bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic literature review of methodologies and data sources of existing economic models across the full spectrum of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia from apparently healthy through disease progression to end of life care: a systematic review protocol.
Authors: Karagiannidou Maria , Wittenberg Raphael , Landeiro Filipa Isabel Trigo , Park A-La , Fry Andra , Knapp Martin , Gray Alastair M , Tockhorn-Heidenreich Antje , Castro Sanchez Amparo Yovanna , Ghinai Isaac , Handels Ron , Lecomte Pascal , Wolstenholme Jane
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Dementia is one of the greatest health challenges the world will face in the coming decades, as it is one of the principal causes of disability and dependency among older people. Economic modelling is used widely across many health conditions to inform decisions on health and social care policy and practice. The aim of this literature review is to systematically identify, review and critically evaluate existing health economics models in dementia. We included the full spectrum of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), from preclinical stages through to severe dementia and end of life. This review forms part of the Real world Outcomes across the Alzheimer’s Disease spectrum for better care: multimodal data Access Platform (ROADMAP) project.

Methods and analysis

Electronic searches were conducted in Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Excerpta Medica dataBASE, Economic Literature Database, NHS Economic Evaluation Database, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Registry, Research Papers in Economics, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness, Science Citation Index, Turning Research Into Practice and Open Grey for studies published between January 2000 and the end of June 2017. Two reviewers will independently assess each study against predefined eligibility criteria. A third reviewer will resolve any disagreement. Data will be extracted using a predefined data extraction form following best practice. Study quality will be assessed using the Phillips checklist for decision analytic modelling. A narrative synthesis will be used.

Ethics and dissemination

The results will be made available in a scientific peer-reviewed journal paper, will be presented at relevant conferences and will also be made available through the ROADMAP project.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017073874.
Observations and analysis of wide piled foundations
Authors: Fellenius Bengt H.
Published: June 2018

Available case histories on observations on full-scale piled rafts show that the settlement response to applied load can be modeled as that for an Equivalent Pier due to compression of the piles and the soil matrix plus that of an Equivalent Raft for compression of soil layers below the pile toe level. Interior piles engage the soil from the pile toe level upward in contrast to a single pile, which engages it from the ground downward. Piles and soil, combined as a pier, have strain compatibility, which determines the distribution of load between the piles, the contact stress, and the load-transfer movement of the piles. The responses between the interior and perimeter piles differ. Particularly so in non-subsiding and subsiding environment, because perimeter piles can be subjected to downdrag and drag forces, while neither downdrag nor drag force will affect the interior piles. In non-subsiding environment, it is advantageous to make perimeter piles shorter, while in subsiding environment perimeter piles best be longer. The load distribution across the raft is also governed by the degree of rigidity of the raft and by the difference in dishing at the pile toe level and in the dishing of the actual raft.
Upregulated long noncoding RNA Snhg1 promotes the angiogenesis of brain microvascular endothelial cells after oxygen–glucose deprivation treatment by targeting miR-199a
Authors: Wang Zhengfeng , Wang Ruihua , Wang Kai , Liu Xianzhi
Published: June 2018

Angiogenesis after ischemic stroke has important clinical significance, which stimulates endogenous recovery mechanisms and improves the neurological outcome. Enhancing angiogenesis may facilitate the function recovery from ischemic stroke. Recent studies have shown that aberrant expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) is related to angiogenesis after ischemic stroke. Snhg1, a cancer-related lncRNA, has been reported to be upregulated after stroke. However, little is known about its role in stroke. In this study, we performed in vitro experiments to investigate the effects of Snhg1 on cell survival and angiogenesis and molecular mechanism in ischemic stroke. Oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) was used to mimic ischemia/reperfusion injury in vitro. Sngh1 was increased in brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) with the prolongation of exposure to OGD, and promoted BMEC survival under OGD/R condition, and angiogenesis after OGD/R treatment. miR-199a was identified and validated to be a direct target of Snhg1, and function effects of Snhg1 on BMEC survival and angiogenesis depended on miR-199a, which is involved in the regulation of hypoxia inducible factor and vascular endothelial cell growth factor expression. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke and facilitate the development of proangiogenesis therapy for this disease.
Morphological characteristics of harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) whiskers and their use in dietary reconstruction using stable isotope ratios
Authors: Smith Justin , Karpovich Shawna , Breed Greg A. , O’Brien Diane M.
Published: June 2018

