bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successful Use of Nilotinib in the Therapy of a Patient with a Chemoresistant Relapse of BCR-ABL1-Like Phenotype Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Piekarska Agnieszka , Sadowska-Klasa Alicja , Libura Marta , Karabin Karolina , Hellmann Andrzej
Published: August 2018

Introduction: Relapse of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a therapeutic challenge. We present the case of a 20-year-old patient with a relapse of Philadelphia chromosome-negative ALL B-common over 2 years after HCT with no response to salvage chemotherapy or blinatumomab, who finally responded to a molecularly tailored therapy adjusted to the BCR-ABL1-like phenotype. Methods: The BCR-ABL1-like phenotype was diagnosed on the basis of an increased expression of ABL1 and CRLF2 genes. Results: We combined a nilotinib-based therapy targeting the overexpressed ABL1 gene with a proteasome inhibitor and Peg-asparaginase, achieving a spectacular response: the percentage of lymphoblasts in the bone marrow was reduced from 70% to 5%, which enabled a second HCT to be performed. Moreover, the relatively low toxicity of the treatment led to a good quality of life and no need for prolonged hospitalization. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first successful use of nilotinib in BCR-ABL1-like phenotype ALL. This case should encourage routine clinical use of molecular data to individualize therapies targeting the overexpressed pathways responsible for leukemic cell proliferation, as a means to overcome chemoresistance.
Are Your Patients Satisfied A Systematic Review of Treatment Satisfaction Measures in Psoriasis
Authors: Salame Nicole , Perez-Chada Lourdes M. , Singh Sanminder , Callis Duffin Kristina , Garg Amit , Gottlieb Alice B. , Latella John , Merola Joseph F. , Armstrong April W.
Published: August 2018

Treatment satisfaction is paramount to the field of dermatology. Treatment dissatisfaction directly impacts patient outcomes and health care delivery. A critical need exists for standardized, validated treatment satisfaction measures in dermatology. Comprehensive evaluation of the performance of treatment satisfaction instruments used in psoriasis is lacking. We sought to critically appraise the literature on measurement properties of treatment satisfaction instruments used in psoriasis. We performed a systematic review to identify treatment satisfaction instruments used in psoriasis and corresponding studies on their measurement properties. We followed the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) methodology to inform a best evidence synthesis. Eleven instruments were identified. Six achieved positive content validity ratings, 2 achieved positive reliability and structural validity ratings, and 1 achieved a positive internal consistency rating. The REFlective evaLuation of psoriasis Efficacy of Treatment and Severity (REFLETS) and the Spanish Satisfaction With Treatment of Psoriasis Questionnaire (SSWTPQ) had the highest overall performance. Measurement property data for treatment satisfaction instruments were found to be insufficient in identifying a single best treatment satisfaction instrument for psoriasis. Additional studies are required to better characterize the measurement properties of treatment satisfaction measures and allow for standardized assessments across psoriasis clinical trials and clinical practice.
Relationship between Plasma Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 and Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate in the General Chinese Population
Authors: Zhang Hui-Wen , Zhao Xi , Xu Rui-Xia , Guo Yuan-Lin , Zhu Cheng-Gang , Wu Na-Qiong , Cui Chuan-Jue , Dong Qian , Li Jian-Jun
Published: August 2018

Background: Elevated levels of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) have been reported to be related to dyslipidemia, including patients with kidney dysfunction. However, its association with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in individuals with normal serum creatinine (SCr) has not been determined. Methods: A total of 2,089 subjects with normal SCr and without lipid-lowering treatment were consecutively enrolled in this study. Plasma PCSK9 levels were measured by ELISA kit and eGFR was evaluated by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation. Subjects were divided into a normal eGFR group (n = 1,205, ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2) and a decreased eGFR group (n = 884, < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2). Baseline characteristics and laboratory findings were compared between the two groups. Spearman’s correlation and linear regression were performed to determine the association between PCSK9 and eGFR. Results: No significant difference in PCSK9 levels was found between the normal eGFR group and the decreased eGFR group (236.84 ± 67.87 vs. 239.98 ± 68.72 ng/mL, p = 0.303). In Spearman’s correlation and multivariable linear regression analysis, no association of PCSK9 levels with eGFR was detected in the total cohort (r = –0.039, p = 0.079; adjusted β = –0.013, p = 0.630). This result remained the same in the subgroups of normal eGFR (r = –0.038, p = 0.190; adjusted β = –0.031, p = 0.367) and decreased eGFR (r = –0.054, p = 0.109; adjusted β = –0.034, p = 0.319). Conclusion: In this single-center study with moderate sample size, the data showed no relationship of PCSK9 levels with normal or decreased eGFR in untreated patients with normal SCr, suggesting that further studies may be needed to understand the relationship between PCSK9 and lipid disorder in different stage of kidney dysfunction.
Reduced CD4 T Lymphocytes in Lymph Nodes of the Mouse Model of Autism Induced by Valproic Acid
Authors: Baronio Diego , Bauer-Negrini Guilherme , Castro Kamila , Della-Flora Nunes Gustavo , Riesgo Rudimar , Mendes-da-Cruz Daniella Arêas , Savino Wilson , Gottfried Carmem , Bambini-Junior Victorio
Published: August 2018

