bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Rapid Urbanization on Vulnerability of Land System from Complex Networks View: A Methodological Approach
Authors: Wang Ying , Li Xiangmei , Li Jiangfeng , Huang Zhengdong , Xiao Renbin
Published: May 2018

Rapid urbanization is responsible for the increased vulnerability of land systems and the loss of many crucial ecosystem services. Land systems are typical complex systems comprised of different land use types which interact with each other and respond to external environment processes (such as urbanization), resulting in dynamics in land systems. This work develops a methodology approach by integrating complex networks and disruptive scenarios and applies it to a case study area (Wuhan City in China) to explore the effects of urbanization on land system structural vulnerability. The land system network topologies of Wuhan City during five time periods from 1990 to 2015 are extracted. Our results reveal that (1) the urban land expands at a higher speed than the urban population in Wuhan City; (2) the period of 2005–2010 has witnessed more land area conversions from ecological lands to urban land than other periods; (3) the land system is more vulnerable to intentional attacks on nodes with higher integrated node centrality and larger land area, such as paddy, dryland, and lake; and (4) the network efficiency of the land system would decline sharply if the area shrinkage of paddy, dryland, and lake is larger than 30%, 50%, and 20%, respectively. The results provide some insights into building a resilient urban land system, such as increasing the efficiency of existing urban land and controlling the shrinkage rate of important land use types. This study contributes to existing literature on complex networks by expanding its application in land systems, which highlight the potential of complex networks to capture the complexity, dynamics, heterogeneity, and emergent phenomena in land systems.
Simulation of Motion of Long Flexible Fibers with Different Linear Densities in Jet Flow
Authors: Lin Peifeng , Xu Wenqian , Jin Yuzhen , Zhu Zefei
Published: May 2018

Air-jet loom is a textile machine designed to drive the long fiber using a combination flow of high-pressure air from a main nozzle and a series of assistant nozzles. To make the suggestion of how to make the fiber fly with high efficiency and stability in the jet flow, in which vortices also have great influence on fiber movement, the large eddy simulation method was employed to obtain the transient flow field of turbulent jet, and a bead-rod chain fiber model was used to predict long flexible fiber motion. The fluctuation and velocity of fibers with different linear densities in jet flow were studied numerically. The results show that the fluctuation amplitude of a fiber with a linear density of 0.5 × 10−5 kg·m−1is two times larger than that of a fiber with a linear density of 2.0 × 10−5 kg·m−1. The distance of the first assistant nozzle from the main nozzle should be less than 120 mm to avoid collision between the fiber and the loom. The efficient length of the main nozzle to carry the fiber flying steadily forward is about 100–110 mm. For fibers with a linear density of 0.5 × 10−5 kg·m−1, it is suggested that the distance of the first assistant nozzle from the main nozzle is about 110 mm. With the increase of fiber linear density, the distance could be appropriately increased to 140 mm. The simulation results provide an optimization option for the air-jet loom to improve the energy efficiency by reasonably arranging the first assistant nozzle.
Comparison between the Effects of Oral and Intramuscular Administration of Shin’iseihaito (Xinyiqingfeitang) in a Streptococcus pyogenes‐Induced Murine Sinusitis Model
Authors: Minami Masaaki , Konishi Toru , Takase Hiroshi , Makino Toshiaki
Published: May 2018

Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) is a species of Gram‐positive coccoid bacteria having many virulence factors. Its capsule and exotoxins can cause upper respiratory tract infections such as sinusitis. The general treatment for S. pyogenes‐induced sinusitis is administration of antibiotics such as penicillin and macrolides; however, a serious problem associated with these antibiotics is their attenuated effect. Shin’iseihaito (Xinyiqingfeitang), a formula of Japanese traditional Kampo medicine and traditional Chinese medicine, has been used for the treatment of sinusitis. In general, formulas of Japanese traditional Kampo medicine are orally administered. This is in contrast to certain formulas of traditional Chinese medicine, which are being recently administered intramuscularly or intravenously. Regarding these traditional Chinese medicine formulas, the injection methodology is reported to be more effective than oral intake. In this study, we compared the efficacy between orally and intramuscularly administered Shin’iseihaito against S. pyogenes‐induced sinusitis. We evaluated the antibacterial effect of Shin’iseihaito extract (SSHT) against S. pyogenes by K‐B disk diffusion assay. Furthermore, we investigated the nasal colonization of S. pyogenes, determined cytokine (TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6) levels, and conducted a splenocyte proliferative assay in a murine sinusitis model. SSHT displayed direct anti‐S. pyogenes activity. Intramuscular administration of SSHT decreased the nasal colonization of S. pyogenes compared with oral administration. Thymidine uptake analysis revealed that the proliferation of splenocytes from S. pyogenes‐infected mice under intramuscular SSHT treatment was upregulated compared to that of splenocytes from S. pyogenes‐infected mice under oral SSHT treatment. We also found that TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 levels in the nasal discharge from intramuscularly treated S. pyogenes‐infected mice were lower than those from orally treated mice. Our findings suggest that intramuscular administration of Shin’iseihaito may be useful for the treatment of murine S. pyogenes‐induced sinusitis.
Ethnicity Influences Corpus Callosum Dimensions
Authors: Nouri Hosseini Hilda , Mohammadi Mohammad Reza , Aarabi Mohsen , Mohammadi Narges , Golalipour Mohammad Jafar
Published: May 2018

