bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preemptive Delivery and Immediate Resection for Fetuses with High-Risk Sacrococcygeal Teratomas
Authors: Baumgarten Heron D. , Gebb Juliana S. , Khalek Nahla , Moldenhauer Julie S. , Johnson Mark P. , Peranteau William H. , Hedrick Holly L. , Adzick N. Scott , Flake Alan W.
Published: May 2018

Introduction: Fetuses with “high-risk” sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) have a mortality rate of 40–50%. While fetal surgery may benefit select fetuses prior to 27 weeks’ gestation, many fetuses die due to consequences of rapid tumor growth after 27 weeks. Here we report our experience applying “preemptive” delivery to fetuses who manifest signs of decompensation between 27 and 32 weeks. Methods: A retrospective review of SCT fetuses delivered between 2010 and 2016 at ≤32 weeks’ gestation was performed. Patients who decompensated prior to 27 weeks and were treated with fetal surgery or neonatal palliation were excluded. Results: Forty-two SCT fetuses were evaluated, and 11 were preemptively delivered in response to impending fetal or maternal decompensation. Nine (81.8%) survived. One death was due to pulmonary hypoplasia in a neonate with significant intra-abdominal tumor burden, and the other was due to in utero tumor rupture. There were no deaths related to prematurity in this cohort. Conclusions: Many fetuses with SCT manifest signs of decompensation between 27 and 32 weeks. In the absence of fetal hydrops prior to 27 weeks or tumor rupture in utero, early delivery is associated with favorable outcomes. Our single-center experience supports a management algorithm change to incorporate “preemptive” delivery for selected cases.
Estimating the Marginal Causal Effect of Fish Consumption during Adolescence on Multiple Sclerosis: A Population-Based Incident Case-Control Study
Authors: Abdollahpour Ibrahim , Nedjat Saharnaz , Mansournia Mohammad Ali , Sahraian Mohammad Ali , Kaufman Jay S.
Published: May 2018

Background: Adolescence is considered as a critical time period in multiple sclerosis (MS) etiology. Nonetheless, there are insufficient reports regarding the potential role of fresh and canned fish consumptions during adolescence in MS etiology. The authors investigated the association between fresh and canned fish consumptions and MS. Methods: This was a population-based incident case-control study conducted in Tehran. Cases (n = 547) identified from Iranian Multiple Sclerosis Society between August 7, 2013, and November 17, 2015 were included in the study. Population-based controls (n = 1,057) were recruited by random digit telephone dialing without any matching. Inverse-probability-of-treatment weighing (IPTW) using 2 sets of propensity scores and model-based standardization were used to separately estimate the marginal odds ratio between fresh and canned fish consumptions in adolescence and MS. Results: The marginal OR for fresh fish was 0.72 (95% CI 0.58–0.90; p = 0.005) in both IPTW analyses. Similarly, the marginal OR for canned fish consumption was 0.75 (95% CI 0.60–0.95; p = 0.014).The model-based standardized OR was 0.72 (95% CI 0.58–0.91; p = 0.008) for fresh and 0.73 (95% CI 0.59–0.94; p = 0.006) for canned fish consumption in adolescence. Discussion: Subject to limitation of case-control studies in interpreting associations causally, this study suggests that both fresh and canned fish consumptions in adolescence can decrease the risk of MS.
Aggressive Ciliary Body Adenocarcinoma with Bilateral Lung Metastases: Histological, Molecular, Genetic and Clinical Aspects
Authors: Kopsidas Konstantinos , Mudhar Hardeep , Sisley Karen , Hammond David W. , Worthington L. , Suvarna Kim , Foran Bernadette , Salvi Sachin
Published: May 2018

Purpose of the Study: To describe the clinical and histopathological features of an aggressive ciliary body adenocarcinoma with pulmonary metastases and skull base spread. Procedures and Results: A 45-year-old female patient presented with a post-traumatic phthisical eye that was eviscerated. This showed an unexpected carcinoma (positive for cytokeratins and melanocytic markers), the histological differential diagnosis for which included a primary ciliary body adenocarcinoma or a metastasis. The patient developed rapid post-surgical localized recurrence that required an orbital exenteration. This showed identical tumour to the evisceration specimen, with vascular invasion in orbital blood vessels and a contaminated orbital soft tissue margin. Staging imaging revealed multiple lung metastases, which were biopsied and shown to be a disseminated ciliary body adenocarcinoma rather than a disseminated primary lung carcinoma. The tumour spread locally to the skull base for which radiotherapy was given. Unfortunately, the patient passed away a few weeks later. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first case of ciliary body adenocarcinoma with bilateral lung metastases. The malignant potential of these tumours should be considered as a possibility, and appropriate screening and staging tests should therefore be considered to guide appropriate management.
Adjuvant Dose-Dense Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer: Available Evidence and Recent Updates
Authors: de Almeida Fernando Kude , Rosa Daniela Dornelles
Published: May 2018

Adjuvant chemotherapy has greatly improved the prognosis of early breast cancer. Dose-dense chemotherapy seeks to increase efficacy by changing the interval between cycles of treatment without the need of increasing doses and toxicity. According to the Gompertzian model, the smaller tumors are and the more rapid they grow, the more benefit could be expected from dose-dense therapy. Some clinical trials showed reduced mortality when adjuvant chemotherapy is administered in shorter intervals, while others had discordant results. Interpreting results is difficult due to a great variability in doses and schemes used in different trials. Dose-dense chemotherapy does not seem to increase adverse events and appears to be the most efficacious in higher-risk individuals and in hormone receptor-negative tumors. This review intends to summarize the available evidence and recent research about this subject.
The Effectiveness of Parental Questionnaires in the Assessment of Speech-Language and Auditory Function in Children
Authors: Fabus Renee , Berg Abbey L. , Serpanos Yula C. , Cooley Hidecker Mary Jo
Published: May 2018

