Astro Camp Goes to Florida

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-08-08

Katie Craig, daughter of former Stennis Space Center Deputy Director Mark Craig, launches a 'balloon rocket' with the help of Rebecca Compretta, Astro Camp coordinator at SSC. SSC took Astro Camp on the road to Florida this week to engage children and their parents during activities surrounding the Aug. 8 launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour on NASA's STS-118 mission to the International Space Station. Astro Camp is SSC's popular space camp program designed to inspire and educate students using science and math principles.

Astro Camp Goes to Florida

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2007-01-01

Katie Craig, daughter of former Stennis Space Center Deputy Director Mark Craig, launches a 'balloon rocket' with the help of Rebecca Compretta, Astro Camp coordinator at SSC. SSC took Astro Camp on the road to Florida this week to engage children and their parents during activities surrounding the Aug. 8 launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour on NASA's STS-118 mission to the International Space Station. Astro Camp is SSC's popular space camp program designed to inspire and educate students using science and math principles.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dahl, P.F.

The magnet system for the Superconducting Super Collider will likely remain the most ambitious -- and challenging -- application of superconducting technology for the foreseeable future. The centerpiece of the system is the behemoth collider dipole magnet. Its design, still evolving in its detailed features, dates from the mid-1980's when it emerged as the winner in an early technical showdown that occupied the fledgling SSC project. However, some of its gross features can be traced back to three path-breaking superconducting accelerator initiatives under way a decade earlier -- on the East Coast, on the West Coast, and in the Midwest.more » Other features have a still earlier legacy. In the present report we chronicle the origins and chief milestones in the development of certain SSC dipole design concepts. Unfortunately, the chronicle must remain incomplete, with the design not yet frozen as we go to press and still subject to important modifications as the SSC Laboratory settles in near its future home in Ellis County, Texas, hard on the heels of a wide-ranging design review in the closing days of the SSC Central Design Group in (CDG) Berkeley. Be that as it may, in what follows we concentrate on the early years in an attempt to recapitulate the birth of the dipole, taking as our point of departure the SSC Reference Designs Study (RDS) of 1984. In Section 3 we touch on the background for the various RDS options, including ISABELLE/CBA and the Tevatron. In Section 4 the narrative focuses on the two final protagonists, a high-field cosine theta (cos {theta}) magnet and a low-field superferric magnet. Section 5 recounts the circumstances surrounding the selection of a particular magnet style'' for further development, and the ups and downs of the first model magnets. We conclude with a smattering of progress highlights in refining the design during the final push under the reign of the CDG.« less

Optimal mission planning of GEO on-orbit refueling in mixed strategy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xiao-qian; Yu, Jing

2017-04-01

The mission planning of GEO on-orbit refueling (OOR) in Mixed strategy is studied in this paper. Specifically, one SSc will be launched to an orbital slot near the depot when multiple GEO satellites are reaching their end of lives. The SSc replenishes fuel from the depot and then extends the lifespan of the target satellites via refueling. In the mixed scenario, only some of the target satellites could be served by the SSc, and the remaining ones will be fueled by Pseudo SScs (the target satellite which has already been refueled by the SSc and now has sufficient fuel for its operation as well as the fuel to refuel other target satellites is called Pseudo SSc here). The mission sequences and fuel mass of the SSc and Pseudo SScs, the dry mass of the SSc are used as design variables, whereas the economic benefit of the whole mission is used as design objective. The economic cost and benefit models are stated first, and then a mathematical optimization model is proposed. A comprehensive solution method involving enumeration, particle swarm optimization and modification is developed. Numerical examples are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the model and solution method. Economic efficiencies of different OOR strategies are compared and discussed. The mixed strategy would perform better than the other strategies only when the target satellites satisfy some conditions. This paper presents an available mixed strategy scheme for users and analyzes its advantages and disadvantages by comparing with some other OOR strategies, providing helpful references to decision makers. The best strategy in practical applications depends on the specific demands and user preference.

A3 Subscale Diffuser Test Article Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saunders, G. P.

2009-01-01

This paper gives a detailed description of the design of the A3 Subscale Diffuser Test (SDT) Article Design. The subscale diffuser is a geometrically accurate scale model of the A3 altitude rocket facility. It was designed and built to support the SDT risk mitigation project located at the E3 facility at Stennis Space Center, MS (SSC) supporting the design and construction of the A3 facility at SSC. The subscale test article is outfitted with a large array of instrumentation to support the design verification of the A3 facility. The mechanical design of the subscale diffuser and test instrumentation are described here

South-South cooperation as a mechanism to strengthen public health services in Africa: experiences, challenges and a call for concerted action.

PubMed

Olu, Olushayo; Petu, Amos; Ovberedjo, Martin; Muhongerwa, Diane

2017-01-01

Implementation of new models of development cooperation have been on the increase lately. Coupled with this are calls for use of horizontal development cooperation mechanisms such as South-South Cooperation (SSC) as a way to enhance aid effectiveness in the health sector of developing countries. In this case series, we review recent experiences in the application of SSC initiatives to two public health situations in Africa to demonstrate the veracity of this new paradigm. Our review highlight the immense benefits associated with the use of SSC for health and provide evidence for increasing use of horizontal development coordination mechanisms to strengthen public health services delivery and socioeconomic development among African countries. Opportunities for SSC among African countries include in the areas of disease prevention and control, production of medical products and essential medicines, harmonization of regulatory processes, and health workforce development among others. However, pitfalls such as poor coordination, inadequate political commitment, lack of conducive policy environments, language barrier and inadequate financing opportunities for SSC initiatives present major dilemma for the use of SSC mechanisms. We conclude that the need for a paradigm shift from vertical to horizontal development cooperation needs no further proof but a call to action. We call on the concerned stakeholders to support the establishment of a systematic approach for use of SSC mechanisms in the health sector of Africa, designation of an African Centre of Excellence for SSC in public health and development of a regional mechanism for monitoring and evaluation of SSC initiatives in Africa.

South-South cooperation as a mechanism to strengthen public health services in Africa: experiences, challenges and a call for concerted action

PubMed Central

Olu, Olushayo; Petu, Amos; Ovberedjo, Martin; Muhongerwa, Diane

2017-01-01

Implementation of new models of development cooperation have been on the increase lately. Coupled with this are calls for use of horizontal development cooperation mechanisms such as South-South Cooperation (SSC) as a way to enhance aid effectiveness in the health sector of developing countries. In this case series, we review recent experiences in the application of SSC initiatives to two public health situations in Africa to demonstrate the veracity of this new paradigm. Our review highlight the immense benefits associated with the use of SSC for health and provide evidence for increasing use of horizontal development coordination mechanisms to strengthen public health services delivery and socioeconomic development among African countries. Opportunities for SSC among African countries include in the areas of disease prevention and control, production of medical products and essential medicines, harmonization of regulatory processes, and health workforce development among others. However, pitfalls such as poor coordination, inadequate political commitment, lack of conducive policy environments, language barrier and inadequate financing opportunities for SSC initiatives present major dilemma for the use of SSC mechanisms. We conclude that the need for a paradigm shift from vertical to horizontal development cooperation needs no further proof but a call to action. We call on the concerned stakeholders to support the establishment of a systematic approach for use of SSC mechanisms in the health sector of Africa, designation of an African Centre of Excellence for SSC in public health and development of a regional mechanism for monitoring and evaluation of SSC initiatives in Africa. PMID:29158863

Efficient spot size converter for higher-order mode fiber-chip coupling.

PubMed

Lai, Yaxiao; Yu, Yu; Fu, Songnian; Xu, Jing; Shum, Perry Ping; Zhang, Xinliang

2017-09-15

We propose and demonstrate a silicon-based spot size converter (SSC), composed of two identical tapered channel waveguides and a Y-junction. The SSC is designed for first-order mode fiber-to-chip coupling on the basis of mode petal separation and the recombination method. Compared with a traditional on-chip SSC, this method is superior with reduced coupling loss when dealing with a higher-order mode. To the best of our knowledge, we present the first experimental observations of a higher-order SSC which is fully compatible with a standard fabrication process. Average coupling losses of 3 and 5.5 dB are predicted by simulation and demonstrated experimentally. A fully covered 3 dB bandwidth over a 1515-1585 nm wavelength range is experimentally observed.

SPRITE: the Spitzer proposal review website

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crane, Megan K.; Storrie-Lombardi, Lisa J.; Silbermann, Nancy A.; Rebull, Luisa M.

2008-07-01

The Spitzer Science Center (SSC), located on the campus of the California Institute of Technology, supports the science operations of NASA's infrared Spitzer Space Telescope. The SSC issues an annual Call for Proposals inviting investigators worldwide to submit Spitzer Space Telescope proposals. The Spitzer Proposal Review Website (SPRITE) is a MySQL/PHP web database application designed to support the SSC proposal review process. Review panel members use the software to view, grade, and write comments about the proposals, and SSC support team members monitor the grading and ranking process and ultimately generate a ranked list of all the proposals. The software is also used to generate, edit, and email award letters to the proposers. This work was performed at the California Institute of Technology under contract to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

A remote acceptance probe and illumination configuration for spectral assessment of internal attributes of intact fruit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greensill, Colin V.; Walsh, Kerry B.

2000-12-01

Near infrared spectroscopy can be employed in the non-invasive assessment of intact fruit for eating quality attributes such as soluble solid content (SSC). Rapid sorting is dependent on a suitable non-contact geometry of fruit, light source and detector assembly, optimized for a given fruit commodity. An optical system was designed with reference to distribution of SSC and light penetration into rockmelon fruit. SSC of mesocarp tissue was not significantly different over the greater part of the proximal-distal axis of the fruit, particularly in the vicinity of the fruit equator. There was also no consistent variation in SSC of mesocarp tissue with respect to radial position of sampling. Mesocarp SSC was higher (~3% w/v) closer to the seed cavity. The optical sampling system was therefore designed to assess an equatorial position on the fruit. Light penetrating a rockmelon fruit was empirically assessed to be diffuse at a depth of <15 mm from the fruit surface. Signal decreased in an exponential proportionality with depth into the fruit, but was still detectable at depths in excess of the seed cavity of rockmelons. A partial transmittance optical design was employed, with a collimated light source interrupted by a central light stop, and a detector viewing the shadowed region of the sample. This system did not physically contact the sample. It was compared to a system with a light excluding `contacting' shroud between the detector and the fruit surface. The performance of calibrations generated using the non-contact configuration was not significantly different than for the configuration requiring contact.

The role of small-scale convection on the formation of volcanic passive margins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Van Hunen, J.; Phethean, J. J. J.

2014-12-01

Several models have been presented in the literature to explain volcanic passive margins (VPMs), including variation in rifting speed or history, enhanced melting from mantle plumes, and enhanced flow through the melting zone by small-scale convection (SSC) driven by lithospheric detachments. Understanding the mechanism is important to constrain the paleo-heat flow and petroleum potential of VPM. Using 2D and 3D numerical models, we investigate the influence of SSC on the rate of crust production during continental rifting. Conceptually, SSC results in up/downwellings with a typical spacing of a few-100 km, and may lead to enhanced decompression melting. Subsequent mantle depletion changes buoyancy (from latent heat consumption and compositional changes), and affects mantle dynamics under the MOR and potentially any further melting. Decompression melting leads to a colder, thermally denser residue (from consumption of latent heat of melting), but also a compositionally more buoyant one. A parameter sensitivity study of the effects of mantle viscosity, spreading rate, mantle temperature, and a range material parameters indicates that competition between thermal and compositional buoyancy determines the mantle dynamics. For mantle viscosities ηm > ~1022 Pa s, no SSC occurs, and a uniform 7-8 km-thick oceanic crust forms. For ηm < ~1021 Pa s, SSC is vigorous and can form VPMs with > 10-20 km crust. If thermal density effects dominate, a vigorous (inverted) convection may drive significant decompression melting, and create VPMs. Such dynamics could also explain the continent-dipping normal faults that are commonly observed at VPMs. After the initial rifting phase, the crustal thickness reduces significantly, but not always to a uniformly thick 7-8 km, as would be appropriate for mature oceanic basins. Transverse convection rolls may result in margin-parallel crustal thickness variation, possibly related to observations such as the East-Coast Magnetic Anomaly.

Resolution verification targets for airborne and spaceborne imaging systems at the Stennis Space Center

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McKellip, Rodney; Yuan, Ding; Graham, William; Holland, Donald E.; Stone, David; Walser, William E.; Mao, Chengye

1997-06-01

The number of available spaceborne and airborne systems will dramatically increase over the next few years. A common systematic approach toward verification of these systems will become important for comparing the systems' operational performance. The Commercial Remote Sensing Program at the John C. Stennis Space Center (SSC) in Mississippi has developed design requirements for a remote sensing verification target range to provide a means to evaluate spatial, spectral, and radiometric performance of optical digital remote sensing systems. The verification target range consists of spatial, spectral, and radiometric targets painted on a 150- by 150-meter concrete pad located at SSC. The design criteria for this target range are based upon work over a smaller, prototypical target range at SSC during 1996. This paper outlines the purpose and design of the verification target range based upon an understanding of the systems to be evaluated as well as data analysis results from the prototypical target range.

Suspended sediment propagation in a long river reach: spatial and temporal dynamics of the Suspended Sediment Concentration-Water Discharge diagram for several hydrological events in the Northern French Alps.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antoine, Germain; Jodeau, Magali; Camenen, Benoit; Esteves, Michel

2014-05-01

The relative propagation of water and suspended sediment is a key parameter to understand the suspended sediment transfers at the catchment scale. Several studies have shown the interest of performing detailed investigations of both temporal suspended sediment concentration (SSC) and water discharge signals. Most of them used temporal data from one measurement site, and classified hydrological events by studying the SSC curve as a function of water discharge (SSC-WD diagrams). Theoretical interpretations of these curves have been used to estimate the different sources of suspended sediment supply from sub-catchments, to evaluate the effect of seasons on the dynamics of suspended sediment, or to highlight the effect of a critical change at the catchment scale. However, few studies have focused on the signal propagation along the river channel. In this study, we analyze sampled data from a very well instrumented river reach in the Northern French Alps: the Arc-Isère River system. This gravel-bed river system is characterized by large concentrations of fines sediments, coming from the highly erodible mountains around. To control the hydraulic, sedimentary and chemical parameters from the catchment head, several gauging stations have been established since 2006. The continuous data measured at 4 gauging stations along 120 km of river have been analyzed to estimate the spatial and temporal dynamics of both SSC and water discharge. More precisely, about 40 major hydrological events have been sampled statistically between 2006 and 2012 from the data set and are analyzed in details. The study shows that the mean value of the propagation velocity is equal to 2 m/s and 3 m/s respectively for the SSC signal and the water discharge. These different propagation velocities imply that the suspended sediment mass is not only transported by the advection of the water at the river scale. The dispersion, erosion or deposition processes, and also the suspended sediment and discharge supply from the intermediate sub-catchments must be considered. Moreover, the SSC-WD diagrams are modified from one measurement site to another along the river. The spatial changes of the SSC-WD diagrams highlight different type of events, from local debris flows to generalized natural floods. A conceptual approach is proposed to better take into account the channel erosion or deposition processes in the analysis of these diagrams.

SSC San Diego Biennial Review 2003. Vol 2: Communication and Information Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-01-01

University, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering) Michael Jablecki (Science and Technology Corporation) Stochastic Unified Multiple...wearable computers and cellular phones. The technology-transfer process involved a coalition of government and industrial partners, each providing...the design and fabrication of the coupler. SSC San Diego developed a computer -controlled fused fiber fabrication station to achieve the required

Enhanced photocurrent production by bio-dyes of photosynthetic macromolecules on designed TiO2 film

PubMed Central

Yu, Daoyong; Wang, Mengfei; Zhu, Guoliang; Ge, Baosheng; Liu, Shuang; Huang, Fang

2015-01-01

The macromolecular pigment-protein complex has the merit of high efficiency for light-energy capture and transfer after long-term photosynthetic evolution. Here bio-dyes of A. platensis photosystem I (PSI) and spinach light-harvesting complex II (LHCII) are spontaneously sensitized on three types of designed TiO2 films, to assess the effects of pigment-protein complex on the performance of bio-dye sensitized solar cells (SSC). Adsorption models of bio-dyes are proposed based on the 3D structures of PSI and LHCII, and the size of particles and inner pores in the TiO2 film. PSI shows its merit of high efficiency for captured energy transfer, charge separation and transfer in the electron transfer chain (ETC), and electron injection from FB to the TiO2 conducting band. After optimization, the best short current (JSC) and photoelectric conversion efficiency (η) of PSI-SSC and LHCII-SSC are 1.31 mA cm-2 and 0.47%, and 1.51 mA cm-2 and 0.52%, respectively. The potential for further improvement of this PSI based SSC is significant and could lead to better utilization of solar energy. PMID:25790735

Design of a synchrotron radiation detector for the test beam lines at the Superconducting Super Collider Laboratory

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hutton, R.D.

1994-01-01

As part of the particle- and momentum-tagging instrumentation required for the test beam lines of the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC), the synchrotron radiation detector (SRD) was designed to provide electron tagging at momentum above 75 GeV. In a parallel effort to the three test beam lines at the SSC, schedule demands required testing and calibration operations to be initiated at Fermilab. Synchrotron radiation detectors also were to be installed in the NM and MW beam lines at Femilab before the test beam lines at the SSC would become operational. The SRD is the last instrument in a series of threemore » used in the SSC test beam fines. It follows a 20-m drift section of beam tube downstream of the last silicon strip detector. A bending dipole just in of the last silicon strip detector produces the synchrotron radiation that is detected in a 50-mm-square cross section NaI crystal. A secondary scintillator made of Bicron BC-400 plastic is used to discriminate whether it is synchrotron radiation or a stray particle that causes the triggering of the NaI crystal`s photo multiplier tube (PMT).« less

An Experimental Evaluation of Advanced Rotorcraft Airfoils in the NASA Ames Eleven-foot Transonic Wind Tunnel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Flemming, Robert J.

1984-01-01

Five full scale rotorcraft airfoils were tested in the NASA Ames Eleven-Foot Transonic Wind Tunnel for full scale Reynolds numbers at Mach numbers from 0.3 to 1.07. The models, which spanned the tunnel from floor to ceiling, included two modern baseline airfoils, the SC1095 and SC1094 R8, which have been previously tested in other facilities. Three advanced transonic airfoils, designated the SSC-A09, SSC-A07, and SSC-B08, were tested to confirm predicted performance and provide confirmation of advanced airfoil design methods. The test showed that the eleven-foot tunnel is suited to two-dimensional airfoil testing. Maximum lift coefficients, drag coefficients, pitching moments, and pressure coefficient distributions are presented. The airfoil analysis codes agreed well with the data, with the Grumman GRUMFOIL code giving the best overall performance correlation.

Construction and Utilization of a Beowulf Computing Cluster: A User's Perspective

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Woods, Judy L.; West, Jeff S.; Sulyma, Peter R.

2000-01-01

Lockheed Martin Space Operations - Stennis Programs (LMSO) at the John C Stennis Space Center (NASA/SSC) has designed and built a Beowulf computer cluster which is owned by NASA/SSC and operated by LMSO. The design and construction of the cluster are detailed in this paper. The cluster is currently used for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. The CFD codes in use and their applications are discussed. Examples of some of the work are also presented. Performance benchmark studies have been conducted for the CFD codes being run on the cluster. The results of two of the studies are presented and discussed. The cluster is not currently being utilized to its full potential; therefore, plans are underway to add more capabilities. These include the addition of structural, thermal, fluid, and acoustic Finite Element Analysis codes as well as real-time data acquisition and processing during test operations at NASA/SSC. These plans are discussed as well.

Separate Influences of Birth Order and Gravidity/Parity on the Development of Systemic Sclerosis

PubMed Central

COCKRILL, TONYA; del JUNCO, DEBORAH J.; ARNETT, FRANK C.; ASSASSI, SHERVIN; TAN, FILEMON K.; McNEARNEY, TERRY; FISCHBACH, MICHAEL; PERRY, MARILYN; MAYES, MAUREEN D.

2010-01-01

Objective Birth order has been valuable in revealing the role of environmental influences on the risk of developing certain diseases such as allergy and atopy. In addition, pregnancy has profound effects on the immune system such as short-term effects that permit fetal survival as well as longer-term effects that could influence late-onset diseases. In order to better evaluate these influences, we studied the association of birth order and gravidity/parity as risk factors for systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma). Methods Data regarding SSc cases and their unaffected sibling controls were obtained from the Scleroderma Family Registry and DNA Repository. The case-sibling design was used to minimize confounding due to differences in age, race, ethnicity, or calendar time. The gravidity/parity analysis was based on sibships with at least one SSc-affected and one unaffected sister. Results Birth order was examined in 974 sibships, comparing SSc cases (n = 987) with their unaffected siblings (n = 3,088). The risk of scleroderma increased with increasing birth order (odds ratio [OR] 1.25, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.06–1.50 for birth order 2–5; OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.57–3.15 for birth order 6–9; and OR 3.53, 95% CI 1.68–7.45 for birth order 10–15). Gravidity/parity was analyzed in 168 sibships (256 unaffected sisters, 172 SSc cases). We found an association between a history of one or more pregnancies and SSc (OR 2.8). Conclusion Birth order and pregnancy were independently associated with a higher risk of developing SSc. These findings suggest that immune development in early childhood and/or pregnancy-associated events, including but not limited to microchimerism, plays a role in SSc susceptibility. PMID:20391489

Separate influences of birth order and gravidity/parity on the development of systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Cockrill, Tonya; del Junco, Deborah J; Arnett, Frank C; Assassi, Shervin; Tan, Filemon K; McNearney, Terry; Fischbach, Michael; Perry, Marilyn; Mayes, Maureen D

2010-03-01

Birth order has been valuable in revealing the role of environmental influences on the risk of developing certain diseases such as allergy and atopy. In addition, pregnancy has profound effects on the immune system such as short-term effects that permit fetal survival as well as longer-term effects that could influence late-onset diseases. In order to better evaluate these influences, we studied the association of birth order and gravidity/parity as risk factors for systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma). Data regarding SSc cases and their unaffected sibling controls were obtained from the Scleroderma Family Registry and DNA Repository. The case-sibling design was used to minimize confounding due to differences in age, race, ethnicity, or calendar time. The gravidity/parity analysis was based on sibships with at least one SSc-affected and one unaffected sister. Birth order was examined in 974 sibships, comparing SSc cases (n = 987) with their unaffected siblings (n = 3,088). The risk of scleroderma increased with increasing birth order (odds ratio [OR] 1.25, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.06-1.50 for birth order 2-5; OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.57-3.15 for birth order 6-9; and OR 3.53, 95% CI 1.68-7.45 for birth order 10-15). Gravidity/parity was analyzed in 168 sibships (256 unaffected sisters, 172 SSc cases). We found an association between a history of one or more pregnancies and SSc (OR 2.8). Birth order and pregnancy were independently associated with a higher risk of developing SSc. These findings suggest that immune development in early childhood and/or pregnancy-associated events, including but not limited to microchimerism, plays a role in SSc susceptibility.

CAD tools for detector design

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Womersley, J.; DiGiacomo, N.; Killian, K.

1990-04-01

Detailed detector design has traditionally been divided between engineering optimization for structural integrity and subsequent physicist evaluation. The availability of CAD systems for engineering design enables the tasks to be integrated by providing tools for particle simulation within the CAD system. We believe this will speed up detector design and avoid problems due to the late discovery of shortcomings in the detector. This could occur because of the slowness of traditional verification techniques (such as detailed simulation with GEANT). One such new particle simulation tool is described. It is being used with the I-DEAS CAD package for SSC detector designmore » at Martin-Marietta Astronautics and is to be released through the SSC Laboratory.« less

Early skin-to-skin contact after cesarean section: A randomized clinical pilot study

PubMed Central

Kollmann, Martina; Aldrian, Lisa; Scheuchenegger, Anna; Mautner, Eva; Herzog, Sereina A.; Urlesberger, Berndt; Raggam, Reinhard B.; Lang, Uwe; Obermayer-Pietsch, Barbara; Klaritsch, Philipp

2017-01-01

Objective Early bonding by skin-to-skin contact (SSC) has been demonstrated to be beneficial for mothers and newborns following vaginal delivery. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of intraoperative bonding (early SSC) after cesarean section on neonatal adaptation, maternal pain and stress response. Study design This prospective, randomized-controlled pilot study was performed at a single academic tertiary hospital (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, Austria) between September 2013 and January 2014. Women were randomly assigned to intraoperative (“early”) SCC (n = 17) versus postoperative (“late”) SCC (n = 18). Main variables investigated were neonatal transition (Apgar score, arterial oxygen saturation, heart rate and temperature), maternal pain perception and both maternal and neonatal stress response by measuring the stress biomarkers salivary free cortisol and salivary alpha amylase. Results There was no evidence for differences in parameters reflecting neonatal transition or stress response between the ‘Early SSC Group’ and the ‘Late SSC Group’. Maternal salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase levels as well as maternal wellbeing and pain did not differ between the groups. However, the rise of maternal salivary alpha-amylase directly after delivery was higher in the ‘Early SSC Group’ compared to the ‘Late SSC Group’ (p = 0.004). Conclusions This study did not reveal significant risks for the newborn in terms of neonatal transition when early SSC is applied in the operating room. Maternal condition and stress marker levels did not differ either, although the rise of maternal salivary alpha-amylase directly after delivery was higher in the ‘Early SSC Group’ compared to the ‘Late SSC Group’, which may indicate a stressor sign due to intensive activation of the sympathetic-adreno-medullary-system. This needs to be further evaluated in a larger prospective randomized trial. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01894880 PMID:28231274

Ship Structure Committee Publications. A Special Bibliography.

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-01-01

STEEL AND SUPPLEMENT ON EMBRITTLEMENT OF "C" STEEL BY NITROGEN Evans, EB. K lingler , Li .......................................................... 13...FROM: NTIS AD-8710SSC-28 CAUSES OF CLEAVAGE FRACTURE IN SHIP PLATE, HIGH YIELD STRENGTH STRUCTURAL STEEL SSC-31 The primary objective of the... careful design, selection of materials, and PART II: THE EFFECT OF SUBCRITICAL HEAT TREATMENT ON goo. workmanship are of the greatest importance in

Effectiveness of skin-to-skin contact versus care-as-usual in mothers and their full-term infants: study protocol for a parallel-group randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Cooijmans, Kelly H M; Beijers, Roseriet; Rovers, Anne C; de Weerth, Carolina

2017-07-06

Twenty-to-forty percent of women experience postpartum depressive symptoms, which can affect both the mother and infant. In preterm infants, daily skin-to-skin contact (SSC) between the mother and her infant has been shown to decrease maternal postpartum depressive symptoms. In full-term infants, only two studies investigated SSC effects on maternal depressive symptoms and found similar results. Research in preterm infants also showed that SSC improves other mental and physical health outcomes of the mother and the infant, and improves the quality of mother-infant relationship. This randomized controlled trial will investigate the effects of a SSC intervention on maternal postpartum depressive symptoms and additional outcomes in mothers and their full-term infants. Moreover, two potential underlying mechanisms for the relation between SSC and the maternal and infant outcomes will be examined, namely maternal oxytocin concentrations and infant intestinal microbiota. Design: A parallel-group randomized controlled trial. 116 mothers and their full-term infants. Mothers in the SSC condition will be requested to provide daily at least one continuous hour of SSC to their infant. The intervention starts immediately after birth and lasts for 5 weeks. Mothers in the control condition will not be requested to provide SSC. Maternal and infant outcomes will be measured at 2 weeks, 5 weeks, 12 weeks and 1 year after birth. maternal postpartum depressive symptoms. Secondary maternal outcomes: mental health (anxiety, stress, traumatic stress following child birth, sleep quality), physical health (physical recovery from the delivery, health, breastfeeding, physiological stress), mother-infant relationship (mother-infant bond, quality of maternal caregiving behavior). Secondary infant outcomes: behavior (fussing and crying, sleep quality), physical health (growth and health, physiological stress), general development (regulation capacities, social-emotional capacities, language, cognitive and motor capacities). Secondary underlying mechanisms: maternal oxytocin concentrations, infant intestinal microbiota. As a simple and cost-effective intervention, SSC may benefit both the mother and her full-term infant in the short-and long-term. Additionally, if SSC is shown to be effective in low-risk mother-infant dyads, then thought could be given to developing programs in high-risk samples and using SSC in a preventive manner. NTR5697 ; Registered on March 13, 2016.

Test Facilities Capability Handbook: Volume 1 - Stennis Space Center (SSC); Volume 2 - Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hensarling, Paula L.

2007-01-01

The John C. Stennis Space Center (SSC) is located in Southern Mississippi near the Mississippi-Louisiana state line. SSC is chartered as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Center of Excellence for large space transportation propulsion system testing. This charter has led to many unique test facilities, capabilities and advanced technologies provided through the supporting infrastructure. SSC has conducted projects in support of such diverse activities as liquid, and hybrid rocket testing and development; material development; non-intrusive plume diagnostics; plume tracking; commercial remote sensing; test technology and more. On May 30, 1996 NASA designated SSC the lead center for rocket propulsion testing, giving the center total responsibility for conducting and/or managing all NASA rocket engine testing. Test services are now available not only for NASA but also for the Department of Defense, other government agencies, academia, and industry. This handbook was developed to provide a summary of the capabilities that exist within SSC. It is intended as a primary resource document, which will provide the reader with the top-level capabilities and characteristics of the numerous test facilities, test support facilities, laboratories, and services. Due to the nature of continually evolving programs and test technologies, descriptions of the Center's current capabilities are provided. Periodic updates and revisions of this document will be made to maintain its completeness and accuracy.

The challenge of establishing treatment efficacy for cutaneous vascular manifestations of systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Pauling, John D

2018-05-01

The cutaneous vascular manifestations of systemic sclerosis (SSc) comprise Raynaud's phenomenon, cutaneous ulceration, telangiectasia formation and critical digital ischaemia; each of which are associated with significant disease-related morbidity. Despite the availability of multiple classes of vasodilator therapy, many of which have been the subject of RCTs, a limited number of pharmacological interventions are currently approved for the management of cutaneous vascular manifestations of SSc. Areas covered: A major challenge has been demonstrating treatment efficacy with examples of promising therapies yielding contrasting results in controlled trial settings. Differences between consensus best-practice guidelines, evidence-based recommendations and marketing approvals in different jurisdictions has resulted in geographic variation in clinical practice concerning the management of cutaneous vascular manifestations of SSc. Difficulty demonstrating treatment efficacy risks waning industry engagement for drug development programmes in this field. This article highlights the key challenges in establishing treatment efficacy and barriers that must be overcome to support successful clinical trial programmes across the spectrum of cutaneous vascular manifestations of SSc. Expert commentary: The paucity of approved treatments for cutaneous vascular manifestations of SSc relates as much to challenges in clinical trial design and the need for reliable clinical trial endpoints, as to lack of therapeutic options.

Parental experiences of providing skin-to-skin care to their newborn infant—Part 1: A qualitative systematic review

PubMed Central

Anderzén-Carlsson, Agneta; Lamy, Zeni Carvalho; Eriksson, Mats

2014-01-01

Aim To describe parental experiences of providing skin-to-skin care (SSC) to their newborn infants. Background SSC care for newborn infants has been reported to have positive physiological and psychological benefits to the infants and their parents. No systematic review regarding parental experiences has been identified. Design In this first part of a meta-study, the findings of a systematic literature review on parental experience of SSC care are presented. Data sources Four databases were searched, without year or language limitations, up until December 2013. Manual searches were performed in reference lists and in a bibliography of the topic. Review methods After a quality-appraisal process, data from the original articles were extracted and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results The systematic and manual searches led to the inclusion of 29 original qualitative papers from nine countries, reporting experiences from 401 mothers and 94 fathers. Two themes that characterized the provision of SSC emerged: a restoring experience and an energy-draining experience. Conclusion This review has added scientific and systematic knowledge about parental experiences of providing SSC. Further research about fathers’ experiences is recommended. PMID:25319746

A turtle-like swimming robot using a smart soft composite (SSC) structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Hyung-Jung; Song, Sung-Hyuk; Ahn, Sung-Hoon

2013-01-01

This paper describes the development of a biomimetic swimming robot based on the locomotion of a marine turtle. To realize the smooth, soft flapping motions of this type of turtle, a novel actuator was also developed, using a smart soft composite (SSC) structure that can generate bending and twisting motions in a simple, lightweight structure. The SSC structure is a composite consisting of an active component to generate the actuation force, a passive component to determine the twisting angle of the structure, and a matrix to combine the components. The motion of such a structure can be designed by specifying the angle between a filament of the scaffold structure and a shape-memory alloy (SMA) wire. The bending and twisting motion of the SSC structure is explained in terms of classical laminate theory, and cross-ply and angled-ply structures were fabricated to evaluate its motion. Finally, the turtle-like motion of a swimming robot was realized by employing a specially designed SSC structure. To mimic the posterior positive twisting angle of a turtle’s flipper during the upstroke, the SMA wire on the upper side was offset, and a positive ply-angled scaffold was used. Likewise, for the anterior negative twisting angle of the flipper during the downstroke, an offset SMA wire on the lower side and a positive ply-angled scaffold were also required. The fabricated flipper’s length is 64.3 mm and it realizes 55 mm bending and 24° twisting. The resulting robot achieved a swimming speed of 22.5 mm s-1.

Summary of findings about circulation and the estuarine turbidity maximum in Suisun Bay, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schoellhamer, David H.; Burau, Jon R.

1998-01-01

Suisun Bay, California, is the most landward subembayment of San Francisco Bay (fig. 1) and is an important ecological habitat (Cloern and others, 1983; Jassby and others, 1995). During the 1960s and 1970s, data collected in Suisun Bay were analyzed to develop a conceptual model of how water, salt, and sediment move within and through the Bay. This conceptual model has been used to manage freshwater flows from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to Suisun Bay to improve habitat for several threatened and endangered fish species. Instrumentation used to measure water velocity, salinity, and suspended-solids concentration (SSC) greatly improved during the 1980s and 1990s. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has utilized these new instruments to collect one of the largest, high-quality hydrodynamic and sediment data sets available for any estuary. Analysis of these new data has led to the revision of the conceptual model of circulation and sediment transport in Suisun Bay.

Real Time Control of the SSC String Magnets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calvo, O.; Flora, R.; MacPherson, M.

1987-08-01

The system described in this paper, called SECAR, was designed to control the excitation of a test string of magnets for the proposed Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) and will be used to upgrade the present Tevatron Excitation, Control and Regulation (TECAR) hardware and software . It resides in a VME crate and is controlled by a 68020/68881 based CPU running the application software under a real time operating system named VRTX.

Real time control of the SSC string magnets

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Calvo, O.; Flora, R.; MacPherson, M.

1987-08-01

The system described in this paper, called SECAR, was designed to control the excitation of a test string of magnets for the proposed Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) and will be used to upgrade the present Tevatron Excitation, Control and Regulation (TECAR) hardware and software. It resides in a VME orate and is controlled by a 68020/68881 based CPU running the application software under a real time operating system named VRTX.

Suspended sediment concentration in the Lower Sea Scheldt (Belgium): long term trends and relation to mud disposal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Depreiter, Davy; van Holland, Gijsbert; Lanckriet, Thijs; Beirinckx, Kirsten; Vanlede, Joris; Maris, Tom

2015-04-01

In this presentation, results from different monitoring and research projects (OMES, MONEOS, Flexible Disposal and Marine-Fluvial mud ratio) will be integrated to increase the insight in the trends and relation between mud disposal and the increasing sediment concentrations (SSC) in the Lower Sea Scheldt. In the Scheldt Estuary, major projects have been carried out in the past decade, among which the third deepening of the navigation channel and the opening of the Deurganck dock. Maintenance dredging is carried out to guarantee a minimum navigation depth. A rising trend in the volume of mud dredged in the Lower Sea Scheldt is observed since 2006, the year after the opening of the Deurganck Dock. The trend is explained by increasing mud volumes dredged in this dock and on a nearby sill. This volume culminated in 2011 (4.8 million m³) when the depth of this dock was increased to its design depth. The dredged mud is disposed upstream, quickly to be resuspended. Near the mud disposal location, yearly averaged SSC (measured at 4.5 m above bed) tripled between 2005 and 2011 (108 to 348 mg/L), and SSC peaks increased even stronger. A multivariate regression model indicated a strong correlation between mud disposal volumes and timing and observed SSC. Mud disposal volumes and SSC where somewhat lower again after 2011. The SSC increase raises an alert with regard to the risk for a regime shift towards a hyperturbid system. Increasing SSC may indeed decrease the hydraulic resistance initiating a feedback mechanism that results in further increasing SSC values. It thus appears that more mud is being circulated: the Deurganck dock acts as mud sink, from which the mud is - after dredging and disposal - resuspended. The mud may have different sources: fluvial or marine influx. The increasing SSC might not only be related to the mud disposal, but also to changing tidal characteristics that enhance the influx of marine suspended sediments. To elucidate this, an analysis of the marine fraction in soil and suspended sediments has also been performed.

Comparison of Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease between patients with systemic sclerosis and other chronic conditions: a systematic review.

PubMed

Thombs, Brett D; Kwakkenbos, Linda; Riehm, Kira E; Saadat, Nazanin; Fedoruk, Claire

2017-02-01

The complexity and burden of systemic sclerosis (SSc) pose challenges to developing and sustaining disease management self-efficacy. The objective of this systematic review was to compare scores on a commonly used self-efficacy measure, the Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease (SEMCD) Scale, between SSc and other diseases. Data sources included the CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Scopus databases, searched through January 25, 2016, and reference lists of included articles and relevant reviews. Studies in any language that reported total SEMCD scores or individual item scores in adult non-psychiatric medical patients were eligible. We identified one eligible non-intervention study of SSc patients (n = 553), 13 other non-intervention studies, and 21 studies with pre-intervention data for patients enrolled in a self-management program or a trial of a program. Of 13 non-intervention studies with published total score means in cancer, cardiovascular disease, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries, organ transplant candidates and recipients, dialysis, and lupus, SEMCD scores were statistically significantly lower (poorer self-efficacy) in SSc than 6 other disease samples, not significantly different from 6, and significantly higher than lupus patients. Compared to 18 studies of patients in self-management programs or trials with published total score means, SSc patients were similar or lower than 9 samples and significantly higher than 9 samples. Compared to patients with other diseases not enrolled in programs to improve self-efficacy, SSc patients report lower self-efficacy scores than most patient groups. Rigorously tested self-care interventions designed to meet the unique needs of patients with SSc are needed.

Quench simulation studies of TAC jelly roll superferric dipole corrector elements for the SSC

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lopez, G.

Using the computer program SSC-DTAC-T, which is a modification of the quench computer program SSC-RR to model Jelly Roll coils, the quench behavior of the dipole corrector element (TAC design with Jelly Roll winding) is studied. The simulations are made as a function of the length of the magnet, the copper-to-superconducting ratio, and the thickness of insulation surrounding the wires. The magnet is self-protected with all listed considerations. In addition, this implies that other corrector multipoles (quadrupole, sextupole, octupole, etc.), which use the same conductor winding technique, are self-protected. A passive protection system should work for these elements. 9 refs.,more » 18 figs., 1 tab.« less

Digital ulcers and cutaneous subsets of systemic sclerosis: Clinical, immunological, nailfold capillaroscopy, and survival differences in the Spanish RESCLE Registry.

PubMed

Tolosa-Vilella, Carles; Morera-Morales, Maria Lluisa; Simeón-Aznar, Carmen Pilar; Marí-Alfonso, Begoña; Colunga-Arguelles, Dolores; Callejas Rubio, José Luis; Rubio-Rivas, Manuel; Freire-Dapena, Maika; Guillén-Del Castillo, Alfredo; Iniesta-Arandia, Nerea; Castillo-Palma, Maria Jesús; Egurbide-Arberas, Marivi; Trapiellla-Martínez, Luis; Vargas-Hitos, José A; Todolí-Parra, José Antonio; Rodriguez-Carballeira, Mónica; Marin-Ballvé, Adela; Pla-Salas, Xavier; Rios-Blanco, Juan José; Fonollosa-Pla, Vicent

2016-10-01

Digital ulcers (DU) are the most common vascular complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc). We compared the characteristics between patients with prior or current DU with those never affected and evaluated whether a history of DU may be a predictor of vascular, organ involvement, and/or death in patients with SSc. Data from SSc patients with or without prior or current DU were collected by 19 referral centers in an ongoing registry of Spanish SSc patients, named Registro de ESCLErodermia (RESCLE). Demographics, organ involvement, autoimmunity features, nailfold capillary pattern, survival time, and causes of death were analyzed to identify DU related characteristics and survival of the entire series and according to the following cutaneous subsets-diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc), limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc), and SSc sine scleroderma (ssSSc). Out of 1326, 552 patients enrolled in the RESCLE registry had prior or current DU, 88% were women, the mean age was 50 ± 16 years, and the mean disease duration from first SSc symptom was 7.6 ± 9.6 years. Many significant differences were observed in the univariate analysis between patients with and without prior/current DU. Multivariate analysis identified that history of prior/current DU in patients with SSc was independently associated to younger age at SSc diagnosis, diffuse cutaneous SSc, peripheral vascular manifestations such Raynaud's phenomenon, telangiectasia, and acro-osteolysis but no other vascular features such as pulmonary arterial hypertension or scleroderma renal crisis. DU was also associated to calcinosis cutis, interstitial lung disease, as well as worse survival. Multivariate analysis performed in the cutaneous subsets showed that prior/current DU were independently associated: (1) in dcSSc, to younger age at SSc diagnosis, presence of telangiectasia and calcinosis and rarely a non-SSc pattern on nailfold capillaroscopy; (2) in lcSSc, to younger age at SSc diagnosis, presence of Raynaud's phenomenon as well as calcinosis cutis, interstitial lung disease, and higher incidence of death from all causes; and (3) in ssSSc, to younger age at first SSc symptom and greater incidence of death from all causes. Digital ulcers develop in patients with SSc younger at diagnosis, mainly in patients with dcSSc and lcSSc, and they are associated to other peripheral vascular manifestations such as Raynaud's phenomenon, telangiectasia, and acro-osteolysis but also to calcinosis, and interstitial lung disease. History of DU in SSc leads to worse survival, also noticeable for lcSSc and ssSSc subsets but not for dcSSc patients. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sawtooth-wave prebuncher with dual-gaps in Linac injector for HIRFL-SSC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiaohu; Yuan, Youjin; Xia, Jiawen; Yin, Xuejun; Jin, Peng; Xu, Zhe; Du, Heng; Li, Zhongshan; Qiao, Jian; Wang, Kedong

2018-01-01

An RFQ structure is normally composed of radial matcher, shaper, gentle buncher and accelerator section with changing cell geometry. Bunching is started in the shaper, and adiabatic bunching is done in gentle buncher section. The beam preforms from DC beam to bunch beam through the RFQ and the longitudinal emittance for the ions linacs is defined initially in the RFQ, in which the beam bunch has been shaped. In the present SSC-Linac injector, an RFQ has been designed to accelerate the continuous beam from 3.728 keV/u to 143 keV/u. The heavy ions beam is injected into the SSC (Separated Sector Cyclotron) with the kinetic energy of 1.025 MeV/u after four IH DTLs. The rf frequency of the SSC is 13.417 MHz, and the frequency of the heavy ions RFQ is set to four times of the rf frequency of the SSC. In order to increase the longitudinal capture efficiency of the SSC and suppress the longitudinal emittance at the exit of RFQ, an external MHB (Multi-Harmonics Buncher) is proposed in front of the RFQ. The fundamental frequency of the MHB is the same as the rf frequency of the cyclotron. The scheme of dual-gaps prebuncher with the sawtooth waveform is firstly carried out through multi-harmonics synthetic technology. The multi-particle beam dynamic simulations of the MHB have been done by the BEAMPATH code.

Comparative shelf life study of blackberry fruit in bio-based and petroleum-based containers under retail storage conditions.

PubMed

Joo, MinJung; Lewandowski, Nathan; Auras, Rafael; Harte, Janice; Almenar, Eva

2011-06-15

The shelf life of blackberries is relatively short, 2-3days at 0°C. Different marketing strategies like packaging can be used to retain blackberry quality during postharvest. This study compares the blackberry retail shelf life performance of different packaging materials, bio-based versus petroleum-based using the same packaging design. 'Cancaska' and 'Chester' blackberries were packaged in snap-fit closed packages made from oriented poly(lactic acid), OPLA, and oriented poly(styrene), OPS, and stored at 3°C and 85% RH for three weeks. Both cultivars exhibited an increase in pH, weight loss, SSC to TA ratio, and fungal count, and a reduction in firmness, anthocyanin content, TA, and SSC during storage. The changes in TA, SSC, SSC to TA ratio, and weight loss significantly depended on the packaging material while no such effect was observed on firmness, anthocyanin content, pH and fungal growth. Both cultivars demonstrated better quality in the OPS container with less weight loss, and decrease in SSC and TA. Blackberries in both OPS and OPLA containers met the "US standard No 1" grade for commercialisation for more than 12days at 3°C. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Variability of suspended-sediment concentration at tidal to annual time scales in San Francisco Bay, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schoellhamer, D.H.

2002-01-01

Singular spectrum analysis for time series with missing data (SSAM) was used to reconstruct components of a 6-yr time series of suspended-sediment concentration (SSC) from San Francisco Bay. Data were collected every 15 min and the time series contained missing values that primarily were due to sensor fouling. SSAM was applied in a sequential manner to calculate reconstructed components with time scales of variability that ranged from tidal to annual. Physical processes that controlled SSC and their contribution to the total variance of SSC were (1) diurnal, semidiurnal, and other higher frequency tidal constituents (24%), (2) semimonthly tidal cycles (21%), (3) monthly tidal cycles (19%), (4) semiannual tidal cycles (12%), and (5) annual pulses of sediment caused by freshwater inflow, deposition, and subsequent wind-wave resuspension (13%). Of the total variance 89% was explained and subtidal variability (65%) was greater than tidal variability (24%). Processes at subtidal time scales accounted for more variance of SSC than processes at tidal time scales because sediment accumulated in the water column and the supply of easily erodible bed sediment increased during periods of increased subtidal energy. This large range of time scales that each contained significant variability of SSC and associated contaminants can confound design of sampling programs and interpretation of resulting data.

[The diagnostic significance of nailfold video-capillaroscopy in systemic sclerosis].

PubMed

Li, Lin-Guang; Zhang, Jiang-Lin; Liu, Xiu-Hua; Huang, Feng

2012-05-01

To observe nailfold capillary changes in a cohort of connective tissue disease (CTD) with Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and to explore the diagnostic value of nailfold video-capillaroscopy (NVC) in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Sixty CTD patients with RP divided into SSc group (n = 36) and non-SSc group (n = 24) were referred to an experienced operator for NVC. The patients had decreased capillary loops in SSc group with the capillary diameter more enlarged in SSc group than non-SSc group. The number of patients in SSc group with giant capillaries was 14, while 3 in non-SSc group. There were 23 patients with haemorrhages in SSc group and 9 in non-SSc group. The number of patients with severe effusion was 15 in SSc group, while 2 in non-SSc group. By using the ROC curves, indexes with AUC at least 0.7 of the input capillary diameter, the output capillary diameter, the middle capillary diameter, blood color and effusion for the diagnostic cutoff points were 18.5 µm, 24.5 µm, 19.5µm, deep red and severe effusion. With at least 2 out of the top 3 indexes, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of SSc were higher. CTD Patients with RP of SSc have less capillary loops, more enlarged capillaries, more giant capillaries, more severe effusion and more haemorrhages than non-SSc patients. The characteristics of nailfold capillary changes in SSc patients with RP can be helpful for the diagnosis and the differential diagnosis of SSc.

Quench simulation studies of the TAC Jelly Roll superferric dipole corrector elements for the SSC

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lopez, G.

Using the computer program SSC-DTAC-T, which is a modification of the quench computer program SSC-RR, to model Jelly Roll coils, the quench behavior of the dipole corrector element (TAC design with Jelly roll winding) is studied. The simulations are made as a function of the length of the magnet, the copper to superconducting ratio, and the thickness of insulation surrounding the wires. The magnet is quite well self-protected under all of these considerations. In addition, this implies that the other corrector multipoles (quadrupole, sextupole, octupole, etc.) which use the same conductor winding technique are self-protected. A passive protection system ismore » likely to work for these elements. 6 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.« less

All-cause Healthcare Costs and Mortality in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis with Lung Involvement.

PubMed

Fischer, Aryeh; Kong, Amanda M; Swigris, Jeffrey J; Cole, Ashley L; Raimundo, Karina

2018-02-01

Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) often develop interstitial lung disease (ILD) and/or pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The effect of ILD and PAH on healthcare costs among patients with SSc is not well described. The objective of this analysis was to describe healthcare costs in patients with newly diagnosed SSc and SSc patients newly diagnosed with ILD and/or PAH in the United States. This retrospective cohort analysis was conducted in the Truven Health MarketScan Commercial and Medicare Supplemental healthcare claims databases from 2003 to 2014. Based on International Classification of Diseases-9-Clinical Modification diagnosis codes on medical claims, patients were classified into 3 groups: incident SSc, SSc with incident ILD (SSc-ILD), and SSc with incident PAH (SSc-PAH). Patients were required to have continuous enrollment for 5 years to measure all-cause healthcare costs. Costs (adjusted to US$) were reported overall and by service type and year following diagnosis. Because of the overlap between groups, statistical comparisons were not conducted. There were 1957 patients with incident SSc, 219 with incident SSc-ILD, and 108 patients with incident SSc-PAH. Average (mean ± SD) all-cause healthcare costs over followup were higher for patients with incident SSc-ILD ($191,107 ± $322,193) or patients with incident SSc-PAH ($254,425 ± $240,497), compared to patients with incident SSc ($101,839 ± $167,155). Average annual costs over the 5-year period ranged from $18,513 to $23,268 for patients with incident SSc, from $31,285 to $55,446 for patients with incident SSc-ILD, and from $44,454 to $63,320 for patients with incident SSc-PAH. Costs tended to be the highest in the fifth year of followup. Among patients with SSc, ILD and PAH can result in substantial increases in healthcare costs.

Managing an Archive of Images

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Andres, Vince; Walter, David; Hallal, Charles; Jones, Helene; Callac, Chris

2004-01-01

The SSC Multimedia Archive is an automated electronic system to manage images, acquired both by film and digital cameras, for the Public Affairs Office (PAO) at Stennis Space Center (SSC). Previously, the image archive was based on film photography and utilized a manual system that, by today s standards, had become inefficient and expensive. Now, the SSC Multimedia Archive, based on a server at SSC, contains both catalogs and images for pictures taken both digitally and with a traditional, film-based camera, along with metadata about each image. After a "shoot," a photographer downloads the images into the database. Members of the PAO can use a Web-based application to search, view and retrieve images, approve images for publication, and view and edit metadata associated with the images. Approved images are archived and cross-referenced with appropriate descriptions and information. Security is provided by allowing administrators to explicitly grant access privileges to personnel to only access components of the system that they need to (i.e., allow only photographers to upload images, only PAO designated employees may approve images).

Autoantigenicity of nucleolar complexes.

PubMed

Welting, Tim J M; Raijmakers, Reinout; Pruijn, Ger J M

2003-10-01

Autoantibodies targeting nucleolar autoantigens (ANoA) are most frequently found in sera from patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc, also designated scleroderma) or with SSc overlap syndromes. During the last decade an extensive number of nucleolar components have been identified and this allowed a more detailed analysis of the identity of nucleolar autoantigens. This review intends to give an overview of the molecular composition of the major (families of) autoantigenic nucleolar complexes, to provide some insight into their functions and to summarise the data concerning their autoantigenicity.

Harmonics suppression of vacuum chamber eddy current induced fields with application to the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) Low Energy Booster (LEB) Magnets

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schlueter, R.D.; Halbach, K.

1991-12-04

This memo presents the formulation of an expression for eddy currents induced in a thin-walled conductor due to a time-dependent electromagnet field excitation. Then follows an analytical development for prediction of vacuum chamber eddy current induced field harmonics in iron-core electromagnets. A passive technique for harmonics suppression is presented with specific application to the design of the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) Low Energy B (LEB) Magnets.

Interval follow up of a 4-day pilot program to implement the WHO surgical safety checklist at a Congolese hospital.

PubMed

White, Michelle C; Peterschmidt, Jennifer; Callahan, James; Fitzgerald, J Edward; Close, Kristin L

2017-06-29

The World Health Organisation Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) improves surgical outcomes and the research question is no longer 'does the SSC work?' but, 'how to make the SSC work?' Evidence for implementation strategies in low-income countries is sparse and existing strategies are heavily based on long-term external support. Short but effective implementation programs are required if widespread scale up is to be achieved. We designed and delivered a four-day pilot SSC training course at a single hospital centre in the Republic of Congo, and evaluated the implementation after one year. We hypothesised that participants would still be using the checklist over 50% of the time. We taught the four-day SSC training course at Dolisie hospital in February 2014, and undertook a mixed methods impact evaluation based on the Kirkpatrick model in May 2015. SSC implementation was evaluated using self-reported questionnaire with a 3 point Likert scale to assess six key process measures. Learning, behaviour, organisational change and facilitators and inhibitors to change were evaluated with questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussion. Seventeen individuals participated in the training and seven (40%) were available for impact evaluation at 15 months. No participant had used the SSC prior to training. Over half the participants were following the six processes measures always or most of the time: confirmation of patient identity and the surgical procedure (57%), assessment of difficult intubation risk (72%), assessment of the risk of major blood loss (86%), antibiotic prophylaxis given before skin incision (86%), use of a pulse oximeter (86%), and counting sponges and instruments (71%). All participants reported positive improvements in teamwork, organisation and safe anesthesia. Most participants reported they worked in helpful, supportive and respectful atmosphere; and could speak up if they saw something that might harm a patient. However, less than half felt able to challenge those in authority. Our study demonstrates that a 4-day pilot course for SSC implementation resulted in over 50% of participants using the SSC at 15 months, positive changes in learning, behaviour and organisational change, but less impact on hierarchical culture. The next step is to test our novel implementation strategy in a larger hospital setting.

From mobile ADCP to high-resolution SSC: a cross-section calibration tool

USGS Publications Warehouse

Boldt, Justin A.

2015-01-01

Sediment is a major cause of stream impairment, and improved sediment monitoring is a crucial need. Point samples of suspended-sediment concentration (SSC) are often not enough to provide an understanding to answer critical questions in a changing environment. As technology has improved, there now exists the opportunity to obtain discrete measurements of SSC and flux while providing a spatial scale unmatched by any other device. Acoustic instruments are ubiquitous in the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for making streamflow measurements but when calibrated with physical sediment samples, they may be used for sediment measurements as well. The acoustic backscatter measured by an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) has long been known to correlate well with suspended sediment, but until recently, it has mainly been qualitative in nature. This new method using acoustic surrogates has great potential to leverage the routine data collection to provide calibrated, quantitative measures of SSC which hold promise to be more accurate, complete, and cost efficient than other methods. This extended abstract presents a method for the measurement of high spatial and temporal resolution SSC using a down-looking, mobile ADCP from discrete cross-sections. The high-resolution scales of sediment data are a primary advantage and a vast improvement over other discrete methods for measuring SSC. Although acoustic surrogate technology using continuous, fixed-deployment ADCPs (side-looking) is proven, the same methods cannot be used with down-looking ADCPs due to the fact that the SSC and particle-size distribution variation in the vertical profile violates theory and complicates assumptions. A software tool was developed to assist in using acoustic backscatter from a down-looking, mobile ADCP as a surrogate for SSC. This tool has a simple graphical user interface that loads the data, assists in the calibration procedure, and provides data visualization and output options. This tool is designed to improve ongoing efforts to monitor and predict resource responses to a changing environment. Because ADCPs are used routinely for streamflow measurements, using acoustic backscatter from ADCPs as a surrogate for SSC has the potential to revolutionize sediment measurements by providing rapid measurements of sediment flux and distribution at spatial and temporal scales that are far beyond the capabilities of traditional physical samplers.

Clinical and laboratory features of systemic sclerosis complicated with localized scleroderma.

PubMed

Toki, Sayaka; Motegi, Sei-ichiro; Yamada, Kazuya; Uchiyama, Akihiko; Kanai, Sahori; Yamanaka, Masayoshi; Ishikawa, Osamu

2015-03-01

Localized scleroderma (LSc) primarily affects skin, whereas systemic sclerosis (SSc) affects skin and various internal organs. LSc and SSc are considered to be basically different diseases, and there is no transition between them. However, LSc and SSc have several common characteristics, including endothelial cell dysfunction, immune activation, and excess fibrosis of the skin, and there exist several SSc cases complicated with LSc during the course of SSc. Clinical and laboratory characteristics of SSc patients with LSc remain unclear. We investigated the clinical and laboratory features of 8 SSc patients with LSc among 220 SSc patients (3.6%). The types of LSc included plaque (5/8), guttate (2/8), and linear type (1/8). All cases were diagnosed as having SSc within 5 years before or after the appearance of LSc. In three cases of SSc with LSc (37.5%), LSc skin lesions preceded clinical symptoms of SSc. Young age, negative antinuclear antibody, and positive anti-RNA polymerase III antibody were significantly prevalent in SSc patients with LSc. The positivity of anticentromere antibody tended to be prevalent in SSc patients without LSc. No significant difference in the frequency of complications, such as interstitial lung disease, reflux esophagitis, and pulmonary artery hypertension, was observed. The awareness of these characteristic of SSc with LSc are essential to establish an early diagnosis and treatment. © 2015 Japanese Dermatological Association.

Skin-to-Skin Contact Facilitates More Equal Parenthood - A Qualitative Study From Fathers' Perspective.

PubMed

Olsson, Emma; Eriksson, Mats; Anderzén-Carlsson, Agneta

A descriptive design was used where 20 fathers of premature infants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview-guide. The guide contained the following five topics: the fathers' feelings about and experiences of using skin-to-skin contact (SSC), the physical environment at the Neonatal Intensive Care unit, staff attitudes, and whether SSC had any impact on the relationship with their partner and other children in the family. The interviews were analyzed using directed qualitative content analysis and the results compared with those of a qualitative systematic review by Anderzén-Carlsson and colleagues. The result shows that the fathers' overall experience of SSC was positive and as in the aforementioned review, they described experiences that were both gratifying and challenging. They felt more included and just as important as the mother because SSC and the demands placed on them by the premature birth helped them to achieve more equal parenthood. The fathers' overall experiences of SSC were positive as they felt included in their infants' care and just as important as the mothers. To a great degree the theoretical model tested was supported, although some weaknesses and differences were identified. It is important to include fathers in neonatal care and recognize that they feel equally important as mothers in caring for premature infants. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Localized Scleroderma to Systemic Sclerosis: Coexistence or Possible Evolution.

PubMed

Dilia, Giuggioli; Michele, Colaci; Emanuele, Cocchiara; Amelia, Spinella; Federica, Lumetti; Clodoveo, Ferri

2018-01-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) and localized scleroderma (LoS) are two different diseases that may share some features. We evaluated the relationship between SSc and LoS in our case series of SSc patients. We analysed the clinical records of 330 SSc patients, in order to find the eventual occurrence of both the two diseases. Eight (2.4%) female patients presented both the two diagnoses in their clinical histories. Six developed LoS prior to SSc; in 4/6 cases, the presence of autoantibodies was observed before SSc diagnosis. Overall, the median time interval between LoS and SSc diagnosis was 18 (range 0-156) months. LoS and SSc are two distinct clinical entities that may coexist. Moreover, as anecdotally reported in pediatric populations, we suggested the possible development of SSc in adult patients with LoS, particularly in presence of Raynaud's phenomenon or antinuclear antibodies before the SSc onset.

Measurement differences between turbidity instruments, and their implications for suspended sediment concentration and load calculations: A sensor inter-comparison study.

PubMed

Rymszewicz, A; O'Sullivan, J J; Bruen, M; Turner, J N; Lawler, D M; Conroy, E; Kelly-Quinn, M

2017-09-01

The use of turbidity for indicating environmentally detrimental levels of suspended and colloidal matter in freshwater systems, and for defining acceptable water quality standards in national and European drinking water regulations, is well established. Turbidity is therefore frequently adopted as a surrogate for suspended sediment concentrations (SSC), or as a relative and objective measure of water clarity in monitoring programmes. Through systematic, controlled experimentation, we tested the response of 12 commercially available turbidity sensors, of various designs, to gauge their measurement consistency when benchmarked against pre-prepared sediment suspensions of known SSC. Results showed that despite calibration to a Formazin standard, sensor responses to identical SSC solutions (in the range of 20-1000 mg L -1 ) varied considerably. For a given SSC, up to five-fold differences in recorded turbidity were recorded across the tested instruments. Furthermore, inconsistent measurements were identified across instruments, regardless of whether they operated using backscatter or side-scatter optical principles. While the findings may have implications for compliance with turbidity-based water quality standards, they are less likely to be an issue when turbidity is being used as a surrogate for SSC, provided that instrument use remains constant and that instrument drift is not an issue. In this study, a field comparison of a subset of four study sensors showed that despite very different absolute turbidity readings for a given SSC, well correlated and reliable turbidity - SSC ratings were established (as evidenced by r 2 coefficients from 0.92 to 0.98). This led to reasonably consistent suspended sediment load estimates of between 64.7 and 70.8 tonnes for a rainfall event analysed. This study highlights the potential for issues to arise when interpreting water turbidity datasets that are often assumed to be comparable, in that measurement inconsistency of the type reported here may remain unknown to water resource decision-makers and practitioners. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A behaviourally anchored rating scale for evaluating the use of the WHO surgical safety checklist: development and initial evaluation of the WHOBARS.

PubMed

Devcich, Daniel A; Weller, Jennifer; Mitchell, Simon J; McLaughlin, Scott; Barker, Lauren; Rudolph, Jenny W; Raemer, Daniel B; Zammert, Martin; Singer, Sara J; Torrie, Jane; Frampton, Chris Ma; Merry, Alan F

2016-10-01

Realising the full potential of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) to reduce perioperative harm requires the constructive engagement of all operating room (OR) team members during its administration. To facilitate research on SSC implementation, a valid and reliable instrument is needed for measuring OR team behaviours during its administration. We developed a behaviourally anchored rating scale (BARS) for this purpose. We used a modified Delphi process, involving 16 subject matter experts, to compile a BARS with behavioural domains applicable to all three phases of the SSC. We evaluated the instrument in 80 adult OR cases and 30 simulated cases using two medical student raters and seven expert raters, respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated to assess inter-rater reliability. Internal consistency and instrument discrimination were explored. Sample size estimates for potential study designs using the instrument were calculated. The Delphi process resulted in a BARS instrument (the WHOBARS) with five behavioural domains. Intraclass correlation coefficients calculated from the OR cases exceeded 0.80 for 80% of the instrument's domains across the SSC phases. The WHOBARS showed high internal consistency across the three phases of the SSC and ability to discriminate among surgical cases in both clinical and simulated settings. Fewer than 20 cases per group would be required to show a difference of 1 point between groups in studies of the SSC, where α=0.05 and β=0.8. We have developed a generic instrument for comprehensively rating the administration of the SSC and informing initiatives to realise its full potential. We have provided data supporting its capacity for discrimination, internal consistency and inter-rater reliability. Further psychometric evaluation is warranted. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Design of a CW high charge state heavy ion RFQ for SSC-LINAC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, G.; Lu, Y. R.; He, Y.; Wang, Z.; Xiao, C.; Gao, S. L.; Yang, Y. Q.; Zhu, K.; Yan, X. Q.; Chen, J. E.; Yuan, Y. J.; Zhao, H. W.

2013-02-01

The new linac injector SSC-LINAC has been proposed to replace the existing Separator Sector Cyclotron (SSC). This effort is to improve the beam efficiency of the Heavy Ion Research Facility of Lanzhou (HIRFL). As a key component of the linac, a continuous-wave (CW) mode high charge state heavy ion radio-frequency quadrupole (RFQ) accelerator has been designed. It accelerates ions with the ratio of mass to charge up to 7 from 3.728 keV/u to 143 keV/u. The requirements of CW mode operation and the transportation of intense beam have been considered as the greatest challenges. The design is based on 238U34+ beams, whose current is 0.5 pmA (0.5 particle mili-ampere, which is the measured 17 emA electric current divided by charge state of heavy ions). It achieves the transmission efficiency of 94% with 2508.46 mm long vanes in simulation. To improve the transmission efficiency and quality of the beams, the phase advance has been taken into account to analyze the reasons of beam loss and emittance growth. Parametric resonance and beam mismatch have been carefully avoided by adjusting the structure parameters. The parameter-sensitivity of the design is checked by transportation simulations of various input beams. To verify the applicability of machining, the effects of different vane manufacturing methods on beam dynamics are presented in this paper.

Performance of the new ACR/EULAR classification criteria for systemic sclerosis in clinical practice.

PubMed

Jordan, Suzana; Maurer, Britta; Toniolo, Martin; Michel, Beat; Distler, Oliver

2015-08-01

The preliminary classification criteria for SSc lack sensitivity for mild/early SSc patients, therefore, the new ACR/EULAR classification criteria for SSc were developed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of the new classification criteria for SSc in clinical practice in a cohort of mild/early patients. Consecutive patients with a clinical diagnosis of SSc, based on expert opinion, were prospectively recruited and assessed according to the EULAR Scleroderma Trials and Research group (EUSTAR) and very early diagnosis of SSc (VEDOSS) recommendations. In some patients, missing values were retrieved retrospectively from the patient's records. Patients were grouped into established SSc (fulfilling the old ACR criteria) and mild/early SSc (not fulfilling the old ACR criteria). The new ACR/EULAR criteria were applied to all patients. Of the 304 patients available for the final analysis, 162/304 (53.3%) had established SSc and 142/304 (46.7%) had mild/early SSc. All 162 established SSc patients fulfilled the new ACR/EULAR classification criteria. The remaining 142 patients had mild/early SSc. Eighty of these 142 patients (56.3%) fulfilled the new ACR/EULAR classification criteria. Patients with mild/early SSc not fulfilling the new classification criteria were most often suffering from RP, had SSc-characteristic autoantibodies and had an SSc pattern on nailfold capillaroscopy. Taken together, the sensitivity of the new ACR/EULAR classification criteria for the overall cohort was 242/304 (79.6%) compared with 162/304 (53.3%) for the ACR criteria. In this cohort with a focus on mild/early SSc, the new ACR/EULAR classification criteria showed higher sensitivity and classified more patients as definite SSc patients than the ACR criteria. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Rheumatology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Field-scale application of spent sulfidic caustic as a source of alternative electron donor for autotrophic denitrification.

PubMed

Lee, Jae-Ho; Park, Jeung-Jin; Choi, Gi-Choong; Byun, Im-Gyu; Park, Tae-Joo; Lee, Tae-Ho

2013-01-01

Biological reuse of spent sulfidic caustic (SSC) originating from oil refineries is a promising method for the petrochemical industry because of low handling cost. SSC typically contains high concentrations of sulfur, with the most dominant sulfur compounds being sulfide (S(2-)). SSC is also characterized by a high pH and elevated alkalinity up to 5-15% by weight. Because of these characteristics, SSC can be used for denitrification of NO3(-)-N in the biological nitrogen removal process as both the electron donor and buffering agent in sulfur-utilizing autotrophic denitrification. In this study, two kinds of SSC (SSC I, SSC II) produced from two petrochemical companies were used for autotrophic denitrification in a field-scale wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The effluent total nitrogen (TN) concentration in this process was about 10.5 mg/L without any external carbon sources and the nitrification efficiency was low, about 93.0%, because of alkalinity deficiency in the influent. The injection of SSC I, but not SSC II, promoted nitrification efficiency, which was attributed to the difference in the NaOH/S ratio between SSC I and II. SSC was injected based on sulfide concentration of SSC required to denitrify NO3(-)-N in the WWTP. SSC I had higher NaOH/S than SSC II and thus could supply more alkalinity for nitrification than SSC II. On the other hand, additional TN removal of about 9.0% was achieved with the injection of both SSCs. However, denitrification efficiency was not proportionally increased with increasing SSC injection because of NO3(-)-N deficiency in the anoxic tank due to the limited capacity of the recycling pump. For the same reason, sulfate concentration, which is the end product of sulfur-utilizing autotrophic denitrificaiton in the effluent, was also not increased with increasing SSC injection.

Esophageal Motor Abnormalities in Patients With Scleroderma: Heterogeneity, Risk Factors, and Effects on Quality of Life.

PubMed

Crowell, Michael D; Umar, Sarah B; Griffing, W Leroy; DiBaise, John K; Lacy, Brian E; Vela, Marcelo F

2017-02-01

Systemic scleroderma (SSc) is associated with esophageal aperistalsis and hypotensive esophagogastric junction pressure, although there could be a gradation in esophageal motor dysfunction. We characterized esophageal motor function by high-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM) and assessed associations between SSc severity, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and HRM findings in patients. We performed a prospective study of 200 patients with SSc and 102 patients without SSc (controls) who underwent HRM at Mayo Clinic Arizona from May 2006 through January 2015. We used data on integrated relaxation pressure, distal contractile integral, and distal latency to classify esophageal motility disorders according to the Chicago Classification v 3.0. A subset of subjects (n = 122) completed SSc-specific gastrointestinal symptom and HRQOL questionnaires. HRM findings, symptoms, and HRQOL data were compared among diffuse SSc, limited SSc, and control subjects. Categorical variables were compared by using the χ 2 or Fisher exact test; continuous variables were compared by using Mann-Whitney or Kruskal-Wallis test. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between severity of esophageal dysmotility and baseline clinical factors. Among patients with SSc, 83 had diffuse SSc (42%), and 117 had limited SSc (58%). Absent contractility was more frequent in patients with SSc than in controls (56% vs 13%; P < .001). HRM findings varied among the patients; absent contractility (56%) was the most frequent diagnosis, followed by normal motility (26%) and ineffective esophageal motility (10%). Classic scleroderma esophagus (esophagogastric junction pressure with absent contractility) was only observed in 33% of patients (34% with diffuse SSc vs 32% limited SSc) (P = .880). Severe esophageal dysmotility was associated with disease duration, interstitial lung disease, and higher gastrointestinal symptom scores (P < .001). HRQOL was decreased in patients with SSc and severe esophageal dysmotility. Although severe dysmotility is more common in patients with SSc than in controls, we observed the so-called scleroderma esophagus in only one-third of patients with SSc. Esophageal motor function appears to be heterogeneous in SSc. Esophageal dysmotility reduces HRQOL in patients with SSc. Copyright © 2017 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Deformable segmentation via sparse representation and dictionary learning.

PubMed

Zhang, Shaoting; Zhan, Yiqiang; Metaxas, Dimitris N

2012-10-01

"Shape" and "appearance", the two pillars of a deformable model, complement each other in object segmentation. In many medical imaging applications, while the low-level appearance information is weak or mis-leading, shape priors play a more important role to guide a correct segmentation, thanks to the strong shape characteristics of biological structures. Recently a novel shape prior modeling method has been proposed based on sparse learning theory. Instead of learning a generative shape model, shape priors are incorporated on-the-fly through the sparse shape composition (SSC). SSC is robust to non-Gaussian errors and still preserves individual shape characteristics even when such characteristics is not statistically significant. Although it seems straightforward to incorporate SSC into a deformable segmentation framework as shape priors, the large-scale sparse optimization of SSC has low runtime efficiency, which cannot satisfy clinical requirements. In this paper, we design two strategies to decrease the computational complexity of SSC, making a robust, accurate and efficient deformable segmentation system. (1) When the shape repository contains a large number of instances, which is often the case in 2D problems, K-SVD is used to learn a more compact but still informative shape dictionary. (2) If the derived shape instance has a large number of vertices, which often appears in 3D problems, an affinity propagation method is used to partition the surface into small sub-regions, on which the sparse shape composition is performed locally. Both strategies dramatically decrease the scale of the sparse optimization problem and hence speed up the algorithm. Our method is applied on a diverse set of biomedical image analysis problems. Compared to the original SSC, these two newly-proposed modules not only significant reduce the computational complexity, but also improve the overall accuracy. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Clinical pattern of systemic sclerosis in Central Ukraine. Association between clinical manifestations of systemic sclerosis and hypertension.

PubMed

Semenov, Viktor; Kuryata, Olexandr; Lysunets, Tatiana

2018-01-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare disease of connective tissue, manifestations of which may vary in different geographical areas. We aimed to describe the clinical portrait of patients with SSc in Dnipropetrovsk region and to investigate how initial clinical and laboratory characteristics are connected with the presence of hypertension in SSc onset. Patients were enrolled to this study from the registry of SSc patients, established in the Rheumatology Department, Mechnikov Dnipropetrovsk Regional Clinic, Dnipro. This registry contains histories of new cases of SSc from 1993 to 2014. Patients are followed-up and receive treatment according to EULAR and local standards. Diagnosis of SSc was based on ACR and EULAR Criteria for systemic Sclerosis. Two patients developed scleroderma renal crisis during follow-up. This report is a cross-sectional study. We analysed only data of the first visit to a rheumatologist. In total 148 patients (median age [IQR] - 47 [40; 52] years) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Male/female ratio was 1 : 20.1. The most frequent clinical signs were Raynaud's phenomenon and arthritis. The prevalence of skin lesion in dcSSc patients was twice as high as in lcSSc patients. Pulmonary fibrosis occurred significantly more commonly in dcSSc patients. Hypertension occurred in 26-33% in both groups. Patients with hypertension at the SSc onset were seven years older than normotensive patients. More hypertensive patients were classified as lcSSc. Mean GFR was dramatically lower in hypertensive patients. The most common clinical form in our study was diffuse cutaneous subset of SSc. Hypertension in patients with SSc may be associated with local cutaneous subset of SSc and renal impairment. The strongest predictors of clinical form of SSc are signs of fibrosis (skin lesion and pulmonary fibrosis) and inflammation (arthritis and elevated CRP).

Stennis Space Center Environmental Geographic Information System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lovely, Janette; Cohan, Tyrus

2000-01-01

As NASA's lead center for rocket propulsion testing, the John C. Stennis Space Center (SSC) monitors and assesses the off-site impacts of such testing through its Environmental Office (SSC-EO) using acoustical models and ancillary data. The SSC-EO has developed a geographical database, called the SSC Environmental Geographic Information System (SSC-EGIS), that covers an eight-county area bordering the NASA facility. Through the SSC-EGIS, the Enivronmental Office inventories, assesses, and manages the nearly 139,000 acres that comprise Stennis Space Center and its surrounding acoustical buffer zone. The SSC-EGIS contains in-house data as well as a wide range of data obtained from outside sources, including private agencies and local, county, state, and U.S. government agencies. The database comprises cadastral/geodetic, hydrology, infrastructure, geo-political, physical geography, and socio-economic vector and raster layers. The imagery contained in the database is varied, including low-resolution imagery, such as Landsat TM and SPOT; high-resolution imagery, such as IKONOS and AVIRIS; and aerial photographs. The SSC-EGIS has been an integral part of several major projects and the model upon which similar EGIS's will be developed for other NASA facilities. The Corps of Engineers utilized the SSC-EGIS in a plan to establish wetland mitigation sites within the SSC buffer zone. Mississippi State University employed the SSC-EGIS in a preliminary study to evaluate public access points within the buffer zone. The SSC-EO has also expressly used the SSC-EGIS to assess noise pollution modeling, land management/wetland mitigation assessment, environmental hazards mapping, and protected areas mapping for archaeological sites and for threatened and endangered species habitats. The SSC-EO has several active and planned projects that will also make use of the SSC-EGIS during this and the coming fiscal year.

From Localized Scleroderma to Systemic Sclerosis: Coexistence or Possible Evolution

PubMed Central

Emanuele, Cocchiara; Amelia, Spinella; Clodoveo, Ferri

2018-01-01

Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) and localized scleroderma (LoS) are two different diseases that may share some features. We evaluated the relationship between SSc and LoS in our case series of SSc patients. Methods We analysed the clinical records of 330 SSc patients, in order to find the eventual occurrence of both the two diseases. Results Eight (2.4%) female patients presented both the two diagnoses in their clinical histories. Six developed LoS prior to SSc; in 4/6 cases, the presence of autoantibodies was observed before SSc diagnosis. Overall, the median time interval between LoS and SSc diagnosis was 18 (range 0–156) months. Conclusions LoS and SSc are two distinct clinical entities that may coexist. Moreover, as anecdotally reported in pediatric populations, we suggested the possible development of SSc in adult patients with LoS, particularly in presence of Raynaud's phenomenon or antinuclear antibodies before the SSc onset. PMID:29666638

Dysregulated expression of MIG/CXCL9, IP-10/CXCL10 and CXCL16 and their receptors in systemic sclerosis

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Introduction Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by fibrosis and microvascular abnormalities including dysregulated angiogenesis. Chemokines, in addition to their chemoattractant properties, have the ability to modulate angiogenesis. Chemokines lacking the enzyme-linked receptor (ELR) motif, such as monokine induced by interferon-γ (IFN-γ) (MIG/CXCL9) and IFN-inducible protein 10 (IP-10/CXCL10), inhibit angiogenesis by binding CXCR3. In addition, CXCL16 promotes angiogenesis by binding its unique receptor CXCR6. In this study, we determined the expression of these chemokines and receptors in SSc skin and serum. Methods Immunohistology and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to determine chemokine and chemokine receptor expression in the skin and serum, respectively, of SSc and normal patients. Endothelial cells (ECs) were isolated from SSc skin biopsies and chemokine and chemokine receptor expression was determined by quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence staining. Results Antiangiogenic IP-10/CXCL10 and MIG/CXCL9 were elevated in SSc serum and highly expressed in SSc skin. However, CXCR3, the receptor for these chemokines, was decreased on ECs in SSc vs. normal skin. CXCL16 was elevated in SSc serum and increased in SSc patients with early disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and those that died during the 36 months of the study. In addition, its receptor CXCR6 was overexpressed on ECs in SSc skin. At the mRNA and protein levels, CXCR3 was decreased while CXCR6 was increased on SSc ECs vs. human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs). Conclusions These results show that while the expression of MIG/CXCL9 and IP-10/CXCL10 are elevated in SSc serum, the expression of CXCR3 is downregulated on SSc dermal ECs. In contrast, CXCL16 and CXCR6 are elevated in SSc serum and on SSc dermal ECs, respectively. In all, these findings suggest angiogenic chemokine receptor expression is likely regulated in an effort to promote angiogenesis in SSc skin. PMID:21303517

Improving health outcomes of children through effective parenting: model and methods.

PubMed

Okafor, Martha; Sarpong, Daniel F; Ferguson, Aneeqah; Satcher, David

2013-12-23

This article reports on the design, development, testing and presentation of preliminary evidence of a translational, culturally relevant parenting education model, titled Smart and Secured Children (SSC). SSC, a quality parenting curriculum, prepares disparate African American parents as leaders for transforming their parenting behaviors and leading their peers and community in changing existing parenting culture. The article recommends expanded utility of identified promising processes, approaches and practices to engage African American parents to lead in addressing health inequity conditions in their families and communities. It adds to the growing scientific literature on the association between parent-child relationship quality and a wide variety of children physical, emotional and social outcomes. SSC applied principles of developmental theories; community based participatory research (CBPR), and iterative Delphi method between the community stakeholders, parents and researchers. The delivery approach of SSC was revamped from professional-led to parent-led content presentation and delivery methods using a conversational learning approach, referred to as 'conversepedia'. Parents' leadership development training and delivery of this curriculum in social supportive groups improved their mental wellbeing, parenting capacity and leadership skills. Parents do matter and can choose positive influence in their lives and are capable of reversing negative peer influence.

Improving Health Outcomes of Children through Effective Parenting: Model and Methods

PubMed Central

Okafor, Martha; Sarpong, Daniel F.; Ferguson, Aneeqah; Satcher, David

2013-01-01

This article reports on the design, development, testing and presentation of preliminary evidence of a translational, culturally relevant parenting education model, titled Smart and Secured Children (SSC). SSC, a quality parenting curriculum, prepares disparate African American parents as leaders for transforming their parenting behaviors and leading their peers and community in changing existing parenting culture. The article recommends expanded utility of identified promising processes, approaches and practices to engage African American parents to lead in addressing health inequity conditions in their families and communities. It adds to the growing scientific literature on the association between parent–child relationship quality and a wide variety of children physical, emotional and social outcomes. SSC applied principles of developmental theories; community based participatory research (CBPR), and iterative Delphi method between the community stakeholders, parents and researchers. The delivery approach of SSC was revamped from professional-led to parent-led content presentation and delivery methods using a conversational learning approach, referred to as ‘conversepedia’. Parents’ leadership development training and delivery of this curriculum in social supportive groups improved their mental wellbeing, parenting capacity and leadership skills. Parents do matter and can choose positive influence in their lives and are capable of reversing negative peer influence. PMID:24366048

Design of a simple non-destructive detection system using P-wave lasers for determining the soluble solids content of apples.

PubMed

Hua, Shih-Hao; Chen, Chao-Pin; Han, Pin

2017-08-01

The simple and nondestructive detection system studied in this work uses a near-infrared (NIR) detector and parallel-polarized (P-wave) NIR lasers to determine the soluble solids content (SSC) of apples. The P-wave NIR laser in this system is incident into the apple's pulp at the Brewster angle to minimize the interference caused by interfacial reflections. After the apple has been illuminated by four P-wave NIR lasers that correspond to the specified wavelengths of the SSC chemical bonds (880, 940, 980, and 1064 nm), the prediction of correlation (rp2) and the root-mean-square error for prediction (RMSEP) of the SSC are determined via partial least square regression analysis of the reflectance. Our results indicate that the use of P-wave lasers at the Brewster angle (as the angle of incidence) and the above specified wavelengths for the prediction set measurement of the SSC of apples obtained an rp2 of 0.88 and an RMSEP of 0.47°Brix. These rp2 are 6% higher, and the RMSEPs are 9% lower, than those obtained using non-polarized lasers.

Specific functions of the Rep and Rep׳ proteins of porcine circovirus during copy-release and rolling-circle DNA replication.

PubMed

Cheung, Andrew K

2015-07-01

The roles of two porcine circovirus replication initiator proteins, Rep and Rep׳, in generating copy-release and rolling-circle DNA replication intermediates were determined. Rep uses the supercoiled closed-circular genome (ccc) to initiate leading-strand synthesis (identical to copy-release replication) and generates the single-stranded circular (ssc) genome from the displaced DNA strand. In the process, a minus-genome primer (MGP) necessary for complementary-strand synthesis, from ssc to ccc, is synthesized. Rep׳ cleaves the growing nascent-strand to regenerate the parent ccc molecule. In the process, a Rep׳-DNA hybrid containing the right palindromic sequence (at the origin of DNA replication) is generated. Analysis of the virus particle showed that it is composed of four components: ssc, MGP, capsid protein and a novel Rep-related protein (designated Protein-3). Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.

An Observational Cohort Study Examining the Effect of the Duration of Skin-to-Skin Contact on the Physiological Parameters of the Neonate in a Neonatal Intensive Special Care Unit.

PubMed

Jones, Hannah; Santamaria, Nick

2018-06-01

Focus on skin-to-skin contact (SSC) as a family-centered care intervention in Neonatal Intensive Special Care (NISC) Units continues to increase. Previously, SSC has been shown to improve neonatal physiological stability, support brain development, and promote bonding and attachment. Limited research exists investigating SSC duration and neonatal physiological responses. This study examined the relationship between SSC duration and the neonate's oxygen saturation, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and temperature. An observational cohort study was conducted at The Royal Women's Hospital NISC Unit in Melbourne, Australia. For each neonate participant, 1 SSC with their parent was studied (parent convenience) and neonatal physiological parameters recorded, with a bivariate correlation used to explore the relationship between the duration of SSC and the percentage of time during SSC that the neonate's physiological variables remained within a target range. No correlation existed between the duration of SSC and the neonatal physiological variables of oxygen saturation, HR, RR, and temperature. However, neonatal oxygen requirement was more often reduced across the duration of SSC. Due to previously documented benefits to neonates physiologically from SSC, and our supportive finding that SSC reduces neonatal oxygen requirement, we believe that this study adds to the evidence to support promotion of SSC in NISC Units. The duration of SSC does not appear to negatively impact the physiological effects to the neonate. Thus, SSC should be encouraged in all NISC Units to be conducted for the length of time the parent is able. This study should be repeated with a larger sample size.

Factors influencing the occupational trajectory of patients with systemic sclerosis: a qualitative study.

PubMed

Decuman, Saskia; Smith, Vanessa; Grypdonck, Maria; De Keyser, Filip; Verhaeghe, Sofie

2015-01-01

To describe, from the patient's point of view, the factors influencing the occupational trajectory of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). This was a qualitative study designed using grounded theory with constant comparison. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 14 patients who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology or Leroy-Medsger criteria for SSc. Based on our interviews, we found that the occupational trajectory of patients with SSc is influenced by the continuous interplay between four groups of factors. The first group concerns the values patients attribute to work, including identity, normality, financial value, social contact, and structure. The meaning of these values and how they relate to each other underlies the desire to work. A second group of factors is those influencing the balance between daily life, work participation, and medical condition (e.g. job content, flexibility in organising work, and the willingness to ask for accommodations at work). The occupational trajectory is also influenced by external factors, including availability of support, know-ledge of the disease, pressure to work, contact with medical professionals, and existing regulations and the patient's knowledge about them. Finally, the occupational trajectory is influenced by personal factors, including socio-demographics, psychological assets, and disease- and work-related personal factors. The decisions patients with SSc take concerning work depend on an interplay between many factors and, especially, on the patients' personal interpretation of these factors. These need to be taken into account when helping patients with SSc determine their occupational trajectory.

Clinical pattern of systemic sclerosis in Central Ukraine. Association between clinical manifestations of systemic sclerosis and hypertension

PubMed Central

Kuryata, Olexandr; Lysunets, Tatiana

2018-01-01

Objectives Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare disease of connective tissue, manifestations of which may vary in different geographical areas. We aimed to describe the clinical portrait of patients with SSc in Dnipropetrovsk region and to investigate how initial clinical and laboratory characteristics are connected with the presence of hypertension in SSc onset. Material and methods Patients were enrolled to this study from the registry of SSc patients, established in the Rheumatology Department, Mechnikov Dnipropetrovsk Regional Clinic, Dnipro. This registry contains histories of new cases of SSc from 1993 to 2014. Patients are followed-up and receive treatment according to EULAR and local standards. Diagnosis of SSc was based on ACR and EULAR Criteria for systemic Sclerosis. Two patients developed scleroderma renal crisis during follow-up. This report is a cross-sectional study. We analysed only data of the first visit to a rheumatologist. Results In total 148 patients (median age [IQR] – 47 [40; 52] years) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Male/female ratio was 1 : 20.1. The most frequent clinical signs were Raynaud’s phenomenon and arthritis. The prevalence of skin lesion in dcSSc patients was twice as high as in lcSSc patients. Pulmonary fibrosis occurred significantly more commonly in dcSSc patients. Hypertension occurred in 26–33% in both groups. Patients with hypertension at the SSc onset were seven years older than normotensive patients. More hypertensive patients were classified as lcSSc. Mean GFR was dramatically lower in hypertensive patients. Conclusions The most common clinical form in our study was diffuse cutaneous subset of SSc. Hypertension in patients with SSc may be associated with local cutaneous subset of SSc and renal impairment. The strongest predictors of clinical form of SSc are signs of fibrosis (skin lesion and pulmonary fibrosis) and inflammation (arthritis and elevated CRP). PMID:29686439

CD16-positive circulating monocytes and fibrotic manifestations of systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Lescoat, Alain; Lecureur, Valérie; Roussel, Mikael; Sunnaram, Béatrice Ly; Ballerie, Alice; Coiffier, Guillaume; Jouneau, Stéphane; Fardel, Olivier; Fest, Thierry; Jégo, Patrick

2017-07-01

The objective of this study is to assess the association of clinical manifestations of systemic sclerosis (SSc) with the absolute count of circulating blood monocyte subpopulations according to their membrane expression of CD16. Forty-eight consecutive patients fulfilling the 2013 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for SSc were included in this cross-sectional study. CD16+ monocyte absolute count was defined by flow cytometry and confronted to the clinical characteristics of SSc patients. Twenty-three healthy donors (HD) were randomly selected for comparison. SSc patients had an increased number of total circulating blood monocytes compared to HD (p < 0.001). The CD16- subpopulation absolute count was increased in SSc patients compared to HD (p < 0.001) but was similar in limited SSc (lSSc) and diffuse SSc (dSSc). On the contrary, the CD16+ population absolute count was increased in dSSc compared to both HD and lSSc patients (dSSc 0.071 Giga/L (±0.034) vs HD 0.039 Giga/L (±0.030), p < 0.01, and dSSc 0.071 Giga/L (±0.034) vs lSSc 0.048 Giga/L (±0.024), p < 0.05). The CD16+ monocyte subpopulation absolute count was significantly correlated with the severity of skin fibrosis evaluated by the modified Rodnan skin score (p < 0.001). The CD16+ monocyte subpopulation was also associated with pulmonary fibrosis (p < 0.05), with the severity of the restrictive ventilatory defect evaluated by total lung capacity (p < 0.05) and with the pulmonary function impairment reflected by diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxyde measures (p < 0.01). These results suggest that CD16+ monocytes are associated with the main fibrotic manifestations of SSc and their role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis in this autoimmune disorder should therefore be further considered.

