bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resistin promotes cardiac homing of mesenchymal stem cells and functional recovery after myocardial ischemia-reperfusion via the ERK1/2-MMP-9 pathway
Authors: He Yuan , Guo Yanjie , Xia Yunlong , Guo Yongzhen , Wang Rutao , Zhang Fuyang , Guo Lanyan , Liu Yi , Yin Tao , Gao Chao , Gao Erhe , Li Congye , Wang Shan , Zhang Ling , Yan Wenjun , Tao Ling
Published: November 2018

Stem cell therapy is a potentially effective and promising treatment for ischemic heart disease. Resistin, a type of adipokine, has been found to bind to adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs). However, the effects of resistin on cardiac homing by ADSCs and on ADSC-mediated cardioprotective effects have not been investigated. ADSCs were obtained from enhanced green fluorescent protein transgenic mice. C57BL/6J mice were subjected to myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) or sham operations. Six hours after the I/R operation, mice were intravenously injected with resistin-treated ADSCs (ADSC-resistin) or vehicle-treated ADSCs (ADSC-vehicle). Cardiac homing by ADSCs and cardiomyocyte apoptosis were investigated 3 days after I/R. Cardiac function, fibrosis, and angiogenesis were evaluated 4 wk after I/R. Cellular and molecular mechanisms were investigated in vitro using cultured ADSCs. Both immunostaining and flow cytometric experiments showed that resistin treatment promoted ADSC myocardial homing 3 days after intravenous injection. Echocardiographic experiments showed that ADSC-resistin, but not ADSC-vehicle, significantly improved left ventricular ejection fraction. ADSC-resistin transplantation significantly mitigated I/R-induced fibrosis and reduced atrial natriuretic peptide/brain natriuretic peptide mRNA expression. In addition, cardiomyocyte apoptosis was reduced, whereas angiogenesis was increased by ADSC-resistin treatment. At the cellular level, resistin promoted ADSC proliferation and migration but did not affect H2O2-induced apoptosis. Molecular experiments identified the ERK1/2-matrix metalloproteinase-9 pathway as a key component mediating the effects of resistin on ADSC proliferation and migration. These results demonstrate that resistin can promote homing of injected ADSCs into damaged heart tissue and stimulate functional recovery, an effect mediated through the ERK1/2 signaling pathway and matrix metalloproteinase-9.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY First, intravenous injection of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) treated with resistin significantly increased angiogenesis and reduced myocardial apoptosis and fibrosis in a murine model of ischemia-reperfusion, resulting in improved cardiac performance. Second, resistin treatment significantly increased myocardial homing of intravenously delivered ADSCs. Finally, the ERK1/2-matrix metalloproteinase 9 pathway contributed to the higher proliferative and migratory capacities of ADSCs treated with resistin.
Frequent Homologous Recombination Deficiency in High-grade Endometrial Carcinomas
Authors: de Jonge Marthe M. , Auguste Aurélie , van Wijk Lise M. , Schouten Philip C. , Meijers Matty , ter Haar Natalja T. , Smit Vincent T.H.B.M. , Nout Remi A. , Glaire Mark A. , Church David N. , Vrieling Harry , Job Bastien , Boursin Yannick , de Kroon Cor D. , Rouleau Etienne , Leary Alexandra , Vreeswijk Maaike P.G. , Bosse Tjalling
Published: November 2018

Purpose:

The elevated levels of somatic copy-number alterations (SCNAs) in a subset of high-risk endometrial cancers are suggestive of defects in pathways governing genome integrity. We sought to assess the prevalence of homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) in endometrial cancers and its association with histopathologic and molecular characteristics.

Experimental Design:

Fresh tumor tissue was prospectively collected from 36 endometrial cancers, and functional HRD was examined by the ability of replicating tumor cells to accumulate RAD51 protein at DNA double-strand breaks (RAD51 foci) induced by ionizing radiation. Genomic alterations were determined by next-generation sequencing and array comparative genomic hybridization/SNP array. The prevalence of BRCA-associated genomic scars, a surrogate marker for HRD, was determined in the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) endometrial cancer cohort.

Results:

Most endometrial cancers included in the final analysis (n = 25) were of non-endometrioid (52%), grade 3 (60%) histology, and FIGO stage I (72%). HRD was observed in 24% (n = 6) of cases and was restricted to non-endometrioid endometrial cancers (NEEC), with 46% of NEECs being HRD compared with none of the endometrioid endometrial cancers (EEC, P = 0.014). All but 1 of the HRD cases harbored either a pathogenic BRCA1 variant or high somatic copy-number (SCN) losses of HR genes. Analysis of TCGA cases supported these results, with BRCA-associated genomic scars present in up to 48% (63/132) of NEEC versus 12% (37/312) of EEC (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

HRD occurs in endometrial cancers and is largely restricted to non-endometrioid, TP53-mutant endometrial cancers. Evaluation of HRD may help select patients that could benefit from treatments targeting this defect, including platinum compounds and PARP inhibitors.
Pleiotropic Action of Novel Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor BGB-3111 in Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Li Carrie J. , Jiang Changying , Liu Yang , Bell Taylor , Ma Wencai , Ye Yin , Huang Shengjian , Guo Hui , Zhang Hui , Wang Lai , Wang Jing , Nomie Krystle , Zhang Liang , Wang Michael
Published: November 2018

