bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bladder fibrosis during outlet obstruction is triggered through the NLRP3 inflammasome and the production of IL-1β
Authors: Hughes Francis M. , Sexton Stephanie J. , Jin Huixia , Govada Vihasa , Purves J. Todd
Published: June 2017

Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) triggers inflammation in the bladder through the NLRP3 inflammasome. BOO also activates fibrosis, which is largely responsible for the decompensation of the bladder in the chronic state. Because fibrosis can be driven by inflammation, we have explored a role for NLRP3 (and IL-1β produced by NLRP3) in the activation and progression of BOO-induced fibrosis. Female rats were divided into five groups: 1) control, 2) sham, 3) BOO + vehicle, 4) BOO + the NLRP3 inhibitor glyburide, or 5) BOO + the IL-1β receptor antagonist anakinra. Fibrosis was assessed by Masson’s trichrome stain, collagen secretion via Sirius Red, and protein localization by immunofluorescence. BOO increased collagen production in the bladder, which was blocked by glyburide and anakinra, clearly implicating the NLRP3/IL-1β pathway in fibrosis. The collagen was primarily found in the lamina propria and the smooth muscle, while IL-1 receptor 1 and prolyl 4-hydroylase (an enzyme involved in the intracellular modification of collagen) both localized to the urothelium and the smooth muscle. Lysyl oxidase, the enzyme involved in the final extracellular assembly of mature collagen fibrils, was found to some extent in the lamina propria where its expression was greatly enhanced during BOO. In vitro studies demonstrated isolated urothelial cells from BOO rats secreted substantially more collagen than controls, and collagen expression in control cultures could be directly stimulated by IL-1β. In summary, NLRP3-derived-IL-1β triggers fibrosis during BOO, most likely through an autocrine loop in which IL-1β acts on urothelia to drive collagen production.
Skeletal muscle morphology, protein synthesis, and gene expression in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Authors: Nygaard Rie H. , Jensen Jakob K. , Voermans Nicol C. , Heinemeier Katja M. , Schjerling Peter , Holm Lars , Agergaard Jakob , Mackey Abigail L. , Andersen Jesper L. , Remvig Lars , Kjaer Michael
Published: June 2017

Patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) are known to have genetically impaired connective tissue and skeletal muscle symptoms in form of pain, fatigue, and cramps; however earlier studies have not been able to link these symptoms to morphological muscle changes. We obtained skeletal muscle biopsies in patients with classic EDS [cEDS; n = 5 (Denmark)+ 8 (The Netherlands)] and vascular EDS (vEDS; n = 3) and analyzed muscle fiber morphology and content (Western blotting and muscle fiber type/area distributions) and muscle mRNA expression and protein synthesis rate (RT-PCR and stable isotope technique). The cEDS patients did not differ from healthy controls ( n = 7–11) with regard to muscle fiber type/area, myosin/α-actin ratio, muscle protein synthesis rate, or mRNA expression. In contrast, the vEDS patients demonstrated higher expression of matrix proteins compared with cEDS patients (fibronectin and MMP-2). The cEDS patients had surprisingly normal muscle morphology and protein synthesis, whereas vEDS patients demonstrated higher mRNA expression for extracellular matrix remodeling in skeletal musculature compared with cEDS patients.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study is the first of its kind to systematically investigate muscle biopsies from Ehlers-Danlos patients, focusing on muscle structure and function. These patients suffer from severe muscle symptoms, but in our study they show surprisingly normal muscle findings, which points toward indirect muscle symptoms originating from the surrounding connective tissue. These findings have basal physiological importance and implications for future physiotherapeutic treatment options for these patients.
Validation of electrical stimulation models: intracellular calcium measurement in three-dimensional scaffolds
Authors: Adams Robert D. , Gupta Brinda , Harkins Amy B.
Published: June 2017

Electrical stimulation is used to enhance neuron growth, and the role of neuronal intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) is an area of research interest. Widely varying stimulation parameters in the literature make it difficult to compare stimulation protocols. The results in this manuscript are the first to show neuronal [Ca2+]i in response to a broad and defined range of electrical pulse durations and intensities. These results validate our previously published novel computational model of [Ca2+]i.
Numerical Simulation of In Situ Combustion of Oil Shale
Authors: Zheng Huan , Shi Weiping , Ding Dali , Zhang Chuangye
Published: June 2017

This paper analyzes the process of in situ combustion of oil shale, taking into account the transport and chemical reaction of various components in porous reservoirs. The physical model is presented, including the mass and energy conservation equations and Darcy’s law. The oxidation reactions of oil shale combustion are expressed by adding source terms in the conservation equations. The reaction rate of oxidation satisfies the Arrhenius law. A numerical method is established for calculating in situ combustion, which is simulated numerically, and the results are compared with the available experiment. The profiles of temperature and volume fraction of a few components are presented. The temperature contours show the temperature variation in the combustion tube. It is found that as combustion reaction occurs in the tube, the concentration of oxygen decreases rapidly, while the concentration of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide increases contrarily. Besides, the combustion front velocity is consistent with the experimental value. Effects of gas injection rate, permeability of the reservoir, initial oil content, and injected oxygen content on the ISC process were investigated in this study. Varying gas injection rate and oxygen content is important in the field test of ISC.
Documentation of Herbal Medicines Used for the Treatment and Management of Human Diseases by Some Communities in Southern Ghana
Authors: Boadu Augustine A. , Asase Alex
Published: June 2017

