bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conceptualizing Puberty as a Window of Opportunity for Impacting Health and Well‐Being Across the Life Span
Authors: Dorn Lorah D. , Hostinar Camelia E. , Susman Elizabeth J. , Pervanidou Panagiota
Published: March 2019

We promote the perspective that puberty, a separate biological process embedded in adolescence, is a “window of opportunity” for understanding and impacting health and development. First, we include a brief overview of pubertal change. Second, we propose a critical role for puberty in shaping life span health due to its connections with early life precursors, health issues and risks emerging during puberty, and health in young adulthood and beyond. Next, we discuss the importance of puberty measures in developmental research and suggest ways to make the science of puberty an important standalone research entity, as well as an essential component of studies conducted during adolescence. Finally, we discuss measurement issues, novel theoretical models of puberty, and the necessity of adopting an interdisciplinary perspective in research on puberty and in adolescence more broadly.
Tanshinone IIA protects against lipopolysaccharide-induced lung injury through targeting Sirt1
Authors: Quan Minxue , Lv Yanni , Dai Yang , Qi Biying , Fu Longsheng , Chen Xuanying , Qian Yisong
Published: March 2019

Objectives

This study was designed to investigate the effects and the mechanism of Tanshinone IIA (TIIA) on endotoxic shock-induced lung injury in a mouse model.

Methods

Mice were administered intraperitoneally with TIIA (10 mg/kg) 0.5 h before lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge and then received additional injections every 24 h during the 3-day experimental period. The physiological indexes, the survival rate and the parameters for lung injury were examined. The protein levels of Sirt1, and the acetylation and activation of NF-κB p65 were determined. The expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory factors were evaluated, respectively.

Key findings

Treatment with TIIA significantly improved physiological indexes and increased the survival rate of mice in response to LPS challenge. TIIA treatment displayed an obvious up-regulation of Sirt1 protein, in accompany with reduced acetylation and activation of NF-κB p65 following LPS stimulation. In addition, TIIA attenuated LPS-induced lung injury and prevented the expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory factors. However, the protective effects of TIIA were abolished by Sirt1 inhibitor.

Conclusions

Tanshinone IIA prevents LPS-induced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines thus exerts protective effects against acute lung injury, probably via modulation of Sirt1/NF-κB signalling pathway.
Advocacy Coalitions, Policy Stability, and Policy Change in China: The Case of Birth Control Policy, 1980–2015
Authors: Li Wei , Wong Wilson
Published: March 2019

This study used the advocacy coalition framework (ACF) to explain stability and change in China's national birth control policy from 1980 to 2015. We found that policy remained stable, despite internal and external changes to the relevant subsystem, from 1980 to 2013. The stability was explained by the dominant advocacy coalition's mobilization of considerable resources to defend its policy core beliefs. Policy changes in 2013 and 2015 were caused by a combination of external and internal perturbations, in addition to policy‐oriented learning and advocacy by two expert‐led minority advocacy coalitions. The case showed that the openness and plurality of China's policy processes had increased over time but were still limited in comparison with those in Western democracies. The case analysis confirmed two policy change hypotheses and suggested a mechanism for policy change: a hierarchically superior jurisdiction is more likely to impose a major policy change when it learns that the change is an adaptation to internal and external perturbations and that adopting the change will serve the jurisdiction's political interests.
Risk factors for incident central serous retinopathy: case–control analysis of a US national managed care population
Authors: Zhou Maggie , Bakri Sophie J , Pershing Suzann
Published: March 2019

Aim

To evaluate clinical comorbidities and steroid use as risk factors for central serous retinopathy (CSR).

Methods

Using national insurance databases, we conducted a case–control study of beneficiaries with an incident diagnosis of CSR between 2007 and 2015 (n=35 492) and randomly selected controls matched on age-based and sex-based propensity scores (n=1 77 460).

Results

The mean age (SD) of cases was 49.1 (12.2) years, and the majority (69.2%) were male. Cases were more likely to have received steroids in the past year (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.19, p<0.001) and to have comorbid Cushing’s syndrome (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.33 to 3.59, p=0.002), age-related macular degeneration (OR 5.24, 95% CI 5.00 to 5.49, p<0.001), diabetic macular oedema (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.71 to 2.47, p<0.001) and diabetes mellitus (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.33 to 1.56, p<0.001). Glaucoma was associated with lower odds of CSR (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.56, p<0.001). Patients with other previously hypothesised risk factors (including essential hypertension, pregnancy, other autoimmune disease, sleep disorders, Helicobacter pylori infection and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease) had lower odds of CSR.

