bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Health Status of the Oldest Olds Living on the Greek Island of Ikaria: A Population Based-Study in a Blue Zone
Authors: Legrand Romain , Manckoundia Patrick , Nuemi Gilles , Poulain Michel
Published: December 2019

Objective. To describe the demographic characteristics, socio-economic status, functional status (autonomy, strength), and health status (cognitive and thymic functions, cardiovascular risk factors, and nutritional status) of the oldest olds living on the Greek island of Ikaria. We also try to explain the longevity observed in this population. Methods. A cross-sectional observational study of people aged 90 and over living in both municipalities of north-western Ikaria (Evdilos and Raches) was conducted over one year, from October 21, 2012 to October 21, 2013. The participants were interviewed (medical history), had a brief clinical examination, and underwent standardized geriatric assessments including the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), the Mini-Mental-State Examination (MMSE), the Activities of Daily Living (ADL), the Instrumental ADL (IADL), and an assessment of grip strength. Results. Seventy-one persons (37 females, 34 males), aged 94.1 years on average, were interviewed at their homes. Seven percent were current smokers (females 5.4%, males 8.8%). Hypertension was diagnosed in 70.4% of participants, diabetes in 19.7%, hypercholesterolemia in 12.7%, and obesity in 17.2%; 66.0% of the population had one chronic disease or more. The mean score for the GDS-15 scale was 3.7/15.0, 23.7/30.0 for the MMSE, 4.0/6.0 for the ADL, and 4.2/8.0 in females and 3.6/5.0 in males for the IADL. Grip strength was 17.0 kg in females and 26.5 kg in males. Conclusions. This study provides an overview of the socio-demographic and medical characteristics of the oldest olds living in a longevity Blue Zone.
Stingless Bee Honey Improves Spatial Memory in Mice, Probably Associated with Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Inositol 1,4,5-Triphosphate Receptor Type 1 (Itpr1) Genes
Authors: Mustafa Mohd Zulkifli , Zulkifli Fairuz Nabila , Fernandez Ivanna , Mariatulqabtiah Abdul Razak , Sangu Muthuraju , Nor Azfa Johari , Mohamed Mahaneem , Roslan Nurhidayah
Published: December 2019

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of stingless bee honey (SBH) supplementation on memory and learning in mice. Despite many studies that show the benefits of honey on memory, reports on the nootropic effects of SBH are still lacking, and their underlying mechanism is still unclear. SBH is a honey produced by the bees in the tribe of Meliponini that exist in tropical countries. It features unique storage of honey collected in cerumen pots made of propolis. This SBH may offer a better prospect for therapeutic performance as the previous report identifies the presence of antioxidants that were greater than other honey produced by Apis sp. In this study, SBH was tested on Swiss albino mice following acute (7 days) and semichronic (35 days) supplementation. Experiments were then conducted using Morris water maze (MWM) behaviour analysis, RT-PCR for gene expression of mice striatum, and NMR for metabolomics analysis of the honey. Results indicate spatial working memory and spatial reference memory of mice were significantly improved in the honey-treated group compared with the control group. Improved memory consolidations were also observed in prolonged supplementation. Gene expression analyses of acutely treated mice demonstrated significant upregulation of BDNF and Itpr1 genes that involve in synaptic function. NMR analysis also identified phenylalanine, an essential precursor for tyrosine that plays a role at the BDNF receptor. In conclusion, SBH supplementation for seven days at 2000 mg/kg, which is equivalent to a human dose of 162 mg/kg, showed strong capabilities to improve spatial working memory. And prolonged intake up to 35 days increased spatial reference memory in the mice model. The phenylalanine in SBH may have triggered the upregulation of BDNF genes in honey-treated mice and improved their spatial memory performance.
LOX-1, the Common Therapeutic Target in Hypercholesterolemia: A New Perspective of Antiatherosclerotic Action of Aegeline
Authors: Singh Abhilasha , Srinivasan Ashok Kumar , Chakrapani Lakshmi Narasimhan , Kalaiselvi Periandavan
Published: December 2019

Background. Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) is the major receptor for oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) in the aorta of aged rats. Ox-LDL initiates LOX-1 activation in the endothelium of lipid-accumulating sites of both animal and human subjects of hypercholesterolemia. Targeting LOX-1 may provide a novel diagnostic strategy towards hypercholesterolemia and vascular diseases.Hypothesis. This study was planned to address whether aegeline (AG) could bind to LOX-1 with a higher affinity and modulate the uptake of Ox-LDL in hypercholesterolemia.Study Design. Thirty-six Wistar rats were divided into six groups. The pathology group rats were fed with high-cholesterol diet (HCD) for 45 days, and the treatment group rats were fed with HCD and aegeline/atorvastatin (AV) for the last 30 days.In vivoandin vitroexperiments were carried out to assay the markers of atherosclerosis like Ox-LDL and LOX-1 levels. Histopathological examination was performed. Oil Red O staining was carried out in the IC-21 cell line. Docking studies were performed.Results. AG administration effectively brought down the lipid levels induced by HCD. The lowered levels of Ox-LDL and LOX-1 in AG-administered rats deem it to be a potent antihypercholesterolemic agent. Compared to AV, AG had a pronounced effect in downregulating the expression of lipids evidenced by Oil Red O staining. AG binds with LOX-1 at a higher affinity validated by docking.Conclusion. This study validates AG to be an effective stratagem in bringing down the lipid stress induced by HCD and can be deemed as an antihypercholesterolemic agent.
Advances in the Research on Anticardiolipin Antibody
Authors: Wang Dan , Lv Wenxin , Zhang Shichang , Zhang Jiexin
Published: December 2019

