bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atherogenic Risk Assessment among Persons Living in Rural Uganda
Authors: Wekesa Clara , Asiki Gershim , Kasamba Ivan , Waswa Laban , Reynolds Steven J. , Nsubuga Rebecca N. , Newton Rob , Kamali Anatoli
Published: June 2016

Background. Hypertension and dyslipidemia are independent risk factors for coronary heart disease and commonly coexist. Cardiovascular risk can be reliably predicted using lipid ratios such as the atherogenic index, a useful prognostic parameter for guiding timely interventions.Objective. We assessed the cardiovascular risk profile based on the atherogenic index of residents within a rural Ugandan cohort.Methods. In 2011, a population based survey was conducted among 7507 participants. Sociodemographic characteristics, physical measurements (blood pressure, weight, height, and waist and hip circumference), and blood sampling for nonfasting lipid profile were collected for each participant. Atherogenic risk profile, defined as logarithm base ten of (triglyceride divided by high density lipoprotein cholesterol), was categorised as low risk (<0.1), intermediate risk (0.1–0.24), and high risk (>0.24).Results. Fifty-five percent of participants were female and the mean age was 49.9 years (SD±20.2). Forty-two percent of participants had high and intermediate atherogenic risk. Persons with hypertension, untreated HIV infection, abnormal glycaemia, and obesity and living in less urbanised villages were more at risk.Conclusion. A significant proportion of persons in this rural population are at risk of atherosclerosis. Key identified populations at risk should be considered for future intervention against cardiovascular related morbidity and mortality. The study however used parameters from unfasted samples that may have a bearing on observed results.
Umbilical Cord Tissue‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Induce T Lymphocyte Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest by Expression of Indoleamine 2, 3‐Dioxygenase
Authors: Li Xiuying , Xu Zhuo , Bai Jinping , Yang Shuyuan , Zhao Shuli , Zhang Yingjie , Chen Xiaodong , Wang Yimin
Published: June 2016

It has been reported that human mesenchymal stem cells are able to inhibit T lymphocyte activation; however, the discrepancy among different sources of MSCs is not well documented. In this study, we have compared the MSCs from bone marrow (BM), adipose tissue (AT), placenta (PL), and umbilical cord (UC) to determine which one displayed the most efficient immunosuppressive effects on phytohemagglutinin‐induced T cell proliferation. Among them we found that hUC‐MSC has the strongest effects on inhibiting T cell proliferation and is chosen to do the further study. We observed that T lymphocyte spontaneously released abundant IFN‐γ. And IFN‐γ secreted by T lymphocyte could induce the expression of indoleamine 2, 3‐dioxygenase (IDO) in hUC‐MSCs. IDO was previously reported to induce T lymphocyte apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in S phase. When cocultured with hUC‐MSCs, T lymphocyte expression of caspase 3 was significantly increased, while Bcl2 and CDK4 mRNA expression decreased dramatically. Addition of 1‐methyl tryptophan (1‐MT), an IDO inhibitor, restored T lymphocyte proliferation, reduced apoptosis, and induced resumption of the cell cycle. In addition, the changes in caspase 3, CDK4, and Bcl2 expression were reversed by 1‐MT. These findings demonstrate that hUC‐MSCs induce T lymphocyte apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by expressing abundant IDO and provide an explanation for some of the immunomodulatory effects of MSCs.
Mean Platelet Volume inMycobacterium tuberculosisInfection
Authors: Lee Min Young , Kim Young Jin , Lee Hee Joo , Cho Sun Young , Park Tae Sung
Published: June 2016

Introduction.Mean platelet volume (MPV) has been thought as a useful index of platelet activation. It is supposed that MPV is also associated with several inflammatory and infectious diseases. Korea still has a high incidence of tuberculosis (TB). The aim of this study was to investigate MPV as an inflammatory marker in TB patients. Materials and Methods.MPV were determined in 221 patients with TB and 143 individuals for control group. MPV was estimated by an Advia 2120 (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Tarrytown, NY, USA).Results.In the TB patient group, a positive correlation was found between CRP and MPV. Age and MPV had a positive correlation in TB patient group.Conclusions.We conclude that there is a significant relation between MPV and inflammatory conditions. MPV can be an inflammatory marker to determine the disease activity in TB patients.
Acoustic Cavitation Enhances Focused Ultrasound Ablation with Phase-Shift Inorganic Perfluorohexane Nanoemulsions: AnIn VitroStudy Using a Clinical Device
Authors: Zhao Lu-Yan , Zou Jian-Zhong , Chen Zong-Gui , Liu Shan , Jiao Jiao , Wu Feng
Published: June 2016

