bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution of Oxygen at the Ni81Fe19/Ta Interface
Authors: Mori T. J. A. , Pace R. D. D. , Flores W. H. , Carara M. , Schelp L. F. , Dorneles L. S.
Published: February 2019

The knowledge of how oxygen atoms are distributed at a magnetic-metal/oxide, or magnetic-metal/non-magnetic-metal interface, can be a useful tool to optimize device production. Multilayered Ni81Fe19/Ta samples consisting of 15 bilayers of 2.5 nm each, grown onto glass substrates by magnetron sputtering from Ni81Fe19 and Ta targets, have been investigated. X-ray absorption near edge structure, extended X-ray absorption fine structure, small angle X-ray diffraction, and simulations were used to characterize the samples. Oxygen atoms incorporated onto Ni81Fe19 films during O2 exposition are mainly bonded to Fe atoms. This partial oxidation of the Ni81Fe19 surface works as a barrier to arriving Ta atoms, preventing intermixing at the Ni81Fe19/Ta interface. The reduction of the Ni81Fe19 surface by the formation of TaOx is observed.
Study of Singlet Oxygen Dynamics on Silicon Polymer Matrix
Authors: Hwang Jeong-Wook , Jung Seung-Jin , Heo Il , Son Hyun-A , Kim Jong-Ho , Wang Kang-Kyun , Kim Yong-Rok
Published: February 2019

We report a detailed analysis of singlet oxygen generated from the photofunctional polymer film (PFPF) matrix which is the silicone polymer film (PDMS) embedded with a photosensitizer. Activation and deactivation dynamics of singlet oxygen generated from PFPFs were investigated with time-resolved phosphorescence spectroscopy. The singlet oxygen generated from PFPFs was dissipated into three different regions of the polymer matrix; the inside (component A), the surface (component B), and the outside (component C). According to the deactivation dynamics of singlet oxygen in the polymer matrix, the components B and C are expected to be more important for various applications.
The Security Rating on Local Ablation and Interventional Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) and the Comparison among Multiple Anesthesia Methods
Authors: Jin Qianhui , Chen Xinhua , Zheng Shusen
Published: February 2019

Recently, the interventional therapies are used more often in clinical practice for hepatocellular carcinoma. The most commonly used methodologies include radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, laser ablation, and cryotherapy. Most of the interventional operations need local anesthesia combined with intravenous sedation. Also, some interventional therapy centers apply general anesthesia. However, different anesthesia methods can cause diverse effects on patients’ pain management, recovery time, and hospitalization time. For the better understanding of the current anesthesia application status, we summarize and analyze multiple anesthesia methods while being applied in interventional therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma; in addition, their characters are also compared in this paper.
Collagen/Gelatin Sponges (CGSs) Provide Both Protection and Release of bFGF: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Munisso Maria Chiara , Morimoto Naoki , Notodihardjo Sharon Claudia , Mitsui Toshihito , Kakudo Natsuko , Kusumoto Kenji
Published: February 2019

It has been reported that collagen/gelatin sponges (CGSs) are able to sustain the release of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) for approximately 10 days via the formation of ion complexes between bFGF and gelatin. CGSs impregnated with bFGF have been proven to promote dermis-like tissue formation in various in vivo studies and clinical trials. However, the bioactivities of bFGF released from CGSs have not been explored in vitro. In this study, we explored the ability of CGS impregnated with bFGF, stored at 37°C for up to 14 days, to promote fibroblast proliferation and the sustained release of bFGF. We analyzed the cellular viability and proliferation in 2D and in 3D cell cultures, by a CCK-8 assay. Furthermore, in order to characterize the morphological alteration of fibroblasts, we studied 3D cultures by microscopy with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a confocal microscope. Our analyses revealed that the fibroblasts were elongated and flanked each other. They infiltrated and migrated inside the CGSs and were oriented along the CGS structure. Thus, these data prove that CGSs protect and sustain the efficient release of growth factor for more than 7 days.
An Investigation on Speed Control of a Spindle Cluster Driven by Hydraulic Motor: Application to Metal Cutting Machines
Authors: Tran Ngoc Hai , Le Cung , Ngo Anh Dung
Published: February 2019

In this article, we present an experimental study on the speed stability of a spindle driven by a hydraulic motor, which is controlled by a proportional valve, through a V-belt transmission. The research includes the dynamic modeling of the transmission cluster and the transmission from the hydraulic motor to the working shaft via V-belt mechanism, together with the establishment of a mathematical model and fuzzy self-tuning PID controller model. In the model, the V-belt is assumed as an elastic module, and the friction coefficient and mass inertia moment of the hydraulic motor are considered as constant. The Matlab software is used to simulate the speed response of the hydraulic motor to the working shaft. Based on theoretical study, we resemble the experimental system and determine the parameters for the fuzzy self-tuning PID controller. We conduct experiment and investigate the speed stability of the working shaft from 300 to 1100 (rpm) based on transient response parameters such as the time delay, the setting time, the overshoot, and the rotation error at steady state. Thereby, in this study, the simulation and the experiment results are compared and evaluated regarding the speed stability of the working shaft driven by hydraulic motor transmitted through V-belt mechanism. The findings show the speed controllability by using proportional valve to manipulate the oil flow and applying a self-tuning PID controller to achieve very good results such as the error difference of 0.001 to 0.036%, the delay of 0.01 to 0.02 seconds, no overshoot, and the settling error less than 5% compared to the set values. On the other hand, we include the effect of the oil temperature of 40 to 80°C on the working shaft speed (500, 900 rpm) in this study and derive that the system works well at temperature range of 40 to 70°C. On these findings, we propose the applicability of this system on the current machinery cutters. In addition, we verify the effects of the hydraulic drive for main shaft, controlled by fuzzy PID, by comparison of the roughness of the machining work piece with respect to the one using the 3-phase motor drive.
Precise Detection of Gene Mutations in Fine-Needle Aspiration Specimens of the Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma Using Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Yu Feng-xia , Hu Min-xia , Zhao Han-xue , Niu Li-juan , Rong Xue-yu , Li Wei-hua , Zhu Qiang , Ying Jian-ming , Lyu Ning
Published: February 2019

