bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative evaluation of the efficiency of a sumatriptan/dexketoprofen combination versus sumatriptan monotherapy in the treatment of a migraine attack
Authors: Skorobogatykh K. V. , Azimova Yu. E.
Published: November 2018

Migraine is a chronic brain disease with a high prevalence and a marked deterioration in quality of life. Triptans are the gold standard for migraine attack therapy, but they are not effective in all patients. The aim of an observational program was to compare a sumatriptan/dexketoprofen combination and sumatriptan monotherapy for attack relief. Patients and methods. The observation program included 38 migraine patients. A migraine attack was relieved with a combination of sumatriptan 100 mg and dexketoprofen 25 mg in 20 patients and with only sumatriptan 100 mg in 18 patients (Group 2). All the study participants filled out a questionnaire in which they indicated the time of attack onset, the time of drug intake, the intensity of pain, and the presence of concomitant symptoms (nausea, phono-and photophobia) before and 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours after drug administration. The investigators estimated the key indicators of the observation program: pain relief at 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours and a significant decrease in pain intensity at 30 minutes, 1 and 2 hours. Therapy satisfaction was determined using the Patient Perception of Migraine Questionnaire (PPMQ) that the patients filled out at 24 hours after the attack. Results. A larger number of patients receiving combined therapy with sumatriptan 100 mg and dexketoprofen 25 mg noted a significant decrease in the intensity of headache at 1 hour and the absence of pain at 2 and 4 hours compared with those in the sumatriptan monotherapy group. According to the PPMQ questionnaire, the combined therapy group showed higher treatment satisfaction. Conclusion. The combination of sumatriptan 100 mg and dexketoprofen 25 mg was shown to have some advantage over sumatriptan 100 mg monotherapy in treating migraine attack. The results of the observation program are correlated with those of previous studies. The higher efficiency of combined therapy with triptan + nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs versus that of monotherapy with triptans reflects a variety of pathophysiological processes that accompany a migraine attack, as well as the presence of several targets for pathogenetic therapy.
Clinical features of depression in women compared with men
Authors: Tyuvina N. A. , Voronina E. O. , Balabanova V. V. , Tyulpin Yu. G.
Published: November 2018

Objective: to study the clinical features of depression in women compared with men. Patients and methods. 120 women aged 18-65 years with recurrent depressive disorder (RDD; ICI-10 F33) (a study group) and 67 men of the same age with RDD (a control group) were clinically examined using a specially designed schedule and the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Scale. Results. The clinical picture and the course of RDD have gender differences. The earlier onset of the disease in women with a large number of depressive attacks and lower quality remissions is due to the relationship and mutual influence of menstrual and reproductive function and depression. Such typical symptoms of endogenous depression, as slow thinking, anhedony, decreased sleep duration and early morning awakenings, as well as diurnal swings of mood with its deterioration in the morning, were characteristic for most women and men. The pattern of depression in women is more commonly characterized by anxiety; ideas of self-accusation; suicidal thoughts; avoidance of contacts with others; weakness; fatigue; decreased or increased appetite; sleep onset insomnia; lack of sleep feeling. That in men is more often marked by symptoms, such as melancholy; motor retardation; decreased motivation; somatic symptoms of depression (tachycardia, constipation); comorbid panic attacks; and concomitant diseases of the cardiovascular, respiratory and genitourinary systems. Men more frequently abuse alcohol and other psychoactive substances. Conclusion. The revealed features of depression in women and men will be able to more accurately diagnose and to prescribe adequate therapy.
Correlation of the aesthetic component of dental health and emotional state in patients with different anxiety levels
Authors: Lobach O. I. , Nikolenko V. N. , Rustamova E. K. , Lapina N. V. , Kochurova E. V. , Skorikova L. A. , Gavrushova L. V.
Published: November 2018

Objective: to investigate the influence of the aesthetic component of dental health on the anxiety level and quality of life of socially active elderly patients. Patients and methods. A total of 32 patients aged 60 to 67 years who had a poor aesthetic appearance of the hard tissues of the front teeth were followed up. All the patients underwent determination of anxiety levels by the Spielberger–Hanin procedure and assessment of quality of life using an abbreviated 26-item version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF-26) questionnaire; the updated Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) was also used. Aesthetic rehabilitation of vital front teeth was carried out using photo composite materials made in Russian and foreign countries. Results. Before treatment, the state anxiety scores were 54±1.4 scores; the trait anxiety ones were 41±1.2 scores; at 1 week after treatment, these were 42±0.5 and 39±0.6, respectively (p ≤ 0.05 for both indicators), and at 6 months, these were 44±0.5 and 43±0.7, respectively. Conclusion. The aesthetic component of dental health in socially active elderly patients is directly proportional to quality of life and inversely proportional to the level of trait or state anxiety. Russian and foreign photo composite restorative materials showed equal sustained performance.
Conservative treatment for patients with discogenic lumbosacral radiculopathy: results of a prospective follow-up
Authors: Ivanova M. A. , Parfenov V. A. , Isaikin A. I.
Published: November 2018

