bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metastatic Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Rare Manifestation of a Common Disease
Authors: Piva de Freitas Paola , Senna César Galusni , Tabai Mayara , Chone Carlos Takahiro , Altemani Albina
Published: November 2017

Introduction. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is considered the most common malignancy in Caucasians. It constituted about 80% of all nonmelanoma skin tumors and, despite its high prevalence, is an extremely rare occurrence of metastases, with incidence rates varying from 0.0028% to 0.55%.Case Report. A 58-year-old male patient with BCC on the left nasolabial sulcus for 17 years, reporting 3 previous excisions, evolved with local recurrence. A new procedure was performed, and anatomopathological study confirmed sclerosing BCC. Seven months later, he presented with a mass in the left submandibular region. Combined positron-emission tomography and computed tomography (PET-CT) showed cervical hypercaptation in the left cervical level I and vertebral body of L5. Excision of the cervical lesion was performed with diagnosis of sclerosing BCC compromising the submandibular gland. Biopsy of the lumbar lesion was found to be compatible with bone metastasis.Conclusion. BCC represents a very common entity, and the presence of metastasis, although infrequent, must be proposed because of the greater morbidity and mortality of this complication. This case shows the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in BCC as a way to avoid unfavorable outcomes.
Tramadol Induced Adrenal Insufficiency: Histological, Immunohistochemical, Ultrastructural, and Biochemical Genetic Experimental Study
Authors: Abdelaleem Shereen Abdelhakim , Hassan Osama A. , Ahmed Rasha F. , Zenhom Nagwa M. , Rifaai Rehab A. , El-Tahawy Nashwa F.
Published: November 2017

Tramadol is a synthetic, centrally acting analgesic. It is the most consumed narcotic drug that is prescribed in the world. Tramadol abuse has dramatically increased in Egypt. Long term use of tramadol can induce endocrinopathy. So, the aim of this study was to analyze the adrenal insufficiency induced by long term use of tramadol in experimental animals and also to assess its withdrawal effects through histopathological and biochemical genetic study. Forty male albino rats were used in this study. The rats were divided into 4 groups (control group, tramadol-treated group, and withdrawal groups). Tramadol was given to albino rats at a dose of 80 mg/kg body weight for 3 months and after withdrawal periods (7–15 days) rats were sacrificed. Long term use of tramadol induced severe histopathological changes in adrenal glands. Tramadol decreased the levels of serum cortisol and DHEAS hormones. In addition, it increased the level of adrenal MDA and decreased the genetic expression of glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase in adrenal gland tissues. All these changes started to return to normal after withdrawal of tramadol. Thus, it was confirmed that long term use of tramadol can induce severe adrenal insufficiency.
New Mechanisms of Resistance to MEK Inhibitors in Melanoma Revealed by Intravital Imaging
Authors: Brighton Hailey E. , Angus Steven P. , Bo Tao , Roques Jose , Tagliatela Alicia C. , Darr David B. , Karagoz Kubra , Sciaky Noah , Gatza Michael L. , Sharpless Norman E. , Johnson Gary L. , Bear James E.
Published: November 2017

Targeted therapeutics that are initially effective in cancer patients nearly invariably engender resistance at some stage, an inherent challenge in the use of any molecular-targeted drug in cancer settings. In this study, we evaluated resistance mechanisms arising in metastatic melanoma to MAPK pathway kinase inhibitors as a strategy to identify candidate strategies to limit risks of resistance. To investigate longitudinal responses, we developed an intravital serial imaging approach that can directly visualize drug response in an inducible RAF-driven, autochthonous murine model of melanoma incorporating a fluorescent reporter allele (tdTomatoLSL). Using this system, we visualized formation and progression of tumors in situ, starting from the single-cell level longitudinally over time. Reliable reporting of the status of primary murine tumors treated with the selective MEK1/2 inhibitor (MEKi) trametinib illustrated a time-course of initial drug response and persistence, followed by the development of drug resistance. We found that tumor cells adjacent to bundled collagen had a preferential persistence in response to MEKi. Unbiased transcriptional and kinome reprogramming analyses from selected treatment time points suggested increased c-Kit and PI3K/AKT pathway activation in resistant tumors, along with enhanced expression of epithelial genes and epithelial-mesenchymal transition downregulation signatures with development of MEKi resistance. Similar trends were observed following simultaneous treatment with BRAF and MEK inhibitors aligned to standard-of-care combination therapy, suggesting these reprogramming events were not specific to MEKi alone. Overall, our results illuminate the integration of tumor–stroma dynamics with tissue plasticity in melanoma progression and provide new insights into the basis for drug response, persistence, and resistance.

Significance: A longitudinal study tracks the course of MEKi treatment in an autochthonous imageable murine model of melanoma from initial response to therapeutic resistance, offering new insights into the basis for drug response, persistence, and resistance. Cancer Res; 78(2); 542–57. ©2017 AACR.
t-Darpp Activates IGF-1R Signaling to Regulate Glucose Metabolism in Trastuzumab-Resistant Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Lenz Gal , Hamilton Angelica , Geng Shuhui , Hong Teresa , Kalkum Markus , Momand Jamil , Kane Susan E. , Huss Janice M.
Published: November 2017

Purpose: Increased glycolysis and glucose dependence is a hallmark of malignancy that enables tumors to maximize cell proliferation. In HER2+ cancers, an increase in glycolytic capacity is associated with trastuzumab resistance. IGF-1R activation and t-Darpp overexpression both confer trastuzumab resistance in breast cancer. We therefore investigated a role for IGF-1R and t-Darpp in regulating glycolytic capacity in HER2+ breast cancers.

