bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective Effect of Electroacupuncture at Zusanli on Myocardial Injury in Septic Rats
Authors: Zhang Lijian , Huang Zhenjun , Shi Xian , Hu Sen , Litscher Daniela , Wang Lu , Litscher Gerhard
Published: October 2018

The protective effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at Zusanli points (ST36) on myocardial injury in a model of sepsis was observed. Forty‐eight male Sprague‐Daley rats were subjected to sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and randomly divided into 4 groups (n=12; A: sepsis + EA; B: sepsis + sham acupuncture; C: sepsis + vagotomy; D: sepsis + vagotomy + EA). Bilateral points were stimulated (2mA, 2‐100 Hz) for 1 hour. Abdominal vagotomy was performed in groups C and D. At 6h after CLP, the plasma activity of creatine kinase‐MB (CK‐MB) was determined. A part of cardiac muscle was harvested for evaluating levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α), nitric oxide (NO), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and the rate of water content. The activities of CK‐MB, TNF‐α, NO, and MPO and the rate of water content in group A were significantly lower than those of the other groups 6h after CLP. EA after vagotomy showed less anti‐inflammatory and protective effects. The results indicated that EA obviously reduced the increased levels of the proinflammatory factors at 6h after CLP, and vagotomy could weaken or eliminate the effects of EA. Cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathway is one of the main mechanisms of cardioprotective effect of EA.
Immunoinformatics Approach for Epitope-Based Peptide Vaccine Design and Active Site Prediction against Polyprotein of Emerging Oropouche Virus
Authors: Adhikari Utpal Kumar , Tayebi Mourad , Rahman M. Mizanur
Published: October 2018

Oropouche virus (OROV) is an emerging pathogen which causes Oropouche fever and meningitis in humans. Several outbreaks of OROV in South America, especially in Brazil, have changed its status as an emerging disease, but no vaccine or specific drug target is available yet. Our approach was to identify the epitope-based vaccine candidates as well as the ligand-binding pockets through the use of immunoinformatics. In this report, we identified both T-cell and B-cell epitopes of the most antigenic OROV polyprotein with the potential to induce both humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Eighteen highly antigenic and immunogenic CD8+ T-cell epitopes were identified, including three 100% conserved epitopes (TSSWGCEEY, CSMCGLIHY, and LAIDTGCLY) as the potential vaccine candidates. The selected epitopes showed 95.77% coverage for the mixed Brazilian population. The docking simulation ensured the binding interaction with high affinity. A total of five highly conserved and nontoxic linear B-cell epitopes “NQKIDLSQL,” “HPLSTSQIGDRC,” “SHCNLEFTAITADKIMSL,” “PEKIPAKEGWLTFSKEHTSSW,” and “HHYKPTKNLPHVVPRYH” were selected as potential vaccine candidates. The predicted eight conformational B-cell epitopes represent the accessibility for the entered virus. In the posttherapeutic strategy, ten ligand-binding pockets were identified for effective inhibitor design against emerging OROV infection. Collectively, this research provides novel candidates for epitope-based peptide vaccine design against OROV.
Revisiting Key Entry Routes of Human Epidemic Arboviruses into the Mainland Americas through Large-Scale Phylogenomics
Authors: Campos Túlio De Lima , Durães-Carvalho Ricardo , Rezende Antonio Mauro , de Carvalho Otávio Valério , Kohl Alain , Wallau Gabriel Luz , Pena Lindomar José
Published: October 2018

The rapid worldwide spread of chikungunya (CHIKV), dengue (DENV), and Zika (ZIKV) viruses have raised great international concern. Knowledge about the entry routes and geographic expansion of these arboviruses to the mainland Americas remain incomplete and controversial. Epidemics caused by arboviruses continue to cause socioeconomic burden globally, particularly in countries where vector control is difficult due to climatic or infrastructure factors. Understanding how the virus circulates and moves from one country to another is of paramount importance to assist government and health officials in anticipating future epidemics, as well as to take steps to help control or mitigate the spread of the virus. Through the analyses of the sequences of arbovirus genomes collected at different locations over time, we identified patterns of accumulated mutations, being able to trace routes of dispersion of these viruses. Here, we applied robust phylogenomic methods to trace the evolutionary dynamics of these arboviruses with special focus on Brazil, the epicenter of these triple epidemics. Our results show that CHIKV, DENV-1–4, and ZIKV followed a similar path prior to their first introductions into the mainland Americas, underscoring the need for systematic arboviral surveillance at major entry points of human population movement between countries such as airports and seaports.
Social Touch Gesture Recognition Using Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Albawi Saad , Bayat Oguz , Al-Azawi Saad , Ucan Osman N.
Published: October 2018

Recently, social touch gesture recognition has been considered an important topic for touch modality, which can lead to highly efficient and realistic human-robot interaction. In this paper, a deep convolutional neural network is selected to implement a social touch recognition system for raw input samples (sensor data) only. The touch gesture recognition is performed using a dataset previously measured with numerous subjects that perform varying social gestures. This dataset is dubbed as the corpus of social touch, where touch was performed on a mannequin arm. A leave-one-subject-out cross-validation method is used to evaluate system performance. The proposed method can recognize gestures in nearly real time after acquiring a minimum number of frames (the average range of frame length was from 0.2% to 4.19% from the original frame lengths) with a classification accuracy of 63.7%. The achieved classification accuracy is competitive in terms of the performance of existing algorithms. Furthermore, the proposed system outperforms other classification algorithms in terms of classification ratio and touch recognition time without data preprocessing for the same dataset.
Experimental Study of Moving Truck Emissions on Inter-City National Road: A Case Study of Malino Main Road
Authors: Lutfie Mukhtar , Samang Lawalenna , Adisasmita Sakti A. , Ramli Muhammad I.
Published: October 2018

