bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Associations between Infertility and Antioxidants, Proinflammatory Cytokines, and Chemokines
Authors: Chyra-Jach Dorota , Kaletka Zbigniew , Dobrakowski Michał , Machoń-Grecka Anna , Kasperczyk Sławomir , Birkner Ewa , Kasperczyk Aleksandra
Published: July 2018

The aim of the study was to evaluate the parameters of oxidative stress and antioxidant defense in relation to the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in patients diagnosed with oligozoospermia and asthenozoospermia. Based on the basic parameters of the spermogram, the examined group (n = 243) was divided into three groups: oligospermic group (sperm count less than 15 × 106/ml) consisting of 152 men, astenozoospermic group (less than 40% of progressively moving sperm cells) consisting of 142 men, and oligoastenozoospermic group (both criteria met) consisting of 90 men. The control group consisted of 103 males with normal semen profile according to the WHO criteria. Total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in seminal plasma and spermatozoa lysate was significantly lower by 12% and 22%, respectively, in males with oligospermia than in the control group. Analogically, Mn‐SOD activity in spermatozoa lysate was significantly lower in males with oligospermia, asthenospermia, and oligoasthenospermia by 44%, 32%, and 45%, respectively. By contrast, CuZn‐SOD activity in spermatozoa lysate was significantly higher in males with oligospermia by 60%. The activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in seminal plasma was also significantly higher in males with oligospermia and oligoasthenospermia by 56% and 78%, respectively. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in seminal plasma was significantly higher in males with asthenospermia than in the control group by 12%. By contrast, the level of MDA in spermatozoa lysate was significantly lower in males with oligospermia, asthenospermia, and oligoasthenospermia by 26%, 20%, and 26%, respectively. The level of interleukin‐ (IL‐) 8 in seminal plasma was significantly higher in males with asthenospermia and oligoasthenospermia by 64% and 67%, respectively. Abnormalities in spermogram, such as oligospermia, asthenospermia, and oligoasthenospermia, may be related to a decreased activity of Mn‐SOD in spermatozoa and increased levels of chemokines in seminal plasma.
Impact of Hypothermia and Oxygen Deprivation on the Cytoskeleton in Organ Preservation Models
Authors: Thuillier Raphael , Hauet Thierry
Published: July 2018

Ischemia reperfusion (IR) lesions are an unavoidable consequence of organ transplantation. Researching new therapeutics against these lesions requires the definition of early mechanisms. The cytoskeleton is composed of 3 types of filaments: microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. We aimed to characterize the influence of preservation on their phenotype. In anin vitromodel using primary human endothelial cells reproducing the conditions of organ preservation, two aspects were explored: (a) the impact of IR and cold ischemia time on each filament type, evaluating the roles of temperature, solution, and oxygen; and (b) the potential of cytoskeleton-mediated therapy to alleviate cell death. Results showed that intermediary filaments were unaffected, while microfilaments showed radical changes with disappearance of the structure replaced by a disorganized array of nodules; moreover, microtubules almost completely disappeared with time. Furthermore, temperature, and not oxygen deprivation or the solution, was the determining factor of the cytoskeleton’s loss of integrity during preservation. Finally, pharmaceutical intervention could indeed preserve fiber structure but did not alter survival. Our work shows that improvement of preservation must include a more adapted temperature before considering oxygen, as it could profoundly improve cytoskeleton organization and thus cell fate. This highlights the importance of this structure for the development of new therapeutics and the definition of graft quality biomarkers.
IL1 Receptor Antagonist Controls Transcriptional Signature of Inflammation in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Wu Te-Chia , Xu Kangling , Martinek Jan , Young Robyn R. , Banchereau Romain , George Joshy , Turner Jacob , Kim Kyung In , Zurawski Sandra , Wang Xuan , Blankenship Derek , Brookes Hannah M. , Marches Florentina , Obermoser Gerlinde , Lavecchio Elizabeth , Levin Maren K. , Bae Sookyoung , Chung Cheng-Han , Smith Jennifer L. , Cepika Alma-Martina , Oxley Kyp L. , Snipes George J. , Banchereau Jacques , Pascual Virginia , O'Shaughnessy Joyce , Palucka A. Karolina
Published: July 2018

Inflammation affects tumor immune surveillance and resistance to therapy. Here, we show that production of IL1β in primary breast cancer tumors is linked with advanced disease and originates from tumor-infiltrating CD11c+ myeloid cells. IL1β production is triggered by cancer cell membrane–derived TGFβ. Neutralizing TGFβ or IL1 receptor prevents breast cancer progression in humanized mouse model. Patients with metastatic HER2− breast cancer display a transcriptional signature of inflammation in the blood leukocytes, which is attenuated after IL1 blockade. When present in primary breast cancer tumors, this signature discriminates patients with poor clinical outcomes in two independent public datasets (TCGA and METABRIC).

Significance: IL1β orchestrates tumor-promoting inflammation in breast cancer and can be targeted in patients using an IL1 receptor antagonist. Cancer Res; 78(18); 5243–58. ©2018 AACR.

