bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exercise-induced dehydration alters pulmonary function but does not modify airway responsiveness to dry air in athletes with mild asthma
Authors: Simpson A. J. , Romer L. M. , Kippelen P.
Published: March 2017

Local airway water loss is the main physiological trigger for exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). Our aim was to investigate the effects of whole body water loss on airway responsiveness and pulmonary function in athletes with mild asthma and/or EIB. Ten recreational athletes with a medical diagnosis of mild asthma and/or EIB completed a randomized, crossover study. Pulmonary function tests, including spirometry, whole body plethysmography, and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DlCO), were conducted before and after three conditions: 1) 2 h of exercise in the heat with no fluid intake (dehydration), 2) 2 h of exercise with ad libitum fluid intake (control), and 3) a time-matched rest period (rest). Airway responsiveness was assessed 2 h postexercise/rest via eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea (EVH) to dry air. Exercise in the heat with no fluid intake induced a state of mild dehydration, with a body mass loss of 2.3 ± 0.8% (SD). After EVH, airway narrowing was not different between conditions: median (interquartile range) maximum fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 s was 13 (7–15)%, 11 (9–24)%, and 12 (7–20)% in dehydration, control, and rest conditions, respectively. Dehydration caused a significant reduction in forced vital capacity (300 ± 190 ml, P = 0.001) and concomitant increases in residual volume (260 ± 180 ml, P = 0.001) and functional residual capacity (260 ± 250 ml, P = 0.011), with no change in DlCO. Mild exercise-induced dehydration does not exaggerate airway responsiveness to dry air in athletes with mild asthma/EIB but may affect small airway function.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study is the first to investigate the effect of whole body dehydration on airway responsiveness. Our data suggest that the airway response to dry air hyperpnea in athletes with mild asthma and/or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction is not exacerbated in a state of mild dehydration. On the basis of alterations in lung volumes, however, exercise-induced dehydration appears to compromise small airway function.
Local Activation of p53 in the Tumor Microenvironment Overcomes Immune Suppression and Enhances Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Guo Gang , Yu Miao , Xiao Wei , Celis Esteban , Cui Yan
Published: March 2017

Mutations in tumor suppressor p53 remain a vital mechanism of tumor escape from apoptosis and senescence. Emerging evidence suggests that p53 dysfunction also fuels inflammation and supports tumor immune evasion, thereby serving as an immunological driver of tumorigenesis. Therefore, targeting p53 in the tumor microenvironment (TME) also represents an immunologically desirable strategy for reversing immunosuppression and enhancing antitumor immunity. Using a pharmacological p53 activator nutlin-3a, we show that local p53 activation in TME comprising overt tumor-infiltrating leukocytes (TILeus) induces systemic antitumor immunity and tumor regression, but not in TME with scarce TILeus, such as B16 melanoma. Maneuvers that recruit leukocytes to TME, such as TLR3 ligand in B16 tumors, greatly enhanced nutlin-induced antitumor immunity and tumor control. Mechanistically, nutlin-3a–induced antitumor immunity was contingent on two nonredundant but immunologically synergistic p53-dependent processes: reversal of immunosuppression in the TME and induction of tumor immunogenic cell death, leading to activation and expansion of polyfunctional CD8 CTLs and tumor regression. Our study demonstrates that unlike conventional tumoricidal therapies, which rely on effective p53 targeting in each tumor cell and often associate with systemic toxicity, this immune-based strategy requires only limited local p53 activation to alter the immune landscape of TME and subsequently amplify immune response to systemic antitumor immunity. Hence, targeting the p53 pathway in TME can be exploited to reverse immunosuppression and augment therapeutic benefits beyond tumoricidal effects to harness tumor-specific, durable, and systemic antitumor immunity with minimal toxicity. Cancer Res; 77(9); 2292–305. ©2017 AACR.
A Phase I/Ib Study of Enzalutamide Alone and in Combination with Endocrine Therapies in Women with Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Schwartzberg Lee S. , Yardley Denise A. , Elias Anthony D. , Patel Manish , LoRusso Patricia , Burris Howard A. , Gucalp Ayca , Peterson Amy C. , Blaney Martha E. , Steinberg Joyce L. , Gibbons Jacqueline A. , Traina Tiffany A.
Published: March 2017

Purpose: Several lines of evidence support targeting the androgen signaling pathway in breast cancer. Enzalutamide is a potent inhibitor of androgen receptor signaling. Preclinical data in estrogen-expressing breast cancer models demonstrated activity of enzalutamide monotherapy and enhanced activity when combined with various endocrine therapies (ET). Enzalutamide is a strong cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inducer, and ETs are commonly metabolized by CYP3A4. The pharmacokinetic (PK) interactions, safety, and tolerability of enzalutamide monotherapy and in combination with ETs were assessed in this phase I/Ib study.

Experimental Design: Enzalutamide monotherapy was assessed in dose-escalation and dose-expansion cohorts of patients with advanced breast cancer. Additional cohorts examined effects of enzalutamide on anastrozole, exemestane, and fulvestrant PK in patients with estrogen receptor–positive/progesterone receptor–positive (ER+/PgR+) breast cancer.