Alteration of microcirculation is a hallmark of very early systemic sclerosis patients: a laser speckle contrast analysis.

PubMed

Della Rossa, Alessandra; Cazzato, Massimiliano; d'Ascanio, Anna; Tavoni, Antonio; Bencivelli, Walter; Pepe, Pasquale; Mosca, Marta; Baldini, Chiara; Rossi, Marco; Bombardieri, Stefano

2013-01-01

To investigate blood flow and microvascular reactivity by laser speckle perfusion imager (Perimed, Jarfalla) in consecutive patients affected by Raynaud's phenomenon at baseline and following dynamic stimulations. Skin blood flow in the dorsum of the hand was measured at baseline and after cold test and post-occlusive hyperemia test in 56 consecutive subjects affected by Raynaud's phenomenon (RP), 20 primary (PRP) and 36 secondary to systemic sclerosis (SSc). Twenty healthy subjects (HS) were studied as controls. After cold test, SSc had a significant reduction of blood flow (-58%) as compared to HS (-19%) (p=0.01). Recovery time was significantly higher in SSc (58 minutes) as compared to HS (18 minutes) and PRP (19 minutes) (p=0.006 and 0.0016, respectively). Peak flow after ischaemic test was significantly reduced in SSc (+237%) as compared to PRP (+485%) (p=0.0068). Post-ischaemic hyperemic area under the curve (AUC) was blunted in SSc (79U/sec) compared to PRP (167 U/sec) (p=0.0126). Proximal distal gradient was noticed in 74% of HS, 45% of PRP and 36% of SSc (p=0.01). Homogeneous pattern of flux distribution was significantly different between HS (95%), PRP (80%), and SSc (16%) (p<0.0001). Among SSc patients, a significant difference in ischaemic challenge was shown between patients with early-SSc versus patients with definite-SSc. Our preliminary results indicate a clearcut alteration of the dynamic of microcirculation in SSc-RP as compared to PRP and HS. Among SSc patients, early-SSc is a separate entity as compared to established disease.

An analysis of the kangaroo care intervention using neonatal EEG complexity: a preliminary study.

PubMed

Kaffashi, F; Scher, M S; Ludington-Hoe, S M; Loparo, K A

2013-02-01

Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) promotes physiological stability and interaction between parents and infants. Temporal analyses of predictability in EEG-sleep time series can elucidate functional brain maturation between SSC and non-SSC cohorts at similar post-menstrual ages (PMAs). Sixteen EEG-sleep studies were performed on eight preterm infants who received 8 weeks of SSC, and compared with two non-SSC cohorts at term (N=126) that include a preterm group corrected to term age and a full term group. Two time series measures of predictability were used for comparisons. The SSC premature neonate group had increased complexity when compared to the non-SSC premature neonate group at the same PMA. Discriminant analysis shows that SSC neonates at 40 weeks PMA are closer to the full term neonate non-SSC group than to the premature non-SSC group at the same PMA; suggesting that the KC intervention accelerates neurophysiological maturation of premature neonates. Based on the hypothesis that EEG-derived complexity increases with neurophysiological maturation as supported by previously published research, SSC accelerates brain maturation in healthy preterm infants as quantified by time series measures of predictability when compared to a similar non-SSC group. Times series methods that quantify predictability of EEG sleep in neonates can provide useful information about altered neural development after developmental care interventions such as SSC. Analyses of this type may be helpful in assessing other neuroprotection strategies. Copyright © 2012 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Metabolomic profile of systemic sclerosis patients.

PubMed

Murgia, Federica; Svegliati, Silvia; Poddighe, Simone; Lussu, Milena; Manzin, Aldo; Spadoni, Tatiana; Fischetti, Colomba; Gabrielli, Armando; Atzori, Luigi

2018-05-16

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease of unknown aetiology characterized by vascular lesions, immunological alterations and diffuse fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Since recent evidence suggests that there is a link between metabolomics and immune mediated disease, serum metabolic profile of SSc patients and healthy controls was investigated by 1 H-NMR and GC-MS techniques. The results indicated a lower level of aspartate, alanine, choline, glutamate, and glutarate in SSc patients compared with healthy controls. Moreover, comparing patients affected by limited SSc (lcSSc) and diffuse SSc (dcSSc), 6 discriminant metabolites were identified. The multivariate analysis performed using all the metabolites significantly different revealed glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, energetic pathways, glutamate metabolism, degradation of ketone bodies and pyruvate metabolism as the most important networks. Aspartate, alanine and citrate yielded a high area under receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUC of 0.81; CI 0.726-0.93) for discriminating SSc patients from controls, whereas ROC curve generated with acetate, fructose, glutamate, glutamine, glycerol and glutarate (AUC of 0.84; CI 0.7-0.98) discriminated between lcSSc and dcSSc. These results indicated that serum NMR-based metabolomics profiling method is sensitive and specific enough to distinguish SSc from healthy controls and provided a feasible diagnostic tool for the diagnosis and classification of the disease.

SIRTF Science Operations System Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Green, William

1999-01-01

SIRTF Science Operations System Design William B. Green Manager, SIRTF Science Center California Institute of Technology M/S 310-6 1200 E. California Blvd., Pasadena CA 91125 (626) 395 8572 Fax (626) 568 0673 bgreen@ipac.caltech.edu. The Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) will be launched in December 2001, and perform an extended series of science observations at wavelengths ranging from 20 to 160 microns for five years or more. The California Institute of Technology has been selected as the home for the SIRTF Science Center (SSC). The SSC will be responsible for evaluating and selecting observation proposals, providing technical support to the science community, performing mission planning and science observation scheduling activities, instrument calibration during operations and instrument health monitoring, production of archival quality data products, and management of science research grants. The science payload consists of three instruments delivered by instrument Principal Investigators located at University of Arizona, Cornell, and Harvard Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The SSC is responsible for design, development, and operation of the Science Operations System (SOS) which will support the functions assigned to the SSC by NASA. The SIRTF spacecraft, mission profile, and science instrument design have undergone almost ten years of refinement. SIRTF development and operations activities are highly cost constrained. The cost constraints have impacted the design of the SOS in several ways. The Science Operations System has been designed to incorporate a set of efficient, easy to use tools which will make it possible for scientists to propose observation sequences in a rapid and automated manner. The use of highly automated tools for requesting observations will simplify the long range observatory scheduling process, and the short term scheduling of science observations. Pipeline data processing will be highly automated and data-driven, utilizing a variety of tools developed at JPL, the instrument development teams, and Space Telescope Science Institute to automate processing. An incremental ground data system development approach has been adopted, featuring periodic deliveries that are validated with the flight hardware throughout the various phases of system level development and testing. This approach minimizes development time and decreases operations risk. This paper will describe the top level architecture of the SOS and the basic design concepts. A summary of the incremental development approach will be presented. Examples of the unique science user tools now under final development prior to the first proposal call scheduled for mid-2000 will be shown.

CXCL4 in undifferentiated connective tissue disease at risk for systemic sclerosis (SSc) (previously referred to as very early SSc).

PubMed

Valentini, Gabriele; Riccardi, Antonella; Vettori, Serena; Irace, Rosaria; Iudici, Michele; Tolone, Salvatore; Docimo, Ludovico; Bocchino, Marialuisa; Sanduzzi, Alessandro; Cozzolino, Domenico

2017-08-01

The aim of the study was to evaluate CXCL4 levels in undifferentiated connective tissue disease at risk for SSc (UCTD-SSc-risk) and confirm its increase and investigate its prognostic value. Serum CXCL4 levels were measured in 45 patients and 24 controls. CXCL4 was significantly higher in UCTD-SSc-risk patients than in controls. It resulted higher in patients with a shorter disease duration and in those lacking capillaroscopic alterations. We confirm that CXCL4 levels are increased in UCTD-risk-SSc patients. Further studies are needed to investigate the role of CXCL4 assessment in UCTD-risk-SSc.

The Italian version of the Mouth Handicap in Systemic Sclerosis scale (MHISS) is valid, reliable and useful in assessing oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients.

PubMed

Maddali Bongi, S; Del Rosso, A; Miniati, I; Galluccio, F; Landi, G; Tai, G; Matucci-Cerinic, M

2012-09-01

In systemic sclerosis (SSc), mouth and face involvement leads to problems in oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Mouth Handicap in Systemic Sclerosis scale (MHISS) is a 12-item questionnaire specifically quantifying mouth disability in SSc, organized in 3 subscales. Our aim was to validate Italian version of MHISS, by assessing its test-retest reliability and internal and external consistency in Italian SSc patients. Forty SSc patients (7 dSSc, 33 lSSc; age and disease duration: 57.27 ± 11.41, 9.4 ± 4.4 years; 22 with sicca syndrome) were evaluated with MHISS. MHISS was translated following a forward-backward translation procedure, with independent translations and counter-translation. Test-retest reliability was evaluated, comparing the results of two administrations, with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's α and external consistency by comparison with mouth opening. MHISS has a good test-retest reliability (ICC: 0.93) and internal consistency (Cronbach's α:0.99). A good external consistency was confirmed by correlation with mouth opening (rho: -0,3869, p: 0.0137). Total MHISS score was 17.65 ± 5.20, with scores of subscale 1 (reduced mouth opening) of 6.60 ± 2.85 and scores of subscales 2 (sicca syndrome) and 3 (aesthetic concerns) of 7.82 ± 2.59 and 3.22 ± 1.14. Total and subscale 2 scores are higher in dSSc than in lSSc. This result may be due to the higher presence of sicca syndrome in dSSc than in lSSc (p = 0.0109). Our results support validity and reliability in Italian SSc patients of MHISS, specifically measuring SSc OHRQoL.

Changes in macrophage transcriptome associate with systemic sclerosis and mediate GSDMA contribution to disease risk

PubMed Central

Koturan, Surya; Ko, Jeong-Hun; Fonseca, Carmen; Harmston, Nathan; Game, Laurence; Martin, Javier; Ong, Voon; Abraham, David J; Denton, Christopher P; Behmoaras, Jacques; Petretto, Enrico

2018-01-01

Objectives Several common and rare risk variants have been reported for systemic sclerosis (SSc), but the effector cell(s) mediating the function of these genetic variants remains to be elucidated. While innate immune cells have been proposed as the critical targets to interfere with the disease process underlying SSc, no studies have comprehensively established their effector role. Here we investigated the contribution of monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) in mediating genetic susceptibility to SSc. Methods We carried out RNA sequencing and genome-wide genotyping in MDMs from 57 patients with SSc and 15 controls. Our differential expression and expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis in SSc was further integrated with epigenetic, expression and eQTL data from skin, monocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes. Results We identified 602 genes upregulated and downregulated in SSc macrophages that were significantly enriched for genes previously implicated in SSc susceptibility (P=5×10−4), and 270 cis-regulated genes in MDMs. Among these, GSDMA was reported to carry an SSc risk variant (rs3894194) regulating expression of neighbouring genes in blood. We show that GSDMA is upregulated in SSc MDMs (P=8.4×10−4) but not in the skin, and is a significant eQTL in SSc macrophages and lipopolysaccharide/interferon gamma (IFNγ)-stimulated monocytes. Furthermore, we identify an SSc macrophage transcriptome signature characterised by upregulation of glycolysis, hypoxia and mTOR signalling and a downregulation of IFNγ response pathways. Conclusions Our data further establish the link between macrophages and SSc, and suggest that the contribution of the rs3894194 risk variant to SSc susceptibility can be mediated by GSDMA expression in macrophages. PMID:29348297

The differential expression of VEGF, VEGFR-2, and GLUT-1 proteins in disease subtypes of systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Davies, Christine Ann; Jeziorska, Maria; Freemont, Anthony J; Herrick, Ariane L

2006-02-01

Our aim was to evaluate (a) whether there is differential expression of the endothelial regulator vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), its receptor (VEGFR-2), and the hypoxia-associated glucose transporter molecule, GLUT-1, in skin biopsies from different disease subtypes of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and (b) whether they associate with dermal calcinosis, a significant complication of SSc. Skin punch biopsies were taken from the forearms of 66 SSc patients including 18 with limited cutaneous disease without calcinosis (lcSSc), 23 with calcinosis (lcSSc/cal), and 25 with diffuse cutaneous disease (dcSSc) and from 12 healthy control subjects. The histological appearance of the skin was graded as G0 (normal), G1 (dermal edema), or G2 or G3 (increasing fibrotic changes). Immunohistochemistry was performed with antibodies to VEGF, VEGFR-2, and GLUT-1. Staining was assessed in the epidermis, microvessels, and fibroblasts. The Kruskal-Wallis 1-way analysis of variance was used to compare the data between disease groups. VEGF protein was located in the epidermis and in dermal endothelial cells, pericytes, fibroblasts, and inflammatory cells. In dcSSc only, there was a significant increase in VEGF staining intensity in the keratinocytes and pericytes and the lowest percentage of microvessels with VEGF-positive endothelial cells. GLUT-1 protein was located in the epidermis, erythrocytes, and perineurium. In both lcSSc/cal and dcSSC, but not lcSSc, there were significant increases in GLUT-1 staining intensity of keratinocytes. We propose that in patients with dcSSc, there is a net increase in unbound VEGF in skin that may account for the raised levels of VEGF in serum reported by others. Increased GLUT-1 expression in lcSSc/cal and dcSSc indicates that hypoxia is an associated factor.

Decline in suspended sediment concentration delivered by the Changjiang (Yangtze) River into the East China Sea between 1956 and 2013

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dai, Zhijun; Fagherazzi, Sergio; Mei, Xuefei; Gao, Jinjuan

2016-09-01

The temporal evolution of suspended sediment concentration (SSC) in a river debouching into the ocean provides vital insights into erosion processes in the watershed and dictates the evolution of the inner continental shelf. While the delivery of sediment from rivers to the ocean has received special attention in the recent past, few studies focused on the variability and dynamics of river SSC, especially in the Changjiang (Yangtze) river, China, the longest river in Asia. Here, variations in SSC delivered by the Changjiang River to the East China Sea and possible causes of its variability were detected based on a long-term time series of daily SSC and monthly water discharge measured at the Datong gauging station. The SSC data are further compared to a hydrological analysis of yearly precipitation covering the entire catchment. The results indicate the presence of a decline in SSC in the period 1956-2013, which can be divided into three phases: (i) high SSC (0.69 kg/m3) in the wet season and low SSC (0.2 kg/m3) in the dry season from 1956 to 1970; (ii) relative high SSC (0.58 kg/m3) in the wet season and low SSC (0.15 kg/m3) in the dry season from 1971 to 2002; and (iii) low SSC (0.19 kg/m3) in the wet season and very low SSC (0.09 kg/m3) in the dry season after 2002. These three periods have a mean yearly SSC values of 0.62, 0.42, and 0.18 kg/m3, respectively. Compared with 1956-1970, the slope of the rating curve between SSC and water discharge decreased, respectively, by 2% and 30% during the period 1971-2002 and 2002-2013. Soil erosion, dam construction, and banks reinforcement along the Changjiang River are the main causes of SSC variations. Fluctuations in water discharge are also controlling the SSC long-term variations. Specifically, from 1956 to 1970, the effect of soil erosion overrules that of dam impoundment, which is likely responsible for the high SSC; during the period 1970-2002, the influence of dam impoundment increases while that of soil erosion decreases, which together produce a small reduction in SSC. Since 2002, the impact of soil erosion further decreases and large-scale sediment trapping behind the Three Gorges Dam is responsible for the occurrence of extremely low SSC. The results presented herein for the Changjiang River can inform a better management strategy of sediment resources and water quality for both the river and the coast. Our conclusions can be well applied to other rivers discharging in the ocean subject to similar human activities.

Ultraspectral imaging for propulsion test monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Otten, Leonard John, III; Jones, Bernard A.; Prinzing, Philip; Swantner, William H.; Rafert, Bruce

2002-02-01

Under a NASA Stennis Space Center (SSC) SBIR, technologies required for an imaging spectral radiometer with wavenumber spectral resolution and milliradian spatial resolution that operates over the 8 micrometers to 12 micrometers (LWIR), and 3 micrometers to 5 micrometers (MWIR) bands, for use in a non-intrusive monitoring static rocket firing application are being investigated. The research is based on a spatially modulated Fourier transform spectral imager to take advantage of the inherent benefits in these devices in the MWIR and LWIR. The research verified optical techniques that could be merged with a Sagnac interferometer to create conceptual designs for an LWIR imaging spectrometer that has a 0.4 cm-1 spectral resolution using an available HgCdTe detector. These same techniques produce an MWIR imaging spectrometer with 1.5 cm-1 spectral resolution based on a commercial InSb array. Initial laboratory measurements indicate that the modeled spectral resolution is being met. Applications to environmental measurement applications under standard temperatures can be undertaken by taking advantage of several unique features of the Sagnac interferometer in being able to decouple the limiting aperature from the spectral resolution.

Parental experiences of providing skin-to-skin care to their newborn infant—Part 2: A qualitative meta-synthesis

PubMed Central

Anderzén-Carlsson, Agneta; Lamy, Zeni C.; Tingvall, Maria; Eriksson, Mats

2014-01-01

Aim To synthesize and interpret qualitative research findings focusing on parental experiences of skin-to-skin care (SSC) for newborn infants. Background SSC induces many benefits for newborn infants and their parents. Three meta-analyses have been conducted on physiological outcomes, but no previous qualitative meta-synthesis on parental experiences of SSC has been identified. Design The present meta-synthesis was guided by the methodology described by Paterson and co-workers. Data sources Four databases were searched, without year or language limitations, up until December 2013. Manual searches were also performed. The searches and subsequent quality appraisal resulted in the inclusion of 29 original qualitative papers from 9 countries, reporting experiences from 401 mothers and 94 fathers. Review methods The meta-synthesis entails a meta-data analysis, analysis of meta-method, and meta-theory in the included primary studies. Based on the three analyses, the meta-synthesis represents a new interpretation of a phenomenon. The results of the meta-data analysis have been presented as a qualitative systematic review in a separate paper. Results When synthesizing and interpreting the findings from the included analyses, a theoretical model of Becoming a parent under unfamiliar circumstances emerged. Providing SSC seems to be a restorative as well as an energy-draining experience. A supportive environment has been described as facilitating the restorative experience, whereas obstacles in the environment seem to make the provision of SSC energy-draining for parents. When the process is experienced as positive, it facilitates the growth of parental self-esteem and makes the parents ready to assume full responsibility for their child. Conclusion The results show that SSC can be interpreted not only as a family-including and important health care intervention but also in terms of actually becoming a parent. The process of becoming a parent in this specific situation is influenced by external factors in three different levels; family and friends, community, and society at large. The descriptions of providing SSC are similar to what has previously been described as the natural process of becoming a mother or a father. PMID:25319747

Clinical Features of Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonia with Systemic Sclerosis-Related Autoantibody in Comparison with Interstitial Pneumonia with Systemic Sclerosis

PubMed Central

Yamakawa, Hideaki; Hagiwara, Eri; Kitamura, Hideya; Yamanaka, Yumie; Ikeda, Satoshi; Sekine, Akimasa; Baba, Tomohisa; Iso, Shinichiro; Okudela, Koji; Iwasawa, Tae; Takemura, Tamiko; Kuwano, Kazuyoshi; Ogura, Takashi

2016-01-01

Background Patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonias sometimes have a few features of connective tissue disease (CTD) and yet do not fulfil the diagnostic criteria for any specific CTD. Objective This study was conducted to elucidate the characteristics, prognosis, and disease behavior in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc)-related autoantibodies. Methods We retrospectively analyzed medical records of 72 ILD patients: 40 patients with SSc (SSc-ILD) and 32 patients with SSc-related autoantibody-positive ILD but not with CTD (ScAb-ILD), indicating lung-dominant CTD with SSc-related autoantibody. Results Patients with SSc-ILD were predominantly females and non-smokers, and most had nonspecific interstitial pneumonia confirmed by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and pathological analysis. However, about half of the patients with ScAb-ILD were male and current or ex-smokers. On HRCT analysis, honeycombing was more predominant in patients with ScAb-ILD than with SSc-ILD. Pathological analysis showed the severity of vascular intimal or medial thickening in the SSc-ILD patients to be significantly higher than that in the ScAb-ILD patients. Survival curves showed that the patients with ScAb-ILD had a significantly poorer outcome than those with SSc-ILD. Conclusion Data from this study suggest that lung-dominant CTD with SSc-related autoantibody is a different disease entity from SSc-ILD. PMID:27564852

Regional estimation of extreme suspended sediment concentrations using watershed characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tramblay, Yves; Ouarda, Taha B. M. J.; St-Hilaire, André; Poulin, Jimmy

2010-01-01

SummaryThe number of stations monitoring daily suspended sediment concentration (SSC) has been decreasing since the 1980s in North America while suspended sediment is considered as a key variable for water quality. The objective of this study is to test the feasibility of regionalising extreme SSC, i.e. estimating SSC extremes values for ungauged basins. Annual maximum SSC for 72 rivers in Canada and USA were modelled with probability distributions in order to estimate quantiles corresponding to different return periods. Regionalisation techniques, originally developed for flood prediction in ungauged basins, were tested using the climatic, topographic, land cover and soils attributes of the watersheds. Two approaches were compared, using either physiographic characteristics or seasonality of extreme SSC to delineate the regions. Multiple regression models to estimate SSC quantiles as a function of watershed characteristics were built in each region, and compared to a global model including all sites. Regional estimates of SSC quantiles were compared with the local values. Results show that regional estimation of extreme SSC is more efficient than a global regression model including all sites. Groups/regions of stations have been identified, using either the watershed characteristics or the seasonality of occurrence for extreme SSC values providing a method to better describe the extreme events of SSC. The most important variables for predicting extreme SSC are the percentage of clay in the soils, precipitation intensity and forest cover.

Use of acoustic backscatter to estimate continuous suspended sediment and phosphorus concentrations in the Barton River, northern Vermont, 2010-2013

USGS Publications Warehouse

Medalie, Laura; Chalmers, Ann T.; Kiah, Richard G.; Copans, Benjamin

2014-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, investigated the use of acoustic backscatter to estimate concentrations of suspended sediment and total phosphorus at the Barton River near Coventry, Vermont. The hypothesis was that acoustic backscatter—the reflection of sound waves off objects back to the source from which they came—measured by an acoustic Doppler profiler (ADP) and recorded as ancillary data for the calculation of discharge, also could be used to generate a continuous concentration record of suspended sediment and phosphorus at the streamgage, thereby deriving added value from the instrument. Suspended-sediment and phosphorus concentrations are of particular interest in Vermont, where impairment of surface waters by suspended sediments and phosphorus is a major concern. Regression models for estimating suspended-sediment concentrations (SSCs) and total phosphorus concentrations evaluated several independent variables: measured backscatter (MB), water-corrected backscatter (WCB), sediment-corrected backscatter (SCB), discharge, fluid-absorption coefficient, sediment-driven acoustic attenuation coefficient, and discharge hysteresis. The best regression equations for estimating SSC used backscatter as the predictor, reflecting the direct relation between acoustic backscatter and SSC. Backscatter was a better predictor of SSC than discharge in part because hysteresis between SSC and backscatter was less than for SSC and discharge. All three backscatter variables—MB, WCB, and SCB—performed equally as predictors of SSC and phosphorus concentrations at the Barton River site. The similar abilities to predict SSC among backscatter terms may partially be attributed to the low values and narrow range of the sediment-driven acoustic attenuation in the Barton River. The regression based on SCB was selected for estimating SSC because it removes potential bias caused by attenuation and temperature fluctuations. The best regression model for estimating phosphorus concentrations included terms for discharge and discharge hysteresis. The finding that discharge hysteresis was a significant predictor of phosphorus concentrations might be related to preferential sorption of phosphorus to fine-grained sediments, which have been found to be particularly sensitive to hysteresis. Regression models designed to estimate phosphorus concentrations had less predictive power than the models for SSCs. Data from the Barton River did not fully support one of the study’s hypotheses—that backscatter is mostly caused by sands, and attenuation is mostly caused by fines. Sands, fines, and total SSCs in the Barton River all related better to backscatter than to sediment-driven acoustic attenuation. The weak relation between SSC and sediment-driven acoustic attenuation may be related to the low values and narrow range of SSCs and sediment attenuations observed at Barton River. A weak relation between SSC and sediment-driven acoustic attenuation also suggests that the diameters of the fine-sized suspended sediments in the Barton River may be predominantly greater than 20 micrometers (μm). Long-term changes in the particle-size distribution (PSD) were not observed in Barton River; however, some degree of within-storm changes in sediment source and possibly PSD were inferred from the hysteresis between SSC and SCB.

Functional disability and other health-related quality-of-life domains: points to consider for clinical trials in systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Khanna, Dinesh; Hays, Ron D; Furst, Daniel E

2017-09-01

Patients with SSc have the highest mortality among the rheumatic diseases. In addition, SSc is associated with disfigurement, hand contractures, fatigue, poor sleep, severe RP with numbness and tingling of the fingers can lead to decrements in quality of life. This Points to Consider article provides practical considerations for design of trials for functional disability and other health-related quality-of-life issues. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Rheumatology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Current Approaches to the Treatment of Systemic-Sclerosis-Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (SSc-PAH).

PubMed

Sobanski, Vincent; Launay, David; Hachulla, Eric; Humbert, Marc

2016-02-01

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe condition causing significant morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Despite the use of specific treatments, SSc-PAH survival remains poorer than in idiopathic PAH (IPAH). Recent therapeutic advances in PAH show a lower magnitude of response in SSc-PAH and a higher risk of adverse events, as compared to IPAH. The multifaceted underlying mechanisms and the multisystem nature of SSc probably explain part of the worse outcomes in SSc-PAH compared to IPAH. This review describes the current management of SSc-PAH with an emphasis on the impact of the different organ involvements in the prognosis and treatment response. An earlier detection of PAH and a better characterization of the clinical phenotypes of SSc-PAH are warranted in clinical practice and future trials. Determinants of prognosis, surrogate markers of clinical improvement or worsening, and relevance of the common endpoints used in clinical trials should be evaluated in this specific population. A multidisciplinary approach in expert referral centers is mandatory for SSc-PAH management.

RF control at SSCL — an object oriented design approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dohan, D. A.; Osberg, E.; Biggs, R.; Bossom, J.; Chillara, K.; Richter, R.; Wade, D.

1994-12-01

The Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) in Texas, the construction of which was stopped in 1994, would have represented a major challenge in accelerator research and development. This paper addresses the issues encountered in the parallel design and construction of the control systems for the RF equipment for the five accelerators comprising the SSC. An extensive analysis of the components of the RF control systems has been undertaken, based upon the Schlaer-Mellor object-oriented analysis and design (OOA/OOD) methodology. The RF subsystem components such as amplifiers, tubes, power supplies, PID loops, etc. were analyzed to produce OOA information, behavior and process models. Using these models, OOD was iteratively applied to develop a generic RF control system design. This paper describes the results of this analysis and the development of 'bridges' between the analysis objects, and the EPICS-based software and underlying VME-based hardware architectures. The application of this approach to several of the SSCL RF control systems is discussed.

Modifying soil water status and improving stand establishment in a water repellent soil using surfactant coated seed.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kostka, Stanley; Lampe, Mark; van Mondfrans, Jan; Madsen, Matthew; McMillan, Mica

2015-04-01

Surfactant seed coating (SSC) is a technology being developed cooperatively by scientists at the USDA, Agricultural Research Service and Aquatrols to improve stand establishment in water repellent soils, particularly under arid conditions. Early SSC studies have demonstrated that surfactant coatings can dramatically increase soil water content, turfgrass density, cover, and biomass for Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue and perennial ryegrass sown in water repellent soils under greenhouse conditions. However, in these studies, surfactant loads were excessive (≥ 40 wt% of seed mass). The objective of the current study was to ascertain if a lower surfactant treatment level (10 wt%) would improve emergence and stand establishment in a severely water repellent sandy soil under field conditions. Research was conducted on a golf course near Utrecht, NL. At the time of planting water drop penetration time (WDPT) of the soil was approximately 300 s, indicating severe water repellency. Chewings fescue (Festuca rubra subsp. commutata) seed was treated with ASET-4001 surfactant at a loading rate of 10 wt% using two different proprietary coating procedures (US Patent Application 20100267554). The two different ASET-4001 coatings were compared against untreated seed in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. In order to maximize abiotic stresses, the only applied water came from rainfall. Assessments of stand establishment were made every 7-14 days for three months using a subjective visual assessment of percent grass cover and sward quality based on a 1-10 scale (where 10 is best). At six months post-sowing, 20 mm x 300 mm soil cores were randomly removed from each plot and soil wetting front depth measured. Improved emergence of the surfactant coated seeds over the untreated seeds began to appear 7 days after sowing. However, there were no differences between the two SSC treatments. Establishment was influenced by weather conditions. From mid-June to early July, ratings were similar between all treatments. However, with the onset of warmer more stressful growing conditions in mid-July, stand establishment ratings for the SSC treatments were higher than for the untreated control. From 16 July to 18 August, stand establishment ratings for the SSC treatments were between 9.1 and 9.8. In the untreated control plots, 16 July ratings were at 7.1 and dropped precipitously to 5.3 by 18 August. The visual differences between treatments suggested that rootzone water may be greater in the SSC treatments. Mean wetting front depths in cores collected from the SSC plots were at minimum 2x greater than untreated controls (200 mm vs 100 mm) confirming that SSC resulted in greater rootzone water distribution. SSC improved emergence and stand establishment of Chewings fescue and modified the soil wetting pattern in severely water repellent sand for at least six months. SSC may provide a sustainable strategy to improve turfgrass establishment under water stress conditions or when irrigation is limited.

Psychological characteristics of systemic sclerosis patients and their correlation with major organ involvement and disease activity.

PubMed

Golemati, Christina V; Moutsopoulos, Haralampos M; Vlachoyiannopoulos, Panayiotis G

2013-01-01

The aim of this paper is to assess the psychological characteristics of personality, depression, anxiety, social support and coping strategies of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients, their inter-correlations and their association with clinical symptoms. Patients with SSc (n=85) were interviewed and compared to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients (n=120) and healthy controls (HCs [n=125]). Psychological characteristics were assessed by the following psychometric scales: centre of epidemiological studies of depression (CES-D), hospital anxiety and depression scale (HAD), Eysenck personality questionnaire (EPQ), short form of social support (SSq), life experiences survey (LES) and ways of coping (WoC). Clinical data were collected at the same time of the interview. Both control groups were matched to SSc patients in terms of gender, age and educational status. Data were analysed with SPSS software. Compared to control groups, SSc patients expressed more symptoms of depression and anxiety, showed less extraversion and reported more negative life events. They coped less often with positive reappraisal, problem solving, seeking of support and assertiveness, while they sought more often divine help, and they expressed wishing and denial. Inactive disease was associated with a lower probability of reporting depressive symptoms and negative life events and with a higher probability of positively reevaluating a problem. Lung dysfunction, skin involvement, esophageal problems and oral aperture correlated with psychological features. Complications in psychological well-being characterise patients with SSc. This finding, as well as that of psychological characteristics correlating with organic factors, is an indication for designing supportive psycho-educational programmes as complementary therapies.

Central and Eastern United States (CEUS) Seismic Source Characterization (SSC) for Nuclear Facilities Project

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kevin J. Coppersmith; Lawrence A. Salomone; Chris W. Fuller

2012-01-31

This report describes a new seismic source characterization (SSC) model for the Central and Eastern United States (CEUS). It will replace the Seismic Hazard Methodology for the Central and Eastern United States, EPRI Report NP-4726 (July 1986) and the Seismic Hazard Characterization of 69 Nuclear Plant Sites East of the Rocky Mountains, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Model, (Bernreuter et al., 1989). The objective of the CEUS SSC Project is to develop a new seismic source model for the CEUS using a Senior Seismic Hazard Analysis Committee (SSHAC) Level 3 assessment process. The goal of the SSHAC process is to representmore » the center, body, and range of technically defensible interpretations of the available data, models, and methods. Input to a probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) consists of both seismic source characterization and ground motion characterization. These two components are used to calculate probabilistic hazard results (or seismic hazard curves) at a particular site. This report provides a new seismic source model. Results and Findings The product of this report is a regional CEUS SSC model. This model includes consideration of an updated database, full assessment and incorporation of uncertainties, and the range of diverse technical interpretations from the larger technical community. The SSC model will be widely applicable to the entire CEUS, so this project uses a ground motion model that includes generic variations to allow for a range of representative site conditions (deep soil, shallow soil, hard rock). Hazard and sensitivity calculations were conducted at seven test sites representative of different CEUS hazard environments. Challenges and Objectives The regional CEUS SSC model will be of value to readers who are involved in PSHA work, and who wish to use an updated SSC model. This model is based on a comprehensive and traceable process, in accordance with SSHAC guidelines in NUREG/CR-6372, Recommendations for Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis: Guidance on Uncertainty and Use of Experts. The model will be used to assess the present-day composite distribution for seismic sources along with their characterization in the CEUS and uncertainty. In addition, this model is in a form suitable for use in PSHA evaluations for regulatory activities, such as Early Site Permit (ESPs) and Combined Operating License Applications (COLAs). Applications, Values, and Use Development of a regional CEUS seismic source model will provide value to those who (1) have submitted an ESP or COLA for Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) review before 2011; (2) will submit an ESP or COLA for NRC review after 2011; (3) must respond to safety issues resulting from NRC Generic Issue 199 (GI-199) for existing plants and (4) will prepare PSHAs to meet design and periodic review requirements for current and future nuclear facilities. This work replaces a previous study performed approximately 25 years ago. Since that study was completed, substantial work has been done to improve the understanding of seismic sources and their characterization in the CEUS. Thus, a new regional SSC model provides a consistent, stable basis for computing PSHA for a future time span. Use of a new SSC model reduces the risk of delays in new plant licensing due to more conservative interpretations in the existing and future literature. Perspective The purpose of this study, jointly sponsored by EPRI, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and the NRC was to develop a new CEUS SSC model. The team assembled to accomplish this purpose was composed of distinguished subject matter experts from industry, government, and academia. The resulting model is unique, and because this project has solicited input from the present-day larger technical community, it is not likely that there will be a need for significant revision for a number of years. See also Sponsors Perspective for more details. The goal of this project was to implement the CEUS SSC work plan for developing a regional CEUS SSC model. The work plan, formulated by the project manager and a technical integration team, consists of a series of tasks designed to meet the project objectives. This report was reviewed by a participatory peer review panel (PPRP), sponsor reviewers, the NRC, the U.S. Geological Survey, and other stakeholders. Comments from the PPRP and other reviewers were considered when preparing the report. The SSC model was completed at the end of 2011.« less

Key issues and challenges in developing a pedagogical intervention in the simulation skills center--an action research study.

PubMed

Reierson, Inger Åse; Hvidsten, Anne; Wighus, Marianne; Brungot, Solvor; Bjørk, Ida Torunn

2013-07-01

Simulation skills centers (SSC) are considered important learning arenas for preparing and qualifying nursing students. Limited clinical placements and claims of diminished learning opportunities raise concerns that newly educated nurses lack proficiency in many psychomotor skills. Accordingly, there is an increased focus on learning in the SSC. However, it has been questioned if the pedagogical underpinning of teaching and learning in the SSC is missing or unclear. At a bachelor nursing education in Norway, there was a desire to change practice and enhance learning in the SSC by systematic use of The Model of Practical Skill Performance (Bjørk and Kirkevold, 2000). A participatory action research design was chosen. A pedagogical intervention was developed and implemented in 2010 in a cohort of eighty-seven first year bachelor nursing students during their basic nursing skill course. The intervention is shortly described. This article reports key issues and challenges that emerged during development of the new intervention. Data to inform the study were collected via thorough meeting minutes and the project leader's logbook, and analyzed using fieldnotes analysis. Six key issues and challenges were identified. These are presented and discussed consecutively in light of their importance for development and implementation of the new intervention. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Meta-ethnography: Skin-to-Skin Holding From the Caregiver's Perspective.

PubMed

Vittner, Dorothy; Casavant, Sharon; McGrath, Jacqueline M

2015-06-01

Although the benefits of skin-to-skin care (SSC) are well documented in the literature, practices in the clinical setting remain inconsistent. Although nurses' reported knowledge about SSC has improved, confusion still exists regarding safety and appropriateness. Existing qualitative literature primarily focuses on parents' experiences; yet it is crucial to describe the essence of professional caregivers' experiences to enhance facilitation and implementation of SSC. Most studies surrounding the caregiver's perspective and SSC have focused on barriers that impede implementation or examined the experience from the organizational perspective and general group experiences rather than individual personal experiences with SSC. This meta-ethnography integrated the findings from several discrete studies into a salient interpretative perspective, creating a relevant understanding of the process of SSC as a means of enhancing facilitation and implementation of SSC with hospitalized infants. An ethnographic meta-synthesis of qualitative literature was completed. As a result of this synthesis, the caregivers' experiences were separated into themes to articulate the phenomena juxtaposed from the 8 original studies that influence facilitation of SSC for the parent-infant dyad. Qualitative data analysis uncovered 4 overarching themes: (1) varying thresholds of getting started; (2) defining adequate resources; (3) navigating the demands and complexity of the infant; and (4) balancing parental readiness with infant needs. This ethnographic meta-synthesis confirms nurses have good intentions in supporting SSC practices, yet struggle to meet competing demands in their daily practice. Innovative and practical translations of SSC are needed to normalize SSC as the daily standard for premature infants.

Dental implants in patients with oral mucosal diseases - a systematic review.

PubMed

Reichart, P A; Schmidt-Westhausen, A M; Khongkhunthian, P; Strietzel, F P

2016-05-01

To reveal dental implants survival rates in patients with oral mucosal diseases: oral lichen planus (OLP), Sjögren's syndrome (SjS), epidermolysis bullosa (EB) and systemic sclerosis (SSc). A systematic literature search using PubMed/Medline and Embase databases, utilising MeSH and search term combinations identified publications on clinical use implant-prosthetic rehabilitation in patients with OLP, SjS, EB, SSc reporting on study design, number, gender and age of patients, follow-up period exceeding 12 months, implant survival rate, published in English between 1980 and May 2015. After a mean observation period (mOP) of 53·9 months (standard deviation [SD] ±18·3), 191 implants in 57 patients with OLP showed a survival rate (SR) of 95·3% (SD ±21·2). For 17 patients with SjS (121 implants, mOP 48·6 ± 28·7 months), 28 patients with EB (165 implants, mOP 38·3 ± 16·9 months) and five patients with SSc (38 implants, mOP 38·3 ± 16·9 months), the respective SR was 91·7 ± 5·97% (SjS), 98·5 ± 2·7% (EB) and 97·4 ± 4·8% (SSc). Heterogeneity of data structure and quality of reporting outcomes did not allow for further comparative data analysis. For implant-prosthetic rehabilitation of patients suffering from OLP, SjS, EB and SSc, no evidence-based treatment guidelines are presently available. However, no strict contraindication for the placement of implants seems to be justified in patients with OLP, SjS, EB nor SSc. Implant survival rates are comparable to those of patients without oral mucosal diseases. Treatment guidelines as for dental implantation in patients with healthy oral mucosa should be followed. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The role of small-scale convection on the formation of volcanic passive margins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Hunen, Jeroen; Phethean, Jordan

2014-05-01

Volcanic passive margins (VPMs) are areas of continental rifting where the amount of newly formed igneous crust is larger than normal, in some areas up to 30 km. In comparison, magma-poor margins have initial oceanic crustal thicknesses of less than 7 km (Simon et al., 2009; Franke, 2012). The mechanism for the formation of these different types of margins is debated, and proposed mechanisms include: 1) variation in rifting speed (van Wijk et al., 2001), variation in rifting history (Armitage et al., 2010), enhanced melting from mantle plumes (e.g. White and McKenzie, 1989), and enhanced movement of mantle material through the melting zone by sublithospheric small-scale convection (SSC) driven by lithospheric detachments (Simon et al., 2009). Understanding the mechanism is important to constrain the petroleum potential of VPM. In this study, we use a numerical modelling approach to further elaborate the effect of SSC on the rate of crust production during continental rifting. Conceptually, SSC results in patterns of upwelling (and downwelling) mantle material with a typical horizontal wavelength of a 100 to a few 100 km (van Hunen et al., 2005). If occurring shallowly enough, such upwellings lead to decompression melting (Raddick et al., 2002). Subsequent mantle depletion has multiple effects on buoyancy (from both latent heat consumption and compositional changes), which, in turn, can affect mantle dynamics under the MOR, and can potentially enhance SSC and melting further. We use two- and three-dimensional Cartesian flow models to examine the mantle dynamics associated with continental rifting, using a linear viscous rheology (in addition to a semi-brittle stress limiter to localize rifting) in which melting (parameterized using (Katz et al., 2003)) leads to mantle depletion and crust accumulation at the surface. The newly formed crust is advected away with the diverging plates. A parameter sensitivity study of the effects of mantle viscosity, spreading rate, mantle temperature, and a range material parameters have indicated the following results. Decompression melting leads to a colder (from consumption of latent heat of melting) and therefore thermally denser, but compositionally more buoyant residue. The competition between thermal and compositional buoyancy determines the mantle dynamics after rifting initiation. For a mantle viscosity > ~ 1022 Pa s, no SSC occurs, and a uniform 7-8 km-thick oceanic crust forms. For mantle viscosity < ~ 1021 Pa s, SSC might be vigorous and can form passive margins with a crustal thickness > 10-20 km. If thermal density effects dominate, a convection inversion may occur for low mantle viscosities, and mantle downwellings underneath the rift/ridge area can result in a significant upwelling return flow that enhances further decompression melting, and can create VPMs. Such dynamics could also explain the continent-dipping normal faults that are commonly observed at VPMs. After the initial rifting phase, the crustal thickness reduces significantly, but not always to a uniformly thick 7-8 km, as would be appropriate for mature oceanic basins.

(Not) talking about sex: a systematic comparison of sexual impairment in women with systemic sclerosis and other chronic disease samples.

PubMed

Knafo, Ruby; Thombs, Brett D; Jewett, Lisa; Hudson, Marie; Wigley, Fred; Haythornthwaite, Jennifer A

2009-10-01

Sexual impairment in women with SSc has received little attention. The objective of this study was to compare levels of sexual impairment in women with SSc with samples of women with medical illnesses for which sexual impairment has been researched more extensively. SSc patients completed the Sexual Relationships subscale of the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale-Self-Report (PAIS-SR). A systematic review was conducted to select comparison samples. Sexual Relationships subscale scores from SSc patients were compared with scores from comparison samples (breast or gynaecological cancer and HIV) using t-tests and Hedges's g to calculate effect sizes. Samples from 138 female SSc patients were analysed (28.3% diffuse; mean age 52.1 +/- 12.3 years; mean time since diagnosis 9.0 +/- 8.3 years). Women with dcSSc (6.1 +/- 4.2) reported significantly greater sexual impairment (P < 0.05) than those with lcSSc (4.4 +/- 4.2), three breast cancer samples (1.8 +/- 0.1, 3.4 +/- 3.9, 1.6 +/- 0.6) and two samples of HIV-positive female patients (4.4 +/- 3.8, 4.5 +/- 3.9). Scores in dcSSc were similar to one sample of HIV-positive women (5.8 +/- 4.1) and gynaecological cancer patients (7.3 +/- 4.3). Scores in lcSSc were significantly higher than two breast cancer samples, similar to one breast cancer sample and two HIV-positive samples, and significantly lower (P < 0.05) than in one HIV sample and gynaecological cancer. Women with SSc, particularly those with dcSSc, have high levels of sexual impairment compared with women with other chronic diseases, where sexual function has received greater attention. Further research is needed on sexual function among women with SSc.

Influence of antibody profile in clinical features and prognosis in a cohort of Spanish patients with systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Iniesta Arandia, Nerea; Simeón-Aznar, Carmen Pilar; Guillén Del Castillo, Alfredo; Colunga Argüelles, Dolores; Rubio-Rivas, Manuel; Trapiella Martínez, Luis; García Hernández, Francisco José; Sáez Comet, Luis; Egurbide Arberas, María Victoria; Ortego-Centeno, Norberto; Freire, Mayka; Marí Alfonso, Begoña; Vargas Hitos, José Antonio; Ríos Blanco, Juan José; Todolí Parra, José Antonio; Rodríguez-Carballeira, Monica; Marín Ballvé, Adela; Chamorro Fernández, Antonio Javier; Pla Salas, Xavier; Madroñero Vuelta, Ana Belen; Ruiz Muñoz, Manuel; Fonollosa Pla, Vicent; Espinosa, Gerard

2017-01-01

To assess the clinical manifestations and prognosis of Spanish patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) according to their immunological profile. From the Spanish Scleroderma Study Group or RESCLE (Registro de ESCLErodermia as Spanish nomenclature) Registry we selected those patients in which anti-centromere (ACA), anti-topoisomerase I (ATA), and anti-RNA polymerase III (ARA) antibodies had been determined, and a single positivity for each SSc specific antibody was detected. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and survival data were compared according to the serologic status of these antibodies. Overall, 209 SSc patients were included. In 128 (61%) patients ACA was the only positive antibody, 46 (22%) were only positive for ATA, and 35 (17%) for ARA. Of note, the three groups were mutually exclusive. In univariate analysis, patients with ACA presented more frequently limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc) (p<0.001), whereas diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) was the most frequent subtype in patients with ATA (54%) and ARA (62%) (both p<0.001). Positive patients for ARA showed the highest prevalence of joint involvement (p<0.001) and those from ATA group had a higher prevalence of interstitial lung disease (ILD) (p<0.001). Scleroderma renal crisis was more frequent in the ARA group (p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, ACA were associated with female gender and were protective for dcSSc and ILD. ATA were found to be protective for lcSSc and they were independently associated with interstitial reticular pattern. ARA positivity was independently associated with dcSSc. We did not find differences in mortality between the three groups. In Spanish SSc patients, the presence of SSc specific antibodies conferred a distinctive clinical profile.

Abscisic acid ameliorates the systemic sclerosis fibroblast phenotype in vitro

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bruzzone, Santina, E-mail: santina.bruzzone@unige.it; Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 9, 16132 Genova; Advanced Biotechnology Center, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer ABA is an endogenous hormone in humans, regulating different cell responses. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer ABA reverts some of the functions altered in SSc fibroblasts to a normal phenotype. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer UV-B irradiation increases ABA content in SSc cultures. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer SSc fibroblasts could benefit from exposure to ABA and/or to UV-B. -- Abstract: The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) has been recently identified as an endogenous hormone in humans, regulating different cell functions, including inflammatory processes, insulin release and glucose uptake. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic inflammatory disease resulting in fibrosis of skin and internal organs. In this study, we investigated themore » effect of exogenous ABA on fibroblasts obtained from healthy subjects and from SSc patients. Migration of control fibroblasts induced by ABA was comparable to that induced by transforming growth factor-{beta} (TGF-{beta}). Conversely, migration toward ABA, but not toward TGF-{beta}, was impaired in SSc fibroblasts. In addition, ABA increased cell proliferation in fibroblasts from SSc patients, but not from healthy subjects. Most importantly, presence of ABA significantly decreased collagen deposition by SSc fibroblasts, at the same time increasing matrix metalloproteinase-1 activity and decreasing the expression level of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1). Thus, exogenously added ABA appeared to revert some of the functions altered in SSc fibroblasts to a normal phenotype. Interestingly, ABA levels in plasma from SSc patients were found to be significantly lower than in healthy subjects. UV-B irradiation induced an almost 3-fold increase in ABA content in SSc cultures. Altogether, these results suggest that the fibrotic skin lesions in SSc patients could benefit from exposure to high(er) ABA levels.« less

Angiogenic T cell expansion correlates with severity of peripheral vascular damage in systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Manetti, Mirko; Pratesi, Sara; Romano, Eloisa; Bellando-Randone, Silvia; Rosa, Irene; Guiducci, Serena; Fioretto, Bianca Saveria; Ibba-Manneschi, Lidia; Maggi, Enrico; Matucci-Cerinic, Marco

2017-01-01

The mechanisms underlying endothelial cell injury and defective vascular repair in systemic sclerosis (SSc) remain unclear. Since the recently discovered angiogenic T cells (Tang) may have an important role in the repair of damaged endothelium, this study aimed to analyze the Tang population in relation to disease-related peripheral vascular features in SSc patients. Tang (CD3+CD31+CXCR4+) were quantified by flow cytometry in peripheral blood samples from 39 SSc patients and 18 healthy controls (HC). Circulating levels of the CXCR4 ligand stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1α and proangiogenic factors were assessed in paired serum samples by immunoassay. Serial skin sections from SSc patients and HC were subjected to CD3/CD31 and CD3/CXCR4 double immunofluorescence. Circulating Tang were significantly increased in SSc patients with digital ulcers (DU) compared either with SSc patients without DU or with HC. Tang levels were significantly higher in SSc patients with late nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) pattern than in those with early/active NVC patterns and in HC. No difference in circulating Tang was found when comparing either SSc patients without DU or patients with early/active NVC patterns and HC. In SSc peripheral blood, Tang percentage was inversely correlated to levels of SDF-1α and CD34+CD133+VEGFR-2+ endothelial progenitor cells (EPC), and positively correlated to levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase-9. Tang were frequently detected in SSc dermal perivascular inflammatory infiltrates. In summary, our findings demonstrate for the first time that Tang cells are selectively expanded in the circulation of SSc patients displaying severe peripheral vascular complications like DU. In SSc, Tang may represent a potentially useful biomarker reflecting peripheral vascular damage severity. Tang expansion may be an ineffective attempt to compensate the need for increased angiogenesis and EPC function. Further studies are required to clarify the function of Tang cells and investigate the mechanisms responsible for their change in SSc.

Systematic approach to understanding the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Zuo, Xiaoxia; Zhang, Lihua; Luo, Hui; Li, Yisha; Zhu, Honglin

2017-10-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex heterogeneous autoimmune disease. Progressive organ fibrosis is a major contributor to SSc mortality. Despite extensive efforts, the underlying mechanism of SSc remains unclear. Efforts to understand the pathogenesis of SSc have included genomics, epigenetics, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic studies in the last decade. This review focuses on recent studies in SSc research based on multi-omics. The combination of these technologies can help us understand the pathogenesis of SSc. This review aims to provide important information for disease identification, therapeutic targets and potential biomarkers. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Nailfold capillaroscopy in primary biliary cirrhosis: a useful tool for the early diagnosis of scleroderma.

PubMed

Tovoli, Francesco; Granito, Alessandro; Giampaolo, Luca; Frisoni, Magda; Volta, Umberto; Fusconi, Marco; Masi, Chiara; Lenzi, Marco

2014-03-01

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is frequently associated with other autoimmune diseases, including systemic sclerosis (SSc). In the last years many efforts have been dedicated to the research of widely accepted criteria for the early diagnosis of SSc. Since studies on the prevalence of early SSc in PBC patients are lacking, our aim was to investigate its hitherto unknown prevalence in a large cohort of PBC patients. We studied 80 PBC patients and 72 patients with other chronic liver diseases. Diagnostic workup included research into signs of connective tissue disease, determination of autoantibody profile, and examination of capillary abnormalities through nailfold videocapillaroscopy. Ten PBC patients (12.5%) satisfied diagnostic criteria for early SSc and 5 (6.3%) had definite SSc. None of the patients in the control group were diagnosed either with early or definite SSc. No differences were observed in terms of aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, and liver function tests between PBC patients with and without associated SSc. Early SSc is significantly frequent in PBC patients. The detection of early SSc in PBC patients may lead to a prompt treatment of its complications, preventing inabilities and preserving the chance of liver transplantation.

Shared services centers and work sustainability: which contributions from ergonomics?

PubMed

Arnoud, Justine; Falzon, Pierre

2012-01-01

This study examines the way in which Shared Services Centers (SSCs) were implemented in a French multinational company. It aims to characterize the change according to the capabilities model developed by Amartya Sen: what are the effects of SSCs in terms of capabilities development and developmental quality of work, i.e. in the enabling potential of work? A 3-step methodology has been used: first, an investigation was conducted in a pay service of a local entity moving into SSC in 2013; second, two investigations were conducted in another pay service of a SSC: first, a few months after the change, and then, one year after the change (the same operators were interviewed). Results show a tendency to the decrease of the enabling potential. Additionally, it was noted that administrators are kept away from the design process and have to struggle with inappropriate rules. The efficiency and sustainability of the SSC are questioned; in this context, the human factor specialist has an important role to play.

Center of excellence for small robots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Hoa G.; Carroll, Daniel M.; Laird, Robin T.; Everett, H. R.

2005-05-01

The mission of the Unmanned Systems Branch of SPAWAR Systems Center, San Diego (SSC San Diego) is to provide network-integrated robotic solutions for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) applications, serving and partnering with industry, academia, and other government agencies. We believe the most important criterion for a successful acquisition program is producing a value-added end product that the warfighter needs, uses and appreciates. Through our accomplishments in the laboratory and field, SSC San Diego has been designated the Center of Excellence for Small Robots by the Office of the Secretary of Defense Joint Robotics Program. This paper covers the background, experience, and collaboration efforts by SSC San Diego to serve as the "Impedance-Matching Transformer" between the robotic user and technical communities. Special attention is given to our Unmanned Systems Technology Imperatives for Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation (RDT&E) of Small Robots. Active projects, past efforts, and architectures are provided as success stories for the Unmanned Systems Development Approach.

New directions for patient-centred care in scleroderma: the Scleroderma Patient-centred Intervention Network (SPIN)

PubMed Central

Thombs, Brett D.; Jewett, Lisa R.; Assassi, Shervin; Baron, Murray; Bartlett, Susan J.; Costa Maia, Angela; El-Baalbaki, Ghassan; Furst, Daniel E.; Gottesman, Karen; Haythornthwaite, Jennifer A.; Hudson, Marie; Ann Impens, PhD; Korner, Annett; Leite, Catarina; Mayes, Maureen D.; Malcarne, Vanessa L.; Motivala, Sarosh J.; Mouthon, Luc; Nielson, Warren R.; Plante, Diane; Poiraudeau, Serge; Poole, Janet L.; Pope, Janet; Sauve, Maureen; Steele, Russell J.; Suarez-Almazor, Maria E.; Taillefer, Suzanne; van den Ende, Cornelia H.; Erin Arthurs, BSc; Bassel, Marielle; Delisle, Vanessa; Milette, Katherine; Leavens, Allison; Razykov, Ilya; Khanna, Dinesh

2014-01-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc), or scleroderma, is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disorder characterised by thickening and fibrosis of the skin and by the involvement of internal organs such as the lungs, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and heart. Because there is no cure, feasibly-implemented and easily accessible evidence-based interventions to improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are needed. Due to a lack of evidence, however, specific recommendations have not been made regarding non-pharmacological interventions (e.g. behavioural/psychological, educational, physical/occupational therapy) to improve HRQoL in SSc. The Scleroderma Patient-centred Intervention Network (SPIN) was recently organised to address this gap. SPIN is comprised of patient representatives, clinicians, and researchers from Canada, the USA, and Europe. The goal of SPIN, as described in this article, is to develop, test, and disseminate a set of accessible interventions designed to complement standard care in order to improve HRQoL outcomes in SSc. PMID:22244687

Comparison of the basin-scale effect of dredging operations and natural estuarine processes on suspended sediment concentration

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schoellhamer, D.H.

2002-01-01

Suspended sediment concentration (SSC) data from San Pablo Bay, California, were analyzed to compare the basin-scale effect of dredging and disposal of dredged material (dredging operations) and natural estuarine processes. The analysis used twelve 3-wk to 5-wk periods of mid-depth and near-bottom SSC data collected at Point San Pablo every 15 min from 1993-1998. Point San Pablo is within a tidal excursion of a dredged-material disposal site. The SSC data were compared to dredging volume, Julian day, and hydrodynamic and meteorological variables that could affect SSC. Kendall's ??, Spearman's ??, and weighted (by the fraction of valid data in each period) Spearman's ??w correlation coefficients of the variables indicated which variables were significantly correlated with SSC. Wind-wave resuspension had the greatest effect on SSC. Median water-surface elevation was the primary factor affecting mid-depth SSC. Greater depths inhibit wind-wave resuspension of bottom sediment and indicate greater influence of less turbid water from down estuary. Seasonal variability in the supply of erodible sediment is the primary factor affecting near-bottom SSC. Natural physical processes in San Pablo Bay are more areally extensive, of equal or longer duration, and as frequent as dredging operations (when occurring), and they affect SSC at the tidal time scale. Natural processes control SSC at Point San Pablo even when dredging operations are occurring.

Transcriptional response of soybean suspension-cultured cells induced by Nod factors obtained from Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA110.

PubMed

Hakoyama, Tsuneo; Yokoyama, Tadashi; Kouchi, Hiroshi; Tsuchiya, Ken-ichi; Kaku, Hisatoshi; Arima, Yasuhiro

2002-11-01

Genes responding to Nod factors were picked up by the application of a differential display method for soybean suspension-cultured cells. Forty-five cDNA fragments derived from such genes were detected. Seven fragments (ssc1-ssc7) were successfully cloned. The putative product of genes corresponding to ssc1 was estimated to be a disease-resistance protein relating to the induction of the plant defense response against pathogens, and that corresponding to ssc7 was a sucrose transporter. Amino acid sequences deduced from full-length cDNA corresponding to ssc2 and ssc4 were investigated, and it was shown that these polypeptides were equipped with a leucine zipper motif and with phosphorylation sites that were targeted by tyrosin kinase and cAMP-dependent protein kinase, respectively. In a differential display experiment, the transcriptional levels of three genes corresponding to ssc2, ssc3 and ssc5 were estimated to be up-regulated at 6 h after initiation of the treatment and the remaining four were estimated to be down-regulated. However, transcription of the genes corresponding to all ssc was clearly repressed within 2 h after initiation of the treatment. Five of them were restored to their transcriptional level 6 h after initiation of the treatment, although the others were repressed throughout the experimental period.

A comparison between nailfold capillaroscopy patterns in adulthood in juvenile and adult-onset systemic sclerosis: A EUSTAR exploratory study.

PubMed

Ingegnoli, Francesca; Boracchi, Patrizia; Gualtierotti, Roberta; Smith, Vanessa; Cutolo, Maurizio; Foeldvari, Ivan

2015-11-01

Qualitative capillaroscopy patterns in juvenile- and adult-onset systemic sclerosis (SSc) were studied in adulthood using data from the EULAR Scleroderma Trials and Research (EUSTAR) database. Data collected between June 2004 and April 2013 were examined with focus on capillaroscopy. In this retrospective exploratory study, series of patients with juvenile-onset SSc were matched with series of adult-onset SSc having the same gender and autoantibody profile. 30 of 123 patients with juvenile-onset and 2108 of 7133 with adult-onset SSc had data on capillaroscopy. Juvenile-onset SSc showed scleroderma pattern more frequently than adult-onset SSc (93.3% and 88%). The OR was 2.44 and 95% CI 0.57-10.41. An active scleroderma pattern was present in 58% of juvenile- and 61% of adult-onset SSc. The OR was 0.91 and 95% CI 0.28-2.93. The late scleroderma pattern was present in 61% of juvenile- and 55.5% of adult-onset SSc. The OR was 1.06 and 95% CI 0.34-3.56. This is the first exploratory study on the comparison of capillaroscopy between juvenile- and adult-onset SSc in adulthood. Juvenile-onset SSc had an increase prevalence of scleroderma pattern, but a similar distribution of the three patterns was suggested. Further studies are needed to define this issue. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

CMOS-compatible spot-size converter for optical fiber to sub-μm silicon waveguide coupling with low-loss low-wavelength dependence and high tolerance to misalignment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Picard, Marie-Josée.; Latrasse, Christine; Larouche, Carl; Painchaud, Yves; Poulin, Michel; Pelletier, François; Guy, Martin

2016-03-01

One of the biggest challenges of silicon photonics is the efficient coupling of light between the sub-micron SiP waveguides and a standard optical fiber (SMF-28). We recently proposed a novel approach based on a spot-size converter (SSC) that fulfills this need. The SSC integrates a tapered silicon waveguide and a superimposed structure made of a plurality of rods of high index material, disposed in an array-like configuration and embedded in a cladding of lower index material. This superimposed structure defines a waveguide designed to provide an efficient adiabatic transfer, through evanescent coupling, to a 220 nm thick Si waveguide tapered down to a narrow tip on one side, while providing a large mode overlap to the optical fiber on the other side. An initial demonstration was made using a SSC fabricated with post-processing steps. Great coupling to a SMF-28 fiber with a loss of 0.6 dB was obtained for TEpolarized light at 1550 nm with minimum wavelength dependence. In this paper, SSCs designed for operation at 1310 and 1550 nm for TE/TM polarizations and entirely fabricated in a CMOS fab are presented.

Design, Activation, and Operation of the J2-X Subscale Simulator (JSS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saunders, Grady P.; Raines, Nickey G.; Varner, Darrel G.

2009-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to give a detailed description of the design, activation, and operation of the J2-X Subscale Simulator (JSS) installed in Cell 1 of the E3 test facility at Stennis Space Center, MS (SSC). The primary purpose of the JSS is to simulate the installation of the J2-X engine in the A3 Subscale Rocket Altitude Test Facility at SSC. The JSS is designed to give aerodynamically and thermodynamically similar plume properties as the J2-X engine currently under development for use as the upper stage engine on the ARES I and ARES V spacecraft. The JSS is a scale pressure fed, LOX/GH fueled rocket that is geometrically similar to the J2-X from the throat to the nozzle exit plane (NEP) and is operated at the same oxidizer to fuel ratios and chamber pressures. This paper describes the heritage hardware used as the basis of the JSS design, the newly designed rocket hardware, igniter systems used, and the activation and operation of the JSS.

Southeastern superpave center pooled-fund activities.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-02-01

Much has been learned about materials characteristics, testing procedures, new equipment, mix design, and pavement performance through the many studies conducted as a part of the Southeastern Superpave Center (SSC) pooled-fund program. Lessons learne...

Systemic sclerosis with normal or nonspecific nailfold capillaroscopy.

PubMed

Fichel, Fanny; Baudot, Nathalie; Gaitz, Jean-Pierre; Trad, Salim; Barbe, Coralie; Francès, Camille; Senet, Patricia

2014-01-01

In systemic sclerosis (SSc), a specific nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) pattern is observed in 90% of cases and seems to be associated with severity and progression of the disease. To describe the characteristics of SSc patients with normal or nonspecific (normal/nonspecific) NVC. In a retrospective cohort study, clinical features and visceral involvements of 25 SSc cases with normal/nonspecific NVC were compared to 63 SSc controls with the SSc-specific NVC pattern. Normal/nonspecific NVC versus SSc-specific NVC pattern was significantly associated with absence of skin sclerosis (32 vs. 6.3%, p = 0.004), absence of telangiectasia (47.8 vs. 17.3%, p = 0.006) and absence of sclerodactyly (60 vs. 25.4%, p = 0.002), and less frequent severe pulmonary involvement (26.3 vs. 58.2%, p = 0.017). Normal/nonspecific NVC in SSc patients appears to be associated with less severe skin involvement and less frequent severe pulmonary involvement. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

(BARS) -- Bibliographic Retrieval System Sandia Shock Compression (SSC) database Shock Physics Index (SPHINX) database. Volume 1: UNIX version query guide customized application for INGRES

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Herrmann, W.; von Laven, G.M.; Parker, T.

1993-09-01

The Bibliographic Retrieval System (BARS) is a data base management system specially designed to retrieve bibliographic references. Two databases are available, (i) the Sandia Shock Compression (SSC) database which contains over 5700 references to the literature related to stress waves in solids and their applications, and (ii) the Shock Physics Index (SPHINX) which includes over 8000 further references to stress waves in solids, material properties at intermediate and low rates, ballistic and hypervelocity impact, and explosive or shock fabrication methods. There is some overlap in the information in the two data bases.

Severe Hypothyroidism due to the Loss of Therapeutic Efficacy of l-Thyroxine in a Patient with Esophageal Complication Associated with Systemic Sclerosis.

PubMed

Lobasso, Antonio; Nappi, Liliana; Barbieri, Letizia; Peirce, Carmela; Ippolito, Serena; Arpaia, Debora; Rossi, Francesca Wanda; de Paulis, Amato; Biondi, Bernadette

2017-01-01

Thyroid function abnormalities and thyroid autoantibodies have been frequently described in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases as systemic sclerosis (SSc). Serum TSH levels are higher in SSc patients with more severe skin diseases and a worse modified Rodnan skin score. Asymptomatic esophageal involvement due to SSc has never been described as a cause of severe hypothyroidism due to l-thyroxine (l-T4) malabsorption in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and SSc. Here, we report a case of a 56-year-old female affected by both SSc and HT who developed severe hypothyroidism due to the loss of therapeutic efficacy of l-T4. Therapeutic failure resulted from the altered l-T4 absorption because of SSc esophageal complications. Clinical findings improved after the administration of oral liquid l-T4. Thyroid function completely normalized with a full clinical recovery, the disappearance of the pericardial effusion and the improvement of the pulmonary pressure. A recognition of a poor absorption is crucial in patients with hypothyroidism and SSc to reduce the risk of the subsequent adverse events. This case suggests the importance of clinical and laboratory surveillance in patients with SSc and HT because the systemic complications of these dysfunctions may worsen the prognosis of hypothyroid SSc/HT patients.

Paclitaxel modulates TGFbeta signaling in scleroderma skin grafts in immunodeficient mice.

PubMed

Liu, Xialin; Zhu, Shoukang; Wang, Tao; Hummers, Laura; Wigley, Fredrick M; Goldschmidt-Clermont, Pascal J; Dong, Chunming

2005-12-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by excessive fibrosis and obliterative vascular lesions. Abnormal TGFbeta activation is implicated in the pathogenesis of SSc. Aberrant TGFbeta/Smad signaling can be controlled by stabilization of microtubules with paclitaxel. SSc and healthy human skin biopsies were incubated in the presence or absence of paclitaxel followed by transplantation into severe combined immunodeficient mice. TGFbeta signaling, fibrosis, and neovessel formation were evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining. Paclitaxel markedly suppressed Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylation and collagen deposition in SSc grafts. As a result, the autonomous maintenance/reconstitution of the SSc phenotype was prevented. Remarkably, SSc grafts showed a 2-fold increase in neovessel formation relative to normal grafts, regardless of paclitaxel treatment. Angiogenesis in SSc grafts was associated with a substantial increase in mouse PECAM-1 expression, indicating the mouse origin of the neovascular cells. Low-dose paclitaxel can significantly suppress TGFbeta/Smad activity and lessen fibrosis in SCID mice. Transplantation of SSc skin into SCID mice elicits a strong angiogenesis-an effect not affected by paclitaxel. Although prolonged chemotherapy with paclitaxel at higher doses is associated with pro-fibrotic and anti-angiogenic changes, the findings described here indicate that low-dose paclitaxel may have therapeutic benefits for SSc via modulating TGFbeta signaling.

Gammadelta receptor bearing T cells in scleroderma: enhanced interaction with vascular endothelial cells in vitro.

PubMed

Kahaleh, M B; Fan, P S; Otsuka, T

1999-05-01

In view of the documented perivascular mononuclear cell infiltration in the involved organs in scleroderma (SSc) and the reported accumulation of gammadelta-T cells in SSc skin and lung, we evaluated gammadelta-T cell interaction with endothelial cells (EC) in vitro. gammadelta- and alphabeta-T cells were isolated from BPMN of SSc patients with early diffuse disease and of matched control subjects by an immunomagnetic method after stimulation with mycobacterium lysate and interleukin-2 for 2 weeks. Lymphocyte adhesion, proliferation, and cytotoxicity to EC were investigated. SSc gammadelta-T cells adhered to cultured EC and proliferated at higher rates than control cells. Furthermore, significant EC cytotoxicity by SSc gammadelta was seen. The cytotoxicity was blocked by addition of anti-gammadelta-TCR antibody and by anti-granzyme A antibody but not by anti-MHC class I and II antibodies. Expression of granzyme A mRNA was seen in five/five SSc gammadelta-T cells and in one/five control cells. alphabeta-T cells from both SSc and control subjects were significantly less interactive with EC than gammadelta-T cells. The data demonstrate EC recognition by SSc gammadelta-T cells and propose gammadelta-T cells as a possible effector cell type in the immune pathogenesis of SSc. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

A portable dermatoscope for easy, rapid examination of periungual nailfold capillary changes in patients with systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Muroi, Eiji; Hara, Toshihide; Yanaba, Koichi; Ogawa, Fumihide; Yoshizaki, Ayumi; Takenaka, Motoi; Shimizu, Kazuhiro; Sato, Shinichi

2011-12-01

Microvascular lesions are a predominant feature in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and seem to play a central pathogenic role. The presence of nailfold capillary abnormalities is useful in diagnosing SSc. Capillaroscopy, however, usually requires special equipment and may be time consuming. Dermatoscope has been presented as a new diagnostic tool for quick and efficient examination of nailfold capillaries for circumstances when standard microscope equipment is not available. To assess the practical utility of dermatoscope for assessment of capillary morphology in patients with SSc, 83 Japanese patients with SSc (68 women, 15 men) and 68 healthy controls were examined in the study. Twenty-one patients (16 women, 5 men) had diffuse cutaneous SSc and 62 (52 women, 10 men) had limited cutaneous SSc. Enlarged capillaries and hemorrhages were evaluated in all 10 fingers with either naked eyes or DermLite(®) DL100 dermatoscope. Enlarged capillaries and hemorrhages were significantly more frequently detected with dermatoscope than without it. These findings were observed most frequently in the fourth finger. The presence of two or more enlarged capillaries in one or more fingers showed 83.1% sensitivity and 100% specificity for SSc. Among patients with SSc with anti-topoisomerase I antibody, the disease duration correlated negatively with the dermatoscopic number of enlarged capillaries and hemorrhages. Dermatoscope allows the easy and rapid identification of capillary nailfold morphological changes in SSc and should be routinely used for diagnosing SSc.

Systemic sclerosis complicated with localized scleroderma-like lesions induced by Köbner phenomenon.

PubMed

Saigusa, Ryosuke; Asano, Yoshihide; Yamashita, Takashi; Takahashi, Takehiro; Nakamura, Kouki; Miura, Shunsuke; Ichimura, Yohei; Toyama, Tetsuo; Taniguchi, Takashi; Sumida, Hayakazu; Tamaki, Zenshiro; Miyazaki, Miki; Yoshizaki, Ayumi; Sato, Shinichi

2018-03-01

Scleroderma is a chronic disease of unknown etiology characterized by skin fibrosis and is divided into two clinical entities: systemic sclerosis (SSc) and localized scleroderma (LSc). In general, LSc is rarely complicated with SSc, but a certain portion of SSc patients manifests bilateral symmetric LSc-like lesions on the trunk and extremities. We investigated SSc patients with LSc-like lesions to clarify the underlying pathophysiology. Nine SSc cases complicated with LSc-like lesions were clinically and histologically characterized. SSc patients with LSc-like lesions exhibited multiple progressive hyper- and/or hypo-pigmented plaques with mild sclerosis symmetrically distributed on the trunk and extremities, especially abdominal region. In histological assessment, epidermal IL-1α expression was elevated in both forearms and LSc-like lesions of these patients to a greater extent than in forearms of control patients (SSc patients without LSc-like lesions). Of note, the infiltration and degranulation of mast cells were evident throughout the dermis of LSc-like lesions, while detectable to a lesser extent in forearms of SSc patients with LSc-like lesions and control patients. The epidermis of SSc patients with LSc-like lesions seems to possess an inflammatory phenotype, leading to the activation of mast cells in the dermis of mechanically stressed skin. Köbner phenomenon may be involved in the induction of LSc-like lesions in a certain subset of SSc. Copyright © 2017 Japanese Society for Investigative Dermatology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Registry of the Spanish Network for Systemic Sclerosis

PubMed Central

Simeón-Aznar, C.P.; Fonollosa-Plá, V.; Tolosa-Vilella, Carles; Espinosa-Garriga, G.; Campillo-Grau, M.; Ramos-Casals, M.; García-Hernández, F.J.; Castillo-Palma, M.J.; Sánchez-Román, J.; Callejas-Rubio, J.L.; Ortego-Centeno, N.; Egurbide-Arberas, M.V.; Trapiellla-Martínez, L.; Caminal-Montero, L.; Sáez-Comet, L.; Velilla-Marco, J.; Camps-García, M.T.; de Ramón-Garrido, E.; Esteban-Marcos, E.M.; Pallarés-Ferreres, L.; Navarrete-Navarrete, N.; Vargas-Hitos, J.A.; de la Torre, R. Gómez; Salvador-Cervello, G.; Rios-Blanco, J.J.; Vilardell-Tarrés, M.

2015-01-01

Abstract Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare, multisystem disease showing a large individual variability in disease progression and prognosis. In the present study, we assess survival, causes of death, and risk factors of mortality in a large series of Spanish SSc patients. Consecutive SSc patients fulfilling criteria of the classification by LeRoy were recruited in the survey. Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional-hazards models were used to analyze survival and to identify predictors of mortality. Among 879 consecutive patients, 138 (15.7%) deaths were registered. Seventy-six out of 138 (55%) deceased patients were due to causes attributed to SSc, and pulmonary hypertension (PH) was the leading cause in 23 (16.6%) patients. Survival rates were 96%, 93%, 83%, and 73% at 5, 10, 20, and 30 years after the first symptom, respectively. Survival rates for diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) and limited cutaneous SSc were 91%, 86%, 64%, and 39%; and 97%, 95%, 85%, and 81% at 5, 10, 20, and 30 years, respectively (log-rank: 67.63, P < 0.0001). The dcSSc subset, male sex, age at disease onset older than 65 years, digital ulcers, interstitial lung disease (ILD), PH, heart involvement, scleroderma renal crisis (SRC), presence of antitopoisomerase I and absence of anticentromere antibodies, and active capillaroscopic pattern showed reduced survival rate. In a multivariate analysis, older age at disease onset, dcSSc, ILD, PH, and SRC were independent risk factors for mortality. In the present study involving a large cohort of SSc patients, a high prevalence of disease-related causes of death was demonstrated. Older age at disease onset, dcSSc, ILD, PH, and SRC were identified as independent prognostic factors. PMID:26512564

Survival and causes of death in systemic sclerosis patients: a single center registry report from Iran.

PubMed

Poormoghim, Hadi; Andalib, Elham; Jalali, Arash; Ghaderi, Afshin; Ghorbannia, Ali; Mojtabavi, Nazanin

2016-07-01

The aims of the study were to determine prognostic factors for survival and causes of death in a cohort of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). This was a cohort study of SSc patients in single rheumatologic center from January 1998 to August 2012. They fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for SSc or had calcinosis Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, telangiectasia or sine sclerosis. Causes of death were classified as SSc related and non-SSc related. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard regression models were used in univariate and multivariate analysis to analyse survival in subgroups and determine prognostic factors of survival. The study includes 220 patients (192 female, 28 male). Out of thirty-two (14.5 %) who died, seventeen (53.1 %) deaths were SSc related and in nine (28.1 %) non-SSc-related causes, and in six (18.8 %) of patients causes of death were not defined. Overall survival rate was 92.6 % (95 % CI 87.5-95.7 %) after 5 years and 82.3 % (95 % CI 73.4-88.4 %) after 10 years. Pulmonary involvement was a major SSc-related cause of death, occurred in seven (41.1 %) patients. Cardiovascular events were leading cause of in overall death (11) 34.3 % and 6 in non-SSc-related death. Independent risk factors for mortality were age >50 at diagnosis (HR 5.10) advance pulmonary fibrosis (HR 11.5), tendon friction rub at entry (HR 6.39), arthritis (HR 3.56). In this first Middle Eastern series of SSc registry, pulmonary and cardiac involvements were the leading cause of SSc-related death.

Scleroderma dermal microvascular endothelial cells exhibit defective response to pro-angiogenic chemokines

PubMed Central

Rabquer, Bradley J.; Ohara, Ray A.; Stinson, William A.; Campbell, Phillip L.; Amin, M. Asif; Balogh, Beatrix; Zakhem, George; Renauer, Paul A.; Lozier, Ann; Arasu, Eshwar; Haines, G. Kenneth; Kahaleh, Bashar; Schiopu, Elena; Khanna, Dinesh; Koch, Alisa E.

2016-01-01

Objectives. Angiogenesis plays a critical role in SSc (scleroderma). The aim of this study was to examine the expression of growth-regulated protein-γ (Gro-γ/CXCL3), granulocyte chemotactic protein 2 (GCP-2/CXCL6) and their receptor CXCR2 in endothelial cells (ECs) isolated from SSc skin and determine whether these cells mount an angiogenic response towards pro-angiogenic chemokines. The downstream signalling pathways as well as the pro-angiogenic transcription factor inhibitor of DNA-binding protein 1 (Id-1) were also examined. Methods. Skin biopsies were obtained from patients with dcSSc. ECs were isolated via magnetic positive selection. Angiogenesis was measured by EC chemotaxis assay. Results. Gro-γ/CXCL3 and GCP-2/CXCL6 were minimally expressed in both skin types but elevated in SSc serum. Pro-angiogenic chemokine mRNA was greater in SSc ECs than in normal ECs. SSc ECs did not migrate to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Gro-γ/CXCL3, GCP-2/CXCL6 or CXCL16. The signalling pathways stimulated by these chemokines were also dysregulated. Id-1 mRNA in SSc ECs was lower compared with normal ECs, and overexpression of Id-1 in SSc ECs increased their ability to migrate towards VEGF and CXCL16. Conclusion. Our results show that SSc ECs are unable to respond to pro-angiogenic chemokines despite their increased expression in serum and ECs. This might be due to the differences in the signalling pathways activated by these chemokines in normal vs SSc ECs. In addition, the lower expression of Id-1 also decreases the angiogenic response. The inability of pro-angiogenic chemokines to promote EC migration provides an additional mechanism for the impaired angiogenesis that characterizes SSc. PMID:26705326

Establishment and characterization of scleroderma fibroblast clonal cell lines by introduction of the hTERT gene

PubMed Central

Kapanadze, Bagrat; Morris, Erin; Smith, Edwin; Trojanowska, Maria

2010-01-01

Abstract Lack of an adequate experimental model has hindered the ability to fully understand scleroderma (SSc) pathogenesis. Current SSc research is based on the study of cultured fibroblasts from skin biopsies. In depth characterization of the SSc fibroblast phenotype is hindered by the limited lifespan and heterogeneity of these cells. The goal of this study was to isolate high collagen-producing fibroblasts from SSc biopsies and extend their lifespan with hTERT immortalization to enable characterization of their phenotype. Fibroblasts from two pairs of closely matched normal and SSc biopsies were infected with an hTERT lentivirus. Infected colonies were isolated, cultured into clonal cell lines and analysed with respect to profibrotic gene expression. The mRNA levels of nine profibrotic genes were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Protein levels were assessed by Western blot. The hTERT SSc clones were heterogeneous with regards to expression of the profibrotic genes measured. A subset of the SSc clones showed elevated expression levels of collagen I, connective tissue growth factor and thrombospondin 1 mRNA, while expression of other genes was not significantly changed. Elevated expression of collagen I protein and mRNA was correlative with elevated expression of connective tissue growth factor. Several hTERT clones expressed high levels of pSmad1, Smad1 and TGF-βRI indicative of altered TGF-β signalling. A portion of SSc clones expressed several profibrotic genes. This study demonstrates that select characteristics of the SSc phenotype are expressed in a subset of activated fibroblasts in culture. The clonal SSc cell lines may present a new and useful model to investigate the mechanisms involved in SSc fibrosis. PMID:19432820

Establishment and characterization of scleroderma fibroblast clonal cell lines by introduction of the hTERT gene.

PubMed

Kapanadze, Bagrat; Morris, Erin; Smith, Edwin; Trojanowska, Maria

2010-05-01

Lack of an adequate experimental model has hindered the ability to fully understand scleroderma (SSc) pathogenesis. Current SSc research is based on the study of cultured fibroblasts from skin biopsies. In depth characterization of the SSc fibroblast phenotype is hindered by the limited lifespan and heterogeneity of these cells. The goal of this study was to isolate high collagen-producing fibroblasts from SSc biopsies and extend their lifespan with hTERT immortalization to enable characterization of their phenotype. Fibroblasts from two pairs of closely matched normal and SSc biopsies were infected with an hTERT lentivirus. Infected colonies were isolated, cultured into clonal cell lines and analysed with respect to profibrotic gene expression. The mRNA levels of nine profibrotic genes were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Protein levels were assessed by Western blot. The hTERT SSc clones were heterogeneous with regards to expression of the profibrotic genes measured. A subset of the SSc clones showed elevated expression levels of collagen I, connective tissue growth factor and thrombospondin 1 mRNA, while expression of other genes was not significantly changed. Elevated expression of collagen I protein and mRNA was correlative with elevated expression of connective tissue growth factor. Several hTERT clones expressed high levels of pSmad1, Smad1 and TGF-betaRI indicative of altered TGF-beta signalling. A portion of SSc clones expressed several profibrotic genes. This study demonstrates that select characteristics of the SSc phenotype are expressed in a subset of activated fibroblasts in culture. The clonal SSc cell lines may present a new and useful model to investigate the mechanisms involved in SSc fibrosis.

Intrinsic Deregulation of Vascular Smooth Muscle and Myofibroblast Differentiation in Mesenchymal Stromal Cells from Patients with Systemic Sclerosis.

PubMed

Hegner, Björn; Schaub, Theres; Catar, Rusan; Kusch, Angelika; Wagner, Philine; Essin, Kirill; Lange, Claudia; Riemekasten, Gabriela; Dragun, Duska

2016-01-01

Obliterative vasculopathy and fibrosis are hallmarks of systemic sclerosis (SSc), a severe systemic autoimmune disease. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from SSc patients may harbor disease-specific abnormalities. We hypothesized disturbed vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) differentiation with increased propensity towards myofibroblast differentiation in response to SSc-microenvironment defining growth factors and determined responsible mechanisms. We studied responses of multipotent MSCs from SSc-patients (SSc-MSCs) and healthy controls (H-MSCs) to long-term exposure to CTGF, b-FGF, PDGF-BB or TGF-β1. Differentiation towards VSMC and myofibroblast lineages was analyzed on phenotypic, biochemical, and functional levels. Intracellular signaling studies included analysis of TGF-β receptor regulation, SMAD, AKT, ERK1/2 and autocrine loops. VSMC differentiation towards both, contractile and synthetic VSMC phenotypes in response to CTGF and b-FGF was disturbed in SSc-MSCs. H-MSCs and SSc-MSCs responded equally to PDGF-BB with prototypic fibroblastic differentiation. TGF-β1 initiated myofibroblast differentiation in both cell types, yet with striking phenotypic and functional differences: In relation to H-MSC-derived myofibroblasts induced by TGF-β1, those obtained from SSc-MSCs expressed more contractile proteins, migrated towards TGF-β1, had low proliferative capacity, and secreted higher amounts of collagen paralleled by reduced MMP expression. Higher levels of TGF-β receptor 1 and enhanced canonical and noncanonical TGF-β signaling in SSc-MSCs accompanied aberrant differentiation response of SSc-MSCs in comparison to H-MSCs. Deregulated VSMC differentiation with a shift towards myofibroblast differentiation expands the concept of disturbed endogenous regenerative capacity of MSCs from SSc patients. Disease related intrinsic hyperresponsiveness to TGF-β1 with increased collagen production may represent one responsible mechanism. Better understanding of repair barriers and harnessing beneficial differentiation processes in MSCs could widen options of autologous MSC application in SSc patients.

Comparison of salivary cortisol, heart rate, and oxygen saturation between early skin-to-skin contact with different initiation and duration times in healthy, full-term infants.

PubMed

Takahashi, Yuki; Tamakoshi, Koji; Matsushima, Miyoko; Kawabe, Tsutomu

2011-03-01

There are few studies that compare the physiological and biological efficacies between different early skin-to-skin contacts (SSC) post birth. To investigate physiologically and biochemically how early SSC with different initiation and duration time influence the stress post birth for full-term infants. Non-experimental study. Study I; Thirty-two infants who began SSC 5 min or less [birth SSC, mean initiation time (standard deviation): 1.6 (1.1) min] after birth and 36 infants who did so more than 5 min [very early SSC, 26.3 (5.0) min] in heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation (SpO(2)) analysis. Study II; Eighteen infants who underwent SSC for 60 min or less [mean initiation time: 7.5 (12.2) min] and 61 infants who did so for more than 60 min [15.3 (12.5) min] in salivary cortisol analysis. HR and SpO(2) measured for 30 min post birth. Salivary cortisol concentration measured at 1 min, 60 min, and 120 min post birth. Birth SSC group reached HR stability of 120-160 bpm significantly faster than very early SSC group by Kaplan-Meier analysis (P=0.001 by log-rank test). As for SpO(2) stability of 92% and 96%, no significantly between-group difference was found. Salivary cortisol levels were significantly lower between 60 and 120 min after birth in SSC group, continuing for more than 60 min compared with SSC group for 60 min or less after adjustment for salivary cortisol level at 1 min besides the infant stress factors (P=0.046). Earlier SSC beginning within 5 min post birth and longer SSC continuing for more than 60 min within 120 min post birth are beneficial for stability of cardiopulmonary dynamics and the reduction of infant stress during the early period post birth. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lung Transplant Outcomes in Systemic Sclerosis with Significant Esophageal Dysfunction. A Comprehensive Single-Center Experience

PubMed Central

Schwab, Kristin; Saggar, Rajeev; Duffy, Erin; Elashoff, David; Tseng, Chi-Hong; Weigt, Sam; Charan, Deepshikha; Abtin, Fereidoun; Johannes, Jimmy; Derhovanessian, Ariss; Conklin, Jeffrey; Ghassemi, Kevin; Khanna, Dinesh; Siddiqui, Osama; Ardehali, Abbas; Hunter, Curtis; Kwon, Murray; Biniwale, Reshma; Lo, Michelle; Volkmann, Elizabeth; Torres Barba, David; Belperio, John A.; Mahrer, Thomas; Furst, Daniel E.; Kafaja, Suzanne; Clements, Philip; Shino, Michael; Gregson, Aric; Kubak, Bernard; Lynch, Joseph P.; Ross, David

2016-01-01

Rationale: Consideration of lung transplantation in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) remains guarded, often due to the concern for esophageal dysfunction and the associated potential for allograft injury and suboptimal post–lung transplantation outcomes. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to systematically report our single-center experience regarding lung transplantation in the setting of SSc, with a particular focus on esophageal dysfunction. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all lung transplants at our center from January 1, 2000 through August 31, 2012 (n = 562), comparing the SSc group (n = 35) to the following lung transplant diagnostic subsets: all non-SSc (n = 527), non-SSc diffuse fibrotic lung disease (n = 264), and a non-SSc matched group (n = 109). We evaluated post–lung transplant outcomes, including survival, primary graft dysfunction, acute rejection, bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, and microbiology of respiratory isolates. In addition, we defined severe esophageal dysfunction using esophageal manometry and esophageal morphometry criteria on the basis of chest computed tomography images. For patients with SSc referred for lung transplant but subsequently denied (n = 36), we queried the reason(s) for denial with respect to the concern for esophageal dysfunction. Measurements and Main Results: The 1-, 3-, and 5-year post–lung transplant survival for SSc was 94, 77, and 70%, respectively, and similar to the other groups. The remaining post–lung transplant outcomes evaluated were also similar between SSc and the other groups. Approximately 60% of the SSc group had severe esophageal dysfunction. Pre–lung transplant chest computed tomography imaging demonstrated significantly abnormal esophageal morphometry for SSc when compared with the matched group. Importantly, esophageal dysfunction was the sole reason for lung transplant denial in a single case. Conclusions: Relative to other lung transplant indications, our SSc group experienced comparable survival, primary graft dysfunction, acute rejection, bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, and microbiology of respiratory isolates, despite the high prevalence of severe esophageal dysfunction. Esophageal dysfunction rarely precluded active listing for lung transplantation. PMID:27078625

An Open-label, Phase II Study of the Safety and Tolerability of Pirfenidone in Patients with Scleroderma-associated Interstitial Lung Disease: the LOTUSS Trial.