See related commentary by Dinarello, p. 5200
The Splicing Factor PTBP1 Promotes Expression of Oncogenic Splice Variants and Predicts Poor Prognosis in Patients with Non–muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Bielli Pamela , Panzeri Valentina , Lattanzio Rossano , Mutascio Simona , Pieraccioli Marco , Volpe Elisabetta , Pagliarulo Vincenzo , Piantelli Mauro , Giannantoni Antonella , Di Stasi Savino M. , Sette Claudio
Published: July 2018

Purpose: Non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is a malignant disease characterized by high heterogeneity, which corresponds to dysregulated gene expression and alternative splicing (AS) profiles. Bioinformatics analyses of splicing factors potentially linked to bladder cancer progression identified the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein I (i.e., PTBP1) as candidate. This study aimed at investigating whether PTBP1 expression associates with clinical outcome in patients with NMIBC.

Experimental Design: A cohort of 152 patients presenting with primary NMIBC (pTa-pT1) was enrolled. Primary NMIBCs were assessed for PTBP1 expression by IHC, and the results were correlated with clinical data using Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression analyses. Cell proliferation and survival assays were performed to assess the function of PTBP1. Furthermore, the impact of PTBP1 on the AS pattern of specific bladder cancer–related genes was investigated in cancer cell lines and in patients' specimens.

Results: Public datasets querying highlighted a positive correlation between PTBP1 expression and NMIBC progression, which was then confirmed by IHC analysis. High PTBP1 expression was associated with worse clinical outcome in terms of incidence of tumor relapse and survival in patients with NMIBC. Interestingly, downregulation of PTBP1 in bladder cancer cell lines affected prosurvival features. Accordingly, PTBP1 modulated AS of bladder cancer–related genes in cell lines and patient's specimens.

Conclusions: PTBP1 expression correlates with disease progression, poor prognosis, and worse survival in patients with NMIBC. Downregulation of PTBP1 expression affects prosurvival features of bladder cancer cells and modulates AS of genes with relevance for bladder cancer, suggesting its role as an outcome-predictor in this disease. Clin Cancer Res; 24(21); 5422–32. ©2018 AACR.
Metformin Inhibits Prostate Cancer Progression by Targeting Tumor-Associated Inflammatory Infiltration
Authors: Liu Qiuli , Tong Dali , Liu Gaolei , Gao Jie , Wang Lin-ang , Xu Jing , Yang Xingxia , Xie Qiubo , Huang Yiqiang , Pang Jian , Wang Luofu , He Yong , Zhang Dianzheng , Ma Qiang , Lan Weihua , Jiang Jun
Published: July 2018

Purpose: Inflammatory infiltration plays important roles in both carcinogenesis and metastasis. We are interested in understanding the inhibitory mechanism of metformin on tumor-associated inflammation in prostate cancer.

Experimental Design: By using a transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) mouse model, in vitro macrophage migration assays, and patient samples, we examined the effect of metformin on tumor-associated inflammation during the initiation and after androgen deprivation therapy of prostate cancer.

Results: Treating TRAMP mice with metformin delays prostate cancer progression from low-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia to high-grade PIN, undifferentiated to well-differentiated, and PIN to adenocarcinoma with concurrent inhibition of inflammatory infiltration evidenced by reduced recruitment of macrophages. Furthermore, metformin is capable of inhibiting the following processes: inflammatory infiltration after androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) induced by surgically castration in mice, bicalutamide treatment in patients, and hormone deprivation in LNCaP cells. Mechanistically, metformin represses inflammatory infiltration by downregulating both COX2 and PGE2 in tumor cells.

Conclusions: Metformin is capable of repressing prostate cancer progression by inhibiting infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages, especially those induced by ADT, by inhibiting the COX2/PGE2 axis, suggesting that a combination of ADT with metformin could be a more efficient therapeutic strategy for prostate cancer treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 24(22); 5622–34. ©2018 AACR.
CARs versus BiTEs: A Comparison between T Cell–Redirection Strategies for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Slaney Clare Y. , Wang Pin , Darcy Phillip K. , Kershaw Michael H.
Published: July 2018

The redirection of T cells against tumors holds much promise for the treatment of cancer. Two main approaches for T-cell redirection involve their genetic modification with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR), or the use of recombinant proteins designated bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTE). These approaches have demonstrated dramatic effects in patients with hematologic cancers, although limited effect against solid cancers. Here, we review and compare the successes and challenges of these two types of immunotherapies, with special focus on their mechanisms, and discuss strategies to improve their efficacy against cancer.

Significance: CAR and BiTE cancer therapies have generated much excitement, but although the therapies are potentially competitive, information directly comparing the two is difficult to obtain. Here, we present the fundamentals of each approach and compare the range and level of functions they can elicit from T cells, and their efficacy against cancers. Cancer Discov; 8(8); 924–34. ©2018 AACR.
Molecular Characterization of a New G (VP7) Genotype in Group B Porcine Rotavirus
Authors: Molinari Bruna Letícia Domingues , Alfieri Alice Fernandes , Alfieri Amauri Alcindo
Published: July 2018