Experimental Design: We examined the relationship between t-Darpp and IGF-1R expression in breast tumors and their respective relationships with patient survival. To assess t-Darpp's metabolic effects, we used the Seahorse flux analyzer to measure glucose metabolism in trastuzumab-resistant SK-BR-3 cells (SK.HerR) that have high endogenous t-Darpp levels and SK.tDrp cells that stably overexpress exogenous t-Darpp. To investigate t-Darpp's mechanism of action, we evaluated t-Darpp:IGF-1R complexes by coimmunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assays. We used pathway-specific inhibitors to study the dependence of t-Darpp effects on IGF-1R signaling. We used siRNA knockdown to determine whether glucose reliance in SK.HerR cells was mediated by t-Darpp.

Results: In breast tumors, PPP1R1B mRNA levels were inversely correlated with IGF-1R mRNA levels and directly associated with shorter overall survival. t-Darpp overexpression was sufficient to increase glucose metabolism in SK.tDrp cells and essential for the glycolytic phenotype of SK.HerR cells. Recombinant t-Darpp stimulated glucose uptake, glycolysis, and IGF-1R–Akt signaling in SK-BR-3 cells. Finally, t-Darpp stimulated IGF-1R heterodimerization with ErbB receptors and required IGF-1R signaling to confer its metabolic effects.

Conclusions: t-Darpp activates IGF-1R signaling through heterodimerization with EGFR and HER2 to stimulate glycolysis and confer trastuzumab resistance. Clin Cancer Res; 24(5); 1216–26. ©2017 AACR.
Rare Bacteria Infecting the Heart and Affecting the Kidney of a Young Child
Authors: Kumar Gurinder , Al Ali Alyaa Saeed , Gulzar Bhatti Namrata
Published: November 2017

Rare bacteria can lead to infective endocarditis, which may lead to renal involvement as severe glomerulonephritis. We report our experience of a 12-year-old child who presented with infective endocarditis and blood culture-grown Gemella morbillorum – a rarely reported bacteria. The clinical picture was further complicated with severe glomerulonephritis. Renal biopsy was suggestive of crescentic glomerulonephritis. The child was managed with antibiotics, steroids, and plasmapheresis and responded well to the treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first report of G. morbillorum endocarditis with immune complex deposition and necrotizing glomerulonephritis in a child.
A Case of Lung Adenocarcinoma with Marked Improvement of Pulmonary Lymphangitic Carcinomatosis by Adding Bevacizumab to Cisplatin and Pemetrexed
Authors: Natsume Maika , Honda Takeshi , Haruyama Terunobu , Ishihara Masashi , Fukasawa Yoko , Sakamoto Takahiko , Tanzawa Shigeru , Usui Ryo , Ota Shuji , Ichikawa Yasuko , Watanabe Kiyotaka , Seki Nobuhiko
Published: November 2017

A 40-year-old man with a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma (cT4N3M1c, stage IVB) experienced worsening of lymphangitic carcinomatosis in the right lung and right pleural effusion after receiving 1 cycle of first-line chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin and pemetrexed. Bevacizumab was thus added from the second cycle of the cisplatin-pemetrexed regimen, leading to a marked improvement in pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis and a decrease in pleural effusion. Subsequently, maintenance therapy consisting of pemetrexed and bevacizumab was continued, successfully leading to long-term progression-free survival. Generally, pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis shows poor prognosis because of poor response to chemotherapy. However, recent studies have been elucidating the role of the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A)/VEGF receptor-2 pathway in pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis. Therefore, bevacizumab is expected to be beneficial in the treatment of this pathological condition.
Calycosin Suppresses Epithelial Derived Initiative Key Factors and Maintains Epithelial Barrier in Allergic Inflammation via TLR4 Mediated NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Tao Yu , Wang Yan , Wang Xiaoyu , Wang Can , Bao Kaifang , Ji Lv , Jiang Guorong , Hong Min
Published: November 2017

Background/Aims: Calycosin is a bioactive component of Astragali Radix, a Chinese herb for treating allergy. We have previously demonstrated that calycosin effectively inhibited allergic inflammation efficiently. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism of calycosin on epithelial cells in allergic inflammation. Methods: An initial stage of atopic dermatitis (AD) model in which mice were just sensitized with FITC, was established in vivo and immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) were utilized in vitro. Initiative key cytokines, TSLP and IL-33, were measured by ELISA, qPCR, immunofluorescence and Western blot. The junctions in epithelial cells were observed by electron microscopy and tight junctions (TJs) (Occludin and ZO-1) were assessed by Western blot and immunofluorescence. TLR4, MyD88, TAK1, TIRAP and NF-κB were measured by qPCR or Western blot. Results: The results showed that TSLP and IL-33 were inhibited significantly by calycosin in the initial stage of AD model. Simultaneously, calycosin attenuated the separated gap among the epithelial cells and increased the expression of TJs. TSLP/IL-33 and TJs were similarly affected in LPS-stimulated HaCaT cells in vitro. Meanwhile, calycosin not only inhibited the expressions of TLR4, MyD88, TAK1 and TIRAP, but also reduced NF-κB activation in vitro and in vivo. An NF-κB inhibitor enhanced the expressions of TJs and reduced that of TSLP/IL-33 in LPS-stimulated HaCaT cells. Conclusion: These results indicated that calycosin reduced the secretion of TSLP/IL-33 and attenuated the disruption of epithelial TJs by inhibiting TLR4 mediated NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings help to understand the beneficial effects of calycosin on AD, and to develop effective preventive or therapeutic strategies to combat this disease and other epithelial barrier deletion-mediated allergic diseases.
Naringenin Regulates CFTR Activation and Expression in Airway Epithelial Cells
Authors: Shi Rui , Xiao Zi-Ting , Zheng Yi-Jun , Zhang Yi-Lin , Xu Jia-Wen , Huang Jie-Hong , Zhou Wen-Liang , Li Pei-Bo , Su Wei-Wei
Published: November 2017

