bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual Role of a Ricinoleic Acid Derivative in the Aqueous Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Costa Isadora Dantas , Wanderley Neto Alcides de Oliveira , da Silva Heloiza Fernanda Oliveira , Moraes Edgar Perin , Damascena Nóbrega Eryka Thamyris , Sant’Anna Celso , Eugenio Mateus , Gasparotto Luiz Henrique da Silva
Published: March 2017

We show that sodium 9,10-epoxy-12-hydroxytetradecanoate (SEAR), an epoxidized derivative of ricinoleic acid, simultaneously functioned as reducing and stabilizing agents in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles in alkaline aqueous medium. The advantage of using SEAR is its biodegradability and nontoxicity, which are important characteristics for mitigation of environmental impact upon discharge of nanoparticles into terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The SEAR concentration was found to impact considerably the size distribution of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). A concentration below the SEAR critical micelle concentration (CMC) generated 23 nm sized AgNPs with 10 nm standard deviation, while 50 nm sized AgNPs (σ=21 nm) were obtained at a concentration above the SEAR CMC. FTIR analysis revealed that the carboxylate that constitutes the SEAR hydrophilic head binds directly to the AgNPs surface promoting stabilization in solution. Finally, AgNPs turned into Ag2S upon contact with wastewater samples from Wastewater Treatment Plant at Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Brazil, which is an interesting result, since Ag2S is more environmentally friendly than pure AgNPs.
New Look at Nonlinear Aerodynamics in Analysis of Hypersonic Panel Flutter
Authors: Xie Dan , Xu Min , Dai Honghua , Chen Tao
Published: March 2017

A simply supported plate fluttering in hypersonic flow is investigated considering both the airflow and structural nonlinearities. Third‐order piston theory is used for nonlinear aerodynamic loading, and von Karman plate theory is used for modeling the nonlinear strain‐displacement relation. The Galerkin method is applied to project the partial differential governing equations (PDEs) into a set of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) in time, which is then solved by numerical integration method. In observation of limit cycle oscillations (LCO) and evolution of dynamic behaviors, nonlinear aerodynamic loading produces a smaller positive deflection peak and more complex bifurcation diagrams compared with linear aerodynamics. Moreover, a LCO obtained with the linear aerodynamics is mostly a nonsimple harmonic motion but when the aerodynamic nonlinearity is considered more complex motions are obtained, which is important in the evaluation of fatigue life. The parameters of Mach number, dynamic pressure, and in‐plane thermal stresses all affect the aerodynamic nonlinearity. For a specific Mach number, there is a critical dynamic pressure beyond which the aerodynamic nonlinearity has to be considered. For a higher temperature, a lower critical dynamic pressure is required. Each nonlinear aerodynamic term in the full third‐order piston theory is evaluated, based on which the nonlinear aerodynamic formulation has been simplified.
Pulsed-Dose Rate Brachytherapy for the Treatment of Endometrial Cancer
Authors: De Felice Francesca , Caiazzo Rossella , Benevento Ilaria , Musio Daniela , Rubini Filippo , Tombolini Vincenzo
Published: March 2017

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most frequent gynecologic malignancy. The aim of this review is to outline clinical practice recommendations, to suggest a technical solution, and to advise doses selection for pulsed-dose rate (PDR) brachytherapy in EC. Electronic bibliographic databases, including PubMed, clinicaltrials.gov, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Meeting Library, were searched for articles in English. Clinical guidelines and systematic reviews were also considered. The appropriate therapeutic approach should consider risk factors for tumor relapse and PDR brachytherapy and have a convincing role in this multidisciplinary scenario. Performing PDR brachytherapy in EC requires robust training and experience.
A Tandemly Arranged Pattern of Two 5S rDNA Arrays in Amolops mantzorum (Anura, Ranidae)
Authors: Liu Ting , Song Menghuan , Xia Yun , Zeng Xiaomao
Published: March 2017

In an attempt to extend the knowledge of the 5S rDNA organization in anurans, the 5S rDNA sequences of Amolops mantzorum were isolated, characterized, and mapped by FISH. Two forms of 5S rDNA, type I (209 bp) and type II (about 870 bp), were found in specimens investigated from various populations. Both of them contained a 118-bp coding sequence, readily differentiated by their non-transcribed spacer (NTS) sizes and compositions. Four probes (the 5S rDNA coding sequences, the type I NTS, the type II NTS, and the entire type II 5S rDNA sequences) were respectively labeled with TAMRA or digoxigenin to hybridize with mitotic chromosomes for samples of all localities. It turned out that all probes showed the same signals that appeared in every centromeric region and in the telomeric regions of chromosome 5, without differences within or between populations. Obviously, both type I and type II of the 5S rDNA arrays arranged in tandem, which was contrasting with other frogs or fishes recorded to date. More interestingly, all the probes detected centromeric regions in all karyotypes, suggesting the presence of a satellite DNA family derived from 5S rDNA.
Sex Differences Do Not Exist in Outcomes among Stroke Patients with Intracranial Atherosclerosis in China: Subgroup Analysis from the Chinese Intracranial Atherosclerosis Study
Authors: Pu Yuehua , Wei Na , Yu Dandan , Wang Yilong , Zou Xinying , Soo Yannie O.Y. , Pan Yuesong , Leung Thomas W.H. , Wong Lawrence K.S. , Wang Yongjun , Liu Liping ,   for the Chinese Intracranial AtheroSclerosis (CICAS) Study Group
Published: March 2017