Objective: This study investigates the use of a parental questionnaire to determine its effectiveness as a screening tool in identifying speech-language and/or auditory impairments in children. Patients and Methods: Parents completed speech-language (n = 36) or audiology (n = 23) questionnaires prior to their child’s speech-language and/or auditory evaluations. The speech-language and audiology evaluations were conducted by clinicians at three different universities not familiar with the administration and scoring of the parental questionnaires. A research assistant coded the results of the speech-language and audiology evaluations. Statistical analysis was used to determine if any aspects of the parents’ evaluation of their child’s speech, language, or hearing correlated with the speech-language pathologists’/audiologists’ assessment. The results of the analyses would indicate whether parental reports are a reliable alternative to professionals’ assessment. Results: The speech-language questionnaires for children aged 2–5 years revealed the parents’ perception of their children speaking 3-word sentences significantly (p < 0.05) corresponded to the children’s comprehension and expression skills. The results from the auditory questionnaires revealed that reports of a child’s ear pain were (p < 0.05) correlated with auditory dysfunction. Conclusions: These questionnaires can potentially be used in low-income countries where professional resources are scarce and there are barriers to identifying children with speech-language and/or auditory impairment.
Endobronchiale Ultraschall-gesteuerte transbronchiale Nadelaspiration bei Sarkoidose: Eine prospektive Studie zur Anzahl der zu punktierenden Lymphknotenstationen
Authors: Drakopanagiotakis Fotios , Günther Andreas
Published: May 2018

Background: While endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is widely used as an initial diagnostic procedure for pathological confirmation of sarcoidosis, it is unclear how many passes are required to obtain diagnostic materials. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the number of needle passes needed for the diagnosis of stage I/II sarcoidosis using EBUSTBNA. Methods: At three institutions, 109 patients with suspected stage I/II sarcoidosis were recruited and underwent 6 passes of EBUS-TBNA for the main target lesion. Additional EBUS-TBNA for other lesions was permitted. The cumulative yields of needle passes for detecting noncaseating epithelioid cell granulomas were analyzed. Results: A total of 109 patients underwent EBUS-TBNA for 184 lesions. EBUS-TBNA identified specimens containing granulomas in 81 of 92 patients (88%) with a final diagnosis of sarcoidosis. The cumulative yields through the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth passes for the main target lesion were 63, 75, 82, 85, 86 and 88%, respectively. In the 55 patients that underwent EBUS-TBNA for multiple lesions, the cumulative yields of 2 passes per lesion for 2 lesions (total of 4 passes) and of 4 passes for single lesions were 86 and 84%, respectively (p = 1.00). Conclusions: If rapid on-site cytological evaluation is not available, we recommend at least 4 passes per patient for either single or multiple lesions with EBUS-TBNA for pathological diagnosis of stage I/II sarcoidosis.
Interstitielle Lungenerkrankung nach Monotherapie mit an Albumin-Nanopartikel gebundenem Paclitaxel bei Patienten mit fortgeschrittenem nicht-kleinzelligem Bronchialkarzinom
Authors: Nakatani Yuki , Nakaya Aya , Kurata Takayasu , Yokoi Takashi , Takeyasu Yuki , Niki Maiko , Kibata Kayoko , Satsutani Naoko , Ogata Makoto , Miyara Takayuki , Nomura Shosaku
Published: May 2018

Eine Interstitielle Lungenerkrankung (interstitial lung disease, ILD) ist ein schwerwiegendes und lebensbedrohendes unerwünschtes Ereignis in der Behandlung von Lungenkrebs. Nab-PTX (an Albumin-Nanopartikel gebundenes Paclitaxel) ist eine neuartige, lösungsmittelfreie Formulierung von Paclitaxel (PTX). Die Inzidenz der nab-PTX-induzierten ILD ist zwar nicht bekannt, man geht jedoch davon aus, dass diese Formulierung mit einem vergleichbaren ILD-Risiko verbunden ist wie PTX. Wir berichten hier über 3 Patienten, die nach der Behandlung mit nab-PTX eine schwere ILD entwickelten. Wir unterstreichen damit das Risiko für das Auftreten einer medikamenteninduzierten ILD nach einer nab-PTX-Therapie und heben hervor, dass diese neue Formulierung in Bezug auf das ILD-Risiko möglicherweise weniger sicher ist als PTX. Übersetzung aus Case Rep Oncol 2017;10:683-688 (DOI: 10.1159/000479148).
Aussicht auf neue therapeutische Interventionsansätze bei allergischer Rhinitis
Authors: Mahler Vera
Published: May 2018