Background and Objective. Corpus callosum (CC), the main white matter cable which connects two hemispheres of brain, is important in special procedures such as stereotaxic surgeries vary in size, in different populations. Determination of possible size differences in ethnical groups has special values. Patients and Methods. The size of the CC on midsagittal view was determined in 76 normal male subjects using MRI of brain hemispheres in northern Iran. The size of rostrum, body, splenium, length, and height of CC was measured for each subject. The width of the body of the corpus callosum (B), the anterior to posterior length (L) and the maximum height (H) of the corpus callosum, and ratios B/L and B/H were also calculated. Results. The longitudinal dimensions of the CC were 70.21 mm and 74.05 mm in native Fars and Turkmens, respectively (P<0.05). The heights were 25 mm and 25.75 mm in native Fars and Turkmen subjects, respectively. The width of CC in Turkmen people was significantly higher than native Fars people (P<0.05). The Evans index in Turkmen group (0.314) was significantly higher than in native Fars (0.3). The B/L and B/H ratios were nonsignificantly different between two groups. Conclusion. The CC parameters vary in different ethnical groups in northern Iran.
An Optimal Investment Strategy and Multiperiod Deposit Insurance Pricing Model for Commercial Banks
Authors: Muller Grant E.
Published: May 2018

We employ the method of stochastic optimal control to derive the optimal investment strategy for maximizing an expected exponential utility of a commercial bank’s capital at some future date T>0. In addition, we derive a multiperiod deposit insurance (DI) pricing model that incorporates the explicit solution of the optimal control problem and an asset value reset rule comparable to the typical practice of insolvency resolution by insuring agencies. By way of numerical simulations, we study the effects of changes in the DI coverage horizon, the risk associated with the asset portfolio of the bank, and the bank’s initial leverage level (deposit-to-asset ratio) on the DI premium while the optimal investment strategy is followed.
Pulmonary Function Difference in Sasang Constitutional Types
Authors: Yoon Jiwon , Leem Chae Hun , Kim Jong Yeol
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in pulmonary function among Sasang constitutional types in young adults. The Sasang Constitutional Analysis Tool (SCAT), pulmonary function tests (PFTs), and cardiopulmonary exercise tests were conducted in 417 participants from 2009 to 2015. Subjects with the Tae‐Eum (TE) type had significantly higher inspiratory capacity (IC) and inspiratory reserve volume (IRV) values than those with the So‐Yang (SY) and So‐Eum (SE) types (P < 0.0001). The TE and SY types showed higher forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) values than the SE type (P < 0.0001). An increase in IRV and a decrease in expiratory reserve volume (ERV) in TE type males remained even after adjusting for covariate factors. These results indicate that young adults with the TE type have weaker lung function than those with the other constitutional types, suggesting its innate physiological pulmonary features.
Functional Brain Connectivity during Multiple Motor Imagery Tasks in Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Athanasiou Alkinoos , Terzopoulos Nikos , Pandria Niki , Xygonakis Ioannis , Foroglou Nicolas , Polyzoidis Konstantinos , Bamidis Panagiotis D.
Published: May 2018

Reciprocal communication of the central and peripheral nervous systems is compromised during spinal cord injury due to neurotrauma of ascending and descending pathways. Changes in brain organization after spinal cord injury have been associated with differences in prognosis. Changes in functional connectivity may also serve as injury biomarkers. Most studies on functional connectivity have focused on chronic complete injury or resting-state condition. In our study, ten right-handed patients with incomplete spinal cord injury and ten age- and gender-matched healthy controls performed multiple visual motor imagery tasks of upper extremities and walking under high-resolution electroencephalography recording. Directed transfer function was used to study connectivity at the cortical source space between sensorimotor nodes. Chronic disruption of reciprocal communication in incomplete injury could result in permanent significant decrease of connectivity in a subset of the sensorimotor network, regardless of positive or negative neurological outcome. Cingulate motor areas consistently contributed the larger outflow (right) and received the higher inflow (left) among all nodes, across all motor imagery categories, in both groups. Injured subjects had higher outflow from left cingulate than healthy subjects and higher inflow in right cingulate than healthy subjects. Alpha networks were less dense, showing less integration and more segregation than beta networks. Spinal cord injury patients showed signs of increased local processing as adaptive mechanism. This trial is registered withNCT02443558.
Bagasse Ash as an Auxiliary Additive to Lime Stabilization of an Expansive Soil: Strength and Microstructural Investigation
Authors: James Jijo , Pandian P. Kasinatha
Published: May 2018