Purpose. To assess the feasibility of next-generation sequencing (NGS) to detect mutations in BRAF, RAS, TERT promoter, and TP53 genes in ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy samples of the papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Methods. A total of 135 FNA samples out of 135 patients with suspected PTMC were submitted for mutation testing using NGS. NGS was successfully performed in 114 specimens, while the remaining 21 samples were excluded due to insufficient amount/poor quality of DNA and sequencing failure. Of those 114 samples, 72 who were confirmed as having PTMC by postoperative histopathology were enrolled in our study, and the other 42 who had a follow-up with ultrasound were excluded. Mutations of genes including BRAF, NRAS, HRAS, KRAS, TERT promoter, and TP53 were evaluated using NGS. The associations of gene mutations and clinicopathological characteristics of PTMC were analyzed. Results. BRAF mutation was observed in 59 (81.94%) of 72 specimens. This mutation detected in BRAF was p.V600E (c.1799T>A) in exon 15 of all 59 specimens. NRAS mutation was identified in 1 (1.39%) specimen classified as Bethesda III and pathologically confirmed as a follicular variant PTMC. There were no mutations found in TERT promoter or TP53. The tumor with a maximum diameter (Dmax) larger than 5 mm was shown to be significantly correlated with the BRAF mutation in a multivariate analysis (OR 5.52, 95% CI 1.51-26.42, P=0.033). But the BRAF mutation was not found to be significantly associated with the gender or age of patients with PTMC (P>0.05). Conclusions. This study demonstrated that gene mutations in FNA specimens of PTMC could be successfully analyzed with a higher sensitivity using NGS compared to conventional methods for mutation detection. BRAF mutation of p.V600E was statistically associated with PTMC with a Dmax larger than 5 mm.
Model Uncertainty in Predicting Facing Tensile Forces of Soil Nail Walls Using Bayesian Approach
Authors: Hu Hui , Lin Peiyuan
Published: February 2019

The model uncertainty in prediction of facing tensile forces using the default Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) simplified equation is assessed in this study based on the Bayesian inference method and a large number of measured lower and upper bound facing tensile force data collected from the literature. Model uncertainty was quantified by model bias which is the ratio of measured to nominal facing tensile force. The Bayesian assessment was carried out assuming normal and lognormal distributions of model bias. Based on the collected facing tensile force data, it is shown that both the on‐average accuracy and the spread in prediction accuracy of the default FHWA simplified facing tensile force equation depend largely upon the distribution assumptions. Two regression approaches were used to calibrate the default FHWA simplified facing tensile force equation for accuracy improvement. The Bayesian Information Criterion was adopted to quantitatively compare the rationality between the competing normal and lognormal statistical models that were intended for description of model bias. A case study is provided in the end to demonstrate both the importance of model uncertainty and the influence of distribution assumptions on model bias in reliability‐based design of soil nail walls against facing flexural limit state.
Long-Lasting Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Human Microfragmented Adipose Tissue
Authors: Nava Sara , Sordi Valeria , Pascucci Luisa , Tremolada Carlo , Ciusani Emilio , Zeira Offer , Cadei Moris , Soldati Gianni , Pessina Augusto , Parati Eugenio , Slevin Mark , Alessandri Giulio
Published: February 2019

Over the last few years, human microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT), containing significant levels of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and obtained from fat lipoaspirate (LP) through a minimal manipulation in a closed system device, has been successfully used in aesthetic medicine as well as in orthopedic and general surgery. Interestingly, in orthopedic diseases, this ready-to-use adipose tissue cell derivative seems to have a prolonged time efficacy even upon a single shot injection into osteoarthritic tissues. Here, we investigated the long-term survival and content of MSCs as well the anti-inflammatory activity of LP and its derived MFAT in vitro, with the aim to better understand a possible in vivo mechanism of action. MFAT and LP specimens from 17 human donors were investigated side by side. During a long-term culture in serum-free medium, we found that the total cell number as well the MSC content in MFAT decreased more slowly if compared to those from LP specimens. The analysis of cytokines and growth factors secreted into the conditioned medium (CM) was similar in MFAT and LP during the first week of culture, but the total amount of cytokines secreted by LP decreased much more rapidly than those produced by MFAT during prolonged culture (up to 28 days). Similarly, the addition of MFAT-CM recovered at early (3-7 days) and late stage (14-28 days) of culture strongly inhibited inflammatory function of U937 monocyte cell line, whereas the anti-inflammatory activity of LP-CM was drastically reduced after only 7 days of culture. We conclude that MFAT is an effective preparation with a long-lasting anti-inflammatory activity probably mediated by a long-term survival of their MSC content that releases a combination of cytokines that affect several mechanisms involved in inflammation processes.
Antidiabetic Effect ofMonolluma quadrangulaIs MediatedviaModulation of Glucose Metabolizing Enzymes, Antioxidant Defenses, and Adiponectin in Type 2 Diabetic Rats
Authors: Bin-Jumah May N.
Published: February 2019

