bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Pirfenidone and Collagen-Polyvinylpyrrolidone on Macroscopic and Microscopic Changes, TGF-β1 Expression, and Collagen Deposition in an Experimental Model of Tracheal Wound Healing
Authors: Olmos-Zuñiga J. Raúl , Silva-Martínez Mariana , Jasso-Victoria Rogelio , Baltazares-Lipp Matilde , Hernández-Jiménez Claudia , Buendía-Roldan Ivette , Jasso-Arenas Jazmin , Martínez-Salas Alan , Calyeca-Gómez Jazmin , Guzmán-Cedillo Axel E. , Gaxiola-Gaxiola Miguel , Romero-Romero Laura
Published: May 2017

Tracheal stenosis (TS) is a fibrosis originated by prolonged inflammation and increased transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) expression and collagen deposition (CD) in the tracheal wound. Several wound-healing modulators (WHMs) have been used to modulate the tracheal healing process and prevent TS, but they have failed, justifying the need to evaluate alternative WHM. The pirfenidone (PFD) and collagen-polyvinylpyrrolidone (Collagen-PVP) decrease inflammation and fibrosis. This study assessed the effect of PFD administration and Collagen-PVP topical application on macroscopic and microscopic changes, TGF-β1 expression, and CD in an experimental model of tracheal wound healing. Forty Wistar rats underwent cervical tracheoplasty, were divided into 4 groups (n=10), and were treated with different WHM: group I, saline solution (SS); group II, Collagen-PVP; group III, mitomycin C (MMC); and group IV, 40 mg/kg PFD. Four weeks after surgery, the macroscopic and microscopic changes, in situ TGF-β1 expression, and CD in posttracheoplasty scars were evaluated. The animals treated with Collagen-PVP and PFD developed less inflammation and fibrosis than animals in the other study groups (p<0.05, Kruskal-Wallis) and, moreover, showed lower TGF-β1 expression and CD than animals in group I (p<0.05, ANOVA and Tukey’s test). In conclusion, PFD and Collagen-PVP decrease inflammation, fibrosis, TGFβ-1 expression, and CD in the posttracheoplasty rats’ scar.
Nanoferrofluid Materials: Advanced Structure Monitoring Using Optical Transmission in a Magnetic Field
Authors: Shulyma Serhii , Tanygin Bogdan , Kovalenko Valery , Petrychuk Michail
Published: May 2017

The optical transmission of a thin ferrofluid layer was investigated at various optical radiation wavelengths. The turning on of the durable external magnetic field pulse leads to nonmonotonic changes of the optical transmission value with minimal value during the field pulse. This phenomenon is related to the formation of columnar nanoparticle aggregates and transformation in the ferrofluid bulk. It was shown that time interval corresponding to the optical transmission minimum is proportional to the laser wavelength, which can be explained with Mie-like optical extinction on the ferrofluid aggregates and its dependence on the diameters of columnar aggregates. Hence, a simple experimental approach was proposed to measure and control the ferrofluid aggregates diameters in submicron spatial dimension ranges. Particularly, this approach could be used for the formation of composite nanomaterials consisting of polymers and magnetic nanoparticles with controlled structural parameters. These materials could be reused after parameters changes (e.g., lattice constant, aggregate size, and magnetic permeability tensor) with a heating/cooling cycle without the need for preparation of a new material from scratch.
Colorectal Cancer: From the Genetic Model to Posttranscriptional Regulation by Noncoding RNAs
Authors: Lizarbe María Antonia , Calle-Espinosa Jorge , Fernández-Lizarbe Eva , Fernández-Lizarbe Sara , Robles Miguel Ángel , Olmo Nieves , Turnay Javier
Published: May 2017

Colorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer in developed countries and, despite the improvements achieved in its treatment options, remains as one of the main causes of cancer-related death. In this review, we first focus on colorectal carcinogenesis and on the genetic and epigenetic alterations involved. In addition, noncoding RNAs have been shown to be important regulators of gene expression. We present a general overview of what is known about these molecules and their role and dysregulation in cancer, with a special focus on the biogenesis, characteristics, and function of microRNAs. These molecules are important regulators of carcinogenesis, progression, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastases in cancer, including colorectal cancer. For this reason, miRNAs can be used as potential biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and efficacy of chemotherapeutic treatments, or even as therapeutic agents, or as targets by themselves. Thus, this review highlights the importance of miRNAs in the development, progression, diagnosis, and therapy of colorectal cancer and summarizes current therapeutic approaches for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
An Investigation into a Gear-Based Knee Joint Designed for Lower Limb Prosthesis
Authors: Bhuiyan M. S. H. , Choudhury I. A. , Dahari M. , Nukman Y. , Dawal S. Z.
Published: May 2017

A gear-based knee joint is designed to improve the performance of mechanical-type above-knee prostheses. The gear set with the help of some bracing, and bracket arrangement, is used to enable the prosthesis to follow the residual limb movement. The motion analysis and finite-element analysis (FEA) of knee joint components are carried out to assess the feasibility of the design. The maximum stress of 29.74 MPa and maximum strain of 2.393e−004 are obtained in the gear, whereas the maximum displacement of 7.975 mm occurred in the stopper of the knee arrangement. The factor of safety of 3.5 obtained from the FE analysis indicated no possibility of design failure. The results obtained from the FE analysis are then compared with the real data obtained from the literature for a similar subject. The pattern of motion analysis results has shown a great resemblance with the gait cycle of a healthy biological limb.
Design of Real-Time Hardware-in-the-Loop TV Guidance System Simulation Platform
Authors: Chen Zhongyuan , Liu Xiaoming , Chen Wanchun
Published: May 2017

