bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishing Natural Nootropics: Recent Molecular Enhancement Influenced by Natural Nootropic
Authors: Suliman Noor Azuin , Mat Taib Che Norma , Mohd Moklas Mohamad Aris , Adenan Mohd Ilham , Hidayat Baharuldin Mohamad Taufik , Basir Rusliza
Published: August 2016

Nootropics or smart drugs are well‐known compounds or supplements that enhance the cognitive performance. They work by increasing the mental function such as memory, creativity, motivation, and attention. Recent researches were focused on establishing a new potential nootropic derived from synthetic and natural products. The influence of nootropic in the brain has been studied widely. The nootropic affects the brain performances through number of mechanisms or pathways, for example, dopaminergic pathway. Previous researches have reported the influence of nootropics on treating memory disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases. Those disorders are observed to impair the same pathways of the nootropics. Thus, recent established nootropics are designed sensitively and effectively towards the pathways. Natural nootropics such as Ginkgo biloba have been widely studied to support the beneficial effects of the compounds. Present review is concentrated on the main pathways, namely, dopaminergic and cholinergic system, and the involvement of amyloid precursor protein and secondary messenger in improving the cognitive performance.
The Induction of Apoptosis in A375 Malignant Melanoma Cells by Sutherlandia frutescens
Authors: van der Walt Nicola B. , Zakeri Zahra , Cronjé Marianne J.
Published: August 2016

Sutherlandia frutescens is a medicinal plant indigenous to Southern Africa and is commonly known as the “cancer bush.” This plant has traditionally been used for the treatment of various ailments, although it is best known for its claims of activity against “internal” cancers. Here we report on its effect on melanoma cells. The aim of this study was to investigate whether an extract of S. frutescens could induce apoptosis in the A375 melanoma cell line and to outline the basic mechanism of action. S. frutescens extract induced apoptosis in A375 cells as evidenced by morphological features of apoptosis, phosphatidylserine exposure, nuclear condensation, caspase activation, and the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria. Studies in the presence of a pan‐caspase inhibitor allude to caspase‐independent cell death, which appeared to be mediated by the apoptosis inducing factor. Taken together, the results of this study show that S. frutescens extract is effective in inducing apoptosis in malignant melanoma cells and indicates that further in vivo mechanistic studies may be warranted.
Assessment of Liver Stiffness in Pediatric Fontan Patients Using Transient Elastography
Authors: Chen Becky , Schreiber Richard A. , Human Derek G. , Potts James E. , Guttman Orlee R.
Published: August 2016

Background. Hepatic fibrosis is a potential complication following Fontan surgery and heralds long-term risk for cirrhosis. Transient elastography (TE) is a rapid, noninvasive method to assess liver fibrosis by measuring liver stiffness.Objectives. To compare liver stiffness and liver biochemistries in pediatric Fontan patients with age- and sex-matched controls and to determine patients’ acceptance of TE.Methods. Patients were recruited from British Columbia Children’s Hospital. Twenty-two Fontan patients (15 males) were identified. Demographic information and cardiac data were collected. TE was measured using size-appropriate probes.Results. The median age of the Fontan cohort was 13.7 (5.9–16.8) years. Time from Fontan surgery to TE was 9.6 (1.0–12.9) years. The median Fontan circuit pressure was 13 (11–14) mmHg. TE values were higher in Fontan patients versus controls (18.6 versus 4.7 kPa,p<0.001). There was no association between TE values and patient age (r=0.41,p=0.058), time since Fontan surgery (r=0.40,p=0.062), or median Fontan circuit pressure (CVP) (r=0.35,p=0.111). Patients found TE to be nonpainful, convenient, and safe.Conclusions. TE is feasible to assess liver stiffness in children following Fontan surgery. Pediatric Fontan patients have markedly elevated liver stiffness values. TE may have important utility in liver care follow-up of pediatric Fontan patients.
Clinical Impact of Viral Load on the Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Liver-Related Mortality in Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Noh Ran , Lee Doo Hyuck , Kwon Byoung Woon , Kim Yong Hyun , Kim Suk Bae , Song Il Han
Published: August 2016

Aim. This study aimed to assess clinical impact of hepatitis C viral load on the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver-related mortality in HCV-infected patients.Methods. A total of 111 subjects with chronic HCV infection who were available for serum quantitation of HCV RNA were recruited in this retrospective cohort. Cox-proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratio (HR) of developing HCC and liver-related mortality according to serum HCV RNA titers.Results. HCC was developed in 14 patients during follow-up period. The cumulative risk of HCC development was higher in subjects with high HCV RNA titer (log HCV RNA IU/mL > 6) than subjects with low titer (log HCV RNA IU/mL ≦ 6) (HR = 4.63,P=0.032), giving an incidence rate of 474.1 and 111.5 per 10,000 person-years, respectively. Old age (HR = 9.71,P=0.014), accompanying cirrhosis (HR = 19.34,P=0.004), and low platelet count (HR = 13.97,P=0.009) were other independent risk factors for the development of HCC. Liver-related death occurred in 7 patients. Accompanying cirrhosis (HR = 6.13,P=0.012) and low albumin level (HR = 9.17,P=0.002), but not HCV RNA titer, were significant risk factors related to liver-related mortality.Conclusion. Serum HCV RNA titer may be considered an independent risk factor for the development of HCC but not liver-related mortality.
The Impacts of Educational Asthma Interventions in Schools: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Carvalho Coelho Ana Carla , Barretto Cardoso Laís Souza , Souza-Machado Carolina de , Souza-Machado Adelmir
Published: August 2016