Background: To date, sex difference in outcomes among patients with intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS) has rarely been discussed in China as well as in the world. This study aimed to estimate the sex difference in outcomes among patients with ICAS in Chinese cerebral ischemia patients. Methods: We analyzed 1,335 men and women with ICAS who were enrolled in the Chinese Intracranial Atherosclerosis study. They were followed-up for ischemic stroke recurrence, any cause of death, cerebral vascular events (including transient ischemic attack, ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke), combined end points (including cerebral vascular events, angina or myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, peripheral vascular events), and unfavorable outcome (modified Rankin scale score of 3-6) at 1 year. Results: During the follow-up period, 59 (13.44%) combined end points were documented in women and 107 (11.94%) in men. Of the combined end points, 47 were recurrent ischemic stroke events (14 in women and 33 in men), and 51 other causes of deaths (24 in women and 27 in men). There were 349 unfavorable end points (117 in women and 232 in men). The cumulative probability of death was higher in women, but after adjusting for age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, family history of stroke, current smoker, heavy drinking, hyperhomocysteinemia, and heart disease, there was no significant difference. There was also a lack of difference in 1-year ischemic stroke recurrence, cerebral vascular events, combined end points, and unfavorable outcome between women and men at 1 year. Conclusions: These results suggest no sex difference in outcome among patients with ICAS in Chinese cerebral ischemia patients.
MicroRNA-9 Inhibits NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in Human Atherosclerosis Inflammation Cell Models through the JAK1/STAT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Yue , Han Zhihua , Fan Yuqi , Zhang Junfeng , Chen Kan , Gao Lin , Zeng Huasu , Cao Jiatian , Wang Changqian
Published: March 2017

Background/Aims: MicroRNA-9 (miR-9) is involved in inflammatory reaction in atherosclerosis; however, its function and regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. We aimed to uncover the exact roles of miR-9 and downstream signaling pathways using in vitro human atherosclerosis models. Methods: We used oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-stimulated human THP-1 derived macrophages, oxLDL-stimulated human primary peripheral blood monocytes and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) or Alum-stimulated human THP-1 derived macrophages as in vitro atherosclerosis inflammation models. Transient transfection of over-expression vectors, small interference RNAs (siRNAs) or antisense oligonucleotides was used to regulate intracellular protein or miR-9 levels. Cell responses and signal transduction were detected by multiple assays including Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and luciferase reporter assay. Results: MiR-9 inhibited while anti-miR-9 antisense oligonucleotides induced interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in all in vitro models. Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) and matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13) were identified as the target genes of miR-9. In oxLDL-stimulated human THP-1 derived macrophages, knockdown of JAK1 by siRNA blocked the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and mimicked the effects of miR-9. In the same model, JAK1 knockdown blocked the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 in the nuclei and the phosphorylation of NF-κB IκBα in the cytoplasm. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that miR-9 could inhibit activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and attenuate atherosclerosis-related inflammation, likely through the JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway. Therefore, miR-9 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.
Confirmation of longer FIX activity half-life with prolonged sample collection after single doses of nonacog alfa in patients with haemophilia B
Authors: Hua Baolai , Wu Runhui , Sun FeiFei , Luo Binyu , Alvey Christine , LaBadie Robert R. , Qu Peng Roger , Korth-Bradley Joan M. , Rendo Pablo
Published: March 2017

A multicentre, single–dose study enrolled 12 previously treated patients with moderately severe to severe (factor IX [FIX] levels ≤2 IU/dl) haemophilia B to assess FIX pharmacokinetics after nonacog alfa administration and to evaluate the impact of length of sampling time on half-life (t½). After refraining from FIX replacement for four days, patients received 50 IU/kg as an intravenous (IV) infusion over 10 minutes. Blood samples were collected predose and 0.25, 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 9, 24, 50, 72, and 96 h post dose. Tolerability and safety were assessed by monitoring adverse events and were subsequently summary tabulated. FIX activity was measured by a one-stage clotting assay with a lower limit of quantification of 0.010 IU/ml, and inhibitors to FIX were measured using the Bethesda assay. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by noncompartmental analysis and were descriptively summarised. Half-life estimates were calculated first using all available data, then excluding 96-h observations (truncated at 72 h) and, finally, excluding both 72– and 96-h observations (truncated at 50 h). No patient was positive for FIX inhibitors. No treatment-emergent adverse events were reported. Prolonging the duration of the sample collection to 96 h resulted in a terminal t½ estimate of 39.6 ±7.4 h in the eight patients aged 18 years and older, which was longer than the estimates obtained using shorter periods of observation: 29.6 ± 5.5 h (truncated at 72 h) and 27.2 ± 7.0 h (truncated at 50 h). To accurately assess an adult patient’s t½, sampling should be continued for at least 96 h.
РОЛЬ МІКРООРГАНІЗМІВ, ВИДІЛЕНИХ ІЗ ПАРОДОНТАЛЬНИХ КИШЕНЬ В ПАТОГЕНЕЗІ ГЕНЕРАЛІЗОВАНОГО ПАРОДОНТИТУ У ОСІБ З ЛЯМБЛІОЗНОЮ ІНВАЗІЄЮ
Authors: Savel’eva N. N.
Published: March 2017

