bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FV‐100 versus valacyclovir for the prevention of post‐herpetic neuralgia and the treatment of acute herpes zoster‐associated pain: A randomized‐controlled trial
Authors: Tyring Stephen K. , Lee Patricia , Hill Gordon T. , Silverfield Joel C. , Moore Angela Yen , Matkovits Theresa , Sullivan‐Bolyai John
Published: December 2016

This prospective, parallel‐group, randomized, double‐blind, multicenter study compared the efficacy and safety of FV‐100 with valacyclovir for reducing pain associated with acute herpes zoster (HZ). Patients, ≥50 years of age, diagnosed with HZ within 72 h of lesion appearance who had HZ‐associated pain, were randomized 1:1:1 to a 7‐day course of either FV‐100 200 mg QD (n = 117), FV‐100 400 mg QD (n = 116), or valacyclovir 1000 mg TID (n =117). Efficacy was evaluated on the basis of the burden of illness (BOI; Zoster Brief Pain Inventory scores); incidence and duration of clinically significant pain (CSP); pain scores; incidence and severity of post‐herpetic neuralgia (PHN); and times to full lesion crusting and to lesion healing. Safety was evaluated on the basis of adverse event (AE)/SAE profiles, changes in laboratory and vital signs values, and results of electrocardiograms. The burden of illness scores for pain through 30 days were 114.5, 110.3, and 118.0 for FV‐100 200 mg, FV‐100 400 mg, and valacyclovir 3000 mg, respectively. The incidences of PHN at 90 days for FV‐100 200 mg, FV‐100 400 mg, and valacyclovir 3000 mg were 17.8%, 12.4%, and 20.2%, respectively. Adverse event and SAE profiles of the two FV‐100 and the valacyclovir groups were similar and no untoward signals or trends were evident. These results demonstrate a potential for FV‐100 as an antiviral for the treatment of shingles that could both reduce the pain burden of the acute episode and reduce the incidence of PHN compared with available treatments.
Viral pathogens among elderly people with acute respiratory infections in Shanghai, China: Preliminary results from a laboratory‐based surveillance, 2012‐2015
Authors: Ye Chuchu , Zhu Weiping , Yu Jianxing , Li Zhongjie , Fu Yifei , Lan Yajia , Lai Shengjie , Wang Yuanping , Pan Lifeng , Sun Qiao , Zhao Genming
Published: December 2016

Acute respiratory infections (ARIs), with viral pathogens as the major contributors, are the most common illnesses worldwide, and increase the morbidity and mortality among the elderly population. The clinical and pathological features of elderly people with ARIs need to be identified for disease intervention. From January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2015, respiratory specimens from patients above 60 years old with ARIs were collected from the outpatient and inpatient settings of six sentinel hospitals in Pudong New Area. Each specimen was tested via multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for eight target viral etiologies including influenza, human rhinovirus (HRV), human para‐influenza virus (PIV), adenovirus (ADV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV), human coronavirus (hCoVs), and human bocavirus (hBoV). A total of 967 elderly patients with ARIs were enrolled, including 589 (60.91%) males, and the median age was 73 years old. 306 (31.64%) patients were tested positive for any one of the eight viruses, including 276 single infections and 30 co‐infections. Influenza was the predominant virus (14.17%, 137/967), detected from 21.35% (76/356) of the outpatients and 9.98% (61/611) of the inpatients. Influenza infections presented two annual seasonal peaks during winter and summer. Compared with non‐influenza patients, those with influenza were more likely to have fever, cough, sore throat, and fatigue. This study identified influenza as the leading viral pathogen among elderly with ARIs, and two seasonal epidemic peaks were observed in Shanghai. An influenza vaccination strategy needs to be advocated for the elderly population.
Cytokine response to Hantaan virus infection in patients with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome
Authors: Guo Jing , Guo Xuli , Wang Yong , Tian Fang , Luo Weiguang , Zou Yizhou
Published: December 2016

Hantaan virus (HTNV) infection of the human body causes a severe acute infectious disease known as hemorrhagic fever renal syndrome (HFRS). The aim of this study was to correlate patient cytokine profiles to HFRS severity. In this study, we discuss the clinical significance of evaluating HFRS treatment outcomes using cytokine information. The levels of 18 cytokines were quantitatively determined in three groups: 34 HTNV IgM+ cases, 63 HTNV IgM− negative cases, and 78 healthy volunteers. The level of 14 serum cytokines were higher in the patient group than that in the healthy control group. In the 34 HTNV IgM+ patient sera, a set of 27 cytokines was further assessed. The cytokines of TNF‐β, IL‐1ra, and IL‐6 were detected at higher level in the IgM+ group than that in the IgM− group. The deterioration of HFRS was accompanied with multiple cytokines increased, such as IL‐1ra, IL‐12p70, IL‐10, IP‐10, IL‐17, IL‐2, and IL‐6. Our data indicate that serum cytokine levels are associated with the progression of HFRS.
Synoptic conditions during summertime temperature extremes in Alaska
Authors: Cassano Elizabeth N. , Cassano John J. , Seefeldt Mark W. , Gutowski William J. , Glisan Justin M.
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT

The atmospheric state and synoptic situation associated with widespread summer June, July, and August temperature extremes in southern Alaska is explored. Using ERA‐Interim data and a self‐organizing map framework, the evolution of the atmospheric state leading up to days that are defined as experiencing extreme surface temperature are compared with the evolution for non‐extreme days. The variables evaluated include circulation at the surface and aloft and surface radiative fluxes. For warm extremes, blocking evident in the 500 hPa flow combined with anomalously large surface downward shortwave radiation allowed surface temperatures to become extreme. For cold extremes, an upper level trough and cold air advection aloft coupled with a more minor role of anomalously negative surface downward shortwave radiation were important. The self‐organizing map framework allowed an investigation of these details beyond a composite analysis of all extremes.
Stuck in the Muck? The Role of Mindsets in Self‐Regulation When Stymied During the Job Search
Authors: Heslin Peter A. , Keating Lauren A.
Published: December 2016

Although there is a vast amount of literature on the psychologically harmful effects of unemployment, there has been less scholarship aimed at helping those struggling with the motivational challenges involved in a frustrated job search. This conceptual article draws on theory and extensive research in educational, social, and organizational psychology to explain the likely role of mindsets in self‐regulation during the job search. Specifically, the authors outline how a person's mindset can cue patterns of functional and dysfunctional thoughts, feelings, and behaviors during a range of job search tasks. They then provide practical advice for counseling individuals—and for people helping themselves—through the job search process.
Predicting Behavioral Career Commitment of College Students With Attachment and Separation Relationships
Authors: Zanardelli Gina , Shivy Victoria A. , Perrone‐McGovern Kristin M.
Published: December 2016

This study compares the behavioral and attitudinal career commitment of college students, then examines the influences of parental attachment and separation on career commitment. Undergraduates (N = 195) from 3 academic programs were surveyed: a combined degree program that accepts students simultaneously into bachelor's and medical programs, premedical curriculum alone, and general university enrollment. Behavioral career commitment (enrollment in one of the aforementioned programs) correlated with attitudinal commitment for the combined degree and general enrollment groups. Greater attachment to father and less separation from parents were associated with lower career commitment for men. Attachment and separation did not predict career commitment for women.
Reversible Bioconjugation: Biodegradable Poly(phosphate)‐Protein Conjugates
Authors: Steinbach Tobias , Becker Greta , Spiegel Alina , Figueiredo Tamiris , Russo Daniela , Wurm Frederik R.
Published: December 2016

Protein‐polymer conjugates are widely used to improve the pharmacokinetic properties of therapeutic proteins. Commercially available conjugates employ poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as the protective polymer; however, PEG has a number of shortcomings, including non‐biodegradability and immunogenicity, that call for the development of alternatives. Here, the synthesis of biodegradable poly(phosphate), that is, poly(ethyl ethylene phosphate) (PEEP), by organo‐catalyzed anionic ring‐opening polymerization exhibiting dispersity values Ð < 1.3 is reported. Polymers with molecular weights between 2000 and 33 200 g mol−1 are then ω‐functionalized with a succinimidyl carbonate group and subsequently conjugated to model proteins. These are the first conjugates based on polyphosphates which degraded upon exposure to phosphodiesterase. As is the case for PEGylated therapeutics, residual in vitro activity of the PPEylated conjugates depends on the extent of protein modification. These results suggest that PEEP exhibits the desired properties of a biopolymer for use in next generation, fully degradable drug delivery systems.

image
Surface‐Initiated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization from Electrospun Mats: An Alternative to Nafion
Authors: Javakhishvili Irakli , Dimitrov Ivaylo , Tynelius Oskar , Hales Jan , Jankova Katja , Hvilsted Søren
Published: December 2016

Proton exchange membranes for fuel cell applications are synthesized by surface‐initiated (SI) atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐chlorotrifluoroethylene) is electrospun into 50 µm thick mat, which is then employed as multifunctional initiator for copper‐mediated SI ATRP of 4‐styrene sulfonic acid sodium salt. Fine‐tuning of the ATRP conditions allows adjustment of the membrane's ion exchange capacity by varying the loading of the grafted ionomer. Structure and composition of the membranes are investigated by spectroscopic means and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. The membrane morphology is probed by scanning electron microscopy. A membrane with proton conductivity as high as 100 mS cm−1 is obtained. Long‐term durability study in direct methanol fuel cells is conducted for over 1500 h demonstrating the viability of this novel facile approach.

image
A posteriori error estimation for the Stokes–Darcy coupled problem on anisotropic discretization
Authors: Houedanou Koffi Wilfrid , Ahounou Bernardin
Published: December 2016

This paper presents an a posteriori error analysis for the stationary Stokes–Darcy coupled problem approximated by finite element methods on anisotropic meshes in
or 3. Korn's inequality for piecewise linear vector fields on anisotropic meshes is established and is applied to non‐conforming finite element method. Then the existence and uniqueness of the approximation solution are deduced for non‐conforming case. With the obtained finite element solutions, the error estimators are constructed and based on the residual of model equations plus the stabilization terms. The lower error bound is proved by means of bubble functions and the corresponding anisotropic inverse inequalities. In order to prove the upper error bound, it is vital that an anisotropic mesh corresponds to the anisotropic function under consideration. To measure this correspondence, a so‐called matching function is defined, and its discussion shows it to be useful tool. With its help, the upper error bound is shown by means of the corresponding anisotropic interpolation estimates and a special Helmholtz decomposition in both media. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comprehensive meta‐analysis on dietary flavonoid and lignan intake and cancer risk: Level of evidence and limitations
Authors: Grosso Giuseppe , Godos Justyna , Lamuela‐Raventos Rosa , Ray Sumantra , Micek Agnieszka , Pajak Andrzej , Sciacca Salvatore , D'Orazio Nicolantonio , Del Rio Daniele , Galvano Fabio
Published: December 2016

Scope

To summarize available evidence on the association between dietary flavonoid as well as lignan intake and cancer risk in observational studies.

