bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatoprotection by L-Ornithine L-Aspartate in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Butterworth Roger F. , Canbay Ali
Published: July 2018

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading chronic hepatic condition worldwide and new approaches to management and treatment are limited. Summary: L-ornithine L-aspartate (LOLA) has hepatoprotective properties in patients with fatty liver of diverse etiology and results of a multicenter randomized clinical trial reveal that 12 weeks treatment with oral LOLA (6–9 g/d) results in a dose-related reduction in activities of liver enzymes and triglycerides together with significant improvements of liver/spleen CT ratios. A preliminary report described improvements of hepatic microcirculation in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) following treatment with LOLA. Mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effects of LOLA in NAFLD/NASH involve, in addition to its established ammonia-lowering effect, metabolic transformations of the LOLA-constituent amino acids L-ornithine and L-aspartate into L-glutamine, L-arginine, and glutathione. These metabolites have well-established actions implicated in the prevention of lipid peroxidation, improvement of hepatic microcirculation in addition to anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties. Key Messages: (1) LOLA is effective for the treatment of key indices in NAFLD/NASH. (2) Mechanisms other than LOLA’s ammonia-lowering action have been postulated. (3) Further assessments in the clinical setting are now required.
Locally Produced IGF-1 Promotes Hypertrophy of the Ligamentum Flavum via the mTORC1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yan Bin , Huang Minjun , Zeng Canjun , Yao Na , Zhang Jie , Yan Bo , Jiang Huaji , Tian Xinggui , Ao Xiang , Zhao Huiyu , Zhou Wen , Chu Jun , Wang Liping , Xian Cory J. , Zhang Zhongmin , Wang Liang
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Narrowing of the lumbar spinal canal is a condition called lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and is a high-morbidity problem in the elderly. LSS is commonly caused by hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum (HLF). Previous studies showed that fibrosis of the ligamentum flavum (LF) largely contributed to HLF. However, the underlying pathomechanism remains unclear. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is known to have an intimate relationship with fibrosis in various tissues. Nevertheless, currently, there are few studies regarding IGF-1 in HLF. In this study, we investigated the role of IGF-1 in HLF and its potential molecular mechanism of action. Methods: First, the IGF-1, phosphorylation of IGF-1 receptor (pIGF-1R), phosphorylation of AKT (pAKT), phosphorylation of S6(pS6), collagen I and collagen III expression levels were examined via immunohistochemistry and Western blotting in LF tissues from patients with LSS or Non-LSS. Second, primary LF cells were isolated from adults with a normal LF thickness and were cultured with different concentrations of IGF-1 with or without NVP-AEW541/rapamycin. Results: The results showed that IGF-1, pIGF-1R, pAKT, pS6, collagen I and collagen III protein expression in the LSS group was significantly higher than that in the Non-LSS group. Meanwhile, pIGF-1R, pAKT, pS6, collagen I and collagen III protein expression was significantly enhanced in LF cells after IGF-1 exposure, which can be notably blocked by NVP-AEW541. In addition, pS6, collagen I and collagen III protein expression was blocked by rapamycin. Conclusions: Enhanced IGF-1 promotes the synthesis of collagen I and collagen III via the mTORC1 signaling pathway, which eventually contributes to hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum.
MicroRNA-29a-3p Downregulation Causes Gab1 Upregulation to Promote Glioma Cell Proliferation
Authors: Shao Nai-yuan , Wang Dong-xing , Wang Yin , Li Ya , Zhang Zhi-qing , Jiang Qin , Luo Weifeng , Cao Cong
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Glioma causes significant human mortalities annually. Molecularly-targeted therapy is a focus of glioma research. Methods: Grb2-associated binding 1 (Gab1) expression and microRNA-29a-3p (“miR-29a-3p”) expression in human glioma cells and tissues were tested by Western blotting assay and qRT-PCR assay. shRNA/siRNA strategy was applied to silence Gab1 in human glioma cells. miR-29a or anti-sense miR-29a construct was transfected to human glioma cells. Cell proliferation was tested by BrdU ELISA assay and cell counting assay. Results: We show that expression of Gab1 was significantly elevated in human glioma tissues and cells, which correlated with downregulation of its putative microRNA: miR-29a-3p. In A172 glioma cells and primary human glioma cells, Gab1 shRNA/siRNA inhibited Akt-Erk activation and cell proliferation. Forced-expression of miR-29a-3p downregulated Gab1, inhibiting glioma cell proliferation, whereas miR-29a-3p was in-effective on cell proliferation in Gab1-silenced A172 cells. Furthermore, introduction of a 3’-untranslated region (3’-UTR) mutant Gab1 (UTR-G160A) blocked miR-29a-3p-induced inhibition on Akt signaling and A172 cell proliferation. Conclusions: miR-29a-3p downregulation leads to Gab1 upregulation to promote glioma cell proliferation.
Distinguishable Prognostic Signatures of Left- and Right-Sided Colon Cancer: a Study Based on Sequencing Data
Authors: Liang Liang , Zeng Jiang-hui , Qin Xin-gan , Chen Jun-qiang , Luo Dian-zhong , Chen Gang
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Left- and right-sided colon cancers are considered to be two different diseases and have altered outcomes. However, specific molecules to predict the prognosis of left- and right-sided colon cancers are currently lacking. Methods: Expression profiling of colon cancer were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of left- and right-sided colon cancers were compared by DESeq analysis. The prognostic values of DEGs were assessed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression. Prognostic index models of two side colon cancers were conducted with prognostic values genes, respectively. Interaction of DEGs was then analyzed by the protein-protein interaction (PPI). Different biology function of two sides of colon cancer was assessed by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Results: A total of 167 DEGs were identified between left- and right-sided colon cancers based on TCGA data. Using univariate COX regression analysis, five genes (PHACTR3, CKMT2, CYP2W1, ERFE, HOXC4) were related to overall survival in left-sided, and eight distinguishable genes (EREG, ERFE, HOXC6, SLC22A31, TFF1, GFI1, ZG16, RASL10B) in right-sided. Further, left-sided prognostic model was established with PHACTR3 and CKMT2 (HR=2.040; 95%CI=1.004-4.145; P=0.049). Distinguishable prognostic signature for right-sided colon cancer was established based on EREG, ERFE, GFI1, and RASL10B (HR=3.530; 95%CI: 1.934-6.444; P< 0.001) in multivariate analysis. PPI analysis of 167 DEGs showed that CCL5, GNG4, GNLY, GZMH, DRD2, and FASLG genes were at the core of interaction network. In GSEA function analysis, four pathways, including antigen processing and presentation, natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity, intestinal immune network for Iga production, and type I diabetes mellitus, were significantly enriched in the DEGs of the right-sided colon cancer. Conclusions: This study constructs a panel of potential prognostic model of left- and right-sided colon cancers, respectively. We also provide molecular biological alterations between left- and right-sided colon cancers.
Association Between Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone and Renal Function: a Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Chen Chi , Xia Fangzhen , Chen Yi , Zhang Kun , Cheng Jing , Li Qin , Han Bing , Zhao Li , Zhu Chunfang , Wang Ningjian , Lu Yingli
