bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PU.1-Silenced Dendritic Cells Induce Mixed Chimerism and Alleviate Intestinal Transplant Rejection in Rats via a Th1 to Th2 Shift
Authors: Xu Xingwei , Gao Xin , Zhao Xiaofan , Liao Yannian , Ji Wu , Li Qiurong , Li Jieshou
Published: January 2016

Background/Aims: Intestinal transplantation is an effective treatment for end-stage bowel failure; however, graft rejection and the toxicity associated with non-specific immunosuppression are major limitations of this procedure. Studies have shown that mixed chimerism can produce post-transplantation immune tolerance. Here, we demonstrate that in rat intestinal transplantation, PU.1-silenced dendritic cells (DCs) plus bone marrow (BM) cell transfusion results in mixed chimerism, and we investigate the mechanisms responsible for the effects of mixed chimerism rejection. Methods: In a model of intestinal transplantation, male Brown Norway rats were the donors, and female Lewis rats were the recipients that were randomly divided into 4 groups: control, BM, BM-imDCs and BM-PU.1. The dynamic changes in graft morphology, rejection scoring and serum concentrations of Th1/Th2-related cytokines were investigated on postoperative days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 30. Results: The BM-PU.1 group had better graft health, milder pathologic injuries, and lower rejection grades compared with the other groups. The rates of mixed chimerism were significantly highest in the BM-PU.1 group and correlated with decreases in serum IL-2 and increases in serum IL-10. Conclusion: Transfusion of PU.1-silenced DCs and BM cells induces stable mixed chimerism and has the potential to reduce pathologic injuries via a pro-Th2 shift in the Th1/Th2 balance.
Connexin 43 Affects Osteogenic Differentiation of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament Cells via Regulation of ERK Activity by Stabilizing Runx2 in Ossification
Authors: Yang Haisong , Shi Lei , Shi Guodong , Guo Yongfei , Chen Dechun , Chen Deyu , Shi Jiangang
Published: January 2016

Aims: Connexin 43 is one of the most potent gap junction proteins related to osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. We hypothesized that Connexin 43 is a significant factor in osteogenic differentiation in the posterior longitudinal ligament through the regulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) activity by converging on Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) activity. In this study, we mapped the activity of Connexin 43 to ERK and Runx2 by extracting longitudinal ligament cell for culture and silencing Connexin expression in addition to dexamethasone treatment in vitro. Methods: qRT-PCR, Western Blot, and Runx2-responsive Luciferase Reporter Assay were performed to detect the activity of ERK, Runx2 and the expression levels of osseous genes under Connexin 43 modification. Results: Downregulation of Connexin 43 resulted in suppression of dexamethasone-induced osteogenic differentiation, inhibition of the ERK and Runx2 activity, and reduction of osseous gene expression. Conclusion: these data support that Connexin 43 significantly regulates osteogenic differentiation in the cells from posterior longitudinal ligament by altering the activity of ERK, and subsequently causing the modification of Runx2.
Therapeutic Effect of Chrysin on Adenine-Induced Chronic Kidney Disease in Rats
Authors: Ali Badreldin H. , Al Za''abi Mohammed , Adham Sirin A. , Yasin Javed , Nemmar Abderrahim , Schupp Nicole
Published: January 2016

Background/Aims: To study the therapeutic effect of chrysin, a flavonoid with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, on adenine-induced chronic kidney diseases (CKD) in rats. Methods: Chrysin, in three graded oral doses (10, 50 and 250 mg/kg), was given for 10 consecutive days to rats after the induction of CKD by feeding them adenine (0.25%w/w for 35 days). Several plasma and urine biomarkers and tissues morphology were used the investigate chrysin effect on kidney structure and function. Results: Adenine lowered creatinine clearance and elevated the concentrations of urea, creatinine, plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and urinary N-Acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase activity, and increased the concentrations of the uremic toxin indoxyl sulfate, in addition to some inflammatory cytokines. Renal histopathological markers of inflammation and fibrosis were significantly increased. Renal catalase and superoxide dismutase activities, total antioxidant capacity and reduced glutathione were all adversely affected. Most of these adenine - induced actions were moderately mitigated by chrysin, especially at the highest dose. Compared to control, chrysin did not cause any overt adverse effects on the treated rats. Conclusion: Different doses of chrysin produce variable therapeutic salutary effects in rats with CKD, and that, pending further studies, its usability as a possible therapeutic agent in human CKD should be considered.
The New Generation Mini-PCNL System - Monitoring and Controlling of Renal Pelvic Pressure by Suctioning Device for Efficient and Safe PCNL in Managing Renal Staghorn Calculi
Authors: Yang Zhongsheng , Song Leming , Xie Donghua , Deng Xiaolin , Zhu Lunfeng , Fan Difu , Peng Zuofeng , Guo Shulin , Ye Zhangqun
Published: January 2016

