bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Action Situation Networks: A Configurational Perspective on Water and Energy Governance in Irrigation Systems
Authors: Kimmich Christian , Tomas Sergio Villamayor
Published: December 2017

The action situation is a core component of actor-centered institutional analysis of natural resource governance. Institutional analysis frameworks have been extended to observe multiple situations structured into networks. If further operationalized, this extension can improve policy diagnosis of human–environmental interactions. This paper proposes two complementary ways to move in that direction. First, we propose the use of qualitative configurational analysis and game theory to study the interactions between situations and assess the contribution of each to a desired outcome. Second, we draw on centrality measures to assess the benefits and risks of implementing policies that aim to change the equilibria in action situations. Both analytical strategies are applied to two cases involving irrigation and energy governance. In the Spanish case, centrality of the water allocation situation justifies a configuration of drought measures that also tackle cooperation in monitoring and infrastructure maintenance. In the Indian case, groundwater governance and adequate infrastructure capacity provision are necessary preconditions to enable coordinated technology adoption, which facilitates incentives for regulated irrigation. In both the cases, some action situations’ positive outcomes are necessary in every configuration to guarantee optimal equilibria in the network. In the context of energy-fed irrigation systems, the proposed analytical strategies permit integrating interactions between water use, energy use and food production decisions in policy diagnoses. The analysis can be extended to identify archetypes, network closure, as well as structural and functional connectivity of networks in social-ecological systems.
Topological Data Analysis
Authors: Wasserman Larry
Published: December 2017

Topological data analysis (TDA) can broadly be described as a collection of data analysis methods that find structure in data. These methods include clustering, manifold estimation, nonlinear dimension reduction, mode estimation, ridge estimation and persistent homology. This paper reviews some of these methods.
Multiple Systems Estimation (or Capture-Recapture Estimation) to Inform Public Policy
Authors: Bird Sheila M. , King Ruth
Published: December 2017

Applications of estimating population sizes range from estimating human or ecological population size within regions or countries to estimating the hidden number of civilian casualties in war. Total enumeration via a census is typically infeasible. However, a series of partial enumerations of a population is often possible, leading to capture-recapture methods, which have been extensively used in ecology to estimate the size of wildlife populations with an associated measure of uncertainty and are most effectively applied when there are multiple capture occasions. Capture-recapture ideology can be more widely applied to multiple data sources by the linkage of individuals across multiple lists, often referred to as multiple systems estimation (MSE). The MSE approach is preferred when estimating capture-shy or hard-to-reach populations, including those who are caught up in the criminal justice system, trafficked, or civilian casualties of war. Motivated by the public policy applications of MSE, each briefly introduced, we discuss practical problems with methodological implications. They include period definition; case definition; scenarios when an observed count is not a true count of the population of interest but an upper bound due to mismatched definitions; exact or probabilistic matching of cases across lists; demographic or other information about the case that influences capture propensities; permissions to access lists; list creation by research teams or interested parties; referrals (if presence on list A results, almost surely, in presence on list B); different mathematical models leading to widely different estimated population sizes; uncertainty in estimation; computational efficiency; external validation; hypothesis generation; and additional independent external information. Returning to our motivational applications, we focus finally on whether the uncertainty that qualified their estimates was sufficiently narrow to orient public policy.
Accelerated Tooth Movement with Orthodontic Mini-Screws
Authors: Aksakalli S. , Balaban A. , Nazaroglu K. , Saglam E.
Published: December 2017

This case report outlines the possibility of accelerated tooth movement with the combination of microosteoperforation and mini-screws. A 14-year-old male patient presented Class II malocclusion with maxillary incisor protrusion. Upper first premolars were extracted, and after leveling, accelerated canine distalization started. For pre- and postdistalization times, amount of distalization, periodontal health, and root resorption were assessed. Within the limitations of this case report, micro-osteoperforations with mini-screw have a potential for shortening the treatment time.
Characteristics of Winter Clouds and Precipitation over the Mountains of Northern Beijing
Authors: Ma Xincheng , Bi Kai , Chen Yunbo , Chen Yichen , Cheng Zhigang
Published: December 2017

There are few studies which reported the characteristics of winter clouds and precipitation in the Haituo Mountains of Northern Beijing where the 2022 Winter Olympic Games will be held. This paper outlines comprehensive datasets, including the surface measurements, remote sensing and aircraft measurements, to study cloud and precipitation characteristics over the mountainous terrain. The analysis results show (1) high-level trough and vortex were the main weather system in all 12 cases. (2) 58% of precipitation occurred only at night, and only 8% of snowfall occurred only at daytime, but under the surface inverse trough snowfall (in 4 of the 12 cases) persisted from night to day peaking at 20 hours; Snowfall persisted at least 3 hours in 83% of the snowfall, 5–10 hours in 50% of cases, and more than 10 hours in 33% of the storms. In 67% of cases, the maximum snowfall occurred within the initial 1-2 hours. (3) In 12 cases, 83% of orographic clouds reached Yan Jiaping, after increased southwesterly winds, resulting in visibility below 100 m. (4) during snowfall, The dominant wind direction is southwest. The start of the snowfall corresponded with an increase in southwesterly wind. The snowfall is maintained according to with the strengthening of southwesterly wind and dissipated accordingly with the receding of southwesterly wind. Whenever the snowfall stopped, the northwest wind was strong at all heights. (5) The first peak value of integral liquid water appeared in the early stage of snow, and we also observed integral liquid water increases with orographic cloud uplift, presenting potentially favorable seeding opportunities in 10 cases. (6) The primary crystal habits collected at Yan Jiaping during steady snowfall were rimed and aggregated planar dendrites.
Sickle Cell Beta-Plus Thalassemia with Subcapsular Hematoma of the Spleen
Authors: Dahal Suyash , Dahal Sumit , Ghimire Dipesh K. C. , Ur Rahman Ebad , Sharma Eliza
Published: December 2017