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Increasing evidence suggests an association between thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). We conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to examine the causality of the association between TSH and eGFR. Methods: 10,603 participants were recruited from the Survey on Prevalence in East China for Metabolic Diseases and Risk Factors (SPECT-China), which was performed in 23 sites in East China during 2014-2016. We constructed weighted genetic risk scores (GRS) for TSH based on three TSH-related single nucleotide polymorphisms. eGFR was calculated using the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration formula. The instrumental variable (IV) was used to explore the causal relationship between TSH and eGFR. Results: Higher measured TSH levels were associated with lower eGFR (B -0.717, 95%CI -0.958, -0.476) after multivariable adjustment. However, by MR analysis, per SD increase in the TSH_GRS was significantly associated with TSH (B 0.155, 95%CI 0.076, 0.235, P< 0.001) but not with eGFR (B -0.127, 95%CI -0.364, 0.110). Using IV estimator, no causal associations were observed for genetically instrumented TSH with eGFR. Conclusion: By a genetic approach that limits residual confounding and reverse causation in observational conventional epidemiological studies, TSH and eGFR are not causally associated, which suggests genetically elevated TSH concentrations may not affect the renal function.
MiR-4319 Suppress the Malignancy of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by Regulating Self-Renewal and Tumorigenesis of Stem Cells
Authors: Chu Jiahui , Li Yongfei , Fan Xuemei , Ma Jingjing , Li Jun , Lu Guangping , Zhang Yanhong , Huang Yi , Li Wei , Huang Xiang , Fu Ziyi , Yin Yongmei , Yuan Hongyan
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: High levels of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) correlate with risk of poor clinical outcome and possibly contribute to chemoresistance and metastasis in patients with highly malignant TNBC. Aberrant microRNA expression is associated with the dysfunction of self-renewal and proliferation in cancer stem cells, while there is little information about the TNBC-specific microRNAs in regulating CSC ability. Methods: Solexa deep sequencing was performed to detect the expression levels of TNBC or non-TNBC stem cells (CSCs) microRNAs. Mammosphere formation assay, qRT-PCR and the xenograft model in nude mice were performed. Bioinformatic analysis and microarray were used to select the target gene, and luciferase reporter assays were used to confirm the binding sites. Results: Solexa sequencing data exhibited differential expression of 193 microRNAs between TNBC and non-TNBC stem cells. The gene ontology analysis and pathways analyses showed that genes were involved in the maintenance of stemness. MiR-4319 could suppress the self-renewal and formation of tumorspheres in TNBC CSCs through E2F2, and also inhibited tumor initiation and metastasis in vivo. Moreover, increased E2F2 could reverse the effect of miR-4319 on the self-renewal in TNBC CSCs. Conclusions: MiR-4319 suppresses the malignancy of TNBC by regulating self-renewal and tumorigenesis of stem cells and might be a remarkable prognostic factor or therapeutic target for patients with TNBC.
Abnormal Expression of Long Noncoding RNAs in Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia: A Microarray Related Study
Authors: Li Tengda , Gu Mingli , Liu Peng , Liu Yun , Guo Jie , Zhang Weiwei , Deng Anmei , Qian Cheng
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important regulators of biological processes and they contribute to the pathological developments of various diseases, including autoimmune diseases. To gain the further understanding, we estimate the expression of lncRNAs in primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Methods: In this study, microarray studies were performed to characterize expression profiles of various lncRNAs and mRNAs in blood samples collected from ITP patients. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to confirm the results, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis and gene ontology analysis were used to provide functional annotations, co-expression network construction (CNC) analysis was made to reveal the relations between lncRNAs and their targeted genes. Results: A total of 1177 and 632 lncRNAs were significantly up-regulated or down-regulated, respectively, in “newly diagnosed ITP” patients versus healthy individuals. In addition, 1182 genes and 737 genes were up-regulated or down-regulated, respectively, in “chronic recurrent ITP” patients versus healthy individuals. In a KEGG analysis, “TNF signaling pathway-Homo sapiens (human)” was a key result. In a gene ontology analysis, “Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor production (GO: 0032604, ontology: Biological process, P = 1.69577E-05)” and “coreceptor activity (GO: 0015026, ontology: molecular function, P = 4.67594E-06)” were the two most critical results. Data from qRT-PCR and receiver operating characteristic curves further demonstrated that ENST00000440492, ENST00000528366, NR_038920, and ENST00000552576 can efficiently distinguish different stages of ITP, especially NR_038920 and ENST00000528366. In a CNC analysis, four lncRNAs were emphasized, and NR_038920 and ENST00000528366 were both associated with proteins with important roles in autoimmune diseases. Conclusions: These results suggest that lncRNAs act through targeted genes to mediate their functions and to mediate their functions and affect the pathogenesis of ITP.
Analysis of Genes Related to Angiotensin II-Induced Arterial Injury Using a Time Series Microarray
Authors: Zhang Yun-Long , Zhi Lian-Yun , Zou Lei-Xin , Chen Chen , Bai Jie , Lin Qiu-Yue , Lai Song , Wang Lei , Liu Ying  , Li Hui-Hua
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Angiotensin II (Ang II)-mediated hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Ang II induces changes in vessel structure and function through the activation of genes related to signaling pathways. However, the changes in the gene expression profiles of blood vessels in response to Ang II remain unclear. Methods: Wild-type C57BL/6 mice were infused with Ang II (1500 ng/kg/min) using an osmotic pump for 1, 3, and 7 days. Vascular wall inflammation and remodeling were evaluated by pathological examination. Time-series microarray and quantitative PCR analyses were performed. Bioinformatics analyses were conducted to identify key genes, pathways, and biological processes. Results: After Ang II infusion, blood pressure and aortic remodeling were increased over time. Microarray analysis identified a totally of 3631 differentially expressed genes in aortas at days 1, 3, and 7 of Ang II infusion. These genes were involved in multiple biological processes, including cell adhesion, angiogenesis, cell migration, protein phosphorylation, immune system, and cell cycle, which may play important roles in regulating Ang II-induced arterial injury during hypertension. The genes were classified into 50 profiles by hierarchical cluster analysis, and finally, 14 significant profiles were identified. Among these genes, protein kinase cAMP-activated catalytic subunit alpha (Prkaca), a gene that directly regulated 137 neighboring genes, was located at the center of the gene network in Ang II-infused aortas. Further, Prkaca protein expression and cAMP level were downregulated in a time-dependent manner in Ang II-infused aortas. Conclusions: The combined use of DNA microarrays and cluster and gene network analyses identified Prkaca as a key Ang II-responsive gene that may mediate early vascular injury and hypertension.
Consumo de álcool entre estudantes de medicina do Sul Fluminense – RJ
Authors: Gomes Leonardo Silveira , Barroso Cristina Ribeiro Dias , Silvestre Vinícius Abrantes , Baylão Ana Cláudia Do Paço , Garcia Sônia Cardoso Moreira , Pacheco Sandro Javier Bedoya
Published: July 2018

