bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prostaglandin E1 Inhibited Diabetes-Induced Phenotypic Switching of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Through Activating Autophagy
Authors: An Xing-Rong , Li Xin , Wei Wei , Li Xiao-Xue , Xu Ming
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: The phenotype switching of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) was associated with the onset or progression of the atherogenic process in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Alprostadil (Prostaglandin E1, PGE1) as a bioactive drug had a protective effect on vascular function. However, it is unknown whether PGE1 inhibited the phenotype switching in VSMCs via autophagy, which played a protective role in the vascular complications of diabetes. Methods: The phenotype switching was induced by high glucose (HG, 25mM) in VSMCs, the protein expression was measured by western blot analysis and immunofluorescent staining. In vivo study, vascular lesion and dysfunction were produced in the rats fed with high fat diet (HFD) combined with low dose streptozotocin (STZ) administration. Results: The decrease of α-SMA and the increase of vimentin, collagen I and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were found in HG-treated VSMCs. Along with more abundance of p62, autophagy markers LC3B and Beclin-1 significantly decreased in VSMCs exposed to HG. Such abnormal changes were significantly reversed by PGE1, which mimicked the role of autophagy activator rapamycin and was dramatically counteracted by 3-methyladenine, an autophagy inhibitor. Furthermore, PGE1 suppressed the phosphorylation of AKT and mTOR, which negatively regulated autophagy level in VSMCs. In vivo study, PGE1 remarkably improved the endothelium-independent contraction of thoracic aorta and restored the expression of α-SMA, osteopontin, LC3B, phosphorylated mTOR in the artery media of T2DM rats. Conclusion: These results demonstrated that PGE1 maintained the phenotype of VSMCs via the AKT/mTOR-dependent autophagy, which prevented diabetes-induced vascular complications.
Vigilância e relações de poder nas redes sociais: questões éticas na sociedade contemporânea
Authors: Rosa Fábio Medeiros da , Chevitarese Leandro
Published: October 2018

Neste artigo, discutimos as redes sociais enquanto meio de comunicação contemporânea, apresentando uma leitura filosófica desse fenômeno social, considerando o problema da liberdade na atual sociedade tecnológica. Os caminhos metodológicos passam por descrever as redes sociais, em especial o Facebook e o Snapchat, como pano de fundo para a formulação de desafios éticos, envolvendo a problemática dos mecanismos de poder e vigilância, bem como seus efeitos de produção de subjetividade na sociedade e nas organizações.
Gestão responsável: responsabilidade, ética e sustentabilidade a partir do Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME)
Authors: Hourneaux Junior Flavio , Caldana Adriana Cristina Ferreira
Published: October 2018

O ensaio apresenta os principais elementos e diretrizes da chamada gestão responsável (GR): responsabilidade, ética e sustentabilidade. São descritos também os principais elementos que constituem o Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), iniciativa da Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU) para o fomento e desenvolvimento da GR. Além disso, os autores relatam as experiências do PRME no Brasil e no mundo e, principalmente, os resultados do congresso realizado no Brasil, em setembro de 2017, no qual se discutiu o tema em diversas perspectivas.
IGFBP7 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor–Binding Protein-7) and Neprilysin Inhibition in Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Januzzi James L. , Packer Milton , Claggett Brian , Liu Jiankang , Shah Amil M. , Zile Michael R. , Pieske Burkert , Voors Adriaan , Gandhi Parul U. , Prescott Margaret F. , Shi Victor , Lefkowitz Martin P. , McMurray John J.V. , Solomon Scott D.
Published: October 2018

Background:

Increased activity of IGFBP7 (insulin-like growth factor–binding protein-7) is associated with cellular senescence, tissue aging, and obesity. IGFBP7 may be related to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, a disease of elderly obese people.

Methods and Results:

In a subset of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (N=228) randomized to receive sacubitril/valsartan versus valsartan, IGFBP7 concentrations were measured at baseline, 12 weeks, and 36 weeks. Patient characteristics and echocardiographic measures including left atrial (LA) size and volume, ratio of early mitral inflow velocity/annular diastolic velocity, and ratio of early diastole/peak late diastolic velocity were assessed as a function of IGFBP7 concentration. Effect of sacubitril/valsartan on IGFBP7 concentrations was analyzed. With increasing baseline IGFBP7 quartiles, LA size and LA volume index (LAVi) were higher (both
P
<0.001); modest association between IGFBP7 and higher early mitral inflow velocity/annular diastolic velocity (
P
=0.03) and early diastole/peak late diastolic velocity ratio (
P
=0.04) was also seen. IGFBP7 concentrations were higher in those with LAVi ≥34 mL/m
2
compared with lower LAVi at all time points (all
P
<0.01). IGFBP7 independently predicted LAVi at baseline even in the presence of NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) concentrations; highest LAVi was seen in those with elevation in both biomarkers. Treatment with sacubitril/valsartan resulted in lower IGFBP7 concentrations over 36 weeks compared with valsartan (adjusted treatment effect, −7%;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions:

