bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolated Schistosoma mansoni eggs prevent allergic airway inflammation
Authors: Obieglo Katja , Schuijs Martijn J. , Ozir‐Fazalalikhan Arifa , Otto Frank , van Wijck Yolanda , Boon Louis , Lambrecht Bart N. , Taube Christian , Smits Hermelijn H.
Published: August 2018

Chronic helminth infection with Schistosoma (S.) mansoni protects against allergic airway inflammation (AAI) in mice and is associated with reduced Th2 responses to inhaled allergens in humans, despite the presence of schistosome‐specific Th2 immunity. Schistosome eggs strongly induce type 2 immunity and allow to study the dynamics of Th2 versus regulatory responses in the absence of worms. Treatment with isolated S. mansoni eggs by i.p. injection prior to induction of AAI to ovalbumin (OVA)/alum led to significantly reduced AAI as assessed by less BAL and lung eosinophilia, less cellular influx into lung tissue, less OVA‐specific Th2 cytokines in lungs and lung‐draining mediastinal lymph nodes and less circulating allergen‐specific IgG1 and IgE antibodies. While OVA‐specific Th2 responses were inhibited, treatment induced a strong systemic Th2 response to the eggs. The protective effect of S. mansoni eggs was unaltered in μMT mice lacking mature (B2) B cells and unaffected by Treg cell depletion using anti‐CD25 blocking antibodies during egg treatment and allergic sensitization. Notably, prophylactic egg treatment resulted in a reduced influx of pro‐inflammatory, monocyte‐derived dendritic cells into lung tissue of allergic mice following challenge. Altogether, S. mansoni eggs can protect against the development of AAI, despite strong egg‐specific Th2 responses.
Microbiological findings in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from lung transplant patients in Sweden
Authors: Stjärne Aspelund Anna , Hammarström Helena , Inghammar Malin , Larsson Hillevi , Hansson Lennart , Riise Gerdt C. , Friman Vanda , Christensson Bertil , Påhlman Lisa I.
Published: August 2018

Background

Lung transplant patients experience a high risk of airway infections and microbial colonization of the lung due to constant exposure to the environment through inhaled microorganisms, denervation, reduced ciliary transport, and decreased cough.

Methods

In this nationwide prospective study on Swedish lung transplant patients, we evaluated the microbiological panorama of bacteria, fungi, and virus found in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) obtained the first year after lung transplantation (LTx). Differences in microbiological findings depending of concomitant signs of infection and background factors were assessed.

Results

A total of 470 bronchoscopies from 126 patients were evaluated. Sixty‐two percent (n = 293) of BALF samples had positive microbiological finding(s). Forty‐six percent (n = 217) had bacterial growth, 29% (n = 137) fungal growth, and 9% (n = 43) were positive in viral PCR. In 38% of BALF samples (n = 181), a single microbe was found, whereas a combination of bacteria, fungi or virus was found in 24% (n = 112) of bronchoscopies. The most common microbiological findings were Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and coagulase negative Staphylococcus (in 42 (33%), 36 (29%), and 25 (20%) patients, respectively). Microbiological findings were similar in BALF from patients with and without signs of lung infection and the frequency of multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria was low. No significant association was found between background factors and time to first lung infection.

Conclusion

This study gives important epidemiologic insights and reinforces that microbiological findings have to be evaluated in the light of clinical symptoms and endobronchial appearance in the assessment of lung infections in lung transplant patients.
Statistical Analysis of Component Failures: A 16 Year Survey on More Than 550 Wind Turbines
Authors: Ferrari Lorenzo , Soldi Guido , Bianchini Alessandro , Dalpane Enzo
Published: August 2018

A good prediction of the failure ratio of wind turbine (WT) components is pivotal to define a correct maintenance program and reduce the downtime periods. Even a small failure can lead to long downtime periods and high repairing costs. The installation sites, which generally have limited accessibility, and the necessity of special facilities to reach the components inside the nacelle, also play a key role in the correct management of WTs. In this study, a detailed survey on the failures occurred to the WTs managed by the Italian operator “e2i energie speciali” (more than 550 machines) over 16 years was performed and the results were analyzed in detail. Each failure was classified by considering the damaged component and the related downtime period. The analysis allowed the determination of several useful results such as the trend of failure occurrence with machine age and the identification of components and macrocomponents which are more critical in terms of both number of occurrences and downtime periods. The combination of component failure occurrences and related downtime periods was also computed to estimate which component is most critical for WT operation.
Can We Improve Stavudine's Safety Profile in Children? Pharmacokinetics of Intracellular Stavudine Triphosphate with Reduced Dosing
Authors: Innes Steve , van der Laan Louvina , Anderson Peter L. , Cotton Mark , Denti Paolo
Published: August 2018

Stavudine remains a useful replacement option for treatment for HIV+children. WHO reduced the adult dose to 30 mg twice daily, which maintains efficacy and lowers mitochondrial toxicity.
Cyanophycin Synthesis Optimizes Nitrogen Utilization in the Unicellular Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. Strain PCC 6803
Authors: Watzer Björn , Forchhammer Karl
Published: August 2018

