bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antipruritic Effect of Acupuncture in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: Feasibility Study Protocol for a Randomised, Sham‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Kim Yu-Kang , Yeom Mijung , Kang SeHyun , Park Hi-Joon , Kim Kyuseok , Lee Hyangsook
Published: November 2017

This study aims to test the feasibility of a randomised clinical trial to evaluate how acupuncture affects atopic dermatitis (AD) symptoms and quality of life and to explore potential biomarkers that may be associated with AD. It is a sham‐controlled trial in which 30 eligible patients will be randomly allocated in a 1 : 1 : 1 ratio to one of three groups: verum acupuncture (VA) group 1 (3 times weekly for 4 weeks); VA group 2 (twice weekly for 4 weeks); or sham acupuncture group (SA; twice weekly for 4 weeks). SA will consist of nonpenetrating acupuncture. Outcome measures will include the Visual Analogue Scale for itch, SCORing Atopic Dermatitis, and Eczema Area and Severity Index to evaluate AD symptoms improvement along with the Patient Oriented Eczema Measure and Dermatology Life Quality Index to assess quality of life. Measures will be collected at baseline, once weekly during the treatment period, and after a 4‐week follow‐up period. Blood collection will be at baseline and 4 and 8 weeks after treatment and compared with healthy controls. Illumina sequencing will be used to profile microRNA expression in each group to explore candidate microRNA biomarkers for specific effects of acupuncture in patients with AD. This trial is registered via US National Institutes of Health Clinical Trials registry (ClinicalTrials.gov) on 15 July 2016, identifier: NCT02844452.
Effect of Insoles with a Toe-Grip Bar on Toe Function and Standing Balance in Healthy Young Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Nakano Hideki , Murata Shin , Abiko Teppei , Sakamoto Masashi , Matsuo Dai , Kawaguchi Michio , Sugo Youji , Matsui Hiroaki
Published: November 2017

Objective. The aim of this randomized controlled study was to investigate the effects of insoles with a toe-grip bar on toe function and standing balance in healthy young women. Methods. Thirty female subjects were randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group wore shoes with insoles with a toe-grip bar. The control group wore shoes with general insoles. Both groups wore the shoes for 4 weeks, 5 times per week, 9 hours per day. Toe-grip strength, toe flexibility, static balance (total trajectory length and envelope area of the center of pressure), and dynamic balance (functional reach test) were measured before and after the intervention. Results. Significant interactions were observed for toe-grip strength and toe flexibility (F=12.53, p<0.01; F=5.84, p<0.05, resp.), with significant improvement in the intervention group compared with that in the control group. Post hoc comparisons revealed that both groups showed significant improvement in toe-grip strength (p<0.01 and p<0.05, resp.), with higher benefits observed for the intervention group (p<0.01). Conversely, no significant interaction was observed in the total trajectory length, envelope area, and functional reach test. Conclusions. This study suggests that insoles with a toe-grip bar contribute to improvements in toe-grip strength and toe flexibility in healthy young women.
Isolation and Thermal Stabilization of Bacteriocin Nisin Derived from Whey for Antimicrobial Modifications of Polymers
Authors: Holcapkova Pavlina , Kolarova Raskova Zuzana , Hrabalikova Martina , Salakova Alexandra , Drbohlav Jan , Sedlarik Vladimir
Published: November 2017

This work describes novel alternative for extraction of bacteriocin nisin from a whey fermentation media and its stabilization by using polyethylene glycol as matrix with high practical applicability. This product was compared with commercially available nisin product stabilized by sodium chloride and nisin extracted and stabilized by using ammonium sulfate and polysorbate 80. The stability of samples was tested by means of long-term storage at −18, 4, 25, and 55°C up to 165 days. The nisin content in the samples was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography and electrophoresis. In addition, effect of whey fortification with lactose on nisin production and antibacterial activity studied againstStaphylococcus aureuswas tested. Results show that stabilization by polyethylene glycol provides enhanced nisin activity at 55°C after 14 days and long-term stability at 25°C with keeping antibacterial activity.
Positive Solutions of Fractional Differential Equations with p-Laplacian
Authors: Tian Yuansheng , Sun Sujing , Bai Zhanbing
Published: November 2017

The multiplicity of positive solution for a new class of four-point boundary value problem of fractional differential equations with p-Laplacian operator is investigated. By the use of the Leggett-Williams fixed-point theorem, the multiplicity results of positive solution are obtained. An example is given to illustrate the main results.
An Efficient Approach Based on the Gradient Definition for Solving Conditional Nonlinear Optimal Perturbation
Authors: Mu Bin , Ren Juhui , Yuan Shijin
Published: November 2017

Conditional nonlinear optimal perturbation (CNOP) has been widely applied to study the predictability of weather and climate. The classical method of solving CNOP is adjoint method, in which the gradient is obtained using the adjoint model. But some numerical models have no adjoint models implemented, and it is not realistic to develop from scratch because of the huge amount of work. The gradient can be obtained by the definition in mathematics; however, with the sharp growth of dimensions, its calculation efficiency will decrease dramatically. Therefore, the gradient is rarely obtained by the definition when solving CNOP. In this paper, an efficient approach based on the gradient definition is proposed to solve CNOP around the whole solution space and parallelized. Our approach is applied to solve CNOP in Zebiak‐Cane (ZC) model, and, compared with adjoint method, which is the benchmark, our approach can obtain similar results in CNOP value and pattern aspects and higher efficiency in time consumption aspect, only 12.83 s, while adjoint method spends 15.04 s and consumes less time if more CPU cores are provided. All the experimental results show that it is feasible to solve CNOP with our approach based on the gradient definition around the whole solution space.
Control of Chaos Using the Controller Identification Technique
Authors: Molter Alexandre , Cabral Fabricio B.
Published: November 2017