Results: Enzalutamide monotherapy (n = 29) or in combination with ETs (n = 70) was generally well tolerated. Enzalutamide PK in women was similar to prior data on PK in men with prostate cancer. Enzalutamide decreased plasma exposure to anastrozole by approximately 90% and exemestane by approximately 50%. Enzalutamide did not significantly affect fulvestrant PK. Exposure of exemestane 50 mg/day given with enzalutamide was similar to exemestane 25 mg/day alone.

Conclusions: These results support a 160 mg/day enzalutamide dose in women with breast cancer. Enzalutamide can be given in combination with fulvestrant without dose modifications. Exemestane should be doubled from 25 mg/day to 50 mg/day when given in combination with enzalutamide; this combination is being investigated in a randomized phase II study in patients with ER+/PgR+ breast cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 23(15); 4046–54. ©2017 AACR.
Radiomics Features of Multiparametric MRI as Novel Prognostic Factors in Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Bin , Tian Jie , Dong Di , Gu Dongsheng , Dong Yuhao , Zhang Lu , Lian Zhouyang , Liu Jing , Luo Xiaoning , Pei Shufang , Mo Xiaokai , Huang Wenhui , Ouyang Fusheng , Guo Baoliang , Liang Long , Chen Wenbo , Liang Changhong , Zhang Shuixing
Published: March 2017

Purpose: To identify MRI-based radiomics as prognostic factors in patients with advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Experimental Design: One-hundred and eighteen patients (training cohort: n = 88; validation cohort: n = 30) with advanced NPC were enrolled. A total of 970 radiomics features were extracted from T2-weighted (T2-w) and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted (CET1-w) MRI. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was applied to select features for progression-free survival (PFS) nomograms. Nomogram discrimination and calibration were evaluated. Associations between radiomics features and clinical data were investigated using heatmaps.

Results: The radiomics signatures were significantly associated with PFS. A radiomics signature derived from joint CET1-w and T2-w images showed better prognostic performance than signatures derived from CET1-w or T2-w images alone. One radiomics nomogram combined a radiomics signature from joint CET1-w and T2-w images with the TNM staging system. This nomogram showed a significant improvement over the TNM staging system in terms of evaluating PFS in the training cohort (C-index, 0.761 vs. 0.514; P < 2.68 × 10−9). Another radiomics nomogram integrated the radiomics signature with all clinical data, and thereby outperformed a nomogram based on clinical data alone (C-index, 0.776 vs. 0.649; P < 1.60 × 10−7). Calibration curves showed good agreement. Findings were confirmed in the validation cohort. Heatmaps revealed associations between radiomics features and tumor stages.

Conclusions: Multiparametric MRI-based radiomics nomograms provided improved prognostic ability in advanced NPC. These results provide an illustrative example of precision medicine and may affect treatment strategies. Clin Cancer Res; 23(15); 4259–69. ©2017 AACR.
A Preliminary Study of the Opioid System and Personality Traits Using Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Rodman Alexandra M. , Deckersbach Thilo , Chou Tina , Kong Jian , Gollub Randy L. , Dougherty Darin D.
Published: March 2017

Background: Personality traits, such as Neuroticism and Extraversion, have been implicated in the processing of emotion. The neural correlates most often associated with Neuroticism and Extraversion are the insular cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, amygdala, and ventral striatum. Objective: The aim of the current study was to explore neurotransmitter systems underlying those neural correlates and investigate the relationship between personality traits and opioid receptor binding potential. Method: Twelve healthy participants completed an [11C]diprenorphine positron emission tomography scan at rest. Endogenous opioid levels as indicated by opioid receptor binding potential was examined in relation to personality phenotype. Results: A high score of Neuroticism, a personality trait characterized by negative affect, was found to be associated with high opioid receptor binding in the right anterior insula. Conversely, a high score of Extraversion, a personality trait characterized by positive affect, was found to be associated with low opioid receptor binding in the left posterior insula. Conclusions: While preliminary, the results of this study suggest that the expression of Neuroticism and Extraversion is related to baseline function of the opioid neurotransmitter system in the insular cortex. These findings may help elucidate the neural mechanisms underlying the expression of personality traits, particularly those implicated in affective processing.
Familial Retinal Arteriolar Tortuosity with Acute Hippocampal Infarction
Authors: Kim Tae Hee , Lee Sonia , Lim Su Jin
Published: March 2017

Purpose: To report a case of familial retinal arteriolar tortuosity with acute hippocampal infarction. Method: Single-patient case report. Results: A 50-year-old woman presented with blurred vision and was found to have cataract, retinal hemorrhages, and tortuous retinal arterioles in both eyes. Similar findings of tortuous retinal arterioles were observed in her daughter and son. In her past history of 6 years prior to the visit, she had been diagnosed with transient global amnesia after brain magnetic resonance imaging, which showed hippocampal infarction and multiple chronic ischemic lesions in the periventricular and subcortical white matter. Conclusion: Familial retinal arteriolar tortuosity is known to affect the retinal vessels only. To our knowledge, this is the first report of ischemic injury to the brain in a patient with familial retinal arteriolar tortuosity.
The Staged Urethroplasty with Vascularised Scrotal Flap and Buccal Mucosa Graft after Failed Hypospadias Surgery: A Reliable Technique with a Novel Tool
Authors: Pandey Abhishek , Barta-Kelemen Anna-Maria , Borisenkov Michael , Keller Hansjörg
Published: March 2017

