bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flavonoids as Therapeutic Agents in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Evidences
Authors: de Andrade Teles Roxana Braga , Diniz Tâmara Coimbra , Costa Pinto Tiago Coimbra , de Oliveira Júnior Raimundo Gonçalves , Gama e Silva Mariana , de Lavor Érica Martins , Fernandes Antonio Wilton Cavalcante , de Oliveira Ana Paula , de Almeida Ribeiro Fernanda Pires Rodrigues , da Silva Amanda Alves Marcelino , Cavalcante Taisy Cinthia Ferro , Quintans Júnior Lucindo José , da Silva Almeida Jackson Roberto Guedes
Published: May 2018

Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases are considered the most common neurodegenerative disorders, representing a major focus of neuroscience research to understanding the cellular alterations and pathophysiological mechanisms involved. Several natural products, including flavonoids, are considered able to cross the blood‐brain barrier and are known for their central nervous system‐related activity. Therefore, studies are being conducted with these chemical constituents to analyze their activities in slowing down the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. The present systematic review summarizes the pharmacological effects of flavonoids in animal models for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. A PRISMA model for systematic review was utilized for this search. The research was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, BIREME, and Science Direct. Based on the inclusion criteria, 31 articles were selected and discussed in this review. The studies listed revealed that the main targets of action for Alzheimer’s disease therapy were reduction of reactive oxygen species and amyloid beta‐protein production, while for Parkinson’s disease reduction of the cellular oxidative potential and the activation of mechanisms of neuronal death. Results showed that a variety of flavonoids is being studied and can be promising for the development of new drugs to treat neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, it was possible to verify that there is a lack of translational research and clinical evidence of these promising compounds.
Clinical and Biological Predictors of Plasma Levels of Soluble RAGE in Critically Ill Patients: Secondary Analysis of a Prospective Multicenter Observational Study
Authors: Pranal Thibaut , Pereira Bruno , Berthelin Pauline , Roszyk Laurence , Godet Thomas , Chabanne Russell , Eisenmann Nathanael , Lautrette Alexandre , Belville Corinne , Blondonnet Raiko , Cayot Sophie , Gillart Thierry , Skrzypczak Yvan , Souweine Bertrand , Bouvier Damien , Blanchon Loic , Sapin Vincent , Constantin Jean-Michel , Jabaudon Matthieu
Published: May 2018

Rationale. Although soluble forms of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) have been recently proposed as biomarkers in multiple acute or chronic diseases, few studies evaluated the influence of usual clinical and biological parameters, or of patient characteristics and comorbidities, on circulating levels of soluble RAGE in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. Objectives. To determine, among clinical and biological parameters that are usually recorded upon ICU admission, which variables, if any, could be associated with plasma levels of soluble RAGE. Methods. Data for this ancillary study were prospectively obtained from adult patients with at least one ARDS risk factor upon ICU admission enrolled in a large multicenter observational study. At ICU admission, plasma levels of total soluble RAGE (sRAGE) and endogenous secretory (es)RAGE were measured by duplicate ELISA and baseline patient characteristics, comorbidities, and usual clinical and biological indices were recorded. After univariate analyses, significant variables were used in multivariate, multidimensional analyses. Measurements and Main Results. 294 patients were included in this ancillary study, among whom 62% were admitted for medical reasons, including septic shock (11%), coma (11%), and pneumonia (6%). Although some variables were associated with plasma levels of RAGE soluble forms in univariate analysis, multidimensional analyses showed no significant association between admission parameters and baseline plasma sRAGE or esRAGE. Conclusions. We found no obvious association between circulating levels of soluble RAGE and clinical and biological indices that are usually recorded upon ICU admission. This trial is registered with NCT02070536.
Instantaneous Characteristics of Nonlinear Torsion Pendulum and Its Application in Parameter Estimation of Nonlinear System
Authors: Zhao Yan , Zhang Baofeng , Han Fangfang , Tian Huan , Yu Xiao , Zhu Junchao
Published: May 2018

The nonlinear model of torsion pendulum is presented by considering the nonlinear damping force and nonlinear restoring force. The analytic solution of the nonlinear model is calculated to analyze the relationship between the characteristics of torsion pendulum and the nonlinear factors. The instantaneous characteristics of nonlinear torsion pendulum are analyzed by instantaneous undamped natural frequency and instantaneous damping coefficient. The instantaneous characteristics can be used for the parameter estimation of nonlinear torsion pendulum system. The nonlinear characteristics of the torsion pendulum are validated by the torsion pendulum based on the air-hovered turntable. The parameter estimation method based on the instantaneous characteristics is validated by the moment of inertia measurement system based on the torsion pendulum.
Review of Recent Development on Preparation, Properties, and Applications of Cellulose-Based Functional Materials
Authors: Li Ya-Yu , Wang Bin , Ma Ming-Guo , Wang Bo
Published: May 2018

Cellulose is the most abundant biomass resource in the world. It can be transferred to various water soluble derivatives, biochemicals, and materials. In the second half of the 20th century, nanocellulose was extracted with unique properties such as optical transparency, high strength, and high surface area. These new forms of cellulose can be combined with other materials, mainly biopolymers, to form multifarious composites, which are used in all applications of human life. For convenience, to introduce the recent development of these cellulose-based functional composites, we divided them to seven categories, including biological applications, water treatment, sensor, reinforcing agent, energy storage materials, Pickering emulsion stabilizer, and other versatile applications. The preparation, properties, and applications of these functional composites were depicted.
A Synbiotic with Tumor Necrosis Factor-αInhibitory Activity Ameliorates Experimental Jejunoileal Mucosal Injury
Authors: Takahashi Ryoki , Noguchi Takayasu , Mizoguchi Yoko , Shimoyama Tadashi , Nakazawa Teruko , Ikuta Tohru
Published: May 2018