Modeling and simulation of chaotic system with dynamic control have been extensively presented in the past decades. Several control techniques have been proposed for the control of chaos. One technique that has not been sufficiently explored for the control of nonlinear systems is the controller identification technique. This technique is based on the evaluation of controllers even if they are not online. This technique does not use a priori knowledge of the plant parameters. In this work, we propose a class of controllers candidates to follow desired trajectories. Simulation results are presented for the control of chaotic systems.
Predicting Outcomes in Emergency Medical Admissions Using a Laboratory Only Nomogram
Authors: Cournane Seán , Conway Richard , Byrne Declan , O’Riordan Deirdre , Silke Bernard
Published: November 2017

Background.We describe a nomogram to explain an Acute Illness Severity model, derived from emergency room triage and admission laboratory data, to predict 30-day in-hospital survival following an emergency medical admission.Methods.For emergency medical admissions (96,305 episodes in 50,612 patients) between 2002 and 2016, the relationship between 30-day in-hospital mortality and admission laboratory data was determined using logistic regression. The previously validated Acute Illness Severity model was then transposed to a Kattan-style nomogram with a Stata user-written program.Results.The Acute Illness Severity was based on the admission Manchester triage category and biochemical laboratory score; these latter were based on the serum albumin, sodium, potassium, urea, red cell distribution width, and troponin status. The laboratory admission data was predictive with an AUROC of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.85, 0.86). The sensitivity was 94.4%, with a specificity of 62.7%. The positive predictive value was 21.2%, with a negative predictive value of 99.1%. For the Kattan-style nomogram, the regression coefficients are converted to a 100-point scale with the predictor parameters mapped to a probability axis. The nomogram would be an easy-to-use tool at the bedside and for educational purposes, illustrating the relative importance of the contribution of each predictor to the overall score.Conclusion.A nomogram to illustrate and explain the prognostic factors underlying an Acute Illness Severity Score system is described.
The Effect of Number of Teeth and Chewing Ability on Cognitive Function of Elderly in UAE: A Pilot Study
Authors: Seraj Zahra , Al-Najjar Dana , Akl Mohammed , Aladle Noorelrahman , Altijani Yousif , Zaki Ahmed , Al Kawas Sausan
Published: November 2017

Cognitive decline is one of the major causes of disability among the aging population. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between oral health parameters (number of teeth, chewing ability, and presence of a denture) and cognitive function in the elderly across the UAE. Fifty persons (age ≥ 60; 71.26 ± 10.23) were enrolled in the study. Cognitive status was assessed using the standardized mini-mental state examination (SMMSE) and accordingly, cognitively normal subjects scoring ≥24 were considered as the control group and cognitively impaired individuals scoring ≤23 were considered as the low scoring group. Chewing ability was examined, number of teeth was noted, and demographical data was collected. The results of this pilot study showed that individuals with low SMMSE scores were significantly less educated (P<0.01) and had fewer number of remaining teeth (P<0.05) and impaired chewing ability (P<0.05). These results demonstrate a significant link between the number of teeth, chewing ability, and cognitive function. However, this pilot study had its limitations and was the first of its kind in the UAE and Gulf region; therefore, future research addressing the limitations is needed to further explore this association.
Numerical Modeling of Soil Evaporation Process and Its Stages Dividing during a Drying Cycle
Authors: Han Jiangbo , Lin Jin , Dai Yunfeng
Published: November 2017

The soil water evaporation is a critical component of both the surface energy balance and water balance, affecting the mass and energy exchange between the land and the atmosphere. Evaporation process is involved in the highly complex interactions between media properties, transport processes, and boundary conditions. So, it is difficult to accurately determine these near-surface highly dynamic processes based only on the sparse field data and on the measurement-based methods. The objective of this paper was to obtain a detailed description of the soil water evaporation process and to better understand the evolutions of variables involved in the evaporation process during different stages of evaporation. To do this, a numerical simulation experiment in a bare silt soil was conducted to reproduce the soil drying process during a 20-d period after a 2-cm rainfall event. According to simulation results, the whole 20-d simulation period was divided into two main stages as well as a transient period from stage 1 to stage 2. Diurnal patterns of energy and water balance components, soil moisture, soil temperature, water fluxes, evaporation rate, dry surface layer (DSL), and evaporation zone during this drying process were fully described, which, in turn, could be as the possible indicators for judging the shift of stages of evaporation.
Research and Development of Atractylodes lancea (Thunb) DC. as a Promising Candidate for Cholangiocarcinoma Chemotherapeutics
Authors: Na-Bangchang Kesara , Plengsuriyakarn Tullayakorn , Karbwang Juntra
Published: November 2017

Treatment and control of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA): the bile duct cancer is limited by the lack of effective chemotherapeutic drugs and alternative drugs are needed, particularly those from natural sources. This article reviews steps of research and development of Atractylodes lancea (Thunb) DC. (AL) as potential candidate for CCA chemotherapy, with adoption of the reverse pharmacology approach. Major steps include (1) reviewing of existing information on its phytochemistry and pharmacological properties, (2) screening of its activities against CCA, (3) standardization of AL, (4) nonclinical studies to evaluate anti‐CCA activities, (5) phytochemistry and standardization of AL extract, (6) development of oral pharmaceutical formulation of standardized AL extract, and (7) toxicity testing of oral pharmaceutical formulation of standardized AL extract. Results from a series of our study confirm anti‐CCA potential and safety profiles of both the crude extract and the finished product (oral pharmaceutical formulation of the standardized AL extract). Phases I and II clinical trials of the product to confirm tolerability and efficacy in healthy subjects and patients with advanced stage CCA will be carried out soon.
Intelligent PV Power Smoothing Control Using Probabilistic Fuzzy Neural Network with Asymmetric Membership Function
Authors: Lin Faa-Jeng , Lu Su-Ying , Chao Jo-Yu , Chang Jin-Kuan
Published: November 2017

