bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects and Meanings of Receiving a Diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment or Alzheimer’s Disease When One Lives Alone
Authors: Portacolone Elena , Johnson Julene K. , Covinsky Kenneth E. , Halpern Jodi , Rubinstein Robert L.
Published: January 2018

Background:

One third of older adults with cognitive impairment live alone and are at high risk for poor health outcomes. Little is known about how older adults who live alone experience the process of receiving a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Objective:

The aim of this study was to understand the effects and meanings of receiving a diagnosis of MCI or AD on the lived experience of older adults living alone.

Methods:

This is a qualitative study of adults age 65 and over living alone with cognitive impairment. Participants’ lived experiences were elicited through ethnographic interviews and participant observation in their homes. Using a qualitative content analysis approach, interview transcripts and fieldnotes were analyzed to identify codes and themes.

Results:

Twenty-nine older adults and 6 members of their social circles completed 114 ethnographic interviews. Core themes included: relief, distress, ambiguous recollections, and not knowing what to do. Participants sometimes felt uplifted and relieved by the diagnostic process. Some participants did not mention having received a diagnosis or had only partial recollections about it. Participants reported that, as time passed, they did not know what to do with regard to the treatment of their condition. Sometimes they also did not know how to prepare for a likely worsening of their condition, which they would experience while living alone.

Conclusion:

Findings suggest the need for more tailored care and follow-up as soon as MCI or AD is diagnosed in persons living alone.
Geographical Distribution and Diversity of Gut Microbial NADH:Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase Sequence Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Paley Elena L. , Merkulova-Rainon Tatiana , Faynboym Aleksandr , Shestopalov Valery I. , Aksenoff Igor
Published: January 2018

Earlier we reported induction of neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration by tryptophan metabolites that link the metabolic alterations to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Tryptophan is a product of the Shikimate pathway (SP). Human cells lack SP, which is found in human gut bacteria exclusively using SP to produce aromatic amino acids (AAA). This study is a first attempt toward gene-targeted analysis of human gut microbiota in AD fecal samples. The oligonucleotide primers newly-designed for this work target SP-AAA in environmental bacteria associated with human activity. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), we found unique gut bacterial sequence in most AD patients (18 of 20), albeit rarely in controls (1 of 13). Cloning and sequencing AD-associated PCR products (ADPP) enables identification of Na(+)-transporting NADH: Ubiquinone reductase (NQR) in Clostridium sp. The ADPP of unrelated AD patients possess near identical sequences. NQR substrate, ubiquinone is a SP product and human neuroprotectant. A deficit in ubiquinone has been determined in a number of neuromuscular and neurodegenerative disorders. Antibacterial therapy prompted an ADPP reduction in an ADPP-positive control person who was later diagnosed with AD-dementia. We explored the gut microbiome databases and uncovered a sequence similarity (up to 97%) between ADPP and some healthy individuals from different geographical locations. Importantly, our main finding of the significant difference in the gut microbial genotypes between the AD and control human populations is a breakthrough.
Profiling of Specific Gene Expression Pathways in Peripheral Cells from Prodromal Alzheimer’s Disease Patients
Authors: Serpente Maria , Fenoglio Chiara , Cioffi Sara Maria Giulia , Oldoni Emanuela , Arcaro Marina , Arighi Andrea , Fumagalli Giorgio Giulio , Ghezzi Laura , Scarpini Elio , Galimberti Daniela
Published: January 2018

Herein, we performed a gene expression profiling in a cohort of 10 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), subdivided, according to the analysis of cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, in prodromal Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and non-AD MCI, as compared with 27 AD patients and 24 controls, in order to detect early gene expression alterations. We observed a significant upregulation of insulin (INS) and INS Receptor (INSR) expression levels in AD both prodromal and fully symptomatic, as compared with controls, but not in MCI subjects. Our results suggest an early dysregulation of INS and INSR in AD pathogenesis and pave the way to a possible utility of these transcripts as peripheral biomarkers.
Endogenous Murine Amyloid-β Peptide Assembles into Aggregates in the Aged C57BL/6J Mouse Suggesting These Animals as a Model to Study Pathogenesis of Amyloid-β Plaque Formation
Authors: Ahlemeyer Barbara , Halupczok Sascha , Rodenberg-Frank Elke , Valerius Klaus-Peter , Baumgart-Vogt Eveline
Published: January 2018

Amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), paired helical filament-tau (PHF-tau), and α-synuclein are in the focus of neuroscience research because they aggregate in brains of patients with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. For this purpose, transgenic mouse models were used containing the human genes for AβPP/presenilin/tau or α-synuclein with the most frequent mutations. This is not ideal because most patients develop sporadic forms of the diseases with no causative single gene defect and furthermore the aggregation of human proteins in man is not necessarily the same in rodents. We hypothesized that for such cases the aged mouse could be an alternative model and analyzed the distribution of endogenous Aβ, PHF-tau, and α-synuclein in mouse brains at different ages. Whereas Aβ was below detectable levels at birth, it was present at high levels in the 15-month-old mouse. Aβ was found in the cytosol and lysosomes of neurons of the temporal cortex, cingulate area, pons, and cerebellum as well as extracellularly in the periventricular zone. Contrary to Aβ, mouse brain was devoid of PHF-tau-positive neurofibrillary tangles. α-Synuclein was detectable in the newborn mouse with highest levels in the marginal zone of the lateral cortex and average levels in the hippocampus, pons, and cerebellum. Brain-area specific differences in the α-synuclein level persisted up to 15 months of age, but increased 3-fold in all areas over time. α-Synuclein resided in the neuropil, but not in intracellular aggregates even in the aged mouse. We suggest the aged mouse as a model to study Aβ plaque formation.
A Natural Benzofuran from the Patagonic Aleurodiscus vitellinus Fungus has Potent Neuroprotective Properties on a Cellular Model of Amyloid-β Peptide Toxicity
Authors: González-Ramírez Mariela , Gavilán Javiera , Silva-Grecchi Tiare , Cajas-Madriaga Daniel , Triviño Sergio , Becerra José , Saez-Orellana Francisco , Pérez Claudia , Fuentealba Jorge
Published: January 2018