Objectives: Mast cells (MCs) and nerves play an important role in allergic rhinitis (AR), but little is known about their crosstalk in AR. The aim of this study was to investigate MC-nerve interaction in the human nasal mucosa during AR. Methods: The association between MCs and nerves, the expression of neuropeptide receptors (neurokinin 1 receptor [NK1R], neurokinin 2 receptor [NK2R], calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor [CGRPR], and MrgX2) on MCs, and protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) and tyrosine receptor kinase A (TrkA) on nerve fibres in the human nasal mucosa were investigated with immunofluorescence and real-time PCR. Results: The association between MCs and nerves was found to be significantly increased, although the numbers of MCs and nerve fibres were unchanged during AR. MCs expressing tryptase-chymase (MCtc) were frequently associated with nerve fibres and these contacts increased significantly in AR. Neuropeptide receptors NK1R, NK2R, and CGRPR were firstly found to be largely localised on MCs. The number of MCs expressing NK1R and NK2R, but not CGRPR, was significantly increased in AR. Interestingly, MCtc mostly expressed these neuropeptide receptors. The newly discovered tachykinin receptor MrgX2 was not expressed on nasal MCs, but was expressed on gland cells and increased in AR. Additionally, tachykinergic nerve fibres were found to express PAR2 or TrkA as receptors for MCs. Conclusions: This study revealed for the first time an increase of MC-nerve association and neuropeptide receptor expression on MCs during AR as well as nerve fibres containing receptors for MCs. These results suggest that targeting or controlling airway sensory nerve function as a modulator of MCs may prevent allergic airway inflammation such as AR.
Trichologist, Dermatotrichologist, or Trichiatrist? A Global Perspective on a Strictly Medical Discipline
Authors: Trüeb Ralph Michel , Vañó-Galván Sergio , Kopera Daisy , Jolliffe Vicky M.L. , Ioannides Demetrios , Gavazzoni Dias Maria Fernanda Reis , Macpherson Melanie , Ruíz Ávila Javier , Gadzhigoroeva Aida , Ovcharenko Julya , Lee Won-Soo , Murugusundram Sundaram , Kurata Sotaro , Chang Mimi , Tanglertsampan Chuchai
Published: May 2018

Few dermatologic problems carry as much emotional overtones as the complaint of hair loss. The best way to alleviate the distress related to hair loss is to effectively treat it. In fact, one of the oldest medical professions is the Egyptian physician who specialized on diseases of the head. And yet, from ancient Egypt down to modern times, human hair has been the object of superstition and mystery. Remarkably and despite the genuine advances in effective medical treatments, hair cosmetics, and surgical procedures, phony hair loss solutions continue to be marketed with an amazing success. In 1860, a quasi-scientific interest in hair loss and hair care originated in a London barbershop and became known as trichology, with the Institute of Trichologists being founded. Other corporations successively followed internationally, but it was only in 2010 that the term dermatotrichologist was proposed for board-certified dermatologists dealing with the scientific study of the hair and scalp, in contrast to the trichologist who is rather associated with laity and cosmetics than with medical professionalism, or – worse – offers opportunities to possible imposters with a primary commercial interest. The new term “trichiatrist” is proposed, literally meaning the “medical treatment of the hair,” to designate the strictly medical professional dealing with the hair and scalp in health and disease. Trichiatrists differ from trichologists by virtue of being physicians. The quality and stringency of their graduate medical training is identical to that of other physicians.
A Pilot Study Investigating the Impact of Topical Nasal Steroid Spray in Allergic Rhinitis Patients with Dry Eye
Authors: Yenigun Alper , Elbay Ahmet , Dogan Remzi , Ozturan Orhan , Ozdemir Mehmet Hakan
Published: May 2018