Objective: Considering the potential role of lymphocytes in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), we aimed to evaluate possible alterations of T cell pools in the lymphoid organs of an animal model of autism induced by valproic acid (VPA). Pregnant Swiss mice received a single intraperitoneal injection of 600 mg/kg of VPA (VPA group) or saline (control group) on day 11 of gestation. Male offspring were euthanized on postnatal day 60 for removal of thy­muses, spleens, and a pool of inguinal, axillary and brachial lymph nodes. Cellularity was evaluated, and flow cytometry analysis was performed on cell suspensions incubated with the mouse antibodies anti-CD3-FITC, anti-CD4-PE, and anti-CD8-PE-Cy7. We observed that the prenatal exposure to VPA induced a reduction in the numbers of CD3+CD4+ T cells in their lymph nodes when compared to the control animals. This was specific since it was not seen in the thymus or spleen. The consistent decrease in the number of CD4+ T cells in subcutaneous lymph nodes of mice from the animal model of autism may be related to the allergic symptoms frequently observed in ASD. Further research is necessary to characterize the immunological patterns in ASD and the connection with the pathophysiology of this disorder.
Isolation and Quantification of Mimivirus-Like and Marseillevirus-Like Viruses from Soil Samples in An Aboriginal (Orang asli) Village in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Tan Yeh Fong , Lim Chai Ying , Chong Chun Wie , Lim Patricia Kim Chooi , Yap Ivan Kok Seng , Leong Pooi Pooi , Voon Kenny
Published: August 2018

Background: The giant amoebal viruses of Mimivirus and Marseillevirus are large DNA viruses and have been documented in water, soil, and sewage samples. The trend of discovering these giant amoebal viruses has been increasing throughout Asia with Japan, India, and Saudi Arabia being the latest countries to document the presence of these viruses. To date, there have been no reports of large amoebal viruses being isolated in South East Asia. Objective: In this study, we aim to discover these viruses from soil samples in an aboriginal village (Serendah village) in Peninsular ­Malaysia. Method and Results: We successfully detected and isolated both Mimivirus-like and Marseillevirus-like viruses using Acanthamoeba castellanii. Phylogeny analysis identified them as Mimivirus and Marseillevirus, respectively. Conclusion: The ubiquitous nature of both Mimivirus and Marseillevirus is further confirmed in our study as they are detected in higher quantity in soil that is near to water vicinities in an aboriginal village in Peninsular Malaysia. However, this study is limited by our inability to investigate the impact of Mimivirus and Marseillevirus on the aboriginal villagers. More studies on the potential impact of these viruses on human health, especially on the aborigines, are warranted.
The Effects of Hypericum perforatum L. on the Proliferation, Osteogenic Differentiation, and Inflammatory Response of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Different Niches
Authors: Mendi Ayşegül , Gökçınar Yağcı Beyza , Saraç Nurdan , Kızıloğlu Mustafa , Uğur Aysel , Uçkan Duygu , Yılmaz Derviş
Published: August 2018

The aim of this study is to demonstrate and compare the differentiation, proliferation, migration and inflammatory behavior of dental pulp- and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (DP-MSCs and BM-MSCs) in response to a Hypericum perforatum ethanol extract. Using xCELLigence, a real-time monitoring system, a dose of 10 µg/mL was found to be the most efficient concentration for vitality. The IC50 values and doubling time were calculated. The results showed that H. perforatum L. was able to accelerate osteogenic differentiation in DP-MSCs, but calcium granulation was impaired in BM-MSCs. H. perforatum L.-induced migration increased when compared to the TNF-α-induced migration in a Transwell migration assay, and the IL-6 cytokine levels between cells also differed. It can be suggested that tissue memory is an important factor in MSCs, and that they differ in their response to external factors. In conclusion, H. perforatum L. can be considered an excellent osteoinductive agent for DP-MSCs but should not be used for BM-MSCs. Tissue-specific osteoinductive agents should be discussed in future studies.
Urinary Metabolites and Their Link with Premature Arterial Stiffness in Black Boys: The ASOS Study
Authors: Erasmus Dalene , Mels Carina M.C. , Louw Roan , Lindeque J. Zander , Kruger Ruan
Published: August 2018

Background and Aims: Black boys (6–8 years of age) were shown to have higher pulse wave velocity with potential early vascular compromise. We aimed to compare predefined urinary metabolites in black and white boys to explore associations of pulse wave velocity with these metabolites. Methods and Results: We included 40 white and 40 black apparently healthy boys between the ages of 6 and 8 years. Femoral pulse wave velocity was measured along with various metabolites using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography-time of flight-mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS) methods. Pulse wave velocity and diastolic blood pressure were higher in the black compared to the white boys (both p ≤ 0.002). Isovalerylcarnitine was lower and 1-metylhistidine tended to be lower (p = 0.002 and p = 0.073, respectively), whereas L-proline levels tended to be higher (p = 0.079) in the black compared to the white boys. In single, partial, and multiple regression analyses, pulse wave velocity correlated inversely with β-alanine (β = –0.414; p = 0.008) and 1-methylhistidine (β = –0.347; p = 0.032) and positively with L-proline (β = 0.420; p = 0.008), threonic acid (β = 0.977; p = 0.033), and malonic acid (β = 0.348; p = 0.030) in black boys only. Conclusion: Our study is the first to discover the associations of pulse wave velocity with β-alanine, 1-methylhistidine, and L-proline in children from South Africa, which may suggest potential early compromise in cardiac protective metabolic pathways in black boys as young as 6 years of age.
Sarcoid-Like Granulomatosis Induced by Nivolumab Treatment in a Lung Cancer Patient
Authors: Noguchi Susumu , Kawachi Hiroaki , Yoshida Hiroshi , Fukao Akari , Terashita Satoshi , Ikeue Tatsuyoshi , Horikawa Sadao , Sugita Takakazu
Published: August 2018