Introduction: In order to better control renal pelvic pressure (RPP), reduce surgical complications and increase operative efficacy of minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL), we designed an MPCNL with intelligent monitoring and control of RPP and sought to explore its clinical efficacy and characteristics. Subject and Methods: This study included 60 patients with renal staghorn calculi. A 5F ureteral catheter was connected to an invasive blood pressure monitor for monitoring and control of RPP. A 12F renoscope was inserted through a percutaneous tract for lithotripsy using a laser, with the help of an intelligent system to monitor RPP continuously, which includes an irrigation and suctioning platform and an integrated intraluminal pressure sensory PCNL suctioning sheath. Before the lithotripsy, intraluminal pressure control value and perfusion flow were set on the platform. Results: RPP was maintained at a range of -12 to 2 mm Hg. The mean operative time was 120 min. The mean intraoperative bleeding amount was 100 ml. Fifty-two of the 60 patients the stones were cleared by one surgery. Conclusions: In our suctioning MPCNL with the intelligent control of RPP, the intraoperative RPP could be accurately controlled within the preset safety range. The stone clearance rate was high.
Resting-State Blood Oxygen Level-Dependent Functional MRI: A Paradigm Shift in Preoperative Brain Mapping
Authors: Leuthardt Eric C. , Allen Monica , Kamran Mudassar , Hawasli Ammar H. , Snyder Abraham Z. , Hacker Carl D. , Mitchell Timothy J. , Shimony Joshua S.
Published: January 2016

Currently, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) facilitates a preoperative awareness of an association of an eloquent region with a tumor. This information gives the neurosurgeon helpful information that can aid in creating a surgical strategy. Typically, task-based fMRI has been employed to preoperatively localize speech and motor function. Task-based fMRI depends on the patient's ability to comply with the task paradigm, which often is impaired in the setting of a brain tumor. This problem is overcome by using resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) to localize function. rs-fMRI measures spontaneous fluctuations in the blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal, representing the brain's functional organization. In a neurosurgical context, it allows noninvasive simultaneous assessment of multiple large-scale distributed networks. Compared with task-related fMRI, rs-fMRI provides more comprehensive information on the functional architecture of the brain and is applicable in settings where task-related fMRI may provide inadequate information or could not be performed. Taken together, rs-fMRI substantially expands the preoperative mapping capability in efficiency, effectiveness, and scope. In this article, a brief introduction into rs-fMRI processing methods is followed by a detailed discussion on the role rs-fMRI plays in presurgical planning.
Detection of the Assembly and Disassembly of PCV2b Virus-Like Particles Using Fluorescence Spectroscopy Analysis
Authors: Fang Mingli , Diao Wenzhen , Dong Boqi , Wei Hongfei , Liu Jialin , Hua Li , Zhang Miaomin , Guo Sheng , Xiao Yue , Yu Yongli , Wang Liying , Wan Min
Published: January 2016

Monitoring the assembly and disassembly of virus-like particles (VLPs) is important in developing effective VLP-based vaccines. We tried to establish a simple and rapid method to evaluate the status of VLP assembly using fluorescence spectroscopic analysis (FSA) while developing a VLP-based vaccine against porcine circovirus type 2b (PCV2b). We synthesized the gene coding for PCV2b capsid protein (CP). The CP was expressed in Escherichia coli in a soluble form, dialyzed into three different buffers, and assembled into VLPs. The immunogenicity of the VLPs was evaluated by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using the sera of mice immunized with inactivated PCV2b. The VLP assembly was detected using transmission electron microscopy and FSA. The assembled VLPs showed a distinct FSA curve with a peak at 320 nm. We found that the assembly status was related to the immunogenicity, fluorescence intensity, and morphology of the VLP. The FSA assay was able to monitor the various denatured statuses of PCV2b VLPs treated with β-mercaptoethanol or β-mercaptoethanol plus urea. We have demonstrated that FSA can be used to detect the assembly of PCV2b VLPs produced in E. coli. This provides a simple solution for monitoring VLP assembly during the production of VLP-based vaccines.
First-Line Chemotherapy for Metastatic Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Clinico-Biological Predictors of Disease Control
Authors: Kotecki Nuria , Hiret Sandrine , Etienne Pierre-Luc , Penel Nicolas , Tresch Emmanuelle , François Eric , Galais Marie Pierre , Ben Abdelghani Meher , Michel Pierre , Dahan Laetitia , Ghiringelli François , Bedenne Laurent , Samalin Emmanuelle , Piessen Guillaume , Bennouna Jafaar , Peugniez Charlotte , El Hajbi Farid , Clisant Stéphanie , Kramar Andrew , Mariette Christophe , Adenis Antoine
Published: January 2016

Objective: This study aimed to identify predictors of tumor control (TC) in metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients receiving first-line chemotherapy. Methods: A development cohort of 68 patients from a prospective multicenter trial (NCT01248299) was used to identify predictors of TC at first radiological tumor assessment and to generate a predictive score for TC. That score was applied in an independent retrospective single-center validation cohort of 60 consecutive patients. Results: Multivariate analysis identified three predictors of TC: body mass index ≥18.5 (OR 4.5, 95% CI 0.91-22.5), absence of bone metastasis (OR 4.6, 95% CI 0.91-23.2) and albumin ≥35 g/l (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.0-12.1). Based on the presence or absence of these three independent prognosticators, we built a predictive model using a score from 0 to 3. In the development cohort, the TC rates were 14.3 and 78.0% and in the validation cohort 12.5 and 44.2%, for scores of 0-1 and 2-3, respectively. With negative predictive values of 85 and 88% in the development and validation cohorts, respectively, we were able to identify patients with a very low probability of TC. Conclusion: We have developed and validated a score that can be easily determined at the bedside to predict TC in metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients.
Prognostic Factors and Skeletal-Related Events in Patients with Small Cell Lung Cancer with Bone Metastases at the Time of Diagnosis
Authors: Kang Eun Joo , Lee Suk Young , Kim Hong Jun , Min Kyung Hoon , Hur Gyu Young , Shim Jae Jeong , Kang Kyung Ho , Oh Sang Cheul , Seo Jae Hong , Lee Sung Yong , Kim Jun Suk
Published: January 2016

