bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reward Ameliorates Posttraumatic Stress Disorder-Related Impairment in Sustained Attention
Authors: Dutra Sunny J. , Marx Brian P. , McGlinchey Regina , DeGutis Joseph , Esterman Michael
Published: November 2018

Background

Posttraumatic stress disorder is associated with impairments in sustained attention, a fundamental cognitive process important for a variety of social and occupational tasks. To date, however, the precise nature of these impairments and the posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms associated with them have not been well understood.

Methods

Using a well-characterized sample of returning United States military OEF/OIF/OND Veterans who varied in posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, we employed a validated sustained attention paradigm designed to probe fluctuations across two attentional states characterized by prior research, including a peak state termed “in the zone” and a less efficient, more error-prone state termed “out of the zone.” Rewarded and nonrewarded conditions were employed to examine whether motivating strong task performance could ameliorate sustained attention deficits. Analyses examined associations between attentional state, availability of reward, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms.

Results

Results indicated that, consistent with prior findings, higher levels of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms were broadly associated with impaired task performance. This impairment was driven largely by performance deficits during individuals' optimal (“in the zone”) attentional state, and follow-up analyses indicated that the performance deficit was primarily associated with anhedonia and emotional numbing symptoms. However, the deficit was partially ameliorated when better performance was rewarded.

Conclusion

Our results provide a more complex understanding of the sustained attention deficits associated with posttraumatic stress disorder and suggest that external incentives may help to enhance sustained attention performance for affected individuals.
Efficacy of transdermal rotigotine in chronic cluster headache: A case series
Authors: Di Lorenzo Cherubino , Pellesi Lanfranco , Coppola Gianluca , Parisi Vincenzo , Evangelista Maurizio , Guerzoni Simona , Rossi Paolo , Serrao Mariano , Pini Luigi Alberto , Pierelli Francesco
Published: November 2018

Cluster headache (CH) is one of the most severe forms of headache, but the number of effective treatments is still limited. Recently, we reported the case of a drug-resistant CH patient responsive to the rotigotine transdermal patch, which is used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. This report formed the basis for a case series where other drug-resistant CH patients were treated with rotigotine. Here are the results of this study. Twenty-two CH patients underwent the treatment. Eight were episodic cluster headache (ECH) patients and 14 were chronic cluster headache (CCH) patients. Of the eight ECH patients, four reported that their CH had been stopped by the treatment. Of the 14 CCH patients, 11 were considered responders to the treatment (5 experienced a full resolution of headache, and 6 had a headache reduction of at least 50% in terms of mean monthly number of attacks). Our case series confirms the previous observation that rotigotine could be helpful in the treatment of CH. It may even influence the monoaminergic system that has a key role in the pathogenesis of CH.
Preventive therapy with citalopram added to a beta blocker does not result in quality-of-life improvement in patients with episodic migraine
Authors: García-Monco Juan Carlos , Anton Ladislao Ane , Gómez-Beldarrain Marian , Anguizola-Tamayo David , Pinedo-Brochado Ana , Rodriguez-Sainz Aida
Published: November 2018

Background:

The quality of life of migraine patients, particularly mental domains, is severely diminished despite the preventive therapies available. We aimed to evaluate whether citalopram plus nadolol is superior to nadolol alone in terms of quality of life (QOL) in migraine patients.

Methods:

Adult patients with episodic migraine (≥ 3 headache days per month) were allocated by simple randomization to nadolol 40 mg daily plus citalopram 10 mg daily or to nadolol alone. Baseline visit confirmed the entry criteria and patients filled out a generic QOL (SF-36) as well a migraine-specific questionnaire (MSQoL), a measure of migraine-related disability (MIDAS), a headache calendar and Beck inventory for depression and anxiety. This battery was again completed after 16 weeks of therapy.

Results:

A total of 92 patients from a general neurology clinic completed the study, 85% females with migraine without aura. Fourty-four (47.83%) patients were allocated to nadolol therapy, and 48 (52.17%) to the combination of nadolol plus citalopram. After therapy, both groups had a similar gain in quality of life (SF-36 and MSQOL), but combination therapy was not superior to nadolol. Despite this improvement, all SF-36 domains remained below the population norms in both groups.

Conclusion:

Adding systematically citalopram 10 mg daily to a conventional migraine preventive drug (nadolol) does not result in an additional improvement in the QOL of migraine patients.
RETRACTED ARTICLE:Flavonoids modulate multidrug resistance through wnt signaling in P-glycoprotein overexpressing cell lines
Authors: Mohana S. , Ganesan M. , Rajendra Prasad N. , Ananthakrishnan D. , Velmurugan D.
Published: November 2018

Background

Wnt signaling has been linked with P-glycoprotein (P-gp) overexpression and which was mainly mediated by β-catenin nuclear translocation. Flavonoids have already been reported as modulators of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and hence they may serve as promising agents in the reversal of P-gp mediated cancer multi drug resistance (MDR).

Methods

In this study, we screened selected flavonoids against Wnt/β-catenin signaling molecules. The binding interaction of flavonoids (theaflavin, quercetin, rutin, epicatechin 3 gallate and tamarixetin) with GSK 3β was determined by molecular docking. Flavonoids on P-gp expression and the components of Wnt signaling in drug-resistant KBCHR8–5 cells were analyzed by western blotting and qRT-PCR. The MDR reversal potential of these selected flavonoids against P-gp mediated drug resistance was analyzed by cytotoxicity assay in KBCHR8–5 and MCF7/ADR cell lines. The chemosensitizing potential of flavonoids was further analyzed by observing cell cycle arrest in KBCHR8–5 cells.

