bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smoking Is Associated with Acute and Chronic Prostatic Inflammation: Results from the REDUCE Study
Authors: Moreira Daniel M. , Nickel J. Curtis , Gerber Leah , Muller Roberto L. , Andriole Gerald L. , Castro-Santamaria Ramiro , Freedland Stephen J.
Published: February 2015

Both anti- and proinflammatory effects of cigarette smoking have been described. As prostate inflammation is common, we hypothesized smoking could contribute to prostate inflammation. Thus, we evaluated the association of smoking status with acute and chronic inflammation within the prostate of men undergoing prostate biopsy. We retrospectively analyzed 8,190 men ages 50 to 75 years with PSA levels between 2.5 and 10 ng/mL enrolled in the Reduction by Dutasteride of Prostate Cancer Events study. Smoking status was self-defined as never, former, or current. Prostate inflammation was assessed by systematic central review blinded to smoking status. The association of smoking with inflammation in the baseline, 2-year, and 4-year biopsies was evaluated with univariable and multivariable logistic regressions. At study enrollment, 1,233 (15%), 3,203 (39%), and 3,754 (46%) men were current, former, and never smokers, respectively. Current smokers were significantly younger and had smaller prostates than former and never smokers (all P < 0.05). Former smokers were significantly heavier than current and never smokers (P < 0.001). Acute and chronic prostate inflammations were identified in 1,261 (15%) and 6,352 (78%) baseline biopsies, respectively. In univariable analysis, current smokers were more likely to have acute inflammation than former (OR, 1.35; P, 0.001) and never smokers (OR, 1.36; P, 0.001). The results were unchanged at 2- and 4-year biopsies. In contrast, current smoking was linked with chronic inflammation in the baseline biopsy, but not at 2- and 4-year biopsies. In conclusion, among men undergoing prostate biopsy, current smoking was independently associated with acute and possibly chronic prostate inflammations. Cancer Prev Res; 8(4); 312–7. ©2015 AACR.
SHOX Gene Variants: Growth Hormone/Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Status and Response to Growth Hormone Treatment
Authors: Shapiro Sofia , Klein Genna W. , Klein Michelle L. , Wallach Elizabeth J. , Fen Ye , Godbold James H. , Rapaport Robert
Published: February 2015

Context: Short stature homeobox-containing gene (SHOX) variants of unknown clinical significance occur frequently among children with short stature, yet their growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) status and response to GH have not been studied. Objective: To define GH and IGF-1 status in children with SHOX variants and assess their response to GH. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective review of children with short stature. Children with SHOX variants were compared to those with no variants. Height standard deviation scores (SDS) and IGF-1 SDS at baseline and during GH treatment at 6, 12, and 24 months were analyzed. Growth velocity (GV), maximum GH dose, IGF-BP3, and changes in height SDS, IGF-1 SDS, and GV were compared. Results: Among 355 children, 83 (23%) had SHOX variants. Nineteen different SHOX variants were detected. There was no difference in age, height SDS, IGF-1 SDS, or IGF-BP3 between children with SHOX variants and those with normal SHOX. Height SDS, IGF-1 SDS, IGF-BP3, GV, and GH dose were not different between patients with SHOX variants and those without. Conclusions: The GH and IGF-1 characteristics of children with short stature were not different between children with SHOX+ variants and children with no variants. Although these findings suggest that SHOX variants are polymorphisms, studies prospectively comparing individual SHOX variants are needed.
Language-Independent Automatic Evaluation of Intelligibility of Chronically Hoarse Persons
Authors: Haderlein Tino , Middag Catherine , Martens Jean-Pierre , Döllinger Michael , Nöth Elmar
Published: February 2015

Objective: Automatic intelligibility assessment using automatic speech recognition is usually language specific. In this study, a language-independent approach is proposed. It uses models that are trained with Flemish speech, and it is applied to assess chronically hoarse German speakers. The research questions are here: is it possible to construct suitable acoustic features that generalize to other languages and a speech disorder, and is the generated model for intelligibility also suitable for specific subtypes of that disorder, i.e. functional and organic dysphonia? Patients and Methods: 73 German-speaking persons with chronic hoarseness read the text ‘Der Nordwind und die Sonne'. Perceptual intelligibility scores were used as ground truth during the training of an automatic model that converts speaker level acoustic measurements into intelligibility scores. Cross-validation is used to assess model performance. Results: The interrater agreement for all patients (n = 73) and for the functional and organic dysphonia subgroups (n = 45 and n = 24) are r = 0.82, r = 0.83 and r = 0.75, respectively. The automatic assessment based on phonologically based acoustic models revealed correlations between perceptual and automatic intelligibility ratings of r = 0.79 (all patients), r = 0.78 (functional dysphonia) and r = 0.80 (organic dysphonia). Conclusion: The automatic, objective measurement of intelligibility is a valuable instrument in an evidence-based clinical practice.
Update on the Pathophysiological Implications and Clinical Role of Angiogenic Factors in Pregnancy
Authors: Llurba Elisa , Crispi Fatima , Verlohren Stefan
Published: February 2015