Surgical treatment as accelerated functional recovery for discogenic radiculopathy has been proven to have advantages over medical treatment, the efficiency of which remains debatable. Objective: to investigate the efficiency of combination conservative treatment in patients with discogenic lumbosacral radiculopathy. Patients and methods. Thirty patients (12 men and 18 women; mean age, 39.5±2.2 years) with discogenic lumbosacral radiculopathy confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging were followed up. All the patients underwent combination conservative treatment (epidural glucocorticoid administration, analgesic therapy, and motor mode correction). They were surveyed using questionnaires (numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), Oswestry disability index, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the 12-Item Short Form (SF-12) of Quality of Life (QoL) Questionnaire on admission to the clinic, at 7-14 days after treatment (pain intensity and functional status), and in the long-term period (at 3, 6 and 12 months) after discharge. At baseline, the patients were severely disabled due to pain syndrome. The average Oswestry index was 57.9±3.7%, the back and leg pain intensity scores were 6.5±0.6 and 6.9±0.5, respectively, as evidenced by NPRC. The majority of patients were found to have the combined musculoskeletal sources of pain, such as a myofascial component in 56.7% and sacroiliac joint dysfunction in 43.3%. In these cases, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants were additionally used. Results. The conservative treatment resulted in a statistically significant clinical improvement with a preserved positive effect in the long term: at 1 year, the average Oswestry index was equal to 16.6±3.9%, the back and leg pain intensity scores were 1.7±0.5 and 1.6±0.5, respectively, as shown by NPRC (p<0.001 vs baseline). Within a year, only one female patient required surgical treatment; regression of large extrusions and sequesters, the average initial size of which reached 11.1 mm, was observed in 9 cases. Conclusion. The findings reflect the efficiency of conservative treatment and the expediency of detecting mixed musculoskeletal disorders and their correction in discogenic radiculopathy.
Pharmacoeconomic analysis of the use of actovegin in patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment in the health care system of the Russian Federation
Authors: Ryazhenov V. V. , Gorokhova S. G. , Knyazev A. V.
Published: November 2018

Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is often characterized by a complex prognosis of neurorehabilitation, insufficient restoration of the functional status of patients, and a high risk of recurrent strokes and disability, which determines considerable health care costs. Objective: to carry out a comparative pharmacoeconomic analysis of the use of actovegin (Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Switzerland) in Russian patients with PSCI. Patients and methods. The investigation was conducted using a modeling method to determine the cost-effectiveness of competing treatment strategies: standard patient management; standard patient management and use of actovegin. Data from the ARTEMIDA clinical trial were used. Results and discussion. The use of actovegin was economically justified, which was expressed in more preferable cost-effectiveness indicators. Also, the use of actovegin in patients significantly reduced the risk of post-stroke dementia and, accordingly, the cost of treatment in future periods. Conclusion. The findings data indicate the clinical and economic feasibility of using actovegin in patients with PSCI.
MicroRNA expression profile in patients in the early stages of ischemic stroke
Authors: Zhanin I. S. , Gusar V. A. , Timofeeva A. T. , Pinelis V. G. , Asanov A. Yu.
Published: November 2018

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the population, has a complex multifactorial nature and develops through the interaction of environmental factors and genetic predisposition, the pattern and mechanisms of which have been insufficiently studied. Ischemic stroke (IS) is most commonly encountered. Objective: to investigate the differential expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the plasma of patients in the acute and subacute stages of stroke. Patients and methods. The investigation enrolled 10 patients (5 men and 5 women; mean age, 64.5 years) with IS and 10 gender- and agematched volunteers (a control group). A real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to analyze the expression of 45 miRNAs isolated from the plasma samples of the patients on days 1 and 8 after onset of IS and isolated once from those of the controls. Results. A list of 45 miRNAs, that might be potential biomarkers and/or prognostic factors of stroke, was compiled. The investigation showed a decrease in let-7i-3p and miR-23a-3p miRNA expression in patients on the first day after onset of IS compared to the control group. The expression of miR-23a-3p increased in the patients at 8 days after IS. The patients with IS and the controls both showed gender differences in the expression of let-7i-5p and miR-92b-3p. Conclusion. The in-silico analysis revealed specific miRNA clusters associated with the peculiarities of clinical manifestations of IS. This may suggest that the patients with the favorable and unfavorable course of stroke may have its different molecular basis. In addition, it is necessary to take into account gender differences in the expression of individual miRNAs in assessing their significance in the pathogenesis and prognosis of IS.
Effect of mexidol on the efficiency of intravenous thrombolytic therapy for ischemic stroke during the therapeutic window
Authors: Knni K. S. , Dyomin T. V. , Adeeva L. B.
Published: November 2018