Conclusions

Male middle-aged patients with recent steroid exposure were significantly more likely to develop CSR. Other risk factors include diabetes mellitus, diabetic macular oedema and age-related macular degeneration. Other previously hypothesised risk factors did not appear to confer increased risk. More research is needed to confirm and examine underlying pathophysiology.
Enrichment of oral microbiota in early cystic precursors to invasive pancreatic cancer
Authors: Gaiser Rogier Aäron , Halimi Asif , Alkharaan Hassan , Lu Liyan , Davanian Haleh , Healy Katie , Hugerth Luisa W , Ateeb Zeeshan , Valente Roberto , Fernández Moro Carlos , Del Chiaro Marco , Sällberg Chen Margaret
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are pancreatic cysts that can progress to invasive pancreatic cancer. Associations between oncogenesis and oral microbiome alterations have been reported. This study aims to investigate a potential intracystic pancreatic microbiome in a pancreatic cystic neoplasm (PCN) surgery patient cohort.

Design

Paired cyst fluid and plasma were collected at pancreatic surgery from patients with suspected PCN (n=105). Quantitative and qualitative assessment of bacterial DNA by qPCR, PacBio sequencing (n=35), and interleukin (IL)-1β quantification was performed. The data were correlated to diagnosis, lesion severity and clinical and laboratory profile, including proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) usage and history of invasive endoscopy procedures.

Results

Intracystic bacterial 16S DNA copy number and IL-1β protein quantity were significantly higher in IPMN with high-grade dysplasia and IPMN with cancer compared with non-IPMN PCNs. Despite high interpersonal variation of intracystic microbiota composition, bacterial network and linear discriminant analysis effect size analyses demonstrated co-occurrence and enrichment of oral bacterial taxa includingFusobacterium nucleatumandGranulicatella adiacensin cyst fluid from IPMN with high-grade dysplasia. The elevated intracystic bacterial DNA is associated with, but not limited to, prior exposure to invasive endoscopic procedures, and is independent from use of PPI and antibiotics.

Conclusions

Collectively, these findings warrant further investigation into the role of oral bacteria in cystic precursors to pancreatic cancer and have added values on the aetiopathology as well as the management of pancreatic cysts.
Comparative prognostic analysis for triple-negative breast cancer with metaplastic and invasive ductal carcinoma
Authors: Li Yaming , Zhang Ning , Zhang Hanwen , Yang Qifeng
Published: March 2019

Aims

Triple-negative breast cancer comprises different histological subtypes, including metaplastic breast cancer (MBC) and ductal carcinomas (IDCs). The purpose of this study was to compare triple-negative MBC (TN-MBC) with triple-negative IDC (TN-IDC) in terms of survival and predictive factors.

Methods

With access to the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Result (SEER) database, a total of 19 383 patients met the eligibility criteria. Clinicopathological characteristics were compared between groups using the χ2test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied to evaluate the disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS). Subgroup analyses summarised the hazard ratios of TN-MBC versus TN-IDC using a forest plot.

Results

A total of 586 patients with TN-MBC and 18 797 with TN-IDC were included in this study. Patients with TN-MBC were older and presented with larger tumour sizes, relatively rare lymph node positive disease, and had received more chemotherapy. Compared with TN-IDC, the TN-MBC group showed a significantly poorer prognosis before and after the 1:3 matched case-control analysis. Further subgroup analysis indicated that patients with TN-MBC were older, were from specific races, and those with distant metastasis and not receiving radiotherapy had worse prognosis than patients with TN-IDC in terms of DFS and OS.

Conclusion

Our results showed that patients with TN-MBC had unique clinicopathological characteristics and poorer prognostic subtype compared with TN-IDC. This improves our understanding of the clinicopathological and prognostic features of this rare entity but also provides more convincing therapeutic guidelines for TN-MBC in patients with breast cancer.
Moral case for legal age change
Authors: Räsänen Joona
Published: March 2019

Should a person who feels his legal age does not correspond with his experienced age be allowed to change his legal age? In this paper, I argue that in some cases people should be allowed to change their legal age. Such cases would be when: (1) the person genuinely feels his age differs significantly from his chronological age and (2) the person’s biological age is recognised to be significantly different from his chronological age and (3) age change would likely prevent, stop or reduce ageism, discrimination due to age, he would otherwise face. I also consider some objections against the view that people should be allowed to change their legal age and find them lacking.
Epidural Mepivacaine for Cesarean Section: Maternal and Neonatal Effects
Authors: Abboud Therese K. , Moore Michael J. , Jacobs Jerry , Murakawa Kazushige , Soraya Manoutchehr , Zhu Jay
Published: March 2019

The effects of epidural anesthesia using mepivacaine on maternal blood pressure, newborn Apgar scores, neonatal acid-base status, and the Early Neonatal Neurobehavioral Scale (ENNS) were studied in 21 pregnant women undergoing cesarean section. Maternal and neonatal blood levels of mepivacaine were also determined. Neonatal outcome was compared with a control group of 14 neonates of healthy mothers who received 3% 2-chloroprocaine for elective cesarean section. All patients had satisfactory anesthesia for cesarean section with an onset of 19 ± 1.8 minutes (mean ± SEM) and duration of 95 ± 11.9 minutes. Hypotension developed in two patients, and they were treated with intravenous ephedrine. All neonates had Apgar scores of 8 or more at 1 and 5 minutes and normal blood gases and acid-base status. None of the variables of the ENNS differed significantly between the mepivacaine and the chloroprocaine control group with the exception of truncal tone, which was significantly higher in the mepivacaine group ( p < 0.05). Mepivacaine was detected in all maternal and fetal samples, and the umbilical venous to maternal venous ratio was 0.57 ± 0.17 (mean ± SEM).
Cafestol Activates Nuclear Factor Erythroid-2 Related Factor 2 and Inhibits Urotensin II-Induced Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy
Authors: Hao Wen-Rui , Sung Li-Chin , Chen Chun-Chao , Hong Hong-Jye , Liu Ju-Chi , Chen Jin-Jer
Published: March 2019