This paper presents a novel design of a real-time hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) missile TV guidance system simulation platform, which consists of a development computer, a target computer, a turntable, a control cabin, and a joystick. The guidance system simulation model is created on the development computer by Simulink® and then downloaded to the target computer. Afterwards, Simulink Real-Time™ runs the model in real-time. Meanwhile, the target computer uploads the real-time simulation data back to the development computer. The hardware in the simulation loop is TV camera, encoders, control cabin, servomotors, and target simulator. In terms of hardware and software, the system has been simplified compared with the existing works. The volume of the turntable integrating the target simulator and the seeker simulator is about 0.036 cubic meters compared to the original 8 cubic meters, so it has a compact structure. The platform can perform the closed-loop control, so the simulation has high precision. Taking the TV guidance simulation as an example, in the case of target maneuvering, the final miss distance of the TV guidance missile is 0.11812 m, while the miss distance of the original system is 13 m. The trajectories obtained from the HIL and mathematical simulations substantially coincide. So the simulation results show that the proposed HIL simulation platform is effective.
Milling Stability Prediction with Multiple Delays via the Extended Adams‐Moulton‐Based Method
Authors: Tao Jianfeng , Qin Chengjin , Liu Chengliang
Published: May 2017

The occurrence of machining chatter may undermine the workpiece surface quality, accelerate the tool wear, and even result in serious damage to the machine tools. Consequently, it is of great importance to predict and eliminate the presence of such unstable and detrimental vibration. In this paper, we present an extended Adams‐Moulton‐based method for the stability prediction of milling processes with multiple delays. Taking the nonuniform pitch cutters or the tool runout into account, the regenerative chatter for milling operations can be formulated as delay differential equations with multiple delays. The dynamics model for milling regenerative chatter is rewritten in the state‐space form. Dividing the spindle rotation period equally into small time intervals, the delay terms are approximated by Lagrange interpolation polynomials, and the Adams‐Moulton method is adopted to construct the Floquet transition matrix. On this basis, the milling stability can be derived from the spectral radius of the transition matrix based on Floquet theory. The calculation efficiency and accuracy of the proposed algorithm are verified through making comparisons with the semidiscretization method (SDM) and the enhanced multistage homotopy perturbation method (EMHPM). The results show that the proposed method has both high computational efficiency and accuracy.
Pseudologia Fantastica in the Emergency Department: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Thom Robyn , Teslyar Polina , Friedman Rohn
Published: May 2017

Psychiatrists commonly encounter deception in the emergency department. This article presents the case of a patient who presents to the emergency department with an unusual and elaborate web of deceptions along multiple themes including feigning medical illness, multiple losses, and grandiose academic and athletic achievements. We review the clinical characteristics of pseudologia fantastica and discuss how this patient’s constellation of malingering, factitious disorder, and personality disorder suggests this diagnosis.
Freeman–Sheldon Syndrome: First Molecularly Confirmed Case from Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Ali A. M. , Mbwasi R. M. , Kinabo G. , Kamsteeg E.-J. , Hamel B. C. , Dekker M. C. J.
Published: May 2017

We report a case of a male baby who has characteristic signs of Freeman–Sheldon syndrome, a rare but recognizable, severe autosomal dominant form of distal arthrogryposis. Diagnosis was based on the distinctive clinical characteristics of the syndrome and confirmed by genetic analysis that showed a de novo missense mutation c.2015G>A (p.Arg672His) of the MYH3 gene. We highlight the different features present in our patient and describe the etiology of the Freeman–Sheldon phenotype and how its clinical complications can be dealt with. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first molecularly confirmed case of Freeman–Sheldon syndrome in sub-Saharan Africa.
RET Signaling in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Ban Kechen , Feng Shu , Shao Longjiang , Ittmann Michael
Published: May 2017

Purpose: Large diameter perineural prostate cancer is associated with poor outcomes. GDNF, with its coreceptor GFRα1, binds RET and activates downstream pro-oncogenic signaling. Because both GDNF and GFRα1 are secreted by nerves, we examined the role of RET signaling in prostate cancer.

Experimental Design: Expression of RET, GDNF, and/or GFRα1 was assessed. The impact of RET signaling on proliferation, invasion and soft agar colony formation, perineural invasion, and growth in vivo was determined. Cellular signaling downstream of RET was examined by Western blotting.

Results: RET is expressed in all prostate cancer cell lines. GFRα1 is only expressed in 22Rv1 cells, which is the only line that responds to exogenous GDNF. In contrast, all cell lines respond to GDNF plus GFRα1. Conditioned medium from dorsal root ganglia contains secreted GFRα1 and promotes transformation-related phenotypes, which can be blocked by anti-GFRα1 antibody. Perineural invasion in the dorsal root ganglion assay is inhibited by anti-GFRα antibody and RET knockdown. In vivo, knockdown of RET inhibits tumor growth. RET signaling activates ERK or AKT signaling depending on context, but phosphorylation of p70S6 kinase is markedly increased in all cases. Knockdown of p70S6 kinase markedly decreases RET induced transformed phenotypes. Finally, RET is expressed in 18% of adenocarcinomas and all three small-cell carcinomas examined.