Traditional medicine is an important component of the health care system of most developing countries. However, indigenous knowledge about herbal medicines of many Ghanaian cultures has not yet been investigated. The aim of the present study was to document herbal medicines used by traditional healers to treat and manage human diseases and ailments by some communities living in Ghana. The study was conducted in eight communities in southern Ghana. Data were collected from 45 healers using ethnobotanical questionnaire and voucher specimens were collected. A total of 52 species of plants belonging to 28 plant families were reportedly used for treatment and management of 42 diseases and ailments. Medicinal plants were commonly harvested from the wild and degraded lowland areas in the morning from loamy soil. Herbal medicines were prepared in the form of decoctions (67%) and infusions (33%). Oral administration of the herbals was most (77%) common route of administration whereas the least used routes were nasal (1%) and rectal (2%). The results of the study show that herbal medicines are used for treatment and management of both common and specialized human diseases and that factors of place and time are considered important during harvesting of plants for treatments.
Development of a Semirigid Pavement Incorporating Ultrarapid Hardening Cement and Chemical Admixtures for Cement Grouts
Authors: Bang Jin Wook , Lee Byung Jae , Kim Yun Yong
Published: June 2017

Mechanical tests were carried out to evaluate the influence and effects of fluidity and compressive strength of cement grout on semirigid asphalt pavement. An open graded asphalt skeleton was designed in order to achieve target porosity in the range of 18~22%. In addition, four types of cement grout mixtures were produced with varying mix proportions with ultrarapid hardening cement and chemical admixtures, that is, accelerating and retarding agents. For the semirigid pavement specimens, mechanical experiments to measure properties such as porosity, flexural strength, Marshall stability, and wheel tracking resistance were carried out. The test results demonstrated that the flow time (fluidity) of cement grout is the most significant factor that determines the mechanical properties of semirigid asphalt specimens under constant condition of the open graded asphalt skeleton. For the semirigid pavement mixing proportion in the current study, it is recommended that the porosity of the open graded asphalt skeleton and flow time of cement grout should be 20% and within 12 seconds, respectively.
Effects of Total Flavone from Rhododendron simsii Planch. Flower on Postischemic Cardiac Dysfunction and Cardiac Remodeling in Rats
Authors: Cheng Xinqi , Zhang Jie , Chen Zhiwu
Published: June 2017

This study investigated the effect of total flavone from Rhododendron simsii Planch. flower (TFR) on postischemic cardiac dysfunction and ventricular remodeling and was to test the hypothesis that TFR has an antiventricular remodeling effect through inhibition of urotensin‐II receptor‐ (UTR‐) mediated activation of RhoA‐ROCK pathways. Twenty‐four hours after ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomized to receive 4‐week treatment with saline (model group) or TFR. Compared to the model group, TFR treatment restored cardiac function, attenuated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and reduced interstitial fibrosis. Expression levels of several fibrosis‐related factors, including alpha‐smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor‐beta 1, matrix metalloproteinase‐2, and collagen type I, were increased after MI. TFR treatment attenuated the upregulation of these factors, downregulated UTR expression, and markedly diminished the expression of RhoA and ROCK1/2. These results suggested that TFR could improve cardiac function and ameliorate ventricular remodeling through blocking UTR‐mediated activation of RhoA‐ROCK pathways in myocardial infarction rats.
MNRR1, a Biorganellar Regulator of Mitochondria
Authors: Grossman Lawrence I. , Purandare Neeraja , Arshad Rooshan , Gladyck Stephanie , Somayajulu Mallika , Hüttemann Maik , Aras Siddhesh
Published: June 2017

The central role of energy metabolism in cellular activities is becoming widely recognized. However, there are many gaps in our knowledge of the mechanisms by which mitochondria evaluate their status and call upon the nucleus to make adjustments. Recently, a protein family consisting of twin CX9C proteins has been shown to play a role in human pathophysiology. We focus here on two family members, the isoforms CHCHD2 (renamed MNRR1) and CHCHD10. The better studied isoform, MNRR1, has the unusual property of functioning in both the mitochondria and the nucleus and of having a different function in each. In the mitochondria, it functions by binding to cytochrome c oxidase (COX), which stimulates respiration. Its binding to COX is promoted by tyrosine‐99 phosphorylation, carried out by ABL2 kinase (ARG). In the nucleus, MNRR1 binds to a novel promoter element in COX4I2 and itself, increasing transcription at 4% oxygen. We discuss mutations in both MNRR1 and CHCHD10 found in a number of chronic, mostly neurodegenerative, diseases. Finally, we propose a model of a graded response to hypoxic and oxidative stresses, mediated under different oxygen tensions by CHCHD10, MNRR1, and HIF1, which operate at intermediate and very low oxygen concentrations, respectively.
Metal Complexes of a Novel Schiff Base Based on Penicillin: Characterization, Molecular Modeling, and Antibacterial Activity Study
Authors: Chaudhary Narendra Kumar , Mishra Parashuram
Published: June 2017

