bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract C15: Differences in the characteristics of those receiving smoking cessation advice
Authors: Cornelius Monica E. , Cummings K Michael
Published: May 2019

Clinical practice guidelines recommend that healthcare providers assess the tobacco use status of their patients and advise those that smoke to quit. Studies show that advice to stop smoking delivered by a doctor is associated with a 2-fold increase in smoking cessation. However, not all smokers who are seen by a doctor get advised to stop smoking. This study describes the characteristics of smokers who received advice to stop smoking when they were seen by a health care provider. Based upon previous studies, we hypothesized that older smokers with poorer self-reported health, and greater nicotine addiction would be more likely to report receiving advice to stop smoking when seen by a health provider. Data for this analysis are from the International Tobacco Control (ITC) US adult smoker cohort (N=6,669) survey conducted annually from 2002-2011. Participants who reported having visited a healthcare provider within the past year of survey were eligible for inclusion. Trends in the prevalence of participants reporting cessation advice and quit assistance were assessed. Repeated measures logistic regression using generalized estimating equations (GEE) was used to model receipt of counseling. Predictors of receipt of advice to stop smoking included demographic characteristics (age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, and household income), heaviness of smoking (a measure of nicotine dependence), previous quit attempts, and self-reported health status. Over 60% of respondents reported having been seen by a healthcare provider, with over 60% receiving advice to stop smoking. Those who received advice to stop smoking were more likely to be older, report ‘fair’ or ‘poor’ health, and to have reported a quit attempt since their previous interview. Among those who received advice to quit, less than one third received a referral or quit prescription, and less than one half received a stop smoking pamphlet from their healthcare provider. Results indicate that not all smokers get advice to stop smoking when seen by their doctor and those who do appear to be older and less healthy, and more receptive to a quitting message based upon past quit attempts. These data suggest that health care providers may be profiling their patients in terms of those who are in need of cessation counseling rather than uniformly providing this advice to all patients. Among those who received advice to stop smoking the majority received no other type of assistance suggesting that delivery of cessation services to smokers is inadequate.

Citation Format: Monica E. Cornelius, K Michael Cummings. Differences in the characteristics of those receiving smoking cessation advice. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2013 Oct 27-30; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2013;6(11 Suppl): Abstract nr C15.
Abstract C32: Associations between systemic inflammatory markers and elevated serum prostate specific antigen in men with no evidence of prostatic disease
Authors: Vira Manish , Freedland Stephen J. , Vidal Adriana C. , Gan Wenqi , Taioli Emanuela
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Systemic inflammation has been reported to be associated with progression and poorer survival for cancer of several sites, including prostate cancer. However, its relationship with cancer risk remains inconclusive. We investigated the associations between systemic inflammatory and oxidative stress markers and serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) in a cohort of presumably healthy men without any prostatic disease, aged >= 40 years, who participated in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2002-2008 (n=4,069).

Methods: Serum total PSA levels and concentrations of systemic inflammatory (serum C-reactive protein [CRP], plasma fibrinogen, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, and platelet count) and oxidative stress markers (uric acid, vitamin C, and vitamin A) were recorded. Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) ratio and platelet-lymphocyte (PLR) ratio were calculated. Student's t-test was used to examine whether there was any difference in the log-transformed mean of each marker between normal (< 4 ng/mL) versus elevated serum PSA (>=4 ng/mL). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between each marker and serum PSA by calculating the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results: Of the 4,069 men, 259 (6.4%) of them had an elevated serum PSA (>=4 ng/mL). Men with elevated serum PSA had significantly higher geometric mean levels of serum CRP, plasma fibrinogen, NLR, and PLR compared to men with normal serum PSA (p-values <0.01). Elevated serum PSA was positively associated with plasma fibrinogen (OR= 1.79; 95% CI, 1.18-2.71) and NLR (1.17; 95% CI, 1.05-1.29), after adjustment for age, smoking, body mass index, education, race, and medications.

Conclusions: Fibrinogen and NLR were associated with elevated serum PSA in men without any prostatic disease. These markers may play a role in prostate cancer risk. Future studies are needed to examine fibrinogen's and NLR's relationship with prostate cancer progression.

Citation Format: Alicia C. McDonald, Manish Vira, Stephen J. Freedland, Adriana C. Vidal, Wenqi Gan, Emanuela Taioli. Associations between systemic inflammatory markers and elevated serum prostate specific antigen in men with no evidence of prostatic disease. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2013 Oct 27-30; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2013;6(11 Suppl): Abstract nr C32.
Abstract C46: Effects of lycopene- and isoflavone-rich dietary interventions on serum adipokine concentrations among postmenopausal women at increased breast cancer risk
Authors: Llanos Adana A.M. , Peng Juan , Pennell Michael L. , Krok Jessica L. , Vitolins Mara Z. , Degraffinreid Cecilia R. , Paskett Electra D.
Published: May 2019

Background: Breast cancer risk among postmenopausal women increases as body mass index increases, likely due to the biological effects of the obesity-related adipokines, adiponectin and leptin. Few studies have investigated the effects of carotenoids and isoflavones on circulating adipokines among postmenopausal women. Our aim was to examine the effects of lycopene- and isoflavone-rich diets on adipokine concentrations in overweight and obese postmenopausal women at increased breast cancer risk.

