bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RORγt-Expressing Tregs Drive the Growth of Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer by Controlling IL6 in Dendritic Cells
Authors: Rizzo Angelamaria , Di Giovangiulio Martina , Stolfi Carmine , Franzè Eleonora , Fehling Hans-Joerg , Carsetti Rita , Giorda Ezio , Colantoni Alfredo , Ortenzi Angela , Rugge Massimo , Mescoli Claudia , Monteleone Giovanni , Fantini Massimo C.
Published: July 2018

Chronic inflammation drives colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) coexpressing the Th17-related transcription factor RORγt accumulate in the lamina propria of IBD patients, where they are thought to represent an intermediate stage of development toward a Th17 proinflammatory phenotype. However, the role of these cells in CAC is unknown. RORγt+FoxP3+ cells were investigated in human samples of CAC, and their phenotypic stability and function were investigated in an azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium model of CAC using Treg fate-mapping reporter and Treg-specific RORγt conditional knockout mice. Tumor development and the intratumoral inflammatory milieu were characterized in these mice. The functional role of CTLA-4 expressed by Tregs and FoxO3 in dendritic cells (DC) was studied in vitro and in vivo by siRNA-silencing experiments. RORγt expression identified a phenotypically stable population of tumor-infiltrating Tregs in humans and mice. Conditional RORγt knockout mice showed reduced tumor incidence, and dysplastic cells exhibited low Ki67 expression and STAT3 activation. Tumor-infiltrating DCs produced less IL6, a cytokine that triggers STAT3-dependent proliferative signals in neoplastic cells. RORγt-deficient Tregs isolated from tumors overexpressed CTLA-4 and induced DCs to have elevated expression of the transcription factor FoxO3, thus reducing IL6 expression. Finally, in vivo silencing of FoxO3 obtained by siRNA microinjection in the tumors of RORγt-deficient mice restored IL6 expression and tumor growth. These data demonstrate that RORγt expressed by tumor-infiltrating Tregs sustains tumor growth by leaving IL6 expression in DCs unchecked. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(9); 1082–92. ©2018 AACR.
Where Do You Look Visual Attention to Human Bodies across the Weight Spectrum in Individuals with Normal Weight or with Obesity
Authors: Leehr Elisabeth , Giel Katrin Elisabeth , Schaeffeler Norbert , Mack Isabelle , Thiel Ansgar , Zurstiege Guido , Zipfel Stephan
Published: July 2018

Objective: We investigated how individuals with normal weight (NW) versus individuals with obesity (OB) visually explore human bodies varying in BMI. Methods: 16 OB (BMI 37.5 ± 7.7 kg/m²) and 35 NW (BMI 21.5 ± 1.6 kg/m²) visually explored 35 natural photographs and 25 avatars depicting male and female bodies ranging from normal weight to obesity. Gaze behaviour was assessed using eye tracking technology. Additionally, participants rated the attractiveness of all body stimuli. Results: A comparison of the displayed gaze behaviour shown by both participant weight classes indicates that regarding visual stimuli of obese natural bodies, all participants (OB + NW) looked at the waist longer, whereas regarding visual stimuli of normal-weight bodies, all participants viewed the head longer. Overall, OB spent less time looking at the bodies than NW. All participants rated normal-weight bodies as more attractive than obese bodies. However, the NW sample rated the depicted obese bodies as even less attractive than the OB sample did. Conclusions: The BMI of the explored body, but not the observer's BMI, produces differences in the visual exploration of human bodies. The displayed exploration pattern of obese bodies can cautiously be interpreted as a ‘de-individualised' and ‘obesity-focused' perception. This tendency may prove in close relationship with the negative cultural views on obesity.
Eribulin Does Not Prevent Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in HT-29 Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Leutenegger Martin , Bruckner Ramona , Spalinger Marianne R. , Lang Silvia , Rogler Gerhard , Scharl Michael
Published: July 2018

Background: Fistula formation affects up to 50% of Crohn’s disease (CD) patients and causes considerable morbidity. Current pharmacological management mainly includes antibiotics, immunosuppressives, and anti-TNF antibodies. CD fistulas develop from intestinal epithelial cells undergoing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). TGFβ, the most important inducer of EMT, is detectable around CD fistula tracts and induces expression of the EMT-associated transcription factors SNAIL1 and SLUG as well as of IL-13. Conversely, together with TNF, IL-13 induces the expression of the transcription factor Ets-1 and β6-integrin, which are associated with cell invasiveness. Eribulin is a synthetic derivative of halichondrin B, a large polyether macrolide, which reverses EMT in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. Here, we investigated whether Eribulin might be a potential therapeutic option for CD fistulas via the inhibition of EMT. Summary: Chronic treatment with high concentrations of Eribulin (> 5 ng/ml) is toxic for intestinal epithelial cells (IEC), and Eribulin treatment does not decrease the mRNA expression of EMT markers in HT-29 monolayers nor prevent EMT in HT-29 spheroids. Together with TNF, Eribulin induces the expression of vimentin and SLUG mRNA in HT-29 spheroids but concomitantly also promotes E-cadherin expression. Key Messages: Our data suggest that the previously reported antimetastatic effect of Eribulin in TNBC by reversing EMT does not apply to IEC. Interestingly, Eribulin promotes E-cadherin expression, suggesting an additional mechanism. The increase of E-cadherin might point towards the described role for Eribulin in reversing EMT. Taken together, our data do not support a role for Eribulin as treatment option for CD-associated fistulas.
Severe Solute Depletion in Patients with Hyponatremia Due to Diuretics Despite Biochemical Pictures Similar Than Those Observed in the Syndrome of Inappropriate Secretion of Antidiuretic Hormone
Authors: Musch Wim , Decaux Guy
Published: July 2018