An intelligent PV power smoothing control using probabilistic fuzzy neural network with asymmetric membership function (PFNN-AMF) is proposed in this study. First, a photovoltaic (PV) power plant with a battery energy storage system (BESS) is introduced. The BESS consisted of a bidirectional DC/AC 3-phase inverter and LiFePO4 batteries. Then, the difference of the actual PV power and smoothed power is supplied by the BESS. Moreover, the network structure of the PFNN-AMF and its online learning algorithms are described in detail. Furthermore, the three-phase output currents of the PV power plant are converted to the dq-axis current components. The resulted q-axis current is the input of the PFNN-AMF power smoothing control, and the output is a smoothing PV power curve to achieve the effect of PV power smoothing. Comparing to the other smoothing methods, a minimum energy capacity of the BESS with a small fluctuation of the grid power can be achieved by the PV power smoothing control using PFNN-AMF. In addition, a personal computer- (PC-) based PV power plant emulator and BESS are built for the experimentation. From the experimental results of various irradiance variation conditions, the effectiveness of the proposed intelligent PV power smoothing control can be verified.
Optimal Routing and Scheduling of Charge for Electric Vehicles: A Case Study
Authors: Barco J. , Guerra A. , Muñoz L. , Quijano N.
Published: November 2017

There are increasing interests in improving public transportation systems. One of the proposed strategies for this improvement is the use of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). This approach leads to a new challenge as the BEVs’ routing is exposed to the traditional routing problems of conventional vehicles, as well as the particular requirements of the electrical technologies of BEVs. Examples of BEVs’ routing problems include the autonomy, battery degradation, and charge process. This work presents a differential evolution algorithm for solving an electric vehicle routing problem (EVRP). The formulation of the EVRP to be solved is based on a scheme to coordinate the BEVs’ routing and recharge scheduling, considering operation and battery degradation costs. A model based on the longitudinal dynamics equation of motion estimates the energy consumption of each BEV. A case study, consisting of an airport shuttle service scenario, is used to illustrate the proposed methodology. For this transport service, the BEV energy consumption is estimated based on experimentally measured driving patterns.
Homogenization Experiments of Crystal-Rich Inclusions in Spodumene from Jiajika Lithium Deposit, China, under Elevated External Pressures in a Hydrothermal Diamond-Anvil Cell
Authors: Li Jiankang , Chou I-Ming
Published: November 2017

Extensive studies of the crystal-rich inclusions (CIs) hosted in minerals in pegmatite have resulted in substantially different models for the formation mechanism of the pegmatite. In order to evaluate these previously proposed formation mechanisms, the total homogenization processes of CIs hosted in spodumene from the Jiajika pegmatite deposit in Sichuan, China, were observed in situ under external H2O pressures in a new type of hydrothermal diamond-anvil cell (HDAC). The CIs in a spodumene chip were loaded in the sample chamber of HDAC with water, such that the CIs were under preset external H2O pressures during heating to avoid possible decrepitation. Our in situ observations showed that the crystals within the CIs were dissolved in carbonic-rich aqueous fluid during heating and that cristobalite was usually the first mineral being dissolved, followed by zabuyelite and silicate minerals until their total dissolution at temperatures between 500 and 720°C. These observations indicated that the minerals within the CIs were daughter minerals crystallized from an entrapped carbonate- and silica-rich aqueous solution and therefore provided useful information for evaluating the formation models of granitic pegmatites.
Phase I Study of Chimeric Antigen Receptor–Modified T Cells in Patients with EGFR-Positive Advanced Biliary Tract Cancers
Authors: Guo Yelei , Feng Kaichao , Liu Yang , Wu Zhiqiang , Dai Hanren , Yang Qingming , Wang Yao , Jia Hejin , Han Weidong
Published: November 2017

Purpose: This study is an expanded and parallel clinical trial of EGFR-specific chimeric antigen receptor–engineered autologous T (CART) cell immunotherapy (NCT01869166) to assess the safety and activity of CART-EGFR cell therapy in EGFR-positive advanced unresectable, relapsed/metastatic biliary tract cancers (BTC).

Experimental Design: Patients with EGFR-positive (>50%) advanced unresectable, relapsed/metastatic BTCs were enrolled. Well-produced CART-EGFR cells were infused in a manner of dose escalation after the conditioning treatment with nab-paclitaxel (100–250 mg/m2) and cyclophosphamide (15–35 mg/kg).

Results: A total of 19 patients (14 cholangiocarcinomas and 5 gallbladder carcinomas) received one to three cycles of CART-EGFR cell infusion (median CART cell dose, 2.65 × 106/kg; range, 0.8–4.1 × 106/kg) within 6 months. The CART-EGFR cell infusion was tolerated, but 3 patients suffered grade ≥3 acute fever/chill. Grade 1/2 target-mediated toxicities including mucosal/cutaneous toxicities and acute pulmonary edema and grade ≥3 lymphopenia and thrombocytopenia related to the conditioning treatment were observed. Of 17 evaluable patients, 1 achieved complete response and 10 achieved stable disease. The median progression-free survival was 4 months (range, 2.5–22 months) from the first cycle of treatment. Analysis of data indicated that the enrichment of central memory T cells (Tcm) in the infused CART-EGFR cells improved the clinical outcome.

