bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Ontology of Musical Works and the Role of Intuitions: An Experimental Study
Authors: Bartel Christopher
Published: April 2017

Philosophers of music often appeal to intuition to defend ontological theories of musical works. This practice is worrisome as it is rather unclear just how widely shared are the intuitions that philosophers appeal to. In this paper, I will first offer a brief overview of the debate over the ontology of musical works. I will argue that this debate is driven by a conflict between two seemingly plausible intuitions—the repeatability intuition and the creatability intuition—both of which may be defended on the grounds that they are reflective of our actual musical practices. The problem facing philosophers within this debate is that there is no clear way to determine which of the two conflicting intuitions is more reflective of our musical practices. Finally, I offer discussion of an experimental study that was designed to test participants' intuitions regarding the repeatability of musical works. The evidence presented there suggests that the participants broadly accept the repeatability of musical works, but in a much narrower way than philosophers would likely accept.
Effect of photoactivation on the reduction of composite resin contamination
Authors: Pauletti Natalia A. , Girotto Luiza P. S. , Leite Françoise H. S. , Mario Débora N.
Published: April 2017

Composite resins are predominantly marketed in developing countries in tube form, and the contents of the tube may be used in numerous procedures for different patients. This represents a problem because of the risk of cross‐contamination. This study aimed to evaluate contamination in vitro of the internal contents of composite resin tubes in the dental clinics of a higher‐education institution, as well as the effect of photoactivation on the level of contamination. Twenty‐five tubes containing composite resin were randomly chosen (by lottery). From each tube, two samples of approximately 2 mm of composite resin were removed, and then one sample, but not the other, was photoactivated. These samples were plated on Brain–Heart Infusion (BHI), Sabouraud and MacConkey agars, and the plates were incubated at 37°C for 24–48 h. Colony counting and Gram staining were performed for subsequent microscopic identification of fungi and bacteria. The non‐photoactivated composite resin group presented significantly higher microbial contamination in relation to the photoactivated composite resin group. The photoactivation of camphorquinone present in composite resin produces reactive oxygen species, which might promote cell death of contaminant microorganisms. Thus, although the same tube of composite resin may be used for a number of different patients in the dental clinics of developing countries, the photoactivation process potentially reduces the risk of cross‐contamination.
Heart‐rate variability indices as predictors of the response to vagus nerve stimulation in patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy
Authors: Liu Hongyun , Yang Zhao , Huang Lei , Qu Wei , Hao Hongwei , Li Luming
Published: April 2017

Objective

To assess heart‐rate variability (HRV) measures of interictal electrocardiography (ECG) for drug‐resistant epilepsy and to relate the findings to the outcome of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) treatment.

Methods

Time‐domain, frequency‐domain, and nonlinear analyses were used to analyze preoperative HRV measures in 32 patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy who had received VNS implants at the same hospital and 32 healthy age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects. HRV measurements based on ambulatory 24 h ECG recordings were analyzed to identify seizure reduction 1 year after VNS treatment. Responders were defined as having at least 50% seizure reduction 1 year after treatment.

Results

Patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy had significantly lower time domain (SDNN, RMSSD, pNN50), frequency domain (VLF, LF, HF, TP), and nonlinear (SD1, SD2) HRV measurements than matched healthy controls. None of the analyzed HRV measures of the responders differed significantly from their controls, whereas those of the nonresponders had significantly lower RMSSD, pNN50, HF, and SD1 than the responders.

Significance

The preoperative HRV indices demonstrate that nonresponders have more pronounced impairment of their cardiac autonomic function than the responders. Presurgical HRV measurements representing parasympathetic cardiac control or vagal tone were significantly associated with the responsiveness to VNS. Thus the measurements show promise for predicting the reduction of seizure frequency after VNS treatment.
Parents as Partners: A U.K. Trial of a U.S. Couples‐Based Parenting Intervention For At‐Risk Low‐Income Families
Authors: Casey Polly , Cowan Philip A. , Cowan Carolyn P. , Draper Lucy , Mwamba Naomi , Hewison David
Published: April 2017

Despite the well‐established links between couple relationship quality and healthy family functioning, and burgeoning evidence from the international intervention field, there is little or no evidence of the efficacy of couples‐based interventions from the United Kingdom (U.K.). This study explored whether the Parents as Partners (PasP) program, a group‐based intervention developed in the United States, brought about the same benefits in the U.K. The evaluation is based on 97 couples with children from communities with high levels of need, recruited to PasP because they are at high risk for parent and child psychopathology. Both mothers and fathers completed self‐report questionnaires assessing parents’ psychological distress, parenting stress, couple relationship quality and conflict, fathers’ involvement in child care and, importantly, children's adjustment. Multilevel modeling analysis comparing parents’ responses pre‐ and postintervention not only showed substantial improvements for both parents on multiple measures of couple relationship quality, but also improvements in parent and child psychopathology. Analyses also indicated most substantial benefits for couples displaying poorest functioning at baseline. The findings provide initial evidence for the successful implementation of PasP, an American‐origin program, in the U.K., and add support for the concept of the couple relationship as a resource by which to strengthen families.
The regulatory significance of tag recycling in the mycobacterial Pup‐proteasome system
Authors: Elharar Yifat , Schlussel Shai , Hecht Nir , Meijler Michael M. , Gur Eyal
Published: April 2017

