bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adipose-Induced Retroperitoneal Soft Tissue Sarcoma Tumorigenesis: A Potential Crosstalk between Sarcoma and Fat Cells
Authors: Loewenstein Shelly , Lubezky Nir , Nizri Eran , Zemel Meir , Levin Yishai , Savidor Alon , Sher Osnat , Klausner Joseph M. , Lahat Guy
Published: September 2016

Previous data demonstrated that high retroperitoneal visceral fat content increases retroperitoneal soft-tissue sarcoma (RSTS) local recurrence and patients' mortality. Most RSTS tumors initiate and recur within visceral fat. The objective of the current study was to evaluate potential paracrine effects of visceral fat on RSTS. A xenograft model was used to evaluate in vivo effects of human visceral fat on STS growth. Tissue explants were prepared from visceral fat, and their conditioned medium (CM) was utilized for various in vitro experiments designed to evaluate growth, survival, migration, and invasion of STS and endothelial cells. Visceral fat–secreted protumorigenic factors were identified by mass spectrometry. The in vivo experiments demonstrated a significant increase in STS tumor growth rate when SK-LMS-1 leiomyosarcoma cells were colocalized with human visceral fat compared with subcutaneous injection of cancer cells only. The in vitro model demonstrated that visceral fat CM increased STS cellular growth and reduced doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. Visceral fat also enhanced STS cellular migration and invasion. In addition, visceral fat CM significantly increased endothelial cell tube formation, suggesting its role as a proangiogenic factor in the STS tumor microenvironment (TME). Using a robust proteomic approach, liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry resolved various molecules within the visceral fat CM, of which a subset was associated with protumorigenic biologic processes. These results suggest that visceral fat directly interacts with STS cells by secreting specific adipokines into the TME, thus augmenting STS tumor cell proliferation and invasiveness. Fat-induced STS molecular deregulations should be studied to identify new potential prognostic and therapeutic targets.

Implications: Visceral fat induces protumorigenic effects, in STS, through various secreted factors that should be investigated to improve our understanding of adipose–cancer cell interactions. Mol Cancer Res; 14(12); 1254–65. ©2016 AACR.
Akute Hornhaut-Toxizität von Diquas
Authors: Bachmann Björn
Published: September 2016

Ziel: Das Ziel dieser Studie war die Untersuchung der akuten Hornhaut-Toxizität von Diquas®, einer auf dem Markt erhältlichen 3%igen Diquafosol-Lösung für das Auge mit C12-Benzalkoniumchlorid (BAC) als Konservierungsmittel. Methoden: Bei lebenden Kaninchen maßen wir die Veränderung des transepithelialen elektrischen Widerstands (TEER) der Hornhaut nach 60-sekündiger Exposition gegenüber Diquas® (Diquafosol 3%, mit 0,0075% C12-BAC als Konservierungsmittel) sowie 0,0075%iger C12-BAC-Lösung und 0,0075%igem C12/C14/C16-BAC-Gemisch. Außerdem wurde die Schädigung der Hornhaut mittels Rasterelektronenmikroskopie (REM) untersucht. HBSS (Hank's Balanced Salt Solution) diente als Kontrolle. Ergebnisse: Diquas® und 0,0075%ige C12-BAC-Lösung bewirkten im Vergleich zur HBSS-Kontrolle keine signifikante Veränderung des Hornhaut-TEER. Eine signifikante Abnahme des TEER war nach Exposition der Hornhaut gegenüber dem 0,0075%igen C12/C14/C16-BAC-Gemisch festzustellen (p < 0,01). Die REM ergab, dass die oberflächlichen Zellen der mit dem 0,0075%igen BAC-Gemisch behandelten Netzhäute geschädigt waren und degenerierte Mikrovilli aufwiesen. Nach Exposition gegenüber Diquas® oder 0,0075%iger C12-BAC-Lösung sahen die oberflächlichen Hornhautzellen in der REM hingegen normal aus und hatten normale Mikrovilli. Schlussfolgerung: Die akute Hornhaut-Toxizität von Diquas® ist geringer als die des 0,0075%igen BAC-Gemischs. Diquas® mit 0,0075% C12-BAC als Konservierungsmittel zeigte keine akute Hornhaut-Toxizität. Übersetzung aus Pharmacology 2016;98:56-61 (DOI:10.1159/000445691)
Tyndallometrie der Augenvorderkammer nach verschiedenen Anti-VEGF-Injektionen
Authors: Pleyer Uwe
Published: September 2016