The study dealt with the effect of addition of sugarcane bagasse ash (BA) on the strength development of a lime stabilized expansive soil. Unlike previous investigations with combinations of lime and BA, this study compares the effect of lime contents determined by scientifically established procedures and the effect of BA on the stabilization of lime at different proportions with additional microstructural investigations. The minimum lime content required for stabilization known as initial consumption of lime (ICL) was determined using the Eades and Grim pH test as 5.5%. The optimum lime content (OLC) was determined using unconfined compression strength (UCS) tests as 7%. Another lime content less than ICL was randomly adopted as 3%. The three lime contents were mixed with 0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% BA. UCS samples of dimension 38 mm × 76 mm were prepared at a fixed dry density and moisture content and cured for periods of 2 hours (0 days), 3, 7, 14, and 28 days to study the development of strength and effect of BA. Mineralogical and microstructural analyses were performed on the pulverized UCS samples after failure. The results revealed that the addition of BA increased the immediate, early, and delayed strength of lime stabilized soil further, even when the lime content was lower than ICL. Addition of BA produced maximum immediate, early, and delayed strength gains of 58.3%, 20.7%, and 32.7%, respectively. Higher proportion of BA was required when lime content was above ICL, for maximum strength. Addition of BA resulted in better utilization of quartz in lime‐soil reactions leading to formation of CSH and CAH minerals. A dense compact matrix was seen on analyzing the microstructure of the stabilized soil composite.
Maerua angolensis DC. (Capparaceae) Stem Bark Extract Protects against Pentylenetetrazole‐Induced Oxidative Stress and Seizures in Rats
Authors: Benneh Charles Kwaku , Biney Robert Peter , Tandoh Augustine , Ampadu Felix Agyei , Adongo Donatus Wewura , Jato Jonathan , Woode Eric
Published: May 2018

Introduction. The stem bark of Maerua angolensis DC. (Capparaceae) is traditionally used for management of epilepsy. Our aim was to evaluate the antiseizure potential and identify possible mechanisms by which the effects are registered. Methods. The petroleum ether/ethyl acetate extract (100–1000 mg kg−1) was administered per os to male Sprague‐Dawley rats after pretreatment with flumazenil (0.3 mg kg−1) or L‐arginine (150 mg kg−1) or sildenafil (5 mg kg−1) and they subsequently received a subcutaneous injection of pentylenetetrazole (65 mg kg−1). Rats were observed for latency to and duration of myoclonic seizures and additionally the level of protection against oxidant markers and products was assessed in vitro and in vivo. Results. The extract (300 and 1000 mg kg−1, p.o.) significantly delayed the onset and decreased the duration and frequency of PTZ‐induced convulsions. The anticonvulsant effect of MAE (300 mg kg−1, p.o.) was reversed by pretreatment with flumazenil, L‐arginine, or sildenafil. Also, MAE (300 mg kg−1) treatment reversed significantly PTZ‐induced oxidative stress in rat brain tissue. Conclusion. The petroleum ether/ethyl acetate fraction exhibits antiseizure activity by affecting GABAergic and nitric oxide‐cGMP pathways. In addition, the extract protects against the generation of free radicals and the oxidative products of the PTZ‐induced seizures.
Design and Numerical Validation of an Algorithm for the Detumbling and Angular Rate Determination of a CubeSat Using Only Three-Axis Magnetometer Data
Authors: Carletta Stefano , Teofilatto Paolo
Published: May 2018

A detumbling algorithm is developed to yield three-axis magnetic stabilization of a CubeSat deployed with unknown RAAN, orbit phase angle, inclination, attitude, and angular rate. Data from a three-axis magnetometer are the only input to determine both the control torque and the angular rate of the spacecraft. The algorithm is designed to produce a magnetic dipole moment which is constantly orthogonal to the geomagnetic field vector, independently of both the attitude and the angular rate of the rigid spacecraft. The angular rates are calculated in real time from magnetometer data, and the use of a second-order low-pass filter allows to rapidly reduce the measurement error within ±0.2 deg/sec. Numerical validation of the algorithm is performed, and a variety of feasible scenarios is simulated assuming the CubeSat to operate in low Earth orbit. The robustness of the algorithm, with respect to unknown deployment conditions, different sampling rates, and uncertainties on the moments of inertia of the CubeSat, is verified.
Constitutive Model and Damage Evolution of Mudstone under the Action of Dry‐Wet Cycles
Authors: Hu Ming , Liu Yuanxue , Song Linbo , Zhang Yu
Published: May 2018

Mudstone is a natural type of geological material, which has different ways of mechanical response between natural state and dry‐wet cycles. According to the complex damage theory of geological materials, rock masses can be considered as a composite material consisting of the structure phase and damage phase. The essence of the damage of rock masses is a damage evolution process, during which the deformation energy of the structure phase converts into dissipation energy of the damage phase, and the energy dissipation from phase transformation promotes the structure phase to change into the damage phase. In this study, a customized model test container and a novel test method are applied to study the decay rate of mudstone under different temperatures and over multiple dry‐wet cycles. The decay rate and the damage variable are connected with each other and applied to the damage constitutive equation based on the energy principle to set up the damage evolution equation under the coupled action of dry‐wet cycles and loads. Comparison of the proposed model with test results in a literature identifies the rationality of the established model and properly reflects the damage evolution of mudstone.
Cracking and Failure in Rock Specimen Containing Combined Flaw and Hole under Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Fan Xiang , Chen Rui , Lin Hang , Lai Hongpeng , Zhang Chunyang , Zhao Qihua
Published: May 2018

