bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human cerebral collateral arteriole function in subjects with normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia
Authors: Migrino Raymond Q. , Truran Seth , Karamanova Nina , Serrano Geidy E. , Madrigal Calvin , Davies Hannah A. , Madine Jillian , Reaven Peter , Beach Thomas G.
Published: May 2018

Clinical and preclinical studies have suggested a link between cardiovascular disease and dementia disorders, but the role of the collateral brain circulation in cognitive dysfunction remains unknown. We aimed to test the hypothesis that leptomeningeal arteriole (LMA) function and response to metabolic stressors differ among subjects with dementia, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and normal cognition (CN). After rapid autopsy, LMAs were isolated from subjects with CN ( n = 10), MCI ( n = 12), or dementia [ n = 42, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD), or other dementia], and endothelial and smooth muscle-dependent function were measured at baseline and after exposure to β-amyloid (2 μM), palmitic acid (150 μM), or medin (5 μM) and compared. There were no differences among the groups in baseline endothelial function (maximum dilation to acetylcholine, CN: 74.1 ± 9.7%, MCI: 67.1 ± 4.8%, AD: 74.7 ± 2.8%, VaD: 72.0 ± 5.3%, and other dementia: 68.0 ± 8.0%) and smooth muscle-dependent function (CN: 93.4 ± 3.0%, MCI: 83.3 ± 4.1%, AD: 91.8 ± 1.7%, VaD: 91.7 ± 2.4%, and other dementia: 87.9 ± 4.9%). There was no correlation between last cognitive function score and baseline endothelial or smooth muscle-dependent function. LMA endothelial function and, to a lesser extent, smooth muscle-dependent function were impaired posttreatment with β-amyloid, palmitic acid, and medin. Posttreatment LMA responses were not different between subjects with CN/MCI vs. dementia. Baseline responses and impaired vasoreactivity after treatment with metabolic stressors did not differ among subjects with CN, MCI, and dementia. The results suggest that the cognitive dysfunction in dementia disorders is not attributable to differences in baseline brain collateral circulation function but may be influenced by exposure of the vasculature to metabolic stressors.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Here, we present novel findings that brain collateral arteriole function did not differ among subjects with normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia (Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia). Although arteriole function was impaired by vascular stressors (β-amyloid, palmitic acid, and medin), responses did not differ between those with or without dementia. The cognitive dysfunction in dementia disorders is not attributable to differences in baseline brain collateral circulation function but may be influenced by vascular exposure to metabolic stressors.
Apelin and APJ orchestrate complex tissue-specific control of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and contractility in the hypertrophy-heart failure transition
Authors: Parikh Victoria N. , Liu Jing , Shang Ching , Woods Christopher , Chang Alex C. , Zhao Mingming , Charo David N. , Grunwald Zachary , Huang Yong , Seo Kinya , Tsao Philip S. , Bernstein Daniel , Ruiz-Lozano Pilar , Quertermous Thomas , Ashley Euan A.
Published: May 2018

The G protein-coupled receptor APJ is a promising therapeutic target for heart failure. Constitutive deletion of APJ in the mouse is protective against the hypertrophy-heart failure transition via elimination of ligand-independent, β-arrestin-dependent stretch transduction. However, the cellular origin of this stretch transduction and the details of its interaction with apelin signaling remain unknown. We generated mice with conditional elimination of APJ in the endothelium (APJendo−/−) and myocardium (APJmyo−/−). No baseline difference was observed in left ventricular function in APJendo−/−, APJmyo−/−, or control (APJendo+/+, APJmyo+/+) mice. After exposure to transaortic constriction, APJendo−/− mice displayed decreased left ventricular systolic function and increased wall thickness, whereas APJmyo−/− mice were protected. At the cellular level, carbon fiber stretch of freshly isolated single cardiomyocytes demonstrated decreased contractile responses to stretch in APJ−/− cardiomyocytes compared with APJ+/+ cardiomyocytes. Ca2+ transients did not change with stretch in either APJ−/− or APJ+/+ cardiomyocytes. Application of apelin to APJ+/+ cardiomyocytes resulted in decreased Ca2+ transients. Furthermore, hearts of mice treated with apelin exhibited decreased phosphorylation in cardiac troponin I NH2-terminal residues (Ser22 and Ser23) consistent with increased Ca2+ sensitivity. These data establish that APJ stretch transduction is mediated specifically by myocardial APJ, that APJ is necessary for stretch-induced increases in contractility, and that apelin opposes APJ’s stretch-mediated hypertrophy signaling by lowering Ca2+ transients while maintaining contractility through myofilament Ca2+ sensitization. These findings underscore apelin’s unique potential as a therapeutic agent that can simultaneously support cardiac function and protect against the hypertrophy-heart failure transition.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY These data address fundamental gaps in our understanding of apelin-APJ signaling in heart failure by localizing APJ’s ligand-independent stretch sensing to the myocardium, identifying a novel mechanism of apelin-APJ inotropy via myofilament Ca2+ sensitization, and identifying potential mitigating effects of apelin in APJ stretch-induced hypertrophic signaling.
Intraoperative Incident Dark Field Imaging of the Human Peritoneal Microcirculation
Authors: Uz Zühre , Kastelein Arnoud W. , Milstein Dan M.J. , Liu Dan , Rassam Fadi , Veelo Denise P. , Roovers Jan-Paul W.R. , Ince Can , van Gulik Thomas M.
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: This study describes the peritoneal microcirculation, compares quantitative parameters and angioarchitecture to the standard of sublingual microcirculatory assessment, and determines the practical feasibility of this method. Methods: Incident dark field imaging was performed of the peritoneum and sublingually to determine angioarchitecture, total and perfused vessel density (TVD and PVD), the proportion of perfused vessels (PPV), the microvascular flow index (MFI) and image acquisition time. Results: Peritoneal angioarchitecture was characterized by a quadrangular network of longitudinally oriented capillaries, often flanked by fat cells. Differences between peritoneal and sublingual microcirculation were observed with regard to TVD (peritoneum 12 mm/mm2 [95% CI 10–14] vs. sublingual 23 mm/mm2 [95% CI 21–25]; p < 0.0001), PVD (peritoneum 11 mm/mm2 [95% CI 9–13] vs. sublingual 23 mm/mm2 [95% CI 21–25]; p < 0.0001), PPV (peritoneum 88% [95% CI 79–97] vs. sublingual 99% [95% CI 99–100]; p = 0.014), and MFI (peritoneum 3 [IQR 2.3–3.0] vs. sublingual 3 [IQR 3.0–3.0]; p = 0.012). There was no difference in image acquisition time (peritoneum 2: 34 min [95% CI 1: 49–3: 19] vs. sublingual 2: 38 [95% CI 1: 37–3: 32]; p = 0.916). Conclusion: The peritoneal microcirculation was characterized by a low capillary density and a distinctive angioarchitecture. The possibility of peri­toneal microcirculatory assessment offers promise for the study of peritoneal (patho-)physiology and (monitoring or detection of) associated diseases.
Chirurgische Behandlung des Engwinkelglaukoms
Authors: Lim Dawn , Aquino Maria Cecilia , Chew Paul
Published: May 2018