Zielsetzung: Beurteilung der inflammatorischen Reaktion auf intravitreal appliziertes Aflibercept (IVA) oder Ranibizumab (IVR) bei Patienten mit altersbedingter Makuladegeneration (AMD). Methoden: Insgesamt 60 Augen von 60 Patienten mit neovaskulärer AMD und 30 Augen von 30 nach dem Lebensalter gepaarten gesunden Personen als Kontrollgruppe wurden in diese prospektive, vergleichende Beobachtungsstudie eingeschlossen. Die AMD-Patienten wurden im Verhältnis 1:1 mit IVA oder IVR behandelt. Der Tyndall-Effekt in der Vorderkammer wurde an Tag 0, 1 und 30 mit dem Laser-Flare-Meter Kowa FM-600 gemessen (Kowa Company, Ltd., Tokio, Japan). Der mittlere Flare-Wert mit Standardabweichung wurde als Photonenzahl pro Millisekunde erfasst. Ergebnisse: An der Studie nahmen 51 (56,7%) Männer und 39 (43,3%) Frauen teil; das mittlere Lebensalter betrug 72,7 ± 7,5 Jahre. Die mittleren Flare-Werte des Kammerwassers zu Studienbeginn, an Tag 1 und an Tag 30 betrugen in der IVR-Gruppe 7,08 ± 2,44, 7,23 ± 2,56 und 6,99 ± 2,29, in der IVA-Gruppe 6,87 ± 3,18, 6,86 ± 3,19 und 6,53 ± 2,79 und in der Kontrollgruppe 6,4 ± 3,29, 6,41 ± 3,06 und 6,42 ± 3,05. Bei den Flare-Werten zu Studienbeginn bestanden keine statistisch signifikanten Unterschiede zwischen den drei Gruppen (p = 0,666). Bei der Untersuchung an Tag 1 zeigte sich eine leichte, jedoch nicht signifikante Zunahme des Flare in der Ranibizumab-Gruppe. Ein signifikanter Unterschied bei den Flare-Werten bestand weder innerhalb der mit Ranibizumab oder der mit Aflibercept behandelten Gruppe (p = 0,768 bzw. p = 0,387) noch zwischen den Gruppen (p = 0,635). Weder vor noch nach den intravitrealen Injektionen mit Ranibizumab bzw. Aflibercept waren signifikante klinische entzündliche Reaktionen festzustellen. Schlussfolgerung: Die mit Aflibercept oder Ranibizumab behandelten Augen mit neovaskulärer AMD zeigten kurzfristig keine signifikante intraokulare Inflammation. Aflibercept besitzt zwar im Vergleich zu Ranibizumab ausgeprägtere immunogene Merkmale, z.B. einen zusätzlichen Fc-Anteil, und ist ein größeres Molekül, verhindert aber wahrscheinlich durch seine stärkere antiinflammatorische Wirkung die Induktion entzündlicher Reaktionen. Übersetzung aus Ophthalmic Res 2016;56:35-40 (DOI:10.1159/000444497) © 2016 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg
Impact of Alzheimer's Disease, Lewy Body and Vascular Co-Pathologies on Clinical Transition to Dementia in a National Autopsy Cohort
Authors: Pillai Jagan A. , Butler Robert S. , Bonner-Jackson Aaron , Leverenz James B.
Published: September 2016

Aims: We examined the effect of vascular or Lewy body co-pathologies in subjects with autopsy-confirmed Alzheimer's disease (AD) on the rate of cognitive and functional decline and transition to dementia. Methods: In an autopsy sample of prospectively characterized subjects from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center database, neuropathology diagnosis was used to define the groups of pure AD (pAD, n = 84), mixed vascular and AD (ADV, n = 54), and mixed Lewy body disease and AD (ADLBD, n = 31). Subjects had an initial Clinical Dementia Rating-Global (CDR-G) score <1, Mini-Mental State Examination ≥15, a final visit CDR-G >1, ≥3 evaluations, and Braak tangle stage ≥III. We compared the rate of cognitive and functional decline between the groups. Results: The rate of functional and cognitive decline was lower for ADV, and ADV patients had less severe deficits on CDR-G and the CDR-Sum of Boxes scores at the last visit than pAD and ADLBD patients. No significant differences were noted between ADLBD and pAD patients. After controlling for age at death, the odds of reaching CDR ≥1 at the last visit were lower in the ADV subjects compared to the pAD subjects. Conclusions: The mean rate of functional and cognitive decline among ADV subjects was slower than among either pAD or ADLBD patients. Vascular pathology did not increase the odds of attaining CDR ≥1 when occurring with AD in this national cohort.
Calciphylaxis and Martorell Hypertensive Ischemic Leg Ulcer: Same Pattern - One Pathophysiology
Authors: Hafner Jürg
Published: September 2016

This review presents a closer look at four diseases which are probably closely related to one another pathophysiologically: (a) calciphylaxis (distal pattern); (b) calciphylaxis (proximal pattern); (c) Martorell hypertensive ischemic leg ulcer; (d) calciphylaxis with normal renal and parathyroid function (synonym: eutrophication). The four diseases have largely the same risk factors: (1) arterial hypertension, (2) diabetes mellitus (types 1 and 2), (3) secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism (in end-stage kidney disease) and (4) oral anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists. They share the same clinical patterns: necrotizing livedo, skin infarctions at typical locations and acral gangrene in calciphylaxis. They also share the same histopathology: ischemic subcutaneous arteriolosclerosis and small-artery disease and ‘miniaturizing' Mönckeberg medial calcinosis. The treatment concept for the acute phase of the diseases is also broadly similar. In addition to an optimized control of the cardiovascular risk factors, a proactive wound approach (necrosectomy, negative pressure wound treatment with vacuum dressings, and early skin grafts supported by systemic antibiotic therapy) leads most rapidly and effectively to a reduction of the initially severe wound pain, and finally to complete healing of the wound. Oral anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists should be stopped. In extensive cases, the use of intravenous sodium thiosulfate is recommended. All four diagnoses are little known in the medical schools of most countries. The need to improve familiarity with these four closely related disorders is therefore great. In particular, the risk of confusion with pyoderma gangrenosum is a major diagnostic problem which can lead to false and even damaging treatment.
Serum Procalcitonin: An Independent Predictor of Clinical Outcome in Health Care-Associated Pneumonia
Authors: Hong Dae Young , Park Sang O , Kim Jong Won , Lee Kyeong Ryong , Baek Kwang Je , Na Ji Ung , Choi Pil Cho , Lee Young Hwan
Published: September 2016