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a key mediator of BCR-dependent cell growth signaling and a clinically effective therapeutic target in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The molecular impact of BTK inhibition remains unclear particularly in hematopoietic malignancies. We analyzed the molecular mechanisms of BTK inhibition with the novel inhibitor BGB-3111 (zanubrutinib) in MCL models. The efficacy of BGB-3111 was investigated using growth proliferation/cell viability and apoptosis assays in MCL cell lines and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) MCL cells. The activity and mechanisms of BGB-3111 were further confirmed using a cell line xenograft model, an MCL PDX mouse model, and a human phosphokinase profiler array and reverse phase protein array. Finally, the mechanisms related to resistance to BTK inhibition were analyzed by creating cell lines with low levels of BTK using CRISPR/Cas 9 genome editing. We found that inhibition of BTK leads to suppression of tumor growth, which was mediated via potent suppression of AKT/mTOR, apoptosis, and metabolic stress. Moreover, targeted disruption of the BTK gene in MCL cells resulted in resistance to BTK inhibition and the emergence of novel survival mechanisms. Our studies suggest a general efficacy of BTK inhibition in MCL and potential drug resistance mechanism via alternative signaling pathways.
Urine Bacteria-Derived Extracellular Vesicles and Allergic Airway Diseases in Children
Authors: Samra Mona , Nam Soo Kyung , Lim Dae Hyun , Kim Dong Hyun , Yang Jinho , Kim Yoon-Keun , Kim Jeong Hee
Published: November 2018

Background: Microbiota and human allergic airway diseases have been proven to be interrelated. Bacteria-derived extracellular vesicle (EV)s are known to play important roles in interbacterial and human-bacteria communications, but their relationship with allergies has not been examined yet. Urine EVs were investigated to determine whether they could be used as biomarkers for monitoring allergic airway diseases in children. Methods: Subjects were 4 groups of chronic rhinitis (CR), allergic rhinitis (AR), atopic asthma (AS) and healthy controls. Single voided urine samples were collected. Urine EVs were isolated and their DNA was extracted for 16S-rDNA pyrosequencing. Results: A total of 118 children participated in this study; 27, 39, 19, and 33 were in the CR, AR, AS, and control group, respectively. The AR had a significantly high Chao-1 index than that of controls. Principal component analysis revealed dysbiosis in the CR, AR, and AS compared to the controls. One phylum and 19 families and genera were significantly enriched or depleted in the disease groups compared to the controls; the Actinobacteria phylum and the Sphingomonadaceae family were more abundant in the AS and CR, the Comamonadaceae family, the Propionibacteraceae family, Propionibacterium and Enhydrobacter were more enriched in the CR, and the Methylobacteriaceae family and Methylobacterium were more abundant in each disease group, while the Enterobacteriaceae family was depleted in each disease group. Conclusions: CR, AR, and AS had a distinct composition of urine EVs. Urine EVs could be an indicator for assessing allergic airway diseases in children.
Tacrolimus Suppositories in Therapy-Resistant Ulcerative Proctitis
Authors: Jaeger Simon U. , Klag Thomas , Hoeger Katharina , Klumpp Siegfried , Escher Markus , Malek Nisar , Stange Eduard , Wehkamp Jan
Published: November 2018

Background: Ulcerative proctitis may often be managed with topical salicylates or steroids alone, but in some patients, symptoms are persistent and severe. We analyzed the efficacy of tacrolimus suppositories in patients who had proven refractory to combined topical and systemic treatment. Methods: In this retrospective analysis, ulcerative colitis activity index (CAI), side effects, co-medication and drug levels were assessed in 43 patients with distal ulcerative colitis who received suppositories containing 2 mg of tacrolimus b.i.d. as add-on medication. Results: A total of 23 patients with ulcerative proctitis presented to follow-up within ≤50 days (mean 27.0 days) after suppositories were started. A decrease in CAI (from 8.0 to 5.5 points) was observed and 52.3% reached clinical remission (CAI ≤4). In total, 43 patients were available for analysis, of whom 9 had inflammation of the sigmoid colon as well. For the entire cohort, the median treatment duration was 76 days; 60% were in remission on the last documented visit. Serum measurements revealed a substantial tacrolimus level with a mean of 5.5 ng/mL. We observed one case of mild reversible acute kidney injury. Conclusions: In ulcerative proctitis, adding tacrolimus suppositories can be an effective and safe option when topical mesalazine, corticoid formulations and concomitant oral or parenteral medications have failed.
Brain and Body Size Relations among Spotted Hyenas (Crocuta crocuta)
Authors: Mann Michael D. , Frank Lawrence G. , Glickman Stephen E. , Towe Arnold L.
Published: November 2018