Angiogenic markers are now being incorporated into clinical practice for the screening, diagnosing, and monitoring of preeclampsia. Pregnancy requires both vasculogenesis and angiogenesis in the fetal compartment and angiogenesis in the maternal compartment. Abnormal angiogenesis in the placenta determines impaired remodeling of the maternal spiral arteries and placental underperfusion that may ultimately lead to fetal growth restriction and maternal preeclampsia. The dysregulation of angiogenesis in the placenta and maternal-fetal circulation has emerged as one of the main pathophysiological features in the development of placental insufficiency and its clinical consequences. Abnormal angiogenesis has also been related to other obstetric and fetal conditions such as peripartum cardiomyopathy and fetal cardiac defects. This opens up new challenges for our understanding of angiogenic involvement in maternal cardiovascular function and fetal cardiac development, and it offers new clinical opportunities. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the pathophysiological implications and the clinical role of angiogenic factors in pregnancy.
Differences in Clinicopathological Features and Distribution of Risk Factors in Italian Melanoma Patients
Authors: Fava P. , Astrua C. , Chiarugi A. , Crocetti E. , Pimpinelli N. , Fargnoli M.C. , Maurichi A. , Rubegni P. , Manganoni A.M. , Bottoni U. , Catricalà C. , Cavicchini S. , Santinami M. , Alaibac M. , Annetta A. , Borghi A. , Calzavara Pinton P. , Capizzi R. , Clerico R. , Colombo E. , Corradin M.T. , De Simone P. , Fantini F. , Ferreli C. , Filosa G. , Girgenti V. , Giulioni E. , Guarneri C. , Lamberti A. , Lisi P. , Nardini P. , Papini M. , Peris K. , Pizzichetta M.A. , Salvini C. , Savoia P. , Strippoli D. , Tolomio E. , Tomassini M.A. , Vena G.A. , Zichichi L. , Patrizi A. , Argenziano G. , Simonacci M. , Quaglino P.
Published: February 2015

Background: No studies are available in the literature on the distribution of different melanoma features and risk factors in the Italian geographical areas. Objective: To identify the differences in clinical-pathological features of melanoma, the distribution of risk factors and sun exposure in various Italian macro-areas. Methods: Multicentric-observational study involving 1,472 melanoma cases (713 north, 345 centre, 414 south) from 26 referral centres belonging to the Italian Multidisciplinary Group for Melanoma. Results: Melanoma patients in northern regions are younger, with thinner melanoma, multiple primaries, lower-intermediate phototype and higher counts of naevi with respect to southern patients; detection of a primary was mostly connected with a physician examination, while relatives were more involved in the south. Northern patients reported a more frequent use of sunbeds and occurrence of sunburns before melanoma despite sunscreen use and a lower sun exposure during the central hours of the day. Conclusions: The understanding of differences in risk factors distribution could represent the basis for tailored prevention programmes.
Intraoperative Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Monitoring the Effect of Deep Brain Stimulation in Patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Hiss Sonja , Hesselmann Volker , Hunsche Stefan , Kugel Harald , Sturm Volker , Maintz David , Visser-Vandewalle Veerle , Liebig Thomas , Maarouf Mohammad
Published: February 2015

Objectives: To investigate the effects of low- and high-frequency deep brain stimulation (DBS) on the nucleus accumbens (ACC) and the adjacent internal capsule in 3 patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) using blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) under intraoperative conditions. Methods: After placement of the electrode in the right ACC, the patients underwent an MR scan inside the operating room. BOLD imaging was performed and interpreted using a boxcar paradigm with alternating high-frequency stimulation of the ACC and the internal capsule versus rest. Correlation maps were calculated employing SPM99. Results: During high-frequency stimulation of the right ACC, focal activation could be found in the right striatum, the right frontal lobe and the right hippocampus, whereas low-frequency stimulation was correlated to right insular activation. Interpretation: Intraoperative BOLD-fMRI is feasible during DBS surgery of OCD patients. Our results support the existence of an ipsilateral hemispheric circuit involving the frontal lobe, anterior cingulate, parahippocampal gyrus and striatum. Intraoperative fMRI may be used to acquire additional information regarding the pathophysiology of OCD that can be used to improve the results of DBS in OCD.
Neonatal Acid-Base Status in Term Fetuses: Mathematical Models Investigating Cerebroplacental Ratio and Birth Weight
Authors: Morales-Roselló José , Khalil Asma , Alberola-Rubio José , Hervas-Marín David , Morlando Maddalena , Bhide Amar , Papageorghiou Aris , Perales-Marín Alfredo , Thilaganathan Baskaran
Published: February 2015

Objective: Cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) is emerging as a marker of fetal hypoxia at term. The aim of this study was to demonstrate graphically the interrelationships among CPR, birthweight (BW), and neonatal pH, and construct 2D and 3D representations of the areas with potential low pH. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 2,927 term fetuses evaluated according to BW and CPR. The outcome was the acid-base status at birth. Multivariate relationships among CPR, BW, and arterial and venous pH were depicted in 3D scattergrams. Subsequently, trend surfaces were calculated and represented in 2D contour graphs. Finally, 3D representations were constructed by smothering pH data using moving average filters. Results: The trend surfaces and the 2D and 3D contour graphs showed the complex association among the three variables. Although pH changed with CPR and BW, the influence of the BW was smaller than the influence of the CPR, with this effect being more evident in the venous than in the arterial pH. Conclusions: Two scenarios threaten fetal well-being at term: a very low birth weight and a very low fetal CPR. Our findings suggest that the importance of fetal hemodynamics in determining the acid-base status at birth surpasses that of fetal weight.
Prevalence and Genotyping of Commensal Neisseria with Reduced Susceptibility to Penicillin
Authors: Mechergui Arij , Achour Wafa , Ben Hassen Assia
Published: February 2015