Methods and results

A systematic search on electronic databases of all English language case–control and prospective studies published up to June 2016 was performed. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated by random‐effects model separately by study design. Heterogeneity and publication bias were tested. Out of the 143 studies included, meta‐analyses of prospective studies showed isoflavones significantly associated with decreased risk of lung and stomach cancers and nearly significant breast and colorectal cancers; total flavonoids showed nonsignificant decreased risk of breast cancer. Meta‐analyses of case–control studies showed: total and/or individual classes of flavonoids associated with upper aero‐digestive tract, colorectal, breast, and lung cancers; isoflavones with ovarian, breast, and colorectal cancers, endometrial and lung cancers.

Conclusions

Most evidence reported in previous meta‐analyses was driven by case–control studies. Overall results may be promising but are inconclusive. Further prospective cohorts assessing dietary polyphenol exposure and studies using other methods to evaluate exposure (i.e. markers of consumption, metabolism, excretion) are needed to confirm and determine consumption levels required to achieve health benefits.
Quantitative proteomic profiling of paired cancerous and normal colon epithelial cells isolated freshly from colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Tu Chengjian , Mojica Wilfrido , Straubinger Robert M. , Li Jun , Shen Shichen , Qu Miao , Nie Lei , Roberts Rick , An Bo , Qu Jun
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The heterogeneous structure in tumor tissues from colorectal cancer (CRC) patients excludes an informative comparison between tumors and adjacent normal tissues. Here, we develop and apply a strategy to compare paired cancerous (CEC) versus normal (NEC) epithelial cells enriched from patients and discover potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for CRC.

Experimental design

CEC and NEC cells are respectively isolated from five different tumor and normal locations in the resected colon tissue from each patient (N = 12 patients) using an optimized epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)‐based enrichment approach. An ion current‐based quantitative method is employed to perform comparative proteomic analysis for each patient.

Results

A total of 458 altered proteins that are common among >75% of patients are observed and selected for further investigation. Besides known findings such as deregulation of mitochondrial function, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and RNA post‐transcriptional modification, functional analysis further revealed RAN signaling pathway, small nucleolar ribonucleoproteins (snoRNPs), and infection by RNA viruses are altered in CEC cells. A selection of the altered proteins of interest is validated by immunohistochemistry analyses.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

The informative comparison between matched CEC and NEC enhances our understanding of molecular mechanisms of CRC development and provides biomarker candidates and new pathways for therapeutic intervention.
Comparison of approaches for incorporating new information into existing risk prediction models
Authors: Grill Sonja , Ankerst Donna P. , Gail Mitchell H. , Chatterjee Nilanjan , Pfeiffer Ruth M.
Published: December 2016

We compare the calibration and variability of risk prediction models that were estimated using various approaches for combining information on new predictors, termed ‘markers’, with parameter information available for other variables from an earlier model, which was estimated from a large data source. We assess the performance of risk prediction models updated based on likelihood ratio (LR) approaches that incorporate dependence between new and old risk factors as well as approaches that assume independence (‘naive Bayes’ methods). We study the impact of estimating the LR by (i) fitting a single model to cases and non‐cases when the distribution of the new markers is in the exponential family or (ii) fitting separate models to cases and non‐cases. We also evaluate a new constrained maximum likelihood method. We study updating the risk prediction model when the new data arise from a cohort and extend available methods to accommodate updating when the new data source is a case‐control study. To create realistic correlations between predictors, we also based simulations on real data on response to antiviral therapy for hepatitis C. From these studies, we recommend the LR method fit using a single model or constrained maximum likelihood. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
One‐Step Microfluidic Synthesis of Nanocomplex with Tunable Rigidity and Acid‐Switchable Surface Charge for Overcoming Drug Resistance
Authors: Feng Qiang , Liu Jianping , Li Xuanyu , Chen Qinghua , Sun Jiashu , Shi Xinghua , Ding Baoquan , Yu Haijun , Li Yaping , Jiang Xingyu
Published: December 2016

