bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On a delay ratio-dependent predator–prey system with feedback controls and shelter for the prey
Authors: Wang Changyou , Li Linrui , Zhou Yuqian , Li Rui
Published: September 2018

In this paper, a class of three-species multi-delay Lotka–Volterra ratio-dependent predator–prey model with feedback controls and shelter for the prey is considered. A set of easily verifiable sufficient conditions which guarantees the permanence of the system and the global attractivity of positive solution for the predator–prey system are established by developing some new analysis methods and using the theory of differential inequalities as well as constructing a suitable Lyapunov function. Furthermore, some conditions for the existence, uniqueness and stability of positive periodic solution for the corresponding periodic system are obtained by using the fixed point theory and some new analysis techniques. In addition, some numerical solutions of the equations describing the system are given to show that the obtained criteria are new, general, and easily verifiable. Finally, we still solve numerically the corresponding stochastic predator–prey models with multiplicative noise sources, and obtain some new interesting dynamical behaviors of the system. At the same time, the influence of the delays and shelters on the dynamics behavior of the system is also considered by solving numerically the predator–prey models.
The Outer Membrane Took Center Stage
Authors: Braun Volkmar
Published: September 2018

My interest in membranes was piqued during a lecture series given by one of the founders of molecular biology, Max Delbrück, at Caltech, where I spent a postdoctoral year to learn more about protein chemistry. That general interest was further refined to my ultimate research focal point—the outer membrane of Escherichia coli—through the influence of the work of Wolfhard Weidel, who discovered the murein (peptidoglycan) layer and biochemically characterized the first phage receptors of this bacterium. The discovery of lipoprotein bound to murein was completely unexpected and demonstrated that the protein composition of the outer membrane and the structure and function of proteins could be unraveled at a time when nothing was known about outer membrane proteins. The research of my laboratory over the years covered energy-dependent import of proteinaceous toxins and iron chelates across the outer membrane, which does not contain an energy source, and gene regulation by iron, including transmembrane transcriptional regulation.
Pneumococcal Vaccines: Host Interactions, Population Dynamics, and Design Principles
Authors: Croucher Nicholas J. , Løchen Alessandra , Bentley Stephen D.
Published: September 2018

Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) is a nasopharyngeal commensal and respiratory pathogen. Most isolates express a capsule, the species-wide diversity of which has been immunologically classified into ∼100 serotypes. Capsule polysaccharides have been combined into multivalent vaccines widely used in adults, but the T cell independence of the antibody response means they are not protective in infants. Polysaccharide conjugate vaccines (PCVs) trigger a T cell–dependent response through attaching a carrier protein to capsular polysaccharides. The immune response stimulated by PCVs in infants inhibits carriage of vaccine serotypes (VTs), resulting in population-wide herd immunity. These were replaced in carriage by non-VTs. Nevertheless, PCVs drove reductions in infant pneumococcal disease, due to the lower mean invasiveness of the postvaccination bacterial population; age-varying serotype invasiveness resulted in a smaller reduction in adult disease. Alternative vaccines being tested in trials are designed to provide species-wide protection through stimulating innate and cellular immune responses, alongside antibodies to conserved antigens.
The Genetic Landscape and Clonal Evolution of Breast Cancer Resistance to Palbociclib plus Fulvestrant in the PALOMA-3 Trial
Authors: O'Leary Ben , Cutts Rosalind J. , Liu Yuan , Hrebien Sarah , Huang Xin , Fenwick Kerry , André Fabrice , Loibl Sibylle , Loi Sherene , Garcia-Murillas Isaac , Cristofanilli Massimo , Huang Bartlett Cynthia , Turner Nicholas C.
Published: September 2018

CDK4/6 inhibition with endocrine therapy is now a standard of care for advanced estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer. Mechanisms of CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance have been described preclinically, with limited evidence from clinical samples. We conducted paired baseline and end-of-treatment circulating tumor DNA sequencing from 195 patients in the PALOMA-3 randomized phase III trial of palbociclib plus fulvestrant versus placebo plus fulvestrant. We show that clonal evolution occurs frequently during treatment, reflecting substantial subclonal complexity in breast cancer that has progressed after prior endocrine therapy. RB1 mutations emerged only in the palbociclib plus fulvestrant arm and in a minority of patients (6/127, 4.7%, P = 0.041). New driver mutations emerged in PIK3CA (P = 0.00069) and ESR1 after treatment in both arms, in particular ESR1 Y537S (P = 0.0037). Evolution of driver gene mutations was uncommon in patients progressing early on palbociclib plus fulvestrant but common in patients progressing later on treatment. These findings inform future treatment strategies to address resistance to palbociclib plus fulvestrant.

Significance: Acquired mutations from fulvestrant are a major driver of resistance to fulvestrant and palbociclib combination therapy. ESR1 Y537S mutation promotes resistance to fulvestrant. Clonal evolution results in frequent acquisition of driver mutations in patients progressing late on therapy, which suggests that early and late progression have distinct mechanisms of resistance. Cancer Discov; 8(11); 1390–403. ©2018 AACR.

