bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aventura e indeterminação urbana em contos de Machado de Assis
Authors: Rodrigues Davidson De Oliveira
Published: December 2016

Este artigo pretende fazer uma análise das alusões à vida urbana na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, verificando como as menções à vida moderna aparecem na literatura de Machado de Assis, a partir de dois contos selecionados, “A cartomante” e “Pai contra mãe”, componentes, respectivamente, das coletâneas Várias histórias (1896) e Relíquias de casa velha (1906). Outros contos, como “O diplomático” e “O astrólogo”, também são abordados. A categoria conceitual de Georg Simmel, de “aventura”, sugere como o acaso e o risco são elementos da vida urbana, inviabilizando a determinação dos resultados das ações individuais. Nos contos mencionados, a cidade se mostra um ambiente de imprevisibilidades, e os personagens tentam resolver tais indeterminações a partir do próprio deslocamento pelas ruas. Há diferentes grupos sociais que compartilham os mesmos espaços coletivos, mas a convivência não é, necessariamente, harmoniosa. Embora o léxico político estivesse fundado sobre a matriz liberal, os valores de uma sociedade de Antigo Regime persistiam. Desse modo, os perigos da grande cidade não podiam ser suprimidos. A aventura e a indeterminação fornecem indícios para a compreensão da leitura de Machado sobre a cidade que mais aparece em sua literatura.
O falar de Si e o falar do Outro no cinema brasileiro: Cinco vezes favela e 5x favela, agora por nós mesmos
Authors: Silva Adriana Kerchner da
Published: December 2016

Neste artigo, é feita uma breve análise de dois filmes brasileiros, Cinco vezes favela (1962) e 5x favela – agora por nós mesmos (2010). Apesar de terem propostas similares – retratar as favelas do Rio de Janeiro e suas problemáticas –, os filmes operam de maneiras muito distintas na forma de representação. A hipótese é a de que isso ocorre porque os filmes têm realizadores de classes sociais diferentes e essa diferença implica em fazerem um filme sobre si ou sobre outros. Em 1962, cinco cineastas de classe média engajados com um projeto político de esquerda; em 2010, cinco diretores do próprio meio social representado no filme. O artigo também levanta alguns pontos da discussão sobre o lugar do intelectual em relação à arte popular e ao povo para quem essa arte se dirige. Para comparação direta, são escolhidos dois episódios, Pedreira de São Diogo e Arroz com feijão, dos filmes de 1962 e 2010, respectivamente, pois ambos trazem crítica e denúncia social, mas com teores bastante diversos de engajamento e didatismo.
A tradição latino-americana da alteridade em Passageiro do fim do dia, de Rubens Figueiredo
Authors: Teixeira Thales De Barros
Published: December 2016

Este artigo procura demonstrar de que maneira o romance Passageiro do fim do dia, de Rubens Figueiredo, está em diálogo com a construção do discurso literário da alteridade, tão presente na obra de grandes escritos latino-americanos, como Gabriel García Márquez e Julio Cortázar. Para tanto, Rubens põe em confronto a perspectiva de personagens que vivem na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, mas que se entendem como diferentes entre si, porque a cidade em que vivem é cindida, e seus círculos sociais não gozam de interação cotidiana.
Arterial Calcification in Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Stabley John N. , Towler Dwight A.
Published: December 2016

Diabetes mellitus increasingly afflicts our aging and dysmetabolic population. Type 2 diabetes mellitus and the antecedent metabolic syndrome represent the vast majority of the disease burden—increasingly prevalent in children and older adults. However, type 1 diabetes mellitus is also advancing in preadolescent children. As such, a crushing wave of cardiometabolic disease burden now faces our society. Arteriosclerotic calcification is increased in metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and type 1 diabetes mellitus—impairing conduit vessel compliance and function, thereby increasing the risk for dementia, stroke, heart attack, limb ischemia, renal insufficiency, and lower extremity amputation. Preclinical models of these dysmetabolic settings have provided insights into the pathobiology of arterial calcification. Osteochondrogenic morphogens in the BMP-Wnt signaling relay and transcriptional regulatory programs driven by
Msx
and
Runx
gene families are entrained to innate immune responses—responses activated by the dysmetabolic state—to direct arterial matrix deposition and mineralization. Recent studies implicate the endothelial–mesenchymal transition in contributing to the phenotypic drift of mineralizing vascular progenitors. In this brief overview, we discuss preclinical disease models that provide mechanistic insights—and point to challenges and opportunities to translate these insights into new therapeutic strategies for our patients afflicted with diabetes mellitus and its arteriosclerotic complications.
Adam17
Deficiency Promotes Atherosclerosis by Enhanced TNFR2 Signaling in Mice
Authors: Nicolaou Alexandros , Zhao Zhen , Northoff Bernd H. , Sass Kristina , Herbst Andreas , Kohlmaier Alexander , Chalaris Athena , Wolfrum Christian , Weber Christian , Steffens Sabine , Rose-John Stefan , Teupser Daniel , Holdt Lesca M.
Published: December 2016

Objective—

ADAM17 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17) is a sheddase releasing different types of membrane-bound proteins, including adhesion molecules, cytokines, and their receptors as well as inflammatory mediators. Because these substrates modulate important mechanisms of atherosclerosis, we hypothesized that ADAM17 might be involved in the pathogenesis of this frequent disease.