Anticardiolipin antibody (ACA) is a kind of autoantibody and is one of the antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs). Phospholipids with a negative charge on platelets and endothelial cell membranes are ACA target antigens. ACA is common in systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases and is closely associated with thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, and spontaneous abortion. In 1983, Harris established a method for detecting ACA, and research on the antibody has gained worldwide attention and has developed rapidly. For this review, we browsed articles that cover most of the ACA-related studies in the last 25 years and extracted influential ideas and conclusions in this field.
Imbalance of Circulatory T Follicular Helper and T Follicular Regulatory Cells in Patients with ANCA-Associated Vasculitis
Authors: Xu Ying , Xu Hongmei , Zhen Yu , Sang Xueting , Wu Hao , Hu Cong , Ma Zhanchuan , Yu Miaomiao , Yi Huanfa
Published: December 2019

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody- (ANCA-) associated vasculitis (AAV) is characterized by small-vessel inflammation in association with autoantibodies. Balance between T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells is critical for humoral immune responses. Accumulating evidence supports that Tfh and Tfr are involved in autoimmune diseases; however, their roles in AAV are unclear. In this study, we tested the changes of circulatory Tfh and Tfr in patients with AAV. Twenty patients with AAV and twenty healthy controls were enrolled. Sixteen AAV patients had kidney involvement. We found that the AAV patients had increased circulating Tfh cells (CD4+CXCR5+CD25−CD127interm-hi), decreased Tfr cells (CD4+CXCR5+CD25+CD127lo-interm), and elevated Tfh/Tfr ratios compared with healthy controls (P<0.01). The Tfh percentage and Tfh/Tfr ratio, but not Tfr percentage, were positively correlated to proteinuria levels and BVAS scores in patients with AAV (P<0.01). In addition, AAV patients had decreased circulating Tfh1 (CCR6-CXCR3+), but increased Tfh2 cells (CCR6-CXCR3-), compared with healthy controls (P<0.01), indicating a Tfh1-to-Tfh2 shift. Furthermore, remission achieved by immunosuppressive treatment markedly attenuated the increase of total Tfh (P<0.01) and Tfh2 cells (P<0.05), promoted the Tfh1 response (P<0.05), and recovered the balance between Tfh/Tfr cells (P<0.05) and between Tfh1/Tfh2 cells (P<0.05) in patients with AAV. Plasma levels of IL-21, a cytokine secreted by Tfh cells, were elevated in AAV patients compared with healthy controls (P<0.01), which was attenuated by immunosuppressive treatment (P<0.05). Taken together, our findings indicate that circulatory Tfh/Tfr ratios, Tfh2/Tfh1 shift, and plasma IL-21 levels are associated with AAV and disease activity.
Calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside Attenuates OGD/R-Induced Damage by Preventing Oxidative Stress and Neuronal Apoptosis via the SIRT1/FOXO1/PGC-1α Pathway in HT22 Cells
Authors: Yan Xiangli , Yu Aiming , Zheng Haozhen , Wang Shengxin , He Yingying , Wang Lisheng
Published: December 2019

Neuronal apoptosis induced by oxidative stress is a major pathological process that occurs after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. Calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside (CG) is a representative component of isoflavones in Radix Astragali (RA). Previous studies have shown that CG has potential neuroprotective effects. However, whether CG alleviates neuronal apoptosis through antioxidant stress after ischemia-reperfusion remains unknown. To investigate the positive effects of CG on oxidative stress and apoptosis of neurons, we simulated the ischemia-reperfusion process in vitro using an immortalized hippocampal neuron cell line (HT22) and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) model. CG significantly improved cell viability and reduced oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis. In addition, CG treatment upregulated the expression of SIRT1, FOXO1, PGC-1α, and Bcl-2 and downregulated the expression of Bax. In summary, our findings indicate that CG alleviates OGD/R-induced damage via the SIRT1/FOXO1/PGC-1α signaling pathway. Thus, CG maybe a promising therapeutic candidate for brain injury associated with ischemic stroke.
Research on Multipass Hot Spinning Process Technology of AZ80 Magnesium Alloy Shell
Authors: Liang Wei , Guan Lin , Lv Qiongying , Xing Zhigang
Published: December 2019

Combined with finite element numerical simulation analysis, the hot-spin forming technology of cylindrical AZ80 magnesium alloy parts was studied in the paper. The multipass hot-spin forming of magnesium alloy shell parts was simulated by the ABAQUS software to analyze the stress and strain distribution and change during spinning for the preliminary test process parameters in the magnesium alloy spinning test. Then, the process parameters were optimized during the hot spinning test, especially the matching relationship between temperature parameter and thinning rate parameter, and the hot spinning magnesium alloy shell parts with the expected technical specifications were finished.
Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death in Beta-Thalassemia Major Patients: Noninvasive Diagnostic Tools and Early Markers
Authors: Russo Vincenzo , Melillo Enrico , Papa Andrea A. , Rago Anna , Chamberland Celeste , Nigro Gerardo
Published: December 2019