Conclusions: RET promotes transformation associated phenotypes, including perineural invasion in prostate cancer via activation of p70S6 kinase. GFRα1, which is secreted by nerves, is a limiting factor for RET signaling, creating a perineural niche where RET signaling can occur. Clin Cancer Res; 23(16); 4885–96. ©2017 AACR.
Sulfatase 2 Modulates Fate Change from Motor Neurons to Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells through Coordinated Regulation of Shh Signaling with Sulfatase 1
Authors: Jiang Wen , Ishino Yugo , Hashimoto Hirokazu , Keino-Masu Kazuko , Masu Masayuki , Uchimura Kenji , Kadomatsu Kenji , Yoshimura Takeshi , Ikenaka Kazuhiro
Published: May 2017

Sulfatases (Sulfs) are a group of endosulfatases consisting of Sulf1 and Sulf2, which specifically remove sulfate from heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Although several studies have shown that Sulf1 acts as a regulator of sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling during embryonic ventral spinal cord development, the detailed expression pattern and function of Sulf2 in the spinal cord remains to be determined. In this study, we found that Sulf2 also modulates the cell fate change from motor neurons (MNs) to oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) by regulating Shh signaling in the mouse ventral spinal cord in coordination with Sulf1. In the mouse, Sulf mRNAs colocalize with Shh mRNA and gradually expand dorsally from embryonic day (E) 10.5 to E12.5, following strong Patched1 signals (a target gene of Shh signaling). This coordinated expression pattern led us to hypothesize that in the mouse, strong Shh signaling is induced when Shh is released by Sulf1/2, and this strong Shh signaling subsequently induces the dorsal expansion of Shh and Sulf1/2 expression. Consistent with this hypothesis, in the ventral spinal cord of Sulf1 knockout (KO) or Sulf2 KO mice, the expression patterns of Shh and Patched1 differed from that in wild-type mice. Moreover, the position of the pMN and p3 domains were shifted ventrally, MN generation was prolonged, and OPC generation was delayed at E12.5 in both Sulf1 KO and Sulf2 KO mice. These results demonstrated that in addition to Sulf1, Sulf2 also plays an important and overlapping role in the MN-to-OPC fate change by regulating Shh signaling in the ventral spinal cord. However, neither Sulf1 nor Sulf2 could compensate for the loss of the other in the developing mouse spinal cord. In vitro studies showed no evidence of an interaction between Sulf1 and Sulf2 that could increase sulfatase activity. Furthermore, Sulf1/2 double heterozygote and Sulf1/2 double KO mice exhibited phenotypes similar to the Sulf1 KO and Sulf2 KO mice. These results indicate that there is a threshold for sulfatase activity (which is likely reflected in the dose of Shh) required to induce the MN-to-OPC fate change, and Shh signaling requires the coordinated activity of Sulf1 and Sulf2 in order to reach that threshold in the mouse ventral spinal cord.
Duodenal Bulb Adenocarcinoma Benefitted from Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: A Case Report
Authors: Zhang Geng-Yuan , Mao Jie , Zhao Bin , Long Bo , Zhan Hao , Zhang Jun-Qiang , Zhou Hui-Nian , Guo Ling-Yun , Jiao Zuo-Yi
Published: May 2017

Duodenal bulb adenocarcinoma is an extremely rare malignancy in the alimentary tract which has a low incidence rate and nonspecific symptoms. It is difficult to diagnose early, and the misdiagnosis rate is high. CT, MRI, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and other advanced imaging modalities should be combined to make a comprehensive evaluation. The diagnostic confirmation of this tumor type mainly depends on the pathological examination. The combination of surgery with other treatment modalities is effective. A review of reports on duodenal bulb adenocarcinoma with chemotherapy revealed 6 cases since 1990. However, there are few reports on neoadjuvant chemotherapy for the disease. In this report, preoperative S-1 in combination with oxaliplatin neoadjuvant chemotherapy achieved a complete pathological response in the treatment of duodenal bulb adenocarcinoma. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy shows a better clinical efficacy in the treatment of duodenal bulb adenocarcinoma, but its value needs to be further verified.
Plasma Drug Concentrations in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension on Combination Treatment
Authors: Grünig Ekkehard , Ohnesorge Johanna , Benjamin Nicola , Burhenne Jürgen , Enderle Yeliz , Egenlauf Benjamin , Fischer Christine , Harutyunova Satenik , Huppertz Andrea , Klose Hans , Haefeli Walter E.
Published: May 2017