Background/Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics and prognostic factors of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) with bone metastases. We also investigated the characteristics and predictive factors of skeletal-related events (SREs) in these patients. Materials and Methods: Sixty-one patients who were first diagnosed with SCLC with bone metastases at our institution were included in this retrospective analysis. Results: The overall survival (OS) of patients with bone metastases was shorter than that of patients without bone metastases (4.13 vs. 6.17 months, p = 0.015). Poor Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS; ≥2) and higher serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP; above upper normal limit × 2) were independent poor prognostic factors (p = 0.027 for ECOG PS, p = 0.002 for ALP). More than 1 SRE occurred in 21 patients (34.4%). Cervical spine metastasis, thoracic spine metastasis, pelvic bone metastasis, more than 5 bone metastatic regions and higher serum lactate dehydrogenase were correlated with the occurrence of SREs. Thoracic spinal metastasis was a strong predictive factor for the occurrence of SREs (odds ratio = 5.475; 95% CI: 1.080-27.755). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates the poor prognosis of SCLC patients with bone metastases. Physicians should treat SCLC patients with bone metastases with caution.
Cerebral Small Vessel Disease and Arterial Stiffness: Tsunami Effect in the Brain
Authors: Saji Naoki , Toba Kenji , Sakurai Takashi
Published: January 2016

Background: Cerebral small vessel diseases, including silent lacunar infarcts, white matter hyperintensities, and microbleeds, pose a risk for cerebrovascular disease, cognitive impairment, and the geriatric syndrome via effects on arterial stiffness. However, the vascular, physiological, and metabolic roles of arterial stiffness in cerebral small vessel diseases remain unclear. Summary: Arterial stiffness can be assessed using various indicators such as the ankle-brachial index, pulse wave velocity, cardio-ankle vascular index, and augmentation index. Arterial stiffness is independently associated with all components of cerebral small vessel disease including silent lacunar infarcts, white matter hyperintensities, and microbleeds, although there are some methodological differences between the various surrogate markers. Evidence of arterial stiffness indicates microvessel arteriosclerosis presenting with vascular endothelial dysfunction. Further, vascular narrowing due to atherosclerosis and vascular stiffness due to lipohyalinosis can accelerate the pulse waves. This hemodynamic stress, pulsatile pressure, or blood pressure variability can cause a ‘tsunami effect' towards the cerebral parenchyma and lead to cerebral small vessel disease. Previous studies have shown that silent lacunar infarcts and white matter hyperintensities are strongly associated with arterial stiffness. However, the association between microbleeds and arterial stiffness remains controversial, as there are two vessel mechanisms related to microbleeds: cerebral amyloid angiopathy and hypertensive small vessel disease. Key Messages: Cerebral small vessel disease with associated arterial stiffness is a risk factor for silent cerebral lesions, stroke, and cognitive impairment. Improvement of the living environment, management of risk factors, and innovation and development of novel drugs that improve arterial stiffness may suppress the progression of cerebral small vessel disease, and may reduce the risk for stroke and dementia.
The Comparison of Computed Tomography Perfusion, Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography and Positron-Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography for the Detection of Primary Esophageal Carcinoma
Authors: Genc Berhan , Kantarci Mecit , Sade Recep , Orsal Ebru , Ogul Hayri , Okur Aylin , Aydin Yener , Karaca Leyla , Eroğlu Atilla
Published: January 2016

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficiency of computed tomography perfusion (CTP), contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) and 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) positron-emission tomography (PET/CT) in the diagnosis of esophageal cancer. Subjects and Methods: This prospective study consisted of 33 patients with pathologically confirmed esophageal cancer, 2 of whom had an esophageal abscess. All the patients underwent CTP, CECT and PET/CT imaging and the imaging findings were evaluated. Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values were calculated for each of the 3 imaging modalities relative to the histological diagnosis. Results: Thirty-three tumors were visualized on CTP, 29 on CECT and 27 on PET/CT. Six tumors were stage 1, and 2 and 4 of these tumors were missed on CECT and PET/CT, respectively. Significant differences between CTP and CECT (p = 0.02), and between CTP and PET/CT (p = 0.04) were found for stage 1 tumors. Values for the sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values on CTP were 100, 100, 100 and 100%, respectively. Corresponding values on CECT were 93.94, 0, 93.94 and 0%, respectively, and those on PET/CT were 87.88, 0, 93.55 and 0%, respectively. Hence, the sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of CTP were better than those of CECT and PET/CT. Conclusion: CTP had an advantage over CECT and PET/CT in detecting small lesions. CTP was valuable, especially in detecting stage 1 tumors.
Antigo e novo nas intervenções de caráter monumental: a experiência brasileira (1980-2010)
Authors: Nahas Patricia Viceconti
Published: January 2016