Methods: Seventy women were enrolled in a 26-week, 2-arm (tomato and soy based diets, 10 weeks each, with 2-week wash-out periods in between) longitudinal, cross-over trial. Changes in serum adiponectin, leptin and the adiponectin to leptin ratio (A/L) were examined through linear mixed models, with ratio estimates corresponding to post-intervention adipokine concentrations relative to pre-intervention concentrations.

Results: Among all women, the lycopene-rich intervention yielded a 9% increase in serum adiponectin concentration (Ratio=1.09, 95% CI: 1.00-1.18), with a stronger effect observed among non-obese women (Ratio=1.13, 95% CI: 1.02-1.25). Following the isoflavone-rich intervention, adiponectin decreased 9% overall (Ratio=0.91, 95% CI: 0.84-0.97), with a larger reduction observed among non-obese women (Ratio=0.89, 95% CI: 0.81-0.98). Overall, no significant changes in leptin or the A/L ratio were observed following either intervention.

Conclusions: Increasing dietary consumption of lycopene- and isoflavone-rich foods may have beneficial effects on adipokine concentrations, specifically increasing adiponectin and decreasing leptin, among postmenopausal women at increased breast cancer risk. Additional studies are essential to confirm these effects and to elucidate the specific mechanisms that may make these phytonutrients practical as breast cancer chemopreventive agents.

Citation Format: Adana A.M. Llanos, Juan Peng, Michael L. Pennell, Jessica L. Krok, Mara Z. Vitolins, Cecilia R. Degraffinreid, Electra D. Paskett. Effects of lycopene- and isoflavone-rich dietary interventions on serum adipokine concentrations among postmenopausal women at increased breast cancer risk. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2013 Oct 27-30; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2013;6(11 Suppl): Abstract nr C46.
Abstract CN02-01: Factors that impinge on the p53 pathway modify cancer risk
Authors: Lozano Guillermina
Published: May 2019

Mdm2 and Mdm4 are critical inhibitors of the tumor suppressor p53 and keep p53 activity at bay under normal physiological conditions. Many tumors thus inactivate the p53 pathway by over producing Mdm2 and/or Mdm4. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in Mdm2 was recently identified that associates with increased levels of Mdm2 and increased risk of breast cancer in Li-Fraumeni syndrome patients. To directly test the role of SNP309 in cancer risk, we generated SNP mice and show that mice inheriting two copies of SNP309G are at increased risk of developing tumors in normal mice compared to SNP309T homozygous mice. To examine the effects of environmental factors and carcinogens, we treated these mice with a low dose of ionizing radiation or with Benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide (BaP) a carcinogen found in tobacco smoke. Radiation increased the risk of cancers in SNP309G mice. However, in the skin model of BaP, the SNP309T allele conferred increased risk of papillomas. The data suggest that factors that regulate Mdm2 levels vary between different tissues and ultimately impinge on the risk of tumor development.

Citation Format: Guillermina Lozano. Factors that impinge on the p53 pathway modify cancer risk. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2013 Oct 27-30; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2013;6(11 Suppl): Abstract nr CN02-01.
Abstract CN06-01: Molecular pathological epidemiology (MPE): Overview of its paradigm and wide applicability even without tumor tissue
Authors: Ogino Shuji
Published: May 2019

This lecture illustrates “Molecular Pathological Epidemiology (MPE)” (= Molecular Pathology + Epidemiology)” (Ogino et al. J Natl Cancer Inst 2010; Chia et al. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2012; Spitz et al. Cancer Discovery 2012, etc.) as simply as possible. In conventional epidemiology, disease is nominally regarded as a homogeneous entity, even when “omics” technologies are used for exposure assessment. However, carcinogenesis represents fundamentally heterogeneous process, differing from person to person. As implicated by the “Unique Tumor (Disease) Principle” (Ogino et al. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2012; Ogino et al. Mod Pathol 2013; many TCGA papers), the inherent nature of disease heterogeneity has necessitated a paradigm shift in epidemiology, leading to the emergence of MPE, which is defined as “epidemiology of molecular heterogeneity of disease” (Ogino et al. Oncogene 2013). In MPE, we dissect complex interplay between environmental, dietary and lifestyle factors, molecular alterations, and disease occurrence and progression. MPE research can be conducted in any epidemiology cohort, even without tumor tissue, as heterogeneity of disease biology can be taken into analysis. MPE is a logical next step of genome-wide association studies [“GWAS-MPE Approach” (Ogino et al. Gut 2011)]. Although MPE is a promising approach (Chan et al. NEJM 2007; Chan et al. JAMA 2009; Morikawa et al. JAMA 2011; Liao et al. NEJM 2012; Nishihara et al. JAMA 2013; Nishihara et al. NEJM 2013, etc.), challenges include lack of international guidelines and standardized statistical methods to assess etiologic heterogeneity, as well as paucity of interdisciplinary expertise and training programs (Ogino et al. Am J Epidemiol 2012). Because disease heterogeneity is a ubiquitous phenomenon, the MPE paradigm should become routine to advance epidemiology in the 21st century, and move us towards personalized prevention and treatment.

