bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Law's Underdog: A Call for More-than-Human Legalities
Authors: Braverman Irus
Published: October 2018

Questions pertaining to the role of nonhumans in law shed light on some of the most fundamental assumptions and constructions of contemporary modern law. I start by reviewing the traditions of animal welfare and animal rights in legal studies and by discussing the constitutional frameworks that contend with the animal. Then, I move beyond the individual-based discourse of much existing animal law to contemplate ecological traditions that consider nonhuman populations and species as well as land ethics and ecosystem management. Next, I review the rich literature that has emerged in the last two decades in critical theory, mainly posthumanism and its subtraditions of animal geographies and multispecies ethnography. Finally, I sketch visions of more-than-human legalities that push beyond the limitations of existing (neo)liberal legal traditions, pausing to consider what ocean, or blue, legalities might look like. Throughout, I argue that we need to move toward a dynamic and pluralistic approach that acknowledges the myriad ways of being in the world, their significance to law, and, in turn, law's significance to these other modes of existence.
The Criminal Law and Law Enforcement Implications of Big Data
Authors: Brayne Sarah
Published: October 2018

Law enforcement agencies increasingly use big data analytics in their daily operations. This review outlines how police departments leverage big data and new surveillant technologies in patrol and investigations. It distinguishes between directed surveillance—which involves the surveillance of individuals and places under suspicion—and dragnet surveillance—which involves suspicionless, unparticularized data collection. Law enforcement's adoption of big data analytics far outpaces legal responses to the new surveillant landscape. Therefore, this review highlights open legal questions about data collection, suspicion requirements, and police discretion. It concludes by offering suggestions for future directions for researchers and practitioners.
Studying Shear Performance of Flax Fiber‐Reinforced Clay by Triaxial Test
Authors: Ma Qiang , Yang Yicong , Xiao Henglin , Xing Wenwen
Published: October 2018

Laboratory triaxial tests were carried out to investigate the reinforcement mechanism, to study the characteristics of flax fiber‐reinforced clay, and to discuss the effect on stress‐strain relationship and shear strength parameters of flax fiber‐reinforced clay in different flax fiber content and different confining pressure. Respectively, the ratio of fiber content to clay by weight is 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, and 1.0%, and the confining pressure is 100 kPa, 200 kPa, and 300 kPa in triaxial test. The test results show that, the shear strength of flax fiber‐reinforced clay is greater than that of pure clay. Compared with the pure clay, the shear strength of flax fiber‐reinforced clay increased as the cohesion and friction increased; while the increase of the friction is relatively small, the increase of cohesion is large. The shear strength firstly increased and then reduced with the increase of flax fiber content. When the fiber content was 0.8%, the shear strength reached a peak value, and the shear strength reduced with the further increase of fiber content.
Oxidation Resistance and Modification Reaction Mechanism of Al Coating Sprayed on Pure Ti Substrate
Authors: Jia Qianqian , Li Deyuan , Guan Sheng , Zhang Zhuang , Zhang Nannan , Zhao Wenzhen
Published: October 2018

An Al coating was deposited on the surface of pure Ti substrate by arc spray technology. In order to enable the modification reaction between the Al coating and Ti substrate, the specimen was heated to a temperature above the melting point of Al. Oxidation testing of the uncoated Ti and coated specimen was conducted at 1073 K under an air atmosphere. The microstructure, chemical composition, and phase determination of the coatings and interfaces, before and after modification treatment, were done using SEM, EDS, and XRD methods. The relationships between the modification results and time and temperature were discussed. The results showed that, after heating at 973 K for 5 hours, there was still sufficient Al on the surface of the specimen. Only intermetallic TiAl3 was formed in the diffusion region. After heating at 1073 K for 5 hours, all the Al elements diffused into the Ti substrate. Intermetallics TiAl2 and Ti3Al were also formed in the diffusion front of Al, in addition to TiAl3. After heating at 1173 K for 5 hours, a new intermetallic TiAl phase was formed at the interface of TiAl2 and Ti3Al. As the modification reaction time was prolonged at 1173 K, the formation of intermetallics TiAl2, TiAl, and Ti3Al were all increased. Among them, the formation amount of TiAl2 > Ti3Al > TiAl. The specimen after modification treatment had better high temperature oxidation resistance than the pure Ti substrate without coating.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy Administered Early after Narcolepsy Type 1 Onset in Three Patients Evaluated by Clinical and Polysomnographic Follow-Up
Authors: Ruppert Elisabeth , Zagala Hélène , Chambe Juliette , Comtet Henri , Kilic-Huck Ulker , Lefebvre François , Bataillard Marc , Schroder Carmen , Calvel Laurent , Bourgin Patrice
Published: October 2018

