bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypertriglyceridemia Is Associated with Reduced Leukoaraiosis Severity in Patients with a Small Vessel Stroke
Authors: Ke Daqiang , Zhou Feng , Liang Hui , Xu Yang , Lou Haiyan
Published: August 2018

Intracranial hemorrhage or microbleeds and leukoaraiosis have an overlap in biology. Hyperlipidemia may reduce the risk of ICH or cerebral microbleeds; studies focusing on the relationship between different lipid profiles and severity of periventricular hyperintensities (PVH) and subcortical white matter lesions (SWMLs) in the cerebral small vessel disease are limited. Methods. Patients with recent first lacunar infarct were recruited. PVH and SWMLs were accessed on MRI with the Fazekas scale, and lipid levels were measured. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were used to assess the relation between different lipid profiles and severity of PVH and SWMLs. Results. In univariate analyses, advancing age was correlated with increasing severity of leukoaraiosis (P<0.001). There was an inverse relationship between hypertriglyceridemia (hyper-TG) (≥1.7 mmol/l) and severity of leukoaraiosis (P<0.05). In the multivariable analysis, after controlling for age, sex, and significant risk factors in the univariate and age-adjusted analyses, hyper-TG demonstrated a protective effect on the severity of PVH and SWMLs (P<0.05). Higher total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were not associated with leukoaraiosis. Conclusions. Hyper-TG is associated with the severity of leukoaraiosis independent of other risk factors, and it might be a protective role in cerebral small vessel disease.
Pattern of the First Recurrence Has No Impact on Long-Term Survival after Curative Intent Surgery for Perihilar Cholangiocarcinomas
Authors: Blaga Madalina Maria , Brasoveanu Vladislav , Stroescu Cezar , Ionescu Mihnea , Popescu Irinel , Dumitrascu Traian
Published: August 2018

Aim. To explore the pattern of the first recurrence and impact on long-term survival after curative intent surgery for perihilar cholangiocarcinomas (PHC). Materials and Methods. Patients with curative intent surgery for PHC between 1996 and 2017 were analyzed. Survival times were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Comparisons were made with the log-rank test. Results. A number of 139 patients were included. The median overall survival was 26 months. A recurrence was observed in 86 patients (61.9%), during a median follow-up time of 89 months. The median disease-free survival was 21 months with 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year estimated recurrence rates of 38%, 60%, 69%, and 77%, respectively. A number of 57 patients (41%) developed distant only recurrence, while 26 patients (18.7%) presented local and distant recurrences. An isolated local recurrence was observed in 3 patients (2.2%). The median overall survival was 15 months for patients with local recurrence, 15 months for patients with liver metastases, and 17 months for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (p=0.903) as the first recurrence. Conclusion. Curative intent surgery for PHC is associated with high recurrence rates. Most patients will develop distant metastases, while an isolated local recurrence is uncommon. The pattern of recurrence does not appear to have a significant impact on survivals.
Crossing Virtual Doors: A New Method to Study Gait Impairments and Freezing of Gait in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Gómez-Jordana Luis I. , Stafford James , Peper C. (Lieke) E. , Craig Cathy M.
Published: August 2018

Studying freezing of gait (FOG) in the lab has proven problematic. This has primarily been due to the difficulty in designing experimental setups that maintain high levels of ecological validity whilst also permitting sufficient levels of experimental control. To help overcome these challenges, we have developed a virtual reality (VR) environment with virtual doorways, a situation known to illicit FOG in real life. To examine the validity of this VR environment, an experiment was conducted, and the results were compared to a previous “real-world” experiment. A group of healthy controls (N = 10) and a group of idiopathic Parkinson disease (PD) patients without any FOG episodes (N = 6) and with a history of freezing (PD-f, N = 4) walked under three different virtual conditions (no door, narrow doorway (100% of shoulder width) and standard doorway (125% of shoulder width)). The results were similar to those obtained in the real-world setting. Virtual doorways reduced step length and velocity while increasing general gait variability. The PD-f group always walked slower, with a smaller step length, and showed the largest increases in gait variability. The narrow doorway induced FOG in 66% of the trials, while the standard doorway caused FOG in 29% of the trials. Our results closely mirrored those obtained with real doors. In short, this methodology provides a safe, personalized yet adequately controlled means to examine FOG in Parkinson’s patients, along with possible interventions.
Teaching Games for Understanding Intervention to Promote Physical Activity among Secondary School Students
Authors: Wang Min , Wang Lijuan
Published: August 2018