O álcool é uma das principais causas de sofrimento global, sendo uma prática comum entre estudantes universitários. Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência do consumo de álcool e a influência de gênero e ano letivo entre estudantes de Medicina de Volta Redonda, RJ. Métodos: Foi aplicado o questionário validado Teste para Identificação de Problemas Relacionados ao Álcool (AUDIT) em 265 estudantes de um curso de Medicina. Foram usadas análises de regressão logística. Resultados: A prevalência do consumo de álcool foi de 81,1%. O hábito de beber no primeiro semestre (60%) em ambos gêneros aumenta com o decorrer do curso (p=0,012). A prática de beber pesado episódico (BPE) foi superior nos homens em comparação às mulheres (p=0,01). Os homens apresentam chance de 130% maior de consumo nocivo de álcool em relação às mulheres (p= 0,00). O grupo com consumo nocivo teve uma chance 640% maior de não cumprir as tarefas habituais e 110% maior de participar de uma agressão física (p=0,00). Discussão: Nossos resultados são consistentes com a literatura e mostram um notável consumo de álcool em estudantes de Medicina, sendo preocupante pela frequência e pelo volume. Conclusão: Há a necessidade de incorporação de programas de educação e prevenção do uso do álcool entre estudantes do curso de Medicina.
Acute scrotum: differential diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Barbosa João Arthur Brunhara Alves , Arap Marco Antonio
Published: July 2018

