bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Type II Endometrial Cancer Overexpresses NILCO: A Preliminary Evaluation
Authors: Daley-Brown Danielle , Oprea-Iles Gabriela , Vann Kiara T. , Lanier Viola , Lee Regina , Candelaria Pierre V. , Quarshie Alexander , Pattillo Roland , Gonzalez-Perez Ruben Rene
Published: June 2017

Objective. The expression of NILCO molecules (Notch, IL-1, and leptin crosstalk outcome) and the association with obesity were investigated in types I and II endometrial cancer (EmCa). Additionally, the involvement of NILCO in leptin-induced invasiveness of EmCa cells was investigated. Methods. The expression of NILCO mRNAs and proteins were analyzed in EmCa from African-American n=29 and Chinese patients (tissue array, n=120 cases). The role of NILCO in leptin-induced invasion of Ishikawa and An3ca EmCa cells was investigated using Notch, IL-1, and leptin signaling inhibitors. Results. NILCO molecules were expressed higher in type II EmCa, regardless of ethnic background or obesity status of patients. NILCO proteins were mainly localized in the cellular membrane and cytoplasm of type II EmCa. Additionally, EmCa from obese African-American patients showed higher levels of NILCO molecules than EmCa from lean patients. Notably, leptin-induced EmCa cell invasion was abrogated by NILCO inhibitors. Conclusion. Type II EmCa expressed higher NILCO molecules, which may suggest it is involved in the progression of the more aggressive EmCa phenotype. Obesity was associated with higher expression of NILCO molecules in EmCa. Leptin-induced cell invasion was dependent on NILCO. Hence, NILCO might be involved in tumor progression and could represent a new target/biomarker for type II EmCa.
Successful Use of Ectopic Pelvic Kidney for Living Related Donation Technical Aspects and Literature Review
Authors: Minnee R. C. , Kimenai H. J. A. N. , van de Wetering J. , Ijzermans J. N. M.
Published: June 2017

Ectopic pelvic kidneys can provide an additional source of organs for transplantation. They are often excluded from donation in living donation programs mainly due to aberrant vascular and urinary anatomies. We present a donor with an ectopic left kidney, who successfully donated his kidney. The use of ectopic pelvic kidney for living kidney transplantation is a highly demanding surgical procedure but after extensive preoperative investigation in high volume centers with surgical expertise in vascular reconstruction and access surgery, ectopic pelvic kidneys should not be a contraindication for donation and should be considered as a viable option.
Discovery of Novel Insulin Sensitizers: Promising Approaches and Targets
Authors: Chen Yadan , Ma Haiming , Zhu Dasheng , Zhao Guowei , Wang Lili , Fu Xiujuan , Chen Wei
Published: June 2017

Insulin resistance is the undisputed root cause of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). There is currently an unmet demand for safe and effective insulin sensitizers, owing to the restricted prescription or removal from market of certain approved insulin sensitizers, such as thiazolidinediones (TZDs), because of safety concerns. Effective insulin sensitizers without TZD-like side effects will therefore be invaluable to diabetic patients. The specific focus on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγ- (PPARγ-) based agents in the past decades may have impeded the search for novel and safer insulin sensitizers. This review discusses possible directions and promising strategies for future research and development of novel insulin sensitizers and describes the potential targets of these agents. Direct PPARγagonists, selective PPARγmodulators (sPPARγMs), PPARγ-sparing compounds (including ligands of the mitochondrial target of TZDs), agents that target the downstream effectors of PPARγ, along with agents, such as heat shock protein (HSP) inducers, 5′-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activators, 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) selective inhibitors, biguanides, and chloroquines, which may be safer than traditional TZDs, have been described. This minireview thus aims to provide fresh perspectives for the development of a new generation of safe insulin sensitizers.
Analysis of Peripapillary Retinal Vessel Diameter in Unilateral Normal-Tension Glaucoma
Authors: Shin Yong Un , Lee Sang Eon , Cho Heeyoon , Kang Min Ho , Seong Mincheol
Published: June 2017

Purpose. This study sought to analyze peripapillary retinal vessel diameter and evaluate its correlation with retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in patients with unilateral normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). Methods. This retrospective study included 37 patients with unilateral NTG and 40 healthy controls. The unilateral NTG patients were selected based on RNFL photography and unilateral visual field (VF) defects from the Humphrey central 30-2 threshold test. The central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE) were measured and calculated using retinal photographs and a computer-assisted calculation program. The RNFL thickness was measured using spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Results. The mean CRAE and CRVE were significantly narrower in the glaucomatous and fellow eyes of the unilateral NTG patients than they were in the normal subjects (p<0.001). There was no significant correlation between CRAE/CRVE and RNFL thickness. There was only a significant correlation between VF severity and RNFL thickness in unilateral NTG eyes. Conclusions. Both NTG-affected eyes and NTG-fellow eyes in the unilateral NTG patients had narrower central retinal vessel diameters than did the eyes of normal subjects. Our results show that vascular factors may play a role in the NTG pathogenesis.
Paradoxical Effect of Nonalcoholic Red Wine Polyphenol Extract, Provinols™, in the Regulation of Cyclooxygenases in Vessels from Zucker Fatty Rats (fa/fa)
Authors: Agouni Abdelali , Mostefai Hadj Ahmed , Lagrue Anne-Hélène , Sladkova Martina , Rouet Philippe , Desmoulin Franck , Pechanova Olga , Martínez Maria Carmen , Andriantsitohaina Ramaroson
Published: June 2017