Objectives. This study investigated the effectiveness of Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) intervention on the moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels of students from Grades 9 and 10. Methods. A total of 118 students from four classes (two TGfU groups and two technique groups) participated in this study. Accelerometers were used to measure the MVPA time of students, and formal interviews were conducted to identify the factors that contributed to the MVPA level of students in TGfU classes. Results. The results reveal that the TGfU [t (1, 57) = - 11.622, p <.001, and d =.841] and technical [t (1, 61) = -4.232, p <.001, and d =.236] group exhibited significantly improved MVPA levels in intervention phase. During the intervention period, the MVPA time of the TGfU group (M = 20.26, SD = 3.74) was significantly longer than that of the technique group [M = 17.62, SD = 3.37, t (1, 118) = 4.023, p < .001, and d = .35]. Moreover, in the TGfU classes, boys (M=21.476, SD =.719) spent significantly more time engaging in MVPA than girls (M = 19.135, SD = .645) [F (1, 57) = 5.807, p = .019, and η2= .09]. However, no significant differences were determined between the MVPA levels of high- and low-skilled students. Data gathered through interviews suggested that the nature of the games, the small-sided team, and the freedom and enjoyment experienced by the students through games may explain the high MVPA levels observed in the TGfU classes. Conclusion. TGfU intervention can potentially be used to promote physical activities and attain the recommended MVPA time in PE classes (50% class time).
Shared Variable Extraction and Hardware Implementation for Nonlinear Boolean Functions Based on Swarm Intelligence
Authors: Nan Longmei , Zeng Xiaoyang , Du Yiran , Dai Zibin , Chen Lin
Published: August 2018

To solve the problem of complex relationships among variables and the difficulty of extracting shared variables from nonlinear Boolean functions (NLBFs), an association logic model of variables is established using the classical Apriori rule mining algorithm and the association analysis launched during shared variable extraction (SVE). This work transforms the SVE problem into a traveling salesman problem (TSP) and proposes an SVE based on particle swarm optimization (SVE-PSO) method that combines the association rule mining method with swarm intelligence to improve the efficiency of SVE. Then, according to the shared variables extracted from various NLBFs, the distribution of the shared variables is created, and two corresponding hardware circuits, Element A and Element B, based on cascade lookup table (LUT) structures are proposed to process the various NLBFs. Experimental results show that the performance of SVE via SVE-PSO method is significantly more efficient than the classical association rule mining algorithms. The ratio of the rules is 80.41%, but the operation time is only 21.47% when compared to the Apriori method, which uses 200 iterations. In addition, the area utilizations of Element A and Element B expended by the NLBFs via different parallelisms are measured and compared with other methods. The results show that the integrative performances of Element A and Element B are significantly better than those of other methods. The proposed SVE-PSO method and two cascade LUT-structure circuits can be widely used in coarse-grained reconfigurable cryptogrammic processors, or in application-specific instruction-set cryptogrammic processors, to advance the performance of NLBF processing and mapping.
Multiobjective Structure Topology Optimization of Wind Turbine Brake Pads Considering Thermal-Structural Coupling and Brake Vibration
Authors: Zhang S. , Yin J. , Liu Y. , Sha Z. , Ma F. , Wang Y. , Rolfe B.
Published: August 2018

Brake pads of disc brake play an important role in the stable braking process of a large-megawatt wind turbine. There is always vibration, screaming, and severe nonuniform wear under the effect of both retardation pressure and friction. To solve these issues, this article aims to find a new structure of the brake pads to improve brake performance. A multiobjective structure topology optimization method considering thermal-structural coupling and brake vibration is carried out in this article. Based on topology optimization method of Solid Isotropic Microstructures with Penalization (SIMP), the compromise planning theory is applied to meet the stiffness requirement and vibration performance of brake pads. Structure of brake pads is optimized, and both the stiffness and vibration performance of brake pads are also improved. The disadvantages of single-objective optimization are avoided. Thermal-structural coupling analysis is tested with the actual working conditions. The results show that the new structure meets the stiffness requirement and improves the vibration performance well for the large-megawatt wind turbine. The effectiveness of the proposed method has been proved by the whole optimization process.
Network Traffic Flow Evolution Model Based on Disequilibrium Theory
Authors: Huang Zhongxiang , Wu Jianhui , Huang Ruqing , Xu Yan
Published: August 2018

The disequilibrium theory in economics is used to depict the network traffic flow evolution process from disequilibrium to equilibrium. Three path choice behavior criteria are proposed, and the equilibrium traffic flow patterns formed by these three criteria are defined as price regulation user equilibrium, quantity regulation user equilibrium, and price-quantity regulation user equilibrium, respectively. Based on the principle of price-quantity regulation user equilibrium, the method of network tatonnement process is used to establish a network traffic flow evolution model. The unique solution of the evolution model is proved by using Picard’s existence and uniqueness theorem, and the stability condition of the unique solution is derived based on stability theorem of nonlinear system. Through numerical experiments, the evolution processes of network traffic flow under different regulation modes are analyzed. The results show that all the single price regulation, single quantity regulation, and price-quantity regulation can simulate the evolution process of network traffic flow. Price-quantity regulation is the combination of price regulation user equilibrium and quantity regulation user equilibrium, which thus can simulate the evolution process of network traffic flow with multiple user class.
Phase II Trial of Alisertib in Combination with Irinotecan and Temozolomide for Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Neuroblastoma
Authors: DuBois Steven G. , Mosse Yael P. , Fox Elizabeth , Kudgus Rachel A. , Reid Joel M. , McGovern Renee , Groshen Susan , Bagatell Rochelle , Maris John M. , Twist Clare J. , Goldsmith Kelly , Granger M. Meaghan , Weiss Brian , Park Julie R. , Macy Margaret E. , Cohn Susan L. , Yanik Greg , Wagner Lars M. , Hawkins Randall , Courtier Jesse , Lai Hollie , Goodarzian Fariba , Shimada Hiroyuki , Boucher Najee , Czarnecki Scarlett , Luo Chunqiao , Tsao-Wei Denice , Matthay Katherine K. , Marachelian Araz
Published: August 2018

Purpose:

In phase I testing, alisertib tablets with irinotecan and temozolomide showed significant antitumor activity in patients with neuroblastoma. This study sought to confirm activity of this regimen; evaluate an alisertib oral solution; and evaluate biomarkers of clinical outcomes.

