bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Pap Test and Bethesda 2014
Authors: Nayar Ritu , Wilbur David C.
Published: June 2015

The history of ‘The Bethesda System' for reporting cervical cytology goes back almost 3 decades. This terminology and the process that created it have had a profound impact on the practice of cervical cytology for laboratorians and clinicians alike. The Bethesda conferences and their ensuing output have also set the stage for standardization of terminology across multiple organ systems, including both cytology and histology, have initiated significant research in the biology and cost-effective management for human papillomavirus-associated anogenital lesions, and, finally, have fostered worldwide unification of clinical management for these lesions. Herein, we summarize the process and rationale by which updates were made to the terminology in 2014 and outline the contents of the new, third edition of the Bethesda atlas and corresponding website.
Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia with Eosinophilia: A Case Report
Authors: Esteves Paola , Barbalho Marcella , Lima Tiago , Quintella Leonardo , Niemeyer-Corbellini João Paulo , Ramos-e-Silva Marcia
Published: June 2015

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia is a rare disease considered as being a vascular malformation resulting from a subjacent arteriovenous shunt. It affects mostly the head of women between 20 and 40 years old and may present spontaneous involution.
Syringocystadenocarcinoma Papilliferum in the Perianal Area
Authors: Iga Natsuko , Fujii Hiroko , Miyake Toshiya , Ehara Mizue , Kore-eda Satoshi
Published: June 2015

Syringocystadenocarcinoma papilliferum (SCACP) is a very rare cutaneous adnexal neoplasm. SCACP presents histologic variability, and it is difficult to establish the diagnosis from a punch biopsy. SCACP has an overall configuration similar to that of syringocystadenoma papilliferum (SCAP). When we diagnose SCACP, the histologic features of SCAP can be contributing and immunohistochemical staining is useful. Our case shows the histologic variability of SCACP and the pitfalls of a punch biopsy for the diagnosis of SCACP.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Attenuates Bleomycin-Induced Lung Fibrosis in Mice
Authors: Wang Lifang , Wang Yuxiang , Yang Tuo , Guo Yanfei , Sun Tieying
Published: June 2015

Background: Local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activation has been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). It has been reported that angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) could inhibit RAS-mediated epithelial injury and fibrogenesis and that ACE2 deficiency could aggravate acute and chronic lung injury. Through research, it could be deduced that ACE2 could protect against pulmonary fibrosis as a therapeutic target. Methods: Time-course analysis of the pathological characteristics of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis was undertaken in a mouse model, and the effect of exogenous ACE2 on lung fibrosis was studied. Immunohistchemistry (IHC) staining and western blot (WB) testing for AGT and ACE2 were performed to evaluate the regulation of local RAS. TUNEL staining was used to observe epithelial apoptosis. Leukocyte common antigen (LCA) and pulmonary surfactant-associated protein A (SP-A) IHC staining and WB testing were performed to assess the inflammatory response and epithelial regeneration. Masson's staining and a hydroxyproline assay were performed to examine collagen deposition. IHC staining and WB testing for TGF-β1 and α-SMA were performed to investigate the regulation of pro-fibrotic cytokines and the activation of fibroblasts. Results: Exogenous ACE2 attenuated bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis by reversing the reduction of local ACE2 and by suppressing the elevation of AGT. ACE2 decreased the apoptosis index and LCA levels and ameliorated the dynamic change in SP-A level, thus protecting against epithelial injury. Reductions of TGF-β1 and α-SMA were also found in ACE2-treated mice, indicating the inhibition of fibrogenesis. Conclusion: ACE2 attenuated bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis as an anti-inflammatory anti-apoptotic and anti-fibrotic agent, and it might be a promising therapeutic target for IPF.
Altered Renal Expression of Relevant Clinical Drug Transporters in Different Models of Acute Uremia in Rats. Role of Urea Levels
Authors: Brandoni Anabel , Torres Adriana M.
Published: June 2015

Background/Aims: Organic anion transporter 1 (Oat1) and 3 (Oat3) are organic anion transporters that play critical roles in the body disposition of numerous clinically important drugs. We investigated the effects of acute uremia on the renal expression of Oat1 and Oat3 in three in vivo experimental models of acute kidney injury (AKI): induced by ischemia, by ureteral obstruction and by the administration of HgCl2. We also evaluated the influence of urea in the expression of these transporters in proximal tubular cells suspensions. Methods: Membranes were isolated from kidneys of each experimental group and from cell suspensions incubated with different urea concentrations. Oat1 and Oat3 expressions were performed by immunoblotting. Results: A good correlation between uremia and the renal protein expression of Oat1 and Oat3 was observed in vivo. Moreover, the incubation of isolated proximal tubular cells with different concentrations of urea decreases protein expression of Oat1 and Oat3 in plasma membranes in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: The more severe the renal failure, the more important is the decrease in protein expression of the transporters in renal membranes where they are functional. The in vitro study demonstrates that urea accounts, at least in part, for the decreased expression of Oat1 and Oat3 in proximal tubule plasma membranes.
Risk of Atherosclerosis in Patients with Ataxia Telangiectasia
Authors: Andrade Itana Gomes Alves , Costa-Carvalho Beatriz Tavares , da Silva Rosangela , Hix Sonia , Kochi Cristiane , Suano-Souza Fabíola Isabel , Sarni Roseli Oselka Saccardo
Published: June 2015