Monolluma quadrangulais a succulent bush traditionally used to treat diabetes and peptic ulcer. The present study aimed to investigate the effect ofM. quadrangulahydroethanolic extract on glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolizing enzymes, lipid profile, and adiponectin expression in type 2 diabetic rats. In addition, the study evaluated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of theM. quadrangulaextract. Type 2 diabetes was induced by feeding rats a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks followed by 30 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). Diabetic rats received 300 or 600 mg/kgM. quadrangulaextract for 4 weeks. HFD/STZ diabetic rats showed impaired glucose tolerance, reduced insulin secretion, and insulin resistance. HFD and STZ induced a significant increase in serum cholesterol, triglycerides and proinflammatory cytokines, and liver lipid peroxidation. Treatment withM. quadrangulaextract ameliorated these metabolic disturbances and increased liver glycogen, hexokinase activity, and antioxidants.M. quadranguladeclined the activity of liver glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-biphosphatase. In addition,M. quadrangulaextract increased serum adiponectin levels and hepatic adiponectin expression in HFD/STZ diabetic rats. In conclusion,M. quadrangulaexerts antidiabetic effect mediatedviaameliorating glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolizing enzymes, and antioxidant defenses. Increased adiponectin levels and expression seems to mediate, at least in part, the antidiabetic effect ofM. quadrangula.
Examining Socioeconomic and Computational Aspects of Vaccine Pharmacovigilance
Authors: Soldatou Vasiliki , Soldatos Anastasios , Soldatos Theodoros
Published: February 2019

Background. Vaccine pharmacovigilance relates to the detection of adverse events, their assessment, understanding, and prevention, and communication of their risk to the public. These activities can be tedious and long lasting for regulatory authority scientists and may be affected by community practices and public health policies. To better understand underlying challenges, we examined vaccine adverse event reports, assessed whether data-driven techniques can provide additional insight in safety characterization, and wondered on the impact of socioeconomic parameters. Methods. First, we integrated VAERS content with additional sources of drug and molecular data and examined reaction and outcome occurrence by using disproportionality metrics and enrichment analysis. Second, we reviewed social and behavioral determinants that may affect vaccine pharmacovigilance aspects. Results. We describe our experience in processing more than 607000 vaccine adverse event reports and report on the challenges to integrate more than 95500 VAERS medication narratives with structured information about drugs and other therapeutics or supplements. We found that only 12.6% of events were serious, while 8.97% referred to polypharmacy cases. Exacerbation of serious clinical patient outcomes was observed in 8.88% VAERS cases in which drugs may interact with vaccinations or with each other, regardless of vaccine activity interference. Furthermore, we characterized the symptoms reported in those cases and summarized reaction occurrence among vaccine-types. Last, we examine socioeconomic parameters and cost-management features, explore adverse event reporting trends, and highlight perspectives relating to the use and development of digital services, especially in the context of personalized and collaborative health-care. Conclusions. This work provides an informative review of VAERS, identifies challenges and limitations in the processing of vaccine adverse event data, and calls for the better understanding of the socioeconomic landscape pertaining vaccine safety concerns. We expect that adoption of computational techniques for integrated safety assessment and interpretation is key not only to pharmacovigilance practice but also to stakeholders from the entire healthcare system.
Demographic Characteristics, Etiology, and Comorbidities of Patients with Cushing’s Syndrome: A 10-Year Retrospective Study at a Large General Hospital in China
Authors: Zhou Jingya , Zhang Meng , Bai Xue , Cui Shengnan , Pang Cheng , Lu Lin , Pang Haiyu , Guo Xiaopeng , Wang Yi , Xing Bing
Published: February 2019

Purpose. To investigate the demographic characteristics, etiology, and comorbidities of Cushing’s syndrome (CS) patients at a large medical center in China.Methods. Records on CS patients discharged from 2008 to 2017 were retrieved from the hospital discharge abstract database (DAD) using ICD-10 codes. Demographic characteristics, etiology, and comorbidity data were analyzed.Results. Cushing’s disease (CD) accounted for 63.0% of CS patients, followed by adrenocortical adenoma (ACA) (20.9%), primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (BMAH) (6.2%), ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS) (5.9%), primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) (1.8%), and adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) (1.0%). CD, ACA, ACC, and PPNAD presented marked preponderances in women (4.1 : 1, 10.5 : 1, 4.3 : 1, and 2.3 : 1, respectively), while BMAH (59.8%) and EAS (51.0%) showed slightly higher preponderances in men. CD patients were younger than ACA and EAS patients (36.1±12.9years vs.39.4±12.7years and36.1±12.9years vs.41.0±15.8,P<0.001); PPNAD patients were the youngest (24.2±10.8years,P<0.001), and BMAH patients were the oldest (51.3±9.9years,P<0.001). Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis without fractures, osteoporotic fractures, dyslipidemia, and fatty liver occurred more frequently in CD patients than in ACA patients (P<0.001for all). Osteoporotic fractures were observed more frequently in PPAND than in ACA (26.7% vs. 9.0%,P<0.001) and BMAH (26.7% vs. 4.9%,P<0.001) patients. EAS patients had more severe and diverse comorbidities, with higher prevalences of hypokalemia (52.0%), diabetes mellitus (61.2%), and osteoporotic fractures (28.6%). When adjusted for age, male CD patients were associated with hypertension (OR = 2.266, 95% CI: 1.524–3.371, andP<0.001), osteoporotic fractures (OR = 2.274, 95% CI: 1.568–3.298, andP<0.001), fatty liver (OR = 1.435, 95% CI: 1.028–2.003, andP=0.034), and hypokalemia (OR = 1.944, 95% CI: 1.280–2.951, andP=0.002).Conclusions. The proposed method efficiently evaluates CS patients’ epidemiological profiles using hospital DADs with ICD-10 codes and thus may enrich the limited epidemiological data and contribute to clinical practice for CS.
Optimizing Variable‐Axial Fiber‐Reinforced Composite Laminates: The Direct Fiber Path Optimization Concept
Authors: Bittrich Lars , Spickenheuer Axel , Almeida José Humberto S. , Müller Sascha , Kroll Lothar , Heinrich Gert
Published: February 2019