Patients and Methods:

We conducted a two-stage phase II trial of alisertib tablets (60 mg/m2/dose × 7 days), irinotecan (50 mg/m2/dose i.v. × 5 days), and temozolomide (100 mg/m2/dose orally × 5 days) in patients with relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma. The primary endpoint was best objective response. A separate cohort was treated with alisertib at 45 mg/m2 using oral solution instead of tablets. Exploratory analyses sought to identify predictors of toxicity, response, and progression-free survival (PFS) using pooled data from phase I, phase II, and oral solution cohorts.

Results:

Twenty and 12 eligible patients were treated in the phase II and oral solution cohorts, respectively. Hematologic toxicities were the most common adverse events. In phase II, partial responses were observed in 19 evaluable patients (21%). The estimated PFS at 1 year was 34%. In the oral solution cohort, 3 patients (25%) had first cycle dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). Alisertib oral solution at 45 mg/m2 had significantly higher median Cmax and exposure compared with tablets at 60 mg/m2. Higher alisertib trough concentration was associated with first cycle DLT, whereas MYCN amplification was associated with inferior PFS.

Conclusions:

This combination shows antitumor activity, particularly in patients with MYCN nonamplified tumors. Data on an alisertib oral solution expand the population able to be treated with this agent.
miR-652 Promotes Tumor Proliferation and Metastasis by Targeting RORA in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Sun Xiaomei , Dongol Samina , Qiu Chunping , Xu Ying , Sun Chenggong , Zhang Zhiwei , Yang Xingsheng , Zhang Qing , Kong Beihua
Published: August 2018

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy, whose incidence rate is on the rise. However, the underlying mechanisms of endometrial cancer are not very clear yet. miRNAs have been considered to be playing important roles in malignant behavior. Here, miR-652 was significantly upregulated in endometrial cancer, which correlated with shorter overall survival and earlier recurrence. Moreover, overexpression of miR-652 in endometrial cancer cells promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and facilitated tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. In contrast, downregulation of miR-652 in endometrial cancer cells inhibited these processes both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, miR-652 promotes proliferation and metastasis through directly targeting RORA. Both mRNA and protein level of RORA were negatively related with miR-652 and overexpression of RORA can rescue the promotion effect of miR-652. Further experiments indicated miR-652 overexpression can activate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and RORA can downregulate β-catenin and function as a tumor suppressor in endometrial cancer. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that miR-652 functions as an oncomir in endometrial cancer.

Implications:

This study suggests that the miR-652 is a critical regulator of proliferation and metastasis in endometrial cancer and may serve as a therapeutic target.
Evaluation of Sustained-Release Steroid Hydrogels in a Guinea Pig Model for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Authors: Zhu Chengjing , Gausterer Julia Clara , Schöpper Hanna , Nieratschker Michael , Saidov Nodir , Ahmadi Navid , Honeder Clemens , Gabor Franz , Arnoldner Christoph
Published: August 2018

The otoprotective effects of thermoreversible poloxamer 407 hydrogels containing dexamethasone or triamcinolone acetonide were evaluated in an animal model of noise-induced hearing loss. Seven days after noise exposure, hearing threshold shifts at 16 kHz were significantly reduced in the 6% dexamethasone group (p < 0.05). Even though no significant differences in hair cell counts were found, histological analysis revealed a significantly higher spiral ganglion cell density in the first turn of the cochlea in this group (p < 0.05). No otoprotective effects were observed after the application of the triamcinolone acetonide hydrogels. As the findings of this study indicate potential otoprotective effects of sustained topical dexamethasone delivery in the setting of noise-induced hearing loss, this strategy merits further evaluation.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Ocular Hypertension following Pars Plana Vitrectomy and Silicone Oil Injection
Authors: Jabbour Elyse , Azar Georges , Antoun Joelle , Kourie Hampig Raphael , Abdelmassih Youssef , Jalkh Alexandre
Published: August 2018

Purpose: To evaluate the risk factors for elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with silicone oil injection (SOI). Procedures: This prospective interventional study included 254 consecutive eyes receiving PPV with SOI. Results: Elevated IOP developed in 48% of the eyes postoperatively. The onset of IOP elevation was early (≤1 week) in 61.5% of the eyes, intermediate (1–6 weeks) in 28.7%, and late (> 6 weeks) in 9.8%. The incidence of IOP elevation was higher with primary uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment than with tractional detachment (p = 0.01). Pseudophakia, high myopia, and high preoperative IOP were found to have higher incidences of ocular hypertension, whereas diabetic patients had a lower incidence. Conclusion: IOP elevation is a common complication following silicone oil (SO) tamponade. Risk factors for ocular hypertension development are pseudophakia, high myopia, high preoperative IOP, and low-viscosity SO.
Sex Differences in the Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Nonvascular Cognitive Function in Rural, Low-Income Elderly in Tianjin, China
Authors: Liu Wei , Wu Yanan , Bai Lingling , Ni Jingxian , Tu Jun , Liu Jie , Deng Quanjun , Ning Xianjia , Wang Jinghua
Published: August 2018