Rotaviruses (RVs), a common cause of viral gastroenteritis in humans and animals, are classified into 9 established groups/species (RVA–RVI). Although RVB has been found in several countries, genetic variation among RVB field strains remains poorly characterized. RVB strains can be classified into G genotypes based on a nucleotide (nt) homology that exceeds a cutoff value of 80% for the gene that encodes the structural protein VP7. In this study, we determined the VP7 nt and deduced amino acid sequences of one RVB strain (RB62) identified in a diarrheic fecal sample obtained from a piglet in Brazil in 2012. Comparative analysis of this strain and the strains of the other 21 previously identified VP7 ge­notypes showed that the highest nt identity (71.2%) was found with the porcine PB-70-H5 strain within the G4 genotype. However, when compared with the nonclassified Vietnamese RVB G genotype 14177_18 strain, the nt sequence identity was of 82.9%. These results led us to conclude that the Brazilian strain BR62 and the Vietnamese strain 14177_18 belong to a novel G genotype (G22).
Giant Pedunculated Hepatic Hemangioma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Al Farai Abdallah  , Mescam Lénaïg , De Luca Valeria , Monneur Audrey , Perrot Delphine , Guiramand Jerome , Delpero Jean-Robert , Bertucci François
Published: July 2018

Hepatic hemangioma is the most common benign hepatic tumor, and most of them are small in size and asymptomatic. Giant hepatic hemangiomas are uncommon, but pedunculated giant hemangiomas are even rarer and often difficult to diagnose because of their exophytic development. We report here on a 48-year-old man with a symptomatic pedunculated giant hepatic hemangioma and hepatic angiomatosis, mimicking a gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor with liver metastases. The preoperative diagnosis was suspected on imaging including CT scan and MRI. The patient was successfully operated (left hepatic lobectomy), without any complication, and the pathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis. We reviewed the English literature, and to our knowledge, our case represents the largest case reported so far when compared with the 19 other informative cases.
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia with b3a3 (e14a3) Fusion: A Rare BCR/ABL Rearrangement Presenting with Thrombocytosis – Does MTHFR Polymorphism Matter
Authors: Chisti Mohammad Muhsin , Sanders Daniel Steven
Published: July 2018

Fusion of b2a2 is the most common BCR/ABL rearrangement in CML; however, absent a2 exons are very rare. We describe a case with Philadelphia-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with a very rare b3a3 (e14a3) BCR/ABL junction. To our knowledge, only 15 such cases of CML have previously been reported. These uncommon transcripts may be under-reported, since RT-PCR-based assays may fail to detect these fusions due to the location of the primers and probes used. We are reporting this case for the first time which presented with MTHFR mutation and significant thrombocytosis. There is very limited information on how this genotype expresses and responds to treatment, especially to tyrosine kinase inhibitors, as compared to classic CML. Also, the relationship between MTHFR mutation and CML is not clear, although studies have been done.
A poesia presente
Authors: Mabelini Ecila Lira de Lima
Published: July 2018

A poesia presente esgarça, a partir de Regenero e Salto uma reflexão acerca do cotidiano dos afetos desafetados, das desigualdades e superações, em trânsito, do feminino do século XXI.
Corpos nus nas margens da cidade Cidade de Deus, de Paulo Lins, e Marginais, de Evel Rocha
Authors: Fazzini Luca
Published: July 2018

A época contemporânea manifesta uma contínua banalização da violência. No entanto, para Jacques Rancière, tal banalização não se deve à quantidade de imagens propostas, mas principalmente ao status de objeto atribuído às próprias vítimas da violência, corpos sem nome e sem voz. Tendo em consideração as representações da violência urbana em literatura, através de uma leitura comparada dos romances Cidade de Deus, de Paulo Lins, e Marginais, de Evel Rocha, com o presente artigo pretendo discutir este status de objeto como continuidade com as lógicas que caraterizaram a modernidade colonial.
O enfrentamento cotidiano do silêncio: escrita diarística e homossexualidade na literatura brasileira, os diários de Lúcio Cardoso, Walmir Ayala e Harry Laus
Authors: Moreira Daniel Da Silva
Published: July 2018

O objetivo deste texto é, em primeiro lugar, explorar a relação, antiga e constante, entre a homossexualidade e o silêncio. Num segundo momento, o intuito é mostrar como os diários de Lúcio Cardoso, Walmir Ayala e Harry Laus, escritos no Brasil dos anos de 1960, foram os primeiros textos literários autobiográficos brasileiros a lidarem com a tensão entre a vida pública e a vida privada, tensão advinda, em grande parte, do modo como a expressão da homossexualidade sempre foi silenciada ao longo da história.
Literatura de minorias como crítica do presente e politização radical: reflexões desde a literatura indígena brasileira
Authors: Danner Leno Francisco , Dorrico Julie
Published: July 2018

A partir da afirmação de que as minorias são resultado de uma construção política em um duplo e imbricado movimento, a saber, como negatividade em termos simbólico-normativos e como processo de destruição material, argumentamos que a literatura de minorias de um modo geral e a literatura indígena em particular assumem-se como crítica social e politização radical por meio da própria expressão público-política direta, carnal e vinculada do/a escritor/a, que, ligado umbilicalmente ao grupo de que faz parte e assumindo abertamente essa sua pertença, rompe com o silenciamento, a invisibilização e o privatismo em torno à sua condição, desnaturalizando e, assim, politizando sujeitos, instituições, relações, práticas e valores socialmente hegemônicos que legitimam a construção de minorias, acima explicitada.
Portugal e Angola: poéticas de pólvora
Authors: Franzin Adilson Fernando
Published: July 2018