Objective: The aim of this study is to demonstrate the effect of nasal steroid treatment on intraocular pressure and dry eye in allergic rhinitis patients with dry eye. Materials and Methods: Twenty-nine patients with a diagnosis of allergic rhinitis and dry eye were included. Symptoms and findings of patients before and after nasal steroid therapy were compared. Result: Ocular Surface Disease Index scores for dry eye symptoms showed significant improvement after nasal steroid treatment (p = 0.003). In the Schirmer test, no significant change was observed in the right or left eye (p = 0.167 and p = 0.489). For the tear film break-up time, no significant change was observed in the right or left eye (p = 0.076 and (p = 0.170). No significant change was observed in the right eye or the left eye in an intraocular pressure test (p = 0.893 and p = 0.495). Conclusion: In our study, symptoms of dry eye with allergic rhinitis were significantly improved with nasal steroid therapy, without affecting the intraocular pressure.
Effect of CXCR4 on Apoptosis in Osteosarcoma Cells via the PI3K/Akt/NF-κβ Signaling Pathway
Authors: Jiang Chunming , Ma Shenglin , Hu Runlei , Wang Xuepeng , Li Maoqiang , Tian Fei , Jiang Wu , Zhu Liulong , Bian Zhenyu
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: Osteosarcoma, the most common primary bone malignancy, arises from primitive transformed cells of mesenchymal origin with the worldwide increasing morbidity and mortality. Previous studies found apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells was essential for an effective manner to improve the progress of osteosarcoma, and CXCR4 has been demonstrated to be relevant with various tumor progress and metastasis. Methods: The proliferation of cells transfected with CXCR4 shRNA and control shRNA were measured by BrdU assay. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Apoptotic protein expression levels were detected by Western blot. Caspase activity was detected by Colorimetric Assay Kits using microplate reader. Activation of NF-κβ signaling after CXCR4 down-regulation in osteosarcoma cells was examined by constructing NF-κβ promoter luciferase reporter plasmid. The expression and activation of NF-κβ Signaling relevant protein were analyzed to investigate the relationship between Akt and NF-κβ signaling after the down-regulation of CXCR4 in osteosarcoma cells. Results: Down-regulation of CXCR4 significantly reduced the cell proliferation, while remarkably increased the cell apoptosis and apoptotic protein expression levels in osteosarcoma cells. Furthermore, down-regulation of CXCR4 induced cell apoptosis was caspase dependent in osteosarcoma cells. This study also showed CXCR4 down-regulation induced apoptosis through inhibiting PI3K/Akt/NF-κβ signaling pathway. In addition, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) activation was involved in cell apoptosis induced down-regulation of CXCR4. Knockdown of partial ERS relevant proteins followed down-regulation of CXCR4 significantly inhibited cell apoptosis and the apoptotic protein expression levels. Conclusions: Taken together, the results demonstrated that down-regulation of CXCR4 could induce apoptosis of human osteosarcoma cells through inhibiting PI3K/Akt/NF-κβ signaling pathway, indicating that CXCR4 could be vital for the clinical therapy of osteosarcoma.
MicroRNA-873 Promotes Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion by Directly Targeting TSLC1 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Han Guoyong , Zhang Long , Ni Xuhao , Chen Zhiqiang , Pan Xiongxiong , Zhu Qin , Li Shu , Wu Jindao , Huang Xinli , Wang Xuehao
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and has the third highest mortality rate among all cancers. MicroRNAs are a class of endogenous, single-stranded short noncoding RNAs. The purpose of this study was to study the role of microRNA-873 in HCC. Methods: The expression of miRNA-873 and tumor suppressor in lung cancer 1 (TSLC1) in HCC tissues and cell lines was detected by real-time quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) or western blot. A CCK-8 assay was used to examine cell proliferation; flow cytometry was used to assess the cell cycle; the Transwell migration assay was used to test for metastasis. Luciferase assays were performed to assess whether TSLC1 was a novel target of miRNA-873. Results: We showed that miRNA-873 was upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines compared with the normal control. Knockdown of miRNA-873 inhibited the growth and metastasis of HepG2 and accelerated G1 phase arrest, while overexpression of miRNA-873 had the opposite effect. The dual-luciferase reporter assays revealed that TSLC1 was a novel target of miRNA-873. Further study showed that TSLC1 was decreased in HCC tissues and cell lines. There was a negative correlation between the expression levels of TSLC1 and miRNA-873. The effect of miRNA-873 overexpression was neutralized by TSLC1. We also found that miRNA-873 activated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and promoted HCC. Conclusions: Our data demonstrated that miRNA-873 promoted HCC progression by targeting TSLC1 and provided a new target for the therapy of HCC.
Novel Serum Biomarkers Detected by Protein Array in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome with Low Progesterone Level
Authors: Zheng Qin , Zhou Feifei , Cui Xinyuan , Liu Mulin , Li Yulin , Liu Shuai , Tan Jichun , Yan Qiu
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), characterized by female infertility and metabolic abnormalities, is one of the most common endocrine disorders. The etiology of PCOS remains unknown. The comprehensive analysis of protein alterations in PCOS patients is meaningful for identifying diagnostic biomarkers of PCOS. Here, we explored the clinical value of serum proteins as novel biomarkers to detect PCOS with low progesterone level. Methods: A total of 43 patients with PCOS and 30 healthy women were enrolled. Protein array was used to detect the variations of serum proteins between PCOS patients and healthy women. The level of five serum proteins was further confirmed by ELISA and western blot. The human ovarian granulosa cells (KGN) was cultured to examine the underlying mechanism of PCOS. CCK8 assay and western blot were carried out to evaluate the alterations in proliferative ability, TUNEL assay and DAPI staining to detect the apoptosis of KGN cells. Results: Among the 507 proteins, we identified 76 differentially expressed serum proteins (≧1.5 fold), with 40 elevated and 36 decreased proteins. Moreover, 47 proteins were newly reported in PCOS. The alterations in the five significantly decreased proteins (EREG, inhibin βA, IDE, PDGF-D and KNG1) were further confirmed by ELISA and western blot. The level of these proteins were directly associated with the low progesterone, and the expression could be upregulated by progesterone. EREG and inhibin βA also promoted the proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells. Conclusion: The study highlights that serum proteins are differentially expressed in PCOS patients and healthy women, and EREG and inhibin βA levels are upregulated by progesterone, which are correlated with ovarian functions. The study suggests that EREG and inhibin βA may be applied as novel potential biomarkers for PCOS with low progesterone level.
Protective Effect of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate on Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Weng Xiao-fen , Li Song-tao , Song Qi , Zhu Qi , Song Dan-dan , Qin Zheng-hong , Xie Yan
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a common consequence of acute kidney injury. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), which is derived from the pentose phosphate pathway, is essential for the proper functioning of essential redox and antioxidant defense systems. Previous studies have indicated that NADPH is responsible for protecting the brain from ischemic injury. The goal of this study was to analyze the protective function of NADPH in renal IRI. Methods: The IRI animal model was generated through a midline laparotomy surgery that clamped both sides of the renal pedicles for 40 min to induce renal ischemia. The in vitro model was generated by removing oxygen and glucose from human kidney epithelial cells (HK-2 cells), followed by reoxygenation to imitate IRI. Renal function and histopathological changes were observed and evaluated. Additionally, malondialdehyde and glutathione levels were determined in renal tissue homogenate as indicators of oxidative stress. ROS production in cells was determined by DHE staining. Protein biomarker expression was evaluated by western blot, apoptosis was analyzed by TUNEL staining, and p65 nuclear translocation was visualized by immunofluorescence. Results: Our data indicated that NADPH safeguarded the kidneys from histological and functional damage, and significantly reduce cell injury along with preventing potential increases in blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels. Furthermore, we observed that NADPH increased glutathione levels, while reducing levels of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species. Additionally, our results suggested that NADPH treatment may alleviate IRI-induced apoptosis and inflammation. Conclusion: NADPH treatment may protect against renal IRI and should be further developed as a new treatment for acute kidney injury.
Soluble Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor is Associated with Coronary Artery Calcification and Cardiovascular Disease in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Wu Wenjuan , Cui Yanhai , Hu Juan , Liao Ruyi , Li Sijia , Mo Liyi , Xu Lixia , Chen Yuanhan , Lian Zhiwen , Tian Xiulan , Li Zhuo , Li Ruizhao , Zhang Li , Liang Huaban , Ma Jianchao , Lin Ting , Feng Zhonglin , Dong Wei , Ke Guibao , Ge Pingjiang , Ye Zhiming , Wang Wenjiang , Zhang Bing , Shi Wei , Liang Xinling , Liu Shuangxin
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis patients. Vascular calcification is thought to play an important role in causing CVD. Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a biomarker strongly predictive of cardiovascular outcomes in the pathogenesis of diabetic patients with renal disease treated with hemodialysis. We investigated the relationship between suPAR and coronary artery calcification (CAC) in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. Methods: A total of 99 adult hemodialysis patients were enrolled in this study. Plasma samples were analyzed for suPAR with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the CAC score was determined with multidetector computed tomography. The occurrence of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality during follow-up were recorded from January 1, 2010 to June 1, 2016. Results: In 99 patients treated with maintenance hemodialysis, 91 (91.9%) had varying degrees of CAC, and suPAR correlated positively with the CAC score in a Spearman analysis. In a mean follow-up period of 33 months, 36 patients (36.4%) experienced at least one cardiovascular event. When the quartiles of suPAR concentrations were used as the cutoff points for a subgroup analysis, the incidence of CVD and all-cause mortality was much higher in the higher quartiles of suPAR. In a univariate Cox regression analysis, high suPAR was a risk factor for CVD and all-cause mortality. Conclusion: suPAR is associated with the CAC score and is a risk factor for new-onset CVD in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
A Pártia e os Partos nos Anais de Tácito
Authors: Araujo Matheus Treuk Medeiros de
Published: May 2018