Conclusions: The CART-EGFR cell immunotherapy was a safe and active strategy for EGFR-positive advanced BTCs. The enrichment of Tcm in the infused CART-EGFR cells could predict clinical response. Clin Cancer Res; 24(6); 1277–86. ©2017 AACR.

See related commentary by Kalos, p. 1246
Long Noncoding RNA NEAT1, Regulated by the EGFR Pathway, Contributes to Glioblastoma Progression Through the WNT/β-Catenin Pathway by Scaffolding EZH2
Authors: Chen Qun , Cai Jinquan , Wang Qixue , Wang Yunfei , Liu Mingyang , Yang Jingxuan , Zhou Junhu , Kang Chunsheng , Li Min , Jiang Chuanlu
Published: November 2017

Purpose: Long noncoding RNAs have been implicated in gliomagenesis, but their mechanisms of action are mainly undocumented. Through public glioma mRNA expression data sets, we found that NEAT1 was a potential oncogene. We systematically analyzed the clinical significance and mechanism of NEAT1 in glioblastoma.

Experimental Design: Initially, we evaluated whether NEAT1 expression levels could be regulated by EGFR pathway activity. We subsequently evaluated the effect of NEAT1 on the WNT/β-catenin pathway and its target binding gene. The animal model supported the experimental findings.

Results: We found that NEAT1 levels were regulated by EGFR pathway activity, which was mediated by STAT3 and NFκB (p65) downstream of the EGFR pathway. Moreover, we found that NEAT1 was critical for glioma cell growth and invasion by increasing β-catenin nuclear transport and downregulating ICAT, GSK3B, and Axin2. Taken together, we found that NEAT1 could bind to EZH2 and mediate the trimethylation of H3K27 in their promoters. NEAT1 depletion also inhibited GBM cell growth and invasion in the intracranial animal model.

Conclusions: The EGFR/NEAT1/EZH2/β-catenin axis serves as a critical effector of tumorigenesis and progression, suggesting new therapeutic directions in glioblastoma. Clin Cancer Res; 24(3); 684–95. ©2017 AACR.
Novel Predictors of Breast Cancer Survival Derived from miRNA Activity Analysis
Authors: Aushev Vasily N. , Lee Eunjee , Zhu Jun , Gopalakrishnan Kalpana , Li Qian , Teitelbaum Susan L. , Wetmur James , Degli Esposti Davide , Hernandez-Vargas Hector , Herceg Zdenko , Parada Humberto , Santella Regina M. , Gammon Marilie D. , Chen Jia
Published: November 2017

Purpose: Breast cancer is among the leading causes of cancer-related death; discovery of novel prognostic markers is needed to improve outcomes. Combining systems biology and epidemiology, we investigated miRNA-associated genes and breast cancer survival in a well-characterized population-based study.

Experimental Design: A recently developed algorithm, ActMiR, was used to identify key miRNA “activities” corresponding to target gene degradation, which were predictive of breast cancer mortality in published databases. We profiled miRNA-associated genes in tumors from our well-characterized population-based cohort of 606 women with first primary breast cancer. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI), after 15+ years of follow-up with 119 breast cancer–specific deaths.

Results: miR-500a activity was identified as a key miRNA for estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer mortality using public databases. From a panel of 161 miR-500a–associated genes profiled, 73 were significantly associated with breast cancer–specific mortality (FDR < 0.05) in our population, among which two clusters were observed to have opposing directions of association. For example, high level of SUSD3 was associated with reduced breast cancer–specific mortality (HR = 0.3; 95% CI, 0.2–0.4), whereas the opposite was observed for TPX2 (HR = 2.7; 95% CI, 1.8–3.9). Most importantly, we identified set of genes for which associations with breast cancer–specific mortality were independent of known prognostic factors, including hormone receptor status and PAM50–derived risk-of-recurrence scores. These results are validated in independent datasets.

Conclusions: We identified novel markers that may improve prognostic efficiency while shedding light on molecular mechanisms of breast cancer progression. Clin Cancer Res; 24(3); 581–91. ©2017 AACR.
Clinical Application of Circulating Tumor DNA in the Genetic Analysis of Patients with Advanced GIST
Authors: Xu Hao , Chen Liang , Shao Yang , Zhu Dongqin , Zhi Xiaofei , Zhang Qiang , Li Fengyuan , Xu Jianghao , Liu Xisheng , Xu Zekuan
Published: November 2017

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are the most common mesenchymal tumor of digestive tract. In the past, tissue biopsy was the main method for the diagnosis of GISTs. Although, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) detection by next-generation sequencing (NGS) may be a feasible and replaceable method for diagnosis of GISTs. We retrospectively analyzed the data for ctDNA and tissue DNA detection from 32 advanced GIST patients. We found that NGS obviously increased the positive rate of ctDNA detection. ctDNA detection identified rare mutations that were not detected in tissue DNA detection. Tumor size and Ki-67 were significant influencing factors of the positive rate of ctDNA detection and concordance between ctDNA and tissue DNA detection. In all patients, the concordance rate between ctDNA and tissue DNA detection was 71.9%, with moderate concordance, but the concordance was strong for patients with tumor size > 10 cm or Ki-67 > 5%. Tumor size, mitotic figure, Ki-67, and ctDNA mutation type were the significant influencing factors of prognosis, but only tumor size and ctDNA mutation type, were the independent prognostic factors for advanced GIST patients. We confirmed that ctDNA detection by NGS is a feasible and promising method for the diagnosis and prognosis of advanced GIST patients. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(1); 290–6. ©2017 AACR.
Competitive Kinase Enrichment Proteomics Reveals that Abemaciclib Inhibits GSK3β and Activates WNT Signaling
Authors: Cousins Emily M. , Goldfarb Dennis , Yan Feng , Roques Jose , Darr David , Johnson Gary L. , Major Michael B.
Published: November 2017