The research aimed to determine exhaust emission and speed of the truck when moving. Measurements were made using a mobile emission analyzer that absorbed emission from truck exhaust. Data collection was done by putting mobile emission analyzer on the right side of the vehicle which absorbs 5 emissions of approximately 5 minutes. The relationship of exhaust emission and speed uses the polynomial model of the average value of exhaust emission and speed. The reliability of mobile emission analyzer uses the multiplier factor to solve the data difference between mobile emission analyzer and Bosowa equipment. The results of research indicate emission of CO2, NOx, Smoke, CO, and HC forming driving cycle pattern. This pattern shows the pattern follows parabola tendency. Emission on damaged road is higher than good road although the emission values are not much different. However, the value of emission of Smoke is relatively equal in both road conditions.
Baicalin Exerts Anti‐Airway Inflammation and Anti‐Remodelling Effects in Severe Stage Rat Model of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Wang Genfa , Mohammadtursun Nabijan , Lv Yubao , Zhang Hongying , Sun Jing , Dong Jingcheng
Published: October 2018

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a worldwide epidemic. Current approaches are disappointing due to limited improvement of the disease development. The present study established 36‐week side stream cigarette smoke induced rat model of COPD with advanced stage feature and evaluted the effects of baicalin on the model. Fifty‐four Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups including room air control, cigarette smoke exposure, baicalin (40 mg/kg, 80 mg/kg, and 160 mg/kg), and budesonide used as a positive control. Rats were exposed to cigarette smoke from 3R4F research cigarettes. Pulmonary function was evaluated and pathological changes were also observed. Cytokine level related to airway inflammation and remodelling in blood serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and lung tissue was determined. Blood gases and HPA axis function were also examined, and antioxidant levels were quantified. Results showed that, after treatment with baicalin, lung function was improved and histopathological changes were ameliorated. Baicalin also regulated proinflammatory and anti‐inflammatory balance and also airway remodelling and anti‐airway remodelling factors in blood serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and lung tissue. Antioxidant capacity was also increased after treatment with baicalin in COPD rat model. HPA axis function was improved in baicalin treated groups as compared to model group. Therefore, baicalin exerts lung function protection, proinflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokine regulation, anti‐airway remodelling, and antioxidant role in long term CS induced COPD model.
Endodontic Management of a Severely Dilacerated Mandibular Third Molar: Case Report and Clinical Considerations
Authors: Arora Suraj , Gill Gurdeep Singh , Setia Priyanka , Abdulla Anshad Mohamed , Sivadas Ganapathy , Vedam Vaishnavi
Published: October 2018

This article aims at providing an insight to the clinical modifications required for the endodontic management of severely dilacerated mandibular third molar. A 35-year-old patient was referred for the root canal treatment of the mandibular left third molar. An intraoral periapical radiograph revealed a severe curvature in both the canals. A wide trapezoidal access was prepared following the use of intermediate-sized files for apical preparation. Owing to increased flexibility, Hero Shaper NITI files were used for the biomechanical preparation and single cone obturation was carried out. Third molars owing to their most posterior location-limited access coupled with a severe curvature pose utmost clinical challenges require meticulous skill, advanced technology, and patience to achieve success.
Optimization of Electrostatic Force System Based on Newton Interpolation Method
Authors: Zheng Yelong , Zhao Meirong , Sun Peiyuan , Song Le
Published: October 2018

The measurements of micro/nanoforces are of great importance in both science and engineering. We developed a traceable system for micro/nanoforces based on electrostatic force using two electrodes. Noises (creep, ground vibration, and airflow) are one of the limitations for force resolution. The forces are distorted by noise and cannot be measured accurately. Although ABA method can be used to eliminate linear creep, it is invalid for nonlinear noise. In this paper, a new method known as the Newton interpolation method (NIM) has been adopted in capacitance gradient and the calibration of cantilever stiffness to reduce the effect of nonlinear noise. The results show that the capacitance gradient, with a relative standard deviation of 0.004%, is stable and has good repeatability. The stiffness of cantilever was measured using electrostatic force. The typical value of stiffness ranged from 5.1 to 48 N/m. The relative standard deviation was small, i.e., less than 0.6% owing to Newton interpolation method. These results show that our system is very stable and repeatable. This research may assist in the designing of force measurement systems based on electrostatic force.
Some Coefficient Inequalities of q-Starlike Functions Associated with Conic Domain Defined by q-Derivative
Authors: Mahmood Shahid , Jabeen Mehwish , Malik Sarfraz Nawaz , Srivastava H. M. , Manzoor Rabbiya , Riaz S. M. Jawwad
Published: October 2018

This article deals with q-starlike functions associated with conic domains, defined by Janowski functions. It generalizes the recent study of q-starlike functions while associating it with the conic domains. Certain renowned coefficient inequalities in connection with the previously known ones have been included in this work.
Complications and Management of a Rare Case of Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis to the Vertebral Spine
Authors: Nakhla Sammy G.
Published: October 2018

