bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loess landslides on the South Jingyang Platform in Shaanxi Province, China
Authors: Ma Penghui , Peng Jianbing , Wang Qiyao , Duan Zhao , Meng Zhenjiang , Jianqi Zhuang
Published: March 2019

Continuous use of diversion irrigation has been associated with an increase in the frequency of loess landslides on the South Jingyang Platform in Shaanxi Province, China. Continued irrigation results in increased water content, which in turn leads to liquefaction, causing flowslides characterized by high speed and long runout distance. After the first flowslide occurs in an area, the seepage field and stress field of the slopes surrounding the flowslide change, resulting in a decrease in slope stability. This, in turn, leads to the occurrence of retrograde loess slides in the same position as earlier flowslides. These failures lead to evolution of the platform. Shear liquefaction occurs in the terrace sand layers, resulting in liquefied sand layer flows that occur in a non-uniform and irregular manner. This leads to the formation of a thrust nappe structure over a long distance at the distal part of the deposits.
Assessing longwall shield–strata interaction using a physical model
Authors: Song Gaofeng , Ding Kuo , Kong Dezhong
Published: March 2019

The stability of the longwall face and shields in thick coal seams requires a thorough understanding of shield–strata interaction, but the realistic hydraulic operations of longwall shields have been widely ignored to date. This paper reproduces the behaviour of the longwall face and shield in response to roof loading through a physical modelling study with a consideration of the basic operating principles of the shield leg cylinder. The extension and retraction of the leg cylinder and important characteristics of longwall shields are introduced. The results show that: (1) the shield vertical stiffness has a positive correlation with shield capacity, and it decreases with the extension of the hydraulic liquid inside the leg cylinder; (2) higher capacity shields develop more load in response to roof convergence, but retain an adequate reserve capacity to protect the shield from damage; (3) yielding of a modern shield represents a 10% drop in yielding pressure and produces 5–10 mm of reduction in shield height and 100–250 t of loss in support load; (4) the physical modelling study of shield–strata interaction with a consideration of leg hydraulic operation shows a step function of roof deflection. Face and roof displace at a slow rate during the initial shield loading stage but increase rapidly during the yielding events.
Layout Cross-Platform and Cross-Browser Incompatibilities Detection using Classification of DOM Elements
Authors: Watanabe Willian Massami , Amêndola Giovana Lázaro , Paes Fagner Christian
Published: March 2019

Web applications can be accessed through a variety of user agent configurations, in which the browser, platform, and device capabilities are not under the control of developers. In order to grant the compatibility of a web application in each environment, developers must manually inspect their web application in a wide variety of devices, platforms, and browsers. Web applications can be rendered inconsistently depending on the browser, the platform, and the device capabilities which are used. Furthermore, the devices’ different viewport widths impact the way web applications are rendered in them, in which elements can be resized and change their absolute positions in the display. These adaptation strategies must also be considered in automatic incompatibility detection approaches in the state of the art. Hence, we propose a classification approach for detecting Layout Cross-platform and Cross-browser incompatibilities, which considers the adaptation strategies used in responsive web applications. Our approach is an extension of previous Cross-browser incompatibility detection approaches and has the goal of reducing the cost associated with manual inspections in different devices, platforms, and browsers, by automatically detecting Layout incompatibilities in this scenario. The proposed approach classifies each DOM element which composes a web application as an incompatibility or not, based on its attributes, position, alignment, screenshot, and the viewport width of the browser. We report the results of an experiment conducted with 42 Responsive Web Applications, rendered in three devices (Apple iPhone SE, Apple iPhone 8 Plus, and Motorola Moto G4) and browsers (Google Chrome and Apple Safari). The results (with F-measure of 0.70) showed evidence which quantify the effectiveness of our classification approach, and it could be further enhanced for detecting Cross-platform and Cross-browser incompatibilities. Furthermore, in the experiment, our approach also performed better when compared to a former state-of-the-art classification technique for Cross-browser incompatibilities detection.
Molecular Characterization of Atmospheric Organic Aerosol by Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Johnston Murray V. , Kerecman Devan E.
Published: March 2019

Atmospheric aerosol, particulate matter suspended in the air we breathe, exerts a strong impact on our health and the environment. Controlling the amount of particulate matter in air is difficult, as there are many ways particles can form by both natural and anthropogenic processes. We gain insight into the sources of particulate matter through chemical composition measurements. A substantial portion of atmospheric aerosol is organic, and this organic matter is exceedingly complex on a molecular scale, encompassing hundreds to thousands of individual compounds that distribute between the gas and particle phases. Because of this complexity, no single analytical technique is sufficient. However, mass spectrometry plays a crucial role owing to its combination of high sensitivity and molecular specificity. This review surveys the various ways mass spectrometry is used to characterize atmospheric organic aerosol at a molecular level, tracing these methods from inception to current practice, with emphasis on current and emerging areas of research. Both offline and online approaches are covered, and molecular measurements with them are discussed in the context of identifying sources and elucidating the underlying chemical mechanisms of particle formation. There is an ongoing need to improve existing techniques and develop new ones if we are to further advance our knowledge of how to mitigate the unwanted health and environmental impacts of particles.
Structure and Mechanisms of F-Type ATP Synthases
Authors: Kühlbrandt Werner
Published: March 2019

