bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive Factors for Clinical Response to Allergy Immunotherapy in Children with Asthma and Rhinitis
Authors: Li Qiaoling , Li Mengrong , Yue Wei , Zhou Jinsi , Li Ruxia , Lin Jian , Li Yingchun
Published: August 2014

Background: To date, no predictive methods for the clinical response to allergy immunotherapy (AIT) are available. We sought to evaluate the pretreatment parameters used in diagnosing allergic asthma and/or rhinitis including allergen skin-prick test responses, serum specific and total IgE (sIgE and tIgE) levels and blood eosinophil counts, and to identify whether these can be used to predict clinical effectiveness in children treated with immunotherapy. Methods: This study involved 185 children who had undergone 3 years of standardized-quality house-dust mite subcutaneous immunotherapy. Clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters were analyzed. A multivariate unconditional logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic curves were used. Predicted probabilities and predictive areas under the curve were calculated. Results: The clinical response to AIT was effective in 129/185 (69.7%) patients. Four variables were associated with clinical response by multivariate logistic analysis: tobacco smoke exposure [odds ratio (OR) 2.845 and 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.147-7.058; p = 0.024], a family history of atopy (OR 2.881 and 95% CI 1.240-6.692; p = 0.014), a serum tIgE level ≥965 kU/l (OR 5.917 and 95% CI 2.320-15.089; p = 0.000) and an sIgE/tIgE ratio ≥6% (OR 0.336 and 95% CI 0.124-0.911; p = 0.032). The sensitivity and specificity of the area under the curve of the serum tIgE were higher than those of serum sIgE and sIgE/tIgE ratio alone. Conclusion: Tobacco smoke exposure, atopic family history, serum tIgE and sIgE/tIgE ratio were in significant correlation with clinical response to AIT in children, which may be helpful for patient selection before immunotherapy. The serum tIgE is superior to both the serum sIgE/tIgE ratio and sIgE levels alone in predicting clinical effectiveness.
Karyotype Evolution in the Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus sedulus by Whole-Arm Reciprocal Translocation (WART)
Authors: Volleth Marianne , Heller Klaus-Gerhard , Yong Hoi-Sen , Müller Stefan
Published: August 2014

Robertsonian (centric) fusion or fission is one of the predominant modes of chromosomal rearrangement in karyotype evolution among mammals. However, in karyotypes composed of only bi-armed chromosomes, creation of new chromosomal arm combinations in one step is possible only via whole-arm reciprocal translocation (WART). Although this type of rearrangement has often been proposed to play an important role in chromosomal evolution, direct observations of WARTs remained rare, and, in most cases, were found in hybrids of chromosomal races in the genera Mus and Sorex. For the first time, we present the karyotype of the horseshoe bat species Rhinolophus sedulus (2n = 28, FNa = 52), where a WART between 2 metacentric autosomes was detected by G-banding and confirmed by FISH with painting probes of the vespertilionid bat Myotis myotis. Among the 6 specimens analyzed, 2 showed the heterozygous condition of the WART, 1 showed the presumed ancestral, and 3 specimens showed the derived homozygous state. As the existence of a hybrid zone at the sampling locality is thought to be rather improbable, the WART may indicate ongoing karyotype evolution in this taxon.
Radiation-Induced Leiomyosarcoma of the Prostate after Brachytherapy for Prostatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Horiguchi Hiroto , Takada Kohichi , Kamihara Yusuke , Ibata Soushi , Iyama Satoshi , Sato Tsutomu , Hayashi Tsuyoshi , Miyanishi Koji , Sato Yasushi , Takimoto Rishu , Kobune Masayoshi , Kobayashi Ko , Hirayama Yasuo , Masumori Naoya , Hasegawa Tadashi , Kato Junji
Published: August 2014

Radiation therapy (RTx) has been employed as a curative therapy for prostatic adenocarcinoma. RTx-induced sarcomas (RISs) are rare, late adverse events, representing less than 0.2% of all irradiated patients. RISs are more aggressive tumors than prostatic adenocarcinomas. Herein, we present a case with RTx-induced prostatic leiomyosarcoma after permanent brachytherapy for prostatic adenocarcinoma. A 69-year-old male presented with dysuria and gross hematuria. Six years previously, he had been diagnosed with localized prostate cancer and was treated by permanent brachytherapy. Urethroscopy showed stenosis by a tumor at the prostate. Transurethral prostatectomy was performed for a diagnosis. Based on pathological findings, the diagnosis was leiomyosarcoma of the prostate. He was treated with three cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CTx) that consisted of doxorubicin and ifosfamide (AI), followed by a prostatocystectomy with intrapelvic lymphadenectomy. The tumor extended from the prostate and infiltrated the bladder wall and serosa with lymphatic and venous invasion. The surgical margin was negative, and no residual prostatic adenocarcinoma was observed. The proportion of necrotic tumor cells by neoadjuvant CTx was around 50%. Subsequently, adjuvant CTx was offered, but the patient chose a follow-up without CTx. Local recurrence and lung metastasis were detected by computed tomography 3 months after the surgery. He was treated again with AI. However, CTx was not effective and he died 6 months after the operation. In conclusion, an effective treatment strategy for prostatic sarcoma should be developed in the near future, although the clinical feature of prostatic sarcoma remains unclear due to its rare incidence.
Review of the genus Ammobatoides Radoszkowski, 1867 (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Nomadinae) from Russia and neighbouring countries
Authors: PROSHCHALYKIN MAXIM YU. , LELEJ ARKADY S.
Published: August 2014