We clarified the elusive biological function of cyanophycin in the nondiazotrophic cyanobacterium
Synechocystis
sp. PCC 6803. Cyanophycin is a dynamic carbon/nitrogen storage polymer (multi-arginyl-
l
-polyaspartate) that is conditionally present in most cyanobacteria and a few heterotrophic bacteria as cellular inclusion granules. Here, we show that the cyanophycin-synthesizing enzyme CphA in the nonactive state localizes diffusely in the cytoplasm. When cyanophycin synthesis is triggered, active CphA first aggregates into foci and then covers the surface of mature cyanophycin granules, which
in vitro
requires Mg
2+
as a cofactor. Cyanophycin accumulation enables
Synechocystis
sp. to optimize nitrogen assimilation under nitrogen-poor conditions, in particular when the nitrogen supply fluctuates and during day/night cycles, by allowing continuous nitrogen assimilation and storage. Therefore, cyanophycin provides the wild-type cyanobacterium with a clear fitness advantage over non-cyanophycin-producing cells in natural environments with fluctuating nitrogen supply.
Racial differences and determinants of macular thickness profiles in multiethnic Asian population: the Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Diseases Study
Authors: Wong Kah Hie , Tham Yih-Chung , Nguyen Duc Quang , Dai Wei , Tan Nicholas Y Q , Mathijia Shivani , Neelam Kumari , Cheung Carol Yim-lui , Sabanayagam Charumathi , Schmetterer Leopold , Wong Tien Yin , Cheng Ching-Yu
Published: August 2018

Aim

To evaluate racial differences, and ocular and systemic determinants of macular thickness (MT), measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in a normal multiethnic Asian population.

Method

MT was measured from a 6×6 mm2 central macular area using the Cirrus high-definition OCT (HD-OCT) (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA). The associations between ocular and systemic factors with MT were evaluated using linear regression analyses with generalised estimating equation models to account for intereye correlation.

Results

7447 healthy eyes (2577 Chinese, 2072 Malays and 2798 Indians) of 4510 subjects were included. Multivariable analysis showed that older age (per decade, β=−4.39), female gender (β=−5.74), diabetes (β=−1.10), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (β=−3.21), longer axial length (per mm, β=−2.34), flatter corneal curvature (per mm, β=−1.79) and presence of cataract (β=−0.94) were associated with thinner overall average MT (OMT) (all p≤0.026); higher total cholesterol (β=0.44; p=0.010) was associated with thicker OMT. All these factors were also associated with thinner central subfield MT (CSMT) (all p≤0.001), except for cataract, total cholesterol and CKD. Meanwhile, longer axial length (β=2.51; p<0.001) was associated with thicker CSMT. OMT (mean±SD) was thickest in Chinese (279.9±12.5 µm), followed by Malays (276.5±13.7 µm) and Indians (272.4±13.1 µm), with p≤0.003 for all interethnic comparisons. Similar trend was observed for CSMT.

Conclusion

There are interethnic differences in MT profile among Asians, particularly between Chinese and Indians. Ocular and systemic factors affect MT measurements as well. This Asian-specific information may be incorporated into existing clinical interpretation of macular OCT scans to aid in improving the diagnostic and monitoring accuracy of macular diseases among Asians.
Cardiac structure and function with and without metabolic syndrome: the Echocardiographic Study of Latinos (Echo-SOL)
Authors: Burroughs Peña Melissa , Swett Katrina , Schneiderman Neil , Spevack Daniel M , Ponce Sonia G , Talavera Gregory A , Kansal Mayank M , Daviglus Martha L , Cai Jianwen , Hurwitz Barry E , Llabre Maria M , Rodriguez Carlos J
Published: August 2018

Objective

We assessed the hypothesis that metabolic syndrome is associated with adverse changes in cardiac structure and function in participants of the Echocardiographic Study of Latinos (Echo-SOL).

Methods

Non-diabetic Echo-SOL participants were included in this cross-sectional analysis. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 2009 Joint Scientific Statement. Survey multivariable linear regression analyses using sampling weights were used adjusting for multiple potential confounding variables. Additional analysis was stratified according to the presence/absence of obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2) and the presence/absence of metabolic syndrome.

Results

Within Echo-SOL, 1260 individuals met inclusion criteria (59% female; mean age 55.2 years). Compared with individuals without metabolic syndrome, those with metabolic syndrome had lower medial and lateral E′ velocities (−0.4 cm/s, (SE 0.1), p=0.0002; −0.5 cm/s (0.2), p=0.02, respectively), greater E/E′ (0.5(0.2), p=0.01) and worse two-chamber left ventricular longitudinal strain (0.9%(0.3), p=0.009), after adjusting for potential confounding variables. Increased left ventricular mass index (9.8 g/m2(1.9), p<0.0001 and 7.5 g/m2(1.7), p<0.0001), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (11.1 mL (3.0), p=0.0003 and 13.3 mL (2.7), p<0.0001), left ventricular end-systolic volume (5.0 mL (1.4), p=0.0004 and 5.7 mL (1.3) p<0.0001) and left ventricular stroke volume (10.2 mL (1.8), p<0.0001 and 13.0 mL (2.0), p<0.0001) were observed in obese individuals with and without metabolic syndrome compared with individuals with normal weight without metabolic syndrome. In sensitivity analyses, individuals with normal weight (BMI <25 kg/m2) and metabolic syndrome had worse left ventricular global longitudinal strain (2.1%(0.7), p=0.002) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (−3.5%(1.4), p=0.007) compared with normal-weight individuals without metabolic syndrome.