Narcolepsy type 1 is a rare disabling sleep disorder mainly characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy, an emotion-triggered sudden loss of muscle tone. Patients have a selective degeneration of hypocretin-producing neurons in the dorsolateral posterior hypothalamus with growing evidence supporting the hypothesis of an autoimmune mechanism. Few case studies that reported intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIg) suggest the efficacy of IVIg when administered early after disease onset, but the results are controversial. In these retrospective case observations, IVIg cycles were initiated within one to four months after cataplexy onset in a twenty-seven-year-old man, a ten-year-old girl, and a seven-year-old boy, all three with early onset typical narcolepsy type 1. Efficacy of treatment (three IVIg cycles of 1 g/kg administered at four-week intervals) was evaluated based on clinical, polysomnographic, and multiple sleep latency test (mean latency and SOREM) follow-up. Two patients reported decreased cataplexy frequency and ameliorated daytime sleepiness, but no significant amelioration of polysomnographic parameters was observed. Given the possibility of spontaneous improvement of cataplexy frequency with self-behavioral adjustments, these observations would need to be confirmed by larger controlled studies. Based on the present study and current literature, proof of concept is still missing thus prohibiting the consideration of IVIg as an efficient treatment option.
Big Data Digging of the Public’s Cognition about Recycled Water Reuse Based on the BP Neural Network
Authors: Fu Hanliang , Liu Zhijian , Wang Mengmeng , Wang Zelin
Published: October 2018

Reuse of recycled water is very important to both the environment and economy, while the public cognition degree towards recycled water reuse also plays a key role in this process, and it determines the acceptance degree of the public towards recycled water reuse. Under the background of the big data, the Hadoop platform was used to collect and save data about the public’s cognition towards recycled water in one city and the BP neural network algorithm was used to construct an evaluation model that could affect the public’s cognition level. The public’s risk perception, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control regarding recycled water reuse were selected as key factors. Based on a multivariate clustering algorithm, MATLAB software was used to make real testing on massive effective data and assumption models, so as to analyze the proportion of three evaluation factors and understand the simulation parameter scope of the cognition degree of different groups of citizens. Lastly, several suggestions were proposed to improve the public’s cognition on recycled water reuse based on the big data in terms of policy mechanism.
Retrieval of Total Scattering Cross Sections of Molecules from Inhomogeneously Broadened Absorption Lines
Authors: Kochanov V. P. , Sinitsa L. N.
Published: October 2018

A new method of retrieving quantitative information on the hard, soft, and diffraction collision’s frequencies from inhomogeneously pressure-broadened line profiles was proposed and tested. The essence of the method lies in the processing of recorded profiles using various profiles’ models containing these frequencies treated as adjustable parameters in different manners. Three self-broadened H2O absorption lines free of an instrumental function were processed with the use of four model line profiles. Retrieved set of pressure line broadening and narrowing constants allows finding out the sought frequencies. The estimation of the total scattering cross section, ∼630 Å2, in pure water vapor was made.
Combination Therapy with EpCAM-CAR-NK-92 Cells and Regorafenib against Human Colorectal Cancer Models
Authors: Zhang Qing , Zhang Haixu , Ding Jiage , Liu Hongyan , Li Huizhong , Li Hailong , Lu Mengmeng , Miao Yangna , Li Liantao , Zheng Junnian
Published: October 2018

Adoptive chimeric antigen receptor-modified T or NK cells (CAR-T or CAR-NK) offer new options for cancer treatment. CAR-T therapy has achieved encouraging breakthroughs in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, their therapeutic efficacy against solid tumors is limited. New regimens, including combinations with chemical drugs, need to be studied to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of CAR-T or NK cells for solid tumors. An epithelial cell adhesion molecule- (EpCAM-) specific second-generation CAR was constructed and transduced into NK-92 cells by lentiviral vectors. Immune effects, including cytokine release and cytotoxicity of the CAR-NK-92 cells against EpCAM-positive colon cancer cells, were evaluated in vitro. Synergistic effects of regorafenib and CAR-NK-92 cells were analyzed in a mouse model with human colorectal cancer xenografts. The CAR-NK-92 cells can specifically recognize EpCAM-positive colorectal cancer cells and release cytokines, including IFN-γ, perforin, and granzyme B, and show specific cytotoxicity in vitro. The growth suppression efficacy of combination therapy with regorafenib and CAR-NK-92 cells on established EpCAM-positive tumor xenografts was more significant than that of monotherapy with CAR-NK-92 cells or regorafenib. Our results provided a novel strategy to treat colorectal cancer and enhance the therapeutic efficacy of CAR-modified immune effector cells for solid tumors.
Superior and Inferior Ophthalmic Vein Thrombosis in the Setting of Lung Cancer
Authors: Habib Nawal , Lessard Kimberly
Published: October 2018

Superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis is extremely rare and is often associated with orbital inflammation/infection, systemic/local tumors, hypercoagulable states, autoimmune conditions, and rarely carotid cavernous fistula. Clinical features include abrupt onset of painful proptosis, chemosis, ophthalmoplegia, and diminished visual acuity. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent permanent blindness. Management options for this medical emergency include antibiotics, steroids, and/or anticoagulation. We present a case of superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis with left cavernous sinus thrombosis in the setting of newly diagnosed malignancy.
Epileptic Encephalopathy and Cerebellar Atrophy Resulting from Compound Heterozygous CACNA2D2 Variants
Authors: Butler Kameryn M. , Holt Philip J. , Milla Sarah S. , da Silva Cristina , Alexander John J. , Escayg Andrew
Published: October 2018

