bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Victorian Bluestone: a proposed Global Heritage Stone Province from Australia
Authors: Walter Susan M.
Published: September 2018

Victorian Bluestone is proposed as a Global Heritage Stone Province from Australia. Numerous heritage stones occur within this province and of these Malmsbury Bluestone is suggested as a Global Heritage Stone Resource. Bluestone, an iconic basalt dimension stone from Victoria, is used domestically and internationally with a recognized heritage value. Sources are located in urban and country areas of Victoria some of which are still utilized for dimension stone. In many instances bluestone has superior technical characteristics, including durability, that surpass high-quality commercial sandstones, despite an architectural preference for lighter-coloured stones. These characteristics are matched by the diversity of significant uses for domestic, commercial and infrastructure purposes especially in Victoria. Notable examples include the Spotswood Pumping Station, Malmsbury Viaduct, the Graving Dock (Williamstown), Malmsbury Reservoir, St Patrick's Cathedral (Melbourne), Kyneton Railway Station and Ararat Gaol. If the bluestone used in pavements and drains is also considered, Victorian Bluestone could be described as Australia's most prominent infrastructure heritage stone. Bluestone use in Melbourne dates from the 1840s, in the other states of Australia and in New Zealand from 1873, with international interest from Asia between 1860 and 1880. The stone continues to be utilized widely around Australia and is also exported.
Heritage stone in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Cole Doug
Published: September 2018

Cape Town was founded in 1652 and many of its historical buildings are constructed of local natural stone. Malmesbury Group slate was exploited from 1666 and used to build Cape Town Castle, which is the oldest building in Cape Town. Two other local stones, Cape granite and Table Mountain sandstone were utilized for buildings from 1850. A medium-grained granite named Paarl Grey was exploited from an area adjacent to the town of Paarl, 50 km east of Cape Town, from 1890. This granite is the most extensively-used natural stone in Cape Town.

The resource fields of natural stone near Cape Town, namely Malmesbury Group slate, Cape granite and Table Mountain sandstone, lie within the Table Mountain National Park and Robben Island World Heritage Site and can no longer be exploited, but similar resource fields occur outside Cape Town. Paarl Grey granite is still extracted at one quarry and, despite part of the resource field lying within the Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, there are still sufficient quantities of stone available.

From an international perspective, the heritage stones of Cape Town, South Africa, are best considered as having national significance.
Connexin 40 regulates lung endothelial permeability in acute lung injury via the ROCK1-MYPT1- MLC20 pathway
Authors: Yin Jun , Lv Lu , Zhai Peng , Long Tao , Zhou Qiang , Pan Huiwen , Botwe Godwin , Wang Liming , Wang Qun , Tan Lijie , Kuebler Wolfgang M.
Published: September 2018

Increased pulmonary vascular permeability is a hallmark of acute lung injury (ALI). Connexin 40 (Cx40) is a gap junctional protein abundantly present in the lung microvascular endothelium. Yet, the role of Cx40 in the regulation of lung vascular permeability and its underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we tested the hypothesis that Cx40 participates in regulation of lung endothelial permeability via a mechanism involving a Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) dependent regulation of myosin light chain (MLC). In murine models of intratracheal acid- or LPS-induced lung injury, genetic deficiency of Cx40 attenuated key features of ALI including vascular barrier failure. In human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs), thrombin-induced loss of transendothelial electrical resistance was attenuated by a Cx40-inhibiting mimetic peptide (40GAP27), Cx40-specific shRNA, or ROCK inhibitor Y27632. In isolated perfused mouse lungs, platelet-activating factor-induced lung weight gain was abrogated by gap junction blocker carbenoxolone, 40GAP27, Y27632, or genetic deficiency of Cx40. Phosphorylation of MLC20 increased drastically in both LPS-treated PMVECs and HCl-treated mouse lungs. Expression of ROCK1 was increased in both LPS-treated PMVECs and HCl-treated mouse lungs, and paralleled by phosphorylation of MLC20. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments revealed protein-protein interaction between ROCK1 and Cx40. LPS-induced upregulation of ROCK1 and phosphorylation of MLC20 were blocked by knockdown of Cx40. LPS caused phosphorylation of myosin phosphatase targeting subunit 1, which could be abrogated by Y27632 or Cx40-shRNA. Our findings reveal a role of Cx40 in regulation of ROCK1 and MLC20 that contributes critically to lung vascular barrier failure in ALI.
Thermotunable Terahertz Negative-Index Metamaterials with Dielectric Spheres Embedded in Semiconductor Host
Authors: Chen Yu , Chen Zhihao , Qin Binyi , Dai Xiaoyu
Published: September 2018

A possibility to realize thermotunable isotropic negative-index metamaterials up to terahertz regime is theoretically investigated. The proposed composite metamaterials consist of dielectric spheres embedded randomly in a semiconductor host medium. As the variation in the intrinsic carrier density in InSb due to a variation in temperature thus changes the plasma frequency, we show theoretically the provided composite metamaterials whose index of refraction is thermally tunable and potentially less propagation loss. Furthermore, the effects of the radius of the dielectric sphere on the modulation frequency and bandwidth are discussed. Finally, we find that the design parameters for the composites can be scaled for application in the higher frequency regions.
Curcumin Inhibits Acute Vascular Inflammation through the Activation of Heme Oxygenase‐1
Authors: Xiao Yunjun , Xia Junjie , Wu Shuang , Lv Ziquan , Huang Suli , Huang Haiyan , Su Xuefen , Cheng Jinquan , Ke Yuebin
Published: September 2018