PubMed

Khanna, Dinesh; Albera, Carlo; Fischer, Aryeh; Khalidi, Nader; Raghu, Ganesh; Chung, Lorinda; Chen, Dan; Schiopu, Elena; Tagliaferri, Margit; Seibold, James R; Gorina, Eduard

2016-09-01

Systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) shares a number of clinical features and pathogenic mechanisms with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This study was designed to evaluate the tolerability of the IPF treatment pirfenidone in SSc-ILD. The known gastrointestinal, skin, and liver adverse events (AE) of pirfenidone are of importance given the involvement of these organs in SSc. All patients received pirfenidone and were randomized 1:1 to either a 2- or 4-week titration starting at 801 mg/day and finishing at a maintenance dose of 2403 mg/day. Patients received pirfenidone for 16 weeks in total. Assessments included treatment-emergent AE (TEAE) and exploratory disease outcomes. Sixty-three patients were randomized; 96.8% experienced a TEAE and more patients reported TEAE during the titration versus the maintenance period. The most commonly reported TEAE were consistent with those observed for pirfenidone in IPF (nausea, headache, fatigue) and were similar regardless of titration schedule. More patients discontinued treatment because of TEAE in the 2- versus 4-week titration group (5 vs 1, respectively); all discontinuation events occurred > 3 weeks after reaching the full dose of pirfenidone. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), taken by 63.5% of patients in addition to pirfenidone, did not appear to affect tolerability. Exploratory disease outcomes remained largely unchanged. Pirfenidone showed an acceptable tolerability profile in SSc-ILD, although a longer titration may be associated with better tolerability. Tolerability was not affected by concomitant MMF. The present findings support further investigation of pirfenidone in future clinical trials in patients with SSc-ILD. ClinicalTrials.gov; www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT01933334.

75 FR 32372 - Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-08

... 104th Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) and 148th Council meetings to take recommendations and... complete scheduled business. Schedule and Agenda for 104th SSC Meeting: Tuesday, June 22, 2010, 8:30 a.m. 1... a.m. 9. Other Business A. 105th SSC Meeting 10. Summary of SSC Recommendations to the Council 148th...

sscMap: an extensible Java application for connecting small-molecule drugs using gene-expression signatures.

PubMed

Zhang, Shu-Dong; Gant, Timothy W

2009-07-31

Connectivity mapping is a process to recognize novel pharmacological and toxicological properties in small molecules by comparing their gene expression signatures with others in a database. A simple and robust method for connectivity mapping with increased specificity and sensitivity was recently developed, and its utility demonstrated using experimentally derived gene signatures. This paper introduces sscMap (statistically significant connections' map), a Java application designed to undertake connectivity mapping tasks using the recently published method. The software is bundled with a default collection of reference gene-expression profiles based on the publicly available dataset from the Broad Institute Connectivity Map 02, which includes data from over 7000 Affymetrix microarrays, for over 1000 small-molecule compounds, and 6100 treatment instances in 5 human cell lines. In addition, the application allows users to add their custom collections of reference profiles and is applicable to a wide range of other 'omics technologies. The utility of sscMap is two fold. First, it serves to make statistically significant connections between a user-supplied gene signature and the 6100 core reference profiles based on the Broad Institute expanded dataset. Second, it allows users to apply the same improved method to custom-built reference profiles which can be added to the database for future referencing. The software can be freely downloaded from http://purl.oclc.org/NET/sscMap.

Hysteresis in suspended sediment to turbidity relations due to changing particle size distributions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Landers, Mark N.; Sturm, Terry W.

2013-01-01

Turbidity (T) is the most ubiquitous of surrogate technologies used to estimate suspended-sediment concentration (SSC). The effects of sediment size on turbidity are well documented; however, effects from changes in particle size distributions (PSD) are rarely evaluated. Hysteresis in relations of SSC-to-turbidity (SSC~T) for single stormflow events was observed and quantified for a data set of 195 concurrent measurements of SSC, turbidity, discharge, velocity, and volumetric PSD collected during five stormflows in 2009–2010 on Yellow River at Gees Mill Road in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia. Regressions of SSC-normalized turbidity (T/SSC) on concurrently measured PSD percentiles show an inverse, exponential influence of particle size on turbidity that is not constant across the size range of the PSD. The majority of the influence of PSD on T/SSC is from particles of fine-silt and smaller sizes (finer than 16 microns). This study shows that small changes in the often assumed stability of the PSD are significant to SSC~T relations. Changes of only 5 microns in the fine silt and smaller size fractions of suspended sediment PSD can produce hysteresis in the SSC~T rating that can increase error and produce bias. Observed SSC~T hysteresis may be an indicator of changes in sediment properties during stormflows and of potential changes in sediment sources. Trends in the PSD time series indicate that sediment transport is capacity-limited for sand-sized sediment in the channel and supply-limited for fine silt and smaller sediment from the hillslope.

Survival, causes of death, and prognostic factors in systemic sclerosis: analysis of 947 Brazilian patients.

PubMed

Sampaio-Barros, Percival D; Bortoluzzo, Adriana B; Marangoni, Roberta G; Rocha, Luiza F; Del Rio, Ana Paula T; Samara, Adil M; Yoshinari, Natalino H; Marques-Neto, João Francisco

2012-10-01

To analyze survival, prognostic factors, and causes of death in a large cohort of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). From 1991 to 2010, 947 patients with SSc were treated at 2 referral university centers in Brazil. Causes of death were considered SSc-related and non-SSc-related. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify prognostic factors. Survival at 5 and 10 years was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. One hundred sixty-eight patients died during the followup. Among the 110 deaths considered related to SSc, there was predominance of lung (48.1%) and heart (24.5%) involvement. Most of the 58 deaths not related to SSc were caused by infection, cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, and cancer. Male sex, modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) > 20, osteoarticular involvement, lung involvement, and renal crisis were the main prognostic factors associated to death. Overall survival rate was 90% for 5 years and 84% for 10 years. Patients presented worse prognosis if they had diffuse SSc (85% vs 92% at 5 yrs, respectively, and 77% vs 87% at 10 yrs, compared to limited SSc), male sex (77% vs 90% at 5 yrs and 64% vs 86% at 10 yrs, compared to female sex), and mRSS > 20 (83% vs 90% at 5 yrs and 66% vs 86% at 10 yrs, compared to mRSS < 20). Survival was worse in male patients with diffuse SSc, and lung and heart involvement represented the main causes of death in this South American series of patients with SSc.

ATPase domain and interdomain linker play a key role in aggregation of mitochondrial Hsp70 chaperone Ssc1.

PubMed

Blamowska, Marta; Sichting, Martin; Mapa, Koyeli; Mokranjac, Dejana; Neupert, Walter; Hell, Kai

2010-02-12

The co-chaperone Hep1 is required to prevent the aggregation of mitochondrial Hsp70 proteins. We have analyzed the interaction of Hep1 with mitochondrial Hsp70 (Ssc1) and the determinants in Ssc1 that make it prone to aggregation. The ATPase and peptide binding domain (PBD) of Hsp70 proteins are connected by a linker segment that mediates interdomain communication between the domains. We show here that the minimal Hep1 binding entity of Ssc1 consists of the ATPase domain and the interdomain linker. In the absence of Hep1, the ATPase domain with the interdomain linker had the tendency to aggregate, in contrast to the ATPase domain with the mutated linker segment or without linker, and in contrast to the PBD. The closest homolog of Ssc1, bacterial DnaK, and a Ssc1 chimera, in which a segment of the ATPase domain of Ssc1 was replaced by the corresponding segment from DnaK, did not aggregate in Delta hep1 mitochondria. The propensity to aggregate appears to be a specific property of the mitochondrial Hsp70 proteins. The ATPase domain in combination with the interdomain linker is crucial for aggregation of Ssc1. In conclusion, our results suggest that interdomain communication makes Ssc1 prone to aggregation. Hep1 counteracts aggregation by binding to this aggregation-prone conformer.

ATPase Domain and Interdomain Linker Play a Key Role in Aggregation of Mitochondrial Hsp70 Chaperone Ssc1*

PubMed Central

Blamowska, Marta; Sichting, Martin; Mapa, Koyeli; Mokranjac, Dejana; Neupert, Walter; Hell, Kai

2010-01-01

The co-chaperone Hep1 is required to prevent the aggregation of mitochondrial Hsp70 proteins. We have analyzed the interaction of Hep1 with mitochondrial Hsp70 (Ssc1) and the determinants in Ssc1 that make it prone to aggregation. The ATPase and peptide binding domain (PBD) of Hsp70 proteins are connected by a linker segment that mediates interdomain communication between the domains. We show here that the minimal Hep1 binding entity of Ssc1 consists of the ATPase domain and the interdomain linker. In the absence of Hep1, the ATPase domain with the interdomain linker had the tendency to aggregate, in contrast to the ATPase domain with the mutated linker segment or without linker, and in contrast to the PBD. The closest homolog of Ssc1, bacterial DnaK, and a Ssc1 chimera, in which a segment of the ATPase domain of Ssc1 was replaced by the corresponding segment from DnaK, did not aggregate in Δhep1 mitochondria. The propensity to aggregate appears to be a specific property of the mitochondrial Hsp70 proteins. The ATPase domain in combination with the interdomain linker is crucial for aggregation of Ssc1. In conclusion, our results suggest that interdomain communication makes Ssc1 prone to aggregation. Hep1 counteracts aggregation by binding to this aggregation-prone conformer. PMID:20007714

A Case Study of Infant Physiologic Response to Skin-to-Skin Contact After Surgery for Complex Congenital Heart Disease.

PubMed

Harrison, Tondi M; Ludington-Hoe, Susan

2015-01-01

Infants with complex congenital heart disease requiring surgical intervention within the first days or weeks of life may be the most seriously ill infants needing intensive nursing and medical care. Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) is well accepted and practiced as a positive therapeutic intervention in premature infants but is not routinely offered to infants in cardiac intensive care units. The physiologic effects of SSC in the congenital heart disease population must be examined before recommending incorporation of SSC into standard care routines. The purpose of this case study was to describe the physiologic response to a single session of SSC in an 18-day-old infant with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Repeated measures of heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and temperature were recorded 30 minutes before SSC, during SSC (including interruptions for bottle and breast feedings), and 10 minutes after SSC was completed. All physiologic parameters were clinically acceptable throughout the 135-minute observation. This case study provides beginning evidence that SSC is safe in full-term infants after surgery for complex congenital heart disease. Further research with a larger sample is needed to examine the effects of SSC on infant physiology before surgery and earlier in the postoperative time period as well as on additional outcomes such as length of stay, maternal-infant interaction, and neurodevelopment.

Reduced levels of S-nitrosothiols in plasma of patients with systemic sclerosis and Raynaud's phenomenon.

PubMed

Kundu, Devi; Abraham, David; Black, Carol M; Denton, Christopher P; Bruckdorfer, K Richard

2014-12-01

S-Nitrosothiols (RSNOs) are bioactive forms of nitric oxide which are involved in cell signalling and redox regulation of vascular function. Circulating S-nitrosothiols are predominantly in the form of S-nitrosoalbumin. In this study plasma concentrations of S-nitrosothiols were measured in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) where NO metabolism is known to be abnormal. Venous blood was collected from 16 patients with Raynaud's phenomenon (RP), 45 with systemic sclerosis (SSc) (34 patients had limited SSc (IcSSc) and 11 diffuse cutaneous disease (dcSSc)). Twenty six healthy subjects were used as controls. Plasma S-nitrosothiol concentrations were measured by chemiluminescence. The measurements were related to the extent of biological age, capillary/skin scores and disease duration. Plasma RSNO levels in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and in those with SSc was significantly lower compared to the concentrations in control subjects. In SSc, plasma S-nitrosothiols were often below the level of detection (1nM). Low S-nitrosothiol concentrations were observed in the blood of patients with SSc and patients with RP indicating a profound disturbance of nitric oxide metabolism. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Intestinal microbiome in scleroderma: recent progress.

PubMed

Volkmann, Elizabeth R

2017-11-01

Our evolving understanding of how gut microbiota affects immune function and homeostasis has led many investigators to explore the potentially pathologic role of gut microbiota in autoimmune diseases. This review will discuss the rapidly advancing field of microbiome research in systemic sclerosis (SSc), an incurable autoimmune disease with significant gastrointestinal morbidity and mortality. Recent reports have identified common perturbations in gut microbiota across different SSc cohorts. Compared with healthy controls, patients with SSc have decreased abundance of beneficial commensal genera (e.g. Faecalibacterium, Clostridium and Bacteroides) and increased abundance of pathbiont genera (e.g. Fusobacterium, Prevotella and Erwinia). Certain genera may protect against (e.g. Bacteroides, Clostridium, and Lactobacillus), or conversely exacerbate (e.g. Fusobacterium and Prevotella) gastrointestinal symptoms in SSc. These genera represent potential targets to avert or treat gastrointestinal dysfunction in SSc. Emerging evidence suggests that alterations in gut microbiota exist in the SSc disease state; however, future basic and clinical studies are needed to ascertain the mechanism by which these alterations perpetuate inflammation and fibrosis in SSc. Therapeutic trials are also needed to investigate whether dietary interventions or fecal transplantation can restore the gut microbial balance and improve health outcomes in SSc. VIDEO ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/COR/A38.

Systemic Sclerosis and Malignancy: A Review of Current Data

PubMed Central

Zeineddine, Nabil; Khoury, Lara El; Mosak, Joseph

2016-01-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is associated with increased risk of malignancy. The organ systems most commonly affected are the lungs, the breasts and the hematological system. Risk factors predisposing a SSc patient for development of malignancy are not well defined, and the pathogenic basis of the association is yet to be explained. The incidence of malignancies in SSc patients is variable from one report to another, but most importantly, questions regarding the role of immunosuppressive therapies and the effect of autoantibodies have weak or sometimes contradictory answers in most of the currently available literature and physicians have no available guidelines to screen their SSc patients for malignancies. The lack of a concretely defined high-risk profile and the absence of malignancy screening guidelines tailored for SSc patients raise the importance of the need for more studies on the association of SSc and cancer and should incite rheumatology colleges to develop specific recommendations for the clinician to follow while approaching patients with SSc. PMID:27540435

Time parameterizations and spin supplementary conditions of the Mathisson-Papapetrou-Dixon equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lukes-Gerakopoulos, Georgios

2017-11-01

The implications of two different time constraints on the Mathisson-Papapetrou-Dixon (MPD) equations are discussed under three spin supplementary conditions (SSCs). For this reason the MPD equations are revisited without specifying the affine parameter and several relations are reintroduced in their general form. The latter allows one to investigate the consequences of combining the Mathisson-Pirani (MP) SSC, the Tulczyjew-Dixon (TD) SSC and the Ohashi-Kyrian-Semerák (OKS) SSC with two affine parameter types: the proper time on one hand and the parameterizations introduced in [Gen. Relativ. Gravit. 8, 197 (1977), 10.1007/BF00763547] on the other. For the MP SSC and the TD SSC it is shown that quantities that are constant of motion for the one affine parameter are not for the other, while for the OKS SSC it is shown that the two affine parameters are the same. To clarify the relation between the two affine parameters in the case of the TD SSC the MPD equations are evolved and discussed.

A Comparison of Turbidity-Based and Streamflow-Based Estimates of Suspended-Sediment Concentrations in Three Chesapeake Bay Tributaries

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jastram, John D.; Moyer, Douglas; Hyer, Kenneth

2009-01-01

Fluvial transport of sediment into the Chesapeake Bay estuary is a persistent water-quality issue with major implications for the overall health of the bay ecosystem. Accurately and precisely estimating the suspended-sediment concentrations (SSC) and loads that are delivered to the bay, however, remains challenging. Although manual sampling of SSC produces an accurate series of point-in-time measurements, robust extrapolation to unmeasured periods (especially highflow periods) has proven to be difficult. Sediment concentrations typically have been estimated using regression relations between individual SSC values and associated streamflow values; however, suspended-sediment transport during storm events is extremely variable, and it is often difficult to relate a unique SSC to a given streamflow. With this limitation for estimating SSC, innovative approaches for generating detailed records of suspended-sediment transport are needed. One effective method for improved suspended-sediment determination involves the continuous monitoring of turbidity as a surrogate for SSC. Turbidity measurements are theoretically well correlated to SSC because turbidity represents a measure of water clarity that is directly influenced by suspended sediments; thus, turbidity-based estimation models typically are effective tools for generating SSC data. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Chesapeake Bay Program and Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, initiated continuous turbidity monitoring on three major tributaries of the bay - the James, Rappahannock, and North Fork Shenandoah Rivers - to evaluate the use of turbidity as a sediment surrogate in rivers that deliver sediment to the bay. Results of this surrogate approach were compared to the traditionally applied streamflow-based approach for estimating SSC. Additionally, evaluation and comparison of these two approaches were conducted for nutrient estimations. Results demonstrate that the application of turbidity-based estimation models provides an improved method for generating a continuous record of SSC, relative to the classical approach that uses streamflow as a surrogate for SSC. Turbidity-based estimates of SSC were found to be more accurate and precise than SSC estimates from streamflow-based approaches. The turbidity-based SSC estimation models explained 92 to 98 percent of the variability in SSC, while streamflow-based models explained 74 to 88 percent of the variability in SSC. Furthermore, the mean absolute error of turbidity-based SSC estimates was 50 to 87 percent less than the corresponding values from the streamflow-based models. Statistically significant differences were detected between the distributions of residual errors and estimates from the two approaches, indicating that the turbidity-based approach yields estimates of SSC with greater precision than the streamflow-based approach. Similar improvements were identified for turbidity-based estimates of total phosphorus, which is strongly related to turbidity because total phosphorus occurs predominantly in particulate form. Total nitrogen estimation models based on turbidity and streamflow generated estimates of similar quality, with the turbidity-based models providing slight improvements in the quality of estimations. This result is attributed to the understanding that nitrogen transport is dominated by dissolved forms that relate less directly to streamflow and turbidity. Improvements in concentration estimation resulted in improved estimates of load. Turbidity-based suspended-sediment loads estimated for the James River at Cartersville, VA, monitoring station exhibited tighter confidence interval bounds and a coefficient of variation of 12 percent, compared with a coefficient of variation of 38 percent for the streamflow-based load.

A Particle-in-cell scheme of the RFQ in the SSC-Linac

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Chen; He, Yuan; Lu, Yuan-Rong; Yuri, Batygin; Yin, Ling; Wang, Zhi-Jun; Yuan, You-Jin; Liu, Yong; Chang, Wei; Du, Xiao-Nan; Wang, Zhi; Xia, Jia-Wen

2010-11-01

A 52 MHz Radio Frequency Quadrupole (RFQ) linear accelerator (linac) is designed to serve as an initial structure for the SSC-Linac system (injector into Separated Sector Cyclotron). The designed injection and output energy are 3.5 keV/u and 143 keV/u, respectively. The beam dynamics in this RFQ have been studied using a three-dimensional Particle-In-Cell (PIC) code BEAMPATH. Simulation results show that this RFQ structure is characterized by stable values of beam transmission efficiency (at least 95%) for both zero-current mode and the space charge dominated regime. The beam accelerated in the RFQ has good quality in both transverse and longitudinal directions, and could easily be accepted by Drift Tube Linac (DTL). The effect of the vane error and that of the space charge on the beam parameters have been studied as well to define the engineering tolerance for RFQ vane machining and alignment.

A Spatially Distributed Conceptual Model for Estimating Suspended Sediment Yield in Alpine catchments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Costa, Anna; Molnar, Peter; Anghileri, Daniela

2017-04-01

Suspended sediment is associated with nutrient and contaminant transport in water courses. Estimating suspended sediment load is relevant for water-quality assessment, recreational activities, reservoir sedimentation issues, and ecological habitat assessment. Suspended sediment concentration (SSC) along channels is usually reproduced by suspended sediment rating curves, which relate SSC to discharge with a power law equation. Large uncertainty characterizes rating curves based only on discharge, because sediment supply is not explicitly accounted for. The aim of this work is to develop a source-oriented formulation of suspended sediment dynamics and to estimate suspended sediment yield at the outlet of a large Alpine catchment (upper Rhône basin, Switzerland). We propose a novel modelling approach for suspended sediment which accounts for sediment supply by taking into account the variety of sediment sources in an Alpine environment, i.e. the spatial location of sediment sources (e.g. distance from the outlet and lithology) and the different processes of sediment production and transport (e.g. by rainfall, overland flow, snowmelt). Four main sediment sources, typical of Alpine environments, are included in our model: glacial erosion, hillslope erosion, channel erosion and erosion by mass wasting processes. The predictive model is based on gridded datasets of precipitation and air temperature which drive spatially distributed degree-day models to simulate snowmelt and ice-melt, and determine erosive rainfall. A mass balance at the grid scale determines daily runoff. Each cell belongs to a different sediment source (e.g. hillslope, channel, glacier cell). The amount of sediment entrained and transported in suspension is simulated through non-linear functions of runoff, specific for sediment production and transport processes occurring at the grid scale (e.g. rainfall erosion, snowmelt-driven overland flow). Erodibility factors identify different lithological units, while the distance from the outlet is accounted for by including sediment wave velocities. The model is calibrated and validated on the basis of continuous turbidity data measured at the outlet of the basin. In addition, SSC data measured twice per week since 1964 are used to evaluate the performance of the model over longer time scales. Our predictive model is shown to reproduce SSC dynamics of the upper Rhône basin satisfactorily. The model accounts for the spatial distribution of sediment sources (location and processes of erosion and transport) and their activation/deactivation throughout the hydrological year. Therefore, it can reproduce the effects of changes in climate on sediment fluxes. In particular, we show that observed changes in SSC in the upper Rhône basin during the last 40 years are likely a consequence of increased air temperatures in this period and the consequent acceleration of glacial erosion.

Secondary plastic closure of gastroschisis is associated with a lower incidence of mechanical ventilation.

PubMed

Dariel, Anne; Poocharoen, Wannisa; de Silva, Nicole; Pleasants, Hazel; Gerstle, Justin Ted

2015-02-01

Nonsurgical closure after primary silo placement, secondary plastic closure (SPC), has been used as an alternative to secondary surgical closure (SSC) in gastroschisis. The benefits described were closure without formal surgical procedure, cosmetic aspect, and minimization of intra-abdominal pressures. This study compared requirements for mechanical ventilation and general anesthesia, nutritional care, and outcomes between SPC and SSC. We included patients with primary staged-silo reduction with a 1-year minimum follow-up. SPC was performed at bedside with sedation using a nonadherent dressing. SSC was performed in operating room under general anesthesia using standard surgical techniques. This retrospective study included 64 patients, 23 SPC and 41 SSC. The characteristics of the two groups were comparable. Mechanical ventilation was used for 15 SPC and 41 SSC (p=0.0001) with a comparable median duration (5.5 and 6.0 days, not significant [NS]). General anesthesia was required for 9 SPC and 41 SSC (p<0.0001). Complications included one SPC and six SSC with necrotizing enterocolitis, zero SPC and four SSC with intestinal atresia, two SPC and four SSC with small bowel obstruction, zero SPC and one SSC with abdominal compartment syndrome resulting in a short bowel syndrome (NS). Median duration of parenteral nutrition (30 and 27 days), time to first feeds (14 and 14 days), time at or above minimal enteral feeding (22 and 17 days), time to full feeds (31 and 28 days), length of stay (LOS) in neonatal intensive care unit (24 and 23.5 days) and overall hospital LOS (37 and 36 days) were not statistically different between SPC and SSC patients without complications, respectively. These data were comparable for SPC and SSC patients with complications. Five SPC and six SSC developed an umbilical hernia (NS); two patients in each group required a surgical repair (NS). Plastic closure of gastroschisis after primary silo reduction is simple, safe, reproducible, and associated with a significant lower incidence of mechanical ventilation. Nutritional management and length of hospital stay were similar to conventional surgical closure for patients. Plastic closure allows nonoperative management without general anesthesia at patient's bedside, in comparison with surgical closure that must be performed under general anesthesia in the operating room. Plastic closure does not appear to be associated with more umbilical hernias in this retrospective study. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

40 CFR 35.6805 - Contents of an SSC.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... STATE AND LOCAL ASSISTANCE Cooperative Agreements and Superfund State Contracts for Superfund Response Actions Requirements for Administering A Superfund State Contract (ssc) § 35.6805 Contents of an SSC. The...

40 CFR 35.6805 - Contents of an SSC.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... STATE AND LOCAL ASSISTANCE Cooperative Agreements and Superfund State Contracts for Superfund Response Actions Requirements for Administering A Superfund State Contract (ssc) § 35.6805 Contents of an SSC. The...

40 CFR 35.6805 - Contents of an SSC.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... STATE AND LOCAL ASSISTANCE Cooperative Agreements and Superfund State Contracts for Superfund Response Actions Requirements for Administering A Superfund State Contract (ssc) § 35.6805 Contents of an SSC. The...

40 CFR 35.6805 - Contents of an SSC.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... STATE AND LOCAL ASSISTANCE Cooperative Agreements and Superfund State Contracts for Superfund Response Actions Requirements for Administering A Superfund State Contract (ssc) § 35.6805 Contents of an SSC. The...

Fructose Malabsorption in Systemic Sclerosis

PubMed Central

Marie, Isabelle; Leroi, Anne-Marie; Gourcerol, Guillaume; Levesque, Hervé; Ménard, Jean-François; Ducrotte, Philippe

2015-01-01

Abstract The deleterious effect of fructose, which is increasingly incorporated in many beverages, dairy products, and processed foods, has been described; fructose malabsorption has thus been reported in up to 2.4% of healthy subjects, leading to digestive clinical symptoms (eg, pain, distension, diarrhea). Because digestive involvement is frequent in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), we hypothesized that fructose malabsorption could be responsible for intestinal manifestations in these patients. The aims of this prospective study were to: determine the prevalence of fructose malabsorption, in SSc; predict which SSc patients are at risk of developing fructose malabsorption; and assess the outcome of digestive symptoms in SSc patients after initiation of standardized low-fructose diet. Eighty consecutive patients with SSc underwent fructose breath test. All SSc patients also completed a questionnaire on digestive symptoms, and a global symptom score (GSS) was calculated. The prevalence of fructose malabsorption was as high as 40% in SSc patients. We also observed a marked correlation between the presence of fructose malabsorption and: higher values of GSS score of digestive symptoms (P = 0.000004); and absence of delayed gastric emptying (P = 0.007). Furthermore, in SSc patients with fructose malabsorption, the median value of GSS score of digestive symptoms was lower after initiation of standardized low-fructose diet (4 before vs. 1 after; P = 0.0009). Our study underscores that fructose malabsorption often occurs in SSc patients. Our findings are thus relevant for clinical practice, highlighting that fructose breath test is a helpful, noninvasive method by: demonstrating fructose intolerance in patients with SSc; and identifying the group of SSc patients with fructose intolerance who may benefit from low-fructose diet. Interestingly, because the present series also shows that low-fructose diet resulted in a marked decrease of gastrointestinal clinical manifestations in SSc patients with fructose malabsorption, our findings underscore that fructose malabsorption may play a significant role in the onset of gastrointestinal symptoms in these patients. Finally, we suggest that fructose malabsorption may be due to reduced fructose absorption by enterocytes, impaired enteric microbiome, and decreased intestinal permeability. PMID:26426642

Autoantibodies in Serum of Systemic Scleroderma Patients: Peptide-Based Epitope Mapping Indicates Increased Binding to Cytoplasmic Domains of CXCR3.

PubMed

Recke, Andreas; Regensburger, Ann-Katrin; Weigold, Florian; Müller, Antje; Heidecke, Harald; Marschner, Gabriele; Hammers, Christoph M; Ludwig, Ralf J; Riemekasten, Gabriela

2018-01-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe chronic autoimmune disease with high morbidity and mortality. Sera of patients with SSc contain a large variety of autoantibody (aab) reactivities. Among these are functionally active aab that bind to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) such as C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) and 4 (CXCR4). Aab binding to the N-terminal portion of these two GPCRs have been shown to be associated with slower disease progression in SSc, especially deterioration of lung function. Aabs binding to GPCRs exhibit functional activities by stimulating or inhibiting GPCR signaling. The specific functional activity of aabs crucially depends on the epitopes they bind to. To identify the location of important epitopes on CXCR3 recognized by aabs from SSc patients, we applied an array of 36 overlapping 18-20mer peptides covering the entire CXCR3 sequence, comparing epitope specificity of SSc patient sera ( N  = 32, with positive reactivity with CXCR3) to healthy controls ( N  = 30). Binding of SSc patient and control sera to these peptides was determined by ELISA. Using a Bayesian model approach, we found increased binding of SSc patient sera to peptides corresponding to intracellular epitopes within CXCR3, while the binding signal to extracellular portions of CXCR3 was found to be reduced. Experimentally determined epitopes showed a good correspondence to those predicted by the ABCpred tool. To verify these results and to translate them into a novel diagnostic ELISA, we combined the peptides that represent SSc-associated epitopes into a single ELISA and evaluated its potential to discriminate SSc patients ( N  = 31) from normal healthy controls ( N  = 47). This ELISA had a sensitivity of 0.61 and a specificity of 0.85. Our data reveals that SSc sera preferentially bind intracellular epitopes of CXCR3, while an extracellular epitope in the N-terminal domain that appears to be target of aabs in healthy individuals is not bound by SSc sera. Based upon our results, we could devise a novel ELISA concept that may be helpful for monitoring of SSc patients.

Autoantibodies in Serum of Systemic Scleroderma Patients: Peptide-Based Epitope Mapping Indicates Increased Binding to Cytoplasmic Domains of CXCR3

PubMed Central

Recke, Andreas; Regensburger, Ann-Katrin; Weigold, Florian; Müller, Antje; Heidecke, Harald; Marschner, Gabriele; Hammers, Christoph M.; Ludwig, Ralf J.; Riemekasten, Gabriela

2018-01-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe chronic autoimmune disease with high morbidity and mortality. Sera of patients with SSc contain a large variety of autoantibody (aab) reactivities. Among these are functionally active aab that bind to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) such as C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) and 4 (CXCR4). Aab binding to the N-terminal portion of these two GPCRs have been shown to be associated with slower disease progression in SSc, especially deterioration of lung function. Aabs binding to GPCRs exhibit functional activities by stimulating or inhibiting GPCR signaling. The specific functional activity of aabs crucially depends on the epitopes they bind to. To identify the location of important epitopes on CXCR3 recognized by aabs from SSc patients, we applied an array of 36 overlapping 18-20mer peptides covering the entire CXCR3 sequence, comparing epitope specificity of SSc patient sera (N = 32, with positive reactivity with CXCR3) to healthy controls (N = 30). Binding of SSc patient and control sera to these peptides was determined by ELISA. Using a Bayesian model approach, we found increased binding of SSc patient sera to peptides corresponding to intracellular epitopes within CXCR3, while the binding signal to extracellular portions of CXCR3 was found to be reduced. Experimentally determined epitopes showed a good correspondence to those predicted by the ABCpred tool. To verify these results and to translate them into a novel diagnostic ELISA, we combined the peptides that represent SSc-associated epitopes into a single ELISA and evaluated its potential to discriminate SSc patients (N = 31) from normal healthy controls (N = 47). This ELISA had a sensitivity of 0.61 and a specificity of 0.85. Our data reveals that SSc sera preferentially bind intracellular epitopes of CXCR3, while an extracellular epitope in the N-terminal domain that appears to be target of aabs in healthy individuals is not bound by SSc sera. Based upon our results, we could devise a novel ELISA concept that may be helpful for monitoring of SSc patients. PMID:29623076

Whole-exome Sequencing Identifies Rare Variants in ATP8B4 as a Risk Factor for Systemic Sclerosis

PubMed Central

Gao, Li; Emond, Mary J; Louie, Tin; Cheadle, Chris; Berger, Alan E.; Rafaels, Nicholas; Vergara, Candelaria; Kim, Yoonhee; Taub, Margaret A.; Ruczinski, Ingo; Mathai, Stephen C.; Rich, Stephen S; Nickerson, Deborah A; Hummers, Laura K.; Bamshad, Michael J; Hassoun, Paul M.; Mathias, Rasika A; Barnes, Kathleen C.

2015-01-01

Objective To determine the contribution of rare variants as genetic modifiers of the expressivity, penetrance, and severity of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods We performed whole-exome sequencing of 78 European American systemic sclerosis patients, including 35 patients without pulmonary arterial hypertension (SSc-PAH−) and 43 patients with PAH (SSc-PAH+). Association testing of case-control probability for rare variants was performed using the aSKAT-O method with small sample adjustment by comparing all SSc patients with a reference population of 3,179 controls from the ESP 5,500 exome dataset. Replication genotyping was performed in an independent sample of 3,263 patients (415 SSc and 2,848 controls). We conducted expression profiling of mRNA from 61 SSc patients (19 SSc-PAH− and 42 SSc-PAH+) and 41 corresponding controls. Results The ATP8B4 gene was associated with a significant increase in the risk of SSc (P = 3.18 × 10−7). Among the 64 ATP8B4 variants tested, a single missense variant, c.1308C>G (F436L, rs55687265), provided the most compelling evidence for association (P = 9.35 × 10−10; OR = 6.11), which was confirmed in the replication cohort (P = 0.012; OR = 1.86) and meta-analysis (P = 1.92 x 10−7; OR = 2.5). Genes involved in E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase complex (ASB10) and cyclic nucleotide gated channelopathies (CNGB3) as well as HLA-DRB5 and HSPB2 (aka heat shock protein 27) provided additional evidence for association (P < 10−5). Differential ATP8B4 expression was observed among the SSc patients compared to the controls (P = 0.0005). Conclusion ATP8B4 may represent a putative genetic risk factor for SSc and pulmonary vascular complications. PMID:26473621

Identification and characterization of microRNA in the lung tissue of pigs with different susceptibilities to PCV2 infection.

PubMed

Zhang, Ping; Wang, Liyuan; Li, Yanping; Jiang, Ping; Wang, Yanchao; Wang, Pengfei; Kang, Li; Wang, Yuding; Sun, Yi; Jiang, Yunliang

2018-02-15

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the primary cause of post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) and other PCV-associated diseases. According to our previous RNA-sequencing analysis, the differences in the susceptibility to PCV2 infection depended on the genetic differences between the Laiwu (LW) and Yorkshire × Landrace crossbred (YL) pigs, but the cellular microRNA (miRNA) that are differentially expressed between the LW and YL pigs before and after PCV2 infection remain to be determined. In this study, high-throughput sequencing was performed to determine the abundance and differential expression of miRNA in lung tissues from PCV2-infected and PCV2-uninfected LW and YL pigs. In total, 295 known and 95 novel miRNA were identified, and 23 known and 25 novel miRNA were significantly differentially expressed in the PCV2-infected vs. PCV2-uninfected LW pigs and/or the PCV2-infected vs. PCV2-uninfected YL pigs. The expression levels of ssc-miR-122, ssc-miR-192, ssc-miR-451, ssc-miR-486, and ssc-miR-504 were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Analysis of the potential targets of the four up-regulated miRNA (i.e., ssc-miR-122, ssc-miR-192, ssc-miR-451 and ssc-miR-486) identified pathways and genes that may be important for disease resistance. Among the up-regulated miRNA, ssc-miR-122 can repress the protein expression and viral DNA replication of PCV2 and down-regulate the expression of the nuclear factor of activated T-cells 5 (NFAT5) and aminopeptidase puromycin sensitive (NPEPPS) by binding to their 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) in PK15 cells. Therefore, ssc-miR-122 may indirectly suppress PCV2 infection by targeting genes related to the host immune system, such as NFAT5 and NPEPPS.

Informatics can identify systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients at risk for scleroderma renal crisis.

PubMed

Redd, Doug; Frech, Tracy M; Murtaugh, Maureen A; Rhiannon, Julia; Zeng, Qing T

2014-10-01

Electronic medical records (EMR) provide an ideal opportunity for the detection, diagnosis, and management of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The objective of this project was to use informatics to identify potential SSc patients in the VHA that were on prednisone, in order to inform an outreach project to prevent scleroderma renal crisis (SRC). The electronic medical data for this study came from Veterans Informatics and Computing Infrastructure (VINCI). For natural language processing (NLP) analysis, a set of retrieval criteria was developed for documents expected to have a high correlation to SSc. The two annotators reviewed the ratings to assemble a single adjudicated set of ratings, from which a support vector machine (SVM) based document classifier was trained. Any patient having at least one document positively classified for SSc was considered positive for SSc and the use of prednisone≥10mg in the clinical document was reviewed to determine whether it was an active medication on the prescription list. In the VHA, there were 4272 patients that have a diagnosis of SSc determined by the presence of an ICD-9 code. From these patients, 1118 patients (21%) had the use of prednisone≥10mg. Of these patients, 26 had a concurrent diagnosis of hypertension, thus these patients should not be on prednisone. By the use of natural language processing (NLP) an additional 16,522 patients were identified as possible SSc, highlighting that cases of SSc in the VHA may exist that are unidentified by ICD-9. A 10-fold cross validation of the classifier resulted in a precision (positive predictive value) of 0.814, recall (sensitivity) of 0.973, and f-measure of 0.873. Our study demonstrated that current clinical practice in the VHA includes the potentially dangerous use of prednisone for veterans with SSc. This present study also suggests there may be many undetected cases of SSc and NLP can successfully identify these patients. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Low heme oxygenase-1 levels in patients with systemic sclerosis are associated with an altered Toll-like receptor response: another role for CXCL4?

PubMed

van Bon, Lenny; Cossu, Marta; Scharstuhl, Alwin; Pennings, Bas W C; Vonk, Madelon C; Vreman, Hendrik J; Lafyatis, Robert L; van den Berg, Wim; Wagener, Frank A D T G; Radstake, Timothy R D J

2016-11-01

SSc is a disease characterized by inflammation and fibrosis. Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a haem-degrading enzyme that mediates resolution of inflammation and is induced upon mediators abundantly present in SSc. We aimed to assess whether HO-1 expression/function is disturbed in SSc patients and could therefore be contributing to the ongoing inflammation. In total, 92 SSc patients and 48 healthy controls were included. By measuring total bilirubin in plasma in vivo, HO-activity was assessed. HO-1 expression levels were determined with western blot in monocytes before and after induction of HO-1 with cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP) with or without CXCL4. Monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) were stimulated with several Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands with or without pre-stimulation with CoPP for 24 h. Cytokine levels were measured in the supernatants using the Luminex Bead Array. SSc patients have lower plasma levels of bilirubin, suggestive of an aberrant HO-1 function. We demonstrated low HO-1 expression in immune cells from SSc patients, whereas induction with CoPP was able to restore HO-1 levels in DCs from SSc patients, almost normalizing the increased TLR response observed in SSc. Co-exposure to CXCL4 completely abrogated CoPP-induced HO-1 expression, suggesting that the high CXCL4 levels present in SSc patients block the normal induction of HO-1 and its function. We demonstrate that HO activity in SSc patients is decreased and show its functional consequences. Since CXCL4 blocks the induction of HO-1 expression, neutralization of CXCL4 in SSc patients could have clinical benefits by diminishing overactivation of immune cells and other anti-inflammatory effects of HO-1. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Rheumatology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Sus scrofa miR-204 and miR-4331 Negatively Regulate Swine H1N1/2009 Influenza A Virus Replication by Targeting Viral HA and NS, Respectively.

PubMed

Zhang, Shishuo; Wang, Ruifang; Su, Huijuan; Wang, Biaoxiong; Sizhu, Suolang; Lei, Zhixin; Jin, Meilin; Chen, Huanchun; Cao, Jiyue; Zhou, Hongbo

2017-04-03

The prevalence of swine pandemic H1N1/2009 influenza A virus (SIV-H1N1/2009) in pigs has the potential to generate novel reassortant viruses, posing a great threat to human health. Cellular microRNAs (miRNAs) have been proven as promising small molecules for regulating influenza A virus replication by directly targeting viral genomic RNA. In this study, we predicted potential Sus scrofa (ssc-, swine) miRNAs targeting the genomic RNA of SIV-H1N1/2009 by RegRNA 2.0, and identified ssc-miR-204 and ssc-miR-4331 to target viral HA and NS respectively through dual-luciferase reporter assays. The messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of viral HA and NS were significantly suppressed when newborn pig trachea (NPTr) cells respectively overexpressed ssc-miR-204 and ssc-miR-4331 and were infected with SIV-H1N1/2009, whereas the suppression effect could be restored when respectively decreasing endogenous ssc-miR-204 and ssc-miR-4331 with inhibitors. Because of the importance of viral HA and NS in the life cycle of influenza A virus, ssc-miR-204 and ssc-miR-4331 exhibited an inhibition effect on SIV-H1N1/2009 replication. The antiviral effect was sequence-specific of SIV-H1N1/2009, for the target sites in HA and NS of H5N1 or H9N2 influenza A virus were not conserved. Furthermore, SIV-H1N1/2009 infection reversely downregulated the expression of ssc-miR-204 and ssc-miR-4331, which might facilitate the virus replication in the host. In summary, this work will provide us some important clues for controlling the prevalence of SIV-H1N1/2009 in pig populations.

Transcriptional profiling, molecular cloning, and functional analysis of C1 inhibitor, the main regulator of the complement system in black rockfish, Sebastes schlegelii.

PubMed

Nilojan, Jehanathan; Bathige, S D N K; Thulasitha, W S; Kwon, Hyukjae; Jung, Sumi; Kim, Myoung-Jin; Nam, Bo-Hye; Lee, Jehee

2018-04-01

C1-inhibitor (C1inh) plays a crucial role in assuring homeostasis and is the central regulator of the complement activation involved in immunity and inflammation. A C1-inhibitor gene from Sebastes schlegelii was identified and designated as SsC1inh. The identified genomic DNA and cDNA sequences were 6837 bp and 2161 bp, respectively. The genomic DNA possessed 11 exons, interrupted by 10 introns. The amino acid sequence possessed two immunoglobulin-like domains and a serpin domain. Multiple sequence alignment revealed that the serpin domain of SsC1inh was highly conserved among analyzed species where the two immunoglobulin-like domains showed divergence. The distinctiveness of teleost C1inh from other homologs was indicated by the phylogenetic analysis, genomic DNA organization, and their extended N-terminal amino acid sequences. Under normal physiological conditions, SsC1inh mRNA was most expressed in the liver, followed by the gills. The involvement of SsC1inh in homeostasis was demonstrated by modulated transcription profiles in the liver and spleen upon pathogenic stress by different immune stimulants. The protease inhibitory potential of recombinant SsC1inh (rSsC1inh) and the potentiation effect of heparin on rSsC1inh was demonstrated against C1esterase and thrombin. For the first time, the anti-protease activity of the teleost C1inh against its natural substrates C1r and C1s was proved in this study. The protease assay conducted with recombinant black rockfish C1r and C1s proteins in the presence or absence of rSsC1inh showed that the activities of both proteases were significantly diminished by rSsC1inh. Taken together, results from the present study indicate that SsC1inh actively plays a significant role in maintaining homeostasis in the immune system of black rock fish. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Planning for Plume Diagnostics for Ground Testing of J-2X Engines at the SSC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

SaintCyr, William W.; Tejwani, Gopal D.; McVay, Gregory P.; Langford, Lester A.; SaintCyr, William W.

2010-01-01

John C. Stennis Space Center (SSC) is the premier test facility for liquid rocket engine development and certification for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Therefore, it is no surprise that the SSC will play the most prominent role in the engine development testing and certification for the J-2X engine. The Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne J-2X engine has been selected by the Constellation Program to power the Ares I Upper Stage Element and the Ares V Earth Departure Stage in NASA s strategy of risk mitigation for hardware development by building on the Apollo program and other lessons learned to deliver a human-rated engine that is on an aggressive development schedule, with first demonstration flight in 2010 and human test flights in 2012. Accordingly, J-2X engine design, development, test, and evaluation is to build upon heritage hardware and apply valuable experience gained from past development and testing efforts. In order to leverage SSC s successful and innovative expertise in the plume diagnostics for the space shuttle main engine (SSME) health monitoring,1-10 this paper will present a blueprint for plume diagnostics for various proposed ground testing activities for J-2X at SSC. Complete description of the SSC s test facilities, supporting infrastructure, and test facilities is available in Ref. 11. The A-1 Test Stand is currently being prepared for testing the J-2X engine at sea level conditions. The A-2 Test Stand is currently being used for testing the SSME and may also be used for testing the J-2X engine at sea level conditions in the future. Very recently, ground-breaking ceremony for the new A-3 rocket engine test stand took place at SSC on August 23, 2007. A-3 is the first large - scale test stand to be built at the SSC since the A and B stands were constructed in the 1960s. The A-3 Test Stand will be used for testing J-2X engines under vacuum conditions simulating high altitude operation at approximately 30,480 m (100,000 ft). To achieve the simulated altitude environment, chemical steam generators using isopropyl alcohol, LOX, and RELEASED - Printed documents may be obsolete; validate prior to use. water would run for the duration of the test and would generate approximately 2096 Kg/s of steam to reduce pressure in the test cell and downstream of the engine. The testing at the A-3 Test Stand is projected to begin in late 2010, meanwhile the J-2X component testing on A-1 is scheduled to begin later this year.

Salivary Cortisol as a Biomarker of Stress in Mothers and their Low Birth Weight Infants and Sample Collecting Challenges

PubMed Central

Vujičić, Ana Đorđević; Đukić, Svjetlana Maglajić

2016-01-01

Summary Background Salivary cortisol measurement is a non-invasive method suitable for use in neonatal research. Mother-infant separation after birth represents stress and skin-to-skin contact (SSC) has numerous benefits. The aim of the study was to measure salivary cortisol in mothers and newborns before and after SSC in order to assess the effect of SSC on mothers’ and infants’ stress and to estimate the efficacy of collecting small saliva samples in newborns. Methods Salivary cortisol was measured in 35 mother-infant pairs before and after the first and the fifth SSC in small saliva samples (50 μL) using the high sensitivity Quantitative ELISA-Kit (0.0828 nmol/L) for low cortisol levels detection. Samples were collected with eye sponge during 3 to 5 minutes. Results Cortisol level in mothers decreased after SSC: the highest levels were measured before and the lowest after SSC and the differences in values were significant during both the first (p<0.001) and the fifth SSC (p<0.001). During the first SSC the cortisol level decrease was detected in 14 (40%) and an increase in 21 (60%) newborns, and during the fifth SSC a decrease was detected in 16 (45.7%) and an increase in 19 (54.3%) newborns, without confirmed significance of the difference. Saliva sampling efficacy using eye sponge was 75%. Conclusions Cortisol level decrease in mothers proves the stress reduction during SSC, while variable cortisol levels in infants do not indicate stress reduction and imply the need for further research. The used sampling method appeared to be one of the most optimal considering the sample volume, sampling time and efficacy. PMID:28356870

Procollagen Type I and III Aminoterminal Propeptide Levels and Severity of Interstitial Lung Disease in Mexican Women With Progressive Systemic Sclerosis.

PubMed

Gonzalez-Lopez, Laura; Rocha-Muñoz, Alberto D; Olivas-Flores, Eva M; Garcia-Gonzalez, Araceli; Peguero-Gómez, Ana R; Flores-Navarro, Juan; Villa-Manzano, Alberto I; Zavaleta-Muñiz, Soraya A; Salazar-Paramo, Mario; Mejía, Mayra; Juárez-Contreras, Pablo; Vazquez-Del Mercado, Monica; Cardona-Muñoz, Ernesto G; Trujillo-Hernández, Benjamin; Nava-Zavala, Arnulfo H; Gamez-Nava, Jorge I

2015-09-01

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a frequent complication in progressive systemic sclerosis (SSc), being present in 25% to 90% of cases. To evaluate whether serum levels of procollagen typei and iii aminoterminal propeptide (PINP and PIIINP) correlate with severity and patterns of ILD in Mexican women with SSc. Thirty three SSc patients were assessed for disease characteristics and anti-topoisomerase antibodies (topoi), and also underwent pulmonary function tests and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). Nineteen patients had ILD+SSc, and 14 had no lung involvement (no ILD-SSc); data were compared with those from 45 healthy controls. PINP and PIIINP were assessed in all 3 groups. Patients with SSc had higher PINP and PIIINP vs controls (P=.001, P<.001, respectively). Compared to no ILD-SSc patients, those with ILD+SSc had longer disease duration in years (P=.005), higher modified Rodnan skin score (P<.001), higher Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability-Index scores (P<.001), higher topoi U/mL (P<.001), PINP (49.28±28.63 vs. 32.12±18.58μg/L, P=.05), and PIIINP (4.33±1.03 vs. 2.67±1.26μg/L, P<.001) levels. ILD severity based on total HRCT correlated with PINP (r=.388, P=.03) and PIIINP (P=.594, P<.001). On adjusted analysis, ILD severity was associated with disease duration (P=.037), PIIINP (P=.038), and topoi (P=.045). PINP and PIIINP are useful markers for severe ILD+SSc, suggesting they could play a role in the follow-up of this complication in SSc. Copyright © 2014 SEPAR. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Distinct mortality profile in systemic sclerosis: a death certificate study in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (2006-2015) using a multiple causes of death analysis.

PubMed

de Rezende, Rodrigo Poubel Vieira; Gismondi, Ronaldo Altenburg; Maleh, Haim Cesar; de Miranda Coelho, Elisa Mendes; Vieira, Carol Sartori; Rosa, Maria Luiza Garcia; Mocarzel, Luis Otavio

2017-12-16

The objective of this study was to assess the mortality profile related to SSc in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We retrospectively examined all registered deaths in the region (2006-2015 period) in which the diagnosis of SSc was mentioned on any line of the death certificates (underlying cause of death [UCD], n = 223; non-UCD, n = 151). Besides the analysis of gender, age, and the causes of death, we also compared the mortality from UCDs between individuals whose death causes included SSc (cases) and those whose death causes did not include SSc (deceased controls). For the latter comparison, we used the mortality odds ratio to approximate the cause-specific standardized mortality ratio. We identified 1495 death causes among the 374 SSc cases. The mean age at death of the SSc cases (85% women) was significantly lower than that of the controls (n = 1,294,117) (58.7 vs. 65.5 years, respectively). The main death causes were circulatory system diseases, infections, and respiratory diseases (36%, 34%, and 21% of SSc cases, respectively). Compared to the deceased controls, there were proportionally more deaths among the SSc cases from pulmonary arterial hypertension, lung fibrosis, septicemia, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, other systemic connective tissue diseases, and heart failure (for death age < 50 years). We confirmed the high burden of cardiovascular, respiratory, and infectious causes in this predominantly non-Caucasian sample of SSc patients. Of interest, the percentage of infection-related deaths in our report was about three times higher than that in SSc studies with predominantly Caucasian populations.

Autoantibody against matrix metalloproteinase-3 in patients with systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Nishijima, C; Hayakawa, I; Matsushita, T; Komura, K; Hasegawa, M; Takehara, K; Sato, S

2004-11-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by multi-organ fibrosis with an autoimmune background. Although autoantibodies are detected frequently in SSc patients, the role of autoantibody in the development of fibrosis remains unknown. Connective tissue homeostasis is a balance between the synthesis and degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM); ECM degradation is regulated mainly by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Anti-MMP-1 antibody is suggested to inhibit MMP-1 and be involved in the development of the fibrosis in SSc. However, the accumulation of various ECM components in the tissue of SSc cannot be explained by the anti-MMP-1 antibody alone. In this study, we examined the presence or levels of antibody to MMP-3, a protein which degrades various ECM components relevant to SSc fibrosis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using human recombinant MMP-3 revealed that IgG anti-MMP-3 autoantibody levels were elevated significantly in the sera from SSc patients, but not in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus or dermatomyositis. IgG and IgM anti-MMP-3 antibody levels were significantly higher in diffuse cutaneous SSc, a severe form, than those in limited cutaneous SSc. Consistently, IgG anti-MMP-3 antibody levels correlated significantly with fibrosis of the skin, lung and renal blood vessels. The presence of IgG anti-MMP-3 autoantibody in sera from SSc patients was confirmed by immunoblotting analysis. Remarkably, MMP-3 activity was inhibited by IgG anti-MMP-3 antibody. These results suggest that anti-MMP-3 antibody is a serological marker that reflects the severity of SSc and also suggest that it may contribute to the development of fibrosis by inhibiting MMP-3 activity and reducing the ECM turnover.

2013 American College of Rheumatology/European League against rheumatism classification criteria for systemic sclerosis outperform the 1980 criteria: data from the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group.

PubMed

Alhajeri, Hebah; Hudson, Marie; Fritzler, Marvin; Pope, Janet; Tatibouet, Solène; Markland, Janet; Robinson, David; Jones, Niall; Khalidi, Nader; Docherty, Peter; Kaminska, Elzbieta; Masetto, Ariel; Sutton, Evelyn; Mathieu, Jean-Pierre; Ligier, Sophie; Grodzicky, Tamara; LeClercq, Sharon; Thorne, Carter; Gyger, Geneviève; Smith, Douglas; Fortin, Paul R; Larché, Maggie; Baron, Murray

2015-04-01

The goal of this study was to determine the sensitivity of the new 2013 classification criteria for systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) in an independent cohort of SSc subjects and to assess the contribution of individual items of the criteria to the overall sensitivity. SSc subjects from the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group cohort were assessed. Sensitivity was determined in several subgroups of patients. In patients without the criterion of skin thickening proximal to the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints, we recalculated sensitivity after removing the individual criterion. A total of 724 SSc patients were included. Most were women (86%), mean age was 55.8 years, mean disease duration was 10.9 years, and 59% had limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc). Overall, the sensitivity of the 2013 criteria was 98.3% compared to 88.3% for the 1980 criteria. This pattern was consistent among those with lcSSc (98.8% versus 85.6%), anticentromere antibodies (98.9% versus 79.8%), disease duration ≤3 years (98.7% versus 84.7%), and no skin involvement proximal to the MCP joints (97% versus 60%). In the latter subgroup, removing Raynaud's phenomenon and sclerodactyly from the criteria reduced the sensitivity to 77% and 79%, respectively. Removing both sclerodactyly and puffy fingers reduced the sensitivity to 62%. The 2013 SSc classification criteria classify more SSc patients than the 1980 criteria. The improvement in sensitivity is most striking in those with lcSSc, especially those without skin involvement proximal to the MCP joints. The addition of Raynaud's phenomenon and puffy fingers to the 2013 criteria accounts for important gains in sensitivity. Copyright © 2015 by the American College of Rheumatology.

Progranulin Overproduction Due to Fli-1 Deficiency Contributes to the Resistance of Dermal Fibroblasts to Tumor Necrosis Factor in Systemic Sclerosis.

PubMed

Ichimura, Yohei; Asano, Yoshihide; Akamata, Kaname; Noda, Shinji; Taniguchi, Takashi; Takahashi, Takehiro; Toyama, Tetsuo; Tada, Yayoi; Sugaya, Makoto; Sato, Shinichi; Kadono, Takafumi

2015-12-01

Progranulin is a growth factor that is active in wound repair and is an antagonist of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptors, regulating fibroblast activation, angiogenesis, and inflammation. Because long-standing activation of gene programs related to wound healing is a hallmark of systemic sclerosis (SSc), we sought to investigate the role of progranulin in SSc. Progranulin expression levels in human and murine skin samples were determined by immunohistochemical analysis and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The role of progranulin in fibroblast activation was examined using a gene-silencing technique. Progranulin levels in serum obtained from 60 patients with SSc and 16 healthy control subjects were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Progranulin expression was increased in SSc dermal fibroblasts compared with normal dermal fibroblasts, both in vivo and in vitro. Transcription factor Fli-1, a deficiency of which is involved in the activation of SSc dermal fibroblasts, served as a potent repressor of the progranulin gene, and Fli-1(+/-) mice and bleomycin-treated wild-type mice exhibited up-regulated expression of progranulin in dermal fibroblasts. SSc dermal fibroblasts were resistant to the antifibrotic effect of TNF, but this resistance was reversed by gene silencing of progranulin. Serum progranulin levels were elevated in patients with early diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc), especially in those with inflammatory skin symptoms, and were positively correlated with the C-reactive protein level. Progranulin overproduction due to Fli-1 deficiency may contribute to the constitutive activation of SSc dermal fibroblasts by antagonizing the antifibrotic effect of TNF. Progranulin may also be involved in the inflammatory process associated with progressive skin sclerosis in early dcSSc. © 2015, American College of Rheumatology.

[Nailfold capillaroscopy and blood flow laser-doppler analysis of the microvascular damage in systemic sclerosis: preliminary results].

PubMed

Secchi, M E; Sulli, A; Pizzorni, C; Cutolo, M

2009-01-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by altered microvascular structure and function. Nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) is the tool to evaluate capillary morphological structure and laser-Doppler Blood flowmetry (LDF) can be used to estimate cutaneous blood flow of microvessels. The aim of this study was to investigate possible relationships between capillary morphology and blood flow in SSc. Twenty-seven SSc patients and 12 healthy subjects were enrolled. SSc microvascular involvement, as evaluated by NVC, was classified in three different patterns ("Early", "Active", "Late"). LDF analysis was performed at the II, III, IV, V hand fingers in both hands and both at cutaneous temperature and at 36 degrees C. Statistical evaluation was carried out by non-parametric procedures. Blood flow was found significantly lower in SSc patients when compared with healthy subjects (p<0.05). The heating of the probe to 36 degrees C induced a significant increase in peripheral blood flow in all subjects compared to baseline (p <0.05), however, the amount of variation was significantly lower in patients with SSc, compared with healthy controls (p <0.05). The SSc patients with NVC "Late" pattern, showed lower values of peripheral blood flow than patients with NVC "Active" or "Early" patterns (p<0.05). Moreover, a negative correlation between the tissue perfusion score and the progression of the SSc microangiopathy was observed, as well as between the tissue perfusion and the duration of the Raynaud's phenomenon (p <0.03). LDF can be employed to evaluate blood perfusion in the microvascular circulation in SSc patients. The blood flow changes observed with the LDF seem to correlate with the severity of microvascular damage in SSc as detected by NVC.

Differential expression of stromal cell-derived factor 1 and its receptor CXCR4 in the skin and endothelial cells of systemic sclerosis patients: Pathogenetic implications.

PubMed

Cipriani, Paola; Franca Milia, Anna; Liakouli, Vasiliki; Pacini, Alessandra; Manetti, Mirko; Marrelli, Alessandra; Toscano, Annarita; Pingiotti, Elisa; Fulminis, Antonietta; Guiducci, Serena; Perricone, Roberto; Kahaleh, Bashar; Matucci-Cerinic, Marco; Ibba-Manneschi, Lidia; Giacomelli, Roberto

2006-09-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by early endothelial damage evolving to vascular desertification. Stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) and its receptor CXCR4 regulate specific steps in new vessel formation. We undertook this study to determine whether an alteration of the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis might be involved in the pathogenetic mechanisms following ischemic damage during SSc. We enrolled 36 SSc patients and 15 controls. Skin biopsy samples were obtained from each subject, and the expression of SDF-1 and CXCR4 was assessed by immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and Western blot analyses. Furthermore, isolated microvascular endothelial cells (MVECs) from 4 patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) and 3 controls were analyzed for SDF-1 and CXCR4 by confocal laser scanning microscopy, RT-PCR, and Western blotting. SDF-1 and CXCR4 were up-regulated in the skin of patients with early (edematous) SSc, both in the diffuse and limited cutaneous forms, and progressively decreased, with the lowest expression in the latest phases of both SSc subsets. MVECs from patients with dcSSc expressed significantly higher amounts of both isoforms of SDF-1 in the early stage of disease, with a progressive reduction of SDF-1 and CXCR4 in later stages. On the surface of cultured MVECs from patients with dcSSc, SDF-1 and CXCR4 colocalized in polarized areas, suggesting that they are activated in vivo and that they are under strict genetic control to retain capping function. Due to its transient expression, SDF-1 could be considered a future therapeutic target to induce new vessel formation in SSc.

Factors affecting suspended-solids concentrations in South San Francisco Bay, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schoellhamer, D.H.

1996-01-01

Measurements of suspended-solids concentration (SSC) were made at two depths at three sites in South San Francisco Bay (South Bay) to determine the factors that affect SSC. Twenty-eight segments of reliable and continuous SSC time series data longer than 14 days were collected from late 1991 or 1992 through September 1993. Spectral analysis and singular spectrum analysis were used to relate these data segments to time series of several potential forcing factors, including diurnal and semidiurnal tides, the spring-neap tidal cycle, wind shear, freshwater runoff, and longitudinal density differences. SSC is greatest during summer when a landward wind shear is applied to South Bay by the afternoon sea breeze. About one half the variance of SSC is caused by the spring-neap cycle, and SSC lags the spring-neap cycle by about 2 days. Relatively short duration of slack water limits the duration of deposition of suspended solids and consolidation of newly deposited bed sediment during the tidal cycle, so suspended solids accumulate in the water column as a spring tide is approached and slowly deposit as a neap tide is approached. Perturbations in SSC caused by wind and local runoff from winter storms during the study period were usually much smaller than SSC variations caused by the spring-neap cycle. Variations of SSC at the study sites at tidal timescales are tidally forced, and nonlinear physical processes are significant. Advective transport dominates during spring tides when water with higher SSC due to wind wave resuspension is advected to the main channel from shallow water, but during neap tides, advective transport is less significant. The findings of this and other studies indicate that the tidally averaged transport of suspended solids responds to seasonal variations of wind shear in South Bay.

An Overview of Follow-On Testing Activities of the A-3 Subscale Diffuser Test Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ryan, James E.

2009-01-01

An overview of NASA Stennis Space Center's (SSC) A-3 Subscale Diffuser Test (SDT) Project is presented. The original scope of the SDT Project, conducted from April 2007 to January 2008, collected data to support mitigation of risk associated with design and procurement activities of the A-3 Test Stand Project, an effort to construct a simulated altitude test facility at SSC in support of NASA's Constellation Program. Follow-on tests were conducted from May 2008 through August 2009, utilizing the SDT test setup as a testbed for additional risk mitigation activities. Included are descriptions of the Subscale Diffuser (SD) test article, the test facility configuration, and test approaches.

HESQ (Helical Electrostatic Quadrupole), a low energy beam transport for the SSC linac

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Raparia, D.

A Helical Electrostatic Quadrupole (HESQ) is an option for the low energy beam transport (LEBT) of the SSC linac to transport and match a 35 keV H{sup {minus}} beam from a circular symmetric Magnetron ion source to a 428 MHz RFQ. Being an electrostatic focusing lens, the HESQ avoids neutralization of the H{sup {minus}} beam due to the background gas. The HESQ lenses provide stronger first-order focusing in contrast to weak second-order focusing of einzel lenses and is also stronger than alternating gradient focusing. In this paper, we will present a design and results of a PIC code simulation withmore » space charge.« less

The design and implementation of a broadband digital low-level RF control system for the cyclotron accelerators at iThemba LABS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duckitt, W. D.; Conradie, J. L.; van Niekerk, M. J.; Abraham, J. K.; Niesler, T. R.

2018-07-01

iThemba LABS has successfully designed a new broadband digital low-level RF control system for cyclotrons, that operates over the wide frequency range of 2-100 MHz and can achieve peak-peak amplitude and phase stabilities of 0.01% and 0.01°, respectively. The presented system performs direct digital synthesis (DDS) to directly convert the digital RF signals to analog RF and local-oscillator (LO) signals with 16-bit amplitude accuracy, programmable in steps of 1 μHz and 0.0001°. Down-conversion of the RF pick-up signals to an optimal intermediate frequency (IF) of 1 MHz and sampling of the IF channels by 16-bit, single sample-latency 10 MHz ADCs was implemented to allow digital high-speed low-latency in-phase/quadrature (I/Q) demodulation of the IF channels within the FPGA. This in turn allows efficient real-time digital closed-loop control of the amplitude and phase of the RF drive-signal to be achieved. The systems have been successfully integrated at iThemba LABS into the K = 8 and K = 10 injector cyclotrons (SPC1, and SPC2), the K = 200 separated sector cyclotron (SSC), the SSC flat-topping system, the pulse-selector system and the AX , J, and K-line RF bunchers. The systems have led to a substantial improvement in the beam quality of the SSC at iThemba LABS with a reduction in beam losses by more than 90%. The design, implementation and performance is discussed.

Lessons Learned (3 Years of H2O2 Propulsion System Testing Efforts at NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taylor, Gary O.

2001-01-01

John C. Stennis Space Center continues to support the Propulsion community in an effort to validate High-Test Peroxide as an alternative to existing/future oxidizers. This continued volume of peroxide test/handling activity at Stennis Space Center (SSC) provides numerous opportunities for the SSC team to build upon previously documented 'lessons learned'. SSC shall continue to strive to document their experience and findings as H2O2 issues surface. This paper is intended to capture all significant peroxide issues that we have learned over the last three years. This data (lessons learned) has been formulated from practical handling, usage, storage, operations, and initial development/design of our systems/facility viewpoint. The paper is intended to be an information type tool and limited in technical rational; therefore, presenting the peroxide community with some issues to think about as the continued interest in peroxide evolves and more facilities/hardware are built. These lessons learned are intended to assist industry in mitigating problems and identifying potential pitfalls when dealing with the requirements for handling high-test peroxide.

Cardiac mechanics and heart rate variability in patients with systemic sclerosis: the association that we should not miss.

PubMed

Zlatanovic, Maja; Tadic, Marijana; Celic, Vera; Ivanovic, Branislava; Stevanovic, Ana; Damjanov, Nemanja

2017-01-01

We aimed to determine left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) structure, function and mechanics, as well as heart rate variability (HRV), and their relationship, in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The study included 41 SSc patients and 30 age-matched healthy volunteers. All the patients underwent clinical examination, serological tests, pulmonary function testing, 24-h Holter monitoring and complete two-dimensional echocardiography including strain analysis. The parameters of LV structure (interventricular septum thickness and LV mass index) and RV structure (RV wall thickness) were significantly higher in SSc patients. LV and RV diastolic function (estimated by mitral and tricuspid E/e' ratio) was significantly impaired in SSc group comparing with the healthy controls. LV and RV longitudinal function was significantly deteriorated in SSc patients. LV circumferential strain was also significantly lower in SSc group, whereas LV radial strain was similar between the observed groups. All parameters of time and frequency domain of HRV were decreased in SSc patients. LV and RV cardiac remodeling parameters, particularly diastolic function and longitudinal strain, were associated with HRV indices without regard to the main demographic or the clinical and echocardiographic characteristics. Rodnan Skin Score was also independently associated with biventricular cardiac remodeling in SSc patients. LV and RV structure, function and mechanics, as well as autonomic nervous function, were significantly impaired in SSc patients. There is the significant association between biventricular cardiac remodeling and autonomic function in these patients, which could be useful for their everyday clinical assessment.

Correlation between bone quality and microvascular damage in systemic sclerosis patients.

PubMed

Ruaro, Barbara; Casabella, Andrea; Paolino, Sabrina; Pizzorni, Carmen; Alessandri, Elisa; Seriolo, Chiara; Botticella, Giulia; Molfetta, Luigi; Odetti, Patrizio; Smith, Vanessa; Cutolo, Maurizio

2018-05-18

SSc patients are recognized as presenting an increased risk of altered bone mass. The aim of this study was to assess the bone quality, by trabecular bone score (TBS), in SSc patients in correlation with different levels of microvascular damage, as evaluated by nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC), and to compare the results regarding bone quality with RA patients and healthy subjects (CNT). Eighty-four SSc patients, 98 RA patients and 60 CNT, were studied. BMD (g/cm2) of the lumbar spine (L1-L4) was analysed by DXA scan. Lumbar spine bone quality was derived from each spine DXA examination using the TBS analysis. NVC patterns were analysed. A total of 56/84 SSc patients (66%) as well as 78/98 RA patients (80%) showed bone loss at DXA and BMD was found to be significantly lower than in the CNT (P < 0.001). Similarly, lumbar spine TBS was found to be significantly lower in SSc and RA patients than in CNT (P < 0.001). TBS values were found to be lower in SSc with a late NVC pattern, compared with the active or early pattern (late vs active and early pattern, P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean lumbar spine TBS between SSc and RA patients (P = 0.238). The data obtained showed significantly lower bone quality (lower TBS and BMD) in SSc and RA patients compared with CNT. The bone quality seemed lower in SSc patients with more altered microvasculature (late NVC pattern).

Pharmacotherapy of Systemic Sclerosis

PubMed Central

Postlethwaite, Arnold E.; Harris, L. Jeff; Raza, Syed H.; Kodura, Swapna; Akhigbe, Titilola

2010-01-01

Importance of the field Systemic-sclerosis (SSc) is an uncommon autoimmune disease with variable degrees of fibroproliferation in blood vessels and certain organs of the body. Presently, there is no cure for SSc. The purpose of this article is to review the current literature regarding pathogenesis and treatment of complications of SSc. Areas covered in this review All available articles regarding research related to SSc pathogenesis and treatment listed in the PubMed.gov database were searched, relevant articles were then reviewed and used as sources of information for this review. What the reader will gain This review attempts for the reader to highlight some current thought regarding mechanisms of SSc pathogenesis and how autoimmunity relates to vascular changes and fibrogenesis of the disease plus provide a review of results of completed clinical trials and current on-going clinical trials that address organ specific or global therapies for this disease which can aid physicians who provide medical care for patients with SSc. Take home message SSc is a complex autoimmune disease, the pathogenesis of which although not completely understood is under active study, and new insights into pathogenesis are continuously being discovered. Although there is no effective disease modifying treatment for patients with SSc, quality of life, morbidity and mortality can be improved by using targeted therapy directed at affecting the consequences of damage to lungs, blood vessels, kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract. Innovative approaches to treating SSc are under intense investigation. PMID:20210685

Attitudes and beliefs about the surgical safety checklist: Just another tick box?

PubMed

Dharampal, Navjit; Cameron, Christopher; Dixon, Elijah; Ghali, William; Quan, May Lynn

2016-08-01

Following a landmark study showing decreased morbidity and mortality after implementation of the surgical safety checklist (SSC), it has been widely adopted into perioperative policy. We explored the impact of attitudes and beliefs surrounding the SSC on its uptake in Calgary. We used qualitative methodology to examine factors influencing SSC use. We performed semistructured interviews based on Rogers' theory of diffusion of innovation. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to identify surgeons, anesthesiologists and operating room nurses from hospitals in Calgary. Data collection and analysis were based on grounded theory. Two individuals jointly analyzed data and achieved consensus on emerging themes. Generated themes included 1) the SSC has brought organization to previous informal perioperative checks, 2) the SSC is most helpful when it is simple, and 3) the 3 current components of the checklist are redundant. The briefing was considered the most important aspect and the debriefing the least important. Initially the SSC was difficult to implement owing to a shift in time management and perioperative culture; however, it has now assimilated into perioperative routine. Finally, though most participants agreed that the SSC might avoid some delays and complications, only a few believe there have been observable improvements to morbidity and mortality. Although the SSC has been integrated into perioperative practice in Calgary, participants believe that previous informal checkpoints were able to circumvent most perioperative issues. Although the SSC may help with flow and equipment, participants believe it fails to show a subjective, clinically important improvement.

A case study of infant physiologic response to skin-to-skin contact following surgery for complex congenital heart disease

PubMed Central

Harrison, Tondi M.; Ludington-Hoe, Susan

2014-01-01

Background Infants with complex congenital heart disease requiring surgical intervention within the first days or weeks of life may be the most seriously ill infants needing intensive nursing and medical care immediately after birth. Skin to skin contact (SSC) is well-accepted and practiced as a positive therapeutic intervention in premature infants, but is not routinely offered to infants in cardiac intensive care units. Physiologic effects of SSC in the congenital heart disease population must be examined before recommending incorporation of SSC into standard care routines. Objective The purpose of this case study was to describe the physiologic response to a single session of SSC in an 18-day-old infant with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Methods Repeated measures of heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and temperature were recorded 30 minutes prior to SSC, during SSC (including interruptions for bottle and breast feedings), and 10 minutes after SSC was completed. Results All physiologic parameters were clinically acceptable throughout the 135-minute observation. Conclusion This case study provides beginning evidence that SSC is safe in full-term infants following surgery for complex congenital heart disease. Further research with a larger sample is needed to examine effects of SSC on infant physiology before surgery and earlier in the postoperative time period as well as on additional outcomes such as length of stay, maternal-infant interaction, and neurodevelopment. PMID:25325374

Speech Situation Checklist-Revised: Investigation With Adults Who Do Not Stutter and Treatment-Seeking Adults Who Stutter.

PubMed

Vanryckeghem, Martine; Matthews, Michael; Xu, Peixin

2017-11-08

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the Speech Situation Checklist for adults who stutter (SSC) in differentiating people who stutter (PWS) from speakers with no stutter based on self-reports of anxiety and speech disruption in communicative settings. The SSC's psychometric properties were examined, norms were established, and suggestions for treatment were formulated. The SSC was administered to 88 PWS seeking treatment and 209 speakers with no stutter between the ages of 18 and 62. The SSC consists of 2 sections investigating negative emotional reaction and speech disruption in 38 speech situations that are identical in both sections. The SSC-Emotional Reaction and SSC-Speech Disruption data show that these self-report tests differentiate PWS from speakers with no stutter to a statistically significant extent and have great discriminative value. The tests have good internal reliability, content, and construct validity. Age and gender do not affect the scores of the PWS. The SSC-Emotional Reaction and SSC-Speech Disruption seem to be powerful measures to investigate negative emotion and speech breakdown in an array of speech situations. The item scores give direction to treatment by suggesting speech situations that need a clinician's attention in terms of generalization and carry-over of within-clinic therapeutic gains into in vivo settings.

Quantitative nanohistological investigation of scleroderma: an atomic force microscopy-based approach to disease characterization

PubMed Central

Strange, Adam P; Aguayo, Sebastian; Ahmed, Tarek; Mordan, Nicola; Stratton, Richard; Porter, Stephen R; Parekh, Susan; Bozec, Laurent

2017-01-01

Scleroderma (or systemic sclerosis, SSc) is a disease caused by excess crosslinking of collagen. The skin stiffens and becomes painful, while internally, organ function can be compromised by the less elastic collagen. Diagnosis of SSc is often only possible in advanced cases by which treatment time is limited. A more detailed analysis of SSc may provide better future treatment options and information of disease progression. Recently, the histological stain picrosirius red showing collagen register has been combined with atomic force microscopy (AFM) to study SSc. Skin from healthy individuals and SSc patients was biopsied, stained and studied using AFM. By investigating the crosslinking of collagen at a smaller hierarchical stage, the effects of SSc were more pronounced. Changes in morphology and Young’s elastic modulus were observed and quantified; giving rise to a novel technique, we have termed “quantitative nanohistology”. An increase in nanoscale stiffness in the collagen for SSc compared with healthy individuals was seen by a significant increase in the Young’s modulus profile for the collagen. These markers of stiffer collagen in SSc are similar to the symptoms experienced by patients, giving additional hope that in the future, nanohistology using AFM can be readily applied as a clinical tool, providing detailed information of the state of collagen. PMID:28138238

Serum osteopontin and vitronectin levels in systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Gundogdu, Baris; Yolbas, Servet; Yilmaz, Musa; Aydin, Suleyman; Koca, Sulayman Serdar

2017-11-01

Osteopontin a matricellular protein has pro-fibrotic effects and binds integrin such as αvβ1 and αvβ3. Vitronectin is one of the integrin αvβ3 ligands and is a multifunctional glycoprotein. The aim of the present study was to evaluate serum osteopontin and vitronectin levels in a cohort of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Eighty-six patients with SSc, 46 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and 38 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in the study. Serum osteopontin, vitronectin, IL-6, and TGF-β levels were analyzed. Serum osteopontin levels were higher in the SSc and SLE groups compared to the HC group (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). However, it was not correlated with disease activity and severity scores in the SSc group. On the other hand, serum vitronectin levels were lower in the SSc group than in the SLE and HC groups (p < 0.001 for both). These results may suggest that osteopontin levels may be increased due to the inflammatory process and osteopontin has not a specific role on fibrosis in SSc. On the other hand, serum vitronectin levels decrease in SSc in contrast to SLE. It may be concluded that the one cause of decreased serum vitronectin levels in SSc may be its accumulation in fibrotic area.

D-penicillamine in systemic sclerosis? Yes!

PubMed

Medsger, T A; Lucas, M; Wildy, K S; Baker, C

2001-01-01

The use of D-penicillamine in systemic sclerosis (SSc) has been controversial. We have reviewed the major published studies on this drug in SSc with diffuse cutaneous (dc) involvement and summarized our own recent experience in dcSSc patients treated with and without D-penicillamine. We conclude that D-penicillamine favourably alters the natural history of skin involvement in dcSSc, even when used in low dose. Furthermore, recurrence of diffuse skin change after discontinuation of D-penicillamine and improvement in skin thickening after reinitiation of the drug support its effectiveness. We believe that the rheumatologic community should use D-penicillamine in patients with early dcSSc.

Myc/Mycn-mediated glycolysis enhances mouse spermatogonial stem cell self-renewal

PubMed Central

Kanatsu-Shinohara, Mito; Tanaka, Takashi; Ogonuki, Narumi; Ogura, Atsuo; Morimoto, Hiroko; Cheng, Pei Feng; Eisenman, Robert N.; Trumpp, Andreas; Shinohara, Takashi

2016-01-01

Myc plays critical roles in the self-renewal division of various stem cell types. In spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), Myc controls SSC fate decisions because Myc overexpression induces enhanced self-renewal division, while depletion of Max, a Myc-binding partner, leads to meiotic induction. However, the mechanism by which Myc acts on SSC fate is unclear. Here we demonstrate a critical link between Myc/Mycn gene activity and glycolysis in SSC self-renewal. In SSCs, Myc/Mycn are regulated by Foxo1, whose deficiency impairs SSC self-renewal. Myc/Mycn-deficient SSCs not only undergo limited self-renewal division but also display diminished glycolytic activity. While inhibition of glycolysis decreased SSC activity, chemical stimulation of glycolysis or transfection of active Akt1 or Pdpk1 (phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 ) augmented self-renewal division, and long-term SSC cultures were derived from a nonpermissive strain that showed limited self-renewal division. These results suggested that Myc-mediated glycolysis is an important factor that increases the frequency of SSC self-renewal division. PMID:28007786

Myc/Mycn-mediated glycolysis enhances mouse spermatogonial stem cell self-renewal.

PubMed

Kanatsu-Shinohara, Mito; Tanaka, Takashi; Ogonuki, Narumi; Ogura, Atsuo; Morimoto, Hiroko; Cheng, Pei Feng; Eisenman, Robert N; Trumpp, Andreas; Shinohara, Takashi

2016-12-01

Myc plays critical roles in the self-renewal division of various stem cell types. In spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), Myc controls SSC fate decisions because Myc overexpression induces enhanced self-renewal division, while depletion of Max, a Myc-binding partner, leads to meiotic induction. However, the mechanism by which Myc acts on SSC fate is unclear. Here we demonstrate a critical link between Myc/Mycn gene activity and glycolysis in SSC self-renewal. In SSCs, Myc/Mycn are regulated by Foxo1, whose deficiency impairs SSC self-renewal. Myc/Mycn-deficient SSCs not only undergo limited self-renewal division but also display diminished glycolytic activity. While inhibition of glycolysis decreased SSC activity, chemical stimulation of glycolysis or transfection of active Akt1 or Pdpk1 (phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 ) augmented self-renewal division, and long-term SSC cultures were derived from a nonpermissive strain that showed limited self-renewal division. These results suggested that Myc-mediated glycolysis is an important factor that increases the frequency of SSC self-renewal division. © 2016 Kanatsu-Shinohara et al.; Published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

Sediment-hosted stratabound copper deposit model: Chapter M in Mineral deposit model for resource assessment

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hayes, Timothy S.; Cox, Dennis P.; Bliss, James D.; Piatak, Nadine M.; Seal, Robert R.

2015-01-01

This report contains a descriptive model of sediment-hosted stratabound copper (SSC) deposits that supersedes the model of Cox and others (2003). This model is for use in assessments of mineral resource potential. SSC deposits are the second most important sources of copper in the world behind porphyry copper deposits. Around 20 percent of the copper in the world is produced from this class of deposits. They are also the most important sources of cobalt in the world, and they are fourth among classes of ore deposits in production of silver. SSC deposits are the basis of the economies of three countries: Democratic Republic of Congo, Poland, and Zambia. This report provides a description of the key features of SSC deposits; it identifies their tectonic-sedimentary environments; it illustrates geochemical, geophysical, and geoenvironmental characteristics of SSC deposits; it reviews and evaluates hypotheses on how these deposits formed; it presents exploration and assessment guides; and it lists some gaps in our knowledge about the SSC deposits. A summary follows that provides overviews of many subjects concerning SSC deposits.

Characteristics of nitrogen removal and microbial distribution by application of spent sulfidic caustic in pilot scale wastewater treatment plant.

PubMed

Park, S; Lee, J; Park, J; Byun, I; Park, T; Lee, T

2010-01-01

Since spent sulfidic caustic (SSC) produced from petrochemical industry contains a high concentration of alkalinity and sulfide, it was expected that SSC could be used as an electron donor for autotrophic denitrification. To investigate the nitrogen removal performance, a pilot scale Bardenpho process was operated. The total nitrogen removal efficiency increased as SSC dosage increased, and the highest efficiency was observed as 77.5% when SSC was injected into both anoxic tank (1) and (2). FISH analysis was also performed to shed light on the effect of SSC dosage on the distribution ratio of nitrifying bacteria and Thiobacillus denitrificans. FISH results indicated that the relative distribution ratio of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, Nitrobacter spp., Nitrospira genus and Thiobacillus denitrificans to eubacteria varied little with the pH of the tanks, and SSC injection did not give harmful effect on nitrification efficiency. These results show that SSC can be applied as an electron donor of autotrophic denitrification to biological nitrogen removal process effectively, without any inhibitory effects to nitrifying bacteria and sulfur-utilizing denitrifying bacteria.

Diagnostic criteria, severity classification and guidelines of systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Asano, Yoshihide; Jinnin, Masatoshi; Kawaguchi, Yasushi; Kuwana, Masataka; Goto, Daisuke; Sato, Shinichi; Takehara, Kazuhiko; Hatano, Masaru; Fujimoto, Manabu; Mugii, Naoki; Ihn, Hironobu

2018-06-01

Several effective drugs have been identified for the treatment of systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, in advanced cases, not only their effectiveness is reduced but they may be also harmful due to their side-effects. Therefore, early diagnosis and early treatment is most important for the treatment of SSc. We established diagnostic criteria for SSc in 2003 and early diagnostic criteria for SSc in 2011, for the purpose of developing evaluation of each organ in SSc. Moreover, in November 2013, the American College of Rheumatology and the European Rheumatology Association jointly developed new diagnostic criteria for increasing their sensitivity and specificity, so we revised our diagnostic criteria and severity classification of SSc. Furthermore, we have revised the clinical guideline based on the newest evidence. In particular, the clinical guideline was established by clinical questions based on evidence-based medicine according to the New Minds Clinical Practice Guideline Creation Manual (version 1.0). We aimed to make the guideline easy to use and reliable based on the newest evidence, and to present guidance as specific as possible for various clinical problems in treatment of SSc. © 2018 Japanese Dermatological Association.

Alteration of Th17 and Treg cell subpopulations co-exist in patients affected with systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Fenoglio, Daniela; Battaglia, Florinda; Parodi, Alessia; Stringara, Silvia; Negrini, Simone; Panico, Nicoletta; Rizzi, Marta; Kalli, Francesca; Conteduca, Giuseppina; Ghio, Massimo; De Palma, Raffaele; Indiveri, Francesco; Filaci, Gilberto

2011-06-01

Aim of the study has been to understand the relationship between TH17 and Treg cell subsets in patients affected with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Phenotypes and functions of Th17 and Treg cell subsets were analyzed in a series of 36 SSc patients. Th17 cell concentration in the peripheral blood was found to be increased in SSc patients with respect to healthy controls independently from type or stage of disease. After PBMC stimulation with a polyclonal stimulus or Candida albicans antigens the frequency of Th17 T cell clones was significantly higher in SSc patients with respect to controls suggesting the skewing of immune response in SSc patients toward Th17 cell generation/expansion. Concerning the Treg compartment, both CD4+CD25+ and CD8+CD28- Treg subsets showed quantitative and qualitative alteration in the peripheral blood of SSc patients. Collectively, these data highlight the existence of an imbalanced ratio between Th17 and Treg cell subsets in SSc patients. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Environmental Mycobiome Modifiers of Inflammation and Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-01

TUBB), and ribosomal proteins), while others are considered specific to SSc despite trace level detection in controls. For ex- ample, multiple SSc...Strong re- activity was seen against all five proteins in SSc with only trace levels detected in controls (Fig. 3a), indicating widespread immune...sequences in SSc RNA-seq data was used to detect microbial sequences in human tissues in an unbiased, quantitative manner. Our studies suggest that

Sulfide Stress Cracking Behavior of a Martensitic Steel Controlled by Tempering Temperature

PubMed Central

Sun, Yu; Wang, Qian; Gu, Shunjie; He, Zaoneng; Wang, Qingfeng; Zhang, Fucheng

2018-01-01

A medium-carbon Cr–Mo–V martensitic steel was thermally processed by quenching (Q) at 890 °C and tempering (T) at increasing temperatures from 650 °C to 720 °C and the effect of tempering temperature, Tt, on sulfide stress cracking (SSC) behaviors was estimated mainly via double cantilever beam (DCB) and electrochemical hydrogen permeation (EHP) tests and microstructure characterization. The results indicate that the threshold stress intensity factor for SSC, KISSC, increased with increasing Tt. The overall and local H concentration around the inclusions decreased with increasing Tt, due to reductions in the amounts of solute atoms, grain boundaries and dislocations, which effectively prevented SSC initiation. Also, increasing Tt caused an increased fraction of high-angle boundaries, which evidently lowered the SSC propagation rate by more frequently diverting the propagating direction and accordingly restricted SSC propagation. The overall SSC resistance of this Q&T–treated steel was therefore significantly enhanced. PMID:29522494

The impact of Fli1 deficiency on the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis

PubMed Central

Asano, Yoshihide; Bujor, Andreea M.; Trojanowska, Maria

2013-01-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease with unknown etiology characterized by microvascular injury and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. A growing body of evidence suggests that deficiency of the transcription factor Fli1 (Friend leukemia integration-1) has a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of SSc. Fli1 is expressed in fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells, and has important roles in the activation, differentiation, development, and survival of these cells. Previous studies demonstrated that Fli1 is downregulated in SSc fibroblasts by an epigenetic mechanism and a series of experiments with Fli1-deficient animal models revealed that Fli1 deficiency in fibroblasts and endothelial cells reproduces the histopathologic features of fibrosis and vasculopathy in SSc, respectively. In this article, we review the impact of Fli1 deficiency on the pathogenesis of SSc and discuss a new therapeutic strategy for SSc by targeting the transcription factor Fli1. PMID:20663647

Potential use of TNF-α inhibitors in systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Murdaca, Giuseppe; Spanò, Francesca; Contatore, Miriam; Guastalla, Andrea; Puppo, Francesco

2014-01-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare connective tissue disease characterized by chronic inflammation and fibrosis of the skin, vascular abnormalities and variable involvement of organs. TNF-α has a central role in initial host response to infections and in the pathogenesis of various systemic immune-mediated diseases. Serum levels of TNF-α are elevated in patients with SSc and favor the development of pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Inflammatory arthritis can occur in patients with SSc. Infliximab and etanercept may improve the inflammatory arthritis and disability in SSc. TNF-α inhibitors reduce the systemic inflammation, improve the endothelial function decreasing the risk of pulmonary arterial hypertension progression and of acute cardiovascular and/or cerebrovascular events. Physicians need to be aware of the potential risks of tuberculosis reactivation and opportunistic infections. Randomized controlled trials with TNF-α inhibitors in patients with SSc are needed to confirm the potential role of these agents in the treatment of SSc.

Systemic sclerosis and infections.

PubMed

Randone, Silvia Bellando; Guiducci, Serena; Cerinic, Marco Matucci

2008-10-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by vascular obliteration, excessive extracellular matrix deposition and fibrosis of the connective tissues of the skin, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, heart, and kidneys. Numerous infectious agents (bacterial and viral) have been proposed as possible triggering factors (Parvovirus B19, Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, Retroviruses). Homology between viruses and autoantibody targets suggests that molecular mimicry may have a role in initiating antibody response in different disorders characterized by diffuse vascular disease, including SSc. Endothelial cell may be infected bacteria or viruses that play a particular role in inducing vasculitis. The pathogenic hypothesis include: a mechanism of molecular mimicry, the role played by endothelial cell damage, the presence of superantigens and the role of microchimeric cells. Although several studies provide important information linking infectious agents to SSc, a direct casual association between infections and SSc is still missing. In SSc viral products could synergize with other factors in the microenvironment predisposing to SSc development.

Skin-to-skin care for procedural pain in neonates.