Multidrug resistance (MDR), is the key reason accounting for the failure of cancer chemotherapy, remains a dramatic challenge for cancer therapy. In this study, the one‐step microfluidic fabrication of a rigid pH‐sensitive micellar nanocomplex (RPN) with tunable rigidity and acid‐switchable surface charge for overcoming MDR by enhancing cellular uptake and lysosome escape is demonstrated. The RPN is composed of a poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) core and a pH‐sensitive copolymer shell, which is of neutral surface charge during blood circulation. Upon internalization of RPN by cancer cells, the pH‐responsive shell dissociates inside the acidic lysosomes, while the rigid and positively charged PLGA core improves the lysosomal escape. The cellular uptake and nuclear uptake of doxorubicin (Dox) from Dox‐loaded RPN are 1.6 and 2.4 times higher than that from Dox‐loaded pH‐sensitive micelles (PM) using a Dox‐resistant cancer model (MCF‐7/ADR, re‐designated NCI/ADR‐RES) in vitro. Dox‐loaded RPN significantly enhances the therapeutic efficacy (92% inhibition of tumor growth) against MCF‐7/ADR xenograft tumor in mice, while Dox‐loaded PM only inhibits the tumor growth by 36%. RPN avoids the use of complicated synthesis procedure of nanoparticle and the necessary to integrate multiple components, which can facilitate the clinical translation of this novel nanostructure.
Cancer and inflammation
Authors: Munn Lance L.
Published: December 2016

The relationship between inflammation and cancer has been recognized since the 17th century,1 and we now know much about the cells, cytokines and physiological processes that are central to both inflammation and cancer.2-9 Chronic inflammation can induce certain cancers,10-17 and solid tumors, in turn, can initiate and perpetuate local inflammatory processes that foster tumor growth and dissemination.5,18-20 Consequently, inflammatory pathways have been targeted in attempts to control cancer.21-23 Inflammation is a central aspect of the innate immune system's response to tissue damage or infection, and also facilitates the recruitment of circulating cells and antibodies of the adaptive immune response to the tissue. Components of the innate immune response carry out a robust, but sometimes overly‐conservative response, sacrificing specificity for the sake of preservation. Thus, when innate immunity goes awry, it can have profound implications. How the innate and adaptive immune systems cooperate to neutralize pathogens and repair damaged tissues is still an area of intense investigation. Further, how these systems can respond to cancer, which arises from normal ‘self’ cells that undergo an oncogenic transformation, has profound implications for cancer therapy. Recently, immunotherapies that activate adaptive immunity have shown unprecedented promise in the clinic, producing durable responses and dramatic increases in survival rate in patients with advanced stage melanoma.24-26 Consequently, the relationship between cancer and inflammation has now returned to the forefront of clinical oncology. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2017, 9:e1370. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1370

This article is categorized under:

Physiology > Mammalian Physiology in Health and Disease

Biological Mechanisms > Regulatory Biology
Developing one-dimensional implosions for inertial confinement fusion science
Authors: Kline J. L. , Yi S. A. , Simakov A. N. , Olson R. E. , Wilson D. C. , Kyrala G. A. , Perry T. S. , Batha S. H. , Dewald E. L. , Ralph J. E. , Strozzi D. J. , MacPhee A. G. , Callahan D. A. , Hinkel D. , Hurricane O. A. , Leeper R. J. , Zylstra A. B. , Peterson R. R. , Haines B. M. , Yin L. , Bradley P. A. , Shah R. C. , Braun T. , Biener J. , Kozioziemski B. J. , Sater J. D. , Biener M. M. , Hamza A. V. , Nikroo A. , Berzak Hopkins L. F. , Ho D. , LePape S. , Meezan N. B. , Montgomery D. S. , Daughton W. S. , Merritt E. C. , Cardenas T. , Dodd E. S.
Published: December 2016

Experiments on the National Ignition Facility show that multi-dimensional effects currently dominate the implosion performance. Low mode implosion symmetry and hydrodynamic instabilities seeded by capsule mounting features appear to be two key limiting factors for implosion performance. One reason these factors have a large impact on the performance of inertial confinement fusion implosions is the high convergence required to achieve high fusion gains. To tackle these problems, a predictable implosion platform is needed meaning experiments must trade-off high gain for performance. LANL has adopted three main approaches to develop a one-dimensional (1D) implosion platform where 1D means measured yield over the 1D clean calculation. A high adiabat, low convergence platform is being developed using beryllium capsules enabling larger case-to-capsule ratios to improve symmetry. The second approach is liquid fuel layers using wetted foam targets. With liquid fuel layers, the implosion convergence can be controlled via the initial vapor pressure set by the target fielding temperature. The last method is double shell targets. For double shells, the smaller inner shell houses the DT fuel and the convergence of this cavity is relatively small compared to hot spot ignition. However, double shell targets have a different set of trade-off versus advantages. Details for each of these approaches are described.
Excitation and relaxation dynamics in ultrafast laser irradiated optical glasses
Authors: Mauclair C. , Mermillod-Blondin A. , Mishchik K. , Bonse J. , Rosenfeld A. , Colombier J. P. , Stoian R.
Published: December 2016

We discuss the dynamics of ultrashort pulsed laser excitation in bulk optical silica-based glasses (fused silica and borosilicate BK7) well-above the permanent modification threshold. We indicate subsequent structural and thermomechanical energy relaxation paths that translate into positive and negative refractive index changes, compression and rarefaction zones. If fast electronic decay occurs at low excitation levels in fused silica via self-trapping of excitons, for carrier densities in the vicinity of the critical value at the incident wavelength, persistent long-living absorptive states indicate the achievement of low viscosity matter states manifesting pressure relaxation, rarefaction, void opening and compaction in the neighboring domains. An intermediate ps-long excited carrier dynamics is observed for BK7 in the range corresponding to structural expansion and rarefaction. The amount of excitation and the strength of the subsequent hydrodynamic evolution is critically dependent on the pulse time envelope, indicative of potential optimization schemes.
Swirl boundary layer and flow separation at the inlet of a rotating pipe
Authors: Cloos F.-J. , Stapp D. , Pelz P. F.
Published: December 2016