Conclusions

In a sample of US Hispanics/Latinos metabolic syndrome was associated with worse left ventricular systolic and diastolic function. Adverse changes in left ventricular size and function were observed in obese individuals with and without metabolic syndrome but decreased left ventricular function was also present in normal-weight individuals with metabolic syndrome.
Data-driven approach to Early Warning Score-based alert management
Authors: Capan Muge , Hoover Stephen , Miller Kristen E , Pal Carmen , Glasgow Justin M , Jackson Eric V , Arnold Ryan C
Published: August 2018

Background

Increasing adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) with integrated alerting systems is a key initiative for improving patient safety. Considering the variety of dynamically changing clinical information, it remains a challenge to design EHR-driven alerting systems that notify the right providers for the right patient at the right time while managing alert burden. The objective of this study is to proactively develop and evaluate a systematic alert-generating approach as part of the implementation of an Early Warning Score (EWS) at the study hospitals.

Methods

We quantified the impact of an EWS-based clinical alert system on quantity and frequency of alerts using three different alert algorithms consisting of a set of criteria for triggering and muting alerts when certain criteria are satisfied. We used retrospectively collected EHRs data from December 2015 to July 2016 in three units at the study hospitals including general medical, acute care for the elderly and patients with heart failure.

Results

We compared the alert-generating algorithms by opportunity of early recognition of clinical deterioration while proactively estimating alert burden at a unit and patient level. Results highlighted the dependency of the number and frequency of alerts generated on the care location severity and patient characteristics.

Conclusion

EWS-based alert algorithms have the potential to facilitate appropriate alert management prior to integration into clinical practice. By comparing different algorithms with regard to the alert frequency and potential early detection of physiological deterioration as key patient safety opportunities, findings from this study highlight the need for alert systems tailored to patient and care location needs, and inform alternative EWS-based alert deployment strategies to enhance patient safety.
Artificial womb technology and the frontiers of human reproduction: conceptual differences and potential implications
Authors: Romanis Elizabeth Chloe
Published: August 2018

In 2017, a Philadelphia research team revealed the closest thing to an artificial womb (AW) the world had ever seen. The ‘biobag’, if as successful as early animal testing suggests, will change the face of neonatal intensive care. At present, premature neonates born earlier than 22 weeks have no hope of survival. For some time, there have been no significant improvements in mortality rates or incidences of long-term complications for preterms at the viability threshold. Artificial womb technology (AWT), that might change these odds, is eagerly anticipated for clinical application. We need to understand whether AWT is an extension of current intensive care or something entirely new. This question is central to determining when and how the biobag should be used on human subjects. This paper examines the science behind AWT and advances two principal claims. First, AWT is conceptually different from conventional intensive care. Identifying why AWT should be understood as distinct demonstrates how it raises different ethico-legal questions. Second, these questions should be formulated without the ‘human being growing in the AW’ being described with inherently value laden terminology. The ‘human being in an AW’ is neither a fetus nor a baby, and the ethical tethers associated with these terms could perpetuate misunderstanding and confusion. Thus, the term ‘gestateling’ should be adopted to refer to this new product of human reproduction: a developing human being gestating ex utero. While this paper does not attempt to solve all the ethical problems associated with AWT, it makes important clarifications that will enable better formulation of relevant ethical questions for future exploration.
Tools for your stroke team: adapting crew-resource management for acute stroke care
Authors: Willems Laurent M. , Kurka Natalia , Bohmann Ferdinand , Rostek Peter , Pfeilschifter Waltraud
Published: August 2018

Crew-resource management is an approach to work and training that focuses on non-technical skills and strategies to prevent human error in complex procedures. It was initially termed ‘cockpit-resource management’ and developed for aviation in the 1970s after several severe accidents; it has contributed to a measurable increase in flight safety. In recent years, this approach has been successfully implemented in other high-reliability environments; surgical disciplines have made particular use of crew-resource management strategies and training, with resulting reduced mortality rates. The stepwise implementation of different crew-resource management strategies in stroke care at our tertiary stroke centre has helped to speed up process times significantly, and to improve patient safety and staff satisfaction. Here, we summarise our experience in adapting different crew-resource management tools to acute stroke care, sharing specific tools that have proven valuable in our hands, and we encourage colleagues to implement such strategies in acute stroke care.
Unique phase diagrams in a graphene-like transverse Ising nanoparticle
Authors: Kaneyoshi T.
Published: August 2018

The phase diagrams and the magnetizations in a graphene-like two-dimensional nanoparticle described by the transverse Ising model are investigated by the use of the effective-field theory with correlations. We have found some characteristic behaviors especially for the system with a small transverse field and a small surface exchange interaction, such as the reentrant phenomena.
Experiments in Criminology: Improving Our Understanding of Crime and the Criminal Justice System
Authors: Ridgeway Greg
Published: August 2018