Acute scrotum (AS) is a clinical syndrome characterized by scrotal pain of acute onset, often accompanied by scrotal swelling and other local and systemic signs and symptoms. It may be the initial presentation of several diseases including testicular torsion, orchitis, epididymitis, hydatid torsion, strangulated hernia and, less frequently, scrotal hematoma and testicular tumor. In the setting of emergency services, physicians should be extremely careful with the possibility of testicular torsion. This condition consists in the torsion of the spermatic cord, leading to an interruption of the testicular blood flow, with ischemia and ultimately necrosis. It is associated with acute severe pain, nausea, absence of the cremasteric reflex, and a high-riding testis. Physical examination may help diagnosis. However, a color Doppler ultrasound of the scrotum is usually required for a definitive diagnosis. Ultrasound will reveal a reduction or no blood flow to the affected testis; surgical treatment is mandatory and should be performed as early as possible. A differential diagnosis is orchiepididymitis. It may be of viral etiology in early childhood and bacterial after the beginning of sexual activity. The most specific sign associated with this condition is the relief of pain after elevation of the testis, known as Prehn’s sign. Treatment for bacterial cases requires antibiotics, while cases of viral etiology require only symptomatics. Hydatid torsion, including torsion of appendix testicularis and appendix epididymis may mimic testicular torsion but on ultrasound, blood flow is preserved, and a twisted appendix is often seen. Treatment for this condition consists only in symptomatic control. Testicular torsion should be treated as early as possible, since a delay of 6 hours may result in organ loss. Surgery consists of bilateral orchiopexy in case of a viable testicle and orchiectomy of a necrotic organ, always with fixation of the contralateral testicle.
Varicocele in the adolescent population: challenges in management
Authors: Cardoso João Paulo , Tiseo Bruno Camargo , Cocuzza Marcello
Published: July 2018

Management of varicoceles in adolescents remain one of the most interesting and debatable topics. Although the crescent awareness of varicocele-induced testicular impairment has motivated several studies, some of the controversies in adult varicocele, regarding pathophysiology, treatment and fertility issues can also be transposed the adolescent population. Furthermore, adolescents represent a heterogenic group with challenges in diagnosis, clinical parameters, and limited predictors. Physical and pubertal development reflects in difficulties for standard management. The purpose of this article is to review available data from literature regarding the presentation, epidemiology and pathogenesis of varicocele in children and adolescents. We also address major limitations and challenges of clinical evaluation and provide current evidence regarding the dilemma of varicocele treatment in this particular subset of patients. Interventions options and outcomes are also discussed. The current review is based on an electronic search using Pubmed/MEDLINE databases and references of the identified articles performed between March and May of 2018.
Estado atual do transplante renal no Brasil e sua inserção no contexto mundial
Authors: Piovesan Affonso , Nahas William Carlos
Published: July 2018

Comparado aos demais países do mundo, o Brasil ocupa o segundo lugar em número de transplantes renais por ano. Considerando, entretanto, suas dimensões continentais, quando se analisa o número de transplantes por milhão de população, ocupa apenas o trigésimo terceiro lugar. Muitos fatores contribuem para este fato. A legislação que regulamenta doação de órgãos e transplantes no Brasil é bastante recente e foi criada com quase 10 anos de atraso quando comparado com outros países que ocupam primeiras posições na lista de efetividade de sistemas de captação. Uma enorme heterogeneidade na distribuição regional de centros de transplantes com cerca de 25% dos estados brasileiros com atividade mínima ou nula em termos destes procedimentos é também motivo de preocupação. Observa-se uma baixa efetividade dos mecanismos de procura de órgãos com índices de notificação de potenciais doadores falecidos muito baixos na maior parte do país. O pouco conhecimento da população sobre o conceito e segurança do diagnóstico de morte encefálica e do processo de doação, fazem com que, apesar do uso de critérios bastante rigorosos para este diagnóstico, a principal causa da não conversão de doador potencial para doador efetivo, seja a recusa familiar. Em termos de sobrevida do enxerto e do paciente, os índices brasileiros são comparáveis a centros norte americanos e europeus. A taxa de sobrevida de cinco anos do enxerto é de 86% para doador vivo e 73% para falecido. A sobrevida de cinco anos é de 94% para receptores de rins de doador vivo e de 86% para doador falecido. Enquanto países europeus e os Estados Unidos procuram por estratégias alternativas para aumentar o número de transplantes renais como o uso de doadores em parada cardíaca ou a realização de transplantes ABO incompatíveis, o Brasil parece ter muito a progredir simplesmente investindo em estratégias para tornar o atual modelo mais eficiente.
Sacral neuromodulation for treatment of overactive bladder: a review
Authors: Gomes Cristiano Mendes , Henriques João Victor Teixeira , Costa Rachel Mazoni , Trigo-Rocha Flavio Eduardo
Published: July 2018

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) therapy is an established third line therapeutic option for the treatment of urgency urinary incontinence, urgency-frequency and chronic non-obstructive urinary retention. The continuous stimulation of the sacral root S3 with an electrode connected to an implanted pulse generator (IPG) may influence detrusor and sphincter activity and improve lower urinary tract symptoms. The mechanism of action is not completely understood and seems to be based on the modulation of spinal cord reflexes and brain centers involved in lower urinary tract function. It is implanted with a minimally invasive technique that can be performed under local anesthesia and includes a test phase that precedes the definitive implantation of the pulse generator. When compared to the standard pharmacological therapy, neuromodulation promoted better results both in the partial improvement of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms and total continence. Moreover, sexual function, quality of life and depressive symptoms may also improve in patients with OAB that undergo SNM. However, SNM is associated with significant rates of adverse events and need for surgical revisions, requiring continuous medical attention.
Insuficiência cardíaca grave de etiologia amiloidótica
Authors: Góes Gustavo Belarmino , Vianna Mirella Mota , Sepulveda Diana Lamprea , Sobral Filho Dário Celestino
Published: July 2018

