bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase Gene Polymorphisms and Obesity in Chinese Han Male College Students
Authors: Zhou Qiong , Zhu Xiao-Juan , Li Jiang-Hua
Published: September 2017

Some reports have shown that nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) is associated with the body mass index (BMI) and energy metabolism. Here we explored the association between NNMT gene polymorphisms and obesity. The subjects were recruited from male Chinese Han college student. 289 of them (19 ≤ body fat percentage (BF%)) were selected as the high body fat group (HBFG), 494 of them (3 ≤ BF% < 13.5) were selected as the low body fat group (LBFG), and then a case-control study (fat versus thin) was carried out to explore the association between the NNMT gene polymorphism and the body composition using tagSNPs method. A tagSNP (rs10891644) in NNMT gene was found significantly associated with the body composition (P<0.0026). At this locus, the BF% for the genotype GT, TT, and GG were 14.56±8.35, 13.47±8.11, and 12.42±7.50, respectively, and the differences between the GT and the GG + TT were highly significant (P<0.01); the ORadjusted value of the GT versus (GG + TT) was 1.716 (Padjusted=0.002, 95% CI = 1.240–2.235). Therefore, the variation of the tagSNP, rs10891644, is significantly associated with obesity and the GT carriers are the susceptible population.
Dendritic Cells in Sepsis: Pathological Alterations and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Wu Dong-Dong , Li Tao , Ji Xin-Ying
Published: September 2017

Sepsis is the leading cause of death for critically ill patients in recent years. Dendritic cells (DCs) are important antigen-presenting cells and play a key role in immune response by regulating the innate and adaptive immunity. The number of DCs, the differentiation of monocytes into DCs, and the levels of surface molecules associated with the function of DCs are changed in the development of sepsis. There are many mechanisms involved in the alterations of DCs during sepsis, including the induction of apoptosis, reactive oxygen species generation, activation of the Wnt signaling pathway, epigenetic regulation, and variation in Toll-like receptor-dependent signaling. In this review, we present the classifications of DC subsets and mechanisms involved in the alterations of DCs in sepsis, as well as further discuss the therapeutic strategies targeting DCs in sepsis to improve the aberrant immune response and prolong the life during sepsis progression.
The Effect of Electroacupuncture on PKMzeta in the ACC in Regulating Anxiety-Like Behaviors in Rats Experiencing Chronic Inflammatory Pain
Authors: Du Junying , Fang Junfan , Wen Cun , Shao Xiaomei , Liang Yi , Fang Jianqiao
Published: September 2017

Chronic inflammatory pain can induce emotional diseases. Electroacupuncture (EA) has effects on chronic pain and pain-related anxiety. Protein kinase Mzeta (PKMzeta) has been proposed to be essential for the maintenance of pain and may interact with GluR1 to maintain CNS plasticity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). We hypothesized that the PKMzeta-GluR1 pathway in the ACC may be involved in anxiety-like behaviors of chronic inflammatory pain and that the mechanism of EA regulation of pain emotion may involve the PKMzeta pathway in the ACC. Our results showed that chronic inflammatory pain model decreased the paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and increased anxiety-like behaviors. The protein expression of PKCzeta, p-PKCzeta (T560), PKMzeta, p-PKMzeta (T560), and GluR1 in the ACC of the model group were remarkably enhanced. EA increased PWT and alleviated anxiety-like behaviors. EA significantly inhibited the protein expression of p-PKMzeta (T560) in the ACC, and only a downward trend effect for other substances. Further, the microinjection of ZIP remarkably reversed PWT and anxiety-like behaviors. The present study provides direct evidence that the PKCzeta/PKMzeta-GluR1 pathway is related to pain and pain-induced anxiety-like behaviors. EA treatment both increases pain-related somatosensory behavior and decreases pain-induced anxiety-like behaviors by suppressing PKMzeta activity in the ACC.
Effects of Gualou Guizhi Decoction Aqueous Extract on Axonal Regeneration in Organotypic Cortical Slice Culture after Oxygen‐Glucose Deprivation
Authors: Nan Lihong , Yang Lan , Zheng Yanfang , He Yibo , Xie Qingqing , Chen Zheming , Li Huang , Huang Mei
Published: September 2017

Gualou Guizhi decoction (GLGZD) is effective for the clinical treatment of limb spasms caused by ischemic stroke, but its underlying mechanism is unclear. Propidium iodide (PI) fluorescence staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL), immunohistochemistry, western blot, and real‐time qPCR were used to observe the axonal regeneration and neuroprotective effects of GLGZD aqueous extract on organotypic cortical slices exposed to oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD) and further elucidate the potential mechanisms. Compared with the OGD group, the GLGZD aqueous extract decreased the red PI fluorescence intensity; inhibited neuronal apoptosis; improved the growth of slice axons; upregulated the protein expression of tau and growth‐associated protein‐43; and decreased protein and mRNA expression of neurite outgrowth inhibitor protein‐A (Nogo‐A), Nogo receptor 1 (NgR1), ras homolog gene family A (RhoA), rho‐associated coiled‐coil‐containing protein kinase (ROCK), and phosphorylation of collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2). Our study found that GLGZD had a strong neuroprotective effect on brain slices after OGD injury. GLGZD plays a vital role in promoting axonal remodeling and functional remodeling, which may be related to regulation of the expression of Nogo‐A and its receptor NgR1, near the injured axons, inhibition of the Rho‐ROCK pathway, and reduction of CRMP2 phosphorylation.
Unusual Complication of Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis
Authors: Sharma Prerna , Sahay Ravindra Nath
Published: September 2017