PubMed

Johnston, Celeste; Campbell-Yeo, Marsha; Disher, Timothy; Benoit, Britney; Fernandes, Ananda; Streiner, David; Inglis, Darlene; Zee, Rebekah

2017-02-16

Skin-to-skin care (SSC), often referred to as 'kangaroo care' (KC) due to its similarity with marsupial behaviour of ventral maternal-infant contact, is one non-pharmacological intervention for pain control in infants. The primary objectives were to determine the effect of SSC alone on pain from medical or nursing procedures in neonates compared to no intervention, sucrose or other analgesics, or additions to simple SSC such as rocking; and to determine the effects of the amount of SSC (duration in minutes), method of administration (e.g. who provided the SSC) of SSC in reducing pain from medical or nursing procedures in neonatesThe secondary objectives were to determine the safety of SSC care for relieving procedural pain in infants; and to compare the SSC effect in different postmenstrual age subgroups of infants. For this update, we used the standard search strategy of the Cochrane Neonatal Review group to search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2016, Issue 1); MEDLINE via PubMed (1966 to 25 February 2016); Embase (1980 to 25 February 2016); and CINAHL (1982 to 25 February 2016). We also searched clinical trials' databases, conference proceedings, and the reference lists of retrieved articles for randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized trials. Studies with randomisation or quasi-randomisation, double- or single-blinded, involving term infants (≥ 37 completed weeks' postmenstrual age (PMA) to a maximum of 44 weeks' PMA and preterm infants (< 37 completed weeks PMA) receiving SSC for painful procedures conducted by healthcare professionals. The main outcome measures were physiological or behavioural pain indicators and composite pain scores. A mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) using a fixed-effect model was reported for continuous outcome measures. We included variations on type of tissue-damaging procedure, provider of care, and duration of SSC. Twenty-five studies (n = 2001 infants) were included. Nineteen studies (n = 1065) used heel lance as the painful procedure, one study combined venepuncture and heel stick (n = 50), three used intramuscular injection (n = 776), one used 'vaccination' (n = 60), and one used tape removal (n = 50). The studies were generally strong and had low or uncertain risk of bias. Blinding of the intervention was not possible, making them subject to high risk, depending on the method of scoring outcomes.Seventeen studies (n = 810) compared SSC to a no-treatment control. Although 15 studies measured heart rate during painful procedures, data from only five studies (n = 161) could be combined for a mean difference (MD) of -10.78 beats per minute (95% CI -13.63 to -7.93) favouring SSC. Meta-analysis of four studies (n = 120) showed no difference in heart rate following the painful procedure (MD 0.08, 95% CI -4.39 to 4.55). Two studies (n = 38) reported heart rate variability with no significant differences. Two studies (n = 101) in a meta-analysis on oxygen saturation at 30 and 60 seconds following the painful procedure did not show a difference. Duration of crying meta-analysis was performed on four studies (n = 133): two (n = 33) investigated response to heel lance (MD = -34.16, 95% CI -42.86 to -25.45), and two (n = 100) following IM injection (MD = -8.83, 95% CI -14.63 to -3.02), favouring SSC. Five studies, one consisting of two substudies (n = 267), used the Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) as a primary outcome, which favoured SCC at 30 seconds (MD -3.21, 95% CI -3.94 to -2.47), at 60 seconds (3 studies; n = 156) (MD -1.64, 95% CI -2.86 to -0.43), and at 90 seconds (n = 156) (MD -1.28, 95% CI -2.53 to -0.04); but at 120 seconds there was no difference (n = 156) (MD 0.07, 95% CI -1.11 to 1.25). No studies on return of heart rate to baseline level, cortisol levels, and facial actions could be combined for meta-analysis findings.Eight studies compared SSC to another intervention with or without a no-treatment control. Two cross-over studies (n = 80) compared mother versus other provider (father, another female) on PIPP scores at 30, 60, 90, and 120 seconds with no significant difference. When SSC was compared to other interventions, there were not enough similar studies to pool results in an analysis. One study compared SSC (n = 640) with and without dextrose and found that the combination was most effective and that SSC alone was more effective than dextrose alone. Similarly, in another study SSC was more effective than oral glucose for heart rate (n = 95). SSC either in combination with breastfeeding or alone was favoured over a no-treatment control, but not different to breastfeeding. One study compared SSC alone and in combination with both sucrose and breastfeeding on heart rate (HR), NIPS scores, and crying time (n = 127). The combinations were more effective than SSC alone for NIPS and crying. Expressed breast milk was compared to SSC in one study (n = 50) and found both equally effective on PIPP scores. There were not enough participants with similar outcomes and painful procedures to compare age groups or duration of SSC. No adverse events were reported in any of the studies. SSC appears to be effective as measured by composite pain indicators with both physiological and behavioural indicators and, independently, using heart rate and crying time; and safe for a single painful procedure. Purely behavioural indicators tended to favour SSC but with facial actions there is greater possibility of observers not being blinded. Physiological indicators were mixed although the common measure of heart rate favoured SSC. Two studies compared mother-providers to others, with non-significant results. There was more heterogeneity in the studies with behavioural or composite outcomes. There is a need for replication studies that use similar, clearly defined outcomes. Studies examining optimal duration of SSC, gestational age groups, repeated use, and long-term effects of SSC are needed. Of interest would be to study synergistic effects of SSC with other interventions.

Systemic Sclerosis Classification Criteria: Developing methods for multi-criteria decision analysis with 1000Minds

PubMed Central

Johnson, Sindhu R.; Naden, Raymond P.; Fransen, Jaap; van den Hoogen, Frank; Pope, Janet E.; Baron, Murray; Tyndall, Alan; Matucci-Cerinic, Marco; Denton, Christopher P.; Distler, Oliver; Gabrielli, Armando; van Laar, Jacob M.; Mayes, Maureen; Steen, Virginia; Seibold, James R.; Clements, Phillip; Medsger, Thomas A.; Carreira, Patricia E.; Riemekasten, Gabriela; Chung, Lorinda; Fessler, Barri J.; Merkel, Peter A.; Silver, Richard; Varga, John; Allanore, Yannick; Mueller-Ladner, Ulf; Vonk, Madelon C.; Walker, Ulrich A.; Cappelli, Susanna; Khanna, Dinesh

2014-01-01

Objective Classification criteria for systemic sclerosis (SSc) are being developed. The objectives were to: develop an instrument for collating case-data and evaluate its sensibility; use forced-choice methods to reduce and weight criteria; and explore agreement between experts on the probability that cases were classified as SSc. Study Design and Setting A standardized instrument was tested for sensibility. The instrument was applied to 20 cases covering a range of probabilities that each had SSc. Experts rank-ordered cases from highest to lowest probability; reduced and weighted the criteria using forced-choice methods; and re-ranked the cases. Consistency in rankings was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Results Experts endorsed clarity (83%), comprehensibility (100%), face and content validity (100%). Criteria were weighted (points): finger skin thickening (14–22), finger-tip lesions (9–21), friction rubs (21), finger flexion contractures (16), pulmonary fibrosis (14), SSc-related antibodies (15), Raynaud’s phenomenon (13), calcinosis (12), pulmonary hypertension (11), renal crisis (11), telangiectasia (10), abnormal nailfold capillaries (10), esophageal dilation (7) and puffy fingers (5). The ICC across experts was 0.73 (95%CI 0.58,0.86) and improved to 0.80 (95%CI 0.68,0.90). Conclusions Using a sensible instrument and forced-choice methods, the number of criteria were reduced by 39% (23 to 14) and weighted. Our methods reflect the rigors of measurement science, and serves as a template for developing classification criteria. PMID:24721558

Spitzer Space Telescope Research Program for Teachers and Students

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daou, D.

2005-12-01

The Spitzer Science Center (SSC) and the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO) have designed a program for teacher and student research using observing time on the Spitzer Space Telescope. The participating teachers attended a fall, 2004 workshop to become familiar with the Spitzer Space Telescope (SST) archives, and to receive training in infrared astronomy and observational techniques. The teachers also attended a workshop offered by the SSC to learn about the observation planning process, and telescope and instrument capabilities. This program has as its goals the fundamental NASA goals of inspiring and motivating students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics as well as to engage the public in shaping and sharing the experience of exploration and discovery. Our educational plan addresses the NASA objectives of improving student proficiency in science and improving science instruction by providing a unique opportunity to a group of teachers and students to observe with the Spitzer Space Telescope and work on their data with SSC and NOAO scientists. This program allows a team of 12 teachers and their students to utilize up to 3.5 hours of Director's discretionary observing time on the Spitzer Space Telescope for educational observations. Leveraging on a well-established teacher professional development, the SSC is offering this program to teachers in the Teacher Leaders in Research Based Science Education (TLRRBSE), an ongoing program at the NOAO. This NSF-sponsored program touches the formal education community through a national audience of well-trained and supported middle and high school teachers.

Association of anti-RNA polymerase III autoantibodies and cancer in scleroderma

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Introduction We assessed the profile and frequency of malignancy subtypes in a large single-centre UK cohort for patients with scleroderma (systemic sclerosis; SSc). We evaluated the cancer risk among SSc patients with different antibody reactivities and explored the temporal association of cancer with the duration between SSc onset and cancer diagnosis. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of a well-characterised cohort of SSc patients attending a large tertiary referral centre, with clinical data collected from our clinical database and by review of patient records. We evaluated development of all cancers in this cohort, and comparison was assessed with the SSc cohort without cancer. The effect of demographics and clinical details, including antibody reactivities, were explored to find associations relevant to the risk for development of cancer in SSc patients. Results Among 2,177 patients with SSc, 7.1% had a history of cancer, 26% were positive for anticentromere antibodies (ACAs), 18.2% were positive for anti-Scl-70 antibodies and 26.6% were positive for anti-RNA polymerase III (anti-RNAP) antibody. The major malignancy cancer subtypes were breast (42.2%), haematological (12.3%), gastrointestinal (11.0%) and gynaecological (11.0%). The frequency of cancers among patients with RNAP (14.2%) was significantly increased compared with those with anti-Scl-70 antibodies (6.3%) and ACAs (6.8%) (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Among the patients, who were diagnosed with cancer within 36 months of the clinical onset of SSc, there were more patients with RNAP (55.3%) than those with other autoantibody specificities (ACA = 23.5%, P < 0.008; and anti-Scl-70 antibodies = 13.6%, P < 0.002, respectively). Breast cancers were temporally associated with onset of SSc among patients with anti-RNAP, and SSc patients with anti-RNAP had a twofold increased hazard ratio for cancers compared to patients with ACAs (P < 0.0001). Conclusions Our study independently confirms, in what is to the best of our knowledge the largest population examined to date, that there is an association with cancer among SSc patients with anti-RNAP antibodies in close temporal relationship to onset of SSc, which supports the paraneoplastic phenomenon in this subset of SSc cases. An index of cautious suspicion should be maintained in these cases, and investigations for underlying malignancy should be considered when clinically appropriate. PMID:24524733

Behavioral Adjustment of Toddler and Preschool-Aged Children with Single-Suture Craniosynostosis*

PubMed Central

Kapp-Simon, Kathleen A; Collett, Brent R; Barr-Schinzel, Michael A; Cradock, Mary M; Buono, Lauren A; Pietila, Kristen E; Speltz, Matthew L

2012-01-01

Background The purpose of this study was to confirm initial reports of elevated behavior problems in children with single-suture craniosynostosis (SSC), using multiple informants, longitudinal analyses and a control group. We hypothesized higher levels of maladjustment for children with SSC than comparison children, particularly at the older age and in selected areas of previously observed vulnerability: attention and social adjustment. Method A Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) was completed when children were ~19 months by 436 mothers (219 with SSC) and 371 fathers (177 with SSC); and at ~37 months by 361 mothers (175 with SSC) and 303 fathers (142 with SSC). A minimum of one caregiver/teacher report was available for 169 of these children (74 with SSC) using the Caregiver-Teacher Report Form (CTRF). Results Average CBCL/CTRF externalizing, internalizing and total scores for all informants were consistently higher (worse) for children with SSC than control group children, but most differences were small and statistically non-significant. No differences associated with suture site were found. At the oldest age point, both mothers and fathers (but not teachers) generated higher average scores for patients than for controls on scales measuring attention and social problems, with small to medium effects sizes (0.20 to 0.32). Conclusion On average toddlers/preschoolers with SSC show behavioral development that is largely indistinguishable from same-aged peers of similar socioeconomic background. The predictive significance of small group differences in attention and social adjustment will be assessed in a follow-up of this cohort at age 7. PMID:22929249

Circulating miR-142-3p levels in patients with systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Makino, K; Jinnin, M; Kajihara, I; Honda, N; Sakai, K; Masuguchi, S; Fukushima, S; Inoue, Y; Ihn, H

2012-01-01

Recently, increased evidence has shown that serum micro (mi)RNA levels are a useful biomarker for the diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic value of various diseases. However, serum miRNA has not been investigated in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), to our knowledge. To investigate the possibility that serum levels of Homo sapiens miR-142 stem-loop (hsa-miR-142-3p), one of the miRNAs regulating the expression of integrin αV, could be a specific disease marker for SSc. Serum samples were obtained from 61 patients with SSc and 20 healthy controls. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), dermatomyositis (DM) and scleroderma spectrum disorder (SSD), who did not fulfil American College of Rheumatology criteria for SSc but might develop SSc in the future, were included as disease controls in this study. miRNAs were purified from serum, and miR-142-3p levels were measured with a quantitative real-time PCR assay. Serum miR-142-3p levels in patients with SSc were significantly higher than in patients with SSD, SLE or DM, and healthy control groups. Patients with increased miR-142-3p levels tended to have a short sublingual frenulum. Our data indicate that serum levels of miR-142-3p may be elevated specifically in patients with SSc, correlating with the severity of this disease, and may be useful diagnostic markers for the presence of SSc and for the differentiation of SSc from SSD. © The Author(s). CED © 2011 British Association of Dermatologists.

[Compliance with the surgical safety checklist and surgical events detected by the Global Trigger Tool].

PubMed

Menéndez Fraga, M D; Cueva Álvarez, M A; Franco Castellanos, M R; Fernández Moral, V; Castro Del Río, M P; Arias Pérez, J I; Fernández León, A; Vázquez Valdés, F

2016-06-01

The implementing of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) has helped to improve patient safety. The aim of this study was to assess the level of compliance of the SSC, and incorporating the non-compliances as «triggers» in the Global Trigger Tool (GTT). Acute Geriatric Hospital (200 beds). Retrospective study, study period: 2011-2014. The SSC formulary and the methodology of the GTT were used for the analysis of electronic medical records and the compliance with the SSC. The NCCP MERP categories were used to assess the severity of the harm. Out of all the electronic medical records (EMR), a total of 227 (23.6%) discharged patients (1.7% of interventions in the four year study period) were analysed. All (100%) of the EMR included the SSC, with 94.4% of the items being completed, and 28.2% of SSC had all items completed in the 3 phases of the process. Surgical adverse events decreased from 16.3% in 2011 to 9.4% in 2014 (P=.2838, not significant), and compliance with all items of SSC was increased from 18.6% to 39.1% (P=.0246, significant). The GTT systematises and evaluates, at low cost, the triggers and incidents/ AEs found in the EMR in order to assess the compliance with the SSC and consider non-compliance of SSC as «triggers» for further analysis. This strategy has never been referred to in the GTT or in the SCC formulary. Copyright © 2016 SECA. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Implementation of a Surgical Safety Checklist: Interventions to Optimize the Process and Hints to Increase Compliance

PubMed Central

Sendlhofer, Gerald; Mosbacher, Nina; Karina, Leitgeb; Kober, Brigitte; Jantscher, Lydia; Berghold, Andrea; Pregartner, Gudrun; Brunner, Gernot; Kamolz, Lars Peter

2015-01-01

Background A surgical safety checklist (SSC) was implemented and routinely evaluated within our hospital. The purpose of this study was to analyze compliance, knowledge of and satisfaction with the SSC to determine further improvements. Methods The implementation of the SSC was observed in a pilot unit. After roll-out into each operating theater, compliance with the SSC was routinely measured. To assess subjective and objective knowledge, as well as satisfaction with the SSC implementation, an online survey (N = 891) was performed. Results During two test runs in a piloting unit, 305 operations were observed, 175 in test run 1 and 130 in test run 2. The SSC was used in 77.1% of all operations in test run 1 and in 99.2% in test run 2. Within used SSCs, completion rates were 36.3% in test run 1 and 1.6% in test run 2. After roll-out, three unannounced audits took place and showed that the SSC was used in 95.3%, 91.9% and 89.9%. Within used SSCs, completion rates decreased from 81.7% to 60.6% and 53.2%. In 2014, 164 (18.4%) operating team members responded to the online survey, 160 of which were included in the analysis. 146 (91.3%) consultants and nursing staff reported to use the SSC regularly in daily routine. Conclusion These data show that the implementation of new tools such as the adapted WHO SSC needs constant supervision and instruction until it becomes self-evident and accepted. Further efforts, consisting mainly of hands-on leadership and training are necessary. PMID:25658317

Increasing precision of turbidity-based suspended sediment concentration and load estimates.

PubMed

Jastram, John D; Zipper, Carl E; Zelazny, Lucian W; Hyer, Kenneth E

2010-01-01

Turbidity is an effective tool for estimating and monitoring suspended sediments in aquatic systems. Turbidity can be measured in situ remotely and at fine temporal scales as a surrogate for suspended sediment concentration (SSC), providing opportunity for a more complete record of SSC than is possible with physical sampling approaches. However, there is variability in turbidity-based SSC estimates and in sediment loadings calculated from those estimates. This study investigated the potential to improve turbidity-based SSC, and by extension the resulting sediment loading estimates, by incorporating hydrologic variables that can be monitored remotely and continuously (typically 15-min intervals) into the SSC estimation procedure. On the Roanoke River in southwestern Virginia, hydrologic stage, turbidity, and other water-quality parameters were monitored with in situ instrumentation; suspended sediments were sampled manually during elevated turbidity events; samples were analyzed for SSC and physical properties including particle-size distribution and organic C content; and rainfall was quantified by geologic source area. The study identified physical properties of the suspended-sediment samples that contribute to SSC estimation variance and hydrologic variables that explained variability of those physical properties. Results indicated that the inclusion of any of the measured physical properties in turbidity-based SSC estimation models reduces unexplained variance. Further, the use of hydrologic variables to represent these physical properties, along with turbidity, resulted in a model, relying solely on data collected remotely and continuously, that estimated SSC with less variance than a conventional turbidity-based univariate model, allowing a more precise estimate of sediment loading, Modeling results are consistent with known mechanisms governing sediment transport in hydrologic systems.

Correlations between skin blood perfusion values and nailfold capillaroscopy scores in systemic sclerosis patients.

PubMed

Ruaro, B; Sulli, A; Pizzorni, C; Paolino, S; Smith, V; Cutolo, M

2016-05-01

To correlate blood perfusion (BP) values assessed by laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA) in selected skin areas of hands and face with nailfold capillary damage scores in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. Seventy SSc patients (mean SSc duration 6 ± 5 years) and 70 volunteer healthy subjects were enrolled after informed consent. LASCA was performed at different areas of the face (forehead, tip of nose, zygomas and perioral region) and at dorsal and volar regions of hands. Microvascular damage was assessed and scored by nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) and the microangiopathy evolution score (MES) was calculated. SSc patients showed a significantly lower BP than healthy subjects at fingertips, periungual areas and palm of hands (p<0.0001), but not at the level of face and dorsum of hands. A gradual decrease of BP at fingertips, periungual and palm areas, was found in SSc patients with progressive severity of NVC patterns of microangiopathy ("early", "active", or "late") (p<0.01). A negative correlation was observed between MES and BP values, as well as between loss of capillaries and BP, at the same areas (p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively). Patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) showed lower BP than those with limited cutaneous SSc (p<0.04). LASCA detects a significant reduction of BP only in those areas usually affected by Raynaud's phenomenon (fingertips, periungual and palm areas), especially in dcSSc patients, and BP values significantly correlate with the nailfold capillaroscopy scores of microangiopathy. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Relations between continuous real-time turbidity data and discrete suspended-sediment concentration samples in the Neosho and Cottonwood Rivers, east-central Kansas, 2009-2012

USGS Publications Warehouse

Foster, Guy M.

2014-01-01

The Neosho River and its primary tributary, the Cottonwood River, are the primary sources of inflow to the John Redmond Reservoir in east-central Kansas. Sedimentation rate in the John Redmond Reservoir was estimated as 743 acre-feet per year for 1964–2006. This estimated sedimentation rate is more than 80 percent larger than the projected design sedimentation rate of 404 acre-feet per year, and resulted in a loss of 40 percent of the conservation pool since its construction in 1964. To reduce sediment input into the reservoir, the Kansas Water Office implemented stream bank stabilization techniques along an 8.3 mile reach of the Neosho River during 2010 through 2011. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Kansas Water Office and funded in part through the Kansas State Water Plan Fund, operated continuous real-time water-quality monitors upstream and downstream from stream bank stabilization efforts before, during, and after construction. Continuously measured water-quality properties include streamflow, specific conductance, water temperature, and turbidity. Discrete sediment samples were collected from June 2009 through September 2012 and analyzed for suspended-sediment concentration (SSC), percentage of sediments less than 63 micrometers (sand-fine break), and loss of material on ignition (analogous to amount of organic matter). Regression models were developed to establish relations between discretely measured SSC samples, and turbidity or streamflow to estimate continuously SSC. Continuous water-quality monitors represented between 96 and 99 percent of the cross-sectional variability for turbidity, and had slopes between 0.91 and 0.98. Because consistent bias was not observed, values from continuous water-quality monitors were considered representative of stream conditions. On average, turbidity-based SSC models explained 96 percent of the variance in SSC. Streamflow-based regressions explained 53 to 60 percent of the variance. Mean squared prediction error for turbidity-based regression relations ranged from -32 to 48 percent, whereas mean square prediction error for streamflow-based regressions ranged from -69 to 218 percent. These models are useful for evaluating the variability of SSC during rapidly changing conditions, computing loads and yields to assess SSC transport through the watershed, and for providing more accurate load estimates compared to streamflow-only based estimation methods used in the past. These models can be used to evaluate the efficacy of streambank stabilization efforts.

Does nailfold capillaroscopy help predict future outcomes in systemic sclerosis? A systematic literature review.

PubMed

Paxton, Dolcie; Pauling, John D

2018-02-14

Nailfold capillaroscopy (NC) is an important diagnostic tool in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Confirmation of NC as a prognostic factor could facilitate earlier intervention and slow disease progression in SSc. We undertook a systematic literature review to evaluate the prognostic value of NC in predicting SSc disease progression. Standardised searches of EMBASE and MEDLINE were undertaken to identify longitudinal studies of adult subjects with SSc reporting the prognostic value of NC for any aspect of disease progression and/or survival. Non-English, non-original research, animal studies, non-adult studies and non-full length reports were excluded from the analysis (PROSPERO 2017:CRD42017071719). Wide heterogeneity in study design, prognostic factor measurement and study outcomes necessitated a qualitative data synthesis. The "QUality In Prognosis Studies" (QUIPS) risk-of-bias tool was used to assess study quality. Study selection, data extraction and risk-of-bias assessment were each undertaken independently by 2 reviewers and consensus reached where necessary. Of 942 retrieved articles, 18 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The majority of studies (17/18, 94%) reported positive associations between baseline NC appearances (using a variety of qualitative, semi-quantitative and quantitative NC endpoints) and clinical outcomes including digital ulcer (DU) occurrence/healing, survival, disease progression (using domains of Medsger disease severity scale), calcinosis, skin progression, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and/or a composite analysis of "cardiovascular events". Application of the QUIPS tool identified a moderate-high risk of potential bias in 6/18 studies for study participation, 3/18 studies for study attrition, 10/18 for prognostic factor measurement, 5/18 for outcome measurement, 13/18 for confounders and 13/18 for statistical analyses. Study quality limited the strength of the conclusions drawn from these studies. The most important source of potential bias across the studies was insufficient adjustment for potential confounders; such as existing DU disease in studies evaluating future DU occurrence. Recent work suggests NC evolution is an important predictor of disease progression in SSc. High levels of potential bias relating to study confounding and statistical analysis make it difficult to draw conclusions regarding the prognostic role of NC in SSc. There is strong evidence supporting an association between NC abnormalities (particularly capillary loss) and disease severity (particularly vascular manifestations such as DU, calcinosis and PAH). Evolution of NC appearances may represent a more important predictor of disease progression which could have important implications for the future use of NC in the routine longitudinal assessment and management of SSc. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Environmental Geographic Information Systems (EGIS) at Stennis Space Center (SSC)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carr, Hugh; Smoot, James; Parikh, Joy

2004-01-01

This viewgraph presentation includes: 1) Background of SSC Environmental GIS (EGIS); 2) Principal Center Activities; 3) SSC's GIS Applications: a) Environmental Emergency Response Tool, b) CERCLA, c) Facilities Master Planning, d) Natural Resource Management and Site Assessment.

78 FR 6810 - Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-31

... Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC). DATES: The SSC will meet on February 26-28, 2013, between 8:30 a.... Introductions. 2. Approval of Draft Agenda and Assignment of Rapporteurs. 3. Status of the 111th SSC Meeting...

Gene Profiling in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis Reveals the Presence of Oncogenic Gene Signatures

PubMed Central

Dolcino, Marzia; Pelosi, Andrea; Fiore, Piera Filomena; Patuzzo, Giuseppe; Tinazzi, Elisa; Lunardi, Claudio; Puccetti, Antonio

2018-01-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare connective tissue disease characterized by three pathogenetic hallmarks: vasculopathy, dysregulation of the immune system, and fibrosis. A particular feature of SSc is the increased frequency of some types of malignancies, namely breast, lung, and hematological malignancies. Moreover, SSc may also be a paraneoplastic disease, again indicating a strong link between cancer and scleroderma. The reason of this association is still unknown; therefore, we aimed at investigating whether particular genetic or epigenetic factors may play a role in promoting cancer development in patients with SSc and whether some features are shared by the two conditions. We therefore performed a gene expression profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) derived from patients with limited and diffuse SSc, showing that the various classes of genes potentially linked to the pathogenesis of SSc (such as apoptosis, endothelial cell activation, extracellular matrix remodeling, immune response, and inflammation) include genes that directly participate in the development of malignancies or that are involved in pathways known to be associated with carcinogenesis. The transcriptional analysis was then complemented by a complex network analysis of modulated genes which further confirmed the presence of signaling pathways associated with carcinogenesis. Since epigenetic mechanisms, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), are believed to play a central role in the pathogenesis of SSc, we also evaluated whether specific cancer-related miRNAs could be deregulated in the serum of SSc patients. We focused our attention on miRNAs already found upregulated in SSc such as miR-21-5p, miR-92a-3p, and on miR-155-5p, miR 126-3p and miR-16-5p known to be deregulated in malignancies associated to SSc, i.e., breast, lung, and hematological malignancies. miR-21-5p, miR-92a-3p, miR-155-5p, and miR-16-5p expression was significantly higher in SSc sera compared to healthy controls. Our findings indicate the presence of modulated genes and miRNAs that can play a predisposing role in the development of malignancies in SSc and are important for a better risk stratification of patients and for the identification of a better individualized precision medicine strategy. PMID:29559981

Strongly-guided indium phosphide/indium gallium arsenic phosphide Mach-Zehnder modulator for optical communications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Betty, Ian Brian

2006-12-01

The development of strongly-guided InP/In1-x GaxAsyP 1-y based Mach-Zehnder optical modulators for 10Gb/s telecommunications is detailed. The modulators have insertion losses including coupling as low as 4.5dB, due to the incorporation of monolithically integrated optical mode spot-size converters (SSC's). The modulators are optimized to produce system performance that is independent of optical coupling alignment and for wavelength operation between 1525nm and 1565nm. A negatively chirped Mach-Zehnder modulator design is demonstrated, giving optimal dispersion-limited reach for 10Gb/s ON/OFF-keying modulation. It is shown that the optical system performance for this design can be determined from purely DC based optical measurements. A Mach-Zehnder modulator design invoking nearly no transient frequency shifts under intensity modulation is also presented, for the first time, using phase-shifter implementations based on the Quantum-Confined-Stark-Effect (QCSE). The performance impact on the modulator from the higher-order vertical and lateral waveguide modes found in strongly-guided waveguides has been determined. The impact of these higher-order modes has been minimized using the design of the waveguide bends, MMI structures, and doping profiles. The fabrication process and optical design for the spot-size mode converters are also thoroughly explored. The SSC structures are based on butt-joined vertically tapered passive waveguide cores within laterally flared strongly-guided ridges, making them compatible with any strong-guiding waveguide structure. The flexibility of the SSC process is demonstrated by the superior performance it has also enabled in a 40Gb/s electro-absorption modulator. The presented electro-absorption modulator has 3.6dB fiber-to-fiber insertion loss, polarization dependent loss (PDL) of only 0.3dB over 15dB extinction, and low absolute chirp (|alpha H| < 0.6) over the full dynamic range.

[Cognitive function in patients with systemic sclerosis].

PubMed

Straszecka, J; Jonderko, G; Kucharz, E J; Brzezińska-Wcisło, L; Kotulska, A; Bogdanowski, T

1997-09-01

Central nervous system involvement is seldom reported in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Cognitive functions were determined in 21 patients with definite SSc and 42 healthy controls. Thyroid function was also measured in order to eliminate the effect of hypothyroidism on cognitive functioning. It was found that the SSc patients with normal thyroid function showed defective long-term and recent memory, learning ability, criticism, perception and visuo-perceptual skills, their simple reaction time was prolonged. Similar but less advanced cognitive defects were shown in the SSc patients with overt or latent hypothyroidism. The obtained results indicate that the central nervous system involvement is more common in patients with SSc than it has been reported earlier.

Direct brain recordings reveal impaired neural function in infants with single-suture craniosynostosis: a future modality for guiding management?

PubMed

Hashim, Peter W; Brooks, Eric D; Persing, John A; Reuman, Hannah; Naples, Adam; Travieso, Roberto; Terner, Jordan; Steinbacher, Derek; Landi, Nicole; Mayes, Linda; McPartland, James C

2015-01-01

Patients with single-suture craniosynostosis (SSC) are at an elevated risk for long-term learning disabilities. Such adverse outcomes indicate that the early development of neural processing in SSC may be abnormal. At present, however, the precise functional derangements of the developing brain remain largely unknown. Event-related potentials (ERPs) are a form of noninvasive neuroimaging that provide direct measurements of cortical activity and have shown value in predicting long-term cognitive functioning. The current study used ERPs to examine auditory processing in infants with SSC to help clarify the developmental onset of delays in this population. Fifteen infants with untreated SSC and 23 typically developing controls were evaluated. ERPs were recorded during the presentation of speech sounds. Analyses focused on the P150 and N450 components of auditory processing. Infants with SSC demonstrated attenuated P150 amplitudes relative to typically developing controls. No differences in the N450 component were identified between untreated SSC and controls. Infants with untreated SSC demonstrate abnormal speech sound processing. Atypicalities are detectable as early as 6 months of age and may represent precursors to long-term language delay. Electrophysiological assessments provide a precise examination of neural processing in SSC and hold potential as a future modality to examine the effects of surgical treatment on brain development.

Association of Interleukin 23 Receptor Polymorphisms with Anti-Topoisomerase-I Positivity and Pulmonary Hypertension in Systemic Sclerosis

PubMed Central

AGARWAL, SANDEEP K.; GOURH, PRAVITT; SHETE, SANJAY; PAZ, GENE; DIVECHA, DIPAL; REVEILLE, JOHN D.; ASSASSI, SHERVIN; TAN, FILEMON K.; MAYES, MAUREEN D.; ARNETT, FRANK C.

2010-01-01

Objective IL23R has been identified as a susceptibility gene for development of multiple autoimmune diseases. We investigated the possible association of IL23R with systemic sclerosis (SSc), an autoimmune disease that leads to the development of cutaneous and visceral fibrosis. Methods We tested 9 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in IL23R for association with SSc in a cohort of 1402 SSc cases and 1038 controls. IL23R SNP tested were previously identified as SNP showing associations with inflammatory bowel disease. Results Case-control comparisons revealed no statistically significant differences between patients and healthy controls with any of the IL23R polymorphisms. Analyses of subsets of SSc patients showed that rs11209026 (Arg381Gln variant) was associated with anti-topoisomerase I antibody (ATA)-positive SSc (p = 0.001)) and rs11465804 SNP was associated with diffuse and ATA-positive SSc (p = 0.0001, p = 0.0026, respectively). These associations remained significant after accounting for multiple comparisons using the false discovery rate method. Wild-type genotype at both rs11209026 and rs11465804 showed significant protection against the presence of pulmonary hypertension (PHT). (p = 3×10−5, p = 1×10−5, respectively). Conclusion Polymorphisms in IL23R are associated with susceptibility to ATA-positive SSc and protective against development of PHT in patients with SSc. PMID:19918037

Increased dermal collagen bundle alignment in systemic sclerosis is associated with a cell migration signature and role of Arhgdib in directed fibroblast migration on aligned ECMs

PubMed Central

Lafyatis, Robert; Burkly, Linda C.

2017-01-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a devastating disease affecting the skin and internal organs. Dermal fibrosis manifests early and Modified Rodnan Skin Scores (MRSS) correlate with disease progression. Transcriptomics of SSc skin biopsies suggest the role of the in vivo microenvironment in maintaining the pathological myofibroblasts. Therefore, defining the structural changes in dermal collagen in SSc patients could inform our understanding of fibrosis pathogenesis. Here, we report a method for quantitative whole-slide image analysis of dermal collagen from SSc patients, and our findings of more aligned dermal collagen bundles in diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) patients. Using the bleomycin-induced mouse model of SSc, we identified a distinct high dermal collagen bundle alignment gene signature, characterized by a concerted upregulation in cell migration, adhesion, and guidance pathways, and downregulation of spindle, replication, and cytokinesis pathways. Furthermore, increased bundle alignment induced a cell migration gene signature in fibroblasts in vitro, and these cells demonstrated increased directed migration on aligned ECM fibers that is dependent on expression of Arhgdib (Rho GDP-dissociation inhibitor 2). Our results indicate that increased cell migration is a cellular response to the increased collagen bundle alignment featured in fibrotic skin. Moreover, many of the cell migration genes identified in our study are shared with human SSc skin and may be new targets for therapeutic intervention. PMID:28662216

[Hashimoto thyroiditis may be associated with a subset of patients with systemic sclerosis with pulmonary hypertension].

PubMed

Costa, Ciliana Cardoso B; Medeiros, Morgana; Watanabe, Karen; Martin, Patricia; Skare, Thelma L

2014-01-01

Recent studies show an association between autoimmune thyroiditis and systemic sclerosis (SSc) and suggest that this condition may interfere with the ES phenotype. However these studies evaluate the autoimmune thyroiditis as a whole and none of them specifically addresses Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) in SSc. To investigate the presence of HT in SSc patients and its possible association with disease manifestations. Clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism, TSH and anti-thyroid auto antibodies (anti-TPO. anti TBG and TRAb) were studied in 56 patients with SSc. SSc patients with HT were compared with SSc patients without thyroiditis. HT was observed in 19.64% of patients with SSc. No association was observed between HT and the different forms of disease or profile of autoantibodies. Likewise, there was no difference between the mean modified Rodnan score and presence of Raynaud's phenomenon, scars, digital necrosis, myositis, arthritis, sicca symptoms, esophageal dysmotility and scleroderma renal crisis when the groups were compared. On the other hand, patients with HT had higher frequency of pulmonary hypertension in relation to patients without HT (66.6% vs 22.5%, p=0.016). In the studied sample patients with ES and HT had higher prevalence of pulmonary hypertension. Long-term follow-up studies with a larger number of TH and SSc patients are needed to confirm these data. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

KCNA5 gene is not confirmed as a systemic sclerosis-related pulmonary arterial hypertension genetic susceptibility factor

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Introduction Potassium voltage-gated channel shaker-related subfamily member 5 (KCNA5) is implicated in vascular tone regulation, and its inhibition during hypoxia produces pulmonary vasoconstriction. Recently, a protective association of the KCNA5 locus with systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) was reported. Hence, the aim of this study was to replicate these findings in an independent multicenter Caucasian SSc cohort. Methods The 2,343 SSc cases (179 PAH positive, confirmed by right-heart catheterization) and 2,690 matched healthy controls from five European countries were included in this study. Rs10744676 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was genotyped by using a TaqMan SNP genotyping assay. Results Individual population analyses of the selected KCNA5 genetic variant did not show significant association with SSc or any of the defined subsets (for example, limited cutaneous SSc, diffuse cutaneous SSc, anti-centromere autoantibody positive and anti-topoisomerase autoantibody positive). Furthermore, pooled analyses revealed no significant evidence of association with the disease or any of the subsets, not even the PAH-positive group. The comparison of PAH-positive patients with PAH-negative patients showed no significant differences among patients. Conclusions Our data do not support an important role of KCNA5 as an SSc-susceptibility factor or as a PAH-development genetic marker for SSc patients. PMID:23270786

Unfolding the pathogenesis of scleroderma through genomics and epigenomics.

PubMed

Tsou, Pei-Suen; Sawalha, Amr H

2017-09-01

With unknown etiology, scleroderma (SSc) is a multifaceted disease characterized by immune activation, vascular complications, and excessive fibrosis in internal organs. Genetic studies, including candidate gene association studies, genome-wide association studies, and whole-exome sequencing have supported the notion that while genetic susceptibility to SSc appears to be modest, SSc patients are genetically predisposed to this disease. The strongest genetic association for SSc lies within the MHC region, with loci in HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1, HLA-DPB1, and HLA-DOA1 being the most replicated. The non-HLA genes associated with SSc are involved in various functions, with the most robust associations including genes for B and T cell activation and innate immunity. Other pathways include genes involved in extracellular matrix deposition, cytokines, and autophagy. Among these genes, IRF5, STAT4, and CD247 were replicated most frequently while SNPs rs35677470 in DNASE1L3, rs5029939 in TNFAIP3, and rs7574685 in STAT4 have the strongest associations with SSc. In addition to genetic predisposition, it became clear that environmental factors and epigenetic influences also contribute to the development of SSc. Epigenetics, which refers to studies that focus on heritable phenotypes resulting from changes in chromatin structure without affecting the DNA sequence, is one of the most rapidly expanding fields in biomedical research. Indeed extensive epigenetic changes have been described in SSc. Alteration in enzymes and mediators involved in DNA methylation and histone modification, as well as dysregulated non-coding RNA levels all contribute to fibrosis, immune dysregulation, and impaired angiogenesis in this disease. Genes that are affected by epigenetic dysregulation include ones involved in autoimmunity, T cell function and regulation, TGFβ pathway, Wnt pathway, extracellular matrix, and transcription factors governing fibrosis and angiogenesis. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current findings of SSc genetic susceptibility, followed by an extensive description and a systematic review of epigenetic research that has been carried out to date in SSc. We also summarize the therapeutic potential of drugs that affect epigenetic mechanisms, and outline the future prospective of genomics and epigenomics research in SSc. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β and epidermal growth factor receptor in pulmonary vasculature of systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension versus idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension and pulmonary veno-occlusive disease: a case-control study.

PubMed

Overbeek, Maria J; Boonstra, Anco; Voskuyl, Alexandre E; Vonk, Madelon C; Vonk-Noordegraaf, Anton; van Berkel, Maria P A; Mooi, Wolter J; Dijkmans, Ben A C; Hondema, Laurens S; Smit, Egbert F; Grünberg, Katrien

2011-04-14

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) complicated by pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) carries a poor prognosis, despite pulmonary vascular dilating therapy. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFR-β) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are potential therapeutic targets for PAH because of their proliferative effects on vessel remodelling. To explore their role in SScPAH, we compared PDGFR- and EGFR-mmunoreactivity in lung tissue specimens from SScPAH. We compared staining patterns with idiopathic PAH (IPAH) and pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD), as SScPAH vasculopathy differs from IPAH and sometimes displays features of PVOD. Immunoreactivity patterns of phosphorylated PDGFR-β (pPDGFR-β) and the ligand PDGF-B were evaluated to provide more insight into the patterns of PDGFR-b activation. Lung tissue specimens from five SScPAH, nine IPAH, six PVOD patients and five controls were examined. Immunoreactivity was scored for presence, distribution and intensity. All SScPAH and three of nine IPAH cases (P = 0.03) showed PDGFR-β-immunoreactivity in small vessels (arterioles/venules); of five SScPAH vs. two of nine IPAH cases (P = 0.02) showed venous immunoreactivity. In small vessels, intensity was stronger in SScPAH vs. IPAH. No differences were found between SScPAH and PVOD. One of five normal controls demonstrated focally mild immunoreactivity. There were no differences in PDGF-ligand and pPDGFR-b-immunoreactivity between patient groups; however, pPDGFR-b-immunoreactivity tended to be more prevalent in SScPAH small vasculature compared to IPAH. Vascular EGFR-immunoreactivity was limited to arterial and arteriolar walls, without differences between groups. No immunoreactivity was observed in vasculature of normals. PDGFR-β-immunoreactivity in SScPAH is more common and intense in small- and post-capillary vessels than in IPAH and does not differ from PVOD, fitting in with histomorphological distribution of vasculopathy. PDGFR-β immunoreactivity pattern is not paralleled by pPDGFR-β or PDGF-B patterns. PDGFR-β- and EGFR-immunoreactivity of pulmonary vessels distinguishes PAH patients from controls.

The importance of skin–to–skin contact for early initiation of breastfeeding in Nigeria and Bangladesh

PubMed Central

Singh, Kavita; Khan, Shane M; Carvajal–Aguirre, Liliana; Brodish, Paul; Amouzou, Agbessi; Moran, Allisyn

2017-01-01

Background Skin–to–skin contact (SSC) between mother and newborn offers numerous protective effects, however it is an intervention that has been under–utilized. Our objectives are to understand which newborns in Bangladesh and Nigeria receive SSC and whether SSC is associated with the early initiation of breastfeeding. Methods Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data were used to study the characteristics of newborns receiving SSC for non–facility births in Nigeria (DHS 2013) and for both facility and non–facility births in Bangladesh (DHS 2014). Multivariable logistic regression was used to study the association between SSC and early initiation of breastfeeding after controlling for key socio–demographic, maternal and newborn–related factors. Results Only 10% of newborns in Nigeria and 26% of newborns in Bangladesh received SSC. In the regression models, SSC was significantly associated with the early initiation of breastfeeding in both countries (OR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.15–1.76 for Nigeria; OR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.04–1.55, for Bangladesh). Findings from the regression analysis for Bangladesh revealed that newborns born by Cesarean section had a 67% lower odds of early initiation of breastfeeding than those born by normal delivery (OR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.26–0.43). Also in Bangladesh newborns born in a health facility had a 30% lower odds of early initiation of breastfeeding than those born in non–facility environments (OR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.53–0.92). Early initiation of breastfeeding was significantly associated with parity, urban residence and wealth in Nigeria. Geographic area was significant in the regression analyses for both Bangladesh and Nigeria. Conclusions Coverage of SSC is very low in the two countries, despite its benefits for newborns without complications. SSC has the potential to save newborn lives. There is a need to prioritize training of health providers on the implementation of essential newborn care including SSC. Community engagement is also needed to ensure that all women and their families regardless of residence, socio–economic status, place or type of delivery, understand the benefits of SSC and early initiation of breastfeeding. PMID:29423182

Informatics can identify systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients at risk for scleroderma renal crisis

PubMed Central

Redd, Doug; Frech, Tracy M.; Murtaugh, Maureen A.; Rhiannon, Julia; Zeng, Qing T.

2016-01-01

Background Electronic medical records (EMR) provide an ideal opportunity for the detection, diagnosis, and management of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The objective of this project was to use informatics to identify potential SSc patients in the VHA that were on prednisone, in order to inform an outreach project to prevent scleroderma renal crisis (SRC). Methods The electronic medical data for this study came from Veterans Informatics and Computing Infrastructure (VINCI). For natural language processing (NLP) analysis, a set of retrieval criteria was developed for documents expected to have a high correlation to SSc. The two annotators reviewed the ratings to assemble a single adjudicated set of ratings, from which a support vector machine (SVM) based document classifier was trained. Any patient having at least one document positively classified for SSc was considered positive for SSc and the use of prednisone ≥ 10 mg in the clinical document was reviewed to determine whether it was an active medication on the prescription list. Results In the VHA, there were 4,272 patients that have a diagnosis of SSc determined by the presence of an ICD-9 code. From these patients, 1,118 patients (21%) had the use of prednisone ≥_10 mg. Of these patients, 26 had a concurrent diagnosis of hypertension, thus these patients should not be on prednisone. By the use of natural language processing (NLP) an additional 16,522 patients were identified as possible SSc, highlighting that cases of SSc in the VHA may exist that are unidentified by ICD-9. A 10-fold cross validation of the classifier resulted in a precision (positive predictive value) of 0.814, recall (sensitivity) of 0.973, and f-measure of 0.873. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that current clinical practice in the VHA includes the potentially dangerous use of prednisone for veterans with SSc. This present study also suggests there may be many undetected cases of SSc and NLP can successfully identify these patients. PMID:25168254

Epstein-Barr virus lytic infection promotes activation of Toll-like receptor 8 innate immune response in systemic sclerosis monocytes.

PubMed

Farina, Antonella; Peruzzi, Giovanna; Lacconi, Valentina; Lenna, Stefania; Quarta, Silvia; Rosato, Edoardo; Vestri, Anna Rita; York, Michael; Dreyfus, David H; Faggioni, Alberto; Morrone, Stefania; Trojanowska, Maria; Farina, G Alessandra

2017-02-28

Monocytes/macrophages are activated in several autoimmune diseases, including systemic sclerosis (scleroderma; SSc), with increased expression of interferon (IFN)-regulatory genes and inflammatory cytokines, suggesting dysregulation of the innate immune response in autoimmunity. In this study, we investigated whether the lytic form of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection (infectious EBV) is present in scleroderma monocytes and contributes to their activation in SSc. Monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) depleted of the CD19+ cell fraction, using CD14/CD16 negative-depletion. Circulating monocytes from SSc and healthy donors (HDs) were infected with EBV. Gene expression of innate immune mediators were evaluated in EBV-infected monocytes from SSc and HDs. Involvement of Toll-like receptor (TLR)8 in viral-mediated TLR8 response was investigated by comparing the TLR8 expression induced by infectious EBV to the expression stimulated by CL075/TLR8/agonist-ligand in the presence of TLR8 inhibitor in THP-1 cells. Infectious EBV strongly induced TLR8 expression in infected SSc and HD monocytes in vitro. Markers of activated monocytes, such as IFN-regulated genes and chemokines, were upregulated in SSc- and HD-EBV-infected monocytes. Inhibiting TLR8 expression reduced virally induced TLR8 in THP-1 infected cells, demonstrating that innate immune activation by infectious EBV is partially dependent on TLR8. Viral mRNA and proteins were detected in freshly isolated SSc monocytes. Microarray analysis substantiated the evidence of an increased IFN signature and altered level of TLR8 expression in SSc monocytes carrying infectious EBV compared to HD monocytes. This study provides the first evidence of infectious EBV in monocytes from patients with SSc and links EBV to the activation of TLR8 and IFN innate immune response in freshly isolated SSc monocytes. This study provides the first evidence of EBV replication activating the TLR8 molecular pathway in primary monocytes. Immunogenicity of infectious EBV suggests a novel mechanism mediating monocyte inflammation in SSc, by which EBV triggers the innate immune response in infected cells.

Altered monocyte and fibrocyte phenotype and function in scleroderma interstitial lung disease: reversal by caveolin-1 scaffolding domain peptide.

PubMed

Tourkina, Elena; Bonner, Michael; Oates, James; Hofbauer, Ann; Richard, Mathieu; Znoyko, Sergei; Visconti, Richard P; Zhang, Jing; Hatfield, Corey M; Silver, Richard M; Hoffman, Stanley

2011-07-01

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in scleroderma (systemic sclerosis, or SSc). Fibrocytes are a monocyte-derived cell population implicated in the pathogenesis of fibrosing disorders. Given the recently recognized importance of caveolin-1 in regulating function and signaling in SSc monocytes, in the present study we examined the role of caveolin-1 in the migration and/or trafficking and phenotype of monocytes and fibrocytes in fibrotic lung disease in human patients and an animal model. These studies fill a gap in our understanding of how monocytes and fibrocytes contribute to SSc-ILD pathology. We found that C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4-positive (CXCR4+)/collagen I-positive (ColI+), CD34+/ColI+ and CD45+/ColI+ cells are present in SSc-ILD lungs, but not in control lungs, with CXCR4+ cells being most prevalent. Expression of CXCR4 and its ligand, stromal cell-derived factor 1 (CXCL12), are also highly upregulated in SSc-ILD lung tissue. SSc monocytes, which lack caveolin-1 and therefore overexpress CXCR4, exhibit almost sevenfold increased migration toward CXCL12 compared to control monocytes. Restoration of caveolin-1 function by administering the caveolin scaffolding domain (CSD) peptide reverses this hypermigration. Similarly, transforming growth factor β-treated normal monocytes lose caveolin-1, overexpress CXCR4 and exhibit 15-fold increased monocyte migration that is CSD peptide-sensitive. SSc monocytes exhibit a different phenotype than normal monocytes, expressing high levels of ColI, CD14 and CD34. Because ColI+/CD14+ cells are prevalent in SSc blood, we looked for such cells in lung tissue and confirmed their presence in SSc-ILD lungs but not in normal lungs. Finally, in the bleomycin model of lung fibrosis, we show that CSD peptide diminishes fibrocyte accumulation in the lungs. Our results suggest that low caveolin-1 in SSc monocytes contributes to ILD via effects on cell migration and phenotype and that the hyperaccumulation of fibrocytes in SSc-ILD may result from the altered phenotype and migratory activity of their monocyte precursors.

Altered monocyte and fibrocyte phenotype and function in scleroderma interstitial lung disease: reversal by caveolin-1 scaffolding domain peptide

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in scleroderma (systemic sclerosis, or SSc). Fibrocytes are a monocyte-derived cell population implicated in the pathogenesis of fibrosing disorders. Given the recently recognized importance of caveolin-1 in regulating function and signaling in SSc monocytes, in the present study we examined the role of caveolin-1 in the migration and/or trafficking and phenotype of monocytes and fibrocytes in fibrotic lung disease in human patients and an animal model. These studies fill a gap in our understanding of how monocytes and fibrocytes contribute to SSc-ILD pathology. We found that C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4-positive (CXCR4+)/collagen I-positive (ColI+), CD34+/ColI+ and CD45+/ColI+ cells are present in SSc-ILD lungs, but not in control lungs, with CXCR4+ cells being most prevalent. Expression of CXCR4 and its ligand, stromal cell-derived factor 1 (CXCL12), are also highly upregulated in SSc-ILD lung tissue. SSc monocytes, which lack caveolin-1 and therefore overexpress CXCR4, exhibit almost sevenfold increased migration toward CXCL12 compared to control monocytes. Restoration of caveolin-1 function by administering the caveolin scaffolding domain (CSD) peptide reverses this hypermigration. Similarly, transforming growth factor β-treated normal monocytes lose caveolin-1, overexpress CXCR4 and exhibit 15-fold increased monocyte migration that is CSD peptide-sensitive. SSc monocytes exhibit a different phenotype than normal monocytes, expressing high levels of ColI, CD14 and CD34. Because ColI+/CD14+ cells are prevalent in SSc blood, we looked for such cells in lung tissue and confirmed their presence in SSc-ILD lungs but not in normal lungs. Finally, in the bleomycin model of lung fibrosis, we show that CSD peptide diminishes fibrocyte accumulation in the lungs. Our results suggest that low caveolin-1 in SSc monocytes contributes to ILD via effects on cell migration and phenotype and that the hyperaccumulation of fibrocytes in SSc-ILD may result from the altered phenotype and migratory activity of their monocyte precursors. PMID:21722364

The importance of skin-to-skin contact for early initiation of breastfeeding in Nigeria and Bangladesh.

PubMed

Singh, Kavita; Khan, Shane M; Carvajal-Aguirre, Liliana; Brodish, Paul; Amouzou, Agbessi; Moran, Allisyn

2017-12-01

Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) between mother and newborn offers numerous protective effects, however it is an intervention that has been under-utilized. Our objectives are to understand which newborns in Bangladesh and Nigeria receive SSC and whether SSC is associated with the early initiation of breastfeeding. Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data were used to study the characteristics of newborns receiving SSC for non-facility births in Nigeria (DHS 2013) and for both facility and non-facility births in Bangladesh (DHS 2014). Multivariable logistic regression was used to study the association between SSC and early initiation of breastfeeding after controlling for key socio-demographic, maternal and newborn-related factors. Only 10% of newborns in Nigeria and 26% of newborns in Bangladesh received SSC. In the regression models, SSC was significantly associated with the early initiation of breastfeeding in both countries (OR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.15-1.76 for Nigeria; OR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.04-1.55, for Bangladesh). Findings from the regression analysis for Bangladesh revealed that newborns born by Cesarean section had a 67% lower odds of early initiation of breastfeeding than those born by normal delivery (OR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.26-0.43). Also in Bangladesh newborns born in a health facility had a 30% lower odds of early initiation of breastfeeding than those born in non-facility environments (OR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.53-0.92). Early initiation of breastfeeding was significantly associated with parity, urban residence and wealth in Nigeria. Geographic area was significant in the regression analyses for both Bangladesh and Nigeria. Coverage of SSC is very low in the two countries, despite its benefits for newborns without complications. SSC has the potential to save newborn lives. There is a need to prioritize training of health providers on the implementation of essential newborn care including SSC. Community engagement is also needed to ensure that all women and their families regardless of residence, socio-economic status, place or type of delivery, understand the benefits of SSC and early initiation of breastfeeding.

2013 ACR/EULAR systemic sclerosis classification criteria in patients with associated pulmonary arterial hypertension.

PubMed

Joven, Beatriz E; Escribano, Pilar; Andreu, Jose Luis; Loza, Estibaliz; Jimenez, Carmen; de Yebenes, M Jesus Garcia; Ruiz-Cano, M Jose; Carmona, Loreto; Carreira, Patricia E

2018-06-01

To analyze the performance of the 1980 ACR and new 2013 ACR/EULAR criteria for systemic sclerosis (SSc) in cutaneous SSc (lcSSc) patients, especially those affected by lcSSc and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). All patients with a clinical lcSSc diagnosis from a prospective observational SSc cohort were included. Sociodemographic and disease-related variables were collected, and PAH confirmed by right heart catheterization (RHC). Performance of the 2013 and 1980 SSc criteria was analyzed in terms of clinical diagnosis. Descriptive and between-group analyses were performed as to the fulfillment of criterion sets, including comparison of survival. Overall, 321 patients were included, 63% of whom fulfilled the 1980 ACR and 93% the 2013 ACR/EULAR criteria. Agreement between both criteria sets proved poor (κ = 0.23). LcSSC patients fulfilling both criterion sets were significantly younger at diagnosis, whilst presenting organ involvement, calcinosis, fingertip digital ulcers, and pitting scars more frequently than those who met the 2013 criteria only. Patients who fulfilled the 2013 but not the 1980 criteria presented a higher degree of ACA positivity and PAH. Nearly 12% of patients developed PAH. Patients who did not meet the 1980 criteria were affected by a milder disease from but demonstrated higher pulmonary vascular resistance and lower cardiac index than those fulfilling both criterion sets. Whereas patients with PAH met the 2013 criteria, only 47% fulfilled the 1980 criteria. Regardless of criterion set fulfillment, high mortality was observed in PAH patients, with no significant between-patient difference based on criterion set. The new 2013 ARC/EULAR criteria prove more accurate than the former 1980 ACR criteria in identifying and differentiating patients with lcSSc, especially those with associated PAH. Since PAH exhibits a better prognosis if treated early, all SSc patients should undergo PAH screening. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Genome-wide association study for the level of serum electrolytes in Italian Large White pigs.

PubMed

Bovo, S; Schiavo, G; Mazzoni, G; Dall'Olio, S; Galimberti, G; Calò, D G; Scotti, E; Bertolini, F; Buttazzoni, L; Samorè, A B; Fontanesi, L

2016-10-01

Calcium, magnesium and phosphorus are essential electrolytes involved in a large number of biological processes. Imbalance of these minerals in blood may indicate clinically relevant conditions and are important in inferring acute or chronic pathologies in humans and animals. In this work, we carried out a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for the level of these three electrolytes in the serum of 843 performance-tested Italian Large White pigs. All pigs were genotyped with the Illumina PorcineSNP60 BeadChip, and GWAS was carried out using genome-wide efficient mixed-model association. For the level of Ca(2+) , eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were significant, considering a false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05, and another eight were above the moderate association threshold (Pnominal value  < 5.00E-05). These SNPs are distributed in four porcine chromosomes (SSC): SSC8, SSC11, SSC12 and SSC13. In particular, a few putative different signals of association detected on SSC13 and one on SSC12 were in genes or close to genes involved in calcium metabolism (P2RY1, RAP2B, SLC9A9, C3orf58, TSC22D2, PLCH1 and CACNB1). Only one SNP (on SSC7) and six SNPs (on SSC2 and SSC7) showed moderate association with the level of magnesium and phosphorus respectively. The association signals for these two latter minerals might identify genes not known thus far for playing a role in their biological functions and regulations. In conclusion, our GWAS contributed to increased knowledge on the role that calcium, magnesium and phosphorus may play in the genetically determined physiological mechanisms affecting the natural variability of mineral levels in mammalian blood. © 2016 Stichting International Foundation for Animal Genetics.

Improving the quality of adult mortality data collected in demographic surveys: validation study of a new siblings' survival questionnaire in Niakhar, Senegal.

PubMed

Helleringer, Stéphane; Pison, Gilles; Masquelier, Bruno; Kanté, Almamy Malick; Douillot, Laetitia; Duthé, Géraldine; Sokhna, Cheikh; Delaunay, Valérie

2014-05-01

In countries with limited vital registration, adult mortality is frequently estimated using siblings' survival histories (SSHs) collected during Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). These data are affected by reporting errors. We developed a new SSH questionnaire, the siblings' survival calendar (SSC). It incorporates supplementary interviewing techniques to limit omissions of siblings and uses an event history calendar to improve reports of dates and ages. We hypothesized that the SSC would improve the quality of adult mortality data. We conducted a retrospective validation study among the population of the Niakhar Health and Demographic Surveillance System in Senegal. We randomly assigned men and women aged 15-59 y to an interview with either the DHS questionnaire or the SSC. We compared SSHs collected in each group to prospective data on adult mortality collected in Niakhar. The SSC reduced respondents' tendency to round reports of dates and ages to the nearest multiple of five or ten ("heaping"). The SSC also had higher sensitivity in recording adult female deaths: among respondents whose sister(s) had died at an adult age in the past 15 y, 89.6% reported an adult female death during SSC interviews versus 75.6% in DHS interviews (p = 0.027). The specificity of the SSC was similar to that of the DHS questionnaire, i.e., it did not increase the number of false reports of deaths. However, the SSC did not improve the reporting of adult deaths among the brothers of respondents. Study limitations include sample selectivity, limited external validity, and multiple testing. The SSC has the potential to collect more accurate SSHs than the questionnaire used in DHS. Further research is needed to assess the effects of the SSC on estimates of adult mortality rates. Additional validation studies should be conducted in different social and epidemiological settings. Controlled-Trials.com ISRCTN06849961

Shape memory alloy wire for self-sensing servo actuation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Josephine Selvarani Ruth, D.; Dhanalakshmi, K.

2017-01-01

This paper reports on the development of a straightforward approach to realise self-sensing shape memory alloy (SMA) wire actuated control. A differential electrical resistance measurement circuit (the sensorless signal conditioning (SSC) circuit) is designed; this sensing signal is directly used as the feedback for control. Antagonistic SMA wire actuators designed for servo actuation is realized in self-sensing actuation (SSA) mode for direct control with the differential electrical resistance feedback. The self-sensing scheme is established on a 1-DOF manipulator with the discrete time sliding mode controls which demonstrates good control performance, whatever be the disturbance and loading conditions. The uniqueness of this work is the design of the generic electronic SSC circuit for SMA actuated system, for measurement and control. With a concern to the implementation of self-sensing technique in SMA, this scheme retains the systematic control architecture by using the sensing signal (self-sensed, electrical resistance corresponding to the system position) for feedback, without requiring any processing as that of the methods adopted and reported previously for SSA techniques of SMA.

Comparative characterization of sewage sludge compost and soil: Heavy metal leaching characteristics.

PubMed

Fang, Wen; Wei, Yonghong; Liu, Jianguo

2016-06-05

The leaching and accumulation of heavy metals are major concerns following the land application of sewage sludge compost (SSC). We comparatively characterized SSC, the reference soil, and the SSC amended soil to investigate their similarities and differences regarding heavy metal leaching behavior and then to evaluate the effect of SSC land application on the leaching behavior of soil. Results showed that organic matter, including both of particulate organic matter (POM) and dissolved organic matter (DOM), were critical factors influencing heavy metal leaching from both of SSC and the soil. When SSC was applied to soil at the application rate of 48t/ha, the increase of DOM content slightly enhanced heavy metal leaching from the amended soil over the applicable pH domain (6

The sustainability and performance measurement on supply chain in services industry: A literature review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leksono, Eko Budi; Suparno, Vanany, Iwan

2017-11-01

The services industry growth has been significant relation with economic growth. A new paradigm is needed for services sector development. The supply chain and performance measurement able to sustain of services industry growth. The supply chain implementation in the services industry called service supply chain (SSC). The globalization and stakeholder pressure makes operation of SSC should more attention to sustainability issue which consists of economic, social and environment simultaneously on SSC. Furthermore, services industry can develop by implementation of the sustainable SSC and its performance measurement. The sustainable SSC implementation can minimize of negative operation effect to environment and social, and maximize of profit. Sustainable service supply chain performance measurements (SSSCPM) are still less explored. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature in the field SSC, SSSC, SSC performance measurement (SSCPM) and SSSCPM for identification of the SSSCPM frameworks and indicators. Beside, the result of review able to look opportunities for develop a new framework for SSSCPM at the operational level, tactical and strategic, multiplayer and close loop, the effectiveness of the integration and development of modeling and simulation for evaluation in the future.

Molecular stratification and precision medicine in systemic sclerosis from genomic and proteomic data.

PubMed

Martyanov, Viktor; Whitfield, Michael L

2016-01-01

The goal of this review is to summarize recent advances into the pathogenesis and treatment of systemic sclerosis (SSc) from genomic and proteomic studies. Intrinsic gene expression-driven molecular subtypes of SSc are reproducible across three independent datasets. These subsets are a consistent feature of SSc and are found in multiple end-target tissues, such as skin and esophagus. Intrinsic subsets as well as baseline levels of molecular target pathways are potentially predictive of clinical response to specific therapeutics, based on three recent clinical trials. A gene expression-based biomarker of modified Rodnan skin score, a measure of SSc skin severity, can be used as a surrogate outcome metric and has been validated in a recent trial. Proteome analyses have identified novel biomarkers of SSc that correlate with SSc clinical phenotypes. Integrating intrinsic gene expression subset data, baseline molecular pathway information, and serum biomarkers along with surrogate measures of modified Rodnan skin score provides molecular context in SSc clinical trials. With validation, these approaches could be used to match patients with the therapies from which they are most likely to benefit and thus increase the likelihood of clinical improvement.

Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

PubMed Central

Chaisson, Neal F.

2013-01-01

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is the leading cause of death in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and affects up to 12% of all patients with SSc, with a 50% mortality rate within 3 years of PAH diagnosis. Compared with the idiopathic form of PAH (IPAH), patients with SSc-associated PAH (SSc-PAH) have a threefold increased risk of death and may receive a diagnosis late in the course of disease because of insidious onset and the high prevalence of cardiac, musculoskeletal, and pulmonary parenchymal comorbidities. Treatment with conventional forms of PAH therapy often yield poor results compared with IPAH cohorts; unfortunately, the exact reasons behind this remain poorly understood but likely include variations in the pathologic mechanisms, differences in cardiovascular response to increasing afterload, and inadequate strategies to detect and treat SSc-PAH early in its course. Current methods for screening and longitudinal evaluation of SSc-PAH, such as the 6-min walk test, transthoracic echocardiography, and MRI, each have notable advantages and disadvantages. We provide an up-to-date, focused review of SSc-PAH and how it differs from IPAH, including pathogenesis, appropriate screening for disease onset, and new approaches to treatment and longitudinal assessment of this disease. PMID:24081346

Can manual ability be measured with a generic ABILHAND scale? A cross-sectional study conducted on six diagnostic groups

PubMed Central

Arnould, Carlyne; Vandervelde, Laure; Batcho, Charles Sèbiyo; Penta, Massimo; Thonnard, Jean-Louis

2012-01-01

Objectives Several ABILHAND Rasch-built manual ability scales were previously developed for chronic stroke (CS), cerebral palsy (CP), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic sclerosis (SSc) and neuromuscular disorders (NMD). The present study aimed to explore the applicability of a generic manual ability scale unbiased by diagnosis and to study the nature of manual ability across diagnoses. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Outpatient clinic homes (CS, CP, RA), specialised centres (CP), reference centres (CP, NMD) and university hospitals (SSc). Participants 762 patients from six diagnostic groups: 103 CS adults, 113 CP children, 112 RA adults, 156 SSc adults, 124 NMD children and 124 NMD adults. Primary and secondary outcome measures Manual ability as measured by the ABILHAND disease-specific questionnaires, diagnosis and nature (ie, uni-manual or bi-manual involvement and proximal or distal joints involvement) of the ABILHAND manual activities. Results The difficulties of most manual activities were diagnosis dependent. A principal component analysis highlighted that 57% of the variance in the item difficulty between diagnoses was explained by the symmetric or asymmetric nature of the disorders. A generic scale was constructed, from a metric point of view, with 11 items sharing a common difficulty among diagnoses and 41 items displaying a category-specific location (asymmetric: CS, CP; and symmetric: RA, SSc, NMD). This generic scale showed that CP and NMD children had significantly less manual ability than RA patients, who had significantly less manual ability than CS, SSc and NMD adults. However, the generic scale was less discriminative and responsive to small deficits than disease-specific instruments. Conclusions Our finding that most of the manual item difficulties were disease-dependent emphasises the danger of using generic scales without prior investigation of item invariance across diagnostic groups. Nevertheless, a generic manual ability scale could be developed by adjusting and accounting for activities perceived differently in various disorders. PMID:23117570

Dual-Use Partnership Addresses Performance Problems with "Y" Pattern Control Valves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bailey, John W.

2004-01-01

A Dual-Use Cooperative Agreement between the Propulsion Test Directorate (PTD) at Stennis Space Center (SSC) and Oceaneering Reflange, Inc. of Houston, TX has produced an improved 'Y' pattern split-body control valve for use in the propulsion test facilities at Stennis Space Center. The split-body, or clamped bonnet technology, provides for a 'cleaner' valve design featuring enhanced performance and increased flow capacity with extended life expectancy. Other points addressed by the partnership include size, weight and costs. Overall size and weight of each valve will be reduced by 50% compared to valves currently in use at SSC. An initial procurement of two 10 inch valves will result in an overall cost reduction of 15% or approximately $50,000 per valve.

Sacroiliac joint involvement in systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Arslan Tas, Didem; Yıldız, Fatih; Sakallı, Hakan; Kelle, Bayram; Ballı, Tuğsan; Erken, Eren

2015-01-01

One of the major problems for systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients is suggested to be articular involvement. Mostly involved joints in SSc were reported as wrist, carpometacarpal-interphalangeal, foot, knee, hip and shoulder; however, there has been little knowledge on the sacroiliac joint. Our aim was to evaluate sacroiliac joint involvement in SSc. Fifty-seven SSc patients, 54 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 64 healthy subjects were included. Anteroposterior pelvic radiographs were obtained and graded twice by three blinded rheumatologists. One competent radiologist has re-evaluated the X-ray results. The ASAS (Assessment of Spondylo Arthritis International Society) scoring method was applied for grading sacroiliac involvement. Inflammatory back pain was also evaluated. Other clinical and laboratory data were collected as proposed by the European Study Group. In the SSc group sacroiliitis was found in 13 patients (23%) and was significantly different from RA patients (two patients, 4%), P = 0.003; and the healthy control group (one participant, 2%), P < 0.001. The frequency of inflammatory back pain in SSc patients with sacroiliitis (8/13 patients, 62%) was significantly higher in SSc patients without sacroiliitis (4/44 patients, 9%), P < 0.001. The SSc patients with sacroiliitis and with inflammatory back pain (8/57 patients, 14%) were regarded as axial spondyloarthritis overlap. Male gender, diffuse subtype, inflammatory back pain and high C-reactive protein levels (odds ratio: 1.069, 1.059, 1.059 and 3.698, respectively) were found to be the significant risk factors for sacroiliitis. We suggest that, sacroiliitis may be a concern to be considered in SSc practice. © 2014 Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Reasons for Not Participating in Scleroderma Patient Support Groups: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PubMed

Gumuchian, Stephanie T; Delisle, Vanessa C; Peláez, Sandra; Malcarne, Vanessa L; El-Baalbaki, Ghassan; Kwakkenbos, Linda; Jewett, Lisa R; Carrier, Marie-Eve; Pépin, Mia; Thombs, Brett D

2018-02-01

Peer-led support groups are an important resource for many people with scleroderma (systemic sclerosis; SSc). Little is known, however, about barriers to participation. The objective of this study was to identify reasons why some people with SSc do not participate in SSc support groups. A 21-item survey was used to assess reasons for nonattendance among SSc patients in Canada and the US. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted, using the software MPlus 7, to group reasons for nonattendance into themes. A total of 242 people (202 women) with SSc completed the survey. EFA results indicated that a 3-factor model best described the data (χ 2 [150] = 302.7; P < 0.001; Comparative Fit Index = 0.91, Tucker-Lewis Index = 0.88, root mean square error of approximation = 0.07, factor intercorrelations 0.02-0.43). The 3 identified themes, reflecting reasons for not attending SSc support groups were personal reasons (9 items; e.g., already having enough support), practical reasons (7 items; e.g., no local support groups available), and beliefs about support groups (5 items; e.g., support groups are too negative). On average, respondents rated 4.9 items as important or very important reasons for nonattendance. The 2 items most commonly rated as important or very important were 1) already having enough support from family, friends, or others, and 2) not knowing of any SSc support groups offered in my area. SSc organizations may be able to address limitations in accessibility and concerns about SSc support groups by implementing online support groups, better informing patients about support group activities, and training support group facilitators. © 2017, American College of Rheumatology.

Unique Abnormalities in Right Ventricular Longitudinal Strain in Systemic Sclerosis Patients.

PubMed

Mukherjee, Monica; Chung, Shang-En; Ton, Von Khue; Tedford, Ryan J; Hummers, Laura K; Wigley, Fredrick M; Abraham, Theodore P; Shah, Ami A

2016-06-01

Cardiac involvement in systemic sclerosis (scleroderma [SSc]) adversely affects long-term prognosis, often remaining undetectable despite close clinical examination and 2-dimensional echocardiographic monitoring. Speckle-derived strain of the right ventricle (RV) was utilized to detect occult abnormalities in regional and global contractility in SSc patients. A total of 138 SSc patients with technically adequate echocardiograms was studied and compared with 40 age- and sex-matched healthy non-SSc controls. Standard assessment of RV chamber function included tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and fractional area change. RV longitudinal systolic speckle-derived strain was assessed in the basal, mid, and apical free wall. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion was not different between groups (P=0.307). Although fractional area change was lower in SSc patients than in controls (mean, 48.9 versus 55; P=0.002), the mean fractional area change was still within the normal range (>35). In contrast, RV longitudinal systolic speckle-derived strain measures were significantly different between groups, both globally (-20.4% versus -17.7%; P=0.005) and regionally: they were decreased in the apex (-8.5% versus -17.1%; P<0.0001) and mid segments (-12.4% versus -20.9%; P<0.0001), and increased in the base (-32.2% versus -23.3%; P=0.0001) for the SSc group. The regional difference in the base compared with the apex was significantly greater for SSc than for controls (P<0.0001 for interaction). The differences observed in regional strain between SSc and control were unchanged after adjusting for RV systolic pressure. Speckle-derived strain reveals a heterogenous pattern of regional heart strain in SSc that is not detected by conventional measures of function, suggestive of occult RV myocardial disease. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

Screening of thermophilic anaerobic bacteria for solid substrate cultivation on lignocellulosic substrates.

PubMed

Chinn, Mari S; Nokes, Sue E; Strobel, Herbert J

2006-01-01

Interest in solid substrate cultivation (SSC) techniques is gaining for biochemical production from renewable resources; however, heat and mass transfer problems may limit application of this technique. The use of anaerobic thermophiles in SSC offers a unique solution to overcoming these challenges. The production potential of nine thermophilic anaerobic bacteria was examined on corn stover, sugar cane bagasse, paper pulp sludge, and wheat bran in submerged liquid cultivation (SmC) and SSC. Production of acetate, ethanol, and lactate was measured over a 10 day period, and total product concentrations were used to compare the performance of different organism-substrate combinations using the two cultivation methods. Overall microbial activity in SmC and SSC was dependent on the organism and growth substrate. Clostridium thermocellum strains JW20, LQRI, and 27405 performed significantly better in SSC when grown on sugar cane bagasse and paper pulp sludge, producing at least 70 and 170 mM of total products, respectively. Growth of C. thermocellum strains in SSC on paper pulp sludge proved to be most favorable, generating at least twice the concentration of total products produced in SmC (p-value < 0.05). Clostridium thermolacticum TC21 demonstrated growth on all substrates producing 30-80 and 60-116 mM of total product in SmC and SSC, respectively. Bacterial species with optimal growth temperatures of 70 degrees C grew best on wheat bran in SmC, producing total product concentrations of 45-75 mM. For some of the organism-substrate combinations total end product concentrations in SSC exceeded those in SmC, indicating that SSC may be a promising alternative for microbial activity and value-added biochemical production.

Cross-disease Meta-analysis of Genome-wide Association Studies for Systemic Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis Reveals IRF4 as a New Common Susceptibility Locus

PubMed Central

López-Isac, Elena; Martín, Jose-Ezequiel; Assassi, Shervin; Simeón, Carmen P; Carreira, Patricia; Ortego-Centeno, Norberto; Freire, Mayka; Beltrán, Emma; Narváez, Javier; Alegre-Sancho, Juan J; Fernández-Gutiérrez, Benjamín; Balsa, Alejandro; Ortiz, Ana M; González-Gay, Miguel A; Beretta, Lorenzo; Santaniello, Alessandro; Bellocchi, Chiara; Lunardi, Claudio; Moroncini, Gianluca; Gabrielli, Armando; Witte, Torsten; Hunzelmann, Nicolas; Distler, Jörg HW; Riekemasten, Gabriella; van der Helm-van Mil, Annete H; de Vries-Bouwstra, Jeska; Magro-Checa, Cesar; Voskuyl, Alexandre E; Vonk, Madelon C; Molberg, Øyvind; Merriman, Tony; Hesselstrand, Roger; Nordin, Annika; Padyukov, Leonid; Herrick, Ariane; Eyre, Steve; Koeleman, Bobby PC; Denton, Christopher P; Fonseca, Carmen; Radstake, Timothy RDJ; Worthington, Jane; Mayes, Maureen D; Martín, Javier

2017-01-01

Objectives Systemic sclerosis (SSc) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are autoimmune diseases that share clinical and immunological characteristics. To date, several shared SSc-RA loci have been identified independently. In this study, we aimed to systematically search for new common SSc-RA loci through an inter-disease meta-GWAS strategy. Methods We performed a meta-analysis combining GWAS datasets of SSc and RA using a strategy that allowed identification of loci with both same-direction and opposing-direction allelic effects. The top single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were followed-up in independent SSc and RA case-control cohorts. This allowed us to increase the sample size to a total of 8,830 SSc patients, 16,870 RA patients and 43,393 controls. Results The cross-disease meta-analysis of the GWAS datasets identified several loci with nominal association signals (P-value < 5 × 10-6), which also showed evidence of association in the disease-specific GWAS scan. These loci included several genomic regions not previously reported as shared loci, besides risk factors associated with both diseases in previous studies. The follow-up of the putatively new SSc-RA loci identified IRF4 as a shared risk factor for these two diseases (Pcombined = 3.29 × 10-12). In addition, the analysis of the biological relevance of the known SSc-RA shared loci pointed to the type I interferon and the interleukin 12 signaling pathways as the main common etiopathogenic factors. Conclusions Our study has identified a novel shared locus, IRF4, for SSc and RA and highlighted the usefulness of cross-disease GWAS meta-analysis in the identification of common risk loci. PMID:27111665

Systems Level Analysis of Systemic Sclerosis Shows a Network of Immune and Profibrotic Pathways Connected with Genetic Polymorphisms

PubMed Central

Mahoney, J. Matthew; Taroni, Jaclyn; Martyanov, Viktor; Wood, Tammara A.; Greene, Casey S.; Pioli, Patricia A.; Hinchcliff, Monique E.; Whitfield, Michael L.

2015-01-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare systemic autoimmune disease characterized by skin and organ fibrosis. The pathogenesis of SSc and its progression are poorly understood. The SSc intrinsic gene expression subsets (inflammatory, fibroproliferative, normal-like, and limited) are observed in multiple clinical cohorts of patients with SSc. Analysis of longitudinal skin biopsies suggests that a patient's subset assignment is stable over 6–12 months. Genetically, SSc is multi-factorial with many genetic risk loci for SSc generally and for specific clinical manifestations. Here we identify the genes consistently associated with the intrinsic subsets across three independent cohorts, show the relationship between these genes using a gene-gene interaction network, and place the genetic risk loci in the context of the intrinsic subsets. To identify gene expression modules common to three independent datasets from three different clinical centers, we developed a consensus clustering procedure based on mutual information of partitions, an information theory concept, and performed a meta-analysis of these genome-wide gene expression datasets. We created a gene-gene interaction network of the conserved molecular features across the intrinsic subsets and analyzed their connections with SSc-associated genetic polymorphisms. The network is composed of distinct, but interconnected, components related to interferon activation, M2 macrophages, adaptive immunity, extracellular matrix remodeling, and cell proliferation. The network shows extensive connections between the inflammatory- and fibroproliferative-specific genes. The network also shows connections between these subset-specific genes and 30 SSc-associated polymorphic genes including STAT4, BLK, IRF7, NOTCH4, PLAUR, CSK, IRAK1, and several human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes. Our analyses suggest that the gene expression changes underlying the SSc subsets may be long-lived, but mechanistically interconnected and related to a patients underlying genetic risk. PMID:25569146

A loss of telocytes accompanies fibrosis of multiple organs in systemic sclerosis

PubMed Central

Manetti, Mirko; Rosa, Irene; Messerini, Luca; Guiducci, Serena; Matucci-Cerinic, Marco; Ibba-Manneschi, Lidia

2014-01-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex connective tissue disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin and various internal organs. In SSc, telocytes, a peculiar type of stromal (interstitial) cells, display severe ultrastructural damages and are progressively lost from the clinically affected skin. The aim of the present work was to investigate the presence and distribution of telocytes in the internal organs of SSc patients. Archival paraffin-embedded samples of gastric wall, myocardium and lung from SSc patients and controls were collected. Tissue sections were stained with Masson's trichrome to detect fibrosis. Telocytes were studied on tissue sections subjected to CD34 immunostaining. CD34/CD31 double immunofluorescence was performed to unequivocally differentiate telocytes (CD34-positive/CD31-negative) from vascular endothelial cells (CD34-positive/CD31-positive). Few telocytes entrapped in the fibrotic extracellular matrix were found in the muscularis mucosae and submucosa of SSc gastric wall. In the muscle layers and myenteric plexus, the network of telocytes was discontinuous or even completely absent around smooth muscle cells and ganglia. Telocytes were almost completely absent in fibrotic areas of SSc myocardium. In SSc fibrotic lung, few or no telocytes were observed in the thickened alveolar septa, around blood vessels and in the interstitial space surrounding terminal and respiratory bronchioles. In SSc, the loss of telocytes is not restricted to the skin, but it is a widespread process affecting multiple organs targeted by the fibrotic process. As telocytes are believed to be key players in the regulation of tissue/organ homoeostasis, our data suggest that telocyte loss might have important pathophysiological implications in SSc. PMID:24467430

DNA methylation similarities in genes of black South Africans with systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Matatiele, Puleng; Tikly, Mohamed; Tarr, Gareth; Gulumian, Mary

2015-05-20

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis (SSc) are systemic autoimmune connective tissue diseases that share overlapping clinico-pathological features. It is highly probable that there is an overlap in epigenetic landscapes of both diseases. This study aimed to identify similarities in DNA methylation changes in genes involved in SLE and SSc. Global DNA methylation and twelve genes selected on the basis of their involvement in inflammation, autoimmunity and/or fibrosis were analyzed using PCR arrays in three groups, each of 30 Black South Africans with SLE and SSc, plus 40 healthy control subjects. Global methylation in both diseases was significantly lower (<25 %) than in healthy subjects (>30 %, p = 0.0000001). In comparison to healthy controls, a similar gene-specific methylation pattern was observed in both SLE and SSc. Three genes, namely; PRF1, ITGAL and FOXP3 were consistently hypermethylated while CDKN2A and CD70 were hypomethylated in both diseases. The other genes (SOCS1, CTGF, THY1, CXCR4, MT1-G, FLI1, and DNMT1) were generally hypomethylated in SLE whereas they were neither hyper- nor hypo-methylated in SSc. SSc and SLE patients have a higher global hypomethylation than healthy subjects with specific genes being hypomethylated and others hypermethylated. The majority of genes studied were hypomethylated in SLE compared to SSc. In addition to the commonly known hypomethylated genes in SLE and SSc, there are other hypomethylated genes (such as MT-1G and THY-1) that have not previously been investigated in SLE and SSc though are known to be hypermethylated in cancer.

Impairment of endothelial cell differentiation from bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells: new insight into the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Cipriani, P; Guiducci, S; Miniati, I; Cinelli, M; Urbani, S; Marrelli, A; Dolo, V; Pavan, A; Saccardi, R; Tyndall, A; Giacomelli, R; Cerinic, M Matucci

2007-06-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a disorder characterized by vascular damage and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Despite marked tissue hypoxia, there is no evidence of compensatory angiogenesis. The ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to differentiate into endothelial cells was recently demonstrated. The aim of this study was to determine whether impaired differentiation of MSCs into endothelial cells in SSc might contribute to disease pathogenesis by decreasing endothelial repair. MSCs obtained from 7 SSc patients and 15 healthy controls were characterized. The number of colony-forming unit-fibroblastoid colonies was determined. After culture in endothelial-specific medium, the endothelial-like MSC (EL-MSC) phenotype was assessed according to the surface expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs). Senescence, chemoinvasion, and capillary morphogenesis studies were also performed. MSCs from SSc patients displayed the same phenotype and clonogenic activity as those from controls. In SSc MSCs, a decreased percentage of VEGFR-2+, CXCR4+, VEGFR-2+/CXCR4+ cells and early senescence was detected. After culturing, SSc EL-MSCs showed increased expression of VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and CXCR4, did not express CD31 or annexin V, and showed significantly decreased migration after specific stimuli. Moreover, the addition of VEGF and stromal cell-derived factor 1 to cultured SSc EL-MSCs increased their angiogenic potential less than that in controls. Our data strongly suggest that endothelial repair may be affected in SSc. The possibility that endothelial progenitor cells could be used to increase vessel growth in chronic ischemic tissues may open up new avenues in the treatment of vascular damage caused by SSc.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Naval Scientists and Engineers in Mississippi and Louisiana

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Breland-Mensi, S.; Calantoni, J.

2012-12-01

In 2011, the American Institute of Physics ranked Mississippi 50th out of 50 states in preparing students for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers. Louisiana placed 48th on the list. [1] The Naval Research Laboratory - Stennis Space Center detachment (NRL-SSC) is located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, approximately 2 miles from the Louisiana state line. In response to a growing need for NRL-SSC to sustain recruitment and retention of the best and brightest scientists and engineers (S&Es), NRL-SSC became a National Defense Education Program (NDEP) site in August 2009. NDEP's mission is to support a new generation of S&Es who will apply their talents in U.S. Defense laboratories. As an NDEP site, NRL-SSC receives funding to promote STEM at K-12 institutions geographically local to NRL-SSC. NDEP funding allows present Department of Defense civilian S&Es to collaborate with teachers to enrich student learning in the classroom environment through various programs, events, training and activities. Since NRL-SSC's STEM program's inception, more than 30 S&Es have supported an array of STEM outreach activities in over 30 different local schools. An important part of the K-12 outreach from NRL-SSC is to provide professional development opportunities for local teachers. During the summer of 2012, in collaboration with STEM programs sponsored by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), we provided a series of professional development opportunities for 120 local science and mathematics teachers across K-12. The foundation of NRL-SSC STEM programs includes MATHCOUNTS, FIRST and SeaPerch—all nationally recognized, results-driven programs. We will discuss the breadth of participation in these programs and how these programs will support NRL-SSC future recruitment goals.

Estimating suspended sediment using acoustics in a fine-grained riverine system, Kickapoo Creek at Bloomington, Illinois

USGS Publications Warehouse

Manaster, Amanda D.; Domanski, Marian M.; Straub, Timothy D.; Boldt, Justin A.

2016-08-18

Acoustic technologies have the potential to be used as a surrogate for measuring suspended-sediment concentration (SSC). This potential was examined in a fine-grained (97-100 percent fines) riverine system in central Illinois by way of installation of an acoustic instrument. Acoustic data were collected continuously over the span of 5.5 years. Acoustic parameters were regressed against SSC data to determine the accuracy of using acoustic technology as a surrogate for measuring SSC in a fine-grained riverine system. The resulting regressions for SSC and sediment acoustic parameters had coefficients of determination ranging from 0.75 to 0.97 for various events and configurations. The overall Nash-Sutcliffe model-fit efficiency was 0.95 for the 132 observed and predicted SSC values determined using the sediment acoustic parameter regressions. The study of using acoustic technologies as a surrogate for measuring SSC in fine-grained riverine systems is ongoing. The results at this site are promising in the realm of surrogate technology.

Activity-dependent decrease in contact areas between subsurface cisterns and plasma membrane of hippocampal neurons.

PubMed

Tao-Cheng, Jung-Hwa

2018-04-16

Subsurface cistern (SSC) in neuronal soma and primary dendrites is a specialized compartment of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that is in close apposition (10 nm) with the plasma membrane (PM). ER-PM contact areas are thought to be involved in intracellular calcium regulation. Here, structural changes of SSC in hippocampal neurons were examined by electron microscopy upon depolarization with high K + (90 mM) or application of NMDA (50 μM) in rat dissociated cultures as well as organotypic slice cultures. The number and average length of SSC-PM contact areas in neuronal somas significantly decreased within 30 s under excitatory condition. This decrease in SSC-PM contact area progressed with time and was reversible. These results demonstrate a structural decoupling between the SSC and the PM upon stimulation, suggesting that there may be a functional decoupling of the calcium regulation. Because SSC-PM contact areas may mediate calcium influx, the decrease in contact area may protect neurons from calcium overload upon heightened stimulation.

Systemic sclerosis, birth order and parity.

PubMed

Russo, Paul A J; Lester, Susan; Roberts-Thomson, Peter J

2014-06-01

A recent study identified increasing birth order to be a risk factor for the development of systemic sclerosis (SSc). This finding supports the theory that transplacental microchimerism may be a key pathological event in the initiation of SSc. We investigated the relationship between birth order and parity and the age of onset of SSc in South Australia. A retrospective analysis of patient data in the South Australian Scleroderma Register was performed. Data were obtained from a mailed questionnaire. Control data was collected prospectively using a similar questionnaire. The relationship between birth order, family size or parity and risk of subsequent development of SSc was analyzed by mixed effects logistic regression analysis. Three hundred and eighty-seven index probands were identified and compared with 457 controls. Controls were well matched for gender, but not for age. No statistically significant relationship was identified between SSc and birth order, parity in females, family size, age at first pregnancy in females or gender of first child in parous females. Our data suggests that parity, age at first pregnancy and the gender of the first child are not relevant factors in our understanding of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of SSc. Birth order and family size in both genders also appears irrelevant. These results argue against microchimerism as being relevant in the pathogenesis of SSc and add further support to the theory that stochastic events may be important in the etiopathogenesis of SSc. © 2013 Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Pharyngoesophageal dysphagia: an under recognised, potentially fatal, but very treatable feature of systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Rajapakse, C

2016-11-01

Dysfunction of upper pharyngoesophageal region in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is infrequent, poorly recognised and poorly documented in the literature. Yet, it can have very distressing and even fatal consequences that may yet be very responsive to appropriate management. This paper documents the findings and outcome of management of a series of five patients with SSc who had pharyngoesophageal dysphagia to demonstrate the above. Following the documentation of a patient with SSc that had severe pharyngoesophageal dysphagia in 1981, this paper reports the findings in five patients with SSc presenting thereafter, having the same manifestations. Patients 1-4 who had barium swallow and fluoroscopy, demonstrated pharyngoesophageal dysfunction as basis of their symptoms. Patient 1 had fatal outcome from pulmonary haemorrhage following repeated bouts of aspiration pneumonia. Patients 2 and 3 had a long history of SSc and were on appropriate medical treatment. They developed a short history of dysphagia that resolved with additional improvements in swallowing techniques. Patient 4 had a short history of scleroderma, but severe and very distressing dysphagia that failed to respond to improved swallowing techniques alone, but responded well to the addition of medical treatment for SSc, over a 14-24 months period. Patient 5 had a short history of SSc and dysphagia that responded well to medical treatment over 6-12months. We conclude that pharyngoesophageal dysphagia in SSc, is a rare, very distressing and potentially fatal manifestation that can have a very favourable outcome with appropriate management. © 2016 Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

Muscle power output properties using the stretch-shortening cycle of the upper limb and their relationships with a one-repetition maximum bench press.

