bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A National Survey of Mentoring Practices for Young Investigators in Circulatory and Respiratory Health
Authors: Mottillo Salvatore , Boyle Pierre , Jacobi Cadete Lindsay D. , Rouleau Jean-Lucien , Eisenberg Mark J.
Published: March 2016

Background. Improving mentorship may help decrease the shortage of young investigators (graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and new investigators) available to work as independent researchers in cardiovascular and respiratory health.Objectives. To determine (1) the mentoring practices for trainees affiliated with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health (ICRH), (2) the positive attributes of mentors, and (3) the recommendations regarding what makes good mentorship.Methods. We conducted a survey and descriptive analysis of young investigators with a CIHR Training and Salary Award from 2010 to 2013 or who submitted an abstract to the ICRH 2014 Young Investigators Forum. Clinicians were compared to nonclinicians.Results. Of 172 participants, 7.0% had no mentor. Only 43.6% had defined goals and 40.7% had defined timelines, while 54.1% had informal forms of mentorship. A significant proportion (33.1%) felt that their current mentorship did not meet their needs. Among clinicians, 22.2% would not have chosen the same mentor again versus 11.4% of nonclinicians. All participants favored mentors who provided guidance on career and work-life balance. Suggestions for improved mentoring included formal mentorship, increased networking, and quality assurance.Conclusion. There is an important need to improve mentoring in cardiovascular and respiratory health.
Simulating Immune Interference on the Effect of a Bivalent Glycoconjugate Vaccine againstHaemophilus influenzaeSerotypes “a” and “b”
Authors: Konini Angjelina , Kang Mingsong , Moghadas Seyed M.
Published: March 2016

Objective.We sought to evaluate the immune responses to a bivalentHaemophilus influenzaeglycoconjugate vaccine against serotypes “a” (Hia) and “b” (Hib) in the presence of the preexisting immunity to Hib.Methods.We developed a stochastic simulation model of humoral immune response to investigate the antigenic challenge of a bivalent combined glycoconjugate vaccine and a bivalent unimolecular glycoconjugate vaccine. We compared simulation outcomes in the absence of any preexisting immunity with an already primed immune response having specific memory B cells and/or anti-Hib antibodies.Results.The simulation results show that the preexisting immune responses to Hib or carrier protein (CP) may significantly impede the production of anti-Hia antibodies by a unimolecular vaccine. In contrast, the production of anti-Hia antibodies using a combined vaccine is inhibited only in the presence of CP immune responses.Conclusions.Preexisting immunity to Hib and CP may play a critical role in the development of immune responses against Hia or Hib using bivalent combined and unimolecular vaccine formulations. Our results suggest that a bivalent combined glycoconjugate vaccine with a carrier protein not previously used in Hib conjugate vaccines may be an effective formulation for generating immune responses to protect against both Hib and Hia infections.
Increasing the Frequency and Timeliness of Pain Assessment and Management in Long-Term Care: Knowledge Transfer and Sustained Implementation
Authors: Hadjistavropoulos Thomas , Williams Jaime , Kaasalainen Sharon , Hunter Paulette V. , Savoie Maryse L. , Wickson-Griffiths Abigail
Published: March 2016

Background. Although feasible protocols for pain assessment and management in long-term care (LTC) have been developed, these have not been implemented on a large-scale basis.Objective. To implement a program of regular pain assessment in two LTC facilities, using implementation science principles, and to evaluate the process and success of doing so.Methods. The implementation protocol included a pain assessment workshop and the establishment of a nurse Pain Champion. Quality indicators were tracked before and after implementation. Focus groups and interviews with staff were also conducted.Results. The implementation effort was successful in increasing and regularizing pain assessments. This was sustained during the follow-up period. Staff members reported enthusiasm about the protocol at baseline and positive results following its implementation. Despite the success in increasing assessments, we did not identify changes in the percentages of patients reported as having moderate-to-severe pain.Discussion. It is our hope that our feasibility demonstration will encourage more facilities to improve their pain assessment/management practices.Conclusions. It is feasible to implement regular and systematic pain assessment in LTC. Future research should focus on ensuring effective clinical practices in response to assessment results, and determination of longer-term sustainability.
Tolerability of Capsaicinoids fromCapsicumExtract in a Beadlet Form: A Pilot Study
Authors: Deshpande Jayant , Jeyakodi Shankaranarayanan , Juturu Vijaya
Published: March 2016

A single center, open-label, dose-finding adaptive study was conducted in twelve healthy overweight female subjects. The study was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of the capsaicinoids (CAPs) fromCapsicumextract in a beadlet form compared to placebo in a healthy overweight population. The investigational product capsaicinoids (CAPs) fromCapsicumextract in a beadlet form (Capsimax®) a proprietary encapsulated form ofCapsicumextract in beadlet form supplemented at 2 mg, 4 mg, 6 mg, 8 mg and 10 mg of CAPs. An ascending dose protocol evaluated a total dose of 10 mg daily given in five divided doses (2 mg, 4 mg, 6 mg, 8 mg and 10 mg of CAPs). Each dose was given for a week. Safety and tolerability were assessed. Primary outcomes were tolerability assessments and reports of adverse events. Tolerability assessments were observed on skin color and any changes in skin, bowel movement, digestion, mouth or throat, hair color or changes in hair color, urination includes frequency and burning sensations, breathing, any changes in their health. Secondary outcomes were body weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (SBP/DBP), vital signs, electrocardiograms, clinical chemistry parameters including liver function tests, lung function tests and kidney function tests and complete blood count (CBC). No dose effective changes were observed. The escalating dose levels of CAPs in a beadlet form product found was tolerable and safe for weight management studies. Tolerability assessments and safety blood markers showed no significant changes from baseline. No significant serious adverse events were reported throughout the duration of the study. Further longer term studies are required to explore the tolerability of the product. This trial is registered with ISRCTN: #  ISRCTN10975080.
Spinal Cord Infarction in a Patient with Hereditary Spherocytosis: A Case Report and Discussion
Authors: Waheed Waqar , Varigonda Anjali L. , Holmes Chris E. , Trevino Christopher , Borden Neil M. , Pendlebury W.
Published: March 2016