Introduction. Capreomycin is a second-line drug often used for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis which can result in nephrotoxic effects similar to other aminoglycosides. We describe a case of capreomycin induced Bartter-like syndrome with hypocalcemic tetany. Case Report. 23-year-old female patient presented with carpopedal spasms and tingling sensations in hands. Patient was being treated with capreomycin for two months for tuberculosis. On further investigation, hypocalcemia, hyponatremia, hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia, and hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis were noted. Vitamin D and serum PTH levels were within normal limits. Hypercalciuria was confirmed by urine calcium/creatinine ratio. Calcium, potassium, and magnesium supplementation was given and capreomycin was discontinued. Electrolytes normalized in two days after cessation of capreomycin with no further abnormalities on repeat investigations. Discussion. Aminoglycosides can result in renal tubular dysfunction leading to Fanconi syndrome, Bartter syndrome, and distal tubular acidosis. Impaired mitochondrial function in the tubular cells has been hypothesized as the possible cause of these tubulopathies. Acquired Bartter-like syndrome phenotypically resembles autosomal dominant type 5 Bartter syndrome. Treatment consists of correction of electrolyte abnormalities, indomethacin, and potassium-sparing diuretics. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of severe dyselectrolytemia are warranted in patients on aminoglycoside therapy.
Sonographic Signs of Adenomyosis Are Prevalent in Women Undergoing Surgery for Endometriosis and May Suggest a Higher Risk of Infertility
Authors: Eisenberg Vered H. , Arbib Nissim , Schiff Eyal , Goldenberg Motti , Seidman Daniel S. , Soriano David
Published: September 2017

Objectives. To determine the prevalence of ultrasound features suggestive of adenomyosis in women undergoing surgery for endometriosis compared with a control group of healthy women without endometriosis. Methods. Retrospective case-control study comparing women with intractable pain or infertility, who underwent transvaginal ultrasound and subsequent laparoscopic surgery, with a control group of healthy women without a previous history of endometriosis. A diagnosis of adenomyosis on TVUS was made based on asymmetrical myometrial thickening, linear striations, myometrial cysts, hyperechoic islands, irregular endometrial-myometrial junction, parallel shadowing, and localized adenomyomas and analyzed for one sign and for three or more signs. Results. The study and control groups included 94 and 60 women, respectively. In the study group, women were younger and had more dysmenorrhea and infertility symptoms. The presence of any sonographic feature of adenomyosis, as well as three or more signs, was found to be more prevalent in the study group, which persisted after controlling for age, for all features but linear striations. Women in the study group who had five or more sonographic features of adenomyosis had more than a threefold risk of suffering from infertility (OR = 3.19, p=0.015, 95% CI; 1.25–8.17). There was no association with disease severity at surgery. Conclusions. Sonographic features of adenomyosis are more prevalent in women undergoing surgery for endometriosis compared to healthy controls. Women with more than five features had an increased risk of infertility.
Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome and Cytomegalovirus Pneumonia Case Report: Highlights and Missing Links in Classification Criteria and Standardized Treatment
Authors: Petarra-Del Río Stefania , Rodriguez-Hernandez Adrian , Anguiano-Landa Luis , Aguilar-Portillo Georgina , Zavala-Trujillo Isidro , Nava-Zavala Arnulfo Hernan , Zavala-Cerna Maria G.
Published: September 2017

Background. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) pulmonary involvement is rarely associated with IRIS; therefore, limited information is available. Case Presentation. Here, we describe the case of a 43-year-old HIV-infected male who developed an unusual case of IRIS after cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonia. Clinically there was a progressive and paradoxical worsening of respiratory distress, despite being treated for CMV after initiation with antiretroviral therapy. Chest X-ray revealed disseminated infiltrates in both lungs; chest CT-scan showed generalized lung involvement and mediastinal adenopathy. Pulmonary biopsy confirmed CMV pneumonia with the observation of typical viral inclusions on pneumocytes. Conclusions. CMV pneumonia can be associated with the development of IRIS requiring treatment with immunosuppressant’s and immunomodulatory drugs.
Unprecedented Integral-Free Debye Temperature Formulas: Sample Applications to Heat Capacities of ZnSe and ZnTe
Authors: Pässler R.
Published: September 2017

Detailed analytical and numerical analyses are performed for combinations of several complementary sets of measured heat capacities, for ZnSe and ZnTe, from the liquid-helium region up to 600 K. The isochoric (harmonic) parts of heat capacities, CVh(T), are described within the frame of a properly devised four-oscillator hybrid model. Additional anharmonicity-related terms are included for comprehensive numerical fittings of the isobaric heat capacities, Cp(T). The contributions of Debye and non-Debye type due to the low-energy acoustical phonon sections are represented here for the first time by unprecedented, integral-free formulas. Indications for weak electronic contributions to the cryogenic heat capacities are found for both materials. A novel analytical framework has been constructed for high-accuracy evaluations of Debye function integrals via a couple of integral-free formulas, consisting of Debye’s conventional low-temperature series expansion in combination with an unprecedented high-temperature series representation for reciprocal values of the Debye function. The zero-temperature limits of Debye temperatures have been detected from published low-temperature Cp(T) data sets to be significantly lower than previously estimated, namely, 270 (±3) K for ZnSe and 220 (±2) K for ZnTe. The high-temperature limits of the “true” (harmonic lattice) Debye temperatures are found to be 317 K for ZnSe and 262 K for ZnTe.
Histopathologic and Cytologic Follow-Up in High Risk Male Patients with Unsatisfactory Anal Cytology
Authors: Zaccarini Daniel J. , Khurana Kamal K.
Published: September 2017