Fortschritte in der Bildgebung des vorderen Segments haben neue Erkenntnisse für ein besseres Verständnis der verschiedenen Mechanismen des Engwinkelglaukoms (EWG) geliefert. Diese Entwicklung ist von großer Bedeutung für eine gute Entscheidungsfindung bei Patienten mit EWG, die eine adäquate Therapie benötigen. Das chirurgische Management des EWG ist nach wie vor ein integraler Bestandteil der Patientenversorgung bei Glaukom. Die spezielle Anatomie des Auges mit Winkelverschluss und das geringe Maß an verfügbarer objektiver Evidenz für die Wirksamkeit der verschiedenen chirurgischen Behandlungsoptionen stellen Glaukomchirurgen vor Herausforderungen. Übersetzung aus Dev Ophthalmol. Basel, Karger, 2017, vol 59, pp 147-154 (DOI: 10.1159/000458493)
Uromodulin mRNA from Urinary Extracellular Vesicles Correlate to Kidney Function Decline in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Yamamoto Cindy M. , Murakami Taku , Oakes Melanie L. , Mitsuhashi Masato , Kelly Colleen , Henry Robert R. , Sharma Kumar
Published: May 2018

Background: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) enclose mRNA derived from their cell of origin and are considered a source of potential biomarkers. We examined urinary EV mRNA from individuals with diabetic kidney disease (DKD), chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and obese and healthy controls to determine if such biomarkers had the potential to classify kidney disease and predict patients at higher risk of renal function decline. Methods: A total of 242 participants enrolled in this study. Urinary EV mRNA from all subjects were isolated by a filter-based platform, and the expression of 8 target genes were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in 161 T2DM patients were evaluated for 2 consecutive years and compared with EV RNA profiles at baseline. Results: We observe that mild and severe DKD groups show a significant 3.2- and ­4.4-fold increase in UMOD compared to healthy controls and expression increases linearly from healthy, diabetic, and DKD subjects. UMOD expression is significantly correlated to albumin creatinine ratio (ACR), eGFR, and HbA1c. Using linear discriminant analyses with mRNA from severe DKD and T2DM as training data, a multi-gene signature classified DKD and ­non-DKD with a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 73% with area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) = 0.90. Although 6% of T2DM were determined to have a > 80% posterior probability of developing DKD based on this mRNA profile, eGFR changes observed within the 2-year follow-up did not reveal a decline in kidney function. Conclusion: Urinary EV UMOD mRNA levels are progressively elevated from T2DM to DKD groups and correlate with widely used eGFR and ACR diagnostic criteria. An EV mRNA signature could identify DKD with greater than 90% sensitivity and 70% specificity.
Low Plasma Hydrogen Sulfide Is Associated with Impaired Renal Function and Cardiac Dysfunction
Authors: Kuang Qing , Xue Ning , Chen Jing , Shen Ziyan , Cui Xiaomeng , Fang Yi , Ding Xiaoqiang
Published: May 2018

