bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Risk of Melanoma: A Nationwide Register-Based Study in Finland
Authors: Botteri Edoardo , Støer Nathalie C. , Weiderpass Elisabete , Pukkala Eero , Ylikorkala Olavi , Lyytinen Heli
Published: August 2019

Background:

The association between use of menopausal hormone therapy and risk of cutaneous melanoma is highly debated. We investigated the issue in a Finnish nationwide cohort of women ages 50 years or older.

Methods:

All women who had purchased hormone therapy between 1994 and 2007 were identified from the national Medical Reimbursement Registry and linked to the Finnish Cancer Registry. We calculated standardized incidence ratios (SIR) to compare incidence of cutaneous melanoma among hormone therapy users with that of the general population.

Results:

During a mean follow-up of 15.6 years, 1,695 incident cutaneous melanoma cases were identified among 293,570 women who had used hormone therapy for at least 6 months. The SIRs for women who used unopposed estrogen therapy and combined estrogen–progestin therapy (EPT) for 6 to 59 months were 1.20 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.06–1.35] and 1.00 (95% CI, 0.87–1.14; Pheterogeneity = 0.04). The SIRs for women who used estrogen therapy and EPT for at least 60 months were 1.37 (95% CI, 1.22–1.52) and 1.23 (95% CI, 1.13–1.34; Pheterogeneity = 0.15). We did not find significant differences between oral and transdermal administrations, nor between doses of estrogens.

Conclusions:

Use of hormone therapy, especially estrogen therapy, was associated with an increased risk of cutaneous melanoma. EPT use of less than 5 years was not associated with an increased risk of cutaneous melanoma.

Impact:

Our results add to the growing body of epidemiologic evidence that the use of unopposed estrogens in menopause increases the risk of cutaneous melanoma, while the addition of progestins might counteract the detrimental effect.
A Phase I Study of the Anti-CC Chemokine Receptor 4 Antibody, Mogamulizumab, in Combination with Nivolumab in Patients with Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumors
Authors: Doi Toshihiko , Muro Kei , Ishii Hiroshi , Kato Terufumi , Tsushima Takahiro , Takenoyama Mitsuhiro , Oizumi Satoshi , Gemmoto Kazuto , Suna Hideaki , Enokitani Kouki , Kawakami Tetsuyoshi , Nishikawa Hiroyoshi , Yamamoto Noboru
Published: August 2019

Purpose:

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) expressing CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) can suppress antitumor immune responses and are associated with poor prognoses in several cancers. We assessed the safety and efficacy of combined mogamulizumab (anti-CCR4 antibody) and nivolumab [anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) antibody] in immunotherapy-naïve patients with advanced/metastatic solid tumors.

Patients and Methods:

This study (NCT02476123) comprised dose-escalation (3+3 design) and expansion parts. Patients received nivolumab (3.0 mg/kg) every 2 weeks, with mogamulizumab (0.3 or 1.0 mg/kg in dose escalation, 1.0 mg/kg in expansion) once weekly for 4 weeks, then every 2 weeks, until progression or unacceptable toxicity. Primary objective was safety; secondary objectives were antitumor effects, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity. Exploratory biomarker analyses were conducted.

Results:

Ninety-six patients were enrolled (July 2015−November 2016): six patients in the dose-escalation part and 90 in the expansion part. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed in the dose-escalation part. Grade 3/4 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 29% of patients in the expansion part (no grade 5 TRAEs). The most frequent TRAEs were rash (39%), rash maculopapular (20%), diarrhea (13%), stomatitis (12%), and pruritus (11%). There were four (27%) confirmed tumor responses among 15 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, and one confirmed and two unconfirmed responses among 15 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. During treatment, populations of effector Tregs (CD4+CD45RA−FoxP3high) decreased and CD8+ T cells in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes increased.

Conclusions:

Combining an anti–PD-1 antibody, nivolumab, with a Treg-depleting anti-CCR4 antibody, mogamulizumab, provides an acceptable safety profile, antitumor activity, and a potentially effective option in cancer immunotherapy.
Is Reaction Time Slowing an Early Sign of Alzheimer’s Disease? A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Andriuta Daniela , Diouf Momar , Roussel Martine , Godefroy Olivier
Published: August 2019

Background: Although simple reaction time (SRT) slowing is associated with dementia in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), its presence in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is subject to debate. Objective: The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature data on SRT slowing in MCI. Methods: Publications with data on SRT, age, and educational level in participants with MCI were included. After calculating the log SRT and its variance for each study, we took interstudy heterogeneity into account by conducting a random effects (restricted maximum likelihood estimation) meta-analysis. Results: The 7 selected studies featured a total of 327 participants with MCI and 468 healthy controls (HCs). The mean age was 68.2 years for participants with MCI and 72.3 years for HCs. The weighted mean Mini-Mental State Examination score was 26.4 in the MCI group, and 28.4 in the HC group. The mean SRT was significantly (p = 0.0217) longer in the MCI group (by 11%) than in the HC group. Conclusion: This meta-analysis showed that SRTs are longer in individuals with MCI. Further studies are needed to determine the mechanism of SRT slowing, its anatomical correlates, and a threshold value for diagnosing prodromal AD.
Comparison of Fundus Biomicroscopy Examination of the Optic Nerve Head with and without Mydriasis
Authors: Colicchio Daniel , Terenzi Larissa A.O. , Rocha Janaina A.G. , Sousa Aline K.S. , Almeida Jr. Eglailson D. , Moreno Pilar A. , Leite Mauro T. , Paranhos Jr. Augusto , Kanadani Fábio N. , Prata Tiago Santos
Published: August 2019