A novel Schiff base ligand of type HL was prepared by the condensation of amoxicillin trihydrate and nicotinaldehyde. The metal complexes of Co+2, Ni+2, Cu+2, and Zn+2were characterized and investigated by physical and spectral techniques, namely, elemental analysis, melting point, conductivity,1H NMR, IR, UV-Vis spectra, ESR, SEM, and mass spectrometry measurements. They were further analyzed by thermal technique (TGA/DTA) to gain better insight about the thermal stability and kinetic properties of the complexes. Thermal data revealed high thermal stability and nonspontaneous nature of the decomposition steps. The Coats-Redfern method was applied to extract thermodynamic parameters to explain the kinetic behavior. The molar conductance values were relatively low, showing their nonelectrolytic nature. The powder XRD pattern revealed amorphous nature except copper complex (1c) that crystallized in the triclinic crystal system. The EPR study strongly recommends the tetrahedral geometry of 1c. The structure optimization by MM force field calculation through ArgusLab 4.0.1 software program supports the concerned geometry of the complexes. The in vitro antibacterial activity of all the compounds, at their two different concentrations, was screened against four bacterial pathogens, namely,E. coli, P. vulgaris, K. pneumoniae, and S. aureus,and showed better activity compared to parent drug and control drug.
Activation of p47phox as a Mechanism of Bupivacaine‐Induced Burst Production of Reactive Oxygen Species and Neural Toxicity
Authors: Li Yu-jie , Zhao Wei , Yu Xu-jiao , Li Feng-xian , Liu Zi-ting , Li Le , Xu Shi-yuan
Published: June 2017

Bupivacaine has been shown to induce neurotoxicity through inducing excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. NOX2 is one of the most important sources of ROS in the nervous system, and its activation requires the membrane translocation of subunit p47phox. However, the role of p47phox in bupivacaine‐induced neurotoxicity has not been explored. In our in vitro study, cultured human SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were treated with 1.5 mM bupivacaine to induce neurotoxicity. Membrane translocation of p47phox was assessed by measuring the cytosol/membrane ratio of p47phox. The effects of the NOX inhibitor VAS2870 and p47phox‐siRNA on bupivacaine‐induced neurotoxicity were investigated. Furthermore, the effect of VAS2870 on bupivacaine‐induced neurotoxicity was assessed in vivo in rats. All these changes were reversed by pretreatment with VAS2870 or transfection with p47phox‐siRNA in SH‐SY5Y cells. Similarly, pretreatment with VAS2870 attenuated bupivacaine‐induced neuronal toxicity in rats. It is concluded that enhancing p47phox membrane translocation is a major mechanism whereby bupivacaine induced neurotoxicity and that pretreatment with VAS2870 or local p47phox gene knockdown attenuated bupivacaine‐induced neuronal cell injury.
Eruptive Seborrheic Keratoses Restricted to Plaque/Patch-Stage Mycosis Fungoides
Authors: Lebas Eve , Quatresooz Pascale , Arrese Jorge E. , Nikkels Arjen F.
Published: June 2017

Eruptive seborrheic keratoses (ESK) are rare in dermatology. They are usually inflammatory in nature and may be encountered as Leser-Trélat sign. ESK may also be simultaneously observed with hepatic angiomas, chemotherapy, segmental neurofibromatosis, HIV or erythrodermic pityriasis rubra pilaris, psoriasis, and drug eruption. ESK may be transient and self-healing. Others recede after successful treatment of the underlying disease. In some instances, seborrheic keratoses may follow an isotopic response and remain strictly restricted to sites of previous eczema, photo-exposition or tattoos. A patient with patch/plaque lesions of classic-type mycosis fungoides (MF) presented sudden ESK that were exclusively limited to the MF lesions. In conclusion, this patient combined an isotopic response and ESK.
Routine Pouchoscopy Prior to Ileostomy Takedown May Not Be Necessary in Patients with Chronic Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Cai Jennifer X. , Barrow Jasmine , Parian Alyssa , Brant Steven R. , Dudley-Brown Sharon , Efron Jonathan , Fang Sandy , Gearhart Susan , Marohn Michael , Safar Bashar , Truta Brindusa , Wick Elizabeth , Lazarev Mark
Published: June 2017

Background: Creation of a J pouch is the gold standard surgical intervention in the treatment of chronic ulcerative colitis (UC). Pouchoscopy prior to ileostomy takedown is commonly performed. We describe the frequency, indication, and findings on pouchoscopy, and determine if pouchoscopy affects rates of complications after takedown. Methods: All UC or indeterminate inflammatory bowel disease patients with a J pouch were retrospectively evaluated from January 1994 to December 2014. Cases were defined as having routine (asymptomatic) pouchoscopy after pouch creation but before ileostomy takedown. Controls were defined as having no pouchoscopy or pouchoscopy on the same day as that of takedown. Results: The study included 178 patients (81.5% cases, 18.5% controls). Fifty two percent of pouchoscopies were reported as normal. Common abnormal endoscopy findings included stricture (35%), pouchitis (7%), and cuffitis (0.7%). Length of stay during takedown hospitalization was shorter for cases than controls (3 vs. 5 days; p = 0.001), but neither short- nor long-term complications were statistically different between cases and controls. Abnormalities on pouchoscopy were not predictive for short-term complications (p = 0.73) or long-term complications (p = 0.55). Routine pouchoscopy did not delay takedown surgery in any of the included patients. Conclusions: Routine pouchoscopy may not be necessary prior to ileostomy takedown; its greatest utility is in patients with suspected pouch complications.
Association between Leptin, Adiponectin, and Leptin/Adiponectin Ratio with Clustered Metabolic Risk Factors in Portuguese Adolescents: The LabMed Physical Activity Study
Authors: Agostinis-Sobrinho César A. , Lacerda Mendes Edmar , Moreira Carla , Abreu Sandra , Lopes Luís , Oliveira-Santos José , Skurvydas Albertas , Mota Jorge , Santos Rute
Published: June 2017

