bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Negative pressure effects on mechanically opposing pharyngeal muscles in awake and sleeping goats
Authors: Feroah Thom R. , Forster H. V. , Pan L. , Schlick N. E. , Martino Paul , Rice Tom
Published: December 2017

Our aim was to investigate the effects of the negative pressure reflex on mechanically opposing pharyngeal muscles during wakefulness, slow-wave sleep (SWS), and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. In four goats with isolated upper airways, we measured tracheal airflow and electrical activity of the thyropharyngeus (TP; constricting), the stylopharyngeus (SP; dilating), and the diaphragm (Dia). In the wakefulness state in response to negative pressure tests, TP decreased (65%), SP increased (198%), and tidal volume (Vt) (66%) and rate of rise of Dia (Diaslope, 69%) decreased ( P < 0.02). Similarly, during SWS, the negative pressure response of TP (31%), Vt (61%), and Diaslope(60%) decreased, whereas SP (113%) increased, relative to SWS control ( P < 0.02). In REM sleep, the negative pressure response by TP and SP were small, whereas both Vt (38%) and Diaslope(24%) were greatly decreased ( P < 0.02) compared with REM control. Inspiratory duration remained unchanged in response to negative pressure tests in all states. These data provide evidence that mechanically opposing inspiratory and expiratory pharyngeal muscles are reciprocally controlled and their response to negative pressure are state dependent.
Maturational changes in extracellular matrix and lung tissue mechanics
Authors: Tanaka R. , Al-Jamal R. , Ludwig M. S.
Published: December 2017

The viscoelastic properties of the pulmonary parenchyma change rapidly postparturition. We compared changes in mechanical properties with changes in tissue composition of rat lung parenchymal strips in three groups of Sprague-Dawley rats: baby (B; 10–14 days), young (Y; ∼3 wk), and adult (A; ∼8 wk). Strips were suspended in an organ bath, and resistance (R), elastance (E), and hysteresivity (η) were calculated during sinusoidal oscillations before and after the addition of acetylcholine (ACh) (10−3 M). Strips were then fixed in formalin, and sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Verhoff's elastic stain, or Van Gieson's picric acid-fuchsin stain for collagen. The volume proportion of collagen (%Col), the length density of elastic fibers ( L V/Pralv), and the arithmetic mean thickness of alveolar septae (Ta) were calculated by morphometry. Tissue was also stained for α-smooth muscle actin (ASMA), and the volume proportion of ASMA (%ASMA) was calculated. Hyaluronic acid (HA) was quantitated by radioimmunoassay in separate strips. R and E in B strips were significantly higher, whereas η was significantly smaller than in Y or A strips. Changes in these parameters with ACh were greater in B strips. Ta, %ASMA, and HA were greatest in B strips, whereas %Col and L V/Pralv were least. There were significant positive correlations between R and E vs. Taand between percent change in R and η post-ACh vs. Ta and vs. %ASMA, and significant negative correlations between R and E vs. %Col and vs. L V/Pralv and percent increase in all three mechanical parameters post-ACh vs. %Col. These data suggest that the relatively high stiffness, R, and contractile responsiveness of parenchymal tissues observed in newborns are not directly attributable to the amount of collagen and elastic fibers in the tissue, but rather they are related to the thickened alveolar wall and the relatively greater percent of contractile cells.
Peripheral vascular resistance increases after termination of obstructive apneas
Authors: Anand Amit , Remsburg-Sailor Stacia , Launois Sandrine H. , Weiss J. Woodrow
Published: December 2017

The mechanisms by which obstructive apneas produce intermittent surges in arterial pressure remain poorly defined. To determine whether termination of obstructive apneas produce peripheral vasoconstriction, we assessed forearm blood flow during and after obstructive events in sleeping patients experiencing spontaneous upper airway obstructions. In all subjects, heart rate was monitored with an electrocardiogram and blood pressure was monitored continuously with digital plethysmography. In 10 patients ( protocol 1), we used forearm plethysmography to assess forearm blood flow, from which we calculated forearm vascular resistance by performing venous occlusions during and after obstructive episodes. In an additional four subjects, we used simultaneous Doppler and B-mode images of the brachial artery to measure blood velocity and arterial diameter, from which we calculated brachial flow continuously during spontaneous apneas ( protocol 2). In protocol 1, forearm vascular resistance increased 71% after apnea termination (29.3 ± 15.4 to 49.8 ± 26.5 resistance units, P < 0.05) with all patients showing an increase in resistance. In protocol 2, brachial resistance increased at apnea termination in all subjects (219.8 ± 22.2 to 358.3 ± 46.1 mmHg · l−1 · min; P = 0.01). We conclude that termination of obstructive apneas is associated with peripheral vasoconstriction.
Selected Contribution: Estrogen receptor-α gene transfer inhibits proliferation and NF-κB activation in VSM cells from female rats
Authors: Sharma Ram V. , Gurjar Milind V. , Bhalla Ramesh C.
Published: December 2017