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been proposed to associate with decreased hydrogen sulfide (H2S) level. Nevertheless, the role of H2S in the pathogenesis of CKD has not been fully investigated. Our study aimed to investigate the plasma level of endogenous H2S in patients with different stages of CKD, and to identify the role of H2S in the progression of CKD and its relationship with cardiovascular diseases. Methods: A total of 157 non-dialysis CKD patients were recruited in our study, with 37 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals as control. Plasma concentration of H2S was measured with spectrophotometry. Sulfhemoglobin, the integration of H2S and hemoglobin, was characterized and measured by dual wavelength spectrophotometry. Serum levels of homocysteine (Hcy), cardiac troponin T (cTnT), and N-terminal pro B type natriuretic peptide were measured using automated analyzers. Conventional transthoracic echocardiography was performed and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was analyzed as a sensitive parameter of cardiac dysfunction. Results: The plasma H2S level (μmol/L) in CKD patients was significantly lower than those in healthy controls (7.32 ± 4.02 vs. 14.11 ± 5.24 μmol/L, p < 0.01). Plasma H2S level was positively associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; ρ = 0.577, p < 0.01) and negatively associated with plasma indoxyl sulfate concentration (ρ = –0.554, p < 0.01). The mRNA levels of cystathionine β-synthase and cystathionine γ-lyase, 2 catalytic enzymes of H2S formation, were significantly lower in blood mononuclear cells of CKD patients with respect to controls; however, the mRNA level of 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase, as another H2S-producing enzyme, was significantly higher in CKD patients. The serum concentration of Hcy, acting as the substrate of H2S synthetase, was higher in the CKD group (p < 0.01). Specifically, the content of serum Hcy in CKD stages 3–5 patients was significantly higher than that in CKD stages 1–2, indicating an increasing trend of serum Hcy with the decline of renal function. Examination of ultrasonic cardiogram revealed a negative ­correlation between plasma H2S level and LVEF (ρ = –0.204, p < 0.05) in CKD patients. The H2S level also correlated negatively with cTnT concentration (ρ = –0.249, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Plasma H2S level decreased with the decline of eGFR, which may contribute to the cardiac dysfunction in CKD ­patients.
Sudden Death in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis: Observations From the CURRENT AS Registry
Authors: Taniguchi Tomohiko , Morimoto Takeshi , Shiomi Hiroki , Ando Kenji , Kanamori Norio , Murata Koichiro , Kitai Takeshi , Kawase Yuichi , Izumi Chisato , Kato Takao , Ishii Katsuhisa , Nagao Kazuya , Nakagawa Yoshihisa , Toyofuku Mamoru , Saito Naritatsu , Minatoya Kenji , Kimura Takeshi ,   the CURRENT AS Registry Investigators
Published: May 2018

Background

The annual incidence of sudden death has been reported to be low (<1%/year) in asymptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis (
AS
), and there is a paucity of data on the risk factors of sudden death in patients with severe
AS
.

Methods and Results

We evaluated the incidence and risk factors of sudden death during the median follow‐up period of 1334 days in the Contemporary Outcomes After Surgery and Medical Treatment in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis (CURRENT AS) registry enrolling 3815 consecutive patients with severe
AS
between 2003 and 2011. The mean age was 78 years, and the prevalences of male sex and prior myocardial infarction were 38% and 8%, respectively. Sudden death occurred in 175 patients without aortic valve replacement. The cumulative 5‐year incidences of sudden death, censored at aortic valve replacement, which accounted for the competing risk, were 9.2% in symptomatic patients and 7.2% (1.4%/year) in asymptomatic patients (
P
<0.001). Among 82 asymptomatic patients experiencing sudden death, 54 patients (66%) died abruptly without any preceding symptoms, and 35 (65%) of these sudden deaths occurred within 3 months of the last clinical follow‐up visit. Independent risk factors for sudden death were hemodialysis (hazard ratio [
HR
] 3.63; 95% confidence interval [
CI
] 2.42‐5.43), prior myocardial infarction (
HR
2.11; 95%
CI
1.28‐3.50), body mass index <22 (
HR
1.51; 95%
CI
1.03‐2.21), peak aortic jet velocity ≥5 m/s (
HR
1.76; 95%
CI
1.12‐2.78), and left ventricular ejection fraction <60% (
HR
1.52; 95%
CI
1.08‐2.14).

Conclusions

The incidence of sudden death in asymptomatic patients with severe
AS
might be higher than that reported in previous reports. Several baseline clinical and echocardiographic characteristics were associated with increased risk of sudden death.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm
. Unique identifier:
UMIN
000012140.
Effect of Combined Treatment With Folic Acid, Vitamin B
6
, and Vitamin B
12
on Plasma Biomarkers of Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction in Women
Authors: Christen William G. , Cook Nancy R. , Van Denburgh Martin , Zaharris Elaine , Albert Christine M. , Manson JoAnn E.
Published: May 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to determine whether reducing plasma homocysteine concentrations with long‐term, combined treatment with folic acid, vitamin B
6
, and vitamin B
12
alters plasma biomarkers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in women at increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Methods and Results

We conducted a blood substudy of 300 treatment‐adherent participants (150 in the active treatment group, 150 in the placebo group) in the WAFACS (Women's Antioxidant and Folic Acid Cardiovascular Study), a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial testing a daily combination of folic acid (2.5 mg), vitamin B
6
(50 mg), vitamin B
12
(1 mg), or matching placebo, in cardiovascular disease prevention among women at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Plasma concentration of 3 biomarkers of inflammation (C‐reactive protein, interleukin‐6, and fibrinogen) and a biomarker of endothelial dysfunction (intercellular adhesion molecule 1) were measured at baseline and at the end of treatment and follow‐up. After 7.3 years of combined treatment with folic acid, vitamin B
6
, and vitamin B
12
, homocysteine concentrations were reduced by 18% in the active treatment group as compared with the placebo group (
P
<0.001). However, there was no difference between treatment groups in change in blood concentration from baseline to follow‐up for C‐reactive protein (
P
=0.77), interleukin‐6 (
P
=0.91), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (
P
=0.38), or fibrinogen (
P
=0.68).