Background: Early prediction of the clinical outcomes for health care-associated pneumonia (HCAP) patients is challenging. Objectives: This is the first study to evaluate procalcitonin (PCT) as a predictor of outcomes in HCAP patients. Methods: We conducted an observational study based on data for HCAP patients prospectively collected between 2011 and 2014. Outcome variables were intensive care unit (ICU) admission and 30-day mortality. PCT was categorized into three groups: <0.5, 0.5-2.0, and >2.0 ng/ml. We analysed multiple variables including age, sex, comorbidities, clinical findings, and PCT group to assess their association with outcomes. Results: Of 245 HCAP patients, 99 (40.4%) were admitted to an ICU and 44 (18.0%) died within 30 days. The median PCT level was significantly higher in the ICU admission (1.19 vs. 0.4 ng/ml; p < 0.001) and 30-day mortality (3.3 vs. 0.4 ng/ml; p < 0.001) groups. In multivariate analysis, high PCT (>2.0 ng/ml) was strongly associated with ICU admission [odds ratio 3.734, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.753-7.951; p = 0.001] and 30-day mortality (hazard ratio 2.254, 95% CI 1.250-5.340; p = 0.035). In receiver operating characteristic analysis, PCT had a poor discrimination power regarding ICU admission [0.695 of the area under the curve (AUC)] and a fair discrimination power regarding 30-day mortality in HCAP patients (0.768 of the AUC). Conclusions: High PCT on admission was strongly associated with ICU admission and 30-day mortality in HCAP patients. However, application of PCT alone seems to be limited to predicting outcomes.
Surgery for Intermediate and Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Consensus Report from the 5th Asia-Pacific Primary Liver Cancer Expert Meeting (APPLE 2014)
Authors: Ho Ming-Chih , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Chen Xiao-Ping , Nagano Hiroaki , Lee Young-Joo , Chau Gar-Yang , Zhou Jian , Wang Chih-Chi , Choi Young Rok , Poon Ronnie Tung-Ping , Kokudo Norihiro
Published: September 2016

Background: The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging and treatment strategy does not recommended surgery for treating BCLC stage B and C hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, numerous Asia-Pacific institutes still perform surgery for this patient group. This consensus report from the 5th Asia-Pacific Primary Liver Cancer Expert Meeting aimed to share opinions and experiences pertaining to liver resection for intermediate and advanced HCCs and to provide evidence to issue recommendations for surgery in this patient group. Summary: Thirteen experts from five Asia-Pacific regions were invited to the meeting; 10 of them (Japan: 2, Taiwan: 3, South Korea: 2, Hong Kong: 1, and China: 2) voted for the final consensus. The discussion focused on evaluating the preoperative liver functional reserve and surgery for large tumors, multiple tumors, HCCs with vascular invasion, and HCCs with distant metastasis. The feasibility of future prospective randomized trials comparing surgery with transarterial chemoembolization for intermediate HCC and with sorafenib for advanced HCC was also discussed. The Child-Pugh score (9/10 experts) and indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min (8/10) were the most widely accepted methods for evaluating the preoperative liver functional reserve. All (10/10) experts agreed that portal hypertension, tumor size >5 cm, portal venous invasion, hepatic venous invasion, and extrahepatic metastasis are not absolute contraindications for the surgical resection of HCC. Furthermore, 9 of the 10 experts agreed that tumor resection may be performed for patients with >3 tumors. The limitations of surgery are associated with a poor liver functional reserve, incomplete tumor resection, and a high probability of recurrence. Key Messages: Surgery provides significant survival benefits for Asian-Pacific patients with intermediate and advanced HCCs, particularly when the liver functional reserve is favorable. However, prospective randomized controlled trials are difficult to conduct because of technical and ethical considerations.
Novel Pretreatment Scoring Incorporating C-reactive Protein to Predict Overall Survival in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Sorafenib Treatment
Authors: Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Kurosaki Masayuki , Tsuchiya Kaoru , Yasui Yutaka , Higuchi Mayu , Yoshida Tsubasa , Komiyama Yasuyuki , Takaura Kenta , Hayashi Tsuguru , Kuwabara Konomi , Nakakuki Natsuko , Takada Hitomi , Ueda Masako , Tamaki Nobuharu , Suzuki Shoko , Itakura Jun , Takahashi Yuka , Izumi Namiki
Published: September 2016

Objectives: This study aimed to build a prediction score of prognosis for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after sorafenib treatment. Methods: A total of 165 patients with advanced HCC who were treated with sorafenib were analyzed. Readily available baseline factors were used to establish a scoring system for the prediction of survival. Results: The median survival time (MST) was 14.2 months. The independent prognostic factors were C-reactive protein (CRP) <1.0 mg/dL [hazard ratio (HR) =0.51], albumin >3.5 g/dL (HR =0.55), alpha-fetoprotein <200 ng/mL (HR =0.45), and a lack of major vascular invasion (HR =0.39). Each of these factors had a score of 1, and after classifying the patients into five groups, the total scores ranged from 0 to 4. Higher scores were linked to significantly longer survival (p<0.0001). Twenty-nine patients (17.6%) with a score of 4 had a MST as long as 36.5 months, whereas MST was as short as 2.4 and 3.7 months for seven (4.2%) and 22 (13.3%) patients with scores of 0 and 1, respectively. Conclusions: A novel prognostic scoring system, which includes the CRP level, has the ability to stratify the prognosis of patients with advanced stage HCC after treatment with sorafenib.
Feasibility of Extracted-Overlay Fusion Imaging for Intraoperative Treatment Evaluation of Radiofrequency Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Makino Yuki , Imai Yasuharu , Igura Takumi , Kogita Sachiyo , Sawai Yoshiyuki , Fukuda Kazuto , Iwamoto Takayuki , Okabe Junya , Takamura Manabu , Fujita Norihiko , Hori Masatoshi , Takehara Tetsuo , Kudo Masatoshi , Murakami Takamichi
Published: September 2016

