bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Annealing on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Magnetron Sputtered Cu Thin Films
Authors: Du Shiwen , Li Yongtang
Published: March 2015

Cu thin films were deposited on Si substrates using direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering. Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of Cu thin films with different annealing temperatures were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and nanoindentation. The surface morphology, roughness, and grain size of the Cu films were characterized by AFM. The minimization of energy including surface energy, interface energy, and strain energy (elastic strain energy and plastic strain energy) controlled the microstructural evolution. A classical Hall-Petch relationship was exhibited between the yield stress and grain size. The residual stress depended on crystal orientation. The residual stress as-deposited was of tension and decreased with decreasing of (111) orientation. The ratio of texture coefficient of (111)/(220) can be used as a merit for the state of residual stress.
A Novel Multiband Miniature Planar Inverted F Antenna Design for Bluetooth and WLAN Applications
Authors: Jayasinghe J. M. Jeevani W. , Uduwawala Disala
Published: March 2015

A novel compact planar inverted F antenna (PIFA) optimized using genetic algorithms for 2.4 GHz (Bluetooth) and 5 GHz (UNII-1, UNII-2, UNII-2 extended, and UNII-3) bands is presented. The patch with a shorting pin is on a20×7×0.762 mm3substrate, which is suspended in air 5 mm above a30×7 mm2ground plane. Genetic algorithm optimization (GAO) is used to optimize the patch geometry, feed position, and shorting pin position simultaneously. Simulations are carried out by using HFSS and a prototype antenna is fabricated to compare the measurements with the simulations. The antenna shows fractional impedance bandwidths of 4% and 21% and gains of 2.5 dB and 3.2 dB at lower and upper bands, respectively.
Fuzzy Emotional Semantic Analysis and Automated Annotation of Scene Images
Authors: Cao Jianfang , Chen Lichao
Published: March 2015

With the advances in electronic and imaging techniques, the production of digital images has rapidly increased, and the extraction and automated annotation of emotional semantics implied by images have become issues that must be urgently addressed. To better simulate human subjectivity and ambiguity for understanding scene images, the current study proposes an emotional semantic annotation method for scene images based on fuzzy set theory. A fuzzy membership degree was calculated to describe the emotional degree of a scene image and was implemented using the Adaboost algorithm and a back-propagation (BP) neural network. The automated annotation method was trained and tested using scene images from the SUN Database. The annotation results were then compared with those based on artificial annotation. Our method showed an annotation accuracy rate of 91.2% for basic emotional values and 82.4% after extended emotional values were added, which correspond to increases of 5.5% and 8.9%, respectively, compared with the results from using a single BP neural network algorithm. Furthermore, the retrieval accuracy rate based on our method reached approximately 89%. This study attempts to lay a solid foundation for the automated emotional semantic annotation of more types of images and therefore is of practical significance.
Use of the MoCA in Detecting Early Alzheimer's Disease in a Spanish-Speaking Population with Varied Levels of Education
Authors: Zhou Yan , Ortiz Freddy , Nuñez Christopher , Elashoff David , Woo Ellen , Apostolova Liana G. , Wolf Sheldon , Casado Maria , Caceres Nenette , Panchal Hemali , Ringman John M.
Published: March 2015

Background/Aims: Performance on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) has been demonstrated to be dependent on the educational level. The purpose of this study was to identify how to best adjust MoCA scores and to identify MoCA items most sensitive to cognitive decline in incipient Alzheimer's disease (AD) in a Spanish-speaking population with varied levels of education. Methods: We analyzed data from 50 Spanish-speaking participants. We examined the pattern of diagnosis-adjusted MoCA residuals in relation to education and compared four alternative score adjustments using bootstrap sampling. Sensitivity and specificity analyses were performed for the raw and each adjusted score. The interval reliability of the MoCA as well as item discrimination and item validity were examined. Results: We found that with progressive compensation added for those with lower education, unexplained residuals decreased and education-residual association moved to zero, suggesting that more compensation was necessary to better adjust MoCA scores in those with a lower educational level. Cube copying, sentence repetition, delayed recall, and orientation were most sensitive to cognitive impairment due to AD. Conclusion: A compensation of 3-4 points was needed for <6 years of education. Overall, the Spanish version of the MoCA maintained adequate psychometric properties in this population.
Orientation-Dependent Changes in Single Motor Neuron Activity during Adaptive Soft-Bodied Locomotion
Authors: Metallo Cinzia , Trimmer Barry A.
Published: March 2015

Recent major advances in understanding the organizational principles underlying motor control have focused on a small number of animal species with stiff articulated skeletons. These model systems have the advantage of easily quantifiable mechanics, but the neural codes underlying different movements are difficult to characterize because they typically involve a large population of neurons controlling each muscle. As a result, studying how neural codes drive adaptive changes in behavior is extremely challenging. This problem is highly simplified in the tobacco hawkmoth Manduca sexta, which, in its larval stage (caterpillar), is predominantly soft-bodied. Since each M. sexta muscle is innervated by one, occasionally two, excitatory motor neurons, the electrical activity generated by each muscle can be mapped to individual motor neurons. In the present study, muscle activation patterns were converted into motor neuron frequency patterns by identifying single excitatory junction potentials within recorded electromyographic traces. This conversion was carried out with single motor neuron resolution thanks to the high signal selectivity of newly developed flexible microelectrode arrays, which were specifically designed to record from M. sexta muscles. It was discovered that the timing of motor neuron activity and gait kinematics depend on the orientation of the plane of motion during locomotion. We report that, during climbing, the motor neurons monitored in the present study shift their activity to correlate with movements in the animal's more anterior segments. This orientation-dependent shift in motor activity is in agreement with the expected shift in the propulsive forces required for climbing. Our results suggest that, contrary to what has been previously hypothesized, M.sexta uses central command timing for adaptive load compensation.
Elevated Serum Free Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A Independently Predicts Mortality in Haemodialysis Patients but Is Not Associated with Recurrent Haemodialysis-Induced Ischaemic Myocardial Injury
Authors: Jefferies Helen J. , Tertti Risto , Wittfooth Saara , Burton James O. , Metsärinne Kaj , Pettersson Kim , McIntyre Christopher W.
Published: March 2015