Through population-based studies, associations have been found between coffee drinking and numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Active ingredients in coffee have therefore received considerable attention from researchers. A wide variety of effects have been attributed to cafestol, one of the major compounds in coffee beans. Because cardiac hypertrophy is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events, this study examined whether cafestol inhibits urotensin II (U-II)-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were exposed only to U-II (1[Formula: see text]nM) or to U-II (1[Formula: see text]nM) following 12-h pretreatment with cafestol (1–10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M). Cafestol (3–10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M) pretreatment significantly inhibited U-II-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy with an accompanying decrease in U-II-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Cafestol also inhibited U-II-induced phosphorylation of redox-sensitive extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation. In addition, cafestol pretreatment increased Src homology region 2 domains-containing phosphatase-2 (SHP-2) activity, suggesting that cafestol prevents ROS-induced SHP-2 inactivation. Moreover, nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) translocation and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression were enhanced by cafestol. Addition of brusatol (a specific inhibitor of Nrf2) or Nrf2 siRNA significantly attenuated cafestol-mediated inhibitory effects on U-II-stimulated ROS production and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. In summary, our data indicate that cafestol prevented U-II-induced cardiomycyte hypertrophy through Nrf2/HO-1 activation and inhibition of redox signaling, resulting in cardioprotective effects. These novel findings suggest that cafestol could be applied in pharmacological therapy for cardiac diseases.
Observation of evolution dynamics from bound states to single-pulse states in a passively mode-locked fiber laser
Authors: Wang Guomei , Chen Guangwei , Li Wenlei , Zeng Chao , Zhao Wei
Published: March 2019

We report what is, to our knowledge, the first experimental observation of the ultrafast evolution dynamics from bound states (BSs) to single-pulse states (SPSs) by using the dispersive Fourier-transform (DFT) technique. The evolutions from three categories of initial BSs to SPSs are spectrally resolved in real time. Usually, accompanied by complex soliton–soliton interaction and competition, one of the two bound pulses weakens to disappearance, and the other one evolves into SPS. During the transition, the two bound pulses ordinarily depart away from each other with complex changes of relative phase. However, it is found that not all the evolutions are accompanied by the increase of temporal separation between two bound pulses. The obtained results would facilitate a deep understanding of complex dynamics in nonlinear systems and provide valuable data for further theoretical studies.
Abundant soliton solutions for the Hirota–Maccari equation via the generalized exponential rational function method
Authors: Ghanbari Behzad
Published: March 2019

In this paper, some new traveling wave solutions to the Hirota–Maccari equation are constructed with the help of the newly introduced method called generalized exponential rational function method. Several families of exact solutions are found corresponding to the equation. To the best of our knowledge, these solutions are new, and have never been addressed in the literature. The graphical interpretation of the solutions is also depicted. Moreover, it is contemplated that the proposed technique can also be employed to another sort of complex models.
Fui aprovado em concurso público. E agora?
Authors: Assis Luiz Gustavo Carvalho , Ribeiro Carla Vaz dos Santos
Published: March 2019

Este artigo visa analisar a dinâmica prazer-sofrimento de analistas administrativos em um Tribunal Regional Eleitoral (TRE) diante dos modos de organização do trabalho. A pesquisa desenvolveu uma metodologia de caráter qualitativo, realizando entrevistas semiestruturadas com roteiro predefinido. Observou-se que o modelo de organização do trabalho vigente propicia o surgimento de estratégias defensivas, de sofrimento e, possivelmente, de menor engajamento e mobilização. No entanto, mesmo diante desse contexto, os servidores vivenciam prazer quando atingem resultados práticos em seu trabalho ou são reconhecidos socialmente. Essa pesquisa contribui para identificar aspectos que podem ser trabalhados visando melhorar a organização, com subsídios para análise, debate e busca de alternativas de melhoria da ação dos trabalhadores, da sua saúde e do próprio TRE/MA.
Animal Models of Hypertension: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Lerman Lilach O. , Kurtz Theodore W. , Touyz Rhian M. , Ellison David H. , Chade Alejandro R. , Crowley Steven D. , Mattson David L. , Mullins John J. , Osborn Jeffrey , Eirin Alfonso , Reckelhoff Jane F. , Iadecola Costantino , Coffman Thomas M. ,   on behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Hypertension and Council on Clinical Cardiology
Published: March 2019

