bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual Delivery of bFGF- and NGF-Binding Coacervate Confers Neuroprotection by Promoting Neuronal Proliferation
Authors: Wu Yanqing , Wang Zhouguang , Cai Pingtao , Jiang Ting , Li Yiyang , Yuan Yuan , Li Rui , Khor Sinan , Lu Yingfeng , Wang Jian , Chen Daqing , Zeng Qiqiang , Zhong Ruisheng , Zhang Hongyu , Lin Yuan , Li Xiaokun , Xiao Jian
Published: June 2018

Background/Aims: Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) are essential for proper development, survival, growth, and maintenance of neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems. However, because bFGF and NGF have short half-life and rapid diffusion rate, they have limited clinical efficacy. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop an effective delivery system to protect bFGF and NGF from proteolysis while maintaining their normal bioactivities. Methods: To more efficiently deliver bFGF and NGF, we used a coacervate (synthesized with heparin and a biodegradable polycation at mass ratio of 500: 100). The maximal package loads of GFs in coacervate were determined by Western Blotting; release efficiency of bFGF and NGF was measured by ELISA. Additionally, we evaluated the effect of bFGF and NGF on the viability, survival, and proliferation of neurons by MTT assay, BrdU cell proliferation, and calcein staining. Results: Our coacervate incorporated bFGF and NGF and continuously released them for at least three weeks. This enhanced the growth and proliferation of PC12 cells and SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, co-delivery of bFGF and NGF using coacervate was more neuroprotective than free application of both factors or coacervate delivery of each GF separately. Conclusions: Dual delivery of bFGF and NGF binding coacervate was neuroprotective via stimulating the growth and proliferation of neurons.
Investigation of the Oxidative Stress and DIO1 Expression in CRF Patients Accompanied With and Without Euthyroid Sick Syndrome
Authors: Shu-Lan Qin , Chun-Yan He , Qi He , Juan Chen , Cheng-Fang Jiang , Aimee Young Charlotte , Xia Sheng , Zhi-Hong Li , Long-Xin Xiong
Published: June 2018

Background/Aims: Chronic renal failure (CRF) is often accompanied by increased oxidative stress and euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS). The cause of ESS is unknown, and it is unknown whether there exists a link between oxidant stress and ESS in CRF patients. Therefore, we aim to investigate oxidative stress and type 1 deiodinase (DIO1) expression, which plays the key role in the ESS in CRF patients. Methods: In-patients with CRF were divided into the two group: Group 1 is ESS patients consisting of 60 patients with low free triiodothyronine (FT3) and Group 2 consisting of 60 patients with normal FT3. Group 3 consisted of 60 healthy volunteers recruited as controls. The baseline clinical parameters of patients were evaluated with standard routine methods in a clinical laboratory. Serum levels of 8-isoprostane and DIO1 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between oxidative stress, DIO1 and FT3. Results: The concentrations of serum 8-Isoprostane in Group 1 and Group 2 were substantially higher than that of Group 3 (p< 0.05), however there was no significant difference between Group 1 and Group 2 (p=0.516). The serum DIO1 level was higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 and Group 3 (p< 0.001). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that the DIO1 concentration and FT3 level were not associated with the concentration of serum 8-Isoprostane. Conclusions: CRF patients showed elevated oxidative stress. The CRF patients without ESS showed higher expression of DIO1 than patients with ESS and the control group. The concentration of serum 8-Isoprostane was not correlated with FT3 and DIO1 levels.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Metabolic Acidosis in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease – Position Statement of the Working Group of the Polish Society of Nephrology
Authors: Adamczak Marcin , Masajtis-Zagajewska Anna , Mazanowska Oktawia , Madziarska Katarzyna , Stompór Tomasz , Więcek Andrzej
Published: June 2018

Metabolic acidosis is commonly found in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and its causes are: impaired ammonia excretion, reduced tubular bicarbonate reabsorption and insufficient renal bicarbonate production in relation to the amount of acids synthesised by the body and ingested with food. As the consequence, numerous metabolic abnormalities develop, which may lead to dysfunction of several organs. In observational studies, it has been found that CKD patients with metabolic acidosis are characterised by faster progression of kidney disease towards end stage kidney failure, and by increased mortality. Results of interventional studies suggest that alkali therapy in CKD patients slows progression of kidney disease. In view of these facts, the members of “The Working Group of the Polish Society of Nephrology on Metabolic and Endocrine Abnormalities in Kidney Diseases” have prepared the following statement and guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of metabolic acidosis in CKD patients. Measurement of bicarbonate concentration in venous plasma or venous blood to check for metabolic acidosis should be performed in all CKD patients and metabolic acidosis in these patients should be diagnosed when the venous plasma or venous blood bicarbonate concentration is lower than 22 mmol/l. In patients with metabolic acidosis and CKD, oral sodium bicarbonate administration is recommended. The goal of such a treatment is to achieve a plasma or blood bicarbonate concentration equal to or greater than 22 mmol/l.
MRI T2 Mapping of Knee Articular Cartilage Using Different Acquisition Sequences and Calculation Methods at 1.5 Tesla
Authors: Mars Mokhtar , Chelli Mouna , Tbini Zeineb , Ladeb Fethi , Gharbi Souha
Published: June 2018