Background/Aims: Sputum symptoms are commonly seen in the elderly. This study aimed to identify an efficacious expectorant treatment stratagem through evaluating the secretion-promoting activation and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) expression of the bioactive herbal monomer naringenin. Methods: Vectorial Cl- transport was determined by measuring short-circuit current (ISC) in rat airway epithelium. cAMP content was measured by ELISA in primary cultured epithelial cells and Calu-3 cells. CFTR expression in Calu-3 cells was determined by qPCR. Results: Addition of naringenin to the basolateral side of the rat airway led to a concentration-dependent sustained increase in ISC. The current was suppressed when exposed to Cl–-free solution or by bumetanide, BaCl2, and DPC but not by DIDS and IBMX. Forskolin-induced ISC increase and CFTRinh-172/MDL-12330A-induced ISC inhibition were not altered by naringenin. Intracellular cAMP content was significantly increased by naringenin. With lipopolysaccharide stimulation, CFTR expression was significantly reduced, and naringenin dose-dependently enhanced CFTR mRNA expression. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that naringenin has the ability to stimulate Cl- secretion, which is mediated by CFTR through a signaling pathway by increasing cAMP content. Moreover, naringenin can increase CFTR expression when organism CFTR expression is seriously hampered. Our data suggest a potentially effective treatment strategy for sputum.
Long Non-Coding RNA Linc-USP16 Functions As a Tumour Suppressor in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Regulating PTEN Expression
Authors: Sui Jidong , Yang Xuejun , Qi Wenjing , Guo Kun , Gao Zhenming , Wang Liming , Sun Deguang
Published: November 2017

Background/Aims: Recent evidence has indicated the crucial regulatory roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tumour biology. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), aberrant expression of lncRNAs plays an essential role in HCC tumourigenesis. However, the potential roles and regulatory mechanisms of the novel human lncRNA, Linc-USP16, in HCC are unclear. Methods: To investigate the function of Linc-USP16 in HCC, we first analysed the expression levels of Linc-USP16 in HCC patient tissues and cell lines via q-RT-PCR and established overexpressed or knockdown HCC cell lines. Results: Here, we found that Linc-USP16 expression was significantly down-regulated in HCC patient tissues and cell lines. Further functional experiments suggested that Linc-USP16 could directly increase PTEN expression by acting as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-21 and miR-590-5p. These interactions led to repression of AKT pathway and inhibition of HCC cell proliferation and migration. Conclusion: Thus, our data showed that Linc-USP16, as a tumour suppressor, plays an important role in HCC pathogenesis and provides a new therapeutic strategy for HCC treatment.
A Molecular Signature of Two Long Non-Coding RNAs in Peripheral Blood Predicts Acute Renal Allograft Rejection
Authors: Ge Yu-Zheng , Xu Tao , Cao Wei-Jun , Wu Ran , Yao Wen-Tao , Zhou Chang-Cheng , Wang Min , Xu Lu-Wei , Lu Tian-Ze , Zhao You-Cai , Hu Zhi-Kai , Xu Zhong-Le , Yang Xiao-Bing , Zhou Liu-Hua , Zhang Sheng-Li , Zhong Bing , Xu Zheng , Li Wen-Cheng , Zhu Jia-Geng , Jia Rui-Peng
Published: November 2017

Background/Aims: Acute rejection (AR) is a major complication post renal transplantation, with no widely-accepted non-invasive biomarker. This study aimed to explore the expression profiles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the peripheral blood (PB) of renal transplant recipients and their potential diagnostic values. Methods: The genome-wide lncRNA expression profiles were analyzed in 150 PB samples from pediatric and adult renal transplant (PRTx and ARTx) cohorts. The diagnostic performance of differentially expressed lncRNA was determined using receiver operator characteristic curve, with area under the curve (AUC) and 95% confidential interval (CI). Finally, a risk score was constructed with logistical regression model. Results: A total of 162 lncRNAs were found differentially expressed in PRTx cohort, while 163 in ARTx cohort. Among these identified lncRNAs, 23 deregulated accordingly in both cohorts, and could distinguish AR recipients from those without AR. Finally, a risk score with two most significant lncRNAs (AF264622 and AB209021) was generated and exhibited excellent diagnostic performance in both PRTx (AUC:0.829, 95% CI:0.735-0.922) and ARTx cohorts (AUC: 0.889, 95% CI: 0.817-0.960). Conclusion: A molecular signature of two lncRNAs in PB could serve as a novel non-invasive biomarker for the diagnosis of AR in both pediatric and adult renal transplant recipients.
Molecular Mechanism of MiR-136-5p Targeting NF-κB/A20 in the IL-17-Mediated Inflammatory Response after Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: He Jichen , Zhao Jinmin , Peng Xiaoming , Shi Xiongzhi , Zong Shaohui , Zeng Gaofeng
Published: November 2017