Conclusions

These findings indicate that long‐term, combined treatment with folic acid, vitamin B
6
, and vitamin B
12
lowers homocysteine concentrations, but does not alter major biomarkers of vascular inflammation, consistent with the lack of clinical cardiovascular disease benefit in the trial.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
00000541.
A new four-pored Amphisbaena Linnaeus, 1758 (Amphisbaenia, Amphisbaenidae) from Brazilian Amazon
Authors: OLIVEIRA ELAINE C.S. , VAZ-SILVA WILIAN , SANTOS-JR ALFREDO P. , GRABOSKI ROBERTA , TEIXEIRA MAURO  JR , VECHIO FRANCISCO DAL , RIBEIRO SÍRIA
Published: May 2018

A new species of Amphisbaena is described from the Brazilian Amazon, within the area impacted by the Teles Pires hydroelectric power plant, Jacareacanga municipality, State of Pará. Amphisbaena hoogmoedi sp. nov. can be diagnosed from its congeners by the following combination of characters: snout convex in profile view, sligthly compressed not keeled; pectoral scales arranged in regular annuli; conspicuous autotomic site between 7th–8th caudal annuli; 247–252 dorsal half-annuli; 27 caudal annuli; tail length 9.5–10.4% of snoutvent length; four precloacal pores arranged in sequence; three supralabials; a rounded tail; 22–24 dorsal segments in midbody annulus; postmalar row absent; head length 2.1–2.9% of snout-vent length; prefrontals length 46.6–49.5% of head length; prefrontals suture length 38–44.6% of head length; small malar length 10.6–13.4% of ventral length of head ; second infralabial length 33.8–38.5% of head length; ventral length of head 2.7–2.9% of snout-vent length; mouth length 80.2–81.8% of head length; third infralabial length 16.4–19.6% of head length; snout length 62.5–78.6% of head length; ocular length 23.4–26.2% of head length; mental length 23.2–25.4% of ventral length of head; postmental length 27.2–31.3% of ventral length of head; frontals suture length 23.4–32.3% of head length; postocular width 25–31.9% of maximun width of head; first supralabial length 24.9–30.6% of head length; second supralabial length 27.7–30% of head length and second supralabial height 26.9–28.8% of maximun head height. The hemipenis is bilobed, capitate and with lateral lamellae on the lobes; with a centrally-positioned spermatic groove, bifurcated at the base of the lobes, and with each branch extending to the tip of organ.
First record and new species of the Oriental leafhopper genus Trifida Thapa & Sohi (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae) from China
Authors: HUANG MIN , KANG JUXIA , ZHANG YALIN
Published: May 2018

The Oriental leafhopper genus Trifida Thapa & Sohi, 1986 and T. quadripunctata are recorded from China for the first time. Three new species, T. eleganta, T. robusta and T. elongata spp. nov., are described and illustrated. A check-list and key to all species of Trifida are provided.
An Identification key to the species of Auchenorrhyncha of Iranian fauna recorded as pests in orchards and a review on the pest status of the species
Authors: MOZAFFARIAN FARIBA
Published: May 2018

An illustrated dichotomous identification key for a total of 54 Auchenorrhyncha species of Iran is presented. The studied species have been recorded as pests and vectors of diseases to fruit trees. Twenty nine records were contributed to Iranian orchards and 25 of which were from other parts of the world. Hence, the latter group can be considered as potential pests and vectors in Iran. Reviewing the published information on the former group suggests 12 species as pests (4, 2 and 6 species with significant, minor, and unknown recorded economic damage levels, respectively). The pest status of 14 recorded pest species were quite doubtful and 3 of them could not be present in Iran due to the lack of evidence or their limited distribution in other parts of the world. The 4 species which were recognized as well known and significantly important pests belonged to the families: Tropiduchidae (Ommatissus lybicus Bergevin, 1930), Cicadidae (Cicadatra alhageos (Kolenati, 1857)), and Cicadellidae (Hishimonus phycitis (Distant, 1908) and Neoaliturus haematoceps (Mulstant et Rey, 1855)). One species Orosanga japonicus is recording for the first time from Iran and added to the key.
Genus Microlithosia (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae) in Laos, with the description of a new species
Authors: BAYARSAIKHAN ULZIIJARGAL , LEE DONG-JUNE , BAE YANG-SEOP
Published: May 2018

Microlithosia Daniel, 1954 from Laos is reviewed. A new species, Microlithosia laosana Bayarsaikhan & Bae, n. sp., is described along with two newly recorded species, M. umbripuncta (de Joannis, 1928) and M. nanlingica Dubatolov, Kishida & Wang, 2012. Illustrations of adults and male genitalia are provided. The checklist of the genus is updated.
Type specimens of Chrysomelidae and Megalopodidae (Coleoptera) in the National Forest Insect Collection (NFIC), Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun, India
Authors: FAISAL MOHAMMAD , SINGH SUDHIR
Published: May 2018

