bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resolvins attenuate inflammation and promote resolution in cigarette smoke-exposed human macrophages
Authors: Croasdell Amanda , Thatcher Thomas H. , Kottmann R. Matthew , Colas Romain A. , Dalli Jesmond , Serhan Charles N. , Sime Patricia J. , Phipps Richard P.
Published: August 2015

Inflammation is a protective response to injury, but it can become chronic, leading to tissue damage and disease. Cigarette smoke causes multiple inflammatory diseases, which account for thousands of deaths and cost billions of dollars annually. Cigarette smoke disrupts the function of immune cells, such as macrophages, by prolonging inflammatory signaling, promoting oxidative stress, and impairing phagocytosis, contributing to increased incidence of infections. Recently, new families of lipid-derived mediators, “specialized proresolving mediators” (SPMs), were identified. SPMs play a critical role in the active resolution of inflammation by counterregulating proinflammatory signaling and promoting resolution pathways. We have identified dysregulated concentrations of lipid mediators in exhaled breath condensate, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and serum from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In human alveolar macrophages from COPD and non-COPD patients, D-series resolvins decreased inflammatory cytokines and enhanced phagocytosis. To further investigate the actions of resolvins on human cells, macrophages were differentiated from human blood monocytes and treated with D-series resolvins and then exposed to cigarette smoke extract. Resolvins significantly suppressed macrophage production of proinflammatory cytokines, enzymes, and lipid mediators. Resolvins also increased anti-inflammatory cytokines, promoted an M2 macrophage phenotype, and restored cigarette smoke-induced defects in phagocytosis, highlighting the proresolving functions of these molecules. These actions were receptor-dependent and involved modulation of canonical and noncanonical NF-κB expression, with the first evidence for SPM action on alternative NF-κB signaling. These data show that resolvins act on human macrophages to attenuate cigarette smoke-induced inflammatory effects through proresolving mechanisms and provide new evidence of the therapeutic potential of SPMs.
The pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension in left heart disease
Authors: Breitling Siegfried , Ravindran Krishnan , Goldenberg Neil M. , Kuebler Wolfgang M.
Published: August 2015

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure leading to right-sided heart failure and can arise from a wide range of etiologies. The most common cause of PH, termed Group 2 PH, is left-sided heart failure and is commonly known as pulmonary hypertension with left heart disease (PH-LHD). Importantly, while sharing many clinical features with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), PH-LHD differs significantly at the cellular and physiological levels. These fundamental pathophysiological differences largely account for the poor response to PAH therapies experienced by PH-LHD patients. The relatively high prevalence of this disease, coupled with its unique features compared with PAH, signal the importance of an in-depth understanding of the mechanistic details of PH-LHD. The present review will focus on the current state of knowledge regarding the pathomechanisms of PH-LHD, highlighting work carried out both in human trials and in preclinical animal models. Adaptive processes at the alveolocapillary barrier and in the pulmonary circulation, including alterations in alveolar fluid transport, endothelial junctional integrity, and vasoactive mediator secretion will be discussed in detail, highlighting the aspects that impact the response to, and development of, novel therapeutics.
Rebamipide suppresses mite-induced asthmatic responses in NC/Nga mice
Authors: Murakami Ikuo , Zhang Ran , Kubo Masayuki , Nagaoka Kenjiro , Eguchi Eri , Ogino Keiki
Published: August 2015

Allergic asthma caused by continuous allergen exposure evokes allergen-specific Th2 responses and is characterized by chronic airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness. A previous report showed that rebamipide improved asthmatic symptoms in an ovalbumin/trypsin mice model. However, it is still unclear how rebamipide exerts its effects in asthma. In this study, rebamipide improved the asthmatic responses induced by mite exposure in NC/Nga mice, revealing the mechanism of this therapeutic effect. Rebamipide suppressed the infiltration of eosinophils into the airways and lung as well as attenuating the production of reactive oxygen species in tissues. In addition to these anti-inflammatory effects, rebamipide inhibited the production of IL-33, a member of the IL-1 family that drives the subsequent production of Th2-associated cytokines. These observations identify the point where rebamipide exerts its suppressive action on asthma and suggest that rebamipide has therapeutic potential in preventing mite-induced asthma.
Differential ASC requirements reveal a key role for neutrophils and a noncanonical IL-1β response toPseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Patankar Yash R. , Mabaera Rodwell , Berwin Brent
Published: August 2015

The NLRC4 inflammasome is responsible for IL-1β processing by macrophages in response to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. We therefore hypothesized that mice that lack ASC, an NLRC4 inflammasome adaptor protein necessary for in vitro IL-1β production by macrophages, would be preferentially protected from a hyperinflammatory lethal challenge that is dependent on bacterial type three secretion system (T3SS) activity. We report herein that lack of ASC does not confer preferential protection in response to P. aeruginosa acute infection and that ASC−/−mice are capable of producing robust amounts of IL-1β comparable with C57BL/6 mice. We now identify that neutrophils represent the ASC-independent source of IL-1β production during the acute phases of infection both in models of acute pneumonia and peritonitis. Consequently, depletion of neutrophils in ASC−/−mice leads to a marked deficit in IL-1β production in vivo. The pulmonary neutrophil IL-1β response is predominantly dependent on caspase-1, which contrasts with data derived from ocular infection. These studies therefore identify a noncanonical mechanism of IL-1β production by neutrophils independent of ASC and demonstrate the first physiological contribution of neutrophils as an important source of IL-1β in response to acute P. aeruginosa infection during acute pneumonia and peritonitis.
Khat (Catha edulisForsk.) Dependence Potential and Pattern of Use in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abdelwahab Siddig Ibrahim , Alsanosy Rashad Mohammed , Rahim Bahaa-eldin E. A. , Mohan Syam , Taha Sara , Mohamed Elhassan Manal , El-Setouhy Maged
Published: August 2015