CACNA2D2 encodes an auxiliary subunit of the voltage-dependent calcium channel. To date, there have only been two reports of individuals with early-infantile epileptic encephalopathy due to CACNA2D2 mutations. In both reports, patients were homozygous for the identified variants. Here, we report a patient with epileptic encephalopathy and cerebellar atrophy who was found to have two novel variants in the CACNA2D2 gene: c.782C>T (p.Pro261Leu) and c.3137T>C (p.Leu1046Pro), by whole-exome sequencing. The variants were shown to be inherited in trans and the unaffected parents were confirmed to be heterozygous carriers. This is the third report of recessive CACNA2D2 variants associated with disease and the first report of compound heterozygous variants. The clinical description of this new case highlights the phenotypic similarities amongst individuals with CACNA2D2-related disease and suggests that CACNA2D2 should be considered as a differential diagnosis in individuals with cerebellar dysfunction and multiple seizure types that begin in the first year of life.
A New Hybrid Decision Making Approach for Housing Suitability Mapping of an Urban Area
Authors: Zeydan Mithat , Bostancı Bülent , Oralhan Burcu
Published: October 2018

In urban planning, housing evaluation of residential areas plays a critical role in promoting economic efficiency. This study produced an evolutionary-based map through the combination of hybrid Multicriteria Decision Making (MCDM) and Geographical Information System (GIS) by assessing suitability of housing location. Suitable locations were modelled and determined with the present study from very low suitability to very high suitability. In the first stage, Fuzzy DEMATEL (the Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) and Covariance Matrix Adaptation Evolutionary Strategy (CMA-ES) under fuzzy conditions as a subjective and an objective (model-based) technique, respectively, were employed to find the weights of criteria which are critical part of decision making. In the second stage, housing evaluation map for these two approaches was drawn and their performances were classified and measured with WLC (Weighted Linear Combination) method. 29 criteria determined were prioritized as per judgment of urban planning and real estate experts for Fuzzy DEMATEL and CMA-ES. After having been coded to MATLAB for obtaining optimum weights in CMA-ES, all collected data for 160 houses were mapped as vectorial (positional) and transformed to raster (pixel) data by getting entered in ArcGIS 10.4 software. We achieved CMA-ES-WLC maximization values for 104 alternatives with (positive value) 65% performance, but we obtained FDEMATEL-WLC maximization values for 56 alternatives with (negative value) 35% performance. WLC values calculated with CMA-ES and FDEMATEL weights allowed us to conclude that the houses with the highest suitability in terms of investment are in Alpaslan, Köşk, and Melikgazi streets. The result shows that the methodology used in the application of this study performed in Turkey is an important and powerful technology in providing decision support for spatial planning.
The Correlations of Plasma and Cerebrospinal Fluid Amyloid-Beta Levels with Platelet Count in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Sun Hao-Lun , Li Wei-Wei , Zhu Chi , Jin Wang-Sheng , Liu Yu-Hui , Zeng Fan , Wang Yan-Jiang , Bu Xian-Le
Published: October 2018

Purpose. Recent study shows that blood-derived amyloid-beta (Aβ) can induce cerebral amyloidosis and is involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The vast majority of blood Aβ is generated from platelet. Whether blood Aβ levels are associated with the count of platelets remains unknown. Methods. 58 clinically diagnosed AD patients, 18 11C-PIB-PET diagnosed AD patients, and 61 age- and gender-matched cognitively normal controls were included to analyze the correlation of plasma Aβ levels with platelet count. 13 AD patients and 40 controls with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were included to further analyze the correlation of CSF Aβ levels with platelet count. Aβ40 and Aβ42 levels in plasma and CSF were measured by ELISA kits. Results. The plasma Aβ42 level was positively correlated with platelet count in both AD patients and control group, especially in AD patients with positive PIB-PET, while there was no correlation as to Aβ40. The CSF Aβ levels also had no significant correlation with platelet count. Conclusion. It suggests that platelets may be involved in the pathogenesis of AD and become a potential peripheral biomarker for AD.
The Role of Wnt Pathway in the Pathogenesis of OA and Its Potential Therapeutic Implications in the Field of Regenerative Medicine
Authors: De Santis Maria , Di Matteo Berardo , Chisari Emanuele , Cincinelli Gilberto , Angele Peter , Lattermann Christian , Filardo Giuseppe , Vitale Nicolò Danilo , Selmi Carlo , Kon Elizaveta
Published: October 2018

Introduction. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by articular cartilage degradation, subchondral damage, and bone remodelling, affecting most commonly weight-bearing joints, such as the knee and hip. The loss of cartilage leads to joint space narrowing, pain, and loss of function which could ultimately require total joint replacement. The Wnt/β catenin pathway is involved in the pathophysiology of OA and has been proposed as a therapeutic target. Endogenous and pharmacological inhibitors of this pathway were recently investigated within innovative therapies including the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Methods. A review of the literature was performed on the PubMed database based on the following inclusion criteria: article written in English language in the last 20 years and dealing with (1) the role of Wnt-β catenin pathway in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and (2) pharmacologic or biologic strategies modulating the Wnt-β catenin pathway in the OA setting. Results. Evidences support that Wnt signalling pathway is likely linked to OA progression and severity. Its inhibition through natural antagonists and new synthetic or biological drugs shares the potential to improve the clinical condition of the patients by affecting the pathological activity of Wnt/β-catenin signalling. Conclusions. While further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms regulating the molecular interaction between OA regenerative therapies and Wnt, it seems that biologic therapies for OA exert modulation on Wnt/β catenin pathway that might be relevant in achieving the beneficial clinical effect of those therapeutic strategies.
Effect on the Resistance of Concrete Acid Corrosion in Superficial Soil Layers
Authors: Wei Jihong , Liu Jin , Bai Yuxia , Song Zezhuo , Feng Qiao , Lu Yi , Sun Shaorui
Published: October 2018