Background/Aims: Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) is a putative marker of atheroma instability and ischaemic myocardial stress prior to necrosis. Total PAPP-A (tPAPP-A) levels in acute coronary syndromes predict adverse outcomes. However, free PAPP-A (fPAPP-A) predominates in the circulation. Ischaemic haemodialysis (HD)-induced cardiac injury (myocardial stunning) is common and is associated with markers of myocardial necrosis, inflammation, cardiovascular events and mortality. Coronary plaque instability in pathophysiology of HD-induced myocardial stunning has not been studied. We aimed to investigate the relationship of fPAPP-A with stunning and mortality. Methods: 130 prevalent patients from two HD centres (Finland and UK) were studied. Pre-HD free, complexed and total PAPP-A were measured by immunoassay. A subset of 62 patients underwent echocardiography to assess HD-induced myocardial stunning. The mean duration of follow-up was 407 ± 98 days. Results: fPAPP-A was elevated (median: 3.45 mIU/l) and correlated with dialysis vintage (r = 0.391, p < 0.001), cardiac troponin T (cTnT; r = 0.29, p = 0.001) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI; r = 0.22, p = 0.01). PAPP-A was not related to stunning. Dialysis vintage and cTnT independently predicted Ln fPAPP-A (model R = 0.463). fPAPP-A, cTnT and age independently predicted death (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.362). Conclusions: fPAPP-A, a novel predictor of HD-related mortality, demonstrates better prognostic power than tPAPP-A. Coronary plaque instability may contribute to sub-lethal myocardial injury, but may not be critical in pathogenesis of HD-induced ischaemic cardiac injury.
Human Urine Is Not Sterile - Shift of Paradigm
Authors: Kogan Michael I. , Naboka Yulia L. , Ibishev Khalid S. , Gudima Irina A. , Naber Kurt G.
Published: March 2015

Objective: Until recently the generally accepted paradigm implied that urine of healthy people is sterile. In the present study, urine of healthy subjects was investigated by extended bacteriological methods. Material and Methods: Three midstream urine samples from 52 healthy subjects each (24 females, 28 males; 18-25 years of age) were investigated by an extended set of culture media for identification of facultative aerobic (FAB) and nonclostridial anaerobic bacteria (NCAB). Ward's method (Euclidean distance) was used for similarity analysis. Results: The bacterial count of FAB in urine was usually low (≤102 colony-forming units/ml) in both groups. In contrast, the bacterial count of NCAB was higher (≥103 colony-forming units/ml), at least in some species, with significant differences between genders. The average number of bacterial species found was 5.8 in female and 7.1 in male urine. Half of the females were assigned to a specific ‘female' microbial spectrum, different from that of males. In the mixed-gender clusters, the males showed a greater similarity among themselves. Conclusions: As also shown by other investigators, urine of healthy people is normally not sterile. The role of the routinely not cultivated bacteria in healthy and diseased subjects needs to be established. It may alter the diagnostics of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the urogenital tract.
Long-Term Everolimus Treatment of Patients with Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Wolin Edward M.
Published: March 2015

Background/Aims: Based on the significant prolongation of progression-free survival in a randomized phase III trial, RADIANT-3 (RAD001 in Advanced Neuroendocrine Tumors, Third Trial), everolimus has been approved for the management of advanced, progressive pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET). Here, we describe 15 participants in RADIANT-3 who were treated with everolimus at our study center. We report the long-term survival of a subset of patients. Methods: Patients with advanced, progressive pNET were randomly assigned to the everolimus arm of RADIANT-3 or received everolimus as open-label treatment after experiencing progression on placebo or during the unblinded phase. Results: Five patients on everolimus (5-10 mg/day) had stable disease for >43 to >76 months after initiating treatment. Three patients achieved stable disease for 19-25 months, but died of progressive malignancy thereafter. Seven patients had stable disease for ≤11 months after initiating everolimus therapy. Conclusion: Patients with advanced, progressive pNET can obtain long-term benefit from daily oral treatment with everolimus.
Distribution of Islet Hormones in Human Adult Pancreatic Ducts
Authors: Li Rong , Yu Lan , Zhang Xiaoxi , Zhou Xia , Wang Min , Zhao Hailu
Published: March 2015