F1FoATP synthases produce most of the ATP in the cell. F-type ATP synthases have been investigated for more than 50 years, but a full understanding of their molecular mechanisms has become possible only with the recent structures of complete, functionally competent complexes determined by electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM). High-resolution cryo-EM structures offer a wealth of unexpected new insights. The catalytic F1head rotates with the central γ-subunit for the first part of each ATP-generating power stroke. Joint rotation is enabled by subunit δ/OSCP acting as a flexible hinge between F1and the peripheral stalk. Subunit a conducts protons to and from the c-ring rotor through two conserved aqueous channels. The channels are separated by ∼6 Å in the hydrophobic core of Fo, resulting in a strong local field that generates torque to drive rotary catalysis in F1. The structure of the chloroplast F1Focomplex explains how ATPase activity is turned off at night by a redox switch. Structures of mitochondrial ATP synthase dimers indicate how they shape the inner membrane cristae. The new cryo-EM structures complete our picture of the ATP synthases and reveal the unique mechanism by which they transform an electrochemical membrane potential into biologically useful chemical energy.
Molecular Heterogeneity in Large-Scale Biological Data: Techniques and Applications
Authors: Deng Chao , Daley Timothy , De Sena Brandine Guilherme , Smith Andrew D.
Published: March 2019

High-throughput sequencing technologies have evolved at a stellar pace for almost a decade and have greatly advanced our understanding of genome biology. In these sampling-based technologies, there is an important detail that is often overlooked in the analysis of the data and the design of the experiments, specifically that the sampled observations often do not give a representative picture of the underlying population. This has long been recognized as a problem in statistical ecology and in the broader statistics literature. In this review, we discuss the connections between these fields, methodological advances that parallel both the needs and opportunities of large-scale data analysis, and specific applications in modern biology. In the process we describe unique aspects of applying these approaches to sequencing technologies, including sequencing error, population and individual heterogeneity, and the design of experiments.
On Radical-Induced Ignition in Combustion Systems
Authors: Liang Wenkai , Law Chung K.
Published: March 2019

This article reviews recent theoretical developments on incipient ignition induced by radical runaway in systems described by detailed chemistry. Employing eigenvalue analysis, we first analyze the canonical explosion limits of mixtures of hydrogen and oxygen, yielding explicit criteria that well reproduce their characteristic Z-shaped response in the pressure–temperature plot. Subsequently, we evaluate the role of hydrogen addition to the explosion limits of mixtures of oxygen with either carbon monoxide or methane, demonstrating and quantifying its strong catalytic effect, especially for the carbon monoxide cases. We then discuss the role of low-temperature chemistry in the autoignition of large hydrocarbon fuels, with emphasis on the first-stage ignition delay and the associated negative-temperature coefficient phenomena. Finally, we extend the analysis to problems of nonhomogeneous ignition in the presence of convective–diffusive transport, using counterflow as an example, demonstrating the canonical similarity between homogeneous and nonhomogeneous systems. We conclude with suggestions for potential directions for future research.
A maternal high-fat, high-sucrose diet induces transgenerational cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction independently of maternal mitochondrial inheritance
Authors: Ferey Jeremie L. A. , Boudoures Anna L. , Reid Michaela , Drury Andrea , Scheaffer Suzanne , Modi Zeel , Kovacs Attila , Pietka Terri , DeBosch Brian J. , Thompson Michael D. , Diwan Abhinav , Moley Kelle H.
Published: March 2019

Maternal obesity is correlated with cardiovascular disease in offspring, with a 1.3-fold increase in events observed in offspring of obese women. We have observed that obesity-exposed oocytes demonstrate impaired mitophagy and transmit damaged mitochondria to the offspring. Accordingly, we hypothesized that maternal obesity induces cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction in the offspring via transgenerational inheritance of abnormal oocyte mitochondria. We mated female mice fed a high-fat/high-sucrose (HFS) diet (or chow) with chow-fed males and assessed cardiac structure and function in their descendants that were chow fed in each generation. All F1 to F3 descendants bred via the female in each generation were nonobese and demonstrated cardiac mitochondrial abnormalities with crystal rarefaction and reduced oxygen consumption pointing to a transgenerational effect, while obese F0 dams’ hearts were unaffected. Furthermore, male offspring from F1 to F3 generations and female F1 and F2 offspring developed increased left ventricular (LV) mass (vs. chow-fed controls). Increased LV mass was also observed in offspring generated by in vitro fertilization of obesity-exposed oocytes and gestation in nonobese surrogates, ruling out a gestational environment effect. Contrary to our hypothesis, male F1 also transmitted these effects to their offspring, ruling out maternal mitochondria as the primary mode of transmission. We conclude that transmission of obesity-induced effects in the oocyte nucleus rather than abnormal mitochondria underlie transgenerational inheritance of cardiac mitochondrial defects in descendants of obese females. These findings will spur exploration of epigenetic alterations in the oocyte genome as potential mechanisms whereby a family history of maternal obesity predisposes to cardiovascular disease in humans.

