bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Molecular Basis and Therapeutic Potential ofLet-7MicroRNAs against Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Mizuno Rei , Kawada Kenji , Sakai Yoshiharu
Published: June 2018

Although a number of studies have revealed the underlying mechanisms which regulate the development of colorectal cancer (CRC), we have not completely overcome this disease yet. Accumulating evidence has shown that the posttranscriptional regulation by the noncoding RNAs such as microRNAs plays an important role in the development or progression of CRC. Among a number of microRNAs, thelet-7microRNA family that was first discovered inC. elegansand conserved from worms to humans has been linked with the development of many types of cancers including CRC. The expression level oflet-7microRNAs is temporally low during the normal developmental processes, while elevated in the differentiated tissues. Thelet-7microRNAs regulate the cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, metabolism, and stemness. In CRC, expressions oflet-7microRNAs have been reported to be reduced, and solet-7microRNAs are considered to be a tumor suppressor. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms regulating thelet-7microRNA expression and the downstream targets oflet-7in the context of intestinal tumorigenesis. The application oflet-7mimics is also highlighted as a novel therapeutic agent.
A UAV-Aided Cluster Head Election Framework and Applying Such to Security-Driven Cluster Head Election Schemes: A Survey
Authors: Wang Gicheol , Lee Byoung-Sun , Ahn Jae Young , Cho Gihwan
Published: June 2018

UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) are now drawing a lot of attention from academic and research fields as well as the general public. The UAS is expected to provide many promising applications such as intelligent transportation system, disaster management, search and rescue, public safety, smart delivery, wild species monitoring, and wireless service area extension. More specifically, as a part of the wireless service extension, we deal with the information dissemination and collection using a UAV in this paper. In this application, because the UAV communicates with each CH (Cluster Head) to collect data from sensor nodes or to disseminate information to the sensor nodes, well-behaved and qualified nodes should be elected as CHs and their integrity should be preserved. Even though a UAV makes the information dissemination and collection process efficient in a WSN, we can make the UAV help the election of new CHs to mitigate the threat of compromised CHs. To this aim, we first propose a UAV-aided CH election framework where a UAV delivers the critical information collected from sensors to the sink, and the sink reselects a set of well-behaved and qualified CHs considering the information. Then, we classify the existing security-driven CH election schemes into several categories and explain the principle of each category and its representative schemes. For each representative scheme, we also explain how to adapt it into the UAV-aided CH election framework. Next, we identify some desirable security properties that a CH election scheme should provide and reveal the security level that each representative scheme reaches for the desirable security properties. Next, we compare communication and computation overhead of the security-driven CH election schemes in terms of the big O notation. In conclusion, we reveal what we have learned from this survey work and provide a future work item.
Ratio of Creatine Kinase to Alanine Aminotransferase as a Biomarker of Acute Liver Injury in Dystrophinopathy
Authors: Wang Liang , Chen Menglong , Xu Min , Li Jing , Feng Pinning , He Ruojie , Zhu Yuling , Li Huan , Lin Jinfu , Zhang Cheng
Published: June 2018

Objective. To investigate the ratios of creatine kinase (CK) to aminotransferases as biomarkers of acute liver injury in dystrophinopathy. Methods. C57 and mdx (dystrophic) mice were treated with a hepatotoxic reagent D-galactosamine (D-GalN). The degrees of liver and muscle injury were assessed using histological examinations. To examine whether serum CK-adjusted aminotransferase levels could indicate liver status in dystrophic mice, the CK/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and CK/aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ratios were analyzed. Furthermore, we enrolled 658 male patients with dystrophinopathy and 378 male patients without muscle and liver injury as control, whose serum ALT, AST, and CK levels were examined. Results. Animal experiments indicated that D-GalN treatment could induce acute liver injury but not muscle injury. Additionally, D-GalN decreased the CK/ALT and CK/AST ratios in both C57 mice and mdx mice (P<0.001). However, there was an overlap of the CK/AST ratio between dystrophic mice with and without acute liver injury. In patients with dystrophinopathy, CK-adjusted ALT diminished the variability associated with age, genotype, clinical phenotype, and motor function (P>0.05). Conclusions. CK/ALT is a potential biomarker for the differential evaluation of acute liver injury in dystrophic mice, which highlights the value to further evaluate the practice of CK/ALT in dystrophinopathy patients.
Upscaling Strategies of Porosity-Permeability Correlations in Reacting Environments from Pore-Scale Simulations
Authors: Prasianakis Nikolaos I. , Gatschet Michael , Abbasi Aida , Churakov Sergey V.
Published: June 2018

In geochemically reacting environments, the mineral dissolution and precipitation alters the structural and transport properties of the media of interest. The chemical and structural heterogeneities of the porous media affect the temporal evolution of the permeability with respect to porosity. Such correlations follow a nonlinear trend, which is difficult to estimate a priori and without knowledge of the microstructure itself, especially under the presence of strong chemical gradients. Macroscopic field-scale codes require such an input, and in the absence of exact descriptions, simplified correlations are used. After highlighting the diversity of microstructural evolution paths, due to dissolution, we discuss possible upscaling strategies.
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) in Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB)
Authors: Chan Po-Chi , Lee Hsun-Hua , Hong Chien-Tai , Hu Chaur-Jong , Wu Dean
Published: June 2018

Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a parasomnia, with abnormal dream-enacting behavior during the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. RBD is either idiopathic or secondary to other neurologic disorders and medications. Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is the third most common cause of dementia, and the typical clinical presentation is rapidly progressive cognitive impairment. RBD is one of the core features of DLB and may occur either in advance or simultaneously with the onset of DLB. The association between RBD with DLB is widely studied. Evidences suggest that both DLB and RBD are possibly caused by the shared underlying synucleinopathy. This review article discusses history, clinical manifestations, possible pathophysiologies, and treatment of DLB and RBD and provides the latest updates.
Platelet Distribution Width at First Day of Hospital Admission in Patients with Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome Caused by Hantaan Virus May Predict Disease Severity and Critical Patients’ Survival
Authors: Fan Xiude , Liu Zitong , Fu Shiqi , Sang Jiao , Deng Huan , Li Fang , Zhang Xiaoge , Li Na , Han Qunying , Liu Zhengwen
Published: June 2018

Thrombocytopenia is one of the main characteristics of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). This study aimed to evaluate the associations of platelet distribution width (PDW) with the disease severity and critical patients’ survival of HFRS. The demographics, clinical data, and white blood cell and platelet parameters including PDW in 260 patients hospitalized for HFRS were analyzed. The results showed that PDW on the first day (PDW1) was positively associated with the disease severity (p=0.005). Multiple regression analysis showed that in addition to age (odds ratio [OR], 1.091; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.015–1.172) and occurrence of sepsis (OR, 22.283; 95% CI, 2.985–166.325), PDW1 (OR, 0.782; 95% CI, 0.617–0.992) was a risk factor of the mortality, having an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.709 (95% CI, 0.572–0.846, p=0.013) for predicting mortality, with a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 67% at a cutoff of 16.5 fL, in patients with critical HFRS. These results suggest the potential of PDW at the first day of hospitalization as a valuable parameter for evaluating the severity of HFRS and a moderate parameter for predicting the prognosis of critical HFRS patients. A prospective study in large patient population is needed to validate these findings.
Overview on Fault Tolerance Strategies of Composite Service in Service Computing
Authors: Zhang Junna , Zhou Ao , Sun Qibo , Wang Shangguang , Yang Fangchun
Published: June 2018

In order to build highly reliable composite service via Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) in the Mobile Fog Computing environment, various fault tolerance strategies have been widely studied and got notable achievements. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive overview of key fault tolerance strategies. Firstly, fault tolerance strategies are categorized into static and dynamic fault tolerance according to the phase of their adoption. Secondly, we review various static fault tolerance strategies. Then, dynamic fault tolerance implementation mechanisms are analyzed. Finally, main challenges confronted by fault tolerance for composite service are reviewed.
Attenuated TRAF3 Fosters Activation of Alternative NF-κB and Reduced Expression of Antiviral Interferon, TP53, and RB to Promote HPV-Positive Head and Neck Cancers
Authors: Zhang Jialing , Chen Tony , Yang Xinping , Cheng Hui , Späth Stephan S. , Clavijo Paul E. , Chen Jianhong , Silvin Christopher , Issaeva Natalia , Su Xiulan , Yarbrough Wendell G. , Annunziata Christina M. , Chen Zhong , Van Waes Carter
Published: June 2018

Human papilloma viruses (HPV) are linked to an epidemic increase in oropharyngeal head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), which display viral inactivation of tumor suppressors TP53 and RB1 and rapid regional spread. However, the role of genomic alterations in enabling the modulation of pathways that promote the aggressive phenotype of these cancers is unclear. Recently, a subset of HPV+ HNSCC has been shown to harbor novel genetic defects or decreased expression of TNF receptor–associated factor 3 (TRAF3). TRAF3 has been implicated as a negative regulator of alternative NF-κB pathway activation and activator of antiviral type I IFN response to other DNA viruses. How TRAF3 alterations affect pathogenesis of HPV+ HNSCC has not been extensively investigated. Here, we report that TRAF3-deficient HPV+ tumors and cell lines exhibit increased expression of alternative NF-κB pathway components and transcription factors NF-κB2/RELB. Overexpression of TRAF3 in HPV+ cell lines with decreased endogenous TRAF3 inhibited NF-κB2/RELB expression, nuclear localization, and NF-κB reporter activity, while increasing the expression of IFNA1 mRNA and protein and sensitizing cells to its growth inhibition. Overexpression of TRAF3 also enhanced TP53 and RB tumor suppressor proteins and decreased HPV E6 oncoprotein in HPV+ cells. Correspondingly, TRAF3 inhibited cell growth, colony formation, migration, and resistance to TNFα and cisplatin-induced cell death. Conversely, TRAF3 knockout enhanced colony formation and proliferation of an HPV+ HNSCC line expressing higher TRAF3 levels. Together, these findings support a functional role of TRAF3 as a tumor suppressor modulating established cancer hallmarks in HPV+ HNSCC.