Pup, a ubiquitin analog, tags proteins for degradation by the bacterial proteasome. As an intracellular proteolytic system, the Pup‐proteasome system (PPS) must be carefully regulated to prevent excessive protein degradation. Currently, those factors underlying PPS regulation remain poorly understood. Here, experimental analysis combined with theoretical modeling of in vivo protein pupylation revealed how the basic PPS design allows stable and controlled protein pupylation. Specifically, the recycling of Pup when targets are degraded allows the PPS to maintain steady‐state levels of protein pupylation and degradation at a rate limited by proteasome function, and at a pupylome level limited by Pup concentrations. This design allows the Pup‐ligase, a highly promiscuous enzyme, to act in a controlled manner without causing damage, and the PPS to be effectively tuned to control protein degradation. This study thus provides understanding of how the inherent design of an intracellular proteolytic system serves crucial regulatory purposes.
Everyday governance and urban environments: Towards a more interdisciplinary urban political ecology
Authors: Cornea Natasha Lee , Véron René , Zimmer Anna
Published: April 2017

Urban political ecology (UPE) has mainly evolved within the discipline of geography to examine the power relations that produce uneven urban spaces (infrastructures and natures) and unequal access to resources in cities. Its increasingly poststructuralist orientation demands the questioning of received categories and concepts, including those of (neoliberal) governance, government, and of the state. This paper attempts to open this black box by referring to the mostly anthropological literature on everyday governance and the everyday state. We argue that UPE could benefit from ethnographic governance studies to unveil multiple state and non‐state actors that influence the local environment, their diverse rationalities, normative registers, and interactions across scales. This would also to enrich and nuance geographical UPE accounts of neoliberal environmental governance and potentially render the framework more policy relevant.
(En)countering counterfeits in Bangkok: The urban spatial interlegalities of intellectual property law, enforcement and tolerance
Authors: Robinson Daniel F. , McDuie‐Ra Duncan
Published: April 2017

In a Bangkok mall a fibreglass policeman warning against intellectual property (IP) piracy stands just metres away from vendors selling fake DVDs; a scene indicative of incomplete and unsuccessful attempts by foreign governments (the US and EU in particular) and corporate actors at enrolment towards ever‐higher IP standards – the “IP ratchet” that Drahos (2004 Temple Law Review, 77, pp. 401–424) describes. But the scene also reflects cultural resistance at the local level. Both readings exemplify the range of historical, cultural, and politico‐legal factors at play that can only be understood through engagement with vendors and consumers in the markets and malls of Bangkok. IP laws may achieve partial “closure” but are regularly changing, contested, variably enforced, and subject to existing social norms such as the “cult of imitation”, cultures of legal informality, and a lack of social contract. We found that this lack of legal closure was most pronounced in the day‐to‐day operation of the Pratunam Market. Whilst other sites host regular crack‐downs by police, the IP‐specific DSI force, and the Thai courts, markets like Pratunam are mostly immune despite being a transnational trade node for the production and export of counterfeit garments with other developing countries, and a non‐conforming node in the IP enforcement context. In the face of persistent efforts to transpose Euro‐American IP laws in countries like Thailand, alternative and resistant nodes representing “spaces of interlegalities” are likely to persevere because of the historical context, and the socio‐cultural norms of these places.
The roles of autophagy and hypoxia in human inflammatory periapical lesions
Authors: Huang H. Y. , Wang W. C. , Lin P. Y. , Huang C. P. , Chen C. Y. , Chen Y. K.
Published: April 2017

Aim

To determine the expressions of hypoxia‐related [hypoxia‐inducible transcription factors (HIF)‐1α, BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa protein‐interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) and phospho‐adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (pAMPK)] and autophagy‐related [microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), beclin‐1 (BECN‐1), autophagy‐related gene (Atg)5–12, and p62] proteins in human inflammatory periapical lesions.

Methodology

Fifteen samples of radicular cysts (RCs) and 21 periapical granulomas (PGs), combined with 17 healthy dental pulp tissues, were examined. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect interleukin (IL)‐1β cytokine; immunohistochemical (IHC) and Western blot (WB) analyses were employed to examine autophagy‐related and hypoxia‐related proteins. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to explore the ultrastructural morphology of autophagy in periapical lesions. Nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis tests and Mann–Whitney U‐tests were used for statistical analyses.

Results

ELISA revealed a significantly higher (P < 0.001) IL‐1β expression in periapical lesions than in normal pulp tissue. Immunoscores of IHC expressions of pAMPK, HIF‐1α, BNIP3, BECN‐1 and Atg5–12 proteins in periapical lesions were significantly higher (P < 0.001) (except BECN‐1) than those in normal pulp tissue. The results of IHC studies were largely compatible with those of WB analyses, where significantly higher (P < 0.05) expressions of hypoxia‐related and autophagy‐related proteins (except BECN‐1, p62 and LC3II in WB analyses) in periapical lesions were noted as compared to normal pulp tissue. Upon TEM, ultrastructural double‐membrane autophagosomes and autolysosomes were observed in PGs and RCs.