Approach and Results—

Because
Adam17
-knockout mice are not viable, we studied the effect of
Adam17
deficiency on atherosclerosis in
Adam17
hypomorphic mice (
Adam17
ex/ex
), which have low residual
Adam17
expression. To induce atherosclerosis, mice were crossed onto the low-density lipoprotein receptor (
Ldlr
)-deficient background. We found that
Adam17
ex/ex
.Ldlr
−/−
mice developed ≈1.5-fold larger atherosclerotic lesions, which contained more macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells than wild-type littermate controls (
Adam17
wt/wt
.Ldlr
−/−
). Reduced
Adam17
-mediated shedding led to significantly increased protein levels of membrane-resident TNFα (tumor necrosis factor) and TNFR2 (tumor necrosis factor receptor 2), resulting in a constitutive activation of TNFR2 signaling. At the same time,
Adam17
deficiency promoted proatherosclerotic cellular functions, such as increased proliferation and reduced apoptosis in cultured macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells and increased adhesion of macrophages to vascular endothelial cells. Because siRNA (small interfering RNA)-mediated knockdown of
Tnfr2
rescued from aberrant proliferation and from misregulation of apoptosis in
Adam17
-depleted cells, our data indicate that TNFR2 is an important effector of ADAM17 in our mouse model.

Conclusions—

Our results provide evidence for an atheroprotective role of ADAM17, which might be mediated by cleaving membrane-bound TNFα and TNFR2, thereby preventing overactivation of endogenous TNFR2 signaling in cells of the vasculature.
AMOBES (Active Mobility Very Early After Stroke)
Authors: Yelnik Alain P. , Quintaine Victorine , Andriantsifanetra Cedric , Wannepain Marie , Reiner Peggy , Marnef Hélène , Evrard Mathilde , Meseguer Elena , Devailly Jean Pascal , Lozano Monica , Lamy Catherine , Colle Florence , Vicaut Eric , Andriantsifanétra Cédric , Barbi Margaux , Brans Julien , Chabriat Hugues , Mawet Jerome , Wanepain Marie , Amarenco Pierre , Dien Agnes , Ortega Balma , Perez Sylvia , Baudrat Estelle , Blondel Marine , Kemlin Claire , Leger Anne , Potet Alexia , Samson Yves , Acevedo Raquel , Broglin Bénédicte , Brulant Myriam , Lopez Cristina Lopez , Mas Jean Louis , Melgosa Elena , Monchaud Cédric , Paquereau Julie , Aguilera David , Aymard Claire , Birnbaum Simone , Nguyen-Thuyet Bérangère , Tamazyan Ruben , Zuber Mathieu , Hamon Christelle , Le Tarnec Julien , Médée Béatrice , Rémy-Néris Olivier , Timsit Serge , Graciès Jean Michel , Hosseini Hassan , Loche Catherine Marie , Rondeau Emilie , Troel Sarah , Barbieux Marianne , Detante Olivier , Garambois Katia , Marquer Adelaide , Payen Grégoire , Pérennou Dominic , Véjux Pascale , Thuriot Antoine , Ducrocq Xavier , Croci Lionel , Khalil Nathalie , Paysant Jean , Bussone Julie , Mokadmi Sara , Reboullet Florence , Rousseau Hélène
Published: December 2016

Background and Purpose—

Intensive physical therapy (PT) facilitates motor recovery when provided during a subacute stage after stroke. The efficiency of very early intensive PT has been less investigated. We aimed to investigate whether intensive PT conducted within the first 2 weeks could aid recovery of motor control.

Methods—

This multicentre randomized controlled trial compared soft PT (20-min/d apart from respiratory needs) and intensive PT (idem+45 minutes of intensive exercises/day) initiated within the first 72 hours after a first hemispheric stroke. The primary outcome was change in motor control between day (D) 90 and D0 assessed by the Fugl–Meyer score. Main secondary outcomes were number of days to walking 10 m unassisted, balance, autonomy, quality of life, and unexpected medical events. All analyses were by intent to treat.

Results—

We could analyze data for 103 of the 104 included patients (51 control and 52 experimental group; 64 males; median age overall 67 [interquartile range 59–77], 67 right hemispheric lesions, 80 ischemic lesions, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≥8 for 82%). Fugl–Meyer score increased over time (
P
<0.0001), with no significant effect of treatment (
P
=0.29) or interaction between treatment and time (
P
=0.40). The median change in score between D90 and D0 was 27.5 (12–40) and 22.0 (12–56) for control and experimental groups (
P
=0.69). Similar results were found for the secondary criteria.

Conclusions—

Very early after stroke, intensive exercises may not be efficient in improving motor control. This conclusion may apply to mainly severe stroke.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01520636.
Lacunar Infarcts and Intracerebral Hemorrhage Differences
Authors: Lioutas Vasileios-Arsenios , Beiser Alexa , Himali Jayandra , Aparicio Hugo , Romero Jose Rafael , DeCarli Charles , Seshadri Sudha
Published: December 2016

Background and Purpose—

Lacunar stroke (LS) and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are 2 diverse manifestations of small vessel disease. What predisposes some patients to ischemic stroke and others to hemorrhage is not well understood.