Coccidioidomycosis, also known as San Joaquin Valley Fever or Valley Fever, is mostly a pulmonary infection caused by inhalation of spores in an endemic region. Dissemination to bone, joints, meninges, and skin occurs less than one percent of the time. Skeletal involvement accounts for approximately half of the disseminated coccidioidomycosis with the vertebrae as the most common skeletal region. We present a very rare case of disseminated coccidioidomycosis with osteomyelitis and compression fracture of the lumbar vertebral body. This case depicts some of the potential issues that can arise in managing coccidioidomycosis, especially when noncompliance to initial azoles occurs, that can lead to dissemination and complicated bone infections necessitating surgical intervention along with continuous medical therapy.
Injectable Chemotherapy Downstaged Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma from Nonresectable to Resectable in a Rescue Dog: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcome
Authors: Cai Shuang , Zhang Ti , Groer Chad , Forrest Melanie , Aires Daniel , Otte Vern , Barchman Sally , Faerber Abby , Forrest Marcus Laird
Published: October 2018

This case report documents the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of a nonresectable oral squamous cell carcinoma in a dog with initial poor prognosis. An approximately 4-year-old female Staffordshire Bull Terrier presented with a large mass on the front of lower jaw which was diagnosed as oral papillary squamous cell carcinoma by histopathology. CT scans revealed invasion of the cancer to the frenulum of the tongue. The mass was inoperable due to location, expansiveness, and metastatic lymph nodes. The dog received 4 treatments of intralesional hyaluronan-platinum conjugates (HylaPlat™, HylaPharm LLC, Lawrence, Kansas) at 3-week intervals. Clinical chemistry and complete blood count were performed one week after each treatment and results were within normal limits. Complications included bleeding due to tumor tissue sloughing, as well as a single seizure due to unknown causes. Upon completion of chemotherapy, CT showed that the mass had regressed and was no longer invading the lingual frenulum, and multiple lymph nodes were free of metastasis. The mass thus became resectable and the dog successfully underwent rostral bilateral mandibulectomy. Over one year after chemotherapy and surgery, the cancer remains in complete remission.
Analysis of Single Channel Blind Source Separation Algorithm for Chaotic Signals
Authors: He Jiai , Song Yuxiao , Du Panpan , Xu Lei
Published: October 2018

In a wireless sensor network, the signal received by the terminal processor is usually a complex single channel hybrid chaotic signal. The engineering needs to separate the useful signal from the mixed signal to perform the next transmission analysis. Since chaotic signals are nonlinear and unpredictable, traditional blind separation algorithms cannot effectively separate chaotic signals. Aiming to correct these problems—based on the particle filter estimation algorithm—an extended Kalman particle filter algorithm (EPF) and an unscented Kalman particle filter algorithm (UPF) are proposed to solve the single channel blind separation problem of chaotic signals. Mixing chaotic signals of different intensities performs blind source separation. Using different evaluation indexes carries out the experiment and performance can be analyzed. The results show that the proposed algorithm effectively separates the mixed chaotic signals.
The Credit Asset of Enterprise Accounts Receivable Pricing Model
Authors: Xu Deshun , Ma Junhai
Published: October 2018

Based on the thinking of holism and reductionism, this paper creatively constructed the credit asset pricing model of enterprises’ accounts receivable, namely, the BEST pricing model, and it was demonstrated effectively. The model gave an overall evaluation on the default probability of buyer and environment, as well as buyer loss given default resulting from the factors including Seller (S), Buyer (B), and Environment (E). The model is also utilized with the optimal control management Technology (T) to maximize the intrinsic value of the credit asset. The paper put forward the Duration of accounts receivable aging, measurement method of dynamic free interest rate, and amended the KMV model to solve the default probability of accounts receivable of listed and nonlisted companies. To evaluate the credit asset risk, the following were selected: three effective financial indicators, seven nonfinancial index clusters, and sixty‐three specific nonfinancial index variables of the buyer; one index and eight specific indicators of the seller; and one index and fourteen specific indicators of nonsystematic risk of the environment. Five appropriate hedge parameters are used to control the risk.
An Experimental Study on the Microstructures of Cemented Paste Backfill during Its Developing Process
Authors: Zhang Bo , Xin Jie , Liu Lang , Guo Lijie , Song Ki-Il
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study was to examine the microstructure of cemented paste backfill (CPB) during its development and relate the characteristics of the microstructure to the physical and mechanical properties of CPB. The geometry and morphology of the microstructures of CPB were observed by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The characteristics including pore size, pore shape, and orientation of the microstructures of CPB at different curing times were analyzed based on the SEM images. The porosity, fractal dimension, and probability entropy were characterized using the Particles and Pore Recognition and Analysis System (PPRAS). It was found that the pore size, pore shape, and orientation of the microstructure of CPB significantly change as the curing time increases, resulting in the increase of UCS. Meanwhile, the arrangement of the pores affects the mechanical properties of CPB. At the early age of CPB development, the probability entropy is above 0.96, indicating a chaotic pore distribution and no obvious orientation. At the late age of CPB development, the probability entropy becomes smaller and the order and orientation of the pore distribution are enhanced, leading to an increase in USC. The UCS of CPB is also greatly affected by the characteristics of the pore morphology. During the development of CPB, the pore shape becomes smoother. The UCS of CPB approximately linearly improves with an increase in the average roundness of pores.
Intratumoral Immunotherapy with XCL1 and sFlt3L Encoded in Recombinant Semliki Forest Virus–Derived Vectors Fosters Dendritic Cell–Mediated T-cell Cross-Priming
Authors: Sánchez-Paulete Alfonso R. , Teijeira Álvaro , Quetglas José I. , Rodríguez-Ruiz María E. , Sánchez-Arráez Álvaro , Labiano Sara , Etxeberria Iñaki , Azpilikueta Arantza , Bolaños Elixabet , Ballesteros-Briones María Cristina , Casares Noelia , Quezada Sergio A. , Berraondo Pedro , Sancho David , Smerdou Cristian , Melero Ignacio
Published: October 2018