Nivolumab, an anti-PD-1 antibody, inhibits binding between PD-1 and PD-1 ligand and activates antigen-specific T cells that have become unresponsive to cancer cells. Although it is recommended as a second-line therapy in gene mutation-negative non-small-cell lung cancer, interstitial pneumonia is a well-known side effect of the drug; however, granulomatous lesions have rarely been reported. We describe the case of an 81-year-old male with cT1aN2M1b stage IV pleomorphic carcinoma of the left upper lobe of the lung. After primary treatment with carboplatin and paclitaxel, recurrence was observed in the left supraclavicular lymph node and left adrenal gland. We initiated the administration of nivolumab as a secondary treatment. Reduction was observed in the swelling of the left supraclavicular lymph node and left adrenal gland, but the tumor shadow in the right upper lobe appeared to increase. Bronchoscopy was performed, and the biopsy result showed granulomas; the findings resembled a sarcoid-like granulomatous reaction. The shadows eventually disappeared with nivolumab discontinuation; thus, we concluded that the sarcoid-like granulomatous reaction had resulted from nivolumab administration. Based on our observations, we suggest that when invasive shadows are observed after nivolumab administration, it is necessary to differentiate between disease progression and interstitial pneumonia. Moreover, the decision to reinitiate nivolumab treatment requires careful judgment in future instances of cancer recurrence.
Mir-382 Promotes Differentiation of Rat Liver Progenitor Cell WB-F344 by Targeting Ezh2
Authors: Zheng Yongxia , Zhou Jiansheng , Li Xuebo , Xu Guangtao , Jin Mingliang , Shen Ruilin , Su Ruibing , Zhan Shuyu , Ding Baoyue , Jia Mingguang , Cui Yuzhong , Yu Xiaojun
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Liver progenitor cells (LPCs) were considered as a promising hepatocyte source of cell therapy for liver disease due to their self-renewal and differentiation capacities, while little is known about the mechanism of LPC differentiate into hepatocytes. This study aims to explore the effect of miR-382, a member of Dlk1-Dio3 microRNA cluster, during hepatic differentiation from LPCs. Methods: In this study, we used rat liver progenitor cell WB-F344 as LPC cell model and HGF as inducer to simulate the process of LPCs hepatic differentiation, then microRNAs were quantified by qPCR. Next, WB-F344 cell was transfected with miR-382 mimics, then hepatocyte cell trait was characterized by multiple experiments, including that periodic acid schiff staining and cellular uptake and excretion of indocyanine green to evaluate the hepatocellular function, qPCR and Western Blotting analysis to detect the hepatocyte-specific markers (ALB, Ttr, Apo E and AFP) and transmission electron microscopy to observe the hepatocellular morphology. Moreover, Luciferase reporter assay was used to determine whether Ezh2 is the direct target of miR-382. Results: We found that miR-382 increased gradually and was inversely correlated with the potential target, Ezh2, during WB-F344 hepatic differentiation. In addition, functional studies indicated that miR-382 increased the level of hepatocyte-specific genes. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that miR-382 may be a novel regulator of LPCs differentiation by targeting Ezh2.
Crucial Roles of 5-HT and 5-HT2 Receptor in Diabetes-Related Lipid Accumulation and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Generation in Hepatocytes
Authors: Fu Jihua , Li Chen , Zhang Guangli , Tong Xin , Zhang Haiwei , Ding Jie , Ma Yingying , Cheng Ru , Hou Shanshan , An Shanshan , Li Xin , Ma Shaoxin
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Previously, we confirmed that liver-synthesized 5-HT rather than non-liver 5-HT, acting on the 5-HT2 receptor (5-HT2R), modulates lipid-induced excessive lipid synthesis (ELS). Here, we further revealed the effects of the hepatocellular 5-HT system in diabetes-related disorders. Methods: Studies were conducted in male ICR mice, human HepG2 cells, and primary mouse hepatocytes (PMHs) under gene or chemical inhibition of the 5-HT system, key lipid metabolism, and inflammation-related factors. Protein and messenger RNA expression and levels of the factors were determined via western blotting, reverse transcription PCR, and quantitative assay kits, respectively. Hepatic steatosis with inflammation and fibrosis, intracellular lipid droplet accumulation (LDA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) location were determined via hematoxylin and eosin, Masson’s trichrome, Oil red O, and fluorescent-specific staining, respectively. Results: Palmitic acid induced the activation of the 5-HT system: the activation of 5-HT2R, primarily 5-HT2AR, in addition to upregulating monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) expression and 5-HT synthesis, by activating the G protein/ phospholipase C pathway modulated PKCε activation, resulting in ELS with LDA; the activation of NF-κB, which mediates the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, was primarily due to ROS generation in the mitochondria induced by MAO-A–catalyzed 5-HT degradation, and secondarily due to the activation of PKCε. These effects of the 5-HT system were also detected in palmitic acid- or high glucose-treated PMHs and regulated multiple inflammatory signaling pathways. In diabetic mice, co-treatment with antagonists of both 5-HT synthesis and 5-HT2R significantly abolished hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis as well as hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. Conclusion: Activation of the hepatocellular 5-HT system plays a crucial role in inducing diabetes-related hepatic dysfunction and is a potential therapeutic target.
MicroRNA-486 Alleviates Hypoxia-Induced Damage in H9c2 Cells by Targeting NDRG2 to Inactivate JNK/C-Jun and NF-κB Signaling Pathways
Authors: Zhang Xinling , Zhang Chunxiang , Wang Nan , Li Yan , Zhang Debing , Li Qiang
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Acute myocardial infarction is a serious disease with high morbidity and mortality. microRNAs (miRNAs) have been proved to play an important role in modulating myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury. Hence, in this study, we constructed H9c2 cell model to elucidate the roles of microRNA-486 (miR-486) in preventing hypoxia-induced damage in H9c2 cells. Methods: H9c2 cells were cultured in hypoxic incubator with 1% O2 to simulate hypoxia and/or transfected with miR-486 mimic, scramble, anti-miR-486, si-N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) and their corresponding negative controls (NC). Effects of miR-486 and/or NDRG2 dysregulation on hypoxia-induced myocardial injury in H9c2 cells were investigated by evaluating cell viability, migration, invasion and apoptosis using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), transwell assay, flow cytometry, respectively. The proteins expression and RNA expression were detected by western blot and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), respectively. Results: Hypoxia treatment induced damage in H9c2 cells by decreasing cell viability, migration and invasion and increasing cell apoptosis. Moreover, hypoxia inhibited the expression of miR-486 in H9c2 cells. Overexpression of miR-486 alleviated hypoxia-induced myocardial injury in H9c2 cells, while suppression of miR-486 further aggravated hypoxia-induced injury. Furthermore, NDRG2 expression was negatively regulated by miR-486, and NDRG2 was confirmed as a target of miR-486. Knockdown of NDRG2 alleviated the effects of miR-486 suppression on hypoxia-induced myocardial injury. Besides, knockdown of NDRG2 markedly inhibited the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) /c-jun and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways in hypoxia-induced H9c2 cells. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that miR-486 may alleviate hypoxia-induced myocardial injury possibly by targeting NDRG2 to inactivate JNK/c-jun and NF-κB signaling pathways. miR-486 may be a potential target for treating ischemic myocardial injury following acute myocardial infarction.
ZBTB16 Overexpression Enhances White Adipogenesis and Induces Brown-Like Adipocyte Formation of Bovine White Intramuscular Preadipocytes
Authors: Wei Shengjuan , Zhang Mengmeng , Zheng Yueying , Yan Peishi
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Our study aims to characterize functions of ZBTB16 gene in the process of intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition and metabolism of bovine, thereby providing insights into mechanisms for the use of ZBTB16 in fat management. Methods: Primary preadipocytes derived from bovine IMF tissue were isolated and used as the in vitro cell model. An adenovirus Ad-ZBTB16 was transfected into bovine preadipocytes to overexpress the ZBTB16 gene. By using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), western blotting, Oil Red-O staining, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity assay, and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) test, adipogenic and proliferative signals in adipocytes were monitored to investigate effects of ZBTB16 on adipogenesis of bovine preadipocytes. Results: After transfection, mRNA and protein levels of ZBTB16 gene were significantly increased. Enhanced ZBTB16 significantly promoted preadipocyte differentiation, as evidenced by accelerated lipid accumulation, enhanced GPDH activity, consistently increased mRNA expressions of adipogenic key transcription factors PPARγ, C/EBPα, FABP4, and ADIPOQ, and markedly increased protein expressions of PPARγ and FABP4. No difference was observed concerning proliferation of preadipocytes after treatment with Ad-ZBTB16. Furthermore, relative mRNA levels of brown adipocyte selective genes (PRDM16, UCP1, Cidea, Cox8b, and PGC-1α) and beige adipocyte selective genes (CD137, TMEM26, and Tbx1) as well as UCP1 protein expression were significantly increased by Ad-ZBTB16. Meanwhile, Ad-ZBTB16 treatment remarkably induced mitochondrial biogenesis and increased relative mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in bovine adipocytes. Conclusion: These results suggest that ZBTB16 overexpression can promote white adipogenesis and induce brown-like adipocyte formation for bovine white intramuscular preadipocytes.
The Protective Effect of Ligustilide in Osteoarthritis: An in Vitro and in Vivo Study
Authors: Li Xiaobin , Wu Dengying , Hu Zhichao , Xuan Jiangwei , Ding Xiaoxia , Zheng Gang , Feng Zhenhua , Ni Wenfei , Wu Aimin
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage degeneration and a chondrocyte inflammatory response that induces an inflammatory environment closely linked to extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Ligustilide (LIG) is a major component of the herb Radix Angelicae Sinensis, with demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects. To confirm whether LIG has an equally inhibitory effect on inflammation in human osteoarthritis chondrocytes, we performed in vivo and in vitro experiments to validate the above conjectures and determine the relevant mechanisms. Methods: Quantitative realtime PCR and western blotting were performed to evaluate the expression of MMP-3, MMP-13, ADAMTS-5, iNOS, and COX-2 at both gene and protein levels. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to evaluate the levels of other inflammatory factors (PGE2, TNF-α, and IL-6). The PI3K/AKT and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways were also analyzed by western blotting, whereas immunofluorescence was used to assess the expression of collagen II and aggrecan. The in vitro effect of LIG was evaluated by intraperitoneal injection into a mouse osteoarthritis model induced by destabilization of the medial meniscus. Results: LIG lowered the phosphorylation levels of p65, IκBα, and IKKα/β and suppressed the IL-1β-induced expression of MMP-3, ADAMTS-5, iNOS, and COX-2 and the inflammatory factors PGE2, TNF-α, and IL-6. LIG markedly decreased IL-1β-induced degradation of collagen II and aggrecan. In vivo results showed that LIG-treated mouse cartilage showed less damage than the control group; the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) score was also lower. LIG further reduced the thickness of the subchondral bone plate and alleviated the synovitis. Conclusion: LIG may act as a promising therapeutic agent for osteoarthritis by attenuating IL-1β-induced inflammation in chondrocytes and ECM degradation via suppression of NF-κB activation by the PI3K/AKT pathway.
miR-122-5p Inhibits the Proliferation, Invasion and Growth of Bile Duct Carcinoma Cells by Targeting ALDOA
Authors: Xu Zhuo , Liu Guangchao , Zhang Meng , Zhang Zhilei , Jia Yuming , Peng Li , Zhu Yanhong , Hu Jianbin , Huang Runying , Sun Xiaonan
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Bile duct cancer, although not among the most common tumors, still accounts for more and more worldwide deaths each year. By attempting to verify an overexpression of ALDOA in cholangiocarcinoma tissues and cells and explore the underlying molecular mechanism regulated by miR-122-5p, this study was designed to provide a potential molecular target in bile duct cancer treatment. Methods: Western blot and immunohistochemistry were performed to detect the ALDOA protein level in duct carcinoma tissues. The transfection efficiency was confirmed by western blot and/or RT-qPCR assay. The proliferation of bile duct carcinoma cells was determined by MTT and colony formation assay. The invasion ability of bile duct carcinoma cells was evaluated with Transwell invasion assay. Flow cytometry detected cell apoptosis of bile duct carcinoma cells. The miRNAs which modulate ALDOA were filtrated from bioinformatics software and clinical specimens. The target relationship was confirmed by dual luciferase reporter assay. Furthermore, a xenograft model was completed to verify the impact of miRNA on inhibition growth of bile duct carcinoma cells. Results: ALDOA was found up-regulated in bile duct carcinoma tissues and cells. Knockdown of ALDOA promoted the apoptosis of cells and inhibited the proliferation and invasion of bile duct carcinoma cells. Bioinformatics and clinical specimens indicated the negative correlation and targeted regulation between miR-122-5p and ALDOA. By down-regulating ALDOA, overexpression of miR-122-5p appeared to promote cell apoptosis and significantly inhibit cell proliferation, invasion in vitro and suppress the tumor growth in vivo. Conclusion: miR-122-5p inhibited proliferation and invasion of bile duct carcinoma cells and promoted cell apoptosis by targeting ALDOA expression.
Environmental contamination by parasitic forms in a socially vulnerable community in southern Rio Grande do Sul state: a serious public health problem
Authors: Capella Gabriela de Almeida , Pinto Natália Berne , Perera Soliane Carra , Giordani Claudia , Moura Micaele Quintana de , Castro Leonardo Mortagua de , Motta Tairan Ourique , Añaña Débora de Campos , Guterres Karina Affeldt , Silva Cristine Cioato da , Cleff Marlete Brum
Published: August 2018