Por meio de um viés comparatista, pretendemos tecer algumas considerações a cerca de literatura e cinema, baseando-nos em Mayombe, romance do escritor angolano Pepetela, e Non, ou a vã glória de mandar, filme de Manoel de Oliveira, cineasta português. Dessa forma, ambas as obras contribuirão para recuperarmos criticamente uma memória colonial e um passado que se apresenta, sob muitos aspectos, ainda silenciado pela História.
Os conflitos morais enfrentados pelos juízes em demandas de saúde: o caso dos tribunais federais brasileiros
Authors: ZEBULUM José Carlos
Published: July 2018

No campo da filosofia do direito, é muito comum o debate sobre as possíveis conexões entre o direito e a moral. Os juízes com jurisdição em saúde debruçam-se frequentemente sobre importantes questões morais que devem ser enfrentadas para que seja dada uma solução ao feito. Nessas ocasiões, os juízes podem experimentar situações de conflito e decidem premidos pelas próprias convicções morais, que nem sempre estarão de acordo com a solução apontada pela simples aplicação da lei. Neste artigo, nos propomos a averiguar como os tribunais federais brasileiros vêm apreciando as questões de natureza moral nas demandas de saúde, preocupando-nos, mais especificamente, com os conflitos morais experimentados pelos magistrados. Para atingir nossa meta, selecionamos três importantes questões com reconhecido potencial de desafiar as convicções morais dos magistrados e corriqueiramente enfrentadas em demandas judiciais de saúde no âmbito dos tribunais do país, e verificamos como estas questões vêm sendo decididas nos tribunais regionais federais. Atentamos principalmente à argumentação utilizada pelos juízes em suas decisões, para então concluirmos pela existência ou não dos referidos conflitos.
Aplicando la normativa protectora de los consumidores por deficiencias en advertencias de riesgo en el prospecto de medicamentos
Authors: PEREIRA CAMPOS Santiago , ORDIOZOLA Miguel
Published: July 2018

El Tribunal de Apelaciones en lo Civil de 2º Turno, confirma la sentencia de primera instancia que, en aplicación de la normativa protectora de los consumidores en el ámbito del Derecho a la Salud, condenó al laboratorio farmacéutico fabricante de un medicamento con el que fue tratado un paciente para el acné, y que posteriormente desarrolló una aplasia medular. Aún sin quedar comprobada la causalidad entre la ingesta del medicamento y el daño sufrido por el paciente, la falta de advertencia en el prospecto de que se habían dado una serie de casos que se habrían asociado a la enfermedad aunque no comprobados, hace incurrir al fabricante en responsabilidad objetiva.
Resenha: "Direito à saúde e democracia sanitária"
Authors: PATULLO Marcos Paulo Falcone
Published: July 2018

Resenha da publicação "Direito à saúde e democracia sanitária", de autoria de Fernando Aith (Quartier Latin, São Paulo, 2017)
Basta! Nenhuma inconstitucionalidade é conveniente!
Authors: DALLARI Sueli Gandolfi
Published: July 2018

Não é possível aceitar [...], a dissolução do direito à saúde em meio a medidas administrativas implementadas no âmbito exclusivo do Poder Judiciário, como ocorre hoje no Brasil. De fato, não há qualquer legitimidade nem mesmo uma sombra de legalidade a sustentar que o substantivo todos seja compreendido como alguns na dicção do artigo 196 da Carta Constitucional brasileira de 1988 em decorrência de ato normativo interno do Judiciário. Isso, no entanto, é o que se pretendeu com o julgamento do recurso repetitivo que foi cadastrado sob número 106 no sistema de registro dos recursos repetitivos do Superior Tribunal de Justiça.
Sciences and the participation of the populations in technical and scientifical choices – Disputes, economy and forms of government
Authors: PESTRE Dominique
Published: July 2018

L’article se penche sur la "participation" des populations à la régulation des techno-sciences et des techno-produits qui arrivent sur les marchés et affectent les modes de vie, l’environnement ou la santé. Une double thèse y est développée. La première conduit à la nécessité de réfléchir aux moyens de défendre et protéger celles et ceux qui interrogent les pratiques techno-industrielles (quant à la sécurité des systèmes mis en oeuvre par exemple) ou qui questionnent les certitudes académiques (lorsque celles-ci légifèrent trop vite sur des questions en jeu dans l’espace public). La deuxième thèse propose de placer la question de la participation dans des perspectives politiques et économiques plus vastes, en lien aux univers des marchés et de la politique professionnelle. Une conclusion majeure est que la participation est toujours invoquée formellement mais qu’on tend en pratique à réduire son usage aux cas exceptionnels où la bataille publique fait rage et ne peut être évitée ; dans les autres cas, on la contourne en la remplaçant par exemple par l’éthique instituée en comités – comités fermés mais censés "représenter la Société Civile", capables d’agir vite et, s’ils sont bien choisis, dans la bonne direction. On passe ainsi d’une régulation par la loi et le droit d’une part, des procédures participatives ouvertes de l’autre, à des formes de régulation fermées et ad hoc permettant la mise rapide sur le marché de nouvelles technologies.
Risk Stratification of Type 2 Long-QT Syndrome Mutation Carriers With Normal QTc Interval
Authors: Platonov Pyotr G , McNitt Scott , Polonsky Bronislava , Rosero Spencer Z. , Kutyifa Valentina , Huang Allison , Moss Arthur J. , Zareba Wojciech
Published: July 2018

Background:

Long-QT (LQT) syndrome mutation carriers have higher risk of cardiac events than unaffected family members even in the absence of QTc prolongation. Changes in T-wave morphology may reflect penetrance of LQT syndrome mutations. We aimed to assess whether T-wave morphology may improve risk stratification of LQT2 mutation carriers with normal QTc interval.