O artigo vem pautado na reflexão dos recentes diálogos entre antigo e novo, permanência e inovação, preservação e mudança, que fazem parte do cenário da produção arquitetônica contemporânea em que se assiste, cada vez mais, edifícios antigos tornarem-se parte de uma nova história da cidade. Com variadas denominações – restauro, reabilitação, readequação, revitalização, reciclagem –, as ações de intervenção operam sempre com a dimensão do tempo: o tempo de vida do monumento; o tempo durante o qual ele foi submetido à degradação; as sucessivas camadas de tempo que a ele foram acrescentadas pelas transformações por que passou; e o tempo que lhe resta como monumento vivo. A fim de esclarecer essas e outras questões decorrentes dessa abordagem, busca-se investigar como se articulam as premissas teóricas e os critérios de projeto adotados nas intervenções em edifícios de valor histórico e artístico – onde julgamos encontrar-se o cerne do problema – a partir do pensamento italiano de restauro, tendo como base, em especial, os princípios da Carta de Veneza para a análise das características e dos procedimentos utilizados nas intervenções sobre preexistências históricas no Brasil nas últimas décadas. Foram estabelecidas oito tendências de intervenção mais recorrentes em um conjunto de obras analisadas, criando-se grupos com características semelhantes entre si, não totalmente rígidos e fechados, mas que, de alguma forma, pudessem facilitar a leitura das obras e caracterizar o panorama de intervenções no Brasil em relação ao campo disciplinar de restauro.
Editorial Roland Barthes Plural
Authors: Bellocchio Carolina , Bergonzoni Gisela Anauate , Cavalari Tatiana Barbosa , Fontanari Rodrigo , Lopes de Oliveira Priscila Pesce , Pino Claudia Amigo
Published: January 2016

Sem resumo
Roland Barthes e o álbum de família
Authors: Oliveira Priscila Pesce Lopes
Published: January 2016

Esta comunicação examina fotografias que integram o livro Roland Barthes por Roland Barthes, sob inspiração do gênero “álbum de família”, e a ausente fotografia da mãe n’A Câmara Clara, manancial declarado de escrita do livro. Perscruta a relação entre imagens e texto no álbum fotográfico do Roland Barthes por Roland Barthes: as legendas que revelam, ocultam, achatam, põem em narrativa as fotografias; aderência, recusa e/ou subversão de lugares-comuns autobiográficos pelo álbum; proposição de diferentes modos imagéticos que estariam tanto nesse livro quanto n’A Câmara Clara.
EFEITOS DO REAL: REALIDADE E ESCRITURA EM ROLAND BARTHES
Authors: Torres Pedro Henrique Couto
Published: January 2016

O presente trabalho pretende debater a produção ensaística de Roland Barthes na década de 1960. O argumento analítico será postulado desde “L’effet de réel”, de 1968, buscando um desenvolvimento crítico a partir da noção de particularidade e detalhe concreto. O percurso das teorias realistas novecentistas será considerado a partir do emblemático texto de Phillipe Sollers “Le roman et l’expérience des limites”, de 1965, no qual o realismo é entendido como um prejuízo a partir do qual o gesto escritural deva exprimir algo extrínseco, uma realidade fora do texto. A realidade, tal como assumida neste trabalho, será problematizada como uma instância textual que polemiza a referencialidade e os projetos miméticos de transposição do real.
BARTHES POLÍTICO: ESCREVER MAIO DE 68
Authors: Agostinho Larissa
Published: January 2016

Em 1968, Barthes escreveu “L’écriture de l’événement”, um artigo onde são descritas três maneiras através das quais o acontecimento maio de 68, foi escrito, três escrituras que tornaram este acontecimento original e singular na História. Barthes procura responder a seguinte pergunta: “Como escrever um acontecimento?” Essa questão pressupõe, evidentemente, que o acontecimento foi escrito. Veremos que, para Barthes, a escritura não descreve unicamente o ato de escrever; ela também não se restringe a uma prática corporal ou individual; ela também não é uma experiência meramente formal restrita à linguagem escrita, mas um conjunto de práticas coletivas. A relevância deste artigo consiste em recuperar um Barthes político, engajado, preocupado em inserir a literatura e a crítica literária num conjunto de práticas sociais transformadoras.
COMO LER UM FILME? A LINGUAGEM CINEMATOGRÁFICA SEGUNDO ROLAND BARTHES
Authors: Campelo Janeide Maia
Published: January 2016

Em O rumor da língua (1988), Roland Barthes afirma: “criticar é pôr em crise” (p. 41). Como crítico, Barthes dedicou sua obra às mais diversas artes e pôs em crise algumas delas. Barthes o fez porque não era um crítico de arte e sim, um artista crítico. Pintura, filosofia, leitura e tantos outros interesses estão presentes em sua obra. Dos múltiplos Barthes que cada obra nos apresenta, nosso trabalho se dedica àquele que, semanalmente, “caminha sozinho pela rua iluminada e vazia...”, o cinéfilo. O autor que colaborou para Cahiers du cinéma, a mais influente revista francesa de cinema da época, também escreveu acerca da linguagem cinematográfica e de como essa linguagem é trabalhada socialmente e se relaciona com as outras artes. Nosso trabalho consiste em analisar dois textos nos quais Barthes discute a linguagem cinematográfica e como ele, também espectador, recebe e interpreta essa linguagem, são eles: “En sortant du cinéma (1975) e “Sur le cinéma” (1962-1980).
Persistence of metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents are overweight according to two diagnostic criteria: a longitudinal study
Authors: Cantalice Anajás S. C. , Santos Nathanielly C. C. B. , Oliveira Renata Cardoso , Collet Neusa , Medeiros Carla C. M.
Published: January 2016