Objective: to evaluate the effect of intravenous mexidol on the efficiency of intravenous thrombolytic therapy (TLT) during the therapeutic window. Patients and methods. The retrospective study enrolled 123 patients with ischemic stroke (IS) who had undergone intravenous TLT in the vascular centers of the Republic of Tatarstan. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was used to assess the time course of changes in their neurological status. According to the baseline severity of a neurological deficit, all the patients were divided into three subgroups: 1) mild IS (<8 NIHSS scores at admission); 2) moderate IS (>8 scores); and 3) severe IS (<16 scores). All the patients underwent X-ray computed tomography at admission, at 24 hours after TLT, and in case of worsening of their health status. Results. The prehospital use of mexidol followed by TLT in patients with IS had a positive effect on the regression of neurological deficit regardless of the severity of the disease. There were significant differences in the degree of regression of neurological deficit according to NIHSS at 24 hours and 10 days after hospital admission in patients with severe IS, who received intravenous mexidol at the prehospital stage and who did not take this drug before TLT. The pre-TLT use of mexidol contributed to higher regression of neurological deficit. There was a lower frequency of hemorrhagic transformations in the patients who used mexidol at the prehospital stage versus those who did not. Conclusion. The findings demonstrate the positive effect of mexidol on the efficiency and safety of TLT in patients with IS.
Benign syringomyelia with the abortive type of the course
Authors: Mendelevich E. G. , Nurullina Ch. S.
Published: November 2018

Syringomyelia is a chronic disease with progressive cavitation and clinical presentations of spinal cord injury. The paper describes clinical cases of a rare benign variant of syringomyelia with spontaneous cavity collapse. The peculiarity of the described clinical cases is childhood-onset of the disease, lack of progression and/or development of myelopathic symptoms, and signs of syringomyelia cavity collapse according to magnetic resonance imaging findings. The authors designate this childhood-onset variant of the disease as abortive. The tendency towards collapse in the cavity in these patients may be due to a single pathogenetic mechanism, which is of interest for a further investigation.
Balo's concentric sclerosis: a clinical case
Authors: Litvinenko I. V. , Bisaga G. N. , Chirsky V. S. , Gimadutdinov R. F. , Dynin P. S. , Golokhvastov S. Yu. , Lobzin V. Yu.
Published: November 2018

This paper describes a case of Balo's concentric sclerosis, a rare demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which is currently classified as multiple sclerosis. In recent years, there has been a more favorable clinical course of Balo's sclerosis. The significant polymorphism of clinical manifestations of the disease, its neuroimaging pattern, and laboratory tests cause difficulties diagnosing this pathology. Its differentiation with CNS tumors presents a particular challenge. So it also happens in the described clinical case, when computed tomography revealed the signs of space-occupying lesion, the histological pattern of concentric focus biopsy specimen indicated the presence of protoplasmic astrocytoma. However, immunohistochemical analyses of the biopsy specimen, immunological examination of cerebrospinal fluid, as well as the typical magnetic resonance imaging changes of Balo's sclerosis could suggest the demyelinating nature of the pathological process. The article shows that immunohistochemical techniques for examining a brain biopsy specimen and immunological assays of blood and cerebrospinal fluid are of great diagnostic value.
Tensões na gestão do Programa Benefício de Prestação Continuada na Escola
Authors: Sobrinho Reginaldo Célio , Cunha Monica Isabel Carleti , Pantaleão Edson
Published: November 2018

O Programa Benefício de Prestação Continuada na Escola é intersetorial e objetiva identificar e atuar na superação de barreias que impedem a efetividade do processo de escolarização de crianças e de adolescentes com deficiência em situação de extrema pobreza. A coordenação desse programa ocorre por meio de grupos gestores, legalmente constituídos nos Estados e nos municípios. Considerando a pertinência desse programa no conjunto de ações indutoras de políticas públicas, neste texto objetivamos problematizar questões relativas à composição e à dinâmica de trabalho da Comissão Gestora Local do Programa “BPC na Escola” com atuação no município de Vitória-ES. A coleta e a produção dos dados esteve orientados pela perspectiva teórico-metodológica da Sociologia Figuracional, elaborada por Norbert Elias. Estudamos documentos, realizamos de entrevistas semiestruturadas envolvendo os integrantes da Comissão Gestora e acessamos as “memórias” de seis reuniões ordinárias realizadas por essa comissão no ano de 2015. Dos resultados, observamos que as políticas neoliberais em curso trazem implicações imediatas nas atividades da Comissão Gestora Local. Associado a isso, observa-se que a significativa rotatividade dos seus membros ocasiona dificuldades e impasses nos encaminhamentos políticos e administrativos. Destaca-se a pertinência de a administração municipal comprometer-se com uma agenda de trabalho que garanta planejamento, execução e avaliação das políticas sociais implementadas.
Indagación narrativa sobre las tensiones vividas por un profesor de educación secundaria en el proceso de creación curricular
Authors: Martín Alonso Diego , Blanco García Nieves , Sierra Nieto J. Eduardo
Published: November 2018

En este artículo profundizamos en las tensiones que vive el profesorado cuando las pretensiones del plan curricular y la experiencia vivida en clase no coinciden. A través de una indagación narrativa ahondamos en la experiencia de un docente de Educación Secundaria, deteniéndonos en un periodo en que vivió un fuerte desencuentro con el currículum oficial y la inspección educativa. Posteriormente, a través de un análisis exegético, ponemos en conversación el relato del profesor con la literatura científica, tratando de abrir preguntas e hilos de pensamiento que ayuden a que las tensiones puedan ser vividas de manera fructífera. El análisis señala a cuatro dimensiones donde se producen las tensiones: necesidades, lenguaje, singularidad de la experiencia y tiempo. Finalmente, el estudio de estas tensiones indica que su origen se sitúa en un marco epistemológico, es decir, es fruto de una fricción entre distintas perspectivas de conocimiento profesional sobre lo educativo, que se terminan convirtiendo en modos diferentes de abordar la planificación y el oficio docente.
Larvicidal activity of phytoextracts against dengue fever vector, Aedes aegypti - A review
Authors: Lakshmi Kalarikkal Venugopalan , Sudhikumar Ambalaparambil Vasu , Aneesh Embalil Mathachan
Published: November 2018