Despite the recent development of biological modifiers for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), there continues to be considerable interest in fermented medicines because of its negligible adverse effects. We previously showed that the synbiotic Gut Working Tablet (GWT) alleviates experimental colitis. Here we show that GWT is capable of ameliorating jejunoileal mucosal injury, which is frequently seen with IBD. We created experimental jejunoileal mucositis in rats by injection of methotrexate (MTX) which increases intestinal permeability, a hallmark finding of IBD. Administering GWT to MTX-injected rats restored intestinal integrity by reversing villi shortening, crypt loss, and goblet cell depletion in the mucosa. Also GWT reduced activities of myeloperoxidase and lipid peroxidase and increased superoxide dismutase activity, which is critical for maintaining intestinal function. We further found that GWT suppressed mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) in macrophage and reduced TNF-αmRNA expression in specimens with experimental colitis, which is in contrast to VSL#3 that enhanced TNF-αproduction. Together, the current and previous animal studies clearly demonstrate the protective role of GWT in chemically induced enterocolitis. Crohn’s disease, a well-known IBD, can affect any portion of the intestine, and these results suggest that GWT may be useful as a novel therapeutic or maintenance therapy for IBD.
Cytotoxic Activity of Extracts from Plants of Central Argentina on Sensitive and Multidrug‐Resistant Leukemia Cells: Isolation of an Active Principle from Gaillardia megapotamica
Authors: González María Laura , Joray Mariana Belén , Laiolo Jerónimo , Crespo María Inés , Palacios Sara María , Ruiz Gustavo Miguel , Carpinella María Cecilia
Published: May 2018

Plants are a significant reservoir of cytotoxic agents, including compounds with the ability to interfere with multidrug‐resistant (MDR) cells. With the aim of finding promising candidates for chemotherapy, 91 native and naturalized plants collected from the central region of Argentina were screened for their cytotoxic effect toward sensitive and MDR P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) overexpressing human leukemia cells by means of MTT assays. The ethanol extracts obtained from Aldama tucumanensis, Ambrosia elatior, Baccharis artemisioides, Baccharis coridifolia, Dimerostemma aspilioides, Gaillardia megapotamica, and Vernonanthura nudiflora presented outstanding antiproliferative activity at 50 μg/mL, with inhibitory values from 93 to 100%, when tested on the acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cell line CCRF‐CEM and the resistant derivative CEM‐ADR5000, while 70–90% inhibition was observed against the chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) cell K562 and its corresponding resistant subline, Lucena 1. Subsequent investigation showed these extracts to possess marked cytotoxicity with IC50 values ranging from 0.37 to 29.44 μg/mL, with most of them being below 7 μg/mL and with ALL cells, including the drug‐resistant phenotype, being the most affected. G. megapotamica extract found to be one of the most effective and bioguided fractionation yielded helenalin (1). The sesquiterpene lactone displayed IC50 values of 0.63, 0.19, 0.74, and 0.16 μg/mL against K562, CCRF‐CEM, Lucena 1, and CEM/ADR5000, respectively. These results support the potential of these extracts as a source of compounds for treating sensitive and multidrug‐resistant leukemia cells and support compound 1 as a lead for developing effective anticancer agents.
Antileukemic Efficacy of BET Inhibitor in a Preclinical Mouse Model of MLL-AF4+ Infant ALL
Authors: Bardini Michela , Trentin Luca , Rizzo Francesca , Vieri Margherita , Savino Angela M. , Garrido Castro Patricia , Fazio Grazia , Van Roon Eddy H.J. , Kerstjens Mark , Smithers Nicholas , Prinjha Rab K. , Te Kronnie Geertruy , Basso Giuseppe , Stam Ronald W. , Pieters Rob , Biondi Andrea , Cazzaniga Gianni
Published: May 2018

MLL-rearranged acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) occurring in infants is a rare but very aggressive leukemia, typically associated with a dismal prognosis. Despite the development of specific therapeutic protocols, infant patients with MLL-rearranged ALL still suffer from a low cure rate. At present, novel therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. Recently, the use of small molecule inhibitors targeting the epigenetic regulators of the MLL complex emerged as a promising strategy for the development of a targeted therapy. Herein, we have investigated the effects of bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) function abrogation in a preclinical mouse model of MLL-AF4+ infant ALL using the BET inhibitor I-BET151. We reported that I-BET151 is able to arrest the growth of MLL-AF4+ leukemic cells in vitro, by blocking cell division and rapidly inducing apoptosis. Treatment with I-BET151 in vivo impairs the leukemic engraftment of patient-derived primary samples and lower the disease burden in mice. I-BET151 affects the transcriptional profile of MLL-rearranged ALL through the deregulation of BRD4, HOXA7/HOXA9, and RUNX1 gene networks. Moreover, I-BET151 treatment sensitizes glucocorticoid-resistant MLL-rearranged cells to prednisolone in vitro and is more efficient when used in combination with HDAC inhibitors, both in vitro and in vivo. Given the aggressiveness of the disease, the failure of the current therapies and the lack of an ultimate cure, this study paves the way for the use of BET inhibitors to treat MLL-rearranged infant ALL for future clinical applications. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(8); 1705–16. ©2018 AACR.
Insalubridade: ainda um desafio
Authors: Nogueira Diogo Pupo , Gomes Jorge Da Rocha
Published: May 2018