Methods—

We performed a nested case–control study within the FHS (Framingham Heart Study) comparing people with incident ICH and lacunar ischemic stroke, to age- and sex-matched controls for baseline prevalence and levels of cardiovascular risk factors.

Results—

We identified 118 LS (mean age 74 years, 51% male) and 108 ICH (75 years, 46% male) events. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and obesity were strongly associated with LS. Hypertension, but not diabetes mellitus, smoking, or cholesterol levels increased the odds of ICH. Contrary to LS, ICH cases had lower body mass index (BMI) than their controls (26 versus 27); BMI <20 was associated with 4-fold higher odds for ICH. In direct comparison, LS cases had higher BMI (28 versus 26) and obesity prevalence (odds ratio, 3.1); BMI <20 was associated with significantly lower odds of LS (odds ratio, 0.1).

Conclusions—

LS and ICH share hypertension, but not diabetes mellitus, as a common risk factor. ICH cases had lower BMI compared with not only LS but their controls as well; this finding is unexplained and merits further exploration.
Fides, bona fides, and bonus vir
Authors: Valsan Remus
Published: December 2016

This article investigates the link between the Roman notion of fides and the contemporary notion of fiduciary duties. Etymologically, the word “fiduciary” derives from fides. The Roman fides was a very complex concept, blending religious, social, and legal valences. The religious and social fides entered Roman law in a substantive form, as bona fides, and as a standard of judgment, in the form of bonus vir. It is submitted that a close analogy can be drawn between bonus vir and the contemporary fiduciary standards.
Taxonomic revision of Perdita subgenus Heteroperdita Timberlake (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae), with descriptions of two ant-like males
Authors: PORTMAN ZACHARY M. , NEFF JOHN L. , GRISWOLD TERRY
Published: December 2016

Perdita subgenus Heteroperdita Timberlake, a distinctive subgenus of 22 species from the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico, all specialists on Tiquilia (Boraginaceae), is revised. Nine new species are described: Perdita (Heteroperdita) desdemona Portman, sp. n., P. (H.) exusta Portman & Griswold, sp. n., P. (H.) hippolyta Portman & Griswold, sp. n. (male previously incorrectly described as P. pilonotata Timberlake), P. (H.) hooki Portman & Neff, sp. n., P. (H.) nuttalliae Portman, sp. n., P. (H.) prodigiosa Portman & Griswold, sp. n., P. (H.) sycorax Portman, sp. n., P. (H.) titania Portman & Griswold, sp. n., and P. (H.) yanegai Portman, sp. n. The following sexes are associated and described for the first time: the male of P. (H.) frontalis Timberlake, 1968, the female of P. (H.) optiva Timberlake, 1954, and the true male of P. (H.) pilonotata Timberlake, 1980. Perdita (H.) fasciatella Timberlake, 1980 is proposed as a junior synonym of P. (H.) sexfasciata Timberlake, 1954. A neotype is designated for P. (H.) pilonotata Timberlake, 1980. Two species in particular, P. prodigiosa and P. pilonotata, are sexually dimorphic with distinctive ant-like males. Information is presented on floral relationships, phenology, and geographic distribution. Identification keys for males and females are provided.
Benthic Foraminifera from the Capricorn Group, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Authors: MAMO BRIONY L.
Published: December 2016

Effective reef management and monitoring has become increasingly important as anthropogenic processes impact upon natural ecosystems. One locality that is under direct threat due to human activities is the Australian Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Marine foraminifera represent an abundant and readily applicable tool that can be used in reef studies to investigate a variety of ecological parameters and assist in understanding reef dynamics and influence management protocols. The first step is to establish a baseline knowledge of taxonomic composition within the region to facilitate comparative studies and monitor how assemblages change in order to maximise effective management. A detailed taxonomic assessment is provided of 133 species of benthic foraminifera in 76 genera from Heron Island, One Tree Island, Wistari and Sykes Reefs, which form the core of the Capricorn Group (CG) at the southern end of the GBR. Of these 133 species, 46% belong to the order Miliolida, 34% to Rotaliida, 7% to Textulariida, 5% to Lagenida, 3% to Lituolida, 3% to Spirillinida, 1% to Loftusiida and 1% to Robertinida. Samples were collected from a variety of shallow shelf reef environments including reef flat, lagoonal and channel environments. Seventy species, representing the most abundant forms, are formally described with detailed distribution data for the remaining 63 species supplied.
Deliberation, Representation, Equity
Authors: Ekenberg Love , Hansson Karin , Danielson Mats , Cars Göran
Published: December 2016

What can we learn about the development of public interaction in e-democracy from a drama delivered by mobile headphones to an audience standing around a shopping center in a Stockholm suburb?

In democratic societies there is widespread acknowledgment of the need to incorporate citizens’ input in decision-making processes in more or less structured ways. But participatory decision making is balancing on the borders of inclusion, structure, precision and accuracy. To simply enable more participation will not yield enhanced democracy, and there is a clear need for more elaborated elicitation and decision analytical tools.

This rigorous and thought-provoking volume draws on a stimulating variety of international case studies, from flood risk management in the Red River Delta of Vietnam, to the consideration of alternatives to gold mining in Roșia Montană in Transylvania, to the application of multi-criteria decision analysis in evaluating the impact of e-learning opportunities at Uganda's Makerere University.