Background and Aims: Evaluate the nutritional status, plasma concentration of vitamin E and markers of cardiovascular risk in ataxia telangiectasia (AT) patients. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 13 patients with AT and 22 healthy controls, evaluating the following factors: nutritional status, food intake, lipid profile, plasma concentration of vitamin E, malondialdehyde and high sensitivity C-reactive protein, linking them with atherosclerosis risk in AT patients. Results: Average age was 14.6 in the AT group, 30.8% were malnourished and 23.1% had stunting. A greater impairment of lean body mass was found in these patients. Concentrations of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (CT), LDL-c, non-HDL cholesterol (NHDL-c) were significantly higher in patients and HDL-c, lower. Vitamin E/total lipids and vitamin E/TG ratios were lower in the AT group, and significant inverse correlation between these ratios and NHDL-c, CT/HDL-c, and LDL-c/HDL-c, log TG/HDL-c was observed in the AT group. Alanine aminotransferase correlated directly and significantly with NHDL-c, CT/HDL-c and LDL-c/HDL-c, in patients. Conclusion: The alterations of lipid metabolism biomarkers suggestive of atherosclerotic risk of male AT patients coupled with lower vitamin E/total lipids ratio and low lean body mass may complicate the clinical course of the disease and emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary care, routine monitoring of cardiovascular biomarkers and appropriate nutritional guidance.
Mood Stabilizers and the Influence on Global Leukocyte DNA Methylation in Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Backlund Lena , Wei Ya Bin , Martinsson Lina , Melas Philippe A. , Liu Jia Jia , Mu Ninni , Östenson Claes-Göran , Ekström Tomas J. , Schalling Martin , Lavebratt Catharina
Published: June 2015

Little is known about the relationship between treatments for bipolar disorder (BD), their therapeutic responses and the DNA methylation status. We investigated whether global DNA methylation levels differ between healthy controls and bipolar patients under different treatments. Global DNA methylation was measured in leukocyte DNA from bipolar patients under lithium monotherapy (n = 29) or combination therapy (n = 32) and from healthy controls (n = 26). Lithium response was assessed using the Alda scale. Lithium in monotherapy was associated with hypomethylation (F = 4.63, p = 0.036). Lithium + valproate showed a hypermethylated pattern compared to lithium alone (F = 7.27, p = 0.011). Lithium response was not associated with DNA methylation levels. These data suggest that the choice of treatment in BD may lead to different levels of global DNA methylation. However, further research is needed to understand its clinical significance.
Geographical Distribution of Myasthenia Gravis in Northern Europe - Results from a Population-Based Study from Two Countries
Authors: Boldingh Marion I. , Maniaol Angelina H. , Brunborg Cathrine , Dekker Luuk , Heldal Anne T. , Lipka A.F. , Popperud Trine H. , Niks Erik H. , Verschuuren J.J.G.M. , Tallaksen Chantal M.E.
Published: June 2015

Objectives: To compare the prevalence of myasthenia gravis (MG) subgroups based on immunological markers and clinical presentation in two geographically complete MG populations in northern Europe. Methods: This cross-sectional study included all living MG patients in Norway and a regional cohort from the Netherlands. Patients were identified using their hospital registration codes. Medical charts of subjects >16 years were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were clinical MG, a positive antibody test for acetylcholine receptor (AChR MG) or muscle-specific kinase (MuSK MG), or if seronegative MG, confirmed by an electrophysiological test. Results: 1,205 MG patients (534 Norwegians and 671 Dutch) fulfilled the criteria, giving a higher point prevalence in the Netherlands (167/million, 95% CI 155-180) than in Norway (138/million, 95% CI 126-150). In particular, rates of AChR MG (143 vs. 111/million), MuSK MG (6.5 vs. 0.5/million), and ocular phenotype (62 vs. 24/million) were higher in the Netherlands. Conclusion: Novel findings are an AChR MG geographical north-south gradient and a 2.6-fold more ocular MG patients in the Netherlands than in Norway. The MuSK MG latitudinal gradient supports the notion of a north-south gradient in Europe, with a higher prevalence in the south. The variation is probably explained by genetic differences between the populations, in addition to environmental interactions.
Phenotypic Variability Associated with a Large Recurrent 1q21.1 Microduplication in a Three-Generation Family
Authors: Verhagen Judith M.A. , de Leeuw Nicole , Papatsonis Dimitri N.M. , Grijseels Els W.M. , de Krijger Ronald R. , Wessels Marja W.
Published: June 2015

Recurrent copy number variants of the q21.1 region of chromosome 1 have been associated with variable clinical features, including developmental delay, mild to moderate intellectual disability, psychiatric and behavioral problems, congenital heart malformations, and craniofacial abnormalities. A subset of individuals is clinically unaffected. We describe a unique 3-generation family with a large recurrent 1q21.1 microduplication (BP2-BP4). Our observations underline the incomplete penetrance and phenotypic variability of this rearrangement. We also confirm the association with congenital heart malformations, chronic depression, and anxiety. Furthermore, we report a broader range of dysmorphic features. The extreme phenotypic heterogeneity observed in this family suggests that additional factors modify the clinical phenotype.
Sarcomatous Carcinoma of the Orbit: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Mathew Ninan , Mathew Mathen , Farrah Jon
Published: June 2015