Objective. To review the literature on the impact of educational asthma interventions in schools regarding the knowledge and morbidity of the disease among children and adolescents.Methods. A systematic review was conducted for controlled clinical trials investigating the effectiveness of educational asthma interventions for students, asthmatic or nonasthmatic, families, and school staff. Databases were CENTRAL, PubMed, LILACS, MEDLINE, and SciELO. Articles published in any language were considered, in the period from 2005 to 2014, according to the PRISMA guidelines.Results. Seventeen articles were selected (N=5,879 subjects). 94% of the interventions (16 of 17 studies) were applied in developed countries that were led by health professionals and most of them targeted asthmatics. Asthma education promotes the improvement of knowledge about the disease in at least one of the evaluated areas. 29% of the interventions (5 of 17 studies) showed a reduction of the asthma symptoms, 35% (6 of 17 studies) reduction of the hospitalization instances and emergency visits, 29% (5 of 17 studies) reduction of school absenteeism, and 41% (7 of 17 studies) increase in the quality of life of the individuals.Conclusions. Educational interventions in schools raise the awareness of asthma and weaken the impact of morbidity indicators.
Serum Adiponectin Level as a Predictor of Subclinical Cushing’s Syndrome in Patients with Adrenal Incidentaloma
Authors: Dogruk Unal Asli , Ayturk Semra , Aldemir Derya , Bascil Tutuncu Neslihan
Published: August 2016

Subclinical Cushing’s syndrome (SCS) is a condition of slight but chronic cortisol excess in patients with adrenal incidentaloma (AI) without typical signs and symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome. Adiponectin has potent roles in modulating energy balance and metabolic homeostasis and acts in opposition to glucocorticoids. This study aimed to evaluate adiponectin level in SCS and nonfunctional AI (NAI) patients and its relation with metabolic parameters. Patients with AI (n=40) and metabolically healthy controls (n=30) were included. In AI patients and controls, detailed medical history assessment, physical examinations, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory measurements were performed. Age, body mass index, waist circumference, and lipid profiles were significantly higher and waist-to-hip ratio and adiponectin level were significantly lower in the AI patients than in the controls. The midnight cortisol and urinary free cortisol levels were significantly higher in the SCS patients (n=8) than in the NAI patients (n=32). Adiponectin level of the SCS group was significantly lower than those of the NAI and control groups. The sensitivity and specificity for an adiponectin level of ≤13.00 ng/mL in predicting the presence of SCS were 87.5% and 77.4%, respectively. In conclusion, adiponectin is valuable in predicting the presence of SCS in AI patients.
A Terminal Guidance Law Based on Motion Camouflage Strategy of Air-to-Ground Missiles
Authors: Gao Chang-sheng , Li Jian-qing , Jing Wu-xing
Published: August 2016

A guidance law for attacking ground target based on motion camouflage strategy is proposed in this paper. According to the relative position between missile and target, the dual second-order dynamics model is derived. The missile guidance condition is given by analyzing the characteristic of motion camouflage strategy. Then, the terminal guidance law is derived by using the relative motion of missile and target and the guidance condition. In the process of derivation, the three-dimensional guidance law could be designed in a two-dimensional plane and the difficulty of guidance law design is reduced. A two-dimensional guidance law for three-dimensional space is derived by bringing the estimation for target maneuver. Finally, simulation for the proposed guidance law is taken and compared with pure proportional navigation. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed guidance law can be applied to air-to-ground missiles.
Synthesis of Functional Polyester Based on Polylactic Acid and Its Effect on PC12 Cells after Coupling with Small Peptides
Authors: Qiang Na , Tang Shuo , Liao Xiang , Liang Hao , Xie Fang , Zhu Ji-xiang
Published: August 2016

Polyesters containing functional groups are a suitable candidate matrix for cell culture in tissue engineering. Three types of semicrystalline copolymer poly(L-lactide-co-β-malic acid) [P(LA-co-BMD)] with pendent carboxyl groups were synthesized in this study. The functional monomer 3(S)-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)methyl]-1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione (BMD) was synthesized usingL-aspartic acid. The copolymer P(LA-co-BMD) was then synthesized through ring-opening copolymerization ofL-LA and BMD, with dodecanol as initiator and stannous octoate as catalyst. Copolymer structure was characterized by1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses. Results of1H NMR and GPC analyses showed that the copolymers were synthesized successfully. DSC curves showed that the crystal melting peak and enthalpy decreased with increased BMD. The crystallinity of the copolymer was destroyed by the presence of the functional monomer. After deprotection, carboxyl groups were coupled with the isoleucine-lysine-valine-alanine-valine peptide throughN-hydroxysuccinimide/dicyclohexylcarbodiimide method. The small peptide was beneficial to the axon growth of PC12 cells.
Establishment of Patient-Derived Tumor Xenograft Models of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer for Preclinical Evaluation of Novel Therapeutics
Authors: Liu Joyce F. , Palakurthi Sangeetha , Zeng Qing , Zhou Shan , Ivanova Elena , Huang Wei , Zervantonakis Ioannis K. , Selfors Laura M. , Shen Yiping , Pritchard Colin C. , Zheng Mei , Adleff Vilmos , Papp Eniko , Piao Huiying , Novak Marian , Fotheringham Susan , Wulf Gerburg M. , English Jessie , Kirschmeier Paul T. , Velculescu Victor E. , Paweletz Cloud , Mills Gordon B. , Livingston David M. , Brugge Joan S. , Matulonis Ursula A. , Drapkin Ronny
Published: August 2016