A amiloidose é uma doença sistêmica causada pela deposição extracelular de fibrilas insolúveis de proteínas de baixo peso molecular em diversos tecidos. Pode ser classificada nas formas: primária, secundária, hereditária e sistêmica senil. Relatamos o caso de um paciente masculino, 75 anos, que deu entrada em emergência cardiológica com quadro progressivo de edema em membros inferiores iniciado há quatro meses. Trinta dias antes do internamento passou a apresentar dispneia de médios para pequenos esforços, evoluindo para dispneia ao repouso e em decúbito (insuficiência cardíaca – classe funcional IV). Ao exame físico apresentou-se em estado geral regular, consciente, taquidispneico, afebril, hidratado, hipocorado (1+/4+), ictérico (2+/4+), acianótico e presença de estase jugular a 45°. O ritmo cardíaco era regular em dois tempos e bulhas, normofonéticas, com sopro sistólico em foco mitral (2+/6+) desdobramento fixo da segunda bulha; pressão arterial de 80x40 mmHg e frequência cardíaca de 84 bpm. O eletrocardiograma de admissão mostrou ritmo sinusal regular, bloqueio atrioventricular de 1º grau, baixa voltagem em derivações de plano frontal, zona eletricamente inativa em região ântero-septal e distúrbio de condução pelo ramo esquerdo do feixe de His. Radiografia de tórax com área cardíaca aumentada, padrão de congestão pulmonar e derrame pleural bilateral, mais acentuado à esquerda. Também foi realizado ecocardiograma transtorácico que evidenciou câmaras cardíacas aumentadas à direita, função sistólica de ventrículo direito levemente deprimida, insuficiência tricúspide moderada a importante, hipertensão pulmonar moderada, hipertrofia de ventrículo esquerdo, disfunção de ventrículo esquerdo e achado de ecogenicidade granular brilhante. Ultrassonografia de abdome mostrou fígado e baço com textura heterogênea, sugestivo de doença granulomatosa. Posteriormente foi realizada biópsia hepática que confirmou a hipótese de doença infiltrativa determinada pela amiloidose cardiovascular. Paciente evoluiu com rebaixamento de nível de consciência e insuficiência renal aguda, sendo realizada hemodiálise e transferência para Unidade Coronariana, onde apresentou parada cardiorrespiratória e evolução para óbito.
Effects of Leisure‐Time and Transport‐Related Physical Activities on the Risk of Incident and Recurrent Myocardial Infarction and Interaction With Traffic‐Related Air Pollution: A Cohort Study
Authors: Kubesch Nadine J. , Therming Jørgensen Jeanette , Hoffmann Barbara , Loft Steffen , Nieuwenhuijsen Mark J. , Raaschou‐Nielsen Ole , Pedersen Marie , Hertel Ole , Overvad Kim , Tjønneland Anne , Prescot Eva , Andersen Zorana J.
Published: July 2018

Background

Physical activity enhances the uptake of air pollutants, possibly reducing its beneficial effects. We examined the effects of leisure‐time and transport‐related physical activities on the risk of myocardial infarction (
MI
), and whether potential benefits on
MI
are reduced by exposure to traffic‐related air pollution.

Methods and Results

A group of 57 053 participants (50–65 years of age) from the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health cohort reported physical activity at baseline (1993–1997) and were linked to registry data on hospital contacts and out‐of‐hospital deaths caused by
MI
, until December 2015. Nitrogen dioxide levels were estimated at participants’ baseline residences. We used Cox regressions to associate participation in sports, cycling, walking, and gardening with incident and recurrent
MI
, and tested for interaction by nitrogen dioxide. Of 50 635 participants without
MI
at baseline, 2936 developed incident
MI
, and of 1233 participants with
MI
before baseline, 324 had recurring
MI
during follow‐up. Mean nitrogen dioxide concentration was 18.7 μg/m
3
at baseline (1993–1997). We found inverse statistically significant associations between participation in sports (hazard ratio; 95% confidence interval: 0.85; 0.79–0.92), cycling (0.91; 0.84–0.98), gardening (0.87; 0.80–0.95), and incident
MI
, while the association with walking was statistically nonsignificant (0.95; 0.83–1.08). Recurrent
MI
was statistically nonsignificantly inversely associated with cycling (0.80; 0.63–1.02), walking (0.82, 0.57–1.16), and gardening (0.91; 0.71–1.18), and positively with sports (1.06; 0.83–1.35). There was no effect modification of the associations between physical activity and
MI
by nitrogen dioxide.