Background/Aims: The source of insulin-secreting cells from adult duct system is attractive, but its clinical practice remains poorly understood. Here, we aimed at identifying the distribution of secreted hormone reactive cells in adult ducts. Methods: Consecutive pancreatic slices from nondiabetic subjects were subjected to immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence to screen islet hormones (insulin; glucagon, Glu; somatostatin, Som; pancreatic polypeptide, PP) and exocrine biomarkers (cytokeratin 19, CK19; chromogranin A, CgA; amylase). All pancreatic sections were imaged using an optical or confocal microscope. Results: Immunostaining results showed that insulin was expressed in adult ducts, in which the cell count was more than other islet hormone immunoactive cells. CK19-positive cells are mainly distributed in the ducts, whereas CgA-labeled cells are localized in endocrine cells. The duct branches visibly exhibited cell populations that co-expressed islet hormones in exocrine cell populations. Conclusions: In this report, our findings demonstrate that adult ductal cells that produce insulin may contribute to beta-cell proliferation.
Recombinant Human Growth Hormone Plus Recombinant Human Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Coadministration Therapy in Short Children with Low Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 and Growth Hormone Sufficiency: Results from a Randomized, Multicenter, Open-Label, Parallel-Group, Active Treatment-Controlled Trial
Authors: Backeljauw Philippe F. , Miller Bradley S. , Dutailly Pascale , Houchard Aude , Lawson Elizabeth , Hale Daniel E. , Reiner Barry , Sperling Mark A. ,   on behalf of the MS316 Study Group
Published: March 2015

Background/Aims: Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) both contribute to growth. To determine if recombinant human (rh)GH + rhIGF-1 therapy is more effective than rhGH alone to treat short stature, we assessed the efficacy and safety of coadministered rhGH + rhIGF-1 in short children with GH sufficiency and low IGF-1. Methods: In a 3-year, randomized, multicenter, open-label trial, patients with height SD score ≤−2.0 and IGF-1 SD score ≤−1.0 for age and sex, and with stimulated GH ≥10 ng/ml for age and sex, were randomized to receive (all doses in µg/kg/day): 45 rhGH alone (group A), 45 rhGH + 50 rhIGF-1 (group B), 45 rhGH + 100 rhIGF-1 (group C) or 45 rhGH + 150 rhIGF-1 (group D). Height velocity (HV) and Δ height SD score were measured. Results: The first-year HV (modified intention-to-treat population) was 9.3 ± 1.7 cm/year (group A), 10.1 ± 1.3 cm/year (group B), 9.7 ± 2.5 cm/year (group C) and 11.2 ± 2.1 cm/year (group D) (p = 0.001 for groups A vs. D). This effect was sustained, resulting in a height SD score improvement during the second and third years. Most treatment-emergent adverse events were mild and transient. Conclusion: In children with short stature, GH sufficiency and low IGF-1, coadministration of rhGH/rhIGF-1 (45/150 µg/kg) significantly accelerated linear growth compared with rhGH alone, with a safety profile similar to the individual monotherapies.
The Effect of Peripapillary Detachment on Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Measurement by Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography in High Myopia
Authors: Kamal Salah Radua , Morillo-Sánchez Maria José , García-Ben Antonio , Rius-Diaz Francisca , Cilveti-Puche Ángel , Figueroa-Ortiz Laura , García-Campos Jose Manuel
Published: March 2015

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the repercussions of peripapillary detachment on retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measurements in patients with highly myopic eyes. Methods: A total of 244 highly myopic eyes underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination that included optical coherence tomography (OCT) to analyze the peripapillary retina and RNFL thickness. Based on the OCT findings, patients were grouped as follows: group A: eyes with a peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation (PIC); group B: eyes with a peripapillary neurosensory retinal detachment (PNRD), and group C: eyes without a peripapillary detachment. Results: The OCT scans identified a peripapillary detachment in 42 eyes (17.21%). Out of these 42 eyes, 22 showed PIC (52.38%; group A) and 20 had a PNRD (47.62%; group B). The average overall RNFL thickness in groups A, B and C was 74.11 ± 10.88, 88.26 ± 25.72 and 72.75 ± 16.24 μm, respectively (ANOVA test, p = 0.00). Conclusion: Eyes with a PNRD had a significantly greater average RFNL thickness than those without peripapillary detachment in pathologic myopia due to a misidentification of the outer profile of the RFNL. This fact makes the interpretation of RNFL thickness in highly myopic eyes more challenging.
Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas: Clinical Outcomes, Prognostic Factors, and the Role of Adjuvant Therapy
Authors: Fong Zhi Ven , Fernández-del Castillo Carlos
Published: March 2015

Background: Intraductal papillary mucinous adenocarcinoma (IPMCs) occur more frequently in main-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms. Methods: Review of the literature. Results: The prognosis of IPMCs depends on its histopathological subtype: colloid IPMCs have superior survival rates mainly secondary to more favorable pathological features, whereas tubular IPMCs have survival outcomes similar to that of conventional pancreatic adenocarcinomas. The epithelial background plays an equally important role in defining the biology of IPMCs: gastric IPMC subtypes demonstrate an overall worse survival outcome when compared to intestinal, pancreatobiliary, and oncocytic subtypes. Lymph node involvement is one of the strongest predictors of survival in IPMC, with a decreasing overall survival as the lymph node ratio increases. There is little evidence to support adjuvant chemoradiation in patients with IPMC. Conclusion: Our current understanding of IPMC biology based on histopathological and epithelial background subtypes as well as clinicopathological predictors should influence patient counseling and selection for adjuvant therapy.
Parent and Public Interest in Whole-Genome Sequencing
Authors: Dodson Daniel S. , Goldenberg Aaron J. , Davis Matthew M. , Singer Dianne C. , Tarini Beth A.
Published: March 2015