Objective: This study aims to determine how magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquisition techniques and calculation methods affect T2 values of knee cartilage at 1.5 tesla and to identify sequences that can be used for high-resolution T2 mapping in short scanning times. Materials and Methods: This study was performed on phantom and 29 patients who underwent MRI of the knee joint at 1.5 tesla. The protocol includes T2 mapping sequences based on Single-Echo Spin Echo (SESE), Multi-Echo Spin Echo (MESE), Fast Spin Echo (FSE) and Turbo Gradient Spin Echo (TGSE). The T2 relaxation times were quantified and evaluated using three calculation methods (MapIt, Syngo Offline and mono-exponential fit). signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) were measured in all sequences. All statistical analyses were performed using the t-test. Results: The average T2 values in phantom were 41.7 ± 13.8 ms for SESE, 43.2 ± 14.4 ms for MESE, 42.4 ± 14.1 ms for FSE and 44 ± 14.5 ms for TGSE. In the patient study, the mean differences were 6.5 ± 8.2 ms, 7.8 ± 7.6 ms and 8.4 ± 14.2 ms for MESE, FSE and TGSE compared to SESE, respectively; these statistical results were not significantly different (p > 0.05). The comparison between the three calculation methods showed no significant difference (p > 0.05). The t-test showed no significant difference between SNR values for all sequences. Conclusion: T2 values depend not only on the sequence type but also on the calculation method. None of the sequences revealed significant differences compared to the SESE reference sequence. TGSE with its short scanning time can be used for high-resolution T2 mapping.
ШЛЯХИ ПІДВИЩЕННЯ ЯКІСНОГО РІВНЯ ВИЩОЇ ОСВІТИ
Authors: Scrobach N. V. , Shapoval O. A. , Petryna V. O. , Vyshyvanyuk V. Y.
Published: June 2018

Мета роботи – розглянути основні шляхи підвищення якісного рівня вищої освіти та застосування інноваційних педагогічних технологій під час підготовки майбутніх фахівців у системі вищої медичної освіти.Основна частина. Якісний рівень освіти значною мірою залежить від якості навчальної та навчально-методичної роботи. Перше, що тут варто було б відзначити, – це перехід на нові освітні стандарти. У кожному вищому навчальному закладі затверджені вченими радами плани заходів щодо навчально-методичного, інформаційного і матеріально-технічного забезпечення нових стандартів із усіх спеціальностей і напрямів.Кінцеву мету освіти можна представити у вигляді проектованої моделі фахівця. Головні складові такої моделі – професійні знання й уміння, соціально-психологічні й духовно-творчі якості особистості фахівця, що визначать його здатність працювати в умовах ринкових відносин, домагаючись результатів, адекватних вимогам суспільного й науково-технічного прогресу.Якщо говорити про професійні складові моделі фахівця, то, крім кваліфікаційних вимог, детально розроблених у державних стандартах, вона повинна містити в собі такі характеристики, як інтелектуальна компетентність, інтелектуальна ініціатива, самоорганізація й саморегуляція.Розробка моделі фахівця дозволить забезпечити наукове обґрунтування навчальних планів і програм, стратегії і методів виховної роботи, способів інтеграції навчального процесу і виховної роботи, що втілюють у собі принципи гуманізму. Реалізація цих принципів, відповідно до моделі випускника, стане основою формування у майбутнього фахівця таких якостей, яких вимагають нове століття, нове тисячоліття.Особистісно-орієнтована освіта має на меті забезпечення розвитку й саморозвитку особистості того, кого навчають, виходячи з його індивідуальних особливостей, і надає йому право вибору власного шляху навчання. Ця модель освіти представлена низкою як загальнопредметних технологій, так і предметних.Особистісно-орієнтована парадигма освіти обумовлює і формування нових теоретико-методологічних принципів побудови освітніх систем. Їх реалізація вимагає спеціальних зусиль щодо їх технологізації. Конструктивно-технологічною формою організації особистісно-орієнтованої концепції в освіті може служити відповідна модель навчання  (розвиваючого, продуктивного, збагачуючого тощо).Висновки. Одним із основних завдань на сьогоднішньому етапі модернізації вищої медичної освіти України є впровадження компетентнісного підходу. Розв’язання цього завдання можливе за умови зміни педагогічних методик та впровадження інноваційних педагогічних технологій.
ЧИ ВАРТО ВИКОРИСТОВУВАТИ НАУКОМЕТРИЧНИЙ m-КОЕФІЦІЄНТ НА ДОДАТОК ДО ІНДЕКСУ ГІРША ПРИ ОЦІНЦІ НАУКОВОГО ВКЛАДУ ВИКЛАДАЧІВ МЕДИЧНИХ УНІВЕРСИТЕТІВ?
Authors: Tkachenko A. S. , Tkachenko V. L. , Kovalenko N. I. , Onishchenko A. I.
Published: June 2018

Мета роботи – оцінити потенціал використання m-коефіцієнта для оцінки наукового вкладу викладачів та співробітників вищих медичних навчальних закладів України.Основна частина. m-коефіцієнт розраховують на підставі h-індексу: для отримання числового значення m-індексу необхідно поділити індекс Гірша на кількість років, що минули з моменту публікації першої статті. На нашу думку, цінність m-індексу полягає в урахуванні тривалості періоду активної наукової кар’єри вчених, що дозволяє порівняти вклад досвідченого вченого і фахівця-початківця. До того ж визначення m-коефіцієнта дозволяє оцінити кар’єру вченого в динаміці, беручи до уваги періоди спаду і підйому наукової активності, оскільки, на відміну від індексу Гірша, m-коефіцієнт може знижуватися при припиненні публікацій нових робіт.Висновок. Ми вважаємо, що m-індекс може використовуватись у якості простого для обчислення і корисного додаткового критерію оцінки ефективності молодого вченого у медичних університетах в поєднанні з іншими наукометричними показниками – індексом Гірша і, особливо, величинами імпакт-факторів журналів, у яких публікується науковий співробітник.
MANAGING “TRAUMATOLOGY AND ORTHOPEDICS” EDUCATIONAL COURSE FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS IN BUKOVYNIAN STATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY
Authors: Dudko O. G.
Published: June 2018