To understand the effect and mechanism of urban heat island (UHI) and the acid corrosion of concrete on the strength of concrete in superficial soil layers from Nanjing area, both laboratory and field tests of accelerated corrosion of concrete were carried out and analyzed. The laboratory test results indicate that the concrete corrosion depends on acid concentration, tested time, and also on the temperature. The maximum corrosion coefficient (K‐value) of 45.86%, as observed at 10% of acid concentration, 40°C of tested temperature, and 90 days of tested time, was about 2 times that of specimens with 10% of acid concentration, 5°C tested temperature, and tested after 90 days. The field test showed that the compressive strength of specimens in urban station was lower than that of specimens in rural station. The K‐value of specimens with same acid concentration observed at urban area was higher than that of specimens at rural area. Both the laboratory and field tests showed that the temperature has an increasingly powerful influence on the concrete corrosion under acid environment. Therefore, the UHI effect will accelerate the acid corrosion in concrete construction and may affect the stability and durability of buildings in urban areas. The safety and life assessment of concrete buildings therefore require great attention.
The Key Transcription Factor Expression in the Developing Vestibular and Auditory Sensory Organs: A Comprehensive Comparison of Spatial and Temporal Patterns
Authors: Liu Shaofeng , Wang Yunfeng , Lu Yongtian , Li Wen , Liu Wenjing , Ma Jun , Sun Fuqin , Li Mao , Chen Zheng-Yi , Su Kaiming , Li Wenyan
Published: October 2018

Inner ear formation requires that a series of cell fate decisions and morphogenetic events occur in a precise temporal and spatial pattern. Previous studies have shown that transcription factors, including Pax2, Sox2, and Prox1, play important roles during the inner ear development. However, the temporospatial expression patterns among these transcription factors are poorly understood. In the current study, we present a comprehensive description of the temporal and spatial expression profiles of Pax2, Sox2, and Prox1 during auditory and vestibular sensory organ development in mice. Using immunohistochemical analyses, we show that Sox2 and Pax2 are both expressed in the prosensory cells (the developing hair cells), but Sox2 is later restricted to only the supporting cells of the organ of Corti. In the vestibular sensory organ, however, the Pax2 expression is localized in hair cells at postnatal day 7, while Sox2 is still expressed in both the hair cells and supporting cells at that time. Prox1 was transiently expressed in the presumptive hair cells and developing supporting cells, and lower Prox1 expression was observed in the vestibular sensory organ compared to the organ of Corti. The different expression patterns of these transcription factors in the developing auditory and vestibular sensory organs suggest that they play different roles in the development of the sensory epithelia and might help to shape the respective sensory structures.
Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumors in Paranasal Sinus and Nasopharynx: A Clinical Retrospective Study of 13 Cases
Authors: Zhu Zhenzhen , Zha Yang , Wang Weiqing , Wang Xiaowei , Gao Yali , Lv Wei
Published: October 2018

Background.Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT), as a mesenchymal tumor, is common in the lung and abdomen but rare in the paranasal sinus and nasopharynx.Objective.This study aimed to summarize the clinical characteristics of IMT in the paranasal sinus and nasopharynx and analyze the relationship between the treatment and the overall survival (OS).Method.The clinical features, treatment, and follow-up data of patients diagnosed with IMT of the paranasal sinus or nasopharynx from 2006 to 2017 were retrospectively analyzed, and the previous literature was reviewed.Results.IMT often presents as an ill-defined soft-tissue mass with bone destruction and invasion of surrounding structures. The treatment methods used in this study were different combinations of surgery, prednisone, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy or observation alone. Three of the 13 patients were lost and the follow-up time of the remaining 10 cases ranged from 2 to 87 months (median, 39 months). Two patients died of the disease; the other eight patients were stable. The 5-year survival rate was 72%. Among the four methods of treatment, only treatment with prednisone was significantly correlated with better OS (P= 0.046).Conclusions.IMT is an intermediate tumor that often mimics malignancy. We are not sure if IMTs in the nasal cavity are more aggressive because of the biology or if the location and local therapy in the head region is more complicated. Radiologic findings help know the extent of the lesion. For unresectable nasal IMT, combined therapy with glucocorticoids, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy is sometimes a better choice. Glucocorticoids are especially recommended as a basic part of the integrated therapy. However, the standard treatment needs further research.
Subchronic Systemic Toxicity of New Endodontic Material Based on Calcium Hydroxyapatite and Calcium Silicates
Authors: Jokanović Vukoman , Čolović Božana , Prokić Bogomir Bolka , Tomanović Nada , Popović Bajić Marijana , Živković Slavoljub
Published: October 2018