Background.Catha edulisForsk. (Khat) is used for its psychoactive effects among people in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, although its utilization is illegal in some countries such as Saudi Arabia. This study examined the pattern of Khat use and assessed the applicability of the Drug Abuse Screening Test-10 (DAST-10) to measure Khat dependence.Methods. A pretested questionnaire was used to gather data from 603 respondents. Variables included demographic characteristics, pattern of use, reasons for Khat chewing, and DAST-10. Stepwise-logistic regression was used to explore predictors of Khat dependence.Results. The majority of the respondents were married, had a secondary school level of education, were employed, were younger than 35 years old, and were living in rural areas. Many chewers gave more than one reason for using Khat. It was mainly used to increase mental capacity, physical strength, and social entertainment, as well as enhance cheerfulness and orgasms. Statistical modeling of Khat dependence suggested that the most significant predictors were residence (OR = 1.67,P<0.02), frequency of Khat chewing (OR = 4.8,P<0.01), age of starting Khat chewing (OR = 1.15,P<0.01), and time of Khat effect (OR = 1.15,P<0.04).Conclusion. Our study provides important information on the pattern of Khat use and its potential to cause dependence.
Uncommon Cause of Trigeminal Neuralgia: Tentorial Ossification over Trigeminal Notch
Authors: Bang Sun Woo , Han Kyung Ream , Kim Seung Ho , Jeong Won Ho , Kim Eun Jin , Choi Jin Wook , Kim Chan
Published: August 2015

Ossification of the tentorium cerebelli over the trigeminal notch is rare, but it may cause compression of the trigeminal nerve, leading to trigeminal neuralgia (TN). We were unable to find any previously reported cases with radiological evaluation, although we did find one case with surgically proven ossification of the tentorium cerebelli. Here, we present a case of TN caused by tentorial ossification over the trigeminal notch depicted on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT).
ADAPT, a Novel Scaffold Protein-Based Probe for Radionuclide Imaging of Molecular Targets That Are Expressed in Disseminated Cancers
Authors: Garousi Javad , Lindbo Sarah , Nilvebrant Johan , Åstrand Mikael , Buijs Jos , Sandström Mattias , Honarvar Hadis , Orlova Anna , Tolmachev Vladimir , Hober Sophia
Published: August 2015

Small engineered scaffold proteins have attracted attention as probes for radionuclide-based molecular imaging. One class of these imaging probes, termed ABD-Derived Affinity Proteins (ADAPT), has been created using the albumin-binding domain (ABD) of streptococcal protein G as a stable protein scaffold. In this study, we report the development of a clinical lead probe termed ADAPT6 that binds HER2, an oncoprotein overexpressed in many breast cancers that serves as a theranostic biomarker for several approved targeting therapies. Surface-exposed amino acids of ABD were randomized to create a combinatorial library enabling selection of high-affinity binders to various proteins. Furthermore, ABD was engineered to enable rapid purification, to eradicate its binding to albumin, and to enable rapid blood clearance. Incorporation of a unique cysteine allowed site-specific conjugation to a maleimido derivative of a DOTA chelator, enabling radionuclide labeling, 111In for SPECT imaging and 68Ga for PET imaging. Pharmacologic studies in mice demonstrated that the fully engineered molecule 111In/68Ga-DOTA-(HE)3-ADAPT6 was specifically bound and taken up by HER2-expressing tumors, with a high tumor-to-normal tissue ratio in xenograft models of human cancer. Unbound tracer underwent rapid renal clearance followed by high renal reabsorption. HER2-expressing xenografts were visualized by gamma-camera or PET at 1 hour after infusion. PET experiments demonstrated feasibility for discrimination of xenografts with high or low HER2 expression. Our results offer a preclinical proof of concept for the use of ADAPT probes for noninvasive in vivo imaging. Cancer Res; 75(20); 4364–71. ©2015 AACR.
Identification of P450 Oxidoreductase as a Major Determinant of Sensitivity to Hypoxia-Activated Prodrugs
Authors: Hunter Francis W. , Young Richard J. , Shalev Zvi , Vellanki Ravi N. , Wang Jingli , Gu Yongchuan , Joshi Naveen , Sreebhavan Sreevalsan , Weinreb Ilan , Goldstein David P. , Moffat Jason , Ketela Troy , Brown Kevin R. , Koritzinsky Marianne , Solomon Benjamin , Rischin Danny , Wilson William R. , Wouters Bradly G.
Published: August 2015