Results

In this study, we observed that the components of Wnt/β-catenin pathway such as Wnt and GSK 3β were activated in multidrug resistant KBCHR8–5 cell lines. All the flavonoids selected in this study significantly decreased the expression of Wnt and GSK 3β in KBCHR8–5 cells and subsequently modulates P-gp overexpression in this drug-resistant cell line. Further, we observed that these flavonoids considerably decreased the doxorubicin resistance in KBCHR8–5 and MCF7/ADR cell lines. The MDR reversal potential of flavonoids were found to be in the order of theaflavin > quercetin > rutin > epicatechin 3 gallate > tamarixetin. Moreover, we observed that flavonoids pretreatment significantly induced the doxorubicin-mediated arrest at the phase of G2/M. Further, the combinations of doxorubicin with flavonoids significantly modulate the expression of drug response genes in KBCHR8–5 cells.

Conclusion

The present findings illustrate that the studied flavonoids significantly enhances doxorubicin-mediated cell death through modulating P-gp expression pattern by targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling in drug-resistant KBCHR8–5 cells.
Effect of fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on reduction of depressive symptoms among HIV-seropositive pregnant women: a randomized, double-blind controlled trial
Authors: Opiyo Rose Okoyo , Nyasulu Peter Suwirakwenda , Koigi Reuben Kamau , Obondo Anne , Ogoyi Dorington , Kogi-Makau Wambui
Published: November 2018

Background

Globally, it is known that HIV-infected pregnant women are prone to depressive symptoms. Research evidences also suggest that nutrient deficiencies may enhance the depressive illness, and that fish oil omega-3 fatty acids may alleviate the depressive symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of fish oil omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid-rich supplements on depressive symptoms among HIV-seropositive pregnant women.

Trial design

A randomized double-blinded controlled trial with two parallel groups was conducted. The intervention group received fish oil omega-3 of 3.17 g (eicosapentaenoic acid = 2.15 g; docosahexaenoic acid = 1.02 g) per day for 8 weeks, while the control group received soybean oil for a similar period.

Method

Participants were HIV-seropositive pregnant women who were enrolled in prevention of mother-to-child transmission programs and attending antenatal clinics at selected Nairobi city county’s health facilities. Recruitment was done from health records of HIV-infected pregnant women. Data analysis followed per-protocol analysis. Participants who completed the 8-week trial were included in the analysis of covariance statistical model with omega-3 as main effect. The covariates in the change in BDI-II depressive symptom score outcome were baseline characteristics and nutrient adequacy.

Results

282 participants were recruited 109 randomized to fish oil, and 107 to soybean oil. Completion rate was 86/109 (78.9%) and 96/107 (89.7%) respectively. At the end of week-8 of follow up most participants in both arms had mild depressive symptoms 82/86 (95.3%) in the Fish oil group and 94/96 (97.9%) in the Soybean oil group. The difference in effect between the intervention and control group was not statistically significant (1.01 (95% CI − 0.58 to 2.60),p = 0.21).

Conclusion

Fish oil omega-3 with a daily dosage of 3.17 g (eicosapentaenoic acid = 2.15 g; docosahexaenoic acid = 1.02 g) appears to provide no added benefit in reduction of the symptoms of depression in HIV-infected pregnant women.

Trial RegistrationClinical Trial Registry: NCT01614249. Registered on June 5, 2012.https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01614249
A survey of foot orthoses prescription habits amongst podiatrists in the UK, Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Chapman Lara S. , Redmond Anthony C. , Landorf Karl B. , Rome Keith , Keenan Anne‐Maree , Waxman Robin , Alcacer‐Pitarch Begonya , Siddle Heidi J. , Backhouse Michael R.
Published: November 2018

Background

Foot orthoses are frequently used but little is known about which types are used in contemporary practice. This study aimed to explore the types of foot orthoses currently used by podiatrists and the prescription variations in a range of conditions.

Methods

A web‐based, cross‐sectional survey was distributed through professional bodies in the United Kingdom (UK), Australia, and New Zealand. Questions focussed on foot orthosis prescription habits in relation to 26 conditions affecting the back and lower limb.

Results

Two hundred and sixty‐four podiatrists practising in 19 different countries completed the survey; the majority practised in the UK (47%, n = 124), Australia (30%, n = 79) and New Zealand (12%, n = 32). Respondents qualified between 1968 and 2016, and 147 (56%) were female. Respondents worked in different healthcare sectors and this varied between countries: 42 (34%) respondents in the UK worked solely in the public sector, compared to 3 (4%) in Australia and 2 (6%) in New Zealand. Forty‐four (35%) respondents in the UK worked solely in private practice, compared to 64 (81%) in Australia and 14 (44%) in New Zealand.