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by amyloid plaques that form due to an increase in amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) aggregation. One strategy in the search of new treatments for AD focuses on compounds that decrease Aβ accumulation. Compounds containing a benzofuran ring have been described to play an important role in decreasing Aβ-induced toxicity; however, only synthetic benzofurans have been tested thus far. The aim of the present study was to examine the in vitro neuroprotective properties of fomannoxin (Fx), a natural benzofuran isolated from cultures of the Andean-Patagonian fungi Aleurodiscus vitellinus, and evaluate its effect on Aβ peptide. We tested the effect of Fx at a wide concentration range (10–11–10–4 M) in PC-12 cells, and found the compound did not alter cellular viability. Fx also showed a concentration-dependent effect on the Aβ-induced toxicity in PC12 cells, showing viability above 100% at 10–6 M. We then measured the effect of Fx (10–7–10–5 M) on the frequency of cytosolic Ca2+ transients in rat hippocampal neurons at both acute and chronic (24 h) times. Acute incubation with Fx increased the frequency of cytosolic Ca2+ transients to values around 200%, whereas chronic incubation with Fx increased the frequency of Ca2+ transients. Finally, the Aβ-induced decrease in intracellular Ca2+ transients was prevented when Fx (10–6 M) was co-incubated with Aβ (5×10–6 M). The results suggest a potent neuroprotective effect of this naturally occurring benzofuran against Aβ peptide toxicity that could be mediated by an interference with it binding to plasma membrane, and lead Fx as new chemical entity to develop pharmacological tools against Aβ peptide neurotoxicity.
A Longitudinal Study of Total and Phosphorylated α-Synuclein with Other Biomarkers in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Wang Hua , Stewart Tessandra , Toledo Jon B. , Ginghina Carmen , Tang Lu , Atik Anzari , Aro Patrick , Shaw Leslie M. , Trojanowski John Q. , Galasko Douglas R. , Edland Steven , Jensen Poul H. , Shi Min , Zhang Jing ,   for The Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: January 2018

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) features a dynamic sequence of amyloid deposition, neurodegeneration, and cognitive impairment. A significant fraction of AD brains also displays Lewy body pathology, suggesting that addition of classically Parkinson’s disease-related proteins to the AD biomarker panel may be of value. To determine whether addition of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) total α-synuclein and its form phosphorylated at S129 (pS129) to the AD biomarker panel [Amyloid-β1-42 (Aβ42), tau, and phosphorylated tau (p-tau181)] improves its performance, we examined CSF samples collected longitudinally up to 7 years as part of the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. From 87 AD, 177 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 104 age-matched healthy controls, 792 baseline and longitudinal CSF samples were tested for total α-synuclein, pS129, Aβ42, tau, and p-tau181. pS129, but not total α-synuclein, was weakly associated with diagnosis at baseline when t-tau/Aβ42 was included in the statistical model (β= 0.0026, p = 0.041, 95% CI [(0.0001)–(0.005)]). CSF α-synuclein predicted Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive (β= –0.59, p = 0.0015, 95% CI [(–0.96)–(–0.23)]), memory (β= 0.4, p = 0.00025, 95% CI [(0.16)–(0.59)]), and executive (0.62,<0.0001, 95% CI [(0.31)–(0.93)]) function composite scores, and progression from MCI to AD (β= 0.019, p = 0.0011, 95% CI [(0.002)–(0.20)]). pS129 was associated with executive function (β= –2.55, p = 0.0085, 95% CI [(–4.45)–(–0.66)]). Lower values in the mismatch between α-synuclein and p-tau181 predicted faster cognitive decline (β= 0.64, p = 0.0012, 95% CI [(0.48)–(0.84)]). Longitudinal biomarker changes did not differ between groups, and may not reflect AD progression. The α-synuclein-p-tau181-Mismatch could better predict longitudinal cognitive changes than classical AD markers alone, and its pathological correlates should be investigated further.
Proteomic Analysis of Secretomes of Oncolytic Herpes Simplex Virus-Infected Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Tada Shinya , Hamada Masakazu , Yura Yoshiaki
Published: January 2018

Oncolytic herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) strain RH2 induced immunogenic cell death (ICD) with the release and surface exposure of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) SCCVII cells. The supernatants of RH2-infected SCCVII cells also exhibited antitumor ability by intratumoral administration in SCCVII tumor-bearing mice. The supernatants of RH2-infected cells and mock-infected cells were concentrated to produce Med24 and MedC for proteomic analyses. In Med24, the up- and down-regulated proteins were observed. Proteins including filamin, tubulin, t-complex protein 1 (TCP-1), and heat shock proteins (HSPs), were up-regulated, while extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins were markedly down-regulated. Viral proteins were detected in Med 24. These results indicate that HSV-1 RH2 infection increases the release of danger signal proteins and viral gene products, but decreases the release of ECM components. These changes may alter the tumor microenvironment (TME) and contribute to enhancement of anti-tumor immunity against SCC.
A Patient-Centered Approach to Guide Follow-Up and Adjunctive Testing and Treatment after First Rib Resection for Venous Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Is Safe and Effective
Authors: Ryan Colin , Mouawad Nicolas , Vaccaro Patrick , Go Michael
Published: January 2018