Background: Combination therapy with the phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE-5i) sildenafil or tadalafil and the endothelin receptor antagonists (ERA) bosentan, ambrisentan, or macitentan may cause mutual pharmacokinetic interactions in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze plasma drug concentrations in PAH patients receiving different combination treatments. Methods: PAH patients receiving a stable combination treatment with ERA and PDE-5i with targeted dosage for at least 1 month were routinely assessed, including clinical parameters and plasma drug concentrations. Concentrations were normalized considering dose and time from last medication intake and presented as multiples of the expected mean (MoM) of the respective monotherapies. Results: A total of 125 PAH patients (84 female, 41 male, 57% idiopathic/heritable) were included. Sildenafil and tadalafil concentrations were lowest in combination with bosentan (MoM 0.44 ± 0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.30-0.57, and MoM 0.89 ± 0.53, 95% CI 0.50-1.28, respectively) compared to the combination with ambrisentan (MoM 1.3 ± 0.97, 95% CI 0.86-1.73, and MoM 1.67 ± 0.63, 95% CI 1.40-1.94, respectively) and macitentan (MoM 1.16 ± 0.87, 95% CI 0.86-1.46, and MoM 1.59 ± 0.99, 95% CI 0.80-2.38, respectively). The combination of sildenafil and bosentan led to more than twice the expected bosentan concentrations in 53.8%. Patients switching from sildenafil-bosentan to macitentan showed a significant increase in sildenafil concentrations (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Only the combination with macitentan or ambrisentan led to targeted mean PDE-5i plasma concentrations and should therefore be preferred to combination with bosentan. Sildenafil-bosentan showed the strongest interaction, with low sildenafil and high bosentan concentrations. The study was not powered to analyze whether lower PDE-5i concentrations cause unsatisfying clinical response. However, plasma concentrations within a targeted range are desirable and may become of increasing importance.
Stachydrine Protects Against Pressure Overload-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy by Suppressing Autophagy
Authors: Cao Tong-Tong , Chen Hui-Hua , Dong Zhiwei , Xu Yan-Wu , Zhao Pei , Guo Wei , Wei Hong-Chang , Zhang Chen , Lu Rong
Published: May 2017

Background: Autophagy is required for the maintenance of cardiomyocyte homeostasis. However, excessive autophagy plays a maladaptive role in pressure overload-induced heart failure. To identify mechanisms by which Stachydrine inhibits pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy, we determined inhibitory activities against activation of NADPH oxidase, reactive oxygen species(ROS) production and excessive activation of autophagy. Methods: Stachydrine was administered intragastrically to Wistar rats after Transverse aortic constriction(TAC) and H9c2 cells were treated with Stachydrine after Angiotension II stimulation. The activation of NADPH oxidase2 required the membrane translocation of p47phox and p67phox. Cell membrane fraction was isolated by ultracentrifuge in sucrose. The expression of p67phox, p47phox, gp91phox subunit in the cell membrane were determined by western blot. The combination of p67phox and gp91 phox subunit was detected by immunofluorescence staining. The expression of phosphorylated p47phox subunit was determined by western blot. The intracellular ROS were measured with DCF-DA fluoresence. The autophagic flux was measured by recording the fluorescence emission of the fusion protein mRFP-GFP-LC3 by dynamic live-cell imaging. Reuslts: We report here that stachydrine, a major constituent of Leonurus heterophyllus Sweet, inhibited AngII-induced excessive autophagy within H9c2 cells. Stachydrine blocked the over phosphorylation of the p47phox subunit, decreased the translocation of p47phox and p67phox to the membrane, inhibited the activity of NOX2, and reduced the generation of ROS. We also demonstrated that stachydrine ameliorated TAC-induced cardiac hypertrophy, dysfunction and excessive autophagy in vivo. Conclusions: Our study highlights the importance of regulating NOX2 when autophagy is obviously activated. By inhibiting NOX2, Stachydrine inhibits ROS production, thus exerting a remarkable activity of inhibiting hypertrophy, which could have considerable effect on clinical practice.
The Contribution of the Education System Quality to Improve the Nation’s Competitiveness of Indonesia
Authors: Sulisworo Dwi
Published: May 2017

The quality of education and the competitiveness of college graduates in Indonesia is still far behind, both at the international level, even at the level of ASEAN. In the other side, the issue of demographic bonus in Indonesia become an important factor in the development of human resources. The Indonesian population increased continuously about 1.49% per year. The impact of the quality of education is the nation’s competitiveness. Before analyzing its aspects, the data about the nation’s competitiveness can be used as a reference. Although not entirely represent competitiveness, this data can function as an  indicator of progress. Good human resources will be the driving factor for a variety of activities a state and a nation can make, including the economy. In the development of competitiveness, a country is positioned in its change of factor-driven to innovation-driven. The important problems arousing in education are: the quality of school management, quality of research and training, the quality of the education system, and also the higher education participation rate is still low. These four main things that need to be improved in education before it can move to other sectors. The main problem on education in Indonesia is in the low focus on the development of mentality or character. While the analysis of competitiveness problems Indonesia is known that the root problem in competitiveness is the high level of corruption in the country. This is a problem of mentality.
A Survey of Biology Teachers Use of Activity-Oriented, Laboratory Practical Exercises to Promote Functional Biology Education
Authors: Osuafor Abigail Mgboyibo , A. Amaefuna Ijeoma
Published: May 2017