Background/AIMS: Hyponatremia secondary to distal diuretics intake could have a biochemical picture similar to the one observed in the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). In these patients, water retention is considered to be the main causal factor and solute depletion a secondary one. Methods. We compared the level of cation (Na + K) depletion and water balance in patients with high or low uric acid levels (< 4 mg/dL or 238 µmol/L) or with high or low (< 30 mg/dL or 5 mmol/L) urea levels. Data were collected from 15 consecutive patients treated in a similar way by a daily infusion of 2 L isotonic saline with potassium chloride until SNa reached at least 132 mmol/L. The same procedure was performed in 6 patients with hyponatremia due to salt depletion not related to diuretic intake. Results: Hyponatremia, associated with low or high uric acid level is mainly due to severe cation depletion (around 600 mmol) and not due to water retention, since body weight did not change significantly (SNa 122 ± 2.0 mEq/L). If patients were classified according to serum urea levels those with higher urea levels (≥30 mg/dL) presented with a mild increase in BW (0.84 ± 0.37 kg). In patients with salt depletion and hyponatremia not related to diuretic intake, we observe as expected an increase in BW (1.5 ± 0.3 kg) and similar cation retention with the treatment. Conclusion: We therefore suggest that diuretic induced hyponatremia with an SIADH-like biochemical profile, should be treated mainly by solute ­repletion.
Significance of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Testing for Atypical Glandular Cells on Cervical Cytology
Authors: Komatsu Hiroaki , Oishi Tetsuro , Osaku Daiken , Sawada Mayumi , Kudoh Akiko , Nonaka Michiko , Chikumi Jun , Sato Shinya , Harada Tasuku
Published: July 2018

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic significance of high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing for managing women with atypical glandular cells (AGC) and to explore the distribution of hrHPV genotypes. Methods: We analyzed cytologic and histopathologic diagnoses in patients referred to our institution due to AGC or atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US). All patients underwent hrHPV testing and genotyping, and positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2 or worse [CIN2+/adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS)+] were calculated. Results: Among 41 cases previously diagnosed with AGC, 22 (53%) were classified as CIN2+ (2 squamous cell carcinomas), whereas only 2 were AIS or adenocarcinoma. Twenty-seven (65.8%) cases in the AGC group were hrHPV positive. The most frequent genotypes in both the ASC-US and AGC groups were HPV16 and HPV52. The PPV of hrHPV testing for CIN2+/AIS+ was significantly higher in the AGC than in the ASC-US group (74.1 vs. 35.0%; p = 0.0005). The NPV for CIN2+/AIS+ was significantly lower in the AGC than in the ASC-US group (74.4 vs. 100%; p = 0.0441). Conclusion: In patients with AGC, both glandular and squamous lesions must be monitored. hrHPV testing is useful for detecting CIN2+/AIS+ in AGC.
Gender and Racial Disparities in Initial Hemodialysis Access and Outcomes in Incident End-Stage Renal Disease Patients
Authors:   Shah, Leonard Anthony C. , Meganathan Karthikeyan , Christianson Annette L. , Thakar Charuhas V.
Published: July 2018

Background: Arteriovenous (AV) access confers survival benefits over central venous catheters (CVC) in hemodialysis patients. Although chronic kidney disease disproportionately affects women and racial minorities, disparities in the ­utilization of hemodialysis access across Asians, Native Americans, Hispanics, blacks, and whites among males and females after accounting for pre-dialysis health are not well studied. Methods: We evaluated 885,699 patients with end-stage renal disease who initiated hemodialysis between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2014 using the US Renal Data System. Multivariable logistic regression models ­adjusted for pre-dialysis health were used to test the associations between gender and race on type of vascular access (AV access vs. CVC, and AV fistula vs. AV graft) at hemodialysis initiation as primary outcome, and on 1-year mortality as a secondary outcome. Results: Mean age was 65 ± 14 years. Females were less likely to use AV access for hemodialysis initiation than were males (OR 0.85; 95% CI 0.84–0.86). Compared to whites, adjusted odds of AV access for hemodialysis initiation were higher in blacks (OR 1.08; 95% CI 1.07–1.70), Asians (OR 1.11; 95% CI 1.07–1.14); and lower in Hispanics (OR 0.89; 95% CI 0.87–0.90). There was no ­significant difference in mortality between males and females. Compared to whites, 1-year adjusted mortality was lower in Asians (OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.53–0.56), blacks (OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.66–0.68), Hispanics (OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.61–0.63), and Native Americans (OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.58–0.66). Conclusion: Females had lower odds of using AV access than do males for hemodialysis initiation. As compared to whites, blacks and Asians were more likely, and Hispanics were less likely to use AV access for first outpatient hemodialysis. Further investigation of biological and process of care factors may help in developing ways to reduce these disparities.
Low-Frequency Blood Group Antigens in Switzerland
Authors: Gassner Christoph , Degenhardt Frauke , Meyer Stefan , Vollmert Caren , Trost Nadine , Neuenschwander Kathrin , Merki Yvonne , Portmann Claudia , Sigurdardottir Sonja , Zorbas Antigoni , Engström Charlotte , Gottschalk Jochen , Amar el Dusouqui Soraya , Waldvogel-Abramovski Sophie , Rigal Emmanuel , Tissot Jean-Daniel , Tinguely Caroline , Mauvais Simon M. , Sarraj Amira , Bessero Daniel , Stalder Michele , Infanti Laura , Buser Andreas , Sigle Jörg , Weingand Tina , Castelli Damiano , Braisch Monica C. , Thierbach Jutta , Heer Sonja , Schulzki Thomas , Krawczak Michael , Franke Andre , Frey Beat M.
Published: July 2018