Introduction: Circulating leptin and adiponectin levels have been associated with impaired vascular function, insulin resistance, and acute cardiovascular evens. This study aimed to evaluate the associations of leptin, adiponectin, and the leptin/adiponectin (L/A) ratio with a clustering of metabolic risk factors (MRF) in adolescents aged 12-18 years. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analysis with 529 Portuguese adolescents aged 12-18 years. Blood samples were taken to analyze total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-c), triglycerides glucose, insulin, leptin, and adiponectin levels. A continuous variable of clustered MRF score (sum of Z-scores of body fat percentage, systolic blood pressure, ratio TC/HDL, triglycerides, homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance, and cardiorespiratory fitness*[-1]) was computed. Results: Regression analyses showed that adiponectin was a significant and negative predictor of MRF score (boys: β = -0.199; p < 0.001; girls: β = -0.200; p < 0.001); whereas leptin was a significant positive predictor of MRF score (boys: β = 0.553; p < 0.001; girls: β = 0.399; p < 0.001). The L/A ratio was also a significant positive predictor of MRF score in both sexes (boys: β = 0.593; p < 0.001; girls: β = 0.461; p < 0.001), after adjustments for age, pubertal stage, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and socioeconomic status. In addition, adiponectin, leptin, and L/A ratio were accurate to predict MRF among adolescents, but L/A ratio showed the highest area under receiver operating characteristic curve. Conclusion: Leptin, adiponectin, and L/A ratio are associated with the clustering of MRF in adolescents after adjustments for age, sex, pubertal stage, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and socioeconomic status. L/A ratio was more strongly associated with MRF score than adiponectin or leptin.
Irisin Regulates Heme Oxygenase-1/Adiponectin Axis in Perivascular Adipose Tissue and Improves Endothelial Dysfunction in Diet-Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Hou Ningning , Du Gang , Han Fang , Zhang Jin , Jiao Xiaotong , Sun Xiaodong
Published: June 2017

Aims: To determine whether irisin could improve endothelial dysfunction by regulating heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)/adiponectin axis in perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) in obesity. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) with or without irisin treatment. Endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation of the thoracic aorta with or without PVAT (PVAT+ or PVAT–) was determined. Western blot was employed to determine the levels of HO-1 and adiponectin in PVAT. UCP-1, Cidea, and TNF-α gene expression in PVAT were tested by real-time PCR. Results: The presence of PVAT significantly impaired endothelial function in the HFD mice. Treatment of HFD mice with irisin significantly restored this impairment and improved endothelial function in vivo or ex vivo. Incubated aortic rings (PVAT-) with PVAT-derived conditioned medium (CM) from HFD mice impaired endothelial function in control mice. This impairment was prevented by incubating the aortic rings (PVAT-) from HFD mice with PVAT-derived CM from irisin. However, the beneficial effects were partly attenuated in the presence of HO-1 inhibitor and adiponectin receptor blocking peptide. Treatment of HFD mice with irisin significantly increased NO production, protein levels of HO-1 and adiponectin, mRNA expressions of UCP-1 and Cidea, and decreased superoxide production and TNF-α expression in PVAT. Conclusion: Irisin improved endothelial function by modulating HO-1/ adiponectin axis in PVAT in HFD-induced obese mice. These findings suggest that regulating PVAT function may be a potential mechanism by which irisin improves endothelial function in obesity.
Extracellular nucleic acids in immunity and cardiovascular responses: between alert and disease
Authors: Preissner Klaus T. , Herwald Heiko
Published: June 2017

Severe inflammatory complications are a potential consequence in patients with predetermined conditions of infections, pulmonary diseases, or cardiovascular disorders. Notably, the amplitude of the inflammatory response towards these complications can dictate the disease progression and outcome. During the recent years, evidence from basic research as well as from clinical studies has identified self-extracellular nucleic acids as important players in the crosstalk between immunity and cardiovascular diseases. These stress- or injury-induced endogenous polymeric macromolecules not only serve as “alarmins” or “Danger-associated molecular patterns” (DAMPs), but their functional repertoire goes far beyond such activities in innate immunity. In fact, (patho-) physiological functions of self-extracellular DNA and RNA are associated and in many cases causally related to arterial and venous thrombosis, atherosclerosis, ischemia-reperfusion injury or tumour progression. Yet, the underlying molecular mechanisms are far from being completely understood. Interestingly enough, however, novel antagonistic approaches in vitro and in vivo, particularly using natural endonucleases or synthetic nucleic acid binding polymers, appear to be promising and safe therapeutic options for future studies. The aim of this review article is to provide an overview of the current state of (patho-) physiological functions of self-extracellular nucleic acids with special emphasis on their role as beneficial / alerting or adverse / damaging factors in connection with immune responses, inflammation, thrombosis, and cardiovascular diseases.
Angiogenesis in metabolic-vascular disease
Authors: Breier Georg , Chavakis Triantafyllos , Hirsch Emilio
Published: June 2017