When a fluid enters a rotating circular pipe, an angular momentum or swirl boundary layer appears at the wall and interacts with the axial momentum boundary layer. In the centre of the pipe, the fluid is free of swirl and is accelerated due to boundary layer growth. Below a critical flow number, defined as the ratio of average axial velocity to circumferential velocity of the pipe, there is flow separation, known in the turbomachinery context as part load recirculation. To describe this phenomenon analytically, we extended boundary layer theory to a swirl boundary layer interacting with the axial momentum boundary layer. The solution of the resulting generalized von Kármán momentum equation takes into account the influence of the Reynolds number and flow number. We show the impact of swirl on the axial boundary layer and conduct experiments in which we vary Reynolds number, flow number and surface roughness to validate the analytical results. The extended boundary layer theory predicts a critical flow number which is analytically derived and validated. Below this critical flow number, separation is expected.
Geometrical shock dynamics for magnetohydrodynamic fast shocks
Authors: Mostert W. , Pullin D. I. , Samtaney R. , Wheatley V.
Published: December 2016

We describe a formulation of two-dimensional geometrical shock dynamics (GSD) suitable for ideal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) fast shocks under magnetic fields of general strength and orientation. The resulting area–Mach-number–shock-angle relation is then incorporated into a numerical method using pseudospectral differentiation. The MHD-GSD model is verified by comparison with results from nonlinear finite-volume solution of the complete ideal MHD equations applied to a shock implosion flow in the presence of an oblique and spatially varying magnetic field ahead of the shock. Results from application of the MHD-GSD equations to the stability of fast MHD shocks in two dimensions are presented. It is shown that the time to formation of triple points for both perturbed MHD and gas-dynamic shocks increases as $\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}^{-1}$, where $\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}$ is a measure of the initial Mach-number perturbation. Symmetry breaking in the MHD case is demonstrated. In cylindrical converging geometry, in the presence of an azimuthal field produced by a line current, the MHD shock behaves in the mean as in Pullin et al. (Phys. Fluids, vol. 26, 2014, 097103), but suffers a greater relative pressure fluctuation along the shock than the gas-dynamic shock.
Power Law of Critical Buckling in Structural Members Supported by a Winkler Foundation
Authors: Sato M. , Harasawa S. , Konishi Y. , Maruyama T. , Park S. J.
Published: December 2016

In the fields of engineering, nanoscience, and biomechanics, thin structural members, such as beams, plates, and shells, that are supported by an elastic medium are used in several applications. There is a possibility that these thin structures might buckle under severe loading conditions; higher-order, complicated elastic buckling modes can be found owing to the balance of rigidities between the thin members and elastic supports. In this study, we have shown a new and simple ‘power law’ relation between the critical buckling strain (or loads) and rigidity parameters in structural members supported by an elastic medium, which can be modelled as a Winkler foundation. The following structural members have been considered in this paper: i) a slender beam held by an outer elastic support under axial loading, ii) cylindrical shells supported by an inner elastic core under hydrostatic pressure (plane strain condition), and iii) complete spherical shells that are filled with an inner elastic medium.
The iconic body: Mussolini unclothed
Authors: Antola Swan Alessandra
Published: December 2016

The body partially disrobed as a visual strategy for self-branding is the theme of this article. During Fascism, photography, in synergy with the communications industryante-literam, was an essential part of the construction of the cult of the leader that transformed the figure of Mussolini into an icon. Mussolini’s partial nudity is considered here as a powerful political tool. The Duce, in anticipation of our celebrities today, did not hesitate to undress and display his torso in what Valerie Sperling calls ‘iconic public-relations stunts’ that were both exhibitionistic and voyeuristic (Sperling 2014, 21). Deconstructing the visual language of Fascist propaganda that made the man into a myth, this article illustrates the most iconic aspects of Mussolini’s visual strategy, demonstrating his innovative capacity to take advantage of a modern attitude towards self-representation, similar to that adopted by today’s heads of state.
Iconic images in propaganda
Authors: Cheles Luciano
Published: December 2016

Italian visual propaganda often makes use of well-established imagery, to exploit its proven impact. Renaissance masterpieces with religious subject matter were recurrently reproduced on political posters in the early post-war years and during the referenda campaigns of 1974 and 1981, mostly to characterise the parties as Christian. In Italy and elsewhere these images now tend to be employed in a secular way, for instance to denounce injustices and atrocities, and invite compassion and solidarity for the victims. Symbolic motifs traditionally associated with specific ideological traditions also used to feature strongly in Italian visual propaganda; they virtually disappeared in the early 1990s with the collapse of the Christian-Democrat and Socialist parties in the wake of theMani puliteinvestigations, and the Communist Party’s transformation into a social-democratic party. They have been replaced by new icons. Iconographic motifs dear to fascism and Nazism, however, continue to be used, by stealth or unabashedly, by Italian far-right organisations.
Increased GABAA receptor binding in amygdala after prenatal administration of valproic acid to rats
Authors: Bertelsen Freja , Møller Arne , Folloni Davide , Drasbek Kim Ryun , Scheel-Krüger Jørgen , Landau Anne M.
Published: December 2016

Objective

Prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) enhances the risk for later development of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). An altered gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system may be a key factor in ASD. Here we investigated possible changes in the GABA system in rats exposed to a low dose of prenatal VPA.