Мета роботи – провести аналіз навчального процесу англомовних студентів та покращити якість вивчення травматології та ортопедії.Основна частина. Проведено аналіз навчального процесу з дисципліни “травматологія та ортопедія” студентів іноземного факультету Буковинського державного медичного університету, наведено особливості їх теоретичної і практичної підготовки. Визначено, що основними перешкодами є недостатня кількість навчальних годин, що відводяться для дисципліни, брак навчальної літератури англійською мовою та її якість, труднощі при курації хворих пов’язані з недостатнім знанням української мови іноземцями, велика кількість студентів у групах, що утруднює індивідуальний підхід при проведенні практичних занять. Створення сервера дистанційного навчання й електронного навчального курсу “травматологія та ортопедія” покращило навчальний процес. Зменшення кількості англомовних студентів у групах та залучення їх до ургентних чергувань дозволять значно покращити рівень теоретичної і практичної підготовки, посилити мотивацію і зацікавленість студентів, сприятимуть індивідуальному підходу до їх навчання. Перспективними є також підготовка і видавництво власної навчально-методичної літератури англійською мовою.Висновки. Значного покращення теоретичних знань студентів та розвитку їх ортопедичної спрямованості можна досягти, застосовуючи сучасні технології дистанційного навчання з застосуванням Інтернету, що, у свою чергу, покращить оволодіння студентами практичними навичками. З іншого боку, вирішення ряду проблем, таких, як видавництво якісних підручників та навчально-методичних посібників з травматології та ортопедії англійською мовою, удосконалення веб-сайту дистанційної освіти, зменшення кількості студентів у групах, також значно покращить якість вивчення дисципліни.
ЕФЕКТИВНІСТЬ МЕТОДУ “ДІЛОВА ГРА” НА ЗАНЯТТЯХ З АПТЕЧНОЇ ТЕХНОЛОГІЇ ЛІКАРСЬКИХ ЗАСОБІВ
Authors: Zeleniuk V. H. , Horoshko O. M. , Tkachuk O. Iu.
Published: June 2018

Мета роботи – вивчити ефективність удосконалення навчального процесу з використанням інтерактивного методу навчання – ділової гри.Основна частина. У статті описано досвід застосування методу активізації навчально-пізнавальної діяльності – ділової гри – на практичних заняттях із аптечної технології лікарських засобів для студентів спеціальності “Фармація”. Результати аналізу рівня знань студентів на початку та по завершеннi дослідження продемонстрували переваги та недоліки впровадження ділової гри у навчально-педагогічний процес.Висновок. Застосування ділової гри підвищує засвоюваність студентами практичних навичок та теоретичного матеріалу дисципліни при зниженні ефективності методу за його безперервного використання.
ФІЛОСОФІЯ СИМУЛЯЦІЙНОГО НАВЧАННЯ В МЕДИЦИНІ
Authors: Korda M. M. , Hudyma A. A. , Shulhai A. H. , Zaporozhan S. Y.
Published: June 2018

Мета роботи – на основі досвіду роботи міжкафедрального навчально-тренінгового центру ДВНЗ “Тернопільський державний медичний університет імені І. Я. Горбачевського МОЗ України” визначити роль симуляційного навчання в системі додипломної підготовки лікарів.Основна частина. Сучасний етап перетворень диктує нові вимоги до лікарів, а відповідно, вимагає перетворень і вищої медичної школи. Незважаючи на бурхливий розвиток електроніки, компʼютерної техніки, лікар будь-якої спеціальності зобовʼязаний оволодіти всім арсеналом накопичених знань і умінь, які дозволять йому у тяжкій ситуації вибрати єдино правильний діагноз і провести адекватні лікувальні заходи. Допомогти в цьому йому повинна оптимальна програма освоєння необхідних професійних навичок, що спирається на широке впровадження сучасних тренажерних комплексів нового покоління, створення базових навчальних центрів і плавно перекидає місток від імітації в клініку до реального пацієнта.В системі вищої медичної освіти симуляційне навчання суттєво долає прогалину між теоретичною підготовкою студента і набуттям клінічного досвіду. При цьому студенти мають можливість поетапно освоювати практичні вміння і реалізувати клінічні сценарії як віртуальні, так і під час роботи в команді з симульованими пацієнтами, що максимально забезпечує ефективність навчання і відтворює реальні умови роботи фахівця в майбутньому.Важливе значення має кадрова забезпеченість навчально-тренінгового центру спеціально підготовленими викладачами-координаторами напрямків підготовки студентів, що дозволяє проводити науковий пошук, експериментування в технологіях викладання з виходом на клінічні бази і теоретичні кафедри. Симуляційні технології в навчанні студентів формують клінічне мислення на високому і мотивованому рівні.Висновки. Симуляційне навчання є однією із складових освітнього процесу та забезпечує досконалу практичну підготовку лікарів. Дебрифінг є визначальним чинником самоаналізу студентом виконаних ним видів робіт у симуляційному центрі й стимулює до поглиблення теоретичних знань та практичних вмінь.
СУЧАСНІ ПІДХОДИ ДО ФОРМУВАННЯ ВИСОКОПРОФЕСІЙНОГО ВИКЛАДАЧА В ІВАНО-ФРАНКІВСЬКОМУ НАЦІОНАЛЬНОМУ МЕДИЧНОМУ УНІВЕРСИТЕТІ
Authors: Rozhko M. M. , Ersteniuk H. M. , Kapechuk V. V. , Ivantsiv M. O. , Lutsak S. M. , Dzvonkovska V. V. , Senchii V. M.
Published: June 2018

