bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tibetan Microblog Emotional Analysis Based on Sequential Model in Online Social Platforms
Authors: Qiu Lirong , Zhang Huili , Zhang Zhen , Pu Qiumei
Published: August 2017

With the development of microblogs, selling and buying appear in online social platforms such as Sina Weibo and Wechat. Besides Mandarin, Tibetan language is also used to describe products and customers’ opinions. In this paper, we are interested in analyzing the emotions of Tibetan microblogs, which are helpful to understand opinions and product reviews for Tibetan customers. It is challenging since existing studies paid little attention to Tibetan language. Our key idea is to express Tibetan microblogs as vectors and then classify them. To express microblogs more fully, we select two kinds of features, which are sequential features and semantic features. In addition, our experimental results on the Sina Weibo dataset clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of feature selection and the efficiency of our classification method.
Fault-Related Controls on Upward Hydrothermal Flow: An Integrated Geological Study of the Têt Fault System, Eastern Pyrénées (France)
Authors: Taillefer Audrey , Soliva Roger , Guillou-Frottier Laurent , Le Goff Elisabeth , Martin Guillaume , Seranne Michel
Published: August 2017

The way faults control upward fluid flow in nonmagmatic hydrothermal systems in extensional context is still unclear. In the Eastern Pyrénées, an alignment of twenty-nine hot springs (29°C to 73°C), along the normal Têt fault, offers the opportunity to study this process. Using an integrated multiscale geological approach including mapping, remote sensing, and macro- and microscopic analyses of fault zones, we show that emergence is always located in crystalline rocks at gneiss-metasediments contacts, mostly in the Têt fault footwall. The hot springs distribution is related to high topographic reliefs, which are associated with fault throw and segmentation. In more detail, emergence localizes either (1) in brittle fault damage zones at the intersection between the Têt fault and subsidiary faults or (2) in ductile faults where dissolution cavities are observed along foliations, allowing juxtaposition of metasediments. Using these observations and 2D simple numerical simulation, we propose a hydrogeological model of upward hydrothermal flow. Meteoric fluids, infiltrated at high elevation in the fault footwall relief, get warmer at depth because of the geothermal gradient. Topography-related hydraulic gradient and buoyancy forces cause hot fluid rise along permeability anisotropies associated with lithological juxtapositions, fracture, and fault zone compositions.
Surgery Averted Using a Novel, Minimally Invasive Approach to Treat Very Severe Radial Artery Spasm
Authors: Cochet Anthony A. , Bellin Daniel A.
Published: August 2017

A 42-year-old male admitted with a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction was referred for invasive angiographic assessment. Based on preprocedural assessment, the right radial artery approach was selected. Despite possessing none of the consensus risk factors for radial artery spasm, in addition to receiving standard arterial spasm prophylaxis and conscious sedation, the patient suffered very severe radial artery spasm with initial catheter placement, resulting in entrapment of a 5 Fr pigtail catheter within the left ventricle. After exhausting traditional methods for resolution of radial artery spasm, surgical intervention appeared to be the only remaining option for removal of the entrapped catheter. Prior to committing to surgery, use of an axillary nerve block to hinder sympathetic vascular tone was suggested and attempted. This intervention resulted in atraumatic catheter removal. We present a case of very severe radial artery spasm refractory to customary interventions, alleviated with a novel, minimally invasive technique, which spared surgical intervention.
Serum Osteocalcin and Testosterone Concentrations in Adult Males with or without Primary Osteoporosis: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Zhong-Yu , Yang Yang , Wen Chun-Yi , Rong Li-Min
Published: August 2017

Osteocalcin (Ocn) and testosterone play important roles in male skeleton. However, the concentrations of serum osteocalcin and testosterone have never been systematically compared between populations with and without primary male osteoporosis, a common skeletal disorder in adult males. We searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for relevant studies. A meta-analysis was performed to compare the serum osteocalcin and testosterone concentrations between primary osteoporotic males and age-matched nonosteoporotic (non-OP) males. Five case-control studies with 300 adult males were included. We found no significant difference between cases and controls in serum total osteocalcin (TOcn) [95% confidence interval (CI): −1.25, 1.31; p=0.96] and total testosterone (TT) concentrations [95% CI: −0.88, 4.22; p=0.20]. The level of evidence of this carefully performed meta-analysis is 3a according to Oxford (UK) CEBM Levels of Evidence. Future well-designed studies with larger sample size and better standardization of Ocn assay are awaited to confirm and update our current findings.
Gemcitabine-Induced TIMP1 Attenuates Therapy Response and Promotes Tumor Growth and Liver Metastasis in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: D'Costa Zenobia , Jones Keaton , Azad Abul , van Stiphout Ruud , Lim Su Y. , Gomes Ana L. , Kinchesh Paul , Smart Sean C. , Gillies McKenna W. , Buffa Francesca M. , Sansom Owen J. , Muschel Ruth J. , O'Neill Eric , Fokas Emmanouil
Published: August 2017