The relationship between brain size and body size across species “from mouse to elephant” is described by a function of positive slope. Almost uniformly, the relationship between brain size and body size within a species has a positive slope, though this is less steep than across species. The spotted hyena, Crocuta crocuta, differs from most other mammals in a number of ways including the fact that, on average, adult females weigh more than adult males and occasionally display greater body lengths. Brains of 5 female and 4 male hyenas were weighed in the field near Moyale in Northern Kenya, and body weights and body lengths were obtained from the same animals. When our analyses of brain/body relationships in these animals revealed an unanticipated negative relationship between brain size and body length, we extended our measurements to include intracranial volume in 19 skulls (8 females and 11 males) from the collection at the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California Berkeley; body weights and lengths were also available. A third dataset was formed by measuring intracranial volumes in 60 spotted hyena skulls (27 females and 33 males) in the Natural History Museum, London, UK; body lengths and intracranial volumes were available. Brain/body size slopes, in general, were not significantly different from zero except in 3 cases: brain weight/body length for Moyale males alone and males and females together, and cranial volume/body weight for Museum of Vertebrate Zoology males and females together. Although most of the slopes were not significantly different from zero, they were all negative, and a statistical test which combined probabilities from the 3 datasets supports the conclusion that there is a negative relationship between brain size and body size in spotted hyenas. Possible explanations for the negative slopes are discussed, including costs and benefits of large brains and large bodies and physiological mechanisms.
Analysis of Prestenting on Outcomes of Flexible Ureteroscopy for Upper Urinary Urolithiasis: A Historical Control Study
Authors: Chen Han , Chen Gang , Zhu Yunxiao , Yang Ziyi , Xiong Chaoyu , Pan Yang
Published: November 2018

Objectives: The aim of this study is to explore the efficacy and safety of flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) with prestenting (PS) for patients and a newly starting department. Method: The data of patients who underwent fURS for calculi with nonprestenting (NPS) after a clinical practice change was compared with PS patients before. Result: In all, 199 patients met the inclusion criteria. There was no significant difference for both groups in basic demography except that the NPS group included more proximal ureteral stone. Subgroup analysis was then used by a different site. There was no significance in sheath success (4/100 vs. 1/99, p = 0.369). Stone free rate (SFR) and success rate between PS and NPS group showed significant difference in total (96.94 vs. 89.58%, p = 0.048, 96.97 vs. 85.00%, p = 0.005 respectively). Better SFR and success rate were found only for the renal stones in subgroup analysis (97.67 vs. 80.49%, p = 0.014, 97.67 vs. 74.42%, p = 0.003 respectively). Operative time was significantly longer based on stenting status (45.969 ± 19.4732 vs. 30.553 ± 8.9645 min, p = 0.01) and there was no difference in subgroup analysis. More complications were found in the NPS group, but no severe complications were encountered. Conclusion: Intentional PS is a feasible try for an amateur fURS surgeon or a newly started department in order to gain a better outcome and lower complications in the whole time. It improves the outcomes when additional small surgery is not the trouble.
Dados geoquímicos e gamaespectrométricos na avaliação do potencial de corpos ígneos brasilianos para gerar concentrações de elementos terras raras do tipo ion adsorption clay (Terreno Apiaí-Guaxupé, estados de Minas Gerais e São Paulo, Brasil)
Authors: Faria Júnior Ilio Rodarte , Luvizzoto George Luiz , Godoy Antonio Misson
Published: November 2018

Os elementos terras raras apresentam crescente importância na economia mundial devido as suas aplicações na indústria de tecnologia, resultando em um crescente interesse pela prospecção de fontes minerais para esses elementos. Nesse âmbito, um tipo particular de mineralização conhecido na China se destaca por representar a principal fonte de elementos terras raras pesados (Eu a Lu) e ítrio (Y), menos comuns do que de elementos terras raras leves (La a Sm). Esse tipo de depósito, denominado ion adsorption clay, é composto de perfis de intemperismo desenvolvidos a partir de biotita e/ou muscovita sienogranitos, com a concentração exógena dos elementos terras raras originando-se pela adsorção desses elementos em argilominerais neoformados pelo processo intempérico. Características diversas afetam a gênese desses depósitos, onde a presença de minerais de elementos terras raras muito susceptíveis ao intemperismo e as características de desenvolvimento da alteração exógena são de grande importância para esse tipo de enriquecimento de elementos terras raras. O Terreno Apiaí-Guaxupé, onde foram selecionados corpos ígneos para a presente avaliação, é portador de uma diversidade de corpos ígneos, os quais foram afetados por processos de intemperismo cenozóicos, representando uma região com potencial prospectivo para esse tipo de depósito. Os corpos ígneos avaliados não apresentam informações descritivas sobre minerais (fluor)carbonáticos de elementos terras raras, muito susceptíveis ao intemperismo e importantes para a gênese desses depósitos de concentração exógena. Dessa forma, faz-se necessário o uso de informações químicas, descrições de minerais acessórios e de sobreposição de processos de alteração hidrotermal na busca de definir a possibilidade de formação dos minerais (fluor)carbonáticos de elementos terras raras. A investigação da potencialidade de enriquecimento de elementos terras raras do tipo
Bioacoustics and morphology of a new bush-cricket species of the genus Isophya (Orthoptera: Phaneropterinae) from Turkey
Authors: SEVGİLİ HASAN
Published: November 2018

A new interesting species of the genus Isophya, I. horon sp. n., is described from Northeastern part of Turkey. The new species can clearly be distinguished from the closely related species by the calling song of male, and morphology. Morphologically, the shapes of the pronotum, tegmina, male cerci and ovipositor are distrinctive. The morphology, song structure and distribution clearly indicate that this new species is a member of the I. zernovi species-group. Additionally, some preliminary data on the male calling songs of closely related species (I. zernovi, I. karadenizensis and I. autumnalis) are also given. In addition, the preliminary data related to spermatophore characteristics (spermatophylax and ampulla weights) and sperm number of the new species are provided.
Extending rarity: discovery of the rare braconine genus, Carinibracon van Achterberg (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in the Oriental region with the description of a new species from south India
Authors: RANJITH A.P. , MANJUSHA B.M. , KUMAR P. GIRISH , NASSER M.
Published: November 2018