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the baseline interest of the public in whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for oneself, parents' interest in WGS for their youngest children, and factors associated with such interest. Methods: A random sample of adults from a probability-based nationally representative online panel was surveyed. All participants were provided basic information about WGS and then asked about their interest in WGS for themselves. Those participants who were parents were additionally asked about their interest in WGS for their children. The order in which parents were asked about their interest in WGS for themselves and for their child was randomized. The relationship between parent/child characteristics and interest in WGS was examined. Results: The overall response rate was 62% (55% among parents). 58.6% of the total population (parents and nonparents) was interested in WGS for themselves. Similarly, 61.8% of the parents were interested in WGS for themselves and 57.8% were interested in WGS for their youngest children. Of note, 84.7% of the parents showed an identical interest level in WGS for themselves and their youngest children. Mothers as a group and parents whose youngest children had ≥2 health conditions had significantly more interest in WGS for themselves and their youngest children, while those with conservative political ideologies had considerably less. Conclusions: While US adults have varying interest levels in WGS, parents appear to have similar interests in genome testing for themselves and their youngest children. As WGS technology becomes available in the clinic and private market, clinicians should be prepared to discuss WGS risks and benefits with their patients.
New Surgical Approach for Giant Paraesophageal Hernia Repair: Closure of the Esophageal Hiatus Anteriorly Using the Left Triangular Ligament
Authors: Ghanem Omar , Doyle Courtney , Sebastian Raul , Park Adrian
Published: March 2015

Background: Obtaining a tension-free repair for giant paraesophageal hernias (PEH) is often challenging. Many different techniques have been proposed, including laparoscopic posterior hiatoplasty with the use of prosthetic or biologic mesh as well as the use of autologous teres or falciform ligament flaps. In this report, we describe the use of the left triangular ligament as an onlay autologous vascularized flap to bridge the anterior residual defect after posterior cruroplasty. Methods: A novel technique of paraesophageal hiatal hernia repair is described. Posterior hiatoplasty is performed, including the approximation of the diaphragmatic crural fibers to the extent possible. The left triangular ligament is then mobilized and sutured to the right and left crural fibers lining the esophageal hiatus to seal the anterior residual diaphragmatic defect. Results: This technique has been performed in 4 patients with a mean age of 71 years and a 3:1 female to male ratio. The average hiatal defect size was 5.5 cm and the average length of operation was 122 min. There was no evidence of radiologic or clinical recurrence on follow-up. Conclusion: The use of the left triangular ligament flap is feasible and may be a valuable tool for closure of an anterior diaphragmatic defect in giant PEHs. Additional studies to validate its long-term function are needed.
Effectiveness and Safety of MLC601 in the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease: A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Pakdaman Hossein , Harandi Ali Amini , Hatamian Hamidreza , Tabatabae Mojgan , Delavar Kasmaei Hosein , Ghassemi Amirhossein , Gharagozli Koroush , Ashrafi Farzad , Emami Naeini Pardis , Tavakolian Mehrnaz , Shahin Darush
Published: March 2015

Background: MLC601 is a possible modulator of amyloid precursor protein processing, and in a clinical trial study MLC601 showed some effectiveness in cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of MLC601 in the treatment of mild to moderate AD as compared to 3 approved cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) including donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine. Methods: In a multicenter, nonblinded, randomized controlled trial, 264 volunteers with AD were randomly divided into 4 groups of 66; groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 received donepezil, rivastigmine, MLC601 and galantamine, respectively. Subjects underwent a clinical diagnostic interview and a cognitive/functional battery including the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale - Cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog). Patients were visited every 4 months, and the score of cognition was recorded by the neurologists. Results: There were no significant differences in age, sex, marital status and baseline score of cognition among the 4 groups. In total, 39 patients (14.7%) left the study. Trend of cognition changes based on the modifications over the time for MMSE and ADAS-cog scores did not differ significantly among groups (p = 0.92 for MMSE and p = 0.87 for ADAS-Cog). Conclusion: MLC601 showed a promising safety profile and also efficacy compared to 3 FDA-approved ChEIs.
The Relationship between Acidic Urinary pH and Overactive Bladder; Alkalization of Urine Improves the Symptoms of Overactive Bladder
Authors: Demirbas Arif , Sarici Hasmet , Kilinc M. Fatih , Telli Onur , Ozgur Berat Cem , Doluoglu Omer Gokhan , Bozkurt Selen
Published: March 2015

Background: To determine association between urine pH and OAB symptoms and to determine if urinary alkalization improves overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. Methods: 659 patients with OAB were enrolled in this study between June 2012 and May 2014. 329 patients (group 1) were included in the final analysis. 201 adults were used as a control group (group 2). 24-hour urinary pH and the validated Turkish version of the OAB-V8 questionnaire were performed in patients. A 24-hour urine pH <6.2 was considered acidic urine. In the second part, a diet program was performed for 4 weeks in 30 participants. Urine pH values and OAB-V8 scoring results were recorded before the diet program and 2 and 4 weeks after the diet program. Results: Acidic urinary pH was determined in 61.4% of patients with OAB. There was a significant association between the presence of acidic urine and OAB. Also, the OAB-V8 scores of patients were significantly higher in patients with acidic urine than nonacidic urine. OAB-V8 scores of patients showed statistically significant improvement after diet therapy (17.87 ± 6.52 vs. 10.43 ± 7.17; p < 0.001). Conclusions: We found that acidic urinary pH was closely associated with OAB, and alkalization of urine improved lower urinary tract symptoms. We suggest that urinary pH should be considered as a parameter in treatment planning of patients with OAB.
Bavachalcone-Induced Manganese Superoxide Dismutase Expression through the AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway in Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: Dang Yanqi , Ling Shuang , Duan Ju , Ma Jing , Ni Rongzhen , Xu Jin-Wen
Published: March 2015