Three species of Ammobatoides are reviewed. One new species, Ammobatoides radoszkowskii sp. nov. (Russia and North China) is described and illustrated. A male lectotype is designated for Paidia melectoides Radoszkowski, 1872. One new subjective synonym is established: Ammobatoides scriptus (Gerstaecker, 1869) =Paidia melectoides Radoszkowski, 1872, syn. nov. A key to species for both sexes is given.
Review of the genus Mesosaimia Breuning with description of a new species (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae: Mesosini)
Authors: YAMASAKO JUNSUKE
Published: August 2014

The genus Mesosaimia Breuning, 1938 is reviewed. The genus Trichipocregyes Breuning, 1950 is synonymized with Mesosaimia. Trichomesosa similis Breuning, 1950 is transferred to Mesosaimia. A new species, M. wakaharai sp. nov., is described from Laos. Four species, M. robusta Breuning, 1938, M. mausoni (Breuning, 1950) comb. nov., M. similis (Breuning) comb. nov. and M. wakaharai sp. nov., are included in the genus. Habitus photographs, drawings of diagnostic male genitalia, and a key to all species of Mesosaimia are provided.
Uncertainty in Contaminant Concentration Fields Resulting from Atmospheric Boundary Layer Depth Uncertainty
Authors: Reen Brian P. , Schmehl Kerrie J. , Young George S. , Lee Jared A. , Haupt Sue Ellen , Stauffer David R.
Published: August 2014

The relationship between atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) depth uncertainty and uncertainty in atmospheric transport and dispersion (ATD) simulations is investigated by examining profiles of predicted concentrations of a contaminant. Because ensembles are an important method for quantifying uncertainty in ATD simulations, this work focuses on the utilization and analysis of ensemble members’ ABL structures for ATD simulations. A 12-member physics ensemble of meteorological model simulations drives a 12-member explicit ensemble of ATD simulations. The relationship between ABL depth and plume depth is investigated using ensemble members, which vary both the relevant model physics and the numerical methods used to diagnose ABL depth. New analysis methods are used to analyze ensemble output within an ABL-depth relative framework. Uncertainty due to ABL depth calculation methodology is investigated via a four-member mini-ensemble. When subjected to a continuous tracer release, concentration variability among the ensemble members is largest near the ABL top during the daytime, apparently because of uncertainty in ABL depth. This persists to the second day of the simulation for the 4-member diagnosis mini-ensemble, which varies only the ABL depth, but for the 12-member physics ensemble the concentration variability is large throughout the daytime ABL. This suggests that the increased within-ABL concentration variability on the second day is due to larger differences among the ensemble members’ predicted meteorological conditions rather than being solely due to differences in the ABL depth diagnosis methods. This work demonstrates new analysis methods for the relationship between ABL depth and plume depth within an ensemble framework and provides motivation for directly including ABL depth uncertainty from a meteorological model into an ATD model.
Observed Relationship of Boreal Winter South Pacific Tripole SSTA with Eastern China Rainfall during the Following Boreal Spring
Authors: Li Gang , Li Chongyin , Tan Yanke , Wang Xin
Published: August 2014

The present study investigates the relationships between the December–February (DJF) South Pacific tripole (SPT) sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) pattern and the following March–May (MAM) rainfall over eastern China based on multiple datasets. It is found that the relationships between the DJF SPT and the following MAM rainfall over eastern China are modulated by the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). When the ENSO signal is removed, the positive DJF SPT is significantly associated with more rainfall over eastern China during the following boreal spring. However, such significant relationships disappear if ENSO is considered. After removing ENSO impacts, the possible mechanisms through which the DJF SPT impacts the following MAM rainfall over eastern China are investigated. The positive DJF SPT is associated with the significantly positive SSTA in the tropical western Pacific, which can persist to the following MAM. In response to the positive SSTA in the tropical western Pacific, a wave-like train in the low-level troposphere extends from the tropical western Pacific (an anomalous cyclone) to the western North Pacific (an anomalous anticyclone) during the following MAM. The anomalous anticyclone over the western North Pacific enhances the anomalous southwesterly over eastern China, which can bring more moisture and favor anomalous increased rainfall. It should be pointed out that La Niña (El Niño) could induce an anomalous cyclone (anticyclone) over the western North Pacific, which offsets the MAM anomalous anticyclone (cyclone) caused by the positive (negative) SPT in the preceding DJF and thus weakens the relationship between the SPT and the rainfall over eastern China.
Political Culture and the Democratization of Communications in Brazil
Authors: da Silva Lopes Ivonete
Published: August 2014

Examining the democratization of communications in Brazil through the lens of broadcast television reveals a conflicted process involving actors with opposing interests, all the more so because it is a sector characterized by oligopoly. An analysis of three of the five presidencies following the end of Brazil’s military dictatorship suggests on the whole that communications policy has yet to embrace the process of democratization that has occurred in other sectors of Brazilian society. One of the few advances made during this period was the federal government’s implementation of public television in 2007. No other action has been taken to alter the mechanisms that keep the mass media in the hands of the few.