The extremely rare, monobasic Afrotropical braconine genus, Carinibracon van Achterberg, is recorded for the first time from the Oriental region through the description of a new species, C. orientalis Ranjith sp. nov. from south India. An illustrated key to the two known species is provided along with re-illustration of the type species of the genus, C. danielssoni van Achterberg.
Aprostocetus chilophagae new species (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) from South Dakota, with taxonomic notes on A. bromi (Kostjukov) and A. nebraskensis (Girault)
Authors: JOHNSON PAUL J. , YEFREMOVA ZOYA A. , MANUEL JUAN , LÓPEZ PERILLA , YEGORENKOVA EKATERINA N.
Published: November 2018

Aprostocetus chilophagae Yefremova and Yegorenkova, new species (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Tetrastichinae) is described from eastern South Dakota, U.S.A., and is reported as a parasitoid of the larva of Chilophaga virgati Gagné (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), an ovule predator of Panicum virgatum. This new species is separated from sympatric A. bromi (Kostjukov) and A. nebraskensis (Girault) by structural morphology and host associations. Aprostocetus bromi was recently recognized from North America as an introduced species from Russia that is a primary parasitoid of the introduced ovule feeding gall midge Stenodiplosis bromicola Marikovskij and Agafonova (Cecidomyiidae) on the invasive grass Bromus inermis. Aprostocetus nebraskensis is a native species that is known as a parasitoid only from S. wattsi Gagné, also an ovule predator on the native prairie grasses Andropogon girardii, Schizachyrium scoparium, and Sorghastrum nutans. Trichacis rufipes Ashmead (Platygastridae) co-occurs with A. chilophagae new species on C. virgati, and a Centrodora sp. (Aphelinidae) may be a hyperparasitoid. The females of A. bromi and A. nebraskensis are redescribed and the males for each species are described for the first time.
Taxonomic information on some Japanese Chironomidae (Diptera) described by Dr. M. Sasa (†)
Authors: YAMAMOTO NAO , YAMAMOTO MASARU
Published: November 2018

Holotypes of 19 species and non-type specimens preserved in the Sasa collection at The National Museum of Science, Tokyo, Japan, have been examined. Seventeen new synonyms are given, as follows: Paratrissocladius ogasaduodecimus Sasa et Suzuki, 1997 = Paraphaenocladius impensus (Walker, 1856); Bryophaenocladius togafelix Sasa et Okazawa, 1992, and B. toganitemus Sasa et Okazawa, 1992 = Pseudorthocladius togakileus Sasa et Okazawa, 1992; Bryophaenocladius togatenuis Sasa et Okazawa, 1992 of Smittia nudipennis (Goetghebuer, 1913); Chironomus daitoefeus Sasa et Suzuki, 2001 of C. circumdatus Kieffer, 1916; C. inaabeus Sasa, Kitami et Suzuki, 2001 = C. nippodorsalis Sasa, 1979; C. tokarabeceus Sasa et Suzuki, 1995 = C. okinawanus Hasegawa et Sasa, 1987; C. ginzanbeceus Sasa et Suzuki, 2001 = C. riparius Meigen, 1904; C. simantobeceus Sasa , Suzuki et Sakai, 1998 = C. claggi Tokunaga, 1964; C. echizensis Sasa, 1994 = C. yoshimatsui Martin et Sublette, 1972; Chironomus famiabeus Sasa, 1996, C. inabeceus Sasa, Kitami et Suzuki, 2001 and C. ginzanabeus Sasa et Suzuki, 2001 = Glyptotendipes biwasecundus Sasa et Kawai, 1987; Chironomus kagaensis Sasa, 1994 = Glyptotendipes tokunagai Sasa, 1979; Chironomus toyamabiceus Sasa, 1996 = Kiefferulus umbraticola Yamamoto, 1979; Microtendipes iriocedeus Sasa et Suzuki, 2000 of Polypedilum bingoparadoxum Kawai, Inoue et Imabayashi , 1998. The sufficient reason why Chironomus daitocedeus Sasa et Suzuki, 2001 should be treated as a junior synonym of C. javanus Kieffer, 1924 is shown. Two further species: Paratrissocladius sudagaicedeus Sasa et Tanaka, 2001 and Bryophaenocladius togatenellus Sasa et Okazawa, 1992 are transferred to Chaetocladius. Specimens from Okinawa, Miyako and Ishigaki Islands, originally reported as Rheocricotopus chalybeatus (Edwards, 1929) are identified as R. okifoveatus Sasa, 1990. A new species, Einfeldia sasai is described on the basis of specimens recorded from Minamidato Island, previously incorrectly determined as E. pagana.
Checklist of the Plecoptera of Brazilian Amazon (Insecta: Plecoptera: Perlidae)
Authors: RIBEIRO JOSÉ MOACIR FERREIRA , DOS SANTOS CLÉVERSON RANNIÉRI MEIRA
Published: November 2018