Background and Aims: Extracted-overlay fusion imaging is a novel computed tomography/magnetic resonance-ultrasonography (CT/MR-US) imaging technique in which a target tumor with a virtual ablative margin is extracted from CT/MR volume data and synchronously overlaid on US images. We investigated the applicability of the technique to intraoperative evaluation of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 85 HCCs treated with RFA using extracted-overlay fusion imaging for guidance and evaluation. To perform RFA, an electrode was inserted targeting the tumor and a virtual 5-mm ablative margin overlaid on the US image. Following ablation, contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) was performed to assess the ablative margin, and the minimal ablative margins were categorized into three groups: (I) margin <0 mm (protrusion), (II) margin 0 to <5 mm, and (III) margin ≥5 mm. Margin assessment was based on the positional relationship between the overlaid tumor plus margin and the perfusion defect of the ablation zone. Tumors in group I underwent repeat ablation until they were in groups II or III. The final classifications were compared with those obtained by retrospectively created fusion images of pre- and post-RFA CT or MR imaging (CT-CT/MR-MR fusion imaging). Results: Treatment evaluation was impossible using CEUS in six HCCs because the tumors were located far below the body surface. Of the remaining 79 HCCs, the categorizations of minimal ablative margins between CEUS extracted-overlay fusion imaging and CT-CT/MR-MR fusion imaging were in agreement for 72 tumors (91.1%) (Cohen's quadratic-weighted kappa coefficient 0.66, good agreement, p<0.01). Conclusions: Extracted-overlay fusion imaging combined with CEUS is feasible for the evaluation of RFA and enables intraoperative treatment evaluation without the need to perform contrast-enhanced CT.
Is Surgical Resection Justified for Advanced Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma?
Authors: Yoh Tomoaki , Hatano Etsuro , Yamanaka Kenya , Nishio Takahiro , Seo Satoru , Taura Kojiro , Yasuchika Kentaro , Okajima Hideaki , Kaido Toshimi , Uemoto Shinji
Published: September 2016

Backgrounds: Prognosis for patients with advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) with intrahepatic metastasis (IM), vascular invasion (VI), or regional lymph node metastasis (LM) remains poor. The aim of this study was to clarify the indications for surgical resection for advanced ICC. Methods: We retrospectively divided 213 ICC patients treated at Kyoto University Hospital between 1993 and 2013 into a resection (n=164) group and a non-resection (n=49) group. Overall survival was assessed after stratification for the presence of IM, VI, or LM. Results: Overall median survival times (MSTs) for the resection and non-resection groups were 26.0 and 7.1 months, respectively (p<0.001). After stratification, MSTs in the resection and non-resection groups, respectively, were 18.7 vs. 7.0 months for patients with IM (p<0.001), 23.4 vs. 5.7 months for those with VI (p<0.001), and 12.8 vs. 5.5 months for those with LM (p<0.001). Conclusion: When macroscopic curative resection is possible, surgical resection can be justified for some advanced ICC patients with IM, VI, or LM.
Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT) as Conversion Therapy for Unresectable Primary Liver Malignancies
Authors: Cucchetti Alessandro , Cappelli Alberta , Ercolani Giorgio , Mosconi Cristina , Cescon Matteo , Golfieri Rita , Pinna Antonio Daniele
Published: September 2016

Background: Many patients with primary liver cancers are not candidates for surgery, and systemic therapies are seldom effective. Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) has been shown to obtain partial and even complete response in unresectable primary tumors. As a “side effect”, SIRT can induce contra-lateral liver hypertrophy. Tumor response to SIRT can be sufficient to allow disengagement from normal vital structures whose involvement is the cause of the initial unresectability. The contra-lateral hypertrophy can thereby increase the future liver remnant (FLR) volume to over the safe threshold so that extended hepatectomy can be performed. Summary: A review of the available literature was performed to assess the tumor response and liver hypertrophy that can be expected after SIRT, in order to delineate whether SIRTcan play a role in conversion therapy for resectability of primary liver malignancies. Key Message: Available data suggest that SIRT in unresectable hepatocellular and cholangiocellular carcinomas can provide a considerable down-sizing of the tumors to possibly allow resection. Hypertrophy of the contra-lateral lobe represents a favorable collateral effect that can help in achieving safer subsequent major hepatectomy. In patients whose FLR volume represents the only surgical concern, portal vein embolization remains the treatment of choice.
Presence of Late Gadolinium Enhancement by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Among Patients With Suspected Cardiac Sarcoidosis Is Associated With Adverse Cardiovascular Prognosis
Authors: Hulten Edward , Agarwal Vikram , Cahill Michael , Cole Geoff , Vita Tomas , Parrish Scott , Bittencourt Marcio Sommer , Murthy Venkatesh L. , Kwong Raymond , Di Carli Marcelo F. , Blankstein Ron
Published: September 2016

Background—

Individuals with cardiac sarcoidosis have an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia and death. Several small cohort studies have evaluated the ability of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to predict adverse cardiovascular events. However, studies have yielded inconsistent results, and some analyses were underpowered. Therefore, we sought to systematically review and perform meta-analysis of the prognostic value of cardiac MRI for patients with known or suspected cardiac sarcoidosis.