The etiology of spinal cord infarcts (SCIs), besides being related to aortic perioperative events, in large subset of SCIs, remains cryptogenic. We present a first case of SCI in a patient with hereditary spherocytosis and discuss the potential pathophysiologic considerations for vascular compromise. A 43-year-old woman with a history of hereditary spherocytosis, post splenectomy status, presented with chest, back, and shoulder pain with subsequent myelopathic picture; SCI extending from C4-T2 was confirmed by MRI. Despite aggressive treatment her stroke progressed leading to her demise. Her autopsy confirmed the SCI and revealed some incidental findings, but the cause of SCI remained unidentified. Exclusion of the known etiologies of SCI by extensive negative workup including autopsy evaluation suggested that SCI in our case was related to her history of hereditary spherocytosis. Both venous and arterial adverse vascular events, at a higher rate, have been associated in patients with hereditary spherocytosis who had their spleens removed compared to nonsplenectomized patients. Postsplenectomy increases in the platelet, red blood cell count, leukocyte count, and cholesterol concentrations are postulated to contribute to increased thrombotic risk. Additional prothrombotic factors include continuous platelet activation and adhesion as well as abnormalities of the red blood cell membrane.
Maternal-Cord Blood Vitamin D Correlations Vary by Maternal Levels
Authors: Wegienka Ganesa , Kaur Hareena , Sangha Roopina , Cassidy-Bushrow Andrea E.
Published: March 2016

Vitamin D levels of pregnant women and their neonates tend to be related; however, it is unknown whether there are any subgroups in which they are not related. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was measured in prenatal maternal and child cord blood samples of participants (n=241pairs) in a birth cohort. Spearman correlations were examined within subgroups defined by prenatal and delivery factors. Cord blood as a percentage of prenatal 25(OH)D level was calculated and characteristics compared between those who did and did not have ≥25% and ≥50% of the maternal level and those who did and did not have a detectable 25(OH)D level. The correlation among Black children was lower than in White children. When the maternal 25(OH)D level was <15 ng/mL, the overall correlation wasr=0.16. Most children had a 25(OH)D cord blood level less than half of their mother’s; 15.4% had a level that was <25% of their mother’s. Winter birth and maternal level were associated with the level being less than 25%. Children with undetectable levels were more likely to be Black and less likely to be firstborn. These data suggest mothers may reduce their contribution to the fetus’s 25(OH)D supply once their own level becomes low.
A Dictionary Learning Method with Total Generalized Variation for MRI Reconstruction
Authors: Lu Hongyang , Wei Jingbo , Liu Qiegen , Wang Yuhao , Deng Xiaohua
Published: March 2016

Reconstructing images from their noisy and incomplete measurements is always a challenge especially for medical MR image with important details and features. This work proposes a novel dictionary learning model that integrates two sparse regularization methods: the total generalized variation (TGV) approach and adaptive dictionary learning (DL). In the proposed method, the TGV selectively regularizes different image regions at different levels to avoid oil painting artifacts largely. At the same time, the dictionary learning adaptively represents the image features sparsely and effectively recovers details of images. The proposed model is solved by variable splitting technique and the alternating direction method of multiplier. Extensive simulation experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method consistently recovers MR images efficiently and outperforms the current state-of-the-art approaches in terms of higher PSNR and lower HFEN values.
Dhcr7 Regulates Palatal Shelf Fusion through Regulation of Shh and Bmp2 Expression
Authors: Xiao Wen-lin , Zhang Dai-zun , Xu Hong , Zhuang Cui-zhu
Published: March 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (Dhcr7) gene and identify signaling pathways involved in regulation of embryonic palatogenesis. The expression ofDhcr7and its protein product were examined during murine normal embryonic palatogenesis via a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot (WB). RNA interference (RNAi) technology was used to inhibitDhcr7expression in a palatal shelf culturein vitro. The effects of Dhcr7 on palatogenesis and palatal fusion were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The expression changes of Dhcr7, Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (Bmp2) were measured by RT-PCR and WB afterDhcr7gene silencing and the addition of exogenous cholesterol. The results showed that the palatal shelf failed to complete normal development and fusion whenDhcr7expression was inhibited. The inhibitory effect study of RNAi on the development of the palatal shelf supported that cholesterol supplementation did not alter the silencing of Dhcr7. Shh and Bmp2 expressions were reduced afterDhcr7gene silencing, and administration of exogenous cholesterol did not affect Dhcr7 expression; however Shh and Bmp2 expressions increased. We conclude thatDhcr7plays a role in growth of the palatal shelf and can regulate palatogenesis through alterations in the levels of Shh and Bmp2.
A Shock Mitigation of Pedestrian-Vehicle Impact Using Active Hood Lift System: Deploying Time Investigation
Authors: Lee Tae-Hoon , Yoon Gun-Ha , Choi Seung-Bok
Published: March 2016