We investigated whether inferences about harbor seal (Phoca vitulina Linnaeus, 1758) whisker shed status and growth rates based on whisker morphology could improve dietary time series from whisker isotopic profiles. We identified morphometric characteristics of Alaskan harbor seal whiskers, including a smooth root section (SRS) and a bumpy section. The SRS was longer for spring versus fall-collected whiskers and matched the length of fully grown, shed whiskers. Thus, SRS length can differentiate whisker shed and growth status, and we used it to determine the sequence of whisker shedding by cohort in summer-captured harbor seals. The mean interbump length (IBL) correlated with whisker length, potentially providing a proxy for whisker growth rate. We compared carbon isotope ratios (expressed as δ13C values) along the three longest whiskers from 10 harbor seals, using two approaches for converting whisker position to date: (1) a standard growth rate constant based on captive studies and (2) individually adjusted growth rates based on whisker morphology. Intraindividual patterns of whisker δ13C values became more synchronous when expressed by deposition date rather than by position; however, adjusting growth rates based on IBL did not improve synchrony further. These findings suggest that whisker morphology can contribute whisker growth rate and shedding information for dietary reconstruction.
Fine- and coarse-scale movements and habitat use by Wood Turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) based on probabilistic modeling of radiotelemetry and GPS-telemetry data
Authors: Thompson D.G. , Swystun T. , Cross J. , Cross R. , Chartrand D. , Edge C.B.
Published: June 2018

Understanding animal movement and habitat use is critical for the delineation of habitat requiring protection for species at risk. Defining critical habitat requires studies with observations at a fine enough scale to reflect how animals use and move among habitats and include enough individuals to generalize findings to the population. We present results of a multiyear study on 48 adult Wood Turtles (Glyptemys insculpta (Le Conte, 1830)) from two different populations monitored with low-frequency radiotelemetry and high-frequency GPS telemetry. Results demonstrated the propensity for conventional radiotelemetry to underestimate cumulative distances moved and overestimate the amount of habitat used by Wood Turtles. Together the two data sets demonstrate the propensity for Wood Turtles to remain in close proximity to the river and that some differences in habitat use occur between the sexes; males tended to move parallel to the river, whereas females moved perpendicular to the river. The GPS-telemetry data provided a robust spatiotemporal data set that provided a better understanding of frequently used habitat types and features. Overall, study results suggest that currently delineated areas of protected habitat are likely to be effective in conserving these two populations and provides significantly improved, spatially explicit knowledge that can be used to inform further mitigation efforts if necessary.
Longissimus dorsi muscle transcriptomic analysis of Yunling and Chinese simmental cattle differing in intramuscular fat content and fatty acid composition
Authors: Zhang H.M. , Xia H.L. , Jiang H.R. , Mao Y.J. , Qu K.X. , Huang B.Z. , Gong Y.C. , Yang Z.P.
Published: June 2018

Intramuscular fat (IMF) content and fatty acid (FA) composition vary significantly across beef cattle breeds, which play an important role in taste and nutritional value. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these phenotypic differences remain unknown. The present study compared meat quality traits between Yunling cattle and Chinese Simmental cattle. Yunling cattle showed a lower IMF content and proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), as well as higher proportions of saturated fatty acids (SFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and short-chain fatty acids (sc-FA) in the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle than Chinese Simmental cattle. To further identify the candidate genes and pathways responsible for these phenotypic differences, the transcriptome of LD muscle from the two breeds were measured using RNA-seq. A total of 1347 differentially expressed genes were identified. The major metabolic pathways that were differentially modulated were lipolysis and glycometabolism. Yunling cattle showed a higher expression of lipolysis genes (ALDH9A1, ACSL5, ACADM, ACAT2, ACOT2) and a lower expression of genes related to glycometabolism (PGM1, GALM, PGM1, GPI, LDHA). This research identified candidate genes and pathways for IMF content and FA composition in the LD muscle of beef cattle, which may facilitate the design of new selection strategies to improve meat quality.
Noncommutative Sprott systems and their jerk dynamics
Authors: Daszkiewicz Marcin
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we provide the noncommutative Sprott models. We demonstrate, that effectively, each of them is described by a system of three complex, ordinary and nonlinear differential equations. Apart from that, we find for such modified models the corresponding (noncommutative) jerk dynamics as well as we study numerically as an example, the deformed Sprott-A system.
Stable anisotropic dissipative quark star with tilted observer
Authors: Sharif M. , Sadiq Sobia
Published: June 2018

This paper is aimed to study spherically symmetric anisotropic dissipative quark star for tilted observer. The corresponding field equations as well as dynamical equations are formulated. We consider the MIT bag model for quark stars and investigate numerical solution of the field equations by imposing the shear-free condition. It is found that all the expected physical properties are present related to stellar fluid distribution. Finally, we analyze stability of the compact object by analyzing splitting of the fluid distribution. It is found that radial velocity does not change its sign during evolution of the system implying that the system does not undergo splitting and remains stable.
A microscopic study of neon and argon gases within the static fluctuation approximation (SFA)
Authors: Ghassib H. B. , Sandouqa A. S. , Joudeh B. R. , Al-Maaitah I. F. , Akour A. N. , Al-Sugheir M. K.
Published: June 2018

The thermodynamic properties of neon and argon gases are studied within the static fluctuation approximation (SFA). These properties include the total internal energy, pressure, entropy, compressibility and specific heat. The results are compared with those recently obtained within the Galitskii–Migdal–Feynman (GMF) formalism. The overall agreement is very good. An exception, however, is the specific-heat results for neon. While SFA gives results rather similar to those of the ideal gas, the corresponding GMF results are quite different. It is argued that the discrepancy seems to have arisen from quantum effects in conformity with very recent Monte Carlo computations. Whenever possible, our SFA results are compared to experimental data.
Ab initio calculation of stressed cesium iodide lattices and resulting surface plasmon resonance peak shifts
Authors: Kumar Kuldeep , Arun P. , Syrotyuk S. V.
Published: June 2018