Background: High-frequency blood group antigens (HFA) are present in >90% of the human population, according to some reports even in >99% of individuals. Therefore, patients lacking HFA may become challenging for transfusion support because compatible blood is hardly found, and if the patient carries alloantibodies, the cross-match will be positive with virtual every red cell unit tested. Methods: In this study, we applied high-throughput blood group SNP genotyping on >37,000 Swiss blood donors, intending to identify homozygous carriers of low-frequency blood group antigens (LFA). Results: 326 such individuals were identified and made available to transfusion specialists for future support of patients in need of rare blood products. Conclusion: Thorough comparison of minor allele frequencies using population genetics revealed heterogeneity of allele distributions among Swiss blood donors which may be explained by the topographical and cultural peculiarities of Switzerland. Moreover, geographically localized donor subpopulations are described which contain above-average numbers of individuals carrying rare blood group genotypes.
Long Non-Coding RNA RP11-789C1.1 Suppresses Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Gastric Cancer Through the RP11-789C1.1/MiR-5003/E-Cadherin Axis
Authors: Chen Zehong , Wu Jialin , Huang Wensheng , Peng Jianjun , Ye Jinning , Yang Liang , Yuan YuJie , Chen Chuangqi , Zhang Changhua , Cai Shirong , He Yulong , Wu Suijing , Song Wu
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Gastric cancer (GC) is a common malignancy with a global incidence that ranks fourth among all tumor types. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a tumor biological process with a role in GC cell metastasis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs possess important regulatory functions at the cellular level and in diverse pathophysiological processes. This study was conducted to investigate whether lncRNA RP11-789C1.1 regulates EMT in GC by mediating the miR-5003/E-cadherin pathway. Methods: RP11-789C1.1 and miR-5003 expression was detected in GC specimens and cell lines by quantitative real-time PCR. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed to detect EMT markers in GC. Cell Counting Kit 8 assays were carried out to explore cell proliferation. Wound healing and Transwell assays were conducted to determine the migration and invasion of GC cells. To clarify the correlation between RP11-789C1.1, miR-5003, and E-cadherin, dual-luciferase reporter assays were applied. Results: LncRNA RP11-789C1.1 was significantly down-regulated in GC patients and cell lines, along with the concomitant up-regulation of miR-5003. Silencing RP11-789C1.1 and over-expressing miR-5003 significantly promoted the tumor behavior of GC cells. Dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed that miR-5003 was the target of both RP11-789C1.1 and E-cadherin. Furthermore, at both the mRNA and protein level, silencing RP11-789C1.1 remarkably reduced the expression of E-cadherin and promoted EMT, which were reversed by knocking down miR-5003. Conclusions: LncRNA RP11-789C1.1 inhibited EMT in GC through the RP11-789C1.1/miR-5003/E-cadherin axis, which could be a promising therapeutic target for GC.
Identification of Circular RNAs Altered in Mouse Jejuna After Radiation
Authors: Lu Qianying , Gong Wei , Wang Jinhan , Ji Kaihua , Wang Yan , Xu Chang , Liu Yang , He Ningning , Du Liqing , Liu Qiang
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) make up a large class of non-coding RNAs and play important roles in a variety of diseases, including nervous system diseases and cancers. The intestinal epithelium is sensitive to ionizing radiation, radiotherapy of abdominal or pelvic tumors or nuclear accident exposure can lead to high radiation toxicity, which can result in radiation-induced intestinal injury. The goal of this present study was to analyze the potential roles of circRNAs in radiation-induced intestinal injury. Methods: Mice were divided into two groups: control group and irradiated group. Irradiated group was 3.5 days after 14Gy abdominal irradiation (ABI) group. We started with RNA-seq of circRNA changes in mouse jejuna after radiation and validated by RT-PCR in the following experimental. miRNAs targeted mRNAs were predicted using proprietary software based on target scan and Miranda. The network of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA was illustrated by cytoscape software. Results: 2751 circRNAs were detected in the two groups. At day 3.5 post-radiation, 42 and 48 circRNAs were found to be significantly upregulated and downregulated, respectively, compared to the control (p≤0.05, Fold Change ≥2). Further, the altered expression of 10 circRNAs (chr18: 35610871-35613502+, chr15: 95864225-95894541+, chr3: 96041338-96042928-, chr5: 64096979-64108263+, chr19: 16705875-16710941-, chr5: 134491893-134500149-, chr19: 42562552-42564341+, chr5: 32640331-32664400+, chr3: 72958113-72960367- and chr8: 79343654-79372364-) were verified by RT-PCR. Compared the miRNA-targeted mRNAs with our mRNAs sequencing data, we found 14 upregulated circRNA-targeted mRNAs were also unregulated and 22 downregulated circRNAs-targeted mRNAs were also downregulated. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway analyses indicated the predicted genes were mainly involved in the MAPK signaling pathway. Conclusions: This study reveals that expression of circRNAs was altered in the jejuna of mice post-irradiation and provides a resource for the study of circRNAs in radiation-induced intestinal injury and repair.
Efficacy and Safety of Sunitinib in Patients with Well-Differentiated Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumours
Authors: Raymond Eric , Kulke Matthew H. , Qin Shukui , Yu Xianjun , Schenker Michael , Cubillo Antonio , Lou Wenhui , Tomasek Jiri , Thiis-Evensen Espen , Xu Jian-Ming , Croitoru Adina E. , Khasraw Mustafa , Sedlackova Eva , Borbath Ivan , Ruff Paul , Oberstein Paul E. , Ito Tetsuhide , Jia Liqun , Hammel Pascal , Shen Lin , Shrikhande Shailesh V. , Shen Yali , Sufliarsky Jozef , Khan Gazala N. , Morizane Chigusa , Galdy Salvatore , Khosravan Reza , Fernandez Kathrine C. , Rosbrook Brad , Fazio Nicola
Published: July 2018