Background: Notwithstanding the significant advances in automated imaging techniques in the past 2 decades, subjective evaluation of the optic disc still remains an important part of glaucoma propaedeutic. In places with limited resources and a high demand for ophthalmic care, anatomical evaluation of glaucoma cases often relies solely on slit-lamp-based fundus biomicroscopic examination, which is frequently performed without mydriasis. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare metrics related to fundus biomicroscopy examination of the optic nerve head and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) with and without mydriasis. Material and Methods: Healthy individuals, patients with early glaucoma, and glaucoma suspects were prospectively enrolled. Patients were examined before and after mydriasis by three glaucoma specialists, who estimated patients’ vertical cup-to-disc ratio (CDR) and evaluated the presence of glaucomatous signs: laminar dot sign, disc hemorrhage, disc saucering, disc notching, peripapillary atrophy, localized pRNFL defect, and loss of the ISNT pattern. Main outcome measures were the intra-observer comparison, the inter-observer agreement, and the abilities to identify glaucomatous signs before and after mydriasis. Results: Thirty patients (60 eyes) were enrolled (mean age, 62.3 ± 11.6 years). Considering the evaluation of the three examiners, the mean vertical CDR increased from 0.41 to 0.44 (p = 0.02), and the median of the coefficient of variation of the measures was reduced from 0.24 to 0.11 (p = 0.01) after mydriasis. Regarding the inter-observer agreement evaluation, the kappa coefficient values ranged from 0.64 to 0.72 before mydriasis and from 0.71 to 0.77 after mydriasis. Dot sign and disc notching were better identified through fundoscopic examination with mydriasis compared to the nonmydriatic examination (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Our results suggest that fundus biomicroscopy should be performed with mydriasis whenever possible, as it yells a better intra- and inter-observer agreement and improves the detection of glaucomatous signs. Moreover, examiners seem to underestimate CDR values without mydriasis. Further investigation is warranted to validate these findings by general ophthalmologists and in different populations.
Renal Artery Dissection in a Young Woman: Diagnoses Beyond Fibromuscular Dysplasia
Authors: Sanchez-Baya M. , Ramos Galí A. , Barros-Membrilla A. , Guerrero R. , Villalba J. , Martinez M.J. , Moya P. , Calero F. , Guirado L. , Fernández-Llama Patricia
Published: August 2019

A 31-year-old woman presented at the emergency room after experiencing colic pain in the right iliac fossa for 5 days. She had previously consulted another center, where deterioration of renal function had been identified and abdominal computed tomography (CT) angiography had shown a dissection of the right renal artery, with areas suggestive of infarction in the right kidney, as well as an aneurysm in the left renal artery and a smaller left kidney. The patient had no relevant family or personal history except posttraumatic carotid-cavernous fistula in 2014, which had been treated with embolization. In our hospital, the patient was hypertensive and acute renal failure was confirmed, accompanied by an increase in lactate dehydrogenase and isomorphic microhematuria. After a new CT Scan, in addition to the lesions described in the renal arteries, another aneurysm in the splenic artery and an aneurysm of the right femoral artery were identified. Antihypertensive treatment was initiated with calcium antagonists and anticoagulation. Subsequent renal arteriography confirmed the dissection of the right renal artery, which could not be repaired, and a coated stent was placed in the left renal artery to exclude the aneurysm. The splenic artery lesion was treated 2 months later. The etiological diagnosis in this young woman was challenging. The presence of visceral aneurysms suggested a differential diagnosis comprising fibromuscular dysplasia, vasculitis, and collagenopathies. Using a multidisciplinary approach and directed anamnesis, the presence of frequent sprains, joint hypermobility, and skin fragility was confirmed. Blood immunology and CT angiography including the thoracic and cervical territories were normal. Echocardiography revealed tricuspid insufficiency. All these data suggested the presence of a collagen-like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vascular form). The diagnosis was confirmed by the genetic study, which showed a pathogenic mutation in the COL3A1 gene. Currently, the patient is asymptomatic with recovered renal function following treatment with a beta-blocker and antiplatelet therapy.
Neuroinflammation and B-Cell Phenotypes in Cervical and Lumbosacral Regions of the Spinal Cord in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in the Absence of Pertussis Toxin
Authors: Kummari Evangel , Nichols James M. , Yang Eun-Ju , Kaplan Barbara L.F.
Published: August 2019

Objectives: The active experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model is often initiated using myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) immunization followed by pertussis toxin (PTX) to study multiple sclerosis. However, PTX inactivates G protein-coupled receptors, and with increasing knowledge of the role that various G protein-coupled receptors play in immune homeostasis, it is valuable to establish neuroimmune endpoints for active EAE without PTX. Methods: Female C57BL/6 mice were immunized with MOG35–55 peptide in Complete Freund’s Adjuvant and neuroinflammation, including central nervous system B-cell infiltration, was compared to saline-injected mice. Since it was anticipated that disease onset would be slower and less robust than EAE in the presence of PTX, both cervical and lumbosacral sections of the spinal cord were evaluated. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis showed that EAE without PTX induced immune infiltration, CCL2 and VCAM-1 upregulation. Demyelination in the cervical region correlated with the infiltration of CD19+ B cells in the cervical region. There was upregulation of IgG, CD38, and PDL1 on B cells in cervical and lumbosacral regions of the spinal cord in EAE without PTX. Interestingly, IgG was expressed predominantly by CD19– cells. Conclusions: These data demonstrate that many neuroimmune endpoints are induced in EAE without PTX and although clinical disease is mild, this can be used as an autoimmune model when PTX inactivation of G protein-coupled receptors is not desired.
Can We Predict Bleomycin Toxicity with PET-CT?
Authors: Beyhan Sagmen Seda , Comert Sevda , Turan Erkek Esra , Küçüköz Uzun Aysun , Doğan Coşkun , Yılmaz Guven , Kıral Nesrin , Fidan Ali , Yılmaz Haksal Çağla , Torun Parmaksız Elif
Published: August 2019