Angiogenesis, literally formation of new blood vessels, is the main process through which the vascular system expands during embryonic and postnatal development. Endothelial cells, which constitute the inner lining of all blood vessels, are typically in a quiescent state in the healthy adult organism. However, in vascular and metabolic diseases, the endothelium becomes unstable and dysfunctional. The resulting tissue hypoxia may thereby induce pathological angiogenesis, which is a hallmark of disease conditions like cancer or diabetic retinopathy. However, recent evidence suggests that angiogenesis is also a major player in the context of further metabolic diseases, especially in obesity. In particular, deregulated angiogenesis is linked with adipose tissue dysfunction and insulin resistance. On the other hand, signalling pathways, such as the PI3K pathway, may regulate metabolic activities in the endothelium. Endothelial cell metabolism emerges as an important regulator of angiogenesis. This review summarises the role of angiogenesis in metabolic-vascular disease, with specific focus on the role of angiogenesis in obesity-related metabolic dysfunction and on signaling pathways, especially PI3K, linking cell metabolism to endothelial function.
Uma leitura das adaptações de Vidas secas (1963) e A Hora da Estrela (1985) para o Cinema.
Authors: Magno Maria Ignes Carlos
Published: June 2017

Por que histórias tão simples e conhecidas ainda provocam o leitor e o espectador? Como os autores olham e traduzem a realidade em imagens literárias? Como cineastas leem essas imagens literárias e as transformam em imagens cinematográficas? São perguntas que me levam a propor para essa resenha uma leitura dos arranjos que os autores e cineastas fizeram com as palavras e as imagens para que essas obras permaneçam atuais e provoquem o leitor e o espectador para que sejam sempre lidas, vistas e estudadas.
Rádio educativo - percepções a partir dos coordenadores do Programa Mais Educação
Authors: Patrício Edgard
Published: June 2017

O Programa Mais Educação, ação implantada em 2007 pelo Ministério da Educação (MEC), pretende desenvolver uma política pública de educação integral para as escolas brasileiras. A oferta de atividades do Programa Mais Educação é dividida em macrocampos. Um dos macrocampos é Comunicação e Uso de Mídias. Em junho de 2015, eram 28 escolas municipais de Fortaleza vinculadas ao Mais Educação e com opção de rádio escolar. Para esse trabalho, foram realizadas entrevistas com 21 coordenadores do Programa. A intenção é perceber se os princípios apontados pelo MEC para esse macrocampo estão sendo apropriados pelas ações desenvolvidas nas escolas.
Velho Chico: narrar para audiências desatentas – dilemas e desafios
Authors: Junqueira Antonio Helio , Baccega Maria Aparecida
Published: June 2017

O viver contemporâneo — imbricado em redes de hiperconexão e exacerbada midiatização das relações sociais e das intimidades — introduz e estabelece novos modos de convivência entre audiência e produtos culturais. Aí, a telenovela, principal produto ficcional de consumo massivo no Brasil, molda-se a novos modos do ver: desatentos e multifocais. Aviltam-se a imagem e o silêncio, ao mesmo tempo que se impõem tensos desafios às narrativas, em sua experimentação das possibilidades sociais da visão e da transformação social da realidade vivida. O presente artigo discute a recente experiência da exibição, no Brasil, da telenovela Velho Chico, pela Rede Globo de Televisão, bem como alguns de seus desdobramentos junto à audiência, enquanto proposta estética e narrativa profundamente inovadora frente a produtos culturais congêneres.
Right Heart End-Systolic Remodeling Index Strongly Predicts Outcomes in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Amsallem Myriam , Sweatt Andrew J. , Aymami Marie C. , Kuznetsova Tatiana , Selej Mona , Lu HongQuan , Mercier Olaf , Fadel Elie , Schnittger Ingela , McConnell Michael V. , Rabinovitch Marlene , Zamanian Roham T. , Haddad Francois
Published: June 2017

Background—

Right ventricular (RV) end-systolic dimensions provide information on both size and function. We investigated whether an internally scaled index of end-systolic dimension is incremental to well-validated prognostic scores in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Methods and Results—

From 2005 to 2014, 228 patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension were prospectively enrolled. RV end-systolic remodeling index (RVESRI) was defined by lateral length divided by septal height. The incremental values of RV free wall longitudinal strain and RVESRI to risk scores were determined. Mean age was 49±14 years, 78% were female, 33% had connective tissue disease, 52% were in New York Heart Association class ≥III, and mean pulmonary vascular resistance was 11.2±6.4 WU. RVESRI and right atrial area were strongly connected to the other right heart metrics. Three zones of adaptation (adapted, maladapted, and severely maladapted) were identified based on the RVESRI to RV systolic pressure relationship. During a mean follow-up of 3.9±2.4 years, the primary end point of death, transplant, or admission for heart failure was reached in 88 patients. RVESRI was incremental to risk prediction scores in pulmonary arterial hypertension, including the Registry to Evaluate Early and Long-Term PAH Disease Management score, the Pulmonary Hypertension Connection equation, and the Mayo Clinic model. Using multivariable analysis, New York Heart Association class III/IV, RVESRI, and log NT-proBNP (N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide) were retained (χ
2
, 62.2;
P
<0.0001). Changes in RVESRI at 1 year (n=203) were predictive of outcome; patients initiated on prostanoid therapy showed the greatest improvement in RVESRI. Among right heart metrics, RVESRI demonstrated the best test–retest characteristics.