Flaw is a key factor influencing failure behavior of a fractured specimen. In the present study, rectangular‐flawed specimens were prepared using sandstone to investigate the effect of flaw on failure behavior of rock. Open flaw and cylindrical hole were simultaneously precut within rock specimens using high‐pressure water jet cutting technology. Five series of specimens including intact, single‐hole‐alone, two‐hole‐alone, single‐hole and two‐flaw, and two‐hole and single‐flaw blocks were prepared. Uniaxial compressive tests using a rigid servo control instrument were carried out to investigate the fracture processes of these flawed specimens. It is observed that during loading, internal stress always intensively distributed at both sidewalls of open hole, especially at midpoint of sidewalls, so rock crumb flaking was firstly observed among all sandstone specimens containing single hole or two holes. Cracking around open hole is associated with the flaw inclination angle which was observed in Series III and V. Crack easily initiated at the tips of flaw with inclination angles of 0°, 30°, and 60° but hard for 90° in Series III and V. Rock burst was the major failure mode among most tested specimens, which generally induced new cracks and finally created crater shape. Additionally, due to extrusion between blocks, new shear or tensile cracks were generated and the rock specimen surface spalled. Eventually, four typical failure processes including rock crumb flaking, crack initiation and propagation, rock burst, and second rupture, were summarized.
Essential Components of Melanoma Histopathological Reporting: The Surgical Oncologist’s Perspective
Authors: Nurdjaja Vinka , Yozu Masato , Mathy Jon A.
Published: May 2018

Histopathological reporting plays a critical role in guiding the surgical oncologist’s management plan in treatment of primary cutaneous melanoma. The International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR) espouses various components of structured histopathological reporting as “essential” or “recommended.” From a surgical oncologist’s perspective, we discuss the clinical relevance of each essential component, as well as prognostic and treatment implications with regard to treatment planning.
Induction of Neoantigen-Specific Cytotoxic T Cells and Construction of T-cell Receptor–Engineered T Cells for Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Matsuda Tatsuo , Leisegang Matthias , Park Jae-Hyun , Ren Lili , Kato Taigo , Ikeda Yuji , Harada Makiko , Kiyotani Kazuma , Lengyel Ernst , Fleming Gini F. , Nakamura Yusuke
Published: May 2018

Purpose: Current evolution of cancer immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint blockade, has implicated neoantigens as major targets of anticancer cytotoxic T cells. Adoptive T-cell therapy with neoantigen-specific T-cell receptor (TCR)–engineered T cells would be an attractive therapeutic option for advanced cancers where the host antitumor immune function is strongly inhibited. We previously developed a rapid and efficient pipeline for production of neoantigen-specific TCR-engineered T cells using peripheral blood from an HLA-matched healthy donor. Our protocol required only 2 weeks from stimulation of T cells with neoantigen-loaded dendritic cells to the identification of neoantigen-specific TCRs. We conducted the pilot study to validate our protocol.

Experimental Design: We used tumors from 7 ovarian cancer patients to validate our protocol.

Results: We chose 14 candidate neoantigens from 7 ovarian tumors (1–3 candidates for each patient) and then successfully induced three neoantigen-specific T cells from 1 healthy donor and identified their TCR sequences. Moreover, we validated functional activity of the three identified TCRs by generating TCR-engineered T cells that recognized the corresponding neoantigens and showed cytotoxic activity in an antigen dose–dependent manner. However, one case of neoantigen-specific TCR-engineered T cells showed cross-reactivity against the corresponding wild-type peptide.

Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of our efficient process from identification of neoantigen to production of the neoantigen-targeting cytotoxic TCR-engineered T cells for ovarian cancer and revealed the importance of careful validation of neoantigen-specific TCR-engineered T cells to avoid severe immune-related adverse events. Clin Cancer Res; 24(21); 5357–67. ©2018 AACR.

See related commentary by Anczurowski and Hirano, p. 5195
Revascularization versus Medical Management of Coronary Artery Disease in Prerenal Transplant Patients: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kamran Haroon , Kupferstein Eric , Sharma Navneet , Singh Gagandeep , Sowers James R. , Whaley-Connell Adam , Yacoub Mena , Marmur Jonathan D. , Salifu Moro O. , McFarlane Samy I.
Published: May 2018

Introduction: End-stage renal disease requiring renal transplantation comprises a growing patient population at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality in large part due to accelerated atherosclerosis. Consequently, these patients are at even higher risk of major surgical CVD mortality. A paucity of research has addressed the posttransplantation CVD outcomes related to different treatment strategies in this patient population and therefore, there are no specific preoperative guidelines regarding management of coronary artery disease in this high-risk population undergoing renal transplantation. Objective: Through meta-analysis we compare coronary revascularization to medical management prior to renal transplantation in patients who are found to have significant obstructive coronary artery disease. Results: A total of 6 studies were deemed suitable out of 777 articles reviewed. This included 260 patients who received medical management and 338 who received coronary revascularization. There were 36 events in the revascularization and 57 events in the medical management group. One study only reported hazard ratios but no CVD outcomes. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software was used to calculate pooled odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the fixed effects. The data is presented as forest plots. The pooled odds ratio with 95% CI for the fixed effects was 1.415 (95% CI 0.885–2.263), p = 0.147, indicating that there is no difference in CVD outcomes between pretransplant treatment strategy. This observation suggests that the CVD outcomes posttransplantation are not affected when optimal medical therapy is used instead of coronary revascularization.
Preterm Glycosuria – New Data from a Continuous Glucose Monitoring System
Authors: Jagła Mateusz , Szymońska Izabela , Starzec Katarzyna , Kwinta Przemko
Published: May 2018