Purpose.To investigate whether acoustic cavitation could increase the evaporation of a phase-shift inorganic perfluorohexane (PFH) nanoemulsion and enhance high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation.Materials and Methods.PFH was encapsulated by mesoporous silica nanocapsule (MSNC) to form a nanometer-sized droplet (MSNC-PFH). It was added to a tissue-mimicking phantom, whereas phosphate buffered saline (PBS) was added as a control (PBS-control). HIFU (Pac=150 W,t=5/10 s) exposures were performed in both phantoms with various duty cycles (DC). US images, temperature, and cavitation emissions were recorded during HIFU exposure. HIFU-induced lesions were measured and calculated.Results.Compared to PBS-control, MSNC-PFH nanoemulsion could significantly increase the volume of HIFU-induced lesion (P<0.01). Peak temperatures were 78.16 ± 5.64°C at a DC of 100%, 70.17 ± 6.43°C at 10%, 53.17 ± 4.54°C at 5%, and 42.00 ± 5.55°C at 2%, respectively. Inertial cavitation was much stronger in the pulsed-HIFU than that in the continuous-wave HIFU exposure. Compared to 100%-DC exposure, the mean volume of lesion induced by 5 s exposure at 10%-DC was significantly larger, but smaller at 2%-DC.Conclusions.MSNC-PFH nanoemulsion can significantly enhance HIFU ablation. Appropriate pulsed-HIFU exposure could significantly increase the volume of lesion and reduce total US energy required for HIFU ablation.
Concurrent Human Papillomavirus-Positive Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oropharynx in a Married Couple
Authors: Brobst Tyler D. , García Joaquín J. , Price Katharine A. , Gao Ge , Smith David I. , Price Daniel L.
Published: June 2016

Background. Although alcohol and tobacco use are known risk factors for development of squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck, human papillomavirus (HPV) has been increasingly associated with this group of cancers. We describe the case of a married couple who presented with HPV-positive oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma within two months of each other.Methods. Tumor biopsies were positive for p16 and high-risk HPV in both patients. Sanger sequencing showed a nearly identical HPV16 strain in both patients. Both patients received chemoradiation, and one patient also underwent transoral robotic tongue base resection with bilateral neck dissection.Results. Both patients showed no evidence of recurrent disease on follow-up PET imaging.Conclusions. New head and neck symptoms should be promptly evaluated in the partner of a patient with known HPV-positive oropharynx cancer. This case expands the limited current literature on concurrent presentation of HPV-positive oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma in couples.
An Efficient Approach for Energy Consumption Optimization and Management in Residential Building Using Artificial Bee Colony and Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Wahid Fazli , Kim Do Hyeun
Published: June 2016

The energy management in residential buildings according to occupant’s requirement and comfort is of vital importance. There are many proposals in the literature addressing the issue of user’s comfort and energy consumption (management) with keeping different parameters in consideration. In this paper, we have utilized artificial bee colony (ABC) optimization algorithm for maximizing user comfort and minimizing energy consumption simultaneously. We propose a complete user friendly and energy efficient model with different components. The user set parameters and the environmental parameters are inputs of the ABC, and the optimized parameters are the output of the ABC. The error differences between the environmental parameters and the ABC optimized parameters are inputs of fuzzy controllers, which give the required energy as the outputs. The purpose of the optimization algorithm is to maximize the comfort index and minimize the error difference between the user set parameters and the environmental parameters, which ultimately decreases the power consumption. The experimental results show that the proposed model is efficient in achieving high comfort index along with minimized energy consumption.
Numerical Investigation on Wheel-Rail Dynamic Vibration Excited by Rail Spalling in High-Speed Railway
Authors: Wang Kaiyun , Zhai Wanming , Lv Kaikai , Chen Zaigang
Published: June 2016

Spalling in contact surface of rail is a typical form of rolling contact fatigue, which is a difficult problem to solve in railway. Once the spalling occurs in the rail, the wheel-rail dynamic interaction will become more severe. The wheel-rail dynamic interaction is investigated based on the theory of vehicle-track coupled dynamics in this paper, where the excitation modes of the rail spalling failure are taken into consideration for high-speed wheel-rail system. A modified excitation model of rail spalling failure is proposed. It can enable the investigations on two kinds of excitation modes in wheel-rail system due to the rail spalling, including the pulse and the harmonic excitation modes. The excitation mode can be determined by the ratio of the spalling length to its critical length. Thus, the characteristics of wheel-rail dynamic vibration excited by two kinds of excitation are simulated in detail. Consequently, the limited value of the spalling length is suggested for high-speed railway.
A Sparse Signal Reconstruction Algorithm in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Zhao Zhi , Feng Jiuchao
Published: June 2016

We study reconstruction of time-varying sparse signals in a wireless sensor network, where the bandwidth and energy constraints are considered severely. A novel particle filter algorithm is proposed to deal with the coarsely quantized innovation. To recover the sparse pattern of estimate by particle filter, we impose the sparsity constraint on the filter estimate by means of two methods. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithms provide performance which is comparable to that of the full information (i.e., unquantized) filtering schemes even in the case where only 1 bit is transmitted to the fusion center.
Scalability Optimization of Seamless Positioning Service
Authors: Machaj Juraj , Brida Peter , Benikovsky Jozef
Published: June 2016