Purpose: Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic malignancy in the United States, with high rates of recurrence and eventual resistance to cytotoxic chemotherapy. Model systems that allow for accurate and reproducible target discovery and validation are needed to support further drug development in this disease.

Experimental Design: Clinically annotated patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models were generated from tumor cells isolated from the ascites or pleural fluid of patients undergoing clinical procedures. Models were characterized by IHC and by molecular analyses. Each PDX was luciferized to allow for reproducible in vivo assessment of intraperitoneal tumor burden by bioluminescence imaging (BLI). Plasma assays for CA125 and human LINE-1 were developed as secondary tests of in vivo disease burden.

Results: Fourteen clinically annotated and molecularly characterized luciferized ovarian PDX models were generated. Luciferized PDX models retain fidelity to both the nonluciferized PDX and the original patient tumor, as demonstrated by IHC, array CGH, and targeted and whole-exome sequencing analyses. Models demonstrated diversity in specific genetic alterations and activation of PI3K signaling pathway members. Response of luciferized PDX models to standard-of-care therapy could be reproducibly monitored by BLI or plasma markers.

Conclusions: We describe the establishment of a collection of 14 clinically annotated and molecularly characterized luciferized ovarian PDX models in which orthotopic tumor burden in the intraperitoneal space can be followed by standard and reproducible methods. This collection is well suited as a platform for proof-of-concept efficacy and biomarker studies and for validation of novel therapeutic strategies in ovarian cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 23(5); 1263–73. ©2016 AACR.
AC0010, an Irreversible EGFR Inhibitor Selectively Targeting Mutated EGFR and Overcoming T790M-Induced Resistance in Animal Models and Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Xu Xiao , Mao Long , Xu Wanhong , Tang Wei , Zhang Xiaoying , Xi Biao , Xu Rongda , Fang Xin , Liu Jia , Fang Ce , Zhao Li , Wang Xiaobo , Jiang Ji , Hu Pei , Zhao Hongyun , Zhang Li
Published: August 2016

AC0010 is a pyrrolopyrimidine-based irreversible EGFR inhibitor, structurally distinct from previously reported pyrimidine-based irreversible EGFR inhibitors, such as osimertinib and rociletinib. AC0010 selectively inhibits EGFR-active and T790M mutations with up to 298-fold increase in potency compared with wild-type EGFR. In a xenograft model, oral administration of AC0010 at a daily dose of 500 mg/kg resulted in complete remission of tumors with EGFR-active and T790M mutations for over 143 days with no weight loss. Three major metabolites of AC0010 were tested and showed no wild-type EGFR inhibition or off-target effects, such as inhibition of IGF-1R. AC0010 is safe in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients at a dose range between 50 and 550 mg once per day, and no hyperglycemia or other severe adverse effects were detected, such as grade 3 QT prolongation. The objective responses were observed in NSCLC patients with EGFR T790M mutation. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(11); 2586–97. ©2016 AACR.
IQGAP1 Scaffold–MAP Kinase Interactions Enhance Multiple Myeloma Clonogenic Growth and Self-Renewal
Authors: Gocke Christian B. , McMillan Ross , Wang Qiuju , Begum Asma , Penchev Vesselin R. , Ali Syed A. , Borrello Ivan , Huff Carol Ann , Matsui William
Published: August 2016

Despite improved outcomes in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, virtually all patients relapse and ultimately develop drug-resistant disease. Aberrant RAS/MAPK signaling is activated in the majority of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients, but its biological consequences are not fully understood. Self-renewal, as defined by the long-term maintenance of clonogenic growth, is essential for disease relapse, and we examined the role of RAS/MAPK activation on multiple myeloma self-renewal by targeting IQ motif–containing GTPase-activating protein 1 (IQGAP1), an intracellular scaffold protein required for mutant RAS signaling. We found that loss of IQGAP1 expression decreased MAPK signaling, cell-cycle progression, and tumor colony formation. Similarly, a peptide mimicking the WW domain of IQGAP1 that interacts with ERK inhibited the clonogenic growth and self-renewal of multiple myeloma cell lines and primary clinical specimens in vitro as well as tumor-initiating cell frequency in immunodeficient mice. During multiple myeloma progression, self-renewal may be enhanced by aberrant RAS/MAPK signaling and inhibited by targeting IQGAP1. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(11); 2733–9. ©2016 AACR.
Phenotypically Enriched Genotypic Imputation in Genetic Association Tests
Authors: Zhuang Wei Vivian , Murabito Joanne M. , Lunetta Kathryn L.
Published: August 2016