Curcumin has several therapeutic properties such as anti‐inflammatory effect. Heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) has been showed to have cytoprotective effects in some pathological conditions. However, the role of HO‐1 in anti‐inflammatory effect of curcumin is unknown. In this study, we investigate whether the anti‐inflammatory effect of curcumin in vascular may be involved in the activation of HO‐1. New Zealand white rabbits were fed regular control diet or control diet added with 0.3% curcumin (wt/wt) for four weeks. Acute vascular inflammation of rabbits was induced by putting a collar on the left common carotid artery for 24 hours. HO‐1 inhibitor and siRNA were used to investigate the role of HO‐1 in the anti‐inflammatory effect of curcumin in collared vascular. We also explored the mechanism of curcumin‐induced activation of HO‐1 in vitro. The serum bilirubin and vascular, liver, and spleen HO‐1 mRNA levels were significantly increased in curcumin‐treated rabbits. The vascular inflammation was significantly decreased in the curcumin‐treated animals compared with the control. Treatment of the rabbits with an inhibitor of HO or HO‐1 siRNA to knock down the carotid artery HO‐1 abolished the ability of curcumin to inhibit vascular inflammation. Treatment of cultured human artery endothelial cells with curcumin induced the HO‐1 expression through the activation of nuclear factor‐E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and an antioxidant responsive element via the p38 MAPK signalling pathway. In conclusion, curcumin inhibits vascular inflammation in vivo and in vitro through the activation of HO‐1.
Reduced Susceptibility to Sugar‐Induced Metabolic Derangements and Impairments of Myocardial Redox Signaling in Mice Chronically Fed with D‐Tagatose when Compared to Fructose
Authors: Collotta Debora , Lucarini Laura , Chiazza Fausto , Cento Alessia Sofia , Durante Mariaconcetta , Sgambellone Silvia , Chini Jacopo , Baratta Francesca , Aragno Manuela , Mastrocola Raffaella , Masini Emanuela , Collino Massimo
Published: September 2018

Background. D‐tagatose is an isomer of fructose and is ~90% as sweet as sucrose with less caloric value. Nowadays, D‐tagatose is used as a nutritive or low‐calorie sweetener. Despite clinical findings suggesting that D‐tagatose could be beneficial in subjects with type 2 diabetes, there are no experimental data comparing D‐tagatose with fructose, in terms of metabolic derangements and related molecular mechanisms evoked by chronic exposure to these two monosaccharides. Materials and methods. C57Bl/6j mice were fed with a control diet plus water (CD), a control diet plus 30% fructose syrup (L‐Fr), a 30% fructose solid diet plus water (S‐Fr), a control diet plus 30% D‐tagatose syrup (L‐Tg), or a 30% D‐tagatose solid diet plus water (S‐Tg), during 24 weeks. Results. Both solid and liquid fructose feeding led to increased body weight, abnormal systemic glucose homeostasis, and an altered lipid profile. These effects were associated with vigorous increase in oxidative markers. None of these metabolic abnormalities were detected when mice were fed with both the solid and liquid D‐tagatose diets, either at the systemic or at the local level. Interestingly, both fructose formulations led to significant Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) accumulation in mouse hearts, as well as a robust increase in both myocardial AGE receptor (RAGE) expression and NF‐κB activation. In contrast, no toxicological effects were shown in hearts of mice chronically exposed to liquid or solid D‐tagatose. Conclusion. Our results clearly suggest that chronic overconsumption of D‐tagatose in both formulations, liquid or solid, does not exert the same deleterious metabolic derangements evoked by fructose administration, due to differences in carbohydrate interference with selective proinflammatory and oxidative stress cascades.
Uncertainty Analysis of Rear-End Collision Risk Based on Car-Following Driving Simulation Experiments
Authors: Xue Qingwan , Yan Xuedong , Li Xiaomeng , Wang Yun
Published: September 2018

Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of accidents, and the importance of examining rear-end collisions has been demonstrated by numerous accidents analysis researches. Over the past decades, lots of models have been built to describe driving behaviour during car following to better understand the cause of collisions. However, it is necessary to consider individual difference in car-following modelling while it seems to be ignored in most of previous models. In this study, a rear-end collision avoidance behaviour model considering drivers’ individual differences was developed based on a common deceleration pattern extracted from driving behaviour data, which were collected in a car-following driving simulation experiment. Parameters of variables in the model were calibrated by liner regression and Monte Carlo method was adopted in model simulation for uncertainty analysis. Simulation results confirmed the effectiveness of this model by comparing them to the experiment data and the influence of driving speed and headway distance on the rear-end collision risk was indicated as well. The thresholds for driving speed and headway distance were 18 m/s and 15 m, respectively. An obvious increase of collision risk was observed according to the simulation results.
Genotoxic and Chemopreventive Effects of Vochysia divergens Leaves (Pantanal, Brazil)
Authors: de Oliveira Pollyanna Francielli , Mendes Suzana Amorim , Acésio Nathália Oliveira , Filho Luis Claudio Kellner , Pimenta Leticia Pereira , Siqueira Kátia Aparecida , Soares Marcos Antônio , Januário Ana Helena , Tavares Denise Crispim
Published: September 2018