Aim: Bleomycin is an antitumor antibiotic used successfully to treat a variety of malignancies, predominantly germ cell tumors and Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL). The major limitation of bleomycin therapy is the potential for life-threatening interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. Early identification of asymptomatic patients who may develop toxicity is important. We aimed to evaluate fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography (FDG-PET/CT) findings to predict bleomycin toxicity (BT) early after chemotherapy with doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine (ABVD) chemotherapy before clinical symptoms and radiological changes occur. Materials and Methods: HL patients who were treated with ABVD were evaluated. SUVmax values of lung parenchyma were analyzed in FDG-PET/CT at diagnosis and after 4 cycles of chemotherapy in all patients. At the end of the chemotherapy cycles, lung parenchymal SUVmax values of patients with BT and without BT were compared statistically. Results: Twenty (66.7%) male and 10 (33.3%) female patients with HL were included. Five (16.7%) HL patients developed BT. In 3 HL patients, BT was determined after 5 cycles and in 2 patients, BT was seen after 6 cycles. In all 5 of these patients with BT, FDG uptake in PET-CT was increased after 4 cycles of chemotherapy and BT was predicted before clinical and radiological findings by FDG-PET/CT. After 4 cycles of chemotherapy, lung parenchymal SUVmax of patients with BT (3.24 ± 0.76) was significantly higher than in patients without toxicity (1.84 ± 0.52) (p < 0.001). In patients with BT, a significant increase was established in lung parenchymal SUVmax after 4 cycles of chemotherapy when compared to the time of diagnosis (p = 0.043). Conclusion: BT can be fatal. Early detection of BT is essential in clinical practice. FDG-PET/CT can predict BT before clinical and radiological findings occur.
Exercise Training and Outcomes in Hemodialysis Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Huang Mei , Lv Aili , Wang Jing , Xu Na , Ma Gairong , Zhai Zhonghui , Zhang Bin , Gao Julin , Ni Chunping
Published: August 2019

Background: Inadequate dialysis, renal hypertension, and impaired exercise capacity are factors that affect the quality of life (QoL) and mortality of adults with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis (HD). This systematic review provided valid evidence about the effect of exercise training on single-pool Kt/V (sp Kt/V), blood pressure, and peak uptake oxygen (VO2 peak). Method: A systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of no <8 weeks’ exercise training on the physical fitness outcomes for adults with ESRD undergoing HD were accepted in this study. Results: Included 20 trials (677 participants) indicated that various exercise types improved aerobic capacity, walking capacity, and health-related QoL totally. Of note, aerobic exercise and combined exercise were the predominant exercise types. Conclusion: Based on our evidence, aerobic exercise or combined exercise at least for 8 weeks to 12 months, 3 times weekly, will be beneficial to physical conditions of the patients with ESRD undergoing HD. The clinical staff can treat patients with the evidence above. Future studies need to provide more information basis for the construction of patient exercise system by adding various exercise combinations.
As funções sociais da polêmica segundo Ruth Amossy
Authors: França Esmejoano Lincol da Silva de
Published: August 2019

Em Apologia da polêmica, livro da escritora e professora francesa Ruth Amossy, o aspecto negativo do dissenso e da polêmica, presente nos discursos antagônicos cotidianos, é questionado e desmistificado. Trazendo estudos sobre esses assuntos ao longo dos séculos e analisando diversos embates sociais ocorridos na Europa nos últimos oito anos, a autora defende a possibilidade de enriquecimento dos debates públicos sobre questões de interesse coletivo com a promoção de polêmicas.
A Composição de Eunice Katunda no contexto político e musical brasileiro
Authors: Silva Eliana Monteiro , Zani Amilcar , Candido Marisa Milan
Published: August 2019

Este artigo analisa a contribuição da compositora Eunice Katunda à música erudita brasileira do século XX, à luz de alguns dos principais eventos históricos e políticos que lhe serviram de pano de fundo. Visando proporcionar uma maior compreensão de como tais contextos podem ter influenciado sua obra, esta é aqui apresentada em quatro fases distintas: Fase de Formação (até 1945), Fase Música Viva (1946-1950), Fase Nacionalista (1951-1968) e Fase Final (após 1968). Como principais fontes foram consultados livros e arquivos do musicólogo Carlos Kater, primeiro biógrafo da compositora, e das historiadoras Lilia Schwarcz e Heloisa Starling, além de artigos e livros de autores diversos.
As máquinas analógicas de Remedios Varo
Authors: Oliveira Juliana Michelli Da Silva
Published: August 2019