Beta-thalassemias are a group of inherited, autosomal recessive diseases, characterized by reduced or absent synthesis of beta-globin chains of the hemoglobin tetramer, resulting in variable phenotypes, ranging from clinically asymptomatic individuals to severe anemia. Three main forms have been described: heterozygotes, homozygotes β+, and homozygotes β°. Beta-thalassemia major (β-TM), the most serious form, is characterized by an absent synthesis of globin chains that are essential for hemoglobin formation, causing chronic hemolytic anemia. Cardiac complications represent a leading cause of mortality in β-TM patients, although an important and progressive increase of life expectancy has been demonstrated after the introduction of chelating therapies. Iron overload is the primary factor of cardiac damage resulting in thalassemic cardiomyopathy, in which diastolic dysfunction usually happens before systolic impairment and overt heart failure (HF). Although iron-induced cardiomyopathy is slowly progressive and it usually takes several decades for clinical and laboratory features of cardiac dysfunction to manifest, arrhythmias or sudden death may be present without signs of cardiac disease and only if myocardial siderosis is present. Careful analysis of electrocardiograms and other diagnostic tools may help in early identification of high-risk β-TM patients for arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.
Gadobutrol Precedes Gd-DTPA in Abdominal Contrast-Enhanced MRA and MRI: A Prospective, Multicenter, Intraindividual Study
Authors: Liu Xijiao , Li Zhengyan , Zhang Weiwei , Yang Caiwei , Diao Yike , Duan Ting , Fu Yu , Ren Jing , Bin Song
Published: December 2019

Objective. To qualitatively and quantitatively compare the contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in one-stop shop of abdominal imaging with Gadobutrol and Gd-DTPA at equimolar doses of gadolinium. Materials and Methods. This was a prospective designed, multiple center, intraindividual comparison study. All volunteers underwent Gadobutrol- and Gd-DTPA-enhanced MRA and MRI in one-stop shop. Qualitative analysis for large vessels and small vessels was performed by a three-point scale, while for minute small vessels, by a five-point scale. Quantitative analysis was performed for large vessels by signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Visceral organ enhancements on the equilibrium phase were also analyzed. Wilcoxon matched-pair signed-rank tests were used to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative results. Results. 40 volunteers were enrolled. Qualitative analyses results for large vessels, small vessels, and minute small vessels of Gadobutrol and Gd-DTPA were 20.98 ± 2.11, 6.03 ± 1.03, and 3.41 ± 1.18 and 20.01 ± 2.18, 5.28 ± 1.67, and 2.61 ± 1.40, respectively. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests revealed Gadobutrol-enhanced MRA was superior to that of Gd-DTPA significantly for small vessels (p=0.028) and minute small vessels (p=0.007). For quantitative analysis of large vessels, no statistic difference was found. Gadobutrol-enhanced MRI had higher CNR of the liver (p=0.003), spleen (p=0.001), and pancreas (p=0.001) and higher SNR of spleen (p=0.009) than those of Gd-DTPA statistically. Conclusion. Our study proved Gadobutrol was superior to Gd-DTPA in qualitative analysis of CE-MRA and quantitative analysis of visceral organ enhancement on CE-MRI in abdomen of healthy volunteers. Gadobutrol may be more suitable for abdominal one-stop examination for CE-MRA and CE-MRI.
miR-98 Modulates Cytokine Production from Human PBMCs in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus by Targeting IL-6 mRNA
Authors: Yuan Shiwen , Tang Chun , Chen Dongying , Li Fangfei , Huang Mingcheng , Ye Jinghua , He Zhixiang , Li Weinian , Chen Yi , Lin Xiaojun , Wang Xiaodong , Cai Xiaoyan
Published: December 2019

Objective. There is evidence that interleukin-6 (IL-6) upregulation plays a critical role in immunopathology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). MicroRNA- (miRNA-) 98 was predicted to bind with the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of IL-6 gene. We hypothesized miR-98 through its regulation of IL-6 gene expression to influence cytokine production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in SLE. Methods. The expression of miR-98 and IL-6 mRNA in the PBMCs of 41 SLE patients and 20 healthy controls (HC) was detected by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). The correlations between miR-98 expression and clinical features were evaluated. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to identify miR-98 targets. miR-98 mimics, miR-98 inhibitor, and IL-6 overexpression vector were generated. Cell viability of PBMCs was assessed using MTT assay. Gene expression and protein level were determined by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. TNF-α, IL-8, IL-1β, and IL-10 levels in cultured supernatants were quantified using ELISA. Results. The expression of miR-98 was downregulated in PBMCs of SLE patients, and its expression is negatively associated with IL-6 levels. miR-98 expression was correlated with disease activity, lupus nephritis, and anti-dsDNA antibody. IL-6 mRNA was a target gene of miR-98. IL-6 overexpression promoted the proliferation of PBMCs and increased the levels of TNF-α, IL-8, IL-1β, and IL-10. Those effects were further enhanced by miR-98 inhibitor, while were suppressed by miR-98 mimics. miR-98 regulated the levels of STAT3 phosphorylation via its target gene IL-6. Conclusion. The current study revealed that miR-98 could ameliorate STAT3-mediated cell proliferation and inflammatory cytokine production via its target gene IL-6 in patients with SLE. These results suggest that miR-98 might serve as a potential target for SLE treatment and other IL-6-mediated diseases.
Malignant Gliomas: Simplifying the Complexity
Authors: Fine Howard A.
Published: December 2019

The dramatic intertumoral and intratumoral heterogeneity in glioblastoma represents a formidable obstacle to finding effective combination targeted therapy for each individual patient. The article by Wang and colleagues in this issue of Cancer Discovery adds to a growing body of literature that points to these diverse aberrant genomes coalescing onto a very limited number of cellular states, reviving the hope of eventually identifying and therapeutically targeting just a few central gene-regulatory targets in most gliomas.