Hypertension is the most common chronic disease in the world, yet the precise cause of elevated blood pressure often cannot be determined. Animal models have been useful for unraveling the pathogenesis of hypertension and for testing novel therapeutic strategies. The utility of animal models for improving the understanding of the pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of hypertension and its comorbidities depends on their validity for representing human forms of hypertension, including responses to therapy, and on the quality of studies in those models (such as reproducibility and experimental design). Important unmet needs in this field include the development of models that mimic the discrete hypertensive syndromes that now populate the clinic, resolution of ongoing controversies in the pathogenesis of hypertension, and the development of new avenues for preventing and treating hypertension and its complications. Animal models may indeed be useful for addressing these unmet needs.
Driven by Grief, Inspired by Christ
Authors: Mesick Clair E.
Published: March 2019

Paul’s enigmatic claim of being “beside himself” (ἐξίστηµι) in 2 Cor 5:13 has been interpreted as a reference to an episode of religious ecstasy, an incident of erratic behavior, or a criticism of Paul’s poor rhetoric and leadership. Among its wide range of meanings, however, ἐξίστηµι denotes excessive emotion; it is used in classical texts to describe those swept away by immoderate anger or grief or even those moved or transported by the power of a rhetor’s words. Drawing on these texts, and following a suggestion by James Kennedy in 1903, the author will argue that in 2 Cor 5:13 Paul is controlling for the legitimate possibility that his prior correspondence with the Corinthians, specifically 2 Corinthians 10–13, might have been seen as furious, emotional, or even violent, and reinterpreting any seemingly immoderate anger or foolish speech as done wholly in service of God and compelled by Christ.
Church, State and American Evangelicalism: A Political Missiology for the Poor
Authors: Smith Jyl Hall
Published: March 2019

How should the American church tackle domestic poverty, and how should US faith-based aid organizations approach the change process in developing countries? These questions about aspects of the church in mission are best answered in light of a wider historical debate about the relationship between church and state. In this article, I explore the history of this relationship and argue that the radical separation of church and state favored by conservative evangelicals in the United States, harms the disadvantaged both domestically and abroad. Just as governments should not abrogate their responsibility to the poor, Christian institutions should not shrink from their God-given task of holding secular, political authorities to account.
Précis of Unbelievable Errors
Authors: Streumer Bart
Published: March 2019

In Unbelievable Errors, I defend an error theory about all normative judgements, I argue that we cannot believe this theory, and I argue that our inability to believe this theory makes the theory more likely to be true. This Précis gives a brief overview of my arguments for the error theory and of my explanation of our inability to believe the theory.
Pinecone or date palm male inflorescence – metaphorical pollination in Assyrian art
Authors: Ziffer Irit
Published: March 2019

The following contribution focuses on Assyrian stone reliefs depicting winged figures holding a bucket and reaching a cone-shaped object toward a stylized tree. Ever since the discovery of the reliefs, the cone-shaped object was considered as either a conifer cone or a date palm male inflorescence used in the symbolic pollination of the stylized tree, derived from the date palm. Utilizing the visual material combined with textual evidence and based on the importance of the date palm as economic resource that gave rise to a plethora of meanings, religious, royal and popular, I shall argue that the scene refers to the artificial pollination of the tree.
Isoetes shangrilaensis, a new species of Isoetes from Hengduan mountain region of Shangri-la, Yunnan
Authors: LI XIANG , HUANG YUQIAN , DAI XIAOKANG , LIU XING
Published: March 2019

Isoetes shangrilaensis is recognized as a new species in Shangri-la and compared with Isoetes hypsophila, another species in the Hengduan Mountain Region. Spore sizes and ornamentations are useful to distinguish these two species. Isoetes shangrilaensis has tuberculate to rugulate megaspores and echinate to cristate microspores while Isoetes hypsophila has laevigate megaspores and bacculate to rugulate microspores. One nuclear and three chloroplast DNA sequences were used to infer the phylogenetic relationships of I. shangrilaensis, I. hypsophila and two other basic diploid Isoetes species (Isoetes taiwanensis and I. yunguiensis) in China. The phylogenetic tree showed a distinct separation between these two species: I. shangrilaensis was more closely related to other basic diploid species in China whereas I. hypsophila was distantly related. The delineation of Isoetes in this region can contribute to a better understanding of its phylogeny.
Braconid and ichneumonid (Hymenoptera) parasitoid wasps of Lepidoptera from the Maltese Islands
Authors: MIFSUD DAVID , FARRUGIA LUCIA , SHAW MARK R.
Published: March 2019