Among patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, concentrations of the cellular senescence biomarker IGFBP7 were associated with abnormalities in diastolic filling and LA dilation. Treatment with sacubitril/valsartan resulted in lower IGFBP7 concentrations compared with valsartan.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00887588.
Metabolic Maturation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes by Inhibition of HIF1α and LDHA
Authors: Hu Dongjian , Linders Annet , Yamak Abir , Correia Cláudia , Kijlstra Jan David , Garakani Arman , Xiao Ling , Milan David J. , van der Meer Peter , Serra Margarida , Alves Paula M. , Domian Ibrahim J.
Published: October 2018

Rationale:

Human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) are a readily available, robustly reproducible, and physiologically appropriate human cell source for cardiac disease modeling, drug discovery, and toxicity screenings in vitro. However, unlike adult myocardial cells in vivo, hPSC-CMs cultured in vitro maintain an immature metabolic phenotype, where majority of ATP is produced through aerobic glycolysis instead of oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria. Little is known about the underlying signaling pathways controlling hPSC-CMs’ metabolic and functional maturation.

Objective:

To define the molecular pathways controlling cardiomyocytes’ metabolic pathway selections and improve cardiomyocyte metabolic and functional maturation.

Methods and Results:

We cultured hPSC-CMs in different media compositions including glucose-containing media, glucose-containing media supplemented with fatty acids, and glucose-free media with fatty acids as the primary carbon source. We found that cardiomyocytes cultured in the presence of glucose used primarily aerobic glycolysis and aberrantly upregulated HIF1α (hypoxia-inducible factor 1α) and its downstream target lactate dehydrogenase A. Conversely, glucose deprivation promoted oxidative phosphorylation and repressed HIF1α. Small molecule inhibition of HIF1α or lactate dehydrogenase A resulted in a switch from aerobic glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation. Likewise, siRNA inhibition of HIF1α stimulated oxidative phosphorylation while inhibiting aerobic glycolysis. This metabolic shift was accompanied by an increase in mitochondrial content and cellular ATP levels. Furthermore, functional gene expressions, sarcomere length, and contractility were improved by HIF1α/lactate dehydrogenase A inhibition.

Conclusions:

We show that under standard culture conditions, the HIF1α-lactate dehydrogenase A axis is aberrantly upregulated in hPSC-CMs, preventing their metabolic maturation. Chemical or siRNA inhibition of this pathway results in an appropriate metabolic shift from aerobic glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation. This in turn improves metabolic and functional maturation of hPSC-CMs. These findings provide key insight into molecular control of hPSC-CMs’ metabolism and may be used to generate more physiologically mature cardiomyocytes for drug screening, disease modeling, and therapeutic purposes.
Genetics of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Feghaly Julien , Zakka Patrick , London Barry , MacRae Calum A. , Refaat Marwan M.
Published: October 2018

Background

Atrial fibrillation (
AF
) is a common arrhythmia seen in clinical practice. Occasionally, no common risk factors are present in patients with this arrhythmia. This suggests the potential underlying role of genetic factors associated with predisposition to developing
AF
.

Methods and Results

We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature through large online libraries, including PubMed. Many different potassium and sodium channel mutations have been discussed in their relation to
AF
. There have also been non–ion channel mutations that have been linked to
AF
. Genome‐wide association studies have helped in identifying potential links between single‐nucleotide polymorphisms and
AF
. Ancestry studies have also highlighted a role of genetics in
AF
. Blacks with a higher percentage of European ancestry are at higher risk of developing
AF
. The emerging field of ablatogenomics involves the use of genetic profiles in their relation to recurrence of
AF
after catheter ablation.

Conclusions

The evidence for the underlying role of genetics in
AF
continues to expand. Ultimately, the role of genetics in risk stratification of
AF
and its recurrence is of significant interest. No established risk scores that are useful in clinical practice are present to date.
Lifetime Risks of Valvular Heart Disease and Pacemaker Use in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Ward Michael M.
Published: October 2018

Background

The likelihoods of valvular heart disease (
VHD
) and conduction abnormalities in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (
AS
p) are poorly defined. Knowing their lifetime risks of
VHD
and pacemaker use would help inform whether cardiac screening should be done.

Methods and Results

Patients with
AS
p and a comparison group without
AS
p were identified among US Medicare beneficiaries in 1999 to 2013. Frequencies of
VHD
and pacemaker use were compared in 4 age groups: 65 to 69 years, 70 to 74 years, 75 to 79 years, and 80 years or older, as were rates of valve surgeries, a measure of
VHD
severity, and new pacemaker insertions. Outcomes were compared between 42 327 patients with
AS
p and 19 211 703 patients without
AS
p. The prevalence of aortic valve disease in patients with
AS
p increased with age (2.6%, 6.7%, 10.9%, and 17.1%), as did the prevalence of mitral valve disease. Risks of
VHD
were slightly but significantly higher in patients with
AS
p (adjusted odds ratios 1.06–1.51). Rates of aortic valve replacement/repair were also higher in patients with
AS
p than in the comparison group (125 versus 93; 183 versus 149; 261 versus 208; 279 versus 191 per 100 000 patient‐years in the 4 age groups). Rates of mitral valve surgery did not differ between groups. Among patients with
AS
p, pacemaker use ranged from 1.0% to 7.6% across age groups, and was slightly higher than in controls (odds ratio range 1.11–1.32).