Мета роботи – провести аналіз ефективності підходів до формування сучасного викладача медичного університету. Основна частина. У статті висвітлено діяльність навчально-тренінгового центру для викладачів з метою підвищення професійної, мовної компетентності та володіння сучасними інноваційними технологіями навчання, що має важливе значення для підвищення ефективності освітнього процесу в університеті. Наступним етапом є впровадження в освітній процес інтерактивних платформ “OfficeMix” та “Forms”, що дасть змогу прозорого моніторингу процесу підготовки студентів до ліцензійних іспитів “Крок”.Висновок. Проведений аналіз дозволяє стверджувати, що у формуванні сучасного викладача медичного університету важливе місце належить навчально-тренінговим центрам, де використовуються напрямки з підвищення професійної, мовної компетенції та володіння інноваційними методами навчання.
Impact of Coronary Lesion Geometry on Fractional Flow Reserve
Authors: Kang Do-Yoon , Ahn Jung-Min , Kim Young Woo , Moon Ji Young , Lee Joon Sang , Koo Bon-Kwon , Lee Pil Hyung , Park Duk-Woo , Kang Soo-Jin , Lee Seung-Whan , Kim Young-Hak , Park Seong-Wook , Park Seung-Jung
Published: June 2018

Background:

The impact of various coronary lesion geometries on fractional flow reserve (FFR) is poorly understood.

Methods and Results:

A total of 1552 coronary lesions in 1236 patients from a prospective Interventional Cardiology Research In-cooperation Society Fractional Flow Reserve and Intravascular Ultrasound registry were assessed using quantitative coronary angiography, intravascular ultrasound, and FFR. Computational fluid dynamics simulation was performed for theoretical validation. Patients with complex geometries, such as longitudinal eccentricity, cross-sectional eccentricity, and surface roughness, showed significantly lower FFR values. In multivariable analysis, distal longitudinal eccentricity (adjusted odds ratio, 1.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–2.87;
P
=0.031), cross-sectional eccentricity (adjusted odds ratio, 1.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.27–2.14;
P
<0.001), and surface roughness (adjusted odds ratio, 1.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–2.32;
P
=0.033), as well as male sex, left anterior descending artery territory, proximal location, high degree of diameter stenosis, long lesion, and high plaque burden, were identified as independent predictors for significantly low FFR values (≤0.80). Computational simulation supported the impact of lesion geometry on FFR.

Conclusions:

The complex coronary lesion geometries were independently associated with reduced FFR values. The visual–functional mismatch between coronary angiography and FFR could be partly attributable to local geometric factors.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01366404.
Survival After MitraClip Treatment Compared to Surgical and Conservative Treatment for High-Surgical-Risk Patients With Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Kortlandt Friso , Velu Juliette , Schurer Remco , Hendriks Tom , Van den Branden Ben , Bouma Berto , Feldman Ted , Kelder Johannes , Bakker Annelies , Post Marco , Van der Harst Pim , Eefting Frank , Swaans Martin , Rensing Benno , Baan Jan , Van der Heyden Jan
Published: June 2018

Background—

Survival outcome after MitraClip treatment, compared with surgical or conservative treatment, is not well defined. We examined survival after MitraClip treatment in a large multicenter real-life setting.

Methods and Results—

We retrospectively formed matched high-risk surgically and conservatively treated control cohorts to compare to a high-risk MitraClip cohort. One thousand thirty-six patients were included in 4 Dutch centers, of which 568 were treated with the MitraClip. The observed survival at 5-year follow-up in our MitraClip cohort was low (39.8%) but was comparable to our conservative cohort (40.5%). Observed 5-year survival for our surgical cohort was 76.3%. However, there were significant differences between the baseline characteristics of the 3 studied cohorts, with the MitraClip cohort having the highest comorbidity burden. After adjusting for baseline differences by using Cox regression, the MitraClip and surgical cohorts showed similar survival ratios (hazard ratio, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.67–1.26;
P
=0.609), whereas both showed a lower mortality hazard when compared with conservative treatment (hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% confidence interval, 0.49–0.77;
P
<0.001 and hazard ratio, 0.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.42–0.76;
P
<0.001, respectively).

Conclusions—

This matched analysis suggests a lower mortality hazard for MitraClip intervention in a high-risk population with symptomatic mitral regurgitation when compared with conservative management alone.
Activated Clotting Time to Guide Heparin Dosing in Non–ST-Segment–Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Treated With IIb/IIIa Inhibitors
Authors: Dillinger Jean-Guillaume , Ducrocq Gregory , Elbez Yedid , Cohen Marc , Bode Christoph , Pollack Charles , Nicolau José C. , Henry Patrick , Kedev Sasko , Wiviott Stephen D. , Sabatine Marc S. , Mehta Shamir R. , Steg Philippe Gabriel
Published: June 2018

Background—

Monitoring anticoagulation with activated clotting time (ACT) has been proposed to reduce ischemic or bleeding events. However, the value of using ACT to improve outcomes is uncertain. This study sought to determine the relationship between ACT and outcomes during percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with non–ST-segment–elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) treated by unfractionated heparin with GPIs (glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors).