Citation Format: Shuji Ogino. Molecular pathological epidemiology (MPE): Overview of its paradigm and wide applicability even without tumor tissue. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2013 Oct 27-30; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2013;6(11 Suppl): Abstract nr CN06-01.
Abstract ED04-03: Interpretation of metabolomic data: Challenges and approaches
Authors: Krumsiek Jan , Gieger Christian , Suhre Karsten
Published: May 2019

Revealing biologically relevant information from metabolomic experiments typically involves multiple data analysis steps, which are performed on different abstraction levels: primary data analysis (peak detection, metabolite identification, etc.), data preprocessing (normalization, outlier detection, etc.), biostatistic analysis (hypothesis testing, clustering, etc.), and data integration for putting the results into a larger biological context. For many of these tasks, a large pool of well-established methods exists and in various aspects we can borrow from experience on other omics technologies. However, specificities of metabolomic data such as the usually incomplete coverage of the metabolic space also require novel concepts for data analysis and interpretation. After a brief overview over typical challenges in metabolomic data interpretation, this lecture will introduce two examples for such concepts. First, the analysis of metabolite ratios as proxies for reaction constants will be discussed. Second, the reconstruction of in vivo metabolic networks from metabolomic data and the application of these networks for data integration and interpretation will be shown.

Citation Format: Gabi Kastenmüller, Jan Krumsiek, Christian Gieger, Karsten Suhre. Interpretation of metabolomic data: Challenges and approaches. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2013 Oct 27-30; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2013;6(11 Suppl): Abstract nr ED04-03.
Abstract SS02-02: Does it hurt to try? Effects of e-cigarette sampling on smoking behavior and motivation to quit
Authors: Wagener Theodore L.
Published: May 2019

Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use continues to increase rapidly with more smokers and non-smokers beginning to try to them. The potential impact of trying e-cigarettes is not well understood, but there are concerns that they may decrease smokers' motivation to quit smoking or be used as a bridge product for current smokers when they are in situations where smoking is prohibited. Using a sample of current smokers, uninterested in quitting, a pilot clinical laboratory trial was conducted investigating the impact of e-cigarette experimentation and short-term use on smokers' motivation and confidence to quit, withdrawal symptoms, and smoking behavior. The findings suggest that for current smokers, e-cigarette experimentation increased motivation and confidence to quit smoking (p<.05) and these continued to increase with continued short-term use. E-cigarettes were effective in managing smoking cravings and urges and were effective in helping smokers reduce their number of cigarettes smoked per day (44% reduction).

Citation Format: Theodore L. Wagener. Does it hurt to try? Effects of e-cigarette sampling on smoking behavior and motivation to quit. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2013 Oct 27-30; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2013;6(11 Suppl): Abstract nr SS02-02.
Whole-Genome Sequencing and Genomic Analysis of a Virulent Bacteriophage Infecting Bacillus cereus
Authors: Kim Jaegon , Kim Gyeong-Hwuii , Lee Na-Gyeong , Lee Jin-Sun , Yoon Sung-Sik
Published: May 2019

Objective: Infants with a weak immune system are prone to infection with Bacillus cereus, which is commonly found in natural environments. With the aim of achieving better control of this pathogenic bacterium, in the present study we characterized a new bacteriophage, ΦBC01. Methods: Bacteriophage particles were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. Factors influencing adsorption were identified in a double-layer plaque assay. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was conducted to determine the size of major structural proteins. The complete genome of the phage was analyzed. Results: Bacteriophage particles (105.3 ± 3.1 nm icosahedral head and 208.8 ± 3.6 nm contractile tail) were identified as Myoviridae. ΦBC01 was found to have host specificity to B. cereus. Major structural proteins of ΦBC01 showed 2 well-pronounced bands of 99 and 56 kDa. The 158,385-bp genome sequence of ΦBC01 was determined: 56 of the 239 open reading frames were annotated, indicating involvement in bacteriophage DNA manipulation, cell lysis, packaging, virion structure, and other functions. Conclusion: Because of characterization and genotyping of a new bacteriophage from soil samples containing earthworms, this study provides a baseline for the development of alternatives to antibiotics.
Tropomyosin-Related Kinase Receptor and Neurotrophin Expression in Cutaneous Melanoma Is Associated with a Poor Prognosis and Decreased Survival
Authors: Antunes Luís Carlos Moreira , Cartell André , de Farias Caroline Brunetto , Bakos Renato Marchiori , Roesler Rafael , Schwartsmann Gilberto
Published: May 2019

