bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interruption of Sneddon-Wilkinson Subcorneal Pustulation with Infliximab
Authors: Kretschmer Lorenz , Maul Julia-Tatjana , Hofer Thomas , Navarini Alexander A.
Published: April 2017

Subcorneal pustular dermatosis (SCPD, Sneddon-Wilkinson disease) is a rare chronic-relapsing skin disorder that typically manifests as flaccid sterile pustules without systemic symptoms. Although the accumulation of neutrophils is acknowledged to be a hallmark of SCPD, its exact pathomechanism is still not known. Several chemotactic factors have been implicated in neutrophil recruitment and invasion, including the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α. These findings correspond well with clinical reports of successful off-label use of TNF blocking agents in cases that were refractory to first-line therapy, mostly with dapsone. We report the case of a 29-year-old male with atypical and severe manifestation of SCPD that resolved after a single dose of infliximab. Consolidation was observed 1 day after treatment and regression of skin lesions occurred after a few days. Residual scarring and postlesional hyperpigmentation was seen at a 2-month follow-up appointment. The patient was initiated on a daily maintenance therapy with dapsone, which led to a drop in hemoglobin and had to be stopped. Upon development of small, scaly lesions, a maintenance therapy with infliximab was started and the patient has had no recurrence to date. Anti-TNF agents present a promising option for patients affected by severe SCPD. We review the reports of similar cases in the literature to date.
Outcome of All-Oral Direct-Acting Antiviral Regimens on the Rate of Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1-Related Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Ogata Fumihiro , Kobayashi Masahiro , Akuta Norio , Osawa Mitutaka , Fujiyama Shunichiro , Kawamura Yusuke , Sezaki Hitomi , Hosaka Tetsuya , Kobayashi Mariko , Saitoh Satoshi , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Suzuki Fumitaka , Arase Yasuji , Ikeda Kenji , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: April 2017

Objectives: There is little information on the risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and outcome of treatment with an all-oral combination of direct-acting antiviral regimens following eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA. Methods: The study subjects were 1,170 patients with HCV genotype 1-related chronic liver disease treated with either NS5A inhibitor plus NS3/4A protease inhibitor (n = 707), NS5A inhibitor plus NS5B polymerase inhibitor (n = 345), or NS5A inhibitor, NS3/4A protease inhibitor plus ritonavir (n = 118), for 12-24 weeks. All patients were free of HCC before and during therapy. Results: In this retrospective study, 22 patients developed HCC during the follow-up (time from the end of antiviral therapy until the last visit: 1.3 years). At 1 and 2 years after completion of the treatment, the cumulative HCC rates for the whole group were 1.8 and 2.3%, respectively, and 1.4 and 1.8%, respectively, for 1,065 patients who showed sustained virological response (SVR). The risk factors for HCC identified by multivariate analysis were hypoalbuminemia, thrombocytopenia, a high α-fetoprotein level, and non-SVR for all patients, and hypoalbuminemia and a high α-fetoprotein level for patients with SVR. Conclusion: Eradication of HCV RNA by direct-acting antiviral regimens might reduce the risk of HCC. Albumin and α-fetoprotein levels are significant risk factors for HCC.
Pneumonia Severity Assessment Tools for Predicting Mortality in Patients with Healthcare-Associated Pneumonia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Noguchi Shingo , Yatera Kazuhiro , Kawanami Toshinori , Fujino Yoshihisa , Moro Hiroshi , Aoki Nobumasa , Komiya Kosaku , Kadota Jun-ichi , Shime Nobuaki , Tsukada Hiroki , Kohno Shigeru , Mukae Hiroshi
Published: April 2017

Background: In contrast to community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), no specific severity assessment tools have been developed for healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) in clinical practice. Objectives: In this review, we assessed the clinical significance of severity assessment tools for HCAP. Methods: We identified related articles from the PubMed database. The eligibility criteria were original research articles evaluating severity scoring tools and reporting the outcomes of mortality in patients with HCAP. Results: Eight articles were included in the meta-analysis. The PORT score and CURB-65 were evaluated in 7 and 8 studies, respectively. Using cutoff values of ≥IV and V for the PORT score, the diagnostic odds ratios (DORs) were 5.28 (2.49-11.17) and 3.76 (2.88-4.92), respectively, and the areas under the curve (AUCs) were 0.68 (0.64-0.72) and 0.71 (0.67-0.75), respectively. Conversely, the AUCs for ≥IV and V were 0.71 (0.67-0.76) and 0.74 (0.70-0.78), respectively, when applied only to nonimmunocompromised patients. In contrast, when using cutoff values of ≥2 and ≥3 for CURB-65, the DORs were 3.35 (2.26-4.97) and 2.65 (2.05-3.43), respectively, and the AUCs were 0.65 (0.61-0.69) and 0.66 (0.62-0.70), respectively. Conversely, the AUCs for ≥2 and ≥3 were 0.65 (0.61-0.69) and 0.68 (0.64-0.72), respectively, when applied only to nonimmunocompromised patients. Conclusions: The PORT score and CURB-65 do not have substantial power compared with the tools for CAP patients, although the PORT score is more useful than CURB-65 for predicting mortality in HCAP patients. According to our results, however, these tools, especially the PORT score, can be more useful when limited to nonimmunocompromised patients.
Pre-ESRD Dementia and Post-ESRD Mortality in a Large Cohort of Incident Dialysis Patients
Authors: Molnar Miklos Z. , Sumida Keiichi , Gaipov Abduzhappar , Potukuchi Praveen K. , Fülöp Tibor , Joglekar Kiran , Lu Jun Ling , Streja Elani , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Kovesdy Csaba P.
Published: April 2017