Methods and Results—

From the randomized TAO trial (Treatment of Acute Coronary Syndromes With Otamixaban), we analyzed the value of ACT to predict ischemic and bleeding outcomes in the 3275 patients receiving unfractionated heparin plus eptifibatide. Ischemic and safety outcomes were analyzed according to ACT to determine the best threshold. Median peak ACT was 225 s. There was no correlation (
r
=−0.02;
P
=0.24) between the unfractionated heparin dose received and the ACT value before percutaneous coronary intervention. There was no evidence of a nonlinear association between ACT and either ischemic or bleeding events (
P
=0.66;
P
=0.07). No threshold was found to predict ischemic complications. Conversely, increased bleeding was observed with ACT >230 s with an optimal threshold of ACTs ≥250 s (4.53% versus 6.17%; odds ratio, 1.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–2.06;
P
=0.028). This optimal threshold varied according to access site: ≥250 s (6.86% versus 10.18%; odds ratio, 1.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.00–2.45;
P
=0.047) by femoral approach and ≥290 s (2.86% versus 5.43%; odds ratio, 2.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–4.44;
P
=0.027) by radial approach.

Conclusions—

In the TAO trial, peak procedural ACT ≥250 s was associated with increased bleeding risk in non–ST-segment–elevation acute coronary syndrome patients treated with unfractionated heparin plus GPIs. This threshold was increased to 290 s when performing radial approach.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01076764.
Extracellular Vesicle Injection Improves Myocardial Function and Increases Angiogenesis in a Swine Model of Chronic Ischemia
Authors: Potz Brittany A. , Scrimgeour Laura A. , Pavlov Vasile I. , Sodha Neel R. , Abid M. Ruhul , Sellke Frank W.
Published: June 2018

Background

Mesenchymal stem cell–derived extracellular vesicles (
EV
s) are believed to be cardioprotective in myocardial infarct. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of human mesenchymal cell–derived
EV
injection on cardiac function, myocardial blood flow, and vessel density in the setting of chronic myocardial ischemia.

Methods and Results

Twenty‐three Yorkshire swine underwent placement of an ameroid constrictor on their left circumflex artery. Two weeks later, the animals were split into 2 groups: the control group (
CON
; n=7) and the
EV
myocardial injection group (
MVM
; n=10). The
MVM
group underwent myocardial injection of 50 μg of
EV
s in 2 mL 0.9% saline into the ischemic myocardium. Five weeks later, the pigs underwent a harvest procedure, and the left ventricular myocardium was analyzed. Absolute blood flow and the ischemic/nonischemic myocardial perfusion ratio were increased in the ischemic myocardium in the
MVM
group compared with the
CON
group. Pigs in the
MVM
group had increased capillary and arteriolar density in the ischemic myocardial tissue compared with
CON
pigs. There was an increase in expression of the phospho–mitogen‐activated protein kinase/mitogen‐activated protein kinase ratio, the phospho–endothelial nitric oxide synthase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase ratio, and total protein kinase B in the
MVM
group compared with
CON
. There was an increase in cardiac output and stroke volume in the
MVM
group compared with CON.

Conclusions

In the setting of chronic myocardial ischemia, myocardial injection of human mesenchymal cell–derived
EV
s increases blood flow to ischemic myocardial tissue by induction of capillary and arteriolar growth via activation of the protein kinase B/endothelial nitric oxide synthase and mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathways resulting in increased cardiac output and stroke volume.
Quantifying Infarct Growth and Secondary Injury Volumes
Authors: Harston George W.J. , Carone Davide , Sheerin Fintan , Jenkinson Mark , Kennedy James
Published: June 2018

Background and Purpose—

Lesion expansion in the week after acute stroke involves both infarct growth (IG) and anatomic distortion (AD) because of edema and hemorrhage. Enabling separate quantification would allow clinical trials targeting these distinct pathological processes. We developed an objective and automated approach to quantify these processes at 24 hours and 1 week.

Methods—

Patients with acute ischemic stroke were scanned at presentation, 24 hours, and 1 week in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) cohort study. IG and AD were calculated from follow-up lesion masks after linear and nonlinear registration to a presenting MRI scan. Performance of IG and AD was compared with edema quantified using cerebrospinal fluid displacement. The use of alternative reference images to define AD, including template MRI, mirrored MRI, and presenting computed tomographic scan, was explored.

Results—

Thirty-seven patients with nonlacunar stroke were included. AD was responsible for 20% and 36% of lesion expansion at 24 hours (n=30) and 1 week (n=28). Registration-defined IG and AD compared favorably with edema quantified using cerebrospinal fluid displacement, particularly at smaller infarct volumes. Presenting computed tomographic imaging was the preferred alternative reference image to presenting MRI for measuring AD.