While splenic complications like hypersplenism, sequestration crisis, and infarction are commonly reported in sickle cell variants like sickle cell beta-plus thalassemia, splenic rupture with hematoma is rare. We present a case of a 32-year-old young male who presented with dull left upper quadrant pain who was found to have multiple subcapsular splenic lacerations and hematoma on abdominal imaging. Hemoglobin electrophoresis confirmed sickle cell beta-plus thalassemia in the patient. There was no history of trauma, and rest of the workup for possible cause of spontaneous rupture of spleen was negative. With the patient refusing splenectomy, he was managed conservatively. Clinicians need to be aware of this rare complication of sickle cell variants.
The Diagnostic Utility and Clinical Impact of After-Hours CT Scans of the Abdomen and Pelvis Investigating Abdominal Pain
Authors: Karia Monil , Seager Matthew , Rafique Akkib , Sheth Hemant
Published: December 2017

Introduction.The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic utility and impact on clinical management of after-hours CT scans investigating abdominal pain in surgical patients.Methods.After-hours CT A/P reports investigating the acute surgical abdomen were compared with clinical outcomes and histopathological findings to assess sensitivity and specificity of CT reporting. Comparisons between CT reports and clinical notes were made. CT scans were categorised as having direct effects on clinical management, ruling out a serious pathology, ruling out a nonserious pathology, or having no effect. Discrepancies between information in case-notes and information provided to radiologists were also analysed.Results.79 clinical notes were located. After-hours CT demonstrated 91% sensitivity and 82% reporting specificity using clinical outcomes as the standard. In the 26 patients with histopathological findings, CT reports demonstrated 91% sensitivity. In 79.7% of cases, CT scanning had an impact on management. In 35.4% of cases, an indication for scanning was not documented with variation in clinical information in 8.9% of cases.Discussion.This study demonstrates after-hours CT A/P reports result in significant impacts on clinical management of surgical patients with acute abdominal pain. Improvements in providing information when requesting scans are however needed to facilitate accurate reporting.
Preparation and Anticorrosion of Octadecyl Trichlorosilane SAMs for Copper Surface
Authors: Shouqing Xue , Xiaohui Liu
Published: December 2017

The self-assembled monolayer (SAM) was prepared using octadecyl trichlorosilane (OTS) in distilled solution on the copper surface. The effect of inhibitor concentration on the rate of inhibition efficiency and corrosion rate in corrosion medium on copper by using polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscope (SEM) was studied. The results showed that OTS SAMs exhibit the better corrosion resistance; the corrosion potential of copper OTS SAMs protection increased by about 1.02 V, while the corrosion current density decreased to 0.59 μA/cm2. The corrosion rate is minimized and flattened and can reach 9.2% while the inhibition efficiency reached 95.4%, when the corrosion inhibitor has concentration of 40 ppm.
Daily Consumption of Virgin Coconut Oil Increases High‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized Crossover Trial
Authors: Chinwong Surarong , Chinwong Dujrudee , Mangklabruks Ampica
Published: December 2017

This open‐label, randomized, controlled, crossover trial assessed the effect of daily virgin coconut oil (VCO) consumption on plasma lipoproteins levels and adverse events. The study population was 35 healthy Thai volunteers, aged 18–25. At entry, participants were randomly allocated to receive either (i) 15 mL VCO or (ii) 15 mL 2% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) solution (as control), twice daily, for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, participants had an 8‐week washout period and then crossed over to take the alternative regimen for 8 weeks. Plasma lipoproteins levels were measured in participants at baseline, week‐8, week‐16, and week‐24 follow‐up visits. Results. Of 32 volunteers with complete follow‐up (16 males and 16 females), daily VCO intake significantly increased high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol by 5.72 mg/dL (p = 0.001) compared to the control regimen. However, there was no difference in the change in total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels between the two regimens. Mild diarrhea was reported by some volunteers when taking VCO, but no serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion. Daily consumption of 30 mL VCO in young healthy adults significantly increased high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. No major safety issues of taking VCO daily for 8 weeks were reported.
Kikuchi–Fujimoto Disease in an Old Italian Woman: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: D’Introno A. , Perrone A. , Schilardi A. , Gentile A. , Sabbà C. , Napoli N.
Published: December 2017

Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare, benign, generally self-limiting disease that has higher prevalence in Asian people with a few cases reported in European countries. It generally affects young subjects under 40 years of age and is characterized by regional lymphadenopathy. Here, we present a case of a 66-year-old Italian woman who was extensively examined for right unilateral laterocervical lymph nodes associated with fever, night sweats, fatigue, and weight loss. She was diagnosed as having the KFD only after an excision biopsy of the largest laterocervical lymph node and was then managed symptomatically with NSAIDs. We also made a review of the literature for better awareness of the disease among physicians especially in those countries, like Italy, where the disease is not prevalent and may be frequently misdiagnosed. In fact, to our best knowledge, only seven Italian cases of KFD have been published in the last 15 years with patients being younger than 40 years. We finally highlight that it is noteworthy to consider KFD as differential diagnosis of lymphadenopathy even in old patients, and, since a misdiagnosis of lymphoma is actually feasible, an early biopsy has to be taken into account for confirming diagnosis and helping in the timely and appropriate management.
Effects of UV-C Light Exposure and Refrigeration on Phenolic and Antioxidant Profiles of Subtropical Fruits (Litchi, Longan, and Rambutan) in Different Fruit Forms
Authors: Li Peilong , Yu Xiaoming , Xu Baojun
Published: December 2017

The objectives of this study were to investigate how UV-C irradiation and refrigeration affect shelf-life and antioxidant level of litchi, longan, and rambutan. Three forms (whole, dehulled, and destoned) of fresh fruits were treated by refrigeration and UV-C irradiations. After processing, deterioration rate, phenolics compounds, and antioxidant capacity were quantified. The deterioration rate was recorded as decay index. The results showed that both refrigeration and UV-C exposure extended the shelf-life of the fruits. The refrigeration enriched antioxidant levels of litchi but caused nutritional degradation in longan and rambutan; UV-C radiation enriched litchi antioxidant contents but was related to reduction of antioxidant capacity in longan and rambutan. Removing hulls and stones was associated with the decrease of antioxidants in litchi. The effects on antioxidant levels varied from fruit to fruit, resulting from hormesis phenomenon. The change of phytochemical levels was hypothesized as an accumulative process. The effects of fruit forms were not consistent in different fruits, which could be multifactorially influenced.
Medial Condyle Fracture (Kilfoyle Type III) of the Distal Humerus with Transient Fishtail Deformity after Surgery
Authors: Sonohata Motoki , Nakashima Takema , Suetsugi Hiroaki , Kitajima Masaru , Ueno Masaya , Mawatari Masaaki
Published: December 2017

A “Fishtail deformity” is one of the well-known complications following pediatric lateral condyle or supracondylar fractures of the humerus. We herein report a case of medial condyle fracture (Kilfoyle type III) in an 11-year-old boy. He had a transient “fishtail deformity” of the trochlear groove after open reduction and internal fixation. As occurred in the current case, the bone remodeling and the improvement of ischemia of the trochlea after medial condyle fracture may be associated with the likelihood of recovery from transient “fishtail deformity.”
A Novel Mutation in ACTG2 Gene in Mother with Chronic Intestinal Pseudoobstruction and Fetus with Megacystis Microcolon Intestinal Hypoperistalsis Syndrome
Authors: Whittington Julie R. , Poole Aaron T. , Dutta Eryn H. , Munn Mary B.
Published: December 2017

Background. A novel mutation in the ACTG2 gene is described in a pregnant patient followed up for chronic intestinal pseudoobstruction (CIPO) during pregnancy and her fetus with megacystis microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome (MMIHS). Case. 24-year-old gravida 1 para 1 with CIPO and persistent nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, admitted at 28 weeks of gestation. Ultrasound revealed a fetus measuring greater than the 95th percentile, polyhydramnios, and megacystis. At delivery, the newborn was noted to have an enlarged bladder, microcolon, and intolerance of oral intake. Genetic testing of mother and child revealed a novel mutation in the ACTG2 gene (C632F>A, p.R211Q). Conclusion. This is the first case in the literature describing a novel mutation in ACTG2 associated with visceral myopathy affecting both mother and fetus/neonate. Visceral myopathy should be included in the differential diagnosis of megacystis diagnosed by ultrasound, and suspicion should increase with family history of CIPO or MMIHS.
Diagnosis and Management of Necrotizing Enterocolitis: An International Survey of Neonatologists and Pediatric Surgeons
Authors: Valpacos Mélanie , Arni Delphine , Keir Amy , Aspirot Ann , Wilde James C.H. , Beasley Spencer , De Luca Daniele , Pfister Riccardo E. , Karam Oliver
Published: December 2017

Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious complication of prematurity. Currently, there is limited evidence to guide investigation and treatment strategies. Objectives: To evaluate the parameters used to diagnose or exclude NEC, and to identify differences between neonatologists and pediatric surgeons. Methods: A scenario-based survey was sent to neonatologists and pediatric surgeons. Results: 173 physicians from 26 countries completed the survey (55% neonatologists and 45% pediatric surgeons). Bloody stools, abdominal tenderness, low platelet counts, and increased lactate levels increased the likelihood of NEC for 82, 72, 56, and 45% of respondents, respectively. Intestinal pneumatosis, portal venous gas, and pneumoperitoneum on X-ray increased the likelihood of NEC for 99, 98, and 92% of respondents, respectively. Clinical examination and laboratory tests were insufficient to exclude NEC, but normal intestinal movements and normal gut wall thickness on ultrasonography decreased the likelihood of NEC for 38 and 33% of respondents, respectively. Neonatologists more frequently relied on increased gastric residuals and abdominal distension to diagnose NEC (p = 0.04 and p = 0.03, respectively), whereas pediatric surgeons more frequently reported that absence of bloody stools helped to exclude NEC (p = 0.04). In a deteriorating patient with suspected NEC, 39% of respondents would broaden the antibiotic spectrum, and 42% would recommend a laparotomy. Conclusion: Our results indicate a wide variation in the management of NEC, with significant differences between neonatologists and pediatric surgeons. A better appreciation of the relative significance and weighting that should be applied to the clinical features and investigations should reduce the variation in interpretation that appears to exist.
Impact of Kidney Transplantation on Reproductive Hormone Levels in Males: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Eckersten Dag , Giwercman Aleksander , Pihlsgård Mats , Bruun Laila , Christensson Anders
Published: December 2017