UK respondents prescribed more prefabricated orthoses per week (mean 5.5 pairs) than simple insole‐type devices (±2.7) and customised devices (±2.9). Similarly, respondents in New Zealand prescribed more prefabricated orthoses per week (±7.7) than simple (±1.4) and customised (±2.8) devices. In contrast, those in Australia prescribed more customised orthoses per week (±4.4) than simple (±0.8) and prefabricated (±1.9) orthoses. Differences in the types of orthoses prescribed were observed between country of practice, working sector, and the condition targeted. Generally, prefabricated orthoses were commonly prescribed for the 26 highlighted conditions in the UK and New Zealand. Australian podiatrists prescribed far fewer devices overall, but when they did prescribe, they were more likely to prescribe custom devices. Respondents in all three countries were more likely to prescribe customised orthoses for people with diabetes complicated by peripheral neuropathy than for diabetes without this complication.

Conclusions

Foot orthosis prescription habits vary between countries. Prefabricated orthoses were frequently prescribed in the UK and New Zealand, and customised orthoses in Australia. Prescriptions for people with diabetes differed depending on the presence of neuropathy, despite a lack of robust evidence supporting these decisions. This study provides new insight into contemporary practice.
One-year molecular surveillance of carbapenem-susceptible A. baumannii on a German intensive care unit: diversity or clonality
Authors: Wendel Andreas F. , Malecki Monika , Otchwemah Robin , Tellez-Castillo Carlos J. , Sakka Samir G. , Mattner Frauke
Published: November 2018

Background

A. baumannii is a common nosocomial pathogen known for its high transmission potential. A high rate of carbapenem-susceptible Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-Acinetobacter baumannii (ACB)-complex in clinical specimens led to the implementation of a pathogen-based surveillance on a 32-bed surgical intensive care unit (SICU) in a German tertiary care centre.

Methods

Between April 2017 and March 2018, ACB-complex isolates with an epidemiological link to the SICU were further assessed. Identification to the species level was carried out using a multiplex PCR targeting the gyrB gene, followed by RAPD, PFGE (ApaI) and whole genome sequencing (WGS, core genome MLST, SeqSphere+ software, Ridom). Additional infection prevention and control (IPC) measures were introduced as follows: epidemiological investigations, hand hygiene training, additional terminal cleaning and disinfection incl. UV-light, screening for carbapenem-susceptible A. baumannii and environmental sampling. Hospital-acquired infections were classified according to the CDC definitions.

Results

Fourty four patients were colonized/infected with one or two (different) carbapenem-susceptible ACB-complex isolates. Fourty three out of 48 isolates were classified as hospital-acquired (detection on or after 3rd day of admission). Nearly all isolates were identified as A. baumannii, only four as A. pittii. Twelve patients developed A. baumannii infections. Genotyping revealed two pulsotype clusters, which were confirmed to be cgMLST clonal cluster type 1770 (n = 8 patients) and type 1769 (n = 12 patients) by WGS. All other isolates were distinct from each other. Nearly all transmission events of the two clonal clusters were confirmed by conventional epidemiology. Transmissions stopped after a period of several months. Environmental sampling revealed a relevant dissemination of A. baumannii, but only a few isolates corresponded to clinical strains. Introduction of the additional screening revealed a significantly earlier detection of carbapenem-susceptible A. baumannii during hospitalization.

Conclusions

A molecular and infection surveillance of ACB-complex based on identification to the species level, classic epidemiology and genotyping revealed simultaneously occurring independent transmission events and clusters of hospital-acquired A. baumannii. This underlines the importance of such an extensive surveillance methodology in IPC programmes also for carbapenem-susceptible A. baumannii.
How do firms adjust to rises in the minimum wage? Survey evidence from Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Bodnár Katalin , Fadejeva Ludmila , Iordache Stefania , Malk Liina , Paskaleva Desislava , Pesliakaitė Jurga , Jemec Nataša Todorović , Tóth Peter , Wyszyński Robert
Published: November 2018

ᅟ

We study the transmission channels for rises in the minimum wage using a unique firm-level dataset from eight Central and Eastern European countries. Representative samples of firms in each country were asked to evaluate the relevance of a wide range of adjustment channels following specific instances of rises in the minimum wage during the recent post-crisis period. The paper adds to the rest of literature by presenting the reactions of firms as a combination of strategies and evaluates the relative importance of those strategies. Our findings suggest that the most popular adjustment channels are cuts in non-labour costs, rises in product prices, and improvements in productivity. Cuts in employment are less popular and occur mostly through reduced hiring rather than direct layoffs. Our study also provides evidence of potential spillover effects that rises in the minimum wage can have on firms without minimum wage workers.

JEL Classifications

D22, E23, J31
The 150 most important questions in cancer research and clinical oncology series: questions 94–101
Authors:   Cancer Communications
Published: November 2018

Since the beginning of 2017, Cancer Communications (former title: Chinese Journal of Cancer) has published a series of important questions regarding cancer research and clinical oncology, to provide an enhanced stimulus for cancer research, and to accelerate collaborations between institutions and investigators. In this edition, the following 8 valuable questions are presented. Question 94. The origin of tumors: time for a new paradigm? Question 95. How can we accelerate the identification of biomarkers for the early detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma? Question 96. Can we improve the treatment outcomes of metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma through precision medicine guided by a combination of the genetic and proteomic information of the tumor? Question 97. What are the parameters that determine a competent immune system that gives a complete response to cancers after immune induction? Question 98. Is high local concentration of metformin essential for its anti‐cancer activity? Question 99. How can we monitor the emergence of cancer cells anywhere in the body through plasma testing? Question 100. Can phytochemicals be more specific and efficient at targeting P‐glycoproteins to overcome multi‐drug resistance in cancer cells? Question 101. Is cell migration a selectable trait in the natural evolution of carcinoma?
Cumulative risk and protection effect of serotonergic genes on male antisocial behaviour: results from a prospective cohort assessed in adolescence and early adulthood
Authors: Langevin Stephanie , Mascheretti Sara , Côté Sylvana M. , Vitaro Frank , Boivin Michel , Turecki Gustavo , Tremblay Richard E. , Ouellet-Morin Isabelle
Published: November 2018

Background

Heritability of antisocial behaviour is estimated at approximately 50% and involves multiple genes.