The aim of this work was to study the vascular effects of dietary supplementation of a nonalcoholic red wine polyphenol extract, Provinols, in Zucker fatty (ZF) obese rats. ZF or lean rats received diet supplemented or not with Provinols for 8 weeks. Vasoconstriction in response to phenylephrine (Phe) was then assessed in small mesenteric arteries (SMA) and the aorta with emphasis on the contribution of cyclooxygenases (COX). Although no difference in vasoconstriction was observed between ZF and lean rats both in SMA and the aorta, Provinols affected the contribution of COX‐derived vasoconstrictor agents. The nonselective COX inhibitor, indomethacin, reduced vasoconstriction in vessels from both groups; however, lower efficacy was observed in Provinols‐treated rats. This was associated with a reduction in thromboxane‐A2 and 8‐isoprostane release. The selective COX‐2 inhibitor, NS398, reduced to the same extent vasoconstriction in aortas from ZF and Provinols‐treated ZF rats. However, NS398 reduced response to Phe only in SMA from ZF rats. This was associated with a reduction in 8‐isoprostane and prostaglandin‐E release. Paradoxically, Provinols decreased COX‐2 expression in the aorta, while it increased its expression in SMA. We provide here evidence of a subtle and paradoxical regulation of COX pathway by Provinols vessels from obese rats to maintain vascular tone within a physiological range.
Prior Knowledge-Based Event Network for Chinese Text
Authors: Shi Yunyu , Shan Jianfang , Liu Xiang , Xia Yongxiang
Published: June 2017

Text representation is a basic issue of text information processing and event plays an important role in text understanding; both attract the attention of scholars. The event network conceals lexical relations in events, and its edges express logical relations between events in document. However, the events and relations are extracted from event-annotated text, which makes it hard for large-scale text automatic processing. In the paper, with expanded CEC (Chinese Event Corpus) as data source, prior knowledge of manifestation rules of event and relation as the guide, we propose an event extraction method based on knowledge-based rule of event manifestation, to achieve automatic building and improve text processing performance of event network.
High Vitamin D Levels May Downregulate Inflammation in Patients with Behçet’s Disease
Authors: Adeeb Fahd , Khan Maria Usman , Li Xia , Stack Austin G. , Devlin Joseph , Fraser Alexander D.
Published: June 2017

Vitamin D plays a significant role in the immune system modulation and may confer a protective role in autoimmune diseases. We conducted a case-control study to compare 25(OH)D levels in patients with BD who were managed at a regional rheumatology programme in the midwest region of Ireland compared to matched controls. Healthy controls were selected from the Irish health system and matched in 1 : 5 ratio for age, sex, and the month of the year. 25(OH)D levels <20 nmol/L were classified as deficient while levels between 20 and 40 nmol/L were classified as insufficient. Differences between groups were assessed using Mann–Whitney test and associations between cases and controls were expressed as odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Nineteen patients with BD were compared with 95 controls matched by age, sex, and month of blood draw. 25(OH)D levels were significantly higher in patients in BD than in matched controls (median values: 45 nmol/L versus 22 nmol/L, p<0.005) and tended to be lower in patients with active disease than in those without (median values: 35 nmol/L (IQR: 22.75–47.25 nm/L) versus 50 nmol/L (IQR: 35–67 nmol/L), p=0.11). Compared to controls, patients with BD were significantly less likely to have 25(OH)D deficiency or insufficiency (OR: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.03–0.28, p<0.001). Our findings suggest a possible role for 25(OH)D in modifying the inflammatory response in BD and uncover a potential opportunity to assess whether correction of Vit D deficiency confers protective benefits.
Does Inhalation of Virgin Coconut Oil Accelerate Reversal of Airway Remodelling in an Allergic Model of Asthma?
Authors: Kamalaldin N. A. , Sulaiman S. A. , Yusop M. R. , Yahaya B.
Published: June 2017

Many studies have been done to evaluate the effect of various natural products in controlling asthma symptoms. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is known to contain active compounds that have beneficial effects on human health and diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of VCO inhalation on airway remodelling in a rabbit model of allergic asthma. The effects of VCO inhalation on infiltration of airway inflammatory cells, airway structures, goblet cell hyperplasia, and cell proliferation following ovalbumin induction were evaluated. Allergic asthma was induced by a combination of ovalbumin and alum injection and/or followed by ovalbumin inhalation. The effect of VCO inhalation was then evaluated via the rescue or the preventive route. Percentage of inflammatory cells infiltration, thickness of epithelium and mucosa regions, and the numbers of goblet and proliferative cells were reduced in the rescue group but not in preventive group. Analysis using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry found that lauric acid and capric acid were among the most abundant fatty acids present in the sample. Significant improvement was observed in rescue route in alleviating the asthma symptoms, which indicates the VCO was able to relieve asthma-related symptoms more than preventing the onset of asthma.
Dermatomyositis Associated with Myelofibrosis following Polycythemia Vera
Authors: Fei Naomi , Sofka Sarah
Published: June 2017

