bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of CytoSorb in Traumatic Amputation of the Forearm and Severe Septic Shock
Authors: Steltzer Heinz , Grieb Alexander , Mostafa Karim , Berger Reinhard
Published: December 2017

Severe trauma associated with later disability and mortality still constitutes a major health and socioeconomic problem throughout the world. While primary morbidity and mortality are mostly related to initial injuries and early complications, secondary lethality is strongly linked to the development of systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, and ultimately multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. We herein report on a 49-year-old male patient who was admitted to the hospital after a traumatic amputation of his right forearm that was cut off while working on a landfill. After initial treatment for shock, he received immediate replantation and was transferred to the ICU. Due to the anticipated risk of a complex infection, continuous renal replacement therapy in combination with CytoSorb was initiated. During the course of the combined treatment, a rapid improvement in hemodynamics was noticed, as well as a significant reduction of IL-6 and lactate levels. Despite a recurring septic episode and the necessity for amputation, the patient clinically stabilized and underwent complete recovery. The early treatment with a combination of CVVHDF and CytoSorb was accompanied by an attenuation of the systemic inflammatory reaction, which subsided without major or permanent organ damage, despite the impressive pathogen spectrum and the pronounced local damage.
Iterative Multiuser Equalization for Subconnected Hybrid mmWave Massive MIMO Architecture
Authors: Magueta R. , Mendes V. , Castanheira D. , Silva A. , Dinis R. , Gameiro A.
Published: December 2017

Millimeter waves and massive MIMO are a promising combination to achieve the multi-Gb/s required by future 5G wireless systems. However, fully digital architectures are not feasible due to hardware limitations, which means that there is a need to design signal processing techniques for hybrid analog-digital architectures. In this manuscript, we propose a hybrid iterative block multiuser equalizer for subconnected millimeter wave massive MIMO systems. The low complexity user-terminals employ pure-analog random precoders, each with a single RF chain. For the base station, a subconnected hybrid analog-digital equalizer is designed to remove multiuser interference. The hybrid equalizer is optimized using the average bit-error-rate as a metric. Due to the coupling between the RF chains in the optimization problem, the computation of the optimal solutions is too complex. To address this problem, we compute the analog part of the equalizer sequentially over the RF chains using a dictionary built from the array response vectors. The proposed subconnected hybrid iterative multiuser equalizer is compared with a recently proposed fully connected approach. The results show that the performance of the proposed scheme is close to the fully connected hybrid approach counterpart after just a few iterations.
Urinary Concentrations of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Metabolites in Maté Drinkers in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Authors: Lopes Antonio Barros , Metzdorf Marcela , Metzdorf Luiza , Sousa Marcos Paulo Ramalho , Kavalco Caroline , Etemadi Arash , Pritchett Natalie R. , Murphy Gwen , Calafat Antonia M. , Abnet Christian C. , Dawsey Sanford M. , Fagundes Renato Borges
Published: December 2017

Background: Consumption of maté, an infusion of the herb Ilex paraguariensis (yerba maté), is associated with increased risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but the carcinogenic mechanism is unclear. Commercial brands of yerba maté contain high levels of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are acquired during the traditional drying process. The purpose of this study was to characterize exposure to PAHs in maté drinkers over a wide range of maté consumption.

Methods: We recruited 244 adults who answered a questionnaire and collected a fasting spot urine specimen. We quantified urinary concentrations of seven PAH metabolites and assessed associations between self-reported recent maté consumption and urinary PAH metabolites by multivariate regression.

Results: Recent maté consumption showed a significant dose–response association with 6 of 7 PAH metabolites in unadjusted models (Ptrend < 0.05). After adjustment for creatinine and potential confounders, concentrations of 2-naphthol, 1-hydroxyphenanthrene, and the sum of 2- and 3-hydroxyphenanthrene remained significantly associated with recent maté intake. The sum of the urinary concentrations of the phenanthrene metabolites was similar or higher among maté drinkers who did not smoke than among smokers who did not drink maté.

Conclusions: Urinary concentrations of PAH metabolites were significantly associated with self-reported amounts of recent maté intake, and drinking maté increased urinary concentrations of some PAH metabolites as much as smoking cigarettes.

Impact: Drinking maté is a source of exposure to potentially carcinogenic PAHs, consistent with the hypothesis that the PAH content of maté may contribute to the increased risk of ESCC in maté drinkers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(3); 331–7. ©2017 AACR.
Loss-of-Function Mutations in Calcitonin Receptor (CALCR) Identify Highly Aggressive Glioblastoma with Poor Outcome
Authors: Pal Jagriti , Patil Vikas , Kumar Anupam , Kaur Kavneet , Sarkar Chitra , Somasundaram Kumaravel
Published: December 2017

Purpose: Despite significant advances in the understanding of the biology, the prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM) remains dismal. The objective was to carry out whole-exome sequencing (WES) of Indian glioma and integrate with that of TCGA to find clinically relevant mutated pathways.

Experimental Design: WES of different astrocytoma samples (n = 42; Indian cohort) was carried out and compared with that of TCGA cohort. An integrated analysis of mutated genes from Indian and TCGA cohorts was carried out to identify survival association of pathways with genetic alterations. Patient-derived glioma stem-like cells, glioma cell lines, and mouse xenograft models were used for functional characterization of calcitonin receptor (CALCR) and establish it as a therapeutic target.