Após um rápido retrospecto histórico sobre a criação do adiciona! de insalubridade, é demonstrada a situação desse acréscimo salarial no Brasil. Demonstra-se que a concessão do adicional de insalubridade é uma atitude imoral e desumana que consiste, em última análise, na compra da vida e da saúde dos trabalhadores. Concluiuse pela necessidade de se substituir esse adiciona! por medidas que obriguem os empregadores a propiciar aos seus trabalhadores um ambiente de trabalho que não ofereça riscos à saúde destes
A constituinte, a justiça e a magistratura
Authors: Faria José Eduardo
Published: May 2018

Embora a reforma do Judiciário seja um dos temas mais importantes para a consolidação do processo democrático, a Assembléia Nacional Constituinte tem tratado essa questão de modo impreciso e incompleto. Por isso, desde já se torna possível imaginar o risco de colapso nas instituições judiciais brasileiras, na medida em que elas não estão preparadas para responder de maneira efetiva e legítima aos conflitos e dilemas emergentes numa sociedade cada vez mais complexa e contraditória. Organizado em conform ¡dadf com o modelo liberal de organização do Direito e do Estado, o Judiciário neutro e imparcial é a pedra-de-toque de uma cultura jurídica altamente legalista em descompasso com uma realidade não-lega lista. O artigo conclui propugnando pelo reconhecimento do papel político do Judiciário e pela expansão de suas funções, a fim de que possa tentar compor interesses e abrir caminho para um direito mais espontâneo e em consonância com as aspirações dos diferentes setores sociais em conflito
Parlamentarismo/Presidencialismo x Planejamento Democrático - A Favor da Proposta Comparato
Authors: Benevides Maria Victoria De Mesquita
Published: May 2018

Considera a insuficiência da polê- mica parlamentarismo/presidencialismo para enfrentar o problema central da democratização do Estado brasileiro. Discute a função do planejamento — como órgão independente e autônomo do poder Executivo — a partir da proposta apresentada por Fábio Konder Comparato em seu anteprojeto de Constituição. Na realidade brasileira, analisa como nenhuma das duas formas clássicas de governo são adequadas para incorporar a funçao do planejamento democrático e enfatize a necessidade da autonomia do planejamento, submetido, no entanto, à aprovação popular (representação ampliada} e ao controle recíproco entre os poderes. Parte do princípio de que a função primordial do Estado moderno é a produção de po líticas — entendidas como programas de ação — e não mais a produção do Direito, como no constitucionalismo clássico
Iniciativa e decisão popular
Authors: Ribeiro Renato Janine
Published: May 2018

O abismo existente entre os eleitos e seus eleitores é um dos problemas mais graves da política brasileira, tornando frágeis as instituições que temos. Para modificar esse quadro, a nova Constituição precisa acolher o princípio de iniciativa popular para a legislação (ordinária e constitucional). Mas é preciso aínda mais: que o povo seja consultado em plebiscito, para resolver impasses entre o Legislativo e o Executivo, e em referendo, para decidir questões temáticas de maior importância (proteção ambiental, aborto etc.). A consulta popular também deveria ser sistemática na vida política municipal
Representação, representatividade e sistemas eleitorais
Authors: Lamounier Bolívar
Published: May 2018

No quadro de uma reflexão sobre o sistema eleitoral brasileiro, discute-se: 1º) a distorção que existe na Câmara de Deputados face à população dos diferentes estados, penalizando os mais populosos; 2º) o sistema eleitoral misto, o mais adequado, no entender do autor, para que o processo de escolha dos legisladores se torne mais inteligível ao eleitor individual e, portanto, os partidos se conduzam de forma mais transparente e democrática
Amazônia Brasileira Preâmbulo a uma discussão antropológica da questão Indígena
Authors: Viertler Renate Brigitte
Published: May 2018

O presente artigo tem como objetivo elaborar um quadro panorâmico dos principais processos sociais que ocorrem na Amazônia Brasileira. Este referencial é de grande importância para os etnólogos que estudam os pequenos segmentos da sociedade amazônica, representados pelos remanescentes atuais de populações indígenas. Obrigadas a se adaptarem a profundas transformações das suas condições de sobrevivência, as tribos indígenas resistem, sem abrir mão de sua identidade étnica. Ao nível da consciência, os processos sociais emergem sob uma grande variedade de estereótipos que presidem o sentido das relações interétnicas
PCSK9
Authors: Shapiro Michael D. , Tavori Hagai , Fazio Sergio
Published: May 2018

Unknown 15 years ago, PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) is now common parlance among scientists and clinicians interested in prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. What makes this story so special is not its recent discovery nor the fact that it uncovered previously unknown biology but rather that these important scientific insights have been translated into an effective medical therapy in record time. Indeed, the translation of this discovery to novel therapeutic serves as one of the best examples of how genetic insights can be leveraged into intelligent target drug discovery. The PCSK9 saga is unfolding quickly but is far from complete. Here, we review major scientific understandings as they relate to the role of PCSK9 in lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and the impact that therapies designed to inhibit its action are having in the clinical setting.
Dicer in Macrophages Prevents Atherosclerosis by Promoting Mitochondrial Oxidative Metabolism
Authors: Wei Yuanyuan , Corbalán-Campos Judit , Gurung Rashmi , Natarelli Lucia , Zhu Mengyu , Exner Nicole , Erhard Florian , Greulich Franziska , Geißler Claudia , Uhlenhaut N. Henriette , Zimmer Ralf , Schober Andreas
Published: May 2018