The concept of aligning reinforcing fibers in arbitrary directions offers a new perception of exploiting the anisotropic characteristic of the carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. Complementary to the design concept of multiaxial composites, a laminate reinforced with curvilinear fibers is called variable‐axial (also known as variable stiffness and variable angle tow). The Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP) technology is well capable of manufacturing textile preforming with a variable‐axial fiber design by using adapted embroidery machines. This work introduces a novel concept for simulation and optimization of curvilinear fiber‐reinforced composites, where the novelty relies on the local optimization of both fiber angle and intrinsic thickness build‐up concomitantly. This framework is called Direct Fiber Path Optimization (DFPO). Besides the description of DFPO, its capabilities are exemplified by optimizing a CFRP open‐hole tensile specimen. Key results show a clear improvement compared to the current often used approach of applying principal stress trajectories for a variable‐axial reinforcement pattern.
An Update of the Appropriate Treatment Strategies in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer: A Population-Based Study of 735 Patients
Authors: Huang Nai-si , Shi Xiao , Lei Bo-wen , Wei Wen-jun , Lu Zhong-wu , Yu Peng-cheng , Wang Yu , Ji Qing-hai , Wang Yu-long
Published: February 2019

Background. Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) responds poorly to conventional therapies and requires a multidisciplinary approach to manage. The aim of the current study is to explore whether aggressive treatment is beneficial, especially the appropriate extent of surgery in ATC. Methods. Patients diagnosed with ATC from 2004 to 2014 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and included in our study. Results. A total of 735 ATC patients were identified. The two-year overall survival (OS) rates for stage IVA, IVB, and IVC patients were 36.5%, 15.6%, and 1.4%, respectively. By directly comparing eight treatment modalities, we found that surgery+radiotherapy RT±chemotherapy was the most effective treatment strategy. surgery+chemotherapy and RT+chemotherapy had comparable results (hazard ratio HR=1.461, 95% confidential interval (CI): 0.843-2.531, P=0.177). Multivariate Cox regression analysis also showed increased mortality risk in patients with increased age (HR=1.022, P<0.001), tumor extension to adjacent structures (HR=1.649, P=0.013), and distant metastasis (HR=2.041, P<0.001), while surgery+RT (HR=0.600, P=0.004) and chemotherapy (HR=0.692, P=0.010) were independently associated with improved OS. Further analysis revealed that patients undergoing total/near-total thyroidectomy (TT) had superior OS to those receiving less than TT (P<0.001). In subgroup analysis, the benefit of TT remained significant in patients with tumors larger than 4.0 cm (HR=0.776, 95% CI: 0.469-0.887, P=0.007), with adjacent structure extension (HR=0.642, 95% CI: 0.472-0.877, P=0.005), including trachea and major vessels, but not in patients with early phase local disease such as tumor≤4.0 cm or tumor within the thyroid or with minimal extrathyroidal extension. Patients with very locally advanced disease or distant metastasis could not benefit from TT as well. Conclusions. In operable cases, surgery+RT±chemotherapy was the optimal treatment modality. Otherwise, RT+chemotherapy was the appropriate strategy. However, TT was not beneficial for very early stage or metastatic ATC.
Effect of Rapid Solidification Rates on Preparation of Ni-Pb Alloy Hollow Particles with Low Pb Content
Authors: Gao Ka , Xu Yueyang , Tang Gaopeng , Guo Xiaoqin , Zhang Rui
Published: February 2019

Using Ni-5 wt.% Pb alloys with low Pb content as master alloys, the Ni-5 wt.% Pb alloy hollow particles were prepared by rapid solidification. Moreover, the alloy particles’ microstructure and formation mechanism were investigated. The results show that the particles’ microstructure consisted of Ni-rich and Pb phases. The Ni-rich phase was formed in the dendrite, and the Pb phase was distributed in the grain boundary or interdendrites. With the roller speeds increasing, the sizes of hollow particles and holes were decreased which were deviated from the particle center, while the hollow ratio, shear stress, and turbulence intensity of the hollow particles were increased. The formation of alloy hollow particles is attributed to interaction between the high-speed fluid and environment gas on the liquid/gas interface. The increase in roller speeds was conducive to the formation of Ni-Pb alloy hollow particles with low Pb content.
Primary Mature Cystic Teratoma Compressing the Prostate in a 28-Year-Old Male: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Chalhoub Khalil , Abou Zahr Rawad , Mansour Elias , Aoun Mona , Jabbour Michel
Published: February 2019