The species diversity of the Plecoptera of the Brazilian Amazon is still little known, although some localities have been relatively well-studied. A preliminary list of 27 valid Plecoptera species, based on collections from 66 different localities is presented. Additional efforts to collect Plecoptera at new sites should considerably increase the number of recorded species of Amazonian.
Re-imaging Aboriginal leadership in higher education – A new Indigenous research paradigm
Authors: Ford Linda Payi , Guthadjaka Kathy Gotha , Daymangu James Walung , Danganbar Bettina , Baker Colin , Ford Chloe , Ford Emily , Thompson Nicole , Ford Mark , Wallace Ruth , St Clair Marianne , Murtagh David
Published: November 2018

This article focuses on leadership by women in Indigenous research in the higher education sector of Australia. The research that provided the context for this exploration of Indigenous women’s leadership involved archiving ceremonial cultural knowledge from the Daly and Wagait regions of the Northern Territory. The article introduces the concept of Aboriginal corporeality and the struggle within colonial Australia and through to the present to prevent its erasure from Australia’s history. This struggle is referenced in the paradigm shifts underway in Indigenist research. The article acknowledges the past commitments of powerful Aboriginal women to the advancement of their clans’ people under the new circumstances that they had to confront from the 1880s. It is argued that the cultural agenda of these women prepared the ground for the advances in Indigenist research reported in this article. The article concludes with an example of the close, culturally significant partnership that was forged by the research project across two Aboriginal communities of the Northern Territory.
Initial psychometric evaluation of the Community Participation Activation Scale
Authors: Lee Danbi , Mallinson Trudy , Baum Carolyn M. , Hammel Joy
Published: November 2018

Background.

Current assessments do not capture the dynamic and complex process of managing different individual and environmental factors influencing community participation post-stroke.

Purpose.

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Community Participation Activation Scale (CPAS) in persons with stroke.

Method.

Rating scale structure, unidimensionality, reliability and precision, construct validity, and differential item functioning of the CPAS were examined with 93 community-dwelling people with stroke.

Findings.

The CPAS consists of 15 action items and 10 attitude items. Person separation reliabilities of the action and attitude domains were .75 and .72, respectively, and internal consistency reliabilities were good (>.80). The CPAS showed low to moderate correlation with community integration and enfranchisement constructs.

Implications.

The CPAS may be used as an assessment to better understand an individual’s level of activation and to inform individually designed, participation-focused interventions, although it needs further improvement to be used as a clinical measure.
Beyond tobacco prevention: A qualitative study of a school-based life skills intervention for economically disadvantaged youth in Mumbai, India
Authors: Nagler Eve M , Lobo Priya
Published: November 2018

Objective:

Low socioeconomic status young people in low- and middle-income countries use tobacco at higher rates than their wealthier peers. School-based tobacco use prevention interventions that employ a life skills approach are effective at preventing tobacco use. In India, the Salaam Bombay Foundation (SBF) has implemented a multiyear, multicomponent life skills education programme in Mumbai schools to prevent tobacco use. A quantitative evaluation found that SBF programme exposure was associated with not only reduced tobacco use but also improved life skills, self-esteem and self-efficacy. To illuminate how programme exposure engendered these effects, we compared the experiences and perceptions of eighth and ninth grade students (ages 13–15) between SBF and non-SBF schools.

Methods:

We divided Mumbai into four quadrants or regions and randomly selected one SBF and non-SBF school from each quadrant; 10 participants were then randomly selected from one class per school. A total of eight group discussions ( N = 80 participants) were conducted using mind-mapping with a focus on students’ daily life, future aspirations and non-academic school programming. Researchers analysed the data thematically.

Results:

Despite similar home lives, SBF students were profoundly more optimistic about their future than non-SBF students. SBF students attributed this increased optimism and agency to opportunities to actively advocate against tobacco, formal recognition in a published newsletter, a sense of belonging to a ‘Super Army’ and supportive mentorship provided by their Super Army and peer leaders. The SBF programme created a safe space in which to build resilience.

Conclusion:

These findings can guide development of programmes for vulnerable populations with broader goals than tobacco prevention.
Young Adult Reports of the Victim–Offender Overlap in Intimate and Nonintimate Relationships: A Nationally Representative Sample
Authors: Taylor Bruce G. , Mumford Elizabeth A. , Liu Weiwei , Berg Mark , Bohri Maria
Published: November 2018

Little is known about the role of conflict management in explaining the victim–offender overlap. This article assesses the victim–offender overlap for adults (18-32) in intimate and nonintimate relationships, covering their relationship with their partner and with friends and acquaintances/strangers. Controlling for conceptually important variables, we explore whether different conflict management styles are associated with a respondent being in the victim-only, offender-only, both, or neither group (separately for verbal aggression, physical abuse for intimate and nonintimate relationships, and sexual abuse for intimate relationships). Data are from a nationally representative panel of U.S. households ( N = 2,284 respondents of whom 871 women and 690 men report being in an intimate partnership). We observed a high degree of overlap between victimization and offending across our abuse measures. We found a range of modestly consistent set of risk factors, for example, conflict management styles and self-control, for the victim–offender overlap for partner and nonpartner abuse experiences.
The Nature and Effects of Messages That Women Receive From Probation and Parole Agents in Conversations About Employment
Authors: Roddy Ariel L. , Morash Merry , Adams Elizabeth A. , Holmstrom Amanda J. , Smith Sandi W. , Cobbina Jennifer E.
Published: November 2018

