bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sprachreform und Sprachbewußtsein in der Herausbildung der modernen rumänischen Standardsprache
Authors: Bahner Werner
Published: November 2016

The development of Modern Rumanian in the nineteenth century was connected with different efforts for language reforms. In these activities the linguistic consciousness played a significant part. The principal characteristics of this linguistic consciousness were the orientations towards the Latin regarded as the ‘mother’ of the Rumanian and towards the Romance languages, specially the French and the Italian, considered as modern models of the same linguistic stock. Concerning the necessary enrichment of the lexical resources of Rumanian this linguistic consciousness proved to be a pivot. It. was mainly borne by the intelligentsia who contributed also decisively to modern languages or terminologies for specific purposes. Taking into consideration the mutual exchange and interaction between specific vocabulary and general vocabulary it results clearly from the historical facts that these social strata guided by a distinctly marked linguistic consciousness had a strong influence upon the development of the Modern Rumanian.
Zu Konstruktionen mit unpersönlich gebrauchtem ‘haben’ in den Balkansprachen
Authors: Buchholz Oda
Published: November 2016

The present paper deals with a particular type of sentence structure without subject, which from the semantic point of view represents a special kind of the so-called existential sentences. The corresponding syntactic constructions consist of the immediate constituents predicate and direct object; optionally they can be completed with a local adverbial and/or a temporal adverbial. The author points out several common characteristics of Balkan languages, appearing in concrete representations of this type. Among these the most striking conformity is the lexical realization of the predicate with equivalents to the verb ‘to have’, only impersonally used in the given syntactic context. This parallel is evident in seven Balkanic languages reap, dialects, representatives of four branches of the Indo-european language family: Albanian; Modern Greek; Bulgarian, Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian ; Aromanian, Meglenitian. A comparison with older stages of the contemporary Balkan languages shows, that the way of construction with ‘to have’-equivalents seems to bo an innovation. The author regards this kind of expression as an appearance of convergence, resulting from processes of interference between the Balkan languages, and considers it as Balkanism. The same way of expression occurs also in languages outside the Balkan, for example in other Slavic and Romanic ones, but the relevant areas mostly are formed from languages with genealogic relationship, whereas the relatively closed area at the Balkan, shown with regard to the investigated phenomenon, above all is founded upon geographic neighbourhood.
Anmerkungen zur Anaphorik und Kataphorik der Partikel ḥaiṯu im modernen Hocharabisch
Authors: Langer Michael
Published: November 2016

The present paper deals with some aspects of the anaphoric and cataphoric reference functions of the particle (harf) ḥaiṯu in Modern Standard Arabic, paying special emphasis on its versatility in syntactic structures for expressing different meanings (local, temporal, causative and adversative).

By touching upon compounds of ḥaiṯu, e.g. bi-ḥaiṯu (anna), (min) ḥaiṯu anna, min ḥaiṯu and ḥaiṯumā, as well as discussing their German equivalents a moderate contribution is to be rendered in order to further specify references in Arabic-German dictionaries.
Light-Stimulated Generation of Free Radicals by Quinones-Chelators
Authors: Markova Irina D. , Polyakov Nikolay E. , Selyutina Olga Yu. , Fedenok Lidia G. , Fedotov Kirill Yu. , Slepneva Irina A. , Leshina Tatyana V. , Pokrovsky Andrey G. , Vasilieva Nadezhda V. , Weiner Lev M.
Published: November 2016

The role of metal ions in the mechanism of light-stimulated redox activity of potential anticancer agent 2-phenyl-4-(butylamino)naphtha[2,3-h]quinoline-7,12-dione (Qc) has been studied by CIDNP (chemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization) and EPR methods. The photo-induced oxidation of NADH and its synthetic analog – substituted dihydropyridine (DHP) – by quinone Qc was used as a model. The Qc capability of producing chelating complexes with divalent metal ions of Fe, Zn and Ca was studied quantitatively by optical absorption spectroscopy. A significant decrease of electrochemical reduction potential of Qc (ΔE=0.4−0.6 eV for ACN and ACN/PBS solutions) in chelating complexes and in protonated form of Qc was observed. A pronounced increase in efficiency of DHP oxidation in chelating complexes with Zn2+ and Ca2+ ions compared with free Qc was demonstrated. The yields of free radicals, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reaction products, were a few times higher than those in the absence of metal ions. Application of such chelating compounds to enhance ROS generation looks very promising for anti-cancer therapy, including the photodynamic therapy.
A Novel Method for Assessing Muscle Power During the Standing Cable Wood Chop Exercise
Authors: Zemková Erika , Cepková Alena , Uvaček Marián , Šooš L'ubomír
Published: November 2016