Controversies in the treatment of venous thoracic outlet syndrome (VTOS) have been discussed for decades, but still persist. Calls for more objective reporting standards have pushed practice towards comprehensive venous evaluations and interventions after first rib resection (FRR) for all patients. In our practice, we have relied on patient-centered, patient-reported outcomes to guide adjunctive treatment and measure success. Thus, we sought to investigate the use of thrombolysis versus anticoagulation alone, timing of FRR following thrombolysis, post-FRR venous intervention, and FRR for McCleery syndrome (MCS) and their impact on patient symptoms and return to function. All patients undergoing FRR for VTOS at our institution from 4 April 2000 through 31 December 2013 were reviewed. Demographics, symptoms, diagnostic and treatment details, and outcomes were collected. Per “Reporting Standards of the Society for Vascular Surgery for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome”, symptoms were described as swelling/discoloration/heaviness, collaterals, concomitant neurogenic symptoms, and functional impairment. Patient-reported response to treatment was defined as complete (no residual symptoms and return to function), partial (any residual symptoms present but no functional impairment), temporary (initial improvement but subsequent recurrence of any symptoms or functional impairment), or none (persistent symptoms or functional impairment). Sixty FRR were performed on 59 patients. 54.2% were female with a mean age of 34.3 years. Swelling/discoloration/heaviness was present in all but one patient, deep vein thrombosis in 80%, and visible collaterals in 41.7%. Four patients had pulmonary embolus while 65% had concomitant neurogenic symptoms. In addition, 74.6% of patients were anticoagulated and 44.1% also underwent thrombolysis prior to FRR. Complete or partial response occurred in 93.4%. Of the four patients with temporary or no response, further diagnostics revealed residual venous disease in two and occult alternative diagnoses in two. Use of thrombolysis was not related to FRR outcomes (p = 0.600). Performance of FRR less than or greater than six weeks after the initiation of anticoagulation or treatment with thrombolysis was not related to FRR outcomes (p = 1). Whether patients had DVT or MCS was not related to FRR outcomes (p = 1). No patient had recurrent DVT. From a patient-centered, patient-reported standpoint, VTOS is equally effectively treated with FRR regardless of preoperative thrombolysis or timing of surgery after thrombolysis. A conservative approach to venous interrogation and intervention after FRR is safe and effective for symptom control and return to function. Additionally, patients with MCS are effectively treated with FRR.
Do Carpets Impair Indoor Air Quality and Cause Adverse Health Outcomes: A Review
Authors: Becher Rune , Øvrevik Johan , Schwarze Per , Nilsen Steinar , Hongslo Jan , Bakke Jan
Published: January 2018

Several earlier studies have shown the presence of more dust and allergens in carpets compared with non-carpeted floors. At the same time, adverse effects of carpeted floors on perceived indoor air quality as well as worsening of symptoms in individuals with asthma and allergies were reported. Avoiding extensive carpet use in offices, schools, kindergartens and bedrooms has therefore been recommended by several health authorities. More recently, carpet producers have argued that former assessments were obsolete and that modern rugs are unproblematic, even for those with asthma and allergies. To investigate whether the recommendation to be cautious with the use of carpets is still valid, or whether there are new data supporting that carpet flooring do not present a problem for indoor air quality and health, we have reviewed the literature on this matter. We have not found updated peer reviewed evidence that carpeted floor is unproblematic for the indoor environment. On the contrary, also more recent data support that carpets may act as a repository for pollutants which may become resuspended upon activity in the carpeted area. Also, the use of carpets is still linked to perception of reduced indoor air quality as well as adverse health effects as previously reported. To our knowledge, there are no publications that report on deposition of pollutants and adverse health outcomes associated with modern rugs. However, due to the three-dimensional structure of carpets, any carpet will to some extent act like a sink. Thus, continued caution should still be exercised when considering the use of wall-to-wall carpeted floors in schools, kindergartens and offices, as well as in children’s bedrooms unless special needs indicate that carpets are preferable.
On the Impact of Policy Uncertainty on Oil Prices: An Asymmetry Analysis
Authors: Bahmani-Oskooee Mohsen , Harvey Hanafiah , Niroomand Farhang
Published: January 2018

Previous research has assessed the impact of policy uncertainty on a few macro variables. In this paper, we consider its impact on oil prices. Oil prices are usually determined in global markets by the law of demand and supply. Our concern in this paper is to determine which country’s policy uncertainty measure has an impact on oil prices. Using both the linear and the nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) methods, we find that while policy uncertainty measures of Canada, China, Europe, Japan, Russia, South Korea, and the U.S. have short-run effects, short-run effects last into the long-run asymmetric effects only in the case of China. This may reflect the importance and recent surge in China’s engagement in world trade.
EHD Effects in Lubricated Journal Bearing
Authors: Usov Pavel
Published: January 2018