Conclusions

Lifetime risks of
VHD
and pacemaker use in
AS
p increase markedly with age, but are only slightly higher than in elderly people without
AS
p.
Laos’s Peripheral Centrality in Southeast Asia
Authors: Brown James Alan
Published: October 2018

Laos’s position at the centre of the Southeast Asian mainland has entailed peripherality to regional loci of power. Its geography of peripheral centrality has however resulted in Laos becoming a realm of contestation between powerful neighbours. The analysis traces the construction of Laos within a regional space from pre-colonial times to contemporary special economic zones. Laos has been produced through mobility, foreign actors’ attempts to reorient space to their sphere of influence, and transnational class relations incorporating Lao workers and peasants, Lao elites and foreign powers. These elements manifest within current special economic zone projects.
An annotated checklist of the Anthicidae and pediline Pyrochroidae (Insecta: Coleoptera) of Iran, with thirteen new country records
Authors: TELNOV DMITRY , GHAHARI HASSAN
Published: October 2018

The fauna of Iranian Anthicidae and pediline Pyrochroidae (Coleoptera) is summarized in this paper. A total of 132 species from 19 genera and four subfamilies (Anthicinae, Notoxinae, Steropinae, and Tomoderinae) of Anthicidae and two species of Pedilinae are listed. Three new synonyms are proposed: Anthicus armatus Truqui, 1855 = A. pseudoarmatus Telnov, 2008 syn. nov., Notoxus hirtus LaFerté-Sénectère, 1849 = N. caucasicus Pic, 1900 syn. nov., Stricticomus rufithorax (LaFerté-Sénectère, 1849) = Anthicus transcaspicus var. subnotata Pic, 1910 syn. nov. One new combination is made: Nitorus unifasciatus (Desbrochers des Loges, 1875) comb. nov. (from Pseudoleptaleus Pic, 1900). Thirteen species are reported for the fauna of Iran for the first time: Anthicus armatus Truqui, 1855, A. episcopalis Pic, 1903, A. quadrispilus Marseul, 1879, Cyclodinus reitteri (Pic, 1892), Leptaleus klugii klugii LaFerté-Sénectère, 1849, Stricticomus araxicola (Reitter, 1889), S. arcuaticeps (Pic, 1900), S. herzi (Pic, 1905), Microhoria aphaenops (Pic, 1902), Tenuicomus finalis Telnov, 2003, Notoxus hirtus LaFerté-Sénectère, 1849, N. simulans simulans Heberdey, 1935, and Tomoderus scydmaenoides Reitter, 1878.
Sub-fossil Chironomidae (Diptera) from lake sediments in Central America: a preliminary inventory
Authors: HAMERLIK LADISLAV , DA SILVA FABIO LAURINDO , WOJEWÓDKA MARTA
Published: October 2018

The chironomid diversity of Central America is virtually underestimated and there is almost no knowledge on the chironomid remains accumulated in surface sediments of lakes. Thus, in the present study we provide information on the larval sub-fossil chironomid fauna from surface sediments in Central American lakes for the first time. Samples from 27 lakes analysed from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras yielded a total of 1,109 remains of four subfamilies. Fifty genera have been identified, containing at least 85 morphospecies. With 45 taxa, Chironominae were the most specious and also most abundant subfamily. Tanypodinae with 14 taxa dominated in about one third of the sites. Orthocladiinae were presented by 24 taxa, but were recorded in 9 sites, being dominant in only one site. Podonominae were collected only in one locality. Head capsules of Heterotrissocladius found in the high elevation lake Magdalena, Guatemala, represent a first record for the Neotropical region. Both relative abundance and species richness of Chironominae and Orthocladiinae showed significant relationship to elevation, while Tanypodinae were indifferent. Hopefully, the list of taxa provided by our study will be a base line for future limnological and paleolimnological investigations using chironomid remains in the region.
The Relationship between Wave Trains in the Southern Hemisphere Storm Track and Rainfall Extremes over Tasmania
Authors: Tozer Carly R. , Risbey James S. , O’Kane Terence J. , Monselesan Didier P. , Pook Michael J.
Published: October 2018

We assess the large-scale atmospheric dynamics influencing rainfall extremes in Tasmania, located within the Southern Hemisphere storm track. We characterize wet and dry multiday rainfall extremes in western and eastern Tasmania, two distinct climate regimes, and construct atmospheric flow composites around these extreme events. We consider the onset and decay of the events and find a link between Rossby wave trains propagating in the polar jet waveguide and wet and dry extremes across Tasmania. Of note is that the wave trains exhibit varying behavior during the different extremes. In the onset phase of rainfall extremes in western Tasmania, there is a coherent wave train in the Indian Ocean, which becomes circumglobal in extent and quasi-stationary as the event establishes and persists. Wet and dry extremes in this region are influenced by opposite phases of this circumglobal wave train pattern. In eastern Tasmania, wet extremes relate to a propagating wave train, which is first established in the Indian Ocean sector and propagates eastward to the Pacific Ocean sector as the event progresses. During dry extremes in eastern Tasmania, the wave train is first established in the Pacific Ocean, as opposed to Indian Ocean, and persists in this sector for the entire event, with a structure indicative of the Pacific–South American pattern. The findings regarding different wave train forms and their relationship to rainfall extremes have implications for extreme event attribution in other regions around the globe.
The Lead Igniter: A Longitudinal Examination of Influence and Energy Through Networks, Efficacy, and Climate
Authors: Liou Yi-Hwa , Daly Alan J.
Published: October 2018