Using semistructured interviews with 388 women under supervision, this study integrates criminal justice and communication theories by investigating gender responsivity and type of support in messages women receive about employment from supervision agents. Informational support was the most frequent form of supportive communication clients received from their agents, and was the only type of supportive communication clients perceived negatively. Women recalled agents’ messages that varied in their sensitivity to the range of women offenders’ needs (child and family care demands, human capital attainment, mental health issues, and substance abuse recovery). Supportive messages that took into account a variety of problems commonly shared by women on probation and parole had positive effects, whereas supportive messages that were relevant to employment, but failed to consider other needs, had negative effects. Results of this work have implications regarding effective support offered by community supervision agents as they discuss employment.
The Transformative Potential of Constituent Power: A Revised Approach to the New Latin American Constitutionalism
Authors: Hughes Carys
Published: November 2018

The processes of constitutional change and resultant constitutional models initiated in Venezuela, Bolivia, and Ecuador since the late 1990s have been celebrated for offering a democratic form of constitutionalism. The new Latin American constitutionalism promises to resolve the democratic deficit in traditional constitutional theory by institutionalizing spaces for citizen-led constitutional change. However, events in which actors outside the state or without the wider support of the state have attempted to initiate similar processes of constitutional transformation suggest a problem with current theories. This is a residual bias toward state actors and a tendency to underestimate the power of extrainstitutional actors in these processes. By reconceiving the central concepts of “constituent power” and “constitutional process,” an account of the new Latin American constitutionalism is possible that both resolves remaining tensions in the literature and illustrates the relevance of this phenomenon to struggles across the continent.

Los procesos de cambio constitucional y los modelos constitucionales resultantes iniciados en Venezuela, Bolivia y Ecuador desde fines de la década de 1990 se han celebrado por ofrecer una forma democrática de constitucionalismo. El nuevo constitucionalismo latinoamericano promete resolver el déficit democrático en la teoría constitucional tradicional mediante la institucionalización de espacios para el cambio constitucional liderado por los ciudadanos. Sin embargo, eventos en los cuales actores fuera del estado o sin el apoyo más amplio del estado han intentado iniciar procesos similares de transformación constitucional sugieren un problema con las teorías actuales. Este es un sesgo residual hacia los actores estatales y una tendencia a subestimar el poder de los actores extrainstitucionales en estos procesos. Al reconcebir los conceptos centrales del “poder constituyente” y el “proceso constitucional,” es posible hacer un recuento del nuevo constitucionalismo latinoamericano que resuelve las tensiones restantes en la literatura y demuestra la relevancia de este fenómeno para luchas en todo el continente.
Mitochondrial DNA haplogroups influence the risk of aortic stenosis
Authors: Serrano-Teruel Maria E. , Garcia-Vieites Maria , Rego-Perez Ignacio , Domenech-Garcia Nieves , Blanco-Garcia Francisco , Cuenca-Castillo Jose J. , Bautista-Hernandez Victor
Published: November 2018

Aim

The underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms of aortic stenosis are not clear. Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a role in many pathological conditions including cardiac diseases. We aimed to analyze the mitochondrial DNA haplogroups in a group of patients undergoing valve replacement surgery due to severe aortic stenosis.

Methods

Mitochondrial DNA haplogroups were assessed in 176 patients with severe aortic stenosis and 308 control subjects. Cardiovascular risk factors and demographics were similar in both groups.

Results

Patients carrying haplogroup Uk had a lower risk of developing aortic stenosis, especially compared to patients carrying haplogroup H (odds ratio = 0.507; 95% confidence interval: 0.270–0.952, p = 0.035).

Conclusions

Mitochondrial DNA haplogroups could be involved in the development of severe aortic stenosis. Specifically, haplogroup H could be a risk factor and Uk a protective factor for severe aortic stenosis in a population from Spain.
Unpacking Adultification: Institutional Experiences and Misconduct of Adult Court and Juvenile Court Youth Living Under the Same Roof
Authors: Haerle Darin R.
Published: November 2018

The present study explores the ability of juvenile waiver policy and the resulting adult court status to impact the experiences and behavior of male youth originating from differing jurisdictions but incarcerated together within state-level juvenile correctional facilities. Using official agency data and youth survey data, this research examines how “adult” status influences behavior for waived youth compared with their juvenile court counterparts. Structural equation modeling and multiple group analysis is used to determine the extent to which adult status moderates the measurement structure of models related to individual characteristics, institutional experiences, and institutional misconduct. Results reveal an improvement in model fit to occur when estimated across the two groups of juvenile court and adult court youth, beyond that which occurs when parameters are constrained to be equal for these two groups. This work reveals adult status to be powerful enough to moderate the effects of who a youth is and what that youth experiences, on how that youth behaves during a term of juvenile incarceration.
Scanning training for rehabilitation of visual field loss due to stroke: Identifying and exploring training tools in use
Authors: Hazelton Christine , Pollock Alex , Walsh Glyn , Brady Marian C
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Visual field loss affects one fifth of stroke survivors, limiting daily activities and reducing quality of life. Scanning training is a commonly used intervention, but there is variation in how this is delivered. This study aimed to identify the scanning training tools used in Scotland and describe their training parameters, delivery and suitability for use with stroke survivors.