Dermatomyositis (DM) is a unique inflammatory myopathy with clinical findings of proximal muscle weakness, characteristic rash, and elevated muscle enzymes. The association of DM and malignancy, most commonly adenocarcinoma, is well known. There have been few case reports of primary myelofibrosis associated with DM. We present the case of a 69-year-old male with a history of polycythemia vera (PV) who developed proximal muscle weakness, dysphagia, and rash. He was found to have elevated creatinine kinase and skin biopsy was consistent with DM. Due to persistent pancytopenia a bone marrow biopsy was performed and showed postpolycythemic myelofibrosis. To our knowledge, this is the first case reported of this unique association.
miR-155 Promotes ox-LDL-Induced Autophagy in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
Authors: Zhang Zhaozhi , Pan Xudong , Yang Shaonan , Ma Aijun , Wang Kun , Wang Yuan , Li Ting , Liu Shihai
Published: June 2017

As an evolutionarily conserved metabolic process, autophagy is involved in the process of atherosclerosis (AS). MicroRNA-155 (miR-155), a multifunctional miRNA, plays an important role in many physiological and pathological conditions, including AS and autophagy. However, the effect of miR-155 on the regulation of autophagy in endothelial cells has not been reported to date. Therefore, the objective of our study was to investigate the role of miR-155 in autophagy induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Our results demonstrated that ox-LDL induced autophagy in HUVECs and increased the expression of miR-155 significantly. Overexpression of miR-155 improved autophagic activity, whereas low expression of miR-155 inhibited autophagic activity. Therefore, the data demonstrated that miR-155 has a modulating effect on the autophagy of vascular endothelial cells.
Novel HPLC Analysis of Hydrocortisone in Conventional and Controlled-Release Pharmaceutical Preparations
Authors: Adi-Dako Ofosua , Oppong Bekoe Samuel , Ofori-Kwakye Kwabena , Appiah Enoch , Peprah Paul
Published: June 2017

An isocratic sensitive and precise reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method was developed and validated for the determination and quantification of hydrocortisone in controlled-release and conventional (tablets and injections) pharmaceutical preparations. Chromatographic separation was achieved on an ODS (C18), 5 μm, 4.6 × 150 mm, with an isocratic elution using a freshly prepared mobile phase of composition methanol : water : acetic acid (60 : 30 : 10, v/v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. The detection of the drug was successfully achieved at a wavelength of 254 nm. The retention time obtained for the drug was 2.26 min. The proposed method produced linear detectable responses in the concentration range of 0.02 to 0.4 mg/ml of hydrocortisone. High recoveries of 98–101% were attained at concentration levels of 80%, 100%, and 120%. The intraday and interday precision (RSD) were 0.19–0.55% and 0.33–0.71%, respectively. A comparison of hydrocortisone analyses data from the developed method and the official USP method showed no significant difference (p>0.05) at a 95% confidence interval. The method was successfully applied to the determination and quantification of hydrocortisone in six controlled-release and fifteen conventional release pharmaceutical preparations.
Anatomical Footprint of the Tibialis Anterior Tendon: Surgical Implications for Foot and Ankle Reconstructions
Authors: Willegger Madeleine , Seyidova Nargiz , Schuh Reinhard , Windhager Reinhard , Hirtler Lena
Published: June 2017

This study aimed to analyze precisely the dimensions, shapes, and variations of the insertional footprints of the tibialis anterior tendon (TAT) at the medial cuneiform (MC) and first metatarsal (MT1) base. Forty-one formalin-fixed human cadaveric specimens were dissected. After preparation of the TAT footprint, standardized photographs were made and the following parameters were evaluated: the footprint length, width, area of insertion, dorsoplantar location, shape, and additional tendon slips. Twenty feet (48.8%) showed an equal insertion at the MC and MT1, another 20 feet (48.8%) had a wide insertion at the MC and a narrow insertion at the MT1, and 1 foot (2.4%) demonstrated a narrow insertion at the MC and a wide insertion at the MT1. Additional tendon slips inserting at the metatarsal shaft were found in two feet (4.8%). Regarding the dorsoplantar orientation, the footprints were located medial in 29 feet (70.7%) and medioplantar in 12 feet (29.3%). The most common shape at the MT1 base was the crescent type (75.6%) and the oval type at the MC (58.5%). The present study provided more detailed data on the dimensions and morphologic types of the tibialis anterior tendon footprint. The established anatomical data may allow for a safer surgical preparation and a more anatomical reconstruction.
Assessing Free‐Radical‐Mediated DNA Damage during Cardiac Surgery: 8‐Oxo‐7,8‐dihydro‐2′‐deoxyguanosine as a Putative Biomarker
Authors: Turnu Linda , Di Minno Alessandro , Porro Benedetta , Squellerio Isabella , Bonomi Alice , Manega Chiara Maria , Werba José Pablo , Parolari Alessandro , Tremoli Elena , Cavalca Viviana
Published: June 2017