Multiple lines of evidence indicate a critical role of antigen cross-presentation by conventional BATF3-dependent type 1 classical dendritic cells (cDC1) in CD8-mediated antitumor immunity. Flt3L and XCL1, respectively, constitute a key growth/differentiation factor and a potent and specific chemoattractant for cDC1. To exploit their antitumor functions in local immunotherapy, we prepared Semliki Forest Virus (SFV)–based vectors encoding XCL1 and soluble Flt3L (sFlt3L). These vectors readily conferred transgene expression to the tumor cells in culture and when engrafted as subcutaneous mouse tumor models. In syngeneic mice, intratumoral injection of SFV-XCL1-sFlt3L (SFV-XF) delayed progression of MC38- and B16-derived tumors. Therapeutic activity was observed and exerted additive effects in combination with anti–PD-1, anti-CD137, or CTLA-4 immunostimulatory mAbs. Therapeutic effects were abolished by CD8β T-cell depletion and were enhanced by CD4 T-cell depletion, but not by T regulatory cell predepletion with anti-CD25 mAb. Antitumor effects were also abolished in BATF3- and IFNAR-deficient mice. In B16-OVA tumors, SFV-XF increased the number of infiltrating CD8 T cells, including those recognizing OVA. Consistently, following the intratumoral SFV-XF treatment courses, we observed increased BATF3-dependent cDC1 among B16-OVA tumor-infiltrating leukocytes. Such an intratumoral increase was not seen in MC38-derived tumors, but both resident and migratory cDC1 were boosted in SFV-XF–treated MC38 tumor-draining lymph nodes. In conclusion, viral gene transfer of sFlt3L and XCL1 is feasible, safe, and biologically active in mice, exerting antitumor effects that can be potentiated by CD4 T-cell depletion.

Significance:

These findings demonstrate that transgenic expression of sFLT3L and XCL1 in tumor cells mediates cross-priming of, and elicits potent antitumor activity from, CD8 T lymphocytes, particularly in combination with CD4 T-cell depletion.
Oleanolic Acid Inhibits Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Promoting iNOS Dimerization
Authors: Wang Hongzhi , Zhong Weilong , Zhao Jianmin , Zhang Heng , Zhang Qiang , Liang Yuan , Chen Shuang , Liu Huijuan , Zong Shumin , Tian Yixuan , Zhou Honggang , Sun Tao , Liu Yanrong , Yang Cheng
Published: October 2018

Oleanolic acid exhibits extensive pharmacologic activities and takes significant antitumor effects. Its pharmacologic mechanism, however, still remained to be further clarified. In this study, we demonstrated that oleanolic acid attenuated the migration and invasion abilities, resulting in the suppression of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in liver cancer cells, and inhibited the tumor growth of the peritoneal lymphocytes–bearing mice. We further proved that inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) may be the potential target of oleanolic acid. We confirmed that oleanolic acid could promote the dimerization of iNOS, activating it, and subsequently increasing the production of nitric oxide. Further experiments indicated that oleanolic acid promoted the nitration of specific proteins and consequently suppressed their EMT-related biological functions. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that oleanolic acid enhanced the antitumor effects of regorafenib in liver cancer treatment. These results deepened our understanding of the pharmacologic mechanism of the antitumor effect oleanolic acid, and the importance of nitric oxide synthetase as a therapeutic target for liver cancer treatment.
DNA Damage, Liver Injury, and Tumorigenesis: Consequences of DDX3X Loss
Authors: Chan Chieh-Hsiang , Chen Chun-Ming , Lee Yan-Hwa Wu , You Li-Ru
Published: October 2018

The pleiotropic roles of DEAD-box helicase 3, X-linked (DDX3X), including its functions in transcriptional and translational regulation, chromosome segregation, DNA damage, and cell growth control, have highlighted the association between DDX3X and tumorigenesis. However, mRNA transcripts and protein levels of DDX3X in patient specimens have shown the controversial correlations of DDX3X with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prevalence. In this study, generation of hepatocyte-specific Ddx3x-knockout mice revealed that loss of Ddx3x facilitates liver tumorigenesis. Loss of Ddx3x led to profound ductular reactions, cell apoptosis, and compensatory proliferation in female mutants at 6 weeks of age. The sustained phosphorylation of histone H2AX (γH2AX) and significant accumulation of DNA single-strand breaks and double-strand breaks in liver indicated that the replicative stress occurred in female mutants. Further chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses demonstrated that DDX3X bound to promoter regions and regulated the expression of DNA repair factors, DDB2 and XPA, to maintain genome stability. Loss of Ddx3x led to decreased levels of DNA repair factors, which contributed to an accumulation of unrepaired DNA damage, replication stress, and eventually, spontaneous liver tumors and DEN-induced HCCs in Alb-Cre/+;Ddx3xflox/flox mice.