Conclusions—

RVESRI is a simple reproducible prognostic marker in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Identification of High-Risk Patients After ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Durante Alessandro , Laricchia Alessandra , Benedetti Giulia , Esposito Antonio , Margonato Alberto , Rimoldi Ornella , De Cobelli Francesco , Colombo Antonio , Camici Paolo G.
Published: June 2017

Background—

The incidence of angiographic no reflow (NR) and microvascular obstruction (MVO) at cardiac magnetic resonance is significantly different. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of NR and MVO in a cohort of consecutive patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary interventions.

Methods and Results—

In this prospective study, 88 consecutive ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients were enrolled within 12 hours from symptoms onset. All patients underwent cardiac magnetic resonance between 2 and 5 days after primary percutaneous coronary interventions. NR was defined as thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade ≤2 and as myocardial blush grade <2. Presence of early or late MVO was assessed 4 and 10 to 15 minutes after gadolinium injection. Thirty-one patients (36%) had evidence of NR, whereas 58 (67%) had MVO. One NR patient did not have MVO. In contrast, NR was present in 30 of 58 MVO patients. MVO patients had higher troponin T peak (
P
<0.0001), larger late gadolinium enhancement area (
P
<0.0001), and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (
P
<0.001) because of an increased end-systolic volume (
P
=0.015). In contrast, patients with NR had higher troponin T peak (
P
=0.006) but similar late gadolinium enhancement area (
P
=0.24) compared with those without NR. Major cardiovascular adverse events–free survival was worse in patients with MVO (
P
=0.014), although it was similar in patients with and without NR (
P
=0.33). The independent predictors of major cardiovascular adverse events were MVO (hazard ratio, 3.418;
P
=0.046) and ischemic time (hazard ratio, 1.016;
P
<0.001). MVO was a strong predictor of target lesion revascularization occurrence (
P
=0.017 for log-rank test).

Conclusions—

Compared with coronary angiography performed soon after recanalization of the culprit artery, cardiac magnetic resonance performed during index hospitalization provides better prognostic stratification of ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary interventions. Another novel finding of our study is a significantly increased rate of clinically driven target lesion revascularization in the index event culprit vessel in patients with MVO.
Aortic Cross-Sectional Area/Height Ratio and Outcomes in Patients With Bicuspid Aortic Valve and a Dilated Ascending Aorta
Authors: Masri Ahmad , Kalahasti Vidyasagar , Svensson Lars G. , Alashi Alaa , Schoenhagen Paul , Roselli Eric E. , Johnston Douglas R. , Rodriguez L. Leonardo , Griffin Brian P. , Desai Milind Y.
Published: June 2017

Background—

In patients with bicuspid aortic valve and dilated proximal ascending aorta, we sought to assess (1) factors associated with increased longer-term cardiovascular mortality and (2) incremental prognostic use of indexing aortic root to patient height.

Methods and Results—

We studied 969 consecutive bicuspid aortic valve patients (50±13 years; 87% men) with proximal aorta ≥4 cm, who also had a gated contrast-enhanced thoracic computed tomography or magnetic resonance angiography. A ratio of ascending aortic area/height was calculated on tomography, and ≥10 cm
2
/m was considered abnormal, as previously reported. Society of Thoracic Surgeons score and cardiovascular death were recorded. Greater than or equal to III+ aortic regurgitation and severe aortic stenosis were seen in 37% and 10%, respectively. Society of Thoracic Surgeons score and right ventricular systolic pressure were 2±3 and 15±16 mm Hg, respectively. Abnormal ascending aortic area/height ratio was noted in 33%; 44% underwent ascending aortic surgery at 34 days. At 10.8 years (interquartile range, 9.6–12.3), 82 (9%) died (0.4% in-hospital postoperative mortality). On multivariable Cox survival analysis, ascending aortic area/height ratio (hazard ratio, 2; 95% confidence interval, 1.20–3.35) was associated with cardiovascular death, whereas aortic surgery (hazard ratio, 0.46; confidence interval, 0.26–0.80) was associated with improved survival (both
P
<0.01). Of the 405 patients with ascending aortic diameter of 4.5 to 5.5 cm, 64% had an abnormal ascending aortic area/height ratio, and 70% deaths occurred in patients with an abnormal ratio.

Conclusions—

In bicuspid aortic valve patients with dilated proximal ascending aorta, ascending aortic area/height ratio was independently associated with cardiovascular death.
Role of STIM1 (Stromal Interaction Molecule 1) in Hypertrophy-Related Contractile Dysfunction
Authors: Troupes Constantine D. , Wallner Markus , Borghetti Giulia , Zhang Chen , Mohsin Sadia , von Lewinski Dirk , Berretta Remus M. , Kubo Hajime , Chen Xiongwen , Soboloff Jonathan , Houser Steven
Published: June 2017

Rationale:

Pathological increases in cardiac afterload result in myocyte hypertrophy with changes in myocyte electrical and mechanical phenotype. Remodeling of contractile and signaling Ca
2+
occurs in pathological hypertrophy and is central to myocyte remodeling. STIM1 (stromal interaction molecule 1) regulates Ca
2+
signaling in many cell types by sensing low endoplasmic reticular Ca
2+
levels and then coupling to plasma membrane Orai channels to induce a Ca
2+
influx pathway. Previous reports suggest that STIM1 may play a role in cardiac hypertrophy, but its role in electrical and mechanical phenotypic alterations is not well understood.