Mitochondrial oxidative stress has been suggested as a major etiological factor in cardiovascular diseases. Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is an essential antioxidant mitochondrial enzyme. Although polyphenols can induce MnSOD expression, their mechanism of action remains unclear. We examined the effect of bavachalcone, a bioactive compound isolated from Psoralea corylifolia, on MnSOD protein expression and explored whether this effect is mediated through the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. Our data showed that bavachalcone enhanced the luciferase activity of the MnSOD promoter and increased MnSOD mRNA and protein expressions. Moreover, bavachalcone suppressed the mitochondrial superoxide production in endothelial cells. Conversely, bavachalcone stimulated liver kinase B1 and AMPKα phosphorylation. mRNA interference by using short hairpin RNA (shRNA) of AMPK inhibited bavachalcone-induced MnSOD expression. A-769662, an AMPK activator, also stimulated AMPK activity and increased MnSOD expression. Furthermore, AMPK knockdown by shRNA-AMPK reversed the inhibitory effects of bavachalcone on mitochondrial superoxide production in endothelial cells. These findings indicate that bavachalcone can protect the endothelial function by increasing AMPK activity and MnSOD expression and reducing mitochondrial oxidative stress.
Association between Stressful Life Events and Cognitive Disorders in Central Africa: Results from the EPIDEMCA Program
Authors: Pilleron Sophie , Guerchet Maëlenn , Ndamba-Bandzouzi Bébène , Mbelesso Pascal , Dartigues Jean-Francois , Preux Pierre-Marie , Clément Jean-Pierre ,   for the EPIDEMCA Group
Published: March 2015

Background: Stressful life events (SLEs) are considered potential risk factors for cognitive disorders. Our objective was to investigate the association between SLEs and cognitive disorders among the elderly people in Central Africa. Method: A population-based study was conducted in the Central African Republic (CAR) and the Republic of Congo (ROC). Participants aged ≥65 were interviewed using the Community Screening Interview for Dementia. Those who performed poorly were clinically assessed by neurologists. DSM-IV and Petersen criteria were required for a diagnosis of dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), respectively. SLEs were assessed through 18 questions about events that occurred during childhood, adulthood and late-life. Sociodemographic, vascular and psychological factors were also documented. Multivariate multinomial logistic regression models were used to estimate the associations. Results: MCI was positively associated with: the total number of SLEs (OR = 1.1, 95% CI: 1.0-1.2), the number of SLEs from the age of 65 (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0-1.3), the number of SLEs before the age of 16 among non-depressive participants (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.2-2.2) and with a serious illness in a child experienced when the participant was aged 65 or more (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.6-4.6). No association with dementia was observed. Conclusion: SLEs were positively associated with MCI but not dementia. More comprehensive studies are needed to further investigate this relationship.
DuOx2 Promoter Regulation by Hormones, Transcriptional Factors and the Coactivator TAZ
Authors: Cardoso-Weide L.C. , Cardoso-Penha R.C. , Costa M.W. , Ferreira A.C.F. , Carvalho D.P. , Santisteban P.S.
Published: March 2015

The production of H2O2, which is essential to thyroid hormone synthesis, involves two NADPH oxidases: dual oxidases 1 and 2 (DuOx1 and DuOx2). A functional study with human DuOx genes and their 5′-flanking regions showed that DuOx1 and -2 promoters are different from thyroid-specific gene promoters. Furthermore, their transcriptional activities are not restricted to thyroid cells. While regulation of Tg (thyroglobulin) and TPO (thyroperoxidase) expression have been extensively studied, DuOx2 promoter regulation by hormones and transcriptional factors need to be more explored. Herein we investigated the role of TSH, insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), as well as the cAMP effect on DuOx2 promoter (ptx41) activity in transfected rat thyroid cell lines (PCCL3). We also assessed DuOx2 promoter activity in the presence of transcriptional factors crucial to thyroid development such as TTF-1 (thyroid transcription factor 1), PAX8, CREB, DREAM, Nkx2.5 and the coactivator TAZ in HeLa and HEK 293T-transfected cells. Our results show that TSH and forskolin, which increase cAMP in thyroid cells, stimulated DuOx2 promoter activity. IGF-1 led to pronounced stimulation, while insulin induction was not statistically different from DuOx2 promoter basal activity. All transcriptional factors selected for this work and coactivator TAZ, except DREAM, stimulated DuOx2 promoter activity. Moreover, Nkx2.5 and TAZ synergistically increased DuOx2 promoter activity. In conclusion, we show that DuOx2 expression is regulated by hormones and transcription factors involved in thyroid organogenesis and carcinogenesis, reinforcing the importance of the control of H2O2 generation in the thyroid.
One-Year Mortality Rates in US Children with End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Chavers Blanche M. , Molony Julia T. , Solid Craig A. , Rheault Michelle N. , Collins Allan J.
Published: March 2015