Since Aedes aegypti is considered as the major vector of dengue fever, development of strategies to accomplish improved vector control without much interference in the environment composition are more common. As phytochemicals are now in the run for achieving this goal, this review is a humble attempt to recognize the plant species and their larvicidal efficacy with their inhibitory action on the life cycle of the species of interest, that has been documented through various studies conducted till date. Here we also discuss the synergistic impact of a number of phytoextracts which will provide more efficient control measures for mosquito vectors. All these studies are an exploration for a risk-free vector control tactic to replace the current chemical insecticide application for the betterment of our nature.
Karyotype analysis of Solanum torvum Sw. - an ethnobotanical Solanaceous species of Tripura, North East India
Authors: Singha H. Reshmi , Chowdhury Bipul Das , Sinha Sangram , Sinha Rabindra Kumar
Published: November 2018

Solanum torvum Sw. is a wild Solanaceous plant species, commonly used by the indigenous people of Tripura. Cytological study of the species was carried out to determine the somatic chromosome number and to construct the karyotype formula. The detailed karyomorphological analysis revealed 2n=24 somatic chromosomes having haploid number n=12. The size of chromosomal complement was found to range from 2.14±0.21 to 4.02±0.26 µm with a pair of chromosomes bearing secondary constrictions. Strictly median primary constriction was recorded in two pairs of chromosomes. In general, karyotype formula was found to be A2B4C18. The detailed karyotype analysis revealed that chromosomes are generally small in size and fall under the Stebbins category of “2A” indicating symmetrical nature of the karyotype. The present study could be utilised in understanding the cytogenetic nature of the species and for future crop improvement programme.
TUFT1 promotes osteosarcoma cell proliferation and predicts poor prognosis in osteosarcoma patients
Authors: Yu Yao-Ping , He Jian-Guo , Li Ping , Qiu Ning-Hui , Wang Li-Jun , Feng Hui
Published: November 2018

Objective

This study is aimed at exploring the role of TUFT1 in osteosarcomas.

Methods

We investigated the expression of TUFT1 in osteosarcoma cell lines and explored the correlation between TUFT1 expression and prognosis in osteosarcoma patients based on the expression data downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) website. The effects of TUFT1 on osteosarcoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion were investigated by silencing TUFT1 in osteosarcoma MG63 cell line. Finally, western blot was performed to determine the expression changes of MAPK signaling pathway related proteins after silencing TUFT1.

Results

We found that the expression of TUFT1 was significantly up-regulated in osteosarcoma cell lines compared with the normal control. Using Kaplan-Meier analysis, we identified that high TUFT1 expression was positively correlated with poor prognosis in osteosarcoma patients. Furthermore, knockdown of TUFT1 remarkably inhibited MG63 cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Using western blot analysis, we found that the phosphorylation levels of MEK and ERK were reduced obviously in MG63 cells after silencing TUFT1 (p<0.01).

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that TUFT1 plays a promoting role in MG63 cell proliferation and metastasis and has the potential to be a predictor as well as a therapeutic target for osteosarcoma patients.
The prediction of cardiac events in patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction: A meta–analysis of serum uric acid
Authors: Wang Hailong , Yang Jianjun , Sao Jiang , Zhang Jianming , Pang Xiaohua
Published: November 2018

Objective

The current study aimed to explore the predictive ability of serum uric acid (SUA) in patients suffering from acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Method

PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Medline databases were systematically searched from their respective inceptions to February 2018. Systematic analysis and random-effects meta–analysis of prognostic effects were performed to evaluate STEMI outcomes [i.e., in-hospital mortality, one-year mortality, in-hospital Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE)] in relation to SUA.

Results

A total of 12 studies (containing 7,735 patients with acute STEMI) were identified (5,562 low SUA patients and 3,173 high SUA patients). Systematic analysis of these studies showed that high SUA patients exhibited a higher incidence of in-hospital MACE (OR, 2.30; P < 0.00001), in-hospital mortality (OR, 3.03; P < 0.0001), and one-year mortality (OR, 2.58; P < 0.00001), compared with low SUA patients.

Conclusions

Acute STEMI patients with high SUA exhibited an elevated incidence rate of in-hospital MACE, in-hospital mortality, and one-year mortality. Further randomized controlled trials will be needed to verify these results.
Risk expansion of Cr through amphibious clonal plant from polluted aquatic to terrestrial habitats
Authors: Xu Liang , Wu Xiao , Xiang Dan
Published: November 2018