Objective. Anal cytology is being increasingly used as part of anal cancer screening in patients at high risk for anal neoplasia. Most studies in anal cytology have focused on correlating the abnormal anal Pap smear with histopathologic outcomes. The aim of this study was to document histopathologic or repeat anal cytology outcomes in patients with unsatisfactory cytology. Materials and Methods. Unsatisfactory anal Pap tests in high risk male patients were correlated with follow-up histopathologic diagnoses or cytology. Results. 1205 anal tests were performed during the study period and 214 (17.8%) were unsatisfactory. Adequate follow-up cytology was available in 75 cases and revealed epithelial cell abnormality (ECA) in 40% [30/75] (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) [20%] and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LGSIL) [20%]) and was negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM) in 60% [45/75] of cases. 28.7% of unsatisfactory Pap smears had unsatisfactory repeat cytology. Histopathological follow-up on these unsatisfactory Pap smears revealed anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) 1 and AIN 2/3 or 2/3+ in 39% and 18% of the total number of biopsy cases, respectively. Conclusions. High risk male patients with unsatisfactory Pap smears are at significant risk of epithelial cell abnormality and histopathologically verifiable anal intraepithelial lesions.
Association of IL-6 C-572G Gene Polymorphism with Anti-E Production
Authors: Lin Jeong-Shi , Lee Li-Hsuan , Liu Hsueng-Mei , Chen Ying-Ju , Chiou Tzeon-Jye
Published: September 2017

Background: Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is involved in regulation of immunoglobulin production. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between IL-6 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL-6 promoter and anti-E in red blood cell (RBC) transfusion recipients. Methods: 50 healthy subjects, 54 patients with RBC alloantibody anti-E (responders), and 45 patients without alloantibody (non-responders) were recruited. All patients were E antigen-negative. Results: All healthy subjects and patients had GG at -174 position of IL-6 gene. In our healthy subjects, the frequency of the -572 CC genotype was 58%, that of the -572 CG genotype 38%, and that of the -572 GG genotype 4%. The frequency of G allele of -572 SNP in responders was significantly higher than that in non-responders, (31.5 vs. 16.7%; p = 0.020). The frequency of -572 G-positive genotypes (CG and GG) in responders was also significantly higher than that in non-responders, (55.6 vs. 31.1%; p = 0.016). The relative risk of RBC alloimmunization for patients with the -572 G-positive genotype was significantly higher than that of patients with the -572 CC genotype, (1.771 vs. 0.640; p = 0.016). Conclusion:IL-6 C-572G gene polymorphism is significantly associated with anti-E production, with the allele G as a risk allele.
Methods Employed in Cytofluorometric Assessment of Eryptosis, the Suicidal Erythrocyte Death
Authors: Jemaà Mohamed , Fezai Myriam , Bissinger Rosi , Lang Florian
Published: September 2017

Suicidal erythrocyte death or eryptosis contributes to or even accounts for anemia in a wide variety of clinical conditions, such as iron deficiency, dehydration, hyperphosphatemia, vitamin D excess, chronic kidney disease (CKD), hemolytic-uremic syndrome, diabetes, hepatic failure, malignancy, arteriitis, sepsis, fever, malaria, sickle-cell disease, beta-thalassemia, Hb-C and G6PD-deficiency, Wilsons disease, as well as advanced age. Moreover, eryptosis is triggered by a myriad of xenobiotics and endogenous substances including cytotoxic drugs and uremic toxins. Eryptosis is characterized by cell membrane scrambling with phosphatidylserine exposure to the erythrocyte surface. Triggers of eryptosis include oxidative stress, hyperosmotic shock, and energy depletion. Signalling involved in the regulation of eryptosis includes Ca2+ entry, ceramide, caspases, calpain, p38 kinase, protein kinase C, Janus-activated kinase 3, casein kinase 1α, cyclin-dependent kinase 4, AMP-activated kinase, p21-activated kinase 2, cGMP-dependent protein kinase, mitogen- and stress-activated kinase MSK1/2, and ill-defined tyrosine kinases. Inhibitors of eryptosis may prevent anaemia in clinical conditions associated with enhanced eryptosis and stimulators of eryptosis may favourably influence the clinical course of malaria. Additional experimentation is required to uncover further clinical conditions with enhanced eryptosis, as well as further signalling pathways, further stimulators, and further inhibitors of eryptosis. Thus, a detailed description of the methods employed in the analysis of eryptosis may help those, who enter this exciting research area. The present synopsis describes the experimental procedures required for the analysis of phosphatidylserine exposure at the cell surface with annexin-V, cell volume with forward scatter, cytosolic Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i) with Fluo3, oxidative stress with 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofuorescein diacetate (DCFDA), glutathione (GSH) with mercury orange 1(4-chloromercuryphenyl-azo-2-naphthol), lipid peroxidation with BODIPY 581/591 C11 fluorescence, and ceramide abundance with specific antibodies. The contribution of kinases and caspases is defined with the use of the respective inhibitors. It is hoped that the present detailed description of materials and methods required for the analysis of eryptosis encourages further scientists to enter this highly relevant research area.
Lysophosphatidic Acid Inhibits Insulin Signaling in Primary Rat Hepatocytes via the LPA3 Receptor Subtype and is Increased in Obesity
Authors: Fayyaz Susann , Japtok Lukasz , Schumacher Fabian , Wigger Dominik  , Schulz Tim Julius , Haubold Kathrin  , Gulbins Erich , Völler Heinz  , Kleuser Burkhard
Published: September 2017