Alkali halides have received attention due to their potential application as detector coating. This is due to the appearance of Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) absorption peaks in their absorption spectrum. The formation of SPR peaks is due to the formation of cesium metal clusters within the cesium halide matrix. Experimental work on cesium iodide explained the formation of cesium clusters in cesium iodide films. It was experimentally seen that when iodine atom escapes from the cesium iodide unit cell, then the newly created cubic unit cell of cesium exerts force on neighboring cesium iodide unit cells. This force results in cesium iodide taking up a tetragonal lattice structure. The aim of this paper is to theoretically investigate the tetragonal cesium iodide’s band structure and dielectric constant using ab initio calculations. The results indicate that both the band structure and the dielectric constant of cesium iodide in tetragonal phase show a systematic variation with changes in the lattice constant. This alteration in dielectric constant or variation in refractive index of cesium iodide, which acts as the surrounding media for the cesium metal clusters, induces a shift in the SPR peak position. The calculated dielectric constants were used for Gan model calculations of the extinction coefficient and evaluation of SPR peak position ([Formula: see text]). A redshift in [Formula: see text] was seen with increasing dielectric constant that appears with stress acting on cesium iodide’s lattice. These results were found to be in agreement with experimental results reported earlier by us.
The characteristics and mechanism of microbubble drag reduction on the axisymmetric body
Authors: Song Wuchao , Wang Cong , Wei Yingjie , Lu Lirui , Xu Hao
Published: June 2018

To investigate the characteristics and mechanism of microbubble drag reduction on the axisymmetric body, both experiments and the numerical simulation of microbubble drag reduction have been conducted in this paper. Based on the experiments, the morphology of microbubble flow and the characteristics of microbubble drag reduction were analyzed. The size distribution of microbubbles and the influence of microbubble size on the drag reduction efficiency were quantitatively investigated. Based on the numerical simulation, the influences of microbubbles on the turbulence intensity and vorticity were analyzed to investigate the mechanism of microbubble drag reduction. The results indicate that the diameters of microbubbles basically obey the normal distribution at various conditions, and the microbubble flow presents the uniform microbubble, roll-up and cavity. As the air injection rate increases, the drag reduction respectively shows microbubble drag reduction, mixture drag reduction and air-layer drag reduction. Besides, the drag reduction ratio correspondingly presents the increasing stage, rapidly increasing stage and stable stage. At the same void ratio, the smaller microbubbles show the higher efficiency in drag reduction. The microbubbles injected into the boundary layer can reduce the turbulence intensity and the frequency of the bursting events in the flow field, which results in the drag reduction.
Some criteria for regular and Gorenstein local rings via syzygy modules
Authors: Ghosh Dipankar
Published: June 2018

Let [Formula: see text] be a Cohen–Macaulay local ring. We prove that the [Formula: see text]th syzygy module of a maximal Cohen–Macaulay [Formula: see text]-module cannot have a semidualizing direct summand for every [Formula: see text]. In particular, it follows that [Formula: see text] is Gorenstein if and only if some syzygy of a canonical module of [Formula: see text] has a nonzero free direct summand. We also give a number of necessary and sufficient conditions for a Cohen–Macaulay local ring of minimal multiplicity to be regular or Gorenstein. These criteria are based on vanishing of certain Exts or Tors involving syzygy modules of the residue field.
Constraining the age of high-pressure metamorphism of paragneisses from the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis using zircon petrochronology and phase equilibria
Authors: Tian Zuolin , Zhang Zeming , Dong Xin
Published: June 2018

The metamorphic evolution of the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis (EHS) is of primary importance in understanding the tectonic framework of the India–Asia collision. However, the age of formation and exhumation of the high-pressure granulites from the EHS remains controversial. In this paper, we report the age of metamorphism of high-pressure (HP) granulite-facies paragneisses from the Namche Barwa Complex (NBC). These paragneisses consist of variable proportions of garnet, biotite, plagioclase, K-feldspar, quartz, rutile and ilmenite. Using phase equilibrium modelling of garnet growth combined with partitioning of rare earth elements (REEs) between zircon and garnet, we link multistage zircon growth to garnet growth to date the prograde stage to the interval 32.6–25.2 Ma, the pressure peak to
c.
25–24 Ma and the retrograde stage to the interval 23.5–13.1 Ma. Taking into account published ages from the literature, for the NBC we propose that the prograde to peak metamorphism persisted until
c.
25–24 Ma. This was followed by exhumation and melt crystallization during the interval 24–8 Ma, and cooling through the amphibolite facies after
c.
8 Ma.
Methane and Global Environmental Change
Authors: Reay Dave S. , Smith Pete , Christensen Torben R. , James Rachael H. , Clark Harry
Published: June 2018