Conclusions—

The contributions of IG and AD to lesion expansion can be measured separately over time through the use of image registration. This approach can be used to combine imaging outcome data from computed tomography and MRI.
Characterization of Heterozygous
HTRA1
Mutations in Taiwanese Patients With Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
Authors: Lee Yi-Chung , Chung Chih-Ping , Chao Nai-Chen , Fuh Jong-Ling , Chang Feng-Chi , Soong Bing-Wing , Liao Yi-Chu
Published: June 2018

Background and Purpose—

Homozygous and compound heterozygous mutations in the high temperature requirement serine peptidase A1 gene (
HTRA1
) cause cerebral autosomal recessive arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy. However, heterozygous
HTRA1
mutations were recently identified to be associated with autosomal dominant cerebral small vessel disease (SVD). The present study aims at investigating the clinical features, frequency, and spectrum of
HTRA1
mutations in a Taiwanese cohort with SVD.

Methods—

Mutational analyses of
HTRA1
were performed by Sanger sequencing in 222 subjects, selected from a cohort of 337 unrelated patients with SVD after excluding those harboring a
NOTCH3
mutation. The influence of these mutations on HTRA1 protease activities was characterized.

Results—

Seven novel heterozygous mutations in
HTRA1
were identified, including p.Gly120Asp, p.Ile179Asn, p.Ala182Profs*33, p.Ile256Thr, p.Gly276Ala, p.Gln289Ter, and p.Asn324Thr, and each was identified in 1 single index patient. All mutations significantly compromise the HTRA1 protease activities. For the 7 index cases and another 2 affected siblings carrying a heterozygous
HTRA1
mutation, the common clinical presentations include lacunar infarction, intracerebral hemorrhage, cognitive decline, and spondylosis at the fifth to sixth decade of life. Among the 9 patients, 4 have psychiatric symptoms as delusion, depression, and compulsive behavior, 3 have leukoencephalopathy in anterior temporal poles, and 2 patients have alopecia.

Conclusions—

Heterozygous
HTRA1
mutations account for 2.08% (7 of 337) of SVD in Taiwan. The clinical and neuroradiological features of
HTRA1
-related SVD and sporadic SVD are similar. These findings broaden the mutational spectrum of
HTRA1
and highlight the pathogenic role of heterozygous
HTRA1
mutations in SVD.
Neurologic Outcome Predictors in Pediatric Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Porcari Giulia S. , Beslow Lauren A. , Ichord Rebecca N. , Licht Daniel J. , Kleinman Jonathan T. , Jordan Lori C.
Published: June 2018

Background and Purpose—

Intracerebral hemorrhage is a considerable source of morbidity and mortality. This 3-center study describes outcomes of pediatric intracerebral hemorrhage and identifies 2-year neurological outcome predictors.

Methods—

Children 29 days to 18 years of age presenting with intracerebral hemorrhage from March 2007 to May 2015 were enrolled prospectively. Exclusion criteria included trauma; intracranial tumor; hemorrhagic transformation of arterial ischemic stroke or cerebral sinovenous thrombosis; isolated subdural, epidural, or subarachnoid hemorrhage; and abnormal baseline neurological function. Intracerebral hemorrhage and total brain volumes were measured on neuroimaging. The Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure assessed outcomes.

Results—

Sixty-nine children were included (median age: 9.7 years; interquartile range: 2.2–14). Six children (9%) died during hospitalization. Outcomes in survivors were assessed at early follow-up in 98% (median 3.1 months; interquartile range: 3.1–3.8) and at later follow-up in 94% (median: 2.1 years; interquartile range: 1.3–2.8). Over a third had a significant disability at 2 years (Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure >2). Total Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure score improved over time (
P
=0.0003), paralleling improvements in the sensorimotor subscore (
P
=0.0004). Altered mental status (odds ratio, 13; 95% confidence interval, 3.9–46;
P
<0.001), hemorrhage volume ≥4% of total brain volume (odds ratio, 17; 95% confidence interval, 1.9–156;
P
=0.01), and intensive care unit length of stay (odds ratio, 1.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.0–1.2;
P
=0.002) were significantly associated with poor 2-year outcome.

Conclusions—

Over one third of children experienced significant disability at 2 years. Improvements in outcomes were driven by recovery of sensorimotor function. Altered mental status, hemorrhage volume ≥4% of total brain volume, and intensive care unit length of stay were independent predictors of significant disability at 2 years.
Fully Convolutional Network-Based Multifocus Image Fusion
Authors: Guo Xiaopeng , Nie Rencan , Cao Jinde , Zhou Dongming , Qian Wenhua
Published: June 2018

As the optical lenses for cameras always have limited depth of field, the captured images with the same scene are not all in focus. Multifocus image fusion is an efficient technology that can synthesize an all-in-focus image using several partially focused images. Previous methods have accomplished the fusion task in spatial or transform domains. However, fusion rules are always a problem in most methods. In this letter, from the aspect of focus region detection, we propose a novel multifocus image fusion method based on a fully convolutional network (FCN) learned from synthesized multifocus images. The primary novelty of this method is that the pixel-wise focus regions are detected through a learning FCN, and the entire image, not just the image patches, are exploited to train the FCN. First, we synthesize 4500 pairs of multifocus images by repeatedly using a gaussian filter for each image from PASCAL VOC 2012, to train the FCN. After that, a pair of source images is fed into the trained FCN, and two score maps indicating the focus property are generated. Next, an inversed score map is averaged with another score map to produce an aggregative score map, which take full advantage of focus probabilities in two score maps. We implement the fully connected conditional random field (CRF) on the aggregative score map to accomplish and refine a binary decision map for the fusion task. Finally, we exploit the weighted strategy based on the refined decision map to produce the fused image. To demonstrate the performance of the proposed method, we compare its fused results with several start-of-the-art methods not only on a gray data set but also on a color data set. Experimental results show that the proposed method can achieve superior fusion performance in both human visual quality and objective assessment.
Confounder Detection in High-Dimensional Linear Models Using First Moments of Spectral Measures
Authors: Liu Furui , Chan Laiwan
Published: June 2018