Purpose: The social aspect of leadership is often overlooked in the educational reform. This study aims to address the dearth of work in the social space around leadership and examines two different types of relational ties between leaders that capture the affective and work-related aspects of interpersonal relationships. Research Method: This study takes place in one large urban school district serving a highly diverse student population and investigates a multiplex relation—energy and work-related influence—from a longitudinal dataset to better understand the complex nature of social ties. Descriptive statistics, multilevel social network modeling, and network sociograms are used to understand the characteristics of this over-time multiplex relationship among central office and site leaders. Findings: Drawing on social network theory, efficacy, and climate, findings suggest that gender, work level, experience, efficacy, and climate are associated with leaders engaging in this multiplex relationship over time. Conclusion and Implications: Investigating the intersection of both affective and instrumental relationships provides a nuanced and more reality-based picture about a complex set of leadership ties and perceptions as they go about improving educational systems.
Guest Workers, Social Order, and West German Municipalities, 1960–7
Authors: Spicka Mark E.
Published: October 2018

This article examines the response of West German cities and their main political pressure group, the Deutsche Städtetag (DST, The German Council of Municipalities) to the arrival of guest workers between 1960–7. It argues that unlike the federal government, almost all city authorities quickly understood that a portion of the guest workers would remain permanently in West Germany. As a result, the DST and most cities called for some form of guest worker integration already by the early 1960s. Although often expressing humanitarian concern for the guest workers, the cities framed guest worker integration in terms of limiting costs, preserving social order, and maintaining control over the guest workers. In their discussions on guest worker integration, West German cities racialized the guest workers from southern Europe by maintaining a hierarchy of difference with an assumption that the guest workers would never become fully German.
A novel concept to produce periodic varied structural composite yarn via cyclical changing of the spacing between filaments and the strand
Authors: Xia Zhigang , Tang Jiandong , Ye Wenxiang
Published: October 2018

In this study, a novel concept has been developed as a cyclical spacing-change method to produce periodic varied structural composite yarn. Geometrical analysis indicated that the cyclical change of spacing between filaments and the strand altered the yarn formation zone shapes from corefil to sirofil, causing cyclic yarn structure variations from the hairy core–sheath (corefil section) to the smooth spiral filament wrapping (sirofil section). A mechanical analysis revealed the corefil section with more twists was thinner than the sirofil section with fewer twists. Specifically, the cross-sectional diameter performed gradual periodic changes from the thick sirofil section to the thin corefil section. Then, an eccentric godet wheel device was used to conduct confirmatory experiments. Besides validating the theoretical analysis, the experimental results also showed that the novel concept yarn had the minimum hairiness and medium irregularity and strength after comparisons with sirofil and corefil yarns.
Investigating the cotton ring spun yarn structure using micro computerized tomography and digital image processing techniques
Authors: Haleem Noman , Liu Xin , Hurren Christopher , Gordon Stuart , Najar Saeed S , Wang Xungai
Published: October 2018

The micro-level structure of staple yarn and the fiber arrangement inside it has a decisive influence on its physical properties. This study aims to introduce a combined method based on micro computerized tomography (micro CT) and digital image processing techniques to probe the ring yarn structure in a non-invasive manner. Two micro CT systems at different CT settings were applied to achieve optimal quality CT images of cotton ring yarns. Three image processing algorithms were proposed to enhance and process the yarn CT images in order to extract yarn structural information. The proposed method was also applied on two yarn specimens, which varied significantly in terms of their tensile strength, to study differences in their underlying structures. The results showed that the longitudinal arrangement of fibers in terms of their migratory behavior had a decisive influence on the tensile properties of the yarn. The stronger yarn showed a higher value of the amplitude and intensity of fiber migration compared to the weaker yarn, suggesting that the protocol established in this study can effectively reveal fiber arrangements within a staple yarn structure in a non-invasive manner.
Ellipsoidal Lyapunov-based hybrid model predictive control for mixed logical dynamical systems with a recursive feasibility guarantee
Authors: Olama Alireza , Shasadeghi Mokhtar , Ramezani Amin , Khorramizadeh Mostafa , Mendes Paulo R C
Published: October 2018

This paper proposes an ellipsoidal hybrid model predictive control approach to solve the robust stability problem of uncertain hybrid dynamical systems modelled by the mixed logical dynamical framework. In this approach, the traditional terminal equality constraint is replaced by an ellipsoid that results in a maximal positive invariant set for the closed-loop system. Then, a Lyapunov decreasing condition along with the robustness criterion is introduced to the optimization problem to achieve the robust stability of the closed-loop system. As the main advantages, the ellipsoidal terminal set proposed in this paper attains a larger domain of attraction along with the recursive feasibility guarantee. Moreover, the stability and robustness constraints are achieved by a lower prediction horizon, which leads to a smaller dimension optimization problem. In addition, to reduce the computational complexity of the corresponding optimization problem, a suboptimal version of the proposed algorithm is introduced. Finally, numerical and car suspension system examples show the capabilities of the proposed method.
Is manual therapy based on neurodynamic techniques effective in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome? A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wolny Tomasz , Linek Pawel
Published: October 2018

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of manual therapy based on neurodynamic techniques in conservative treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Several medical outpatient clinics in the south of Poland.