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), one of the most common cardiac surgical procedures, is characterized by a burst of oxidative stress. 8‐Oxo‐7,8‐dihydro‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐oxodG), produced following DNA repairing, is used as an indicator of oxidative DNA damage in humans. The effect of CABG on oxidative‐induced DNA damage, evaluated through the measurement of urinary 8‐oxodG by a developed and validated liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method in 52 coronary artery disease (CAD) patients, was assessed before (T0), five days (T1), and six months (T2) after CABG procedure. These results were compared with those obtained in 40 subjects with cardiovascular risk factors and without overt cardiovascular disease (CTR). Baseline (T0) 8‐oxodG was higher in CAD than in CTR (p = 0.035). A significant burst was detected at T1 (p = 0.019), while at T2, 8‐oxodG levels were significantly lower than those measured at T0 (p < 0.0001) and comparable to those found in CTR (p = 0.73). A similar trend was observed for urinary 8‐iso‐prostaglandin F2α (8‐isoPGF2α), a reliable marker of oxidative stress. In the whole population baseline, 8‐oxodG significantly correlated with 8‐isoPGF2α levels (r = 0.323, p = 0.002). These data argue for CABG procedure in CAD patients as inducing a short‐term increase in oxidative DNA damage, as revealed by 8‐oxodG concentrations, and a long‐term return of such metabolite toward physiological levels.
Bi-Integrable and Tri-Integrable Couplings of a Soliton Hierarchy Associated with SO(3)
Authors: Zhang Jian , Zhang Chiping , Cui Yunan
Published: June 2017

Based on the three-dimensional real special orthogonal Lie algebra SO(3), by zero curvature equation, we present bi-integrable and tri-integrable couplings associated with SO(3) for a hierarchy from the enlarged matrix spectral problems and the enlarged zero curvature equations. Moreover, Hamiltonian structures of the obtained bi-integrable and tri-integrable couplings are constructed by applying the variational identities.
The Phosphatase Inhibitor Calyculin-A Impairs Clot Retraction, Platelet Activation, and Thrombin Generation
Authors: Hudák Renáta , Vincze János , Csernoch László , Beke Debreceni Ildikó , Oláh Tamás , Erdődi Ferenc , Clemetson Kenneth J. , Kappelmayer János
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the serine/threonine protein phosphatase inhibitor, calyculin-A (CLA), on clot formation and on the procoagulant activity of human platelets. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) samples were preincubated with buffer or CLA and subsequently platelets were activated by the protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1) activator, thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP). Clot retraction was detected by observing clot morphology up to 1 hour, phosphatidylserine- (PS-) expression was studied by flow cytometry, and thrombin generation was measured by a fluorimetric assay. For the intracellular Ca2+assay, platelets were loaded with calcium-indicator dyes and the measurements were carried out using a ratiometric method with real-time confocal microscopy. CLA preincubation inhibited clot retraction, PS-expression, and thrombin formation. TRAP activation elicited Ca2+response and PS-expression in a subset of platelets. The activated PRP displayed significantly faster and enhanced thrombin generation compared to nonactivated samples. CLA pretreatment abrogated PS-exposure and clot retraction also in TRAP-activated samples. As a consequence of the inhibitory effect on calcium elevation and PS-expression, CLA significantly downregulated thrombin generation in PRP. Our results show that CLA pretreatment may be a useful tool to investigate platelet activation mechanisms that contribute to clot formation and thrombin generation.
Developing a Low-Cost Force Treadmill via Dynamic Modeling
Authors: Hong Chih-Yuan , Guo Lan-Yuen , Song Rong , Nagurka Mark L. , Sung Jia-Li , Yen Chen-Wen
Published: June 2017

By incorporating force transducers into treadmills, force platform-instrumented treadmills (commonly called force treadmills) can collect large amounts of gait data and enable the ground reaction force (GRF) to be calculated. However, the high cost of force treadmills has limited their adoption. This paper proposes a low-cost force treadmill system with force sensors installed underneath a standard exercise treadmill. It identifies and compensates for the force transmission dynamics from the actual GRF applied on the treadmill track surface to the force transmitted to the force sensors underneath the treadmill body. This study also proposes a testing procedure to assess the GRF measurement accuracy of force treadmills. Using this procedure in estimating the GRF of “walk-on-the-spot motion,” it was found that the total harmonic distortion of the tested force treadmill system was about 1.69%, demonstrating the effectiveness of the approach.
A Case of Thermal Esophageal Injury Induced by Sodium Picosulfate with Magnesium Citrate
Authors: Yang Dong-Hyuk , Bang Byoung Wook , Kwon Kye Sook , Kim Hyung Kil , Shin Yong Woon
Published: June 2017

Although thermal esophageal injuries caused by hot food or tea have been reported, thermal esophageal injury due to sodium picosulfate with magnesium citrate (PSMC) used for bowel preparation is rarely reported. We report the case of a 56-year-old man who presented with esophageal injury after ingestion of PSMC. Instead of dissolving the PSMC in water before ingestion, he drank water immediately after swallowing PSMC powder. As soon as he drank water, he developed severe chest pain and hematemesis. Upper endoscopy revealed severe hemorrhagic, ulcerative mucosal change from upper to mid-esophagus. He was hospitalized for nine days, received conservative treatment (fasting and parenteral nutrition), and recovered without complications. When PSMC is used as a colonic cleansing agent, patients should be educated to take it after dissolving it sufficiently in 150 mL of water to avoid esophageal thermal injury.
A Next-Generation TRK Kinase Inhibitor Overcomes Acquired Resistance to Prior TRK Kinase Inhibition in Patients with TRK Fusion–Positive Solid Tumors
Authors: Drilon Alexander , Nagasubramanian Ramamoorthy , Blake James F. , Ku Nora , Tuch Brian B. , Ebata Kevin , Smith Steve , Lauriault Veronique , Kolakowski Gabrielle R. , Brandhuber Barbara J. , Larsen Paul D. , Bouhana Karyn S. , Winski Shannon L. , Hamor Robyn , Wu Wen-I , Parker Andrew , Morales Tony H. , Sullivan Francis X. , DeWolf Walter E. , Wollenberg Lance A. , Gordon Paul R. , Douglas-Lindsay Dorothea N. , Scaltriti Maurizio , Benayed Ryma , Raj Sandeep , Hanusch Bethany , Schram Alison M. , Jonsson Philip , Berger Michael F. , Hechtman Jaclyn F. , Taylor Barry S. , Andrews Steve , Rothenberg S. Michael , Hyman David M.
Published: June 2017