Objective: To investigate the persistence of the metabolic syndrome (MS) in children and adolescents are overweight according to the diagnostic criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO) and National Cholesterol Education Panel Adult Treatment Program- III (NCEP / ATP III). Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted at the Center for Childhood Obesity between April/2009 and April/2012, involving 133 children and adolescents are overweight. The evaluation was made at first and after 24 months of follow up, anthropometry being performed, then the nutritional classification and diagnosis of MS which was subsequently divided into three groups: negative, intermittent and and persistent MS. Descriptive and agreement between the two criteria and also between groups analysis was performed using the Kappa index, using SPSS version 17.0 (95% CI). Results: Among those evaluated, the majority were female (60.9%), and adolescent with severe obesity. Among the components of metabolic syndrome, fasting glucose, blood pressure levels and insulin resistance were reduced in the period. There was no significant correlation between the diagnostic criteria, although it has seen significant coincidence in the group with persistent metabolic syndrome (p = 0.002). Conclusion: A significant similarity between the criteria of WHO and NCEP/ATPIII only in the group with persistent SM, demonstrating sensitivity of the tests, but the use of more specific markers for this age group it is necessary to identify the early SM.
Gastroesophageal reflux and chest physiotherapy: review
Authors: Gonçalves Renata M. , Assumpção Maíra S. de , Schivinski Camila I. S.
Published: January 2016

Objective: to present scientific evidence on the impact of respiratory physiotherapy techniques (RPT) in episodes of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in pediatric population, as well as characteristics of the studied samples, evaluation tools, RPT applied and the results obtained. Method: Systematic review operationalized through electronic search of three databases: LILACS, MEDLINE and Science Direct, in the period February to April 2014, using the keywords: gastroesophageal reflux, gastro-oesophageal reflux, physiotherapy / physical therapy, respiratory / chest. Studies evaluating the effects of RPT (conventional and modern) in children with GER and / or diagnosed with GERD were selected. Results: 73 articles were identified on the subject, and a sequential process excluded those who did not meet the inclusion criteria previously established. At the end of the calculation we included eight articles, seven clinical trials and one report series of cases. There was a higher frequency in the assessment of the impact on the conventional RPT about GER in children with cystic fibrosis, and postural drainage, associated or not with other techniques, applied in most studies, however, the effects of the described RPT may be still controversial. More recent studies have analyzed other RPT (increased expiratory flow handlings and method thoracoabdominal rebalancing) verifying their capability of causing reflux and security in the application of handlings. Conclusions: there is lack of research on the subject, there is no consensus as to the effect of RPT on GER in the pediatric population, especially in children with cystic fibrosis. In these investigations it was found that most of the examination of images used for the identification of GER.
Superior vena cava syndrome idiopathic: case report
Authors: Nogueira Thaís A. , Oliveira Luciana F. de
Published: January 2016

The Superior Vena Cava Syndrome(SVCS) is a set of signs and symptoms resulting from venous stasis caused by the obstruction of the superior vena cava(VCS) due to thrombosis, extrinsic compression or direct invasion of the vein. The most common causes of SVCS are malignant, lung cancer being the leading cause. There are few reports in the literature on SVCS of benign etiology. We describe a case of SVCS of idiopathic origin, where the author studied and excluded all benign etiologies of SVCS, until arriving at etiological diagnosis.
Superficial siderosis of the central nervous system: case report
Authors: Vilaça Celmir de Oliveira , Magella Carla Baars , Afonso Cristiane , Py Marco Oliveira , Santos Alair Sarmet , Novellino Pietro , Orsini Marco
Published: January 2016

Introduction: Superficial Siderosis Central Nervous System (SS) is a rare disease characterized by the deposition of hemosiderin in the brain and spinal cord. Clinically there is progressive ataxia and sensorineural deafness associated with upper motor neuron lesion. The diagnosis is made by examination of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Brain and Spinal Cord. Objective: Report a case of a patient with characteristic features of the syndrome, associated with the unusual presence of epilepsy. Method: We report the case of a patient with SS followed at the Institute of Neurology Deolindo Couto da UFRJ-RJ. Conclusion: The Superficial Siderosis Central Nervous System is a disease of the CNS that must be considered in any patient with ataxia and progressive deafness, requiring MRI, preferably images Gradient echo T2 for diagnosis.
Olha a Cocada!, de Eloí Bocheco: enlaces sobre jovens leitores e leitura literária a partir de estudos de Michèle Petit
Authors: Grazioli Fabiano Tadeu , Coenga Rosemar Eurico
Published: January 2016

No desenrolar dos capítulos da obra infantojuvenil Olha a cocada!, de Eloí Bocheco, encontramos espaços para pensar a leitura a partir dos estudos da antropóloga francesa Michèle Petit, feito que realizamos neste trabalho e que nos leva a concluir que a autora catarinense constrói uma obra que se destaca pelo modo diferenciado com que lida com os temas relacionados à leitura e à formação de jovens leitores. Tal modo revela aspectos importantes evidenciados nos estudos de Michèle Petit, principalmente no modo como os personagens, jovens leitores, se reconstroem a si mesmos através do encontro com a leitura, como ampliam seus círculos de pertencimento e, principalmente, na concepção de personagens capazes de resistir à miséria e às adversidades sociais, tendo como ferramenta a leitura literária.
Os livros didáticos de 1976 a 1988: “Seus” autores literários, gêneros e dispositivos
Authors: Santana Marilene Alves
Published: January 2016

Entre os resultados de uma pesquisa de Mestrado, que objetivou analisar a seleção e apresentação dos textos literários nos livros didáticos de língua portuguesa, verificaram-se os autores e gêneros mais referenciados no período de 1976 a 1988, bem como a padronização dos dispositivos tipográficos (CHARTIER, 1996) inseridos nos manuais considerados representativos desse período. Sobre tais resultados é que se discorre no presente artig.