Gemcitabine constitutes one of the backbones for chemotherapy treatment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), but patients often respond poorly to this agent. Molecular markers downstream of gemcitabine treatment in preclinical models may provide an insight into resistance mechanisms. Using cytokine arrays, we identified potential secretory biomarkers of gemcitabine resistance (response) in the transgenic KRasG12D; Trp53R172H; Pdx-1 Cre (KPC) mouse model of PDAC. We verified the oncogenic role of the cytokine tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP1) in primary pancreatic tumors and metastases using both in vitro techniques and animal models. We identified potential pathways affected downstream of TIMP1 using the Illumina Human H12 array. Our findings were validated in both primary and metastatic models of pancreatic cancer. Gemcitabine increased inflammatory cytokines including TIMP1 in the KPC mouse model. TIMP1 was upregulated in patients with pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias grade 3 and PDAC lesions relative to matched normal pancreatic tissue. In addition, TIMP1 played a role in tumor clonogenic survival and vascular density, while TIMP1 inhibition resensitized tumors to gemcitabine and radiotherapy. We observed a linear relationship between TIMP-1 expression, liver metastatic burden, and infiltration by CD11b+Gr1+ myeloid cells and CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Tregs, whereas the presence of tumor cells was required for immune cell infiltration. Overall, our results identify TIMP1 upregulation as a resistance mechanism to gemcitabine and provide a rationale for combining chemo/radiotherapy with TIMP1 inhibitors in PDAC. Cancer Res; 77(21); 5952–62. ©2017 AACR.
Phase I Dose-Escalation Study of the Anti-CD70 Antibody ARGX-110 in Advanced Malignancies
Authors: Aftimos Philippe , Rolfo Christian , Rottey Sylvie , Offner Fritz , Bron Dominique , Maerevoet Marie , Soria Jean-Charles , Moshir Mahan , Dreier Torsten , Van Rompaey Luc , Michot Jean-Marie , Silence Karen , Hultberg Anna , Gandini Domenica , de Haard Hans , Ribrag Vincent , Peeters Marc , Thibault Alain , Leupin Nicolas , Awada Ahmad
Published: August 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and preliminary antitumor efficacy of ARGX-110, a glyco-engineered monoclonal antibody, targeting CD70, in patients with CD70 expressing advanced malignancies.

Experimental Design: Dose escalation with a sequential 3+3 design was performed in five steps at the 0.1, 1, 2, 5, and 10 mg/kg dose levels (N = 26). ARGX-110 was administered intravenously every 3 weeks until progression or intolerable toxicity. Dose-limiting toxicity was evaluated in the 21 days following the first ARGX-110 administration (Cycle 1). Samples for pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics were collected.

Results: Dose-limiting toxicity was not observed and the maximum tolerated dose was not reached. ARGX-110 was generally well tolerated, with no dose-related increase in treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE). The most common TEAE were fatigue and drug related infusion-related reactions (IRR). Of the 20 SAEs reported, five events, all IRRs, were considered related to ARGX-110. ARGX-110 demonstrates dose proportionality over the dose range 1 to 10 mg/kg, but not at 0.1 mg/kg and a terminal half-life of 10 to 13 days. The best overall response was stable disease (14/26) in all 26 evaluable patients with various malignancies and the mean duration of treatment was 15 weeks. No dose–response related antitumor activity was observed, but biomarker readouts provided signs of biological activity, particularly in patients with hematologic malignancies.

Conclusions: This dose-escalation phase I trial provides evidence of good tolerability of ARGX-110, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary antitumor activity at all dose levels in generally heavily pretreated patients with advanced CD70-positive malignancies. Clin Cancer Res; 23(21); 6411–20. ©2017 AACR.
The KMT1A-GATA3-STAT3 Circuit Is a Novel Self-Renewal Signaling of Human Bladder Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Yang Zhao , He Luyun , Lin Kaisu , Zhang Yun , Deng Aihua , Liang Yong , Li Chong , Wen Tingyi
Published: August 2017

Purpose: Bladder cancer is one of the most common urinary malignancies worldwide characterized by a high rate of recurrence and no targeted therapy method. Bladder cancer stem cells (BCSCs) play a crucial role in tumor initiation, metastasis, and drug resistance. However, the regulatory signaling and self-renewal mechanisms of BCSCs remain largely unknown. Here, we identified a novel signal, the KMT1A-GATA3-STAT3 circuit, which promoted the self-renewal and tumorigenicity of human BCSCs.

Experimental Design: In a discovery step, human BCSCs and bladder cancer non-stem cells (BCNSCs) isolated from primary bladder cancer samples #1 and #2, and the bladder cancer cell line EJ were analyzed by transcriptome microarray. In a validation step, 10 paired bladder cancer and normal tissues, different tumor cell lines, the public microarray datasets of human bladder cancer, and The Cancer Genome Atlas database were applied for the verification of gene expression.

Results: KMT1A was highly expressed and responsible for the increase of tri-methylating lysine 9 of histone H3 (H3K9me3) modification in BCSCs compared with either BCNSCs or normal bladder tissue. GATA3 bound to the -1710∼-1530 region of STAT3 promoter and repressed its transcription. H3K9me3 modification on the -1351∼-1172bp region of the GATA3 promoter mediated by KMT1A repressed the transcription of GATA3 and upregulated the expression of STAT3. In addition, the activated STAT3 triggered self-renewal of BCSCs. Furthermore, depletion of KMT1A or STAT3 abrogated the formation of BCSC tumorspheres and xenograft tumors.