This paper investigates the deploying time (or response time) of an active hood lift system (AHLS) of a passenger vehicle activated by gunpowder actuator. In this work, this is accomplished by changing principal design parameters of the latch part mechanism of the hood system. After briefly introducing the working principle of the AHLS operated by the gunpowder actuator, the governing equations of the AHLS are formulated for each different deploying motion. Subsequently, using the governing equations, the response time for deploying the hold lift system is determined by changing several geometric distances such as the distance from the rotational center of the pop-up guide to the point of the latch in the axial and vertical directions. Then, a comparison is made of the total response time to completely deploy the hood lift system with the existing conventional AHLS and proposed AHLS. In addition, the workable driving speed of the proposed AHLS is compared with the conventional one by changing the powder volume of the actuator.
Community Pharmacists’ Perceptions about Pharmaceutical Care of Traditional Medicine Products: A Questionnaire‐Based Cross‐Sectional Study in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Chen Xi , Ung Carolina Oi Lam , Hu Hao , Liu Xiaodan , Zhao Jing , Hu Yuanjia , Li Peng , Yang Qing
Published: March 2016

This study aimed to investigate community pharmacists’ perceived responsibility, practice behaviors, knowledge, perceived barriers, and improvement measures towards provision of pharmaceutical care in relation to traditional medicine (TM) products in Guangzhou, China. A self‐completion questionnaire was used to survey licensed pharmacists working at community pharmacies. This study found that the community pharmacists in Guangzhou, China, were involved in the provision of TM products during their daily practice but only provided pharmaceutical care in this area with a passive attitude. Extrinsic barriers such as lack of scientific evidence for the safety and efficacy of TM products and unclear definition of their roles and responsibilities were highlighted while intrinsic factors such as insufficient TM knowledge were identified.
Dietary Fructose Activates Insulin Signaling and Inflammation in Adipose Tissue: Modulatory Role of Resveratrol
Authors: Pektas Mehmet Bilgehan , Koca Halit Bugra , Sadi Gokhan , Akar Fatma
Published: March 2016

The effects of high-fructose diet on adipose tissue insulin signaling and inflammatory process have been poorly documented. In this study, we examined the influences of long-term fructose intake and resveratrol supplementation on the expression of genes involved in insulin signaling and the levels of inflammatory cytokines and sex hormones in the white adipose tissues of male and female rats. Consumption of high-fructose diet for 24 weeks increased the expression of genes involved in insulin signaling includingIR,IRS-1,IRS-2,Akt,PI3K,eNOS,mTOR, andPPARγ, despite induction of proinflammatory markers, iNOS, TNFα, IL-1β, IL-18, MDA, and ALT, as well as anti-inflammatory factors, IL-10 and Nrf2 in adipose tissues from males and females. Total and free testosterone concentrations of adipose tissues were impaired in males but increased in females, although there were no changes in their blood levels. Resveratrol supplementation markedly restored the levels of MDA, IL6, IL-10, and IL-18, as well asiNOS,Nrf2, andPI3KmRNA, in adipose tissues of both genders. Dietary fructose activates both insulin signaling and inflammatory pathway in the adipose tissues of male and female rats proposing no correlation between the tissue insulin signaling and inflammation. Resveratrol has partly modulatory effects on fructose-induced changes.
Type-2 Fuzzy Logic Controller of a Doubly Fed Induction Machine
Authors: Loukal Keltoum , Benalia Leila
Published: March 2016

Interval type-2 fuzzy logic controller (IT2FLC) method for controlling the speed with a direct stator flux orientation control of doubly fed induction motor (DFIM) is proposed. The fuzzy controllers have demonstrated their effectiveness in the control of nonlinear systems, and in many cases it is proved that their robustness and performance are less sensitive to parameters variation over conventional controllers. The synthesis of stabilizing control laws design based on IT2FLC is developed. A comparative analysis between type-1 fuzzy logic controller (T1FLC) and IT2FLC of the DFIM is shown. Simulation results show the feasibility and the effectiveness of the suggested method to the control of the DFIM under different operating conditions such as load torque and in the presence of parameters variation.
Thermal Error Modelling of the Spindle Using Neurofuzzy Systems
Authors: Feng Jingan , Tang Xiaoqi , Li Yanlei , Song Bao
Published: March 2016

This paper proposes a new combined model to predict the spindle deformation, which combines the grey models and the ANFIS (adaptive neurofuzzy inference system) model. The grey models are used to preprocess the original data, and the ANFIS model is used to adjust the combined model. The outputs of the grey models are used as the inputs of the ANFIS model to train the model. To evaluate the performance of the combined model, an experiment is implemented. Three Pt100 thermal resistances are used to monitor the spindle temperature and an inductive current sensor is used to obtain the spindle deformation. The experimental results display that the combined model can better predict the spindle deformation compared to BP network, and it can greatly improve the performance of the spindle.
A Thermomechanical Transport Approach and Application in Soil-Water System of Polluted Mining Areas considering the Three-Phase Coupling
Authors: Guo Xuan , Zhang XiaoXin , Wang MengShu
Published: March 2016