Conclusions

Autophagy associated with hypoxia may play a potential causative role in the development and maintenance of inflamed periapical lesions.
Effect of thermally deposited siloxane‐methacrylate coating on bonding to glass fibre posts
Authors: Silva F. P. , Faria‐e‐Silva A. L. , Moraes R. R. , Ogliari A. O. , Reis G. R. , Oliveira A. R. F. , Menezes M. S.
Published: April 2017

Aim

To evaluate the alterations promoted by a thermally deposited siloxane‐methacrylate coating on the surface of glass fibre posts and their effect on the bond strength of resin‐core materials to the posts.

Methodology

Fibre post surfaces were treated with experimental thermally deposited siloxane‐methacrylate coatings or clinically available treatments (i.e. hydrogen peroxide and methylene chloride); nontreated posts were used as controls. The contact angles formed between the post surface and the water/adhesive were measured with a tensiometer. Scanning electron microscopy and electron dispersive spectroscopy were used to examine the topographies and chemical changes in the post surfaces following treatment. Surface roughness was evaluated with laser interferometry. Core resin was bonded to the fibre posts, and microtensile bond strength testing was subsequently performed. The data were individually submitted to anova and Tukey's tests (α = 0.05).

Results

The water contact angle was reduced significantly (P < 0.05) by the thermally deposited siloxane‐methacrylate coating. All treatments significantly increased the adhesive contact angle (P ≤ 0.016) compared to the control as well as the surface roughness (P ≤ 0.006) and the amount of Si on post surfaces. Greater percentages of Si were observed for the thermally deposited coating. The bond strength to the posts was significantly improved by the thermally deposited coating (P < 0.05), whereas the other treatments did not differ from the control.

Conclusion

Treating the surface of glass fibre posts with a thermally deposited siloxane‐methacrylate coating improved the bond strength to resin‐based materials. The coating could be performed by manufacturers of glass fibre posts in order to reduce the number of clinical steps required for luting posts into root canals.
Understanding human thiol dioxygenase enzymes: structure to function, and biology to pathology
Authors: Sarkar Bibekananda , Kulharia Mahesh , Mantha Anil K.
Published: April 2017

Amino acid metabolism is a significant metabolic activity in humans, especially of sulphur‐containing amino acids, methionine and cysteine (Cys). Cys is cytotoxic and neurotoxic in nature; hence, mammalian cells maintain a constant intracellular level of Cys. Metabolism of Cys is mainly regulated by two thiol dioxygenases: cysteine dioxygenase (CDO) and 2‐aminoethanethiol dioxygenase (ADO). CDO and ADO are the only human thiol dioxygenases reported with a role in Cys metabolism and localized to mitochondria. This metabolic pathway is important in various human disorders, as it is responsible for the synthesis of antioxidant glutathione and is also for the synthesis of hypotaurine and taurine. CDO is the most extensively studied protein, whose high‐resolution crystallographic structures have been solved. As compared to CDO, ADO is less studied, even though it has a key role in cysteamine metabolism. To further understand ADO's structure and function, the three‐dimensional structures have been predicted from I‐TASSER and SWISS‐MODEL servers and validated with PROCHECK software. Structural superimposition approach using iPBA web server further confirmed near‐identical structures (including active sites) for the predicted protein models of ADO as compared to CDO. In addition, protein–protein interaction and their association in patho‐physiology are crucial in understanding protein functions. Both ADO and CDO interacting partner profiles have been presented using STRING database. In this study, we have predicted a 3D model structure for ADO and summarized the biological roles and the pathological consequences which are associated with the altered expression and functioning of ADO and CDO in case of cancer, neurodegenerative disorders and other human diseases.
Registered nurses' perceptions regarding nurse‐led antiretroviral therapy initiation in Hhohho region, Swaziland
Authors: Mavhandu‐Mudzusi A.H. , Sandy P.T. , Hettema A.
Published: April 2017

Background

Swaziland has the highest HIV prevalence globally. It faces a critical shortage of health workers for addressing the HIV pandemic. To curb this human resource challenge, Swaziland adopted a nurse‐driven model for antiretroviral therapy delivery in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organization on task shifting.

Objective

The study explored the perceptions of registered nurses on the nurse‐led antiretroviral therapy initiation programme in the Hhohho region of Swaziland (NARTIS).

Design

The study utilized a phenomenological design, specifically a phenomenographic design.

Setting

The study was conducted in ten health facilities in the Hhohho region of Swaziland. These facilities comprised eight clinics, a hospital and a health centre.

Participants

These were registered nurses, trained and certified in the nurse‐led antiretroviral therapy initiation programme. The nurses also had experience of working in a nurse‐led antiretroviral therapy initiation programme. Eighteen (18) nurses were purposively selected and recruited to participate in the study.

Methods

Data were collected through open and deep individual interviews guided by a semi‐structured interview schedule. The audio‐recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically using Sjöström and Dahlgren's approach to data analysis.