Aims

To investigate the cumulative genetic effects of 116 single nucleotide polymorphisms mapping to 11 candidate serotonergic genes and antisocial behaviours, in adolescence and in early adulthood.

Method

Participants were 410 male members of the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Kindergarten Children, a population-based cohort followed up prospectively from age 6 to age 23. The serotonergic genes were selected based on known physiological processes and prior associations with antisocial behaviours. Antisocial behaviours were self-reported and assessed by using semi-structured interviews in adolescence and in adulthood.

Results

Cumulative, haplotype-based contributions of serotonergic genes conferring risk and protection for antisocial behaviours were detected by using multilocus genetic profile risk scores (MGPRSs) and multilocus genetic profile protection scores (MGPPSs). Cumulatively, haplotype-based MGPRSs and MGPPSs contributed to 9.6, 8.5 and 15.2% of the variance in general delinquency in adolescence, property/violent crimes in early adulthood and physical partner violence in early adulthood, respectively.

Conclusions

This study extends previous research by showing a cumulative effect of multiple haplotypes conferring risk and protection to antisocial behaviours in adolescence and early adulthood. The findings further support the relevance of concomitantly considering multiple serotonergic polymorphisms to better understand the genetic aetiology of antisocial behaviours. Future studies should investigate the interplay between risk and protective haplotype-based multilocus genetic profile scores with the environment.

Declaration of interest:

I.O.-M. holds a Canada Research Chair in the developmental origins of vulnerability and resilience.
TBX2 and TBX3 act downstream of canonical WNT signaling in patterning and differentiation of the mouse ureteric mesenchyme
Authors: Aydoğdu Nurullah , Rudat Carsten , Trowe Mark-Oliver , Kaiser Marina , Lüdtke Timo H. , Taketo Makoto Mark , Christoffels Vincent M. , Moon Anne , Kispert Andreas
Published: November 2018

The organized array of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and fibroblasts in the walls of visceral tubular organs arises by patterning and differentiation of mesenchymal progenitors surrounding the epithelial lumen. Here, we show that the TBX2 and TBX3 transcription factors have novel and required roles in regulating these processes in the murine ureter. Co-expression of TBX2 and TBX3 in the inner mesenchymal region of the developing ureter requires canonical WNT signaling. Loss of TBX2/TBX3 in this region disrupts activity of two crucial drivers of the SMC program, Foxf1 and BMP4 signaling, resulting in decreased SMC differentiation and increased extracellular matrix. Transcriptional profiling and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that TBX2/TBX3 directly repress expression of the WNT antagonists Dkk2 and Shisa2, the BMP antagonist Bmper and the chemokine Cxcl12. These findings suggest that TBX2/TBX3 are effectors of canonical WNT signaling in the ureteric mesenchyme that promote SMC differentiation by maintaining BMP4 and WNT signaling in the inner region, while restricting CXCL12 signaling to the outer layer of fibroblast-fated mesenchyme.
Art. 21 da LINDB - Indicando consequências e regularizando atos e negócios
Authors: Mendonça José Vicente Santos de
Published: November 2018

Article 21 of LINDB - Indicating consequences and regularizing public acts and arrangements O artigo pretende auxiliar na interpretação das normas extraídas a partir do art. 21 do Decreto-lei n. 4.567/42 – Lei de Introdução às Normas do Direito Brasileiro (LINDB). De início, o texto contextualiza o art. 21 da LINDB junto ao debate sobre o controle público. Então, indica o que poderiam ser consequências jurídicas e administrativas, e reflete sobre como se poderia indicá-las numa decisão administrativa ou judicial. Em seguida, o artigo cogita sobre o que poderia ser o dever de regularização proporcional, exigido pelo art. 21, par. único, da LINDB. Ao final, são indicados alguns possíveis aspectos polêmicos associados à incidência das normas objeto de estudo.  My paper aims helping interpreting article 21 of Decreto-lei n. 4.567/42 – Statute of Introduction to Brazilian Law Norms. At first, I try to integrate article 21 into a broader debate about Government controls. Then, I establish what could be taken as legal and administrative consequences, and reflect on how one could indicate them on a legal opinion. In the next section, I suggest what could be a duty on 'proportional validation' (as that of article 21, paragraph, of Decreto 4.567/42). Lastly, I contend with some of possible problems and difficulties associated with real-world application of article 21 of Decreto-lei n. 4.567/42.
O Art. 28 da LINDB - A cláusula geral do erro administrativo
Authors: Binenbojm Gustavo , Cyrino André
Published: November 2018