The medicinal plant Vochysia divergens is a colonizing tree species of the Pantanal, a unique and little explored wetland region in Brazil. This species is used in folk medicine as syrups and teas to treat respiratory infections, digestive disorders, asthma, scarring, and skin diseases. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the antioxidant, cytotoxic, and genotoxic potential of the ethanolic extract of Vochysia divergens leaves (VdE), as well as the influence of VdE and its major component (the flavone 3′,5‐dimethoxy luteolin‐7‐O‐β‐glucopyranoside; 3′5 DL) on MMS‐induced genotoxicity. The extract significantly reduced the viability of V79 cells in the colorimetric XTT assay at concentrations ≥ 39 μg/mL. A significant increase in micronucleus frequencies was observed in V79 cell cultures treated with VdE concentrations of 160 and 320 μg/mL. However, animals treated with the tested doses of VdE (500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg b.w.) exhibited frequencies that did not differ significantly from those of the negative control group, indicating the absence of genotoxicity. The results also showed that VdE was effective in reducing MMS‐induced genotoxicity at concentrations of 20, 40, and 80 μg/mL in the in vitro test system and at a dose of 15 mg/kg b.w. in the in vivo test system. Its major component 3′5 DL exerted no protective effect, suggesting that it is not responsible for the effect of the extract. The results of the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay showed that VdE was able to scavenge 92.6% of free radicals. In conclusion, the results suggest that the protective effect of VdE may be related, at least in part, to the antioxidant activity of its chemical constituents.
Surgical Treatment of Idiopathic Enlargement of the Right Atrium
Authors: Surace Francesca Chiara , Iezzi Federica , Colaneri Massimo , Pozzi Marco
Published: September 2018

Idiopathic enlargement of the right atrium (IERA) is a very rare abnormality. Approximately one-half (48%) of the patients with a congenital enlargement of the right atrium have no symptoms. When they occur, symptoms include shortness of breath (28% of cases), palpitations (17%), arrhythmias (12%), and in rare cases, right heart failure and extreme tiredness. We report one such case of a young man with a disproportionally enlarged right atrium. The basal transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrated a huge right atrium with a thick smoke pattern and mild tricuspid regurgitation in the absence of congenital heart disease. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the right atriomegaly, with initial compression of the right ventricle, and excluded congenital heart defects or absence of pericardium. The patient underwent surgical resection of the right atrial wall and the atriotomy was closed, leaving an atrial chamber of normal consistency and size. The resected atrium had normal and homogeneous wall thickness without significant fibrosis which confirmed the diagnosis of an idiopathic enlargement of the right atrium.
A Review on Diffusion Bonding between Titanium Alloys and Stainless Steels
Authors: Mo De-feng , Song Ting-feng , Fang Yong-jian , Jiang Xiao-song , Luo Charles Q. , Simpson Machael D. , Luo Zhi-ping
Published: September 2018

High‐quality joints between titanium alloys and stainless steels have found applications for nuclear, petrochemical, cryogenic, and aerospace industries due to their relatively low cost, lightweight, high corrosion resistance, and appreciable mechanical properties. This article reviews diffusion bonding between titanium alloys and stainless steels with or without interlayers. For diffusion bonding of a titanium alloy and a stainless steel without an interlayer, the optimized temperature is in the range of 800–950°C for a period of 60–120 min. Sound joint can be obtained, but brittle FeTi and Fe‐Cr‐Ti phases are formed at the interface. The development process of a joint mainly includes three steps: matching surface closure, growth of brittle intermetallic compounds, and formation of the Kirkendall voids. Growth kinetics of interfacial phases needs further clarification in terms of growth velocity of the reacting layer, moving speed of the phase interface, and the order for a new phase appears. The influence of Cu, Ni (or nickel alloy), and Ag interlayers on the microstructures and mechanical properties of the joints is systematically summarized. The content of FeTi and Fe‐Cr‐Ti phases at the interface can be declined significantly by the addition of an interlayer. Application of multi‐interlayer well prevents the formation of intermetallic phases by forming solid solution at the interface, and parameters can be predicted by using a parabolic diffusion law. The selection of multi‐interlayer was done based on two principles: no formation of brittle intermetallic phases and transitional physical properties between titanium alloy and stainless steel.
Efficacy and Safety of Subacromial Corticosteroid Injection in Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Blonna Davide , Bonasia Davide Edoardo , Mattei Lorenzo , Bellato Enrico , Greco Valentina , Rossi Roberto
Published: September 2018

Purpose. In type 2 diabetic patients affected by chronic shoulder pain, subacromial injection with corticosteroid could be an effective treatment. The aim of this study was to measure the risk-benefit ratio of this treatment. Methods. Twenty patients with well-controlled diabetes were included in a prospective study. In a first preinjection phase, patients were asked to measure glycemia for 7 days, before breakfast and dinner, and then 2 hours after lunch and dinner. Baseline data including Constant Score (CS), Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pain were collected. Patients were treated with subacromial injection with 40 mg of Methylprednisolone Acetate and 2 ml of Lidocaine. At discharge, patients were asked to remeasure glycemia for the following week. Results. The overall pain improved and patients graded their shoulder as “greatly improved”. At 30-day follow-up, the SSV and the CS improved, considering pain but not ROM. The average daily glycemia was 136 mg/dl before injection, 161 mg/dl the day of the injection (p<0.001), and 170 mg/dl one day after injection (p<0.001). Glycemia was not statistically different 3 days after injection. Conclusion. Subacromial injection is an effective short-term treatment in type 2 diabetic patients affected by shoulder pain, but a closed follow-up is recommended in all these patients. This trial is registered with NCT03652480. The Protocol ID is SHOULDERDM2013.
Placental Peripartum Pathologies in Women with Preeclampsia and Eclampsia
Authors: Ezeigwe Chijioke Ogomegbulam , Okafor Charles Ikechukwu , Eleje George Uchenna , Udigwe Gerald Okanandu , Anyiam Daniel Chukwuemeka
Published: September 2018