Питання етіопатогенезу генералізованого пародонтиту хронічного перебігу у осіб з паразитарною інвазією до теперішнього часу залишаються маловивченими.Метою цієї роботи було вивчення ролі мікробів, виділених з пародонтальних кишень, у розвитку генералізованого пародонтиту в осіб з лямбліозом.Матеріали і методи. Було обстежено 120 хворих на генералізований пародонтит І–ІІ ступеня тяжкості хронічного перебігу на тлі лямбліозу (основна група). Групу порівняння склали 90 осіб з ГП І–ІІ ступенів тяжкості хронічного перебігу без лямбліозної інвазії. Контрольна група представлена 30 особами без патології пародонта і хронічної патології інших систем, які в період обстеження вважалися практично здоровими.Мікробіологічні дослідження включали виділення та ідентифікацію мікроорганізмів з використанням техніки аеробного і анаеробного культивування.Статистичну обробку матеріалів проводили з використанням методів математичної статистики для аналізу отриманих даних.Результати. Встановлено, що у мікроорганізмів, які колонізують пародонтальні кишені у хворих на генералізований пародонтит І–ІІ ступенів тяжкості на тлі лямбліозу, присутні антигени тканинних структур пародонта.Висновок. Мікроорганізми пародонтальних кишень є не тільки індукторами банального запалення в тканинах пародонта внаслідок їх патогенних властивостей (токсиноутворення, продукції ферментів агресії тощо), але й виступають потужним фактором, що модифікує силу і спрямованість вектора імунної реакції. Імунна реакція, яка за своєю природою і суттю є виключно захисним механізмом організму, здатна під впливом мікробів, що експресують тканинні антигени мімікрії, перетворюватися на чинник агресії проти власних тканин.
МІГРАЦІЯ НАСЕЛЕННЯ ТА ЇЇ ВПЛИВ НА ЕПІДЕМІЧНУ СИТУАЦІЮ З МАЛЯРІЇ У РЕСПУБЛІЦІ ТАДЖИКИСТАН
Authors: Aliyev S. P. , Saparova N. H. , Saidov J. M.
Published: March 2017

Мета: вивчити вплив міграції населення на епідемічну ситуацію з малярії у Республіці Таджикистан.Матеріали і методи. Проведено ретроспективний статистичний аналіз захворюваності на малярію та впливу міграції на епідемічну ситуацію в РТ протягом 1990–2000 рр. Інформаційна база: дані Республіканського Центру медичної статистики та інформації, Державного комітету статистики, Служби державного санітарно-епідеміологічного нагляду Республіки Таджикистан, стратегічні, програмні документи ВООЗ.Результати. Встановлено вплив міграції на епідемічну ситуацію з малярії у республіці в 1997–2000 рр.: міграція сприяла збільшенню захворюваності на малярію в 1,5–2,5 разу, стала пусковим моментом для її подальшого поширення в країні, що стосувалося і випадків тропічної та триденної форм малярії, поширених в Афганістані. Встановлено перевищення рівнів захворюваності на малярію в прикордонних з Афганістаном районах.Висновки. Виявлені особливості впливу міграції на епідемічну ситуацію з малярії доцільно враховувати при розробці заходів щодо подальшого вдосконалення профілактичних протималярійних заходів.
ОРГАНІЗАЦІЯ ДЕРЖАВНОЇ (ЦИВІЛЬНОЇ) ОХОРОНИ ЗДОРОВ’Я ТА ОСВІТИ В КАНАДІ
Authors: Savickiy V. L. , Klishevitch B. A. , Goncharenko I. F.
Published: March 2017

Військово-медична освіта в Україні за період свого існування стала предметом дослідження багатьох науковців. В умовах дії Воєнної доктрини стара система медичного забезпечення Збройних Сил України стає неефективною і економічно недоцільною. Зважаючи на зацікавленість, що спостерігається сьогодні серед військовослужбовців та цивільного населення щодо підготовки нової генерації військових медиків, автори вивчили організацію системи державної охорони здоров’я та підготовки медичних кадрів у Канаді.Мета дослідження: вивчення організації системи державної  медицини та підготовки медичних кадрів у Канаді, як дружньої до України держави.В дослідженні застосовано методи системного підходу та системного аналізу наукових джерел.В статті висвітлено ефективний шлях побудови державної системи охорони здоров’я та освіти дружньої до України держави та враховані кращі досягнення, що їх доцільно врахувати в Україні для формування ефективної системи підготовки військово-медичних кадрів.
ПІДГОТОВКА НАВЧАЛЬНО-МЕТОДИЧНОЇ ДОКУМЕНТАЦІЇ ДО ПРАКТИЧНИХ ЗАНЯТЬ ТА ВПЛИВ ЇЇ ЗАСТОСУВАННЯ НА ЯКІСТЬ ЗНАНЬ СТУДЕНТІВ
Authors: Pоpоvа O. V.
Published: March 2017

У статті проаналізовано основні етапи проведення практичних занять в медичних навчальних закладах І рівня акредитації та їх методичне забезпечення. Якість знань студентів залежить від різноманітних методів навчання і контролю.
ПРИНЦИПИ ІНФЕКЦІЙНОГО КОНТРОЛЮ В МЕДСЕСТРИНСЬКІЙ ПРАКТИЦІ
Authors: Dudkina E. L. , Haliyash N. B.
Published: March 2017

У статті проаналізовано сучасні підходи до впровадження заходів інфекційного контролю у лікарняних закладах з метою профілактики внутрішньолікарняних інфекцій, вказано необхідні складові програм, які забезпечуватимуть кращий контроль внутрішньолікарняних інфекцій та будуть адаптованими до умов конкретного лікарняного закладу.
ОЦІНКА ВПЛИВУ КЛІМАТУ НА ЗДОРОВ’Я ЛЮДИНИ
Authors: Rudenko O. V. , Bohuta Yu. H. , Myalyuk O. A. , Marushchak M. I.
Published: March 2017