Editors Love Ekenberg (senior research scholar, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis [IIASA], Laxenburg, professor of Computer and Systems Sciences, Stockholm University), Karin Hansson (artist and research fellow, Department of Computer and Systems Sciences, Stockholm University), Mats Danielson (vice president and professor of Computer and Systems Sciences, Stockholm University, affiliate researcher, IIASA) and Göran Cars (professor of Societal Planning and Environment, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm) draw innovative collaborations between mathematics, social science, and the arts.

They develop new problem formulations and solutions, with the aim of carrying decisions from agenda setting and problem awareness through to feasible courses of action by setting objectives, alternative generation, consequence assessments, and trade-off clarifications.

As a result, this book is important new reading for decision makers in government, public administration and urban planning, as well as students and researchers in the fields of participatory democracy, urban planning, social policy, communication design, participatory art, decision theory, risk analysis and computer and systems sciences.
Enhanced targeting of CML stem and progenitor cells by inhibition of porcupine acyltransferase in combination with TKI
Authors: Agarwal Puneet , Zhang Bin , Ho Yinwei , Cook Amy , Li Ling , Mikhail Fady M. , Wang Youzhen , McLaughlin Margaret E. , Bhatia Ravi
Published: December 2016

Key Points

CML progenitor cells demonstrate enhanced sensitivity to Wnt stimulation, related to increased FZD4 receptor expression. Wnt inhibition by a Porcupine acyl transferase inhibitor enhances CML stem/progenitor cell targeting in combination with tyrosine kinase inhibition.
Rare genetic variants in SMAP1, B3GAT2, and RIMS1 contribute to pediatric venous thromboembolism
Authors: Rühle Frank , Witten Anika , Barysenka Andrei , Huge Andreas , Arning Astrid , Heller Christine , Krümpel Anne , Mesters Rolf , Franke Andre , Lieb Wolfgang , Riemenschneider Mona , Hiersche Milan , Limperger Verena , Nowak-Göttl Ulrike , Stoll Monika
Published: December 2016

Key Points

Our study identified a region on chromosome 6 comprising the genes SMAP1, B3GAT2, and RIMS1 as novel susceptibility locus for pediatric VTE. Nonsynonymous variants in SMAP1 and RIMS1 are predicted as deleterious and may influence vesicle processing in blood cells.
The Future of Health Care Reform: What Is Driving Enrollment?
Authors: Callaghan Timothy H. , Jacobs Lawrence R.
Published: December 2016

Against a backdrop of ongoing operational challenges, insurance market turbulence, and the ever present pull of partisanship, enrollment in the ACA's programs has soared and significant variations have developed across states in terms of their pace of coverage expansion. Our article explores why ACA enrollment has varied so dramatically across states. We explore the potential influence of party control, presidential cueing, administrative capacity, the reverberating effects of ACA policy decisions, affluence, and unemployment on enrollment. Our multivariate analysis finds that party control dominated early state decision making, but that relative enrollment in insurance exchanges and the Medicaid expansion are driven by a changing mix of political and administrative factors. Health politics is entering a new era as Republicans replace the ACA and devolve significant discretion to states to administer Medicaid and other programs. Our findings offer insights into future directions in health reform and in learning and diffusion.
The Role of Public Opinion—Does It Influence the Diffusion of ACA Decisions?
Authors: Pacheco Julianna , Maltby Elizabeth
Published: December 2016

We consider two ways that public opinion influenced the diffusion of ACA policy choices from 2010 through 2014. First, we consider the policy feedback mechanism, which suggests that policy decisions have spillover effects that influence opinions in other states; residents in the home state then influence the decisions of elected officials. We find that both gubernatorial ACA announcements and grant activity increased support for the ACA in nearby states. Consistent with our expectations, however, only gubernatorial announcements respond to shifts in ACA support, presumably because it is a more salient policy than grant activity. Second, we test for the opinion learning mechanism, which suggests that shifts in public opinion in other states provide a signal to elected officials about the viability of decisions in their own state. We find evidence that states are more likely to emulate other states with similar ACA policy preferences when deciding about when to announce their decisions. Our results suggest that scholars and policy makers should consider how shifts in public support influence the spread of ideas across the American states.
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) has neuroprotective function in dopamine-based neurodegeneration developed in two parkinsonian models
Authors: Maasz G. , Zrinyi Z. , Reglodi D. , Petrovics D. , Rivnyak A. , Kiss T. , Jungling A. , Tamas A. , Pirger Z.
Published: December 2016

It has been observed that pituitary-adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) rescued DAergic neurons from neurodegeneration and improved motor alterations induced by 6-hydroxy-dopamine (6-OHDA) in rat parkinsonian models. Recently we investigated the molecular background of the neuroprotective effect of PACAP in DA-based neurodegeneration using rotenone-induced snail and 6-OHDA-induced rat models of Parkinson's disease. The behavioural activity, monoamine (DA and serotonin), metabolic enzyme (S-COMT, MB-COMT and MAO-B) and PARK7/DJ-1 protein contents were measured before and after PACAP-treatment in both models.