See related article by Wang et al., p. 1708.
Effects of Respiratory Rate on Heart Rate Variability in Neurologic Outpatients with Epilepsies or Migraine: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Druschky Katrin , Lorenz Jürgen , Druschky Achim
Published: December 2019

Background: Variation of spontaneous respiratory rates and influences of spontaneous and paced breathing rates on heart rate variability (HRV) were assessed in patients with epilepsy or migraine, and HRV parameters were compared between the groups. Materials and Methods: Thirty neurologic outpatients, 16 diagnosed with epilepsies and 14 with migraine, were included. Autonomic testing consisted of short-term HRV, the deep breathing test (DBT), and measurement of HRV at systematically changed breathing rates (paced breathing, 5–18 breaths per minute, bpm). Results: Spontaneous respiratory rate during short-term HRV varied from 9 to 23 bpm in the epileptic group and from 5 to 21 bpm in migraine patients and was significantly and negatively correlated with SD of all normal RR intervals (SDNN) and total power (TP) in epileptic patients but not in migraine patients. Paced breathing rate had a significant effect on all HRV parameters assessed in both groups. HRV (SD1, SDNN, TP) and DBT (E-I, SD1, SDNN) parameters were significantly lower in the epileptic group. Group differences were significantly greater during slow compared to fast breathing. Conclusions: An important and new finding is the wide variation of spontaneous respiratory rate in both groups, along with the significant negative correlation with the assessed HRV parameters. The reduction of HRV during slow breathing in epileptic patients may indicate a diminished cardiorespiratory coupling caused by a probable loss of sensitivity within the cardiovagal brainstem circuitry.
Is There an Association between Asthma and Dental Caries and Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation?
Authors: Flexeder Claudia , Kabary Hassan Lamiaa , Standl Marie , Schulz Holger , Kühnisch Jan
Published: December 2019

This epidemiological study aimed to compare the caries and molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) experience in asthmatic and non-asthmatic adolescents assessed at 10 and 15 years of age. 730 adolescents from ongoing birth cohort studies (GINIplus/LISA) from Munich, Germany, were examined for carious lesions at the age of 10 and 15 years to determine caries experience under inclusion of non-cavitated carious lesions D1–2T and the tooth-related decay-missing-filled index. Furthermore, MIH was scored on all permanent teeth according to the criteria of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry. The association between caries and MIH prevalence at the 10-year and 15-year follow-up as well as caries incidence with ever having an asthma diagnosis was analysed using hurdle regression models adjusted for potential confounders. Of the 730 adolescents, 52 and 78 were identified as asthmatics at the 10- and 15-year follow-up, respectively. There were no significant differences in caries prevalence or experience between asthma-free participants and any of the asthma groups (taking metered-dose inhaler (MDI) medication vs. taking no MDI medication). However, a significant positive association was found for asthmatic adolescents who did not take MDI medication with higher MIH/T values (OR = 2.56, 95% CI = 1.03–6.37, p = 0.043) compared to non-asthmatics. In conclusion, asthma did not influence the caries status of adolescents in the present study. Interestingly, a significant association was found between adolescents with asthma who did not take MDI medication and the number of MIH-affected teeth. The association between asthma, medication, and MIH needs further confirmation.
ПАМ’ЯТІ АНАТОЛІЯ МИНОВИЧА ЗАРИЦЬКОГО
Authors: Kolektyv Tvorchyy
Published: December 2019

Стисло висвітлено основні біографічні віхи й творчий доробок видатного вченого-епідеміолога, доктора медичних наук, професора, заслуженого діяча науки і техніки України, поета і художника Анатолія Миновича Зарицького.
Entendendo os fatores de combate à corrupção: proposta de um constructo de dissuasão à corrupção
Authors: Luciano Edimara Mezzomo , Wiedenhöft Guilherme Costa , Callegaro Sabrina
Published: December 2019