Background/Aims: The pathophysiology of spinal cord injury (SCI) results in serious damage to the human body via an increase in the secondary biological processes imposed by activated astrocytes. Abnormal expression of microRNAs after SCI has become a potential research focus. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Methods: SCI models were established in rats using Allen’s method, and the BBB scoring method was employed to assess locomotor function. Lentivirus was used to infect rat astrocytes and SCI rats. Real-time PCR and antibody chip were used to measure gene expression and cytokine secretion. Western blot analysis was employed to detect protein expression. HE staining was used to assess the histological changes in SCI. The immunohistochemical staining of A20 and p-NF-κB in SCI was also analyzed. Results: The in vitro experiment showed that miR-136-5p up-regulated the expression of p-NF-κB by down-regulating the expression of A20 so that astrocytes produced inflammatory factors and chemokines. The in vivo experiment indicated that overexpressed miR-136-5p promoted the production of inflammatory factors, chemokines and p-NF-κB in SCI rats, whereas it inhibited the expression of A20 protein and increased inflammatory cell infiltration and injuries in the spinal cord. Conclusion: The current findings indicate that silencing miR-136-5p effectively decreased inflammatory factors and chemokines and protected the spinal cord via NF-κB/A20 signaling in vivo and in vitro. In contrast, overexpression of miR-136-5p had the opposite effect.
Clinical Significance of Myeloid Zinc Finger 1 Expression in the Progression of Gastric Tumourigenesis
Authors: Li Guo-Qiang , He Qing , Yang Lang , Wang Shu-Bin , Yu De-Dong , He Yu-qi , Hu Jiang , Pan Yuan-Ming , Wu Yun
Published: November 2017

Background/Aims: To investigate the clinical significance of myeloid zinc finger 1 (MZF1) expression in various gastric mucosal lesions including chronic superficial gastritis (CSG), chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), intestinal metaplasia (IM), dysplasia (DYS) and gastric cancer (GC) in comparison with normal tissues and gastric cell lines. Methods: MZF1 protein expression was detected using immunohistochemical staining in 37 CSG, 88 CAG, 77 IM, 51 DYS, 165 GC and 8 normal tissue samples. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blotting were used to detect the level of MZF1 in gastric cell lines, 15 normal tissues and 34 GC samples, as well as 2 groups of paired primary GC and adjacent normal samples. Results: Reduced MZF1 expression was detected in most GC cells and tissues. Among the gastric tissues consisting of various stages of lesions (normal, CSG, CAG, IM, DYS and GC), MZF1 protein expression was downregulated in precancerous lesions and GC. The data from clinical analyses showed that decreased MZF1 expression was correlated with tumour invasion (p = 0.044), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.048) and poor prognosis of GC patients (p = 0.003). Moreover, MZF1 was identified as an independent prognostic biomarker for GC patients in multivariate Cox regression analysis (p = 0.009). Conclusion: Downregulation of MZF1 was associated with gastric tumourigenesis, which may be a novel early predictive and prognostic biomarker in GC patients.
Registro e análise de estruturas relacionadas com a tectônica extensional do rifteamento Macaúbas na Serra Central, norte de Minas Gerais
Authors: Bersan Samuel Moreira , Danderfer Filho André
Published: November 2017

Na região norte da faixa Araçuaí, no domínio fisiográfico do Espinhaço Central, existem registros de bacias sedimentares superpostas instaladas sobre o embasamento do cráton São Francisco. Nesse contexto, a morfoestrutura da Serra Central, norte de Minas Gerais, é sustentada por uma sucessão siliciclástica do Supergrupo Espinhaço superposta a oeste por diamictitos da base do Grupo Macaúbas, representando os registros de rifteamento superpostos ao final do Esteniano e do Toniano Superior, respectivamente. No bordo oeste da Serra Central, são descritas estrias de média a alta obliquidade desenvolvidas sobre os planos de acamamento da sucessão do Grupo Sítio Novo, incompatíveis com a tectônica compressional Brasiliana, que afeta essas rochas. Essas estrias são associadas a degraus e definem vetores de deslizamento interestratais indicativos de movimentação normal a normal destral. Associados a essas lineações, ocorrem veios que também apontam para a atuação de um campo de esforço extensional, com componente destral associada. A análise cinemática e dinâmica dessas estruturas permitiu a interpretação de um regime tectônico distensivo de natureza transtrativa destral e, possivelmente, relacionado ao evento de rifteamento Macaúbas. Nesse cenário, o bloco de capa regional do rifte Macaúbas, representado pela sucessão esteniana do Grupo Sítio Novo, foi deformado sob a atuação de um cisalhamento antitético, com desenvolvimento de um rollover associado. No flanco frontal do rollover, as camadas experimentaram significativa magnitude de rotação, revelando elevado mergulho próximo à borda de falha e favorecendo o desenvolvimento do deslizamento interestratal.
Caracterização geoquímica com indícios paleoambientais de folhelhos da Formação Pimenteiras, estado do Tocantins, Bacia do Parnaíba, Brasil
Authors: Zambrano Eileen Rocío Niño , Oliveira Olívia Maria Cordeiro de , Ribeiro Hélio Jorge Portugal Severiano
Published: November 2017

