bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated Screening of Conventional Gynecological Cytology Smears: Feasible and Reliable
Authors: Saieg Mauro Ajaj , Motta Tania H. , Fodra Maria E. , Scapulatempo Cristovam , Longatto-Filho Adhemar , Stiepcich Monica M.A.
Published: September 2014

Objectives: We tested the ability of automated screening in processing conventional gynecological cytology smears and its efficacy in assessing sample adequacy and stratifying cases for risk of malignancy. Study Design: Cases were retrospectively selected, including unsatisfactory samples and slides with various sorts of artifacts. Automated screening was performed using the FocalPoint GS Imaging System (Becton Dickinson, Franklin Lakes, N.J., USA), with classification into five quintiles. For agreement purposes, cases were grouped into high risk for malignancy (quintiles 1 and 2) and low risk for malignancy (quintiles 3, 4 and 5). Results: A total of 120 cases (median age 37.5 years, range 18-85) were included in the study. Eighty-three cases (69.2%) could be successfully classified into quintiles. When divided by risk, 31 cases were placed in the high-risk and 52 in the low-risk group. The overall sensitivity and specificity of the automated analysis was 100 and 70.3%, respectively. Conclusions: Automated analysis could analyze the majority of conventional smears, including one case previously screened as unsatisfactory. All malignant and high-grade lesions were correctly classified into the high-risk group. Broad use of this automation system could potentially decrease screening time and augment the efficacy in detecting precursor neoplastic changes in cervical cytology smears.
Efficacy of Sorafenib in Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Refractory to Transarterial Chemoembolization
Authors: Ogasawara Sadahisa , Chiba Tetsuhiro , Ooka Yoshihiko , Kanogawa Naoya , Motoyama Tenyu , Suzuki Eiichiro , Tawada Akinobu , Kanai Fumihiko , Yoshikawa Masaharu , Yokosuka Osamu
Published: September 2014

Objective: We compared the benefits of sorafenib therapy with continued transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in TACE-refractory patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: This retrospective study reviewed intermediate-stage HCC patients who underwent the first TACE. Patients were defined as TACE-refractory and divided into two cohorts: (1) patients who switched from TACE to sorafenib and (2) those who continued TACE. We evaluated the patient overall survival (OS) and time to disease progression (TTDP; the time patients reached Child-Pugh C or developed advanced-stage HCC). Results: A total of 509 patients with HCC underwent TACE. Of 249 intermediate-stage HCC patients undergoing the first TACE, 122 were deemed refractory. At the time they were identified as refractory, 20 patients converted to sorafenib, whereas 36 patients continued TACE. We excluded patients with Child-Pugh scores of ≥8, those with advanced-stage HCC, those who had undergone hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy or other systemic therapy, and those treated with best supportive care alone. The median TTDP and OS were 22.3 and 25.4 months, respectively, in the conversion group, and 7.7 and 11.5 months, respectively, in the continued group (p = 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). Conclusions: It is possible that sorafenib conversion might prolong OS and TTDP in TACE-refractory patients with intermediate-stage HCC.
Associations among Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Sleep-Disordered Breathing in an Urban Male Working Population in Japan
Authors: Azuma Masanori , Chin Kazuo , Yoshimura Chikara , Takegami Misa , Takahashi Ken-ichi , Sumi Kensuke , Nakamura Takaya , Nakayama-Ashida Yukiyo , Minami Itsunari , Horita Sachiko , Oka Yasunori , Oga Toru , Wakamura Tomoko , Fukuhara Shun-ichi , Mishima Michiaki , Kadotani Hiroshi
Published: September 2014

Background: There are few reports about sleep disturbances in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Asian countries. Objectives: To investigate the associations between sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) with hypoxemia and sleep quality, including sleep duration, in patients with COPD, we measured SDB and sleep quality including the objective sleep duration determined by an actigraph and portable monitoring. Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological health survey of 303 male employees (means ± SD: age 43.9 ± 8.2 years; BMI 24.0 ± 3.1) was conducted. Sleep quality was measured using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). A respiratory disturbance index (RDI) ≥5 indicated SDB. Results: Nineteen subjects (6.3%) had COPD. Among these, 11 (3.6%) had COPD with SDB (overlap syndrome). Sleep duration, ESS, and PSQI scores were not significantly different between COPD patients and normal control subjects. However, COPD patients had significantly longer sleep latency (p = 0.019), a lower sleep efficiency (p = 0.017), and a higher sleep fragmentation index (p = 0.041) and average activity (p = 0.0097) during sleep than control subjects. They also had a significantly higher RDI and more severe desaturation during sleep than control subjects (p < 0.01). The differences remained after adjustment for age and BMI but disappeared following adjustment for RDI. Conclusions: COPD patients with even mild-to-moderate airflow limitations had nocturnal desaturation and RDI-related impaired sleep quality without significant symptoms.
Montelukast-Induced Adverse Drug Reactions: A Review of Case Reports in the Literature
Authors: Calapai Gioacchino , Casciaro Marco , Miroddi Marco , Calapai Fabrizio , Navarra Michele , Gangemi Sebastiano
Published: September 2014

