bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Markers of endothelial damage in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis
Authors: Carmona Andrés , Agüera Maria L. , Luna-Ruiz Carlos , Buendía Paula , Calleros Laura , García-Jerez Andrea , Rodríguez-Puyol Manuel , Arias Manuel , Arias-Guillen Marta , de Arriba Gabriel , Ballarin Jose , Bernis Carmen , Fernández Elvira , García-Rebollo Sagrario , Mancha Javier , del Peso Gloria , Pérez Estefanía , Poch Esteban , Portolés Jose M. , Rodríguez-Puyol Diego , Sánchez-Villanueva Rafael , Sarro Felipe , Torres Armando , Martín-Malo Alejandro , Aljama Pedro , Ramírez Rafael , Carracedo Julia
Published: January 2017

Patients with Stage 5 chronic kidney disease who are on hemodialysis (HD) remain in a chronic inflammatory state, characterized by the accumulation of uremic toxins that induce endothelial damage and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Our aim was to examine microvesicles (MVs), monocyte subpopulations, and angiopoietins (Ang) to identify prognostic markers in HD patients with or without diabetes mellitus (DM). A total of 160 prevalent HD patients from 10 centers across Spain were obtained from the Biobank of the Nephrology Renal Network (Madrid, Spain): 80 patients with DM and 80 patients without DM who were matched for clinical and demographic criteria. MVs from plasma and several monocyte subpopulations (CD142+/CD16+, CD14+/CD162+) were analyzed by flow cytometry, and the plasma concentrations of Ang1 and Ang2 were quantified by ELISA. Data on CVD were gathered over the 5.5 yr after these samples were obtained. MV level, monocyte subpopulations (CD14+/CD162+ and CD142+/CD16+), and Ang2-to-Ang1 ratios increased in HD patients with DM compared with non-DM patients. Moreover, MV level above the median (264 MVs/µl) was associated independently with greater mortality. MVs, monocyte subpopulations, and Ang2-to-Ang1 ratio can be used as predictors for CVD. In addition, MV level has a potential predictive value in the prevention of CVD in HD patients. These parameters undergo more extensive changes in patients with DM.
Motor plan differs for young and older adults during similar movements
Authors: Casamento-Moran Agostina , Chen Yen-Ting , Lodha Neha , Yacoubi Basma , Christou Evangelos A.
Published: January 2017

Older adults exhibit altered activation of the agonist and antagonist muscles during goal-directed movements compared with young adults. However, it remains unclear whether the differential activation of the antagonistic muscles in older adults results from an impaired motor plan or an altered ability of the muscle to contract. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to determine whether the motor plan differs for young and older adults. Ten young (26.1 ± 4.3 yr, 4 women) and 16 older adults (71.9 ± 6.9 yr, 9 women) participated in the study. Participants performed 100 trials of fast goal directed movements with ankle dorsiflexion while we recorded the electromyographic activity of the primary agonist (tibialis anterior; TA) and antagonist (soleus; SOL) muscles. From those 100 trials we selected 5 trials in each of 3 movement end-point categories (fast, accurate, and slow). We investigated age-associated differences in the motor plan by quantifying the individual activity and coordination of the agonist and antagonist muscles. During similar movement end points, older adults exhibited similar activation of the agonist (TA) and antagonist (SOL) muscles compared with young adults. In addition, the coordination of the agonist and antagonist muscles (TA and SOL) was different between the two age groups. Specifically, older adults exhibited lower TA-SOL overlap ( F1,23 = 41.2, P < 0.001) and greater TA-SOL peak EMG delay ( F1,25 = 35.5, P < 0.001). This finding suggests that although subjects in both age groups displayed similar movement end points, they exhibited a different motor plan, as demonstrated by altered coordination between the agonist and antagonist muscles.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We aimed to determine whether the altered activation of muscles in older adults compared with young adults during fast goal-directed movements is related to an altered motor plan. For matched movements, there were differences in the coordination of antagonistic muscles but no differences in the individual activation of muscles. We provide novel evidence that the differential activation of muscles in older adults is related to an altered motor plan.
Role of the cerebellum in high stages of motor planning hierarchy
Authors: Casartelli Luca , Federici Alessandra , Cesareo Ambra , Biffi Emilia , Valtorta Giulia , Molteni Massimo , Ronconi Luca , Borgatti Renato
Published: January 2017