In this letter, we study the confounder detection problem in the linear model, where the target variable [Formula: see text] is predicted using its [Formula: see text] potential causes [Formula: see text]. Based on an assumption of a rotation-invariant generating process of the model, recent study shows that the spectral measure induced by the regression coefficient vector with respect to the covariance matrix of [Formula: see text] is close to a uniform measure in purely causal cases, but it differs from a uniform measure characteristically in the presence of a scalar confounder. Analyzing spectral measure patterns could help to detect confounding. In this letter, we propose to use the first moment of the spectral measure for confounder detection. We calculate the first moment of the regression vector–induced spectral measure and compare it with the first moment of a uniform spectral measure, both defined with respect to the covariance matrix of [Formula: see text]. The two moments coincide in nonconfounding cases and differ from each other in the presence of confounding. This statistical causal-confounding asymmetry can be used for confounder detection. Without the need to analyze the spectral measure pattern, our method avoids the difficulty of metric choice and multiple parameter optimization. Experiments on synthetic and real data show the performance of this method.
The Discrete and Continuous Brain: From Decisions to Movement—And Back Again
Authors: Parr Thomas , Friston Karl J.
Published: June 2018

To act upon the world, creatures must change continuous variables such as muscle length or chemical concentration. In contrast, decision making is an inherently discrete process, involving the selection among alternative courses of action. In this article, we consider the interface between the discrete and continuous processes that translate our decisions into movement in a Newtonian world—and how movement informs our decisions. We do so by appealing to active inference, with a special focus on the oculomotor system. Within this exemplar system, we argue that the superior colliculus is well placed to act as a discrete-continuous interface. Interestingly, when the neuronal computations within the superior colliculus are formulated in terms of active inference, we find that many aspects of its neuroanatomy emerge from the computations it must perform in this role.
A Basic Phase Diagram of Neuronal Dynamics
Authors: Li Wenyuan , Ovchinnikov Igor V. , Chen Honglin , Wang Zhe , Lee Albert , Lee Houchul , Cepeda Carlos , Schwartz Robert N. , Meier Karlheinz , Wang Kang L.
Published: June 2018

The extreme complexity of the brain has attracted the attention of neuroscientists and other researchers for a long time. More recently, the neuromorphic hardware has matured to provide a new powerful tool to study neuronal dynamics. Here, we study neuronal dynamics using different settings on a neuromorphic chip built with flexible parameters of neuron models. Our unique setting in the network of leaky integrate-and-fire (LIF) neurons is to introduce a weak noise environment. We observed three different types of collective neuronal activities, or phases, separated by sharp boundaries, or phase transitions. From this, we construct a rudimentary phase diagram of neuronal dynamics and demonstrate that a noise-induced chaotic phase (N-phase), which is dominated by neuronal avalanche activity (intermittent aperiodic neuron firing), emerges in the presence of noise and its width grows with the noise intensity. The dynamics can be manipulated in this N-phase. Our results and comparison with clinical data is consistent with the literature and our previous work showing that healthy brain must reside in the N-phase. We argue that the brain phase diagram with further refinement may be used for the diagnosis and treatment of mental disease and also suggest that the dynamics may be manipulated to serve as a means of new information processing (e.g., for optimization). Neuromorphic chips, similar to the one we used but with a variety of neuron models, may be used to further enhance the understanding of human brain function and accelerate the development of neuroscience research.
Social Finance Funding Model for Animal Shelter Programs: Public–Private Partnerships Using Social Impact Bonds
Authors: Kim Jasper
Published: June 2018

Funding for animal shelters is often a scarce resource, representing a major challenge affecting many shelter programs in the United States and beyond today. Funding issues and budgetary constraints are often exacerbated by the high rate of animal intake levels relative to adoption rates, the availability of resources to treat medical conditions, and funding for other related programs that may lower euthanasia rates, such as spay and neuter programs. This article proposes an alternative funding option for animal shelter programs using a unique social finance funding model incorporating public-private partnerships and social impact bonds. This social finance model is directly aimed at providing greater funding for animal shelter programs, while also increasing transparency and social impact outcomes. If utilized, the social impact bond model can complement and build upon (but not completely replace) existing funding sources that are critical to saving nonhuman animal lives while benefiting society at large.
Statecraft, Witchcraft, God’s Craft: Religious Diversity and the Forces of Law in South Africa
Authors: Burchardt Marian
Published: June 2018

Legal anthropologists and sociologists of religion increasingly recognize the importance of law in current controversies over religious diversity. Drawing on the case of South Africa, this article explores how such controversies are shaped by contestations over what counts as ‘religion’. Analyzing the historical context and emergent forms of institutional secularity from which contemporary contestations over religious diversity draw, the article explores debates and practices of classification around religion, tradition, and culture, and the ways in which these domains are co-constituted through their claims on the law: on the one hand through an analysis of religion-related jurisprudence; on the other hand through an examination of the debates on witchcraft, law, and religion. I argue that the production of judicial knowledge of ‘religion’, ‘culture’, and ‘tradition’ is tied up with contestations over the power to define the meaning of the domains. In fact, contrary to notions of constitutionality in which rights seem to exist prior to the claims made on their basis, in a fundamental sense rights struggles help to constitute the contemporary human rights dispensation. Against the Comaroffs’ claim that judicialization depoliticizes power struggles, I show that legal claims making remains vibrantly political.
When context changes
Authors: Wildfeuer Janina , Pollaroli Chiara
Published: June 2018