Background: Conservative management may be a desirable option for elderly, fragile, or demented patients who reach end-stage renal disease (ESRD), yet some patients with dementia are placed on renal replacement therapy nonetheless. Methods: From a nationwide cohort of 45,076 US veterans who transitioned to ESRD over 4 contemporary years (October 1, 2007 to September 30, 2011), we identified 1,336 (3.0%) patients with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code-based dementia diagnosis during the prelude (predialysis) period. We examined the association of prelude dementia with all-cause mortality within the first 6 months following transition to dialysis, using a propensity-matched cohort and Cox proportional hazards models. Results: In the entire cohort, the overall mean ± standard deviation age at baseline was 72 ± 11 years, 95% were male, 23% were African-American, and 66% were diabetic. There were 8,080 (18.5%) deaths (mortality rate, 412; 95% confidence interval [CI], 403-421/1,000 patient-years) in the dementia-negative group, and 396 (29.6%) deaths (mortality rate, 708; 95% CI, 642-782/1,000 patient-years) in the dementia-positive group in the entire cohort in the first 6 months after dialysis initiation. Presence of dementia was associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.12-1.38) compared to dementia-free patients in the first 6 months after dialysis initiation. Conclusion: Pre-ESRD dementia is associated with increased risk of early post-ESRD mortality in veterans transitioning to dialysis.
Rapid Involution of Pustules during Topical Steroid Treatment of Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis
Authors: Kley Christiane , Murer Carla , Maul Julia-Tatjana , Meier Barbara , Anzengruber Florian , Navarini Alexander A.
Published: April 2017

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a dramatic generalized pustular rash of severe onset, which is considered a serious cutaneous adverse reaction to drugs. However, even though the clinical features are impressive and are often accompanied by systemic inflammation, it can be controlled quickly and safely by topical steroids subsequent to interruption of the offending drug. Here, we describe the management of a case and the evolution of the pustular rash. An elderly woman consulted with a generalized crop of 2–3 mm, nonfollicular pustules on erythematous background. In the 4 preceding weeks, she had been using amoxicillin/clavulanic acid for a bacterial implant infection and rivaroxaban. The clinical EuroSCAR criteria including the histology confirmed AGEP. Her medication was stopped and topical clobetasol propionate was used. Within 24 h, the development of new pustules ceased and the patient was discharged after 7 days of hospitalization with only a faint, diffuse erythema and focal desquamation remaining. This and many other cases in the literature suggest that topical steroids should be considered as a first-line treatment option, especially as systemic steroids themselves can sometimes induce generalized pustulosis.
Isolated Actinic Lichen Planus of the Lower Lip
Authors: Choi Ellie , Tan Kong Bing , Chandran Nisha Suyien
Published: April 2017

Oral lichen planus (LP) is a common manifestation in patients with LP; however, isolated lip LP is rare and may mimic other conditions such as lichenoid drug eruptions, actinic cheilitis, and early carcinoma in situ in the absence of typical skin lesions. Actinic lichen planus (ALP) is a variant of LP occurring on light-exposed areas in patients with dark skin. We report the case of a Chinese female with isolated ALP of the lower lip, mimicking herpes simplex infection at presentation. The presence of prognathism, involvement of the lower lip, and flares associated with sunlight reinforces the role of sun exposure in the development of this condition.
Neuroprotective Treatments after Perinatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury Evaluated with Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Berger Hester Rijkje , Brekke Eva , Widerøe Marius , Sund Morken Tora
Published: April 2017

Perinatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury is a major health problem. Adjuvant treatments that improve the neuroprotective effect of the current treatment, therapeutic hypothermia, are urgently needed. The growing knowledge about the complex pathophysiology of hypoxia-ischemia (HI) has led to the discovery of several important targets for neuroprotection. Early interventions should focus on the preservation of energy metabolism, the reduction of glutamate excitotoxicity and oxidative stress, the maintenance of calcium homeostasis, and the prevention of apoptosis. Delayed interventions should promote injury repair. The multiple metabolic changes following HI as well as the metabolic effects of potential treatments can be observed noninvasively by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). This mini-review provides an overview of the neuroprotective pharmacological agents that have been evaluated with 1H/31P/13C MRS. A better understanding of how these agents influence cerebral metabolism and the use of relevant translational MRS biomarkers can guide future clinical trials.
Adoption of Sorafenib for the Treatment of Advanced-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Oncology Practices in the United States
Authors: Parsons Helen M. , Chu Quyen , Karlitz Jordan J. , Stevens Jennifer L. , Harlan Linda C.
Published: April 2017