The thermomechanical transport approach includes the process of diffusing or the condition of being diffused, absorption/desorption, swell/shrink, equilibrium/nonequilibrium, and thermomechanical transport of contaminant in three phases of polluted mining soil which are discussed. The thermomechanical transport model of the contaminants transport in polluted soil is established, and its basic equations are given. Based on that, the distribution regularities of the contaminant seepage in water-soil system are discussed in detail and the sensitivities of parameters are analyzed. The study shows that the parameter has important influence on the contamination distribution and transportation in polluted soil-water system. The influence degree is also related to the action of seepage force directly.
Monodisperse Uniform CeO2Nanoparticles: Controlled Synthesis and Photocatalytic Property
Authors: Tuyen Le Thi Thanh , Quang Khieu Dinh , Long Hoang Thai , Quang Duong Tuan , Trang Chau The Lieu , Hoa Tran Thai , Cuong Nguyen Duc
Published: March 2016

Ceria nanostructure-based catalysts have attracted much attention in recent years because of their unique physiochemical properties. Herein, we have presented a simple two-phase approach for the synthesis of ceria nanocrystals. Structural and morphological characterization by XRD and TEM showed that the as-synthesized monodisperse CeO2nanoparticles (NPs) had cubic fluorite crystal structure with average particle size about 6.75 nm. The effects of hydrothermal temperature, annealing time, and concentration of cerium nitrate on the nanostructures of the products were also investigated and discussed. In addition, the CeO2nanocrystals proved to be an effective catalyst for the photodegradation of blue methylene under UV illumination.
Odontogenic Myxoma in Children: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Dalbo Contrera Toro Mariana , Siqueira Barreto Icléia , Amstalden Eliane Maria Ingrid , Takahiro Chone Carlos , Nizam Pfeilsticker Leopoldo
Published: March 2016

Benign odontogenic lesions are rare entities but are very important due to their locally aggressive nature. Odontogenic myxoma is even rarer in children than in adults. There is no evidence in the literature in regard to the best treatment approach, in terms of conservative or aggressive surgery, for this type of tumor. This paper reports a case of odontogenic myxoma in a child treated with a compromised approach through bone osteotomies and a review of the literature about this disease, especially in pediatric patients.
The Characteristics ofStaphylococcus aureusSmall Colony Variant Isolated from Chronic Mastitis at a Dairy Farm in Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Zhu Li-li , Zou Feng-cai , Yan Yu-lin , Wang Qi-hui , Shi Yong-qiang , Qu Wei-jie
Published: March 2016

Staphylococcus aureusis a major causative agent leading to bovine mastitis and has specific phonotypical characteristics including small colony, slow growth, and decreased hemolysis, therefore named as the small colony variants (SCVs). Out of 30 tested samples of the chronicS. aureuscases, one strain of SCVs (S. aureusSCV22) was isolated along with its parental strains (S. aureus11).S. aureusSCV22 showed a slow growth rate when it is compared with the parental strain. However, their resistant patterns were similar. Meanwhile,S. aureusSCV22 depicted the lower rate of apoptosis in bovine mammary epithelial cells. These findings of the present study presented the unique characteristics ofS. aureusSCV22 for the first time in Yunnan province, which provided a prophase foundation for further study about the pathogenesis ofS. aureusSCVs in chronic mastitis.
Safety of Digestive Endoscopy following Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dorreen Alastair , Moosavi Sarvee , Martel Myriam , Barkun Alan N.
Published: March 2016

Background.The safety of endoscopy after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is poorly characterized. We thus performed a systematic review assessing the safety of endoscopy following ACS.Methods.Searches in EMBASE, Medline, and Web of Science identified articles for inclusion. Data abstraction was completed by two independent reviewers.Results.Fourteen retrospective studies yielded 1178 patients (mean 71.3 years, 59.0% male) having suffered an ACS before endoscopy. Patients underwent 1188 endoscopies primarily to investigate suspected gastrointestinal bleeding (81.2%). Overall, 810 EGDs (68.2%), 191 colonoscopies (16.1%), 100 sigmoidoscopies (8.4%), 64 PEGs (5.4%), and 22 ERCPs (1.9%) were performed9.0±5.2days after ACS, showing principally ulcer disease (25.1%; 95% CI 22.2–28.3%) and normal findings (22.9%; 95% CI 20.1–26.0%). Overall, 108 peri- and postprocedural complications occurred (9.1%; 95% CI 7.6–10.9%), with hypotension (24.1%; 95% CI 17.0–32.9%), arrhythmias (8.1%; 95% CI 4.5–18.1%), and repeat ACS (6.5%; 95% CI 3.1–12.8%) as the most frequent. All-cause mortality was 8.1% (95% CI 6.3–10.4%), with 4 deaths attributed to endoscopy (<24 hours after ACS, 3.7% of all complications; 95% CI 1.5–9.1%).Conclusion.A significant proportion of possibly endoscopy-related negative outcomes occur following ACS. Further studies are required to better characterize indications, patient selection, and appropriate timing of endoscopy in this cohort.
On Pseudo-Petrov Symmetric Riemannian Manifolds
Authors: Jana Sanjib Kumar , Nurcan Fusun , Debnath Amit Kumar , Sengupta Joydeep
Published: March 2016

The present paper deals with pseudo-Petrov symmetric Riemannian manifolds whose space-matter tensor satisfies a special condition. Firstly, basic results of pseudo-Petrov symmetric Riemannian manifolds are obtained. Then, pseudo-Petrov symmetric manifolds which are Einstein, quasi-Einstein, and locally decomposable are examined and some theorems involving these manifolds are proved. Finally, two examples proving the existence of pseudo-Petrov symmetric Riemannian manifolds are given.
A Compact Dielectric Resonator Antenna Excited by a Planar Monopole Patch for Wideband Applications
Authors: Li Xuping , Yang Yabing , Gao Fei , Ma Hanqing , Shi Xiaowei
Published: March 2016