Fourteen species of Ichneumonidae are here recorded from the Maltese Islands. Of these, all were reared from Lepidoptera hosts with the exception of Netelia (Paropheltes) inedita (Kokujev) which was collected from a malaise trap. Of these, the following species (or genera) are here reported for the first time from the Maltese Islands: Chirotica meridionalis Horstmann, Gelis carbonarius (de Stefani), G. exareolatus (Fӧrster), G. seyrigi Ceballos, Glypta sp., Meloboris sp., Netelia (Paropheltes) inedita (Kokujev), Ophion obscuratus Fabricius and Orthizema sp. Twenty-five species of Braconidae are also here reported from Lepidoptera hosts with the exception of Homolobus (Phylacter) meridionalis van Achterberg which was collected from a malaise trap. Of these, the following species (or genera) represent new records for the Maltese Islands: Apanteles metacarpalis (Thomson), Ascogaster sp., Clinocentrus excubitor (Haliday) [previously misidentified as C. exsertor (Nees) by Papp (2015)], Cotesia vestalis (Haliday) [previously misidentified as C. ruficrus (Haliday) by Papp (2015)], Dolichogenidea britannica (Wilkinson), Homolobus (Phylacter) meridionalis van Achterberg, Iconella ? meruloides (Nixon), Lysitermus tritoma (Bouček), Lysitermus suecius (Hedqvist), Microgaster messoria Haliday, Meteorus pulchricornis (Wesmael), Pholetesor circumscriptus (Nees) [previously misidentified as P. bicolor (Nees) by Papp (2015)] and Spathius pedestris Wesmael. Thus previous records of Clinocentrus exsertor and Pholetesor bicolor from Malta were found to be based on misidentifications and are here excluded from the braconid fauna of Malta. Maltese records of Cotesia abjecta (Marshall) and Cotesia jucunda (Marshall) by Papp (2015) were found to be misidentifications and should both refer to C. glomerata (Linnaeus). Thus, both Cotesia abjecta and Cotesia jucunda are also here removed from the braconid fauna of Malta. The record of Cotesia tibialis (Curtis) by Papp (2015) was also based on a misidentification and should be attributed to C. ruficrus (Haliday). Thus, C. tibialis is also removed from the braconid fauna of Malta.
Exploring temporal suicidal behavior patterns on social media: Insight from Twitter analytics
Authors: Luo Jianhong , Du Jingcheng , Tao Cui , Xu Hua , Zhang Yaoyun
Published: March 2019

A valid mechanism for suicide detection and intervention to a wider population online has not yet been fully established. With the increasing suicide rate, we proposed an approach that aims to examine temporal patterns of potential suicidal ideations and behaviors on Twitter to better understand their risk factors and time-varying features. It identifies latent suicide topics and then models the suicidal topic–related score time series to quantitatively represent behavior patterns on Twitter. After evaluated on a collection of suicide-related tweets in 2016, 13 key risk factors were discovered and the temporal patterns of suicide behavior on different days during 1 week were identified to highlight the distinct time-varying features related to different risk factors. This study is practical to help public health services and others to develop refined prevention strategies, to monitor and support a population of high-risk at right moments.
Wartenberg Migratory Sensory Neuritis: A Case Report
Authors: Stein Michael , Seal Alexander
Published: March 2019

Migratory sensory neuropathy, also known as Wartenberg sensory neuritis, is a rare pure sensory mononeuropathy characterized by sudden sensory loss and numbness of individual cutaneous nerves induced by stretch or trauma. Multiple sensory nerves can be affected sequentially or at the same time and are typically preceded by a painful burning sensation. Herein, we report a case of a healthy male patient who presented with the acute onset of painful sensory mononeuropathy following the excision of a non-invasive skin cancer to the foot. The patient’s symptoms developed 1 week following the operation and resolved over 3 months. Investigation revealed no primary pathology or underlying systemic disease.
Review of bone graft and bone substitutes with an emphasis on fracture surgeries
Authors: Sohn Hoon-Sang , Oh Jong-Keon
Published: March 2019

Background

Autogenous bone graft is the gold standard bone graft material. However, due to limitations of supply and morbidity associated with autograft harvest, various bone substitutes have been considered. This article aims to review the properties of the bone graft and various bone substitutes currently available in orthopedic surgery.

Main body

Synthetic bone substitutes consist of hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, or a combination of these minerals. Synthetic porous substitutes share several advantages over allografts, including unlimited supply, easy sterilization, and storage. However, they also have some disadvantages, such as brittle properties, variable rates of resorption, and poor performance in some clinical conditions. Recently, attention has been drawn to osteoinductive materials, such as demineralized bone matrix and bone morphogenetic proteins.

Conclusion

Despite tremendous efforts toward developing autograft alternatives, a single ideal bone graft substitute has not been developed. The surgeon should understand the properties of each bone graft substitute to facilitate appropriate selection in each specific clinical situation.
Brassinosteroid signaling in plant development and adaptation to stress
Authors: Planas-Riverola Ainoa , Gupta Aditi , Betegón-Putze Isabel , Bosch Nadja , Ibañes Marta , Caño-Delgado Ana I.
Published: March 2019