Examinar o processo da democratização das comunicações no Brasil pela lente da radiodifusão revela que o processo é conflituoso e envolve atores cujos interesses se opõem, sobretudo por tratar-se de um setor caraterizado por constituir um oligopólio. A análise de três dos cinco governos que sucederam o fim da ditadura militar, sugere, em geral, que a política de comunicações ainda não incorporou o processo democratizante que aconteceu em outros setores da sociedade brasileira. Um dos poucos avanços registrados no período foi introdução em 2007 do serviço público de televisão. No entanto, não houve ações para mudar os mecanismos que permitem a concentração midiática.
Exponential inequalities for self-normalized martingales
Authors: Chen Shanshan , Wang Zhenping , Xu Wenfei , Miao Yu
Published: August 2014

In this paper, we establish several exponential inequalities for martingales and self-normalized martingales, which improve some known results.
High-density mapping of quantitative trait loci for grain-weight and spikelet number in rice
Authors: Kim Dong-Min , Lee Hyun-Sook , Kwon Soo-Jin , Fabreag Mark Edward , Kang Ju-Won , Yun Yeo-Tae , Chung Chong-Tae , Ahn Sang-Nag
Published: August 2014

Background

High grain yield is one of the most important traits requiring improvement in rice breeding programs. Consequently, the genetic basis of spikelets per panicle (SPP) and grain weight (TGW) have received much research focus because of their importance in rice yield.

Results

In this study, IL28, which is a near isogenic line (NIL) developed by introgressing chromosomal segments of the cultivar ‘Moroberekan’ into the cultivar ‘Ilpumbyeo’, showed a significant increase in the number of spikelets per panicle (SPP) and 1,000-grain weight (TGW) compared to the recurrent parent, Ilpumbyeo. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis in 243 F2 plants derived from a cross between IL28 and Ilpumbyeo indicated that both qSPP6 and qTGW6 are located in the interval RM3430–RM20580. Following substitution mapping with 50 F3:4:5 lines, qSPP6 was mapped to a 429-kb interval between RM20521 and InDel-1, while qTGW6 was mapped to a 37.85-kb interval between InDel-1 and SNP--3 based on the japonica genome sequence. This result indicates that qSPP6 and qTGW6 are different genes. Yield trials with substitution lines indicated that lines harboring the homozygous Moroberekan segment at both the qSPP6 and qTGW6 region showed significantly higher grain yield than Ilpumbyeo.

Conclusion

Because the Moroberekan alleles for SPP and TGW have been shown to be beneficial in the genetic background of Ilpumbyeo, both the qSPP6 and qTGW6 alleles might prove valuable in improving rice yields. Closely linked SSR markers are expected to facilitate the cloning of genes that underlie these QTLs, as well as with marker-assisted selection for variation in SPP and TGW in rice breeding programs.
Methylome analysis identifies a Wilms tumor epigenetic biomarker detectable in blood
Authors: Charlton Jocelyn , Williams Richard D , Weeks Mark , Sebire Neil J , Popov Sergey , Vujanic Gordan , Mifsud William , Alcaide-German Marisa , Butcher Lee M , Beck Stephan , Pritchard-Jones Kathy
Published: August 2014

Background

Wilms tumor is the most common pediatric renal malignancy and there is a clinical need for a molecular biomarker to assess treatment response and predict relapse. The known mutated genes in this tumor type show low mutation frequencies, whereas aberrant methylation at 11p15 is by far the most common aberration. We therefore analyzed the epigenome, rather than the genome, to identify ubiquitous tumor-specific biomarkers.

Results

Methylome analysis of matched normal kidney and Wilms tumor identifies 309 preliminary methylation variable positions which we translate into three differentially methylated regions (DMR) for use as tumor-specific biomarkers. Using two novel algorithms we show that these three DMRs are not confounded by cell type composition. We further show that these DMRs are not methylated in embryonic blastema but are intermediately methylated in Wilms tumor precursor lesions. We validate the biomarker DMRs using two independent sample sets of normal kidney and Wilms tumor and seven Wilms tumor histological subtypes, achieving 100% and 98% correct classification, respectively. As proof-of-principle for clinical utility, we successfully use biomarker DMR-2 in a pilot analysis of cell-free circulating DNA to monitor tumor response during treatment in ten patients.

