bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stochastic quantization of axial vector gauge theories with fermions
Authors: Kapoor A. K.
Published: May 2019

The stochastic quantization scheme proposed by Parisi and Wu in 1981 is known to have differences from conventional quantum field theory (CQFT) in higher orders. It has been suggested that some of these new features might give rise to a mechanism to explain tiny fermion masses as arising due to radiative corrections. Some features of U(1) axial vector gauge theory in Parisi Wu stochastic quantization are reported. These features are not absent if the theory is formulated in the conventional way. In particular we present arguments for renormalizability of the massive axial vector gauge theory coupled to a massless fermion.
Recruitment of unmyelinated C-fibers mediates the bladder-inhibitory effects of tibial nerve stimulation in a continuous-fill anesthetized rat model
Authors: Paquette Jason P. , Yoo Paul B.
Published: May 2019

Although percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation is considered a clinically effective therapy for treating overactive bladder, the mechanism by which overactive bladder symptoms are suppressed remains unclear. The goal of the present study was to better understand the role of specific neural inputs (i.e., fiber types) on the bladder-inhibitory effects of tibial nerve stimulation (TNS). In 24 urethane-anesthetized rats, a continuous suprapubic saline infusion model was used to achieve repeated filling and emptying of the bladder. A total of 4 TNS trials (pulse frequency: 5 Hz) were applied in randomized order, where each trial used different amplitude settings: 1) no stimulation (control), 2) Aβ-fiber activation, 3) Aδ-fiber activation, and 4) C-fiber activation. Each stimulation trial was 30 min in duration, with an intertrial washout period of 60−90 min. Our findings showed that TNS evoked statistically significant changes in bladder function (e.g., bladder capacity, residual volume, voiding efficiency, and basal pressure) only at stimulation amplitudes that electrically recruited unmyelinated C-fibers. In a subset of experiments, TNS also resulted in transient episodes of overflow incontinence. It is noted that changes in bladder function occurred only during the poststimulation period. The bladder-inhibitory effects of TNS in a continuous bladder filling model suggests that electrical recruitment of unmyelinated C-fibers has important functional significance. The implications of these findings in percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation therapy should be further investigated.
Herniation of the tuft with outgrowth of vessels through the glomerular entrance in diabetic nephropathy damages the juxtaglomerular apparatus
Authors: Löwen Jana , Gröne Elisabeth , Gröne Hermann-Josef , Kriz Wilhelm
Published: May 2019

As shown in our previous paper (Kriz W, Löwen J, Federico G, van den Born J, Gröne E, Gröne HJ. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 312: F1101–F1111, 2017), mesangial matrix expansion in diabetic nephropathy (DN) results for a major part from the accumulation of worn-out undegraded glomerular basement membrane material. Here, based on the reevaluation of >900 biopsies of DN, we show that this process continues with the progression of the disease finally leading to the herniation of the matrix-overloaded tuft through the glomerular entrance to the outside. This leads to severe changes in the glomerular surroundings, including a dissociation of the juxtaglomerular apparatus with displacement of the macula densa. The herniation is associated with a prominent outgrowth of glomerular vessels from the tuft. Mostly, these aberrant vessels are an abnormal type of arteriole with frequent intramural insudations of plasma. They spread into glomerular surroundings extending in intertubular and periglomerular spaces. Their formation is associated with elevated mRNA levels of vascular endothelial growth factor-A, angiopoietins 1 and 2, and the corresponding receptors. Functionally, these processes seem to compromise tubuloglomerular feedback-related functions and may be one factor why Na+-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors are not effective in advanced stages of DN.
Evidence for enhanced neural tracking of the speech envelope underlying age-related speech-in-noise difficulties
Authors: Decruy Lien , Vanthornhout Jonas , Francart Tom
Published: May 2019

When we grow older, understanding speech in noise becomes more challenging. Research has demonstrated the role of auditory temporal and cognitive deficits in these age-related speech-in-noise difficulties. To better understand the underlying neural mechanisms, we recruited young, middle-aged, and older normal-hearing adults and investigated the interplay between speech understanding, cognition, and neural tracking of the speech envelope using electroencephalography. The stimuli consisted of natural speech masked by speech-weighted noise or a competing talker and were presented at several subject-specific speech understanding levels. In addition to running speech, we recorded auditory steady-state responses at low modulation frequencies to assess the effect of age on nonspeech sounds. The results show that healthy aging resulted in a supralinear increase in the speech reception threshold, i.e., worse speech understanding, most pronounced for the competing talker. Similarly, advancing age was associated with a supralinear increase in envelope tracking, with a pronounced enhancement for older adults. Additionally, envelope tracking was found to increase with speech understanding, most apparent for older adults. Because we found that worse cognitive scores were associated with enhanced envelope tracking, our results support the hypothesis that enhanced envelope tracking in older adults is the result of a higher activation of brain regions for processing speech, compared with younger adults. From a cognitive perspective, this could reflect the inefficient use of cognitive resources, often observed in behavioral studies. Interestingly, the opposite effect of age was found for auditory steady-state responses, suggesting a complex interplay of different neural mechanisms with advancing age.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We measured neural tracking of the speech envelope across the adult lifespan and found a supralinear increase in envelope tracking with age. Using a more ecologically valid approach than auditory steady-state responses, we found that young and older, as well as middle-aged, normal-hearing adults showed an increase in envelope tracking with increasing speech understanding and that this association is stronger for older adults.
Effect of Bufei Yishen Granules Combined with Electroacupuncture in Rats with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease via the Regulation of TLR-4/NF-κB Signaling
Authors: Ma Jindi , Tian Yange , Li Jiansheng , Zhang Lanxi , Wu Mingming , Zhu Lihua , Liu Shuai
Published: May 2019