Background/Aims/Objectives: To report the outcome of staged urethroplasty with buccal mucosa and vascularised scrotal flap after failed hypospadias surgery. Methods:n = 35. Inclusion criteria: destroyed urethral plate, deficient local skin, fistula and penile deviation. Five out of 35 patients also had a secondary proximal stricture. Stage 1: excision of scarred tissue and fistulae, correction of the penile deviation through dorsal plication and the ventral placement and quilting of buccal graft. Stage 2: tubularisation of the neourethral plate; in 20 patients with deficient penile skin a vascularised scrotal flap was developed and transferred on the tubularised urethra. In 5 patients, the proximal stricture was repaired during a separate operation by using buccal graft, the distal urethra was marsupialised. The repair of the distal urethra was performed later as described above. Results: Thirty-three patients are recurrence-free without further interventions; successful reoperation was done in 2 cases. Complications: 1 graft necrosis; 1 coronary fistula; 1 scrotal flap necrosis and 1 case of hematoma. Conclusions: Complicated strictures after multiple failed hypospadias repair are well managed by using buccal graft. The vascularised scrotal flap is a very useful tool in case of deficient and scarred penile skin and could explain the low rate of fistula formation in our series.
Ezetimibe Increases Endogenous Cholesterol Excretion in Humans
Authors: Lin Xiaobo , Racette Susan B. , Ma Lina , Wallendorf Michael , Ostlund Richard E.
Published: March 2017

Objective—

Ezetimibe improves cardiovascular outcomes when added to optimum statin treatment. It lowers low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and percent intestinal cholesterol absorption, but the exact cardioprotective mechanism is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that the dominant effect of ezetimibe is to increase the reverse transport of cholesterol from rapidly mixing endogenous cholesterol pool into the stool.

Approach and Results—

In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind parallel trial in 24 healthy subjects with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol 100 to 200 mg/dL, we measured cholesterol metabolism before and after a 6-week treatment period with ezetimibe 10 mg/d or placebo. Plasma cholesterol was labeled by intravenous infusion of cholesterol-d
7
in a lipid emulsion and dietary cholesterol with cholesterol-d
5
and sitostanol-d
4
solubilized in oil. Plasma and stool samples collected during a cholesterol- and phytosterol-controlled metabolic kitchen diet were analyzed by mass spectrometry. Ezetimibe reduced intestinal cholesterol absorption efficiency 30±4.3% (SE,
P
<0.0001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol 19.8±1.9% (
P
=0.0001). Body cholesterol pool size was unchanged, but fecal endogenous cholesterol excretion increased 66.6±12.2% (
P
<0.0001) and percent cholesterol excretion from body pools into the stool increased 74.7±14.3% (
P
<0.0001), whereas plasma cholesterol turnover rose 26.2±3.6% (
P
=0.0096). Fecal bile acids were unchanged.

Conclusions—

Ezetimibe increased the efficiency of reverse cholesterol transport from rapidly mixing plasma and tissue pools into the stool. Further work is needed to examine the potential relation of reverse cholesterol transport and whole body cholesterol metabolism to coronary events and the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Clinical Trials
Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01603758.
Validation of the name Guihaia lancifolia (Arecaceae)
Authors: LUO KAIWEN , XING FUWU , TIAN JING
Published: March 2017

The name Guihaia lancifolia Luo & Xing (2016: 286) was not validly published because more gatherings, K. W. Luo 1509012 (fruit), K. W. Luo 1605035 (flower, ♂) and K. W. Luo 1605036 (flower, ♀), were designated as type (Art. 40.2 of the ICN, McNeill et al. 2012). The name Guihaia lancifolia is validated here by indicating a single gathering, K. W. Luo 1605035 (flower, ♂), as holotype.
Blainvillea (Asteraceae-Heliantheae) is absent from China
Authors: REN CHEN
Published: March 2017

Blainvillea Cassini (1823: 493) (Asteraceae-Heliantheae), as recently circumscribed by Orchard (2012, 2015), is a pantropical genus comprising four species. Blainvillea calcicola Orchard (2012: 658) and B. cunninghamii (Candolle 1836: 540) Orchard (2012: 660) are endemic to Australia. Blainvillea gayana Cassini (1827: 90) is native to Africa and adventive in South America and Australia. Blainvillea acmella (Linnaeus 1753: 901) Philipson (in Koster & Philipson 1950: 350), the type species of the genus, is native to India and Sri Lanka, and adventive in northern Africa, Galápagos Islands, and Australia.
Resolving the status of Pyriporoides and Daisyella (Bryozoa: Cheilostomata), with the systematics of some additional taxa of Calloporoidea having an ooecial heterozooid
Authors: GORDON DENNIS P. , TAYLOR PAUL D.
Published: March 2017