Tencionando investigar o imaginário da máquina na obra da pintora hispano-mexicana Remedios Varo (1908-1963), este artigo efetua uma leitura hermenêutica de O relojoeiro (1955), Ícone (1945), Exploração das fontes do rio Orinoco (1959) e Homo rodans (1959), respectivamente três pinturas e uma escultura elaboradas na fase madura da artista. Com base no estudo das obras, a partir da perspectiva da escola francesa de antropologia do imaginário, constatou-se que as máquinas de Remedios Varo agem como articuladoras de saberes (ciência, técnica e arte). Contrapondo-se ao imaginário industrial, no qual os mecanismos ocupam funções utilitárias e são considerados como agentes de desumanização, as obras de Remedios Varo evocam outro imaginário da máquina, no qual o artefato integra as dinâmicas naturais e atua como mediador de conhecimento.
Territorialidade Xavante - zomori
Authors: Gomide Maria Lucia Cereda
Published: August 2019

Entende-se que a reprodução física e cultural dos povos indígenas em seus territórios, em grande parte, está condicionada à demarcação de territórios indígenas, que considere a territorialidade e o modo de vida indígena. No entanto, não foi o caso do território Xavante. A demarcação do território indígena Xavante em diversas terras indígenas ilhadas e, portanto, separadas entre si, causou inúmeros conflitos socioambientais, alterando seu modo de vida. O território indígena compreende as relações de apropriação do espaço que possui diversas dimensões como política, cultural, simbólica e cosmológica de um determinado povo indígena.
Diversity of butterflies of the Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary, Shivamogga District, Karnataka, India
Authors: Harisha M.N. , Prakash Harish , Hosetti B.B. , Kumara Vijaya
Published: August 2019

A study was conducted on the diversity of butterflies by using the pollard walk method in the tropical dry deciduous habitats of Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary, Shivamogga District, Karnataka, from February 2010 to January 2011.  A total of 151 species of butterflies belonging to 99 genera and five families was recorded. The family Nymphalidae was the most dominant with the highest number of species (52 species; 35%), followed by Lycaenidae (33 species; 22%), Hesperiidae (25 species; 17%), Pieridae (24 species; 16%), and Papilionidae (15 species: 10%). The study also revealed 24 species of butterflies which are protected under various schedules of Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and 13 species as being endemic to the Western Ghats, peninsular India and Sri Lanka.
Rediscovery of Nilgiri Mallow Abutilon neelgerrense var. fischeri T.K. Paul & M.P. Nayar (Malvaceae) after a century from southern India
Authors: Nimbalkar Varsha Vilasrao , Ravichandran Arun Prasanth , Sardesai Milind Madhav
Published: August 2019

Abutilon neelgerrense var. fischeri T.K. Paul & M.P. Nayar, a rare endemic taxon, has been rediscovered after a century from Theni District in Tamil Nadu.  The present study provides detailed morphological description, key to the varieties with additional characters and images.
First videos of endemic Zanzibar Servaline Genet Genetta servalina archeri, African Palm Civet Nandinia binotata (Mammalia: Carnivora: Viverridae) and other small carnivores on Unguja Island, Tanzania
Authors: Goldman Helle V. , Walsh Martin T.
Published: August 2019

The faunal diversity of the densely populated island of Unguja, Zanzibar archipelago, Tanzania, includes several endemic mammals.  Camera-trapping in Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park and Kiwengwa–Pongwe Forest Reserve in September 2017 captured the first video footage of the Zanzibar Servaline Genet Genetta servalina archeri, an endemic subspecies first formally described in 1998.  Other native small carnivores were also recorded on video for the first time during this survey, including the African Palm Civet Nandinia binotata, which was first documented in print as present in Unguja in 2004.  Also camera-trapped in 2017 were the Zanzibar Slender Mongoose Herpestes sanguineus rufescens and the Zanzibar Bushy-tailed Mongoose Bdeogale crassicauda tenuis.  Follow-up camera-trapping in Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park in August 2018 captured additional video of the Zanzibar Servaline Genet and the African Palm Civet.  No images were obtained of the African Civet Civettictis civetta, or of the two introduced species—the Banded Mongoose Mungos mungo and the Small Indian Civet Viverricula indica—in either year.  As the remaining natural habitat in Zanzibar shrinks in size and becomes fragmented, it is increasingly urgent to document the archipelago’s carnivores and other fauna, so that sound conservation measures can be implemented.
Examining the Prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Associated Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Among Low-Income Uninsured Adults
Authors: Allen Heidi , Wright Bill J. , Vartanian Keri , Dulacki Kristen , Li Hsin-Fang
Published: August 2019

Background:

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to poor adult health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about its prevalence, specifically in low-income populations. The objective of this study was to estimate the extent of ACEs in a low-income, nonclinical, uninsured adult population and assess the relationship between ACEs and cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Methods and Results:

This study leverages the OHIE’s (Oregon Health Insurance Experiment) study population, uninsured adults who were randomly selected to apply for Medicaid, and data collected through in-person health screenings. We objectively measured obesity, cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar. Smoking, physical activity, and history of chronic disease were self-reported. Independent variables were the 10-item ACEs questions covering neglect, abuse, and household dysfunction. The sample consisted of 12 229 low-income, nonelderly uninsured adults who participated in the OHIE health screenings from 2009 to 2010. A total of 5929 (48%) returned a follow-up survey reporting ACEs in 2012. ACEs were more prevalent in low-income adults compared with previous estimates in a general clinical population, with notably high rates of emotional abuse, emotional neglect, and household dysfunction. ACEs were statistically associated with higher rates of obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity, but not high cholesterol or diabetes mellitus. We detected a strong relationship between ACEs and a self-reported history of a hypertension diagnosis but no statistically significant differences in being hypertensive.