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that hormone replacement therapy with estrogen (E2) or E2plus progesterone in postmenopausal women decreases the age-associated risk of cardiovascular disease by 30–50%. Treatment of vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells with physiological concentrations of E2 has been shown to inhibit growth factor-stimulated cell proliferation. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that E2 inhibits the age-associated increase in VSM cell proliferation by inhibiting nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway. We investigated the effects of E2 treatment and adenovirus-mediated estrogen receptor (ER)-α gene transfer on cell proliferation and NF-κB activation using VSM cells cultured from 3-mo-old and 24-mo-old Fischer 344 female rats. Our results demonstrate that VSM cell proliferation was significantly increased ( P < 0.05) in aged compared with young adult female rats. Treatment of VSM cells with physiological concentrations of E2 inhibited VSM cell proliferation, and this inhibition was significantly greater ( P < 0.05) in cells from aged female rats compared with young adults. The inhibitory effects of E2 on cell proliferation in aged female rats were significantly potentiated by overexpression of the human ER-α gene into VSM cells. Constitutive and interleukin (IL)-1β-stimulated NF-κB activation was significantly greater ( P < 0.05) in VSM cells from aged compared with young female rats. E2 treatment of VSM cells from aged female rats inhibited both constitutive and IL-1β-stimulated NF-κB activation. ER-α gene transfer into VSM cells from aged female rats further augmented the inhibitory effects of E2. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that constitutive and IL-1β-stimulated NF-κB activation is increased in VSM cells from aged female rats due to loss of E2 and this can be restored back to normal levels by ER-α gene transfer and E2 treatment. In addition, increased NF-κB signaling may be responsible for increased incidence of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal females.
Regulation of the nitric oxide synthase-nitric oxide- cGMP pathway in rat mesenteric endothelial cells
Authors: Papapetropoulos Andreas , Andreopoulos Stavroula , Go Carolyn Y. , Hoque Azizul , Fuchs Leslie C. , Catravas John D.
Published: December 2017

Most of the available data on the nitric oxide (NO) pathway in the vasculature is derived from studies performed with cells isolated from conduit arteries. We investigated the expression and regulation of components of the NO synthase (NOS)-NO-cGMP pathway in endothelial cells from the mesenteric vascular bed. Basally, or in response to bradykinin, cultured mesenteric endothelial cells (MEC) do not release NO and do not express endothelial NOS protein. MEC treated with cytokines, but not untreated cells, express inducible NOS (iNOS) mRNA and protein, increase nitrite release, and stimulate cGMP accumulation in reporter smooth muscle cells. Pretreatment of MEC with genistein abolished the cytokine-induced iNOS expression. On the other hand, exposure of MEC to the microtubule depolymerizing agent colchicine did not affect the cytokine-induced increase in nitrite formation and iNOS protein expression, whereas it inhibited the induction of iNOS in smooth muscle cells. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that MEC do not express endothelial NOS but respond to inflammatory stimuli by expressing iNOS, a process that is blocked by tyrosine kinase inhibition but not by microtubule depolymerization.
Multiple mechanisms of reflex bronchospasm in guinea pigs
Authors: Canning Brendan J. , Reynolds Sandra M. , Mazzone Stuart B.
Published: December 2017

The mechanisms of histamine- and bradykinin-induced reflex bronchospasm were determined in anesthetized guinea pigs. With intravenous administration, both autacoids evoked dose-dependent increases in tracheal cholinergic tone. Vagotomy or atropine prevented these tracheal reflexes. When delivered as an aerosol, bradykinin readily increased tracheal cholinergic tone, whereas histamine aerosols were much less effective at inducing tracheal reflexes. Also, unlike histamine, bradykinin could evoke profound increases in cholinergic tone without directly or indirectly (e.g., prostanoid dependent) inducing measurable airway smooth muscle contraction resulting in bronchospasm. Neither autacoid required de novo synthesis of prostanoids or nitric oxide to induce reflex tracheal contractions. Combined cyclooxygenase inhibition and tachykinin-receptor antagonism did, however, abolish all effects of bradykinin in the airways, whereas responses to histamine were unaffected by these pretreatments. The data indicate that histamine and bradykinin initiate reflex bronchospasm by differential activation of vagal afferent nerve subtypes. We speculate that selective activation of either airway C fibers or airway rapid adapting receptors can initiate reflex bronchospasm.
Time course of myocardial sodium accumulation after burn trauma: a31P- and23Na-NMR study
Authors: Sikes Patricia J. , Zhao Piyu , Maass David L. , Horton Jureta W.
Published: December 2017

In this study,23Na- and31P- nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra were examined in perfused rat hearts harvested 1, 2, 4, and 24 h after 40% total body surface area burn trauma and lactated Ringer resuscitation, 4 ml · kg−1· %−1burn.23Na-NMR spectroscopy monitored myocardial intracellular Na+using the paramagnetic shift reagent thulium 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetra(methylenephosphonic acid). Left ventricular function, cardiac high-energy phosphates (ATP/PCr), and myocyte intracellular pH were studied by using31P NMR spectroscopy to examine the hypothesis that burn-mediated acidification of cardiomyocytes contributes to subsequent Na+accumulation by this cell population. Intracellular Na+accumulation was confirmed by sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate loading and fluorescence spectroscopy in cardiomyocytes isolated 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 18, and 24 h postburn. This myocyte Na+accumulation as early as 2 h postburn occurred despite no changes in cardiac ATP/PCr and intracellular pH. Left ventricular function progressively decreased after burn trauma. Cardiomyocyte Na+accumulation paralleled cardiac contractile dysfunction, suggesting that myocardial Na+overload contributes, in part, to the progressive postburn decrease in ventricular performance.
Serotonin elicits long-lasting enhancement of rhythmic respiratory activity in turtle brain stems in vitro
Authors: Johnson Stephen M. , Wilkerson Julia E. R. , Henderson Daniel R. , Wenninger Michael R. , Mitchell Gordon S.
Published: December 2017