See related commentary by Schiff and Jeselsohn, p. 1352.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1333
Temporal Regulation of Glomerular and Cortical Tubulointerstitial Genes Involved in the Development of Nephrotoxic Serum Nephritis
Authors: Ougaard Maria E. , Sembach Frederikke E. , Kvist Peter H. , Tonnesen Morten , Frederiksen Klaus S. , Egfjord Martin , Jensen Henrik E. , Galsgaard Elisabeth D.
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims: Murine nephrotoxic nephritis (NTN) is a well-established model resembling chronic kidney disease. Investigating gene expression patterns separately in the glomerular and cortical tubulointerstitial structure could provide new knowledge about structure-specific changes in expression of genes in the NTN model. Methods: Glomerular, cortical tubulointerstitial and whole kidney tissues from mice subjected to nephrotoxic serum (NTS) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) were collected on day 7, 21 and 42 using laser microdissection (LMD). Total RNA was extracted and subjected to nCounter NanoString. Histology, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and/or quantitative real time PCR (qRT PCR) were performed to confirm regulation of selected genes. Results: LMD provided detailed information about genes that were regulated differently between structures over time. Some of the fibrotic and inflammatory genes (Col1a1, Col3a1 and Ccl2) were upregulated in both structures, whereas other genes such as Spp1 and Grem1 were differentially regulated suggesting spatial pathogenic mechanisms in the kidney. Downregulation of cortical tubulointerstitium genes involved in iron metabolism was detected along with iron accumulation. Conclusion: This study demonstrates several regulated genes in pathways important for the pathogenesis of the NTN model and that LMD identifies structure-specific changes in gene expression during disease development. Furthermore, this study shows the benefits of isolating glomeruli and cortical tubulointerstitium in order to identify gene regulation.
Levels of Proinflammatory Cytokines, Oxidative Stress, and Tissue Damage Markers in Patients with Acute Heart Failure with and without Cardiorenal Syndrome Type 1
Authors: Virzì Grazia Maria , Breglia Andrea , Brocca Alessandra , de Cal Massimo , Bolin Chiara , Vescovo Giorgio , Ronco Claudio
Published: September 2018

Background: Cardiorenal syndrome type 1 (CRS type 1) is characterized by a rapid worsening of cardiac function leading to acute kidney injury (AKI). Inflammation and oxidative stress seem to play a pivotal role in its pathophysiology. In this in vivo study, we examined the putative role of inflammation and humoral markers in the pathogenesis of the CRS type 1. Methods: We enrolled 53 patients with acute heart failure (AHF); 17 of them developed AKI (CRS type 1). The cause of AKI was presumed to be related to cardiac dysfunction after having excluded other causes. We assessed the plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-18, sICAM, RANTES, GMCSF), oxidative stress marker (myeloperoxidase, MPO), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in AHF and CRS type 1 patients. Results: We observed a significant increase in IL-6, IL-18, and MPO levels in CRS type 1 group compared to AHF (p < 0.001). We found higher NGAL at admission in the CRS type 1 group compared to the AHF group (p = 0.008) and a positive correlation between NGAL and IL-6 (Spearman’s rho = 0.45, p = 0.003) and between IL-6 and BNP (Spearman’s rho = 0.43, p = 0.004). We observed lower hemoglobin levels in CRS type 1 patients compared to AHF patients (p < 0.05) and inverse correlation between hemoglobin and cytokines (IL-6: Spearman’s rho = –0.38, p = 0.005; IL-18: Spearman’s rho = –0.32, p = 0.02). Conclusion: Patients affected by CRS type 1 present increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers, increased levels of tissue damage markers, and lower hemoglobin levels. All these factors may be implicated in the pathophysiology of CRS type 1 syndrome.
The Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor Pentoxifylline as a Novel Adjunct to Antidepressants in Major Depressive Disorder Patients: A Proof-of-Concept, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: El-Haggar Sahar Mohamed , Eissa Mai AbdelRaouf , Mostafa Tarek Mohammed , El-Attar Khaled Sabry , Abdallah Mahmoud Samy
Published: September 2018

Background: There is evidence for an association between major depressive disorder (MDD) and both inflammatory and phosphodiesterase (PDE) pathways. This study aimed to evaluate the adjunct role of the PDE inhibitor pentoxifylline (PTX), a compound with anti-inflammatory properties, in the treatment of adult patients with MDD. Methods: This was a prospective, 12-week, double-blind study of parallel groups. Eighty adult outpatients who met the DSM-IV criteria for MDD participated in the trial. Patients were required to have a baseline Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) score of at least 18. Patients were allocated randomly: 40 received escitalopram 20 mg/day plus placebo while the other 40 received escitalopram 20 mg/day plus PTX (400 mg b.i.d.). Patients were assessed by a psychiatrist at baseline, and 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the medication had been started. The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, BDNF, 8-OHdG, and serotonin were measured at baseline and after therapy. Results: After 8 and 12 weeks, the PTX group showed a statistically significantly greater improvement in HAM-D score compared to the control group (least squares mean difference [LSMD] –3.29, p = 0.000 and LSMD –3.49, p = 0.000, respectively). Moreover, the PTX group showed a statistically significantly greater reduction in the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and 8-OHdG along with a statistically significant increase in the levels of BDNF and serotonin in comparison with the control group after the treatment. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that PTX could be a promising adjunct to antidepressants in the treatment of MDD patients.
Jargonaphasia: A Systematic Overview and Characterization in Primary Progressive Aphasia
Authors: Morin Alexandre , Teichmann Marc
Published: September 2018