Implications:

These data identify an important role of DDX3X in the regulation of DNA damage repair to protect against replication stress in liver and HCC development and progression.
Die genetische Flexibilität von Pseudomonas aeruginosa und Klebsiella pneumoniae - eine Herausforderung nicht nur für Kliniker
Authors: Brandt David
Published: October 2018

Many different species of gram-negative bacteria are associated with infection in the lung, causing exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis (CF), and ventilator-associated pneumonias. These airway pathogens must adapt to common host clearance mechanisms that include killing by antimicrobial peptides, antibiotics, oxidative stress, and phagocytosis by leukocytes. Bacterial adaptation to the host is often evident phenotypically, with increased extracellular polysaccharide production characteristic of some biofilm-associated organisms. Given the relatively limited repertoire of bacterial strategies to elude airway defenses, it seems likely that organisms sharing the same ecological niche might also share common strategies to persistently infect the lung. In this review, we will highlight some of the major factors responsible for the adaptation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to the lung, addressing how growth in biofilms enables persistent infection, relevant to, but not limited to, the pathogenesis of infection in CF. In contrast, we will discuss how carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae evade immune clearance, an organism often associated with ventilator-associated pneumonia and health-care-acquired pneumonias, but not a typical pathogen in CF.
A Rare Case of Concomitant Deletions in 15q11.2 and 19p13.3
Authors: Sgardioli Ilária C. , Lustosa-Mendes Elaine , dos Santos Ana P. , Vieira Társis P. , Gil-da-Silva-Lopes Vera L.
Published: October 2018

A female individual with concomitant deletions in 15q11.2 and 19p13.3 is reported. She presents facial dysmorphisms, motor delay, learning difficulties, and mild behavioral impairment. After chromosomal microarray analysis, the final karyotype was established as 46,XX.arr[GRCh37] 15q11.2 (22770421_23282798)×1,19p13.3(3793904_4816330)×1. The deletion in 15q11.2 is 507 kb in size involving 7 non-imprinted genes, 4 of which are registered in the OMIM database and are implicated in neuropsychiatric or neurodevelopmental disorders. The deletion in 19p13.3 is 1,022 kb in size and encompasses 47 genes, most of which do not have a well-known function. The genotype-phenotype correlation is discussed, and most of the features could be related to the 19p13.3 deletion, except for velopharyngeal insufficiency. Other genes encompassed in the deleted region, as well as unrecognized epistatic factors could also be involved. Nevertheless, the two-hit model related to the 15q11.2 deletion would be an important hypothesis to be considered.
Investigation of Therapeutic Effects of Erdosteine on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in a Rat Model
Authors: Karateke Atilla , Dokuyucu Recep , Dogan Hatice , Ozgur Tumay , Tas Zeynel Abidin , Tutuk Okan , Agturk Gokhan , Tumer Cemil
Published: October 2018

Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a serious endocrine disorder. In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of erdosteine in letrozole-induced PCOS in rats. Methods: Thirty-two Wistar albino female rats were grouped as control group (C), PCOS group (PCOS), PCOS-metformin group (PCOS+MET), and PCOS-erdosteine group (PCOS+Erd). PCOS was induced by administering letrozole; such rats presented with sex hormone disorder, abnormal estrous cycles determined by daily vaginal smear, large cystic follicles, and increasing fasting insulin levels. After induction of PCOS, metformin (500 mg/kg/day) and erdosteine (100 mg/kg/day) were given orally to the treatment groups for 30 days. Serum concentrations of glucose, total cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, as well as the total oxidant and antioxidant status, oxidative stress index, circulating estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), testosterone, and androstenedione were evaluated. The ovaries were graded histologically. Results: Weights of ovarian tissues (p < 0.05) and the number of atretic follicles (p < 0.001) and cystic follicles (p < 0.01) decreased in the PCOS+Erd group; the corpus luteum number was significantly higher in the PCOS+Erd group (p < 0.01) as compared with the PCOS group. Lipid parameters (total-C, LDL-C, and TG), E1 (estrone), E1/E2 ratio, testosterone, and androstenedione significantly decreased, while HDL-C and E2 (estradiol) significantly increased in the PCOS+Erd group as compared with the PCOS group. Moreover glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR were reduced with treatment of erdosteine (p > 0.05, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: It is suggested that erdosteine may be used in the treatment of PCOS as an alternative to metformin. It appears that our findings might be supported by clinical and molecular studies.
O mundo e o reino: historicidade e ficcionalização em El reino de este mundo, de Alejo Carpentier
Authors: Vargas Fábio Aristimunho
Published: October 2018

O romance El reino de este mundo (1949), do escritor cubano Alejo Carpentier (1904-1980), é uma obra de ficção histórica que retrata a colônia francesa de Saint-Domingue no século XVIII até as primeiras décadas do Haiti independente, introduzindo o estilo narrativo conhecido como “real maravilhoso”, que muito influenciaria a literatura latino-americana do século XX. Embora a narrativa não mencione datas nem nomeie fatos, é possível reconhecer e datar os principais acontecimentos retratados, assim como identificar certos personagens reais que aparecem na trama. O presente artigo busca desvendar os elementos históricos referidos e ficcionalizados por Carpentier ao longo da obra, buscando separar o mundo (real) do reino (da ficção), de modo a fornecer subsídios para melhor compreensão da narrativa. Analisam-se, para isso, as quatro partes em que se estrutura o livro, contrastando a narrativa com fatos históricos e elementos da teoria da ficção histórica.
Florescer e murchar dos laranjais: Reforma e contrarreforma agrária numa fazenda peruana (1958-2005)
Authors: Ribeiro Vanderlei Vazelesk
Published: October 2018