У статті показано вплив клімату і його коливань на здоров’я людини. Вcтановлено вплив всіх чинників кліматоутворення на організм здорової та хворої людини. При цьому здоров’я населення залежить від здатності організму адаптуватися до умов навколишнього соціально-екологічного і технічного середовища.
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ОРГАНІЗАЦІЇ ХОСПІСНОЇ ДОПОМОГИ В РЕСПУБЛІЦІ ПОЛЬЩА
Authors: Buhayevska N. A.
Published: March 2017

У статті подано матеріали проведеного дослідження з вивчення історії, структури та особливостей функціонування хоспісних установ у Республіці Польща. Представлено значний статистичний матеріал, дані джерел інформації, отримані не тільки з інтернету та спеціальних видань, а й під час особистих, неодноразових відвідувань польських хоспісів з метою вивчення їх функціонування та отримання практичного досвіду надання допомоги пацієнтам таких установ. Надано висновки та практичні рекомендації.
γδ T Cells Mediate Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension and Vascular Injury
Authors: Caillon Antoine , Mian Muhammad Oneeb Rehman , Fraulob-Aquino Julio C. , Huo Ku-Geng , Barhoumi Tlili , Ouerd Sofiane , Sinnaeve Peter R. , Paradis Pierre , Schiffrin Ernesto L.
Published: March 2017

Background:

Innate antigen-presenting cells and adaptive immune T cells have been implicated in the development of hypertension. However, the T-lymphocyte subsets involved in the pathophysiology of hypertension remain unclear. A small subset of innate-like T cells expressing the γδ T cell receptor (TCR) rather than the αβ TCR could play a role in the initiation of the immune response in hypertension. We aimed to determine whether angiotensin (Ang) II caused kinetic changes in γδ T cells; deficiency in γδ T cells blunted Ang II-induced hypertension, vascular injury, and T-cell activation; and γδ T cells are associated with human hypertension.

Methods:

Male C57BL/6 wild-type and
Tcrδ
−/−
mice, which are devoid of γδ T cells, or wild-type mice injected IP with control isotype IgG or γδ T cell-depleting antibodies, were infused or not with Ang II for 3, 7, or 14 days. T-cell profiling was determined by flow cytometry, systolic blood pressure (SBP) by telemetry, and mesentery artery endothelial function by pressurized myography. TCR γ constant region gene expression levels and clinical data of a whole blood gene expression microarray study, including normotensive and hypertensive subjects, were used to demonstrate an association between γδ T cells and SBP.

Results:

Seven- and 14-day Ang II infusion increased γδ T-cell numbers and activation in the spleen of wild-type mice (
P
<0.05). Fourteen days of Ang II infusion increased SBP (
P
<0.01) and decreased mesenteric artery endothelial function (
P
<0.01) in wild-type mice, both of which were abrogated in
Tcrδ
−/−
mice (
P
<0.01). Anti-TCRγδ antibody-induced γδ T-cell depletion blunted Ang II-induced SBP rise and endothelial dysfunction (
P
<0.05), compared with isotype antibody-treated Ang II-infused mice. Ang II-induced T-cell activation in the spleen and perivascular adipose tissue was blunted in
Tcrδ
−/−
mice (
P
<0.01). In humans, the association between SBP and γδ T cells was demonstrated by a multiple linear regression model integrating whole blood TCR γ constant region gene expression levels and age and sex (
R
2
=0.12,
P
<1×10
-6
).

Conclusions:

γδ T cells mediate Ang II-induced SBP elevation, vascular injury, and T-cell activation in mice. γδ T cells might contribute to the development of hypertension in humans.
Mean First Passage Memory Lifetimes by Reducing Complex Synapses to Simple Synapses
Authors: Elliott Terry
Published: March 2017

Memory models that store new memories by forgetting old ones have memory lifetimes that are rather short and grow only logarithmically in the number of synapses. Attempts to overcome these deficits include “complex” models of synaptic plasticity in which synapses possess internal states governing the expression of synaptic plasticity. Integrate-and-express, filter-based models of synaptic plasticity propose that synapses act as low-pass filters, integrating plasticity induction signals before expressing synaptic plasticity. Such mechanisms enhance memory lifetimes, leading to an initial rise in the memory signal that is in radical contrast to other related, but nonintegrative, memory models. Because of the complexity of models with internal synaptic states, however, their dynamics can be more difficult to extract compared to “simple” models that lack internal states. Here, we show that by focusing only on processes that lead to changes in synaptic strength, we can integrate out internal synaptic states and effectively reduce complex synapses to simple synapses. For binary-strength synapses, these simplified dynamics then allow us to work directly in the transitions in perceptron activation induced by memory storage rather than in the underlying transitions in synaptic configurations. This permits us to write down master and Fokker-Planck equations that may be simplified under certain, well-defined approximations. These methods allow us to see that memory based on synaptic filters can be viewed as an initial transient that leads to memory signal rise, followed by the emergence of Ornstein-Uhlenbeck-like dynamics that return the system to equilibrium. We may use this approach to compute mean first passage time–defined memory lifetimes for complex models of memory storage.
Determinants of Nonmedically Indicated In-Hospital Supplementation of Infants Whose Birthing Parents Intended to Exclusively Breastfeed
Authors: Temple Newhook Julia , Newhook Leigh Anne , Midodzi William K. , Murphy Goodridge Janet , Burrage Lorraine , Gill Nicole , Halfyard Beth , Twells Laurie
Published: March 2017

Background:

Despite high rates of intention to exclusively breastfeed, rates of exclusive breastfeeding in Canada are low. Supplementation may begin in hospital and is associated with reduced breastfeeding duration.