Conclusions:

This study design allowed us to assess the prevalence of ACEs among uninsured low-income adults and the association between ACEs and clinical indicators of cardiovascular disease risk that are difficult to ordinarily observe. Low-income adults have high rates of ACEs than previous prevalence estimates and ACEs were associated with higher rates of multiple cardiovascular disease risk factors. As states continue to expand Medicaid to the previously uninsured, providers may want to consider incorporating trauma-based approaches to care delivery.
HIV-Nef Protein Transfer to Endothelial Cells Requires Rac1 Activation and Leads to Endothelial Dysfunction Implications for Statin Treatment in HIV Patients
Authors: Chelvanambi Sarvesh , Gupta Samir K. , Chen Xingjuan , Ellis Bradley W. , Maier Bernhard F. , Colbert Tyler M. , Kuriakose Jithin , Zorlutuna Pinar , Jolicoeur Paul , Obukhov Alexander G. , Clauss Matthias
Published: August 2019

Rationale:

Even in antiretroviral therapy-treated patients, HIV continues to play a pathogenic role in cardiovascular diseases. A possible cofactor may be persistence of the early HIV response gene Nef, which we have demonstrated recently to persist in the lungs of HIV+ patients on antiretroviral therapy. Previously, we have reported that HIV strains with Nef, but not Nef-deleted HIV strains, cause endothelial proinflammatory activation and apoptosis.

Objective:

To characterize mechanisms through which HIV-Nef leads to the development of cardiovascular diseases using ex vivo tissue culture approaches as well as interventional experiments in transgenic murine models.

Methods and Results:

Extracellular vesicles derived from both peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma from HIV+ patient blood samples induced human coronary artery endothelial cells dysfunction. Plasma-derived extracellular vesicles from antiretroviral therapy+ patients who were HIV-Nef+ induced significantly greater endothelial apoptosis compared with HIV-Nef-plasma extracellular vesicles. Both HIV-Nef expressing T cells and HIV-Nef-induced extracellular vesicles increased transfer of cytosol and Nef protein to endothelial monolayers in a Rac1-dependent manner, consequently leading to endothelial adhesion protein upregulation and apoptosis. HIV-Nef induced Rac1 activation also led to dsDNA breaks in endothelial colony forming cells, thereby resulting in endothelial colony forming cell premature senescence and endothelial nitric oxide synthase downregulation. These Rac1-dependent activities were characterized by NOX2-mediated reactive oxygen species production. Statin treatment equally inhibited Rac1 inhibition in preventing or reversing all HIV-Nef-induction abnormalities assessed. This was likely because of the ability of statins to block Rac1 prenylation as geranylgeranyl transferase inhibitors were effective in inhibiting HIV-Nef-induced reactive oxygen species formation. Finally, transgenic expression of HIV-Nef in endothelial cells in a murine model impaired endothelium-mediated aortic ring dilation, which was then reversed by 3-week treatment with 5 mg/kg atorvastatin.

Conclusions:

These studies establish a mechanism by which HIV-Nef persistence despite antiretroviral therapy could contribute to ongoing HIV-related vascular dysfunction, which may then be ameliorated by statin treatment.
Association of Concurrent Changes in Metabolic Health and Weight on Cardiovascular Disease Risk: A Nationally Representative Cohort Study
Authors: Bae Ye Seul , Choi Seulggie , Lee Kiheon , Son Joung Sik , Lee Hyejin , Cho Mi Hee , Koo Hye‐Yeon , Cho In Young , Chang Jooyoung , Kim Kyuwoong , Kim Sung Min , Park Sang Min
Published: August 2019

Background

The combined effect of transitions of metabolic health and weight on cardiovascular disease (
CVD
) remains unclear. We aimed to examine the association of concurrent changes of metabolic health and weight on
CVD
over time.

Methods and Results

The study population consisted of 205 394 from the Korean National Health Insurance Service. Metabolic health was determined by fasting serum glucose, total cholesterol, and blood pressure levels, while obesity was determined by body mass index. All participants were divided into either metabolically healthy nonobese (
MHNO
), metabolically healthy obese, metabolically unhealthy nonobese, or metabolically unhealthy obese for each of the first (2002–2003) and second (2004–2005) health screening periods, after which participants were followed‐up for
CVD
from 2006 to 2015. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to determine adjusted hazard ratios (
aHR
s) and 95%
CI
s. Among initial
MHNO
participants, those who became metabolically healthy obese (
aHR
, 1.25; 95%
CI
, 1.10–1.41), metabolically unhealthy nonobese (
aHR
, 1.23; 95%
CI
, 1.15–1.31), and metabolically unhealthy obese (
aHR
, 1.34; 95%
CI
, 1.12–1.61) had elevated risk for
CVD
compared with those who remained
MHNO
. Conversely, improving metabolic health and obesity were associated with reduced
CVD
risk among initially metabolically unhealthy nonobese to secondary
MHNO
(
aHR
, 0.79; 95%
CI
, 0.73–0.84), metabolically unhealthy obese to
MHNO
(
aHR
, 0.68; 95%
CI
, 0.58–0.81), and metabolically unhealthy obese to metabolically healthy obese (
aHR,
0.73; 95%
CI
, 0.66–0.80) participants.