Significance: These findings report the functional role of TRAF3 as a tumor suppressor that modulates the malignant phenotype of HPV+ head and neck cancers. Cancer Res; 78(16); 4613–26. ©2018 AACR.
Computational Characterization of Suppressive Immune Microenvironments in Glioblastoma
Authors: Luoto Suvi , Hermelo Ismaïl , Vuorinen Elisa M. , Hannus Paavo , Kesseli Juha , Nykter Matti , Granberg Kirsi J.
Published: June 2018

The immunosuppressive microenvironment in glioblastoma (GBM) prevents an efficient antitumoral immune response and enables tumor formation and growth. Although an understanding of the nature of immunosuppression is still largely lacking, it is important for successful cancer treatment through immune system modulation. To gain insight into immunosuppression in GBM, we performed a computational analysis to model relative immune cell content and type of immune response in each GBM tumor sample from The Cancer Genome Atlas RNA-seq data set. We uncovered high variability in immune system–related responses and in the composition of the microenvironment across the cohort, suggesting immunologic diversity. Immune cell compositions were associated with typical alterations such as IDH mutation or inactivating NF1 mutation/deletion. Furthermore, our analysis identified three GBM subgroups presenting different adaptive immune responses: negative, humoral, and cellular-like. These subgroups were linked to transcriptional GBM subtypes and typical genetic alterations. All G-CIMP and IDH-mutated samples were in the negative group, which was also enriched by cases with focal amplification of CDK4 and MARCH9. IDH1-mutated samples showed lower expression and higher DNA methylation of MHC-I–type HLA genes. Overall, our analysis reveals heterogeneity in the immune microenvironment of GBM and identifies new markers for immunosuppression. Characterization of diverse immune responses will facilitate patient stratification and improve personalized immunotherapy in the future.

Significance: This study utilizes a computational approach to characterize the immune environments in glioblastoma and shows that glioblastoma immune microenvironments can be classified into three major subgroups, which are linked to typical glioblastoma alterations such as IDH mutation, NF1 inactivation, and CDK4-MARCH9 locus amplification.

Graphical Abstract: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/78/19/5574/F1.large.jpg. Cancer Res; 78(19); 5574–85. ©2018 AACR.
Endovascular Therapy and Ethnic Disparities in Stroke Outcomes
Authors: Bouslama Mehdi , Rebello Leticia C. , Haussen Diogo C. , Grossberg Jonathan A. , Anderson Aaron M. , Belagaje Samir R. , Bianchi Nicolas A. , Frankel Michael R. , Nogueira Raul G.
Published: June 2018

Background and Purpose: Ethnic disparities in stroke are well described, with a higher incidence of disability and increased mortality in Blacks versus Whites. We sought to compare the clinical outcomes between those ethnic groups after stroke endovascular therapy (ET). Methods: We performed a retrospective review of the prospectively acquired Grady Endovascular Stroke Outcomes Registry between September 1, 2010 and September 30, 2015. Patients were dichotomized into two groups – Caucasians and African-Americans – and matched for age, pretreatment glucose level, and baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. Baseline characteristics as well as procedural and outcome parameters were compared. Results: Out of the 830 patients treated with ET, 308 pairs of patients (n = 616) underwent primary analysis. African-Americans were younger (p < 0.01), had a higher prevalence of hypertension (p < 0.01) and diabetes (p = 0.04), and had higher Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score values (p = 0.03) and shorter times to treatment (p = 0.01). Blacks more frequently had Medicaid coverage and less private insurance (29.6 vs. 11.4% and 41.5 vs. 60.3%, respectively, p < 0.01). The remaining baseline characteristics, including baseline NIHSS score and CT perfusion-derived ischemic core volumes, were well balanced. There were no differences in the overall distribution of 90-day modified Rankin scale scores (p = 0.28), rates of successful reperfusion (84.7 vs. 85.7%, p = 0.91), good outcomes (49.1 vs. 44%, p = 0.24), or parenchymal hematomas (6.5 vs. 6.8%, p = 1.00). Blacks had lower 90-day mortality rates (18 vs. 24.6%, p = 0.04) in univariate analysis, which persisted as a nonsignificant trend after adjustment for potential confounders (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.26–1.03, p = 0.06). Conclusions: Despite unique baseline characteristics, African-Americans treated with ET for large vessel occlusion strokes have similar outcomes as Caucasians. Greater availability of ET may diminish the ethnic/racial disparities in stroke outcomes.
RANKL/RANK/OPG Axis Is Deregulated in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Multiple Sclerosis Patients at Clinical Onset
Authors: Glasnović Anton , Stojić Maristela , Dežmalj Lidija , Tudorić-Đeno Ivana , Romić Dominik , Jeleč Vjekoslav , Vrca Anđelko , Vuletić Vladimira , Grčević Danka
Published: June 2018

Objectives: Our study focused on the RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand)/RANK/OPG (osteoprotegerin) axis and selected proinflammatory/immunoregulatory upstream mediators in the peripheral blood (PBL) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Methods: PBL and CSF were collected from healthy controls (n = 35) and MS patients at the clinical onset of the disease (n = 33). In addition, PBL samples were obtained from relapse-remitting (RR)-MS patients (n = 30). Patients were assessed by means of the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and routine laboratory parameters. Soluble (s)RANKL and OPG were measured in the CSF and plasma; gene expression was detected for RANKL, RANK, OPG, and selected cytokines/chemokines (interleukin [IL]-4, IL-10, IL-17, CCL2, and CXCL12) in PBL mononuclear cells. Results: The OPG level in the CSF was lower in MS patients at clinical onset than in controls. Moreover, the sRANKL/OPG ratio was higher in the CSF of MS patients at clinical onset and in the plasma of RR-MS patients than in controls. Gene expression of RANKL/RANK/OPG in PBL mononuclear cells was higher only in RR-MS patients. IL-4, CCL2, and CXCL12 were positively correlated and IL-10 was negatively correlated with RANKL/RANK expression. OPG was negatively correlated with EDSS and alkaline phosphatase level. Conclusion: Our study revealed that changes of RANKL/RANK/OPG axis are associated with MS, particularly the decreased OPG level in the CSF at disease onset. Therefore, these factors may serve as disease biomarkers and molecular targets of novel therapeutic approaches.
The Novel PrisMax Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy System in a Multinational, Multicentre Pilot Setting
Authors: Broman Marcus , Bell Max , Joannes-Boyau Olivier , Ronco Claudio
Published: June 2018