Background. The combined therapy of Bufei Yishen granules (BY) and electroacupuncture (EA) has shown good effects clinically in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The present study aimed to observe the effects of the BY + EA combination in a COPD rat model and dissect the potential mechanisms via Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling.Methods. The COPD rats were treated with normal saline, aminophylline, Bufei Yishen granules, electroacupuncture, or Bufei Yishen granules combined with electroacupuncture. The pulmonary function; lung tissue histology; levels of inflammatory factors; expression levels of TLR-4, inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (IκB), and NF-κB; and activation of NF-κB in the lung tissues were evaluated.Results. Pulmonary function was markedly decreased in the COPD rats, and the lung tissue histology of the COPD rats showed severe pathological changes. The pulmonary function and lung tissue morphology in the treatment groups (APL, BY, EA, and BY + EA) were improved. The increased levels of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1βand IL-6 indicated a chronic inflammatory state in the COPD rats. In the BY, EA, and BY + EA groups, the levels of IL-1βand IL-6 were decreased, especially in the BY + EA group. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR-4, IκB, and NF-κB were obviously downregulated in the BY and BY + EA groups; and the NF-κB p65 activation was significantly decreased in the BY, EA, and BY + EA groups.Conclusions. Bufei Yishen granules and electroacupuncture have curative effects in COPD rats, and the combination therapy of Bufei Yishen granules and electroacupuncture is superior. The TLR-4/NF-κB pathway may be involved in the potential mechanisms by which Bufei Yishen granules and electroacupuncture reduce inflammation.
Inhibitory Effect of Cuphea aequipetala Extracts on Murine B16F10 Melanoma In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Uscanga-Palomeque Ashanti Concepcion , Zapata-Benavides Pablo , Saavedra-Alonso Santiago , Zamora-Ávila Diana Elisa , Franco-Molina Moisés Armides , Arellano-Rodríguez Mariela , Manilla-Muñoz Edgar , Martínez-Torres Ana Carolina , Trejo-Ávila Laura M. , Rodríguez-Padilla Cristina
Published: May 2019

Cuphea aequipetala (C. aequipetala) has been used in Mexican traditional medicine since prehispanic times to treat tumors. In this paper, we evaluated the antiproliferative and apoptotic effect of the methanolic and aqueous extracts of C. aequipetala on several cancer cell lines including the B16F10 cell line of murine melanoma and carried a murine model assay. In vitro assay analyzed the effect in the cellular cycle and several indicators of apoptosis, such as the caspase-3 activity, DNA fragmentation, phosphatidylserine exposure (Annexin-V), and induction of cell membrane permeabilization (propidium iodide) in the B16F10 cells. In vivo, groups of C57BL/6 female mice were subcutaneously injected with 5x105 B16F10 cells and treated with 25 mg/mL of C. aequipetala extracts via oral. Aqueous and methanolic extracts showed a cytotoxic effect in MCF-7, HepG2, and B16F10 cell lines. The methanolic extract showed more antiproliferative effect with less concentration, and for this reason, the in vitro experiments were only continued with it. This extract was able to induce accumulation of cells on G1 phase of the cell cycle; moreover, it was able to induce DNA fragmentation and increase the activity of caspase-3 in B16F10 cells. On the other hand, in the murine model of melanoma, the aqueous extract showed a greater reduction of tumor size in comparison with the methanolic extract, showing an 80% reduction versus one of around 31%, both compared with the untreated control, indicating a better antitumor effect of C. aequipetala aqueous extract via oral administration. In conclusion, the in vitro data showed that both C. aequipetala extracts were able to induce cytotoxicity through the apoptosis pathway in B16F10 cells, and in vivo, the oral administration of aqueous extract reduces the melanoma tumoral mass, suggesting an important antitumoral effect and the perspective to search for effector molecules involved in it.
Application of Extreme Learning Machine for Predicting Chlorophyll‐a Concentration Inartificial Upwelling Processes
Authors: Wei Yan , Huang Haocai , Chen Bin , Zheng Bofu , Wang Yihong
Published: May 2019