Conclusions

These findings define the most common methylated regions in Wilms tumor known to date which are not associated with their embryonic origin or precursor stage. We show that this tumor-specific methylated DNA is released into the blood circulation where it can be detected non-invasively showing potential for clinical utility.
Introduction: multilingualism and education: the critical nexus
Authors: Njoroge Martin C , Mwangi Phyllis W , Ndung’u Ruth W , Orwenjo Daniel O
Published: August 2014

No abstract
Optimal Design of Coproductive Services: Interaction and Work Allocation
Authors: Roels Guillaume
Published: August 2014

In services, customers provide significant inputs into the production process. In particular, these inputs may be the customers themselves participating in the service delivery. Although many service firms have explored different ways of involving customers in their production process, there is no clear guideline for the design of such coproductive systems. In this paper, we develop an analytical model of joint production between a service provider and a customer and characterize how a service firm should design its coproductive system. We show that, as a task becomes more standard, it is desirable to decrease the degree of interaction between the provider and the customer by making their efforts more substitutable and to allocate most of the work to whoever is the most efficient. Conversely, as a task becomes less standard, it is optimal to increase interaction by making efforts more complementary and to balance the work allocation. Our analysis gives rise to a service-process framework with three archetypes of coproductive services: collaborative services, service factories, and self-services. We discuss the implications of our results for service process reengineering.
The Health and Social Care Act 2008
Authors: Griffith Richard , Tengnah Cassam
Published: August 2014

Several inquiry reports have shown that there is still a need to further improve health and social care and strengthen public confidence in these services. The reports have particularly emphasized the need for stricter regulation of health and adult social care providers and the need to use statutory powers to ensure compliance with quality and safety standards. This article outlines how the provisions of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 aim to address this need to further regulate quality and safety standards in health and social care.
The influence of social support on leg ulcer healing
Authors: Charles Hildegard
Published: August 2014

Leg ulceration is a problem for patients and can take a long time to heal. The treatment is mostly undertaken by district nurses in patients' homes, leg ulcer clinics or by practice nurses in GP surgeries. The question whether patients want to keep their ulcers to maintain the contact with professionals has been asked. This study investigates both the number of social contacts and the patients' satisfaction with these contacts. The study group consisted of 65 patients with venous leg ulceration. The Social Support Questionnaire-Short Form (SSQ-SF) was administered at the beginning of treatment and after 3 months or after ulcer healing, whichever occurred first. The results from this study indicate that patients do not see nurses as social support contacts and do not want to keep their ulcers in order to maintain this contact.
Research roundup: August 2014
Authors: Potter Barbara , Condon Louise
Published: August 2014

In this section, a range of brief synopses of recently published articles that may be of interest to health visitors is presented. The aim of this roundup is to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary, of the research papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided.
Promoting excellence in practice: Institute of Health Visiting fact sheets
Authors: McInnes Elaine , Page Anne
Published: August 2014

The Institute of Health Visiting has produced a series of fact sheets for health visitors and parents tackling key topics around the early years and Healthy Child Programme.
Learning the art of listening
Authors: Payne Naomi
Published: August 2014

Student health visitor Naomi Payne would describe herself as a ‘talker’, but has learned through her experience in practice that active listening can be a crucial way to successfully build a relationship with a service user.
Reflective practice in safeguarding
Authors: Bailey Beverley
Published: August 2014

Bev Bailey considers how health visitors can use reflection, a crucial component of effective practice, in their work to safeguard children from harm.
Journalists and scholars: A short manifesto
Authors: Ray Vin
Published: August 2014

Media and journalism practitioners and academics do not and should not do the same thing. Their approach to what they do – and the result – is entirely different. Yet many academics see journalists as their ‘subjects’, or the targets of their research. Despite
this, scholars rarely have practitioners in mind when writing and publishing their research. The language they use, as well as the methodologies, philosophies and theories they employ, are all alien to journalists and the way they operate. As a result, practitioners pay little heed to the
work of academics. They see their job as providing – in simple language – the kind of information and analysis that will allow citizens to make the most informed choices in the way they live their lives. This editorial note outlines how practitioners view academic research and
what they think academics need to do to make their work relevant, useful and practical. Second, it highlights the hurdles that prevent the two sides from bridging the existing gaps. Third, it proposes three important ideas as to how the two camps can work together to meet the editorial goal
of the Journal of Applied Journalism and Media Studies (AJMS), which is, ‘devoted to research with an applied angle in which a clear link is made between the prevalent theories and paradigms media and communication scholars work with, and the real world where media and communication
activities take place’.
Recurring topics in the social media policies of mainstream media
Authors: Herrera-Damas Susana
Published: August 2014

In recent years mainstream media from all over the world have been regulating the behaviour of their journalists as far as reliance on social media is concerned, fearing these new forms of communication might damage the credibility of their institutions. Those who have not yet done
so are now facing this unstoppable challenge with concern and have begun to outline guidelines for their social media policies. In order to outline the design of these new policies, this article presents recurring topics in social policies and guidelines by leading media such as The New York
Times, Los Angeles Times, Reuters, BBC, NPR, AP, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Guardian, and also the ASNE. To identify them, a qualitative content analysis of 22 of these policies has been conducted.
The nature of Arab public discourse: Social media and the ‘Arab Spring’
Authors: Al-Jenaibi Badreya
Published: August 2014