Listen to this article's corresponding podcast at https://ajpheart.podbean.com/e/maternal-obesity-induces-transgenerational-cardiac-mitochondrial-dysfunction/ .
Novel approach for quantification of endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+transport
Authors: Bovo Elisa , Nikolaienko Roman , Bhayani Siddharth , Kahn Daniel , Cao Quan , Martin Jody L. , Kuo Ivana Y. , Robia Seth L. , Zima Aleksey V.
Published: March 2019

The type 2a sarco-/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA2a) plays a key role in Ca2+regulation in the heart. However, available techniques to study SERCA function are either cell destructive or lack sensitivity. The goal of this study was to develop an approach to selectively measure SERCA2a function in the cellular environment. The genetically encoded Ca2+sensor R-CEPIA1er was used to measure the concentration of Ca2+in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) ([Ca2+]ER) in HEK293 cells expressing human SERCA2a. Coexpression of the ER Ca2+release channel ryanodine receptor (RyR2) created a Ca2+release/reuptake system that mimicked aspects of cardiac myocyte Ca2+handling. SERCA2a function was quantified from the rate of [Ca2+]ERrefilling after ER Ca2+depletion; then, ER Ca2+leak was measured after SERCA inhibition. ER Ca2+uptake and leak were analyzed as a function of [Ca2+]ERto determine maximum ER Ca2+uptake rate and maximum ER Ca2+load. The sensitivity of this assay was validated by analyzing effects of SERCA inhibitors, [ATP]/[ADP], oxidative stress, phospholamban, and a loss-of-function SERCA2a mutation. In addition, the feasibility of using R-CEPIA1er to study SERCA2a in a native system was evaluated by using in vivo gene delivery to express R-CEPIA1er in mouse hearts. After ventricular myocyte isolation, the same methodology used in HEK293 cells was applied to study endogenous SERCA2a. In conclusion, this new approach can be used as a sensitive screening tool to study the effect of different drugs, posttranslational modifications, and mutations on SERCA function.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The aim of this study was to develop a sensitive approach to selectively measure sarco-/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) function in the cellular environment. The newly developed Ca2+sensor R-CEPIA1er was used to successfully analyze Ca2+uptake mediated by recombinant and native cardiac SERCA. These results demonstrate that this new approach can be used as a powerful tool to study new mechanisms of Ca2+pump regulation.
Ablation of cardiac TIGAR preserves myocardial energetics and cardiac function in the pressure overload heart failure model
Authors: Okawa Yoshifumi , Hoshino Atsushi , Ariyoshi Makoto , Kaimoto Satoshi , Tateishi Shuhei , Ono Kazunori , Uchihashi Motoki , Iwai-Kanai Eri , Matoba Satoaki
Published: March 2019

Despite the advances in medical therapy, the morbidity and mortality of heart failure (HF) remain unacceptably high. HF results from reduced metabolism–contraction coupling efficiency, so the modulation of cardiac metabolism may be an effective strategy for therapeutic interventions. Tumor suppressor p53 (TP53) and its downstream target TP53-induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator (TIGAR) are known to modulate cardiac metabolism and cell fate. To investigate TIGAR’s function in HF, we compared myocardial, metabolic, and functional outcomes between TIGAR knockout (TIGAR−/−) mice and wild-type (TIGAR+/+) mice subjected to chronic thoracic transverse aortic constriction (TAC), a pressure-overload HF model. In wild-type mice hearts, p53 and TIGAR increased markedly during HF development. Eight weeks after TAC surgery, the left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, fibrosis, oxidative damage, and myocyte apoptosis were significantly advanced in wild-type than in TIGAR−/−mouse heart. Further, myocardial high-energy phosphates in wild-type hearts were significantly decreased compared with those of TIGAR−/−mouse heart. Glucose oxidation and glycolysis rates were also reduced in isolated perfused wild-type hearts following TAC than those in TIGAR−/−hearts, which suggest that the upregulation of TIGAR in HF causes impaired myocardial energetics and function. The effects of TIGAR knockout on LV function were also replicated in tamoxifen (TAM)-inducible cardiac-specific TIGAR knockout mice ( TIGARflox/flox/Tg(Myh6-cre/Esr1) mice). The ablation of TIGAR during pressure-overload HF preserves myocardial function and energetics. Thus, cardiac TIGAR-targeted therapy to increase glucose metabolism will be a novel strategy for HF.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present study is the first to demonstrate that TP53-induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator (TIGAR) is upregulated in the myocardium during experimental heart failure (HF) in mice and that TIGAR knockout can preserve the heart function and myocardial energetics during HF. Reducing TIGAR to enhance myocardial glycolytic energy production is a promising therapeutic strategy for HF.
MK5 haplodeficiency decreases collagen deposition and scar size during post-myocardial infarction wound repair
Authors: Nawaito Sherin Ali , Sahadevan Pramod , Clavet-Lanthier Marie-Élaine , Pouliot Philippe , Sahmi Fatiha , Shi Yanfen , Gillis Marc-Antoine , Lesage Frederic , Gaestel Matthias , Sirois Martin G. , Calderone Angelo , Tardif Jean-Claude , Allen Bruce G.
Published: March 2019

MK5/PRAK is a protein serine/threonine kinase activated by p38 MAPK and/or atypical MAPKs ERK3/4. MK5 haplodeficiency reduced infarct size, scar area, and scar collagen content post-myocardial infarction. Motility and proliferation were reduced in cultured MK5-null cardiac myofibroblasts.
The PKR-Like Endoplasmic Reticulum Kinase Promotes the Dissemination of Myc-Induced Leukemic Cells
Authors: Gui Jun , Katlinski Kanstantsin V. , Koumenis Constantinos , Diehl J. Alan , Fuchs Serge Y.
Published: March 2019