Recently positioning services are getting more attention not only within research community but also from service providers. From the service providers point of view positioning service that will be able to work seamlessly in all environments, for example, indoor, dense urban, and rural, has a huge potential to open new markets. However, such system does not only need to provide accurate position estimates but have to be scalable and resistant to fake positioning requests. In the previous works we have proposed a modular system, which is able to provide seamless positioning in various environments. The system automatically selects optimal positioning module based on available radio signals. The system currently consists of three positioning modules—GPS, GSM based positioning, and Wi-Fi based positioning. In this paper we will propose algorithm which will reduce time needed for position estimation and thus allow higher scalability of the modular system and thus allow providing positioning services to higher amount of users. Such improvement is extremely important, for real world application where large number of users will require position estimates, since positioning error is affected by response time of the positioning server.
Autoimmune Pancreatitis - A Riddle Wrapped in an Enigma
Authors: Webster George J.
Published: June 2016

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) was recognized as a clinical entity, at least in the West little more than 10 years ago. Since then, studies globally, and international collaboration, have led to important advances in our understanding of its clinical features, disease course, and management, although the aetiopathogenesis of this curious disease remains to be fully elucidated. Types 1 and 2 AIP have been described, of which type 1 is the commonest form, and best defined. International consensus now recognizes it as one of the many clinical manifestations of IgG4-related disease, and is now termed IgG4-related pancreatitis (IgG4-RP). The disease is not confined to a particular race, gender, or age, but often presents after the fifth decade in men. A common presentation is with jaundice due to low bile duct obstruction related to diffuse pancreatic enlargement (historically often leading to a misdiagnosis of cancer). Acute pancreatitis is unusual. Other organ involvement is a particular feature, including biliary disease, retroperitoneal fibrosis, generalized lymphadenopathy, renal, and lung involvement. No single test makes the diagnosis, and diagnostic criteria for type 1 AIP/IgG4-RP, which incorporate clinical, laboratory, radiological, pathological, and therapeutic parameters should be applied. A particular attempt should be made to make a histological diagnosis, which is characterized by an IgG4-positive lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. Management is not based on randomized studies, but corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment, providing rapid clinical and radiological benefit. However, clinical relapse is common (particularly in type 1 AIP, and in those with associated other organ involvement). Additional immunosuppression may be required, including azathioprine, and rituximab may play an emerging role. The disease course is variable, but loss of organ function (especially pancreatic exocrine failure and pancreatic atrophy) may occur.
Therapeutic Strategies in Diseases of the Digestive Tract - 2015 and Beyond Targeted Therapies in Colon Cancer Today and Tomorrow
Authors: Pohl Michael , Schmiegel Wolff
Published: June 2016

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer type in Western countries. Significant progress has been made in the last decade in the therapy of metastatic CRC (mCRC) with a median overall survival (OS) of patients exceeding 30 months. The integration of biologic targeted therapies and anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibodies (MABs) in the treatment of patients with genomically selected all-RAS wild-type mCRC leads to a significant progress in advanced incurable disease state. After the introduction of the anti-VEGF MAB bevacizumab, the FDA approved with ramucirumab the second antiangiogenic MAB for the mCRC treatment. Further new drugs are on the horizon and new diagnostic tools will be introduced soon. Key Messages: Molecular heterogeneity of mCRC has been recognized as pivotal in the evolution of clonal populations during anti-EGFR therapies. Mutations in RAS genes predict a lack of response to anti-EGFR MABs. Mutations in the mitogen-activated protein kinase-phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathways like BRAF or PIK3CA mutations or HER2/ERBB2 or MET amplifications bypass EGFR signaling and also may confer resistance to anti-EGFR MABs. HER2/ERBB2 amplification is a further driver of resistance to anti-EGFR MABs in mCRC. The phase II study of HER2 Amplification for Colo-Rectal Cancer Enhanced Stratification (HERACLES) discovers that a dual HER2-targeted therapy may be an option for HER2-amplified mCRC. The mismatch repair deficiency predicts responsiveness to an immune checkpoint blockade with the anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab. Conclusions: The understanding of primary (de novo) and secondary (acquired) resistance to anti-EGFR therapies, new targeted therapies, immuno-oncology and about predictive biomarkers in mCRC is guiding the development of rational therapeutic strategies. Combinations of targeted therapies are necessary to effectively treat drug-resistant cancers. Liquid biopsy is an upcoming new tool in the primary diagnosis and follow-up analysis of mutations in circulating tumor DNA.
Farnesoid X Receptor Agonists and Other Bile Acid Signaling Strategies for Treatment of Liver Disease
Authors: Halilbasic Emina , Fuchs Claudia , Traussnigg Stefan , Trauner Michael
Published: June 2016

The intracellular nuclear receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and the transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) respond to bile acids (BAs) by activating transcriptional networks and/or signaling cascades. These cascades affect the expression of a great number of target genes relevant for BA, cholesterol, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as genes involved in inflammation, fibrosis and carcinogenesis. FXR activation in the liver tissue and beyond, such as the gut-liver axis, kidney and adipose tissue, plays a role in metabolic diseases. These BA receptors activators hold promise to become a new class of drugs to be used in the treatment of chronic liver disease, hepatocellular cancer and extrahepatic inflammatory and metabolic diseases. This review discusses the relevant BA receptors, the new drugs that target BA transport and signaling and their possible applications.
Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Díaz-González Álvaro , Reig María , Bruix Jordi
Published: June 2016