Participants:

The study included 103 patients with mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (mean age = 53.95, SD = 9.5) years, who were randomly assigned to a neurodynamic techniques group (experimental group, n = 58) or a group without treatment (control group, n = 45).

Intervention:

Neurodynamic techniques were used in the experimental group. Treatment was conducted twice weekly (20 sessions). Control group did not receive treatment.

Main measures:

Nerve conduction study, pain, symptom severity and functional status of Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, and strength of cylindrical and pincer grips were assessed at baseline and immediately after treatment (nerve conduction study one month after treatment).

Results:

Baseline assessment revealed no group differences in any assessed parameters ( P > 0.05). There were significant differences between groups after treatment, including nerve conduction (e.g. sensory conduction velocity: experimental group: 38.3 m/s, SD = 11.1 vs control group: 25.9 m/s, SD = 7.72, P  < 0.01). Significant changes also occurred in pain (experimental group: 1.38, SD = 1.01 vs control group: 5.46, SD = 1.05, P < 0.01), symptom severity (experimental group: 1.08, SD = 0.46 vs control group: 2.87, SD = 0.68, P < 0.01), and functional status (experimental group: 1.96, SD = 0.64 vs control group: 2.87, SD = 1.12, P < 0.01). There were no group differences in strength ( P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

The use of neurodynamic techniques in conservative treatment for mild to moderate forms of carpal tunnel syndrome has significant therapeutic benefits.
Effects of Preceding Context on Aesthetic Preference
Authors: Mullennix John W. , Kristo Grant M. , Robinet Julien
Published: October 2018

Two experiments were conducted to examine sequential context effects on judgments of liking for artistic photographs. In Experiment 1, target photographs were preceded in a sequence by context photographs prerated for liking. The results showed that viewing time and response time for targets increased when preceded by highly liked context photographs. However, ratings of liking for targets were unaffected. In Experiment 2, target photographs were preceded by pleasant or unpleasant context photographs. An assimilation effect on target ratings was produced by unpleasant context, with targets rated lower for liking. Both pleasant and unpleasant context photographs affected viewing time and response time for targets. Overall, the results from both experiments show that the presence of an artwork that immediately precedes another artwork in a sequence can affect the processing of the subsequent artwork. This suggests that the positioning of artworks in sequences can produce context effects on art appreciation.
Role of Th17-cell related cytokines in geriatric asthma
Authors: Quan-san Zhang , Xiaohong Xu , ying Li , Zhaojia Sun
Published: October 2018

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the pathogenesis of geriatric asthma through immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-17A (IL-17A), IL-17F, and glucocorticoid receptor-β (GR-β) expression.

Methods

We studied 51 geriatric male patients with asthma and 50 young male patients with asthma. We also included 21 normal geriatric males and 21 normal young males. All geriatric and young patients were divided into groups according to pulmonary function. Levels of cytokines, such as IgE, IL-17A, IL-17F, and GR-β, were measured. Pulmonary function was assessed. The results from patients were compared with those from the 42 healthy subjects.

Results

Serum IgE, IL-17A, IL-17F, and GR-β levels in geriatric patients with moderate or severe asthma were significantly higher than those in young patients with moderate asthma and in the normal population. Geriatric patients with asthma had higher asthma control test scores than did young patients with asthma.

Conclusion

Hormone resistance in geriatric male patients with asthma is more serious than that in young male patients with asthma. Airway inflammation and airway remodeling in geriatric male patients with asthma may be more serious than those in young male patients with asthma, even when there is similar pulmonary function.
Alienation, reification and the antinomies of production
Authors: Dorahy J F
Published: October 2018

In recent years, the works of György Márkus – a member of what has been dubbed the ‘Budapest School’ – have begun to generate an increasingly sophisticated and vibrant discussion. The present essay seeks to contribute to this burgeoning body of critical literature by offering a summary account and evaluation of the evolution of Márkus’s thought from the critique of alienation developed during the 1960s through to his post-Marxist philosophy of culture in the latter decades of the 20th century. It does so with the intention of answering what is arguably the question confronting the contemporary reception of Márkus’s body of work: in what relation do Márkus’s later works stand to the aspirations and ideals of his early, more explicitly Marxist writings?
Their is no they’re
Authors: Valentine Riley Clare
Published: October 2018

How does mutual intelligibility impact the political sphere? This paper uses Wittgenstein’s Philosophical Investigations as a means of examining this connection. I argue that Wittgenstein’s paradigm of a dialectical world suggests that his analysis of mutual intelligibility in understanding experiences is necessary in a pluralistic democracy. I conclude that via his theory of social reality politics is a dynamic dialectical process of communicating experiences.
Effect of crystallographic orientation on the hardness of polycrystalline materials AA7075
Authors: Zhao Man , Ji Xia , Li Beizhi , Liang Steven Y
Published: October 2018