This article focuses on the use and significance of social media in the Arab region, particularly among Arab journalists within the context of the events known as ‘the Arab Spring’. Besides describing the social media tools preferred by the public and by Arab media professionals,
the article assesses the relative use and trust of new versus old media tools. The article also explores the relationship between the use of social media in the Arab region and the political and social uprisings in Tunisia, Libya, Egypt and Syria. The main research question is: what is the
relation between social media and Arab discourse in these countries? The article uses a multi-method approach, combining survey data with qualitative data from interviews. Surveys were distributed to 1000 people across the UAE, and 789 surveys were received back. The interviews were drawn
from Arab media experts from various media organizations in the relatively understudied UAE. The research concludes that, although social media cannot be said to have been the sole cause for social change, certain social media outlets have indeed complemented old media and served as a catalyst
for the uprisings that have swept several Arab states in the Middle East.
O discurso económico alternativo galego: análise dun novo marco cognitivo
Authors: Lago Martínez Alba
Published: August 2014

Este traballo ten o obxectivo de analizar o discurso de varios colectivos galegos que defenden un modelo económico alternativo, oposto ao que impera na actua­lidade. Este discurso desenvólvese nun contexto de cri­se económica e política e trata de satisfacer a demanda cidadá de solucións para os problemas que se están a padecer. Un novo sistema require unha nova constru­ción ideolóxica que é elaborada e transmitida a través de prácticas discursivas innovadoras. Por este motivo abordamos a análise desde unha dobre perspectiva teórica: socio-cognitiva e retórico-construtivista. Con­sideramos este marco teórico variado, que parte das razóns polas que xorde a necesidade de novas formas de comunicación en situacións de crise como esta e continúa con referencias a cuestións de corte máis discursivo. Entre estas destacamos a concepción da linguaxe como instrumento de poder, na liña da Aná­lise Crítica do Discurso, e como creadora de realidades alternativas. Neste sentido, o discurso ten a capacidade de activar novos marcos cognitivos, mediante o uso de recursos discursivos e de figuras retóricas que configu­ran determinados esquemas conceptuais e funcionan como argumentos do texto persuasivo. Coa aplicación desta teoría mostramos como os discursos destes co­lectivos constrúen un marco de interpretación baseado en tres perspectivas: a social, a medioambiental e a lo­cal. Desde o punto de vista argumentativo, este marco oponse completamente ao capitalista e trata de impli­car a cidadanía en novos estilos de vida.
Malos, Perros e Cas, topónimos interditos
Authors: Palacio Sánchez Antón
Published: August 2014

Na primeira parte do traballo, exemplifícase a inter­vención señorial para cambia-lo nome dalgunhas loca­lidades, un feito que non era insólito na Idade Media. A seguir, enuméranse as causas máis frecuentes da retoponimización, con especial atención ós motivos es­téticos e as denominacións ofensivas, que foron causa de que catro parroquias galegas (Malos, Perros e Cas) perdesen os seu antigo nome e pasasen a denominarse Os Ánxeles. Como queira que tal cambio denominativo se produciu no séc. XVI, pouco despois da clausura do concilio de Trento, o autor defende a hipótese de que foi promovido polos bispos das respectivas dioceses, movidos polo espírito reformador da administración eclesiástica xurdido tralo concilio tridentino. Unha re­visión dos documentos do Arquivo da Catedral de San­tiago (ACS) e do Arquivo Histórico da Universidade de Santiago (AHUS) confirma a hipótese nos catro casos estudados.
O problema da diversidade dialectal do Centro-Sul português: informação perceptiva versus informação acústica
Authors: Brissos Fernando , Saramago João
Published: August 2014

O presente artigo parte dos dados acústicos de Brissos (2014) sobre o Centro-Sul português e divide-se em dois planos: a) sistematização da informação que a literatura tem fornecido sobre ou de interesse para o problema da diversidade dialectal do Centro-Sul português, numa correspondência geográfica linear com a área estudada por Brissos (2014); b) confrontação dessa informação, que é de base perceptiva, com os resultados de Brissos (2014). Os resultados perceptivos dos estudos de caso (estudos que incidem sobre falares ou localidades espe­cíficos) concordam com os dados acústicos de Brissos na informação fundamental; permitem por isso sugerir a revisão das ideias que os estudos de classificação dia­lectal nos têm deixado sobre o Centro-Sul português. Essa sugestão é eficaz porque parte de duas metodo­logias diferentes (a da dialectologia perceptiva / tradi­cional e a da dialectologia acústica). São metodologias de que a dialectologia actual não deve abdicar; deve ser abandonada a exclusividade da dialectologia percepti­va e ser utilizada, no estudo da fonética dialectal, uma perspectiva de complementaridade entre informação perceptiva e informação acústica.
A construção de um dicionário histórico: o caso do Dicionário Histórico do Português do Brasil - séculos XVI, XVII e XVIII
Authors: De Almeida Azevedo Murakawa Clotilde
Published: August 2014