Motor planning is not a monolithic process, and distinct stages of motor planning are responsible for encoding different levels of abstractness. However, how these distinct components are mapped into different neural substrates remains an open question. We studied one of these high-level motor planning components, defined as second-order motor planning, in a patient (R.G.) with an extremely rare case of cerebellar agenesis but without any other cortical malformations. Second-order motor planning dictates that when two acts must be performed sequentially, planning of the second act can influence execution of the first. We used an optoelectronic system for kinematic analysis to compare R.G.’s performance with age-matched controls in a second-order motor planning task. The first act was to reach for an object, and the second was to place it into a small or large container. Our results showed that despite the expected difficulties in fine-motor skills, second-order motor planning (i.e., the ability to modulate the first act as a function of the nature of the second act) was preserved even in the patient with congenital absence of the cerebellum. These results open new intriguing speculations about the role of the cerebellum in motor planning abilities. Although prudence is imperative when suggesting conclusions made on the basis of single-case findings, this evidence suggests fascinating hypotheses about the neural circuits that support distinct stages of the motor planning hierarchy, and regarding the functional role of second-order motor planning in motor cognition and its potential dysfunction in autism.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Traditionally, the cerebellum was considered essential for motor planning. By studying an extremely rare patient with cerebellar agenesis and a group of neurotypical controls, we found that high stages of the motor planning hierarchy can be preserved even in this patient with congenital absence of the cerebellum. Our results provide interesting insights that shed light on the neural circuits supporting distinct levels of motor planning. Furthermore, the results are intriguing because of their potential clinical implications in autism.
Auditory adaptation improves tactile frequency perception
Authors: Crommett Lexi E. , Pérez-Bellido Alexis , Yau Jeffrey M.
Published: January 2017

Our ability to process temporal frequency information by touch underlies our capacity to perceive and discriminate surface textures. Auditory signals, which also provide extensive temporal frequency information, can systematically alter the perception of vibrations on the hand. How auditory signals shape tactile processing is unclear; perceptual interactions between contemporaneous sounds and vibrations are consistent with multiple neural mechanisms. Here we used a crossmodal adaptation paradigm, which separated auditory and tactile stimulation in time, to test the hypothesis that tactile frequency perception depends on neural circuits that also process auditory frequency. We reasoned that auditory adaptation effects would transfer to touch only if signals from both senses converge on common representations. We found that auditory adaptation can improve tactile frequency discrimination thresholds. This occurred only when adaptor and test frequencies overlapped. In contrast, auditory adaptation did not influence tactile intensity judgments. Thus auditory adaptation enhances touch in a frequency- and feature-specific manner. A simple network model in which tactile frequency information is decoded from sensory neurons that are susceptible to auditory adaptation recapitulates these behavioral results. Our results imply that the neural circuits supporting tactile frequency perception also process auditory signals. This finding is consistent with the notion of supramodal operators performing canonical operations, like temporal frequency processing, regardless of input modality.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Auditory signals can influence the tactile perception of temporal frequency. Multiple neural mechanisms could account for the perceptual interactions between contemporaneous auditory and tactile signals. Using a crossmodal adaptation paradigm, we found that auditory adaptation causes frequency- and feature-specific improvements in tactile perception. This crossmodal transfer of aftereffects between audition and touch implies that tactile frequency perception relies on neural circuits that also process auditory frequency.
Preparatory α-band oscillations reflect spatial gating independently of predictions regarding target identity
Authors: Wildegger T. , van Ede F. , Woolrich M. , Gillebert C. R. , Nobre A. C.
Published: January 2017

Preparatory modulations of cortical α-band oscillations are a reliable index of the voluntary allocation of covert spatial attention. It is currently unclear whether attentional cues containing information about a target’s identity (such as its visual orientation), in addition to its location, might additionally shape preparatory α modulations. Here, we explore this question by directly comparing spatial and feature-based attention in the same visual detection task while recording brain activity using magnetoencephalography (MEG). At the behavioral level, preparatory feature-based and spatial attention cues both improved performance and did so independently of each other. Using MEG, we replicated robust α lateralization following spatial cues: in preparation for a visual target, α power decreased contralaterally and increased ipsilaterally to the attended location. Critically, however, preparatory α lateralization was not significantly modulated by predictions regarding target identity, as carried via the behaviorally effective feature-based attention cues. Furthermore, nonlateralized α power during the cue-target interval did not differentiate between uninformative cues and cues carrying feature-based predictions either. Based on these results we propose that preparatory α modulations play a role in the gating of information between spatially segregated cortical regions and are therefore particularly well suited for spatial gating of information.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present work clarifies if and how human brain oscillations in the α-band support multiple types of anticipatory attention. Using magnetoencephalography, we show that posterior α-band oscillations are modulated by predictions regarding the spatial location of an upcoming visual target, but not by feature-based predictions regarding its identity, despite robust behavioral benefits. This provides novel insights into the functional role of preparatory α mechanisms and suggests a limited specificity with which they may operate.
Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Tea Infusions Samples by High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Fluorimetric Detection
Authors: Girelli Anna Maria , Apriceno Azzurra , Tarola Anna maria , Tortora Francesca
Published: January 2017

This study focuses on the contamination of 15 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency, in 10 tea brands distributed in Italy. Analyses were carried out with a procedure based on saponification, liquid-liquid extraction, and PAHs determination by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector. A comparison with ultrasonic extraction in bath water was also reported. Contamination is expressed as the sum of analyzed PAHs and ranged between 347 and 4120 ng/L with a mean value of 1675 ng/L. PAHs with 3-4 rings were dominant with a contribution of 92%, while 7% and 1% were found for PAHs with 5 and 6 rings, respectively. Moreover, data revealed that three samples exceeded the EU 2008 criteria established for drinking water in which the sum of benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[g,h,i]perylene, and indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene is considered (<100 ng/L) and two samples exceeded the 10 ng/L level allowed for benzo[a]pyrene.
Spanish Transcultural Adaptation and Validity of the Behavioral Inattention Test
Authors: Sánchez-Cabeza Ángel , Huertas-Hoyas Elisabet , Máximo-Bocanegra Nuria , Rosa María Martínez-Piédrola  , Pérez-de-Heredia-Torres Marta , Alegre-Ayala Jorge
Published: January 2017