Results: A similar mutation spectrum between the Indian cohort and TCGA cohort was demonstrated. An integrated analysis identified GBMs with defective “neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction” pathway (n = 23; 9.54%) that have significantly poor prognosis (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, GBMs with mutated calcitonin receptor (CALCR) or reduced transcript levels predicted poor prognosis. Exogenously added calcitonin (CT) inhibited various properties of glioma cells and pro-oncogenic signaling pathways in a CALCR-dependent manner. Patient-derived mutations in CALCR abolished these functions with the degree of loss of function negatively correlating with patient survival. WT CALCR, but not the mutant versions, inhibited Ras-mediated transformation of immortalized astrocytes in vitro. Furthermore, calcitonin inhibited patient-derived neurosphere growth and in vivo glioma tumor growth in a mouse model.

Conclusions: We demonstrate CT–CALCR signaling axis is an important tumor suppressor pathway in glioma and establish CALCR as a novel therapeutic target for GBM. Clin Cancer Res; 24(6); 1448–58. ©2017 AACR.
Neoplastic Multifocal Skin Lesions: Biology, Etiology, and Targeted Therapies for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers
Authors: Fernandes Ana R. , Santos Ana C. , Sanchez-Lopez Elena , Kovačević Andjekla B. , Espina Marta , Calpena Ana C. , Veiga Francisco J. , Garcia Maria L. , Souto Eliana B.
Published: December 2017

Neoplastic skin lesions are multifocal, diffuse skin infiltrations of particular relevance in the differential diagnosis of ulcerative, nodular, or crusting skin lesions. Nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs), namely, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and also actinic keratosis (AK), are the most common malignant tumors in humans. BCCs do not proliferate rapidly and most of the times do not metastasize, while SCCs are more infiltrative, metastatic, and destructive. AKs are precursor lesions of cutaneous SCCs. The classical therapy of NMSCs makes use of photodynamic therapy associated with chemotherapeutics. With improved understanding of the pathological mechanisms of tumor initiation, progression, and differentiation, a case is made towards the use of targeted chemotherapy with the intent to reduce the cytotoxicity of classical treatments. The present review aims to describe the current state of the art on the knowledge of NMSC, including its risks factors, oncogenes, and skin carcinogenesis, discussing the classical therapy against new therapeutic options.
Phylogeography of the Mantled Howler Monkey (Alouatta palliata; Atelidae, Primates) across Its Geographical Range by Means of Mitochondrial Genetic Analyses and New Insights about the Phylogeny of Alouatta
Authors: Ruiz-García Manuel , Cerón Ángela , Sánchez-Castillo Sebastián , Rueda-Zozaya Pilar , Pinedo-Castro Myreya , Gutierrez-Espeleta Gustavo , Shostell Joseph Mark
Published: December 2017

We analyzed 156 specimens of diverse howler monkey taxa (Alouatta; Atelidae, Primates) for different mitochondrial genes (5,567 base pairs), with special emphasis on A. palliata and related taxa. Our results showed no relevant differences among individuals of different putative taxa, A. p. palliata, A. p. aequatorialis, A. coibensis coibensis, and A. c. trabeata. We found no spatial differences in genetic structure of A. p. palliata throughout Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras. A. p. mexicana (genetic distance: 1.6-2.1%) was the most differentiated taxon within A. palliata. Therefore, we postulate the existence of only 2 clearly defined subspecies within A. palliata (A. p. palliata and A. p. mexicana). A. palliata and A. pigra (traditionally considered a subspecies of A. palliata) are 2 clearly differentiated species as was demonstrated by Cortés-Ortiz and colleagues in 2003, with a temporal split between the 2 species around 3.6-3.7 million years ago (MYA). Our results with the Median Joining Network procedure showed that the ancestors of the cis-Andean Alouatta gave rise to the ancestors of the trans-Andean Alouatta around 6.0-6.9 MYA. As Cortés-Ortiz et al. showed, A. sara and A. macconnelli are differentiable species from A. seniculus, although the first 2 taxa were traditionally considered subspecies of A. seniculus. Our findings agree with the possibility that the ancestor of A. sara gave rise to the ancestor of A. pigra in northern South America. In turn, the ancestor of A. pigra originated the ancestor of A. palliata. Two of our results strongly support the hypothesis that the South American A. palliata (the putative A. p. aequatorialis) was the original population of this species; it has high genetic diversity and no evidence of population expansion. The Central America A. palliata is the derived population. It has low genetic diversity and there is clear evidence of population expansion. However, A. palliata and A. pigra probably migrated into Central America by 2 different routes: the Isthmus of Panama (A. palliata) and Caribbean island arch (A. pigra). Finally, the red howler monkeys from the island of Trinidad in the Caribbean Sea were not A. macconnelli (= A. s. stramineus) as Groves maintained in his influential 2001 publication on primate taxonomy. This taxon is more related to A. s. seniculus, although it formed a monophyletic clade. Future molecular and karyotypic studies will show if the Trinidad red howler monkeys should be considered as an extension of the Venezuelan taxon, A. arctoidea, as a subspecies of A. seniculus (A. s. seniculus), or, in the case of extensive chromosomal rearrangements, even a new species.
Candida albicans and Early Childhood Caries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xiao Jin , Huang Xuelian , Alkhers Naemah , Alzamil Hassan , Alzoubi Sari , Wu Tong Tong , Castillo Daniel A. , Campbell Frank , Davis Joseph , Herzog Karli , Billings Ronald , Kopycka-Kedzierawski Dorota T. , Hajishengallis Evlambia , Koo Hyun
Published: December 2017