Background: Montelukast, a leucotriene receptor antagonist, binds the cysteinyl leucotriene type 1 receptor. Montelukast is commonly prescribed to asthma patients as add-on therapy to inhaled corticosteroids. Several clinical trials emphasized that montelukast can be considered a safe drug. However, recent evidence reconsidered the benefit/risk ratio of the use of montelukast for both paediatric and adult patients. Summary: The present review analyzed the previous published case reports regarding montelukast-induced adverse drug reactions (ADRs). They included agitation, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, hallucinations, suicidal thinking and suicidality, tremor, dizziness, drowsiness, neuropathies and seizures. The immune system can be involved, in particular, cases of Churg-Strauss syndrome have been published. Furthermore, it can induce hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and eosinophilic infiltration. In addition, hepatobiliary, pancreatic and uropoietic disorders have been observed. Some of these cases are characterized by severe prognosis (i.e. neurological deficit and fatal hepatotoxicity). Key Message: The use of montelukast can be burdened by several ADRs, of which physicians should be aware in their clinical practice. A better understanding of the mechanisms causing ADRs after using montelukast could help researchers and clinicians in defining a risk-reduction strategy aimed to lessen montelukast toxicity. More accurate epidemiological studies, in order to discover risk factors favouring montelukast-associated ADRs, are demanded.
Non-Homologous Sex Chromosomes in Two Geckos (Gekkonidae: Gekkota) with Female Heterogamety
Authors: Matsubara Kazumi , Gamble Tony , Matsuda Yoichi , Zarkower David , Sarre Stephen D. , Georges Arthur , Graves Jennifer A. Marshall , Ezaz Tariq
Published: September 2014

Evaluating homology between the sex chromosomes of different species is an important first step in deducing the origins and evolution of sex-determining mechanisms in a clade. Here, we describe the preparation of Z and W chromosome paints via chromosome microdissection from the Australian marbled gecko (Christinus marmoratus) and their subsequent use in evaluating sex chromosome homology with the ZW chromosomes of the Kwangsi gecko (Gekko hokouensis) from eastern Asia. We show that the ZW sex chromosomes of C. marmoratus and G. hokouensis are not homologous and represent independent origins of female heterogamety within the Gekkonidae. We also show that the C. marmoratus Z and W chromosomes are genetically similar to each other as revealed by C-banding, comparative genomic hybridization, and the reciprocal painting of Z and W chromosome probes. This implies that sex chromosomes in C. marmoratus are at an early stage of differentiation, suggesting a recent origin.
Adverse Event Management of Oral Mucositis in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Seiler Sabine , Kosse Jens , Loibl Sibylle , Jackisch Christian
Published: September 2014

Oral mucositis (OM) is a clinically important and frequent adverse event (AE) associated with cancer treatment with conventional chemotherapy as well as new targeted agents. Incidence and severity of OM vary from treatment to treatment and from patient to patient. The pathogenesis of chemotherapy-induced OM can be divided into 5 phases. OM induced by targeted therapies differs among other things in appearance, course, concomitant AEs and toxicity, and thus could be perceived as an entity distinct from chemotherapy-induced OM with an innate pathogenic mechanism. OM has a severe impact on a patient's quality of life (QoL) by causing complications such as pain and discomfort. Even more important are associated restrictions in nutrition and hydration. Thus, the efficacy of cancer therapy might be impaired due to the necessity of dose delays and dose reductions. Numerous preventive and therapeutic approaches have been evaluated, but currently no single agent has changed the standard of care in preventing and treating OM. Thus, the current management has evolved from clinical experience rather than clinical evidence. This article will review the AE ‘OM' induced by breast cancer treatment with chemotherapy and targeted agents in order to provide practical guidance for management and prevention.
Management of Breast Cancer Patients with Chemotherapy-Induced Neutropenia or Febrile Neutropenia
Authors: Fontanella Caterina , Bolzonello Silvia , Lederer Bianca , Aprile Giuseppe
Published: September 2014

Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (CIN) is a common toxicity caused by the administration of anticancer drugs. This side effect is associated with life-threatening infections and may alter the chemotherapy schedule, thus impacting on early and long-term outcomes. Elderly breast cancer patients with impaired health status or advanced disease as well as patients undergoing dose-dense anthracycline/taxane- or docetaxel-based regimens have the highest risk of CIN. A careful assessment of the baseline risk for CIN allows the selection of patients who need primary prophylaxis with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and/or antimicrobial agents. Neutropenic cancer patients may develop febrile neutropenia and CIN-related severe medical complications. Specific risk assessment scores, along with comprehensive clinical evaluation, are able to define a group of febrile patients with low risk for complications who can be safely treated as outpatients. Conversely, patients with higher risk of severe complications should be hospitalized and should receive intravenous antibiotic therapy with or without G-CSF.
A Case of Herpetic Keratitis after Subconjunctival Triamcinolone Acetonide Injection
Authors: Inoue Hidenori , Suzuki Takashi , Joko Takeshi , Inoue Tomoyuki , Ohashi Yuichi
Published: September 2014

Purpose: We report a case of herpetic epithelial keratitis that developed after subconjunctival triamcinolone acetonide injection (STI). Methods: A 65-year-old female with anterior uveitis and hypotony in her right eye was given a STI (2 mg/0.5 ml). After the injection, she developed redness and an ocular discharge. A clinical examination was performed and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the viral DNA in a corneal scraping. Results: Slit-lamp biomicroscopy revealed a severe purulent discharge, conjunctival injection, and a geographic corneal ulcer in the right eye. Herpes simplex virus 1 DNA was identified in the corneal scraping using real-time PCR. Herpetic keratitis was diagnosed and topical acyclovir ointment as well as systemic valacyclovir were started. The inflammation subsided with this medication. Conclusion: We encountered a case of herpetic epithelial keratitis after a STI.
Gastric Invasive Micropapillary Carcinoma with Intestinal Phenotypes Harboring a TP53 R175H Mutation
Authors: Ikeda Hideyuki , Kukitsu Takehiro , Johmen Wataru , Nakamura Hajime , Yamauchi Natumi , Ishikawa Kazuma , Saikawa Takashi , Noda Sayaka , Saitoh Tadanori , Ueno Yoshinori , Noda Yuuya , Yamazaki Sayuki , Kuroda Yoshikazu , Koshiko Susumu , Sasagawa Yutaka
Published: September 2014