Methods:

LQT2 mutation carriers with QTc <460 ms in men and <470 ms in women (n=154) were compared with unaffected family members (n=1007). Baseline ECGs recorded at age ≥18 years underwent blinded assessment. Flat, notched, or negative T waves in leads II or V
5
were considered abnormal. Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the association between T-wave morphology, the presence of mutations in the pore region of
KCNH2
, and the risk of cardiac events defined as syncope, aborted cardiac arrest, defibrillator therapy, or sudden cardiac death. Sex-specific associations were estimated using interactions terms.

Results:

LQT2 female carriers with abnormal T-wave morphology had significantly higher risk of cardiac events compared with LQT2 female carriers with normal T waves (hazard ratio, 3.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.68–6.52;
P
=0.001), whereas this association was not significant in men. LQT2 men with pore location of mutations have significantly higher risk of cardiac events than those with nonpore mutations (hazard ratio, 6.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.50–24.08;
P
=0.011), whereas no such association was found in women.

Conclusions:

The risk of cardiac events in LQT2 carriers with normal QTc is associated with abnormal T-wave morphology in women and pore location of mutation in men. The findings further indicate sex-specific differences in phenotype and genotype relationship in LQT2 patients.
Deciphering the Role of Lipid Droplets in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Goldberg Ira J. , Reue Karen , Abumrad Nada A. , Bickel Perry E. , Cohen Sarah , Fisher Edward A. , Galis Zorina S. , Granneman James G. , Lewandowski E. Douglas , Murphy Robert , Olive Michelle , Schaffer Jean E. , Schwartz-Longacre Lisa , Shulman Gerald I. , Walther Tobias C. , Chen Jue
Published: July 2018

Lipid droplets (LDs) are distinct and dynamic organelles that affect the health of cells and organs. Much progress has been made in understanding how these structures are formed, how they interact with other cellular organelles, how they are used for storage of triacylglycerol in adipose tissue, and how they regulate lipolysis. Our understanding of the biology of LDs in the heart and vascular tissue is relatively primitive in comparison with LDs in adipose tissue and liver. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute convened a working group to discuss how LDs affect cardiovascular diseases. The goal of the working group was to examine the current state of knowledge on the cell biology of LDs, including current methods to study them in cells and organs and reflect on how LDs influence the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. This review summarizes the working group discussion and recommendations on research areas ripe for future investigation that will likely improve our understanding of atherosclerosis and heart function.
Role of Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Reactive Oxygen Species in Mediating Hypertension in the Reduced Uterine Perfusion Pressure Rat Model of Preeclampsia
Authors: Vaka Venkata Ramana , McMaster Kristen M. , Cunningham Mark W. , Ibrahim Tarek , Hazlewood Rebekah , Usry Nathan , Cornelius Denise C. , Amaral Lorena M. , LaMarca Babbette
Published: July 2018

Placental ischemia is believed to be the initial event in the development of preeclampsia. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a cause of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and oxidative stress, however, there are not many studies examining the role of mitochondrial ROS in the pathology of preeclampsia. The purpose of this study was to not only examine the effect of placental ischemia on mitochondrial-mediated oxidative stress in reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) rat model of preeclampsia but to also examine the role of mitochondrial ROS in contributing to hypertension in response to placental ischemia. Female pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were used in this study. On gestational day 14, RUPP surgery was performed. On gestational day 19, blood pressure (mean arterial pressure) was measured, placentas and kidneys were collected from normal pregnant and RUPP rats and processed for mitochondrial respiration, ROS, and oxidative phosphorylation enzyme activities. Renal and placental complex activities, expressions and respiration rates were significantly reduced and mitochondrial ROS was increased in RUPP versus normal pregnant mitochondria. Mean arterial pressure was elevated in RUPP (n=6) compared with normal pregnant rats (n=5; 126±4 versus 103±4 mm Hg;
P
<0.05) and treatment with mitochondrial-specific antioxidants (MitoQ/MitoTEMPO) significantly reduced mean arterial pressure in RUPPs (n=5–10). Mitochondrial ROS was significantly elevated in endothelial cells incubated with RUPP serum compared from with normal pregnant rats, whereas serum from mito antioxidant–treated RUPP rats attenuated this response. Impaired mitochondrial function and vascular, placental, and renal mitochondrial ROS play an important role in hypertension and reduced fetal weight in response to placental ischemia during pregnancy.
Age Threshold for Ischemic Stroke Risk in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Kim Tae-Hoon , Yang Pil-Sung , Yu Hee Tae , Jang Eunsun , Uhm Jae-Sun , Kim Jong-Youn , Pak Hui-Nam , Lee Moon-Hyoung , Joung Boyoung , Lip Gregory Y.H.
Published: July 2018

Background and Purpose—

Although older age is one of the most important risk factor for stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF), the appropriate age threshold (eg, CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score [congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years (doubled), diabetes mellitus, prior stroke or transient ischemic attack (doubled), vascular disease, age 65–74 years, female], 1 point for age 65–74 years, 2 points for age ≥75 years) for increased risk is controversial because actual age thresholds may differ between countries and ethnic groups. We investigated the age threshold for ischemic stroke risk among Asian AF patients.