Background/Aims: Obesity is a main risk factor for the development of hepatic insulin resistance and it is accompanied by adipocyte hypertrophy and an elevated expression of different adipokines such as autotaxin (ATX). ATX converts lysophosphatidylcholine to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and acts as the main producer of extracellular LPA. This bioactive lipid regulates a broad range of physiological and pathological responses by activation of LPA receptors (LPA1-6). Methods: The activation of phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) signaling (Akt and GSK-3ß) was analyzed via western blotting in primary rat hepatocytes. Incorporation of glucose into glycogen was measured by using radio labeled glucose. Real-time PCR analysis and pharmacological modulation of LPA receptors were performed. Human plasma LPA levels of obese (BMI > 30, n = 18) and normal weight individuals (BMI 18.5-25, n = 14) were analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results: Pretreatment of primary hepatocytes with LPA resulted in an inhibition of insulin-mediated Gck expression, PI3K activation and glycogen synthesis. Pharmacological approaches revealed that the LPA3-receptor subtype is responsible for the inhibitory effect of LPA on insulin signaling. Moreover, human plasma LPA concentrations (16: 0 LPA) of obese participants (BMI > 30) are significantly elevated in comparison to normal weight individuals (BMI 18.5-25). Conclusion: LPA is able to interrupt insulin signaling in primary rat hepatocytes via the LPA3 receptor subtype. Moreover, the bioactive lipid LPA (16: 0) is increased in obesity.
Impact of the Number of Anti-Thrombosis Agents in Hemodialysis Patients: BOREAS-HD2 Study
Authors: Tanaka Marenao , Moniwa Norihito , Ohnishi Hirofumi , Yamashita Tomohisa , Koyama Masayuki , Gocho Yufu , Nishizawa Keitaro , Kimura Yukishige , Sugawara Hirohito , Murakami Sayaka , Okazaki Yusuke , Furuhashi Masato , Yoshida Hideaki , Miura Tetsuji
Published: September 2017

Background/Aims: Relationships between the number of anti-thrombosis agents, clinical benefits and adverse events in hemodialysis (HD) patients are unclear. Methods: All patients on HD in 22 institutes (n = 1,071) were enrolled and followed up for 3 years. After exclusion of patients with missing data, kidney transplantation or retraction of consent during the follow-up period (n = 204), mortality rate and ischemic and hemorrhagic events were compared between different regimens of anti-thrombosis agents. Results: The use of dual or triple antiplatelet (AP) agents (HR:2.03, 95% CI:1.01-4.13, p = 0.04) and the combination of an AP agent and warfarin (WF) (HR:4.84, 95%CI 1.96-11.96, p < 0.001) were associated with an increase in hemorrhagic events compared with no use of anti-thrombosis agents. No anti-thrombosis regimen was associated with a significant change in risk of ischemic stroke. The use of dual or triple AP agents, but not WF, was associated with an increase in cardiovascular mortality (HR:2.48, 95% CI:1.24-4.76, p = 0.01). Conclusion: A significant increase in hemorrhagic events by the use of dual or more AP agents and by co-administration of an AP agent and WF in patients on HD should be considered in planning their anti-thrombosis regimen.
Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Crea Filippo , Libby Peter
Published: September 2017

Well into the 21st century, we still triage acute myocardial infarction on the basis of the presence or absence of ST-segment elevation, a century-old technology. Meanwhile, we have learned a great deal about the pathophysiology and mechanisms of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) at the clinical, pathological, cellular, and molecular levels. Contemporary imaging studies have shed new light on the mechanisms of ACS. This review discusses these advances and their implications for clinical management of the ACS for the future. Plaque rupture has dominated our thinking about ACS pathophysiology for decades. However, current evidence suggests that a sole focus on plaque rupture vastly oversimplifies this complex collection of diseases and obscures other mechanisms that may mandate different management strategies. We propose segmenting coronary artery thrombosis caused by plaque rupture into cases with or without signs of concomitant inflammation. This distinction may have substantial therapeutic implications as direct anti-inflammatory interventions for atherosclerosis emerge. Coronary artery thrombosis caused by plaque erosion may be on the rise in an era of intense lipid lowering. Identification of patients with of ACS resulting from erosion may permit a less invasive approach to management than the current standard of care. We also now recognize ACS that occur without apparent epicardial coronary artery thrombus or stenosis. Such events may arise from spasm, microvascular disease, or other pathways. Emerging management strategies may likewise apply selectively to this category of ACS. We advocate this more mechanistic approach to the categorization of ACS to provide a framework for future tailoring, triage, and therapy for patients in a more personalized and precise manner.
Impact of Surgical Complexity on Health‐Related Quality of Life in Congenital Heart Disease Surgical Survivors
Authors: O'Connor Amy M. , Wray Jo , Tomlinson Ryan S. , Cassedy Amy , Jacobs Jeffrey P. , Jenkins Kathy J. , Brown Kate L. , Franklin Rodney C. G. , Mahony Lynn , Mussatto Kathleen , Newburger Jane W. , Wernovsky Gil , Ittenbach Richard F. , Drotar Dennis , Marino Bradley S.
Published: September 2017

Background

Surgical complexity and related morbidities may affect long‐term patient quality of life (
QOL
). Aristotle Basic Complexity (
ABC
) score and Risk Adjustment in Congenital Heart Surgery (
RACHS
‐1) category stratify the complexity of pediatric cardiac operations. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between surgical complexity and
QOL
and to investigate other demographic and clinical variables that might explain variation in
QOL
in pediatric cardiac surgical survivors.