Conclusions: KMT1A positively regulated the self-renewal and tumorigenicity of human BCSCs via KMT1A-GATA3-STAT3 circuit, in which KMT1A could be a promising target for bladder cancer therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 23(21); 6673–85. ©2017 AACR.
Reliability and Validity of a Smartphone-Paired Pulse Oximeter for Screening of Critical Congenital Heart Defects in Newborns
Authors: Huizing Maurice J. , Villamor-Martínez Eduardo , Chavagne Ingrid A. , Vanagt Ward Y. , Spaanderman Marc A. E. , Villamor Eduardo
Published: August 2017

Background: Barriers to widespread implementation of pulse oximetry screening of critical congenital heart defects (CCHD) in newborns include increasing trends of out-of-hospital births and cost of equipment. In recent years, smartphone-compatible pulse oximeters have appeared on the market, but the validity of such devices in the setting of CCHD screening has not been evaluated. Objectives: To compare the performance in CCHD screening of a smartphone-paired pulse oximeter (Masimo iSpO2-Rx™) and a hospital-grade pulse oximeter (Masimo Radical-7™). Methods: Preductal (right hand) and postductal (either foot) saturations were determined in a population of 201 term newborns by 2 independent teams, one using the Radical-7 and the other using the iSpO2-Rx. Bland-Altman analysis was applied to calculate mean bias and 95% limits of agreement between the 2 pulse oximeters. Results: For the preductal oxygen saturation, the mean bias (Radical-7 minus iSpO2-Rx) was -0.08 (SD 1.76) and the lower and upper limits of agreement were -3.52 and 3.36, respectively. For the postductal oxygen saturation, the mean bias was -0.11 (SD 1.68) and the lower and upper limits of agreement were -3.49 and 3.18, respectively. In addition, the iSpO2-Rx provided reliable measurements of saturations below 95% in a group of 12 infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Conclusions: Our data suggest that CCHD screening with the Masimo iSpO2-Rx is feasible and accurate. The use of reliable smartphone-paired pulse oximeters may contribute to the extension of CCHD screening to home births and low resource settings.
Increased Non-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Children and Young Adults with Turner Syndrome Is Not Explained By BMI Alone
Authors: Kelley Jennifer C. , Gutmark-Little Iris , Backeljauw Philippe , Bamba Vaneeta
Published: August 2017

Background: Turner syndrome (TS) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) is a convenient measure of atherogenicity (normal concentration <120 mg/dL) but has not been investigated in TS. We aim to evaluate non-HDL-C patterns in a cohort of pediatric and young adult females with TS. Methods: A retrospective chart review was used to obtain demographics, body composition, genetic reports, and lipid profiles in females with TS. Results: Lipid profiles were assessed in 158 females (mean age 13.6 years). Mean non-HDL-C was 118.9 mg/dL (±32.0); the prevalence of high non-HDL-C (≥144 mg/dL) was 17.7% (n = 28). In TS females aged 8–17 years (n = 46), the prevalence of high non-HDL-C was 23.9% (95% CI 11.1–36.7; n = 11) between 2011 and 2012, compared to 9.2% (95% CI 5.6–14.1) in females of the same age in the general population reported in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) dataset (p < 0.005). Body mass index (BMI) accounted for only 6% of variance in non-HDL-C values (β coefficient = 1.31, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Children and adolescents aged 8–17 years with TS appear to have a greater prevalence of adverse non-HDL-C levels compared to the general adolescent population. The prevalence of high non-HDL-C was not fully explained by BMI.
Baseline Optical Coherence Tomography Findings as Outcome Predictors after Switching from Ranibizumab to Aflibercept in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration following a Treat-and-Extend Regimen
Authors: Türksever Cengiz , Prünte Christian , Hatz Katja
Published: August 2017

Purpose: To evaluate outcome predictors of aflibercept in neovascular age-related macular degeneration pretreated with ranibizumab based on a treat-and-extend regimen (TER). Methods: We performed a retrospective evaluation of 18-month follow-up of 45 consecutive patients with limited response to ranibizumab. Results: At month 18, mean central retinal thickness and intraretinal fluid (IRF) height were significantly reduced. The recurrence-free treatment interval (RFTI) increased from 7.0 ± 1.8 to 8.5 ± 2.4 weeks (p = 0.01); visual acuity remained stable. At month 18, 58.1% of patients showed a longer RFTI. At month 12, eyes with baseline subretinal fluid (SRF) had a shorter RFTI than those without SRF (p = 0.032). Eyes with baseline IRF showed a longer RFTI than those without IRF (p = 0.037). Baseline hyperreflective foci (HRF) presence indicated improvement in SRF (p = 0.024) and IRF at month 12 (p = 0.049). Conclusion: Baseline HRF presence predicted better morphological outcome, while SRF predicted a shorter RFTI and IRF a longer RFTI after switching from ranibizumab to aflibercept within a TER.
β-Sarcoglycan Deficiency Reduces Atherosclerotic Plaque Development in ApoE-Null Mice
Authors: Murugesan Vignesh , Degerman Eva , Holmen-Pålbrink Ann-Kristin , Duner Pontus , Knutsson Anki , Hultgårdh-Nilsson Anna , Rauch Uwe
Published: August 2017

Background: Smooth muscle cells are important for atherosclerotic plaque stability. Their proper ability to communicate with the extracellular matrix is crucial for maintaining the correct tissue integrity. In this study, we have investigated the role of β-sarcoglycan within the matrix-binding dystrophin-glycoprotein complex in the development of atherosclerosis. Results: Atherosclerotic plaque development was significantly reduced in ApoE-deficient mice lacking β-sarcoglycan, and their plaques contained an increase in differentiated smooth muscle cells. ApoE-deficient mice lacking β-sarcoglycan showed a reduction in ovarian adipose tissue and adipocyte size, while the total weight of the animals was not significantly different. Western blot analysis of adipose tissues showed a decreased activation of protein kinase B, while that of AMP-activated kinase was increased in mice lacking β-sarcoglycan. Analysis of plasma in β-sarcoglycan-deficient mice revealed reduced levels of leptin, adiponectin, insulin, cholesterol, and triglycerides but increased levels of IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex and β-sarcoglycan can affect the atherosclerotic process. Furthermore, the results show the effects of β-sarcoglycan deficiency on adipose tissue and lipid metabolism, which may also have contributed to the atherosclerotic plaque reduction.
Prostatic Arterial Embolization Followed by Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate as a Planned Combined Approach for Extremely Enlarged Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Authors: Li Pu , Wang Chengming , Cao Qiang , Zhang Jiexiu , Shi Haibin , Meng Xiaoxin
Published: August 2017