Background: In longitudinal epidemiological studies there may be individuals with rich phenotype data who die or are lost to follow-up before providing DNA for genetic studies. Often, the genotypic and phenotypic data of the relatives are available. Two strategies for analyzing the incomplete data are to exclude ungenotyped subjects from analysis (the complete-case method, CC) and to include phenotyped but ungenotyped individuals in analysis by using relatives' genotypes for genotype imputation (GI). In both strategies, the information in the phenotypic data was not used to handle the missing-genotype problem. Methods: We propose a phenotypically enriched genotypic imputation (PEGI) method that uses the EM (expectation-maximization)-based maximum likelihood method to incorporate observed phenotypes into genotype imputation. Results: Our simulations with genotypes missing completely at random show that, for a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with moderate to strong effect on a phenotype, PEGI improves power more than GI without excess type I errors. Using the Framingham Heart Study data set, we compare the ability of the PEGI, GI, and CC to detect the associations between 5 SNPs and age at natural menopause. Conclusion: The PEGI method may improve power to detect an association over both CC and GI under many circumstances.
The Effect of Passive Movement for Paretic Ankle-Foot and Brain Activity in Post-Stroke Patients
Authors: Vér Csilla , Emri Miklós , Spisák Tamás , Berényi Ervin , Kovács Kázmér , Katona Péter , Balkay László , Menyhárt László , Kardos László , Csiba László
Published: August 2016

Background: This study aims at investigating the short-term efficacy of the continuous passive motion (CPM) device developed for the therapy of ankle-foot paresis and to investigate by fMRI the blood oxygen level-dependent responses (BOLD) during ankle passive movement (PM). Methods: Sixty-four stroke patients were investigated. Patients were assigned into 2 groups: 49 patients received both 15 min manual and 30 min device therapy (M + D), while the other group (n = 15) received only 15 min manual therapy (M). A third group of stroke patients (n = 12) was investigated by fMRI before and immediately after 30 min CPM device therapy. There was no direct relation between the fMRI group and the other 2 groups. All subjects were assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and a goniometer. Results: Mean MAS decreased, the ankle's mean plantar flexion and dorsiflexion passive range of motion (PROM) increased and the equinovalgus improved significantly in the M + D group. In the fMRI group, the PM of the paretic ankle increased BOLD responses; this was observed in the contralateral pre- and postcentral gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, central opercular cortex, and in the ipsilateral postcentral gyrus, frontal operculum cortex and cerebellum. Conclusion: Manual therapy with CPM device therapy improved the ankle PROM, equinovalgus and severity of spasticity. The ankle PM increased ipsi- and contralateral cortical activation.
Resident Involvement in Radical Inguinal Orchiectomy for Testicular Cancer Does Not Adversely Impact Perioperative Outcomes - A Retrospective Study
Authors: Vetterlein Malte W. , Seisen Thomas , Löppenberg Björn , Hanna Nawar , Cheng Philip J. , Fisch Margit , Chun Felix K.-H. , Kibel Adam S. , Preston Mark A. , Meyer Christian P.
Published: August 2016

Introduction: To evaluate perioperative outcomes related to resident involvement (RI) in a large and prospectively collected multi-institutional database of patients undergoing orchiectomy for testicular cancer. Materials and Methods: Using current procedural terminology and ICD-9 codes, information about patients with testicular cancer were abstracted from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2006-2013). Multivariable analyses evaluated the impact of RI on outcomes after orchiectomy. Prolonged operative time (pOT) and prolonged length of stay were defined by the 75th percentile (59 min) and postoperative inpatient stay ≥2 days, respectively. Results: Overall, 267 patients underwent orchiectomy either with (38.6%) or without (61.4%) RI. In all, 89.1% of patients underwent an outpatient procedure. The median body mass index was 26.8 and baseline characteristics between the 2 groups were similar. Overall complications, re-intervention, and bleeding-related complication rates were 2.6, 0.7, and 0.4%, respectively. Although there was no difference in terms of overall complications between the groups (3.9 vs. 1.8%; p = 0.44), RI resulted in pOT (32 vs. 19.5%; p = 0.028). In multivariable analyses, RI predicted pOT (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.06-3.37; p = 0.031), without association with prolonged length of stay and overall complications. Conclusions: RI during orchiectomy for testicular cancer does not undermine patient safety at the cost of pOT.
Dose-Titrated Vasopressin V2 Receptor Antagonist Improves Renoprotection in a Mouse Model for Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Zittema Debbie , Versteeg Irina B. , Gansevoort Ron T. , van Goor Harry , de Heer Emile , Veraar Kimberley A.M. , Peters Dorien J.M. , Meijer Esther
Published: August 2016