Background/Aims: Few published data describe survival rates for pediatric end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. We aimed to describe one-year mortality rates for US pediatric ESRD patients over a 15-year period. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we used the US Renal Data System database to identify period-prevalent cohorts of patients aged younger than 19 for each year during the period 1995-2010. Yearly cohorts averaged approximately 1,200 maintenance dialysis patients (60% hemodialysis, 40% peritoneal dialysis) and 1,100 transplant recipients. Patients were followed for up to 1 year and censored at change in modality, loss to follow-up, or death. We calculated the unadjusted model-based mortality rates per time at risk, within each cohort year, by treatment modality (hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, transplant) and patient characteristics; percentage of deaths by cause; and overall adjusted odds of mortality by characteristics and modality. Results: Approximately 50% of patients were in the age group 15-18, 55% were male, and 45% were female. The most common causes of ESRD were congenital/reflux/obstructive causes (55%) and glomerulonephritis (30%). One-year mortality rates showed evidence of a decrease in the number of peritoneal dialysis patients (6.03 per 100 patient-years, 1995; 2.43, 2010; p = 0.0263). Mortality rates for transplant recipients (average 0.68 per 100 patient-years) were consistently lower than the rates for all dialysis patients (average 4.36 per 100 patient-years). Conclusions: One-year mortality rates differ by treatment modality in pediatric ESRD patients.
Editorial
Authors: Natali Marcos Piason , Santos Carolina Correia , Almeida Geruza Zelnys de , Pinheiro Tiago
Published: March 2015

sem resumo
ESTÉTICA E ONTOLOGIA EM HISTÓRIA DA LOUCURA
Authors: Pinezi Gabriel Victor Rocha
Published: March 2015

O presente artigo pretende investigar como Foucault reflete, em História da Loucura, sobre o estatuto ontológico da loucura por meio de ideias provenientes da ontologia da obra de arte. Neste sentido, vamos nos atentar ao diálogo entre Foucault, Nietzsche e Blanchot, mostrando como os três pensam a questão do ser da obra de arte sempre em oposição a uma razão dialética.
CULTURA E CONTRACULTURA: FERLINGHETTI
Authors: Rafael Raisa Damascena , Ribeiro Luiz Antonio
Published: March 2015

O presente artigo tem como objetivo traçar um paralelo entre os conceitos de Cultura e Subcultura, em contraponto à ideia de Contracultura, como proposto por Luis Britto García. Para isso, utilizamos como referência a poesia beat americana, movimento formado pela geração de poetas da década de 60 que tinha como proposta uma desarticulação dos valores estabelecidos. Como método, nos aproximamos de um desses poetas, Lawrence Ferlinghetti e observamos que, tanto na composição de sua escrita, quanto no seu papel como editor de livros, havia um procedimento de destaque para a função de uma “leitura”: leitura de poesia, do mundo e da geração. O leitor, então, se torna a utopia da escrita e da formação de uma cultura, ou contracultura, por fora das lógicas institucionalizadas e estabelecidas.
AS FORMAS DO EU NA FICÇÃO DE RODRIGO DE SOUZA LEÃO
Authors: Sá Juliana Silva , Cavalheiro Juciane Santos
Published: March 2015

Os registros biográficos acerca de Rodrigo de Souza Leão nos permitem estabelecer algumas conexões entre o factual e o fictício registrado em suas obras literárias. As personagens dos romances e as ações a que são submetidas reproduzem, em certa medida, alguns dos atributos individuais e dos eventos experimentados pelo escritor. A hipótese de um projeto autoficcional nos parece, portanto, válida, justificando, assim, diferentes graus de parentesco entre a obra literária e seu criador. Considerando essas impressões, neste trabalho propomos uma leitura sobre as funções/ figurações pelas quais os narradores-personagens de Todos os cachorros são azuis (2008), Me roubaram uns dias contados (2010) e O Esquizoide (2011) são reconhecíveis nos respectivos romances, assim assumidos: narrador-autor; narrador como testemunha; e narrador-dramaturgo.
Loucura e método: O Sistema do Doutor Pixe e do Professor Penna
Authors: Santos Luciane Alves , Gabriel Maria Alice Ribeiro
Published: March 2015

O presente estudo pretende discutir o tema da loucura, comparando a perspectiva do narrador em “O Sistema do Doutor Pixe e do Professor Penna” (1845) e outros contos de Edgar Allan Poe. A análise ilustra que a ciência, no século XIX, pretende remover o medo do desconhecido, dominando o mundo natural e suas leis; e que a ficção, o presumido oposto, representa uma extensão da mesma lógica, sob outro nome. Alguns escritores negaram qualquer obrigação de lealdade ao racionalismo científico, e tentaram decifrar esse problema através do sonho e do sobrenatural. Obras fantásticas da literatura gótica – algumas novelas de Hoffmann e contos de Poe – iluminam esses pontos. Poe reinterpretou o Gótico na Era vitoriana, com um narrador não nomeado e não-confiável, que insiste em sua racionalidade. O cômico e o horror grotesco resultam da psicologia dos seus personagens, frequentemente insanos.
SAMUEL BECKETT, FRITZ MAUTHNER, E OS LIMITES DA LINGUAGEM
Authors: Ben-Zvi Linda , André Willian
Published: March 2015

(O trabalho submetido não possui resumo. Trata-se de uma tradução)
Sala de psicopatologia
Authors: Pizarnik Alejandra , Lyra Clarisse
Published: March 2015

Poema de Alejandra Pizarnik (Buenos Aires, 1936 - 1972) escrito em 1971 e publicado pela primeira vez em 2001, na edição integral de sua Poesia Completa. No Brasil, permanece inédito.
L'imagination de l'auteur
Authors: Costa Cristina Henrique da
Published: March 2015