A compact dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) suitable for wideband applications is presented in this paper. The proposed antenna is mainly composed by a notched cylindrical dielectric resonator (DR) coated with a metal surface on the top and a finite ground plane where the presented DR is placed. This antenna is very simple in structure and has a very low overall height of0.14λminat its lowest operation frequency. A comprehensive parametric study is carried out based on Ansoft HFSS to optimize the bandwidth. The proposed antenna has been successfully simulated, optimized, fabricated, and measured. The measurement results demonstrate that the proposed design produces an impedance bandwidth of more than 75%, ranging from 2.9 GHz to 6.7 GHz for the reflection coefficient less than −10 dB. In particular, consistent broadside radiation patterns, stable gain, and high radiation efficiency are also obtained within the operation frequency band.
Metal Content in Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Leaves: Influence of Vehicular Traffic and Safety upon Consumption as Food
Authors: Giacomino Agnese , Malandrino Mery , Colombo Maria Laura , Miaglia Sergio , Maimone Pietro , Blancato Sebastiano , Conca Eleonora , Abollino Ornella
Published: March 2016

The widespread distribution of the common dandelion, that is,Taraxacum officinale, along with its ability to tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions, makes this plant a good candidate as biological monitor of environmental metal contamination.Taraxacum officinaleleaves growing spontaneously in meadows and along the streets are traditionally picked up and eaten in Italy as salad, so it is important to know the concentrations of potentially toxic elements contained in them from the point of view of food safety. For these reasons the concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn were determined in dandelion leaf and underlying soil samples collected at 12 sites in the province of Cuneo (Piedmont, Italy) in the vicinity of streets or roundabouts. The concentrations were compared with reference values for plant and soils and with maximum allowable concentrations in edible vegetables. Neither dandelion nor soil samples were found to be polluted by metals, but the comparison with limits for vegetables suggests that caution should be used in consuming spontaneously growing vegetables.
Tonsillectomy and Incidence of Oropharyngeal Cancers
Authors: Chaturvedi Anil K. , Song Huan , Rosenberg Phillip S. , Ramqvist Torbjorn , Anderson William F. , Munck-Wikland Eva , Ye Weimin , Dalianis Tina
Published: March 2016

Background: Rising incidence of oropharyngeal cancers in numerous countries since the 1970s has been attributed to increased oral human papillomavirus (HPV) exposure. However, the contribution of coincidental declines in the surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) is unknown. We quantified the association of tonsillectomy with risk of tonsillar, other oropharyngeal, and other head and neck cancers and the contribution of declines in tonsillectomies to cancer incidence trends.

Methods: We conducted a nation-wide cohort study in Sweden (1970–2009). Tonsillectomies (N = 225,718) were identified through national patient registers, which were linked with the cancer register. Cancer incidence in the tonsillectomy cohort was compared with Sweden's general population through standardized incidence ratios (SIR).

Results: Tonsillectomies were associated with reduced risk of tonsil cancers [SIRs 1+ years post-tonsillectomy = 0.31; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.08–0.79 and 5+ years post-tonsillectomy = 0.17; 95% CI, 0.02–0.62], but unrelated to other oropharyngeal or other head and neck cancers (SIRs 1+ years post-tonsillectomy = 1.61; 95% CI, 0.77–2.95 and 0.92; 95% CI, 0.64–1.27, respectively). The cumulative incidence of tonsillectomy declined significantly (40%–50%) during 1970–2009. However, tonsil cancer incidence significantly increased during 1970–2009 both without and with corrections for declines in tonsillectomies (relative risks per 5-year periods = 1.23, P < 0.001 and 1.20, P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions: The reduced tonsil cancer risk with tonsillectomy reflects the removal of most of the relevant tissue. The absence of associations with other head and neck cancers indicates that tonsillectomy may not impact carcinogenesis at other sites.

Impact: The significant increases in oropharyngeal cancer incidence since the 1970s in Sweden appear independent of declines in tonsillectomies, reinforcing increased oral HPV exposure as the likely cause. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(6); 944–50. ©2016 AACR.
Perspectives for Monocyte/Macrophage-Based Diagnostics of Chronic Inflammation
Authors: Kzhyshkowska Julia , Gudima Alexandru , Moganti Kondaiah , Gratchev Alexei , Orekhov Alexander
Published: March 2016

Low-grade chronic inflammation underlies the development of the most dangerous cardiometabolic disorders including type 2 diabetes and its vascular complications. In contrast to acute inflammation induced by bacteria and viruses, chronic inflammation can be driven by abnormal reaction to endogenous factors, including Th2 cytokines, metabolic factors like advanced glycation end products (AGEs), modified lipoproteins, or hyperglycemia. The key innate immune cells that recognize these factors in blood circulation are monocytes. Inflammatory programming of monocytes which migrate into tissues can, in turn, result into generation of tissue macrophages with pathological functions. Therefore, determination of the molecular and functional phenotype of circulating monocytes is a very promising diagnostic tool for the identification of hidden inflammation, which can precede the development of the pathology. Here we propose a new test system for the identification of inflammatory programming of monocytes: surface biomarkers and ex vivo functional system. We summarize the current knowledge about surface biomarkers for monocyte subsets, including CD16, CCR2, CX3CR1, CD64, stabilin-1 and CD36, and their association with inflammatory human disorders. Furthermore, we present the design of an ex vivo monocyte-based test system with minimal set of parameters as a potential diagnostic tool for the identification of personalized inflammatory responses.
Serviço público: significados e sentidos de um trabalho em mutação
Authors: Souza Sheila Ataíde Domingues de , Moulin Maria das Graças Barbosa
Published: March 2016