Background:

Alternative macrophage activation, which relies on mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, plays a central role in the resolution of inflammation and prevents atherosclerosis. Moreover, macrophages handle large amounts of cholesterol and triglycerides derived from the engulfed modified lipoproteins during atherosclerosis. Although several microRNAs regulate macrophage polarization, the role of the microRNA-generating enzyme Dicer in macrophage activation during atherosclerosis is unknown.

Methods:

To evaluate the role of Dicer in atherosclerosis,
Apoe
−/−
mice with or without macrophage-specific
Dicer
deletion were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Anti-argonaute 2 RNA immunoprecipitation chip and RNA deep sequencing combined with microRNA functional screening were performed in the
Dicer
wild-type and knockout bone marrow–derived macrophages to identify the individual microRNAs and the mRNA targets mediating the phenotypic effects of Dicer. The role of the identified individual microRNA and its target in atherosclerosis was determined by tail vein injection of the target site blockers in atherosclerotic
Apoe
−/−
mice.

Results:

We show that
Dicer
deletion in macrophages accelerated atherosclerosis in mice, along with enhanced inflammatory response and increased lipid accumulation in lesional macrophages. In vitro, alternative activation was limited whereas lipid-filled foam cell formation was exacerbated in
Dicer
-deficient macrophages as a result of impaired mitochondrial fatty acid oxidative metabolism. Rescue of microRNA (miR)-10a, let-7b, and miR-195a expression restored the oxidative metabolism in alternatively activated
Dicer
-deficient macrophages. Suppression of ligand-dependent nuclear receptor corepressor by miR-10a promoted fatty acid oxidation, which mediated the lipolytic and anti-inflammatory effect of Dicer. miR-10a expression was negatively correlated to the progression of atherosclerosis in humans. Blocking the interaction between ligand-dependent nuclear receptor corepressor and miR-10a by target site blockers aggravated atherosclerosis development in mice.

Conclusions:

Dicer plays an atheroprotective role by coordinately regulating the inflammatory response and lipid metabolism in macrophages through enhancing fatty acid–fueled mitochondrial respiration, suggesting that promoting Dicer/miR-10a–dependent metabolic reprogramming in macrophages has potential therapeutic implications to prevent atherosclerosis.
Before Authorship: Solomon and Prov. 1:1
Authors: Vayntrub Jacqueline
Published: May 2018

How should we understand the naming of legendary figures like Solomon in biblical titles? The ancient practice of attribution is often obscured by scholars committed to the modern construction of authorship. Texts such as 11QPsa XXVII (“David’s Compositions”) demonstrate an altogether different understanding of this ancient practice. Using Prov. 1:1 as a test case, this essay examines how biblical authors and editors assigned texts to legendary figures, and how this kind of attribution evokes a set of imagined associations in the broader literary tradition. The essay presents a description and categorization of biblical titles and textual frames, and compares these titles and frames to textual frames of ancient Near Eastern and Mediterranean collections of instruction and poetry. The essay argues that Prov. 1:1, like other textual frames, uses attribution to imaginatively stage the text in the broader literary tradition.
The Construction of Paul’s Self in His Writings: Narrative Identity, Social Memory and Metaphorical Truth
Authors: Butticaz Simon
Published: May 2018

The article aims to investigate – in two autobiographical fragments of the Pauline writings (1 Cor. 15:8-10 and Gal. 1:13-24) – how the narrative mode enables the apostle to grasp the continuity and coherence of his identity, while integrating in the construction of his self disparate and discordant elements (like the Damascus event) which continually threaten the “narrative unity of a human life” (MacIntyre). Furthermore, since “collective memory” precedes and shapes the individual representation of the past (Halbwachs; Assmann), the article also examines how Paul integrates and negotiates in his construction of self-identity the “communal memories” shared by his social group, and in particular his past as persecutor of the Church. Finally, we shall describe the integration of these autobiographical fragments within their respective literary contexts and explore the “metaphorical truth” – or the “refiguration” of reality – which is produced by these different “configurations” of Pauline identity (Ricoeur).
Lectotypifications, epitypifications and neotypifications in Zygophyllaceae species from South America
Authors: GODOY-BÜRKI ANA C.
Published: May 2018

Zygophyllaceae in South America is mostly represented by members of the subfamily Larreoideae, which distinguishes the arid and semi-arid regions of Argentina and Chile. The subfamily Tribuloideae is also distributed in the Southern Cone but represented only by three species in Argentina. Currently there are no actualized taxonomic studies of the family that may help to understand its origin and diversification and to serve as a framework for phylogenetical analyses. In this context, the present study provides 9 lectotypifications, 2 epitypifications and 2 neotypifications of names of Zygophyllaceae species from Argentina, Chile, Brazil and Bolivia.
A taxonomic review of Korean Acrotona Thomson with a description of new species (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae)
Authors: LEE SEUNG-GYU , AHN KEE-JEONG
Published: May 2018