Background: In autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, renoprotective treatment with a vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist (V2RA) is given in a fixed dose (FD). Disease progression and drug habituation could diminish treatment efficacy. We investigated whether the renoprotective effect of the V2RA can be improved by dose titration of the V2RA aiming to maintain aquaresis at a high level. Methods: The V2RA OPC-31260 was administered to Pkd1-deletion mice in an FD (0.1%) or in a titrated dose (TD, up to 0.8% when drinking volume dropped). Total kidney weight (TKW) and cyst ratio were investigated and compared to non-treated Pkd1-deletion mice. Treatment was started early or late (21 or 42 days postnatal). Results: Water intake was significantly higher throughout the experiment in the TD compared to the FD group. FD treatment that was initiated early reduced TKW and cyst ratio but lost its renoprotective effect later during the experiment. In contrast, TD treatment was able to maintain the renoprotective effect. TD treatment, however, was also associated with a higher early termination rate in comparison with FD treatment. Late start of treatment (FD or TD) did not show a renoprotective effect. Conclusions: Titration of a V2RA aimed to maintain aquaresis at a high level showed a better renoprotective effect compared to FD administration. However, this treatment regimen was poorly tolerated and did not overcome treatment unresponsiveness when started later in the disease.
Targeted Screening of Fabry Disease in Male Hemodialysis Patients in Brazil Highlights Importance of Family Screening
Authors: Silva Cassiano Augusto Braga , Barreto Fellype Carvalho , dos Reis Marlene Antonia , Moura Junior José Andrade , Cruz Constança Margarida Sampaio
Published: August 2016

Introduction: Fabry disease (FD) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by enzyme α galactosidase A (α-Gal A) deficiency due to mutations in the galactosidase alpha (GLA) gene. It leads to damage several organs, such as the kidneys, due to progressive accumulation of glycosphingolipids. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of FD among male hemodialysis (HD) patients in a northern state of Brazil. Methods: Screening was performed using a dried blood spot on filter paper to identify patients with low α-Gal A enzyme activity (≤2.2 µmol/l/h). Those with low enzyme activity underwent genetic analysis of the GLA gene. Family screening was conducted in the index cases. Results: 2,583 male HD patients (age: 52 (18-91 years)) were screened. The α-Gal A assay identified 72 males (2.78%) with low enzyme activity. Genotyping identified 3 patients with GLA mutations: W204X, A368T, both previously reported; and C52F, a novel missense mutation. Only the patient with W204X mutation had classic FD. The prevalence rate was 0.12%. Family screening of the index cases identified 23 family members with the same mutations. Conclusions: The prevalence of FD amongst male HD patients found in the Northern of Brazil was low (0.12%). However, family screening of the 3 index cases identified family members at an early stage of the disease, which may benefit from earlier treatment.
Umbilical Cord Occlusion via Laser Coagulation in Monochorionic Multifetal Gestations before and after 20 Weeks of Gestation
Authors: King Jennifer R. , Conturie Charlotte L. , Ouzounian Joseph G. , Korst Lisa M. , Llanes Arlyn , Chmait Ramen H.
Published: August 2016

Introduction: Umbilical cord occlusion (UCO) utilizing laser photocoagulation is often not considered an option for selective termination after 20 weeks of gestation due to reported limitations of the procedure because of umbilical cord size. We compared outcomes after laser umbilical cord occlusion (L-UCO) before and after 20 weeks of gestation. Materials and Methods: We examined all patients with monochorionic- diamniotic twins and higher-order multiples (monoamniotic excluded) that underwent L-UCO at our facility between 2006 and 2014. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact and Kruskal-Wallis tests as appropriate. Results: Of 43 L-UCO cases, 11 cases (25.6%) had a discordant anomaly, and 32 cases (74.4%) had twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence. We achieved complete vascular occlusion in 100% (43/43) of cases of attempted L-UCO. There were 22 cases (51.2%) with gestational age ≤20 weeks, and 21 cases (48.8%) with gestational age >20 weeks. Perioperative patient characteristics and outcomes did not differ between the two groups. Survival rates were 90.9% (20/22) and 100% (21/21) at ≤20 weeks of gestation and >20 weeks of gestation, respectively. Discussion: The results of this study suggest that L-UCO is a reasonable surgical modality for patients prior to and beyond 20 weeks of gestation.
Denuncias sobre lo oculto y demandas de espacios escolares de jóvenes en contextos de pobreza en Argentina
Authors: Langer Eduardo
Published: August 2016

(analítico): El principal objetivo es describir la escolaridad de jóvenes en contextos de pobreza urbana de Argentina según las demandas que expresan en los espacios escolares cotidianos. Nos referiremos a las maneras que tienen los y las jóvenes, según sus miradas y formas de pensar su escuela, de mostrar y denunciar lo invisible, y de dar significado a esos espacios mediante la ironía y la risa. Ello se realizará tomando como recurso metodológico cinco imágenes realizadas en una escuela secundaria -en un taller audiovisual en 2014, como una acción de investigación y extensión1-. La interpretación se realizó en el marco de la sociología de la educación y los estudios de gubernamentalidad. Los resultados tienen que ver con que los y las jóvenes tienen una mirada esperanzada y confiada en la posibilidad de la educación porque quieren mejorar su escolaridad y encontrar sentidos ante los problemas que presentan sus barrios y sus escuelas.
Apego: representaciones de educadoras de párvulos en jardines infantiles en Temuco, Chile
Authors: Huaiquián-Billeke Claudia , Mansilla-Sepúlveda Juan , Lasalle-Rivas Viviana
Published: August 2016