Artificial upwelling, artificially pumping up nutrient‐rich ocean waters from deep to surface, is increasingly applied to stimulating phytoplankton activity. As a proxy for the amount of phytoplankton present in the ocean, the concentration of chlorophyll a (chl-a) may be influenced by water physical factors altered in artificial upwelling processes. However, the accuracy and convenience of measuring chl-a are limited by present technologies and equipment. Our research intends to study the correlations between chl-a concentration and five water physical factors, i.e., salinity, temperature, depth, dissolved oxygen (DO), and pH, possibly affected by artificial upwelling. In this paper, seven models are presented to predict chl-a concentration, respectively. Two of them are based on traditional regression algorithms, i.e., multiple linear regression (MLR) and multivariate quadratic regression (MQR), while five are based on intelligent algorithms, i.e., backpropagation‐neural network (BP‐NN), extreme learning machine (ELM), genetic algorithm‐ELM (GA‐ELM), particle swarm optimization‐ELM (PSO‐ELM), and ant colony optimization‐ELM (ACO‐ELM). These models provide a quick prediction to study the concentration of chl-a. With the experimental data collected from Xinanjiang Experiment Station in China, the results show that chl-a concentration has a strong correlation with salinity, temperature, DO, and pH in the process of artificial upwelling and PSO‐ELM has the best overall prediction ability.
L‐Stable Method for Differential‐Algebraic Equations of Multibody System Dynamics
Authors: Li Bowen , Ding Jieyu , Li Yanan
Published: May 2019

An L‐stable method over time intervals for differential‐algebraic equations (DAEs) of multibody system dynamics is presented in this paper. The solution format is established based on equidistant nodes and nonequidistant nodes such as Chebyshev nodes and Legendre nodes. Based on Ehle’s theorem and conjecture, the unknown matrix and vector in the L‐stable solution formula are obtained by comparison with Pade approximation. Newton iteration method is used during the solution process. Taking the planar two‐link manipulator system as an example, the results of L‐stable method presented are compared for different number of nodes in the time interval and the step size in the simulation, and also compared with the classic Runge‐Kutta method, A‐stable method, Radau IA, Radau IIA, and Lobatto IIIC methods. The results show that the method has the advantages of good stability and high precision and is suitable for multibody system dynamics simulation under long‐term conditions.
The Sentinel Margin: Intraoperative Ex Vivo Specimen Mapping Using Relative Fluorescence Intensity
Authors: van Keulen Stan , Nishio Naoki , Birkeland Andrew , Fakurnejad Shayan , Martin Brock , Forouzanfar Tim , Cunanan Kristen , Colevas A. Dimitrios , S. van den Berg Nynke , Rosenthal Eben
Published: May 2019

Purpose:

Despite major advancements in surgical oncology, the positive margin rate for primary head and neck cancer resection remains around 15%–30%. In particular, the deep surface margin is the most challenging to adequately assess. Inadequate margins are directly correlated to poor survival, and as such, mitigation of these rates is critical to improve patient outcomes. We have developed an ex vivo imaging strategy that utilizes fluorescence intensity peaks (relative to background signal) of an injected anti-EGFR antibody conjugated to a fluorescent probe to locate potential close or positive margins on the deep surface of the resected tumor specimen.

Experimental Design:

Twelve patients with head and neck cancer scheduled for surgery received systemic administration of a tumor-specific contrast-agent (panitumumab-IRDye800CW). After surgical resection, the tumor specimen was imaged using a fluorescence imager. The three highest fluorescence intensity-peaks on the deep surface of the specimen were isolated and correlated to histology to determine the margin distance at these regions.

Results:

Relative fluorescence peak intensities identified the closest margin on the deep surface of the specimen within 2.5 minutes. The highest intensity peak consistently (100%) detected the closest margin to the tumor. The difference in tumor margin distance between the first and second highest fluorescence intensity peak averaged 2.1 ± 1.4 mm. The tumor-margin difference between the second and third highest peak averaged 1.6 ± 0.6 mm.

Conclusions:

Fluorescence intensity peaks can identify the region on the specimen where tumor is closest to specimen's edge on the deep surface. This technique could have broad applications in obtaining adequate margins in oncological surgery.
Rapid Postnatal Adaptation of Neurodevelopment in Pigs Born Late Preterm
Authors: Holme Nielsen Charlotte , Bladt Brandt Anne , Thymann Thomas , Obelitz-Ryom Karina , Jiang Pingping , Vanden Hole Charlotte , van Ginneken Chris , Pankratova Stanislava , Sangild Per Torp
Published: May 2019

Preterm birth interrupts intrauterine brain growth and maturation and may induce a delay in postnatal neurodevelopment. Such developmental delays can result from the reduced fetal age at birth, together with the clinical compli­cations of preterm birth (e.g., hypoxia, ischemia, and inflammation). We hypothesized that late preterm birth, inducing only mild clinical complications, has minimal effects on brain-related outcomes such as motor function and behavior. Using the pig as a model for late preterm infants, piglets were cesarean delivered preterm (90%, 106 days gestation) or at full term, reared by identical procedures, and euthanized for tissue collection at birth or after 11 days (e.g., term-corrected age for preterm pigs). Clinical variables and both structural and functional brain endpoints were assessed. The preterm pigs were slow to get on their feet, gained less weight (–30%), and had a higher cerebral hydration level and blood-to-cerebrospinal fluid permeability than the term pigs. At term-corrected age (11 days), the absolute weight of the brain and the weights of its regions were similar between 11-day-old preterm and newborn term pigs, and both were lower than in 11-day-old term pigs. Postnatally, physical activity and movements in an open field were similar, except that preterm pigs showed a reduced normalized stride length and increased normalized maximum stride height. Perinatal brain growth is closely associated with advancing postconceptional age in pigs, and late preterm birth is initially associated with impaired brain growth and physical activity. Postnatally, neuromuscular functions mature rapidly and become similar to those in term pigs, even before term-corrected age. Neuromuscular functions and behavior may show rapid postnatal adaptation to late preterm birth in both pigs and infants.
Clinicopathological Analysis of 90 Cases of Polyacrylamide Hydrogel Injection for Breast Augmentation Including 2 Cases Followed by Breast Cancer
Authors: Yang Ying , Li Shumo , He Jia , Zhao Xian , Chen Wei , Dai Xiaoming , Liu Liu
Published: May 2019