Dans un premier temps, cet article confronte deux positions sur la question théorique de la mort de l’auteur apparemment contraires et séparées dans le temps: Barthes lui-même et Antoine Compagnon. Si l’attitude critique du second vis à vis du premier est lue ici comme le symptôme d’un refus de réfléchir à cette question et comme le projet de s’en tenir empiriquement au simple constat de fait de l’existence des auteurs, l’article formule alors l’hypothèse selon laquelle ni la mort de l’auteur, ni le retour de l’auteur ne peuvent être traités comme des faits, dans la mesure où ce sont des jugements esthétiques. Dans un second temps, lui-même organisé en deux sous-parties consacrées respectivement à la mort de l’auteur et à son éventuel retour, l’article s’emploie alors à déceler certaines des implications philosophiques de chacune de ces idées, autour d’un parcours qui va de Hegel à Kant, puis de ce dernier à Bachelard.
TRABALHAR A LINGUAGEM DA LOUCURA: A ESCRITA ACIDENTADA DE RODRIGO DE SOUZA LEÃO
Authors: Barbosa Aline Leal
Published: March 2015

Há uma suspeita antiga de que a linguagem pressuporia um duplo, que seria de fato a traição do que ela diz. A voz do louco, do esquizofrênico, operaria justamente na revelação desta fratura, enunciando uma linguagem passível de materializar a sua própria fratura. Com uma fala marcada pelo embaralhamento dos registros, caducam-se as linhas demarcatórias das identificações, dos conceitos, da realidade e das alucinações, ampliando o regime de verdades.  Em seu caráter dissociativo, essa voz é promotora do real, uma vocação semelhante àquela da arte. Neste artigo, pretendemos pensar essas questões em relação à obra ainda pouco estudada de Rodrigo de Souza Leão.
A DIFERENÇA E A LOUCURA EM O VENTO ASSOBIANDO NAS GRUAS, DE LÍDIA JORGE, E JERUSALÉM, DE GONÇALO M. TAVARES
Authors: Hampel Juliana Florentino
Published: March 2015

A proposta deste artigo é apresentar uma análise comparativa de dois romances portugueses contemporâneos: O vento assobiando nas gruas, de Lídia Jorge, e Jerusalém, de Gonçalo M. Tavares analisando o ponto temático comum entre os autores, qual seja: o da formação discursiva por parte de indivíduos considerados doentes mentais e o interdiscurso existente entre eles, responsável pela criação de uma verdade, e os dos normatizadores, que os interpelam, invalidando-os. Ancorados nas teorias foucaultianas que tratam do rompimento entre a linguagem comum que havia entre a Razão e a Loucura, ocorrido a partir do século XVII, analisaremos como o tema retrata os conflitos prementes da contemporaneidade, e de que modo está sendo abordado pelos dois escritores. As obras escolhidas apresentam o discurso de personagens diagnosticadas com diferentes graus de loucura, que buscam elos perdidos com o mundo a seu redor por meio de dificultosos processos de enunciação provenientes de seres obsessivos, dementes e fantasiosos, nos quais a diferença é apontada como característica principal.
A new genus and species of xenodermatid snake (Squamata: Caenophidia: Xenodermatidae) from northern Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Authors: TEYNIÉ ALEXANDRE , DAVID PATRICK , LOTTIER ANNE , LE MINH DUC , VIDAL NICOLAS , NGUYEN TRUONG QUANG
Published: March 2015

A male snake collected in Louangphabang Province and a second specimen observed in Houaphan Province, North Laos, share morphological characters with the Asian genus Fimbrios Smith, 1921, including erected edges on the first supra- and infralabial scales, but differ in the following morphological characters: fewer dorsal scale rows (25–27 vs. 30–33), fewer maxillary teeth (27 vs. 30–35), posterior teeth progressively slightly enlarged, and especially the correspondence of two dorsal scale rows per ventral plate throughout the body (i.e. the first dorsal scale row made of a small scale above the fore part of a ventral, followed by a much larger scale above its hind part), a condition known only in Xenodermus Reinhardt, 1836. As the Laotian specimens differ in morphological characters from other genera and species in the family Xenodermatidae, and on the basis of molecular analyses showing a large genetic divergence from the genus Fimbrios (p-distance ≥14.7 %, mitochondrial COI gene), we place these specimens in a new genus, Parafimbrios gen. nov., and describe them as a new species, Parafimbrios lao sp. nov. Besides the characters mentioned above, the new species is diagnosed by a combination of the following ones: small, strongly keeled dorsal scales; rostral and first four supra- and infralabials with raised, erected edges; horizontal tissue ridges above the rostral; loreal single, large, elongate; ventral scales 177–189; subcaudals 55–56, undivided; dorsal colour purplish-grey, neck with a broad, very pale grey collar reaching downwards the pale grey colour of the venter. The morphological characters of the new genus are compared with those of the genera Fimbrios Smith, 1921, Xenodermus Reinhardt, 1836, Stoliczkaia Jerdon, 1870, Achalinus Peters, 1869, and Xylophis Beddome, 1878. A key to the genera Achalinus, Fimbrios and Parafimbrios gen. nov. is provided. Parafimbrios laos spec. nov. is the 111th snake species currently recorded from Laos.
East African odontopygid millipedes 4: A restricted redefinition of the genus Rhamphidarpoides Kraus, 1960, a related new genus, five new species, and notes on solenomere function (Diplopoda; Spirostreptida; Odontopygidae)
Authors: FREDERIKSEN SARA B. , ENGHOFF HENRIK
Published: March 2015