We report a case of gastric invasive micropapillary carcinoma (IMPC) in an 86-year-old female patient. She was admitted to our hospital with a chief complaint of bloody emesis. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy found a gastric adenocarcinoma at the antrum. The biopsy specimens showed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma with invasive small tumor nests. Distal gastrectomy with systematic lymph node dissection demonstrated that the tumor had IMPC through a pathological examination. Despite the depth of tumor invasion (the submucosa), extensive lymph node metastases were observed. Anti-D2-40 immunostaining revealed numerous infiltrating tumor cell nests in the lymphatic vessels, which could explain subsequent multiple lymph node metastases. The adenocarcinoma showed intestinal phenotypes by several immunohistochemical studies. One of these antibodies (CD10) clearly demonstrated the inverted apical-basal (inside-out) pattern of IMPC, whereas it showed an ordinary pattern in intestinal metaplasia adjacent to the tumor. Furthermore, genetic analysis by direct sequencing revealed a point mutation in the exon 5 of TP53 in the tumor. The mutation presumably harbors a missense mutation from Arg to His at the codon 175 (R175H). R175H has been previously described as a ‘gain-of-function' mutation with a high invasive or metastatic potential in several types of cancers. In summary, this is one of the first reported cases of gastric IMPC with intestinal phenotypes harboring a TP53 R175H mutation in the literature.
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis and Primary Sjögren's Syndrome: Insights for the Stomatologist
Authors: Lins Liliane , Paraná Raymundo , Reis Silvia Regina Almeida , Pereira Falcão Antônio Fernando
Published: September 2014

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic progressive autoimmune disease characterized by portal inflammation and immune-mediated destruction of the intrahepatic bile ducts. Primary Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of exocrine glands, mainly the lachrymal and salivary glands, in the absence of other definitively diagnosed rheumatologic disease. We report a diagnosed case of primary Sjögren's syndrome associated with PBC. A 59-year-old Caucasian woman went to oral evaluation reporting dry mouth, difficulty in eating associated with burning mouth syndrome, dysgeusia and dysphagia. Intraoral examination revealed extensive cervical caries, gingivitis, gingival retraction, angular cheilitis and atrophic tongue. Hyposalivation was detected by salivary flow and Schirmer's test was positive. Antinuclear and antimitochondrial antibodies were both positive. Anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies were negative. A minor salivary gland biopsy of the lower lip was performed. Histopathologic analysis revealed lymphocytic infiltrate with destruction of salivary gland architecture in some areas and replacement of glandular tissues by mononuclear cells. Optimal management of PBC associated with Sjögren's syndrome requires a multidisciplinary approach as the key to optimal patient care. Dental practitioners should be able to recognize the clinical features of this associated condition. Appropriate dental care may prevent tooth decay, periodontal disease and oral infections as well as improve the patient's quality of life.
Carcinoid Tumor of the Cystic Duct: Case Report, Literature Review and Comparison of Surgical Approaches
Authors: Garland Jennifer , O'Leary Elizabeth , Haggerty Joseph , Zorc Thomas G.
Published: September 2014

We present the case of a 48-year-old female with a cystic duct carcinoid that was found incidentally upon laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patient subsequently underwent excision of the cystic duct remnant. This is the tenth reported case of a cystic duct carcinoid and the second reported laparoscopic excision.
A Poorly Differentiated Malignant Neoplasm Lacking Lung Markers Harbors an EML4-ALK Rearrangement and Responds to Crizotinib
Authors: Chung Jon H. , Ali Siraj M. , Davis Jenni , Robstad Karl , McNally Richard , Gay Laurie M. , Erlich Rachel L. , Palma Norma A. , Stephens Phil J. , Miller Vincent A. , Cutugno Alfonso , Ross Jeffrey S.
Published: September 2014

Suspected metastatic site lesions that are poorly differentiated present a diagnostic challenge when morphologic and immunohistochemical profiling cannot establish the primary tumor site. Here we present a patient diagnosed with both a malignant neoplasm in the lung and a right upper extremity (RUE) neoplasm of unclear histogenetic origin. Immunohistochemical staining performed on the latter specimen was inconclusive in determining the site of origin. Although the lung biopsy sample was insufficient for molecular testing, hybrid capture-based comprehensive genomic profiling (FoundationOne) identified an EML4-ALK rearrangement in the RUE lesion. Crizotinib treatment resulted in a major response in both the RUE and the lung lesions. This report illustrates the utility of comprehensive genomic profiling employed at the initial presentation of an unknown primary malignant neoplasm, which resulted in the front-line use of targeted therapy and a significant and sustained antitumor response.
miR33 Inhibition Overcomes Deleterious Effects of Diabetes Mellitus on Atherosclerosis Plaque Regression in Mice
Authors: Distel Emilie , Barrett Tessa J. , Chung Kellie , Girgis Natasha M. , Parathath Saj , Essau Christine C. , Murphy Andrew J. , Moore Kathryn J. , Fisher Edward A.
Published: September 2014

Rationale:

Diabetes mellitus increases cardiovascular disease risk in humans and remains elevated despite cholesterol-lowering therapy with statins. Consistent with this, in mouse models, diabetes mellitus impairs atherosclerosis plaque regression after aggressive cholesterol lowering. MicroRNA 33 (miR33) is a key negative regulator of the reverse cholesterol transport factors, ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 and high-density lipoprotein, which suggested that its inhibition may overcome this impairment.