This paper presents a numerical analysis of the influence of deformation of infinite parallel cylindrical solids in partial journal bearing on the oil film characteristics. The stationary elastohydrodynamic EHD problems for three design models of bearings are considered: (1) The bearing in which the basic contribution to the elastic displacement of the surface brings the thin elastic liner; (2) The elastic cylinder and the elastic bushing which is modeled by the elastic space with a cylindrical cut; (3) The elastic cylinder and the elastic bushing in the presence of the thin elastic liner with a small module of elasticity. It is shown that when the minimum film thickness is fixed and deformations of the elastic solids increase, then the load capacity increases, reaches a maximum, and then decreases. The deformation of solids can raise load capacity many times over. When the deformation of solids increases from zero, the pressure distribution changes from the distribution of pressure in the case of rigid bodies to the distribution of pressure which takes place with the dry contact of elastic bodies.
Microstructural Evolution and Phase Formation in 2nd-Generation Refractory-Based High Entropy Alloys
Authors: Eshed Eyal , Larianovsky Natalya , Kovalevsky Alexey , Popov Jr. Vladimir , Gorbachev Igor , Popov Vladimir , Katz-Demyanetz Alexander
Published: January 2018

Refractory-based high entropy alloys (HEAs) of the 2nd-generation type are new intensively-studied materials with a high potential for structural high-temperature applications. This paper presents investigation results on microstructural evolution and phase formation in as-cast and subsequently heat-treated HEAs at various temperature-time regimes. Microstructural examination was performed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with the energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) mode of electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and qualitative X-ray diffraction (XRD). The primary evolutionary trend observed was the tendency of Zr to gradually segregate as the temperature rises, while all the other elements eventually dissolve in the BCC solid solution phase once the onset of Laves phase complex decomposition is reached. The performed thermodynamic modelling was based on the Calculation of Phase Diagrams method (CALPHAD). The BCC A2 solid solution phase is predicted by the model to contain increasing amounts of Cr as the temperature rises, which is in perfect agreement with the actual results obtained by SEM. However, the model was not able to predict the existence of the Zr-rich phase or the tendency of Zr to segregate and form its own solid solution—most likely as a result of the Zr segregation trend not being an equilibrium phenomenon.
From “a Theology of Genocide” to a “Theology of Reconciliation”? On the Role of Christian Churches in the Nexus of Religion and Genocide in Rwanda
Authors: Schliesser Christine
Published: January 2018

This paper explores the role of a specific religious actor, namely Christian churches, in the nexus of religion and genocide in Rwanda. Four factors are identified that point to the churches’ complicity in creating and sustaining the conditions in which the 1994 genocide could occur, leaving up to one million people dead. These factors include the close relationship between church and state, the churches’ endorsement of ethnic policies, power struggles within the churches, and a problematic theology emphasizing obedience instead of responsibility. Nevertheless, the portrayal of all Christian churches as collaborators of the genocide appears too simplistic and one-sided. Various church-led initiatives for peace and reconciliation prior to the genocide indicate a more complex picture of church involvement. Turning away from a “Theology of Genocide” that endorsed ethnic violence, numerous Christian churches in Rwanda now propagate a “Theology of Reconciliation.” A modest empirical case study of the Presbyterian Church (EPR) reveals how their “Theology of Reconciliation” embraces the four dimensions of theology, institutions, relationships, and remembrance. Based on their own confession of guilt in the Detmold Confession of 1996, the EPR’s engagement for reconciliation demonstrates religion’s constructive contribution in Rwanda’s on-going quest for sustainable peace and development.
Data-Driven Packet Loss Estimation for Node Healthy Sensing in Decentralized Cluster
Authors: Fan Hangyu , Wang Huandong , Li Yong
Published: January 2018

Decentralized clustering of modern information technology is widely adopted in various fields these years. One of the main reason is the features of high availability and the failure-tolerance which can prevent the entire system form broking down by a failure of a single point. Recently, toolkits such as Akka are used by the public commonly to easily build such kind of cluster. However, clusters of such kind that use Gossip as their membership managing protocol and use link failure detecting mechanism to detect link failures cannot deal with the scenario that a node stochastically drops packets and corrupts the member status of the cluster. In this paper, we formulate the problem to be evaluating the link quality and finding a max clique (NP-Complete) in the connectivity graph. We then proposed an algorithm that consists of two models driven by data from application layer to respectively solving these two problems. Through simulations with statistical data and a real-world product, we demonstrate that our algorithm has a good performance.
A surface collection at Chegerdak, a Bronze Age centre in the Jazmurian basin (South-Eastern Iran)
Authors: Heydari Muhammad , Fazeli Nashli Hassan , Cortesi Elisa , Vidale Massimo
Published: January 2018

We describe a ceramic collection gathered during a preliminary visit to the site of Chegerdak, in the southern piedmont of the Jazmurian depression (Sistan-Baluchistan, South-Eastern Iran). Chegerdak is one of the many prehistoric locations of Jazmurian that in recent times were affected by extensive lootings of important cemeteries and settlement sites. The ceramics collected on surface witness a local settlement that flourished for a good part of the 3rd millennium BC ; they also reveal important cultural links with the contemporaneous cultures and civilizations of the Halil Rud basin at north-west, the Sistan plains to the north-east and the Kech Makran valleys to the south-east.
Diffuse X-Ray-emitting Gas in Major Mergers
Authors: Smith Beverly J. , Campbell Kristen , Struck Curtis , Soria Roberto , Swartz Douglas , Magno Macon , Dunn Brianne , Giroux Mark L.
Published: January 2018