Objective: This study was aimed at reporting the initial experience with prostatic arterial embolization (PAE) followed by holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) as a planned combined approach for extremely enlarged benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), and retrospectively estimating the efficacy and safety of this novel technique. Patients and Methods: Twenty-four BPH patients who underwent PAE and subsequent HoLEP were included. The PAE procedure was performed under local anesthesia at the supine position with polyvinyl alcohol spherical particles and gelatin sponge particles. HoLEP was performed 3 months after PAE by the “en-bloc” enucleation technique. Clinical data before and 6 months after the procedure were analyzed. Results: PAE and HoLEP were technically successful in all 24 patients. The mean prostate volume was 219 ± 38 mL; the mean total operative time and enucleation time for HoLEP were 117.8 ± 21.9 and 83.5 ± 15.4 min, respectively; and the mean resected prostate weight was 118.3 ± 20.7 g. No transurethral resection of the prostate syndrome was observed during and after HoLEP. The estimated blood loss during HoLEP was 72.1 ± 33.7 mL, and no case required transfusion. International Prostate Symptom Score and post void residual volume decreased significantly (24.1 ± 2.84 vs. 13.5 ± 3.39, p < 0.001; 107.1 ± 40.8 vs. 21.8 ± 16.8, p < 0.001, respectively), maximal flow rate increased significantly (6.25 ± 1.42 vs. 17.63 ± 16.56, p < 0.001), and prostatic specific antigen level also decreased after the procedure (9.29 ± 2.28 vs. 4.99 ± 1.35, p < 0.001). Conclusions: PAE followed by HoLEP as a planned combined approach can be performed safely, feasibly, and efficiently in patients with extremely enlarged BPH.
СУЧАСНІ РЕАЛІЇ ГЕПАТИТУ А У ЖИТЕЛІВ ЗАКАРПАТСЬКОЇ ОБЛАСТІ
Authors: Kohutych A. I. , Halamba A. A.
Published: August 2017

Мета роботи – встановити реальну поширеність серопозитивності ГА методом виявлення anti-HAV IgG та співвідношення жовтяничних форм захворювання до стертих, атипових, безжовтяничних у жителів Закарпатської області.Пацієнти і методи. Дослідження наявності anti-HAV ІgG проводилось у 262 дорослих осіб, пацієнтів обласних лікувальних закладів. Цілеспрямоване опитування на наявність в анамнезі захворювання з ознаками жовтяниці проведено у 203 хворих Обласної клінічної інфекційної лікарні.Результати. Антитіла IgG до вірусу гепатиту А виявлено у 77,48 % обстежених. Частота знаходження їх залежала від віку та місця проживання і не залежала від статі: найменшою була у віці від 18 до 29 років і найбільшою у віці 60 років і більше (р<0,001); у жителів м. Ужгорода вірогідно меншою за жителів інших міст, сільських населених пунктів і жителів Закарпатської області в цілому (р<0,01-0,001).  Висновки. Отримані результати свідчать про значну серопозитивність гепатиту А серед жителів Закарпатській області. Офіційно реєструється менше десятої частини хворих, які перенесли дане захворювання. Серед дорослого населення переважають безжовтяничні форми гепатиту А. Частота виявлення анамнестичних антитіл до гепатиту А залежить від віку та місця проживання обстежених.
Loss of Y Chromosome in Blood Is Associated With Major Cardiovascular Events During Follow-Up in Men After Carotid Endarterectomy
Authors: Haitjema Saskia , Kofink Daniel , van Setten Jessica , van der Laan Sander W. , Schoneveld Arjan H. , Eales James , Tomaszewski Maciej , de Jager Saskia C.A. , Pasterkamp Gerard , Asselbergs Folkert W. , den Ruijter Hester M.
Published: August 2017

Background—

Recent studies found an immune regulatory role for Y chromosome and a relationship between loss of Y chromosome (LOY) in blood cells and a higher risk of cancer and mortality. Given involvement of immune cells in atherosclerosis, we hypothesized that LOY is associated with the severity of atherosclerotic plaque characteristics and outcome in men undergoing carotid endarterectomy.

Methods and Results—

LOY was quantified in blood and plaque from raw intensity genotyping data in men within the Athero-Express biobank study. Plaques were dissected, and the culprit lesions used for histology and the measurement of inflammatory proteins. We tested LOY for association with (inflammatory) atherosclerotic plaque phenotypes and cytokines and assessed the association of LOY with secondary events during 3-year follow-up. Of 366 patients with carotid endarterectomy, 61 exhibited some degree of LOY in blood. LOY was also present in atherosclerotic plaque lesions (n=8/242, 3%). LOY in blood was negatively associated with age (β=−0.03/10 y;
r
2
=0.07;
P
=1.6×10
–7
) but not with cardiovascular disease severity at baseline. LOY in blood was associated with a larger atheroma size (odds ratio, 2.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–4.76;
P
=0.04); however, this association was not significant after correction for multiple testing. LOY was independently associated with secondary major cardiovascular events (hazard ratio=2.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.11–4.67;
P
=0.02) in blood when corrected for confounders.