This study provides a literature-based overview of jargonaphasia in primary progressive aphasias (PPA) exploring its occurrence, phenotypes, and anatomical underpinnings, while adding 2 novel cases with prototypical jargon. We report 26 jargonaphasia cases, initially diagnosed with semantic or logopenic PPA, resulting in semantic or phonological jargon, respectively. Brain damage in literature and our cases encompassed superior temporal cortices involved in language monitoring, the temporal-parietal junction for phonological jargon and temporal poles for semantic jargon. Our findings show that jargonaphasia is an infrequent language feature in PPA, comprises exclusively semantic and phonological jargon related to semantic and logopenic PPA, whereas no syntactic jargon case was identified in nonfluent/agrammatic PPA. Our outcomes allow for classifying jargonaphasic patients within the spectrum of PPA variants, thus providing indicators of the underlying neuropathology.
Immunophenotypes of Ductal Epithelial Cells in Advanced Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhou Rui , Xu Xiaoxiao , Liu Meizhen , Wu Xinmou , Li Rong
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims: In this report, we aimed to investigate the distribution and characterization of biomarker-immunolabeled ductal epithelium in advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Design: Eighteen patients with PDAC were medically diagnosed prior to being treated periodically. All clinical records were collected and assayed. The PDAC samples were subjected to routine biochemical tests and immuno-stains of immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Results: As results, immunohistochemical findings indicated pancreatic ductal cells in PDAC showed plenty of Ki-67, P53, RP, SAM positive cells expressed in nuclei. In addition, ductal epithelial cells exhibited numerous positive cells of CK7, 18, 19, 20 biomarkers, respectively. Interestingly, compared to non-PDAC controls, immunostaining results showed that endocrine hormones were positively expressed in pancreatic ducts of PDAC, characterized with increased insulin-, Ngn3-, PDX1-fluorescence-labeled cells, and reduced F-box and WD-40 domain protein 7 (Fbxw7)-labeled cells in ducts. Conclusion: These clinicopathologic findings preliminarily disclose that there may be a potential for insulin-producing cells in PDAC, possibly through negatively inducing Fbxw7 ubiquitination in pancreatic ducts.
Endpoints for Clinical Trials of Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Palevsky Paul M.
Published: September 2018