Background: Careful control of glucose homeostasis is essential for infants with very low birth weight (VLBW). In clinical practice, blood and urine glucose levels are monitored; however, their correlation has not been fully investigated in VLBW infants. Objectives: To evaluate the correlation between interstitial fluid glucose concentration (ISFG), glycosuria, and urine output among VLBW infants through continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Methods: A prospective, single-center, open cohort study enrolled 74 VLBW infants with a mean birth weight of 1,066 g. CGM (Guardian Real-Time CGM®; Medtronic, Northridge, CA, USA) was used to measure glucose. The urine output was calculated using 4-hour intervals. Reagent strips were used for semiquantitative measurement of glycosuria. Results: The CGM delivered 102,334 glucose measurements. 2,684 urine samples were checked for glycosuria, of which 92.06% remained negative. Corresponding glycemia in samples without glycosuria remained normoglycemic (median 103 mg/dL; 10–90th percentile 80–144 mg/dL). The median glucose concentrations for samples in ascending glycosuria categories 1+, 2+, 3+, and 4+ were 152, 181, 214, and 222 mg/dL, respectively. A moderate correlation between ISFG and urine output was found for categories ≥1+ (rs = 0.56; 95% confidence interval 0.42–0.68; p < 0.001). The urine output was significantly lower when glycosuria was absent (p < 0.05). Polyuria was observed only in glycosuria 4+ (median urine output 9.9; interquartile range 7.4–12.2 mL/kg/h). Conclusions: The renal glucose threshold in VLBW infants is between 150 and 180 mg/dL. A negative result for glycosuria is a reliable screening test to exclude hyperglycemia. Occurrence of glycosuria ≥1+ is an indication to test blood glucose.
Evaluating Otherwise-Discarded Umbilical Cord Blood as a Source for a Neonate’s Complete Blood Cell Count at Various Time Points
Authors: Carroll Patrick D. , Livingston Eva , Baer Vickie L. , Karkula Kerby , Christensen Robert D.
Published: May 2018

Background: Previous studies have reported the use of cord blood for admission laboratory complete blood counts (CBCs). However, no studies have investigated its stability for the first 30 min after delivery. Objectives: We quantified blood cells drawn from the umbilical vein to determine the effect of (1) the time after placental delivery, and (2) the site of blood sampling (umbilical vein on an isolated cord segment vs. umbilical vein on the placental surface). Methods: Timed phlebotomies were drawn at 2, 10, and 30 min from (1) the umbilical vein on an isolated, double-clamped cord segment, and (2) the umbilical vein near or on the placental surface. Leukocyte count, hemoglobin, platelet count, and fibrinogen were measured on each phlebotomy sample. Results: Blood drawn from the isolated umbilical cord segments had leukocyte count, hemoglobin, platelet count, and fibrinogen that remained unchanged between the phlebotomies at 2, 10, and 30 min after delivery. However, blood drawn from the umbilical vein on the placental surface had, at 30 min, a leukocyte count (p = 0.002), hemoglobin (p = 0.01), and platelet count (p = 0.001) that were statistically different from the values at 2 and 10 min after delivery. There was no difference in fibrinogen at 2, 10, or 30 min. Conclusions: If cord blood is used for a neonate’s initial CBC, the blood should be drawn within 10 min of the placental delivery when it is taken from the umbilical vein on or near the placenta. If an umbilical cord segment is obtained, the phlebotomy can be delayed for up to 30 min.
Influence of Body Mass Index on Clinical Outcome Parameters, Complication Rate and Survival after Radical Cystectomy: Evidence from a Prospective European Multicentre Study
Authors: Gierth Michael , Zeman Florian , Denzinger Stefan , Vetterlein Malte W. , Fisch Margit , Bastian Patrick J. , Syring Isabella , Ellinger Jörg , Müller Stephan C. , Herrmann Edwin , Gilfrich Christian , May Matthias , Pycha Armin , Wagenlehner Florian M. , Vallo Stefan , Bartsch Georg , Haferkamp Axel , Grimm Marc-Oliver , Roigas Jan , Protzel Chris , Hakenberg Oliver W. , Fritsche Hans-Martin , Burger Maximilian , Aziz Atiqullah , Mayr Roman
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims/Objectives: To evaluate the influence of body mass index (BMI) on complications and oncological outcomes in patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC). Methods: Clinical and histopathological parameters of patients have been prospectively collected within the “PROspective MulticEnTer RadIcal Cystectomy Series 2011”. BMI was categorized as normal weight (<25 kg/m2), overweight (≥25–29.9 kg/m2) and obesity (≥30 kg/m2). The association between BMI and clinical and histopathological endpoints was examined. Ordinal logistic regression models were applied to assess the influence of BMI on complication rate and survival. Results: Data of 671 patients were eligible for final analysis. Of these patients, 26% (n = 175) showed obesity. No significant association of obesity on tumour stage, grade, lymph node metastasis, blood loss, type of urinary diversion and 90-day mortality rate was found. According to the ­American Society of Anesthesiologists score, local lymph node (NT) stage and operative case load patients with higher BMI had significantly higher probabilities of severe complications 30 days after RC (p = 0.037). The overall survival rate of obese patients was superior to normal weight patients (p = 0.019). Conclusions: There is no evidence of correlation between obesity and worse oncological outcomes after RC. While obesity should not be a parameter to exclude patients from cystectomy, surgical settings need to be aware of higher short-term complication risks and obese patients should be counselled ­accordingly.
Second-Line Treatment of HER2-Positive Salivary Gland Tumor: Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine (T-DM1) after Progression on Trastuzumab
Authors: Corrêa Tatiana Strava , Matos Gustavo Duarte Ramos , Segura Marcos , dos Anjos Carlos Henrique
Published: May 2018