Objective. To adapt, validate, and translate the Behavioral Inattention Test as an assessment tool for Spanish individuals with unilateral spatial neglect. Design. A cross-sectional descriptive study. Setting. University laboratories. Participants. A sample of 75 Spanish stroke patients and 18 healthy control subjects. Interventions. Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures. The Behavioral Inattention Test. Results. The Spanish version of the Behavioral Inattention Test shows a high degree of reliability both in the complete test (α = .90) and in the conventional (α = .93) and behavioral subtests (α = .75). The concurrent validity between the total conventional and behavioral scores was high (r=-.80; p<0.001). Significant differences were found between patients with and without unilateral spatial neglect (p<0.001). In the comparison between right and left damaged sides, differences were found in all items, except for article reading (p=0.156) and card sorting (p=0.117). Conclusions. This measure is a useful tool for evaluating unilateral spatial neglect as it provides information on everyday problems. The BIT discriminates between stroke patients with and without unilateral spatial neglect. This measure constitutes a reliable tool for the diagnosis, planning, performance, and design of specific treatment programs intended to improve the functionality and quality of life of people with unilateral spatial neglect.
Finite-Time Stability of Large-Scale Systems with Interval Time-Varying Delay in Interconnection
Authors: La-inchua T. , Niamsup P. , Liu Xinzhi
Published: January 2017

We investigate finite-time stability of a class of nonlinear large-scale systems with interval time-varying delays in interconnection. Time-delay functions are continuous but not necessarily differentiable. Based on Lyapunov stability theory and new integral bounding technique, finite-time stability of large-scale systems with interval time-varying delays in interconnection is derived. The finite-time stability criteria are delays-dependent and are given in terms of linear matrix inequalities which can be solved by various available algorithms. Numerical examples are given to illustrate effectiveness of the proposed method.
SEM Analysis of Surface Impact on Biofilm Antibiotic Treatment
Authors: Gomes Luciana Calheiros , Mergulhão Filipe José
Published: January 2017

The aim of this work was to use scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate the effect of ampicillin treatment onEscherichia colibiofilms formed on two surface materials with different properties, silicone (SIL) and glass (GLA). Epifluorescence microscopy (EM) was initially used to assess biofilm formation and killing efficiency on both surfaces. This technique showed that higher bacterial colonization was obtained in the hydrophobic SIL than in the hydrophilic GLA. It has also shown that higher biofilm inactivation was attained for GLA after the antibiotic treatment (7-log reduction versus 1-log reduction for SIL). Due to its high resolution and magnification, SEM enabled a more detailed analysis of the antibiotic effect on biofilm cells, complementing the killing efficiency information obtained by EM. SEM micrographs revealed that ampicillin-treated cells have an elongated form when compared to untreated cells. Additionally, it has shown that different materials induced different levels of elongation on cells exposed to antibiotic. Biofilms formed on GLA showed a 37% higher elongation than those formed on SIL. Importantly, cell elongation was related to viability since ampicillin had a higher bactericidal effect on GLA-formed biofilms. These findings raise the possibility of using SEM for understanding the efficacy of antimicrobial treatments by observation of biofilm morphology.
Multiattribute Group Decision Making Methods Based on Linguistic Intuitionistic Fuzzy Power Bonferroni Mean Operators
Authors: Liu Peide , Liu Xi
Published: January 2017

This paper focuses on the multiattribute group decision making problems with linguistic intuitionistic fuzzy information. Firstly the concept of linguistic intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (LIFNs) is introduced, and then based on the LIFNs, some new aggregation operators based on Bonferroni mean and power operator are proposed, such as linguistic intuitionistic fuzzy power Bonferroni mean (LIFPBM) operator, linguistic intuitionistic fuzzy weighted power Bonferroni mean (LIFWPBM) operator, linguistic intuitionistic fuzzy geometric power Bonferroni mean (LIFGPBM) operator, and linguistic intuitionistic fuzzy weighted geometric power Bonferroni mean (LIFWGPBM) operator. Then, some properties are proved such as idempotency, permutation, and boundedness. Besides, some special situations of the operators are explored. After that, an approach based of the LIFWGPBM and LIFWGPBM operators is proposed. Finally an example is used to illustrate the validity of the developed method.
An Injectable Composite Gelatin Hydrogel with pH Response Properties
Authors: Chen Baoguo , Hu Xiaohong
Published: January 2017