Brain stem preparations from adult turtles were used to determine how bath-applied serotonin (5-HT) alters respiration-related hypoglossal activity in a mature vertebrate. 5-HT (5–20 μM) reversibly decreased integrated burst amplitude by ∼45% ( P < 0.05); burst frequency decreased in a dose-dependent manner with 20 μM abolishing bursts in 9 of 13 preparations ( P < 0.05). These 5-HT-dependent effects were mimicked by application of a 5-HT1Aagonist, but not a 5-HT1Bagonist, and were abolished by the broad-spectrum 5-HT antagonist, methiothepin. During 5-HT (20 μM) washout, frequency rebounded to levels above the original baseline for 40 min ( P < 0.05) and remained above baseline for 2 h. A 5-HT3antagonist (tropesitron) blocked the post-5-HT rebound and persistent frequency increase. A 5-HT3agonist (phenylbiguanide) increased frequency during and after bath application ( P < 0.05). When phenylbiguanide was applied to the brain stem of brain stem/spinal cord preparations, there was a persistent frequency increase ( P < 0.05), but neither spinal-expiratory nor -inspiratory burst amplitude were altered. The 5-HT3receptor-dependent persistent frequency increase represents a unique model of plasticity in vertebrate rhythm generation.
Invited Review: Estrogens effects on the brain: multiple sites and molecular mechanisms
Authors: McEwen Bruce S.
Published: December 2017

Besides their well-established actions on reproductive functions, estrogens exert a variety of actions on many regions of the nervous system that influence higher cognitive function, pain mechanisms, fine motor skills, mood, and susceptibility to seizures; they also appear to have neuroprotective actions in relation to stroke damage and Alzheimer's disease. Estrogen actions are now recognized to occur via two different intracellular estrogen receptors, ER-α and ER-β, that reside in the cell nuclei of some nerve cells, as well as by some less well-characterized mechanisms. In the hippocampus, such nerve cells are sparse in number and yet appear to exert a powerful influence on synapse formation by neurons that do not have high levels of nuclear estrogen receptors. However, we also find nonnuclear estrogen receptors outside of the cell nuclei in dendrites, presynaptic terminals, and glial cells, where estrogen receptors may couple to second messenger systems to regulate a variety of cellular events and signal to the nuclear via transcriptional regulators such as CREB. Sex differences exist in many of the actions of estrogens in the brain, and the process of sexual differentiation appears to affect many brain regions outside of the traditional brain areas involved in reproductive functions. Finally, the aging brain is responsive to actions of estrogens, which have neuroprotective effects both in vivo and in vitro. However, in an animal model, the actions of estrogens on the hippocampus appear to be somewhat attenuated with age. In the future, estrogen actions over puberty and in pregnancy and lactation should be further explored and should be studied in both the hypothalamus and the extrahypothalamic regions.
Comorbid Conditions in Parkinson’s Disease: A Population-Based Study of Statewide Parkinson’s Disease Registry
Authors: Xu Kerui , Alnaji Nada , Zhao Jing , Bertoni John M. , Chen Li-Wu , Bhatti Danish , Qu Ming
Published: December 2017

Background/Aims: In 1996, Nebraska became the first state in the United States to establish a Parkinson’s disease (PD) Registry. The objectives of this study were to determine the most common comorbid conditions among PD patients receiving inpatient and outpatient services in Nebraska between 2004 and 2012, and to examine whether PD patients had increased risks of these conditions. Methods: Statewide linkage was performed between Nebraska PD Registry data and hospital discharge database. The cohort comprised of 3,852 PD inpatients and 19,260 non-PD inpatients, and 5,217 PD outpatients and 26,085 non-PD outpatients. Referent subjects were matched to PD patients by age at initial hospital admissions or visits, gender, and county of residence using systematic random-sampling method. Results: Compared to non-PD inpatients, PD inpatients were at higher risks for dementia (relative risk [RR] 2.29; 95% CI 2.14–2.45), mood disorders (RR 1.57; 95% CI 1.44–1.70), gastrointestinal disorders (RR 1.15; 95% CI 1.06–1.25), and urinary tract infections (RR 1.33; 95% CI 1.22–1.45), while PD outpatients had higher risks for spondylosis (RR 1.23; 95% CI 1.09–1.38), genitourinary disorders (RR 1.48; 95% CI 1.29–1.69), gastrointestinal disorders (RR 1.59; 95% CI 1.38–1.84), and dementia (RR 2.83; 95% CI 2.38–3.37) than non-PD outpatients. Conclusions: The findings highlight PD as a multisystem neurodegenerative disorder, and this information is crucial for creating strategies to better prevent and manage PD complications.
Cytomorphological Findings of Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma on Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology
Authors: Ojha Sandeep S. , Jain Rubal , Meenai Farah , Nilkanthe Ramrao , Haritwal Amit
Published: December 2017

Background: Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS) is a rare neoplasm arising from follicular dendritic cells of germinal centers. The most common site of origin is lymph nodes and it may mimic a variety of tumors at that location, including carcinomas and sarcomas. Diagnosis is frequently missed on cytology as there are very few case reports describing the cytological characteristics of the lesion. Even on histology, a high degree of suspicion is required for an appropriate diagnosis. Case: A 60-year-old male presented with a gradually increasing left submandibular mass that had been present for 3 months. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was performed, showing many clusters as well as scattered epithelioid cells with spindled to oval nuclei, nuclear pleomorphism, grooves, inclusions, and uniformly dispersed mature lymphocytes throughout the smears. The diagnosis of FDCS was suspected and was confirmed on histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Conclusion: FNAC can be a cheap, easy, and helpful tool in obtaining a diagnosis of FDCS as there are few characteristic cytological features that are better recognized than histology.
Mídias digitais na construção da imagem de marca: perspectivas experienciais a partir do MasterChef Brasil
Authors: Cardoso Moisés , Assini Amanda Letícia
Published: December 2017