Conclusions

Changes toward metabolically unhealthy or obese states resulted in increased
CVD
risk. Improving metabolic health along with reducing weight may lead to decreased risk of
CVD
.
The Effect of Large-scale Performance-Based Funding in Higher Education
Authors: Ward Jason , Ost Ben
Published: August 2019

The use of performance-based funding that ties state higher education appropriations to performance metrics has increased dramatically in recent years, but most programs place at stake a small percent of overall funding. We analyze the effect of two notable exceptions—Ohio and Tennessee—where nearly all state funding is tied to performance measures. Using a difference-in-differences identification strategy along with a synthetic control approach, we find no evidence that these programs improve key academic outcomes.
Cultural Capital in Times of Crisis
Authors: Gavrankapetanović-Redžić Jasmina
Published: August 2019

The crisis of state cultural institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina that started in 2010 peaked with the closure of the National Museum in 2012. The crisis exposed the fragmentation that was taking place within Sarajevo’s cultural elite and the increasing gap between the former state cultural institutions and the civil sector. This paper examines the entanglement between the memory of the siege of Sarajevo and the fractioning within Sarajevo’s cultural elite through Pierre Bourdieu’s concept of cultural capital and social distinctions, using the examples of the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Sarajevo Film Festival.
The history of chickpea cultivation and breeding in Israel
Authors: Galili Shmuel , Ran Hovav , Dor Evgenia , Hershenhorn Joseph , Harel Arye , Amir-Segev Orit , Bellalou Aharon , Badani Hana , Smirnov Evgeny , Achdari Guy
Published: August 2019

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an ancient crop, mentioned in the Bible and in the Jerusalem Talmud. In the last 60 years, chickpea cultivation and breeding have undergone great advances. Those in cultivation have involved mainly changing the sowing dates and developing disease management for Ascochyta blight. In the last 10 years, to increase sowing areas, effort has been invested in developing agrotechniques for immature green chickpea harvesting. Today, breeding efforts are focused mainly on producing erect and high-yielding cultivars that are resistant to Ascochyta blight and Fusarium wilt. Moreover, in the last decade, breeding programs for early flowering have been initiated in the south of Israel, in areas with terminal drought, as well as for resistance to herbicides and the broomrape Phelipanche aegyptiaca. Thanks to all of these efforts, today chickpea is the major pulse crop in Israel.
Genetic diversity of three Israeli wild relatives of wheat from the Sitopsis section of Aegilops
Authors: Sela Hanan , Ezrati Smadar , Olivera Pablo D.
Published: August 2019

Israel is rich in wheat wild relatives. Some of the species have a restricted geographic distribution, grow in small populations, and are subjected to habitat fragmentation. To better conserve and exploit these species there is a need to characterize the genetic structure of ex situ collections. The population structure and genetic diversity of three wheat wild relatives from the genus Aegilops were studied. Collections of the species Ae. longissima (23 accessions), Ae. sharonensis (105 accessions) and Ae. speltoides (157 accessions) from the Institute for Cereal Crops Improvement (ICCI), Tel-Aviv University were genotyped using genotyping by sequencing (GBS) technique. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed different and similar diversity patterns among the species. All species had differences between northern and southern populations, however, in Ae. sharonensis there was a more significant component differentiating western and eastern populations. Some of the southeast accessions of Ae. sharonensis clustered together with the northern - coastal Ae. longissima accessions away from the rest of the Ae. longissima and Ae. sharonensis accessions. Ae. sharonensis collection has shown much more population differentiation than Ae. speltoides collection while in Ae. speltoides the total genetic diversity within populations diversity was higher. Ae. sharonensis population structure was more correlated with geographic distance while Ae. speltoides population structure has shown less structured populations and less correlation with geographic distance. Ae. sharonensis population structure was also correlated with soil type and humidity while in Ae. speltoides northern collection no correlation with the environment was found. The evolutionary and conservation perspectives of these finding are discussed.
New taxa of crickets (Orthoptera: Grylloidea: Gryllinae, Phaloriinae and Pteroplistinae) from northern Borneo (Belait and Sandakan)
Authors: TAN MING KAI , GOROCHOV ANDREI V. , WAHAB RODZAY BIN HAJI ABDUL , JAPIR RAZY , CHUNG ARTHUR Y. C.
Published: August 2019

Three species new to science of the Gryllid subfamilies Gryllinae and Pteroplistinae are described from Brunei: (1) Mimicogryllus splendens Tan, Gorochov & Wahab, sp. nov., (2) Pteroplistes bruneiensis Tan, Gorochov & Wahab, sp. nov., and (3) Tembelingiola belaitensis Tan, Gorochov & Wahab, sp. nov. A new species of cricket of the subfamily Phaloriinae is also described from Sandakan, eastern Sabah: Vescelia sepilokensis Tan, Gorochov, Japir & Chung, sp. nov.
Two new subterranean-adapted pseudoscorpions (Pseudoscorpiones: Neobisiidae: Parobisium) from Beijing, China
Authors: FENG ZEGANG , WYNNE J. JUDSON , ZHANG FENG
Published: August 2019