 
ORAL HIV-ASSOCIATED KAPOSI SARCOMA: A COMPARISON BETWEEN IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY AND qPCR TECHNIQUES FOR DETECTION OF HHV8
Authors: Tobouti Priscila Lie , Seo Juliana , Lima Michella Bezerra , Sedassari Bruno Tavares , Sugaya Norberto Nobuo , Nunes Fabio Daumas , Sousa Suzana Cantanhede Orsini Machado
Published: January 2016

Objective: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of immunohistochemistry compared to real-time PCR (using a simple phenol-chloroform DNA extraction protocol) in the detection of HHV8 in small oral biopsies of Kaposi sarcoma. Also to validate the use of this DNA extraction protocol to extract HHV8 DNA.Material and methods: Seventeen cases of oral KS were examined. Data including gender, age, and anatomic location were obtained from patient´s records and histological sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) were reviewed. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect HHV8 in lesions of interest, as well as real-time PCR.Results: All the patients were HIV positive, the mean age was 35.5 years old, and the affected oral sites were palate (47%), gingiva (29.4%), tongue (11.8%), lip (5.9%), and oral floor (5.9%). Fifteen samples showed positive staining for HHV8 and only two samples were negative. The same results were observed using real-time PCR HHV8-DNA detection.Relevance: Our findings suggest that immunohistochemistry is faster and cheaper to perform than real-time PCR and was shown to have similar levels of sensitivity and accuracy for detection of HHV8 even in small biopsies. Additionally DNA extraction using a non-commercial kit, as done in this study can further reduce the costs to a pathology service.
Effectiveness of Quality Improvement Interventions at Reducing Inappropriate Cardiac Imaging
Authors: Chaudhuri Dipayan , Montgomery Alison , Gulenchyn Karen , Mitchell Morgan , Joseph Philip
Published: January 2016

Background—

Between 5% and 25% of cardiac imaging tests are performed for inappropriate indications. Studies have examined the impact of appropriate use criteria–based quality improvement initiatives on inappropriate testing, but they have not been systematically evaluated.

Methods and Results—

We performed a systematic review of studies evaluating quality improvement initiatives aimed at reducing inappropriate cardiac imaging. The primary outcome was the proportion of inappropriate tests based on appropriate use criteria. Studies were analyzed using a random effects meta-analysis model, and heterogeneity was examined using subgroup analyses. We identified 6 observational studies and 1 randomized control trial. Most interventions (n=6) had a formal education component, and 5 included a mechanism for physician audit and feedback. Although these interventions were associated with lower odds of inappropriate testing (odds ratio, 0.44 [95% confidence interval, 0.32–0.61];
P
<0.001), significant heterogeneity was observed (
I
2
=70%), which was best explained by the utilization of physician audit and feedback. Interventions that employed physician audit and feedback were associated with significantly lower odds of inappropriate testing (odds ratio, 0.36 [95% confidence interval, 0.31–0.41];
P
<0.001;
I
2
=0%), whereas those that did not had no effect (odds ratio, 0.89 [95% confidence interval, 0.61–1.29];
P
=0.51;
I
2
=0%;
P
value for difference <0.001). All studies had potential sources of bias that could have affected the observed estimates.

Conclusions—

Interventions using physician audit and feedback are associated with lower odds of inappropriate cardiac testing. Further research is needed to evaluate a greater diversity of intervention types, with improved study designs.
Pulse Waves in the Lower Extremities as a Diagnostic Tool of Peripheral Arterial Disease and Predictor of Mortality in Elderly Chinese
Authors: Sheng Chang-Sheng , Li Yan , Huang Qi-Fang , Kang Yuan-Yuan , Li Fei-Ka , Wang Ji-Guang
Published: January 2016

Patients with peripheral arterial disease may have elongated upstroke time in pulse waves in the lower extremities. We investigated upstroke time as a diagnostic tool of peripheral arterial disease and predictor of mortality in an elderly (≥60 years) Chinese population. We recorded pulse waves at the left and right ankles by pneumoplethysmography and calculated the percentage of upstroke time per cardiac cycle. Diagnostic accuracy was compared with the conventional ankle-brachial index method (n=4055) and computed tomographic angiography (34 lower extremities in 17 subjects). Upstroke time per cardiac cycle at baseline (mean±SD, 16.4%±3.1%) was significantly (
P
<0.0001) associated with ankle-brachial index in men (n=1803;
r
=−0.44) and women (n=2252;
r
=−0.32) and had an overall sensitivity and specificity of 86% and 80%, respectively, for the diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease (upstroke time per cardiac cycle, ≥21.7%) in comparison with computed tomographic angiography. During 5.9 years (median) of follow-up, all-cause and cardiovascular deaths occurred in 366 and 183 subjects, respectively. In adjusted Cox regression analyses, an upstroke time per cardiac cycle ≥21.7% (n=219; 5.4%) significantly (
P
<0.0001) predicted total and cardiovascular mortality. The corresponding hazard ratios were 1.98 (95% confidence interval, 1.48–2.65) and 2.29 (1.58–3.32), respectively, when compared with that of 2.10 (1.48–3.00) and 2.44 (1.57–3.79), respectively, associated with an ankle-brachial index of ≤0.90 (n=115; 2.8%). In conclusion, pulse waves in the lower extremities may behave as an accurate and ease of use diagnostic tool of peripheral arterial disease and predictor of mortality in the elderly.
Economic Democracy and 21st Century Socialist Strategy
Authors: Davidson Carl
Published: January 2016