Background/Aims: Male patients with end-stage renal disease suffer from sexual disturbances and infertility. Disturbances in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis are one of the causes of this. Decreased testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells of the testes and hyperprolactinemia are common. Kidney transplantation, unlike hemodialysis, normalizes these changes. However, how kidney transplantation affects Sertoli cell function is poorly understood. This study is aimed at investigating the changes in fertility-related hormones in men before, during, and after renal transplantation. Methods: This longitudinal and prospective single center study enrolled 12 men undergoing living donor kidney transplantation. Plasma levels of creatinine, cystatin C, and serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, inhibin B, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) were assayed at 10 different time points before, during, and after kidney transplantation. Results: A rapid decrease in creatinine and cystatin C levels indicated successful renal transplantation. High pre-transplantation plasma levels of prolactin (mean 516 ± 306 mIE/L) and LH (9.4 ± 4.7 IU/L) were normalized after 7 days (248 ± 161 mIE/L and 6.1 ± 3.1 IU/L, respectively). Testosterone decreased rapidly during transplantation and increased again one week post-transplantation. Sertoli cell-derived hormone inhibin B decreased after transplantation, and there was a small non-significant trend of increased AMH after 12 months. Conclusion: Sertoli cell function, based on AMH and inhibin B levels, does not improve to the same extent or as fast as Leydig cell function after kidney transplantation, as determined by testosterone and LH levels.
Sex Determination and Sex Chromosomes in Amphibia
Authors: Miura Ikuo
Published: December 2017

Sex chromosomes in most amphibians are homomorphic (undifferentiated) in both sexes and are characterized by frequent turnover. This is in sharp contrast to sex chromosomes in 2 major vertebrate groups, the mammals and birds, where they are heteromorphic in one sex and are highly conserved. Sex-determining mechanisms in anuran amphibians, particularly in relation to the turnover of sex-determining genes and sex chromosomes, are summarized and their evolution is discussed.
Troxerutin Protects Against Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Via Pi3k/Akt Pathway in Rats
Authors: Shu Liliang , Zhang Wanzhe , Huang Chen , Huang Gongcheng , Su Gang
Published: December 2017

Background/Aims: Troxerutin, also known as vitamin P4, has been commonly used in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) disease. However, its effect on in vivo myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, a model that closely mimics acute myocardial infarction in humans, is still unknown. Methods: The myocardial I/R injury rat model was created with troxerutin preconditioning. Myocardial infarct size was evaluated by the Evans blue-TTC method. Hemodynamic parameters, including the heart rate (HR), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), maximal rate of rise in blood pressure in the ventricular chamber (+dp/dt max), and maximal rate of decline in blood pressure in the ventricular chamber (-dp/dt max) were monitored. Serum TNF-α and IL-10 were determined by ELISA kit. Cell apoptosis was detected by MTT method. Results: Troxerutin preconditioning significantly reduced myocardial infarct size, improved cardiac function, and decreased the levels of creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the I/R injury rat model. The serum and mRNA levels of TNF-α and IL-10 as well as some apoptosis markers (Bax, Caspase 3) also decreased. Moreover, troxerutin pretreatment markedly increased the phosphorylation of Akt, and blocking PI3K activity by LY294002 abolished the protective effect of troxerutin on I/R injury. Conclusion: Troxerutin preconditioning protected against myocardial I/R injury via the PI3K/Akt pathway.
Glaucocalyxin B Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Parkinson’s Disease by Inhibiting TLR/NF-κB and Activating Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway
Authors: Xu Wei , Zheng Deyu , Liu Yuanyuan , Li Ji , Yang Li , Shang Xiuli
Published: December 2017

Background/Aims: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease in the old population, characterized by dopaminergic neuron loss, inflammation and oxidative stress injury in the substantia nigra. Glaucocalyxin B (GLB), an ent-kauranoid diterpenoid isolated from Rabdosia japonica, has anti-inflammation and anti-tumor effects. However, its effects on PD remain unclear. Methods: PD was introduced in rats via injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into cerebral corpus striatum, and GLB was given intracerebroventricularly to these rats. Their walking, climbing and sensory states were detected by Stepping, Whisker and Cylinder Tests. The expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), CD11b and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule (IBA)-1 were detected by immunohischemical staining. The levels of a series of inflammatory factors, oxidative stress-related factors and apoptosis-related factors were measured by real-time PCR, immunoblotting and ELISA. In addition, Toll-like receptor (TLR)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase (HO)-1 pathways were investigated to illustrate the underlying mechanism. In vitro, microglial cells exposed to LPS were treated with GLB. Results: The injection of LPS caused walking, climbing and sensory disturbances in rats, induced inflammation, oxidative stress response and apoptosis, and activated TLR/NF-κB and Nrf2/ HO-1 pathways in the cerebral tissue. GLB administration attenuated LPS-induced alterations. The TLR/NF-κB pathway was deactivated and Nrf2/HO-1 was activated after application of GLB. In vitro, cytotoxic effects induced by the conditioned medium derived from microglial cells exposed to LPS in PC12 cells were attenuated by GLB. Conclusion: GLB suppresses LPS-induced PD symptoms by modification of TLR/NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways in vivo and in vitro.
Leptin Suppresses Glutamate-Induced Apoptosis Through Regulation of ERK1/2 Signaling Pathways in Rat Primary Astrocytes
Authors: Park Hyunju , Ahn So-Hee , Jung Yieun , Yoon Joo Chun , Choi Youn-Hee
Published: December 2017