Objective: Normally, activation of tropomyosin-related kinase (TRK) receptors by neurotrophins (NTs) stimulates intracellular pathways involved in cell survival and proliferation. Dysregulation of NT/TRK signaling may affect neoplasm prognosis. Data on NT and TRK expression in melanomas are limited, and it is unclear whether NT/TRK signaling pathways are involved in the origin and progression of this neoplasm. Methods: We examined whether NT/TRK expression differs across different cutaneous melanoma grades and subtypes, and whether it is associated with melanoma prognosis and survival. A cross-sectional study was performed in which the expression of TrkA, TrkB, nerve growth factor (NGF), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was analyzed by immunohistochemistry of 154 melanoma samples. We investigated NT/TRK expression associations with prognostic factors for melanoma, relapse-free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS). Results: Of the 154 melanoma samples, 77 (55.4%) were TrkA immunopositive, 81 (58.3%) were TrkB immunopositive, 113 (81.3%) were BDNF immunopositive, and 104 (75.4%) were NGF immunopositive. We found NT/TRK expression associated strongly with several clinical prognostic factors, including the tumor-node-metastasis stage (p < 0.001), histological subtype (p < 0.001), and Clark level (p < 0.05), as well as with a worse OS (p < 0.05 for all, except TrkB) and RFS (p < 0.05 for all). Conclusions: Our results show strong associations of NT/TRK expression with melanoma stage progression and a poor prognosis.
Hemiablation of Localized Prostate Cancer by High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound: A Series of 35 Cases
Authors: Glybochko Peter V. , Amosov Alexander V. , Krupinov German E. , Petrovskii Nikolay V. , Lumpov Ilya S.
Published: May 2019

Prostate cancer (PrC) is one of the most common tumors diagnosed in men. The detection rate of localized PrC has been dramatically enhanced by screening and the development of visualization methods. There are currently several techniques for focal treatment available, among which the most interesting in our opinion is high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). Currently, HIFU hemiablation of PrC is not an established treatment, although evidence of its effectiveness and safety is growing. We have been performing HIFU hemiablation since 2013 and here report our results to add to the evidence on the effectiveness of the technique. Between October 2013 and December 2016, we performed HIFU hemiablation of the prostate for a total of 35 patients with confirmed PrC stage <cT2a at our urology clinic and retrospectively examined duration of ablation, pre- and postoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, prostate volume, erectile function, and dysuria. The mean duration of ablation was 22 min (10–35). The mean postoperative hospital stay was 4 days. None of the patients experienced serious complications. Postoperative PSA tests showed the greatest decrease after 3 months to 2.4 ng/mL on average (p < 0.001). The pathological focus seen on MRI before the procedure in each case was absent after 3 months. Control biopsy after 12 months revealed residual cancer in the contralateral lobe in 4 patients. The findings obtained during follow-up and from control biopsies indicate that the treatment was highly efficacious with a low rate of nonserious postoperative complications. HIFU hemiablation proved to be a reliable therapeutic modality for localized PrC and was associated with a low rate of complications and comparable risk of recurrence. Despite the fact that this method of treatment is currently experimental, the results of this case series and other studies indicate its feasibility and safety.
Wie kann die optische Kohärenztomographie-Angiographie der Glaukomdiagnostik nutzen?
Authors: Rohrschneider Klaus
Published: May 2019

Hintergrund: Die optische Kohärenztomographie-Angiographie (OCTA) ist eine neue, nichtinvasive Methode, die eine quantitative Beurteilung der retinalen Durchblutung und der Durchblutung am Sehnerv erlaubt. In dieser Arbeit erläutern wir die Grundlagen der Anwendung dieser Methode und geben einen Überblick über die Erkenntnisse, die durch diese Methode bei Glaukom gewonnen wurden. Methoden: Eine selektive Literaturrecherche und Auswertung eigener Daten liegen dieser Arbeit zugrunde. Ergebnisse: Quantitative OCTA-Parameter zeigen eine gute Reproduzierbarkeit bei Glaukompatienten. Glaukompatienten zeigen eine verminderte Flussdichte am Sehnerv sowie im Bereich der Makula im Vergleich zu einer gesunden Kontrollgruppe. Die Flussdichteparameter zeigen insgesamt eine gute diagnostische Diskriminierung. Sie sind aber den strukturellen Parametern, die in der Routinediagnostik angewendet werden, nicht überlegen. Die verminderte Flussdichte korreliert mit dem Ausmaß des strukturellen und funktionellen Glaukomschadens. Schlussfolgerung: Die OCTA ist nichtinvasiv, schnell und reproduzierbar. Erste Ergebnisse von Studien bei Glaukompatienten zeigen das hohe diagnostische Potenzial dieser Methode. In der klinischen Routine könnte die OCTA in Zukunft eine Rolle spielen.
Generation of Endothelial Cells From Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Williams Ian M. , Wu Joseph C.
Published: May 2019

Endothelial cells (ECs) are critical for several aspects of cardiovascular disease therapy, including vascular regeneration, personalized drug development, and tissue engineering. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) afford us with an unprecedented opportunity to produce virtually unlimited quantities of human ECs. In this review, we highlight key developments and outstanding challenges in our ability to derive ECs de novo from hPSCs. Furthermore, we consider strategies for recapitulating the vessel- and tissue-specific functional heterogeneity of ECs in vitro. Finally, we discuss ongoing attempts to utilize hPSC-derived ECs and their progenitors for various therapeutic applications. Continued progress in generating hPSC-derived ECs will profoundly enhance our ability to discover novel drug targets, revascularize ischemic tissues, and engineer clinically relevant tissue constructs.