We analyzed 85 Neisseria spp. strains collected by swabbing from neutropenic patients to determine the prevalence of reduced susceptibility to penicillin and to ascertain the clonal relationship between these strains. High genetic diversity and an elevated level of penicillin resistance were found among commensal Neisseria clinical isolates.
Biochemical Characterization and Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of Different Ganoderma Collections
Authors: Saltarelli Roberta , Ceccaroli Paola , Buffalini Michele , Vallorani Luciana , Casadei Lucia , Zambonelli Alessandra , Iotti Mirco , Badalyan Susanna , Stocchi Vilberto
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to conduct a molecular and biochemical characterization and to compare the antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of four Ganoderma isolates belonging to Ganoderma lucidum (Gl-4, Gl-5) and Ganoderma resinaceum (F-1, F-2) species. The molecular identification was performed by ITS and IGS sequence analyses and the biochemical characterization by enzymatic and proteomic approaches. The antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extracts was compared by three different methods and their flavonoid contents were also analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The antiproliferative effect on U937 cells was determined by MTT assay. The studied mycelia differ both in the enzymatic activities and protein content. The highest content in total phenol and the highest antioxidant activity for DPPH free radical scavenging and chelating activity on Fe2+ were observed with the Gl-4 isolate of G. lucidum. The presence of quercetin, rutin, myricetin, and morin as major flavonoids with effective antioxidant activity was detected. The ethanolic extracts from mycelia of G. lucidum isolates possess a substantial antiproliferative activity against U937 cells in contrast to G. resinaceum in which the antiproliferative effects were insignificant. This study provides a comparison between G. lucidum and G. resinaceum mycelial strains, and shows that G. resinaceum could be utilized to obtain several bioactive compounds.
The Potential of Heliox as a Therapy for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Adults and Children: A Descriptive Review
Authors: Beurskens Charlotte J.P. , Wösten-van Asperen Roelie M. , Preckel Benedikt , Juffermans Nicole P.
Published: February 2015

Background: In neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and acute RDS (ARDS) mechanical ventilation is often necessary to manage hypoxia, whilst protecting the lungs through lower volume ventilation and permissive hypercapnia. Mechanical ventilation can, however, induce or aggravate the lung injury caused by the respiratory distress. Helium, in a gas mixture with oxygen (heliox), has a low density and can reduce the flow in narrow airways and allow for lower driving pressures. Objectives: The aim of this study was to review preclinical and clinical studies of the use of heliox ventilation in acute lung injury associated with respiratory failure. Methods: A systematic search was executed in the PubMed and EMBASE databases, with search terms referring to ARDS or an acute lung injury condition associated with respiratory failure and the corresponding intervention. Results: A total of 576 papers were retrieved. After the majority had been excluded 20 papers remained, of which 6 articles described animal models (3 paediatric; 3 adult animal models) and 14 were clinical studies, of which 12 described paediatric patient populations and 2 adult patient populations. In both paediatric and adult animal models, heliox improved gas exchange while allowing for less invasive ventilation in a wide variety of models using different ventilation modes. Clinical studies show a reduction in the work of breathing during heliox ventilation, with a concomitant increase in pH and decrease in PaCO2 levels compared to oxygen ventilation. Conclusions: Although evidence so far is limited, there may be a rationale for heliox ventilation in ARDS as an intervention to improve ventilation and reduce the work of breathing.
Patient-Reported Urinary Incontinence and Erectile Dysfunction Following Radical Prostatectomy: Results from the European Prostate Centre Innsbruck
Authors: Geiger-Gritsch Sabine , Oberaigner Wilhelm , Mühlberger Nikolai , Siebert Uwe , Ladurner Michael , Klocker Helmut , Horninger Wolfgang
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Urinary and erectile functions were assessed by using self-administered validated questionnaires in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. Materials and Methods: In a prospective observational study, a total of 253 consecutive patients diagnosed with clinically localised prostate cancer between 2008 and 2009 at the European Prostate Centre Innsbruck were included. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed before radical prostatectomy and 12 months postoperatively using the validated International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Chi square statistics were used for analysis. Results: The study showed that before radical prostatectomy, urinary incontinence of various severity grades was reported in 18.8, postoperatively in 63.0% (p < 0.001) and erectile dysfunction of various degrees was reported in 39.6 at baseline compared to 80.1% 12 months postoperatively (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study suggests that radical prostatectomy is associated with a significantly increased risk of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction 12 months postoperatively.
Fetal Intracardiac Transfusions in Hydropic Fetuses with Severe Anemia
Authors: Mackie Fiona L. , Pretlove Samantha J. , Martin William L. , Donovan Veronica , Kilby Mark D.
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Fetal anemia can have significant perinatal morbidity and mortality, particularly with onset prior to 20 weeks of gestation. Materials and Methods: We detail a case-cohort study (n = 8) of all women who underwent fetal in-utero, intracardiac transfusion prior to 24 weeks of gestation (7 women before 20 + 1 weeks), between March 2004 and September 2014, in a supraregional Fetal Medicine Center in the United Kingdom, comprising 2.2% of all transfusions performed during this period. All the fetuses were hydropic, with high maternal BMI, and had severe anemia as an indicator for transfusion. It was an attempt to perform intravascular transfusion when other common routes of fetal vascular access had failed. Results: There were 2 intrauterine deaths (25%), both of which were associated with in-utero transfusion and fulminant parvovirus B19 infection. The perinatal survival rate was 75% (6/8). Discussion: Fetal in-utero, intravascular transfusion by the intracardiac route may be used to correct severe early-onset anemia. It is particularly useful when technical issues of fetal size, early gestation (<20 weeks), maternal adiposity, and hydrops fetalis make umbilical cord or intrahepatic vein puncture technically difficult. Survival rates appear comparable to other series of pregnancies where in-utero transfusion is performed at early gestation.
M235T Polymorphism in the AGT Gene and A/GI8-83 Substitution in the REN Gene Correlate with End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Sarkar Saumya , Gupta Vikas , Kumar Ajay , Chaudhary Manoj , Diyundi Subhash , Sehajpal Prabodh K. , Thangaraj Kumarasamy , Rajender Singh
Published: February 2015