Crime is costly, yet we understand little about it. The United States justice system costs $280 billion per year, but compared to other areas, such as medicine and agriculture, we have few answers for the field's fundamental questions, like what causes crime and how we can best use our justice system to respond to it. In addition, the success or failure of the justice system impacts our safety, freedoms, and trust in government. Criminologists are working to bridge this gap in knowledge using methods that are fundamentally statistical, including randomized designs, case-control studies, instrumental variables, and natural experiments. This review discusses how criminologists explore the police, courts, sentencing, and communities and their effect on crime using daylight saving time, natural disasters, coding errors, quirks in funding formulas, and other phenomena to simulate randomization. I include analyses of racial bias, police shootings, public defense, parolees, graffiti, vacant lots, and abandoned buildings. This review should encourage statisticians to bring their methods and expertise to bear on criminological questions, as the field needs broader and deeper scientific examination.
PTEN inhibitor VO-OHpic attenuates inflammatory M1 macrophages and cardiac remodeling in doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy
Authors: Johnson Taylor A. , Singla Dinender K.
Published: August 2018

Doxorubicin (Doxo) is an effective agent commonly used in cancer therapeutics. Unfortunately, Doxo treatment can stimulate cardiomyopathy and subsequent heart failure, limiting the use of this drug. The role of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in apoptosis has been documented in Doxo-induced cardiomyopathy (DIC) and heart failure models. However, whether direct inhibition of PTEN attenuates apoptosis, cardiac remodeling, and inflammatory M1 macrophages in the DIC model remains elusive. Therefore, the present study was designed to understand the effects of VO-OHpic (VO), a potent inhibitor of PTEN, in reducing apoptosis and cardiac remodeling. At day 56, echocardiography was performed, which showed that VO treatment significantly ( P < 0.05) improved heart function. Immunohistochemistry, TUNEL, and histological staining were used to determine apoptosis, proinflammatory M1 macrophages, anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages, and cardiac remodeling. Our data show a significant increase in apoptosis, hypertrophy, fibrosis, and proinflammatory M1 macrophages with Doxo treatment, whereas VO treatment significantly reduced apoptosis, adverse cardiac remodeling, and proinflammatory M1 macrophages significantly ( P < 0.05) compared with the Doxo-treated group. Western blot analysis confirmed the reduction of phosphorylated PTEN and increase in phosphorylated AKT protein expression in the Doxo + VO-treated group. Moreover, VO administration increased anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. Collectively, our data suggest that VO treatment attenuates apoptosis and adverse cardiac remodeling, a process that is mediated through the PTEN/AKT pathway, resulting in improved heart function in DIC.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy (DIC) is still a major issue in patients with cancer. These novel findings on the phosphatase and tensin homolog inhibitor VO-OHpic in DIC is the first report, as per the best of our knowledge, that VO-OHpic significantly decreases apoptosis, fibrosis, hypertrophy, adverse cardiac remodeling, and proinflammatory M1 macrophages and increases anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages along with significantly improved cardiac function. VO-OHpic could be a future therapeutic agent for patients with DIC.
Pulmonary endothelial cells exhibit sexual dimorphism in their response to hyperoxia
Authors: Zhang Yuhao , Dong Xiaoyu , Shirazi Jasmine , Gleghorn Jason P. , Lingappan Krithika
Published: August 2018

Abnormal pulmonary vascular development is a critical factor in the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Despite the well-established sex-specific differences in the incidence of BPD, the molecular mechanism(s) behind these are not completely understood. Exposure to a high concentration of oxygen (hyperoxia) contributes to BPD and creates a profibrotic environment in the lung. Our objective was to elucidate the sex-specific differences in neonatal human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) in normoxic and hyperoxic conditions, including the propensity for endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. HPMECs (18- to 24-wk gestation donors, 6 male donors and 5 female donors) were subjected to hyperoxia (95% O2 and 5% CO2) or normoxia (air and 5% CO2) up to 72 h. We assessed cell migration and angiogenesis at baseline. Cell proliferation, viability, and expression of endothelial (CD31) and fibroblast markers (α-smooth muscle actin) were measured upon exposure to hyperoxia. Female HPMECs had significantly higher cell migration when assessed by the wound healing assay (40.99 ± 4.4%) compared with male HPMECs (14.76 ± 3.7%) and showed greater sprouting (1710 ± 962 μm in female cells vs. 789 ± 324 in male cells) compared with male endothelial cells in normoxia. Hyperoxia exposure decreased cell viability (by 9.8% at 48 h and 11.7% at 72 h) and proliferation (by 26.7% at 72 h) markedly in male HPMECs, whereas viability was sustained in female endothelial cells. There was greater expression of α-smooth muscle actin (2.5-fold) and decreased expression (5-fold) of CD31 in male HPMECs upon exposure to hyperoxia. The results indicate that cellular sex affects response in HPMECs in normoxia and hyperoxia.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Cellular sex affects response in human neonatal pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells in normoxia and hyperoxia. Under normoxic conditions, female human neonatal pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells display greater migration and angiogenic sprouting compared with male endothelial cells. Compared with female endothelial cells, hyperoxia exposure decreased cell viability and proliferation and increased α-smooth muscle actin and decreased CD31 expression in male endothelial cells, indicating an increased endothelial-mesenchymal transition.
N-Linked Glycopeptide Identification Based on Open Mass Spectral Library Search
Authors: An Zhiwu , Shu Qingbo , Lv Hao , Shu Lian , Wang Jifeng , Yang Fuquan , Fu Yan
Published: August 2018

