In a similar way, variations in carbon isotopic fractionation of the enzyme point to significant differences in its relationship to the CO2 specificity among different RuBisCO forms. A deeper knowledge of the natural variability of RuBisCO catalytic traits and the chemical mechanism of RuBisCO carboxylation and oxygenation reactions raises the possibility of finding unrevealed landscapes in RuBisCO evolution.
Evidence of sedimentation inequality along riparian areas colonised by Impatiens glandulifera (Himalayan balsam)
Authors: Greenwood P , Gange A C , Kuhn N J
Published: December 2019

Soil loss from riparian areas supporting the annual invasive weed, Impatiens glandulifera (Himalayan balsam), was measured and compared with equivalent values recorded at nearby, topographically similar areas supporting perennial vegetation over a cumulative seven‐year period, along sections of two separate river systems; one in Switzerland, and one in the UK. Soil loss from colonised locations was significantly greater than from reference locations in four of the seven measurement periods. Despite contrasting results, standard deviations, based on soil losses and gains, were predominantly higher for colonised areas at both rivers over most monitoring periods. These findings indicated that areas colonised by Himalayan balsam experience higher sediment flux in comparison with areas free of invasion. Here, we test those original interpretations by reinterrogating the datasets using a more robust analysis of inequality. Nine datasets were tested, five of which (i.e. 56%) showed that sediment flux was significantly greater at Himalayan balsam‐invaded areas than at reference areas. Three datasets showed no difference in sediment flux between invaded and reference areas (33%), and one (11%) showed higher sediment flux at reference areas. Most results uphold our original interpretations and support our hypothesis that hydrochory probably dictates where colonisation initially occurs, by depositing Himalayan balsam seeds in slack or depressional areas along river margins. Once Himalayan balsam becomes established and sufficient perennial vegetation is displaced, seasonal die‐off and depleted vegetation cover may increase the risk that some areas will experience significantly higher sediment flux.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Oscar William
Published: December 2019

International Journal of Contemporary Education (IJCE) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJCE publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 2, Number 2Alexandra Ingram, University of Tennessee, USAÁlvaro Manzano Redondo, UCJC University, SpainAurora Q. Pestano, University of San Jose Recoletos, PhilippinesBlessing Dwumah Manu, Jiangsu University, GhanaDina Radeljas, Mohawk Valley Community College, USAFederica Cornali, University of Turin, ItalyFroilan Delute Mobo, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, PhilippinesGiuseppe Maugeri, Ca' Foscari University, ItalyInaad M Sayer, University of Human Development, IraqIonel Bondoc, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Iasi, RomaniaIosif Fragkoulis, Hellenic Open University, GreeceJavier Fombona, Univ. Oviedo, SpainLi Li, Bath Spa University, UKMakrina Nina Zafiri, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GreeceMatthew Schatt, University of Florida, USAMs. Bruna Gabriela Augusto Marçal Vieira, Universidade Estadual Paulista, BrazilMurat Tezer, Near East University, CyprusNesrin Ozturk, Ege University, TurkeyNoelia Navarro Gómez, Universidad de Almería, SpainRaymond Aaron Younis, ACU Australia, AustraliaSaid K. Juma, State University of Zanzibar, TanzaniaSandro Sehic, Oneida BOCES, USASuriadi Samsuri, Institute of Islamic Religion Sultan Muhammad Syafiuddin Sambas, IndonesiaTeresa Pozo-Rico, University of Alicante, SpainVassiliki Pliogou, Metropolitan College of Thessaloniki, GreeceVassilios Papadimitriou, University of Thessaly, GreeceXiaojing Sun, Utrecht University, The Netherlands William OscarEditorial AssistantInternational Journal of Contemporary Education---------------------------------------------------------Redfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USATel: 1-503-828-0536 ext. 509Fax: 1-503-828-0537E-mail: ijce@redfame.comURL: http://ijce.redfame.com
Active expiratory oscillator regulates nasofacial and oral motor activities in rats
Authors: de Britto Alan A. , Magalhães Karolyne S. , da Silva Melina P. , Paton Julian F. R. , Moraes Davi J. A.
Published: December 2019

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Does the parafacial respiratory group (pFRG), which mediates active expiration, recruit nasofacial and oral motoneurons to coordinate motor activities that engage muscles controlling airways in rats during active expiration.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Hypercapnia/acidosis or pFRG activation evoked active expiration and stimulated the motoneurons and nerves responsible for the control of nasofacial and oral airways patency simultaneously. Bilateral pFRG inhibition abolished active expiration and the simultaneous nasofacial and oral motor activities induced by hypercapnia/acidosis. The pFRG is more than a rhythmic oscillator for expiratory pump muscles: it also coordinates nasofacial and oral motor commands that engage muscles controlling airways.

Active expiration is mediated by an expiratory oscillator located in the parafacial respiratory group (pFRG). Active expiration requires more than contracting expiratory muscles as multiple cranial nerves are recruited to stabilize the naso‐ and oropharyngeal airways. We tested the hypothesis that activation of the pFRG recruits facial and trigeminal motoneurons to coordinate nasofacial and oral motor activities that engage muscles controlling airways in rats during active expiration. Using a combination of electrophysiological and pharmacological approaches, we identified brainstem circuits that phase‐lock active expiration, nasofacial and oral motor outputs in an in situ preparation of rat. We found that either high chemical drive (hypercapnia/acidosis) or unilateral excitation (glutamate microinjection) of the pFRG evoked active expiration and stimulated motoneurons (facial and trigeminal) and motor nerves responsible for the control of nasofacial (buccal and zygomatic branches of the facial nerve) and oral (mylohyoid nerve) motor outputs simultaneously. Bilateral pharmacological inhibition (GABAergic and glycinergic receptor activation) of the pFRG abolished active expiration and the simultaneous nasofacial and oral motor activities induced by hypercapnia/acidosis. We conclude that the pFRG provides the excitatory drive to phase‐lock rhythmic nasofacial and oral motor circuits during active expiration in rats. Therefore, the pFRG is more than a rhythmic oscillator for expiratory pump muscles: it also coordinates nasofacial and oral motor commands that engage muscles controlling airways in rats during active expiration.
Degeneración subaguda combinada secundaria a infección crónica por Helicobacter pylori. Reporte de caso
Authors: Márquez Juan Camilo , De Valencia Catalina , Ramírez Sandra Milena , Uribe Vargas Mario
Published: December 2019

La degeneración subaguda combinada es una patología poco frecuente. El diagnóstico se establece correlacionando el cuadro clínico, los resultados de laboratorio y los hallazgos en la resonancia magnética. Se presenta el caso de una mujer con síntomas neurológicos característicos de mielopatía con nivel sensitivo C5, con imágenes de resonancia magnética cervical que revelan una afectación desmielinizante exclusivamente en los cordones posteriores de la médula espinal. Clínicamente se documentó anemia, gastritis crónica e infección por Helicobacter pylori, además de déficit paraclínico de cianocobalamina.