Background: Although polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAAG) injection for breast augmentation has been prohibited for many years, the long-term complications will be significant for a long period. Few research articles have focused on the clinicopathological analysis. Materials and Methods: We summarized clinical and pathological features of 90 cases after PAAG-injected breast augmentation, including 2 cases of breast cancer developed following PAAG injection. Results: All patients were females between the ages of 30 and 64 years (mean, 44 years). The complications included masses (75.58%), pain (45.35%), migration (22.09%), deformation (18.60%), infection (16.28%), induration (4.65%), and psychological fear (2.33%). Microscopically, the PAAG presented as purple gel pools, and the foreign body reaction was noted in all 90 patients. The proportion of fibrous component exceeded 90% in 26 cases (28.89%). Chronic and acute inflammation was noted in 70 (77.78%) and 9 (10%) patients, respectively. The mammary gland around the gel displayed atrophy in 18 cases (20.00%), adenosis in 33 cases (36.67%), ductal carcinoma in situ in 1 case (1.11%), and invasive carcinoma in 1 case (1.11%). Conclusion: The long-term complications of PAAG-injected breast augmentation are various and complex. Pathologically, these complications are associated with foreign body reaction, fibrosis, and inflammation.
Comparison of Choroidal Thickness in Preeclamptic, Healthy Pregnant, and Nonpregnant Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jiang Min-Shan , Xu Xiao-Li , Yang Ting , Li Feng , Zhang Xue-Dian
Published: May 2019

Purpose: To compare the choroidal thickness (CT) measured by enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) in preeclamptic, healthy pregnant, and healthy nonpregnant women. Methods: Studies that focused on the CT evaluation of pregnant women were retrieved by searching PubMed, Embase, Ovid, Cochrane, and Web of Science. We used Stata 14.0 SE for the meta-analysis and presented the results as the weighted mean difference (WMD) with a corresponding 95% CI. Results: A total of 14 studies with 1,227 participants were included in our meta-analysis. The CT of the healthy pregnancies (μm, WMD = 34.19, 95% CI: 20.63–47.76) was significantly higher than that of the nonpregnancies (Test of WMD = 0: z = 4.94, p = 0.000), but the CT of the preeclampsia (μm, WMD = 54.30, 95% CI: –13.40 to 122.01) was not significantly different from the nonpregnancies (Test of WMD = 0: z = 1.57, p = 0.116). In the preeclampsia versus healthy pregnancy group, 3 studies found that the choroid was thinner with preeclampsia, only one study found the CT increased. Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggested that the CT of the healthy pregnant women was significantly higher than that of the nonpregnant women. The presence of preeclampsia might complicate this situation. Most studies found that the CT decreased in the preeclamptic patients because of the increases in the systemic vasospasm and the blood pressure, which led to no significant difference compared with the nonpregnant women.
Adherence and Persistence to Adjuvant Hormonal Therapy in Early-Stage Breast Cancer Patients: A Population-Based Retrospective Cohort Study in Israel
Authors: Sella Tal , Chodick Gabriel
Published: May 2019

Background: Adjuvant hormonal therapy (HT) has been consistently proven to improve multiple outcomes in early breast cancer yet rates of adherence and persistence are variable. Methods: We retrospectively identified women diagnosed with nonmetastatic breast cancer and initiating HT between January 2000 and December 2007 in a large Israeli health provider. Prescription records including the drug name, date of purchase, and the quantity of pills dispensed were collected. We used Cox proportional hazards and binary logistic models to analyze factors associated with early discontinuation (<5 years) and nonadherence (proportion of days covered, PDC <80%) of HT, respectively. Results: A total of 4,178 women with breast cancer were identified with nearly 95% of patients treated with tamoxifen as the initial HT. Over the 5-year follow-up period, early discontinuation was identified in 955 (23%) patients. The mean PDC was 82.9% (SD 0.004). Younger age and low BMI were both associated with an increased risk of early discontinuation and nonadherence. A history of hypertension was associated with a higher likelihood of both outcomes. Conclusion: Adherence and persistence with HT among Israeli breast cancer survivors are comparable to those in international reports. Interventions are necessary to identify and prevent suboptimal HT adherence.
Individualized eHealth Support for Oncological Therapy Management
Authors: Schinköthe Timo
Published: May 2019

eHealth support for oncological therapy management has different faces. In addition to the direct support of therapy-supportive measures such as the promotion of physical activities, monitoring of the diet and observation of the quality of life through eHealth approaches are possible. Many solutions are now in transition between research and routine use. The most substantial evidence today is in the area of symptom monitoring. Independent studies have shown a significant survival benefit among other advantages as well. There is also a good overlap in eHealth and physical activity. More and more solutions are coming onto the market, which also has an impact for cancer patients. In the field of nutrition, there are only a few successful approaches both within and outside oncology. In contrast, the application of eHealth for the detection of disease-related malnutrition seems promising. Innovative approaches involving “artificial intelligence” or “Internet of Things” are slowly finding their place in both research and routine. For routine care, it will be necessary for doctors, nurses, and patients to know what a real medical eHealth application is and which are just lifestyle products without the needed quality for professional medical usage.
Education of Migrant and Nonmigrant Patients Is Associated With Initiation and Discontinuation of Preventive Medications for Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Frederiksen Hanne Winther , Zwisler Ann‐Dorthe , Johnsen Søren Paaske , Öztürk Buket , Lindhardt Tove , Norredam Marie
Published: May 2019