As an alternative to MTA, a new endodontic material based on hydroxyapatite and calcium silicates (ALBO‐MPSA) has been synthesized, and its biocompatibility has been studied in many in vitro and in vivo studies. The current study aims to evaluate a subchronic systemic toxicity of ALBO‐MPSA on the rat animal model, as a continuation of the previous studies. Biochemical parameters of blood and histological parameters of the liver, kidneys, and spleen of the rats were analyzed after 120 days of consumption of the aqueous extract of ALBO‐MPSA. The results showed no myelotoxic effect or autoimmune effect on peripheral blood cells and no pathological effect on the liver, kidney, and spleen tissues. Besides, no changes in the skin and hair of the rats, neither the change in the consumption of food and water, nor the change in their usual behavior were noticed during the experiment.
Pisa Syndrome in Parkinson’s Disease: Evidence for Bilateral Vestibulospinal Dysfunction
Authors: Di Lazzaro Giulia , Schirinzi Tommaso , Giambrone Maria Pia , Di Mauro Roberta , Palmieri Maria Giuseppina , Rocchi Camilla , Tinazzi Michele , Mercuri Nicola Biagio , Di Girolamo Stefano , Pisani Antonio
Published: October 2018

Introduction. Pisa syndrome (PS) is a postural complication of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Yet, its pathophysiology remains unclear, although a multifactorial component is probable. Cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs) explore vestibulospinal pathway, but they have not been measured yet in PD patients with PS (PDPS) to assess a potential vestibular impairment. Materials and Methods. We enrolled 15 PD patients, 15 PDPS patients, and 30 healthy controls (HCs). They underwent neurological examination and were examined with Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale II-III (UPDRSII-III), audiovestibular workup, and cVEMP recordings. Data were analysed with Chi-square, one-way ANOVA, multinomial regression, nonparametric, and Spearman’s tests. Results. cVEMPs were significantly impaired in both PD and PDPS compared with HCs. PDPS exhibited more severe cVEMP abnormalities with prevalent bilateral loss of potentials, compared with the PD group, in which a prevalent unilateral loss was instead observed. No clinical-neurophysiological correlations emerged. Conclusions. Differently from HC, cVEMPs are altered in PD. Severity of cVEMPs alterations increases from PD without PS to PDPS, suggesting an involvement of vestibulospinal pathway in the pathophysiology of PS. Our results provide evidence for a significant impairment of cVEMPs in PDPS patients and encourage further studies to test validity of cVEMPs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of PD progression.
Rapid Separation and Determination of Metronidazole Benzoate and Other Antiprotozoal Drugs by Pressurized Capillary Electrochromatography
Authors: Liao Sulan , Weng Qilin
Published: October 2018

A novel method for the rapid separation and determination of five polar 5-nitroimidazoles in water from different sources by pressurized capillary electrochromatography has been developed. Compared with the gradient elution mode and the packed nonpolar columns which were usually utilized for the separation of 5-nitroimidazoles, a simple isocratic elution mode and low-cost homemade polar molecularly imprinted polymer monolith were used in the experiment. Electrochromatographic conditions such as pH of buffer, organic modifier, concentration of buffer, and separation voltage were optimized. At 320 nm UV wavelengths, the five 5-nitroimidazoles could be baseline-separated rapidly in less than 11 min with the separation voltage of +20 kV in 10 mmol/L sodium dihydrogen phosphate-disodium hydrogen phosphate buffer solution (pH 4.82) containing 30% acetonitrile. Under the optimum conditions, the linear ranges of the metronidazole, secnidazole, tinidazole, ornidazole, and metronidazole benzoate were 0.50–100.00, 0.50–100.00, 0.80–500.00, 0.80–100.00, and 5.00–500.00 μg/mL, respectively, and the detection limits of these analytes were 0.11–0.73 μg/mL. Column efﬁciencies of 43 000, 36 000, 34 000, 14 000, and 29 000 plates/m were obtained for metronidazole, secnidazole, tinidazole, ornidazole, and metronidazole benzoate, respectively. The recoveries of different water samples were about 85.0–95.8%. Additionally, the proposed method has been successfully applied to the rapid separation of 5-nitroimidazoles in the locally available pure milk sample by simple pretreatment.
Consolidated Undrained Triaxial Compression Tests and Strength Criterion of Solidified Dredged Materials
Authors: Ding Jianwen , Feng Xusong , Cao Yupeng , Qian Sen , Ji Feng
Published: October 2018

Consolidated undrained triaxial compression tests were performed to investigate the shear strength behavior of the solidified dredged materials (SDM). The variation law of deviator stress and excess pore water pressure with the increase of the applied confining pressure was investigated. It is found that the shear strength envelope is consisted of two lines, and there exists a transitional stress on the intersection point. The undrained shear strength develops slightly with the increase of applied normal stress in the preyield state. However, the undrained shear strength increases significantly in the postyield state, and the strength envelope is nearly a straight line with the extension through the origin. Based on the triaxial test data and the binary medium model, a strength criterion considering strength evolution mechanism is proposed and the relevant parameters of the strength criterion were discussed. Comparisons of the predicted results and experimental data demonstrate that the proposed strength criterion can properly describe the strength evolution rules of the SDM.
Spontaneous Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome with FSH Receptor Gene Mutation: Two Rare Case Reports
Authors: Topdagi Yilmaz Emsal Pinar , Yapca Omer Erkan , Topdagi Yunus Emre , Kaya Topdagi Seray , Kumtepe Yakup
Published: October 2018