Conclusions

Benefits of physical activity on both the incidence and the recurrence of
MI
are not reduced by exposure to high levels of air pollution.
Bauhinia proboscidea (Fabaceae: Cercidoideae), a new species from Costa Rica and Panama, with notes on B. beguinotii, B. gorgonae and B. pansamalana
Authors: JUÁREZ PEDRO , FLORES RODOLFO , BLANCO MARIO A.
Published: July 2018

Bauhinia proboscidea, a new species from Costa Rica and Panama, is described and illustrated, and compared to the closely related B. pansamalana of southern Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras. It is also compared with B. beguinotii, with which has been confused in herbaria. Bauhinia gorgonae, endemic to Gorgona Island in Colombia and which has been classified as a variety of B. beguinotii, is here considered a separate species. A key to the Neotropical species of Bauhinia with three fertile stamens is provided. Some observations on the morphology and reproductive biology of B. proboscidea are presented. Global-level assessments of the conservation status according to IUCN Red List criteria indicate that B. proboscidea and B. beguinotii (which was previously assessed using some misidentified records) should both be considered as species of Least Concern (LC), B. gorgonae should be considered as Endangered (EN), and B. pansamalana should be considered Not Threatened (NT). Country-level conservation assessments are also provided for all four species. The homology of the “intrastipular spines” of Bauhinia is briefly discussed.
Two new species of Bonamia (Convolvulaceae) endemic to the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: MOREIRA ANDRÉ LUIZ DA COSTA , SIMÃO-BIANCHINI ROSANGELA , CAVALCANTI TACIANA BARBOSA
Published: July 2018

Two new endemic species of Bonamia Thours (Convolvulaceae) are described from the Brazilian Cerrado: Bonamia austinii A.Moreira & Sim.-Bianch., and Bonamia krapovickasii A.Moreira & Sim.-Bianch. Both species grow in Campo Limpo (savanna grassland with few scattered trees) and have small tomentose leaves and white flowers. They are easily distinguished from each other and from other species of the genus by their habit and inflorescence. The new taxa are illustrated and their characteristics are compared with morphologically similar species.
A new Veronica (Plantaginaceae) species from Central Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: YAYLACI Ö. KORAY , SEZER OKAN , ÖZGİŞİ KURTULUŞ , ÖZTÜRK DERVİŞ , POTOĞLU ERKARA İSMÜHAN , KOYUNCU ONUR , OCAK ATİLA
Published: July 2018

Veronica ersin-yucelii (subg. Pentasepalae, Plantaginaceae) is described and illustrated as a new species. It grows on marble rocks and screes, in one single site in Central Anatolia (Eskişehir Province), at elevations from about 1700 to 1820 metres above sea level. Diagnostic features are also given to enable comparison with the most similar species, V. caespitosa Boiss. and V. multifida L., especially regarding the indumentum, habit, inflorescence, bracts, seeds and leaves. The geographical distribution of the new species is mapped. Notes about its ecology and conservation status are also presented.
Rediscovery of the restricted endemic Reseda balansae (Resedaceae) in Turkey
Authors: ÇİLDEN EMRE , YILDIRIMLI ŞİNASİ , ZARE GOLSHAN , MARTÍN-BRAVO SANTIAGO
Published: July 2018

Reseda balansae Müll. Arg. (Resedaceae) is a very restricted and endangered Turkish endemic species known only from Mersin province (South Turkey), in a hotspot of biodiversity. It was first collected in 1855, and subsequently described in 1857. Afterwards, it was only collected once again in 1896. In this study we report the rediscovery of these two populations of R. balansae in Turkey more than 120 years after its last known collection. We provide a detailed revised description of this poorly known species and comments about its taxonomy (including designation of a lectotype), distribution and ecology. We also perform the first conservation assessment of the species at a global scale under IUCN categories and criteria, resulting in the proposal of the critically endangered category for the species, which apparently persists in one single population, since the type population has recently been destroyed.
Aristida tovariana (Poaceae, Aristidoideae), a new species from the Andes of Southern Peru
Authors: GUTIÉRREZ HAROL , CASTAÑEDA ROXANA , MONTESINOS-TUBÉE DANIEL B.
Published: July 2018

Aristida tovariana sp. nov. is described and illustrated. The new species, from southern Ayacucho, differs from A. achalensis in having spikelets 1–1.5 cm long, lemmas 5–6 mm long with awns 5.8–10 mm long, a twisted column not greater than 3 mm long, and fusiform caryopses with a ventral groove. A key to the species Aristida in Peru is included and the conservation status of the new species is evaluated.
A new species and two new records of Rhamphothrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) from Southwestern China
Authors: LI YAJIN , LI ZHENGYUE , ZHANG HONGRUI
Published: July 2018

Rhamphothrips dalbergiae sp.n. is described, from the leaves of Dalbergia sp. in Southwestern China. This is the fourth bicoloured species of Rhamphothrips. Tergites VII–VIII of males have discal setae S1 and S2 long and prominent. Two species described from India, R. aureus (Ananthakrishnan) and R. santokhi Kulshretha & Vijay Veer, are reported newly from China.
Taxonomic revision of Cyphanthidium Pasteels (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Megachilidae: Megachilinae: Anthidiini), an endemic Afrotropical bee genus
Authors: EARDLEY CONNAL , GRISWOLD TERRY
Published: July 2018

The Afrotropical bee genus Cyphanthidium Pasteels is revised. It comprises four species. Cyphanthidium gessorum, new species, and Cyphanthidium whiteheadi, new species, are described as well as the previously unknown female of Cyphanthidium intermedium. A key for identifying the species is given. Supplemental information is provided on the recently published revisions of Serapista and Plesianthidium.
Prospective analysis of phoned potassium results and what general practitioners do with them: a pilot study
Authors: Johnstone Jennifer S , Murphy Michael J
Published: July 2018

Background

Communicating abnormal results to requesting clinicians is an essential part of clinical authorisation. Guidance from the Royal College of Pathologists on communication of critical/unexpected results is issued as ‘advice to pathologists’. The 2017 guidelines advise rapid communication of serum potassium results ≤2.5 mmol/L and ≥6.5 mmol/L. Little is known about what happens after the results have been communicated. We wished to establish answers to the following questions: Are phoned results acted on? If so, when? What is the outcome of any action taken?