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the most frequent primary liver cancer. This disease usually arises as a result of a chronic liver disease, but may appear without any underlying disease. In most units, the staging and treatment decision in patients with HCC follows the Barcelona Clínic Liver Cancer (BCLC) strategy. Following this approach, patients diagnosed with HCC are classified according to tumour burden, liver function and ECOG-Performance Status (PS). This stratifies patients according to prognosis and links each stage with the evidence-based treatment approach to be first considered. Patients correspond to BCLC stage 0 (very early) when the tumour burden accounts for just one nodule and it measures 2 cm or less. BCLC stage A includes patients with just one nodule or 3 nodules under 3 cm. Both stages 0 and A gather patients with preserved liver function according to Child-Pugh score, being Child-Pugh A. Patients in BCLC B stage (intermediate stage) are patients with multinodular liver cancer confined to the liver, without extrahepatic disease, ECOG-PS 0 and preserved liver function (Child-Pugh A or B). Patients with portal venous invasion, extrahepatic disease or cancer-related symptoms measured by PS (1-2) and still with preserved liver function correspond to BCLC C (advanced) stage. Finally, patients classified in BCLC stage D are those with a severe alteration of liver function (Child-Pugh C) or severe cancer-related symptoms with PS above 2. In very early and early stages (BCLC 0 and A), treatment options include surgical treatment, ablation and liver transplantation. Intermediate stage (BCLC B) patients should be considered for transarterial chemoembolization. At advanced stage (BCLC C), the recommended treatment is sorafenib. Finally, at the end stage (BCLC D), symptomatic treatment is the suggested option. The treatment stage migration concept refers to patients who at first glance would be treated with the option that corresponds to their BCLC stage but, because of any coexisting comorbidity, technical issue or even treatment failure/progression but still within the original stage cannot be treated by the initial suggested treatment. These patients then move to the treatment that would correspond to the next stage/s.
Hepatology after Hepatitis C
Authors: Fitz J. Gregory
Published: June 2016

The ∼90% probability of curing individual patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)using direct-acting antivirals represents one of the most dramatic medical success stories of the modern era, and the journey from viral discovery to treatment occurred over just ∼25 years. The realities of the global burden of disease (2-3% of the world's population is infected), limited access to care and cost of treatment mean that HCV will continue to be a major problem for the next 25 years. But what if HCV (and hepatitis B) could be eradicated? Since liver transplantation and HCV management have been the mainstays of academic hepatology practice, where do we go from here? Unfortunately, we are in an era where the incidence and prevalence of liver diseases around the globe is increasing, and death from complications of cirrhosis is now among the top 10 causes in most countries; so hepatologists are expected to play a major role in the future. Despite remarkable progress, success at the population level is limited by the resource-intensive nature of caring for patients with end-stage disease. Accordingly, the major advances in the next decade are likely to focus on (i) the earlier identification of individuals and populations at higher risk for liver diseases, and (ii) initiation in high-risk populations of specific strategies for early detection and treatment of fibrosis, cancer and cirrhosis. The answers will lie in large part in the further exploration of the human genome in carefully phenotyped patients. Risk variants in the PNPLA3 gene represent the best example to date. The risk variants are common and are enriched in certain populations around the globe; and individuals that possess risk variants are more likely to have liver injury from fatty liver disease (even as children), alcohol and viral hepatitis. Further, those with liver injury are more likely to progress to cirrhosis and hepatoma. Similarly, in those with established liver disease, use of biomarkers and other strategies for early detection of fibrosis and hepatoma will pay dividends as the next generation of treatments focusing on (i) anti-fibrotic strategies and (ii) liver regeneration move to the forefront. There remains an important need to invest in hepatology as a growth industry even after the (unlikely) eradication of HCV.
Swiss S1 Guidelines on the Systemic Treatment of Psoriasis Vulgaris
Authors: Kolios Antonios G.A. , Yawalkar Nikhil , Anliker Mark , Boehncke Wolf-Henning , Borradori Luca , Conrad Curdin , Gilliet Michel , Häusermann Peter , Itin Peter , Laffitte Emmanuel , Mainetti Carlo , French Lars E. , Navarini Alexander A.
Published: June 2016

Psoriasis vulgaris is a common, chronic inflammatory skin disease with a prevalence of 1.5-2% in Western industrialized countries. A relevant percentage of patients suffer from moderate-to-severe psoriasis and experience a significant reduction in quality of life. The choice of an adequate therapy could help to prevent disease and exacerbation of comorbidity, which could increase quality of life, avoid hospitalization and avoid reduction of working days. The present guidelines are focused on the initiation and management of systemic therapies in cases of moderate-to-severe plaque-type psoriasis in adults to optimize treatment response, adherence and quality of life. This first version of the Swiss S1 guidelines presents therapeutic recommendations which are based on a systematic literature search as well as an informal expert consensus of dermatologists in Switzerland.
Perturbational Profiling of Metabolites in Patient Fibroblasts Implicates α-Aminoadipate as a Potential Biomarker for Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Huang Joanne H. , Berkovitch Shaunna S. , Iaconelli Jonathan , Watmuff Bradley , Park Hyoungjun , Chattopadhyay Shrikanta , McPhie Donna , Öngür Dost , Cohen Bruce M. , Clish Clary B. , Karmacharya Rakesh
Published: June 2016