Hypoxia is a prevalent feature of many tumors contributing to disease progression and treatment resistance, and therefore constitutes an attractive therapeutic target. Several hypoxia-activated prodrugs (HAP) have been developed, including the phase III candidate TH-302 (evofosfamide) and the preclinical agent SN30000, which is an optimized analogue of the well-studied HAP tirapazamine. Experience with this therapeutic class highlights an urgent need to identify biomarkers of HAP sensitivity, including enzymes responsible for prodrug activation during hypoxia. Using genome-scale shRNA screens and a high-representation library enriched for oxidoreductases, we identified the flavoprotein P450 (cytochrome) oxidoreductase (POR) as the predominant determinant of sensitivity to SN30000 in three different genetic backgrounds. No other genes consistently modified SN30000 sensitivity, even within a POR-negative background. Knockdown or genetic knockout of POR reduced SN30000 reductive metabolism and clonogenic cell death and similarly reduced sensitivity to TH-302 under hypoxia. A retrospective evaluation of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas showed heterogeneous POR expression and suggested a possible relationship between human papillomavirus status and HAP sensitivity. Taken together, our study identifies POR as a potential predictive biomarker of HAP sensitivity that should be explored during the clinical development of SN30000, TH-302, and other hypoxia-directed agents. Cancer Res; 75(19); 4211–23. ©2015 AACR.
Sustained Inhibition of HER3 and EGFR Is Necessary to Induce Regression of HER2-Amplified Gastrointestinal Carcinomas
Authors: Leto Simonetta M. , Sassi Francesco , Catalano Irene , Torri Valter , Migliardi Giorgia , Zanella Eugenia R. , Throsby Mark , Bertotti Andrea , Trusolino Livio
Published: August 2015

Purpose: Preclinical studies in HER2-amplified gastrointestinal cancer models have shown that cotargeting HER2 with a monoclonal antibody and a small molecule is superior to monotherapy with either inhibitor, but the underlying cooperative mechanisms remain unexplored. We investigated the molecular underpinnings of this synergy to identify key vulnerabilities susceptible to alternative therapeutic opportunities.

Experimental Design: The phosphorylation/activation of HER2, HER3, EGFR (HER receptors), and downstream transducers was evaluated in HER2-overexpressing colorectal and gastric cancer cell lines by Western blotting and/or multiplex phosphoproteomics. The in vivo outcome of antibody-mediated HER2 blockade by trastuzumab, reversible HER2 inhibition by lapatinib, and irreversible HER2 inhibition by afatinib was assessed in patient-derived tumorgrafts and cell-line xenografts by monitoring tumor growth curves and by using antibody-based proximity assays.

Results: Trastuzumab monotherapy reduced HER3 phosphorylation, with minor consequences on downstream transducers. Lapatinib alone acutely inhibited all HER receptors and effectors but led to delayed rephosphorylation of HER3 and EGFR and partial restoration of ERK and AKT activity. When combined with lapatinib, trastuzumab prevented HER3/EGFR reactivation and caused prolonged inhibition of ERK/AKT. Afatinib alone was also very effective in counteracting the reinstatement of HER3, EGFR, and downstream signaling activation. In vivo, the combination of trastuzumab and lapatinib—or, importantly, monotherapy with afatinib—resulted in overt tumor shrinkage.

Conclusions: Only prolonged inhibition of HER3 and EGFR, achievable by dual blockade with trastuzumab and lapatinib or irreversible HER2 inhibition by single-agent afatinib, led to regression of HER2-amplified gastrointestinal carcinomas. Clin Cancer Res; 21(24); 5519–31. ©2015 AACR.
Prognostic Significance of CD169+ Lymph Node Sinus Macrophages in Patients with Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Saito Yoichi , Ohnishi Koji , Miyashita Azusa , Nakahara Satoshi , Fujiwara Yukio , Horlad Hasita , Motoshima Takanobu , Fukushima Satoshi , Jinnin Masatoshi , Ihn Hironobu , Takeya Motohiro , Komohara Yoshihiro
Published: August 2015

CD169 (sialoadhesin) is a sialic acid receptor that is specifically expressed on macrophages, including lymph node sinus macrophages. Animal studies suggest that CD169+ macrophages in lymph nodes have properties in preventing cancers. In order to determine the significance of CD169+ macrophages in patients with malignant melanoma, we evaluated tissue samples from 93 patients to investigate CD169 expression in regional lymph nodes (RLN) and determine the relationship of this expression with overall survival and various clinicopathologic factors. Higher densities of CD169+ cells were significantly associated with longer overall survival (P = 0.001). A multivariate analysis showed that the density of CD169+ cells was an independent prognostic factor, with higher densities correlating with higher density of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells within tumor sites. High CD169 expression in macrophages could be stimulated by IFNα in vitro, and in RLNs, IFNα-producing macrophages and CD303+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells were identified surrounding CD169+ macrophages. These data suggest that IFNα-stimulated CD169+ macrophages in RLNs are closely involved in T-cell–mediated antitumor immunity and may be a useful marker for assessing the clinical prognosis and monitoring antitumor immunity in patients with malignant melanoma. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(12); 1356–63. ©2015 AACR.
HDAC Inhibition Upregulates PD-1 Ligands in Melanoma and Augments Immunotherapy with PD-1 Blockade
Authors: Woods David M. , Sodré Andressa L. , Villagra Alejandro , Sarnaik Amod , Sotomayor Eduardo M. , Weber Jeffrey
Published: August 2015