Background/Aims: We assessed how the novel PrisMax continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) system performed in a prospective international multicentre setting. We compared this device to its predecessor, the Prismaflex, with regards to multiple treatment parameters. Additionally, we performed a survey, aiming to measure user satisfaction. Methods: Data was prospectively collected from 7 intensive care units (ICU) in 6 countries. The PrisMax device data logs constituted the raw material. Clinical parameters like treatment time, filter life span, downtime, delivered dose and number and type of alarms were recorded. A user questionnaire was sent out to 3 of the participating ICUs. Results: Filter life, downtime, blood pump stops, bag changing time and number of malfunction alarms showed significantly improved values compared to the historic Prismaflex data. The survey showed high scores with regards to user friendliness. Conclusion: The PrisMax CRRT device is safe and outperformed its’ previous generation counterpart in virtually all aspects. Video Journal Club “Cappuccino with Claudio Ronco” at http://www.karger.com/?doi=489213.
Preventive Effect of Mebicar and Ginsenoside Rg1 on Neurobehavioral and Immunological Disruptions Caused by Intermittent Unpredictable Stress in Mice
Authors: Kim Chang Yul , Kim Yeon Gyeong , Sin So Jung , Koo Hyojin , Cheon Kicheol , Kim Dongsoo
Published: June 2018

Objectives: Ginsenoside Rg1 and mebicar have been reported to have broad efficacy spectrum, including anti-anxiety and anti-stress. These drugs have been used not only for treatment but also for the purpose of increasing resistance from disease. A specific aim of this study was to investigate whether mebicar or ginsenoside Rg1 can prevent physiological changes resulting from intermittent unpredictable stress (IUS). Methods: Seven week-old Balb/cByJ mice were administered orally with mebicar (10 mg/kg) or ginsenoside Rg1 (10 mg/kg) starting from a week before they were exposed to IUS until the end of the experiment. IUS, which consists of psychological stress and physical fatigue, was set as 3 bouts (24 h/bout) exposure in a 2-week period. Results: IUS caused hyperactivity and anxiety-like behavior, which were not inhibited by mebicar or ginsenoside Rg1. IUS mice treated with mebicar or ginsenoside Rg1 recovered rapidly from anxiety-like behavior induced by the multiplexed stress compared to the mice not orally treated with mebicar or ginsenoside Rg1. Mebicar or ginsenoside Rg1 could not prevent the decrease of brain-derived neurotropic factor by IUS exposure. However, mebicar or ginsenoside Rg1 prevented elevation of serum corticosterone and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines from splenocytes due to IUS exposure. Conclusions: This study suggests that mebicar or ginsenoside Rg1 may have little preventive effect on neurobehavioral disruption by IUS exposure, but mebicar or ginsenoside Rg1 shortened the lasting duration of the anxiety caused by exposure to a novel environment. The anti-stress effect of mebicar and ginsenoside Rg1 may be restricted in peripheral stress responses.
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: An Emerging Epidemic
Authors: Mirmirani Paradi , Tosti Antonella , Goldberg Lynne , Whiting David , Sotoodian Bahman
Published: June 2018

Since the initial description of frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) in 1994, increasingly more cases of FFA have been reported in literature. Although clear epidemiologic data on the incidence and prevalence of FFA is not available, it is intriguing to consider whether FFA should be labeled as an emerging epidemic. A medline trend analysis as well as literature review using keywords “alopecia,” “hair loss,” and “cicatrical” were performed. Medline trend analysis of published FFA papers from 1905 to 2016 showed that the number of publications referenced in Medline increased from 1 (0.229%) in 1994 to 44 (3.5%) in 2016. The number of patients per published cohort also increased dramatically since the first report of FFA. Over the time period of January 2006–2016, our multi hair-referral centers collaboration study also showed a significant increase in new diagnoses of FFA. At this juncture, the cause for the rapid rise in cases is one of speculation. It is plausible that a cumulative environmental or toxic factor may trigger hair loss in FFA. Once perhaps a “rare type” of cicatricial alopecia, FFA is now being seen in a frequency in excess of what is expected, thus suggestive of an emerging epidemic.
Stress Aggravates High-Fat-Diet-Induced Insulin Resistance via a Mechanism That Involves the Amygdala and Is Associated with Changes in Neuroplasticity
Authors: Tsai Sheng-Feng , Wu Hung-Tsung , Chen Pei-Chun , Chen Yun-Wen , Yu Megan , Tzeng Shun-Fen , Wu Pei-Hsuan , Chen Po-See , Kuo Yu-Min
Published: June 2018