Background: In a phase III study, sunitinib led to a significant increase in progression-free survival (PFS) versus placebo in patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (panNETs). This study was a post-marketing commitment to support the phase III data. Methods: In this ongoing, open-label, phase IV trial (NCT01525550), patients with progressive, advanced unresectable/metastatic, well-differentiated panNETs received continuous sunitinib 37.5 mg once daily. Eligibility criteria were similar to those of the phase III study. The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed PFS per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours v1.0 (RECIST). Other endpoints included PFS per Choi criteria, overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), and adverse events (AEs). Results: Sixty-one treatment-naive and 45 previously treated patients received sunitinib. By March 19, 2016, 82 (77%) patients had discontinued treatment, mainly due to disease progression. Median treatment duration was 11.7 months. Investigator-assessed median PFS per RECIST (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 13.2 months (10.9–16.7): 13.2 (7.4–16.8) and 13.0 (9.2–20.4) in treatment-naive and previously treated patients, respectively. ORR (95% CI) per RECIST was 24.5% (16.7–33.8) in the total population: 21.3% (11.9–33.7) in treatment-naive and 28.9% (16.4–44.3) in previously treated patients. Median OS, although not yet mature, was 37.8 months (95% CI, 33.0–not estimable). The most common treatment-related AEs were neutropenia (53.8%), diarrhoea (46.2%), and leukopenia (43.4%). Conclusions: This phase IV trial confirms sunitinib as an efficacious and safe treatment option in patients with advanced/metastatic, well-differentiated, unresectable panNETs, and supports the phase III study outcomes. AEs were consistent with the known safety profile of sunitinib.
Defining Exposure in Observational Studies Comparing Outcomes of Treatment Discontinuation
Authors: Krumme Alexis A. , Glynn Robert J. , Schneeweiss Sebastian , Choudhry Niteesh K. , Tong Angela Y. , Gagne Joshua J.
Published: July 2018

Background:

Continuation of antiplatelet therapy beyond 12 months after a drug-eluting stent procedure reduced the risk of a major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) in the DAPT trial (Dual Antiplatelet Therapy). Observational studies have evaluated outcomes related to different durations of therapy but are susceptible to bias.

Methods and Results:

Using deidentified claims from commercially insured and Medicare populations in the United States, we compared how increasingly stringent definitions of exposure affect associations between antiplatelet continuation versus discontinuation and MACCE, myocardial infarction, and intracerebral hemorrhage or gastrointestinal bleeding in patients meeting DAPT trial inclusion criteria between 2004 and 2013. Therapy continuation at 12 months was defined as (1) having antiplatelet supply on hand versus not (landmark time); (2) refilling within 30 days versus not among individuals with antiplatelet supply; (3) criteria 2 plus continuous prior antiplatelet use; and (4) criteria 2 and 3 plus a cardiologist visit in months 10 to 12. Propensity score-adjusted hazard ratios were compared. Cohort sizes were 53 679, 27 524, 16 971, and 7948, respectively, of which 20% were discontinuers on average. Increasing restriction led to progressively larger associations with continued treatment: cohort 1 MACCE hazard ratio, 0.79 (0.73, 0.87); myocardial infarction, 0.74 (0.65, 0.83); bleed, 1.03 (0.96, 1.11) versus cohort 4 MACCE hazard ratio, 0.66 (0.48, 0.91); myocardial infarction, 0.56 (0.37, 0.86); bleed, 1.24 (0.95, 1.61). Estimates trended toward DAPT trial estimates and were associated with reduced levels of exposure misclassification.

Conclusions:

In an example of long-term antiplatelet use, increasing restrictions on the definition of therapy continuation yielded results consistent with trial estimates by reducing exposure misclassification.
Regional Intervention of Stroke Care to Increase Thrombolytic Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Damani Rahul H. , Anand Samyuktha , Asgarisabet Parisa , Bissell Catherine , Savitz Sean , Suarez Jose I.
Published: July 2018

Background and Purpose—

The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of an intervention to unblind data on r-tPA (recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator) administration and sharing data with chief executive officers of participating hospitals, on r-tPA administration rates postintervention and on potential healthcare cost savings implemented at 26 Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council hospitals.

Methods—

Retrospective analysis of prospective data on thrombolytic therapy from 26 Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council hospitals, collected between April 2014 and June 2016. The control (blinded) period (Q2-2014 to Q2-2015) was followed by unblinding (Q3-2015).

Results—

Intervention was associated with 21.1% increase in r-tPA administration rates, with 38.5% increase in r-tPA administration with door-to-needle time ≤60 minutes. An absolute increase in r-tPA administration of 2.1% was seen with an average lifetime cost savings of $3.6 million.