Based on the examination of type and newly discovered specimens, the scope of the calloporid genus Pyriporoides Hayward & Thorpe, 1989 is expanded to include Daisyella Gordon, 1989. All species of Pyriporoides have colonies of branching uniserial runners and acleithral ovicells that are borne on and/or develop concurrently with a distal heterozooid, not the distal autozooid. The ooecial heterozooid is usually kenozooidal but can be avicularian. Correlated characters include, inter alia: a raised granular rim that encloses a generally well-developed cryptocystal shelf, and a longitudinally elongate opesia that may be constricted and asymmetrical. Articulated perioral/pericryptocystal spines are present as well as occasional accessory spines borne on the lateral gymnocyst. Pyriporoides is mostly austral in distribution, ranging from the southern Indian Ocean and New Zealand’s subantarctic islands to West Antarctica, with an outlier in the northeast Atlantic. Three additional genera, one little known, two new to science, have species with small, mostly spot-like, colonies that share most of the zooidal characters of Pyriporoides and so are described and discussed in this context. These genera are Apiophragma Hayward & Ryland, 1993, Olisthella n. gen. and Bryobrownius n. gen. A cladistic analysis of the taxa described herein plus selected outgroup species of Calloporidae and Pyrisinellidae identified an apparent clade within or derived from Calloporidae, the significance of which is discussed.
Indopamphantus makutaensis, a new genus and species, and Indopamphantini, a new tribe of Pamphantinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Geocoridae), as the first representative of the subfamily from the Oriental Region
Authors: MALIPATIL M. B.
Published: March 2017

Indopamphantini trib. nov., a new tribe of subfamily Pamphantinae of family Geocoridae, is erected for Indopamphantus gen. nov., containing one species, I. makutaensis sp. nov., as the first member of this subfamily from the Oriental Region. The strikingly myrmecomorphic I. makutaensis, collected only from Makuta range area within Coorg [Kodagu] district at altitudes of up to 909 metres in the canopy of Vateria indica L. (Dipterocarpaceae), a tree indigenous to the Western Ghats in south India, is described and illustrated. The affinities of the new tribe with other tribes within the Pamphantinae as well with other related subfamilies of Geocoridae and families of Lygaeoidea are discussed. The Geocoridae and Pamphantinae are redefined to accommodate this new tribe.
New taxa of Orthoptera (Insecta Tettigoniidae Phaneropterinae) from Madagascar
Authors: MASSA BRUNO
Published: March 2017

The author reports the results of a study on Orthoptera collected in Madagascar and preserved in two European Natural History museums. He describes Symmetroraggea depravata n. sp., Parapyrrhicia longipodex n. sp., Madagascarantia bartolozzii n. gen. n. sp., Mimoscudderia spinicercata n. sp. In addition, he lists new records or unknown taxonomical characters of Xenodus nobilis Carl, 1914 and Parapyrrhicia virilis Carl, 1914.
Revision of the South American grassland leafhopper genus Cortona Oman (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Deltocephalini) with description of four new species from Argentina
Authors: DUAN YANI , DIETRICH CHRISTOPHER H. , ZHANG YALIN
Published: March 2017

The South American leafhopper genus Cortona is moved from Macrostelini to Deltocephalini and is reviewed. Its type species and four new species, C. catanachae sp. n., C. concordica sp. n., C. otamendiensis sp. n., and C. silvai sp. n., are illustrated and described from Argentina. A checklist and a key to species are provided.
Two new species of Stigmaeidae (Acari: Trombidiformes: Rhaphignathoidea) from Brazil
Authors: PAKTINAT-SAEIJ SAEID , BARROSO GEOVANNY , CRUZ WILTON PIRES DA
Published: March 2017

Two new species of Stigmaeidae, Agistemus rodriguezi Paktinat-Saeij & Cruz sp. nov. and Eryngiopus moraesi Paktinat-Saeij & Barroso sp. nov. are described and illustrated on the basis of adult specimens from northern Brazil.
Prognostic Value of Ankle–Brachial Index in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: In-Hospital and 1-Year Outcomes From the SHINANO Registry
Authors: Hashizume Naoto , Miura Takashi , Miyashita Yusuke , Motoki Hirohiko , Ebisawa Soichiro , Izawa Atsushi , Koyama Jun , Ikeda Uichi , Kuwahara Koichiro
Published: March 2017

Concomitant coronary and peripheral artery disease is associated with higher periprocedural and long-term percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) complication rates. We evaluated in-hospital and 1-year clinical outcomes of patients with low or borderline ankle–brachial indexes (ABIs) undergoing PCIs in the drug-eluting stent era. We divided 1370 SHINANO registry patients into 3 groups—low (ABI ≤ 0.9), borderline (0.9 < ABI ≤ 1.0), and normal (1.0 ≤ ABI < 1.4). During the 1-year follow-up, more PCI-related complications occurred in the low and borderline ABI groups than in the normal ABI group (7.7% vs 8.8% vs 4.0%, respectively). Low ABI patients were more likely to experience adverse clinical events (6.3% vs 3.6% vs 3.0%, respectively; log-rank P = .020 for low vs normal ABI), with a hazard ratio of 2.27 (95% confidence interval, 1.12-4.61; P = .023), compared with patients with normal ABIs. Patients with abnormal ABIs had a significantly higher incidence of PCI-related complications and a less favorable 1-year prognosis. Routine ABI measurement before PCI may help predict PCI-related complication incidence and 1-year prognosis.
Reliability analysis of a woven composite Pi-joint structure
Authors: Morrison Andrew , Garnich Mark , Fertig Ray S
Published: March 2017