A taxonomic review of the Acrotona Thomson in the Korean Peninsula is presented. The genus is represented in Korea by seven species including a new species, Acrotona (Acrotona) koreana Lee & Ahn, sp. nov. Two new synonyms are proposed: A. (A.) lutulenta (Sharp) = A. (A.) suyangsani Paśnik syn. nov., A. (A.) pseudotenera (Cameron) = A. (A.) paeksongricus Paśnik syn. nov. Three species [A. (A.) lutulenta (Sharp), A. (A.) pseudotenera (Cameron) and A. (A.) vicaria (Kraatz)] are reported for the first time in South Korea. A key, descriptions, habitus photographs and illustrations of the diagnostic characters are provided.
Two new species of Pseudoniphargus (Amphipoda: Pseudoniphargidae) from southern Spain
Authors: STOKKAN MORTEN , PÉREZ-FERNÁNDEZ ANTONIO , BAENA MANUEL , JAUME DAMIÀ
Published: May 2018

Two new species of subterranean water amphipod crustaceans of the genus Pseudoniphargus (Pseudoniphargidae) are described from gypsum caves of Andalusia, southern Spain. Both species share the extreme elongation of the male third uropod, a striking feature frequently reported in the genus and that seems to have arisen independently in several lineages. These findings raise the number of species of Pseudoniphargus known from the area to 17.
One new species and new record of the leafhopper genus Watara Dworakowska from Thailand (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae: Erythroneurini)
Authors: SONG YUE-HUA , GAO YA-RONG , LI CAN
Published: May 2018

Morphological characteristics for identification of the leafhopper genus Watara Dworakowska are described and a key to all known species is provided. One new species, Watara longiprocessa sp. n., is added and one previously described species recorded from Thailand for the first time, Watara cordata Zhang & Yang, 2011 rec. n., is illustrated.
An ironic twist of fate: replacement name for Stenogyra gracilenta Morelet, 1885, not Achatina gracilenta Morelet, 1867 (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Achatinidae)
Authors: BREURE ABRAHAM S.H. , ABLETT JONATHAN D.
Published: May 2018

During work on a monograph of Morelet’s contributions to malacology (Breure, Audibert & Ablett, forthcoming) we found that two of his newly introduced taxa currently have to be considered as homonyms belonging to the genus Subulina H. Beck, 1837 (classified within the family Achatinidae according to Fontanilla et al. (2017: 385)). The older taxon is Achatina gracilenta which was described by Morelet (1867: 79, pl. 7 fig. 2) from [Angola] “Golungo-Alto, au bord du Rio Quiapose, près de Sange; les environs de Lopollo (district de Huilla)”. According to Naggs (1990a: 31; also pers. comm. 10 October 2017) this species has to be classified as Subulina gracilenta (Morelet, 1867). The type material of this species is present in the Natural History Museum, London (NHMUK 1893.2.4.263–265). The younger taxon was described by Morelet (1885: 25, pl. 2 fig. 8) as Stenogyra gracilenta from [Gabon] “environs de Mayumba”. Pilsbry (1906: 82) already recognised this as Subulina gracilenta (Morelet, 1885); Naggs (pers. comm. 10 October 2017) confirmed this classification and concluded that this taxon is a junior secondary homonym of Achatina gracilenta Morelet, 1867. Type material for Stenogyra gracilenta Morelet, 1885 has not been located. We here propose Subulina bruggenorum nom. nov. as a replacement name for Stenogyra gracilenta Morelet, 1885 (not Achatina gracilenta Morelet, 1867).
Taxonomic review of the genus Pygophora Schiner of Japan (Diptera: Muscidae)
Authors: YOSHIZAWA SATOSHI , TACHI TAKUJI
Published: May 2018

Japanese species of the genus Pygophora Schiner, 1868 are reviewed, with redescription of the following species: P. boninensis Snyder, 1965; P. confusa, 1915; P. immaculipennis Frey, 1917; P. lepidofera (Stein, 1915); P. longicornis (Stein, 1918); P. macularis (Wiedemann, 1830); P. maculipennis Stein, 1909; P. respondens (Walker, 1859); P. unicolor (Stein, 1920). New occurrence records are presented to P. macularis (Wiedemann, 1830), P. respondens (Walker, 1859), and P. unicolor (Stein, 1920). Pygophora trimaculata Karl, 1935 is excluded from Japanese species, as it had been based on a misidentification. The male and female terminalia are illustrated, and an identification key to the Japanese species is provided.
Morphological variation of the rare psammophilous species Apostolepis gaboi (Serpentes, Dipsadidae, Elapomorphini)
Authors: GUEDES THAÍS B. , BARBO FAUSTO E. , FRANÇA DANIELLA , ZAHER HUSSAM
Published: May 2018

Apostolepis gaboi was described based only on the holotype found in the Queimadas, state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil. Since its original description, no additional specimens were reported in literature and the species was considered to be rare and poorly known. Here, we provide a detailed description for the species based on the examination of the holotype and 34 additional specimens from the type locality and adjacent areas. Additional information is also provided on intraspecific color variation and hemipenial morphology.
Illnesses and Injuries at Nature Preschools
Authors: Frenkel Hannah , Tandon Pooja , Frumkin Howard , Vander Stoep Ann
Published: May 2018