Methods

A prospective study of primary care potassium results authorised out of hours was undertaken. Potassium requests from primary care were retrieved from the laboratory information management system. The potassium result was recorded, along with other data. Data were analysed for potassium results that were validated out of hours (18:00 h–08:00 h).

Results

Over six months, 220 potassium results <3.1 mmol/L and >5.9 mmol/L from primary care were validated out of hours. A subset of these (27) were phoned to the general practice out of hours ‘hub’, and 16 patients referred to hospital out of hours, on account of the potassium results. The remaining potassium results phoned out of hours were acted on subsequently.

Conclusions

Critical potassium results were phoned urgently and are acted on, although not always out of hours. For potassium results phoned out of hours, the most frequent action was to refer to hospital out of hours. Different actions occurred for similar potassium results, reflecting the fact that actions taken and their urgency depend on the patient, the clinician and the practice policy for handling results.
Strain, Criminal Propensity, and Violence: Examining the Role of the Composite Moderator in Agnew’s Extension to GST
Authors: Baron Stephen W.
Published: July 2018

Utilizing a sample of 400 homeless street youth, this article examines Agnew’s recent extension to General Strain Theory and the identification of a composite moderator. Using an amalgamated moderator composed of low self-control, violent peers, and street code adherence, the study investigates how this combination increases the likelihood that individuals will respond to strain with violence. Findings indicate that four forms of child abuse and neglect, vicarious violent victimization, homelessness, and anger are all more likely to lead to violent offending when conditioned by the moderator. Findings are discussed and suggestions for future research are offered.
Am I a peasant or a worker? An identity strain perspective on turnover among developing-world migrants
Authors: Qin Xin , Hom Peter W , Xu Minya
Published: July 2018

Developing-world rural migrants provide crucial labor for global supply chains and economic growth in their native countries. Yet their high turnover engenders considerable organizational costs and disruptions threatening those contributions. Organizational scholars thus strive to understand why these workers quit, often applying turnover models and findings predominantly derived from the United States, Canada, England or Australia (UCEA). Predominant applications of dominant turnover theories however provide limited insight into why developing-world migrants quit given that they significantly differ from UCEA workforces in culture, precarious employment and rural-to-urban migration. Based on multi-phase, multi-source and multi-level survey data of 173 Chinese migrants working in a construction group, this study adopts an identity strain perspective to clarify why they quit. This investigation established that migrants retaining their rural identity experience more identity strain when working and living in distant urban centers. Moreover, identity strain prompts them to quit when their work groups lack supervisory supportive climates. Furthermore, migrants’ adjustment to urban workplaces and communities mediates the interactive effect of identity strain and supervisory supportive climate on turnover. Overall, this study highlighted how identity strain arising from role transitions and urban adjustment can explain why rural migrants in developing societies quit jobs.
Dogs in organizations
Authors: Cunha Miguel Pina e , Rego Arménio , Munro Iain
Published: July 2018

What roles do dogs play in organizational life and formal organizations? Dogs are mostly ignored by organization theory despite the existence of a rich literature on human–animal studies that helps theoretical extension in the direction of organization studies. We discuss why and to what extent dogs are important actors in the lives of organizations and discuss reasons that explain such relevance in functional and symbolic terms. Overall, we suggest that dogs can constitute another indicator of organizational diversity and explain why their presence in organizations is more than just a fad.
Managing the Conflicting Interests of Workers and Shareholders: Evidence from Pension-Assumption Manipulations
Authors: Cobb J. Adam
Published: July 2018

Whereas research on corporate governance typically attends to the conflicting interests between shareholders and executives, in practice executives must frequently adjudicate the demands of multiple stakeholders. To investigate how executives cope with the divergent interests of workers and shareholders, the author examines how much firms claim they will earn on the assets in their defined benefit (DB) pension plans. In a DB arrangement, employees forgo wages in the present in order to receive postretirement income, and they rely on executives to properly fund and manage plan assets. Executives, however, can increase the amount they expect the firm to earn on plan assets, which increases firm earnings in the current period but may undermine workers’ retirement security if expectations do not match actual returns over time. The author shows that the influence and interests of employees and shareholders as well as the decision-making schemas of the CEO affect whether executives exercise this discretion.
Can Legislatures Redress Racial Discrimination in Capital Punishment? Evaluating Racial Justice Acts in Response to McCleskey
Authors: Donnelly Ellen A
Published: July 2018