Research aim:

The aim of this investigation was to explore determinants of in-hospital nonmedically indicated supplementation of infants whose birthing parents intended to exclusively breastfeed.

Methods:

This study is a cross-sectional one-group nonexperimental design, focused on participants who intended to exclusively breastfeed for 6 months ( n = 496). Data were collected between October 2011 and October 2015 in Newfoundland and Labrador. Variables measured included age; rural/urban location; education; income; race; marital status; parity; smoking status; having been breastfed as an infant; previous breastfeeding experience; Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale score; delivery mode; infant birth weight; birth satisfaction; skin-to-skin contact; length of participant’s hospital stay; breastfeeding advice from a lactation consultant, registered nurse, or physician; and first impression of breastfeeding. We evaluated determinants of in-hospital nonmedically indicated supplementation using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results:

Overall, 16.9% ( n = 84) of infants received nonmedically indicated supplementation in hospital. Multivariate modeling revealed four determinants: low total prenatal Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale score (odds ratio [OR] = 1.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.18, 3.27]), no previous breastfeeding experience (OR = 2.03, 95% CI [1.15, 3.61]), negative first impression of breastfeeding (OR = 2.67, 95% CI [1.61, 4.43]), and receiving breastfeeding advice from a hospital physician (OR = 2.86, 95% CI [1.59, 5.15]).

Conclusion:

Elements of the hospital experience, self-efficacy, and attitudes toward infant feeding are determinants of nonmedically indicated supplementation of infants whose birthing parents intended to exclusively breastfeed.
A novel compressive stress-based osteoarthritis-like chondrocyte system
Authors: Young In-Chi , Chuang Sung-Ting , Gefen Amit , Kuo Wei-Ting , Yang Chun-Ting , Hsu Chia-Hsien , Lin Feng-Huei
Published: March 2017

Mechanical stress damage and insufficient self-repair can contribute to osteoarthritis (OA) in the affected joint. As the effects of stress on chondrocyte metabolism can regulate cartilage homeostasis, the specific stress–response condition is therefore a key to the generation of an OA disease model. We aimed to produce a specific stress- and cell-based OA model after evaluating the metabolic responses of chondrocytes in response to a series of static and cyclic compression stressors. A static load exceeding 40 psi initiated extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation through a decrease in the sulphated-glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content, upregulation of catabolic matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 encoding gene expression, and downregulation of the ECM-related aggrecan and type II collagen encoding genes within 24 h. Indicators of pro-inflammatory events and oxidative stress were found to correlate with increased IL-6 expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, respectively. However, chondrocytes stimulated by moderate cyclic loading (30–40 psi) exhibited increased ECM-related gene expression without significant changes in catabolic and pro-inflammatory gene expression. BMP-7 expression increased at cyclic loading levels above 30–60 psi. These results demonstrated that static compression exceeding 60 psi is sufficient to produce OA-like chondrocytes that exhibit signs of ECM degradation and inflammation. These OA-like chondrocytes could therefore be used as a novel cell-based drug screening system.

Impact statement

The lack of an effective treatment for osteoarthritis (OA) reflects the great need for alternative therapies and drug discovery. Disease models can be used for early-stage compound screening and disease studies. Chondrocytes are solely responsible for the maintenance of the articular cartilage extracellular matrix. Our strategy involved the generation of a cell-based model of OA, a more readily studied disease. Instead of using animal cartilage explants, we incorporated isolated porcine chondrocytes with hydrogel to form three-dimensional assemblies. We could identify the specific magnitude-dependent metabolic responses of chondrocytes by applying a series of static and cyclic compression, and therefore successfully generated a novel OA-like cell-based model for drug screening.
Korean–Chinese Film Remakes in a New Age of Cultural Globalisation: Miss Granny (2014) and 20 Once Again (2015) along the Digital Road
Authors: Soh Kai , Yecies Brian
Published: March 2017

Since the early 2000s, the Korean Wave (aka Hallyu) has influenced Greater China in enterprising and complex ways that diverge from the ways in which Hallyu has impacted other markets. At the same time, since China joined the Word Trade Organization in 2001, art, culture and media production have been largely transformed from vehicles for state propaganda into new gateways for producing and showcasing popular commercial entertainment. Korean producers have played a significant role in this evolving transformation, albeit in a cultural space that the Government of Mainland China still uses and shapes as an important mouthpiece of the Party-state. While media headlines accentuate these progressive pathways, there is a dearth of scholarly commentary on the ways in which Korean film practitioners are contributing to this new era of cultural globalisation in China. To shed light on this emerging topic, the authors examine Chinese audiences’ reception of the Korean film Miss Granny (2014) and the most successful Korean–Chinese co-production to date, its Chinese remake 20 Once Again (2015). The article utilises data drawn from Douban, a major Chinese entertainment and popular culture social networking site, to assess the ‘inconspicuous’ impact of the cinematic component of the Korean Wave on Chinese cinema. In taking this approach, the authors seek to assess the importance of localized film content for Chinese audiences, as well as canvassing a range of hitherto unknown opinions about ‘Korean’ and ‘Chinese’ styles of storytelling.
Higher Fresh Gas Flow Rates Decrease Tidal Volume During Pressure Control Ventilation
Authors: Mohammad Shazia , Gravenstein Nikolaus , Gonsalves Drew , Vasilopoulos Terrie , Lampotang Samsun
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND:

We observed that increasing fresh gas flow (FGF) decreased exhaled tidal volume (VT) during pressure control ventilation (PCV). A literature search produced no such description whereby unintended VT changes occur with FGF changes during PCV.