The cellular and organismal phenotypic response to a small-molecule kinase inhibitor is defined collectively by the inhibitor's targets and their functions. The selectivity of small-molecule kinase inhibitors is commonly determined in vitro, using purified kinases and substrates. Recently, competitive chemical proteomics has emerged as a complementary, unbiased, cell-based methodology to define the target landscape of kinase inhibitors. Here, we evaluated and optimized a competitive multiplexed inhibitor bead mass spectrometry (MIB/MS) platform using cell lysates, live cells, and treated mice. Several clinically active kinase inhibitors were profiled, including trametinib, BMS-777607, dasatinib, abemaciclib, and palbociclib. MIB/MS competition analyses of the cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors abemaciclib and palbociclib revealed overlapping and unique kinase targets. Competitive MIB/MS analysis of abemaciclib revealed 83 target kinases, and dose–response MIB/MS profiling revealed glycogen synthase kinase 3 alpha and beta (GSK3α and β) and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II delta and gamma (CAMKIIδ and γ) as the most potently inhibited. Cell-based and in vitro kinase assays show that in contrast to palbociclib, abemaciclib directly inhibits GSK3α/β and CAMKIIγ/δ kinase activity at low nanomolar concentrations. GSK3β phosphorylates β-catenin to suppress WNT signaling, while abemaciclib (but not palbociclib or ribociclib) potently activates β-catenin-dependent WNT signaling. These data illustrate the power of competitive chemical proteomics to define kinase target specificities for kinase inhibitors, thus informing clinical efficacy, dose-limiting toxicities, and drug-repurposing efforts.

Implications: This study uses a rapid and quantitative proteomics approach to define inhibitor-target data for commonly administered therapeutics and provides a cell-based alternative to in vitro kinome profiling. Mol Cancer Res; 16(2); 333–44. ©2017 AACR.
Videokymographic Visualization of Phonasthenia: A Nonorganic Voice Disorder
Authors: Shadi Mariam Salah , Hegazi Mona A. , Nassar Jilan F. , Bassiouny Samia , Sarwat Sally , Saleh Marwa M.
Published: November 2017

Background: Phonasthenia is a voice disorder where the larynx looks essentially normal and dysphonia is not heard but felt by the patient. This study aims to use videokymography (VKG) to detect any abnormalities in the vibratory pattern in phonasthenia and to find out whether or not these abnormalities change after vocal loading. Methods: Thirty-seven phonasthenic patients and 31 normal subjects participated in a detailed protocol, including analysis of subjective complaints and videokymographic quasi-objective parameters (baseline) followed by loading their voices through prolonged loud reading for 45 min. A second evaluation (experimental) was done after loading. Results: Before vocal loading, patients had significantly more symptoms in all questionnaire questions and higher maximum width difference in VKG than controls. When pre- and postloading values were compared, both groups experienced more symptoms after loading (significant in most of the questions), while the pre- and post-VKG parameters did not show significant differences neither in patients nor controls. On comparing their percent change, the only statistically significant difference between the 2 groups was a greater change in the total score of the questionnaire in the control group. Conclusion: Patients had more vocal fatigue symptoms and more amplitude asymmetry between left and right vocal folds than normal subjects.
Prognostic Factors in Patients with an Implanted Pacemaker after 80 Years of Age in a 4-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Krzemień-Wolska Krystyna , Tomasik Andrzej , Wojciechowska Celina , Barańska-Pawełczak Karolina , Nowalany-Kozielska Ewa , Jacheć Wojciech
Published: November 2017

Background: The controversy over electrotherapy for patients aged >80 years occurs already at the stage of qualification for this treatment type and concerns optimal device selection, the implantation strategy, and the overall benefit from pacemaker therapy. The group also has a considerable number of cardiovascular risk factors, and the data from the literature on the impact of the pacing mode on the remote prognosis of this group are ambiguous. Objective: Assessment of the risk factors for death among patients with implanted pacemakers >80 years of age in a 4-year follow-up. Methods: The study group consisted of 140 consecutive patients (79 women) aged 84.48 ± 3.65 years with single- or dual-chamber pacemakers implanted >80 years of age because of symptomatic bradycardia. In univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, demographic, echocardiographic, and laboratory parameters, pharmacotherapy, and factors related to the implanted device - i.e., indications, pacemaker type, and the implantation position of the tip of the right ventricular lead - were included. The endpoint was death for any reason in a 4-year follow-up. Results: During follow-up, 68 patients (48.6%) died. Although atrial fibrillation with a slow ventricular response constituted 20% of the indications for implantation, 60.8% of the patients received a single-chamber system (VVI/VVIR). In the whole group, the multivariate Cox regression analysis showed both a favourable prognostic significance of DDD pacing system implantation (HR = 0.507; 95% CI: 0.294-0.876) and coexisting hypertension (HR = 0.520; 95% CI: 0.299-0.902). The risk factors were fasting glycaemia (HR = 1.180; 95% CI: 1.038-1.342) and, potentially, female sex (HR = 1.672; 95% CI: 0.988-2.830; p = 0.056). In the female subgroup a more favourable prognosis was related to the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (HR = 0.435; 95% CI: 0.202-0.933) and DDD pacemaker implantation (HR = 0.381; 95% CI: 0.180-0.806). In the male subgroup a more favourable prognosis was related to concerned patients with coexisting hypertension (HR = 0.349; 95% CI: 0.079-0.689). Conclusions: DDD mode pacing seems to serve as a factor which decreases mortality among patients aged >80 years in long-term follow-up. The potentially poorer prognosis for the female patients in this group may result from a combination of the dominant VVI pacing mode, potential propagation of atrial fibrillation, a low proportion of antithrombotic therapy, and sex-related predispositions to thromboembolic complications.
Impact of Early Infant Growth, Duration of Breastfeeding and Maternal Factors on Total Body Fat Mass and Visceral Fat at 3 and 6 Months of Age
Authors: Breij Laura M. , Abrahamse-Berkeveld Marieke , Acton Dennis , De Lucia Rolfe Emanuella , Ong Ken K. , Hokken-Koelega Anita C.S.
Published: November 2017