Background: The selection of appropriate endpoints is critical to the success of any clinical trial. Endpoints need to be precisely defined and need to provide an appropriate balance between sensitivity for detection of the effects of the intervention of interest and specificity for the outcome of interest. Summary: In acute kidney injury (AKI), the 2 most common endpoints utilized either rely on small, short-term changes in serum creatinine or are a composite of longer term major adverse kidney events, including death, need for dialysis, and a persistent decline in kidney function. Key messages: Numerous issues affecting the potential utility of these endpoints are discussed that need to be carefully considered when selecting appropriate endpoints in the design of AKI trials.
Panax Quinquefolium Saponins Attenuate Myocardial Dysfunction Induced by Chronic Ischemia
Authors: Guo Ming , Liu Jiangang , Guo Feifei , Shi Junhe , Wang Chenglong , Bible Paul W. , Yang Minfu , Tian Yi , Wei Lai , Wang Peili , Shi Dazhuo
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims: Previous studies in rat models of myocardial ischemia showed that Panax quinquefolium saponins (PQS) could attenuate ischemic/reperfusion injury, increase vessel density and improve cardiac function. In the current study, we examined whether PQS could attenuate myocardial dysfunction in a swine model of chronic myocardial ischemia (CMI). Methods: CMI was established in Bama mini-pigs by placing amroid constrictor on the left anterior descending artery (LAD). Starting from 2 months after the surgery, pigs randomly received PQS (30 mg/kg/day), atorvastatin (1.5 mg/kg/day), or no drug for one month (n=6). A group of pigs receiving sham surgery was included as an additional control. Glucose utilization was assessed with positron emission tomography-computer tomography (PET-CT). Cardiac function was assessed with echocardiography. Myocyte size, nuclear density, and arteriolar density were examined in tissue section obtained from the ischemia area. Potential molecular targets of PQS were identified using proteomic analysis with isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTARQ) and network pharmacology. Results: In comparison to the sham controls, pigs implanted with ameroid constrictor had decreased ventricular wall motion, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and glucose utilization. PQS significantly increased cardiac function and glucose utilization. Arteriole density and myocyte nuclear density were increased. Myocyte diameter was decreased. PQS also attenuated the CMI-induced change of protein expression profile. The effects of atorvastatin were generally similar to that of PQS. However, PQS attenuated the reduction of left ventricular systolic WT induced by CMI more robustly than atorvastatin. Conclusion: The results from the current study supports the use of PQS in patients with coronary artery disease.
Association Between the Deletion Allele of Ins/Del Polymorphism (Rs145204276) in the Promoter Region of GAS5 with the Risk of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Shen Zheng , She Qiang
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims: LncRNA is a growth arrest-specific transcript 5 (GAS5) with tumor suppressor activities in some cancers, but its role in atherosclerosis is unclear. Methods: Bioinformatics algorithm analysis was utilized to search the target of GAS5 and miR-21, followed by luciferase assay to confirm these targets. Real-time PCR and western-blot were utilized to verify the connection among GAS5, miR-21 and Programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4). MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis were performed to explore the mechanism of GAS5 in the regulation of atherosclerosis. Results: GAS5 directly targets miR-21 and functions as a competing endogenous RNA to suppress miR-21 expression. We also observed that rs145204276 polymorphism, including INS/INS and DEL/DEL, on GAS5 promoter increased transcription activity of GAS5, but the presence of rs145204276 DEL/DEL allele significantly promoted the transcription of GAS5 promoter compared with rs145204276 INS/INS allele. PDCD4 was predicted as a direct target gene of miR-21 with a binding site on PDCD4 3’UTR. It was further confirmed by luciferase assay that miR-21 significantly reduced the luciferase activity of wild-type PDCD4 3’UTR but not that of mutant PDCD4 3’UTR. In addition, high glucose significantly inhibited the growth rate of EC genotyped as DEL/DEL or INS/ INS, and apparently promoted the apoptotic rate of either DEL/DEL or INS/INS genotype ECs. Furthermore, the effect of high glucose was stronger in the INS/INS group, while the expression of GAS5 was dramatically upregulated with the presence of GAS5 DEL/DEL, while GAS5 positively regulated PDCD4 expression via inhibiting miR-21 expression. GAS5 siRNA and miR-21 mimics significantly decreased GAS5 and PDCD4 expressions, and the inhibitory effects of GAS5 siRNA or miR-21 mimics on GAS5 and PDCD4 expressions in the INS/INS group was stronger. Moreover, GAS5 siRNA and miR-21 mimics remarkably triggered cells proliferation and suppressed cell apoptosis, and the inhibition effects of GAS5 siRNA or miR-21 mimics on either cell viability and apoptosis in the INS/INS group was stronger. In this study, we enrolled 1,306 subjects with or without atherosclerosis and found that the INS/DEL or DEL/DEL genotypes significantly decreased the risk of atherosclerosis compared with the ins/ins genotype (adjusted odds ratio: 0.74 and 0.40, respectively). Conclusion: In summary, rs145204276 was associated with the risk of atherosclerosis by affecting the proliferation and apoptosis of endothelial cells via regulating the GAS5/miR-21/PDCD4 signaling pathway.
miR-26a/HOXC9 Dysregulation Promotes Metastasis and Stem Cell-Like Phenotype of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Peng Xudong , Kang Qingjie , Wan Rui , Wang Ziwei
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims: Previous studies demonstrated that HOXC9 acts as an oncogene in several tumors. The aim of this study was to explore whether HOXC9 promotes gastric cancer (GC) progression and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: HOXC9 expression in GC tissues and adjacent non-cancer tissues was detected by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. The functional effects of HOXC9 on proliferation, metastasis and stem cell-like phenotype were evaluated by relevant experiments in GC cells. The effect of miR-26a on HOXC9 was investigated by gain- and loss-of-function assays and luciferase reporter assay. Nude mouse models were established to test the effect of miR-26a and HOXC9 on tumorigenesis and metastasis of GC cells in vivo. Results: Herein, we showed that HOXC9 was upregulated in GC tissues and associated with a poor prognosis. HOXC9 knockdown inhibited the metastasis and stem cell-like phenotype of GC cells without significant effects on cell proliferation. In addition, we identifed HOXC9 as a direct target of miR-26a. Restoration of miR-26a in GC cells downregulated HOXC9 and reversed its promoting effect on metastasis and self-renewal, whereas miR-26a silencing upregulated HOXC9. In vivo experiments showed that HOXC9 knockdown suppressed tumorigenesis and lung metastasis of GC cells in nude mice, and these effects were mimicked by restoration of miR-26a. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that HOXC9 promotes the metastasis and stem cell-like phenotype of GC cells, and this phenomenon can be reversed by restoration of miR-26a.
Fazendo cócegas nas tradições
Authors: Dunn Christopher
Published: September 2018

Este artigo investiga o trabalho de Tom Zé em relação à tradição do samba, enfocando principalmente três discos concebidos como “estudos”: Estudando o samba  (1976), Estudando o pagode (2005) e Estudando a bossa (2008). Com base na leitura atenta das letras de algumas canções selecionadas e na análise de aspectos formais  de sua música, este estudo busca compreender as estratégias experimentais que ele empregou para abordar criticamente a tradição da música brasileira. Propomos o termo  “samba disjuntivo” para caracterizar seus experimentos com ritmo, harmonia, poética e performance que combinam inovação musical com crítica social.
Um mapa das relações entre o rap das periferias de São Paulo e o samba
Authors: Garcia Walter
Published: September 2018

O artigo tem por objetivo mapear as relações que o rap produzido na cidade de São Paulo estabeleceu, desde a década de 1990, com o samba. Em perspectiva  interdisciplinar, o mapa apresenta e discute sete pontos: 1) a importância do samba para a formação musical de MCs e DJs; 2) a presença do samba e do rap em bailes  black e, posteriormente, em gravadoras que se originaram de equipes que organizavam estes bailes; 3) a função política e social da música nos momentos de lazer de  bairros periféricos; 4) canções que buscaram fundir rap e samba em suas formas; 5) canções e discos que buscaram justapor rap e samba, o que tornou mais evidentes  as diferenças; 6) conflitos entre o rap e o samba atravessados por questões de etnia, de ideologia, de mercado ou de gênero; 7) a noção de que o pagode e o rap construíram  juntos uma identidade masculina negra periférica.
Entrada dos Palmitos
Authors: Mariano Neusa de Fátima
Published: September 2018