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are steroid hormones that are essential for plant growth and development. These hormones control the division, elongation and differentiation of various cell types throughout the entire plant life cycle. Our current understanding of the BR signaling pathway has mostly been obtained from studies using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model. In this context, the membrane steroid receptor BRI1 (BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE 1) binds directly to the BR ligand, triggering a signal cascade in the cytoplasm that leads to the transcription of BR-responsive genes that drive cellular growth. However, recent studies of the primary root have revealed distinct BR signaling pathways in different cell types and have highlighted cell-specific roles for BR signaling in controlling adaptation to stress. In this Review, we summarize our current knowledge of the spatiotemporal control of BR action in plant growth and development, focusing on BR functions in primary root development and growth, in stem cell self-renewal and death, and in plant adaption to environmental stress.
The juvenility-associated long noncoding RNA Gm14230 maintains cellular juvenescence
Authors: Tano Ayami , Kadota Yosuke , Morimune Takao , Jam Faidruz Azura , Yukiue Haruka , Bellier Jean-Pierre , Sokoda Tatsuyuki , Maruo Yoshihiro , Tooyama Ikuo , Mori Masaki
Published: March 2019

Juvenile animals possess distinct properties that are missing in adults. These properties include capabilities for higher growth, faster wound healing, plasticity and regeneration. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these juvenile physiological properties are not fully understood. To obtain insight into the distinctiveness of juveniles from adults at the molecular level, we assessed long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that are highly expressed selectively in juvenile cells. The noncoding elements of the transcriptome were investigated in hepatocytes and cardiomyocytes isolated from juvenile and adult mice. Here, we identified 62 juvenility-associated lncRNAs (JAlncs), which are selectively expressed in both hepatocytes and cardiomyocytes from juvenile mice. Among these common (shared) JAlncs, Gm14230 is evolutionarily conserved and is essential for cellular juvenescence. Loss of Gm14230 impairs cell growth and causes cellular senescence. Gm14230 safeguards cellular juvenescence through recruiting the histone methyltransferase Ezh2 to Tgif2, thereby repressing the functional role of Tgif2 in cellular senescence. Thus, we identify Gm14230 as a juvenility-selective lncRNA required to maintain cellular juvenescence.
ROLE OF GABAERGIC SYSTEM GENETIC POLYMORPHISMS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA SYNDROME IN ASTHMA PATIENTS
Authors: Шелудько Елизавета , Shelud'ko Elizaveta , Наумов Денис , Naumov Denis , Гассан Дина , Gassan Dina , Котова Олеся , Kotova Olesya , Колосов Виктор , Kolosov Viktor
Published: March 2019

The results of recent studies indicate the potential role of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), as an inhibitory mediator of the central nervous system, in the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) ‒ a common disorder that often accompanies asthma. The aim of the study was to investigate the possible role of some GABAergic system genetic polymorphisms in the formation of OSAS in asthma patients. Overnight cardiorespiratory monitoring was performed to diagnose OSAS and spirometry was conducted to evaluate the airway reactivity to the bronchodilator fenoterol in 184 asthma patients. Polymorphisms of GAD1, GAD2, GABBR1 and GABBR2 genes (15 polymorphisms in total) were genotyped by LATE-PCR method. Significant results were obtained for rs3749034 polymorphism of GAD1 gene and rs35400353 of GABBR2 in association analysis with the presence of OSAS. rs3749034 significantly influenced the presence of OSAS in males, which was accompanied by the predominance of the CC genotype among patients with OSAS, while CT+TT genotypes were more common in patients without OSAS (OR 3.9 95%CI [1.36–11.67], p=0.01). In total sample GAD1 rs3749034 polymorphism was an independent factor increasing the likelihood of having OSAS after adjustment for significant confounders (OR 1.9 95%CI [1.23–3.15], p=0.005). rs35400353 polymorphism was also associated with OSAS after adjustment for confounders, although its relationship was less significant (OR 1.5 95%CI [1.1–2.3], p=0.04). There was a tendency for interrelation with airway hyperresponsiveness to bronchodilator for both polymorphisms: rs3749034 ‒ in case of CT+TT genotypes, rs35400353 ‒ in case of DD genotype. rs3749034 polymorphism also significantly influenced lung function parameters. After additional verification of the results, the identified genetic polymorphisms may be used to individually predict the risk of OSAS as well as for the development of personalized approaches in asthma treatment using GABA.
THE CREATION OF PREDICTIVE MODELS FOR ASSESSING THE SEVERITY OF COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA
Authors: Рогожкина Ю. , Rogozhkina Yu. , Мищенко Т. , Mischenko T. , Малишевский Л. , Malishevskiy L. , Богданова Д. , Bogdanova D. , Бензинеб Ф. , Benzineb F. , Нагайцева А. , Nagayceva A.
Published: March 2019