PubMed

Miyaguchi, Kazuyoshi; Demura, Shinichi

2006-05-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the output properties of muscle power by the dominant upper limb using SSC, and the relationships between the power output by SSC and a one-repetition maximum bench press (1 RM BP) used as a strength indicator of the upper body. Sixteen male athletes (21.4+/-0.9 yr) participated in this study. They pulled a load of 40% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) at a stretch by elbow flexion of the dominant upper limb in the following three preliminary conditions: static relaxed muscle state (SR condition), isometric muscle contraction state (ISO condition), and using SSC (SSC condition). The velocity with a wire load via a pulley during elbow flexion was measured accurately using a power instrument with a rotary encoder, and the muscle power curve was drawn from the product of the velocity and load. Significant differences were found among all evaluation parameters of muscle power exerted from the above three conditions and the parameters regarding early power output during concentric contraction were larger in the SSC condition than the SR and ISO conditions. The parameters on initial muscle contraction velocity when only using SSC significantly correlated with 1 RM BP (r=0.60-0.62). The use of SSC before powerful elbow flexion may contribute largely to early explosive power output during concentric contraction. Bench press capacity relates to a development of the above early power output when using SSC.

Supernatants from culture of type I collagen-stimulated PBMC from patients with cutaneous systemic sclerosis versus localized scleroderma demonstrate suppression of MMP-1 by fibroblasts.

PubMed

Brown, Monica; Postlethwaite, Arnold E; Myers, Linda K; Hasty, Karen A

2012-06-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic fibrosing disease characterized by vasculopathy, autoimmunity, and an accumulation of collagen in tissues. Numerous studies have shown that compared to healthy or diseased controls, the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with SSc produce a variety of cytokines or proliferate when cultured with solubilized type I collagen (CI) or constituent α1(II) and α2(I) polypeptide chains. The purpose of this study was to determine whether PBMC isolated from patients with SSc and cultured in vitro with soluble CI elaborated soluble mediators that inhibit the production of collagenase (i.e., matrix metalloproteinase, MMP-1) by fibroblasts. Supernatants of CI-stimulated PBMC from juvenile and adult diffuse cutaneous (dc)SSc patients significantly reduced MMP-1 production by SSc dermal fibroblasts, while supernatants of CI-stimulated PBMC from patients with localized scleroderma (LS) did not. CI-stimulated PBMC culture supernatants from patients with dcSSc in contrast to patients with LS exhibited increased levels of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AA, PDGF-BB, TNF-α, IL-13, and EGF. Prolonged culture of SSc dermal fibroblasts with recombinant PDGF-BB or IL-13 inhibited the induction of MMP-1 in response to subsequent TNF-α stimulation. These data suggest that therapies aimed at reducing these cytokines may decrease collagen accumulation in SSc, preventing the development of chronic fibrosis.

50 CFR 600.133 - Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 50 Wildlife and Fisheries 12 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC). 600.133 Section 600.133 Wildlife and Fisheries FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL OCEANIC... Fishery Management Councils § 600.133 Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC). (a) Each Council shall...

40 CFR 35.6820 - Conclusion of the SSC.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... STATE AND LOCAL ASSISTANCE Cooperative Agreements and Superfund State Contracts for Superfund Response Actions Requirements for Administering A Superfund State Contract (ssc) § 35.6820 Conclusion of the SSC... (See § 35.6805(i)(4)). (b) After the administrative conclusion of the Superfund State Contract, EPA may...

40 CFR 35.6820 - Conclusion of the SSC.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... STATE AND LOCAL ASSISTANCE Cooperative Agreements and Superfund State Contracts for Superfund Response Actions Requirements for Administering A Superfund State Contract (ssc) § 35.6820 Conclusion of the SSC... (See § 35.6805(i)(4)). (b) After the administrative conclusion of the Superfund State Contract, EPA may...

40 CFR 35.6820 - Conclusion of the SSC.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... STATE AND LOCAL ASSISTANCE Cooperative Agreements and Superfund State Contracts for Superfund Response Actions Requirements for Administering A Superfund State Contract (ssc) § 35.6820 Conclusion of the SSC... (See § 35.6805(i)(4)). (b) After the administrative conclusion of the Superfund State Contract, EPA may...

40 CFR 35.6820 - Conclusion of the SSC.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... STATE AND LOCAL ASSISTANCE Cooperative Agreements and Superfund State Contracts for Superfund Response Actions Requirements for Administering A Superfund State Contract (ssc) § 35.6820 Conclusion of the SSC... (See § 35.6805(i)(4)). (b) After the administrative conclusion of the Superfund State Contract, EPA may...

40 CFR 35.6820 - Conclusion of the SSC.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... STATE AND LOCAL ASSISTANCE Cooperative Agreements and Superfund State Contracts for Superfund Response Actions Requirements for Administering A Superfund State Contract (ssc) § 35.6820 Conclusion of the SSC... (See § 35.6805(i)(4)). (b) After the administrative conclusion of the Superfund State Contract, EPA may...

75 FR 2488 - Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-15

... Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (MAFMC) Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will hold... include new member orientation (overview of Council process and role of the SSC), review and adoption of SSC Standard Operating Practices and Procedures, ABC Control Rule Framework and Council Risk Policy...

50 CFR 600.133 - Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 50 Wildlife and Fisheries 10 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC... Fishery Management Councils § 600.133 Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC). (a) Each Council shall..., evaluation, and peer review of such statistical, biological, economic, social, and other scientific...

Genome Wide Screening of Candidate Genes for Improving Piglet Birth Weight Using High and Low Estimated Breeding Value Populations

PubMed Central

Zhang, Lifan; Zhou, Xiang; Michal, Jennifer J.; Ding, Bo; Li, Rui; Jiang, Zhihua

2014-01-01

Birth weight is an economically important trait in pig production because it directly impacts piglet growth and survival rate. In the present study, we performed a genome wide survey of candidate genes and pathways associated with individual birth weight (IBW) using the Illumina PorcineSNP60 BeadChip on 24 high (HEBV) and 24 low estimated breeding value (LEBV) animals. These animals were selected from a reference population of 522 individuals produced by three sires and six dam lines, which were crossbreds with multiple breeds. After quality-control, 43,257 SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms), including 42,243 autosomal SNPs and 1,014 SNPs on chromosome X, were used in the data analysis. A total of 27 differentially selected regions (DSRs), including 1 on Sus scrofa chromosome 1 (SSC1), 1 on SSC4, 2 on SSC5, 4 on SSC6, 2 on SSC7, 5 on SSC8, 3 on SSC9, 1 on SSC14, 3 on SSC18, and 5 on SSCX, were identified to show the genome wide separations between the HEBV and LEBV groups for IBW in piglets. A DSR with the most number of significant SNPs (including 7 top 0.1% and 31 top 5% SNPs) was located on SSC6, while another DSR with the largest genetic differences in FST was found on SSC18. These regions harbor known functionally important genes involved in growth and development, such as TNFRSF9 (tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 9), CA6 (carbonic anhydrase VI) and MDFIC (MyoD family inhibitor domain containing). A DSR rich in imprinting genes appeared on SSC9, which included PEG10 (paternally expressed 10), SGCE (sarcoglycan, epsilon), PPP1R9A (protein phosphatase 1, regulatory subunit 9A) and ASB4 (ankyrin repeat and SOCS box containing 4). More importantly, our present study provided evidence to support six quantitative trait loci (QTL) regions for pig birth weight, six QTL regions for average birth weight (ABW) and three QTL regions for litter birth weight (LBW) reported previously by other groups. Furthermore, gene ontology analysis with 183 genes harbored in these 27 DSRs suggested that protein, metal, ion and ATP binding, viral process and innate immune response present important pathways for deciphering their roles in fetal growth or development. Overall, our study provides useful information on candidate genes and pathways for regulating birth weight in piglets, thus improving our understanding of the genetic mechanisms involved in porcine embryonic or fetal development. PMID:24644423

Catalyst Bed Instability Within the USFE H2O2/JP-8 Rocket Engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Curtis W.; Anderson, William; Ross, Robert; Lyles, G. (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

Orbital Sciences Corporation has been awarded a contract by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory's Military Space Plane Technology Program Office, for the Upper Stage Flight Experiment (USFE) program. Orbital is designing, developing, and will flight test a new low-cost, 10,000 lbf hydrogen peroxide/ JP-8 pressure fed liquid rocket. During combustion chamber tests at NASA Stennis Space Center (SSC) of the USFE engine, the catalyst bed showed a low frequency instability occurring as the H202 flow reached about 1/3 its design rate. This paper reviews the USFE catalyst bed and combustion chamber and its operation, then discusses the dynamics of the instability. Next the paper describes the dynamic computer model used to recreate the instability. The model was correlated to the SSC test data, and used to investigate possible solutions to the problem. The combustion chamber configuration which solved the instability is shown, and the subsequent stable operation presented.

SSC San Diego Strategic Plan. Revision 2

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-05-01

information dominance . This Strategic Plan is SSC San Diego’s blueprint to meet that challenge. The plan is both a vehicle for carrying us into the...provider of integrated C4ISR solutions for warrior information dominance is our enduring goal. Our plan specifies five long-range strategic objectives. SSC

78 FR 43146 - Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-19

... Mackerel and Special Reef Fish Scientific and Statistical Committees (SSC). DATES: The meeting will be held.... Introductions and Adoption of Mackerel SSC Agenda 2. Approval of May 29, 2013 Standing and Special Mackerel SSC... and Statistical Committees for discussion, in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery...

Microbiological analysis of bile and its impact in critically ill patients with secondary sclerosing cholangitis.

PubMed

Voigtländer, Torsten; Leuchs, Ensieh; Vonberg, Ralf-Peter; Solbach, Philipp; Manns, Michael P; Suerbaum, Sebastian; Lankisch, Tim O

2015-05-01

Secondary sclerosing cholangitis in critically ill patients (SSC-CIP) is an emerging disease entity with unfavourable outcome. Our aim was to analyze the microbial spectrum in bile of patients with SSC-CIP and to evaluate the potential impact on the empiric antibiotic treatment in these patients. 169 patients (72 patients with SSC-CIP and 97 patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)) were included in a prospective observational study between 2010 and 2013. Bile was obtained during endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) and microbiologically analyzed. Patients with SSC displayed a significantly different microbiological profile in bile. Enterococcus faecium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and non-albicans species of Candida were more frequent in SSC compared to patients with PSC (p < 0.05). Patients with SSC showed a higher incidence of drug or multi-drug resistant organisms in bile (p = 0.001). The antimicrobial therapy was adjusted in 64% of patients due to resistance or presence of microorganisms not covered by the initial therapy regimen. Patients with SSC-CIP have a distinct microbial profile in bile. Difficult to treat organisms are frequent and an ERC with bile fluid collection for microbiological analysis should be considered in case of insufficient antimicrobial treatment. Copyright © 2015 The British Infection Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Systemic sclerosis in Argentina: evaluation of a large cohort from a single centre and comparison with other international series.

PubMed

Scolnik, M; Lancioni, E; Saucedo, C; Marin, J; Sabelli, M; Bedran, Z; Soriano, E R; Catoggio, L J

2014-01-01

Prevalence of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and different clinical subsets varies across the world. Few data have been published on SSc patients in Latin America. Our objective was to describe a SSc cohort in Argentina and to compare clinical findings, disease subsets and antibodies with other international SSc populations. Patients with SSc (n=234) seen at the Rheumatology section of the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires between 2000-2011 were retrospectively analysed. Data on clinical manifestations, disease subsets and antibodies were obtained. Patients were classified into diffuse cutaneous (dc) and limited cutaneous (lc) subsets. Comparison with other cohorts (France, United States, Germany, Italy, Mexico, EUSTAR and Brazil) was made based on published information. A higher female:male ratio (12:1) and a higher limited subset prevalence (76.1%) was found in this Argentine cohort comparing with others. We also found a lower prevalence of diffuse disease, anti Scl-70 (antitopoisomerase) and nucleolar pattern antinuclear antibodies. Within each subset, clinical findings were similar with other SSc populations except for a very low prevalence in renal crisis (0.02% of dc SS). With slight variations perhaps due to genetic, environmental or referral factors, SSc in this cohort appears to be similar to that described in other parts of the world.

High Rhodotorula sequences in skin transcriptome of patients with diffuse systemic sclerosis

PubMed Central

Arron, Sarah T.; Dimon, Michelle T.; Li, Zhenghui; Johnson, Michael E.; Wood, Tammara; Feeney, Luzviminda; Angeles, Jorge Gil; Lafyatis, Robert; Whitfield, Michael L.

2014-01-01

Previous studies have suggested a role for pathogens as a trigger of systemic sclerosis (SSc), though neither a pathogen nor a mechanism of pathogenesis is known. Here we show enrichment of Rhodotorula sequences in the skin of patients with early, diffuse SSc compared to normal controls. RNA-seq was performed on four SSc and four controls, to a depth of 200 million reads per patient. Data were analyzed to quantify the non-human sequence reads in each sample. We found little difference between bacterial microbiome and viral read counts, but found a significant difference between the read counts for a mycobiome component, R. glutinis. Normal samples contained almost no detected R. glutinis or other Rhodotorula sequence reads (mean score 0.021 for R. glutinis, 0.024 for all Rhodotorula). In contrast, SSc samples had a mean score of 5.039 for R. glutinis (5.232 for Rhodotorula). We were able to assemble the D1–D2 hypervariable region of the 28S rRNA of R. glutinis from each of the SSc samples. Taken together, these results suggest R. glutinis may be present in the skin of early SSc patients at higher levels than normal skin, raising the possibility that it may be triggering the inflammatory response found in SSc. PMID:24608988

High Rhodotorula sequences in skin transcriptome of patients with diffuse systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Arron, Sarah T; Dimon, Michelle T; Li, Zhenghui; Johnson, Michael E; Wood, Tammara A; Feeney, Luzviminda; Angeles, Jorge G; Lafyatis, Robert; Whitfield, Michael L

2014-08-01

Previous studies have suggested a role for pathogens as a trigger of systemic sclerosis (SSc), although neither a pathogen nor a mechanism of pathogenesis is known. Here we show enrichment of Rhodotorula sequences in the skin of patients with early, diffuse SSc compared with that in normal controls. RNA-seq was performed on four SSc patients and four controls, to a depth of 200 million reads per patient. Data were analyzed to quantify the nonhuman sequence reads in each sample. We found little difference between bacterial microbiome and viral read counts, but found a significant difference between the read counts for a mycobiome component, R. glutinis. Normal samples contained almost no detected R. glutinis or other Rhodotorula sequence reads (mean score 0.021 for R. glutinis, 0.024 for all Rhodotorula). In contrast, SSc samples had a mean score of 5.039 for R. glutinis (5.232 for Rhodotorula). We were able to assemble the D1-D2 hypervariable region of the 28S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) of R. glutinis from each of the SSc samples. Taken together, these results suggest that R. glutinis may be present in the skin of early SSc patients at higher levels than in normal skin, raising the possibility that it may be triggering the inflammatory response found in SSc.

Systemic sclerosis and localized scleroderma--current concepts and novel targets for therapy.

PubMed

Distler, Oliver; Cozzio, Antonio

2016-01-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease with a high morbidity and mortality. Skin and organ fibrosis are key manifestations of SSc, for which no generally accepted therapy is available. Thus, there is a high unmet need for novel anti-fibrotic therapeutic strategies in SSc. At the same time, important progress has been made in the identification and characterization of potential molecular targets in fibrotic diseases over the recent years. In this review, we have selected four targeted therapies, which are tested in clinical trials in SSc, for in depths discussion of their preclinical characterization. Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators such as riociguat might target both vascular remodeling and tissue fibrosis. Blockade of interleukin-6 might be particularly promising for early inflammatory stages of SSc. Inhibition of serotonin receptor 2b signaling links platelet activation to tissue fibrosis. Targeting simultaneously multiple key molecules with the multityrosine kinase-inhibitor nintedanib might be a promising approach in complex fibrotic diseases such as SSc, in which many partially independent pathways are activated. Herein, we also give a state of the art overview of the current classification, clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, and treatment options of localized scleroderma. Finally, we discuss whether the novel targeted therapies currently tested in SSc could be used for localized scleroderma.

Estimation of suspended sediment concentration from Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) instrument: A case study of Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dwinovantyo, Angga; Manik, Henry M.; Prartono, Tri; Susilohadi; Ilahude, Delyuzar

2017-01-01

Measurement of suspended sediment concentration (SSC) is one of the parameters needed to determine the characteristics of sediment transport. However, the measurement of SSC nowadays still uses conventional technique and it has limitations; especially in temporal resolution. With advanced technology, the measurement can use hydroacoustic technology such as Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP). ADCP measures the intensity of backscatter as echo intensity unit from sediment particles. The frequency of ADCP used in this study was 400 kHz. The samples were measured and collected from Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi. The highest concentration of suspended sediment was 98.89 mg L-1 and the lowest was 45.20 mg L-1. Time series data showed the tidal condition affected the SSC. From the research, we also made correction from sound signal losses effect such as spherical spreading and sound absorption to get more accurate results by eliminating these parameters in echo intensity data. Simple linear regression analysis at echo intensity measured from ADCP to direct measurement of SSC was performed to obtain the estimation of the SSC. The comparison result of estimation of SSC from ADCP measurements and SSC from laboratory analyses was insignificantly different based on t-test statistical analysis with 95% confidence interval percentage.

Effects of general, specific and combined warm-up on explosive muscular performance

PubMed Central

Henriquez–Olguín, C; Beltrán, AR; Ramírez, MA; Labarca, C; Cornejo, M; Álvarez, C; Ramírez-Campillo, R

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effects of general, specific and combined warm-up (WU) on explosive performance. Healthy male (n = 10) subjects participated in six WU protocols in a crossover randomized study design. Protocols were: passive rest (PR; 15 min of passive rest), running (Run; 5 min of running at 70% of maximum heart rate), stretching (STR; 5 min of static stretching exercise), jumping [Jump; 5 min of jumping exercises – 3x8 countermovement jumps (CMJ) and 3x8 drop jumps from 60 cm (DJ60)], and combined (COM; protocols Run+STR+Jump combined). Immediately before and after each WU, subjects were assessed for explosive concentric-only (i.e. squat jump – SJ), slow stretch-shortening cycle (i.e. CMJ), fast stretch-shortening cycle (i.e. DJ60) and contact time (CT) muscle performance. PR significantly reduced SJ performance (p =0.007). Run increased SJ (p =0.0001) and CMJ (p =0.002). STR increased CMJ (p =0.048). Specific WU (i.e. Jump) increased SJ (p =0.001), CMJ (p =0.028) and DJ60 (p =0.006) performance. COM increased CMJ performance (p =0.006). Jump was superior in SJ performance vs. PR (p =0.001). Jump reduced (p =0.03) CT in DJ60. In conclusion, general, specific and combined WU increase slow stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) muscle performance, but only specific WU increases fast SSC muscle performance. Therefore, to increase fast SSC performance, specific fast SSC muscle actions must be included during the WU. PMID:26060335

Adherence to surviving sepsis guidelines among pediatric intensivists

PubMed Central

Thabet, Farah C.; Zahraa, Jihad N.; Chehab, May S.

2017-01-01

Objectives: To assess the compliance with the 2006 American College of Critical Care-Pediatric Advanced Life Support (ACCM-PALS) guidelines for sepsis management, and the 2012 surviving sepsis campaign (SSC), for the management of pediatric patients with sepsis and to identify the main barriers to adherence to these guidelines. Methods: In November 2015, a prospective cohort study in which a web based electronic survey using a case scenario to explore the usual management of a child with severe sepsis was designed and sent to all consultant pediatric intensivists practicing in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Adherences to 2012 SSC guidelines and to 4 algorithmic time-specific goals outlined in the ACCM-PALS guidelines were measured. Results: Sixty-one (76%) of 80 consultant pediatric intensivists working in KSA responded to the survey. Of the 61 respondents, 94% reported administering antibiotics within one hour of the child presentation, 98% reported starting resuscitation by giving fluid boluses, 93% reported starting vasopressor if the patient remained hypotensive despite fluid resuscitation, and 86% reported they would start hydrocortisone in case of catecholamine refractory shock. In total, 80% of the intensivists reported full adherence to all of the 4 components in the ACCM-PALS bundle; 50% reported that the absence of a locally written protocol was the main barrier to adherence to the SSC guidelines. Conclusion: Pediatric intensivists reported good adherence to the 2006 ACCM-PALS guidelines and 2012 SSC guidelines with some variability in interpretation of the recommendations. The absence of a written protocol was the main reported barrier to adherence to these guidelines. PMID:28578440

Adherence to surviving sepsis guidelines among pediatric intensivists. A national survey.

PubMed

Thabet, Farah C; Zahraa, Jihad N; Chehab, May S

2017-06-01

To assess the compliance with the 2006 American College of Critical Care-Pediatric Advanced Life Support (ACCM-PALS) guidelines for sepsis management, and the 2012 surviving sepsis campaign (SSC), for the management of pediatric patients with sepsis and to identify the main barriers to adherence to these guidelines. Methods: In November 2015, a prospective cohort study in which a web based electronic survey using a case scenario to explore the usual management of a child with severe sepsis was designed and sent to all consultant pediatric intensivists practicing in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Adherences to 2012 SSC guidelines and to 4 algorithmic time-specific goals outlined in the ACCM-PALS guidelines were measured. Results: Sixty-one (76%) of 80 consultant pediatric intensivists working in KSA responded to the survey. Of the 61 respondents, 94% reported administering antibiotics within one hour of the child presentation, 98% reported starting resuscitation by giving fluid boluses, 93% reported starting vasopressor if the patient remained hypotensive despite fluid resuscitation, and 86% reported they would start hydrocortisone in case of catecholamine refractory shock. In total, 80% of the intensivists reported full adherence to all of the 4 components in the ACCM-PALS bundle; 50% reported that the absence of a locally written protocol was the main barrier to adherence to the SSC guidelines. Conclusion: Pediatric intensivists reported good adherence to the 2006 ACCM-PALS guidelines and 2012 SSC guidelines with some variability in interpretation of the recommendations. The absence of a written protocol was the main reported barrier to adherence to these guidelines.

Skin-to-skin care for procedural pain in neonates.

PubMed

Johnston, Celeste; Campbell-Yeo, Marsha; Fernandes, Ananda; Inglis, Darlene; Streiner, David; Zee, Rebekah

2014-01-23

Skin-to-skin care (SSC), otherwise known as Kangaroo Care (KC) due to its similarity with marsupial behaviour of ventral maternal-infant contact, is one non-pharmacological intervention for pain control in infants. The primary objectives were to determine the effect of SSC alone on pain from medical or nursing procedures in neonates undergoing painful procedures compared to no intervention, sucrose or other analgesics, or additions to simple SSC such as rocking; and the effects of the amount of SSC (duration in minutes) and the method of administration (who provided the SSC, positioning of caregiver and neonate pair).The secondary objectives were to determine the incidence of untoward effects of SSC and to compare the SSC effect in different postmenstrual age subgroups of infants. The standard methods of the Cochrane Neonatal Collaborative Review Group were used. Databases searched in August 2011: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library); Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews; MEDLINE (1950 onwards); PubMed (1975 onwards); EMBASE (1974 onwards); CINAHL (1982 onwards); Web of Science (1980 onwards); LILACS database (1982 onwards); SCIELO database (1982 onwards); PsycInfo (1980 onwards); AMED (1985 onwards); Dissertation-Abstracts International (1980 onwards). Searches were conducted throughout September 2012. Studies with randomisation or quasi-randomisation, double or single-blinded, involving term infants (> 37 completed weeks postmenstrual age (PMA)) to a maximum of 44 weeks PMA and preterm infants (< 37 completed weeks PMA) receiving SSC for painful procedures conducted by doctors, nurses, or other healthcare professionals. The main outcome measures were physiological or behavioural pain indicators and composite pain scores. A weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) using a fixed-effect model was reported for continuous outcome measures. We included variations on type of tissue-damaging procedure, provider of care, and duration of SSC. Nineteen studies (n = 1594 infants) were included. Fifteen studies (n = 744) used heel lance as the painful procedure, one study combined venepuncture and heel stick (n = 50), two used intramuscular injection, and one used 'vaccination' (n = 80). The studies that were included were generally strong and free from bias.Eleven studies (n = 1363) compared SSC alone to a no-treatment control. Although 11 studies measured heart rate during painful procedures, data from only four studies (n = 121) could be combined to give a mean difference (MD) of 0.35 beats per minute (95% CI -6.01 to 6.71). Three other studies that were not included in meta-analyses also reported no difference in heart rate after the painful procedure. Two studies reported heart rate variability outcomes and found no significant differences. Five studies used the Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) as a primary outcome, which favoured SCC at 30 seconds (n = 268) (MD -3.21, 95% CI -3.94 to -2.48), 60 seconds (n = 164) (MD -1.85, 95% CI -3.03 to -0.68), and 90 seconds (n = 163) (MD -1.34, 95% CI -2.56 to -0.13), but at 120 seconds (n = 157) there was no difference. No studies provided findings on return of heart rate to baseline level, oxygen saturation, cortisol levels, duration of crying, and facial actions that could be combined for analysis.Eight studies compared SSC to another intervention with or without a no-treatment control. Two cross-over studies (n = 80) compared mother versus other provider on PIPP scores at 30, 60, 90, and 120 seconds with no significant difference. When SSC was compared to other interventions, there were not enough similar studies to pool results in an analysis. One study compared SSC with and without dextrose and found that the combination was most effective and that SSC alone was more effective than dextrose alone. Similarly, in another study SSC was more effective than oral glucose for heart rate but not oxygen saturation. SSC either in combination with breastfeeding or alone was favoured over a no-treatment control, but was not different to breastfeeding. There were not enough participants with similar outcomes and painful procedures to compare age groups or duration of SSC. No adverse events were reported in any of the studies. SSC appears to be effective, as measured by composite pain indicators and including both physiological and behavioural indicators, and safe for a single painful procedure such as a heel lance. Purely behavioural indicators tended to favour SSC but there remains questionable bias regarding behavioural indicators. Physiological indicators were typically not different between conditions. Only two studies compared mother providers to others, with non-significant results. There was more heterogeneity in the studies with behavioural or composite outcomes. There is a need for replication studies that use similar, clearly defined outcomes. New studies examining optimal duration of SSC, gestational age groups, repeated use, and long-term effects of SSC are needed.

Autoantibodies to the Rpp25 component of the Th/To complex are the most common antibodies in patients with systemic sclerosis without antibodies detectable by widely available commercial tests.

PubMed

Mahler, Michael; Satoh, Minoru; Hudson, Marie; Baron, Murray; Chan, Jason Y F; Chan, Edward K L; Wick, James; Fritzler, Marvin J

2014-07-01

Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) occur in up to 95% of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). In most, SSc-associated antibodies are detected (i.e., centromere, topoisomerase I, RNA polymerase III, PM/Scl, Ro52/TRIM21, and U1RNP). Ribonuclease P protein subunit p25, (Rpp25) is an autoantigenic component of the Th/To complex. The contribution of anti-Th/To and anti-Rpp25 antibodies to ANA positivity in patients with SSc remains unknown. Sera from 873 patients with SSc were tested for ANA, and SSc-associated antibodies were measured. Samples without antibodies to extractable nuclear antigens (ENA; n = 53, ANA+/ENA-), were analyzed by immunoprecipitation (IP) and metabolically labeled proteins and for anti-Rpp25 antibodies (n = 50) by a chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) and Rpp25 ELISA. Anti-Th/To antibodies occurred in 19/53 (36%), as determined by IP, and were the most common autoantibody in ANA+/ENA- SSc. Of those samples, 50/53 were available for additional testing by CLIA and ELISA. Anti-Rpp25 antibodies were detected in 12 (24% CLIA) or 10 (20% ELISA) of 50 patients. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis showed similar discrimination between Th/To IP-positive (n = 19) and -negative samples (n = 31) by CLIA and ELISA (area under the curve 0.90 vs 0.87; p = 0.6691). The positive percent agreement between IP and CLIA or ELISA was 12/19 (63.2%, 95% CI 38.4-83.7%) or 10/19 (52.6%, 95% CI 73.3-94.2%), respectively. Negative percent agreement was 100% for both assays. Autoantibodies to the Th/To autoantigen are important in patients with SSc who have been considered negative for SSc-specific or SSc-associated antibodies by widely available commercial assays. Rpp25 can be considered a major target of anti-Th/To antibodies. Assays detecting anti-Th/To and anti-Rpp25 antibodies may be important in SSc.

Improving the Quality of Adult Mortality Data Collected in Demographic Surveys: Validation Study of a New Siblings' Survival Questionnaire in Niakhar, Senegal

PubMed Central

Helleringer, Stéphane; Pison, Gilles; Masquelier, Bruno; Kanté, Almamy Malick; Douillot, Laetitia; Duthé, Géraldine; Sokhna, Cheikh; Delaunay, Valérie

2014-01-01

Background In countries with limited vital registration, adult mortality is frequently estimated using siblings' survival histories (SSHs) collected during Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). These data are affected by reporting errors. We developed a new SSH questionnaire, the siblings' survival calendar (SSC). It incorporates supplementary interviewing techniques to limit omissions of siblings and uses an event history calendar to improve reports of dates and ages. We hypothesized that the SSC would improve the quality of adult mortality data. Methods and Findings We conducted a retrospective validation study among the population of the Niakhar Health and Demographic Surveillance System in Senegal. We randomly assigned men and women aged 15–59 y to an interview with either the DHS questionnaire or the SSC. We compared SSHs collected in each group to prospective data on adult mortality collected in Niakhar. The SSC reduced respondents' tendency to round reports of dates and ages to the nearest multiple of five or ten (“heaping”). The SSC also had higher sensitivity in recording adult female deaths: among respondents whose sister(s) had died at an adult age in the past 15 y, 89.6% reported an adult female death during SSC interviews versus 75.6% in DHS interviews (p = 0.027). The specificity of the SSC was similar to that of the DHS questionnaire, i.e., it did not increase the number of false reports of deaths. However, the SSC did not improve the reporting of adult deaths among the brothers of respondents. Study limitations include sample selectivity, limited external validity, and multiple testing. Conclusions The SSC has the potential to collect more accurate SSHs than the questionnaire used in DHS. Further research is needed to assess the effects of the SSC on estimates of adult mortality rates. Additional validation studies should be conducted in different social and epidemiological settings. Trial Registration Controlled-Trials.com ISRCTN06849961 Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary PMID:24866715

Increasing compliance with the World Health Organization Surgical Safety Checklist-A regional health system's experience.

PubMed

Gitelis, Matthew E; Kaczynski, Adelaide; Shear, Torin; Deshur, Mark; Beig, Mohammad; Sefa, Meredith; Silverstein, Jonathan; Ujiki, Michael

2017-07-01

In 2009, NorthShore University HealthSystem adapted the World Health Organization Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) at each of its 4 hospitals. Despite evidence that SSC reduces intraoperative mistakes and increase patient safety, compliance was found to be low with the paper form. In November 2013, NorthShore integrated the SSC into the electronic health record (EHR). The aim was to increase communication between operating room (OR) personnel and to encourage best practices during the natural workflow of surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of an electronic SSC on compliance and patient safety. An anonymous OR observer selected cases at random and evaluated the compliance rate before the rollout of the electronic SSC. In June 2014, an electronic audit was performed to assess the compliance rate. Random OR observations were also performed throughout the summer in 2014. Perioperative risk events, such as consent issues, incorrect counts, wrong site, and wrong procedure were compared before and after the electronic SSC rollout. A perception survey was also administered to NorthShore OR personnel. Compliance increased from 48% (n = 167) to 92% (n = 1,037; P < .001) after the SSC was integrated into the electronic health record. Surgeons (91% vs 97%; P < .001), anesthesiologists (89% vs 100%; P < .001), and nurses (55% vs 93%; P < .001) demonstrated an increase in compliance. A comparison between risk events in the pre- and post-rollout period showed a 32% decrease (P < .01). Hospital-wide indicators including length of stay and 30-day readmissions were lower. In a survey to assess the OR personnel's perceptions of the new checklist, 76% of surgeons, 86% of anesthesiologists, and 88% of nurses believed the electronic SSC will have a positive impact on patient safety. The World Health Organization SSC is a validated tool to increase patient safety and reduce intraoperative complications. The electronic SSC has demonstrated an increased compliance rate, a reduced number of risk events, and most OR personnel believe it will have a positive impact on patient safety. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Detection of dermal systemic sclerosis using noncontact optical coherence elastography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Chih-Hao; Du, Yong; Singh, Manmohan; Li, Jiasong; Wu, Chen; Han, Zhaolong; Raghunathan, Raksha; Hsu, Thomas; Noorani, Shezaan; Hicks, M. John; Mohan, Chandra; Larin, Kirill V.

2016-03-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease that results in excessive accumulation of collagen in the skin and internal organs. Overall, SSc is a rare disorder, but has a high mortality, particularly in last decade of life. To improve the survival rate, an accurate and early diagnosis is crucial. Currently, the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) is the gold standard for evaluating SSc progression based on clinical palpation at 17 sites on the body. However, this procedure can be time consuming, and the assessed score may be biased by the experience of the clinician, causing inter- and intraobserver variabilities. Moreover, the instrinsic elasticity of skin may further bias the mRSS assessment in the early stages of SSc, such as oedematous. To overcome these limitations, there is a need for a rapid, accurate, and objective assessment technique. Optical coherence elastography (OCE) is a novel, rapidly emerging technique, which can assess mechanical contrast in tissues with micrometer spatial resolution. In this work, we demonstrate the first use of OCE to assess the mechanical properties of control and SSc-like diseased skin non-invasively. A focused air-pulse induced an elastic wave in the skin, which was detected by a home-built OCE system. The elastic wave propagated significantly faster in SSc skin compared to healthy skin. The Young's modulus of the SSc skin was significantly higher than that of normal skin (P<0.05). Thus, OCE was able to objectively differentiate healthy and fibrotic skin completely noninvasively and is a promising and potentially useful new technology for quantifying skin involvement in SSc.

Association Study of ITGAM, ITGAX, and CD58 Autoimmune Risk Loci in Systemic Sclerosis: Results from 2 Large European Caucasian Cohorts

PubMed Central

COUSTET, BAPTISTE; AGARWAL, SANDEEP K.; GOURH, PRAVITT; GUEDJ, MICKAEL; MAYES, MAUREEN D.; DIEUDE, PHILIPPE; WIPFF, JULIEN; AVOUAC, JEROME; HACHULLA, ERIC; DIOT, ELISABETH; CRACOWSKI, JEAN LUC; TIEV, KIET; SIBILIA, JEAN; MOUTHON, LUC; FRANCES, CAMILLE; AMOURA, ZAHIR; CARPENTIER, PATRICK; MEYER, OLIVIER; KAHAN, ANDRE; BOILEAU, CATHERINE; ARNETT, FRANK C.; ALLANORE, YANNICK

2012-01-01

Objective Accumulating evidence shows that shared autoimmunity is critical for the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) belongs to the connective tissue disorders, and recent data have highlighted strong associations with autoimmunity genes shared with other autoimmune diseases. To determine whether novel risk loci associated with systemic lupus erythematosus or multiple sclerosis may confer susceptibility to SSc, we tested single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) from ITGAM, ITGAX, and CD58 for associations. Methods SNP harboring associations with autoimmune diseases, ITGAM rs9937837, ITGAX rs11574637, and CD58 rs12044852, were genotyped in 2 independent cohorts of European Caucasian ancestry: 1031 SSc patients and 1014 controls from France and 1038 SSc patients and 691 controls from the USA, providing a combined study population of 3774 individuals. ITGAM rs1143679 was additionally genotyped in the French cohort. Results The 4 polymorphisms were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the 2 control populations, and allelic frequencies were similar to those expected in European Caucasian populations. Allelic and genotypic frequencies for these 3 SNP were found to be statistically similar in SSc patients and controls. Subphenotype analyses for subgroups having diffuse cutaneous subtype disease, specific autoantibodies, or fibrosing alveolitis did not reveal any difference between SSc patients and controls. Conclusion These results obtained through 2 large cohorts of SSc patients of European Caucasian ancestry do not support the implication of ITGAM, ITGAX, and CD58 genes in the genetic susceptibility of SSc, although they were recently identified as autoimmune disease risk genes. PMID:21362770

Genomic regions associated with kyphosis in swine

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background A back curvature defect similar to kyphosis in humans has been observed in swine herds. The defect ranges from mild to severe curvature of the thoracic vertebrate in split carcasses and has an estimated heritability of 0.3. The objective of this study was to identify genomic regions that affect this trait. Results Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associations performed with 198 SNPs and microsatellite markers in a Duroc-Landrace-Yorkshire resource population (U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, USMARC resource population) of swine provided regions of association with this trait on 15 chromosomes. Positional candidate genes, especially those involved in human skeletal development pathways, were selected for SNP identification. SNPs in 16 candidate genes were genotyped in an F2 population (n = 371) and the USMARC resource herd (n = 1,257) with kyphosis scores. SNPs in KCNN2 on SSC2, RYR1 and PLOD1 on SSC6 and MYST4 on SSC14 were significantly associated with kyphosis in the resource population of swine (P ≤ 0.05). SNPs in CER1 and CDH7 on SSC1, PSMA5 on SSC4, HOXC6 and HOXC8 on SSC5, ADAMTS18 on SSC6 and SOX9 on SSC12 were significantly associated with the kyphosis trait in the F2 population of swine (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions These data suggest that this kyphosis trait may be affected by several loci and that these may differ by population. Carcass value could be improved by effectively removing this undesirable trait from pig populations. PMID:21176156

Scleroderma prevalence: demographic variations in a population-based sample.

PubMed

Bernatsky, S; Joseph, L; Pineau, C A; Belisle, P; Hudson, M; Clarke, A E

2009-03-15

To estimate the prevalence of systemic sclerosis (SSc) using population-based administrative data, and to assess the sensitivity of case ascertainment approaches. We ascertained SSc cases from Quebec physician billing and hospitalization databases (covering approximately 7.5 million individuals). Three case definition algorithms were compared, and statistical methods accounting for imperfect case ascertainment were used to estimate SSc prevalence and case ascertainment sensitivity. A hierarchical Bayesian latent class regression model that accounted for possible between-test dependence conditional on disease status estimated the effect of patient characteristics on SSc prevalence and the sensitivity of the 3 ascertainment algorithms. Accounting for error inherent in both the billing and the hospitalization data, we estimated SSc prevalence in 2003 at 74.4 cases per 100,000 women (95% credible interval [95% CrI] 69.3-79.7) and 13.3 cases per 100,000 men (95% CrI 11.1-16.1). Prevalence was higher for older individuals, particularly in urban women (161.2 cases per 100,000, 95% CrI 148.6-175.0). Prevalence was lowest in young men (in rural areas, as low as 2.8 cases per 100,000, 95% CrI 1.4-4.8). In general, no single algorithm was very sensitive, with point estimates for sensitivity ranging from 20-73%. We found marked differences in SSc prevalence according to age, sex, and region. In general, no single case ascertainment approach was very sensitive for SSc. Therefore, using data from multiple sources, with adjustment for the imperfect nature of each, is an important strategy in population-based studies of SSc and similar conditions.

Using genome wide association studies to identify common QTL regions in three different genetic backgrounds based on Iberian pig breed.

PubMed

Martínez-Montes, Ángel M; Fernández, Almudena; Muñoz, María; Noguera, Jose Luis; Folch, Josep M; Fernández, Ana I

2018-01-01

One of the major limitation for the application of QTL results in pig breeding and QTN identification has been the limited number of QTL effects validated in different animal material. The aim of the current work was to validate QTL regions through joint and specific genome wide association and haplotype analyses for growth, fatness and premier cut weights in three different genetic backgrounds, backcrosses based on Iberian pigs, which has a major role in the analysis due to its high productive relevance. The results revealed nine common QTL regions, three segregating in all three backcrosses on SSC1, 0-3 Mb, for body weight, on SSC2, 3-9 Mb, for loin bone-in weight, and on SSC7, 3 Mb, for shoulder weight, and six segregating in two of the three backcrosses, on SSC2, SSC4, SSC6 and SSC10 for backfat thickness, shoulder and ham weights. Besides, 18 QTL regions were specifically identified in one of the three backcrosses, five identified only in BC_LD, seven in BC_DU and six in BC_PI. Beyond identifying and validating QTL, candidate genes and gene variants within the most interesting regions have been explored using functional annotation, gene expression data and SNP identification from RNA-Seq data. The results allowed us to propose a promising list of candidate mutations, those identified in PDE10A, DHCR7, MFN2 and CCNY genes located within the common QTL regions and those identified near ssc-mir-103-1 considered PANK3 regulators to be further analysed.

Association between an endoglin gene polymorphism and systemic sclerosis-related pulmonary arterial hypertension.

PubMed

Wipff, J; Kahan, A; Hachulla, E; Sibilia, J; Cabane, J; Meyer, O; Mouthon, L; Guillevin, L; Junien, C; Boileau, C; Allanore, Y

2007-04-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by early generalized microangiopathy with disturbed angiogenesis. Endoglin gene (ENG) encodes a transmembrane glycoprotein which acts as an accessory receptor for the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily, and is crucial for maintaining vascular integrity. A 6-base insertion in intron 7 (6bINS) of ENG has been reported to be associated with microvascular disturbance. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between 6bINS and the vascular complication pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in SSc in a French Caucasian population. Two hundred eighty SSc cases containing 29/280 having PAH diagnosed by catheterism were compared with 140 patients with osteoarthritis. Genotyping was performed by polymerase-chain-reaction-based fluorescence and direct sequencing of genomic DNA. The polymorphism was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. We observed a significant lower frequency of 6bINS allele in SSc patients with associated PAH compared with controls [10.3 vs 23.9%, P = 0.01; odds ratio (OR) 0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15-0.89], and a trend in comparison with SSc patients without PAH (10.3 vs 20.3%, P = 0.05; OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.19-1.08). Genotypes carrying allele 6bINS were also less frequent in SSc patients with PAH than in controls (20.7 vs 42.9%, P = 0.02). Thus the frequency of 6bINS differs between SSc patients with or without PAH, suggesting the implication of ENG in this devastating vascular complication of SSc.

40 CFR 35.6805 - Contents of an SSC.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... to approve modifications to the project so long as such changes are within the scope of the contract... compel cleanup, or for cost recovery under section 107 of CERCLA. (o) Sanctions for failure to comply with SSC terms, which states that if the signatories fail to comply with the terms of the SSC, EPA may...

The involvement of immunoglobulin E isotype switch in scleroderma skin tissue.

PubMed

Ohtsuka, Tsutomu; Yamazaki, Soji

2005-08-01

The involvement of mast cell, which is activated by immunoglobulin E (IgE), has been reported in the formation of systemic sclerosis (SSc) abnormality. IgE is generated with isotype switch. During isotype switch, switch circles resulting from direct mu to epsilon, or from sequential mu to gamma via epsilon switching will be created. We studied whether switching occurs in SSc. We used nested polymerase chain reaction to analyze the S fragments from switch circles. Fifty-two patients with SSc, and 62 healthy women were studied. Neither of 62 normal skin tissues showed direct switch, nor sequential switch. Neither of seven normal whole blood cells showed direct switch, nor sequential switch. In 52SSc skin tissues, three (5.8%) showed direct switch, and two (3.8%) showed sequential switch. As a result, five (9.6%) of SSc skin tissue showed immunogobulin E class switch. These results were confirmed by DNA sequencing. These results demonstrated that isotype switch to the epsilon locus achieved by direct and/or sequential switch are involved in SSc skin.

Productivity Losses and Costs in the Less-Common Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases.

PubMed

McCormick, Natalie; Marra, Carlo A; Aviña-Zubieta, J Antonio

2017-10-30

We synthesised the literature on productivity losses and costs in the less-common systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases: Sjogren's syndrome (SjS), systemic sclerosis (SSc), poly/dermatomyositis (PM/DM), and systemic vasculitides (SV). Of 29 studies located, 12 were published 2012 onwards (SSc = 6, SjS = 2, PM/DM = 2, SV = 2). In these, 25% of PM/DM, and 21-26% of SV, were work disabled, 22% of SSc stopped work within 3 years of diagnosis, and annual costs of absenteeism in SSc averaged $12,024 2017 USD. Very few studies reported on costs, presenteeism (working at reduced levels), or unpaid productivity loss. Across multiple systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs), major drivers of lost productivity were generalised items like pain, depression, and fatigue, rather than disease-specific factors. Evidence suggests that work disability is common in SSc and strikes quickly. However, in SSc and other SARDs, more comprehensive estimates are needed, which include absenteeism and presenteeism from paid and unpaid work, costs, and drivers of productivity loss.

Analysis of the association between CD40 and CD40 ligand polymorphisms and systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Teruel, María; Simeon, Carmen P; Broen, Jasper; Vonk, Madelon C; Carreira, Patricia; Camps, Maria Teresa; García-Portales, Rosa; Delgado-Frías, Esmeralda; Gallego, Maria; Espinosa, Gerard; Beretta, Lorenzo; Airó, Paolo; Lunardi, Claudio; Riemekasten, Gabriela; Witte, Torsten; Krieg, Thomas; Kreuter, Alexander; Distler, Jörg H W; Hunzelmann, Nicolas; Koeleman, Bobby P; Voskuyl, Alexandre E; Schuerwegh, Annemie J; González-Gay, Miguel Angel; Radstake, Timothy R D J; Martin, Javier

2012-06-25

The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible role of CD40 and CD40 ligand (CD40LG) genes in the susceptibility and phenotype expression of systemic sclerosis (SSc). In total, 2,670 SSc patients and 3,245 healthy individuals from four European populations (Spain, Germany, The Netherlands, and Italy) were included in the study. Five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CD40 (rs1883832, rs4810485, rs1535045) and CD40LG (rs3092952, rs3092920) were genotyped by using a predesigned TaqMan allele-discrimination assay technology. Meta-analysis was assessed to determine whether an association exists between the genetic variants and SSc or its main clinical subtypes. No evidence of association between CD40 and CD40LG genes variants and susceptibility to SSc was observed. Similarly, no significant statistical differences were observed when SSc patients were stratified by the clinical subtypes, the serologic features, and pulmonary fibrosis. Our results do not suggest an important role of CD40 and CD40LG gene polymorphisms in the susceptibility to or clinical expression of SSc.

Clinical significance of serum decoy receptor 3 levels in patients with systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Yamada, Daisuke; Asano, Yoshihide; Takahashi, Takehiro; Masui, Yuri; Aozasa, Naohiko; Akamata, Kaname; Noda, Shinji; Tamaki, Zenshiro; Tada, Yayoi; Sugaya, Makoto; Sato, Shinichi; Kadono, Takafumi

2012-01-01

Decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) is associated with autoimmunity and altered angiogenesis in certain pathological conditions. We herein measured serum DcR3 levels in 51 patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and 19 healthy controls and evaluated their clinical significance in this disorder. Serum DcR3 levels were significantly higher in diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) patients than in limited cutaneous SSc patients and in healthy controls. In dcSSc, serum DcR3 levels were significantly elevated in patients with disease duration of ≤6 years compared with healthy controls, but not in those with disease duration of >6 years. Serum DcR3 levels correlated negatively with the percentage of predicted diffusion lung capacity for carbon monoxide and positively with right ventricular systolic pressure. Furthermore, serum DcR3 levels positively correlated with C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and immunoglobulin G. Collectively, the elevation of serum DcR3 levels is associated with the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension and systemic inflammation in SSc.

DRIFTER Web App Development Support

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, Derrick D.; Armstrong, Curtis D.

2015-01-01

During my 2015 internship at Stennis Space Center (SSC) I supported the development of a web based tool to enable user interaction with a low-cost environmental monitoring buoy called the DRIFTER. DRIFTERs are designed by SSC's Applied Science and Technology Projects branch and are used to measure parameters such as water temperature and salinity. Data collected by the buoys help verify measurements by NASA satellites, which contributes to NASA's mission to advance understanding of the Earth by developing technologies to improve the quality of life on or home planet. My main objective during this internship was to support the development of the DRIFTER by writing web-based software that allows the public to view and access data collected by the buoys. In addition, this software would enable DRIFTER owners to configure and control the devices.

Altered expression of CD63 and exosomes in scleroderma dermal fibroblasts.

PubMed

Nakamura, Kayo; Jinnin, Masatoshi; Harada, Miho; Kudo, Hideo; Nakayama, Wakana; Inoue, Kuniko; Ogata, Aki; Kajihara, Ikko; Fukushima, Satoshi; Ihn, Hironobu

2016-10-01

Exosomes are small vesicles shed from various cells. They contain proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, and are regarded as a tool of cell-cell communication. To reveal the putative role of exosomes in systemic sclerosis (SSc), and to elucidate the effect of exosomes on wound healing. The expression of common markers for exosomes (CD63, CD9, and CD81) and type I collagen were examined with real-time PCR, immunohistochemical analysis, ELISA, immunoblotting, and flow cytometry. The effect of serum-derived exosomes on wound healing was tested on full-thickness wounds in the mid-dorsal skin of BALB/c mice. The expression levels of CD63 as well as CD9 and CD81 tended to be increased in SSc dermal fibroblasts compared to normal fibroblasts. Increased exosomes in a cultured media of SSc fibroblasts stimulated the expression levels of type I collagen in normal fibroblasts. As the mechanism, collagen-related microRNA levels in SSc fibroblast-derived exosomes were dysregulated, indicating that both the amount and the content of exosomes were altered in SSc. On the other hand, SSc sera showed significantly decreased exosome levels compared to normal sera. The frequencies of vascular involvements, including skin ulcers or pitting scars, were significantly increased in patients with decreased serum exosome levels. The healing of mice wounds was accelerated by treatment with serum-derived exosomes. Vascular abnormalities in SSc may account for the decreased serum exosome levels by the disturbed transfer of exosomes from the skin tissue to the blood stream. Our study suggests the possibility that SSc patients with vascular involvements have decreased serum exosome levels, which causes the delay of wound healing due to down-regulation of collagen, resulting in higher susceptibility to pitting scars and/or ulcers. Exosome research will lead to a detailed understanding of SSc pathogenesis and new therapeutic approaches. Copyright © 2016 Japanese Society for Investigative Dermatology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Identification of differentially expressed small RNAs and prediction of target genes in Italian Large White pigs with divergent backfat deposition.

PubMed

Davoli, R; Gaffo, E; Zappaterra, M; Bortoluzzi, S; Zambonelli, P

2018-06-01

The identification of the molecular mechanisms regulating pathways associated with the potential for fat deposition in pigs can lead to the detection of key genes and markers for the genetic improvement of fat traits. Interactions of microRNAs (miRNAs) with target RNAs regulate gene expression and modulate pathway activation in cells and tissues. In pigs, miRNA discovery is far from saturation, and the knowledge of miRNA expression in backfat tissue and particularly of the impact of miRNA variations is still fragmentary. Using RNA-seq, we characterized the small RNA (sRNA) expression profiles in Italian Large White pig backfat tissue. Comparing two groups of pigs divergent for backfat deposition, we detected 31 significant differentially expressed (DE) sRNAs: 14 up-regulated (including ssc-miR-132, ssc-miR-146b, ssc-miR-221-5p, ssc-miR-365-5p and the moRNA ssc-moR-21-5p) and 17 down-regulated (including ssc-miR-136, ssc-miR-195, ssc-miR-199a-5p and ssc-miR-335). To understand the biological impact of the observed miRNA expression variations, we used the expression correlation of DE miRNA target transcripts expressed in the same samples to define a regulatory network of 193 interactions between DE miRNAs and 40 DE target transcripts showing opposite expression profiles and being involved in specific pathways. Several miRNAs and mRNAs in the network were found to be expressed from backfat-related pig QTL. These results are informative for the complex mechanisms influencing fat traits, shed light on a new aspect of the genetic regulation of fat deposition in pigs and facilitate the prospective implementation of innovative strategies of pig genetic improvement based on genomic markers. © 2018 Stichting International Foundation for Animal Genetics.

Association of the FAM167A-BLK region with systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Ito, Ikue; Kawaguchi, Yasushi; Kawasaki, Aya; Hasegawa, Minoru; Ohashi, Jun; Kawamoto, Manabu; Fujimoto, Manabu; Takehara, Kazuhiko; Sato, Shinichi; Hara, Masako; Tsuchiya, Naoyuki

2010-03-01

An association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the FAM167A (previously referred to as C8orf13)-BLK region with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been demonstrated in Caucasians and in Asians. Recent studies have shown that many genes, including IRF5, STAT4, and PTPN22, are shared susceptibility genes in multiple autoimmune diseases. We undertook the current study to examine whether the FAM167A-BLK region is also associated with susceptibility to systemic sclerosis (SSc). Japanese patients with SSc (n = 309) and healthy controls (n = 769) were enrolled in a 2-tiered case-control association study. In tier 1, 124 patients and 412 controls were tested to determine association of 16 tag SNPs encompassing the FAM167A-BLK region with SSc. In tier 2, an additional 185 patients and 357 controls were analyzed for SNP rs13277113. Two haplotype blocks that correspond approximately to FAM167A and BLK were observed. In tier 1 of the study, the rs13277113A allele in the BLK block exhibited the most significant association with SSc after correction for multiple testing (permutated P = 0.024). Two SNP haplotypes formed by rs13277113 and the most significant SNP in the FAM167A block did not exhibit stronger association. When samples from tier 1 and tier 2 were combined, the rs13277113A allele was significantly associated with SSc (odds ratio 1.45 [95% confidence interval 1.17-1.79], P = 6.1 x 10(-4)). Association or a tendency toward association of rs13277113A with SSc was observed regardless of a patient's autoantibody profile or whether a patient had diffuse cutaneous or limited cutaneous SSc. Our findings indicate that the rs13277113A allele is associated not only with SLE but also with SSc and that the FAM167A-BLK region is a common genetic risk factor for both SLE and SSc.

Skin-to-skin contact with an umbilical venous catheter: prospective evaluation in a level 3 unit.

PubMed

Catherine, Zaoui-Grattepanche; Béatrice, Pindi; Fabrice, Lapeyre; Claire, Huart; Alain, Duhamel

2016-04-01

The aim was to assess the incidence of complications related to skin-to-skin contact (SSC) in newborns with an umbilical venous catheter (UVC). We carried out a prospective follow-up study of all UVCs in a level 3 unit where SSC is systematic. A total of 333 babies were included (mean gestational age of 31.3 weeks (24-41), mean birth weight of 1618 g (454-4900). Two hundred sixty-three babies (78.9 %) had SSC, at a mean postnatal age of 24 h (3-144 h). Two babies presented with a significant umbilical bleeding, all in the first 3 h, before SSC. In 17 cases of UVC leaking, this necessitated an unwanted withdrawal of the UVC; of these, 14 UVCs (82 %) were in sub-hepatic position. In five cases of UVC displacement, babies had no SSC. The overall incidence (3 % [95 % CI = 1.4-5.4]) and incidence density (6.2/1000 UVC-day [95 % CI = 3-11.4]) of catheter-associated infections are similar to those identified by the French multicenter network NEOCAT in 2012 (5 % [95 % CI = 4.1-5.9] and 11.3/1000 UVC-day [95 % CI = 9.3-13.2]). In this prospective, non-randomized study in a level unit, routine practice of SSC with a UVC does not seem to influence the incidence of mechanical and infectious complications. What is known? • SSC is beneficial for pretem infants. • Fear of mechanical problems and/or infections with a UVC is an obstacle to early use of SSC. What is New: • In this study, SSC for preterm infants with a UVC is associated with low risks of mechanical complications, and does not seem to be associated with any higher risk of catheter-related infections.

Common measure of quality of life for people with systemic sclerosis across seven European countries: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Ndosi, Mwidimi; Alcacer-Pitarch, Begonya; Allanore, Yannick; Del Galdo, Francesco; Frerix, Marc; García-Díaz, Sílvia; Hesselstrand, Roger; Kendall, Christine; Matucci-Cerinic, Marco; Mueller-Ladner, Ulf; Sandqvist, Gunnel; Torrente-Segarra, Vicenç; Schmeiser, Tim; Sierakowska, Matylda; Sierakowska, Justyna; Sierakowski, Stanslaw; Redmond, Anthony

2018-02-20

The aim of this study was to adapt the Systemic Sclerosis Quality of Life Questionnaire (SScQoL) into six European cultures and validate it as a common measure of quality of life in systemic sclerosis (SSc). This was a seven-country (Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Spain, Sweden and UK) cross-sectional study. A forward-backward translation process was used to adapt the English SScQoL into target languages. SScQoL was completed by patients with SSc, then data were validated against the Rasch model. To correct local response dependency, items were grouped into the following subscales: function, emotion, sleep, social and pain and reanalysed for fit to the model, unidimensionality and cross-cultural equivalence. The adaptation of the SScQoL was seamless in all countries except Germany. Cross-cultural validation included 1080 patients with a mean age 58.0 years (SD 13.9) and 87% were women. Local dependency was evident in individual country data. Grouping items into testlets corrected the local dependency in most country specific data. Fit to the model, reliability and unidimensionality was achieved in six-country data after cross-cultural adjustment for Italy in the social subscale. The SScQoL was then calibrated into an interval level scale. The individual SScQoL items have translated well into five languages and overall, the scale maintained its construct validity, working well as a five-subscale questionnaire. Measures of quality of life in SSc can be directly compared across five countries (France, Poland Spain, Sweden and UK). Data from Italy are also comparable with the other five countries although require an adjustment. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Improved resolution in extracellular vesicle populations using 405 instead of 488 nm side scatter

PubMed Central

McVey, Mark J.; Spring, Christopher M.; Kuebler, Wolfgang M.

2018-01-01

ABSTRACT Improvements in identification and assessment of extracellular vesicles (EVs) have fuelled a recent surge in EV publications investigating their roles as biomarkers and mediators of disease. Meaningful scientific comparisons are, however, hampered by difficulties in accurate, reproducible enumeration and characterization of EVs in biological fluids. High-sensitivity flow cytometry (FCM) is presently the most commonly applied strategy to assess EVs, yet its utility is limited by variant ability to resolve smaller EVs. Here, we propose the use of 405 nm (violet) wavelength lasers in place of 488 nm (blue) for side scatter (SSC) detection to obtain greater resolution of EVs using high-sensitivity FCM. To test this hypothesis, we modelled EV resolution by violet versus blue SSC in silico and compared resolution of reference beads and biological EVs from plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid using either violet or blue wavelength SSC EV detection. Mie scatter modelling predicted that violet as compared to blue SSC increases resolution of small (100–500 nm) spherical particles with refractive indices (1.34–1.46) similar to EVs by approximately twofold in terms of light intensity and by nearly 20% in SSC signal quantum efficiency. Resolution of reference beads was improved by violet instead of blue SSC with two- and fivefold decreases in coefficients of variation for particles of 300–500 nm and 180–240 nm size, respectively. Resolution was similarly improved for detection of EVs from plasma or BAL fluid. Violet SSC detection for high-sensitivity FCM allows for significantly greater resolution of EVs in plasma and BAL compared to conventional blue SSC and particularly improves resolution of smaller EVs. Notably, the proposed strategy is readily implementable and inexpensive for machines already equipped with 405 nm SSC or the ability to accommodate 405/10 nm bandpass filters in their violet detector arrays. PMID:29696076

Deficient Adipogenesis of Scleroderma Patient and Healthy African American Monocytes

PubMed Central

Lee, Rebecca; Reese, Charles; Carmen-Lopez, Gustavo; Perry, Beth; Bonner, Michael; Zemskova, Marina; Wilson, Carole L.; Helke, Kristi L.; Silver, Richard M.; Hoffman, Stanley; Tourkina, Elena

2017-01-01

Monocytes from systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) patients and healthy African Americans (AA) are deficient in the regulatory protein caveolin-1 leading to enhanced migration toward chemokines and fibrogenic differentiation. While dermal fibrosis is the hallmark of SSc, loss of subcutaneous adipose tissue is a lesser-known feature. To better understand the etiology of SSc and the predisposition of AA to SSc, we studied the adipogenic potential of SSc and healthy AA monocytes. The ability of SSc and healthy AA monocytes to differentiate into adipocyte-like cells (ALC) is inhibited compared to healthy Caucasian (C) monocytes. We validated that monocyte-derived ALCs are distinct from macrophages by flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry. Like their enhanced fibrogenic differentiation, their inhibited adipogenic differentiation is reversed by the caveolin-1 scaffolding domain peptide (CSD, a surrogate for caveolin-1). The altered differentiation of SSc and healthy AA monocytes is additionally regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) which is also present at reduced levels in these cells. In vivo studies further support the importance of caveolin-1 and PPARγ in fibrogenesis and adipogenesis. In SSc patients, healthy AA, and mice treated systemically with bleomycin, adipocytes lose caveolin-1 and PPARγ and the subcutaneous adipose layer is diminished. CSD treatment of these mice leads to a reappearance of the caveolin-1+/PPARγ+/FABP4+ subcutaneous adipose layer. Moreover, many of these adipocytes are CD45+, suggesting they are monocyte derived. Tracing experiments with injected EGFP+ monocytes confirm that monocytes contribute to the repair of the adipose layer when it is damaged by bleomycin treatment. Our observations strongly suggest that caveolin-1 and PPARγ work together to maintain a balance between the fibrogenic and adipogenic differentiation of monocytes, that this balance is altered in SSc and in healthy AA, and that monocytes make a major contribution to the repair of the adipose layer. PMID:28420992

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells from early diffuse systemic sclerosis exhibit a paracrine machinery and stimulate angiogenesis in vitro.

PubMed

Guiducci, Serena; Manetti, Mirko; Romano, Eloisa; Mazzanti, Benedetta; Ceccarelli, Claudia; Dal Pozzo, Simone; Milia, Anna Franca; Bellando-Randone, Silvia; Fiori, Ginevra; Conforti, Maria Letizia; Saccardi, Riccardo; Ibba-Manneschi, Lidia; Matucci-Cerinic, Marco

2011-11-01

To characterise bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) for the expression of factors implicated in MSC recruitment at sites of injury, angiogenesis and fibrosis. The study also analysed whether the production/release of bioactive mediators by MSCs were affected by stimulation with cytokines found upregulated in SSc serum and tissues, and whether MSCs could modulate dermal microvascular endothelial cell (MVEC) angiogenesis. MSCs obtained from five patients with early severe diffuse SSc (SSc-MSCs) and five healthy donors (H-MSCs) were stimulated with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) or stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1). Transcript and protein levels of SDF-1 and its receptor CXCR4, VEGF, TGFβ(1) and receptors TβRI and TβRII were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting and confocal microscopy. VEGF, SDF-1 and TGFβ(1) secretion in culture supernatant was measured by ELISA. MVEC capillary morphogenesis was performed on Matrigel with the addition of MSC-conditioned medium. In SSc-MSCs the basal expression of proangiogenic SDF-1/CXCR4 and VEGF was significantly increased compared with H-MSCs. SSc-MSCs constitutively released higher levels of SDF-1 and VEGF. SDF-1/CXCR4 were upregulated after VEGF stimulation and CXCR4 redistributed from the cytoplasm to the cell surface. VEGF was increased by SDF-1 challenge. VEGF, TGFβ and SDF-1 stimulation upregulated TGFβ(1), TβRI and TβRII in SSc-MSCs. TβRII redistributed from the cytoplasm to focal adhesion contacts. SSc-MSC-conditioned medium showed a greater proangiogenic effect on MVECs than H-MSCs. Experiments with blocking antibodies showed that MSC-derived cytokines were responsible for this potent proangiogenic effect. SSc-MSCs constitutively overexpress and release bioactive mediators/proangiogenic factors and potentiate dermal MVEC angiogenesis.

Caveolin-1 deficiency may predispose African Americans to systemic sclerosis-related interstitial lung disease.

PubMed

Reese, Charles; Perry, Beth; Heywood, Jonathan; Bonner, Michael; Visconti, Richard P; Lee, Rebecca; Hatfield, Corey M; Silver, Richard M; Hoffman, Stanley; Tourkina, Elena

2014-07-01

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the leading cause of death in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma). Although SSc-related ILD is more common and severe in African Americans than in Caucasians, little is known about factors underlying this significant health disparity. The aim of this study was to examine the role that low expression of caveolin-1 might play in susceptibility to ILD among African Americans. Assays of monocyte migration toward stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) were performed using monocytes from Caucasian and African American healthy donors and patients with SSc. For fibrocyte differentiation studies, total peripheral blood mononuclear cells were incubated on fibronectin-coated plates. Protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Monocytes from healthy African American donors and those from patients with SSc had low caveolin-1 levels, enhanced migration toward the CXCR4 ligand SDF-1, and enhanced differentiation to fibrocytes. Enhanced migration and differentiation of monocytes from African Americans and patients with SSc appeared to be attributable to the lack of caveolin-1, because restoring caveolin-1 function using a caveolin-1 scaffolding domain peptide inhibited these processes. Although they differed from monocytes from Caucasians, monocytes from both African Americans and patients with SSc were not identical, because SSc monocytes showed major increases from baseline in ERK, JNK, p38, and Smad2/3 activation, while monocytes from African Americans showed only limited ERK activation and no activation of JNK, p38, or Smad2/3. In contrast, SDF-1 exposure caused no additional ERK activation in SSc monocytes but did cause significant additional activation in monocytes from African Americans. African Americans may be predisposed to SSc-related ILD due to low baseline caveolin-1 levels in their monocytes, potentially affecting signaling, migration, and fibrocyte differentiation. The monocytes of African Americans may lack caveolin-1 due to high levels of transforming growth factor β in their blood. Copyright © 2014 by the American College of Rheumatology.

Caveolin-1 Deficiency May Predispose African Americans to Systemic Sclerosis–Related Interstitial Lung Disease

PubMed Central

Reese, Charles; Perry, Beth; Heywood, Jonathan; Bonner, Michael; Visconti, Richard P.; Lee, Rebecca; Hatfield, Corey M.; Silver, Richard M.; Hoffman, Stanley; Tourkina, Elena

2014-01-01

Objective Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the leading cause of death in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma). Although SSc-related ILD is more common and severe in African Americans than in Caucasians, little is known about factors underlying this significant health disparity. The aim of this study was to examine the role that low expression of caveolin-1 might play in susceptibility to ILD among African Americans. Methods Assays of monocyte migration toward stromal cell–derived factor 1 (SDF-1) were performed using monocytes from Caucasian and African American healthy donors and patients with SSc. For fibrocyte differentiation studies, total peripheral blood mono-nuclear cells were incubated on fibronectin-coated plates. Protein expression was evaluated by immuno-histochemistry and Western blotting. Results Monocytes from healthy African American donors and those from patients with SSc had low caveolin-1 levels, enhanced migration toward the CXCR4 ligand SDF-1, and enhanced differentiation to fibrocytes. Enhanced migration and differentiation of monocytes from African Americans and patients with SSc appeared to be attributable to the lack of caveolin-1, because restoring caveolin-1 function using a caveolin-1 scaffolding domain peptide inhibited these processes. Although they differed from monocytes from Caucasians, monocytes from both African Americans and patients with SSc were not identical, because SSc monocytes showed major increases from baseline in ERK, JNK, p38, and Smad2/3 activation, while monocytes from African Americans showed only limited ERK activation and no activation of JNK, p38, or Smad2/3. In contrast, SDF-1 exposure caused no additional ERK activation in SSc monocytes but did cause significant additional activation in monocytes from African Americans. Conclusion African Americans may be predisposed to SSc-related ILD due to low baseline caveolin-1 levels in their monocytes, potentially affecting signaling, migration, and fibrocyte differentiation. The monocytes of African Americans may lack caveolin-1 due to high levels of transforming growth factor β in their blood. PMID:24578173

Advances in the Evaluation and Management of Esophageal Disease of Systemic Sclerosis

PubMed Central

Carlson, Dustin A.; Hinchcliff, Monique; Pandolfino, John E.

2015-01-01

Symptoms of heartburn and dysphagia, as well as objective findings of abnormal esophageal acid exposure and esophageal dysmotility are common in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Treatments for SSc esophageal disease are generally limited to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment with proton pump inhibitors. Progresses made in esophageal diagnostic testing offer the potential for improved clinical characterization of esophageal disease in SSc that may help direct management decisions. In addition to reviewing GERD management in patients with SSc, present and potential uses of endoscopy, reflux monitoring, manometry, impedance planimetry, and endoscopic ultrasound are discussed. PMID:25475597

Suspended sediment diffusion mechanisms in the Yangtze Estuary influenced by wind fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Lihua; Zhou, Yunxuan; Shen, Fang

2018-01-01

The complexity of suspended sediment concentration (SSC) distribution and diffusion has been widely recognized because it is influenced by sediment supply and various hydrodynamic forcing conditions that vary over space and over time. Sediment suspended by waves and transported by currents are the dominant sediment transport mechanisms in estuarine and coastal areas. However, it is unclear to what extent the SSC distribution is impacted by each hydrodynamic factor. Research on the quantitative influence of wind fields on the SSC diffusion range will contribute to a better understanding of the characteristics of sediment transport change and sedimentary geomorphic evolution. This study determined SSC from three Envisat Medium-Resolution Imaging Spectrometer acquisitions, covering the Yangtze Estuary and adjacent water area under the same season and tidal conditions but with varying wind conditions. SSC was examined based on the Semi-Empirical Radiative Transfer model, which has been well validated with the observation data. Integrating the corresponding wind field information from European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts further facilitated the discussion of wind fields affecting SSC, and in turn the influence of water and suspended sediment transportation and diffusion in the Yangtze estuarine and coastal area. The results demonstrated that the SSC present much more distinctive fluvial features in the inner estuary and wind fields are one of the major factors controlling the range of turbid water diffusion.

Biobjective planning of GEO debris removal mission with multiple servicing spacecrafts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jing, Yu; Chen, Xiao-qian; Chen, Li-hu

2014-12-01

The mission planning of GEO debris removal with multiple servicing spacecrafts (SScs) is studied in this paper. Specifically, the SScs are considered to be initially on the GEO belt, and they should rendezvous with debris of different orbital slots and different inclinations, remove them to the graveyard orbit and finally return to their initial locations. Three key problems should be resolved here: task assignment, mission sequence planning and transfer trajectory optimization for each SSc. The minimum-cost, two-impulse phasing maneuver is used for each rendezvous. The objective is to find a set of optimal planning schemes with minimum fuel cost and travel duration. Considering this mission as a hybrid optimal control problem, a mathematical model is proposed. A modified multi-objective particle swarm optimization is employed to address the model. Numerous examples are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the model and solution method. In this paper, single-SSc and multiple-SSc scenarios with the same amount of fuel are compared. Numerous experiments indicate that for a definite GEO debris removal mission, that which alternative (single-SSc or multiple-SSc) is better (cost less fuel and consume less travel time) is determined by many factors. Although in some cases, multiple-SSc scenarios may perform worse than single-SSc scenarios, the extra costs are considered worth the gain in mission safety and robustness.

Distinct Properties of Human M-CSF and GM-CSF Monocyte-Derived Macrophages to Simulate Pathological Lung Conditions In Vitro: Application to Systemic and Inflammatory Disorders with Pulmonary Involvement.

PubMed

Lescoat, Alain; Ballerie, Alice; Augagneur, Yu; Morzadec, Claudie; Vernhet, Laurent; Fardel, Olivier; Jégo, Patrick; Jouneau, Stéphane; Lecureur, Valérie

2018-03-17

Macrophages play a central role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and fibrotic lung diseases. However, alveolar macrophages (AM) are poorly available in humans to perform in vitro studies due to a limited access to broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL). In this study, to identify the best alternative in vitro model for human AM, we compared the phenotype of AM obtained from BAL of patients suffering from three lung diseases (lung cancers, sarcoidosis and Systemic Sclerosis (SSc)-associated interstitial lung disease) to human blood monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) differentiated with M-CSF or GM-CSF. The expression of eight membrane markers was evaluated by flow cytometry. Globally, AM phenotype was closer to GM-CSF MDMs. However, the expression levels of CD163, CD169, CD204, CD64 and CD36 were significantly higher in SSc-ILD than in lung cancers. Considering the expression of CD204 and CD36, the phenotype of SSc-AM was closer to MDMs, from healthy donors or SSc patients, differentiated by M-CSF rather than GM-CSF. The comparative secretion of IL-6 by SSc-MDMs and SSc-AM is concordant with these phenotypic considerations. Altogether, these results support the M-CSF MDM model as a relevant in vitro alternative to simulate AM in fibrotic disorders such as SSc.

The Integrative Studies of Genetic and Environmental Factors in Systemic Sclerosis

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-05-01

15. SUBJECT TERMS Scleroderma (SSc), fibroblasts, fibrosis, silica, environmental particles, susceptibility. 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF...factors in a viable system - human fibroblasts. Fibroblasts with a scleroderma (SSc) susceptible genetic background may be more vulnerable to...for understanding environmental contributions to fibrosing diseases such as scleroderma (SSc). Third, in the studies of specific biological

Laboratory Inquiry for Determining the Chemical Composition of a Component in a Daily Use Detergent: Sodium Sesquicarbonate

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koga, Nobuyoshi; Kimura, Tomoyasu; Shigedomi, Kana

2011-01-01

An inquiry-based laboratory activity to determine the chemical composition of a component in alkaline detergents, sodium sesquicarbonate (SSC), is proposed. On the basis of introductory demonstrations by the instructor on the chemical properties and reactions of SSC, students propose the hypothetical composition of SSC and possible quantitative…

Defining Munition Constituent (MC) Source Terms in Aquatic Environments on DoD Ranges

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-01

Civil Engineering and Mechanics 5622 Hull Street University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee San Diego, CA 92152–5001...release. SSC Pacific San Diego, CA 92152-5001 Technical Report 1999 January 2013 Defining Munition Constituent (MC) Source...Wisconsin-Milwaukee Approved for public release. SSC Pacific San Diego, CA 92152-5001 SB SSC Pacific San Diego

On the Relationship Between Transit Velocity of Interplanetary Shocks and Solar Active Processes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, Robert M.

1996-01-01

Recently, it was reported that preferential relationships exist between the transit velocity V(sub T) of earthward-directed interplanetary shocks and solar active processes, in particular, eruptive filaments outside active regions (the size of the erupting filament L(sub f)) and solar flares (the value of the X-ray characteristic J). Unfortunately, statistical testing of the proposed associations was not accomplished, nor was the 'geo-effectiveness' of the events adequately described. Reported here are the results of a re-examination of the 21 eruptive filaments (SSC-EF events) and 26 X-ray flares (SSC-F events) that have been associated with storm sudden commencements (SSCs) at Earth. Simple statistical testing refutes the claim that a preferential relationship exists between V(sub T) and L(sub F), while it supports the claim that one exists between V(sub T) and J. More importantly, the inferred relationship between V(sub T) and J is found to be more complicated than previously thought. In particular, it now appears that SSC-F events may be separable into two groups, based on the value of J: a low-J group (J less than 56), in which V(sub T) varies directly with J, and a high-J group (J greater than 56), in which V(sub T) varies inversely with J. As a whole, high-J events are associated with shocks of higher average transit velocity than those of low-J events, and SSC-F events with shocks of higher average transit velocity than those of SSC-EF events. Further, high-J events tend to be of greater X-ray class ( greater than M3), longer duration (greater then 80 min), and are more likely to be associated with type II/IV radio emission (9 of 12) than low-J events. They also tend to occur in magnetically complex (gamma/delta configuration) active regions (10 of 12) that are large in area extent (area greater than 445 millionths of a solar hemisphere) on the day of flaring (9 of 12). Of the 9 solar proton events that affected the Earth's environment that were found to be associated with SSC-F events, six were high-J events. Concerning 'geo-effectiveness', there appears to be no preferential relationship between the value of the J-parameter and the most negative value of the Dst geomagnetic index Dst(min) following the SSC, which is found to usually occur at 6-14 h after SSC onset (18 of 26) and which ranged in value from -1 to -249 (having a median value of about -75). Of the 26 SSC-F events, only 14 can be associated with a Dst(min) less than or equal to -75, and of these only 7 were high-J events. Of the 14 storm-related events (i.e. Dst(min) less than or equal to -75), three have previously been identified as being either 'magnetic clouds' or 'bidirectional flows', both manifestations of earthward-directed coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Superposed epoch analyses of selected solar wind parameters and Dst during the interval of storm-related SSC-F events demonstrate that geoeffective SSC-F events tend to be associated with solar wind flows that are faster, greater in magnetic field strength, and have a rotating field which has a strong southward component shortly after SSC onset, in comparison to SSC-F events that do not have Dst(min) less than or equal to 75. Therefore, it is inferred that geoeffective SSC-F events are probably fast earthward-directed CMEs. Although no single parameter is found that can serve as a predictor of high-skill level for determining the geoeffectiveness of an SSC-F event prior to its occurrence at Earth, one finds that knowledge of the flare's hemispheric location and appearance or lack of appearance of a two-ribbon structure is sufficient to correctly predict the geoeffectiveness of 20 out of 25 of the SSC-F events (80%). Surprisingly, the association or lack of association of metric type II/IV radio emission as a characteristic for determining the geoeffectiveness of the SSC-F events proved unfruitful, as did, to a lesser extent, the duration of the X-ray emission.

Suspended-sediment concentrations, loads, total suspended solids, turbidity, and particle-size fractions for selected rivers in Minnesota, 2007 through 2011

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ellison, Christopher A.; Savage, Brett E.; Johnson, Gregory D.

2014-01-01

Sediment-laden rivers and streams pose substantial environmental and economic challenges. Excessive sediment transport in rivers causes problems for flood control, soil conservation, irrigation, aquatic health, and navigation, and transports harmful contaminants like organic chemicals and eutrophication-causing nutrients. In Minnesota, more than 5,800 miles of streams are identified as impaired by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) due to elevated levels of suspended sediment. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the MPCA, established a sediment monitoring network in 2007 and began systematic sampling of suspended-sediment concentrations (SSC), total suspended solids (TSS), and turbidity in rivers across Minnesota to improve the understanding of fluvial sediment transport relations. Suspended-sediment samples collected from 14 sites from 2007 through 2011 indicated that the Zumbro River at Kellogg in the driftless region of southeast Minnesota had the highest mean SSC of 226 milligrams per liter (mg/L) followed by the Minnesota River at Mankato with a mean SSC of 193 mg/L. During the 2011 spring runoff, the single highest SSC of 1,250 mg/L was measured at the Zumbro River. The lowest mean SSC of 21 mg/L was measured at Rice Creek in the northern Minneapolis- St. Paul metropolitan area. Total suspended solids (TSS) have been used as a measure of fluvial sediment by the MPCA since the early 1970s; however, TSS concentrations have been determined to underrepresent the amount of suspended sediment. Because of this, the MPCA was interested in quantifying the differences between SSC and TSS in different parts of the State. Comparisons between concurrently sampled SSC and TSS indicated significant differences at every site, with SSC on average two times larger than TSS concentrations. The largest percent difference between SSC and TSS was measured at the South Branch Buffalo River at Sabin, and the smallest difference was observed at the Des Moines River at Jackson. Regression analysis indicated that 7 out of 14 sites had poor or no relation between SSC and streamflow. Only two sites, the Knife River and the Wild Rice River at Twin Valley, had strong correlations between SSC and streamflow, with coefficient of determination (R2) values of 0.82 and 0.80, respectively. In contrast, turbidity had moderate to strong relations with SSC at 10 of 14 sites and was superior to streamflow for estimating SSC at all sites. These results indicate that turbidity may be beneficial as a surrogate for SSC in many of Minnesota’s rivers. Suspended-sediment loads and annual basin yields indicated that the Minnesota River had the largest average annual sediment load of 1.8 million tons per year and the largest mean annual sediment basin yield of 120 tons of sediment per year per square mile. Annual TSS loads were considerably lower than suspended-sediment loads. Overall, the largest suspended-sediment and TSS loads were transported during spring snowmelt runoff, although loads during the fall and summer seasons occasionally exceeded spring runoff at some sites. This study provided data from which to characterize suspended sediment across Minnesota’s diverse geographical settings. The data analysis improves understanding of sediment transport relations, provides information for improving sediment budgets, and documents baseline data to aid in understanding the effects of future land use/land cover on water quality. Additionally, the data provides insight from which to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of best management practices at the watershed scale.

Impaired quality of life in patients with systemic sclerosis compared to the general population and chronic dermatoses.

PubMed

Bretterklieber, Agnes; Painsi, Clemens; Avian, Alexander; Wutte, Nora; Aberer, Elisabeth

2014-09-02

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare and potentially life threatening autoimmune disorder. The burden of disease compared to other dermatoses is unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess both the quality of life in patients with SSc and the variables that are associated with poor quality of life. Forty-one patients with systemic sclerosis (29 limited, 2 diffuse, 10 undifferentiated forms) were assessed with respect to their health status and compared to published data for the normal population, SSc patients from other studies, and patients with chronic skin diseases. For the most part, our SSc patients had better outcomes in all 8 dimensions of the SF-36 than SSc patients from other studies, and poorer scores than the healthy population and those with occupational contact dermatitis, ichthyosis, non-melanoma skin cancer, contact dermatitis, atopic eczema, chronic nail disease, vitiligo, health care workers with work-related disease, and those with other chronic skin diseases, but significantly better scores for mental health than those with nail disease, vitiligo, and health-care workers. Patients with atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and pemphigus had significantly poorer mean scores in social function and mental health than SSc patients. Patients with pemphigus were also significantly impaired in their physical and emotional roles. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) had the significantly poorest mean scores for QoL in all 8 domains except bodily pain and emotional role. Besides SLE, SSc is one of the most severe chronic dermatologic diseases in terms of reduced QoL. Since SSc cannot be cured, treatment strategies should include therapeutic interventions such as psychotherapy, social support, physiotherapy, and spiritual care. Their beneficial effects could be studied in future.

Longitudinal Evaluation of Central Corneal Thickness in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis.

PubMed

Gomes, Beatriz F; Santhiago, Marcony R; Gomes, Silvia Fiuza; Kara-Junior, Newton; Moraes, Haroldo V

2016-12-01

To investigate the longitudinal change of central corneal thickness (CCT) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and to elucidate whether it contributes to misinterpretation of intraocular pressure (IOP) in this group of patients. Twenty patients with SSc and 20 sex- and age-matched controls were examined at 2 visits 5 years apart. Age, sex, race, subtype of SSc, disease duration, autoantibody profile, use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), best-corrected visual acuity, spherical equivalent refraction, IOP, and CCT were recorded. IOP was assessed by applanation tonometry and CCT by ultrasonic pachymetry. CCT decreased by 7.2 μm [95% confidence interval (CI), -2.1 to -12.2 μm] between the first and second measurements (P = 0.008) in patients with SSc and by 2.4 μm (P = 0.39, 95% CI, -8.0 to 3.3 μm) in the control group. Considering patients with SSc, CCT decreased by a mean of 11.6 μm [95% CI, -4.3 to -19.0 μm (P = 0.007)] among those taking DMARDs at the second visit and by 4.2 μm [95% CI, -3.0 to -11.5 μm (P = 0.2)] in patients not taking any DMARDs. There was no statistically significant change in IOP between the 2 visits for either the SSc group (P = 0.84) or the control group (P = 0.29). Mean change in CCT was not associated with either IOP at first visit or with change in IOP in SSc patients. CCT decreased with time in SSc. However, the slight rates of thinning observed are unlikely to considerably influence applanation tonometry or clinical decision-making over the short to intermediate term.

The association of illness perceptions with physical and mental health in systemic sclerosis patients: an exploratory study.

PubMed

Arat, Seher; Verschueren, Patrick; De Langhe, Ellen; Smith, Vanessa; Vanthuyne, Marie; Diya, Luwis; Van den Heede, Koen; Blockmans, Daniel; De Keyser, Filip; Houssiau, Frédéric A; Westhovens, René

2012-03-01

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between illness perceptions and the ability to cope with physical and mental health problems in a large cohort of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. This was a cross-sectional study in 217 systemic sclerosis patients from the Belgian Systemic Sclerosis Cohort. Illness perception and coping were measured by the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire and a coping questionnaire--the Coping Orientation of Problem Experience inventory (COPE). Physical and mental health-related quality of life was measured by the 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36), as were disease activity and several severity parameters. The relationship between illness perceptions and the ability to cope with physical/mental health problems was examined using multiple linear regression analysis. According to LeRoy's classification, 49 patients had limited SSc (lSSc), 129 had limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc) and 39 had diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc). Median disease duration was five years and the modified Rodnan skin score was 4. Good physical health was significantly associated with the lcSSc subtype and low disease activity (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). The perception of 'serious consequences' and strong 'illness identity' correlated with poor physical health (p < 0.001). Good mental health was associated with low illness identity scores and low 'emotional response' scores (p < 0.001). Coping variables were less significantly correlated with physical and mental health compared with the illness perception items. Illness representations contribute more than classical disease characteristics to physical and mental health. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Clinical, Functional and Health-Related Quality of Life Correlates of Clinically Significant Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Survey

PubMed Central

Nguyen, Christelle; Ranque, Brigitte; Baubet, Thierry; Bérezné, Alice; Mestre-Stanislas, Caroline; Rannou, François; Papelard, Agathe; Morell-Dubois, Sandrine; Revel, Michel; Moro, Marie-Rose; Guillevin, Loïc; Poiraudeau, Serge; Mouthon, Luc

2014-01-01

Objectives To identify clinical, functional and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) correlates of clinically significant symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods Three-hundred-and-eighty-one patients fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology and/or the Leroy and Medsger criteria for SSc were assessed for visceral involvement, disability and HRQoL (assessed by SF-36). Clinically significant symptoms of anxiety and depression were evaluated with the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HAD) (defined cut-off≥8). Results 9.2% the patients had limited SSc, 50.5% limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc), and 40.3% diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc). Overall, 40.4% and 58.8% of the patients had clinically significant symptoms of depression and anxiety, respectively. Compared to patients without clinically significant symptoms of depression, patients with clinically significant symptoms of depression had poorer health status, HRQoL mental and physical component, and greater global disability, hand disability and aesthetic impairment. Compared to patients without clinically significant symptoms of anxiety, patients with clinically significant symptoms of anxiety had poorer SF-36 mental and physical component scores. On multivariable analysis, excluding mental component score of SF-36, variables independently associated with clinically significant symptoms of depression and anxiety were global disability and physical component of SF-36, plus female gender for clinically significant symptoms of anxiety only. Remarkably, patients with and without clinically significant psychiatric symptoms were comparable for all disease-related clinical features assessed. Conclusion High levels of clinically significant symptoms of anxiety and depression are observed among SSc patients. Clinically significant psychiatric symptoms are rather associated with increased disability and altered HRQoL, than with disease-specific organ manifestations. PMID:24587375

Trends in Maternity Care Practice Skin-to-Skin Contact Indicators: United States, 2007-2015.

PubMed

Boundy, Ellen O; Perrine, Cria G; Barrera, Chloe M; Li, Ruowei; Hamner, Heather C

2018-05-21

Mother-infant skin-to-skin contact (SSC) immediately after birth helps transition infants to the post-uterine environment and increases the likelihood of breastfeeding initiation and duration. This study examines trends in U.S. maternity practices related to SSC, and variations by facility demographics. Data were from the Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care (mPINC) surveys (2007-2015), a biennial assessment of all U.S. maternity facilities. Facilities reported how often patients were encouraged to practice mother-infant SSC for ≥30 minutes within 1 hour of uncomplicated vaginal birth and 2 hours of uncomplicated cesarean birth, and how often routine infant procedures are performed while in SSC. We calculated the percentage of maternity facilities reporting these indicators for ≥90% of patients across the United States for each survey year. Estimates by facility characteristics (size, type, and state) were calculated for 2015 only. The percentage of facilities reporting "Most (≥90%)" women, which were encouraged to practice early SSC, increased from 2007 to 2015 following both vaginal (40.4% to 83.0%) and cesarean (29.3% to 69.9%) births. The percentage of facilities reporting routine infant procedures were performed "Almost always (≥90%)," while mother and infant were SSC increased from 16.6% to 49.5% (2007 to 2015) for vaginal births and from 2.2% to 10.7% (2009 to 2015) for cesarean births. Variations in SSC practice by facility type, size, and state were noted. Significant progress has been made in increasing hospital encouragement of early SSC for both vaginal and cesarean births. Continued efforts to support evidence-based maternity practices are needed.