vulnerability. The fact that these people share the environment with animals promotes the establishment of zoonotic parasitic infections, as well as the resultant parasitic cycles. Thus, parasites present in the environment must be identified, so that control measures can be recommended. In this context, this study’s objective was to evaluate environmental contamination by parasitic forms in a socially vulnerable community in southern Rio Grande do Sul. A total of 100 soil samples collected from the community were processed by a sodium dichromate centrifuge-flotation technique and analyzed by a compound microscope (40X objective) for the identification of parasite eggs, oocysts and cysts. All points were positive for two or more parasites, with the identification of 33.59% non-identified coccidian oocysts, Strongylida (25.4%), Ascaridida (21.31%), Trichuris spp. (8.19%), Toxocara spp. (3.27%), Amoebas (4.08%), Dioctophyma renale (2.45%), and Giardia spp. (1.63%). The presence of parasitic forms in all points analyzed surpasses other studies of environmental contamination carried out in the southern region of Brazil. In addition, the identification of several parasitic forms with zoonotic potential is concerning, since it shows the possibility of parasitic transmission to humans and other animals. In view of the results, the conclusion is that the environment analyzed is contaminated by parasitic forms, constituting a serious public health problem. Therefore, implementing educational and preventive measures in the community to control parasites is of crucial importance.
Evaluation of programmed cell death processes on the lens epithelium of older dogs with diabetic and hypermature cataracts
Authors: Hvenegaard Ana Paula Franco do Amaral , Barros Paulo Sergio de Moraes , Safatle Angélica Mendonça Vaz , Braga-Sá Michelle Barbosa Pereira , Melo Luana Vicente , Santana Ana Carolina , Hossy Bryan Hudson , Miguel Nadia Campos de Oliveira
Published: August 2018