Objective:

To assess the effects of miR33 inhibition on atherosclerosis regression in diabetic mice.

Methods and Results:

Reversa mice, which are deficient in the low-density lipoprotein receptor and in which hypercholesterolemia is reversed by conditional inactivation of the microsomal triglyceride transfer protein gene, were placed on an atherogenic diet for 16 weeks, then either made diabetic by streptozotocin injection or kept normoglycemic. Lipid-lowering was induced by microsomal triglyceride transfer protein gene inactivation, and mice were treated with anti-miR33 or control oligonucleotides. Although regression was impaired in diabetic mice treated with control oligonucleotides, anti-miR33 treatment decreased plaque macrophage content and inflammatory gene expression in these mice. The decreased macrophage content in anti–miR33 treated diabetic mice was associated with a blunting of hyperglycemia-induced monocytosis and reduced monocyte recruitment to the plaque, which was traced to an inhibition of the proliferation of bone marrow monocyte precursors associated with the upregulation of their
Abca1
.

Conclusions:

miR33 inhibition overcomes deleterious effects of diabetes mellitus in atherosclerosis regression in mice, which suggests a therapeutic strategy in diabetic patients, who remain at elevated cardiovascular disease risk, despite plasma cholesterol lowering.
Role of miR-195 in Aortic Aneurysmal Disease
Authors: Zampetaki Anna , Attia Rizwan , Mayr Ursula , Gomes Renata S.M. , Phinikaridou Alkystis , Yin Xiaoke , Langley Sarah R. , Willeit Peter , Lu Ruifang , Fanshawe Bruce , Fava Marika , Barallobre-Barreiro Javier , Molenaar Chris , So Po-Wah , Abbas Abeera , Jahangiri Marjan , Waltham Matthew , Botnar Rene , Smith Alberto , Mayr Manuel
Published: September 2014

Rationale
:

Abdominal aortic aneurysms constitute a degenerative process in the aortic wall. Both the miR-29 and miR-15 families have been implicated in regulating the vascular extracellular matrix.

Objective
:

Our aim was to assess the effect of the miR-15 family on aortic aneurysm development.

Methods and Results
:

Among the miR-15 family members, miR-195 was differentially expressed in aortas of apolipoprotein E–deficient mice on angiotensin II infusion. Proteomics analysis of the secretome of murine aortic smooth muscle cells, after miR-195 manipulation, revealed that miR-195 targets a cadre of extracellular matrix proteins, including collagens, proteoglycans, elastin, and proteins associated with elastic microfibrils, albeit miR-29b showed a stronger effect, particularly in regulating collagens. Systemic and local administration of cholesterol-conjugated antagomiRs revealed better inhibition of miR-195 compared with miR-29b in the uninjured aorta. However, in apolipoprotein E–deficient mice receiving angiotensin II, silencing of miR-29b, but not miR-195, led to an attenuation of aortic dilation. Higher aortic elastin expression was accompanied by an increase of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in mice treated with antagomiR-195. In human plasma, an inverse correlation of miR-195 was observed with the presence of abdominal aortic aneurysms and aortic diameter.

Conclusions
:

We provide the first evidence that miR-195 may contribute to the pathogenesis of aortic aneurysmal disease. Although inhibition of miR-29b proved more effective in preventing aneurysm formation in a preclinical model, miR-195 represents a potent regulator of the aortic extracellular matrix. Notably, plasma levels of miR-195 were reduced in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms suggesting that microRNAs might serve as a noninvasive biomarker of abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Origin of the Y Chromosome Influences Intrarenal Vascular Responsiveness to Angiotensin I and Angiotensin (1-7) in Stroke-Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Sampson Amanda K. , Andrews Karen L. , Graham Delyth , McBride Martin W. , Head Geoffrey A. , Thomas Merlin C. , Chin-Dusting Jaye P.F. , Dominiczak Anna F. , Jennings Garry L.
Published: September 2014

The lineage of the Y chromosome accounts for up to 15 to 20 mm Hg in arterial pressure. Genes located on the Y chromosome from the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) are associated with the renin–angiotensin system. Given the important role of the renin–angiotensin system in the renal regulation of fluid homeostasis and arterial pressure, we hypothesized that the origin of the Y chromosome influences arterial pressure via interaction between the intrarenal vasculature and the renin–angiotensin system. Sixteen-week-old normotensive rats (Wistar Kyoto [WKY]), spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone rat (SHRSP), and 2 reciprocal Y consomic rat strains, 1 comprising the WKY autosomes and X chromosome with the Y chromosome from the hypertensive rat strain (WKY.SP
Gla
Y) and vice versa (SP.WKY
Gla
Y), were examined. SP.WKY
Gla
Y had lower systolic blood pressure than SHRSP (195±5 versus 227±8 mm Hg;
P
<0.03), whereas WKY.SP
Gla
Y had higher systolic blood pressure compared with WKY (157±3 versus 148±3 mm Hg;
P
<0.05), measured by radiotelemetry. Compared with WKY rats, SHRSP had higher plasma angiotensin(1-7) (Ang (1-7)):Ang II ratio (WKY: 0.13±0.01 versus SHRSP: 1.33±0.4;
P
<0.005), greater angiotensin II receptor type 2 and Mas receptor mRNA expression, and a blunted renal constrictor response to intrarenal Ang I and Ang(1-7) infusions. Introgression of the normotensive Y chromosome into the SHRSP background (SP.WKY
Gla
Y) restored responses in the SHRSP to WKY levels, evidenced by a reduction in plasma Ang(1-7):Ang II ratio (SP.WKY
Gla
Y: 0.24±0.02;
P
<0.01), angiotensin II receptor type 2, and Mas receptor mRNA expression and an increased vasoconstrictor response to intrarenal Ang I and Ang(1-7) infusion. This study demonstrates that the origin of the Y chromosome significantly impacts the renal vascular responsiveness and therefore may influence the long-term renal regulation of blood pressure.
Elimination of Vitamin D Receptor in Vascular Endothelial Cells Alters Vascular Function
Authors: Ni Wei , Watts Stephanie W. , Ng Michael , Chen Songcang , Glenn Denis J. , Gardner David G.
Published: September 2014