Many studies suggest the presence of aberrations in cellular metabolism in bipolar disorder. We studied the metabolome in bipolar disorder to gain insight into cellular pathways that may be dysregulated in bipolar disorder and to discover evidence of novel biomarkers. We measured polar and nonpolar metabolites in fibroblasts from subjects with bipolar I disorder and matched healthy control subjects, under normal conditions and with two physiologic perturbations: low-glucose media and exposure to the stress-mediating hormone dexamethasone. Metabolites that were significantly different between bipolar and control subjects showed distinct separation by principal components analysis methods. The most statistically significant findings were observed in the perturbation experiments. The metabolite with the lowest p value in both the low-glucose and dexamethasone experiments was α-aminoadipate, whose intracellular level was consistently lower in bipolar subjects. Our study implicates α-aminoadipate as a possible biomarker in bipolar disorder that manifests under cellular stress. This is an intriguing finding given the known role of α-aminoadipate in the modulation of kynurenic acid in the brain, especially as abnormal kynurenic acid levels have been implicated in bipolar disorder.
Can the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale Identify Mild Cognitive Impairment and Predict Cognitive and Functional Decline?
Authors: Woolf Claudia , Slavin Melissa J. , Draper Brian , Thomassen Floortje , Kochan Nicole A. , Reppermund Simone , Crawford John D. , Trollor Julian N. , Brodaty Henry , Sachdev Perminder S.
Published: June 2016

Background: The Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR) is used to rate dementia severity. Its utility in diagnosing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and its predictive value remain unknown. Aims: The aim of this study was to examine the association between CDR scores and expert MCI diagnosis, and to determine whether baseline CDR scores were predictive of cognitive or functional decline and progression to dementia over 6 years. Methods: At baseline, the sample comprised 733 non-demented participants aged 70-90 years from the longitudinal Sydney Memory and Ageing Study. Global and sum of boxes CDR scores were obtained at baseline. Participants also received comprehensive neuropsychological and functional assessment as well as expert consensus diagnoses at baseline and follow-up. Results: At baseline, CDR scores had high specificity but low sensitivity for broadly defined MCI. The balance of sensitivity and specificity improved for narrowly defined MCI. Longitudinally, all baseline CDR scores predicted functional change and dementia, but CDR scores were not predictive of cognitive change. Conclusion: CDR scores do not correspond well with MCI, except when MCI is narrowly defined, suggesting that the CDR taps into the more severe end of MCI. All CDR scores usefully predict functional decline and incident dementia.
Efficacy of Prothrombin Complex Concentrate Treatment in Patients with Liver Coagulopathy Who Underwent Various Invasive Hepatobiliary and Gastrointestinal Procedures
Authors: Lesmana Cosmas Rinaldi A. , Cahyadinata Lidwina , Pakasi Levina S. , Lesmana Laurentius A.
Published: June 2016

Background: Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) containing prothrombin, factors VII, IX, and X, as well as the inhibitors protein C and S have been used as an emergent reversal for oral anticoagulation therapy. The use of PCCs in hepatobiliary disorder patients or patients with liver coagulopathy who need to undergo invasive procedures has not been well studied. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of PCC treatment in order to control or prevent bleeding complications in patients with liver coagulopathy who undergo various invasive procedures. Methods: This was a prospective, open-label, non-randomized, before-and-after study in patients with hepatobiliary disorders who underwent invasive procedures accompanied by liver impairment and received PCC injection (Cofact®, Sanquin, The Netherlands). Patients with coagulopathy from various causes were recruited consecutively. Data collected were the episodes of bleeding, liver function test and the international normalized ratio (INR) before and after PCC therapy. The primary endpoint was INR change after treatment, while secondary endpoints included bleeding control and bleeding event after treatment. Results: Thirty patients (17 men, 13 women) were enrolled. Patients’ mean age was 57.0 + 15.5 years. Liver cirrhosis was found in 14 patients (46.7%). The procedures consisted of liver biopsy, liver abscess aspiration, abdominal paracentesis, therapeutic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, abdominal surgery, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage. After treatment, 25 patients (83.3%) showed a decreased median INR (from 1.6 to 1.3) (p < 0.001, Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test). Five patients failed to show INR reduction. No new bleeding event related to the invasive procedures was observed. Conclusion: PCC treatment is effective to control and prevent bleeding complications in patients with liver coagulopathy who undergo invasive procedures.
Serotonin or the Mucosa Do Not Mediate the Motor Effect of Allyl Isothiocyanate in the Guinea-Pig Small Intestine
Authors: Sandor Zsolt I. , Bencsik Timea , Dekany Andras , Bartho Lorand
Published: June 2016