Article 28 of LINDB - The general clause of administrative mistake O escopo deste artigo é elucidar como o art. 28 da Lei de Introdução às Normas do Direito Brasileiro (LINDB) pode criar um ambiente de maior segurança jurídica para o administrador público bem intencionado e que quer agir de maneira inovadora, mas sabe que suas ideias e procedimentos podem estar, eventualmente, errados. Tem-se aqui o objetivo de esmiuçar o sentido normativo do dispositivo, seus limites de aplicação e algumas de suas possibilidades. Além disso, afastam-se algumas falácias que estão sendo ditas sobre o dispositivo, aqui tomado como cláusula geral sobre o erro administrativo. The scope of this article is to elucidate how article 28 of the Introductory Law to Brazilian Rules (LINDB) can create an environment of greater legal certainty for the well-motivated public administrator who wants to act innovatively, but knows that his ideas and procedures may be wrong. The objective here is to analyze the meaning of article 28, its limits of application and some of its possibilities. In addition, we present and answer some fallacies that are being said about this new rule, taken as a general clause about administrative error.
Art. 29 da LINDB - Regime jurídico da consulta pública
Authors: Monteiro Vera
Published: November 2018

Article 29 of LINDB - Legal regime of the public consultation O estudo trata do art. 29 da Lei de Introdução às Normas do Direito Brasileiro (LINDB), que trata do regime geral da consulta pública como condição prévia para a edição de atos normativos por autoridade administrativa. O artigo sustenta que realizar consulta pública é um dever. O fundamento é o devido processo legal. The scope of the study is article 29 of the Introductory Law to Brazilian Rules (LINDB), which objective is to create a general regime for the public consultation as a previous condition to the publication of rules by administrative bodies and authorities. The study sustains that it is mandatary to realize public consultation prior to public a new administrative rule. The argument is based on the due process of law.
Art. 30 da LINDB - O dever público de incrementar a segurança jurídica
Authors: Moreira Egon Bockmann , Pereira Paula Pessoa
Published: November 2018

Article 30 of LINDB - The public duty to increase legal certainty A LINDB constitui um sistema de aplicação do Direito Público, por meio de condicionantes de validade das decisões, lado a lado com respectivos parâmetros de aplicabilidade. O artigo 30, aqui comentado, diz respeito ao dever de instauração e incremento da segurança jurídica por meio do aperfeiçoamento do desenho institucional da ordem normativa. Ele convive com os fenômenos da indeterminação do direito, do impacto do constitucionalismo na atividade decisória estatal e foca no dever de criação de precedentes (lato sensu), como critérios de racionalidade, legitimidade e institucionalidade da atividade decisória pública. LINDB today constitutes a system of application of Public Law, by means of conditioners of validity of the decisions, side by side with parameters of applicability of these same decisions. Article 30, which will be discussed here, concerns the duty to establish legal certainty by improving the institutional design of the normative order. It coexists with the phenomena of the indeterminacy of law, of the impact of constitutionalism on the state's decision-making activity, and thus focuses on the duty to create precedents, like judicial ones, when these are presented as criteria of rationality, legitimacy and institutionality of public decision-making activity, arguments object of this paper.
Polyglutamine toxicity assays highlight the advantages of mScarlet for imaging in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Albakri Maram B. , Jiang Yuwei , Genereaux Julie , Lajoie Patrick
Published: November 2018

Development of fluorescent proteins (FPs) enabled researchers to visualize protein localization and trafficking in living cells and organisms. The extended palette of available FPs allows simultaneous detection of multiple fluorescent fusion proteins. Importantly, FPs are originally derived from different organisms from jelly fish to corals and each FP displays its own biophysical properties. Among these properties, the tendency of FPs to oligomerize inherently affects the behavior of its fusion partner. Here we employed the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to determine the impact of the latest generation of red FPs on their binding partner. We used a yeast assay based on the aggregation and toxicity of misfolded polyQ expansion proteins linked to Huntington’s disease. Since polyQ aggregation and toxicity are highly dependent on the sequences flanking the polyQ region, polyQ expansions provide an ideal tool to assess the impact of FPs on their fusion partners. We found that unlike what is observed for green FP variants, yemRFP and yFusionRed-tagged polyQ expansions  show reduced toxicity.  However, polyQ expansions tagged with the bright synthetically engineered ymScarlet displayed severe polyQ toxicity. Our data indicate that ymScarlet might have significant advantages over the previous generation of red FPs for use in fluorescent fusions in yeast.
Recent advances in cytokinesis: understanding the molecular underpinnings
Authors: Liu Yinan , Robinson Douglas
Published: November 2018

During cytokinesis, the cell employs various molecular machineries to separate into two daughters. Many signaling pathways are required to ensure temporal and spatial coordination of the molecular and mechanical events. Cells can also coordinate division with neighboring cells to maintain tissue integrity and flexibility. In this review, we focus on recent advances in the understanding of the molecular underpinnings of cytokinesis.
Continuous positive airway pressure in patients with rapid eye movement (REM)-specific obstructive sleep apnea, a retrospective match-controlled chart review
Authors: Soca Rodolfo , Buchner Erica , Attarian Hrayr
Published: November 2018

Background: Rapid eye movement (REM) obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) represents 13 to 35% of all OSA cases and is more common in women. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the gold standard for treatment of all forms of OSA but we do not know if patients with REM OSA have different pressure requirements than those with non-stage dependent OSA.