Conclusions—

Transparent regional data sharing was associated with improved r-tPA administration and healthcare cost savings.
Statin Pretreatment and Microembolic Signals in Large Artery Atherosclerosis
Authors: Safouris Apostolos , Katsanos Aristeidis H. , Kerasnoudis Antonios , Krogias Christos , Kinsella Justin A. , Sztajzel Roman , Lambadiari Vaia , Deftereos Spyridon , Kargiotis Odysseas , Sharma Vijay K. , Demchuk Andrew M. , Saqqur Maher , McCabe Dominick J.H. , Tsivgoulis Georgios
Published: July 2018

Background and Purpose—

Scarce data indicate that statin pretreatment (SP) in patients with acute cerebral ischemia because of large artery atherosclerosis may be related to lower risk of recurrent stroke because of a decreased incidence of microembolic signals (MES) during transcranial Doppler monitoring.

Methods—

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of available observational studies reporting MES presence/absence or MES burden, categorized according to SP status, in patients with acute cerebral ischemia because of symptomatic (≥50%) large artery atherosclerosis. In studies with partially-published data, authors were contacted for previously unpublished information. We also performed a sensitivity analysis of studies with data on MES burden categorized according to SP status, and an additional subgroup analysis in patients receiving higher-dose SP (atorvastatin 80 mg or rosuvastatin 40 mg daily).

Results—

Seven eligible study protocols were identified (610 patients, 54% with SP). SP was associated with a reduced risk of MES detection during transcranial Doppler monitoring (risk ratio=0.67; 95% CI, 0.45–0.98), with substantial heterogeneity between studies (
I
2
=52%). In studies reporting MES burden (n=4), a significantly lower number of MES were identified in patients with compared with those without SP (mean difference=−0.92; 95% CI, −1.64 to –0.19), with no evidence of heterogeneity between studies (
I
2
=49%). Subgroup analysis revealed that higher-dose SP reduced the risk of detecting MES (risk ratio=0.23; 95% CI, 0.06–0.88), with no evidence of heterogeneity between studies (
I
2
=0%).

Conclusions—

SP seems to be associated with a lower incidence and burden of MES in patients with acute cerebral ischemia because of large artery atherosclerosis.
Autobiographical Storytelling and African Narrative Queer Theology
Authors: van Klinken Adriaan
Published: July 2018

This article addresses a methodological question: How to develop African queer theology? That is, a theology that interrogates and counter-balances popular representations of queer sexuality as being “un-African” and “un-Christian”. Answering this question, the article specifically engages with African feminist theological work on storytelling as politically empowering and theologically significant. Where African feminist theologians have used her-stories to develop her-theologies, this article suggests that similarly, queer autobiographical storytelling can be a basis for developing queer theologies. It applies this methodology to the Kenyan queer anthology Stories of Our Lives (2015), which is a collection of autobiographical stories narrated by people identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI) or otherwise queer in Kenya. The article concludes with an intertextual reading of Stories of Our Lives and Mercy Oduyoye’s autobiographical essay about childlessness, pointing towards an African narrative queer theology of fruitfulness.
The protagonist projection hypothesis
Authors: Colonna Dahlman Roberta
Published: July 2018

The protagonist projection hypothesis was formulated by Holton (1997) in order to account for cases where the speaker seems to utter contradictory statements. Holton argues that in these cases the speaker projects herself into the mind of someone else. Three different sentence-types have been classified as examples of protagonist projection: (i) sentences with factive verbs (tell+wh, know), (ii) sentences that realize free indirect discourse, and (iii) sentences that do not realize free indirect discourse, but are still assumed to be instances of speaking from someone else’s perspective. Regarding the sentences in (i), I argue, following Tsohatzidis (1993, 1997, 2012), that neither tell+wh nor know must be considered as factive predicates. As for the sentences of type (ii), I conclude that free indirect discourse is an instance of protagonist projection. Finally, the sentences of type (iii) are accounted for as cases of utterances whose syntax is partially unpronounced.
Typification of plant names referable to Phagnalon (Compositae) with some taxonomic notes
Authors: MONTES-MORENO NOEMÍ , GARCIA-JACAS NÚRIA , NUALART NEUS , SUSANNA ALFONSO , SÁEZ LLORENÇ
Published: July 2018

As part of a taxonomic study in Gnaphalieae and other Compositae, 45 new lectotypes, 1 epitype and 3 neotypes are designated for names in Phagnalon, Conyza and Pluchea. Typifications are discussed, together with taxonomic notes on these taxa and references to previous lectotypifications. The accepted names for which we propose lectotypifications are: Ph. acuminatum, Ph. barbeyanum, Ph. bicolor, Ph. ×caroli, Ph. carolipaui, Ph. harazianum, Ph. kotschyi, Ph. ×intermedium, Ph. latifolium, Ph. melanoleucum, Ph. phagnaloides, Ph. persicum, Ph. pygmaeum, Ph. quartinianum, Ph. rupestre subsp. rupestre, Ph. rupestre subsp. graecum, Ph. saxatile, Ph. schweinfurthii, Ph. sinaicum, Ph. stenolepis, Ph. ×telonense and Ph. viridifolium.
Supplementary description of floral morphology of Vaccinium guangdongense W.P.Fang & Z.H.Pan (Ericaceae)
Authors: TONG YI-HUA , ZENG SI-JIN , NI JING-BO , XIA NIAN-HE
Published: July 2018