Este artigo aborda o reality show MasterChef Brasil e o uso do microblog Twitter. Tem como objetivo identificar as táticas usadas pelo programa para a construção da imagem de marca. Para sua viabilidade, foi utilizado o método de pesquisa bibliográfico juntamente com o documental, com abordagem qualitativa e posterior estudo de caso do perfil do MasterChef Brasil. A partir deste perfil, puderam-se constatar as táticas utilizadas pelo objeto desta pesquisa e confirmar a eficiência do Twitter enquanto ferramenta de interação entre as marcas e seus fãs, além da compreensão dos aspectos motivacionais de comunicação das empresas nesta rede social, para construção da imagem de marca.
O velho e o novo: os sentidos construídos pelos fãs de telenovela em tempos de convergência das mídias
Authors: Dhein Gustavo , Marques Camila da Silva , Rosa Otávio Chagas
Published: December 2017

Este artigo resulta de uma pesquisa de caráter exploratório cuja finalidade foi analisar as apropriações da trama por parte dos fãs da telenovela Velho Chico no que diz respeito a questões referentes a gênero. Valemo-nos, para tanto, das publicações e comentários produzidos pelos receptores do referido produto ficcional em um grupo dedicado especificamente a ele no Facebook. Teoricamente, é apresentado um tensionamento a respeito das implicações das mudanças tecnológicas nos estudos de recepção, em diálogo com a perspectiva dos estudos culturais. Quanto ao protocolo metodológico adotado, aproximamonos da perspectiva da teoria fundamentada como método, de Fragoso, Recuero e Amaral, e classificamos as publicações e comentários coletados por meio do processo de codificação aberta, o que possibilitou o reconhecimento de padrões e elementos relevantes para a análise em questão.
Núcleo de pesquisa em suínos como centro formador de recursos humanos para a suinocultura do futuro
Authors: Leal Diego Feitosa , Muro Bruno Bracco Donatelli , Martins Simone Maria Massami Kitamura , Morenoi Andrea Micke , Moretti Aníbal Sant’Anna , Andrade André Furugen Cesar de
Published: December 2017

A suinocultura se destaca dentre as demais atividades produtivas pelo uso massivo de ferramentas tecnológicas, objetivando produzir em maior volume, de forma mais eficiente e sustentável. Nessa conjuntura, a suinocultura brasileira ocupa lugar destacado entre os principais países produtores, ocupando o quarto posto no ranking de produção e exportação de carne suína; dessa forma, fica clara a importância da atividade suinícola como grande geradora de divisas para o país. Assim, faz-se imprescindível a formação de recursos humanos altamente capacitados para que possam militar nesta seara com assertividade, impulsionando cada vez mais a produção de suínos e, em consequência, o desenvolvimento do país. Tendo em vista tal demanda, surgiu o Núcleo de Pesquisa em Suínos, resultado da união de forças entre o Laboratório de Pesquisa em Suínos, o Laboratório de Andrologia e Tecnologia de Embriões Suínos e o Laboratório de Sanidade Suína e Virologia, com o intuito de que os alunos da graduação, e não somente os da pós-graduação, como antes ocorria, pudessem entrar em contato com um cenário fidedigno da produção de suínos. Hoje, os alunos que estão ainda na graduação podem participar de atividades similares àquelas que são realizadas em uma granja comercial de suínos, com a vantagem de estarem sempre monitorados por professores e alunos de pós-graduação.
Voluntariado em Saúde na Graduação e a Formação de Valores Humanísticos, Sigilo, Privacidade e Confidencialidade de Pacientes
Authors: Siqueira Siomara Roberta de , Zoboli Elma Lourdes Campos Pavone , Paula Silvia Helena Bastos de
Published: December 2017

Voluntário é um termo polissêmico, mas, de forma geral, designa o cidadão que doa tempo, trabalho e talento, espontaneamente e sem remuneração, para causas de interesse comum. Este artigo tem sua base em estudo de tese sobre os riscos à privacidade, sigilo e confidencialidade de pacientes atendidos por voluntários na área da saúde, cujo recorte aqui apresentado trata do potencial dessa experiência de pesquisa e do campo na formação de profissionais de saúde. Os princípios da confidencialidade são de universal importância para a enfermagem, médicos, profissionais de saúde e voluntários. Em linhas gerais, trata-se de estudo de caso descritivo-analítico, com base em método misto, feito por meio de entrevista semiestruturada e aplicação dos instrumentos, adaptados e validados para a população brasileira: Critério de Classificação Econômica Brasil; Inventário de Funções do Voluntariado; e Questionário de Perfis de Valores Refinado. Foram realizadas a análise de conteúdo dos discursos e a análise estatística dos questionários. Há poucos trabalhos publicados no sentido de conhecimento sobre as práticas e sobre a divulgação dos aspectos jurídicos envolvidos no trabalho voluntário, com lacuna na divulgação das legislações existentes que possam sinalizar os passos para os quais os gestores de saúde devem atentar para dar apoio ao trabalho voluntário na saúde. O voluntariado se constitui em oportunidade de o aluno de graduação vivenciar a realidade de uma instituição e desenvolver na sua formação os valores éticos e humanísticos de compromisso com o outro como exercício de cidadania, para além da relação profissional.
Análise Ambiental da Ocorrência das Queimadas na Porção Nordeste do Cerrado
Authors: Resende Fernanda Cristina , Cardozo Francielle Da Silva , Pereira Gabriel
Published: December 2017