Conclusions—

In this hypothesis-generating study, LOY in blood is independently associated with secondary major cardiovascular events in a severely atherosclerotic population. Our data could indicate that LOY affects secondary outcome via other mechanisms than inflammation in the atherosclerotic plaque.
Brain–Heart Interaction
Authors: Chen Zhili , Venkat Poornima , Seyfried Don , Chopp Michael , Yan Tao , Chen Jieli
Published: August 2017

Neurocardiology is an emerging specialty that addresses the interaction between the brain and the heart, that is, the effects of cardiac injury on the brain and the effects of brain injury on the heart. This review article focuses on cardiac dysfunction in the setting of stroke such as ischemic stroke, brain hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. The majority of post-stroke deaths are attributed to neurological damage, and cardiovascular complications are the second leading cause of post-stroke mortality. Accumulating clinical and experimental evidence suggests a causal relationship between brain damage and heart dysfunction. Thus, it is important to determine whether cardiac dysfunction is triggered by stroke, is an unrelated complication, or is the underlying cause of stroke. Stroke-induced cardiac damage may lead to fatality or potentially lifelong cardiac problems (such as heart failure), or to mild and recoverable damage such as neurogenic stress cardiomyopathy and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. The role of location and lateralization of brain lesions after stroke in brain–heart interaction; clinical biomarkers and manifestations of cardiac complications; and underlying mechanisms of brain–heart interaction after stroke, such as the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis; catecholamine surge; sympathetic and parasympathetic regulation; microvesicles; microRNAs; gut microbiome, immunoresponse, and systemic inflammation, are discussed.
Activation of Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin Subtype 8 Attenuates Cold‐Induced Hypertension Through Ameliorating Vascular Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Authors: Xiong Shiqiang , Wang Bin , Lin Shaoyang , Zhang Hexuan , Li Yingsha , Wei Xing , Cui Yuanting , Wei Xiao , Lu Zongshi , Gao Peng , Li Li , Zhao Zhigang , Liu Daoyan , Zhu Zhiming
Published: August 2017

Background

Environmental cold‐induced hypertension is common, but how to treat cold‐induced hypertension remains an obstacle. Transient receptor potential melastatin subtype 8 (TRPM8) is a mild cold‐sensing nonselective cation channel that is activated by menthol. Little is known about the effect of TRPM8 activation by menthol on mitochondrial Ca
2+
homeostasis and the vascular function in cold‐induced hypertension.

Methods and Results

Primary vascular smooth muscle cells from wild‐type or Trpm8
−/−
mice were cultured. In vitro, we confirmed that sarcoplasmic reticulum–resident TRPM8 participated in the regulation of cellular and mitochondrial Ca
2+
homeostasis in the vascular smooth muscle cells. TRPM8 activation by menthol antagonized angiotensin
II
induced mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction and excess reactive oxygen species generation by preserving pyruvate dehydrogenase activity, which hindered reactive oxygen species–triggered Ca
2+
influx and the activation of RhoA/Rho kinase pathway. In vivo, long‐term noxious cold stimulation dramatically increased vasoconstriction and blood pressure. The activation of TRPM8 by dietary menthol inhibited vascular reactive oxygen species generation, vasoconstriction, and lowered blood pressure through attenuating excessive mitochondrial reactive oxygen species mediated the activation of RhoA/Rho kinase in a TRPM8‐dependent manner. These effects of menthol were further validated in angiotensin II–induced hypertensive mice.

Conclusions

Long‐term dietary menthol treatment targeting and preserving mitochondrial function may represent a nonpharmaceutical measure for environmental noxious cold–induced hypertension.
Persistent Hyperglycemia Is Associated With Increased Mortality After Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Wu Teddy Y. , Putaala Jukka , Sharma Gagan , Strbian Daniel , Tatlisumak Turgut , Davis Stephen M. , Meretoja Atte
Published: August 2017

Background

Hyperglycemia may be associated with worse outcome after intracerebral hemorrhage (
ICH
). We assessed the association of early glycemic trajectory on
ICH
mortality and edema growth.

Methods and Results

We included patients from the Helsinki
ICH
study with glucose measurements at least once between both 0 to 24 and 24 to 72 hours from onset. Hyperglycemia was defined as blood glucose ≥8 mmol/L (144 mg/dL) based on the local threshold for treatment. Glycemic trajectory was defined on maximum values 0 to 24 and 24 to 72 hours after
ICH
: (1) persistent normoglycemia in both epochs; (2) late hyperglycemia (only between 24 and 72 hours); (3) early hyperglycemia (only before 24 hours); and (4) persistent hyperglycemia in both epochs. Logistic regression with known predictors of outcome estimated the association of glycemic trajectory and 6‐month mortality. A generalized linear model assessed the association of glycemic trajectory and interpolated 72‐hour edema extension distance. A total of 576 patients met eligibility criteria, of whom 214 (37.2%) had persistent normoglycemia, 44 (7.6%) late hyperglycemia, 151 (26.2%) early hyperglycemia, and 167 (29.0%) persistent hyperglycemia. Six‐month mortality was higher in the persistent (51.1%) and early (26.3%) hyperglycemia groups than the normoglycemia (19.0%) and late hyperglycemia (3.6%) groups. Persistent hyperglycemia was associated with 6‐month mortality (odds ratio 3.675, 95%
CI
1.989–6.792;
P
<0.001). Both univariate (
P
=0.426) and multivariable (
P
=0.493) generalized linear model analyses showed no association between glycemic trajectory and 72‐hour edema extension distance.