Visual Overview—

An online visual overview is available for this article.
Disruption of the Extracellular Matrix Progressively Impairs Central Nervous System Vascular Maturation Downstream of β-Catenin Signaling
Authors: Jensen Lasse D. , Hot Belma , Ramsköld Daniel , Germano Raoul F.V. , Yokota Chika , Giatrellis Sarantis , Lauschke Volker M. , Hubmacher Dirk , Li Minerva X. , Hupe Mike , Arnold Thomas D. , Sandberg Rickard , Frisén Jonas , Trusohamn Marta , Martowicz Agnieszka , Wisniewska-Kruk Joanna , Nyqvist Daniel , Adams Ralf H. , Apte Suneel S. , Vanhollebeke Benoit , Stenman Jan M. , Kele Julianna
Published: May 2019

Objective—

The Wnt/β-catenin pathway orchestrates development of the blood-brain barrier, but the downstream mechanisms involved at different developmental windows and in different central nervous system (CNS) tissues have remained elusive.

Approach and Results—

Here, we create a new mouse model allowing spatiotemporal investigations of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by induced overexpression of Axin1, an inhibitor of β-catenin signaling, specifically in endothelial cells (
Axin1

iEC

−

OE

). AOE (Axin1 overexpression) in
Axin1

iEC

−

OE

mice at stages following the initial vascular invasion of the CNS did not impair angiogenesis but led to premature vascular regression followed by progressive dilation and inhibition of vascular maturation resulting in forebrain-specific hemorrhage 4 days post-AOE. Analysis of the temporal Wnt/β-catenin driven CNS vascular development in zebrafish also suggested that
Axin1

iEC

−

OE

led to CNS vascular regression and impaired maturation but not inhibition of ongoing angiogenesis within the CNS. Transcriptomic profiling of isolated, β-catenin signaling-deficient endothelial cells during early blood-brain barrier–development (E11.5) revealed ECM (extracellular matrix) proteins as one of the most severely deregulated clusters. Among the 20 genes constituting the forebrain endothelial cell-specific response signature, 8 (
Adamtsl2
,
Apod
,
Ctsw
,
Htra3
,
Pglyrp1
,
Spock2
,
Ttyh2
, and
Wfdc1
) encoded bona fide ECM proteins. This specific β-catenin-responsive ECM signature was also repressed in
Axin1

iEC

−

OE

and endothelial cell-specific β-catenin–knockout mice (
Ctnnb
1-KO
iEC
) during initial blood-brain barrier maturation (E14.5), consistent with an important role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in orchestrating the development of the forebrain vascular ECM.

Conclusions—

These results suggest a novel mechanism of establishing a CNS endothelium-specific ECM signature downstream of Wnt-β-catenin that impact spatiotemporally on blood-brain barrier differentiation during forebrain vessel development.

Visual Overview—

An online visual overview is available for this article.
HDL and Reverse Cholesterol Transport
Authors: Ouimet Mireille , Barrett Tessa J. , Fisher Edward A.
Published: May 2019

Cardiovascular disease, with atherosclerosis as the major underlying factor, remains the leading cause of death worldwide. It is well established that cholesterol ester-enriched foam cells are the hallmark of atherosclerotic plaques. Multiple lines of evidence support that enhancing foam cell cholesterol efflux by HDL (high-density lipoprotein) particles, the first step of reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), is a promising antiatherogenic strategy. Yet, excitement towards the therapeutic potential of manipulating RCT for the treatment of cardiovascular disease has faded because of the lack of the association between cardiovascular disease risk and what was typically measured in intervention trials, namely HDL cholesterol, which has an inconsistent relationship to HDL function and RCT. In this review, we will summarize some of the potential reasons for this inconsistency, update the mechanisms of RCT, and highlight conditions in which impaired HDL function or RCT contributes to vascular disease. On balance, the evidence still argues for further research to better understand how HDL functionality contributes to RCT to develop prevention and treatment strategies to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Cardiac Sarcoidosis: A Picture May Be Worth a Thousand Words, But Do We Need More?
Authors: Patel Amit R. , Rashedi Nina
Published: May 2019

See Article
Okasha et al
Two new species of Eugenia (Myrtaceae, Myrteae) with fused calyx from the Atlantic coastal forest, Brazil
Authors: VALDEMARIN KARINNE SAMPAIO , GIARETTA AUGUSTO , SOBRAL MARCOS , SOUZA VINICIUS CASTRO , MAZINE FIORELLA F.
Published: May 2019

Two species of Eugenia from the Brazilian Atlantic coastal forest of Bahia and Espírito Santo are here described. Eugenia atlantica is most similar to E. bahiensis from which differs by its leaf blades usually larger, 80–180 × 35–70 mm, and chartaceous, inflorescence mostly axillary, flower buds with hypanthium costate to slightly costate and calyx lobes completely fused or partially fused along two thirds of the bud length. Eugenia soteriana is related with E. zuccarinii but differs mostly by the leaves with two marginal veins, inflorescence fasciculate more often recovering the vegetative growth by an auxotelic axis, bracteoles larger, 2–6 mm long, deciduous after anthesis, and flowers with larger outermost calyx lobes, 1.5–3 mm long. Descriptions, species distribution, habitat, phenology, vernacular names, illustrations, comparisons to other morphologically similar species, and conservation assessments are also provided.
First description of a giant manta ray fetus Mobula birostris (Walbaum 1792) from Tumbes, Peru (Southeast Pacific)
Authors: CABANILLAS-TORPOCO MARIANO , FORSBERG KERSTIN , SICCHA-RAMÍREZ RAQUEL , CISNEROS PAOLA , LUQUE CARLOS , PURIZACA WILMER , ASMAT RAY , AMPUERO CLAUDIA , RUBIN ROBERT , VERA MANUEL
Published: May 2019