O objetivo do artigo é a identificação das dimensões para criação de um constructo de dissuasão à corrupção que possa explicar a variação da corrupção em diferentes países. Este constructo, chamado de DECIDE, teve como base quatro indicadores: nível de desburocratização; nível de democracia; nível de qualidade institucional, e o nível de dados abertos, os quais foram mensuradas por meio de dados secundários obtidos por meio dos indicadores Ease of doing Business Raking, Democracy Index, Institutional Quality Index, e o Global Open Data Index. Esses indicadores foram relacionados com a variável Percepção de Corrupção, medida neste estudo por meio do Corruption Perception Index (CPI). Em posse dessas informações, foi criada uma base de dados, os quais foram analisados seguindo todos os requisitos da técnica de modelagem Partial Least Squares (PLS). O principal resultado foi a criação do constructo DECIDE, que está diretamente relacionado ao CPI e explica 50% da percepção da corrupção demonstrada pelo indicador para os 175 países analisados. As quatro variáveis supracitadas, em conjunto, permitem criar os alicerces para criação de um constructo de dissuasão à corrupção (DECIDE), indicando o contexto nacional menos favorável à corrupção, ao mesmo tempo em que ampliam o conhecimento para definição de estratégias e mecanismos de proteção contra a corrupção. Em termos práticos, o estudo permite identificar que um país menos burocrático, mais democrático, mais transparente e onde as instituições funcionam melhor está mais protegido da ocorrência de corrupção, considerando que estas quatro variáveis agem como um dissuasor da corrupção.
Adenosine, Via A
2B
Receptors, Inhibits Human (P-SMC) Progenitor Smooth Muscle Cell Growth
Authors: Dubey Raghvendra K. , Baruscotti Isabella , Stiller Ruth , Fingerle Juergen , Gillespie Delbert G. , Mi Zaichuan , Leeners Brigitte , Imthurn Bruno , Rosselli Marinella , Jackson Edwin K.
Published: December 2019

c-Kit+ progenitor smooth muscle cells (P-SMCs) can develop into SMCs that contribute to injury-induced neointimal thickening. Here, we investigated whether adenosine reduces P-SMC migration and proliferation and whether this contributes to adenosine’s inhibitory actions on neointima formation. In human P-SMCs, 2-chloroadenosine (stable adenosine analogue) and BAY60-6583 (A
2B
agonist) inhibited P-SMC proliferation and migration. Likewise, increasing endogenous adenosine by blocking adenosine metabolism with erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl) adenine (inhibits adenosine deaminase) and 5-iodotubercidin (inhibits adenosine kinase) attenuated P-SMC proliferation and migration. Neither N
6
-cyclopentyladenosine (A
1
agonist), CGS21680 (A
2A
agonist), nor N
6
-(3-iodobenzyl)-adenosine-5’-N-methyluronamide (A
3
agonist) affected P-SMC proliferation or migration. 2-Chloroadenosine increased cyclic AMP, reduced Akt phosphorylation (activates cyclin D expression), and reduced levels of cyclin D1 (promotes cell-cycle progression). Moreover, 2-chloroadenosine inhibited expression of Skp2 (promotes proteolysis of p27
Kip1
) and upregulated levels of p27
Kip1
(negative cell-cycle regulator). A
2B
receptor knockdown prevented the effects of 2-chloroadenosine on cyclic AMP production and P-SMC proliferation and migration. Likewise, inhibition of adenylyl cyclase and protein kinase A rescued P-SMCs from the inhibitory effects of 2-chloroadenosine. The inhibitory effects of adenosine were similar in male and female P-SMCs. In vivo, peri-arterial (rat carotid artery) 2-chloroadenosine (20 μmol/L for 7 days) reduced neointimal hyperplasia by 64.5% (
P
<0.05; intima/media ratio: control, 1.4±0.02; treated, 0.53±0.012) and reduced neointimal c-Kit+ cells. Adenosine inhibits P-SMC migration and proliferation via the A
2B
receptor/cyclic AMP/protein kinase A axis, which reduces cyclin D1 expression and activity via inhibiting Akt phosphorylation and Skp2 expression and upregulating p27
kip1
levels. Adenosine attenuates neointima formation in part by inhibiting infiltration and proliferation of c-Kit+ P-SMCs.
Changing Results—Engage and Activate to Enhance Wellness: A Randomized Clinical Trial to Improve Cardiovascular Risk Management
Authors: Iturralde Esti , Sterling Stacy A. , Uratsu Connie S. , Mishra Pranita , Ross Thekla B. , Grant Richard W.
Published: December 2019

Background

Despite the success of current cardiovascular disease (
CVD
) management programs, many patients do not achieve optimal control of
CVD
‐related risk factors. New strategies are needed to better activate and engage these patients.

Methods and Results

We conducted a parallel, 2‐arm, randomized controlled trial, CREATE Wellness (Changing Results—Engage and Activate to Enhance Wellness) from February 2015 to September 2017 with 12‐month follow‐up to September 2018. Eligible participants had ≥1 uncontrolled
CVD
risk factors (hyperlipidemia, hypertension, or diabetes mellitus) for at least 2 years before study enrollment. The control group (n=315) received usual care within an existing
CVD
population‐based disease management program. The intervention group (n=332) received usual care plus a group‐based behavioral intervention focused on patient activation and engagement. Study outcomes included patient activation and patient‐centered care processes (6 months) and healthcare system engagement, medication adherence, and control of
CVD
risk factors (12 months). Compared with the control group at follow‐up, the intervention group had greater improvement in patient activation (adjusted mean difference=2.8,
P
=0.01), patient‐centered care (adjusted mean difference=0.19,
P
=0.003), and 2 out of 3 measures of healthcare system engagement (eg, secure messages exchanged with a population health manager; adjusted incidence rate ratio=1.7,
P
=0.01). Intervention and control arms did not differ on improvement in 1‐year
CVD
risk factor control.