Methods and Results—

We systematically searched for cohort studies of patients with known sarcoidosis with suspected cardiac involvement who underwent cardiac MRI with LGE with at least 12 months of either prospective or retrospective follow-up data regarding post-MRI adverse cardiovascular outcomes. We identified 7 studies of 694 subjects (mean age 53; 42% men).One hundred and ninety-nine patients (29%) were LGE positive. All-cause mortality occurred in 19 LGE-positive versus 17 LGE-negative subjects (annualized incidence, 3.1% versus 0.6%). The pooled relative risk was 3.38 (95% confidence interval, 1.07-10.7;
P
=0.04). Cardiovascular mortality occurred in 10 LGE-positive versus 2 LGE-negative subjects (annualized incidence, 1.9% versus 0.3%; relative risk 10.7 [95% confidence interval, 1.34–86.3];
P
=0.03). Ventricular arrhythmia occurred in 41 LGE-positive versus 0 LGE-negative subjects (annualized incidence, 5.9% versus 0%; relative risk 19.5 [95% confidence interval, 2.68–143];
P
=0.003). A combined end point of death or ventricular arrhythmia occurred in 64 LGE-positive versus 18 LGE-negative subjects (annualized incidence, 8.8% versus 0.6%; relative risk 6.20 [95% confidence interval, 2.47–15.6];
P
<0.001). There was no significant heterogeneity for any outcomes.

Conclusions—

LGE is associated with future cardiovascular death and ventricular arrhythmia among patients referred to MRI for known or suspected cardiac sarcoidosis.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea With Objective Daytime Sleepiness Is Associated With Hypertension
Authors: Ren Rong , Li Yun , Zhang Jihui , Zhou Junying , Sun Yuanfeng , Tan Lu , Li Taomei , Wing Yun-Kwok , Tang Xiangdong
Published: September 2016

Subjective daytime sleepiness is considered a significant risk factor of hypertension in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In this study, our goal was to examine the joint effect on hypertension of OSA and objective daytime sleepiness measured by the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT). A total of 1338 Chinese patients with OSA and 484 primary snorers were included in the study. All subjects underwent 1 night polysomnography followed by MSLT. The MSLT values were classified into 3 categories: >8 minutes, 5 to 8 minutes, and <5 minutes. Hypertension was defined based either on direct blood pressure measures or on diagnosis by a physician. After controlling for confounders, OSA combined with MSLT of 5 to 8 minutes increased the odds of hypertension by 95% (odds ratio, 1.95; 95% confidence interval, 1.10–3.46), whereas OSA combined with MSLT <5 minutes further increased the odds of hypertension by 111% (odds ratio, 2.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.22–3.31) compared with primary snorers with MSLT >8 minutes. In stratified analyses, the association of hypertension with MSLT in OSA patients was seen among both sexes, younger ages, both obese and nonobese patients, and patients with and without subjective excessive daytime sleepiness. We conclude that objective daytime sleepiness is associated with hypertension in patients with OSA.
Long-Term Mortality in Hypertensive Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Elgendy Islam Y. , Bavry Anthony A. , Gong Yan , Handberg Eileen M. , Cooper-DeHoff Rhonda M. , Pepine Carl J.
Published: September 2016

The dyad of hypertension and coronary artery disease is prevalent; however, data on systolic blood pressure (SBP) control and long-term all-cause mortality are lacking. Using extended follow-up data from the US cohort of the International Verapamil (SR)/Trandolapril Study (mean 11.6 years), subjects were categorized by age at enrollment (50 to <60 and ≥60 years). Cox proportional adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were constructed for time to all-cause mortality according to achieved mean SBP. In those 50 to <60 years and using a referent SBP of <130 mm Hg, an achieved SBP of 130 to 140 mm Hg was associated with a similar risk of mortality (HR, 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.87–1.23), whereas an achieved SBP of ≥140 mm Hg was associated with an increased risk of mortality (HR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.53–2.11). Among subjects aged ≥60 years and using a referent SBP of <130 mm Hg, an achieved SBP 130 to 140 mm Hg was associated with a lower mortality risk (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.85–0.98). There was an increased risk of mortality with an achieved SBP ≥150 mm Hg (HR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.23–1.45), but not with an achieved SBP 140 to 150 mm Hg (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.94–1.11). In hypertensive patients with coronary artery disease, achieving a SBP of 130 to 140 mm Hg seems to be associated with lower all-cause mortality after ≈11.6 years of follow-up.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00133692.
The CHIPS Randomized Controlled Trial (Control of Hypertension in Pregnancy Study)
Authors: Magee Laura A. , von Dadelszen Peter , Singer Joel , Lee Terry , Rey Evelyne , Ross Susan , Asztalos Elizabeth , Murphy Kellie E. , Menzies Jennifer , Sanchez Johanna , Gafni Amiram , Helewa Michael , Hutton Eileen , Koren Gideon , Lee Shoo K. , Logan Alexander G. , Ganzevoort Wessel , Welch Ross , Thornton Jim G. , Moutquin Jean-Marie
Published: September 2016