Zemková, E, Cepková, A, Uvaček, M, and Šooš, L. A novel method for assessing muscle power during the standing cable wood chop exercise. J Strength Cond Res 31(8): 2246–2254, 2017—The study estimates the repeatability and sensitivity of a novel method for assessing (a) the maximal power during the standing cable wood chop exercise with different weights and (b) the endurance of the core muscles. A group of 23 fit men performed (a) maximal effort single repetitions of the standing cable wood chop exercise with weights increasing stepwise up to 1 repetition maximum (1RM) and (b) a set of 20 repetitions at a previously established weight at which maximal power was achieved. Results showed that mean power during the standing cable wood chop exercise is a reliable parameter, with intraclass correlation coefficient values above 0.90 for all weights tested. It was also shown to be a sensitive parameter able to discriminate within-group differences in the maximal power and endurance of core muscles. Substantial individual differences were found in mean power, especially at higher weights, and in the maximal power achieved at about 75% of 1RM (462.2 ± 57.4 W, n = 11), 67% of 1RM (327.2 ± 49.7 W, n = 7), and 83% of 1RM (524.0 ± 63.2 W, n = 5). At these weights, there were also significant differences between the initial and the final repetitions of the wood chop exercise (13.9%, p = 0.025; 10.2%, p = 0.036; and 13.8%, p = 0.028, respectively). These findings indicate that evaluation of the maximal power and endurance of the core muscles during the standing cable wood chop exercise on a weight stack machine is a reliable method and sensitive to differences among physically active individuals.
Western High-Fat Diet Consumption during Adolescence Increases Susceptibility to Traumatic Stress while Selectively Disrupting Hippocampal and Ventricular Volumes
Authors: Kalyan-Masih Priya , Vega-Torres Julio David , Miles Christina , Haddad Elizabeth , Rainsbury Sabrina , Baghchechi Mohsen , Obenaus Andre , Figueroa Johnny D.
Published: November 2016

Psychological trauma and obesity co-occur frequently and have been identified as major risk factors for psychiatric disorders. Surprisingly, preclinical studies examining how obesity disrupts the ability of the brain to cope with psychological trauma are lacking. The objective of this study was to determine whether an obesogenic Western-like high-fat diet (WD) predisposes rats to post-traumatic stress responsivity. Adolescent Lewis rats (postnatal day 28) were fedad libitumfor 8 weeks with either the experimental WD diet (41.4% kcal from fat) or the control diet (16.5% kcal from fat). We modeled psychological trauma by exposing young adult rats to a cat odor threat. The elevated plus maze and the open field test revealed increased psychological trauma-induced anxiety-like behaviors in the rats that consumed the WD when compared with control animals 1 week after undergoing traumatic stress (p< 0.05). Magnetic resonance imaging showed significant hippocampal atrophy (20% reduction) and lateral ventricular enlargement (50% increase) in the animals fed the WD when compared with controls. These volumetric abnormalities were associated with behavioral indices of anxiety, increased leptin and FK506-binding protein 51 (FKBP51) levels, and reduced hippocampal blood vessel density. We found asymmetric structural vulnerabilities to the WD, particularly the ventral and left hippocampus and lateral ventricle. This study highlights how WD consumption during adolescence impacts key substrates implicated in post-traumatic stress disorder. Understanding how consumption of a WD affects the developmental trajectories of the stress neurocircuitry is critical, as stress susceptibility imposes a marked vulnerability to neuropsychiatric disorders.
Rapid movement and transcriptional re‐localization of human cohesin on DNA
Authors: Davidson Iain F , Goetz Daniela , Zaczek Maciej P , Molodtsov Maxim I , Huis in 't Veld Pim J , Weissmann Florian , Litos Gabriele , Cisneros David A , Ocampo‐Hafalla Maria , Ladurner Rene , Uhlmann Frank , Vaziri Alipasha , Peters Jan‐Michael
Published: November 2016

The spatial organization, correct expression, repair, and segregation of eukaryotic genomes depend on cohesin, ring‐shaped protein complexes that are thought to function by entrapping DNA. It has been proposed that cohesin is recruited to specific genomic locations from distal loading sites by an unknown mechanism, which depends on transcription, and it has been speculated that cohesin movements along DNA could create three‐dimensional genomic organization by loop extrusion. However, whether cohesin can translocate along DNA is unknown. Here, we used single‐molecule imaging to show that cohesin can diffuse rapidly on DNA in a manner consistent with topological entrapment and can pass over some DNA‐bound proteins and nucleosomes but is constrained in its movement by transcription and DNA‐bound CCCTC‐binding factor (CTCF). These results indicate that cohesin can be positioned in the genome by moving along DNA, that transcription can provide directionality to these movements, that CTCF functions as a boundary element for moving cohesin, and they are consistent with the hypothesis that cohesin spatially organizes the genome via loop extrusion.
Tolvaptan use during hyperhydration in paediatric intracranial lymphoma with SIADH
Authors: Willemsen Ruben H , Delgado-Carballar Violeta , Elleri Daniela , Thankamony Ajay , Burke G A Amos , Nicholson James C , Dunger David B
Published: November 2016

An 11-year-old boy developed severe syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) after diagnosis of an intracranial B-cell lymphoma. His sodium levels dropped to 118–120 mmol/L despite 70% fluid restriction. For chemotherapy, he required hyperhydration, which posed a challenge because of severe hyponatraemia. Tolvaptan is an oral, highly selective arginine vasopressin V2-receptor antagonist, which has been licensed in adults for the management of SIADH and has been used in treating paediatric heart failure. Tolvaptan gradually increased sodium levels and allowed liberalisation of fluid intake and hyperhydration. Tolvaptan had profound effects on urinary output in our patient with increases up to 8 mL/kg/h and required close monitoring of fluid balance, frequent sodium measurements and adjustments to intake. After hyperhydration, tolvaptan was stopped, and the lymphoma went into remission with reversal of SIADH. We report one of the first uses of tolvaptan in a child with SIADH, and it was an effective and safe treatment to manage severe SIADH when fluid restriction was not possible or effective. However, meticulous monitoring of fluid balance and sodium levels and adjustments of fluid intake are required to prevent rapid sodium changes.