Background/Aims: This study aimed at investigating if M235T polymorphism in the AGT gene and A/GI8-83 polymorphism in the REN gene correlate with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Methods: We analyzed 173 ESRD patients and 329 individuals with normal kidney function for differences in the genotype distribution of AGT-M235T and REN-A/GI8-83 polymorphisms between the two groups. The data for cases and controls were compared using the χ2 test. Results: We found significantly higher levels of serum creatinine and CRP in cases in comparison to controls (p < 0.0001). Data comparison showed a significant association of AGT M235T substitution with ESRD in the dominant model (p = 0.008) and in the comparison of the heterozygous substitution with the homozygous common genotype (p = 0.005). Similarly, REN A/GI8-83 polymorphism showed a significant difference in the distribution of genotypes between cases and controls (p < 0.038) such that a heterozygous substitution was significantly more common in the ESRD cases in comparison to the homozygous common genotype (p = 0.023). Conclusion: We conclude that heterozygous substitutions at the AGT M235T and REN A/GI8-83 loci correlate significantly with ESRD in a north Indian population.
Calpain Inhibition Improves Erectile Function in a Rat Model of Cavernous Nerve Injury
Authors: Wan Zhi-Hua , Li Guo-Hao , Guo Yong-Lian , Li Wen-Zhou , Chen Lin
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Erectile dysfunction (ED) after cavernous nerve (CN) injury remains difficult to treat. Calpain plays a critical role in causing neurodegenerative diseases. This study aimed to evaluate whether calpain inhibition preserves erectile function in a rat model of CN injury. Materials and Methods: Rats underwent sham surgery or CN crush injury. The CN-crushed rats were treated with vehicle or MDL-28170, a specific calpain inhibitor. At 1, 2, 3, and 7 days post-surgery, major pelvic ganglia (MPG) were harvested, followed by the measurement of erectile function, respectively. At 28 days, penile tissue and distal CN were harvested, followed by the measurement of erectile function in rats. Calpain activity in MPG and corpus cavernosum, as well as TGF-β1/Smad2 and collagen content in corpus cavernosum, were measured by western blot. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) was observed by immunohistochemistry. Results: Increased calpain activity was observed in MPG and corpus cavernosum. CN crush markedly attenuated the erectile responses and nNOS expression in CN, and these were improved by MDL-28170 treatment. Furthermore, treatment prevented increased TGF-β1/Smad2 and collagen expression in corpus cavernosum. Conclusions: Our results suggested that calpain activation plays a role in pathogenesis of CN injury-associated ED. Calpain inhibition could be a novel approach for preventing the development of ED following CN injury.
Time Trends in Incidence of Pathological and Etiological Stroke Subtypes during 16 Years: The Erlangen Stroke Project
Authors: Kolominsky-Rabas Peter L. , Wiedmann Silke , Weingärtner Michael , Liman Thomas G. , Endres Matthias , Schwab Stefan , Buchfelder Michael , Heuschmann Peter U.
Published: February 2015

Background: Population-based data, which continuously monitors time trends in stroke epidemiology are limited. We investigated the incidence of pathological and etiological stroke subtypes over a 16 year time period. Methods: Data were collected within the Erlangen Stroke Project (ESPro), a prospective, population-based stroke register in Germany covering a total study population of 105,164 inhabitants (2010). Etiology of ischemic stroke was classified according to the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) criteria. Results: Between January 1995 and December 2010, 3,243 patients with first-ever stroke were documented. The median age was 75 and 55% were females. The total stroke incidence decreased over the 16 year study period in men (Incidence Rate Ratio 1995-1996 vs. 2009-2010 (IRR) 0.78; 95% CI 0.58-0.90) but not in women. Among stroke subtypes, a decrease in ischemic stroke incidence (IRR 0.73; 95% CI 0.57-0.93) and of large artery atherosclerotic stroke (IRR 0.27; 95% CI 0.12-0.59) was found in men and an increase of stroke due to small artery occlusion in women (IRR 2.33; 95% CI 1.39-3.90). Conclusions: Variations in time trends of pathological and etiological stroke subtypes were found between men and women that might be linked to gender differences in the development of major vascular risk factors in the study population.
Plasma Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Is Associated with Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Ma Jianfang , Jiang Qianwen , Xu Jing , Sun Qian , Qiao Yuan , Chen Wei , Wu Yiwen , Wang Ying , Xiao Qin , Liu Jun , Tang Huidong , Chen Shengdi
Published: February 2015

Objective: The aim of this study was to test plasma insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) change in Parkinson's disease (PD) and essential tremor (ET), and assess the association of plasma IGF-1 level with motor and nonmotor symptoms in PD and ET. Methods: Plasma IGF-1 was measured in 100 PD patients, 40 ET patients, and 76 healthy controls. Motor and nonmotor symptoms were assessed by different scales. Spearman correlation test and linear logistic model were used to analyze the correlation of plasma IGF-1 with motor and nonmotor symptoms of PD and ET. Results: The plasma IGF-1 level was significantly increased in PD compared to healthy controls and ET patients. In addition, low plasma IGF-1 was correlated with low Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores in PD patients. However, no correlation was found between plasma IGF-1 and MMSE scores in ET patients. Conclusion: Plasma IGF-1 increased significantly in PD but remained unchanged in ET. A low plasma IGF-1 level was associated with poor cognitive performance in PD but not in ET patients.
Onychomatricoma with Concomitant Subungual Glomus Tumor
Authors: Kallis Penelope , Miteva Mariya , Patel Tejas , Zaiac Martin , Tosti Antonella
Published: February 2015