Neste artigo propomos uma discussão que se situa no campo temático de articulação entre Psicologia e Trabalho. O objetivo foi discutir os sentidos e significados que os servidores públicos atribuem ao trabalho. Para tanto, a análise foi embasada em dados de uma pesquisa de campo com 30 servidores públicos federais que atuam em uma instituição de ensino técnico e tecnológico, e em referenciais teóricos que tratam da centralidade do trabalho e das especificidades dos processos de trabalho no setor de serviços. Os resultados revelam a importância do trabalho na estruturação material e simbólica da vida dos servidores, sendo que os sentidos a ele atribuídos estão relacionados ao provimento da sobrevivência, à (re)produção de valores sociais como autonomia e independência, à integração social, à realização pessoal e sentido existencial. A análise dessa dimensão subjetiva do trabalho também possibilitou dimensionar a importância da atenção à saúde desses trabalhadores em tempos de profundas mudanças no setor público.
Os sentidos do trabalho para egressos do sistema prisional inseridos no mercado formal de trabalho¹
Authors: Toledo Isadora D'Ávila , Kemp Valéria Heloisa , Machado Marília Novais da Mata
Published: March 2016

Dados relativos a egressos do sistema prisional brasileiro mostram numerosas reincidências na infração à lei, acompanhadas por crescimento contínuo da população carcerária, geralmente exposta a condições precárias nas prisões. Nesse quadro, programas de inclusão social de egressos são importantes. Neste estudo, pesquisou-se o Projeto Regresso, desenvolvido em Minas Gerais, visando reintegrar o egresso ao mercado formal de trabalho, via organizações parceiras. Considerando que a atividade laboral tem uma função central na vida desse sujeito e utilizando como referencial teórico, entre outros, sobretudo os trabalhos de Morin, buscou-se compreender os sentidos atribuídos ao trabalho por egressos inseridos em duas organizações parceiras do Projeto Regresso. Como metodologia, adotou-se a pesquisa qualitativa. Os 12 egressos e os dois profissionais de RH das organizações foram entrevistados e suas falas transcritas. O material das entrevistas foi submetido à análise do conteúdo, o que levou à criação de seis categorias analíticas para a fala dos egressos - trajetória de trabalho, vida na prisão, vida pós-prisão, trabalhos como egressos, percepção do trabalho, sentidos do trabalho - e uma sétima, a visão dos profissionais de RH. Os resultados mostram que, paradoxalmente, apesar de exercerem atividades precárias, os egressos relatam satisfação no trabalho.
"Somos sobreviventes": vivências de servidores públicos de uma instituição de seguridade social diante dos novos modos de gestão e a precarização do trabalho na reforma gerencial do serviço público
Authors: Traesel Elisete Soares , Merlo Álvaro Roberto Crespo
Published: March 2016

O objetivo desta investigação foi conhecer a realidade de um órgão público no contexto da atual reforma gerencial. Atentou-se para as vivências e condições de trabalho dos trabalhadores, bem como as repercussões destas em sua saúde mental. O método utilizado foi a PDT-Psicodinâmica do Trabalho, que propõe a escuta coletiva dos trabalhadores. Verificou-se a precarização do contexto de trabalho , em especial, no sofrimento relativo às metas extenuantes, falta de reconhecimento da função social e importância do servidor público, associadas ao desmoronamento do sentido do ofício, que deveria ser voltado ao bem comum, diante da prevalência da lógica de mercado na aplicação dos novos modos de gestão que desconsideram os resultados sociais. Ainda verificou-se insegurança evidenciada pela descontinuidade da renda e falta de oportunidades de qualificação e crescimento, além da intensa sobrecarga de trabalho. O orgulho pela profissão, o prazer por garantir os direitos do cidadão e o reconhecimento e valorização desse importante papel social, assim como a retomada dos coletivos de trabalho por meio da criação de espaços públicos de discussão, conforme propostos pela PDT, podem constituir estratégias de enfrentamento na promoção de relações de trabalho mais saudáveis e emancipatórias.
Association of Circulating Renin and Aldosterone With Osteocalcin and Bone Mineral Density in African Ancestry Families
Authors: Kuipers Allison L. , Kammerer Candace M. , Pratt J. Howard , Bunker Clareann H. , Wheeler Victor W. , Patrick Alan L. , Zmuda Joseph M.
Published: March 2016