Os Anais de Tácito constituem uma das principais fontes narrativas para a história do Império Parto. Considerando a profunda inimizade romana em relação à Pártia, contudo, nem sempre é fácil dizer como se deveria interpretar essa obra. Este artigo resume múltiplos aspectos da descrição taciteana da Pártia e dos partos, abordando questões de credibilidade e representação dos outros. Através de uma análise contextual de alusões e ressonâncias narrativas, esforça-se por demonstrar que a avaliação de Tácito dos arsácidas é bastante complexa. Como outros autores romanos, Tácito expressa, efetivamente, desprezo genérico em relação aos inimigos iranianos, mas também associa, implicitamente, Roma à Pártia, atenuando, por conseguinte, as fronteiras entre ambos. Em segundo lugar, examina-se brevemente a persistência da ideia de divisio orbis nos Anais. Por fim, o autor aborda questões relativas à relevância de Tácito para o estudo do Império Parto. Conclui-se que as descrições de Tácito são, de fato, de grande valor para a História Antiga do Irã, mas apenas se cuidadosamente apreciadas.
Sepultamentos e Rituais Funerários entre os Povos Celtiberos
Authors: Trombetta Silvana
Published: May 2018

As pesquisas arqueológicas sobre os sepultamentos celtiberos buscam elucidar as práticas funerárias no que diz respeito ao critério utilizado para escolha dos objetos depositados nas sepulturas (espadas, punhais, adagas, fusos) bem como os processos de incineração e deposição do cadáver. Havia sepultamentos primários cujos restos mortais eram colocados em buracos diretamente escavados na terra e marcados por estelas funerárias e outros secundários nos quais os ossos eram previamente selecionados antes da deposição em urnas cinerárias. Neste sentido, são particularmente importantes as necrópoles de La Mercadera (na qual 40% dos enterramentos possuíam armas), Carratiermes (com enterramentos do século VI a. C ao I d.C. que proporcionam uma vasta documentação material) e Numância (na qual a existência de urnas cinerárias com ossos pré-selecionados e a presença nos enterramentos de fíbulas com representações de cavaleiros carregando cabeças cortadas sugerem ritos marcados por uma complexa simbologia).
Renal-Specific Silencing of TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor) Unmasks Salt-Dependent Increases in Blood Pressure via an NKCC2A (Na
+
-K
+
-2Cl
−
Cotransporter Isoform A)-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Hao Shoujin , Hao Mary , Ferreri Nicholas R.
Published: May 2018