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a leading cause of mortality from lower respiratory tract infections and is associated with high incidence and unfavorable prognosis. In this regard, the timely assessment of the severity of CAP at the stage of hospitalization of the patient comes to the first place. The existing scales have a number of limitations, therefore they can’t always be better than the clinical solution. The aim of the research is to search for predictors of severe CAP and combine the most significant ones into a predictive model. There were examined 418 patients with CAP. The severity was determined according to IDSA/ATS criteria. Static analysis was performed in IBM SPSS Statistics. Logistic regression was used to identify and combine in a model the most significant criteria. The criteria were included in the predictive model with odds ratio (OR) >2. Demographic, laboratory, radiological and clinical indicators were analyzed in the course of the retrospective analysis. Significant differences between groups of the severity of pneumonia groups were revealed in 16 predictors. All predictors were included in the predictive model with odds ratios >2. As a result there were selected 7 criteria: age >40 years old, heart rate >93 bpm, the presence of HIV infection, liver disease, lesion >1 lung lobes, C-reactive protein >156 mg/L, creatinine >123 mmol/L. All predictors were combined using logistic regression. The resulting model was examined by ROC analysis. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.88. Sensitivity and specificity were 87.5 and 73.5%, respectively. Thus, the article proposes a model for determining the severity of pneumonia (AUC=0.88), which includes the criteria used in the routine practice of pulmonologists in the Russian Federation. Further research is needed to create a scale based on the presented model.
CANCER OF TRACHEA, BRONCHI AND LUNG IN THE FAR EASTERN FEDERAL DISTRICT
Authors: Гордиенко Виктор , Gordienko Viktor , Вахненко А. , Vahnenko A. , Екония Д. , Ekoniya D.
Published: March 2019

The first two decades of the XXI century in the Far Eastern Federal District continue to be characterized by a constantly decreasing level of the population living on its territory with an annual increase in the number of patients with cancer pathology, which makes a negative contribution to the already negative demographic situation in the region. The purpose of this study was to make a scientific assessment of the main morbidity and mortality rates of the population from malignant tumors of the trachea, bronchi and lung in the Far Eastern Federal District over the past ten years (2008-2017). In the course of the work, morbidity and mortality indicators, reporting forms of statistical records of cancer patients and regulatory documents of higher organizations, information on ten-year observations of the dynamics of changes in the numerical values of indicators of the studied pathology were used. The main indicators of medical care for oncology patients in the Far Eastern Federal District are shown, and it was found out that 3180 new cases of tracheal, bronchial and lung malignant neoplasms were registered in 2017, which is 30.9% more than ten years ago (in 2008 there were 2429 cases). The maximum number of cases was in the age group of 50-69 years. The number of patients with stages I-II (29.4%) of the cancer process increased slightly whereas the number of patients with advanced forms of the disease increased significantly (41.5%). The percentage of patients identified during routine check-ups was 28.0% (in 2008 it was 15.8%). Mortality in the first year from the time of diagnosis was reduced to 49.2% (in 2008 – 55.0%) remaining, at the same time, at very high numbers, which makes it impossible to characterize medical care for oncology patients as adequate for the time required. In the structure of total mortality, trachea, bronchus and lung tumors (20.7%) take the first place significantly exceeding the Russian level (17.3%). There was designated the quality of the service’s activity according to the confidence index of accounting for this category of patients, which in 2017 did not fall below 0.6 in any of the territories forming the Far Eastern Federal District. A great deal of work of primary health care institutions responsible for identifying malignant neoplasms in the initial stages of the process, unfortunately, has not led to the desired reduction in morbidity and mortality in the Far Eastern Federal District in the last decade. On the contrary, the level of intensive indicators of medical care for cancer patients in the region remains high, with an annual increase in mortality and the number of cases, especially among the female population
Istota kulturoznawstwa
Authors: Płuciennik Jarosław
Published: March 2019

THE ESSENCE OF CULTURAL STUDIESThe article presents Polish cultural studies as a scientific discipline and as a field of study. The most important issues used to characterise the essence of cultural studies are as follows: its relation to political science and politics as such; interdisciplinarity, digitisation and globalisation, humanities, humanism and anti-humanism. Polish cultural studies, which is dynamically developing, is variously defined. Therefore, it is difficult to clarify the essence of a field and area which is so hybrid and fluid. However, in the present world, it is worth remembering the principle importance of the humanities and their mission. Cultural studies is one of the key areas where the mission of the humanities is realised.
A Falsifiability Characterization of Double Robustness Through Logical Operators
Authors: Frangakis Constantine
Published: March 2019

We address the characterization of problems in which a consistent estimator exists in a union of two models, also termed as a doubly robust estimator. Such estimators are important in missing information, including causal inference problems. Existing characterizations, based on the semiparametric theory of projections, have seen sufficient progress, but can still leave one’s understanding less than satisfied as to when and especially why such estimation works. We explore here a different, explanatory characterization – an exegesis based on logical operators. We show that double robustness exists if and only if we can produce consistent estimators for each contributing model based on an “AND” estimator, i. e., an estimator whose consistency generally needs both models to be correct. We show how this characterization explains double robustness through falsifiability.
Mining Community Development in South Africa: A Critical Consideration of How the Law and Development Approach the Concept “Community”
Authors: Heyns Anri
Published: March 2019