Learning points:

Tolvaptan can be used in paediatric patients with SIADH to allow hyperhydration during chemotherapy.

Tolvaptan has profound effects on urinary output and meticulous monitoring of fluid balance and sodium  levels is therefore warranted.

Tolvaptan was well tolerated without significant side effects.
Sodium butyrate activates NRF2 to ameliorate diabetic nephropathy possibly via inhibition of HDAC
Authors: Dong Wenpeng , Jia Ye , Liu Xiuxia , Zhang Huan , Li Tie , Huang Wenlin , Chen Xudong , Wang Fuchun , Sun Weixia , Wu Hao
Published: November 2016

Oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) plays a key role in cellular defense against oxidative stress. NRF2 activators have shown promising preventive effects on DN. Sodium butyrate (NaB) is a known activator of NRF2. However, it is unknown whether NRF2 is required for NaB protection against DN. Therefore, streptozotocin-induced diabetic C57BL/6 Nrf2 knockout and their wild-type mice were treated in the presence or absence of NaB for 20 weeks. Diabetic mice, but not NaB-treated diabetic mice, developed significant renal oxidative damage, inflammation, apoptosis, fibrosis, pathological changes and albuminuria. NaB inhibited histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity and elevated the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream targets heme oxygenase 1 and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase quinone 1. Notably, deletion of the Nrf2 gene completely abolished NaB activation of NRF2 signaling and protection against diabetes-induced renal injury. Interestingly, the expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1, the negative regulator of NRF2, was not altered by NaB under both diabetic and non-diabetic conditions. Moreover, NRF2 nuclear translocation was not promoted by NaB. Therefore, the present study indicates, for the first time, that NRF2 plays a key role in NaB protection against DN. Other findings suggest that NaB may activate Nrf2 at the transcriptional level, possibly by the inhibition of HDAC activity.
Paradoxical leanness in the imprinting-centre deletion mouse model for Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Golding David M , Rees Daniel J , Davies Jennifer R , Relkovic Dinko , Furby Hannah V , Guschina Irina A , Hopkins Anna L , Davies Jeffrey S , Resnick James L , Isles Anthony R , Wells Timothy
Published: November 2016

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS), a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss of paternal gene expression from 15q11–q13, is characterised by growth retardation, hyperphagia and obesity. However, as single gene mutation mouse models for this condition display an incomplete spectrum of the PWS phenotype, we have characterised the metabolic impairment in a mouse model for ‘full’ PWS, in which deletion of the imprinting centre (IC) abolishes paternal gene expression from the entire PWS cluster. We show that PWS-ICdel mice displayed postnatal growth retardation, with reduced body weight, hyperghrelinaemia and marked abdominal leanness; proportionate retroperitoneal, epididymal/omental and inguinal white adipose tissue (WAT) weights being reduced by 82%, 84% and 67%, respectively. PWS-ICdel mice also displayed a 48% reduction in proportionate interscapular brown adipose tissue (isBAT) weight with significant ‘beiging’ of abdominal WAT, and a 2°C increase in interscapular surface body temperature. Maintenance of PWS-ICdel mice under thermoneutral conditions (30°C) suppressed the thermogenic activity in PWS-ICdel males, but failed to elevate the abdominal WAT weight, possibly due to a normalisation of caloric intake. Interestingly, PWS-ICdel mice also showed exaggerated food hoarding behaviour with standard and high-fat diets, but despite becoming hyperphagic when switched to a high-fat diet, PWS-ICdel mice failed to gain weight. This evidence indicates that, unlike humans with PWS, loss of paternal gene expression from the PWS cluster in mice results in abdominal leanness. Although reduced subcutaneous insulation may lead to exaggerated heat loss and thermogenesis, abdominal leanness is likely to arise from a reduced lipid storage capacity rather than increased energy utilisation in BAT.
Hepatocyte-specific, PPARγ-regulated mechanisms to promote steatosis in adult mice
Authors: Wolf Greenstein Abigail , Majumdar Neena , Yang Peng , Subbaiah Papasani V , Kineman Rhonda D , Cordoba-Chacon Jose
Published: November 2016