To determine whether clinical outcomes differed by occurrence of severe hypertension in the international CHIPS trial (Control of Hypertension in Pregnancy Study), adjusting for the interventions of “less tight” (target diastolic blood pressure [dBP] 100 mm Hg) versus “tight” control (target dBP 85 mm Hg). In this post-hoc analysis of CHIPS data from 987 women with nonsevere nonproteinuric preexisting or gestational hypertension, mixed effects logistic regression was used to compare the following outcomes according to occurrence of severe hypertension, adjusting for allocated group and the influence of baseline factors: CHIPS primary (perinatal loss or high-level neonatal care for >48 hours) and secondary outcomes (serious maternal complications), birth weight <10th percentile, preeclampsia, delivery at <34 or <37 weeks, platelets <100×10
9
/L, elevated liver enzymes with symptoms, maternal length of stay ≥10 days, and maternal readmission before 6 weeks postpartum. Three hundred and thirty-four (34.1%) women in CHIPS developed severe hypertension that was associated with all outcomes examined except for maternal readmission (
P
=0.20): CHIPS primary outcome, birth weight <10th percentile, preeclampsia, preterm delivery, elevated liver enzymes (all
P
<0.001), platelets <100×10
9
/L (
P
=0.006), and prolonged hospital stay (
P
=0.03). The association between severe hypertension and serious maternal complications was seen only in less tight control (
P
=0.02). Adjustment for preeclampsia (464, 47.3%) did not negate the relationship between severe hypertension and the CHIPS primary outcome (
P
<0.001), birth weight <10th percentile (
P
=0.005), delivery at <37 (
P
<0.001) or <34 weeks (
P
<0.001), or elevated liver enzymes with symptoms (
P
=0.02). Severe hypertension is a risk marker for adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes, independent of BP control or preeclampsia co-occurrence.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://pre-empt.cfri.ca/
. Unique identifier: ISRCTN 71416914. URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/
. Unique identifier: NCT01192412.
Individual differences in aggressive and peaceful behavior: new insights and future directions
Authors: Webb Christine E. , Verbeek Peter
Published: September 2016

Consistent individual differences in animal behaviour are an increasingly common focus of research across various behavioural and biological sciences. Such ‘animal personalities’ comprise a diverse repertoire of behavioural tendencies, recently expanding to incorporate the social domain. Aggression and peace, hallmarks of many social systems including that of humans, warrant integration with this literature. Specifically, animal personality research should consider the potential role of stable conflict and post-conflict behavioural tendencies. We focus our discussion primarily on examples in nonhuman primates and humans, but suggest that individual variation patterns are relevant for any social species in which these phenomena exist. In highly gregarious species, an individual’s conflict and post-conflict tendencies can affect the strength and stability of its social bonds. Because social relationships in turn impact survival and reproductive success, we also encourage future work to investigate the ultimate (i.e., fitness-relevant) consequences of individual variation in aggressive and peaceful behaviour.
Wesleyan Holiness and Finished Work Pentecostal Interpretations of Gog and Magog Biblical Texts
Authors: Jackson Alicia R.
Published: September 2016

This article surveys both Wesleyan Holiness and Finished Work Pentecostal interpretations of the Gog and Magog biblical texts (Ezekiel 38–39 and Rev. 20.7–10), examines the theology of these interpretations (observing the influence of dispensational eschatology), and evaluates how such theology affects Pentecostal mission, ethics, and politics. As dispensationalism dominated Pentecostal eschatology, readings of these texts reflected eager anticipation of the coming annihilation of God’s enemies in the Gog and Magog war or wars. Celebration of violence against those nations considered ‘doomed to divine destruction’ altered missional, ethical, and political perspectives toward these nations and peoples, contradicting the following values of early Pentecostals: (1) embrace of pacifism, (2) expectation for Christ’s imminent return, and (3) evangelistic zeal for all nations. This article demonstrates the dangers of dispensational eschatology and calls for the articulation of hopeful eschatologies that align more copacetically with Pentecostal values.
Seal of the Spirit: The Sacrament of Confirmation and Pentecostal Spirit Baptism
Authors: Mayfield Alex R.
Published: September 2016

This paper offers a comparison of the Roman Catholic practice of confirmation and the classical Pentecostal understanding of Spirit baptism. It begins by examining the biblical texts which provide the basis of each ritual, and then moves on to develop each practice historically in reference to their ecclesial and personal significances. Despite obvious differences, a comparison of the practices illustrates that they serve both to empower believers for future service and to enter into a fuller ecclesial communion. The paper concludes with a reflection on the theological significance these practices, namely that they are ritual expressions of the transjective experience of the Spirit.
BARK ANATOMY OF LATE PERMIAN GLOSSOPTERID TREES FROM ANTARCTICA
Authors: Decombeix Anne-Laure , Taylor Edith L. , Taylor Thomas N.
Published: September 2016

The Glossopteridales are an extinct group of seed plants that dominated Gondwanan floras during the Permian. Their remains are found across a wide range of habitats and paleolatitudes, and it is particularly interesting to understand the anatomical characteristics that might have enabled such an extensive distribution. Here, we document for the first time the bark anatomy of high-latitude glossopteridalean trees using peels and thin sections made from a Late Permian trunk from Skaar Ridge, Antarctica. The bark is 3 cm thick. The secondary phloem is composed of sieve cells, axial and ray parenchyma, and fibers arranged in discontinuous unicellular tangential layers. The outer bark is a rhytidome, with numerous alternating layers of periderm and non-conducting secondary phloem showing some proliferation of the axial parenchyma. Successive periderms mostly run parallel to the cambium, with some longitudinal undulation and rare connections between two periderms. A similar anatomy was observed in bark fragments found isolated in the matrix or closely associated with large glossopterid stems or roots. The anatomy of the Skaar Ridge specimens shows that Antarctic Glossopteridales had a relatively thick, probably stringy bark. The retention of a significant amount of insulating dead bark tissue on the trunk likely provided protection of the cambium, conducting secondary phloem, and potential latent buds against biotic and abiotic environmental hazards (fire, frost, scalding, insects, etc.) and may have contributed to the extensive paleolatitudinal distribution of the Glossopteridales during the Permian.
USING IDIOBLASTS TO GROUP LAURINOXYLON SPECIES: CASE STUDY FROM THE OLIGO-MIOCENE OF EUROPE
Authors: Mantzouka Dimitra , Karakitsios Vasileios , Sakala Jakub , Wheeler Elisabeth A.
Published: September 2016