O projeto Dicionário Histórico do Português do Brasil – séculos XVI, XVII e XVIII (DHPB) (CNPq), concluído em dezembro de 2012 com uma nomenclatura de 10.470 entradas, foi elaborado a partir de banco de dados constituído por documentos de gênero e natureza va­riados, localizados nos séculos XVI, XVII e XVIII do pe­ríodo do Brasil colônia. Os textos selecionados para o banco foram produzidos no período mencionado por portugueses que vieram para o Brasil ou por aqueles que já no país haviam se fixado. Este banco registra, aproximadamente, 10 milhões de ocorrências. Neste artigo, apresenta-se o percurso teórico-metodológico que foi construído para o DHPB e as opções e soluções que foram estabelecidas para explicar determinados fatos linguísticos presentes no banco de dados e que mereceram ser inseridos num dicionário histórico que buscou registrar o repertório lexical que deu origem ao português do Brasil.
QTug.sau-3B Is a Major Quantitative Trait Locus for Wheat Hexaploidization
Authors: Hao Ming , Luo Jiangtao , Zeng Deying , Zhang Li , Ning Shunzong , Yuan Zhongwei , Yan Zehong , Zhang Huaigang , Zheng Youliang , Feuillet Catherine , Choulet Frédéric , Yen Yang , Zhang Lianquan , Liu Dengcai
Published: August 2014

Meiotic nonreduction resulting in unreduced gametes is thought to be the predominant mechanism underlying allopolyploid formation in plants. Until now, however, its genetic base was largely unknown. The allohexaploid crop common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), which originated from hybrids of T. turgidum L. with Aegilops tauschii Cosson, provides a model to address this issue. Our observations of meiosis in pollen mother cells from T. turgidum×Ae. tauschii hybrids indicated that first division restitution, which exhibited prolonged cell division during meiosis I, was responsible for unreduced gamete formation. A major quantitative trait locus (QTL) for this trait, named QTug.sau-3B, was detected on chromosome 3B in two T. turgidum×Ae. tauschii haploid populations. This QTL is situated between markers Xgwm285 and Xcfp1012 and covered a genetic distance of 1 cM in one population. QTug.sau-3B is a haploid-dependent QTL because it was not detected in doubled haploid populations. Comparative genome analysis indicated that this QTL was close to Ttam-3B, a collinear homolog of tam in wheat. Although the relationship between QTug.sau-3B and Ttam requires further study, high frequencies of unreduced gametes may be related to reduced expression of Ttam in wheat.
Widespread Genomic Incompatibilities inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Snoek L Basten , Orbidans Helen E , Stastna Jana J , Aartse Aafke , Rodriguez Miriam , Riksen Joost A G , Kammenga Jan E , Harvey Simon C
Published: August 2014

In the Bateson-Dobzhansky-Muller (BDM) model of speciation, incompatibilities emerge from the deleterious interactions between alleles that are neutral or advantageous in the original genetic backgrounds, i.e., negative epistatic effects. Within species such interactions are responsible for outbreeding depression and F2 (hybrid) breakdown. We sought to identify BDM incompatibilities in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans by looking for genomic regions that disrupt egg laying; a complex, highly regulated, and coordinated phenotype. Investigation of introgression lines and recombinant inbred lines derived from the isolates CB4856 and N2 uncovered multiple incompatibility quantitative trait loci (QTL). These QTL produce a synthetic egg-laying defective phenotype not seen in CB4856 and N2 nor in other wild isolates. For two of the QTL regions, results are inconsistent with a model of pairwise interaction between two loci, suggesting that the incompatibilities are a consequence of complex interactions between multiple loci. Analysis of additional life history traits indicates that the QTL regions identified in these screens are associated with effects on other traits such as lifespan and reproduction, suggesting that the incompatibilities are likely to be deleterious. Taken together, these results indicate that numerous BDM incompatibilities that could contribute to reproductive isolation can be detected and mapped within C. elegans.
The Place of Antiarrhythmic Drugs and Rhythm Control in the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Chevalier Philippe ,   Chief, Cardiac Electrophysiology, Hôpital Louis Pradel, 28 Avenue du Doyen Lépine, 69 677 Lyon cedex 03, France. E: philippe.chevalier@chu-lyon.fr
Published: August 2014

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia, with incidence increasing with age and a ranging severity of symptoms. The arrhythmia, perpetuated from electrical, functional and structural remodelling by AF itself, can ultimately lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Emerging evidence appears to support the initiation of rhythm control, particularly early on in the disease course. Antiarrhythmic drugs have proved useful in inducing and maintaining cardioversion, but treatment varies depending on the degree of structural heart disease. Drug trials and selection of therapy have historically focused largely on cardiac safety. Class Ic drugs have demonstrated safety and efficacy in patients with little to no structural heart disease, yet their use continues to be superseded by the use of other drugs, especially amiodarone, which carries significant risks of extracardiac effects and end-organ toxicities. This article discusses the role of sinus rhythm control and antiarrhythmic drugs in AF, with an emphasis on patients exhibiting no or minimal structural heart disease and the importance of selecting an appropriate antiarrhythmic drug, taking into account arrhythmia burden, presence of concurrent cardiovascular disease and severity and, most importantly, the safety of the drug therapy.
Atrial Fibrillation in Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Efremidis Michalis ,   Second Department of Cardiology, ‘Evangelismos’ General Hospital, Ipsilantou 45–47, Athens 10676, Greece. E: micbcar@otenet.gr
Published: August 2014