Sarcomatous carcinomas (SCs) are rare tumours that contain malignant cells with epithelial and mesenchymal characteristics. SC rarely presents in the head and neck, and occurs even less often in the orbit. Only 8 cases of SCs located in the orbit or affecting the globe function have been described in the English literature. Here, we report a case of SC affecting the right orbit. SC is associated with a poor prognosis and advanced disease at presentation. Diagnosis is difficult, as histology often fails to definitively identify SC, necessitating a wide panel of molecular/immunological markers. Treatment options are generally aggressive but risky, and frequently yield poor results. Due to the rarity of SC, there has been little focus on the development of improved treatment options.
Fatal Diaphragmatic Hernia following Radiofrequency Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Saito Tomoko , Chiba Tetsuhiro , Ogasawara Sadahisa , Inoue Masanori , Wakamatsu Toru , Motoyama Tenyu , Kanogawa Naoya , Suzuki Eiichiro , Ooka Yoshihiko , Tawada Akinobu , Matsubara Hisahiro , Yokosuka Osamu
Published: June 2015

An 81-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of right quadrant abdominal pain. On admission, his liver function was Child-Pugh grade C (10 points). Computed tomography (CT) revealed a diaphragmatic herniation of bowel loops into the right thoracic cavity, accompanied by pleural effusion. Although diaphragmatic hernia was successfully repaired by emergency surgery, he died of liver failure 23 days after the surgery. A retrospective reading of CT images revealed the presence of diaphragmatic injury after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) which had been conducted 33 months before the development of diaphragmatic hernia. Of importance, the lesion of the diaphragmatic injury was located on the estimated needle track of RFA for hepatocellular carcinomas in segment 5 and segment 5/8, but not adjacent to their ablation areas. Subsequently, diaphragmatic perforation had been observed 24 months before admission. This suggests that diaphragmatic hernia caused by RFA is not necessarily due to thermal damage of ablation and is possibly life-threatening, at least in some patients with an impaired liver function.
Foveal Exudative Macroaneurysm Treated with Intravitreal Ranibizumab
Authors: Menezes Carlos , Carvalho Rui , Teixeira Carla , Lemos José Alberto , Gonçalves Rita , Coelho Pedro , Lima André
Published: June 2015

Purpose: We report a case of a foveal macroaneurysm with long-standing macular edema in a rare location, successfully treated with intravitreal ranibizumab. Methods: We report the case of a 52-year-old man with left eye long-term visual loss due to macular edema caused by a retinal macroaneurysm, localized about 400 μm from the center of the fovea, and its response to 6 monthly ranibizumab intravitreal injections. His best-corrected visual acuity and morphological data evaluated by optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography are presented. Results: His best-corrected visual acuity improved from 1/10 to 3/10 after the 3rd injection, and from 1/10 to 4/10 after the 6th one. The central retinal thickness was evaluated by optical coherence tomography and improved from 310 to 233 μm, with the resolution of both the associated serous detachments and the cystoid macular edema; an almost complete reabsorption of the hard exudates at the end of the treatment was also observed. The macroaneurysm lumen almost obliterated after the 3rd injection and completely collapsed at the end of treatment. Conclusions: Intravitreal ranibizumab may be effective in the treatment of long-standing macular edema associated with foveal macroaneurysms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a retinal macroaneurysm located so close to the foveal avascular zone.
MARKET ANALYSIS OF SEMISOLID DOSAGE FORMS REGISTERED IN UKRAINE AND RESEARCH OF EXCIPIENTS INCLUDED TO THEIR FORMULAS
Authors: Vons В. V. , Chubka M. B. , Groshovyi T. A.
Published: June 2015

it has been investigated the domestic market of semisolid dosage forms registered in Ukraine. Excipients as a part of various semisolid dosage forms have been studied. It has been found that semisolid dosage forms include basic substrate, emulsifiers, gelling agents, solvents, antimicrobial preservatives, antioxidants, solubilizers, colorants, flavors, stabilizers pH and thickeners.
RESEARCH OF THE DOMESTIC MARKET OF MEDICATIONS FOR COUGH TREATMENT
Authors: Onyshkiv О. I. , Lech I. P. , Hroshovyi T. A.
Published: June 2015

the domestic pharmaceutical market of medication for cough treatment has been analyzed. The medication was structured due to the ATC-classification, manufacturing countries and range of medicines in the nomenclature were established. It was found that 51,55 % of medications for cough treatment are foreign-made, Ukrainian medicines are 48,45 %. Syrups (31,67 %) are the most common form of medication release in this group, pills and combination herbal medicinal products amountto 15,53 % and 10,59 % respectively. The results can be used in the practice of pharmaceutical companies in order to develop the optimal range.
ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ ГОСТРОЇ ТОКСИЧНОСТІ СУХОГО ЕКСТРАКТУ З ЛИСТЯ АБРИКОСА ЗВИЧАЙНОГО
Authors: Штробля А. Л.
Published: June 2015

в експерименті на щурах обох статей проведено вивчення гострої токсичності сухого екстракту з листя абрикоса. Встановлено, що введення екстракту в організм тварин у дозі 5000 мг/кг маси тіла не викликало ознак інтоксикації та загибелі тварин, що дозволило віднести його до VI класу токсичності - нешкідливі речовини.
ВИВЧЕННЯ КУЛЬТУРИ ПИСЕМНОЇ ДІЛОВОЇ МОВИ В КУРСІ УКРАЇНСЬКОЇ МОВИ (ЗА ПРОФЕСІЙНИМ СПРЯМУВАННЯМ) У ВИЩИХ МЕДИЧНИХ НАВЧАЛЬНИХ ЗАКЛАДАХ
Authors: Юкало В. Я.
Published: June 2015