Resource sharing between the connected ramets of clonal plants through physiological integration can increase the tolerance of plants to environmental stress. However, the role of physiological integration in the translocation of heavy-metal pollutants between different habitats receives little attention, especially in the aquatic-terrestrial ecotones. An amphibious clonal plant Alternanthera philoxeroides was used to simulate plant expansion from unpolluted soil to a chromium (Cr)-polluted water environment. Basal older ramets growing in unpolluted soil were connected or disconnected with apical younger ramets of the same fragments in polluted environments at different Cr concentrations. Harvested basal ramets were also used for decomposition tests for the loss of residual mass and release of Cr to soil. With increasing Cr concentration there was reduction in biomass of the apical ramets, especially those separated from the basal parts. Cr was detected in the basal ramets with connection to apical parts. The decomposition of plant litter from the basal ramets connected with polluted apical parts might release retained Cr to unpolluted soil. The amount and chemical forms of Cr in the plant litter changed over time. It is concluded that Cr could be transferred from polluted aquatic to unpolluted terrestrial habitats through amphibious clonal plants.
Overexpression of Zinc Finger Transcription Factor ZAT6 Enhances Salt Tolerance
Authors: Tang Wei , Luo Caroline
Published: November 2018

The purpose of the present investigation is to examine the function of the C2H2-type zinc finger transcription factor of Arabidopsis thaliana 6 (ZAT6) in salt stress tolerance in cells of rice (Oryza sativa L.), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.). Cells of O. sativa, G. hirsutum, and P. elliottii overexpressing ZAT6 were generated using Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation. Molecular and functional analysis of transgenic cell lines demonstrate that overexpression of ZAT6 increased tolerance to salt stress by decreasing lipid peroxidation and increasing the content of abscisic acid (ABA) and GA8, as well as enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as ascorbate peroxidise (APOX), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). In rice cells, ZAT6 also increased expression of Ca2+-dependent protein kinase genes OsCPK9 and OsCPK25 by 5–7 fold under NaCl stress. Altogether, our results suggest that overexpression of ZAT6 enhanced salt stress tolerance by increasing antioxidant enzyme activity, hormone content and expression of Ca2+-dependent protein kinase in transgenic cell lines of different plant species.
Sini decoction intervention on atherosclerosis via PPARγ-LXRα-ABCA1 pathway in rabbits
Authors: Ju Shicong , Chang Xiaorong , Wang Jun , Zou Xufeng , Zhao Zhao , Huang Zhen , Wang Yuanhong , Yu Baosheng
Published: November 2018

Aim

Sini decoction (SND) is a commonly used herbal formula showing lipid-lowering effects and is applied in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and atherosclerosis (AS). However, the mechanisms behind its anti-atherosclerotic effects are still unknown, and will be investigated in this study.

Methods

AS was induced in rabbits by high fat diet (HFD) and treated with solvent (HFD group), atorvastatin (Ator group), or SND (SND group) for 12 weeks. Healthy rabbits (Chow group) were used as control. Serum and liver homogenates were collected, and lipid profiles as well as serum ApoA-I and ApoB were examined. Histopathological changes and lipid deposition in the proximal aorta and liver were detected by Oil red O staining. Western blot was used to detect the expression of ABCA1, ApoA-I, ApoB, PPARγ, and LXRα in liver, peritoneal macrophages, peripheral mononuclear cells (PMC), and adipose tissues.

Results

SND significantly attenuated the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) in serum and liver. However, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) dramatically increased. SND treatment also decreased lipid deposition and improved the structure of the liver and aorta. Furthermore, SND enhanced the expression levels of ABCA1, PPARγ, and LXRα in liver, adipose tissues, PMC, and peritoneal macrophages. It also upregulated hepatic and serum ApoA-I expression and serum ApoA-I/ApoB ratio. CONCLUSIONS:SND treatment relieved AS, improved lipid profiles, and increased serum HDL-C level. The potential mechanism behind this might be the improvement of reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) involved with enhanced expression of ABCA1, ApoA-I, PPARγ, and LXRα.
Structural phenomenology: A reading of the early Husserl
Authors: Aurora Simone
Published: November 2018

The aim of this paper is to show that Edmund Husserl’sLogical Investigationsshould be regarded as one of the fundamental sources of structuralism. Husserl’s version of structuralism is, however, quite original in many respects. Indeed, what Husserl advocates in his works can be defined, following and expanding a line of research inaugurated by scholars like Elmar Holenstein and Giovanni Piana (see Holenstein, E. 1975.Roman Jakobsons phänomenologischer Strukturalismus. Frankfurt: Suhrkamp, Holenstein, E. 1976.Linguistik, Semiotik, Hermeneutik: Plädoyers für eine strukturale Phänomenologie. Frankfurt: Suhrkamp, Holenstein, E. In publication.Phenomenological Phenomenology of Language: Scattered Papers. Geneva: sdvig, Piana, G. 2013a. L'idea di uno strutturalismo fenomenologico. In G. Piana (ed.),Strutturalismo fenomenologico e psicologia della forma, 5–17.http://www.lulu.com/shop/giovanni-piana/strutturalismo-fenomenologico-e-psicologia-della-forma/paperback/product-21332317.html(accessed 20 February 2018), Piana, G. 2013b. Momento figurale e qualità ghestaltica. In G. Piana (ed.),Strutturalismo fenomenologico e psicologia della forma, 101–119.http://www.lulu.com/shop/giovanni-piana/strutturalismo-fenomenologico-e-psicologia-della-forma/paperback/product-21332317.htmlaccessed 20 February 2018), in terms ofphenomenological structuralismor ofstructural phenomenology.
A Semiotic Interpretation of Online Selfie Culture
Authors: Liu Yin
Published: November 2018