Expression of PD-1 ligands by tumors and interaction with PD-1–expressing T cells in the tumor microenvironment can result in tolerance. Therapies targeting this coinhibitory axis have proven clinically successful in the treatment of metastatic melanoma, non–small cell lung cancer, and other malignancies. Therapeutic agents targeting the epigenetic regulatory family of histone deacetylases (HDAC) have shown clinical success in the treatment of some hematologic malignancies. Beyond direct tumor cell cytotoxicity, HDAC inhibitors have also been shown to alter the immunogenicity and enhance antitumor immune responses. Here, we show that class I HDAC inhibitors upregulated the expression of PD-L1 and, to a lesser degree, PD-L2 in melanomas. Evaluation of human and murine cell lines and patient tumors treated with a variety of HDAC inhibitors in vitro displayed upregulation of these ligands. This upregulation was robust and durable, with enhanced expression lasting past 96 hours. These results were validated in vivo in a B16F10 syngeneic murine model. Mechanistically, HDAC inhibitor treatment resulted in rapid upregulation of histone acetylation of the PD-L1 gene leading to enhanced and durable gene expression. The efficacy of combining HDAC inhibition with PD-1 blockade for treatment of melanoma was also explored in a murine B16F10 model. Mice receiving combination therapy had a slower tumor progression and increased survival compared with control and single-agent treatments. These results highlight the ability of epigenetic modifiers to augment immunotherapies, providing a rationale for combining HDAC inhibitors with PD-1 blockade. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(12); 1375–85. ©2015 AACR.
Effector CD8+ T-cell Engraftment and Antitumor Immunity in Lymphodepleted Hosts Is IL7Rα Dependent
Authors: Johnson C. Bryce , Riesenberg Brian P. , May Bennett R. , Gilreath Stuart C. , Li Guangfu , Staveley-O'Carroll Kevin F. , Garrett-Mayer Elizabeth , Mehrotra Shikhar , Cole David J. , Rubinstein Mark P.
Published: August 2015

Adoptive cellular therapy, in which activated tumor-reactive T cells are transferred into lymphodepleted recipients, is a promising cancer treatment option. Activation of T cells decreases IL7 responsiveness; therefore, IL15 is generally considered the main driver of effector T-cell responses in this setting. However, we found in lymphodepleted mice that CD8+ T cells activated with IL12 showed enhanced engraftment that was initially dependent on host IL7, but not IL15. Mechanistically, enhanced IL7 responsiveness was conferred by elevated IL7Rα expression, which was critical for antitumor immunity. Elevated IL7Rα expression was achievable without IL12, as polyclonal CD8+ T cells activated with high T-cell receptor (TCR) stimulation depended on T-cell IL7Rα expression and host IL7 for maximal engraftment. Finally, IL12 conditioning during the activation of human CD8+ T cells, including TCR-modified T cells generated using a clinically relevant protocol, led to enhanced IL7Rα expression. Our results demonstrate the importance of the donor IL7Rα/host IL7 axis for effector CD8+ T-cell engraftment and suggest novel strategies to improve adoptive cellular therapy as a cancer treatment. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(12); 1364–74. ©2015 AACR.
Isolation and Characterization of Lytic Phage vB_EcoM_JS09 against Clinically Isolated Antibiotic-Resistant Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli and Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Zhou Yan , Bao Hongduo , Zhang Hui , Wang Ran
Published: August 2015

Objectives: To characterize the lytic coliphage vB_EcoM_JS09 (phage JS09) isolated from sewage samples of a swine farm in Jiangsu Province, China, which infects antibiotic-resistant avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) and enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC). Methods and Results: Transmission electron microscopy revealed that phage JS09 has an isometric icosahedral head (76 nm in diameter) and a long contractile tail (140 nm in length) and features a T-even morphology. Its latent period was 30 min and the average burst size was 79 phage particles per infected cell. It attached to the host cells within 9 min. JS09 could infect 16 clinically isolated APEC and ETEC strains and the laboratory-engineered E. coli K and B strains. Ten of the clinical isolates of E. coli were resistant to antibiotics. At a multiplicity of infection of 10, 3, 1, or 0.3, the phage caused rapid cell lysis within 2 h, resulting in 5- to 10-fold reductions in cell concentration. Sequencing of the JS09 genome revealed a 169.148-kb linear but circularly permuted and terminally redundant dsDNA with 37.98% G+C content. Two hundred seventy-three open reading frames were predicted to be coding sequences, 135 of which were functionally defined and organized in a modular format which includes modules for DNA replication, DNA packaging, structural proteins, and host cell lysis proteins. Phage JS09 is assigned to the Caudovirales order (Myoviridae phage family), and it is considered a T4-like phage based on its morphological, genomic, and growth characteristics. JS09 gp37, a receptor-binding protein (RBP) important for host cell infection, shares little homology with other RBP in the NCBI database, which suggests that the variable regions in gp37 determine the unique host range of phage JS09. Protein sequence comparisons cluster the putative ‘RBP' of JS09 much more closely with those of Yersinia phage phiD1, phage TuIa, and phage TuIb. Conclusions: A novel lytic coliphage named JS09 was isolated from sewage samples of a swine farm in Jiangsu Province, China. It could infect antibiotic-resistant APEC and ETEC. The morphological, genomic, and growth characteristics of JS09 were studied, and this will be helpful for phage therapy in controlling diseases caused by APEC and ETEC.
Machine model based Speed Estimation Schemes for Speed Encoderless Induction Motor Drives: A Survey
Authors: Krishna.S Mohan , Daya.J.L Febin
Published: August 2015

Speed Estimation without speed sensors is a complex phenomenon and is overly dependent on the machine parameters. It is all the more significant during low speed or near zero speed operation. There are several approaches to speed estimation of an induction motor. Eventually, they can be classified into two types, namely, estimation based on the machine model and estimation based on magnetic saliency and air gap space harmonics. This paper, through a brief literature survey, attempts to give an overview of the fundamentals and the current trends in various machine model based speed estimation techniques which have occupied and continue to occupy a great amount of research space.
Comparative Study of PWM Control and PI Control of Induction Motor
Authors: Singh Rohitash , Kr. Bajpai Saurabh , Sandhu Harinder Singh
Published: August 2015