Background: The adoption of sorafenib into oncology practice as a first-line systemic treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not well understood. We examined sorafenib use since Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 2007 and associated survival for individuals diagnosed with advanced HCC, conducting a population-based evaluation of treatment patterns and outcomes for this newly approved drug in the US over time. Methods: We identified individuals diagnosed with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage C from the 2007 and 2012 National Cancer Institute Patterns of Care study. We examined trends in use as well as patient and clinical factors associated with receiving sorafenib using multivariate logistic regression analysis. We then evaluated the association between sorafenib use and overall hazard of death using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression. Results: Among 550 individuals diagnosed with advanced HCC, we found no significant increase in the proportion of patients treated with sorafenib from 2007 to 2012 (26.3 vs. 30.4%). After adjusting for patient and clinical characteristics, non-Hispanic Blacks (compared to non-Hispanic Whites) and those with a lower Child-Pugh score remained more likely to receive sorafenib. Individuals receiving systemic chemotherapy only, radiation therapy only, or no treatment at all experienced a higher risk of death than those treated with sorafenib, while those receiving a transplant experienced a lower risk of death. Conclusions: Sorafenib has not been widely adopted into oncology practice since FDA approval for advanced HCC. Few factors apart from Child-Pugh score and race/ethnicity predict sorafenib use in clinical practice, although sorafenib treatment is associated with a lower risk of death.
The Rare Case of Pemphigus Vegetans in Association with Malnutrition Children in the Multidisciplinary Management
Authors: Suwarsa Oki , Sutedja Endang , Dharmadji Hartati Purbo , Kusuma Pramita , Rahardja July , Hindritiani Reti , Gunawan Hendra
Published: April 2017

Pemphigus vegetans is a clinical variant of pemphigus vulgaris, accounting for 1–2% of all very rare pemphigus cases in children. The involvement of the oral mucosa in this disease is usually accompanied by severe pain that aggravates the patient’s malnourished condition. Conversely, malnutrition may also reduce vulnerability towards autoimmune diseases. Although pemphigus vegetans has never been reported to develop in a child with marasmus before, we encountered a case of pemphigus vegetans in a severely malnourished patient. A 12-year-old boy in marasmic condition presented with painful, clear, fluid-filled blisters, accompanied by erosions, crusts, and vegetative lesions on almost all parts of the body. Histopathological examination of the lesions revealed a suprabasal cleft, and direct immunofluorescence staining showed deposits of immunoglobulin G in the epidermal intracellular spaces. The patient was treated with a multidisciplinary approach, and intravenous corticosteroid was administered for 2 weeks with an appropriate diet. There were significant improvements in the skin lesions and his nutritional status. Although pemphigus vegetans may occur in children with malnutrition, the underlying mechanism for the development of autoimmune diseases in malnutrition remains unclear.
Combination of Correctors Rescues CFTR Transmembrane-Domain Mutants by Mitigating their Interactions with Proteostasis
Authors: Lopes-Pacheco Miquéias , Boinot Clément , Sabirzhanova Inna , Rapino Daniele , Cebotaru Liudmila
Published: April 2017

Background/Aims: Premature degradation of mutated cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein causes cystic fibrosis (CF), the commonest Mendelian disease in Caucasians. Despite recent advances in precision medicines for CF patients, many CFTR mutants have not been characterized and the effects of these new therapeutic approaches are still unclear for those mutants. Methods: Cells transfected or stably expressing four CFTR transmembrane-domain mutants (G85E, E92K, L1077P, and M1101K) were used to: 1) characterize the mutants according to their protein expression, thermal sensitivity, and degradation pathways; 2) evaluate the effects of correctors in rescuing them; and 3) explore the effects of correctors on CFTR interactions with proteostasis components. Results: All four mutants exhibited lower protein expression than did wild type-CFTR, and they were degraded by proteasomes and aggresomes. At low temperature, only cells expressing the mutants L1077P and M1101K exhibited increased CFTR maturation. Co-administration of C4 and C18 showed the greatest effect, restoring functional expression and partial stability of CFTR bearing E92K, L1077P, or M1101K at the cell surface. However, this treatment was inefficient in rectifying the defect of CFTR bearing G85E. Correctors rescued CFTR mutants by reducing their interactions with proteostasis components associated with protein retention in the endoplasmic reticulum and ubiquitination. Conclusion: Co-administration of C4 and C18 rescued CFTR transmembrane-domain mutants by remodeling the CFTR interactome.
Cytoprotective Effect of Heat Shock Protein 27 Against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Apoptosis of Renal Epithelial HK-2 Cells
Authors: Li Chunmei , Wu Jiang , Li Yuan , Xing Guangqun
Published: April 2017

Background: In response to various stimuli, heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) functions as an anti-apoptotic or/and anti-inflammatory factor which confers a survival advantage to cells. This study was aimed to explore whether Hsp27 also has a cytoprotective role in human renal tubular epithelial cells, and to evaluate its potential in treating septic acute kidney injury (septic AKI). Methods: HK-2 cells were subjected to different concentrations (0-10 µg/mL) of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for various times (0-24 h) to establish a septic AKI model in vitro. Before LPS administration, HK-2 cells were transfected either with vectors or siRNA against Hsp27, and the changes in cell viability and apoptotic cells rate were assessed using CCK-8 and flow cytometry. The expression changes in apoptosis-related proteins, proinflammatory cytokines and chemokine, as well as main factors in NF-κB and JNK pathways were mainly determined by Western blotting. Besides, the relationship between Hsp27 and Bcl-2 was detected by co-immunoprecipitation. Results: LPS remarkably damaged HK-2 cells by reduction of cell viability, induction of apoptosis, and stimulation of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokine release. Hsp27 overexpression significantly impaired LPS-induced damage in HK-2 cells. Hsp27 overexpression couldn’t alter the mRNA level of Bcl-2, but could interact with Bcl-2 at an endogenous level. Both NF-κB and JNK pathways were activated by LPS, while were blocked in Hsp27-overexpressing cells. Conclusion: Hsp27 overexpression conferred a survival advantage to LPS-injured HK-2 cells by controlling cell viability, apoptosis and inflammation, possibly via interaction with Bcl-2 and modulation of NF-κB and JNK pathways.
Participation of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) in Asthma Exacerbations Induced by Psychological Stress via PKA/PKC Signal Pathway in Airway-Related Vagal Preganglionic Neurons (AVPNs)
Authors: Hou Lili , Zhu Lei , Zhang Min , Zhang Xingyi , Zhang Guoqing , Liu Zhenwei , Li Qiang , Zhou Xin
Published: April 2017