Larotrectinib, a selective TRK tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), has demonstrated histology-agnostic efficacy in patients with TRK fusion–positive cancers. Although responses to TRK inhibition can be dramatic and durable, duration of response may eventually be limited by acquired resistance. LOXO-195 is a selective TRK TKI designed to overcome acquired resistance mediated by recurrent kinase domain (solvent front and xDFG) mutations identified in multiple patients who have developed resistance to TRK TKIs. Activity against these acquired mutations was confirmed in enzyme and cell-based assays and in vivo tumor models. As clinical proof of concept, the first 2 patients with TRK fusion–positive cancers who developed acquired resistance mutations on larotrectinib were treated with LOXO-195 on a first-in-human basis, utilizing rapid dose titration guided by pharmacokinetic assessments. This approach led to rapid tumor responses and extended the overall duration of disease control achieved with TRK inhibition in both patients.

Significance: LOXO-195 abrogated resistance in TRK fusion–positive cancers that acquired kinase domain mutations, a shared liability with all existing TRK TKIs. This establishes a role for sequential treatment by demonstrating continued TRK dependence and validates a paradigm for the accelerated development of next-generation inhibitors against validated oncogenic targets. Cancer Discov; 7(9); 963–72. ©2017 AACR.

See related commentary by Parikh and Corcoran, p. 934.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 920
Cultural Challenges in the Care of Refugees with End-Stage Renal Disease: What Western Nephrologists Should Know
Authors: Sekkarie Mohamed A. , Abdel-Rahman Emaad M.
Published: June 2017

Forced migration is on the rise, mainly from the Middle East to western countries, resulting in unprecedented moral, political, and economic challenges for both refugees and host communities. Recent research showed that refugees represent around 1.5% of the dialysis population in several European and Middle Eastern countries surveyed. Despite the fact that refugees represent a small percentage of all dialysis patients in these countries, adequate care for this population is challenging. There are cultural differences between refugee patients with end-stage renal disease hailing from the Middle East, who are predominantly Muslims, and people from the western host countries. These differences may present a major obstacle in ensuring adequate patient care. In this study, we identify several of these issues that we believe western renal providers should be aware of.
Antinociceptive Activity of Methanol Extract of Tabebuia hypoleuca (C. Wright ex Sauvalle) Urb. Stems
Authors: Regalado Ada I. , Mancebo Betty , Paixão Armindo , López Yanet , Merino Nelson , Sánchez Luz M.
Published: June 2017

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antinociceptive activity of the methanol extract of Tabebuia hypoleuca stems (THME). Materials and Methods: The animals were divided into 5 groups of 8 mice for each test (negative controls, positive controls, and 3 groups treated with THME at doses of 150, 300, and 500 mg/kg, p.o.). The antinociceptive effect of THME was evaluated using the writhing, formalin, tail flick, and hot plate models in mice. Results: In the writhing test, THME (150, 300, and 500 mg/kg) produced significantly (p < 0.001) fewer writhes induced by acetic acid than in the control group. In the formalin test, the licking time for THME at doses of 300 and 500 mg/kg was signiﬁcantly shorter (p < 0.001) compared to the control group in the first phase of the formalin test, whereas in the second phase only the dose of 500 mg/kg showed an antinociceptive effect. In addition, THME at doses of 300 and 500 mg/kg significantly increased the latency time in the tail flick test (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively) and in the hot plate test (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively) compared to the control group. Conclusions: These results show that THME had antinociceptive activity using several models of nociception, and they suggest that the effect is mediated by the participation of both peripheral and central antinociceptive mechanisms.
Comunicação do governo federal e identidade brasileira: análise das logomarcas dos governos Lula e Dilma
Authors: Jorge Alana Giro
Published: June 2017

Este artigo procura entender, por meio da semiótica aplicada, o universo de sentido e os traços identitários brasileiros utilizados na comunicação do Governo Federal. Ao analisar as logomarcas dos governos Lula e Dilma, observou-se grande diferença entre os signos utilizados: enquanto no Governo Lula a miscigenação do povo brasileiro ganhava destaque, no Governo Dilma, o tema da desigualdade social e a estabilidade/força do Estado passam a ser o foco (dialogando com a crise de representação política atual).
Consensus clustering approach to group brain connectivity matrices
Authors: Rasero Javier , Pellicoro Mario , Angelini Leonardo , Cortes Jesus M. , Marinazzo Daniele , Stramaglia Sebastiano
Published: June 2017