The induction motor is without doubt the most used electrical motor because of its unique characteristics.  Most of its applications need fast and intelligent speed control system. This paper presents comparison of the intelligent and advanced speed control methods based on PWM technique and PI controller to achieve maximum torque and efficiency.  Simulation is carried out in MATLAB environment and results are investigated for speed control of induction motor without any controller and with PI controller on full load condition.
Arrhythmia Termination Versus Elimination of Dormant Pulmonary Vein Conduction as a Procedural End Point of Catheter Ablation for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Theis Cathrin , Konrad Torsten , Mollnau Hanke , Sonnenschein Sebastian , Kämpfner Denise , Potstawa Maik , Ocete Blanca Quesada , Bock Karsten , Himmrich Ewald , Münzel Thomas , Rostock Thomas
Published: August 2015

Background—

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is still associated with a substantial number of arrhythmia recurrences in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). This prospective, randomized study aimed to compare 2 different procedural strategies.

Methods and Results—

A total of 152 patients undergoing de novo ablation for paroxysmal AF were randomized to 2 different treatment arms. The procedure in group A consisted of PVI exclusively. In this group, all isolated PVs were challenged with adenosine to reveal and ablate dormant conduction. In group B, PVI was performed with the patient either in spontaneous or in induced AF. If AF did not terminate with PVI, ablation was continued by targeting extra-PV AF sources with the desired procedural end point of termination to sinus rhythm. Primary study end point was freedom from arrhythmia during 1-year follow-up. In group A, adenosine provoked dormant conduction in 31 (41%) patients with a mean of 1.6±0.8 transiently recovered PVs per patient. Termination of AF during PVI was observed in 31 (65%) patients, whereas AF persisted afterward in 17 (35%) patients. AF termination occurred in 13 (76%) patients by AF source ablation. After 1-year follow-up, significantly more group B patients were free of arrhythmia recurrences (87 versus 68%;
P
=0.006). During redo ablation, the rate of PV reconduction did not differ between both groups (group A: 55% versus group B: 61%;
P
=0.25).

Conclusions—

Elimination of extra-PV AF sources after PVI is superior to sole PV isolation with the adjunct of abolishing potential dormant conduction.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02238392.
Prognostic Value of Coronary Computed Tomography (CT) Angiography and Coronary Artery Calcium Score Performed Before Revascularization
Authors: Fujimoto Shinichiro , Kondo Takeshi , Kumamaru Kanako K. , Shinozaki Tomohiro , Takamura Kazuhisa , Kawaguchi Yuko , Matsumori Rie , Hiki Makoto , Miyauchi Katsumi , Daida Hiroyuki , Rybicki Frank J.
Published: August 2015

Background

Cardiac events after revascularization are equally attributable to recurrence at site of culprit lesions and development of nonculprit lesions. We evaluated the hypothesis that coronary computed tomography (
CT
) angiography and coronary artery calcium score (
CACS
) performed before revascularization predicts cardiac events after treatment.

Methods and Results

Among 2238 consecutive patients without known coronary artery disease who underwent coronary CT angiography and
CACS
, 359 patients underwent revascularization within 30 days after
CT
; in 337 of 359 (93.9%) follow‐up clinical information was available. In addition to known cardiac risk factors,
CT
findings were evaluated as predictors of cardiac events after revascularization:
CACS
and the presence of
CT
‐verified high‐risk plaque (
CT
‐
HRP
). Improvement of predictive accuracy by including
CT
findings was evaluated from a discrimination (Harrell's C‐statistics) standpoint. During the follow‐up period (median: 673, interquartile range: 47 to 1529 days), a total of 98 cardiac events occurred. Cox proportional hazard model revealed that age, diabetes, triglyceride,
CACS
, and nonculprit
CT
‐
HRP
were significant predictors of overall cardiac events. Although not statistically significant, discriminatory power was greater for the model with
CACS
(C‐stat: 63.2%) and the model with both
CACS
and
CT
‐
HRP
(65.8%) compared to the model including neither
CACS
nor
CT
‐
HRP
(60.7%).

Conclusions

High
CACS
and the presence of nonculprit
CT
‐
HRP
performed before revascularization are significant predictors of cardiac events after revascularization.
Turning toward Trisha Brown: Valiance and Fragility in Beth Gill’s New Work for the Desert
Authors: Goldman Danielle
Published: August 2015

In January 2013, the Trisha Brown Dance Company performed the final two works of Trisha Brown’s career. The following year, Beth Gill presented New Work for the Desert, an unsanctioned yet affectively nuanced study of Brown’s Newark (Niweweorce) (1987).
The Interpretation of práti … mucāte in R̥gveda 10,27,11c
Authors: Ittzés Máté
Published: August 2015

The 3s middle subjunctive verb form práti … mucāte (RV 10,27,11c) has generally been interpreted as having an agentive-attingent and irreflexive meaning. Taking into account the usage of the active and the middle forms of práti moc- in the R̥gveda and other Vedic texts, the present article argues that this interpretation is incorrect and that the middle form in question has to be taken as having its usual indirect reflexive meaning (‘to assume, to take on’). This grammatical analysis calls for a little modification of Jamison’s (1996) interpretation of RV 10,27,11.
British Bryological Society Expedition to Mulanje Mountain, Malawi. 13. New and other unpublished records