Primary mature retroperitoneal teratomas are rare tumors most commonly occurring in adult females. These tumors are usually asymptomatic since they have no attachments to specific organs. We present a rare case of a 28-year-old male with 2-month history of lower urinary tract symptoms, who was found to have a primary mature cystic teratoma abutting the prostate.
Investigação para a paz
Authors: Wiberg Håkan
Published: February 2019

O percurso de afirmação da investigação para a paz como disciplina assinala diferentes momentos de crise de identidade, expressos em densos debates epistemológicos. Como resultado desse crescimento dilemático, a investigação para a paz continua hoje atravessada por três questões conformadoras essenciais que este texto procura delimitar. A primeira é a do alcance da sua orientação para valores e políticas concretas. A segunda é a do seu lugar num território cognitivo disputado. E a terceira é a da densidade conferida à não-violência nos processos de transformação política.
O desafio crítico dos estudos para a paz
Authors: Pureza José Manuel
Published: February 2019

Os estudos para a paz constituem um elemento frequentemente referido no bloco de propostas teóricas que, no quadro do que ficou conhecido como o “quarto debate”, veio contestar os pressupostos mais profundos do cânone racionalista e positivista em relações internacionais. Neste texto, tentarei mostrar, em primeiro lugar, como essa identidade da escola dos estudos para a paz foi construída a partir da negociação de tensões internas ao seu próprio discurso. Num segundo momento, ensaiarei uma leitura desse suposto desvirtuamento dos estudos para a paz, interrogando as vias de resgate possível do seu sentido crítico e emancipador originário no nosso tempo.
Sexualidad y reconocimiento como apuestas a la transformación de la seguritización en El Salvador
Authors: Ospina Erika Julieta Rojas , Alvarez Josefina Echavarría
Published: February 2019

The recognition of sexual diversity and gender is essential to contribute to peacebuilding and conflict transformation in society as a whole, especially in the postwar society of El Salvador. This essay maps cases of violence against transgender women in San Luis Talpa and offers an elicitive analysis that depicts the deep gender relations and sexuality that hide the reproduction of violence in modern security.
Lessons from the Margin
Authors: Gomes Alberto
Published: February 2019

As crises pelas quais a humanidade passa, sejam elas em âmbito ecológico, social ou humanitário, e relacionadas ao aumento da violência, tanto direta quanto estrutural, se inter-relacionam. Evidências indicam que as soluções formuladas para resolver as crises indicadas, desde o desenvolvimento e a modernização até o neoliberalismo e o desenvolvimento sustentável, não só fracassaram, mas, paradoxalmente, as exacerbaram. Inspirado nos modos de vida e práticas dos povos indígenas, especialmente dos Orang Asli (aborígines) na Malásia, este artigo ressalta uma paz ecológica que mescla o peacebuilding com estratégias ecológicas regenerativas. Nesse contexto, parte-se da ideia de que, ao levar em consideração a paz ecológica indígena, serão fomentadas soluções efetivas para a tríplice crise (ecológica, social e humanitária), implicando uma mudança paradigmática – de uma percepção antropocêntrica da natureza a uma percepção ecocêntrica; do hiperindividualismo à responsabilidade focada na comunidade; de uma perspectiva competitiva àquela focada em empatia, cooperação, compartilhamento e altruísmo; e do fetiche relacionado ao crescimento a um estilo de vida regenerativo, baseado nas necessidades.

PALAVRAS-CHAVE: PAZ ECOLÓGICA INDÍGENA • PEACEBUILDING • ESTRATÉGIAS ECOLÓGICAS REGENERATIVAS.
A atuação do cinema intercultural nos imaginários de naturalização da violência contra imigrantes
Authors: Medeiros André Aparecido , Santos Célia Maria Retz Godoy dos
Published: February 2019

Comunicadores, incluindo cineastas, nem sempre usam a mídia em prol da interculturalidade e da paz. Certas abordagens são exemplos de violência cultural e são usadas de modo a justificar outras formas de violência, repercutindo sobre imigrantes. Por meio da pesquisa bibliográfica é possível notar que, em oposição a isso, o cinema intercultural contribui descontruindo imaginários que tentam “naturalizar” a violência contra a pessoa imigrante e construindo novos imaginários sociais.
International Triadin Knockout Syndrome Registry
Authors: Clemens Daniel J. , Tester David J. , Giudicessi John R. , Bos J. Martijn , Rohatgi Ram K. , Abrams Dominic J. , Balaji Seshadri , Crotti Lia , Faure Julien , Napolitano Carlo , Priori Silvia G. , Probst Vincent , Rooryck-Thambo Caroline , Roux-Buisson Nathalie , Sacher Frederic , Schwartz Peter J. , Silka Michael J. , Walsh Mark A. , Ackerman Michael J.
Published: February 2019

Background:

Triadin knockout syndrome (TKOS) is a rare, inherited arrhythmia syndrome caused by recessive null mutations in
TRDN
-encoded cardiac triadin. Based previously on 5 triadin null patients, TKOS has been characterized by extensive T-wave inversions, transient QT prolongation, and severe disease expression of exercise-induced cardiac arrest in early childhood refractory to conventional therapy.

Methods:

We have established the International Triadin Knockout Syndrome Registry to include patients who have genetically proven homozygous/compound heterozygous
TRDN
null mutations. Clinical/genetic data were collected using an online survey generated through REDCap.