Hyperactive oncogenic Myc stimulates protein synthesis that induces the unfolded protein response, which requires the function of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2-alpha kinase 3, also known as protein kinase R (PKR)-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK). Activated PERK acts to limit mRNA translation, enable proper protein folding, and restore the homeostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum. Given that Myc activation contributes to many types of lymphoid and myeloid human leukemias, we used a mouse model to examine the importance of PERK in development and progression of Myc-induced leukemias. We found that genetic ablation of Perk does not suppress the generation of the leukemic cells in the bone marrow. However, the cell-autonomous Perk deficiency restricts the dissemination of leukemic cells into peripheral blood, lymph nodes, and vital peripheral organs. Whereas the loss of the IFNAR1 chain of type I IFN receptor stimulated leukemia, Perk ablation did not stabilize IFNAR1, suggesting that PERK stimulates the leukemic cells' dissemination in an IFNAR1-independent manner. We discuss the rationale for using PERK inhibitors against Myc-driven leukemias.

Implications:

The role of PERK in dissemination of Myc-induced leukemic cells demonstrated in this study argues for the use of PERK inhibitors against leukemia progression.
Performance Evaluation of MHC Class-I Binding Prediction Tools Based on an Experimentally Validated MHC–Peptide Binding Data Set
Authors: Bonsack Maria , Hoppe Stephanie , Winter Jan , Tichy Diana , Zeller Christine , Küpper Marius D. , Schitter Eva C. , Blatnik Renata , Riemer Angelika B.
Published: March 2019

Knowing whether a protein can be processed and the resulting peptides presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is highly important for immunotherapy design. MHC ligands can be predicted by in silico peptide–MHC class-I binding prediction algorithms. However, prediction performance differs considerably, depending on the selected algorithm, MHC class-I type, and peptide length. We evaluated the prediction performance of 13 algorithms based on binding affinity data of 8- to 11-mer peptides derived from the HPV16 E6 and E7 proteins to the most prevalent human leukocyte antigen (HLA) types. Peptides from high to low predicted binding likelihood were synthesized, and their HLA binding was experimentally verified by in vitro competitive binding assays. Based on the actual binding capacity of the peptides, the performance of prediction algorithms was analyzed by calculating receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and the area under the curve (AROC). No algorithm outperformed others, but different algorithms predicted best for particular HLA types and peptide lengths. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of decision thresholds were calculated. Commonly used decision thresholds yielded only 40% sensitivity. To increase sensitivity, optimal thresholds were calculated, validated, and compared. In order to make maximal use of prediction algorithms available online, we developed MHCcombine, a web application that allows simultaneous querying and output combination of up to 13 prediction algorithms. Taken together, we provide here an evaluation of peptide–MHC class-I binding prediction tools and recommendations to increase prediction sensitivity to extend the number of potential epitopes applicable as targets for immunotherapy.
Patterns of Failures and Clinical Outcome of Patients with Early-Stage, High-Risk, Node-Negative Endometrial Cancer Treated with Surgery Followed by Adjuvant Platinum-Based Chemotherapy and Vaginal Brachytherapy
Authors: Laliscia Concetta , Cosio Stefania , Morganti Riccardo , Mazzotti Valentina , Fabrini Maria Grazia , Paiar Fabiola , Gadducci Angiolo
Published: March 2019

Objective: To assess the clinical outcome of patients with high-risk early-stage endometrial cancer and negative pelvic nodes who received adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy plus vaginal brachytherapy (VBT). Methods: This investigation assessed 80 patients who underwent hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and pelvic lymphadenectomy for stage Ib-II, grade 2–3 endometrioid (n = 43) or stage Ia-II nonendometrioid (n = 37) endometrial cancer. Results: Five-year local control rate, 5-year disease-free survival, and 5-year overall survival were 97, 87, and 97%, respectively, for endometrioid carcinoma, and 66, 50, and 72%, respectively, for nonendometrioid carcinoma. Conclusions: This retrospective study appears to show that adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy plus VBT achieve very good results in endometrioid carcinoma. This combined treatment seems to be less effective in nonendometrioid carcinoma.
Diagnostic Value of Fine-Needle Aspiration in Male Breast Lesions
Authors: Hoda Raza S. , Arpin III Ronald N. , Gottumukkala Ravi V. , Hughes Kevin S. , Ly Amy , Brachtel Elena F.
Published: March 2019

Objective: Differentiation between gynecomastia, a common cause of male breast enlargement, and breast cancer is crucial for appropriate management. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy has been shown to be sensitive and specific in assessing female breast lesions, comparable to core needle biopsy. Few such studies have been conducted in men. We assessed its diagnostic value in a male patient cohort. Study Design: Men who underwent fine-needle aspiration (FNA) for palpable breast lesions at Massachusetts General Hospital from January 2007 to December 2016 were evaluated. Clinical data, radiographic findings, and cytologic diagnoses of 74 breast FNA from 71 men were reviewed. Breast aspirates were classified as nondiagnostic, benign, atypical, suspicious for malignancy, or malignant. Histology was obtained in 37 cases, and clinical and radiological data were used as follow-up in 37 patients. Results: Most FNA biopsies (73%) were performed by cytopathologists, and 93.2% of the breast FNA in men were adequate; 58% showed benign processes, mostly gynecomastia (n = 22), and 28.4% (n = 21) were malignant, most often ductal carcinoma. No false-positive cytologies were obtained, and there was 1 false-negative cytology. In our study, FNA of palpable male breast lesions was 95.8% sensitive and 100% specific. Conclusions: FNA allows sensitive, specific, and safe evaluation and diagnosis of palpable male breast lesions.
Oral Health and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nangle Matthew R. , Riches Julia , Grainger Sarah A. , Manchery Nithin , Sachdev Perminder S. , Henry Julie D.
Published: March 2019