Background: At the global level, dementia is the leading cause of dependence and disability among the elderly. Although the preponderant prevalence in women has been identified, the sex differences in risk factors were unclear. We aimed to evaluate the sex differences in the prevalence of nonvascular cognitive impairment and the risk factors among the elderly in rural China screened with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Methods: Between 2014 and 2015, a population-based cross-section study was conducted to collect basic information among the elderly aged 60 years and over. Those participants with the previous history of stroke or heart disease were excluded in this study. Nonvascular cognitive impairment was assessed using the MMSE scores. Results: The prevalence of cognitive impairment was 32.4% overall, 25.6% in men and 38.1% in women. In the multivariate analysis, older age and lower education were risk factors both in men and in women; older, large waist circumference was a protective factor for cognitive function in men; higher blood pressure was the risk factor in women. Conclusion: These findings suggest that it is crucial to manage and control hypertension and improve educational attainment in order to reduce the prevalence and burden of nonvascular cognitive impairment among low-income residents, both men and women, in rural China.
Extradural Spinal Hamartoma Causing Spinal Cord Compression in an Adolescent Male: An Extremely Rare Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Rege Shrikant , Tadghare Jitendra , Patel Akhilesh , Varma Amit
Published: August 2018

Spinal hamartoma is an extremely rare, benign spinal lesion occurring in children. It may cause spinal cord compression and subsequent neurological deficits. On reviewing the literature, of a total of 20 cases, only 2 cases are reported in an adolescent age group. It may be a pure spinal hamartoma, or sometimes it may be associated with either neurofibromatosis type I or spinal dysraphism. MRI is the investigation of choice. Surgical excision of the lesion and the decompression of the cord are the definitive treatment. Here, we pre­sent a similar case in a 16-year-old adolescent male, its diagnosis and further management.
Cognitive Therapy for Dementia Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Carrion Carme , Folkvord Frans , Anastasiadou Dimitra , Aymerich Marta
Published: August 2018

Background: Cognitive therapy is a well-established intervention for treating elderly suffering from dementia. In particular, reality orientation and skills training seem to be effective interventions for reversing cognitive impairment among elderly, although findings are inconclusive. Therefore, a systematic update of the existing evidence of cognitive therapy for people suffering from dementia is needed. Aim: To review existing scientific evidence regarding the efficacy of cognitive therapies for elderly suffering from dementia. Methods: Studies were retrieved from several bibliographic databases (January 2009 to December 2017) with prespecified selection criteria, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment. Results: In total, 10 reality orientation, 25 skills training, and 12 mixed trials were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria and were systematically reviewed. Results from reality orientation trials showed minor effects for cognitive assessments, while skills training trials and mixed trials showed contradicting effects on cognition. Effects on other outcomes (e.g., daily functioning, depression, language) were limited or not found. Conclusions: Skills training trials and mixed trials seem to affect cognitive impairment in a positive way, although the results are inconclusive. Comparison between studies was difficult due to differences in form of intervention. Because findings are inconclusive, more structuralized and comparable randomized controlled trials are needed.
Xenopus: An Undervalued Model Organism to Study and Model Human Genetic Disease
Authors: Blum Martin , Ott Tim
Published: August 2018

The function of normal and defective candidate genes for human genetic diseases, which are rapidly being identified in large numbers by human geneticists and the biomedical community at large, will be best studied in relevant and predictive model organisms that allow high-speed verification, analysis of underlying developmental, cellular and molecular mechanisms, and establishment of disease models to test therapeutic options. We describe and discuss the pros and cons of the frog Xenopus, which has been extensively used to uncover developmental mechanisms in the past, but which is being underutilized as a biomedical model. We argue that Xenopus complements the more commonly used mouse and zebrafish as a time- and cost-efficient animal model to study human disease alleles and mechanisms.
Thyroid Hormone Receptor Alpha Deletion in ApoE–/– Mice Alters the Arterial Renin-Angiotensin System and Vascular Smooth Muscular Cell Cholesterol Metabolism
Authors: Neggazi Samia , Canaple Laurence , Hamlat Nadjiba , Gauthier Karine , Samarut Jacques , Bricca Giampiero , Aouichat-Bouguerra Souhila , Beylot Michel
Published: August 2018

Thyroid hormone (TH) regulates gene transcription by binding to TH receptors (TRs). TRs regulate the genes of lipid metabolism and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). We examined the effect of TRα deletion in ApoE–/– mice (DKO mice) on the following: (i) the expression of genes controlling cholesterol metabolism and tissue (t)RAS in the liver and aorta and (ii) the expression of these genes and the regulation of cholesterol content in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). TRα deletion in ApoE–/– mice led to the repression of genes involved in the synthesis and influx of cholesterol in the liver. However, TRα deletion in the arterial wall suppressed the expression of genes involved in the esterification and excretion of cholesterol and enhanced the expression of angiotensinogen (AGT). The VSMCs of the ApoE–/– and DKO mice increased their cholesterol content during cholesterol loading, but failed to increase the expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1). T3 addition partially corrected these abnormalities in the cells of the ApoE–/– mice but not those of the DKO mice. In conclusion, TRα deletion in ApoE–/– mice slightly increases the expression of tRAS in the aorta and aggravates the dysregulation of cholesterol content in the VSMCs.
Eight Items to Check on a Temporal Bone CT-Scan
Authors: Polanski Jose Fernando , Lucinda Lucas Resende , Linder Thomas
Published: August 2018