A novel approach rooted on the notion of consensus clustering, a strategy developed for community detection in complex networks, is proposed to cope with the heterogeneity that characterizes connectivity matrices in health and disease. The method can be summarized as follows: (a) define, for each node, a distance matrix for the set of subjects by comparing the connectivity pattern of that node in all pairs of subjects; (b) cluster the distance matrix for each node; (c) build the consensus network from the corresponding partitions; and (d) extract groups of subjects by finding the communities of the consensus network thus obtained. Different from the previous implementations of consensus clustering, we thus propose to use the consensus strategy to combine the information arising from the connectivity patterns of each node. The proposed approach may be seen either as an exploratory technique or as an unsupervised pretraining step to help the subsequent construction of a supervised classifier. Applications on a toy model and two real datasets show the effectiveness of the proposed methodology, which represents heterogeneity of a set of subjects in terms of a weighted network, the consensus matrix.
Nematodes associated with palm and sugarcane weevils in South Florida with a description of Acrostichus floridensis n. sp.
Authors: Kanzaki Natsumi , Giblin-Davis Robin M. , Gonzalez Rafael , Manzoor Mujahid
Published: June 2017

During a 2016 survey of the nematode associates of the native palmetto weevil,Rhynchophorus cruentatus, and the recently introduced West Indian sugarcane weevil,Metamasius hemipterus(Coleoptera: Curculionidae), from southern Florida, a new species ofAcrostichuswas cultured from a single dissectedR. cruentatusfrom Fort Pierce, FL, USA. Morphological and molecular studies showed that it was new to science and it is described herein asA. floridensisn. sp. The new species is characterised by its male tail characters, spicule morphology with rounded manubrium separated from other parts by clear constriction, smoothly ventrally curved blade, slightly dorsally recurved and pointed tip, more or less straight gubernaculum with widely rounded anterior end and a triangular (arrowhead-like) appendage at the distal tip, and the arrangement of male genital papillae, ⟨(v1, v2), v3 / v4, ad, ph, (v5, v6, v7, pd)⟩. In addition toA. floridensisn. sp. and the previously described nematode associates ofR. cruentatus,i.e.,A. rhynchophori,Teratorhabditis palmarumandMononchoidessp., we recovered a putative new species ofDemaniellaand a new association record withRhabditidoides humicolusandDiplogastrellus metamasiusin Homestead, FL. Dissections and subsequent culturing attempts withM. hemipterusrevealed the previously described nematode associates ofCaenorhabditis angariaandD. metamasiusas well as a new association withR. humicolusin Homestead, FL, USA.
Parallel Processes in English-Hungarian Language Contact Situations
Authors: Forintos Éva
Published: June 2017

In language contact research, there is an interrelationship between language systems, social and communicative factors and psycholinguistic processing. Language contact can be associated with face-to-face communication among community members who use different language varieties, as well as with non-personal contact of people using the written medium. Language contact can contribute to the transfer of linguistic patterns and units from one system to another. Stable contact can result in both lexical and grammatical influences, the process being mutual rather than unidirectional. According to Braunmüller and House, language contact and contact-induced variation and change, which can result in convergence and divergence, are omnipresent characteristic features of languages in use.
1
Winford takes a similar view and argues that the degree and nature of structural convergence depend on an array of linguistic, social and historical factors. However, he remarks that it is problematic to differentiate between internally motivated changes and transmission from external sources.
2
The present research paper deals with the dynamics of the language systems in contact and observes how the languages of bilinguals develop similarities (convergence) and how they distinguish between the two languages in particular ways (divergence).
This research employs the corpus of written language samples sourced from the Australian-Hungarian community’s newspaper, entitled Hungarian Life (Magyar Élet). Many of the immigrants who produce text for the newspaper retain the Hungarian language, but have become bilingual in English.
Written Out of History: My Grandfather William Chapman and the Effects of War
Authors: Van den Bosch Annette
Published: June 2017

This text is an attempt to trace the case history of an Australian soldier’s participation in World War One and the effects of war on an ordinary Australian family, whose roots are in 19th century England. Archival documents from the National Australian Archives, diaries of medical officers and soldiers, the Embarkation Roll as well as certificates of marriages and deaths are examined in order to document the historical facts which crossed the boundaries between private and public lives of ordinary people enmeshed in the history of their era.
Platanthera australis, a new species of Orchidaceae from southern China
Authors: WU LEI , LUO JIN-LONG , TIAN HUAI-ZHEN , YU XUN-LIN
Published: June 2017

A new orchid species Platanthera australis is described and illustrated from Hunan Province in southern China. A detailed description, line drawings, colour photographs and a distribution map are provided, together with notes on conservation status and comparisons with allied species.
Aspidistra letreae (Asparagaceae), a new species from central Vietnam
Authors: AVERYANOV LEONID V. , TILLICH HANS-JUERGEN , LE TUAN ANH , PHAM VAN THE , MAISAK TATIANA V. , VU TIEN CHINH
Published: June 2017