Conclusion

Early hyperglycemia after
ICH
is harmful if it is persistent. Strategies to achieve glycemic control after
ICH
may influence patient outcome and need to be assessed in clinical trials.
Why U.S. Efforts to Promote the Rule of Law in Afghanistan Failed
Authors: Swenson Geoffrey
Published: August 2017

Promoting the rule of law in Afghanistan has been a major U.S. foreign policy objective since the collapse of the Taliban regime in late 2001. Policymakers invested heavily in building a modern democratic state bound by the rule of law as a means to consolidate a liberal post-conflict order. Eventually, justice-sector support also became a cornerstone of counterinsurgency efforts against the reconstituted Taliban. Yet a systematic analysis of the major U.S.-backed initiatives from 2004 to 2014 finds that assistance was consistently based on dubious assumptions and questionable strategic choices. These programs failed to advance the rule of law even as spending increased dramatically during President Barack Obama's administration. Aid helped enable rent seeking and a culture of impunity among Afghan state officials. Despite widespread claims to the contrary, rule-of-law initiatives did not bolster counterinsurgency efforts. The U.S. experience in Afghanistan highlights that effective rule-of-law aid cannot be merely technocratic. To have a reasonable prospect of success, rule-of-law promotion efforts must engage with the local foundations of legitimate legal order, which are often rooted in nonstate authority, and enjoy the support of credible domestic partners, including high-level state officials.
In Plain Sight: The Neglected Linkage between Brideprice and Violent Conflict
Authors: Hudson Valerie M. , Matfess Hilary
Published: August 2017

Approximately seventy-five percent of the world's population lives in countries where asset exchange upon marriage is obligatory. Rising brideprice—money or gifts provided to a woman's family by the groom and his family as part of marriage arrangements—is a common if overlooked catalyst of violent conflict. In patrilineal (and some matrilineal) societies where brideprice is practiced, a man's social status is directly connected to his marital status. Brideprice acts as a flat tax that is prone to sudden and swift increases. As a result, rising brideprice can create serious marriage market distortions that prevent young men, especially those who are poor or otherwise marginalized, from marrying. This phenomenon is especially evident in polygamous societies, where wealthy men can afford more than one bride. These distortions incentivize extra-legal asset accumulation, whether through ad hoc raiding or organized violence. In such situations, rebel and terror groups may offer to pay brideprice—or even provide brides—to recruit new members. Descriptive case studies of Boko Haram in Nigeria and various armed groups in South Sudan demonstrate these linkages, while an examination of Saudi Arabia's cap on brideprice and its efforts to arrange low-cost mass weddings illustrates the ways in which governments can intervene in marriage markets to help prevent brideprice-related instability. The trajectory of brideprice is an important but neglected early indicator of societal instability and violent conflict, underscoring that the situation and security of women tangibly affect national security.
Nest-site selection and the factors influencing hatching success and offspring phenotype in a nocturnal skink
Authors: Chapple David G. , Keall Susan N. , Daugherty Charles H. , Hare Kelly M.
Published: August 2017

Nest-site selection in ectothermic animals influences hatching success and offspring phenotype, and it is predicted that females should choose nesting sites that maximise their reproductive fitness, ultimately through the reproductive success of their offspring. We completed nest-site choice experiments on a nocturnal lizard, the egg-laying skink (Oligosoma suteri), to determine whether eggs (and subsequent hatchlings) from cooler nests do better at cooler incubation temperatures, and conversely if those laid in warmer nests perform better at warmer incubation temperatures. We provided a simple nest-choice experiment, with oviposition-retreat sites available in either a hot or a cool sector of the enclosure; in the wild females nest under objects. Female O. suteri laid eggs both during the day and night, and nested more in the hot than cool sector. Eggs from each clutch were split across three egg incubation temperatures (18°C, 22°C, 26°C) to decouple the impact of initial nest-site choice from the subsequent incubation temperature regime. Whether eggs were initially laid in the hot or cool sector was not related to hatching success, offspring phenotype or offspring locomotor performance. We conclude that offspring phenotype and performance is primarily influenced by the temperature during incubation, rather than the initial thermal environment of the nest location. Thus, female O. suteri may select warmer nesting sites to ensure higher incubation temperature and enhanced offspring fitness.
Age structure, growth pattern, sexual maturity, and longevity of Leptodactylus latrans (Anura: Leptodactylidae) in temperate wetlands
Authors: López Javier A. , Antoniazzi Carolina E. , Llanes Roxana E. , Ghirardi Romina
Published: August 2017

We present the first data on age structure, growth pattern, and lines of arrested growth (LAG) forLeptodactylus latransin temperate wetlands. Based on these data, we estimate LAG periodicity, age, size at sexual maturity and longevity for this species. We also tested for differences of these parameters between sexes. The age was determined through skeletochronology. Female maturity was determined by presence of differentiated ova, while male maturity was assessed through histological analysis to evaluate spermatozoid production. To establish whether this species marks one LAG per year, eight individuals were kept one year in captivity. For each specimen, LAG was compared for different phalanges of the same toe clipped at start and end of captivity.Leptodactylus latransmarked one LAG per year, indicating a growth rhythm adjusted to a seasonal environment and mainly driven by genetic factors. Longevity was five years for both sexes and frogs reached sexual maturity during the first year, exhibiting a reproductive lifespan of four years. Sexual maturity was related to a minimal size of 60 mm or a body mass of around 33 g. There was no difference in either size or growth pattern between sexes. The von Bertalanffy growth model showed thatL. latransgrows fast after metamorphosis and their growth rate strongly decreases at about three years, probably due to the increased allocation of energy to reproduction. The high growth rates and early sexual maturation ofL. latranswould allow an elevated rate of population renewal.
How to do Transregional History: A Concept, Method and Tool for Early Modern Border Research
Authors: Soen Violet , De Ridder Bram , Soetaert Alexander , Thomas Werner , Verberckmoes Johan , Verreyken Sophie
Published: August 2017