Authors: O’Shea B. J. , Wigginton M. J. , Bruggeman-Nannenga M. A. , Hodgetts N. G. , Porley R. D.
Published: August 2015

Further results are provided of the 1991 British Bryological Society Expedition to Mulanje Mt., Malawi including 168 taxa of bryophyte, comprising 72 taxa of liverwort (38 new to Malawi) and 96 taxa of mosses (45 new to Malawi).
Review of the genus Miloderes Casey, 1888 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae:
Entiminae), with desciptions of three new species
Authors: DAM MATTHEW H. VAN , O’BRIEN CHARLES W.
Published: August 2015

The genus Miloderes Casey, 1888 is reviewed and three new species are described. The genus now has eight valid species: M. amargosensis sp. nov., M. mercuryensis Tanner, M. nelsoni Kissinger, M. panamintensis sp. nov., M. setosus Casey, M. tingi Tanner, M. ubehebensis sp. nov. and M. viridis Pierce. Miloderes allredi Tanner, 1974 is a new junior synonym of M. viridis Pierce, 1910. The relationships of the species are discussed based on morphological characters from external morphology as well as from the endophallus. A key to species is provided.
Revision of Neodeuterus Schaufuss and description of a new allied genus from Borneo (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae)
Authors: KURBATOV SERGEY A. , CUCCODORO GIULIO
Published: August 2015

The Sumatran genus Neodeuterus is revised, and the two included species are synonymized (i.e., N. admirandus = N. alter syn. n.). In addition, Borneodeuterus gen. n. is erected to accommodate B. sannio sp. n. from Borneo.
Tracheal and Crico-Tracheal Resection and Anastomosis for Malignancies Involving the Thyroid Gland and the Airway
Authors: Piazza Cesare , Del Bon Francesca , Barbieri Diego , Grazioli Paola , Paderno Alberto , Perotti Pietro , Lombardi Davide , Peretti Giorgio , Nicolai Piero
Published: August 2015

Objectives:

To evaluate outcomes in different malignancies involving the thyroid and infiltrating the airway submitted to tracheal (TRA) or crico-tracheal resection and anastomosis (CTRA).

Methods:

Retrospective charts review of 27 patients affected by thyroid malignancies involving the airway treated by TRA/CTRA in a single academic institution. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to evaluate the overall (OS) and disease-specific (DSS) survivals and local (LC) and loco-regional control (LRC). Impact on survival of age, comorbidities, previous radiotherapy, types of TRA/CTRA, Shin’s stage (II, III, IV), grading (well vs poorly differentiated), and length of airway resected was calculated by the log-rank test.

Results:

Overall survival and DSS at 3 and 5 years were 82.3% and 71.6%, respectively. Local control and LRC in the entire group were 82.3% at 3 and 5 years. Crico-tracheal resection and anastomosis involving the cricoid arch and plate (type C) and tumor differentiation significantly affected OS and DSS (both P < .001). Type C CTRA and tumor differentiation significantly impacted on LC ( P = .002 and P = .009, respectively).

Conclusions:

Grading and extension of CTRA to the cricoid plate are the most important factors for oncologic outcomes in thyroid malignancies infiltrating the airway. Except for poorly differentiated tumors, TRA/CTRA allows adequate LC even in advanced stage lesions involving the crico-tracheal junction.
Randomized Clinical Trial of a Sustained-Exposure Ciprofloxacin for Intratympanic Injection During Tympanostomy Tube Surgery
Authors: Mair Eric A. , Moss Jonathan R. , Dohar Joseph E. , Antonelli Patrick J. , Bear Moraye , LeBel Carl
Published: August 2015

Objective:

This exploratory clinical trial evaluated the safety and clinical activity of a novel, sustained-exposure formulation of ciprofloxacin microparticulates in poloxamer (OTO-201) administered during tympanostomy tube placement in children.

Methods:

Double-blind, randomized, prospective, placebo- and sham-controlled, multicenter Phase 1b trial in children (6 months to 12 years) with bilateral middle ear effusion requiring tympanostomy tube placement. Patients were randomized to intraoperative OTO-201 (4 mg or 12 mg), placebo, or sham (2:1:1 ratio).

Results:

Eighty-three patients (52 male/31 female; mean age, 2.80 years) were followed for safety (otoscopic exams, cultures, audiometry, and tympanometry) and clinical activity, defined as treatment failure (physician-documented otorrhea and/or otic or systemic antibiotic use ≥3 days post surgery). At baseline, 14.3% to 36.8% of children showed positive cultures of middle ear effusion samples in at least 1 ear. Through day 15, treatment failures accounted for 14.3%, 15.8%, 45.5%, and 42.9% of patients (OTO-201 4 mg, OTO-201 12 mg, placebo, and sham, respectively); treatment failure reductions for OTO-201 doses were significant compared to pooled control ( P values = .023 and .043, respectively). Observed OTO-201 safety profile was indistinguishable from placebo or sham.