Onychomatricoma and glomus tumor are two rare subungual neoplasms with distinct clinical and histopathological features. We report a case of onychomatricoma associated with a glomus tumor in the subungual region of the same finger in a 45-year-old woman. Histopathological examination revealed characteristic findings of both onychomatricoma and glomus tumor. To the best of our knowledge, these two subungual tumors have never before been described occurring concomitantly.
Connecting the CNTNAP2 Networks with Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Poot Martin
Published: February 2015

Based on genomic rearrangements and copy number variations, the contactin-associated protein-like 2 gene (CNTNAP2) has been implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders such as Gilles de la Tourette syndrome, intellectual disability, obsessive compulsive disorder, cortical dysplasia-focal epilepsy syndrome, autism, schizophrenia, Pitt-Hopkins syndrome, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. To explain the phenotypic pleiotropy of CNTNAP2 alterations, several hypotheses have been put forward. Those include gene disruption, loss of a gene copy by a heterozygous deletion, altered regulation of gene expression due to loss of transcription factor binding and DNA methylation sites, and mutations in the amino acid sequence of the encoded protein which may provoke altered interactions of the CNTNAP2-encoded protein, Caspr2, with other proteins. Also exome sequencing, which covers <0.2% of the CNTNAP2 genomic DNA, has revealed numerous single nucleotide variants in healthy individuals and in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. In some of these disorders, disruption of CNTNAP2 may be interpreted as a susceptibility factor rather than a directly causative mutation. In addition to being associated with impaired development of language, CNTNAP2 may turn out to be a central node in the molecular networks controlling neurodevelopment. This review discusses the impact of CNTNAP2 mutations on its functioning at multiple levels of the combinatorial genetic networks that govern brain development. In addition, recommendations for genomic testing in the context of clinical genetic management of patients with neurodevelopmental disorders and their families are put forward.
Pulsatile and Steady-State Pressure Trends in Children: A Window into the Future
Authors: Zachariah Justin P. , Kovacikova Gabriela
Published: February 2015

The aorta has limited ability to accommodate increasing body size by remodeling. The dramatic rise in pediatric obesity threatens to overwhelm this intrinsic remodeling program and lead to abnormal aortic function. As hypothesized, pulse pressure, as an index of aortic function, has indeed risen dramatically in parallel with the rise of pediatric obesity, while at the same time mean arterial pressure, as an index of small resistance artery function, has fallen. These divergent large-artery-versus-small-artery indices may combine to explain the counterintuitive decrease in systolic blood pressure in children and adults during the global obesity pandemic. The pathophysiologic mechanisms underpinning these contrasting trends are not yet known.
Transient Global Amnesia and Brain Tumour: Chance Concurrence or Aetiological Association Case Report and Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Milburn-McNulty Phil , Larner Andrew J.
Published: February 2015

We report a patient presenting with episodes of transient amnesia, some with features suggestive of transient global amnesia (TGA), and some more reminiscent of transient epileptic amnesia. Investigation with neuroimaging revealed an intrinsic lesion in the right amygdala, with features suggestive of low-grade neoplasia. We undertook a systematic review of the literature on TGA and brain tumour. Fewer than 20 cases were identified, some of which did not conform to the clinical diagnostic criteria for TGA. Hence, the concurrence of brain tumour and TGA is very rare and of doubtful aetiological relevance. In some brain tumour-associated cases, epilepsy may be masquerading as TGA.
CHIP Deutschland: Das sozial-kognitive Prozessmodell gesundheitlichen Handelns (HAPA) und die Verbesserung des Bewegungsverhaltens durch ein Lebensstilcoaching-Programm zur Primär- und Sekundärprävention des Diabetes mellitus Typ 2
Authors: Tigges Corinna , Wennehorst Katharina , Saliger Brunhild , Englert Heike
Published: February 2015

Hintergrund: Die Studie untersucht, ob sich die HAPA-Variablen durch eine Schulungsintervention zur Diabetesprävention beeinflussen lassen und ob daraus Strategien für eine erfolgreiche Verhaltensänderung abgeleitet werden können. Patienten und Methoden: Es wurden Probanden mit manifestem Diabetes oder einem erhöhten Erkrankungsrisiko eingeschlossen (Intervention: N = 43; Kontrolle: N = 40). Die 12-monatige Untersuchung umfasste die Interventionsphase mit einem einführenden, individuellen Coaching, einem 8-wöchigen intensiven Lebensstilprogramm und einem persönlichen Abschlusscoaching sowie eine anschließende 10-monatige Beobachtungsphase. Neben anthropometrischen, Vital- und Laborparametern (z.B. Gewicht, HbA1c, FINDRISK) wurden die HAPA-Verhaltensstadien (Unentschiedene, Vorbereitende, Aktive), die Ergebniserwartung, Handlungsplanung und Selbstwirksamkeit in Bezug auf das Bewegungsverhalten erfasst. Ergebnisse: Gewicht, HbA1c und FINDRISK verbesserten sich durch die Intervention. Obwohl sich die Handlungsplanung erhöhte, konnte kein bedeutsamer Anstieg der Aktiven im Sinne der Verhaltensstadien festgestellt werden. Die Selbstwirksamkeit erhöhte sich nur für Alltagsaktivität, nicht für anstrengende Bewegung. Der zeitliche Aufwand wurde in beiden Gruppen vor und nach der Interventionsphase als höchste Hürde wahrgenommen. Diskussion: Die Teilnehmer des Interventionsprogramms planten eine Veränderung ihres Bewegungsverhaltens (Handlungsplanung), konnten sie jedoch nicht in die Tat umsetzen (Verhaltensstadium). Die Selbstwirksamkeit und Ergebniserwartung scheinen entscheidende sozialpsychologische Bedingungen für eine erfolgreiche Lebensstiländerung zu sein. Schlussfolgerung: Lebensstilcoachings zur langfristigen Verhaltensänderung sollten sich stärker auf die Volitionsphase konzentrieren und die Selbstwirksamkeit der Teilnehmer stärken.
Impedidos de "tratar da vida": os desafios enfrentados pelos libertos na sociedade colonial
Authors: Pinheiro Fernanda Domingos
Published: February 2015