Methods: This was a retrospective case control study. We first identified individuals with REM OSA and then tried to identify apnea hypopnea index (AHI), gender, and body mass index (BMI) matching controls that had non-stage specific OSA. Individuals were considered to have REM OSA if the REM AHI was greater than 5 events/hour, and the ratio of REM AHI / non-rapid eye movement (NREM) AHI was greater than 2. Demographic variables and the recommended CPAP pressure were analyzed using paired Student’s T-Tests.

Results: Our study included a total of 16 individuals with REM OSA and equal number of AHI, gender, and BMI matching controls. Both groups had similar demographic and polysomnographic characteristics.  Individuals with REM OSA required similar CPAP pressures as controls (7.5 cm H2O vs 7.4 cm H2O p=0.78).

Conclusion: Individuals with REM require similar CPAP pressures as their AHI, gender, and BMI matching controls.
Borneo herbal plant extracts as a natural medication for prophylaxis and treatment of Aeromonas hydrophila and Pseudomonas fluorescens infection in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Hardi Esti Handayani , Nugroho Rudy Agung , Kusuma Irawan Wijaya , Suwinarti Wiwin , Sudaryono Agung , Rostika Rita
Published: November 2018

Background: This study aims to describe the antibacterial and immunostimulant abilities of Boesenbergia pandurata (BP), Solanum ferox (SF) and Zingiber Zerumbet (ZZ) plant extracts to treat and prevent Aeromonas hydrophila and Pseudomonas fluorescens infection on Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Methods: Tilapia (initial weight 15±2 g) were injected intramuscularly (0.1 ml/fish) with a combination of A. hydrophila and P. fluorescens at a density of 1×105 CFU ml-1 of each bacteria. Treatment trials were performed at day 7 post-injection with each combined extract, while the prevention trial was performed by including the combined extract into the diet for six and seven days prior to injection. Various combinations of extract—60 ml SF extract/kg feed with 40 ml ZZ/kg feed (SF60/ZZ40), SF50/ZZ50, BP90/SF10, and BP50/SF50—were mixed with a commercial diet and used in both treatment and prevention trials. Haematological and immunological parameters were performed every week for four weeks.

Results: In prevention trials, tilapia fed SF50/ZZ50 showed a significant increase of white and red blood cells from weeks 2 to 4. Similarly, significantly increased haematocrit was also found in tilapia fed SF50/ZZ50 in the treatment trial but not in the prevention trial. However, haemoglobin of tilapia in both trials was not affected by any of the various combinations of extract in the diet. Furthermore, phagocytic, respiratory burst, lysozyme activity indexes and survival rate of fish fed with combined extracts were found to be significantly higher than controls. Moreover, the amount of pathogenic bacteria in fish that were fed combined extracts was also lower than the control and was significantly different at week 4.

Conclusions: This study indicates that the addition of combined extract into feed has a positive effect on the tilapia's immune system. The SF50/ZZ50 combination appears to improve the innate immune system of tilapia to treat and prevent bacterial infections.
Leveraging existing program data for routine efficiency measurement in Zambia
Authors: Homan Rick , Bratt John , Marchand Gregory , Kansembe Henry
Published: November 2018

Rationale: As donor contributions for HIV/AIDS stagnate globally, national governments must seek ways to improve use of existing resources through interventions to drive efficiency at the facility level.  But program managers lack routine information on unit expenditures at points of care, and higher-level planners are unable to assess resource use in the health system.  Thus, managers cannot measure current levels of technical efficiency, and are unable to evaluate effectiveness of interventions to increase technical efficiency.

Phased Implementation of REMS: FHI 360 developed the Routine Efficiency Monitoring System (REMS)-a relational database leveraging existing budget, expenditure and output data to produce quarterly site-level estimates of unit expenditure per service.  Along with the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) and implementation partner Avencion, we configured REMS to measure technical efficiency of Ministry of Health resources used to deliver HIV/AIDS services in 326 facilities in 17 high-priority districts in Copperbelt and Central Provinces.  REMS allocation algorithms were developed through facility assessments, and key informant interviews with MoH staff.  Existing IFMIS and DHIS-2 data streams provide recurring flows of expenditure and output data needed to estimate service-specific unit expenditures.  Trained users access REMS output through user-friendly dashboards delivered through a web-based application. 

REMS as a Solution: District health managers use REMS to identify “outlier” facilities to test performance improvement interventions.  Provincial and national planners are using REMS to seek savings and ensure that resources are directed to geographic and programmatic areas with highest need.  REMS can support reimbursement for social health insurance and provide time-series data on facility-level costs for modeling.

Conclusions and Next Steps:  REMS gives managers and planners substantially-improved data on how programs transform resources into services.  The GRZ is seeking funding to expand REMS nationally, covering all major disease areas.  Improved technical efficiency supports the goal of a sustainable HIV/AIDS response.
АКТУАЛЬНЫЕ ПРИЗНАКИ КОНЦЕПТА GOTT В НЕМЕЦКОЙ ЯЗЫКОВОЙ КАРТИНЕ МИРА
Authors: Morozov Evgenii Alexandrovich , Urazayeva Nailya Radifovna
Published: November 2018