Conclusions:

Results of this first clinical trial suggest that OTO-201 was well tolerated and shows preliminary clinical activity in treating tympanostomy tube otorrhea.
Association of different forms of bullying victimisation with adolescents’ psychological distress and reduced emotional wellbeing
Authors: Thomas Hannah J , Chan Gary CK , Scott James G , Connor Jason P , Kelly Adrian B , Williams Joanne
Published: August 2015

Objective:

The frequency and emotional response to bullying victimisation are known to be associated with adolescent mental ill health. A potentially important under-investigated factor is the form of bullying. Four common forms of bullying behaviours are name-calling, physical threats or harm, rumour spreading and social exclusion. To more comprehensively understand bullying victimisation in adolescence, we examined the association of all three factors ( frequency, emotional response, form) to psychological distress and emotional wellbeing.

Method:

A stratified, random sample of adolescents ( n = 10, 273; mean age = 14.33 years, standard deviation = 1.68 years) completed validated measures of bullying victimisation (Gatehouse Bullying Questionnaire), psychological distress (K10) and emotional wellbeing (Mental Health Inventory) in classroom time. Associations between the form of bullying victimisation and mental health outcomes were examined.

Results:

Adolescents reported a high prevalence of all four forms of bullying: teased or called names (30.6%), rumour spreading (17.9%), social exclusion (14.3%) and physical threats or harm (10.7%). Victimisation was independently associated with significantly higher levels of psychological distress and reduced levels of emotional wellbeing for all forms of bullying. In particular, social exclusion had a strong association with mental ill health. Adolescents who experienced frequent bullying that was upsetting reported higher psychological distress and reduced emotional wellbeing.

Conclusion:

Different forms of bullying victimisation were independently associated with psychological distress and reduced emotional wellbeing. In particular, frequent and upsetting social exclusion requires a targeted and measured response by school communities and health practitioners.
Using the Delphi expert consensus method in mental health research
Authors: Jorm Anthony F
Published: August 2015

Objective:

The article gives an introductory overview of the use of the Delphi expert consensus method in mental health research. It explains the rationale for using the method, examines the range of uses to which it has been put in mental health research, and describes the stages of carrying out a Delphi study using examples from the literature.

Method:

To ascertain the range of uses, a systematic search was carried out in PubMed. The article also examines the implications of ‘wisdom of crowds’ research for how to conduct Delphi studies.

Results:

The Delphi method is a systematic way of determining expert consensus that is useful for answering questions that are not amenable to experimental and epidemiological methods. The validity of the approach is supported by ‘wisdom of crowds’ research showing that groups can make good judgements under certain conditions. In mental health research, the Delphi method has been used for making estimations where there is incomplete evidence (e.g. What is the global prevalence of dementia?), making predictions (e.g. What types of interactions with a person who is suicidal will reduce their chance of suicide?), determining collective values (e.g. What areas of research should be given greatest priority?) and defining foundational concepts (e.g. How should we define ‘relapse’?). A range of experts have been used in Delphi research, including clinicians, researchers, consumers and caregivers.

Conclusion:

The Delphi method has a wide range of potential uses in mental health research.
Sequential (as Opposed to Simultaneous) Antibiotic Therapy Improves Helicobacter pylori Eradication in the Pediatric Population
Authors: Lau Christine S. M. , Ward Amanda , Chamberlain Ronald S.
Published: August 2015

Helicobacter pylori is a common infection associated with many gastrointestinal diseases. Triple or quadruple therapy is the current recommendation for H pylori eradication in children but is associated with success rates as low as 50%. Recent studies have demonstrated that a 10-day sequential therapy regimen, rather than simultaneous antibiotic administration, achieved eradication rates of nearly 95%. This meta-analysis found that sequential therapy increased eradication rates by 14.2% (relative risk [RR] = 1.142; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.082-1.207; P < .001). Ten-day sequential therapy significantly improved H pylori eradication rates compared to the 7-day standard therapy (RR = 1.182; 95% CI = 1.102-1.269; p < .001) and 10-day standard therapy (RR = 1.179; 95% CI = 1.074-1.295; P = .001), but had lower eradication rates compared to 14-day standard therapy (RR = 0.926; 95% CI = 0.811-1.059; P = .261). The use of sequential therapy is associated with increased H pylori eradication rates in children compared to standard therapy of equal or shorter duration.
A Voice Despite Exit
Authors: Ahmadov Anar K. , Sasse Gwendolyn
Published: August 2015

What explains varying levels of emigrant transnational engagement in home-country politics? The well-known difficulties in obtaining migrant profile data and restriction to a few destination countries have resulted in a lack of systematic empirical investigation of this question. We expand nascent efforts to fill this gap by offering a new theoretical framework and novel research design that stress the potential importance of destination characteristics. We argue that the experience and environment in emigration are critical factors for emigrants’ engagement with two major types of homeland-related political activities: electoral and community. Using Ukraine as a case of an average migrant-producer developing country and using count models on original survey data on Ukrainian extraterritorial voters in a diverse set of 15 countries, we show that assimilation, emigrant networks, and destination characteristics are consistently strong predictors of transnational political engagement among the emigrants who show at least a minimal concern for homeland politics.
Hands-on activities in experimental high-energy physics for attraction and motivation to engineering careers
Authors: Simas Filho Eduardo F , Pena Fábio LA , de Albuquerque Maria CS , Farias Paulo CMA , Reis Mariana
Published: August 2015