Development of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is very rare in a spontaneous ovulatory cycle and it is usually seen during pregnancy. In the etiology of OHSS, higher hCG (molar pregnancies or multiple pregnancies) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels have been accused. In recent years, some follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor (FSHR) gene mutations have been described in patients with OHSS in the first trimester with normal hCG levels. Herein, we report two cases of FSHR gene mutation during the investigation of the etiology of spontaneous OHSS. Although OHSS is typically associated with ovulation induction, it should be kept in mind that this condition may also develop in spontaneous pregnancies.
Asthma Risk Associated with Indoor Mold Contamination in Hispanic Communities in Eastern Coachella Valley, California
Authors: Sinclair Ryan , Russell Charity , Kray Genevieve , Vesper Stephen
Published: October 2018

Indoor mold contamination has been associated in many studies with an increased risk of asthma and respiratory illness. This study investigated indoor mold contamination and the prevalence of asthma/respiratory illness in two low-income, Hispanic communities, Mecca and Coachella City, in the Eastern Coachella Valley (ECV) of California. The study consisted of a questionnaire to assess asthma/respiratory illness and the quantification of mold contamination in house dust samples using the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) scale. About 11% of the adults and 17% of the children in both Mecca and Coachella City met our definitions of asthma/respiratory illness. The average ERMI values in Mecca and Coachella City housing (10.3 and 6.0, respectively) are in the top 25% of ERMI values for the United States (US) homes. Overall, the homes surveyed in these ECV communities had an average prevalence of occupant asthma of 12.8% and an average ERMI value of 9.0. The prevalence of asthma/respiratory illness in the Hispanic communities of Mecca and Coachella City and the mold contamination in their homes appear to be greater than the averages for the rest of the US. The higher levels of mold contamination in their homes appear to be associated with a greater risk of asthma/respiratory illness for these low-income, Hispanic communities.
Laparoscopic Repair of Right Paraduodenal Hernia in Adult Patients: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Takagishi Tomoko , Niimi Yuta , Matsuki Goshi , Nagano Shinta , Hinami Junsuke , Kajiwara Masaaki , Kaneko Kiyoshi , Kubota Yoshihiro , Nakai Osamu
Published: October 2018

A 56-year-old Japanese female presented with vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain after excessive drinking and eating. Abdominal computed tomography showed an encapsulated circumscribed cluster of jejunal loops in the right upper quadrant. She was diagnosed with a strangulated intestinal obstruction caused by right paraduodenal hernia (PDH) and underwent an emergency laparoscopic repair. A view through the endoscope showed the right PDH, which was encapsulated under the mesocolon. Most of the small bowel was entrapped and adhered inside the sac, requiring careful adhesiolysis. The hernia orifice was expanded to a sufficient degree, and the strangulation was relieved, avoiding the need of resecting the small intestine. Recovery was uneventful, and the patient remains free of symptoms 3 years after surgery. Findings in a total of 29 patients (including this report) who underwent laparoscopic repair of right or left PDHs in Japan are discussed.
Association between MRI Features and Standardized Uptake Value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Choi Bo Bae , Lee Jin Sun , Kim Kun Ho
Published: October 2018

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a breast cancer subgroup that lacks the expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Certain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of TNBC might reflect the poor prognosis of TNBC. Standardized uptake value (SUV) of [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography is 1 of predictive prognostic factors for breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to correlate MRI features of TNBC with SUVmax to determine whether MRI findings in TNBC could be helpful for predicting prognosis. Methods: We analyzed MRI findings of TNBC according to breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS) MRI lexicon. We also assessed intratumoral high signal intensity on T2-weighted MRI, time-intensity curve analysis and peritumoral edema. The relationship between MRI features of TNBC and SUVmax was then statistically analyzed. Results: Significant correlations of SUVmax with the internal enhancement pattern, intratumoral high signal intensity on T2-weighted images, and peritumoral edema were noted. There was no significant correlation of SUVmax with mass shape, margin, or kinetics. Conclusion: Certain MRI features of TNBC such as heterogeneous or rim enhancement, intratumoral very high signal intensity on T2 images, and peritumoral edema might be useful in predicting the prognosis of patients with TNBC.
Complex Congenital Heart Disease Associated With Disordered Myocardial Architecture in a Midtrimester Human Fetus
Authors: Garcia-Canadilla Patricia , Dejea Hector , Bonnin Anne , Balicevic Vedrana , Loncaric Sven , Zhang Chong , Butakoff Constantine , Aguado-Sierra Jazmin , Vázquez Mariano , Jackson Laurence H. , Stuckey Daniel J. , Rau Cristoph , Stampanoni Marco , Bijnens Bart , Cook Andrew C.
Published: October 2018

Background:

In the era of increasingly successful corrective interventions in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), global and regional myocardial remodeling are emerging as important sources of long-term morbidity/mortality. Changes in organization of the myocardium in CHD, and in its mechanical properties, conduction, and blood supply, result in altered myocardial function both before and after surgery. To gain a better understanding and develop appropriate and individualized treatment strategies, the microscopic organization of cardiomyocytes, and their integration at a macroscopic level, needs to be completely understood. The aim of this study is to describe, for the first time, in 3 dimensions and nondestructively the detailed remodeling of cardiac microstructure present in a human fetal heart with complex CHD.