Neste trabalho discutiremos a formação da Fazenda Huando em Huaral Peru, a luta do sindicato campesino pela realização de uma reforma agrária no início dos anos 1970 e as dificuldades da cooperativa de produção ali formada. Também avaliaremos o processo de parcelação das terras e sua reconcentração, que neste momento seguem em marcha acelerada.
Un análisis comparativo de la inserción de inmigrantes latinoamericanos en el mercado de trabajo de España en 2001
Authors: Vilela Elaine Meire , Noronha Cláudia Lima Ayer de
Published: October 2018

Este trabajo tiene el objetivo de realizar un análisis comparativo de la situación socioeconómica de los inmigrantes latinoamericanos de origen ecuatoriano, colombiano, boliviano, peruano, venezolano y brasileño, incorporados al mercado de trabajo en España, en 2001. Se pretende investigar si existen diferencias niveles de empleo, comparando los seis grupos de latinoamericanos, y cuáles están en mejores o peores ocupaciones en el mercado de trabajo de España. También tenemos como objetivo identificar si esas diferencias de inserción laboral pueden ser explicadas por la nacionalidad de esos trabajadores, controlando las características individuales de esos trabajadores. Para investigar estos puntos, seleccionamos a los extranjeros ecuatorianos, colombianos, bolivianos, peruanos, venezolanos y brasileños, entre 25 y 65 años, en el Censo Demográfico español. En cuanto a los modelos de análisis, estimamos dos modelos de regresión logística, para verificar las diferencias relacionadas al origen étnica/nacional para la determinación de la empleabilidad e inserción ocupacional. Se mantienen las características socioeconómicas de los trabajadores constantes (sexo, edad, escolaridad, entre otras características), verificar el efecto del país de nacimiento del trabajador para explicar la situación del inmigrante en el mercado de trabajo español.
Inmigrantes “chinxs” en la Buenos Aires globalizada
Authors: Verónica Abrego Ada
Published: October 2018

En las últimas décadas y debido a la globalización, aun siendo su afincamiento restrictivo, la movilidad de personas coloca incluso a sociedades como la argentina, que se autodefine como de inmigrantes, frente a interesantes encrucijadas discursivas: ¿Qué elementos mueve la vulnerabilidad de los actuales inmigrantes en la autopercepción de las autobiografías migratorias de lxs argentinxs? El artículo 25 de la Constitución argentina fomenta explícitamente “la inmigración europea”, pero, ¿qué sucede con la “nueva migración”, por ejemplo con la de personas originarias de China, que se establecieron en los años 1980 y ya cuentan con una “segunda generación” o con otras llegadas aún más recientemente provenientes del continente asiático y que apenas llevan pocos años en el país? ¿Qué imágenes de anfitrión/-a registra quien es acogidx y proviene de un núcleo cultural distinto? A partir de una conceptualización de interseccionalidad que no se restringe a los tradicionales ejes de “género, ‘raza’/etnicidad y clase”, se analizarán la manera de articularse de las voces y contravoces inmigrantes en estas manifestaciones fílmicas. Pues la pregunta es también, qué espacio les brinda el cine y a qué medios recurre el lenguaje fílmico para proyectar a estos nuevos actores sociales en la gran pantalla. Tres películas argentinas que tematizan la migración asiática, Un cuento chino (2011) de Sebastián Borensztein, La Salada (2015) de Juan Martín Hsu y Mi último fracaso (2017) de Cecilia Kang, ponen en la mira la relación entre lxs argentinxs y lxs inmigrantes asiáticxs – en La Salada, también de lxs bolivianxs – e invitan a debatir sobre los imaginarios de la migración y los presupuestos de la hospitalidad cotejándolos con sus obstáculos y, en particular, con los arraigados aguafuertes del “Otro” y las prácticas discriminatorias que se articulan en la intersección del origen, la nación y la cultura.
Políticas extra-territoriales en América Latina
Authors: Margheritis Ana
Published: October 2018

Este estudio analiza el desarrollo de políticas públicas a nivel transnacional, en especial aquellas que intentan vincular a los ciudadanos residentes en el extranjero con su país de origen. Se trata no sólo de una práctica que se ha intensificado en América Latina sino en todas las regiones del mundo, con importantes repercusiones para la evolución de los conceptos de soberanía y ciudadanía y el ejercicio, por parte de los individuos, de los derechos asociados con el status de ciudadano. Este trabajo se centra en el caso de Argentina en el período 2000-2015, donde se observan intentos recientes y parciales de aproximación a los argentinos en el exterior. Se analizan aquí cómo evolucionaron las iniciativas estatales y qué factores influyen en la respuesta de los emigrantes, en particular respecto del ejercicio del derecho al voto desde el exterior. Este estudio contribuye así a elucidar la dinámica política e institucional que moldea los intentos de gobernar poblaciones a la distancia y la redefinición de la idea de ciudadanía más allá de las fronteras territoriales en uno de los casos menos estudiados de la literatura académica.
Migração, uma responsabilidade compartilhada
Authors: Morales Bautista Ernesto , Nunes Gabriel Brito , Cury Lucilene
Published: October 2018