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is the target for thiazolidinones (TZDs), drugs that improve insulin sensitivity and fatty liver in humans and rodent models, related to a reduction in hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL). The systemic effects of TZDs are in contrast to reports suggesting hepatocyte-specific activation of PPARγ promotes DNL, triacylglycerol (TAG) uptake and fatty acid (FA) esterification. As these hepatocyte-specific effects of PPARγ could counterbalance the positive therapeutic actions of systemic delivery of TZDs, the current study used a mouse model of adult-onset, liver (hepatocyte)-specific PPARγ knockdown (aLivPPARγkd). This model has advantages over existing congenital knockout models, by avoiding compensatory changes related to embryonic knockdown, thus better modeling the impact of altering PPARγ on adult physiology, where metabolic diseases most frequently develop. The impact of aLivPPARγkd on hepatic gene expression and endpoints in lipid metabolism was examined after 1 or 18 weeks (Chow-fed) or after 14 weeks of low- or high-fat (HF) diet. aLivPPARγkd reduced hepatic TAG content but did not impact endpoints in DNL or TAG uptake. However, aLivPPARγkd reduced the expression of the FA translocase (Cd36), in 18-week Chow- and HF-fed mice, associated with increased NEFA after HF feeding. Also, aLivPPARγkd dramatically reduced Mogat1 expression, that was reflected by an increase in hepatic monoacylglycerol (MAG) levels, indicative of reduced MOGAT activity. These results, coupled with previous reports, suggest that Cd36-mediated FA uptake and MAG pathway-mediated FA esterification are major targets of hepatocyte PPARγ, where loss of this control explains in part the protection against steatosis observed after aLivPPARγkd.
The non-genomic effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on mammalian sperm
Authors: Tavares R S , Escada-Rebelo S , Correia M , Mota P C , Ramalho-Santos J
Published: November 2016

Exposure to toxicants present in the environment, especially the so-called endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), has been associated with decreased sperm quality and increased anomalies in male reproductive organs over the past decades. Both human and animal populations are continuously exposed to ubiquitous synthetic and natural-occurring EDCs through diet, dermal contact and/or inhalation, therefore potentially compromising male reproductive health. Although the effects of EDC are likely induced via multiple genomic-based pathways, their non-genomic effects may also be relevant. Furthermore, spermatozoa are transcriptionally inactive cells that can come in direct contact with EDCs in reproductive fluids and secretions and are therefore a good model to address non-genomic effects. This review thus focuses on the non-genomic effects of several important EDCs relevant to mammalian exposure. Notably, EDCs were found to interfere with pre-existing pathways inducing a panoply of deleterious effects to sperm function that included altered intracellular Ca2+oscillations, induction of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, increased DNA damage and decreased sperm motility and viability, among others, potentially jeopardizing male fertility. Although many studies have used non-environmentally relevant concentrations of only one compound for mechanistic studies, it is important to remember that mammals are not exposed to one, but rather to a multitude of environmental EDCs, and synergistic effects may occur. Furthermore, some effects have been detected with single compounds at environmentally relevant concentrations.
Oxidative stress and polycystic ovary syndrome: an evaluation during ovarian stimulation for intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Authors: Melo Anderson Sanches de , Rodrigues Jhenifer Kliemchen , Junior Alceu Afonso Jordão , Ferriani Rui Alberto , Navarro Paula Andrea
Published: November 2016

Oxidative stress (OS) may affect the natural fertility and the results of assisted reproduction techniques (ARTs). Subfertility associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may be related to OS. This process may intensify during controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for ARTs because of increased ovarian metabolic activity and hypoestrogenism with the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHas). The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of systemic OS in non-stimulated cycles and to determine OS markers (malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), hydroperoxides (FOX), glutathione (GSH) and vitamin E) during COS in non-obese infertile women with and without PCOS who were subjected to ARTs. A prospective cohort study was conducted on non-obese women (16 with PCOS and 60 ovulatory patients with infertility due to male and/or tubal factors). The OS markers were determined during the following time points: the follicular phase of the natural cycle (D1), after pituitary downregulation with GnRHa and before the use of gonadotropins (D2), on the day of administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (D3), and at oocyte retrieval (D4). Intergroup analysis showed that serum MDA concentrations were higher in the PCOS group at D3 (P = 0.048) and D4 (P = 0.002). On an intragroup analysis, the control group had higher MDA concentrations at D2 than at D1 (P = 0.01) or D4 (P = 0.004). The AOPP concentrations were higher at D2 (P < 0.0001), D3 (P < 0.001) and D4 (P < 0.0001) compared to D1. The FOX concentrations were lower at D2 (P < 0.0001), D3 (P < 0.0001) and D4 (P < 0.001) than at D1. Serum GSH concentrations were significantly higher at D4 than at D1 (P = 0.02). An intragroup analysis of the PCOS subjects showed that the five OS markers did not differ significantly among the four time points when they were analyzed (D1, D2, D3 and D4). In conclusion, non-obese infertile women with PCOS showed evidence of systemic OS after COS with gonadotropins for ICSI. On the other hand, non-obese ovulatory infertile women and women with infertility due to male and/or tubal factors showed a possible systemic oxidative balance until the final COS.
Impact of hypocaloric dietary intervention on ovulation in obese women with PCOS
Authors: Jarrett Brittany Y , Lujan Marla E
Published: November 2016