Background: Accelerated gain in fat mass in the first months of life is considered to be a risk factor for adult diseases, given the tracking of infancy fat mass into adulthood. Our objective was to assess the influence of early growth, type of feeding and maternal variables on fat mass in early life. Methods: In 300 healthy term infants, we longitudinally measured fat mass percentage (FM%) by air-displacement-plethysmography at 1, 3, and 6 months and abdominal visceral and subcutaneous fat measured by ultrasound at 3 and 6 months. Results: Both gain in FM% and weight-for-length in the first 3 months were positively associated with FM% at 6 months of age and visceral fat at 3 months of age. Gain in FM% and weight-for-length between 3 and 6 months were both positively associated with visceral fat at 6 months. Breastfeeding duration associated positively with subcutaneous fat but not with visceral fat at 3 and 6 months. Maternal characteristics did not associate with FM% or visceral fat at 3 or 6 months. Conclusion: Higher gain in FM% or in weight-for-length in the first postnatal months leads not only to higher FM% but also more to accumulation of visceral fat. Exclusive breastfeeding appears to promote subcutaneous but not visceral fat in the first 6 months.
Treatment and Outcomes of Working Aged Adults with Stroke: Results from a National Prospective Registry
Authors: Lannin Natasha A. , Anderson Craig S. , Kim Joosup , Kilkenny Monique , Bernhardt Julie , Levi Christopher , Dewey Helen M. , Bladin Christopher , Hand Peter , Castley Helen , Hill Kelvin , Faux Steven , Grimley Rohan , Grabsch Brenda , Middleton Sandy , Donnan Geoffrey , Cadilhac Dominique A.
Published: November 2017

Background: Given the potential differences in etiology and impact, the treatment and outcome of younger patients (aged 18–64 years) require examination separately to older adults (aged ≥65 years) who experience acute stroke. Methods: Data from the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry (2010–2015) including demographic and clinical characteristics, provision of evidence-based therapies and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) post-stroke was used. Descriptive statistics and multilevel regression models were used for group comparisons. Results: Compared to older patients (age ≥65 years) among 26,220 registrants, 6,526 (25%) younger patients (age 18–64 years) were more often male (63 vs. 51%; p < 0.001), born in Australia (70 vs. 63%; p < 0.001), more often discharged home from acute care (56 vs. 38%; p < 0.001), and less likely to receive antihypertensive medication (61 vs. 73%; p < 0.001). Younger patients had a 74% greater odds of having lower HRQoL compared to an equivalent aged-matched general population (adjusted OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.56–1.93, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Younger stroke patients exhibited distinct differences from their older counterparts with respect to demographic and clinical characteristics, prescription of antihypertensive medications and residual health status.
Unusual Cause of Epigastric Pain: Intra-Abdominal Focal Fat Infarction Involving Appendage of Falciform Ligament - Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Indiran Venkatraman , Dixit Rishi , Maduraimuthu Prabakaran
Published: November 2017

Torsion of the fatty appendage of the falciform ligament, part of the spectrum of conditions known as intra-abdominal focal fat infarction (IFFI), is very rare with less than 20 cases reported on imaging so far. Here we report a case of torsion of the lipomatous appendage of the falciform ligament in a middle-aged female, diagnosed on ultrasound and computed tomography (CT). CT showed classical “hyperattenuating rim” sign in the anterior perihepatic space adjacent to the falciform ligament. We re-emphasize the importance of “hyperattenuating rim” sign on CT in recognizing IFFI in locations other than the pericolic region.
Synergistic Effect of Eicosapentaenoic Acid on Antiproliferative Action of Anticancer Drugs in a Cancer Cell Line Model
Authors: Ogo Ayako , Miyake Sachi , Kubota Hisako , Higashida Masaharu , Matsumoto Hideo , Teramoto Fusako , Hirai Toshihiro
Published: November 2017