The floral morphology of Vaccinium guangdongense is described and supplemented based on living plants with flowers. According to the supplementary description, V. guangdongense can be differentiated from the closely related V. bracteatum by puberulent inflorescence rachis and pedicels, ovate to elliptic bracts, anthers with spurs 0.3 mm long and tubules ca. 1.5 times as long as thecae. The type information, distribution, ecology, conservation status and color photos are also provided.
Perenniporia punctata sp. nov. (Polyporales, Basidiomycota), a new species discovered from China
Authors: LI HAI-JIAO , ZHOU MENG , SI JING
Published: July 2018

Taxonomic and phylogenetic studies on Perenniporia were carried out. Phylogeny based on ITS and nrLSU regions revealed that a species clustered within the Perenniporia s.s. clade, further morphological study showed three specimens collected from Hubei Province, central China represent an undescribed species. In the present study, Perenniporia punctata sp. nov. is described. It is characterized by its perennial, resupinate basidiocarps, small circular pores (6–9 per mm) with colour of cream, buff-yellow to pale yellow which turned to clay-buff to cinnamon when bruised, distinctly stratified tubes, a dimitic hyphal system with slightly dextrinoid, cyanophilous skeletal hyphae, and broadly ellipsoid to subglobose, truncate, hyaline, thick-walled, smooth, IKI–, strongly cyanophilous basidiospores (5.5–7 × 4–6 µm).
Lejeunea apiahyna, a new synonym of Lejeunea cristuliflora (Lejeuneaceae, Marchantiophyta)
Authors: BASTOS CID JOSÉ PASSOS
Published: July 2018

Lejeuneaceae is the largest liverwort family with more than 1800 species in about 70 genera (Zhu et al. 2017). Lejeunea Libert (1820: 373) is the second largest genus of Lejeuneaceae with many taxa poorly known (He et al. 2012). Lejeunea apiahyna (Stephani 1914: 514) Singh (2013: 63) is one of those poorly known species and is known only from Brazil. It was described by Stephani (1914) as Otigoniolejeunea apiahyna Stephani (1914: 514) based on J. Puiggari’s collection from the State of São Paulo, Brazil, and transferred to the genus Lejeunea by Singh (2013). According to Wei et al. (2014), Otigoniolejeunea Spruce (1884: 77) is represented by only two ocellus containing species: Otigoniolejeunea huctumalcensis (Lindenberg & Gottsche in Gottsche et al. 1847: 762) Wei et al. (2014: 237), and Otigoniolejeunea portoricensis (Hampe & Gottsche 1853: 352) Wei et al. (2014: 237).
A new species of the subgenus Troginus Mulsant et Rey 1878 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Oxytelinae: Carpelimus) from Borneo
Authors: GILDENKOV MIKHAIL YU.
Published: July 2018

Carpelimus (Troginus) varius Gildenkov, sp. n. (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Oxytelinae) from Borneo (Malaysia, Sabah) is described and illustrated.
A new species of Homalota Mannerheim, 1830 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) from Nanjing, China
Authors: CAO DANDAN , WEI JIANRONG , LIU SHUWEN , ZHAO ZHENGPING , WANG LIPING , JI BAOZHONG
Published: July 2018

A new species, Homalota nanjingensis Cao, Ji & Liu, sp. nov. from Jiangsu province of China, is described and illustrated. Photographs of the body and mouthparts, line drawings of the aedeagus and spermatheca are provided.
Vertically Propagating Mountain Waves—A Hazard for High-Flying Aircraft?
Authors: Bramberger Martina , Dörnbrack Andreas , Wilms Henrike , Gemsa Steffen , Raynor Kevin , Sharman Robert
Published: July 2018

Stall warnings at flight level 410 (12.5 km) occurred unexpectedly during a research flight of the High Altitude and Long Range Research Aircraft (HALO) over Italy on 12 January 2016. The dangerous flight situation was mitigated by pilot intervention. At the incident location, the stratosphere was characterized by large horizontal variations in the along-track wind speed and temperature. On this particular day, strong northwesterly winds in the lower troposphere in concert with an aligned polar front jet favored the excitation and vertical propagation of large-amplitude mountain waves at and above the Apennines in Italy. These mountain waves carried large vertical energy fluxes of 8 W m−2 and propagated without significant dissipation from the troposphere into the stratosphere. While turbulence is a well-acknowledged hazard to aviation, this case study reveals that nonbreaking, vertically propagating mountain waves also pose a potential hazard, especially to high-flying aircraft. It is the wave-induced modulation of the ambient along-track wind speed that may decrease the aircraft speed toward the minimum needed stall speed.
Managing compassionately? Managerial narratives about grief and compassion
Authors: Peticca-Harris Amanda
Published: July 2018

How do you manage a team following the death of an employee? This article explores this question and inquires if managerial responses to suffering can be compassionate with a decentralized team structure, in the restaurant industry where employees are faced with a high degree of emotional labour. To date, the compassion process has suggested that a focal actor, often a manager, first must notice suffering, then must feel empathic concern, and act in ways to alleviate a sufferer’s pain (Kanov et al., 2004). In this study, against the backdrop of the compassion process with a narrative approach and stories-as-text design, the findings articulate the material conditions that impede, disavow and inhibit the compassion process from the point of view of three restaurant managers acting as focal actors and their (rather unsuccessful) attempts to aid and alleviate the suffering of their grieving team members. By explicating the dynamics of their managerial failure using the link of grief and compassion, this article extends our understanding of grief at work and management in the restaurant industry more broadly.
Evaluating the Impact of Professional Development
Authors: Borg Simon
Published: July 2018