Hypertension is associated with accelerated bone loss, and the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system is a key regulator of blood pressure. Although components of this system are expressed in human bone cells, studies in humans are sparse. Thus, we studied the association of circulating renin and aldosterone with osteocalcin and bone mineral density. We recruited 373 African ancestry family members without regard to health status from 6 probands (mean family size: 62 and relative pairs: 1687). Participants underwent a clinical examination, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and quantitative computed tomographic scans. Renin activity, aldosterone concentration, and osteocalcin were measured in fasting blood samples. Aldosterone/renin ratio was calculated as aldosterone concentration/renin activity. All models were analyzed using pedigree-based variance components methods. Full models included adjustment for age, sex, body composition, comorbidities, lifestyle factors, blood pressure, and antihypertensive medication. Higher renin activity was significantly associated with lower total osteocalcin and with higher trabecular bone mineral density (both
P
<0.01). There were also significant genetic correlations between renin activity and whole-body bone mineral density. There were no associations with aldosterone concentration in any model and results for aldosterone/renin ratio were similar to those for renin activity. This is the first study to report a significant association between renin activity and a marker of bone turnover and bone mineral density in generally healthy individuals. Also, there is evidence for significant genetic pleiotropy and, thus, there may be a shared biological mechanism underlying both the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system and bone metabolism that is independent of hypertension.
Midkine Deteriorates Cardiac Remodeling via Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Signaling in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Honda Yuki , Shishido Tetsuro , Takahashi Tetsuya , Watanabe Tetsu , Netsu Shunsuke , Kinoshita Daisuke , Narumi Taro , Kadowaki Shinpei , Nishiyama Satoshi , Takahashi Hiroki , Arimoto Takanori , Miyamoto Takuya , Kishida Satoshi , Kadomatsu Kenji , Takeishi Yasuchika , Kubota Isao
Published: March 2016

In chronic kidney disease, activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) leads to cardiac hypertrophy, which affects morbidity and mortality. In patients with renal insufficiency and heart failure, the expression of midkine, a heparin-binding growth factor, is increased. Therefore, we investigated the association between midkine and EGFR in the induction of cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction in chronic kidney disease. We performed subtotal nephrectomies in midkine-knockout mice and wild-type mice. We found that subtotal nephrectomy-induced cardiac hypertrophy and phosphorylation of extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 and AKT were attenuated in midkine-knockout mice compared with wild-type mice. An antiphosphotyrosine receptor antibody array was used to demonstrate that EGFR phosphorylation in the heart was also lower in midkine-knockout mice than in wild-type mice. Midkine induced EGFR, extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2, and AKT phosphorylation and led to hypertrophy in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Pretreatment with EGFR inhibitors or EGFR silencing suppressed midkine-stimulated phosphorylation of extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 and AKT, induction of fetal cardiac gene expression, and hypertrophy in cardiomyocytes. To confirm the association between midkine and EGFR in vivo, mice subjected to subtotal nephrectomy were treated with the EGFR inhibitor gefitinib. Gefitinib treatment attenuated subtotal nephrectomy-induced cardiac hypertrophy. These results indicate that midkine might be a key mediator of cardiorenal interactions through EGFR activation, which plays a crucial role in cardiac hypertrophy in chronic kidney disease.
Chronic Angiotensin-(1–7) Improves Insulin Sensitivity in High-Fat Fed Mice Independent of Blood Pressure
Authors: Williams Ian M. , Otero Yolanda F. , Bracy Deanna P. , Wasserman David H. , Biaggioni Italo , Arnold Amy C.
Published: March 2016

Angiotensin-(1–7) improves glycemic control in animal models of cardiometabolic syndrome. The tissue-specific sites of action and blood pressure dependence of these metabolic effects, however, remain unclear. We hypothesized that Ang-(1–7) improves insulin sensitivity by enhancing peripheral glucose delivery. Adult male C57BL/6J mice were placed on standard chow or 60% high-fat diet for 11 weeks. Ang-(1–7) (400 ng/kg per minute) or saline was infused subcutaneously during the last 3 weeks of diet, and hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic clamps were performed at the end of treatment. High-fat fed mice exhibited modest hypertension (systolic blood pressure: 137±3 high fat versus 123±5 mm Hg chow;
P
=0.001), which was not altered by Ang-(1–7) (141±4 mm Hg;
P
=0.574). Ang-(1–7) did not alter body weight or fasting glucose and insulin in chow or high-fat fed mice. Ang-(1–7) increased the steady-state glucose infusion rate needed to maintain euglycemia in high-fat fed mice (31±5 Ang-(1–7) versus 16±1 mg/kg per minute vehicle;
P
=0.017) reflecting increased whole-body insulin sensitivity, with no effect in chow-fed mice. The improved insulin sensitivity in high-fat fed mice was because of an enhanced rate of glucose disappearance (34±5 Ang-(1–7) versus 20±2 mg/kg per minute vehicle;
P
=0.049). Ang-(1–7) enhanced glucose uptake specifically into skeletal muscle by increasing translocation of glucose transporter 4 to the sarcolemma. Our data suggest that Ang-(1–7) has direct insulin-sensitizing effects on skeletal muscle, independent of changes in blood pressure. These findings provide new insight into mechanisms by which Ang-(1–7) improves insulin action, and provide further support for targeting this peptide in cardiometabolic disease.
SmgGDS as a Crucial Mediator of the Inhibitory Effects of Statins on Cardiac Hypertrophy and Fibrosis
Authors: Kudo Shun , Satoh Kimio , Nogi Masamichi , Suzuki Kota , Sunamura Shinichiro , Omura Junichi , Kikuchi Nobuhiro , Kurosawa Ryo , Satoh Taijyu , Minami Tatsuro , Ikeda Shohei , Miyata Satoshi , Shimokawa Hiroaki
Published: March 2016