Results:

Currently, the International Triadin Knockout Syndrome Registry includes 21 patients (11 males, average age of 18 years) from 16 families. Twenty patients (95%) presented with either cardiac arrest (15, 71%) or syncope (5, 24%) at an average age of 3 years. Mild skeletal myopathy/proximal muscle weakness was noted in 6 (29%) patients. Of the 19 surviving patients, 16 (84%) exhibit T-wave inversions, and 10 (53%) have transient QT prolongation > 480 ms. Eight of 9 patients had ventricular ectopy on exercise stress testing. Thirteen (68%) patients have received implantable defibrillators. Despite various treatment strategies, 14 (74%) patients have had recurrent breakthrough cardiac events.

Conclusion:

TKOS is a potentially lethal disease characterized by T-wave inversions in the precordial leads, transient QT prolongation in some, and recurrent ventricular arrhythmias at a young age despite aggressive treatment. Patients displaying this phenotype should undergo
TRDN
genetic testing as TKOS may be a cause for otherwise unexplained cardiac arrest in young children. As gene therapy advances, enrollment into the International Triadin Knockout Syndrome Registry is encouraged to better understand TKOS and to ready a well-characterized cohort for future
TRDN
gene therapy trials.
Evaluating the Clinical Validity of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Genes
Authors: Ingles Jodie , Goldstein Jennifer , Thaxton Courtney , Caleshu Colleen , Corty Edward W. , Crowley Stephanie B. , Dougherty Kristen , Harrison Steven M. , McGlaughon Jennifer , Milko Laura V. , Morales Ana , Seifert Bryce A. , Strande Natasha , Thomson Kate , Peter van Tintelen J. , Wallace Kathleen , Walsh Roddy , Wells Quinn , Whiffin Nicola , Witkowski Leora , Semsarian Christopher , Ware James S. , Hershberger Ray E. , Funke Birgit
Published: February 2019

Background:

Genetic testing for families with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) provides a significant opportunity to improve care. Recent trends to increase gene panel sizes often mean variants in genes with questionable association are reported to patients. Classification of HCM genes and variants is critical, as misclassification can lead to genetic misdiagnosis. We show the validity of previously reported HCM genes using an established method for evaluating gene-disease associations.

Methods:

A systematic approach was used to assess the validity of reported gene-disease associations, including associations with isolated HCM and syndromes including left ventricular hypertrophy. Genes were categorized as having definitive, strong, moderate, limited, or no evidence of disease causation. We also reviewed current variant classifications for HCM in ClinVar, a publicly available variant resource.

Results:

Fifty-seven genes were selected for curation based on their frequent inclusion in HCM testing and prior association reports. Of 33 HCM genes, only 8 (24%) were categorized as definitive (
MYBPC3
,
MYH7
,
TNNT2
,
TNNI3
,
TPM1
,
ACTC1
,
MYL2
, and
MYL3
); 3 had moderate evidence (
CSRP3, TNNC1
, and
JPH2
; 33%); and 22 (66%) had limited (n=16) or no evidence (n=6). There were 12 of 24 syndromic genes definitively associated with isolated left ventricular hypertrophy. Of 4191 HCM variants in ClinVar, 31% were in genes with limited or no evidence of disease association.

Conclusions:

The majority of genes previously reported as causative of HCM and commonly included in diagnostic tests have limited or no evidence of disease association. Systematically curated HCM genes are essential to guide appropriate reporting of variants and ensure the best possible outcomes for HCM families.
Sudden Cardiac Death in Women
Authors: Haukilahti M. Anette E. , Holmström Lauri , Vähätalo Juha , Kenttä Tuomas , Tikkanen Jani , Pakanen Lasse , Kortelainen Marja-Leena , Perkiömäki Juha , Huikuri Heikki , Myerburg Robert J. , Junttila M. Juhani
Published: February 2019

Background:

Despite recent progress in profiling of risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD) and prevention and intervention of cardiac diseases, SCD remains a major cause of death. Among women, the incidence of SCD is significant, but lower than in men, particularly in the premenopausal and early postmenopausal years. Possibly, as a consequence of the difference in population burden, the mechanisms and risk markers of SCD are not as well defined for women. The aim of this study was to determine the autopsy findings and causes of death among women in a large SCD population. Additionally, we sought to classify prior ECG characteristics in male and female subjects with SCD.

Methods:

The Fingesture study has systematically collected clinical and autopsy data from subjects with SCD in Northern Finland between 1998 and 2017. The cohort consists of 5869 subjects with SCD. Previously recorded ECGs were available and analyzed in 1101 subjects (18.8% of total population; and in 25.3% of women).

Results:

Female subjects with SCD were significantly older than men: 70.1±13.1 years versus 63.5±11.8 years (mean ± standard deviation,
P
<0.001). The most frequently identified cause of death was ischemic heart disease in both sexes: 71.7% among women versus 75.7% among men,
P
=0.005. In contrast, women were more likely to have nonischemic cause of SCD than men (28.3% versus 24.3%,
P
=0.005). The prevalence of primary myocardial fibrosis was higher among women (5.2%, n=64) than in men (2.6%, n=120;
P
<0.001). Female subjects with SCD were more likely to have normal prior ECG tracings (22.2% versus 15.3% in men,
P
<0.001). A normal ECG was even more common among nonischemic female subjects with SCD (27.8% versus 16.2% in men,
P
=0.009). However, ECG markers of left ventricular hypertrophy, with or without repolarization abnormalities, were more common among women (8.2%; 17.9%) than in men (4.9%; 10.6%,
P
=0.036;
P
<0.001, respectively).