This article argues that the method of transregional history offers a valuable new tool for studying early modern territorial borders. Where existing research strands do not always suffice to accommodate the complexity of such boundaries, this new concept can serve as an alternative. Firstly, transregional history points out that early modern boundaries were not the outcome of actions that were pursued at one spatial level, be it local, regional, national, transnational, or global, but existed at multiple negotiated levels at once. Secondly, the method prompts historians: a) to not predefine “the” singular border of the region under scrutiny, but to follow historical actors as they shifted from one course of action to another in dealing with these multiple borders; and b) to question what transcended the boundaries of a region instead of highlighting how they separated one “unique” area from the next. In doing so, transregional history helps to reformulate questions about territorial boundaries, to make novel heuristic choices in research where and when borders matter, and, hence, to improve our understanding of transboundary historical change.
Identification of selected CITES-protected Araucariaceae using DART TOFMS
Authors: Evans Philip D. , Mundo Ignacio A. , Wiemann Michael C. , Chavarria Gabriela D. , McClure Pamela J. , Voin Doina , Espinoza Edgard O.
Published: August 2017

Determining the species source of logs and planks suspected of being Araucaria araucana (Molina) K.Koch (CITES Appendix I) using traditional wood anatomy has been difficult, because its anatomical features are not diagnostic. Additionally, anatomical studies of Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze, Araucaria heterophylla (Salisb.) Franco, Agathis australis (D.Don) Lindl., and Wollemia nobilis W.G.Jones, K.D.Hill & J.M.Allen have reported that these taxa have similar and indistinguishable anatomical characters from A. araucana. Transnational shipments of illegal timber obscure their geographic provenance, and therefore identification using wood anatomy alone is insufficient in a criminal proceeding. In this study we examine the macroscopic appearance of selected members of the Araucariaceae and investigate whether analysis of heartwood chemotypes using Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART) Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (TOFMS) is useful for making species determinations. DART TOFMS data were collected from 5 species (n =75 spectra). The spectra were analyzsed statistically using supervised and unsupervised classification algorithms. Results indicate that A. araucana can be distinguished from the look-alike taxa. Another statistical inference of the data suggests that Wollemia nobilis is more similar and within the same clade as Agathis australis. We conclude that DART TOFMS spectra can help in making species determination of the Araucariaceae even when the geographic provenance is unknown.
The Neotropical genera of Paronellinae (Collembola, Entomobryoidea, Paronellidae) with description of two new species and redescription of Campylothorax mitrai
Authors: BELLINI BRUNO CAVALCANTE , CIPOLA NIKOLAS GIOIA
Published: August 2017

Knowledge on Neotropical Paronellinae (Paronellidae) grew fast during the last years. Here we present an identification key and diagnoses to six valid genera, describe two new species: Salina zhanghi sp. nov. and Trogolaphysa ernesti sp. nov., redescribe Campylothorax mitrai Bellini & Meneses, and present notes on Brazilian fauna of Paronellinae. Salina zhanghi sp. nov. is very similar to Salina tristani Denis and S. hermana Mari Mutt in ventral head characters and mucro shape, but differs in dorsal chaetotaxy among other features. Trogolaphysa ernesti sp. nov. is similar to T. quisqueyana Soto-Adames, Jordana & Baquero in labial and dorsal chaetotaxy, empodial complex morphology and mucro shape, but it is different in color pattern, antennal morphology, and trochanteral and collophore chaetotaxy. After redescription C. mitrai most diagnostic features are the combination of dorsal head chaetotaxy and color pattern.
Zorotypus huangi sp. nov. (Zoraptera: Zorotypidae) from Yunnan, southern China
Authors: YIN ZI-WEI , LI LI-ZHEN
Published: August 2017

A new species of the insect order Zoraptera, Zorotypus huangi Yin & Li, sp. nov., is described based on apterous adults collected from Yunnan, southern China. The new species differs from the previously described Chinese congeners primarily in possessing a different type of the aedeagus, whereas it shows affinities to the Malaysian Z. impolitus and Z. weiweii. This discovery highlights the diversity and complexity of the zorapteran fauna in China, and indicates that more species are likely to be found in suitable habitats along the state’s southwest border.
A new species of Isoperla Banks (Plecoptera: Perlodidae) from the northeast of the Russian Far East
Authors: TESLENKO VALENTINA A. , KHAMENKOVA ELENA
Published: August 2017

A new species of Isoperla, I. chereshnevi, is described from the Lankovaya River, Ola River Basin, on the northern coast of the Sea of Okhotsk, northeast of the Russian Far East. The new species description is based on details of the male aedeagus, paraprocts, vesicle, general body coloration, female subgenital plate, and larvae.
Two new dragonfly species (Odonata: Anisoptera: Aeshnidae) from north-eastern India
Authors: JOSHI SHANTANU , KUNTE KRUSHNAMEGH
Published: August 2017