It is well known that posterior capsule opacification (PCO), one of the most common late postoperative complications of cataract surgery, is mainly caused by proliferation and differentiation of remaining lens epithelial cells (LECs) on the posterior lens capsule. Many authors suggest that alterations induced by the pathophysiology of cataracts, its metabolism and the use of 0.1% trypan blue (TB) must cause some degree of cellular damage on these cells, wicht would help to prevent and/or reduce the incidence of PCO after cataract surgery in humans. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of cell death markers on LECs of older dogs with diabetic and hypermature cataracts, after capsulorhexis, both using 0.1% TB. Twenty samples collected from 13 dogs of different breeds, with ages varying from 8 to 12 years-old, with diabetic and hypermature cataracts, which had been subjected to phacoemulsification surgery (Phaco) using 0.1% TB for staining were studied. Animals were classified as dogs with diabetic (DC) and hypermature cataracts (HC), and expression of molecular markers for apoptosis and autophagy (caspase-3 and beclin-1) on LECs were obtained by immunofluorescence technique. The expression of caspase-3 and beclin-1 was observed in every studied sample and did not differ between groups. In conclusion, our findings suggest that apoptosis and autophagy processes occur to LECs in older dogs presenting diabetic and hypermature cataracts after Phaco utilizing 0.1% TB. Our results may be helpful to future studies of PCO in post-phacoemulsification surgery patients.
Successful rehabilitation of Macronectes halli and Macronectes giganteus in southeastern Brazil
Authors: Mannina Natassia Bacco , Mello Daniela Magalhães Drummond de , Wanderley Rebeca Pires
Published: August 2018