У статті окреслено зміст і місце теми з культури писемної ділової мови в курсі “Українська мова (за професійним спрямуванням)” у вищих медичних навчальних закладах, наведено матеріали до занять.
ІСТОРІЯ МЕДИЦИНИ ЯК НАУКА ТА ПРЕДМЕТ ВИКЛАДАННЯ У СВІТІ, В УКРАЇНІ ТА В ОНМедУ: ВСТУПНА ЛЕКЦІЯ З КУРСУ “ІСТОРІЯ МЕДИЦИНИ”
Authors: Шальнова-Козаченко О. В.
Published: June 2015

Матеріали лекції знайомлять з історією медицини– наукою та предметом викладання; теоретичними основами, прин-
ципами, розділами, періодизацією, методами і джерелами вивчення дисципліни, а також представляють етапи розвитку
ОНМедУ за 110 років, організаційні, педагогічні та наукові досягнення ВНЗ, кафедри соціальної медицини і медичного
менеджменту (з 1923 р.), персоналії вчених.
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ПРОГРАМ ВИКЛАДАННЯ МОРФОФУНКЦІОНАЛЬНИХ ДИСЦИПЛІН У ВИЩИХ НАВЧАЛЬНИХ ЗАКЛАДАХ I–II РІВНІВ АКРЕДИТАЦІЇ В УКРАЇНІ Й ЧЕСЬКІЙ РЕСПУБЛІЦІ
Authors: Педанов Ю. Ф. , Гоженко А. І. , Макулькін Р. Ф.
Published: June 2015

У статті розглядаються особливості програм викладання дисциплін “Анатомія і фізіологія” та “Патологія” в Україні
й Чеській Республіці.
ШЛЯХИ ОПТИМІЗАЦІЇ ПІСЛЯДИПЛОМНОЇ ОСВІТИ ЛІКАРІВ- ІНТЕРНІВ ЗА ФАХОМ “ХІРУРГІЯ”
Authors: Ткачук О. Л. , Скрипко В. Д. , Шев'як П. І.
Published: June 2015

У роботі проаналізовано методи покращення системи навчання лікарів-інтернів хірургічного профілю шляхом опти-
мізації та індивідуалізації із максимальним використанням сучасних новітніх технологій.
O debate necessário para uma política de preservação do patrimônio existente nas Universidades
Authors: Regino Aline Nassaralla
Published: June 2015

LIRA, José Tavares Correia de (org.). Patrimônio construído da USP: preservação, gestão e memória. São Paulo: Edusp, 2014. 416 p. (Cadernos CPC, 10)
O papel protetor da mentalização de experiências traumáticas: implicações quando da entrada na parentalidade
Authors: Ensink Karin , Fonagy Peter , Normandin Lina , Berthelot Nicolas , Biberdzic Marko , Duval Josée
Published: June 2015

Já é amplamente reconhecido que as experiências de abuso e de trauma na infância, particularmente as que se passam em um contexto de apego sem segurança, prejudicam o desenvolvimento do sentimento fundamental de segurança em relação ao outro, deixando, desse modo, as vítimas com um sentimento de solidão e com afetos e dores que não podem ser partilhados e associados ao trauma. Por sua vez, quando essas crianças crescem e tornam-se pais, permanecem extremamente vulneráveis à desorganização e à confusão quando confrontados ao desamparo de seus filhos. Isso os torna ainda mais passíveis de reagir de modo impróprio, considerando a ativação dos efeitos ligados ao trauma não resolvido. Entretanto, tal como demonstrado por Fraiberg, os pais aptos para fazer face às experiências traumáticas e aos chamados "fantasmas do passado" têm menor risco de transmitir o trauma a seus filhos. Isso sugere que a mentalização é um fator importante de resiliência.
Long-Term Effects of Ganglionated Plexi Ablation on Electrophysiological Characteristics and Neuron Remodeling in Target Atrial Tissues in a Canine Model
Authors: Wang Ximin , Zhang Ming , Zhang Yujiao , Xie Xinxing , Wang Weizong , Li Zhan , Gao Mei , Wang Zhongsu , Hou Yinglong
Published: June 2015

Background—

The long-term effects of ganglionated plexi ablation on electrophysiological characteristics and neuron remodeling in target atrial tissues remain unclear.

Methods and Results—

Dogs in group 1 (control, n=8) were not subjected to ganglionated plexi ablation and observed for 1 month, and dogs in groups 2 to 4 (ablation groups, n=8 each) underwent ablation of the right-sided ganglionated plexi and observed for 1, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Atrial electrophysiological characteristics were examined before ablation, immediately and continuously after ablation. Target atrial tissues were subjected to immunohistochemical staining and Western blot analysis. Atrial effective refractory period was significantly prolonged immediately after ablation (
P
<0.001), and persisted for 1 month (
P
<0.05). Nerve densities decreased 1 month after ablation (
P
<0.001). These parameters reverted to preablation levels after 6 and 12 months. In the ablation groups, atrial fibrillation was induced in 5 of 8 dogs after 1 month and in all animals after 6 and 12 months. Atrial fibrillation was not observed in the control group and in the experimental groups immediately after ablation. Moreover, the expression of the growth-associated protein 43 was upregulated after ablation.