METHODS:

To model an infant’s lungs, 1 lung of a mechanical lung model (Dual Adult TTL 1600; Michigan Instruments, Inc, Grand Rapids, MI) was set at a compliance of 0.0068 L/cm H2O. An Rp50 resistor (27.2 cm H2O/L/s at 15 L/min) simulated normal bronchial resistance. The simulated lung was connected to a pediatric breathing circuit via a 3.5-mm cuffed endotracheal tube. A ventilator with PCV capability (Model 7900; Aestiva, GE Healthcare, Madison, WI) measured exhaled VT, and a flow monitor (NICO; Respironics, Murraysville, PA) measured peak inspiratory flow, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), and peak inspiratory pressure. In PCV mode, exhaled VT displayed by the ventilator at FGF rates of 1, 6, 10, and 15 L/min was manually recorded across multiple ventilator settings. This protocol was repeated for the Avance CS2 anesthesia machine (GE Healthcare).

RESULTS:

For the Aestiva, higher FGF rates in PCV mode decreased exhaled VT. Exhaled VT for FGFs of 1, 6, 10, and 15 L/min were on average 48, 34.9, 16.5, and 10 mL, respectively, at ventilator settings of inspiratory pressure of 10 cm H2O, PEEP of 0 cm H2O, and respiratory rate of 20 breaths/min. This is a decrease by up to 27%, 65.6%, and 79.2% when FGFs of 6, 10, and 15 L/min are compared with a FGF of 1 L/min, respectively. In the GE Avance CS2 at the same ventilator settings, VT for FGF rates of 1, 6, 10, and 15 L/min were on average 46, 43, 40.4, and 39.7 mL, respectively. The FGF effect on VT was not as pronounced with the GE Avance CS2 as with the GE Aestiva.

CONCLUSIONS:

FGF has a significant effect on VT during PCV in the Aestiva bellows ventilator, suggesting caution when changing FGF during PCV in infants. Our hypothesis is that at higher FGF rates, an inadvertent PEEP is developed by the flow resistance of the ventilator relief valve that is not recognized by the ventilator. In turn, less change in pressure is needed to reach the set inspiratory pressure, resulting in lower VT delivery at higher FGF rates. This underappreciated FGF–VT interaction during PCV with a bellows ventilator may be clinically significant in pediatric patients; prospective data collection in patients is needed for further evaluation.
The Effect of Sedation on Cortical Activation: A Randomized Study Comparing the Effects of Sedation With Midazolam, Propofol, and Dexmedetomidine on Auditory Processing
Authors: Frölich Michael A. , Banks Catiffaney , Ness Timothy J.
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND:

Every day, millions of people undergo surgical procedures facilitated by anesthesia. Yet, there is no clinically accepted measure to predict the effects of sedation or anesthesia on the central nervous system. Auditory brain activation may provide an objective and quantifiable method to measure of the effects of sedation on neuronal processing.

METHODS:

This is a randomized clinical trial. Forty-eight healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 3 sedative drugs (midazolam [n = 11], propofol [n = 12], or dexmedetomidine [n = 12]) at a concentration adjusted to achieve mild sedation by self-rating, or to a no-drug control group (n = 13). Participants underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while listening to music in a 5-minute block design experiment. We tested the hypothesis that mild sedation changes the magnitude or extent of cortical activation of an auditory stimulus.

RESULTS:

We observed a significant reduction in auditory activation in both the dexmedetomidine (P = .001) and midazolam (P = .029) but not the propofol group (P = .619) when compared with saline control.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings indicate that, compared with saline control, there is a significant reduction of brain activation in the auditory cortex in response to midazolam and dexmedetomidine but not propofol when given at mildly sedative doses. This method serves as a novel approach to quantify the effects of sedative agents in an objective fashion.
Editor’s Note
Authors: Shay Christopher
Published: March 2017

The fight for multiracial, multiethnic democracies is urgent, according to editor Christopher Shay. The aims of this "Fascism Rising" issue are, first, to analyze the strategies autocrats have used to distort history, erase truth, and mobilize their publics and, second, to explore ways of pushing back against xenophobic populism.
Total Collapse
Authors: Cegarra Alejandro
Published: March 2017

Alejandro Cegarra's photographs and essay reveal a Venezuela that is more dangerous, more unequal, and poorer than in any time in recent history.
Trials and Errors
Authors: Eliseev Alex
Published: March 2017

A young and fragile democracy, South Africa cannot afford to have its courts compromised. Journalist Alex Eliseev examines the murders of Betty Ketani and Michael Thomson to illustrate the potential excellence of the country's judicial system and how easily it can be hampered by heavy case loads, shoddy police work, and poor communication.
“We’ve Won”
Authors: Schechter Asher
Published: March 2017

The far right in Israel largely celebrated Donald Trump's presidential triumph and believes it now has the latitude to enact some of its more controversial policies. Journalist Asher Schechter examines anti-democratic trends in Israel, and argues the right has yet to offer a cohesive, sustainable blueprint for the country's future.
Relation Between EBA and Nested Logit Models
Authors: Kohli Rajeev , Jedidi Kamel
Published: March 2017