A entrevista aborda o tema da linha de pesquisa – a migração internacional do México aos Estados Unidos da Dra. Silvia Giorguli, referente aos impactos da migração na educação de crianças e jovens, e a migração centro-americana.
Contestar la hostilidad antiinmigrante en Costa Rica
Authors: Sandoval García Carlos
Published: October 2018

Este capítulo se reflexiona en torno a tres áreas del debate migratorio en Costa Rica. Una remite a las posibilidades de incidir en la política pública. Una segunda se interroga cómo contestar los imaginarios de la inmigración, que suelen caracterizarse por la exageración del número de inmigrantes y por imputarles a éstos el debilitamiento de los servicios públicos y el aumento de la inseguridad. Una tercera área de intervención se refiere al trabajo con comunidades migrantes y los modos en que ellas se posicionan frente a los discursos criminalizantes que los interpelan.  A modo de conclusión, este capítulo sugiere cuatro retos principales. Uno remite a la dimensión ética, referida a la responsabilidad de la escucha; un segundo reto se refiere a la constitución de equipos de trabajo; un tercer reto se refiere a las posibilidades de incidir en la formulación de políticas públicas. Por último, este capítulo discute cómo las comunidades migrantes podrían constituirse en sujetos políticos, capaces de forjar sus propias redes, agendas y demandas.
P2Y
12
-ADP Receptor Blockade in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Bonello Laurent , Angiolillo Dominick J. , Aradi Daniel , Sibbing Dirk
Published: October 2018

Because of its high prevalence, chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a major health hazard throughout the world. Patients with CKD have a high prevalence and incidence of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Despite decades of improved care, their higher risk profile persists and cardiovascular diseases remain their leading cause of death. Along with the reduction of glomerular filtration rate, several physiological processes are impacted and participate in the pathophysiology of ischemic and bleeding events. CKD is associated with an accelerated and severe course of atherothrombotic disease, and this relates to a modified vascular milieu with alterations on the level of the coagulation cascade and platelet aggregation. In addition, pharmacokinetics of several drugs, in particular antithrombotics, are altered and differ from that of non-CKD patients. Patients with CKD therefore represent a challenging population for both physicians and researchers. In addition to these perturbations of physiological processes, CKD patients face 2 major issues. First, there is a clear gap in scientific research as they are commonly underrepresented or excluded from major clinical trials. This is particularly true regarding antithrombotic treatment during ACS. Second, there is a gap in offering evidence-based treatment for these patients including state-of-the art options for revascularization and modern antiplatelet treatment, both of which are commonly underused. During the last decade, new potent oral P2Y
12
-ADP receptor antagonists, prasugrel and ticagrelor, which are more potent antiplatelet agents compared with clopidogrel, were introduced for ACS treatment. However, despite the fact that CKD patients represent a large proportion of those experiencing an ACS and are considered at high risk, there is a lack of dedicated trials and we are left with subgroup analysis of large randomized clinical trials were stage 4 and dialysis patients were rare. In the present review we summarize the mechanisms involved in the high ischemic and bleeding risk of CKD patients and the risk–benefit ratio of potent antiplatelet drugs during ACS.
Overexpression of eNOS in the RVLM Causes Hypotension and Bradycardia Via GABA Release
Authors: Kishi Takuya , Hirooka Yoshitaka , Sakai Koji , Shigematsu Hideaki , Shimokawa Hiroaki , Takeshita Akira
Published: October 2018

In this study, we examine the role of NO located in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) in the control of blood pressure and the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. To determine the effect of an increase in NO production in the RVLM on blood pressure in conscious rats, adenovirus vectors encoding either endothelial NO synthase (AdeNOS) or β-galactosidase (Adβgal) were transfected into the bilateral RVLM. The local expression of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) protein in the RVLM was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining for the eNOS protein and by Western blot analysis. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate, which were monitored using a radio-telemetry system, were significantly decreased in the AdeNOS-treated group from day 5 to day 10 after the gene transfer. Urinary norepinephrine excretion was decreased on day 7 after the gene transfer in the AdeNOS-treated group. Microinjection of either N
G
-monomethyl-
l
-arginine (L-NMMA) or bicuculine, a γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) receptor antagonist, into the RVLM at day 7 after the gene transfer increased MAP to significantly greater levels in the AdeNOS-treated group. However, microinjection of kynurenic acid into the RVLM on day 7 after the gene transfer did not alter MAP levels in either group. GABA and glutamate levels in the RVLM, when measured by in vivo microdialysis, were significantly increased in the AdeNOS-treated group. These results suggest that the increase in NO production caused by the overexpression of eNOS in the bilateral RVLM decreases blood pressure, heart rate, and sympathetic nerve activity in conscious rats. Furthermore, these responses may be mediated by an increased release of GABA in the RVLM.
Abstract 10: Strategies to Support Young Stroke Survivors
Authors: Hamm Theresa L
Published: October 2018

Background and Purpose:
Stroke in young patients is on the rise with an average age of 50.4 years in our hospital. Many of these survivors are active in the work force and have children still in the home, making some of their support needs different than those of the elder population. Although a stroke support group is available, few of our young survivors chose to participate. A survey of this patient population revealed that traditional support groups were not meeting their specific needs. A few specific concerns identified as follows: “I didn’t feel comfortable being the youngest there”; “discussions were not pertinent to my life”; “No place to leave my kids”. Participants indicated they would welcome support but in a less traditional setting.