As possibilidades de acesso à alforria e sua frequência proporcionaram a formação de um importante contingente de libertos na América portuguesa. Porém, a essa camada da sociedade colonial foram impostos muitos e diferentes desafios. Perceber os riscos e as limitações que embaraçaram ou impediram o gozo de uma liberdade plena é o propósito deste artigo. 
Resenha do livro 'A piedade dos outros: o abandono de recém-nascidos em uma vila colonial, século XVIII'
Authors: Venâncio Renato Pinto
Published: February 2015

FRANCO, Renato. A piedade dos outros: o abandono de recém-nascidos em uma vila colonial, século XVIII. Rio de Janeiro: FGV Editora/Faperj, 2014.
“O livro que quase não foi escrito”: revisitando o Milagre em Joaseiro
Authors: Lima Raquel dos Santos Sousa
Published: February 2015

Resenha do livro

 

DELLA CAVA, Ralph. Milagre em Joaseiro. Tradução de Maria Yedda Linhares. 3ª edição. São Paulo: Companhia das Letras, 2014.
Aberrant Circulating Levels of Purinergic Signaling Markers Are Associated With Several Key Aspects of Peripheral Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis
Authors: Jalkanen Juho , Yegutkin Gennady G. , Hollmén Maija , Aalto Kristiina , Kiviniemi Tuomas , Salomaa Veikko , Jalkanen Sirpa , Hakovirta Harri
Published: February 2015

Rationale:

Purinergic signaling plays an important role in inflammation and vascular integrity, but little is known about purinergic mechanisms during the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in humans.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to study markers of purinergic signaling in a cohort of patients with peripheral artery disease.

Methods and Results:

Plasma ATP and ADP levels and serum nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-1 (NTPDase1/CD39) and ecto-5′-nucleotidase/CD73 activities were measured in 226 patients with stable peripheral artery disease admitted for nonurgent invasive imaging and treatment. The major findings were that ATP, ADP, and CD73 values were higher in atherosclerotic patients than in controls without clinically evident peripheral artery disease (
P
<0.0001). Low CD39 activity was associated with disease progression (
P
=0.01). In multivariable linear regression models, high CD73 activity was associated with chronic hypoxia (
P
=0.001). Statin use was associated with lower ADP (
P
=0.041) and tended to associate with higher CD73 (
P
=0.054), while lower ATP was associated with the use of angiotensin receptor blockers (
P
=0.015).

Conclusions:

Purinergic signaling plays an important role in peripheral artery disease progression. Elevated levels of circulating ATP and ADP are especially associated with atherosclerotic diseases of younger age and smoking. The antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory effects of statins may partly be explained by their ability to lower ADP. We suggest that the prothrombotic nature of smoking could be a cause of elevated ADP, and this may explain why cardiovascular patients who smoke benefit from platelet P2Y
12
receptor antagonists more than their nonsmoking peers.
Renal Denervation Attenuates Progression of Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E–Deficient Mice Independent of Blood Pressure Lowering
Authors: Wang Hui , Wang Jintao , Guo Chiao , Luo Wei , Kleiman Kyle , Eitzman Daniel T.
Published: February 2015

The renal autonomic nervous system may contribute to hypertension and vascular disease. Although the effects of renal artery denervation on blood pressure lowering are controversial, there may be other beneficial vascular effects independent of blood pressure lowering. Bilateral renal denervation (RDN) or sham operation (SO) was performed in 14-week-old male apolipoprotein E–deficient mice on a Western diet starting at 10 weeks of age. Efficacy of RDN was confirmed by reduction of renal norepinephrine levels (SO: 3.8±0.1 versus RDN: 1.7±0.3 ng/mL;
P
<0.01) at 6 weeks after procedure. Compared with SO, RDN had no effect on blood pressure (SO: 101.0±2.4 versus RDN: 97.5±1.6 mm Hg;
P
=0.25), total cholesterol (SO: 536.7±28.5 versus RDN: 535.7±62.9 mg/dL;
P
=0.99), or triglycerides (SO: 83.7±3.5 versus RDN: 86.9±10.2 mg/dL;
P
=0.78). Quantification of atherosclerosis at 20 weeks of age demonstrated reduced atherosclerosis in mice receiving RDN compared with SO (arterial tree oil-red-O surface staining RDN: 4.2±0.5% versus SO: 6.3±0.7%;
P
<0.05). Reduced atherosclerosis was associated with increased smooth muscle cell content in atherosclerotic plaques (RDN: 13.3±2.1 versus SO: 8.1±0.6%;
P
<0.05). Serum levels of aldosterone, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and 8-isoprostane were lower in mice that received RDN compared with sham-operated mice (aldosterone; RDN: 206.8±33.2 versus SO: 405.5±59.4 pg/mL,
P
<0.05; monocyte chemoattractant protein-1; RDN: 51.7±7.9 versus SO: 91.71±4.6 pg/mL,
P
<0.05; 8-isoprostane; RDN: 331.9±38.2 versus SO: 468.5±42.0 pg/mL,
P
<0.05). RDN reduces progression of atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E–deficient mice. These changes are associated with reduced aldosterone levels, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and markers of oxidative stress.
Denervation of the Renal Arteries in Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Verloop Willemien L. , Spiering Wilko , Vink Eva E. , Beeftink Martine M.A. , Blankestijn Peter J. , Doevendans Pieter A. , Voskuil Michiel
Published: February 2015