Methods—

Using National Health Insurance Service database, including 426 650 oral anticoagulant–naive nonvalvular AF patients from 2005 to 2015, with ≤2 nongender-related CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc risk scores (CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score 0–2 in males, 1–3 in females), we assessed the risk of ischemic stroke in AF patients according to the age.

Results—

Patients who fulfill the age risk criterion (age, 65–74 years) without other risk factors showed a significantly higher risk of stroke (4.76 per 100 person-years [100PY]; adjusted hazard ratio, 2.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.17–2.36) compared with patients with 1 risk score other than age (1.87/100PY). Patients aged 55 to 59 years with no risk factors showed similar risk of stroke (1.94/100PY; adjusted hazard ratio, 0.95; 95% confidence interval, 0.90–1.00) than patients with 1 risk score (2.06/100PY). Patients aged 65 to 69 years and no other risk factors had similar stroke risk (4.08/100PY; adjusted hazard ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.90–0.97) than patients with 2 nongender-related risk scores (4.42/100PY).

Conclusions—

Older age is the most important predictor of ischemic stroke in AF, particularly for patients with low to intermediate risk of stroke. These nationwide data suggest lowering the current age threshold (age, ≥65 years) in the CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score to age ≥55 years might be appropriate among Asian patients with AF.
A new species and new record of Polycystididae (Rhabdocoela: Kalyptorhynchia) from China
Authors: ZHONG LIN-HONG , HU XIAO-ZHOU , LIN YI-TAO , FENG WEI-TAO , ZHUANG JIE-YI , ZHANG YU , WANG AN-TAI
Published: July 2018

One new species and one newly recorded species of Polycystididae from China, Paulodora sinensis n. sp. and Polycystis ali Schockaert, 1982, were described based on comprehensive morphological and molecular analyses. In Paulodora sinensis n. sp., the stylet is double-walled and is composed of a funnel-shaped proximal part and a spiral distal part, while the outer stylet forms a minor fold proximally. In Polycystis ali Schockaert, 1982, the stylet is also double-walled with a funnel-shaped proximal part. However, the collar-shaped distal part is partially concave and forms a jagged edge. The concatenated 18S rDNA and 28S rDNA phylogenetic analysis supports the establishment of the new species. Besides, based on the morphology of stylet, we have made detailed categorization among the recorded species within these two genera.
Two new species of flattie spiders (Araneae: Selenopidae) and descriptions of undescribed males from the Caribbean
Authors: CREWS SARAH C.
Published: July 2018

Two new species of Selenops, S. anacaona sp. nov. (♀) and S. caonabo sp. nov. (♀), are described from the Dominican Republic on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. These two new species increase the number of endemic Selenops on Hispaniola to 13, surpassing Cuba, which currently has 11 endemic species. Additionally, the male of S. pensilis Muma, 1953 from Hispaniola is described, as well as the male of S. petrunkevitchi Alayón, 2003 from Jamaica. Full distribution records are given for the new species and the newly described males, and new records are provided for the following species: S. aequalis Franganillo, 1935, S. bocacandensis Crews, 2011, S. candidus Muma, 1953, S. micropalpus Muma, 1953, S. morro Crews, 2011, S. simius Muma, 1953, S. souliga Crews, 2011, and S. submaculosus Bryant, 1940.
Compound Motor Action Potential Measures Acute Changes in Laryngeal Innervation
Authors: Bhatt Neel K. , Kao Wee Tin K. , Paniello Randal C.
Published: July 2018

Objective:

Vocal fold paralysis is caused by injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). Current clinical measures of laryngeal innervation are often nonquantitative. Compound motor action potentials (CMAP) measure motor innervation. The goal of this study was to determine whether CMAP can quantify laryngeal innervation following acute nerve injury.

Study Design:

Animal study.

Methods:

Twelve canine hemilaryngeal preparations were used. The RLN was serially stimulated with increasing intensities until the nerve was maximally stimulated. The CMAP amplitude was measured for each intensity stimulation and correlated. Next, the RLN was incompletely transected, and the reduction in CMAP amplitude was correlated to the percentage of transected axons. The percentage of transected axons was determined using horseradish peroxidase (HRP) staining.

Results:

Combining all hemilaryngeal preparations, the submaximal stimulation of the RLN linearly correlated with the resultant CMAP amplitude (r = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76-0.88). Following partial RLN transection, the percentage of remaining axons linearly correlated with the CMAP amplitude (r = 0.87; 95% CI, 0.34-0.98).