Background/Aims: Leptin is a hormone expressed by adipose tissue that regulates body energy homeostasis and weight loss by activating leptin receptors in the hypothalamus. Leptin receptors are also expressed in astrocytes. An anti-apoptosis effect of leptin in brain has recently been reported. However, the anti-apoptosis mechanism of leptin in the brain is unknown. Methods: To investigate whether leptin exerts protective effects against glutamate-induced apoptosis in astrocytes, we performed cell viability assays and apoptosis assays using rat primary astrocytes. Intracellular signaling pathways involved in anti-apoptosis effects of leptin were analyzed by immunoblotting together with a leptin mutant (S120A/T121A) with antagonist function and pharmacological inhibitors. Results: We found that glutamate-induced apoptosis in rat primary astrocytes was significantly decreased by treatment with leptin. Leptin inhibited glutamate-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in astrocytes. The leptin S120A/T121A mutant did not inhibit glutamate-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation and ERK1/2-mediated apoptosis. Conclusions: Collectively, our results provide initial evidence that leptin exerts an anti-apoptotic effect against glutamate toxicity through activation of intracellular signaling pathways which reverse glutamate-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation in primary astrocytes. Therefore, our findings suggest that leptin might be considered a candidate for potential therapeutic applications in glutamate-induced brain excitotoxicity.
CircRNA Expression Profile in Early-Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients
Authors: Zhao Jiangmin , Li Le , Wang Qian , Han Hongxiu , Zhan Qing , Xu Ming
Published: December 2017

Background/Aims: Lung adenocarcinoma, a form of non-small cell lung cancer with high lethality at an advanced stage, is becoming more common in women, non- or never-smokers, and even young adults. At present, there are still no effective early diagnosis methods for patients to be cured in a timely manner. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), which are stable and conserved non-coding RNA in mammalian cells, have been reported to be widely involved in the processes of cancer disease. However, it is still a puzzle as to which specific circRNAs are involved in the development of early-stage lung adenocarcinoma. Methods: Tumor samples and paired adjacent normal tissues from 4 patients with early-stage lung adenocarcinoma were selected to investigate the expression profile of circRNAs by using a high-throughput circRNA microarray. Bioinformatic analyses were conducted to screen those differentially expressed circRNAs. qRT-PCR and sequencing were performed to assure the microarray data. Results: A total of 357 circRNAs were dysregulated in the tumor samples, which suggests potential roles in lung cancer. qRT-PCR detection showed that five selected circRNAs were identical to the microarray data, and the potential circRNA-miRNA interactions were predicted. Conclusion: This work illustrates that clusters of circRNAs are aberrantly expressed in early-stage lung adenocarcinoma, which might offer potential targets for the early diagnosis of this disease and new genetic insights into lung cancer.
The Role of Pannexin3-Modified Human Dental Pulp-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Repairing Rat Cranial Critical-Sized Bone Defects
Authors: Song Fangfang , Sun Hualing , Huang Liyuan , Fu Dongjie , Huang Cui
Published: December 2017

Background/Aims: Human dental pulp-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hDPSCs) are promising seed cells for tissue engineering due to their easy accessibility and multi-lineage differentiation. Pannexin3 (Panx3) plays crucial roles during bone development and differentiation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Panx3 on osteogenesis of hDPSCs and the underlying mechanism. Methods: Utilizing qRT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry, we explored the change of Panx3 during osteogenic differentiation of hDPSCs. Next, hDPSCs with loss (Panx3 knockdown) and gain (Panx3 overexpression) of Panx3 function were developed to investigate the effects of Panx3 on osteogenic differentiation of hDPSC and the underlying mechanism. Finally, a commercial β-TCP scaffold carrying Panx3-modified hDPSCs was utilized to evaluate bone defect repair. Results: Panx3 was upregulated during osteogenic differentiation in a time-dependent manner. Panx3 overexpression promoted osteogenic differentiation of hDPSCs, whereas depletion of Panx3 resulted in a decline of differentiation, evidenced by upregulated expression of mineralization-related markers, increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and enhanced ALP and Alizarin red staining. Panx3 was found to interact with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, forming a negative feedback loop. However, Wnt/β-catenin did not contribute to enhancement of osteogenic differentiation as observed in Panx3 overexpression. Moreover, Panx3 promoted osteogenic differentiation of hDPSCs via increasing ERK signaling pathway. Micro-CT and histological staining results showed that Panx3-modified hDPSCs significantly improved ossification of critical-sized bone defects. Conclusion: These findings suggest that Panx3 is a crucial modulator of hDPSCs differentiation.
Uso do linkage para a melhoria da completude do SIM e do Sinasc nas capitais brasileiras
Authors: Maia Lívia Teixeira de Souza , Souza Wayner Vieira de , Mendes Antonio da Cruz Gouveia , Silva Aline Galdino Soares da
Published: December 2017