Homenagens festivas ao Espírito Santo têm sido realizadas desde o século XIV, em Portugal, por devoção da Rainha Dona Isabel, e tornaram-se tradição também no  Brasil com o processo de colonização. Em Mogi das Cruzes é possível encontrar no cortejo conhecido como Entrada dos Palmitos alguns aspectos que podem ser  considerados pagãos e que remetem às antigas maias europeias. Há ainda a comensalidade, que traduz tanto a fartura das festas antigas como o sagrado da  religiosidade católica. A análise caminha no sentido de compreender a Festa do Divino como espaço de representação e as manifestações originariamente pagãs que dela emergem, como  resistência do popular, em meio à reivindicação da emancipação da sociedade.
A indisciplina de Fernanda Arêas Peixoto
Authors: Ramassote Rodrigo , Sobral Luís Felipe
Published: September 2018

A publicação de A viagem como vocação, apresentado originalmente em 2012 como tese de livre-docência ao Departamento de Antropologia da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), representa, a um só tempo, uma retomada e um aprofundamento de temas, autores e questões teórico-metodológicas que pontilham a trajetória intelectual  a antropóloga Fernanda Arêas Peixoto. Desde a sua dissertação de mestrado, Estrangeiros no Brasil: a Missão Francesa na Universidade de São Paulo (MASSI,  1991), orientada por Mariza Corrêa, defendida em 1991 na Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp) e nunca editada na íntegra, mas parcialmente publicada em  capítulos de livro e artigos de periódicos, Peixoto tem se preocupado com a circulação e o intercâmbio de paradigmas intelectuais, práticas científicas, pesquisadores e  acordos de cooperação técnica que articulam redes acadêmicas transatlânticas envolvendo o Brasil e tradições intelectuais estrangeiras – notadamente a da França e a dos EUA.
General and abdominal obesity in adults living in a rural area in Southern Brazil
Authors: Martins-Silva Thais , Mola Christian Loret de , Vaz Juliana Dos Santos , Tovo-Rodrigues Luciana
Published: September 2018

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity and the concomitant presence of both outcomes and their determinants among adults living in a rural area. METHODS: This cross-sectional, population-based study was carried out in a medium-sized city in the southern region of Brazil. We evaluated three outcomes: general obesity (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m²), abdominal obesity (waist circumference ≥ 102 cm and ≥ 88 cm in men and women, respectively), and concomitant obesities, classified as: no risk, only one risk factor, and aggregate factors. We performed crude and adjusted Poisson regression analyses for each obesity outcome and multinomial logistic regression for metabolic risk. We considered demographic and socioeconomic characteristics as independent variables. RESULTS: A total of 1,433 individuals were included in the study. Of them, 29.5% presented general obesity and 37.8% presented abdominal obesity. We observed the presence of a risk factor in 15.8% of the sample, while 25.8% presented aggregate factors. The risk of general and abdominal obesity and concomitant outcomes increased significantly with age in both sexes. Richer men were at increased risk for general obesity (PR = 1.7; 95%CI 1.0–2.9), abdominal obesity (PR = 1.8; 95%CI 1.1–2.9), and aggregate factors (OR = 1.9; 95%CI 1.4–5.8). An education level of twelve years or more was a protective factor for women in relation to abdominal obesity (PR = 0.4; 95%CI 0.2–0.8) and aggregate factors (OR = 0.2; 95%CI 0.05–0.7). Rural activity reduced the risk of general obesity (PR = 0.6; 95%CI 0.5–0.8) and aggregate factors (OR = 0.5; 95%CI 0.3–0.8) in women, and the risk of abdominal obesity (PR = 0.6; 95%CI 0.5–0.8) and presence of a risk factor (OR = 0.5; 95%CI 0.3–0.7) in men. Skin color and time lived in rural areas were not statistically associated with the outcomes studied. CONCLUSIONS: We observed high prevalences of general and abdominal obesity in this population, which is consistent with the values found in urban populations. However, rural activities were a protective factor for obesity outcomes
The Generalized Low-Quality Syndrome
Authors: Zafirovski Milan
Published: September 2018

The paper identifies and analyzes what it denotes the generalized low-quality syndrome of the US economy compared with other advanced economies in light of its recent and continuing quality problems. It first posits and demonstrates the existence of the generalized low-quality syndrome in the US economy presenting certain aggregate and specific indicators. Then it explores the effective or possible causes and explanations of the generalized low-quality syndrome, such as the exceptional structural-institutional properties and outcomes of the US economy. In general, the paper finds and infers that the overarching factor and predictor of the generalized low-quality syndrome of products, especially manufactured durable goods, is the structural property of the US economy and in extension the quality of life in American society in comparative sociological perspective by being compared to other Western societies.
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination
Authors: Lau Holning
Published: September 2018

Laws concerning sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) have undergone a sea change. Still, legal protections against SOGI discrimination vary widely around the world. As jurisdictions wrestle with whether and how to protect people against SOGI discrimination, several conceptual questions emerge. This Brill volume reviews and discusses legal developments and scholarly commentary concerning these questions. Specifically, this volume examines the following five questions: (1) Is SOGI discrimination encompassed by existing laws prohibiting discrimination based on sex? (2) Should sexual orientation and gender identity be considered protected categories in and of themselves? (3) Is there a standard sequence of steps for developing legal protections against SOGI discrimination? (4) What are the drawbacks of developing SOGI discrimination protections? (5) To what extent should religious objections justify exemptions from SOGI discrimination bans?
'Monster Scydmaenus' of Australia: revision of subgenus Corbulifer Franz (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: September 2018