Oral Candida albicans has been detected in children with early childhood caries (ECC) and has demonstrated cariogenic traits in animal models of the disease. Conversely, other studies found no positive correlation between C. albicans and caries experience in children, while suggesting it may have protective effects as a commensal organism. Thus, this study aimed to examine whether oral C. albicans is associated with ECC. Seven electronic databases were searched. The data from eligible studies were extracted, and the risk of bias was evaluated. A fixed effects model (Mantel-Haenszel estimate) was used for meta-analysis, and the summary effect measure was calculated by odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Fifteen cross-sectional studies were included for the qualitative assessment and 9 studies for meta-analysis. Twelve studies revealed higher oral C. albicans prevalence in ECC children than in caries-free children, while 2 studies indicated an equivalent prevalence. A pooled estimate, with OR = 6.51 and 95% CI = 4.94-8.57, indicated a significantly higher ECC experience in children with oral C. albicans than those without C. albicans (p < 0.01). The odds of experiencing ECC in children with C. albicans versus children without C. albicans were 5.26 for salivary, 6.69 for plaque, and 6.3 for oral swab samples. This systematic review indicates that children with oral C. albicans have >5 times higher odds of having ECC compared to those without C. albicans. Further prospective cohort studies are needed to determine whether C. albicans could be a risk factor for ECC, and whether it is dependent on different sample sources (saliva/plaque).
Pharmacological Management of a Heart Failure Patient with Severe Obesity
Authors: Riccio Gerardo
Published: December 2017

Obesity is one of the commonest comorbidities in patients with heart failure, and it is associated with increased mortality risk. However, obese patients are often underrepresented in clinical trials and therefore evidence on their management remains scant. In order to expand knowledge on the management of these patients, anecdotal reports may be considered. In the present case report, we discuss the successful management of an obese patient who received sacubitril/valsartan therapy. This treatment was initiated after a 12-month period of losartan therapy, which did not provide any benefit in terms of heart function. Importantly, during this period the patient required frequent hospitalizations, with a marked decrease in quality of life. After the switch to sacubitril/valsartan, a 10% increase in left ventricular ejection fraction was observed (from 30 to 40%) over a 12-month period. Moreover, no hospitalizations were required, and the patient was able to carry on at least some of his daily activities.
Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux and Apnoea: Is There a Temporal Relationship?
Authors: Rossor Thomas , Andradi Gwendolyn , Ali Kamal , Bhat Ravindra , Greenough Anne
Published: December 2017

Background: Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) and apnoea are common in infants; whether there is a causal relationship is controversial. Objectives: To determine whether there was a temporal relationship between GOR and apnoea, in particular, the frequency of obstructive apnoeas and if the frequency of GOR episodes correlated with apnoea frequency when maturity at testing was taken into account. Methods: Polysomnography and pH/multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII) studies were performed. Apnoeas were classified as central, obstructive, or mixed. MII events were classified as acidic (pH <4) or weakly acidic (4 < pH < 7). Apnoea frequency in the 5-min period after a reflux event was compared to that in the 5-min period preceding the event and that in a 5-min reflux-free period (control period). Results: Forty infants (median gestational age 29 [range 24-42] weeks) were assessed at a post-conceptional age of 37 (30-54) weeks. Obstructive (n = 580), central (n = 900), and mixed (n = 452) apnoeas were identified; 381 acid reflux events were detected by MII and 153 by the pH probe only. Apnoeas were not more frequent following GOR than during control periods. Both the frequency of apnoeas (p = 0.002) and GOR episodes (p = 0.01) were inversely related to post-conceptional age at testing, but were not significantly correlated with each other when controlled for post-conceptional age. Conclusions: These results suggest that GOR does not cause apnoea.
Intragastric Balloon for Obesity Treatment: Safety, Tolerance, and Efficacy
Authors: Ribeiro da Silva Joana , Proença Luísa , Rodrigues Adélia , Pinho Rolando , Ponte Ana , Rodrigues Jaime , Sousa Mafalda , Almeida Rita , Carvalho João
Published: December 2017