Objective. To determine the pattern of pathological changes in placentas of preeclamptic/eclamptic parturients and its correlation with the clinical severity as well as the perinatal outcome.Methods. A cross-sectional analytical study of placental pathologies in preeclamptic/eclamptic patients was performed in a blinded pattern and compared with matched normal controls. Data were analyzed using Epi-Info 2008 version 3.5.1.Results. Placental pathologies were evaluated in 61 preeclamptic/eclamptic patients and in 122 controls. Of the 61 placentas, 53 (4.7%) were of preeclampsia while 8 (0.71%) were of eclampsia. Of the preeclamptic group, 14 (23%) had mild preeclampsia while 39 (63.9%) had severe preeclampsia. Infarction, haematoma, and some histological changes increased with the severity of preeclampsia (p<0.001). When comparing placentas in eclampsia, severe preeclampsia, mild preeclampsia, and normal controls, there was respective increase in the presence of any infarction (75%, 66.7%, 35.7% vs. 12.3%) or any haematoma (100%, 100%, 71.4% vs. 35.2%), decidual arteriopathy (87.5%, 76.9%, 64.3% vs. 35.2%), cytotrophoblastic proliferation (75%, 71.8%, 42.9% vs. 25.4%), and accelerated villous maturation (75%, 69.2%, 57.1% vs. 31.1%). There was no statistically significant difference in placental calcifications, stromal oedema, stromal fibrosis, and syncytial knots. Degree of placental infarction was correlated with the fetal birth weight. The fetal birth weight with placental involvement of >10% was significant (p=0.01).Conclusion. In mild or severe preeclampsia/eclampsia, placentas had significant histological signs of ischaemia and degree of placental involvement by infarction is inversely proportional to fetal birth weight. While feto-placental ratio was higher with increased severity of the disease, the mean weight was less. This trial is registered withresearchregistry3503.
2,3,5,4 ′‐Tetrahydroxystilbene‐2‐O‐beta‐D‐glucoside Reverses Stress‐Induced Depression via Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Pathways
Authors: Jiang Cheng-Yong , Qin Xiao-Yan , Yuan Mi-Mi , Lu Gui-Jiang , Cheng Yong
Published: September 2018

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a chronic mental disease that adversely affects human mood and cognition. Many first‐line antidepressant drugs have high rates of partial responsiveness or nonresponsiveness with side effects, and finding more effective drugs for the treatment of depression is therefore urgently needed. THSG, a main active compound of the traditional Chinese herb Polygonum multiflorum, reportedly acts as a neuroprotective agent. This study aimed to illustrate whether THSG prevents depressive‐like behaviors induced by chronic restraint stress (CRS) in an MDD mouse model. Our results demonstrated that the peripheral administration of different THSG doses (10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, and 40 mg/kg) reversed the depressive‐like behaviors in CRS mice as measured by the tail suspension test, forced swimming test, and open‐field test. Further analyses suggested that THSG treatment reduced oxidative stress in both the central and peripheral nervous systems of CRS mice. In addition, heightened inflammatory responses, demonstrated by the increased expression of proinflammatory factors (TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6), in hippocampal and prefrontal cortex tissues of CRS mice were inhibited by THSG administration. THSG also restored the diminished Akt signaling pathway in the brains of CRS mice. Moreover, our data suggest increased astrocyte proliferation and neurogenesis in the hippocampus of CRS mice after THSG treatment. Taken together, our results demonstrated an antidepressant effect of THSG in a mouse model of MDD for the first time, and oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways were determined to play roles in this effect.
Chronic Medical Conditions and CA125 Levels among Women without Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Akinwunmi Babatunde O. , Babic Ana , Vitonis Allison F. , Cramer Daniel W. , Titus Linda , Tworoger Shelley S. , Terry Kathryn L.
Published: September 2018

Background:

Randomized trials using the biomarker cancer antigen (CA) 125, with or without pelvic ultrasound, have failed to show a clear benefit of general population screening for ovarian cancer. In part, this may be due to a lack of information about conditions, besides ovarian cancer, that can alter CA125 levels and affect specificity or sensitivity. We evaluated the association between common medical conditions and CA125 levels among women without ovarian cancer.

Methods:

We used data and specimens from 2,004 women without ovarian cancer who participated in the New England Case Control study between 1992 and 2008. Participants completed in-person interviews and donated blood samples at enrollment. We measured CA125 using the CA125II assay and calculated the association between medical conditions and log-transformed CA125 using linear regression.

Results:

The median age of participants was 53 years and 1,119 (56%) were postmenopausal. The average CA125 level was 14.5 units/mL for premenopausal and 11.7 for postmenopausal women. Among premenopausal women, CA125 was significantly lower for women with colon polyps (P = 0.06) and hysterectomy (P = 0.01) and significantly higher with endometriosis (P = 0.05). CA125 was also significantly higher in premenopausal women with coronary artery disease (CVD) (P < 0.01, n = 2 cases) but not among postmenopausal with CVD (n = 79). Furthermore, among postmenopausal women, CA125 was significantly lower for women with osteoporosis, hypercholesterolemia, and osteoarthritis (P = 0.03, 0.02, and 0.01 respectively) and higher for women with a history of inflammatory bowel disease (P = 0.04).