Background: The notion that exposure to chronic stress predisposes individuals to developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) has gained much attention in recent decades. Long-term stress induces neuroadaptation in the amygdala and increases corticosterone levels. Corticosterone, the major stress hormone in rodents, induces insulin resistance and obesity in mice. However, little is known about whether the stress-induced amygdalar neuroadaptation could promote the risk of T2D. Methods: We used an 11-week high-fat diet (HFD) feeding paradigm to induce insulin dysfunction in mice, followed by implementation of a 10-day social defeat (SD) stress protocol. Results: Mice receiving SD at the beginning of the HFD feeding aggravated HFD-induced insulin resistance and white adipose tissue expansion. HFD mice had higher levels of plasma corticosterone, which was not affected by the SD. The SD stress upregulated the expression of TrkB and synaptotagmin-4 in the amygdala of HFD mice. Bilateral lesions of the central amygdalae before SD stress inhibited the stress-induced aggravating effect without affecting the HFD-induced elevation of plasma corticosterone. Conclusions: Stress aggravates HFD-induced insulin resistance and neuroadaptation in the amygdala. The HFD-induced insulin resistance is amygdala-dependent. Understanding the role of stress-induced amygdalar adaptation in the development of T2D could inform therapies aimed at reducing chronic stressors to decrease the risk for T2D.
ПРОГНОЗ ЕПІДЕМІЧНОГО ПРОЦЕСУ ГЕПАТИТУ С НА 2018–2020 РР. В ДНІПРОПЕТРОВСЬКОМУ РЕГІОНІ ТА УКРАЇНІ
Authors: Shevchenko-Makarenko O. P.
Published: June 2018

Мета роботи – вивчити та проаналізувати у динаміці рівень захворюваності на гострий гепатит С (ГГС) за 2004-2017 рр. та хронічний гепатит С (ХГС) за 2010-2017 рр. у Дніпропетровському регіоні порівняно з показниками в Україні. Визначити кумулятивні показники захворюваності на гепатит С (ГС) за 2010-2017 рр., тенденції та подальший прогноз розвитку епідемічного процесу і рівня захворюваності на 2018-2020 рр.Матеріали і методи. Аналіз захворюваності проведено епідеміологічним методом. Для визначення основних тенденцій і прогнозування захворюваності на ГС розраховували ланцюгові темпи зростання та аналітично вирівнювали початкову динамічну криву з використанням логарифмічного типу апроксимації.Результати. Динаміка захворюваності на ГГС, ХГС та ГС в Дніпропетровській області та в Україні демонструє хвилеподібний характер. Простежується більш чітка тенденція до зниження показників захворюваності на ГГС та збільшення показників захворюваності на ХГС та кумулятивних показників захворюваності на ГС в Україні. Середні рівні захворюваності на ГГС в Дніпропетровській області становили 2,04±0,11 на 100 тис. населення області проти 1,72±0,12 на 100 тис. населення в Україні (p<0,05). Середні показники захворюваності на ХГС у Дніпропетровській області становили 16,31±0,91 на 100 тис. населення. Рівень захворюваності вірогідно перевищував показники в Україні – 12,94±0,31 на 100 тис. нас.; p<0,05). Рівень захворюваності на ГС у Дніпропетровській області в абсолютних цифрах у середньому становив 599,0±29,6, в Україні – (6111,1±188,1) випадку.Висновки. За прогнозними даними, у 2018-2020 рр. можна очікувати рівень захворюваності на ГГС в області в середньому 1,68±0,01 випадків на 100 тис. населення на рік, в Україні в середньому 1,20±0,02 на 100 тис. населення на рік; захворюваність на ХГС в Україні – 13,87±0,06 випадків на 100 тис. населення, а захворюваність на ГС – 6715,2±36,0 випадків на рік. Для запровадження глобальної стратегії ВООЗ з вірусних гепатитів необхідно охопити всі прошарки населення скринінговою програмою для своєчасного виявлення хворих на гепатит С. Створення реєстру хворих на хронічні вірусні гепатити на місцевому та національному рівні допомогло б узагальненню даних щодо захворюваності та поширеності гепатиту С, сприяло б своєчасному плануванню діагностичних та терапевтичних заходів хворим на вірусні гепатити.
Mapeamento das características dinâmicas do nível freático do Sistema Aquífero Bauru como instrumento de gestão de recursos hídricos
Authors: Manzione Rodrigo Lilla
Published: June 2018

O objetivo deste trabalho foi mapear o tempo de resposta dos níveis freáticos de aquíferos. Para tanto, recorreu-se à extração de séries temporais de dados de monitoramento de níveis freáticos, precipitação e evapotranspiração potencial em uma área representativa do Sistema Aquífero Bauru (SAB) na região hidrográfica do Médio Paranapanema (UGRHI-17), situada no Estado de São Paulo. A partir desses dados utilizou-se o modelo Predefined Impulse Response Function in Continuous Time (PIRFICT), obtendo-se uma função impulso-resposta (IR) cujos parâmetros são interpolados por metodologia geoestatística. Os resultados apresentaram-se como importantes ferramentas de auxílio para os tomadores de decisão quanto à adoção de práticas de manejo de resíduos e efluentes, uso da água, planos de remediação e políticas públicas para a gestão dos recursos hídricos subterrâneos.
The Pagan Opponents of Christianity on the Book of Genesis
Authors: van der Horst Pieter Willem
Published: June 2018