A descoberta de gás natural em depósitos siliciclásticos da Bacia do Parnaíba impulsionou novas pesquisas no intuito de entender o sistema petrolífero, caracterizar intervalos de rocha com potencial gerador de hidrocarbonetos, bem como melhorar a caracterização paleoambiental. Visto que a deposição da principal rocha geradora na Bacia do Parnaíba, a Formação Pimenteiras, ocorreu durante o Devoniano, associada a um evento anóxico global no Frasniano, amostras de folhelhos devonianos foram coletadas em afloramentos da Formação Pimenteiras e analisadas por meio das técnicas geoquímicas de carbono orgânico total, enxofre total, pirólise Rock Eval e isótopos estáveis de carbono. Os resultados obtidos das análises nas 27 amostras de rocha geradora coletadas indicaram que 67% das amostras possuem o teor de carbono orgânico total mínimo requerido para gerar hidrocarbonetos. Cerca de 77% das amostras apresentaram potencial para gerar gás, enquanto os percentuais restantes são os correspondentes às amostras com potencial de gerar óleo ou gás. A temperatura máxima de pirólise sugere imaturidade termal das amostras. A correlação dos dados geoquímicos permitiu reconhecer indícios das variações no paleoambiente deposicional dos afloramentos estudados, provavelmente por inundações marinhas.
Effect of Sacubitril/Valsartan on Exercise-Induced Lipid Metabolism in Patients With Obesity and Hypertension
Authors: Engeli Stefan , Stinkens Rudi , Heise Tim , May Marcus , Goossens Gijs H. , Blaak Ellen E. , Havekes Bas , Jax Thomas , Albrecht Diego , Pal Parasar , Tegtbur Uwe , Haufe Sven , Langenickel Thomas H. , Jordan Jens
Published: November 2017

Sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696), a novel angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor, was recently approved for the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Neprilysin degrades several peptides that modulate lipid metabolism, including natriuretic peptides. In this study, we investigated the effects of 8 weeks’ treatment with sacubitril/valsartan on whole-body and adipose tissue lipolysis and lipid oxidation during defined physical exercise compared with the metabolically neutral comparator amlodipine. This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, parallel-group study enrolling subjects with abdominal obesity and moderate hypertension (mean sitting systolic blood pressure ≥130–180 mm Hg). Lipolysis during rest and exercise was assessed by microdialysis and [1,1,2,3,3-
2
H]-glycerol tracer kinetics. Energy expenditure and substrate oxidation were measured simultaneously using indirect calorimetry. Plasma nonesterified fatty acids, glycerol, insulin, glucose, adrenaline and noradrenaline concentrations, blood pressure, and heart rate were also determined. Exercise elevated plasma glycerol, free fatty acids, and interstitial glycerol concentrations and increased the rate of glycerol appearance. However, exercise-induced stimulation of lipolysis was not augmented on sacubitril/valsartan treatment compared with amlodipine treatment. Furthermore, sacubitril/valsartan did not alter energy expenditure and substrate oxidation during exercise compared with amlodipine treatment. In conclusion, sacubitril/valsartan treatment for 8 weeks did not elicit clinically relevant changes in exercise-induced lipolysis or substrate oxidation in obese patients with hypertension, implying that its beneficial cardiovascular effects cannot be explained by changes in lipid metabolism during exercise.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01631864.
Herminium motuoensis sp. nov. (Orchidaceae, Orchidoideae), a new species from Tibet, China
Authors: WANG CHENG-WANG , YANG BO-YUN , JIN XIAO-HUA
Published: November 2017

Herminium motuoensis (Orchidaceae, Orchidoideae), a new species from Tibet, China, is described and illustrated. Herminium motuoensis belongs to Herminium sect. Thisbe and is similar to H. coiloglossum, H. fallax and H. ophioglossoides, but it can be distinguished from latter in having rachis laxly few flowered, lip broadly ovate, with a large callus at base and lateral triangular pugioniform.
An updated checklist of Echinoderms from Indian waters
Authors: SAMUEL VIJAY KUMAR DEEPAK , KRISHNAN PANDIAN , SREERAJ CHEMMENCHERI RAMAKRISHNAN , CHAMUNDEESWARI KANAGARAJ , PARTHIBAN CHERMAPANDI , SEKAR VEERAMUTHU , PATRO SHESDEV , SARAVANAN RAJU , ABHILASH KOTTARATHIL RAJENDRAN , RAMACHANDRAN PURVAJA , RAMESH RAMACHANDRAN
Published: November 2017

Species checklists enlist the species available within the defined geographical region and thus serve as essential input for developing conservation and management strategies. The fields of conservation biology and ecology confront the challenge of inflated biodiversity, attributed to non-recognition of taxonomic inconsistencies such as synonyms, alternate representation, emendations etc. Critical review of the checklists and distributional records of Phylum Echinodermata from Indian waters and subsequent validation of species names with World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) database, revealed that the current literature included 236 incorrect entries comprising of 162 synonyms, 15 emendations, 5 nomina dubia, 1 nomen nudum, 40 species under alternate representation, 9 species with author misnomer, 1 subspecies and 1 unaccepted. The 226 species found to be mixed with valid names and a revised checklist was prepared. The revised and updated checklist holds 741 species of echinoderms comprising of 182 asteroids (24.56%), 70 crinoids (9.45%), 138 echinoids (18.62%), 179 holothuroids (24.16%) and 172 ophiuroids (23.21%), placed under 28 orders and 107 families. This paper discusses the cause for taxonomic inflation and argues that such taxonomic inconsistencies alter our interpretations of a species including its inaccurate distribution and, could possibly impede the country’s conservation and management efforts.
European species of the aphid genus Eulachnus Del Guercio, 1909 (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Lachninae): revision and molecular phylogeny
Authors: KANTURSKI MARIUSZ , KAJTOCH ŁUKASZ , WIECZOREK KARINA
Published: November 2017