Using archived data from the Chandra X-ray telescope, we have extracted the diffuse X-ray emission from 49 equal-mass interacting/merging galaxy pairs in a merger sequence, from widely separated pairs to merger remnants. After the removal of contributions from unresolved point sources, we compared the diffuse thermal X-ray luminosity from hot gas (L
X(gas)) with the global star formation rate (SFR). After correction for absorption within the target galaxy, we do not see a strong trend of L
X(gas)/SFR with the SFR or merger stage for galaxies with SFR > 1 M
☉ yr−1. For these galaxies, the median L
X(gas)/SFR is 5.5 × 1039 ((erg s−1)/M
☉ yr−1)), similar to that of normal spiral galaxies. These results suggest that stellar feedback in star-forming galaxies reaches an approximately steady-state condition, in which a relatively constant fraction of about 2% of the total energy output from supernovae and stellar winds is converted into X-ray flux. Three late-stage merger remnants with low SFRs and high K-band luminosities (L

K
) have enhanced L
X(gas)/SFR; their UV/IR/optical colors suggest that they are post-starburst galaxies, perhaps in the process of becoming ellipticals. Systems with L

K
 < 1010 L
☉ have lower L
X(gas)/SFR ratios than the other galaxies in our sample, perhaps due to lower gravitational fields or lower metallicities. We see no relation between L
X(gas)/SFR and Seyfert activity in this sample, suggesting that feedback from active galactic nuclei is not a major contributor to the hot gas in our sample galaxies.
Secondary Atmospheres on HD 219134 b and c
Authors: Dorn Caroline , Heng Kevin
Published: January 2018

We analyze the interiors of HD 219134 b and c, which are among the coolest super-Earths detected thus far. Without using spectroscopic measurements, we aim at constraining if the possible atmospheres are hydrogen-rich or hydrogen-poor. In the first step, we employ a full probabilistic Bayesian inference analysis to rigorously quantify the degeneracy of interior parameters given the data of mass, radius, refractory element abundances, semimajor axes, and stellar irradiation. We obtain constraints on structure and composition for core, mantle, ice layer, and atmosphere. In the second step, we aim to draw conclusions on the nature of possible atmospheres by considering atmospheric escape. Specifically, we compare the actual possible atmospheres to a threshold thickness above which a primordial (H2-dominated) atmosphere can be retained against evaporation over the planet’s lifetime. The best-constrained parameters are the individual layer thicknesses. The maximum radius fraction of possible atmospheres are 0.18 and 0.13 R (radius), for planets b and c, respectively. These values are significantly smaller than the threshold thicknesses of primordial atmospheres: 0.28 and 0.19 R, respectively. Thus, the possible atmospheres of planets b and c are unlikely to be H2-dominated. However, whether possible volatile layers are made of gas or liquid/solid water cannot be uniquely determined. Our main conclusions are (1) the possible atmospheres for planets b and c are enriched and thus possibly secondary in nature, and (2) both planets may contain a gas layer, whereas the layer of HD 219134 b must be larger. HD 219134 c can be rocky.
Gas Expulsion in MOND: The Possible Origin of Diffuse Globular Clusters and Ultra-faint Dwarf Galaxies
Authors: Wu Xufen , Kroupa Pavel
Published: January 2018

We study the evolution of star clusters located in the outer regions of a galaxy undergoing a sudden mass loss through gas expulsion in the framework of Milgromian dynamics (MOND) by means of N-body simulations. We find that, to leave a bound star cluster, the star formation efficiency (SFE) of an embedded cluster dominated by deep MOND gravity can be reduced down to

. For a given SFE, the star clusters that survive in MOND can bind a larger fraction of mass compared to those of the Newtonian dynamics. Moreover, the more diffuse the embedded cluster is, the less substantial the size expansion of the final star cluster is. The density profiles of a surviving star cluster are more cuspy in the center for more massive embedded clusters, and the central density profiles are flatter for less massive embedded clusters or for lower SFE. This work may help to understand the low concentration and extension of the distant low-density globular clusters and ultra-faint and diffuse satellite galaxies around the Milky Way.
Renunciation of Health Care by People Living with HIV in France is Still Associated with Discrimination in Health-Care Services and Social Insecurity – Results from the ANRS-VESPA2 Survey
Authors:   the ANRS-VESPA2 Study Group, Fiorentino Marion , Suzan-Monti Marie , Vilotitch Antoine , Sagaon-Teyssier Luis , Dray-Spira Rosemary , Lert France , Spire Bruno
Published: January 2018

Background

This study aimed to estimate the frequency of renunciation of health care among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in France, including health care unrelated to HIV, and to characterize associated socioeconomic and psychosocial risk factors.

Methods

The cross-sectional ANRS-VESPA2 survey was conducted on adult PLHIV attending French hospitals in 2011. Correlates of health-care renunciation in the 12 months before the survey were assessed through logistic modelling.