Com a crescente demanda nos últimos anos por áreas agricultáveis ainda não exploradas, o bioma Cerrado se tornou um dos ambientes mais favoráveis para a expansão da fronteira agrícola. Uma das consequências consiste no desmatamento e no aumento do número de queimadas, ocasionando a degradação e supressão de extensas áreas de ecossistemas naturais do bioma. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo principal analisar a distribuição espacial das áreas queimadas na porção nordeste do bioma Cerrado. Desta forma, foi realizado o mapeamento das áreas queimadas em imagens do sensor Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), da plataforma Terra e Aqua, nos anos de 2012 a 2015 a partir do uso do Modelo Linear de Mistura Espectral (MLME). Os dados de precipitação do Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) do produto 3B43 foram utilizados para verificar a influência das chuvas na ocorrência das queimadas. Além disso, analisou-se a ocorrência das queimadas com o uso e cobertura da terra, com as Unidades de Conservação (UC) e com os municípios da área de estudo. Foi verificado que as áreas mais atingidas por queimadas são de Savana, Savana Lenhosa e Gramíneas e os anos que apresentaram menores índices de precipitações também foram os anos que ocorreram maior incidência de queimadas. A unidade de conservação mais atingida foi a Estação Ecológica Uruçuí-Uma no Piauí, com uma média de 36,5% de sua área queimada e os municípios mais atingidos estão localizados principalmente nos estados do Piauí e Maranhão, apresentando em média metade de suas áreas queimadas.
Avaliação do Potencial Geoturístico no Território da Proposta Geoparque Quarta Colônia
Authors: Ziemann Djulia Regina , Figueiró Adriano Severo
Published: December 2017

O geoturismo permite um novo olhar à visitação turística de ambientes naturais, indo além da mera contemplação da paisagem, permitindo a interpretação do geopatrimônio visitado. Caracteriza-se como uma atividade capaz de contribuir não apenas com a promoção e conservação geopatrimonial, mas, também, com o desenvolvimento local da comunidade onde esta atividade ocorre. O presente trabalho relata uma proposta de quantificação do geopatrimônio da região da Quarta Colônia, localizada na porção central do Rio Grande do Sul, com avaliação do Índice de Aproveitamento Geoturístico e do Risco de Degradação. A área de estudo corresponde aos limites dos 9 municípios envolvidos na proposta do Geoparque Quarta Colônia. Nesta pesquisa, foram avaliados 20 locais anteriormente inventariados pela CPRM, além de novos locais, perfazendo um total de 43 geossítios. Após a avaliação foi possível identificar que, 24 locais podem ser considerados como apropriados para a utilização geoturística, enquanto 19 locais ainda necessitam de maiores investimentos para seu melhor aproveitamento, em que pese o fato de que todos os geossítios apresentam potencialidade para o desenvolvimento do geoturismo e de estratégias de geoconservação. A variação dos resultados aponta para a necessidade de medidas de intervenção primárias e políticas públicas que melhorem a sua gestão.
Deficiency of Natriuretic Peptide Receptor 2 Promotes Bicuspid Aortic Valves, Aortic Valve Disease, Left Ventricular Dysfunction, and Ascending Aortic Dilatations in Mice
Authors: Blaser Mark C. , Wei Kuiru , Adams Rachel L.E. , Zhou Yu-Qing , Caruso Laura-lee , Mirzaei Zahra , Lam Alan Y.-L. , Tam Richard K.K. , Zhang Hangjun , Heximer Scott P. , Henkelman R. Mark , Simmons Craig A.
Published: December 2017

Rationale:

Aortic valve disease is a cell-mediated process without effective pharmacotherapy. CNP (C-type natriuretic peptide) inhibits myofibrogenesis and osteogenesis of cultured valve interstitial cells and is downregulated in stenotic aortic valves. However, it is unknown whether CNP signaling regulates aortic valve health in vivo.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to determine whether a deficient CNP signaling axis in mice causes accelerated progression of aortic valve disease.

Methods and Results:

In cultured porcine valve interstitial cells, CNP inhibited pathological differentiation via the guanylate cyclase NPR2 (natriuretic peptide receptor 2) and not the G-protein–coupled clearance receptor NPR3 (natriuretic peptide receptor 3). We used
Npr2
+/−
and
Npr2
+/
−
;
Ldlr
−/
−
mice and wild-type littermate controls to examine the valvular effects of deficient CNP/NPR2 signaling in vivo, in the context of both moderate and advanced aortic valve disease. Myofibrogenesis in cultured
Npr2
+/
−
fibroblasts was insensitive to CNP treatment, whereas aged
Npr2
+/
−
and
Npr2
+/
−
;
Ldlr
−/− mice developed cardiac dysfunction and ventricular fibrosis. Aortic valve function was significantly impaired in
Npr2
+/
−
and
Npr2
+/
−
;
Ldlr
−/
−
mice versus wild-type littermates, with increased valve thickening, myofibrogenesis, osteogenesis, proteoglycan synthesis, collagen accumulation, and calcification. 9.4% of mice heterozygous for
Npr2
had congenital bicuspid aortic valves, with worse aortic valve function, fibrosis, and calcification than those
Npr2
+/−
with typical tricuspid aortic valves or all wild-type littermate controls. Moreover, cGK (cGMP-dependent protein kinase) activity was downregulated in
Npr2
+/−
valves, and CNP triggered synthesis of cGMP and activation of cGK1 (cGMP-dependent protein kinase 1) in cultured porcine valve interstitial cells. Finally, aged
Npr2
+/−
;
Ldlr
−/−
mice developed dilatation of the ascending aortic, with greater aneurysmal progression in
Npr2
+/−
mice with bicuspid aortic valves than those with tricuspid valves.