(Analítico): En este artículo presentamos los resultados de un estudio cuyo objetivo fue describir las representaciones sociales del apego de 38 educadoras de párvulos pertenecientes a la Junta Nacional de Jardines Infantiles. Concretamente nos propusimos describir el significado que tiene el concepto apego para las educadoras de párvulos, e identificar los criterios de valoración del apego que ellas manifiestan. El estudio es cualitativo-descriptivo. Aplicamos entrevistas semiestructuradas y grupos focales. Los hallazgos destacan el manejo inapropiado acerca de la teoría del apego en las educadoras, lo que afecta en el dominio del contenido disciplinario para tomar decisiones metodológicas en sus prácticas profesionales. Las percepciones de las educadoras son de tipo social, vivencial y clasificatorio, significando el apego como proceso relacional que deja huellas en tanto vínculo afectivo perdurable.
PERCEPÇÃO DE JUSTIÇA ORGANIZACIONAL DOS GESTORES NO USO DO BALANCED SCORECARD PARA A MENSURAÇÃO DO DESEMPENHO ESTRATÉGICO
Authors: Beuren Ilse Maria , Barros Cláudio Marcelo Edwards , Dal Vesco Delci Grapégia
Published: August 2016

Este estudo objetiva averiguar a percepção de justiça organizacional dos gestores no uso do Balanced Scorecard para a mensuração do desempenho estratégico da empresa. Pesquisa descritiva foi realizada a partir da aplicação de um questionário, aos gestores de uma empresa industrial e a amostra compõe-se dos 47 respondentes da pesquisa. Para a análise dos dados utilizaram-se estatísticas descritivas e Modelagem de Equações Estruturais. Os resultados da pesquisa mostram que à medida que o modelo estratégico causal se expande em sua capacidade de influenciar desempenhos individuais, mais intensa tende a ser a influência sobre a percepção de justiça distributiva. Em relação a percepção de justiça processual e cidadania organizacional, o estudo apresenta indícios de que os respondentes conhecem o modo pelo qual as regras são estabelecidas. Condizente com estudos prévios, a pesquisa sugere que a cidadania organizacional pode ter impacto sobre o modo como as atividades são coordenadas, influenciando assim o uso do Balanced Scorecard para a mensuração do desempenho estratégico.
NOVA METODOLOGIA DO IBOVESPA, BETAS E PODER EXPLICATIVO DOS RETORNOS DAS AÇÕES
Authors: Serra Ricardo Goulart , Saito André Taue , Fávero Luiz Paulo Lopes
Published: August 2016

Em 2013, houve mudanças na metodologia do Ibovespa, implementadas a partir de 2014. A BM&FBOVESPA divulgou uma série histórica retroativa de 34 trimestres do Ibovespa calculado com a metodologia nova (Ibovespa Novo) em paralelo ao obtido com a metodologia anterior (Ibovespa Antigo). O objetivo do artigo é verificar se o beta calculado regredindo o retorno das ações contra o Ibovespa Novo (BetaNovo) teria sido capaz de explicar melhor do que o beta calculado regredindo o retorno das ações contra o Ibovespa Antigo (BetaAntigo). O modelo em painel com efeitos fixos é, segundo os testes apropriados, preferível ao modelo POLS e ao de efeitos aleatórios, e indica que o BetaAntigo teria sido capaz de explicar o retorno melhor do que o BetaNovo. O modelo explica melhor a variação entre observações e explica pouco a variação de uma mesma ação ao longo do tempo. O fato de, no período analisado, ter existido apenas o Ibovespa Antigo pode ter influenciado os resultados.
Editorial
Authors: Pagliarussi Marcelo Sanches
Published: August 2016

Editorial v27 n10 MSP
Optical Coherence Tomography to Optimize Results of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with Non–ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Meneveau Nicolas , Souteyrand Geraud , Motreff Pascal , Caussin Christophe , Amabile Nicolas , Ohlmann Patrick , Morel Olivier , Lefrançois Yoann , Descotes-Genon Vincent , Silvain Johanne , Braik Nassim , Chopard Romain , Chatot Marion , Ecarnot Fiona , Tauzin Hélène , Van Belle Eric , Belle Loïc , Schiele François
Published: August 2016

Background:

No randomized study has investigated the value of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in optimizing the results of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes.

Methods:

We conducted a multicenter, randomized study involving 240 patients with non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes to compare OCT-guided PCI (use of OCT pre- and post-PCI; OCT-guided group) to fluoroscopy-guided PCI (angiography-guided group). The primary end point was the functional result of PCI assessed by the measure of post PCI fractional flow reserve. Secondary end points included procedural complications and type 4a periprocedural myocardial infarction. Safety was assessed by the rate of acute kidney injury.

Results:

OCT use led to a change in procedural strategy in 50% of the patients in the OCT-guided group. The primary end point was improved in the OCT-guided group, with a significantly higher fractional flow reserve value (0.94±0.04 versus 0.92±0.05,
P
=0.005) compared with the angiography-guided group. There was no significant difference in the rate of type 4a myocardial infarction (33% in the OCT-group versus 40% in the angiography-guided group,
P
=0.28). The rates of procedural complications (5.8%) and acute kidney injury (1.6%) were identical in each group despite longer procedure time and use of more contrast medium in the OCT-guided group. Post-PCI OCT revealed stent underexpansion in 42% of patients, stent malapposition in 32%, incomplete lesion coverage in 20%, and edge dissection in 37.5%. This led to the more frequent use of poststent overdilation in the OCT-guided group versus the angiography-guided group (43% versus 12.5%,
P
<0.0001) with lower residual stenosis (7.0±4.3% versus 8.7±6.3%,
P
=0.01).