Two new troglomorphic pseudoscorpion species, Parobisium magangensis sp. n. and P. yuantongi sp. n., belonging to the family Neobisiidae, are described based on specimens collected in karst caves from Beijing, China. These are the first troglomorphic pseudoscorpions discovered from caves in northern China. Detailed diagnosis, descriptions, and illustrations are provided. We also offer future research and management recommendations for these two new pseudoscorpion species.
POLSTRACC: Airborne Experiment for Studying the Polar Stratosphere in a Changing Climate with the High Altitude and Long Range Research Aircraft (HALO)
Authors: Oelhaf Hermann , Sinnhuber Björn-Martin , Woiwode Wolfgang , Bönisch Harald , Bozem Heiko , Engel Andreas , Fix Andreas , Friedl-Vallon Felix , Grooß Jens-Uwe , Hoor Peter , Johansson Sören , Jurkat-Witschas Tina , Kaufmann Stefan , Krämer Martina , Krause Jens , Kretschmer Erik , Lörks Dominique , Marsing Andreas , Orphal Johannes , Pfeilsticker Klaus , Pitts Michael , Poole Lamont , Preusse Peter , Rapp Markus , Riese Martin , Rolf Christian , Ungermann Jörn , Voigt Christiane , Volk C. Michael , Wirth Martin , Zahn Andreas , Ziereis Helmut
Published: August 2019

The Polar Stratosphere in a Changing Climate (POLSTRACC) mission employed the German High Altitude and Long Range Research Aircraft (HALO). The payload comprised an innovative combination of remote sensing and in situ instruments. The in situ instruments provided high-resolution observations of cirrus and polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs), a large number of reactive and long-lived trace gases, and temperature at the aircraft level. Information above and underneath the aircraft level was achieved by remote sensing instruments as well as dropsondes. The mission took place from 8 December 2015 to 18 March 2016, covering the extremely cold late December to early February period and the time around the major warming in the beginning of March. In 18 scientific deployments, 156 flight hours were conducted, covering latitudes from 25° to 87°N and maximum altitudes of almost 15 km, and reaching potential temperature levels of up to 410 K. Highlights of results include 1) new aspects of transport and mixing in the Arctic upper troposphere–lower stratosphere (UTLS), 2) detailed analyses of special dynamical features such as tropopause folds, 3) observations of extended PSCs reaching sometimes down to HALO flight levels at 13–14 km, 4) observations of particulate NOy and vertical redistribution of gas-phase NOy in the lowermost stratosphere (LMS), 5) significant chlorine activation and deactivation in the LMS along with halogen source gas observations, and 6) the partitioning and budgets of reactive chlorine and bromine along with a detailed study of the efficiency of ClOx/BrOx ozone loss cycle. Finally, we quantify—based on our results—the ozone loss in the 2015/16 winter and address the question of how extraordinary this Arctic winter was.
A Significant Bias of Tmax and Tmin Average Temperature and Its Trend
Authors: Liu Yulian , Ren Guoyu , Kang Hengyuan , Sun Xiubao
Published: August 2019

The systematic bias of the estimated average temperature using daily Tmax and Tmin records relative to the standard average temperature of four time-equidistant observations and its effect on the estimated trend of long-term temperature change have not been well understood. This paper attempts to evaluate the systematic bias across mainland China using the daily data of national observational stations. The results revealed that the positive bias of annual mean temperature was large, reaching 0.58°C nationally on average; regional average bias was lowest in the northwest arid region and highest in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau; the bias was low in spring and summer and high in autumn and winter, reaching its lowest point in mid- and late May and highest point in early November. Furthermore, the bias showed a significant upward trend in the past 50 years, with a rising rate of 0.021°C (10 yr)−1, accounting for about 12% of the overall warming as estimated from the data of the observational network; the largest positive trend bias was found in the northwest arid region, while the east monsoon region experienced the smallest change; the most remarkable increase of the bias occurred after early 1990s. These results indicate that the customarily applied method to calculate daily and monthly mean temperature using Tmax and Tmin significantly overestimates the climatological mean and the long-term trend of surface air temperature in mainland China.
The Observed Structure and Precipitation Characteristics of Southeast Atlantic Stratocumulus from Airborne Radar during ORACLES 2016–17
Authors: Dzambo Andrew M. , L’Ecuyer Tristan , Sy Ousmane O. , Tanelli Simone
Published: August 2019

During the Observations of Aerosols above Clouds and Their Interactions (ORACLES) 2016 and 2017 field experiments, the Third Generation Advanced Precipitation and Cloud Radar (APR-3) flew aboard the NASA P-3 aircraft taking over 10 million profiles of stratocumulus clouds in the southeast Atlantic Ocean. This study documents cloud structure, precipitation frequency and intensity, and atmospheric stability for each flight during both field experiments. A larger cloud fraction was estimated for 2016, likely due to a larger estimated inversion strength (EIS) in the experiment area (between 6 and 10 K) compared to 2017 where EIS was on average 4–6 K lower. We used an optimal estimation retrieval to derive precipitation rates for all measurable clouds during both experiments. Over 30% of clouds observed during the 2016 experiment exhibited precipitation reaching the surface, but retrieved drizzle rates were below 0.01 mm h−1 in all but 40% of these profiles. This is in sharp contrast to the 2017 campaign where over 53% of precipitating profiles had rainfall rates larger than 0.01 mm h−1. The differences in cloud and rain fractions between the two years are most likely due to differences in the sampling environments; however, enough variations in cloud, virga, and rain fraction exist for similar environmental conditions such that additional analysis of cloud and aerosol interactions—specifically their effect on precipitation processes—needs further exploration. The extensive APR-3 sampling of drizzling stratocumulus under similar thermodynamic conditions provides a rich dataset for examining the influence of biomass burning aerosols on cloud fraction, morphology, and precipitation characteristics in this climatically important region.
Climatological Features of the Weakly and Very Stably Stratified Nocturnal Boundary Layers. Part III: The Structure of Meteorological State Variables in Persistent Regime Nights and across Regime Transitions
Authors: Abraham Carsten , Monahan Adam H.
Published: August 2019