Confident characterization of intact glycopeptides is a challenging task in mass spectrometry-based glycoproteomics due to microheterogeneity of glycosylation, complexity of glycans, and insufficient fragmentation of peptide bones. Open mass spectral library search is a promising computational approach to peptide identification, but its potential in the identification of glycopeptides has not been fully explored. Here we present pMatchGlyco, a new spectral library search tool for intact N-linked glycopeptide identification using high-energy collisional dissociation (HCD) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) data. In pMatchGlyco, (1) MS/MS spectra of deglycopeptides are used to create spectral library, (2) MS/MS spectra of glycopeptides are matched to the spectra in library in an open (precursor tolerant) manner and the glycans are inferred, and (3) a false discovery rate is estimated for top-scored matches above a threshold. The efficiency and reliability of pMatchGlyco were demonstrated on a data set of mixture sample of six standard glycoproteins and a complex glycoprotein data set generated from human cancer cell line OVCAR3.
An Experimental Study on the Adsorption and Desorption of Cu(II) in Silty Clay
Authors: Xie Shuang , Wen Zhang , Zhan Hongbin , Jin Menggui
Published: August 2018

Heavy metals such as Cu(II) are widespread in the environment, and the impact of heavy metals on the environment of soils depends on the ability of soils to immobilize these pollutants. It is necessary to investigate the mechanism of interaction between heavy metal and soil from a soil remediation perspective. In this study, a series of experiments were conducted to investigate the adsorption and desorption behavior of Cu(II) in silty clay. Several impact factors such as pH, organic matter, temperature, and coexisted ions Zn(II) were considered. It was found that the adsorption process reached equilibrium after 4 hours of the experiment, and the data can be fitted well by the Elovich model and the double-constant model for the kinetic sorption process. The isothermal adsorption results showed that the adsorption rate reached a peak value when the initial concentration was about 20 mg L−1. The decrease of H+ can increase the adsorption activity of Cu(II) and reduce the ability of the desorption of Cu(II) ions. The adsorption capacity of Cu(II) is less than the desorption capacity under the condition of strong acidity and low concentration of Cu(II). In addition, the adsorption capacity of the native soil on Cu(II) was larger than that of the soil with the removal of organic matter, while the opposite was true for the desorption capacity on Cu(II). The maximum adsorption of Cu(II) occurred at 35°C for this study, and the binding energy increased as the temperature increased. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the adsorption process of Cu(II) was spontaneous and endothermic. The Freundlich, Langmuir, Temkin, and Henry adsorption models were used for analyzing the adsorption isotherm of Cu(II), and it was found that the Freundlich model agreed the best with the experimental data compared with other three models. The results of the competitive adsorption experiments indicated that the competitive capacity of Cu(II) was greater than that of Zn(II) in low-permeability media such as silty clay, and the existence of binary metals can weaken the adsorption force between the single metal and the soil surface.
Antidepressant Effects of Probucol on Early-Symptomatic YAC128 Transgenic Mice for Huntington’s Disease
Authors: de Paula Nascimento-Castro Cristine , Wink Ana Claudia , da Fônseca Victor Silva , Bianco Claudia Daniele , Winkelmann-Duarte Elisa C. , Farina Marcelo , Rodrigues Ana Lúcia S. , Gil-Mohapel Joana , de Bem Andreza Fabro , Brocardo Patricia S.
Published: August 2018

Huntington’s disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by a trinucleotide expansion in the HD gene, resulting in an extended polyglutamine tract in the protein huntingtin. HD is traditionally viewed as a movement disorder, but cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms also contribute to the clinical presentation. Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disturbances in HD, present even before manifestation of motor symptoms. Diagnosis and treatment of depression in HD-affected individuals are essential aspects of clinical management in this population, especially owing to the high risk of suicide. This study investigated whether chronic administration of the antioxidant probucol improved motor and affective symptoms as well as hippocampal neurogenic function in the YAC128 transgenic mouse model of HD during the early- to mild-symptomatic stages of disease progression. The motor performance and affective symptoms were monitored using well-validated behavioral tests in YAC128 mice and age-matched wild-type littermates at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, after 1, 3, or 5 months of treatment with probucol (30 mg/kg/day via water supplementation, starting on postnatal day 30). Endogenous markers were used to assess the effect of probucol on cell proliferation (Ki-67 and proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)) and neuronal differentiation (doublecortin (DCX)) in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG). Chronic treatment with probucol reduced the occurrence of depressive-like behaviors in early- and mild-symptomatic YAC128 mice. Functional improvements were not accompanied by increased progenitor cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation. Our findings provide evidence that administration of probucol may be of clinical benefit in the management of early- to mild-symptomatic HD.
Immediate Loading of Implant-Supported Single Crowns after Conventional and Ultrasonic Implant Site Preparation: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Stacchi Claudio , Lombardi Teresa , Baldi Domenico , Bugea Calogero , Rapani Antonio , Perinetti Giuseppe , Itri Angelo , Carpita David , Audenino Guido , Bianco Giuseppe , Verardi Simone , Carossa Stefano , Schierano Gianmario
Published: August 2018