Type specimens of 28 species of Chrysomelidae and one of Megalopodidae present in National Forest Insect Collection (NFIC), Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehra Dun (India) are digitized. Information such as label data, original citations, photographs of specimens from dorsal side, and condition of specimens are provided. These types (4 primary and 25 secondary) belong to 20 genera, i.e. 19 in 12 tribes of 5 subfamilies of Chrysomelidae—Bruchinae (Spermophagus atroapicalis Pic, S. notatipennis Pic, S. uniformis Pic, Bruchus bilineatopygus Pic, B. gardneri Pic, B. albocallosus Pic, and B. maculatithorax Pic), Cassidinae (Callispa almora Maulik, Downesia sasthi Maulik Estigmena bicolor Bhasin, and Platypria garthwaitei Bhasin), Cryptocephalinae (Aetheomorpha coorgensis Bryant, Aspidolopha nigrocurvilinea Bryant, A. ornaticollis Bryant, Chlamys padmanabhai Bhasin, C. travancorensis Bhasin, Exema fulvitarsis Bryant, E. salemensis Bhasin, Melixanthus coorgensis Bryant, and Gynandrophthalma flaviventris Bryant), Eumolpinae (Trichotheca beesoni Bryant), Galerucinae (Chaetocnema merguiensis Bryant, Diorhabda trirakha Maulik, Elytropachys sandalensis Bryant, Longitarsus cyanipennis Bryant, L. taklechensis Bryant, Podagrica apicefulva Bryant and Sastra mamaya Maulik), and one in Megalopodidae Megalopodinae (Temnaspis quadriplagiatus Bryant).
Attitudes towards severe mental illness and social distance: A survey of volunteer befrienders in Austria
Authors: Toner Sarah , Fabisch Karin , Priebe Stefan , Klug Gϋnter
Published: May 2018

Background:

Research suggests there is a propensity for people in the general population to distance themselves from people with severe mental illness (SMI), which reportedly decreases with increased contact with individuals with SMI. Volunteer befrienders in the mental health sector have ongoing contact with this population, yet little data exist to reflect their attitudes towards people with SMI.

Method:

A questionnaire was distributed to all volunteer befrienders for people with SMI within volunteering programmes organised in five Austrian regions. A vignette described an individual with SMI and was followed by questions assessing willingness to interact with this person in personal or professional contexts. Social distance scores, calculated based on responses to attitude items, were used as the dependent variable in regression analyses. Independent variables included participant characteristics, experience of family/friends with mental illness, time spent befriending and satisfaction with the relationship.

Results:

Questionnaires were completed and returned by 360 volunteers (54.0%). A minority would allow someone with SMI to look after their children (6.2%), while most volunteers positively endorsed other personal interactions such as having the individual marry into their family (67.8%) or become a neighbour (99.7%). Social distance ( M = 2.5, standard deviation [ SD] = 1.16) was not associated with any independent variables.

Conclusions:

Volunteers had a lower desire for social distance from individuals with SMI as compared to findings from the general population. Future research may establish whether lower social distance is part of the motivation to volunteer as a befriender to people with severe mental illness or develops over time in that role or both.
The Euphoric Sensations of Cigarettes: Exploring How Operant Conditioning May Be the Missing Link in the Theoretical Understanding of Antidrug Policies
Authors: Borkowski Elizabeth L. , Leal Wanda E.
Published: May 2018

This study aims to examine how positive and negative reinforcers during an individual’s first few cigarettes (cigarette initiation experiences) are associated with adulthood smoking behavior. Respondents from the Add Health were asked about subjective feelings during their first few cigarettes. Using ordinary least squares (OLS) and logistic regression, we examine the differential effects of positive and negative cigarette initiation experiences on 30-day cigarette use in adulthood and lifetime nicotine dependence. The results indicate that all measures of positive cigarette initiation experiences are positively associated with both cigarette measures; however, the opposite is not true of negative cigarette initiation experiences. The results highlight the misconceptions of antidrug policies aimed at punishment of users, by indicating that positive experiences influence later cigarette use more than negative experiences. These findings suggest that drug policies and initiatives aimed at punishment may be misguided and could benefit from adopting operant conditioning concepts that emphasize reinforcements.
Black Adolescents’ Television Usage and Endorsement of Mainstream Gender Roles and the Strong Black Woman Schema
Authors: Anyiwo Nkemka , Ward L. Monique , Day Fletcher Kyla , Rowley Stephanie
Published: May 2018

This study investigated the associations between Black adolescents’ television usage and their endorsement of mainstream gender roles (MGR) and the strong Black woman (SBW) schema, which characterizes Black woman as emotionally strong, independent, and self-sacrificing. A total of 121 self-identified Black adolescents completed survey measures assessing their endorsement of the SBW and MGR, their viewership of 29 popular television programs (17 targeted to mainstream audiences and 12 targeted to a Black audience), and their total hours of weekly television viewing. Viewing Black-oriented programs was associated with stronger endorsement of SBW. However, viewing mainstream programs was associated with lower endorsement of MGR, specifically for boys. These findings offer some of the first indications of potential relations between Black adolescents’ gender role schemas and the racial makeup of the television programs that they view. We discuss possibilities that youth’s selection of television programs may strengthen the development of the SBW or that youth who embrace the SBW schema may select programs that fit the schema.
Do Multiple Homework Attempts Increase Student Learning? A Quantitative Study
Authors: Archer Kathy K.
Published: May 2018