Conclusions:

CMAP amplitude is a quantitative measure that may correlate with the degree of vocal fold innervation in canines. Following RLN injury, CMAP may help clinicians quantify the number of intact axons, assess the likelihood of recovery, and counsel patients on their prognosis.
A New Approach to Measuring the Temperature of Fluids Reaching 300 ℃ and 2 mol/kg NaCl Based on the Raman Shift of Water
Authors: Li Lianfu , Zhang Xin , Luan Zhendong , Du Zengfeng , Xi Shichuan , Wang Bing , Lian Chao , Yan Jun
Published: July 2018

The OH stretching band of water is very sensitive to temperature and salinity for the existence of hydrogen bonds between H2O molecules. In this study, the OH stretching band was deconvoluted into two Gaussian peaks, with peak 1 at approximately 3450 cm−1 and peak 2 at approximately 3200 cm−1. The positions of peaks 1 and 2 both shifted to higher wavenumbers with increasing temperature from 50 ℃ to 300 ℃. The effects of salinity in the range of 0–2 mol/kg NaCl on the OH stretching band were also studied. Linearity for the relationship between Raman shift of peak 1 and temperature increased as the salt concentration increased from 0 to 2 mol/kg, while peak 2 displayed an opposing trend. Two temperature calibration models were developed based on the temperature-dependent changes in the Raman frequency shifts of peaks 1 and 2 (precision of 0.9 ℃ and 1.0 ℃, respectively). The calibration models for temperature were successfully applied to determining the temperatures of deep-sea hydrothermal fluids in the Okinawa Trough hydrothermal field. The degree of mixing of hydrothermal fluids and ambient seawater during in situ Raman measurements was estimated by the difference in temperatures determined through these calibration models and those measured through thermocouple sensors.
Associations of Eczema Severity and Parent Knowledge With Child Quality of Life in a Pediatric Primary Care Population
Authors: Rea Corinna J. , Tran Katherine D. , Jorina Maria , Wenren Larissa M. , Hawryluk Elena B. , Toomey Sara L.
Published: July 2018

We investigated factors associated with quality of life (QOL) in children with eczema. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of survey data from 224 parents of children with eczema attending a large, hospital-based pediatric clinic. Parents completed a validated eczema severity scale (Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure), a QOL scale (Infants’ Dermatitis QOL Index or Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index), and a knowledge and understanding questionnaire. In adjusted multivariate analyses, worse eczema severity was associated with worse overall QOL (β = 0.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.5, 0.6]), while a higher knowledge score was associated with better QOL (β = −3.4; 95% CI = [−6.6, −0.2]). Similarly, even after adjustment for eczema severity, greater understanding of a child’s individual treatment plan was associated with better QOL (β = −0.7; 95% CI = [−1.4, −0.08]), while increased frequency of worrying about a child’s eczema was associated with worse QOL (β = 0.7; 95% CI = [0.03, 1.1]). These results suggest primary care providers may be able to influence QOL through optimal eczema management and family education.
Careerists Versus Coal-Miners: Welfare Reforms and the Substantive Representation of Social Groups in the British Labour Party
Authors: O’Grady Tom
Published: July 2018

Many parties have seen declines in working-class legislators and increases in professional career politicians. I argue that career politicians are more likely to adopt policies for strategic political reasons, whereas working-class politicians are more likely to represent the interests of working-class voters. Changes in the representation of these occupational groups matter substantively whenever legislators’ strategic concerns contradict the interests of working-class voters. Welfare reforms adopted in the 1990s and 2000s by the British Labour Party exhibit this divergence. The two types of politicians held very different policy positions, which I measure using a scaling method applied to all speeches made about welfare in the House of Commons from 1987 to 2007. The results carry over to voting behavior and are robust to alternative explanations, including other characteristics of both MPs and their voters. The changing representation of occupational groups has therefore had substantive policy effects, lowering the political influence of working-class voters.
Predicting the Behavior of Law in the Juvenile Court: A Focus on Noncompliance Cases
Authors: Chappell Allison T.
Published: July 2018

A large body of research has examined racial and gender disparities in juvenile justice decision making, generally concluding that disparities continue to plague the system. However, little research has examined disparities in “noncompliance” cases, even though youth charged with these offenses comprise a considerable percentage of youth under the jurisdiction of the juvenile justice system. Using Black’s theory of law, the current study investigates the impact of race and gender on juvenile detention and adjudication decisions in “noncompliance” cases (e.g., probation violations, contempt, failure to appear) in a mid-Atlantic state. Findings suggest that Black’s theory does an adequate job of explaining the detention and adjudication decisions, and that race and gender continue to condition juvenile justice processing.
Race, Structural Predictors, and Police Shootings: Are There Differences Across Official and “Unofficial” Accounts of Lethal Force?
Authors: Gray Andrew C. , Parker Karen F.
Published: July 2018

Police shootings have received considerable attention recently. While official data have often been used to capture police use of lethal force, “unofficial” databases have been developed to document lethal force patterns throughout the United States. Thus, it is now possible to systematically compare databases, exploring racial differences and potential causes, which is important given longstanding criticisms of official records. Here, we examine police shootings using Mapping Police Violence and Supplemental Homicide Reports data and investigate the impact of commonly used structural predictors on race-specific police shootings. Significant differences are revealed across official and unofficial databases, particularly by race. We conclude that the data used to estimate police shootings matter, which has key implications for future work on this important topic.
Places Not Cases? Rethinking Probation: The Effects of Nonprofit Organizations on Rearrest Rates of Probationers
Authors: Wo James C. , Park Jihye
Published: July 2018