As one of the most important properties of materials, micro-hardness is influenced by material microstructure significantly. The reported data show that the micro-hardness of materials varies with the variation of crystallographic orientation. This paper presents an analytical model to quantify the effect of crystallographic orientation on micro-hardness by analyzing the mechanical behavior in the test of Vickers hardness. The plastic deformation occurs under the micro-indentation with the flow stress affected significantly by crystallographic orientation of material. This paper develops a Taylor factor model to quantify the effect of crystallographic orientation on the flow stress of polycrystalline materials, by examining the number and the style of activated slip systems. Considering the linear relationship between the flow stress and Vickers hardness, the effect of crystallographic orientation on the Vickers hardness is established. To verify the Taylor factor model, compression tests and Vickers hardness tests were conducted. The result shows that the predictions coincided with the experimental data, which suggests that the model considering the variation of crystallographic orientation is accurate and the Taylor factor model is reasonable. To analyze the sensitivity of flow stress and Vickers hardness to CO, this paper also predicted flow stress and hardness using models without considering the variability of Taylor factor and the athernal stress. The three predictions were compared with the experimental data, and the results proved that the model considering the variability Taylor factor improves flow stress and accuracy of hardness models.
Bi-level variable selection for case-cohort studies with group variables
Authors: Kim Soyoung , Woo Ahn Kwang
Published: October 2018

The case-cohort design is an economical approach to estimate the effect of risk factors on the survival outcome when collecting exposure information or covariates on all patients is expensive in a large cohort study. Variables often have group structure such as categorical variables and highly correlated continuous variables. The existing literature for case-cohort data is limited to identifying non-zero variables at individual level only. In this article, we propose a bi-level variable selection method to select non-zero group and within-group variables for case-cohort data when variables have group structure. The proposed method allows the number of variables to diverge as the sample size increases. The asymptotic properties of the estimator including bi-level variable selection consistency and the asymptotic normality are shown. We also conduct simulations to compare our proposed method with some existing method and apply them to the Busselton Health data.
The Post-issue Market Performance of Initial Public Offerings: Empirical Evidence from the Malaysian Stock Markets
Authors: Yaakub Nurwahida , Sherif Mohamed , Haniffa Roszaini
Published: October 2018

This study examines the long-run performance of the initial public offerings (IPOs) listed in the Malaysian main and alternative ‘Access, Certainty and Efficiency’ (ACE) markets at the economic and sectorial levels. Using event- and calendar-time study methods and monthly data from January 2000 to December 2011, we provide novel evidence on the existence of under performance anomaly in the Malaysian markets and more intensely in the ACE markets. We demonstrate robust evidence on the distinction in sector-specific characteristics from the aggregate market characteristics. While the consumer products and industrial sectors dominate the overall underperformance, the construction, property and technology sectors significantly overperform. The findings are robust to a wide range of other sensitivity checks including parametric and non-parametric tests.

JEL Classification: G14, G15, G30, G34, G32, G38
An Occupational Health Education Program for Thai Farmers Exposed to Chlorpyrifos
Authors: Rattanaselanon Peerayut , Lormphongs Srirat , Chanvaivit Sirirat , Morioka Ikuharu , Sanprakhon Panawat
Published: October 2018

The majority of the farmers in this sample of Thai farmers did not use sufficient self-protective behaviors when using the organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos. Most were directly exposed to chlorpyrifos, potentially leading to illnesses. The aim of this study was to improve safety behaviors when using chlorpyrifos by an occupational health education program. A controlled trial (n = 70) of an occupational health education program was undertaken in rural Thailand prior to the occupational health education program. There were no differences in behavior between experimental and control groups. Completion of the program led to a significant improvement in safe working practices and in the amount of the metabolite. However, significant differences were noticed after participating in the occupational health education program on both safety behaviors and the amount of the metabolite 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol present in urine.
The Association Between HIV Infection and the Use of Palliative Care in Patients Hospitalized With Heart Failure
Authors: Feder Shelli L. , Tate Janet P. , Akgün Kathleen M. , Womack Julie A. , Jeon Sangchoon , Funk Marjorie , Bedimo Roger J. , Budoff Matthew J. , Butt Adeel A. , Crothers Kristina , Redeker Nancy S.
Published: October 2018

Background:

The number of adults with heart failure (HF) and HIV infection is increasing. These patients may benefit from palliative care (PC).

Objectives:

Determine the association between HIV infection, other HIV characteristics, and PC among hospitalized patients with HF in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

Design:

Nested case–control study of patients with HF hospitalized from 2003 to 2015 and enrolled in the Veterans Aging Cohort Study.

Setting/Patients:

Two hundred and ten hospitalized patients with HF who received PC matched to 1042 patients with HF who did not receive PC, by age, discharge date, and left ventricular ejection fraction.

Measurements:

Palliative care use was the primary outcome. Independent variables included HIV infection identified by International Classification of Diseases Ninth Revision code and further characterized as the primary diagnosis for hospitalization, unsuppressed HIV-1 RNA, CD4 counts <200 cells/mm3, and other covariates. We examined associations between independent variables and PC using conditional logistic regression.