The finite element (FE) method combined with multicontinuum theory (MCT) for analyzing composites was coupled with reliability analysis to develop a probabilistic, progressive failure, multiscale analysis of a three-dimensional braided composite Pi-joint subject to shear loading. The constituent engineering constants, ply strengths, and structural geometric parameters were treated as random variables. Failure was defined in the progressive failure framework as a minimum structure stiffness. NESSUS reliability analysis, HELIUS MCT, and Abaqus® FE analysis software packages were interfaced to create a global framework for performing multiscale reliability analysis of the composite structure. The reliability analysis resulted in the calculation of the probability of failure and sensitivities of the probability of failure to the random variables defined in the model. The model's probability of failure was most sensitive to the geometric parameters defining the thickness of the upright portion of the Pi-joint and the depth of the Pi-joint. The model's response was also sensitive to the compressive strength of the composite.
Math Requirement Fulfillment and Educational Success of Community College Students
Authors: Wang Xueli , Wang Yan , Wickersham Kelly , Sun Ning , Chan Hsun-yu
Published: March 2017

Objective: In community colleges, achieving competence in math is critical to students’ timely progression through coursework and eventual educational success; yet, it remains unclear when the optimal timing to complete required math courses is in order to maximize the chance of completing a credential on time. This study examines the timing of college-level math requirement fulfillment in relation to the longer term success of community college students. Method: Utilizing survey data and transcript records of 320 students from an urban community college, we performed a survival analysis to investigate how the precise academic terms in which students complete math requirements, taking into account other student behaviors, are related to credential completion. Results: Findings reveal that completing math requirements at earlier (e.g., first semester) or later (e.g., fourth or fifth semester) stages of college is related to a higher rate of credential completion. Students who engage in active learning, find academics challenging, and feel academically supported have a higher probability of completing a credential, whereas student-faculty interactions are negatively related to credential completion. Contributions: Our findings reveal that fulfilling college-level math requirements early on promises higher odds of credential completion. However, this momentum can be achieved by completing math requirements in Term 1, or it can also be delayed until Terms 4 or 5. It is thus imperative to find ways to more accurately assist community colleges and their students in planning the educational pathways, programs, and services that prevent students from stumbling over necessary math requirements and maximize overall success.
Elevated glycemia and brain glucose utilization predict BDNF lowering since early life
Authors: Guzzardi Maria Angela , Sanguinetti Elena , Bartoli Antonietta , Kemeny Alessandra , Panetta Daniele , Salvadori Piero A , Burchielli Silvia , Iozzo Patricia
Published: March 2017

Obesity and diabetes associate with neurodegeneration. Brain glucose and BDNF are fundamental in perinatal development. BDNF is related to brain health, food intake and glucose metabolism. We characterized the relationship between glycemia and/or brain glucose utilization (by 18FDG-PET during fasting and glucose loading), obesity and BDNF in 4-weeks old (pre-obese) and 12-weeks old (obese) Zucker fa/fa rats, and their age-matched fa/+ controls. In 75 human infants, we assessed cord blood BDNF and glucose levels, appetite regulating hormones, body weight and maternal factors. Young and adult fa/fa rats showed glucose intolerance and brain hyper-utilization compared to controls. Glycemia and age were positively related to brain glucose utilization, and were negative predictors of BDNF levels. In humans, fetal glycemia was dependent on maternal glycemia at term, and negatively predicted BDNF levels. Leptin levels were associated with higher body weight and lower BDNF levels. Glucose intolerance and elevated brain glucose utilization already occur in young, pre-obese rats, suggesting that they precede obesity onset in Zucker fatty rats. Glycemic elevation and brain glucose overexposure predict circulating BDNF deficiency since perinatal and early life. Future studies should evaluate whether the control of maternal and fetal glycemia during late intrauterine development can prevent these unfavorable interactions.
Soleus Atrophy Is Common After the Nonsurgical Treatment of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures: A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Surgical and Nonsurgical Functional Treatments
Authors: Heikkinen Juuso , Lantto Iikka , Flinkkila Tapio , Ohtonen Pasi , Niinimaki Jaakko , Siira Pertti , Laine Vesa , Leppilahti Juhana
Published: March 2017

Background:

It remains controversial whether nonsurgical or surgical treatment provides better calf muscle strength recovery after an acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR). Recent evidence has suggested that surgery might surpass nonsurgical treatment in restoring strength after an ATR.

Purpose:

To assess whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings could explain calf muscle strength deficits and the difference between nonsurgical and surgical treatments in restoring calf muscle strength.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

From 2009 to 2013, 60 patients with acute ATRs were randomized to surgery or nonsurgical treatment with an identical rehabilitation protocol. The primary outcome measure was the volume of calf muscles assessed using MRI at 3 and 18 months. The secondary outcome measures included fatty degeneration of the calf muscles and length of the affected Achilles tendon. Additionally, isokinetic plantarflexion strength was measured in both legs.