Aim. To compare implant survival rate and marginal bone loss (MBL) of immediately loaded single implants inserted by using ultrasonic implant site preparation (UISP) (test) and conventional rotary instrumentation (control). Methods. Two single implants were inserted for each patient: after randomization, test site was prepared by using an ultrasonic device (Piezosurgery Touch, Mectron, Italy) and control site was prepared by using the drills of the selected implant system (Premium AZT, Sweden & Martina, Italy), until reaching a final diameter of 3 mm in both groups. Identical implants (3.8x11.5 mm) were inserted in all sites at crestal level. Impressions were taken and screwed resin single crowns with platform-switched provisional abutments were delivered with 48 hours. Periapical radiographs were taken at provisional crown insertion (T0), 6 months (T1) and one year (T2) after prosthetic loading to measure MBL. All data were tested for normality and subsequently analyzed by paired samples t-test and forward multiple linear regression. Results. Forty-eight patients were treated in six centers with the insertion of ninety-six implants (48 test; 48 control). Four implants in four patients failed within the first six months of healing (two in test group; two in control group; no difference between groups). Forty patients (age 60.1±10.7 years; 22 female, 18 male) were included in the final analysis. Mean MBL after six months of loading was 1.39±1.03 mm in the test group and 1.42±1.16 mm in the control group (p>0.05) and after one year was 1.92±1.14 mm and 2.14±1.55 mm in test and control, respectively (p>0.05). Conclusions. No differences in survival rate and MBL were demonstrated between UISP and conventional site preparation with rotary instruments in immediately loaded dental implants: UISP, with its characteristics of enhanced surgical control and safety in proximity of delicate structures, may be used as a reliable alternative to the traditional drilling systems.
A Case of Vanishing Metastatic Mass: Right Atrial Mass in the Setting of Primary Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma of the Spine
Authors: Patel Eshan , Kancharla P. , Surapaneni B.K. , Hennrick K. , Goldfinger M. , Kalavar M.
Published: August 2018

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare low-grade vascular neoplasm that is characterized as intermediate between benign hemangioma and high-grade angiosarcoma affecting 1 in 1,000,000 people worldwide. It has been described throughout the body with lung, liver, skin, and bone being the most frequent sites. Primary EHE of the spine has been reported in 56 cases so far with no correlation of age and sex. Our case highlights a rare clinical presentation, etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of EHE of the spine with metastasis to the right atrium. This is the first documented case of EHE of the spine with metastatic spread to the heart treated with bevacizumab leading to resolution of the heart metastatic mass. Further studies are warranted to develop a treatment formula for this rare tumor, to consider combination chemotherapy and new adjuvant targeted immunotherapies to prevent progression of disease.
Daclatasvir Plasma Levels in a Cohort of Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Infection Taking Methadone: A Prospective Analysis
Authors: Boglione Lucio , De Nicolò Amedeo , Mornese Pinna Simone , Cusato Jessica , Cariti Giuseppe , Di Perri Giovanni , D’Avolio Antonio
Published: August 2018

Backround: The effect of methadone (MET) during therapy with novel direct-acting antiviral agents is still not fully understood. Currently, no data are available about the influence of MET on daclatasvir (DCV) plasma levels in patients affected by chronic hepatitis C (CHC). The aim of this study was to assess the DCV plasma concentrations in patients treated with sofosbuvir (SOF) plus DCV, with or without ribavirin (RBV) and with or without MET. Methods: In this analysis, 47 patients were included, treated consecutively with SOF + DCV ± RBV for 24 weeks, from May to October 2015; 22 (46.8%) received MET substitutive therapy. Results and Conclusion: We found a significant difference in DCV levels at 2 weeks and 1 month: 150 ng/mL in patients without MET and 313 ng/mL with MET at 2 weeks (p < 0.001), 149 and 279 ng/mL at 1 month (p = 0.006). DCV levels were lower in cirrhotic patients (p < 0.001); among cirrhotic patients we also evidenced higher DCV concentrations in patients receiving MET at 2 weeks, 1 and 2 months (p < 0.001, p = 0.005, and p = 0.031, respectively). In multivariate analysis, the only predictive factor associated with DCV plasma levels was the presence of MET. The reason for this increased DCV exposure is unclear; on the clinical side, we have not observed significant adverse events related to the reduction or increase of MET plasma levels. The administration of MET in patients with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis leads to an early increase of DCV plasma level without significant clinical effects or toxicity.
O novo modelo de autorização da Lei n. 12.996/2014 e os seus efeitos no setor de transporte rodoviário interestadual e internacional de passageiros
Authors: Schiller Alexandre Ortigão S. Buarque
Published: August 2018