Locomotion and feeding activity were decreased in rotenone-treated snails which corresponded well to findings obtained in 6-OHDA- induced rat experiments. PACAP was able to prevent the behavioural malfunctions caused by the toxins. The monoamine levels decreased in both models and the decreased DA level induced by toxins was attenuated by ∼50% in the PACAP-treated animals. In contrast, PACAP had no effect on the decreased 5HT levels. The S-COMT metabolic enzyme was reduced in both models; however, the protective effect of PACAP was not present in any of the models. Following the toxin treatments a significant increase in the MB-COMT level was observed in both models and the increased MB-COMT level was successfully restored by PACAP. The decrease of PARK7/DJ-1 protein content was also observed in both toxin-induced models; however, PACAP had beneficial effect only on 6-OHDA-treated animals.

We conclude that the neuroprotective effect of PACAP in different animal models of Parkinson's disease is well correlated with neurotransmitter, enzyme and protein levels. The rotenone and 6-OHDA rat and snail in vivo parkinsonian models successfully mimic several, but not all etiological properties of the disease. Their use allows us to study both the mechanisms of neurodegeneration as well as to test new drugs. Appropriate selection of the models might offer an alternative way for investigating the molecular mechanisms of neuroprotective agents including PACAP.
Lymph node standardized uptake values at pre-treatment 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography as a valuable prognostic factor for distant metastasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Jeong Yuri , Baek Seunghee , Park Jae W , Joo Ji H , Kim Jae S , Lee Sang-wook
Published: December 2016

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to evaluate prognostic values of pre-treatment fluorine-18 fludeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) parameters for predicting the distant metastasis (DM) of nasopharyngeal cancer.

Methods:

73 patients diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer with regional lymph node (LN) involvement, who underwent pre-treatment 18F-FDG PET evaluation between January 2005 and December 2012, were retrospectively reviewed. We assessed the 18F-FDG PET parameters of the primary tumours (T–) and regional LNs (N–). For patients with bilateral retropharyngeal, bilateral neck and/or supraclavicular LN involvement, we also assessed the 18F-FDG PET parameters of the farthest LN station [N(f)–]. The following 18F-FDG PET parameters were evaluated: maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean), peak standardized uptake value (SUVpeak), metabolic tumour volumes (MTVs) (MTV30–MTV70, which were calculated as the tumour volume with 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% and 70% of the SUVmax as the threshold, respectively) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) (TLG30–TLG70, which were determined by the product of each MTV and the corresponding SUVmean within that MTV). Distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) rates were estimated from the date of the start of radiotherapy to the date of DM or last follow-up by the Kaplan–Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors for DMFS. The median follow-up period was 53 months (range 12–110 months).

Results:

Most patients (95%) received concurrent chemoradiotherapy. The major failure pattern was DM (15 of all patients, 21%) and the 5-year DMFS was 79%. In univariate analysis, the T–SUVmax, T–SUVmean, T–SUVpeak, N–SUVmax, N–SUVpeak, N(f)–SUVmax and N(f)–SUVpeak were significant prognostic factors for DMFS. In multivariate analysis, the T–SUVmax, T–SUVpeak, N(f)–SUVmax and N(f)–SUVpeak were significant prognostic factors for DMFS. Of these parameters, the N(f)–SUVmax (hazard ratio = 6.524; p = 0.001) and N(f)–SUVpeak (hazard ratio = 5.399; p = 0.001) were the strongest prognostic factors for DMFS.

Conclusion:

In patients with nasopharyngeal cancer with LN involvement, the standardized uptake value parameter of the farthest LN station seems to be an important 18F-FDG PET parameter for predicting DM. Further studies are needed to validate its clinical significance.

Advances in knowledge:

We found that pre-treatment 18F-FDG PET parameters of primary tumours and regional LNs (the SUVmax and SUVpeak of the primary tumour and the farthest LN station) were significant prognostic factors for DMFS in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma with LN involvement.
Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SAbR) for oligometastatic cancer
Authors: Desai Neil B , Laine Aaron M , Timmerman Robert D
Published: December 2016

The metastatic state of most solid cancers traditionally has been regarded as an incurable dissemination of disease, with treatment focused on delaying progression rather than eliminating all tumour burden. In this setting, local therapies including surgery and radiotherapy are directed at quality of life end points and not at improvement in survival. However, improvements in imaging and systemic therapy have highlighted populations of patients with lower burden of metastatic disease, termed “oligometastatic,” who may present an exception. This condition is hypothesized to bridge the gap between incurable metastatic disease and locoregional disease, where miliary spread either has not occurred or remains eradicable. Consequently, elimination of such low-burden residual disease may “cure” some patients or delay further progression. Accordingly, use of local therapies with the intent of improving survival in oligometastatic disease has increased. Technological advances in radiation delivery with stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SAbR) in particular have provided a non-invasive and low-morbidity option. While observational studies have provided interesting preliminary data, significant work remains necessary to prove the merits of this treatment paradigm. This review discusses the data for the oligometastatic state and its treatment with SAbR, as well as challenges to its investigation.
Free serum haemoglobin is associated with brain atrophy in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Lewin Alex , Hamilton Shea , Witkover Aviva , Langford Paul , Nicholas Richard , Chataway Jeremy , Bangham Charles R.M.
Published: December 2016

Background: A major cause of disability in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) is progressive brain atrophy, whose pathogenesis is not fully understood. The objective of this study was to identify protein biomarkers of brain atrophy in SPMS.