Global atmospheric methane concentrations have continued to rise in recent years, having already more than doubled since the Industrial Revolution. Further environmental change, especially climate change, in the twenty-first century has the potential to radically alter global methane fluxes. Importantly, changes in temperature, precipitation, and net primary production may induce positive climate feedback effects in dominant natural methane sources such as wetlands, soils, and aquatic ecosystems. Anthropogenic methane sources may also be impacted, with a risk of enhanced emissions from the energy, agriculture, and waste sectors. Here, we review the global sources of methane, the trends in fluxes by source and sector, and their possible evolution in response to future environmental change. We discuss ongoing uncertainties in flux estimation and projection, and highlight the great potential for multisector methane mitigation as part of wider global climate change policy.
Parallel Processing of Rod and Cone Signals: Retinal Function and Human Perception
Authors: Grimes William N. , Songco-Aguas Adree , Rieke Fred
Published: June 2018

We know a good deal about the operation of the retina when either rod or cone photoreceptors provide the dominant input (i.e., under very dim or very bright conditions). However, we know much less about how the retina operates when rods and cones are coactive (i.e., under intermediate lighting conditions, such as dusk). Such mesopic conditions span 20–30% of the light levels over which vision operates and encompass many situations in which vision is essential (e.g., driving at night). These lighting conditions are challenging because rod and cone signals differ substantially: Rod responses are nearing saturation, while cone responses are weak and noisy. A rich history of perceptual studies guides our investigation of how the retina operates under mesopic conditions and in doing so provides a powerful opportunity to link general issues about parallel processing in neural circuits with computation and perception. We review some of the successes and challenges in understanding the retinal basis of perceptual rod-cone interactions.
Fully Automatic Speech-Based Analysis of the Semantic Verbal Fluency Task
Authors: König Alexandra , Linz Nicklas , Tröger Johannes , Wolters Maria , Alexandersson Jan , Robert Phillipe
Published: June 2018

Background: Semantic verbal fluency (SVF) tests are routinely used in screening for mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In this task, participants name as many items as possible of a semantic category under a time constraint. Clinicians measure task performance manually by summing the number of correct words and errors. More fine-grained variables add valuable information to clinical assessment, but are time-consuming. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate whether automatic analysis of the SVF could provide these as accurate as manual and thus, support qualitative screening of neurocognitive impairment. Methods: SVF data were collected from 95 older people with MCI (n = 47), Alzheimer’s or related dementias (ADRD; n = 24), and healthy controls (HC; n = 24). All data were annotated manually and automatically with clusters and switches. The obtained metrics were validated using a classifier to distinguish HC, MCI, and ADRD. Results: Automatically extracted clusters and switches were highly correlated (r = 0.9) with manually established values, and performed as well on the classification task separating HC from persons with ADRD (area under curve [AUC] = 0.939) and MCI (AUC = 0.758). Conclusion: The results show that it is possible to automate fine-grained analyses of SVF data for the assessment of cognitive decline.
Plasma Rich in Growth Factors for the Treatment of Dry Eye after LASIK Surgery
Authors: Sanchez-Avila Ronald Mauricio , Merayo-Lloves Jesus , Fernandez Maria Laura , Rodriguez-Gutierrez Luis Alberto , Jurado Nancy , Muruzabal Francisco , Orive Gorka , Anitua Eduardo
Published: June 2018

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) eye drops in patients with dry eye disease after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery. Material and Methods: This is a longitudinal, retrospective, comparative, and descriptive study of 77 eyes of 42 patients with dry eye disease following LASIK surgery. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of PRGF treatment compared to conventional therapy (control group). Outcome measures including signs and symptoms of dry eye disease were evaluated before and after treatment. The percentage of change before and after treatment for each clinical variable measured was compared between both groups. Results: There were 1–4 treatment cycles with PRGF eye drops (1 cycle = 6 weeks). Results showed a statistically significant improvement in the Ocular Surface Disease Index (38.12%), visual analogue scale scores for frequency (41.89%) and severity (42.47%), and the Schirmer test scores (88.98%) after PRGF treatment (p < 0.05). No adverse events were reported after PRGF treatment. Conclusions: These results suggest that PRGF eye drops are effective for the improvement of dry eye symptoms in patients who underwent LASIK surgery in comparison to the conventional therapy. The treatment with PRGF is an alternative for patients who suffer from postoperative dry eye.
Active Reperfusion Hemorrhage during Thrombectomy: Angiographic Findings and Real-Time Correlation with the CT “Spot Sign”
Authors: Haussen Diogo C. , Ferreira Ivan M. , Barreira Clara , Grossberg Jonathan A. , Diana Francesco , Peschillo Simone , Nogueira Raul G.
Published: June 2018