Objective:

To define the contributions of STIM1-mediated Ca
2+
influx on electrical and mechanical properties of normal and diseased myocytes, and to determine whether Orai channels are obligatory partners for STIM1 in these processes using a clinically relevant large animal model of hypertrophy.

Methods and Results:

Cardiac hypertrophy was induced by slow progressive pressure overload in adult cats. Hypertrophied myocytes had increased STIM1 expression and activity, which correlated with altered Ca
2
+
-handling and action potential (AP) prolongation. Exposure of hypertrophied myocytes to the Orai channel blocker BTP2 caused a reduction of AP duration and reduced diastolic Ca
2+
spark rate. BTP2 had no effect on normal myocytes. Forced expression of STIM1 in cultured adult feline ventricular myocytes increased diastolic spark rate and prolonged AP duration. STIM1 expression produced an increase in the amount of Ca
2+
stored within the sarcoplasmic reticulum and activated Ca
2+
/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II. STIM1 expression also increased spark rates and induced spontaneous APs. STIM1 effects were eliminated by either BTP2 or by coexpression of a dominant negative Orai construct.

Conclusions:

STIM1 can associate with Orai in cardiac myocytes to produce a Ca
2+
influx pathway that can prolong the AP duration and load the sarcoplasmic reticulum and likely contributes to the altered electromechanical properties of the hypertrophied heart.
Letting the Troops Loose: Pillage, Massacres, and Enslavement in Early Tang Warfare
Authors: Yang Shao-yun
Published: June 2017

By analyzing examples ranging from the Sui-Tang transition to the An Lushan Rebellion, I argue that in a practice known as “letting the troops loose,” Tang generals frequently rewarded their officers and soldiers (and themselves) for a victory with the freedom to seize the wives, children, and property of the defeated with impunity, and to kill any who resisted. Attempts to censure or prosecute the generals responsible were rare and usually overruled, because military morale was seen as a higher priority than discipline or humaneness. Tang generals were also authorized to massacre surrendered enemy soldiers and conquered civilians for a range of strategic purposes. Moreover, taking slaves from a defeated population was a common prerogative among generals and officers even when an army was not “let loose.” When generals refrained from pillage, massacres, and enslavement, therefore, this was usually for reasons that were pragmatic and strategic, not moral or legal.
Shakespeare, Milton, and the Humanities at mit in Its Foundational Period
Authors: Haskin Dayton
Published: June 2017

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s foundational decision not to teach Latin and Greek opened a vast curricular space for the specialized study of scientific and technological subjects and also for what are now called humanities and social sciences. A printed document headed “English, 1868–69” sets forth mit’s plan for a required four-year curriculum in which the professor of English would lecture on a wide range of subjects in the vernacular, from political economy and law, to history and philosophy, to language and literature. This essay traces the effects of a residual hostility against the “dead languages” that informed the teaching of classic English literature, which evinces a steady diminishment of the place of the humanities over time. Climactically, the essay explores a countervailing English examination given by a junior instructor that shows how the scientific and humanities curricula might have been made to work in concert.
Changes in Winter North Atlantic Extratropical Cyclones in High-Resolution Regional Pseudo–Global Warming Simulations
Authors: Michaelis Allison C. , Willison Jeff , Lackmann Gary M. , Robinson Walter A.
Published: June 2017

The present study investigates changes in the location, frequency, intensity, and dynamical processes of North Atlantic extratropical cyclones with warming consistent with the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) representative concentration pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5) scenario. The modeling, analysis, and prediction (MAP) climatology of midlatitude storminess (MCMS) feature-tracking algorithm was utilized to analyze 10 cold-season high-resolution atmospheric simulations over the North Atlantic region in current and future climates. Enhanced extratropical cyclone activity is most evident in the northeast North Atlantic and off the U.S. East Coast. These changes in cyclone activity are offset from changes in eddy kinetic energy and eddy heat flux. Investigation of the minimum SLP reached at each grid point reveals a lack of correspondence between the strongest events in the current and future simulations, indicating the future simulations produced a different population of storms. Examination of the percent change of storms in the storm-track region shows a reduction in the number of strong storms (i.e., those reaching a minimum SLP perturbation of at least −51 hPa). Storm-relative composites of strong and moderate storms show an increase in precipitation, associated with enhanced latent heat release and strengthening of the 900–700-hPa layer-average potential vorticity (PV). Other structural changes found for cyclones in a future climate include weakened upper-level PV for strong storms and a weakened near-surface potential temperature anomaly for moderate storms, demonstrating a change in storm dynamics. Furthermore, the impacts associated with extratropical cyclones, such as strong near-surface winds and heavy precipitation, strengthen and become more frequent with warming.
Future Changes in European Severe Convection Environments in a Regional Climate Model Ensemble
Authors: Púčik Tomáš , Groenemeijer Pieter , Rädler Anja T. , Tijssen Lars , Nikulin Grigory , Prein Andreas F. , van Meijgaard Erik , Fealy Rowan , Jacob Daniela , Teichmann Claas
Published: June 2017