A major goal of science education is fostering students’ intellectual competencies such as independent learning, problem-solving, decision-making and critical thinking. This goal can only be achieved when students are actively involved in the teaching-learning process through activity-based, practical-oriented instructional methods involving the use of laboratories. This study therefore, investigated the extent to which the biology teachers employ activity-oriented, laboratory/practical instructional methods in order to improve the learning outcome of their students. The descriptive survey involved 73 Biology teachers randomly selected from all the six education zones of Anambra state, Nigeria. Four research questions were posed and four hypotheses were formulated to guide the conduct of the study. A 32-item structured questionnaire which has reliability co-efficient of 0.82 was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and t-tests. Results show that Biology teachers adopt practical-oriented strategies in teaching biology, conduct practical activities to a high extent, and perceive practical exercises as essential to effective teaching and learning of the subject. Provision of adequate number of laboratory materials, employment of adequate number of biology teachers, making provision for well designed laboratory activities in the curriculum and training of teachers on how to effectively combine theory with practical are some of the strategies that will encourage biology teachers to conduct practical lessons. There was no significant difference between male and female biology teachers in their responses to the different aspects investigated. Based on these findings, some recommendations were made that include that curriculum designers should incorporate guides for practical activities that go with each topic in the curriculum so as to encourage the teachers to teach theory with practical as a unified whole to increase students’ understanding and internalization of the facts and ideas taught.
The Effectiveness of Collaborative Academic Online Based Learning through Students’ Self-Regulated Learning
Authors: Priyambodo Erfan
Published: May 2017

Nowdays, learning through e-learning is going rapidly, including the application BeSmart UNY. This application is providing collaborative method in teaching and learning. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the Collaborative Academic Online Based Learning method in teaching and learning toward students’ Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) on Vocational School Chemistry courses. This study was quasi-experimental research method with one group pretest posttest design. Instruments used in this study were lesson plan and questionnaire of students’ SRL. This questionnaire is filled by students through BeSmart UNY.  In determining the differences SRL before and after teaching and learning processes, the data was analized by stastitical method.  The results showed that the implementation of the Collaborative Academic Online Based Learning method in teaching and learning was effective for improving students’ SRL.
Organizational Communication in Implementing School Committee Role in South Tangerang City
Authors: Ayuna Novianty Elizabeth , Muljono Pudji , Susanto Djoko , Sugihen Basita Gintin
Published: May 2017

This research aims to explore the role of communication practices of organizations in supporting the implementation of the four roles of School Committee as an advisory body, a controller, a supporter and a intermediator in an education unit. Thus research uses qualitative approach with descriptive analysis, and data collected through a focus group discussion. The result of this research shows the School Committee’s understanding of its four roles is still low; and organization communication whether between committee manager and school management and its members are still not being implemented optimally. The recommendations are spreading awareness and providing assistance to the Ministry of Education and Culture as well as the Office of Education of Tangerang Selatan on the implementation of the Law No. 44/U/2002 about the Roles and Functions of the School Committee; improving the  organization communication pattern both in the internal and external environment.
The Need and Use the Rural ICT Services in Iranian Rural Areas
Authors: Mozafar Amini Amir , Mosharaf Parnia , Ebrahimi Mohammad Sadegh
Published: May 2017

Nowadays, Internet access and use of information resources in all human societies are experiencing a rising trend, and different communities are used each with multiple infrastructures due to the benefits of ICT. The present study was based on applied research. In this research, a hybrid approach involving quantitative methods (survey) and qualitative (observation, interviews) was used. Statistical population of this study consists of two parts, the first part responsible for rural ICT offices, with a population of 125 people using Cochran Formula 80 subjects were selected as first sample, and the second part of the rural of first sample villages with a population of 84,836 people using Cochran formula and randomized-comparative method were studied as second sample. The questionnaire was subjected to reliability testing by using data collection in the pilot study with Cronbach’s Alpha value 0.73 to 0.95 for all variables. SPSS statistical software was used to analysis the data. The results of the study indicate that the overall performance of the agencies providing services to the rural was lower-middle in the offices in banking services has received first place, and the final ranking in the provision of health services. The results of study showed that rural employment, level education and family size effect on the rate of rural ICT offices.
Joint assessment in von Willebrand disease
Authors: van Galen Karin , Timmer Merel , de Kleijn Piet , Fischer Kathelijn , Foppen Wouter , Schutgens Roger , Eikenboom Jeroen , Meijer Karina , Cnossen Marjon , Fijnvandraat Karin , van der Bom Johanna , Larosvan Gorkom Britta , Leebeek Frank , Mauser-Bunschoten Eveline ,   on behalf of the Win study group
Published: May 2017

Assessment of clinical outcome after joint bleeding is essential to identify joint damage and optimise treatment, to prevent disability. However, disease-specific tools to assess the musculoskeletal status in patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD) are lacking. We aimed to determine validity and reliability of the Haemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) and Haemophilia Activities List (HAL) in patients with Von Willebrand disease (VWD). Ninety-six patients with VWD were included (mean age 46 years) of whom 27 had more than five documented joint bleeds. The HJHS was performed in all patients and all patients completed the HAL and Impact on Participation and Autonomy (IPA) questionnaires. Health-related quality of life (SF36) results were obtained from the prior ‘Willebrand in the Netherlands’ study. Joint X-rays of knees, elbows and ankles were scored according to Pettersson (PS). Internal consistency of the HJHS (Cronbach’s α (α)=0.75) and HAL (α=0.89) were good. Inter-observer agreement of the HJHS was good (ICC 0.84; Limits of Agreement ± 10.3). The HJHS showed acceptable correlation with the X-ray PS (Spearman’s r (rs)>0.60 all joints) and HAL (rs=0.71). The HAL also showed acceptable correlation with the SF36 physical functioning (rs=0.65) and IPA (rs=0.69). Hypothesis testing showed adequate discriminative power of both instruments: in patients with a history of >5 versus ≤ 5 joint bleeds (median HJHS 10 vs 2 (p<0.01); median HAL 77 vs 98 (p<0.01)), independent from age. In conclusion, both the HJHS and HAL are feasible to assess clinical outcome after joint bleeds in VWD.
O Programa de Regionalização de Minas Gerais, Brasil: aspectos históricos, fragilidades e perspectivas
Authors: Sette Isabela Rosa
Published: May 2017