Nature preschools, where children spend the entire school day outdoors, are increasingly popular, but their health consequences have not been well researched. This study tested the hypothesis that nature preschools and conventional preschools differ in their illness and injury incidence, by comparing observed illness and injury occurrence in the two types of schools. For 14 weeks, teachers at five nature preschools and four conventional preschools in Seattle, Washington logged absences due to illness. Two nature preschools and three conventional preschools also logged injuries that occurred during the school day. There was no difference in illness incidence by preschool type, and no serious injuries were reported in either setting. Overall, the study found that nature preschools are a healthy and safe child-care model.
Regional and Temporal Variations in Comorbidity Among US Dialysis Patients: A Longitudinal Study of Medicare Claims Data
Authors: Mu Yi , Chin Andrew I. , Kshirsagar Abhijit V. , Zhang Yi , Bang Heejung
Published: May 2018

Medicare claims data are commonly used to query comorbidities for case-mix adjustment in research of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the United States. These adjustments may affect reimbursement and quality rating through comparative profiling and ranking of dialysis facilities. We studied regional and temporal variations in comorbidity from claims data in the United States Renal Data System. Patients with a previous 1-year Medicare history who initiated dialysis therapy between 2006 and 2009 were examined with a follow-up period until 2012. By linking pre- and post-ESRD Medicare claims with the Dartmouth Atlas, we carried out a longitudinal data analysis with multivariable adjustment to investigate regional and temporal variations in the Liu comorbidity index. We identified 23 336 incident hemodialysis patients who were covered by Medicare the year prior to dialysis initiation and had survived with complete 3 years of follow-up data. With the United States divided into 4 geographic regions, the Western region was found to have the lowest Liu index over all 3 follow-up years, compared with the respective years in the other regions (Midwest, Northeast, and South). In comparison with the first year, the Liu index dropped significantly during the second and third years of follow-up across all 4 regions. Significant regional and temporal variations observed in the comorbidity index cannot be explained by differences in reimbursement (average per state) or predialysis comorbidity. Based on our exploratory study, future studies should focus on identifying the factors and reasons for these variations which have the potential to affect health care policy and research.
An Exploratory Study of Attitudes Toward Psychological Help Seeking Among African American Men
Authors: Cadaret Michael C. , Speight Suzette L.
Published: May 2018

Disparities in health care are a significant social problem affecting millions of racial and ethnic minorities in the United States. To better understand these disparities, the current study explored the relationship between self- and social stigma, John Henryism, hardiness, and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help in a community sample of 120 Black men ( Mage = 42.72 years, SD = 13.26). Additionally, participants completed measures of potential covariates, which included occupation, highest education, and income. Results suggest that self-stigma is a major deterrent to seeking help for psychological issues. This relationship is moderated by both age and occupation. Hardiness negatively influenced self-stigma for help seeking and had a positive indirect influence on attitudes toward help seeking. Findings support previous research on help-seeking attitudes among African American men and suggest that personal characteristics, such as age, occupation, and coping style can influence help-seeking behaviors.
A Sense of Obligation: Cultural Differences in the Experience of Obligation
Authors: Buchtel Emma E. , Ng Leo C. Y. , Norenzayan Ara , Heine Steven J. , Biesanz Jeremy C. , Chen Sylvia Xiaohua , Bond Michael Harris , Peng Qin , Su Yanjie
Published: May 2018

In this investigation of cultural differences in the experience of obligation, we distinguish between Confucian Role Ethics versus Relative Autonomy lay theories of motivation and illustrate them with data showing relevant cultural differences in both social judgments and intrapersonal experience. First, when judging others, Western European heritage culture (WEHC) participants (relative to Confucian heritage culture [CHC] participants) judged obligation-motivated actors more negatively than those motivated by agency (Study 1, N = 529). Second, in daily diary and situation sampling studies, CHC participants (relative to WEHC participants) perceived more congruency between their own agentic and obligated motivations, and more positive emotional associations with obligated motivations (Study 2, N = 200 and Study 3, N = 244). Agentic motivation, however, was universally associated with positive emotions. More research on a Role Ethics rather than Relative Autonomy conception of agency may improve our understanding of human motivation, especially across cultures.
People as Means to Multiple Goals: Implications for Interpersonal Relationships
Authors: Orehek Edward , Forest Amanda L. , Wingrove Sara
Published: May 2018

The present research examines the implications of having relationship partners who serve as means to multiple goals. Specifically, we test the hypotheses that (a) partners who serve more goals will be evaluated as more interpersonally close, supportive, and responsive than those who serve fewer goals, and (b) partners who serve more goals will be less common in social networks than those who serve fewer goals. Three studies ( N = 1,064) found consistent support for these hypotheses while examining relationships with all members of participants’ active social network and their full range of goal pursuits. In addition, we found that the association between number of goals a partner serves and relationship evaluation is stronger for people who perceived their social networks as less (vs. more) instrumental on average, and among people who perceived their relationships as less close, less supportive, and less responsive, on average. Implications for close relationships are discussed.
Effects of Cultural Tightness–Looseness and Social Network Density on Expression of Positive and Negative Emotions: A Large-Scale Study of Impression Management by Facebook Users
Authors: Liu Pan , Chan David , Qiu Lin , Tov William , Tong Victor Joo Chuan
Published: May 2018