This report describes the successful rehabilitation of two species of pelagic seabirds (Macronectes halli and Macronectes giganteus) rescued on the southern coast of the state of São Paulo, Brazil, and taken to the IPeC rehabilitation center (S25°023258 W-47°928737). Data on the enclosures, diet, clinical management and laboratory tests were detailed during the 75 d of treatment, during which the birds remained at the center. This report demonstrates that a combination of environmental and nutritional management with a proper diagnosis and adequate clinical treatment naturally lead to a shorter period in captivity, which is crucial to the successful rehabilitation of these birds. The enclosures should have visual isolation and animals kept separate from other birds. The form of offering food differs based on the feeding habits and taxon. At the time of release back into the wild, the site chosen should be isolated to enable the bird to feel more secure when taking flight. The present report describes the first record of the rehabilitation and release of these two species in Brazil.
Overview of the NOAA/ESRL Federated Aerosol Network
Authors: Andrews Elisabeth , Sheridan Patrick J. , Ogren John A. , Hageman Derek , Jefferson Anne , Wendell Jim , Alástuey Andrés , Alados-Arboledas Lucas , Bergin Michael , Ealo Marina , Hallar A. Gannet , Hoffer András , Kalapov Ivo , Keywood Melita , Kim Jeongeun , Kim Sang-Woo , Kolonjari Felicia , Labuschagne Casper , Lin Neng-Huei , Macdonald AnneMarie , Mayol-Bracero Olga L. , McCubbin Ian B. , Pandolfi Marco , Reisen Fabienne , Sharma Sangeeta , Sherman James P. , Sorribas Mar , Sun Junying
Published: August 2018

To estimate global aerosol radiative forcing, measurements of aerosol optical properties are made by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Earth System Research Laboratory (ESRL)’s Global Monitoring Division (GMD) and their collaborators at 30 monitoring locations around the world. Many of the sites are located in regions influenced by specific aerosol types (Asian and Saharan desert dust, Asian pollution, biomass burning, etc.). This network of monitoring stations is a shared endeavor of NOAA and many collaborating organizations, including the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)’s Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) program, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), several U.S. and foreign universities, and foreign science organizations. The result is a long-term cooperative program making atmospheric measurements that are directly comparable with those from all the other network stations and with shared data access. The protocols and software developed to support the program facilitate participation in GAW’s atmospheric observation strategy, and the sites in the NOAA/ESRL network make up a substantial subset of the GAW aerosol observations. This paper describes the history of the NOAA/ESRL Federated Aerosol Network, details about measurements and operations, and some recent findings from the network measurements.
Limited-Area Atmospheric Modeling Using an Unstructured Mesh
Authors: Skamarock William C. , Duda Michael G. , Ha Soyoung , Park Sang-Hun
Published: August 2018