Conclusions:

Women were considerably older at the time of SCD and more commonly had nonischemic causes. Women were also more likely to have a prior normal ECG than men, but an increased marker for SCD risk based on ECG criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy with repolarization abnormalities was more commonly observed in women.
Circulating Microparticles Are Elevated in Treated HIV‐1 Infection and Are Deleterious to Endothelial Cell Function
Authors: Hijmans Jamie G. , Stockelman Kelly A. , Garcia Vinicius , Levy Ma'ayan V. , Brewster L. Madden , Bammert Tyler D. , Greiner Jared J. , Stauffer Brian L. , Connick Elizabeth , DeSouza Christopher A.
Published: February 2019

Background

Circulating microparticles have emerged as biomarkers and effectors of vascular disease. Elevated rates of cardiovascular disease are seen in
HIV
‐1–seropositive individuals. The aims of this study were to determine: (1) if circulating microparticles are elevated in antiretroviral therapy–treated
HIV
‐1–seropositive adults; and (2) the effects of microparticles isolated from
antiretroviral therapy
–treated
HIV
‐1–seropositive adults on endothelial cell function, in vitro.

Methods and Results

Circulating levels of endothelial‐, platelet‐, monocyte‐, and leukocyte‐derived microparticles were determined by flow cytometry in plasma from 15 healthy and 15 antiretroviral therapy–treated, virologically suppressed
HIV
‐1–seropositive men. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with microparticles from individual subjects for 24 hours; thereafter, endothelial cell inflammation, oxidative stress, senescence, and apoptosis were assessed. Circulating concentrations of endothelial‐, platelet‐, monocyte‐, and leukocyte‐derived microparticles were significantly higher (≈35%–225%) in the
HIV
‐1–seropositive compared with healthy men. Microparticles from
HIV
‐1–seropositive men induced significantly greater endothelial cell release of interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐8 (≈20% and ≈35%, respectively) and nuclear factor‐κB expression while suppressing anti‐inflammatory microRNAs (miR‐146a and miR‐181b). Intracellular reactive oxygen species production and expression of
reactive oxygen species
–related heat shock protein 70 were both higher in cells treated with microparticles from the
HIV
‐1–seropositive men. In addition, the percentage of senescent cells was significantly higher and sirtuin 1 expression lower in cells treated with
HIV
‐1–related microparticles. Finally, caspase‐3 was significantly elevated by microparticles from
HIV
‐1–seropositive men.

Conclusions

Circulating concentrations of endothelial‐, platelet‐, monocyte‐, and leukocyte‐derived microparticles were higher in antiretroviral therapy–treated
HIV
‐1–seropositive men and adversely affect endothelial cells promoting cellular inflammation, oxidative stress, senescence, and apoptosis. Circulating microparticles may contribute to the vascular risk associated with
HIV
‐1 infection.
Diabetes Mellitus–Related All‐Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality in a National Cohort of Adults
Authors: Raghavan Sridharan , Vassy Jason L. , Ho Yuk‐Lam , Song Rebecca J. , Gagnon David R. , Cho Kelly , Wilson Peter W. F. , Phillips Lawrence S.
Published: February 2019

Background

Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (
CVD
) and has been associated with 2‐ to 4‐fold higher mortality. Diabetes mellitus–related mortality has not been reassessed in individuals receiving routine care in the United States in the contemporary era of
CVD
risk reduction.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively studied 963 648 adults receiving care in the
US
Veterans Affairs Healthcare System from 2002 to 2014; mean follow‐up was 8 years. We estimated associations of diabetes mellitus status and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) with all‐cause and
CVD
mortality using covariate‐adjusted incidence rates and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression. Of participants, 34% had diabetes mellitus. Compared with nondiabetic individuals, patients with diabetes mellitus had 7.0 (95%
CI
, 6.7–7.4) and 3.5 (95% CI, 3.3–3.7) deaths/1000‐person‐years higher all‐cause and
CVD
mortality, respectively. The age‐, sex‐, race‐, and ethnicity‐adjusted hazard ratio for diabetes mellitus–related mortality was 1.29 (95% CI, 1.28–1.31), and declined with adjustment for
CVD
risk factors (hazard ratio, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.16–1.19]) and glycemia (hazard ratio, 1.03 [95% CI, 1.02–1.05]). Among individuals with diabetes mellitus,
CVD
mortality increased as HbA1c exceeded 7% (hazard ratios, 1.11 [95% CI, 1.08–1.14], 1.25 [95% CI, 1.22–1.29], and 1.52 [95% CI, 1.48–1.56] for HbA1c 7%–7.9%, 8%–8.9%, and ≥9%, respectively, relative to HbA1c 6%–6.9%). HbA1c 6% to 6.9% was associated with the lowest mortality risk irrespective of
CVD
history or age.

Conclusions

Diabetes mellitus remains significantly associated with all‐cause and
CVD
mortality, although diabetes mellitus–related excess mortality is lower in the contemporary era than previously. We observed a gradient of mortality risk with increasing HbA1c >6% to 6.9%, suggesting HbA1c remains an informative predictor of outcomes even if causality cannot be inferred.
Predicting Modafinil-Treatment Response in Poststroke Fatigue Using Brain Morphometry and Functional Connectivity
Authors: Visser Milanka M. , Maréchal Bénédicte , Goodin Peter , Lillicrap Thomas P. , Garcia-Esperon Carlos , Spratt Neil J. , Parsons Mark W. , Levi Christopher R. , Bivard Andrew
Published: February 2019

Background and Purpose—

Poststroke fatigue affects a large proportion of stroke survivors and is associated with a poor quality of life. In a recent trial, modafinil was shown to be an effective agent in reducing poststroke fatigue; however, not all patients reported a significant decrease in fatigue with therapy. We sought to investigate clinical and radiological predictors of fatigue reduction with modafinil therapy in a stroke survivor cohort.