The population of Mobula birostris (“giant manta ray”) found in the waters of northern Peru and Ecuador is believed to be the largest in the world (Harding & Beirwagen, 2009). This species is considered to be the largest within the group of manta rays, as they attains at least 670 cm disc width (reported to 910 cm) (White et al., 2006) and there is a record of an individual weighing 2000 kg (Kunjipalu & Boopendranath, 1981). This species is ovoviviparous (matrotrophic viviparious) (Herbert, 2012). A single pup follows a gestation period of approximently one year, (Marshall et al., 2008, Mendonça et al., 2012). Sucessive pregnancies are speculated to be separated by a refactory period of two or more years (Mendonça et al., 2012). The objective of this study is to record the measurements of a M. birostris fetus of a female caught accidentally in the region of Tumbes, Peru. This is the first record of morphological and morphometric data regarding a manta fetus in Peru.
Three new species and a new combination in the genus Omaliopsis Jeannel, 1940 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Omaliinae: Omaliini) of China and Nepal
Authors: SHAVRIN ALEXEY V.
Published: May 2019

Three new species of the genus Omaliopsis Jeannel, 1940 from East Asia are described: O. amplimaculata sp.n. (China: Sichuan, Emei Shan), O. bimaculata sp.n. (China: Yunnan, Xue Shan and Haba Shan) and O. schmidti sp.n. (central Nepal). A new combination is proposed for Chinese O. musaphila (Rougemont, 2017) comb. n., originally described in the genus Phyllodrepa Thomson, 1859. A key for species of Omaliopsis known from East Asia is proposed. Members of the genus Omaliopsis are recorded for the first time from China and Nepal.
Neuro-occupation: A self-organizing approach to conflate the brain, context, and occupation
Authors: Derakhshanrad Seyed Alireza , Piven Emily
Published: May 2019

Background.

Neuro-occupation was coined to conflate three distinctly different concepts: the brain, context, and occupation. Discussing neuro-occupation has been more of an academic exercise rather than cogently researched for everyday practice, perhaps due to the seemingly incongruity among the concepts.

Purpose.

This article traces the self-organization approach, an assumption of complex systems, to understand how the concepts can be conflated.

Method.

Deductive category application, a qualitative descriptive method for tracing theoretical assumptions, was drawn from the lived experiences of 11 Iranian participants with cerebrovascular accidents. Matrix construction aided collection of data for analysis.

Findings.

The self-organization approach, underpinning neuro-occupation, was shown to be traceable, explaining how occupational participation may be influenced by the brain circular causality and perturbations provided by the context.

Implications.

By understanding the dynamics of self-organization, occupational therapists can identify and create salient features that may motivate and enable clients to enhance occupational participation.
Authentication of an academic culture in a Social Work programme offered at a South African university: A value-driven approach towards a decolonised curriculum
Authors: Engelbrecht Lambert K , Ornellas Abigail , Strydom Marianne , Slabbert Ilze , Zimba Zibonele , Khosa Priscalia , Cornelissen-Nordien Tasneemah
Published: May 2019

In 2015, a campaign was launched by students and academics to decolonise university curricula in South Africa. As a response, we reflect on our experiences at Stellenbosch University, based on the premise that not only does our Social Work curriculum require adaptation and renewal through a process of authentication, but that a prerequisite for this process would entail a hybridisation of both a salutary authentic academic culture and curriculum. A value-driven approach guides us through this endeavour in order to create authentic values, principles and student attributes, based on a determined inventory of cultural dimensions.
Assessing Drama Therapy as an Intervention for Recovering Substance Users: A Systematic Review
Authors: Leather Jessica , Kewley Stephanie
Published: May 2019

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the quality and efficacy of drama therapy interventions used to support and promote the recovery process in substance users. Seven databases plus two journals were searched; three studies met the inclusion criteria. It was found that drama therapy interventions commonly consist of expressive activities such as role-play and improvisation, along with group reflection to improve communication skills, emotional awareness, and metacognition. Findings were encouraging with two studies reporting that participants maintained or improved abstinence goals, quality of life was reported to be significantly higher postintervention compared with the control group (one study), and social and occupational engagement significantly improved postintervention and was maintained at a 6-week follow-up (one study). These results, however, should be interpreted with caution. Methodological inadequacies and the small number of published studies available make it difficult to determine with confidence the efficacy of these interventions.
Exploring Classroom Climate in Sociology Courses Using Syllabi
Authors: Valentin Jessica , Grauerholz Liz
Published: May 2019

The classroom climate shapes students’ learning and instructors’ teaching experience in profound ways. This study analyzes classroom climate statements in syllabi from various sociology courses to understand the extent that sociology instructors highlight climate issues and how climate is conceptualized in their syllabi. Drawing from data from two different times periods (pre-2005 and post-2010), the current study examines the frequency of classroom climate statements, the factors that may contribute to the presence of a statement, and themes within these statements. Results show a significant increase in climate statements between the two time periods (17 percent vs. 58 percent) and that statements appear more often in courses that focus on race, class, gender, and sexualities and those taught by women. Classroom climate is typically framed as a matter of respect, creating a safe space, scholarly engagement with the materials and ideas, and responsibility.
The Resonance of Metaphor: Evidence for Latino Preferences for Metaphor and Analogy
Authors: Ondish Peter , Cohen Dov , Lucas Kay Wallheimer , Vandello Joseph
Published: May 2019