A regional configuration of the atmospheric component of the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS-A) is described and evaluated. It employs horizontally unstructured spherical centroidal Voronoi meshes (nominally hexagonal), and lateral boundary conditions used in rectangular grid regional models are adapted to the MPAS-A Voronoi mesh discretization. Test results using a perfect-model assumption show that the lateral boundary conditions are stable and robust. As found in other regional modeling studies, configurations using larger regional domains generally have smaller solution errors compared to configurations employing smaller regional domains. MPAS-A supports variable-resolution meshes, and when regional domains are expanded to include a coarser outer mesh, the variable-resolution configurations recover most of the error reduction compared to a configuration using uniform high resolution, and at much-reduced cost. The wider relaxation-zone region of the variable-resolution mesh also helps reconcile differences near the lateral boundary that evolve between the regional model solution and the driving solution, and the configuration is more stable than one using a uniform high-resolution regional mesh. At convection-permitting resolution, solutions produced using global variable-resolution MPAS-A configurations have smaller solution errors than the regional configurations after about 48 h.
No Laughter among Thieves: Authenticity and the Enforcement of Community Norms in Stand-Up Comedy
Authors: Reilly Patrick
Published: August 2018

Why might observers label one social actor’s questionable act a norm violation even as they seem to excuse similar behavior by others? To answer this question, I use participant-observer data on Los Angeles stand-up comics to explore the phenomenon of joke theft. Informal, community-based systems govern the property rights pertaining to jokes. Most instances of possible joke theft are ambiguous owing to the potential for simultaneous and coincidental discovery. I find that accusations are not strongly coupled to jokes’ similarity, and enforcement depends mainly on the extent to which insiders view the comic in question as being authentic to the community. Comics who are oriented toward external rewards, have a track record of anti-social behavior, and exhibit lackluster on-stage craft are vulnerable to joke theft accusations even in borderline cases because those inauthentic characteristics are typical of transgressors. Vulnerability is greatest for comics who enjoy commercial success despite low peer esteem. Authenticity protects comics because it reflects community-based status, which yields halo effects while encouraging relationships predicated on respect. In exploring accusations of joke theft and their outcomes, this study illustrates how norms function more as framing devices than as hard-and-fast rules, and how authenticity shapes their enforcement.
Juvenile Court Outcomes Following Youth’s First Arrest: A National Test of the Racial and Ethnic Threat Hypothesis
Authors: Andersen Tia S. , Ouellette Heather M.
Published: August 2018

Using nationally representative data, this research examined the associations between indicators of minority threat and juvenile justice processing following a first arrest. At intake, increasing Black presence in the community resulted in leniency, rather than severity. Once adjudicated, the size of the Black population had a nonlinear inverted-U shaped relationship with probability of placement. Increasing Hispanic presence was associated with leniency in disposition, and economic threat was not significantly related outcomes. Indicators of minority threat did not exacerbate outcomes for minority youth. These findings suggest that, contrary to the expectations of minority threat theory, the growing presence of minorities in communities may weaken social control and harsh punishments, particularly once the size of the minority population reaches a critical threshold.
Low-Income Housing and Crime: The Influence of Housing Development and Neighborhood Characteristics
Authors: Tillyer Marie Skubak , Walter Rebecca J.
Published: August 2018

This study examines the distribution of crime across various types of low-income housing developments and estimates the main and interactive effects of housing development and neighborhood characteristics on crime. Negative binomial regression models were estimated to observe the influence of security and design features, neighborhood concentrated disadvantage, residential stability, and nearby nonresidential land use on crime at the housing developments. The findings suggest that low-income housing developments are not uniformly criminogenic, and both development characteristics and neighborhood conditions are relevant for understanding crime in low-income housing developments. Implications for prevention are discussed.
‘Ultimately the question always is: “What do I have to do to do it right?”’ Scripts as explanatory factors of career decisions
Authors: Laudel Grit , Bielick Jana , Gläser Jochen
Published: August 2018

In this article, we address one of the recurrent problems of career theory, namely the integration of individual agency and structural conditions of action in explanations of career decisions, and through them, career trajectories and their outcomes. We draw on Barley’s suggestion to include scripts as mediating between institutions and individual actions. By theoretically specifying scripts as collectively shared interpretive schemes that describe successful careers, we are able to introduce them as a specific factor that contributes to the explanation of career decisions. We demonstrate with a study of German early career researchers in two fields how scripts can be empirically identified and used in combination with other explanatory factors. Our analysis demonstrates how the concept ‘career script’ captures a specific social influence on career decisions that is different from rules governing behaviour and individual interests, goals and plans for a career.
Assessing the Impact of Income Inequality on Economic Growth
Authors: Joshi Rohan
Published: August 2018

The nature of the relationship between income inequality and economic growth, first formalised by Simon Kuznets in 1950, has come under much debate of late. At present, one understanding of this relationship is that given by what Oded Galor called the ‘modern perspective’, which, pointing the direction of causation from income inequality to economic growth asserts that the former imposes a significantly negative influence on the latter. To investigate the same in the context of India, subsequently, this study adopts the typical cross-country approach taken by other studies in this area and estimates the nature of the aforementioned relationship across a cross-section of Indian states. The results, however, disappointingly contrary to the ‘modern perspective’, show a strong significant positive impact of the existence of inequality on growth rates of Indian states, which, if anything, statistically asserts the existence of a trade-off between the two.