Results

Three major themes emerged from the study data: nurses' emotional reactions to the implementation of the NARTIS programme, and influences and overcoming barriers to the programme.

Conclusions

The study findings have generated insights into this program which is useful for the provision of care to people living with HIV/AIDS in Swaziland. But nurses need support to ensure effective implementation.

Implication for nursing and health policy

The study findings have implications for both the practice of the NARTIS programme and health policy development. The development of a health policy that alleviates the barriers to the NARTIS programme can enhance nurses' role and make care provision to people living with HIV/AIDS more effective.
A study of the VaSera arterial stiffness device in US patients
Authors: Maliha George , Townsend Raymond R.
Published: April 2017

The cardio‐ankle vascular index (CAVI) represents a promising index of arterial stiffness. However, neither the CAVI measure nor its measurement device, the VaSera, have undergone general testing in a North American clinical setting. To begin the process of collecting normal values in the United States, we studied 20 male and 28 female volunteers without reported cardiovascular or renal disease and no history of smoking. Their CAVIs, ankle‐brachial indices (ABIs), and four‐limb blood pressures were measured in three positions: supine, 7° Trendelenburg, and 7° reverse Trendelenburg. In addition, the ABI function was validated against an established ABI measurement technique. Position was found to affect CAVI and other hemodynamic parameters, indicating that CAVI is not robust to slight positional variations. No differences were found in the blood pressure between arms or legs (interbrachial or interankle), supporting recent findings from meta‐analyses and studies but contradicting other work. This study represents an early step in bringing the VaSera device and its CAVI measurement into clinical practice.
Effects of variable steaming on chemical composition, starch characteristics, and glycemic index of basmati (Pusa Basmati 1121) rice
Authors: Kale S.J. , Jha S.K. , Nath Prerna
Published: April 2017

Effects of variable steaming on important quality characteristics of Pusa Basamti 1121 rice were evaluated in the study. Pre‐soaked (at 65°C for 345 min) paddy was steamed at variable steaming consisted of 4 pressure levels (0–1.5 kg/cm2) and 5 steaming times (5–25 min). Steaming affected rice quality characteristics significantly (α = 0.05). It increased head rice yield by 12%. Starch, amylose, Am/Ap ratio, crude protein, crude fats, crude fibers, and ash contents of steamed rice varied from 63.34 to 68.24%, 22.83 to 24.40%, 0.53 to 0.58, 8.11 to 8.39%, 2.47 to 2.58%, 1.59 to 1.63%, and 0.75 to 0.77%, respectively. Peak, final, breakdown, and setback viscosities of raw rice were 1,305, 3,995, −4, and 2,693 cP, respectively; however, their values reduced to 114, 216, −1 and 102 cP, respectively, after steaming. Starch crystallinity of raw rice was 28.49% which reduced to 5.72% after steaming. Scanning electron microscopic images indicated that complete gelatinization of starch was observed after steaming at 1.5 kg/cm2 for ≥10 min. Glycemic index of raw PB1121 rice was 58.41 whereas that of rice steamed at 1.5 kg/cm2 for 20 min was 47.04. Based on results, steaming at 1.5 kg/cm2 for 20 min was found more appropriate to achieve higher HRY (54.16%) and to reduce GI considerably (47).

Practical applications

Effects of variable steaming on chemical composition, starch characteristics and GI of PB1121 rice were evaluated in present study. Study demonstrated that steaming step alone brings considerable alterations in the overall quality of PB1121 rice. In present times, millers and traders strongly look for rice with higher milling yield, lower pasting viscosities (indicator of better cooking quality) and low GI. Therefore, results of present study would be useful to the millers to produce rice with higher HRY, improved cooking quality and lower GI. Severity of steaming parameters (i.e., steaming pressure and steaming time), during parboiling, would be decided if one knows the qualitative changes occurring in the parboiled grains.
Neuroprotective Diets Are Associated with Better Cognitive Function: The Health and Retirement Study
Authors: McEvoy Claire T. , Guyer Heidi , Langa Kenneth M. , Yaffe Kristine
Published: April 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the association between the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and the Mediterranean‐DASH diet Intervention for Neurodegeneration Delay (MIND diet) and cognition in a nationally representative population of older U.S. adults.

Design

Population‐based cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Health and Retirement Study.

Participants

Community‐dwelling older adults (N = 5,907; mean age 67.8 ± 10.8).

Measurements

Adherence to dietary patterns was determined from food frequency questionnaires using criteria determined a priori to generate diet scores for the MedDiet (range 0–55) and MIND diet (range 0–15). Cognitive performance was measured using a composite test score of global cognitive function (range 0–27). Linear regression was used to compare cognitive performance according to tertiles of dietary pattern. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between dietary patterns and clinically significant cognitive impairment. Models were adjusted for age, sex, race, educational attainment, and other health and lifestyle covariates.

Results

Participants with mid (odds ratio (OR) = 0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.71–1.02, P = .08) and high (OR 0.65, 95% CI = 0.52–0.81, P < .001) MedDiet scores were less likely to have poor cognitive performance than those with low scores in fully adjusted models. Results for the MIND diet were similar. Higher scores in each dietary pattern were independently associated with significantly better cognitive function (P < .001) in a dose‐response manner (P
trend < .001).