Methods and Results:

Synchrotron X-ray phase-contrast imaging was used to image an archival midgestation formalin-fixed fetal heart with right isomerism and complex CHD and compare with a control fetal heart. Analysis of myocyte aggregates, at detail not accessible with other techniques, was performed. Macroanatomic and conduction system changes specific to the disease were clearly observable, together with disordered myocyte organization in the morphologically right ventricle myocardium. Electrical activation simulations suggested altered synchronicity of the morphologically right ventricle.

Conclusions:

We have shown the potential of X-ray phase-contrast imaging for studying cardiac microstructure in the developing human fetal heart at high resolution providing novel insight while preserving valuable archival material for future study. This is the first study to show myocardial alterations occur in complex CHD as early as midgestation.
Fully Automated Echocardiogram Interpretation in Clinical Practice
Authors: Zhang Jeffrey , Gajjala Sravani , Agrawal Pulkit , Tison Geoffrey H. , Hallock Laura A. , Beussink-Nelson Lauren , Lassen Mats H. , Fan Eugene , Aras Mandar A. , Jordan ChaRandle , Fleischmann Kirsten E. , Melisko Michelle , Qasim Atif , Shah Sanjiv J. , Bajcsy Ruzena , Deo Rahul C.
Published: October 2018

Background:

Automated cardiac image interpretation has the potential to transform clinical practice in multiple ways, including enabling serial assessment of cardiac function by nonexperts in primary care and rural settings. We hypothesized that advances in computer vision could enable building a fully automated, scalable analysis pipeline for echocardiogram interpretation, including (1) view identification, (2) image segmentation, (3) quantification of structure and function, and (4) disease detection.

Methods:

Using 14 035 echocardiograms spanning a 10-year period, we trained and evaluated convolutional neural network models for multiple tasks, including automated identification of 23 viewpoints and segmentation of cardiac chambers across 5 common views. The segmentation output was used to quantify chamber volumes and left ventricular mass, determine ejection fraction, and facilitate automated determination of longitudinal strain through speckle tracking. Results were evaluated through comparison to manual segmentation and measurements from 8666 echocardiograms obtained during the routine clinical workflow. Finally, we developed models to detect 3 diseases: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, cardiac amyloid, and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Results:

Convolutional neural networks accurately identified views (eg, 96% for parasternal long axis), including flagging partially obscured cardiac chambers, and enabled the segmentation of individual cardiac chambers. The resulting cardiac structure measurements agreed with study report values (eg, median absolute deviations of 15% to 17% of observed values for left ventricular mass, left ventricular diastolic volume, and left atrial volume). In terms of function, we computed automated ejection fraction and longitudinal strain measurements (within 2 cohorts), which agreed with commercial software-derived values (for ejection fraction, median absolute deviation=9.7% of observed, N=6407 studies; for strain, median absolute deviation=7.5%, n=419, and 9.0%, n=110) and demonstrated applicability to serial monitoring of patients with breast cancer for trastuzumab cardiotoxicity. Overall, we found automated measurements to be comparable or superior to manual measurements across 11 internal consistency metrics (eg, the correlation of left atrial and ventricular volumes). Finally, we trained convolutional neural networks to detect hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, cardiac amyloidosis, and pulmonary arterial hypertension with C statistics of 0.93, 0.87, and 0.85, respectively.

Conclusions:

Our pipeline lays the groundwork for using automated interpretation to support serial patient tracking and scalable analysis of millions of echocardiograms archived within healthcare systems.
Role of Allergic Inflammatory Cells in Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Niccoli Giampaolo , Montone Rocco A. , Sabato Vito , Crea Filippo
Published: October 2018

Inflammation is an important player both for the initiation and progression of coronary artery disease and for coronary plaque instability. Moreover, inflammation contributes to stent thrombosis and in-stent restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention. In the past several decades, most studies evaluated the involvement of cellular effectors of classic inflammatory responses, such as monocytes/macrophages, neutrophils, and T cells. Yet, besides classic inflammation, mounting evidence derived from both experimental and clinical studies suggests an important, often unrecognized, role for effector cells of allergic inflammation in both the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease and adverse events following stent implantation. In this review, we discuss the role of effector cells of allergic inflammation in the setting of coronary artery disease progression and instability, and in the occurrence of adverse events following stent implantation, as well. Moreover, we discuss possible therapeutic approaches targeting different specific pathways of allergic inflammatory activation.
High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I and Clinical Risk Scores in Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Chapman Andrew R. , Hesse Kerrick , Andrews Jack , Ken Lee Kuan , Anand Atul , Shah Anoop S. V. , Sandeman Dennis , Ferry Amy V. , Jameson Jack , Piya Simran , Stewart Stacey , Marshall Lucy , Strachan Fiona E. , Gray Alasdair , Newby David E. , Mills Nicholas L.
Published: October 2018

Background:

High-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays can help to identify patients who are at low risk of myocardial infarction in the emergency department. We aimed to determine whether the addition of clinical risk scores would improve the safety of early rule-out pathways for myocardial infarction.