Learning must inherently involve practice. It is true for athletes, for musicians, for almost any area of learning. However, this commonsense approach stops short when it comes to student homework where the debate about whether to allow multiple attempts continues. Proponents claim the value of practice and learning by reworking. Opponents cite grade inflation, student guessing behaviors, and superficial learning rather than true mastery. Meanwhile, the increased use of online homework management systems that easily allow for multiple graded attempts intensifies the need for a data-based answer to the question. It is further complicated by the increase in adult learners and online education. Would multiple homework attempts increase student learning? Would the effect be the same for adult learners in a fully online environment as found in previous studies of traditional students? This natural experiment divided a sample of 917 online students in an entry-level university economics course into two groups to look at the relationship between multiple graded homework attempts and exam scores. The results show mean exam scores increased from 60.34% to 70.77%, when multiple homework attempts were allowed. In addition, 76.89% of variance in exam scores was explained by variance in homework scores. This strong relationship suggests that multiple graded homework attempts increased student learning as measured by the increased exam scores.

JEL Classifications: A22, C93, D01, 121
Surgical Outcomes of Aesthetic Upper Blepharoplasty With Anterior Plication Ptosis Repair Performed Under General Anesthesia in Facial Plastic Surgery Private Practice
Authors: Archer Kaete A. , Perkins Stephen W.
Published: May 2018

Anterior plication ptosis repair is a well-recognized technique but there is a paucity of literature using this technique in a Facial Plastic Surgery private practice where the majority of ptosis patients are having their repair in conjunction with other major cosmetic facial surgery under general anesthesia. The objective is to evaluate revision rates of combined aesthetic upper blepharoplasty with anterior plication ptosis repair in this practice setting. This study is a retrospective review of patients between 2010 and 2015 in a private practice Facial Plastic Surgery office who underwent primary upper blepharoplasty with and without anterior plication ptosis repair by the senior author (S.W.P). Patients were identified by Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code. Average follow-up was 15 months with a range of 3 months to 63 months. Main outcome measure was need for skin pinch revision and/or ptosis revision. Three hundred twenty-six patients were identified. Patients were excluded who had previous upper blepharoplasty (n = 48) and less than 3 months of follow-up (n = 53). Patients were categorized into 2 groups: upper blepharoplasty with anterior plication ptosis repair (33 eyelids, 23 patients) and upper blepharoplasty without ptosis repair (402 eyelids, 202 patients). Of patients who underwent upper blepharoplasty with anterior plication ptosis repair, 15% of eyelids (5/33 eyelids) required revision ptosis repair for abnormal eyelid contour. Seventy percent of patients who underwent this technique were under general anesthesia for multiple procedures. Overall, there was a 7% dermatochalasis revision rate (31/435 eyelids). There was no significant difference in dermatochalasis revision rates of upper blepharoplasty with or without anterior plication ptosis repair ( P = .07). In our Facial Plastic Surgery private practice, upper blepharoplasty with anterior plication ptosis repair may be safely and effectively performed in conjunction with major cosmetic facial surgery under general anesthesia to address aging dermatochalasis and ptosis.
Assessment of trazodone-induced cardiotoxicity after repeated doses in rats
Authors: Atli O , Kilic V , Baysal M , Kilic G , Gormus G , Ucarcan S , Korkut B , Ilgin S
Published: May 2018

Trazodone (TRZ) is an antidepressant drug commonly used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Although some studies demonstrated the adverse effects of TRZ related to cardiovascular system, the conflicting results were observed in these studies. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the cardiac adverse effects of TRZ in rats at repeated doses in our study. In accordance with this purpose, TRZ was administered orally to rats at 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg doses for 28 days. Electrocardiogram records, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase-myoglobin band, cardiac troponin-T (cTn-T) levels, DNA damage in cardiomyocytes, and histologic view of heart tissues were evaluated. In addition, glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured to determine the oxidative status of cardiac tissue after TRZ administration. Heart rate was decreased, PR interval was prolonged, and QRS and T amplitudes were decreased in 20 mg/kg TRZ-administered group compared to the control group. Serum AST and cTn-T levels were significantly increased in 10 and 20 mg/kg TRZ-administered rats with respect to control rats. DNA damage was significantly increased in these groups. Additionally, degenerative histopathologic findings were observed in TRZ-administered groups. Although there was no difference in MDA levels between groups, GSH levels were significantly decreased in 10 and 20 mg/kg TRZ-administered groups compared to the control group. Our results have shown that TRZ induced cardiotoxicity in rats dose-dependently. It is assumed that oxidative stress related to GSH depletion may be accompanied by these adverse effects.
Effect of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on the neuroendocrine regulation of reproduction in adult male rats and its relationship to anxiogenic behavior: Participation of GABAergic system
Authors: Carbone S , Ponzo OJ , Gobetto N , Samaniego YA , Reynoso R , Moguilevsky JA , Cutrera RA
Published: May 2018