Results:

At 3 months, the study groups showed no differences in muscle volumes or fatty degeneration. However, at 18 months, the mean differences between affected and healthy soleus muscle volumes were 83.2 cm3(17.7%) after surgery and 115.5 cm3(24.8%) after nonsurgical treatment (difference between means, 33.1 cm3; 95% CI, 1.3-65.0; P = .042). The study groups were not substantially different in the volumes or fatty degeneration of other muscles. From 3 to 18 months, compensatory hypertrophy was detected in the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) and deep flexors in both groups. In the nonsurgical treatment group, the mean difference between affected and healthy FHL muscle volumes was −9.3 cm3(12%) and in the surgical treatment group was −8.4 cm3(10%) ( P ≤ .001). At 18 months, Achilles tendons were, on average, 19 mm longer in patients treated nonsurgically compared with patients treated surgically ( P < .001). At 18 months, surgically treated patients demonstrated 10% to 18% greater strength results ( P = .037). Calf muscle isokinetic strength deficits for the entire range of ankle motion correlated with soleus atrophy (ρ = 0.449-0.611; P < .001).

Conclusion:

Treating ATRs nonsurgically with a functional rehabilitation protocol resulted in greater soleus muscle atrophy compared with surgical treatment. The mean Achilles tendon length was 19 mm longer after nonsurgical treatment than after the surgical treatment of ATRs. These structural changes partly explained the 10% to 18% greater calf muscle strength observed in patients treated with surgery compared with those treated nonsurgically.

Registration:

NCT02012803 ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).
Mode I interfacial fracture characterization of foam core sandwich materials at elevated temperatures
Authors: Wang Xiankun , Ma Yali , Liu Weiqing , Liang Ruifeng , Wang Lu
Published: March 2017

Foam core sandwich materials are being widely used in structural engineering due to their advantages such as lightweight, high strength, and corrosion resistance. But the interfacial bond strength of foam core sandwich materials is weakened at elevated temperatures. In practice, the influence of high temperature cannot be ignored since the composites with foam are sensitive to the change in the environment. In this study, a series of sandwich double cantilever beams were tested at different temperatures to evaluate the effect of high temperatures on the interfacial fracture of the foam core sandwich materials. The temperature range studied was from 30 to 90℃, noting the glass transition temperatures are 85.7℃ for the composites and 72.1℃ for the foam core, respectively. In the meantime, the mode I interfacial crack propagation and its corresponding interfacial strain energy release rate were analyzed. Furthermore, an analytical model, considering the change in temperature, was proposed to predict the strain energy release rate of mode I interfacial facture of the foam core sandwich materials. The analytical results were found to be well matched with the experimental results.
A multi-objective model for sustainable recycling of municipal solid waste
Authors: Mirdar Harijani Ali , Mansour Saeed , Karimi Behrooz
Published: March 2017

The efficient management of municipal solid waste is a major problem for large and populated cities. In many countries, the majority of municipal solid waste is landfilled or dumped owing to an inefficient waste management system. Therefore, an optimal and sustainable waste management strategy is needed. This study introduces a recycling and disposal network for sustainable utilisation of municipal solid waste. In order to optimise the network, we develop a multi-objective mixed integer linear programming model in which the economic, environmental and social dimensions of sustainability are concurrently balanced. The model is able to: select the best combination of waste treatment facilities; specify the type, location and capacity of waste treatment facilities; determine the allocation of waste to facilities; consider the transportation of waste and distribution of processed products; maximise the profit of the system; minimise the environmental footprint; maximise the social impacts of the system; and eventually generate an optimal and sustainable configuration for municipal solid waste management. The proposed methodology could be applied to any region around the world. Here, the city of Tehran, Iran, is presented as a real case study to show the applicability of the methodology.
Neighborhood Change Induced by Natural Hazards
Authors: Lee Dalbyul
Published: March 2017

This article seeks to understand neighborhood change induced by natural hazards in the context of neighborhood change dynamics. Based on the underlying systematic mechanism of neighborhood change, it suggests conceptual and methodological models in which a natural hazard, as a “transient, exogenous shock,” affects neighborhood change trends over time. The models also consider that natural hazards alter neighborhoods differentially according to their basic characteristics. After a natural hazard, two factors exogenous to neighborhoods, physical damages and rehabilitation process, are important to understand the rebuilding process and the shift in the neighborhood change pattern.
Public Attitudes Toward Breastfeeding in Public Places in Ottawa, Canada
Authors: Russell Katherine , Ali Amira
Published: March 2017

Background:

In Ontario, Canada, breastfeeding in public is a protected right, yet even with these laws, attitudes toward breastfeeding in public can serve as a barrier to breastfeeding.

Research aim:

This study assesses public support for breastfeeding in public among adults in Ottawa, Ontario, and examines sociodemographic associations with negative attitudes toward public breastfeeding.

Methods:

Data from the 2015 Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System (RRFSS), a population health telephone survey, were obtained for Ottawa. Adults ages 18 years and older were asked whether it was acceptable for a mother to breastfeed her baby in a restaurant and shopping mall ( n = 1,276). Descriptive statistics and regression were used to describe sociodemographic characteristics associated with negative attitudes.