Background

The benefits of preventive medications after acute coronary syndrome are impeded by low medication persistence, in particular among marginalized patient groups. Patient education might increase medication persistence, but the effect is still uncertain, especially among migrant groups. We, therefore, assessed whether use of patient education was associated with medication persistence after acute coronary syndrome and whether migrant background modified the potential associations.

Methods and Results

A cohort of patients discharged with a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (N=33 199) was identified in national registers. We then assessed number of contacts for patient education during a period of 6 months after discharge and the initiation and discontinuation of preventive medications during a period of up to 5 years. Results were adjusted for comorbidity and sociodemographic factors. Three or more contacts for patient education was associated with a higher likelihood of initiating preventive medications, corresponding to adjusted relative risks ranging from 1.12 (95%
CI
, 1.06–1.18) for statins to 1.39 (95%
CI
, 1.28–1.51) for
ADP
inhibitors. Lower risks of subsequent discontinuation were also observed, with adjusted hazard ratios ranging from 0.86 (95%
CI
, 0.79–0.92) for statins to 0.92 (95%
CI
, 0.88–0.97) for β blockers. Stratification and test for effect modification by migrant status showed insignificant effect modification, except for initiation of
ADP
inhibitors and statins.

Conclusions

Patient education is associated with higher chance of initiating preventive medications after acute coronary syndrome and a lower long‐term risk of subsequent discontinuation independently of migrant status.
Nonvitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants Versus Warfarin in Atrial Fibrillation Patients and Risk of Dementia: A Nationwide Propensity‐Weighted Cohort Study
Authors: Søgaard Mette , Skjøth Flemming , Jensen Martin , Kjældgaard Jette Nordstrøm , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Larsen Torben Bjerregaard , Nielsen Peter Brønnum
Published: May 2019

Background

It is unclear whether nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (
NOAC
s) can mitigate dementia development in atrial fibrillation. We compared dementia development among users of
NOACs
or warfarin in
patients with atrial fibrillation
with no prior neurological diagnoses.

Methods and Results

We conducted a Danish nationwide cohort study including 33 617 new
oral anticoagulant
users with nonvalvular
atrial fibrillation,
of which 11 052 were aged 60 to 69 years, 13 237 were aged 70 to 79 years, and 9238 were aged 80 years and older. To exclude prevalent non
‐oral anticoagulants–
associated dementia, we considered the at‐risk population of patients alive and free of dementia at 180 days following inclusion. We compared rates of new‐onset dementia by age and treatment regimen using inverse probability of treatment weighting to account for confounding. Approximately 60% of patients were
NOAC
users and 40% were warfarin users. Mean follow‐up was 3.4 years. Dementia occurred in 41 patients aged 60 to 69 years, 276 patients aged 70 to 79 years, and 441 patients aged 80 years and older. Relative to warfarin users, dementia rates were nonsignificantly lower among
NOAC
users aged 60 to 69 years (0.11 events/100 person‐years versus 0.12 events/100 person‐years; weighted hazard ratio, 0.92 [95%
CI,
0.48–1.72]) and
NOAC
users aged 70 to 79 years (0.64 events/100 person‐years versus 0.78 events/100 person‐years;
weighted hazard ratio
, 0.86 [95%
CI,
0.68–1.09]), whereas
NOAC
s were associated with significantly higher dementia rates (2.16 events/100 person‐years versus 1.70 events/100 person‐years;
weighted hazard ratio
, 1.31 [95% CI, 1.07–1.59]) in patients 80 years and older.

Conclusions

This nationwide cohort of
patients with atrial fibrillation
revealed no clinically meaningful difference in dementia development between users of
NOACs
or warfarin apart from a higher risk in
NOAC
users 80 years and older, which may relate to residual confounding from selective prescribing and unobserved comorbidities.
HDL Phospholipids, but Not Cholesterol Distinguish Acute Coronary Syndrome From Stable Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Meikle Peter J. , Formosa Melissa F. , Mellett Natalie A. , Jayawardana Kaushala S. , Giles Corey , Bertovic David A. , Jennings Garry L. , Childs Wayne , Reddy Medini , Carey Andrew L. , Baradi Arul , Nanayakkara Shane , Wilson Andrew M. , Duffy Stephen J. , Kingwell Bronwyn A.
Published: May 2019

Background

Although acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality, relationships with biologically active lipid species potentially associated with plaque disruption/erosion in the context of their lipoprotein carriers are indeterminate. The aim was to characterize lipid species within lipoprotein particles which differentiate ACS from stable coronary artery disease.