OBJETIVO: Analisar a contribuição do linkage entre os bancos de dados de nascidos vivos e óbitos infantis para a melhoria da completude das variáveis comuns ao Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade (SIM) e ao Sistema de Informação sobre Nascidos Vivos (Sinasc) nas capitais brasileiras no ano de 2012. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 9.001 óbitos de menores de um ano registrados no SIM no ano de 2012 e 1.424.691 nascidos vivos em 2011 e 2012 contidos no Sinasc. As bases de dados foram relacionadas por meio do linkage em duas etapas – determinística e probabilística. Calculou-se o percentual de incompletude das variáveis comuns ao SIM e ao Sinasc antes e após o emprego da técnica. RESULTADOS: Foi possível relacionar 90,8% dos óbitos à sua respectiva declaração de nascido vivo, a maioria pareada deterministicamente. Constatou-se maior percentual de pares em Porto Alegre, Curitiba e Campo Grande. Nas capitais do Norte, a média de pares foi de 84,2%; no Sul, esse resultado chegou a 97,9%. As 11 variáveis comuns ao SIM e ao Sinasc apresentavam 11.278 campos incompletos cumulativamente, sendo possível recuperar 91,4% das informações após o emprego do linkage. Cinco variáveis apresentavam completude excelente no Sinasc em todas as capitais brasileiras e apenas uma no SIM antes do relacionamento. Após a aplicação dessa técnica, todas as 11 variáveis do Sinasc passaram ao status de excelência, enquanto o mesmo ocorreu em sete no SIM. A capital de nascimento associou-se significativamente ao componente do óbito na qualidade da informação. CONCLUSÕES: Apesar dos avanços na cobertura e qualidade do SIM e do Sinasc, ainda são identificados problemas de completude das variáveis, em especial no SIM. Nessa perspectiva, o emprego do linkage apresenta-se como estratégia para qualificação de informações importantes para análise das mortes infantis.
Risk factors for caries-free time: longitudinal study in early childhood
Authors: Cabral Maria Beatriz Barreto de Sousa , Mota Eduardo Luiz Andrade , Cangussu Maria Cristina Teixeira , Vianna Maria Isabel Pereira , Floriano Fabiana Raynal
Published: December 2017

OBJECTIVE: To estimate time in days from the beginning of follow-up up to the development of dental caries in children under 30 months and to assess risk factors potentially affecting the development of the disease. METHODS: The study population of the cohort study were children attending public, private, and charitable day care centers in Salvador, Northeastern Brazil, followed up for fourteen months. We used the multivariate Cox regression to estimate risk and Kaplan-Meier method to estimate the caries-free time. RESULTS: Of the 495 children studied, 112 developed caries (22.6%). Mean caries-free time was 248.6 (SD = 96.2) days. The comparasion of curves by age group (> 24 months) and children attending public day care showed more caries in a shorter period (p < 0.00). The following variables were important risk factors for increased rate of caries: district of origin (HR = 1.88, 95%CI 1.27–2.77), category of day care (HR = 3.88, 95%CI 2.04–7.38), age (HR = 1.77, 95%CI 1.15–2.74), bottle-feeding before sleep time after the age of 12 months (HR = 1.62, 95%CI 1.04–2.51), presence of active white spots (HR = 2.70, 95%CI 1.07–6.80), and living in non-masonry house (HR = 1.68, 95%CI 1.02–2.76). The highest hazard ratio (HR = 4.60, 95%CI 2.80–7.42) was found for previous caries experience. CONCLUSIONS: Social variables were considered as of high risk for the development of dental caries.
Validade de peso, estatura e IMC referidos por puérperas do estudo Nascer no Brasil
Authors: Araújo Roberta Gabriela Pimenta da Silva , Gama Silvana Granado Nogueira da , Barros Denise Cavalcante de , Saunders Cláudia , Mattos Inês Echenique
Published: December 2017

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a acurácia das informações de peso pré-gestacional, estatura, índice de massa corporal pré-gestacional e peso na última consulta de pré-natal, segundo características maternas, variáveis sociodemográficas e de pré-natal. MÉTODOS: O estudo foi desenvolvido com dados do questionário face a face e do cartão da gestante (padrão-ouro) do estudo “Nascer no Brasil, 2011–2012”. Para avaliar as diferenças entre as variáveis antropométricas medidas e referidas, utilizou-se o teste de Kruskal-Wallis para as variáveis dividas em quartis. Para as variáveis contínuas, adotou-se o teste de Wilcoxon, gráficos de Bland e Altman, diferença média entre as informações medidas e referidas pelas mulheres. Estimou-se a sensibilidade e o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse. RESULTADOS: No estudo, 17.093 mulheres possuíam cartão de gestante. Observou-se uma subestimação do peso pré-gestacional em 1,51 kg (DP = 3,44) e do índice de massa corporal em 0,79 kg/m2 (DP = 1,72), e superestimação da estatura em 0,75 cm (DP = 3,03) e do peso na última consulta em 0,22 kg (DP = 2,09). Os coeficientes de correlação intraclasse (CCIC) obtidos para as variáveis antropométricas foram: estatura (CCIC = 0,89), peso pré-gestacional (CCIC = 0,96), índice de massa corporal pré-gestacional (CCIC = 0,92) e peso na última consulta (CCIC = 0,98). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados sugerem que as variáveis antropométricas referidas foram válidas para a população de estudo, e podem ser utilizadas em estudos com populações que tenham características semelhantes.
Narrativas de familiares sobre o suicídio de idosos em uma metrópole amazônica
Authors: Costa André Luis Sales da , Souza Maximiliano Loiola Ponte de
Published: December 2017