Results:

The sample was 99% male, mean age was 64 years (standard deviation ±10), 54% of cases and 59% of controls were black, and 30% of cases and 31% of controls were HIV-infected. In adjusted models, HIV as the primary diagnosis for hospitalization (odds ratio [OR]: 3.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.30-10.52), unsuppressed HIV-1 RNA (OR: 2.62, 95% CI: 1.31-5.24), and CD4 counts <200 cells/mm3 (OR: 3.47; 1.78-6.77), but not HIV infection (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.55-1.13), were associated with PC.

Conclusions:

HIV characteristics indicative of severe disease are associated with PC for hospitalized VHA patients with HF. Increasing access to PC for patients with HF and HIV is warranted.
Transverse Maxillary Development in Complete Cleft Patients: Comparison of 2 Treatment Strategies by Longitudinal and Cross-Sectional Model Analysis
Authors: Loomans Natalie , Decombel Oona , Goethals Klara , Mommaerts Maurice Y.
Published: October 2018

Objective:

This study aimed to compare differences in the maxillary transverse dimension following cleft repair using 2 protocols involving a 2-staged palatal closure with similar timing but different techniques.

Design:

Retrospective study. Two matched study samples, each containing 10 patients.

Setting:

Cleft center A is a university hospital. Cleft Center B is a general teaching hospital.

Patients:

Patients with cleft lip alveolus and palate (CLAP) were matched by cleft type, gender, age, and palatal morphology at the age of 1 month. Differences in the transverse dimension were measured at 4 ages in 2 matched groups (A and B from center A and B), each including 5 patients with unilateral CLAP (UCLAP) and 5 patients with bilateral CLAP (BCLAP).

Interventions:

Orthodontic/orthopedic expansion treatment began at 8 and 5 years of age at centers A and B, respectively.

Results:

The mean intercanine distance decreased by 8 mm (standard deviation [SD] = 1.6; P = .030) in group A patients with UCLAP between 1 and 5 years (SD = 1.6; P = .030) and by 6.3 mm (SD = 3.2; P = .016) in group B patients with BCLAP. The mean intermolar distance increased by 4 mm (SD = 3.4; P = .076) in patients with BCLAP. A trend toward improved canine positioning was observed in patients with BCLAP by 12 years of age, with improvement occurring between 4 and 12 years.

Conclusion:

The type of palatal closure (inducing scar tissue at the bony level) and the late installment of orthodontic/orthopedic expansion probably reduced the intercanine width in bilateral complete clefts.
Neurovascular and Clinical Outcomes of the Percutaneous Endoscopically Assisted Calcaneal Osteotomy (PECO) Technique to Correct Hindfoot Malalignment
Authors: Veljkovic Andrea , Symes Michael , Younger Alastair , Rungprai Chamnanni , Abbas Kaniza Zahra , Salat Peter , Tennant Joshua , Phisitkul Phinit
Published: October 2018

Background:

Standard open calcaneal osteotomies to correct hindfoot malalignment have been associated with high complication rates, including nerve damage and wound infection. This has resulted in the development of minimally invasive techniques such as the percutaneous endoscopically assisted calcaneal osteotomy (PECO), which in cadaver studies has been shown to be potentially safer than open surgeries. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of PECO in a clinical setting, with regard to neurovascular injury rates, infection, and short-term radiographic and functional outcomes.

Methods:

Forty-one (41) patients with planovalgus or cavovarus foot deformities underwent treatment using PECO. Outcomes were analyzed at 6 months and primarily included neurovascular outcomes and wound infection rates. Secondarily, radiographic and functional (visual analog scale for pain [VAS], 36-Item Short Form Medical Outcomes Survey [SF-36], and Foot Function Index [FFI] scores) outcomes were also assessed.

Results:

There were no reported cases of superficial wound infections, lateral calcaneal or sural nerve dysesthesia. Minor complications occurred in 6/41 feet. The mean postoperative hindfoot correction was 8.3 ± 2.2 mm (range: 6-15mm) compared to preoperative status. Compared to preoperative status, significant improvements ( P = .001 for all) were seen in the VAS, SF-36, and FFI at 6 months postoperatively.

Conclusions:

PECO resulted in minimal complications with no lateral calcaneal or sural nerve dysesthesias and no wound complications. It also resulted in significant improvements in postoperative radiographic and functional outcomes from baseline to 6-months postoperatively, demonstrating its use as a safe and effective means of treating hindfoot malalignment.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Anatomical variants of upper arm veins on preoperative mapping venography for hemodialysis access in Korean adults
Authors: Lee Hyung Seok , Song Young Rim , Kim Jwa Kyung , Choi Sun Ryoung , Joo Narae , Kim Hyung Jik , Park Pyoungju , Kim Sung Gyun
Published: October 2018

Introduction:

The number of elderly patients requiring hemodialysis has increased, along with the need for multiple vascular access placements. Thus, the frequency of access creation using the upper arm veins, including transposed basilic arteriovenous fistula, has also increased. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of anatomical variations in the upper arm veins on preoperative mapping venography and to investigate the implications of such variants on access creation.

Methods:

A total of 494 venograms were performed on 251 patients for primary access creation from June 2014 to June 2017 in this single-center, retrospective study. The venograms were classified into eight subtypes, based on the anatomical relationship between the basilic and brachial veins. The presence of bifid cephalic arches and brachial–basilic ladders was also examined.