Imaging data provided by computed tomography scans of the temporal bone are fundamental for both the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting this complex structure. Despite its importance, the expertise required to analyze this exam is seldom properly acquired as it is time-consuming and often neglected among young doctors and even otolaryngologists. Physicians may not even have a look at the scans but rely only on radiology reports. Radiologists, on the other hand, may not describe the individual scans the same way as clinicians. Lack of a standardized and didactic protocol for scrolling through the images obtained might also contribute to the difficulties reported by residents and physicians in daily practice. We present here a sequential checklist which could be employed in a systematic and organized manner, aiming to both develop and practice the know-how of this indispensable and challenging method of evaluation of the temporal bone.
Correlation between Serum Squamous Cell Carcinoma Antigen Level and Tumor Volume in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Jantharapattana Kitti , Kotamnivates Teerapol , Hirunpat Siriporn , Jarumanokul Roongrueng
Published: August 2018

Purpose of Study: An association of squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) level with cancer prognosis has been reported in many studies. Our investigators conducted the first study determining a correlation between the SCC-Ag level and the tumor volume in head and neck cancer. Procedures: The SCC-Ag level of patients were measured from the serum, whilst the tumor volume was calculated by the ellipsoid formula and verified by logistic software on radiology. The correlation between SCC-Ag level and tumor volume was analyzed. Results: Fifty-two patients were studied, with the mean age of 62.4 years. Tumor types were: oral cavity cancer (11 cases, 21.6%), oropharyngeal cancer (21 cases, 40.38%), hypopharyngeal cancer (8 cases, 15.7%), and laryngeal cancer (12 cases, 23.5%). Mean tumor volume was 20.01 mL (range 0.02–91.46 mL). Mean SCC-Ag level was 2.69 ng/mL (range 0.5–14.6 ng/mL). The critical point of SCC-Ag was 5.8 ng/mL. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient between SCC-Ag level and tumor volume was 0.524 (p = 0.0002). Conclusions: SCC-Ag moderately correlates with tumor volume in head and neck cancer patients, with statistical significance. We suggest that using tumor volume, rather than a one-dimensional measurement such as tumor size, to analyze correlation with SCC-Ag offers a more accurate means of cancer prognosis.
Post-Prandial Hyperinsulinaemic Hypoglycaemia after Oesophageal Surgery in Children
Authors: Dastamani Antonia , Malhorta Neha , Güemes Maria , Morgan Kate , Rees Clare M. , Dattani Mehul , Shah Pratik
Published: August 2018

Introduction: Post-prandial hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia (PPHH) is a recognized complication of various gastric surgeries in children, but rarely reported after oesophageal atresia repair. We report 2 children diagnosed with PPHH after oesophageal surgery and the challenges of their management. Case 1: A 2-year-old boy diagnosed with oesophageal atresia at birth was surgically repaired requiring 6 oesophageal dilatations in the first year of life. At 11 months of age, he manifested hypoglycaemic seizures and investigations confirmed PPHH. Acarbose and diazoxide trials failed. He was managed with 17-h continuous gastrostomy feeds. Currently, he is 28 months old with euglycaemia on daytime bolus gastrostomy feeds and overnight 12-h continuous gastrostomy feeds. Case 2: A 6-month-old girl diagnosed with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome and tracheo-oesophageal fistula was surgically repaired, requiring monthly oesophageal dilatations. At 5 months of age, she was reported to have hypoglycaemia and PPHH was confirmed. She responded to diazoxide and continuous nasogastric tube feeds, but developed pulmonary hypertension pos­sibly diazoxide-induced. Subsequently, diazoxide was stopped and normoglycaemia was secured via 20-h continuous gastrostomy feeds. Conclusion: PPHH may be an underdiagnosed complication in children undergoing surgery for oesophageal atresia. These children must be monitored closely for symptoms of hypoglycaemia and if there are concerns must be screened for possible PPHH. Our cases demonstrate that continuous feeding regimens might be the only therapeutic option, until PPHH gradually lessens in intensity over time.
High Dietary ω-6:ω-3 PUFA Ratio Is Positively Associated with Excessive Adiposity and Waist Circumference
Authors: Torres-Castillo Nathaly , Silva-Gómez Jorge Antonio , Campos-Perez Wendy , Barron-Cabrera Elisa , Hernandez-Cañaveral Ivan , Garcia-Cazarin Mary , Marquez-Sandoval Yolanda , Gonzalez-Becerra Karina , Barron-Gallardo Carlos , Martinez-Lopez Erika
Published: August 2018