Este artigo tem como objetivo realizar uma análise geral do Programa de Regionalização do Turismo em Minas Gerais, abordando os principais aspectos históricos da formação da Secretaria de Estado de Turismo de Minas Gerais (Setur-MG) e da política de regionalização e propondo uma reflexão acerca das principais fragilidades e perspectivas do projeto. Além da observação participante, a pesquisa envolveu uma análise bibliográfica e aplicação de entrevistas com representantes da Setur-MG, da Federação de Circuitos Turísticos (Fecitur), do CET-MG e gestores de circuitos turísticos de diversas regiões do estado. Percebeu-se que muitas fragilidades vivenciadas pelos circuitos turísticos já apontadas em estudos anteriores não foram superadas, com destaque para a dificuldade financeira agravada pela alta inadimplência dos municípios associados e acentuada pela crise econômica e financeira do país. Como perspectivas, constatou-se que há grande expectativa em relação à criação da Lei Geral do Turismo de MG, que pretende reconhecer a existência dos Circuitos Turísticos. A necessidade de revisão dos critérios de habilitação no ICMS Turístico e o aumento da alíquota destinada ao turismo também foram apontados como necessários. É fundamental que a Setur-MG, enquanto órgão gestor e indutor do programa, promova medidas em parceria com os circuitos turísticos e a Fecitur visando a melhoria da capacidade de gerenciamento dos circuitos, assim como um fortalecimento das entidades em seus territórios rumo ao efetivo empoderamento e protagonismo das regiões.
O Animal no Turismo: o caso de São Lourenço, MG, Brasil
Authors: Moraes Luis Araujo
Published: May 2017

Este trabalho tem como objetivo relatar experiência de visita à cidade de São Lourenço (MG, Brasil), tendo como foco o uso de animais na atividade turística. O trabalho traz uma breve discussão de moral e ética, e propõe, além de mudanças na visão do Estado sobre o animal a construção de uma nova ética para o turismo. Para isso, realizou-se uma pesquisa descritiva com estudo de caso e análise documental, viabilizada por uma visão participante, com inserção do pesquisador na realidade apresentada. Espera-se que cada visitante possa rever seus conceitos em relação à utilização do uso de charretes em localidades turísticas e que, a partir de tal fato, proponha uma moral constituinte que se transforme em moral constituída.
Imagem Única de Destino: atributos exclusivos do destino Ilhéus, BA, Brasi
Authors: Santana Lilian Dominguez , Gosling Marlusa de Sevilha
Published: May 2017

Este estudo tem por objetivo desenvolver uma escala de mensuração da imagem única de um destino turístico a partir da percepção de profissionais diretamente ligados ao turismo local. O destino turístico pesquisado foi Ilhéus, principal cidade da zona turística Costa do Cacau no estado da Bahia, e realizou-se pesquisa de cunho qualitativo com 14 profissionais (professores universitários e profissionais ligados ao turismo de Ilhéus). A análise dos dados deu-se por análise de conteúdo, a partir da qual verificou-se a imagem única do destino principalmente relacionada a três aspectos: ambiente natural, atrativos e ambientação. Os resultados apontam que a singularidade do destino Ilhéus em relação a outros destinos semelhantes condiz com imagens comumente associadas ao destino (Jorge Amado, praias, cacau, chocolate); porém, também surgiram outros aspectos que representam oportunidades para promoção do destino. Por fim, os 14 atributos identificados compõem uma escala de mensuração da imagem única do destino Ilhéus que pode ser aplicada em estudos futuros relacionados a diferentes atores turísticos.
Peripheral Blood Cytokine Levels After Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Shahrivari Mahan , Wise Elizabeth , Resende Micheline , Shuster Jonathan J. , Zhang Jingnan , Bolli Roberto , Cooke John P. , Hare Joshua M. , Henry Timothy D. , Khan Aisha , Taylor Doris A. , Traverse Jay H. , Yang Phillip C. , Pepine Carl J. , Cogle Christopher R.
Published: May 2017

Rationale:

Intracoronary infusion of bone marrow (BM) mononuclear cells after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has led to limited improvement in left ventricular function. Although experimental AMI models have implicated cytokine-related impairment of progenitor cell function, this response has not been investigated in humans.

Objective:

To test the hypothesis that peripheral blood (PB) cytokines predict BM endothelial progenitor cell colony outgrowth and cardiac function after AMI.