Aims: Present study was performed to examine whether ADH was implicated in psychological stress asthma and to explore the underlying molecular mechanism. Methods: We not only examined ADH levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) via radioimmunoassay, but also measured ADH receptor (ADHR) expression in airway-related vagal preganglionic neurons (AVPNs) through real-time PCR in all experimental mice. Western blotting was performed to evaluate the relationship between ADH and PKA/PKC in psychological stress asthma. Finally, the role of PKA/PKC in psychological stress asthma was analyzed. Results: Marked asthma exacerbations were noted owing to significantly elevated levels of ADH and ADHR after psychological stress induction as compared to OVA alone (asthma group). ADHR antagonists (SR-49095 or SR-121463A) dramatically lowered higher protein levels of PKAα and PKCα induced by psychological stress as compared to OVA alone, suggesting the correlation between ADH and PKA/PKC in psychological stress asthma. KT-5720 (PKA inhibitor) and Go-7874 (PKC inhibitor) further directly revealed the involvement of PKA/PKC in psychological stress asthma. Some notable changes were also noted after employing PKA and PKC inhibitors in psychological stress asthma, including reduced asthmatic inflammation (lower eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) activity, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, immunoglobulin E (IgE) level, and histamine release), substantial decrements in inflammatory cell counts (eosinophils and lymphocytes), and decreased cytokine secretion (IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-γ), indicating the involvement of PKA/PKC in asthma exacerbations induced by psychological stress. Conclusion: Our results strongly suggested that ADH participated in psychological stress-induced asthma exacerbations via PKA/PKC signal pathway in AVPNs.
Khorana score and histotype predicts incidence of early venous thromboembolism in non-Hodgkin lymphomas
Authors: Santi Roberto , Ceccarelli Manuela , Bernocco Elisa , Monagheddu Chiara , Evangelista Andrea , Valeri Federica , Monaco Federico , Vitolo Umberto , Cortelazzo Sergio , Cabras Maria , Spina Michele , Baldini Luca , Boccomini Carola , Chiappella Annalisa , Bari Alessia , Luminari Stefano , Visco Carlo , Calabrese Marco , Limberti Giulia , Levis Alessandro , Contino Laura , Ciccone Giovannino , Ladetto Marco
Published: April 2017

Current data suggests that the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is comparable to that observed in patients with solid tumours, although more robust confirmatory analyses are required. With that in mind, we investigated the occurrence of VTE in a pooled analysis of 12 “Fondazione Italiana Linfomi” (FIL) prospective clinical studies. Specifically, we wished to assess the cumulative incidence of VTE in NHL patients, evaluate the predictive value of the Khorana Score (KS), and identify other potential risk factors for VTEs. Data for VTE occurrence were retrieved from study databases and pharmacovigilance reports. Our analysis includes 1717 patients from 12 prospective phase II and III trials, including newly diagnosed NHL. We observed 53 VTEs (any grade) in 46 patients, with 20 severe VTEs in 17 patients. The cumulative incidences for „all-grade” or grade ≥3 VTEs were 2.9% (95% CI: 2.1–3.8) and 1.1% (95% CI: 0.6–1.6), respectively. KS categories were positively associated with the risk of VTE of any grade, and with severe events (i. e. grade ≥3; Gray’s test p-values = 0.048 and 0.012, respectively). Among NHL patients, those with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) showed a greater risk of (any grade) VTE (HR: 3.42, 95% CI: 1.32–8.84, p-value = 0.011). Our study indicates that 1) VTE is a relevant complication for NHL patients, 2) KS is predictive of VTE events and 3) DLBCL histotype is an independent risk factor for VTE incidence, for which preventative interventions could be considered.

Supplementary Material to this article is available at www.thrombosis-online.com.
A Novel α-Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Analogue Protects Against End-Organ Damage in Experimental Hypertension, Cardiac Hypertrophy, and Heart Failure
Authors: Aubdool Aisah A. , Thakore Pratish , Argunhan Fulye , Smillie Sarah-Jane , Schnelle Moritz , Srivastava Salil , Alawi Khadija M. , Wilde Elena , Mitchell Jennifer , Farrell-Dillon Keith , Richards Daniel A. , Maltese Giuseppe , Siow Richard C. , Nandi Manasi , Clark James E. , Shah Ajay M. , Sams Anette , Brain Susan D.
Published: April 2017

Background:

Research into the therapeutic potential of α-calcitonin gene–related peptide (α-CGRP) has been limited because of its peptide nature and short half-life. Here, we evaluate whether a novel potent and long-lasting (
t
½
≥7 hours) acylated α-CGRP analogue (αAnalogue) could alleviate and reverse cardiovascular disease in 2 distinct murine models of hypertension and heart failure in vivo.