We show that elimination by aspects (EBA) generalizes nested logit and cross-nested logit models. The latter two models are equivalent to a special case of EBA called preference trees. The transformations between preference trees and nested logit models become more complex when the utilities of alternatives are functions of covariates. In this case, a simple model in one domain corresponds to a complex model in the other. An extended EBA model, in which the utilities of alternatives are functions of covariates, represents a two-stage choice process. Alternatives are first screened using a probabilistic lexicographic rule and then compared in terms of their compensatory utilities. We provide a typology of the relations between EBA and other logit models, and we discuss issues concerning estimation, statistical testing, and data collection. We describe an application illustrating (1) the process of constructing a preference tree with covariates and (2) the different implications obtained from a preference tree and a comparable nested logit model.
Teaching practice: Disaffected students
Authors: Bromley Matt
Published: March 2017

Just how should you approach the teaching of disaffected students? Matt Bromley continues his teaching practice series with advice on reaching and motivating the disengaged
The Postmodern European City
Authors: Ibelings Hans
Published: March 2017

One of the books I would love to write, but probably never will, is ahistory of the European exterior, a complement to Mario Praz’s 1963 monograph on the European interior, La filosofia dell’arredamento, the first version of which had appeared in 1945. Praz covers interiors from Greek and Roman Antiquity up to English Arts & Crafts and Art Nouveau, mainly through paintings, watercolors and engravings. These images reflect the domestic bliss of an elite who could afford this happiness and afford to commission artists to depict it. Despite the double layer of mediation—this being Praz’s reading of images that by themselves offer a filtered interpretation of an idealized, protected daily life in the interiors of a privileged class—the book manages to transmit the sense of a bygone life between walls.
A new New Babylon. Bottom-up Urban Planning & The Situationist utopia
Authors: Losada Romero Cesar
Published: March 2017

The recent “Participatory Turn” in Urbanism has flourished most significantly in situations of economic turmoil, material scarcity and technical insufficiency: those circumstances have boosted creative and audacious urban processes that take advantage of such limitations as an opportunity to enhance social engagement, formal exploration and developmental experimentation. All across Europe or Latin America, multidisciplinary collectives aim to reinvent the socioeconomical conditions for urban design and construction, favoring the architectural Process rather than the Object.Experiences in Urban Acupuncture, bottom-up urbanism, activism for the public space and the claim for neighborly ties are often struggling against Top-Down urban planning and the modern articulation of the zoned city: according to some of these collectives, the Welfare State  and its urban culture has been overtaken by capitalism, and the classical Ville Radieuse model has somehow become synonymous with Corporatocracy and social engineering.In this sociopolitical milieu , some of the mid twentieth century arguments against the Modern Movement have emerged again. Many scholars have linked the Occupy and Indignados movements with the events of May 68, and the urban guerrillas within both periods have been strongly biased towards a radical reformulation of the Structuralist urban parameters: in order to re-humanize the city, urban planning must give way to spontaneity, autopoiesis, dynamism and horizontal decision-making. The city is not considered a ready made object designed from scratch, but an always-evolving living entity, where perennial mutation and reconfiguration is the at the key feature. The City is a rhizome rather than a tree.The Situationist utopia of the New Babylon (as conceived by Constant Nieuwenhuys) revives as the core intellectual reference of many Participatory Urbanism experiences. Psycho-geography, détournement,  the urban dweller as a homo ludens, and the harmonization of life and work are presented as the shield against the alienation, social segregation and gentrification inherent to the capitalist city and its planning instruments. The Situationist model is now enhanced with ideas of sustainability, social responsibility, gender claims, global migrations and ecology, depicting a contemporary Utopia that collapses the boundary between planners and dwellers.In this paper we´ll trace the influence of the Situationist ethos upon recent experiences in participatory urbanism: the impact of mid-twentieth century radical activism upon contemporary counter-cultural urban praxis, a trend that is pushing the Academia to reconsider its ethical foundations and methodological tools, and ultimately to reformulate the consensual ontology of the city inherited from the early Modern Movement.
Causal Analysis of Religious Violence, a Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Munajat M
Published: March 2017

The present study tries to investigate the causal model of religious violence using SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) approach. Previous quantitative research in social movements and political violence suggests that there are, at least, three factors, that caused violent collective actions, including religious violence: 1) the more fundamentalist people are, the more likely they justify violence, 2) people with lower trust in government is more likely to justify violence, and 3) opposing the second argument: only people with low trust in government and high political efficacy are more likely to justify violence. Based on the data of 343 respondents, the activists of Front Pembela Islam, Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama, this study confirms that the more fundamentalist people are, the more likely they are to justify violence regardless of their organizational affiliations. On the contrary, this study does not support the argument for the relationship between trust in government and violence. Similarly, the relationship between violence and the latent interaction of trust and political efficacy is not supported by the data. Therefore, this study suggests that fundamentalism, a type of religiosity, is a salient factor to explain religious violence.[Penelitian ini berusaha mengkaji sebab kekerasan keagamaan dengan menggunakan pendekatan Model Persamaan Struktur (SEM). Penelitian kuantitatif terdahulu dalam bidang gerakan sosial dan kekerasan politik menunjukkan bahwa setidaknya ada tiga faktor yang diduga kuat menjadi penyebab kekerasan kolektif, seperti kekerasan agama, yaitu: 1) semakin fundamentalis seseorang, maka ia akan semakin cenderung menyetujui pernggunaan cara kekerasan, 2) semakin rendah kepercayaan seseorang terhadap pemerintah, maka ia akan semakin menyetujui penggunaan kekerasan, 3) berbeda dengan pendapat ke-dua, hanya orang yang rendah kepercayaanya kepada pemerintah, namun mempunyai semangat politik tinggi, yang akan menyetujui penggunaan cara-cara kekerasan. Berdasarkan pada data yang diambil dari 343 responden dari para aktivis, Front Pembela Islam, Muhammadiyah dan Nahdlatul Ulama, penelitian ini mengkonfirmasi bahwa semakin fundamentalis seseorang, maka ia akan semakin cenderung menyetujui kekerasan, terlepas dari afiliasi organisasi mereka. Namun demikian, penelitian ini tidak mendukung hubungan antara kepercayaan terhadap pemerintah dan kekerasan. Demikian juga, hubungan antara kekerasan dan interaksi antara kepercayaan pemerintah dan semangat politik tidak dapat dibuktikan dari data dalam penelitian ini. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa fundamentalisme, sebagai salah satu bentuk keagamaan, merupakan faktor yang sangat penting dalam menjelaskan kekerasan keagamaan.]
Hypoxia‐induced proliferation of HeLa cells depends on epidermal growth factor receptor‐mediated arginase II induction
Authors: Setty Bhuvana A. , Pillay Smiley Natasha , Pool Caitlyn M. , Jin Yi , Liu Yusen , Nelin Leif D.
Published: March 2017