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with cardiovascular dysfunction. We evaluated the role of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in vascular endothelial function, a marker of cardiovascular health, at baseline and in the presence of angiotensin II, using an endothelial-specific knockout of the murine VDR gene. In the absence of endothelial VDR, acetylcholine-induced aortic relaxation was significantly impaired (maximal relaxation, endothelial-specific VDR knockout=58% versus control=73%;
P
<0.05). This was accompanied by a reduction in endothelial NO synthase expression and phospho–vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein levels in aortae from the endothelial-specific VDR knockout versus control mice. Although blood pressure levels at baseline were comparable at 12 and 24 weeks of age, the endothelial VDR knockout mice demonstrated increased sensitivity to the hypertensive effects of angiotensin II compared with control mice (after 1-week infusion: knockout=155±15 mm Hg versus control=133±7 mm Hg;
P
<0.01; after 2-week infusion: knockout=164±9 mm Hg versus control=152±13 mm Hg;
P
<0.05). By the end of 2 weeks, angiotensin II infusion–induced, hypertrophy-sensitive myocardial gene expression was higher in endothelial-specific VDR knockout mice (fold change compared with saline-infused control mice, type-A natriuretic peptide: knockout mice=3.12 versus control=1.7;
P
<0.05; type-B natriuretic peptide: knockout mice=4.72 versus control=2.68;
P
<0.05). These results suggest that endothelial VDR plays an important role in endothelial cell function and blood pressure control and imply a potential role for VDR agonists in the management of cardiovascular disease associated with endothelial dysfunction.
Association of Serum–Free Fatty Acid Level With Reduced Reflection Pressure Wave Magnitude and Central Blood Pressure
Authors: Tabara Yasuharu , Takahashi Yoshimitsu , Kawaguchi Takahisa , Setoh Kazuya , Terao Chikashi , Yamada Ryo , Kosugi Shinji , Sekine Akihiro , Nakayama Takeo , Matsuda Fumihiko
Published: September 2014

Central blood pressure (BP) has been suggested to be a better predictor of cardiovascular disease risk than brachial BP. Given that central BP and arterial waveform are both influenced by insulin resistance, major initiators of insulin resistance, such as serum–free fatty acid (FFA), are suspected of potentially being involved in central hemodynamics. To confirm that insulin signaling is an important modulator of central hemodynamics, we investigated this hypothesis in a large-scale general population. Brachial BP and radial arterial waveform were measured simultaneously in 9393 middle-aged to elderly individuals. The augmentation index was calculated from the radial waveform as the ratio of the height of the late systolic peak to that of the first peak. Central systolic BP was defined as the absolute pressure of the late systolic peak of the waveform. Differences in central and brachial pulse pressure (PP) were considered to represent PP amplification. PP amplification differed significantly among serum FFA level quartiles (Q1, 7.8±5.3; Q2, 8.6±5.0; Q3, 9.3±5.7; Q4, 10.3±6.1 mm Hg;
P
<0.001), and the maximum difference in combination with diabetes mellitus status was 4.9 mm Hg. Multivariate analysis adjusted for major covariates indicated that higher serum FFA was an independent determinant for higher PP amplification (
β
=0.145,
P
<0.001) and lower augmentation index (
β
=−0.122,
P
<0.001) and central systolic BP (
β
=−0.044,
P
<0.001), whereas the association between FFA and PP amplification significantly decreased (
β
=0.022,
P
<0.001) after further adjustment for augmentation index. Serum FFA is an overlooked factor favorably influencing central hemodynamics. A low-magnitude reflection pressure wave might be involved in this paradoxical relationship.
The Magoi and Daimones in Column vi of the Derveni Papyrus
Authors: Ahmadi Amir
Published: September 2014

Since its discovery in 1962, the Derveni papyrus has been the object of keen scholarly interest. The text consists in the main of an allegorical interpretation of an Orphic poem. The cosmology of the author comes from pre-Socratic physics, in terms of which he casts the Orphic theogony, presumably in order to reveals its truth. The extant text also contains a few badly damaged columns about the afterlife and, seemingly, some rites that facilitate the passage of the soul to the beyond. Here, we find a reference to a rite performed by the magoi that the author compares with the mysteries. Scholars have generally taken the view that these magoi are either Greek religious experts or charlatans. Because of this, scant attention has been paid to the question of possible Iranian background of the rite and the daimones. In this article, I will address this question in reference to relevant Iranian evidence. My conclusion is that, in column 6 of the papyrus, we indeed have an authentic description of a rite rooted in Iranian religious lore, and that behind the magoi’s daimones may well be the ancient Iranian gods, the daēvas.
Sethian Crowns, Sethian Martyrs? Jewish Apocalypses and Christian Martyrs in a Gnostic Literary Tradition
Authors: Burns Dylan M.
Published: September 2014