Methods and Results

Pediatric Cardiac Quality of Life (
PCQLI
) study participants who had undergone cardiac surgery were included. The
PCQLI
database provided sample characteristics and
QOL
scores. Surgical complexity was defined by the highest
ABC
raw score or
RACHS
‐1 category. Relationships among surgical complexity and demographic, clinical, and
QOL
variables were assessed using ordinary least squares regression. A total of 1416 patient–parent pairs were included. Although higher
ABC
scores and
RACHS
‐1 categories were associated with lower
QOL
scores (
P
<0.005), correlation with
QOL
scores was poor to fair (
r
=−0.10 to −0.29) for all groups. Ordinary least squares regression showed weak association with
R
2
=0.06 to
R
2
=0.28. After accounting for single‐ventricle anatomy, number of doctor visits, and time since last hospitalization, surgical complexity scores added no additional explanation to the variance in
QOL
scores.

Conclusions

ABC
scores and
RACHS
‐1 categories are useful tools for morbidity and mortality predictions prior to cardiac surgery and quality of care initiatives but are minimally helpful in predicting a child's or adolescent's long‐term
QOL
scores. Further studies are warranted to determine other predictors of
QOL
variation.
Care Setting Intensity and Outcomes After Emergency Department Presentation Among Patients With Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Goldraich Livia , Austin Peter C. , Zhou Limei , Tu Jack V. , Schull Michael J. , Mak Susanna , Ross Heather J. , Morrow David A. , Lee Douglas S.
Published: September 2017

Background

Patients with heart failure (
HF
) presenting to the emergency department (
ED
) can be admitted to care settings of different intensity, where the intensive care unit (
ICU
) is the highest intensity, ward admission is intermediate intensity, and those discharged home are of lowest intensity. Despite the costs associated with higher‐intensity care, little is known about disposition decisions and outcomes of
HF
patients treated in different care settings.

Methods and Results

We identified predictors of
ICU
or ward admission and determined whether survival differs in patients admitted to higher‐intensity versus lower‐intensity care settings (ie,
ICU
vs ward, or ward vs
ED
‐discharged). Among 9054 patients (median, 78 years; 51% men) presenting to an
ED
in Ontario, Canada, 1163 were
ICU
‐admitted, 5240 ward‐admitted, and 2651 were
ED
‐discharged. Predictors of
ICU
(vs ward) admission included: use of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (adjusted odds ratio [
OR
], 2.01; 95%
CI
, 1.36–2.98), higher respiratory rate (
OR
, 1.10 per 5 breaths/min; 95%
CI
, 1.05–1.15), and lower oxygen saturation (
OR
, 0.90 per 5%; 95%
CI
, 0.86–0.94; all
P
<0.001). Predictors of ward‐admitted versus
ED
‐discharged were similar. Propensity‐matched analysis comparing lower‐risk
ICU
to ward‐admitted patients demonstrated a nonsignificant trend at 100 days (relative risk [
RR
], 0.69; 95%
CI
, 0.43–1.10;
P
=0.148). At 1 year, however, survival was higher among those initially admitted to
ICU
(
RR
, 0.68; 95%
CI
, 0.49–0.94;
P
=0.022). There was no survival difference among low‐risk ward‐admitted versus
ED
‐discharged patients.

Conclusions

Respiratory factors were associated with admission to higher‐intensity settings. There was no difference in early survival between some lower‐risk patients admitted to higher‐intensity units compared to those treated in lower‐intensity settings.
Reduced Kidney Function Is Associated With Cardiometabolic Risk Factors, Prevalent and Predicted Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Chinese Adults: Results From the REACTION Study
Authors: Lu Jieli , Mu Yiming , Su Qing , Shi Lixin , Liu Chao , Zhao Jiajun , Chen Lulu , Li Qiang , Yang Tao , Yan Li , Wan Qin , Wu Shengli , Liu Yan , Wang Guixia , Luo Zuojie , Tang Xulei , Chen Gang , Huo Yanan , Gao Zhengnan , Ye Zhen , Wang Youmin , Qin Guijun , Deng Huacong , Yu Xuefeng , Shen Feixia , Chen Li , Zhao Liebin , Sun Jichao , Sun Wanwan , Wang Tiange , Du Rui , Lin Lin , Dai Meng , Xu Yu , Xu Min , Bi Yufang , Lai Shenghan , Li Donghui , Wang Weiqing , Ning Guang , Bloomgarden Zachary T.
Published: September 2017

Background

Chronic kidney disease (
CKD
) increases cardiovascular disease (
CVD
) risk. However, the association of mildly reduced kidney function with
CVD
risk is unclear.