Results

Among the 3,020 PLHIV included in the sample, 17% declared health-care renunciation during the preceding year and 42% had a high level of social insecurity. During the previous 2 years, 8% and 11%, respectively, were discriminated against by medical staff and family. In multivariate analysis, positive associations were found between health-care renunciation and a high level of social insecurity (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI] 3.44 [2.54, 4.65]; P<0.001), having children (1.52 [1.10, 2.10]; P=0.01), smoking tobacco (1.50 [1.13, 1.98]; P=0.01), discrimination by medical staff (1.53 [1.22, 2.29]; P=0.04) or family (2.48 [1.75, 3.52]; P<0.001), major depressive episodes (1.46 [1.02, 2.09]; P=0.04), past or current drug injection (1.54 [1.03, 2.30]; P=0.04), and younger age (0.98 [0.97, 1.00]; P=0.03). Health-care renunciation was also negatively associated with HIV diagnosis after 1996 (1996–2002: 0.64 [0.46, 0.90]; P=0.01; ≥2003: 0.56 [0.40, 0.77]; P=0.001).

Conclusions

In spite of universal health insurance in France, barrier- and refusal-renunciation of health care by PLHIV remain frequent. Poor psychosocial outcomes and discrimination by families and health-care providers compound the negative effect of social insecurity on health-care seeking in this population. To ensure optimal medical care, strategies are needed to prevent discrimination against PLHIV in health-care services. Special attention must be provided to patients experiencing social insecurity.
Les spécificités du médium « semoule » dans le traitement psychique des traumas primaires : l’expérience d’une disparition/réapparition
Authors: Guittonneau-Bertholet Mireille
Published: January 2018

Cet article cherche à montrer les spécificités du médium semoule dans le travail analytique avec les enfants, et sa capacité à engager – par ses qualités sensorielles mêmes – un processus de restauration des enveloppes psychiques et corporelles. L’hypothèse principale est que c’est en particulier par la mise en jeu de sa disparition puis de sa réapparition, de son éparpillement suivi de son rassemblement que ce médium permet un travail de symbolisation des traumas primaires. En effet, ce matériau permet notamment la réactualisation de vécus précoces de disparition, de l’objet et de soi, et leur élaboration. Au cours de ce processus de symbolisation, on voit souvent l’éparpillement, la disparition de la semoule céder peu à peu la place à des jeux de cache-cache où il s’agit pour l’enfant de dissimuler des objets ou des parties de son corps dans le bac de semoule. Dès lors que séparation ne rime plus avec disparition, on peut progressivement constater la capacité nouvelle des enfants à recourir à des formes secondaires de symbolisation, tel que le jeu du fort-da.
Que faire des cadis de la République ?
Authors: Hachimi-Alaoui Myriam , Lemercier Élise
Published: January 2018

La normalisation du droit applicable à Mayotte a été au cœur du récent processus de départementalisation de ce territoire ultramarin. Cet article étudie les reconfigurations de la place attribuée aux cadis, magistrats musulmans à Mayotte. Institutionnalisés sous la colonisation, puis maintenus sans rôle clairement défini depuis les années 2000, les cadis semblent, contre toute attente, en voie de réhabilitation depuis 2015. C’est à ce retournement singulier que s’intéresse cet article fondé sur une enquête de terrain réalisée entre 2012 et 2016.
Le sang, le nom, la coutume
Authors: Trépied Benoît
Published: January 2018

Depuis 2011, les tribunaux coutumiers en Nouvelle‑Calédonie imposent en droit une définition de la paternité kanak exclusivement fondée sur la « coutume ». Cet article déconstruit les présupposés culturalistes qui justifient, aux yeux des juges et contre les justiciables kanak, la disqualification de toute conception biologique de la paternité. Il montre aussi que l’enjeu de la paternité légale, loin de traduire une norme coutumière atemporelle, est en pratique mobilisé par les Kanak au sein de stratégies familiales historiquement situées.
Genre, justice et indemnisation des victimes de statut coutumier kanak
Authors: Salomon Christine
Published: January 2018

En Nouvelle‑Calédonie, de 2007 à 2013, des tenants du pluralisme juridique réussirent à renvoyer les victimes de statut coutumier kanak pour l’indemnisation devant une juridiction civile avec assesseurs coutumiers, censée appliquer des principes de masculinité et de séniorité. Cette mesure différentialiste qui défavorisait surtout les filles et les femmes kanak victimes de violences genrées fut dénoncée par des associations de victimes et de femmes. Elle donna lieu à une controverse juridico‑politique que l’article retrace.
De Gaulle, le Québec et le Canada, 50 ans plus tard.
Authors: Deleuze Magali
Published: January 2018

Il y a 50 ans, lorsque De Gaulle a crié à Montréal "Vive le Québec libre", il a semé la consternation en France, au Canada et seuls les indépendantistes et les nationalistes québécois semblent avoir apprécié son discours. Depuis, l'historiographie s'est chargée de décortiquer les raisons de son discours, ainsi que l'histoire plus large des relations France-Québec sous De Gaulle et les conséquences pour le Québec, de sa présidence. Les avis sont partagés, encore aujourd'hui, concernant la vision de De Gaulle sur le Québec et de ses projets, planifiés ou non, pour ses cousins d'outre-mer. Par contre, l'historiographie récente des relations franco-québécoises, a souligné un élément consensuel entre les chercheurs ; celui de l'impact fondamental de De Gaulle sur la redécouverte de la France au Québec, mais aussi au Canada à travers les enjeux de la francophonie au sein même de la jeune diplomatie canadienne. Nous aborderons cette redécouverte à travers un bilan historiographique qui témoigne de la richesse de cette histoire.
Enseigner et apprendre le français dans le secondaire de qualification en Belgique francophone : regards croisés
Authors: Scheepers Caroline , Werner Anne-Catherine , Outers Pierre
Published: January 2018