Methods:

The ability of the αAnalogue to act selectively via the CGRP pathway was shown in skin by using a CGRP receptor antagonist. The effect of the αAnalogue on angiotensin II–induced hypertension was investigated over 14 days. Blood pressure was measured by radiotelemetry. The ability of the αAnalogue to modulate heart failure was studied in an abdominal aortic constriction model of murine cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure over 5 weeks. Extensive ex vivo analysis was performed via RNA analysis, Western blot, and histology.

Results:

The angiotensin II–induced hypertension was attenuated by cotreatment with the αAnalogue (50 nmol·kg
–1
·d
–1
, SC, at a dose selected for lack of long-term hypotensive effects at baseline). The αAnalogue protected against vascular, renal, and cardiac dysfunction, characterized by reduced hypertrophy and biomarkers of fibrosis, remodeling, inflammation, and oxidative stress. In a separate study, the αAnalogue reversed angiotensin II–induced hypertension and associated vascular and cardiac damage. The αAnalogue was effective over 5 weeks in a murine model of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. It preserved heart function, assessed by echocardiography, while protecting against adverse cardiac remodeling and apoptosis. Moreover, treatment with the αAnalogue was well tolerated with neither signs of desensitization nor behavioral changes.

Conclusions:

These findings, in 2 distinct models, provide the first evidence for the therapeutic potential of a stabilized αAnalogue, by mediating (1) antihypertensive effects, (2) attenuating cardiac remodeling, and (3) increasing angiogenesis and cell survival to protect against and limit damage associated with the progression of cardiovascular diseases. This indicates the therapeutic potential of the CGRP pathway and the possibility that this injectable CGRP analogue may be effective in cardiac disease.
Hospital Performance on Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Process and Outcomes Measures
Authors: Chui Philip W. , Parzynski Craig S. , Nallamothu Brahmajee K. , Masoudi Frederick A. , Krumholz Harlan M. , Curtis Jeptha P.
Published: April 2017

Background

The Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement recently proposed percutaneous coronary intervention (
PCI
)‐specific process measures. However, information about hospital performance on these measures and the association of
PCI
process and outcomes measures are not available.

Methods and Results

We linked the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) Cath
PCI
Registry with Medicare claims data to assess hospital performance on established
PCI
process measures (aspirin, thienopyridines, and statins on discharge; door‐to‐balloon time; and referral to cardiac rehabilitation), newly proposed
PCI
process measures (documentation of contrast dose, glomerular filtration rate, and
PCI
indication; appropriate indication for elective
PCI
; and use of embolic protection device), and a composite of all process measures. We calculated weighted pair‐wise correlations between each set of process metrics and performed weighted correlation analyses to assess the association between composite measure performance with corresponding 30‐day risk‐standardized mortality and readmission rates. We reported the variance in risk‐standardized 30‐day outcome rates explained by process measures. We analyzed 1 268 860
PCI
s from 1331 hospitals. For many process measures, median hospital performance exceeded 90%. We found strong correlations between medication‐specific process measures (
P
<0.01) and weak correlations between hospital performance on the newly proposed and established process measures. The composite process measure explained only 1.3% and 2.0% of the observed variation in mortality and readmission rates, respectively.

Conclusions

Hospital performance on many
PCI
‐specific process measures demonstrated little opportunity for improvement and explained only a small percentage of hospital variation in 30‐day outcomes. Efforts to measure and improve hospital quality for
PCI
patients should focus on both process and outcome measures.
Hepatic Fibrosis Is Universal Following Fontan Operation, and Severity is Associated With Time From Surgery: A Liver Biopsy and Hemodynamic Study
Authors: Goldberg David J. , Surrey Lea F. , Glatz Andrew C. , Dodds Kathryn , O'Byrne Michael L. , Lin Henry C. , Fogel Mark , Rome Jonathan J. , Rand Elizabeth B. , Russo Pierre , Rychik Jack
Published: April 2017

Background

Congestive hepatopathy is a recognized complication of Fontan physiology. Data regarding the incidence of hepatopathy and risk factors are lacking.

Methods and Results

Liver biopsies and cardiac catherizations were performed as part of an evaluation offered to all patients ≥10 years after Fontan. Quantitative determination of hepatic fibrosis was performed using Sirius red staining with automated calculation of collagen deposition per slide (%
CD
). Biopsies from included subjects were compared to stained specimens from controls without known fibrotic liver disease. Patient characteristics, echocardiographic findings, and hemodynamic measures were evaluated as potential risk factors. The cohort consisted of 67 patients (31 female) at mean age of 17.3±4.5 years and mean time from Fontan of 14.9±4.5 years. Right ventricular morphology was present in 37 subjects. Median %
CD
by Sirius red staining was 21.6% (range 8.7% to 49.4%) compared to 2.6% (range 2.2% to 3.0%) in controls. There was a significant correlation between time from Fontan and degree of Sirius red staining (
r
=0.33,
P
<0.01). Serum liver enzymes and platelet count did not correlate with %
CD
. The median inferior vena cava pressure was 13 mm Hg (range 6‐24 mm Hg) and did not correlate with %
CD
. There was no difference in %
CD
based on ventricular morphology or severity of atrioventricular valve insufficiency.