On account of minimally invasive procedure and of filling irregular defects of tissues, injectable hydrogels are increasingly attractive in biomedical fields. However, traditional hydrogel formed by simple physical interaction or in situ crosslinking had inevitably some drawbacks such as low mechanical strength and lack of multifunctional properties. Though many investigations had successfully modified traditional injectable hydrogel to obtain both mechanical and functional properties, an acetalated β-cyclodextrin (Ac-β-CD) nanoparticle composite injectable hydrogel designed in the research was another effective and efficient choice to solve the drawbacks. First of all, gelatin derivative (G-AA) and Ac-β-CD were synthesized to prepare hydrogel and nanoparticle, respectively. In order to ensure good compatibility between nanoparticle and macromonomer and provide crosslink points between nanoparticle and macromonomer, G-AA was simultaneously functionalized onto the surface of Ac-β-CD nanoparticle during the fabrication of Ac-β-CD nanoparticle using one-step method. Finally, injectable composite hydrogel was obtained by photoinitiated polymerization in situ. Hydrogel properties like gelation time and swelling ratio were investigated. The viscoelastic behavior of hydrogels confirmed that typical characteristics of crosslinked elastomer for all hydrogel and nanoparticle in hydrogel could improve the mechanical property of hydrogel. Moreover, the transparency with time had verified obvious acid-response properties of hydrogels.
Consensus of High-Order Nonlinear Multiagent Systems with Constrained Switching Topologies
Authors: Wang Junwei , Chen Kairui , Zhang Yun
Published: January 2017

The relationship between control and communication constraints is becoming of central importance in the consensus problem of networked agents. In this paper, we investigate such a problem for nonlinear multiagent systems with Lipschitz dynamics. To reflect communication constraints, the topology is assumed to switch within a finite set of digraphs characterised by an average dwell time switching signal. By constructing a suitable multiple Lyapunov function, we show that consensus can be reached under the designed consensus protocol. A multistep algorithm for designing consensus protocol is then developed by solving the Lyapunov equation and algebraic Riccati equation. Finally, simulation examples are delineated to substantiate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
A Novel Fuzzy Encryption Technique Based on Multiple Right Translated AES Gray S-Boxes and Phase Embedding
Authors: Azam Naveed Ahmed
Published: January 2017

This paper presents a novel image encryption technique based on multiple right translated AES Gray S-boxes (RTSs) and phase embedding technique. First of all, a secret image is diffused with a fuzzily selected RTS. The fuzzy selection of RTS is variable and depends upon pixels of the secret image. Then two random masks are used to enhance confusion in the spatial and frequency domains of the diffused secret image. These random masks are generated by applying two different RTSs on a host image. The decryption process of the proposed cryptosystem needs the host image for generation of masks. It is therefore, necessary, to secure the host image from unauthorized users. This task is achieved by diffusing the host image with another RTS and embedding the diffused secret image into the phase terms of the diffused host image. The cryptographic strength of the proposed security system is measured by implementing it on several images and applying rigorous analyses. Performance comparison of the proposed security technique with some of the state-of-the-art security systems, including S-box cryptosystem and steganocryptosystems, is also performed. Results and comparison show that the newly developed cryptosystem is more secure.
Visible Light Communication System Using Silicon Photocell for Energy Gathering and Data Receiving
Authors: Chen Xiongbin , Min Chengyu , Guo Junqing
Published: January 2017

Silicon photocell acts as the detector and energy convertor in the VLC system. The system model was set up and simulated in Matlab/Simulink environment. A 10 Hz square wave was modulated on LED and restored in voltage mode at the receiver. An energy gathering and signal detecting system was demonstrated at the baud rate of 19200, and the DC signal is about 2.77 V and AC signal is around 410 mV.
Information Integration from Distributed Threshold-Based Interactions
Authors: Barbosa Valmir C.
Published: January 2017

We consider distributed units that interact by message-passing. Each message carries a tag and causes the receiving unit to send out messages as a function of the tags it has received and a threshold. This simple model abstracts some of the essential characteristics of several artificial intelligence systems and of biological systems epitomized by the brain. We study the integration of information inside a temporal window as the dynamics unfolds. We quantify information integration by the total correlation, relative to the window’s duration, of a set of random variables valued as a function of message arrival. Total correlation refers to the rise of information gain above that which the units achieve individually, being therefore related to some models of consciousness. We report on extensive computational experiments exploring the interrelations of the model’s parameters (two probabilities and the threshold). We find that total correlation can occur at significant fractions of the maximum possible value and reinterpret the model’s parameters in terms of the current best estimates of some quantities pertaining to cortical structure and dynamics. We find the resulting possibilities to be well aligned with the time frames within which percepts are thought to be processed and eventually rendered conscious.
Ochratoxin A Control in Meat Derivatives: Intraspecific Biocompetition betweenPenicillium nordicumStrains
Authors: Berni Elettra , Montagna Irene , Restivo Francesco Maria , Degola Francesca
Published: January 2017