Introduction: Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage represents one of the most feared complications of endovascular reperfusion. We aim to describe a series of patients that experienced immediate reperfusion injury with active intraprocedural extravasation within the territory of the deep penetrating arteries and provide real-time correlation with CT “spot sign.” Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of patients that suffered reperfusion injury with active arterial extravasation during endovascular stroke treatment in two tertiary care centers. Results: Five patients were identified. Median age was 63 (58–71) years, 66% were male. Median NIHSS was 13.5 (9.5–23.0), platelet level 212,000 (142,000–235,000), baseline systolic blood pressure 152 (133–201) mm Hg, and non-contrast CT ASPECTS 7.0 (6.5–9.0). Two patients were taking aspirin and one had received intravenous thrombolysis. There were three middle cerebral artery M1, one internal carotid artery terminus, and one vertebrobasilar junction occlusion. Three patients had anterior circulation tandem occlusions. Stroke etiology was extracranial atherosclerosis (n = 2), intracranial atherosclerosis (n = 2), and cervical dissection (n = 1). The median time from onset to puncture was 5.5 (3.9–8.6) h. Intravenous heparin was administered in all patients (median dose of 4,750 [3,250–6,000] units) and intravenous abciximab in four. All tandem cases had the cervical lesion addressed first. Four lenticulostriates and one paramedian pontine artery were involved. Intraprocedural flat-panel CT was performed in four (80%) cases and provided real-time correlation between the active contrast extravasation and the “spot sign.” The bailout included use of protamine, blood pressure control, and balloon guide catheter or intracranial compliant balloon inflation plus coiling of targeted vessel. All patients had angiographic cessation of bleeding at the end of the procedure with parenchymal hemorrhage type 1 in one case and type 2 in four. Three patients had modified Rankin score of 4 and two were dead at 90 days. Conclusions: Active reperfusion hemorrhage involving perforator arteries was observed to correlate with the CT “spot sign” and to be associated with poor outcomes.
Sleep Disturbance and the Risk of Cognitive Decline or Clinical Conversion in the ADNI Cohort
Authors: Mecca Adam P. , Michalak Hannah R. , McDonald Julia W. , Kemp Emily C. , Pugh Erika A. , Becker Melinda L. , Mecca Marcia C. , van Dyck Christopher H. ,   The Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)
Published: June 2018

Background: We investigated the relationship between sleep disturbance and cognitive decline or clinical conversion in individuals with normal cognition (CN), as well as those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia due to Alzheimer disease (AD-dementia). Methods: Secondary analysis of 1,629 adults between 48 and 91 years of age with up to 24 months of follow-up from the ADNI (Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative), a longitudinal cohort study. Results: Sleep disturbance was not associated with decline in memory, executive function, or global cognition. The presence of sleep disturbance did not significantly increase the risk of diagnostic conversion in CN, early MCI, or late MCI participants. Conclusion: This study investigated the effect of sleep disturbance on cognitive decline using several outcomes and does not support the hypothesis that sleep disturbance predicts subsequent cognitive decline.
Influence of Telomere Length in Hepatocytes on Liver Regeneration after Partial Hepatectomy in Rats
Authors: Andert Anne , Alizai Hamid P. , Ulmer Tom Florian , Heidenhain Christoph , Ziegler Patrick , Brümmendorf Tim H. , Neumann Ulf Peter , Beier Fabian , Klink Christian D.
Published: June 2018

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate telomere length in hepatocytes as a biomarker for liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy (PH) in rats. Materials and Methods: Sixty male Wistar rats underwent a 70% PH. One-month-old rats were assigned to group Y (n = 30) and 4-month-old rats were assigned to group O (n = 30). The rats were euthanized, and their livers were then harvested at postoperative day (POD) 1, 2, 3, 4, or 7. Telomere lengths and established parameters for liver regeneration (residual liver weight and levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA], Ki67, and interleukin [IL]-6) were measured. Results: We observed a significant increase in residual liver weight in group Y compared to that in group O (p = 0.001). The levels of Ki67 (p = 0.016), PCNA (p < 0.0001), and IL-6 (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in group Y. Furthermore, the rats in group Y had significantly earlier peak values of Ki67 and PCNA. Telomeres were significantly longer at the time of PH in group Y (p = 0.001). We showed a correlation between telomere length at the day of PH and liver regeneration. Animals with longer telomeres at the time of PH had better liver regeneration (p = 0.015). In group Y, animals with increased liver regeneration (median cut-off: > 122%) did not show any significant difference in telomere length (p = 0.587) compared to rats with regular regeneration (< 122%). However, in the older animals, rats with increased regeneration had significantly longer telomeres (p = 0.019) than rats with regular regeneration. Conclusion: Telomere length in rat hepatocytes depends on age, and animals with long telomeres had earlier and better regeneration of healthy liver tissue than rats with short telomeres. Our data confirms that telomere length in rat hepatocytes could be used as a possible predictive marker for liver regeneration, and could help to identify older individuals with a high capacity for hepatic regeneration.
Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy for Painful Muscle Spasms in a Patient with Friedreich’s Ataxia
Authors: Kalyvas Aristotelis V. , Drosos Evangelos , Korfias Stefanos , Gatzonis Stylianos , Themistocleous Marios , Sakas Damianos E.
Published: June 2018

Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is the most frequent hereditary ataxia syndrome, while painful muscle spasms and spasticity have been reported in 11–15% of FA patients. This report describes the successful management of painful spasms in a 65-year-old woman with FA via intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy following unsuccessful medical treatments. To our knowledge, this is the third reported case in the literature. Unfortunately, the pathophysiological characteristics of muscle spasms in FA are not well explored and understood while the therapeutic mechanisms of the different treatments are rather vague. Taking into consideration the suggested spinal atrophy in FA, the clinical resemblance of FA and chronic spinal injury muscle spasms, together with the rapid ITB therapy effectiveness in alleviating FA muscle spasms, we attempted to suggest a putative pathophysiological mechanism acting at the spinal level and possibly explained by the presence of independent spinal locomotor systems producing muscle spasms. Specifically, overexcitement of these centers, due to loss of normal regulation from upper CNS levels, may result in the uncontrolled firing of secondary motor neurons and may be the key to producing muscle spasms. However, further research under experimental and clinical settings seems to be necessary.
Mixed Adenoneuroendocrine Tumor of the Rectum in an Ulcerative Colitis Patient
Authors: Gaspar Rui , Santos-Antunes João , Marques Margarida , Liberal Rodrigo , Melo Daniel , Pereira Pedro , Lopes Susana , Macedo Guilherme
Published: June 2018

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease present a higher risk of colorectal cancer, especially patients with a high degree of disease activity. Although rare, carcinoid tumors can also be associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Mixed adenoneuroendocrine tumor is defined as a neoplasm with dual differentiation (neuroendocrine and adenoma) with each component accounting for at least 30% of the tumor. We present a case of a mixed adenoneuroendocrine tumor in a patient with inflammatory bowel disease.
Importance of AST-120 (Kremezin®) Adherence in a Chronic Kidney Disease Patient with Diabetes
Authors: Tomino Yasuhiko , Hisada-Urita Atsuko , Seki Takuto , Watanabe Tomonari , Kanda Reo , Takahashi Toshimasa
Published: June 2018

We report herein an adult case of chronic kidney disease (CKD) associated with diabetes. The patient had been treated with insulin injection for diabetes 10 years ago. At the time of his first visit to our division for further examinations, we diagnosed him as CKD: cause (C) diabetes; glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (G) G5 (estimated [e] GFR, 10.2 mL/min/1.73 m2; serum creatinine of 4.90 mg/dL); and albuminuria (A) A3 (2.62 g/gCr) by the Japanese Society of Nephrology (JSN) CGA classification. Because he had complained of severe constipation and kidney function, i.e., eGFR was not improved by previous medications, we added on a minimal dosage (2 g/day) of AST-120 (Kremezin®; ordinary dose 6 g/day). After 3 months of AST-120 therapy, eGFR was increased to 17.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 (serum creatinine of 2.90–2.72 mg/dL). Although the patient used some laxative products, he could not continue to take Kremezin and completely stopped 8 months after starting this drug. Kidney function then abruptly declined and progressed to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). In June 2017, he was introduced to hemodialysis. It appears that the adherence of Kremezin is very important for inhibiting the progression to ESKD for patients with CKD with diabetes.
Quantification of Internal Filtration in Hollow Fiber Hemodialyzers with Medium Cut-Off Membrane
Authors: Lorenzin Anna , Neri Mauro , Lupi Andrea , Todesco Martina , Santimaria Monica , Alghisi Alberta , Brendolan Alessandra , Ronco Claudio
Published: June 2018

Background: Inadequate removal of molecules between 5 and 50 KDa may cause long-term complication in chronic hemodialysis. Medium cut-off (MCO) is a new class of membranes with enhanced sieving properties and negligible albumin loss. MCO membrane makes it possible to perform expanded hemodialysis (HDx), a technique based on high internal filtration (IF).The present study is designed to quantify IF in 2 MCO dialyzers (Theranova 400 and 500, Baxter, Deerfield, USA) using a nuclear imaging technique previously validated. Methods: Blood and dialysate compartment pressure drop along with transmembrane pressure; they were measured in a closed in vitro circuit with human blood (blood flow [QB] = 300 and 400 mL/min; dialysate flow 500 mL/min; net ultrafiltration rate 0 mL/min). A non-diffusible marker molecule (albumin macro-aggregates labeled with 99Tc metastable) was injected in the blood compartment and nuclear emission was recorded by a gamma camera. Relative variations in the concentration of the marker molecule along the length of the filter were used to calculate local cross filtration. Results: Based on marker concentration profiles, IF was estimated. For Theranova 400, IF were 29.7 and 41.6 mL/min for QB of 300 and 400 mL/min. For Theranova 500, IF were 31.6 and 53.1 mL/min for QB of 300 and 400 mL/min respectively. Conclusions: MCO membrane provides significant amounts of IF due to the particular combination between hydraulic permeability of the membrane and reduced inner diameter of the fibers. High IF combined with enhanced sieving profile of MCO membrane leads to improved removal of a wider spectrum of uremia retention molecules in HDx, without requiring complex equipment.
Tubular Recovery after Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Fattah Hadi , Vallon Volker
Published: June 2018