The endocrine disruptor di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is used in a variety of consumer products made with polyvinyl chloride and also in the manufacture of medical devices. DEHP disrupts reproductive tract development in an antiandrogenic manner and also may induce neurobehavioral changes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic postnatal exposure to DEHP (30 mg/kg body weight/day, orally from birth to day 60) on the neuroendocrine regulation of the gonadal axis and its impact on the anxiety-like behavior in adult male rats, as well as the probable participation of the GABAergic system in these effects. DEHP produced a significant increase in plasmatic luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, as well as significant testosterone decrease, accompanied with a decrease in hypothalamic gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentration. On the other hand, DEHP increased the anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze test, evidenced by a significant decrease in the percentages of time spent in the open arms and the frequency in the open arm entries and a significant increase in the percentage of time spent in closed arms. Neuroendocrine and behavioral effects were reversed by GABA agonists, muscimol (2 mg/kg i.p. ) and baclofen (10 mg/kg i.p.). In conclusion, chronic DEHP postnatal exposure induced a disruption in the neuroendocrine regulation of the testicular axis in young adult male rats, and this effect was correlated with an anxiety-like behavior. Since GABA agonists reversed these effects, the results suggest that GABA could participate in the modulation of reproductive and behavioral DEHP effects.
Administrative and infrastructural factors affecting library and information science educators’ actual use of educational support systems for teaching in Nigerian universities
Authors: Akinde Taiwo Adetoun , Adetimirin Airen E.
Published: May 2018

This research assumes that administrative and infrastructural factors may explain the low use of educational support systems (ESS) for teaching by library and information science (LIS) educators in Nigerian universities. The literature has focused on the adoption of different types of educational technologies and their use by teachers and students with little consideration for the LIS educators’ actual use of ESS for teaching and the effect of institutional support on the use of these systems. Thus, the study seeks to determine the user percentage of ESS for teaching, how the educators actually use ESS for teaching, the nature of administrative and infrastructural support they receive while teaching with ESS and whether the two factors correlate with and predict the actual use of ESS for teaching. A descriptive survey design was adopted and data were collected through a questionnaire. The results indicate that many of the LIS educators did not use ESS for teaching and that their actual use of ESS for the instructional activities highlighted in the study was low and below average. Moreover, the educators were found to have received minimal administrative and infrastructural support. The two factors were also found to have significant positive correlations and a significant and positive joint influence on the actual use of ESS for teaching with a joint contribution of 14.7%. Analysis of their relative contributions to the prediction of actual use revealed that, although the two support factors contributed positively, only infrastructural support contributed significantly at 0.05 level of significance. It was therefore recommended that for administrative support to be meaningful, adequate infrastructural facilities should be provided for an appreciable and sustainable use of ESS for teaching.
The ‘Turkestan Generals’ and Russian Military History
Authors: Morrison Alexander
Published: May 2018

This article is a short collective biography of six so-called ‘Turkestan Generals’, all of whom played a prominent role in the Russian conquest and administration of Central Asia. These campaigns are usually seen as marginal to the military history of the Russian empire in the nineteenth century, but they were central to the reputations of three of the most prominent generals of the period, who became important public figures – Cherniaev, Skobelev, and Kuropatkin. The article shows that this was not accidental, but the product of a carefully constructed narrative in Russian military historiography.
Site-specific expression of amine oxidases in breast cancer metastases
Authors: Cha Yoon Jin , Jung Woo Hee , Koo Ja Seung
Published: May 2018

We aimed to evaluate the expression of amine oxidase-related proteins in metastatic breast cancer tissue and determine its clinical implication. A tissue microarray was constructed from a total of 126 metastatic breast tumors (31 bone metastases (24.6%), 36 brain metastases (28.6%), 11 liver metastases (8.7%), and 48 lung metastases (38.1%)). Immunohistochemical staining for amine oxidase-related proteins (lysyl oxidase, diamine oxidase, and monoamine oxidase A and B) was performed. In metastatic breast cancer tissue, lysyl oxidase ( p = 0.001), tumoral diamine oxidase ( p = 0.003), stromal diamine oxidase ( p = 0.047), and stromal monoamine oxidase B ( p = 0.002) were differentially expressed in different metastatic sites. Bone metastases showed low expression of lysyl oxidase, tumoral diamine oxidase, and stromal diamine oxidase. We observed high expression of lysyl oxidase in brain metastases, tumoral diamine oxidase in liver metastases, stromal diamine oxidase in lung metastases, and stromal monoamine oxidase B in bone metastases. Lysyl oxidase positivity was associated with progesterone receptor negativity ( p = 0.001), and monoamine oxidase A positivity was associated with human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 negativity ( p = 0.003) and the luminal A subtype ( p = 0.003). On univariate analysis shorter overall survival was associated with stromal diamine oxidase negativity ( p = 0.008), especially in lung metastases ( p = 0.025), and stromal monoamine oxidase B positivity ( p < 0.001). Stromal monoamine oxidase B positivity was an independent prognostic factor for shorter overall survival in multivariate Cox analysis (hazard ratio, 4.069; 95% confidence interval, 1.649–10.04; p = 0.002). Finally, in metastatic breast cancer, amine oxidase-related proteins were differentially expressed in a manner specific to metastatic site, and stromal monoamine oxidase B expression was correlated with prognosis.
Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Nasal Obstruction, and Enuresis in Children With Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and Palate: A Prevalence Study
Authors: Fernandes Marilyse de Bragança Lopes , Salgueiro Alícia Graziela Noronha Silva , Bighetti Eliete Janaína Bueno , Trindade-Suedam Ivy Kiemle , Trindade Inge Elly Kiemle
Published: May 2018

Objective:

To estimate the prevalence of symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), nasal obstruction, and enuresis in children with nonsyndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate.