Methods and Results:

BM and PB samples were collected from 87 participants 14 to 21 days after AMI and BM from healthy donors was used as a reference. Correlations between cytokine concentrations and cell phenotypes, cell functions, and post-AMI cardiac function were determined. PB interleukin-6 (IL-6) negatively correlated with endothelial colony–forming cell colony maximum in the BM of patients with AMI (estimate±SE, −0.13±0.05;
P
=0.007). BM from healthy individuals showed a dose-dependent decrease in endothelial colony–forming cell colony outgrowth in the presence of exogenous IL-1β or IL-6 (
P
<0.05). Blocking the IL-1R or IL-6R reversed cytokine impairment. In AMI study participants, the angiogenic cytokine platelet-derived growth factor BB glycoprotein correlated positively with BM-derived colony-forming unit-endothelial colony maximum (estimate±SE, 0.01±0.002;
P
<0.001), multipotent mesenchymal stromal cell colony maximum (estimate±SE, 0.01±0.002;
P
=0.002) in BM, and mesenchymal stromal cell colony maximum in PB (estimate±SE, 0.02±0.005;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions:

Two weeks after AMI, increased PB platelet-derived growth factor BB glycoprotein was associated with increased BM function, whereas increased IL-6 was associated with BM impairment. Validation studies confirmed inflammatory cytokine impairment of BM that could be reversed by blocking IL-1R or IL-6R. Together, these studies suggest that blocking IL-1 or IL-6 receptors may improve the regenerative capacity of BM cells after AMI.

Clinical Trial Registrations:

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00684060.
Methodological Guidelines to Study Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Coumans Frank A.W. , Brisson Alain R. , Buzas Edit I. , Dignat-George Françoise , Drees Esther E.E. , El-Andaloussi Samir , Emanueli Costanza , Gasecka Aleksandra , Hendrix An , Hill Andrew F. , Lacroix Romaric , Lee Yi , van Leeuwen Ton G. , Mackman Nigel , Mäger Imre , Nolan John P. , van der Pol Edwin , Pegtel D. Michiel , Sahoo Susmita , Siljander Pia R.M. , Sturk Guus , de Wever Olivier , Nieuwland Rienk
Published: May 2017

Owing to the relationship between extracellular vesicles (EVs) and physiological and pathological conditions, the interest in EVs is exponentially growing. EVs hold high hopes for novel diagnostic and translational discoveries. This review provides an expert-based update of recent advances in the methods to study EVs and summarizes currently accepted considerations and recommendations from sample collection to isolation, detection, and characterization of EVs. Common misconceptions and methodological pitfalls are highlighted. Although EVs are found in all body fluids, in this review, we will focus on EVs from human blood, not only our most complex but also the most interesting body fluid for cardiovascular research.
Extracellular Vesicles in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Jansen Felix , Nickenig Georg , Werner Nikos
Published: May 2017

Extracellular vesicles originate from diverse subcellular compartments and are released in the extracellular space. By transferring their cargoes into target cells and tissues, they now emerge as novel regulators of intercellular communication between adjacent and remote cells. Because vesicle composition and biological content are specific signatures of cellular activation and injury, their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers has raised significant interest in cardiovascular diseases. Characterization of circulating vesicles- or nonvesicles-bound nucleic acids represents a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring cardiovascular diseases, recently referred to as a liquid biopsy. Circulating extracellular vesicles offer a noninvasive and almost continuous access to circulating information on the disease state in epidemiological investigations. Finally, genetic engineering and cell-specific application of extracellular vesicles could display a novel therapeutic option for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about extracellular vesicles as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as their potential applications for longitudinal epidemiological studies in cardiovascular diseases.
Survival in Women Versus Men Following Implantation of Pacemakers, Defibrillators, and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Devices in a Large, Nationwide Cohort
Authors: Varma Niraj , Mittal Suneet , Prillinger Julie B. , Snell Jeff , Dalal Nirav , Piccini Jonathan P.
Published: May 2017

Background

Whether outcomes differ between sexes following treatment with pacemakers (
PM
), implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy (
CRT
) devices is unclear.

Methods and Results

Consecutive US patients with newly implanted
PM
, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and
CRT
devices from a large remote monitoring database between 2008 and 2011 were included in this observational cohort study. Sex‐specific all‐cause survival postimplant was compared within each device type using a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model, stratified on age and adjusted for remote monitoring utilization and
ZIP
‐based socioeconomic variables. A total of 269 471 patients were assessed over a median 2.9 [interquartile range, 2.2, 3.6] years. Unadjusted mortality rates (
MR
; deaths/100 000 patient‐years) were similar between women versus men receiving
PM
s (n=115 076, 55% male;
MR
4193 versus
MR
4256, respectively; adjusted hazard ratio, 0.87; 95%
CI
, 0.84–0.90;
P
<0.001) and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (n=85 014, 74% male;
MR
4417 versus
MR
4479, respectively; adjusted hazard ratio, 0.98; 95%
CI
, 0.93–1.02;
P
=0.244). In contrast, survival was superior in women receiving
CRT
defibrillators (n=61 475, 72% male;
MR
5270 versus male MR 7175; adjusted hazard ratio, 0.73; 95%
CI
, 0.70–0.76;
P
<0.001) and also
CRT
pacemakers (n=7906, 57% male;
MR
5383 versus male MR 7625, adjusted hazard ratio, 0.69; 95%
CI
, 0.61–0.78;
P
<0.001). This relative difference increased with time. These results were unaffected by age or remote monitoring utilization.