APenicillium nordicumstrain previously assessed for its atoxigenicity was tested against a toxigenic strain of the same species on salami, in order to assess its effectiveness as a biocontrol agent for OTA containment. Sixtysalamiwere inoculated with different combinations ofP. nordicumOTA−/OTA+ suspensions and ripened under controlled thermohygrometric conditions. After 7, 18, 29, and 40 days, both fungal counts and chemical analyses were carried out on casings. OTA was never found insalamiused as a control, while it was occasionally detected in traces (0.08–0.76 μg/kg) insalamiinoculated with the atoxigenicP. nordicumstrain. It was otherwise detected at levels varying from 2.84 to 15.85 μg/kg in coinoculated salami and from 48.66 to 177.79 μg/kg insalamiinoculated with the toxigenicP. nordicumstrain. OTA levels detected when coinoculation occurred were 91.1%, 85.8%, and 94.2% lower than those found in samples inoculated with the toxigenic strain, respectively, after 18, 29, and 40 ripening days. Biocontrol approach using intraspecific competition proved very effective in reducing both settlement of toxigenic strains and OTA contamination and could be therefore considered an interesting strategy to avoid OTA contamination in moulded meats, if used in association with fungal commercial starters.
DNA Polymerase Beta Germline Variant Confers Cellular Response to Cisplatin Therapy
Authors: Nemec Antonia A. , Abriola Laura , Merkel Jane S. , de Stanchina Elisa , DeVeaux Michelle , Zelterman Daniel , Glazer Peter M. , Sweasy Joann B.
Published: January 2017

Resistance to cancer chemotherapies leads to deadly consequences, yet current research focuses only on the roles of somatically acquired mutations in this resistance. The mutational status of the germline is also likely to play a role in the way cells respond to chemotherapy. The carrier status for the POLB rs3136797 germline mutation encoding P242R DNA polymerase beta (Pol β) is associated with poor prognosis for lung cancer, specifically in response to treatment with cisplatin. Here, it is revealed that the P242R mutation is sufficient to promote resistance to cisplatin in human cells and in mouse xenografts. Mechanistically, P242R Pol β acts as a translesion polymerase and prefers to insert the correct nucleotide opposite cisplatin intrastrand cross-links, leading to the activation of the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway, removal of crosslinks, and resistance to cisplatin. In contrast, wild-type (WT) Pol β preferentially inserts the incorrect nucleotide initiating mismatch repair and cell death. Importantly, in a mouse xenograft model, tumors derived from lung cancer cells expressing WT Pol β displayed a slower rate of growth when treated with cisplatin, whereas tumors expressing P242R Pol β had no response to cisplatin. Pol β is critical for mediating crosstalk in response to cisplatin. The current data strongly suggest that the status of Pol β influences cellular responses to crosslinking agents and that Pol β is a promising biomarker to predict responses to specific chemotherapies. Finally, these results highlight that the genetic status of the germline is a critical factor in the response to cancer treatment.

Implications: Pol β has prognostic biomarker potential in the treatment of cancer with cisplatin and perhaps other intrastrand crosslinking agents. Mol Cancer Res; 15(3); 269–80. ©2017 AACR.
Characterization of Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist Therapy Initiation in High-Risk Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Cooper Lauren B. , Hammill Bradley G. , Peterson Eric D. , Pitt Bertram , Maciejewski Matthew L. , Curtis Lesley H. , Hernandez Adrian F.
Published: January 2017

Background—

Heart failure guidelines recommend routine monitoring of serum potassium, and renal function in patients treated with a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA). How these recommendations are implemented in high-risk patients or according to setting of drug initiation is poorly characterized.

Methods and Results—

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of Medicare beneficiaries linked to laboratory data in 10 states with prevalent heart failure as of July 1, 2011, and incident MRA use between May 1 and September 30, 2011. Outcomes included laboratory testing before MRA initiation and in the early (days 1–10) and extended (days 11–90) post-initiation periods, based on setting of drug initiation and the presence of renal insufficiency. Additional outcomes included abnormal laboratory results and adverse events proximate to MRA initiation. Of 10 443 Medicare beneficiaries with heart failure started on an MRA, 19.7% were initiated during a hospitalization. Appropriate follow-up laboratory testing across all time periods occurred in 25.2% of patients with inpatient initiation compared with 2.8% of patients begun as an outpatient. Patients with chronic kidney disease had higher rates of both hyperkalemia and acute kidney failure in the early (1.3% and 2.7%, respectively) and extended (5.6% and 9.8%, respectively) post-initiation periods compared with those without chronic kidney disease.

Conclusions—

Patients initiated on MRA therapy as an outpatient had extremely poor rates of guideline indicated follow-up laboratory monitoring after drug initiation. In particular, patients with chronic kidney disease are at high risk for adverse events after MRA initiation. Quality improvement initiatives focused on systems to improve appropriate laboratory monitoring are needed.
Increased Risk of Adverse Neurocognitive Outcomes With Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin-Kexin Type 9 Inhibitors
Authors: Khan Abdur Rahman , Bavishi Chirag , Riaz Haris , Farid Talha A. , Khan Sobia , Atlas Michel , Hirsch Glenn , Ikram Sohail , Bolli Roberto
Published: January 2017

Background—

There is encouraging evidence of the efficacy of proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors; however, their long-term safety remains unclear. We performed a meta-analysis of studies to evaluate the long-term safety of PCSK9 inhibitors.