Conclusions:

In patients with non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes, OCT-guided PCI is associated with higher postprocedure fractional flow reserve than PCI guided by angiography alone. OCT did not increase periprocedural complications, type 4a myocardial infarction, or acute kidney injury.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01743274.
Ten-Year Outcomes After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting According to Age in Patients With Heart Failure and Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction
Authors: Petrie Mark C. , Jhund Pardeep S. , She Lilin , Adlbrecht Christopher , Doenst Torsten , Panza Julio A. , Hill James A. , Lee Kerry L. , Rouleau Jean L. , Prior David L. , Ali Imtiaz S. , Maddury Jyotsna , Golba Krzysztof S. , White Harvey D. , Carson Peter , Chrzanowski Lukasz , Romanov Alexander , Miller Alan B. , Velazquez Eric J.
Published: August 2016

Background:

Advancing age is associated with a greater prevalence of coronary artery disease in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and with a higher risk of complications after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Whether the efficacy of CABG compared with medical therapy (MED) in patients with heart failure caused by ischemic cardiomyopathy is the same in patients of different ages is unknown.

Methods:

A total of 1212 patients (median follow-up, 9.8 years) with ejection fraction ≤35% and coronary disease amenable to CABG were randomized to CABG or MED in the STICH trial (Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure).

Results:

Mean age at trial entry was 60 years; 12% were women; 36% were nonwhite; and the baseline ejection fraction was 28%. For the present analyses, patients were categorized by age quartiles: quartile 1, ≤54 years; quartile, 2 >54 and ≤60 years; quartile 3, >60 and ≤67 years; and quartile 4, >67 years. Older versus younger patients had more comorbidities. All-cause mortality was higher in older compared with younger patients assigned to MED (79% versus 60% for quartiles 4 and 1, respectively; log-rank
P
=0.005) and CABG (68% versus 48% for quartiles 4 and 1, respectively; log-rank
P
<0.001). In contrast, cardiovascular mortality was not statistically significantly different across the spectrum of age in the MED group (53% versus 49% for quartiles 4 and 1, respectively; log-rank
P
=0.388) or CABG group (39% versus 35% for quartiles 4 and 1, respectively; log-rank
P
=0.103). Cardiovascular deaths accounted for a greater proportion of deaths in the youngest versus oldest quartile (79% versus 62%). The effect of CABG versus MED on all-cause mortality tended to diminish with increasing age (
P
interaction
=0.062), whereas the benefit of CABG on cardiovascular mortality was consistent over all ages (
P
interaction
=0.307). There was a greater reduction in all-cause mortality or cardiovascular hospitalization with CABG versus MED in younger compared with older patients (
P
interaction
=0.004). In the CABG group, cardiopulmonary bypass time or days in intensive care did not differ for older versus younger patients.

Conclusions:

CABG added to MED has a more substantial benefit on all-cause mortality and the combination of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular hospitalization in younger compared with older patients. CABG added to MED has a consistent beneficial effect on cardiovascular mortality regardless of age.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00023595.
Musicianship and Tone Language Experience Are Associated with Differential Changes in Brain Signal Variability
Authors: Hutka Stefanie , Carpentier Sarah M. , Bidelman Gavin M. , Moreno Sylvain , McIntosh Anthony R.
Published: August 2016

Musicianship has been associated with auditory processing benefits. It is unclear, however, whether pitch processing experience in nonmusical contexts, namely, speaking a tone language, has comparable associations with auditory processing. Studies comparing the auditory processing of musicians and tone language speakers have shown varying degrees of between-group similarity with regard to perceptual processing benefits and, particularly, nonlinguistic pitch processing. To test whether the auditory abilities honed by musicianship or speaking a tone language differentially impact the neural networks supporting nonlinguistic pitch processing (relative to timbral processing), we employed a novel application of brain signal variability (BSV) analysis. BSV is a metric of information processing capacity and holds great potential for understanding the neural underpinnings of experience-dependent plasticity. Here, we measured BSV in electroencephalograms of musicians, tone language-speaking nonmusicians, and English-speaking nonmusicians (controls) during passive listening of music and speech sound contrasts. Although musicians showed greater BSV across the board, each group showed a unique spatiotemporal distribution in neural network engagement: Controls had greater BSV for speech than music; tone language-speaking nonmusicians showed the opposite effect; musicians showed similar BSV for both domains. Collectively, results suggest that musical and tone language pitch experience differentially affect auditory processing capacity within the cerebral cortex. However, information processing capacity is graded: More experience with pitch is associated with greater BSV when processing this cue. Higher BSV in musicians may suggest increased information integration within the brain networks subserving speech and music, which may be related to their well-documented advantages on a wide variety of speech-related tasks.
Stability of Network Communities as a Function of Task Complexity
Authors: Fuertinger Stefan , Simonyan Kristina
Published: August 2016