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze dietary ω-6:ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio and its association with adiposity and serum adiponectin levels in a Mexican population. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, individuals with a BMI ≥ 18.5 kg/m2, were classified using four methods to measure adiposity. Parameters of body composition were measured by InBody 3.0. Diet intake was evaluated prospectively using a 3-day written food record. Serum high-molecular weight adiponectin isoform was measured using an ELISA assay. Biochemical and adiposity variables were analyzed by tertiles of dietary ω-6:ω-3 PUFA ratio. Results: A total of 170 subjects were recruited with a mean age of 36.9 ± 11.8 years. The 73.5% of subjects were women. Subjects in the higher tertile of dietary ω-6:ω-3 PUFA ratio had more adiposity and higher levels of triglycerides, VLDL-c, glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR than those in the first tertile (p < 0.05). Adiponectin levels showed a trend according to dietary ω-6:ω-3 PUFA ratio (p = 0.06). A linear regression model showed that waist circumference, insulin, and HOMA-IR have positive associations with dietary ω-6:ω-3 PUFA ratio. Conclusion: This study suggests that high dietary ω-6:ω-3 PUFA ratio is positively associated with excessive adiposity and worse metabolic profile.
Mechanisms of Action of Kefir in Chronic Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Pimenta Fabio S , Luaces-Regueira Maria , Ton Alyne MM , Campagnaro Bianca P , Campos-Toimil Manuel , Pereira Thiago MC , Vasquez Elisardo C 
Published: August 2018

The gut microbiota maintains a complex mutual interaction with different organs of the host. Whereas in normal conditions this natural community of trillions of microorganisms greatly contributes to the human health, gut dysbiosis is related with onset or worsening of diverse chronic systemic diseases. Thus, the reestablishment of gut microbiota homeostasis with consumption of prebiotics and probiotics may be a relevant strategy to prevent or attenuate several cardiovascular and metabolic complications. Among these functional foods, the synbiotic kefir, which is a fermented milk composed of a mixture of bacteria and yeasts, is currently the most used and has attracted the attention of health care professionals. The present review is focused on reports describing the feasibility of kefir consumption to provide benefits in cardiometabolic diseases, including hypertension, vascular endothelial dysfunction, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. Interestingly, recent studies show that mechanisms of actions of kefir in cardiometabolic diseases include recruitment of endothelial progenitor cells, improvement of the balance vagal/sympathetic nervous system, diminution of excessive generation of reactive oxygen species, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition, anti-inflammatory cytokines profile and alteration of the intestinal microbiota. These findings provide a better understanding about the mechanisms of the beneficial actions of kefir and motivate further investigations to determine whether the use of this synbiotic could also be translated into clinical improvements in cardiometabolic diseases.
Caracterização estratigráfica dos depósitos sedimentares cenozoicos da Bacia do Ribeirão Sardinha, porção sul do Quadrilátero Ferrífero (MG), e estabelecimento de background geoquímico
Authors: Santos Rayme Loureiro dos , Costa Adivane Terezinha
Published: August 2018

Este trabalho apresenta os resultados de levantamentos sedimentológicos e geoquímicos realizados na Bacia do Ribeirão Sardinha, porção sul do Quadrilátero Ferrífero, estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. O estudo fundamentou-se na caracterização faciológica de perfis verticais de depósitos de barrancos e terraços e em dados mineralógicos e químicos relacionados às fácies identificadas e aos sedimentos atuais do afluente principal (barras e canal). A amostragem das fácies reconhecidas e dos sedimentos atuais totalizaram 54 amostras. A mineralogia foi obtida via difração de raios X e os dados geoquímicos, através da espectrometria de emissão óptica por plasma acoplado indutivamente (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry — ICP-OES). Os dados químicos foram submetidos a análises de componentes principais (principal component analysis — PCA) e utilizados para a aplicação da técnica Tukey inner fence (TIF), que possibilitou o estabelecimento de valores de background dos seguintes elementos: Fe, Mn, Al, Ba, Cu, Zn, As, Ni, Cr e Co. Os resultados de PCA indicam uma forte relação entre o Mn e os sedimentos atuais do Ribeirão Sardinha. Outros padrões geoquímicos foram realçados pelas altas concentrações de Fe e Mn, relacionadas aos sedimentos arenosos e cascalhosos de barras e canal, e pelos elevados teores de Al e K vinculados aos sedimentos finos constituintes dos depósitos de planícies de inundação e de lagoas de cheia. Os cálculos dos valores de background mostram um valor de referência elevado para o As (32,89 mg/kg) e anomalias referentes às altas concentrações de Al, Cu, Zn, Ni e Cr, sugerindo fontes geogênicas. Por outro lado, anomalias referentes aos valores elevados de Co, Ba e Mn estão relacionadas a fontes antropogênicas.
History Awry: The Sarajevo Assassination Fallout According to Basara and Jergović
Authors: Brlek Tomislav
Published: August 2018