OBJETIVO: Analisar as narrativas de familiares sobre o suicídio de idosos em Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Estudo qualitativo de narrativas de oito idosos que morreram por suicídio no período 2001–2012. No processo analítico-interpretativo, buscou-se realizar o exercício da dupla hermenêutica: interpretar a interpretação dos narradores. Teve-se como referenciais teóricos autores que investigaram o suicídio a partir da perspectiva de gênero, de suas correlações com o contexto sociofamiliar e com transtornos mentais. RESULTADOS: Os familiares conceberiam o suicídio dos idosos como relacionado a perdas, que se dariam em um cenário sociofamiliar tensionado, levando ao surgimento de quadros psicopatológicos que, se não adequadamente acompanhados, resultariam na morte. Haveria também algo de inexorável nessa sequência de eventos. O idoso, pelo próprio tempo de sua vida, tenderia a acumular em sua trajetória perdas de diferentes matizes. Sua rigidez e outras limitações relacionais tensionariam simultaneamente as relações familiares, favorecendo conflitos, e dificultariam a adesão ao tratamento. Esse modelo de compreensão, que tem amplo ancoramento no discurso médico-psicológico hegemônico, de certo modo, se presta a minimizar eventuais auto- ou heteroacusações direcionadas aos familiares. CONCLUSÕES: Especial atenção deveria ser direcionada para se identificar idosos que apresentem simultaneamente perdas, conflitos familiares, indícios de psicopatologia e não seguimento em serviços de atenção psicossocial. Estratégias para auxiliar os idosos a lidar com as perdas e conflitos familiares, empoderando-os, deveriam ser desenvolvidas e disponibilizadas por meio de ações intersetoriais. O adequado tratamento de condições psicopatológicas deveria ser implantado, em um contexto no qual também houvesse mecanismos de busca ativa de idosos que abandonaram o acompanhamento. Implantar essas ações é um desafio a ser enfrentado em Manaus, onde há baixa disponibilidade de serviços de atenção psicossocial, que não se articulam com os serviços de atenção especializada em condições médicas de abordagem terciária, havendo ainda baixa cobertura pela atenção básica.
Violência em transporte público: uma abordagem baseada em análise espacial
Authors: Sousa Daiane Castro Bittencourt de , Pitombo Cira Souza , Rocha Samille Santos , Salgueiro Ana Rita , Delgado Juan Pedro Moreno
Published: December 2017

OBJETIVO: Realizar uma análise espacial da ocorrência de atos de violência (especificamente roubos) em transporte público, identificando as regiões de maior incidência, por meio da geoestatística, e possíveis causas com auxílio de análise multicritério em Sistema de Informação Geográfica. MÉTODOS: A unidade de análise é a zona de tráfego da pesquisa Origem-Destino, realizada em Salvador, BA, Brasil, em 2013. Os roubos registrados pela Secretaria de Segurança Pública da Bahia, no mesmo ano, foram localizados e compatibilizados aos limites das zonas de tráfego e, posteriormente, associados aos respectivos centroides. Após determinação das regiões de maior probabilidade de ocorrências, foi feita uma análise geográfica de possíveis causas na região de maior potencial, considerando fatores analisados por meio de uma análise multicritério em ambiente de Sistema de Informação Geográfica. RESULTADOS: A execução das duas etapas deste trabalho permitiu identificar áreas correspondentes à maior probabilidade de ocorrência de roubo em transporte público. Além disso, foram identificados três trechos viários (Estrada da Liberdade, Rua Pero Vaz e Avenida General San Martin) mais vulneráveis, localizados nessas áreas. Nesses trechos, os fatores que mais contribuem para o potencial de ocorrência de roubo em ônibus são: F1 - proximidade a locais que facilitam a fuga, F3 - grande movimentação de pessoas e F2 - ausência de policiamento, respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES: Com o uso da Krigagem indicativa (estimação eoestatística), é possível a construção de uma superfície espacial de probabilidades de ocorrências, que pode ser uma ferramenta útil para implementação de políticas públicas. A análise multicritério no ambiente do Sistema de Informação Geográfica permitiu a compreensão dos fatores espaciais relacionados ao fenômeno em análise.
Intermedin Enlarges the Vascular Lumen by Inducing the Quiescent Endothelial Cell Proliferation
Authors: Wang Li-jun , Xiao Fei , Kong Ling-miao , Wang De-nian , Li Hong-yu , Wei Yong-gang , Tan Chun , Zhao Huan , Zhang Ting , Cao Gui-qun , Zhang Kang , Wei Yu-quan , Yang Han-shuo , Zhang Wei
Published: December 2017

Objective—

Intermedin plays an important role in vascular remodeling and significantly improves blood perfusion, but the precise mechanism remains unclear. Herein, we aimed to define whether vascular lumen enlargement is responsible for the intermedin-increased blood perfusion and explore the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms.