Background: A significant portion of patients who are affected by acute kidney injury (AKI) do not fully recover due to largely unclear reasons. Restoration of tubular function has been proposed to be a prerequisite for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) recovery. Summary: Proximal tubular cells dedifferentiate during the tubular injury phase, which is required for subsequent cell proliferation and replacement of lost epithelial cells. Experimental studies indicate that some cells fail to redifferentiate and continue to produce growth factors (e.g., transforming growth factor β) that can induce fibrosis. Preclinical studies provide first evidence for beneficial effects of inhibiting glucose transport in the proximal tubule in models of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Comparing renal RNA sequencing data with kidney function during recovery from varying levels of AKI may provide new cues with regard to the sequence of events and help identify key determinants of recovery from AKI. Key Messages: Tubular recovery after AKI is vital for recovery of kidney function including improvement of GFR, and likely determines which patients fully recover from AKI or progress to chronic kidney disease. There is a need to better understand the sequence of events and the processes of tubular cell proliferation and repair, including safe strategies to intervene. The temporary inhibition of selected tubular transport processes, possibly in selected nephron regions, may provide an opportunity to improve tubular cell energetics and facilitate tubular cell recovery with consequences for kidney outcome.
Pagu: poesia, militância e condição feminina
Authors: Rebechi Junior Arlindo
Published: June 2018

Apresentação da poeta Patrícia Galvão, conhecida como Pagu, focalizando sua produção híbrida de poemas-desenhos (Álbum de Pagu) e o seu poema mais célebre, “Natureza morta”, publicado sob o pseudônimo de Solange Sohl, em 1948.
Aproximações entre jornalismo e educação
Authors: Empinotti Marina Lisboa , Paulino Rita de Cássia Romeiro
Published: June 2018

Este artigo pretende evidenciar aproximações entre jornalismo e educação. Historicamente, são produtos consolidados com o advento do capitalismo. Epistemologicamente, confluem ao se enquadrarem ao âmbito cultural. Através de revisão bibliográfica, encontramos as semelhanças no desenvolvimento de ambos e chegamos a pesquisadores que defendem a função educadora como uma das responsabilidades do jornalismo nas sociedades contemporâneas. A educomunicação, possibilidade mais clara de unir os dois campos atualmente, será comentada, apesar de não ser o foco da reflexão. O jornalismo aqui abordado é aquele voltado à alimentação de mercado e à busca de lucro.
Metodologia de projetos e atividades educomunicativas na formação do professor
Authors: Souza Suyanne Tolentino
Published: June 2018

Este estudo tem por objetivo avaliar a contribuição de um projeto de práticas educomunicativas, inseridas nos campos da comunicação e educação, no processo de formação do docente. Auxiliando estudantes de jornalismo em seu contato com a realidade social, nesta pesquisa de caráter qualitativo e método pesquisa-formação, realizou-se atualização curricular a partir da implantação de uma nova disciplina, modelada segundo a metodologia de projetos, favorecendo a relação orgânica entre atividades de pesquisa e ensino. Dos resultados encontrados é possível afirmar que, na perspectiva do desenvolvimento de novas metodologias de ensino, o planejamento e a ação que envolve professores, estudantes e comunidade contribuem para a prática educativa que incentiva o compromisso com a transformação social.
Die Bitte des Paulus für den Sklaven Onesimus
Authors: Förster Hans
Published: June 2018

Interpretation of Paul’s letter to Philemon faces the problem that the situation is obscure. Paul only alludes to what has happened. It is common to presuppose the use of a rhetorical device which makes it possible to deviate from the literal sense of the passage. It appears that a philologically cautious translation of Philemon 8, 18 and 19 might be a starting point for a new understanding of the text.
P. Duke Inv. 1377 (𝔓136)
Authors: Smith W. Andrew , Smith Valerie H.
Published: June 2018

Editio princeps of P. Duke Inv. 1377 (GA 𝔓136), a sixth-century papyrus rotulus containing Acts 4:27-31 and Acts 7:26-30, complete with data from 3-D imaging analysis, multi-spectral imaging, and Raman spectral analysis.
Eye malformation baseline in Scinax fuscovarius larvae populations that inhabit agroecosystem ponds in southern Brazil
Authors: Sánchez-Domene David , Navarro-Lozano Alba , Acayaba Raphael , Picheli Katiuce , Montagner Cassiana , de Cerqueira Rossa-Feres Denise , Rodrigues da Silva Fernando , Alves de Almeida Eduardo
Published: June 2018