Solid tumors can often be hypoxic in regions, and cancer cells can respond to hypoxia with an increase in proliferation and a decrease in apoptosis, leading to a net increase in viable cell numbers. We have recently found that in an osteosarcoma cell line, hypoxia‐induced proliferation depends on arginase II induction. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been shown to mediate the hypoxia‐induced cellular proliferation in some cancer cell lines. We hypothesized that hypoxia‐induced proliferation of HeLa cells would depend on arginase II induction and that this induction of arginase II would occur through EGFR activation. Exposure of HeLa cells to hypoxia resulted in an upregulation of arginase II mRNA and protein levels, with no effect on arginase I expression. Hypoxia also resulted in significantly greater viable cell numbers than did normoxia. The hypoxia‐induced increase in viable cell numbers was prevented by either a small molecule inhibitor of arginase or siRNA targeting arginase II. Overexpression of arginase II resulted in an increase in viable cell numbers both in normoxia and hypoxia. Hypoxia caused a substantial induction of both epidermal growth factor (EGF) and EGFR. Preventing hypoxia‐induced EGFR expression using siRNA abolished hypoxia‐induced arginase II expression and the increase in viable cell numbers. Treatment with EGF in normoxia not only induced arginase II expression but also resulted in an increase in viable cell numbers. Blocking EGF interactions with EGFR using either an EGF neutralizing antibody or an EGFR antibody prevented the hypoxia‐induced increase in viable cell numbers. These results demonstrate an EGF/EGFR/arginase II pathway that is necessary for hypoxic proliferation in HeLa cells.
Association of transient hyperthyroidism and severity of hyperemesis gravidarum
Authors: Malek Nor Zila Hassan , Kalok Aida , Hanafiah Zainal Abidin , Shah Shamsul Azhar , Ismail Nor Azlin Mohamed
Published: March 2017

Background

Transient non-immune hyperthyroidism in early pregnancy is hyperthyroidism diagnosed for the first time in early pregnancy, without evidence of thyroid autoimmunity or clinical findings of Grave’s disease and resolved spontaneously as the pregnancy progressed. Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is the commonest cause with 66%–73% of women with severe HG were found to have elevated thyroid function.

Materials and methods

We conducted a cross sectional study to determine the prevalence of transient hyperthyroidism in patients with hyperemesis gravidarum and its relation to the severity of nausea and vomiting. Severity of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy was assessed using the modified pregnancy-unique quantification of emesis (PUQE) scoring system. Each patient had urine and blood investigations which also included a full blood count and thyroid and renal function tests. Patients with abnormal thyroid function were retested at 20 weeks of gestation. The patients’ demographic data, electrolyte levels, thyroid function and their respective PUQE score were analyzed.

Results

The prevalence of transient hyperthyroidism in women with hyperemesis gravidarum was 4.8%. Although there was a significant association between the severity of the PUQE score and hypokalemia (p = 0.001), there was no significant association with transient hyperthyroidism in early pregnancy (p = 0.072). Free T4 and TSH values of all women with transient hyperthyroidism were normalized by 20 weeks of gestation.

Conclusion

Transient hyperthyroidism in pregnancy is not significantly associated with the severity of the PUQE score. Women with transient hyperthyroidism in pregnancy are normally clinically euthyroid, hence a routine thyroid function test is unnecessary unless they exhibit clinical signs or symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Opinion Spam – Meinungsäußerungen als Fake
Authors: Siegel Melanie
Published: March 2017

Die Meinung der Kunden ist ein wichtiger Geschäftsfaktor geworden. Firmen wollen wissen, was Verbraucher von ihrem Produkt oder ihrer Dienstleistung halten. Sie versuchen daher, sich und ihre Produkte schnell an Kundenbedürfnisse anzupassen und die geäußerten Meinungen als Marketinginstrument einzusetzen. Mit der Zunahme der Relevanz der Kundenmeinungen steigt jedoch auch die Anzahl der Manipulationsversuche. Wir haben es hier mit einem gesellschaftlich und ökonomisch erheblichen Problem zu tun. Der Artikel stellt Forschungsansätze für die englische und chinesische Sprache vor und untersucht die Übertragbarkeit auf die deutsche Sprache. Als Ausgangspunkt für diese Untersuchung wird zunächst der Aufbau eines Korpus für gefälschte Bewertungen im deutschsprachigen Amazon-Portal umrissen. Erste Analysen dieses Korpus zeigen, dass die vorgestellten Forschungsansätze zum großen Teil auch auf die deutsche Sprache übertragbar sind.