Patients with salivary duct cancer (SDC) and HER2 overexpression could receive trastuzumab in combination with chemotherapy for metastatic disease. No standard treatment exists for patients with HER2-positive metastatic SDC after progression. We report an excellent patient response to second-line treatment with T-DM1 after progression on paclitaxel plus trastuzumab. Case Report: In June 2014, a 79-year-old male patient underwent right parotidectomy and ipsilateral radical neck dissection after the diagnosis of parotid carcinoma. Pathological staging demonstrated locally advanced disease with the involvement of 13 lymph nodes (levels I, II, III, and IV), with extracapsular extravasation. He underwent adjuvant radiotherapy ending in December 2014. A PET scan in March 2015 diagnosed recurrent and systemic disease, with bone lesions, neck lymph node involvement, and hepatic metastasis. The immunohistochemistry showed HER2 receptor overexpression (+3/+3). The patient received first-line trastuzumab plus paclitaxel beginning in April 2015. After 6 cycles, his response was confirmed by PET scan. In February 2016, he had symptoms of disease progression, and a PET scan revealed disease progression in the neck, bones, and liver. He started T-DM1 in April 2016. The neck skin lesions disappeared after 6 cycles, with low toxicity. PET scans performed every 3 months showed response in the liver and bone lesions. Conclusions: We report the case of a patient with SDC treated with T-DM1, with a very good response. Salivary carcinoma is a rare disease for which no randomized clinical trials are available. The maintenance of HER2 blockage might be important in this disease.
Expression of Nrf2 Promotes Schwann Cell-Mediated Sciatic Nerve Recovery in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Tang Wei , Chen Xiangfang , Liu Haoqi , Lv Qian , Zou Junjie , Shi Yongquan , Liu Zhimin
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: High glucose-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses play an important role in painful diabetic neuropathy by activating the TLR4/NFκB signal pathway. Schwann cells (SCs) are integral to peripheral nerve biology, contributing to saltatory conduction along axons, nerve and axon development, and axonal regeneration. SCs provide a microenvironment favoring vascular regeneration but their low survival ratio in hyperglycemic conditions suppress the function to promote nerve growth. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) promotes remyelination after peripheral nerve injury. The aim of this study was to identify the role of Nrf2 in SC-mediated functional recovery after sciatic nerve injury. Methods: We compared plasma inflammatory factors in diabetic patients (DN) with/without diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and assessed whether Nrf2 expression in SCs could repair peripheral nerve injury in a rat model. Nrf2, TLR4/NFκB signal pathway and apoptosis relative protein expression were detected by western blot. Apoptosis and angiogenesis were determined by immunofluorescence and tubule formation assay, respectively. Regenerated nerves were determined by transmission electron microscope. Results: Higher levels of inflammatory factors and VEGF expression were found in DPN patients. Cellular experiments indicate that Nrf2 expression inhibits hyperglycemia-induced apoptosis and promotes angiogenesis by regulating the TLR4/NFκB signal pathway. Animal experiments show that nerve conduction velocity, myelin sheath thickness, and sciatic vasa nervorum are restored with transplantation of SCs overexpressing Nrf2. Conclusions: Taken together, the high survival ratio of SCs in a DPN rat model indicates that overexpression of Nrf2 restores nerve injury.
MEGF6 Promotes the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition via the TGFβ/SMAD Signaling Pathway in Colorectal Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Hu Hanqing , Wang Meng , Wang Hongwei , Liu Zheng , Guan Xu , Yang Runkun , Huang Rui , Tang Qingchao , Zou Chaoxia , Wang Guiyu , Gao Xu , Wang Xishan
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignancy that has high morbidity and mortality and is initiated from accumulative genetic events. Although much effort has been made to elucidate the genetic mechanism underlying this disease, it still remains unknown. Here, we discovered a novel role for multiple epidermal growth factor-like domains protein 6 (MEGF6) in CRC, namely, that it induces the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to promote CRC metastasis via the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ)/SMAD signaling pathway. Methods: RNA sequencing data from the Gene Expression Omnibus database were analyzed using R software. Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas Colon Adenocarcinoma (TCGA-COAD) cohort, the clinical significance of MEGF6 was investigated. HCT8R, HCT116, and LoVo CRC cells were transfected with small interfering RNA against MEGF6, and their proliferation and sensitivity to fluorouracil were evaluated with the MTT cell proliferation and colony formation assays. Proteins associated with cell growth were detected by western blot analysis. The apoptosis of cells was evaluated by Annexin V/propidium iodide staining, and transwell assays were performed to assess the involvement of MEGF6 in cell migration. Markers of EMT and TGFβ/SMAD signaling were evaluated by quantitative PCR and western blotting, and the correlation between MEGF6 and these markers was assessed in the TCGA colon and renal adenocarcinoma cohort. Results: The results showed that MEGF6 was upregulated in HCT8R cells. In addition, MEGF6 was significantly overexpressed in tumor tissue and predicted a poor survival in the TCGA-COAD cohort. Moreover, MEGF6 accelerated CRC cell growth and inhibited apoptosis, and promoted CRC metastasis by inducing the EMT. Finally, we found that TGFβ/SMAD signaling triggered the expression of Slug, which regulates the MEGF6-mediated EMT. Conclusions: MEGF6 may serve as an oncogene to promote cell proliferation and inhibit apoptosis. MEGF6 can also accelerate cell migration via TGFβ/SMAD signaling-mediated EMT.
Reação conservadora, democracia e conhecimento
Authors: Biroli Flávia
Published: May 2018