The predominant image of the crown is among the most baffling features of several, difficult Gnostic apocalypses, recensions of which we know to have been controversial in the school of the Neoplatonic philosopher Plotinus (ca. 263c.e.). In these “Sethian” apocalypses, recovered from Nag Hammadi (Upper Egypt) in 1945, crowns adorn heavenly beings, and are donned by seers during their celestial voyages. It is clear they are significant in this literature, but scholarship has yet to answer how, and why. First, while these crowns are relatively common in the “Sethian Gnostic” literature, they are notably absent from the Hellenic philosophical tradition which also informs the apocalypses in Plotinus’ school. The abundance of crown-imagery, however, in contemporary Jewish and Christian apocalypses thus serves as evidence of a Judeo-Christian background for this “Platonizing” Sethian literature, even if it is replete with Neoplatonic jargon instead of references to Jesus of Nazareth. Secondly, the crowns seem to indicate a state of glorification and deification derivative from ancient Jewish tradition concerning the possibility of recovering the primordial glory of humanity, often phrased as becoming an angel. Thirdly, Plotinus’ Christian Gnostic opponents may have seen these crowns differently — as indicative of the glory of martyrdom, reminding us that this early confrontation between Hellenic and Christian Gnostic philosophers followed on the heels of the Decian and Valerianic persecutions.
Eugen Karl Kempf, the man behind the Kempf Database Ostracoda
Authors: Matzke-Karasz Renate
Published: September 2014

ITIS, WoRMS, EOL, iBOL, GBIF, ANTABIF, OBIS. FlyBase, FishBase, FosFARbase, Fauna Europaea. World Modern Foraminifera Database, EDNA Fossil Insect Database, European Diatom Database, The Reptile Database, Mammalian Species of the World. Today’s biologists are blessed with databases, and there is no doubt about their relevance for scientific work. (Palaeo-)Biologists put a lot of time and efforts into establishing and maintaining a multitude of databases, not to mention their endeavours to raise funds for this work. Many databases are produced and edited by a multitude of authors and editors, providing a great amount of data being supplied to the project within a short period of time — all too often at the expense of quality. The recent success of databases is intrinsically tied to the increasing access to, and use of, the World Wide Web, and it comes as no surprise that only few such biological databases have been initiated prior to the late 1990s. A rare example of an evidentially long-standing, relational database, authored and managed by an individual expert of a crustacean class, is the Kempf Database Ostracoda. Prof. Eugen Karl Kempf, now celebrating his eightieth anniversary, started data compilation in the 1960s as a card index and innovatively switched to a machine punch card system in the 1970s. Ever since the first publication from his taxonomic-bibliographic database in 1980, ostracod researchers worldwide benefitted from an ineffably high amount of, currently, more than 285 000 datasets of highest integrity. It is time to honour the person behind the Kempf Database Ostracoda.
Bathyconchoecia liui n. sp., a new species of ostracod (Myodocopa, Halocyprididae) from the South China Sea
Authors: Yin Jian-Qiang , Chen Qing-Chao , Li Kai-Zhi
Published: September 2014

A new species of halocyprid ostracod,Bathyconchoecia liui, from the bathypelagic zone of the Nansha Trough (North-West Borneo Trough, southern South China Sea) is described and illustrated. It is compared with the closely similar speciesB. angeliGeorge, 1977. The present species is easily distinguished fromB. angeliby the structures of the toothed edges of the mandibular basis and coxa, and by the segmentation of the fifth limb.
Adencythere kodalnamerensis, a new genus and a new species (Ostracoda) from Kod Al-Namer Beach, Aden City, Yemen
Authors: Mohammed Munef , Keyser Dietmar
Published: September 2014

A new marine genus of Ostracoda from the tidal flats of Aden City is erected and one new species is described. The systematic position of the present taxon is discussed.
The ostracod springtail — camera recordings of a previously undescribed high-speed escape jump in the genus Tanycypris (Ostracoda, Cypridoidea)
Authors: Matzke-Karasz Renate , Nagler Christina , Hofmann Simon
Published: September 2014