Professional development is central to teacher competence and, with particular attention to larger-scale, structured and formal professional development interventions (PDIs), this article discusses how the impact of professional development can be conceptualized and evaluated. Various kinds of impacts on teachers, organizations and systems, and students that PDIs can have are considered, and examples from actual PDIs in the field of English language teaching (ELT) are used to illustrate how such impacts can be assessed. Throughout, various challenges that arise in trying to demonstrate that PDIs make a difference are noted, and the article concludes by suggesting some criteria that can be used to guide the development of impact evaluation frameworks on PDIs.
Value of SPECT/CT for Sentinel Lymph Node Localization in the Parotid and External Jugular Chain
Authors: Sethi Rosh K.V. , Abt Nicholas B. , Remenschneider Aaron , Wang Yingbing , Emerick Kevin S.
Published: July 2018

Objective

Preoperative single‐photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging may aid in the localization of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in cutaneous head and neck malignancy and has been rigorously evaluated for deep cervical lymph nodes. The purpose of this study was to assess the sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) of SPECT/CT for preoperative localization of nodal basins superficial to the sternocleidomastoid muscle, with comparison to deep nodal basins of the neck.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Subjects and Methods

SPECT/CT images obtained preoperatively for patients undergoing SLN biopsy for cutaneous head and neck malignancy between June 2015 and June 2016 were reviewed by a blinded nuclear medicine physician and head and neck surgeon. SPECT/CT imaging was compared to intraoperatively determined SLN location via gamma probe. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were determined and compared for superficial (external jugular [EJ] and parotid) nodes vs level II nodes.

Results

Fifty‐three patients were included in the study. Most had cutaneous melanoma (69.8%). The PPV of EJ/parotid node identification by SPECT/CT imaging was 85.7%, specificity was 88.9%, and sensitivity was 69.2%. Comparatively, the PPV for level II nodes was 76.9%, specificity was 50%, and sensitivity was 85.7%. No significant difference in SPECT/CT predictive value was identified between EJ/parotid and level II node identification (P >. 05).

Conclusion

SPECT/CT imaging has strong specificity and positive predictability for preoperative localization of SLN superficial to the sternocleidomastoid muscle in cutaneous head and neck malignancy. SPECT/CT imaging may be a useful radiographic aid for preoperative SLN mapping in this patient population.
A context-based model for framing political victimhood: Experiences from Northern Ireland and the Basque Country
Authors: Álvarez Berastegi Amaia , Hearty Kevin
Published: July 2018

All societies moving towards peace must establish reparation measures for victims of political violence. This is not an easy task, however; political victimhood is a controversial concept by itself and all victims of this type are mixed up with general politics from both the past and the present. In divided societies, such as Northern Ireland and the Basque Country, controversies about the definition of political victimhood reproduce old divisions from the past. Drawing on these two case studies, this research project gathers together some initial thoughts on the conceptualisation of political victimhood with regard to three different models: the harm-, blame- and context-based models. The primary contribution of the article lies in the formulation of the third model, the context-based framework.
The putative lithium-mimetic ebselen reduces impulsivity in rodent models
Authors: Barkus Chris , Ferland Jacqueline-Marie N , Adams Wendy K , Churchill Grant C , Cowen Philip J , Bannerman David M , Rogers Robert D , Winstanley Catharine A , Sharp Trevor
Published: July 2018

Background:

Deficits in impulse control feature in many psychiatric conditions including bipolar disorder, suicidality and addictions. Lithium lowers impulsivity in clinical populations and decreases pathological gambling in experimental medicine studies, but suffers from adverse effects, poor compliance and a low therapeutic index.

Aims:

Recently we identified that the neuroprotective agent ebselen, which is reportedly safe in humans, inhibited inositol monophosphatase (IMPase), a candidate lithium mechanism. Ebselen also reduced 5-HT receptor (5-HT2A) function which predicts impulsivity lowering properties. Here we investigated the effect of ebselen in rat models of impulsive behaviour.

Methods:

Ebselen was tested in two models of impulsivity with human analogues: the five-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT) and rodent gambling task (rGT). The main outcome measures were premature responses (5-CSRTT and rGT) and choice behaviour (rGT), which model motor impulsivity and choice impulsivity, respectively.

Results:

At doses that decreased 5-HT2A receptor function (DOI-induced wet dog shakes), ebselen decreased premature responding in the 5-CSRTT both in the absence and presence of cocaine. The 5-HT2A receptor antagonist MDL 100,907 also reduced premature responding in the 5-CSRTT although not in the presence of cocaine. In the rGT ebselen showed a tendency to reduce premature responding but had no effect on choice behaviour.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that ebselen preferentially reduces motor impulsivity over choice impulsivity, and that inhibition of 5-HT2A receptor function is a contributing mechanism. Collectively, these data support the repurposing of ebselen as an anti-impulsive treatment and fast-tracking to clinical trials in patient groups characterised by poor impulse control.
Ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy with a small-caliber device: A multicenter consecutive study of 162 biopsied lesions
Authors: Tourasse Christophe , Khasanova Elina , Sebag Philippe , Beregi Jean Paul
Published: July 2018

Objective:

In this study, we aimed to analyze technical and diagnostic potential, and safety of the small-caliber vacuum-assisted biopsy (SCVAB) device in a multicenter consecutive study taking into consideration the type and location of breast lesion.