Esse texto caracteriza a ofensiva conservadora contra a agenda da igualdade de gênero e da diversidade sexual. Em seguida, propõe uma reflexão sobre sua conexão com os processos atuais de fechamento da democracia. Por fim, discute brevemente o fato de que a produção de conhecimento nas Ciências Sociais e os processos educativos que abordam as desigualdades de gênero e a diversidade sexual nas escolas se transformaram em alvos preferenciais dessa ofensiva.
Por uma filosofia/antropologia do corpo: materialismo fenomenológico ou fenomenologia materialista. Entrevista com Jenny Slatman
Authors: Marini Marisol
Published: May 2018

Por uma filosofia/antropologia do corpo: materialismo fenomenológico ou fenomenologia materialista. Entrevista com Jenny Slatman
Baile para matar saudades – reflexões sobre o uso do vídeo numa experiência de recriação musical
Authors: Giesbrecht Erica
Published: May 2018

Dentre os temas veementes nos debates etnomusicológicos contemporâneos, as relações entre música e memória, em especial as recriações musicais, têm propiciado um terreno fértil para reflexões. É nesse campo de discussões que se insere este artigo, que parte de uma recriação musical produzida em esforço conjunto entre pesquisadora e sujeitos etnográficos para elaborar algumas reflexões. Refiro-me ao Baile para Matar Saudades, uma festa dançante realizada em Campinas, em 2014, com o objetivo de reproduzir os bailes negros dos anos 1950 no interior de São Paulo. Lançando mão das imagens desse evento, de sua preparação e de outros fazeres musicais de meus interlocutores no presente, realizei um longa metragem homônimo, como forma de disseminação da pesquisa. Na etnomusicologia, assim como na antropologia, a questão das formas de representação e expressão nativa levantam desafios, por se tratar também um campo de natureza etnográfica. O desenvolvimento desses assuntos pela antropologia visual serve de igual forma às etnografias interessadas nas interações humanas mediadas pela música, por razões que vão desde as possibilidades extratextuais de expressão da dança e da música até o diálogo etnográfico e a representatividade dos sujeitos em campo. O escopo último deste artigo, portanto, é discutir os papéis da realização fílmica numa pesquisa interessada na emersão de memórias através da recriação musical.
A proibição do incesto em Lévi-Strauss e Freud: algumas aproximações
Authors: Namba Janaina
Published: May 2018

Em As estruturas elementares do parentesco (1949), Lévi-Strauss se refere à proibição do incesto como uma regra encontrada em todos os povos e em todos os tempos, ou seja, uma regra universal que marca a passagem da natureza para a cultura. Já Freud, em Totem e tabu (1913), descreve essa regra como uma consequência de um ato parricida, que daria origem à cultura. A proposta deste texto é refletir sobre algumas aproximações que podem ser feitas entre a antropologia estrutural de Lévi-Strauss e a psicanálise freudiana no que diz respeito à proibição do incesto.
Contamination by parasites of zoonotic importance in fecal samples from Florianópolis Beaches, Santa Catarina State, Brazil
Authors: Bricarello Patrizia Ana , Magagnin Ellen Antunes , Oliveira Thailini de , Silva Alice da , Lima Lenilza Mattos
Published: May 2018

Helminths and protozoa are examples of endoparasites that, during their biological cycles, can alternate between free-life stages and parasitic stages in the environment. Pets, such as dogs and cats, live together with men and play an important role in the society; however, these animals may carry a large number of parasites which, besides showing direct pathogenicity to the host, represent risks to the human health, as is the case of parasitic zoonoses. Public areas like parks, gardens, squares and beaches may offer risks to human users since these environments may contain feces deposited by parasitized dogs. The present study  verified the occurrence of helminth eggs and/or protozoan cysts or oocysts in fecal samples collected from sand strips at the beaches Armação do Pântano do Sul, Campeche and Morro das Pedras, in the south of Florianópolis Island, Santa Catarina State (SC), during the summer period. Pet feces were collected in the 2016/2017 summer season, from December 2016 to February 2017. In the Laboratory of Animal Parasitology (CCA-UFSC), fecal samples were processed based on Willis-Mollay flotation technique and Hoffman sedimentation technique. Samples from all three analyzed beaches were positive for the presence of parasites and fecal material was found along the seashore, sites where people walk freely and barefoot. Of 104 fecal samples collected, 45 (43.27%) were positive for one or more parasites. The greatest prevalence was found in Campeche Beach, which had 72.22% positive samples. Ancylostomids were most prevalent, indicating that cutaneous larva migrans is likely to occur in humans. Other parasites such as Trichuris vulpis, Toxocara spp. and Giardia spp. were also detected in coproparasitological analyses. Based on the results, it was concluded that contamination of the beaches in Florianópolis Island, SC, constitutes a public health problem due to the possibility of zoonosis transmission. These results reinforce the importance of establishing health programs for parasite control and educational programs for elucidating the risks of transmission of these zoonoses to the population, as an attempt to reduce environmental contamination risks at beaches of seaside resorts.
Geografias lésbicas: literatura e gênero
Authors: Polesso Natalia Borges
Published: May 2018