Background: Obesity is an increasing worldwide problem associated with a vast number of comorbidities. Decreasing body weight by only 5-10% has been shown to slow and even prevent the onset of obesity-related comorbidities. Between pharmacological therapy and bariatric surgery a great variety of endoscopic techniques are available, the most common being intragastric balloon (IGB). The purpose of this study was to assess the safety, tolerance, and kinetics of IGBs in weight loss. The kinetics of weight loss were evaluated in 2 different contexts and phases: after the IGB's removal and after follow-up that varied between 6 and 12 months. Successful weight loss was defined as ≥10% weight loss after 6-12 months. Methods: The study included 51 patients who had undergone Orbera® IGB placement between September 2014 and February 2016. Inclusion criteria were age between 18 and 65 years; body mass index (BMI) 28-35 with severe obesity-related disorders; or BMI 35-40. The IGB was removed 6 months later. All patients were followed for a minimum period of 6-12 months. Results: Of 51 patients, 16 were excluded (7 due to intolerance) and 35 patients entered the study, of which 83% were followed for more than 6-12 months. The average weight loss (WL) and % excess WL (%EWL) after 6 months of treatment were 11.94 kg and 42.16%, respectively. At 6-12 months, after removal of the IGB, the mean WL was 8.25 kg and %EWL was 30.27%. Nineteen patients attained a WL of ≥10% the baseline value at IGB removal and 12 maintained their weight below this threshold during the 6-12 following months. Conclusions: After temporary IGB implantation in overweight or obese individuals, a WL that was ≥10% of weight at baseline was achieved in 54.3% and sustained at 6-12 months in 41.4% of participants. IGBs are an attractive intermediate option between diet and exercise programs and bariatric surgery. In general, IGB placement is a safe and well-tolerated procedure.
Association Between Plasma Homocysteine and Microalbuminuria in Untreated Patients with Essential Hypertension: a Case-Control Study
Authors: Kuang Ze-min , Wang Ying , Feng Shu-jun , Jiang Long , Cheng Wen-li
Published: December 2017

Background/Aims: Kidney function is critical for homocysteine (Hcy) clearance, and plasma Hcy levels are frequently increased in patients with renal failure. Microalbuminuria (MAU) is an important marker of early renal damage caused by hypertension. At present, there is insufficient evidence on the relationship between Hcy and microalbuminuria. Methods: This is a 1: 2 matched, hospital-based case-control study. At initial visit, out of 1535 outpatients with no prior history of medication, 450 qualified subjects were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The concentration of Hcy in the serum was evaluated using a cyclic enzyme method. MAU was defined by a urine albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR) between 30 μg/mg and 300 μg/mg. Results: A total of 450 patients were included in this study (150 in the MAU group and 300 in the non-MAU group). The MAU group had higher mean systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR) and plasma Hcy levels than did the non-MAU group. The area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves was 0.772 (95% CI: 0.724–0.819, P < 0.001) with a cut-off value of 15.0, and the sensitivity and specificity of Hcy in predicting the MAU status in hypertensive patients were 49.3% and 92.3%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression modelling suggested that patients with a higher Hcy level (> 15 µmol/L) were more likely to have MAU (95% CI: 5.650–16.543, P < 0.001). The other predictive factor for MAU was 24-h mean SBP (95% CI: 0.941–0.993, P = 0.015). Conclusion: This matched case-control study indicates that Hcy may increase the susceptibility of essential hypertensive subjects to MAU.
NLRP3 Gene Deletion Attenuates Angiotensin II-Induced Phenotypic Transformation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Vascular Remodeling
Authors: Ren Xing-Sheng , Tong Ying , Ling Li , Chen Dan , Sun Hai-Jian , Zhou Hong , Qi Xiao-Hong , Chen Qi , Li Yue-Hua , Kang Yu-Ming , Zhu Guo-Qing
Published: December 2017

Background/Aims: Angiotensin (Ang) II plays vital roles in vascular inflammation and remodeling in hypertension. Phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a major initiating factor for vascular remodeling. The present study was designed to determine the roles of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in Ang II-induced VSMC phenotypic transformation and vascular remodeling in hypertension. Methods: Primary VSMCs from the aorta of NLRP3 knockout (NLRP3-/-) mice and wild-type (WT) mice were treated with Ang II for 24 h. Subcutaneous infusion of Ang II via osmotic minipump for 2 weeks was used to induce vascular remodeling and hypertension in WT and NLRP3-/- mice. Results: NLRP3 gene deletion attenuates Ang II-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation, phenotypic transformation from a contractile phenotype to a synthetic phenotype and proliferation in primary mice VSMCs. Ang II-induced hypertension and vascular remodeling in WT mice were attenuated in NLRP3-/- mice. Furthermore, Ang II-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation, phenotypic transformation and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) upregulation were inhibited in the media of aorta of NLRP3-/- mice. Conclusions: NLRP3 inflammasome activation contributes to Ang II-induced VSMC phenotypic transformation and proliferation as well as vascular remodeling and hypertension.
Investigation of the Filamin A–Dependent Mechanisms of Tissue Factor Incorporation into Microvesicles
Authors: Collier Mary , Ettelaie Camille , Goult Benjamin , Maraveyas Anthony , Goodall Alison
Published: December 2017

We have previously shown that phosphorylation of tissue factor (TF) at Ser253 increases the incorporation of TF into microvesicles (MVs) following protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) activation through a process involving filamin A, whereas phosphorylation of TF at Ser258 suppresses this process. Here, we examined the contribution of the individual phosphorylation of these serine residues to the interaction between filamin A and TF, and further examined how filamin A regulates the incorporation of TF into MVs. In vitro binding assays using recombinant filamin A C-terminal repeats 22–24 with biotinylated phospho-TF cytoplasmic domain peptides as bait showed that filamin A had the highest binding affinities for phospho-Ser253 and double-phosphorylated TF peptides, while the phospho-Ser258 TF peptide had the lowest affinity. Analysis of MDA-MB-231 cells using an in situ proximity ligation assay revealed increased proximity between the C-terminus of filamin A and TF following PAR2 activation, which was concurrent with Ser253 phosphorylation and TF-positive MV release from these cells. Knock-down of filamin A expression suppressed PAR2-mediated increases in cell surface TF procoagulant activity without reducing cell surface TF antigen expression. Disrupting lipid rafts by pre-incubation with methyl-β-cyclodextrin prior to PAR2 activation reduced TF-positive MV release and cell surface TF procoagulant activity to the same extent as filamin A knock-down. In conclusion, this study shows that the interaction between TF and filamin A is dependent on the differential phosphorylation of Ser253 and Ser258. Furthermore, the interaction of TF with filamin A may translocate cell surface TF to cholesterol-rich lipid rafts, increasing cell surface TF activity as well as TF incorporation and release into MVs.
Acute Haemarthrosis in the Haemophilia A Rat Generates a Local and Systemic Proinflammatory Response
Authors: Lövgren Karin , Christensen Kristine , Majewski Wiktor , Østrup Olga , Skov Søren , Wiinberg Bo
Published: December 2017