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of ovulatory dysfunction affecting women of reproductive age. Obesity and insulin resistance are thought to potentiate disruptions in antral follicle development that result in chronic anovulation, and as such, have become important therapeutic targets of dietary interventions aimed at weight loss. Caloric restriction has been shown to promote sporadic ovulation in obese women with PCOS, but improvements have occurred across a wide range of patients and little has been garnered about the factors that distinguish responders from non-responders. Further, few studies have evaluated the likelihood for modest weight loss to restore normal ovulatory cyclicity in PCOS. Consensus regarding the impact of dietary intervention on ovulation has been limited by variability in the measures used to characterize and report ovulatory status across studies. In response, this review provides an assessment of the evidence surrounding the effectiveness of hypocaloric dietary intervention to normalize ovulatory function in PCOS. The impact of physiological vs methodological factors on the evaluation of ovulatory status is discussed, and recommendations to strengthen future studies in this area are provided. Ultimately, further research is needed to understand the optimal dietary or lifestyle approaches that promote ovulation and sustained improvements in reproductive function in PCOS.
Telling Ourselves Sideways, Crooked and Crip: An Introduction
Authors: St. Pierre Joshua , Peers Danielle
Published: November 2016

Stories about us are boring. As predictable and ubiquitous as they are dangerous, normate narrations of our lives are as straight as they come: one-dimensional narratives of tragic loss and/or progressive normativity. We are dying or overcoming. We become a burden or an inspiration. We desire vindication or marriage. Our entire narrative worlds are defined by our Otherness, yet revolve around the normates and the normative. These stories cut straight to the point, using—and used as—well-steeped, easily readable metaphors bolstered by the requisite piano-based musical cues. If we didn’t know us better, we would bore us.
invite in. go steady crazy
Authors: Forfa Agnieszka
Published: November 2016

An intimate non sequitur poem/non-fiction narrative of plants, nature, ritual and spirit in mental health and trauma healing, and the limits placed on ‘non-normative’ minds within a capitalist framework.
The Kirpan: Justified Doctrine or Just a Dagger?
Authors: Shergill Sukhraaj
Published: November 2016

This paper will synthesize the Multani argument under section 2a of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982) and explain the significance of the Kirpan before progressing to synthesize the Commission scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys’ argument under section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982). The paper will also lay out a preliminary understanding of section 88(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada as it explains the definition of a weapon in relation to section 267 of the Criminal Code of Canada, the crime of assault as related to the Commission scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys’ argument. The paper will then close by summarizing the Supreme Court of Canada’s judgement on the matter.
Prosecuting Gendered Violence in International Law: The Paradox of Wartime Violence
Authors: Khan Tariq
Published: November 2016

By an examination of the judgments of the International Criminal Tribunals, this essay reflects upon the feminist discourse of rape as an instrument of genocide, which has been invoked to call for invervention in conflict zones. I argue that the construction in International law of sexual violence as a 'weapon' that'one side' picks up to harm the other, paradoxically makes the victims of violence largley invisible. This process of invisibility occursin international law when victims of wartime sexual violence, in order to have their experiences represented and recognized at trial, are expected to speak of the violence in a way that weaves fact into a community’s identity. International Criminal Tribunals offer a uniform narrative with distinct language, by which witnesses are permitted to testify to, their stories of violence. Consequently a victim’s individual memory is rendered invisible and transformed in international law as collective memory. This uniform narrative of rape fits well into the memory of collective suffering of a group, however it prevents nuanced understandings of wartime violence, found in the individual memory of victims, from being comprehended.
Insight into the Genetically Modified Foods: From the Concerns of Safety to Food Development (Part II)
Authors: Bilder Benjamin G.
Published: November 2016

There are a lot of non-food uses of GM plants like timber, use to manufacture paper, in the chemical industry and as biofuels. Pharmaceuticals made from proteins can be made from GM plants. Plant tissues in the processed shape can be used potentially as edible vaccines. According to an estimate, 250 acres of greenhouse space can be enough to let the GM potatoes grow and meet the annual demand of hepatitis B vaccine in the whole South East Asia. Any harmful effect on the environment through large-scale growth of GM plants can indirectly show impacts upon human health. GM plants are also evaluated on the basis of how they might have a constructive role to perform in the environment by partial removal of contaminants -a practice often termed as phytoremediation. A lot of NGOs and media organizations are ruthlessly opposed to production of GM plants. Scientists need to engage the common man to ensure that the issue demands more rational approach of thinking. The opposition is making serious impacts as many underdeveloped countries that can get a lot of advantage from this technology.
Truth and Reinvestment: A Call for Reparations
Authors: Norris Zachary
Published: November 2016

In a political climate where criminal justice reform has finally begun to gain traction among both the right and the left, the reinvestment of funds away from systems of punishment and toward community-based resources has also become politically possible. “Jobs, not jails” is a common rallying cry within the criminal justice reform movement, including at the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, where we work to reinvest resources in jobs, education, health care, and housing for communities of color instead of wasting money on police and prisons. However, as long as political discussions about reforms and reinvestment continue to exist in a race-neutral sphere with no acknowledgment of the truth of this country’s long history of racial injustice, we move no closer to meaningful change and radical transformation of how the government cares for and is accountable to the people.
Cedric J. Robinson, Modest Audacity, and the Black Radical Tradition
Authors: Gomez Jonathan D. , Ramirez Jorge , Illescas Ismael F.
Published: November 2016