There is a sinister synergism between atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF). These common cardiovascular conditions often co-exist and result in significant morbidity and mortality. Despite the extensive amount of research and literature about each of these disorders separately, randomised controlled clinical trial data concerning the management of AF in patients with HF are lacking. The recently published Atrial Fibrillation and Congestive Heart Failure (AF-CHF) trial elucidated the matter of rhythm versus rate control. In addition, non-pharmacological treatment approaches such as catheter ablation of AF and cardiac resynchronisation therapy are rapidly growing and are likely to alter AF management in HF patients in the near future.
Functional Revascularisation – The Key to Improving Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Outcomes
Authors: McEntegart Margaret B , Oldroyd Keith G ,   Specialist Registrar, Interventional Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, West of Scotland Regional Heart and Lung Centre, Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Glasgow, UK. E: mbmcentegart@doctors.org.uk,   Consultant, Interventional Cardiology, West of Scotland Regional Heart and Lung Centre, Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Glasgow
Published: August 2014

Recent coronary revascularisation trials have questioned the benefit of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) over medical therapy in chronic stable angina (CSA) and its non-inferiority to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in left main and three-vessel coronary disease. This raises the question of how to further improve PCI outcomes in the drug-eluting stent era. The Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) versus Angiography for Multivessel Evaluation (FAME) study has shown that PCI guided by FFR, rather than by angiography alone, reduces major adverse cardiac events (MACE). This suggests that revascularisation guided by functional assessment may be the key to improving PCI outcomes. Indeed, cross-study extrapolation of the benefits of FFR guidance in FAME to the Clinical Outcomes Utilizing Revascularisation and Aggressive Drug Evaluation (COURAGE) and PCI versus Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Severe Coronary Artery Disease (SYNTAX) trials supports the hypothesis that with FFR guidance PCI can provide added benefit over medical therapy in CSA, and can achieve noninferiority to CABG in left main and three-vessel coronary disease.
JUPITER – Exploring New Frontiers
Authors: Lansberg Peter J ,   Co-ordinator, Durrer Centre for Cardiogenetic Research, Department of Vascular Medicine F4-159.2, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. E: p.j.lansberg@amc.uva.nl
Published: August 2014

Over the last two decades statins have become indispensable for managing patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease. Since their introduction in the late 1980s, their role has expanded from drugs to be used in secondary prevention to standard treatment in primary prevention for individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease. Targets for low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, as well as LDL levels at which statin therapy should be started, have gradually gone down. The JUPITER study succeeded in expanding the limits of earlier interventions and aimed for lower plasma LDL cholesterol levels, as well as including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) as a biomarker for risk and target for treatment. The investigators included patients who, according to current guidelines, would not qualify for statin therapy. Patients with elevated levels of hs-CRP (>2mg/dl) and low LDL cholesterol (<130mg/dl) were treated with rosuvastatin 20mg or placebo. The trial was terminated after 1.9 years because of unexpected early benefits, whereby the relative risk of developing atherothrombotic complications was reduced by 44%. The implications of this trial are far-reaching, not only because of the public health consequences of treating a larger number of individuals with aggressive statin therapy than current guidelines dictate; it also forces us to re-evaluate current cardiovascular risk calculating tools. The provocative results of this important primary prevention trial have generated new questions on how to intervene earlier in the development of atherosclerosis in patients at risk of cardiovascular disease.
Cardiovascular Risk Reduction in Childhood – Evidence and Strategies
Authors: Beck Ephraim B , Walther Claudia , Körner Antje , Erbs Sandra ,   Heart Centre Leipzig, Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology, University of Leipzig, Herzzentrum Leipzig, Klinik für Innere Medizin/Kardiologie, Struempellstrasse 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany. E: ephraim.beck@med.uni-leipzig.de,   Heart Centre Leipzig, Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology, University of Leipzig,   Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of Leipzig,   Heart Centre Leipzig, Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology, University of Leipzig
Published: August 2014

Atherosclerosis of arterial vessels starts early in life, often in childhood. Subclinical atherosclerotic lesions can already be detected non-invasively in children presenting with cardiovascular risk factors. Impairment of endothelial function, pathologically altered intimamedia thickness and increased arterial stiffness are evident long before cardiovascular events occur. Childhood obesity is a key player in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disorders since obesity causes metabolic, immunological and haemodynamic alterations preceding disease onset. The effectiveness of secondary prevention programmes that include dietary restriction and exercise has been well demonstrated. Pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery can be helpful in the extremely obese who have co-morbidities, but long-term risk and safety profile results are lacking. Evidence of primary prevention programmes to avoid risk factor accumulation and disease onset is not as strong. Nevertheless, the positive effects of dietary recommendations and exercise programmes on risk factors have been documented.
Metabolic Syndrome in Hypertension – Treatment Challenges and Goals
Authors: de la Sierra Alejandro ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Mutua Terrassa, University of Barcelona, Dr Robert, 5, 08221-Terrassa, Spain. E: adelasierra@mutuaterrassa.es; asierra@ub.edu
Published: August 2014