Background Replacement therapy with coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) concurrent with bleeds (on-demand) in haemophilia A (HA) patients has been hypothesized to increase the risk for antidrug antibodies (inhibitors). A danger signal environment, characterized by tissue damage and inflammation at the site of a bleed, is thought to contribute to the anti-FVIII response. The nature of this inflammatory reaction is, however, not fully known, and new insights will be valuable for both managing inhibitors and understanding arthropathy development.

Objective To characterize the inflammatory response, locally and systemically, during the first 24 hours following a joint bleed in the HA rat.

Methods HA rats received a needle-induced knee joint bleed (n = 83) or a sham procedure (n = 41). Blood samples were collected at selected time points from 0 to 24 hours post injury/sham. Synovial fluid, intra-articular knee tissue and popliteal lymph nodes were collected at 24 hours. Cytokine/chemokine concentrations and gene expression were measured.

Results Gene expression analysis revealed a rapid inflammatory response in the injured knees, accompanied by significantly increased levels of specific gene products in the synovial fluid; IL-1β, TNFα, KC/GRO, IL-6, Eotaxin, MCP-1, MCP-3, MIP-1α, MIP-2, RANTES, A2M and AGP. Plasma analysis demonstrated significantly increased systemic levels of KC/GRO and IL-6 in injured rats already after 5 to 6 hours.

Conclusion A rapid proinflammatory response, locally and systemically, characteristic of innate immunity, was demonstrated. Results reveal a more comprehensive inflammatory picture than previously shown, with resemblance to human haemophilic arthropathy, and with unique correlation between gene expression level, synovial concentration and plasma concentration in individual rats.
Serum Levels of Anti-PON1 and Anti-HDL Antibodies as Potential Biomarkers of Premature Atherosclerosis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: López Patricia , Rodríguez-Carrio Javier , Martínez-Zapico Aleida , Pérez-Álvarez Ángel , López-Mejías Raquel , Benavente Lorena , Mozo Lourdes , Caminal-Montero Luis , González-Gay Miguel , Suárez Ana
Published: December 2017

The present study aimed to evaluate the possible role of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) as possible biomarkers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). To this end, levels of these autoantibodies, PON1 activity and total antioxidant capacity were quantified in serum samples from 198 SLE patients, 100 healthy controls (HC) and 42 non-autoimmune individuals with traditional cardiovascular risk factors. PON1 rs662 polymorphism was analysed in a subgroup of patients and controls. Subclinical CVD were determined by Doppler ultrasound in 118 SLE patients and 30 HC, analysing carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and blood flow parameters in internal carotid, middle cerebral and basilar arteries. Serum levels of both anti-HDL and anti-PON1 antibodies were increased in SLE patients compared with HC (p < 0.001); however, only anti-PON1 antibodies, in addition to disease activity, were significant predictors of the impaired PON1 function in SLE (β  = −0.143, p = 0.045). Conversely, anti-HDL antibodies were associated with higher risk of CVD (odds ratio: 3.69; p = 0.012) and lower HDL levels at disease onset (ρ = −0.324, p = 0.044). Finally, anti-PON1 antibodies were associated with carotid IMT in SLE (β = 0.201, p = 0.008) and inversely related to cranial arteries blood flow velocities in patients with clinical and subclinical CVD (all p < 0.001). In sum, these findings allowed us to propose serum levels of anti-PON1 and anti-HDL antibodies as potential early biomarkers of endothelial damage and premature atherosclerosis in SLE, thus constituting useful therapeutic targets for the prevention of future CVD in these patients.
Entre duas Barcas: notas sobre regimes de visualidade e de discursos na história da arte.
Authors: Pugliese Vera
Published: December 2017

Este texto parte do contraste manifesto pela associação entre a Barge de Robert Rauschenberg e Le Radeau de la Méduse de Théodore Géricault, com vistas à discussão dos contextos de suas recepções, levando em conta a necessidade de marcar retornos críticos e deslocamentos conceptuais ao longo dos desenvolvimentos diacrônicos de suas fortunas críticas e diferentes sentidos de historicidade. Preocupado com questões teórico-metodológicas da história da arte, o texto discute modelos interpretativos basilares para esboçar a hipótese de uma homologia entre discursos das ordens plástica e teórica, sob a lógica da montagem, diferenciando os conceitos de quadro e mesa de trabalho. Este artigo é fruto de pesquisa financiada pelo CNPq.
A floresta geométrica de Paul Claudel: fronteira entre dois mundos
Authors: Siqueira Vera Beatriz
Published: December 2017