Methods and Results

Venous blood was obtained from 130 individuals with de novo presentation of an ACS (n=47) or stable coronary artery disease (n=83) before coronary catheterization. Lipidomic measurements (533 lipid species; liquid chromatography electrospray ionization/tandem mass spectrometry) were performed on whole plasma as well as 2 lipoprotein subfractions: apolipoprotein A1 (apolipoprotein A, high‐density lipoprotein) and apolipoprotein B. Compared with stable coronary artery disease, ACS plasma was lower in phospholipids including lyso species and plasmalogens, with the majority of lipid species differing in abundance located within high‐density lipoprotein (high‐density lipoprotein, 113 lipids; plasma, 73 lipids). Models including plasma lipid species alone improved discrimination between the stable and ACS groups by 0.16 (C‐statistic) compared with conventional risk factors. Models utilizing lipid species either in plasma or within lipoprotein fractions had a similar ability to discriminate groups, though the C‐statistic was highest for plasma lipid species (0.80; 95% CI, 0.75–0.86).

Conclusions

Multiple lysophospholipids, but not cholesterol, featured among the lipids which were present at low concentration within high‐density lipoprotein of those presenting with ACS. Lipidomics, when applied to either whole plasma or lipoprotein fractions, was superior to conventional risk factors in discriminating ACS from stable coronary artery disease. These associative mechanistic insights elucidate potential new preventive, prognostic, and therapeutic avenues for ACS which require investigation in prospective analyses.
Clinical Symptom Profiles After Mild–Moderate Stroke
Authors: Katzan Irene L. , Schuster Andrew , Bain Mark , Lapin Brittany
Published: May 2019

Background

There is heterogeneity in the severity of domains affected in patients with stroke, resulting in differences in health‐related quality of life (hrQoL). Identifying different clinical profiles of stroke patients may provide a means for selecting patients for tailored interventions to improve hrQoL.

Methods and Results

This was an observational study of 496 patients with ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage seen in a cerebrovascular clinic from October 12, 2015, through June 11, 2018, who completed patient‐reported outcome measures using Patient‐Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) tools within 1 month of stroke. Latent profile analysis identified groups based on
PROMIS
domain scores—pain, depression, cognitive function, fatigue, social role satisfaction, and physical function—as well as clinician‐reported modified Rankin Scale (
mRS
). Five distinct profiles were identified. Group 1 (“excellent hrQoL,” n=106) had fewer symptoms in all domains than the general population. Group 2 (“disabled with mixed hrQoL,” n=17) had fewer symptoms than the general population in all domains except social role satisfaction and physical function, despite having moderate disability (median mRS score: 3). Group 3 (“mild limitations with average hrQoL,” n=189) had scores similar to the general population for all domains and minimal disability (median
mRS
score: 1). Group 4 (“mild limitations with poor hrQoL,” n=152) also had a median
mRS
score of 1 but had worse scores than group 3 on all domains. Group 5 (“disabled with poor hrQoL,” n=32) had worse symptoms than patients in the other profiles and a median
mRS
score of 3.

Conclusions

Patients with recent stroke have distinct clinical symptom profiles, even with similar levels of clinician‐reported disability. Symptom profiles provide a means of understanding patterns of outcomes in patients with stroke.
Energy Drinks: Another Cause of QT Prolongation?
Authors: Winniford Michael D.
Published: May 2019

See Article
Shah et al
Late Modern Transformation of Islam or Islamic Transformation of Late Modern Religiosity?: Use and Function of New Age Elements in the Writings of the Turkish Islamic Self-Development Author Muhammed Bozdağ (b. 1967)
Authors: Riexinger Martin
Published: May 2019

The Turkish author Muhammed Bozdağ, who has no formal religious education, has been popular since the late 1990s because of his self-help seminars and self-help books. Though they are based on the adaptation of Western New Age-inspired models, Bozdağ uses many of the models’ parascientific concepts while carefully eliminating other elements that could undermine Islamic normativity. Furthermore, he emphasizes that worldly success must not be sought without being aware of the hereafter. For this purpose, he has written a book dedicated to the interpretation of traditional Islamic eschatology in parascientific terms. The strong emphases on collective normativity and on a theistic worldview clearly characterize his adaption of elements from new religiosities as highly selective and restricted to very specific purposes.
The Arrangement of the Platonic Corpus in the Newly Published Compendiosa Expositio Attributed to Apuleius of Madaura
Authors: Rheins Jason G.
Published: May 2019

The Middle Platonist Compendiosa Expositio gives dialogue-by-dialogue summaries of doctrines allegedly expounded in Plato’s works. According to Justin Stover, the principle of division used by the work for arranging Plato’s dialogues is the dominant philosophical influence in each case. I argue that there is no principle of division, and that the dialogues are arranged, not on the basis of influence, but according to their main speaker. One thing this allows, I suggest, is for the author of the ce to assert the dependence of the Stoics on Plato.
The Philosophical Justification for the Equant in Ptolemy’s Almagest
Authors: Zainaldin James L.
Published: May 2019

In this paper I offer a close reading of Ptolemy’s philosophical defense of the equant in Almagest 9.2. I identify the challenge to the equant that his defense is supposed to meet, characterizing it as a dispute concerning the origin and authority of the astronomer’s first principles (ἀρχαί). I argue that the equant could be taken to violate a principle fundamental to the Almagest’s astronomical project, namely, that the heavenly bodies move only in uniform circular motions. I show that Ptolemy is not unaware of this potential objection, and explore two ways in which he seeks to fend it off.
Automation, Artificial Intelligence, and the God/Useless Divide
Authors: Stubbs Alec
Published: May 2019