The work and mentorship of Cedric J. Robinson inspired in us an obligation to locate alternative archives in which the extraordinary actions of ordinary people could be revealed, studied, and made useful to our own historical context. We came to understand why culture counts as a political process that registers and contests the deleterious impacts of racial regimes. Robinson’s public lectures and panel presentations encouraged us to understand that when accompanying social movements of racially oppressed people in particular, and aggrieved communities in general, we must take as a first premise that for people to survive in struggle, that survival must be on their own terms. He demonstrated that we cannot win against rapacious social forces with a bigger and meaner rapaciousness. We had to become capable of building relationships rooted in mutual respect and a commitment to social justice. We recognize this process as developing what Professor Robinson called a modest audacity.
Characteristics of Children Hospitalized With Aspiration Pneumonia
Authors: Hirsch Alexander W. , Monuteaux Michael C. , Fruchtman Genna , Bachur Richard G. , Neuman Mark I.
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVES:

Unlike community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), there is a paucity of data characterizing the patient demographics and hospitalization characteristics of children with aspiration pneumonia. We used a large national database of US children’s hospitals to assess the patient and hospitalization characteristics associated with aspiration pneumonia and compared these characteristics to patients with CAP.

METHODS:

We identified children hospitalized with a diagnosis of aspiration pneumonia or CAP at 47 hospitals included in the Pediatric Health Information System between 2009 and 2014. We evaluated whether differences exist in patient characteristics (median age and proportion of patients with a complex chronic condition), and hospital characteristics (length of stay, ICU admission, cost, and 30-day readmission rate) between children with aspiration pneumonia and CAP. Lastly, we assessed whether seasonal variability exists within these 2 conditions.

RESULTS:

Over the 6-year study period, there were 12 097 children hospitalized with aspiration pneumonia, and 121 489 with CAP. Compared with children with CAP, children with aspiration pneumonia were slightly younger and more likely to have an associated complex chronic condition. Those with aspiration pneumonia had longer hospitalizations, higher rates of ICU admission, and higher 30-day readmission rates. Additionally, the median cost for hospitalization was 2.4 times higher for children with aspiration pneumonia than for children with CAP. More seasonal variation was observed for CAP compared with aspiration pneumonia hospitalizations.

CONCLUSIONS:

Aspiration pneumonia preferentially affects children with medical complexity and, as such, accounts for longer and more costly hospitalizations and higher rates of ICU admission and readmission rates.
Historical Perspective: A “Quick” Narrative of a Blood Coagulation Trailblazer
Authors: Wahidi Lila S. , Sherman Jan , Sherman Michael P.
Published: November 2016

Physicians know Dr Armand Quick as the “Father of Blood Coagulation.” His discovery of prothrombin time enabled clinicians to understand the use of vitamin K to prevent “hemorrhagic disease of the newborn” and to identify hereditary and acquired bleeding disorders in pediatric and adult patients. Quick suggested 50 years ago that aspirin could prevent myocardial infarction and stroke, a concept that perseveres today. His lifetime of research on bleeding and anticoagulants created this discipline in modern hematology.
Perinatal Transient Myeloproliferative Disorder in Trisomy 21
Authors: O’Connell Amy E. , Mulla Bethany M. , O’Brien Karen , Yoon Edward J. , Carterson Alexander , Brodsky Dara
Published: November 2016

Transient myeloproliferative disorder (TMD), also known as transient acute myelopoiesis, is a myeloproliferative condition that occurs in the perinatal period in up to 10% of patients who have Down syndrome. Because of the perinatal presentation of this disorder, neonatal clinicians should be familiar with its clinical presentation, management, and outcomes. Affected patients develop severe myeloproliferation of megakaryocytic precursor cells, leading initially to hepatosplenomegaly and liver dysfunction. If the disorder develops prenatally, affected fetuses may also develop hydrops. The disorder requires the presence of 2 genetic abnormalities: trisomy of the gene ERG, located on chromosome 21, and a mutation of the GATA1 gene. The disease typically regresses spontaneously if the patient receives supportive care through the acute illness, although overall mortality of TMD is about 20%.
Environmental and Economic Strategies for Primary Prevention of Cancer in Early Life
Authors: Kriebel David , Hoppin Polly J. , Jacobs Molly M. , Clapp Richard W.
Published: November 2016