We tested the hypothesis that TNF (tumor necrosis factor)-α produced within the kidney and acting on the renal tubular system is part of a regulatory mechanism that attenuates increases in blood pressure in response to high salt intake. Intrarenal administration of a lentivirus construct, which specifically silenced TNF in the kidney, did not affect baseline blood pressure. However, blood pressure increased significantly 1 day after mice with intrarenal silencing of TNF ingested 1% NaCl in the drinking water. The increase in blood pressure, which was continuously observed for 11 days, promptly returned to baseline levels when mice were switched from 1% NaCl to tap water. Silencing of renal TNF also increased NKCC2 (Na
+
-K
+
-2Cl
−
cotransporter) phosphorylation and induced a selective increase in NKCC2A (NKCC2 isoform A) mRNA accumulation in both the cortical and medullary thick ascending limb of Henle loop that was neither associated with a compensatory decrease of NKCC2F in the medulla nor NKCC2B in the cortex. The NaCl-mediated increases in blood pressure were completely absent when NKCC2A, using a lentivirus construct that did not alter expression of NKCC2F or NKCC2B, and TNF were concomitantly silenced in the kidney. Moreover, the decrease in urine volume and NaCl excretion induced by renal TNF silencing was abolished when NKCC2A was concurrently silenced, suggesting that this isoform contributes to the transition from a salt-resistant to salt-sensitive phenotype. Collectively, the data are the first to demonstrate a role for TNF produced by the kidney in the modulation of sodium homeostasis and blood pressure regulation.
Endothelial PPARγ (Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor-γ) Is Essential for Preventing Endothelial Dysfunction With Aging
Authors: De Silva T. Michael , Li Ying , Kinzenbaw Dale A. , Sigmund Curt D. , Faraci Frank M.
Published: May 2018

Little is known about mechanisms that control vascular aging, particularly at the cell-specific level. PPARγ (peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ) exerts protective effects in the vasculature when activated pharmacologically. To gain insight into the cell-specific impact of PPARγ, we examined the hypothesis that genetic interference with endothelial PPARγ would augment age-induced vascular dysfunction. We studied carotid arteries from adult (11.6±0.3 months) and old (24.7±0.6 months) mice with endothelial-specific expression of a human dominant negative mutation in PPARγ driven by the vascular cadherin promoter (E-V290M), along with age-matched, nontransgenic littermates. Acetylcholine (an endothelium-dependent agonist) produced similar relaxation in arteries from adult nontransgenic and E-V290M mice and old nontransgenic mice. In contrast, responses to acetylcholine were reduced by >50% in old male and female E-V290M mice (
P
<0.01). Endothelial function in old E-V290M mice was not altered by an inhibitor of COX (cyclooxygenase) but was restored to normal by a superoxide scavenger, an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase, or inhibition of ROCK (Rho kinase). Relaxation of arteries to nitroprusside, which acts directly on vascular muscle, was similar in all groups. Vascular expression of IL (interleukin)-6, Nox-2, and CDKN2A (a marker of senescence) was significantly increased in old E-V290M mice compared with controls (
P
<0.05). These findings provide the first evidence that age-related vascular dysfunction, inflammation, and senescence is accelerated after interference with endothelial PPARγ via mechanisms involving oxidative stress and ROCK. The finding of an essential protective role for endothelial PPARγ has implications for vascular disease and therapy for vascular aging.
Orthostatic Hypotension and Risk of Clinical and Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease in Middle‐Aged Adults
Authors: Juraschek Stephen P. , Daya Natalie , Appel Lawrence J. , Miller Edgar R. , McEvoy John William , Matsushita Kunihiro , Ballantyne Christie M. , Selvin Elizabeth
Published: May 2018

Background

Although orthostatic hypotension (
OH
) is a well‐recognized manifestation of neuropathy and hypovolemia, its contribution to cardiovascular disease (
CVD
) risk is controversial.

Methods and Results

Participants with
OH
, defined as a decrease in blood pressure (systolic ≥20 mm Hg or diastolic ≥10 mm Hg) from the supine to standing position, were identified during the first visit of the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) Study (1987–1989) within 2 minutes of standing. All participants were followed up for the development of myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, fatal coronary heart disease (
CHD
), any
CHD
(combination of silent, nonfatal, and fatal
CHD
or cardiac procedures), and all‐cause mortality. Participants were assessed for carotid intimal thickness and plaque during the first visit. Detectable high‐sensitivity troponin T (≥5 ng/L) and elevated NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide; ≥100 pg/mL) were determined in blood collected during the second visit (1990–1992). All associations were adjusted for known
CVD
risk factors. In 9139 participants (57% women; 23% black; mean age, 54±5.7 years), 3% had
OH
. During follow‐up (median, 26 years),
OH
was associated with myocardial infarction (hazard ratio [
HR
], 1.88; 95% confidence interval [
CI
], 1.44–2.46), congestive heart failure (
HR
, 1.65; 95%
CI
, 1.34–2.04), stroke (
HR
, 1.83; 95%
CI
, 1.35–2.48), fatal
CHD
(
HR
, 2.77; 95%
CI
, 1.93–3.98), any
CHD
(
HR
, 2.00; 95%
CI
, 1.64–2.44), and all‐cause mortality (
HR
, 1.68; 95%
CI
, 1.45–1.95).
OH
was also associated with carotid intimal thickness (β, 0.05 mm; 95%
CI
, 0.04–0.07 mm), carotid plaque (odds ratio, 1.51; 95%
CI
, 1.18–1.93), detectable high‐sensitivity troponin T (odds ratio, 1.49; 95%
CI
, 1.16–1.93), and elevated
NT
‐pro
BNP
(odds ratio, 1.92; 95%
CI
, 1.48–2.49).