Cephalaeschna acanthifrons sp. nov. collected from Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, West Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh, India, and Planaeschna poumai sp. nov. collected from two localities in Senapati District, Manipur, India, are described and compared with congeneric species. These records also represent the first reports of these obscure genera from India in the past 30 years.
Using Zebrafish to Test the Genetic Basis of Human Craniofacial Diseases
Authors: Machado R. Grecco , Eames B. Frank
Published: August 2017

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) opened an innovative and productive avenue to investigate the molecular basis of human craniofacial disease. However, GWASs identify candidate genes only; they do not prove that any particular one is the functional villain underlying disease or just an unlucky genomic bystander. Genetic manipulation of animal models is the best approach to reveal which genetic loci identified from human GWASs are functionally related to specific diseases. The purpose of this review is to discuss the potential of zebrafish to resolve which candidate genetic loci are mechanistic drivers of craniofacial diseases. Many anatomic, embryonic, and genetic features of craniofacial development are conserved among zebrafish and mammals, making zebrafish a good model of craniofacial diseases. Also, the ability to manipulate gene function in zebrafish was greatly expanded over the past 20 y, enabling systems such as Gateway Tol2 and CRISPR-Cas9 to test gain- and loss-of-function alleles identified from human GWASs in coding and noncoding regions of DNA. With the optimization of genetic editing methods, large numbers of candidate genes can be efficiently interrogated. Finding the functional villains that underlie diseases will permit new treatments and prevention strategies and will increase understanding of how gene pathways operate during normal development.
Dentition Patterns in Different Unilateral Cleft Lip Subphenotypes
Authors: Asllanaj B. , Kragt L. , Voshol I. , Koudstaal M. , Kuijpers M.A. , Xi T. , Bergé S.J. , Vermeij-Keers C. , Ongkosuwito E.M.
Published: August 2017

Oral clefts play an essential role in disturbed odontogenesis of the deciduous and permanent dentition, yet little is known about this relationship. We investigated, within the categories cleft lip with or without alveolus (CL ± A) and cleft lip, alveolus and palate (CLAP), whether different CL subphenotypes based on morphological severity of the cleft show different dentition patterns and whether a more detailed subdivision of the incomplete CL has clinical relevance. In this retrospective study, 345 children with nonsyndromic unilateral CL ± A and CLAP from the Dutch Association for Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Anomalies (NVSCA) registry were included to assess the association between the CL subphenotypes and lateral incisor patterns. Five different deciduous and permanent patterns of the lateral incisor were distinguished: located in normal position (pattern z/Z), in the anterior segment (pattern x/X) or in the posterior segment of the cleft (pattern y/Y), one in each segment of the cleft (pattern xy/XY), and agenesis of the lateral incisor (pattern ab/AB). Analyses were performed by using multinomial logistic regression models. Children born with a vermillion notch or a one-third to two-thirds CL were most likely to have a deciduous pattern x and a permanent pattern X, while children born with a two-thirds to subtotal CL were most likely to have deciduous pattern xy and a permanent pattern X compared to children with a complete CL that predominantly had deciduous pattern y and a permanent pattern AB. Based on the relationship of the CL morphology with the deciduous dentition, subdivision of the CL morphology into vermillion notch to two-thirds CL, two-thirds to subtotal CL, and complete CL appears to be an optimal subdivision. Our results indicate that a more detailed subdivision of the CL has clinical relevance and that critical factors in the pathogenesis of the CL are also critical for the odontogenesis.
Sixty years in psychiatry
Authors: Bradley John
Published: August 2017

The author, who has spent over 60 years working in a variety of mental health settings, shares his personal perspective of the way psychiatry has evolved. Treatments, both physical and psychological, have come and some have been discarded. There have been radical changes in the delivery of care, from the 2000-bed Victorian asylum to community care, and the on the whole beneficial impact of legislation such as mental health Acts and Acts dealing with suicide, abortion and sexual offences. His experience has warned him of the folly of overenthusiasm for some treatments – such as deep insulin for schizophrenia, psycho surgery, and even classical psychoanalysis which can become as addictive as any drug or a promise of salvation as convincing as a religion. On the other hand, a treatment involving passing electric shocks through the brain has stood the test of time and may be life saving for some patients.
Player Characteristics and Games: Findings and Implications for Distance Learning
Authors: Marvel Michele D.
Published: August 2017

Understanding the factors that affect participation in online games will help educational game designers develop games that maximize participation. This study investigated whether introversion or extroversion, player motivation, and gender affected participation in online games. Participants ( n = 400) completed a 50-item questionnaire about introversion or extroversion, player motivation, and time spent playing games. A three-way analysis of variance was used to explore the effects of personality, player motivation, and gender on participation. Introverts spent 6.7 more hours playing games than extroverts, and a significant interaction effect was found between personality and gender. The implications of these findings are presented.
The Impact of Memorable Tourism Experiences on Loyalty Behaviors: The Mediating Effects of Destination Image and Satisfaction
Authors: Kim Jong-Hyeong
Published: August 2017

The current study develops a theoretical model of the effect of memorable tourism experiences (MTEs) on behavioral intentions by examining the structural relationships between destination image (DI), tourist satisfaction, revisit intention, and word-of-mouth (WOM) publicity. The results show that MTEs influence future behavioral intentions both directly and indirectly through DI and tourist satisfaction. Moreover, MTEs are found to be the most influential determinant of behavioral intentions. Thus, the results challenge those practitioners and researchers who perceive visitor satisfaction to be the most important indicator of destination performance. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed based on the study results, and directions for future research are provided.