People of different cultures communicate and describe the world differently. In the present article, we document one such cultural difference previously unexplored by psychologists: receptiveness to metaphors. We contrast Spanish-speaking Latinos with Anglo-Americans, Asian Americans, and Latinos who do not habitually speak Spanish. Across four experiments, we show that relative to these other groups, Spanish-speaking Latinos show stronger preferences for metaphoric definitions, better recall of metaphors, greater trust in both scientific and political arguments that use metaphor, and stronger liking for and desire to connect with persons who use metaphoric speech. Future directions and implications for improving cross-cultural communication in various settings are discussed.
An early palliative care intervention can be confronting but reassuring: A qualitative study on the experiences of patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Fliedner Monica , Zambrano Sofia , Schols Jos MGA , Bakitas Marie , Lohrmann Christa , Halfens Ruud JG , Eychmüller Steffen
Published: May 2019

Background:

Intervention trials confirm that patients with advanced cancer receiving early palliative care experience a better quality of life and show improved knowledge about and use of palliative care services. To involve patients in future health-care decisions, health professionals should understand patients’ perspectives. However, little is known about how patients’ experience such interventions.

Aim:

To explore advanced cancer patients’ experiences with a structured early palliative care intervention, its acceptability and impact on the patients’ life including influencing factors.

Design:

Qualitative content analysis of in-depth, semi-structured interviews.

Setting/participants:

Patients with various advanced cancer diagnoses were enrolled in a multicenter randomized controlled trial (NCT01983956), which investigated the impact of “Symptoms, End-of-life decisions, Network, Support,” a structured early palliative care intervention, on distress. Of these, 20 patients who underwent the intervention participated in this study.

Results:

Participants received the intervention well and gained a better understanding of their personal situation. Patients reported that the intervention can feel “confronting” but with the right timing it can be confirming and facilitate family conversations. Patients’ personal background and the intervention timing within their personal disease trajectory influenced their emotional and cognitive experiences; it also impacted their understanding of palliative care and triggered actions toward future care planning.

Conclusion:

Early palliative care interventions like “Symptoms, End-of-life decisions, Network, Support” may provoke emotions and feel “confrontational” often because this is the first time when issues about one’s end of life are openly discussed; yet, advanced cancer patients found it beneficial and felt it should be incorporated into routine care.
Adding low concentrations of clonidine to ropivacaine for transversus abdominis plane blocks does not reduce plasma ropivacaine levels, suggesting a lack of vasoconstrictor effect
Authors: Crawford Jennifer M , Loadsman John A , Yang Kenny XF , Kam Peter CA
Published: May 2019

Clonidine has been used successfully to prolong the duration of action of local anaesthetics in peripheral nerve blocks, but its mechanism of action in this setting remains unclear. Some studies suggest that clonidine exerts a vasoconstrictor effect, limiting the washout of local anaesthetic from its site of deposition. We investigated this potential vasoconstrictor effect, using plasma ropivacaine concentrations as a surrogate measure of vasoconstriction, in patients who received transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks with and without clonidine. Eighty women undergoing laparoscopic gynaecological surgery were randomly assigned to receive one of four TAP block solutions: 0.2% ropivacaine (control), ropivacaine with clonidine 2 μg/kg (clonidine), ropivacaine with 1:400,000 adrenaline (adrenaline) or ropivacaine and a subcutaneous injection of clonidine 2 μg/kg (SC clonidine). The primary outcome was total venous plasma ropivacaine concentrations up to 6 h after the block. There were no significant differences in plasma ropivacaine concentrations between the control group and the clonidine group at any timepoint in the study, nor were there differences in either the mean maximum ropivacaine concentration ( Cmax) (1.99 μg/mL versus 2.05 μg/mL, P = 0.712) or the time to maximum concentration ( Tmax) (51.0 min versus 56.0 min, P = 0.537). The SC clonidine group also did not differ significantly from the controls ( Cmax2.13 μg/mL versus 1.99 μg/mL, P = 0.424; Tmax43.5 min versus 51.0 min, P = 0.201). Plasma ropivacaine concentrations in the adrenaline group were significantly lower than the controls from 10 to 90 min ( P < 0.003 for each comparison), and the Cmaxwas less than that of the control group (1.36 μg/mL versus 1.99 μg/mL, P < 0.001) with a longer Tmax(103.5 min versus 51.0 min, P = 0.001). These findings indicate that clonidine at a concentration of 1.35 μg/mL added to ropivacaine for TAP blocks did not produce a reduction in plasma ropivacaine concentrations. This suggests a lack of vasoconstrictor effect during TAP blocks. Further studies should evaluate whether vasoconstriction occurs when clonidine is used at higher concentrations or for other blocks.
Impact of Aging on the Viscoelastic Properties and Cracking Behavior of Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Zhang Runhua , Sias Jo E. , Dave Eshan V. , Rahbar-Rastegar Reyhaneh
Published: May 2019