Methods: We used surface-enhanced laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry to carry out an unbiased search for serum proteins whose concentration correlated with the rate of brain atrophy, measured by serial MRI scans over a 2-year period in a well-characterized cohort of 140 patients with SPMS.  Protein species were identified by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

Results: There was a significant (p<0.004) correlation between the rate of brain atrophy and a rise in the concentration of proteins at 15.1 kDa and 15.9 kDa in the serum.  Tandem mass spectrometry identified these proteins as alpha-haemoglobin and beta-haemoglobin, respectively.  The abnormal concentration of free serum haemoglobin was confirmed by ELISA (p<0.001).  The serum lactate dehydrogenase activity was also highly significantly raised (p<10-12) in patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. 

Conclusions: The results are consistent with the following hypothesis. In progressive multiple sclerosis, low-grade chronic intravascular haemolysis releases haemoglobin into the serum; the haemoglobin is subsequently translocated into the central nervous system (CNS) across the damaged blood-brain barrier.  In the CNS, the haemoglobin and its breakdown products, including haem and iron, contribute to the neurodegeneration and consequent brain atrophy seen in progressive disease. We postulate that haemoglobin is a source of the iron whose deposition along blood vessels in multiple sclerosis plaques is associated with neurodegeneration.  If so, then chelators of haemoglobin, rather than chelators of free serum iron, may be effective in preventing this neurodegeneration.
Factors associated with late antenatal care booking among pregnant women in Ndola District, Zambia
Authors: Chewe Mable Musonda , Muleya Mutinta C , Maimbolwa Margret
Published: December 2016

Background:

Many pregnant women book antenatal care (ANC) late and are at risk of poor pregnancy outcomes.

Aims:

This study aimed to determine the factors associated with late ANC booking among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Ndola District, Zambia.

Methods:

A quantitative cross-sectional design was used. A simple random sample of 305 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at seven systematically selected clinics between May and July 2015 was selected. A pretested and structured interview schedule was used to collect data. Data were entered and analysed using Epidata (2008) and Stata 10.1, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was completed.

Findings:

The prevalence of late ANC booking was 86.6%. Mean age was 26.4 years (CI 25.7–27.1). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age, marital status and parity were associated with late ANC booking.

Conclusions:

Late booking remains high despite the free ANC services available to all pregnant women. Public awareness and health education could help to enhance the value of early ANC booking to pregnant women.
Can peer support interventions assist women following fistula surgery? A narrative review
Authors: Wishlade Tabitha , Lavender Tina
Published: December 2016

Background:

Peer support interventions (PSIs) are increasingly being used to promote health and wellbeing in different contexts.

Aims:

This paper reviews literature on existing PSIs aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of women and their families in sub-Saharan Africa to determine whether such programmes could be used to promote recovery from obstetric fistula—a debilitating condition that leaves women isolated, stigmatised, disempowered, and with poor physical and mental health.

Methods:

A systematic, thematic literature search was conducted.

Findings:

The review finds PSI offers positive outcomes through several mechanisms including: empowering women with knowledge and agency, treating them holistically, reducing feelings of stigmatisation, and improving health behaviours/outcomes for themselves and their families.

Conclusions:

In view of the findings, it is proposed that a peer support intervention is trialled with women recovering from obstetric fistula.
World Braille Day celebrations
Authors: Neville Sarah
Published: December 2016

The government has asked settings to promote British values; these lend themselves to activities that introduce a system that allows children of all abilities to read and write.
Billowing canopies in the sky
Authors: Garner Lynne
Published: December 2016

Look up into the sky when out for a walk and you will see a wide variety of clouds, of all shapes, sizes, heights, colours; you can even see familiar patterns and objects if you try.
Research roundup: December 2016
Authors: Brook Judy , Thurtle Val , Seal Joanne
Published: December 2016

In this section, a range of brief synopses of recently published articles that may be of interest to health visitors is presented. The aim of this roundup is to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary, of the research papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided.
Infant mental health: AIMH@20 celebratory conference
Authors: Williams Emma
Published: December 2016

The Association for Infant Mental Health held its 20th birthday conference on 20 September, and it was a day of inspirational talks guaranteed to motivate changes in practice, says Emma Williams.
Minor injuries and ailments. 12: Gastro-oesophageal reflux
Authors: Tinsley Elizabeth
Published: December 2016

Reflux—bringing up milk during or shortly after feeding—is common, affecting approximately 40% of infants. It usually begins before 8 weeks of age and resolves by 1 year of age in 90% of babies ( National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2015 ; Institute of Health Visiting (iHV), 2016 ). This article will focus on managing and treating reflux in children at home; when parents should be advised to see their GP or health visitor; and when to go to A&E.
Advising families on car seat safety
Authors: Lowe Kevin
Published: December 2016

Correct use of car seats for babies and children can be confusing for parents, carers, health visiting and social care professionals. In addition, it is common for car seats to be fitted incorrectly and not to be used properly. This article considers safety in the context of all road injuries to children under the age of 10 years. It explains why child car seats benefit children and provides information about the different types currently available. It considers the important issues to bear in mind when purchasing a child car seat and discusses issues related to use and fitting; including why some parents and carers avoid using them or do not use them correctly.
Exploring the Classroom: Teaching Science in Early Childhood*
Authors: Dejonckheere Peter J. N. , Wit Nele de , Keere Kristof van de , Vervaet Stephanie
Published: December 2016

This study tested and integrated the effects of an inquiry-based didactic method for preschool science in a real practical classroom setting. Four preschool classrooms participated in the experiment (N = 57) and the children were 4–6 years old. In order to assess children’s attention for causal events and their understanding at the level of scientific reasoning skills, we designed a simple task in which a need for information gain was created. Compared to controls, children in the post-test showed significant learning gains in the development of the so-called control of variables strategy. Indeed, they executed more informative and less uninformative explorations during their spontaneous play. Furthermore, the importance of such programmes was discussed in the field of STEM education.