Using data from 13,789 Facebook users across U.S. states, this study examined the main effects of societal-level cultural tightness–looseness and its interaction effects with individuals’ social network density on impression management (IM) in terms of online emotional expression. Results showed that individuals from culturally tight (vs. loose) states were more likely to express positive emotions and less likely to express negative emotions. Meanwhile, for positive emotional expression, there was a tightness–looseness by social network density interaction effect. In culturally tight states, individuals with dense (vs. sparse) networks were more likely to express positive emotions, while in culturally loose states this pattern was reversed. For negative emotional expression, however, no such interaction was observed. Our findings highlight the influence of cultural norms and social network structure on emotional expressions as IM strategies.
How Do People Judge Meaning in Goal-Directed Behaviors: The Interplay Between Self-Concordance and Performance
Authors: Zhang Hong , Chen Kaiyuan , Schlegel Rebecca
Published: May 2018

Perceived performance and self-concordance are two sources of information people may utilize to judge meaning in goal-directed behaviors. We contend that either variable can adequately support the presence of meaning, even in the absence of the other. This perspective suggests that non-self-concordant goal pursuits can feel meaningful as long as one feels successful at the goals, and that failed goal pursuits can feel meaningful as long as they are self-concordant. Five studies investigated this potential interaction between performance and self-concordance. As hypothesized, we found a negative interactive pattern such that meaning was maintained when either performance or self-concordance was high. This interactive effect held true for the experience of meaning in personal goals (Studies 1 and 2), courses (Study 3), and work (Studies 4 and 5). This interactive pattern did not emerge when the outcome variable was either positive affect or job satisfaction, suggesting this compensation process was somewhat unique to meaning.
Physical Predictors of Cognitive Function in Individuals With Hypertension: Evidence from the CHARLS Basline Survey
Authors: Zuo Manhua , Gan Changping , Liu Tingting , Tang Jun , Dai Jianping , Hu Xiuying
Published: May 2018

The purpose of the study was to examine the independent associations of each individual physical performance measure (i.e., grip strength, walking speed, repeated chair stands, and balance test) with subdomains of cognitive function and to determine predictors for each subdomain of cognitive function. A secondary data analysis was performed using a nationally representative middle-aged and older sample of hypertensive population. The findings showed that after adding all four physical performance measures, stronger grip strength was significantly associated with better visuospatial abilities, episodic memory, orientation/attention, and overall cognitive function. In addition, faster walking speed and faster repeated chair stands were strongly associated with better episodic memory and overall cognitive function, respectively. Because grip strength was significantly associated with several subdomains of cognitive functioning, it seems conceivable that increasing physical activity would improve both grip strength and cognitive function in patients with hypertension.
Varoufakis Versus Europe’s Deep Establishment: ‘Frail Deeds’, Apologias and a Battle Lost Before It Was Begun
Authors: Blunt Peter
Published: May 2018

Yanis Varoufakis, Adults in the Room: My Battle with Europe’s Deep Establishment. London: The Bodley Head, 2017, pp. 560, £20.00, ISBN: 9781847924452.
Historicizing Mobility Trajectories of Highskilled Migrants from Coastal Andhra to the United States
Authors: Roohi Sanam
Published: May 2018

Guntur-Krishna districts in the state of Andhra Pradesh has seen intense mobility of professionals to the USA from among the ‘dominant’ castes of the region, particularly the Kammas. Kammas were a rural agrarian caste who have successfully transnationalized themselves, but continue to have strong connections with their region of origin. Rather than making sense of this duality only through anthropological literature on transnationalism, in this account, taking a longue durée approach, I show how certain historical moments in the region created possibilities for the Kammas to first become urbanized, and later, cater to the demand of flexible high skilled labour in the west. Using a meso and micro level schema, the article argues that transnational migration was preceded by changes in the political economy of the region due to the region’s encounter with the colonial state. Moreover, the response of the community to these changes to achieve social and economic mobility further facilitated their rural to urban migration and, later, transnational migration. Finally, this article argues that rather than understanding transnational migration patterns through a statist lens, a more dissgaregated historical analysis is vital to bring out region and community inflected constitutive elements of such migration.

JEL: O15, J61, N35
Long-term prognostic value of coronary computed tomography angiography in chest pain patients
Authors: Sandstedt Mårten , De Geer Jakob , Henriksson Lilian , Engvall Jan , Janzon Magnus , Persson Anders , Alfredsson Joakim
Published: May 2018

Background

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is increasingly used to detect coronary artery disease (CAD), but long-term follow-up studies are still scarce.

Purpose

To evaluate the prognostic value of CCTA in patients with suspected CAD.

Material and Methods

A total of 1205 consecutive CCTA patients with chest pain were classified as normal coronary arteries, non-obstructive CAD, or obstructive CAD. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac event (MACE), defined as a composite outcome including cardiac death, myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris, or late revascularization (after >90 days).

Results

Over 7.5 years follow-up (median = 3.1 years), Kaplan–Meier estimates demonstrated a MACE in 1.0%, 4.6%, and 20.7% in normal coronary arteries, non-obstructive CAD, and obstructive CAD, respectively. Log rank test for pairwise comparisons showed significant differences between non-obstructive CAD and normal coronary arteries ( P = 0.023) and between obstructive CAD and normal coronary arteries ( P < 0.001). In a multivariable analysis, adjusting for classical risk factors, non-obstructive CAD and obstructive CAD were independent predictors of MACE, with hazard ratios (HR) of 3.22 ( P = 0.041) and 25.18 ( P < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusion

Patients with normal coronary arteries have excellent long-term prognosis, but the risk for MACE increases with non-obstructive and obstructive CAD. Both non-obstructive and obstructive CAD are independently associated with future ischemic events.
Dependence of intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion MR threshold b-value selection for separating perfusion and diffusion compartments and liver fibrosis diagnostic performance
Authors: Wáng Yì Xiáng J , Li Yáo T , Chevallier Olivier , Huang Hua , Leung Jason Chi Shun , Chen Weitian , Lu Pu-Xuan
Published: May 2018

Background

Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) tissue parameters depend on the threshold b-value.