Conclusions—

Ganglionated plexi ablation effectively prolonged atrial effective refractory period for a short period, but the long-term effects on atrial effective refractory period and the suppression of atrial fibrillation induction were not persistent. Targeted atrial neuron remodeling may be an important mechanism underlying the observed electrophysiological changes.
Beneficial Effects of Angiotensin-(1–7) Against Deoxycorticosterone Acetate–Induced Diastolic Dysfunction Occur Independently of Changes in Blood Pressure
Authors: de Almeida Pedro W. Machado , Melo Marcos Barrouin , Lima Ricardo de Freitas , Gavioli Mariana , Santiago Nivia M. , Greco Leonardo , Jesus Itamar C.G. , Nocchi Eduardo , Parreira Amanda , Alves Marcia N.M. , Mitraud Luciana , Resende Rodrigo Ribeiro , Campagnole-Santos Maria José , dos Santos Robson Augusto Souza , Guatimosim Silvia
Published: June 2015

Mineralocorticoids have been implicated in the pathogenesis of diastolic heart failure. On the contrary, angiotensin (Ang)-(1–7) has emerged as a potential strategy for treatment of cardiac dysfunction induced by excessive mineralocorticoid receptor activation. A critical question about the cardioprotective effect of Ang-(1–7) in hypertensive models is its dependence on blood pressure (BP) reduction. Here, we addressed this question by investigating the mechanisms involved in Ang-(1–7) cardioprotection against mineralocorticoid receptor activation. Sprague-Dawley (SD) and transgenic (TG) rats that overexpress an Ang-(1–7) producing fusion protein (TG(A1–7)3292) were treated with deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) for 6 weeks. After treatment, SD rats became hypertensive and developed ventricular hypertrophy. These parameters were attenuated in TG-DOCA. SD-DOCA rats developed diastolic dysfunction which was associated at the cellular level with reduced Ca
2+
transient. Oppositely, TG-DOCA myocytes presented enhanced Ca
2+
transient. Moreover, higher extracellular signal–regulated kinase phosphorylation, type 1 phosphatase, and protein kinase Cα levels were found in SD-DOCA cells. In vivo, pressor effects of DOCA can contribute to the diastolic dysfunction, raising the question of whether protection in TG was a consequence of reduced BP. To address this issue, BP in SD-DOCA was kept at TG-DOCA level by giving hydralazine or by reducing the DOCA amount given to rats (Low-DOCA). Under similar BP, diastolic dysfunction and molecular changes were still evident in DOCA-hydralazine and SD-low-DOCA, but not in TG-DOCA. In conclusion, Ang-(1–7) protective signaling against DOCA-induced diastolic dysfunction occurs independently of BP attenuation and is mediated by the activation of pathways involved in Ca
2+
handling, hypertrophy, and survival.
Magnetic Resonance Angiography Detection of Abnormal Carotid Artery Plaque in Patients With Cryptogenic Stroke
Authors: Gupta Ajay , Gialdini Gino , Lerario Michael P. , Baradaran Hediyeh , Giambrone Ashley , Navi Babak B. , Marshall Randolph S. , Iadecola Costantino , Kamel Hooman
Published: June 2015

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging of carotid plaque can aid in stroke risk stratification in patients with carotid stenosis. However, the prevalence of complicated carotid plaque in patients with cryptogenic stroke is uncertain, especially as assessed by plaque imaging techniques routinely included in acute stroke magnetic resonance imaging protocols. We assessed whether the magnetic resonance angiography–defined presence of intraplaque high‐intensity signal (
IHIS
), a marker of intraplaque hemorrhage, is associated with ipsilateral cryptogenic stroke.

Methods and Results

Cryptogenic stroke patients with magnetic resonance imaging evidence of unilateral anterior circulation infarction and without hemodynamically significant (≥50%) stenosis of the cervical carotid artery were identified from a prospective stroke registry at a tertiary‐care hospital. High‐risk plaque was assessed by evaluating for
IHIS
on routine magnetic resonance angiography source images using a validated technique. To compare the presence of
IHIS
on the ipsilateral versus contralateral side within individual patients, we used McNemar's test for correlated proportions. A total of 54 carotid arteries in 27 unique patients were included. A total of 6 patients (22.2%) had
IHIS
‐positive nonstenosing carotid plaque ipsilateral to the side of ischemic stroke compared to 0 patients who had
IHIS
‐positive carotid plaques contralateral to the side of stroke (
P
=0.01). Stroke severity measures, diagnostic evaluations, and prevalence of vascular risk factors were not different between the
IHIS
‐positive and
IHIS
‐negative groups.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that a proportion of strokes classified as cryptogenic may be mechanistically related to complicated, nonhemodynamically significant cervical carotid artery plaque that can easily be detected by routine magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiography acute stroke protocols.
An Empirical Model for Reliable Spiking Activity
Authors: Wang Wanjie , Tripathy Shreejoy J. , Padmanabhan Krishnan , Urban Nathaniel N. , Kass Robert E.
Published: June 2015

Understanding a neuron’s transfer function, which relates a neuron’s inputs to its outputs, is essential for understanding the computational role of single neurons. Recently, statistical models, based on point processes and using generalized linear model (GLM) technology, have been widely applied to predict dynamic neuronal transfer functions. However, the standard version of these models fails to capture important features of neural activity, such as responses to stimuli that elicit highly reliable trial-to-trial spiking. Here, we consider a generalization of the usual GLM that incorporates nonlinearity by modeling reliable and nonreliable spikes as being generated by distinct stimulus features. We develop and apply these models to spike trains from olfactory bulb mitral cells recorded in vitro. We find that spike generation in these neurons is better modeled when reliable and unreliable spikes are considered separately and that this effect is most pronounced for neurons with a large number of both reliable and unreliable spikes.
Optimality of Upper-Arm Reaching Trajectories Based on the Expected Value of the Metabolic Energy Cost
Authors: Taniai Yoshiaki , Nishii Jun
Published: June 2015