Conclusions

Women accounted for less than 30% of high‐voltage implants and fewer than half of low‐voltage implants in a large, nation‐wide cohort. Survival for women and men receiving implantable cardioverter defibrillators and
PM
s was similar, but dramatically greater for women receiving both defibrillator‐ and PM‐based
CRT
.
Prestimulus Alpha Oscillations and the Temporal Sequencing of Audiovisual Events
Authors: Grabot Laetitia , Kösem Anne , Azizi Leila , van Wassenhove Virginie
Published: May 2017

Perceiving the temporal order of sensory events typically depends on participants' attentional state, thus likely on the endogenous fluctuations of brain activity. Using magnetoencephalography, we sought to determine whether spontaneous brain oscillations could disambiguate the perceived order of auditory and visual events presented in close temporal proximity, that is, at the individual's perceptual order threshold (Point of Subjective Simultaneity [PSS]). Two neural responses were found to index an individual's temporal order perception when contrasting brain activity as a function of perceived order (i.e., perceiving the sound first vs. perceiving the visual event first) given the same physical audiovisual sequence. First, average differences in prestimulus auditory alpha power indicated perceiving the correct ordering of audiovisual events irrespective of which sensory modality came first: a relatively low alpha power indicated perceiving auditory or visual first as a function of the actual sequence order. Additionally, the relative changes in the amplitude of the auditory (but not visual) evoked responses were correlated with participant's correct performance. Crucially, the sign of the magnitude difference in prestimulus alpha power and evoked responses between perceived audiovisual orders correlated with an individual's PSS. Taken together, our results suggest that spontaneous oscillatory activity cannot disambiguate subjective temporal order without prior knowledge of the individual's bias toward perceiving one or the other sensory modality first. Altogether, our results suggest that, under high perceptual uncertainty, the magnitude of prestimulus alpha (de)synchronization indicates the amount of compensation needed to overcome an individual's prior in the serial ordering and temporal sequencing of information.
Bias Correction of Climate Modeled Temperature and Precipitation Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Moghim Sanaz , Bras Rafael L.
Published: May 2017

Climate studies and effective environmental management require unbiased climate datasets. This study develops a new bias correction approach using a three-layer feedforward neural network to reduce the biases of climate variables (temperature and precipitation) over northern South America. Air and skin temperature, specific humidity, and net longwave and shortwave radiation are used as inputs to the network for bias correction of 6-hourly temperature. Inputs to the network for bias correction of monthly precipitation are precipitation at lag 0, 1, 2, and 3 months, and also the standard deviation of precipitation from 3 × 3 neighbors around the pixel of interest. The climate model data are provided by the Community Climate System Model, version 3 (CCSM3). Results show that the trained artificial neural network (ANN) can improve the estimation error and correlation of the variables for both calibration and validation periods even when there is a low temporal consistency between the time series of the model data and targets. The developed model is also able to modify the probabilistic structure of the variables although the quantile-based information is not directly considered in the network. The ANN model outperforms linear regression, which is used for comparison purposes. The new method can be used to produce bias-corrected climate variables that can be used as forcing to hydrological and ecological models.
The Political Power of Finance: The Institute of International Finance in the Greek Debt Crisis
Authors: Kalaitzake Manolis
Published: May 2017

Through empirical investigation of the Eurozone and Greek debt crisis 2010–12, this article demonstrates how a peak organization of financial firms—the Institute of International Finance (IIF)—was able to mobilize its members transnationally to secure several key political and economic objectives. At the height of the crisis, large European banking firms were threatened by the prospect of a disorderly Greek default, coercive intervention by governments, and, potentially, a regional banking collapse. In this context, representatives from the IIF entered the policymaking process to facilitate concerted private sector action, assisting EU officials with the negotiation of a substantial and orderly creditor writedown, and cooperating with legal action by the Greek government to sideline a minority of financial firms hostile to the deal. The article shows that the IIF’s disproportionate influence over policymaking was a result of their technical expertise, their ability to recruit individuals with long-standing experience of sovereign debt restructuring from the public and private sector, and the operation of elite revolving-door processes. In contrast to recent studies showing that financial actors are able to exercise more power at the national level by remaining collectively inactive, these findings suggest that, at the transnational level, financial actors can be most effective at securing their preferences when they are well organized and when they coordinate politically on the basis of collective interests.
Robust digital pole-placer for electric drives based on uncertain diophantine equation and interval mathematics
Authors: Soliman Hisham M , Saleem Ashraf , Tutunji Tarek A , Al Ratrout Serein
Published: May 2017

In this paper, a novel robust digital controller design is proposed and implemented for induction motor speed control. The objective is to design a robust output feedback controller that places the closed-loop poles in a specified region in order to achieve the desired dynamic performance for a system with variable load. The design is carried out in the frequency domain by solving the uncertain Diophantine equation using interval mathematics and non-linear optimization method. In order to capture the load variations, the characteristic equation is relaxed and enlarged from a fixed-point to an interval set. A simple model-based design methodology is adopted in this work and implemented experimentally using a Hardware-in-the-Loop environment. The proposed design is simulated and then validated using real induction drive system. The proposed controller is compared with two other controllers: the auto tuned PID and a least-square-based robust controller. Experimental results show that the designed robust controller provides a better dynamic response than conventional controllers used in the industry when the motor’s load is varied. These results validate the proposed design as the plant’s output follows the reference signal with minimal overshoot and settling time.