The legislative system that provides for the socio-economic development of mining communities in South Africa has been under significant scrutiny in recent times. Various instances of conflict between mining communities and mining companies, of which the Marikana Massacre of 2012 is certainly the most noteworthy, show that mining communities expect mining companies to contribute more to the improvement of their living conditions. The relationship between mining communities and mining companies are exposed to the various socio-economic challenges that other sectors of the South African economy currently face. However, considering the legislative system in the mining industry specifically and in terms of a conceptual approach may show to the unique challenges the industry faces when it comes to mine community development. A conceptual approach requires asking whether the way in which the legislative system is framed and the rhetoric it promotes do not create expectations with mining communities that cannot be met by mining companies, because mining communities are not accurately depicted in the legislative system. The legislative system promotes “mine community development” by means of a complex interaction between various pieces of legislation and policy guidelines. At the centre of this interaction are the definitions of “community” and “mine community”. These definitions have been amended quite a few times since the enactment of the legislative system, attesting to the difficulty for the law to capture “community”. The latest iterations of the definitions are criticised for their ambiguity, causing uncertainty as to who should benefit from mine community development. This paper proposes that there is a conceptual problem when catering for communities, and not individuals, in a development paradigm, posing challenges for accurately defining “community”. It is not argued that community development should not be promoted, but a possible reason for why mine community development is not successful is proposed. The South African mining legislative system will be considered in parallel with relevant international legal instruments.
La imagen decadente del periodista en el cine de Pedro Almodóvar
Authors: San José de la Rosa Cristina
Published: March 2019

Periodismo y periodistas juegan papeles clave en el cine de Pedro Almodóvar. El director emplea el personaje del comunicador con superficiales presentadoras en la mayoría de los casos y alguna vez puntual serios informadores. Este estudio analiza la presencia de medios de comunicación o periodistas en sus últimas 17 películas e incide en el predominio de la frivolidad y la sátira ante la cámara, como así lo demuestran cuatro títulos emblemáticos: Tacones lejanos (1991), Kika (1993), Hable con ella (2002) y Volver (2006). Los datos se extraen de la tesis doctoral Los periodistas en el cine español (1942-2012), en la que se analiza el perfil profesional y personal de los informadores que aparecen como protagonistas o secundarios en las películas españolas durante los setenta años.
Verdades y mentiras en Internet: el despertar necesario de una conciencia crítica entre estudiantes de traducción
Authors: Álvarez Álvarez Alfredo
Published: March 2019

El presente artículo pretende, en primer lugar, plantear una visión crítica de la información que cada usuario maneja en Internet y, en particular, despertar en los estudiantes universitarios de traducción la necesidad de evaluar la documentación a la que acceden y con la que trabajarán en su futuro profesional. Se desarrolla en este trabajo el proyecto realizado en una clase de traducción general Francés-Español en la Universidad de Alcalá, en el cual se han diseñado una serie de parrillas de análisis de espacios web que ayuden a los estudiantes a determinar el grado de fiabilidad que pueden otorgar a un sitio web.
Fatal squamous cell carcinoma from necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum in a diabetic patient
Authors: Lefkovits Yael , Adler Amanda
Published: March 2019

Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD) is a chronic granulomatous dermatitis generally involving the anterior aspect of the shin, that arises in 0.3–1.2% of patients with diabetes mellitus (1). The lesions are often yellow or brown with telangiectatic plaque, a central area of atrophy and raised violaceous borders (2). Similar to other conditions with a high risk of scarring including burns, stasis ulcers and lupus vulgaris, NLD provides a favourable environment for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) formation (3). A number of cases of SCC from NLD have been recorded (3, 4, 5); however, our search of the literature failed to identify any cases of either metastatic or fatal SCC which developed within an area of NLD. This article describes a patient with established type 1 diabetes mellitus who died from SCC which developed from an area of NLD present for over 10 years. Currently, there are a paucity of recommendations in the medical literature for screening people with NLD for the early diagnosis of SCC. We believe that clinicians should regard non-healing ulcers in the setting of NLD with a high index of clinical suspicion for SCC, and an early biopsy of such lesions should be recommended.

Learning points:

Non-healing, recalcitrant ulcers arising from necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum, which fail to heal by conservative measures, should be regarded with a high index of clinical suspicion for malignancy.

If squamous cell carcinoma is suspected, a biopsy should be performed as soon as possible to prevent metastatic spread, amputation or even death.

Our literature search failed to reveal specific recommendations for screening and follow-up of non-healing recalcitrant ulcers in the setting of necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum.

Further research is required in this field.
Severe Fetal Hemolysis and Cholestasis Due to High-Titer Maternal IgG Anti-A Antibodies
Authors: Zonneveld Rens , van der Meer-Kapelle Laura , Sylva Marc , Brand Anneke , Zijlstra Marianne , Schonewille Henk
Published: March 2019

ABO blood group incompatibility between mother and fetus can lead to hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). We present the first case of severe O/A HDFN associated with extremely high-titer (1:32 000) immunoglobulin G anti-A antibodies in a Cameroon mother. Cord blood analysis revealed severe fetal hemolytic anemia and conjugated hyperbilirubinemia. After exclusion of an underlying disease and other risk factors, cholestasis resolved after treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid, a red blood cell transfusion, and intravenous immunoglobulins. This case is presented to create awareness for a more severe course of ABO HDFN in nonwhite and non-European mother-child pairs.