This paper highlights the notion of dynamic context as an indispensable pragmatic aspect of multimodal argumentation and exemplifies a context-based approach to multimodal arguments with an analysis of the Mophie 2015 Super Bowl commercial. Whereas in dynamic semantics and verbal discourse analysis the notion of dynamic context and its context change potential are significant patterns for the analysis, argumentation theorists have not yet fully included these patterns in their discussions. The paper argues that multimodal argumentative genres such as commercials and movie trailers often work with a dynamically changing interpretation, which, at the end, reveals their persuasive patterns and final claims. It demonstrates that it is absolutely necessary for a detailed analysis of the argumentation in these multimodal genres to include the contextual influence and dynamic change potential. The paper thus emphasizes the need for an inclusion of the notion of dynamic context in methods and frameworks dealing with the complexity of multimodal argumentation.
Multimodal positioning and reference in argumentative talk-in-interaction
Authors: Jacquin Jérôme
Published: June 2018

Drawing on a descriptive and language-oriented approach to argumentation, this paper explores the multimodal dimension of argumentation in talk-in-interaction by considering the various resources used by an opponent to refer to and position themselves in relation to the target of their opposition, namely the adverse position and/or the person who expressed it. More specifically, it studies how speakers exploit multimodal strategies in order to both maintain their discourse at a high level of generality (orientation to context-independency) and guarantee the indexicality of the position taken in the interaction and the disagreement (orientation to context-dependency). The analysis is based on two data collections documenting settings where all participants are temporally and spatially co-present: (i) a video-recorded corpus of Swiss French public debates and (ii) a video-recorded corpus of New Zealand English management meetings. Examining the role of multimodal orchestration of choices in gaze direction, deictic gestures, and speech in establishing different positions in argumentative events such as public debates or management meetings reveals specific contextual features of the activity types, participation frameworks, and sociolinguistic backgrounds involved in an argument.
Determining the commitments of image-makers in arguments with multimodal allusions in the front covers of The Economist
Authors: Tseronis Assimakis
Published: June 2018

The alleged vagueness of visual images and the lack of a univocal coding scheme make it difficult to be sure about the propositions to which image-makers are committed. This is particularly problematic for the analysis of multimodal discourse from an argumentation studies perspective, because it makes it hard for the analyst to establish the argumentative nature and relevance of visuals. The paper explores how insights from Relevance Theory can be applied in order to determine the commitments of image-makers. In particular, it has recourse to the inferential processes involved in the recovery of explicit and implicit content in order to analyse a series of covers from The Economist, where visuals in combination with verbal text cue allusions to films and paintings. It argues that these multimodal allusions are not simply used to attract the audience’s attention but also help the analyst to reconstruct the argument of the cover.
Position paper on argument and multimodality
Authors: Bateman John A.
Published: June 2018

This short position paper argues that new semiotically-anchored approaches to multimodality offer much for other disciplines now engaging with multimodality. In particular, the account of multimodality introduced is argued to position current discussions of the potential role of multimodality in argumentation studies more effectively, untangling several problematic distinctions drawn previously. Questions concerning the existence of visual argumentation, the necessity of propositionality, and the nature of argumentation are reconstructed from an inherently multimodal perspective.
Brachyxenia subtruncata sp. nov. (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Calliptaminae), a new short-horned grasshopper species from India
Authors: GUPTA SUNIL KUMAR , CHANDRA KAILASH , DANG YAN
Published: June 2018

Brachyxenia subtruncata sp. nov. is described from Durg district, Chhattisgarh, India. The description is based on morphological characters of male.
Current status of the oak gallwasp (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Cynipini) fauna of the Eastern Palaearctic and Oriental Regions
Authors: PÉNZES ZSOLT , TANG CHANG-TI , STONE GRAHAM N. , NICHOLLS JAMES A. , SCHWÉGER SZABINA , BOZSÓ MIKLÓS , MELIKA GEORGE
Published: June 2018

Cynipid gallwasps comprise 1364 species worldwide, predominantly in temperate regions of the Holarctic. The vast majority of recorded species are from the Nearctic and the Western Palaearctic, both of which are long-standing centers of research on the taxonomy and biology of this group. In contrast, the Eastern Palaearctic and the Oriental Region faunas are much less studied, but potentially extremely rich. Previously recorded species richness of cynipid groups in the Eastern Palaearctic and Oriental regions probably represents a significant underestimate. This is particularly marked for gallwasps associated with oaks (tribe Cynipini), as has been shown by recent works, which describe many new species galling oaks in the subgenera Quercus and Cyclobalanopsis and plants of the other Fagaceae genera (Castanopsis, Lithocarpus and Castanea). In the present paper, we summarise the current knowledge of oak gallwasps in the regions that extend from Pakistan, through Nepal and China to Japan and south to Indonesia, and list a total of 97 species of Cynipini from the area.
Correct original spelling of Hydropeza queenslandensis Sinclair (Diptera: Empididae)
Authors: SINCLAIR BRADLEY J.
Published: June 2018

While databasing type specimens of Hydropeza Sinclair in the Australian Museum (Sydney), different spellings of a species name in Sinclair (2016) were identified. I herein resolve this nomenclatural issue.