The awakening or crisis of individual self-consciousness has been frequently included in the study of online selfie culture, while the reinforcement of public self-consciousness, the strengthening of civil confidence, and even the resurgence of national confidence can be detected from its popularity when studied with the application of Lotman’s cultural semiotics, especially the unique dialogic mechanism as well as Lotman’s viewpoint on the space–time structure of the semiosphere. With dialogue situation created and meaning generated, textual dialogues help the construction of self-consciousness through the “I–I” and “I–s/he” system; cultural dialogues make it ultimately welcomed by mainstream culture, which embodies the enhancement of mass self-consciousness. In the semiosphere, selfies reconstruct our self-consciousness in the time–space structure of cultures. The shift of self-consciousness from low-profile to high-profile represents the booming confidence of the Chinese. As a work of art is a finite model of an infinite universe, a “picture of the world,” selfies are also the pictures of growing national confidence.
Japanese Semiotic Studies in China
Authors: Li Guangzhen , Jia Lei
Published: November 2018

The attention to semiotic research in Japan and exchanges concerning this within China's academic circles have demonstrated different characteristics at different stages of the development of this field. In the 1980s and 1990s, academic articles relevant to this research mainly focused on the review of Japanese semiotic studies, with frequent exchanges in the academic circles of both countries. However, since the beginning of the new millennium, Chinese scholars of semiotics have begun to apply semiotic theories to Japanese Studies and have obtained a series of concrete and solid academic achievements, shedding new light on Japanese Studies in China.
Creating Society in Orwell’s1984
Authors: Kalelioğlu Murat
Published: November 2018

In this paper, the idea of constructing a new society in George Orwell’s1984is analyzed in the context of the Paris School’s semiotics trajectory. Saussurean legacy, which heavily sheds light on the semiotic conception of the school proposed by Greimas, asserts the significance of dichotomies for signs to gain their meaning. Accordingly, the study is grounded on thedesiredandnon-desiredcontrariety to make the analysis with the semiotic square meaningful. It is possible to encounter the traces of the proposed idea pertaining to the struggle of forming an ideal society at all levels of meaning, predominantly at the deep level as the proposed idea represents the elementary meaning of the narrative, throughout the text. Considering the approach,desiredsociety gains its meaning in the face of thenon-desiredone relativistically. Regarding the opposition theory of Saussure, what is good for the Party is not supposed to be good for the Opponents. For this reason, the idea of creating society is on the battleground, as there is an uphill fight between the ruling Party and the Opponents. The formation ofdesired societyis revealed thanks to the semiotic square by focusing on both positive and negative transition processes. The really interesting aspect that we encountered is the vicious unended cycle and the war that will never end between the stated groups within the framework of the ideology/axiology perspective.
Analysis of the Buddhist Conversion of Great Sage
Authors: Wang Feng (Robin) , Humblé Philippe
Published: November 2018

As one of the four great classical novels of Chinese literature,The Journey to the Westnarrates a legendary Buddhist pilgrimage. Until now, the religious conversion in the novel remains much less explored by academia. We propose an innovative approach to addressing this shortfall by conducting a corpus-based investigation into the characterization of the protagonist “Great Sage.” We use the corpus tools BFSU PowerConc 1.0 and LancsBox v.2.0.1 to calculate and visualize the collocation networks of Great Sage: for one thing, to contextualize the complex interactions between him and the external environment; for another, to define and compare different phases of the character’s evolution. The collocational networks are derived by means of a quantitative approach, i.e. a mutual information (MI) score with collocation cutoff values. This lays an objective foundation for a subsequent qualitative interpretation of how the protagonist’s identity is forged in his conversion. Further, some associated literary and theological scholarships are woven into our text-based analysis.
The Rise of Semio-Narratology
Authors: Zhao Henry Yiheng , Fang Xiaoli
Published: November 2018

Yiheng Zhao is an eminent scholar of narratology and semiotics and a distinguished professor at Sichuan University. In this interview, Professor Zhao describes how semio-narratology is rising in China. He talks about his lifelong studies of form, including narratology, semiotics, and the theory of meaning, which can be called his “meaning trilogy,” corresponding to his three books, A general narratology, Semiotics, and Philosophical semiotics: The coming into being of the world of meaning. Zhao especially introduces his insightful ideas on the development of narratology and social semiotics and how he applies semiotic theory to narratology to build the interdisciplinary discipline of a general narratology, aka semio-narratology. Meanwhile Professor Zhao also shares his research methods and experience. He believes that scholars have to keep making breakthroughs and innovations and each make their own way.
The Scheme of Arrangement as a Debt Restructuring Tool in India: Problems And Prospects
Authors: Varottil Umakanth
Published: November 2018