Methods and Results

This study investigated the association of estimated glomerular filtration rate (
eGFR
) with prevalent CVDs, 10‐year Framingham risk for coronary heart disease (
CHD
), and 10‐year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (
ASCVD
) in 239 832 participants from the baseline of the Risk Evaluation of
cA
ncers in Chinese diabeTic Individuals: a
lON
gitudinal study. With an interviewer‐assisted questionnaire, we collected information on
CVD
, including reported
CHD
, stroke, or myocardial infarction. Chronic Kidney Disease–Epidemiology Collaboration (
CKD
‐
EPI
) equation was used to calculate
eGFR
. Compared with individuals with normal
eGFR
(≥90 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
), those with decreased
eGFR
(75–89, 60–74, and <60 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
) had higher risk of prevalent obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia in both men and women (
P
for trend all <0.001). Moreover, a significantly higher 10‐year Framingham risk for
CHD
and 10‐year risk for
ASCVD
was observed in both men and women with mildly decreased
eGFR
(60–89 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
).

Conclusions

Even mildly reduced
eGFR
(under 90 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
) is associated with elevated 10‐year Framingham risk for
CHD
and 10‐year
ASCVD
risk among Chinese adults.
Prevalence, Predictors and Clinical Outcome of Residual Pulmonary Hypertension Following Tricuspid Annuloplasty
Authors: Chen Yan , Liu Ju‐Hua , Chan Daniel , Sit Ko‐Yung , Wong Chun‐Ka , Ho Kar‐Lai , Ho Lai‐Ming , Zhen Zhe , Lam Yui‐Ming , Lau Chu‐Pak , Au Wing‐Kok , Tse Hung‐Fat , Yiu Kai‐Hang
Published: September 2017

Background

Tricuspid annuloplasty is increasingly performed during left heart valve surgery, but the long‐term clinical outcome postoperatively is not satisfactory. The aim of this study was to determine whether residual pulmonary hypertension (
PHT
) contributes to the adverse outcome.

Methods and Results

One‐hundred thirty‐seven patients (age 61±11 years; men, 30%) who underwent tricuspid annuloplasty during left‐side valve surgery were enrolled. The mean pulmonary artery systolic pressure before surgery was 49±13 mm Hg and 32±15 mm Hg following surgery. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to postoperative pulmonary artery systolic pressure: no residual
PHT
(n=78, 57%), mild residual
PHT
(n=43, 31%), or significant residual
PHT
(n=16, 12%). A preoperative larger right ventricular (
RV
) geometry and tricuspid valve tethering area were associated with mild or significant residual
PHT
. A total of 24 adverse events (20 heart failures and 4 cardiovascular deaths) occurred during a median follow‐up of 25 months. Kaplan–Meier survival curve demonstrated that patients with significant residual
PHT
had the highest percentage of adverse events followed by those with mild residual
PHT
. Patients with no residual
PHT
had a very low risk of adverse events. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that both mild (hazard ratio=4.94; 95% CI =1.34–18.16;
P
=0.02) and significant residual
PHT
(hazard ratio=8.67; 95% CI =2.43–30.98;
P
<0.01) were independent factors associated with adverse events.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated that 43% of patients who underwent tricuspid annuloplasty had residual
PHT
. The presence of mild or significant residual
PHT
was associated with adverse events in these patients.
Development of a Telemetric System for Postoperative Follow‐up of Vascular Surgery Procedures: In Vitro Model
Authors: Hernando Rydings Manuel , Marín Palacios Pilar , Aragón‐Sánchez Ana M. , Bravo Ruiz Esther , Lopez‐Dominguez Victor , Martínez López Isaac , Fernández Pérez Cristina , Bilbao González Amaia , Serrano Hernando Francisco Javier , Vega Manrique Reyes , Hernando Grande Antonio
Published: September 2017

Background

Because of the unique electromagnetic characteristics of the magnetoelastic microwire, the changes in the pressure of a fluid will provoke a variation of the mechanical pressure on the sensor, which will cause a variation of its magnetization that will be detectable wirelessly. Thus, a wireless system can be developed for following up vascular surgery procedures.

Methods and Results

The sensor consists of a magnetoelastic microwire ring, which was integrated into an in vitro model with pulsatile flow. Different degrees of stenosis were simulated in different locations both in bovine artery as well as in a polytetrafluoroethylene anastomosis. A Fourier analysis of the registered signals and a statistical analysis using Pearson test and receiver operating characteristic (
ROC
) curves were made. A Pearson index of 0.945 (
P
<0.001) was obtained between the invasive pressure of the fluid and the power of the signal transmitted by the sensor in bovine artery. The sensor obtained very good
ROC
curves upon analyzing the signals registered, both in the case of preanastomotic stenosis (area under the curve [
AUC
], 0.98; 95%
CI
, 0.97–1.00), of anastomosis (
AUC
, 0.93; 95%
CI
, 0.86–0.99), as well as distal (
AUC
, 0.88; 95%
CI
, 0.79–0.98), compared to the control group.

Conclusions

The magnetoelastic microwire has shown that it is capable of detecting, locating, and quantifying the degree of stenosis in bovine artery, as well as in a latero‐terminal anastomosis, with a high statistical potency. For the first time, a wireless in vitro sensor has been developed for the postoperative follow‐up of vascular surgery procedures.
Impact of South Asian Ethnicity on Long‐Term Outcomes After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery: A Large Population‐Based Propensity Matched Study
Authors: Deb Saswata , Tu Jack V. , Austin Peter C. , Ko Dennis T. , Rocha Rodolfo , Mazer C. David , Kiss Alex , Fremes Stephen E.
Published: September 2017

Background

Ethnicity is an important predictor of coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) outcomes. South Asians (SA), one of the largest ethnic groups with a high burden of cardiovascular disease, are hypothesized to have inferior outcomes after CABG compared to other ethnic groups. Given the paucity and controversy of literature in this area, the objective of this study was to examine the impact of SA versus the general population (GP) on long‐term outcomes following CABG.