The subgenus Corbulifer Franz of Scydmaenus Latreille is distributed along the east coast of the continental Australia. It was defined mainly on the basis of monstrously enlarged male metatibiae, which can be over twice as broad as femora. To date, two species (one with three subspecies) were known. Corbulifer is here revised and redefined, with characters not related to the male sexual dimorphism added to the diagnosis. Scydmaenus tamborinensis cunninghamensis Franz and S. tamborinensis maipotonensis Franz are placed as junior synonyms of S. tamborinensis Franz; S. pseudorobustus Franz is redescribed, and eight new species are described: S. monstrosetibialis sp. n., S. bellenderanus sp. n., S. kiwarrakianus sp. n., S. gushi sp. n., S. gibraltar sp. n., S. eungellanus sp. n., S. fishermontanus sp. n. and S. super sp. n.
A Prospective, Controlled, Multicenter Study to Evaluate the Clinical Outcome of Implant Treatment in Women with Osteoporosis/Osteopenia: 5-Year Results
Authors: Temmerman A. , Rasmusson L. , Kübler A. , Thor A. , Merheb J. , Quirynen M.
Published: September 2018

The impact of osteoporosis on implant treatment is still a matter of debate in the scientific community, as it may possibly lead to higher failure rates. As long-term controlled trials are missing, the aim of this study was to verify the long-term outcome of implants placed in patients with systemic osteoporosis. Postmenopausal women in need of implants underwent bone mineral density measurements in hip and spine, using dual X-ray absorptiometry scans. Based on T-scores, they were divided into 2 groups: group O (osteoporosis group) with a T-score ≤−2 or group C (control group) with a T-score of ≥−1. Implants were placed in a 2-stage manner and loaded 4 to 8 wk after abutment surgery. Six months after loading and thereafter yearly, clinical and radiographical parameters were assessed. In total, 148 implants were placed in 48 patients (mean age: 67 y [range, 59−83]). Sixty-three implants were placed in 20 patients (group O) and 85 implants in 28 patients (group C). After 5 y, 117 implants (38 in group O and 79 in the group C) in 37 patients were assessed. Cumulative survival rate on an implant level was 96.5% (group O: 91.5%; group C: 100.0% [ P < 0.05]) and 95.7% (group O: 89.2%; group C: 100.0% [ P > 0.05]) on a patient level. The overall marginal bone-level alterations, after 5 y of loading, were −0.09 ± 0.78 mm (group O: −0.15 ± 0.50 mm; group C: −0.06 ± 0.89 mm) on an implant level and −0.09 ± 0.54 mm (group O: −0.18 ± 0.43 mm; group C: 0.06 ± 0.58 mm) on a patient level ( P > 0.05). Oral implant therapy in osteoporotic patients is a reliable treatment option with comparable osseointegration rates, implant survival, and marginal bone-level alterations after 5 y of functional loading (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00745121).
Sexual Dimorphism in Immunity to Oral Bacterial Diseases: Intersection of Neutrophil and Osteoclast Pathobiology
Authors: Valerio M.S. , Kirkwood K.L.
Published: September 2018

Sex is a biological variable that affects immune responses to bacterial and other types of infectious agents. Males and females are known to have differential oral bacterial disease burden in periodontal and endodontic disease. Understanding that there is a contribution from both sex and gender to these oral diseases, we discuss in this review recent sex-based findings that provide a pathobiological basis for differences observed between males and females. Sexual dimorphism of immune responses with respect to neutrophil trafficking and osteoclast differentiation and formation is presented as a plausible mechanism to explain the sexual differences. We also emphasize that sex, as a biological variable, should be considered in these types of oral immunologic studies.
Predicting Caries in Medical Settings: Risk Factors in Diverse Infant Groups
Authors: Fontana M. , Eckert G.J. , Keels M.A. , Jackson R. , Katz B.P. , Kemper A.R. , Levy B.T. , Levy S.M. , Yanca E. , Kelly S. , Daly J.M. , Patterson B. , McKnight P.
Published: September 2018

Expanded partnership with the medical community is a promising strategy for reducing disparities in dental caries among young children. However, no validated caries risk instrument exists for use in primary health care settings. To help resolve this gap, a 52-item caries risk questionnaire was developed and targeted to primary caregivers (PCGs) to test in a 3-y prospective study. To begin to understand the validity of the questionnaire items, the purpose of this study was to compare responses to the questionnaire based on key demographic characteristics known to be associated with disparities in caries experience (e.g., race/ethnicity and insurance status). A total of 1,323 one-year-old children were recruited primarily through 3 medical research networks. Baseline questionnaire responses were analyzed via logistic regression. The sample was 49% female. Its racial/ethnic makeup was as follows: 13% Hispanic, 37% White, 37% Black, and 13% other or multiracial. Sixty-one percent were enrolled in Medicaid, and 95% resided in urban communities. Mothers represented 94% of PCGs. There were significant differences ( P < 0.05) in baseline responses based on Medicaid status and race/ethnicity. As compared with those not enrolled in Medicaid, children in the Medicaid group were significantly more likely (after adjusting for race/ethnicity) to 1) go to sleep while nursing or drinking something other than water, 2) eat sugary snacks between meals, 3) consume sugary drinks between meals, 4) receive topical fluoride from a health professional, 5) visit the dentist, and 6) not have an employed adult in the household. PCGs of children enrolled in Medicaid were significantly more likely to be the mother, have bleeding gums, eat sugary snacks between meals, consume sugary drinks between meals, eat or drink something other than water before going to bed, and not get regular dental checkups. In conclusion, there are significant differences in caries risk questionnaire responses based on Medicaid status and race/ethnicity that provide construct and criterion validity to the developed caries risk tool (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01707797).
Are Institutions Rules in Equilibrium? Comments on Guala’s Understanding Institutions
Authors: Rabinowicz Wlodek
Published: September 2018