Conclusions:

Several chronic diseases are associated with CA125, which could influence the interpretation of CA125 in the context of ovarian cancer screening.

Impact:

Consideration of chronic medical conditions may be necessary to interpret CA125 values.
Antioxidant Properties of Ferulic Acid and Its Possible Application
Authors: Zduńska Kamila , Dana Agnieszka , Kolodziejczak Anna , Rotsztejn Helena
Published: September 2018

Ferulic acid has low toxicity and possesses many physiological functions (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial activity, anticancer, and antidiabetic effect). It has been widely used in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics industry. Ferulic acid is a free radical scavenger, but also an inhibitor of enzymes that catalyze free radical generation and an enhancer of scavenger enzyme activity. Ferulic acid has a protective role for the main skin structures: keratinocytes, fibroblasts, collagen, elastin. It inhibits melanogenesis, enhances angiogenesis, and accelerates wound healing. It is widely applied in skin care formulations as a photoprotective agent, delayer of skin photoaging processes, and brightening component. Nonetheless, its use is limited by its tendency to be rapidly oxidized.
Insulin Resistance Index from Oral Glucose Tolerance Test Predicts Ischemic Stroke Outcomes in Non-Diabetic Patients with Different Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Strata
Authors: Zhou Yilun , Zhang Yin , Pan Yuesong , Jing Jing , Zhao Xingquan , Liu Liping , Wang Chunxue , Li Hao , Yan Hongyi , Meng Xia , Wang Yilong , Wang Yongjun ,   On behalf of the Investigators for ACROSS-China
Published: September 2018

Background: Insulin resistance is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the general population. However, the relationship between insulin resistance and health outcomes is controversial in patients with impaired renal function. Our study aimed to investigate the association between insulin resistance and prognosis in a cohort of non-diabetic stroke patients with different estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) strata. Methods: Data were derived from Abnormal Glucose Regulation in Patients with Acute Stroke across China (ACROSS-China) registry. Ischemic stroke patients without history of diabetes were included. Fasting and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)-derived measures of insulin resistance were calculated along with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and composite insulin sensitivity index (ISI). Insulin resistance was defined by the highest HOMA-IR quartile (Q4) and the lowest composite ISI quartile (Q1). Results: Among 1,196 patients, HOMA-IR Q4 (insulin resistance) vs. Q1–3 was associated with increased 1-year mortality (adjusted hazards ratio [HR] 1.83, 95% CI 1.07–3.13) and poor functional outcome (adjusted OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.32–2.95) only in participants with an eGFR ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2. By comparison, composite ISI Q1 (insulin resistance) vs. Q2–4 was associated with higher risks of 1-year mortality (adjusted HR 3.64, 0.90–14.78; 2.50, 1.19–5.26; and 1.99, 1.17–3.39, respectively) and poor functional outcome (adjusted OR 3.62, 1.08–12.19; 1.51, 0.85–2.70; and 2.25, 1.42–3.57, respectively) in all 3 subgroups with eGFR < 60, 60–89, and ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2. Conclusions: An OGTT-derived estimate of insulin resistance with the composite ISI, but not HOMA-IR, was independently associated with increased risks of 1-year mortality and poor functional outcome in non-diabetic ischemic stroke patients with different eGFR strata.
Z-Score Reference Ranges for the Offset of the Tricuspid Septal Leaflet in Normal Fetuses
Authors: Mao Yan Kai , Lou Hai Ya , Pan Mei , Zhao Bo Wen
Published: September 2018