Several specimens of Lauraceae fossil wood from the Cenozoic of Greece (southern part of Lesbos), the Czech Republic (Kadaň-Zadní Vrch Hill and Jáchymov), and Hungary (Ipolytarnóc) were studied. When considering whether they belonged to the speciose fossil wood genus Laurinoxylon, we reviewed the literature and data from InsideWood on fossil and modern woods. As a result, we propose criteria for excluding a fossil Lauraceae wood from Laurinoxylon and list the species that should be excluded from this genus. The criteria (filters) proposed to exclude a genus from having relationships with Laurinoxylon are: A. Axial parenchyma features: A1. Marginal axial parenchyma, A2. Aliform to aliform-confluent paratracheal parenchyma. B. Ray features: B1. Rays higher than 1 mm, B2. Exclusively homocellular rays, B3. Rays more than 5 cells wide, B4. Rays storied. C. Porosity features: Ring-porous. D. Idioblasts: Absence of idioblasts. Based on the distribution of idioblasts, we recognize four groups in Laurinoxylon (Type 1 - with idioblasts associated only with ray parenchyma cells, Type 2a - with idioblasts associated with both ray and axial parenchyma, Type 2b - with idioblasts associated both with rays and present among the fibres, and Type 3 - with idioblasts associated with ray and axial parenchyma and also among the fibres) and list the extant genera with features of those groups. Such grouping helps with interpreting the relationships of fossil lauraceous woods with extant genera. We discuss the Oligocene–Miocene European species that belong to these Laurinoxylon groups, noting that some warrant reassignment to different genera or even families. Future studies are needed to determine whether new genera should be established to accommodate these species. We propose the new combination Cinnamomoxylon variabile (Privé-Gill & Pelletier) Mantzouka, Karakitsios, Sakala & Wheeler.
CHARCOAL COLLECTIONS OF THE WORLD
Authors: Scheel-Ybert Rita
Published: September 2016

Charcoal reference collections are very important for identifying unknown charcoal specimens in different contexts (palaeoecological, archaeological, environmental and others) and form an integral part of anthracological studies, which can provide crucial information for researchers of different expertise, as wood anatomy, archaeology, palaeobotany, forestry, forensics, etc. A first inventory on charcoal collections maintained by scientific institutions or private individuals around the world revealed 53 charcoal collections in five continents. There is a high concentration of collections and specimens in Europe, reflecting a better established and longer tradition of charcoal identification in temperate and mediterranean regions. However, research seems to be firmly advancing in other parts of the world, especially in the tropics, where important collections are being established. The great increase observed in the number of existing charcoal collections and their geographical spread in the last years attest to their importance, as well as to the vigour of anthracology in its various approaches. The wood anatomical community is called upon to help fill gaps in this first inventory of charcoal collections.
Collaborative Efforts between the United States and United Kingdom to Advance Prediction of High-Impact Weather
Authors: Willington Steve , Clark Adam J. , Weiss Steven J. , Weeks Mark , Jirak Israel L. , Coniglio Michael C. , Roberts Nigel M. , Karstens Christopher D. , Wilkinson Jonathan M. , Knopfmeier Kent H. , Lean Humphrey W. , Ellam Laura , Hanley Kirsty , North Rachel , Suri Dan
Published: September 2016

In recent years, a growing partnership has emerged between the Met Office and the designated U.S. national centers for expertise in severe weather research and forecasting, that is, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) and the NOAA Storm Prediction Center (SPC). The driving force behind this partnership is a compelling set of mutual interests related to predicting and understanding high-impact weather and using high-resolution numerical weather prediction models as foundational tools to explore these interests.

The forum for this collaborative activity is the NOAA Hazardous Weather Testbed, where annual Spring Forecasting Experiments (SFEs) are conducted by NSSL and SPC. For the last decade, NSSL and SPC have used these experiments to find ways that high-resolution models can help achieve greater success in the prediction of tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds. Beginning in 2012, the Met Office became a contributing partner in annual SFEs, bringing complementary expertise in the use of convection-allowing models, derived in their case from a parallel decadelong effort to use these models to advance prediction of flash floods associated with heavy thunderstorms.

The collaboration between NSSL, SPC, and the Met Office has been enthusiastic and productive, driven by strong mutual interests at a grassroots level and generous institutional support from the parent government agencies. In this article, a historical background is provided, motivations for collaborative activities are emphasized, and preliminary results are highlighted.
Modeling the Mechanisms of Linear and Nonlinear ENSO Responses to the Pacific Meridional Mode
Authors: Thomas Erin E. , Vimont Daniel J.
Published: September 2016

Interactions between the Pacific meridional mode (PMM) and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are investigated using the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Community Earth System Model (CESM) and an intermediate coupled model (ICM). The two models are configured so that the CESM simulates the PMM but not ENSO, and the ICM simulates ENSO but not the PMM, allowing for a clean separation between the PMM evolution and the subsequent ENSO response. An ensemble of CESM simulations is run with an imposed surface heat flux associated with the North Pacific Oscillation (NPO) generating a sea surface temperature (SST) and wind response representative of the PMM. The PMM wind is then applied as a forcing to the ICM to simulate the ENSO response. The positive (negative) ensemble-mean PMM wind forcing results in a warm (cold) ENSO event although the responses are not symmetric (warm ENSO events are larger in amplitude than cold ENSO events), and large variability between ensemble members suggests that any individual ENSO event is strongly influenced by natural variability contained within the CESM simulations. Sensitivity experiments show that 1) direct forcing of Kelvin waves by PMM winds dominates the ENSO response, 2) seasonality of PMM forcing and ENSO growth rates influences the resulting ENSO amplitude, 3) ocean dynamics within the ICM dominate the ENSO asymmetry, and 4) the nonlinear relationship between PMM wind anomalies and surface wind stress may enhance the La Niña response to negative PMM variations. Implications for ENSO variability are discussed.
On the Controls of Daytime Precipitation in the Amazonian Dry Season
Authors: Ghate Virendra P. , Kollias Pavlos
Published: September 2016