Method and Results

Using administrative databases and a surname algorithm, 83 850 patients (SA: 2653, GP: 81 197) who underwent isolated CABG in Ontario, Canada from 1996 to 2007 were identified; mean follow‐up was 9.1±3.9 years. SA were younger (SA: 61.7±9.4, GP: 64.1±10.0 years, standardized difference=0.25) with more cardiac risk factors, including diabetes (SA: 54.1%, GP: 34.9%, standardized difference =0.40). Propensity‐score matching resulted in 2473 matched pairs between SA and GP with all baseline covariates being balanced (standardized difference <0.1). Being a SA compared to the GP was protective against freedom from major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, defined by all‐cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or coronary reintervention: Adjusted Cox‐proportional hazard ratio 0.91, 95% CI (0.83–0.99), adjusted‐
P
=0.04; this was also true for freedom from all‐cause mortality: hazard ratio 0.81, 95% CI (0.72–0.91), adjusted
P
=0.0004. The adjusted proportion of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events was lower in the SA (SA: 34.7%, GP: 37.8%, McNemar
P
=0.03), driven largely by all‐cause mortality (SA: 20.4%, GA: 24.3%, McNemar
P
=0.001).

Conclusions

Contrary to existing notions, our study finds that being a SA is protective with respect to freedom from long‐term major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events and mortality after CABG. More studies are required to corroborate and explore causal factors of these findings.
[i] is Lighter and More Greenish Than [o]: Intrinsic Association Between Vowel Sounds and Colors
Authors: Kim Hyun-Woong , Nam Hosung , Kim Chai-Youn
Published: September 2017

It has recently been reported in the synesthesia literature that graphemes sharing the same phonetic feature tend to induce similar synesthetic colors. In the present study, we investigated whether phonetic properties are associated with colors in a specific manner among the general population, even when other visual and linguistic features of graphemes are removed. To test this hypothesis, we presented vowel sounds synthesized by systematically manipulating the position of the tongue body’s center. Participants were asked to choose a color after hearing each sound. Results from the main experiment showed that lightness and chromaticity of matched colors exhibited systematic variations along the two axes of the position of the tongue body’s center. Some non-random associations between vowel sounds and colors remained effective with pitch and intensity of the sounds equalized in the control experiment, which suggests that other acoustic factors such as inherent pitch of vowels cannot solely account for the current results. Taken together, these results imply that the association between phonetic features and colors is not random, and this synesthesia-like association is shared by people in the general population.
Cross-Modal Associations Between Color and Touch: Mapping Haptic and Tactile Terms to the Surface of the Munsell Color Solid
Authors: Wright Oliver , Jraissati Yasmina , Özçelik Dila
Published: September 2017

This study investigated cross-modal associations between color and touch using a matching task. Participants matched colors drawn from the surface of the Munsell color solid to antonym pairs of haptic/tactile adjectives. For most of the term pairs assessed (soft/hard, smooth/rough, flat/uneven, slippery/not slippery, light/heavy, thin/thick and round/sharp) matching appears predominantly influenced by lightness, with the first term from each pair matched to light colors and the other to dark colors, a result in close agreement with previous research. For two terms, warm and wet, there were clear influences of hue on task performance. There were also similarities between patterns of color matching to several of the haptic/tactile terms assessed and color matching to another term, dislike. This suggests valence may play a mediating role in cross-modal associations involving touch and color.
Aging and Sensitivity to Illusory Target Motion With or Without Secondary Tasks
Authors: de Dieuleveult Alix L. , Brouwer Anne-Marie , Siemonsma Petra C. , van Erp Jan B. F. , Brenner Eli
Published: September 2017

Older individuals seem to find it more difficult to ignore inaccurate sensory cues than younger individuals. We examined whether this could be quantified using an interception task. Twenty healthy young adults (age 18–34) and twenty-four healthy older adults (age 60–82) were asked to tap on discs that were moving downwards on a screen with their finger. Moving the background to the left made the discs appear to move more to the right. Moving the background to the right made them appear to move more to the left. The discs disappeared before the finger reached the screen, so participants had to anticipate how the target would continue to move. We examined how misjudging the disc’s motion when the background moves influenced tapping. Participants received veridical feedback about their performance, so their sensitivity to the illusory motion indicates to what extent they could ignore the task-irrelevant visual information. We expected older adults to be more sensitive to the illusion than younger adults. To investigate whether sensorimotor or cognitive load would increase this sensitivity, we also asked participants to do the task while standing on foam or counting tones. Background motion influenced older adults more than younger adults. The secondary tasks did not increase the background’s influence. Older adults might be more sensitive to the moving background because they find it more difficult to ignore irrelevant sensory information in general, but they may rely more on vision because they have less reliable proprioceptive and vestibular information.
Emotional and Semantic Associations Between Cinematographic Aesthetics and Haptic Perception
Authors: Iosifyan Marina , Korolkova Olga , Vlasov Igor
Published: September 2017

This study investigates systematic links between haptic perception and multimodal cinema perception. It differs from previous research conducted on cross-modal associations as it focuses on a complex intermodal stimulus, close to one people experience in reality: cinema. Participants chose materials that are most/least consistent with three-minute samples of films with elements of beauty and ugliness. We found that specific materials are associated with certain films significantly different from chance. Silk was associated with films including elements of beauty, while sandpaper was associated with films including elements of ugliness. To investigate the nature of this phenomenon, we tested the mediation effect of emotional/semantic representations on cinema–haptic associations. We found that affective representations at least partly explain the cross-modal associations between films and materials.
“Makes Me Wanna Holler”: Refuting the “Culture of Poverty” Discourse in Urban Schooling
Authors: Ladson-Billings Gloria
Published: September 2017