Methods and Results—

Our search strategy yielded 11 studies (9 smaller early-phase and 2 larger outcome trials). The outcomes assessed were cumulative serious adverse events, musculoskeletal adverse events, neurocognitive adverse events, and stroke. Odds ratio (OR) was calculated using the Mantel–Haenszel method. Subgroup analysis was done to assess the difference in safety between the smaller early-phase studies and the larger outcome studies. Our meta-analysis suggested no difference in the incidence of serious adverse events (OR, 1.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88−1.15), musculoskeletal adverse events (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.87−1.13), neurocognitive adverse events (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.64−2.59), or stroke (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 0.57−3.65) with the use of PCSK9 inhibitors. Subgroup analysis of the 2 large outcome studies did suggest an increased incidence of neurocognitive adverse events (OR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.34−6.06) with the use of PCSK9 inhibitors. However, the overall incidence of neurocognitive adverse events and stroke was <1%, whereas the cumulative incidence of serious adverse events and musculoskeletal events was >10% in both the groups.

Conclusions—

Our analysis suggests that PCSK9 inhibitors are not associated with an increased risk of cumulative severe adverse effects, musculoskeletal effects, or stroke. There is a signal toward adverse neurocognitive effects, seen in the outcome studies with a larger sample size and longer follow-up. There should be close monitoring, for the increased risk of neurocognitive events in the ongoing outcome studies and post-marketing surveillance.
What does it Mean to Call the Monasteries of Gaza a ‘School’? A Reassessment of Dorotheus’ Intellectual Identity
Authors: Stenger Jan R.
Published: January 2017

This paper investigates the pedagogic theory and practice reflected in the Instructions of Dorotheus of Gaza. Recent scholarship has emphasised the school-like character of Palestinian monasticism in the sixth century, but failed to define in what respects the monks’ activity in the coenobia near Gaza resembled teaching in the ancient schools. Taking the education system of the Neoplatonic schools as a starting point, this article systematically analyses Dorotheus’ conceptualisation of his community, his methods in the formation of the brothers and the role of intellectual activities in the daily life of the monks. It is demonstrated that Dorotheus implemented a curriculum of medico-philosophical therapy that followed the pedagogic pattern in philosophical schools and circles. However, what distinguishes his pedagogy from that of ancient philosophers is the strong emphasis on communal psychagogy and the role of practice in the progress to virtue.
Three new species of Lepanthes (Pleurothalldinae: Orchidaceae) From Amazonas, Peru
Authors: DAMIAN ALEXANDER , LARSEN BRUNO
Published: January 2017

Three new species of Lepanthes (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) from Northern Peru are described here. Each species is illustrated with a line drawing, also a photograph for each one is presented. For each species information about distribution, habitat, and a comparison with similar taxa is given. The new species are named as Lepanthes pseudoprofusa, Lepanthes odobenus, and Lepanthes peruviana.
A new species of Chlorophytum (Asparagaceae) from Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: SHAIKH MUJAFFAR , TIWARI ARJUN PRASAD , CHANDORE ARUN NIVRUTTI
Published: January 2017

The genus Chlorophytum Ker Gawler (1808: 1071) is one of the major genera of family Asparagaceae, with about 190 species (Govaerts et al. 2015). It is distributed in the old world tropics, especially in Africa, Asia and Australia (Poulsen & Nordal 2005, Mabberley 2005). According to Malpure & Yadav (2009) the genus is represented by 17 species in India, of which 15 is occur in the Western Ghats. Recently, four more species of Chlorophytum have been described from Western Ghats of India: Chlorophytum belgaumense Chandore et al. (2012: 527), C. sharmae Adsul et al. (2014: 9503), C. palghatense K.M.P. Kumar & Adsul in Kumar et al. (2014: 282) and C. clivorum Mathew & George (2015: 379).
Sensitivity of Rain-Rate Estimates Related to Convective Organization: Observations from the Kwajalein, RMI, Radar
Authors: Henderson David S. , Kummerow Christian D. , Marks David A.
Published: January 2017

Ground radar rainfall, necessary for satellite rainfall product (e.g., TRMM and GPM) ground validation (GV) studies, is often retrieved using annual or climatological convective/stratiform Z–R relationships. Using the Kwajalein, Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), polarimetric S-band weather radar (KPOL) and gauge network during the 2009 and 2011 wet seasons, the robustness of such rain-rate relationships is assessed through comparisons with rainfall retrieved using relationships that vary as a function of precipitation regime, defined as shallow convection, isolated deep convection, and deep organized convection. It is found that the TRMM-GV 2A53 rainfall product underestimated rain gauges by −8.3% in 2009 and −13.1% in 2011, where biases are attributed to rainfall in organized precipitation regimes. To further examine these biases, 2A53 GV rain rates are compared with polarimetrically tuned rain rates, in which GV biases are found to be minimized when rain relationships are developed for each precipitation regime, where, for example, during the 2009 wet-season biases in isolated deep precipitation regimes were reduced from −16.3% to −4.7%. The regime-based improvements also exist when specific convective and stratiform Z–R relationships are developed as a function of precipitation regime, where negative biases in organized convective events (−8.7%) are reduced to −1.6% when a regime-based Z–R is implemented. Negative GV biases during the wet seasons lead to an underestimation in accumulated rainfall when compared with ground gauges, suggesting that satellite-related bias estimates could be underestimated more than originally described. Such results encourage the use of the large-scale precipitation regime along with their respective locally characterized convective or stratiform classes in precipitation validation endeavors and in development of Z–R rainfall relationships.
Farm Crisis, Mobility and Structural Change in Swedish Agriculture, 1992–2000
Authors: Djurfeldt Göran , Gooch Pernille
Published: January 2017