Automation, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology have become topics of increasing interest in both academia as well as in popular media. The goal of this article is to establish which issues are the most pressing, and what are the underlying causes of the rise of robots. I demonstrate that fears of automation are well supported by current trends of automation as well as the inherent tendency within a capitalist system to automate at the expense of workers and working wages. Additionally, I point to what appears to be a potential evolutionary divide between what Yuval Noah Harari calls the “god” class and the “useless” class. Finally, I discuss how the new role of information as the world’s most valued commodity can either exacerbate this coming divide or liberate society. I present the case that in order to diminish the negative effects we must move beyond the present capitalist economic system, towards one in which economic democracy and the free flow of information thrives.
The Semitic Component in Yiddish and its Ideological Role in Yiddish Philology
Authors: Hever-Chybowski Tal
Published: May 2019

The article discusses the ideological role played by the Semitic component in Yiddish in four major texts of Yiddish philology from the first half of the 20th century: Ysroel Haim Taviov’s “The Hebrew Elements of the Jargon” (1904); Ber Borochov’s “The Tasks of Yiddish Philology” (1913); Nokhem Shtif’s “The Social Differentiation of Yiddish: Hebrew Elements in the Language” (1929); and Max Weinreich’s “What Would Yiddish Have Been without Hebrew?” (1931). The article explores the ways in which these texts attribute various religious, national, psychological and class values to the Semitic component in Yiddish, while debating its ontological status and making prescriptive suggestions regarding its future. It argues that all four philologists set the Semitic component of Yiddish in service of their own ideological visions of Jewish linguistic, national and ethnic identity (Yiddishism, Hebraism, Soviet Socialism, etc.), thus blurring the boundaries between descriptive linguistics and ideologically engaged philology.
Commenting by Weaving Together Texts: Veṅkaṭanātha’s Seśvaramīmāṃsā and the Sanskrit Philosophical Commentaries
Authors: Freschi Elisa
Published: May 2019

What makes a text a “commentary”? The question is naive enough to allow a complicated answer. In Sanskrit there is not a single word for “commentary”. The present study focuses on an exemplary case study, that of Veṅkaṭanātha’s commentary on the Seśvaramīmāṃsā, and concludes that Sanskrit philosophical commentaries share certain characteristics: 1. several given texts are their main interlocutors/they are mainly about a set of particular texts; 2. they belong to a genre in its own right and are not a minor specialisation for authors at the beginnings of their careers; 3. they are characterised by a varied but strong degree of textual reuse; 4. they are characterised by a shared interlanguage that their authors must have assumed was well known to their audiences; 5. they allow for a significant degree of innovation. The use of the plural in point No. 1 is discussed extensively within the paper.
The World by Religion
Authors: Johnson Todd , Crossing Peter F.
Published: May 2019

The following tables represent the results of analysis of data on religion for all of the countries of the world which appear in the World Religion Database (Johnson and Grim 2008). These data are collected at the national level from a number of sources including censuses, surveys, polls, religious communities, scholars, and others.
Taxonomic revision and systematics of New Guinea and Oceania pygmy water boatmen (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Corixoidea: Micronectidae)
Authors: TINERELLA PAUL P.
Published: May 2019

The pygmy water boatmen of New Guinea and Oceania are revised. The two genera and ten species occurring throughout the region are described and keyed. Papuanecta gen. nov., is erected to accommodate P. inelryjelnor sp. nov. and P. minajerwioides sp. nov. The following new combinations are proposed in Papuanecta: Papuanecta sinistra (Chen) comb. nov. and P. minajerwi (Tinerella and Polhemus) comb. nov. Micronecta ludibunda graphiptera Horváth syn. nov. and M. ludibunda langkana Wróblewski syn. nov. are synonymized with the nominate species, M. ludibunda Breddin. Following the provision of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature [article 23.9.2] (ICZN 1999), Sigara mnotata Kirkaldy (1897b) is designated nomen oblitum and Micronecta quadristrigata Breddin (1905a) as nomen protec- tum. The Australian species Micronecta queenslandica Chen is newly recorded for Papua New Guinea. A total of nine species is recorded from New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. One additional recently described species, Micronecta jenniferae Tinerella, is reported for Fiji. All species are illustrated. Discussion and documentation of primary type material are provided, and where available, type specimens are illustrated. Male genitalic structures are illustrated with scan-ning electron micrographs for all species except Papuanecta sinistra (Chen). Genitalic structures of P. sinistra are redrawn from Chen (1965) and additional material. Line drawings are included of all other diagnostic features. Color habitus illustrations of each species (male and female) are also included. Distribution maps are presented for all recorded taxa except M. jenniferae. Diagnostic morphology and variation, and relationships of New Guinea Micronectidae with other Australasian taxa and world micronectid faunas, are discussed. A cladistic analysis and zoogeographic discussion of New Guinea species relationships are presented.
Pediatric Residents’ Beliefs and Behaviors About Health Care for Sexual and Gender Minority Youth
Authors: Zelin Nicole Sitkin , Encandela John , Van Deusen Timothy , Fenick Ada M. , Qin Li , Talwalkar Jaideep S.
Published: May 2019