Valuing Scleroderma Health States: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words, and Quite a Few Utiles – A Randomized Study

PubMed Central

Khanna, Dinesh; Kaplan, Robert M.; Eckman, Mark H.; Hays, Ron D.; Leonard, Anthony C.; Ginsburg, Shaari S.; Tsevat, Joel

2009-01-01

Objective Assigning utilities to hypothetical health states requires that the health states be described in adequate detail, but there is no agreement on exactly how health states should be described. We assessed utilities from the general public for health states common in scleroderma (SSc) by describing the health states in writing alone vs. with photographs of patients with SSc. Methods Subjects rated several SSc health states on a 0-100 rating scale (RS) and completed computer-assisted time tradeoff (TTO, range: 0.0-1.0) and standard gamble (SG, range: 0.0-1.0) utility assessments. Half of the subjects were assigned to be shown photographs of patients with SSc health states in addition to written health state descriptions whereas the other half were given only the written descriptions. Results Of the 213 subjects, 133 (62%) were female, 138 (65%) were Caucasian, and 62 (29%) were African-Americans. Median RS, TTO, and SG scores for the 5 SSc health states ranged from 20-70; 0.28-0.94; and 0.50-0.90, respectively. In bivariate analyses, showing pictures was associated with lower RS scores for 2 of 5 health states and lower SG values for all 5 health states (P<0.05 for comparison of pictures vs. no pictures), but with no difference in TTO values. Multivariable analyses revealed negative associations between pictures and SG valuations for the 3 most severe SSc health states (R2 range: 0.04-0.08). Conclusion Adding pictures of people with SSc to written health state descriptions can affect valuations of SSc health states, although the effect differs by valuation measurement method and by health state severity. PMID:19015284

Clinical motivation and the surgical safety checklist.

PubMed

Yu, X; Huang, Y; Guo, Q; Wang, Y; Ma, H; Zhao, Y

2017-03-01

Although the surgical safety checklist (SSC) has been adopted worldwide, its efficacy can be diminished by poor clinical motivation. Systematic methods for improving implementation are lacking. A multicentre prospective study was conducted in 2015 in four academic/teaching hospitals to investigate changes during revision of the SSC for content, staffing and workflow. All modifications were based on feedback from medical staff. Questionnaires were used to monitor dynamic changes in surgeons', nurses' and anaesthetists' perceptions. Complete information was obtained from 30 654 operations in which the newly developed SSC system was used. Implementation quality was evaluated in 1852 operations before, and 1822 after the changes. The revised SSC content was simplified from 34 to 22 items. Anaesthetists achieved widespread recommendation as SSC coordinators. Completion rates of all stages reached over 80·0 per cent at all sites (compared with 10·2-59·5 per cent at the sign-out stage in the baseline survey). There was a significant change in doctors who participated (for example, surgeon: from 24·6 to 64·5 per cent at one site). The rates of hasty (15·1-33·7 per cent) or casual (0·4-4·4 per cent) checking decreased to less than 6·0 per cent overall. Perceptions about the SSC were studied from 2211 forms. They improved, with a converging trend among the three different professions, to a uniform 80·0 per cent agreeing on the need for its regular use. Medical staff members are both the users and owners of the SSC. High-quality SSC implementation can be achieved by clinically motivated adaptation. © 2017 BJS Society Ltd Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Assessment of tissue fibrosis in skin biopsies from patients with systemic sclerosis employing confocal laser scanning microscopy: an objective outcome measure for clinical trials?

PubMed Central

Busquets, Joanna; Del Galdo, Francesco; Kissin, Eugene Y.

2010-01-01

Objectives. To obtain an objective, unbiased assessment of skin fibrosis in patients with SSc for use in clinical trials of SSc disease-modifying therapeutics. Methods. Skin biopsies from the dorsal forearm of six patients with diffuse SSc and six healthy controls, and skin biopsies from the forearm of one patient with diffuse SSc before and following 1 year treatment with mycophenolate mofetil were analysed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) with specific antibodies against collagen types I and III or fibronectin. The integrated density of fluorescence (IDF) was calculated employing National Institutes of Health-ImageJ software in at least four different fields per biopsy spanning the full dermal thickness. Results. The intensities of collagen types I and III and fibronectin IDF were 174, 147 and 139% higher in SSc skin than in normal skin, respectively. All differences were statistically significant. The sum of the IDF values obtained for the three proteins yielded a comprehensive fibrosis score. The average fibrosis score for the six SSc samples was 28.3 × 106 compared with 18.6 × 106 for the six normal skin samples (P < 0.0001). Comparison of skin biopsies obtained from the same SSc patient before treatment and after 12 months of treatment with mycophenolate mofetil showed a reduction of 39% in total fibrosis score after treatment. Conclusions. CLSM followed by quantitative image analysis provides an objective and unbiased assessment of skin fibrosis in SSc and could be a useful end-point for clinical trials with disease-modifying agents to monitor the response or progression of the disease. PMID:20202926

Autoantibody-mediated regulation of B cell responses by functional anti-CD22 autoantibodies in patients with systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Odaka, M; Hasegawa, M; Hamaguchi, Y; Ishiura, N; Kumada, S; Matsushita, T; Komura, K; Sato, S; Takehara, K; Fujimoto, M

2010-02-01

Studies have demonstrated that B cells play important roles in systemic sclerosis (SSc), especially through the CD19/CD22 autoimmune loop. CD22 is a B cell-specific inhibitory receptor that dampens B cell antigen receptor (BCR) signalling via tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent mechanism. In this study, we examined the presence and functional property of circulating autoantibodies reacting with CD22 in systemic sclerosis. Serum samples from 10 tight skin (TSK/+) mice and 50 SSc patients were assessed for anti-CD22 autoantibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays using recombinant mouse or human CD22. The association between anti-CD22 antibodies and clinical features was also investigated in SSc patients. Furthermore, the influence of SSc serum including anti-CD22 autoantibodies for CD22 tyrosine phosphorylation was examined by Western blotting using phosphotyrosine-specific antibodies reacting with four major tyrosine motifs of CD22 cytoplasmic domain. Anti-CD22 autoantibodies were positive in 80% of TSK/+ mice and in 22% of SSc patients. Patients positive for anti-CD22 antibodies showed significantly higher modified Rodnan skin thickness score compared with patients negative for anti-CD22 antibodies. Furthermore, anti-CD22 antibodies from patients' sera were capable of reducing phosphorylation of all four CD22 tyrosine motifs, while sera negative for anti-CD22 antibodies did not affect CD22 phosphorylation. Thus, a subset of SSc patients possessed autoantibodies reacting with a major inhibitory B cell response regulator, CD22. Because these antibodies can interfere CD22-mediated suppression onto B cell activation in vitro, SSc B cells produce functional autoantibodies that can enhance their own activation. This unique regulation may contribute to the autoimmune aspect of SSc.

Evidence-based management of systemic sclerosis: Navigating recommendations and guidelines.

PubMed

Pellar, Russell Edward; Pope, Janet Elizabeth

2017-06-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare heterogeneous connective tissue disease. Recommendations addressing the major issues in the management of SSc including screening and treatment of organ complications are needed. The updated European League Against Rheumatism/European Scleroderma Trial and Research (EULAR/EUSTAR) and the British Society of Rheumatology (BSR) and British Health Professionals in Rheumatology (BHPR) guidelines were compared and contrasted. The updated EULAR/EUSTAR guidelines focus specifically on the management of SSc features and include data on newer therapeutic modalities and mention a research agenda. These recommendations are pharmacologic, with few guidelines regarding investigations and non-pharmacologic management. Recommendations from BSR/BHPR are similar to the organ manifestations mentioned in the EULAR/EUSTAR recommendations, and expand on several domains of treatment, including general measures, non-pharmacologic treatment, cardiac involvement, calcinosis, and musculoskeletal features. The guidelines usually agree with one another. Limitations include the lack of guidance for combination or second-line therapy, algorithmic suggestions, the absence of evidence-based recommendations regarding the treatment of specific complications (i.e., gastric antral ectasia and erectile dysfunction). Consensus for when to treat interstitial lung disease in SSc is lacking. There are differences between Europe and North American experts due to access and indications for certain therapies. Care gaps in SSc have been demonstrated so the EULAR/EUSTAR and BSR/BHP guidelines can promote best practices. Certain complications warrant active investigation to further improve outcomes in SSc and future updates of these recommendations. Care gaps in SSc have been demonstrated so the EULAR/EUSTAR and BSR/BHP guidelines can promote best practices. Certain complications warrant active investigation to further improve outcomes in SSc. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Influence of antiphospholipid antibody positivity on glomerular filtration rate markers in a group of systemic sclerosis patients - a 24-month observation.

PubMed

Wielosz, Ewa; Majdan, Maria; Koszarny, Arkadiusz; Dryglewska, Magdalena; Tabarkiewicz, Jacek

2017-01-01

The aim of the study was the assessment of changes in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) during long-term observation in a group of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients with and without chronic antiphospholipid (aPL) antibody positivity. The observation comprised 50 patients - 23 with diffuse cutaneous SSc - dcSSc and 27 limited cutaneous SSc - lcSSc. After 24 months we assessed 27 patients (9 died, 14 lost follow up); 24 patients (88%) were treated chronically with angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs). Patients were investigated for the presence of aPL: to cardiolipin and to β2 glycoprotein I in IgM and IgG classes. Serum levels of creatinine (S-Cr), cystatin C and creatinine clearance values were determined in all patients. According to the presence of a significant level of at least one of aPL antibodies, pts were divided into groups: group I aPL positive: 14 patients, group II aPL negative - 13 patients. We did not find significant differences in S-Cr, cystatin C levels and creatinine clearance before and after 24 months of observation between both groups. In follow up observations, the presence of anti-centromere antibodies was significantly more frequent in the aPL positive, as compared to the aPL negative group (p = 0.01). In follow up observations, the level of anticardiolipin antibodies in IgG class was significantly higher in dcSSc compared to lcSSc patients (p = 0.02). In long-term observation chronic positivity for aPL antibodies does not significantly decrease the GFR in patients with SSc treated with ACEIs.

Reduction of regulatory T cells in skin lesions but not in peripheral blood of patients with systemic scleroderma.

PubMed

Klein, S; Kretz, C C; Ruland, V; Stumpf, C; Haust, M; Hartschuh, W; Hartmann, M; Enk, A; Suri-Payer, E; Oberle, N; Krammer, P H; Kuhn, A

2011-08-01

To determine the frequency and suppressive capacity of regulatory T cells (T(reg)) and their association with clinical parameters in patients with systemic scleroderma (SSc). Peripheral blood from 25 patients with SSc, 15 patients with localised scleroderma (LS) and 29 healthy controls (HC) was studied. Analysis of CD4(+) forkhead box P3 (Foxp3)(+) and CD4(+)CD25(++)Foxp3(+) T(reg) subpopulations was carried out by flow cytometry and cell proliferation was quantified by (3)H-thymidine incorporation. Quantitative analysis of T(reg) was further performed in skin biopsies from 17 patients with SSc and 21 patients with LS using anti-CD4 and anti-Foxp3 monoclonal antibodies for immunohistochemistry. The frequency of CD4(+)Foxp3(+) and CD4(+)CD25(++)Foxp3(+) T(reg) in peripheral blood from patients with SSc was not significantly different from that of patients with LS or HC. The suppressive capacity of CD4(+)CD25(++) T(reg) in SSc was also found to be similar to that of HC. Phenotypic and functional data revealed no significant difference between the limited or diffuse form of SSc. Moreover, therapy with bosentan showed no significant effect on the frequency of T(reg) during the course of the disease. However, the frequency of T(reg) in skin lesions from patients with SSc or LS, determined as the percentage of CD4(+) cells expressing Foxp3 in the inflammatory infiltrate, was significantly reduced compared with other inflammatory skin diseases. These results indicate that although the authors found no defect in the frequency or function of peripheral T(reg) subpopulations, the reduction of CD4(+)Foxp3(+) T(reg) in the skin of patients with SSc may be important in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Quantification of Fine-grained Sediment Concentration in the Aquatic Environment Using Optical and Acoustic Sensors: Insight from Lab Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, K.; Champagne, B. N.

2017-12-01

The transport of sediment in the coastal zone and continental shelf is highly impacted by fluvial and oceanographic dynamics. In Louisiana, the Mississippi River delivers a bulk of water, sediment, and nutrients to the coast. However, coastal land loss highlights the importance of the sediment deposited at the mouth of the river. Sediment is the foundation to build land and suspended sediment concentration (SSC) tracks the delivery, deposition, and erosion of sediment. On a more applicable scale, variables such as SSC can be used to calculate sediment transport flux, an important parameter for projects such as sediment diversions and barrier island restoration. In order to rely on suspended sediment concentration (SSC) as continuous data, lab experiments are needed to establish the relationship between turbidity and SSC. Factors such as sensor type (optical or acoustic) and grain size (coarse or fine) can greatly impact the estimated SSC. In this study, fine-grained sediment was collected from multiple sites in coastal Louisiana and used to calibrate both optical backscatter (OBS) and acoustic backscatter (ABS) sensors to establish the relationship between sensor type and accuracy of the SSC estimation. Multiple grain-size analyses using a Laser Diffraction Particle Size Analyzer helped determine the effects of sensor accuracy regarding grain size. The results of these experiments were combined in order to establish the calibration curves of SSC. Our results indicated that the OBS-3A sensor's turbidity data were more correlated with the SSC than the OBS-5+'s data. Possible explanations for this could be due to differences between the instruments' measuring ranges and their sensitivity to various grain sizes. This technology development has a broad impact to the studies of sediment delivery, transport, and deposition in multiple types of coastal protection and restoration projects.

Suspended sediment and turbidity after road construction/improvement and forest harvest in streams of the Trask River Watershed Study, Oregon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arismendi, Ivan; Groom, Jeremiah D.; Reiter, Maryanne; Johnson, Sherri L.; Dent, Liz; Meleason, Mark; Argerich, Alba; Skaugset, Arne E.

2017-08-01

Transport of fine-grained sediment from unpaved forest roads into streams is a concern due to the potential negative effects of additional suspended sediment on aquatic ecosystems. Here we compared turbidity and suspended sediment concentration (SSC) dynamics in five nonfish bearing coastal Oregon streams above and below road crossings, during three consecutive time periods ("before", "after road construction/improvement", and "after forest harvest and hauling"). We hypothesized that the combined effects of road construction/improvement and the hauling following forest harvest would increase turbidity and SSC in these streams. We tested whether the differences between paired samples from above and below road crossing exceeded various biological thresholds, using literature values of biological responses to increases in SSC and turbidity. Overall, we found minimal increases of both turbidity and SSC after road improvement, forest harvest, and hauling. Because flow is often used as a surrogate for turbidity or SSC we examined these relationships using data from locations above road crossings that were unaffected by roads or forest harvest and hauling. In addition, we examined the association between turbidity and SSC for these background locations. We found a positive, but in some cases weak association between flow and turbidity, and between flow and SSC; the relationship between turbidity and SSC was more robust, but also inconsistent among sites over time. In these low order streams, the concentrations and transport of suspended sediment seems to be highly influenced by the variability of local conditions. Our study provides an expanded understanding of current forest road management practice effects on fine-grained sediment in streams and introduces alternative metrics using multiple thresholds to evaluate potential indicators of biological relevance.

The association of sociodemographic and objectively-assessed disease variables with fatigue in systemic sclerosis: an analysis of 785 Canadian Scleroderma Research Group Registry patients.

PubMed

Levis, Brooke; Kwakkenbos, Linda; Hudson, Marie; Baron, Murray; Thombs, Brett D

2017-02-01

Fatigue is prevalent among patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). To date, studies investigating fatigue in SSc have been hampered by the instruments used to measure fatigue in SSc and have included patient-reported rather than objectively-rated measures of disease. The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) scale is a validated measure for assessing fatigue in SSc that, compared to other instruments, provides good coverage of the full range of the fatigue spectrum. The objective of this study was to assess sociodemographic and objectively-rated disease-related associates of fatigue, as measured by the FACIT-F, in a large sample of patients with SSc. Fatigue was assessed using the FACIT-F scale. Disease severity was assessed using Medsger's severity scale. Multivariable linear regression was performed to assess the independent associations between sociodemographic and medical variables and fatigue. Among 785 patients, the mean FACIT-F score was 32.2 (SD = 12.1). Being age 40-49 (reference = 60+; standardized regression coefficient (β) = -0.11), less than post-secondary education (β = 0.07), having more medical comorbidities (β = -0.11) and more severe muscle (β = -0.10), gastrointestinal (β = -0.15), lung (β = -0.13), and general system disease severity (β = -0.13) were independently associated with more fatigue (p < 0.05). Fatigue in SSc was independently associated with more severe disease. These data contribute to a better understanding of fatigue in SSc and help inform patient-centered research in SSc.

Significance of palpable tendon friction rubs in early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Doré, Adam; Lucas, Mary; Ivanco, Dana; Medsger, Thomas A; Domsic, Robyn T

2013-08-01

Palpable tendon friction rubs (TFRs) in systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) have been associated with diffuse skin thickening, increased disability, and poor survival. Our objective was to quantify the prognostic implications of palpable TFRs on the development of disease complications and longer-term mortality in an incident cohort of early diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) patients. We identified early dcSSc patients (disease duration <2 years from the first SSc symptom) first evaluated at the University of Pittsburgh Scleroderma Center between 1980 and 2006 and found to have palpable TFRs. These patients were matched 1:1 with the next consecutive early dcSSc patient without TFRs as a control. All had ≥2 clinic visits and 5 years of followup from the first visit. A total of 287 early dcSSc patients with TFR were identified and matched to 287 controls. The median disease duration was 0.83 years in TFR patients and 1.04 years in controls. The median followup was 10.1 years in TFR patients and 7.9 years in controls. Over the course of their illness, patients with TFRs had a >2-fold risk of developing renal crisis and cardiac and gastrointestinal disease complications, even after adjustment for other known risk factors. Patients with TFRs had poorer 5- and 10-year survival rates. Patients with early dcSSc having ≥1 TFRs are at an increased risk of developing renal, cardiac, and gastrointestinal involvement before and after their first Scleroderma Center visit and have reduced survival. Patients presenting with TFRs should be carefully monitored for serious internal organ involvement. Copyright © 2013 by the American College of Rheumatology.

Using genome wide association studies to identify common QTL regions in three different genetic backgrounds based on Iberian pig breed

PubMed Central

Martínez-Montes, Ángel M.; Fernández, Almudena; Muñoz, María; Noguera, Jose Luis; Folch, Josep M.

2018-01-01

One of the major limitation for the application of QTL results in pig breeding and QTN identification has been the limited number of QTL effects validated in different animal material. The aim of the current work was to validate QTL regions through joint and specific genome wide association and haplotype analyses for growth, fatness and premier cut weights in three different genetic backgrounds, backcrosses based on Iberian pigs, which has a major role in the analysis due to its high productive relevance. The results revealed nine common QTL regions, three segregating in all three backcrosses on SSC1, 0–3 Mb, for body weight, on SSC2, 3–9 Mb, for loin bone-in weight, and on SSC7, 3 Mb, for shoulder weight, and six segregating in two of the three backcrosses, on SSC2, SSC4, SSC6 and SSC10 for backfat thickness, shoulder and ham weights. Besides, 18 QTL regions were specifically identified in one of the three backcrosses, five identified only in BC_LD, seven in BC_DU and six in BC_PI. Beyond identifying and validating QTL, candidate genes and gene variants within the most interesting regions have been explored using functional annotation, gene expression data and SNP identification from RNA-Seq data. The results allowed us to propose a promising list of candidate mutations, those identified in PDE10A, DHCR7, MFN2 and CCNY genes located within the common QTL regions and those identified near ssc-mir-103-1 considered PANK3 regulators to be further analysed. PMID:29522525

Mechanisms in the loss of capillaries in systemic sclerosis: angiogenesis versus vasculogenesis

PubMed Central

Manetti, Mirko; Guiducci, Serena; Ibba-Manneschi, Lidia; Matucci-Cerinic, Marco

2010-01-01

Abstract Systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) is a chronic, multisystem connective tissue disorder affecting the skin and various internal organs. Although the disease is characterized by a triad of widespread microangiopathy, fibrosis and autoimmunity, increasing evidence indicates that vascular damage is a primary event in the pathogenesis of SSc. The progressive vascular injury includes persistent endothelial cell activation/damage and apoptosis, intimal thickening, delamination, vessel narrowing and obliteration. These profound vascular changes lead to vascular tone dysfunction and reduced capillary blood flow, with consequent tissue ischemia and severe clinical manifestations, such as digital ulceration or amputation, pulmonary arterial hypertension and scleroderma renal crisis. The resulting tissue hypoxia induces complex cellular and molecular mechanisms in the attempt to recover endothelial cell function and tissue perfusion. Nevertheless, in SSc patients there is no evidence of significant angiogenesis and the disease evolves towards chronic tissue ischemia, with progressive and irreversible structural changes in multiple vascular beds culminating in the loss of capillaries. A severe imbalance between pro-angiogenic and angiostatic factors may also lead to impaired angiogenic response during SSc. Besides insufficient angiogenesis, defective vasculogenesis with altered numbers and functional defects of bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells may contribute to the vascular pathogenesis of SSc. The purpose of this article is to review the contribution of recent studies to the understanding of the complex mechanisms of impaired vascular repair in SSc. Indeed, understanding the pathophysiology of SSc-associated vascular disease may be the key in dissecting the disease pathogenesis and developing novel therapies. Either angiogenic or vasculogenic mechanisms may potentially become in the future the target of therapeutic strategies to promote capillary regeneration in SSc. PMID:20132409

Work Productivity in Scleroderma – Analysis from the UCLA Scleroderma Quality of Life Study

PubMed Central

Singh, Manjit K.; Clements, Philip J.; Furst, Daniel E.; Maranian, Paul; Khanna, Dinesh

2011-01-01

Objective To examine the productivity of patients with scleroderma (SSc) both outside and within the home in a large observational cohort. Methods 162 patients completed the Work Productivity Survey. Patients indicated whether or not they were employed outside of the home, how many days/month they missed work (employment or household work) due to SSc and how many days/month productivity was decreased ≥ 50%. Patients also completed other patient-reported outcome measures. We developed binomial regression models to assess the predictors of days missed from work (paid employment or household activities). The covariates included: type of SSc, education, physician and patient global assessments, HAQ-DI, FACIT-Fatigue, and Center of Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale – Short Form (CESD). Results The average age of patients was 51.8 years and 51% had limited SSc. Of 37% patients employed outside of the home, patients reported missing 2.6 days/month of work and had 2.5 days per month productivity reduced by half. Of the 102 patients who were not employed, 39.4% were unable to work due to their SSc. When we assessed patients for household activities (N = 162), patients missed an average of 8 days of housework/month and had productivity reduced by average of 6 days/month. In the regression models, patients with lower education and poor assessment of overall health by physician were more likely to miss work outside the home. Patients with limited SSc and high HAQ-DI were more likely to miss work at home. Conclusion SSc has a major impact on productivity at home and at work. Nearly 40% of patients reported disability due to their SSc. PMID:22012885

Patient phenotypes in fibromyalgia comorbid with systemic sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis: influence of diagnostic and screening tests. Screening with the FiRST questionnaire, diagnosis with the ACR 1990 and revised ACR 2010 criteria.

PubMed

Perrot, Serge; Peixoto, Mariana; Dieudé, Philippe; Hachulla, Eric; Avouac, Jerome; Ottaviani, Sebastien; Allanore, Yannick

2017-01-01

Fibromyalgia (FM) may occur with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic sclerosis (SSc), and debate remains about its diagnosis. We aimed to use three FM tools (a screening tool (FiRST), diagnostic criteria (ACR 1990 and revised 2010), to compare FM prevalence between RA and SSc patients, to describe the phenotypes of patients with comorbid FM, and to analyze links between FM and secondary Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Consecutive adult patients with confirmed RA or SSc from four university hospitals were tested with the three FM tools. FiRST detected FM in 22.6% of the 172 RA patients, with confirmation in 22.1% (ACR1990) and 19.1% (ACR2010). ACR1990FM+ RA patients had more diffuse pain, whereas ACR2010FM+ RA patients had higher BMI and pain intensity, more diffuse pain, active disease, disability, and associated SS. FiRST detected FM in 27.8% of the 122 SSc patients, with confirmation in 30.3% (ACR1990) and 23.7% (ACR2010). ACR1990FM+ SSc patients had greater disability and pain intensity, and more diffuse pain, whereas ACR2010FM+ SSc patients had higher BMI, pain intensity, more disability and diffuse pain, and associated SS. Correlations between FM diagnostic and screening tool results were modest in both conditions. Secondary SS was associated with comorbid FM. The prevalence of FM is high in SSc and RA, whatever the FM diagnostic tool used. Secondary SS is associated with FM in both RA and SSc. The revised ACR 2010 FM criteria and FiRST screening tool reveal specific phenotypes potentially useful for improving disease management.

A system out of breath: how hypoxia possibly contributes to the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

van Hal, T W; van Bon, L; Radstake, T R D J

2011-01-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by vascular alterations and immunological disturbances and fibrosis, the order of which remains to be fully determined. Clinically, patients show clear signs of hypoxia in skin and internal organs. The low oxygen tension is potentially caused by a yet to be indentified circuitry involving the three features that typify SSc. In addition, once present, the hypoxia creates a vicious circle of ongoing pathology. In this paper, we provide an overview of the evidence that points towards the mechanisms causing hypoxia in SSc. In addition, data that suggest how hypoxia itself may orchestrate worsening of symptoms is presented. Altogether, it is clear that hypoxia is an important hallmark in SSc patients. By providing an overview of the mechanisms at play and the possible therapeutic avenues that have emerged, we hope to stimulate researchers to provide novel clues into the conundrum in SSc patients.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

The GEM collaboration was formed in June 1991 to develop a major detector for the SSC. The primary physics objectives of GEM are those central to the motivation for the SSC, to study high p{sub T} physics - exemplified by the search for Higgs bosons - and to search for new physics beyond the standard model. The authors present in this Technical Design Report (TDR) a detector with broad capabilities for the discovery and subsequent study of electroweak symmetry breaking, the origin of mass and flavor, and other physics requiring precise measurements of gammas, electrons, and muons - hence themore » name, GEM. In addition, as a design goal, they have taken care to provide the robustness needed to do the physics that requires high luminosity. Finally, good coverage and hermeticity allow the detection of missing transverse energy, E{sub T}. The GEM design emphasizes clean identification and high resolution measurement of the primary physics signatures for high p{sub T} physics. The approach is to make precise energy measurements that maximize the sensitivity to rare narrow resonances, to detect the elementary interaction products (quarks, leptons, and photons), and to build in the features required to reduce backgrounds.« less

Design and construction of the astronautics refrigerator magnet

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dresner, L.

1994-05-01

This document reports on the design, construction, and testing of a 7-Tesla, 4-in. bore superconducting magnet for use in the Astronautics Refrigerator Experiment. The magnet is a single-strand, layer-wound, potted solenoid wound with Formvar-insulated SSC strands. The magnet was constructed by American Magnetics, Inc. of Oak Ridge and has been installed in the Astronautics Refrigerator Experiment at the Astronautics Technology Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

78 FR 48653 - Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-09

...). SUMMARY: The SAFMC will hold a meeting of its SSC to discuss a proposal for peer review of a wreckfish... in accordance with the SAFMC Peer Review Guidelines. Although non-emergency issues not contained in... . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The items of discussion in the SSC webinar are as follows: A proposal for an SSC peer...

Software for Managing an Archive of Images

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hallai, Charles; Jones, Helene; Callac, Chris

2003-01-01

This is a revised draft by Innovators concerning the report on Software for Managing and Archive of Images.The SSC Multimedia Archive is an automated electronic system to manage images, acquired both by film and digital cameras, for the Public Affairs Office (PAO) at Stennis Space Center (SSC). Previously, the image archive was based on film photography and utilized a manual system that, by todays standards, had become inefficient and expensive. Now, the SSC Multimedia Archive, based on a server at SSC, contains both catalogs and images for pictures taken both digitally and with a traditional film-based camera, along with metadata about each image.

Management of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease (SSc-ILD)

PubMed Central

Silver, Katherine Culp

2015-01-01

Although scleroderma-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) is a significant contributor to both morbidity and mortality, its pathogenesis is largely unclear. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and high resolution CT (HRCT) scanning continue to be the most effective tools to screen for lung involvement and to monitor for disease progression. More research and better biomarkers are needed to identify patients most at risk for developing SSc-ILD as well as to recognize which of these patients will progress to more severe disease. While immunosuppression remains the mainstay of treatment, anti-fibrotic agents may offer new avenues of treatment for patients with SSc-ILD in the future. PMID:26210128

Parent-Infant Skin-to-Skin Contact Following Birth: History, Benefits, and Challenges.

PubMed

Hubbard, Jessie Marie; Gattman, Kindsey Rae

2017-03-01

It is a practice with strong roots in nature and has a significant influence on health outcomes, particularly for at-risk newborns in low-resource settings. In this comprehensive review, benefits of SSC for newborns, mothers, and fathers after vaginal and cesarean births are discussed as well as the benefits of SSC observed for infants in the NICU. Barriers to SSC practice implementation are discussed, and proposed solutions and recommendations are offered. By understanding the many benefits of SSC and strategies for implementation, health care providers can best support and promote this high-quality, evidence-based practice with mothers, newborns, and their families.

Adjustment of total suspended solids data for use in sediment studies

USGS Publications Warehouse

Glysson, G. Douglas; Gray, John R.; Conge, L.M.; Hotchkiss, Rollin H.; Glade, Michael

2000-01-01

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency identifies fluvial sediment as the single most widespread pollutant in the Nation's rivers and streams, affecting aquatic habitat, drinking water treatment processes, and recreational uses of rivers, lakes, and estuaries. A significant amount of suspended-sediment data has been produced using the total suspended solids (TSS) laboratory analysis method. An evaluation of data collected and analyzed by the U.S. Geological Survey and others has shown that the variation in TSS analytical results is considerably larger than that for traditional suspended-sediment concentration analyses (SSC) and that the TSS data show a negative bias when compared to SSC data. This paper presents the initial results of a continuing investigation into the differences between TSS and SSC results. It explores possible relations between these differences and other hydrologic data collected at the same stations. A general equation was developed to relate TSS data to SSC data. However, this general equation is not applicable for data from individual stations. Based on these analyses, there appears to be no simple, straightforward way to relate TSS and SSC data unless pairs of TSS and SSC results are available for a station.

Evaluation and management of esophageal manifestations in systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Denaxas, Konstantinos; Ladas, Spyros D; Karamanolis, George P

2018-01-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystemic autoimmune connective tissue disorder; in the gastrointestinal tract, the esophagus is the most commonly affected organ. Symptoms of esophageal disease are due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal motor dysfunction. Since the development of high-resolution manometry (HRM), this method has been preferred for the study of SSc patients with esophageal involvement. Using HRM, classic scleroderma esophagus, defined as absent or ineffective peristalsis of the distal esophagus in combination with a hypotensive lower esophageal sphincter, was found in as many as 55% of SSc patients. Endoscopy is the appropriate test for evaluating dysphagia and identifying evidence and possible complications of GERD. In the therapeutic area, treatment ranges from general supportive measures to the administration of drugs such as proton pump inhibitors and/or prokinetics. However, as many SSc patients do not respond to existing therapies, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic modalities. Buspirone, a 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A receptor agonist, could be a putative therapeutic option, as it was found to exert a significant beneficial effect in SSc patients with esophageal involvement. This review summarizes our knowledge concerning the evaluation and management of esophageal manifestations in SSc patients, including emerging therapeutic modalities.

Sweet taste in apple: the role of sorbitol, individual sugars, organic acids and volatile compounds.

PubMed

Aprea, Eugenio; Charles, Mathilde; Endrizzi, Isabella; Laura Corollaro, Maria; Betta, Emanuela; Biasioli, Franco; Gasperi, Flavia

2017-03-21

Sweetness is one of the main drivers of consumer preference, and thus is given high priority in apple breeding programmes. Due to the complexity of sweetness evaluation, soluble solid content (SSC) is commonly used as an estimation of this trait. Nevertheless, it has been demonstrated that SSC and sweet taste are poorly correlated. Though individual sugar content may vary greatly between and within apple cultivars, no previous study has tried to investigate the relationship between the amount of individual sugars, or ratios of these, and apple sweetness. In this work, we quantified the major sugars (sucrose, glucose, fructose, xylose) and sorbitol and explored their influence on perceived sweetness in apple; we also related this to malic acid content, SSC and volatile compounds. Our data confirmed that the correlation between sweetness and SSC is weak. We found that sorbitol content correlates (similarly to SSC) with perceived sweetness better than any other single sugar or total sugar content. The single sugars show no differentiable importance in determining apple sweetness. Our predictive model based on partial least squares regression shows that after sorbitol and SSC, the most important contribution to apple sweetness is provided by several volatile compounds, mainly esters and farnesene.

SSC OCIO, IT SUMMIT 2011

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cottrell, Dinna L.

2011-01-01

The Stennis Space Center (SSC) Records Retention Facility is a centralized location for all SSC records, Records Management staff, and the SSC History Office. The building is a storm resistant facility and provides a secure environment for records housing. The Records Retention Facility was constructed in accordance with The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) requirements for records storage, making it the first NARA compliant facility in the agency. Stennis Space Center's Records Retention Facility became operational in May 2010. The SSC Records Retention Facility ensures that the required federal records are preserved, managed and accessible to all interested personnel. The facility provides 20,000 cubic feet of records storage capacity for the purpose of managing the centers consolidated records within a central, protected environment. Records housed in the facility are in the form of paper, optical, film and magnetic media. Located within the SSC Records Retention Facility, the Records Management Office provides comprehensive records management services in the form of: a) Storage and life-cycle management of inactive records of all media types; b) Digitizing/scanning of records and documents; c) Non-textual/digital electronic records media storage, migration and transfer; d) Records Remediation.

Evaluation and management of esophageal manifestations in systemic sclerosis

PubMed Central

Denaxas, Konstantinos; Ladas, Spyros D.; Karamanolis, George P.

2018-01-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystemic autoimmune connective tissue disorder; in the gastrointestinal tract, the esophagus is the most commonly affected organ. Symptoms of esophageal disease are due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal motor dysfunction. Since the development of high-resolution manometry (HRM), this method has been preferred for the study of SSc patients with esophageal involvement. Using HRM, classic scleroderma esophagus, defined as absent or ineffective peristalsis of the distal esophagus in combination with a hypotensive lower esophageal sphincter, was found in as many as 55% of SSc patients. Endoscopy is the appropriate test for evaluating dysphagia and identifying evidence and possible complications of GERD. In the therapeutic area, treatment ranges from general supportive measures to the administration of drugs such as proton pump inhibitors and/or prokinetics. However, as many SSc patients do not respond to existing therapies, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic modalities. Buspirone, a 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A receptor agonist, could be a putative therapeutic option, as it was found to exert a significant beneficial effect in SSc patients with esophageal involvement. This review summarizes our knowledge concerning the evaluation and management of esophageal manifestations in SSc patients, including emerging therapeutic modalities. PMID:29507463

Microbial community analysis in the autotrophic denitrification process using spent sulfidic caustic by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of PCR-amplified genes.

PubMed

Lee, J-H; Lee, S-M; Choi, G-C; Park, H-S; Kang, D-H; Park, J-J

2011-01-01

Spent sulfidic caustic (SSC) produced from petrochemical plants contains a high concentration of hydrogen sulfide and alkalinity, and some almost non-biodegradable organic compounds such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX). SSC is mainly incinerated with auxiliary fuel, leading to secondary pollution problems. The reuse of this waste is becoming increasingly important from economic and environmental viewpoints. To denitrify wastewater with low COD/N ratio, additional carbon sources are required. Thus, autotrophic denitrification has attracted increasing attention. In this study, SSC was injected as an electron donor for sulfur-based autotrophic denitrification in the modified Ludzack-Ettinger (MLE) process. The efficiencies of nitrification, COD, and total nitrogen (TN) removal were evaluated with varying SSC dosage. Adequate SSC injection exhibited stable autotrophic denitrification. No BTEX were detected in the monitored BTEX concentrations of the effluent. To analyse the microbial community of the MLE process, PCR-DGGE based on 16 S rDNA with EUB primers, TD primers and nirK gene with nirK primers was performed in order to elucidate the application of the MLE process to SSC.

Sweet taste in apple: the role of sorbitol, individual sugars, organic acids and volatile compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aprea, Eugenio; Charles, Mathilde; Endrizzi, Isabella; Laura Corollaro, Maria; Betta, Emanuela; Biasioli, Franco; Gasperi, Flavia

2017-03-01

Sweetness is one of the main drivers of consumer preference, and thus is given high priority in apple breeding programmes. Due to the complexity of sweetness evaluation, soluble solid content (SSC) is commonly used as an estimation of this trait. Nevertheless, it has been demonstrated that SSC and sweet taste are poorly correlated. Though individual sugar content may vary greatly between and within apple cultivars, no previous study has tried to investigate the relationship between the amount of individual sugars, or ratios of these, and apple sweetness. In this work, we quantified the major sugars (sucrose, glucose, fructose, xylose) and sorbitol and explored their influence on perceived sweetness in apple; we also related this to malic acid content, SSC and volatile compounds. Our data confirmed that the correlation between sweetness and SSC is weak. We found that sorbitol content correlates (similarly to SSC) with perceived sweetness better than any other single sugar or total sugar content. The single sugars show no differentiable importance in determining apple sweetness. Our predictive model based on partial least squares regression shows that after sorbitol and SSC, the most important contribution to apple sweetness is provided by several volatile compounds, mainly esters and farnesene.

Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 mediates antifibrotic effects in scleroderma fibroblasts.

PubMed

He, Ye; Tsou, Pei-Suen; Khanna, Dinesh; Sawalha, Amr H

2018-05-14

Emerging evidence supports a role for epigenetic regulation in the pathogenesis of scleroderma (SSc). We aimed to assess the role of methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2), a key epigenetic regulator, in fibroblast activation and fibrosis in SSc. Dermal fibroblasts were isolated from patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) and from healthy controls. MeCP2 expression was measured by qPCR and western blot. Myofibroblast differentiation was evaluated by gel contraction assay in vitro. Fibroblast proliferation was analysed by ki67 immunofluorescence staining. A wound healing assay in vitro was used to determine fibroblast migration rates. RNA-seq was performed with and without MeCP2 knockdown in dcSSc to identify MeCP2-regulated genes. The expression of MeCP2 and its targets were modulated by siRNA or plasmid. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) using anti-MeCP2 antibody was performed to assess MeCP2 binding sites within MeCP2-regulated genes. Elevated expression of MeCP2 was detected in dcSSc fibroblasts compared with normal fibroblasts. Overexpressing MeCP2 in normal fibroblasts suppressed myofibroblast differentiation, fibroblast proliferation and fibroblast migration. RNA-seq in MeCP2-deficient dcSSc fibroblasts identified MeCP2-regulated genes involved in fibrosis, including PLAU , NID2 and ADA . Plasminogen activator urokinase (PLAU) overexpression in dcSSc fibroblasts reduced myofibroblast differentiation and fibroblast migration, while nidogen-2 (NID2) knockdown promoted myofibroblast differentiation and fibroblast migration. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) depletion in dcSSc fibroblasts inhibited cell migration rates. Taken together, antifibrotic effects of MeCP2 were mediated, at least partly, through modulating PLAU, NID2 and ADA. ChIP-seq further showed that MeCP2 directly binds regulatory sequences in NID2 and PLAU gene loci. This study demonstrates a novel role for MeCP2 in skin fibrosis and identifies MeCP2-regulated genes associated with fibroblast migration, myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix degradation, which can be potentially targeted for therapy in SSc. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Assessment of esophageal involvement in systemic sclerosis and morphea (localized scleroderma) by clinical, endoscopic, manometric and pH metric features: a prospective comparative hospital based study.

PubMed

Arif, Tasleem; Masood, Qazi; Singh, Jaswinder; Hassan, Iffat

2015-02-15

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a generalized disorder of unknown etiology affecting the connective tissue of the body. It affects the skin and various internal organs. Gastrointestinal tract involvement is seen in almost 90% of the patients. Esophagus is the most frequently affected part of the gastrointestinal tract. Esophageal motility disturbance classically manifests as a reduced lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) and loss of distal esophageal body peristalsis. Consequently, SSc patients may be complicated by erosive esophagitis and eventually by Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Morphea, also known as localized scleroderma, is characterized by predominant skin involvement, with occasional involvement of subjacent muscles and usually sparing the internal organs. The involvement of esophagus in morphea has been studied very scarcely. The proposed study will investigate the esophageal involvement in the two forms of scleroderma (systemic and localized), compare the same and address any need of upper gastrointestinal evaluation in morphea (localized scleroderma) patients. 56 and 31 newly and already diagnosed cases of SSc and morphea respectively were taken up for the study. All the patients were inquired about the dyspeptic symptoms (heartburn and/or acid regurgitation and/or dysphagia). Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, esophageal manometry and 24-hour pH monitoring were done in 52, 47 and 41 patients of SSc; and 28, 25 and 20 patients of morphea respectively. Esophageal symptoms were present in 39 cases (69.6%) of SSc which were mild in 22 (39.3%), moderate in 14 (25%), severe in three (5.3%); while only four cases (7.1%) of morphea had esophageal symptoms all of which were mild in severity. Reflux esophagitis was seen in 17 cases (32.7%) of SSc and only two cases (7.14%) of morphea. Manometric abnormalities were seen in 32 cases (68.1%) of SSc and none in morphea. Ambulatory 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring documented abnormal reflux in 33 cases (80.5%) of SSc and no such abnormality in morphea. While the esophageal involvement is frequent in SSc, no such motility disorder is seen in morphea. Meticulous upper gastrointestinal tract evaluation is justified only in SSc and not in morphea.

Comparison of laser Doppler imaging, fingertip lacticemy test, and nailfold capillaroscopy for assessment of digital microcirculation in systemic sclerosis

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Introduction Laser Doppler imaging (LDI) is a relatively new method for assessing the functional aspect of superficial skin blood flow in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and Raynaud's phenomenon. The present study investigated the dynamic behavior of digital skin microvascular blood flow before and after cold stimulus (CS) in SSc patients and in healthy controls by means of a comprehensive approach of the functional (LDI), morphological (nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC)), and biochemical (fingertip lacticemy (FTL)) microcirculation components. Methods Forty-four SSc patients and 40 healthy controls were included. After acclimatization, all subjects underwent NFC followed by LDI and FTL measurement. NFC was performed with a stereomicroscope under 10× to 20× magnification in the 10 digits of the hands. Skin blood flow of the dorsum of four fingertips (excluding the thumb) of the left hand was measured using LDI at baseline and for 30 minutes after CS. The mean finger blood flow (FBF) of the four fingertips was expressed as arbitrary perfusion units. FTL was determined on the fourth left finger before (pre-CS-FTL) and 10 minutes after CS. Results LDI showed significantly lower mean baseline FBF in SSc patients as compared with controls (296.9 ± 208.8 vs. 503.6 ± 146.4 perfusion units; P < 0.001) and also at all time points after CS (P < 0.001). There was a significant decrease in mean FBF after CS as compared with baseline in SSc patients and in controls, followed by recovery of the blood flow 27 minutes after CS in healthy controls, but not in SSc patients. FBF tended to be lower in patients with digital scars and previous ulceration/amputation (P = 0.06). There was no correlation between mean baseline FBF and NFC parameters. Interestingly, there was a negative correlation between FTL and FBF measured by LDI in basal conditions and 10 minutes after CS in SSc patients. Conclusions LDI showed lower digital blood flow in SSc patients when compared with healthy controls and correlated well with FTL both at baseline and after CS, allowing objective measurement of blood perfusion in SSc patients. The lack of correlation between functional and morphological microvascular abnormalities, measured by LDI and NFC, suggests they are complementary tools for evaluation of independent microangiopathy aspects in SSc patients. PMID:20696074

Comparison of laser Doppler imaging, fingertip lacticemy test, and nailfold capillaroscopy for assessment of digital microcirculation in systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Correa, Marcelo Ju; Andrade, Luis Ec; Kayser, Cristiane

2010-01-01

Laser Doppler imaging (LDI) is a relatively new method for assessing the functional aspect of superficial skin blood flow in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and Raynaud's phenomenon. The present study investigated the dynamic behavior of digital skin microvascular blood flow before and after cold stimulus (CS) in SSc patients and in healthy controls by means of a comprehensive approach of the functional (LDI), morphological (nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC)), and biochemical (fingertip lacticemy (FTL)) microcirculation components. Forty-four SSc patients and 40 healthy controls were included. After acclimatization, all subjects underwent NFC followed by LDI and FTL measurement. NFC was performed with a stereomicroscope under 10× to 20× magnification in the 10 digits of the hands. Skin blood flow of the dorsum of four fingertips (excluding the thumb) of the left hand was measured using LDI at baseline and for 30 minutes after CS. The mean finger blood flow (FBF) of the four fingertips was expressed as arbitrary perfusion units. FTL was determined on the fourth left finger before (pre-CS-FTL) and 10 minutes after CS. LDI showed significantly lower mean baseline FBF in SSc patients as compared with controls (296.9 ± 208.8 vs. 503.6 ± 146.4 perfusion units; P < 0.001) and also at all time points after CS (P < 0.001). There was a significant decrease in mean FBF after CS as compared with baseline in SSc patients and in controls, followed by recovery of the blood flow 27 minutes after CS in healthy controls, but not in SSc patients. FBF tended to be lower in patients with digital scars and previous ulceration/amputation (P = 0.06). There was no correlation between mean baseline FBF and NFC parameters. Interestingly, there was a negative correlation between FTL and FBF measured by LDI in basal conditions and 10 minutes after CS in SSc patients. LDI showed lower digital blood flow in SSc patients when compared with healthy controls and correlated well with FTL both at baseline and after CS, allowing objective measurement of blood perfusion in SSc patients. The lack of correlation between functional and morphological microvascular abnormalities, measured by LDI and NFC, suggests they are complementary tools for evaluation of independent microangiopathy aspects in SSc patients.

Swallowing difficulties with medication intake assessed with a novel self-report questionnaire in patients with systemic sclerosis – a cross-sectional population study

PubMed Central

Messerli, Markus; Aschwanden, Rebecca; Buslau, Michael; Hersberger, Kurt E; Arnet, Isabelle

2017-01-01

Objectives To assess subjective swallowing difficulties (SD) with medication intake and their practical consequences in patients suffering from systemic sclerosis (SSc) with a novel self-report questionnaire. Design and setting Based on a systematic literature review, we developed a self-report questionnaire and got it approved by an expert panel. Subsequently, we sent the questionnaire by post mail to SSc patients of the European Center for the Rehabilitation of Scleroderma Rheinfelden, Switzerland. Participants Patients were eligible if they were diagnosed with SSc, treated at the center, and were of age ≥18 years at the study start. Main outcome measures Prevalence and pattern of SD with oral medication intake, including localization and intensity of complaints. Results The questionnaire consisted of 30 items divided into five sections Complaints, Intensity, Localization, Coping strategies, and Adherence. Of the 64 SSc patients eligible in 2014, 43 (67%) returned the questionnaire. Twenty patients reported SD with medication intake (prevalence 47%), either currently (11; 26%) or in the past that had been overcome (9; 21%). Self-reported SD were localized mostly in the larynx (43%) and esophagus (34%). They were of moderate (45%) or strong to unbearable intensity (25%). Modification of the dosage form was reported in 40% of cases with SD. Adherence was poor for 20 (47%) patients and was not associated with SD (p=0.148). Conclusion Our novel self-report questionnaire is able to assess the pattern of complaints linked to medication intake, that is, localization and intensity. It may serve as a guide for health care professionals in selecting the most suitable therapy option, enabling tailored counseling to reduce inappropriate medication modifications. PMID:29033556

The Complete Chloroplast Genome of Banana (Musa acuminata, Zingiberales): Insight into Plastid Monocotyledon Evolution

PubMed Central

Martin, Guillaume; Baurens, Franc-Christophe; Cardi, Céline; Aury, Jean-Marc; D’Hont, Angélique

2013-01-01

Background Banana (genus Musa) is a crop of major economic importance worldwide. It is a monocotyledonous member of the Zingiberales, a sister group of the widely studied Poales. Most cultivated bananas are natural Musa inter-(sub-)specific triploid hybrids. A Musa acuminata reference nuclear genome sequence was recently produced based on sequencing of genomic DNA enriched in nucleus. Methodology/Principal Findings The Musa acuminata chloroplast genome was assembled with chloroplast reads extracted from whole-genome-shotgun sequence data. The Musa chloroplast genome is a circular molecule of 169,972 bp with a quadripartite structure containing two single copy regions, a Large Single Copy region (LSC, 88,338 bp) and a Small Single Copy region (SSC, 10,768 bp) separated by Inverted Repeat regions (IRs, 35,433 bp). Two forms of the chloroplast genome relative to the orientation of SSC versus LSC were found. The Musa chloroplast genome shows an extreme IR expansion at the IR/SSC boundary relative to the most common structures found in angiosperms. This expansion consists of the integration of three additional complete genes (rps15, ndhH and ycf1) and part of the ndhA gene. No such expansion has been observed in monocots so far. Simple Sequence Repeats were identified in the Musa chloroplast genome and a new set of Musa chloroplastic markers was designed. Conclusion The complete sequence of M. acuminata ssp malaccensis chloroplast we reported here is the first one for the Zingiberales order. As such it provides new insight in the evolution of the chloroplast of monocotyledons. In particular, it reinforces that IR/SSC expansion has occurred independently several times within monocotyledons. The discovery of new polymorphic markers within Musa chloroplast opens new perspectives to better understand the origin of cultivated triploid bananas. PMID:23840670

The complete chloroplast genome of banana (Musa acuminata, Zingiberales): insight into plastid monocotyledon evolution.

PubMed

Martin, Guillaume; Baurens, Franc-Christophe; Cardi, Céline; Aury, Jean-Marc; D'Hont, Angélique

2013-01-01

Banana (genus Musa) is a crop of major economic importance worldwide. It is a monocotyledonous member of the Zingiberales, a sister group of the widely studied Poales. Most cultivated bananas are natural Musa inter-(sub-)specific triploid hybrids. A Musa acuminata reference nuclear genome sequence was recently produced based on sequencing of genomic DNA enriched in nucleus. The Musa acuminata chloroplast genome was assembled with chloroplast reads extracted from whole-genome-shotgun sequence data. The Musa chloroplast genome is a circular molecule of 169,972 bp with a quadripartite structure containing two single copy regions, a Large Single Copy region (LSC, 88,338 bp) and a Small Single Copy region (SSC, 10,768 bp) separated by Inverted Repeat regions (IRs, 35,433 bp). Two forms of the chloroplast genome relative to the orientation of SSC versus LSC were found. The Musa chloroplast genome shows an extreme IR expansion at the IR/SSC boundary relative to the most common structures found in angiosperms. This expansion consists of the integration of three additional complete genes (rps15, ndhH and ycf1) and part of the ndhA gene. No such expansion has been observed in monocots so far. Simple Sequence Repeats were identified in the Musa chloroplast genome and a new set of Musa chloroplastic markers was designed. The complete sequence of M. acuminata ssp malaccensis chloroplast we reported here is the first one for the Zingiberales order. As such it provides new insight in the evolution of the chloroplast of monocotyledons. In particular, it reinforces that IR/SSC expansion has occurred independently several times within monocotyledons. The discovery of new polymorphic markers within Musa chloroplast opens new perspectives to better understand the origin of cultivated triploid bananas.

[Screening of pulmonary hypertension in a Spanish cohort of patients with systemic sclerosis].

PubMed

García Hernández, Francisco José; Castillo Palma, María Jesús; Montero Mateos, Enrique; González León, Rocío; López Haldón, José Eduardo; Sánchez Román, Julio

2016-01-01

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an important cause of morbimortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Evolution is worse than that of subjects with idiopathic PAH, but prognosis improves when PAH is diagnosed early. The aim of this research is to describe results of a screening program for diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension (PH) carried out in a cohort of Spanish patients with SSc. PH screening was performed by transthoracic doppler echocardiography (TTDE) in 184 patients with SSc. Patients with systolic pulmonary arterial pressure estimated by TTDE>35 mmHg were evaluated per protocol to confirm diagnosis and type of PH. PAH was diagnosed in 25 patients (13.6%). Patients with diffuse and limited SSc developed PAH in a similar degree, 9/60 (15%) vs. 16/100 (16%), with no cases among patients with SSc "sine scleroderma" or "pre-scleroderma" (P<.001). The only clinical or epidemiological data characterizing patients with PAH were older age (mean age 67 years for patients with PAH vs. 56 years for those without PAH, P=.007), limited SSc, a trend toward shorter evolution of the underlying disease (median 8 years for patients with PAH vs. 10 years for those without PAH, P=.73), and a higher frequency of positive anticentromere antibodies (16 patients [64%] with PAH vs. 70 (48,3%) without PAH, P=.19). Prevalence of PAH in SSc was high and supports the implementation of a regular screening program. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Influence of the IL6 gene in susceptibility to systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Cénit, Maria Carmen; Simeón, Carmen P; Vonk, Madelon C; Callejas-Rubio, Jose L; Espinosa, Gerard; Carreira, Patricia; Blanco, Francisco J; Narvaez, Javier; Tolosa, Carlos; Román-Ivorra, José A; Gómez-García, Inmaculada; García-Hernández, Francisco J; Gallego, María; García-Portales, Rosa; Egurbide, María Victoria; Fonollosa, Vicente; García de la Peña, Paloma; López-Longo, Francisco J; González-Gay, Miguel A; Hesselstrand, Roger; Riemekasten, Gabriela; Witte, Torsten; Voskuyl, Alexandre E; Schuerwegh, Annemie J; Madhok, Rajan; Fonseca, Carmen; Denton, Christopher; Nordin, Annika; Palm, Øyvind; van Laar, Jacob M; Hunzelmann, Nicolas; Distler, Jörg H W; Kreuter, Alexander; Herrick, Ariane; Worthington, Jane; Koeleman, Bobby P; Radstake, Timothy R D J; Martín, Javier

2012-12-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a genetically complex autoimmune disease; the genetic component has not been fully defined. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) plays a crucial role in immunity and fibrosis, both key aspects of SSc. We investigated the influence of IL6 gene in the susceptibility and phenotype expression of SSc. We performed a large metaanalysis including a total of 2749 cases and 3189 controls from 6 white populations (Germany, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and United Kingdom). Three IL6 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP; rs2069827, rs1800795, and rs2069840) were selected by SNP tagging and genotyped using TaqMan(®) allele discrimination technology. Individual SNP metaanalysis showed no evidence of association of the 3 IL6 genetic variants with the global disease. Phenotype analyses revealed a significant association between the minor allele of rs2069840 and the limited cutaneous SSc clinical form (Bonferroni p = 0.036, OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.04-1.25). A trend of association between the minor allele of the rs1800795 and the diffuse cutaneous SSc clinical form was also evident (Bonferroni p = 0.072, OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.77-0.96). In the IL6 allelic combination analyses, the GGC allelic combination rs2069827-rs1800795-rs2069840 showed an association with overall SSc (Bonferroni p = 0.016, OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.04-1.23). Our results suggest that the IL6 gene may influence the development of SSc and its progression.

Systematic review of systemic sclerosis-specific instruments for the EULAR Outcome Measures Library: An evolutional database model of validated patient-reported outcomes.

PubMed

Ingegnoli, Francesca; Carmona, Loreto; Castrejon, Isabel

2017-04-01

The EULAR Outcome Measures Library (OML) is a freely available database of validated patient-reported outcomes (PROs). The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive review of validated PROs specifically developed for systemic sclerosis (SSc) to feed the EULAR OML. A sensitive search was developed in Medline and Embase to identify all validation studies, cohort studies, reviews, or meta-analyses in which the objective were the development or validation of specific PROs evaluating organ involvement, disease activity or damage in SSc. A reviewer screened title and abstracts, selected the studies, and collected data concerning validation using ad hoc forms based on the COSMIN checklist. From 13,140 articles captured, 74 met the predefined criteria. After excluding two instruments as they were unavailable in English the selected 23 studies provided information on seven SSc-specific PROs on different SSc domains: burden of illness (symptom burden index), functional status (Scleroderma Assessment Questionnaire), functional ability (scleroderma Functional Score), Raynaud's phenomenon (Raynaud's condition score), mouth involvement (Mouth Handicap in SSc), gastro-intestinal involvement (University of California Los Angeles-Scleroderma Clinical Trial Consortium Gastro-Intestinal tract 2.0), and skin involvement (skin self-assessment). Each of them is partially validated and has different psychometric requirements. Seven SSc-specific PROs have a minimum validation and were included in the EULAR OML. Further development in the area of disease-specific PROs in SSc is warranted. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Solvent oriented hobbies and the risk of systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Nietert, P J; Sutherland, S E; Silver, R M; Pandey, J P; Dosemeci, M

1999-11-01

To examine whether those participating in solvent oriented hobbies (SOH) are at greater risk of developing systemic sclerosis (SSc), and if the association is modified by the presence of the anti-Scl70 antibody. Patients with SSc and controls were recruited from a university hospital rheumatology clinic. Recreational hobby and occupational histories were obtained along with blood samples. Cumulative scores were created for participation in SOH. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios associated with SOH exposure after adjustment for sex, age at diagnosis, and occupational solvent exposure, and to examine the association between SOH exposure and the presence of anti-Scl70. Solvent exposure based on hobbies and occupations was determined for 178 cases (141 women, 37 men) and 200 controls (138 women, 62 men). Overall participation in SOH was not associated with SSc. However, odds of high cumulative SOH exposure was 3 times greater in those patients with SSc testing positive for the anti-Scl70 antibody compared to patients testing negative (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.1, 7.9), and twice as great as controls (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1, 5.9). While patients with SSc did not participate more often in SOH than controls over all, odds of high cumulative SOH exposure was greater among patients with SSc testing positive for anti-Scl70 compared to those testing negative and compared to controls. These results provide further evidence that environmental agents may play a role in the development of Ssc.

Practice of skin-to-skin contact, exclusive breastfeeding and other newborn care interventions in Ethiopia following promotion by facility and community health workers: results from a prospective outcome evaluation.

PubMed

Callaghan-Koru, Jennifer A; Estifanos, Abiy Seifu; Sheferaw, Ephrem Daniel; de Graft-Johnson, Joseph; Rosado, Carina; Patton-Molitors, Rachel; Worku, Bogale; Rawlins, Barbara; Baqui, Abdullah

2016-12-01

To assess the effects of a facility and community newborn intervention package on coverage of early skin-to-skin contact (SSC) and exclusive breastfeeding - the therapeutic components of kangaroo mother care. A multilevel community and facility intervention in Ethiopia trained health workers in 10 health centres and the surrounding communities to promote early SSC and exclusive breastfeeding for all babies born at home or in the facility. Changes in SSC and exclusive breastfeeding were assessed by comparing baseline and endline household surveys. Overall practice of SSC at any time following delivery increased significantly from 13.1 to 44.1% of mothers. Coverage of immediate SSC also increased significantly from 8.4 to 24.1%. Breastfeeding within the first hour increased from 51.4 to 67.9% and exclusive breastfeeding within the first three days increased from 86 to 95.8%. At endline, SSC was significantly higher among facility births than home births and community health workers had limited contact with mothers. While targeted behaviours improved overall, the programme did not achieve adequate increases in SSC and exclusive breastfeeding among home deliveries to expect a reduction in mortality for low birthweight babies. Newborn care programs in Ethiopia should continue to encourage facility delivery while strengthening coverage of community programmes. ©2016 Foundation Acta Paediatrica. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Exercise habits and factors associated with exercise in systemic sclerosis: a Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) cohort study.

PubMed

Azar, Marleine; Rice, Danielle B; Kwakkenbos, Linda; Carrier, Marie-Eve; Shrier, Ian; Bartlett, Susan J; Hudson, Marie; Mouthon, Luc; Poiraudeau, Serge; van den Ende, Cornelia H M; Johnson, Sindhu R; Rodriguez Reyna, Tatiana Sofia; Schouffoer, Anne A; Welling, Joep; Thombs, Brett D

2018-08-01

Exercise is associated with improved health in many medical conditions. Little is known about the exercise habits of people with systemic sclerosis (SSc, or scleroderma). This study assessed the proportion of individuals with SSc who exercise and associations of demographic and disease variables with exercise. Additionally, the weekly amount of time spent exercising and the types of exercise performed were assessed among patients exercising. The sample consisted of adult participants with SSc enrolled in the Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) Cohort who completed baseline questionnaires from March 2014 through August 2015. Baseline questionnaires included questions on exercise habits, physician-reported medical characteristics, self-report demographic characteristics, the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-29. Of 752 patients, 389 (51.7%) reported presently engaging in exercise, and these patients exercised on average 4.7 h [standard deviation (SD) = 2.8] per week. Among patients who reported exercising, walking was most commonly reported (n = 295, 75.8%). In bivariate analyses, present exercise was associated with more education, lower body mass index, some (versus no) alcohol consumption, non-smoking, limited/sine disease subtype, absence of skin thickening, lower disability, higher physical function, lower symptoms of anxiety and depression, less fatigue, lower sleep disturbance, higher ability to participate in social roles and activities, and less pain. Approximately half of SSc patients reported that they are currently exercising with walking being the most common form of exercise. Understanding exercise patterns and factors associated with exercise will help better inform intervention programs to support exercise for patients with SSc. Implications for rehabilitation Systemic sclerosis is a rare autoimmune rheumatic disease associated with great morbidity and highly diverse presentation. Approximately half of people with both limited and diffuse systemic sclerosis report exercising. Most exercisers walk, but patients engage in a wide variety of exercise-related activities. Individually designed exercise programs are most likely to support and encourage exercise in patients with diverse disease manifestations.

Velocity and sediment surge: What do we see at times of very shallow water on intertidal mudflats?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Qian; Gong, Zheng; Zhang, Changkuan; Townend, Ian; Jin, Chuang; Li, Huan

2016-02-01

A self-designed "bottom boundary layer hydrodynamic and suspended sediment concentration (SSC) measuring system" was built to observe the hydrodynamic and the SSC processes over the intertidal mudflats at the middle part of the Jiangsu coast during August 8-10, 2013. Velocity profiles within 10 cm of the mudflat surface were obtained with a vertical resolution as fine as 1 mm. An ADCP was used to extend the profile over the full water depth with a resolution of 10 cm and the vertical SSC profile was measured at intervals using Optical Backscatter Sensors (OBS). At the same time, water levels and wave conditions were measured with a Tide and Wave Recorder. Measured data suggested that the vertical structure of velocity profiles within 10 cm above the bed maintains a logarithmic distribution during the whole tidal cycle except the slack-water periods. Shallow flows during both the early-flood period and the later-ebb period are characterized by a relatively large vertical velocity gradient and a "surge" feature. We conclude that the very shallow water stages are transient and may not contribute much to the whole water and sediment transport, while they can play a significant role in the formation and evolution of micro-topographies on tidal flats.

Supercritical/Solid Catalyst (SSC)

ScienceCinema

Ginosar, Daniel; Fox, Robert; Bright, Patricia

2018-05-23

INL's patented, continuous-flow Supercritical/Solid Catalyst (SSC) produces the highest ASTM-quality B-100 biodiesel from waste fats, oils, and greases at the site of waste generation. SSC delivers low-cost transportation fuel, avoids significant landfill costs for municipalities, and reduces potent methane and other emissions produced in landfills from these wastes. You can learn more about INL's energy research programs at http://www.facebook.com/idahonationallaboratory.

Supercritical/Solid Catalyst (SSC)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ginosar, Daniel; Fox, Robert; Bright, Patricia

2010-05-28

INL's patented, continuous-flow Supercritical/Solid Catalyst (SSC) produces the highest ASTM-quality B-100 biodiesel from waste fats, oils, and greases at the site of waste generation. SSC delivers low-cost transportation fuel, avoids significant landfill costs for municipalities, and reduces potent methane and other emissions produced in landfills from these wastes. You can learn more about INL's energy research programs at http://www.facebook.com/idahonationallaboratory.

New non-randomised model to assess the prevalence of discriminating behaviour: a pilot study on mephedrone

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background An advantage of randomised response and non-randomised models investigating sensitive issues arises from the characteristic that individual answers about discriminating behaviour cannot be linked to the individuals. This study proposed a new fuzzy response model coined 'Single Sample Count' (SSC) to estimate prevalence of discriminating or embarrassing behaviour in epidemiologic studies. Methods The SSC was tested and compared to the established Forced Response (FR) model estimating Mephedrone use. Estimations from both SSC and FR were then corroborated with qualitative hair screening data. Volunteers (n = 318, mean age = 22.69 ± 5.87, 59.1% male) in a rural area in north Wales and a metropolitan area in England completed a questionnaire containing the SSC and FR in alternating order, and four questions canvassing opinions and beliefs regarding Mephedrone. Hair samples were screened for Mephedrone using a qualitative Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry method. Results The SSC algorithm improves upon the existing item count techniques by utilizing known population distributions and embeds the sensitive question among four unrelated innocuous questions with binomial distribution. Respondents are only asked to indicate how many without revealing which ones are true. The two probability models yielded similar estimates with the FR being between 2.6% - 15.0%; whereas the new SSC ranged between 0% - 10%. The six positive hair samples indicated that the prevalence rate in the sample was at least 4%. The close proximity of these estimates provides evidence to support the validity of the new SSC model. Using simulations, the recommended sample sizes as the function of the statistical power and expected prevalence rate were calculated. Conclusion The main advantages of the SSC over other indirect methods are: simple administration, completion and calculation, maximum use of the data and good face validity for all respondents. Owing to the key feature that respondents are not required to answer the sensitive question directly, coupled with the absence of forced response or obvious self-protective response strategy, the SSC has the potential to cut across self-protective barriers more effectively than other estimation models. This elegantly simple, quick and effective method can be successfully employed in public health research investigating compromising behaviours. PMID:21812979

NASA Technology Evaluation for Environmental Risk Mitigation Remediation Technology Collaboration Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Romeo, James

2013-01-01

NASA is committed to finding solutions to agency cleanup problems that are better, cheaper, and more effective than the status quo. Unfortunately, some potential solutions involve innovative technologies for which NASA remediation managers may not have a high level of understanding or confidence. Since 2004, NASA's Stennis Space Center (SSC) in Mississippi has been pumping groundwater contaminated with trichloroethylene (TCE) and other halogenated volatile organic compounds (HVOC) from their cleanup location designated "Area G" through extraction wells to an aboveground treatment system. Over time, however, the effectiveness of this treatment strategy has diminished and an alternative approach is needed. In 2012, professionals from NASA's Principal Center for Technology Evaluation for Environmental Risk Mitigation (TEERM) introduced SSC managers to an innovative technology for enhancing the performance of SSC's existing pump and treat system. The technology, generally referred to as in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO), involves slowly and continuously injecting a strong but safe chemical oxidant into the groundwater. Treatment is enhanced by a "surfactant-type effect" which causes residual contamination from saturated soil to be released into the dissolved-phase where it can be readily oxidized. Any dissolved-phase contamination that was not oxidized can be collected by the extraction well network and treated aboveground. SSC was not familiar with the technology so to increase their confidence, TEERM identified a contractor who was willing to demonstrate their product and process at a significantly reduced price. An initial, small-scale demonstration of ISCO began at sse in March 2012 and completed in August 2012. This successful demonstration was followed by three larger-scale ISCO demonstrations between August and December 2012. The contractor's innovative Continuous Injection System (CIS) incorporated "green" and sustainable technologies and practices. A slow injection rate was maintained autonomously by the CIS, eliminating the need for multiple mobilizations of personnel and powered equipment. The CIS was calibrated to deliver only as much reagent as the formation would accept without "short circuiting", minimizing material waste. Public utility water pressure was used to mix, dilute, and inject the reagent. NASA personnel were trained to operate and maintain the system and remote monitoring and injection control capabilities were developed, further reducing the need for contractor mobilizations to the site. An integrated solar photovoltaic panel was used to power the control valves and web monitoring telemetry. SSC provided hydrogen peroxide for the process using their existing supplier for the aboveground pump and treat systems. The only consumable required from the contractor was their proprietary activator to catalyze SSC's peroxide.

Best practices: Strategic stigma change (SSC): five principles for social marketing campaigns to reduce stigma.

PubMed

Corrigan, Patrick W

2011-08-01

This column describes strategic stigma change (SSC), which comprises five principles and corresponding practices developed as a best practice to erase prejudice and discrimination associated with mental illness and promote affirming behaviors and social inclusion. SSC principles represent more than ten years of insights from the National Consortium on Stigma and Empowerment. The principles, which are centered on consumer contact that is targeted, local, credible, and continuous, were developed to inform the growth of large-scale social marketing campaigns supported by governments and nongovernmental organizations. Future social marketing efforts to address stigma and the need for evidence to determine SSC's penetration and impact are also discussed.

Fuel cell catalyst layers containing short-side-chain perfluorosulfonic acid ionomers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peron, Jennifer; Edwards, Dave; Haldane, Mark; Luo, Xiaoyan; Zhang, Yongming; Holdcroft, Steven; Shi, Zhiqing

Porous catalyst layers (CLs) containing short-side-chain (SSC) perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) ionomers of different ion exchange capacity (IEC: 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5 meq g -1) were deposited onto Nafion 211 to form catalyst-coated membranes. The porosity of SSC-PFSA-based CLs is larger than Nafion-CL analogues. CLs incorporating SSC ionomer extend the current density of fuel cell polarization curves at elevated temperature and lower relative humidity compared to those based on long-side chain PFSA (e.g., Nafion)-based CLs. Fuel cell polarization performance was greatly improved at 110 °C and 30% relative humidity (RH) when SSC PFSI was incorporated into the catalyst layer.

[Fertility preservation in boys: spermatogonial stem cell transplantation and testicular grafting].

PubMed

Goossens, E; Tournaye, H

2013-09-01

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) are the founder cells of spermatogenesis and are responsible for the lifelong production of spermatozoa. The cryopreservation and transplantation of these cells has been proposed as a fertility preservation strategy for young boys at risk for stem cell loss, i.e. patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer or as a conditioning treatment for bone marrow transplantation. To prevent lifelong sterility in boys, two fertility restoration strategies are being developed: the injection of SSC and the grafting of testicular tissue containing SSC. Depending on the disease of the patient one of these two approaches will be applicable. Grafting has the advantage that SSC can reside within their natural niche, preserving the interactions between germ cells and their supporting cells and may therefore be regarded as the first choice strategy. However, in cases where the risk for malignant contamination of the testicular tissue is real, e.g. leukemia, transplantation of SSC by injection is preferable over grafting. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

The Primary Care Physician in the Early Diagnosis of Systemic Sclerosis: the Cornerstone of Recognition and Hope

PubMed Central

Saketkoo, Lesley Ann; Magnus, Jeanette H.; Doyle, Mittie K.

2013-01-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a disease of unknown etiology that manifests as a heterogeneous group of multi-organ system manifestations and is characterized by vasculopathy and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, with mortality related to pulmonary, cardiac, renal or gastrointestinal involvement. The prevalence of SSc may be underestimated in the general population. Cases are often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, particularly cases with mild or no skin manifestations. Due to late referrals to rheumatologic care, many moderate-to-severe cases progress to irreversible end-organ damage that might have been prevented by early diagnosis. Early diagnosis of SSc with initiation of appropriate treatment is essential, with great impact on morbidity and mortality. This review examines presenting features, ensuing complications and treatment providing a focus on SSc as a treatable disease. Primary care providers play a pivotal role in recognizing initial symptoms associated with SSc and securing early diagnosis through early referral to specialists. PMID:24366221

Standardized Verification, Validation, and Accreditation (VV&A) Documentation Schema Description Document

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-10-31

SSC Charleston; Mr. David Broyles, SSC Charleston; Dr. Richard Daehler-Wilking, SSC Charleston; Ms. Marcy Stutzman, Northrop Grumman ; and Tammie...PAGE Form Approved OMB No. 0704-0188 Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including...1204, Arlington, VA 22202-4302, and to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0704-0188) Washington DC 20503. 1 . AGENCY

Ship to Shore Connector Amphibious Craft (SSC)

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-01

M2 .50 Caliber (12.7mm) Machine Gun ...MK19 40mm Grenade Machine Gun and M60/M240 Series 7.62mm Light Machine Gun . TBD The SSC shall provide protection to the crew and internally... Machine Gun , MK19 40mm Grenade Machine Gun and M60/M240 Series 7.62mm Light Machine Gun . Survivability (Sea-Worthiness) T=O The SSC shall be

Rapid, noninvasive quantitation of skin disease in systemic sclerosis using optical coherence elastography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Yong; Liu, Chih-Hao; Lei, Ling; Singh, Manmohan; Li, Jiasong; Hicks, M. John; Larin, Kirill V.; Mohan, Chandra

2016-04-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease that results in excessive accumulation of collagen in the skin and internal organs. Overall, SSc has a rare morbidity (276 cases per million adults in the United States), but has a 10-year survival rate of 55%. Currently, the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) is assessed by palpation on 17 sites on the body. However, the mRSS assessed score is subjective and may be influenced by the experience of the rheumatologists. In addition, the inherent elasticity of skin may bias the mRSS assessment in the early stage of SSc, such as oedematous. Optical coherence elastography (OCE) is a rapidly emerging technique, which can assess mechanical contrast in tissues with micrometer spatial resolution. In this work, the OCE technique is applied to assess the mechanical properties of skin in both control and bleomycin (BLM) induced SSc-like disease noninvasively. Young's modulus of the BLM-SSc skin was found be significantly higher than that of normal skin, in both the in vivo and in vitro studies (p<0.05). Thus, OCE is able to differentiate healthy and fibrotic skin using mechanical contrast. It is a promising new technology for quantifying skin involvement in SSc in a rapid, unbiased, and noninvasive manner.

Spermatogonial stem cells: Current biotechnological advances in reproduction and regenerative medicine.

PubMed

Aponte, Pedro Manuel

2015-05-26

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the germ stem cells of the seminiferous epithelium in the testis. Through the process of spermatogenesis, they produce sperm while concomitantly keeping their cellular pool constant through self-renewal. SSC biology offers important applications for animal reproduction and overcoming human disease through regenerative therapies. To this end, several techniques involving SSCs have been developed and will be covered in this article. SSCs convey genetic information to the next generation, a property that can be exploited for gene targeting. Additionally, SSCs can be induced to become embryonic stem cell-like pluripotent cells in vitro. Updates on SSC transplantation techniques with related applications, such as fertility restoration and preservation of endangered species, are also covered on this article. SSC suspensions can be transplanted to the testis of an animal and this has given the basis for SSC functional assays. This procedure has proven technically demanding in large animals and men. In parallel, testis tissue xenografting, another transplantation technique, was developed and resulted in sperm production in testis explants grafted into ectopical locations in foreign species. Since SSC culture holds a pivotal role in SSC biotechnologies, current advances are overviewed. Finally, spermatogenesis in vitro, already demonstrated in mice, offers great promises to cope with reproductive issues in the farm animal industry and human clinical applications.

What tests should you use to assess small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in systemic sclerosis?

PubMed

Braun-Moscovici, Yolanda; Braun, Marius; Khanna, Dinesh; Balbir-Gurman, Alexandra; Furst, Daniel E

2015-01-01

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) plays a major role in the pathogenesis of malabsorption in SSc patients and is a source of great morbidity and even mortality, in those patients. This manuscript reviews which tests are valid and should be used in SSc when evaluating SIBO. We performed systematic literature searches in PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane library from 1966 up to November 2014 for English language, published articles examining bacterial overgrowth in SSc (e.g. malabsorption tests, breath tests, xylose test, etc). Articles obtained from these searches were reviewed for additional references. The validity of the tests was evaluated according to the OMERACT principles of truth, discrimination and feasibility. From a total of 65 titles, 22 articles were reviewed and 20 were ultimately extracted to examine the validity of tests for GI morphology, bacterial overgrowth and malabsorption in SSc. Only 1 test (hydrogen and methane breath tests) is fully validated. Four tests are partially validated, including jejunal cultures, xylose, lactulose tests, and 72 hours fecal fat test. Only 1 of a total of 5 GI tests of bacterial overgrowth (see above) is fully validated in SSc. For clinical trials, fully validated tests are preferred, although some investigators use partially validated tests (4 tests). Further validation of GI tests in SSc is needed.

Genome-wide scan reveals LEMD3 and WIF1 on SSC5 as the candidates for porcine ear size.

PubMed

Zhang, Longchao; Liang, Jing; Luo, Weizhen; Liu, Xin; Yan, Hua; Zhao, Kebin; Shi, Huibi; Zhang, Yuebo; Wang, Ligang; Wang, Lixian

2014-01-01

The quantitative trait loci (QTL) for porcine ear size was previously reported to mainly focus on SSC5 and SSC7. Recently, a missense mutation, G32E, in PPARD in the QTL interval on SSC7 was identified as the causative mutation for ear size. However, on account of the large interval of QTL, the responsible gene on SSC5 has not been identified. In this study, an intercross population was constructed from the large-eared Minzhu, an indigenous Chinese pig breed, and the Western commercial Large White pig to examine the genetic basis of ear size diversity. A GWAS was performed to detect SNPs significantly associated with ear size. Thirty-five significant SNPs defined a 10.78-Mb (30.14-40.92 Mb) region on SSC5. Further, combining linkage disequilibrium and haplotype sharing analysis, a reduced region of 3.07-Mb was obtained. Finally, by using a selective sweep analysis, a critical region of about 450-kb interval containing two annotated genes LEMD3 and WIF1 was refined in this work. Functional analysis indicated that both represent biological candidates for porcine ear size, with potential application in breeding programs. The two genes could also be used as novel references for further study of the mechanism underlying human microtia.

Proinflammatory Effects of Diesel Exhaust Nanoparticles on Scleroderma Skin Cells

PubMed Central

Mastrofrancesco, A.; Alfè, M.; Rosato, E.; Gargiulo, V.; Beatrice, C.; Di Blasio, G.; Zhang, B.; Su, D. S.; Picardo, M.; Fiorito, S.

2014-01-01

Autoimmune diseases are complex disorders of unknown etiology thought to result from interactions between genetic and environmental factors. We aimed to verify whether environmental pollution from diesel engine exhaust nanoparticulate (DEP) of actually operating vehicles could play a role in the development of a rare immune-mediated disease, systemic sclerosis (SSc), in which the pathogenetic role of environment has been highlighted. The effects of carbon-based nanoparticulate collected at the exhaust of newer (Euro 5) and older (Euro 4) diesel engines on SSc skin keratinocytes and fibroblasts were evaluated in vitro by assessing the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) and fibroblast chemical mediators (metalloproteases 2, 3, 7, 9, and 12; collagen types I and III; VEGF). DEP was shown to stimulate cytokine gene expression at a higher extent in SSc keratinocytes versus normal cells. Moreover, the mRNA gene expression of all MMPs, collagen types, and VEGF genes was significantly higher in untreated SSc fibroblasts versus controls. Euro 5 particle exposure increased the mRNA expression of MMP-2, -7, and -9 in SSc fibroblasts in a dose dependent manner and only at the highest concentration in normal cells. We suggest that environmental DEP could trigger the development of SSc acting on genetically hyperreactive cell systems. PMID:24982919

Role of the testis interstitial compartment in spermatogonial stem cell function

PubMed Central

Potter, Sarah J.; DeFalco, Tony

2017-01-01

Male fertility is maintained through intricate cellular and molecular interactions that ensure spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) proceed in a step-wise differentiation process through spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis to produce sperm. SSCs lie within the seminiferous tubule compartment, which provides a nurturing environment for the development of sperm. Cells outside of the tubules, such as interstitial and peritubular cells, also help direct SSC activity. This review focuses on interstitial (interstitial macrophages, Leydig cells, and vasculature) and peritubular (peritubular macrophages, peritubular myoid cells) cells and their role in regulating SSC self-renewal and differentiation in mammals. Leydig cells, the major steroidogenic cells in the testis, influence SSCs through secreted factors, such as insulin growth factor 1 (IGF1) and colony stimulating factor 1 (CSF1). Macrophages interact with SSCs through various potential mechanisms, such as CSF1 and retinoic acid (RA), to induce proliferation or differentiation of SSCs, respectively. Vasculature influences SSC dynamics through CSF1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and regulating oxygen levels. Lastly, peritubular myoid cells produce one of the most well-known factors that is required for SSC self-renewal, glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), as well as CSF1. Overall, SSC interactions with interstitial and peritubular cells are critical for SSC function and are an important underlying factor promoting male fertility. PMID:28115580

A systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus pan-meta-GWAS reveals new shared susceptibility loci

PubMed Central

Martin, Jose-Ezequiel; Assassi, Shervin; Diaz-Gallo, Lina-Marcela; Broen, Jasper C.; Simeon, Carmen P.; Castellvi, Ivan; Vicente-Rabaneda, Esther; Fonollosa, Vicente; Ortego-Centeno, Norberto; González-Gay, Miguel A.; Espinosa, Gerard; Carreira, Patricia; Camps, Mayte; Sabio, Jose M.; D'alfonso, Sandra; Vonk, Madelon C.; Voskuyl, Alexandre E.; Schuerwegh, Annemie J.; Kreuter, Alexander; Witte, Torsten; Riemekasten, Gabriella; Hunzelmann, Nicolas; Airo, Paolo; Beretta, Lorenzo; Scorza, Raffaella; Lunardi, Claudio; Van Laar, Jacob; Chee, Meng May; Worthington, Jane; Herrick, Arianne; Denton, Christopher; Fonseca, Carmen; Tan, Filemon K.; Arnett, Frank; Zhou, Xiaodong; Reveille, John D.; Gorlova, Olga; Koeleman, Bobby P.C.; Radstake, Timothy R.D.J.; Vyse, Timothy; Mayes, Maureen D.; Alarcón-Riquelme, Marta E.; Martin, Javier

2013-01-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are two archetypal systemic autoimmune diseases which have been shown to share multiple genetic susceptibility loci. In order to gain insight into the genetic basis of these diseases, we performed a pan-meta-analysis of two genome-wide association studies (GWASs) together with a replication stage including additional SSc and SLE cohorts. This increased the sample size to a total of 21 109 (6835 cases and 14 274 controls). We selected for replication 19 SNPs from the GWAS data. We were able to validate KIAA0319L (P = 3.31 × 10−11, OR = 1.49) as novel susceptibility loci for SSc and SLE. Furthermore, we also determined that the previously described SLE susceptibility loci PXK (P = 3.27 × 10−11, OR = 1.20) and JAZF1 (P = 1.11 × 10−8, OR = 1.13) are shared with SSc. Supporting these new discoveries, we observed that KIAA0319L was overexpressed in peripheral blood cells of SSc and SLE patients compared with healthy controls. With these, we add three (KIAA0319L, PXK and JAZF1) and one (KIAA0319L) new susceptibility loci for SSc and SLE, respectively, increasing significantly the knowledge of the genetic basis of autoimmunity. PMID:23740937

Sweet taste in apple: the role of sorbitol, individual sugars, organic acids and volatile compounds

PubMed Central

Aprea, Eugenio; Charles, Mathilde; Endrizzi, Isabella; Laura Corollaro, Maria; Betta, Emanuela; Biasioli, Franco; Gasperi, Flavia

2017-01-01

Sweetness is one of the main drivers of consumer preference, and thus is given high priority in apple breeding programmes. Due to the complexity of sweetness evaluation, soluble solid content (SSC) is commonly used as an estimation of this trait. Nevertheless, it has been demonstrated that SSC and sweet taste are poorly correlated. Though individual sugar content may vary greatly between and within apple cultivars, no previous study has tried to investigate the relationship between the amount of individual sugars, or ratios of these, and apple sweetness. In this work, we quantified the major sugars (sucrose, glucose, fructose, xylose) and sorbitol and explored their influence on perceived sweetness in apple; we also related this to malic acid content, SSC and volatile compounds. Our data confirmed that the correlation between sweetness and SSC is weak. We found that sorbitol content correlates (similarly to SSC) with perceived sweetness better than any other single sugar or total sugar content. The single sugars show no differentiable importance in determining apple sweetness. Our predictive model based on partial least squares regression shows that after sorbitol and SSC, the most important contribution to apple sweetness is provided by several volatile compounds, mainly esters and farnesene. PMID:28322320

Association between nailfold capillaroscopy findings and pulmonary function tests in patients with systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Castellví, Ivan; Simeón-Aznar, Carmen Pilar; Sarmiento, Mónica; Fortuna, Ana; Mayos, Mercedes; Geli, Carme; Diaz-Torné, César; Moya, Patricia; De Llobet, Josep Maria; Casademont, Jordi

2015-02-01

To determine whether there is an association between different capillaroscopic findings and pulmonary function tests in systemic sclerosis (SSc). We did a retrospective observational study in a cohort of patients with SSc and early SSc. Patients with at least 1 nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) magnified 120× were included. Pathological findings were giant capillaries, angiogenesis, and density loss. Findings were compared with lung function values: percent expected value of forced vital capacity (FVC), DLCO, and FVC/DLCO ratio. Other variables collected were sex and SSc type, and the presence of digital ulcers (DU), interstitial lung disease (ILD), scleroderma renal crisis, and/or pulmonary hypertension (PH). Of 136 patients with SSc, 85 had undergone an NVC. The frequency of ILD, DU, and PH was 24.1%, 28.7%, and 17.2%, respectively. Data analysis showed that patients with density loss had worse FVC% (86.91 ± 19.42 vs 101.13 ± 16.06, p < 0.01) and DLCO% (71.43 ± 21.19 vs 85.9 ± 19.81, p < 0.01) compared to those without. Patients with loss of density present worse FVC and DLCO values. Prospective studies are warranted to determine whether NVC is useful for studying pulmonary function in SSc.

Improved compliance with the World Health Organization Surgical Safety Checklist is associated with reduced surgical specimen labelling errors.

PubMed

Martis, Walston R; Hannam, Jacqueline A; Lee, Tracey; Merry, Alan F; Mitchell, Simon J

2016-09-09

A new approach to administering the surgical safety checklist (SSC) at our institution using wall-mounted charts for each SSC domain coupled with migrated leadership among operating room (OR) sub-teams, led to improved compliance with the Sign Out domain. Since surgical specimens are reviewed at Sign Out, we aimed to quantify any related change in surgical specimen labelling errors. Prospectively maintained error logs for surgical specimens sent to pathology were examined for the six months before and after introduction of the new SSC administration paradigm. We recorded errors made in the labelling or completion of the specimen pot and on the specimen laboratory request form. Total error rates were calculated from the number of errors divided by total number of specimens. Rates from the two periods were compared using a chi square test. There were 19 errors in 4,760 specimens (rate 3.99/1,000) and eight errors in 5,065 specimens (rate 1.58/1,000) before and after the change in SSC administration paradigm (P=0.0225). Improved compliance with administering the Sign Out domain of the SSC can reduce surgical specimen errors. This finding provides further evidence that OR teams should optimise compliance with the SSC.

A systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus pan-meta-GWAS reveals new shared susceptibility loci.