When we move our body to perform a movement task, our central nervous system selects a movement trajectory from an infinite number of possible trajectories under constraints that have been acquired through evolution and learning. Minimization of the energy cost has been suggested as a potential candidate for a constraint determining locomotor parameters, such as stride frequency and stride length; however, other constraints have been proposed for a human upper-arm reaching task. In this study, we examined whether the minimum metabolic energy cost model can also explain the characteristics of the upper-arm reaching trajectories. Our results show that the optimal trajectory that minimizes the expected value of energy cost under the effect of signal-dependent noise on motor commands expresses not only the characteristics of reaching movements of typical speed but also those of slower movements. These results suggest that minimization of the energy cost would be a basic constraint not only in locomotion but also in upper-arm reaching.
A Reward-Maximizing Spiking Neuron as a Bounded Rational Decision Maker
Authors: Leibfried Felix , Braun Daniel A.
Published: June 2015

Rate distortion theory describes how to communicate relevant information most efficiently over a channel with limited capacity. One of the many applications of rate distortion theory is bounded rational decision making, where decision makers are modeled as information channels that transform sensory input into motor output under the constraint that their channel capacity is limited. Such a bounded rational decision maker can be thought to optimize an objective function that trades off the decision maker’s utility or cumulative reward against the information processing cost measured by the mutual information between sensory input and motor output. In this study, we interpret a spiking neuron as a bounded rational decision maker that aims to maximize its expected reward under the computational constraint that the mutual information between the neuron’s input and output is upper bounded. This abstract computational constraint translates into a penalization of the deviation between the neuron’s instantaneous and average firing behavior. We derive a synaptic weight update rule for such a rate distortion optimizing neuron and show in simulations that the neuron efficiently extracts reward-relevant information from the input by trading off its synaptic strengths against the collected reward.
Extracting Low-Dimensional Latent Structure from Time Series in the Presence of Delays
Authors: Lakshmanan Karthik C. , Sadtler Patrick T. , Tyler-Kabara Elizabeth C. , Batista Aaron P. , Yu Byron M.
Published: June 2015

Noisy, high-dimensional time series observations can often be described by a set of low-dimensional latent variables. Commonly used methods to extract these latent variables typically assume instantaneous relationships between the latent and observed variables. In many physical systems, changes in the latent variables manifest as changes in the observed variables after time delays. Techniques that do not account for these delays can recover a larger number of latent variables than are present in the system, thereby making the latent representation more difficult to interpret. In this work, we introduce a novel probabilistic technique, time-delay gaussian-process factor analysis (TD-GPFA), that performs dimensionality reduction in the presence of a different time delay between each pair of latent and observed variables. We demonstrate how using a gaussian process to model the evolution of each latent variable allows us to tractably learn these delays over a continuous domain. Additionally, we show how TD-GPFA combines temporal smoothing and dimensionality reduction into a common probabilistic framework. We present an expectation/conditional maximization either (ECME) algorithm to learn the model parameters. Our simulations demonstrate that when time delays are present, TD-GPFA is able to correctly identify these delays and recover the latent space. We then applied TD-GPFA to the activity of tens of neurons recorded simultaneously in the macaque motor cortex during a reaching task. TD-GPFA is able to better describe the neural activity using a more parsimonious latent space than GPFA, a method that has been used to interpret motor cortex data but does not account for time delays. More broadly, TD-GPFA can help to unravel the mechanisms underlying high-dimensional time series data by taking into account physical delays in the system.
Finding God in Buddhism: A New Trend in Contemporary Buddhist Approaches to Islam
Authors: Obuse Kieko
Published: June 2015

The purported absence of a highest god who creates and governs the universe in the Buddhist worldview has often been regarded as an obstacle to dialogue and mutual understanding between Buddhists and Muslims. However, there has emerged a trend among contemporary Buddhist scholars to discuss a Buddhist equivalent of such a god in order to relate to Islam doctrinally. This article examines three examples of such an attempt, respectively representing the Theravāda, Tibetan, and Japanese Pure Land traditions, as endeavors in the theology of religions. The article demonstrates that these accounts all seek to overcome the psychological gap between Buddhists and Muslims created by perceived doctrinal remoteness between the two traditions, by drawing parallels between the Islamic concept of God and Buddhist notions of the ultimate reality, be it the dhamma, emptiness, Adi Buddha, or Amida Buddha. It will be argued that, although highly unconventional, this line of approach has been motivated by the agenda shared among these Buddhist scholars to promote interreligious harmony and understanding on a global scale. Such agendas tend to be developed in reaction to interreligious conflicts or through personal involvement with Muslims.
Anti-predator behaviour of kudu and impala in response to mimicked African wild dog presence: do age and sex matter?
Authors: van der Meer Esther , Fritz Hervé , Pays Olivier
Published: June 2015