Method

We performed autoradiography with [3H]muscimol, (a GABAA receptor agonist), and [11C]Ro15-4513 (a partial agonist of the GABAA α1+5 receptor subtypes), in brain sections containing amygdala, thalamus and hippocampus of rats treated prenatally with 20 mg/kg VPA or saline from the 12th day of gestation.

Result

Prenatal VPA significantly increased [11C]Ro15-4513 binding in the left amygdala compared with controls (p<0.05). This difference was not observed in the hippocampus, thalamus or right amygdala. No differences were observed in [3H]muscimol binding.

Conclusion

We observed an asymmetric increase in GABAA receptor binding. Disturbances in the GABAA receptor system have also been detected in human autism with [11C]Ro15-4513.
Structure and Levels of Meaning in Life and Its Relationship With Mental Health in Chinese Students Aged 10 to 25
Authors: Xin-qiang Wang , Xiao-xin He , Fan Yang , Da-jun Zhang
Published: December 2016

This study examines the usage of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire in Chinese students aged from 10 to 25 within four age groups ( N = 5,510): early adolescence (10–13 years old, n = 1,258), middle adolescence (14–17 years old, n = 1,987), late adolescence (18–21 years old, n = 1,950) and early adulthood (22–25 years old, n = 315); and analyses the structure and levels of meaning in life, as well as the relationship between meaning in life and mental health. Results showed that: (1) the Meaning in Life Questionnaire in the four age groups of Chinese students had good construct validity and internal consistency reliability; (2) the average levels of the presence of meaning and search for meaning of Chinese students were moderate or above, and had obvious differences according to gender and family location (i.e., urban vs. rural); (3) the level of presence of meaning showed a trend of rising rapidly in middle adolescence and the level of search for meaning continued to rise in early adolescence and fell rapidly towards the end of adolescence; (4) presence of meaning was positively related to life satisfaction and positive affect and negatively related to depression and negative affect, and the same correlations were found with search for meaning.
OVID,TRISTIA2.7–8 REVISITED
Authors: Blum Barak
Published: December 2016

At the beginning ofTristia2, a single long apologetic elegy, Ovid struggles with making sense of his continued occupation with poetry, despite the disaster it has brought upon him. In lines 7–8 he broods over Augustus’ displeasure, roused by theArs Amatoria, which led to his reproach. The passage is also sometimes adduced as a reference to the removal of theArsfrom Rome's public libraries.1
GROWING UP IN PORTUGAL: CAPE VERDEAN ANCESTRY CHILDREN EXHIBIT LOW OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY COMPARED WITH PORTUGUESE IN URBAN LISBON
Authors: André A. L. , Padez C. , Rosado-Marques V. , Griffiths P. L. , Varela-Silva M. I.
Published: December 2016

Portugal has one of the highest rates of childhood overweight and obesity in Europe. However, little is known about the health of ethnic minorities living in its capital city, Lisbon. The Cape Verdean community in Lisbon tend to have low educational levels, material deprivation and struggle with discrimination and racism, factors that would probably be associated with a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity. Data for the Cape Verdean population were collected in three different time periods by three different research teams in 1993, 2009 and 2013 and included children aged 6–12 years living in the Cova da Moura neighbourhood of the Greater Lisbon Metro Area. The Portuguese national survey was conducted between 2009 and 2010 at public and private schools in mainland Portugal and included height, weight, skinfolds and arm and waist circumferences. From these survey data body mass index (BMI) and prevalence of stunting (chronic malnutrition – low height-for-age) and underweight (low weight-for-age) were calculated according to reference values proposed by Frisancho (2008). Overweight and obesity prevalence values were defined based on the references established by the International Obesity Task Force. The results show significant differences in height between Cape Verdean and Portuguese boys and girls. Generally, Cape Verdeans’ growth falls within the healthy range of international growth references across all of the survey data collected. Cape Verdean rates for combined overnutrition (overweight and obesity) in 2013 (9.8% for boys and 16.7% for girls) were lower than those of the Portuguese (33% for boys and 31.7% for girls). Logistic regression models showed that Cape Verdean children had a lower risk of being overweight or obese when accounting for breast-feeding, birth weight, maternal education and occupation. Despite living in a deprived neighbourhood these Cape Verdean children seemed to have grown more healthily than Portuguese ancestry children. The challenge for policymakers will be to support improvement of the poverty-related living conditions of this community without creating a risky environment for increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity.
Platelet-rich plasma in otolaryngology
Authors: Stavrakas M , Karkos P D , Markou K , Grigoriadis N
Published: December 2016

Background:

Platelet-rich plasma is a novel material that is being used more frequently in many surgical specialties.