Approach and Results—

To study the role of intermedin, we generated the IMD-KO (
Adm2
−/−
) mice using CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat–associated 9) system. Intermedin significantly promoted vascular lumen enlargement in vitro (fibrin beads assay) and in vivo (murine retinas), which contributed to the improved blood perfusion in both physiological (retinal) and pathological (tumor) angiogenic models. We designed experiments to calculate the endothelial cell (EC) size and found that the lumen enlargement is because of EC proliferation but not because of a change in cell shape. ECs that construct vessel walls are considered quiescent cells because they are in a state of contact inhibition and show reduced responsiveness to VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor). Using immunoprecipitation, Western blot assay, and fluorescent microscopy, we found that intermedin induced the formation of a signaling complex containing CRLR (calcitonin receptor-like receptor)/β-arr1 (β-arrestin1)/Src in ECs and promoted it internalizing into cytoplasm in a clathrin-dependent manner to activate downstream ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2). Importantly, this effect was not abrogated by cell–cell contacts of ECs. Through this mechanism, intermedin could reactivate the quiescent ECs to proliferate, resulting in continuous lumen expanding and a more effective blood perfusion.

Conclusions—

Our findings suggest a novel mechanism that may explain how quiescent ECs overcome the contact inhibition and regain the ability to proliferate for continuous vascular lumen enlargement.
Impact of Telemonitoring on Health Status
Authors: Jayaram Natalie M. , Khariton Yevgeniy , Krumholz Harlan M. , Chaudhry Sarwat I. , Mattera Jennifer , Tang Fengming , Herrin Jeph , Hodshon Beth , Spertus John A.
Published: December 2017

Background—

Although noninvasive telemonitoring in patients with heart failure does not reduce mortality or hospitalizations, less is known about its effect on health status. This study reports the results of a randomized clinical trial of telemonitoring on health status in patients with heart failure.

Methods and Results—

Among 1521 patients with recent heart failure hospitalization randomized in the Tele-HF trial (Telemonitoring to Improve Heart Failure Outcomes), 756 received telephonic monitoring and 765 usual care. Disease-specific health status was measured with the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) within 2 weeks of discharge and at 3 and 6 months. Repeated measures linear regression models were used to assess differences in KCCQ scores between patients assigned to telemonitoring and usual care over 6 months. The baseline characteristics of the 2 treatment arms were similar (mean age, 61 years; 43% female and 39% black). Over the 6-month follow-up period, there was a statistically significant, but clinically small, difference between the 2 groups in their KCCQ overall summary and subscale scores. The average KCCQ overall summary score for those receiving telemonitoring was 2.5 points (95% confidence interval, 0.38–4.67;
P
=0.02) higher than usual care, driven primarily by improvements in symptoms (3.5 points; 95% confidence interval, 1.18–5.82;
P
=0.003) and social function (3.1 points; 95% confidence interval, 0.30–6.00;
P
=0.03).

Conclusions—

Telemonitoring results in statistically significant, but clinically small, improvements in health status when compared with usual care. Given that the KCCQ was a secondary outcome, the benefits should be confirmed in future studies.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/
. Unique identifier: NCT00303212.
Weighted DAG Automata for Semantic Graphs
Authors: Chiang David , Drewes Frank , Gildea Daniel , Lopez Adam , Satta Giorgio
Published: December 2017

Graphs have a variety of uses in natural language processing, particularly as representations of linguistic meaning. A deficit in this area of research is a formal framework for creating, combining, and using models involving graphs that parallels the frameworks of finite automata for strings and finite tree automata for trees. A possible starting point for such a framework is the formalism of directed acyclic graph (DAG) automata, defined by Kamimura and Slutzki and extended by Quernheim and Knight. In this article, we study the latter in depth, demonstrating several new results, including a practical recognition algorithm that can be used for inference and learning with models defined on DAG automata. We also propose an extension to graphs with unbounded node degree and show that our results carry over to the extended formalism.
The Potential of Antitrust Collective Litigation in 2017
Authors: Juška Žygimantas
Published: December 2017

The European Commission expected to assess the implementation of the 2013 Recommendation on collective redress by 26 July 2017, yet the Commission missed the deadline. Despite this failure, the Recommendation is still on the eu agenda: a public consultation has been started with the intention to assess how the eu member states responded to the 2013 proposal. On the one hand, it should be welcomed that the Commission remains ambitious regarding an eu-wide collective redress mechanism. On the other hand, it should be highlighted that the Commission is concentrating too much on the American system, which significantly differs in terms of rationale, design, and stated goals. Indeed, utilising one or another American element does not inevitably lead to the perceived issue of “blackmail settlement”. This is further qualified by positive experiences in pro-active eu member states, which have experimented with us-oriented tools in order to facilitate collective actions in their jurisdictions. This article explores how insights from the eu countries and the us should influence the debate on eu-style collective antitrust redress, if and when the time arises to take another step in the field.
Nest-Site Fidelity in Griffon Vultures: A Case of Win–Stay/Lose–Shift?
Authors: Freund Myriam , Bahat Ofer , Motro Uzi
Published: December 2017

We studied the use of nest-sites by Griffon Vultures (Gyps fulvus) and the breeding success in these sites during 1998–2002 in Gamla Nature Reserve (Israel). Nest-sites in which a breeding attempt succeeded in fledging a young, were more likely to be occupied by nesting vultures in the following breeding season, than nest-sites that experienced a failure. This suggests that Griffon Vultures in Gamla used a Win–Stay/Lose–Shift strategy regarding nest-site fidelity.