Methods—

Twenty-six participants with severe fatigue (multidimensional fatigue inventory–20 ≥60) underwent magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and during the last week of a 6-week treatment period of 200 mg modafinil taken daily. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and high-resolution structural imaging data were obtained, and functional connectivity and regional brain volumes within the fronto-striato-thalamic network were obtained. Linear regression analysis was used to identify predictors of modafinil-induced fatigue reduction.

Results—

Multiple regression analysis showed that baseline multidimensional fatigue inventory–20 score (β=0.576,
P
=0.006) and functional connectivity between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the caudate nucleus (β=−0.424,
P
=0.008) were significant predictors of modafinil-associated decreases in poststroke fatigue (adjusted
r
2
=0.52, area under the receiver operator characteristic curve=0.939).

Conclusions—

Fronto-striato-thalamic functional connectivity predicted modafinil response for poststroke fatigue. Fatigue in other neurological disease has been attributed to altered function of the fronto-striato-thalamic network and may indicate that poststroke fatigue has a similar mechanism to other neurological injury related fatigue. Self-reported fatigue in patients with normal fronto-striato-thalamic functional connectivity may have a different mechanism and require alternate therapeutic approaches.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: ACTRN12615000350527.
Mucuna yadaviana sp. nov. (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae) from the Andaman Islands, India
Authors: SWAROOPSINGH GAIKWAD , PRAMOD LAWAND , RAJARAM GURAV
Published: February 2019

A new species Mucuna yadaviana is described and illustrated. It grows in the tropical evergreen forests of the Andaman Islands of India. It resembles Mucuna imbricata in having lamellate and winged pods, but differs by a set of characters relating to habit, leaf and seeds.
Septal-pore-associated structures of Hysterangium clathroides and Hysterangium nephriticum (Hysterangiales, Basidiomycota, Fungi)
Authors: MLECZKO PIOTR , PŁACHNO BARTOSZ J. , ŚWIĄTEK PIOTR
Published: February 2019

The hyphae of Basidiomycota and Ascomycota are divided into compartments by the cross-walls (septa). In mushroom-forming fungi, members of subphylla Pezizomycotina O.E. Erikss. & Winka (Ascomycota) and Agaricomycotina Doweld (Basidiomycota), the septa are associated with specific intracellular structures, which play a role in maintaining the integrity of hyphae in case of injury but also in cell differentiation (Webster & Weber 2007, Moore et al. 2011). In basidiomycetes, these structures may also be involved in certain intracellular processes and the formation of sporocarps (Van Peer et al. 2010, Moore et al. 2011). In this fungal group they are the reticulum-connected and -derived membranous structures called septal pore caps (SPC) or parenthesomes, associated with a dolipore (Moore 1985, 1996, van Driel 2007). The pores may also be occluded by a range of materials of different form. The septal-pore-associated structures may differ considerably between species of different evolutionary lineages. This quality was used as a differentiating factor in the taxonomy at both species and higher-order levels (Lutzoni et al. 2004, McLaughlin et al. 2009).
Protubera beijingensis sp. nov. (Protophallaceae, Phallales) from China
Authors: LI GUOJIE , DENG DEJIANG , WEI JINKANG , ZHANG CHULONG , ZHAO RUILIN , LIN FUCHENG
Published: February 2019

The genus Protubera includes gasteroid species. Its members are globally distributed in tropical, subtropical, and temperate areas, and presently, six species are recognized. In this paper, Protubera beijingensis from North China is described as a new species. Its morphological description and illustration are provided in detail and compared with morphologically similar species. A multigene phylogenetic analysis based on nLSU, atp6, and rpb2 sequences of the genus Protubera also identifies this organism as a new species within Protubera.
Neotypification of Pleurocapsa fuliginosa and epitypification of P. minor (Pleurocapsales): resolving a polyphyletic cyanobacterial genus
Authors: SHALYGIN SERGEI , KAVULIC KATHERINE J. , PIETRASIAK NICOLE , BOHUNICKÁ MARKÉTA , VACCARINO MELISSA A. , CHESARINO NICHOLAS M. , JOHANSEN JEFFREY R.
Published: February 2019

Strains with complete morphological match to Pleurocapsa fuliginosa and P. minor were isolated from Oahu, with another strain matching P. minor isolated from a wet rock face in Utah. Phylogenetically these baeocyte and pseudofilament producing strains fell in a single well-supported clade among a number of pleurocapsalean strains.  They were sister to a clade of baeocyte-producing strains that lack the ability to form psuedofilaments and likely belong in an as-yet-to-be-described genus. Strains putatively named Pleurocapsa are scattered throughout the Pleurocapsales and Chroococcales, indicating a need for clear definition of the genus so that revisionary work and alpha-level taxonomy can move forward. To satisfy this need, P. fuliginosa HA4302-MV1 and P. minor HA4230-MV1 were chosen as neotype and epitype, respectively, establishing the genus based on molecular sequence data. In addition to the distinctive morphology of the genus, all Pleurocapsa species for which 16S-23S ITS regions are available have an unusually long, branched D5 helix at the termination of the ITS region. The sister clade of strains that lack the ability to form pseudofilaments also possess an unusually long and branched D5 helix as well, suggesting that this feature of the ITS region may be a family-level synapomorphy.