The Brazilian economy has experienced a considerable growth in the last decade, and the demand for engineers has increased significantly as a direct consequence. In order to deal with this novel scenario, it is important to attract new students to engineering and technology careers and also to motivate the current students to finish their undergraduate courses. It was observed that the overall interest for high-energy physics had recently increased, mainly due to the large media exposure of the modern experiments and their discoveries, including the Higgs boson. This work presents the results obtained in an educational project, which was aimed to include students in hands-on research activities related to high-energy physics experiments, in order to augment their interest in engineering and technology. Students from both the first-years of undergraduate engineering courses (from the Federal University of Bahia, Brazil) and secondary/high-school courses (from the Federal Institute for Science, Education and Technology of Bahia, Brazil) were selected to participate in experimental activities within a research group composed mainly of master students and senior researchers. As a result, it was observed that the involved students increased their technical knowledge and became more motivated to pursue advanced studies in engineering, technology and related areas.
Goals of lab work in electronics: Student and staff ideas
Authors: Coppens Pieter , Van den Bossche Johan , De Cock Mieke
Published: August 2015

Laboratory education plays an important role in engineering education, but research on it is sparse. A key issue in the design of lab instruction is the goals that are aimed at. We investigated teachers’ and students’ views on goals of an electronics lab: what goals are important for teachers and what goals do students think are aimed at in the lab sessions? Moreover, we studied whether students realise what lab goals their teachers find important and we compared ideas of students in different institutions. A written survey was developed consisting of a list of lab goals to be scored on a five-point Likert scale, an open question and a question asking for a ranking of the five most important goals of the list. Based on the Likert results and on the ranking question, different ordering methods are used to compare student answers of different institutions, student answers with teachers’ views, and student ideas before and after instruction. There was no clear-cut most important goal, but rather a cluster of five important and three unimportant goals, both for teachers and students. They all found goals related to understanding concepts important, but disagreed on critical handling of data and practical applications. There were no major differences between institutions and students’ ideas did not change after instruction.
IMF Programs and the Risk of a Coup d’état
Authors: Casper Brett A.
Published: August 2015

Leaders use the distribution of economic rents to maintain the political support of regime elites. When countries join International Monetary Fund (IMF) programs, they are often required to implement a variety of free market-inspired reforms—such as privatization, reductions in government spending, and the restructuring of financial institutions—as a condition for receiving program funds. These types of reforms can diminish a leader’s capacity to redistribute wealth, which ultimately increases the risk of a coup. More specifically, when a leader begins the implementation of an IMF arrangement, the leader’s action provides public information about the leader’s weakened ability to redistribute wealth in the future. Thus, the act of implementing an IMF program provides each individual elite with information about his or her expected value of rents in the future, and this information gives elites who stand to be harmed by a reform an incentive to launch a coup.
New method to measure yarn crimp in woven fabric
Authors: Mertova Iva , Neckar Bohuslav , Ishtiaque Sayed Muzaffar
Published: August 2015

A new method to measure the warp or weft yarn crimp in fabric is proposed. The method is based on the analysis of yarn tensile characteristics. In the proposed method, yarns with predetermined distance are removed from fabric and clamped between the jaws of a tensile-strength machine (Instron) without any pretension in the yarn and, accordingly, yarn crimp is measured. The results were also compared with the other two existing methods. The results of yarn crimp in the warp and weft direction of the fabric are found to be sensitive to selection of the applied force range. Peirce’s model of plain weave was used to predict the fabric thickness from the estimated values of yarn crimp. It is also observed that predicted and measured fabric thickness have statistically significant correlations.
Influence of enzymatic treatment on the structural, sorption and dyeing properties of viscose and chitosan/cellulose fibers
Authors: Vrabič Brodnjak Urška , Gregor-Svetec Diana , Klančnik Maja
Published: August 2015

The research focused on the structural, sorption and dyeing properties of enzymatically treated viscose fibers and chitosan/cellulose fibers compared to the untreated fibers. First, both fibers were treated with cellulase enzymes for 30 minutes and 90 minutes and afterwards were dyed with the commercial sample of CI Reactive Red 238 at three different dye concentrations. Comparison of the structural and sorption properties of untreated and enzymatically treated fibers showed that the enzymatic treatment lowered the degree of polymerization, as well as crystallinity degree and influenced the surface structure of fibers, resulting in enhanced sorption properties and dyeability of enzymatically treated fibers. Although the values of exhaustion and fixation were higher for chitosan/cellulose fibers because of their initial less-ordered crystalline structure, the 90 minutes of enzymatic treatment has increased the moisture content and water retention capability more for the viscose fibers and hence their dyeability compared to chitosan/cellulose fibers. The 90-minute enzymatically pretreated viscose fibers reached the same exhaustion and fixation values at lower dye concentrations as chitosan/cellulose fibers.
Bone wax to improvise a screw-holder: a makeshift emergency tool
Authors: Uppal Nakul , Baliga Mohan
Published: August 2015

A missing screw-holder threatened cancellation of a case of facial trauma surgery. We present a simple makeshift tool using bone wax to improvise a temporary replacement for the screw-holder missing in our surgical instrument kit. This impromptu set-up is especially useful when operating in the field and faced with mass casualties.
Public Employees’ Well-Being When Having Long Working Hours and Low-Salary Working Conditions
Authors: Ryu Geunpil
Published: August 2015

The present study explored the effects of long working hours and low salary on public employees’ well-being indicators, such as job satisfaction, life satisfaction, and self-rated health. Results showed that having long working hours was not significantly and negatively related to public employee wellness, whereas having a higher salary was significantly and positively associated with employee well-being. Finally, the interaction effects of working hours and salary on job satisfaction and life satisfaction were not supported; however, the interaction effects of working hours and salary on self-rated health were found.