Since last account of the genus Aspidistra Ker Gawler (1822: 628) in Vietnam reported 43 species (Tillich 2014), at least 25 additional species were discovered and described in this country (Averyanov & Tillich 2014, 2015, 2016, Vislobokov et al. 2014a, 2014b, 2016, Leong-Skornickova et al. 2014, Olivier 2015, Ly & Tilllich 2015, Vislobokov 2015, 2016, Averyanov et al. 2016). Meanwhile, the diversity of the genus in Vietnam and allied countries remains insufficiently inventoried. One more new species of Aspidistra, named here as A. letreae was discovered recently in central Vietnam. This species is described and illustrated with data on its ecology, phenology, tentative relations, distribution and expected conservation status. The new species somewhat resembles Aspidistra truongii Averyanov & Tillich (2013: 108), A. obtusata Vislobokov (2016: 694) and Aspidistra zhangii Averyanov, Tillich & Nguyen in Averyanov et al. (2016: 62), but differs clearly by a series of  morphological features noted below.
Evaluating the occurrence and conservation statuses of Sri Lankan Orchids (Orchidaceae): Observations on newly recorded species and undocumented regions
Authors: ARIYARATHNE W.A.M.P. , YAKANDAWALA DEEPTHI , SAMUEL ROSABELLE , WIJESUNDARA SIRIL
Published: June 2017

Sri Lanka is a country with unique landscapes and positioning. Its land profile varies from coastal areas through lowland hills to central montane region, and the climatic zones governed by seasonal monsoons results in a significantly high biodiversity.         Sri Lanka together with Western Ghats is a biodiversity hot spot among the 35 regions known worldwide. Sri Lanka harbors 3154 species of which 894 are endemics belonging to different angiosperm families. The orchid flora of the country, with 189 known species including 55 endemics is one that contributes very much for this high endemism. However 70.6% are currently listed as nationally threatened species during National Red listing in 2012.         The present study was conducted to investigate the current status and occurrence of species of the family Orchidaceae within and outside the conservation areas including few unexplored/ undocumented regions in the country. Field visits were carried out mainly focusing on the flowering seasons. Fourteen different sites including Forest Reserves, Sanctuaries, Strict Nature Reserves and Wildlife Parks were taken into consideration during this study. Observations were made in the field and locations recorded, collected data were tabulated and compared with available information. The observation made during the present study would make a large contribution for updating the conservation status of orchids at national and global level red listing.
New names in Fallopia, Persicarioipollis, Polygonum and Reynoutria (Polygonaceae), living and fossil
Authors: DOWELD ALEXANDER B.
Published: June 2017

Fossil and living species of the former polyphyletic genus Polygonum s.l. are re-classified into distinct genera: Fallopia (F. conwentzii nom. nov., F. ×heterocarpa comb. nov., F. palaeodonica sp. nov., F. pliocaenica comb. nov.), Persicaria (P. asymmetrica comb. nov., P. omoloica sp. nov., P. ×pseudoincana comb. nov., P. vladichenica comb. nov., P. wolfii comb. nov., P. zablockii comb. nov.), Persicarioipollis (P. frequens comb. nov., P. persicariiformis comb. nov.), Polygonum (P. palaeosibiricum nom. nov.), and Reynoutria (R. leporimontana comb. nov., R. miosinica comb. nov., R. megalophylla comb. nov., R. trigonophylla comb. nov.). It is established that extant Polygonum ×convolvuloides Brügger is an illegitimate later homonym of P. convolvuloides Conw. and the fossil P. reticulatum P.I.Dorof. is an illegitimate later homonym of extant P. reticulatum K.Koch and P. reticulatum de Bruyn. In addition, Polygonum ×heterocarpum (≡ Fallopia ×heterocarpa comb. nov.), P. lapathiforme (≡ Persicaria lapathiformis), P. zablockii (≡ Persicaria zablockii comb. nov.) and Reynoutria paleojaponica were lectotypified.
What is (and what is not) Cytisus cantabricus?
Authors: FERNÁNDEZ PRIETO JOSÉ ANTONIO , FERNÁNDEZ HERMINIO S. NAVA , FERNÁNDEZ CASADO MARÍA DE LOS ÁNGELES , GALLASTEGUI MERCEDES HERRERA , SÁNCHEZ ÁLVARO BUENO , SANNA MAURO , CIRES EDUARDO
Published: June 2017

Major changes in the diagnosis, taxonomy and chorology of Cantabrian brooms with glabrous calyces and pubescent legumes, classified as sect. Spartopsis of the genus Cytisus (Fabaceae), have been recently implemented. Two species of this section occur in the Cantabrian region: Cytisus cantabricus and C. grandiflorus. A detailed study of the plants usually identified as C. cantabricus demonstrates that, if the shape of the branches and the types of leaves are considered, the current species C. cantabricus includes two discrete taxa and we describe C. dieckii as this second species. Both C. cantabricus and C. dieckii are endemic to the Cantabrian region, have been characterized, and both lectotypes have been chosen. Evidence of the presence of Cytisus grandiflorus in these territories has not been found.
Do liberal ties pacify? A study of the Cod Wars
Authors: Steinsson Sverrir
Published: June 2017

The Cod Wars, three militarized interstate disputes between the UK and Iceland (1958–1961, 1972–1973, 1975–1976), have often been presented as an egregious exception to the liberal peace. There are, however, few comprehensive analyses of the liberal dimensions of the Cod Wars. This article comprehensively analyses the ways in which each of the Cod Wars is consistent or inconsistent with the liberal peace. I find that while the supposedly pacifying factors of the liberal peace – democracy, trade and institutional ties – effectively made the disputes more contentious, they also ensured that escalation to actual war was impossible.
Evaluation of Health Equity Impact of Structural Policies
Authors: Kunst Anton E.
Published: June 2017