Conclusion

In a large nationally representative population of older adults, greater adherence to the MedDiet and MIND diet was independently associated with better cognitive function and lower risk of cognitive impairment. Clinical trials are required to elucidate the role of dietary patterns in cognitive aging.
Life Cycle Assessment of Carbon Dioxide–Based Production of Methane and Methanol and Derived Polymers
Authors: Hoppe Wieland , Thonemann Nils , Bringezu Stefan
Published: April 2017

Previous studies showed that using carbon dioxide (CO2) as a raw material for chemical syntheses may provide an opportunity for achieving greenhouse gas (GHG) savings and a low‐carbon economy. Nevertheless, it is not clear whether carbon capture and utilization benefits the environment in terms of resource efficiency. We analyzed the production of methane, methanol, and synthesis gas as basic chemicals and derived polyoxymethylene, polyethylene, and polypropylene as polymers by calculating the output‐oriented indicator global warming impact (GWI) and the resource‐based indicators raw material input (RMI) and total material requirement (TMR) on a cradle‐to‐gate basis. As carbon source, we analyzed the capturing of CO2 from air, raw biogas, cement plants, lignite‐fired power, and municipal waste incineration plants. Wind power serves as an energy source for hydrogen production. Our data were derived from both industrial processes and process simulations. The results demonstrate that the analyzed CO2‐based process chains reduce the amount of GHG emissions in comparison to the conventional ones. At the same time, the CO2‐based process chains require an increased amount of (abiotic) resources. This trade‐off between decreased GHG emissions and increased resource use is assessed. The decision about whether or not to recycle CO2 into hydrocarbons depends largely on the source and amount of energy used to produce hydrogen.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor/neurotrophin 3 regulate axon initial segment location and affect neuronal excitability in cultured hippocampal neurons
Authors: Guo Yu , Su Zi‐jun , Chen Yi‐kun , Chai Zhen
Published: April 2017

Plasticity of the axon initial segment (AIS) has aroused great interest in recent years because it regulates action potential initiation and neuronal excitability. AIS plasticity manifests as modulation of ion channels or variation in AIS structure. However, the mechanisms underlying structural plasticity of the AIS are not well understood. Here, we combined immunofluorescence, patch‐clamp recordings, and pharmacological methods in cultured hippocampal neurons to investigate the factors participating in AIS structural plasticity during development. With lowered neuronal density, the distance between the AIS and the soma increased, while neuronal excitability decreased, as shown by the increased action potential threshold and current threshold for firing an action potential. This variation in the location of the AIS was associated with cellular secretory substances, including brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin 3 (NT3). Indeed, blocking BDNF and NT3 with TrkB‐Fc eliminated the effect of conditioned medium collected from high‐density cultures on AIS relocation. Elevating the extracellular concentration of BDNF or NT3 promoted movement of the AIS proximally to the soma and increased neuronal excitability. Furthermore, knockdown of neurotrophin receptors TrkB and TrkC caused distal movement of the AIS. Our results demonstrate that BDNF and NT3 regulate AIS location and neuronal excitability. These regulatory functions of neurotrophic factors provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying AIS biology.

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Role of glycogen synthase kinase 3 in ischemia‐induced blood–brain barrier disruption in aged female rats
Authors: Xiao Han , Deng Mingyang , Yang Binbin , Tang Jianguang , Hu Zhiping
Published: April 2017

Estrogen receptors have protective effects against ischemic brain injury. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon have yet to be well studied. Given that inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK3) can reduce cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, we hypothesized that estrogen receptors‐mediated protective effects against ischemia‐induced blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption involve inhibition of GSK3. Thus, we evaluated GSK3 expression in the brain of ovariectomized female rats, and examined the effects of intracerebroventricular pre‐treatments of SB216763, GSK3 inhibitor, on BBB permeability following middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). We also examined the role of specific estrogen receptor subtype in regulation of GSK3 expression and BBB permeability after MCAO. We found that ovariectomized female rats exhibited increased mRNA levels of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and estrogen receptor β (ERβ), and increased protein levels of GSK3β but not GSK3α in brain cortical areas. Furthermore, intracerebroventricular pre‐treatments of SB216763 dose‐dependently attenuated brain infarction volume, brain water contents, neurological deficits, and BBB disruption, and increased tight junction protein ZO‐1 and occludin expression at 24 h following MCAO. Finally, activation of ERβ but not ERα dose‐dependently decreased GSK3β expression at 24 h following MCAO. This was associated with increased tight junction protein expression and improved neurological scores. Thus, our study suggested that activation of ERβ may protect against brain ischemia‐induced BBB disruption by inhibiting GSK3β‐mediated signaling.

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Intracardiac versus transesophageal echocardiography to guide transcatheter closure of interatrial communications: Nationwide trend and comparative analysis
Authors: Alqahtani Fahad , Bhirud Ashwin , Aljohani Sami , Mills James , Kawsara Akram , Runkana Ashok , Alkhouli Mohamad
Published: April 2017

Objectives

This study aimed to assess current temporal trends in utilization of ICE versus TEE guided closure of interatrial communications, and to compare periprocedural complications and resource utilization between the two imaging modalities.