O artigo parte da análise do balé O homem e seu desejo, criado por Paul Claudel (poema plástico), Darius Milhaud (música) e Audrey Parr (cenografia e figurino) quando estavam no Rio de Janeiro entre 1917 e 1918. A ideia básica é pensar essa obra como parte integrante dos diálogos interculturais que fundam a modernidade global do início do século XX, investigando o papel desempenhado pela cultura e pela natureza brasileira no projeto de Claudel de articulação entre vanguarda, classicismo e primitivismo.
Tamanho é documento
Authors: Morris Robert
Published: December 2017

Este texto, publicado na revista Critical Inquiry, em 2000, aborda as relações entre o Minimalismo e a arte contemporânea. O autor propõe a análise daquilo que entende como uma retórica da Arte Minimalista, vinculada a uma ideologia da pureza do espaço e da forma e a uma noção de transcendência que encontram seus antecedentes, em parte, no Puritanismo. Morris investiga como esse discurso, articulado a um contexto social e a uma configuração dos espaços públicos nos quais predomina a ideia da vida como lifestyle, contribui para que a produção artística e a atuação dos museus e instituições de arte, a partir sobretudo dos anos 1990, se aproximem cada vez mais da noção de arte enquanto entretenimento.
Escritos de artista
Authors: Ramos Nuno
Published: December 2017

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A potência de “ser” e de “ser não” como releituras do “belo gesto” entre Io sono l’Amore e Amour
Authors: Caetano Kati Eliana , Fischer Sandra
Published: December 2017

O artigo versa sobre a noção do “belo gesto”, primeiramente desenvolvida por Algirdas Julien Greimas e acrescida de reflexões posteriores de Jacques Fontanille. O conceito é trabalhado aqui pela transversalidade da ideia de potência e contingência, pelo pensamento de Giorgio Agamben, e articulado a dois processos empíricos manifestos na expressão cinematográfica dos filmes Io sono l’Amore e Amour. Esses exemplos são significativos para evidenciar o caráter ambivalente do denominado “belo gesto”, para inscrever nas ações humanas a possibilidade, extrema, de ruptura das convenções sociais.
Contribuições da semiótica ao estudo da ficção televisiva: o caso da minissérie Justiça
Authors: Sousa Silvia Maria de
Published: December 2017

Nos últimos anos, a TV brasileira vem seguindo uma tendência mundial ao aumentar a produção de seriados. Boa parte deles conta com alto investimento técnico e apresenta tentativas de inovação da teledramaturgia. Para observar esse fenômeno, o artigo analisa, com base nas ferramentas da semiótica greimasiana, a minissérie Justiça, exibida em 2016 pela Rede Globo. Busca-se problematizar a relação entre a estrutura narrativa da série e a estratégia enunciativa usada na transmissão, a saber, a distribuição dos diferentes pontos de vista pelos dias da semana. Investiga-se de que modo tal estratégia confere densidade aspectual ao enunciado e que efeitos de sentido daí derivam.
Apresentação
Authors: Machado Irene , Schiavoni Jaqueline Esther
Published: December 2017

Apresentação da edição 48 da Significação: revista de cultura audiovisual, escrita por Irene Machado e Jaqueline Esther Schiavoni.
Redes sociais e paisagem da destinação turística: fotografias online na construção da imagem da cidade
Authors: Pereira Luciana Noronha , Santiago Alina Gonçalves
Published: December 2017

A atividade turística tem as paisagens entre seus principais atrativos. Registros fotográficos como fragmentos da realidade, são produtos de um olhar a aspectos da paisagem e mediadores doe seu processo de significação. Novas formas de registrar e compartilhar a experiência turística em fotografias digitais produzidas e compartilhadas online, tem implicado na ampliação de seu efeito e possibilitado novos tipos de apropriação, interação e criação do espaço. Este estudo pretende investigar possíveis influências das fotografias online na imagem de destinações turísticas, a partir de Balneário Camboriú/SC. A metodologia inclui uma etapa quantitativa - quantidade e localização das fotos - e outra qualitativa - análise de conteúdo das fotos e seus comentários. A concentração de fotografias online em áreas de orla e a presença predominante de elementos naturais como argumentos centrais, associados às emoções positivas, destacam-se entre os resultados.
Benefit of Adding Ezetimibe to Statin Therapy on Cardiovascular Outcomes and Safety in Patients With Versus Without Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Giugliano Robert P. , Cannon Christopher P. , Blazing Michael A. , Nicolau José C. , Corbalán Ramón , Špinar Jindřich , Park Jeong-Gun , White Jennifer A. , Bohula Erin A. , Braunwald Eugene
Published: December 2017

Background:

Ezetimibe, when added to simvastatin, reduces cardiovascular events after acute coronary syndrome. We explored outcomes stratified by diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods:

In IMPROVE-IT (Improved Reduction of Outcomes: Vytorin Efficacy International Trial), 18 144 patients after acute coronary syndrome with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol 50 to 125 mg/dL were randomized to 40 mg ezetimibe/simvastatin (E/S) or 40 mg placebo/simvastatin. The primary composite end point was cardiovascular death, major coronary events, and stroke. DM was a prespecified subgroup.