Design:

Prospective cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Referral care center.

Participants:

One hundred seventy-four children aged 6 to 12 years of both genders.

Interventions:

Symptoms of OSA and nasal obstruction were investigated by analysis of scores obtained by the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) and Congestion Quantifier (CQ-5). Enuresis was considered as present when urinary loss was reported during sleep (at least 1 episode/month, last 3 months). To characterize the enuresis as mono- or polysymptomatic, symptoms of dysfunction of the lower urinary tract (DLUT) were investigated by the Dysfunctional Voiding Scoring System (DVSS). Statistical analysis was performed at a 5% level of significance.

Results:

Positive SDSC scores for OSA were observed in 60 (34%) children; positive CQ-5 scores for nasal obstruction in 45 (26%), positive DVSS scores for DLUT in 30 (17%), and enuresis was reported by 29 (17%), being categorized as primary in 66% and polysymptomatic in 72% of the children. Compared to the pediatric population, OSA, nasal obstruction, and enuresis prevalence ratios were up to 7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 5-9), 2 (95% CI 2-3), and 3 times (95% CI 2-5) higher, respectively. There was a positive/moderate correlation between symptoms of OSA and nasal obstruction ( P = .0001). No correlation was seen between symptoms of OSA and enuresis.

Conclusions:

Children with nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate have high prevalence of nasal obstruction and enuresis and are at risk of OSA.
The Approach to Solitary Fibrous Tumors: Are Clinicopathological Features and Nomograms Accurate in the Prediction of Prognosis?
Authors: Ng Deanna Wan Jie , Tan Grace Hwei Ching , Soon Joel Jia Yi , Zhao David Yue , Shannon Nicholas Brian , Selvarajan Sathiyamoorthy , Soo Khee Chee , Teo Melissa Ching Ching
Published: May 2018

Introduction. Currently, factors such as size, mitotic rate, and degree of necrosis have been shown to influence survival in patients with solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs); however, there remains no consensus regarding the associations between tumor characteristics and the malignant nature of these tumors. The aim of this article was to identify factors that would help in prognosticating SFTs and to validate the MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) SFT nomogram in the largest known series of SFTs treated in an Asian population. Methods. A retrospective review of all patients with a diagnosis of SFT treated surgically in our institution between 2005 and 2015 was carried out. Basic demographics, clinicopathological, and surgical factors were analyzed for association with clinical outcomes. Factors that predicted for distant recurrence (DR) and poor survival were identified as high-risk features. The MDACC nomogram was validated by assessing the extent of discrimination, quantified using Harrell’s concordance index (C-index). Results. Fifty-nine patients were included in analysis. Significant univariate associations for DR were found for mitotic rate ( P = .05) and presence of necrosis ( P = .04). Significant univariate associations for overall survival were found for presence of recurrence ( P = .035), presence of necrosis ( P = .072), and mitotic rate ( P = .033). The C-index associated with the nomogram was 0.75. Conclusion. There is a negative association for DR and overall survival, with the mitotic rate and presence of necrosis. We propose that SFTs with these features should be regarded as high risk. The MDACC nomogram generally predicts well for patients in an Asian population.
Let Steadfastness Have Its Full Effect: (Re)Membering (Re)Search and Endarkened Feminisms From Ananse to Asantewaa
Authors: Dillard Cynthia B.
Published: May 2018

In this article, I return to a previously published work to reflect on the moral, methodological, and spiritual imperatives of qualitative inquiry for Black feminist researchers. Marshaling the West African icons of Ananse and Yaa Asantewaa, this article illuminates how racism and sexism always already position the Black woman scholar as both (re)searcher and (re)searched in both sites of inquiry and as objects under study. This article makes visible the “evidence of things unseen” to recognize the oft invisible labor, gatekeeping, in/exclusions and challenges in doing/being racialized work, and the consequences in life and research careers for Black women scholars.
The BOND Framework: A Practical Application of Visual Communication Design and Marketing to Advance Evaluation Reporting
Authors: McAlindon Kathryn , Neal Jennifer Watling , Neal Zachary P. , Mills Kristen J. , Lawlor Jennifer
Published: May 2018

Despite growing interest in data visualization and graphically aided reporting, the evaluation literature could benefit from additional guidance on systematically integrating visual communication design and marketing into comprehensive communication strategies to improve data dissemination. This article describes the role of targeted communication strategies—based on visual communications, design, and marketing theory—in producing more effective reports. In evaluation practice, well-synthesized and translated reports often require the integration of data from multiple sources, methods, and/or time points to communicate complex findings in ways that elicit productive responses. Visual communication strategies, such as project branding or designing actionable tools with marketing principles in mind, can be applied to optimize effective reporting of complex evaluation findings. This article references a longitudinal, mixed-method evaluation of public school administrators in Michigan to illustrate the application of a systematic communication design framework to produce several graphically aided project materials and subsequent findings reports.