Conclusions

In this cohort of predominantly asymptomatic children and adolescents electively evaluated after a Fontan operation, all exhibited evidence for hepatic fibrosis as measured by collagen deposition in the liver. Time from Fontan was the only factor significantly associated with collagen deposition. These findings demonstrate that liver fibrosis is an inherent feature of Fontan physiology and that the degree of fibrosis increases over time.
Thinking Along With Mekkes
Authors: Sander Griffioen
Published: April 2017

This essay about J.P.A. Mekkes (1898–1987) is intended to arouse interest in the work of this notable disciple of Herman Dooyeweerd. For those who studied the philosophical writings of Mekkes, his written texts were as dense as his spoken words were inspiring. Given the lack of studies devoted to Mekkes, his thought has very much remained a closed book, also for a wider readership. By using the themes of “antithesis,” “creation and revelation,” and “presencing thought,”
1
I would like to show that, notwithstanding appearances to the contrary, Mekkes developed a coherent and relatively accessible philosophy in his own right. Mekkes subjected Dooyeweerdian philosophy to the critique of “presencing thought.” In due course this caused him to become a rather isolated figure even within his own circles. In this phase he also developed a new method of “thinking along” with those of other persuasions. This method I call the sub contrario method. In the closing section of this article I explain how Mekkes’s connection of philosophy with creational revelation, for all its inherent one-sidedness, offers an impulse for renewal to reformational philosophy.
First record of the ant cricket Myrmecophilus (Myrmecophilina) americanus (Orthoptera: Myrmecophilidae) in Mexico
Authors: ORTEGA-MORALES ALDO I. , RODRÍGUEZ QUETZALY K. SILLER , GARZA-HERNÁNDEZ JAVIER A. , ADENIRAN ADEBIYI A. , HERNÁNDEZ-TRIANA LUIS M. , RODRÍGUEZ-PÉREZ MARIO A.
Published: April 2017

In September 2004, the New World ant cricket, Myrmecophilus americanus Saussure, 1877, was collected in association with longhorn crazy ants, Paratrechina longicornis (Latreille. 1802), in the state of Coahuila, Mexico. We are reporting the DNA barcode using the mitochrondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I for this first record of M. americanus in Mexico.
Federal Policy Efforts to Simplify College-Going: An Intervention in Community College Enrollment and Borrowing
Authors: Rosinger Kelly Ochs
Published: April 2017

Over the past decade, the federal government has made substantial efforts to simplify the college-going process and help students to evaluate college choices. These low-cost strategies aimed at improving college access and success by helping students to make informed decisions about college warrant assessment. This study examines the impact of a recent effort aimed at simplifying information that colleges provide to students about college costs, loan options, and college outcomes. Results from a quasi-experimental analysis indicate that the “informational intervention” in this study had limited influence on community college students’ enrollment and borrowing decisions. I discuss the limitations of this particular intervention and the potential impact that other related policy efforts designed to help students at various points in the college-going process may have.
Financial Benefits of Rapid Student Loan Repayment: An Analytic Framework Employing Two Decades of Data
Authors: González Canché Manuel S.
Published: April 2017

This study analyzes the benefits of rapid student loan repayment, defined here as borrowers who repaid their cumulative undergraduate loan debt in half the time of the expected repayment cycle (10 years). Drawing from data on borrowers in two nationally representative samples, I first explain the analytic framework employed to identify rapid loan repayers, then examine whether rapid loan repayment is associated with financial benefits in terms of salary, homeownership, and non–poverty level, identifying how rapid loan repayers differ from their non–rapid loan repayer and nonborrower counterparts. Results show salary benefits associated with rapid loan repayment and indicate that among rapid loan repayers, cumulative loan debt generally did not surpass $15,000. These findings suggest that policy-makers may consider the adoption of shorter repayment plans with clear eligibility cutoff amounts as an alternative to the more common 10-year fixed plan.
Impact of Community College Student Debt Levels on Credit Accumulation
Authors: Baker Dominique J. , Doyle William R.
Published: April 2017

Most community college students do not borrow to pay for their education. However, in recent years more students are borrowing and, when they borrow, accumulating large amounts of debt. To help clarify whether increased debt burdens are aiding community college students or harming them, we explore the impact of borrowing on academic credit hour accumulation. Using data from the Education Longitudinal Study 2002–2012, we provide multiple estimates of the impact of borrowing on credit hour attainment among community college students. Standard estimates suggest that community college students who borrow complete fewer credit hours than students who do not borrow, although the influence is relatively small (about two credits two years after enrollment). Instrumental variables estimates suggest that the impact of borrowing on credits attained is not significant two years after enrollment but is substantial eight years after enrollment (allowing students multiple enrollment spells).
Understanding Student Debt: Implications for Federal Policy and Future Research
Authors: Perna Laura W. , Kvaal James , Ruiz Roman
Published: April 2017