The aphid genus Eulachnus in Europe is revised to include 12 species, using an integrative taxonomy approach, based on morphometric, molecular and biological traits. Fundatrix, apterous and alate viviparous female of a new species–Eulachnus stekolshchikovi Kanturski sp. nov. are described. Neotypes are designated for E. agilis, E. brevipilosus and E. nigricola. Lectotypes are designated for E. alticola, E. cembrae, E. rileyi and E. tuberculostemmatus. New synonyms are proposed: E. abameleki syn. nov. (= Cinara pini), E. cretaceus syn. nov. (= E. agilis), E. tauricus syn. nov. (= E. rileyi), E. pallidus syn. nov. (= E. tuberculostemmatus). Eulachnus mingazzinii (near Cinara piniphila) and E. nigrofasciatus (near C. brauni) are regarded as incertae sedis. Full species status is given for E. garganicus stat. nov. and E. ibericus stat. nov. Apterous viviparous female of E. cembrae; apterous and alate viviparous females of remaining species are redescribed. Sexual morphs of E. agilis, E. alticola, E. cembrae, E. intermedius, E. nigricola, E. rileyi and oviparous female of E. tuberculostemmatus are fully redescribed and figured for the first time. Fundatrices of E. agilis, E. brevipilosus, E. cembrae, E. rileyi and E. tuberculostemmatus, sexuales of E. brevipilosus and the alate male of E. tuberculostemmatus are described and figured. A new host plant–Pinus cembra for E. brevipilosus is reported, and this species is recorded for the first time from Czech Republic. Eulachnus tuberculostemmatus is reported for the first time from Croatia. Phylogenetic studies, based on the COI and ITS2 molecular markers, are provided to visualize and discuss the relationships within the European species. COI barcodes are provided for seven species.
Global Precipitation Trends across Spatial Scales Using Satellite Observations
Authors: Nguyen Phu , Thorstensen Andrea , Sorooshian Soroosh , Hsu Kuolin , Aghakouchak Amir , Ashouri Hamed , Tran Hoang , Braithwaite Dan
Published: November 2017

Little dispute surrounds the observed global temperature changes over the past decades. As a result, there is widespread agreement that a corresponding response in the global hydrologic cycle must exist. However, exactly how such a response manifests remains unsettled. Here we use a unique recently developed long-term satellite-based record to assess changes in precipitation across spatial scales. We show that warm climate regions exhibit decreasing precipitation trends, while arid and polar climate regions show increasing trends. At the country scale, precipitation seems to have increased in 96 countries, and decreased in 104. We also explore precipitation changes over 237 global major basins. Our results show opposing trends at different scales, highlighting the importance of spatial scale in trend analysis. Furthermore, while the increasing global temperature trend is apparent in observations, the same cannot be said for the global precipitation trend according to the high-resolution dataset, PERSIANN-CDR, used in this study.
Variations of the Mid-Pacific Trough and Their Relations to the Asian–Pacific–North American Climate: Roles of Tropical Sea Surface Temperature and Arctic Sea Ice
Authors: Deng Kaiqiang , Yang Song , Ting Mingfang , Hu Chundi , Lu Mengmeng
Published: November 2017

The mid-Pacific trough (MPT), occurring in the upper troposphere during boreal summer, acts as an atmospheric bridge connecting the climate variations over Asia, the Pacific, and North America. The first (second) mode of empirical orthogonal function analysis of the MPT, which accounts for 20.3% (13.4%) of the total variance, reflects a change in its intensity on the southwestern (northeastern) portion of the trough. Both modes are significantly correlated with the variability of tropical Pacific sea surface temperature (SST). Moreover, the first mode is affected by Atlantic SST via planetary waves that originate from the North Atlantic and propagate eastward across the Eurasian continent, and the second mode is influenced by the Arctic sea ice near the Bering Strait by triggering an equatorward wave train over the northeast Pacific.

A stronger MPT shown in the first mode is significantly linked to drier and warmer conditions in the Yangtze River basin, southern Japan, and the northern United States and wetter conditions in South Asia and northern China, while a stronger MPT shown in the second mode is associated with a drier and warmer southwestern United States. In addition, an intensified MPT (no matter whether in the southwestern or the northeastern portion) corresponds to more tropical cyclones (TCs) over the western North Pacific (WNP) and fewer TCs over the eastern Pacific (EP) in summer, which is associated with the MPT-induced ascending and descending motions over the WNP and the EP, respectively.
Development of a One-Month-Long, Westward-Propagating Subtropical Low in Boreal Summer
Authors: Molinari John , Vollaro David
Published: November 2017