The occurrence of environmental conditions favorable for severe convective storms was assessed in an ensemble of 14 regional climate models covering Europe and the Mediterranean with a horizontal grid spacing of 0.44°. These conditions included the collocated presence of latent instability and strong deep-layer (surface to 500 hPa) wind shear, which is conducive to the severe and well-organized convective storms. The occurrence of precipitation in the models was used as a proxy for convective initiation. Two climate scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) were investigated by comparing two future periods (2021–50 and 2071–2100) to a historical period (1971–2000) for each of these scenarios. The ensemble simulates a robust increase (change larger than twice the ensemble sample standard deviation) in the frequency of occurrence of unstable environments (lifted index ≤ −2) across central and south-central Europe in the RCP8.5 scenario in the late twenty-first century. This increase coincides with the increase in lower-tropospheric moisture. Smaller, less robust changes were found until midcentury in the RCP8.5 scenario and in the RCP4.5 scenario. Changes in the frequency of situations with strong (≥15 m s−1) deep-layer shear were found to be small and not robust, except across far northern Europe, where a decrease in shear is projected. By the end of the century, the simultaneous occurrence of latent instability, strong deep-layer shear, and model precipitation is simulated to increase by up to 100% across central and eastern Europe in the RCP8.5 and by 30%–50% in the RCP4.5 scenario. Until midcentury, increases in the 10%–25% range are forecast for most regions. A large intermodel variability is present in the ensemble and is primarily due to the uncertainties in the frequency of the occurrence of unstable environments.
Three-Dimensional Salt Dynamics in Well-Mixed Estuaries: Influence of Estuarine Convergence, Coriolis, and Bathymetry
Authors: Wei Xiaoyan , Kumar Mohit , Schuttelaars Henk M.
Published: June 2017

A semianalytical three-dimensional model is set up to dynamically calculate the coupled water motion and salinity for idealized well-mixed estuaries and prognostically investigate the influence of each physical mechanism on the residual salt transport. As a study case, a schematized estuary with an exponentially converging width and a channel–shoal structure is considered. The temporal correlation between horizontal tidal velocities and tidal salinities is the dominant process for the landward residual salt transport. The residual salt transport induced by residual circulation is locally significant, but the induced salt transport integrated over the cross section is small. The impacts of the estuarine geometry, Coriolis force, and bathymetry on the salt dynamics are studied using three dedicated experiments, in which the impact of each of these factors is studied separately. To assess the impact of width convergence, a convergent estuary without bathymetric variations or Coriolis force is considered. In this experiment, the temporal correlation between tidal velocities and salinities is the only landward salt transport process. In the second experiment, Coriolis effects are included. This results in a significant residual salt transport cell due to the advection of the tidally averaged salinity by residual circulation, with salt imported into the estuary from the left side and exported on the right (looking seaward). In the last experiment, a lateral channel–shoal structure is included while the Coriolis effects are excluded. This results in a significant landward salt transport through the deeper channel and a seaward salt transport over the shoals due to the advection of the tidally averaged salinity by residual circulation.
A Quality Control Method for Wind Profiler Observations toward Assimilation Applications
Authors: Zhang Yu , Chen Min , Zhong Jiqin
Published: June 2017

A wind profiler network with a total of 65 profiling radar systems was operated by the China Meteorological Observation Center (MOC) of the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) until July 2015. In this study, a quality control procedure is constructed to incorporate the profiler data from the wind-profiling network into the local data assimilation and forecasting systems. The procedure applies a blacklisting check that removes stations with gross errors and an outlier check that rejects data with large deviations from the background. As opposed to the biweight method, which has been commonly implemented in outlier elimination for univariate observations, the outlier elimination method is developed based on the iterated reweighted minimum covariance determinant (IRMCD) for multivariate observations, such as wind profiler data. A quality control experiment is performed separately for subsets containing profiler data tagged with/without rain flags in parallel every 0000 and 1200 UTC from 20 June to 30 September 2015. The results show that with quality control, the frequency distributions of the differences between the observations and the model background meet the requirements of a Gaussian distribution for data assimilation. A further intensive assessment of each quality control step reveals that the stations rejected by the blacklisting contained poor data quality and that the IRMCD rejects outliers in a robust and physically reasonable manner. Detailed comparisons between the IRMCD and the biweight method are performed, and the IRMCD is demonstrated to be more efficient and more comprehensive regarding the dataset used in this study.
Hillary ThroughTIME: The (Un)Making of the First Woman President
Authors: Taylor Mary Anne , Pye Danee
Published: June 2017

This essay critically examines Hillary Clinton’s (Hillary) TIME Magazine coverage, from the first cover image as a First Lady in 1992, to the most recent cover as a 2016 presidential hopeful, and each of the focal images throughout TIME’s 20-year coverage. Drawing from political and visual rhetoric as a primary lens, the analysis of each cover will investigate two primary texts: Hillary’s image as coded by a social semiotic approach and the editorial reporting of TIME’s senior writers. Each of Hillary’s cover appearances and corresponding articles are then rhetorically analyzed with a focus on how her mediated image is perpetuated as a threat to political hegemony. Through these themes, we argue that the reporting and image construction of Hillary reinforces normative and status quo-journalism, and ultimately celebrates Hillary as a diplomat, senator, and wife, while disciplining her candidate image as a threat to the American presidency. After a thoughtful dialogue about each cover and the broader implications for political women as executive leaders, this article ultimately advances an argument for a new epistemological and ideological understanding of reporting for political women.