Chorioamnionitis: Is a major player in the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia?

Chorioamnionitis is an inflammation in the fetal membranes or placenta. When chorioamnionitis develops, fetal lungs are exposed to inflammatory cytokines and mediators via amniotic fluid. Because inflammation plays a pivotal role in the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a chronic lung disease of prematurity, fetal lung inflammation induced by chorioamnionitis has been considered to be one of the major pathogenetic factors for BPD. Although there have been a number of studies that demonstrated the relationship between chorioamnionitis and BPD, there are still controversies on this issue. The controversies on the relationship between chorioamnionitis and BPD arise from not-unified definitions of chorioamnionitis and BPD, different study populations, and the proportion of contribution between inflammation and infectious microorganisms. The publication bias also contributes to the controversies. Clinical trials targeting chorioamnionitis or microorganisms that cause chorioamnionitis will answer on the actual relationship between chorioamnionitis and BPD and provide a novel prophylactic strategy against BPD based on that relationship

Response of South Dakota Adapted Sorghum Cultivars to Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus Strains A and B

Both MDMV-A and -B were transmitted by natural infection and mechanical inoculation on South Dakota adapted sorghum hybrids and occurred at the Brookings area. Grain sorghum hybrids were found to react differently to mechanical inoculation with MDMV-A and -B, respectively. Strain A usually induced a systemic mosaic symptom, while strain B usually produced local and necrotic symptoms. However, a few cultivars infected with strain B exhibited systemic symptoms. During a comparative ultrastructural study of MDMV infection, there was an obvious difference in inclusion bodies between MDMV-A and MDMV-B. Electron microscope revealed the presence of pinwheels, bundles, tubes, scrolls, and laminated aggregates in cells of sorghum leaf tissue systemically infected with MDMV-B, while no laminated aggregates were found in cells of sorghum leaf tissue infected with MDMV-A. Ultrastructural aspects of HOK sorghum plants in the primary acute stage of symptom development and MDMV-A interaction, exhibited obvious ultrastructural changes in host cell morphology such as cell wall abnormalities. The cell wall abnormalities involved cell wall thickenings and protrusions associated with paramural bodies, extended plasmodesmata, and extra protoplasmic sacs. The objectives of this study are to determine the response of South Dakota adapted sorghum cultivars to mechanical inoculation, to identify potential reservoirs for MDMV, to compare sorghum cultivars reaction to MDMV-A and -B, and to describe the symptom development at different stages of sorghum cultivars inoculated with MDMV. Also, to observe the cytological modification of HOK sorghum cultivar inoculated with MDMV-A mechanically, and finally to compare the difference of inclusion bodies between strain A and B

The Effect of Emotional Intensity, Arousal, and Valence On Online Video Ad Sharing

This dissertation examines the effect of emotional factors, such as pleasure, arousal, and intensity, on online video ad sharing. Previous studies found that the emotions evoked by online video ads could influence consumers’ ad sharing intentions. However, it remains uncertain which emotional factors trigger ad sharing behavior. Some researchers argue that positive or high-arousal emotions (e.g., excitement) exert greater influence on ad sharing than negative or low-arousal emotions (e.g., sadness). However, these studies do not explain why video ads that evoke low-arousal or unpleasant emotions are also widely shared on social media. Based on the theory of social sharing of emotion and the emotion regulation theory, this research proposes that emotional intensity is a critical factor influencing ad sharing. This dissertation has two research objectives: (a) to examine the underlying mechanism of how emotional factors influence consumers’ intention to share online video ads and (b) to investigate if the relationships between emotional factors and ad sharing intention can be applied to ad-sharing behavior in a real social media setting. More specifically, the first objective is to investigate the effects of emotional factors, including intensity, arousal, and pleasure, on ad sharing intention through self-expression, social interaction, altruism, and entertainment motives. The second objective is to examine if expressed emotions in YouTube comments can predict the number of shares in a real social media setting. To achieve these research objectives, this research adopted a methodological triangulation approach using self-report survey data (in Study 1) and social media data (in Study 2). The results of the two studies suggest that emotional intensity is the most critical factor influencing online video ad sharing. Also, Study 1 showed that the indirect effect of emotional intensity on online video ad sharing intention mediated by social interaction was greatest. Emotional arousal positively influenced consumers’ intention to share online video ads (in Study 1) but did not affect real sharing behaviors (in Study 2). The effect of emotional pleasure was not significant in both studies. This research contributes to the expansion of viral advertising research by proposing emotional intensity as a critical factor influencing online video ad sharing

Utilization of Laboratory Tests for Tuberculosis and Mycobacterial Disease in Korea

AbstractObjectivesIn Korea, a large portion of tuberculosis (TB) patients are diagnosed and treated in private institutes. Laboratory tests are crucial for TB control. There are many possible problems using laboratory tests in the private sector. In this study, we aimed to investigate the characteristics and trends of utilizing laboratory tests for TB and mycobacterial diseases in the private sector by analyzing the National Health Insurance (NHI) database.MethodsAfter selecting TB or other mycobacteria-related test items, we searched the number and cost of each item on the website of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service using the code of each test from 2007 to 2012.ResultsOur data revealed that the number and cost of tests drastically increased between 2007 and 2012. Culture and molecular tests primarily contributed to the tremendous increases. For each year, concentrated smearing and fluorochrome staining were more commonly used. The number of serologic tests for latent TB infection stagnated, despite the expansion of contact investigation.ConclusionThe NHI data could be considerably useful for understanding the utilization trends of laboratory tests for TB and mycobacterial diseases in Korea. Our data showed that TB laboratory systems have recently improved. In this study, many issues were noticed. Therefore, solutions to these issues are required and the continued monitoring of NHI data regarding laboratory diagnosis

Innovative Nuclear Power Plant Building Arrangement in Consideration of Decommissioning

AbstractA new concept termed the Innovative Nuclear Power Plant Building Arrangement (INBA) strategy is a new nuclear power plant building arrangement method which encompasses upfront consideration of more efficient decommissioning. Although existing decommissioning strategies such as immediate dismantling and differed dismantling has the advantage of either early site restoration or radioactive decommissioning waste reduction, the INBA strategy has the advantages of both strategies. In this research paper, the concept and the implementation method of the INBA strategy will be described. Two primary benefits will be further described: (1) early site restoration; and (2) radioactive waste reduction. Several other potential benefits will also be identified. For the estimation of economic benefit, the INBA strategy, with two primary benefits, will be compared with the immediate dismantling strategy. The effect of a short life cycle nuclear power plant in combination with the INBA strategy will be reviewed. Finally, some of the major impediments to the realization of this strategy will be discussed