Changes in lifestyle in the developed world are promoting growth in overweight and obesity, leading to several metabolic abnormalities (lipids, glucose and blood pressure) and increasing the future risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular events and death. Metabolic syndrome represents the combination of abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, atherogenic dyslipidaemia and pro-thrombotic and pro-inflammatory states. Although some controversies in the pathogenesis and clinical importance of metabolic syndrome still remain, the development of useful clinical tools to more easily identify these patients has led to an increased recognition in the adult population. Management of patients with metabolic syndrome is a clinical challenge and requires a multifactorial, multidisciplinary approach. Changes in lifestyle are obviously the first therapeutic step and include both dietary modifications and increased daily exercise. Several questions remain to be elucidated with respect to pharmacological treatment. The blood pressure levels required to initiate antihypertensive treatment, goal to be achieved and the possibility of including a renin–angiotensin system blocker as a part of pharmacological treatment are still under discussion. Moreover, there is a lack of/poor evidence of the need for specific drugs to reduce triglycerides, increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, improve insulin sensitivity and decrease abdominal obesity. Independently, it is generally accepted that earlier and more aggressive therapy in subjects with metabolic syndrome will result in a decrease in future cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Current Recommendations for Interpretation of the Highly Sensitive Troponin T Assay for Diagnostic, Therapeutic and Prognostic Purposes in Patients with a Non-ST-segment-elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Giannitsis Evangelos , Katus Hugo A ,   Medical Department III, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. E: evangelos_giannitsis@med.uni-heidelberg.de,   Medical Department III, Heidelberg University Hospital
Published: August 2014

The presence of the cardiospecific cardiac troponins (cTns) I (cTnI) and T (cTnT) alongside signs or symptoms of myocardial infarction (MI) are indicative of an acute MI. As these proteins are not typically found in the sera of healthy individuals, any concentration of cTns exceeding the 99th percentile is interpreted as myocardial necrosis. Recently, new cTnI and cTnT with increased sensitivity and precision have been introduced to improve the detection and diagnosis of acute MI, the newest of which, the Elecsys® Troponin T highly sensitive assay, has demonstrated a particular advantage with high precision even in the 99th percentile. These enhanced properties are expected to increase the incidence of MI diagnoses, but currently it is not clear how to approach therapy in response to the detection of cTnT levels. The detection of elevated cTn levels alone is not sufficient for a diagnosis of acute MI, and requires an in-depth assessment of clinical presentation to determine the source and severity of myocardial damage.
Cardiogenic Shock – Developments and Treatment Strategies
Authors: Seabra-Gomes Ricardo , Ferreira Jorge ,   Clinical Director, Instituto do Coração, Av. Prof. Dr Reinaldo dos Santos 27, 2794-006 Carnaxide, Portugal. E: seago@esoterica.pt,   Senior Cardiologist, and Co-ordinator, Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Department of Cardiology, Hospital Santa Cruz
Published: August 2014

Cardiogenic shock remains one of the most serious and challenging conditions in cardiology and is responsible for the highest in-hospital mortality associated with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. The only significant treatment strategy that has been shown to reduce its incidence and inherent mortality is emergent coronary revascularisation. Prevention should aim at early recognition of symptoms, appropriate pre-hospital emergency medical care and prompt primary revascularisation. Once established, cardiogenic shock still has an unacceptably high mortality rate. Approaches that include new pharmacological therapies and other forms of mechanical haemodynamic support are under investigation. The possible role of systemic inflammatory response has led to the investigation of nitric oxide synthase inhibition, although initial results with tilarginine were disappointing. The use of percutaneous left ventricular assist devices looks promising, but hard data regarding mortality benefit are still missing. Cardiogenic shock remains a perplexing and often fatal condition. The future may require more basic, translational and clinical research.
Beyond the Apnoea–Hypopnoea Index – Prognostic Value of Other Elements of Polysomnography to Describe Sleep-disordered Breathing in Heart Failure
Authors: Adamson Philip B ,   The Heart Failure Institute, Oklahoma Heart Hospital, Oklahoma Foundation for Cardiovascular Research, and Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 4050 W Memorial Road, Oklahoma City, OK 73120, US. E: padamson@ocaheart.com
Published: August 2014

There is increasing appreciation of the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDP) in heart failure. As we examine this patient population, the difficulties of determining success in the treatment of SDB are becoming evident. The apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) is the standard method of measuring both the severity of the disease and treatment success, but in itself is a composite of multiple components. This article examines both current and developing measurements in the treatment of SDB.
Atrial Fibrillation and Renin–Angiotensin System Blockade in Hypertension
Authors: Aksnes Tonje A , Schneider Markus P , Kjeldsen Sverre E , Wachtell Kristian , Schmieder Roland E ,   Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål N-0407 Oslo, Norway. E: TonjeAmb.Aksnes@ulleval.no,   Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg,   Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor,   Department of Cardiology, The Heart Centre, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen,   Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg
Published: August 2014

Atrial fibrillation is prevalent and increases morbidity and mortality. Hypertension is an important risk factor for atrial fibrillation development, and treatment with a blocker of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) may reduce new-onset atrial fibrillation. Blockade of RAS may prevent left atrial dilatation, atrial fibrosis, dysfunction and conduction velocity slowing, and some studies even indicate direct anti-arrhythmic properties. As the general population is ageing, the prevalence of atrial fibrillation is expected to rise, and methods to prevent or postpone atrial fibrillation development, for example with optimal antihypertensive treatment, may be of clinical, prognostic and economic importance.