This is a longitudinal study of structural change in Swedish agriculture during 1992 to 1999/ 2000, in which period the country entered the European Union and its agriculture went through a major economic crisis. The study is unique in drawing on a theoretically grounded typology to describe the agrarian structure and its dynamism. The results show that there has been a great deal of mobility of farming households in the agrarian structure during the period. As expected, the rate of closure has been high. It is remarkable, though, that despite the fluidity, the farm structure remains remarkably stable, but increasingly bimodal: it continues to be dominated economically by a relatively small stratum of family farms, while being numerically dominated by part-time farms and by pluriactive farmers.
Avoiding Intubation in the Injured Subglottis: The Role of Heliox Therapy
Authors: Connolly Kieran M. , McGuirt William F.
Published: January 2017

Intubation in the child presenting with severe viral tracheobronchitis or prior subglottic injury can be detrimental to the child and the subglottis. Intubation may lead to further mucosal ischemia, scar, subglottic stenosis, or failed extubation requiring a tracheotomy. Heliox is a combination of helium and oxygen that produces less-dense gas exchange. Its use leads to a decrease in turbulent airflow, which may obviate the need for intubation. Here we report our experience using heliox as initial therapy in 14 consecutive children presenting with severe airway distress and the need for intubation. (Five had viral tracheobronchitis, 5 had inflammatory exacerbation of subglottic stenosis, and 4 had acute iatrogenic subglottic injury.) In 10 of the 14 children, intubation, which can lead to mucosal injury and scarring, was avoided by the use of heliox therapy. Of the 4 children in whom heliox therapy failed, 3 had a prior history of subglottic stenosis. Heliox is a relatively safe and reliable alternative to intubation of children with severe subglottic edema or injury. Heliox should be considered before intubation for selected children with subglottic inflammation and severe airway distress.
HSP70 Antibodies in 80 Patients with “Clinically Certain” Meniere's Disease
Authors: Hornibrook Jeremy , George Peter , Spellerberg Myfanwy , Gourley John
Published: January 2017

Objectives:

We tested the claim that a significant proportion of patients with Meniere's disease have antibodies to heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) antigen, which may lead to defective endolymphatic sac function and vertigo attacks.

Methods:

Serum samples were taken from 80 subjects with a “certain” diagnosis of Meniere's disease (American Academy criteria plus electrocochleographic confirmation of endolymphatic hydrops with tone burst stimuli) and were tested for HSP70 antibodies with the OTOblot (hsp70) Western blot assay. The response was recorded as negative, positive, or equivocal. Samples from 80 sex- and age-matched blood donors were used as controls.

Results:

Of 80 patients with “clinically certain” Meniere's disease, 14 were positive for HSP70 antibodies or equivocal; of 80 controls, 10 were positive or equivocal. There was no significant difference (p = 0.239). There was no correlation with bilateral disease, “activity” of Meniere's disease, or stage of Meniere's disease.

Conclusions:

Patients with an unequivocal diagnosis of Meniere's disease do not have a significantly raised incidence of HSP70 antibodies.
Status of Propranolol for Treatment of Infantile Hemangioma and Description of a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Menezes Maithilee D. , McCarter Robert , Greene E. Anne , Bauman Nancy M.
Published: January 2017

Objectives:

Our primary objective was to review the current use of propranolol for treatment of infantile hemangioma (IH), specifically regarding 1) the age at initiation of therapy, 2) the method of initiation, 3) the use of other adjuvant therapy, 4) the duration of therapy and relapse rate, 5) the adverse events, and 6) the outcome. Our secondary objective was to describe a randomized, controlled, single-blinded trial comparing propranolol to prednisolone for treatment of IH.

Methods:

Ovid Medline and PubMed searches were completed for the MeSH keywords “propranolol” and “hemangioma.” Forty-nine English-language articles were published between June 2008 and September 2010, and 28 of these reported data from a total of 213 patients. Only 6 studies treated more than 10 patients, and these were selected for review in detail (154 patients).

Results:

The treatment was initiated during infancy in 92.9% of patients (mean, 4.5 months). Sixty-five percent of patients were treated with 2 mg/kg per day, and 25.3% with 3 mg/kg per day. Patients were monitored overnight at initiation of treatment in 3 series (59 patients), for 4 to 6 hours as outpatients in 2 series (62 patients), and initially as inpatients but later as outpatients in 1 series (32 patients). Propranolol was used as sole therapy in about two thirds of patients (103 patients). Treatment was ongoing in 46% of patients at the time of publication. The average treatment duration in the remaining patients was 5.1 months. Rebound growth occurred in 21% of patients after a mean of 4.3 months of therapy. Adverse events occurred in 18.1% of patients and included hypotension in 6, somnolence in 6, wheezing in 4, insomnia, agitation, and/or nightmares in 6, cool hands or night sweats in 2, gastroesophageal reflux in 3, and psoriasis-like rash in 1. All authors reported a favorable outcome with propranolol, but the definition of efficacy was not standardized.