Background

While transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has historically been used to guide percutaneous structural heart interventions, intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is being increasingly utilized to guide many of these procedures such as closure of interatrial communications.

Methods

Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, all patients aged >18 years, who underwent ASD or PFO closure with either ICE or TEE guidance between 2003 and 2014 were included. Comparative analysis of outcomes and resource utilization was performed using a propensity score‐matching model.

Results

ICE guidance for interatrial communication closure increased from 9.7% in 2003 to 50.6% in 2014. In the matched model, the primary endpoint of major adverse cardiovascular events occurred less frequently in the ICE group versus the TEE group (11.1% vs 14.3%, respectively, P = 0.008), mainly driven by less vascular complications in the ICE group (0.5% vs 1.3%, P = 0.045). Length of stay was shorter in the ICE group (3 ± 4 vs 4 ± 4 days, P < 0.0001). Cost was similar in the two groups 18 454 ± 17 035$ in the TEE group vs 18 278 ± 15 780$ in the ICE group (P = 0.75).

Conclusions

Intracardiac echocardiogram utilization to guide closure of interatrial communications has plateaued after a rapid rise throughout the 2000s. When utilized to guide interatrial communication closure procedure, ICE is as safe as TEE and does not increase cost or prolonged hospitalizations.
Prevalence and predictors of thyroid functional abnormalities in newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis
Authors: Muchtar E. , Dean D. S. , Dispenzieri A. , Dingli D. , Buadi F. K. , Lacy M. Q. , Hayman S. R. , Kapoor P. , Leung N. , Russell S. , Lust J. A. , Lin Yi , Warsame R. , Gonsalves W. , Kourelis T. V. , Go R. S. , Chakraborty R. , Zeldenrust S. , Kyle R. A. , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Kumar S. K. , Gertz M. A.
Published: April 2017

Background

Data on the effect of systemic immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL amyloidosis) on thyroid function are limited.

Objective

To assess the prevalence of hypothyroidism in AL amyloidosis patients and determine its predictors.

Methods

1142 newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis patients were grouped based on the thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) measurement at diagnosis: hypothyroid group (TSH above upper normal reference; >5 mIU L−1; n = 217, 19% of study participants) and euthyroid group (n = 925, 81%). Predictors for hypothyroidism were assessed in a binary multivariate model. Survival between groups was compared using the log‐rank test and a multivariate analysis.

Results

Patients with hypothyroidism were older, more likely to present with renal and hepatic involvement and had a higher light chain burden compared to patients in the euthyroid group. Higher proteinuria in patients with renal involvement and lower albumin in patients with hepatic involvement were associated with hypothyroidism. In a binary logistic regression model, age ≥65 years, female sex, renal involvement, hepatic involvement, kappa light chain restriction and amiodarone use were independently associated with hypothyroidism. Ninety‐three per cent of patients in the hypothyroid group with free thyroxine measurement had normal values, consistent with subclinical hypothyroidism. Patients in the hypothyroid group had a shorter survival compared to patients in the euthyroid group (4‐year survival 36% vs 43%; P = 0.008), a difference that was maintained in a multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

A significant proportion of patients with AL amyloidosis present with hypothyroidism, predominantly subclinical, which carries a survival disadvantage. Routine assessment of TSH in these patients is warranted.
Characterization and Identification of an Epidemic Strain of Ascochyta rabiei on Chickpeas in Northwest China
Authors: Chen Xiaolu , Ge Jie , Ma Deying , Ma Lijuan , Liu Wei , Qiang Song
Published: April 2017

The chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the primary cultivated rain fed crop in the Xinjiang region of Northwest China. In 2007, chickpeas suffered an epidemic disease that caused significant economic losses. To identify the causative agent, debris and seeds of infected chickpea plants were collected from cultivated fields. We isolated and purified the responsible pathogen and tested its pathogenicity both in greenhouse and in the field. Morphological analysis using tissue culture as well as molecular techniques confirmed that the pathogen was the blight fungus Ascochyta rabiei.
HIV‐positive men who have sex with men are at high risk of development of significant liver fibrosis after an episode of acute hepatitis C
Authors: Steininger K. , Boyd A. , Dupke S. , Krznaric I. , Carganico A. , Munteanu M. , Neifer S. , Schuetze M. , Obermeier M. , Arasteh K. , Baumgarten A. , Ingiliz P.
Published: April 2017