Methods:

A literature review on the current and potential uses of platelet-rich plasma in otolaryngology was performed.

Results:

There is limited evidence on the use of platelet-rich plasma in otolaryngology compared with other specialties: only 11 studies on various subspecialties (otology, rhinology and laryngology) were included in the final review.

Conclusion:

Based on the limited number of studies, we cannot draw safe conclusions about the value of platelet-rich plasma in otolaryngology. Nevertheless, the available literature suggests that platelet-rich plasma holds promise for future research and may have a number of clinical applications.
Genetic polymorphism and population structure ofEchinococcus ortleppi
Authors: ADDY F. , WASSERMANN M. , BANDA F. , MBAYA H. , ASCHENBORN J. , ASCHENBORN O. , KOSKEI P. , UMHANG G. , DE LA RUE M. , ELMAHDI I. E. , MACKENSTEDT U. , KERN P. , ROMIG T.
Published: December 2016

The zoonotic cestodeEchinococcus ortleppi(Lopez-Neyra and Soler Planas, 1943) is mainly transmitted between dogs and cattle. It occurs worldwide but is only found sporadically in most regions, with the notable exception of parts of southern Africa and South America. Its epidemiology is little understood and the extent of intraspecific variability is unknown. We have analysed in the present study the genetic diversity among 178E. ortleppiisolates from sub-Saharan Africa, Europe and South America using the complete mitochondrialcox1(1608 bp) andnad1(894 bp) DNA sequences. Genetic polymorphism within the loci revealed 15cox1and sixnad1haplotypes, respectively, and 20 haplotypes of the concatenated genes. Presence of most haplotypes was correlated to geographical regions, and only one haplotype had a wider spread in both eastern and southern Africa. Intraspecific microvariance was low in comparison withEchinococcus granulosussensu stricto, despite the wide geographic range of examined isolates. In addition, the various sub-populations showed only subtle deviation from neutrality and were mostly genetically differentiated. This is the first insight into the population genetics of the enigmatic cattle adaptedEchinococcus ortleppi. It, therefore, provides baseline data for biogeographical comparison amongE. ortleppiendemic regions and for tracing its translocation paths.
Plasmodium knowlesi: a relevant, versatile experimental malaria model
Authors: PASINI ERICA M. , ZEEMAN ANNE-MARIE , VOORBERG-VAN DER WEL ANNEMARIE , KOCKEN CLEMENS H. M.
Published: December 2016

The primate malariaPlasmodium knowlesihas a long-standing history as an experimental malaria model. Studies using this model parasite in combination with its various natural and experimental non-human primate hosts have led to important advances in vaccine development and in our understanding of malaria invasion, immunology and parasite–host interactions. The adaptation to long-termin vitrocontinuous blood stage culture in rhesus monkey,Macaca fascicularisand human red blood cells, as well as the development of various transfection methodologies has resulted in a highly versatile experimental malaria model, further increasing the potential of what was already a very powerful model. The growing evidence thatP. knowlesiis an important human zoonosis in South-East Asia has added relevance to former and future studies of this parasite species.
The antileishmanial activity of xanthohumol is mediated by mitochondrial inhibition
Authors: MONZOTE LIANET , LACKOVA ALEXANDRA , STANIEK KATRIN , STEINBAUER SILVIA , PICHLER GERALD , JÄGER WALTER , GILLE LARS
Published: December 2016

Xanthohumol (Xan) is a natural constituent of human nutrition. Little is known about its actions on leishmanial parasites and their mitochondria as putative target. Therefore, we determined the antileishmanial activity of Xan and resveratrol (Res, as alternative compound with antileishmanial activity) with respect to mitochondria inLeishmania amazonensispromastigotes/amastigotes (LaP/LaA) in comparison with their activity in peritoneal macrophages from mouse (PMM) and macrophage cell line J774A.1 (J774). Mechanistic studies were conducted inLeishmania tarentolaepromastigotes (LtP) and mitochondrial fractions isolated from LtP. Xan and Res demonstrated antileishmanial activity in LaA [half inhibitory concentration (IC50): Xan 7µm, Res 14µm]; while they had less influence on the viability of PMM (IC50: Xan 70µm, Res >438µm). In contrast to Res, Xan strongly inhibited oxygen consumption inLeishmania(LtP) but not in J774 cells. This was based on the inhibition of the mitochondrial electron transfer complex II/III by Xan, which was less pronounced with Res. Neither Xan nor Res increased mitochondrial superoxide release in LtP, while both decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential in LtP. Bioenergetic studies showed that LtP mitochondria have no spare respiratory capacity in contrast to mitochondria in J774 cells and can therefore much less adapt to stress by mitochondrial inhibitors, such as Xan. These data show that Xan may have antileishmanial activity, which is mediated by mitochondrial inhibition.
Hypogyrification in obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Rus O. G. , Reess T. J. , Wagner G. , Zaudig M. , Zimmer C. , Koch K.
Published: December 2016

Background

Previous studies hypothesized that neurodevelopmental risk factors may play a role in the pathogenesis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Cortical folding has been shown to be a reliable indicator for normal and altered neurodevelopment, but in OCD it has barely been investigated up to now. The present study investigates whether alterations in gyrification are detectable in OCD and, if so, how these are associated with clinical characteristics.