* Note: This paper was published as an inadvertent duplicate publication with an another journal.
Primary School Principals' Self-Monitoring Skills
Authors: Konan Necdet
Published: December 2016

The aim of the present study is to identify primary school principals' self-monitoring skills. The study adopted the general survey model and its population comprised primary school principals serving in the city of Diyarbakir, Turkey, while 292 of these constituted the sample. Self-Monitoring Scale was used as the data collection instrument. In data analysis, descriptive statistics, t-test, homogeneity of variances, One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test were used. The primary school principals' mean self-monitoring score was found to be 9.72. In addition, primary school principals' self-monitoring skills did not significantly vary in terms of gender and length of service. On the other hand, primary school principals who were class teachers had a higher level of self-monitoring skills than subject teachers; Faculty of Education graduates had a higher level of self-monitoring skills than those of other faculties', teachers serving as principals had a higher level of self-monitoring skills than both principals and assistant principals at a significant level.
Languages of Education in Nigeria: Extent of Implementation in the (UBE) Schools in Ebonyi State
Authors: Okonkwo Adaobi F.
Published: December 2016

The study focused on languages of education in Nigeria and extent of implementation in the (UBE) Schools in Ebonyi State. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The population of the study constituted all the Universal Basic Education teachers in the 13 LGA of the State. A sample study of 555 respondents was selected using proportionate stratified random sampling technique which reflected teachers in the urban and the rural schools. The instrument used was questionnaire which was validated and trial tested for reliability and a value of 0.84 was obtained. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while t- test was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level of significant. Findings showed that languages in education were implemented to a low extent and that extent of materials that enhance languages’ effective implementation were made available to a low extent which were more experienced in schools in rural areas. It was recommended that teachers should embrace stipulations of the Government based on the National Policy on Education and that the government should embark on training and retraining of teachers on different languages in Nigerian Education and provide other resources for effective language implementation.
Gait analysis in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Armand Stéphane , Decoulon Geraldo , Bonnefoy-Mazure Alice
Published: December 2016

Cerebral palsy (CP) children present complex and heterogeneous motor disorders that cause gait deviations. Clinical gait analysis (CGA) is needed to identify, understand and support the management of gait deviations in CP. CGA assesses a large amount of quantitative data concerning patients’ gait characteristics, such as video, kinematics, kinetics, electromyography and plantar pressure data. Common gait deviations in CP can be grouped into the gait patterns of spastic hemiplegia (drop foot, equinus with different knee positions) and spastic diplegia (true equinus, jump, apparent equinus and crouch) to facilitate communication. However, gait deviations in CP tend to be a continuum of deviations rather than well delineated groups. To interpret CGA, it is necessary to link gait deviations to clinical impairments and to distinguish primary gait deviations from compensatory strategies. CGA does not tell us how to treat a CP patient, but can provide objective identification of gait deviations and further the understanding of gait deviations. Numerous treatment options are available to manage gait deviations in CP. Generally, treatments strive to limit secondary deformations, re-establish the lever arm function and preserve muscle strength. Additional roles of CGA are to better understand the effects of treatments on gait deviations.

Cite this article: Armand S, Decoulon G, Bonnefoy-Mazure A. Gait analysis in children with cerebral palsy. EFORT Open Rev 2016;1:448-460. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.1.000052.
Molecular Portrait of Metastasis-Competent Circulating Tumor Cells in Colon Cancer Reveals the Crucial Role of Genes Regulating Energy Metabolism and DNA Repair
Authors: Alix-Panabières Catherine , Cayrefourcq Laure , Mazard Thibault , Maudelonde Thierry , Assenat Eric , Assou Said
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND

Unraveling the molecular mechanisms that regulate the biology of metastasis-competent circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is urgently needed to understand metastasis formation and tumor relapse. Our group previously established the first cell line (CTC-MCC-41) derived from metastasis-competent CTCs of a patient with colon cancer.

METHODS

In this study, we analyzed the transcriptome of CTC-MCC-41 cells using Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 microarrays with the aim of unraveling the molecular basis of their special features (stem cell properties and ability to initiate and support metastasis formation).

RESULTS

Comparison of the transcriptome data of metastasis-competent CTC-MCC-41 cells and of HT-29 cells (derived from a primary colon cancer) highlights the differential expression of genes that regulate energy metabolism [peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1A (PPARGC1A), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1B (PPARGC1B), fatty acid binding protein 1 (FABP1), aldehyde dehydrogenase 3 family member A1 (ALDH3A1)], DNA repair [BRCA1 interacting protein C-terminal helicase 1 (BRIP1), Fanconi anemia complementation group B (FANCB), Fanconi anemia complementation group M (FANCM)], and stemness [glutaminase 2 (GLS2), cystathionine-beta-synthase (CBS), and cystathionine gamma-lyase (CTH)]. The differential expression of 20 genes was validated by quantitative reverse transcription PCR.