This article reflects on the major themes that emerge in the studies presented in this volume, concentrating on implications for federal policy and future research. We emphasize that for future federal policy to be successful, it will need to be revamped in ways that are relatively nuanced, encouraging (among other things) enrollment and persistence to degree completion among students who might not otherwise take loans or go to college, protecting taxpayers and students against investments in low-performing colleges, making federal loan programs more understandable to students who need them, and reducing the risks of student loan nonrepayment. For future research we make numerous recommendations, including calls for attention to debt aversion, income-based loan repayment, and the effects of borrowing on a broad range of student outcomes.
C–H Infrared Absorption and Solubility of Ethylene, Propyne, 2-methyl-2-butene, and 2-methyl-1, 3-butadiene (Isoprene) in Liquid Argon Solutions
Authors: Nyaupane Parashu R. , Diez-y-Riega Helena , Cordier Daniel , Manzanares Carlos E.
Published: April 2017

The solubility of ethylene (H2C=CH2), propyne (CH3–C≡C–H), 2-methyl-2-butene (CH3–CH=C(CH3)2), and isoprene or 2-methyl-1, 3-butadiene (H2C=C(CH3)–CH=CH2) in liquid argon has been measured using mid-infrared and near-infrared (NIR) absorption. Spectra were recorded in the C–H infrared (IR) region. Spectra were obtained at increasing solution composition until the magnitude of the integrated absorption band reached a maximum value, indicating a saturated solution. The approximate experimental solubilities are: (600 ± 100) ppm at 92 K for ethylene, (22 ± 9) ppm at 100 K for propyne, (9 ± 5) ppm at 100 K for 2-methyl-2-butene, and (12 ± 2) ppm at 86 K for isoprene. The experimental solubility values at the corresponding temperature were used with solubility parameters of two separate models: the perturbed-chain statistical associating fluid theory (PC-SAFT) and the regular solution theory. Solvent–solute interaction parameters k12 (PC-SAFT) and [Formula: see text] (RST) were obtained for each solute in the presence of argon as the solvent. Data from experimental measurements are important for more realistic simulations of solubility of solids in cryogenic liquids.
Characteristics of socially withdrawn youth in France: A retrospective study
Authors: Chauliac Nicolas , Couillet Audrey , Faivre Sophie , Brochard Nassima , Terra Jean-Louis
Published: April 2017

Background:

Poor social interactions have been recognized as a symptom since the beginnings of psychiatry. As far as socially withdrawn youth (SWY) are concerned, studies were mostly conducted on patients seeking care. Our psychiatric outreach team called Psymobile was able to reach SWY patients who were not seeking mental health care.

Aims:

To identify the clinical and socio-demographic characteristics of SWY patients referred to our Psymobile unit.

Method:

We carried out a retrospective study on the records of patients aged 18–34 years, who were referred to Psymobile for ‘withdrawal’, between April 2012 and December 2015.

Results:

In total, 66 patients were included in the study. SWY are predominantly male (80%) from large families or single-parent ones. About 42% had no prior contact with a mental health professional before being referred to Psymobile. The mean duration of withdrawal is 29 months. In all, 42% of SWY use cannabis and 73% present disorders of the sleep–wake schedule. About 71% maintain relations with their families and 73% go out occasionally. They are mostly diagnosed with schizophrenia (37%) or mood disorders (23%).

Conclusion:

Over one-third of Psymobile patients aged 18–34 years were referred on grounds of social withdrawal. Our data may illustrate more accurately the situation of youth social withdrawal amid the general population than data from help-seeking patients or online questionnaires.
A Network of Neighborhoods
Authors: Boivin Rémi , D’Elia Maurizio
Published: April 2017

Objectives:

Criminal target choice has been described as a multistage process: An offender first selects a suitable area from a set of alternatives and then chooses a specific target. This article studies area selection and attempts to distinguish between crime generators/visit detractors (elements that could affect anyone) and crime attractors/offense detractors (elements that affect offenders specifically).

Methods:

Trips that resulted in violent or property crimes between 506 census tracts in a large city ( n = 11,411) are analyzed. Multilevel negative binomial regression is used to assess the impact of measures relating to pairs of tracts and characteristics of destination tracts.

Results:

Various factors are significantly related to the number of crime-associated trips per pair of tracts: differences in reward (residential and visiting population size, presence of schools or bars), differences in effort (distance between tracts, major roads linking both tracts), and differences in risk (level of social disorganization).

Conclusions:

This article supports an “opportunistic perspective” on crime: Crime-associated trips are more likely when advantages are high and risks and efforts are low.
Imitation Learning Errors Are Affected by Visual Cues in Both Performance and Observation Phases
Authors: Mizuguchi Takashi , Sugimura Ryoko , Shimada Hideaki , Hasegawa Takehiro
Published: April 2017

Mechanisms of action imitation were examined. Previous studies have suggested that success or failure of imitation is determined at the point of observing an action. In other words, cognitive processing after observation is not related to the success of imitation; 20 university students participated in each of three experiments in which they observed a series of object manipulations consisting of four elements (hands, tools, object, and end points) and then imitated the manipulations. In Experiment 1, a specific intially observed element was color coded, and the specific manipulated object at the imitation stage was identically color coded; participants accurately imitated the color coded element. In Experiment 2, a specific element was color coded at the observation but not at the imitation stage, and there were no effects of color coding on imitation. In Experiment 3, participants were verbally instructed to attend to a specific element at the imitation stage, but the verbal instructions had no effect. Thus, the success of imitation may not be determined at the stage of observing an action and color coding can provide a clue for imitation at the imitation stage.
What Makes an Effective English-Medium Course in China? Experiences and Perspectives of International Undergraduates
Authors: Zhang Hao
Published: April 2017