In this comment on Francesco Guala’s Understanding Institutions, I express my admiration for the book but I also raise some critical criticisms: His general account of institutions as rules-in-equilibrium seems to get their ontology wrong by disregarding their material side - their concrete realizations. It also diregards social institutions whose rules are not (and are not meant to be) in equilibrium. Finally, his suggestion that institutional equilibria necessarily involve correlation devices appers to lack justification.
Religious Orientation and Subjective Well-being: The Mediating Role of Meaning in Life
Authors: You Sukkyung , Lim Sun Ah
Published: September 2018

The present study concerns the relationship between religious orientation, meaning in life, and subjective well-being, as well as the mediating influence of meaning in life on the relationship between religious orientation and subjective well-being. Gender differences in this relationship are also examined. The subjects of the study were 579 university students (33.5% male; Mage = 21.98, SDage = 4.33). Intrinsic religious orientation was found to be a significant predictor of subjective well-being via meaning in life in both the male and female groups. Furthermore, extrinsic religious orientation was found to be a significant predictor of subjective well-being via meaning in life in the female group only.
Substance Use in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes in the T1D Exchange
Authors: Petry Nancy M. , Foster Nicole C. , Cengiz Eda , Tamborlane William V. , Wagner Julie , Polsky Sarit
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to evaluate frequency of use and problem use of psychoactive substances in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Research Design and Methods

Standardized instruments for assessing tobacco, alcohol, and other psychoactive substance use were emailed to 4311 adult participants at 69 T1D Exchange Registry Exchange Registry centers. A total of 936 respondents (61% female, 90% non-Hispanic white, age 38 ± 16 years) completed the survey.

Results

In the sample, 166 (18%) reported past-year use of tobacco and 51 (5%) reported daily use. Past-year alcohol use was reported by 742 (79%) participants, past-month use by 592 (63%), and daily/near-daily use by 87 (9%); 174 (19%) were classified as binge drinkers and 93 (11%) as problem drinkers. Nonprescription use of another psychoactive substance in the past year was reported by 228 (24%), with 167 (18%) indicating they used marijuana, 67 (7%) opioids, 45 (5%) sedatives, and 37 (4%) stimulants. Past-year problem use of these substances was noted in 31 (3%) respondents.

Conclusions

Adults with T1D in the United States use substances at rates that meet or exceed the general population; problematic use occurs at rates similar to the general population. These data delineate the need to inquire about regular, intermittent, and problematic use of nicotine and other substances in individuals with T1D. A better understanding of the impact of moderate and occasional use of substances on T1D management and clinical outcomes is needed.
Looking at DIF From a New Perspective: A Structure-Based Approach Acknowledging Inherent Indefinability
Authors: Doebler Anna
Published: September 2018

Differential item functioning (DIF), although highly relevant for psychometric assessment in various fields of psychology, is mathematically not well-defined. Especially the impact, the difference between the means of the person parameters in the focal and the reference group, is a parameter that is not identified without further assumptions. Common DIF detection methods necessarily impose such assumptions, however, in most cases the specific constraints remain quite vague and are implicit in the mathematical algorithms. As an alternative, a structure-based approach is proposed that is independent of the impact and, therefore, not affected by the identification problem. The approach allows to (a) reveal all DIF-relevant information from the data, (b) define indices that quantify the amount of DIF in a test as a whole, and (c) perform item-level DIF analyses. For the last application, it is unavoidable to assume additional identification constraints. However, compared to other existing methods (which also rely on such constraints), the approach suggested here provides advantages as it is not only easier to perform but also much more transparent concerning its underlying assumptions.
Circadian Dysregulation: The Next Frontier in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Research
Authors: von Allmen Douglas C. , Francey Lauren J. , Rogers Garrett M. , Ruben Marc D. , Cohen Aliza P. , Wu Gang , Schmidt Robert E. , Ishman Stacey L. , Amin Raouf S. , Hogenesch John B. , Smith David F.
Published: September 2018

Objective

To review the effects of the circadian clock on homeostasis, the functional interaction between the circadian clock and hypoxia‐inducible factors, and the role of circadian dysregulation in the progression of cardiopulmonary disease in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Data Sources

The MEDLINE database was accessed through PubMed.

Review Methods

A general review is presented on molecular pathways disrupted in OSA, circadian rhythms and the role of the circadian clock, hypoxia signaling, crosstalk between the circadian and hypoxia systems, the role of the circadian clock in cardiovascular disease, and implications for practice. Studies included in this State of the Art Review demonstrate the potential contribution of the circadian clock and hypoxia in animal models or human disease.