Background: It has often been argued that there is a relationship between oral health and cognitive decline in late adulthood, but a recent systematic review concluded that it was unclear “how or whether” any relationship exists. However, most of the studies that contributed to this review operationalised cognitive function using a brief cognitive screen and/or dementia status. Objective: An updated systematic review was conducted that focused on how oral health relates to specific cognitive abilities in older adults (specifically, the neurocognitive domains specified in the DSM-5: learning and memory, perceptual motor function, language, executive function, complex attention, and social cognition). Methods: A systematic review was undertaken and completed in August 2018. From a total of 1,304 potentially relevant articles, 23 were identified that assessed oral health and at least one of the specific cognitive domains in an older adult cohort. Results: The most consistent relationships were identified with learning and memory, complex attention, and executive function. For each of these cognitive domains, most studies identified significant unadjusted associations with oral health; where adjustments for covariates were made, at least one of the associations with oral health remained significant in half or more of the studies. Results were less clear for the domains of language and perceptual motor function. No study assessed the relationship between social cognition and oral health. Conclusions: This systematic review provides evidence of an association between learning and memory, complex attention, and executive function with oral health in old age. Gaining a detailed picture of how specific types of cognitive decline relate to oral health has potential implications for earlier identification of older adults who experience oral health problems, and may also inform the development of more effective interventions focused on enhancing oral health outcomes in this group.
Cellular and Humoral Responses to Cte f 2, a Cat Flea Allergen, in Children with Papular Urticaria
Authors: Sabogal Pablo , Lozano Ana , Mercado Dilia , Cantillo José Fernando , Moncada Ligia , Quiñones Martha L. , Fernández-Caldas Enrique , Caraballo Luis , Zakzuk Josefina , García Gomez Elizabeth
Published: March 2019

Background: Papular urticaria (PU) is a common insect bite skin hypersensitivity in tropical countries. In order to gain insight into its causal allergens, we aimed to evaluate cellular and humoral immune responses to the recombinant salivary antigen Cte f 2 from the cat flea Ctenocephalides felis. Method: Sixty patients with PU and 27 healthy controls were included in this study. Specific IgE, IgG, IgG1, and IgG4 against Cte f 2 and C. felis extract were determined by ELISA. The T-cell response was analyzed using a carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE)-based dilution assay and Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokine measurements. In addition, a proteomic analysis of IgG and IgE reactive spots of C. felis extract was performed. Results: The frequency of IgE sensitization to Cte f 2 was similar between patients (36.7%) and controls (40.7%). The specific IgE, IgG1, and IgG4 responses to Cte f 2 and C. felis extract were not significantly different between patients and controls. Among the 3 conditions (i.e., Cte f 2, C. felis extract, and only medium) Cte f 2 was the strongest inducer of CD3+CD4+ proliferation in the patients; however, the mean response was not significantly different from those in controls (Cte f 2: 4.5 vs. 2.5%; p = 0.46). No salivary proteins were identified in C. felis, and most of the spots were identified as muscle-skeletal components (tropomyosin, actin, myosin, and ankirin). Conclusions: Cte f 2 induces IgE and IgG production as well as T-cell proliferation in children living in a geographical area where PU induced by a flea bite is common. The use of C. felis extract is not recommended for the study of bite-induced hypersensitivity disease since salivary antigens are not well represented.
Post-Finasteride Syndrome: An Induced Delusional Disorder with the Potential of a Mass Psychogenic Illness?
Authors: Trüeb Ralph M. , Régnier Antonia , Dutra Rezende Hudson , Gavazzoni Dias Maria Fernanda Reis
Published: March 2019

Post-finasteride syndrome (PFS) has been claimed to occur in men who have taken oral finasteride to treat either hair loss or benign prostatic hyperplasia, independent of age, dosage, or indication. By definition, the condition is characterized by sexual dysfunction, somatic symptoms, and psychological disorders that persist after cessation of finasteride treatment. As yet, the condition is not recognized by the medical community, although individuals who suffer from PFS present with relatively homogenous symptoms. The concept of PFS has emerged from reports of non-dermatologists, neuroendocrinological research and reflections, and uncontrolled studies of low quality and with a strong bias selection, while a significant nocebo effect among patients informed about possible side effects of finasteride is recognized. There are no predictive factors for the risk of development of PFS. Nevertheless, it has been suggested that a patient history of preexisting mental health disorder, particularly depression, may put patients at an increased risk. We report the first case of PFS in a long-standing (over 20 years) dermatotrichological practice with frequent finasteride prescription observed in a 25-year-old male following dutasteride treatment for male androgenetic alopecia. There was circumstantial evidence that PFS may represent a delusional disorder of the somatic type, possibly on a background of a histrionic personality disorder, which would explain the refractoriness of the condition and a high degree of suggestibility.
Revised Reference Values for the Intake of Protein
Authors: Richter Margrit , Baerlocher Kurt , Bauer Jürgen M. , Elmadfa Ibrahim , Heseker Helmut , Leschik-Bonnet Eva , Stangl Gabriele , Volkert Dorothee , Stehle Peter ,   on behalf of the German Nutrition Society (DGE)
Published: March 2019