Events of mass malformations in amphibian populations that have exceeded historical records have been reported over the past thirty years. Many of these events have been linked to human activities that occurred near amphibian breeding habitats. The rise in biofuels has promoted, and continues to promote, the growth of sugarcane plantations in Brazil, with the northwest region of São Paulo State having experienced the largest sugarcane expansion over the past few decades. In this region, we sampled temporary ponds located in agroecosystems dominated to different degrees by sugarcane. We found several larvae of Scinax fuscovarius with eye malformations (anophthalmia, aphakia, microphthalmia and sub-development). In this study, we assessed whether the distance from the ponds to the nearest sugarcane crop, the proportion of sugarcane surrounding the ponds, the presence of pesticides in the ponds, or the proportion of land uses with potential teratogens that surround the ponds were related to the frequencies of amphibian eye malformations. We found pesticides present in 11 of the 18 ponds, but none of the predictor variables was associated with the frequencies of amphibian eye malformations. Thus, our results suggest that the observed frequencies of amphibian eye malformations could be a consequence of natural mutation rates, and these data could be used as a malformation baseline for the region. This malformation baseline is the first reported for amphibians in South America and may be useful in future surveys on amphibian populations in tropical agroecosystems.
Antagonistic activity of essential oils and their main constituents extracted from Ajania fruticulosa and A. potaninii against Ditylenchus destructor
Authors: Liang Jun-Yu , Liu Yan , Zhang Xin-Xin , Zhang Li-Juan , Chen Yan , Li Yuan , Zhang Hui , Kong Wei-Bao , Du Shu-Shan
Published: June 2018

The antagonistic activities of essential oils of Ajania potaninii and A. fruticulosa against Ditylenchus destructor were determined by the liquid soak method in 96-well microplates. The main constituents of A. potaninii essential oil were 1,8-cineole (22.19%), (+)-camphor (12.84%), (−)-verbenol (13.84%) and borneol (12.67%). The results showed that the essential oils of A. fruticulosa (EC50 = 0.17 mg ml−1) and A. potaninii (EC50 = 0.27 mg ml−1) have antagonistic activity against D. destructor. The results also showed that 1,8-cineole (EC50 = 0.49 mg ml−1), myrtenol (EC50 = 0.40 mg ml−1) (A. fruticulosa) and (−)-verbenol (EC50 = 1.09 mg ml−1) (A. potaninii) have antagonistic activity. 1,8-Cineole is a key element affecting the antagonistic activity that was found in both essential oils. Several main constituents found in the essential oils had antagonistic effects against D. destructor. These results provide the basis for future development and utilisation of a substance to control D. destructor.
Thunderous Silence: The Omission of the Sinai Pericope in Philo of Alexandria
Authors: Sterling Gregory E.
Published: June 2018

One of the most surprising omissions in Philo’s retelling of Moses’s life in hisDe vita Moysisis the Sinai pericope. The Alexandrian omitted Exod 17:14-Num 20:13 with the exception of the spy story (Num 13:1-14:45). There appear to be three reasons for the omission. First, Philo recognized the doublet of the story of the water from the rock (Exod 17:1-7//Num 20:1-13). This provided a narrative rationale for the omission. Second, he routinely omitted place names from his narrative, anars narrandithat helped to universalize the text. Third, the omission enabled him to avoid the association of Sinai with the covenant. Philo retold the story of Moses, but turned Moses outward into the larger world rather than inward to his own community.
Heavenly Harmony
Authors: Hinck Joel
Published: June 2018

While the phenomenon of glossolalia in general has received great attention and various forms of analysis (linguistic, psychological, neurological, and so forth), the practice of corporate singing in tongues, a staple of the Azusa Street Revival, has received little attention or exploration in the literature. This article performs an audio analysis on recorded samples of corporate tongues-singing in order to identify what is happening musically when a group of people sing in tongues together. This analysis reveals several key features that recur across the recordings. Sustained prominent pitches are always present, related in the mathematical ratios of the major scale. In most instances, the pitches form both a tonic chord and dominant chord simultaneously, creating an effect of tension and resolution. These findings point toward the creative possibilities of surrendering autonomy and the deep grounding of the individual within the community and the created order.
Conversion vs. Initiation
Authors: Nagy Timothy
Published: June 2018

This article presents four lenses for exploring Christian conversion and applies those lenses to three key Catholic initiation practices. The four lenses are Scripture, peak experiences, autonomy and surrender, and metanoia and epistrophe, while the three initiation practices are confirmation, the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), and infant baptism. The author argues that there is a wide gap between doctrine and experience in these practices, particularly in reference to the Holy Spirit, and that this gap can be bridged by examining the initial Christian experience, a term introduced by Heribert Mühlen. Moreover, the author builds on the thought of Gordon Smith by making a sharp distinction between conversion and initiation. As a whole, this article advocates for an increased awareness of the Holy Spirit in Catholicism and for new experiential reflection upon the Catholic initiation process.
The Work of Charles Taylor and the Future of Pentecostalism
Authors: Oliverio L. William
Published: June 2018

Charles Taylor has been one of the most significant philosophers in the Western world for the past four decades, and his work on secularism and religion in the late modern world has been a major contribution to contemporary philosophy and religious studies. Taylor’s visit to the 2017 Annual Meeting of the Society for Pentecostal Studies in St. Louis has led to responses to his work in relationship to Pentecostal studies. Taylor’s narration of the secular, culminating in his major work A Secular Age, in relationship to his wider philosophical works has led to the responses in this issue of Pneuma. This introductory article frames Taylor’s work in relationship to these responses to his work from leading and emerging scholars of Pentecostal studies.