Background/Aims: It has been found experimentally and clinically that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) exerts an anticancer effect and that it has a minimal adverse event profile relative to other anticancer drugs. Any synergy between EPA and other anticancer drugs could be of therapeutic relevance, especially in elderly or high-risk patients. Therefore, we investigated the synergism between anticancer drugs and EPA experimentally. Methods: EPA was coadministered in vitro with various anticancer drugs (paclitaxel, docetaxel, 5-fluorouracil and cis-diamminedichloridoplatinum[II]) to TE-1 cells, which were derived from human esophageal cancer tumors. Cell proliferation was measured by the water soluble tetrazolium-1 method. Result: Sub-threshold concentrations of EPA, which alone produced no anticancer effect, caused a synergistic suppressive effect on TE-1 cell proliferation when combined with other anticancer agents. Conclusion: Coadministration of EPA with other anticancer drugs may represent a new therapeutic paradigm offering a reduced side effect profile.
Planejamento participativo: quatro exemplos edificantes
Authors: Zuliani Luiz Roberto
Published: November 2017

O autor analisa quatro modelos de planejamento participativo. Os resultados obtidos nos exemplos citados, demonstram seu valor, e eficácia
Um programa de ginástica para coronariopatas
Authors: Liesen Heinz
Published: November 2017

Esse trabalho, baseado em principios da medicina desportiva, sugere uma série de exercícios, cuja combinação atende às necessidades de coronariopatas na reabilitação, e até mesmo, de outros indivíduos que iniciam um condicionamento físico de caráter preventivo. Não são discutidas aqui as bases científicas envolvidas, e que justificam essa prescrição, com intuito de preservar a finalidade prática dessa proposta. O conteúdo apontado oferece subsídios ao mé­ dico ou professor de Educação Física que irá acompanhar o coronariopata em sua reabilitação e pode ser útil, ao próprio paciente, no desenvolvimento da atividade física. Porque razão a atividade física é tão importante, principalmente para coronariopatas
Cineantropometria morfo-funcional em atletas adolescentes
Authors: Cuellar Lisímaco Vallejo , Kiss Maria Augusta P.M. , Rodrigues Rubens Lombardi , Carvalho Paulo Roberto De
Published: November 2017

O objetivo deste trabalho foi a analise das.diferenças ocorridas, na capacidade aeróbica (consumo máximo de oxigênio em 1/min em ml/kg/min), na frequência cardíaca máxima e na frequência cardíaca de recuperação, em um período de onze meses de treinamento e competições de atletismo,, seguidos de um mês de descanso, em relação ao crescimento de atletas adolescentes pós-púberes corredores e saltadores. Foram testados oito atletas do sexo masculino, na idade x-16,8 anos, que estavam realizando um programa de treinamento de atletismo de acordo com suas respectivas modalidades, já em nível competitivo nacional. Foram feitas as medidas antropométricas da estatura, peso, dobras cutâneas (tricipitai, subescapular, suprailíaca e abdominal): a percentual de gordura e a massa magra. A potência máxima aeróbica foi calculada conforme Astrand e Ryhming (1954), em 1/min e ml/kg/min na bicicleta ergométrica, registrando-se o eletrocardiograma de esforço para o estudo da frequência cardíaca máxima e da frequência cardíaca de recuperação no primeiro, quinto e oitavo minutos. O nível de significância fixou-se em 5°o. Nâo houve diferença significativa no consumo máximo de oxigê­ nio em 1/min em ml/kg/min, ou seja manteve-se está­ vel. Em relação às variáveis antropométricas, a estatura aumentou significativamente (de x~ 174,3 cm para x~ 174,9 cm). O peso apresentou diferença significati- - va entre o pré e o pós-treino, de x=62,8 kg para x=64,9 kg. A gordura percentual não apresentou diferença significativa. A massa magra teve um aumento significativo, de x=56,2 kg para x =58,2 kg. A frequência cardíaca máxima e a frequência cardíaca de recuperação no primeiro, quinto e oitavo minutos, não apresentaram diferenças significativas: a queda porcentual da frequência cardíaca, no primeiro minuto de recuperação em relação a máxima atingida foi de 27% no pré e de 19,4% no pós-treino. Não houve correla­ ção significativa entre os valores do delta do consumo máximo de oxigênio em 1/min e em ml/kg/min e os deltas da estatura, do peso, da gordura percentual e da massa magr
Uma abordagem da participação esportiva feminina
Authors: Massucato José Geraldo , Hata Mário
Published: November 2017

A participação da Mulher nos esportes vem crescendo cada vez mais, e sempre esteve relacionada a fatores culturais. Desta forma, esportes antes restritos aos homens, estão sendo incorporados cada vez mais pelas mulheres, como no caso da corrida de longa distância, que recebe hoje uma afluência significativa por parte delas. Vários fatores, como político, religioso e econômico, podem vir a colaborar ou a prejudicar o esporte de uma maneira geral e, conseqüentemente, o esporte feminino. O que se almeja é a ruptura de preconceitos arraigados à nossa cultura para que a mulher possa desenvolver-se integralmente na sociedade
Effects of a physical activities program for asthmatic children evaluated through pulmonary function tests
Authors: Teixeira Luzimar R. , Andrade Januário De , Saraiva Paulo Affonso Pinto
Published: November 2017