The goal of this article is to analyse the scheme of arrangement as a debt restructuring tool in India and the extent to which it has been utilised. It finds that the scheme has been used sparingly for debt restructuring in India, and primarily in large and complex transactions. This is contrary to jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom and Singapore that have witnessed a rise in the use of this mechanism. This trend clearly indicates that the presence of an efficient restructuring mechanism in the legal rules is by itself inadequate to ensure its full utilisation. Apart from law on the statute books, necessary regard must be had to other legal and institutional considerations as well as a complex web of other factors, including historical and business considerations, which ultimately determine the success (or failure) of a mechanism such as the scheme of arrangement in each jurisdiction. In India, the scheme has been overshadowed by other mechanisms (both informal and formal), and that wide-ranging reforms to the law relating to corporate resolution have paid short shrift to the scheme. The article concludes with some recommendations to rejuvenate the use of schemes in India to exploit its full potential as an effective tool for debt restructuring.
Occurrence and Distribution of Races 713, 733 and 734 of Sunflower Downy Mildew Pathogen in the Russian Federation
Authors: Iwebor Maria , Antonova Tatiana , Saukova Svetlana
Published: November 2018

The samples of Plasmopara halstedii (the causal agent of sunflower downy mildew) were collected on sunflower fields in south of the Russian Federation: in the Krasnodar, Rostov and Stavropol regions, and in the Republic of Adygea in 2016 and 2017. Virulence code of 545 isolates was identified; i. e. 280 isolates originating from 24 fields in 2016, and 265 isolates from 17 fields in 2017. Races 330, 334, 710 and 730, widespread within the region in previous years, were found in all mentioned areas. In addition, races 713, 733 and 734 have been detected in several districts of the Krasnodar region since 2016. This is the first report of these races in Russia and above that the first record throughout Europe and Asia for the races 733 and 734. The identification of new P. halstedii races was confirmed by the method of cross inoculations from individual differential lines. The phenotype corresponding to virulence code 734 was in some cases disclosed as a mixture of race 334 with 710 or 730. The presence of several P. halstedii races on an individual plant was also confirmed for the first time in the territory of the Russian Federation.
The relationship between the dominant humor style, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills in trainee teachers in Turkey
Authors: Karahan T. Fikret , Yalcin B. Murat , Erbas Melda M. , Ergun Seda
Published: November 2018

We investigated the relation between humor styles used by 1456 volunteer trainee teachers and their emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills. The participants completed the Humor Styles Questionnaire (HQS), Revised Schutte Emotional Intelligence Test (R-SSEIT) and Problem-Solving Inventory (PSI). The highest-scoring HQS subscale for each participant was taken as the index HQS subscale and the two adaptive HQS subscale (affiliative and self-enhancing) scores and two maladaptive HQS subscale (aggressive and self-defeating) scores were added together in order to calculate each participant’s preferred total adaptive and maladaptive reflective humor style scores. Based on this score, every participant was identified as a maladaptive or adaptive reflective humor user. Women had better PSI and R-SSEIT scores compared to men (p<0.001). The highest index HQS subscales were aggressive humor (234, 36.6%) for men and affiliative humor (334, 40.9%) for women participants. Five hundred fifty women (67.4%) and 264 men (32.4%) were identified as adaptive humor dominant (x2=49.757, p<0.001). Adaptive humor styles (affiliative r=0.293, and self-enhancing r=0.263) were positively correlated with EI, while there was a negative relation between maladaptive humor styles (aggressive r=−0.294, and self-defeating r=−0.273) and EI. Affiliative humor and self-enhancing humor were positively correlated with problem-solving skills whereas aggressive humor and self-defeating humor were negatively correlated with problem-solving skills. The adaptive humor styles (affiliative r=−0.429, and self-enhancing r=−0.365) were negatively correlated with PSI, and positively correlated with maladaptive humor styles (aggressive r=0.426, and self-defeating r=0.323). At linear regression analysis, it was confirmed that humor styles were in correlation with EI and PSI. At binary logistic regression analysis, female gender (OR=1.9), and possessing higher levels of problem-solving skills (OR=1.058) and EI (OR=1.011) were identified as independent factors for using adaptive dominant humor styles.
The fatty acid profile and stable isotope ratios of C and N of muscle from cattle that grazed grass or grass/clover pastures before slaughter and their discriminatory potential
Authors: Moloney A.P. , O’Riordan E.G. , Schmidt O. , Monahan F.J.
Published: November 2018

Consumption of grazed pasture compared to concentrates results in higher concentrations, in beef muscle, of fatty acids considered to be beneficial to human health. Little information is available on the influence of the type of grazed forage. Our objectives were to determine 1) the effect of inclusion of white clover in a grazing sward on the fatty acid profile of beef muscle and 2) the potential of the fatty acid profile and stable isotope ratios of C and N to discriminate between beef from cattle that grazed grass-only or grass/clover swards before slaughter. A total of 28 spring-born Charolais steers grazed from March until slaughter in October, either on a perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) sward that received approximately 220 kg N/ha or a perennial ryegrass–white clover (Trifolium repens L.) sward that received 50 kg N/ha. The longissimus muscle from cattle finished on grass/clover had a higher (P < 0.05) proportion of C18:2 and C18:3 but a lower (P < 0.05) proportion of conjugated linoleic acid and δ15N value than animals finished on the grass-only sward. Discriminant analysis using the fatty acid data showed that, after cross-validation, 80.7% of grass/clover and 86.1% of grass-only muscle samples were correctly classified. Discriminant analysis using the stable isotope data showed that, after cross-validation, 95.7% of grass/clover and 86.5% of grass-only muscle samples were correctly classified. Inclusion of white clover in pasture is likely to have little effect on healthiness of meat for consumers. However, changes in fatty acids and stable isotopes can be used to distinguish between grass/clover-fed and grass-only-fed beef.
Hybridizing the Cuckoo Search Algorithm with Different Mutation Operators for Numerical Optimization Problems
Authors: Abed-alguni Bilal H. , Paul David J.
Published: November 2018