Conclusions

Further work is needed to more effectively connect increased patient activation and engagement to downstream changes in risk factor control.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
02302612.
A new genus and species of enigmatic gorgonian coral from the Ryukyu Archipelago, northwestern Pacific, with a discussion of calcaxonian systematics (Cnidaria, Anthozoa, Octocorallia)
Authors: WILLIAMS GARY C.
Published: December 2019

A new genus and species of flagelliform gorgonian coral is described from mesophotic depth in the western Pacific Ocean. The new taxon exhibits calcaxonian morphological characters and shares affinities to both the clade that includes the Chrysogorgiidae, Primnoidae, and Isididae, as well as the clade that includes the Ellisellidae and the Pennatulacea. Based on morphology alone, placement in a new family is likely justifiable, since it exhibits some characters similar to several diverse calcaxonian taxa, and has unique features as well, but such an outcome awaits supporting molecular evidence. The new genus and species is remarkable among most octocorals in that it has an axis that is quadrangular in transverse section as in the calcaxonian Flagelligorgia gracilis and the pennatulacean Funiculina quadrangularis, and an apparently uniform, solid, highly calcified axial structure that lacks concentric layers or prismatic radiating wedges. In addition, it has distinctive sclerites of the surface coenenchyme that are predominantly elongate warty spindles with median waists, some of which superficially resemble sclerites found in some species of ellisellid gorgonians, but also exhibit ultrastructural features that differentiate them.
Book review: Sadan Jha, Reverence, Resistance and Politics of Seeing the Indian National Flag
Authors: Virmani Arundhati
Published: December 2019

Sadan Jha, Reverence, Resistance and Politics of Seeing the Indian National Flag, New Delhi: Cambridge University Press, 2016, 268 pp.
Territorial disputes and individual willingness to fight
Authors: Kim Nam Kyu
Published: December 2019

Extant scholarship establishes that territorial issues are more likely than other types of issues to lead to militarized interstate disputes and war. One key premise is that a strong attachment to the material and symbolic values of the homeland makes people more willing to fight for their country in territorial disputes. However, there is no systematic evidence for this premise. Although recent studies investigate the effect of territorial conflict on individual attitudes and find that territorial issues are qualitatively different from other types of issues, researchers have not yet investigated how territorial threats influence people’s willingness to fight. By combining data on territorial claims from the Issue Correlates of War project with individual-level data from the World Values Survey, this article tests the relationship between territorial claims and individuals’ willingness to fight. My analysis reveals that respondents are more willing to fight for their country when their countries experience territorial claims. Building on the contentious issues approach, I further demonstrate the importance of issue salience and issue context in the relationship between territorial claims and willingness to fight. Last, I show that the relationship between territorial claims and willingness to fight depends on a country’s level of economic development or regime type.
Urban Music Educators’ Perceived Professional Growth in a Context-Specific Professional Development Program
Authors: Shaw Julia T.
Published: December 2019

This collective case study examined the perceived impact of a context-specific professional development program, the Urban Music Education Institute, on urban music educators’ professional growth. The year-long program, which focused on culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP), featured workshops presented by nationally recognized clinicians complemented by a collaborative teacher study group (CTSG). Portraits of individual educators’ growth trajectories illuminate the multifaceted and idiosyncratic nature of teachers’ professional growth. Teacher profiles further illustrate complexities inherent in the nonlinear process of learning to practice CRP. Cross-case themes included teachers’ desire for “permission” to teach in contextually specific ways, sociopolitical dimensions of urban teaching as a focus for professional learning, and ways that cultural Whiteness influenced participants’ processes of learning to practice CRP. The CTSG emerged as a key element contributing toward the program’s context specificity. Participants used this group as a site for negotiating tensions associated with culturally responsive and socially just teaching in the company of colleagues with shared understanding of urban contexts. Implications for professional development aligned with urban music educators’ discipline- and context-specific learning needs are discussed based on the findings.
The Sexual Abuse Scandal and a New Ethical Horizon: A Perspective from India
Authors: Kochuthara Shaji George
Published: December 2019

Despite recent signs of change, the Indian church was rather reluctant to acknowledge the clerical sexual abuse scandal as its own problem. In the Indian context, the scandal entails not only the abuse of minors, but also the abuse of women and other vulnerable adults by church personnel. The hierarchical structure of Indian society, gender relations based on patriarchy, and postcolonial attitudes provide a fertile ground for abuse. Clericalism, centralization of power in the church, and continuing negative attitudes to sexuality are further contributing factors. The clerical sexual abuse scandal calls for developing new ethical horizons based on a theology of a participatory church, and a reconsideration of the church’s attitude to sexuality and gender relations.
Extending and Locating Jesus’s Body: Toward a Christology of Radical Embodiment
Authors: Urbaniak Jakub
Published: December 2019

The African Jesus of Tinyiko Maluleke and the Christ of deep incarnation represent two radically different christological trajectories. While the deep incarnation theologians extend Jesus’s body into social and cosmic bodies, Maluleke locates Jesus’s body in the bodies of his fellow Africans. Each of these christological moves is interpreted as a manifestation, albeit in a different sense, of God’s radical embodiment through Jesus in our world. African appropriations of Jesus stand out as a warning that even christologizing centered upon the category of “flesh” is at risk of remaining purely visionary unless it is done by and/or with those in whose own bodies Jesus is being crucified.
Governing the multicultural city: Europe’s ‘great urban expectations’ facing austerity and resurgent nativism
Authors: Cianetti Licia
Published: December 2019