In Basara’s Anđeo atentata and Jergović’s Doboši noći the fiction of history is consistently being embrangled with the history of fiction, to the effect of constantly bringing up short all efforts to explain one in terms of the other. The literariness of the two novels being foregrounded precisely by its explicit denial, the issue of the interpretive bearing of narrative embedding on the factual content is inevitably raised. Relying on the theoretical insights of H. White, P. Ricoeur, R.N. Lebow and E. Runia, the paper argues that the demands thereby made on the reader work as a critique of the two principal means of making the disconcerting past conform: media sensationalism and exegetic misconstrual.
A Word Wowen Only of Consonants: Narrative Strategies in Hair Everywhere by Tea Tulić
Authors: Vidić Adrijana
Published: August 2018

Narrated in the first person, mostly from a child’s perspective, Hair Everywhere (2011) by the contemporary Croatian author Tea Tulić (b. 1978) presents the story of how a mother’s dying of tumour affects those around her through a series of simultaneously poetic and prosaic sketches, as moving as they are witty. While other members of the family are not ignored, the focus is squarely on the matrilineal trio, including the narrator and her grandma. Mysterious enough when taken individually, and only more so in the context of the collection as a whole, certain motifs are insistently repeated and varied in these fragments, mirroring the mother’s deterioration and the narrator’s infantile rationalisation, and all but achieve the status of private symbolism. The paper will discuss these narrative strategies in an attempt to establish how the composition of the collection bears upon its interpretation.
Narrative Strategies in the Works of Contemporary Female Writers of Bosnia & Herzegovina
Authors: Šunjić Ivan
Published: August 2018

This paper investigates narrative strategies in the prose and poetic works of several female writers of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The focus is on Elma Porobić, Lejla Kalamujić, Adisa Bašić, Tanja Stupar Trifunović, Emina Žuna, Maja Ručević and Dijala Hasanbegović. The works examined include three short story collections, three novels and one book of narrative poems. The paper will highligth the innovative character of the themes and styles which this pleiade of female writers has introduced into contemporary B&H literature.
Post-Yugoslav Serbian Literature and Its Roots in the Social and Political Changes
Authors: Orlić Milan
Published: August 2018

Post-Yugoslav literature and culture came out of the stylistic formations of Yugoslav modernism and postmodernism, in the context of European cultural discourse. Yugoslav literature, which spans the existence of “two” Yugoslavias, the “first” Yugoslavia (1928–1941) and the “second” socialist Yugoslavia (1945–1990), is the foundation of various national literary and cultural paradigms, which shared the same or similar historical, philosophical and aesthetic roots. These were fed, on the one hand, by a phenomenological understanding of the world, language, style and culture, and on the other, by an acceptance of or resistance to the socialist realist aesthetics and ideological values of socialist Yugoslav society. In selected examples of contemporary Serbian prose, the author explores the social context, which has shaped contemporary Serbian literature, focusing on its roots in Serbian and Yugoslav 20th century (post)modernism.
Reception of Svetlana Alexievich in China
Authors: Zhou Lu
Published: August 2018

In this paper we would like to offer an analysis of issues related to the translation of Alexievich’s works into Chinese. Furthermore, we will look at reviews of her books by Chinese scholars and critics. On the one hand, opinions of professional literary critics will be represented. On the other hand, we would like to show Chinese writers’ perception of her literary works. We will discuss her possible influence on modern Chinese literature. The conclusions will offer our reflections on how cultural, historical and conceptual connections have been forged between Alexievich’s literary legacy and her Chinese audience.
A new species of Daemonorops (Arecaceae) from Vietnam
Authors: HENDERSON ANDREW , DUNG NGUYEN QUOC
Published: August 2018

A new species, Daemonorops applanata, is described and illustrated, and compared to similar species in Vietnam.
On several species of Oswaldella Stechow, 1919 (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa), including the description of a new species
Authors: CANTERO A.L. PEÑA , MOLINERO A. GONZÁLEZ
Published: August 2018

Oswaldella is the most speciose genus of Antarctic hydroids, being one of the most characteristic genera of hydrozoans of the Antarctic benthic marine ecosystem. A relatively high number of taxonomic characters allow species identification, but some key ones are difficult to study properly with a light microscope. In order to improve knowledge of species of the genus, a SEM survey of five of the 27 known nominal species of Oswaldella was carried out, including type material of O. grandis and O. terranovae. The study has revealed no significant differences between O. stepanjantsae and O. terranovae and, consequently, the former is considered a junior synonym of the latter. The type material of O. terranovae included material of an unnoticed, unknown species, which is described as O. occulta sp. nov.
Revision of the genus Rustia Stål, 1866 (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Cicadinae) including a generic synonymy, four new combinations, and two new species from the Western Ghats, India
Authors: MARATHE KIRAN , SANBORN ALLEN F. , KUNTE KRUSHNAMEGH
Published: August 2018

The cicada genus Rustia Stål, 1866 is redescribed. The synonymy of Gudaba Distant, 1906 n. syn. is proposed reassigning the four species of that genus to become Rustia apicata (Distant, 1906) n. comb., Rustia longicauda (Lei, 1996) n. comb., Rustia maculata (Distant, 1912) n. comb., and Rustia marginata (Distant, 1897) n. comb. Two new species, Rustia minuta n. sp. and Rustia kodagura n. sp. that were found during our Indian cicada surveys in the Western Ghats are described. A key for the known species of the genus is provided.
Effect of Turbulence on Collisional Growth of Cloud Droplets
Authors: Li Xiang-Yu , Brandenburg Axel , Svensson Gunilla , Haugen Nils E. L. , Mehlig Bernhard , Rogachevskii Igor
Published: August 2018