JEL Classification: D63, O10, O40, O47
Output and Input Efficiency of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in India
Authors: Babita
Published: August 2018

The purpose of this article is to measure the production efficiency of Visakhapatnam Special Economic Zone (VSEZ; a central government-operated zone) and other state and private zones working under its jurisdiction for the period 2009–2015. A panel of 30 zones, including VSEZ, is selected to estimate production frontier and technical inefficiency effects in production of zones using a stochastic frontier analysis methodology. To fit frontier, three relevant input variables, namely raw material, capital goods and labour, and one output variable, namely exports generated by the zones, are selected. The study observed that Cobb–Douglas production function is more preferable than translog function. Result shows rejection of our first null hypothesis that input variables do not make any significant contribution in output as all input variables such as raw material, capital goods and labour significantly affect the amount of output (exports). Any minor change will lead to a major change in output. Among all inputs, input elasticity of capital goods to output (exports) is highest—2.0855—implying that 1 per cent change in it will result in an increase of 2.0855 per cent in output. The 0.4350 value for the variance γ parameter in this study is not near to 1, suggesting that some of the residual variations are due to the inefficiency effects. Our null hypothesis (η = 0), that the inefficiency effects do not vary over the time, is rejected as the estimated value of (η) is significant, implying that technical inefficiency effects vary from year to year. For some zones, there is upgradation in it and reverse is found in case of others. The study also reveals that private zones are more efficient than zones operated by central and state governments. This leads to two different segments, one puts question mark on functioning and administration of the government, whereas the other supports the concepts of introducing privatisation and public–private partnership (PPP) in the case of development.

JEL Classification: C01, C67, E00, F01, F13, F14, D60
The Role of a Learning Approach in Building an Interorganizational Network Aiming for Collaborative Innovation
Authors: Yström Anna , Ollila Susanne , Agogué Marine , Coghlan David
Published: August 2018

Collaboration has become a common way for organizational actors to engage in problem solving and innovation. Yet shifting from strategic interactions (driven by reduction of transaction costs) to transformational interaction (driven by collaborative transorganizational development) appears to be difficult to achieve in practice in a network setting. This article argues that such a shift can be enhanced by adopting an action learning approach, which entails working on real-life problems without clear solutions and collectively working to resolve them. Based on an action learning research process, this article therefore explores ways to support collective knowledge creation within an interorganizational network setting. It provides rich illustrations of how the interactions in the network changed through the process, and the participants moved from a space of territorial protection to a space for collaborative exploration. From this case, the article outlines a model for learning in interorganizational networks and discusses related challenges.
Chaffey Schools Meet Varied Demands
Authors: Hill Merton E.
Published: August 2018

Here is described a very noteworthy demonstration of a public school system adapting itself to the specific demands of the community. The Chaffey secondary schools include a junior college; in fact, an interesting program having several important aims.
Geography for Children
Authors: Brigham Albert Perry
Published: August 2018

“We are trying to make geography for children too advanced… We are trying to put the skimmings of university geography down into the grades. Whose fault is it?” asks the writer of this article.
Teaching as a Fine Art
Authors: Weaver David A.
Published: August 2018

Do you consider teaching as “something beautiful, a piece of art,” or merely as a task? This is a vital distinction, in the opinion of the writer; a distinction which marks the difference between true success and failure.
Co-operation in Guidance
Authors: Jewett John V.
Published: August 2018

Helping the individual student to choose his life work and make proper preparation for it, is a matter of first importance. How the facilities of both school and public libraries can be put at the disposal of the pupil seeking guidance, is suggested in this brief account of procedure in Brookline, Massachusetts.
English Project: See Your City
Authors: Irvin Merle E.
Published: August 2018

Excellent material and motivation for theme writing were realized – plus other benefits.
Are There No Jobs?
Authors: Stedman Edith
Published: August 2018

To get what jobs there are, the author advises more technical training, less fussiness
Close-ups of Good Teaching
Authors: Clem Orlie M.
Published: August 2018

In this Fifth Article, Dr. Clem looks in upon a class in algebra
Vitalizing through Vision
Authors: Johler Walter W.
Published: August 2018

“Educational films do not take the place of the teacher … they are an aid to help the teacher function to a greater capacity.”
Jonathana Swift Attends a Convention
Authors: Hult Effie A.
Published: August 2018

…. A SATIRE
Five-Factor Model Best Describes Narcissistic Personality Inventory Across Different Item Response Formats
Authors: Dinić Bojana M. , Vujić Aleksandar
Published: August 2018

The objective of this research was to validate the Narcissistic Personality Inventory across different response formats, given that several factor structures were proposed, ranging from two to seven factors. The original forced-choice format of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory was given to 410 participants and a modified, i.e., Likert format was given to 423 participants from the general population, along with personality and other narcissism measures. The results showed that the five-factor model proposed by Ackerman et al. had the best model fit in both response formats and that a distinction between adaptive (Leadership, Vanity, and Superiority) and some aspects of maladaptive (Manipulativeness and Exhibitionism) narcissism factors could be established. However, the redundancy of items in certain factors could be problematic and further improvements of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory should include more indicators of some proposed factors, especially of Vanity.