This article analyses European discourses on ‘optimal’ urban inclusion policies, as they are embodied in EU-sponsored city networking initiatives. Drawing from the scholarships on multiculturalism and urban austerity, it builds an inclusion agendas matrix that identifies four ideal-typical agendas for ethnic and racial inclusion: multicultural, diversity inclusion, community cohesion and neoliberalised diversity. It identifies a shift from group-based to individual-based concerns (mainstreaming) and from a politicised to a depoliticised approach to inclusion (depoliticising). It argues that (a) this double shift should be understood as the result of the mutually reinforcing pressures of nativism and austerity, and (b) inconsistencies in network discourses and policy advice suggest a pragmatic-adaptive logic that challenges simplistic understandings of cities as either (only) sites of resistance or (only) sites of full-blown accommodation of nativist and austerity imperatives.
It Is All in the Mind(set)! Matching Mindsets and Luxury Tourism
Authors: Seo Yuri , Ko Dongwoo , Kim Jungkeun
Published: December 2019

Informed by the psychological theory of mindsets, we establish how “fixed” and “growth” mindsets divergently influence luxury travel behaviors. Across three experiments, we found that the relative preference for luxury travel is higher when consumers adopt a fixed rather than growth mindset (studies 1a and 1b). The effect of mindsets is also evident within consumer evaluations of luxury hotel advertisements. Specifically, providing detailed information about the luxury hotel’s facilities via advertising improves evaluations when travelers adopt a growth mindset, but such information has no effect when they adopt a fixed mindset (study 2). Moreover, while fixed mindsets show more positive evaluations of luxury hotels when an advertisement employs affective language, employing cognitive language results in more positive evaluations among growth mindsets (study 3). Taken together, these results illustrate that fixed mindsets value luxury travel for self-enhancement benefits, while growth mindsets – for superior quality.
Batch process modeling by using temporal feature and Gaussian mixture model
Authors: Guo Wei , Pan Tianhong , Li Zhengming , Chen Shan
Published: December 2019

Multi-model/multi-phase modeling algorithm has been widely used to monitor the product quality in complicated batch processes. Most multi-model/ multi-phase modeling methods hinge on the structure of a linearly separable space or a combination of different sub-spaces. However, it is impossible to accurately separate the overlapping region samples into different operating sub-spaces using unsupervised learning techniques. A Gaussian mixture model (GMM) using temporal features is proposed in the work. First, the number of sub-model is estimated by using the maximum interval process trend analysis algorithm. Then, the GMM parameters constrained with the temporal value are identified by using the expectation maximization (EM) algorithm, which minimizes confusion in overlapping regions of different Gaussian processes. A numerical example and a penicillin fermentation process demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Finite-time stability and asynchronously switching control for a class of time-varying switched nonlinear systems
Authors: Wang Ronghao , Xing Jianchun , Xiang Zhengrong , Yang Qiliang
Published: December 2019

Finite-time stability and stabilization for switched nonlinear systems has been investigated in the paper. Based on existing works, we find that related results on autonomous switched nonlinear systems cannot be simply extended to non-autonomous systems. A sufficient condition has been proposed for this class of systems using the average dwell time method. Specifically, a control Lyapunov function approach is employed to stabilize the system and the finite-time controller is designed using a small control property. In contrast to autonomous switched systems, a finite-time stabilizer is constructed for time-varying switched nonlinear systems, even under the situation in which the switching mode is different between the system and the controller. Furthermore, the relation between the settling time and the average dwell time has been revealed. Finally, an example case is presented for the obtained result.
Family Formation and Career Development Future Plans of Students from Marginalized Localities in Central Mexico
Authors: Atienzo Erika E. , Suárez-López Leticia , Estrada Fátima , Campero Lourdes , de la Vara-Salazar Elvia
Published: December 2019

In this exploratory study, a survey was carried out with 902 junior high-school students in localities with medium to high degree of marginalization in two states of central Mexico. This article describes the family, reproductive, and educational aspirations and expectations of this sample of students from disadvantaged areas, and explores mechanisms contributing to forming future plans. Two main plans are outlined in this sample: one oriented towards prioritizing family formation and an elevated risk of dropping out of school, and another oriented towards postponing unions and child-raising to look for educational/career development. Several factors appear to influence the development of educational/career ideals among men, however, the mechanisms driving the formation of future plans in women are less clear. The findings add to a limited body of knowledge measuring both educational and reproductive aspirations of students in low-resource settings in Latin America.
An innovative resilience approach: Financial self-help groups in contemporary financial landscapes in the Netherlands
Authors: Lehmann Julie-Marthe , Smets Peer
Published: December 2019