Although scholars have theorized that nonprofit organizations (NPO) contribute to social control in communities, the relationship between NPO and rates of misconduct on the part of certain at-risk groups has received little empirical attention. The current study extends the literature by adopting a place-based approach to understanding differences in probationer misconduct that highlights the role of NPO in communities. Using longitudinal data from New York State counties, we analyze the linear and nonlinear influences that different NPO have on rearrest rates of probationers. Whereas most criminological theories suggest that NPO have a linear and salutary influence, we find evidence of a more nuanced process: NPO unexpectedly show evidence of exerting both salutary and deleterious influences on probationer outcomes.
Educating public health champions
Authors: Robinson Sally , Brownett Tristi
Published: July 2018

Objective:

This article describes a university course that aimed to create public health champions and its evaluation. The course attracted 92 participants, over three cohorts. Participants included healthcare professionals, fitness instructors, a belly dancer, housing officers, community workers and those who worked in public health policy.

Design:

The course evaluation aimed to provide a longitudinal understanding of the participants’ learning and the impact of the course in terms of developing the attributes of public health champions.

Setting:

A university setting in England.

Methods:

Evaluation methods included questionnaires, self-assessment against UK Public Health Skills and Knowledge Framework statements, ‘check out’ sentences post action learning set meetings, impact statements and unstructured interviews.

Results:

The evaluation illuminated the participants’ experience of their learning journey, which comprised cognitive, affective and conative learning, the development of public health competences and evidence of putting the learning into public health practice.

Conclusion:

In total, 76 participants achieved a university award. There was evidence of participants identifying the underlying causes of ill health and using an evidence-based approach to planning, partnership and influencing others. Some participants reported actions that indicated they had become transformative leaders and public health champions. The article discusses limitations to the evaluation and current challenges to public health workforce development in England.
Drug court handbooks suitability for programme participants with low literacy
Authors: Gill Marie E
Published: July 2018

Objective:

The objective of this study was to describe the suitability of adult drug court handbooks for participants with low literacy.

Methods:

A convenience sample of seven drug court participant handbooks from urban drug courts in three regions of the USA were assessed for reading and literacy suitability for low-literacy learners using the Fry Index Readability Formula and the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM). The Fry Index Readability Formula follows an objective approach using a three-step process of counting three random samples of 100-word passages to calculate grade reading level. The SAM uses a 0–2 range scale to assess six distinct factors of written materials to yield a numerical score as superior, adequate or not suitable.

Results:

All handbooks were written above the reading level for low-literacy learners with scores at the eighth grade reading level or higher. A few handbooks scored adequate ratings in some SAM categories, and only two handbooks scored superior ratings in any one category. Overall SAM scores showed all handbooks were not suitable for low-literacy learners.

Conclusion:

Findings indicate that drug court participant handbooks from this sample are not written for low-literacy learners. Key recommendations are to develop a drug court handbook appropriate for participants with low literacy, assess drug court participants’ literacy for reading grade level and comprehension and provide multi-modal teaching formats to promote effective learning.
Building resilience to adverse childhood experiences: An assessment of the effects of the Stepping Stones with Children training programme on Tanzanian children affected by HIV and their caregivers
Authors: Holden Sue , Gordon-Dseagu Vanessa LZ , Gordon Gill , Chiziza Nelson , Kiwia Pfiriaeli , Magesa Daniel , Manyama Willbrord , Welbourn Alice
Published: July 2018

Objective:

To evaluate the effects of a transformative training programme on children aged 5–14  years affected by HIV and their caregivers.

Method:

A formative process was used to draft, pilot and finalise training materials in Tanzania. We ran workshops with children living with HIV, their caregivers and some siblings in four communities. We assessed changes in knowledge, attitudes and well-being, and compared the health of child participants living with HIV with that of a control group of children living with HIV.

Results:

Although we intentionally excluded ‘disclosure’ of HIV sero-status to children as an indicator, the proportion who knew their sero-status increased from 27% to 93%. Assessment of clinical data before and after the workshops showed a statistically significant increase ( p-value of <.01) in the CD4 count among the child participants living with HIV ( n = 85, mean CD4 change + 317; from 530 to 847) compared with the control group ( n = 91, mean CD4 change + 133; from 557 to 690). The mean weight gain was 3.51 kg for child participants and 1.33 kg for controls. Other benefits included improved relationships and reduced violence against the children, greater confidence, more willingness to use HIV services and better networks of support.

Conclusion:

The Stepping Stones with Children programme can achieve multiple outcomes, including disclosure and better adherence to treatment, to reduce the impact of the adverse childhood experience of being affected by HIV. It is possible and acceptable to include children aged five and over in learning about HIV, sexual health and skills to improve their resilience.
Coagulation Factor Xa (Recombinant), Inactivated-zhzo (Andexanet Alfa)
Authors: Baker Danial E.
Published: July 2018

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