Цель. Предметом исследования выступает лингвокультурное содержание концепта Gott (бог) в немецком языке. Бог представляет собой высшую ценность для религиозного человека. Концепт Gott относится к фундаментальным концептам, определяющим сознание человека, и через изучение языковых средств, его репрезентирующих, позволяет реконструировать картину мира народа. В немецком языке, как и во многих других, исследуемый концепт широко представлен в лексико-фразеологическом фонде и паремиях, которые в концентрированной форме отражают ценностные ориентации, мировидение, картину мира общества. Авторы ставят целью смоделировать концепт Gott в немецком языке на основе лингвокогнитивного анализа, раскрыть национальную языковую картину мира.Метод или методология проведения работы. Основными методами исследования являются концептуальный анализ, который опирается на лексикографический и семантический анализ, а также свободный лингвистический ассоциативный эксперимент и метод сплошной выборки. До сих пор данный концепт немецкой лингвокультуры не подвергался комплексному всестороннему описанию, основанному на понятийных и ценностных характеристиках.Результаты. Результаты исследования заключаются во всестороннем анализе трех основных составляющих концепта Gott: понятийной, образно-перцептивной и ценностной характеристик. На основе проведенного исследования была смоделирована структура концепта Gott в немецкой языковой картине мира, были выделены следующие концептуальные признаки: всемогущий, всезнающий, создатель, судья, достойный восхваления и др.Область применения результатов. Результаты исследования послужат вкладом в когнитивные исследования языка, описание концептов, изучение национальной языковой картины мира, а также сопоставительное изучение языков и концептов, фразеологии и паремиологии.
ГЕНДЕРНАЯ МАСКА АВТОРА В ЯЗЫКЕ: ГЛАГОЛЬНОЕ ВОПЛОЩЕНИЕ (НА МАТЕРИАЛЕ ЛЮБОВНЫХ РОМАНОВ Э.Л. ДЖЕЙМС)
Authors: Vinnik Evgeniya Ivanovna
Published: November 2018

Цель. Статья посвящена актуальной в условиях современного общества проблеме субъективного самовосприятия и самоосознания личности в рамках гендерной идентификации. Автор ставит целью выяснить путь трансляции в письменную форму женской идентичности как гендерную «примерку».Метод или методология проведения работы. Основу исследования образуют дефиниционный анализ современных гендерных концепций, контекстологический анализ речевой ткани художественных произведений, интерпретация и систематика языковых фактов, количественная и качественная обработка данных.Результаты. Результаты работы заключаются в том, что автор инициировал попытку осмысления письменного художественного текста с учетом новейших достижений в области гендерной лингвистики. Анализ глагольного семантического пространства, репрезентированного в романах Э.Л. Джеймс «Пятьдесят оттенков серого» и «Грей. Кристиан Грей о пятидесяти оттенках» (около 9 000 манифестаций) подтверждает гипотезу о возможности трансформации авторской идентичности в текстуальную посредством гендерной маски.Область применения результатов. Результаты исследования могут быть применены в процессе практического системного изучения употребления глагола (и глагольных форм) в реализации гендерного аспекта в художественном тексте.
ФУНКЦИОНАЛЬНО-СЕМАНТИЧЕСКИЙ АНАЛИЗ СУФФИКСА -AGE В КВЕБЕКСКОМ ВАРИАНТЕ ФРАНЦУЗСКОГО ЯЗЫКА XIX ВЕКА
Authors: Razumova Lina Vassilievna
Published: November 2018

Цель. Статья посвящена анализу суффикса -age, одного из частоупотребительных средств словообразовательной системы квебекского варианта французского языка, вполне сложившегося как отдельного к XIX веку. Цель исследования – определить семантические и функциональные характеристики анализируемого суффикса, его продуктивность в квебекском языковом сообществе франкофонов.Методология проведения работы. Методологическую основу исследования составляет совокупность методов анализа словарных дефиниций, компонентного и структурно-семантического анализа, а также метода количественного анализа. Исследование осуществлялось на основе общенаучного системного подхода с учетом принципа историзма.Результаты. Высокая продуктивность, которую демонстрирует суффикс -age в словообразовательной системе квебекского варианта французского языка в XIX веке, объясняется разнообразием передаваемых им семантических отношений. Они условно могут быть вписаны в градуальную шкалу, крайними точками которой выступают, с одной стороны – указание на действие, с другой – на абстрактную собирательную предметность. Многие из свойственных суффиксу -age отношений развиваются на территории Квебека самостоятельно, в отрыве от метропольного французского, все больше маркируя квебекский вариант как отдельный.Область применения результатов. Результаты исследования могут быть применены в научной и учебно-педагогической деятельности в разделах, посвященных анализу словообразовательных средств языка, исследованию географических (диатопических) вариантов языка.
ИНТОНАЦИОННО-ВЫРАЗИТЕЛЬНЫЕ СРЕДСТВА ВОЗДЕЙСТВИЯ НА АДРЕСАТА В АДВОКАТСКОМ ДИСКУРСЕ
Authors: Zarezina Svetlana Nikolaevna , Moiseenko Aleksander Aleksandrovich
Published: November 2018