Background: Following a timely update process, the nutrition societies of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (D-A-CH) revised the reference values for the intake of protein in 2017. The Working Group conducted a structured literature search in PubMed considering newly published papers (2000– 2017). Summary: For infants < 4 months, the estimated values were set based on the protein intake via breast milk. Reference values for infants > 4 months, children, adolescents, pregnant, and lactating women were calculated using the factorial method considering both requirement for growth and maintenance. For adults, reference values were derived from nitrogen balance studies; for seniors (> 65 years), reports on metabolic and functional parameters under various protein intakes were additionally considered. Reference ­values (g protein/kg body weight per day) were set as follows: infants  < 4 months: 2.5–1.4, children: 1.3–0.8, adults < 65 years: 0.8, adults > 65 years: 1.0. Key Messages: The reference values for infants, children, adolescents, and adults < 65 years are essentially unchanged compared to recently published values. Scientifically reliable data published between 2000 and 2017 guided the D-A-CH Working Group to set a higher estimated value for adults > 65 years. Since the energy consumption continuously decreases with age, this new estimated protein intake value might be a challenge for the introduction of food-based nutrition concepts for older people.
O poeta iniciado, a via-crúcis e o caminho do leite:
Authors: Araujo Manuella Miki Souza
Published: March 2019

Na obra Evocações, o poeta simbolista Cruz e Sousa mobiliza a figura religiosa do iniciado e a noção ritual de sacrifício para narrar a jornada da alma do poeta negro na Via-Crúcis da Arte, em busca de imortalização e reconhecimento intelectual. Apresentando-se como poeta-alquimista, transfigurador de si mesmo, ele encena uma conflituosa tentativa de redenção, na medida em que tenta romper com sua primeira natureza para renascer por meio da arte. Nesta última, o poeta deposita suas esperanças de refundação de si, na unidade superior de um eu mais verdadeiro e profundo, capaz de reconciliar aparência e essência. Seu processo de sacrifício e ressurreição é construído no jogo de aproximação e afastamento com o mito dos Doze trabalhos de Hércules, o calvário de Cristo e a tradição oitocentista dos criadores seculares, no diálogo estabelecido com A Eva Futura e Frankenstein, O Prometeu moderno.
"Ensaios"
Authors: Barbosa Luiz Guilherme
Published: March 2019

Ensaios de Luiz Guilherme Barbosa:

ENSAIO SOBRE A CONSISTÊNCIA 1: ESCORA

ENSAIO SOBRE A CONSISTÊNCIA 2: NÃO TEM PALAVRA PARA ISSO
Association of Variability in Body Mass Index and Metabolic Health With Cardiometabolic Disease Risk
Authors: Sponholtz Todd R. , van den Heuvel Edwin R. , Xanthakis Vanessa , Vasan Ramachandran S.
Published: March 2019

Background

Metabolic syndrome is associated with high risk of cardiovascular disease, although risk may differ according to the specific conditions present and variability in those conditions.

Methods and Results

We defined obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m
2
) and metabolic health (<2 nonobesity National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III conditions) among 3632 Framingham Heart Study offspring cohort participants (mean age, 50.8 years; 53.8% women) who were followed up from 1987 to 2014. We defined participants whose variance independent of the mean for a metabolic syndrome–associated measure was in the top quintile as being “variable” for that measure. Variable metabolic health was defined as ≥2 variable nonobesity metabolic syndrome components. We investigated the interaction between obesity and metabolic health in their associations with cardiometabolic disease and cardiovascular disease using Cox proportional hazards regression. In addition, we estimated the associations of BMI variability and variable metabolic health with study outcomes within categories of obesity and metabolic health status, respectively. We observed 567 incident obesity (41 439 person‐years), 771 incident metabolically unhealthy state (25 765 person‐years), 272 incident diabetes mellitus (56 233 person‐years), 503 incident hypertension (12 957 person‐years), 589 cardiovascular disease (60 300 person‐years), and 195 chronic kidney disease (47 370 person‐years) events on follow‐up. Obesity and being metabolically unhealthy were independently and positively associated with all outcomes. BMI variability, compared with stable BMI, was associated with 163%, 67%, 58%, and 74% higher risks of having obesity, becoming metabolically unhealthy, having diabetes mellitus, and having hypertension, respectively, among nonobese participants. Variable metabolic health, compared with stable metabolic health, was associated with a 28% higher risk of cardiovascular disease, among metabolically healthy participants.

Conclusions

We did not observe evidence for a positive interaction between obesity and metabolic health status with regard to study outcomes. BMI and metabolic health variability are associated with adverse health outcomes.
Effectiveness and Safety of Platelet ADP–P2Y12 Receptor Inhibitors Influenced by Smoking Status: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Liu Zhiyan , Xiang Qian , Mu Guangyan , Xie Qiufen , Zhou Shuang , Wang Zining , Chen Shuqing , Hu Kun , Gong Yanjun , Jiang Jie , Cui Yimin
Published: March 2019

Background

As reports on the influence of cigarette smoking, an important cardiovascular risk factor, on platelet
ADP
–P2Y12 receptor inhibitors lack consistency, we aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of platelet
ADP
–P2Y12 receptor inhibitors influenced by smoking status.