Results:

The 4933 (27%) patients with DM were more often older and female, had had a prior myocardial infarction and revascularization, and presented more frequently with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome compared with patients without DM (each
P
<0.001). The median admission low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was lower among patients with DM (89 versus 97 mg/dL,
P
<0.001). E/S achieved a significantly lower median time-weighted average low-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared with placebo/simvastatin, irrespective of DM (DM: 49 versus 67 mg/dL; no DM: 55 versus 71 mg/dL; both
P
<0.001). In patients with DM, E/S reduced the 7-year Kaplan–Meier primary end point event rate by 5.5% absolute (hazard ratio, 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.78-0.94); in patients without DM, the absolute difference was 0.7% (hazard ratio, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.91–1.04;
P
int
=0.02). The largest relative reductions in patients with DM were in myocardial infarction (24%) and ischemic stroke (39%). No differences in safety outcomes by treatment were present regardless of DM. When stratified further by age, patients ≥75 years of age had a 20% relative reduction in the primary end point regardless of DM (
P
int
=0.91), whereas patients <75 years of age with DM had greater benefit than those without (
P
int
=0.011). When stratified by the TIMI (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) Risk Score for Secondary Prevention, all patients with DM demonstrated benefit with E/S regardless of risk. In contrast, among patients without DM, those with a high risk score experienced a significant (18%) relative reduction in the composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke with E/S compared with placebo/simvastatin, whereas patients without DM at low or moderate risk demonstrated no benefit with the addition of ezetimibe to simvastatin (
P
int
=0.034).

Conclusions:

In IMPROVE-IT, the benefit of adding ezetimibe to statin was enhanced in patients with DM and in high-risk patients without DM.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00202878.
ADHD and attentional control: Impaired segregation of task positive and task negative brain networks
Authors: Mills Brian D. , Miranda-Dominguez Oscar , Mills Kathryn L. , Earl Eric , Cordova Michaela , Painter Julia , Karalunas Sarah L. , Nigg Joel T. , Fair Damien A.
Published: December 2017

In children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) difficulty maintaining task focus may relate to the coordinated, negatively correlated activity between brain networks that support the initiation and maintenance of task sets (task positive networks) and networks that mediate internally directed processes (i.e., the default mode network). Here, resting-state functional connectivity MRI between these networks was examined in ADHD, across development, and in relation to attention. Children with ADHD had reduced negative connectivity between task positive and task negative networks ( p = 0.002). Connectivity continues to become more negative between these networks throughout development (7–15 years of age) in children with ADHD ( p = 0.005). Regardless of group status, females had increased negative connectivity ( p = 0.003). In regards to attentional performance, the ADHD group had poorer signal detection (d′) on the continuous performance task (CPT) ( p < 0.0001), more so on easy than difficult d′ trials ( p < 0.0001). The reduced negative connectivity in children with ADHD also relates to their attention, where increased negative connectivity is related to better performance on the d′ measure of the CPT ( p = 0.008). These results highlight and further strengthen prior reports underscoring the role of segregated system integrity in ADHD.
Potential role of a ventral nerve cord central pattern generator in forward and backward locomotion inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Olivares Erick O. , Izquierdo Eduardo J. , Beer Randall D.
Published: December 2017

C. elegans locomotes in an undulatory fashion, generating thrust by propagating dorsoventral bends along its body. Although central pattern generators (CPGs) are typically involved in animal locomotion, their presence in C. elegans has been questioned, mainly because there has been no evident circuit that supports intrinsic network oscillations. With a fully reconstructed connectome, the question of whether it is possible to have a CPG in the ventral nerve cord (VNC) of C. elegans can be answered through computational models. We modeled a repeating neural unit based on segmentation analysis of the connectome. We then used an evolutionary algorithm to determine the unknown physiological parameters of each neuron so as to match the features of the neural traces of the worm during forward and backward locomotion. We performed 1,000 evolutionary runs and consistently found configurations of the neural circuit that produced oscillations matching the main characteristic observed in experimental recordings. In addition to providing an existence proof for the possibility of a CPG in the VNC, we suggest a series of testable hypotheses about its operation. More generally, we show the feasibility and fruitfulness of a methodology to study behavior based on a connectome, in the absence of complete neurophysiological details.
Reformational Ressourcement?
Authors: Drake K.J.
Published: December 2017

Scholars have recognized T.F. Torrance as a ressourcement thinker in his later work while overlooking his earlier historical studies. In this article, I argue that in Calvin’s Doctrine of Man (1949) Torrance presents a rereading of Calvin in order to advance contemporary theological understanding and facilitate the reception of Karl Barth in postwar Scotland. In that work, Torrance attempts to resolve the debate between Brunner and Barth over natural theology by reinterpreting Calvin’s anthropology. Torrance accounts for Brunner’s claims regarding Calvin’s complex use and understanding of the imago dei while ultimately affirming Barth’s rejection of natural theology.
Ecumenical Activities of John Calvin
Authors: Batlajery Agustinus M.L.
Published: December 2017