This study questions efficiency-driven institutions in the financial sector during and after the financial crisis of 2008. Frustration about inadequately working financial institutions encouraged citizens to employ self-help initiatives reflected in the revival of, for example, financial cooperatives, sharing economies and community currencies. Some of these grassroots initiatives, such as financial self-help groups, are imported by migrants and refugees. Compared to the formal banking system, financial self-help groups claim effectivity and a human face instead of efficiency in operation and management. We look at financial self-help groups among Ethiopians and Ghanaians living in the Netherlands, placing these financial self-help groups within the contemporary financial landscape. Here, diversity instead of a monoculture of banking institutions shows us a way to a more sustainable financial system. Moreover, this article shows that a combination of different kinds of resilience creates possibilities for analysing the dynamics of a kaleidoscope of financial arrangements and institutions.
C-tactile touch perception in migraineurs – a case-control study
Authors: Lapp Hanna Sophie , Sabatowski Rainer , Weidner Kerstin , Croy Ilona , Gossrau Gudrun
Published: December 2019

Background

Migraine is characterized by sensory hypersensitivity and habituation deficits. Slow brushing over the skin activates C-tactile nerve fibers, which mediate pleasant touch and analgesic effects in healthy subjects. As this function is altered in painful conditions, we aimed to examine whether the C-tactile processing is disrupted in migraines.

Methods

To psychophysically assess C-tactile function, we applied optimal and suboptimal C-tactile stroking stimuli on the dorsal forearm (body reference area) and the trigeminally innervated skin of 52 interictal migraineurs and 52 matched healthy controls. For habituation testing, 60 repeated C-tactile optimal stimuli were presented in both test areas. The participants rated each stimulus on a visual analogue scale by intensity, pleasantness, and painfulness.

Results

Regarding C-tactile function, migraineurs showed unphysiological rating patterns but no significantly different pleasantness ratings than controls. During repeated stimulation, controls showed stable pleasantness ratings while migraineurs’ ratings decreased, especially in those experiencing tactile allodynia during headaches. Migraineurs taking triptans responded like controls.

Conclusion

The C-tactile function of migraineurs is subclinically altered. Repeated C-tactile stimulation leads to altered habituation but differs from previous work by the direction of the changes. Although the pathophysiology remains unknown, causative mechanisms could include central and peripheral neuronal sensitization, tactile allodynia and hedonic stimulus attributions.
The Position of the Child in the Life Experiences of Immigrant Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: A Study of Service Providers’ Perspectives in Spain
Authors: Herrero-Arias Raquel , Ortiz-Barreda Gaby , Hollekim Ragnhild , Briones-Vozmediano Erica , Vives-Cases Carmen
Published: December 2019

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global public health concern that has serious effects on the well-being of women and their children. Being a mother and an immigrant are critical factors that prevent women from seeking to end an abusive relationship. Evidence suggests that immigrant women see their children’s well-being and future as paramount while managing an abusive relationship. However, less is known about how women negotiate their children’s needs and interests when deciding whether to stay with or leave an abusive partner. Drawing on interviews with IPV service providers in Spain, this study aims to explore providers’ understandings of the position of the child in mothers’ reflections regarding whether to end an abusive relationship and of the implications of such positioning for mothers’ decision-making. The findings indicate that children hold two main positions in this process. In one, children are positioned as a trigger for mothers to stay with abusers. This occurs when women are economically dependent on their partner, when they think that their children need a father figure, or when the abuser plays a role in women’s migratory status within Spain. Second, children are positioned as a trigger for mothers to leave abusers when mothers see children as victims of violence or children in need of a mother figure. Framed by positioning theory, we discuss how we can understand the consequences of such positioning for immigrant women who are survivors of IPV and for service provision in this context. The implications of the findings for research, policy making, and professional decision-making are discussed.
Career Aspirations Among Youth in Manipur: Studying the Barriers to Aspiration in a Conflict Region
Authors: Ningthoujam Sombala , Bansal Vishwa Mohan , Singh Teena , Devi Oinam Hemlata , Zafar Maria , Imran Mohammad
Published: December 2019

The aim of the study was to explore the career aspirations of the youth in Manipur, and data were collected through focus group discussions from 18 participants. The analysis of the data using thematic analysis was done to identify themes to develop an understanding of what careers these youth aspire for and the barriers to their aspirations. Four major themes identified were aspirations, barriers, support from family, and impact of the insurgency. The participants were found to have high career aspirations, clarity with regard to what they want to achieve in life, and desire to have careers that let them work for the betterment of their community. Limited job opportunities in Manipur and underdevelopment of private sector were attributed as major barriers. Participants from lower socioeconomic status reported facing greater challenge. Emotional as well as monetary support from family facilitated high career aspirations and perseverance in achieving them.
Dynamic effects on spur gear pairs power loss lubricated with axle gear oils
Authors: Hammami Maroua , Feki Nabih , Ksentini Olfa , Hentati Taissir , Abbes Mohamed Slim , Haddar Mohamed
Published: December 2019

The dynamic model of 12-degrees-of-freedom for spur gears pair accounting for nonlinear time-varying stiffness, damping, and coefficient of friction along the path of contact obtained from experimental tests is investigated. The Newmark's integration method is used to solve the equations and obtain the dynamic responses. Elementary mass, stiffness, and damping matrices with torsional and translational coupled effects were detailed. The lens of this work is to start from a nonlinear dynamic model to evaluate the influence of dynamic effects and lubrication on meshing gears power loss for different spur gear geometries within various operating conditions. The results reveal some useful references to vibration control, dynamic design, and efficiency improvement.