Conclusions

OH
identified in community‐dwelling middle‐aged adults was associated with future
CVD
events and subclinical
CVD
. Further research is necessary to establish a causal role for
OH
in the pathogenesis of
CVD
.
Networking in the Russian North: The Karino Tatars
Authors: Waugh Daniel C.
Published: May 2018

While well documented in the Muscovite customs registers (tamozhennye knigi), the commercial and communications networks of the Russian North have yet to receive the scholarly attention they deserve. Despite the low population density of that region and its ostensibly forbidding natural environment, communications were comparatively fast and frequent. This essay examines the evidence concerning the commercial activities of the Tatars and connected non-Russian groups, the Udmurts and Besermiane, who lived in and near the village of Karino east of Khlynov (Viatka). Their lucrative business dealings, especially in wax and honey, drew on resources to the south and east, took them regularly to Velikii Ustiug, and on some occasions all the way to the White Sea. To a considerable degree, this is the story of kinship networking and family enterprise.
The Usefulness of Bees in Muscovy
Authors: Lahana Martha
Published: May 2018

The term “bee culture” indicates the whole range of a society’s relationship to bees and their products. In Muscovite Russia bee culture is reflected in records of property ownership and management, taxation and rents, international and domestic trade, diplomacy and foreign affairs, and even food, drink, and medical care. Political centralization, economic developments, changing tastes and persistent traditions, all were reflected in bee culture. The relationship between Muscovites and their bees evolved with developments in both local and international societies, and a study of these can illuminate both.
Political Theology and the Emergence of Female Personifications of Russia in Visual Sources from a European Perspective: The Petrine Period as a Watershed
Authors: Sashalmi Endre
Published: May 2018

Muscovy and the kingdoms of Western Christianity differed considerably in their ideology of power and the imagery expressing that ideology as Muscovy was part of the Orthodox community. Examination of early seventeenth-century English examples of symbolic political theology elucidates these differences, especially as to the female personification of sovereignty and ‘nation’, at a time when the female personification of “Russia” was just becoming manifest in Russian literary and ceremonial sources.
Efforts towards Establishing a New State-conceptualized History in Russia
Authors: Szvák Gyula
Published: May 2018

It would be too early to try and summarize the way in which the issue of Russia’s “state historical and remembrance policy” has evolved or foresee its possible outcomes, as the standard uniform set of schoolbooks has not yet been approved. The media-voting competitions presented in this essay, however, clearly demonstrate the national social climate and its trends, which would have to be moulded into some form of an “all-Russian socium” by such a new approach to history. As contemporaries we might curiously await the next rounds of the “identity battle,” but as historians we must give voice to scepticism in regards to hopes of any form of quick success. Yet most of all, we have to stand by the deep conviction that only a pluralistic approach to history based on free research and the freedom to present freely conceived alternatives can help in the crystallization of a realistic national self-image.

P.S.: For the first time in the history of Russia a statue has been erected for Ivan IV (the Terrible, the Fearsome) in the city of Oryol on 15 October 2016. The countdown has begun.
Anaxiphomorpha hexagona sp. n., a new, unusual swordtail cricket collected from Motuo County, Xizang, China (Orthoptera: Grylloidea: Trigonidiidae: Trigonidiinae)
Authors: MA LIBIN
Published: May 2018

Anaxiphomorpha are rare, small and yellowish swordtail crickets recorded from China and Vietnam. These species are special in their genitalia structure, of which, epiphallus and ectoparamere are armed with multiple lobes or branches. Six species of Anaxiphomorpha are known. The new species, Anaxiphomorpha hexagona, sp. n., possesses antler-like structure of the epiphallus and is described and illustrated.
Dryophthorinae weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) of the forest floor in Southeast Asia: illustrated overview of nominal Stromboscerini genera
Authors: GREBENNIKOV VASILY V.
Published: May 2018

All 13 Recent genera currently assigned to the tribe Stromboscerini are studied and illustrated based mainly on the type specimens of the type species. Nominal monotypic genus Parasynommatus Voss, 1956 from New Guinea is herein transferred to Cossoninae incertae sedis. The genus Nephius is notably dissimilar to the rest of the tribe and perhaps renders it paraphyletic. Besides the monotypic type genus endemic to Madagascar, the tribe is distributed in a triangle delimited by Japan, Sri Lanka and northern Australia; two new tribe records from continental Africa (Uganda) and the Western Hemisphere (Cuba) are reported and illustrated. Assignment of both fossil monotypic genera to the tribe was done outside of the cladistic framework and remains questionable. Judging by external similarity, the likeliest closest relative of Stromboscerini (with or without Nephius and, perhaps, Stromboscerus) is the tribe Dryophthorini with three Recent genera.
Dynamical Properties of the North Atlantic Atmospheric Circulation in the Past 150 Years in CMIP5 Models and the 20CRv2c Reanalysis
Authors: Rodrigues David , Alvarez-Castro M. Carmen , Messori Gabriele , Yiou Pascal , Robin Yoann , Faranda Davide
Published: May 2018

It is of fundamental importance to evaluate the ability of climate models to capture the large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns and, in the context of a rapidly increasing greenhouse forcing, the robustness of the changes simulated in these patterns over time. Here we approach this problem from an innovative point of view based on dynamical systems theory. We characterize the atmospheric circulation over the North Atlantic in the CMIP5 historical simulations (1851–2000) in terms of two instantaneous metrics: local dimension of the attractor and stability of phase-space trajectories. We then use these metrics to compare the models to the Twentieth Century Reanalysis version 2c (20CRv2c) over the same historical period. The comparison suggests that (i) most models capture to some degree the median attractor properties, and models with finer grids generally perform better; (ii) in most models the extremes in the dynamical systems metrics match large-scale patterns similar to those found in the reanalysis; (iii) changes in the attractor properties observed for the ensemble-mean 20CRv2c are artifacts resulting from inhomogeneities in the standard deviation of the ensemble over time; and (iv) the long-term trends in local dimension observed among the 56 members of the 20CR ensemble have the same sign as those observed in the CMIP5 multimodel mean, although the multimodel trend is much weaker.
Evaluation of CMIP5 Earth System Models for the Spatial Patterns of Biomass and Soil Carbon Turnover Times and Their Linkage with Climate
Authors: Wu Donghai , Piao Shilong , Liu Yongwen , Ciais Philippe , Yao Yitong
Published: May 2018