During an ostracod sampling campaign in the city of Munich (Germany) samples were taken from containers in a greenhouse of the Munich Botanical Garden. Beside the ubiquitous speciesCypridopsis vidua(O. F. Müller, 1776), the samples contained four alien species, i.e.,Chlamydotheca arcuata(Sars, 1901),Strandesia bicuspis(Claus, 1892),Tanycypris centaChang, Lee & Smith, 2012, andTanycypris alfonsiNagler, Geist & Matzke-Karasz, 2014. While sorting the livingTanycyprisspecimens, a yet undescribed usage of the caudal rami was observed. Freshwater ostracods usually move on or in the sediment by using their first and second antennae, walking legs and — if not reduced — their caudal rami. During (non-swimming) locomotion of most freshwater ostracods with well-developed caudal rami, they help pushing the body forward by being used as a lever. This movement can be fast, but has never been reported to include sudden jumps. In contrast, both investigatedTanycyprisspecies show an extraordinarily fast movement, especially when disturbed. Recordings with a high-speed camera were made, shooting horizontally into a 1.5-mm-thick micro-aquarium. The fast movement could be identified as a powerful jump, much resembling the movement of a catapult, propelled by a very rapid repulsion of the caudal rami from the ground. Although sized only around 1 mm, the observed specimens reached top speeds of up to 0.75 ms−1. Anatomically, this speed is obtained by the exceptional length of the caudal rami inTanycypris, combined with a well-developed musculature, which stretches from a broadened posterior end of soft body along the so-called ‘caudal rami attachment’. The jump itself resembles that of springtails or fleas, where the jump is powered by the energy previously stored in an elastic proteinaceous material; however, inTanycyprisno such mechanism could be detected and thus the energy for the catapult-like jump must be considered muscular, possibly aided by tendon-like structures and/or a mechanism involving a muscular pre-tension by a click-joint as recorded for Squillids.
New methods for collecting Ostracoda (Crustacea) in stony sediments with methodological remarks on the separation of ostracods from sediment
Authors: Scharf Burkhard , Adler Anja , Viehberg Finn A.
Published: September 2014

New methods for sampling ostracods are described specifically for hyporheic environments and coarse sediments (i.e., pebbles and rocks). The main module is a diaphragm pump that establishes an artificial current strong enough to force individuals from their habitat. Two other methods are presented for separating living ostracods from sediment samples taking advantage of their biological and physical properties: (1) emigration out of a basket; (2) harvesting ostracods floating on the water surface.
Why Hobbes Cannot Limit the Leviathan
Authors: Arvan Marcus
Published: September 2014

This commentary contends that Larry May’s Hobbesian argument for limitations on sovereignty and lawmaking in Limiting Leviathan does not succeed. First, I show that Hobbes begins with a plausible instrumental theory of normativity. Second, I show that Hobbes then attempts, unsuccessfully – by his own lights – to defend a kind of non-instrumental, moral normativity. Thus, I contend, in order to successfully “limit the Leviathan” of the state, the Hobbesian must provide a sound instrumental argument in favor of the sovereign limiting their actions and lawmaking. But, I argue, neither Hobbes nor May provides such an argument.
Reading Hobbes before Leviathan
Authors: Davenport Anne
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this paper is to provide new information about Philip Scot’s 1650 Treatise of the schism of England, in which Hobbes is discussed in surprising detail. Who was the author and why did he wish so urgently to engage Hobbes? By learning the identity of “Philip Scot” and examining the Treatise in light of it, we gain new insight into reactions to Hobbes’s political views prior to Leviathan.
Worse than Death
Authors: Olsthoorn Johan
Published: September 2014

This article challenges the orthodoxy that Hobbes’s laws of nature, considered as dictates of reason, ceaselessly oblige agents in virtue of the general desire for self-preservation. Hobbes is an internalist about reasons, who refuses reason independent motivational efficacy. The universal prescriptive force of natural law is instead grounded in some desire (or set of desires) which all rational agents share. On the Orthodox Interpretation, this is the desire for self-preservation, as death is considered the worst possible evil that can befall Hobbesian agents. I argue that this interpretation is untenable. A plethora of passages attests that at least one thing is worse than death: loss of eternal life. It is therefore rational, according to Hobbes, to choose to die if doing so is necessary to procure salvation. This article sketches a non-preservationist reading of the psychological underpinnings of Hobbes’s moral philosophy which can account for (but does not presuppose) the superior disvalue of damnation. Three psychological laws, I submit, structure Hobbesian deliberation and desire-formation. The third and perhaps most controversial law states that humans cannot help caring about their own welfare. My contention is that the inescapable desire for bonum sibi better explains the universal normativity of natural law than self-preservation does.
What the Sovereign Can’t Do
Authors: Sevel Michael
Published: September 2014

One of the central claims of Larry May’s Limiting Leviathan (Oxford University Press, 2013) is that Hobbes’s theory of law is best understood as a kind of “procedural natural law” theory akin to the one developed by Lon Fuller in the mid-twentieth century. May’s interpretation of Hobbes suggests at least two different views of the role of equity as a constraint on legal validity; neither of them bears any important affinities with Fuller’s theory. May however makes a stronger case that Hobbes and Fuller share broadly similar views about how and why citizens have an obligation to obey the law; the affinities between the two are therefore found in their theories of political obligation rather than in their theories of law.
Infrastructure Planning in Spain – Public Participation and Legal Protection
Authors: Jiménez Luis Arroyo
Published: September 2014

This article deals with infrastructure planning in Spanish law. It first describes the role of public participation in planning procedures and analyzes the main participatory instruments foreseen in both general and sectoral administrative law. The distance between a rather adequate administrative legislation on participatory instruments and an unsatisfactory administrative practice in terms of promoting citizen’s participation and seeking acceptance harms the quality of administrative decisions and increases litigation. The article then focuses on the regulation of legal remedies against those decisions and describes recent developments in both academic doctrine and case-law. The main problems related to the effectiveness of judicial protection in this area of law are finally explored.
Legal Prerequisites for a Nutrient Trading Scheme to Control Eutrophication in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Malla Katak
Published: September 2014