A strong MJO event produced an upper-tropospheric jet streak in northeast Asia and repeated wave breaking in the jet exit region along 150°E during July 1988. A midlatitude low moved equatorward and intensified in the presence of bandpass-filtered (15–100 day) Q vector forcing for upward motion associated with the wave breaking. This forced ascent helped to moisten the atmosphere enough to increase the column water vapor to above 55 mm. This value was sufficiently large to support a self-sustaining low even after the upper forcing weakened. The horizontal scale of the Q vector forcing was about 1500 km, consistent with the scale of most favorable convective response to quasigeostrophic forcing in the subtropics described by Nie and Sobel. The low lasted one month as it moved southwestward, then westward, while remaining north of 20°N. Maximum precipitation along the track of the low exceeded 700 mm, with an anomaly more than 400 mm. A climatology of long-lasting lows was carried out for the monsoon gyre cases studied previously. During El Niño, long-lasting lows often began near the equator in the central Pacific, and were likely to have a mixed Rossby–gravity wave or equatorial Rossby wave structure. It is speculated that the quasi-biweekly mode, the submonthly oscillation, the 20–25-day mode, and the Pacific–Japan pattern are each variations on this kind of event. During La Niña, long-lasting lows that originated in midlatitudes were more common. It is argued that these lows from midlatitudes represent a unique disturbance type in boreal summer.
Field Expansion and Contraction: How Communities Shape Social and Symbolic Boundaries
Authors: Grodal Stine
Published: November 2017

To investigate how participants shape a field’s social and symbolic boundaries over time, I conducted an in-depth longitudinal study of five core and peripheral communities in the emerging nanotechnology field from the early 1980s to 2005. I show that core communities—futurists and government officials—initially expanded both social and symbolic boundaries to increase the field’s monetary and cultural resources, yet later they reversed course and contracted the field’s boundaries. I explain this shift by showing how an increase in resources enticed peripheral communities (service providers, entrepreneurs, and scientists) to claim membership in the field. Such claims created a self-reinforcing cycle—some peripheral communities enlarged the symbolic boundary of the field to grow the field, but this social and symbolic expansion threatened the identity of core communities and their ability to access resources. Core communities thus attempted to restrict the symbolic boundary and use this narrow definition to police membership claims by peripheral communities aiming to access the field’s resources. I develop a theoretical model of how debate over a field’s identity and resources shapes its social and symbolic boundaries. I show how different communities strategically manipulate field boundaries depending on their identification with the field. Core communities seek to keep the social and the symbolic boundaries aligned, while peripheral communities that identify only weakly with the field pursue their self-interested actions irrespective of whether these actions misalign the social and symbolic boundaries.
Carotid–Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity in the Prediction of Cardiovascular Events and Mortality: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhong Qi , Hu Ming-Jun , Cui Yan-Jie , Liang Ling , Zhou Meng-Meng , Yang Yu-Wei , Huang Fen
Published: November 2017

Arterial stiffness (AS) is a predictor of coronary artery outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) is a commonly used method for assessing AS. This study aimed to assess the relationship between cf-PWV and clinical CVD events. Of the 786 studies identified, 19 studies were included in the final meta-analysis. Meta-analysis revealed that participants with high cf-PWV by 1 standard deviation (SD), 1 m/s, and cutoff points have a high pooled relative risk for CVD events (1 SD: 1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19-1.31; 1 m/s: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.07-1.18; and cutoff points: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.45-2.14) and CVD mortality (1 SD: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.15-1.31; 1 m/s: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.04-1.14; and cutoff points: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.46-2.24). In addition, we found that the predictive value of increased AS was higher in patients with higher disease risk for total CVD events and CVD mortality than in other patients. Carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity is a useful biomarker to improve the prediction of CV risk for patients and identify high-risk populations who may benefit from aggressive CV risk factor management.
The Editor’s Note
Authors: Richardson Joan
Published: November 2017

When the president of the United States is repeatedly revealed to be lying, teachers face a new challenge in their classrooms as they try to teach students how to separate fact from fiction. Knowing how to identify factual information is an essential part of critically examining controversial topics. In addition, the author suggests that teachers prepare students to defend their findings and their conclusions.
Controversial issues in the science classroom
Authors: Owens David C. , Sadler Troy D. , Zeidler Dana L.
Published: November 2017

As the partisan divide becomes more toxic to civil discourse, the role of science in that conversation also suffers from collateral damage, becoming suspect at best, and marginalized at worse, in terms of its contribution to resolving issues rooted in science having national and global significance. The authors suggest ameliorating that damage by using a socioscientific issues framework. The framework enables students to explore contentious, ill-defined problems that have conceptual ties to science but cannot be resolved by science alone. With the framework, students are presented with opportunities to wrestle with scientific ideas and oppositional perspectives tempered with human.
From partisanship to pluralism
Authors: Sussman Daniel
Published: November 2017

Educators must prepare students to live with the perpetual discomfort of difference. That includes teaching them how to respectfully listen to others’ views, especially when those views are in opposition to their own. Borrowing from protocols used in a professional Critical Friends Group, a teacher at a private Quaker school designed a discussion protocol to guide such classroom discussions among teenagers.
Top 10 reasons students plagiarize & what teachers can do about it (with apologies to David Letterman)
Authors: Cleary Michelle Navarre
Published: November 2017

Students may be tempted to plagiarism for many reasons. The author lists 10 possible reasons and suggests strategies that teachers can use to prevent students from plagiarizing.
Leadership
Authors: Starr Joshua P.
Published: November 2017

In the conclusion to her 2014 book The Teacher Wars, the journalist Dana Goldstein offers 11 recommendations for increasing the professional status of teachers in the U.S. Her suggestions — such as increasing teacher pay, supporting professional learning communities, and encouraging teachers to observe each other in the classroom — offer excellent starting points for high-level policy debates, says Joshua P. Starr. From the perspective of a local school superintendent, however, each of these ideas needs some refinement.
Truth matters
Authors: Reznitskaya Alina , Wilkinson Ian A.G.
Published: November 2017