This research explores international English majors’ experiences and perceptions of the characteristics of an effective English-as-a-medium-of-instruction (EMI) course. Through an analysis of the triangulated data collected through questionnaire surveys, classroom observations, interviews and correspondences between 45 students and their lecturer in an EMI course at a key comprehensive university in Beijing, this study found that international English majors viewed the lecturer’s English proficiency, personality, commitment to students and to teaching, teaching approach, and language use as the major factors contributing to EMI course effectiveness. Meanwhile, these students did not consider their own English proficiency as crucial to the effectiveness of EMI courses, and neither did they expect EMI courses to improve their English ability.
Challenging the secularist assumption: Religion, public policy and civil service culture
Authors: Lindsay Jane
Published: April 2017

The ‘resurgence’ of religion has led scholars and politicians to critique the ‘secularism’ of public policy. Using evidence from interviews with serving policy officials, this article explores the dimensions of ‘secularism’ as they have been applied to the UK policy context and makes two qualifications. First, I suggest that, rather than the ‘structural’ absence of religion in the last decade, often described as ‘marginalisation’ or ‘privatisation’, religion has repeatedly been relocated in relation to policy goals. Second, I challenge the theory of cultural secularisation expressed in terms of the ‘secular orientation’ of the policy making process and argue that cultural resistance to ‘doing religion’ within the permanent civil service cadre is less the result of a secular orientation and more of ‘religion blindness’, an attempt to demonstrate the ‘impartiality’ within which the civil service code requires non-elected officials to operate.
The Effects of Gain- and Loss-Framed Advice Messages on Recipients’ Responses to Advice
Authors: Jang JooYoung , Feng Bo
Published: April 2017

Features of advice messages have received considerable attention in prior research, but the framing of advice has remained underexplored. This study examined the influence of advice message framing (i.e., gain-framed message vs. loss-framed message) on recipients’ responses to advice in terms of evaluation of advice quality, facilitation of coping, and intention to implement advice. The mediating roles of regard for face and efficacy were also assessed. A total of 605 participants read and responded to a hypothetical conversation in which they received advice from a friend. Results indicated that gain-framed advice messages elicited higher evaluations of advice quality and higher perceptions of facilitation of coping in comparison with loss-framed advice messages. Recipient’s perceptions of the advice-giver’s regard for face mediated the impact of framing on evaluation of advice quality and facilitation of coping.
Application of modified clay for removal of phenol and PO43− ions from aqueous solutions
Authors: Gładysz-Płaska Agnieszka
Published: April 2017

Simultaneous adsorption of phenol and phosphate(V) ions on the surfactant-modified clay from the binary mixture was studied and compared with the single phenol or phosphate(V) sorption. The maximum adsorption capacity of hexadecyltrimethylammonium–bentonite was 18.8 mg/g for phenol and 38.5 mg/g for phosphate(V) at simultaneous adsorption of both of them. The optimal pH values of adsorption on hexadecyltrimethylammonium–bentonite was found to be 7.0 and >7 for phosphate(V) and phenol, respectively. The kinetic studies showed that the adsorption followed a pseudo-second-order reaction for both. The equilibrium data were analyzed using the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm models.
Lysophosphatidic acid and amitriptyline signal through LPA1R to reduce P-glycoprotein transport at the blood–brain barrier
Authors: Banks David B , Chan Gary NY , Evans Rebecca A , Miller David S , Cannon Ronald E
Published: April 2017

The blood–brain barrier is a microvascular network that (1) provides neuroprotection from metabolic and environmental toxins and (2) limits the delivery of therapeutics to the central nervous system (CNS). The ATP-binding cassette transporter P-glycoprotein contributes to the latter by actively pumping clinical substrates back into circulation before they can reach the brain parenchyma. Targeting P-glycoprotein has proven effective in increasing the delivery of therapeutics to their cerebral targets. We provide a novel mechanism to achieve this end in functioning, intact rat brain capillaries, whereby the bioactive phospholipid lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) amitriptyline reduce basal P-glycoprotein transport activity through a distinct lysophosphatidic acid 1 receptor-mediated signaling cascade that requires G-protein coupling, Src kinase, and ERK 1/2. Furthermore, we demonstrate the ability of LPA and TCA amitriptyline to decrease induced P-glycoprotein transport activity in a human SOD1 transgenic rat model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This work may translate to new clinical strategies for increasing the cerebral penetration of therapeutics in patients suffering from CNS diseases marked by exacerbated pharmacoresistance.
The Respectable Brotherhood: Young Black Men in an All-boys Charter High School
Authors: Oeur Freeden
Published: April 2017

Neoliberal public school reform has revitalized efforts to open unique all-male schools for black boys. Existing research stresses how these black male academies nurture resilience but has failed to examine what makes these schools distinctive. Drawing on one year of ethnographic research, this article demonstrates how Northside Academy, an all-male charter high school, built a respectable brotherhood. Modeled after elite all-male institutions, Northside’s classics curriculum and professional uniform marked its young men as having disciplined minds and bodies, destined for college and a middle-class future. Yet to maintain legitimacy within a competitive environment, the school community drew moral boundaries between its exceptional young men and those delinquent boys most in crisis. This engaged a respectability politics where upwardly mobile black men reject their more marginalized peers for failing to reform their character. This study’s findings extend knowledge of single-sex public schools and of the impact of increased competition under neoliberalism.