Este artigo tem como objetivo central discutir e apresentar uma proposta para mapear, em termos representação e autoria, o que chamamos de geografias lésbicas. Este mapeamento tem dois processos de leitura em seu cerne. Primeiramente, o distant reading, conforme Moretti (2008), para cartografias gerais e, em seguida, a leitura como ato estético (Jouve, Genette, Barthes) para a emergência de espacialidades e paisagens na narrativa que tenha como ponto de vista personagens lésbicas. A proposta de cartografar com o norte da lesbianidade é de criar geografias desviantes que questionem modelos dominantes de representações e mesmo de autorias em diversos âmbitos da literatura. A geografia é um meio de fazê-las emergir Nesse sentido, também nos apoiamos em Collot (2014) e Westphal (2007), no que tange à discussão quanto à geografia literária.
Desfazendo o gênero: a teoria queer de Judith Butler.
Authors: Figueiredo Eurídice
Published: May 2018

O artigo propõe uma leitura do livro Problemas de gênero, de Judith Butler, que questiona a distinção sexo/gênero, problematizando a construção variável da identidade. Aborda a teoria queer, tentando explicar conceitos como performance e performatividade, usadas por Butler para analisar o caráter construído do gênero. O artigo fornece algumas pistas de leituras de obras literárias que problematizam o gênero e encenam a androginia e conclui por fatos noticiados por jornal que permitem refletir sobre a relevância de se refletir sobre essa questão.
De Marcellina a Marcella: representações em Cassandra Rios
Authors: Pinheiro Alexandra Santos , Rodrigues Izadora Fernanda Reichert
Published: May 2018

Cassandra Rios, pseudônimo de Odete Rios, foi a primeira autora brasileira a colocar em evidência a representação da prostituição e a da homoafetividade feminina, temáticas que a levaram a sofrer diversas censuras. Para a presente análise, adotamos como corpus o romance Marcellina, que conta a história de vida de uma mulher fora dos padrões sociais impostos, mas que, mesmo assim, propaga as intolerâncias da sociedade quanto à homossexualidade. Marcellina é uma personagem contraditória, conduzida ao mundo obscuro da venda do corpo, vive uma relação homoafetiva e, ainda assim, expõe um discurso preconceituoso às relações que não se enquadram às normas heterossexuais. A obra será analisada à luz da teoria da representação e da escrita de autoria feminina, em diálogo com Rita Teresinha Schmidt (1995), Michel Foucault (1977), Tânia Navarro-Swain (2000), dentre outros referenciais.
Bilirubin Is Inversely Associated With Cardiovascular Disease Among HIV‐Positive and HIV‐Negative Individuals in VACS (Veterans Aging Cohort Study)
Authors: Marconi Vincent C. , Duncan Meredith S. , So‐Armah Kaku , Re Vincent Lo , Lim Joseph K. , Butt Adeel A. , Goetz Matthew Bidwell , Rodriguez‐Barradas Maria C. , Alcorn Charles W. , Lennox Jeffrey , Beckman Joshua A. , Justice Amy , Freiberg Matthew
Published: May 2018

Background

Bilirubin may protect against cardiovascular disease (
CVD
) by reducing oxidative stress. Whether elevated bilirubin reduces the risk of
CVD
events among
HIV
+
individuals and if this differs from uninfected individuals remain unclear. We assessed whether bilirubin independently predicted the risk of
CVD
events among
HIV
+
and uninfected participants in
VACS
(Veterans Aging Cohort Study).

Methods and Results

We conducted a prospective cohort study using
VACS
participants free of baseline
CVD
. Total bilirubin was categorized by quartiles.
CVD
as well as acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, and ischemic stroke events were assessed. Cox regression was used to evaluate hazard ratios of outcomes associated with quartiles of total bilirubin in
HIV
+
and uninfected people after adjusting for multiple risk factors. There were 96 381 participants (30 427
HIV
+
); mean age was 48 years, 48% were black, and 97% were men. There were 6603 total incident
CVD
events over a mean of 5.7 years. In adjusted models, increasing quartiles of baseline total bilirubin were associated with decreased hazards of all outcomes (hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.80–0.91). Among
HIV
+
participants, results persisted for heart failure, ischemic stroke, and total
CVD
, but nonsignificant associations were observed for acute myocardial infarction.

Conclusions

VACS
participants (regardless of
HIV
status) with elevated bilirubin levels had a lower risk of incident total
CVD
, acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, and ischemic stroke events after adjusting for known risk factors. Future studies should investigate how this apparently protective effect of elevated bilirubin could be harnessed to reduce
CVD
risk or improve risk estimation among
HIV
+
individuals.