Little is known about provider beliefs related to sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth, and how these have changed over time. Our objective was to compare pediatric residents’ beliefs and behaviors about SGM youth to historical data. Forty-eight of 76 (63%) residents completed a survey of items drawn from 2 existing scales. Results were compared with historical data from 1998 to 2012. Compared to historical respondents, residents indicated that they were significantly more likely to take a sexual history from patients under 14 years old and ask about sexual orientation. Residents were significantly less likely to fear offending parents or patients with such discussions. While responses indicated SGM-affirming beliefs, 45% of residents felt they may not know enough about SGM needs to have effective discussions, similar to historical respondents. Ongoing challenges include a perceived lack of knowledge about the needs of SGM youth, representing avenues for future educational intervention.
Optimum processing parameters of sueding fabric comfort by applying the Taguchi method and fuzzy theory
Authors: Kuo Chung-Feng Jeffrey , Lin Wen-Tsung
Published: May 2019

In recent years, as consumers have increasingly higher demands for the functionality of clothing, fabrics with additional functionality have been developed. The state of physical functionality experienced by a wearer under a given environmental condition is greatly influenced by the tactile, thermal and moisture transport properties of the fabric. In modern textiles, finishing is generally used to improve the appearance or other properties of fabrics. Sueding is a common finishing method. In order to meet the requirements of functionality in the process of sueding, the production process must be adjusted according to the features of the fabrics. The main method is the setting of processing parameters. This study focuses on the water vapor transmission and thermal transport, which are the main functional characteristics, and uses the fuzzy approach to acquire the combination of sueding processing parameters to optimize multiple functional characteristics. Firstly, for the main processing parameters of the sueding machine, the Taguchi method is used to obtain an orthogonal array for the experimental design. The measured water vapor transmission and thermal transport data of the fabric are used to calculate the signal-to-noise ratio. An analysis of variance is conducted to obtain the significant factors with a greater impact on functional characteristics. The fuzzy approach is used to analyze and obtain the optimal combination of processing parameters of multiple functional characteristics. This optimal combination of processing parameters is used to set the processing parameters. The reliability and reproducibility of the experiment are verified by confirmation experiments.
Synthesis of acrylic hot-melt adhesive based on poly(methyl methacrylate)-b-poly(2-ethylhexyl acrylate) copolymer using atom transfer radical polymerization for a nylon fabric bonding system
Authors: Kuo Chung-Feng Jeffrey , Chen Jiong-Bo , Chen Po-Yen , Dewangga Garuda Raka Satria
Published: May 2019

Adhesives, such as hot-melt adhesives (HMAs), are widely used in the textile industry for bonding layers of materials and have replaced traditional sewing methods. The block copolymer is a common type of HMA that provides excellent physical features and mechanical properties compared with others. Acrylate-based monomers, methyl methacrylate (MMA), and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (2-EHA) were used as ingredients to form a linear block copolymer using atom transfer radical polymerization. MMA provides excellent cohesive strength, while 2-EHA provides good adhesion properties. An end-brominated poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA-Br) macroinitiator was synthesized from a MMA monomer and initiator, with the best composition obtained by the addition of a 0.6 mol initiator. The macroinitiator had the lowest molecular weight with highest conversion (97%). The addition of a 0.3 mol macroinitiator showed the lowest molecular weight with the highest conversion of acrylic copolymer PMMA- b-poly(2-ethylhexyl acrylate) (PEHA). The glass transition temperature increased with the addition of the macroinitiator concentration, from −43.7℃ to −37.6℃. The thermal stability was reduced with the addition of macroinitiator content, from 332.37℃ to 286.81℃. The shear strength and peel strength of the PMMA- b-PEHA HMAs on nylon fabrics were enhanced from 11.24 to 16.92 kg cm−2 and from 0.29 to 0.61 kg cm−1, respectively, and did not change significantly after being washed 50 times and then kept in low-temperature storage, with the addition of the macroinitiator concentration. The block copolymer PMMA- b-PEHA prepared in this study could be used as a HMA for nylon fabric bonding systems.
Decentering in Mindfulness and Cognitive Restructuring for Social Anxiety: An Experimental Study of a Potential Common Mechanism
Authors: Hayes-Skelton Sarah A. , Lee Carol S.
Published: May 2019

The present study examined whether cognitive restructuring (CR) or mindfulness led to increases in decentering and whether changes in decentering were related to changes in anxiety and willingness to approach anxiety-provoking situations. Forty-six individuals with social anxiety completed speaking tasks before and after receiving CR, mindfulness, or control instructions. Overall, anxiety decreased and willingness increased from the first to second speech, with no differences across conditions. Decentering (measured by the Toronto Mindfulness Scale [TMS]) increased, with those in the mindfulness condition reporting more decentering. There was a nonsignificant, medium-sized effect on decentering, as measured by the Experiences Questionnaire (EQ)–Decentering factor, with those in CR reporting more decentering. Increases in decentering were associated with changes in self-reported anxiety and willingness. Findings indicate that mindfulness and CR led to changes in decentering, and that changes in decentering were related to changes in some, but not all, measures of anxiety.