Results:

Overall, 75% of respondents agreed that it was acceptable for a mother to breastfeed her baby in both a restaurant and shopping mall (restaurant: 78%; shopping mall: 81%). Respondents who did not have children at home, were less educated, had a mother tongue language other than French or English and who were retirees were less likely to support breastfeeding in restaurants and shopping malls. In addition, women and immigrants living in Canada for more than 15 years were less likely to support breastfeeding in shopping malls.

Conclusion:

Despite a law to support public breastfeeding in Ontario, there is room to improve attitudes toward public breastfeeding. Increased public support for public breastfeeding can support women and children to achieve their feeding goals, particularly for those wanting to exclusively breastfeed.
Survival analysis at multiple scales for the modeling of track geometry deterioration
Authors: Alemazkoor Negin , Ruppert Conrad J , Meidani Hadi
Published: March 2017

Defects in track geometry have a notable impact on the safety of rail transportation. In order to make the optimal maintenance decisions to ensure the safety and efficiency of railroads, it is necessary to analyze the track geometry defects and develop reliable defect deterioration models. In general, standard deterioration models are typically developed for a segment of track. As a result, these coarse-scale deterioration models may fail to predict whether the isolated defects in a segment will exceed the safety limits after a given time period or not. In this paper, survival analysis is used to model the probability of exceeding the safety limits of the isolated defects. These fine-scale models are then used to calculate the probability of whether each segment of the track will require maintenance after a given time period. The model validation results show that the prediction quality of the coarse-scale segment-based models can be improved by exploiting information from the fine-scale defect-based deterioration models.
Triple Antithrombotic Therapy With Aspirin, P2Y12 Inhibitor, and Warfarin After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Verlinden Nathan J. , Coons James C. , Iasella Carlo J. , Kane-Gill Sandra L.
Published: March 2017

Background:

Triple antithrombotic therapy is used in patients who require systemic anticoagulation and undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) requiring dual antiplatelet therapy. Bleeding with this combination is significant; however, few studies have described outcomes with the use of newer oral P2Y12 inhibitors in this setting.

Objectives:

We aimed to compare outcomes among patients prescribed triple therapy with prasugrel or ticagrelor compared to triple therapy with clopidogrel in patients who underwent PCI and required warfarin.

Methods:

We retrospectively evaluated 168 patients who received either prasugrel (n = 32) or ticagrelor (n = 10) and were matched (1:3) to those who received clopidogrel (n = 126) at the time of discharge from the index PCI visit. Matching was performed based on age ±10 years, sex, and indication for PCI. The primary outcome was the incidence of any bleeding during the 12-month follow-up. We also evaluated major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs).

Results:

Patient baseline characteristics were similar between groups. There was a significant excess of bleeding in patients who received prasugrel or ticagrelor compared to clopidogrel as part of triple therapy (28.6% vs 12.7%; odds ratio, 3.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.38-8.34). No differences were seen between groups in MACCEs.

Conclusions:

The use of prasugrel or ticagrelor as part of triple antithrombotic therapy among patients who underwent PCI and received warfarin was associated with significantly more bleeding compared to patients who received clopidogrel. Therefore, higher potency P2Y12 inhibitors should be used cautiously in these patients.
Factors Influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alzaheb Riyadh A
Published: March 2017

Background:

Breast milk contains all the nutrients infants need for their first 6 months of life. However, only a minority of Saudi Arabian mothers exclusively breastfeed, so the influencing factors must be examined to encourage more to do so. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months and its associated factors in Tabuk, North West Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

A total of 589 mothers of healthy infants aged between 6 and 24 months were interviewed while attending Well-Baby Clinics within 5 primary health care centers. Interviews deployed a structured questionnaire to collect sociodemographic information and detailed data concerning breastfeeding practices. A logistic regression analysis was then performed on the data to identify the factors independently associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice for infants at 6 months.

Results:

Exclusive breastfeeding was practiced by 31.4% of mothers for the first 6 months of their infant’s life. The logistic regressions indicated that exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months was less likely to be practiced by working mothers, Saudi nationals, and for babies born via cesarean delivery or at low birth weights. Conversely, the mother’s awareness of the recommended exclusive breastfeeding duration was positively associated with exclusive breastfeeding.

Conclusions:

Programs promoting 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding should target high-risk groups. Two factors identified by this study are modifiable: working mothers and mothers’ awareness of the exclusive breastfeeding duration recommendation. Strategies to improve exclusive breastfeeding rates should therefore focus on workplace facilities and increasing awareness of the exclusive breastfeeding recommendation.
Persistent and selective upregulation of renin–angiotensin system in circulating T lymphocytes in unstable angina
Authors: Coppo Mirella , Bandinelli Manuela , Chiostri Marco , Poggesi Loredana , Boddi Maria
Published: March 2017

Introduction:

Unstable angina is associated with an acute systemic inflammatory reaction and circulating T lymphocytes are activated. We investigated whether in unstable angina with marked immune system activation a selective upregulation of the circulating T-cell renin–angiotensin system, modulated by angiotensin II, could occur.

Methods:

We studied 13 unstable angina patients, 10 patients with stable angina and 10 healthy subjects. After T-lymphocyte isolation, mRNAs for angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1-R) were quantified at baseline and after angiotensin II stimulation. ACE activity in cell pellet and supernatant and angiotensin II cell content were measured.