Purpose

To explore how threshold b-value impacts PF ( f), Dslow ( D), and Dfast ( D*) values and their performance for liver fibrosis detection.

Material and Methods

Fifteen healthy volunteers and 33 hepatitis B patients were included. With a 1.5-T magnetic resonance (MR) scanner and respiration gating, IVIM data were acquired with ten b-values of 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 150, 200, 400, and 800 s/mm2. Signal measurement was performed on the right liver. Segmented-unconstrained analysis was used to compute IVIM parameters and six threshold b-values in the range of 40–200 s/mm2 were compared. PF, Dslow, and Dfast values were placed along the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis, and a plane was defined to separate volunteers from patients.

Results

Higher threshold b-values were associated with higher PF measurement; while lower threshold b-values led to higher Dslow and Dfast measurements. The dependence of PF, Dslow, and Dfast on threshold b-value differed between healthy livers and fibrotic livers; with the healthy livers showing a higher dependence. Threshold b-value = 60 s/mm2 showed the largest mean distance between healthy liver datapoints vs. fibrotic liver datapoints, and a classification and regression tree showed that a combination of PF (PF < 9.5%), Dslow (Dslow < 1.239 × 10–3 mm2/s), and Dfast (Dfast < 20.85 × 10–3 mm2/s) differentiated healthy individuals and all individual fibrotic livers with an area under the curve of logistic regression (AUC) of 1.

Conclusion

For segmented-unconstrained analysis, the selection of threshold b-value = 60 s/mm2 improves IVIM differentiation between healthy livers and fibrotic livers.
On the use of HCP and FCC RVE structures in the simulation of powder compaction
Authors: Zhang Bao , Mohammed Idris K , Wang Yi , Balint Daniel S
Published: May 2018

Use of hexagonal close packed and face centered cubic structures to simulate powder compaction reveals that plastic deformation is effective in reducing porosity until a relative density of 0.96, beyond which a drastic rise in pressure is required. The compaction process can be divided into three phases demarcated by relative densities of 0.8 and 0.92, characterized, respectively, by local yielding around the initial contact point, coalescence of locally yielded zones and full plastic flow to reduce pores. The macroscopic yield behaviour of the powder assembly in the present work agrees reasonably with analytical and numerical models such as the Storåkers-Fleck-McMeeking model and multi-particle finite element model. It is found that for rate-dependent powder materials, the compaction process is noticeably rate dependent from a relative density of 0.85. Although a regular packing of powders is unrealistic, the understanding gained from a regular packing model provides insight into the role that plastic deformation plays during powder compaction.
Effects of Allogenic Dermal Fibroblasts on Rotator Cuff Healing in a Rabbit Model of Chronic Tear
Authors: Kwon Jieun , Kim Yun Hee , Rhee Sung-Min , Kim Tae In , Lee Jimin , Jeon Saewha , Oh Joo Han
Published: May 2018

Background:

The failure of rotator cuffs to heal after repair is an unresolved surgical issue. There have been substantial efforts, including the use of biological supplements, to enhance tendon healing. Dermal fibroblasts are a good candidate for tendon tissue engineering because they are similar to the tenocytes used for collagen synthesis. In addition, they are easily accessible because autologous dermal fibroblasts can be obtained from individual skin without major skin defects and allogenic dermal fibroblasts (ADFs) have already been commercialized in the field of skin engineering.

Purpose:

To determine the effects of dermal fibroblasts on tendon-to-bone healing in a rabbit model of a chronic rotator cuff tear.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 33 rabbits were randomly allocated into 3 groups (n = 11 each). Supraspinatus tendons were detached and left for 6 weeks to establish a chronic rotator tear model. Torn tendons were repaired in a transosseous manner with the injection of 5 × 106 ADFs with fibrin in group A, fibrin only in group B, and saline only in group C. At 12 weeks after repair, the mechanical test and histological evaluation were performed.

Results:

Seven rabbits died before the evaluation (1 in group A, 2 in group B, 4 in group C). In the final evaluation, the mean ± SD load to failure was 48.1 ± 13.3 N/kg for group A, 34.5 ± 8.9 N/kg for group B, and 31.1 ± 8.3 N/kg for group C, and group A showed significantly higher load-to-failure values than the other groups ( P = .011). The midsubstance tear rate, which presented stronger tendon-to-bone healing than insertional tear, was 50.0% in group A, 22.2% in group B, 28.6% in group C, but the differences were not statistically significant ( P = .413). In the histological evaluation, group A showed greater collagen fiber continuity and better orientation than the other groups.

Conclusion:

This controlled laboratory study verified, on the basis of biomechanics and histology, the potential for the use of ADFs in rotator cuff healing. The current results suggest a new biological supplement to increase the rate of rotator cuff healing.

Clinical Relevance:

The most important finding of this study was the potential for a new biological supplement to enhance rotator cuff healing—a continuing challenge.