Background: Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), originating from the enterochromaffin cells has been reported to mediate the contractile effect of the sensory stimulant and TRPA1 activator allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) in the guinea-pig small intestine [Nozawa et al: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2009;106:3408-3413]. Summary: In the present experiments, the nerve-mediated contraction of this preparation due to AITC was not inhibited by a combination of methysergide (broad-spectrum 5-HT antagonist; 0.3 µmol/l), Y 25130 (azasetron, 5-HT3 receptor antagonist; 1 µmol/l) and SB 204070 (5-HT4 receptor antagonist; 2 µmol/l) or by 5-HT receptor desensitization, that is, pretreatments that practically abolished contractions of similar size in response to exogenous 5-HT, without causing nonspecific effects. AITC also contracted longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus preparations, an effect also fully resistant to the combination of 5-HT receptor antagonists. The pharmacology of AITC in strip preparations matched that in the whole ileum. Key Messages: It is concluded that neither endogenous 5-HT nor the gut mucosa contributes to the excitatory effect of AITC in the guinea-pig small intestine. The combination of 5-HT antagonists elaborated is suitable for studying the possible involvement of 5-HT in motor responses of the guinea-pig intestine.
Who Performs Lumbar Puncture, How Many Do They Perform, How and Why? A Retrospective Study of 6,594 Cases
Authors: Moisset Xavier , Ruet Aurélie , Brochet Bruno , Planche Vincent , Jaffeux Patricia , Gilleron Véronique , Ong Nathalie , Clavelou Pierre
Published: June 2016

Background: The number and indications of lumbar punctures (LPs) performed nowadays are unknown. The primary aim of this work was to report the number of LPs performed in each of the departments of 2 French university hospitals, their indications and the prevalence of atraumatic spinal needles used. Methods: We carried out a retrospective study of all the LPs performed in 2014. The clinical department in which the intervention was performed and the final diagnosis was made from the Medical Information Department. The type of needles (cutting or atraumatic) used during the study period was also available. Results: In 2014, 6,594 LPs were performed. Overall, 80% were performed for diagnostic purposes. Twenty percent of these LPs were performed in the Neurology Department and were usually carried out at routine check-ups. Overall, atraumatic needles were used in 8.0% of cases. Overall, 1.4 LPs per 100 hospital stays were performed and 0.8 LP for 100 Emergency department admissions. Conclusion: LP is a routine procedure for many clinicians and although neurologists perform the largest number of LPs, they are doing only one fifth of all procedures. Atraumatic needles are underused.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor modulates formalin induced behaviors in rats
Authors: Deftu Alexandru F. , Fiorenzani Paolo , Ceccarelli Ilaria , Pinassi Jessica , Gambaretto Martina , Ristoiu Violeta , Paulesu Luana R. , Aloisi Anna-Maria
Published: June 2016

Cytokine proteins are involved in different signaling pathways throughout the central nervous system. To study the efficacy of an inflammatory cytokine, the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), which acts via several receptor molecules including the receptor CXCR2, male rats’ behaviors were determined after intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of MIF. There were three treatments: One group received only the cytokine, a second group received MIF and an CXCR2 antagonist (SB265610), and a third, control group received only the carrier medium saline. All rats were subjected to a subcutaneous injection of formalin in the hind paw after the ICV administration. Pain behaviors induced after formalin injection showed increased values in the MIF group of licking in the first phase and increased values of flexing, licking and paw-jerk in the second phase. On the contrary, spontaneous behaviors induced by formalin injection changed alternatively between the two groups compared with saline. These results suggest a possible effect of cytokine MIF on central nervous processes implicated in pain modulation mediated by the receptor CXCR2.
Comparing Immigration Detention in Britain and France: A Matter of Time?
Authors: Bosworth Mary , Vannier Marion
Published: June 2016

In this article, we explore the human rights implications of immigration detention in Britain and France by focusing on duration. In so doing, we show how practices in both systems fail to meet basic human rights protections, raising urgent questions about the legitimacy and justification of these sites of confinement. Whereas in the uk problems arise from the absence of a statutory upper time limit to detention, in France it is the brevity for which foreign nationals may be held that raises humanitarian concerns. In the uk, the uncertain duration of detention makes it difficult for detainees to obtain or retain legal advice. Those who are held for long periods of time struggle to maintain their right to family life, while most find the lack of clarity about the period of their confinement hard to endure. In France, where most detainees are released or deported within a matter of days, it is often difficult to access due process and legal protections in time. This brief period of confinement before expulsion contrasts with its enduring effect on their family ties and future. Drawing on policy documents, law, and the limited body of empirical material available on these carceral sites, we map the similarities and differences between them in order to identify the limits as well as some prospects of human rights in immigration detention.
The World Health Organization in Crisis—Lessons to be Learned Beyond the Ebola Outbreak
Authors: Meisterhans Nadja
Published: June 2016

Blaming the World Health Organization (who) for its failures in the Ebola crisis was a common reaction of the media. However, exclusively denouncing the who for the spread of Ebola falls short as it does not recognize the structural deficits of those recent governance procedures financing global health that lead to a chronic underfunding of the who. Against this background, the article reflects perspectives of a democratic reform of global health funding. It concludes that only the who can provide a leadership on global health matters, but to do so it depends on states willing to rebuild the who’s capacities to act. To address the global health crisis properly, the revitalization of who’s constitutional mandate is critically necessary. The discussion is based on normative legal theory, which argues that processes of globalization have transformed international law into a global rule of law, placing specific duties on states and international institutions.
The ‘Uncertainty Hypothesis’ in International Economic Law
Authors: Stoeva Yana
Published: June 2016