PubMed

Martin, Jose-Ezequiel; Assassi, Shervin; Diaz-Gallo, Lina-Marcela; Broen, Jasper C; Simeon, Carmen P; Castellvi, Ivan; Vicente-Rabaneda, Esther; Fonollosa, Vicente; Ortego-Centeno, Norberto; González-Gay, Miguel A; Espinosa, Gerard; Carreira, Patricia; Camps, Mayte; Sabio, Jose M; D'alfonso, Sandra; Vonk, Madelon C; Voskuyl, Alexandre E; Schuerwegh, Annemie J; Kreuter, Alexander; Witte, Torsten; Riemekasten, Gabriella; Hunzelmann, Nicolas; Airo, Paolo; Beretta, Lorenzo; Scorza, Raffaella; Lunardi, Claudio; Van Laar, Jacob; Chee, Meng May; Worthington, Jane; Herrick, Arianne; Denton, Christopher; Fonseca, Carmen; Tan, Filemon K; Arnett, Frank; Zhou, Xiaodong; Reveille, John D; Gorlova, Olga; Koeleman, Bobby P C; Radstake, Timothy R D J; Vyse, Timothy; Mayes, Maureen D; Alarcón-Riquelme, Marta E; Martin, Javier

2013-10-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are two archetypal systemic autoimmune diseases which have been shown to share multiple genetic susceptibility loci. In order to gain insight into the genetic basis of these diseases, we performed a pan-meta-analysis of two genome-wide association studies (GWASs) together with a replication stage including additional SSc and SLE cohorts. This increased the sample size to a total of 21,109 (6835 cases and 14,274 controls). We selected for replication 19 SNPs from the GWAS data. We were able to validate KIAA0319L (P = 3.31 × 10(-11), OR = 1.49) as novel susceptibility loci for SSc and SLE. Furthermore, we also determined that the previously described SLE susceptibility loci PXK (P = 3.27 × 10(-11), OR = 1.20) and JAZF1 (P = 1.11 × 10(-8), OR = 1.13) are shared with SSc. Supporting these new discoveries, we observed that KIAA0319L was overexpressed in peripheral blood cells of SSc and SLE patients compared with healthy controls. With these, we add three (KIAA0319L, PXK and JAZF1) and one (KIAA0319L) new susceptibility loci for SSc and SLE, respectively, increasing significantly the knowledge of the genetic basis of autoimmunity.

Early sign of microangiopathy in systemic sclerosis: The significance of cold stress test in dynamic laser Doppler flowmetry.

PubMed

Yu, Sebastian; Hu, Stephen Chu-Sung; Yu, Hsin-Su; Chin, Yi-Ying; Cheng, Yang-Chun; Lee, Chih-Hung

2018-06-05

Skin physiology measurement is receiving more attention for detecting vasculopathy in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) is a widely used physiological measurement to assess cutaneous microcirculation. However, findings of LDF may be normal during early stage of microangiopathy in SSc. We hypothesized that cold stress test combined with LDF could detect early-stage microangiopathy in patients with SSc. A 67-year-old male came with multiple ulcerations on his fingers for one year. After excluding diseases such as diabetes mellitus-related peripheral arterial occlusive disease and smoking-related Buerger's disease, the diagnosis of SSc was made according to the 2013 ACR/EULAR criteria. We performed LDF and angiography for a patient with SSc and compared the results. Although occlusions of right ulnar and digital arteries were obvious in angiography, the baseline skin temperature and perfusion unit on right fingers remained within normal limits. While the microcirculatory abnormalities measured by LDF alone are subtle, LDF combined with cold stress test detected a significant slow recovery of skin blood flow 40 minutes after cold immersion. In conclusion, there may be discordance between macrovasculopathy and baseline microcirculatory blood flow in SSc. In such a case, cold immersion test is essential to measure the dynamic change and slow recovery of blood flow.

Phenotypic Alterations Involved in CD8+ Treg Impairment in Systemic Sclerosis

PubMed Central

Negrini, Simone; Fenoglio, Daniela; Parodi, Alessia; Kalli, Francesca; Battaglia, Florinda; Nasi, Giorgia; Curto, Monica; Tardito, Samuele; Ferrera, Francesca; Filaci, Gilberto

2017-01-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease characterized by tissue fibrosis, vasculopathy, and autoimmunity. Although the exact pathogenetic mechanisms behind SSc remain to be fully elucidated, a great deal of evidence suggests the existence of an unbalanced ratio between the effector and regulatory arms of the immune system. With regard to the T regulatory (Treg) compartment, we observed that CD8+ Treg subsets display functional defects in SSc-affected patients. Since CD127 down-modulation and CD39 upregulation have been observed on Treg subsets, the phenotypic expression of these molecules was analyzed on the CD8+CD28− Treg precursors and on CD8+ Treg cells generated in vitro through interleukin-10 commitment. Immunophenotypic data from SSc patients were compared to those obtained from healthy subjects. The analyses performed on ex vivo-isolated CD8+CD28− Treg precursors did not show any significant differences in CD39 or CD127 expression as compared to values obtained from healthy donors. On the contrary, in vitro-generated CD8+ Tregs obtained from SSc patients displayed reduced expression of the CD39 molecule as compared to controls. Moreover, the percentage of CD127+ cells was significantly higher in in vitro-generated CD8+ Tregs from SSc patients compared to CD8+ Tregs obtained from healthy donors. Taken together, these findings may indicate an impairment of maturation processes affecting CD8+ Treg cells in SSc patients. This impairment of maturation involves phenotypic alterations that are mainly characterized by a deficient CD39 upregulation and a lack of down-modulation of the CD127 molecule. PMID:28154567

Access to care for children and young people diagnosed with localized scleroderma or juvenile SSc in the UK.

PubMed

Hawley, Daniel P; Baildam, Eileen M; Amin, Tania S; Cruikshank, Mary K; Davidson, Joyce E; Dixon, Jennifer; Martin, Neil S; Ohlsson, Victoria; Pilkington, Clarissa; Rangaraj, Satyapal; Riley, Philip; Sundaramoorthy, Chitra; Walsh, Jo; Foster, Helen E

2012-07-01

To describe pathways of care and referral to paediatric rheumatology from onset of first symptom (noticed by the patient or their family) to diagnosis for children and young people diagnosed with localized scleroderma (LS) or juvenile SSc (jSSc). Retrospective case note audit of patients under paediatric rheumatology care who presented during January 2005-January 2010. Data included disease subtype, sex, age at key points in the referral pathway and health care professional (HCP) contact. All patient and HCP data were pseudo-anonymized in accordance with good clinical practice. Data were from eight UK centres that saw 89 cases: 62 females, 26 males; 73 LS, 16 jSSc. Median time from first symptom to first HCP review was 4 (range 0-72) months (LS) and 1 (range 0-50) month (jSSc). Median time from first symptom to paediatric rheumatology review was 15 (range 1-103) months (LS) and 7 (range 0-50) months (jSSc). Median time from first HCP review to first paediatric rheumatology review was 11 (range 0-103) months (LS) and 2 (range 0-10) months. First HCP seen (74%) was usually a general practitioner. The referring HCP to paediatric rheumatology was usually a dermatologist (56%) for LS. Median time from first symptom to diagnosis was 13 (range 1-102) months (LS) and 8 (range 1-50) months (jSSc). A prolonged interval occurs from first symptom to definitive diagnosis, which may adversely affect outcome. There is a need to raise awareness of this rare diagnosis and facilitate earlier recognition.

Estimation of suspended sediment concentration from turbidity measurements using artificial neural networks.

PubMed

Bayram, Adem; Kankal, Murat; Onsoy, Hizir

2012-07-01

Suspended sediment concentration (SSC) is generally determined from the direct measurement of sediment concentration of river or from sediment transport equations. Direct measurement is very costly and cannot be conducted for all river gauge stations. Therefore, correct estimation of suspended sediment amount carried by a river is very important in terms of water pollution, channel navigability, reservoir filling, fish habitat, river aesthetics and scientific interests. This study investigates the feasibility of using turbidity as a surrogate for SSC as in situ turbidity meters are being increasingly used to generate continuous records of SSC in rivers. For this reason, regression analysis (RA) and artificial neural networks (ANNs) were employed to estimate SSC based on in situ turbidity measurements. The SSC was firstly experimentally determined for the surface water samples collected from the six monitoring stations along the main branch of the stream Harsit, Eastern Black Sea Basin, Turkey. There were 144 data for each variable obtained on a fortnightly basis during March 2009 and February 2010. In the ANN method, the used data for training, testing and validation sets are 108, 24 and 12 of total 144 data, respectively. As the results of analyses, the smallest mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE) values for validation set were obtained from the ANN method with 11.40 and 17.87, respectively. However these were 19.12 and 25.09 for RA. It was concluded that turbidity could be a surrogate for SSC in the streams, and the ANNs method used for the estimation of SSC provided acceptable results.

Computerized nailfold video capillaroscopy--a new tool for assessment of Raynaud's phenomenon.

PubMed

Anderson, Marina E; Allen, P Danny; Moore, Tonia; Hillier, Val; Taylor, Christopher J; Herrick, Ariane L

2005-05-01

To develop a computer based nailfold video capillaroscopy system with enhanced image quality and to assess its disease-subgroup resolving power in patients with primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon (RP). Using frame registration software, digitized video images from the microscope were combined to form a panoramic mosaic of the nailfold. Capillary dimensions (apex, arterial, venous, and total width) and density were measured onscreen. Significantly, the new system could guarantee analysis of the same set of capillaries by 2 observers. Forty-eight healthy control subjects, 21 patients with primary RP, 40 patients with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc), and 11 patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) were studied. Intra- and interobserver variability were calculated in a subset of 30 subjects. The number of loops/mm was significantly lower, and all 4 capillary dimensions significantly greater, in SSc patients versus controls plus primary RP patients (p < 0.001 for all measures). When comparing control (+ primary RP) patients with SSc patients (lcSSc + dcSSc) the most powerful discriminator was found to be the number of loops/mm. Results for intra- and interobserver reproducibility showed that the limits of agreement were closer when both observers measured the same capillaries. The key feature of the newly developed system is that it improves reproducibility of nailfold capillary measurements by allowing reidentification of the same capillaries by different observers. By allowing access to previous measurements, the new system should improve reliability in longitudinal studies, and therefore has the potential of being a valuable outcome measure of microvessel disease/involvement in clinical trials of scleroderma spectrum disorders.

Characterization of the HLA-DRβ1 third hypervariable region amino acid sequence according to charge and parental inheritance in systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Gentil, Coline A; Gammill, Hilary S; Luu, Christine T; Mayes, Maureen D; Furst, Dan E; Nelson, J Lee

2017-03-07

Specific HLA class II alleles are associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc) risk, clinical characteristics, and autoantibodies. HLA nomenclature initially developed with antibodies as typing reagents defining DRB1 allele groups. However, alleles from different DRB1 allele groups encode the same third hypervariable region (3rd HVR) sequence, the primary T-cell recognition site, and 3rd HVR charge differences can affect interactions with T cells. We considered 3rd HVR sequences (amino acids 67-74) irrespective of the allele group and analyzed parental inheritance considered according to the 3rd HVR charge, comparing SSc patients with controls. In total, 306 families (121 SSc and 185 controls) were HLA genotyped and parental HLA-haplotype origin was determined. Analysis was conducted according to DRβ1 3rd HVR sequence, charge, and parental inheritance. The distribution of 3rd HVR sequences differed in SSc patients versus controls (p = 0.007), primarily due to an increase of specific DRB1*11 alleles, in accord with previous observations. The 3rd HVR sequences were next analyzed according to charge and parental inheritance. Paternal transmission of DRB1 alleles encoding a +2 charge 3rd HVR was significantly reduced in SSc patients compared with maternal transmission (p = 0.0003, corrected for analysis of four charge categories p = 0.001). To a lesser extent, paternal transmission was increased when charge was 0 (p = 0.021, corrected for multiple comparisons p = 0.084). In contrast, paternal versus maternal inheritance was similar in controls. SSc patients differed from controls when DRB1 alleles were categorized according to 3rd HVR sequences. Skewed parental inheritance was observed in SSc patients but not in controls when the DRβ1 3rd HVR was considered according to charge. These observations suggest that epigenetic modulation of HLA merits investigation in SSc.

Decreased Interleukin-20 Expression in Scleroderma Skin Contributes to Cutaneous Fibrosis

PubMed Central

Kudo, Hideo; Jinnin, Masatoshi; Asano, Yoshihide; Trojanowska, Maria; Nakayama, Wakana; Inoue, Kuniko; Honda, Noritoshi; Kajihara, Ikko; Makino, Katsunari; Fukushima, Satoshi; Ihn, Hironobu

2014-01-01

Objective To clarify the role of interleukin-20 (IL-20) in the regulatory mechanism of extracellular matrix expression and to determine the contribution of IL-20 to the phenotype of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods Protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of collagen, Fli-1, IL-20, and IL-20 receptor (IL-20R) were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array, immunoblotting, immunohistochemical staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and real-time PCR. Results PCR array revealed that IL-20 decreased gene expression of α2(I) collagen (0.03-fold), Smad3 (0.02-fold), and endoglin (0.05-fold) in cultured normal dermal fibroblasts. Fli-1 protein expression was induced by IL-20 (~2-fold). The inhibition of collagen by IL-20, the induction of Fli-1 by IL-20, and the reduction of Smad3 and endoglin by IL-20 were also observed in SSc fibroblasts. Serum IL-20 levels were reduced only slightly in SSc patients but were significantly decreased in patients with scleroderma spectrum disorders (the prodromal stage of SSc) compared with those in normal subjects (111.3 pg/ml versus 180.4 pg/ml; P < 0.05). On the other hand, IL-20 mRNA expression in SSc skin was decreased compared with that in normal skin (P < 0.05), which may result in the induction of collagen synthesis in SSc dermal fibroblasts. IL-20R was expressed in normal and SSc fibroblasts. Moreover, IL-20 supplementation by injection into the skin reversed skin fibrosis induced by bleomycin in mice (~0.5-fold). Conclusion IL-20 reduces basal collagen transcription via Fli-1 induction, while down-regulation of Smad3 and endoglin may cancel the effect of transforming growth factor β in SSc fibroblasts. To confirm the therapeutic value of IL-20 and IL-20R, their function and expression in vivo should be further studied. PMID:24470401

Decreased interleukin-20 expression in scleroderma skin contributes to cutaneous fibrosis.

PubMed

Kudo, Hideo; Jinnin, Masatoshi; Asano, Yoshihide; Trojanowska, Maria; Nakayama, Wakana; Inoue, Kuniko; Honda, Noritoshi; Kajihara, Ikko; Makino, Katsunari; Fukushima, Satoshi; Ihn, Hironobu

2014-06-01

To clarify the role of interleukin-20 (IL-20) in the regulatory mechanism of extracellular matrix expression and to determine the contribution of IL-20 to the phenotype of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of collagen, Fli-1, IL-20, and IL-20 receptor (IL-20R) were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array, immunoblotting, immunohistochemical staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and real-time PCR. PCR array revealed that IL-20 decreased gene expression of α2(I) collagen (0.03-fold), Smad3 (0.02-fold), and endoglin (0.05-fold) in cultured normal dermal fibroblasts. Fli-1 protein expression was induced by IL-20 (~2-fold). The inhibition of collagen by IL-20, the induction of Fli-1 by IL-20, and the reduction of Smad3 and endoglin by IL-20 were also observed in SSc fibroblasts. Serum IL-20 levels were reduced only slightly in SSc patients but were significantly decreased in patients with scleroderma spectrum disorders (the prodromal stage of SSc) compared with those in normal subjects (111.3 pg/ml versus 180.4 pg/ml; P < 0.05). On the other hand, IL-20 mRNA expression in SSc skin was decreased compared with that in normal skin (P < 0.05), which may result in the induction of collagen synthesis in SSc dermal fibroblasts. IL-20R was expressed in normal and SSc fibroblasts. Moreover, IL-20 supplementation by injection into the skin reversed skin fibrosis induced by bleomycin in mice (~0.5-fold). IL-20 reduces basal collagen transcription via Fli-1 induction, while down-regulation of Smad3 and endoglin may cancel the effect of transforming growth factor β in SSc fibroblasts. To confirm the therapeutic value of IL-20 and IL-20R, their function and expression in vivo should be further studied. Copyright © 2014 by the American College of Rheumatology.

Spectral Characteristics of Salinized Soils during Microbial Remediation Processes.

PubMed

Ma, Chuang; Shen, Guang-rong; Zhi, Yue-e; Wang, Zi-jun; Zhu, Yun; Li, Xian-hua

2015-09-01

In this study, the spectral reflectance of saline soils, the associated soil salt content (SSC) and the concentrations of salt ions were measured and analysed by tracing the container microbial remediation experiments for saline soil (main salt is sodium chloride) of Dongying City, Shandong Province. The sensitive spectral reflectance bands of saline soils to SSC, Cl- and Na+ in the process of microbial remediation were analysed. The average-dimension reduction of these bands was conducted by using a combination of correlation coefficient and decision coefficient, and by gradually narrowing the sampling interval method. Results showed that the tendency and magnitude of the average spectral reflectance in all bands of saline soils during the total remediation processes were nearly consistent with SSC and with Cl- coocentration, respectively. The degree of salinity of the soil, including SSC and salt ion concentrations, had a significant positive correlation with the spectral reflectance of all bands, particularly in the near-infrared band. The optimal spectral bands of SSC were 1370 to 1445 nm and 1447 to 1608 nm, whereas the optimal spectral bands of Cl- and Na+ were 1336 to 1461 nm and 1471 to 1561 nm, respectively. The relationship model among SSC, soil salt ion concentrations (Cl- and Na+) and soil spectral reflectance of the corresponding optimal spectral band was established. The largest R2 of relationship model between SSC and the average reflectance of associated optimal band reached to 0.95, and RMSEC and RMSEP were 1.076 and 0.591, respectively. Significant statistical analysis of salt factors and soil reflectance for different microbial remediation processes indicated that the spectral response characteristics and sensitivity of SSC to soil reflectance, which implied the feasibility of high spectrum test on soil microbial remediation monitoring, also provided the basis for quick nondestructive monitoring soil bioremediation process by soil spectral reflectance.

A genome-wide association study follow-up suggests a possible role for PPARG in systemic sclerosis susceptibility

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Introduction A recent genome-wide association study (GWAS) comprising a French cohort of systemic sclerosis (SSc) reported several non-HLA single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) showing a nominal association in the discovery phase. We aimed to identify previously overlooked susceptibility variants by using a follow-up strategy. Methods Sixty-six non-HLA SNPs showing a P value <10-4 in the discovery phase of the French SSc GWAS were analyzed in the first step of this study, performing a meta-analysis that combined data from the two published SSc GWASs. A total of 2,921 SSc patients and 6,963 healthy controls were included in this first phase. Two SNPs, PPARG rs310746 and CHRNA9 rs6832151, were selected for genotyping in the replication cohort (1,068 SSc patients and 6,762 healthy controls) based on the results of the first step. Genotyping was performed by using TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. Results We observed nominal associations for both PPARG rs310746 (PMH = 1.90 × 10-6, OR, 1.28) and CHRNA9 rs6832151 (PMH = 4.30 × 10-6, OR, 1.17) genetic variants with SSc in the first step of our study. In the replication phase, we observed a trend of association for PPARG rs310746 (P value = 0.066; OR, 1.17). The combined overall Mantel-Haenszel meta-analysis of all the cohorts included in the present study revealed that PPARG rs310746 remained associated with SSc with a nominal non-genome-wide significant P value (PMH = 5.00 × 10-7; OR, 1.25). No evidence of association was observed for CHRNA9 rs6832151 either in the replication phase or in the overall pooled analysis. Conclusion Our results suggest a role of PPARG gene in the development of SSc. PMID:24401602

Anti-Ephrin Type-B Receptor 2 (EphB2) and Anti-Three Prime Histone mRNA EXonuclease 1 (THEX1) Autoantibodies in Scleroderma and Lupus

PubMed Central

Azzouz, Doua F.; Martin, Gabriel V.; Arnoux, Fanny; Balandraud, Nathalie; Martin, Thierry; Dubucquoi, Sylvain; Hachulla, Eric; Farge-Bancel, Dominique; Tiev, Kiet; Cabane, Jean; Bardin, Nathalie; Chiche, Laurent; Martin, Marielle; Caillet, Eléonore C.; Kanaan, Sami B.; Harlé, Jean Robert; Granel, Brigitte; Diot, Elisabeth; Roudier, Jean; Auger, Isabelle; Lambert, Nathalie C.

2016-01-01

In a pilot ProtoArray analysis, we identified 6 proteins out of 9483 recognized by autoantibodies (AAb) from patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). We further investigated the 6 candidates by ELISA on hundreds of controls and patients, including patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), known for high sera reactivity and overlapping AAb with SSc. Only 2 of the 6 candidates, Ephrin type-B receptor 2 (EphB2) and Three prime Histone mRNA EXonuclease 1 (THEX1), remained significantly recognized by sera samples from SSc compared to controls (healthy or with rheumatic diseases) with, respectively, 34% versus 14% (P = 2.10−4) and 60% versus 28% (P = 3.10−8). Above all, EphB2 and THEX1 revealed to be mainly recognized by SLE sera samples with respectively 56%, (P = 2.10−10) and 82% (P = 5.10−13). As anti-EphB2 and anti-THEX1 AAb were found in both diseases, an epitope mapping was realized on each protein to refine SSc and SLE diagnosis. A 15-mer peptide from EphB2 allowed to identify 35% of SLE sera samples (N = 48) versus only 5% of any other sera samples (N = 157), including SSc sera samples. AAb titers were significantly higher in SLE sera (P<0.0001) and correlated with disease activity (p<0.02). We could not find an epitope on EphB2 protein for SSc neither on THEX1 for SSc or SLE. We showed that patients with SSc or SLE have AAb against EphB2, a protein involved in angiogenesis, and THEX1, a 3’-5’ exoribonuclease involved in histone mRNA degradation. We have further identified a peptide from EphB2 as a specific and sensitive tool for SLE diagnosis. PMID:27617966

Prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis is increased in systemic sclerosis and is associated with serum proteins: a cross-sectional, controlled study of carotid ultrasound.

PubMed

Schiopu, Elena; Au, Karen M; McMahon, Maureen A; Kaplan, Mariana J; Divekar, Anagha; Singh, Ram R; Furst, Daniel E; Clements, Philip J; Ragvendra, Nagesh; Zhao, Wenpu; Maranian, Paul; Khanna, Dinesh

2014-04-01

SSc is associated with an increased prevalence of atherosclerosis (ATS). This study assessed the prevalence of subclinical ATS as measured by carotid US and explored serum proteins to identify potential biomarkers of SSc-ATS. Forty-six SSc female patients and 46 age- and ethnicity-matched controls underwent carotid US to assess the presence of plaque and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT). Abstracted data included demographics, ATS risk factors and serum measurements [cholesterol, proinflammatory high-density lipoprotein (piHDL), CRP, lipoproteins]. Serum cytokines/proteins analyses included circulating type I IFN activity by quantifying IFN-inducible genes, soluble junctional adhesion molecule A (sJAM-A) and 100 serum proteins by using a microplate-based multiplex platform. Proteins significant at P < 0.05 on bivariate analyses for the presence of plaque were used to develop a composite measure. Patients with SSc had more plaque (45.6% vs 19.5%, P = 0.01) but similar CIMT compared with controls. Multiplex analysis detected significant associations between serum proteins of inflammation, vasculopathy and fibrosis with ATS in SSc, including IL-2, IL-6, CRP, keratinocyte growth factor, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, endoglin, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 associated with carotid plaque. Myeloid progenitor inhibitory factor 1, serum amyloid A, thrombomodulin, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and Clara cell secretory protein 16 kD correlated with CIMT. The median composite score for the plaque group was 6 and for the no plaque group it was 2 (P < 0.0001). Patients with SSc have a higher prevalence of carotid plaque than matched controls, and patients with SSc-plaque vs patients without plaque have elevated serum proteins implicated in both vasculopathy and fibrosis. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role of these proteins in SSc compared with healthy controls.

Nailfold Capillaroscopy - Its Role in Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis of Microvascular Damage in Systemic Sclerosis.

PubMed

Lambova, Sevdalina; Hermann, W; Muller-Ladner, Ulf

2013-01-01

In the nailfold area, specific diagnostic microvascular abnormalities are easily recognized via capillaroscopic examination in systemic sclerosis (SSc). They are termed "scleroderma" type capillaroscopic pattern, which includes presence of dilated, giant capillaries, haemorrhages, avascular areas, and neoangiogenic capillaries and are observed in the majority of SSc patients (in more than 90%). LeRoy and Medsger (2001) proposed criteria for early diagnosis of SSc with inclusion of the abnormal capillaroscopic changes and suggested to prediagnose SSc prior to the development of other manifestations of the disease. It is a new era in the diagnosis of SSc. At present, an international multicenter project is performed. It aims validation of criteria for very early diagnosis of SSc (project VEDOSS (Very Early Diagnosis of Systemic Sclerosis) and is organized by European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Scleroderma Trials and Reasearch. Very recently the first results of the VEDOSS project were processed and new EULAR/ACR (American College of Rheumatology) classification criteria have been validated and published (2013), in which the characteristic capillaroscopic changes have been included. Our observations confirm the high frequency of the specific capillaroscopic changes of the fingers in SSc, which have been found in 97.2% of the cases from the studied patient population. We have performed for the first time capillaroscopic examinations of the toes in SSc. Interestingly,"scleroderma type" capillaroscopic pattern was also found at the toes in a high proportion of patients - 66.7%, but it is significantly less frequent as compared with fingers (97.2%, p<0.05). In our opinion, the examination of the toes of SSc patients should be considered as it suggests an additional opportunity for evaluation of the microvascular changes in these patients although the observed changes are in a lower proportion of cases. Thus, capillaroscopic examination is a cornerstone for the very early diagnosis of SSc. Patients with clinical symptoms of peripheral vasospasm (Raynaud's phenomenon (RP)) in association with puffy fingers and/or sclerodactyly should be carefully examined. Hence, appearance of "scleroderma" type capillaroscopic changes in RP patients should be interpreted in the clinical context, because some of the components of this pattern may be observed in several other connective tissue diseases such as mixed connective tissue disease, undifferentiated connective tissue disease that are termed "scleroderma-like" capillaroscopic changes. Capillaroscopic examination is an obligatory screening method in these cases, but the pathologic capillaroscopic changes are not specific and their interpretation is in clinical context.

Comparative Analyses of the Teaching Methods and Evaluation Practices in English Subject at Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and General Certificate of Education (GCE O-Level) in Pakistan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Behlol, Malik Ghulam; Anwar, Mohammad

2011-01-01

The study was conducted to compare the teaching methods and evaluation practices in English subject at secondary school certificate (SSC) and general certificate of education GCE-O-level in Pakistan. The population of the study was students, teachers and experts at SSC and 0-level in the Punjab province. Purposive and random sampling techniques…

Novel Hyperspectral Sun Photometer for Satellite Remote Sensing Data Radiometric Calibration and Atmospheric Aerosol Studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pagnutti, Mary; Ryan, Robert E.; Holekamp, Kara; Harrington, Gary; Frisbie, Troy

2006-01-01

A simple and cost-effective, hyperspectral sun photometer for radiometric vicarious remote sensing system calibration, air quality monitoring, and potentially in-situ planetary climatological studies, was developed. The device was constructed solely from off the shelf components and was designed to be easily deployable for support of short-term verification and validation data collects. This sun photometer not only provides the same data products as existing multi-band sun photometers, this device requires a simpler setup, less data acquisition time and allows for a more direct calibration approach. Fielding this instrument has also enabled Stennis Space Center (SSC) Applied Sciences Directorate personnel to cross calibrate existing sun photometers. This innovative research will position SSC personnel to perform air quality assessments in support of the NASA Applied Sciences Program's National Applications program element as well as to develop techniques to evaluate aerosols in a Martian or other planetary atmosphere.

The Curious Ontology of a Light Higgs Boson

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riordan, Michael

2016-03-01

When the Superconducting Super Collider was being contemplated and designed in the mid-1980s, few high-energy physicists considered it likely that a light Higgs boson, as was eventually discovered at the Large Hadron Collider, would exist. Most theorists expected that the Higgs boson would occur at a mass near the TeV scale, and accelerator physicists designed the Super Collider accordingly. The possibility of a light Higgs boson with a mass less than 200 GeV began to be taken seriously during the 1990s, especially after the 1995 Fermilab discovery of the top quark near 175 GeV, but it was too late to influence the SSC design. With a peak collision energy of 40 TeV, this collider was guaranteed to discover the Higgs boson -- or whatever other mass-generating phenomenon might be occurring in the Standard Model -- even if it were to appear at masses or energies up to 2 TeV. As it turned out, therefore, the SSC was overdesigned for its principal physics goal. A substantially smaller Fermilab project known as the Dedicated Collider, which never made it beyond the drawing boards, could probably have allowed the 125 GeV Higgs boson to be discovered at least a decade earlier than it occurred at the LHC.

Immunohistochemical and morphometric evaluation of COX-1 and COX-2 in the remodeled lung in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and systemic sclerosis* ,**

PubMed Central

Parra, Edwin Roger; Lin, Flavia; Martins, Vanessa; Rangel, Maristela Peres; Capelozzi, Vera Luiza

2013-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of COX-1 and COX-2 in the remodeled lung in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients, correlating that expression with patient survival. METHODS: We examined open lung biopsy specimens from 24 SSc patients and 30 IPF patients, using normal lung tissue as a control. The histological patterns included fibrotic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) in SSc patients and usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) in IPF patients. We used immunohistochemistry and histomorphometry to evaluate the expression of COX-1 and COX-2 in alveolar septa, vessels, and bronchioles. We then correlated that expression with pulmonary function test results and evaluated its impact on patient survival. RESULTS: The expression of COX-1 and COX-2 in alveolar septa was significantly higher in IPF-UIP and SSc-NSIP lung tissue than in the control tissue. No difference was found between IPF-UIP and SSc-NSIP tissue regarding COX-1 and COX-2 expression. Multivariate analysis based on the Cox regression model showed that the factors associated with a low risk of death were younger age, high DLCO/alveolar volume, IPF, and high COX-1 expression in alveolar septa, whereas those associated with a high risk of death were advanced age, low DLCO/alveolar volume, SSc (with NSIP), and low COX-1 expression in alveolar septa. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that strategies aimed at preventing low COX-1 synthesis will have a greater impact on SSc, whereas those aimed at preventing high COX-2 synthesis will have a greater impact on IPF. However, prospective randomized clinical trials are needed in order to confirm that. PMID:24473763

Compton scattering of self-absorbed synchrotron emission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, He; Lei, Wei-Hua; Wu, Xue-Feng; Zhang, Bing

2013-11-01

Synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) scattering is an important emission mechanism in many astronomical sources, such as gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and active galactic nuclei. We give a complete presentation of the analytical approximations for the Compton scattering of synchrotron emission with both weak and strong synchrotron self-absorption. All possible orders of the characteristic synchrotron spectral breaks (νa, νm and νc) are studied. In the weak self-absorption regime, i.e. νa < νc, the electron energy distribution is not modified by the self-absorption process. The shape of the SSC component broadly resembles that of synchrotron, but with the following features: The SSC flux increases linearly with frequency up to the SSC break frequency corresponding to the self-absorption frequency νa; and the presence of a logarithmic term in the high-frequency range of the SSC spectra makes it harder than the power-law approximation. In the strong absorption regime, i.e. νa > νc, heating of low-energy electrons due to synchrotron absorption leads to pile-up of electrons, and form a thermal component besides the broken power-law component. This leads to two-component (thermal + non-thermal) spectra for both the synchrotron and SSC spectral components. For νc < νa < νm, the spectrum is thermal (non-thermal) dominated if ν _a > √{ν _m ν _c} (ν _a < √{ν _m ν _c}). Similar to the weak-absorption regime, the SSC spectral component is broader than the simple broken power-law approximation. We derive the critical condition for strong absorption (electron pile-up), and discuss a case of GRB reverse shock emission in a wind medium, which invokes νa > max(νm, νc).

Systemic sclerosis and occupational risk factors: role of solvents and cleaning products.

PubMed

Maître, Anne; Hours, Martine; Bonneterre, Vincent; Arnaud, Joëlle; Arslan, Marie Tülin; Carpentier, Patrick; Bergeret, Alain; de Gaudemaris, Régis

2004-12-01

To analyze occupational and non-occupational exposure factors suspected of being associated with scleroderma (SSc), with a view to inculpating or excluding certain potentially toxic substances (e.g., solvents), thereby contributing to the recognition of such toxins in the field of occupational health. The study comprised 10 men and 83 women diagnosed with SSc between 1995 and 1999 (American College of Rheumatology criteria) and early SSc, and 206 age and sex matched controls. The SSc registry is all-inclusive in the French administrative departments of Isere and Savoie so controls were randomly selected from the general population (using telephone directories) in these departments to ensure full representation. Exposure factors were analyzed for each subject by a personal questionnaire, and an individual evaluation was carried out by an industrial expert. Data were analyzed by conditional logistical regression adjusting for educational level. Construction workers were at significantly higher risk of contracting SSc; odds ratio (OR) = 4.01 (95% confidence interval 1.14-14.09). Analysis by industrial experts identified exposure to certain toxic substances regularly used by these same workers as risk factors for SSc: cleaning products: OR = 1.66 (0.90-3.08) (both sexes) and OR = 1.71 (0.92-3.20) (women only); solvents: OR = 3.23 (1.58-6.63) (both sexes) and OR = 2.80 (1.28-6.11) (women only); synthetic adhesives: OR 25.36 (1.36-472.28) (on 3 exposed cases). Exposure to either cleaning products or solvents emerged as a risk factor for SSc. Exposure factors should be characterized and results of all studies compared to implement appropriate preventive measures in relevant workplaces.

Efficacy of early skin-to-skin contact on the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in term neonates: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Sharma, Amit

2016-09-01

Despite multiple benefits of breast milk, the rates of exclusive breastfeeding in developing countries are low. To evaluate the efficacy of early skin -to -skin contact (SSC) on the rate of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) at 6 weeks of age among term neonates born by vaginal delivery. Term neonates born by vaginal delivery and did not require any resuscitation were randomized at birth to SSC (n=100) and control (n=100) group. Immediately after clamping the umbilical cord, SSC group neonates were placed on the bare bosom of mother and control group neonates were placed under a radiant warmer for a period of 45 minutes each while mothers underwent management of the third stage of labor and episiotomy repair. Pain experienced by mother during episiotomy repair was recorded using a numerical pain scale The primary outcome evaluated was the rate of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 weeks of postnatal age. A significantly higher proportion of neonates were exclusively breastfeed at 6 weeks of age in the SSC group than in the control group (72% vs. 57.6%, p=0.04, relative risk: 1.3, 95% confidence interval: 1.0 -1.6). The pain score during episiotomy repair in mothers of the SSC group was significantly lower than the control group (4.74±0.85 versus 5.34±0.81; P <0.01). Early SSC significantly improved the rate of exclusively breastfeeding at 6 weeks of age among healthy term neonates. An important additional effect was a decrease in the amount of pain that mothers in the SSC group experienced during episiotomy repair.

Sexual function in Italian women with systemic sclerosis is affected by disease-related and psychological concerns.

PubMed

Maddali Bongi, Susanna; Del Rosso, Angela; Mikhaylova, Svetlana; Baccini, Marco; Matucci Cerinic, Marco

2013-10-01

In patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), sexual function is somewhat impaired. Our aim was to evaluate sexual function in women with SSc in comparison to controls, and to investigate the association with sociodemographic and disease characteristics, and physical and psychological variables. Forty-six women with SSc and 46 healthy women were assessed for sociodemographic characteristics and gynecological development and administered the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced-New Italian Version, and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue Scale. Patients were also assessed for disease duration and subset, Female Sexual Function in SSc, Hand Mobility in Scleroderma test (HAMIS), Cochin Hand Functional Disability Scale, Mouth Handicap in Systemic Sclerosis Scale (MHISS), Disability Sexual and Body Esteem Scale (PDSBE); and fist closure, hand opening, and mouth opening. In patients with SSc, only FSFI desire subscale score was significantly lower (p = 0.035) versus controls. Total FSFI score, similar to controls, was related with Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 mental component, HAQ (p = 0.022), MHISS (p = 0.038), and HAMIS (p = 0.037). In SSc, the main factors independently associated with sexual functioning were vaginal dryness [regression coefficient (B) = -0.72; p < 0.001], PDSBE (B = 0.42; p = 0.001), and HADS depression scale (B = -0.23; p = 0.035). Together, these variables explained 70% of the variance in the FSFI total score. In SSc, sexual function, although not different from controls, is influenced by specific disease-related and psychological concerns. Thus it should be included in patient evaluations and assessed in daily clinical practice.

Comparison of fluvial suspended-sediment concentrations and particle-size distributions measured with in-stream laser diffraction and in physical samples

USGS Publications Warehouse

Czuba, Jonathan A.; Straub, Timothy D.; Curran, Christopher A.; Landers, Mark N.; Domanski, Marian M.

2015-01-01

Laser-diffraction technology, recently adapted for in-stream measurement of fluvial suspended-sediment concentrations (SSCs) and particle-size distributions (PSDs), was tested with a streamlined (SL), isokinetic version of the Laser In-Situ Scattering and Transmissometry (LISST) for measuring volumetric SSCs and PSDs ranging from 1.8-415 µm in 32 log-spaced size classes. Measured SSCs and PSDs from the LISST-SL were compared to a suite of 22 datasets (262 samples in all) of concurrent suspended-sediment and streamflow measurements using a physical sampler and acoustic Doppler current profiler collected during 2010-12 at 16 U.S. Geological Survey streamflow-gaging stations in Illinois and Washington (basin areas: 38 – 69,264 km2). An unrealistically low computed effective density (mass SSC / volumetric SSC) of 1.24 g/ml (95% confidence interval: 1.05-1.45 g/ml) provided the best-fit value (R2 = 0.95; RMSE = 143 mg/L) for converting volumetric SSC to mass SSC for over 2 orders of magnitude of SSC (12-2,170 mg/L; covering a substantial range of SSC that can be measured by the LISST-SL) despite being substantially lower than the sediment particle density of 2.67 g/ml (range: 2.56-2.87 g/ml, 23 samples). The PSDs measured by the LISST-SL were in good agreement with those derived from physical samples over the LISST-SL's measureable size range. Technical and operational limitations of the LISST-SL are provided to facilitate the collection of more accurate data in the future. Additionally, the spatial and temporal variability of SSC and PSD measured by the LISST-SL is briefly described to motivate its potential for advancing our understanding of suspended-sediment transport by rivers.

Quantifying the direct public health care cost of systemic sclerosis

PubMed Central

Morrisroe, Kathleen; Stevens, Wendy; Sahhar, Joanne; Ngian, Gene-Siew; Rabusa, Candice; Ferdowsi, Nava; Hill, Catherine; Proudman, Susanna; Nikpour, Mandana

2017-01-01

Abstract To quantify the direct healthcare cost of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and identify its determinants. Healthcare use was captured through data linkage, wherein clinical and medication data for SSc patients from the state of Victoria enrolled in the Australian Scleroderma Cohort Study were linked with the Victorian hospital admissions and emergency presentations data sets, and the Medicare Benefits Schedule which contains all government subsidized ambulatory care services, for the period 2011-2015. Medication cost was determined from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Costs were extrapolated to all Australian SSc patients based on SSc prevalence of 21.1 per 100,000 and an Australian population of 24,304,682 in 2015. Determinants of healthcare cost were estimated using logistic regression. Total healthcare utilization cost to the Australian government extrapolated to all Australian SSc patients from 2011 to 2015 was Australian Dollar (AUD)$297,663,404.77, which is an average annual cost of AUD$59,532,680.95 (US Dollar [USD]$43,816,040.08) and annual cost per patient of AUD$11,607.07 (USD$8,542.80). Hospital costs, including inpatient hospitalization and emergency department presentations, accounted for the majority of these costs (44.4% of total), followed by medication cost (31.2%) and ambulatory care cost (24.4%). Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and gastrointestinal (GIT) involvement were the major determinants of healthcare cost (OR 2.3 and 1.8, P = .01 for hospitalizations; OR 2.8 and 2.0, P = .01 for ambulatory care; OR 7.8 and 1.6, P < .001 and P = .03 for medication cost, respectively). SSc is associated with substantial healthcare utilization and direct economic burden. The most costly aspects of SSc are PAH and GIT involvement. PMID:29310332

Quantifying the direct public health care cost of systemic sclerosis: A comprehensive data linkage study.

PubMed

Morrisroe, Kathleen; Stevens, Wendy; Sahhar, Joanne; Ngian, Gene-Siew; Rabusa, Candice; Ferdowsi, Nava; Hill, Catherine; Proudman, Susanna; Nikpour, Mandana

2017-12-01

To quantify the direct healthcare cost of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and identify its determinants. Healthcare use was captured through data linkage, wherein clinical and medication data for SSc patients from the state of Victoria enrolled in the Australian Scleroderma Cohort Study were linked with the Victorian hospital admissions and emergency presentations data sets, and the Medicare Benefits Schedule which contains all government subsidized ambulatory care services, for the period 2011-2015. Medication cost was determined from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Costs were extrapolated to all Australian SSc patients based on SSc prevalence of 21.1 per 100,000 and an Australian population of 24,304,682 in 2015. Determinants of healthcare cost were estimated using logistic regression. Total healthcare utilization cost to the Australian government extrapolated to all Australian SSc patients from 2011 to 2015 was Australian Dollar (AUD)$297,663,404.77, which is an average annual cost of AUD$59,532,680.95 (US Dollar [USD]$43,816,040.08) and annual cost per patient of AUD$11,607.07 (USD$8,542.80). Hospital costs, including inpatient hospitalization and emergency department presentations, accounted for the majority of these costs (44.4% of total), followed by medication cost (31.2%) and ambulatory care cost (24.4%). Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and gastrointestinal (GIT) involvement were the major determinants of healthcare cost (OR 2.3 and 1.8, P = .01 for hospitalizations; OR 2.8 and 2.0, P = .01 for ambulatory care; OR 7.8 and 1.6, P < .001 and P = .03 for medication cost, respectively). SSc is associated with substantial healthcare utilization and direct economic burden. The most costly aspects of SSc are PAH and GIT involvement.

Anti-fibrotic characteristics of Vγ9+ γδ T cells in systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Markovits, Noa; Bendersky, Anna; Loebstein, Ronen; Brusel, Marina; Kessler, Efrat; Bank, Ilan

2016-01-01

γδ T cells of the Vγ9Vδ2 subtype secrete anti-fibrotic cytokines upon isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) stimulation. In this study, we sought to compare IPP and Zoledronate, an up-regulator of IPP, effects on proliferation and cytokine secretion of Vγ9+ T cells from systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients and healthy controls (HCs). We also examined the effect of IPP-triggered peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) on fibroblast procolla- gen secretion. PBMC from SSc patients and HCs were stimulated by increasing concentrations of Zoledronate, with or without IPP, and Vγ9+ T cell percentages were calculated using FACScan analysis. Subsequently, PBMC were cultured with IPP or toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1), and contents of the anti-fibrotic cytokines tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ were measured by ELISA kits. Finally, supernatants of IPP-triggered Vγ9+ T cells from SSc patients were added to fibroblast cultures, and relative intensities of procollagen α1 chains were determined by densinometry. Higher concentrations of Zoledronate were required for maximal proliferation of Vγ9+ T cells in 9 SSc patients compared to 9 HCs, irrespective of exogenous IPP. When compared to stimulation by TSST-1, a non-Vγ9+ selective reagent, secretion of the anti-fibrotic cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ in response to IPP was relatively diminished in SSc but not in HCs. Reduction of procollagen secretion by fibroblasts cultured with supernatants of IPP-stimulated PBMC was observed only in some SSc patients. Activated Vγ9+ T cells could act as anti-fibrotic mediators in SSc, although decreased responsiveness to IPP may play a role in the pathological fibrosis of this disease.

Influence of joint angular velocity on electrically evoked concentric force potentiation induced by stretch-shortening cycle in young adults.

PubMed

Fukutani, Atsuki; Kurihara, Toshiyuki; Isaka, Tadao

2015-01-01

During a stretch- shortening cycle (SSC), muscle force attained during concentric contractions (shortening phase) is potentiated by the preceding eccentric contractions (lengthening phase). The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of joint angular velocity on force potentiation induced by SSC (SSC effect). Twelve healthy men (age, 24.2 ± 3.2 years; height, 1.73 ± 0.05 m; body mass, 68.1 ± 11.0 kg) participated in this study. Ankle joint angle was passively moved by a dynamometer, with range of motion from dorsiflexion (DF) 15° to plantarflexion (PF) 15°. Muscle contractions were evoked by tetanic electrical stimulation. Joint angular velocity of concentric contraction was set at 30°/s and 150°/s. Magnitude of SSC effect was calculated as the ratio of joint torque obtained by concentric contraction with preliminary eccentric contraction trial relative to that obtained by concentric contraction without preliminary eccentric contraction trial. As a result, magnitude of SSC effect calculated at three joint angles was significantly larger in the 150°/s condition than in the 30°/s condition (p < 0.05). These results indicate that the magnitude of SSC effect is affected by joint angular velocity, which is larger when joint angular velocity is larger. This phenomenon would be caused by insufficient duration to increase activation level in the large joint angular velocity condition. When the duration to increase activation level is insufficient due to short contraction duration, preactivation (one of the factors of SSC effect) leads to a significant increase in joint torque.

Whole-lung volume and density in spirometrically-gated inspiratory and expiratory CT in systemic sclerosis: correlation with static volumes at pulmonary function tests.

PubMed

Camiciottoli, G; Diciotti, S; Bartolucci, M; Orlandi, I; Bigazzi, F; Matucci-Cerinic, M; Pistolesi, M; Mascalchi, M

2013-03-01

Spiral low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) permits to measure whole-lung volume and density in a single breath-hold. To evaluate the agreement between static lung volumes measured with LDCT and pulmonary function test (PFT) and the correlation between the LDCT volumes and lung density in restrictive lung disease. Patients with Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) with (n = 24) and without (n = 16) pulmonary involvement on sequential thin-section CT and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)(n = 29) underwent spirometrically-gated LDCT at 90% and 10% of vital capacity to measure inspiratory and expiratory lung volumes and mean lung attenuation (MLA). Total lung capacity and residual volume were measured the same day of CT. Inspiratory [95% limits of agreement (95% LoA)--43.8% and 39.2%] and expiratory (95% LoA -45.8% and 37.1%) lung volumes measured on LDCT and PFT showed poor agreement in SSc patients with pulmonary involvement, whereas they were in substantial agreement (inspiratory 95% LoA -14.1% and 16.1%; expiratory 95% LoA -13.5% and 23%) in SSc patients without pulmonary involvement and in inspiratory scans only (95% LoA -23.1% and 20.9%) of COPD patients. Inspiratory and expiratory LDCT volumes, MLA and their deltas differentiated both SSc patients with or without pulmonary involvement from COPD patients. LDCT lung volumes and density were not correlated in SSc patients with pulmonary involvement, whereas they did correlate in SSc without pulmonary involvement and in COPD patients. In restrictive lung disease due to SSc there is poor agreement between static lung volumes measured using LDCT and PFT and the relationship between volume and density values on CT is altered.

[Determination of soluble solids content in Nanfeng Mandarin by Vis/NIR spectroscopy and UVE-ICA-LS-SVM].

PubMed

Sun, Tong; Xu, Wen-Li; Hu, Tian; Liu, Mu-Hua

2013-12-01

The objective of the present research was to assess soluble solids content (SSC) of Nanfeng mandarin by visible/near infrared (Vis/NIR) spectroscopy combined with new variable selection method, simplify prediction model and improve the performance of prediction model for SSC of Nanfeng mandarin. A total of 300 Nanfeng mandarin samples were used, the numbers of Nanfeng mandarin samples in calibration, validation and prediction sets were 150, 75 and 75, respectively. Vis/NIR spectra of Nanfeng mandarin samples were acquired by a QualitySpec spectrometer in the wavelength range of 350-1000 nm. Uninformative variables elimination (UVE) was used to eliminate wavelength variables that had few information of SSC, then independent component analysis (ICA) was used to extract independent components (ICs) from spectra that eliminated uninformative wavelength variables. At last, least squares support vector machine (LS-SVM) was used to develop calibration models for SSC of Nanfeng mandarin using extracted ICs, and 75 prediction samples that had not been used for model development were used to evaluate the performance of SSC model of Nanfeng mandarin. The results indicate t hat Vis/NIR spectroscopy combinedwith UVE-ICA-LS-SVM is suitable for assessing SSC o f Nanfeng mandarin, and t he precision o f prediction ishigh. UVE--ICA is an effective method to eliminate uninformative wavelength variables, extract important spectral information, simplify prediction model and improve the performance of prediction model. The SSC model developed by UVE-ICA-LS-SVM is superior to that developed by PLS, PCA-LS-SVM or ICA-LS-SVM, and the coefficient of determination and root mean square error in calibration, validation and prediction sets were 0.978, 0.230%, 0.965, 0.301% and 0.967, 0.292%, respectively.

Cough is less common and less severe in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease compared to other fibrotic interstitial lung diseases.

PubMed

Cheng, Jasmine Z; Wilcox, Pearce G; Glaspole, Ian; Corte, Tamera J; Murphy, Darra; Hague, Cameron J; Ryerson, Christopher J

2017-11-01

The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and characteristics of cough in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) and systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). Cough severity was measured in consecutive patients with IPF (n = 77), HP (n = 32) and SSc-ILD (n = 67) using a 10-cm visual analogue scale (VAS). Dyspnoea and quality of life were measured using established questionnaires. Cough severity was compared across ILD subtypes and predictors of cough severity were determined using multivariate analysis. Cough was more common in IPF and chronic HP compared to SSc-ILD (87% and 83% vs 68%, P = 0.02). The median (interquartile range) VAS score was 39 (17-65) in the IPF cohort, 29 (11-48) in HP and 18 (0-33) in SSc-ILD (P < 0.0001). Cough was more often productive in chronic HP and IPF (63% and 43% vs 21%, P < 0.001). Cough severity was independently predicted only by ILD diagnosis and higher dyspnoea score. Cough severity was not associated with other common causes of cough. Cough was a significant predictor of quality of life in IPF and SSc-ILD with adjustment for age, sex, dyspnoea and ILD severity; however, cough was not associated with quality of life in chronic HP. Cough is more frequent, more severe and more often productive in IPF and chronic HP compared to SSc-ILD, despite similar ILD severity in these cohorts. Cough severity is strongly and independently associated with dyspnoea and pulmonary function, and is a significant contributor to reduced quality of life in both IPF and SSc-ILD. © 2017 Asian Pacific Society of Respirology.

Potential immunologic targets for treating fibrosis in systemic sclerosis: a review focused on leukocytes and cytokines.

PubMed

Hasegawa, Minoru; Takehara, Kazuhiko

2012-12-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease characterized by tissue fibrosis. Although the pathogenesis remains unclear, a variety of cells contribute to the fibrotic process via interactions with each other and production of various cytokines. Recent literature related to the immunologic pathogenesis and future strategies for treating the fibrosis of SSc are discussed and, especially, this literature-based review that includes the authors' perspective, focused on leukocytes and cytokines. A PubMed search for articles published between January 2005 and January 2012 was conducted using the following keywords: systemic sclerosis, leukocyte, cytokine, growth factor, and chemokine. The reference lists of identified articles were searched for further articles. Targeting profibrogenic cytokines, including transforming growth factor-β, is still a very active area of research in SSc and most cellular studies have focused on the roles of fibroblasts in SSc. However, a growing number of recent studies indicate a role for B cells in the development of SSc and other autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus. Therefore, B-cell-targeted therapies, including currently available monoclonal antibodies against CD19, CD20, CD22, and B-cell-activating factor, belonging to the tumor necrosis factor family represent possible treatment options. Furthermore, the modulation of T-cell costimulatory molecules such as a recombinant fusion protein of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 may be as effective in SSc as it is in treating other autoimmune diseases. Approaches to antagonize interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, or IL-17A signaling may also be attractive. This review describes recent advances in the treatment of fibrosis in SSc patients focused on immunologic strategies, such as leukocyte- or cytokine-targeted therapies. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pulmonary function tests as outcomes for systemic sclerosis interstitial lung disease.

PubMed

Caron, Melissa; Hoa, Sabrina; Hudson, Marie; Schwartzman, Kevin; Steele, Russell

2018-06-30

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc). We performed a systematic review to characterise the use and validation of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) as surrogate markers for systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) progression.Five electronic databases were searched to identify all relevant studies. Included studies either used at least one PFT measure as a longitudinal outcome for SSc-ILD progression ( i.e. outcome studies) and/or reported at least one classical measure of validity for the PFTs in SSc-ILD ( i.e. validation studies).This systematic review included 169 outcome studies and 50 validation studies. Diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide ( D LCO ) was cumulatively the most commonly used outcome until 2010 when it was surpassed by forced vital capacity (FVC). FVC (% predicted) was the primary endpoint in 70.4% of studies, compared to 11.3% for % predicted D LCO Only five studies specifically aimed to validate the PFTs: two concluded that D LCO was the best measure of SSc-ILD extent, while the others did not favour any PFT. These studies also showed respectable validity measures for total lung capacity (TLC).Despite the current preference for FVC, available evidence suggests that D LCO and TLC should not yet be discounted as potential surrogate markers for SSc-ILD progression. Copyright ©ERS 2018.

The role of sublithospheric gravitational instability on oceanic intraplate volcanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ballmer, M. D.; van Hunen, J.; Ito, G.; Tackley, P. J.; Bianco, T. A.

2009-12-01

Some intraplate volcano chains in the Pacific violate the predictions of the hotspot hypothesis for geographic age progressions. One mechanism invoked to explain these observations is small-scale sublithospheric convection (SSC). We explore this concept in fully thermo-chemical, 3D-numerical models. Melting due to SSC is shown to emerge along hot-lines of length >1000 km parallel to plate motion and not just at a fixed spot; therefore volcanism occurs in chains but not with hotspot-like linear age progressions. Our models predict many of the key observations along the Pukapuka ridges, and the volcano groups associated with the Marshalls, Gilberts, Cook-Australs, Wake seamounts and Marshall Islands. SSC volcanism may further play a role for volcanism at major mantle plumes - such as the Hawaiian plume. Plume models have successfully predicted most of the first-order observations at Hawaii hotspot. However, the details of plume-plate interaction and the origin of secondary volcanism still remain to be understood. Small-scale convection (SSC) in the 'pancake' of the Hawaii plume is a possible candidate for lithospheric thinning downstream Hawaii. Low asthenospheric viscosities and lateral density heterogeneity are triggers for SSC - and are both provided by the Hawaiian plume. SSC should also already be developed before the arrival of the Hawaiian plume, which hits mature oceanic lithosphere (of age ~90 Myrs) with important effects on plume-plate interaction and magma generation.

Differential diagnosis of critical digital ischemia in systemic sclerosis: Report of five cases and review of the literature.

PubMed

Sharp, Charlotte A; Akram, Qasim; Hughes, Michael; Muir, Lindsay; Herrick, Ariane L

2016-10-01

Critical digital ischemia is a rare, but serious complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and is not always due solely to the non-inflammatory angiopathy that characterizes the SSc disease process. Our objective was to illustrate the range of presentations and causes of critical digital ischemia in patients with SSc in order to highlight how optimal management is dependent upon establishing the correct diagnosis. Five cases exemplifying differential diagnoses were identified and their case notes reviewed in order to extract clinically relevant data and images. A review of the literature was performed in PubMed in English. Causes of critical digital ischemia included typical micro-angiopathic changes and proximal (large vessel) disease. One case highlighted the difficulty of ascertaining whether an inflammatory cause is also present in SSc/SLE overlap syndrome. Two cases demonstrated embolic causes (thromboembolism due to atrial fibrillation and septic emboli). Critical digital ischemia in patients with SSc requires thorough investigation in order to avoid missing additional potentially modifiable causes including large vessel disease, inflammation, embolism, infection, and paraneoplastic syndromes. A firm evidence base for current medical and surgical interventions is lacking, highlighting the need for further research into the optimum management of this rare, but painful, debilitating, and limb-threatening complication of SSc. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Hughes, Michael; Herrick, Ariane L

2017-01-01

Digital ulcers (DUs) are a common visible manifestation of the progressive vascular disease that characterizes the SSc disease process. DUs not only impact significantly on patients' quality of life and hand function, but are also a biomarker of internal organ involvement and of disease severity. The aetiology of (digital) vascular disease in SSc is multifactorial, and many of these factors are potentially amenable to therapeutic intervention. The management of DU disease in SSc is multifaceted. Patient education and non-pharmacological interventions (e.g. smoking cessation) should not be neglected. There are a number of drug therapies available to prevent (e.g. phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors and ET receptor-1 antagonists) and treat (e.g. i.v. iloprost) DUs. DUs are also important for two other reasons: firstly, as a primary end point in SSc-related clinical trials; and secondly, DUs are included in the ACR/EULAR SSc classification criteria. However, the reliability of rheumatologists to grade DUs is poor to moderate at best, and this poses challenges in both clinical practice and research. The purpose of this review is to provide the reader with a description of the spectrum of DU disease in SSc including pathophysiology, epidemiology and clinical burden, all of which inform the multifaceted approach to management. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Rheumatology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Epstein-Barr virus infection induces aberrant TLR activation pathway and fibroblast-myofibroblast conversion in scleroderma.

PubMed

Farina, Antonella; Cirone, Mara; York, Michael; Lenna, Stefania; Padilla, Cristina; Mclaughlin, Sarah; Faggioni, Alberto; Lafyatis, Robert; Trojanowska, Maria; Farina, Giuseppina A

2014-04-01

Scleroderma (SSc) is a complex and heterogeneous connective tissue disease mainly characterized by autoimmunity, vascular damage, and fibrosis that mostly involve the skin and lungs. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a lymphotropic γ-herpesvirus that has co-evolved with human species, infecting >95% of the adult population worldwide, and has been a leading candidate in triggering several autoimmune diseases. Here we show that EBV establishes infection in the majority of fibroblasts and endothelial cells in the skin of SSc patients, characterized by the expression of the EBV noncoding small RNAs (EBERs) and the increased expression of immediate-early lytic and latency mRNAs and proteins. We report that EBV is able to persistently infect human SSc fibroblasts in vitro, inducing an aberrant innate immune response in infected cells. EBV-Toll-like receptor (TLR) aberrant activation induces the expression of selected IFN-regulatory factors (IRFs), IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1), and several markers of fibroblast activation, such as smooth muscle actin and Endothelin-1, and all of these genes play a key role in determining the profibrotic phenotype in SSc fibroblasts. These findings imply that EBV infection occurring in mesenchymal, endothelial, and immune cells of SSc patients may underlie the main pathological features of SSc including autoimmunity, vasculopathy, and fibrosis, and provide a unified disease mechanism represented by EBV reactivation.

Increased risk of mortality in systemic sclerosis-associated digital ulcers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Meunier, Pauline; Dequidt, Laure; Barnetche, Thomas; Lazaro, Estibaliz; Duffau, Pierre; Richez, Christophe; Couzi, Lionel; Truchetet, Marie-Elise; Seneschal, Julien

2018-06-10

Survival can be threatened in certain forms of systemic sclerosis (SSc) so clear prognostic factors are needed. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the association between the presence of digital ulcers (DUs) and mortality in SSc. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis in the Pubmed and Scopus databases from the earliest records to May 2017. Two research strategies were performed: « systemic sclerosis » and « digital ulcers » (strategy A); « systemic sclerosis » and « mortality » (strategy B). The primary outcome was the mortality associated with the presence of DUs in patients with SSc. The literature search identified 1473 citations. Fifty-nine studies were examined for full text. Ten articles were included for the meta-analysis. SSc patients with DUs had an increased pooled mortality risk: RR = 1.53 (IC 95%: [1.23-1.90]). This meta-analysis revealed a higher mortality in SSc patients with associated DUs. Having DUs may be a predictive factor of developing organ involvement such as pulmonary or cardiovascular events that could be associated with poor survival. It suggests that early screening of DUs in SSc patients is important to identify patients most at risk of poor survival. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Quantitative nailfold capillaroscopy findings in a population with connective tissue disease and in normal healthy controls.

PubMed Central

Kabasakal, Y; Elvins, D M; Ring, E F; McHugh, N J

1996-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To describe and quantify the morphological characteristics of nailfold capillaries that distinguish different forms of connective tissue disease from healthy controls. METHODS: A CCD video microscope with fibreoptic illumination and PC based image processing was used to visualise nailfold capillaries and to quantify findings in 23 patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), 22 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 21 patients with undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD), and 38 healthy controls. RESULTS: Capillary density was reduced in SSc (5.2 (SD 1.3) capillaries/mm) compared with other patient groups and controls. The average number of enlarged capillaries/finger was high in all disease groups (5.5-6.6) compared with controls (2). However, giant capillaries were most frequent in SSc (43%) and were not present in controls. Mild and moderate avascular areas were present in all groups (35%-68%), but severe avascularity was most frequent in SSc (44%) compared with other patients (18%-19%) and controls (0%). The greatest frequency of extensive haemorrhage was in SSc (35%). CONCLUSIONS: There is a range of abnormal capillary findings in patients with connective tissue disease and healthy controls. However, certain abnormalities such as a reduced number of capillaries, severe avascularity, giant capillaries, and haemorrhage are most commonly associated with SSc. Videomicroscopy with image processing offers many technical advantages that can be exploited in further studies of nailfold capillaries. Images PMID:8774177

A Data Mining Approach to Determine Sepsis Guideline Impact on Inpatient Mortality and Complications.

PubMed

Pruinelli, Lisiane; Yadav, Pranjul; Hangsleben, Andrew; Johnson, Jakob; Dey, Sanjoy; McCarty, Maribet; Kumar, Vipin; Delaney, Connie W; Steinbach, Michael; Westra, Bonnie L; Simon, György J

2016-01-01

Sepsis incidents have doubled from 2000 through 2008, and hospitalizations for these diagnoses have increased by 70%. The use of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) guidelines can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment; however, the effectiveness of the SSC guidelines in preventing complications for this population is unclear. The overall purpose of this study was to apply SSC guideline recommendations to EHR data for patients with severe sepsis or septic shock and determine guideline compliance as well as its impact on inpatient mortality and sepsis complications. Propensity Score Matching in conjuction with Bootstrap Simulation were used to match patients with and without exposure to the SSC recommendations. Findings showed that EHR data could be used to estimate compliance with SSC recommendations as well as the effect of compliance on outcomes. Compliance with guideline recommendations ranged from 9% to 100%. For individual recommendations with sufficient data, association with outcomes varied. Checking lactate influenced four outcomes; however, two were negative and two positive. Use of a ventilator for patients with respiratory distress had a positive association with three outcomes.

Development of Flat Roof Construction with Waterproofing from Modified Self-Compacting Concrete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bogdanov, R. R.; Ibragimov, R. A.

2017-11-01

The given article considers the issues of increase of building flat roof durability by application of the modified self-compacting concrete (SSC). When SSC was modified, a complex modifier was developed and the optimization of the complex modifier composition was carried out using a three-factor experiment. The physico-mechanical properties of the obtained SSC are determined. The microstructure and phase composition of the modified cement stone were studied. On the basis of the studies carried out, namely, X-ray phase analysis and electron microscopy, it was concluded that the reduced content of calcium hydroxide in the samples with a complex modifier is due to the adsorption of calcium hydroxide on highly dispersed particles and the reaction of interaction with metakaolin also contributing to reduction in the content of calcium hydroxide in cement stone. The received data allow one to speak about SSC high operational characteristics. With the mark for the spreading of cone P5, the modified SSC has a class of compressive strength B50, high frost resistance (F600) and water resistance (W16).

Stennis Space Center Verification & Validation Capabilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pagnutti, Mary; Ryan, Robert E.; Holekamp, Kara; ONeal, Duane; Knowlton, Kelly; Ross, Kenton; Blonski, Slawomir

2005-01-01

Scientists within NASA s Applied Sciences Directorate have developed a well-characterized remote sensing Verification & Validation (V&V) site at the John C. Stennis Space Center (SSC). This site enables the in-flight characterization of satellite and airborne high spatial and moderate resolution remote sensing systems and their products. The smaller scale of the newer high resolution remote sensing systems allows scientists to characterize geometric, spatial, and radiometric data properties using a single V&V site. The targets and techniques used to characterize data from these newer systems can differ significantly from the techniques used to characterize data from the earlier, coarser spatial resolution systems. Scientists are also using the SSC V&V site to characterize thermal infrared systems and active lidar systems. SSC employs geodetic targets, edge targets, radiometric tarps, atmospheric monitoring equipment, and thermal calibration ponds to characterize remote sensing data products. The SSC Instrument Validation Lab is a key component of the V&V capability and is used to calibrate field instrumentation and to provide National Institute of Standards and Technology traceability. This poster presents a description of the SSC characterization capabilities and examples of calibration data.

An immunogenetic study of familial scleroderma.

PubMed Central

de Juan, M D; Belzunegui, J; Belmonte, I; Barado, J; Figueroa, M; Cancio, J; Vidal, S; Cuadrado, E

1994-01-01

OBJECTIVE--To study the role of the HLA system in the genetic susceptibility to familial systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS--HLA class I antigens were determined by classic serological methods and HLA-DRB, -DQA and -DQB genes were analysed by genetic typing in 36 individuals belonging to two families with several individuals affected by SSc. RESULTS--The results did not show any association of the inheritance to SSc with any particular HLA allele in these families but revealed a striking frequency of ANA autoantibodies in healthy spouses of the members of these families. CONCLUSION--The otherwise infrequent familial incidence of SSc does not appear to be primarily linked to the HLA system in this study but it is suggested that other unknown exogenous environmental factors could be implicated in the development of the disease in families. PMID:7979601

Enhancement of thioredoxin/glutaredoxin-mediated L-cysteine synthesis from S-sulfocysteine increases L-cysteine production in Escherichia coli

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Escherichia coli has two L-cysteine biosynthetic pathways; one is synthesized from O-acetyl L-serine (OAS) and sulfate by L-cysteine synthase (CysK), and another is produced via S-sulfocysteine (SSC) from OAS and thiosulfate by SSC synthase (CysM). SSC is converted into L-cysteine and sulfite by an uncharacterized reaction. As thioredoxins (Trx1 and Trx2) and glutaredoxins (Grx1, Grx2, Grx3, Grx4, and NrdH) are known as reductases of peptidyl disulfides, overexpression of such reductases might be a good way for improving L-cysteine production to accelerate the reduction of SSC in E. coli. Results Because the redox enzymes can reduce the disulfide that forms on proteins, we first tested whether these enzymes catalyze the reduction of SSC to L-cysteine. All His-tagged recombinant enzymes, except for Grx4, efficiently convert SSC into L-cysteine in vitro. Overexpression of Grx1 and NrdH enhanced a 15-40% increase in the E. coliL-cysteine production. On the other hand, disruption of the cysM gene cancelled the effect caused by the overexpression of Grx1 and NrdH, suggesting that its improvement was due to the efficient reduction of SSC under the fermentative conditions. Moreover, L-cysteine production in knockout mutants of the sulfite reductase genes (ΔcysI and ΔcysJ) and the L-cysteine synthase gene (ΔcysK) each decreased to about 50% of that in the wild-type strain. Interestingly, there was no significant difference in L-cysteine production between wild-type strain and gene deletion mutant of the upstream pathway of sulfite (ΔcysC or ΔcysH). These results indicate that sulfite generated from the SSC reduction is available as the sulfur source to produce additional L-cysteine molecule. It was finally found that in the E. coliL-cysteine producer that co-overexpress glutaredoxin (NrdH), sulfite reductase (CysI), and L-cysteine synthase (CysK), there was the highest amount of L-cysteine produced per cell. Conclusions In this work, we showed that Grx1 and NrdH reduce SSC to L-cysteine, and the generated sulfite is then utilized as the sulfur source to produce additional L-cysteine molecule through the sulfate pathway in E. coli. We also found that co-overexpression of NrdH, CysI, and CysK increases L-cysteine production. Our results propose that the enhancement of thioredoxin/glutaredoxin-mediated L-cysteine synthesis from SSC is a novel method for improvement of L-cysteine production. PMID:22607201

Reflectance spectroscopy for the assessment of soil salt content in soils of the yellow river delta of China

USGS Publications Warehouse

Weng, Yongling; Gong, P.; Zhu, Z.

2008-01-01

There has been growing interest in the use of reflectance spectroscopy as a rapid and inexpensive tool for soil characterization. In this study, we collected 95 soil samples from the Yellow River Delta of China to investigate the level of soil salinity in relation to soil spectra. Sample plots were selected based on a field investigation and the corresponding soil salinity classification map to maximize variations of saline characteristics in the soil. Spectral reflectances of air-dried soil samples were measured using an Analytical Spectral Device (ASD) spectrometer (350-2500 nm) with an artificial light source. In the Yellow River Delta, the dominant chemical in the saline soil was NaCl and MgCl2. Soil spectra were analysed using two-thirds of the available samples, with the remaining one-third withheld for validation purposes. The analysis indicated that with some preprocessing, the reflectance at 1931-2123 nm and 2153-2254 nm was highly correlated with soil salt content (SSC). In the spectral region of 1931-2123 nm, the correlation R ranged from -0.80 to -0.87. In the region of 2153-2254 nm, the SSC was positively correlated with preprocessed reflectance (0.79-0.88). The preprocessing was done by fitting a convex hull to the reflectance curve and dividing the spectral reflectance by the value of the corresponding convex hull band by band. This process is called continuum removal, and the resulting ratio is called continuum removed reflectance (CR reflectance). However, the SSC did not have a high correlation with the unprocessed reflectance, and the correlation was always negative in the entire spectrum (350-2500 nm) with the strongest negative correlation at 1981 nm (R = -0.63). Moreover, we found a strong correlation (R=0.91) between a soil salinity index (SSI: Constructed using CR reflectance at 2052 nm and 2203 nm) and SSC. We estimated SSC as a function of SSI and SSI' (SSI': Constructed using unprocessed reflectance at 2052 nm and 2203 nm) using univariate regression. Validation of the estimation of SSC was conducted by comparing the estimated SSC with the holdout sample points. The comparison produced an estimated root mean squared error (RMSE) of 0.986 (SSC ranging from 0.06 to 12.30 g kg-1) and R2 of 0.873 for SSC with SSI as independent variable and RMSE of 1.248 and R2 of 0.8 for SSC with SSI' as independent variable. This study showed that a soil salinity index developed for CR reflectance at 2052 nm and 2203 nm on the basis of spectral absorption features of saline soil can be used as a quick and inexpensive method for soil salt-content estimation.

75 FR 32375 - New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-08

...: (978) 465-0492. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Tuesday, June 22, 2010 Following introductions and any... the Scientific and Statistical Committee's (SSC) report on its most recent meeting. The SSC's topics...

Association of interleukin-1 family cytokines single nucleotide polymorphisms with susceptibility to systemic sclerosis: an independent case-control study and a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Huang, Xiao-Lei; Wu, Guo-Cui; Wang, Yu-Jie; Yang, Xiao-Ke; Yang, Guo-Jun; Tao, Jin-Hui; Duan, Yu; Yan, Jun-Wei; Li, Xiang-Pei; Ye, Dong-Qing; Wang, Jing

2016-08-01

The aim of our study was to investigate the association of five single nucleotide polymorphisms in interleukin-1 (IL-1) gene with susceptibility to systemic sclerosis (SSc) in a Chinese population. A total of 58 SSc patients and 113 healthy controls were enrolled. TaqMan allele discrimination assay was performed to detect the genotyping of IL-1A -889C/T (rs1800587), IL-1B -511C/T (rs16944), IL-18 -607C/A (rs1946518), IL-18 -137G/C (rs187238) and IL-33 rs7044343. The association between these SNPs and SSc risk was analyzed. Furthermore, a meta-analysis of relevant studies on the association of IL-1A -889C/T (rs1800587) and IL-1B -511C/T (rs16944) with the susceptibility to SSc was performed. Through the genotyping, significant associations for SSc were found for: IL-1A -889C/T genotype frequencies (P = 0.000), dominant model (P = 0.000), recessive model (P = 0.001) and allele T frequency (P = 0.000). Among SSc patients, dyspnea was significantly associated with IL-18 -607C/A genotype frequency and IL-33 rs7044343 allele frequency (P = 0.037, P = 0.042, respectively). In addition, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate was significantly associated with IL-18 -137G/C (rs187238) genotype and allele frequency (P = 0.019, P = 0.006, respectively). While meta-analysis showed there was no significant association between IL-1A -889C/T polymorphism and SSc, for IL-1B -511C/T (rs16944), significant associations were found in the comparison of allele C versus T (OR 1.267, 95 % CI 1.016-1.580) by combined different outcomes. Results showed that IL-1A -889C/T (rs1800587) was associated with SSc susceptibility in the Chinese population. However, this association was not supported by a meta-analysis of all relevant studies. Further investigations are required to verify our findings.

Safety and effectiveness of skin-to-skin contact in the NICU to support neurodevelopment in vulnerable preterm infants.

PubMed

Carbasse, Aurélia; Kracher, Sylvie; Hausser, Martine; Langlet, Claire; Escande, Benoît; Donato, Lionel; Astruc, Dominique; Kuhn, Pierre

2013-01-01

Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) is a cornerstone of neurodevelopmentally supportive and family-oriented care for very low-birth-weight preterm infants (VPIs). However, performing SSC with unstable and/or ventilated VPIs remains challenging for caregiving teams and/or controversial in the literature. We first aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of SSC with vulnerable VPIs in a neonatal intensive care unit over 12 months. Our second aim was to evaluate the impact of the respiratory support (intubation or not) and of the infant's weight (above or below 1000 g) on the effects of SSC. Vital signs, body temperature, and oxygen requirement data were prospectively recorded by each infant's nurse before (baseline), during (3 time points), and after their first or first 2 SSC episodes. We compared the variations of each parameter from baseline (analysis of variance for repeated measures with post hoc analysis when appropriate). We studied 141 SSCs in 96 VPIs of 28 (24-33) weeks' gestational age, at 12 (0-55) days of postnatal age, and at a postmenstrual age of 30.5 (±1.5) weeks. During SSC, there were statistically significant increases in oxygen saturation (Sao2) (P < .001) with decreases in oxygen requirement (P = .043), a decrease in heart rate toward stability (P < .01) but a transient and moderate decrease in mean axillary temperature following the transfer from bed to mother (P < .05). Apneas/bradycardias requiring minor intervention occurred in 19 (13%) SSCs, without need for SSC termination. These variations were similar for intubated newborns (18%) as compared with newborns on nasal continuous positive airway pressure (52%) or breathing room air (30%). However, ventilated infants exhibited a significant increase in transcutaneous partial pressure of carbon dioxide (TcPco2) (P = .01), although remaining in a clinically acceptable range, and a greater decrease in oxygen requirements during SSC (P < .001) than nonventilated infants. Skin-to-skin contact in the neonatal intensive care unit seems safe and effective even in ventilated VPIs. Recording physiologic data of infants before, during, and after SCC provides data needed to secure changes of practice in SCC.

A novel multi-network approach reveals tissue-specific cellular modulators of fibrosis in systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Taroni, Jaclyn N; Greene, Casey S; Martyanov, Viktor; Wood, Tammara A; Christmann, Romy B; Farber, Harrison W; Lafyatis, Robert A; Denton, Christopher P; Hinchcliff, Monique E; Pioli, Patricia A; Mahoney, J Matthew; Whitfield, Michael L

2017-03-23

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multi-organ autoimmune disease characterized by skin fibrosis. Internal organ involvement is heterogeneous. It is unknown whether disease mechanisms are common across all involved affected tissues or if each manifestation has a distinct underlying pathology. We used consensus clustering to compare gene expression profiles of biopsies from four SSc-affected tissues (skin, lung, esophagus, and peripheral blood) from patients with SSc, and the related conditions pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and pulmonary arterial hypertension, and derived a consensus disease-associate signature across all tissues. We used this signature to query tissue-specific functional genomic networks. We performed novel network analyses to contrast the skin and lung microenvironments and to assess the functional role of the inflammatory and fibrotic genes in each organ. Lastly, we tested the expression of macrophage activation state-associated gene sets for enrichment in skin and lung using a Wilcoxon rank sum test. We identified a common pathogenic gene expression signature-an immune-fibrotic axis-indicative of pro-fibrotic macrophages (MØs) in multiple tissues (skin, lung, esophagus, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells) affected by SSc. While the co-expression of these genes is common to all tissues, the functional consequences of this upregulation differ by organ. We used this disease-associated signature to query tissue-specific functional genomic networks to identify common and tissue-specific pathologies of SSc and related conditions. In contrast to skin, in the lung-specific functional network we identify a distinct lung-resident MØ signature associated with lipid stimulation and alternative activation. In keeping with our network results, we find distinct MØ alternative activation transcriptional programs in SSc-associated PF lung and in the skin of patients with an "inflammatory" SSc gene expression signature. Our results suggest that the innate immune system is central to SSc disease processes but that subtle distinctions exist between tissues. Our approach provides a framework for examining molecular signatures of disease in fibrosis and autoimmune diseases and for leveraging publicly available data to understand common and tissue-specific disease processes in complex human diseases.

Biomarkers to identify ILD and predict lung function decline in scleroderma lung disease or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

PubMed

Kennedy, Barry; Branagan, Peter; Moloney, Fiachra; Haroon, Muhammad; O'Connell, Oisin J; O'Connor, Terence M; O'Regan, Kevin; Harney, Sinead; Henry, Michael T

2015-09-14

SSc-ILD and IPF demonstrate significant morbidity and mortality. Predicting disease progression is challenging in both diseases. We sought a serum biomarker that could identify patients with SSc-ILD or IPF and prospectively predict short-term decline in lung function in these patients. 10 healthy controls, 5 SSc w/o ILD, 6 SSc-ILD and 13 IPF patients underwent venesection. An array of cytokines including KL-6, SP-D and MMP7 were measured. PFTs were obtained at baseline and six months. Cytokine measurements were correlated with PFTs. KL-6 in IPF patients (633 ng/ml, IQR 492-1675) was significantly elevated compared to controls (198 ng/ml, IQR 52-360, p<0.01) and SSc w/o ILD patients (192 ng/ml, IQR 0-524, p<0.05); KL-6 in SSc-ILD patients (836 ng/ml, IQR 431-1303) was significantly higher than in controls (p<0.05). SP-D was significantly higher in IPF patients (542 ng/ml, IQR 305-577) compared to controls (137 ng/ml, IQR 97-284, p<0.01) or to SSc w/o ILD patients (169 ng/ml, IQR 137-219, p<0.05). In comparison with controls (0.0 ng/ml, IQR 0.0-0.6), MMP7 was significantly higher in both IPF patients (2.85 ng/ml, IQR 1.5-3.6, p<0.05) and SSc-ILD patients (5.41 ng/ml, IQR 2.6-7.2, p<0.001). Using a cut-off level of 459ng/ml for KL-6 and of 1.28 ng/ml for MMP7, 18 out of 19 patients with ILD had a serum value of either KL-6 or MMP7 above these thresholds. For all ILD patients, baseline serum SP-D correlated with ΔFVC %pred over six months (r=-0.63, p=0.005, 95% CI -0.85 to -0.24). Combining KL-6 with MMP7 may be a useful screening tool for patients at risk of ILD. SP-D may predict short-term decline in lung function.

Searching Novel Therapeutic Targets for Scleroderma: P2X7-Receptor Is Up-regulated and Promotes a Fibrogenic Phenotype in Systemic Sclerosis Fibroblasts

PubMed Central

Gentile, Daniela; Lazzerini, Pietro E.; Gamberucci, Alessandra; Natale, Mariarita; Selvi, Enrico; Vanni, Francesca; Alì, Alessandra; Taddeucci, Paolo; Del-Ry, Silvia; Cabiati, Manuela; Della-Latta, Veronica; Abraham, David J.; Morales, Maria A.; Fulceri, Rosella; Laghi-Pasini, Franco; Capecchi, Pier L.

2017-01-01

Objectives: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disorder presenting fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, for which no effective treatments are currently available. Increasing evidence indicates that the P2X7 receptor (P2X7R), a nucleotide-gated ionotropic channel primarily involved in the inflammatory response, may also have a key role in the development of tissue fibrosis in different body districts. This study was aimed at investigating P2X7R expression and function in promoting a fibrogenic phenotype in dermal fibroblasts from SSc patients, also analyzing putative underlying mechanistic pathways. Methods: Fibroblasts were isolated by skin biopsy from 9 SSc patients and 8 healthy controls. P2X7R expression, and function (cytosolic free Ca2+ fluxes, α-smooth muscle actin [α-SMA] expression, cell migration, and collagen release) were studied. Moreover, the role of cytokine (interleukin-1β, interleukin-6) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) production, and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) activation in mediating P2X7R-dependent pro-fibrotic effects in SSc fibroblasts was evaluated. Results: P2X7R expression and Ca2+ permeability induced by the selective P2X7R agonist 2′-3′-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)ATP (BzATP) were markedly higher in SSc than control fibroblasts. Moreover, increased αSMA expression, cell migration, CTGF, and collagen release were observed in lipopolysaccharides-primed SSc fibroblasts after BzATP stimulation. While P2X7-induced cytokine changes did not affect collagen production, it was completely abrogated by inhibition of the ERK pathway. Conclusion: In SSc fibroblasts, P2X7R is overexpressed and its stimulation induces Ca2+-signaling activation and a fibrogenic phenotype characterized by increased migration and collagen production. These data point to the P2X7R as a potential, novel therapeutic target for controlling exaggerated collagen deposition and tissue fibrosis in patients with SSc. PMID:28955239

Netrin-1 Regulates Fibrocyte Accumulation in the Decellularized Fibrotic Sclerodermatous Lung Microenvironment and in Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis.

PubMed

Sun, Huanxing; Zhu, Yangyang; Pan, Hongyi; Chen, Xiaosong; Balestrini, Jenna L; Lam, TuKiet T; Kanyo, Jean E; Eichmann, Anne; Gulati, Mridu; Fares, Wassim H; Bai, Hanwen; Feghali-Bostwick, Carol A; Gan, Ye; Peng, Xueyan; Moore, Meagan W; White, Eric S; Sava, Parid; Gonzalez, Anjelica L; Cheng, Yuwei; Niklason, Laura E; Herzog, Erica L

2016-05-01

Fibrocytes are collagen-producing leukocytes that accumulate in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma)-related interstitial lung disease (ILD) via unknown mechanisms that have been associated with altered expression of neuroimmune proteins. The extracellular matrix (ECM) influences cellular phenotypes. However, a relationship between the lung ECM and fibrocytes in SSc has not been explored. The aim of this study was to use a novel translational platform based on decellularized human lungs to determine whether the lung ECM of patients with scleroderma controls the development of fibrocytes from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We performed biomechanical evaluation of decellularized scaffolds prepared from lung explants from healthy control subjects and patients with scleroderma, using tensile testing and biochemical and proteomic analysis. Cells obtained from healthy controls and patients with SSc-related ILD were cultured on these scaffolds, and CD45+pro-ColIα1+ cells meeting the criteria for fibrocytes were quantified. The contribution of the neuromolecule netrin-1 to fibrosis was assessed using neutralizing antibodies in this system and by administering bleomycin via inhalation to netrin-1(+/-) mice. Compared with control lung scaffolds, lung scaffolds from patients with SSc-related ILD showed aberrant anatomy, enhanced stiffness, and abnormal ECM composition. Culture of control cells in lung scaffolds from patients with SSc-related ILD increased production of pro-ColIα1+ cells, which was stimulated by enhanced stiffness and abnormal ECM composition. Cells from patients with SSc-related ILD demonstrated increased pro-ColIα1 responsiveness to lung scaffolds from scleroderma patients but not enhanced stiffness. Enhanced detection of netrin-1-expressing CD14(low) cells in patients with SSc-related ILD was observed, and antibody-mediated netrin-1 neutralization attenuated detection of CD45+pro-ColIα1+ cells in all settings. Netrin-1(+/-) mice were protected against bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis and fibrocyte accumulation. Factors present in the lung matrices of patients with scleroderma regulate fibrocyte accumulation via a netrin-1-dependent pathway. Netrin-1 regulates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Netrin-1 might be a novel therapeutic target in SSc-related ILD. © 2016, American College of Rheumatology.

Design and Activation of a LOX/GH Chemical Steam Generator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saunders, G. P.; Mulkey, C. A.; Taylor, S. A.

2009-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to give a detailed description of the design and activation of the LOX/GH fueled chemical steam generator installed in Cell 2 of the E3 test facility at Stennis Space Center, MS (SSC). The steam generator uses a liquid oxygen oxidizer with gaseous hydrogen fuel. The combustion products are then quenched with water to create steam at pressures from 150 to 450 psig at temperatures from 350 to 750 deg F (from saturation to piping temperature limits).

System Design and Nonlinear State-Dependent Riccati Equation Control of an Autonomous Y-4 Tilt-Rotor Aerobot for Martian Exploration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Collins, Nathan Scott

Surrey Space Centre (SSC) has been working on an autonomous fixed-wing all-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aerobot for the exploration of Mars for several years. SSC's previous designs have incorporated separate vertical lift and horizontal pusher rotors as well as a mono tilt-rotor configuration. The Martian aerobot's novel Y-4 tilt-rotor (Y4TR) design is a combination of two previous SSC designs and a step forward for planetary aerobots. The aerobot will fly as a Y4 multi-rotor during vertical flight and as a conventional flying wing during horizontal flight. The more robust Y4TR configuration utilizes two large fixed coaxial counter rotating rotors and two small tilt-rotors for vertical takeoff. The front tilt-rotors rotate during transition flight into the main horizontal flight configuration. The aerobot is a blended wing design with the wings using the "Zagi 10" airfoil blended to a center cover for the coaxial rotors. The open source design and analysis programs XROTOR, CROTOR, Q-BLADE, XFLR5, and OpenVSP were used to design and model the aerobot's four rotors and body. The baseline mission of the Y4TR remains the same as previously reported and will investigate the Isidis Planitia region on Mars over a month long period using optical sensors during flight and a surface science package when landed. During flight operations the aerobot will take off vertically, transition to horizontal flight, fly for around an hour, transition back to vertical flight, and land vertically. The flight missions will take place close to local noon to maximize power production via solar cells during flight. A nonlinear six degree of freedom (6DoF) dynamic model incorporating aerodynamic models of the aerobot's body and rotors has been developed to model the vertical, transition, and horizontal phases of flight. A nonlinear State-Dependent Riccati Equation (SDRE) controller has been developed for each of these flight phases. The nonlinear dynamic model was transformed into a pseudo-linear form based on the states and implemented in the SDRE controller. During transition flight the aerobot is over actuated and the weighted least squares (WLS) method is used for allocation of control effectors. Simulations of the aerobot flying in different configurations were performed to verify the performance of the SDRE controllers, including hover, transition, horizontal flight, altitude changes, and landing scenarios. Results from the simulations show the SDRE controller is a viable option for controlling the novel Y4TR Martian Aerobot.

Sternal Skin Conductance: A reasonable surrogate for Hot Flash Measurement?

PubMed Central

Pachman, Deirdre R.; Loprinzi, Charles L.; Novotny, Paul J; Satele, Daniel V; Linquist, Breanna M.; Wolf, Sherry; Barton, Debra L.