Acute hepatitis C virus infection remains a major health concern in human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)‐infected men who have sex with men (MSM). New direct‐acting antiviral agent (DAA) combination therapy has not yet been approved for the treatment for acute hepatitis C virus(HCV), thereby potentially causing deferral of HCV treatment. Therefore, we aimed to study the course of liver disease after an episode of acute HCV. This study is a retrospective single‐centre cohort of HIV‐positive MSM with acute HCV infection. Liver fibrosis was estimated by Fibroscan® and Fibrotest®. Liver‐related and non‐liver‐related outcomes were documented. Overall 213 episodes of acute HCV infection in 178 men were documented. Median follow‐up for all included patients was 38.7 months. Spontaneous HCV clearance was found in 10.8% of patients, which was significantly associated with older age, lower HCV RNA levels, and higher ALT levels upon initial acute HCV diagnosis. Treatment with interferon‐based therapy was initiated in 86.3% of cases, resulting in a sustained virological response(SVR) rate of 70.7%. After 3 years’ follow‐up, significant liver fibrosis of METAVIR F2 stage or higher was found in 39.4% of patients after first acute HCV diagnosis. Higher age, physician‐declared alcoholism, and nonresponse to acute HCV therapy were independently associated with higher fibrosis stages. Ten patients died during the observation period (IR 1.4/100 patient‐years) and four during interferon treatment. Significant liver fibrosis is a common finding in HIV‐positive MSM following acute HCV infection despite high treatment uptake and cure rates, suggesting the need for close liver disease monitoring particularly if HCV treatment is deferred.
Comparison of Preoperative Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Clinical Assessment of Deep Pain Perception as Prognostic Tools for Early Recovery of Motor Function in Paraplegic Dogs with Intervertebral Disk Herniations
Authors: Wang‐Leandro A. , Siedenburg J.S. , Hobert M.K. , Dziallas P. , Rohn K. , Stein V.M. , Tipold A.
Published: April 2017

Background

Prognostic tools to predict early postoperative motor function recovery (MFR) after thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation (IVDH) in paraplegic dogs represent an opportunity to timely implement novel therapies that could shorten recovery times and diminish permanent neurological dysfunctions.

Hypothesis

Fractional anisotropy (FA) values obtained using diffusion tensor imaging have a higher prognostic value than a lesion extension ratio in T2‐weighted images (T2W‐LER) and clinical assessment of deep pain perception (DPP) for MFR.

Animals

Thirty‐five paraplegic dogs with diagnosis of acute or subacute thoracolumbar IVDH.

Methods

Prospective, descriptive observational study. At admission, absence or presence of DPP, T2W‐LER, and FA values was evaluated. MFR was assessed within 4 weeks after decompressive surgery. Values of T2W‐LER and FA of dogs with and without MFR were compared using t‐tests. All 3 methods were evaluated for their sensitivity and specificity as a prognostic factor.

Results

No differences were found between groups regarding T2W‐LER. FA values differed statistically when measured caudally of lesion epicenter being higher in dogs without MFR compared to dogs with MFR (P = .023). Logistic regression analysis revealed significance in FA values measured caudally of the lesion epicenter (P = .033, area under the curve = 0.72). Using a cutoff value of FA = 0.660, the technique had a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 55%. Evaluation of DPP had a sensitivity of 73.3% and specificity of 75% (P = .007).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Evaluation of DPP showed a similar sensitivity and a better specificity predicting early MFR than quantitative magnetic resonance imaging.
A worldview of root traits: the influence of ancestry, growth form, climate and mycorrhizal association on the functional trait variation of fine‐root tissues in seed plants
Authors: Valverde‐Barrantes Oscar J. , Freschet Grégoire T. , Roumet Catherine , Blackwood Christopher B.
Published: April 2017

Fine‐root traits play key roles in ecosystem processes, but the drivers of fine‐root trait diversity remain poorly understood. The plant economic spectrum (PES) hypothesis predicts that leaf and root traits evolved in coordination. Mycorrhizal association type, plant growth form and climate may also affect root traits. However, the extent to which these controls are confounded with phylogenetic structuring remains unclear.

Here we compiled information about root and leaf traits for > 600 species. Using phylogenetic relatedness, climatic ranges, growth form and mycorrhizal associations, we quantified the importance of these factors in the global distribution of fine‐root traits.

Phylogenetic structuring accounts for most of the variation for all traits excepting root tissue density, with root diameter and nitrogen concentration showing the strongest phylogenetic signal and specific root length showing intermediate values. Climate was the second most important factor, whereas mycorrhizal type had little effect. Substantial trait coordination occurred between leaves and roots, but the strength varied between growth forms and clades.

Our analyses provide evidence that the integration of roots and leaves in the PES requires better accounting of the variation in traits across phylogenetic clades. Inclusion of phylogenetic information provides a powerful framework for predictions of belowground functional traits at global scales.
What determines organ size differences between species? A meta‐analysis of the cellular basis
Authors: Gázquez Ayelén , Beemster Gerrit T. S.
Published: April 2017

Little is known about how the characteristic differences in organ size between species are regulated. At the cellular level, the size of an organ is strictly regulated by cell division and expansion during its development. We performed a meta‐analysis of the growth parameters of roots, and Graminae and eudicotyledonous leaves, to address the question of how quantitative variation in these two processes contributes to size differences across a range of species.

We extracted or derived cellular parameters from published kinematic growth analyses. These data were subjected to linear regression analyses to identify the parameters that determine differences in organ growth.

Our results demonstrate that, across all species and organs, similar conclusions can be made: cell number rather than cell size determines the final size of plant organs; cell number is determined by meristem size rather than the rate at which cells divide; cells that are small when leaving the meristem compensate by expanding for longer; mature cell size is primarily determined by the duration of cell expansion.