Earth system models (ESMs) from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) were diagnosed as having large discrepancies in their land carbon turnover times, which partly explains the differences in the future projections of terrestrial carbon storage from the models. Carvalhais et al. focused on evaluation of model-based ecosystem carbon turnover times τeco in relation with climate factors. In this study, τeco from models was analyzed separately for biomass and soil carbon pools, and its spatial dependency upon temperature and precipitation was evaluated using observational datasets. The results showed that 8 of 14 models slightly underestimated global biomass carbon turnover times τveg (modeled median of 8 yr vs observed 11 yr), and 11 models grossly underestimated the soil carbon turnover time τsoil (modeled median of 16 yr vs observed 26 yr). The underestimation of global carbon turnover times in ESMs was mainly due to values for τveg and τsoil being too low in the high northern latitudes and arid and semiarid regions. In addition, the models did not capture the observed spatial climate sensitivity of carbon turnover time in these regions. Modeled τveg and τsoil values were generally weakly correlated with climate variables, implying that differences between carbon cycle models primarily originated from structural differences rather than from differences in atmospheric climate models (i.e., related to temperature and precipitation). This study indicates that most models do not reproduce the underlying processes driving regional τveg and τsoil, highlighting the need for improving the model parameterization and adding key processes such as biotic disturbances and permafrost–carbon climate responses.
Treatment of Patients With Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo and Severe Immobility Using the Particle Repositioning Chair: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Luryi Alexander L. , Lawrence Juliana , LaRouere Michael , Babu Seilesh , Bojrab Dennis I. , Zappia John , Sargent Eric W. , Schutt Christopher A.
Published: May 2018

Objective:

To report treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) in patients unable to undergo traditional canalith repositioning maneuvers (CRMs) using a particle repositioning chair (PRC).

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was conducted at a single high-volume otology practice of patients diagnosed with BPPV from 2007 to 2017 with immobility prohibiting use of traditional CRMs. Patients were diagnosed and treated using a PRC, and outcome measures including resolution, recurrence, and number of treatment visits were recorded.

Results:

A total of 34 patients meeting criteria were identified, 24 of whom had cervical spine disease and 10 of whom had other prohibitive immobility. Symptoms were present for between 5 days and 11 years at presentation, with mean and median of 552 and 90 days, respectively. Symptoms resolved in 68% of patients and recurred in 13% of those patients. Most patients required 1 treatment visit.

Conclusions:

Successful treatment of patients with BPPV and concomitant immobility prohibiting traditional CRMs is reported using the PRC. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in the setting of immobility is an indication for treatment with a PRC if available.
Disparities in the impact of a community hypertension education programme across age, gender, race and housing type
Authors: Lwin May O , Malik Shelly , Kang Vernon Beng Tat , Chen Grace Peimin
Published: May 2018

Objective:

This study investigated the extent to which the efficacy of a hypertension awareness programme in Singapore may differ based on age, gender, race and housing type (as proxy for income).

Method:

Pre- and post-programme survey responses on blood pressure (BP) knowledge and beliefs from 9,960 grade 5 students were assessed. Post-programme responses from 5,361 adult family members were also evaluated.

Results:

Female students were more likely to show better BP knowledge and beliefs. As compared to Chinese students, Malay students had lower levels of BP knowledge and attitudes, while Indian students possessed stronger attitudes. Programme efficacy among students in the most affordable housing was the least favourable. In the adult family member sample, Malay and Indian adults had higher self-confidence and intention to measure their BP in the future than the Chinese. Adult respondents in the most affordable housing possessed the least favourable beliefs towards BP measurement. Older adults, men, Malays and residents in affordable housing types had higher odds of being found with hypertension when tested at home.

Conclusion:

Despite the same hypertension education programme being implemented, disparities in programme impact were apparent in both student and adult sample across race, housing type and, to a lesser extent, gender. Future interventions should consider these disparities when developing health education programmes.
Political Economy of Infant Mortality Rate: Role of Democracy Versus Good Governance
Authors: Rosenberg Dina Y.
Published: May 2018

Despite numerous studies on whether democracy reduces the infant mortality rate (IMR), the empirical results remain mixed at best. In this article, I perform several theoretical and empirical exercises that help explain why and under what conditions we should expect politics to matter most for a decrease in IMR. First, I capitalize on the epidemiological view that IMR – the most commonly used indicator of health in social sciences – is better suited to reflect public health micromanagement than overall social development. Second, I theorize that autocrats have incentives to invest in health up to a certain point, which could lead to a reduction in IMR. Third, I introduce an omitted variable – good governance – that trumps the importance of a political regime for IMR: (1) it directly affects public health micromanagement, and (2) many autocrats made inroads in achieving good governance. Finally, for the first time in such research, I use a disaggregated IMR approach to corroborate my hypotheses.