Pagan criticism of the Bible is here illustrated by highlighting the main objections Celsus, Porphyry and Julian the Apostate raised against the Book of Genesis. Special attention is paid to their criticisms of the image of God as he is portrayed in the opening chapters of Genesis. Finally the article briefly sketches the philosophical background of these criticisms.
The Difficulty of Reconciliation after the St James Church Attack
Authors: Mason Garth John
Published: June 2018

This article is a comparative reading of the autobiography Child of this Soil: My Life as a Freedom Fighter by Letlapa Mphahlele and the memoir by Charl van Wyk, Shooting Back: The Right and Duty of Self-Defence. The two texts culminate in recounting of the St. James Church attack in 1993 and the two men’s subsequent reconciliatory meetings. Mphahlele ordered the attack as an APLA commander and Van Wyk was the parishioner who fired back at the APLA attackers. Of interest are the conditions of possibility for dialogue between Van Wyk and Mphahlele in the context of the national narrative of reconciliation.
Decolonising Theology from #Feesmustfall and #Foratemer
Authors: Buttelli Felipe Gustavo Koch , Le Bruyns Clint
Published: June 2018

This article reflects on the challenges to systematic theology that arise from students’ struggles against capitalism in Brazil and South Africa. It suggests an understanding of the social, political and economic reality, emphasising that these struggles are part of the new social movements that struggle against capitalism. Epistemologically, a kairos and decolonial theology is suggested as a meaningful theological response to the contemporary struggles. Lastly, it affirms that a decolonial theology may help to create hope in struggles to overcome capitalism. It suggests ways to embody this theological approach in political praxis, in a creative way trying to overcome capitalism.
Addition to Aoki et al. (2017): phylogenetic position of Oxalis trilliifolia in subsection Oxalis (Oxalidaceae)
Authors: AOKI SATOSHI , OHI-TOMA TETSUO , MURATA JIN
Published: June 2018

Oxalis trilliifolia Hooker (1831:118; as “trilliifolium”) is distributed in western North America. The species was previously treated in a monotypic genus as Hesperoxalis triliifolia (Hook.) Small (1907: 27). However, it was recently included in Oxalis subsect. Oxalis by Lourteig (2000). It was the only species that could not be included in our previous phylogenetic analysis of O. subsect. Oxalis (Aoki et al. 2017). After the publication of our previous study, we obtained one DNA sample of O. trilliifolia from the DNA Bank of the Missouri Botanical Garden, i.e., MO-275113, which was collected from Oregon, USA. We confirmed a duplicate sheet of its voucher specimen that was deposited in herbarium P (Porter P. Lowry II 5059), even though we were unable to find the voucher specimen at MO. Therefore, its phylogenetic position was provided here, following the protocol from our previous study (Aoki et al. 2017).
Nomenclatural and type catalogue of Athoracophoridae (Mollusca: Eupulmonata: Succineoidea): a synopsis of the first 185 years of biodiscovery in the South West Pacific region
Authors: BARKER GARY M.
Published: June 2018

Athoracophoridae are succineoidean terrestrial slugs that constitute a distinctive faunal element of the South West Pacific biogeographic region, with representatives in New Guinea, Australia, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and New Zealand. Despite many studies on morphology, taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships since the first species description in 1832, the understanding of the diversity within the family, as reported in published literature, remains poor with regional disparities in collection and systematic effort, in taxonomic concepts, and in adherence to type concepts. The systematics of Athoracophoridae needs to be re-evaluated through a modern, phylogenetic approach to properly document infra-familial evolution and taxon diversity, advance understanding of evolutionary relationships with other Eupulmonata, and to delineate evolutionary units for conservation prioritization. A catalogue of all class-, family-, genus- and species-group names erected for or used to include Athoracophoridae over the 185 year period 1832 to 2017 is provided, as a first step towards a systematic revision. The following nomenclatural changes are made: lectotype designation for Aneitea macdonaldii Gray, 1860; lectotype designation for Janella papillata Hutton, 1879; type species designation for Amphikonophora Suter, 1897; and lectotype designation for Athoracophorus verrucosus Simroth, 1889.
On the Time of Emergence of Tropical Width Change
Authors: Quan Xiao-Wei , Hoerling Martin P. , Perlwitz Judith , Diaz Henry F.
Published: June 2018

The tropical belt is expected to expand in response to global warming, although most of the observed tropical widening since 1980, especially in the Northern Hemisphere, is believed to have mainly originated from natural variability. The view is of a small global warming signal relative to natural variability. Here we focus on the question whether and, if so when, the anthropogenic signal of tropical widening will become detectable. Analysis of two large ensemble climate simulations reveals that the forced signal of tropical width is strongly constrained by the forced signal of global mean temperature. Under a representative concentration pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5) emissions scenario, the aggregate of the two models indicates a regression of about 0.5° lat °C−1during 1980–2080. The models also reveal that interannual variability in tropical width, a measure of noise used herein, is insensitive to global warming. Reanalysis data are therefore used to constrain the interannual variability, whose magnitude is estimated to be 1.1° latitude. Defining the time of emergence (ToE) for tropical width change as the first year (post-1980) when the forced signal exceeds the magnitude of interannual variability, the multimodel simulations of CMIP5 are used to estimate ToE and its confidence interval. The aforementioned strong constraint between the signal of tropical width change and global mean temperature change motivates using CMIP5-simulated global mean temperature changes to infer ToE. Our best estimate for the probable year for ToE, under an RCP8.5 emissions scenario, is 2058 with 10th–90th percentile confidence of 2047–68. Various sources of uncertainty in estimating the ToE are discussed.
Macrocomplexes and discordant high-sensitivity cardiac troponin concentrations
Authors: Kavsak Peter A , Roy Chantele , Malinowski Paul , Mark Ching-Tong , Scott Terry , Clark Lorna , Lamers Shana , Ainsworth Craig
Published: June 2018