Цель. Представленная статья посвящена особенностям использования интонации и ударения как фонетических средств воздействия на адресата в адвокатском дискурсе. Интонация и ударение рассматриваются как суперсегментные фонетические единицы, включающие в себя такие составляющие, как мелодику, ритм, интенсивность, темп, тембр речи, фразовое и логическое ударение.Метод и методология проведения работы. Основные методы исследования относятся к дискурсологии; авторами используется метод дискурсивного анализа фонетических явлений с точки зрения перцепции и их манипулятивной значимости. В качестве методологической основы исследования выступают работы отечественных и зарубежных ученых, посвященных сущностной природе дискурса, адвокатского дискурса в частности.Результаты исследования. В результате анализа речи адвоката Р.В. Ардыкуцы делается вывод о том, что речевое воздействие на аудиторию за счет ипользования фонетических средств вместе с другими средствами, такими как лексические, синтаксические, стилистические и др., может проявляться достаточно ярко и являться эффективным способом влияния на аудиторию в рамках судебного процесса.Область применения результатов исследования. Результаты исследования могут быть использованы в рамках лекционных и семинарских занятий по дискурсу, судебной лингвистике, теории речевого воздействия.
ЦЕННОСТЬ КАК ФИЛОСОФСКАЯ И ЛИНГВИСТИЧЕСКАЯ КАТЕГОРИЯ
Authors: Kadachieva Khaibat Magomedtagirovna , Abdulkadyrova Asiyat Bagautdinovna
Published: November 2018

Цель. В статье рассматривается эволюция понятия «ценность» в отечественной и зарубежной научной традиции. Зонтиковый характер современной науки о языке дает возможность разностороннего и многоаспектного изучения данного феномена. Оценочно-деятельностное, динамичное, отношение человека к миру, с одной стороны, и его зафиксированность, статичность в языке, с другой, стали причиной контрадикторной трактовки традиционного понятия «ценность». В отличие от философской категории, лингвистическое понимание ценности не исключает и биполярной ее интерпретации как «антиценности».Новизна. Разграничение ценностей в рамках двухаспектного подхода позволяет установить специфичность лингвистического подхода для аксиологического осмысления ценностей и антиценностей как вербализованных феноменов, существующих в неразрывной связи с прагматическими и культурологическими установками социума.Метод или методология проведения работы. Основу исследования образуют системный и диалектический подходы, а также индуктивно-дедуктивный и компаративистский методы.Результаты. Многоаспектность трактовки понятия «ценность» обусловлена целями и задачами исследования. Универсальным является представление ценности как философского, аксиологического и лингвокультурологического единства. Объективность, динамичность и системный характер ценности проявляются через ее языковое и речевое воплощение. При изучении ценности как философской категории акцент делается на положительные ценности, в то время как в лингвистике внимание исследователей преимущественно обращено к антиценностям, как воплощению антисоциальности носителей языка. Многочисленные классификации ценностей являются результатом оценочно-деятельностного отношения к миру. Ценностная картина мира, закрепленная в сознании представителей отдельного этноса и зафиксированная в языке этого этноса, представляет собой систему ценностей, псевдоценностей и антиценостей.Область применения результатов. Значимость работы определяется тем, что она вносит вклад в развитие лингвокультурологического направления – аксиологической лингвистики – и расширяет современные представления о ценностях. В работе уточняются теоретические основы изучения ценностей, предложены определения основных понятий, которые необходимы при таком исследовании.
НАЦИОНАЛЬНАЯ ИДЕНТИЧНОСТЬ В БРИТАНСКОМ ПОЛИТИЧЕСКОМ ДИСКУРСЕ
Authors: Kaufova Inessa Betalovna , Kaufova Lola Aslanovna
Published: November 2018

Цель. Авторы ставят целью выделить и проанализировать свойственные британскому политическому лидеру Терезе Мэй лексические средства реализации национальной идентичности, с помощью которых политиком решаются коммуникативные задачи.Метод и методология исследования. Основными методами исследования данной работы являются сопоставительный, лингвистический и описательный.Результаты. С лингвистической точки зрения британская национальная идентичность выражается скорее через лексику, подчеркивающую политические и этические ценностно-ориентированные качества, которые считаются традиционными для данной страны, чем через характерные национальные признаки.Область применения результатов. Результаты исследования могут быть применены в области политической лингвистики, культурологи и риторики.
Uma voz deste século em busca de um lugar na literatura
Authors: Müller Andréa Correa Paraiso
Published: November 2018

O romance O caso Meursault (2016), escrito em francês pelo argelino Kamel Daoud, retoma, como se pode ver dede o título, o clássico O Estrangeiro (1942), de Albert Camus, porém o faz do ponto de vista da vítima. O narrador – o irmão mais novo do árabe assassinado por Meursault, protagonista e narrador de O Estrangeiro – expressa o desejo de reconstituir uma história silenciada e de restituir a voz e a identidade de seu irmão, que não tivera nome no relato de Meursault. Lido por muitos como metáfora da colonização francesa na Argélia, o romance de Daoud vai muito além de uma revisão do passado. Questiona o presente de seu país e põe em foco a própria literatura. Este artigo tem por objetivo realizar uma análise da construção intertextual de O caso Meursault − para a qual nos apoiamos, sobretudo, em propostas teóricas de Gignoux (2016) e Samoyault (2008) – aliada à reflexão sobre as questões pós-coloniais, com base em autores como Clavaron (2012), Achour (2015), Said (1990), entre outros. Procuramos entender o texto de Daoud não simplesmente como um exemplar da produção romanesca de seu país e das questões sociais e políticas envolvidas, mas, principalmente, como expressão da literatura de seu tempo.
A situação da narrativa contemporânea hoje Entrevista com Julián Fuks
Authors: Dias Felício Laurindo
Published: November 2018

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