These results identify the regulation of the transition from cell division to expansion as the key cellular mechanism targeted by the evolution of organ size.
Scleral changes with accommodation
Authors: Consejo Alejandra , Radhakrishnan Hema , Iskander D. Robert
Published: April 2017

Purpose

To assess whether the sclera changes its shape during accommodation, quantify those changes and ascertain whether they depend on age and refractive power.

Methods

Twenty‐two subjects, aged between 19 and 84 years old were recruited for the study. Young subjects were grouped according to their refractive power as emmetropes (seven subjects) and myopes (seven subjects). Data were obtained with a height corneo‐scleral topographer (Eye Surface Profiler) with coverage area far beyond the limbus. Lenses of different power were used to stimulate accommodative demand of 0.0 D, 2.5 D and 4.0 D. Elevation differences between measurements acquired while at the intermediate or close target and infinity where calculated for each participant for the horizontal meridian for a 16 mm chord.

Results

We found that sclera undergoes significant changes in its shape with accommodation in young subjects able to accommodate but not for those with limited accommodation. For a 4.0 D stimulus at the nasal side the scleral change amounted on average to 390 ± 330 μm (mean ± S.D.) for the young group. This phenomenon was more pronounced in myopes (for a 4.0 D target; nasal part: 560 ± 350 μm (mean ± S.D.)) than emmetropes (for a 4.0 D target; nasal part: 220 ± 120 μm (mean ± S.D.)). Differences were also found between different meridians.

Conclusions

Scleral shape undergoes changes with accommodation and this phenomenon is more pronounced in myopes than emmetropes.
Impact of operator experience and training strategy on procedural outcomes with leadless pacing: Insights from the Micra Transcatheter Pacing Study
Authors: El‐Chami Mikhael , Kowal Robert C. , Soejima Kyoko , Ritter Philippe , Duray Gabor Z. , Neuzil Petr , Mont Lluis , Kypta Alexander , Sagi Venkata , Hudnall John Harrison , Stromberg Kurt , Reynolds Dwight
Published: April 2017

Background

Leadless pacemaker systems have been designed to avoid the need for a pocket and transvenous lead. However, delivery of this therapy requires a new catheter‐based procedure. This study evaluates the role of operator experience and different training strategies on procedural outcomes.

Methods

A total of 726 patients underwent implant attempt with the Micra transcatheter pacing system (TPS; Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) by 94 operators trained in a teaching laboratory using a simulator, cadaver, and large animal models (lab training) or locally at the hospital with simulator/demo model and proctorship (hospital training). Procedure success, procedure duration, fluoroscopy time, and safety outcomes were compared between training methods and experience (implant case number).

Results

The Micra TPS procedure was successful in 99.2% of attempts and did not differ between the 55 operators trained in the lab setting and the 39 operators trained locally at the hospital (P = 0.189). Implant case number was also not a determinant of procedural success (P = 0.456). Each operator performed between one and 55 procedures. Procedure time and fluoroscopy duration decreased by 2.0% (P = 0.002) and 3.2% (P < 0.001) compared to the previous case. Major complication rate and pericardial effusion rate were not associated with case number (P = 0.755 and P = 0.620, respectively). There were no differences in the safety outcomes by training method.

Conclusions

Among a large group of operators, implantation success was high regardless of experience. While procedure duration and fluoroscopy times decreased with implant number, complications were low and not associated with case number. Procedure and safety outcomes were similar between distinct training methodologies.
The Relationship between Rate of Algometer Application and Pain Pressure Threshold in the Assessment of Myofascial Trigger Point Sensitivity
Authors: Linde Lukas D. , Kumbhare Dinesh A. , Joshi Maneil , Srbely John Z.
Published: April 2017

Background

Pressure algometry is a commonly employed technique in the assessment of both regional and widespread musculoskeletal pain. Despite its acceptance amongst clinicians and scientists, the relationship between rate of pressure application (RoA) and pain pressure threshold (PPT) remains poorly understood. We set out to test the hypothesis that a strong, positive, linear relationship exists between the RoA and the PPT within the infraspinatus of young healthy subjects.

Methods

Thirty‐three participants were randomly recruited from the local university community. PPT measures were recorded from a clinically identified myofascial trigger point within the right infraspinatus muscle during pressure algometry. A total of 2 PPT measures were recorded using each of 3 different RoAs, including low (15 N/s), medium (35 N/s), and high (55 N/s). Three baseline trials were also conducted at 30 N/s. The Pearson's correlation coefficient between RoA and PPT was calculated for each subject and averaged across participants.

Results

The mean(SD) correlation between subjects was 0.77 (0.19), and the mean (SD) slope of the linear regression was 0.13 (0.09).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that there is a strong, linear relationship between the RoA and PPT when using the pressure algometry technique. The low slope between RoA and PPT suggests clinicians can rely on PPT assessments despite small RoA fluctuations. Future research should explore this relationship further in a clinical population and in other muscles affected by chronic myofascial pain. Advancing cost‐effective, reliable, and clinically feasible tools such as algometry is important to enhancing the diagnosis and management of chronic myofascial pain.