Background

Analytical comparisons between different high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) assays are important for reassurance of results performed with different methodologies and to identify potential interferences or confounders to result interpretation. Our objective in the present study was to compare Beckman Coulter’s latest hs-cTnI assay to Abbott’s hs-cTnI assay and to assess agreement between results.

Methods

Two hundred ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid plasma samples that had clinically reported hs-cTnI results from the Abbott ARCHITECTi2000 that spanned the analytical range were stored (median = 4 h), re-centrifuged and retested for hs-cTnI on the Abbott ARCHITECTi1000 and Beckman Coulter Access2 analysers. Passing–Bablok regression and fold-differences were evaluated, with differences approximately three-fold between results further subjected to Roche hs-cTnT testing and polyethylene glycol precipitation.

Results

The Beckman and Abbott hs-cTnI concentrations were correlated ( r = 0.95) with Beckman yielding proportionally lower concentrations (slope = 0.78; 95%CI: 0.74–0.85). There were 12 samples that yielded Abbott hs-TnI concentrations ≥3-fold higher than the Beckman hs-cTnI concentrations; of which nine samples from seven different patients had sufficient quantity for additional testing. All seven patients had macrocomplexes as determined with polyethylene glycol precipitation that affected the Abbott hs-cTnI assay. One patient with Abbott hs-cTnI results >1300 ng/L had polyethylene glycol, heterophile antibodies and creatine kinase-MB testing performed which confirmed that a macrocomplex most likely affected the Abbott and Roche (hs-cTnT = 65 ng/L) assays but not the Beckman (hs-cTnI = 12 ng/L) assay.

Conclusion

The hs-cTnI concentrations obtained from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid plasma between the Beckman and Abbott assays are highly correlated, with large differences in concentrations (≥3-fold) between Abbott and Beckman assays possible due to macrocomplexes.
Agenda 2063 and Its Implications for Africa’s Soft Power
Authors: Tella Oluwaseun
Published: June 2018

Africa has struggled to counteract the negative images (ranging from diseases to war, terrorism, poverty, and crime) that it evokes in the eyes of the global audience. This has punctured Africa’s soft power potential and undermined its influence in the global arena, creating the need for the development of a strong and acceptable normative and strategic framework. In this regard, Agenda 2063’s strong commitment to the African Renaissance and a different and better Africa is critical. The article thus examines the potential of Agenda 2063’s Aspirations 3, 4, and 5 to enhance the continent’s soft power and boost its standing in the international system.
Fatigue damage simulation of tension-tension loaded glass/polyester fiber composites with thickness tapering effects
Authors: Raeis Hosseiny Seyed Aydin , Jakobsen Johnny
Published: June 2018

This study evaluates the capability of a progressive damage method in predicting the fatigue failure in glass/polyester fiber composite materials. Residual material properties in different failure modes have been obtained from testing fatigue-loaded specimens to their ultimate limits. A numerical tool utilizes the experimentally obtained values to simulate the process of damage in more complex models with high interlaminar shear stresses. The tool accounts for fatigue damage through stiffness and strength degradation rules without relying on prior calibration/modifications. Benchmark ply-drop problems under constant and variable amplitude fatigue loadings are simulated and compared against experimental results. Verification case studies show that the numerical tool can predict damage initiation and final fatigue life, successfully.
Comparison of Tablet-Delivered and Instructor-Delivered Teaching on Receptive Identification in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Chebli Sabine Saade , Lanovaz Marc J. , Dufour Marie-Michèle
Published: June 2018

The purpose of our study was to compare the effectiveness of tablet- and instructor-delivered teaching (i.e., prompting and reinforcement) on the receptive identification of one-word concepts in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). To this end, we embedded a multielement design within a multiple probe design to compare the effectiveness of the two instructional modalities in seven participants. Two of the seven participants showed generalization on all concepts in fewer instructional trials following instructor-delivered teaching, whereas the remaining five participants had mixed results depending on the concept. In total, the participants showed more rapid generalization with the instructor for 14 of the 19 concepts taught. Our results suggest that tablets should not systematically replace instructor-delivered prompting and reinforcement, but that they may be used to provide supplementary teaching to children with ASD.
Long-term follow-up of neodymium:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy for the treatment of anterior capsular phimosis
Authors: Ye Hehua , Zhang Jiming , Qian Yiyong
Published: June 2018

Objective

To investigate the long-term safety and efficacy of Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy for the treatment of anterior capsular phimosis.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed a consecutive case series of Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy in patients with anterior capsular phimosis, who were treated between November 2012 and April 2014. Data collected included risk factors, interval between surgery and capsulotomy, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and diameter of anterior capsule opening before and after Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy.