We investigate the effect of turbulence on the collisional growth of micrometer-sized droplets through high-resolution numerical simulations with well-resolved Kolmogorov scales, assuming a collision and coalescence efficiency of unity. The droplet dynamics and collisions are approximated using a superparticle approach. In the absence of gravity, we show that the time evolution of the shape of the droplet-size distribution due to turbulence-induced collisions depends strongly on the turbulent energy-dissipation rate [Formula: see text], but only weakly on the Reynolds number. This can be explained through the [Formula: see text] dependence of the mean collision rate described by the Saffman–Turner collision model. Consistent with the Saffman–Turner collision model and its extensions, the collision rate increases as [Formula: see text] even when coalescence is invoked. The size distribution exhibits power-law behavior with a slope of −3.7 from a maximum at approximately 10 up to about 40 μm. When gravity is invoked, turbulence is found to dominate the time evolution of an initially monodisperse droplet distribution at early times. At later times, however, gravity takes over and dominates the collisional growth. We find that the formation of large droplets is very sensitive to the turbulent energy dissipation rate. This is because turbulence enhances the collisional growth between similar-sized droplets at the early stage of raindrop formation. The mean collision rate grows exponentially, which is consistent with the theoretical prediction of the continuous collisional growth even when turbulence-generated collisions are invoked. This consistency only reflects the mean effect of turbulence on collisional growth.
Effects of Long- and Short-Term Atmospheric Water Cycles on the Water Balance over the Maritime Continent
Authors: Kanamori Hironari , Kumagai Tomo’omi , Fujinami Hatsuki , Hiyama Tetsuya , Yasunari Tetsuzo
Published: August 2018

This study investigated atmospheric water cycles over several time scales to understand the maintenance processes that control heavy precipitation over the islands of the Maritime Continent. Large island regions can be divided into land, coastal, and ocean areas based on the characteristics of both the hydrologic cycle and the diurnal variation in precipitation. Within the Maritime Continent, the major islands of Borneo and New Guinea exhibit different hydrologic cycles. Large-scale circulation variations, such as the seasonal cycle and the Madden–Julian oscillation, have a lesser effect on the hydrologic cycle over Borneo than over New Guinea because the effects depend on their shapes and locations. The impact of diurnal variations on both regional-scale circulation and water exchange between land and coastal regions is pronounced over both islands. The recycling ratio of precipitation, which can be related to stronger diurnal variation in the atmospheric water cycle that results from enhanced evapotranspiration over tropical rain forests, is higher over Borneo than over New Guinea.
The chemo-enzymatic modification and degumming of hemp fiber by the laccase-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical-hemicellulase system and physico-chemical properties of the products
Authors: Yeping Xiang , Jianyong Yu , Liu Liu , Ruiyun Zhang , Yongshuai Qu , Miaolei Jing
Published: August 2018

In this study, we found an environmentally friendly system in the degumming of hemp fiber without using a strong acid and alkali. The chemo-enzymatic modification and degumming of hemp fiber used an acetic acid–sodium acetate buffer solution containing laccase, hemicellulase and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (TEMPO) under a mild condition (pH = 5, T = 50℃). Through comparing and analyzing the physical and chemical properties of fiber products under different treatments, we found the method involving treatment with TEMPO/laccase/hemicellulase not only greatly removed most of the gum attached on the surface of the raw hemp fiber, but also introduced surface-active aldehyde and carboxyl groups into the fiber. The performances of the hemp fibers with different treatments were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. We also found the product was finer, with a lower content of non-cellulosic components and it had better water uptake properties (moisture sorption and water retention value), which has potential application values in textile industries.
Does Location Matter? Performance Analysis of the Affordable Housing Programs with Respect to Transportation Affordability in Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) Metropolis
Authors: Hamidi Shima , Jahan Jinat , Moazzeni Somayeh
Published: August 2018

Transportation costs are the second largest expenditure for a family, thus have a substantial influence on housing affordability. In an auto-oriented region like DFW, the situation is exacerbated for low-income families due to limited transportation options. This study seeks to evaluate the efficiency of major affordable housing programs for low-income people in terms of transportation affordability. This study uses a rigorous methodology that involves a solid transportation cost modeling with disaggregated data available at property level for housing assistance programs in DFW. Our findings show that about 69% of the assisted units in DFW are unaffordable in terms of transportation costs. The majority of them are spending about 17% to 20% of their income on transportation. The most affordable program is Low-Income Housing Tax Credit with 58% affordability rate and the least affordable program is the Continuum of Care with 9% affordability rate when accounting for transportation costs. We also found that almost all affordable units (regarding the transportation costs) are located in main economic hubs of the region such as Dallas and Fort Worth which have better access to jobs and public transit. In contrary, almost all housing properties in the areas between Dallas and Fort Worth are unaffordable. These are areas adjacent to the University of Texas at Arlington with a high number of transit dependent population and in Arlington, the biggest midsize city with no public transit. Our findings urge HUD to consider modifying these programs by incorporating the location-efficiency factors to ensure true affordability.