Method

An email survey identified scanning training tools used in Scotland. Two expert panel meetings gained consensus on the motor, language and cognitive skills required to use each scanning training tool. Video capture techniques gathered objective measures of training parameters.

Results

Ten scanning training tools were identified. These tools used four delivery methods: paper-based, computer software, web-based and specialised equipment. They aimed to improve reading, perception or general visual skills. Fast, saccadic eye movements were most frequently targeted: two interventions also encouraged head movements. Session duration, frequency and therapist support varied considerably. The level of motor, language and cognitive skills required for each tool was determined.

Conclusion

Scanning training tools used in Scotland vary in delivery modality, functional abilities required for use and visual skills trained. This information will support clinical decision-making and inform future research on training effectiveness and feasibility.
The African Atlantic islands in maritime history during the Ancien Régime
Authors: Santana-Pérez Juan Manuel
Published: November 2018

This paper aims at describing and explaining certain common characteristics that have endured in the African Atlantic islands by virtue of the fact that these islands depend on centres of authority located at considerable distances away. Their location on linking routes to three continents led to the first globalization since the world economic shifts of the 16th century. The islands have sometimes been described metaphorically as a bridge, but we prefer to speak of maritime doors. These islands have been an entrance and exit for goods, people, culture, and ideas, opened or closed, depending on your point of view, through the modern age as European penetration spread. It includes the archipelagos of the Middle Atlantic, the cases of Madeira, the Canaries, Cape Verde, São Tomé, and Principe, and the Guinea Islands of Bioko, Corisco, and Annobon.
The spread of bottom trawling in the British Isles, c.1700–1860
Authors: Jones Peter
Published: November 2018

Widespread bottom trawling in British waters has traditionally been dated from the last decades of the 18th century, and its early heartland has most commonly been identified as the Torbay area of Devon. This article shows that, in fact, by the time Torbay became known as a centre for the industry, bottom trawling was already well-known and relatively widespread around much of England and Wales, as well as large parts of Eastern and Southern Ireland. Following on from an earlier contribution in this journal, it also demonstrates that bottom trawling’s unbroken history, going back to at least the first decades of the 17th century, has always been beset by controversy, but that the middle decades of the 19th century saw a sea-change in official attitudes that, in effect, ushered in an era of unfettered expansion in industrial beam trawling by the 1890s.
Coastal civilization and maritime diplomacy in premodern Southeast Asia
Authors: Susilowati Endang , Sulistiyono Singgih Tri , Rochwulaningsih Yety
Published: November 2018

This article explores maritime diplomacy as a relatively new field of research in the maritime history of Southeast Asia. It is argued that maritime diplomacy was an important element in the history of the region, whose natural character places the sea as a key factor in its historical evolution. The significant role of the sea in the past shaped coastal civilizations, which in turn preconditioned the development of maritime diplomatic links between political centres in Southeast Asia, leading to the integration of this region. During the premodern period, coastal civilizations were the means through which diplomatic negotiations between political powers were conducted in Southeast Asia. Although coloured by conflicts and competition, such diplomatic ties did not result in colonial relationships, as which occurred during the early modern era, when Europeans succeeded in gaining control of almost all of Southeast Asia’s political and economic centres.
Neoliberal trends in collective bargaining and employment regulation in Spain, Italy and the UK: From institutional forms to institutional outcomes
Authors: López-Andreu Martí
Published: November 2018

This article discusses the effect of neoliberal trends in employment regulation during the 2008 recession. Liberalization in employment institutions is a long-term trend reinforced by the implementation of austerity policies. I use EU-SILC panel data to discuss these trends in Spain, Italy and the UK in three periods: before the crisis (2004–2007), during the crisis (2007–2010) and under austerity (2010–2013). Although liberalization reforms interacted with the existing institutional architectures, I find a common trend towards greater employer discretion. Crucially, this trend in institutional outcomes appears in countries with different formal institutional characteristics in employment and collective bargaining.
Medical Tourism Opportunities in India: A Study on the Multispecialty Hospitals of Kolkata
Authors: Chakraborty Prabal , Poddar Moumita
Published: November 2018

Indian hospital sector is now witnessing cut-throat competition to remain competitive and to attract patients from the foreign countries, they have to change their conventional systems towards more customer-centric approach. Due to the presence of considerable number of super-specialty hospitals, Kolkata is gradually becoming a preferred place in the field of medical tourism in India. Patients from African and Middle East counties are now coming here due to experienced and skilled medical and paramedical staffs, and facilities at an affordable price. The objective of this article is to examine the roles and initiatives of hospital management team in the process of retention of patients. We are also proposing certain strategies based on the value creation strategy for the medical tourism—which will ultimately contribute factors of this aspect. As a part of the qualitative study, we have collected data onto 80 respondents comprising doctors, nurses, supporting staffs and medical superintendent of different private hospitals in Kolkata. The results of this qualitative study indicate that different professional hospital management staffs need to behave like a united team with same organizational goal.
Comparing constitutional adjudication of self-determination claims
Authors: Arzoz Xabier , Suksi Markku
Published: November 2018