Conclusions:

Our data establish CNP/NPR2 signaling as a novel regulator of aortic valve development and disease and elucidate the therapeutic potential of targeting this pathway to arrest disease progression.
Novel Susceptibility Loci for Moyamoya Disease Revealed by a Genome-Wide Association Study
Authors: Duan Lian , Wei Ling , Tian Yanghua , Zhang Zhengshan , Hu Panpan , Wei Qiang , Liu Sugang , Zhang Jun , Wang Yuyang , Li Desheng , Yang Weizhong , Zong Rui , Xian Peng , Han Cong , Bao Xiangyang , Zhao Feng , Feng Jie , Liu Wei , Cao Wuchun , Zhou Guoping , Zhu Chunyan , Yu Fengqiong , Yang Weimin , Meng Yu , Wang Jingye , Chen Xianwen , Wang Yu , Shen Bing , Zhao Bing , Wan Jinghai , Zhang Fengyu , Zhao Gang , Xu Aimin , Zhang Xuejun , Liu Jianjun , Zuo Xianbo , Wang Kai
Published: December 2017

Background and Purpose—

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a rare cerebral vasculopathy characterized by bilateral internal carotid artery stenosis and often leads to stroke in children or young adults. Although familial inheritance is well recognized, the genetic basis of MMD remains poorly understood.

Methods—

A 2-stage genome-wide association study was conducted involving 1492 cases and 5084 controls. In the discovery stage, logistic regression was used to test associations, and imputation was conducted based on genotyped single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). In the validation stage, the top significant SNPs were again genotyped in an independent cohort. Fixed-effects inverse variance-weighted meta-analysis was used in the combined discovery and validation samples. Furthermore, association analysis was conducted in subgroups using patient clinical data.

Results—

The study identified 10 novel risk loci with genome-wide significance (
P
<5×10
−8
) and confirmed a previously reported locus on 17q25. No significant SNP showed evidence of heterogeneity between the 2 stages. Cumulatively, these SNPs explained 14.76% of disease risk variance—a substantial proportion of the 39.02% of risk variance explained by all genome-wide genotyped SNPs. One SNP, rs9916351 in
RNF213
(
P
combined
=4.57×10
−54
; odds ratio, 1.96), showed a stronger genetic effect on early-onset than late-onset MMD (
P
=0.003). Two novel SNPs in genes regulating homocysteine metabolism, rs9651118 in
MTHFR
(
P
combined
=2.49×10
−19
; odds ratio, 0.65) and rs117353193 in
TCN2
(
P
combined
=6.15×10
−13
; odds ratio, 1.43), were associated with high-serum homocysteine in MMD cases. Additionally, another SNP associated with MMD (rs2107595 in
HDAC9
;
P
combined
=1.49×10
−29
; odds ratio, 1.64) was previously implicated in large-vessel disease. Tissue enrichment analysis showed that the genes of associated loci were highly expressed in the immune system (false discovery rate, <0.05).

Conclusions—

This study identifies several novel susceptibility genes for MMD. The association with homocysteine metabolism and the immune system enrichment of susceptibility gene expression suggest that therapeutic interventions targeting these pathways may be effective approaches for MMD treatment.
Serum Galectin-3 and Poor Outcomes Among Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Wang Aili , Zhong Chongke , Zhu Zhengbao , Xu Tian , Peng Yanbo , Xu Tan , Peng Hao , Chen Chung-Shiuan , Wang Jinchao , Ju Zhong , Li Qunwei , Geng Deqin , Sun Yingxian , Zhang Jianhui , Yuan Xiaodong , Chen Jing , Zhang Yonghong , He Jiang
Published: December 2017

Background and Purpose—

Elevated galectin-3 has been associated with atherosclerosis and poor outcomes in patients with heart failure. However, it remains unclear whether galectin-3 has any effect on the poor outcomes of ischemic stroke. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between galectin-3 with poor outcomes among patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods—

Serum galectin-3 was measured in 3082 patients with acute ischemic stroke. The primary outcome was a combination of death or major disability (modified Rankin Scale score, ≥3) at 3 months after stroke.

Results—

Compared with the lowest quartile of galectin-3, multivariate adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for the highest quartile of galectin-3 were 1.55 (1.15–2.09) for composite outcome, 2.10 (0.89–4.95) for death, and 1.43 (1.05–1.93) for major disability. The addition of galectin-3 to the conventional risk factors significantly improved prediction of the combined outcome of death or major disability in patients with ischemic stroke (net reclassification index, 18.9%;
P
<0.001; integrated discrimination improvement, 0.4%;
P
=0.001).

Conclusions—

Higher levels of serum galectin-3 were independently associated with increased risk of death or major disability after stroke onset, suggesting that galectin-3 may have prognostic value in poor outcomes of ischemic stroke.
Red blood cell metabolism in Down syndrome: hints on metabolic derangements in aging
Authors: Culp-Hill Rachel , Zheng Connie , Reisz Julie A. , Smith Keith , Rachubinski Angela , Nemkov Travis , Butcher Eric , Granrath Ross , Hansen Kirk C. , Espinosa Joaquín M. , D’Alessandro Angelo
Published: December 2017

Key Points

The red blood cell metabolic signature of Down syndrome is identified Trisomy 21 impacts red blood cell redox, amino acid, purine, and bile acid metabolism in an age- and sex-dependent fashion.
Pilot Feasibility Study of an Oncology Financial Navigation Program
Authors: Shankaran Veena , Leahy Tony , Steelquist Jordan , Watabayashi Kate , Linden Hannah , Ramsey Scott , Schwartz Naomi , Kreizenbeck Karma , Nelson Judy , Balch Alan , Singleton Erin , Gallagher Kathleen , Overstreet Karen
Published: December 2017

Background:

Few studies have reported on interventions to alleviate financial toxicity in patients with cancer. We developed a financial navigation program in collaboration with our partners, Consumer Education and Training Services (CENTS) and Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF), to improve patient knowledge about treatment costs, provide financial counseling, and to help manage out-of-pocket expenses. We conducted a pilot study to assess the feasibility and impact of this program.