Conclusions

Molecular crosstalk between the circadian clock and hypoxia‐inducible factors has not been evaluated in disease models of OSA.

Implications for Practice

Pediatric OSA is highly prevalent and, if left untreated, may lead to cardiopulmonary sequelae. Changes in inflammatory markers that normally demonstrate circadian rhythmicity are also seen among patients with OSA. Hypoxia‐inducible transcription factors interact with core circadian clock transcription factors; however, the interplay between these pathways has not been elucidated in the cardiopulmonary system. This gap in knowledge hinders our ability to identify potential biomarkers of OSA and develop alternative therapeutic strategies. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms by which OSA impinges on clock function and the impact of clock dysregulation on the cardiopulmonary system may lead to future advancements for the care of patients with OSA. The aim of this review is to shed light on this important clinical topic.
Phase contrast mapping MRI measurements of global cerebral blood flow across different perfusion states – A direct comparison with 15O-H2O positron emission tomography using a hybrid PET/MR system
Authors: Puig Oriol , Vestergaard Mark B , Lindberg Ulrich , Hansen Adam E , Ulrich Annette , Andersen Flemming L , Johannesen Helle H , Rostrup Egill , Law Ian , Larsson Henrik BW , Henriksen Otto M
Published: September 2018

Phase-contrast mapping (PCM) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides easy-access non-invasive quantification of global cerebral blood flow (gCBF) but its accuracy in altered perfusion states is not established. We aimed to compare paired PCM MRI and 15O-H2O positron emission tomography (PET) measurements of gCBF in different perfusion states in a single scanning session. Duplicate combined gCBF PCM-MRI and 15O-H2O PET measurements were performed in the resting condition, during hyperventilation and after acetazolamide administration (post-ACZ) using a 3T hybrid PET/MR system. A total of 62 paired gCBF measurements were acquired in 14 healthy young male volunteers. Average gCBF in resting state measured by PCM-MRI and 15O-H2O PET were 58.5 ± 10.7 and 38.6 ± 5.7 mL/100 g/min, respectively, during hyperventilation 33 ± 8.6 and 24.7 ± 5.8 mL/100 g/min, respectively, and post-ACZ 89.6 ± 27.1 and 57.3 ± 9.6 mL/100 g/min, respectively. On average, gCBF measured by PCM-MRI was 49% higher compared to 15O-H2O PET. A strong correlation between the two methods across all states was observed (R2 = 0.72, p < 0.001). Bland–Altman analysis suggested a perfusion dependent relative bias resulting in higher relative difference at higher CBF values. In conclusion, measurements of gCBF by PCM-MRI in healthy volunteers show a strong correlation with 15O-H2O PET, but are associated with a large and non-linear perfusion-dependent difference.
The association between lacunes and white matter hyperintensity features on MRI: The SMART-MR study
Authors: Ghaznawi Rashid , Geerlings Mirjam I , Jaarsma-Coes Myriam G , Zwartbol Maarten HT , Kuijf Hugo J , van der Graaf Yolanda , Witkamp Theo D , Hendrikse Jeroen , de Bresser Jeroen
Published: September 2018

Lacunes and white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are features of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) that are associated with poor functional outcomes. However, how the two are related remains unclear. In this study, we examined the association between lacunes and several WMH features in patients with a history of vascular disease. A total of 999 patients (mean age 59 ± 10 years) with a 1.5 T brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan were included from the SMART-MR study. Lacunes were scored visually and WMH features (volume, subtype and shape) were automatically determined. Analyses consisted of linear and Poisson regression adjusted for age, sex, and total intracranial volume (ICV). Patients with lacunes (n = 188; 19%) had greater total (B = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.86 to 1.21), periventricular/confluent (B = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.89 to 1.27), and deep (B = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.44 to 0.97) natural log-transformed WMH volumes than patients without lacunes. Patients with lacunes had an increased risk of confluent type WMHs (RR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.98 to 2.92) and deep WMHs (RR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.22 to 1.62) and had a more irregular shape of confluent WMHs than patients without lacunes, independent of total WMH volume. In conclusion, we found that lacunes on MRI were associated with WMH features that correspond to more severe small vessel changes, mortality, and poor functional outcomes.
Effects of Building a Stock of Bicycling Experience in Youth
Authors: Thigpen Calvin G. , Handy Susan L.
Published: September 2018

Travel is difficult without the supportive attitudes, norms, and skills that make up “motility,” the capacity for travel. Travel experiences are critical to developing motility. This study identifies factors that influence the development of bicycling motility through analysis of a prospective panel of 19 children, interviewed at ages 9, 12, and 15. This study is set in Davis, California, USA, where bicycling infrastructure is comprehensive, allowing a focus on the role of bicycle experiences. We analyze the interviews using structural and longitudinal coding techniques and find that bicycling experiences are associated with the types of attitudes held by the participants, especially at age 15, when the children come to value the independence and convenience of bicycling. Parental behavior and rules had important associations with the children’s bicycling behavior, particularly at younger ages. Friends reinforced bicycling behavior directly through the logistical challenges of traveling as a group at age 15. Gender was not associated with bicycling behavior in this setting. This study provides confirmatory evidence for the importance of motility and its behavioral determinants.