The judicial resolution of claims of self-determination by national courts is still exceptional, but rulings seem to be increasing. This paper aims to compare the adjudication of claims of self-determination by constitutional or supreme courts. It will look at three judicial pronouncements from three jurisdictions: the Judgment of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation concerning the sovereignty of Tatarstan (1992), the Opinion of the Canadian Supreme Court concerning the secession of Quebec (1998), and the Judgment of the Spanish Constitutional Court concerning the declaration of sovereignty of the Parliament of Catalonia (2014). The paper will draw parallels in the way constitutional or supreme courts have tackled the tension between democracy and constitutionalism.
Heterogeneity of Older Learners in Higher Education
Authors: Cummins Phyllis A. , Brown J. Scott , Bahr Peter Riley , Mehri Nader
Published: November 2018

Recent years have seen growing recognition of the importance of a college-educated workforce to meet the needs of employers and ensure economic growth. Lifelong learning, including completing a postsecondary credential, increasingly is necessary to improve employment outcomes among workers, both old and young, who face rising demands for new and improved skills. To satisfy these needs, many states have established postsecondary completion goals pertaining to the segments of their population ages 25 to 64 years. Although it is not always clear how completion goals will be attained for older students, it is widely recognized that community colleges will play an important role. Here, we use data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to examine enrollment trends by part-time and full-time status for students enrolled in Ohio’s public postsecondary institutions from 2006 to 2014. Unlike previous research that considers all students 25 and older as a homogeneous group, we divide older learners into two groups: ages 25 to 39 and ages 40 to 64. We find that adults in these age groups who attend a public college are more likely to attend a community college than they are a 4-year institution and are more likely to attend on a part-time basis. We discuss the implications of these trends and their relevance to college administrators.
From the Shadow of Overconfidence Into the Light of Humility: Reflections on Experiential Learning Activities Gone Awry
Authors: Edelson Steven A. , Lo Kevin D. , Nelson Terry , Stark Gary , Stratton Micheal T. , van Esch Chantal
Published: November 2018

Many instructors use experiential learning techniques to link students’ academic experience with the reality that awaits them professionally. Careful planning and reflecting on experiential activities usually take place prior to implementation to ensure that prescribed student learning outcomes are met. Hence, management educators’ confidence soars when outcomes meet or exceed their expectations, and there is the intrinsic reward of seeing students succeed. Subsequently, effective application of activities can lead to overconfidence in implementing routine as well as new activities. What happens, however, when an activity goes awry? Can it be salvaged? In this article, we explore overconfidence as the shadow that can disrupt a faculty’s well-meaning activity, leading to something unexpected with unintended learning consequences for the instructor and students. Then, we analyze several of our activities gone awry as a result of overconfidence. Finally, we suggest humility as a spotlight that can help us move out of the shadow cast by overconfidence, thus helping faculty deal with the dark side of experiential exercises.
Transforming Markets? Activists’ Strategic Orientations and Engagement With Private Governance
Authors: Auld Graeme
Published: November 2018

Private governance regimes—instances where nonstate actors set rules that govern their behavior and/or the behavior of others—are increasingly common intermediaries between activists and corporations. Activists are often thought to drive corporations to participate in private governance. By participating, corporations hope to be shielded from activist pressures. Yet there are many instances where activists oppose particular private governance regimes, even ones that are seen as leaders in a sector. Why is this? This article contributes answers to this question by examining how activists’ different strategic orientations affect their perceptions of private governance. It unpacks three distinct ideal-type strategic orientations—prefiguration, targeting, and cooperation—activists may hold in their efforts to transform markets and the different forms of private governance each orientation will prefer. It then details how market entry conditions, sequencing and interactions, and feedbacks affect how activists are likely to engage the private governance regimes that develop in a given sector.
Effect of microalbuminuria on macular thickness in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ucgul Atilgan Cemile , Atilgan Kadir Gokhan , Kosekahya Pinar , Caglayan Mehtap , Sendul Selam Yekta , Yilmazbas Pelin
Published: November 2018

Purpose:

To investigate the effect of microalbuminuria on macular thickness in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus with no or mild diabetic retinopathy and to investigate the relationship between macular thickness and metabolic parameters.

Materials and methods:

Fifty eight eyes of 58 patients without diabetic retinopathy (group 1) in microalbuminuria stage, 42 eyes of 42 patients with mild diabetic retinopathy (group 2) in microalbuminuria stage, and 50 eyes of 50 patients without diabetic retinopathy and microalbuminuria (group 3) were included in this study. After detailed ophthalmologic examination, all patients underwent spectral domain-optical coherence tomography measurements. Macular thickness was noted from nine different areas (fovea, four parafoveal, and four perifoveal areas) and compared between groups. The correlations between macular thickness and age, duration of diabetes mellitus, microalbuminuria, serum urea, creatinine, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbAIc), albumin, sodium (Na), and urinary Na were evaluated.

Results:

The mean age was 53.29 ± 6.49 in group 1, 55.86 ± 6.97 in group 2, and 52.98 ± 5.66 years in group 3 (p = 0.06). The macular thickness values of superior, inferior, and nasal parafoveal areas were significantly different between groups (p = 0.001, p = 0.006, and p = 0.03, respectively). Bonferroni post test revealed that this difference originated from the difference between group 2 and 3 (p < 0.05 for all values). There were significant negative correlations between the macular thickness values of parafoveal areas and serum urea, HbA1c, albumin, microalbuminuria levels (p < 0.05 for all values).

Conclusion:

In this study, a significantly decreased parafoveal macular thickness was measured in patients with mild diabetic retinopathy and microalbuminuria compared to patients without diabetic retinopathy and microalbuminuria.