Predators not only prey upon certain prey species, but also on certain age–sex classes within species. Predation risk and an individual’s response to this risk might therefore vary with an individual’s characteristics. We examined the proportion of time different age–sex classes of kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) and impala (Aepyceros melampus) spent high quality vigilant (costly vigilance that detracts from all other activities) in response to mimicked predation risk by African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). For both species predation risk was the main factor determining the investment in high quality vigilance behaviour. Age–sex class-specific responses were not related to age–sex class specific lethality risk presented by African wild dogs. For impala, regardless of predation risk, age seemed to have some effect on the investment in high quality vigilance with sub-adult impala spending more time high quality vigilant than adult impala, which is possibly why African wild dogs predominantly preyed upon adult impala.
Dyadic behavioural interactions in cockroaches (Blaberidae): ecomorphological and evolutionary implications
Authors: Legendre Frédéric , Deleporte Pierre , Depraetere Marion , Gasc Amandine , Pellens Roseli , Grandcolas Philippe
Published: June 2015

Few studies have assessed the relative importance of morphological, ecological and phylogenetic factors in the evolution of social behaviour. We examine the role of these factors in social evolution among blaberid cockroaches. We first analyse and compare behavioural interactions in 13 species. We then ask how the nature of these interactions relates to body shape, phylogeny and habitat. We showed that, although these cockroaches display diverse behavioural interactions, a structure in these data exists with some species clustering together. We found that similarity in social interactions was related to species body shape, but not to ecology or phylogenetic relationships. We suggest that body shape plays an important role in the evolution of social behaviour and that this factor should be investigated further in future analyses.
Adult Male-to-Female Transsexualism
Authors: Vitelli Roberto
Published: June 2015

Male-to-female transsexualism manifests itself in the form of a discrepancy between the male sex assigned at birth and the subjective experience of belonging to the female gender, which in many cases also involves a somatic transition by cross-sex hormone treatment and genital surgery. Until now, no studies related to MtF transsexualism have been carried out within the framework of a phenomenological/existential approach. This paradigm would make it possible to better articulate the transsexual experience beyond the simplistic diagnostic criteria by which it is currently defined. In this study, I will reread MtF transsexualism in the light of Ludwig Binswanger’s theories on Mannerism and Jean Paul Sartre’s remarks on the self and the body. I will do this largely by focusing on first-hand accounts of the MtF transsexual’s experience, in other words from a first-person viewpoint. Finally, I will present some considerations on the meaning of psychological intervention in this field.
Somatic Apathy
Authors: Ataria Yochai , Gallagher Shaun
Published: June 2015

Muselmannwas a term used in German concentration camps to describe prisoners near death due to exhaustion, starvation, and helplessness. This paper suggests that the inhuman conditions in the concentration camps resulted in the development of a defensive sense of disownership toward the entire body. The body, in such cases, is reduced to a pure object. However, in the case of theMuselmannthis body-as-object is felt to belong to the captors, and as such is therefore identified as a tool to inflict suffering and pain on theMuselmannhimself. In this situation, lacking cognitive resources, theMuselmannmay have no other alternative than to treat his body as an enemy, and then to retreat or disinvest from the body. This response is a form of somatic apathy, an indifference that is tied to a loss of the self/non-self distinction. This may, in turn, lead to suicidal inclinations, even after liberation from the camp.
Effect of CPAP on New Endothelial Dysfunction Marker, Endocan, in People With Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Altintas Nejat , Mutlu Levent Cem , Akkoyun Dursun Cayan , Aydin Murat , Bilir Bulent , Yilmaz Ahsen , Malhotra Atul
Published: June 2015

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. Endocan is a surrogate endothelial dysfunction marker that may be associated with CV risk factors. In this study, we tested whether serum endocan is a biomarker for OSA. Serum endocan levels were measured at baseline in 40 patients with OSA and 40 healthy controls and after 3 months of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment in the patients with OSA. All participants were evaluated by full polysomnography. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) were measured in all participants. Endocan levels were significantly higher in patients with OSA than in healthy controls. After adjusting confounders, endocan was a good predictor of OSA. Endocan levels correlated with OSA severity (measured by the apnea–hypopnea index [AHI]). After 3 months of CPAP treatment, endocan levels significantly decreased. Endocan levels were significantly and independently correlated with cIMT and FMD after multiple adjustments. The cIMT and FMD also had significant and independent correlation with AHI. Endocan might be a useful marker for the predisposition of patients with OSA to premature vascular disease.
Telling the Truth About Drug Use
Authors: Hunt Dana Eser , Kling Ryan , Almozlino Yuli , Jalbert Sarah , Chapman Meg Townsend , Rhodes William
Published: June 2015

The gap between what people admit about their behavior and what is actually true has plagued social scientists and survey methodologists for decades. This gap would not matter if it did not play an important role in estimation of the extent of the consumption of illegal drugs and/or changing trends in illegal use, both data critical for developing public policy and determining the effects of intervention programming and policy changes. The Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring (ADAM) survey matches anonymous self-reported interview information to a urine test for nine drugs in a probability-based sample of adult male arrestees conducted within 48 hr of their arrest. Using data from 2000-2003 and 2007-2011 collected in 10 U.S. counties, this article looks at how the gap between the truth and reality in self-report varies by the drug reported, by the region of the country, over time, and by characteristics of the user, and discusses the relevance of these findings to policy.
‘Money Talks’: Communicative and Symbolic Functions of Cash Money
Authors: Llewellyn Nick
Published: June 2015