CONCLUSIONS

This study gives a comprehensive outlook on the molecular events involved in colon cancer progression and provides potential CTC biomarkers that may help develop new therapies to specifically target CTCs with stem cell properties that cause metastases and tumor relapse in patients with colon cancer.
Levantamento da ocupação humana nas margens do Rio Ceira: nota metodológica
Authors: Alves Luiz Simões , Tomás Paulo Manuel Carvalho
Published: December 2016

A ocupação humana nas margens do rio Ceira tem sido objeto de estudo por parte da Lousitânea (Liga de Amigos da Serra da Lousã), desde 2013 até ao presente, de que resultaram três relatórios de trabalho em versão final, nos municípios de Arganil, Góis e Pampilhosa da Serra (um por cada município), estando em curso a elaboração de um relatório similar para o município da Lousã.O objetivo principal consiste em identificar, registar e analisar a distribuição de elementos caracterizadores de vários períodos históricos e tipologias de construção, consoante as singularidades territoriais, condições de enquadramento do rio e proximidade de aglomerados populacionais (bem como a sua dimensão e características) ao longo de mais de uma centena de quilómetros.Neste particular enfatiza-se a dimensão metodológica enquanto vetor nuclear do planeamento e execução das múltiplas ações inerentes ao referido levantamento.https://doi.org/10.14195/0871-1623_35_10
Turismo na Serra da Estrela. Planeamento da atividade turística e desenvolvimento
Authors: Costa Carlos Alberto Figueiredo , Santos Norberto
Published: December 2016

A atividade do turismo apresenta-se, hoje, por todo o mundo, como uma atividade em franco crescimento, capaz de gerar fluxos económicos significativos e novas oportunidades de desenvolvimento. Portugal e a região da Serra da Estrela, no contexto de uma economia aberta e globalizada, não se encontram à margem deste fenómeno.Falar de turismo e de planeamento implica, forçosamente, falar de recursos, da sua gestão e do desenvolvimento económico que proporcionam a cada território. A maior ou menor atratividade que um destino turístico apresenta depende do modo como os recursos, qualitativamente representativos, se inter-relacionam.É nesta simbiose que a prática do planeamento em turismo assume a sua verdadeira importância nos termos da atual abordagem ao fenómeno turístico.Nesse sentido, coloca-se em evidência o potencial turístico intrínseco à região da Serra da Estrela, designadamente a partir dos seus recursos mais atrativos, avaliando o impacto que o planeamento e uma correta gestão dos recursos turísticos podem ter no processo de transformação económica e social da região.https://doi.org/10.14195/0871-1623_35_2
A propósito da originalidade do ciclone Alex no Atlântico Norte (janeiro de 2016)
Authors: Ganho Nuno
Published: December 2016

A originalidade do ciclone tropical Alex, que atingiu o arquipélago dos Açores na manhã do dia 15 de janeiro de 2016, resulta não só da sua génese fora da época habitual, como também das modificações da sua estrutura e características ao longo do seu percurso pelo Atlântico Norte, que se analisam neste artigo.https://doi.org/10.14195/0871-1623_35_4
Perfil dos imóveis e dos ocupantes da Floresta Estadual de Rendimento Sustentado do Rio Mequéns, no Estado de Rondônia
Authors: Theodoro J. , Silveira E. G. , Della-Justina E. E. , Ferreira M. M. , Cunha Lúcio José Sobral da , Moret S. A. , Silva Filho E. P. , Barata C. S.
Published: December 2016

A ocupação da Amazônia Brasileira passa a ser intensiva na década de 1970, a partir da implantação dos projetos de colonização dirigida, convergindo para um intenso desmatamento e ocupações irregulares, conhecida como a “Década da Destruição”. O Estado de Rondônia recebeu diversos destes projetos, sofrendo grande ocupação, estimulada por programas oficiais de colonização. A busca por áreas de produção agrícola e agropecuária e de exploração madeireira propiciou a rápida ocupação de todos os espaços disponíveis para tais fins, em Rondônia, restando apenas as áreas destinadas a preservação. Entretanto estas áreas não ficaram isentas de ocupação ilegal. Muitos fatores favoreceram e contribuíram para este tipo de ação criminosa. A ocupação efetiva de áreas protegidas serviu de argumento para o Governo do Estado de Rondônia propor a revogação das várias Unidades de Conservação (UC), entregando as terras definitivamente aos prevaricadores ambientais. Este trabalho analisa a situação da Floresta Estadual de Rendimento Sustentável do Rio Mequéns (FERS), UC criada no ano de 1990 e revogada por solicitação do Governo do Estado de Rondônia, no ano de 2010. Neste trabalho são apresentados os resultados dos estudos realizados sobre a FERS do Rio Mequéns, especialmente nos primeiros anos de existência. A partir da análise de tais dados, elaborou-se um perfil fundiário da referida Unidade de Conservação, com indicadores dos imóveis, dimensão, uso, tempo de ocupação entre outros elementos, bem como um perfil dos proprietários destes imóveis e da po pulação que habita o espaço da UC em tel a. Elencam-se, também, os principais fatores que contribuíram para a ocupação da FERS do Rio Mequéns.https://doi.org/10.14195/0871-1623_35_7