The detailed molecular mechanisms of the pleiotropic effects of statins remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we hypothesized that cardioprotective effects of statins are mediated by small GTP-binding protein GDP dissociation stimulator (SmgGDS). SmgGDS
+/–
and wild-type (WT) mice were treated with continuous infusion of angiotensin II (Ang II) for 2 weeks with and without oral treatment with atorvastatin or pravastatin. At 2 weeks, the extents of Ang II–induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis were comparable between the 2 genotypes. However, statins significantly attenuated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and fibrosis in WT mice, but not in SmgGDS
+/–
mice. In SmgGDS
+/–
cardiac fibroblasts (CFs), Rac1 expression, extracellular signal–regulated kinases 1/2 activity, Rho-kinase activity, and inflammatory cytokines secretion in response to Ang II were significantly increased when compared with WT CFs. Atorvastatin significantly reduced Rac1 expression and oxidative stress in WT CFs, but not in SmgGDS
+/–
CFs. Furthermore, Bio-plex analysis revealed significant upregulations of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines and growth factors in SmgGDS
+/–
CFs when compared with WT CFs. Importantly, conditioned medium from SmgGDS
+/–
CFs increased B-type natriuretic peptide expression in rat cardiomyocytes to a greater extent than that from WT CFs. Furthermore, atorvastatin significantly increased SmgGDS secretion from mouse CFs. Finally, treatment with recombinant SmgGDS significantly reduced Rac1 expression in SmgGDS
+/–
CFs. These results indicate that both intracellular and extracellular SmgGDS play crucial roles in the inhibitory effects of statins on cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, partly through inhibition of Rac1, Rho kinase, and extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 pathways, demonstrating the novel mechanism of the pleiotropic effects of statins.
The Novatian ‘Indifferent Canon’ and Pascha in Alexandria in 414: Hypatia’s Murder Case Reopened
Authors: Belenkiy Ari
Published: March 2016

In an earlier paper I suggested that the murder of the Alexandrian philosopher Hypatia by a clique of Bishop Cyril’s zealots resulted from her involvement in the conflict between the Roman and Alexandrian Churches regarding the date of Easter in the year 417. The murder would have been committed in March 416 after she had performed controversial astronomical observations that supported the Roman date over the Alexandrian one.

This version faces severe problems from various sides. Therefore, I suggest here another scenario, where an unorthodox position of the Novatian Church on determining the time of Easter and early Passover celebration in 414 triggered the chain of events leading to Hypatia’s murder. This scenario places the murder in March 415 and offers a unique time frame for all the related events. Here Hypatia displays astronomy skills that justify her subsequent historical reputation. I also shed light on the immediate circumstances of her murder, specifically suggesting it happened on the day she was making the equinoctial observations.

Finally, I propose instituting a memorial day for Hypatia on the day of the vernal equinox.
New Prionospio and Aurospio Species from the Deep Sea (Annelida: Polychaeta)
Authors: PATERSON GORDON L. J. , NEAL LENKA , ALTAMIRA IRIS , SOTO EULOGIO H. , SMITH CRAIG R. , MENOT LENAICK , BILLETT DAVID S.M. , CUNHA MARINA R. , MARCHAIS-LAGUIONIE CLAIRE , GLOVER ADRIAN G.
Published: March 2016

The number of records of the genus Prionospio Malmgren, 1867, from the deep sea (>2000 m) are relatively few and do not reflect the actual occurrence of species nor their potential ecological importance. In this paper we describe five new species of this genus (Prionospio amarsupiata sp. nov., P. vallensis sp. nov., P. branchilucida sp. nov., P. hermesia sp. nov. and P. kaplani sp. nov.) all of which are abundant members of the deep-sea community. We also describe two new species of the genus Aurospio Maciolek, 1981 (Aurospio abranchiata sp. nov. and A. tribranchiata sp. nov.) again common elements of the abyssal fauna. Two of the new species have characters which question the generic distinctiveness of Prionospio and Aurospio. The problems in differentiating these two genera are discussed.
Contribution to the knowledge of Lanta Hebard, 1921, with remarks on some male genital characters (Blattaria, Ectobiidae)
Authors: VALVERDE ALEJANDRA C. , CRESPO FRANCISCO A. , IGLESIAS MÓNICA S.
Published: March 2016

The genus Lanta Hebard 1921 includes three species found in the Neotropical region. Two species are known from Argentina, L. peniculiger (province of Santa Fe), and L. scotia (provinces of Córdoba and Santiago del Estero) (see Crespo et al. 2010), and one from Brazil, L. borgesae, (Araras, São Paulo) (Rocha e Silva & Vasconcellos, 1984). All species have been described on the basis of male external characters, such as wing veins, leg spines, hypandrium, shape and position of the styli, in addition to coloration and size. Except for a partial representation of the male genitalia of L. borgesae (Rocha e Silva & Vasconcellos 1984), this structure went untreated in morphological and phylogenetic investigations of the Blattaria (Snodgrass 1937; McKittrick 1964; Grandcolas 1996; Klass 1997; Roth 2003;). Females remain unknown.
Two new species of the genus Kabakra Dworakowska from Thailand (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae)
Authors: SONG YUE-HUA , LI ZI-ZHONG , DIETRICH CHRISTOPHER H.
Published: March 2016

The leafhopper genus Kabakra was established with Kabakra augusta from Vietnam as its type species by Dworakowska (1979). Later, another two species were described from India (Sohi & Mann 1992, Mathew & Ramakrishnan 1996). The genus was reviewed by Cao et al. (2012), who redescribed the genus and added three new species from China and Thailand. So far, six species have been reported, all from the Oriental region (see Dmitriev, 2016). In the present paper, two new species, K. chaiyaphuma and K. sakona spp. nov. are described and illustrated, with a key and a checklist to all known species of Kabakra.