Chronic elevation of sympathetic nervous system is a key factor in metabolic syndrome. Because renal denervation (RDN) is thought to modulate sympathetic activity, we performed the Denervation of the Renal Arteries in Metabolic Syndrome (DREAMS)–study to investigate the effects of RDN on insulin sensitivity and blood pressure (BP) in patients with metabolic syndrome. Twenty-nine patients fulfilling the criteria for metabolic syndrome and who used a maximum of 1 antihypertensive or 1 antidiabetic drug or 1 of both gave informed consent and were treated by RDN. Glucose tolerance tests and 24-hour ambulatory BP measurements were performed at baseline, at 6 and 12 months of follow-up. Moreover, we performed self-monitored BP measurements at home every month. To assess sympathetic activity, we performed muscle sympathetic nerve activity and heart rate variability measurements at baseline and follow-up. The majority of the included patients was men (57%), mean body mass index was 31±5 kg/m
2
. Median insulin sensitivity as assessed by the Simple Index assessing Insulin Sensitivity oral glucose tolerance test did not change at 6- and 12-month follow-up (
P
=0.60 and
P
=0.77, respectively). Mean 24-hour BP decreased by 6±12/5±7 mm Hg 12 months after RDN (
P
=0.04/0.01). However, self-monitored BP measurements data showed no reduction over time. Measurements of sympathetic activity showed no reduction in systemic sympathetic activity. In conclusion, RDN did not lead to a significant improvement of insulin sensitivity ≤12 months after treatment. Although a significant reduction in ambulatory BP was observed in this nearly drug-naïve population, the self-monitored BP measurements data suggest that this may be explained by regression to the mean. Moreover, no effect in systemic sympathetic activity was observed.
Explaining Citizens’ Participation in a Transnational European Public Sphere
Authors: Gerhards Jürgen , Hans Silke
Published: February 2015

Globalization and Europeanization processes have led to an increasing public sphere deficit. This deficit can be addressed by a transnationalization of the individual countries’ national public spheres. This requires a perception of discussions in other national public spheres, a condition which is met if citizens of a nation-state follow reporting of issues in other countries. Using Eurobarometer surveys, we examine the extent to which citizens of 27 European countries engage with foreign media and the factors that determine participation in a transnational public sphere. Only a small minority of EU citizens engage with foreign media, and there are considerable differences between countries and citizens. Using multilevel techniques we find that besides other factors education, professional status and multilingualism play a crucial role in explaining participation in a transnational public sphere, resources which are distributed very unevenly among citizens. Thus, participation in a transnational public sphere is an issue of social inequality.
Attempts by Descartes and Roberval to Evaluate the Centre of Oscillation of Compound Pendulums
Authors: Capecchi Danilo
Published: February 2015

This paper re-examines the first documented attempts to establish the quantitative law of motion for a body oscillating about a fixed axis (a compound pendulum). This is quite a complex problem as weight and motion are not concentrated in a point, but are spread over a volume. Original documents by René Descartes and Gilles Personne de Roberval, who made the first contributions to solving the problem, are discussed. The two scientists had important insights into the problem which, although they were incomplete, nevertheless somehow complemented each other – at least when seen from the viewpoint of modern mechanics. Descartes was right in considering only the absolute value of the inertia forces, Roberval was right in assuming that the force of gravity should also be taken into account.
An inventory of the names of vascular plants endemic to Italy, their loci classici and types
Authors: Peruzzi Lorenzo , Domina Gianniantonio , Bartolucci Fabrizio , Galasso Gabriele , Peccenini Simonetta , Raimondo Francesco M. , Albano Antonella , Alessandrini Alessandro , Banfi Enrico , Barberis Giuseppina , Bernardo Liliana , Bovio Maurizio , Brullo Salvatore , Brundu Giuseppe , Brunu Antonello , Camarda Ignazio , Carta Luisa , Conti Fabio , Croce Antonio , Iamonico Duilio , Iberite Mauro , Iiriti Gianluca , Longo Daniela , Marsili Stefano , Medagli Pietro , Pistarino Annalaura , Salmeri Cristina , Santangelo Annalisa , Scassellati Elisabetta , Selvi Federico , SOLDANO ADRIANO , Stinca Adriano , Villani MariaCRISTINA , Wagensommer Robert P. , Passalacqua Nicodemo G.
Published: February 2015