Cash is one of the most widespread and enduring symbolic resources for the accomplishment of social action. Yet the sociology of money has never paid much attention to cash, let alone practical uses of cash in actual transactions. The present article analyses this topic: how people project and recognise the actions, plans and understandings of market actors using cash. Communicative functions of cash are realised, it is shown, in and through the way it is held, moved, positioned and indexed. The flexibility of cash, compared with other monetary media, is demonstrated and explored. With respect to making payments, paying for others and reimbursing people, activities are described which can only be accomplished with cash, which cannot be done with bankcards or transfers. The article at least suggests why cash might endure in a digital age.
Neurocognitive status is associated with all-cause mortality among psychiatric, high-risk liver transplant candidates and recipients
Authors: Madan A , Borckardt JJ , Balliet WE , Barth KS , Delustro LM , Malcolm RM , Koch D , Willner I , Baliga P , Reuben A
Published: June 2015

Objective

Judicious selection of potential liver transplant candidates and close monitoring of progress are essential to successful outcomes. Pretransplant psychosocial evaluations are the norm, but the relationship between psychosocial (and neurocognitive status) and longer term medical outcomes is understudied. This exploratory study sought to examine the relationship between objective measures of pretransplant psychosocial and neurocognitive status and service utilization, transplant status, and all-cause mortality.

Methods

This retrospective chart review examined outcomes among 108 psychiatric, high-risk liver transplant candidates up to four years following initial evaluation. Predictor variables of outcomes included demographic, medical, neurocognitive, psychological, and mental health treatment variables.

Results

Transplant status and neurocognitive functioning were independently associated with all-cause mortality. None of the other variables were associated with outcomes.

Conclusions

Better neurocognitive functioning in high-risk liver transplant candidates may allow for greater involvement in medical care and/or compliance with treatment recommendations. More aggressive assessment and management of neurocognitive dysfunction may improve outcomes. Objective measures identified significant psychopathology typical of liver transplant candidates but were not associated with outcomes; engagement in specialized mental health care may have attenuated this relationship. Further study is needed to better understand the relationship between psychosocial functioning and outcomes.
Retributive Considerations in Parole Proceedings
Authors: Assy Rabeea , Menashe Doron
Published: June 2015

In “Looking Beyond Risk in Paroling Denying Prisoners,” Dr. Dagan provided a refreshing critical analysis of the role of retributive considerations in parole proceedings. Its main argument is that if we are to make sense of the insistence on an admission of guilt, we cannot discuss parole proceedings merely in terms of prevention and risk. What is actually in play, at least in part, is retribution and moral evaluation. Taking retributive considerations into account enables a better understanding of the importance that admissions assume in parole proceedings and their role as a means of moral repentance and catharsis. In this brief commentary, we discuss Dagan’s thesis, offering a few remarks on the relationship between retribution and prevention. We provide some details on the nature of parole proceedings and on the practices that may increase the likelihood of moral and retributive considerations being taken into account contrary to the will of parliament and to the stated principles of parole.
A Review of Plasmodium coatneyi–Macaque Models of Severe Malaria
Authors: Lombardini E. D. , Gettayacamin M. , Turner G. D. H. , Brown A. E.
Published: June 2015

Malaria remains one of the most significant public health concerns in the world today. Approximately half the human population is at risk for infection, with children and pregnant women being most vulnerable. More than 90% of the total human malaria burden, which numbers in excess of 200 million annually, is due to Plasmodium falciparum. Lack of an effective vaccine and a dwindling stockpile of antimalarial drugs due to increased plasmodial resistance underscore the critical need for valid animal models. Plasmodium coatneyi was described in Southeast Asia 50 years ago. This plasmodium of nonhuman primates has been used sporadically as a model for severe malaria, as it mimics many of the pathophysiologic features of human disease. This review covers the reported macroscopic, microscopic, ultrastructural, and molecular pathology of P. coatneyi infection in macaques, specifically focusing on the rhesus macaque, as well as describing the critical needs still outstanding in the validation of this crucial model of human disease.
Ophidian Spectaculitis and Spectacular Dysecdysis
Authors: Da Silva M. O. , Bertelsen M. F. , Heegaard S. , Garner M. M.
Published: June 2015

The histologic features of abnormal spectacles in 60 snakes from the 5 families of Boidae, Colubridae, Elapidae, Pythonidae, and Viperidae are described in a retrospective study conducted on specimens submitted to a private diagnostic service during a period of 15 years. Fifty-two snakes had inflammatory reactions in the spectacle. The stroma and outer epithelium of the spectacle were the layers most often involved in inflammatory disease. Lesions of the outer epithelium included edema, hyperkeratosis, and granulocyte infiltration occasionally with bacterial colonies and fungal elements. The stroma had infectious agents and inflammatory reactions in vessels and between the collagen fibrils. The inner epithelium had varying degrees of hyperplasia and hypertrophy, but no infectious agents were seen. Infectious agents in these cases included mites, bacterial disease, fungal disease, or a combination of bacterial and fungal disease. Special stains identified the bacteria most commonly involved to be Gram-positive cocci. Thirteen snakes had dysecdysis of the spectacle. Of these, 5 displayed a concurrent inflammatory reaction of the spectacle, while the remaining 8 snakes had extra keratin layers on a spectacle with an otherwise normal appearance. These keratin layers were attached to serocellular crusts located on the inner surface of the periocular scales. The cause for dyskeratotic lesions of the spectacle was not always apparent, and concurrent acariasis, other forms of dermatitis, trauma, suboptimal husbandry, and visceral disease were considered possible contributing factors. It was notable that only 4% of the submitted cases were found to have spectaculitis and/or spectacular dysecdysis.