Objectives: To determine Z-score equations and reference ranges for mitral valve-tricuspid valve distance (MTD) and the MTD index in the fetal heart. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was performed in 899 normal singleton fetuses from 14 to 40 weeks’ gestation. The MTD and interventricular septum length (IVSL) were measured offline after electronic cardiac spatiotemporal image correlation volume acquisition. The MTD index was determined as the ratio of MTD to IVSL. Z-score reference ranges of these measurements were determined against gestational age (GA) and estimated fetal weight (EFW), using regression analysis of the mean and standard deviation (SD). Results: Strong positive correlations were found between the MTD and the independent variables. A simple linear regression model was the best description of the mean and SD of MTD based on GA, while a cubic regression best fitted the mean MTD against EFW. In contrast, the MTD index decreased progressively with the independent variables. Fractional polynomials best fitted the MTD index in terms of GA and EFW. Conclusion: Normal reference values and Z-scores of fetal MTD and MTD index were provided against GA and EFW, which may be useful tools for quantitative assessment of some cardiac and extracardiac diseases.
Genipin Reverses HFD-Induced Liver Damage and Inhibits UCP2-Mediated Pyroptosis in Mice
Authors: Zhong Hong , Liu Mengting , Ji Yaya , Ma Minjuan , Chen Kun , Liang Tingming , Liu Chang
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims: Liver damage is a typical manifestation of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It originates from excessive fat accumulation, leading to hepatocyte death, inflammation, and fibrosis. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a type of NAFLD with a prevalence of 49% in morbidly obese patients. Pyroptosis plays an important role in the development of NASH; thus, it is important to elucidate the effect of lipid accumulation on pyroptosis. Genipin (GNP), a natural water-soluble cross-linking agent, has hepatoprotective effects and decreases lipid accumulation in the liver; however, the mechanisms underlying these effects are unknown. Methods: In this study, qPCR and Western blot were used to examine pyroptotic gene expression in high-fat diet (HFD) induced obese mice and free fatty acids (FFAs) treated hepatocytes. At the same time, relative lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and Hoechst & propidium iodide (PI) staining were done to verify cell death. To explore the molecular mechanism, cell transfection were constructed with siRNA or plasmid to obtain knockdown or overexpression hepatocytes. Results: We found that HFD-fed mice and FFAs-treated hepatocytes had obvious pyroptosis, and addition of GNP reversed liver damage and inhibited pyroptosis both in vitro and in vivo. Besides, UCP2 knockdown cells showed suppressed FFAs-mediated pyroptosis, as determined by decreased pyroptotic gene expression, reduced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and reduced cell death. Consistent with this, cells transfected with UCP2 had upregulated pyroptotic gene expression, increased LDH release, and increased cell death. Conclusion: GNP reverses HFD-induced liver damage and inhibits UCP2-mediated pyroptosis. Thus, GNP may serve as a potential therapeutic candidate for NAFLD.
Incidence of Hypersensitivity Reactions During Hemodialysis
Authors: Esteras Raquel , Martín-Navarro Juan , Ledesma Gabriel , Fernández-Prado Raúl , Carreño Gilda , Cintra Melissa , Cidraque Ignacio , Sanz Ignacio , Tarragón Blanca , Alexandru Simona , Milla Mónica , Astudillo Elena , Sánchez Emilio , Mas Sebastian , Tejeiro Rafael Díaz , Ortiz Alberto , Sánchez Rafael , González-Parra Emilio
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims: A recent alert from Spanish health authorities warned of a higher incidence of reported hypersensitivity reactions to hemodialysis membranes with polysulfone, in the 2017 review of acute reactions to dialyzers found only published reports in the 21st century on polysulfone and its derivatives. The aim is to assess/evaluate the current incidence and characteristics of hypersensitivity reactions in hemodialysis patients. Methods: A retrospective multicentre study in 9 Spanish hospitals evaluated patients in whom a hypersensitivity reaction required a change in dialyzer membrane. Results: A total of 37 patients out of 1561 (2.37%) had hypersensitivity reactions and clinical, epidemiological and analytical data were available for 33 patients (2.11%). The membranes involved were polysulfone (n=23), polynephron (n=8), polyethersulfone (n=1) and polyacrylonitrile (n=1). This distribution reflected the frequency of use of membranes in the participating dialysis units. The reactions were described as type A in 18 cases and type B in 15 cases. There were no significant differences between the two types in clinical symptoms, the composition of the membrane involved, the method of sterilization, the season, or the time during the session in which they occurred. The most frequent symptom was dyspnea/breathlessness (64% of reactions). Eosinophilia was common (74%). 54% of the reactions occurred within the first 30 minutes of hemodialysis, 64% occurred during the first year of dialysis, and 54% required discontinuation of dialysis session. Cellulose triacetate was used as an alternative dialyzer in 78% of the cases. Conclusion: The incidence of hypersensitivity reactions was in the range found in reports from 20 years ago and is observed associated with synthetic membranes, not just polysulfones. Cellulose triacetate appears to be a good alternative for these patients.
Deletion and Functional Analysis of Hepatitis B Virus X Protein: Evidence for an Effect on Cell Cycle Regulators
Authors: Al-Anazi Mashael R. , Nazir Nyla , Colak Dilek , Al-Ahdal Mohammed N. , Al-Qahtani Ahmed A.
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims: The hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) is a viral trans-activator that plays a crucial role in pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) via an unknown mechanism. The role of HBx in modulating cell proliferation and programmed cell death is replete with controversies. Thus, the goal of this study was to elucidate the effect of HBx and its deletion mutants on cell cycle progression in human hepatoma cells. Methods: Huh7 cells transfected with either full-length or truncated HBx were tested for their mitogenic potential based on their effect on the expression of key cell cycle-related proteins (p27, cyclin D1, p21, and p53) and pro-apoptotic proteins such as cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and Bax. Western blotting and immunofluorescence techniques were applied to detect changes in the expression levels and intracellular localization, respectively, of the investigated proteins. Also, Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect changes in RNA levels. Results: An increased anchorage-independent growth of cells transfected with HBx-WT and its deletion mutants was observed. The cell cycle regulatory molecules were differentially modulated by full-length HBx (1-154) and its different N- and C-terminal truncated forms (HBx (31-154), HBx (61-154), HBx (1-94), and HBx (61-124)). An enhanced modulation of p27, p21, and cyclin D1 was associated with HBx (1-154), whereas p53 expression was significantly inhibited by HBx (61-124). Similarly, the expression of cleaved PARP and Bax was efficiently suppressed by HBx (1-94) and HBx (61-154). Conclusion: The HBx-WT and its mutants play a critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of HCC by modulating cell cycle regulatory proteins.
O abcesso pélvico do fundo de saco de Douglas após as apendicectomias
Authors: Zerbini Euryclides Jesus
Published: September 2018