Three decades ago, the US Supreme Court declared in McCleskey v Kemp that legislatures, rather than courts, should redress statistically identified disparities in death sentencing. Racial justice efforts failed in Congress, but two states adopted measures that challenge inequalities in capital punishment. This article critically examines the development and impacts of the North Carolina and Kentucky Racial Justice Acts. Findings reveal two policy implications. The acts first actualised judicial wishes for elected officials and the public to address sentencing disparities. Secondly, the policies became distinct ‘super due process’ remedies that require defendants to show racial disparity as an error under specific procedures. Variation in the acts’ approaches to proof and causes of discrimination contributed to differential impact: the questioning of all death sentences within four years in North Carolina and minimal relief in Kentucky for two decades. Lessons are drawn for designing disparity reforms in criminal processing following judicial non-intervention.
Innovations in Agroecology Education
Authors: Code Jonathan M.
Published: July 2018

Due to the complexity of agroecological studies and contexts, some agroecology educators are seeking to innovate in their pedagogical approach and course design. Through action research enquiries, “action education” innovations are being developed which not only shift and explore new approaches to the learning process, but also shift the relationships and dynamics between students and faculty, between learners and practitioners, and between people and place. Action enquiry has revealed a “learning-doing” gap that agroecology educators identify as an unintended consequence of lecture-based, and theory dominant, pedagogies. A critical stance to epistemological and ontological aspects of their approach would further enhance these innovative educational initiatives.
A modified evaluation of spacer fabric and airflow technologies for controlling the microclimate at the loaded support interface
Authors: Worsley Peter R , Bader Dan L
Published: July 2018

The microclimate between an individual and their support surface can have a significant effect on skin health. Companies have developed mattress systems designed to regulate the temperature and humidity at the individual-support surface interface, utilizing spacer fabric materials and active airflow systems. However, there has been little formal evaluation of their performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate mattress systems using a lab-based approach.

A physical model tank was applied to each support surface, filled with 20 L of water maintained at 37℃. A continuous network of perforated plastic tubing deposited moisture equivalent to a rate of 1.5 mL/min for 25 minutes. Humidity and temperature sensors, stitched onto the thin cotton sheet, monitored the interface conditions for a total of 24 h. Tests were conducted using a range of support surfaces incorporating spacer fabrics, with and without active airflow.

The results from this study revealed that spacer fabric appears to dissipate heat more effectively than viscoelastic foam (Heat flux 33.6 W/m2 vs. 10.4 W/m2). With no active airflow, the viscoelastic foam and spacer fabric exhibited a limited reduction in relative humidity (RH) at the interface. However, with active airflow, the spacer fabric had the ability to reduce RH over time to basal levels through moisture vapor transfer. This represented a change from saturation (99% RH) to ambient humidity (40%) over a 24-h period (water vapor transfer rate = 0.9 g/m2; h).

Further parametric testing is required to evaluate the optimal combinations of spacer fabric material and airflow systems.
Prevalence of obesity and its risk factors among school children in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Mansoori Naveed , Nisar Nighat , Shahid Naveen , Mubeen Syed Muhammad , Ahsan Shahid
Published: July 2018

A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted during 2012 in private and public-sector schools of Karachi to determine the prevalence and factors influencing overweight and obesity among school children (aged 11–15 years). Sociodemographic characteristics and dietary habits were explored. The CDC Growth Chart was used to record height and weight. Of a total of 887 children, being overweight and frankly obese was found in 169 (19.1%) and 96 (10.8%), respectively. Of these, 176 (66.4%) were from private schools, and significant associations were found in 202 (76.2%) who were spending > 2 h/day watching television and 139 (52.5%) sleeping > 8 h/day.
Individualized Family Service Plan Quality and Alignment of Child-Focused Outcomes to Federal Outcomes and State Early Learning Guidelines
Authors: Ridgley Robyn , Snyder Patricia A. , McWilliam R. A.
Published: July 2018

We used two judgment-based scales to evaluate quality features of 623 individualized family service plans (IFSP) contributed by 73 service coordinators in one state. We also explored the alignment between the skills specified in child-focused IFSP outcomes, the three Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) early childhood outcome categories, and the knowledge and skill statements included in state early learning guidelines. Findings showed IFSP content generally was family-centered and of good quality. Outcomes were more frequently aligned with the IDEA outcome categories addressing the use of appropriate behaviors to meet needs and the acquisition and use of knowledge and skills. Outcomes were aligned more frequently with early learning guidelines in the areas of physical development, speech/language development, and approaches to learning. We discuss how instruments and procedures could be used to evaluate IFSP quality and determine connections to expected knowledge and skills for all children identified by state and federal programs.
Treatment of an incarcerated inguinal hernia associated with abdominal tuberculosis in an adult patient
Authors: Zhu Lin-bo , Zhang Yuan-yan , Li Jun-qiang , Li Peng-fei , Zhang Peng-bin , Jin Jia-wei
Published: July 2018

The incidence of tuberculosis is increasing worldwide, especially in developing countries. The prevalence of abdominal tuberculosis has been found to be as high as 12% in people with extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Peritoneal thickening and intestinal adhesions can occur in patients with abdominal tuberculosis. Inguinal hernias are extremely rare in people with abdominal tuberculosis; only 11 cases have been reported in the English-language literature, half of which involved pediatric patients. No definitive guideline on the management of such cases is available. In this report, we describe the unusual finding of an incarcerated inguinal hernia in an adult with abdominal tuberculosis and propose a therapy to treat this complicated disease based on our successful experience.