Methods:
Utilizing the information provided by survivors, we sought to provide support in a different environment. Partnering with the local American Stroke Association we hosted a Paint and Sip evening. Invitations were sent to stroke survivors served by our Stroke Center. Stroke center staff members were encouraged to attend. A local artist volunteered to lead the process. Food and beverages were provided and music played to create a “cocktail party” atmosphere. Volunteers were available to assist participants as needed and each participant created a painting that would become part of a larger canvas. Local media provided coverage for the event.

Results:
Feedback from participants was excellent and suggested social strategies such as this may be a good alternative to provide support for this population. Additionally, staff members expressed the importance of seeing their patients in post-stroke recovery. Based on these outcomes, plans are being made to create other opportunities for social interaction among this population. The completed canvas, Celebrate; Life is Why, is prominently displayed in our Stroke Center as a message of hope and recovery.
Abstract 101: Pioglitazone Prevents Stroke in Patients With a Recent TIA or Ischemic Stroke: a Secondary Analysis of the IRIS Trial
Authors: Yaghi Shadi , Furie Karen , Viscoli Catherine M , Kamel Hooman , Gorman Mark , Dearborn Jennifer , Young Lawrence H , Inzucchi Silvio E , Lovejoy Anne M , Kasner Scott E , Conwit Robin , Kernan Walter N
Published: October 2018

Background:
The Insulin Resistance Intervention after Stroke (IRIS) trial demonstrated that pioglitazone reduced risk for the composite outcome of stroke or myocardial infarction among non-diabetic patients with insulin resistance and a recent ischemic stroke or TIA. The drug also reduced risk for stroke alone, but the finding did not reach statistical significance. During the trial, the Data & Safety Monitoring Board approved a secondary analysis using updated 2013 consensus criteria for ischemic stroke. Our objective is to examine the effect of pioglitazone, compared with placebo, on risk for stroke alone defined by the 2013 criteria.

Methods:
Participants were randomized to pioglitazone (45 mg per day target dose) or placebo and followed for a maximum of 5 years. An independent committee, blinded to treatment assignments, adjudicated all potential stroke outcomes. The primary outcome was any stroke, but we also examined type of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic), and ischemic stroke subtype.

Results:
Among 3876 IRIS participants (mean age 63 years, 65% male), 377 stroke events were observed in 319 participants over a median follow-up of 4.8 years (329 stroke events by the original trial criteria plus 48 new events identified by applying the 2013 stroke criteria). Pioglitazone was associated with a 25% risk reduction for any stroke (8.0% compared to 10.7%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.60 to 0.94) and a 28% reduction for ischemic stroke (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.57 to 0.9) but not hemorrhagic stroke (HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.50-2.00). Pioglitazone was associated with fewer numbers of all subtypes of ischemic stroke, but the difference from placebo reached or approached significance only for lacunar (HR, 0·46; 95% CI, 0·22-0·93; p=0·03) and large vessel (HR, 0·59; 95% CI, 0·33-1·04; p=0·07) strokes.

Conclusion:
Pioglitazone prevents recurrent ischemic stroke among non-diabetic patients with insulin resistance.
Abstract 105: Percutaneous Patent Foramen Ovale Closure for the Secondary Prevention of Cryptogenic Cerebral Ischemia: A Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tsivgoulis Georgios , Katsanos Aristeidis H , Mavridis Dimitris , Frogoudaki Alexandra , Vrettou Agathi-Rosa , Ikonomidis Ignatios , Parissis John , Deftereos Spyridon , Karapanayiotides Theodore , Palaiodimou Lina , Filippatou Angeliki , Perren Fabienne , Hadjigeorgiou Georgios , Alexandrov Anne W , Mitsias Panayiotis D , Alexandrov Andrei V
Published: October 2018

Introduction:
Current guidelines report no benefit for patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure compared to medical treatment in patients with cryptogenic ischemic stroke (IS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Two recent randomized-controlled clinical trials (RCTs) have challenged these recommendations. We performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) of RCTs to estimate the safety and efficacy of closure compared to medical treatment, and to compare available devices.

Methods:
We conducted pairwise meta-analyses for closure vs medical therapy, and for each device vs medical therapy. We performed subgroup analyses for the outcome of IS recurrence according to shunt size and atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) presence. For all devices we calculated the pooled rates of effective closure and serious peri-procedural complications. We used NMA to combine direct and indirect evidence for any given pair of treatments.

Results:
Literature search identified 6 eligible studies. PFO occlusion was associated with reduced risk of recurrent IS (RR=0.39, 95%CI:0.18-0.88) and IS/TIA (RR=0.66, 95%CI:0.46-0.94), but with increased risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF; RR=4.73, 95%CI:2.09-10.71) compared to medical treatment. We detected no differences on the risk of recurrent IS according to PFO size (p=0.83) or ASA presence (p=0.39). Amplatzer and GORE HELEX/CARDIOFORM occluders were associated with more effective IS/TIA prevention (Panels A-B) and lower AF risk compared to STARFlex Septal Occluder (Panel C).

Conclusions:
PFO closure is related with reduced risk of recurrent IS/TIA and with increased risk of new-onset AF. These associations are independent of PFO size and ASA presence.