The Amazon plays an important role in the global energy and hydrological budgets. The precipitation during the dry season (June–September) plays a critical role in maintaining the extent of the rain forest. The deployment of the first Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Mobile Facility (AMF-1) in the context of the Green Ocean Amazon (GOAmazon) field campaign at Manacapuru, Brazil, provided comprehensive measurements of surface, cloud, precipitation, radiation, and thermodynamic properties for two complete dry seasons (2014 and 2015). The precipitation events occurring during the nighttime were associated with propagating storm systems (nonlocal effects), while the daytime precipitation events were primarily a result of local land–atmosphere interactions. During the two dry seasons, precipitation was recorded at the surface on 106 days (43%) from 158 rain events with 82 daytime precipitation events occurring on 64 days (60.37%). Detailed comparisons between the diurnal cycles of surface and profile properties between days with and without daytime precipitation suggested the increased moisture at low and midlevels to be responsible for lowering the lifting condensation level, reducing convective inhibition and entrainment, and thus triggering the transition from shallow to deep convection. Although the monthly accumulated rainfall decreased during the progression of the dry season, the contribution of daytime precipitation to it increased, suggesting the decrease to be mainly due to reduction in propagating squall lines. The control of daytime precipitation during the dry season on large-scale moisture advection above the boundary layer and the total rainfall on propagating squall lines suggests that coarse-resolution models should be able to accurately simulate the dry season precipitation over the Amazon basin.
Investigation of Near-Storm Environments for Tornado Events and Warnings
Authors: Anderson-Frey Alexandra K. , Richardson Yvette P. , Dean Andrew R. , Thompson Richard L. , Smith Bryan T.
Published: September 2016

In this study, a 13-yr climatology of tornado event and warning environments, including metrics of tornado intensity and storm morphology, is investigated with particular focus on the environments of tornadoes associated with quasi-linear convective systems and right-moving supercells. The regions of the environmental parameter space having poor warning performance in various geographical locations, as well as during different times of the day and year, are highlighted. Kernel density estimations of the tornado report and warning environments are produced for two parameter spaces: mixed-layer convective available potential energy (MLCAPE) versus 0–6-km vector shear magnitude (SHR6), and mixed-layer lifting condensation level (MLLCL) versus 0–1-km storm-relative helicity (SRH1). The warning performance is best in environments characteristic of severe convection (i.e., environments featuring large values of MLCAPE and SHR6). For tornadoes occurring during the early evening transition period, MLCAPE is maximized, MLLCL heights decrease, SHR6 and SRH1 increase, tornadoes rated as 2 or greater on the enhanced Fujita scale (EF2+) are most common, the probability of detection is relatively high, and false alarm ratios are relatively low. Overall, the parameter-space distributions of warnings and events are similar; at least in a broad sense, there is no systematic problem with forecasting that explains the high overall false alarm ratio, which instead seems to stem from the inability to know which storms in a given environment will be tornadic.
A Method of Feeding Conditions Monitoring of Journal Bearing in Tandem Cold Mill
Authors: Sun Bo , Cao Heng , Yao Haiqing , Wang Yu , Zhu Jun
Published: September 2016

This paper presents a real-time hydrodynamic lubricant feeding conditions monitoring system for journal bearing in tandem cold mill to avoid online burning accident. A new kind of sensor connector has been developed to perform as a measuring section applied with nondestructive testing technology. The hydrodynamic lubricant feeding conditions in the tandem cold mill have been characterized. The monitoring results show that the hydrodynamic lubricant feeding conditions have been proved to be good indicators for the safety production. This real-time hydrodynamic lubricant feeding conditions monitoring system can be used as a long-term monitoring platform and provide an early warning for the tandem cold mill’s abnormal performance.
Suicidal asphyxiation by carbon monoxide within a polythene bag
Authors: Swain Rajanikanta , Behera C , Kishore Shyam , Krishna Karthik , Gupta S K
Published: September 2016

Suicide by inhalation of carbon monoxide is not uncommon and usually involves car exhausts or burning charcoal or defective boilers. We report a case of a 25-year-old man, who committed suicide by inhaling carbon monoxide gas inside a polythene bag in a bathroom. The open carbon monoxide cylinder found inside the polythene bag was purchased online by the deceased a few days earlier. He had stated that the gas would be used for his experiment on the environment. A suicide note recovered from his trouser pocket revealed his intention for a painless death.
Smart detection on abnormal breasts in digital mammography based on contrast-limited adaptive histogram equalization and chaotic adaptive real-coded biogeography-based optimization
Authors: Zhang Yudong , Wu Xueyan , Lu Siyuan , Wang Hainan , Phillips Preetha , Wang Shuihua
Published: September 2016

In this study, we proposed a smart detection method for abnormal breasts in digital mammography. Firstly, preprocessing was carried out to deaden noises, enhance images, and remove background and pectoral muscles. Secondly, fractional Fourier entropy was employed to extract global features. Thirdly, the Welch’s t-test was utilized to select important features. Fourthly, the multi-layer perceptron was used as the classifier. Finally, we proposed a novel chaotic adaptive real-coded biogeography-based optimization to train the classifier. We implemented 10-fold cross-validation for statistical analysis. The experimental results showed our method selected in total 23 distinguishing features, and yielded a sensitivity of 92.54%, a specificity of 92.50%, a precision of 92.50%, and an accuracy of 92.52%. This proposed system performs better than five state-of-the-art methods. It is effective in abnormal breast detection.