Este trabalho tem por objetivo abordar o novo modelo de outorga para a prestação do serviço de transporte interestadual e internacional de passageiros que foi instituído pela Lei nº 12.996/2014 e regulamentado pela ANTT através da Resolução nº 4.770/2015, analisando os seus impactos para o setor, especialmente à luz do desenho realizado pelo regulador, apresentando as críticas ao novo modelo e os desafios que devem ser superados.
A discricionariedade na celebração de parcerias com as Organizações da Sociedade Civil
Authors: Costa Rennan Gustavo Ziemer da
Published: August 2018

São analisadas as parcerias com as organizações da sociedade civil, regidas pela Lei nº 13.019/2014, sob a perspectiva da discricionariedade e para além do critério da legalidade, tendo sem­pre por objetivo a promoção do interesse público. Destaca-se a importância do planejamento estatal na implantação das políticas públicas de fomento e o caráter contratual das parcerias com o terceiro setor, que importa na superação do antigo paradigma dos convênios, indispensável para se assegurar a neces­sária segurança jurídica às instituições empenhadas com o desenvolvimento social. Ressalta-se que a realização de parcerias deve ser pautada pela complementariedade da atuação do terceiro setor na pres­tação de serviços públicos, recusando consequentemente a incidência do princípio da subsidiariedade da ação estatal na implementação de direitos fundamentais, pela consensualidade, pelo princípio da repartição dos riscos e pela multiplicação dos benefícios sociais. Sugerem-se diversos critérios a serem observados no momento da definição da forma de prestação dos serviços públicos de educação, saúde e assistência social, seja diretamente pelo Estado, mediante contrato administrativo ou parceria com o terceiro setor, que se espera sejam úteis para o momento da tomada da decisão por parte do gestor público comprometido com a promoção dos direitos sociais.
O controle estatal dos atos de concentração
Authors: Gomes Camila Paula de Barros
Published: August 2018

O artigo analisa a intervenção indireta do Estado na economia, por meio do estudo do controle dos atos de concentração. Destaca que a preservação da concorrência é de fundamental importância a fim de assegurar os direitos do consumidor e atender aos ditames constitucionais que tutelam a ordem econômica. Explora a função do Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica (CADE) na análise das uniões entre empresas após o advento da Lei 12.529/11 e o impacto que as decisões da autarquia têm trazido para o cenário econômico nacional.
Apontamentos sobre a inconstitucionalidade da pena de cassação de aposentadoria do servidor público estatutário: violação da proporcionalidade e da dignidade da pessoa humana
Authors: Carreiro Genilson Rodrigues
Published: August 2018

O artigo busca analisar a constitucionalidade da sanção administrativa de cassação de aposentadoria do servidor público civil da União, amplamente admitida pela jurisprudência do STF. A conclusão é a de que a penalidade é incompatível com o caráter contributivo do regime previdenciário. A sanção também conflita com a natureza da sanção administrativa, desprovida de retributividade, e com a proporcionalidade, pois a eliminação da relação jurídico-previ­denciária e o confisco de longo período contributivo não são aptos para a correção ou restabelecimento da disciplina no serviço público e se mostram demasiadamente gravosos. Além disso, a privação dos meios necessários à subsistência, por evento estranho ao vínculo jurídico-previdenciário, quando o agente público se encontra em idade avançada ou permanentemente inválido, com remota possibilidade de reinserção no mercado de trabalho, ofende a dignidade da pessoa humana. A questão será definiti­vamente solucionada no julgamento da ADI nº 4882/DF.
A (in)compatibilidade da regra constitucional do concurso público com a nova Lei de Terceirização
Authors: Tavares Ernesto Alessandro
Published: August 2018

Este ensaio analisa a evolução do fenômeno da terceirização no Brasil e como ele tem se manifestado no setor público, bem como os instrumentos normativos que possibilitaram a sua aplicabilidade na esfera pública, especialmente a averiguação da compatibilidade ou não da Lei n. 13.429/17 em face da regra constitucional do concurso público.
Developing Powers in Multilateral Regimes: Brazil’s Foreign Policy in the Climate Change and Peace and Security Regimes
Authors: Albuquerque Felipe Leal
Published: August 2018

Developing powers are able to influence the evolution of the liberal order. In their multilateral engagements, they can employ a variety of foreign policy and negotiation strategies, voice their preferences and strengthen their bargaining power. This study examines how developing powers interact with the principles and norms of multilateral regimes. It analyzes Brazil’s behavior and negotiation power in the climate change and peace and security regimes. More specifically, it focuses on two concepts recently asserted by Brazil: ‘concentric circles’ and ‘responsibility while protecting.’ While the former addresses the division of responsibilities in the climate change realm, the latter approaches the norm of responsibility to protect. A comparative analysis is conducted with respect to three explanatory indicators, two domestic and one structural. One of the conclusions is that Brazil has behaved in such a way as to uphold a legalistic stance towards the global order.
The League of Nations and Minorities: The Non-receivability of ‘Non-treaty’ Petitions
Authors: Cussó Roser
Published: August 2018