Results:

Plasma renin activity was similar in controls, stable and unstable angina patients. At baseline ACE and AT1-R mRNA levels were higher ( P<0.05) in T cells from unstable angina patients than in T cells from stable angina patients and controls, and further increased after angiotensin II addition to cultured T cells. ACE activity of unstable angina T cells was significantly higher than that of T cells from controls and stable angina patients. Only in T cells from unstable angina patients did angiotensin II stimulation cause the almost complete release of ACE activity in the supernatant.

Conclusions:

The circulating T-cell-based renin–angiotensin system from unstable angina patients was selectively upregulated. In vivo unstable angina T cells could locally increase angiotensin II concentration in tissues where they migrate independently of the circulating renin–angiotensin system.
Optimization and simulation of a bionic fish tail driving system based on linear hypocycloid with hydrodynamics
Authors: Wang Shu-yan , Zhu Jun , Wang Xin-guo , Li Qin-feng , Zhu Hui-yun , Zhou Rui
Published: March 2017

The tail driving system based on linear hypocycloid has the advantages of adjustable phase difference, no quick-return, and combining speed reducer with transformation mechanism. The plane complex movement of the driving system was realized via a motion triangle with a linear hypocycloid planetary gear train and a linkage. In this article, we approach the question of which kind of parameter design can make this driving system more efficient in swimming from a hydrodynamic perspective. First, dynamic and hydrodynamic models were established with momentum theorem, Lagrange theorem, and two-dimensional foil theory. And then, hydrodynamic optimization on kinematic parameters (i.e. caudal peduncle’s reciprocation velocity and caudal fin swing angle) and structural parameters (i.e. swing amplitude, V planetary carrier’s angle, and sun gear’s radius) for a better propulsive efficiency was developed in detail. Second, influences of structural parameters on vortex ring were further conducted by numerical simulation in FLUENT. Finally, the prototype and experimental platform of the designed driving system were established, and the theoretical derivation of lift and lateral forces was testified by experiment.
Controlled clinical trials of cell therapy in stroke: Meta-analysis at six months after treatment
Authors: Detante Olivier , Moisan Anaïck , Hommel Marc , Jaillard Assia
Published: March 2017

Background

Cell therapy is promising in experimental studies and has been assessed only in a few studies on humans.

Aims

To evaluate the effect of cell therapy in humans.

Methods

We included clinical trials with a control group that reported safety and efficacy six months following treatment. Quality was evaluated and clinical scales data were extracted. Quantitative analysis was based on the standardized means difference (SMD). Among 28 trials published from 1995 to 2016, nine studies (194 patients; 191 controls) were eligible. Publication biases were assessed with the funnel plot and pre-specified explanatory variables were tested with a group analysis and a meta-regression.

Results

The overall quality was moderate. Cell therapy had a positive effect on the outcome (SMD: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.22–0.92; p = 0.002). The sensitivity analysis showed an upper level of effect size of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.34–1.27; p = 0.001) and a lower level of 0.455 (95% CI: 0.04–0.87; p = 0.03). None of the pre-specified explanatory variable was significantly correlated to outcome: age, ratio infarction/hemorrhage, delay from stroke to treatment, route of administration, cell type, randomization, and blinded outcome assessment. The significant heterogeneity (p = 0.03) was not explained by publication biases (p = 0.09) and was more likely due to methodological and quality differences between the trials.

Conclusions

This result suggests that cell therapy is beneficial in stroke and is expected to help in the designing of stem cells controlled clinical trials (CCT) in large populations.
Examining college students' uptake of Facebook through the lens of domestication theory
Authors: Watulak Sarah Lohnes , Whitfield Dean
Published: March 2017

Given the prevalence of social network sites (SNS) uptake among college students, and Facebook use in particular, we seek to understand the variety of ways in which Facebook is embedded in the routine, everyday lives of undergraduates. In addition to Facebook use, we aim to shed light on non-use; why do some American undergraduates choose to use Facebook sparingly, or not at all? Our findings indicate that while the majority of students were frequent Facebook users, they sought control over their Facebook use by articulating a moral space of norms governing interactions with parents, friends, and strangers; through selective and temporary de-domestication of the technology; and through non-use.
Stress Enhances the Memory-Degrading Effects of Eye Movements on Emotionally Neutral Memories
Authors: Littel Marianne , Remijn Malou , Tinga Angelica M. , Engelhard Iris M. , van den Hout Marcel A.
Published: March 2017

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is an effective treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder. It uses a dual-task approach: Patients retrieve traumatic memories while making lateral eye movements. Laboratory studies have consistently shown that this dual-task component decreases the vividness of emotional memories, whereas neutral memories appear insensitive to the intervention. Hence, emotional arousal might play a crucial role in the (re)consolidation of the degraded memory. This study investigated whether boosting arousal levels would induce degradation of neutral memories by dual tasking. A total of 67 participants, 32 with performance anxiety, selected two vivid, neutral autobiographical memories, which were subjected to dual tasking or recall only. Half of the participants first underwent the Trier Social Stress Task to increase arousal. Only participants with performance anxiety in the arousal condition showed reduced vividness after the dual tasking relative to recall only. Thus, adding arousal to neutral memories makes them susceptible to the degrading effects of dual tasking.