The census of the loci classici of 1,400 Italian endemic vascular plants (i.e. not thriving elsewhere with the exception of Corsica and Malta) is here presented and described. The effective place of publication of accepted names, basionyms and homotypic synonyms were identified and critically verified. This often resulted in some change in authorship attribution and, in seven cases, in validation problems (Asperula cynanchica var. lactea var. nov., A. lactea comb. nov., Biscutella laevigata subsp. raffaelliana subsp. nov., Ferulago nodosa subsp. geniculata comb. & stat. nov., Limonium tineoi comb. nov., L. usticanum sp. nov., Noccaea torreana comb. nov.). The geographic information on the loci classici was excerpted from the protologues, as well as information on typification for the taxa described before 1 January 1958. The names without holotype are 796. For 347 names a lecto- or neo-typification is available in literature, while 449 currently accepted taxa still need of type designation.
The diatom genus Hantzschia (Bacillariophyta) in Xinjiang Province, China
Authors: YOU QINGMIN , KOCIOLEK JOHN PATRICK , WANG QUANXI
Published: February 2015

Hantzschia species are uncommon in Xinjiang Province, usually found in small populations and found only in a few samples. However, the diversity in the region is relatively high, with 13 species and 1 variety being identified. Except for the cosmopolitan species H. amphioxys, H. abundans, H. virgata and H. distinctepunctata, most of the taxa in Hantzschia observed in this region have limited distributions, including H. vivacior, H. nitzschioides, H. compacta, H. barckhausenii, H. longa and H. vivax, as well as the species described herein as new. Four new species of Hantzschia are described: H. pseudobardii, H. sinensis, H. yili and H. subrobusta, a further two interesting species, H. vivacior and H. nitzschioides are documented with light and scanning electron microscopy. All species described are compared with other similar Hantzschia taxa from other localities or compared to holotype specimens. These data show a higher diversity of diatoms in Xinjiang Province than previously understood and provide additional information for understanding their biogeography.
A new section (Begonia sect. Oligandrae sect. nov.) and a new species (Begonia pentandra sp. nov.) in Begoniaceae from New Guinea
Authors: Hughes Mark , Takeuchi Wayne
Published: February 2015

Begonia pentandra is described from previously unknown environments on the Juha limestone of Papua New Guinea’s Southern Escarpment. It is placed in the newly described Begonia sect. Oligandrae, along with B. brassii, B. chambersiae, B. oligandra and B. sandsiana. The section is endemic to the New Guinea Highlands and is characterised by male flowers with 4–8 stamens and fruits with three, fleshy, horn-like wings.
Review of the Genus Platystethus Mannerheim (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Oxytelinae) in China
Authors: LÜ LIANG , ZHOU HONG-ZHANG
Published: February 2015

Platystethus Mannerheim, currently comprising 53 species, is a widespread genus of the subfamily Oxytelinae in Northern Hemisphere. Platystethus species are most commonly found in dung and other decaying plant materials, occasionally on stream banks. In this paper, we reviewed all 12 species currently known from China. Three species are described as new to science: P. bucerus sp. nov. (from Xizang and Sichuan), P. subnitens sp. nov. (from Xinjiang), and P. vicinior sp. nov. (from Xinjiang). A synonymy is re-proposed: P. cornutus (Gravenhorst) = P. operosus Sharp. The lectotype is designated for P. operosus Sharp, 1874. All previously known Chinese species are redescribed and a key is provided to the species from China and adjacent regions. Diagnostic details of the treated taxa are illustrated by color photographs and by line drawings.
The complete larval development of Pagurus lanuginosus De Haan, 1849 (Decapoda, Anomura, Paguridae) reared in the laboratory, with emphasis on the post-larval stage
Authors: SULTANA ZAKEA , ASAKURA AKIRA
Published: February 2015

The complete larval development of Pagurus lanuginosus is described and illustrated including the first description of the post-larval stage. Specimens were reared in the laboratory at 15°C and 33.5–35.02 PSU. Newly hatched larvae passed through a short prezoeal stage (10 minutes to 2 hours), four zoeal stages (6, 6, 6, 8 days), and one megalopal stage (10 days). We compared the morphological features of each larval stage with those of the preceding two descriptions on the same species, and found many differences in morphology and the duration between zoeal stages. We concluded that significant diagnostic characters separating this species from other congeners in Japanese waters include the presence of two pairs of yellowish chromatophores on the carapace in the zoeal stages, a translucent body flecked with red chromatophores, and two pairs of red chromatophores on the carapace in the megalopal stage.
Trachyibana sarawakiensis gen. nov., sp. nov., a remarkable new genus and species from Malaysia (Acari: Uropodina: Trachyuropodidae)
Authors: KONTSCHÁN JENŐ
Published: February 2015

A new genus Trachyibana gen. nov. is described and illustrated on the basis of Trachyibana sarawakiensis sp. nov. from Malaysia. The new genus belongs to the family Trachyuropodidae, on the basis of its fringed internal malae, the T-shaped dorsal setae and the position of hypostomal setae h3 (lateral to h1-h2-h4). The new genus differs from the other trachyuropodid genera and species by its lemon-shaped idiosoma, the presence of deep opisthogastric ventral furrows, and the absence of strongly sclerotised dorsal structures.
A description of the Larva of Metapteron xanthomelas (Lucas, 1857) from the Restinga Forest of Southeastern Brazil (Coleoptera: Lycidae, Calopterini)
Authors: FERREIRA VINICIUS DE SOUZA , COSTA CLEIDE
Published: February 2015

The last instar larva of Metapteron xanthomelas (Lucas, 1857) is described. This is the first description of a larva for the genus. Two live larvae collected in the Brazilian Atlantic coast Restinga Forest of Itanhaém, São Paulo, were reared, one to adult and one was fixed in the last instar. This larva differs from the known Calopterini larvae by the absence of urogomphi, the dorsal abdominal segments undivided and strongly alveolate ornamentation on the head.