Results

Eleven eyes of 11 patients were included in the study. The mean follow-up time was 30.1 ± 4.5 months (range: 26–42 months). At the last follow-up, the mean diameter of the anterior capsule opening was 5.1 ± 0.2 mm, which was significantly greater than the diameter before laser capsulotomy (2.2 ± 0.8 mm). BCVA remained stable or improved in nine eyes (81.8%) following capsulotomy. No patients experienced recurrence of phimosis.

Conclusions

In a long-term study of >2 years, we found that Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy is safe and effective for the treatment of anterior capsule phimosis.
Gender and generational differences in first outward- and first inward-moves: An event-history analysis of rural migrants in China
Authors: Chen Chen , Fan C Cindy
Published: June 2018

Focusing on the onset of circularity, this paper examines the first outward-moves and first inward-moves of rural–urban migrants in China. Using event-history analysis, we investigate the impacts of time-varying individual and household characteristics on the mobility of 787 rural workers from six villages in Anhui Province, based on a longitudinal study of 150 households for the period 1980 to 2009. The findings show that the probability of initiating the first outward-move and first inward-move is affected by age, gender, education, decade, and life-cycle and household-arrangement factors such as the location of dependent children, spouse, and elderly parents. New-generation migrants are more likely to move outward and spend longer time outside the home location than their predecessors. Gender differences persist; women continue to be less likely to move outward and more likely to return, and their mobility patterns are much more sensitive to caregiving needs than men. These results suggest that migrants’ circularity will persist and that China’s urbanization policy should consider multi-locality as a central component of migration.
Labor geographies of socially embedded work: The multi scalar resistance of Mexican teachers
Authors: Bocking Paul
Published: June 2018

Public sector workers experience particular challenges from the state when they organize and take collective action. Accountable to administrators as well as parents, teachers are embedded within complex power relations at scales from the classroom to the district and the state or nation. This article draws on labor geography’s understandings of how worker agency is socially situated, to explore how the capacities for protest of dissident elementary and secondary teachers in Mexico City have been limited. These obstacles are found within their workplaces governed by the local Secretary of Public Education, in broader political dynamics within the city and in a centralization of governance over education policy to the national level. As a result, between 2013 and 2016 , teachers here were less likely to join protests against policies initiated by President Enrique Peña Nieto that were widely deemed harmful to their professional autonomy, and which drew strong resistance in other regions of the country. This article concludes by briefly assessing how, as Peña Nieto’s term concluded, dissident teachers turned towards the national election and an equivocal relationship with the center-left Morena party.
Measuring Parents’ Perceptions of Programming Education in P-12 Schools: Scale Development and Validation
Authors: Kong Siu-Cheung , Li Robert Kwok-Yiu , Kwok Ron Chi-Wai
Published: June 2018

Schools around the globe increasingly realized the importance of technology and its application in the education system. To guarantee a successful educational innovation, schools seek out different parties for valuable opinions. Among them, parents are the important feedback providers, because their attitudes are influential on children’s academic performance. Moreover, their involvement and support are considered the key factor that facilitates an effective implementation of programming education at schools. This study aimed at developing and validating an instrument measuring parents’ perceptions of programming education among P-12 schools in Hong Kong. We propose that parents’ perceptions of programming education is a multidimensional construct which constitutes (a) understanding, (b) support, and (c) expectation. In total, 524 questionnaires were collected from the parents who attended programming workshops and seminars. Exploratory factor analysis shows evidence for the three-dimensional construct. Confirmatory factor analysis reconfirms the measurement structure. Implications of the study are discussed.
From Posttraumatic Stress Disorder to Posttraumatic Growth: A Paradigm Shift or Paradox?
Authors: Baumann Steven L.
Published: June 2018

Trauma, unfortunately, is an all too common part of today’s world. The construct posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been the dominant paradigm to guide researchers and clinicians in the United States and around the world in their efforts to understand and help persons who have experienced trauma. However, PTSD as a diagnosis and this theoretical construct has some problems and limitations, particularly when considered from a global perspective. The author explores the less widely studied construct of posttraumatic growth (PTG) as a phenomenon that avoids some of the problems of PTSD and asks the question: Does it represent a paradigm shift or a paradox? The author seeks to consider this issue from a global perspective and discusses Syrian refugees as a case study.
Common risk difference test and interval estimation of risk difference for stratified bilateral correlated data
Authors: Shen Xi , Ma Chang-Xing , Yuen Kam C , Tian Guo-Liang
Published: June 2018

Bilateral correlated data are often encountered in medical researches such as ophthalmologic (or otolaryngologic) studies, in which each unit contributes information from paired organs to the data analysis, and the measurements from such paired organs are generally highly correlated. Various statistical methods have been developed to tackle intra-class correlation on bilateral correlated data analysis. In practice, it is very important to adjust the effect of confounder on statistical inferences, since either ignoring the intra-class correlation or confounding effect may lead to biased results. In this article, we propose three approaches for testing common risk difference for stratified bilateral correlated data under the assumption of equal correlation. Five confidence intervals of common difference of two proportions are derived. The performance of the proposed test methods and confidence interval estimations is evaluated by Monte Carlo simulations. The simulation results show that the score test statistic outperforms other statistics in the sense that the former has robust type [Formula: see text] error rates with high powers. The score confidence interval induced from the score test statistic performs satisfactorily in terms of coverage probabilities with reasonable interval widths. A real data set from an otolaryngologic study is used to illustrate the proposed methodologies.