Methods and Results

PubMed, Web of Science,
EMBASE
, Clinical Trials, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception until June 2018. Among the 5076 citations retrieved, 22 studies, including 163 011 patients with or without percutaneous coronary intervention, were included for meta‐analysis. Compared with nonsmokers within the first year of follow‐up, the reductions of stroke and major adverse cardiovascular event rate were 18% (
P
=0.008) and 26% (
P
=0.02), respectively. A 20% reduction in stroke (
P
=0.02) and a 34% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular event (
P
=0.0001) rates were observed in smoking patients without percutaneous coronary intervention. No significant difference was observed in clinical outcome rates among prasugrel, ticagrelor, and clopidogrel in different smoking status. No significant difference was found in myocardial infarction and bleeding event incidence between current smokers and nonsmokers.

Conclusions

We concluded that current smokers had a lower incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events and stroke events than did nonsmokers, particularly in the early period (1 year) and among patients without percutaneous coronary intervention. However, because of the lack of original adjusted data, smoker's paradox still needs to consider the impact of age and other covariates. Thus, a differential risk‐benefit evaluation should be considered, according to different smoking status, patient conditions, and therapy time points.
Risk‐Adjusted Comparison of In‐Hospital Outcomes of Transcatheter and Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Stachon Peter , Kaier Klaus , Zirlik Andreas , Bothe Wolfgang , Heidt Timo , Zehender Manfred , Bode Christoph , von zur Mühlen Constantin
Published: March 2019

Background

Transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TF‐TAVR) is recommended for patients suffering from aortic valve stenosis at increased operative risk. Beyond that, patients with different comorbidities could benefit from TF‐TAVR. The present study compares real‐world in‐hospital outcomes of surgical aortic valve replacement and TF‐TAVR.

Methods and Results

For all 33 789 isolated TF‐TAVR and surgical aortic valve replacement procedures performed in Germany in 2014 and 2015, comorbidities and in‐hospital outcomes were identified by
International Classification of Diseases (ICD)
‐ and OPS (Operation and procedure key)‐codes. Patients undergoing TF‐TAVR were older and at increased estimated risk. Outcomes were risk‐adjusted to allow comparison. TF‐TAVR was associated with a lower risk for acute kidney injuries (odds ratio [OR] 0.62,
P
<0.001), for bleeding (OR 0.17,
P
<0.001), and for prolonged mechanical ventilation (>48 hours, OR 0.21,
P
<0.001). Risk for stroke was similar (OR 1.07,
P
=0.558). As expected, the risk for pacemaker implantations was higher after TF‐TAVR (OR 4.61,
P
<0.001). In all patients, none of the treatment strategies had a clear advantage on the risk for in‐hospital mortality (OR 0.83,
P
=0.068). However, in patients aged >80 years and at high operative risk undergoing TF‐TAVR in‐hospital mortality was lower (TF‐TAVR versus surgical aortic valve replacement 80–84, OR 0.55;
P
=0.002; ≥85 years, OR 0.42,
P
=0.006; EuroSCORE (European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation) >9: OR 0.62,
P
=0.001). TF‐TAVR was superior in patients with renal failure and in NYHA (New York Heart Association)‐Class III/IV. Other risk groups were not found to be factors favoring a treatment strategy.

Conclusions

The present study indicates a superiority of TF‐TAVR in clinical practice for patients at increased operative risk, aged >80 years, in NYHA‐Class III/IV, and with renal failure.
Association of Lowering Low‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol With Contemporary Lipid‐Lowering Therapies and Risk of Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Khan Safi U. , Rahman Hammad , Okunrintemi Victor , Riaz Haris , Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Sattur Sudhakar , Kaluski Edo , Lincoff A. Michael , Martin Seth S. , Blaha Michael J.
Published: March 2019

Background

The relationship between lowering LDL (low‐density lipoprotein) cholesterol with contemporary lipid‐lowering therapies and incident diabetes mellitus (
DM
) remains uncertain.

Methods and Results

Thirty‐three randomized controlled trials (21 of statins, 12 of PCSK9 [proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9] inhibitors, and 0 of ezetimibe) were selected using
Medline
,
Embase,
and
the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials
(inception through November 15, 2018). A total of 163 688 nondiabetic patients were randomly assigned to more intensive (83 123 patients) or less intensive (80 565 patients) lipid‐lowering therapy. More intensive lipid‐lowering therapy was defined as the more potent pharmacological strategy (
PCSK
9 inhibitors, higher intensity statins, or statins), whereas less intensive therapy corresponded to active control group or placebo/usual care of the trial. Metaregression and meta‐analyses were conducted using a random‐effects model. No significant association was noted between 1‐mmol/L reduction in
LDL
cholesterol and incident
DM
for more intensive lipid‐lowering therapy (risk ratio: 0.95; 95%
CI
, 0.87–1.04;
P
=0.30;
R
2
=14%) or for statins or
PCSK
9 inhibitors. More intensive lipid‐lowering therapy was associated with a higher risk of incident
DM
compared with less intensive therapy (risk ratio: 1.07; 95%
CI
, 1.03–1.11;
P
<0.001; I
2
=0%). These results were driven by higher risk of incident
DM
with statins (risk ratio: 1.10; 95%
CI
, 1.05–1.15;
P
<0.001; I
2
=0%), whereas
PCSK
9 inhibitors were not associated with incident
DM
(risk ratio: 1.00; 95%
CI
, 0.93–1.07;
P
=0.96; I
2
=0%;
P
=0.02 for interaction).