This article briefly assesses the research methods that were applied in the SOPHIE project to evaluate the impact of structural policies on population health and health inequalities. The evaluation of structural policies is one of the key methodological challenges in today’s public health. The experience in the SOPHIE project was that mixed methods are essential to identify, understand, and predict the health impact of structural policies. On the one hand, quantitative studies that included spatial comparisons or time trend analyses, preferably in a quasi-experimental design, showed that some structural policies were associated with improved population health and smaller health inequalities. On the other hand, qualitative studies, often inspired by realist approaches, were important to understand how these policies could have achieved the observed impact and why they would succeed in some settings but fail in others. This review ends with five recommendations for future studies that aim to evaluate, understand, and predict how health inequalities can be reduced through structural policies.
Safety, Generous Doctors, and Enabling Parents: A Perfect Recipe of Justifications for College Students’ Nonmedical Use of Prescription Painkillers
Authors: Cutler Kristin , Kremer Joseph
Published: June 2017

National data indicate that prescription painkillers are the second most commonly misused prescription drug on college campuses. Although much research has focused on the motivations given for the nonmedical use of these drugs, few studies explore justifications for use. This article fills that gap by explicating the justifications college students incite to defend their nonmedical use of these drugs. Drawing on semistructured interviews with students ( N = 76) from a large public northwestern university, inductive analysis uncovered social learning theories of crime, more specifically Sykes and Matza’s neutralization theory, as helping to inform students’ justifications for use. These justifications were combined to form two broad justification categories: “the safety factor” and “authoritative enabling.” Given that justifications helped students to resolve any guilt, shame, or stigma associated with their deviant use of prescription painkillers, it is important that future research continue to explore and disentangle motivations from justifications.
Investigating Differences in Teacher Practices Through a Complexity Theory Lens: The Influence of Teacher Education
Authors: Martin Susan D. , Dismuke Sherry
Published: June 2017

How to prepare teachers to be effective in our nations’ classrooms seems to get increasingly complex, yet the links between teacher education and teachers’ eventual practices are little understood. Using complexity theory as a theoretical framework, this mixed-methods study investigated writing teacher practices of 23 elementary teachers. Twelve teachers had participated in a comprehensive course focused on writing, either at inservice or preservice levels. The other teachers had not taken any course focused on writing and had little to no writing professional development. Despite the small number of participants in our study, quantitative analysis demonstrated significant differences on multiple, effective practice indicators. These findings were borne out in qualitative analyses as well. Clear connections of teachers’ practices and understandings and the course were noted. These findings contribute to understandings of the ways in which teacher education coursework makes a difference in optimizing candidate learning and reducing the variability across teacher practices and subsequent student learning opportunities. Findings suggest implications for policy makers, teacher education programs, as well as for teacher educators and researchers.
Early Childhood Open-Mindedness: An Investigation Into Preservice Teachers’ Capacity to Address Controversial Issues
Authors: Bautista Nazan , Misco Thomas , Quaye Stephen John
Published: June 2017

We investigated the characteristics of early childhood education (ECE) preservice teachers (PSTs) who were identified as closed minded and their capacity to deal with controversial issues. We define open-mindedness as the willingness to consider experiences, beliefs, values, and perspectives that differ from one’s own. First, we used quantitative surveys to identify PSTs with less open-minded thinking dispositions among those who responded ( n = 84). Then, we selected and ultimately interviewed five participants who indicated that their religious views played a significant role in the way they developed their epistemological and ontological views. Interviews suggested that concepts of social justice and the common good were seen as inimical to their core religious beliefs. As such, some respondents avoided these ideas without sufficiently entertaining the complexity involved with their religious beliefs and democratic ideals. This study has numerous implications for the macrocurriculum of teacher education.
The Relationship Between Career Thoughts and Adjustment for Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Lustig Daniel C. , Xu Yonghong Jade , Strauser David R. , MacKay Michael M.
Published: June 2017

The study investigated the relationship between the psychosocial adjustment and dysfunctional career thoughts for adults with multiple sclerosis. The Reactions to Impairment and Disability Inventory measured psychosocial adjustment, and the Career Thoughts Inventory measured dysfunctional career thoughts. The results found that (a) higher levels of depression were associated with higher levels of decision-making confusion and commitment anxiety and (b) higher levels of adjustment were associated with lower levels of decision-making confusion. Rehabilitation counselor implications are discussed.
Co-ethnic concentration and trust in Canada’s urban neighbourhoods
Authors: Wu Zheng , Hou Feng , Schimmele Christoph , Carmichael Adam
Published: June 2017

This study investigates the relationship between the density of people’s ethno-racial in-group in their neighbourhoods (co-ethnic concentration) and trust in their neighbours. Previous studies demonstrate that ethno-racial diversity decreases trust in others, however, these studies rely on overly broad definitions of diversity and of trust, and often do not disaggregate the effects for Whites and ethno-racial minorities. Hence, this study examines the relationship between co-ethnic concentration and trust, focusing on how this relationship may change depending upon one’s ethno-racial status. Putnam’s (2007) analysis leads to a paradox in the sense that, according to the same principle that predicts declining trust amongst Whites, increasing diversity should lead to greater levels of trust for ethno-racial minorities whose share of the population increases with diversification. The findings demonstrate that there is a positive relationship between co-ethnic concentration and trust in neighbours and that this relationship holds for Whites as well as ethno-racial minorities.