This article summarizes the evidence for environmental toxic exposures contributing to cancers in early life, focusing on the most common cancer sites in this age group. It provides examples of widespread avoidable exposures to human carcinogens through air, water, and food and then describes recent examples of successful initiatives to reduce exposure to chemicals linked to these cancer sites, through government policy, industry initiatives, and consumer activism. State government initiatives to reduce toxic chemical exposures have made important gains; the Toxics Use Reduction Act of Massachusetts is now 25 years old and has been a major success story. There are a growing number of corporate initiatives to eliminate toxics, especially carcinogens, from the products they manufacture and sell. Another important opportunity for cancer prevention is provided by online databases that list chemicals, their toxicity, and lower-toxicity alternatives; these can be used by businesses, health care institutions, consumers, and workers to reduce exposures to chemicals of concern. The article concludes by inviting pediatricians and public health professionals to include elimination of carcinogen exposures in their work to promote primary prevention of cancer in early life.
Disparities in the Context of Opportunities for Cancer Prevention in Early Life
Authors: Massetti Greta M. , Thomas Cheryll C. , Ragan Kathleen R.
Published: November 2016

Persistent health disparities are a major contributor to disproportionate burden of cancer for some populations. Health disparities in cancer incidence and mortality may reflect differences in exposures to risk factors early in life. Understanding the distribution of exposures to early life risk and protective factors for cancer across different populations can shed light on opportunities to promote health equity at earlier developmental stages. Disparities may differentially influence risk for cancer during early life and create opportunities to promote health equity. Potential risk and protective factors for cancer in early life reveal patterns of disparities in their exposure. These disparities in exposures can manifest in downstream disparities in risk for cancer. These risk and protective factors include adverse childhood experiences; maternal alcohol consumption in pregnancy; childhood obesity; high or low birth weight; benzene exposure; use of assisted reproductive technologies; pesticide and insecticide exposure; isolated cryptorchidism; early pubertal timing; exposure to radiation; exposure to tobacco in utero and in early life; allergies, asthma, and atopy; and early exposure to infection. Disparities on the basis of racial and ethnic minority status, economic disadvantage, disability status, sex, geography, and nation of origin can occur in these risk and protective factors. Vulnerable populations experience disproportionally greater exposure to risk factors in early life. Addressing disparities in risk factors in early life can advance opportunities for prevention, promote health equity, and possibly reduce risk for subsequent development of cancer.
Management and Outcomes of Previously Healthy, Full-Term, Febrile Infants Ages 7 to 90 Days
Authors: Greenhow Tara L. , Hung Yun-Yi , Pantell Robert H.
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND:

There is considerable variation in the approach to infants presenting to the emergency department and outpatient clinics with fever without a source. We set out to describe the current clinical practice regarding culture acquisition on febrile young infants and review the outcomes of infants with and without cultures obtained.

METHODS:

This study analyzed Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s electronic medical record to identify all febrile, full term, previously healthy infants born between July 1, 2010, and June 30, 2013, presenting for care between 7 and 90 days of age.

RESULTS:

During this 3-year study, 96 156 full-term infants were born at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. A total of 1380 infants presented for care with a fever with an incidence rate of 14.4 (95% confidence interval: 13.6–15.1) per 1000 full term births. Fifty-nine percent of infants 7 to 28 days old had a full evaluation compared with 25% of infants 29 to 60 days old and 5% of infants 61 to 90 days old. Older infants with lower febrile temperatures presenting to an office setting were less likely to have a culture. In the 30 days after fevers, 1% of infants returned with a urinary tract infection. No infants returned with bacteremia or meningitis.

CONCLUSIONS:

Fever in a medical setting occurred in 1.4% of infants in this large cohort. Forty-one percent of febrile infants did not have any cultures including 24% less than 28 days. One percent returned in the following month with a urinary tract infection. There was no delayed identification of bacteremia or meningitis.
Acceptability of Family-Centered Advanced Care Planning for Adolescents With HIV
Authors: Dallas Ronald H. , Kimmel Allison , Wilkins Megan L. , Rana Sohail , Garcia Ana , Cheng Yao I. , Wang Jichuan , Lyon Maureen E. ,   for the Adolescent Palliative Care Consortium.
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Small pilot studies support the appropriateness of engaging adolescents with chronic or life-limiting illnesses in pediatric advance care planning (pACP). We do not yet know if pACP is acceptable, feasible, and worthwhile, even if emotionally intense, in a fully powered randomized controlled trial.

METHODS:

We conducted a prospective 2-arm randomized controlled trial at 6 US urban hospitals. Adolescent/family member dyads were randomized to receive the 1-session-a-week 3-session FAmily-CEntered Advance Care Planning (FACE) pACP intervention (1, ACP Survey; 2, Goals of Care Conversation/Treatment Preferences; 3, Completion of Advance Directive) or active comparator (1, Developmental History; 2, Safety Tips; 3, Nutrition/Exercise). The Satisfaction Questionnaire was administered to participants independently after each session by a blinded research assistant.