Methods:

Patients with cancer received a financial education course followed by monthly contact with a CENTS financial counselor and a PAF case manager for 6 months. We measured program adherence, self-reported financial burden and anxiety, program satisfaction, and type of assistance provided.

Results:

Thirty-four patients (median age, 60.5 years) were consented (85% white and 50% commercially insured). Debt, income declines, and loans were reported by 55%, 55%, and 30% of patients, respectively. CENTS counselors assisted most often with budgeting, retirement planning, and medical bill questions. PAF case managers assisted with applications for appropriate insurance coverage, cost of living issues (eg, housing, transportation), and disability applications. High financial burden and anxiety about costs (4 or 5 on a Likert scale) were reported at baseline by 37% and 47% of patients, respectively. Anxiety about costs decreased over time in 33% of patients, whereas self-reported financial burden did not substantially change.

Conclusion:

Implementing an oncology financial navigation program is feasible, provides concrete assistance in navigating the cost of care, and mitigates anxiety about costs in a subset of patients. Future work will focus on measuring the program’s impact on financial and clinical outcomes.
Some inequalities associated with the Hermite-Hadamard inequalities for operator h-convex functions
Authors: Darvish V. , Dragomir S. S. , Nazari H. M. , Taghavi A.
Published: December 2017

We introduce the concept of operator h-convex functions for positive linear maps, and prove some Hermite-Hadamard type inequalities for these functions. As applications, we obtain several trace inequalities for operators.
Rationing of basic transport and operational qualities of the winter covers logging roads
Authors: Кручинин Игорь , Kruchinin Igor , Бурмистрова Ольга , Burmistrova Olga
Published: December 2017

The main material for the construction of the coatings of the winter forest roads is snow. The creation of this snow and ice durable material of the structural layers of pavement associated with a number of features. The main parameter that will define the structural strength of the pavement to be the hardness of the snow. In the operation of the winter timber-carrying roads this option almost never defined. We have conducted studies on the formation of a layer of compacted coating on the roadway depending on the amount of precipitation. The evaluation of the degree of influence of the density of falling snow on the magnitude of the compacted layer. When studying the degree of influence of precipitation was analyzed climatic conditions that operated hauling winter roads. It has been shown that the density of snow in the compacted layer affects the intensity of movement of trains, composition of traffic flow, the humidity of the snow and air and snow temperature. The density of the layer of the same influences and the evaporation of snow. Based on the experimental data were obtained the coefficients of evaporation of snow for the entire winter for the conditions of the Ural region. Based on these data, the calculated values of the possible maximum thickness of compacted layer at various speeds of movement of logging trucks and the different density of freshly fallen snow. The dependencies of the density layer of snow monthly. Found that to find the value of the thickness of the compacted layer to the end of the winter period, it is necessary to take into account the wear and evaporation of snow in the next months. This was carried out to estimate the depth gauge on a Packed snow surface. The recommended values for the maximum depth gauge on the surface for various road-climatic sub-zones. Set values of a compacted snow layer on the roadway by the end of the winter period for winter timber transportation trunk roads for winter logging winter logging mustache and branches.
Gender, ethnicity and activism: ‘the miracle is when we don't give up…’
Authors: Daróczi Anna , Kóczé Angéla , Jovanovic Jelena , Cemlyn Sarah Judith , Vajda Violeta , Kurtić Vera , Serban Alina , Smith Lisa
Published: December 2017

This paper is grounded in feminist standpoint and critical race theory, intersectionality and a critique of the neoliberal system and austerity to explore Romani women's activism. In-depth interviews with four prominent activists showed the strength of identity and experience growing up as Romani women in their motivation for activism, the complexity of projects in arts, acting/ directing, writing, policy advocacy, education, networking, mobilisation to challenge injustice and promote transformation; and barriers of hostility, oppression and austerity. Key findings concerned the central importance of solidarity, support, respectful listening between Roma women and allies to counter the isolation of neoliberal individualism.
Exploring the dynamics of English/Spanish codeswitching in a written corpus
Authors: González Cruz Maria Isabel
Published: December 2017

This investigation is part of a much larger ongoing research project which approaches a corpus of popular romance fiction novels from a multidisciplinary perspective. The paper focuses on the usage of Spanish words and expressions in the English written discourse of two samples of romances taken from the corpus we are compiling for Research Project FFI2014-53962-P. When analyzing the occurrences of Hispanicisms in the samples, we will specifically address the issues of both their forms and the different socio-pragmatic functions that these cases of language switching seem to play. It is only recently that scholars have studied the patterns of codeswitching in literary writing, but, to the best of the author’s knowledge, no previous research has focused on codeswitching in this particular subgenre, which has always been doubly stigmatized for being both popular and feminine.
How to Improve Computational Thinking: a Case Study
Authors: Quitério Figueiredo José Alberto
Published: December 2017