O presente estudo teve por objetivo investigar em que medida um programa de atividades físicas para crianças asmáticas pode modificar a função pulmonar, observadas as seguintes variáveis: capacidade vital forçada (FVC, em litros), volume expiratório no primeiro segundo (FEV1, em litros), fluxo expiratório forçado entre 0,2 e 1,2 litros (FEF, em litros por segundo), fluxo expiratório entre 25% e 75% da FVC (FMF, em litros por segundo) e o tempo médio de trânsito do ar (MTT, em segundos). Participaram deste estudo 50 crianças na faixa etária de 5 anos e 8 meses a 15 anos. Os resultados mostraram que um programa regular de atividades físicas, com duração de um ano, pode melhorar a mecânica respiratória e tornando mais eficaz a ventilação pulmonar de crianças asmáticas. Observou-se uma melhora do fluxo expiratório forçado entre 0,2 e 1,2 litros (FEF) e do tempo médio de trânsito do ar (MTT). Esses resultados evidenciam que não há alteração significativa para capacidade vital forçada (FVC), volume expiratório no primeiro segundo (FEV1) e fluxo expiratório entre 25% e 75% da FVC (FMF), mas indicam uma tendência de melhora. Apesar dos dados terem mostrado uma melhora nas variáveis FEF e MTT é preciso que se realizem outros estudos envolvendo um grupo controle e com separação de faixas etárias
Liberating physical education: contributions of the theology of libertation
Authors: Segui Ary De Camargo
Published: November 2017

As preocupações com o sentido último da existência humana têm feito parte da nossa história. As teologias tradicionais têm associado tais preocupações à alienação das pessoas às realidades de suas vidas. O movimento chamado Teologia da Libertação surgiu como reação a essa teologia vigente, acreditando somente ser possível o desenvolvimento e realização das potencialidades históricas humanas, se esse ser humano for livre: consciente das possibilidades reais existentes e esforçar-se por realizá-las; numa sociedade também livre e participatória. A Teologia do Corpo, segmento da Teologia da Libertação, diverge da tradicional teologia do "espírito", ou desencarnada, que compreende o ser humano como sublime manifestação espiritual, apesar do corpo ou da sua corporeidade. Assim, a Educação Física somente conseguirá cumprir a sua função de organizar sistematicamente os movimentos humanos se for livre, enquanto instituição, e permitir o acesso de pessoas livres, com a intenção da mais plena realização do ser humano. A Educação Física Libertadora, proposta deste trabalho, vem a ser, então, uma contribuição para a orientação teórica do profissional em Educação Física que tenha, também, preocupações teológicas, ou com o sentido último de existência, numa perspectiva libertadora
Optimal and adaptive controls in the acquisition of serial motor skills
Authors: Manoel Edison De Jesus
Published: November 2017

Habilidades motoras são mantidas num estado provisório. Por um lado, elas são estáveis, padronizadas e flexíveis para atingir uma meta imediata. Por outro lado, elas podem se tornar instáveis, desordenadas e inconsistentes quando novas metas necessitam ser alcançadas. A aquisição do primeiro - controle ótimo - é restringida pela necessidade do segundo controle adaptativo. Uma série de estudos foi executada para investigar as seguintes questões: se o controle ótimo é caracterizado por um "timing" relativo invariante; se o controle adaptativo seria beneficiado pela estrutura temporal previamente adquirida; se crianças são diferentes de adultos nas duas questões prévias. Oito sujeitos participaram do estudo, cinco adultos e três crianças (6, 8, e 11 anos de idade), numa tarefa motora seriada. O tempo total de resposta e de seus componentes foram medidos. Os resultados indicaram que: (1) o controle ótimo foi adquirido com um "timing" relativo invariante para adultos e crianças; (2) o controle adaptativo foi fortemente baseado nessa estrutura, em todos os sujeitos. O contraste entre a variabilidade dos componentes e a consistência do tempo total de resposta sugere que a variação na micro-estrutura da habilidade pode ser mais importante do que a invariância na macro-estrutura em relação a aquisição de controle adaptativo
Tasks involving anticipatory timing: w ould lower velocities be easier to synchronize?
Authors: Teixeira Luis Augusto , Santos Valquíria Aparecida dos , Andreysuk Ruth
Published: November 2017

O presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar o efeito de diferentes velocidades de estímulo sobre o desempenho em tarefa envolvendo timing antecipatório. A amostra foi composta por estudantes de Educação Física (n=50), que executaram a tarefa de sincronizar o acionamento de um interruptor com o acendimento do último LED de uma série, disposta sobre um trilho, cujo acendimento sequenciado gera a percepção de deslocamento do estímulo. Todos os sujeitos foram submetidos à testagem em 6 velocidades (224, 268, 312, 356, 402 e 445 cm /seg). Os resultados mostraram que a velocidade mais baixa induziu ao desempenho menos preciso e a velocidade mais alta provocou a maior tendência de atraso. Além disso, foi observada uma tendência de desempenhos mais baixos nas velocidades mais altas, resultando em uma configuração gráfica no formato de U. Esses achados podem ser interpretados à luz de duas hipóteses: (1) em função de um tempo de processamento de informação ótimo, pode haver uma velocidade de estímulo mais apropriada para aumentar a precisão temporal da resposta; ou (2) independentemente do valor absoluto das velocidades, durante a prática o exécutante estabelece uma expectativa de velocidade do estímulo, e quando a velocidade é diferente dessa expectativa há uma correspondente queda de desempenho
History and evolution of sport psychology
Authors: Rose Junior Dante De
Published: November 2017

A evolução da Psicologia do Esporte como área de conhecimento específico dentro das "Ciências do Esporte" é um fato que vem se tornando realidade, notadamente nas duas últimas décadas. Foram realizados inúmeros estudos em diversas áreas relacionadas da Atividade Física, mostrando tendências diferenciadas na concepção de Psicologia do Esporte. Este trabalho de revisão tem como objetivo mostrar alguns nomes, fatos históricos e estudos que contribuíram para o desenvolvimento dessa área muito importante para atletas, técnicos e demais profissionais do esporte em geral, numa tentativa de melhor entender qual o verdadeiro papel da Psicologia do Esporte dentro das chamadas "Ciências do Esporte