Learning how to formulate, comprehend, and evaluate arguments is an essential part of helping students develop the ability to make better, more reasonable judgments. The Common Core identified argumentation as a fundamental life skill that is broadly important for the literate person. According to the authors, having students engage in an inquiry dialogue oriented toward finding the most reasonable answer is key to developing the skills of argumentation. Inquiry dialogue starts with a contestable, big question that is relevant to student interests and addresses a central issue raised in a text. Such questions invite students to take part in a genuine quest for truth and allow them to develop more reasonable and personally meaningful judgments. Inquiry dialogue is neither teacher-centered nor student-centered; rather, it is truth-centered. In a recent three-year project, the authors worked with elementary school teachers to learn how to support the use of such dialogue-intensive instruction in language arts classrooms.
The complicated pursuit of democratic teaching
Authors: Gibbs Brian
Published: November 2017

This article describes one secondary social studies teacher’s attempts to build a pedagogically democratic classroom. The teacher designs curriculum around large essential questions, connects content to the present lives of students, and creates space for students to make their own decisions and choices. The teacher is convinced that she has created a strong democratic space. Upon closer inspection, when given a choice, students consistently chose gender and ethnic alike teams. This raised difficult and complicated questions about what a democratic classroom is. The author concludes that issues of gender, race, and student reflection upon their choices about gender and race have to be a strongly and well-embedded part of democratic teaching.
Washington View
Authors: Ferguson Maria
Published: November 2017

Evidence in all its forms is a vitally important part of policy making. During tumultuous political times, evidence becomes even more important. But during the Trump administration, there’s little reason to believe that supporting the search for credible evidence will be valued. However, that leaves an opening for states to invest in developing evidence and an opportunity for everyone to dig into the troves of existing evidence about what’s known to work in schools.
Under the Law
Authors: Underwood Julie
Published: November 2017

Teachers face particular challenges when they are teaching about political or controversial topics in classrooms. They must navigate a narrow passage between delivering the curriculum, providing information, and sharing their own personal views. Teachers must be sure they are delivering the curriculum as required by their local board of education, abiding by board regulations regarding content and delivery. In addition, they must deliver the curriculum without attempting to indoctrinate students with their own personal beliefs, particularly on religious, political, and controversial topics.
Backtalk
Authors: Suárez-Orozco Marcelo , Suárez-Orozco Carola , Strom Adam
Published: November 2017

A survey of immigrant children in the U.S. revealed just how often they hear prejudiced and hateful comments about them and their countries of origin. The authors urge educators to be aware of the prevalence of anti-immigrant rhetoric and respond by ensuring that their classrooms operate with basic ground rules that include empathy, respect for all students, and a willingness to listen to one another.
Leveraging Their Family Capital: How Latino Males Successfully Navigate the Community College
Authors: Sáenz Victor B. , García-Louis Claudia , Drake Anna Peterson , Guida Tonia
Published: November 2017

Objective: The purpose of this study is to apply Yosso’s community cultural wealth framework to the experiences of Latino male community college students to understand how they balance family obligations, work, and academics while also navigating their educational pathways. Method: The research team conducted 23 semistructured focus groups with 130 Latino male students enrolled full- and part-time at seven distinct community colleges in Texas. Results: Findings reveal the important role family members play in the educational pathway of Latino males who relied heavily on familismo and familial capital as a source of support as they matriculated through the community college environment. Despite entering the community college with multiple sources of community cultural wealth, Latino males had a difficult time navigating their educational experiences due to their first in family, first-generation status, and their apprehension around help-seeking . Contributions: Despite the multiple roles and responsibilities Latino males hold within their family units, they do not pose limitations on their educational pathways; rather, these family relationships motivate Latino males and provide them with support that strengthens their aspirations to persist onto graduation.
A Method for Gray-Scale Imaging of Blood Flow Using High-Frequency Ultrasound
Authors: Yang Jun , Pang Chao , Song Xue-Dong , Gao Xuan
Published: November 2017

This paper presents a new method that complements current techniques available in the high-frequency blood imaging field. A comprehensive scattering model was established to determine the feasibility and frequency range of the blood flow imaging of superficial organs and tissues using high-frequency ultrasound. The transmitting and receiving modes and an algorithm were designed to obtain blood flow information based on differentiation between tissues and blood flow. The system was created and tested first with a model that simulates blood flow and was then used on human tissue. A fine-scale image of a blood vessel could be obtained with this system. Moreover, this method can obtain weak blood flow signal using single pulse rather than the traditional pulse-code method and maintains a high resolution that can be matched to high-frequency structural imaging. This study provides a reliable method for further applications related to diagnoses of superficial organs.
Does democratization lower consumer prices? Regime type, prices, and the consumer–producer tradeoff
Authors: Baker Andy , Wojcik Stefan
Published: November 2017

The booming literature on the consequences of democratization for material welfare has produced no findings on the relationship between regime type and relative consumer prices. The literature largely shows that democracies favor masses over elites, generating the expectation that democratization should lower consumer prices. Yet it also finds that democratization boosts economic growth, an outcome that is partially contingent on making consumer goods expensive relative to capital goods. We argue that democratization lowers relative consumer prices since politicians under democracy can more effectively chase votes by satisfying consumers’ demands for the immediate payoff of lower prices. Our statistical analysis of 160-plus countries over 60 years shows that democratization raises consumer advantage, which is the consumer price level relative to the price level of capital goods. We also provide evidence of the policy levers that democratizing countries have used to achieve this effect.