One of the best skills for everyone, for now, and for the future, is problem-solving. Computational thinking is the way to help us to develop that skill. Computational Thinking can be defined as a set of skills for problemsolving based on computer techniques. Computational thinking is needed everywhere and is going to be a key to success in almost all careers, not only for a scientist but for many professionals, like doctors, lawyers, teachers or farmers. For many problems it is a good idea to make a plan for its resolution using some of the techniques of computer science, such as: breaking down a complex problem into smaller parts that are more manageable and easier to understand, or solve—decomposition; looking for similarities among and within problems and others experiences—pattern recognition; focusing on the important information only, and pulling out specific differences to make one solution work for multiple problems: abstraction; developing a step-by-step solution to the problem: algorithms. This plan can be used by everyone, regardless of their area of knowledge, task or age. It is essential that these techniques are practiced and developed very early. In recent years we have to see the proliferation of numerous projects with the specific objective of encouraging the study of Computational thinking. The projects of massification of computational thinking and coding are now starting to be implemented in our education system in Portugal. Most students of the first year of the Computer Engineering course, from the IPG, mostly did not have the opportunity to develop computational thinking throughout their student life. In this paper, we present the results of a case study using follow and give instructions to improve their capacities in Computational Thinking..
eTraining: aprendizaje colaborativo y desempeño laboral
Authors: Velásquez-Durán Anabel
Published: December 2017

El objetivo de esta investigación fue indagar el efecto del eTraining usando como técnica didáctica el aprendizaje colaborativo (AC), sobre el desempeño laboral de trabajadores de empresas privadas en México, para identificar los componentes de esta modalidad y crear una propuesta para procesos de capacitación formal. Se utilizó un diseño cuasi-experimental intragrupo y un enfoque cuantitativo, con muestreo por conveniencia para 28 empleados de puestos directivos de organizaciones de servicios del giro de alimentos en México. Los análisis estadísticos no paramétricos para k muestras relacionadas (prueba de Friedman con p<0.05) indican que las habilidades de colaboración y el desempeño laboral mejoraron después del tratamiento experimental (eTraining), y que el tamaño del efecto (g de Hedges) fue de 0.89 y 0.82 respectivamente; el análisis de correlación bivariada (r) entre colaboración y desempeño laboral, mostró un índice de 0.91 (p<0.01), una correlación positiva muy fuerte; el análisis de correlación multivariada (r) para las dimensiones de colaboración y desempeño laboral, muestra que cuando se presenta un cambio en interdependencia positiva se beneficia a la calidad, construcción de significado beneficia a eficacia, y relaciones psicosociales favorece la actuación laboral y productividad. Estos hallazgos muestran que la implantación del eTraining en el sector privado permite contar con entrenamiento efectivo para desarrollar habilidades de colaboración y mejorar el desempeño laboral de puestos directivos. En este artículo se presenta el estado de la cuestión del eTraining y el AC, habilidades de colaboración y desempeño laboral; la metodología cuantitativa empleada; los componentes del eTraining usando el AC como técnica didáctica; los análisis estadísticos y discusión de resultados, para culminar con las conclusiones y recomendaciones.
Estrategias de aprendizaje de los directores escolares en la sociedad del conocimiento
Authors: Navarro-Corona Claudia
Published: December 2017

La demanda de perfiles especializados, propia de la sociedad del conocimiento, ha permeado en los sistemas educativos latinoamericanos, por lo que se han establecido sistemas evaluativos que buscan garantizar cualidades específicas en los profesores y directores. La función directiva ha sido reconocida en la investigación educativa como una actividad relevante para el funcionamiento escolar y de forma indirecta para los resultados educativos; no obstante, en el caso de algunos sistemas educativos, por ejemplo, el mexicano, existen pocas ofertas formales para la preparación en esta función. En este marco, el objetivo del presente trabajo es identificar los mecanismos de formación a las que recurren los directores, así como los conocimientos que adquieren por medio de ellos. Por medio de una investigación cualitativa realizada mediante entrevistas a directores y autoridades del sistema educativo mexicano, se encontró que: 1) por medio de procesos de aprendizaje asistido y aprendizaje en la práctica, los directores se apoyan en figuras cercanas para adquirir conocimientos sobre la tarea; y 2) mediante procesos auto-administrados— como la observación y reelaboración de modelos de dirección, estrategias de indagación, ensayo y error y consulta de materiales—los directores aprenden a identificar y solucionar problemas, relacionarse con otros, adaptarse a los contextos y administrar la documentación escolar. Se concluye que los saberes esenciales de la función directiva se adquieren en el campo de trabajo, por lo que se recomienda el rediseño de los esquemas formativos que estén centrados en la acción.
Source Rock Evaluation of Paleocene Akinbo shale, Eastern Dahomey Basin
Authors: Victoria Dairo , Onenu Asue
Published: December 2017

Selected subsurface core samples of the shale of Akinbo Formation as penetrated by an exploratory well in Ibese, Eastern Dahomey basin were investigated to ascertain the quality and quantity of organic matter, the hydrocarbon potential and kerogen type.The samples were subjected to Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and Rock Eval analyses and various cross plots were generated from the data obtained.The TOC and Free oil content (S1) of all the shale samples range from 0.96wt% to 2.82wt% and 0.07mgHC/g to 0.17mgHC/g with mean values of 1.67wt% and 0.11mgHC/g respectively while the source rock potential (S2) ranges from 0.01mgHC/g to 0.17mgHC/g with an average value of 0.08mgHC/g. Also, the Hydrogen Index (HI) and the Oxygen Index (OI), ranges from 0.35mgHC/g TOC to 16.7mgHC/g TOC and 11.4mgCO/g TOC to 38.33mgCO/g TOC with an average value of 5.77mgHC/g TOC and 19.04mgCO/g TOC respectively. The Production Index (PI) and the Generative Potential (GP) range from 0.38 to 0.94 and 0.12mgHC/g to 0.34mgHC/g with mean values of 0.61 and 0.19mgHC/g respectively.The results obtained from the cross plots of HI versus OI, S2 versus TOC and TOC versus GP; It shows that the shale samples from the Akinbo Formation have good organic matter richness to generate hydrocarbon, dominantly gas prone and from a Type III kerogen.