RESULTS:

We enrolled 53% of eligible participants and intervened with 97 adolescent/family dyads. Adolescents ranged in age from 14 to 21 years; 54% were male individuals; 93% African American; and 73% perinatally infected. Attendance was 99% for all 3 sessions in each arm. At session 3, FACE adolescents and family dyad members, respectively, found the session useful (98%, 98%) and helpful (98%, 100%), despite feelings of sadness (25%, 17%). FACE adolescents’ improvement in the total subscale A score (useful, helpful, like a load off my mind, satisfied, something I needed to do, courageous, worthwhile) was better than control adolescents at session 3 (β = 1.16, P = .02). There were no adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS:

FACE enabled worthwhile conversations, while simultaneously eliciting intense emotions. No participants withdrew, 99% of those enrolled completed each session, and there were no adverse events, evidence of pACP’s feasibility, acceptability, and safety.
Alinhamento estratégico no desenvolvimento de novos produtos – um estudo de caso voltado ao segmento de telecomunicações brasileiro
Authors: Sales Odivany Pimentel , Canciglieri Jr Osíris
Published: November 2016

Neste deste trabalho é apresentado um novo processo de seleção de produtos e serviços dentro de uma grande empresa do segmento de telecomunicações brasileiro. Este processo, além de apresentar etapas importantes relacionadas à análise de viabilidade técnica e financeira e estabelecimento de um comitê executivo para análise e aprovação dos projetos, tem como principal item inovador a criação de uma etapa onde é realizado um alinhamento estratégico do novo produto que evidencia o grau de aderência de determinado projeto à estratégia da organização em questão. Além do detalhamento desta proposta, este artigo se preocupa em descrever os aspectos particulares de sua implantação nesta organização assim como os pontos positivos e negativos que esta etapa de alinhamento estratégico pode prover para o modelo de seleção de novos projetos.
An Intercenter Comparison of Dental Arch Relationships and Craniofacial Form Including a Center Using Nasoalveolar Molding
Authors: Peanchitlertkajorn Supakit , Mercado Ana , Daskalogiannakis John , Hathaway Ronald , Russell Kathleen , Semb Gunvor , Shaw William , Lamichane Manish , Fessler Jennifer , Long Ross E.
Published: November 2016

Objective:

To compare dental arch relationship and craniofacial morphology of patients with CUCLP in pre-adolescence from five cleft centers including a center using NAM.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Five cleft centers in North America.

Patients:

One hundred eighty-two subjects with repaired CUCLP from the five cleft centers participated in the craniofacial form study. One hundred forty-eight subjects from four of the five centers participated in the dental arch relationship study.

Methods:

Digital dental models were assessed using the GOSLON Yardstick. Eighteen cephalometric measurements were performed. Measurement means, by center, were compared. Analysis of variance and Tukey-Kramer analysis were used to compare GOSLON scores and cephalometric measurements.

Results:

The center that performed neither PSOT (including NAM) nor primary bone grafting exhibited the most favorable mean GOSLON score. The same center also showed the highest mean SNA, ANB, and ANS-N-Pg angles. However, the mean ANB and ANS-N-Pg angles were not significantly different from those of the center using NAM. No statistically significant differences were seen for mandibular prominence, vertical dimensions, or dental inclinations. The center with NAM also showed a significantly smaller nasoform angle than two of the four other centers.

Conclusion:

The centers that used NAM and other forms of PSOT did not have better dental arch relationships or craniofacial morphology compared with the centers that performed only primary lip repair. However, this study was not designed to investigate the cause-and-effect relationship between specific outcomes and particular features of those protocols.
Arterial and Cellular Inflammation in Patients with CKD
Authors: Bernelot Moens Sophie J. , Verweij Simone L. , van der Valk Fleur M. , van Capelleveen Julian C. , Kroon Jeffrey , Versloot Miranda , Verberne Hein J. , Marquering Henk A. , Duivenvoorden Raphaël , Vogt Liffert , Stroes Erik S.G.
Published: November 2016

CKD associates with a 1.5- to 3.5-fold increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Both diseases are characterized by increased inflammation, and in patients with CKD, elevated C-reactive protein level predicts cardiovascular risk. In addition to systemic inflammation, local arterial inflammation, driven by monocyte-derived macrophages, predicts future cardiovascular events in the general population. We hypothesized that subjects with CKD have increased arterial and cellular inflammation, reflected by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography computed tomography (PET/CT) of the arterial wall and a migratory phenotype of monocytes. We assessed 18F-FDG uptake in the arterial wall in 14 patients with CKD (mean±SD age: 59±5 years, mean±SD eGFR: 37±12 ml/min per 1.73 m2) but without cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, or inflammatory conditions and in 14 control subjects (mean age: 60±11 years, mean eGFR: 86±16 ml/min per 1.73 m2). Compared with controls, patients with CKD showed increased arterial inflammation, quantified as target-to-background ratio (TBR) in the aorta (TBRmax: CKD, 3.14±0.70 versus control, 2.12±0.27; P=0.001) and the carotid arteries (TBRmax: CKD, 2.45±0.65 versus control, 1.66±0.27; P<0.001). Characterization of circulating monocytes using flow cytometry revealed increased chemokine receptor expression and enhanced transendothelial migration capacity in patients with CKD compared with controls. In conclusion, this increased arterial wall inflammation, observed in patients with CKD but without overt atherosclerotic disease and with few traditional risk factors, may contribute to the increased cardiovascular risk associated with CKD. The concomitant elevation of monocyte activity may provide novel therapeutic targets for attenuating this inflammation and thereby preventing CKD-associated cardiovascular disease.