The evolution of profiles of meteorological state variables during nights with and without transitions in the nocturnal stably stratified boundary layer (SBL) between weakly stable (wSBL) and very stable (vSBL) regimes, as classified by a hidden Markov model, is examined at nine different tower sites. During wSBL-to-vSBL transitions, inversion strengths increase, near-surface winds decelerate, and atmospheric layers vertically decouple. Turbulence kinetic energy (TKE) steadily decreases before wSBL-to-vSBL transitions and fluctuations of the vertical velocity become weak. In contrast to land-based sites where wSBL-to-vSBL transitions are normally caused by surface cooling, at sea-based stations the transitions generally are initiated by advection of warm air aloft. The vSBL-to-wSBL transition is characterized by a fast breakdown of the inversion strength, acceleration of wind profiles, and a restored vertical coupling of the atmospheric flow. TKE recovers on time scales of minutes first in atmospheric levels between 50 and 100 m. Profiles of state variables for the two different regimes during very persistent nights (nights without SBL regime transitions) are clearly separated and similar to structures during nights with transitions away from transition times. During very persistent nights the wind conditions stay relatively steady. Similarly, the temperature is steady after an initial adjustment time at sunset (wSBL) or shortly after sunset (vSBL). Even though nights with and without transitions are a common feature of the SBL, there is no clear indicator in Reynolds-averaged mean variables that distinguishes very persistent nights from nights with transitions.
A Study of the Interaction between Typhoon Francisco (2013) and a Cold-Core Eddy. Part I: Rapid Weakening
Authors: Ma Zhanhong
Published: August 2019

Typhoon Francisco (2013) experienced unusually rapid weakening (RW) with its maximum surface wind decreasing by 45 kt (1 kt ≈ 0.51 m s−1) over 24 h as measured from the satellite-derived advanced Dvorak technique (ADT) dataset, which is more than twice the weakening rate defined as RW by DeMaria. The mechanisms leading to the extreme RW event of Francisco are examined based on observational analysis and simulations by coupling the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model, version 3.7, with the Stony Brook Parallel Ocean Model (sbPOM). The RW of Francisco took place in a relatively favorable atmospheric environment while passing over detrimental oceanic conditions, dominated by the presence of a cold-core eddy. The passages of two prior typhoons apparently intensified the cold-core eddy, contributing to a major role of eddy feedback on RW for Francisco. The structural changes in Francisco accompanying eddy interaction are characterized by a substantially enlarged eye size, which evolved from ~20 to ~100 km in diameter, as indicated from satellite images. Numerical simulations suggest that the eddy is prominent in weakening the intensity of Francisco during the storm–eddy interaction, with its role less significant but still comparable to that of the cold wake. Both the cooler water and stronger upward motion in the eddy lead to a larger sea surface temperature decrease induced by Francisco, which results in a nearly 50% decrease of surface enthalpy flux, suppressed convective bursts, and a 50% reduction in latent heat release. These results underscore the potential importance of open-ocean, cold-core eddies in contributing to the RW of tropical cyclones.
A Climatology of Quasi-Linear Convective Systems and Their Hazards in the United States
Authors: Ashley Walker S. , Haberlie Alex M. , Strohm Jacob
Published: August 2019

This research uses image classification and machine learning methods on radar reflectivity mosaics to segment, classify, and track quasi-linear convective systems (QLCSs) in the United States for a 22-yr period. An algorithm is trained and validated using radar-derived spatial and intensity information from thousands of manually labeled QLCS and non-QLCS event slices. The algorithm is then used to automate the identification and tracking of over 3000 QLCSs with high accuracy, affording the first, systematic, long-term climatology of QLCSs. Convective regions determined by the procedure to be QLCSs are used as foci for spatiotemporal filtering of observed severe thunderstorm reports; this permits an estimation of the number of severe storm hazards due to this morphology. Results reveal that nearly 32% of MCSs are classified as QLCSs. On average, 139 QLCSs occur annually, with most of these events clustered from April through August in the eastern Great Plains and central/lower Mississippi and Ohio River Valleys. QLCSs are responsible for a spatiotemporally variable proportion of severe hazard reports, with a maximum in QLCS-report attribution (30%–42%) in the western Ohio and central Mississippi River Valleys. Over 21% of tornadoes, 28% of severe winds, and 10% of severe hail reports are due to QLCSs across the central and eastern United States. The proportion of QLCS-affiliated tornado and severe wind reports maximize during the overnight and cool season, with more than 50% of tornadoes and wind reports in some locations due to QLCSs. This research illustrates the utility of automated storm-mode classification systems in generating extensive, systematic climatologies of phenomena, reducing the need for time-consuming and spatiotemporal-limiting methods where investigators manually assign morphological classifications.
Concluding Thoughts
Authors: Kezar Adrianna , Kitchen Joseph A.
Published: August 2019

This issue has explored the efficacy of two comprehensive college transition programs: CSU STEM Collaboratives and the Thompson Scholars Learning Community. Both studies identify similar issues that merit further exploration and point to key findings that practitioners should consider to guide their future work with first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students.