Minority protection under the League of Nations (LoN) generated an unprecedented level of activity and debate on the topic, which in turn contributed to the general advancement of human rights. Nevertheless, it is also important to note that the League’s Secretariat developed rather conservative practices regarding the receivability of minorities’ petitions as well as on some important related decisions. Our perspective here contrasts with what is commonly found in the associated historiography, i.e. that the part played by the Minorities Section was rather neutral. Without downplaying the importance of some states’ resistance to the protection of minorities and its supervision, the Section’s narrow interpretation of the LoN jurisdiction is noteworthy, as is the absence of serious attempts to take advantage of the decisions in favour of minorities made by the LoN Assembly. The way the Section constructed the non-receivability of petitions, especially those which were ‘outside treaties’, illustrates our argument.
Introduction to Interdisciplinary Forum: The Emotional Lives of Constitutional Patriotism
Authors: Temple Kathryn , Lemmings David
Published: August 2018

This introduction discusses the interdisciplinary nature of the forum, the history and theory of constitutional patriotism, and the various critiques that have been applied to it. It explains how the essays in the forum advance theories of constitutional patriotism by considering it in particular historical contexts and by examining specific emotions such as love, resentment and sympathy that may be associated with it. It also discusses the methods by which emotions important to constitutional patriotism can be modelled and evoked through an understanding of various types of performance and their relationship to public understandings of patriotism. It concludes with a discussion of the ways the essays advance our understanding of constitutional patriotism and its value for solving both local and global problems involving diverse and divided populations.
‘Feelings Like the Women in Books’: Declarations of Love in Australian Romance Novels, 1859–1891
Authors: McAlister Jodi
Published: August 2018

This essay analyses the declarations of love in six popular romantic novels written by female Australian writers published in the latter half of the nineteenth century. By doing so, it seeks to explore the effect of the colonial Australian setting on the ways in which romantic love is imagined and constructed in the texts. Drawing on the work of Monique Scheer, who argues that emotions are practised as well as experienced, and that fictional representations can operate as templates for these practices, this essay sheds light on the emotional and romantic history and culture of colonial Australia.
High-Wind Drag Coefficient and Whitecap Coverage Derived from Microwave Radiometer Observations in Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Hwang Paul A.
Published: August 2018

Ocean surface roughness and whitecaps are driven by the ocean surface wind stress; thus, their values calculated from the wind speed input may vary significantly depending on the drag coefficient formula applied. Because roughness and whitecaps are critical elements of the ocean surface response in microwave remote sensing, the extensive microwave remote sensing measurements contain the information of the drag coefficient, surface roughness, and whitecap coverage. The scattering radar cross sections from global measurements under calm to tropical cyclone conditions have been used effectively to improve the formulation of the surface roughness spectrum. In this paper, the microwave radiometer measurements in tropical cyclones are exploited to extract information of the drag coefficient and whitecap coverage in high winds. The results show that when expressed as a wind speed power function, the exponent in high winds (greater than about 35 m s−1) is about −1 for the drag coefficient, 0.5 for the wind friction velocity, and 1.25 for the whitecap coverage.
Nutrient composition and dietary diversity of on-site lunch meals, and anthropometry of beneficiary children in private and public primary schools in Ghana
Authors: Agbozo Faith , Atitto Prosper , Jahn Albrecht , Abubakari Abdulai
Published: August 2018

Background:

On-site lunch provided through the Ghana School Feeding Programme is expected to be nutritionally adequate thereby contributing to reducing hunger and malnutrition.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to assess the dietary diversity and nutrient composition of on-site school lunch and estimate the extent to which it met the Food and Agriculture Organization Reference Nutrient Intakes for children aged 3–12 years.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional food consumption survey, on-site lunch menus were reviewed, dietary diversity assessed and meal preparation/serving observed during a typical school week. Three randomly selected portion sizes were weighed and the average weight (grams) entered into the RIING nutrient software to estimate the nutrient composition. Anthropometry of participants enrolled in seven public ( n = 113) and six private ( n = 216) primary schools in Hohoe municipality, Ghana was analysed using World Health Organization Anthroplus software.

Results:

The menu consisted largely of energy-dense staples, some vegetables and fish. Eggs, dairy and fruits were never served. Meals served in the public and private schools were statistically similar. Fat (23.8 vs. 27.7 g), iron (3.0 vs. 2.8 mg), vitamins A (417.3 vs. 280.8 µg retinol equivalent) and C (25.1 vs. 16.5 mg) requirements were fully met. Energy (420.6 vs. 462.2 kcal), protein (6.8 vs. 6.8 g), thiamin (0.18 vs. 0.17 mg) and zinc (1.3 vs. 1.2 mg) were 50–75% met. Calcium (62.6 vs. 61.4 mg), riboflavin (0.09 vs. 0.07 mg) and niacin (1.6 vs. 1.3 mg) were 26–37% met. Concerning nutritional status, prevalence of stunting (8.9% vs. 7.9%), underweight (3.6% vs. 5.7%), thinness (1.8% vs. 3.7%) and overweight/obesity (3.5% vs. 4.2%) were also statistically similar.

Conclusion:

Enhancing dietary diversity is crucial to achieving nutrient-dense school meals.