This article seeks to analyse whether Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle may be, mutatis mutandis, applicable to law. From a legal perspective, instead of position and momentum, Heisenberg’s equation can be expressed in terms of a rule’s precision and accuracy. Therefore, a working hypothesis, which might be called the “uncertainty hypothesis”, would hold that: An increase in a rule’s precision at a definite time, decreases its accuracy in an indefinite future case, and vice versa. Putting the hypothesis into practice in two case studies indicates that highly accurate rules may lead to injustice because of lack of precision, while pursuing high levels of precision may lead to lack of justice because of inaccuracy. The legal implication, if we accept the uncertainty hypothesis, is a recommendation to seek the best possible solution in terms of the best possible balance between the advantages of one perspective (precision) and the virtues of the other (accuracy).
Crocus ancyrensis subsp. guneri (Iridaceae), a new subspecies from Turkey
Authors: YÜZBAŞIOĞLU SIRRI , CELEP FERHAT
Published: June 2016

Crocus ancyrensis subsp. guneri is described and illustrated as a new subspecies from Amasya province in Northern Anatolia. A description, detailed illustrations, photographs of metaphase plate and SEM micrographs of seed surface sculpturing pattern are presented. The new subspecies differs from the type subspecies by its prominent flower colouration. While the new subspecies has constantly and intensively suffused or striped with purplish-brown colour on the outer side of the outer perigone segments, the type subspecies always lacks any coloration on the outer side of the outer perigone segments.
Taxonomy of the genus Diochus Erichson, 1839 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae, Staphylininae, Diochini) in China with descriptions of four new species
Authors: ZHOU YU-LINGZI , ZHOU HONG-ZHANG
Published: June 2016

This paper studies the taxonomy of the genus Diochus Erichson, 1839 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae, Staphylininae, Diochini) from China. Four new species are described: Diochus bicornutus sp. nov. from Fujian, Hainan, Zhejiang, Guangxi and Yunnan, D. ampullaceus sp. nov. from Guangxi, D. bisegmentatus sp. nov. from Hainan and Yunnan, and D. membranaceus sp. nov. from Fujian. All other species previously reported from China are redescribed based on the examination of the holotypes, except the holotype of D. antennatus (Motschulsky, 1858), which was missing. Line drawings of the now missing holotype of D. antennatus (Motschulsky, 1858) are provided. A lectotype is designated for D. conicollis (Motschulsky, 1858). The Chinese fauna of the genus Diochus is now represented by eight species (four doubtfully recorded) and a key to all the Chinese species is provided. The type specimens of the new species are deposited in the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IZ-CAS).
Leptalpheus pereirai sp. nov., a new alpheid shrimp from Panama and Venezuela (Decapoda: Caridea)
Authors: ANKER ARTHUR , CARIPE JONATHAN VERA
Published: June 2016

A new species of the infaunal alpheid shrimp genus Leptalpheus Williams, 1965 is described based on material from three localities on the Caribbean coast of Panama and Isla Chimana Grande, Venezuela. Leptalpheus pereirai sp. nov. belongs to a group of species characterised by the presence of well-developed adhesive disks on the major chela and appears to dwell in burrows of the large callianassid ghost shrimp, Glypturus acanthochirus Stimpson 1866.
Conflict resolution of grammar and gender for avian species-group names under Article 31.2.2 of the ICZN Code: is gender agreement worth it?
Authors: SCHODDE RICHARD , BOCK WALTER
Published: June 2016

We analyze recent nomenclatural treatment of selected avian species-group names that may be either adjective and variable or noun and invariable. In 27 such names, we found that 14 previously identified as adjectives are nouns under Article 31.2.2 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Five of them may require correction in current checklists; they are bresilius in Ramphocelus bresilius (Linnaeus, 1766) to bresilia, germana in Amblyornis macgregoriae germana Rothschild, 1910 to germanus, argentinus in Muscisaxicola cinereus argentinus Hellmayr, 1932 to argentina, martinicus in Porphyrio martinicus (Linnaeus, 1766) to martinica, and moluccus in Threskiornis moluccus (Cuvier, 1829) to molucca. Mindful of the compounding effect of species-genus recombination from taxonomic revision, we reach the conclusion, not new, that the requirement for gender agreement in species-group names is the single biggest cause of nomenclatural instability in zoology. To resolve it, we support replacing gender agreement by original spellings for species-group names.
The Pselaphinae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) of Madagascar. V. Description of Squamiger elegans gen. et sp. nov. from Central Madagascar
Authors: HLAVÁČ PETER , BAŇAŘ PETR
Published: June 2016