This article places the question of economy democracy in the wider context of socialist strategy. It starts by assessing the matter concretely, with a brief overview of Spain’s Mondragon Cooperatives, then showing how it fits into a wider and more multifaceted solidarity economy. From there, it discusses even wider alliances, including with green energy projects, to develop a political instrument that could bring these insurgent movements, each a militant minority, and their organizations to political power as a new progressive majority that could serve as a bridge to a new socialism.
“Wishing your Family, Chrysler, and the Government an Abundance of Happiness for Christmas and the New Year”: The Chrysler Bailout and the Strange Persistence of New Deal Liberalism
Authors: Ward Scott
Published: January 2016

In terms of industrial decline, Chrysler was just another death rattle among the blast furnaces sputtering throughout the Midwest, the dimming hum of shuttering textile mills up and down the Piedmont, and Appalachian coal towns drying up into nothing. Yet, it was more than just layoffs and bankruptcies; it appeared to be the end of what the New Deal Order had accomplished in postwar America—stable employment and rising wages coupled with economic growth. Indeed, since World War ii, Chrysler had been near the core of that very New Deal liberalism. Like its counterparts in mass-production industry, Chrysler had made its peace with organized labor and submitted to routinized collective bargaining. The seeds of that bargaining, especially in the auto industry, set the pattern for organized and unorganized workers across the nation. The tacit partnership of the federal government, big business, and organized labor that formed the core of New Deal liberalism established the pattern of collective bargaining, routinized industrial production, Cold War consensus, Democratic Party power, federal intervention into the economy, and affluence that would define postwar American life.
Gary, Indiana: A Disaster Model for Redevelopment
Authors: Needleman Ruth
Published: January 2016

Gary, Indiana looks like so many other rustbelt post-industrial cities. In contrast to New Orleans, where a natural disaster was used to accelerate the destruction of the city and relocation of inhabitants, our urban crises are the outcome of human disasters. Industrialization drew millions of workers from the South, especially black workers as part of the Great Migration. De-industrialization wasted our urban centers and closed our plants. The jails cannot handle all the unemployed youth. Between the Gary-Chicago Airport, the South Shore Railroad expansion, and many other projects that should be providing jobs to local residents, outside forces are working against integration and facilitating a new campaign to reverse the Great Migration that brought so many people to Gary in the first place, people who helped build a great city and a great nation.
Urban Power and Community Development in the ‘World Risk Society’: Post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans (usa)
Authors: McBride David
Published: January 2016

This article examines urban power and community movements when a city is consumed by a major disaster. Using New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina as its case study, this investigation will identify discriminatory police practices, public-private development policies, and ethnopolitical leadership that reproduced historic racial and class inequality in post-Katrina New Orleans. This study will argue that it was not so-called disaster capitalism, but automatic or “reflexive” re-development (Ulrich Beck’s concept) that revived the city’s traditional racial caste and structural class stratification. Finally, this policy mix in disaster response initiatives overshadowed specific strategies and goals for rebuilding advocated by community-based movements.
Tiny Land Features in Recent Maritime Delimitation Case Law
Authors: von Mühlendahl Paul
Published: January 2016

A maritime delimitation is, in its very nature, a delicate process, whose complexity can be further compounded by the presence of tiny land features, as they can considerably distort the final delimitation line. In several recent maritime delimitation cases, the question of the legal status of such a feature has arisen on the one hand, and of the potential effect that its presence in the delimitation area should have on the boundary on the other hand. Among the multiple options that international judges or arbitrators may use, they have chosen, and rightly so, a conservative approach, consisting in attributing a largely secondary role, if any, to these chunks of emerged land. This raises the larger issue about the true nature of a maritime delimitation decided by a judge or an arbitrator and, by extension, the relationship between law and nature.
Emotion and Time Perception in Children and Adults: The Effect of Task Difficulty
Authors: Droit-Volet S. , Fayolle S. , Gil S.
Published: January 2016

In the present study, adults and children aged five and eight years were given a temporal bisection task involving emotional stimuli (angry and neutral faces) and three levels of discrimination difficulty that differed as a function of the ratio used between the short and the long standard duration (very easy, easy, and difficult). In addition, their cognitive capacities in terms of working memory and attention inhibition were assessed by neuropsychological tests. In the very easy temporal task (ratio of 1:4), the results showed that the psychophysical functions were shifted toward the left in all participants for the angry faces compared to the neutral faces, with a significant lowering of the Bisection Point, suggesting that the stimulus duration was judged to last longer for the emotional stimuli. In addition, the results did not show any relationship between the magnitude of this lengthening effect and individual cognitive capacities as assessed by the neuropsychological tests. The individual differences in working memory capacities only explained differences in sensitivity to time. However, when the difficulty of the temporal task increased, the children’s performance decreased and it was no longer possible to test for the emotional effect. Unlike the children, the adults were still able to discriminate time in the emotional task. However, the emotional effect was no longer observed. In conclusion, our study on temporal task difficulty shows the influence of available cognitive resources on the emergence of an emotional effect on time perception.
Phylogeny of Anatolian (Turkey) species in the Digitalis sect. Globiflorae (Plantaginaceae)
Authors: Eker İsmail , Yücesan Buhara , Sameeullah Muhammad , Welß Walter , Müller-Uri Frieder , Gürel Ekrem , Kreis Wolfgang
Published: January 2016