Methods:

In 1935 patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of 2 rule-out pathways alone or in conjunction with low-risk TIMI (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction) (0 or 1), GRACE (Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events) (≤108), EDACS (Emergency Department Assessment of Chest Pain Score) (<16), or HEART (History, ECG, Age, Risk factors, Troponin) (≤3) scores. The European Society of Cardiology 3-hour pathway uses a single diagnostic threshold (99th percentile), whereas the High-STEACS (High-Sensitivity Troponin in the Evaluation of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome) pathway applies different thresholds to rule out (<5 ng/L) and rule in (>99th percentile) myocardial infarction.

Results:

Myocardial infarction or cardiac death during the index presentation or at 30 days occurred in 14.3% of patients (276/1935). The European Society of Cardiology pathway ruled out 70%, with 27 missed events giving a negative predictive value of 97.9% (95% CI, 97.1–98.6). The addition of a HEART score ≤3 reduced the proportion ruled out by the European Society of Cardiology pathway to 25% but improved the negative predictive value to 99.7% (95% CI, 99.0–100;
P
<0.001). The High-STEACS pathway ruled out 65%, with 3 missed events for a negative predictive value of 99.7% (95% CI, 99.4–99.9). No risk score improved the negative predictive value of the High-STEACS pathways, but all reduced the proportion ruled out (24% to 47%;
P
<0.001 for all).

Conclusions:

Clinical risk scores significantly improved the safety of the European Society of Cardiology 3-hour pathway, which relies on a single cardiac troponin threshold at the 99th percentile to rule in and rule out myocardial infarction. Where lower thresholds are used to rule out myocardial infarction, as applied in the High-STEACS pathway, risk scores halve the proportion of patients ruled out without improving safety.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01852123.
Cardiovascular Health in Turner Syndrome: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Silberbach Michael , Roos-Hesselink Jolien W. , Andersen Niels H. , Braverman Alan C. , Brown Nicole , Collins R. Thomas , De Backer Julie , Eagle Kim A. , Hiratzka Loren F. , Johnson Walter H. , Kadian-Dodov Daniella , Lopez Leo , Mortensen Kristian H. , Prakash Siddharth K. , Ratchford Elizabeth V. , Saidi Arwa , van Hagen Iris , Young Luciana T. ,   On behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Cardiovascular Disease in the Young; Council on Genomic and Precision Medicine; and Council on Peripheral Vascular Disease
Published: October 2018

Girls and women with Turner syndrome face a lifelong struggle with both congenital heart disease and acquired cardiovascular conditions. Bicuspid aortic valve is common, and many have left-sided heart obstructive disease of varying severity, from hypoplastic left-sided heart syndrome to minimal aortic stenosis or coarctation of the aorta. Significant enlargement of the thoracic aorta may progress to catastrophic aortic dissection and rupture. It is becoming increasingly apparent that a variety of other cardiovascular conditions, including early-onset hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and stroke, are the major factors reducing the life span of those with Turner syndrome. The presentations and management of cardiovascular conditions in Turner syndrome differ significantly from the general population. Therefore, an international working group reviewed the available evidence regarding the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases in Turner syndrome. It is recognized that the suggestions for clinical practice stated here are only the beginning of a process that must also involve the establishment of quality indicators, structures and processes for implementation, and outcome studies.
Proximal Tubule–Specific Deletion of the NHE3 (Na
+
/H
+
Exchanger 3) Promotes the Pressure-Natriuresis Response and Lowers Blood Pressure in Mice
Authors: Li Xiao C. , Soleimani Manoocher , Zhu Dongmin , Rubera Isabelle , Tauc Michel , Zheng Xiaowen , Zhang Jianfeng , Chen Xu , Zhuo Jia L.
Published: October 2018

The present study directly tested the hypothesis that deletion of the NHE3 (Na
+
/H
+
exchanger 3) selectively in the proximal tubules of the kidney lowers basal blood pressure by increasing the pressure-natriuresis response in mice. Adult male and female, age-matched wild-type (WT) littermates and proximal tubule–specific NHE3 knockout mice (PT-
Nhe3
−/−
; n=6–16 per group) were studied for (1) basal phenotypes of electrolytes and pH, blood pressure, and kidney function; (2) the pressure-natriuresis response using the mesenteric, celiac, and abdominal arterial occlusion technique; and (3) the natriuretic responses to acute saline expansion (0.9% NaCl, 10% body weight, intraperitoneal) or 2-week of 2% NaCl diet. Under basal conditions, PT-
Nhe3
−/−
mice showed significantly lower systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure (
P
<0.01) than WT mice (
P
<0.01). PT-
Nhe3
−/−
mice also exhibited significantly greater diuretic (
P
<0.01) and natriuretic responses than WT mice (
P
<0.01), without altering 24-hour fecal Na
+
excretion, plasma pH, Na
+
, and bicarbonate levels. In response to increased renal perfusion pressure by 30 mm Hg, the pressure-natriuresis response increased 5-fold in WT mice (
P
<0.01), but it increased 8-fold in PT-
Nhe3
−/−
mice (
P
<0.01). In response to 10% acute saline expansion or 2-week 2% NaCl diet, more pronounced natriuretic responses were demonstrated in PT-
Nhe3
−/−
than WT mice (
P
<0.01). Our results support the scientific premise and physiological relevance that NHE3 in the proximal tubules plays an essential role in maintaining basal blood pressure homeostasis, and genetic deletion of NHE3 selectively in the proximal tubules of the kidney lowers blood pressure by increasing the pressure natriuretic response.