O autor faz um estudo de conjunto sobre os exsudatos e abcessos do fundo de saco de Douglas após as apendicectomias. Distingue os casos aparecidos após as apendicites supuradas e crônicas; entre os primeiros lembra que o pús da fossa iliaca direita drena para a pequena bacia; para o segundo grupo dá importancia á hemorragia intrperitonial na patogenia do abcesso. Na sintoamtologia chama atenção para as evacuações disenteriformes e relaxamento dos esfinteres do ânus, descrevendo a sua fisiopatogenia. Lembra a possibilidade da abertura em orgãos visinhos como a bexiga e a cavidade peritonial livre e para evitar essas graves complicações propõe que se faça a abertura cirúrgica pelo réto, desde que o abcesso esteja completamente formado. Refuta as objeções feitas á via retal pelos autores que preferem a via suprapúbica. Descreve 7 casos, sendo 3 após apendicites agudas supuradas, 2 após apendicites agudas no periodo de cura, e 2 após apendicites crônicas.
A imaginação na Carta sobre os cegos, ou o órgão do bon sens
Authors: Nascimento Luís Fernandes dos Santos
Published: September 2018

O presente texto busca compreender a relação entre as noções de bom senso e imaginação, tal como se apresentam na Carta sobre os cegos de Denis Diderot.
Wittgenstein e eu
Authors: Cuter João Vergílio
Published: September 2018

Tenta-se especificar uma noção de “limite da linguagem” compatível com a  filosofia madura de Wittgenstein. Essa noção é relacionada ao caráter necessariamente público dos critérios. Várias questões são feitas, então, quanto à possível existência de um objeto ou fato cuja identificação dependesse essencialmente de critérios privados. Essas questões revelam-se patentes contrassensos, e esse resultado mostra-se ontologicamente neutro. Assim, as questões filosóficas desaparecem, ao passo que o horizonte místico se mantém.
A concepção metafísica de Descartes da ciência e da representação mecanicista da natureza
Authors: Chiappin J. R. N.
Published: September 2018

O objetivo é descrever a concepção metafísica da ciência de Descartes como um instrumento de solução de problemas e a construção metafísica do mundo como uma representação mecanicista da natureza. O objetivo do projeto cartesiano é de proporcionar legitimidade ao método de Galileu de física e a imagem da natureza física por ela criada como caracterizando a natureza da ciência e da nova imagem do mundo como mecânica formada de massas e movimento. Descartes transforma a física de Galileu em um modelo e programa de conhecimento do mundo e o mundo numa representação mecânica.
Kant, Crítica da razão pura (Resenha)
Authors: Codato Luciano
Published: September 2018

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Cidadania e liberdade: Rousseau contra Hobbes
Authors: Frateschi Yara
Published: September 2018

Este artigo pretende mostrar que para desmontar as teses centrais da teoria política de Hobbes, Rousseau deve recusar a antropologia do autor do Leviatã e lançar mão de outra antropologia que reivindica para o homem um aspecto moral condizente com a ideia de liberdade e de uma vontade que é causa de si mesma e inalienável.Trata-se de analisar a crítica de Rousseau à antropologia mecanicista de Hobbes para esclarecer, em primeiro lugar, porque, para o autor do Emílio, abdicar da vontade equivale a deixar de ser humano, e, em segundo lugar, que essa mesma crítica permite a Rousseau repensar o exercício da cidadania em termos radicalmente distintos dos de Hobbes, pois ao cidadão rousseauísta estará resguardada a possibilidade de uma transformação moral que permite a construção de relações sociais de qualidade muito distinta daquelas que os súditos hobbesianos estabelecem entre si e com a coletividade.
Francis Hutcheson, da beleza à perspectiva do desígnio
Authors: Broussois Lisa
Published: September 2018

O que é “a outra perspectiva nas obras da natureza”, de que fala Hutcheson? De que forma a beleza provê acesso a ela? O presente artigo discute o lugar dessa “outra perspectiva” na teoria estética de Francis Hutcheson. Trata-se de compreender por que o desígnio (design) surge do belo através de uma reflexão sobre a beleza em sua Investigação sobre a origem de nossas ideias da beleza e da virtude, de 1725. Buscaremos determinar se essa teoria estética estaria subordinada aos argumentos do desígnio ou se, em Hutcheson, esse campo de pesquisa filosófica já goza de alguma autonomia.
Schiller e a intersubjetividade teatral
Authors: Morel Charlotte
Published: September 2018

O artigo busca explorar a interpenetração do pensamento acerca do teatro e da filosofia na obra de Schiller. Para tanto, é central o conceito de intersubjetividade, que põe o autor de "Don Carlos" em contato direto com a Crítica do juízo, de Kant.
Diderot e o romantismo na política
Authors: Portich Ana
Published: September 2018

Contesta-se aqui a leitura exclusivamente naturalista que se faz das teorias de Diderot sobre a origem e a função do modelo ideal nas artes. O modelo ideal, assim como não pode ser entendido como fruto de um processo indutivo que parta de certa disposição fisiológica, também não é concebido pelo ator em estado de isolamento, resultante de um julgamento íntimo frente à tensão entre razão e sensibilidade. A hipótese a ser defendida é a de que essas alternativas sejam desdobramento de um modelo ideal originado no solo da política, mais especificamente, uma vertente da política contrária aos privilégios das elites, de modo que na plateia nenhum espectador as admire, nem queira se identificar com elas. Embora Diderot considere que a equanimidade seja uma tendência natural aos membros da espécie humana, é o aspecto convencional da linguagem, a artística inclusive, que justifica sua opção pelo sistema constitucionalista – que no estado civil garante direitos iguais para todos –, como a concretização do ideal a ser perseguido e a ser disseminado pelas artes.
Ironia dos gêneros em Lucinde de Friedrich Schlegel
Authors: Cecchinato Giorgia
Published: September 2018