Conclusions:

Propranolol is an attractive alternative to other treatments for IH. Despite apparent widespread use of this medication, the data are limited, and prospective studies are lacking for this indication. The relatively high rate of adverse effects supports the need for careful monitoring of patients on this therapy. Fastidious reporting of adverse events and objective evaluation of early and late outcomes are necessary to improve our understanding of the use of propranolol for this indication.
Comparison of Sensory Aids in Deaf Children
Authors: Miyamoto Richard T. , Osberger Mary Joe , Myres Wendy A. , Robbins Amy J. , Kessler Kathy , Renshaw Julia , Pope Molly L.
Published: January 2017

A speech perception hierarchy has been developed and applied to assess the influence of cochlear implants and tactile aids on the acquisition of auditory, speech, and language skills in deaf children. Encouraging improvements were noted with both types of sensory aids at the detection level. The House 3M and Nucleus cochlear implant designs appear to offer advantages over the Tactaid II in providing ancillary speech perception cues to deaf children. Preliminary observations suggest that the multichannel cochlear implant design may be superior to the single-channel coding scheme.
The Role of Middle Powers
Authors: Holbraad Carsten
Published: January 2017

While the recent interest in the international role of middle-sized powers may be traced back to the end of the Second World War, some European writers of earlier centuries touched upon the subject. Both the older and the modern writers have used the term 'middle powers' in various senses and have failed to draw up satisfactory criteria for distinguishing them from other states. Yet, it is possible to examine the roles of middle-sized powers by studying their behaviour in a variety of historical situations. Here their typical roles arc outlined in several distinct situations of the 'bipolar’ system, namely, cold war, condominium and détente, as well as in two characteristic situations of the 'multipolar’ system, namely, concert and competitive balance of power.
Compatibility and Consistency in Display-Control Systems: Implications for Aircraft Decision Aid Design
Authors: Andre Anthony D. , Wickens Christopher D.
Published: January 2017

In this study we contrast display-control movement relations defined in terms of stimulus-response (physical) compatibility with those defined by stimulus-cognitive compatibility, and we relate these findings to the issue of command versus status levels of decision aid support. A second issue addressed is the cost of inconsistency across multiple display-control mappings. Subjects performed a flight control task while responding to one to four analog indicators, formatted as either command or status displays. The results suggest that there is an advantage for the status format when subjects are required to verbally report the state of the indicator(s), but no advantage was found for either format when subjects were required to manually correct the indicated state. The data point to the importance of display-control consistency and suggest that it may even outweigh that of compatibility.
Infanticide in England and Wales
Authors: Marks M N , Kumar R
Published: January 2017

In England and Wales children under one year of age are at four times greater risk of becoming victims of homicide than either older children or the general population. The annual rate of infant homicide (45 per million) has remained relatively constant since the Homicide Act (1957) in contrast with a progressive fall in the infant mortality rate. Details from Home Office records of all infants under a year who were the victims of homicide during 1982–1988 are presented.

Infants were most at risk on the first day of life — neonates accounted for 21% of victims and 13% of the victims were between one day and one month old. Thereafter the proportion decreased steadily so that by the final quarter of the first year the risk of becoming a homicide victim equalled that of the general population. Excluding neonates, there were more male victims than female ones, especially in the first three months. A parent was the most likely perpetrator. For all neonaticides the mother was recorded as a suspect, 36% of these mothers were subsequently indicted, all but two were convicted of infanticide and all their convictions resulted in probation. For children over a day marginally more fathers than mothers were recorded as the prime suspect. Mother and father suspects were equally likely to be indicted and also equally likely to be convicted of a homicide offence. However, mothers received both less severe convictions and less severe sentences than fathers. Fathers were more likely than mothers to have killed their infants using violence which wounded. Nonetheless sentences were unrelated to the brutality of the offence: mothers who had killed with wounding violence received less severe penalties than fathers who had killed in a non-wounding way.
2. Triplets Where Monozygotic Siblings are Concordant for Arson
Authors: Jenaway A , Swinton M
Published: January 2017

Triplets are described where the two genetically identical brothers are arsonists and both have socio-pathic personality disorder rated using the Personality Assessment Schedule. The third, non-identical brother has not committed arson and does not have a personality disorder.
Successful Treatment of Graves Disease in Pregnancy with Lugol's Iodine
Authors: Jamieson A. , Semple C.G.
Published: January 2017

We report a case of Grave's disease in pregnancy complicated by intolerance of standard antithyroid drug therapy. We describe the success of prolonged use of organic iodine as a primary treatment prior to surgical intervention.
Excision of a Remarkable Tumour of the Upper Jaw in 1834 by Robert Liston
Authors: Kaufman M.H. , Royds M. T.
Published: January 2017

A series of pre-operative casts of the head, one of plaster of Paris and the other of wax, have recently been discovered in the Department of Anatomy. Edinburgh, of a patient with an immense tumour of the left maxillary antrum which produced an enormous degree of facial distortion. These casts complement a series of engravings published in the contemporary literature. This lady's tumour was successfully excised by Robert Liston in 1834 in the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, only a month before he left Edinburgh for London. The tumour was believed to be benign, and was removed without the benefit of anaesthesia. The patient returned the following summer to have a gold palate fitted, and while her voice was initially indistinct, it subsequently recovered.