Squamiger elegans, gen. and sp. nov., is described based on a series of specimens collected by sifting of leaf-litter in Ambohitantely Special Reserve, Central Madagascar. The genus is a member of the tribe Clavigerini (Pselaphinae: Clavigeritae) and it is placed into the subtribe Clavigerodina.
Revision of the Anthidiellum Cockerell, 1904 of China (Hymenoptera, Apoidea, Megachilidae, Anthidiini)
Authors: NIU ZE-QING , ASCHER JOHN S. , LUO A-RONG , GRISWOLD TERRY , ZHU CHAO-DONG
Published: June 2016

The resin bees of the genus Anthidiellum Cockerell, 1904 are revised for China. Seven species are confirmed to occur in China including five new combinations: A. (Pycnanthidium) carinatum (Wu, 1962) comb. nov., A. (P.) coronum (Wu, 2004a) comb. nov., A. (P.) latipes (Bingham, 1897) comb. nov., A. (Clypanthidium) popovii (Wu, 1962) comb. nov., and A. (Anthidiellum) yunnanensis (Wu, 1962) comb. nov.. These five species had previously been classified as Trachusa (Paraanthidium), which is characterized by much larger-bodied bees (only four species of Trachusa (Paraanthidium) are confirmed to occur in China after this study; others reported in the literature were misplaced to genus). Additionally, Anthidiellum ludingensis Wu, 1993, and Anthidiellum (Anthidiellum) xinjiangensis Wu, 2004b, are removed from Anthidiellum forming the new combinations Pseudoanthidium (Pseudoanthidium) ludingense (Wu, 1993) and P. (P.) xinjiangense (Wu, 2004b), thus extending the range of the genus in China to include Sichuan. Illustrations and a key to known Chinese Anthidiellum species are provided.
Four new species of the genus Phryganogryllacris (Orthoptera, Gryllacrididae, Gryllacridinae) in China
Authors: LI MIAOMIAO , LIU XIANWEI , LI KAI
Published: June 2016

A taxonomic study of the genus Phryganogryllacris Karny, 1937 is presented. Four new species are described: Phryganogryllacris brevipennis sp. nov., Phryganogryllacris hubeiensis sp. nov., Phryganogryllacris sigillata sp. nov., Phryganogryllacris fanjingshanensis sp. nov.. A key to the species and the distributional data of Phryganogryllacris are provided.
Understanding the Acceptance of Nature-Preservation-Related Restrictions as the Result of the Compensatory Effects of Environmental Attitude and Behavioral Costs
Authors: Byrka Katarzyna , Kaiser Florian G. , Olko Joanna
Published: June 2016

Personal costs that accompany nature-preservation-related restrictions hurt their acceptance, irrespective of whether individuals care about environmental protection or not (i.e., irrespective of people’s environmental attitude). Analogically, people’s environmental attitude unconditionally determines their acceptance of nature-preservation-related restrictions, irrespective of the costs. This view stands in contrast to the typical NIMBY (not-in-my-back-yard) research in which people’s environmental attitude is expected to moderate the costs that arise from proximate exposure to nature-preservation efforts. In our quasi-experiment involving community samples of 598 Polish residents living at different distances from a nature preserve, we corroborated that the proximity and, thus, the palpable costs that come with nature-preservation efforts diminished people’s acceptance of nature-preservation-related restrictions. Over and above this NIMBY effect, environmental attitude determined people’s acceptance even beyond income and education. Predictably, environmental attitude is even able to compensate for the costs involved when people live in close proximity to a nature preserve.
Stigma and discrimination experienced by people living with severe and persistent mental illness in assertive community treatment settings
Authors: Ye Jing , Chen Timothy F , Paul Diane , McCahon Rebecca , Shankar Sumitra , Rosen Alan , O’Reilly Claire L
Published: June 2016

Aims:

To describe the perceived experiences of stigma and discrimination among people living with severe and persistent mental illness in assertive community treatment (ACT teams) settings in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

Methods:

The Discrimination and Stigma Scale (DISC) was used in this cross-sectional study with people living with severe and persistent mental illness. The DISC is a reliable and valid, quantitative and qualitative instrument used to explore and measure levels of negative, anticipated and positive discrimination. Relevant clinical history and socio-demographic information were also collected.

Results:

A total of 50 clients participated, with 40 (80%) reporting experienced negative discrimination in at least one life area. Negative discrimination was most commonly experienced in being avoided or shunned ( n=25, 50%), by neighbours ( n=24, 48%) and family ( n=23, 46%). Anticipated discrimination was common, with half of participants ( n=25, 50%) feeling the need to conceal their mental health diagnosis.

Conclusion:

Discrimination was highly prevalent in everyday aspects of life. While healthcare professionals often tend to increase perceived stigma and discrimination, this was only experienced in interactions with general health professionals, while interactions with ACT team members decreased perceived stigma and increased positive discrimination. This indicates that healthcare professionals potentially have a significant role in reducing stigma and discrimination in mental health and that such an effect may be optimised in an ACT team setting.
The Iconography of the Book of Ruth
Authors: O'Kane Martin
Published: June 2016

Although absent from early Christian iconography, Ruth has been a popular figure in both Christian and Jewish art from the medieval period onward. In depicting scenes from the Book of Ruth, artists have been sensitive to the nuances and subtleties of the biblical narrative and have interpreted her story visually in many original and distinctive ways.