The Cuckoo search (CS) algorithm is an efficient evolutionary algorithm inspired by the nesting and parasitic reproduction behaviors of some cuckoo species. Mutation is an operator used in evolutionary algorithms to maintain the diversity of the population from one generation to the next. The original CS algorithm uses the Lévy flight method, which is a special mutation operator, for efficient exploration of the search space. The major goal of the current paper is to experimentally evaluate the performance of the CS algorithm after replacing the Lévy flight method in the original CS algorithm with seven different mutation methods. The proposed variations of CS were evaluated using 14 standard benchmark functions in terms of the accuracy and reliability of the obtained results over multiple simulations. The experimental results suggest that the CS with polynomial mutation provides more accurate results and is more reliable than the other CS variations.
Photocatalytic activity of Cu2O/ZnO nanocomposite for the decomposition of methyl orange under visible light irradiation
Authors: Wang Xian-sheng , Zhang Yu-duo , Wang Qiao-chu , Dong Bo , Wang Yan-jia , Feng Wei
Published: November 2018

ZnO is modified by Cu2O by the process of precipitation and calcination. X-ray diffraction has shown that Cu2O/ZnO catalysts are made of highly purified cubic Cu2O and hexagonal ZnO. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy have shown that ZnO adhered to the surface of Cu2O. Due to the doping of Cu2O, the absorption range of the Cu2O/ZnO catalyst is shifted from the ultraviolet to the visible region due to diffuse reflection. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectra have confirmed that there is a substantial interaction between the two phases of the resultant catalyst. The degradation efficiency of Cu2O/ZnO on methyl orange solution is obviously enhanced compared to Cu2O and ZnO. The maximum degradation efficiency is 98%. The degradation efficiency is affected by the pH of the solution and initial concentration. After three rounds of recycling, the degradation rate is almost same. This shows a consistent performance of Cu2O/ZnO. The increase in catalytic ability is related to the lattice interaction caused by the doping of Cu2O.
Effects of resveratrol and morin on insoluble tau in tau transgenic mice
Authors: Yu Kwun Chung , Kwan Ping , Cheung Stanley K.K. , Ho Amy , Baum Larry
Published: November 2018

Tauopathies are neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), in which tau protein aggregates within neurons. An effective treatment is lacking and is urgently needed. We evaluated two structurally similar natural compounds, morin and resveratrol, for treating tauopathy in JNPL3 P301L mutant human tau overexpressing mice. Rotarod tests were performed to determine effects on motor function. After treatment from age 11 to 14 months, brains of 26 mice were collected to quantify aggregated hyperphosphorylated tau by Thioflavin T and immunohistochemistry (IHC) and to quantify total tau (HT7 antibody) and hyperphosphorylated tau (AT8 antibody) in homogenates and a fraction enriched for paired helical filaments. Resveratrol reduced the level of total hyperphosphorylated tau in IHC sections (p=0.036), and morin exhibited a tendency to do so (p=0.29), while the two drugs tended to increase the proportion of solubilizable tau that was hyperphosphorylated, as detected in blots. Neither resveratrol nor morin affected motor function. One explanation of these results is that the drugs might interrupt a late stage in tau aggregation, after small aggregates have formed but before further aggregation has occurred. Further animal studies would be informative to explore the possible efficacy of morin or resveratrol for treating tauopathies.
Die Rolle von Gruppen für Sozialinvestitionen und partizipative Forschung darüber aus Capability-Sicht
Authors: Leßmann Ortrud , Buchner Elisabeth
Published: November 2018

Ziel dieses Beitrags ist es, die Rolle von Gruppen für Sozialinvestitionen aus Sicht des Capability-Ansatzes zu klären. Um die Zielgruppe sozialer Investitionen zu bestimmen, ist es nötig zu verstehen, warum welche Menschen in Not geraten, denn es geht bei Sozialinvestitionen darum, so „in Menschen zu investieren“, dass diese gar nicht erst in diese Lage kommen. Gemäß dem Capability-Ansatz ist es sinnvoll, umfassende soziale Teilhabe der Betroffenen anzustreben – und nicht nur ihre Beschäftigungsfähigkeit. Daher empfiehlt er, die Zielpersonen in die Auswahl und Gestaltung der Maßnahmen einzubeziehen. Im europäischen Forschungsprojekt RE-InVEST, das der Beitrag zur Illustration heranzieht, wurde erprobt, ob und wie dies geschehen kann. Die Beteiligung Betroffener in Form von „öffentlichem Vernunftgebrauch“ hat sich als möglich, jedoch auch sehr herausfordernd erwiesen, da diese verlangte, sich primär für jene einzusetzen, die in Zukunft oder stärker betroffen sind. Um sicherzustellen, dass die Beteiligten auch selbst profitieren, muss die Partizipation der Zielgruppe zum integralen Bestandteil der Konzeption und Ausgestaltung von Sozialinvestitionen werden.