Methods:

We collected data from 5 breast imaging centers where radiologists used the SCVAB device for biopsies in 162 patients. We analyzed the conditions for using the SCVAB device according to the characteristics of the lesions, the volume of excision, and the analyzability obtained by biopsy samples.

Results:

The biopsies of 80 circumscribed masses, 61 complex lesions, and 24 microcalcification foci were included in the study. The reasons for choosing SCVAB as an initial technique were identified. A total of 47 lesions were removed with SCVAB; among them, 24 lesions were initially chosen for total excision. SCVAB was used as a second-choice biopsy method after core-needle biopsy failure in 20 cases. If SCVAB had not been available, vacuum-assisted biopsy would have been the most frequently used technique (106 under ultrasound, and 18 under stereotactical guidance).

Conclusions:

The SCVAB system is an alternative to classical vacuum biopsy, enabling representative samples to be obtained from lesions that are difficult to access, complex, small, or in cases of unsuccessful previous biopsy. The SCVAB system was determined as the chosen technique by the radiologists in this study due to feasibility, ergonomics and absence of side effects detected in this study.
Fluid Management in Sepsis
Authors: Brown Ryan M. , Semler Matthew W.
Published: July 2018

Among critically ill adults, sepsis remains both common and lethal. In addition to antibiotics and source control, fluid resuscitation is a fundamental sepsis therapy. The physiology of fluid resuscitation for sepsis, however, is complex. A landmark trial found early goal-directed sepsis resuscitation reduced mortality, but 3 recent multicenter trials did not confirm this benefit. Multiple trials in resource-limited settings have found increased mortality with early fluid bolus administration in sepsis, and the optimal approach to early sepsis resuscitation across settings remains unknown. After initial resuscitation, excessive fluid administration may contribute to edema and organ dysfunction. Using dynamic variables such as passive leg raise testing can predict a patient’s hemodynamic response to fluid administration better than static variables such as central venous pressure. Whether using measures of “fluid responsiveness” to guide fluid administration improves patient outcomes, however, remains unknown. New evidence suggests improved patient outcomes with the use of balanced crystalloids compared to saline in sepsis. Albumin may be beneficial in septic shock, but other colloids such as starches, dextrans, and gelatins appear to increase the risk of death and acute kidney injury. For the clinician caring for patients with sepsis today, the initial administration of 20 mL/kg of intravenous balanced crystalloid, followed by consideration of the risks and benefits of subsequent fluid administration represents a reasonable approach. Additional research is urgently needed to define the optimal dose, rate, and composition of intravenous fluid during the management of patients with sepsis and septic shock.
Governing the poor in Guangzhou: Marginalization and the neo-liberal paternalist construction of deservedness
Authors: Zhuoyi Wen , Kinglun Ngok
Published: July 2018

Since the early 21st century, the Chinese government has proactively expanded social protection by providing better benefits and broader coverage for its people. However, a new puzzle has emerged in the Minimum Living Standard Scheme, ‘last resort of social protection’ in China. Normally, when the benefit standard is set higher, relatively more people situated below this line are entitled to receive assistance. However, in reality fewer people than expected receive support. We study the case of Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province, to explain this phenomenon and analyse the social citizenship of marginalized groups in urban China. We reveal the decline in replacement rates and tighter conditionality applied to defining the ‘deserving poor’ by reviewing administrative data and policy documents from 1995 to 2016. Drawing on the longitudinal qualitative study conducted between 2009 and 2011, we further illustrate how the decreased replacement rate and tighter conditionality diminish the well-being of the poor. Our findings on policy changes and their outcomes in Guangzhou provide some important insights into poverty governance and social citizenship under China’s social development in the past decade.
A temperature-compensated fiber Bragg grating sensor system based on digital filtering for monitoring the pantograph–catenary contact force
Authors: Tan Mengying , Zhou Ning , Cheng Yao , Wang Jiangwen , Zhang Weihua , Zou Dong
Published: July 2018

Optical sensors based on fiber Bragg gratings have become an important type of sensing element for strain measurements. In this study, fiber Bragg grating strain sensors and corresponding reference temperature sensors were integrated into a pantograph strip. The results of an online test indicated that the temperature of the pantograph strip impacting the strain measurement reaches about 80  ℃ while the vehicle was running. In addition, Fourier analysis showed that the energies of the temperature measurement signals dominated the relatively low-frequency band (less than 0.02 Hz), whereas the strain signals prevailed in the relatively high-frequency band. Thus, a novel method based on a digital filtering technique was proposed for temperature compensation in fiber Bragg grating sensor systems for monitoring the conditions in electrified pantograph–catenary systems. A Butterworth high-pass filter was designed to reject the temperature-related signal component with a stopband and to capture the real strain in the passband in frequency domain. To achieve this filtering, the cutoff frequencies and the filter order were calculated adaptively according to the frequency-domain characteristics of the measured temperature signal. With the designed filter, the temperature effect to the strain signals can be eliminated so that the strain can be estimated accurately. In comparison with the traditional temperature compensation technique, the proposed method is more effective in terms of estimating the real strain of the pantograph strip in practical applications. Compensated by the proposed method, the time-domain and frequency-domain analyses of the contact force denote the frequencies corresponding to the support span, and the dropper can be distinguished. Further, the first-order (4 Hz) and second-order (8.3 Hz) natural frequencies of the pantograph are visible in the measurements from catenary sections, which demonstrates the sufficiency and rationality of the proposed temperature compensation method for fiber Bragg grating sensor systems.