L’enseignement-apprentissage du français dans le qualifiant en Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles vient de connaitre une profonde mutation. Dès lors, enseignants, élèves et formateurs voient leurs pratiques remaniées. C’est cette situation que la présente contribution entend éclairer. Quelles sont les finalités du cours de français dans les filières qualifiantes ? Quelles seraient ses spécificités ? Comment le français est-il décliné en compétences, en domaines ? Le français dans le qualifiant constitue-t-il une discipline à part entière ou est-il nécessairement instrumentalisé au service des autres apprentissages ? Quelles sont les pratiques lecturales scolaires et extrascolaires des élèves ? Quelles sont les compétences et les composantes identitaires des enseignants et des élèves ? Nous avons pu recueillir les représentations d’une trentaine d’enseignants et de plus de cinq-cents élèves. Les résultats interpellent à triple titre : ils concernent des problématiques peu étudiées, ils s’avèrent quelquefois largement contre-intuitifs et ils donnent à voir des disparités significatives entre les représentations des différents acteurs consultés.
Intervalence et didactique du français dans la formation en master « lettres-histoire-géographie » et « lettres-langues »
Authors: Rossignol Marie-France
Published: January 2018

L’article interroge la place et les enjeux de l’enseignement de la didactique du français dans les masters « Métiers de l’enseignement, de l’éducation et de la formation » (MEEF) formant à enseigner les « lettres-histoire-géographie » et les « lettres-langue » en lycée professionnel. La visibilité accrue de ce champ dans les maquettes de masters n’occulte pas les difficultés qui subsistent pour l’investir en formation : adaptation complexe à un public majoritairement démuni de bagage littéraire ; volume horaire restreint, à partager entre les valences et avec d’autres objets de formation ; articulation aléatoire avec un exercice effectif du français dans les établissements de stage. De telles contraintes invitent à recourir à des pratiques de formation innovantes tel le dispositif instauré depuis 2015 à l’ÉSPÉ de Créteil pour les étudiants de master 2 « lettres-histoire » et « lettres-langue » dans le cadre du séminaire de recherche. Le travail lié au mémoire qui leur est proposé porte sur l’élaboration, l’expérimentation, et l’évaluation qualitative de séances ou séquences d’enseignement articulant sur les plans curriculaire et didactique les valences enseignées. La mise en relation des disciplines s’effectue par la construction d’un modèle didactique à caractère interdisciplinaire, adapté au contexte bivalent. Le paradigme d’« intervalence » est avancé pour désigner ces pratiques fondées sur l’interaction des disciplines enseignées en lycée professionnel. L’examen des quinze mémoires soutenus au cours de l’année 2016-17 ne peut fournir pour l’instant de bilan probant des gains de professionnalisation obtenus. Il tend cependant à montrer que les pratiques « intervalentes » encouragent le développement de compétences didactiques en français ainsi que la construction d’une identité professionnelle d’enseignant bi- ou tri-valent.
Résilience et aide internationale : rhétorique discursive ou véritable réforme ?
Authors: Quenault Béatrice
Published: January 2018

Cet article montre que, représentant une sorte d’assurance contre le risque, la rhétorique de la résilience formulée par le discours onusien pour promouvoir la réduction des risques de catastrophe (RRC) et le développement durable revêt une dimension à la fois positive et prescriptive qui a influencé sa propagation dans le champ de l’aide internationale dont elle a contribué à réformer les principes, l’architecture et les procédures de financement.
N° 4 – Publications de recherche concernant la formation des adultes : comparaison et combinaison des méthodes de repérage (novembre 2017)
Authors: Las Vergnas Olivier
Published: January 2018

Cet article est le quatrième d’une rubrique dédiée à la vie de la recherche francophone concernant la formation des adultes. En l’absence d’une définition partagée de ce champ et d’un système d’indexation structuré permettant de l’explorer, les trois premiers articles ont été consacrés à des investigations complémentaires entre elles, visant à fournir plusieurs visions triangulables de la production écrite, utilisables par la suite pour en suivre en particulier l’évolution temporelle. Ainsi, deux articles ont été focalisés sur les thèses, s’appuyant tous les deux sur la base nationale Sudoc. Un troisième s’est intéressé à des moyens d’identifier toutes les publications de recherche déposées dans l’archive ouverte Hal-SHS soit via une requête unique sur les mots « formation ou éducation des adultes », soit en juxtaposant une série de requêtes sur des mots beaucoup plus précis, correspondant à une exploration par facettes. En considérant que la production à prendre en compte est constituée de l’ensemble des documents recueillis par l’une ou l’autre des méthodes, le champ peut se regarder comme composé de cinq classes. Deux sont à l’échelle macroscopique (emploi/entreprise et histoire sociale), une autre se focalise sur les TICE et les pédagogies liées, et les deux dernières très imbriquées correspondent à la didactique, aux apprentissages et à la professionnalité, liées aux professions de santé.
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) and Thyroid Function in Chhattisgarh
Authors: Tiwari Mukund , Agrawal Dr. Sarita , Mitra Subarna
Published: January 2018