2013-01-01

Objective The aim of this study was to examine the accuracy of a new sternal skin conductance (SSC) device for the measurement of hot flashes, and secondly, to assess the acceptability of the device by women. Methods Three small descriptive pilot studies were performed utilizing two sequential prototypes of the SSC device developed by an engineering device company in the Midwest. The devices were worn either in a monitored setting for 24 hours or in an ambulatory setting for 5 weeks. During the study period, women recorded hot flashes in a prospective hot flash diary and also answered questions about the acceptability of wearing the SSC device. Results The first prototype was not able to collect any analyzable skin conductance data due to various malfunction issues; including poor conductance and battery failure. However, 16 patients did wear the device for 5 weeks and reported that wearing the device was acceptable, although 31% stated that it did interfere with daily activities. Hot flash data from the second prototype revealed a concordance rate between patient reported and device recorded hot flashes of 24%. Conclusions Findings from these studies support the discordance between SSC recorded and patient reported hot flashes. In addition, the studies reveal further limitations of SSC monitoring, including difficulties with data collection and lack of consistency in interpretation. Based on these results and other recent trials identifying issues with SSC methodology, it is time to find a better physiologic surrogate measure for hot flashes. PMID:23571528

Implication of IL-2/IL-21 region in systemic sclerosis genetic susceptibility

PubMed Central

Diaz-Gallo, Lina-Marcela; Simeon, Carmen P; Broen, Jasper C; Ortego-Centeno, Norberto; Beretta, Lorenzo; Vonk, Madelon C; Carreira, Patricia E; Vargas, Sofia; Román-Ivorra, José Andrés; González-Gay, Miguel A; Tolosa, Carlos; López-Longo, Francisco Javier; Espinosa, Gerard; Vicente, Esther F; Hesselstrand, Roger; Riemekasten, Gabriela; Witte, Torsten; Distler, Jörg H W; Voskuyl, Alexandre E; Schuerwegh, Annemie J; Shiels, Paul G; Nordin, Annika; Padyukov, Leonid; Hoffmann-Vold, Anna-Maria; Scorza, Raffaella; Lunardi, Claudio; Airo, Paolo; van Laar, Jacob M; Hunzelmann, Nicolas; Gathof, Birgit S; Kreuter, Alexander; Herrick, Ariane; Worthington, Jane; Denton, Christopher P; Zhou, Xiaodong; Arnett, Frank C; Fonseca, Carmen; Koeleman, Bobby PC; Assasi, Shervin; Radstake, Timothy R D J; Mayes, Maureen D; Martín, Javier

2013-01-01

Objective The interleukin 2 (IL-2) and interleukin 21 (IL-21) locus at chromosome 4q27 has been associated with several autoimmune diseases, and both genes are related to immune system functions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the IL-2/IL-21 locus in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Patients and methods The case control study included 4493 SSc Caucasian patients and 5856 healthy controls from eight Caucasian populations (Spain, Germany, The Netherlands, USA, Italy, Sweden, UK and Norway). Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs2069762, rs6822844, rs6835457 and rs907715) were genotyped using TaqMan allelic discrimination assays. Results We observed evidence of association of the rs6822844 and rs907715 variants with global SSc (pc=6.6E-4 and pc=7.2E-3, respectively). Similar statistically significant associations were observed for the limited cutaneous form of the disease. The conditional regression analysis suggested that the most likely genetic variation responsible for the association was the rs6822844 polymorphism. Consistently, the rs2069762A-rs6822844T-rs6835457G-rs907715T allelic combination showed evidence of association with SSc and limited cutaneous SSc subtype (pc=1.7E-03 and pc=8E-4, respectively). Conclusions These results suggested that the IL-2/IL-21 locus influences the genetic susceptibility to SSc. Moreover, this study provided further support for the IL-2/IL-21 locus as a common genetic factor in autoimmune diseases. PMID:23172754

The strength and hemispheric asymmetry of Equatorial Ionization Anomaly during two geomagnetic storms in 2013 from Global Ionosphere Map and SAMI2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Weihua; Zhu, Zhengping; Lan, Jiaping

2016-08-01

The variations of the strength and the hemispheric asymmetry of EIA were studied by Global Ionosphere Map (GIM) and SAMI2 during two geomagnetic storm periods in March and June 2013. Compared with the 30-days median TEC, the TEC at the two crests of EIA had small variations while the TEC at the trough had a more remarkable variation for the two storms after the SSC. The TEC difference between the two EIA peaks had an increase or decrease several hours after the SSC, the asymmetry between the two crests of EIA represented by the defined asymmetry index has no obvious variations except several hours after the SSC, and EIA strength represented by the Crest-to-Trough Ratio (CTR) had a remarkable increase one day after the SSC day for March storm and decrease several hours after the SSC for June storm. The variations last several hours, with more than 40% variations compared with the value during the quiet period. The EIA peaks were also found to move toward the equator after the SSC during the two storms. The simulation from SAMI2 and HWM07 also shows that EIA crests would move toward the equator during storm time and EIA strength would decrease, which suggests that the disturbed neutral wind and disturbed electric field may be important factors affecting the EIA during the storm periods.

Complete super-sample lensing covariance in the response approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barreira, Alexandre; Krause, Elisabeth; Schmidt, Fabian

2018-06-01

We derive the complete super-sample covariance (SSC) of the matter and weak lensing convergence power spectra using the power spectrum response formalism to accurately describe the coupling of super- to sub-survey modes. The SSC term is completely characterized by the survey window function, the nonlinear matter power spectrum and the full first-order nonlinear power spectrum response function, which describes the response to super-survey density and tidal field perturbations. Generalized separate universe simulations can efficiently measure these responses in the nonlinear regime of structure formation, which is necessary for lensing applications. We derive the lensing SSC formulae for two cases: one under the Limber and flat-sky approximations, and a more general one that goes beyond the Limber approximation in the super-survey mode and is valid for curved sky applications. Quantitatively, we find that for sky fractions fsky ≈ 0.3 and a single source redshift at zS=1, the use of the flat-sky and Limber approximation underestimates the total SSC contribution by ≈ 10%. The contribution from super-survey tidal fields to the lensing SSC, which has not been included in cosmological analyses so far, is shown to represent about 5% of the total lensing covariance on multipoles l1,l2 gtrsim 300. The SSC is the dominant off-diagonal contribution to the total lensing covariance, making it appropriate to include these tidal terms and beyond flat-sky/Limber corrections in cosmic shear analyses.

Noncanonical transforming growth factor β signaling in scleroderma fibrosis

PubMed Central

Trojanowska, Maria

2014-01-01

Purpose of review Persistent transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling is the major factor contributing to scleroderma (SSc) fibrosis. This review will summarize recent progress on the noncanonical TGF-β signaling pathways and their role in SSc fibrosis. Recent findings Canonical TGF-β signaling involves activation of the TGF-β receptors and downstream signal transducers Smad2/3. The term noncanonical TGF-β signaling includes a variety of intracellular signaling pathways activated by TGF-β independently of Smad2/3 activation. There is evidence that these pathways play important role in SSc fibrosis. In a subset of SSc fibroblasts, a multiligand receptor complex consisting of TGF-β and CCN2 receptors drives constitutive activation of the Smad1 pathway. CCN2 is also a primary effector of this pathway, thus establishing an autocrine loop that amplifies TGF-β signaling. SSc fibroblasts also demonstrate reduced expression of endogenous antagonists of TGF-β signaling including transcriptional repressors, Friend leukemia integration-1 and perixosome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, as well as inhibitor of Smad3 phosphorylation, PTEN. PTEN is a key mediator of the cross-talk between the sphingosine kinase and the TGF-β pathways. Summary Discovery of the role of noncanonical TGF-β signaling in fibrosis offers new molecular targets for the antifibrotic therapies. Due to the heterogeneous nature of SSc, knowledge of these pathways could help to tailor the therapy to the individual patient depending on the activation status of a specific profibrotic pathway. PMID:19713852

Disturbed angiogenesis in systemic sclerosis: high levels of soluble endoglin.

PubMed

Wipff, J; Avouac, J; Borderie, D; Zerkak, D; Lemarechal, H; Kahan, A; Boileau, C; Allanore, Y

2008-07-01

SSc is a CTD characterized by early generalized microangiopathy with disturbed angiogenesis. Soluble endoglin (sENG), a serum anti-angiogenic protein, has recently been described as a major actor in pre-eclampsia, another severe vascular disease with abnormal angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate, in a cross-sectional study, sENG levels together with other serum vascular markers. Serum levels of sENG were assessed by ELISA in consecutive SSc patients and controls matched for age and sex. We also measured by ELISA serum levels of VEGF and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), as respective markers of angiogenesis and endothelial dysfunction. We included 235 unrelated subjects: 187 SSc patients and 48 controls. Higher concentrations of sENG (P = 0.002) and sVEGF (P < 0.0001) were found in SSc patients compared with controls whereas there was no difference for ADMA. In multivariate analysis, sENG levels were significantly increased in SSc patients with cutaneous ulcerations (P = 0.0003), positive for ACAs (P = 0.009) and with abnormal diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide divided by alveolar volume (P = 0.03). Soluble ENG levels negatively correlated with ADMA, but no relationship was found between sENG and sVEGF. This study shows increased values of sENG in a large SSc cohort and a relevant association with a vascular phenotype. The predictive value of the biomarker sENG and its potential role on cellular endothelial disturbances remain to be determined.

Side scatter versus CD45 flow cytometric plot can distinguish acute leukaemia subtypes.

PubMed

Saksena, Annapurna; Gautam, Parul; Desai, Parth; Gupta, Naresh; Dubey, A P; Singh, Tejinder

2016-05-01

Flow cytometry is an important tool to diagnose acute leukaemia. Attempts are being made to find the minimal number of antibodies for correctly diagnosing acute leukaemia subtypes. The present study was designed to evaluate the analysis of side scatter (SSC) versus CD45 flow dot plot to distinguish acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), with minimal immunological markers. One hundred consecutive cases of acute leukaemia were evaluated for blast cluster on SSC versus CD45 plots. The parameters studied included visual shape, CD45 and side scatter expression, continuity with residual granulocytes/lymphocytes/monocytes and ratio of maximum width to maximum height (w/h). The final diagnosis of ALL and AML and their subtypes was made by morphology, cytochemistry and immunophenotyping. Two sample Wilcoxon rank-sum (Mann Whitney) test and Kruskal-Wallis equality-of-populations rank tests were applied to elucidate the significance of the above ratios of blast cluster for diagnosis of ALL, AML and their subtypes. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated and the optimal cut-offs of the w/h ratio to distinguish between ALL and AML determined. Of the 100 cases, 57 of ALL and 43 cases of AML were diagnosed. The median w/h ratio of blast population was 3.8 for ALL and 1 for AML (P<0.001). ROC had area under curve of 0.9772.The optimal cut-off of the w/h ratio for distinction of ALL from AML was found to be 1.6. Our findings suggest that if w/h ratio on SSC versus CD45 plot is less than 1.6, AML may be considered, and if it is more than 1.6, ALL may be diagnosed. Using morphometric analysis of the blast cluster on SSC versus CD45, it was possible to distinguish between ALL and AML, and their subtypes.

Disturbed balance between serum levels of receptor tyrosine kinases Tie-1, Tie-2 and angiopoietins in systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Gerlicz, Zofia; Dziankowska-Bartkowiak, Bozena; Dziankowska-Zaborszczyk, Elzbieta; Sysa-Jedrzejowska, Anna

2014-01-01

The aim of this study was to determine the characteristic factors for vascular development and maintenance levels as well as correlation between Tie-1 receptors, Tie-2 receptors and the corresponding ligands--angiopoietins--in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. Serum levels of Tie-1, Tie-2, Ang-1 and Ang-2 were measured in 25 SSc patients and healthy controls. There was a statistically significant difference in serum Tie-1 (p = 0.009) and Ang-2 (p = 0.001) levels in SSc patients compared with healthy controls. Significant correlations between Tie-1 and Tie-2 (ρ = 0.70, p = 0.0001) and between Tie-1 and Ang-2 (ρ = -0.92, p = 0.002) were found in the SSc group. Serum levels of Tie-2 were positively associated with esophagus changes (U = 2.03, p = 0.041) and Ang-1 was negatively correlated with duration of Raynaud's phenomenon (ρ = -0.75, p = 0.00008). The increase in serum concentration of Tie-1 and Ang-2 in patients with SSc may confirm a molecular imbalance between receptor tyrosine kinases Tie and their ligands. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Become your own advocate: Advice from women living with scleroderma

PubMed Central

MENDELSON, CINDY; POOLE, JANET L.

2008-01-01

Purpose Systemic sclerosis (SSC) affects 300,000 people in the USA and has a significant effect on an individual’s functional ability. The purpose of this study was to outline the key components of living with the illness and to identify the information that those who are newly diagnosed would need to initiate a successful course of disease self-management. The results will provide the groundwork for development and testing of a self-paced education program for patients with SSC. Method Focus groups were conducted with 11 women diagnosed with SSC. Results Analysis of the transcripts yielded three themes, Secure Effective Medical Management, Live Your Life, and Learn Everything You Can. The thread Become Your Own Advocate wove these three themes together and illustrated that taking control of SSC is ultimately a function of self-advocacy. Conclusion For patients with SSC, taking control of their illness was a necessary component of maintaining the highest quality of life possible. A positive attitude, a strong support system, a commitment to moving forward with life, and access to high-quality, timely information all provided the participants with the tools to develop and implement a strategy of self-advocacy in disease management. PMID:17852224

Experiencing work as a daily challenge: the case of scleroderma.

PubMed

Mendelson, Cindy; Poole, Janet L; Allaire, Saralynn

2013-01-01

Little is known about the physical and discretionary aspects of work that people with scleroderma (SSc) find difficult. This article describes the findings from a study that explored the challenges and adaptations made by individuals with SSc to continue to work. Thirty-two employed individuals with SSc participated. Participants were predominantly women (82%), white (79%), and well educated (M = 16.9 years). The average age was 47.3 years, and 60.6% were married. Mean disease duration was 9.7 years, and 56.2% had diffuse SSc. Mean years on the job was 10.2 (SD ± 8.8), and 71.9% worked at least 35 hours per week. Participants engaged in a single structured interview about work-related challenges and adaptations. Content and thematic analysis was used to identify key themes across the interviews. Employees with SSc experienced Work as a daily challenge. This central theme described the general work experience for most participants. Three subthemes described their specific experiences: The work environment: Opportunities, challenges, and accommodations; Career planning; and Supportive others. The participants were anxious to find scenarios that allowed them to continue to work. Worksite accommodations and flexibility in scheduling can make the difference between working and disability.

Neuropathic pain in Systemic Sclerosis patients: A cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Sousa-Neves, Joana; Cerqueira, Marcos; Santos-Faria, Daniela; Afonso, Carmo; Teixeira, Filipa

2018-01-31

To investigate if patients with Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) show a higher prevalence of neuropathic pain (NP) in comparison with controls. To study the relationship between clinical variables of the disease and NP among SSc patients. 48 patients and 45 controls were included. Presence of NP was assessed applying the DN4 "Douleur Neuropathique en 4 Questions" questionnaire. Different clinical variables were also assessed in patients. Statistical analysis included parametric, nonparametric tests and multivariate logistic regression. NP was significantly higher in SSc patients (56.2% vs 13.3%, p<0.001). Mean Modified Rodnan Skin Score was independently associated with the presence of NP (p<0.05, OR 1.90). Peripheral nervous system involvement in SSc is not well studied and, as far as the authors are aware, this is the first study published evaluating NP in SSc patients and controls. These findings should raise the awareness of the clinician to recognize and address the presence of NP in these patients, especially in those with severe skin involvement. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and Sociedad Española de Reumatología y Colegio Mexicano de Reumatología. All rights reserved.

Ratios of total suspended solids to suspended sediment concentrations by particle size

USGS Publications Warehouse

Selbig, W.R.; Bannerman, R.T.

2011-01-01

Wet-sieving sand-sized particles from a whole storm-water sample before splitting the sample into laboratory-prepared containers can reduce bias and improve the precision of suspended-sediment concentrations (SSC). Wet-sieving, however, may alter concentrations of total suspended solids (TSS) because the analytical method used to determine TSS may not have included the sediment retained on the sieves. Measuring TSS is still commonly used by environmental managers as a regulatory metric for solids in storm water. For this reason, a new method of correlating concentrations of TSS and SSC by particle size was used to develop a series of correction factors for SSC as a means to estimate TSS. In general, differences between TSS and SSC increased with greater particle size and higher sand content. Median correction factors to SSC ranged from 0.29 for particles larger than 500m to 0.85 for particles measuring from 32 to 63m. Great variability was observed in each fraction-a result of varying amounts of organic matter in the samples. Wide variability in organic content could reduce the transferability of the correction factors. ?? 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.

A multicenter study confirms CD226 gene association with systemic sclerosis-related pulmonary fibrosis

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Introduction CD226 genetic variants have been associated with a number of autoimmune diseases and recently with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The aim of this study was to test the influence of CD226 loci in SSc susceptibility, clinical phenotypes and autoantibody status in a large multicenter European population. Methods A total of seven European populations of Caucasian ancestry were included, comprising 2,131 patients with SSc and 3,966 healthy controls. Three CD226 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs763361, rs3479968 and rs727088, were genotyped using Taqman 5'allelic discrimination assays. Results Pooled analyses showed no evidence of association of the three SNPs, neither with the global disease nor with the analyzed subphenotypes. However, haplotype block analysis revealed a significant association for the TCG haplotype (SNP order: rs763361, rs34794968, rs727088) with lung fibrosis positive patients (PBonf = 3.18E-02 OR 1.27 (1.05 to 1.54)). Conclusion Our data suggest that the tested genetic variants do not individually influence SSc susceptibility but a CD226 three-variant haplotype is related with genetic predisposition to SSc-related pulmonary fibrosis. PMID:22531499

Balancing preterm infants' developmental needs with parents' readiness for skin-to-skin care: a phenomenological study.

PubMed

Kymre, Ingjerd Gåre; Bondas, Terese

2013-07-11

The aim of this article is to articulate the essence and constituents of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses' experiences in enacting skin-to-skin care (SSC) for preterm newborns and their parents. SSC is commonly employed in high-tech NICUs, which entails a movement from maternal-infant separation. Parents' opportunities for performing the practice have been addressed to NICU staff, with attitude and environment having crucial influence. The study was carried out with a reflective lifeworld research approach. Data were collected in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway by open-dialogue interviews with a purposive sample of 18 NICU nurses to achieve the essence of and variation within the phenomenon. NICU nurses experience balancing what they consider preterm newborns' current and developmental needs, with readiness in both parents for SSC. They share an experience of a change in the history of NICU care to increased focus on the meaning of proximity and touch for the infants' development. The phenomenon of enacting SSC is characterized by a double focus with steady attention to signals from both parents and newborns. Thereby, a challenge emerges from the threshold of getting started as the catalyst to SSC.

The prevalence of infectious agents in patients with systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Bilgin, Hüseyin; Kocabaş, Hilal; Keşli, Recep

2015-01-01

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by microvascular injury, excessive extracellular matrix deposition, and fibrosis in the skin and internal organs. Bacterial and viral infectious agents have been suspected to be contributing factors in the development and progression of the pathologic features of SSc. In this study, 30 SSc patients who were admitted to the rheumatology unit of the Konya Training and Research Hospital and 30 healthy controls were included. The presence of 9 different antibodies (IgM and IgG) against Helicobacter pylori, cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and parvovirus B19 were investigated in sera samples obtained from the 60 participants using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The characteristics of current and past infections with H. pylori, CMV, EBV, and parvovirus B19 were evaluated by determining the seropositivity of the tested bacterial and viral agents. The prevalences of H. pylori, CMV, EBV, and parvovirus B19 were determined to be higher in patients with SSc than in the control group. SSc is associated with a higher rate of certain infections, which deserves further investigation in order to assess the role of infections in disease etiology/pathogenesis.

Sperm-storage defects and live birth in Drosophila females lacking spermathecal secretory cells.

PubMed

Schnakenberg, Sandra L; Matias, Wilfredo R; Siegal, Mark L

2011-11-01

Male Drosophila flies secrete seminal-fluid proteins that mediate proper sperm storage and fertilization, and that induce changes in female behavior. Females also produce reproductive-tract secretions, yet their contributions to postmating physiology are poorly understood. Large secretory cells line the female's spermathecae, a pair of sperm-storage organs. We identified the regulatory regions controlling transcription of two genes exclusively expressed in these spermathecal secretory cells (SSC): Spermathecal endopeptidase 1 (Send1), which is expressed in both unmated and mated females, and Spermathecal endopeptidase 2 (Send2), which is induced by mating. We used these regulatory sequences to perform precise genetic ablations of the SSC at distinct time points relative to mating. We show that the SSC are required for recruiting sperm to the spermathecae, but not for retaining sperm there. The SSC also act at a distance in the reproductive tract, in that their ablation: (1) reduces sperm motility in the female's other sperm-storage organ, the seminal receptacle; and (2) causes ovoviviparity--the retention and internal development of fertilized eggs. These results establish the reproductive functions of the SSC, shed light on the evolution of live birth, and open new avenues for studying and manipulating female fertility in insects.

Factors associated with gingival inflammation among adults with systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Yuen, H K; Weng, Y; Reed, S G; Summerlin, L M; Silver, R M

2014-02-01

To identify factors associated with increased gingival inflammation in adults with systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma). In this cross-sectional study, forty-eight adults with SSc received assessment of gingival inflammation using Löe and Silness gingival index (LSGI), measurement of oral aperture and evaluation of manual dexterity to perform oral hygiene using the Toothbrushing Ability Test, as well as completion of an oral health-related questionnaire. Three explanatory variables in the final multiple predictor models for the LSGI outcome were statistically significant--manual dexterity to perform oral hygiene, flossing in the evening and SSc subtype, with higher (i.e., worse) LSGI score among those with impaired manual dexterity, not flossing in the evening and diffuse form of SSc. In addition, posterior teeth had higher LSGI scores compared with that of the anterior teeth after adjusting for other variables. Results suggest that dental health professionals take manual dexterity into consideration when educating patients with SSc to improve their oral hygiene and educate them on paying more attention on cleaning their posterior teeth and the importance of flossing in the evening--especially those who only floss once a day or less often. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

STS-115 crew visits SSC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2006-01-01

Commander Brent Jett (center) talks with employees and visitors at NASA Stennis Space Center. The astronauts of NASA's STS-115 space shuttle mission visited SSC in south Mississippi to share highlights of their 12-day mission and to thank SSC employees for the reliability of the space shuttle's main engines, which helped propel Space Shuttle Atlantis into orbit. STS-115's other crewmembers are (from left) Mission Specialists Joe Tanner, Dan Burbank, Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve MacLean of the Canadian Space Agency. The mission launched Sept. 9, 2006, resuming construction of the International Space Station.

SSC Tenant Meeting: NASA Near Earth Network (NEN) Overview

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carter, David; Larsen, David; Baldwin, Philip; Wilson, Cristy; Ruley, LaMont

2018-01-01

The Near Earth Network (NEN) consists of globally distributed tracking stations that are strategically located throughout the world which provide Telemetry, Tracking, and Commanding (TTC) services support to a variety of orbital and suborbital flight missions, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO), highly elliptical, and lunar orbits. Swedish Space Corporation (SSC), which is one of the NEN Commercial Service Provider, has provided the NEN with TTC services support from its Alaska, Hawaii, Chile and Sweden. The presentation will give an overview of the NEN and its support from SSC.

Increased frequency of class I and II anti-human leukocyte antigen antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma and associated factors: a comparative study.

PubMed

Tozkir, Hilmi; Pamuk, Omer Nuri; Duymaz, Julide; Gurkan, Hakan; Yazar, Metin; Sari, Gulce; Tanrikulu, Hazel; Pamuk, Gulsum Emel

2016-12-01

There is significant autoantibody production in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and scleroderma (SSc); microchimerism is also thought to play a role in pathogenesis. We determined the frequency of anti-HLA antibodies in SLE and SSc patients and evaluated associated clinical factors. We included 77 SLE patients, 46 SSc patients and 53 healthy controls into the study. Clinical data about the patients were obtained from hospital records. Anti-human leukocyte (anti-HLA) antigen antibody analysis of sera was performed by applying Lifecodes anti-HLA Class I and Class II Screening kits based on xMAP technology. The frequencies of class I and II anti-HLA antibodies were significantly higher in SLE (27.3% and 41.6%) and SSc (26.1% and 41.3%) groups than in healthy controls (1.9% and 5.7%) (all P < 0.001). Frequencies of thrombocytopenia (P = 0.021), anti-ribonucleoprotein (P = 0.037) and anti-Ro (P = 0.027) were significantly higher in the class I antibody-positive SLE group; however, pericarditis was less frequent (P = 0.05). On the other hand, the class II antibody-positive SLE group had more frequent anti-ribosomal P antibody (P = 0.038), but less frequent active disease (P = 0.038). In the SSc group, class I antibody-positive patients had more frequent digital ulcers (P = 0.048) and anti-centromere antibodies (P = 0.01). There was no association of anti-HLA antibodies with pulmonary hypertension and interstitial fibrosis in SSc patients. Both class I and class II antibodies were found to be significantly increased in SLE and SSc. Rather than major organ involvement, anti-HLA antibodies were associated with the presence of other antibodies in both diseases. © 2014 Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Fertility and pregnancy outcome in women with systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Steen, V D; Medsger, T A

1999-04-01

To determine fertility and pregnancy outcome in women with systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) who had disease onset before age 45 years. All living women with scleroderma who had first been evaluated at the University of Pittsburgh Scleroderma Clinic after January 1, 1972 were sent a detailed self-administered questionnaire in 1986 specifically concerning pregnancy outcomes and infertility. This group was compared with 2 race- and age-matched control groups, one comprising women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and one comprising healthy neighborhood women identified by random-digit dialing. We determined the number, history, treatment, and outcome of women who either had never been pregnant or had attempted to become pregnant unsuccessfully for more than 1 year. We also obtained data regarding pregnancy outcomes, including the frequency of miscarriage, premature births, small full-term infants, perinatal deaths, and births of live healthy infants. The study group comprised 214 women with SSc, 167 with RA, and 105 neighborhood controls. There were no significant differences in the overall rates of miscarriage, premature births, small full-term births, or neonatal deaths between the 3 groups. Women with SSc were more likely than those without SSc to have adverse outcomes of pregnancy after the onset of their rheumatic disease, particularly premature births (also seen in RA women after disease onset) and small full-term infants. Although a significantly greater number of women with SSc had never been pregnant, there were no significant differences in the frequency of never having been pregnant or of infertility in the 3 groups after adjustment for contributing factors. This study indicates that women with SSc have acceptable pregnancy outcomes compared with those of women with other rheumatic disease and healthy neighborhood controls. Infertility was not a frequent problem. We believe that there are no excessive pregnancy risks to women with SSc or their infants. However, a well-timed pregnancy with careful obstetric monitoring will maximize the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Multicentre randomised placebo-controlled trial of oral anticoagulation with apixaban in systemic sclerosis-related pulmonary arterial hypertension: the SPHInX study protocol.

PubMed

Calderone, Alicia; Stevens, Wendy; Prior, David; Nandurkar, Harshal; Gabbay, Eli; Proudman, Susanna M; Williams, Trevor; Celermajer, David; Sahhar, Joanne; Wong, Peter K K; Thakkar, Vivek; Dwyer, Nathan; Wrobel, Jeremy; Chin, Weng; Liew, Danny; Staples, Margaret; Buchbinder, Rachelle; Nikpour, Mandana

2016-12-08

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe and costly multiorgan autoimmune connective tissue disease characterised by vasculopathy and fibrosis. One of the major causes of SSc-related death is pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), which develops in 12-15% of patients with SSc and accounts for 30-40% of deaths. In situ thrombosis in the small calibre peripheral pulmonary vessels resulting from endothelial dysfunction and an imbalance of anticoagulant and prothrombotic mediators has been implicated in the complex pathophysiology of SSc-related PAH (SSc-PAH), with international clinical guidelines recommending the use of anticoagulants for some types of PAH, such as idiopathic PAH. However, anticoagulation has not become part of standard clinical care for patients with SSc-PAH as only observational evidence exists to support its use. Therefore, we present the rationale and methodology of a phase III randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of anticoagulation in SSc-PAH. This Australian multicentre RCT will compare 2.5 mg apixaban with placebo, in parallel treatment groups randomised in a 1:1 ratio, both administered twice daily for 3 years as adjunct therapy to stable oral PAH therapy. The composite primary outcome measure will be the time to death or clinical worsening of PAH. Secondary outcomes will include functional capacity, health-related quality of life measures and adverse events. A cost-effectiveness analysis of anticoagulation versus placebo will also be undertaken. Ethical approval for this RCT has been granted by the Human Research Ethics Committees of all participating centres. An independent data safety monitoring board will review safety and tolerability data for the duration of the trial. The findings of this RCT are to be published in open access journals. ACTRN12614000418673, Pre-results. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Multicentre randomised placebo-controlled trial of oral anticoagulation with apixaban in systemic sclerosis-related pulmonary arterial hypertension: the SPHInX study protocol

PubMed Central

Calderone, Alicia; Stevens, Wendy; Prior, David; Nandurkar, Harshal; Gabbay, Eli; Proudman, Susanna M; Williams, Trevor; Celermajer, David; Sahhar, Joanne; Wong, Peter K K; Thakkar, Vivek; Dwyer, Nathan; Wrobel, Jeremy; Chin, Weng; Liew, Danny; Staples, Margaret; Buchbinder, Rachelle; Nikpour, Mandana

2016-01-01

Introduction Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe and costly multiorgan autoimmune connective tissue disease characterised by vasculopathy and fibrosis. One of the major causes of SSc-related death is pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), which develops in 12–15% of patients with SSc and accounts for 30–40% of deaths. In situ thrombosis in the small calibre peripheral pulmonary vessels resulting from endothelial dysfunction and an imbalance of anticoagulant and prothrombotic mediators has been implicated in the complex pathophysiology of SSc-related PAH (SSc-PAH), with international clinical guidelines recommending the use of anticoagulants for some types of PAH, such as idiopathic PAH. However, anticoagulation has not become part of standard clinical care for patients with SSc-PAH as only observational evidence exists to support its use. Therefore, we present the rationale and methodology of a phase III randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of anticoagulation in SSc-PAH. Methods and analysis This Australian multicentre RCT will compare 2.5 mg apixaban with placebo, in parallel treatment groups randomised in a 1:1 ratio, both administered twice daily for 3 years as adjunct therapy to stable oral PAH therapy. The composite primary outcome measure will be the time to death or clinical worsening of PAH. Secondary outcomes will include functional capacity, health-related quality of life measures and adverse events. A cost-effectiveness analysis of anticoagulation versus placebo will also be undertaken. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval for this RCT has been granted by the Human Research Ethics Committees of all participating centres. An independent data safety monitoring board will review safety and tolerability data for the duration of the trial. The findings of this RCT are to be published in open access journals. Trial registration number ACTRN12614000418673, Pre-results. PMID:27932335

Is laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA) the new kid on the block in systemic sclerosis? A systematic literature review and pilot study to evaluate reliability of LASCA to measure peripheral blood perfusion in scleroderma patients.

PubMed

Cutolo, Maurizio; Vanhaecke, Amber; Ruaro, Barbara; Deschepper, Ellen; Ickinger, Claudia; Melsens, Karin; Piette, Yves; Trombetta, Amelia Chiara; De Keyser, Filip; Smith, Vanessa

2018-06-06

A reliable tool to evaluate flow is paramount in systemic sclerosis (SSc). We describe herein on the one hand a systematic literature review on the reliability of laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA) to measure the peripheral blood perfusion (PBP) in SSc and perform an additional pilot study, investigating the intra- and inter-rater reliability of LASCA. A systematic search was performed in 3 electronic databases, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. In the pilot study, 30 SSc patients and 30 healthy subjects (HS) underwent LASCA assessment. Intra-rater reliability was assessed by having a first anchor rater performing the measurements at 2 time-points and inter-rater reliability by having the anchor rater and a team of second raters performing the measurements in 15 SSc and 30 HS. The measurements were repeated with a second anchor rater in the other 15 SSc patients, as external validation. Only 1 of the 14 records of interest identified through the systematic search was included in the final analysis. In the additional pilot study: intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) for intra-rater reliability of the first anchor rater was 0.95 in SSc and 0.93 in HS, the ICC for inter-rater reliability was 0.97 in SSc and 0.93 in HS. Intra- and inter-rater reliability of the second anchor rater was 0.78 and 0.87. The identified literature regarding the reliability of LASCA measurements reports good to excellent inter-rater agreement. This very pilot study could confirm the reliability of LASCA measurements with good to excellent inter-rater agreement and found additionally good to excellent intra-rater reliability. Furthermore, similar results were found in the external validation. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Combined Pulmonary Fibrosis and Emphysema in Scleroderma-Related Lung Disease Has a Major Confounding Effect on Lung Physiology and Screening for Pulmonary Hypertension.

PubMed

Antoniou, K M; Margaritopoulos, G A; Goh, N S; Karagiannis, K; Desai, S R; Nicholson, A G; Siafakas, N M; Coghlan, J G; Denton, C P; Hansell, D M; Wells, A U

2016-04-01

To assess the prevalence of combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and the effect of CPFE on the pulmonary function tests used to evaluate the severity of SSc-related ILD and the likelihood of pulmonary hypertension (PH). High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans were obtained in 333 patients with SSc-related ILD and were evaluated for the presence of emphysema and the extent of ILD. The effects of emphysema on the associations between pulmonary function variables and the extent of SSc-related ILD as visualized on HRCT and echocardiographic evidence of PH were quantified. Emphysema was present in 41 (12.3%) of the 333 patients with SSc-related ILD, in 26 (19.7%) of 132 smokers, and in 15 (7.5%) of 201 lifelong nonsmokers. When the extent of fibrosis was taken into account, emphysema was associated with significant additional differences from the expected values for diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco) (average reduction of 24.1%; P < 0.0005), and the forced vital capacity (FVC)/DLco ratio (average increase of 34.8%; P < 0.0005) but not FVC. These effects were identical in smokers and nonsmokers. Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of emphysema had a greater effect than echocardiographically determined PH on the FVC/DLco ratio, regardless of whether it was analyzed as a continuous variable or using a threshold value of 1.6 or 2.0. Among patients with SSc-related ILD, emphysema is sporadically present in nonsmokers and is associated with a low pack-year history in smokers. The confounding effect of CPFE on measures of gas exchange has major implications for the construction of screening algorithms for PH in patients with SSc-related ILD. © 2016, American College of Rheumatology.

A GWAS follow-up study reveals the association of the IL12RB2 gene with systemic sclerosis in Caucasian populations

PubMed Central

Bossini-Castillo, Lara; Martin, Jose-Ezequiel; Broen, Jasper; Gorlova, Olga; Simeón, Carmen P.; Beretta, Lorenzo; Vonk, Madelon C.; Luis Callejas, Jose; Castellví, Ivan; Carreira, Patricia; José García-Hernández, Francisco; Fernández Castro, Mónica; Coenen, Marieke J.H.; Riemekasten, Gabriela; Witte, Torsten; Hunzelmann, Nicolas; Kreuter, Alexander; Distler, Jörg H.W.; Koeleman, Bobby P.; Voskuyl, Alexandre E.; Schuerwegh, Annemie J.; Palm, Øyvind; Hesselstrand, Roger; Nordin, Annika; Airó, Paolo; Lunardi, Claudio; Scorza, Raffaella; Shiels, Paul; van Laar, Jacob M.; Herrick, Ariane; Worthington, Jane; Denton, Christopher; Tan, Filemon K.; Arnett, Frank C.; Agarwal, Sandeep K.; Assassi, Shervin; Fonseca, Carmen; Mayes, Maureen D.; Radstake, Timothy R.D.J.; Martin, Javier

2012-01-01

A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at the IL12RB2 locus showed a suggestive association signal in a previously published genome-wide association study (GWAS) in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Aiming to reveal the possible implication of the IL12RB2 gene in SSc, we conducted a follow-up study of this locus in different Caucasian cohorts. We analyzed 10 GWAS-genotyped SNPs in the IL12RB2 region (2309 SSc patients and 5161 controls). We then selected three SNPs (rs3790567, rs3790566 and rs924080) based on their significance level in the GWAS, for follow-up in an independent European cohort comprising 3344 SSc and 3848 controls. The most-associated SNP (rs3790567) was further tested in an independent cohort comprising 597 SSc patients and 1139 controls from the USA. After conditional logistic regression analysis of the GWAS data, we selected rs3790567 [PMH= 1.92 × 10−5 odds ratio (OR) = 1.19] as the genetic variant with the firmest independent association observed in the analyzed GWAS peak of association. After the first follow-up phase, only the association of rs3790567 was consistent (PMH= 4.84 × 10−3 OR = 1.12). The second follow-up phase confirmed this finding (Pχ2 = 2.82 × 10−4 OR = 1.34). After performing overall pooled-analysis of all the cohorts included in the present study, the association found for the rs3790567 SNP in the IL12RB2 gene region reached GWAS-level significant association (PMH= 2.82 × 10−9 OR = 1.17). Our data clearly support the IL12RB2 genetic association with SSc, and suggest a relevant role of the interleukin 12 signaling pathway in SSc pathogenesis. PMID:22076442

Brief report: successful pregnancies but a higher risk of preterm births in patients with systemic sclerosis: an Italian multicenter study.

PubMed

Taraborelli, Mara; Ramoni, Véronique; Brucato, Antonio; Airò, Paolo; Bajocchi, Gianluigi; Bellisai, Francesca; Biasi, Domenico; Blagojevic, Jelena; Canti, Valentina; Caporali, Roberto; Caramaschi, Paola; Chiarolanza, Ilaria; Codullo, Veronica; Cozzi, Franco; Cuomo, Giovanna; Cutolo, Maurizio; De Santis, Maria; De Vita, Salvatore; Di Poi, Emma; Doria, Andrea; Faggioli, Paola; Favaro, Maria; Ferraccioli, Gianfranco; Ferri, Clodoveo; Foti, Rosario; Gerosa, Alessandro; Gerosa, Maria; Giacuzzo, Sarah; Giani, Leopoldo; Giuggioli, Dilia; Imazio, Massimo; Iudici, Michele; Iuliano, Annamaria; Leonardi, Roberto; Limonta, Massimiliano; Lojacono, Andrea; Lubatti, Chiara; Matucci-Cerinic, Marco; Mazzone, Antonino; Meroni, Marianna; Meroni, Pier Luigi; Mosca, Marta; Motta, Mario; Muscarà, Marina; Nava, Simona; Padovan, Melissa; Pagani, Giorgio; Paolazzi, Giuseppe; Peccatori, Susanna; Ravagnani, Viviana; Riccieri, Valeria; Rosato, Edoardo; Rovere-Querini, Patrizia; Salsano, Felice; Santaniello, Alessandro; Scorza, Raffaella; Tani, Chiara; Valentini, Gabriele; Valesini, Guido; Vanoli, Massimo; Vigone, Barbara; Zeni, Silvana; Tincani, Angela

2012-06-01

To assess fetal and maternal outcomes in women with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Prospectively collected data on 99 women with SSc from 25 Italian centers were analyzed retrospectively. Women with SSc were observed during 109 pregnancies (from 2000 to 2011), and outcomes were compared to those in the general obstetric population (total of 3,939 deliveries). The maternal age at conception was a mean ± SD 31.8 ± 5.3 years, and the median disease duration at conception was 60 months (range 2-193 months). SSc patients, compared to the general obstetric population, had a significantly increased frequency of preterm deliveries (25% versus 12%) and severe preterm deliveries (<34 weeks of gestation) (10% versus 5%), intrauterine growth restriction (6% versus 1%), and babies with very-low birth weight (5% versus 1%). Results of multivariable analysis showed that corticosteroid use was associated with preterm deliveries (odds ratio [OR] 3.63, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.12-11.78), whereas the use of folic acid (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.10-0.91) and presence of anti-Scl-70 antibodies (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.08-0.85) were protective. The disease remained stable in most SSc patients, but there were 4 cases of progression of disease within 1 year from delivery, all in anti-Scl-70 antibody-positive women, 3 of whom had a disease duration of <3 years. Women with SSc can have successful pregnancies, but they have a higher-than-normal risk of preterm delivery, intrauterine growth restriction, and babies with very-low birth weight. Progression of the disease during or after pregnancy is rare, but possible. High-risk multidisciplinary management should be standard for these patients, and pregnancy should be avoided in women with severe organ damage and postponed in women with SSc of recent onset, particularly if the patient is positive for anti-Scl-70 antibodies. Copyright © 2012 by the American College of Rheumatology.

Scleroderma keratinocytes promote fibroblast activation independent of transforming growth factor beta.

PubMed

McCoy, Sara S; Reed, Tamra J; Berthier, Celine C; Tsou, Pei-Suen; Liu, Jianhua; Gudjonsson, Johann E; Khanna, Dinesh; Kahlenberg, J Michelle

2017-11-01

SSc is a devastating disease that results in fibrosis of the skin and other organs. Fibroblasts are a key driver of the fibrotic process through deposition of extracellular matrix. The mechanisms by which fibroblasts are induced to become pro-fibrotic remain unclear. Thus, we examined the ability of SSc keratinocytes to promote fibroblast activation and the source of this effect. Keratinocytes were isolated from skin biopsies of 9 lcSSc, 10 dcSSc and 13 control patients. Conditioned media was saved from the cultures. Normal fresh primary fibroblasts were exposed to healthy control and SSc keratinocyte conditioned media in the presence or absence of neutralizing antibodies for TGF-β. Gene expression was assessed by microarrays and real-time PCR. Immunocytochemistry was performed for α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type 1 (COL1A1) and CCL5 expression. SSc keratinocyte conditioned media promoted fibroblast activation, characterized by increased α-SMA and COL1A1 mRNA and protein expression. This effect was independent of TGF-β. Microarray analysis identified upregulation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and downregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) pathways in both SSc subtypes. Scleroderma keratinocytes exhibited increased expression of NF-κB-regulated cytokines and chemokines and lesional skin staining confirmed upregulation of CCL5 in basal keratinocytes. Scleroderma keratinocytes promote the activation of fibroblasts in a TGF-β-independent manner and demonstrate an imbalance in NF-κB1 and PPAR-γ expression leading to increased cytokine and CCL5 production. Further study of keratinocyte mediators of fibrosis, including CCL5, may provide novel targets for skin fibrosis therapy. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Rheumatology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com

Improved Cough and Cough-Specific Quality of Life in Patients Treated for Scleroderma-Related Interstitial Lung Disease: Results of Scleroderma Lung Study II.

PubMed

Tashkin, Donald P; Volkmann, Elizabeth R; Tseng, Chi-Hong; Roth, Michael D; Khanna, Dinesh; Furst, Daniel E; Clements, Philip J; Theodore, Arthur; Kafaja, Suzanne; Kim, Grace Hyun; Goldin, Jonathan; Ariolla, Edgar; Elashoff, Robert M

2017-04-01

Cough is a common symptom of scleroderma-related interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD), but its relationship to other characteristics of SSc-ILD, impact on cough-specific quality of life (QoL), and response to therapy for SSc-ILD have not been well studied. We investigated frequent cough (FC) in patients with SSc-ILD (N = 142) enrolled in the Scleroderma Lung Study II, a randomized controlled trial comparing mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and oral cyclophosphamide (CYC) as treatments for interstitial lung disease (ILD). We determined the impact of FC on QoL (Leicester Cough Questionnaire [LCQ]), evaluated the change in FC in response to treatment for SSc-ILD, and examined the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and cough during the trial. Study participants who reported FC at baseline (61.3%) reported significantly more dyspnea, exhibited more extensive ILD on high-resolution CT, had a lower diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide, and reported more GERD symptoms than did those without FC. Cough-specific QoL was modestly impaired in patients with FC (total LCQ score, 15.4 ± 3.7; normal range, 3-21 [higher scores indicate worse QoL]). The proportion of patients with FC at baseline declined by 44% and 41% over 2 years in the CYC and MMF treatment arms, respectively, and this decline was significantly related to changes in GERD and ILD severity. FC occurs commonly in SSc-ILD, correlates with both the presence and severity of GERD and ILD at baseline, and declines in parallel with improvements in both ILD and GERD over a 2-year course of therapy. Frequent cough might serve as a useful surrogate marker of treatment response in SSc-ILD trials. ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT00883129; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov. Copyright © 2016 American College of Chest Physicians. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cost-effectiveness evaluation of bovine tuberculosis surveillance in wildlife in France (Sylvatub system) using scenario trees.

PubMed

Rivière, Julie; Le Strat, Yann; Hendrikx, Pascal; Dufour, Barbara

2017-01-01

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a common disease in cattle and wildlife, with health, zoonotic and economic implications. Infected wild animals, and particularly reservoirs, could hinder eradication of bTB from cattle populations, which could have an important impact on international cattle trade. Therefore, surveillance of bTB in wildlife is of particular importance to better understand the epidemiological role of wild species and to adapt the control measures. In France, a bTB surveillance system for free-ranging wildlife, the Sylvatub system, has been implemented since 2011. It relies on three surveillance components (SSCs) (passive surveillance on hunted animals (EC-SSC), passive surveillance on dead or dying animals (SAGIR-SSC) and active surveillance (PSURV-SSC)). The effectiveness of the Sylvatub system was previously assessed, through the estimation of its sensitivity (i.e. the probability of detecting at least one case of bTB infection by each SSC, specie and risk-level area). However, to globally assess the performance of a surveillance system, the measure of its sensitivity is not sufficient, as other factors such as economic or socio-economic factors could influence the effectiveness. We report here an estimation of the costs of the surveillance activities of the Sylvatub system, and of the cost-effectiveness of each surveillance component, by specie and risk-level, based on scenario tree modelling with the same tree structure as used for the sensitivity evaluation. The cost-effectiveness of the Sylvatub surveillance is better in higher-risk departments, due in particular to the higher probability of detecting the infection (sensitivity). Moreover, EC-SSC, which has the highest unit cost, is more efficient than the surveillance enhanced by the SAGIR-SSC, due to its better sensitivity. The calculation of the cost-effectiveness ratio shows that PSURV-SSC remains the most cost-effective surveillance component of the Sylvatub system, despite its high cost in terms of coordination, sample collection and laboratory analysis.

Cost-effectiveness evaluation of bovine tuberculosis surveillance in wildlife in France (Sylvatub system) using scenario trees

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a common disease in cattle and wildlife, with health, zoonotic and economic implications. Infected wild animals, and particularly reservoirs, could hinder eradication of bTB from cattle populations, which could have an important impact on international cattle trade. Therefore, surveillance of bTB in wildlife is of particular importance to better understand the epidemiological role of wild species and to adapt the control measures. In France, a bTB surveillance system for free-ranging wildlife, the Sylvatub system, has been implemented since 2011. It relies on three surveillance components (SSCs) (passive surveillance on hunted animals (EC-SSC), passive surveillance on dead or dying animals (SAGIR-SSC) and active surveillance (PSURV-SSC)). The effectiveness of the Sylvatub system was previously assessed, through the estimation of its sensitivity (i.e. the probability of detecting at least one case of bTB infection by each SSC, specie and risk-level area). However, to globally assess the performance of a surveillance system, the measure of its sensitivity is not sufficient, as other factors such as economic or socio-economic factors could influence the effectiveness. We report here an estimation of the costs of the surveillance activities of the Sylvatub system, and of the cost-effectiveness of each surveillance component, by specie and risk-level, based on scenario tree modelling with the same tree structure as used for the sensitivity evaluation. The cost-effectiveness of the Sylvatub surveillance is better in higher-risk departments, due in particular to the higher probability of detecting the infection (sensitivity). Moreover, EC-SSC, which has the highest unit cost, is more efficient than the surveillance enhanced by the SAGIR-SSC, due to its better sensitivity. The calculation of the cost-effectiveness ratio shows that PSURV-SSC remains the most cost-effective surveillance component of the Sylvatub system, despite its high cost in terms of coordination, sample collection and laboratory analysis. PMID:28800642

Comparison of fluvial suspended-sediment concentrations and particle-size distributions measured with in-stream laser diffraction and in physical samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Czuba, Jonathan A.; Straub, Timothy D.; Curran, Christopher A.; Landers, Mark N.; Domanski, Marian M.

2015-01-01

Laser-diffraction technology, recently adapted for in-stream measurement of fluvial suspended-sediment concentrations (SSCs) and particle-size distributions (PSDs), was tested with a streamlined (SL), isokinetic version of the Laser In Situ Scattering and Transmissometry (LISST) for measuring volumetric SSCs and PSDs ranging from 1.8 to 415 μm in 32 log-spaced size classes. Measured SSCs and PSDs from the LISST-SL were compared to a suite of 22 data sets (262 samples in all) of concurrent suspended-sediment and streamflow measurements using a physical sampler and acoustic Doppler current profiler collected during 2010-2012 at 16 U.S. Geological Survey streamflow-gaging stations in Illinois and Washington (basin areas: 38-69,264 km2). An unrealistically low computed effective density (mass SSC/volumetric SSC) of 1.24 g/mL (95% confidence interval: 1.05-1.45 g/mL) provided the best-fit value (R2 = 0.95; RMSE = 143 mg/L) for converting volumetric SSC to mass SSC for over two orders of magnitude of SSC (12-2,170 mg/L; covering a substantial range of SSC that can be measured by the LISST-SL) despite being substantially lower than the sediment particle density of 2.67 g/mL (range: 2.56-2.87 g/mL, 23 samples). The PSDs measured by the LISST-SL were in good agreement with those derived from physical samples over the LISST-SL's measureable size range. Technical and operational limitations of the LISST-SL are provided to facilitate the collection of more accurate data in the future. Additionally, the spatial and temporal variability of SSC and PSD measured by the LISST-SL is briefly described to motivate its potential for advancing our understanding of suspended-sediment transport by rivers.

Whole-Exome Sequencing to Identify Rare Variants and Gene Networks that Increase Susceptibility to Scleroderma in African Americans.

PubMed

Gourh, Pravitt; Remmers, Elaine F; Boyden, Steven E; Alexander, Theresa; Morgan, Nadia D; Shah, Ami A; Mayes, Maureen D; Doumatey, Ayo; Bentley, Amy R; Shriner, Daniel; Domsic, Robyn T; Medsger, Thomas A; Steen, Virginia D; Ramos, Paula S; Silver, Richard M; Korman, Benjamin; Varga, John; Schiopu, Elena; Khanna, Dinesh; Hsu, Vivien; Gordon, Jessica K; Saketkoo, Lesley Ann; Gladue, Heather; Kron, Brynn; Criswell, Lindsey A; Derk, Chris T; Bridges, S Louis; Shanmugam, Victoria K; Kolstad, Kathleen D; Chung, Lorinda; Jan, Reem; Bernstein, Elana J; Goldberg, Avram; Trojanowski, Marcin; Kafaja, Suzanne; Maksimowicz-McKinnon, Kathleen M; Mullikin, James C; Adeyemo, Adebowale; Rotimi, Charles; Boin, Francesco; Kastner, Daniel L; Wigley, Fredrick M

2018-05-06

Whole-exome sequencing (WES) studies in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients of European American (EA) ancestry have identified variants in the ATP8B4 gene and enrichment of variants in genes in the extracellular matrix (ECM)-related pathway increasing SSc susceptibility. Our goal was to evaluate the association of the ATP8B4 gene and the ECM-related pathway with SSc in a cohort of African Americans (AA). SSc patients of AA ancestry were enrolled from 23 academic centers across the United States under the Genome Research in African American Scleroderma Patients (GRASP) consortium. Unrelated AA individuals without serological evidence of autoimmunity enrolled in the Howard University Family Study were used as unaffected controls. Functional variants in genes reported in the two WES studies in EA SSc were selected for gene association testing using the optimized sequence kernel association test (SKAT-O) and pathway analysis by Ingenuity pathway analysis in 379 patients and 411 controls. Principal components analysis demonstrated that the patients and controls had similar ancestral backgrounds with about equal proportions of mean European admixture. Using SKAT-O, we examined the association of individual genes that were previously reported in EAs, and none remained significant including ATP8B4 (P U nCorr =0.98). However, we confirm the previously reported association of the ECM-related pathway with enrichment of variants within the COL13A1, COL18A1, COL22A1, COL4A3, COL4A4, COL5A2, PROK1, and SERPINE1 genes (P C orr =1.95×10 -4 ). This is the largest genetic study in AAs with SSc to date, corroborating the role of functional variants aggregating in a fibrotic pathway and increasing SSc susceptibility. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

SSC marks anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2006-01-01

At the Hurricane Katrina observance held Aug. 29 in the StenniSphere auditorium, Stennis Space Center Deputy Director David Throckmorton (left) and RAdm. Timothy McGee, Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, unveil a plaque dedicated to SSC employees.

SSC marks anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-08-29

At the Hurricane Katrina observance held Aug. 29 in the StenniSphere auditorium, Stennis Space Center Deputy Director David Throckmorton (left) and RAdm. Timothy McGee, Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, unveil a plaque dedicated to SSC employees.

Sediment transport-based metrics of wetland stability

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ganju, Neil K.; Kirwan, Matthew L.; Dickhudt, Patrick J.; Guntenspergen, Glenn R.; Cahoon, Donald R.; Kroeger, Kevin D.

2015-01-01

Despite the importance of sediment availability on wetland stability, vulnerability assessments seldom consider spatiotemporal variability of sediment transport. Models predict that the maximum rate of sea level rise a marsh can survive is proportional to suspended sediment concentration (SSC) and accretion. In contrast, we find that SSC and accretion are higher in an unstable marsh than in an adjacent stable marsh, suggesting that these metrics cannot describe wetland vulnerability. Therefore, we propose the flood/ebb SSC differential and organic-inorganic suspended sediment ratio as better vulnerability metrics. The unstable marsh favors sediment export (18 mg L−1 higher on ebb tides), while the stable marsh imports sediment (12 mg L−1 higher on flood tides). The organic-inorganic SSC ratio is 84% higher in the unstable marsh, and stable isotopes indicate a source consistent with marsh-derived material. These simple metrics scale with sediment fluxes, integrate spatiotemporal variability, and indicate sediment sources.

Educational provisions and learning disability.

PubMed

Kulkarni, Madhuri; Karande, Sunil; Thadhani, Anjana; Maru, Hetal; Sholapurwala, Rukhshana

2006-09-01

To assess the impact of the provisions of the Maharashtra government on the academic performance of children with specific learning disability (SpLD) at the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) board examination. The academic performance of 60 children (45 boys, 15 girls) at the SSC board examination with benefit of chosen provisions was compared with their performance at their last annual school examination before diagnosis of SpLD. There was a significant improvement in their mean percentage (%) total marks scored at the SSC board examination as compared with the mean % total marks scored by them at their last annual school examination before the diagnosis (63.48 +/- 7.86 vs. 40.95 +/- 7.23) [mean +/- SD, mean % difference = 22.53, 95% CI = 19.8 - 25.26, P. Children with SpLD who availed the benefit of provisions showed a significant improvement in their academic performance at the SSC board examination.

Scleroderma pathogenesis: a pivotal role for fibroblasts as effector cells

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis; SSc) is characterised by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs in the context of autoimmunity and vascular perturbation. Overproduction of extracellular matrix components and loss of specialised epithelial structures are analogous to the process of scar formation after tissue injury. Fibroblasts are the resident cells of connective tissue that become activated at sites of damage and are likely to be important effector cells in SSc. Differentiation into myofibroblasts is a hallmark process, although the mechanisms and cellular origins of this important fibroblastic cell are still unclear. This article reviews fibroblast biology in the context of SSc and highlights the potentially important place of fibroblast effector cells in fibrosis. Moreover, the heterogeneity of fibroblast properties, multiplicity of regulatory pathways and diversity of origin for myofibroblasts may underpin clinical diversity in SSc, and provide novel avenues for targeted therapy. PMID:23796020

Matrix metalloproteinases: a review of their structure and role in systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Peng, Wen-jia; Yan, Jun-wei; Wan, Ya-nan; Wang, Bing-xiang; Tao, Jin-hui; Yang, Guo-jun; Pan, Hai-feng; Wang, Jing

2012-12-01

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are the main enzymes involved in arterial wall extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and remodeling, whose activity has been involved in various normal and pathologic processes, such as inflammation, fibrosis. As a result, the MMPs have come to consider as both therapeutic targets and diagnostic tools for the treatment and diagnosis of autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease of unknown etiology characterized by an excessive over-production of collagen and other ECM, resulting in skin thickening and fibrosis of internal organs. In recent years, abnormal expression of MMPs has been demonstrated with the pathogenesis of SSc, and the association of different polymorphisms on MMPs genes with SSc has been extensively studied. This review describes the structure, function and regulation of MMPs and shortly summarizes current understanding on experimental findings, genetic associations of MMPs in SSc.

Symptoms of depression and anxiety in Serbian patients with systemic sclerosis: impact of disease severity and socioeconomic factors.

PubMed

Ostojic, Predrag; Zivojinovic, Sladjana; Reza, Tamara; Damjanov, Nemanja

2010-08-01

This study aimed to assess symptoms of depression and anxiety in Serbian patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and to estimate the impact of disease severity and socioeconomic factors on development of depression and anxiety in SSc. Thirty-five patients with SSc and 30 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals participated. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were evaluated using the Beck's depression inventory and Zung's anxiety self-assessment scale. We estimated the impact of gender, age, economic status, marital status, disease duration, disease subset (limited or diffuse), and some clinical features on development of depressive symptoms and anxiety in patients with SSc. Symptoms of depression were found in 68.6% of patients (compared with 23.3% in the control group), were more frequent in patients with longer disease duration and in female and older patients, and were more common in unemployed and retired patients than in employed individuals. No differences in anxiety and depressive symptoms was noticed between patients with limited and diffuse SSc or those with or without restrictive lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, finger-tip ulcers, and heart involvement. Symptoms of depression were associated with severe pain. Symptoms of anxiety were found in 80% of patients compared with 13.3% of healthy individuals and were equally as frequent in patients of different gender, age, socioeconomic status, and disease duration and severity. Symptoms of depression and anxiety are common in Serbian patients with SSc. Depressive symptoms depended mostly on socioeconomic factors, disease duration, and pain intensity, whereas disease severity had no significant impact on development of depressive symptoms and anxiety.

Disaster Response and Preparedness Application: Emergency Environmental Response Tool (EERT)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smoot, James; Carr, Hugh; Jester, Keith

2003-01-01

In 2000, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Environmental Office at the John C. Stennis Space Center (SSC) developed an Environmental Geographic Information Systems (EGIS) database. NASA had previously developed a GIS database at SSC to assist in the NASA Environmental Office's management of the Center. This GIS became the basis for the NASA-wide EGIS project, which was proposed after the applicability of the SSC database was demonstrated. Since its completion, the SSC EGIS has aided the Environmental Office with noise pollution modeling, land cover assessment, wetlands delineation, environmental hazards mapping, and critical habitat delineation for protected species. At SSC, facility management and safety officers are responsible for ensuring the physical security of the facilities, staff, and equipment as well as for responding to environmental emergencies, such as accidental releases of hazardous materials. All phases of emergency management (planning, mitigation, preparedness, and response) depend on data reliability and system interoperability from a variety of sources to determine the size and scope of the emergency operation. Because geospatial data are now available for all NASA facilities, it was suggested that this data could be incorporated into a computerized management information program to assist facility managers. The idea was that the information system could improve both the effectiveness and the efficiency of managing and controlling actions associated with disaster, homeland security, and other activities. It was decided to use SSC as a pilot site to demonstrate the efficacy of having a baseline, computerized management information system that ultimately was referred to as the Emergency Environmental Response Tool (EERT).

Erectile dysfunction is frequent in systemic sclerosis and associated with severe disease: a study of the EULAR Scleroderma Trial and Research group.

PubMed

Foocharoen, Chingching; Tyndall, Alan; Hachulla, Eric; Rosato, Edoardo; Allanore, Yannick; Farge-Bancel, Dominique; Caramaschi, Paola; Airó, Paolo; Nikolaevna, Starovojtova M; Pereira da Silva, José António; Stamenkovic, Bojana; Riemekasten, Gabriela; Rednic, Simona; Sibilia, Jean; Wiland, Piotr; Tarner, Ingo; Smith, Vanessa; Onken, Anna T; Abdel Atty Mohamed, Walid Ahmed; Distler, Oliver; Morović-Vergles, Jadranka; Himsel, Andrea; de la Peña Lefebvre, Paloma Garcia; Hügle, Thomas; Walker, Ulrich A

2012-02-20

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common in men with systemic sclerosis (SSc) but the demographics, risk factors and treatment coverage for ED are not well known. This study was carried out prospectively in the multinational EULAR Scleroderma Trial and Research database by amending the electronic data-entry system with the International Index of Erectile Function-5 and items related to ED risk factors and treatment. Centres participating in this EULAR Scleroderma Trial and Research substudy were asked to recruit patients consecutively. Of the 130 men studied, only 23 (17.7%) had a normal International Index of Erectile Function-5 score. Thirty-eight per cent of all participants had severe ED (International Index of Erectile Function-5 score ≤ 7). Men with ED were significantly older than subjects without ED (54.8 years vs. 43.3 years, P < 0.001) and more frequently had simultaneous non-SSc-related risk factors such as alcohol consumption. In 82% of SSc patients, the onset of ED was after the manifestation of the first non-Raynaud's symptom (median delay 4.1 years). ED was associated with severe cutaneous, muscular or renal involvement of SSc, elevated pulmonary pressures and restrictive lung disease. ED was treated in only 27.8% of men. The most common treatment was sildenafil, whose efficacy is not established in ED of SSc patients. Severe ED is a common and early problem in men with SSc. Physicians should address modifiable risk factors actively. More research into the pathophysiology, longitudinal development, treatment and psychosocial impact of ED is needed.

One-zone synchrotron self-Compton model for the core emission of Centaurus A revisited

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petropoulou, M.; Lefa, E.; Dimitrakoudis, S.; Mastichiadis, A.

2014-02-01

Aims: We investigate the role of the second synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) photon generation to the multiwavelength emission from the compact regions of sources that are characterized as misaligned blazars. For this, we focus on the nearest high-energy emitting radio galaxy Centaurus A and we revisit the one-zone SSC model for its core emission. Methods: We have calculated analytically the peak luminosities of the first and second SSC components by first deriving the steady-state electron distribution in the presence of synchrotron and SSC cooling, and then by using appropriate expressions for the positions of the spectral peaks. We have also tested our analytical results against those derived from a numerical code where the full emissivities and cross-sections were used. Results: We show that the one-zone SSC model cannot account for the core emission of Centaurus A above a few GeV, where the peak of the second SSC component appears. We thus propose an alternative explanation for the origin of the high-energy (≳0.4 GeV) and TeV emission, where these are attributed to the radiation emitted by a relativistic proton component through photohadronic interactions with the photons produced by the primary leptonic component. We show that the required proton luminosities are not extremely high, i.e. ~1043 erg/s, provided that the injection spectra are modelled by a power law with a high value of the lower energy cutoff. Finally, we find that the contribution of the core emitting region of Cen A to the observed neutrino and ultra-high-energy cosmic-ray fluxes is negligible.

Influence of rheology on realignment of mantle convective structure with plate motion after a plate reorganization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Hunen, J.; Zhong, S.

2006-08-01

Small-scale convection (SSC) rolls below the oceanic lithosphere have the tendency to align with the large-scale shearing direction and thus with the plate motion direction relative to the deep mantle. Understanding the timescales of and processes responsible for realignment would contribute significantly to our understanding of the unresolved phenomena in the Pacific such as gravity lineations, small-scale seismic velocity variations, and intraplate volcanism that cannot be explained by hot spots. In this study we examine the evolution of those convection rolls when this relative plate motion direction is suddenly changed, as suggested by the kink in the Hawaii-Emperor seamount chain. Using three-dimensional numerical flow models, we investigate the realignment of SSC rolls after a change in plate motion direction. From the nature of the SSC, it is expected that rheological parameters dominate the characteristics of this realignment. Our results show that this is indeed the case. We find that (1) using constraints from onset timing of SSC, realignment of rolls can occur as fast as within 20 Ma, but might also take much longer, dependent on the rheology; (2) the realignment period is strongly correlated to the sum of large-scale shear stress induced by plate motion and small-scale shear stress from the SSC itself; (3) in a mantle deforming by dislocation creep, realignment occurs faster than by diffusion creep, because dislocation creep SSC is more vigorous; and (4) activation energy has little influence on the realignment time. Possible evidence for the realignment period might come from precise age determination of intraplate volcanism or azimuthal seismic anisotropy.

[Prognostic implications of extra-hepatic clinical manifestations, autoimmunity and microscopic nail capillaroscopy in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis].

PubMed

Marí-Alfonso, Begoña; Amengual-Guedan, María José; Vergara-Gómez, Mercè; Simeón-Aznar, Carmen Pilar; Fonollosa-Plà, Vicente; Jove-Buxeda, Esther; Oliva-Morera, Juan; Tolosa-Vilella, Carles

2016-01-01

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is associated to any systemic autoimmune disease (SAD), in particular systemic sclerosis (SSc). To investigate the prevalence of SAD in a cohort of patients with PBC, specifically the prevalence of SSc and its clinical subtypes, and determining the clinical and biological profile of patients with associated PBC and SSc. Observational study of 62 patients with PBC following a protocol that included an anamnesis and physical examination to detect the presence of SAD as well as a nailfold capillaroscopy and an immunological study with specific SSc autoantibodies. A comparative analysis was conducted between patients with isolated PBC and patients with PBC and an associated SAD. SAD was associated to PBC in 22 patients (35,4%), and SSc was the most frequent illness, identified in 13 cases (21%). Five patients (8%) without previous diagnosis of SAD fulfilled pre-scleroderma criteria, according to LeRoy and Medsger criteria. The presence of anticentromere antibodies (54,5% vs. 5%, P<.001) was the unique immunological determination identified more frequently in patients with PBC-SAD. The SSc suggestive capillary pattern was visualized in 11 patients (20,4%), mainly the slow pattern. No factors associated with greater morbi-mortality were identified in the PBC-SAD group. It does exist a subgroup of patients with PBC and clinical-biological features suggestive of an SAD, which advise a protocolized study to detect early the association to an SAD. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Shape prior modeling using sparse representation and online dictionary learning.

PubMed

Zhang, Shaoting; Zhan, Yiqiang; Zhou, Yan; Uzunbas, Mustafa; Metaxas, Dimitris N

2012-01-01

The recently proposed sparse shape composition (SSC) opens a new avenue for shape prior modeling. Instead of assuming any parametric model of shape statistics, SSC incorporates shape priors on-the-fly by approximating a shape instance (usually derived from appearance cues) by a sparse combination of shapes in a training repository. Theoretically, one can increase the modeling capability of SSC by including as many training shapes in the repository. However, this strategy confronts two limitations in practice. First, since SSC involves an iterative sparse optimization at run-time, the more shape instances contained in the repository, the less run-time efficiency SSC has. Therefore, a compact and informative shape dictionary is preferred to a large shape repository. Second, in medical imaging applications, training shapes seldom come in one batch. It is very time consuming and sometimes infeasible to reconstruct the shape dictionary every time new training shapes appear. In this paper, we propose an online learning method to address these two limitations. Our method starts from constructing an initial shape dictionary using the K-SVD algorithm. When new training shapes come, instead of re-constructing the dictionary from the ground up, we update the existing one using a block-coordinates descent approach. Using the dynamically updated dictionary, sparse shape composition can be gracefully scaled up to model shape priors from a large number of training shapes without sacrificing run-time efficiency. Our method is validated on lung localization in X-Ray and cardiac segmentation in MRI time series. Compared to the original SSC, it shows comparable performance while being significantly more efficient.

A case report: using SNOMED CT for grouping Adverse Drug Reactions Terms.

PubMed

Alecu, Iulian; Bousquet, Cedric; Jaulent, Marie-Christine

2008-10-27

WHO-ART and MedDRA are medical terminologies used for the coding of adverse drug reactions in pharmacovigilance databases. MedDRA proposes 13 Special Search Categories (SSC) grouping terms associated to specific medical conditions. For instance, the SSC "Haemorrhage" includes 346 MedDRA terms among which 55 are also WHO-ART terms. WHO-ART itself does not provide such groupings. Our main contention is the possibility of classifying WHO-ART terms in semantic categories by using knowledge extracted from SNOMED CT. A previous paper presents the way WHO-ART term definitions have been automatically generated in a description logics formalism by using their corresponding SNOMED CT synonyms. Based on synonymy and relative position of WHO-ART terms in SNOMED CT, specialization or generalization relationships could be inferred. This strategy is successful for grouping the WHO-ART terms present in most MedDRA SSCs. However the strategy failed when SSC were organized on other basis than taxonomy. We propose a new method that improves the previous WHO-ART structure by integrating the associative relationships included in SNOMED CT. The new method improves the groupings. For example, none of the 55 WHO-ART terms in the Haemorrhage SSC were matched using the previous method. With the new method, we improve the groupings and obtain 87% coverage of the Haemorrhage SSC. SNOMED CT's terminological structure can be used to perform automated groupings in WHO-ART. This work proves that groupings already present in the MedDRA SSCs (e.g. the haemorrhage SSC) may be retrieved using classification in SNOMED CT.

A case report: using SNOMED CT for grouping Adverse Drug Reactions Terms

PubMed Central

Alecu, Iulian; Bousquet, Cedric; Jaulent, Marie-Christine

2008-01-01

Background WHO-ART and MedDRA are medical terminologies used for the coding of adverse drug reactions in pharmacovigilance databases. MedDRA proposes 13 Special Search Categories (SSC) grouping terms associated to specific medical conditions. For instance, the SSC "Haemorrhage" includes 346 MedDRA terms among which 55 are also WHO-ART terms. WHO-ART itself does not provide such groupings. Our main contention is the possibility of classifying WHO-ART terms in semantic categories by using knowledge extracted from SNOMED CT. A previous paper presents the way WHO-ART term definitions have been automatically generated in a description logics formalism by using their corresponding SNOMED CT synonyms. Based on synonymy and relative position of WHO-ART terms in SNOMED CT, specialization or generalization relationships could be inferred. This strategy is successful for grouping the WHO-ART terms present in most MedDRA SSCs. However the strategy failed when SSC were organized on other basis than taxonomy. Methods We propose a new method that improves the previous WHO-ART structure by integrating the associative relationships included in SNOMED CT. Results The new method improves the groupings. For example, none of the 55 WHO-ART terms in the Haemorrhage SSC were matched using the previous method. With the new method, we improve the groupings and obtain 87% coverage of the Haemorrhage SSC. Conclusion SNOMED CT's terminological structure can be used to perform automated groupings in WHO-ART. This work proves that groupings already present in the MedDRA SSCs (e.g. the haemorrhage SSC) may be retrieved using classification in SNOMED CT. PMID:19007441

MiR-30a-3p Negatively Regulates BAFF Synthesis in Systemic Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibroblasts

PubMed Central

Philippe, Lucas; Gong, Ya-Zhuo; Bahram, Seiamak; Cetin, Semih; Pfeffer, Sébastien; Gottenberg, Jacques-Eric; Wachsmann, Dominique; Georgel, Philippe; Sibilia, Jean

2014-01-01

We evaluated micro (mi) RNA-mediated regulation of BAFF expression in fibroblasts using two concomitant models: (i) synovial fibroblasts (FLS) isolated from healthy controls (N) or Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients; (ii) human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) isolated from healthy controls (N) or Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) patients. Using RT-qPCR and ELISA, we first showed that SScHDF synthesized and released BAFF in response to Poly(I:C) or IFN-γ treatment, as previously observed in RAFLS, whereas NHDF released BAFF preferentially in response to IFN-γ. Next, we demonstrated that miR-30a-3p expression was down regulated in RAFLS and SScHDF stimulated with Poly(I:C) or IFN-γ. Moreover, we demonstrated that transfecting miR-30a-3p mimic in Poly(I:C)- and IFN-γ-activated RAFLS and SScHDF showed a strong decrease on BAFF synthesis and release and thus B cells survival in our model. Interestingly, FLS and HDF isolated from healthy subjects express higher levels of miR-30a-3p and lower levels of BAFF than RAFLS and SScHDF. Transfection of miR-30a-3p antisense in Poly(I:C)- and IFN-γ-activated NFLS and NHDF upregulated BAFF secretion, confirming that this microRNA is a basal repressors of BAFF expression in cells from healthy donors. Our data suggest a critical role of miR-30a-3p in the regulation of BAFF expression, which could have a major impact in the regulation of the autoimmune responses occurring in RA and SSc. PMID:25360821

The association between systemic sclerosis disease manifestations and esophageal high-resolution manometry parameters

PubMed Central

Kimmel, Jessica N.; Carlson, Dustin A.; Hinchcliff, Monique; Carns, Mary A.; Aren, Kathleen A; Lee, Jungwha; Pandolfino, John E.

2016-01-01

Background/Aims We aimed to evaluate the associations between SSc-related systemic manifestations and esophageal function using high-resolution manometry (HRM). Methods Patients with SSc that had undergone HRM between 1/2004 and 9/2014 were identified and HRMs were analyzed according to the Chicago Classification. Clinical characteristics were identified via retrospective chart review and compared among motility diagnoses while adjusting for age, gender, race, and SSc-disease duration. Results 79 patients (85% female, ages 25–77) were included. Clinical characteristics were compared between patients with absent contractility (AC, n = 40), ineffective esophageal motility (IEM; n = 15), and normal motility (n = 19); the 5 remaining patients met criteria for other motility diagnoses. Groups differed in severity of skin involvement measured by the modified Rodnan skin score (0–51): AC (adjusted mean 12.6), IEM (4.4), normal (4.3), p = 0.043. Pulmonary function tests [percent predicted FVC and DLCO) were lower in AC (adjusted mean, FVC: 70.3, DLCO 51.1), than IEM (FVC: 92.0; DLCO: 76.9) and normal motility (FVC: 80.0; DLCO: 67.2), p-values 0.057 (FVC) and 0.007 (DLCO). Groups did not differ by SSc-disease duration, autoantibodies, or reported symptoms of dysphagia or reflux. Conclusions In patients with SSc, absent esophageal contractility on HRM was associated with increased skin disease severity and worse lung function. Obtaining HRM to identify SSc patients with more severe esophageal dysfunction could be considered to enable implementation of management strategies in patients potentially at risk for increased morbidity and mortality. PMID:26921101

Nailfold capillaroscopy in systemic sclerosis: is there any difference between videocapillaroscopy and dermatoscopy?

PubMed

Dogan, Sibel; Akdogan, Ali; Atakan, Nilgün

2013-11-01

Vasculopathy is known to destroy nailfold capillary pattern (NCP) in systemic sclerosis (SSc). There are several methods for the evaluation of NCP of which the most common are dermatoscopy and videocapillaroscopy (VCAP). No study has been reported in the literature comparing these two techniques for their diagnostic value. To compare the diagnostic value of dermatoscopy and VCAP which are widely used to determine changes in the NCP in SSc patients. A total of 382 nailfolds were visualized. NCP was evaluated in 39 SSc patients using dermatoscopy and VCAP. Defined dermatoscopic groups were matched with early, active and late phase NCP groups determined by VCAP for comparisons. Both dermatoscopy and VCAP demonstrated distinct NCP of SSc efficiently. According to dermatoscopic NCP, capillary dilatation, giant capillaries and disrupted vascular configuration were able to be visualized. VCAP revealed early phase NCP in N = 8 (20,5%), active phase in N = 18 (46,2%) and late phase NCP in N = 13 (33.3%) of the patients. Statistical evaluation of grouped data resulted a Cohen kappa value (K) = 0,527. Although VCAP was able to facilitate a more detailed evaluation of NCP, there was no difference between dermatoscopy and VCAP for the identification of distinct NCP in SSc. We suggest that dermatoscopy is efficient enough to identify pathognomonic changes in NCP in SSc as well as VCAP and find dermatoscopy as a very easy applicable and convenient method than VCAP although VCAP facilitates a more detailed evaluation of NCP. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Specific oxidative stress parameters differently correlate with nailfold capillaroscopy changes and organ involvement in systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Riccieri, Valeria; Spadaro, Antonio; Fuksa, Leos; Firuzi, Omidreza; Saso, Luciano; Valesini, Guido

2008-02-01

Oxidative stress is suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). The aim of the present study was to clarify such a hypothesis by determination of four different plasmatic parameters of oxidative stress, and to define its role in the microvascular damage, assessed by nailfold capillaroscopy (NC). Plasma samples of 18 patients with SSc were analyzed. The biomarkers measured were: total antioxidant capacity, hydroperoxides (ROOHs), and sulfhydryl (SH) and carbonyl (CO) groups. Each patient had a detailed clinical assessment and underwent an NC. The results showed significantly increased ROOHs in SSc patients compared to control group (5.02 +/- 0.24 vs 3.28 +/- 0.19 micromol/l; p < 0.05). Plasmatic levels of SH groups were significantly lower in SSc (0.466 +/- 0.08 mmol/l) compared to control group (0.542 +/- 0.04 mmol/l; p < 0.002). Plasma levels of ROOHs correlated with the capillaroscopy semiquantitative rating scale score (p < 0.05) and with the rating system for avascular areas (p < 0.03). The levels of CO groups inversely correlated with modified Rodnan's skin score (p < 0.039) and were lower in patients with pulmonary fibrosis (p < 0.045), while the levels of SH groups were lower in those presenting gastrointestinal involvement (p < 0.029). The obtained data indicate augmented free radical-mediated injury in SSc and also show correlations among oxidative abnormalities, some clinical findings, and signs of a more severe microvascular involvement. These results give more evidence to the connection between oxidative impairment and SSc.

77 FR 15721 - Fisheries of the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-16

... Reauthorized Act, the SSC is the body responsible for reviewing the Council's scientific materials. The SSC... people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be...

SSC 254 Screen-Based Word Processors: Production Tests. The Lanier Word Processor.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moyer, Ruth A.

Designed for use in Trident Technical College's Secretarial Lab, this series of 12 production tests focuses on the use of the Lanier Word Processor for a variety of tasks. In tests 1 and 2, students are required to type and print out letters. Tests 3 through 8 require students to reformat a text; make corrections on a letter; divide and combine…

Cyber Capability Development Centre (CCDC) Private Cloud Design

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-11-01

68 8.4 Shared Services Canada (SSC) Controlled Firewall .......................................................... 69 9 Cloud...opposed to east-west traffic (VM to VM). With North-South traffic, Shared Services Canada will want to ensure that the lab environment is contained. One...way traffic flow into the lab should be acceptable, Shared Services Canada will need to ensure that traffic doesn’t flow north or out of the CCDC

Development and Implementation of NASA's Lead Center for Rocket Propulsion Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dawson, Michael C.

2001-01-01

With the new millennium, NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center (SSC) continues to develop and refine its role as rocket test service provider for NASA and the Nation. As Lead Center for Rocket Propulsion Testing (LCRPT), significant progress has been made under SSC's leadership to consolidate and streamline NASA's rocket test infrastructure and make this vital capability truly world class. NASA's Rocket Propulsion Test (RPT) capability consists of 32 test positions with a replacement value in excess of $2B. It is dispersed at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), Johnson Space Center (JSC)-White Sands Test Facility (WSTF), Glenn Research Center (GRC)-Plum Brook (PB), and SSC and is sized appropriately to minimize duplication and infrastructure costs. The LCRPT also provides a single integrated point of entry into NASA's rocket test services. The RPT capability is managed through the Rocket Propulsion Test Management Board (RPTMB), chaired by SSC with representatives from each center identified above. The Board is highly active, meeting weekly, and is key to providing responsive test services for ongoing operational and developmental NASA and commercial programs including Shuttle, Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle, and 2nd and 3rd Generation Reusable Launch Vehicles. The relationship between SSC, the test provider, and the hardware developers, like MSFC, is critical to the implementation of the LCRPT. Much effort has been expended to develop and refine these relationships with SSC customers. These efforts have met with success and will continue to be a high priority to SSC for the future. To data in the exercise of its role, the LCRPT has made 22 test assignments and saved or avoided approximately $51M. The LCRPT directly manages approximately $30M annually in test infrastructure costs including facility maintenance and upgrades, direct test support, and test technology development. This annual budges supports rocket propulsion test programs which have an annual budget in excess of $150M. As the LCRPT continues to develop, customer responsiveness and lower cost test services will be major themes. In that light, SSC is embarking on major test technology development activities ensuring long range goals of safer, more responsive, and more cost effective test services are realized. The LCRPT is also focusing on the testing requirements for advanced propulsion systems. This future planning is key to defining and fielding the ability to test these new technologies in support of the hardware developers.

Modeling and Predicting the Electrical Conductivity of Composite Cathode for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell by Using Support Vector Regression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, J. L.; Cai, C. Z.; Xiao, T. T.; Huang, S. J.

2012-07-01

The electrical conductivity of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) cathode is one of the most important indices affecting the efficiency of SOFC. In order to improve the performance of fuel cell system, it is advantageous to have accurate model with which one can predict the electrical conductivity. In this paper, a model utilizing support vector regression (SVR) approach combined with particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm for its parameter optimization was established to modeling and predicting the electrical conductivity of Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2 O3-δ-xSm0.5Sr0.5CoO3-δ (BSCF-xSSC) composite cathode under two influence factors, including operating temperature (T) and SSC content (x) in BSCF-xSSC composite cathode. The leave-one-out cross validation (LOOCV) test result by SVR strongly supports that the generalization ability of SVR model is high enough. The absolute percentage error (APE) of 27 samples does not exceed 0.05%. The mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of all 30 samples is only 0.09% and the correlation coefficient (R2) as high as 0.999. This investigation suggests that the hybrid PSO-SVR approach may be not only a promising and practical methodology to simulate the properties of fuel cell system, but also a powerful tool to be used for optimal designing or controlling the operating process of a SOFC system.

Impact of Passive Safety on FHR Instrumentation Systems Design and Classification

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Holcomb, David Eugene

2015-01-01

Fluoride salt-cooled high-temperature reactors (FHRs) will rely more extensively on passive safety than earlier reactor classes. 10CFR50 Appendix A, General Design Criteria for Nuclear Power Plants, establishes minimum design requirements to provide reasonable assurance of adequate safety. 10CFR50.69, Risk-Informed Categorization and Treatment of Structures, Systems and Components for Nuclear Power Reactors, provides guidance on how the safety significance of systems, structures, and components (SSCs) should be reflected in their regulatory treatment. The Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) has provided 10 CFR 50.69 SSC Categorization Guideline (NEI-00-04) that factors in probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) model insights, as well as deterministic insights, throughmore » an integrated decision-making panel. Employing the PRA to inform deterministic requirements enables an appropriately balanced, technically sound categorization to be established. No FHR currently has an adequate PRA or set of design basis accidents to enable establishing the safety classification of its SSCs. While all SSCs used to comply with the general design criteria (GDCs) will be safety related, the intent is to limit the instrumentation risk significance through effective design and reliance on inherent passive safety characteristics. For example, FHRs have no safety-significant temperature threshold phenomena, thus enabling the primary and reserve reactivity control systems required by GDC 26 to be passively, thermally triggered at temperatures well below those for which core or primary coolant boundary damage would occur. Moreover, the passive thermal triggering of the primary and reserve shutdown systems may relegate the control rod drive motors to the control system, substantially decreasing the amount of safety-significant wiring needed. Similarly, FHR decay heat removal systems are intended to be running continuously to minimize the amount of safety-significant instrumentation needed to initiate operation of systems and components important to safety as required in GDC 20. This paper provides an overview of the design process employed to develop a pre-conceptual FHR instrumentation architecture intended to lower plant capital and operational costs by minimizing reliance on expensive, safety related, safety-significant instrumentation through the use of inherent passive features of FHRs.« less

Seasonal changes of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in response to hydrology and anthropogenic activities in the Pearl River estuary, China.

PubMed

Liu, Feng; Niu, Lixia; Chen, Hui; Li, Ping; Tian, Feng; Yang, Qingshu

2017-04-15

The behaviours of PAHs (containing 2-6 aromatic rings) in the Pearl River estuary were examined each month in 2011. This study was designed to investigate the abundance of 16 priority PAHs and their response to the seasonal dynamics of anthropogenic activities and hydrological cycles. Monthly mean concentrations of ∑ 16 PAHs in water and suspended particulate matter (SPM) were 88.31ng/L and 252.31ng/L respectively, with higher concentrations in the wet season (April to September). Heavy precipitation in the wet season resulted in relatively increased PAH input via riverine discharges and atmospheric deposition. Seasonal variations in suspended sediment concentration (SSC), temperature and salinity have considerably affected the PAH phase association. Higher SSC in the wet season contributed to higher concentration of the PAHs in SPM, and higher temperature and lower salinity facilitated desorption from SPM. The PAH sources were largely attributed to vehicular emissions, coal combustion and coke ovens. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Novel Hyperspectral Sun Photometer for Satellite Remote Sensing Data Radiometeic Calibration and Atmospheric Aerosol Studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pagnutti, Mary; Ryan, Robert E.; Holekamp, Kara; Harrington, Gary; Frisbie, Troy

2006-01-01

A simple and cost-effective, hyperspectral sun photometer for radiometric vicarious remote sensing system calibration, air quality monitoring, and potentially in-situ planetary climatological studies, was developed. The device was constructed solely from off the shelf components and was designed to be easily deployable for support of short-term verification and validation data collects. This sun photometer not only provides the same data products as existing multi-band sun photometers but also the potential of hyperspectral optical depth and diffuse-to-global products. As compared to traditional sun photometers, this device requires a simpler setup, less data acquisition time and allows for a more direct calibration approach. Fielding this instrument has also enabled Stennis Space Center (SSC) Applied Sciences Directorate personnel to cross-calibrate existing sun photometers. This innovative research will position SSC personnel to perform air quality assessments in support of the NASA Applied Sciences Program's National Applications program element as well as to develop techniques to evaluate aerosols in a Martian or other planetary atmosphere.

Application of dimensionless sediment rating curves to predict suspended-sediment concentrations, bedload, and annual sediment loads for rivers in Minnesota

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ellison, Christopher A.; Groten, Joel T.; Lorenz, David L.; Koller, Karl S.

2016-10-27

Consistent and reliable sediment data are needed by Federal, State, and local government agencies responsible for monitoring water quality, planning river restoration, quantifying sediment budgets, and evaluating the effectiveness of sediment reduction strategies. Heightened concerns about excessive sediment in rivers and the challenge to reduce costs and eliminate data gaps has guided Federal and State interests in pursuing alternative methods for measuring suspended and bedload sediment. Simple and dependable data collection and estimation techniques are needed to generate hydraulic and water-quality information for areas where data are unavailable or difficult to collect.The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, completed a study to evaluate the use of dimensionless sediment rating curves (DSRCs) to accurately predict suspended-sediment concentrations (SSCs), bedload, and annual sediment loads for selected rivers and streams in Minnesota based on data collected during 2007 through 2013. This study included the application of DSRC models developed for a small group of streams located in the San Juan River Basin near Pagosa Springs in southwestern Colorado to rivers in Minnesota. Regionally based DSRC models for Minnesota also were developed and compared to DSRC models from Pagosa Springs, Colorado, to evaluate which model provided more accurate predictions of SSCs and bedload in Minnesota.Multiple measures of goodness-of-fit were developed to assess the effectiveness of DSRC models in predicting SSC and bedload for rivers in Minnesota. More than 600 dimensionless ratio values of SSC, bedload, and streamflow were evaluated and delineated according to Pfankuch stream stability categories of “good/fair” and “poor” to develop four Minnesota-based DSRC models. The basis for Pagosa Springs and Minnesota DSRC model effectiveness was founded on measures of goodness-of-fit that included proximity of the model(s) fitted line to the 95-percent confidence intervals of the site-specific model, Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency values, model biases, and deviation of annual sediment loads from each model to the annual sediment loads calculated from measured data.Composite plots comparing Pagosa Springs DSRCs, Minnesota DSRCs, site-specific regression models, and measured data indicated that regionally developed DSRCs (Minnesota DSRC models) more closely approximated measured data for nearly every site. Pagosa Springs DSRC models had markedly larger exponents (slopes) when compared to the Minnesota DSRC models and the site-specific regression models, and over-represent SSC and bedload at streamflows exceeding bankfull. The Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency values for the Minnesota DSRC model for suspended-sediment concentrations closely matched Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency values of the site-specific regression models for 12 out of 16 sites. Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency values associated with Minnesota DSRCs were greater than those associated with Pagosa Springs DSRCs for every site except the Whitewater River near Beaver, Minnesota site. Pagosa Springs DSRC models were less accurate than the mean of the measured data at predicting SSC values for one-half of the sites for good/fair stability sites and one-half of the sites for poor stability sites. Relative model biases were calculated and determined to be substantial (greater than 5 percent) for Pagosa Springs and Minnesota models, with Minnesota models having a lower mean model bias. For predicted annual suspended-sediment loads (SSL), the Minnesota DSRC models for good/fair and poor stream stability sites more closely approximated the annual SSLs calculated from the measured data as compared to the Pagosa Springs DSRC model.Results of data analyses indicate that DSRC models developed using data collected in Minnesota were more effective at compensating for differences in individual stream characteristics across a variety of basin sizes and flow regimes than DSRC models developed using data collected for Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Minnesota DSRC models retained a substantial portion of the unique sediment signatures for most rivers, although deviations were observed for streams with limited sediment supply and for rivers in southeastern Minnesota, which had markedly larger regression exponents. Compared to Pagosa Springs DSRC models, Minnesota DSRC models had regression slopes that more closely matched the slopes of site-specific regression models, had greater Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency values, had lower model biases, and approximated measured annual sediment loads more closely. The results presented in this report indicate that regionally based DSRCs can be used to estimate reasonably accurate values of SSC and bedload.Practitioners are cautioned that DSRC reliability is dependent on representative measures of bankfull streamflow, SSC, and bedload. It is, therefore, important that samples of SSC and bedload, which will be used for estimating SSC and bedload at the bankfull streamflow, are collected over a range of conditions that includes the ascending and descending limbs of the event hydrograph. The use of DSRC models may have substantial limitations for certain conditions. For example, DSRC models should not be used to predict SSC and sediment loads for extreme streamflows, such as those that exceed twice the bankfull streamflow value because this constitutes conditions beyond the realm of current (2016) empirical modeling capability. Also, if relations between SSC and streamflow and between bedload and streamflow are not statistically significant, DSRC models should not be used to predict SSC or bedload, as this could result in large errors. For streams that do not violate these conditions, DSRC estimates of SSC and bedload can be used for stream restoration planning and design, and for estimating annual sediment loads for streams where little or no sediment data are available.

Simulating supersymmetry at the SSC

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Barnett, R.M.; Haber, H.E.

1984-08-01

Careful study of supersymmetric signatures at the SSC is required in order to distinguish them from Standard Model physics backgrounds. To this end, we have created an efficient, accurate computer program which simulates supersymmetric particle production and decay (or other new particles). We have incorporated the full matrix elements, keeping track of the polarizations of all intermediate states. (At this time hadronization of final-state partons is ignored). Using Monte Carlo techniques this program can generate any desired final-state distribution or individual events for Lego plots. Examples of the results of our study of supersymmetry at SSC are provided.