This paper explores the legal aspects of a nutrient trading scheme suggested as an effective ecosystem management of the Baltic Sea, especially for dealing with eutrophication – over-fertilisation – of the Baltic waters. The relevant sources of the law relating to the Baltic Sea are analysed, noting also features of the international emission trading scheme (iets), the European Union Emission Trading Scheme (euets) and the white certificate economic instrument. The legal prerequisites for a nutrient trading scheme are identified. Also, necessary changes in the legal framework of the Helsinki Commission/Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (Helcom) are suggested, should the Helcom parties consider such a scheme. The present work seeks to contribute to the legal knowledge needed for more effective and adaptive ecosystem management of the Baltic Sea, or other regional seas.
Recent Developments in eu Environmental Policy and Legislation
Authors: Gordeeva Yelena M.
Published: September 2014

This section briefly describes the significant political initiatives and acts of legislation in the environmental field adopted from February until June 2014.
The Immunity of Civilians –
Authors: Küblbeck Eva
Published: September 2014

The paper purports to consider the question of whether it is conceivable that a people, who have been occupied and whose rights have been severely violated for several decades, may legitimately target civilians as a last resort. Looking at terrorist attacks, inter alia suicide attacks, in the Palestinian- Israeli conflict, this paper scrutinizes philosophical and legal attempts to justify the deliberate killing of civilians in order to compel the opponent into changing his politics.

The paper draws a simplified picture of the historical developments in the region and does not provide an exhausting analysis of the situation but rather highlights single events in order to examine the legal framework against the background of the conflict. It intends to raise rather than answer questions and aims at making a contribution to this complex discussion.

Looking at several philosophical justifications of terrorism, the paper then turns to the issues of self-determination, necessity and self-defence. As expected, the discussion reinforces the prohibition to target civilians as one of the fundamental principles of humanitarian law. However, very interesting aspects come into view when investigating the limits of philosophical theories and legal standards regarding the question of last resort.
How the Responsibility to Protect Influences the Security Council’s Powers, Limits and Dynamic
Authors: Komp Lisa-Marie
Published: September 2014

In 2005, the Responsibility to Protect was adopted in the World Summit Outcome with the aim to enable an efficient response to humanitarian crises by making the Security Council “work better”. The swift reaction to the events in Libya sparked the hope that the new concept enabled the Security Council to function this smoothly in the future. The debates within the Council in relation to the NATO intervention demonstrate that the Responsibility to Protect was able to contribute to this success in certain, limited ways. At the same time, these debates were herald to the problems experienced in relation to the events in Syria. Through an analyses of the debates concerning Libya within the Council, debates in other UN bodies related to the new concept, State practice, and relevant documents, this article will outline the potential of the Responsibility to Protect to make the Council “work better”, as well as its limitations.
New species and taxonomic notes on Anteros Hübner, [1819] and Ourocnemis Bethune-Baker, 1887 (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae)
Authors: SIEWERT RICARDO RUSSO , SILVA DIAS FERNANDO MAIA , DOLIBAINA DIEGO RODRIGO , MIELKE OLAF HERMANN HENDRIK , CASAGRANDE MIRNA MARTINS , LAMAS GERARDO
Published: September 2014

Three new species of Anteros Hübner, [1819] from south and southeastern Brazil are described: A. aliceae Dias & Siewert, sp. nov., A. zikani Siewert, Dias & Dolibaina, sp. nov. and A. ethani Dias, Dolibaina & Mielke, sp. nov. Habitus and genitalia of male and female specimens of the new species are illustrated, along with illustrations of the habitus and male genitalia of the most similar species for proper distinction. The following taxonomic changes are proposed: A. micon Druce, 1875, stat. rest., A. roratus Godman & Salvin, 1886, stat. rest., and A. theleia Stichel, 1910, stat. nov. Anteros formosus stramentarius Stichel, 1909, syn. nov. is sunk as a junior subjective synonym of A. formosus. Additionally, Ourocnemis axiochus (Hewitson, 1867), stat. rest., is recognized as a species distinct from O. archytas (Stoll, 1787); illustrations of the male genitalia and of the differential characters of the wing pattern of both species are provided. A male of the rare Ourocnemis boulleti Le Cerf, 1911, is reported from southeastern Peru. Distributional data and a map are provided for all species studied.
A revision of the genus Nyctimenius Gressitt, 1951 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae), with description of a new species
Authors: HUANG GUIQIANG , LIU ZHIPING , CHEN LI
Published: September 2014

A taxonomic revision of the genus Nyctimenius Gressitt is presented. A new species, N. chiangi sp. nov., is described from China. Two new combinations, N. mamutensis (Hayashi, 1975) comb. nov. and N. sabahensis (Hayashi, 1975) comb. nov., are proposed. A new status, N. palawanicus (Aurivillius, 1922) stat. n., is proposed, and a lectotype is designated for N. palawanicus. The male terminalia and aedeagus of N. ochraceovittatus are described for the first time. Nyctimenius is redescribed, and a key to Nyctimenius species is presented.
Solenoxyphus Reuter, 1875 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae: Phylinae): revised diagnosis, a new species and new generic synonym
Authors: KONSTANTINOV FEDOR V. , KORZEEV ANDREI I.
Published: September 2014

Solenoxyphus kazakhstanicus sp. n. is described from the vicinity of Dzhezkazgan, Western Kazakhstan. The generic name Voruchia Reuter, 1879 is synonymized with Solenoxyphus Reuter, 1875. Illustrations of the male and female genitalia, photographs of the dorsal habitus, host, and distributional records are given for the new species and S. vittiger comb. nov., the type species of Voruchia. Female genitalia of Solenoxyphus and Boopidocoris spp. are studied for the first time and an updated generic diagnosis of the former genus is provided. The placement of both genera within the tribe Nasocorini sensu Schuh & Menard (2013) is briefly discussed.