When Calvin appeared as one of the reformers of his time, he was accused of being a schismatic and destroyer of the unity of the church that was ruled by the pope. This article intends to demonstrate that Calvin made the greatest effort to participate in several ecumenical meetings between 1540 and 1556 and played a role in resolving the conflicts that threatened church unity and caused separation. Calvin and all the reformers sincerely believed in the existence of one church. He matched word with action and geared his idealism to the situation as it existed. Therefore, it is true to claim that Calvin had a strong ecumenical spirit.
Contribution to the knowledge of Chinese Phasmatodea IV: Taxonomy on Medaurini (Phasmatodea: Phasmatidae: Clitumninae) of China
Authors: HO GEORGE WAI-CHUN
Published: December 2017

This paper deals with the taxonomy of Chinese Medaurini with descriptions of two new genera, 14 new species and two new subspecies, proposal of two new combinations and report of two new records for China. A total of seven genera and 42 species are recognised in the tribe. Ten new species and two new subspecies from four recognised genera including Cnipsomorpha Hennemann, Conle, Zhang & Liu, 2008, Interphasma Chen & He, 2008, Medauroidea Zompro, 2000 and Parapachymorpha Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1893 are described. They are Cnipsomorpha bii sp. nov., C. daliensis sp. nov., C. maoershanensis sp. nov., C. wenxuani sp. nov., Interphasma elongatum elongatum sp. nov. & subsp. nov., I. elongatum parvum subsp. nov., I. huanglianshanense sp. nov., Medauroidea chenshuchuni sp. nov., Parapachymorpha dentata sp. nov., P. jinpingensis sp. nov. and P. sinica sp. nov. Two new genera, Neointerphasma gen. nov. and Neosinophasma gen. nov., are established. The former only includes Neointerphasma minutigranulatum sp. nov. The latter includes four species, N. biangulatum (Chen & Zhang, 2008) comb. nov. [transferred from Cnipsomorpha], N. tangliangi sp. nov., N. wenxuani sp. nov. and N. yunnanense sp. nov. A new combination is also suggested for Medauroidea nyalamensis (Chen, Shang & Pei, 2000) comb. nov. transferred from Ramulus Saussure, 1862. Parapachymorpha spiniger (Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1907) and Medauromorpha foedata (Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1907) are new records for China. Taxonomic keys are given to Cnipsomorpha, Interphasma, Medauroidea, Medauromorpha, Neosinophasma gen. nov. and Parapachymorpha.
Whither the 100th Meridian? The Once and Future Physical and Human Geography of America’s Arid–Humid Divide. Part I: The Story So Far
Authors: Seager Richard , Lis Nathan , Feldman Jamie , Ting Mingfang , Williams A. Park , Nakamura Jennifer , Liu Haibo , Henderson Naomi
Published: December 2017

John Wesley Powell, in the nineteenth century, introduced the notion that the 100th meridian divides the North American continent into arid western regions and humid eastern regions. This concept remains firmly fixed in the national imagination. It is reexamined in terms of climate, hydrology, vegetation, land use, settlement, and the agricultural economy. It is shown there is a stark east–west gradient in aridity roughly at the 100th meridian that is well expressed in hydroclimate, soil moisture, and “potential vegetation.” The gradient arises from atmospheric circulations and moisture transports. In winter, the arid regions west of the 100th meridian are shielded from Pacific storm-related precipitation and are too far west to benefit from Atlantic storms. In summer, the southerly flow on the western flank of the North Atlantic subtropical high has a westerly component over the western plains, bringing air from the interior southwest, but it also brings air from the Gulf of Mexico over the eastern plains, generating a west–east moisture transport and precipitation gradient. The aridity gradient is realized in soil moisture and a west-to-east transition from shortgrass to tallgrass prairie. The gradient is sharp in terms of greater fractional coverage of developed land east of the 100th meridian than to the west. Farms are fewer but larger west of the meridian, reflective of lower land productivity. Wheat and corn cultivation preferentially occur west and east of the 100th meridian, respectively. The 100th meridian is a very real arid–humid divide in the physical climate and landscape, and this has exerted a powerful influence on human settlement and agricultural development.
Reconstructed and Projected U.S. Residential Natural Gas Consumption during 1896–2043
Authors: Mauget Steven A.
Published: December 2017

Using state-level monthly heating degree-day data, reconstructed per capita natural gas (NGr) consumption records for each state of the continental United States were calculated for 1895–2014 using linear regressions. The regressed monthly NGrvalues estimate the effects of twentieth- and early twenty-first-century climate variation on per capita natural gas usage, assuming a modern (1990–2013) consumption environment. Using these extended consumption records, the hypothetical effects of climate on past, current, and future natural gas (NG) use are estimated. By controlling for nonclimatic consumption effects, these extended reconstructions provide estimates of the sensitivity of NG consumption to historical climate variation, particularly long-term warming trends, occurring before the period of available consumption records. After detrending, the reconstructions are used to form improved estimates of interannual NG variation under current climate conditions. Given estimates of each state’s current consumption climatology and long-term trends in per capita consumption and current population trends, the net effect of warming and increasing population on future consumption is estimated. Significant long-term negative trends in per capita NG consumption are found in western and northeastern states and in Florida, while southeastern consumption effects reflect a multidecadal temperature cycle. Climate-related consumption effects found here are generally consistent with previous studies, with long-term trend effects limited to less than 12% and multidecadal regime effects limited to less than 9%. Given the stronger positive effects of increasing population on total state natural gas consumption, reduced per capita use associated with warming trends has a weak moderating effect on estimates of projected total consumption in 2043.