Abnormal function of thyroid gland is associated with a disturbance in the menstrual cycle. However, in clinical practice, thyroid dysfunction is frequently overlooked as a possible etiology and therefore, the importance to investigate thyroid function in asymptomatic cases is under- recognized in India. Treating thyroid dysfunction in such cases can reverse the menstrual abnormality, thus avoiding unnecessary hormonal therapy or in long term, hysterectomy. This article is intended to determine the prevalence of overt and subclinical forms of hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism among women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) in a known iodine-deficient state of India, Chhattisgarh. Moreover, the aims included to characterize the types of menstrual abnormality with thyroid dysfunction in study participants. The present study found a prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in one out of five cases of menstrual abnormality, most common dysfunction being hypothyroidism. An appreciable proportion of thyroid disorder was found in patients with menorrhagia, oligomenorrhea, polymenorrhea and amenorrhea.
LOX-1 deficient mice show resistance to zymosan-induced arthritis
Authors: Hashimoto Kazuhiko , Oda Yutaka , Nakagawa Koichi , Ikeda Terumasa , Ohtani Kazuhiro , Akagi Masao
Published: January 2018

Recent data suggest that the lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) receptor-1 (LOX-1)/ox-LDL system may be involved in the pathogenesis of arthritis. We aimed to demonstrate the roles of the LOX-1/ox-LDL system in arthritis development by using LOX-1 knockout (KO) mice. Arthritis was induced in the right knees of C57Bl/6 wild-type (WT) and LOX-1 KO mice via zymosan injection. Saline was injected in the left knees. Arthritis development was evaluated using inflammatory cell infiltration, synovial hyperplasia, and cartilage degeneration scores at 1, 3, and 7 days after administration. LOX-1, ox-LDL, and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) expression in the synovial cells and chondrocytes was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The LOX-1, ox-LDL, and MMP-3 expression levels in synovial cells were scored on a grading scale. The positive cell rate of LOX-1, ox-LDL, and MMP-3 in chondrocytes was measured. The correlation between the positive cell rate of LOX-1 or ox-LDL and the cartilage degeneration score was also examined. Inflammatory cell infiltration, synovial hyperplasia, and cartilage degeneration were significantly reduced in the LOX-1 KOmice with zymosan-induced arthritis (ZIA) compared to WT mice with ZIA. In the saline-injected knees, no apparent arthritic changes were observed. LOX-1 and ox-LDL expression in synovial cells and chondrocytes were detected in the knees of WT mice with ZIA. No LOX-1 and ox-LDL expression was detected in the knees of LOX-1 KOmice with ZIA or the saline-injected knees of both mice. MMP-3 expression in the synovial cells and chondrocytes was also detected in knees of both mice with ZIA, and was significantly less in the LOX-1 KO mice than in WT mice. The positive cell rate of LOX-1 or ox-LDL and the cartilage degeneration score showed a positive correlation. Our data show the involvement of the LOX-1/ox-LDL system in murine ZIA development. LOX-1-positive synovial cells and chondrocytes are potential therapeutic targets for arthritis prevention.
Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments in Children with Keratoconus
Authors: Ferrara Paulo , Torquetti Leonardo , Ferrara Guilherme
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the long-term follow-up of Ferrara intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRSs) (Ferrara Ophthalmics, Belo Horizonte, Brazil) implantation for the management of keratoconus in children.

Study design

Paulo Ferrara Eye Clinic, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Materials and methods

A total of 58 eyes of 37 children with keratoconus were included. One or two ring segments were inserted into the cornea, embracing the keratoconus area. Statistical analysis included preoperative and postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), asphericity, pachymetry, and keratometry.

Results

Ferrara ICRS implantation significantly improved the mean UDVA and CDVA. Corneal tomography (Pentacam®) showed corneal flattening in all eyes implanted with the Ferrara ring. The mean K decreased, and the corneal asphericity and pachymetry increased in all cases.

Conclusion

The Ferrara ICRS improved all parameters after 2 years of implantation in children with keratoconus. There was significant corneal flattening after ring implantation with improvement of the UDVA and the CDVA. All studied parameters remained stable over time.

How to cite this article

Ferrara G, Ferrara P, Torquetti L. Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments in Children with Keratoconus. Int J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2017;6(2):45-48.
Anterior Eye Profilometry-guided Scleral Contact Lens Fitting in Keratoconus
Authors: Soto-Negro Roberto
Published: January 2018

We report the case of a 35-year-old woman diagnosed with keratoconus since she was 18 years old and wearer of corneal rigid contact lenses (CLs). We refitted the case with the fully scleral CL ICD16.5 (Paragon Vision Sciences) for obtaining not only a successful visual restoration, but also a comfortable wear. We initiated the fitting with the spherical model of the CL, but it failed due to instability of the lens. We confirmed the presence of a clear asymmetry in the anterior scleral geometry in both eyes by using the profilometer eye surface profiler (ESP, Eaglet Eye), with a difference between nasal and temporal sagittal heights of 470 and 170 μm in right and left eyes respectively. Although this profile suggested the need for the fitting of a CL with significant peripheral toricity, we followed the manufacturer's guidelines and performed a trial with a CL of moderate peripheral toricity (125 μm of difference between steep and flat meridian). The stability of the CL failed again and finally a CL with a peripheral toricity close to that measured with the profilometer was fitted. With this lens, good visual performance, lens stability, and comfort was obtained and maintained during a 1-year follow-up. This case suggests that fully scleral CLs fitting might be optimized with the use of corneo-scleral profilometers, minimizing potentially the number of trials. This potential benefit should be investigated further in future studies.

How to cite this article

Piñero DP, Soto-Negro R. Anterior Eye Profilometry-guided Scleral Contact Lens Fitting in Keratoconus. Int J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2017;6(2):97-100.