Method

We compared the local Gyrification Index (lGI) between 75 OCD patients and 75 matched healthy subjects across the whole brain. In addition, for those regions exhibiting an altered lGI in patients we explored a potential relationship to symptom severity, age of onset, and influence of medication.

Results

OCD patients had a significantly decreased lGI in right parietal, precentral but also insula, temporal, pars triangularis and rostral middle frontal regions compared to healthy subjects. A positive association with age of onset was found but no association with symptom severity. There was no effect of co-morbidity or medication.

Conclusions

The reduced gyrification found in OCD confirms previous findings in other psychiatric disorders and suggests that alterations may already occur during early stages of brain development. Our findings support the idea that altered cortical folding might represent a trait characteristic of the disorder although longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the trajectory of this morphological measure in OCD.
Introduction & overview
Authors: Stamatopoulou Maria
Published: December 2016

Following a ‘remarkable decade of fieldwork’ (Catherine Morgan in AR 59 [2012–2013] 1) and the increasing application of technologically advanced methods in archaeological investigations, emphasis appears now to have shifted from excavation to the analysis of the data collected. The present volume aims to strike a balance between articles that discuss exciting new discoveries (as is customary for the Newsround section and the Director's report of the work of the British School at Athens) and features that offer synthetic overviews on methodologies (Jill Hilditch, Jamieson C. Donati and Apostolos Sarris), specific regions (Chryssanthi Papadopoulou, Stavroula Sdrolia) or fields of study (Sylvian Fachard, Holger Baitinger). It will be clear from this description that I intend to continue the thematic organization Archaeology in Greece adopted several years ago in this edition, my first as editor.
New museums, exhibitions and site presentations
Authors: Stamatopoulou Maria
Published: December 2016

Since 2009 Greece has faced one of its most challenging phases in modern history; the financial and social crisis has affected all sectors of society and spending for cultural activities has been significantly cut. Although there have been museum closures and funds for research or even day-to-day needs are in short supply, nevertheless, very serious and creative work is being produced quietly, often with the aid of European Union co-funded projects, through the so-called Εθνικό Στρατηλικό Πλαίσιο Aναϕοράς (EΣΠA), or National Strategic Reference Framework. The schedule and deadlines for such projects are very tight and working conditions challenging, but the results have often been exceptional in quality, revealing hard work, effective management of people of various specialisms and scholarly expertise. The period 2015–2016 has seen the opening of many new major museums, the result of many years of planning and hard work, and the organization of temporary exhibitions, through which the finds of the last decade have become accessible to the wider public. In this feature I concentrate on a brief presentation of the new museums that have opened this past year, news that will interest not only students and academics, but also other visitors to Greece. Colleagues in the various relevant ephorates of antiquities have been very generous in providing information, and so I have decided to leave their texts largely unchanged. I begin with a brief presentation of new museums, before moving on to discuss temporary exhibitions and a few key archaeological sites.
Aixone: insights into an Athenian deme
Authors: Papadopoulou Chryssanthi
Published: December 2016

The ancient deme of Aixone coincides with the area of the modern Athenian suburb of Glyphada. An extensive, comprehensive study on this deme was published in 1990 by Eleni Konsolaki-Giannopoulou. Since then, new excavation data have come to light which support the conclusions of this study and provide us with even greater insights into the life of the deme. Another monograph on Aixone will be published by Delphine Ackermann in 2017, entitled Une microhistoire d’Athènes. Le dème d’Aixônè dans l’Antiquité.

Aixone, along with neighbouring Halai Aixonidai, belonged to the Kekropis tribe. In Classical and Hellenistic times the settlement extended from the west of Pirnari to the east of modern Leoforos Dimarchou Aggelou Metaxa, thus coinciding for the large part with the area of modern Glyphada. The deme centre lay near the Church of Agios Nikolaos, west of modern Vouliagmenis Avenue (Eliot 1962: 21). To the east of the settlement lay the deme's agricultural lands and to the west the port, salt lake and the salt pits.
The Devil's Daughter of Hell Fire: Anger's Role in Medieval English Felony Cases
Authors: Kamali Elizabeth Papp
Published: December 2016

During the period at issue in this paper–the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, when trial juries were first employed in English felony cases–felonious homicide was a catch-all category, with no formal distinction drawn between murder and manslaughter. Nevertheless, juries did distinguish among different types of homicide as they sorted the guilty from the innocent, and the irremediably guilty from those worthy of pardon. Anger was one of the factors that informed this sorting process. This paper builds upon an earlier analysis of the meaning of felony, which posited that the medieval paradigm of felony was an act that involved deliberation and forethought, an exercise of a person's reasoning capacity and volition in the absence of necessity, and moral blameworthiness. Anger complicates this scenario. On the one hand, anger was seen to be a product of an ill-formed conscience. This potentially placed anger within the felonious area of moral blameworthiness. On the other hand, anger in its more extreme manifestations was seen to inhibit a person's ability to reason and to inspire behavior resembling insanity, thereby possibly pointing toward a partial excuse. This paper takes a fresh methodological approach for the study of emotion in the common law, placing legal texts within a broader cultural context in order to illuminate the concerns and priorities of jurors.