This study analyses phylogenetic and morphological relationships regarding the taxonomy of Digitalis sect. Globiflorae. Progesterone 5β-reductase (P5βR) is an important enzyme for cardenolide biosynthesis as well as a novel genetic marker inferring phylogenetic and biogeographic relationships in many plant species. Phylogenetic inference was conducted using the neighbor-joining method and maximum likelihood model on cDNA sequences of highly conserved P5βR (97.0–99.6%) isolated from members of sect. Globiflorae, including Digitalis trojana, D. cariensis, D. lamarckii, D. lanata subsp. lanata, D. ferruginea subsp. ferruginea and D. ferruginea subsp. schischkinii. Our phylogenetic and morphological results largely support Davis’ system of the genus Digitalis in the Flora of Turkey. We propose the existence of four species and three subspecies in sect. Globiflorae for Turkey. Digitalis cariensis is a distinct species endemic to Turkey. In spite of high morphological similarities, D. lamarckii was separated from D. trojana and D. lanata. Digitalis trojana is accepted at the infraspecific rank as D. lanata subsp. trojana. In addition, D. ferruginea is ranked under the two subspecies following Werner’s treatment. Our study presents a new understanding of the speciation patterns of endemic and non-endemic eastern Digitalis species distributed in Anatolia, Turkey, underlying molecular, biogeographical and comparative morphological analyses.
Lectotypification of Arundo roraimensis, the basionym of Cortaderia roraimensis (Poaceae—Danthonioideae)
Authors: De Oliveira Reyjane Patricia , Dórea Marcos Da Costa , Welker Cassiano Aimberê Dorneles
Published: January 2016

The genus Cortaderia Stapf (1897: 378, 396) is a member of the grass subfamily Danthonioideae and includes, in its current delimitation, 20 species restricted to South America (Linder et al. 2010, Kellogg 2015). The individual plants in this genus are gynodioecious, either entirely pistillate or with bisexual flowers (Kellogg 2015).
Microcostatus salinus sp. nov., a new benthic diatom (Bacillariophyceae) from esturarine intertidal sediments, Japan
Authors: Li Yuhang , Suzuki Hidekazu , Nagumo Tamotsu , Tanaka Jiro , Sun Zhongmin , Xu Kuidong
Published: January 2016

Microcostatus salinus, an epipsammic species, is described from estuarine intertidal sediments in Japan. Its morphology was examined with light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Microcostatus salinus possesses two unique morphological features differing from all other species in this genus, viz., i) the striae are composed of two elongate areolae and restricted to the area near valve apexes, and ii) the distance between the two central raphe endings on the external valve surface is about two times longer than that on the internal one. In addition, M. salinus is the only species of the genus Microcostatus found from brackish to saline environments.
A new species of Tricholabiodes Radoszkowski, 1885 (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) from Saudi Arabia
Authors: SOLIMAN AHMED M.
Published: January 2016

A new species, Tricholabiodes aldryhimi Soliman, sp. nov., with a posteromesal bifurcal sessile process on the third metasomal sternum is described and illustrated from Najd Region, Saudi Arabia. The new species looks like T. brothersi Lelej, 2010 in having a bifurcal process on S3 but differs from it mainly in colour and the shape of the genitalia.
New inspiration on effective development of tight reservoir in secondary exploitation by using rock mechanics method
Authors: Du Shuheng , Shi Yongmin , Guan Ping , Zhang Yuguang
Published: January 2016

This study attempted to raise new significant inspiration on effective development of tight reservoir in secondary exploitation by using rock mechanics method. After refitting the conventional tri-axial rock mechanics testing instruments, a set of probing experiments on rock mechanics determination were performed. Results show that mechanism of the influence of confining pressure on the Young's modulus is different from that of the pore pressure. The physical significance of the slope and intercept value in Young's modulus changing curves were analyzed; two kinds of mechanisms which cause changes of Young's modulus were raised. Meanwhile, we put forward the concept of “microscopic” anisotropy and introduce the coefficient of “S” and “H” to quantitatively characterize the relative difference on impact extent, where pore pressure and confining pressure could lead to change in Young's modulus and the size of microscopic anisotropy of Young's modulus. We predicted the size of microscopic anisotropy of Young's modulus in Qijiagulong district of Daqing Oilfield by using the above method. The conclusion could provide scientific basis for judging the well pattern adaptability, preponderant direction of water flooding, the reservoir rock fracturing, and optimization design of fracturing parameters.
A Dynamic Theory of Network Failure: The Case of the Venice Film Festival and the Local Hospitality System
Authors: Moretti Anna , Zirpoli Francesco
Published: January 2016

Organizational and sociological research dealing with network governance has mainly focused on network advantages rather than on their problems or dysfunctionalities. This focus has left the field of network failure partially unexplored. We argue that although there have been some attempts to explicitly theorize network failures, the existing explanations, which are based on structural or social conditions, are not exhaustive. In this article we report the results of our empirical investigation on an underperforming network formed by the world-famous Venice Film Festival and its local hospitality system. We inductively derive a dynamic theory of network failure premised on the interplay of the network’s static dimensions (opportunism and ignorance) and dynamic dimensions (framing and mobilizing), and the role of institutions.