Analisamos o contexto histórico-filosófico do romance Lucinde de Freidrich Schlegel, destacando a importância do conceito de ironia para sua elaboração e compreensão. Trata-se de obra bastante peculiar, na qual Schlegel recolhe e elabora suas experiências de pesquisa, de pensamento e de vida durante os anos de sua estada em Dresden e em Jena, bem como no começo da sua estada em Berlim (1792-1801). O tema próprio do romance, ou seja, o modo de entender a relação entre homens e mulheres, ou melhor, entre gêneros, para Schlegel nada mais é do que um construto cultural.
A dimensão filosófica do Meister de Goethe e do Gato Murr de Hoffmann
Authors: Werle Marco Aurélio
Published: September 2018

Trata-se de examinar dois romances da virada do século XVIII para o XIX de modo a determinar aspectos filosóficos dessas obras.
O conhecimento com base no testemunho
Authors: Plastino Caetano Ernesto
Published: September 2018

O tema diz respeito à chamada epistemologia do testemunho, que nas últimas décadas tem despertado o interesse de vários pesquisadores e ocupado boa parte dos estudos de epistemologia, em particular, de epistemologia social ou coletiva. Nosso propósito foi examinar alguns textos fillosóficos clássicos em que se encontram importantes contribuições para o estudo desse assunto — principalmente as obras de David Hume e de Thomas Reid — e também analisar a questão proposta de um ponto de vista contemporâneo, especialmente a partir do livro Testimony: A Philosophical Study (1992), de C. A. J. Coady.
O conceito moderno de sociedade civil: do jusnaturalismo à economia política
Authors: Müller Leonardo André Paes
Published: September 2018

Partindo da teoria da eticidade de Hegel, onde a sociedade civil é apresentada como o momento intermediário entre a família e local privilegiado da sociabilidade própria ao sujeito de direitos (pessoa), o presente artigo explora o modo como os três momentos da sociedade civil (sistema de satisfação de carências, administração da justiça e polícia) foram teorizados ao longo da segunda metade do século XVIII pela então nascente economia política, compreendida aqui como um desdobramento da moderna teoria do direito natural. Paralelamente, investiga-se o modo como, nesse mesmo período, o termo sociedade civil começa a ser empregado por economistas com um significado diferente do tradicional e até então vigente (onde sociedade civil é sinônimo de Estado), designando uma esfera organizada a redor de princípios não políticos e cuja análise exige um novo aparato conceitual.
Michel Foucault na Universidade de São Paulo
Authors: Parro Ricardo , Silva Anderson Lima da
Published: September 2018

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Selection of β‐Blocker in Patients With Cirrhosis and Acute Myocardial Infarction: A 13‐Year Nationwide Population‐Based Study in Asia
Authors: Wu Victor Chien‐Chia , Chen Shao‐Wei , Ting Pei‐Chi , Chang Chih‐Hsiang , Wu Michael , Lin Ming‐Shyan , Hsieh Ming‐Jer , Wang Chao‐Yung , Chang Shang‐Hung , Hung Kuo‐Chun , Hsieh I.‐Chang , Chu Pao‐Hsien , Wu Cheng‐Shyong , Lin Yu‐Sheng
Published: September 2018

Background

It is not clear whether β
1
‐selective or nonselective β‐blockers should be used in patients with cirrhosis and acute myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results

Medical records were retrieved from Taiwan NHIRD (National Health Insurance Research Database) during 2001‐2013. Patients were excluded for age <20, previous acute myocardial infarction, contraindication to β‐blockers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, or atrioventricular conduction disease. Patients who died during index admission, had a follow‐up <6 months, had a medication ratio of either β
1
‐selective or nonselective β‐blocker <80%, or who switched between β‐blockers were also excluded. Patients on β
1
‐selective blockers and nonselective β‐blockers were propensity score matched and compared for outcome. Primary outcomes were 1‐ and 2‐year cardiovascular events, liver adverse outcomes, and all‐cause mortality. A total of 203 595 patients with acute myocardial infarction were enrolled, of whom 6355 had cirrhosis. After screening for exclusion criteria, 1769 patients (655 patients on β‐blockers and 1114 patients not on β‐blockers) were eligible for analysis. Among patients on β‐blockers, propensity score matching was performed, and 218 patients on β
1
‐selective blockers and 218 patients on nonselective β‐blockers were studied. During a 2‐year follow‐up, patients on β
1
‐selective blockers had significantly fewer major cardiac and cerebrovascular events (hazard ratio=0.62; 95% confidence interval=0.42‐0.91;
P
=0.014), a trend toward lower all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio=0.66; 95% confidence interval=0.38‐1.14;
P
=0.135), and nonworsening liver outcome (hazard ratio=0.66; 95% confidence interval=0.38‐1.14;
P
=0.354).

Conclusions

In patients with cirrhosis and acute myocardial infarction, selecting a β‐blocker is a clinical dilemma. Our study showed that the use of β
1
‐selective blockers is associated with lower risks of major cardiac and cerebrovascular events.