The analysis of the community architecture in functional brain networks has revealed important relations between specific behavioral patterns and characteristic features of the associated functional organization. Numerous studies have assessed changes in functional communities during different states of awareness, learning, information processing, and various behavioral patterns. The robustness of detected communities within a network has been an often-discussed topic in complex systems research. However, our knowledge regarding the intersubject stability of functional communities in the human brain while performing different tasks is still lacking. In this study, we examined the variability of functional communities in weighted undirected graphs based on fMRI recordings of healthy participants across three conditions: the resting state, syllable production as a simple vocal motor task, and meaningful speech production representing a complex behavioral pattern with cognitive involvement. On the basis of the constructed empirical networks, we simulated a large cohort of artificial graphs and performed a leave-one-out stability analysis to assess the sensitivity of communities in the group-averaged networks with respect to perturbations in the averaging cohort. We found that the stability of partitions derived from group-averaged networks depended on task complexity. The determined community architecture in mean networks reflected within-behavior network stability and between-behavior flexibility of the human functional connectome. The sensitivity of functional communities increased from rest to syllable production to speaking, which suggests that the approximation quality of the community structure in the average network to reflect individual per-participant partitions depends on task complexity.
The metallothionein gene from the Oriental river prawn Macrobrachium nipponense (De Haan, 1849): characterization and expression in response to hypoxia and reoxygenation
Authors: Sun Shengming , Gu Zhimin , Fu Hongtuo , Zhu Jian
Published: August 2016

Since mammals make use of metallothioneins (MTs) to protect against hypoxia-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS), here we investigate whether MTs have the same effect in the Oriental river prawnMacrobrachium nipponense(De Haan, 1849). Levels ofM. nipponenseMT (MnMT) mRNA in different tissues were analysed using a real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). We found that MnMT is differentially expressed in the haemocytes, intestine, gills, heart, hepatopancreas and muscle. The highest levels of expression occurred in the hepatopancreas and heart. The results of the qRT-PCR and Western blot indicated that MnMT mRNA and protein expression in the hepatopancreas increased significantly in response to hypoxia 24 h and followed by 1 h reoxygenation compared to normoxia. Similarly, there were also significant increases in respiratory bursts and ROS production in the hepatopancreas. The MT protein possibly has a protective effect against ROS generated during hypoxia and reoxygenation stimuli.
A review of the genus Alpheopsis (Decapoda, Caridea, Alpheidae) from the seas of China
Authors: Wang Yanrong , Sha Zhongli
Published: August 2016

The genusAlpheopsis(Decapoda, Alpheidae) from the seas of China is reviewed. Two species belonging to the genus are described, including one newly recorded species,Alpheopsis yaldwyniBanner & Banner, 1973. In this study the mouthparts of the two species were dissected and illustrated for the first time. The differences between the Chinese material and previous descriptions are reported. A key to all species of the genusAlpheopsisis provided.
From Contextualization to Glocalization
Authors: Küster Volker
Published: August 2016

The era of Globalization — characterized by the end of the bi-polar world order and the expansion of neo-liberal capitalism as well as the compression of the world through new communication technologies — has already stamped its mark on theology. Especially those theologies which consider themselves as contextual undergo deep transformations from localization to deterritorialization, from being mono-cultural to hybridity and from being community centered to multiple belonging. The shift from contextualization to glocalization that becomes visible behind these processes is traced in the works of two African and one Asian woman theologian as well as one Asian male theologian. While Musimbi Kanyoro, Kenya, is still practicing a late modern form of inculturation theology, with the works of Musa Dube, Botswana, Kwok Pui-Lan, us, and R.S. Sugirtharajah, uk, postcolonialism irrupts into contextual and intercultural theological reflection. As a consequence the pendulum swings from the particular back to the universal, now defined as exchange and interdependence.
Almost Democratic
Authors: Chow Christie Chui-Shan , Lee Joseph Tse-Hei
Published: August 2016

The Umbrella Movement in Hong Kong (2014) read like a living tale of David and Goliath. Peaceful demonstrators held flimsy umbrellas to defend themselves against tear gas, pepper spray, and police batons. While many observers applauded the spontaneity of the citywide protests, little attention has been paid to the involvement of the Christian church in the prodemocracy struggle. This article draws on field observations and media reports to examine the various societal networks, resources, and mechanisms that Christian and non-Christian actors employed for grassroots mobilization. The crux of discussion is the political and theological polarization of the church, as the Umbrella protest revealed a qualitative shift in the attitude of local Catholics and Protestants toward political awakening and civic engagement. Such findings throw light on the intersection of faith and politics in Hong Kong’s continuous struggle for democratic governance.
Elijah Benamozegh and Evolutionary Theory: A Nineteenth-Century Italian Kabbalist’s Panentheistic Response to Darwin
Authors: Langton Daniel R.
Published: August 2016

The Italian rabbi and philosopher Elijah Benamozegh (1823–1900) engaged widely with non-Jewish European culture, especially with regard to theology, philosophy and science. With respect to evolutionary theory, his views went through three stages. These stages correspond to his engagement with ideas of transmutation in three key works, namely, the Hebrew biblical commentary ʾEm la-miqra⁠ʾ (1862–1865), the Italian theological treatise Teologia dogmatica e apologetica (1877), and his posthumous great work in French, Israël et l’humanité (1914). Over time, Benamozegh came to view Darwin’s account of the common descent of all life as evidence in support of kabbalistic teachings, which he synthesized to offer a majestic vision of cosmic evolution, with radical implications for understanding the development of morality and religion itself. In the context of the creation-evolution debate in Europe, Benamozegh’s significance is as the earliest Orthodox Jewish proponent of a panentheistic account of evolution.