Based mainly on morphology of the solenomere, a restricted redefinition of the millipede genus Rhamphidarpoides Kraus, 1960, is given. R. aberdarei (Brolemann, 1920), R. aloysiisabaudiae (Silvestri, 1907), R. alticolus (Brolemann, 1920), R. austrosudanicus n.sp., (South Sudan), R. collinus n.sp., (Kenya), R. cyclopyge (Attems, 1935), R. filigerus (Attems,1938), R. kenyanus (Brolemann, 1920), R. kilimanjaronus (Attems, 1909) n. comb. ex Odontopyge, R. lobiferus (Attems, 1938), R. milobontei Pierrard, 1970, R. pectinatus n.sp., (Kenya), R. regina (Carl, 1909), and R. ruandensis Kraus, 1960, are referred to Rhamphidarpoides in the restricted sense. Raduliverpa n.gen. is described to accommodate R. serpentispina n.sp. (TYPE SPECIES; Tanzania, Kenya), R. mitis n.sp. (Tanzania). R. serrata (Kraus, 1960), n.comb. ex Rhamphidarpoides, and R. sicaria (Attems, 1935) n. comb. ex Prionopetalum. Rhamphidarpe aculeata Attems, 1938, Rhamphidarpe armata Attems, 1938, Rhamphidarpoides bidens Kraus, 1960, Rhamphidarpoides bidenticulatus Pierrard, 1970, and Odontopyge winspearei Silvestri, 1907, are excluded from Rhamphidarpoides and placed incertae sedis.
New species of mayflies (Ephemeroptera) from Cape Verde
Authors: SOLDÁN TOMÁŠ , BOJKOVÁ JINDŘIŠKA
Published: March 2015

To date, no mayflies have been described from Cape Verde, an archipelago of volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Based on the material collected on two islands, Santo Antão and Santiago, two species of the genus Cloeon Leach, 1815 (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) are described based on larvae and imagines. Cloeon morna sp. n., collected in Santo Antão, and C. sidadi sp. n., collected in Santiago, have 3-segmented maxillary palps and tapered labial palps of larvae. The new species can be distinguished from each other and from other West-African species of the genus mainly according to details of the lateral spines on larval abdominal segments and characteristic colourations of vitta and terga in female imagines and colours of male turbinate eyes. Affinities to the West African species of the genus are discussed.
Networked Work and Network Research
Authors: Dimitrova Dimitrina , Wellman Barry
Published: March 2015

There has been more hype than evidence about networked work. The researchers in the two parts of this double issue issue use survey, interview, and sensor data to present systematic evidence about how networked work actually works. The first part of the issue (April) presents four articles about how professionals network. The second part of the issue (May) focuses on a particular kind of networked work—scholarly networks—including studies of how such networks change over time. Taken together, these articles show that workers tend to network with similar others. Although they integrate digital media into their work lives, they nevertheless tend to work with nearby colleagues.
Presentation of meta-analysis plots
Authors: Wald NJ , Bestwick JP
Published: March 2015

Meta-analysis (forest) plots are widely used to show the results from multiple individual randomized trials or observational studies that address the same question, including the assessment of screening markers. They show the between study spread of results and provide a summary estimate of the results from all the studies combined. We here illustrate the advantage of ordering study results by the magnitude of the effect and including a vertical shaded band encompassing the summary 95% confidence interval of the summary estimate to emphasize the uncertainty of the estimate in a way that is more prominent than only displaying a “diamond” around its value.
Exposure to high concentrations of inspired oxygen does not worsen lung injury after cardiac arrest
Authors: Elmer Jonathan , Wang Bo , Melhem Samer , Pullalarevu Raghevesh , Vaghasia Nishit , Buddineni Jaya , Rosario Bedda L , Doshi Ankur A , Callaway Clifton W , Dezfulian Cameron ,   on behalf of the University of Pittsburgh Post-Cardiac Arrest Service (PCAS)
Published: March 2015

Introduction

Post-cardiac arrest patients are often exposed to 100% oxygen during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the early post-arrest period. It is unclear whether this contributes to development of pulmonary dysfunction or other patient outcomes.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study including post-arrest patients who survived and were mechanically ventilated at least 24 hours after return of spontaneous circulation. Our primary exposure of interest was inspired oxygen, which we operationalized by calculating the area under the curve of the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2AUC) for each patient over 24 hours. We collected baseline demographic, cardiovascular, pulmonary and cardiac arrest-specific covariates. Our main outcomes were change in the respiratory subscale of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (SOFA-R) and change in dynamic pulmonary compliance from baseline to 48 hours. Secondary outcomes were survival to hospital discharge and Cerebral Performance Category at discharge.

Results

We included 170 patients. The first partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2):FiO2 ratio was 241 ± 137, and 85% of patients had pulmonary failure and 55% had cardiovascular failure at presentation. Higher FiO2AUC was not associated with change in SOFA-R score or dynamic pulmonary compliance from baseline to 48 hours. However, higher FiO2AUC was associated with decreased survival to hospital discharge and worse neurological outcomes. This was driven by a 50% decrease in survival in the highest quartile of FiO2AUC compared to other quartiles (odds ratio for survival in the highest quartile compared to the lowest three quartiles 0.32 (95% confidence interval 0.13 to 0.79), P = 0.003).

Conclusions

Higher exposure to inhaled oxygen in the first 24 hours after cardiac arrest was not associated with deterioration in gas exchange or pulmonary compliance after cardiac arrest, but was associated with decreased survival and worse neurological outcomes.