Aging can significantly affect the viscoelastic properties and cracking behavior of asphalt mixtures, causing increase in stiffness, reduction in relaxation capability, and increase in brittleness. Eleven mixtures are evaluated using different laboratory conditioning protocols to evaluate how the properties of asphalt mixtures, including viscoelastic properties, fatigue, and fracture behavior will change over time. Comparisons between different aging levels and mixtures are conducted by using complex modulus (E*) (field cores are included), simplified viscoelastic continuum damage (S-VECD) approach, semi-circular bending (SCB), and disk shaped compact tension (DCT) fracture tests. The climatic aging index developed by the NCHRP 09-54 project is utilized in this study to calculate the appropriate field aging duration corresponding to the different laboratory aging protocols. Pavement evaluation tools FlexPAVETM and IlliTC are also used to predict and compare the fatigue and thermal cracking performance of these mixtures. The results of E* and S-VECD tests indicate that the mixtures are more prone to fatigue cracking with aging, and the two long-term conditioning protocols induce statistically similar changes in linear viscoelastic and fatigue properties. However, prediction of fatigue performance from FlexPAVE TM does not show a consistent trend once pavement structure and traffic are considered. Fracture tests and IlliTC predictions show the virgin mixtures and those with soft base binders will have better capability to resist cracking after long-term aging. In this study, the two mixtures with the largest difference between high and low temperature performance grade (PG) show the largest change in fracture and fatigue properties with aging.
The Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Is a Dynamic and Anisometric Structure: An In Vivo Study on Length Changes and Isometry
Authors: Kernkamp Willem A. , Wang Cong , Li Changzou , Hu Hai , van Arkel Ewoud R.A. , Nelissen Rob G.H.H. , LaPrade Robert F. , van de Velde Samuel K. , Tsai Tsung-Yuan
Published: May 2019

Background:

Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is associated with a high rate of complications, including recurrent instability and persistent knee pain. Technical errors are among the primary causes of these complications. Understanding the effect of adjusting patellofemoral attachments on length change patterns may help surgeons to optimize graft placement during MPFL reconstruction and to reduce graft failure rates.

Purpose:

To determine the in vivo length changes of the MPFL during dynamic, weightbearing motion and to map the isometry of the 3-dimensional wrapping paths from various attachments on the medial femoral epicondyle to the patella.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Fifteen healthy participants were studied with a combined computed tomography and biplane fluoroscopic imaging technique during a lunge motion (full extension to ~110° of flexion). On the medial femoral epicondyle, 185 attachments were projected, including the anatomic MPFL footprint, which was divided into 5 attachments (central, proximal, distal, posterior, and anterior). The patellar MPFL area was divided into 3 possible attachments (proximal, central, and distal). The length changes of the shortest 3-dimensional wrapping paths of the various patellofemoral combinations were subsequently measured and mapped.

Results:

For the 3 patellar attachments, the most isometric attachment, with an approximate 4% length change, was located posterior and proximal to the anatomic femoral MPFL attachment, close to the adductor tubercle. Attachments proximal and anterior to the isometric area resulted in increasing lengths with increasing knee flexion, whereas distal and posterior attachments caused decreasing lengths with increasing knee flexion. The anatomic MPFL was tightest in extension, decreased in length until approximately 30° of flexion, and then stayed near isometric for the remainder of the motion. Changing both the femoral and patellar attachments significantly affected the length changes of the anatomic MPFL ( P < .001 for both).

Conclusion:

The most isometric location for MPFL reconstruction was posterior and proximal to the anatomic femoral MPFL attachment. The anatomic MPFL is a dynamic, anisometric structure that was tight in extension and early flexion and near isometric beyond 30° of flexion.

Clinical Relevance:

Proximal and anterior MPFL tunnel positioning should be avoided, and the importance of anatomic MPFL reconstruction is underscored with the results found in this study.
Influence of employing laminated isogrid configuration on mechanical behavior of grid structures
Authors: Ehsani Amir , Dalir Hamid
Published: May 2019

For a long time, a single grid layer, such as isogrid, have been utilized to strengthen a shell or plate or as an independent structural member for various applications. Laminated grid structures consist of several grid layers that can have different in-plane orientations or can be made from different materials. Therefore, using laminated configuration instead of conventional grids yields to an extensive variety of configurations with different coupling effects and cost. In the current paper, to evaluate the appropriateness of laminated isogrids, the vibration and stability behaviors of a conventional isogrid are compared with corresponding laminated isogrid plate. The first-order shear deformation plate theory as well as the Ritz theorem is utilized to achieve the critical buckling loads and free vibration frequencies of the plates. The influence of increasing the number of isogrid plies and changing pattern geometries on mechanical behaviors of the laminated isogrid plate is also investigated. The results imply that utilization of the laminated isogrids remarkably enhances the buckling load and free vibration frequency values of the plates.
Change, Challenge, and Confession: Looking toward the Future of Christian Higher Education
Authors: Dockery David S.
Published: May 2019

In a plenary session at the Fall 2018 Society of Professors in Christian Education (SPCE) conference, David Dockery, President of Trinity International University, offered his perspectives on fifteen areas of concern regarding the future of Christian higher education. This article reviews these fifteen areas of change and challenge and revisits the need for and desired qualities of confessional Christian higher education and implications for the present and future.