Results:

The presence of bifid cephalic arches and brachial–basilic ladders was identified in 8.7% and 14.0% of cases, respectively. Paired brachial veins joined separately with the basilic vein in 67.4% of venograms, whereas these veins merged into a common brachial vein before connecting to the basilic vein in 13.1% of cases. A single brachial vein was present in 19.3% of cases. 15.7% of cases were considered unsuitable for basilic vein transposition due to the early confluence of the brachial–basilic vein, posing a risk of obliterating the deep venous drainage if transposed.

Conclusion:

There are significant anatomical variations of upper arm veins, and the recognition of certain variants can affect surgical planning and outcomes of access placement. It is important to identify anatomical variants of the upper arm veins during preoperative vein mapping.
News media literacy, perceptions of bias, and interpretation of news
Authors: Tully Melissa , Vraga Emily K , Smithson Anne-Bennett
Published: October 2018

Drawing on interviews with a diverse group of adults living in the United States, this study examines news media literacy and how perceptions of personal bias and news bias affect news choices and interpretation in general and evaluation of two news stories specifically. Findings suggest that while people recognize that their worldviews shape their news choices in the abstract and believe that news bias occurs for a variety of complex reasons, when faced with analyzing stories, they point to political partisanship connected to specific news outlets as the root of bias in news with most relying on source cues to make their assessments.
Competences of adult education professionals in the European and Slovene context
Authors: Mikulec Borut
Published: October 2018

International and European intergovernmental organisations and the adult education research community all emphasise the importance of well-qualified personal working in the field of adult education. However, as previous research has shown, the diversity of the field is a ‘challenge’ to the greater professionalisation of adult education. Therefore, this paper investigates how the European Union conceptualises adult education professionalisation in the 21st century and how this is reflected in the Slovene adult education policy. For this purpose, the core official European Union and Slovene policy documents on the professionalisation of adult educators were analysed using documentary analysis. The theoretical framework of the Europeanisation of education was used, along with international and comparative perspectives in studies of adult education. Our findings indicate that in the Slovene context, the emphasis is on the recognition of different professional roles and competences that adult educators need to work successfully in different contexts rather than on the unification of their competences, which can be found in the European context.
Simple Endovascular Repair for Symptomatic Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery in a Debilitated Patient
Authors: Kowatari Ryosuke , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Daitoku Kazuyuki , Taniguchi Satoshi , Kakehata Shinya , Fukuda Ikuo
Published: October 2018

We report a simple endovascular repair for symptomatic aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) in an 11-year-old girl. She had undergone tracheostomy due to hypoxic encephalopathy after cardiac surgery and suffered from dyspnea. Computed tomography revealed tracheal stenosis caused by a vascular ring made with an ARSA and the right common carotid artery. Transcatheter ARSA embolization using an Amplatzer vascular plug and coils was performed. Symptoms improved within a few days after this intervention and no complications such as upper extremity ischemia were encountered. Computed tomography showed the ARSA around the trachea had reduced in size and tracheal stenosis was improved.
A comparative study of geometry-based methods and intra-arterial pressure measurements to assess the hemodynamic significance of equivocal iliac artery stenoses
Authors: Heinen Stefan GH , Huberts Wouter , van den Heuvel Daniel AF , van de Vosse Frans N , de Vries Jean-Paul PM , Delhaas Tammo
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To date, the ultimate decision to treat iliac artery stenoses in patients suffering from symptomatic peripheral arterial disease is based on the patient’s symptoms and on visual inspection of angiographical images. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of geometry-based methods (i.e. visual inspection and quantitative vascular analysis (Viewforum version R7.2v1 Advanced vessel analysis, Philips Healthcare, Best, The Netherlands) of 3D rotational angiography) to identify the severity of equivocal iliac artery stenosis in peripheral arterial disease patients with intra-arterial hyperemic pressure measurements (gold standard) as a reference.

Methods

Twenty patients with symptomatic iliac artery stenoses were subjected to 3D rotational angiography. Intra-arterial pressure measurements under hyperemic conditions were performed across 24 visually identified iliac artery stenoses. Three experienced interventional-radiologists retrospectively estimated the lumen diameter reduction by visual inspection. Furthermore, quantitative vascular analysis was performed on the 3D rotational angiography data. Geometry-based estimates were classified into two groups: lumen diameter reduction of <50% (non-significant) and diameter reduction [Formula: see text]50% (significant), and compared to the intra-arterial hyperemic pressure gradients. A stenosis causing a pressure gradient (Δp) ≥10 mmHg was considered hemodynamically significant.

Results

Visual inspection and quantitative vascular analysis correctly identified hemodynamically significant stenoses in, respectively, 83% and 67% of the 24 iliac artery stenoses. Quantitative vascular analysis-based identification of hemodynamic significant stenoses (Δp ≥ 10 mmHg) could be optimized by lowering the threshold to a 42% lumen diameter reduction which improved the accuracy from 67% to 83%.

Conclusions

Visual inspection of 3D rotational angiography by experienced interventional-radiologists has an 83% accuracy to identify hemodynamic significant iliac artery stenoses (Δ p ≥10 mmHg). The use of quantitative vascular analysis software did not improve accuracy.