A common explanation of why urban students fail to succeed in the classroom is that they are coming from a “culture of poverty.” This article argues that urban students, particularly those who are African American, face a series of structural and institutional barriers that impede their pathways to success. Lack of access to quality healthcare, affordable housing, and quality schools means that the nation’s most disadvantaged children remain disadvantaged. Yet classrooms with highly qualified teachers who believe in the efficacy of their practice and the ability of all students to learn can make a difference in these children’s lives.
My Experiences in Urban Education
Authors: Walker Rodney
Published: September 2017

This essay is a first-person narrative of my adverse childhood experiences, the social emotional impact they had on my life trajectory, and the interventions that helped me to redirect my path and influence my journey to success.
The Complex Dynamics of Trust and Legitimacy: Understanding Interactions between the Police and Poor Black Neighborhood Residents
Authors: Duck Waverly
Published: September 2017

This article demonstrates how various forms of surveillance can lead to coping strategies that are corrosive of trust and legitimacy between black neighborhood residents and law enforcement. This article introduces the coping strategy of submissive civility as a method of self-preservation enacted in social situations where power relations are asymmetrical and the dominant party can administer sanctions. Reporting on an ethnographic study of residents’ interactions with police and other agents of surveillance, this article surveys a range of problems that residents face as they try to meet conflicting demands while avoiding sanctions. The analysis shows that issues of trust, legitimacy, and the discretionary authority of police and other outsiders in the neighborhood pervade these interactions. Further, the analysis highlights the complex ways in which family dynamics, unemployment, debt, and drug dealing intersect with the activities of law enforcement and the threat of imprisonment that is woven into the fabric of residents’ lives.
Kant’s republican theory of justice and international relations
Authors: Nardin Terry
Published: September 2017

Kant’s primary concern in writing on international relations is how to achieve ‘justice’ ( Recht) between states. This means that instead of reading Kant as a theorist of peace or world government, as IR theorists have usually done, he is better read as a theorist international justice. His view of justice, which identifies it with a legal order that respects freedom as independence or nondomination, is broadly republican. But he equivocates on the possibility of justice at the international level, and this narrows what is usually seen as a wide gap between Kant’s thought and political realism. The paradox his uncertainty reveals is that it is wrong for states to remain in a lawless condition yet impossible for them to escape it so long as they remain independent. An international order cannot generate genuine law because there are no institutions to make, interpret, or enforce it. This means that states are entitled to determine their own foreign affairs. The gap between sovereignty and justice cannot be closed so long as these ideas are defined as they are within the state. The problem is not that a full, secure, and nonvoluntary system of justice that preserves the sovereignty of states is contingently unlikely. It is conceptually impossible. This conclusion poses a challenge to current theories of global justice.
International relations and intellectual history
Authors: Bain William , Nardin Terry
Published: September 2017

The history of international thought has traditionally focused on a limited number of canonical texts. Such an approach now seems both naive and parochial. International Relations scholars often read their own ideas into these texts instead of getting ideas from them – ideas that if properly understood have the potential to undermine theirs. By ignoring non-canonical texts, we overlook resources that are not only necessary to establish the historical contexts of canonical writings but that can also help theorists of International Relations to understand their subject better. Judgements of what is and is not canonical are in any case themselves context-bound and contestable. Intellectual history can help us understand how the International Relations canon was constructed and for what purposes. It can also counter the abstractions of theory by reminding us not only that theories are abstractions from the activities of people living in particular times and places but also that our own theories are embedded in historicity. In these and other ways, paying attention to intellectual history expands the repertoire of ideas on which International Relations theorists can draw and against which they can measure their conclusions. The articles in this issue illustrate these points in relation to a wide range of texts and contexts. They suggest that whether one approaches international relations from the angle of description, explanation, policy or ethics, knowing how past thinkers have understood the subject can lead to better informed and more robust scholarship.
Adaptive decentralized fuzzy output feedback tracking control for a class of nonlinear large-scale systems with input delays
Authors: Baigzadehnoe Barmak , Rahmani Zahra , Khosravi Alireza , Rezaie Behrooz
Published: September 2017

In this paper, the decentralized tracking control problem of nonlinear large-scale systems with immeasurable states and unknown nonlinearities in each subsystem and their interconnections subject to input delays is proposed. Based on the universal approximation properties of fuzzy systems, a fuzzy observer is designed to estimate the inaccessible states of the system. Subsequently, by defining the appropriate change of coordinates and employing the backstepping technique, an adaptive fuzzy backstepping output feedback control scheme is proposed for nonlinear interconnected systems subject to input delays. Owing to the problem of so-called explosion of complexity that inherently arises in the design procedures of the traditional backstepping technique, an adaptive fuzzy dynamic surface output feedback control approach is also presented for this class of large-scale systems. Moreover, it is shown that the two proposed adaptive decentralized fuzzy observer-based control approaches ensure all the signals of the closed loop system uniformly ultimately bounded and the norms of the tracking errors as well as the norms of the observation errors can converge to small desired values by proper selection of the design parameters. Finally, the theoretic achievements are carried out on the chemical reactor recycle system to illustrate and compare the effectiveness of the two proposed approaches.