Conclusions

Among intensive lipid‐lowering therapies, there was no independent association between reduction in
LDL
cholesterol and incident
DM
. The risk of incident
DM
was higher with statins, whereas
PCSK
9 inhibitors had no association with risk of incident
DM
.
Experiments in Experience: Towards an Alignment of Research through Design and John Dewey's Pragmatism
Authors: Dixon Brian
Published: March 2019

This article draws an alignment between John Dewey's Pragmatism and design inquiry or, particularly, research which incorporates design practice. Three core components of Dewey's philosophy are described—namely, his theory of inquiry, his theory of communication, and his metaphysics—all of which are seen to interlink to form a unique approach to knowledge. From this, a number of key features of the approach are set out. When held in combination, it is argued that these features hold the potential to enrich the epistemological basis of design inquiry.
Understanding the links between social ties and fitness over the life cycle in primates
Authors: Thompson Nicole A.
Published: March 2019

Many studies highlight the correlation between social ties and fitness, yet often cannot reveal how ties influence fitness. This review is aimed to facilitate the formulation and testing of hypotheses in this area on non-human primates. I outline fitness-relevant measures of social ties and 6 potential pathways from ties to fitness. Pathways include communal care; group level cooperation for resources; monopolizing resources within groups; attaining social status; reducing risk and allostatic load; and developing behavioural competence. Hypotheses for further evaluation include (1) fitness increases sociality, not vice versa; (2) early life experience influences both ties and fitness, (3) ties are actually costly; (4) short term costs of ties are outweighed by long term benefits. With the advance of theoretical and methodological approaches to evaluate the costs and benefits of social ties, and monitor them at multi-generational field sites, primate behavioural ecologists are poised to test several of these hypotheses.
Molecular and morphological characterisation of a new root-lesion nematode, Pratylenchus horti n. sp. (Tylenchomorpha: Pratylenchidae), from Ghent University Botanical Garden
Authors: Nguyen Huu Tien , Trinh Quang Phap , Couvreur Marjolein , Singh Phougeishangbam Rolish , Decraemer Wilfrida , Bert Wim
Published: March 2019

Root-lesion nematodes, Pratylenchus spp., are one of the most important nematode groups in economic terms. The combination of morphological analyses and molecular analyses based on D2-D3 of 28S rDNA, ITS rDNA, and COI mtDNA regions supported the establishment of a new Pratylenchus species, making a total of 103 valid Pratylenchus species. The females of P. horti n. sp. are characterised by the following traits: low labial region with two annuli continuous to the body, en face form belonging to group II sensu Corbett & Clark (1983) with submedian triangular-shaped segments fused with the oral disc and separated from the lateral segments, lateral field with four incisures at vulval level and lacking areolation, robust stylet 15-17 μm long with rounded knobs, and subcylindrical tail with smooth tail tip. The males are largely similar to the females but differ from the females by the partially areolated lateral field, slightly ventrally arcuate and weakly cephalated spicules (15-19 μm), and ventrally curved elongate conical tail with a poorly protruding, crenate bursa. The new species was recovered from soil and root samples from the rhizosphere of Hedychium greenii growing in the Botanical Garden, Ghent University, Belgium.
“Though This Be Madness, Yet There Is Method In’t”: The mamnūʿ min al-ṣarf (Diptotes) in Arabic Grammatical Tradition
Authors: Druel Jean N. , Kasher Almog
Published: March 2019

This article discusses theories designed by medieval Arabic grammarians to explain one of the most puzzling topics in Arabic grammar, mamnūʿ min al-ṣarf (diptotes). The mainstream theory of mamnūʿ min al-ṣarf probably took on its definitive form in the early 4th/10th century; it differs from Sībawayhi’s (d. ca 180/796) theory, yet consists of a generalisation of features found in the latter. A later modification, which retained its basic elements, was presented to the mainstream theory probably during the 7th/13th century. A radically different theory was presented by al-Suhaylī (d. 581/1185), who harshly criticised the mainstream theory as inadequate and arbitrary.
Reflexes of Old Arabic */ǧ/ in the Maghrebi Dialects
Authors: Guerrero Parrado Jairo
Published: March 2019

The present paper discusses from a diachronic standpoint the realizations of Old Arabic */ǧ/ in the various Maghrebi dialects. It covers the following issues: reflexes of Old Arabic */ǧ/, phonetically conditioned shifts involving /ǧ/ and /ž/, discussion and conclusions. The remaining part of the study is devoted to a presentation and discussion of evidences suggesting that affricate /ǧ/ was formerly more widespread among first-layer dialects.
Svalbard’s ‘Snow Crab Row’ as a Challenge to the Common Fisheries Policy of the European Union
Authors: Steenkamp Robert C.
Published: March 2019

The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) of the European Union is legally, politically and environmentally of great importance. However, the effectiveness of old regimes to respond to contemporary developments poses several potential challenges to the CFP. This article aims to identify some of these external challenges by highlighting the differing interpretations of the Svalbard Treaty, as well as the introduction of the highly profitable snow crab to the Svalbard Archipelago. In doing so, the invasive nature of snow crabs – whose full impact in the Barents Sea is not yet understood – and their possibly negative effect on other commercial fish stocks will be examined. Additionally, the spatial scope of the Svalbard Treaty, the international rules applicable to the exploitation of snow crabs, and the designation of snow crabs as a sedentary and therefore continental shelf resource, will also be discussed as challenges to the CFP.